100+ Books in 2025 discussion

Here's to another year of reading. The plan is to read at least 125 books, but also to finish a needlepoint canvas that I purchased in 1980/1981. It is about time to finish it, but that may cut into my reading time. Regardless, may everyone find good reads in the new year.

1. Reunion in Death by J.D. Robb
An old enemy...

Eve Dallas may meet her match when a woman she helped out away years ago is out of prison and out for revenge.

And that revenge may just include her husband of a year, Roarke. Will Dallas and her team find and subdue this woman before she kills again?

Quite a few missed punctuation marks in the e-book cost a star, but the continued series with new characters and old is worth the read. A fun series to start the year! The first of many.

2. Black Jasmine by Toby Neal
This is the first time for reading this author, and this is a mixed genre. Some romance, some suspense, and a bit of mystery, some of which didn't seem to be resolved (or somehow I missed it).

Lei Texeira is a police officer for the Maui Police Department. She's trying to solve the suicide/homicide of a teen, and in so doing, upsets a group of nebulous people who are into drugs, sex trafficking, and more.

Added to that she is getting pressure to marry her live-in, Stevens, another member of the MPD, and Charlie Kwon, the man who molested her when she was young, just got parole. All these things up add up to mayhem for her and Stevens as they try to solve the mystery of the Jane Doe.

It was never revealed who the mole was in the police department, and it is hoped that it is solved in the fourth novel in the series.

One small little thing that bothered this reader was that Lei was on Vicodin because of an attempt on her life and drank a beer with it. That's a no-no!

And oh yeah, don't understand the title in regards to the story.

3. The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwable
the memoir of a mother and son who become even closer during her battle with pancreatic cancer as they discuss books in their two-person book club meetings during her chemo.

4. The Dressmaker's Gift by Fiona Valpy
Seamtresses with nerve...

A photograph, a young woman, and haute culture all blend together in this historical novel set in Paris, France.

A daughter of a suicide victim is searching for understanding of the photograph of three women, one of whom is her grandmother. Who are the others, and what are their stories?

This novel follows Harriet now in Paris as an intern in a haute couture firm as she tries to find the story of her grandmother and her friends. This story is juxtaposed with the stories of Mierelle, Vivienne, and Claire during World War II. Becoming involved with the Resistance will affect not only these women, but Harriet as well.

A new story that brings to light the danger of resisting and the heartbreaking affects of generations after.

No matter how many stories of World War II, it is always worth the read to understand the brutality and privations of this war.And to know about those who stood against Hitler and Germany even though it might cost them their lives.

5. Purity in Death by J.D. Robb
Viruses and vigilantes...
In this fifteenth novel in the series, Eve Dallas and her intrepid regulars/irregulars are fighting a terrorist group who are killing people, albeit bad people who use and abuse children and teens, with a deadly virus.

Getting to the bottom of this crime spree is going to test Eve and her crew to the max. Added to that is the media storm created by leaks and the group themselves.

Suspenseful and gripping, this one will give any reader a reason to stay off the computer especially when this virus is a computer virus.

6. The Tumor by John Grisham
A short story--A story of a man who has a tumor and his prognosis, then and now. It is an important read as a new therapy may prolong or cure various cancers and disease states. According to the author, it is the most important book he has ever written.

7. Command Me by Geneva Lee
A Cinderella contemporary romance with a not-so-happy-ever-after...this romance ends on a cliffhanger with a sequel.

Clara Bishop has just graduated from university, and at a party celebrating her and her classmates' big day, she is kissed (and kissed well) by a handsome stranger. She can't stop thinking about him, and then she finds herself (and the man) on the front page of one of the British tabloids. Alexander is the heir apparent to the throne, and he wants her.

Dodging paparazzi and rumors, Clara becomes involved except he doesn't do romance or relationships, but the prince does want to command her. But will it just be a fling or is marriage in the cards?

Lots of angst, lots of will-she-won't-she, lots of spicy sexual scenes, and two broken people working out their personal demons (read: issues). And, of course, lots and lots of What-the-tuck trends and a few missing punctuation marks throughout. One little nit-picky thing: Prince of England? While this novel is set in England, it is considered to be either Great Britain, AKA the United Kingdom, and the heir to that throne is the Prince of Wales. Yes, it is fiction, which means it could be changed, but as indicated, a little nit-picky thing.

8. Club Shadowlands by Cherise Sinclair
As erotic novels go, this one is pretty hot and has graphic (but not over-the-top) BDSM scenes.

Jessica slides off the road into the ditch during a tropical rainstorm one evening. In going to get help, she stumbles into the first house that she sees. It is a mansion, the headquarters of a BDSM club. She is soaked to the skin and invited in. She is given a choice: to stay in the foyer for the night or to enter the club. Cold or hot? Her choice: to enter the club, but she is so cold, shivering so badly, she doesn't read the fine print on the contract (or any of it, actually) and is totally unprepared for her night's experience.

Taken under the wing of the Club's owner, Master Z, she unwittingly becomes involved as she wanders the halls, the nooks, and the crannies. Propositioned more than once, and then getting involved (breaking up, that is) in a scene, she is not only a bit out of place, but is punished for her misdeed by none other than Sir (Master Z), who is master at reading her mind, reading her emotions.

A night she doesn't easily forget as she is introduced to the Dom/sub lifestyle, but despite her emotions, she pretends indifference while her body fairly hums with arousal and the desire to submit. Will she or won't she? Can she or can't she?

