A Bookish Escape

Book Review: Dating Makes Perfect by Pintip Dunn

2020-08-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

Dating Makes Perfect
By: Pintip Dunn
Published: August 18, 2020
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Add to Goodreads
Source: eARC from the publisher in exchange for a honest review

Book Summary:

The Tech sisters don’t date in high school. Not because they’re not asked. Not because they’re not interested. Not even because no one can pronounce their long, Thai last name—hence the shortened, awkward moniker. But simply because they’re not allowed.

Until now.

In a move that other Asian American girls know all too well, six months after the older Tech twins got to college, their parents asked, “Why aren’t you engaged yet?” The sisters retaliated by vowing that they won’t marry for ten (maybe even twenty!) years, not until they’ve had lots of the dating practice that they didn’t get in high school.

In a shocking war on the status quo, her parents now insist that their youngest daughter, Orrawin (aka “Winnie”), must practice fake dating in high school. Under their watchful eyes, of course—and organized based on their favorite rom-coms. ’Cause that won’t end in disaster.

The first candidate? The son of their longtime friends, Mat Songsomboon—arrogant, infuriating, and way too good-looking. Winnie’s known him since they were toddlers throwing sticky rice balls at each other. And her parents love him.

If only he weren’t her sworn enemy.

My Thoughts:

Dating Makes Perfect was the first book I've read by Pintip Dunn, but it won't be my last! This story was a colorful, fun, feel-good #OwnVoices romance, that delighted me from beginning to end.

There were so many things I loved about this story! The descriptions of Taiwanese culture, as well as the customs, traditions, and cuisine were exquisite! I loved reading about the various Thai dishes, and could see how food was such an integral aspect of the culture. The cuisine sounded so delicious that I could picture everything, and wished I could hop through the pages and try the various foods.

The Tech sisters had an unnbreakable bond. I loved the twins Ari and Bunny, and of course Winnie was absolutely wonderful. These girls shared everything with each other, and always supported one another. They were more than sisters; they were best friends. Anyone who reads this story will love this trio. I enjoyed time spent with Winnie's parents as well. They brought a lot of levity and humor to the story.

The romance between Matt and Winnie was a blast! These two had so much fiery chemistry! I loved their interactions and fake dates. I was rooting for them from the start, and wanted to know what could have broken up such a strong friendship. Their journey from enemies to friends/crushes was a fun one filled with the passion and excitement of first love, humor, heartbreak, life lessons, and an abundance of feels!

In case you can't tell, I loved Dating Makes Perfect, and highly recommend it!

Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | Google

About the Author:

Pintip Dunn is a New York Times bestselling author of young adult fiction. She graduated from Harvard University, magna cum laude, with an A.B., and received her J.D. at Yale Law School.

Her novel FORGET TOMORROW won the 2016 RWA RITA® for Best First Book, and SEIZE TODAY won the 2018 RITA for Best Young Adult Romance. Her books have been translated into four languages, and they have been nominated for the following awards: the Grand Prix del'Imaginaire; the Japanese Sakura Medal; the MASL Truman Award; the TomeSociety It list; and the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award.

Her other titles include REMEMBER YESTERDAY, THE DARKEST LIE, GIRL ON THE VERGE, STAR-CROSSED, and MALICE.

She lives with her husband and children in Maryland.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook

Twitter | Instagram

Blog Tour: Wicked Princess (Royal Hearts Academy #3) by A. Jade

2020-08-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

Wicked Princess
Royal Hearts Academy #3

By:
Ashley Jade

Release Date:
August 18, 2020

Add to:
Goodreads
Source:
eARC from Candi Kane PR in exchange for a honest review

Book Summary:

Welcome to their kingdom.

They call me a heartless b*tch.
An evil manipulator.
A wicked princess who enjoys hurting people.

They tell me terrible things happened.
Things that changed my life forever.

Only problem is...

I can't remember any of it.

This is book 3 in the Royal Hearts Academy series. Please note: Although this is Bianca's book, Cruel Prince (Jace and Dylan’s book) and Ruthless Knight (Cole and Sawyer's book) should be read first for a better understanding of the family dynamic.

WARNING:

Royal Hearts Academy is a New Adult/High School series of standalones filled with drama, a touch of angst, and boys who are bad to the bone. The characters are flawed. If you're looking for a safe, sweet romance with nice heroes and heroines who are perfect all the time, this series is NOT for you.

Royal Hearts Academy Series:

My Review

My Thoughts:

I've been struggling with reading lately. With health issues, a jam packed schedule from my daughter's virtual schooling, I haven't been able to read as much as I usually do. I've attempted a few books, and haven't been able to stick with any of them.

Imagine my excitement when Wicked Princess landed on my kindle. I love this series, and hoped that this would be the book to pull me out of my reading slump. The moment I began reading, I was completely engrossed, and could not stop reading. I finished Wicked Princess in one sitting, and it blew me away. There were lots of tears, surprises, excitement, and a rollercoaster of emotions as I consumed Bianca's story.

I loved getting reunited with Jace, Dylan, Cole and Sawyer, as well as getting to know Bianca on a deeper level. The ending made my heart leap right out of my chest! I hope Ms. Jade writes book four at lightening speed, as Bianca's story is a to be continued, and I need all of the answers now!!!

I went from a book slump to a book hangover, and boy did I miss the feeling of being completely immersed in a story, and rapidly turning pages, because I wanted to both finish and never finish the story.

The Royal Hearts Academy is one of my favorite New Adult Series, and I highly recommend it! It is addictive, passionate, exciting, and packed full of feels! I love the deep connection that the siblings share, as well as the alluring romances in each segment. If you've enjoyed the Fall Away Series by Penelope Douglas, you should check out this series!

Book Teaser:

Purchase At:

Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

About the Author:

Ashley Jade loves to tackle different genres and tropes within romance. Her first loves are New Adult Romance and Romantic Suspense, but she also writes everything in between including: contemporary romance, erotica, and dark romance.

Her characters are flawed and complex, and chances are you will hate them before you fall head over heels in love with them.

She’s a die-hard lover of oxford commas, em dashes, music, coffee, and anything thought provoking…except for math.

Books make her heart beat faster and writing makes her soul come alive. She’s always read books growing up and scribbled stories in her journal, and after having a strange dream one night; she decided to just go for it and publish her first series.

It was the best decision she ever made.

If she’s not paying off student loan debt, working, or writing a novel—you can usually find her listening to music, hanging out with her readers online, and pondering the meaning of life.
Check out her amazon page and Facebook page for future novels. She recently became hip and joined Twitter, so you can find her there, too. She loves connecting with her readers—they make her world go round’.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

Instagram | Amazon Author Page | Bookbub

Blog Tour Hosted By:

https://candikanepr.net/

Stacking the Shelves &. Sunday Post (70)

2020-08-01T10:58:00.002-07:00

Hosted by: Tynga's Reviews

Hosted by: Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer

This month has been a very difficult one for me. I've been having a lot of health challenges. I can't hold down most of my food, have been having horrible acid reflux, heartburn, and GI problems. I've also been having really bad pain running throughout my whole body. My doctor ordered a ton of tests, because he is concerned. He is checking me for a compression of the spine, as well as having me to a endoscopy, and sending me to G.I, My blood pressure has been significantly up, and I've been struggling. I decided to start juicing again, so I'm taking vitamins, and just eating raw fruits, vegetables, salads, and smoothies right now hoping to improve my health.

