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
