Elisabeth van der Wilt 
Welcome to this month’s November’s Reads. This month was more than I had originally planned for. But a lot was happening, I’m surprised I even got this much.
First off, a little WARNING… this will have a bit of spoilers… I will try to put a disclaimer before I do them… and make it so you don’t have to worry, but if you like to read a book and don’t know anything… I suggest you go somewhere else.
Secondly, what I choose to read is something for my own entertainment or the support of another author. If you choose to leave negative feedback, and judgement in the way of who I am as a person because of it, then we have problems. This blog is to share what I enjoyed or didn’t and help spread the word for other authors.
ABBREVIATIONS & THEIR MEANINGS
ARC = Advanced Review Copy
SD = Start Date
FD = Finish Date
HEA = Happily Ever After
Here is the list of books I read for the month.
Claiming His Kiss|| SD: 10/29/2022 FD: 11/01/2022
Just Fake Married || SD: 11/02/2022 FD: 11/06/2022
A Very Kinky Christmas || SD: 11/06/2022 FD: 11/07/2022
They Called Us Enemy || SD: 11/07/2022 FD: 11/08/2022
Garnets and Garlands || SD: 11/08/2022 FD: 11/10/2022
This is Gonna Hurt|| SD: 11/12/2022 FD: 11/12/2022
Bridegroom and the Boardroom || SD: 11/11/2022 FD: 11/13/2022
Prima Ballerina || SD: 11/13/2022 FD: 11/15/2022
Dream of Destiny || SD: 11/14/2022 FD: 11/18/2022
The Holly and the Oak || SD: 11/18/2022 FD: 11/19/2022
The Ghost in Me || SD: 11/20/2022 FD: 11/23/2022
Prima Donna|| SD: 11/23/2022 FD: 11/24/2022
Checking it Twice|| SD: 11/24/2022 FD: 11/25/2022
Falling for the Grinch|| SD: 11/26/2022 FD: 11/27/2022
Lovestruck|| SD: 11/28/2022 FD: 11/28/2022
Naughty Doctor|| SD: 11/29/2022 FD: 11/29/2022
Sleighed|| SD: 11/29/2022 FD: 11/30/2022
Claiming His Kiss by Sherri Hayes
#ARC #HEA #5star
My Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Claiming His Kiss was a powerful story, personally, I was taken aback by the ending, it felt like it shouldn’t end.
This book covers a lovely age gap between the characters which is one of my favourite things, its from the Serpent’s Kiss club, and I saw characters I recognized from another one of my favourite books from Sherri.
Incredible love story and it felt like I needed more, there will never be enough for this couple. I am so glad I was introduced to them.
This is my first book I’ve read in the Serpent’s Kiss Series.
Added Note: This book was just perfect. I love a good age-gap romance. And although it feels like so long since I read this book I have FOND memories of me reading it! I enjoyed this one a lot, but I do with Sherri Hayes books.
Link to Purchase: Amazon
Just Fake Married by Marty Vee
#ARC #HEA #4star
My Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book was quite good. I really liked the characters, and I enjoyed how the author took us on an adventure. This book felt very real, and since the plot was about fake marriage, I was sold.
I think one of the best parts was how their relationship which started as a lie, blossomed and turned to something more. Plus, so sad that they didn’t adopt Journey too I get it, 5 dogs are a lot, but you couldn’t take another?
Just kidding, their place seemed too small to live in already.
Great job!
Added Note: N/A
Link to Purchase: Amazon
A Very Kinky Holiday by Lenore Danvers
#ARC #HEA #5star #Christmas
My Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Everything about this book wasn’t sweet when I call it short and sweet.
It was spicy 🌶 like eating Mexican food. Everything about this book was good, and when they form a Dom/Sub relationship you actually see something other than sp@nking… like YAY, there was even the use of rope, in a fun and intricate way.
Then that epilogue, was epic, loved it, wishing there was more but at the same time, their story is perfect the way it is.
Added Note: Who doesn’t love a good holiday book that involves a little kink? I am a sucker for a good romance book in this genre.
