I'm going to try to complete the Popsugar Reading challenge this year - I've always wanted to participate in one, but it has never been the right time. Since it's only the beginning of February, and I still have most of the year in front of me, I should have plenty of time to read them all.... Read More
Peace Talks by Jim Butcher / the wait is finally over
Oh man, I had to check Goodreads to be sure, but I read book #15 in 2014, that's when it was released, and I've been waiting for a continuation of this series for SIX years!!!! That's insane!! When I opened up Peace Talks, I actually thought I skipped books - I remembered ZERO!!!! But guess what, we are getting book #17 in September, that's next month. :D Two brand-new Jim Butcher novels in one year - that's pretty awesome!!!... Read More
The Five Stages of Falling in Love by Rachel Higginson / a one of a kind love story!
This is a book I've read multiple times already, and will read again in the future. I've fallen in love with the writing, the story, and the characters. From loss to love - it has everything a great love story should have. It's heartbreaking but uplifting too. And it will always be a favorite of mine.... Read More
With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo / A heart-warming and uplifting YA novel that made me HUNGRY
From the very first moment I saw this book I was in love with the cover. It's one of the prettiest YA covers I've seen in a long time. As with Felix Ever After, the cover just jumps off the book. It's eye-catching and it actually delivered. The book was heart-warming and uplifting - exactly how I like them.... Read More
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman / probably one of my most favorite novels
So, let's just be honest here and say it once for all to hear - this book is probably one of my all time favorite books. I'm a BIG fan of grumpy characters, and Ove is the epitome of a grump, with a BIG heart, but still a grump. And it makes me cry every time I read it.... Read More
Favorite Enemies to Lovers Romance Books / A must read romance trope
Everyone has a favorite romance trope, mine are Enemies to Lovers, Forbidden, Sports Romances, and MM. But today I want to talk about ENEMIES TO LOVERS. I love the sexual tension, the attraction but also the animosity that makes it this trope so exciting. ... Read More
Hideaway by Nora Roberts / a family saga set against the gorgeous California Coast
Nora Roberts' annual standalone novels are by far my most favorite of all. Each year, her standalone book is the one I'm looking forward the most, besides her JD Robb novels. And this year, the story was set almost in my backyard so to speak - in the gorgeous Big Sur area, in Northern California. ... Read More
New and Exciting Books – August 2020 / Books you want to keep an eye on!
I always look forward to new releases. Every month I go through the list on Goodreads and check out the books that are coming up next. To see which of the books look promising. And what book I've seen being talked about by other bloggers. It's always exciting to make a list of books for the coming month.... Read More
July Wrap-Up // the month I got a MOVE on….
July was a combination of reading old favorite books, listening to really great audiobooks, and finishing off some ARCs as well. Although I didn't have the luck of reading a 5 star book, there were many wonderful novels that I enjoyed immensely.... Read More
Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano / one of the most unique stories I read this year
Ever since its release, Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano has been all over Bookstagram. And I can see the beauty of it, how well it was written, and the overall brilliance of its composition. BUT I also had the hardest time with this book, and that's mainly because of the topic. ... Read More
The Bright Side of Going Dark by Kelly Harms
The first book I read by Kelly Harms was The Overdue Life of Amy Byler, which I read last year and really enjoyed. The story, writing and voice, was right up my alley. No surprise there that I couldn't wait to read the author's new release. Unfortunately it didn't quite deliver.... Read More
Dear Emmie Blue by Lia Louis / adorably British with a BIG heart
I can't put in words how much I wanted to read this book. First, the cover caught my eye, then the blurb got me intrigued. Ultimately I ended up listening to the audiobook which was beautifully done. I think this book will be one that suits many romance readers, because it certainly delivered by being adorable and highly emotional.... Read More
Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender / absolutely adorable and SO GOOD!!!
