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 and funny
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 / the perfect book for bookworms
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
A Bookish Wrap-Up / June 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 / joyful, emotional, relevant
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 / And the Books I re-read the Most
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 / powerful and relevant
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 – Loved both book & movie
I listened to the audiobook in 2012 and I believe it was my very first English speaking audiobook ever. It was the beginning of my love for all things audiobooks. Two weeks ago, when I looked through my Popsugar Reading Challenge and saw that the book fits one of its categories, I decided to listen to it again, and afterwards I finally would watch the movie.... Read More
Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore / Not exactly as I expected
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
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones / amazing audio performance
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 / my all time favorite NR book
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
BOOK BLOGGER HOP: 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 / oddly fascinating
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 / just wonderfully atmospheric
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 / enemies to lovers to the extreme
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 / charmingly magical, and truly one of a kind
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 / A very interesting take on a vampire story
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 by Jill Shalvis / A perfect small town summer read
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 / must reads in every sense!
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 / utterly addicting and perfect for fans of soap operas
I'm finally sitting down to write a review for a trilogy that I LOVED!!! If you love soap operas, lots of drama, scandals, skeletons in closets, secret affairs, mistresses and just an entertaining storyline, this book is for you. This trilogy is the perfect mix of soap opera and daytime drama. And utterly addicting.... Read More
Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard / My most favorite romantic suspense – SO GOOD!!!
Linda Howard, like Nora Roberts or Sandra Brown, is an author I've been reading for more than 15 years. Her books make me laugh and give me an old school romantic suspense feel. I have THREE favorite books by her, Mr. Perfect, Open Season and After the Night. That means I have read each of these three books multiple times, and they never get old. On the other hand, it becomes more obvious with each reread, that times are changing. And what was the norm in 2000, 2001 and 1995, might not be trendy today.... Read More
Queen Bee 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 / Female alpha heroine
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 / Powerful and a must read!!
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 / 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
Books to read during PRIDE month
I want to read more PRIDE books, it's a goal of mine, and each year I'm adding more to my tbr. Which consequently leads me to finding new favorite books and authors. It's slow going but my goal is quality over quantity. I want to read books that stay with me for a long time.... Read More
A Bookish Wrap-Up /May 2020
Strictly speaking May was a month like any other (I'm talking about my personal life, not what's going on in the world and the US) - since the pandemic started. One day feels like the other, although we are finally getting closer to opening up California again. That also means my beloved libraries will open again - at least I hope they will. And honestly, all I really need is curbside pick-up - lol.... Read More
Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner / Surprising turn of events
This novel was my first book by Jennifer Weiner, that means I can't really compare it to any of her other books. All I can say is that when I opened the book I had no idea what to expect, but overall I was positively surprised by it all. I feel Big Summer was a great summer read and would recommend it to anyone who is looking to add more books to their summer tbr.... Read More
If We Were Us by K L Walther / Adorable LGBTQ young adult novel
Oh wow!!! I actually said that when I was done with this book. If We Were Us by KL Walther took me by surprise. From the very beginning I noticed the writing. And soon after the feelings took over - and that was that.... Read More
Time of Our Lives by Emily Wibberley, Austin Siegemund-Broka / coming of age novel
I enjoy YA contemporary romances, and I really love the covers of this author duo's novels. I felt the same when I picked up If I'm Being Honest last year. The covers look cute, contemporary, and promise a light-hearted story. Now we just have to wait and see if the story delivers too.... Read More
Happy & You Know It by Laura Hankin / Entertaining and of drama
Doesn't the cover make you look twice? At least it did for me. The cover caught my eyes, and the blurb sealed the deal. There is just something about wealthy mothers and their secrets. And the drama was right up my alley.... Read More
Late to the Party by Kelly Quindlen / young adult LGBTQ novel
I think Late to the Party was definitely a #thecovermademepickitup, but then the blurb got me hooked. It's only my second sapphic novel so far, but both times the author did a marvelous job. ... Read More
BOOK HAUL / May 2020
Thanks to the generosity from publishers and book tours I received some fantastic book mail this month. I'm excited to read them all. And I love that it's a wonderful mix of different genres. Have you read any of these yet? What was the last book mail you received?... Read More