Link to Purchase: Amazon
They Called Us Enemy by George Takei
#graphicnovel #5star #monthlyprompt
My Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
They Called Us Enemy is the story of the actor George Takei and its a graphic novel about his life story. I personally was enthralled with the story, reading so much in a little amount of time. I firmly believe after reading this story we need more of two things.
1. We need more information on what happened to the Japanese Americans in WW2, I’m Canadian and the biggest thing about that war I’ve learned is about Hitler and the Jewish people. While this story shared another part of history that happened at the same time that was cruel.
2. We need more biographies in a graphic novel format. 2a) Younger audiences would be more interested and would be learning history. 2b) It’s easier for the information to soak up, you can see the way the guards would guide people away, a picture paints a thousand words and this would truly benefit.
Added Note: This was outstanding, and my review really explained how I felt about it.
Link to Purchase: Amazon
Garnets and Garlands by Poppy Jacobson
#ARC #HEA #5star #Christmas
My Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is a review for Garnets and Garlands by Poppy Jacobson.
Garnets & Garlands was an easy and spicy tale to read. A woman previously dumped by her ex is waiting in airport when she gets picked up by not 1 but 3 hotties.
Things turn out well for her, when they spend Christmas checking off things off her naughty bucket list.
Unlike other short stories, the plot twist near the end was very interesting and had me forcing sleep away with my hand to get in on reading this!
Awesome short story!
Added Note: I only read a short story from the anthology but it was quite awesome. I enjoyed Poppy’s latest fun!
Link to Purchase: Amazon
This is Gonna Hurt by A.I. Nasser
#Work #audio #4star
My Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This audiobook is more advanced than I’ve heard in a while. You had the actual noises of slaps, grunts, and more. It was incredible.
The start with Susan was hard to listen to her, the grunts so real, her struggle believable.
But then Susan’s story comes out and the reason why Phillip has kidnapped her, to begin with.
We then in the following part learn about Steven and why he was kidnapped and tortured.A line like “If Only” he could turn back time had me curious, it’s something we all feel at one point or another.
His parents… it was a hard book to listen to but it’s very interactive.This book is gruesome, and dark, going with ease through the tale of pain and punishment. This is Gonna Hurt is a dark and twisty tale keeping you intrigued with each passing moment.
Added Note: N/A
Link to Purchase: Amazon
Bridegroom and the Boardroom by Alina Lane
#ARC #HEA #5star
My Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I couldn’t wait for this book when I read All’s Fair in Love and Leaderboards, describing and showing me this in the series had me jumping for joy.
Who doesn’t love a marriage of convenience? I think the way she ended it though, UNIQUE and something I’ve craved for quite a while. 10/10 when it comes to this ending and the epilogue was amazing.
Bridegroom and the Boardroom is for every romance fan that loves the little scenes, the romance build up and the drama. Especially since she was hired as a PI for him, and it was meant to just be a working relationship…
AMAZING story, can’t wait for Fawn’s turn.
Added Note: N/A
Link to Purchase: Amazon
Prima Ballerina by Lilly Lustwood
#4star #ARC #HEA
My Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Prima Ballerina was interesting, in its reasoning, I enjoyed seeing the unique love story between the main characters. I am trying to type limited things as not to break the main plot for you.
All I can say is that this book is really good, the ending felt a bit rushed and I was disappointed by the wait we had but it did end somewhat happy.
Another home run for Lilly Lustwood
Added Note: N/A
Link to Purchase: Amazon
Dream of Destiny by Lillie Alexander
#4star #ARC #HEA
My Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A Modern-Day Retelling of Hades and Persephone. I was taken aback by this story. It kept me guessing and wondering who Persephone was. For some reason, my brain took me on a wild-goose chase instead of the obvious answer.
The author goes into great detail and I felt like I lived their lives, the language was colourful and exciting. I really appreciated the way the story was told.
The end was HEA which I am grateful for as I assumed it wouldn’t be. I thought it would be more gloomy of a tale but thankfully, it wasn’t.
Great job!
Added Note: I’m not a huge fan of Hades and Persephone but I was enjoying this a lot!