As for Master Z, he is immediately taken with her and her lush figure. He recognizes her desire, but plays it cool, giving her space to explore. Will he or won't her take her in hand, form a relationship beyond a night of pleasure?

Spicy scenes, and even some What-the-trends, but a decent read, but be prepared for erotic situations.

9. Growing Up in the REAL Mister Rogers Neighborhood by Chris Rodell
Filled with stories about Fred Rogers and Latrobe, the town that he grew up in, and the life lessons that can be learned from them both is the crux of this charming little book.

Latrobe is known for several things: the invention of the banana split, Arnold Palmer, and Fred Rogers. Lest it is questioned that it is also known as the home of Rolling Rock beer, it is no longer made there. It is made in New Jersey now, but I digress.

Fred Rogers, like Arnold Palmer, is another Latrobe legend. He is known for his children's show on PBS, Mister Rogers Neighborhood. He is also known as a kind man, who lived a life of kindness.
Lessons from Fred Rogers include being kind to all; recognize the specialness of each person, and being kind to all. Let me repeat: be kind to everyone!

Essays on life lessons are interspersed with Chris Rodell's humor and empathic writing. During the reading, I learned so much about the town and the way it has affected Chris, his family, and all those who live there.

We could all learn from the lessons imparted, and although it was read in a sequential order, it could be picked up and read at random.

Like his book, Use All the Crayons, this is one to read and share with friends.

10. Come Home to Me by Jessica Scott
a contemporary romance between two people (Sam and Patrick) who have been changed by the Iraq war, and whether than they can get beyond them to become a family

11. The Unfortunate Miss Fortunes by Jennifer Crusie, Anne Stuart, and Eileen Dreyer
Magic, mayhem, and more in this novel of the romance of three sisters.

In order to steal their magical powers, Xan, their aunt, sends Dee, Mare, and Lizzie their perfect mates, but is it possible to make people fall in love that easily? Will they succumb to the spells guaranteed to make them do so? Or will the young women defeat the woman who killed their parents?

This novel is written by three authors, and it is whimsical especially considering the nature of Dee's, Mare's, and Lizzie's colorful magical manifestations. There is humor, both in the dialogue and the situations.

For this reader, it took a bit to really get into the story (unlike other Crusie novels read), but once that threshold was crossed, the pages kept magically turning themselves.

12. The Baker's Secret by Stephen P. Kiernan
A World War II historical novel, set in northern France during the occupation (prior to D-Day), is a story of survival under precarious conditions.

Emma learns how to cope with the occupiers while finding ways to help her fellow citizens in Vergers. She becomes the baker after her mentor, Uncle Ezra, is taken away because of his religion/ethnicity. She is directed to bake bread daily for the Kommandant and his staff, but succeeds in feeding others right under the noses of the occupiers. If she can only tolerate all the losses of family and friends...and protect those she loves.

Another aspect of World War II that this reader was unfamiliar with. Reading each novel written about this subject always helps fill in the realities of this war and the atrocities that so many people had to endure.

Another gripping story, which had this reader on the edge, worrying about Emma and the other characters trying to survive. What is the baker's secret?

13. Spartan Destiny (Mythos Academy: Colorado #3) by Jennifer Estep
This is the third novel in the Mythos Academy: Colorado (the spinoff series) trilogy which features Rory Forseti, a Spartan warrior with a past. Her fellow students distrust her because of her past of being the child of parents who happened to be Reapers of Chaos. That they were killed because they were trying to escape and disenfranchise themselves from those who had chosen that path seems to mean little to most students.

Yet, Rory is part of Team Midgard, the super-secret group of students and teachers who are battling Covington, the leader of the Reapers, and his followers.

Rory is gathering artifacts (and creating fakes) in order to fight and eventually kill Covington so that she can both revenge her parents' deaths and protect the students of the Colorado branch of the Mythos Academy. Will she succeed or will she die trying? Especially when he is gathering powerful artifacts of his own?

A satisfying conclusion that includes humor and a powerful kick-ass heroine. What more could a reader want?

14. Crossed by Lacey Silks
A contemporary romantic suspense story about a young woman and a man who is trying to save her from her not-so-wonderful criminal family. During this process, they fall in love, but will it last?

This is a prequel to the series about the men and women of Cross Industries.

A few What-the-tuck trends seen throughout the novel, as well as a few spicy scenes between Hunter and Grace, who is telling her story.

15. Portrait in Death by J.D. Robb
Eve Dallas is matching wits with a person who is taking photographs of the dead. Specifically, he or she is targeting young people, persons with bright futures who are full of light and purity. Where is this photographer finding his victims, and why is he/she choosing them?

Meanwhile, Roarke is battling his past, and walling himself off from everyone particularly Eve and Summerset. Will he be able to come to terms with himself, his past, and his present?

Fast paced, suspenseful, and heartbreaking...leading to a successful conclusion that leaves this reader ready for the next in the series.

16. Diamond in My Pocket by Lorena Angell
This is a YA fantasy novel that features Callie, a teen who develops superpowers of mind reading, speed, and more in the first in a series of novels.

After breaking a 100 meter speed record, Callie is approached by a woman, who convinces her parents to let her train for the Olympics. Unbeknownst to them, she isn't what she professes to be, and Callie becomes a Runner, one of a number of power-infused Clans. As a human, she isn't accepted by the other Runners and must make her way as this outlier called a muck.

Despite this, she and two male Runners, Justin and Chris, are chosen to lead a group of runners in a specific task. Will they succeed or will they be destroyed by those chasing them? Will they succeed or die trying?

