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Exclusive Excerpt: Rock Icon Ready by Kella Campbell

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Rock Icon Ready by Kella Campbell cover Drum tech Kimmy Baker has been on the road with Smidge for six years, and she never wants to leave the band or concert tour life, but it seems incompatible with finding love. In any case, no one could compare to Dice, her drummer and best friend.

She’s always been careful not to jeopardize their friendship or her job by crossing any lines, even though he’s hot and sweet and shares her sense of humor and all her deepest secrets… except for one.

When she accidentally reveals that she wants to have a baby, he offers his DNA in trade for help with a secret of his own. It’s an irresistible proposition, especially when she suspects he might have a hidden dominant side. But as deeper feelings come into play, they’ll have to decide if they’re friends or lovers.

Will her intention to keep her promise of no strings conflict with his traditional impulses?

Is she meant to have forever with her rock icon?

Fall in love with the rock stars of Smidge… Rock Icon Ready is the third book in this series of interconnected standalone novels following each band member as they find their happily-ever-afters.

Excerpt from Chapter 5 of Rock Icon Ready by Kella Campbell

“I want the boys to have a nice party tonight,” Sally said. “It’s been such a hard year, and all this…” She gestured out the window at the tropical surroundings. “I know we’re here to stay out of the way so Valancy can negotiate for us, but it’s also a treat, a real vacation. You know how long it’s been since the boys have had anything but a working holiday, and New Year’s Eve has always been a work night. Some big show somewhere, or one of Awfully Hateful’s corporate bashes.” Continue reading →

Aidee’s Anticipated Books of 2023

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*EN: Aidee sent this list on January 5, all delays are my fault.

Anticipated Books of 2023

First, this list is late because I was struggling to track down books I was truly excited about. However, it was like a slow snowball, because I now have more than ten books I’m looking forward to, and I’m sure there will be many more I grab throughout the year that aren’t on the list. As always, these books are not in order of how thrilled I am about them, but they are loosely in order of when they are supposed to be released into the wide world (presuming nothing funky will happen that affects release dates).

Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert book coverBradley Graeme is pretty much perfect. He’s a star football player, manages his OCD well (enough), and comes out on top in all his classes . . . except the ones he shares with his ex-best friend, Celine.

Celine Bangura is conspiracy-theory-obsessed. Social media followers eat up her takes on everything from UFOs to holiday overconsumption—yet, she’s still not cool enough for the popular kids’ table. Which is why Brad abandoned her for the in-crowd years ago. (At least, that’s how Celine sees it.)

These days, there’s nothing between them other than petty insults and academic rivalry. So when Celine signs up for a survival course in the woods, she’s surprised to find Brad right beside her.

Forced to work as a team for the chance to win a grand prize, these two teens must trudge through not just mud and dirt but their messy past. And as this adventure brings them closer together, they begin to remember the good bits of their history. But has too much time passed . . . or just enough to spark a whole new kind of relationship?

Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert (which is already out if you are reading this list)

Lost in the Moment and Found (Wayward Children Book 8) by Seanan McGuire *This book is also already available 

Happily: A Personal History-With Fairy Tales by Sabrina Orah Mark *This book is also already available 

Furious Heaven by Kate Elliott

The Keeper’s Six by Kate Elliott *This book is also already available 

Rogue Familiar by Jeffe Kennedy

Radiant Sin (Dark Olympus #4) by Katee Robert *This book is also already available 

A Tempest at Sea by Sherry Thomas *This book is also already available 

Mr. and Mrs. Witch by Gwenda Bond *This book is also already available 

Backpacking through Bedlam (InCryptid Book 12) by Seanan McGuire *This book is also already available 

Ana María and The Fox by Liana De la Rosa

Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh

Witch King by Martha Wells

Water Outlaws by S. L. Huang

Resonance Surge (Psy-Changeling Trinity Book 7) by Nalini Singh

Starter Villain by John Scalzi

A Dance of Smoke and Steel by Milla Vane

Ana María and The Fox (The Luna Sisters Book 1) by Liana De la Rosa book coverA forbidden love between a Mexican heiress and a shrewd British politician makes for a tantalizing Victorian season.

Ana María Luna Valdés has strived to be the perfect daughter, the perfect niece, and the perfect representative of the powerful Luna family. So when Ana María is secretly sent to London with her sisters to seek refuge from the French occupation of Mexico, she experiences her first taste of freedom far from the judgmental eyes of her domineering father. If only she could ignore the piercing looks she receives across ballroom floors from the austere Mr. Fox.

Gideon Fox elevated himself from the London gutters by chasing his burning desire for more: more opportunities, more choices. For everyone. Now, as a member of Parliament, Gideon is on the cusp of securing the votes he needs to put forth a measure to abolish the Atlantic slave trade once and for all—a cause that is close to his heart as the grandson of a formerly enslaved woman. The charmingly vexing Ana María is a distraction he must ignore.

But when Ana María finds herself in the crosshairs of a nefarious nobleman with his own political agenda, Gideon knows he must offer his hand as protection . . . but will this Mexican heiress win his heart as well?

2023 “BHM” List of Black Romance Authors

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Hi friends! It’s that time again! As you know the Smithsonian Heritage Month posts stopped working a few years ago so since then I’ve been posting lists of authors for most of the Smithsonian Heritage Months. I’m really excited to offer this updated and IMO extended list for 2023, and hope you all find a new author to love.