As far as reading this month, I attempted three books, and struggled with all three of them. I DNF'd The Chosen Ones by Veronica Roth, and am going to give the other two a little more time, but might end up DNFing those as well. I began Nightfall by Penelope Douglas, and am hoping it will be the book I need to pull me out of my book slump. I didn't blog this month, but hope to get back in to the swing of things.

My daughter starts school on Wednesday, and we will be doing distant learning. I'm waiting for her new teacher to contact me to see how it will work, but the paperwork said 8-2 instruction via Zoom. I'm hoping that I will be able to do independent study, because there is no way my daughter can sit in front of a computer for six hours a day.

I got some really exciting ARC's this month and can't wait to read them. Sadly, I was turned down for Emerald Blaze by Ilona Andrews, one of my most anticipated reads of the year.

Life feels like "Groundhog Day," with the monotony of the same thing happening day after day. I find myself losing track of what day of the week it is. Being high risk, we are staying inside for the most part, and when we go out it's just for a drive, walking while socially distancing, or picking up food through the drive-thru. I live in Southern California, and we are one of the hardest hit states right now.

On my mother's side, my cousin and his family caught COVID, and his wife was in her last month of pregnancy. My cousin's wife couldn't breathe, was on oxygen, and they had to give her a c-section. The hospital kept the baby in an incubator to keep him safe. My cousin also went to the hospital for not being able to breath and they sent him home, because there wasn't enough room in the hospital. His mother-in-law is now on a ventilator, and his father-in-law, two sisters-in-law, 8 year old stepson, and grandfather-in-law all have COVID. We lost my 48 year old cousin on my dad's side to an unexpected stroke, and I wonder if it was due to COVID as well. His wife and son got it. The wife had mild symptoms, but his son had double pneumonia, lost a lot of weight, and was very sick. My brother-in-law also lost his uncle.

This thing is more of a reality to me now, and most definitely here. Another cousin has had repeated exposures because she works in a bank, and they keep having to shut down the bank to clean everything, and get employees tested. Thankfully, she's been lucky so far. My sister and brother-in-law, had an exposure, but were lucky thankfully. I'm hoping we can stay healthy, but at this point I'm wondering if it's not a matter of if we'll get this virus, but when. How are you all holding up? I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy.

Purchased:

Add to Goodreads

For Review:

Add to Goodreads

Thanks to Berkley Romance, St. Martin's Press, and Entangled Teen

Book Spotlight: Sucker Punch by Laurell K. Hamilton

2020-07-29T21:03:00.000-07:00

Sucker Punch
Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter #27
By: Laurell K. Hamilton
Release Date: August 4, 2020
Publisher: Berkley

For over 25 years, Hamilton has treated readers to her signature blend of chilling mystery, pulse-pounding action and sizzling sensuality. With more than 20 million books sold, Hamilton is a true literary powerhouse.

Over the years the tough-as-nails heroine, Anita, known to vampires as “The Executioner” has evolved from a legal vampire executioner to a badge-carrying U.S. Marshal, necromancer and a metaphysical power far greater—and far deadlier—than many of the supernatural beings she’s battled.

In SUCKER PUNCH, Anita faces her most unusual case as a Marshal: determine if a wereanimal that’s already been caught and arrested for murder, and marked for execution, is actually a killer. When Anita arrives in a small town in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, she knows her investigation won’t be easy. Prejudice against wereanimals runs deep and the local community members are eager to make someone pay.

There is plenty of evidence that young wereleopard Bobby Marchand killed his uncle in gruesome fashion, but something seems off about the murder, so Anita is called in to give her expert opinion. With escalating pressure from the locals and fear in the community growing, Anita races against the clock to find the truth. Do the Marshals have the real killer or are they about to execute and innocent man?

Excerpt from SUCKER PUNCH
by Laurell K. Hamilton:

We drove for a few minutes in companionable silence.
“It’s a dark night up here,” I said.
“The cloud cover is thick tonight, but if it clears off, you’ll see stars here like I’ve never seen outside of the desert or the ocean.”
“It’s not just cloud cover, Newman. Last night was the dark of the moon, and tonight won’t be much brighter. If Bobby Marchand has been a wereleopard—sorry, Ailuranthrope—for this long, he shouldn’t even shift form this far from a full moon.”
“It’s one of the things that bothered me enough to try to delay executing him, and don’t worry. I’m having trouble remembering all the new terms, too. Besides, we know that Bobby Marchand is a leopard, so we don’t have to use the generic terms between us.”
“Great. I appreciate that. I hate the new vocabulary. Do you have the warrant of execution in hand already?”
“Yeah, the judge e‑mailed it to the sheriff’s office and got it signed through DocuSign just hours after the body was discovered.”
“I remember when getting the warrant faxed over was high‑tech,” I said.
“Yeah, it’s all high‑tech most of the time now. Fast and efficient, maybe a little too efficient.”
“How much time is left on the warrant?” I asked.
“About sixty hours out of the original seventy‑two. I should have called you sooner.”
“Should isn’t helpful, Newman. Concentrate on what we can do here and now. Second‑guessing yourself just eats up your energy and time.”
He glanced at me, then back at the road. “Maybe, but they’ve started to get really picky on extending the timeline on a warrant of execution.”
“Yeah, since they stretched the window for a warrant from forty‑ eight to seventy‑two, they don’t like extending the time unless it’s a live hunt where you can’t lay hands on the murderer, and you’ve got this one locked up in jail. There won’t be grounds for more time, and if you don’t pull the trigger in a timely fashion, it will be seen as refusing to perform your duty as a marshal of the preternatural branch, and that will be a career killer.”
“Better my career than an innocent man’s life.”
“You told me you don’t believe he did it, but we didn’t have time for you to tell me all your reasons over the phone.”
“No, I needed you here ASAP so you could help me figure out what’s wrong with this case.”
“I’m surprised that the first police on scene didn’t just kill him on sight. They would have been able to make a good case for it being a clean shoot.”
“If they’d found him covered in blood right beside his uncle’s body, they probably would have, but he was in his bedroom passed out. I’m not sure they’d have even suspected him if he hadn’t had blood all over him.”
“I looked at the crime scene photos you e‑mailed me. First glance, the victim was clawed to pieces. Why wouldn’t the local cops suspect the only wereleopard living in the house with him? I’m not com‑ plaining that they didn’t jump to the conclusion, but it’s simple cop math to think it.”
“Like Jim said, Bobby is a local boy. He’s well‑liked. Doesn’t drink too much, doesn’t do much of anything to excess, and his family is rich enough that he could afford a lot of excess.”
“A lot of shapeshifters are careful about doing anything that will lower their control of their inner beast, like drinking or drugs or even strong emotions,” I said.
Newman nodded. “Which means that Bobby is careful and doesn’t take chances with his beast.”
“He sounds like a model citizen,” I said.

Posted by arrangement with Berkley Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) LLC, A Penguin Random House Company. Copyright © Laurell K. Hamilton, 2020.