Fraught with danger during this task, there are betrayals; there are love interests; and there are all of the teenage angsty moments that occur with most teens.

17. Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane
What may not be obvious...

Two families, neighbors, and one night that changes everything.

Peter and Kate are only six months different

in age, friends since birth, but one night of violence will change them both. Can they and their families survive this? Will they ever reconcile? Or will this moment define their lives forever?

A story that deals with issues of mental health, alcoholism, abandonment, and more as it impacts the lives of these two families. Not sure this reader would have read it had it not been a book group read, but glad that it was chosen.

18. Gloria's Secret by Nelle L'Amour
A contemporary romance featuring a billionaire alpha male and a powerful, but secretive female CEO of a lingerie company that sounds remarkably like Victoria's Secret (including supermodels who wear angels' wings during their New York fashion show).

Gloria with the help of her best friend Kevin have built this highly successful company up with a little help of larceny and the expertise of Gloria's mentor, Madame. Still, Gloria has plans to add a line of sex toys in the vein of Fifty Shades of Grey and needs a great advertising campaign.

Enter Jaime Zander, who is the brains behind Zap! advertising agency, and he wants not only Gloria's account, but Gloria herself. Yet Gloria is all business while warring with her sexual desires. Will she succumb to Jaime, or will she keep it strictly business? And will her larceny ever be caught and cause her downfall?

There are some spicy sexual scenes (including some bondage), lots of WTT (smirking in particular), and too many misused or missing words throughout the novel (in other words, another set of eyes might have caught all the errors). While it is complete as is, the story still ends with a cliffhanger of an ending indicating there are more in the series (and yes, there are).

19. Legal Ease by Lori Ryan
In this contemporary romance, Jack needs a bride to stave off a company takeover by his aunt, and Kelly needs enough money to pay for law school. A plan is hatched: a marriage of convenience, a fake marriage for the year just until Jack's aunt backs off.

When his aunt inconveniently moves in with them, they discover that their fast friendship is turning to something more. But will either admit to the other that they care, that the feeling is real?

And once they discover that the feelings have turned to love, will they ever see each other again when danger strikes?

Spicy and sexy, with few WTT trends (yes. there was a minor character with green eyes) and no obvious typos, either. A win-win that makes this reader looking forward to reading more of this author.

20. The Lost Duke of Wyndham by Julia Quinn
4.5 stars actually for this historical romance of a highwayman (rogue) and one of the women he held up.

When Jack Audley stopped a carriage one evening to rob the people within, he sets off a chain of events that leads him to his grandmother and his destiny of becoming a duke. The problem is: he likes his life as it is; he has no desire to be the duke. He does, however, like the companion of the dowager Duchess. Grace Eversleigh.

As for Grace, she is attracted to Jack, but she knows that she shouldn't be...she is not in the same category of landed gentry, and he may be the true duke. And if he is, he is WAY out of her league. She can't him no, but she shouldn't say yes, either.

Added to this, Thomas, the other grandson, was considered the duke. That is, until the one chance meeting of the dowager and her companion, Grace.

Is there a way for them to be together? Can love triumph over the differences in the economic situation? Will Thomas lose his status, and what about the young woman who is promised in marriage to Thomas?

All in all, a romance that has few What-the-tuck trends (green-eyed characters notwithstanding), an enjoyable plot, and characters that are likeable (well, maybe not the dowager Duchess), and a happily ever after.

21. A Heartless Design by Elizabeth Cole
An unconventional female protagonist and a less conventional male protagonist make this historial (regency) romance.

At twenty-seven, Cordelia Bering is considered a spinster, but it is her life as an engineer that is worthwhile for her (and her big secret in a household that contains nothing but secrets). While she has had several proposals of marriage, she always turns them down because she has no desire to give up her life of the mind.

Lord Thornberry, AKA Sebastien, has both a title, but is also (secretly) a spy for the Crown. He is known as Sagittarius in the Zodiac club.

When the pair meet, each is taken off guard as each believes the other is untrustworthy over the same issue. Yet neither reveals anything of their concerns. From their first meeting, the kiss they share both entices and wars with their secretive natures. As they are running in the same societal circles, they cross paths all too often and their chemistry ratchets up.

Each wants to protect their secrets, but can they find common ground? Can they learn to trust each other and let love flourish? Is it possible for Cordelia to love and still have her career? Will Sebastien discover her secret and the mystery behind the Andraste, or will other nefarious people discover it first? Will the pair end up together?

This is the first in a series of romances, but can be read as a stand-alone. There are a few WTT trends, but not many. It's relatively free of typos, too. How refreshing! Especially enjoyed the unconventional couple and the supporting cast.

22. Becoming by Michelle Obama
This memoir is stirring, insightful, and illuminating. The writing changed perceptions about the woman who is married to the 44th president.

She tells her life story divided into three sections. The first is her life experiences during her childhood through college. The second is her life experiences from the time she graduated college, met Barak, married him, and began the years of politics. The third section follows her life experiences as the first lady.

She is candid about the missteps, the triumphs, the vulnerabilities, and the goals of her life (and often within the context of what was going on in the United States, political and otherwise). There are moments that will bring a tear to the eye as she shows those moments that are heartbreaking. Overall, a book worth reading no matter what side of the political divide one is on.

One bothersome thing for this reader was her nearly consistent use of "me and my brother" (me should be always second, not first, and sometimes the proper word should have 'I'), especially considering her college and graduate education.

