Buttercup's Book Blog

Monday, March 1, 2021

Review: Marriage and Murder by Penny Reid

Marriage and Murder by Penny Reid
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This follows Cletus and Jenn as they approach their wedding day, but just as in Engagement and Espionage, they are caught up in solving a crime in the usually quiet town of Green Valley. It all starts at their engagement party, there is a big scene at the party and the next thing you know there is a murder investigation underway. After weeks go by with no suspect being brought to justice, Cletus and Jenn decide that they are going to put their detective work into action and help Green Valley's finest bring the murder to justice. In the meantime, they have their wedding to plan and other life stresses to deal with. I won't spoil anything for you because learning who dun it is half the fun of reading the book. I thought the mystery element was really fun in addition to the emotional and sometimes steamy scenes we get between Cletus and Jenn. This book will take you on an emotional rollercoaster of the best sort. You will laugh, you will cry, you you will say "awww", and repeat.

If you like romantic suspense mixed in with a bit of comedy and some emotion, this is amazing. It is no secret that I'm a huge Penny fan! She hit this one out of the park. Cletus and Jenn are amazing as always, with the two of them navigating their romance amidst a murder investigation but never forgetting how much they love each other. The both have grown so much since Beard Science, and we get to see them both develop quite a bit more as they interact with the other Winston's and their partners. Jenn is still coming out of her Banana Cake Queen shell and learning to be her own person and all of those ideals she was taught aren't necessarily how she should live her life. I also love that she has developed a much healthier relationship with her mother and that she is still holding out hope for Isaac. We also see Cletus soften around the edges a bit. His feelings about his father and getting revenge have shifted a bit and he isn't quite as driven toward his initial goals as he was before. He's also starting to change his attittudes about the people in Green Valley instead of having only one opinion about them forever, I'm looking at you Jackson James.

I really have nothing negative to say about this book other than I want more books in this series ASAP! I love the Winston world and can't wait for more books in Green Valley!

View all my reviews

Review: The Rose Code by Kate Quinn

The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an audio ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Having read and enjoyed Quinn's previous books, I jumped on the chance to read this early. If you enjoyed The Alice Network and The Huntress, I believe you will enjoy this as well. If you are a fan of WWII history this is a great one to pick up, it has a little bit of a mystery element and some romance as well.

This book will be out in print and audio on March 9, 2021. I highly recommend it. I'll be purchasing a copy of my own when it comes out.

The narration was excellent. Saskia Maarleveld did a wonderful job voicing each of the characters and making sure each of them had a distinct voice.

I did find this to be a bit slower paced than the previous books, but it still has that same sort of feel. It is completely unrelated to the other books so you can read it without having read either of the books I mentioned as they are not part of a series. I did find parts of it to be a bit repetitive as the girls go through their day to day routines of breaking codes, translating decoded messages, and machine operator. This made the book feel a touch too long in my opinion. I thought the character development was great, we get to see each of the characters go through every emotion and deal with some very serious events that should have broken them. Each of the girls deals with their trauma and grief in a different way, but never once do they break completely. I did like the alternating timelines as it keeps you engaged in the story and wondering what happened to land Beth in an asylum and have Osla and Mab hate her so much at the beginning. As you get closer to the end things pick up and race toward the conclusion and leave you on the edge of your seat.

The story follows an unlikely trio of friends in Osla, Mab, and Beth. Osla is a socialite who want to be seen as more than a beautiful debutante so she joins the war effort making planes and then as a translator at the very secretive Bletchley Park aka BP compound. Mab wants to rise above the poverty she was born to and make something of herself and find herself a good husband. She ends up at BP working the code breaking machines. Mab and Osla meet mousy Beth when they billet at her home with her overbearing, abusive mother. When Beth is recruited to BP because of her ability to solve puzzles, she becomes one of the best cryptanalysts the war effort could have asked for. The story follows the girls through their time at BP as they navigate the daily life of secrecy required by BP and how it impacts their relationships with others. It also follows the girls after the war has ended and they have moved on from BP. Mab has a new family, Osla is getting ready to attend the royal wedding of Philip and Elizabeth, and Beth is in a sanitarium after being accused of having a mental break during her last days at BP. In an attempt to clear her name, she reaches out to Osla and Mab, she asks for their help finding a traitor in their midst, but neither of them are sure they can forgive her for what she did. Can they put the past aside to crack one final code and save Britain from a traitor?