I compiled this list through the past year, so my apologies if there are any errors. Also, if you know of anyone to add, please let me know. (Or as always if someone wants to be removed from the list, let me know and I’ll be happy to do so.)

Happy reading!

Maybe Every Book Limecello Read in 2022

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The subject kinda says it all but … like look – my life is a mess. I know in early January I was still recovering from surgery. (Which … 😐 stay tuned ….) I can’t recall what all I did – I’d thought it was February but also now I think it was January 2022 that I watched Schitt’s Creek in a week, and watched both seasons of Ted Lasso in something like 3 days. (I miss having Netflix access T_T) … and you do what you gotta do when your free trial of Apple TV is ending. 😜

I also don’t know the status of the HarperCollins strike – I think they’re in the process of negotiations? I also know there were a lot of suggestions/tips as to how to support the union. I truly didn’t have the bandwidth to check who published what from what I read – nor did I add “grades” this time for the same reason. Definitely I support the union though and don’t consider this reviewing or promoting – although I think the stikers said they weren’t asking for reviewers to stop? I’m not a good source for all this though – there are various places you can check.

ANYWAY. I truly don’t know how complete this list is … I also re-read a lot last year. And not just that, but I’d read the same book over and over. Especially audiobooks. As usual, the asterisk before the title means it’s a re-read. The “x#” after a book means how many times I read it in a row this time. I don’t think it’s all the books I read but it’s about as comprehensive of a list as I can get now.

January
*Crave by Evelyn Sola x2
*Indigo by Beverly Jenkins x7
*Vivid by Beverly Jenkins x4
*The Satin Sash by Red Garnier

February
Loverboy by Sarina Bowen
*Night Hawk by Beverly Jenkins x3
*The Taming of Jessi Rose by Beverly Jenkins x3
*Exorcising Sean’s Ghost by Beth Kery
Studfinder by L.B. Dunbar
*Ante Up by Christina C. Jones x6
Evil Twin by Kati Wilde
*Crave by Evelyn Sola
Black Pearl the Prequel by Tiffany Patterson
At Her Command by Joey W. Hill

March
*Black Pearl by Tiffany Patterson
*Aaron’s Patience by Tiffany Patterson
Destiny’s Embrace by Beverly Jenkins x3
Takeover by Evelyn Sola Mar 9
The Storm’s Whisper by T. A. White
*Pulling Doubles by Christina C. Jones x2
*Getting Schooled by Christina C. Jones x2
*Mr. Vega by Xyla Turner x3
*Tempest by Beverly Jenkins x2
*Destiny’s Embrace by Beverly Jenkins x2
The One Who Got Away by Cynthia Eden
Ghost of a Chance by Cynthia Eden
Say I Do by Cynthia Eden

April
Scandal Between the Sheets by Brenda Jackson
Stranded With the Tempting Stranger by Brenda Jackson
Subordinate Position by Delaney Diamond x2
Counting on Cole by Cynthia Eden
Sunshine by Robin McKinley
Mama’s Boy by Avery Flynn
What Happens on Vacation by Brenda Jackson x2
Cross My Heart by Cynthia Eden
Chase After Me by Cynthia Eden
Pretend You Want Me by Cynthia Eden
Crossing the Line by Cynthia Eden
What He Wants for Christmas by Brenda Jackson
Impromptu Seduction by Stephanie Nicole Norris
*Let Me Love You by Alexandria House
Roman Will Fall by Cynthia Eden
Intimate Seduction by Brenda Jackson x2
Her Naughty Suitor by Stephanie Nicole Norris
*I Think I Might Love You by Christina C. Jones
The Heart You Break by Cynthia Eden
Secrets of the Tycoon Bride by Emilie Rose
Tempted By You by Stephanie Nicole Norris
No Escape From War by Cynthia Eden
Don’t Play with Odin by Cynthia Eden
One Christmas Wish by Brenda Jackson
A Catalina Cove Christmas by Brenda Jackson
Anonymous Acts by Christina C. Jones
*Equivalent Exchange by Christina C. Jones x2
Perfect Fit by Brenda Jackson
Deadly Sexy by Beverly Jenkins
Sexy/Dangerous by Beverly Jenkins
*The Satin Sash by Red Garnier
*Exorcising Sean’s Ghost by Beth Kery

May
Private Arrangements by Brenda Jackson x2
Possessed by Passion by Brenda Jackson x2
Jinx You’re It by Cynthia Eden
*Deadly Sexy by Beverly Jenkins x3
One Dance with a Duke by Tessa Dare
Love Notes by Christina C. Jones x2
Behind the Scenes by Christina C. Jones
One Night with the Wealthy Rancher by Brenda Jackson
The Edge of Dawn by Beverly Jenkins
Flagrant by Alexandria House
Technical by Alexandria House
The Edge of Midnight by Beverly Jenkins
*Topaz by Beverly Jenkins
*Night Song by Beverly Jenkins

June
Never Gonna Happen by Cynthia Eden
*Scandal Never Sleeps by Shayla Black and Lexi Blake
*Something Like Love by Beverly Jenkins x2
*The Taming of Jessi Rose by Beverly Jenkins
*Smoke and Sin by Shayla Black and Lexi Blake
*Night Hawk by Beverly Jenkins
Natural Law by Joey W. Hill
*Destiny’s Embrace by Beverly Jenkins
Prior Affair by Christina C. Jones x2
*Indigo by Beverly Jenkins
*Always and Forever by Beverly Jenkins
A Duke Worth Falling For by Sarah MacLean
Daring and the Duke by Sarah MacLean
*Scent of Darkness by Christina Dodd
We Shouldn’t by Vi Keeland

