True Love Starts With You

My Thoughts

The Belle
I have read and loved every Kristan Higgins book I have read before this and Good Luck With That is no exception. This book as part of the pseudo series that takes place in Cambry-on-Hudson has a different feel from her other romance books. They are definitely more women's fiction that romance, although romance does play a part, they are also much deeper and more emotional in my opinion. And wow, was this particular book emotional and hard to read at times. I know there’s been a lot of criticism of this book and it’s topic, I have to say in my opinion and POV it’s unfounded. But this is my opinion. Not to say it won't be hurtful for some readers but it's also not a story that shouldn't be told.

Mug Life {6}

While I've got my blog motivation going, might as well do an updated yet throwback Mug Life! I took this picture in Seattle and ironically it has all--mostly--of the elements I needed for it so why not! Let's do a travel version of Mug Life, switch it up a bit AND combine it with a review of the book pictured...you can kind of see it...sorry *shrugs*

My Current Read // Not the best picture but what I WAS reading IN BED WITH THE BEAST by Tara Sivec and LOVING IT!! It's the second book in the Naughty Princess Club series. I was so excited for this book because--duh--Beauty and the Beast, pease note my book sleeve. I thought this book was clever and smart and I loved Belle and the 'beast.' I loved that she was shy and unsure of herself and really came into her own. Beast was patient and kind and so thoughtful. I loved the twists and nods to the original fairy tale in the first book and this book also was SO clever in it's delivery. Her bad dates and parallels to the inanimate objects from the story were just too, too good. The friendship between Belle, Cindy, and Ariel was incredible. They are so honest and real yet supportive of each other in the perfect balance. I CANNOT WAIT for Ariel's book because she is so crass and in your face, I cannot wait to see her vulnerable and fall in love *sigh*.

Underneath the Mug // I took this in the moment while at a cafe recommended by Wendy! So it's not a mug per say but I was really enjoying my morning coffee at an adorable cafe in Seattle!

Get Nailed // Essie's Mint Apple Candy was perfect for Spring! I'm not a huge fan of spring colors but I've been definitely vibe'ing with some pastels lately!

Adventures in the Great Wide Somewhere // Travel By Page to the West End

"I wouldn't have to lose my temper if people weren't such morons."
--Lucy Parker, Act Like It

My Thoughts
The Belle
When Hannah started telling me about a book she read on the plane home and how great it was, I was intrigued. Then she mentioned it 1. takes place in London 2. is low on drama and high on hilarity and 3. focuses on people in the West End theater scene, I was sold! And I am so incredibly happy with my decision to impulse buy these books and read them immediately. They were the perfect balm to my soul after leaving the UK (and battling a bout of the stomach flu).

The Castle Always Knows

Genre: Adult Contemporary, Historical Fiction, Gothic Mystery

Publisher: Random House

Pages: 368

Publication Date: April 17th, 2018

Source: ARC provided by publisher

Find on: Goodreads

My Thoughts
If you've been here before or know me you'll know that I love Laura Andersen's alternate history Tudor novels. When I saw that she was writing a Gothic mystery taking place in Ireland I was like, SIGN ME UP! And while it's always exciting to start a new book by one of your favorite authors, it's also a littler nerve-wracking not knowing if you'll enjoy this departure in genre as much as the other. I can safely say I had nothing to worry about.

Rising Above

My Thoughts
The Belle
While I haven't reviewed every Kristan Higgins book I've read, I have a good reason. I binge read her entire backlist of SIXTEEN BOOKS within about 5 weeks...closer to 4 if I'm being honest with an outlier or two as I was waiting to read them because towards the end I needed to cherish them. When I saw her newest book was coming out soon, I requested it and was blessed with it's presence on my doorstep a few weeks later. Spoiler Alert: It did not disappoint.

What a Gal!

"Hey, how about me?"

--Susan Isaacs, Shining Through

Genre: Adult Historical Fiction

Publisher: Harper & Row

Pages: 402

Publication Date: July 1st, 1988

Source: Borrowed from Library

Find on: Goodreads 

My Thoughts

The Belle After reading and loving The Alice Network, there is a 'For Further Reading' section at the end. Of course, I looked up each book and Shining Through stuck out to me immediately. An American Jewish woman in love with her boss in 1940 finds herself traversing through a series of dramatic life events that eventually brings her to 1942 Berlin...as a spy. How does she get there? Well, you'll definitely have to read the book to find out.

Welcome to Gideon's Cove

You might have seen on my Mug Life recently that I fell into a Kristan Higgins rabbit hole and it was everything I didn't know I needed and more. I decided to do a fun and different kind of series review. What I loved about this series--and there was a lot--was that each book felt distinctly different. A lot of times when I read a series in a binge the details become blurry or I confuse the heroines or heroes because they're so similar but this is not the case with Gideon's Cove--or Blue Heron but stay tuned for that. SO. Here's a fun breakdown on which book to start with if you're feeling sassy and don't want to start with the first or if you're just looking for a quick breakdown of what makes each book unique.