After finishing this I immediately looked up Bletchley Park. It really was the epicenter of the UK's codebreaking efforts during WWII. While I don't believe our three main characters were real, I do believe they were inspired by women who really did work at BP during the war. BP was renovated and turned into a museum which you can actually visit (when it isn't closed because of COVID). It think that is really cool! You can tell the author put in a ton of research to make the historical aspect of the story accurate. I always appreciate historical accuracy that is woven into a good story.

View all my reviews

BLOG TOUR: The Wedding Game by Meghan Quinn

THE WEDDING GAME by Meghan Quinn

Release Date: March 1st

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Montlake Publishing

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53817075-the-wedding-game

AVAILABLE NOW!! FREE in Kindle Unlimited!!

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/30aMBKz

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/32lOk2n

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2WhbL96

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3iYLned

Blurb:

USA Today bestselling author Meghan Quinn’s latest bauble is the charming story of a crafting queen battling a jaded divorce lawyer on a wedding reality show. Luna Wu is a veritable crafting genius—she can bedazzle and bead so hard her Etsy site is one of the hottest in the world. So it’s only natural that Luna would convince her brother and his husband-to-be to compete on The Wedding Game, a “do-it-yourself” TV show, for the title of Top DIY Wedding Expert. As a jaded divorce lawyer, Alec Baxter scoffs at weddings and romance. But when his recently engaged brother begs him to participate in The Wedding Game, Alec grudgingly picks up a glue gun and prepares for some family bonding. Both fierce competitors, Luna and Alec clash on national TV as harsh words and glitter fly with abandon. But as they bicker over color swatches and mood boards, they find themselves fighting something else: their growing mutual attraction. While Luna is torn between family loyalty and her own feelings, Alec wonders if he might have been wrong about love and marriage all along…

Excerpt:

“Are you ready?” Farrah says, coming from behind me and massaging my shoulders. I move my head side to side while we both hop up and down. “Did you do those finger exercises I told you about?” I flex my fingers and nod. “Yup, all warmed up.” “Do you have your game face on?” Farrah spins me around and grips my shoulders as I mean mug it at her. “Ooo, you’ve been practicing in the mirror. I can tell.” “When I brush my teeth. I really feel like I’ve mastered the scowl.” “Honey, you mastered the scowl years ago. Now you’re just coming into your own with it.” She holds up her hands, and I start boxing into them as we leap around the apartment. “Quick on your feet, quick on your feet.” Farrah swings her hand at me, and I duck. “Focus, hone your attention.” “Focused.” “Tell me, who’s going to kill it today?” “I am.” I bob back and forth and then give Farrah a one-two punch to her hands. “Who’s going to do anything necessary, even sit on someone’s face if you need to, in order to win today’s challenge?” “I am. Show no mercy. My ass is coming for your face.” Farrah pauses, winces. “I’m not sure I like that.” “Just go with it.” “Okay, Luna’s ass is coming for your face.” She shrugs. “Next week let’s work on your trash talk.” “Might be necessary.” Circling again, I box at Farrah’s hands, feeling light on my feet and ready for anything that comes my way. “You’re going to ignore all conversations from Mr. Snobby Shoes.” “I don’t even know he exists.” “Your eyes are on the prize. And what is that prize?” “Giving Cohen and Declan the best wedding possible.” “Exactly.” She lowers her palms. “Quick, flash me your hands.” I lift my hands, and she inspects them carefully. “You lotioned—good. Nails are clipped to a perfect length, and those fingers are stretched and strong. Rotate your wrists for me.” She lowers her ear to my wrists as I circle them around. “Perfect, no cracking, no tension.” She points to the ground. “Fast feet.” My feet start bouncing up and down, like in those football movies, and I hold my hands at my hips, ready for the call . . . “Draw!” Farrah shouts. I pull my glue gun from my hip and point it at her. “You’ve been glued.” Farrah claps her hands. “Reaction time was spot on. You’re ready.” “Yeah?” She nods. “You got this, girl. This competition is yours for the taking. And remember what we talked about: don’t focus on what you think will win . . .” “Focus on what will bring Cohen and Declan joy.”

