Today I felt something I haven’t felt in a long time.
Ready for it?
I felt the urge to write.
This post, this one titled Playing Catch Up, has been sitting in my drafts for a long time now. I started it, and then I just lost interest again. Times were rough, and my energy was taken in other ways, but today I realized I want to write. Even more, I want to READ. I haven’t read a book in over a month. For ‘non’ readers that probably means nothing, but it means everything to me. I’ve dreamt about reading, similarly to how I sometimes dream about lost friends.
It’s getting pathetic.
I’m not whipping out the “I’M BACK” post, because quite frankly I don’t know yet what this means for the near future.
I don’t know if this sudden urge means a long term change on the horizon or if it’s just a swell that will also ebb. I’m just not sure.
I’m just happy for the right now. SO…
Right now, Birdie Bookworm brings you the 3 books I managed to read between my last review and this one, in quick 30 second readable reviews.
Seriously, I miss you guys…
The Woman in Cabin 10
Ruth Ware
Thriller
Scout Press | June 30, 2016
About the Book:
Lo Blacklock, a journalist who writes for a travel magazine, has just been given the assignment of a lifetime: a week on a luxury cruise with only a handful of cabins. The sky is clear, the waters calm, and the veneered, select guests jovial as the exclusive cruise ship, the Aurora, begins her voyage in the picturesque North Sea.
At first, Lo’s stay is nothing but pleasant: the cabins are plush, the dinner parties are sparkling, and the guests are elegant. But as the week wears on, frigid winds whip the deck, gray skies fall, and Lo witnesses what she can only describe as a dark and terrifying nightmare: a woman being thrown overboard. The problem? All passengers remain accounted for and so, the ship sails on as if nothing has happened, despite Lo’s desperate attempts to convey that something (or someone) has gone terribly, terribly wrong.
The Woman in Cabin 10 was my first foray into reading a Ruth Ware book. When you look at her books in the store they’re filled with accolades, so I was really excited, feeling like I was going to be seriously creeped out.
Wah wah waaaaaah… I wasn’t.
Actually, I was kind of bored. It took me a really long time to read. There wasn’t a lot of drive to keep pushing me. I wasn’t wrapped up in the scare or thrills. The ending was a surprise, but even that felt a little lackluster. Maybe I need a little more romance in my thrillers, but something about The Woman in Cabin 10 just didn’t work for me.
That doesn’t mean I’m giving up. I’ve heard good things about her other books, so there will be a take two!
No Other Duke But You
Playful Brides #11
Valerie Bowman
Historical Romance
St. Martin’s Press | April 30, 2019
About the Book:
SINGLE LADY SEEKS DUKE
Lady Delilah Montebank has her marital sights set on the Duke of Branville. There’s just one problem: he barely knows she exists. But no matter, she’s got a plan to win him over with her charm, her wit—and perhaps the love potion she has in her possession wouldn’t hurt her cause…
Lord Thomas Hobbs, Duke of Huntley, thinks his best friend Delilah’s quest to become a duchess is ridiculous. He’s always said he’d rather give up all the brandy in London than commit to one person for life. Besides, he knows that Delilah’s love potion can’t possibly win over Branville…since she accidentally gave it to him instead. But perhaps this is the excuse he needs to show her he’s always loved her…
Delilah can’t believe she gave the potion to the wrong duke. Then again, Delilah could do a lot worse than win the hand of her handsome best friend. Could it be that the right duke has been before her eyes all along?
I’m about to get real… the only reason I chose to read No Other Duke but You was simply to check it off my Netgalley list. It sounded cute, and if I wrote the review it would help my ratio. Then I didn’t end up reviewing it.
It’s all good anyway because I’m writing it now, and I can happily say this book was seriously cute. It had an adorable lighthearted romance, with a cute as hell heroine and a swoonworthy hero. It was a little silly, and at the time silly was perfection.
AND! This book had a PARROT!
It was like two loves coming together in one enjoyable read. Seriously, I have no complaints. No Other Duke but You was fun!
Thank you to the publisher for providing an ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
Mainly by Moonlight
Bedknobs and Broomsticks #1
Josh Lanyon
M/M Urban Fantasy
JustJoshin Publishing | August 1, 2019
Cosmo Saville guiltily hides a paranormal secret from his soon-to-be husband. And if he can’t undo a powerful love spell, uncertainty threatens his nuptial magic. But when he’s arrested for allegedly killing a longtime rival, he could spend his honeymoon behind bars…
Police Commissioner John Joseph Galbraith never believed in love until Cosmo came along. Falling head over heels for the elegant antiques dealer is an enchantment he never wants to break. So when all fingers point to Cosmo’s guilt, John races to prove his fiancé’s innocence before they take their vows.
As Cosmo searches for the real killer among the arcane aristocracy, John warns him to leave it to the police. But with an unseen enemy threatening to expose Cosmo’s true nature, the couple’s blissful future could shatter like a broken charm.
Josh Lanyon… one of the first Birdie Bookworm posts I ever wrote was an ode to this author. I’m a F-A-N! I’m just not sure I’m a fan of her paranormal books. I’m not saying they are bad… they’re just not what I’m looking for when I pick up a book by Ms. Lanyon.
I want a contemporary mystery.
I want comedy.
I want passion…
Mainly by Moonlight did have a couple, but I wasn’t sure I felt the chemistry. Maybe that was the plan. Maybe it was supposed to feel unsure, in which case great job! I just missed it. I missed their need for each other. It made me miss Kit and JX…
Still, I will read the rest of the series. They are still by Josh Lanyon.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
Birdie Bookworm 
WELCOME BACK, BUDDY! For now. Maybe forever?
I really want to read the RW even with your less than stellar review. I LOVED The Turn of the Key, and I need more of her!
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Maybe forever! Who knows! I’m hopeful.
I hope you do read The Woman in Cabin 10. I’d love to get your impression of it. 😀
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