Waiting on Wednesday (130)

2020-07-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

https://www.wishfulendings.com/

Dating Makes Perfect

By: Pintip Dunn

Release Date: August 18, 2020

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Add to Goodreads

Book Summary:

The Tech sisters don’t date in high school. Not because they’re not asked. Not because they’re not interested. Not even because no one can pronounce their long, Thai last name—hence the shortened, awkward moniker. But simply because they’re not allowed.

Until now.

In a move that other Asian American girls know all too well, six months after the older Tech twins got to college, their parents asked, “Why aren’t you engaged yet?” The sisters retaliated by vowing that they won’t marry for ten (maybe even twenty!) years, not until they’ve had lots of the dating practice that they didn’t get in high school.

In a shocking war on the status quo, her parents now insist that their youngest daughter, Orrawin (aka “Winnie”), must practice fake dating in high school. Under their watchful eyes, of course—and organized based on their favorite rom-coms. ’Cause that won’t end in disaster.

The first candidate? The son of their longtime friends, Mat Songsomboon—arrogant, infuriating, and way too good-looking. Winnie’s known him since they were toddlers throwing sticky rice balls at each other. And her parents love him.

If only he weren’t her sworn enemy.

Why I'm Eagerly Waiting:

I think this sounds like a fun and humorous enemies to lovers romance that I would enjoy! Plus, I'm a huge fan of reading books that feature different cultures!

What are you waiting on?

Waiting on Wednesday (129)

2020-07-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

https://www.wishfulendings.com/

Engagement and Espionage

Solving for Pie: Cletus and Jenn Mysteries #1

By: Penny Reid

Release Date: July 14, 2020

Add to Goodreads

Book Summary:

Jennifer Sylvester made her deal with the devil . . . and now they’re engaged! But all is not well in Green Valley. A chicken choker is on the loose, 61 dead birds most "fowl" need plucking, and no time remains for Jennifer and her devilish fiancé. Desperate to find a spare moment together, Jenn and Cletus’s attempts to reconnect are thwarted by one seemingly coincidental disaster after another. It’s not long before Cletus and Jenn see a pattern emerge and the truth becomes clear. Sabotage! Will an undercover mission unmask the culprit? Or are these love-birds totally plucked? 'Engagement and Espionage' is the first book in the Solving for Pie: Cletus and Jenn Mysteries series, is a full-length cozy mystery, and is a spin-off of Penny Reid's Winston Brothers series. This novel is best read after 'Beard Science,' Winston Brothers #3.

Why I'm Eagerly Waiting:

Jenn and Cletus were my favorite couple in the Winston Brother Series. They were quirky, fun, and made me laugh so much! There was never a dull moment with these characters, and I was so excited when I heard they were getting their own series!!!

What are you waiting on?

Book Review: You Were There Too by Colleen Oakley

2020-06-29T22:00:00.000-07:00

You Were There Too
By: Colleen Oakley
Published: January 7, 2020
Publisher: Berkley
Source: Audible Purchase

Mia Graydon's life looks picket-fence perfect; she has the house, her loving husband, and dreams of starting a family. But she has other dreams too — unexplained, recurring ones starring the same man. Still, she doesn’t think much of them, until a relocation to small-town Pennsylvania brings her face to face with the stranger she has been dreaming about for years. And this man harbors a jaw-dropping secret of his own—he's been dreaming of her too.

Determined to understand, Mia and this not-so-stranger search for answers. But when diving into their pasts begins to unravel her life in the present, Mia emerges with a single question—what if?

Acclaimed author Colleen Oakley delivers a heart-wrenching and unforgettable love story about a woman who must choose between the man she loves and the man fate has chosen for her in a novel that reminds us that the best life is one led by the heart.

My Thoughts:

Mia and Harrison have a good marriage. They love each other, but like any couple they have their ups and downs. Mia wants a baby more than anything, but has known great pain after suffering two miscarriages. These two move from the big city to a small town where Harrison is a doctor, and Mia is trying be successful with her paintings. Mia has had vivid and reoccurring dreams of a man she doesn't know. Imagine her shock, when she sees this man in real life. His name is Oliver, and fate keeps bringing him into her life. Mia can't believe it when Oliver confesses that he's been dreaming of her too. What could be the reason for their mutual dreaming of one another?

You Were There Too was a novel with a unique and intriguing premise. It started out a little slow, but took off once Oliver entered the picture. I enjoyed the mystery behind the dreams, and trying to guess their purpose. I loved the way the author kept me on my toes, and gave me a thoroughly unpredictable ending. Things did not turn out the way I thought they would. The ending broke my heart and had me in tears, but also offered an open-ended ray of hope. I have never read a story like this, and really enjoy when an author can deliver something that I've never seen done before. I found it refreshing, creative, and original.

This story tugged on my emotions, and was done in an authentic, and very realistic manner. This was my book club's pick for June, and I am so glad that I discovered and read this book through them. If you are fascinated by dreams, and are looking for an original and unique storyline, that is unpredictable, I recommend you check out, You Were There Too; but fair warning, have tissues nearby!

Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Google Play | IndieBound

About the Author:

Colleen Oakley’s novels have been named best books by People Magazine, Us Weekly, Library Journal, and Real Simple, and both were long-listed for the Pat Conroy Southern Book Prize. Formerly the editor-in-chief of Women’s Health & Fitness and senior editor of Marie Claire, her articles and essays have been featured in The New York Times, Ladies’ Home Journal, Women’s Health, Redbook, Parade, Marie Claire and Martha Stewart Weddings. She lives in Atlanta with her husband, four kids and the world's biggest lapdog, Bailey. Her fourth novel THE INVISIBLE HUSBAND OF FRICK ISLAND will be published by Berkley/Penguin in summer 2021.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Book Review: Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert

2020-06-25T21:30:00.000-07:00

Take a Hint, Dani Brown
By: Talia Hibbert
Release Date: June 23, 2020
Publisher: Avon Books
Add to Goodreads
Source: eARC from the publisher in exchange for a honest review

Book Summary:

Talia Hibbert returns with another charming romantic comedy about a young woman who agrees to fake date her friend after a video of him “rescuing” her from their office building goes viral...

Danika Brown knows what she wants: professional success, academic renown, and an occasional roll in the hay to relieve all that career-driven tension. But romance? Been there, done that, burned the T-shirt. Romantic partners, whatever their gender, are a distraction at best and a drain at worst. So Dani asks the universe for the perfect friend-with-benefits—someone who knows the score and knows their way around the bedroom.

When brooding security guard Zafir Ansari rescues Dani from a workplace fire drill gone wrong, it’s an obvious sign: PhD student Dani and ex-rugby player Zaf are destined to sleep together. But before she can explain that fact, a video of the heroic rescue goes viral. Now half the internet is shipping #DrRugbae—and Zaf is begging Dani to play along. Turns out, his sports charity for kids could really use the publicity. Lying to help children? Who on earth would refuse?

Dani’s plan is simple: fake a relationship in public, seduce Zaf behind the scenes. The trouble is, grumpy Zaf’s secretly a hopeless romantic—and he’s determined to corrupt Dani’s stone-cold realism. Before long, he’s tackling her fears into the dirt. But the former sports star has issues of his own, and the walls around his heart are as thick as his... um, thighs.

Suddenly, the easy lay Dani dreamed of is more complex than her thesis. Has her wish backfired? Is her focus being tested? Or is the universe just waiting for her to take a hint?

