I'm not the biggest rom-com reader, but I LOVE to laugh!! Always have! And although I don't actively search for rom-coms to read, when I come across one, I'm not going to say no.... Read More
Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance by Ruth Emmie Lang / magical, whimsical and altogether different
I've seen this book on many tbrs and many times on Goodreads since its publication in 2017, but I never picked it up. I'm glad I finally did. Because Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance is another book that surprised me in a really good way.... Read More
ROMANCE BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS / SUMMER 2020
Although the romance genre is one of my most favorite, I haven't read many romance novels lately that have really stuck with me. But these three really left an impression on me. ... Read More
Blacktop Wasteland by SA Cosby / a compelling and captivating heist novel
I saw this book popping up on Bookstagram, and I just couldn't resist, especially not after I read the plot. The book actually blew my mind. Writing, story and characters. One of the books of 2020 that stand out from the crowd. If you love character driven books, with a good amount of action, this is the book for you!... Read More
FALL BUCKET LIST 2020 / MY VERY FIRST SEASONAL TO-DO LIST
Have you ever made a fall bucket list? This is something I want to do for every season. I check off list of things to do, that go with that particular season. A way to enjoy each season in a way that is meaningful, and maybe even makes me go outside and do more than just around and read.... Read More
In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren / gives the best holiday feels
I've never read a Christmas book in June before, but honestly, I couldn't have picked a better one. In a Holidaze was sweet and comfortable, it gave me all the feels of sitting in front of a fireplace, dressed in my favorite Christmas sweater and cozy socks, with a mug of decadent hot chocolate in my hands. It made me want to own a cabin in the woods, and have family Christmas get-togethers every year. It made me dream of the perfect Christmas!... Read More
Shadows in Death by JD Robb / a favorite series that never gets old
I've been reading this series for fourteen years now, and it never gets old. Although the idea and execution is similar from one book to the next, the stories, and especially the cast always brings their A game. Shadows in Death was especially interesting, because of the focus on Roarke's past.... Read More
Thick as Thieves by Sandra Brown / an atmospheric romantic suspense
Reading Thick as Thieves, I realized how much I always enjoyed romantic suspense. Nowadays I enjoy them even more mixed into all the other genres I read. The combination of mystery and a romance really works for me. It keeps me on my toes but also gives me the romantic element I enjoy so much.... Read More
One to Watch: A Novel by Kate Stayman-London / for fans of The Bachelor/ette
I picked up this book mostly because it was EVERYWHERE, and it got some really great reviews. Maybe I should mention that I've never been a fan of reality shows, or have ever watched a season of The Bachelor or The Bachelorette. But if you LOVE either show you are going to LOVE this book.... Read More
HIGHLY ANTICIPATED FALL 2020 ROMANCE NOVELS
Fall/Autumn is the best time to curl up with a great book. Although I love to read all kinds of genres, romance is still one of my most favorite of all.... Read More
The Simple Wild by KA Tucker / the beginning of my most favorite love story!
