Duma Key

The narration of this audiobook was top tier. TOP TIER. I will listen to anything John Slattery performs, I am now a mega fan. He truly brought the characters to life, especially Wireman. I love Stephen King, I've probably read 40 to 50% of everything he's ever written. This one however is not one of my top reads. Don't get me wrong, i loved the characters, I loved the writing, I just had a hard time with the plot. A man gets crushed nearly to death, loses his arm, his wife, and the life he had worked so hard to build. He decides to try for a new life and moves to Duma Key and starts painting for fun. Well, the paintings are more than just good; they are GREAT. But there is something sinister about the paintings. Sometimes he feels an itch to paint and he doesn't know what's overcoming him. It's up to his new found friends Wireman and Jack Cantore to dig a little deeper and find the horror lurking beneath the paintbrush. The horror in this book does not start until you are over 70% of the way in. And even then, this horror didn't really grab me. A good King book, but not my favorite. 

The Dogs of Venice

Big fan pf Steven Rowley and his writing so I was super excited to check out this novella. It was short, sweet, and emotional. Paul and his husband have been planning a Venetian Christmas getaway for months. The only problem is Paul's husband has just decided that the marriage is over. Distraught, Paul decides to still go to Venice to try and soothe his broken heart. While there he discovers the stray dogs of Venice and is besotted with their carefree existence. Maybe there is something to it? A short and sweet novella. 

Mate

STEAMY! I loved it! I almost might like it more than the first one! This had all the tropes I like, plenty of steam and fun quirky characters. Werewolves, mates, unrequited feelings, a poor hybrid girl stuck in the middle, who coincidently just might be going through heat. What could possibly go wrong. It turns out, a lot. Love, love, love it!

The Score

Not going to lie, this series is legit good. I am continually surprised how much I enjoy the characters and the plots. The spice level doesn't hurt either! The Score is the third in the series although you can easily read this as a standalone. It follows Allie as she navigates her senior year and what she wants her future to look like. She and her boyfriend of three years have just broken up because he expected her to drop her dreams so she could help him pursue his (rude). But now she must decide between Hollywood and Broadway. To further complicate matters she has a passionate steamy night with campus' biggest player. He's a big hockey star, loaded, and handsome. The problem is Allie doesn't do casual, and Dean doesn't do relationships. What could go wrong?! Cute, sexy, and fun. 

Devotions from the Front Porch

I really enjoyed this devotional. Each day there was a Bible verse, a real life reflection (most of which were very relatable!), a beautiful photo, and a prayer. They were succinct but packed a punch. It was an energizing way to start each morning. This is definitely a devotional I will save and re-read again in the future because I enjoyed it so much. 

Lore Olympus v. 9

I don't know if the series is dragging on too long, but I am slowly caring less and less. Not only that, I forgot to reread book 8 before this and man I definitely had to look up what happened in that book because I forgot a lot and it made it harder to read this one. My favorite part of this series is the illustrations, they are top notch and so vibrant. I feel like we are getting closer to the end so I plan on sticking around to see it completed, I'm just losing a little steam.