My Thoughts:

Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert brought old fashioned romance and swooning to a modern day love story. Danika Brown is an independent, intelligent, strong, fierce, scholar and professor. She is an intellectual who thrives on her career, and this is her top priority. Dani doesn't think she is cut out for romance, as it doesn't come natural to her, and her past relationships have ended in disaster. She wishes for a partner where she can have a purely physical relationship without any romantic or emotional entanglements.

Zafir works as a security guard at the same university where Dani teaches. They are friends that bring each other breakfast, have fun exchanging pleasantries, and think highly of one another. Underneath their friendship is a sizzling chemistry that they both have never addressed. When Zafir rescues Dani during a practice fire drill, and carries her out of the building, their image with the romantic and adoring way they are looking at each other, goes viral with the #DrRugbae.

This is when Dani learns that Zafir use to be a professional rugby player, and has started his own sports charity where he teaches rugby as well as positive mental health strategies to adolescents. He asks Dani if she will participate in a fake relationship with him, as the publicity of them going viral has already started helping his charity exponentially. She agrees, because what would be the harm in helping her good friend with a great cause; and she can might be able to convince Zaf to indulge in a fun friends with benefits arrangement while they're at it...

I loved the characters in this story! Dani was unconventional, brilliant, fun, quirky, and endearing. She had challenges with tapping into her emotions, but in no way did this take away from my love of her character. She was kind hearted, and thoughtful. I enjoyed her interactions with her sisters Chloe and Eve, as well as her best friend Sorcha. They were such a tight-knit group, and I felt like they were my friends too. The characters felt real, because they were so wonderfully flawed and human.

Zaf stole my heart! I adored him. He was so sweet, kind, and romantic. The way he treated Dani took my breath away. He was a modern day "prince charming." I was shipping #DrRugbae from the very beginning of this story. It was clear that Dani and Zaf were meant to be, and I enjoyed every moment of their love story!

If you are looking for a story that will entertain, delight, and make you feel like you are falling in love right beside the characters, check out, Take a Hint, Dani Brown!

Purchase At:

Amazon | Audible | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | Google

About the Author:

Talia Hibbert is a USA Today bestselliing author who lives in a bedroom full of books. Supposedly, there is a world beyond that room, but she has yet to drum up enough interest to investigate. She writes sexy, diverse romance because she believes that people of marginalised identities need honest and positive representation. Her interests include beauty, junk food, and unnecessary sarcasm. She also rambles intermittently about the romance genre online. Talia self-publishes via Nixon House and is represented by Courtney Miller-Callihan at Handspun Literary.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Book Review: The Marriage Game by Sara Desai

2020-06-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

The Marriage Game
By: Sara Desai
Release Date: June 9, 2020
Publisher: Berkley
Add to Goodreads
Source: eARC from the publisher in exchange for a honest review

Book Summary:

A high stakes wager pits an aspiring entrepreneur against a ruthless CEO in this sexy romantic comedy.

After her life falls apart, recruitment consultant Layla Patel returns home to her family in San Francisco. But in the eyes of her father, who runs a Michelin starred restaurant, she can do no wrong. He would do anything to see her smile again. With the best intentions in mind, he offers her the office upstairs to start her new business and creates a profile on an online dating site to find her a man. She doesn’t know he’s arranged a series of blind dates until the first one comes knocking on her door…

As CEO of a corporate downsizing company Sam Mehta is more used to conflict than calm. In search of a quiet new office, he finds the perfect space above a cozy Indian restaurant that smells like home. But when communication goes awry, he's forced to share his space with the owner's beautiful yet infuriating daughter Layla, her crazy family, and a parade of hopeful suitors, all of whom threaten to disrupt his carefully ordered life.
As they face off in close quarters, the sarcasm and sparks fly. But when the battle for the office becomes a battle of the heart, Sam and Layla have to decide if this is love or just a game.

My Thoughts:

The Marriage Game was a fun, sexy, and sizzling rom-com! I love venturing in to stories that immerse me in another culture, delectable cuisine, a large close, boisterous, and entertaining family, and of course a romance where the individuals know how to exchange witty, sarcastic, lively, and snarky banter as a form of verbal foreplay!

Layla Patel leaves the big apple, and returns to San Francisco, when things don't work out with her boyfriend and her job. Her father promises her the upstairs office, as she aspires to get her new business up and running. However, before he knew that she was coming home, he had already promised the office to Sam Mehta. Unbeknownst to Layla, her father had set up ten blind dates for his daughter, because he wanted her to be happy. Love hasn't worked out for her thus far, so she doesn't see the harm in arranged meetings.

Now Layla and Sam have struck a deal. Sam will help her vet her dates, and if he can assist her in making a promising match, he can have the office to himself. If he isn't successful in this endeavor, then Layla will get to have the office to herself; and so the Marriage Game begins...

I loved the whole "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," feel when it came to all of Layla's interfering, but well-intentioned "aunties." Layla and Sam were opposites in many ways. Layla was fun, warm, loyal, impulsive, passionate, and liked to fly by the seat of her pants. She had curves, which gave her a more realistic and relatable feel. Sam was quiet, conservative, and a lot more rigid in his behavior and thinking. He was very loyal to his family, especially younger sister, Nisha. He had a lot of guilt for feeling like he had not protected her, and therefore, he kept everyone at arms length, and didn't think he deserved happiness. As much as Layla drove him crazy, as he did her, the attraction these two had for one another, began to grow in to something more!

In The Marriage Game, we got sparks, heat, laughs, and a whole lot of fun, in a story that is sure to entertain!

Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Indiebound | Google

About the Author:

Sara Desai has been a lawyer, radio DJ, marathon runner, historian, bouncer and librarian. She lives on Vancouver Island with her husband, kids and an assortment of forest creatures who think they are pets. Sara writes sexy romantic comedy and contemporary romance with a multicultural twist. When not laughing at her own jokes, Sara can be found eating nachos. Visit Sara at www.saradesai.com

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Waiting on Wednesday (128)

2020-06-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

https://www.wishfulendings.com/

How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories

The Folk of the Air Series

By: Holly Black

Release Date: November 24, 2020

Publisher: Little Brown Books

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Book Synopsis:

An illustrated addition to the New York Times bestselling Folk of Air trilogy, that started with The Cruel Prince, from award-winning author Holly Black.

An irresistible return to the captivating world of Elfhame.

Once upon a time, there was a boy with a wicked tongue.

Before he was a cruel prince or a wicked king, he was a faerie child with a heart of stone . #1 New York Times bestselling author, Holly Black reveals a deeper look into the dramatic life of Elfhame’s enigmatic high king, Cardan. This tale includes delicious details of life before The Cruel Prince, an adventure beyond The Queen of Nothing, and familiar moments from The Folk of the Air trilogy, told wholly from Cardan’s perspective.

This new installment in the Folk of the Air series is a return to the heart-racing romance, danger, humor, and drama that enchanted readers everywhere. Each chapter is paired with lavish and luminous full-color art, making this the perfect collector’s item to be enjoyed by both new audiences and old.

Why I'm Eagerly Waiting:

I love beautiful books, and I can just imagine the beauty and whimsy that will be crafted for this illustrated guide! I have enjoyed this series immensely, and am looking for any excuse to dive right back in to this enchanting, adventurous, and magical world!