So, what can I say, I teared up!! The Simple Wild was my first book by KA Tucker and she already made my cry. My thoughts were all over the place. And I think my hands were actually shaking while writing this review. And now after having read the sequel WILD AT HEART I can say, the WILD DUET is one of my favorites to date.... Read More
What Unbreakable Looks Like by Kate McLaughlin / raw & gritty, one incredible debut novel
This book was one fantastic debut novel. I was hooked from beginning to end. Because of the rawness and grittiness of it all, the story left me heartbroken at times. But I'm also really glad I gave it a go!! Some books are just meant to be read. Even if the topic is a hard one. ... Read More
The Black Kids by Christina Hammonds Reed / another powerful and relevant story
Every time I read a book about such an important topic, I feel inadequate to talk about it. And all I can really say is that this book, as so many others, should be read by young readers and adults.... Read More
A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor by Hank Green / An Unexpectedly Great Sequel
I went into this book with NO expectations at all. I just knew the story about Carl and April wasn't finished and I wanted to find out where the author would take it next. And it ended up being one of the most interesting and surprisingly different sequels of 2020.... Read More
Books I read and loved by BIPOC Authors / 2020
As for many others, this year has been the year I started to really explore books written by BIPOC authors. Ever since June, I try to include more and more books into my monthly tbr that are written by BIPOC authors. And have read some amazing books because of it.... Read More
Heart Bones by Colleen Hoover / A wonderful and emotional YA/NA beach novel
After reading Regretting You last year, and totally and madly falling in love with it, I was wondering it it was a fluke or if I'm turning into a CoHo fan. And it's now official, I'm really loving her latest books.... Read More
Sunday Post #1 / one day at a time
I was looking for something to post on the weekends, and really like the idea of a weekly check in. I’ve seen these Sunday Posts on my reader for many years now, and finally made the jump. If you have read my August Wrap-Up from last week, you know that August has been a rough month for me. But this week has been much better. I feel like as long as I take one day at a time, it's doable.... Read More
Emerald Blaze by Ilona Andrews / this series is only getting better!! BOOK HANGOVER ALERT!!
What can I say, I'll drop everything for a new Ilona Andrews book. And before I jumped into Emerald Blaze I re-read Sapphire Flames, since it's been a year, and that's just too long.... Read More
Gimme Everything You Got by Iva-Marie Palmer / A total surprise in every way!!
2020 has been a great year reading wise. I've added so many new authors to my auto-buy list, and thanks to Gimme Everything You Got by Iva-Marie Palmer, this author is one of them. Loved how different this coming of age felt. It was full of nostalgia, female power and feminism in the 70s, and I adored it!!... Read More
Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center / A touching romance in the unlikeliest places
Ever since reading How To Walk Away I was impressed with Katherine Center's writing. Her story telling is just wonderful, and that can especially be seen in her 2018 novel. Happiness for Beginners is one of her earlier novels, a 2015 release, but is actually connected to her latest novel What You Wish For. Duncan, the brother is finally getting his own story.... Read More
Teardrop Shot by Tijan / an incredibly sports romance that has depth
I wasn’t ready for this book. Honestly, I had no idea what kind of emotional, thoughtful and poignant story was hidden behind this gorgeous cover. For me, as a reader that has been reading Tijan books since 2014, I feel this book was her best yet. It was thought provoking, deeply emotional and incredibly touching.... Read More
This Is My America by Kim Johnson / Another powerful YA novel
The blurb calls This Is My America by Kim Johnson a mix of Just Mercy and Dear Martin and I would agree. Throw in a whodunit mystery and I got myself a winner. The book hit the right note in regards to topic, characters and story.... Read More
A Bookish Wrap-Up / August 2020 / The most nerve-wrecking month of 2020
I'm currently living in Northern California, smack dap in an area that is prone to wildfires. Ironically, wildfire season hasn't even officially started yet, but two weeks ago, a dry T-storm came through and unloaded thousands of lighting strikes in an area that hasn't seen rain since March/April.... Read More
Books I added to my TBR / August 2020 / Books I’m Most Excited About
I love making monthly TBRs, but what I love even more is adding to my always growing regular TBR. Some of these books are 2021 releases, some are part of favorite series, some I've been wanting a long time for, others are new to me authors. Do you have any of these books on your tbr as well?... Read More
Say You’re Sorry by Karen Rose
Say You’re Sorry was my first book by this author, and I can see how she found a way that really worked for her. It was palpable how skilled and seasoned the author is because it’s pretty obvious she knows what she is doing. The suspense, as well as the romance was very well written.... Read More
Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren / Featuring My Favorite CL Heroine
I truly enjoyed this book. I started reading Christina Lauren at the end of 2017, it was Autoboyography, and ever since I've been devouring their books each time they have been released. But I think Hazel will always be my favorite CL heroine, with Love and Other Words being my most favorite CL book.... Read More
Outfox by Sandra Brown / Epic Cat & Mouse Game
I can't remember anymore when I picked up my first Sandra Brown novel, it must have been around the time I found Nora Roberts, but one of the books I remember the most is Slow Heat in Heaven, it was sultry, sexy and blew my mind.... Read More
The Switch by Beth O’Leary + Bonus Material / Charmingly British and a true feel good novel
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
The Extraordinaries by TJ Klune / A Unique YA Superhero Novel
I'm a Marvel girl, but don't often read or watch super hero movies outside of the BIG ones. But then there are books by TJ KLUNE. Books I just can't miss out on. So, of course I had to give this one a go, especially after The House in the Cerulean Sea earlier this year. A new TJ KLUNE book is a must read book, whatever the topic.... Read More
Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton / even more enthralling than the movie
I read this book years ago and pretty much devoured it and afterwards binged all his other novels. But this one has always owned a special spot in my heart. One of the reasons why I had to get myself this special edition from Barnes & Nobles. Now, reading it the second time, it's as fascinating and enthralling as it was the first time around.... Read More
Under Currents by Nora Roberts / heavy beginning but one of my faves
Love Nora Roberts standalone novels, and this one is one of my favorites next to The Search, and Shelter in Place. And this book checked all of my boxes. I read it over three days, and I WISHED I could have curled up on a Saturday and read it all in one piece. This book deserves your uninterrupted attention - that's how good it was.... Read More
Dirty Headlines by L.J. Shen / without a doubt my most favorite LJ SHEN hero
If you know me, you know I love jerks, assholes and guys that say what they mean. I have a weakness for them - calling them my kryptonite would be an understatement. LJ SHEN is the one author that ALWAYS delivers. VICIOUS, BANE and now CÉLIAN are my top contenders. They just have the something extra that is missing from many other heroes out there.... Read More
THE BEST BOOKSTAGRAM QUESTION IDEAS/ GUARANTEED ENGAGEMENT
Some days are harder than others to find a great Bookstagram question. Some days I feel like my brain is mush, and it takes me hours to come up with something interesting to say. But the reason why I take the time to find a great caption is twofold.... Read More
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline / perfect for anyone growing up in the 80s
This is the perfect case of what happens if you give a book, a second and a third chance - you might end up really enjoying it!!! At least that was the case with me and Ready Player One. I picked up the physical book, I tried the audiobook as well, and DNFed them both. It all changed when I watched the movie last December and instantly wanted to go back to the book, because I knew the book would be better.... Read More
Rock Bottom Girl by Lucy Score / one of my all time favorite rom-com novels
I’m not usually into rom-coms but some author’s just work for me – and this author’s humor is right up my alley. Never too over the top, and without her characters being embarrassingly stupid, the humor was always just right, and the entire novel easily checked all my boxes – Rock Bottom Girl was a HIT!!... Read More
Things in Jars by Jess Kidd / original and magical
Ever since reading books like Bone Deep by Bonnie Dee, Menagerie (Menagerie, #1) by Rachel Vincent or The Museum of Extraordinary Things by Alice Hoffman the topic of curiosities and oddities has been fascinating to me. So when I heard about Things in Jars, and after reading the blurb, I knew I wanted to find out more about it.... Read More
Say You Still Love Me by KA Tucker / emotional YA/NA romance
She did it again. HonestlyI didn’t think it would happen again – but I cried. I was sure The Simple Wild was an exception, but I was wrong. I got to the point where I had to stop reading, because I couldn’t see through my tears – lol. Well done!!! ... Read More
The BEST Kindle Unlimited Romance Books
I seem to be always on a budget. Especially on a book buying budget since I can easily get over board with buying books. That's when Kindle Unlimited comes into play.... 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
A Bookish Wrap-Up / July 2020 / 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 bright and dark sides of social media
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
I can't even tell anymore how long this book has been on my tbr. It's quite embarrassing, especially since the book seems to be on every BEST OF list imaginable, everyone has read it except for me, and I was pushing it off for years - don't ask me why. Nevertheless I finally felt like it was the right time to pick it up, and it totally was! I loved it!! And can only recommend to EVERYONE.... 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 / standout novels that are must reads
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