A Deal With the Devil

"The devil doesn’t smile...The devil smirks."

--Tiffany Reisz, The Red

Genre: Adult Contemporary Fantasy Erotica

Publisher: 8th Circle Press

Pages: 249

Publication Date: July 11th, 2017

Source: ARC provided by publisher

Find on: Goodreads | Amazon

My Thoughts

The Belle 

When I heard Tiffany Reisz was writing an erotica I immediately added it to my TBR. Her Original Sinners series changed my life in so many ways that I'll be here all day if I had to list them. The Red is an erotic fantasy which is something I had never read before. I don't even know if there are any books in this sub-sub genre (heh, sub, get it?) but I digress. This Erotic Fantasy is about a woman whose art gallery is way in the red...that is named The Red. A man comes to her and offers to save the gallery by paying her in expensive paintings and in return she will give him one night a month with her in the biblical sense. She agrees.

Love Can't Be Quantified

Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake // Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord // Eleven Scandals to Start To Win a Duke's Heart

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 432 // 357 // 367

Source: Bought and Borrowed
Publisher : Avon Books

Goodreads

An Unbreakable {Code} Love

"Any man deserving of your notice will need nothing to impress him but that you should be yourself, 
and any man deserving of your love will see you as you truly are, 
and love you notwithstanding."

--Susanna Kearsley, A Desperate Fortune

Genre: Adult Contemporary and Historical Fiction

Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark

Pages: 528

Publication Date: April 7th, 2015

Source: Borrowed

Previous Books By This Author: 
Find on: Goodreads | Amazon

My Thoughts

The Belle
If you can't tell, I've been binging all of Susanna Kearsley's backlist of books and I thoroughly enjoying it! As with her other books, I fell in love with this one. I've come to expect certain things when I read a Kearsley book and those things were all present in this book.

Just Your Neighborhood Tinderella

"But when no answer comes for the remainder of the night, I change back into my pj's. Switch from coffee to wine. It calms the crazy and lulls me back to sanity. Back to what I know, anyway.
Back to the only things I can count on."

--Ricki Schultz, Mr. Right-Swipe

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Grand Central

Pages: 304

Publication Date: June 6th, 2017

Source: Review copy provided by publisher

Find on: Goodreads | Amazon

My Thoughts

The Belle When I got the email pitching Mr. Right-Swipe I was immediately intrigued. I read the synopsis and I thought to myself, this is a book you have to read. Why? Because as we all know, I have lived the trials of online dating and set-ups and let me tell all you married or longterm relationship people out there, it is ugly. Not just physically but proverbially as well. When the tagline of the description is 'for everyone who's had a bad date' I knew I was hooked.

(Fae) Beauty and the (Red) Beast

"A line constricted around his ankle. He met her gaze for a split second.
'You bitch--'"

--Kresley Cole, Wicked Abyss

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Gallery Books

Pages: 384

Publication Date: April 25th, 2017

Source: Review copy provided by publisher

Find on: Goodreads | Amazon

My Thoughts

The Belle
When Wicked Abyss showed up in my mailbox I was hesitant. I haven't read any of the other books in this series but heard great things about it. It's book 18 so do I have to start at the beginning, that's overwhelming. When the lovely Steph from No BS Book Reviews told me she read it and loved it and I don't need to read the previous books to enjoy it then I basically jumped on it. She was oh so right.

A Marriage of Convenience

"I've been so alone for so long. Surrounded by people, yet essentially on my own, and facing a lifetime along--and I thought I was content with that, 
honestly I was. 
But last night, when people...came forward to support me...I was un, unwommaned by their generosity."

--Anne Gracie, Marry in Haste

Genre: Adult Historical Romance

Publisher: Berkley Books

Pages: 320

Publication Date: May 2nd, 2017

Source: ARC provided by publisher

Find on: Goodreads | Amazon

My Thoughts

The Belle
When I saw Anne Gracie had a new book in a new series I was beyond fangirling. Since getting The Perfect Rake as a Christmas gift and falling in love with it and every book of hers since, there’s been now 9 total, I was SO excited to get this for review! This new series is about marriages of convenience and it did not disappoint.

From The Stars, To The Stars

"He'd been nothing but an angry boy in the shadows for so long...
A boy who'd thrived in the shadows.
Now he had to live in the light.
To live...fiercely.
To fight for every breath."

--Renee Ahdieh

Genre: YA Fantasy

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Pages: 420

Publication Date: April 26th, 2016

Source: Bought

Previous Books in Series: The Wrath and the Dawn
Find on: Goodreads | Amazon

My Thoughts
The Belle

Listen. Y'all know I keep it real here. Today I'm going to be reviewing The Rose and the Dagger but I have almost zero words for a real review so I'm going to tell you the Top Five Reasons You Need to Read The Rose and the Dagger.