I don't even remember anymore how I came across this book. All I know is that is is REALLY GOOD and needs to read by everyone!! Not only would it make a perfect addition to anyone's diverse reading list, or Black author list, it's a book that educates in a rather touching and moving way. ... Read More
Outsider by Linda Castillo / fantastic thriller series set in Amish country
Thanks to Goodreads I know exactly when I read my first Kate Burkholder novel - August 18, 2012. I've been faithfully following the character's journey and this amazing series for 8 years. And it never gets old.... Read More
Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier / thrilling novel with great twists
Last year's Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier blew my mind! I couldn't believe all the twists and turns throughout the novel, and I knew that this author would be going onto my tbr. Now a year later, I'm excited to say that Little Secrets only confirmed the author's amazing skill in penning addictive thrillers.... Read More
Shelter in Place by Nora Roberts / incredibly timely and one of her best
Shelter in Place was so much more than I expected. I must admit I don’t read blurbs for NR books anymore. The author's books are on my auto-buy list and her standalone signature novels are highly anticipated and always, always immediately devoured. Shelter in Place was a touching and emotionally raw story that was as timely as it was chilling. ... Read More
Feels Like Falling by Kristy Woodson Harvey / it has the most wonderful female friendships
I've been reading so many new authors this year, I can't keep up with all of them - lol. But I remember that I came across this book on Bookstagram, when it was trending and all of the reviews were extremely positive. Of course I had to find out myself, and now after finishing this book I can say, the reviews were correct, this book is all about the friendships, and the feel good vibe of a beach read.... Read More
Dear Martin by Nic Stone / short but powerful
I've had this book on my tbr for a long time, I think ever since I read THUG and I heard people mention that Dear Martin was equally good. But as always with these kind of books, I need to be in the right mindset for it.... Read More
After Sundown by Linda Howard, Linda Jones / timely, fascinating, and right up my alley
This book was right up my alley. Even though I’m not a big fan of YA dystopian novels, I really enjoy them when they are adult fiction novels. I’m actually reading or should probably say listening to a dystopian duet by Tosca Lee, The Line Between – and I’m hooked. Either way, let’s get back to After Sundown.... Read More
The Honey-Don’t List by Christina Lauren / the one that didn’t deliver
I love their books, and always drop everything I'm doing to read the latest CLo release, but even with an author couple like them, there are some books that just speak to me more than others. And some just fall short of delivering and reaching their potential.... Read More
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz / deserves all the hype
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz I can’t even tell anymore how long... Read More
Dance Away with Me by Susan Elizabeth Phillips / surprisingly different
I've been a Susan Elizabeth Phillips fan for years now. Before ebooks, and Goodreads, I usually found a new author by going to the library. And then started to binge their entire backlog. That's how I found SEP. Now I must admit I didn't realize that she hadn't written anything in the last four years. Which makes this new release a big day for her and all her fans.... Read More
Classic Historical Romance Novels / all of my favorites in one place
When I started out reading romance novels, I naturally graduated to historical romance. I don't know if it was the covers, that drew me in. But whatever it was, I read historical romances only for many years, and most of the authors I read were old-school authors like Johanna Lindsey, Jude Deveraux, Stephanie Laurens, Judith McNaught, and Kathleen Woodiwiss.... Read More
I Was Told It Would Get Easier by Abbi Waxman / wonderfully entertaining
Last year's The Bookish Life of Nina Hill introduced me to the works of Abbi Waxman, and this year's release confirmed that I really enjoy her writing. It didn't take me long to finish this audiobook, and throughout the entire audiobook I was laughing and chuckling along. Honestly, if a book can make me laugh out loud so much that I'm worried who might see me - it's a winner!!... Read More
Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier / an unputdownable thriller
I loved this audiobook. And I pretty much listened to it non-stop. Wherever I went, I listened to Jar of Hearts. I loved the premise and the superbly plotted story – it kept me wanting to know more. And the urge to know what really happened was ever present.... Read More
Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall / adorably British
Ever since I read For Real Alexis Hall has been an author I was watching out for. His books have always been on my highly anticipated list. Although, I haven't found a book by him that has wowed me the same way For Real did. Boyfriend Material came close, and if you like anything British, with a wonderful romantic MM story, you'll enjoy this one.... Read More
All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M Johnson / relevant and important to be read
Thanks to the last few weeks, I've added many interesting books to my tbr, and this book was one of them. Confession: I didn't know that this book was a memoir until I started listening. And I think it being a memoir makes this book even more of a must read. At the end, when I was done with the audiobook, all I could think was that every teenager should be reading this book, poor and rich. This book needs to be made accessible, for anyone but especially for teenagers who struggle with their sexual identity. ... Read More
Books I want to read before I watch the adaptation
Ever since I came across this saying, I made a real effort to read books first before I watched a movie or a show based on a book. I'm not always successful with reading the books in time. And I'm not very religious about this rule either. I read the book if it sounds like something I might want to read first, but sometimes I just don't feel like it.... Read More
The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman
As soon as I saw the word BOOKISH on the cover I just knew I had to read it. And I’m happy to say, that The Bookish Life of Nina Hill was a sweet novel with enough romantic undertones to satisfy my romantic heart.... Read More
Open Book by Jessica Simpson / candid and genuine