One quote that resonated with this Midwestern reader:
"In the Midwest,...winter is an exercise in waiting--for relief, for a bird to sing, for the first purple crocus to push up through the snow. You have no choice in the meantime but to pep talk yourself through." page 136 (that me to a T!)

23. A Beautiful Mess by T.K. Leigh
This is a contemporary romantic suspense novel which features one messed up chick, Olivia Adler, and a sweet/dominant green-eyed man, Alexander Burnham.

Their pasts catch up with them, and it messes with their heads, majorly. In his case, he discovers that he has found the love of his life. In her case, she discovers a man that she could love IF she would only stop running away from her feelings.

The push and pull, the lies of omissions, and the overwhelming number of green-eyed characters* drove this reader nuts. Sometimes, a good smack would have been in order for the main characters since they never could be totally honest. They wanted trust, but kept secrets.

A cliffhanger ending (just tell the story and quit with this trilogy WTT trend) which will be resolved in the following two novels. A far amount of WTT trends (hair tucking, green-eyed characters, uber-rich alpha male and a ex-SEAL to boot), but relatively free of typos (a plus). All in all, it was a beautiful mess (wink!).

* Genetically, persons with green eyes are relatively rare; they are statistically one of the lowest percentages of people of any eye color. That the brother and father of the male protagonist all had green eyes can be understandable, but Olivia's best friend, Kiera, having green eyes is a bit over the top (is she going to turn out to be the long lost relative of Alexander, too?). Okay, rant over!

24. All I Want for Christmas is You by Lisa Mondello
3.5 stars actually--This is a sweet contemporary romance featuring single mother Lauren raising a daughter, Kristen, who meets the man, Kyle, who is playing Santa Claus at the local mall.

All Kristen wants for Christmas is a daddy. But will she get one?

Lauren has been burned by the father of her child as well as her parents so she is leery of any unwanted attention especially Kyle's. Will Lauren let down the walls she has protected her and Kristen? Is a Christmas miracle in the making?

A few typos or misused or missing words, but very few WTT.

25. Single in Sitka by Kate Regnery
The odds are good ...that this romance is not odd. It isn't, and it doesn't follow all the tried and true, and yet is satisfying in a spicy, sexy way.

Answering a personal ad may bring Amanda and Luke together beyond a two week fling, but can they work out a long-distance relationship? And what about his kids and her career?

26. Dellia by David Scidmore
4.5 stars actually--To begin, thanks to David Scidmore for the personalized, signed copy of the book. Added to that, this book was packaged well and beautifully with a tissue paper covering with a special seal (that replicated the book jacket). Then the cover itself was well done with fantastic artwork. I admit it; I was impressed.

Now, about the book itself: it is a fantasy that combines our world (briefly) with a fully developed fantasy world called Meerdon divided into three different realms (Talus, Elore, and Erden) within the confines of Meerdon. In fact, there is a well-drawn map prior to the story itself (a frontispiece??)

This fantasy novel has a little bit of everything that fantasy readers love: dragons, wolves, magic (that is, specialized gifts), prophecy, and different factions of people. There is betrayal, love, and redemption.

The main protagonists, Dellia (pronounced Dell-yuh) and Jon, a physicist, meet when a horrible accident in his lab causes a ripping of our world into theirs. He and Megan, a woman he is interested in, are pulled into the world of Meerdon, one in which it is a more primitive time when horses were transportation. Thus, the adventure begins.

While Megan is mainly off-screen for most of the story, she is not the focus of this tale. The focus lies with two characters: Dellia, a warrior/protector working for the ruling Council, and Jon, the Otherworlder, as he is referred to throughout the novel. She is there to find out if Jon is the one about whom the prophecy speaks, and if so, will she need to stop him?

This story is an epic, both for the story itself as well as the length. It is a mighty tome, and while it is complete as is, there are some unanswered questions the reader will have in the end, all leading to another story as it indicates that this is episode one of The Ever-Branching Tree.

Still, there is so much to this fantasy world that this readers suspects the author could have several other of story lines forthcoming.

Rather than spoil other readers' enjoyment, this reader will only comment that the character list is long, and they come and go throughout the book. Although this reader didn't make a list of the characters, it would be a good idea to keep them identified. Because of the protracted way it was read, sometimes this reader's focus was lost and had to go leafing back (it is an ever-branching tree) to figure out who is who and how they connect to the story.

Overall, it was a bit lengthy, but otherwise, this was definitely an adventure with some moments of humor, lightness, magic, and angst. It took some time to get into this one to be honest.

27. Where You Least Expect It by Lydia Rowan (or Kaye Blue?)
A contemporary romance which features Verna, a woman turning thirty with self-esteem issues, and her next door neighbor, Joe, who happens to be between jobs (that of the Navy Seals and what-next) and not sure what to do with himself.

Can these two figure out their mutual, if denying to themselves, attraction and act on it? Will they, and if they do, will it strictly be sex or could there be something more (like love)?

Personally, I understand Verna's constant putdowns of herself; I have been known to do that all too often. In fact, it was so bad in high school that my friends charged me a dime every time they caught me doing it, and hey, I didn't have THAT much money. However, I also understand that Verna's parents, especially her father, contributed to much of her self-esteem issues; however, it did get to be a little too much and too often reading it.

A few WTT, but not many; also a few typos (misused words, missing words, etc.).

28. An Undeniable Rogue by Annette Blair
This is a regency historical romance that will stretch the reader's vocabulary. The language including the dialogue seemed to be of the period (the time of Napoleon Bonaparte and Waterloo).