July
*Guilty Pleasures by Laura Lee Guhrke
*His Every Kiss by Laura Lee Guhrke
*The Marriage Bed by Laura Lee Guhrke
Relationship Goals by Christina C. Jones x2
*Tempest by Beverly Jenkins
*And Then He Kissed Her by Laura Lee Guhrke
Back in the Day by Katrina Jackson
*Let Me Love You by Alexandria House
And They Lived Happily Ever After by Therese Beharrie
One Last Chance by Therese Beharrie
Governess Gone Rogue by Laura Lee Guhrke
Bring On the Blessings by Beverly Jenkins
Ballsy by Elise Faber
Caught by Elise Faber
The Truth About Love and Dukes by Laura Lee Guhrke
*Dirty Player by Stacey Lynn
In Bed With Her Boss by Brenda Jackson
*Equivalent Exchange by Christina C Jones x2
Remember Ramsey by Cynthia Eden

August
The House on Blueberry Lane by Brenda Jackson
*The Serpent Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt
*Equivalent Exchange by Christina C Jones
Keep Me by Stacey Kennedy
Save Me by Stacey Kennedy
Baking Lessons by Katie Allen
*Ante Up by Christina C. Jones x2
*The Wicked Ways of a Duke by Laura Lee Guhrke
*Secret Desires of a Gentleman by Laura Lee Guhrke
*Just Friends by Delaney Diamond x2
*Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas
Something Wilder by Christina Lauren

September
*Tempt Me At Twilight by Lisa Kleypas x2
*Wild Side by Cynthia Ayman
Love in the Afternoon by Lisa Kleypas
*Aaron’s Patience by Tiffany Patterson
*Married by Morning by Lisa Kleypas
What a Westmoreland Wants by Brenda Jackson
*Safe Space by Tiffany Patterson
Unlocked by Courtney Milan
Taking Care of Business by Brenda Jackson x2
*Bad Night Stand by Elise Faber
The Scoundrel Falls Hard by Sophie Jordan
*Devil in Spring by Lisa Kleypas
To Catch a Raven by Beverly Jenkins x2
Something Borrowed by Eve Dangerfield
Something Else by Eve Dangerfield
Locked Box by Eve Dangerfield
Midnight by Beverly Jenkins
Out of Control by Shannon McKenna
Ex Marks the Perfect Spot by Cynthia Eden

October
The Bodyguard Next Door by Cynthia Eden
*The Black Hawk by Joanna Bourne
Bittersweet by Christina C. Jones
Billionaire’s Proposition by Leanne Banks
Cause for Scandal by Anna DePalo
Begin Again Again by Eve Dangerfield
*Scandal Never Sleeps by Shayla Black and Lexi Blake
*Winds of the Storm by Beverly Jenkins
*Something Borrowed by Eve Dangerfield
The Kracken’s Sacrifice by Katee Robert
*The Unwanted Wife by Natasha Anders
*Tempest by Beverly Jenkins
The Dragon’s Bride by Katee Robert
Not Your Shoe Size by Eve Dangerfield
*Carter’s Flame by Tiffany Patterson
*Aaron’s Patience by Tiffany Patterson x2
*The Satin Sash by Red Garnier
Maggie Moves On by Lucy Score

November
*The Unwanted Wife by Natasha Anders
*Roman Will Fall by Cynthia Eden
Frozen in Ice by Cynthia Eden
*Strictly Confidential Attraction by Brenda Jackson x2
Falling For the Ice Queen by Cynthia Eden
Ice Cold Saint by Cynthia Eden
Lover Eternal by J.R. Ward
Plus One by Christina C. Jones x2
Frosted, Whipped, Buttered by Christina C. Jones x2
Press Rewind by Christina C. Jones
Ten Dirty Demands by Laurelin Paige
Single and Ready to Jingle by Piper Rayne
*Spacer’s Cinderella by Adria Rose
Aaron’s Gift by Tiffany Patterson
How to Lose a Duke in Ten Days by Laura Lee Guhrke

December
Bad Kitty by Cari Quinn
Personal Protection by Tiffany Patterson
Captured by Beverly Jenkins
Ship Wrecked by Olivia Date
Takedown by Evelyn Sola
Takeoff by Evelyn Sola
Downfall by Evelyn Sola
Make Me by Evelyn Sola
*Wonder by Christina C. Jones
A Very Krampus Holiday by Katee Robert
*Spacer’s Cinderella by Adria Rose
*Exorcising Sean’s Ghost by Beth Kery
The Rancher’s Return by Brenda Jackson

It’s kinda funny/sad. You can kinda tell when I was depressed and in a slump. (When I’m really depressed there’s no reading at all. But also sometimes when I’m depressed it’s more reading. So … >.> levels?) As always, I apologize if there are any typos and such. And if you want more information/potentially any thoughts I jotted down, you can check my GR.

My apologies also for any DYAC typos.

Aidee’s List of Books Read from January to June of 2022

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This list may have less romance than usual, but paradoxically more fluffy romance (think aliens and mythological creatures). It is, as ever, not in chronological order or any order denoting preference for particular books. Titles preceded by an asterisk are rereads; you may recognize some old favorites by this point. And this time, it is completely my fault this particular list is so incredibly late.