I didn't know what to expect when I picked up Open Book, BUT I love a great celebrity memoir. These kind of books allow me a glimpse behind the curtain so to speak, that otherwise would have been closed. So far I've read Becoming by Michelle Obama, Open by Andre Agassi, Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life by Steve Martin, Born a Crime by Trevor Noah, Life by Keith Richards, and Not My Father's Son by Alan Cumming. All were utterly fascinating. But Open Book was one of the better ones.... Read More
June Wrap-Up / 2020 / a surprisingly good reading month
June was a month where I read more diverse than ever. Added more challenges than ever, and enjoyed some really great books. I honestly was surprised by the number of books I managed to read. But I also DNFed quite a few books, probably the same amount that I ended up reading. In the end the books I ended up reading were really good books.... Read More
What You Wish For by Katherine Center
Katherine Center has become an author I'm looking forward to. Ever since her 2018 release How to Walk Away I've been reading her books as soon as they become available.... Read More
ALL TIME FAVORITE ROMANCE NOVELS TO READ
What's your go-to genre? The books you pick up when you feel down? Books that lift you up, make you happy? For me, romance is the one genre that I always go to when I'm in a book funk. When nothing else sounds interesting, that's when I usually pick up an old favorite and fall in love all over again.... Read More
Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert / sexy, funny, and a hero to fall in love with
This book was a riot at times! I LOVED Dani and Zaf together. I think they are actually in the group of my more favorite couples in contemporary romance, like Josh and Hazel. A couple that can carry a story with attitude, personality, and charisma.... Read More
Mid Year Freak Out Tag 2020
Crazy, but we are already finishing June in only a couple days, and my life has been literally in hiatus since Mach. A quarter of a year - just gone in the blink of an eye.... Read More
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
I'm consciously going to read more diverse books, written by diverse authors. And Long Way Down was one of the books that was recommended to me. Honestly, this should be with THUG mandatory reading for everyone. ... Read More
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer, Annie Barrows – Book & Movie
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society I listened to the audiobook in 2012 and I believe it was... Read More
Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore
I don’t read historical romances as much anymore. But there were years when I read nothing else than this genre. Spunky heroines, banter between hero and heroine, and women not afraid of going head to head with a duke was what made me come back again and again.... Read More
Top 13 Book Club Books for 2020 / books that make a book discussion fun
For me personally, a book club is the epitome of the perfect kind of club. Meeting people that love to read, and chatting books for hours is my kind of heaven. There is really nothing that can compare. :D Of course with so many people deciding on books, there is often the question what kind of books to read next.... Read More
The Switch by Beth O’Leary / my kind of book
I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say that this book was one of my most highly anticipated novels of the 2020. And boy, I'm now even more in love with the author's writing than I was after reading The Flatshare. This was such a heartwarming novel, with so many LOL moments but it was also surprisingly deep and thoughtful at times. Another winner for me!... Read More
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
From the very beginning I was pulled into this story by the narrators, especially by Sean Crisden. His voice and nuances pulled me in immediately. Same with the story. Even though I had a feeling that it all would go to hell eventually, I couldn't stop listening.... Read More
THE SEARCH BY NORA ROBERTS
The Search is still my all-time favorite novel by this author. Actually one of my most favorite romance - period! I read it at least once a year. And if you are a dog lover – this is a BOOK I would recommend you to read!!... Read More
Let’s Talk Indie/Used Bookstores
The Book Blogger Hop was originally created by Jennifer @ Crazy-For-Books in March 2010 and ended on December 31, 2012. With Jennifer’s permission, Billy @ Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer relaunched the hop on February 15, 2013. Each week the hop will start on a Friday and end the following Thursday. There will be a weekly prompt featuring a book related question. The hop’s purpose is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to their own blog.... Read More
Darling Rose Gold by Stephanie Wrobel
Ever since I saw the cover and read the blurb, I knew I wanted to read this book. It didn’t hurt that the novel was all over Instagram, which makes my fingers itch with FOMO – in a good way – lol. But honestly, Munchausen syndrome by proxy is a fascinating topic.... Read More
The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner
I just recently re-read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and just loved the vintage feel of it. When I saw the book The Jane Austen Society popping up on Bookstagram, on blogs, and on my Goodreads account, I became intrigued by it. I wanted to find out what it was about, and not surprisingly it gave me exactly the feel I was hoping for.... Read More
2020 AtoZ READING CHALLENGE
Another challenge - because I don't already have enough book challenges on my plate, but I never did a AtoZ challenge and I must say it's the HARDEST one yet!!!... Read More
You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle
I pushed this one off for a long time, and I don't really know why. But I finally got the audiobook from the library, and thought why not, and I'm glad I at last read it, because it's a very different take on the enemies to lovers trope and I'm a big fan of all things different!!... Read More
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
Ever since I read Wolfsong I was hooked. The author's writing is so different, and his stories can't be put into any box or drawer. They stand for themselves. Now, I haven't read all of his books yet, I have too many other books vying for my attention, but I'm planning on reading more in the future. I'm also stoked that his very first traditionally published book defied all expectations, and delivered a rather unique tale, as unique as the author.... Read More
The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix
The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires was my first book by Grady Hendrix. I saw the cover, read the blurb, and was immediately intrigued. I honestly didn't have any expectations. But in the end it was quite a bit different than expected.... Read More
My 20 Books of Summer ’20 tbr!