About the Author:

USA Today Bestselling Author, wife, adoptive mother, and peanut butter lover. Author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance, Meghan Quinn brings readers the perfect combination of heart, humor, and heat in every book.

Connect with Meghan:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meghanquinnauthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7360513.Meghan_Quinn

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authormeghanquinn/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorMegQuinn

Website: http://authormeghanquinn.com

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/meghan-quinn

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2LitE4x

Saturday, February 27, 2021

Review: Bloodsworn by Scott Reintgen

Bloodsworn by Scott Reintgen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This was published on February 16, 2021 so you should be able to find it at your favorite retailer now.

This a was awesome. I wasn't sure how this was going to play out after Ashlords ended. Ashlords was more focused on the races, where this is focused on the aftermath and the political unrest that was hinted at in the first book. Much like in Ashlords the story is told from the perspectives of Pippa, Adrian, and Imelda who each have an important role to play. War has been brewing for a very long time between the Ashlords and the Longhands with the Dividians caught in the crossfire. Our three leads learn the many secrets of the long standing hatred between their people in an unexpected place, the underworld and home of the gods. As they learn more, they uncover the solution to ending the war between their people for good.

I really love this series. Our three main characters are faced with alot and they quickly have to grow into leader and guide their people to victory whether they want to or not. They have to unravel the clues that are left for them in order to build a better world for their people. We do get quite a bit of character development from each of the, but I loved Pippa's transformation the most. Her persona from the beginning of book one to the end of book two was awesome and unexpected. Unlike in book one we don't get as much of the alchemy and phoenixes. The phoenixes are still a part of the story, but their rebirths and the alchemy surrounding their abilities isn't discussed in much detail in this installment. The focus is on the action of the characters and the strategies they are developing and the decisions they are making in the course of the war. I feel that is worth mentioning because it is a bit of a different focus from the first book. It also slows down the pace a bit because there is lots of strategizing and discussion vs action. There are some great action scenes in this, but it isn't the same as the fast paced action as in the race.

Overall I loved this duology and can't wait to see what the author has in store for us next. His books are so creative and unique! This is perfect for fans of The Hunger Games, Divergent, An Ember in the Ashes, and other darker or dystopian YA.
View all my reviews

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Review: The One That I Want by Piper Sheldon

The One That I Want by Piper Sheldon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved getting to know Roxy and Saunders. They both had such interesting back stories and were perfect for each other. Each of them had some baggage to unpack before they could finally be together, but I really liked the way that was handled. I actually appreciated that this turned into a slower burn romance. I thought it was going to be a insta-love kind of thing, but I should have known that Piper Sheldon was not going to let me down and that she was going to deliver a solid, mature romance book with substance. I was not disappointed.

This starts out with Roxy and Saunders meeting at a night club in Denver, they are instantly attracted to each other. Things start out passionate and heavy, but Roxy has turned her chaotic life around and always likes to be in control so they opt for a nice chat over ice cream before she heads back to Green Valley. Never expecting to see or hear from her mystery man again, Roxy goes back to her uber controlled, buttoned up life coordinating events and working at Donner Lodge. When Saunders bursts on to the scene to work with the Lodge on some outdoor corporate team building events, she is shaken and her carefully scheduled itinerary is threatened. If Roxy wants the promotions she has worked so hard for and deserves she will have to learn to work as a team, and if Saunders wants to win the girl he's going to have to learn to let her in and deal with his demons and feelings.

