Not Guilty of Books

  THE GEOGRAPHY OF HAPPINESS Mackenzie County - Book Four by Jay Hogan Release Date: November 21, 2024 Review Another absolutely stunning story from Jay and Mackenzie County. I’m completely enthralled by this series, its setting, of course, its people. When it finally clicked that this was Terry from Painted Bay I squealed a bit. I’ve been wanting his story for ages. I love him and the complete disaster that he is contemplating sending his daughter to boarding school. Personally, disability or not boarding school at 14 seems too young. But I can tell you, he absolutely needs Spencer in his life. And in truth, Spencer needs him.  It’s time for both these men to find something for themselves. Gah, I adored everything about this, including a few tears that I shed.   Add to your TBR List GOODREADS LINK Synopsis One thing I know about Terry O’Connor—the man has complicated relationship written all over him, something I’ve avoided for pretty much forever. One thing I know ...

  THE SCIENCE OF ATTRACTION Mackenzie County - Book Three by Jay Hogan Release Date: February 22, 2024 Review I'm so entranced by New Zealand’s sheep station county. A foreign world, with terms I don't fully understand, and yet it all feels so familiar by book 3. It's warm and comfortable, with so many familiar faces. But still provides so many exciting revelations. Really, it just gets better and better the longer we visit there. There’s an underlying arc to these stories around the inhabitants of the Lane and Miller Stations. Especially regarding the father, Paddy, of Zach (Book 2) and Jules which helps draw the reader into the lives touched in this series and also allows us to see them all grow. I’ve been anticipating this book because Jules always seemed like such a steady and warm guy.  Angry at his father for his treatment of his brother, but committed to Lane Station. He’s only ever dreamed of taking it over one day. That comes sooner than planned when Paddy suffers ...

  PINOT & PINEAPPLE LUMPS Southern Lights - Book Four by Jay Hogan Release Date: March 18, 2021 Audio Release Date: December 14, 2023 Review Narrator Gary Furlong is such a great partner in bringing Jay’s book to life. They are a wonderful pairing, and it’s always a treat to listen to him. Pinot & Pineapple Lumps was an anticipated book for those who have read the previous stories.  We’ve been invested in Kurt finding his happiness and someone to love him. He’s been forced to find wisdom only someone who has seen some sh** can. He’s had to find a way to fight for happiness, and finding the older Penn who understands some of what he’s been through is the perfect fit. Theirs is a beautiful relationship that grew through compassion and patience.  Jay has handled the topics of mental illness and complicated familial relationships with great compassion and care. It all made for a touching story. Add to your TBR List GOODREADS LINK Synopsis Penn from Adelaide. That’s al...

  THE MECHANICS OF LUST Mackenzie County - Book Two by Jay Hogan Release Date: October 19, 2023 Review This is turning out to be an absolutely stunning series. Set in southern New Zealand on Sheep Station (and surrounding area), the description of the area and the workings of a sheep station are enough to keep me coming back again and again. Not to mention the people that make up this group of friends and small town. The Mechanics of Lust, like the first book (and many of Jay’s books), is an emotional one. If you don’t shed some tears you haven’t really read it. It’s also beautiful, and forgiving, and ultimately optimistic. Luke and Zach are both reeling from their own hurts and life hurdles. Pain thankfully many of us won’t ever experience.  To say they are going through some things is an understatement.  Zach does not like the sexy Luke. And boy do I love it when a character fights his attraction. Then watching them slowly lose the battle.  They are fascinating to ...