We made it to Friday y’all. And it is kind of a weird day filled with lots of memories for many of us. Be extra kind and gentle with yourself today. But on to the books. Here is a smattering of books I started and finished recently. I even put them in order of how much I liked them, because why not? You Had me At Hola by Alexis Daria- This book was so good I am not sure I have the words to properly explain it. Beautifully written and engaging from page 1, Daria tells the story of two actors Continue Reading
Review: When No One Is Watching: A Thriller by Alyssa Cole
My love for Alyssa Cole is well established and I truly think she can write anything but this book blew me away! I know people are going to say wow this book is so timely…and yes; it’s so timely - but not because of the massive protests happening this summer, or the micro and macro aggressions that are being filmed and rightly passed around, or the horrors of police brutality, but because racial injustice and inequality has always been timely in America. What made this Continue Reading
Review: Emerald Blaze by Ilona Andrews
Emerald Blaze by Ilona Andrews Hidden Legacy #5 Urban Fantasy Romance August 25, 2020 by Avon ARC Favorite Quote: "How did you even find me?""I will always find you," he said. "I told you, Catalina. I won't abandon you."He said it with complete sincerity, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. He'd come for me. Even if the thing dragged me into the river, he would find it, kill it, and pull me out. If the Abyss took me into the Pit, Alessandro would follow and bring me out. Continue Reading
Review: You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson
This book was seriously exactly what I needed. Reading diversely is important, and reading more than just trauma porn when you read diversely is even more important imo. And this book is exactly that. You Should See Me in a Crown is a YA book with a Black lesbian MC and it’s not traumatic or painful, it’s a typical YA. And truly the book was a joy to read. Liz Lighty is such a relatable character as the girl who doesn’t want to stick out too much – with anxiety when people stare too much at Continue Reading
Kini’ Friday Kisses- Mini Reviews for books by Kathy Douglass, Kate Meader, Kate Stayman-London, and Sarah Hogle
I'm back with some reviews. Reading and writing about books has been really tough lately. I know this slump is temporary but it still kind of sucks. You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle - I recently felt like I needed a comfort read so I picked this up for a re-read. The book held up on a re-read and it will still be one of my favorite books for the years. On a second read it was a lot easier to see how deeply Nicholas felt for Naomi. Grade: AAmazon l Goodreads Single Mom’s Second Continue Reading
Review: You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria
You Had Me at Hola by Alexis DariaContemporary RomanceAugust 4, 2020 by Avon ARC Favorite Quote: 1. Leading Ladies only end up on magazine covers with good reason.2. Leading Ladies are whole and happy on their own.3. Leading Ladies are badass queens making jefa moves.And then there was the fourth mental item she hadn't dared write down: Leading Ladies do not rebound with their new costars. If you are desperately looking for a fun, fresh, romantic time-out from the craziness of 2020, Continue Reading
Mini Review Monday- Mini reviews for books by Kelly Jamieson and Chanel Cleeton
I’ve read a couple of books lately and want to tell you about them. Game Changer by Kelly Jamieson- I had taken a break from hockey romance for a while and have recently started to pick them up again.This is part of a series but I was able to read it as a stand alone. I was drawn to this because it is a jilted bride story. The story opens with Molly walking down the aisle and when it is time to say her vows, she reads texts from her intended to another woman. She flees the ceremony with Continue Reading
Review: Finding Joy by Adriana Herrera
Our friend Melinda @melindaedits, is here with a review for Finding Joy by Adriana Herrera, available now! This book is appropriately titled Finding Joy and the joy veritably leaps off the page at every turn. Desta comes to Ethiopia as an American aid worker, and his family had previously lived there when he was young. His connection to the country, the food, and the culture there was really beautiful to see throughout the book. I felt it at every turn and it was apparent that Hererra had a Continue Reading
Review: Daring and the Duke by Sarah MacLean
Daring and the Duke by Sarah MacLean Bareknuckle Bastards #3 Historical Romance June 30, 2020 by Avon ARC Favorite Quote: High above on the rooftops, watching her warrior. And him, ready to do anything for her favor. I don't know how Sarah MacLean does this, but I feel like every time she releases a new book I suddenly discover a new favorite for my keeper shelf. This series has been magical. Four children born on the same day to different mothers thrust together by an evil man Continue Reading
Guest Review: 40 Love by Olivia Dade
Today we have a guest reviewer- Melinda @melindaedits with a review for 40 Love by Olivia Dade which pubs June 18. Olivia Dade is one of those authors that has slowly become one of my auto-buys because of the way she handles fatness, consent, and so many other topics. She has this way of weaving these issues into the fabric of her books without sacrificing plot, character, or emotion and always gives me incredible pay-off. 40-Love opens with truly one of the best and funniest scenes Continue Reading