*Servant Mage by Kate Elliott
Grey Magic by Jeffe Kennedy
Love Notes by Christina C. Jones
*The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi [audiobook]
*Head On by John Scalzi [audiobook]
Sweep in Peace by Ilona Andrews [dramatized audiobook]
One Fell Sweep by Ilona Andrews [dramatized audiobook]
Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews [dramatized audiobook]
Sweep of the Blade by Ilona Andrews [dramatized audiobook]
*Harbinger by Wen Spenser
The Dating Playbook by Farrah Rochon
Entreat Me by Grace Draven
The Brush of Black Wings by Grace Draven
The Art of Deception by Stephanie Burgis
The Light Within by Grace Draven
Wildfire Griffin by Zoe Chant
Showstopper by Regina Kyle
Boyfriend by Sarina Bowen
Lucky in Leather by Holley Trent
Penric and the Shaman by Lois McMaster Bujold
Extent by H.E. Trent
Penric’s Demon by Lois McMaster Bujold
Resurrection by Karina Bliss
Redemption by Karina Bliss
A Deal with the Elf King by Elise Kova
The Grief of Stones by Katherine Addison (audiobook)
The Assassins of Thasalon by Lois McMaster Bujold (audiobook)
Kiss Hard by Nalini Singh (audiobook)
Where the Drowned Girls Go by Seanan McGuire
Spelunking Through Hell by Seanan McGuire
Not Your Average Hot Guy by Gwenda Bond
Knot of Shadows by Lois McMaster Bujold (audiobook)
The Physicians of Vilnoc by Lois McMaster Bujold (audiobook)
Thorn Bound by Stephanie Burgis
Good Neighbors by Stephanie Burgis
The Tyrant Alpha’s Rejected Mate by Cate C. Wells
The Heir Apparent’s Rejected Mate by Cate C. Wells

[November] Team TBR Challenge Not Review: Single and Ready to Jingle by Piper Rayne

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Single and Ready to Jingle by Piper Rayne
Contemporary romance released by Piper Rayne on November 15, 2022

The girl who loves Christmas falls for the Grinch—it’s a Christmas miracle.

What started as a dumpster fire of a blind date turns into a deal.

In truth, it probably didn’t help that I showed up dressed like an elf but that’s a story for another time. Our start was rocky at best which is why it’s so frustrating that I can’t stop thinking about his sexy British accent. Or the way his chest and arms fill out his suit. Or his perfect hair with that single streak of grey at the front.

Santa likes lists and so do I, so here’s all the reasons why Andrew and I aren’t right for each other:

He’s my brother’s best friend
He’s the biggest grump I’ve ever met.
He hates Christmas.

That last one is big for a girl like me who thinks that the entire month of December should be a national holiday. So, when he calls for my help in planning his firm’s holiday party, I can’t pass up the opportunity to grow my small business. Bonus, we make a deal, and he agrees to attend three holiday events with me so I can make him fall in love with Christmas. As if I’d pass up an opportunity to make a Grinch’s heart grow three times its size.

It isn’t long until I discover Andrew has a very real reason to hate Christmas and I start to see him in a different light. That’s when the Christmas miracle begins.

Ok first of all, let’s just pretend it’s still November, shall we? Because somehow this week got away from me. (Like all the other weeks and years…) Anyway. secondly, I want to say overall I enjoyed this book. I’m not at all mad I read it. That being said though, there are some things that bothered me about it. And I’m just … too crushed by endless migraines to write a real review right now. So we’re going with just the lies in the book. (ETA the November TBR Challenge “prompt” was “Lies.”)

I picked up Single and Ready to Jingle because I’ve enjoyed some Piper Rayne books in the past, and “best friend’s sibling” is one of my romance catnip tropes. The heroine is 28 (god forbid she be over 30, right?) And the hero is 34. They get matched on a dating app, and realize he’s her brother’s best friend. But the thing is – they don’t exchange actual names until the actual date. (They’d also never met prior to this first date.) As the blurb says, it goes badly. With good reason. I have to admit I’m leaning a bit towards Andrew’s side on this one because Kenzie shows up at a posh Manhattan restaurant literally in full Christmas elf getup with literal bells on.  Why… not just message you’ll be late? And change?

Both characters have a lot – a lot – of understandable baggage. I totally was okay with that. November’s TBR challenge prompt was lies … so I guess I’ll discuss the two biggest ones in the book that I remember. Continue reading →

Release Day Guest Author Maya Tyler on The Meet-Cute Point of View + An Exclusive Excerpt

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Hi friends! I’m excited to welcome Maya Tyler to ALBTALBS! She emailed a while back asking if anyone was interested in reviewing her newest book (look for that sometime), and I responded with “and how about a guest post too?! 😁” And here we are! Everyone give Maya a warm welcome!

The Meet-Cute Point of View by Maya Tyler

Thank you, Limecello and A Little Bit Tart, A Little Bit Sweet, for inviting me to visit on Release Day for Designed by Destiny, my 7th published title.

I embarked on my publishing journey in 2014, and I’m sure you “hear” this all the time, but being a writer—especially a published writer—was a lifelong dream of mine. I just want to write. (Think to the tune of The Flash theme song “I Just Wanna Run” because that’s what I’m humming.)