I found this challenge via Misty's Book Space, and the creator of this challenge is Cathy from 746 Books thanks to Misty for bringing it to my attention and to Cathy for giving me a 2020 summer challenge. I was hoping Goodreads would do another summer challenge this year, but it doesn't look like it.... Read More
The Summer Deal (Wildstone #5) by Jill Shalvis
Years ago, in 2013/14, I devoured the author's Lucky Harbor series. And although I moved on from reading her books routinely, my tbr is ever growing, I love that she continues to write heartfelt and lighthearted romances that anyone can relate to.... Read More
Autoboyography by Christina Lauren / my very first CLO book
Standing ovation!! Honestly, this book deserves an award for an amazingly crafted plot. Autoboygraphy was my first CLO book and I couldn't have picked a better one. The writing, the story, the characters - they were all so good!! If you are interested in reading more PRIDE books this month/year, this one is a fabulous edition to anyone's tbr.... Read More
Favorite MM Romance Books
It's no secret that I enjoy a great MM romance book now and then. I'm a bit picky when it comes to them, which is nothing new, I'm picky about all the books I read. But I'm always looking for the next BEST thing in the MM romance world, so if you got a recommendation for me, drop me a comment below, I'll check it out ASAP.... Read More
The Bourbon Kings Trilogy by JR Ward
I need to start from the beginning..... JR Ward's Brotherhood series were books I read years ago, but gave up on when I couldn't keep up with the characters anymore. But when I saw that she was coming out with something new, outside of the Brotherhood series, I couldn't resist.... Read More
Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard
Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard Linda Howard, like Nora Roberts or Sandra Brown, is an author I’ve been reading for... Read More
Queen Bee (Lowcountry Tales #12) by Dorothea Benton Frank
Queen Bee was my first book by this author. The story caught me quite by surprise, and I still don't know what to think about it. Although the location, and the small town charm were wonderfully enchanting. And the bees made for an interesting plot line.... Read More
My 2020 Diverse Reading List
I'm making a conscious effort to read more diverse books indefinitely, and decided to chronicle my diverse reading throughout the year. Although I've been reading more diverse books over the last couple years, it's not enough. I read a good amount of books about diverse characters, but not as many books by BIPOC or LGBTQ authors.... Read More
Alpha Night by Nalini Singh
I don't think I'll ever get tired of her books. This series has been part of my reading life for the almost 15years. It's one of the only PNR series I still read, and it's written by an author who knows how to craft a spellbinding story.... Read More
The Hate U Give & On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
I picked up The Hate U Give in October of 2017 and was literally blown away by it. It gave me goosebumps and it was one of the most eye-opening books for someone growing up White, in Europe, and in an area where there were NO black people at all, except for American military. It's frightening to know that people fear for their life, mother's fear for their husbands and sons life every day of the year, only because their skin color isn't white.... Read More
The Golden Hour by Beatriz Williams
This is my first book by Beatriz Wiliams, a historical fiction novel that was set on the beautiful island of the Bahamas, as well as in Germany and England between the first and second WW. But what I loved most about this novel was the connection to the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.... Read More
The Second Home by Christina Clancy / An emotional family drama set in Cape Cod
This was only my third book I won at a Goodreads Giveaway EVER - I don't know in how many years. Winning a book on Goodreads is like winning at lottery it seems - almost impossible, at least for me. Nevertheless I was ecstatic with my win, especially since I heard so many great things about The Second Home by Christina Clancy.... Read More
