I still find myself unable to focus on anything overly complex. I'm slowly working my way through The Mirror and the Light but find myself only able to read about ten or so pages at a time. I blame the kids. They're every where. I'm tired of people telling me this is just like summer vacation. It is nothing like summer vacation.

Anyway, this book made for a good filler. Honestly, if I had been looking for anything more complex, I probably would have hated this book. Louise was a little stuck up. She cried all the time. Nothing about her personality made her very likable. Of course it is made very clear to the reader early on that we aren't suppose to be interested in her personality. 

Louise aside, the pacing of the book was off. The author drags us through three years of "will they, won't they" for nearly 300 pages. Then suddenly it's a "As you know Bob" in the last 100 pages to cover 14 years of the reign of Charles II. 

I see the author has two other books covering two of Charles' other mistresses (Barbara Villers and Nell Gwyn. The book about Barbara I'm interested in. The book about Nell Gwyn? Well if she's the same Nell Gwyn we meet in Louise's story, I'm going to pass. 

Dates Read 4/20/2020 - 4/23/2020

Book 29/75

This 18 book collection by some of the most amazing authors was such a treat to read!  I loved the humor, heat, and you betcha - even the hockey that was represented in each story.  I have 2 book reviews that I am sharing from this collection for you below.

A Second Shot by Shannon Stacey:

Heartwarming and truly charming, this short and sweet story has us on our toes as we read about a couple who should be together, but have been apart.  Great read of sexy and fun. 

A Wolfe Brothers Christmas by Jami Davenport:

Little bit of suspense mixed in with a sweet holiday story that brings a lot of sexy charm to the table.  If you loved her men in their previous stories - you are going to be glad you grabbed this little bit of heaven.  I do recommend that you read the Game On In Seattle series first, however, to avoid spoilers.  Believe me this is worth it!  

Each short story included gives a unique and truly hockey flavored look at romance.  What I enjoyed most was that it gave me a chance to relax and enjoy love in my favorite sport.  I give this book a 4/5 Kitty's Paws UP!

***This ARC copy was given in exchange for an honest review only.

With Hamilton: An American Musical taking the US by storm, I knew it wouldn't take long for someone to capitalize on the idea of a novel about Eliza. I also knew I would be first in line to get it. Eliza in the musical is sweet, loyal, devoted and the perfect person to balance the ambitious, fiery Hamilton. I loved the idea of focusing on her point-of-view and learning more about her story beyond Alexander.

Historical facts not treated as spoilers.

I heard the soundtrack of the musical playing in my mind the entire time I was reading this, and was thoroughly disappointed when they ended at the same time. After looking forward to reading about Eliza's life after Hamilton - she outlived him by 50 years - I discovered that this author has decided that only the Alexander years were interesting. In fact, the entire story reads that way. Eliza is almost obsessed with her husband and has no interests or passions of her own besides bearing his children. Some of this is appropriate. Eliza was a woman of her time and was devoted to her husband, but that's why it would have been nice to learn more about her life after his death.

When Alexander meets the Schuyler sisters, it is a bit different than the vision of Angelica, Peggy, & Eliza sneaking into downtown NYC to find an 'urchin who can give you ideals.' In fact, anyone who knows their history primarily from the musical will be disappointed to discover that Angelica did not decide to introduce Alexander to Eliza after her epiphany of 'three fundamental truths.' She was Angelica Church long before she met Hamilton, though she did famously flirt with him and seemingly most men she came into contact with. (This and a few other themes are repeated incessantly. Angelica flirts. Alexander works too hard & is so much smarter than anyone else. Eliza is soooo in love....and always pregnant.)

This novel adheres more strictly to historical truths than the musical, which is probably its greatest strength. Hamilton comes across largely the same. 'I prob’ly shouldn’t brag, but dag, I amaze and astonish. The problem is I got a lot of brains but no polish. I gotta holler just to be heard. With every word, I drop knowledge!' Eliza almost manages to remain a supporting character in her own story. And maybe there's a reason she is not usually brought to the forefront. Her story is bland. Her never-ending pledges of undying love and telling the reader how handsome and brilliant her husband is just doesn't captivate. I found myself waiting for the big moments that I knew were coming so that the novel would get an injection of drama.

Except that didn't happen. When Eliza reads the Reynolds Pamphlet, she takes less time to get over it than it takes Phillipa Soo to sing 'Burn,' and Philip's death did not create anywhere near the emotional impact that I expected. This Eliza can accept anything as long as Alexander still pledges his love to her. 

And then it's over. Of course, I had guessed this based on the remaining pages shrinking to a point that there was no way another 50 years was going to be covered, but I held out irrational hope until the bitter end. More of Eliza's post-Alexander life is revealed in 'Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story.'

Admittedly, I do not typically read romance novels, and this seems to be getting great ratings from readers who look more specifically for this genre. In my opinion, there was a bit too much gloss and not enough emotion to get a reader truly involved. Still, it is a quick read for 400ish pages and has some good historical nuggets included.

I received this book through NetGalley. Opinions are my own.

This is a great box set and fun read.

FLIRTING ON ICE (ATLANTIC CITY HUSTLERS #1)

Flirting on Ice by Veronica Forand and Susan S. Shelley is an incredible start to the Atlantic City Hustlers Series.  Professional hockey player Zac Elliott career is at a high as he is entering a contract negotiation.  The last thing he should do is jeopardize it pursuing a relationship with the team owner's daughter, Heather Ryan.  This 100-page novella is an exciting and fast paced read that I finished in one sitting.

I really enjoyed Flirting on Ice.  I like how the story starts out with the characters bumping into each other outside the work environment.  Both Zac and Heather are likable characters.  They undergo some interesting obstacles in this story.  The plot is very realistic and convincing.  The story had a nice Christmas ending. 

SIMMERING ICE (ATLANTIC CITY HUSTLERS #2)

Hockey player Alec O'Meara has not been interested in dating years after the death of his wife. That is until physical therapist, Annie Davidson, catches his eye.

I like Annie. She is smart and athletic. She is self-sacrificing, living in less than optimal conditions to help out her older landlord. She is a bit insecure, but who isn’t at some point or another. Considering the lack of support she gets from her mother, she turned out to be a wonderful person.  My heart went out to Alec for losing his wife. He is a good guy and leader. He is a likeable character. He has great friends.

I like how his team mates get involved in helping match-make, especially Mikael. I swear they are worse than a bunch of girls.  Simmering Ice is well-written and has a delightful plot. There were some unexpected twists, and the entire book was interesting. I could not put this book down.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.