This is the first of several romances about men who have titles but consider themselves rogues (going against the 'rules' of the time). As it opens, four rogues make a pact to protect the women in their lives IF they don't survive the war with Bonaparte.

And the worst happens in that Sabrina Whitcomb, a woman who is promised to another is now to be wed to a duke, the Duke of Stanthorpe since Hawksthorne has died in the battle. The problem is that the woman is with child (she is due in two weeks) and Gideon is playing the rogue by acting as if he is penniless. Sabrina, for her part, only wants the financial protection offered by Gideon; she has no desire to consummate the marriage. Her previous experiences with men have been abusive. Her husband 'sold' her off to cover his gambling debts to another abusive man from whom she has escaped. She wants only to protect her children.

Still, there is a spark between the two, and the wedding happens within a few days of Sabrina's and Gideon's first meeting. Each keeps secrets from each other. Neither of them really trusts the other. Will they make it a true marriage, or will it always be a marriage of convenience? Since neither believes in love, will they fall into love? Or will it be a matter of lust only?

Will Gideon accept her child as his own, or will he be as abusive as all of the rest of the men who have been in her life? Will Sabrina ever share her past with him, or does she feel that he would cast her aside if he knows?

The reality is that a lack of communication and trust between the two leads to most of friction between them.

It is romantic; it is sexy, and it is a refreshing change of pace. Yes, there are some What-the-tuck trends (green-eyed characters; smirks; rich alpha males) as well as some typos (missing words), but overall, this reader is considering reading some of the others in the series.

With a listing of the author's other novels, this reader realized several are already sitting on shelves to be read.

Great quote about what love is...highlighted in the text, one of the great things about e-books. The other is being able to look up word that are unfamiliar.

29. Imitation in Death by J.D. Robb
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery? Eve Dallas doesn't think so as she and her aide Peabody track a killer who is imitating serial killers like Jack the Ripper and the Boston Strangler. Sorting out the culprit from several possible suspects won't be easy, but with the help of Roarke and the men and women of the NYSPD, she will get it done.

Now, if only Peabody can pass her exam...

This continuation of this series just gets better and better, building on the past and moving forward, too. Smart dialogue, spicy romantic scenes and possible glimpses into a future world

30. Rush by Stephen Fried
You know Franklin; you know Adams: you know Hancock and Dickinson, but do you recall the least famous Founder of all? (Sung off-key to the tune of Rudolph, the Red-nosed Reindeer.

It very well may be that Benjamin Rush has escaped most Americans’ scrutiny, yet he is still a fascinating member of the Continental Congress, who signed the Declaration of Independence. He was one of the delegates to Pennsylvania along with Benjamin Franklin.

When Rush first met John Adams, he was only twenty-eight and not a member of the Continental Congress; however, he was a doctor of some renown already, and well versed in the political climate (both pro and con), religion, philosophy, and medicine,

Eventually, he became a delegate to the Congress and one of the signers in 1776. Though he was one of the youngest signers, at age thirty, he also was one of the most visionary members (especially considering how stiff his competition was).

He was quite the writer having published many works on medicine and was known as the “American Hippocrates.” He not only wrote medical textbooks; he also wrote political pamphlets. He was progressive even vocally championing the end to slavery, the end of capital punishment, and the end to prejudice by race, religion, or gender (issues that still spark argument today) and because of this, he was often a thorn in the sides of less progressive leaders (the American political establishment).

This biography is well researched and documented as evidenced by over sixty pages of notes and bibliography. Interspersing information about Benjamin Rush, his family, and the men who helped found this nation is the correspondence, the letters to and from Rush. Much is made of his ongoing friendships with both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, and even to the extent, that he was instrumental in getting the former friends back together after years of disagreements with each other.

He was one of the first physicians to be concerned about the treatment of the mentally ill. So much so, that the first hospital for mentally ill patients was built in Philadelphia at his urging; he truly brought patients out of the dungeon where many mentally ill patients were abandoned. He even published Medical Inquiries and Observations, upon the Diseases of the Mind. Unfortunately, one of his sons, John Rush, spent years there in the wing of this hospital.

Rush was not without controversy, however. The contents of his letters often fell into the wrong hands, and he even made enemies, the biggest being George Washington. According to this text, this split between the men over something Rush had written about Washington was never resolved, the apology never accepted.

From the beginnings of the call for independence to the battles of the American Revolution to the end of his life, this is a deep, fascinating read of a man with whom few may be familiar. This really opened this reader’s eyes to the man behind the signature. Fried has produced quite a biography of a man who was a physician, a philosopher, a family man, and a man of deep faith. Fried also speaks candidly about his sons and daughters, and not all was perfect within his family. Still, like their father, they, too, play a part in the early years of the nation. It is not an easy read; it takes time to digest all the information within the pages, but it is worth reading.

While Adams, Jefferson, and Washington are a few of the men most easily recognized with the founding of this country, Benjamin Rush belongs in that group as well.

31. Breaking Up with Barrett by Kate Regnery
A contemporary romance with a story line of love at first sight Emily Edwards, a first-year grad student, pretending to be a fiance with a childhood friend, Barrett English.

The biggest problem: Emily has had feelings for him forever, and while she needs the money he pays her to play the fake, she must keep her feelings to herself. Until it becomes real, for both of them. Except for Barrett, who, from the first day he held in his arms (at age 8), has loved and looked for Emily, but still wants to keep his tough-as-nails exterior.

One evening everything changes for the pair. Will they ever let go of their hidden feelings for the other? Or will there be a day when it all comes undone, when neither can fake it?