I loved the side characters in this. Skip, Saunders' best friend and business partner was awesome though he's got some secrets of his own that I hope we learn about in the future. He is always cleaning up after Saunders, but he finally calls him on his crap when he's made one too many messes for himself. I loved that he finally stood up to Saunders and made him face reality. The same goes for Gretchen, she was such a good friend to Roxy, but she and Roxy pushed each other away because they didn't want to deal with their feelings. When they finally talked it out, they realized they each wanted what was best for each other. I found that so relatable. I also love their friend group and their support for each other.

I loved the comparison of Sandy and Danny in Grease. She's conservative where he is wild. He's impulsive where she is controlled. In the end they both want to be together and complement each other so well. I also loved the grand gesture scene at the end. If you have seen the movie, you will get the references.

I'm looking forward to seeing more from the Scorned Women's Society, especially Gretchen and maybe Skip or Jack (maybe Skip and Jack? ;)) I really enjoyed this installment and the whole series in general.

View all my reviews

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Review: The Bookworm's Guide to Flirting by Emma Hart

The Bookworm's Guide to Flirting by Emma Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the third installment of the Bookworm's series where three best friends own a bookstore and each of them have found love in an unexpected place. Saylor is a bookworm, and owns the local bookstore with her two best friends. She recently took on a roommate to help ends meet, the issue is that her roomie is a very attractive British personal trainer named Dylan. Determined to keep things professional and platonic with Dylan. We met Dylan in [book:The Bookworm's Guide to Faking It|53886618], when he comes to town to help Sebastian (Holley's boyfriend) with his injury and he is looking for a place to stay. He ends up renting a room from Saylor and the two of them couldn't be more different. When Saylor decides to try her hands at online dating again Dylan offers to be her wingman and give her flirting tips, this obviously backfires. I really liked that they talked about how they were feeling and that the relationship progressed in it's own time. We get to see them both work through their emotions and reservations about entering a relationship, and it is done in a healthy mature way.

As with the other books, I loved the scenes with the grandparents and the ducks. They add such comic relief to the books! As usual this is filled with the witty banter you expect from Emma Hart. You have the blunt retorts from Saylor and the quick witted responses from Dylan. I can't wait for Tori and Colton's story which I believe is next.

View all my reviews

Release Blitz: The One That I Want by Piper Sheldon

The One That I Want, an all-new opposites attract contemporary romance from Piper Sheldon, is LIVE EARLY on AppleBooks, Nook, Kobo, and GooglePlay!

There is no such thing as luck.

Roxy Kincaid isn’t a biker chick anymore. She’s made herself more than Jethro Winston’s castoff, and she’s never going back to her old life with the Iron Wraiths. But one summer night, a charming stranger threatens to sweep Roxy off her feet. Ignoring fate and their instant attraction, she has to get back to her real life in Green Valley. He couldn’t be the one that she wants when he’s exactly the thing that could ruin everything. If only she could stop thinking about him.

Luck is everything.

Sanders Olsson is going to fix his mistakes. He’s determined to show his best friend he’s a reliable business partner not the distracted flake he’s been lately. But he has to listen when the universe brings him a sign in the form of a guarded beauty he can’t keep his eyes off. Their instant connection is almost magical but she leaves without giving him even a last name. When fate gives Sanders a second chance in life and love, he sets out for Green Valley without a backward glance.

Their summer lovin’ happened so fast but what will it take to make it last?

‘The One That I Want’ is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #3 in the Scorned Women’s Society series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.

Download your copy TODAY!

AppleBooks: https://apple.co/35XrK1u

Nook: https://bit.ly/3lYro0b

Kobo: https://bit.ly/2HwzQ7W

Google Play: https://bit.ly/339IpgD

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3oaDh4m

Coming to Kindle Unlimited February 25th!

Pre-order your copy today!

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2J4TW9O

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/35VCMUQ

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/35YaZn2

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2Hzal60

Amazon Print: https://amzn.to/3p3KmDb

About Piper Sheldon

Piper Sheldon writes Contemporary Romance and Paranormal Romance. Her books are a little funny, a lotta romantic, and with just a little twist of something more. She lives with her husband, toddler, and two needy dogs at home in the desert Southwest. She finds writing bios in the third person an extreme sport of awkwardness.