I’ve planned an “old school” release for Designed by Destiny with two book tours, additional guest posts, and several book spotlights. I want to get my book in front of as many readers as I can because it’s a great story. A classic fake relationship trope with my own personal twist. My couple have the assistance of a fairy godmother as they navigate their fake-turned-real relationship. Continue reading →

Are You Scared? (Do You Wanna Be?)

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Editor’s Note: Hi friends! So Dave actually sent me this post last year 🙃 but I didn’t get it posted prior to surgery, and … well, if you’ve ever recovered from major surgery I think you know basically continuing to breathe takes all your focus and energy. Anyway. Here we are a year later, and with Halloween right here, we’ve got some “scary” book recs for you.

This post is supposed to be about a book. Specifically, a collection of gothic horror. The New York Public Library defines gothic horror as “the battle between humanity and unnatural forces of evil…with an oppressive, inescapable, and bleak landscape.” It’s the stuff of haunted mansions (Shirley Jackson), ghosts (Susan Hill), and supernatural creatures (Bram Stoker). That wasn’t this book. 

There was no sense of foreboding or dread. There were no chills or scares. But then I had to ask myself, “Is it me?” Would someone else who isn’t a fan of horror novels, comics, and movies enjoy this more? Perhaps. Or did I not enjoy it because the horrors we’ve faced for the past year and a half are far scarier than anything I could read? Perhaps. It’s for these reasons that I’ll refrain from naming the book.

But it got me thinking what is scary or frightening? What makes me turn on the lamp while reading or even makes me put down the book? It is of course different for every person. I have a friend terrified of clowns, my wife is petrified of snakes, I detest daddy-long-leg spiders aka cellar spiders. Vile long-legged ticks is what they are. But I digress. Whether it’s clowns or snakes or walking ticks we all have that thing that sends chills down our spine.

Here are ten books that might make you stop reading and put on a Hallmark Christmas movie because the book has begun to haunt you and you need a change. Continue reading →

Really Super Late Not TBR Review: on Carter’s Flame by Tiffany Patterson and The Story of Yanxi Palace.

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To be honest, I had thought I had a review on hand for October … but it turned out to be not a review. And then I haven’t felt like I’ve been reading much lately. Some good books but more books that were just okay in that I wasn’t mad I read them but … I don’t know that I’d recommend them widely. I have however, but re-reading a lot of books this year … and recently began another binge re-watch of The Story of Yanxi Palace. This … very well may be my seventh (if not more) rewatch. Granted certain parts I forward through – but it’s an intensive experience.
Anyway, the October suggested prompt was “Flirting with Danger” … and I thought about it for a bit, and felt like the closest recent book I’ve read, or more accurately re-read would be Carter’s Flame by Tiffany Patterson. Although I think it’s more a straight contemporary romance than a romantic suspense. The hero is former special forces, and currently a firefighter working in the rescue squad. He meets the heroine when he rescues her from her car after a crash.
Carter and Michelle are great. Michelle is a single mother, and Carter goes all in on having a built in family. If you like really possessive alpha heroes, than Tiffany Patterson will be your new catnip. I personally love smitten heroes, so when I first discovered Tiffany Patterson’s book, I literally read her entire backlist in one go. (At the time it was a little over 30 books and I think it took me about three to four weeks.) What I like about her heroes is that they’re smitten and jealous, possessive but not controlling. They’re very “hey back off my woman, asshole” … but they don’t try to control her. For her part, Michelle “flirts with danger” because the father of her son is someone … well, it’s a spoiler but not a major factor – someone she thought she was in a relationship with, but she was actually his sidepiece. (She was only 19, he was a predator. She was vulnerable and obviously young. Thee ex provides for her son in paying for the tuition of his very expensive private school… and that’s it – however he threatens her with withdrawing that support or worse taking custody if she dates anyone else. This actually really annoyed me because it would be highly unlikely for a court to take away a child from his sole custodial parent, but it becomes a whole thing. I get the drama but I irked me. While this isn’t my area of legal practice, I know more about it than the average [legal] bear. Carter’s “flirting with danger” is pretty obvious what with running into burning buildings and such.
For the relationship itself, there’s very little danger. Like I said, Carter (and most Patterson heroes) are all in once they meet their loves/are ready for a relationship, and they will systematically destroy any barrier to it.
As for The Story of Yanxi Palace … it’s a Chinese historical drama set during the Qing dynasty. The heroine is a palace maid set on revenge, and honestly her entire life is just careening from one danger to another. She’s very bold, angry and petty in the best ways … and smart. She can’t stand injustice and is so steadfast. Yingluo is crafty but also lucky. Help comes when it’s most needed, but things are not easy for her – at all. It’s probably my favorite series ever though, so I’ve rewatched it a number of times since first seeing it. I watched it shortly after it first came out … I know Ilona Andrews watched it (I think some time in 2019 and blogged about it but for the life of me I can’t find details now…) Anyway the fact that it has a happy ending is a big part of why I like it so much. And I’ve a vengeful bitch so playing the long revenge game is something I respect. Fully.
Here’s the cover and back cover copy of Carter’s Flame if you’re interested.