What are you waiting on?

Book Review: Rage and Ruin by Jennifer L. Armentrout

2020-06-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

Rage and Ruin
By: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Release Date: June 9, 2020
Publisher: Inkyard Press
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Source: A finished copy from the publisher in exchange for a honest review

Book Summary:

Dangerous secrets and forbidden desires lead to shocking consequences… Don’t miss book two of the fantastical Harbinger trilogy from #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout.

“Jennifer L. Armentrout’s intoxicating new fantasy is her best yet!” —New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter on Storm and Fury

Half-angel Trinity and her bonded gargoyle protector, Zayne, have been working with demons to stop the apocalypse while avoiding falling in love. The Harbinger is coming…but who or what is it? All of humankind may fall if Trinity and Zayne can’t win the race against time as dark forces gather.

As tensions rise, they must stay close together and patrol the DC streets at night, seeking signs of the Harbinger, an entity that is killing Wardens and demons with no seeming rhyme or reason. Forbidden to be with each other, Zayne and Trinity fight their feelings and turn to unusual sources for help—the demon Roth and his cohorts. But as deaths pile up and they uncover a sinister plot involving the local high school and endangering someone dear to Zayne, Trin realizes she is being led…herded…played for some unknown end. As anger builds and feelings spiral out of control, it becomes clear that rage may be the ruin of them all.

My Thoughts:

Rage in Ruin is the sequel to Storm and Fury, the second book in The Harbinger Series; a spinoff of The Dark Elements Trilogy! With every book she writes, Jennifer L. Armentrout cements my love for her storytelling. She has a way of completely pulling a reader in to a story. She evokes so much passion, emotion, excitement, and entertainment with her gift. I always feel like I become a part of her stories, as they completely consume me and take on a life of their own.

Rage and Ruin was phenomenal! Zayne and Trinity are in an interesting predicament. They are forbidden to be with one another. So as they live, train, and hunt for the Harbinger together, they must constantly resist the temptation of their mutual growing attraction and feelings for one another.

I loved getting a different side of Zayne in this book. While I loved him in The Dark Elements Trilogy, I thought he lacked the same palpable passion that Roth had for Layla, which is what made me Team Roth in that series. While Zayne is a nice guy, and a fierce protector, I enjoyed seeing so much more passion and carnality to his character in this book. I loved watching him lose control of himself, as he become more passionate about Trinity! The way she pushed his buttons, and these two played off of one another had me giddy! Zayne was sweet and gently, but also passionate, seductive, and protective. Trinity was so strong, brave, independent, and loyal. She had a never quit attitude, and didn't want to rely on others.

Zayne and Trinity had such a passionate and emotional love story! I cried and felt so many raw emotions when reading this installment. To top it off, I got an exciting plot full of surprises, twists, and action. Add in a cast of magnificent supporting characters, and you have a five star read! Roth and Peanut both kept me entertained, and laughing! Roth's loyalty, and devotion to have his friends back continues to make him a favorite character of mine.

I'd be doing a disservice if I didn't mention the epic ending to this installment. JLA put me through the wringer with non-stop action, crazy surprises and twists, as well as breaking my heart in two, as I cried my eyes out, and then offering more surprises, and a starburst of shock and hope! Now, we know who the Harbinger is, and one thing is for certain, the stakes are higher than ever! I can't wait to see how everything plays out in the final book, and in the meantime, I'm emotionally exhausted, and left reeling from the best kind of book hangover, which is the mark of having read an exceptional story!

Purchase:

Amazon | Audible | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

About the Author:

# 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki. Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math.

Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV. She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

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Book Review: The Summer Deal (Wildstone #5) by Jill Shalvis

2020-06-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

The Summer Deal
Wildstone #5
By: Jill Shalvis
Release Date: June 2, 2020
Publisher: William Morrow
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Source: eARC from the publisher in exchange for a honest review

Book Summary:

From New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis comes a friends-to-frenemies-to-sisters story… And then add in a love story (okay, two love stories). Shake. Stir. Read on a lazy summer day at the beach.

Brynn Turner desperately wishes she had it together, but her personal life is like a ping-pong match that’s left her scared and hurt after so many attempts to get it right. In search of a place to lick her wounds and get a fresh start, she heads back home to Wildstone.

And then there’s Kinsey Davis, who after battling serious health issues her entire twenty-nine years of life, is tired of hoping for . . . well, anything. She's fierce, tough, and pretty much the opposite of Brynn except for one thing: they're half-sisters. Kinsey is keeping this bombshell, and a few others as well. Long time frenemies from summer camp, there’s no way she’s going to tell Brynn they’re related.

But then Brynn runs into Kinsey's lifelong best friend, Eli, renewing a childhood crush. He’s still easy-going and funny and sexy as hell. When he gets her to agree to a summer-time deal to trust him to do right by her, no matter what, she never dreams it’ll result in finding a piece of herself she didn’t even know was missing. She could have a sister, love, and a future―if she can only learn to let go of the past.

As the long days of summer wind down, the three of them must discover if forgiveness is enough to grasp the unconditional love that’s right in front of them.

My Thoughts:

The Summer Deal was such a great read! Jill Shalvis is a master storyteller, and every time I read a story of hers, I'm reminded of why I love her books so much. Her characters are real, relatable, and likable!

We get the stories of Brynn Turner and Kinsey Davis. The story toggles between the past (in diary entries,) and the present, in which we learn these two attended the same summer camp every year, and did not get along.

Brynn leaves Long Beach for Wildstone when things go south with her boyfriend. She needs a new start, and to have the support and love of her nurturing mothers, Olive and Raina. However, she doesn't want to live with them, and prefers to have her own space. Unfortunately, rent in Wildstone is too high for this substitute kindergarten school teacher. So when Eli, (her adolescent crush,) offers her a room for rent at a reasonable price in his home, she accepts. What she doesn't realize is that Eli had a huge crush on her too, and is excited to have her back in Wildstone. Bryn becomes upset when she learns that Kinsey is one of his roommates, and even though she decides she's going to back out of the arrangement, they convince her to stay.

Eli and Kinsey have been best friends since they were young, and bonded over having families that abandoned them. Eli wants to bring Brynn and Kinsey together, because he knows an important secret. So Eli, his fun-loving half-brother Max, Brynn, and Kinsey all end up becoming roommates.

Kinsey is very sick. She has Kidney Disease, and unfortunately transplant rejection has been a problem for her. She has a friends with benefits arrangement with Deck, a single father and nurse at the dialysis center. Kinsey insists on keeping everyone she cares about at arms length, because she has resigned herself to death, and doesn't want to hurt anyone.

The Summer Deal was a fantastic read! I loved getting to know sweet, sensitive, quirky Brynn. Kinsey was a character with many layers, At times she could appear cold, but she had suffered so much since a young age, and we realize she is trying to protect herself, as much as she's trying to protect those around her. Eli and Deck were both wonderful love interests that had me swooning! They were patient, kind, caring, and compassionate. They had their work cut out for them with Brynn, (who had major trust issues,) and Kinsey.