This is the first of a series of stand-alone romances featuring the English brothers. A few nice erotic scenes, but none overly graphic. Quite a few What-the-tuck trends (mostly smirking), and some typos (missing words or words out of place), but a quick, fun romance.

32. Bidding on Brooks by Katy Regnery
A contemporary romance featuring a wealthy sailor (Brooks Winslow) and his platonic friend, a mechanic named Skye Sorenson.

When Brooks' sister Jessica ropes him into a bachelor-type auction for charity, he needs to find a way out. His way out: choose his friend, Skye, into bidding (and winning) on him (and a week's cruise on a sailboat). He thinks of her basically as a grease-stained mechanic/sailing friend, and he knows he doesn't want to get involved with any woman lest he die as his father did.

Things change when Skye is no longer the grease-stained marine mechanic. She has curves; she has smarts, personality, and beauty; she has everything including a boyfriend (that is, until she doesn't). She loves the water and sailing as much as he.

Will he finally recognize the fact that his friend has more to offer than he thought? Will he let go of the thought of his early death and allow himself to love? Will Skye reciprocate his love?

A quick, fun romance with some spicy scenes. Not sure if all the sailing terminology is correct, or even the speed of this boat for this length of travel (sailboats, even racing boats, generally don't cover THAT much territory in that short of time). A few missing or misplaced words, a few what-the-tuck trends (smirk/smirking).

33. Fool Me Once by Fern Michaels
Secrets will out in this novel by Fern Michaels. For Olivia Lowell, it will be finding out that the mother she believed died in childbirth, didn't. For Olivia's dad, Dennis Lowell, it will be explaining why he lied to Olivia all these years. As secrets of the past mount up, it is up to Olivia to deal with them all.

Still, in the process, Olivia will meet the love of her life, Jeff, and she will achieve what her mother wanted for her. She will even save a few dogs, Yorkies, along the way. But will it all come out right in the end? For Olivia? For Dennis? For Jeff? For Cecil? For Gwen and Jill?

This is a tale of redemption, forgiveness, love, AND dogs.
2.5 stars actually, not one of her better novels in my opinion. Way too much doggie cuteness for me. Now, I loved that the cats got a new home with plenty of food and care.

34. Divided in Death by J.D. Robb
The 18th novel in the series finds Eve Dallas and Roarke at odds with each other over her latest case. Because of what she discovers during her murder investigation has Roarke wanting to take matters into his own hands, but the cop in her can't or won't allow it. Still, there is a murderer who must be caught. Will they reconcile and work out their differences? Or will Roarke go rogue?

35. Dangerous by Suzannah Daniels
A YA romance featuring bad boy, Stone, and a good girl, Dara Golding.

Many YA romances have angsty teens and this one was no different. Both Stone and Dara have their issues, which ultimately get in the way of the romance. Many YA romances have spicy, sexual scenes. but this one was rather tame. Some kissing, some holding, but nothing too racy.

For Stone, it is the death of his brother Luke; for Dara, it is her family life (although her grandmother, Granny, was a perfect role model for Dara).

When Dara is hired to work at the Quail Mountain bookstore, she has no idea that Stone also works there. He is attracted to her from the first moment he sets eyes on her, and she discovers he is not so bad himself...okay, he is conceited, a badass, and incredibly handsome. They try to ignore the attraction especially considering there are other people who have feelings for the individuals. (And even that causes issues.)

Still, working together, starts a friendship that runs both hot and cold. Each is tentative about their individual histories, and those secrets may derail the relationship before it can ever get started.
Can there be a happily-ever-after for the pair? Will their individual issues eventually drive them apart?

This is the first in a trilogy (of course, WTT) so while it is complete as is, there are some unresolved issues. Hence, the sequels. Quite a few What-the-tuck trends seen including green-eyed characters, and his chiseled jaw, but few, if any, typos (which is always a good thing).

36. His Christmas Present by Serenity Woods
A Christmas-themed romance novella set in New Zealand and Prague. It features a couple who spend one weekend together and accidentally create a baby except he finds out after he returns to New Zealand. Can he accept the mother and child? Will this romance be a happily ever after for the trio?

37. Vivian's List by Haleigh Lovell
A contemporary romance featuring a woman who breaks up with her abusive boyfriend only to make a bucket list of her sexual wants and finds the man who is willing to help her out. Will they fall in love, too?

38. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
I love Alice in Wonderland, and yes, I can see the influences of Carroll's work on this novel of the man, Richard Mayhew, falling into the dark world of below London Underground and becoming involved with a labyrinthine world of characters who are alternately crazy, decent, evil, and somewhere in between.

Richard finds Lady Door bleeding on the streets of London, and once he tries to help her, his world will never be the same (or sane). Twisted logic and twisted characters. Can he save Door from nefarious men? Will the pair and their growing pack of adventurers find what they seek and solve the riddles of their lives? Will Richard ever return to normalcy (and London as he know it)? And if he does, will it be the way he expected or wants?

39. The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
Well, what to say about this mobius strip* of a story! A story that twists and turns on itself not once, but several times.

Fairy tales, myths, bits and pieces of stories are interwoven throughout. Characters shift and change; the settings shift and change. The stories seem to shift, change, and are a bit convoluted. Various symbols also are important to the story.

Zachary Ezra Rawlins is the main character, but he isn't the only character of import. There's Mirabel, Allegra (also the name of non-sedating antihistamine, but I digress), Dorian, Kat, and more. And cats, lots of cats.