Carter's Flame by Tiffany Patterson book coverI was born into a world of wealth and privilege. My birthright was to be at the helm of one of the world’s leading energy companies. But that wasn’t my purpose in life. Sitting behind a desk of a fortune 500 isn’t what gets me going. I’ll leave that life to my brothers. No. It took me years to find my true purpose. Saving lives. Walking into the depths of hell to pull out survivors. It’s what gets me out of my bed in the morning, and eventually, it’s what led me to her.
On a day that, to her, must’ve seemed like the wrong place and wrong time, is where I met my destiny. Michelle Clarke. Our worlds collided and I knew instantly that she was mine. Everything in my life up until this point has been preparing me for her.
My childhood.
The eight years I spent in special forces.
And the last six years spent as a proud member of the Williamsport Fire Department’s Rescue 4 squad.
All of it was preparation for her. And nothing, not her reluctance, not my brother, and not even her son’s father will stand in the way of what belongs to me. My job is to rescue people and put out fires, but I will set anyone who stands in our way, ablaze. I will happily pour the gasoline and light the match and set all of this shit aflame, just to ensure she is where she belongs … with me.

And if you’re interested …

Here’s a link to start you out on Yanxi Palace. From what I’ve seen of it the translations are overall quite good. This is actually my first time watching the series with English subtitles. There are a few things I’d quibble about but all told they aren’t that serious. And they’re much better than many others I’ve seen generally. (Definitely whatever was put up on Amazon Prime is some like terrible bootleg version.)

Anyway I’d love if more of you read Tiffany Patterson and watched Yanxi Palace because I have things to discuss.

What Limecello Read in 2021

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Hi friends! Nope – that’s not a typo, and yes, it’s taken me this long to write out this list. :X And in fact once I hit ~June 2021 I think I stopped writing what potential rating I gave a book – I’d also gotten bad about updating thoughts and have been quite bad about it this year too. Future me will undoubtedly be mad at past me when I try to figure out what I thought about a book I read. (Or potentially be surprised I read it 😅.)

Anyway what with the pandemic, terrible world events, terrible life events and work and such, here is a very likely incomplete but best as I can figure list. As you can tell the end of the year was really bad for me and honestly I basically read/listened to the same books on repeat from September through December so my tracking is REALLY bad, but I know I listened to the same book(s) on repeat daily and sometimes twice in one day and it got to a point where I could quote the books so … that’s something?

I’d say my big “new to me” author find of 2021 was Tiffany Patterson though. While there [iirc] are some editing issues, what stuck me is the characters and stories – her voice is very distinctive/I think I could pick up an unlabeled/marked book when I was in my glom and be like “yup this is a Patterson book” – but! Each one is also so unique and different. They didn’t feel cookie cutter or like widgets, which is impressive cuz I read like 20+ books of her in a row. She seems to be methodically taking her books out of KU, which I totally get … but it makes me kinda sad cuz people who might’ve read her/found them through KU now don’t get to do that. ANYWAY. Before I babble more/potentially get myself in trouble … here’s my list of reads.

January
Accused by Sharon C. Cooper ♪
*Let Me Love You by Alexandria House – B– ♪ x3
Marry in Scandal by Annie Gracie – D++
*Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas – A-
Hidden Sins by Selena Montgomery ♪
Carter’s #Undoing by Sherelle Green – C- ♪
Sweet Deception by Rochelle Alers
Yours to Take by Joely Sue Burkhart
Solid Soul by Brenda Jackson ♪ – at the time of my formatting this the kindle book is on sale for $1.99
Night Heat by Brenda Jackson – C ♪ – this kindle book is also on sale for $1.99 right now
The Christmas Pact by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward
Duty or Desire by Brenda Jackson ♪
Bane by Brenda Jackson ♪
Scrooged by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward
Rafe by Rebekah Weatherspoon – C ♪
*Crave by Evelyn Sola – B ♪
Cherish by Evelyn Sola – C+ ♪
Crash by Evelyn Sola – C+ ♪

February
*Crave by Evelyn Sola – B ♪
Wait for your love by AshleyNicole ♪
Claimed by a Steele by Brenda Jackson ♪
The Agent by Nancy Herkness
*Let Me Love You by Alexandria House – B– ♪ x2
The Boss and the Brat by Sosie Frost – D+
*Let Me Hold You by Alexandria House – C+ ♪
*Ante Up by Christina C. Jones – B+ ♪ x3
*Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams at Home by Jeni Britton Bauer
My Fake Christmas Fiancé by Julie Kriss – D+
Santa Baby Maybe by S. Doyle – B
Let Me Be Your Motivation by Tay Mo’Nae ♪
The Sweet Spot by Tay Mo’Nae ♪
The Perfect Present by Rochelle Alers, Cheris Hodges, and Pamela Yaye ♪
How My Brother’s Best Friend Stole Christmas by Molly O’Keefe C–
Room Service by Rochelle Alers C — ♪
*Taming Clint Westmoreland by Brenda Jackson ♪ x2
The Hot Mess and the Heartthrob by Pippa Grant B++
Quade’s Babies by Brenda Jackson D+ ♪ x2
I Think I Might Love You by Christina C. Jones – B+ ♪ x2*