The Blacksmith Queen by GA Aiken / A fabulously rambunctious fantasy novel
The Blacksmith Queen is the FIRST book in a brand new series. And I was elated when I realized that EVERYTHING I loved about the Dragon Kin series was incorporated into this new series. Besides a new beginning, the book had everything that makes a GA AIKEN book fun and entertaining.... Read More
Catch and Kill by Ronan Farrow / A must read for anyone
I feel that books like Catch and Kill and She Said are MUST READ for all of us. They are a reminder that certain practices and folks, that think money can buy you anything and help you get away with anything, are still to this day the norm in many industries. It shouldn't. But it is.... Read More
Beach Read by Emily Henry / the one that disappointed
This book is a case of it not being the right book for me. Maybe I expected something different, who knows. But one thing is for sure, I don't feel the same way about this book as everyone else.... Read More
Best Audiobook Experiences
Best Audiobook Experiences As I already mentioned in the Beginner’s Guide to Audiobooks, I’m a HUGE audiobook fan and have... Read More
Beginner’s Guide to Audiobooks
Beginner’s Guide to Audiobooks Hello, have you ever listened to an audiobook? I grew up in Europe, and my siblings... Read More
The Whisper man by Alex North / great thriller with epic ending
This book has been a highly popular book on Instagram, it was everywhere, and EVERYONE loved it. I was lucky enough to receive the audiobook from the publisher, instead of having to wait half a year for my library hold to go through. Popular books are highly asked after at the library, and the wait can be multiple months. I’m always shocked when I see I’m #76 on a waiting list for one out of three copies. Patience is not my strongest suit. Oh well….... Read More
Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center / Incredibly authentic and relatable
My first book by the author was How To Walk Away and it blew my mind. The writing was beautiful, enthralling and unputdownable. Shortly after I finished the book, I knew I would be keeping an eye out for this author. Ever since, her books have been highly anticipated, and wonderful escapes into stories that are beautifully written.... Read More
Valentine by Elizabeth Wetmore / Historical fiction with depth
Valentine was my LAST BOTM book EVER!!! Since I'm moving to Europe soon, I had to cancel my BOTM subscription and I'm so SAD about it!! I love the service, and IG has such a big BOTM community that whenever we picked new books for the month, it felt like a group event. I'm super crushed about it! But I'll keep my eyes on future BOTM books, so I at least be reading the same books like everyone else.... Read More
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid / One of the BEST books of the year
I’m just coming out and say it here and now – this book deserves ALL the stars. Not only because of Evelyn Hugo herself, but also because of the story, the plotting, and all the emotions it evoked in me. It’s with one word a MASTERPIECE!!!... Read More
Books & More – May 2020 edition
I don't know how everyone is doing but my life can't get much more boring as it is at this moment, honestly! And I actually like it this way - BUT it doesn't make for an interesting check-in.... Read More
Meet Cute by Helena Hunting / Surprisingly different
First I need to mention that this book did not feel like a typical rom-com. And I think if that’s what you are expecting, you will be disappointed. Instead it’s a touching and heartfelt love-story with some LOL moments, but it’s NOT what I would think of as a typical rom-com. The cover is a bit misleading too. Nevertheless this book was a wonderful surprise – and should be read by anyone who loves something a bit more emotional and heartwarming.... Read More
Something to Talk About by Meryl Wilsner / Slow burn FF romance
Something to Talk About was my first queer FF romance, and thanks to the author I couldn't have picked a better one to start with. From the writing to the characters, this novel completely surprised me with how much I loved it.... Read More
MUST READ KINDLE UNLIMITED ROMANCE AUTHORS / FOR ROMANCE READERS ON A BUDGET
I have been a Kindle Unlimited fan and user for many years. As with every subscription I sometimes take a break. Amazon makes that fairly easy to do - which I appreciate. But I always come back and rejoin, because there is just something alluring about the idea that I can read as many KU titles as I can squeeze in for just $9.99 a month.... Read More
Carry On by Rainbow Rowell / Wonderful fantasy series with adorable couple
I’m finally sitting down to write my review for Carry On. This review will be a mix of regular review and audiobook review, since I listened and read it, and both experiences were different from each other.... Read More
The Rosie Result by Graeme Simsion / Hilarious and thoughtful
I absolutely adored The Rosie Project when I listened to it in 2015. It was an audiobook recommendation from a friend and I loved it. A romance novel, written by a male author, featuring a scientist with Aspergers – “oddly charming and socially challenged genetics professor on an unusual quest: to find out if he is capable of true love”(Goodreads). It had everything I love about a romance novel and everything I needed for a novel to stand out, to be different, unique. A story written outside the box. Book 2 The Rosie Effect was just ok. But OMG The Rosie Result brought it all home. What a fantastic conclusion.... Read More
Forbidden Romance Books that are must read novels!
I've been an avid romance reader for many years now. And one trope out of all, makes me stop and pick up a book faster than any other and that's the FORBIDDEN ROMANCE. Sometimes it's not even that FORBIDDEN or taboo, but even a little vibe makes for some awesome reading.... Read More
