Weekly Reading Thoughts (SP/IMWAYR?)

A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet #1

I have a few favorite series and was reluctant to begin another. It takes commitment to learn as the author builds a world within the story.  This one finds it roots in Greek mythology that despite my knowing next to nothing about the subject did not distract.  Cat is hiding in a circus, but Griffin "sees" her and know she is just what he needs in his sister's kingdom. She has a special gift of knowing when someone speaks truth or lies in addition to magic. Despite her needing to hide she is confident, strong and loyal. She gets herself into situations because of her impulsiveness. While I liked Griffin, I did not like that he kidnapped Cat.  I continued reading to see what would happen when they arrived at Griffin's, and needless to say, I was hooked. Griffin is just as loyal and it certainly lends to some conflict between the two, but their chemistry is electric. Loved the secondary characters and look forward to what happens next in the installment. A fine debut.

A Duke to Remember by Kelly Bowen (audio) #2

Elise works for an agency that specializes in helping with scandals Her background as an actress help tremendously in this capacity.  She is tasked with searching for and bringing home a missing Duke.  Noah has been presumed dead for years, a fact that his cousin wants to make sure is true. Elise is not the only one looking for Noah.  He is living a quiet life away from his past and wants to keep it that way.  Elise is determined to bring him home and it will take a bit of convincing. Their connection is immediate and they both struggle with what it would mean for them to pursue a relationship.  Ashford McNab narrated and did a great job of expressing Elise's independent feisty personality as well as Noah's tragic past and feelings about not wanting to return. The other character's voices were easily identifiable and distinct. She is becoming on of my favorite narrators. Book two in the Seasons for Scandal series, but stands well alone.

Thanks to Mitch and Hachette Audio for this review copy.

Only Beloved by Mary Balogh (#7)

George, Duke of Stanbrook turned his home into a hospital after the war.  Six individuals stayed on long after the other patients went home.  They forged a bond of friendship, loyalty and love during the three years they spend together. George has decided that he wants what his friends have all found and seeks to pursue it. Dora and he met briefly and she comes to his mind.  They agree to marry and build a life together.  They both have pasts that they haven't dealt with and it is beautiful how they work through them and fall deeply in love.  I enjoyed this conclusion to the series. 

On Second Thought by Kristian Higgins

Second chance on love for two sisters who weren't very close before their circumstances changed, but supported each other at a time when they needed each other the most.  More thoughts closer to publication.

The First Star I See Tonight by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (audio)

Piper Love wants nothing more than establishing herself a premier private detective.  She is tasked with finding about retired star quarterback Cooper Graham. He needs an investor to expand his nightclubs and the investor want to know a few things first. She wrangles a job at his night club after she won't divulge the client who hired her.  Piper quickly figures out which employees are taking advantage of Cooper. Soon after things begins to happen to Coop she stays on as a body guard even though Cooper is adamant that he doesn't need one. Piper makes some crazy mistakes but eventually gets the job done. Their attraction builds slowly from friendship to love. Nicole Poole narrates this extremely fun, hilarious at times novel. She not only captured Piper's independence and sass but her vulnerability as well.  Her males voices are spot on.  The banter between Coop and Piper lit up the listening pleasure. 

*Thanks to Harper Audio for this review copy*

Bullseye by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge (audio) #9

Book number nine in the Michael Bennett series focuses on Michael, his job and stopping an assassination.  His family which is a big part of the series has a small role in this book and were definitely missed.  The action is, as always, non-stop and brilliantly narrated by Danny Mastrogiorgio.  His pacing is spot on and he does a great job with the variety of voices and accents.  Looking forward to the next book in this series.

Our idyllic fall weather has come to an end. It was bound to happen. Got the Thanksgiving shopping list all ready and hope I pick a time that is not too crazy to get it done.  Trying to decide if I will make a dutch apple pie or go with the frozen favorite. Pumpkin is always homemade. Much to be thankful for this year.  

Up Next to Read:
The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
The Greek's Christmas Bride by Lynne Graham
Deep Dark by Laura Griffin

Happy Thanksgiving to my friends here in the US.

Linking to these memes:

Kathryn at Book Date hosts IMWAYR?, a place to  meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week.  It's a great opportunity to organize yourself, visit, comment, and add to that every growing TBR pile.

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received.