March
Pulling Doubles by Christina C. Jones – C ♪ x2
Getting Schooled by Christina C. Jones – C – ♪ x2
Guided Meditations for Self Healing: Mindfulness and Transcendental Relaxation Techniques for Anxiety and Pain Relief – Quiet the Mind and cure Panic Attacks (for Beginners) by Mindfulness Meditation Institute ♪
Transcendental Meditation: Learn Healing and Transformation Through Mindfulness Meditation by Dr Henriette Sparson ♪
*Safe With Me by Stephanie Nicole Norris – D ♪
*Crave by Evelyn Sola – B ♪ x2
Westmoreland’s Way by Brenda Jackson D++ ♪ x2*
The Boy Toy by Nicola Marsh – C+ ♪ x2*
Mr. Vega by Xyla Turner – C ♪ x2*
Mr. West by Xyla Turner – C – – ♪ x2*
[*]Want You to Want Me by Lorelei James – B ++ ♪
Strictly Professional by Christina C. Jones ♪
Unfinished Business by Christina C. Jones D- ♪
To Wake a Dragon by Naomi Lucas
A Change Had to Come by Gwynne Forster D+ ♪
Tropical Dragons Series Boxset with Bonus Exclusive Short Story: A Sci-fi Fantasy Romance Series Books 1-3 by Naomi Lucas
Beyond Temptation by Brenda Jackson – D+ ♪
Risky Pleasures by Brenda Jackson – D – ♪ x2*

April
*Tempest by Beverly Jenkins – B++ ♪
*Vivid by Beverly Jenkins – B+ ♪
*Indigo by Beverly Jenkins – B++ ♪
*The Taming of Jessi Rose by Beverly Jenkins – B+ ♪
*Night Hawk by Beverly Jenkins – A ♪
*Always and Forever by Beverly Jenkins – C+++ ♪
*Destiny’s Embrace by Beverly Jenkins – B ♪ –
*Destiny’s Surrender by Beverly Jenkins – B – x2 ♪
*Destiny’s Captive by Beverly Jenkins – C- ♪
*Rebel by Beverly Jenkins ♪x2
*Through the Storm by Beverly Jenkins – B ♪
*Crave by Evelyn Sola – B ♪ ~*
Deeper Than Love by Delaney Diamond – D— ♪
Lust by Victoria Christopher Murray D—- ♪
Give Me Fever by Niobia Bryant – D++ ♪
When the Smoke Clears by Kenya Wright D+++ ♪
Redemption by Kenya Wright ♪
Eric’s Inferno by Tiffany Patterson – C+ ♪

May
Carter’s Flame by Tiffany Patterson – C ♪
Emanuel’s Heat by Tiffany Patterson – D+ ♪
Slamdunked by Love by Jamie Wesley – C+ ♪
Tell Me Something Good by Jamie Wesley – C— ♪
The Deal with Love by Jamie Wesley – C– ♪
A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas – C—
The Wife He Needs by Brenda Jackson – C— ♪ x2*
High Stakes Holiday by Christina C. Jones – D++
Hard Love by Peyton Banks -C– ♪ x2*
The Marriage He Demands by Brenda Jackson – C ♪ x2*
Dirty Talk by Julie Kriss
The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes by Xio Axelrod – C++ ♪ X2*
Broken by Evelyn Sola – B-
Mine by Kenya Wright – D+ ♪
Aaron’s Patience by Tiffany Patterson – C
Meant to Be by Tiffany Patterson – C+
For Keeps by Tiffany Patterson – C—
Until My Last Breath by Tiffany Patterson – D+
For You by Tiffany Patterson – D+
No Coincidence by Tiffany Patterson – C++
A Holiday Temptation by Tiffany Patterson – C–
*Before the Dawn by Beverly Jenkins ♪
*Winds of the Storm by Beverly Jenkins – C+ ♪
Just Say the Word by Tiffany Patterson – C+
Safe Space (I) by Tiffany Patterson – C
A Hope Divided by Alyssa Cole – D++ ♪
Safe Space II: The Finale by Tiffany Patterson – C+
Black Pearl by Tiffany Patterson – C => currently free for kindle
Black Dahlia by Tiffany Patterson – C
Black Butterfly by Tiffany Patterson – C-
An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole – B ♪

June
Jacob’s Song by Tiffany Patterson – B–
*Ante Up by Christina C. Jones – B+ ♪ x2
A Holiday Seduction by Tiffany Patterson, C—
This Is Where I Sleep by Tiffany Patterson, B
Luke by Tiffany Patterson
*Haunted by Christina C. Jones ♪
Forever by Tiffany Patterson
Miles and Mistletoe by Tiffany Patterson
7 Degrees of Alpha by by Sara Allen, Phoenix Daniels, SK Lessly, Kasey Martin, DJ Parker, Tiffany Patterson, and Mariah Violet
My Storm by Tiffany Patterson
*Let Me Love You by Alexandria House – B – – ♪ ~
Madness of the Horde King by Zoey Draven
Coveted by Christina C. Jones ♪
In the Doctor’s Bed by Brenda Jackson ♪
Broken by the Horde King by Zoey Draven
Love in Catalina Cove by Brenda Jackson ♪
Don’s Blaze by Tiffany Patterson
Forget Me Not by Brenda Jackson ♪
Something Special by Tiffany Patterson
Wedding Season by Natasha Anders, Alissa Baxter, Marie Dry, Ashleigh Giannoccaro, Sharonlee Holder, Suzanne Jefferies, Sophia Karlson, Romy Sommer, Jo Watson, Tanya Wilde
*The Unwanted Wife by Natasha Anders
Finding Home Again by Brenda Jackson ♪
Kraving Khiva by Zoey Draven
Prince of Firestones by Zoey Draven
Follow Your Heart by Brenda Jackson ♪
Just My Type by Sophia Karlson
Two Nights in Paris by Delaney Diamond
Takeover by Evelyn Sola
Trent by Xyla Turner
Guilty Pleasures by Deborah Fletcher Mello ♪