Like her previous novel, The Night Circus, the story is complex, even more complex than its predecessor. Perhaps because of my habit of reading several novels at one time, it was, at times, confusing and easy to lose the threads of the story, but still it was mesmerizing and magical (almost a choose-your-own-adventure story).

A small suggestion is to note the characters as they are introduced to keep them straight.

Quotes of note:
"Be brave. Be bold. Be loud. Never change for anyone but yourself. Any soul worth their star-stuff will take the whole package as is and however it goes. Don't waste your time on anyone who doesn't believe you when you tell them how you are." (page 396)
"As soon as there's an unquestionable truth there's no longer a myth." (page 469) (Having had a college instructor who said, "Myths are always true," this stood out to me.

* Page 410: At one point, the character Katrina Hawkins refers to a Mobius strip in regards to certain charities, but long before that was the way I was thinking about this story.

Commas could have been used more frequently...this reader needed to re-read more than a few sentences to get the gist of what the author meant, I think.

40. In Bed with the Competition by J.K. Coi
A contemporary romance which features two former college friends, Ben and Liz, who have been competing for years. Now, they both have start-up businesses which both could use some investment capital.

They meet again at a conference; both are looking to a particular company and man for possible investing. Which one will get the Diego Vargas to back their company? And will the sparks between them start a fire or will it fizzle out over the competition?

Forced to work together at a seminar, the friendship (and almost lovers) renews. Will Liz take a risk, or will she let her fears rule the day? Will Ben be able to convince Liz to live less fearfully? And who will get the prize?

41. The Nickel Boys by Coalson Whitehead
Ice cream...no thanks

This is a novel about injustice, a novel about mistreatment, and a novel about a reform school and those who tried to survive.

Elwood Curtis was a young black man who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Hitching a ride with a stranger cost him everything. A youth with such potential destroyed by a corrupt system.

Atrocities in the form of beatings, solitary confinement, and more. And he was not the only one. A hidden graveyard filled with the bones of other teens. A sad story even to the point that ice cream becomes evil. The horrors experienced by these teens are still happening, and it is shameful. 4.5 stars (truly a sad story with redemption for at least one character).

42. Dancing Between the Beats by Lynn Nicholas
A novel about ballroom dance as seen through the observations of several main characters. Each has a secret to keep, and when they start to be revealed, will the dance studio,Desert DanceSport, ever be the same? Thanks to the author for including me in the bookcrossing.com book-ring. Very insightful and educational about ballroom dancing and the behind the scene machinations of instructors, owners, and students in the competitive ballroom.

43. Lady Falls by Renee Bernard
This is a historical romance that is a bit different than most romances. There is only a happily ever after for the man, who uses a young orphan as revenge against a friend.

Raven Wells becomes the ward of Lord Geoffrey Trent. He chooses her from the orphanage where she is being punished for being vivacious and impetuous. The woman running the orphanage is glad to be rid of her and could care less what happens to the ten-year-old.

Flash forward eight years later, and Raven is now on the cusp of turning eighteen. She has been pampered and taught all the things that young heiresses know. Further, she has expanded her knowledge base so that she can speak intelligently about subjects that are normally not discussed by well-bred young ladies. And Lord Trent encourages her to enjoy life, to act impetuously, and to except nothing but happiness.

In preparation of Raven's first Season in London, a weeks-long house party is planned by Lord Trent to introduce his enemy, Phillip Warwick, to the lovely and intelligent Raven. With house guests aplenty, Raven is in her element planning surprises for the lords and ladies throughout their stay. From a scavenger hunt to a theatrical event, Raven and their guests enjoy their weeks together. Well, mostly...one particular man abuses his wife and Raven is doing everything to stop it as it reminds her of her time in the orphanage.

Phillip and Raven are drawn together, and they act in haste. They do not follow the normal proprieties and find themselves in love (and lust). Lord Warwick wishes to marry Miss Wells, and Lord Trent is all too agreeable. Gretna Green (the place where all hasty marriages occur in England), here they come! Except the ending is not what is expected.

What happens to Raven? What happens to Warwick? And does Lord Trent get his revenge? This is the first book in a trilogy, and it ends on a cliffhanger.

Loved the character of Raven Wells...she is truly goodhearted and is willing to go to any lengths for those she cares about. So, too, Phillip Warwick...that he is a changed man from the incident that caused the rift between Lord Trent and him. As for Lord Trent, there are mixed feelings. Is he a good guy or is he not? The secondary characters are a mixed lot. Some are decent; some are not, but all add to the story.

Few WTT trends and a few spicy scenes can be found in this one. What next for Raven, Phillip, and Geoffrey?

44. Crush the King by Jennifer Estep
Reluctant Queen Everleigh Saffira Winter Blair of Bellona is in it to win the long game. After all, she is a Bellonan and the queen. With assassins from the various ruling families out to get her since her assumption of the crown (and even before that), she wants to take care of the threats once and for all. But can she forge alliances, deal with her enemies, and come out unscathed?

In the third and final novel of the Crown of Shards epic fantasy finds Evie and her close associates (Sullivan, Paloma, Serilda, Cho, Xenia, and others) preparing for the Regalia games where she intends to settle her differences with the other kingdoms especially the Mortans. Frankly, she is tired of always dodging the assassins' swords, poisons, and magic.

Estep infuses her heroines with humor, pluck, and cleverness, and Evie is no exception. All the lessons she has learned in the past come into play at the Regalia games where Evie is battling for her crown and country. The ending: epic. Read them all.