I loved so much about this story! I loved how realistic the main characters were. Jill Shalvis brought them to life, and they felt so real to me, that they could have walked right off of the page. They were flawed, like any person is, but had so many great qualities to them as well. Brynn's mothers and Kindergartner’s charmed me, made me smile, and laugh. My heart broke for the individual hurt and pain they all suffered along their unique journeys. I was rooting the whole way through for Brynn and Kinsey to make peace with one another, and get close. I was holding my breath hoping that Brynn and Kinsey would take a chance on love, and was ecstatic when Ms. Shalvis delivered the perfect ending!

Purchase At:

Amazon | Audible | Barnes and Noble | iBooks

About the Author:

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill’s bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold and visit her website, www.jillshalvis.com, for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.

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Waiting on Wednesday (127)

2020-06-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

https://www.wishfulendings.com/

Nightfall

Devil's Night #4

By: Penelope Douglas

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Book Synopsis:

From New York Times bestselling author, Penelope Douglas comes the thrilling, final installment in the Devil's Night series...

𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐘

They call it Blackchurch. A secluded mansion in a remote, undisclosed location where the wealthy and powerful send their misbehaving sons to cool off away from prying eyes.

Will Grayson has always been an animal, though. Reckless, wild, and someone who was never bound by a single rule other than to do exactly what he wanted. There was no way his grandfather was going to risk him humiliating the family again.

Not that the last time was entirely his fault. He might’ve enjoyed backing me into corners in high school when no one was looking, so they wouldn’t catch on that
Mr. Popular actually wanted a piece of that quiet, little nerd he loved to torture so much, but…

He could also be warm. And fierce in keeping me safe.

The truth is… He has a right to hate me.

It’s all my fault. Everything.

Devil’s Night. The videos. The arrests.

I’m to blame for all of it.

And I regret nothing.

𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋

I never minded being locked up. I learned a long time ago that being treated like an animal gives you permission to act like one. No one has ever looked at me any other way.

Their only mistake is believing anything I do is an accident. I can sit in this house with no Internet, television, liquor, or girls, but I’ll come out of here with something far more frightening to my enemies.

A plan.

And a new pack of wolves.

I just didn’t expect one of my enemies to come to me.

I don’t know who smuggled her in or if they meant to leave her here, but I can smell her hiding in the house. She’s here.

And as the security detail leaves the supplies, the gates close, and the door to my gilded cage opens, giving me free reign of the house and grounds for another unsupervised month, I remember with a smile…

Blackchurch houses five prisoners. I’m only one of her problems.

*Nightfall is a full-length, romantic suspense. It’s necessary to read the prior installments before starting this finale. It is suitable for readers 18+.

Pinterest Story Board---> https://bit.ly/31Pz2AT
Spotify Playlist---> https://spoti.fi/2OPwwoI

Why I'm Eagerly Waiting:

I am a huge fan of Penelope Douglas' books. Her characters are oftentimes complex, and have many layers. The plots are usually original, unexpected, and deliver a few exciting surprises/twists. I have been reading this series since the first book, and am excited to see how it all ends!

What are you waiting on?

Book Review: Kissing Lessons by Sophie Jordan

2020-06-07T18:28:00.000-07:00

Kissing Lessons
By: Sophie Jordan
Release Date: June 2, 2020
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
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Source: eARC from the publisher in exchange for a honest review

Book Summary:

A steamy contemporary YA romance by New York Times best-selling author Sophie Jordan about a girl with a bad reputation giving lessons on how to attract guys for some extra cash—only to fall for her client’s golden-boy brother. For fans of Kami Garcia, Katie McGarry, and Netflix’s Sex Education.

Wild, beautiful, and (as rumor has it) experienced, Hayden Vargas doesn’t have time for love or relationships. She’s learned the hard way that the only person you can count on is yourself, and she’s hell-bent on earning enough money to leave her small, judgy Texas town as fast as possible. So when nerdy Emmaline Martin offers to pay Hayden for lessons in seduction, the money is so easy, there must be a catch. Enter the catch: Emmaline’s older brother, popular, all-around nice guy™ Nolan Martin, who doesn’t want his sister’s reputation tarnished by the school’s resident bad girl.

But Hayden should know that looks can be deceiving. Nolan may seem like a golden boy, but like Hayden, he has a few secrets of his own. And the more he meddles in her lessons with Emmaline, the more these polar opposites clash—and the more sparks fly. Turns out Nolan may have some lessons to teach Hayden, but only if she’s willing to learn.

My Thoughts:

Kissing Lessons was a story that I was really looking forward to reading! I have enjoyed Sophie Jordan's stories in the past, and this one was a pleasure to read. While I expected a light and fun read, this story dealt with some heavier topics.

Hayden Vargas has learned that the only person she can depend on is herself. Her father is a deadbeat, and her mother has an alcohol and drug problem, and goes from guy to guy. She never has food in the house and is always partying. Hayden works full time on top of going to school to pay for her car, food, and all of her essentials. She lives in a run down neighborhood, doesn't feel secure in her own home with her mother's addict boyfriends, and has installed extra locks on her bedroom door to keep herself and her belongings safe. Hayden knows she will never be able to attend college, but is saving up so she can move in to her own place after she graduates from high school.

Nolan Martin is a popular athlete, and lives in a nice home. However, he has a lot on his shoulders, as he takes it upon himself to look after his mother, and two younger sister's; now that his father has passed away. He has been in a long-term serious relationship with head cheerleader, Priscilla. However, he is bored, and feels like he has lost his individuality by being with her.

Emmaline, Nolan's younger sister, hires Hayden to teach her how to be sexy, seductive, and have more "game." She has had feelings for Beau, (a player,) and Nolan's best friend for many years, but is sure he views her as a little sister. Emmaline is a junior in high school, but has never been kissed or had a boyfriend. She feels like her older brother is too controlling and she wants to have a social life.

As Hayden comes into Emmaline and Nolan's life, she is at first met with resistance from Nolan, because she has a sleazy reputation, (which is unjustified.) However, little by little Hayden becomes close friends with Emmaline, and Emmaline's good friends, Sanjana, Lia, and Monica. She begins to realize just how lonely she was, and how good it feels to have people in her corner, who care about and support her. The attraction between Hayden and Nolan is palpable, and even though she has never wanted a relationship, she finds herself falling hard for him. Nolan loves that Hayden challenges him, and makes him question himself.

I loved the that we get two love stories in Kissing Lessons, and was cheering for Hayden and Nolan, as well as Emmaline and Beau to get their happily ever afters! The thread of friendship between the girls was one of my favorite aspects of the story. I wanted Hayden to feel cared for, and she was such a strong and independent character, that was afraid to let herself be vulnerable. Nolan was sweet, caring, and responsible, but he needed to learn that perceptions and assumptions can oftentimes be incorrect.

I found myself entertained as I read this enjoyable story! It was fast-paced, and such a quick and effortless read! I was satisfied with the romance and my much anticipated happily ever afters!

Purchase At:

Amazon | Audible | Barnes and Noble | Google Books

About the Author:

Sophie Jordan grew up in the Texas hill country where she wove fantasies of dragons, warriors, and princesses. A former high school English teacher, she's also the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Avon historical romances. She now lives in Houston with her family. When she's not writing, she spends her time overloading on caffeine (lattes and Diet cherry Coke preferred), talking plotlines with anyone who will listen (including her kids), and cramming her DVR with true-crime and reality-TV shows. Sophie also writes paranormal romances under the name Sharie Kohler.

