LAST YEAR I WAS READING…(June 9, 2021)
This meme was created by Reading Marie. It’s a great meme because it’s nice and easy to do.
Here are the rules:
Take your current read and compare it to what you reading this exact time last year. Which one do you like better? What is different about the books? Any special facts/things you want to make note of or bring attention to
This Year I Am Reading…
Detective Mark Thibedeau is perfectly happy doing his job in Internal Affairs and going home to his cat. Still, when his assistant wants to set him up on a blind date, he can’t help but be intrigued.
Dr. Ryan Campbell loves the frenetic pace of working in an emergency department. He likes his life and doesn’t need anyone. But that guy his colleague wants him to meet does sound pretty interesting.
It’s instant chemistry when they meet—and instant chaos.
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Amazon Buy Links: Kindle | Audiobook
Amazon UK Buy Links: Kindle | Audiobook
The 5th book of Bad Behavior series that I didn’t expect would happened because I thought Book 4, Romantic Behavior, was the last one. But it’s turning out to be quite interesting. This stars Mark Thibedeau from Internal Affairs. This makes the book super intriguing for me because IA cops hardly ever star in their own stories.
Last Year I Was Reading…
Ex-surfer-turned-businessman Liam Mallaney moved back to Holkham, Norfolk, to mourn the loss of his husband. Grief and loneliness keep him a solitary figure, and he likes it that way. There’s no room in his broken heart for anything else.
Rentboy Zac Payne left London and most of his demons behind, but he still only knows one way to make a living. When he spots Liam in a club one night, it seems he’s found his mark. But Liam proves nicer—and their connection far deeper—than he’d bargained for.
Bookshop Buy Links: US
Amazon Buy Links: Kindle | Audiobook
Amazon UK Buy Links: Kindle | Audiobook
This is the first book of Rented Hearts, a series about sex workers. Normally, I steer clear of romance stories where the MCs slept with other people while already involved with the love interest. This is especially tricky if the MC is an active rent boy. Garrett Leigh magically made it so that I didn’t even mind Zac doing his job while falling in love with Liam.
Today we have two contemporary stories. One is a police procedural while the other is an angsty contemporary romance. Aside from being set in the now, both books tackle gritty topics. They also feature older men.
Protective Behavior opens with a blind date between Ryan, a trauma doctor, and Mark, who was set up by his assistant. I really like that the two men were in their 40s, which is refreshing since mature men tends to get pigeonholed in age-gap stories. As they are both extremely busy people, it was virtually impossible for them to find quiet time alone after that fateful date. Cockblocks appear left and right, the ultimate being, Ryan got involved in a case Mark had to investigate. Which means, Mark had to keep his hands off or be compromised, especially with him being IA.
This is a timely book that tackled racial discrimination by cops. I read reviews about this being too focused on making a point but so far I’m looking forward to the investigation. And for Mark and Ryan to catch a break.
Rented Heart opens with Zac picking up Liam on the street. They had an unforgettable night together then older man disappeared. Zac continued to ply his trade, barely eking out a living, pining for that that mysterious guy. Later, they found each other again and Zac learned Liam is a businessman and a widower still wearing his wedding ring.
The book did a great job depicting the grim realities of Zac’s job without diminishing the blossoming romance between him and Liam. Their meeting were bright spots that stood in contrast with daily struggles and friends in dire need. There were more moments of levity in the road trips, dog cuddles and more cuddles. This is an emotional book with a rom com ending.
I like both books about the same. Liam and Zac had to work for their HEA but I’m rooting extra hard for Mark and Ryan who will have to jump through rings of fire just to have one uninterrupted night together.
I’m ending the post with a book I’m looking forward to reading.
The man asked me to valet his damn car.
Look, I left LA for a reason. I’ve had my fill of big Hollywood stars and their even bigger egos. I want something genuine. Something real. And it doesn’t get any realer than being the new sheriff of Aster Valley, Colorado.
That is, until entitled Finn Heller appears on the scene, handing me the keys to his convertible like I’m his personal servant.
So damn excited to visit Aster Valley once again!
The last book’s epilogue gave us a glimpse of the new sheriff, Declan, butting heads with Hollywood actor, Finn Heller. Here, the spoiled, bratty former child actor might just find his match in this charming little town. This is going to be so fun!
What were you reading this time last year?
(I hope it’s as riveting as Morticia’s book)
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