45. The Waratah Inn by Lilly Mirren
This is a family saga that spans several generations. When three sisters' lose their beloved Nan, each has to come to terms with her death as well as their own lives.

Kate, Reeda, and Bindi had lived with their grandmother and grandfather since their parents died in a car accident years earlier. Now adults, they lead separate lives and rarely see each other.

Kate lives in Brisbane with her fiance Davis; Bindi is a journalist, and Reeda is married to a physician, Duncan. Each is having issues, but time and distance has allowed their relationship to each other founder.

When they inherit the house, the Waratah Inn, they are forced to deal with each other once again. What's more, they must decide together what to do with the house (and the people who are connected to the inn).

While updating the inn (to keep or to sell?), Kate discovers her Nan's journals, which tells of her mysterious life before. Love, loss, intrigue are all a part of what Kate finds as she reads of her grandmother's life before Pop.

What will happen to the inn when it is completed? Will it be sold, or will it become an integral part of the girls' lives? What about what is next for the individual girls and their lives away from the Waratah Inn? What are the secrets Kate discovers in her Nan's words? And not to mention, there is a pesky possum causing havoc...what will happen to it?

46. Seduction Wears Sapphires by Renee Bernard
This is an unconventional historical romance, and yet it is traditional, too. How can that be?

The female protagonist is a young American woman who has been invited to become the chaperone for a man, who has become too scandalous for his grandfather. If Caroline Townsend can play the chaperone throughout the London Season of parties, fetes, and balls, then Ashe will get his inheritance, and she will get money for a college for girls. Caroline is an atypical woman since she is educated, but penniless (living with an aunt who is stingy and mean). That is, if she can keep her growing feelings for him hidden.

Ashe is considered a rogue, a profligate, and since returning for India, he has spent his time gambling and whoring (and generally just acting out causing scandals). Now, his grandfather bets him he can't conduct himself properly for the whole Season, but to insult to injury, he has added Caroline (one of his friends' granddaughter) to act as his ward (but really she is HIS chaperone and must keep him in line--that IS the unconventional twist).

Convincing everyone while staying on the straight and narrow is Ashe's job, but what happens with Caroline's behavior changes him and finds himself falling for his Quaker terrier.

Will Caroline succeed with keeping him out of trouble? Will Ashe stay out of trouble? And will either ever admit to their intimacies being more than lust?

A few typos, a few misused words (mantle for mantel; alter for altar), and of course, some What-the-tuck trends.

47. Husband on Trust by Jacqueline Baird
Trust once destroyed is hard to reclaim. This contemporary romance shows this in spades.

When Lisa and Alex met, it was love/lust at first sight. Or was it?

It was certainly a whirlwind romance followed by a wedding, Now a few weeks later, home from a glorious relaxing and sex-filled honeymoon, what Lisa discovers on a surprise visit to London makes her doubt everything.

Did he marry her for her business? An overheard conversation with her stepbrother makes her wonder, and when an old girlfriend shows up the same evening, well...the betrayal is hard to take. Is Alex just using Lisa? Especially knowing that she loves him, while he claims love isn't real?

Add in distrust caused by dysfunctional family dynamics, and it is hard to see how the pair can reconcile their differences. Is a happily-ever-after possible?

A few WTT trends, and some spicy kissing scenes

48. Beautiful Joe's Paradise by Marshall Saunders
This is the sequel to Beautiful Joe, which was one of my favorite books as a child. I read it multiple times, and the story of Beautiful Joe (so named because his cruel master sliced off his ears and tail, making him look ugly and his new masters wanted him to feel better about himself) never failed to affect me as the story of various animals (and their owners) was told from the perspective of Joe himself.

The sequel is also told in the first person, but not by Joe, but by Sam Emerson, who read Beautiful Joe's story. Sam is distraught, okay, devastated is more modern word for his emotions, about the death of his dog, Rag, at the hands of a neighborhood boy, Hillington.

Sam gets transported by airship to The Island of Brotherly Love where animals of all kinds go when they die. Once there, he and Rag are greeted warmly by all the animals, many of whom Sam has read about in Joe's story. Sam discovers that Joe is President of the animals on the island, and he has adventures with many of the animals, but also learns some invaluable life lessons on how to treat any animal as well as moral lessons for dealing with people, too.

Having not read Beautiful Joe recently (50+ years ago was the last time I read it), my recollections of the pets and characters of the book were sketchy. This was unfortunate because some of the animals appear in the sequel, and it is presumed that all those details are fresh in the reader's mind.

I learned of some new animals previously unknown to me, which had me reaching for the dictionary. Because it was written well over 100 years ago, the language was a bit stilted, but again,
using a dictionary only improves the vocabulary. Overall, glad to have read the book about Joe's and the other pets' eternal lives in a paradise where all animal have learned to get along.

Marshall Saunders was really Margaret Marshall Saunders, but because of the possible prejudice of young male readers, the publisher changed her name to Marshall so that the book would be accepted. Apparently it worked because Beautiful Joe was the first Canadian book to sell a million copies.

49. The Library Book by Susan Orlean
In April 1986, the Central Library of Los Angeles burned, and it was a tragedy. The author wraps the story of the fire around library information that is fascinating. She tells the reader about the fire, teasingly, and about the man who may have started it all.

Orlean discusses the history of the library as well as little known facts about all the things libraries do now. Further she writes with an eye for detail that is not dry. Reading of the losses to the library is juxtaposed against how material was reclaimed. Overall, fascinating.

Didn't quite understand the book titles that prefaced every chapter and kept thinking there would be an explanation other than what this reader surmised.