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Book Review: Breath Like Water by Anna Jarzab

2020-06-03T00:00:00.001-07:00

Breath Like Water
By: Anna Jarzab
Release Date: May 19, 2020
Publisher: Inkyard Press
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Source: eARC from the publisher in exchange for a honest review

Book Summary:

“Expansive, romantic, and powerful.” —Gayle Forman, #1 New York Times bestselling author of If I Stay and I Have Lost My Way

Susannah Ramos has always loved the water. A swimmer whose early talent made her a world champion, Susannah was poised for greatness in a sport that demands so much of its young. But an inexplicable slowdown has put her dream in jeopardy, and Susannah is fighting to keep her career afloat when two important people enter her life: a new coach with a revolutionary training strategy, and a charming fellow swimmer named Harry Matthews.

As Susannah begins her long and painful climb back to the top, her friendship with Harry blossoms into passionate and supportive love. But Harry is facing challenges of his own, and even as their bond draws them closer together, other forces work to tear them apart. As she struggles to balance her needs with those of the people who matter most to her, Susannah will learn the cost—and the beauty—of trying to achieve something extraordinary.

My Thoughts:

Breath Like Water was about Susannah Ramos, an elite swimmer, whom at age fourteen became a world champion. However, once her body changed, and she went from having a slim svelte body, to having hips, height, and boobs, she couldn't figure out how to maneuver herself in the water the same way.

Now at the age of 16, she's trying to climb back to the top, and qualify for the olympics. Susannah isn't improving with her coach; Dave, who yells and puts her down a lot. However, when she starts working with Dave's new assistant, Beth, a coach who has a unique perspective and style of coaching, and Harry, a swimmer on her team; she begins making great strides. Harry likes Susannah, and she likes him, but she is determined to not let anything distract or deter her from her dream...

Breath Like Water was a surprising story. I was expecting a light-hearted, fluffy, and fun story. What I got was an emotional story with serious and relative topics to today. This book had a lot of substance and addressed important subjects, such as the challenges and pressures of being a serious athlete, mental health issues, and sexuality. It was a story I enjoyed, and was engaged in. I loved the time Susannah spent in the water. I could visualize her swimming, and learned a lot along the way. I also loved how supportive and caring her parents, and sister Nina were, and that we got pieces of her Mexican culture throughout the story.

The romance and relationship between Susannah and Harry was complex, realistic, and a bit messy. Susannah was so focused on her dream, that oftentimes Harry took a backseat, and suffered for it. He was a character that had a lot of baggage, and a serious mental health issue that he had to navigate.

I enjoy books with athletes, and seeing all of the trials and tribulations they go through to be at the top of their sport. The ending was realistic, and a bit open-ended, but hinted at Susannah's happily ever after.

Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes and Nob le | iBooks | IndieBound | TBD

About the Author:

Anna Jarzab is the author of All Unquiet Things, The Opposite of Hallelujah, Tandem, Tether, Red Dirt, and Breath Like Water. She lives in New York City and works in children's book publishing. Visit her online at www.annajarzab.com and connect with her on Twitter and Instagram @ajarzab.

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Waiting on Wednesday (126)

2020-06-02T19:44:00.000-07:00

https://www.wishfulendings.com/

Kiss My Cupcake

By: Helena Hunting

Release Date: August 11, 2020

Publisher: Forever Romance

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Book Summary:

As two neighborhood shop owners battle for business, they prove opposites attract in this outrageously funny romantic comedy from the USA Today bestselling author of Meet Cute.

Blaire Calloway has planned every Instagram-worthy moment of her cupcake and cocktails shop launch down to the tiniest detail. What she didn't plan on? Ronan Knight and his old-school sports bar next door opening on the very same day. He may be super swoony, but Blaire hasn't spent years obsessing over buttercream and bourbon to have him ruin her chance at success.

From axe throwing (his place) to frosting contests (hers), Blaire and Ronan are constantly trying to one-up each other in a battle to win new customers. But with every clash, there's also an undeniable chemistry. When an even bigger threat to their business comes to town, they're forced to call a temporary time-out on their own war and work together. And the more time Blaire spends getting to know the real Ronan, the more she wonders if it's possible to have her cupcake and eat it too.

Why I'm Eagerly Waiting:

I'm a fan of the enemies to lovers trope, and this sounds like a cute and fun story. I've enjoyed books by Helena Hunting, and I really like this book cover as well.

What are you waiting on?

Book Review: Say Yes Summer by Lindsey Roth Culli

2020-05-29T00:00:00.001-07:00

Say Yes Summer
By: Lindsey Roth Culli
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Published: May 12, 2020
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Source: eARC from the publisher in exchange for a honest review

Book Summary:

Perfect for fans of Morgan Matson and Netflix/Hallmark Channel rom-coms, this is the story of a girl who decides to give in to the universe and just say yes to everything, bringing her friendship, new experiences, and, if she lets her guard down, true love.

The perfect book to kick off summer! For as long as Rachel Brooks can remember, she's had capital-G Goals: straight As, academic scholarship, college of her dreams. And it's all paid off--after years of following the rules and acing every exam, Rachel is graduating at the top of her class and ready to celebrate by . . . doing absolutely nothing. Because Rachel Brooks has spent most of high school saying no. No to dances, no to parties, and most especially, no to boys.

Now, for the first time in her life, there's nothing stopping Rachel from having a little fun--nothing, that is, except herself. So when she stumbles on a beat up old self-help book--A SEASON OF YES!--a crazy idea pops into her head: What if she just said yes to . . . everything?

And so begins a summer of yes. Yes to new experiences and big mistakes, yes to rekindled friendships and unexpected romances, yes to seeing the world in a whole new way. This book is a fresh and fun take on the coming-of-age novel that explores the quintessential themes of growing up: taking risks, making mistakes, and, of course, love. And who knows? Lindsey Roth Culli's hilarious and heartwarming debut may just inspire your own SAY YES SUMMER.

My Thoughts:

Say Yes Summer was a delightful treat of a story! Rachel Brooks has always been a responsible, dedicated and hardworking student and daughter. As she's delivering her Valedictorian speech, she realizes that she doesn't know her classmates that well, and has missed out on a lot of fun during her high school years.

When at home, she comes across a book that inspires her to say "yes," to every new experience and opportunity that comes her way. What follows is an entertaining, fun, and lighthearted story about growing up, friendship, dating, and coming into your own.

I happily turned the pages on my Kindle, as this story just flew by! It was exciting to see what new adventure would await Rachel as each new day begun. It was a joy to see her grow as a character as she ventured out of her comfort zone, and had new experiences. Best of all was a friendship rekindled, as well as the time Rachel spent with Clayton, her high school crush, and Miles, her co-worker and childhood friend. A word of warning, there is a love triangle is this story as Rachel finds herself growing feelings towards both guys, as she spends time with them.

If you are looking for a light-hearted, fun, and easy going read, check out, Say Yes Summer by Lindsey Roth Culli!

Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound | Google

About the Author:

Lindsey Roth Culli earned her MFA in creative writing in 2010. She writes books for teens and people who used to be teens. Though she currently calls Baltimore, Maryland home, a part of her heart will forever be hidden among the cornfields of Illinois where she grew up. She is Team Oxford Comma.