July
Carter by Xyla Turner
A Lifetime With You by Stephanie Nicole Norris ♪
Seducing My Guardian by Katee Robert
She Said Yes by Stephanie Nicole Norris ♪
Breaking Bailey’s Rules by Brenda Jackson ♪ x2
Reclaimed by the Rancher by Brenda Jackson ♪ x2
Locked Doors by Tiffany Patterson
Bella by Tiffany Patterson
Bad Billionaires Quickies by Elise Faber
Man in Charge by Laurelin Paige
Man in Love by Laurelin Paige
*I Think I Might Love You by Christina C. Jones – B+ ♪ x3
The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren
The Pleasure Trap by Niobia Bryant ♪
Thorn’s Challenge by Brenda Jackson
The Glass Queen by Gena Showalter
*Lover Eternal by J.R. Ward – A
Catch Me If You Can by Christina C. Jones ♪ – the kindle version is on sale for $0.99
The Beauty of Being a Beast by Jennifer Estep
Release Me If You Can by Christina C. Jones ♪
Meet Cute by Elise Faber
Charging by Elise Faber
Save Me If You Can by Christina C. Jones ♪
Broken by Elise Faber
Caged by Elise Faber
Devil in Disguise by Lisa Kleypas
Mine by Stephanie Nicole Norris ♪
*Carter’s #Undoing by Sherelle Green – C- ♪
Bad Wedding by Elise Faber
Claim the Dragon by A. C. Arthur
Bad Engagement by Elise Faber
*Midnight Man by Lisa Marie Rice – C => currently free for kindle
*Let Me Love You by Alexandria House – B – – ♪

August
Bad Bridesmaid by Elise Faber
*The Stranger I Married by Sylvia Day
Face Down Fridays by Sherelle Green ♪ x3
Sins of a Saint by Sherelle Green ♪ x2
The Doctor by Nikki Sloane
The Pool Boy by Nikki Sloane
To Marry a Madden by Sherelle Green
Seduced by Moonlight by Kenya Wright ♪
Night Song by Beverly Jenkins ♪ x3
Sanguine by Sierra Simone
The Captain’s Midwinter Bride by Liana De la Rosa
Tall, Dark … Westmoreland! by Brenda Jackson ♪ x2
Temperatures Rising by Brenda Jackson ♪ x3
When She Was Naughty by Tessa Dare
The Way You Tempt Me by Elle Wright ♪
The Perks of Seducing a Wallflower by Tessa Dare
The City of Brass by S. A. Chakraborty ♪
The Kingdom of Copper by S. A. Chakraborty ♪

September
The Empire of Gold by S. A. Chakraborty ♪
*Brighter Than the Sun by Julia Quinn
*The Winter King by C. L. Wilson B+
*Mr. West by Xyla Turner – C– ♪ x2
The Initiation by Nikki Sloane ♪
The Obsession by Nikki Sloane ♪
The Deception by Nikki Sloane ♪
The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang ♪
Piece of Work by Staci Hart ♪
Player by Staci Hart ♪
Watch Me by Stacey Kennedy
Work in Progress by Staci Hart ♪
Well Suited by Staci Hart ♪
*Hot in Here by Sophie Renwick
Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert ♪
Work for It by Talia Hibbert
The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa ♪
His Perfect Partner by Priscilla Oliveras ♪
Her Perfect Affair by Priscilla Oliveras ♪
Their Perfect Melody by Priscilla Oliveras ♪
I Think I Might Need You by Christina C. Jones ♪

October
I Think I Might Want You by Christina C. Jones ♪
One Summer Night by Caridad Pińeiro ♪
What Happens in Summer by Caridad Pińeiro ♪
The Redemption by Nikki Sloane ♪ x2
81st & Clark by Christina C. Jones ♪ x3
The Truth: His Side, Her Side, and the Truth About Falling in Love by Christina C. Jones ♪
The Lies: The Lies We Tell About Life, Love, and Everything in Between by Christina C. Jones ♪ x5
*Ante Up by Christina C. Jones – B+ ♪

November
*The Lies: The Lies We Tell About Life, Love, and Everything in Between by Christina C. Jones ♪ x11
Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson
Beyond Benefriends by Chencia C. Higgins ♪ x 11
Bad Swipe by Elise Faber
Rum and Notes by Elise Faber
Sex on the Seats by Elise Faber
Equivalent Exchange by Christina C. Jones ♪ x 10

December
Equivalent Exchange by Christina C. Jones ♪ x 5
*The Lies: The Lies We Tell About Life, Love, and Everything in Between by Christina C. Jones ♪ x5
*The Unwanted Wife by Natasha Anders – B x2
In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren
*The Satin Sash by Red Garnier B+
*Crave by Evelyn Sola – B ♪ x 17
Three Simple Rules by Nikki Sloane

*N.B. – my apologies for typos. I wrote these lists on a thing that is aggressive with DYAC – I tried to catch things but … I keep trying!

😅 Got this done with minutes to spare. By 11:35 PM I was having some flashbacks to my school days and deadlines and … this is why I can never go back to school. 😜

Annnnd I JUST realized I’d already done my “halfway through the year” list so … Welp. You can check for discrepancies here I guess.

*ETA the “♪” means I listened to the audiobook, the asterisk before the title means it was a re-read, and though inconsistent, the asterisk after sometimes means initially I’d never read the book before but I read/listened to it 2+ times in a row after; which I started denoting with “x#” – in the future I hope to be more consistent but honestly with this list I’m just glad I got it done.