Link to Purchase: Amazon
The Holly and the Oak by Honor St Jean
#4star #ARC #HEA #Christmas
My Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This review is for ‘The Holly and the Oak’ by Honor St Jean
The Holly King
The Oak King
Two men – deities- who want a sacrifice (technically need). A young woman of the olden day running through the woods, hunting, and providing food for her family when she gets caught by them. They take her after she becomes a willing sacrifice.Lots of drama, lots of smexy times. and just overall keeping you interested. I’m sure the other stories in this series are great as well.
Added Note: N/A
Link to Purchase: Amazon
The Ghost in Me by Alysha J Black
#ARC #HFN #5star
My Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Ghost in Me was written originally in Italian, and if you are one to go into a book with an open mind then this book is for you. If not, please step away.
The author had specifically translated this story into English for readers like me and people in the US (I’m in Canada) The story is taking place in a dystopian future, and normally I stay away from books like that because real life is struggling enough.
It’s a dark romance and the main hero is quite the k!ller. It’s interesting to see such a story in this light. Some of the English was basic but it was still a very good story and quite enjoyable.
I look forward to what book two holds.
Added Note: N/A
Link to Purchase: Amazon
Prima Donna by Lilly Lustwood
#4star #ARC #HEA
My Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book was so short! I felt like it was shorter than her other stories. The author did an incredible time telling us the romance tale and one of my favourite aspects in the culture being thrown into each story. Especially since we were given the wonders of Italy in Prima Donna.
The previous book took place in Canada, and other books in other countries. I always feel like I’m thrown into a new and wonderful culture.
Great romance story in this sub-section of trans romances.
Added Note: N/A
Link to Purchase: Amazon
Checking it Twice by Claire Hastings
#ARC #HFN #5star #Christmas
My Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Who doesn’t love a brother’s best friend love story?
But what happens when she is told that she’s a goody-2-shoes? Haven decides to make a naughty list mentioning all the fun things she wants to do.
When her brother’s best friend says he will help… well things turn spicy.This book was hot, simply because of how the story was written. I dislike short stories since I always crave more and I can’t explain how much I adored this couple.
Probably one of my favourite books I read this year!
Added Note: N/A
Link to Purchase: Amazon
Falling for the Grinch by Amy Alves
#5star #ARC #HEA #Christmas
My Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Who doesn’t love the grinch? Declan the sexy fire chief becomes one once he realizes his flirty banter with cutesy baker, Dani is itching to become more.
With one unexpected closet kiss, a secret adventure become so much more.
Just like the rest of the naughty list series it includes a list that has me creating my own.
I absolutely adored this story, loving the creativity the author shared as well as bringing the holiday spirit my way.
Get your sense of marshmallows on hot choca or the sprinkle of tinsel you might need by reading this steamy Christmas novella.
Added Note: N/A
Link to Purchase: Amazon
Lovestruck by Julia Jarrett
#5star #ARC #HEA #Christmas
My Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book talks about anxiety. I personally thought it was so realistic. I loved how honest and raw this story was told.
It had a Christmas element but for me, it didn’t focus on that, the real story was their love story, how they became lovestruck with one another.I thought this story was overwhelmingly powerful. I loved every moment and enjoyed what she was able to do with claiming her coal.
Added Note: N/A
Link to Purchase: Amazon
Naughty Doctor by Zoey Zane
#5star #ARC #HEA #Christmas
My Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I read this novella in 45 minutes.
It was way too short. The story was quite fascinating and it was short-lived. before I knew it, it was over. Though it took a turn that I couldn’t believe happened.
I thought many things especially with the trigger warning, but it was quite plain and man that doctor could be much naughtier but I loved every moment!
Added Note: N/A
Link to Purchase: Amazon
Sleighed by Em Torrey
#5star #ARC #HEA #Christmas
My Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Em Torrey wrote us an insta-love romance that has your blood crawling. I enjoyed it.
The story had a good flow and the main heroine was written with almost a sarcastic undertone… scratch that… she was just sarcastic. I thought it was fun and at first, it was her drunk personality, but instead, it was just her personality.
It was a fun and short book, the mountain man and the curvy heroine and they had a HEA which was good in my books, especially since it was instalove.
Added Note: N/A
Link to Purchase: Amazon
This brings my total for the Good Reads Challenge of 2022 Books to 111 books read of my 75 goal
Wanting to read one of the books I wrote? Find them here.