The Final Shot

"Was she wrong to want more than that?
To want passion? She wanted someone who stormed the castle, who was so overcome with need that he'd tear down the walls to get to her.
Maybe it was archaic to crave that but she did.
Of course, she also wanted her freedom and independence.
Was that even possible?
To have it all?"

--Elle Kennedy, Midnight Target

Genre: Adult Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Berkley

Pages: 384

Publication Date: April 25th, 2017

Source: ARC provided by publisher

Previous Books in Series: Midnight Rescue & Midnight Alias & Midnight Games & Midnight Pursuits & Midnight Action & Midnight Captive & Midnight Revenge
Find on: Goodreads | Amazon

My Thoughts

The Belle
Le sigh. From the very beginning of this series, I have loved it. The badass female heroines who take no shit and give zero fucks and the men that love them. Midnight Target is the long-awaited final book in the series that brings us Sully and Liam and Cate and Ash, respectively. It makes me so sad to say goodbye to this series and these characters but Midnight Target did not disappoint in the least.

A Family Affair

"Reformed rakes make the best husbands."

--Julia Quinn, The Duke and I

The Bridgerton Series

Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Avon

Source: Bought & Borrowed

Goodreads

After being pushed towards this book by Alexa and then knowing Sarah read and loved it, I knew I had to finally read the infamous Bridgertons...and it was one of those series that I WISH I would have read sooner! The prologue immediately engaged me and endeared me to the hero. Legit, almost had tears...okay maybe the vision was a little blurry. I digress. The Bridgerton family overall steals the show. Eight children ranging from 9 years old to almost 30, this family of siblings and their matriarch are amazing! Funny, honest, loyal, and did I mention funny? I loved them. I knew almost immediately I would be reading this entire series! Daphne is the heroine and fourth oldest, and in order to try and garner some positive attention on the marriage front she makes a deal with Simon to look like they are together. He never wants to get married so he doesn't want to be hassled and showing interest would keep other women off his back. Recipe for love if you ask me, and it is. I loved how they go together. I love that they both let down their guards and were so easy going with one another. I especially love when authors give us books when the couple gets together and then has to work through problems after marriage. Love love love this! If you love witty banter, sibling relations, and a bit of Victorian Gossip Girl, you need to check out this series!

Rating: Backstage Pass

Adventures in the Great Wide Somewhere // From Page to Plane with The Empress of Rome Series

Daughters of Rome // Empress of the Seven Hills // Lady of the Eternal City

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 400 // 486 // 512

Source: Bought
Publisher : Berkley
Previous Book in Series: Mistress of Rome

Goodreads & Amazon

I Heart Drew Evans 4Ever

"Mackenzie raises her hand proudly. 'I have a bagina.
I smirk. 'Yes, you do sweetheart. And someday, it’s gonna help you rule the world.'"

--Emma Chase, Tangled

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Gallery Books

Pages: 232

Publication Date: May 20th, 2013

Source: Gift from my Mom for Christmas :)

Find on: Goodreads | Amazon

My Thoughts

The Belle

After going through a string of DNFs on the romance front, I felt like Rudy Steiner. I needed a win, you guys. Enter Emma Chase and Tangled. I got this book for my birthday and was saving it for a time when I needed a good book, a 100% success of a read. Tangled did not disappoint. Oh. My. Gosh. You guys. It was SO funny. Perfect. The story is told from Drew's POV and it is just too good. He is a guy. He is blunt. He is raunchy. He is unapologetically only after one night stands one to two times a week. He never leads girls on but he always leaves them behind. Until he meets Kate Brooks. The newest associate as the investment banking firm he works at. He has a rule that he never shits where he eats but she is an exception he's willing to make...there's just one problem. She's engaged.

The Notes of Rebellion

"Never allow yourself to believe you should be silent."

--Samantha Shannon, The Song Rising

Genre: Adult Fantasy

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA

Pages: 374

Publication Date: March 7th, 2017

Source: ARC provided by publisher

Previous Books in Series: The Bone Season & The Mime Order 
Find on: Goodreads | Amazon

My Thoughts

The Belle
I am a huge fan of this series and have bene eagerly anticipating the next novel since it's predecessor came out. This book did not disappoint. I'll try and stay vague as it is the third book in the series and if you haven't read this yet--why haven't you read this yet?!--I don't want to spoil anything so I'll do my best.

For Love of Family

"I did it only for him actually"

--Penny Vincenzi, No Angel

Genre: Adult Historical Fiction

Publisher: The Overlook Press

Pages: 626

Publication Date: October 5th, 2004

Source: Gifted by Hannah--thanks, love!

Previous Books in Series: First in trilogy
Find on: Goodreads | Amazon

My Thoughts

The Belle
This sat on my shelf for way too long after being gifted to me by Hannah about 2 years ago. Its a tome. 600+ pages, tiny print, and even knowing this book was right up my alley based on thy synopsis I still dragged my feet on committing to it. I regret this decision.