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Waiting on Wednesday (125)

2020-05-28T00:00:00.001-07:00

https://www.wishfulendings.com/

Instant Karma

By: Marissa Meyer

Release Date: November 3, 2020

Publisher:

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Book Summary:

In this young adult contemporary romance, a girl is suddenly gifted with the ability to cast instant karma on those around her—both good and bad.

Chronic overachiever Prudence Daniels is always quick to cast judgment on the lazy, rude, and arrogant residents of her coastal town. Her dreams of karmic justice are fulfilled when, after a night out with her friends, she wakes up with the sudden ability to cast instant karma on those around her. Pru giddily makes use of the power, punishing everyone from public vandals to karaoke hecklers, but there is one person on whom her powers consistently backfire: Quint Erickson, her slacker of a lab partner and all-around mortal enemy. Soon, Pru begins to uncover truths about Quint, her peers, and even herself that reveal how thin the line is between virtue and vanity, generosity and greed . . . love and hate.

Why I'm Eagerly Waiting:

This story sounds unique and fun! I like the idea of the main character coming in to a magical ability, and discovering things about herself, her enemy, and her peers.

What are you waiting on?

Book Review: The Somerset Girls by Lori Foster

2020-05-26T22:53:00.000-07:00

The Somerset Girls
By: Lori Foster
Release Date: May 19, 2020
Publisher: HQN Books
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Source: eARC from the publisher in exchange for a honest review

Book Summary:

No one knows you quite like a sister…

When they’re running the animal-rescue farm they inherited from their grandparents, Autumn and Ember Somerset are perfectly in sync. At all other times, not so much. Dependable Autumn would rather curl up with a good book than paint the town red with Ember. After the disaster that was Autumn’s last relationship, it’s pure self-protection. But when her high school crush comes back to town with his adorable young daughter, igniting memories best left forgotten, there’s only one person Autumn can turn to…

Beneath Ember’s free-spirited facade is a layer of deep hurt. She’ll gladly nudge Autumn toward a second chance. But risk her own heart? Not likely. The closer Autumn gets to her own happily-ever-after, the more Ember wonders what she might be missing—and if it isn’t her time to be bold, too.

Summer in Sunset, Kentucky, means long, hot days—and sometimes surprising new beginnings. Through it all, the ties of sisterhood will be there, guiding Autumn and Ember to the lives, and loves, they need…'

My Thoughts:

The Somerset Girls by Lori Foster was a charming second chance romance. It was the story of two very different, but extremely close and loyal sisters. We get two delightful romances in this book, as well as such a touching story with family as a focus, and extra emphasis on sisterhood.

Thirty-two year old Autumn Somerset was jilted at the alter three years ago. Since then, she's sworn off men, and instead indulges in books and ice cream. Younger sister, Ember Somerset is known for being fun loving, feisty, and free-spirited, but she too has suffered loss. Together, these two sisters run a business where Autumn designs, and Ember builds. On top of their business, they live on and run an enchanting rescue farm, where they built themselves a duplex, as well as a home for their parents. After their father suffered a severe stroke, Autumn and Ember decided to take turns helping out with their parents.

When Autumn's high school crush Tash Ducker moves back to town with his seven year old daughter, Sadie, Ember decides to play matchmaker. She sets up an appointment for Tash with Autumn, because he wants to design and build Sadie's dream bedroom and play area. As things start to heat up between Autumn and Tash, Ember's feelings grow towards, Mike, their farmhand. Will Autumn and Ember get the happily ever after that they both desire?

The Somerset Girls was a breath of fresh air. It was low-angst, sweet, and my type of feel good romance. I had a smile on my face the whole time I took this story in. I loved that I got two wonderful romances, as well as getting to know Autumn and Ember's eccentric parents, and Tash's adorable daughter Sadie. I loved the strong bond that Autumn and Ember shared, and these two women reminded me of myself and my sister. Tash and Mike were two sexy, kind, and charming leading men, and both love stories were great! If you are in the mood for a small town second chance romance, with close knit sisters, kind hearted leading men, smiles, laughs, and the perfect romantic ending, look no further!

Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound | Google

About the Author:

Since first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. Lori has published through a variety of houses, including Kensington, St. Martin’s, Harlequin, Silhouette, Samhain, and Berkley/Jove. She is currently published with HQN.

Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.

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Waiting on Wednesday (124)

2020-05-18T22:00:00.000-07:00

https://www.wishfulendings.com/

Crush

Crave #2

By: Tracy Wolff

Release Date: September 29, 2020

Publisher: Entangled Teen

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Book Summary:

Jaxon and Grace’s story continues in New York Times bestselling author Tracy Wolff’s captivating sequel to Crave. I’m in the fight of my life. For my humanity. For Jaxon. And for the world I’ve only just begun to be a part of. I’m all in, even if saving the people I love means I risk losing myself forever.

Why I'm Eagerly Waiting:

I loved Crave, the first book in this story, and it was a five star read for me! The ending was really exciting, and gave me a surprising plot twist that has me dying to get my hands on this sequel!

What are you waiting on?

Book Review: Date Me, Bryson Keller by Kevin van Whye

2020-05-17T22:00:00.000-07:00

Date Me, Bryson Keller
By: Kevin van Whye
Release Date: May 19, 2020
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
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Source: eARC from the publisher in exchange for a honest review

Book Summary:

What If It's Us meets To All the Boys I've Loved Before in this upbeat and heartfelt boy-meets-boy romance that feels like a modern twist on a '90s rom-com!

Everyone knows about the dare: Each week, Bryson Keller must date someone new--the first person to ask him out on Monday morning. Few think Bryson can do it. He may be the king of Fairvale Academy, but he's never really dated before.

Until a boy asks him out, and everything changes.

Kai Sheridan didn't expect Bryson to say yes. So when Bryson agrees to secretly go out with him, Kai is thrown for a loop. But as the days go by, he discovers there's more to Bryson beneath the surface, and dating him begins to feel less like an act and more like the real thing. Kai knows how the story of a gay boy liking someone straight ends. With his heart on the line, he's awkwardly trying to navigate senior year at school, at home, and in the closet, all while grappling with the fact that this "relationship" will last only five days. After all, Bryson Keller is popular, good-looking, and straight . . . right?

Kevin van Whye delivers an uplifting and poignant coming-out love story that will have readers rooting for these two teens to share their hearts with the world--and with each other.

My Thoughts:

Date Me, Bryson Keller was such a sweet and cute love story, and while I expected this, it also delivered a depth to it that gave me so much more! Bryson Keller appears to be the stereotypical wealthy, and popular sports star. At Fairvale Academy, all the girls fawn over him, and all of the guys want to be his friend.

While at a classmate's party, Bryson accepts a dare. He will date the first person to ask him out at the beginning of each week for five days. This dare will span for three months, and if at any time Bryson doesn't get asked out or gets tired of dating, he loses the bet. The price of losing is having to forsake his beloved white jeep, and instead riding the school bus for the rest of senior year.

Kai Sheridan has known he was gay for several years, but has been in the closet. He's not popular like his best friends Donnie and Priya, but prefers to stay under the radar of his classmates. On a whim, Kai asks Bryson out, and thus begins an adventure in to self- discovery, friendship, romance, heartache, and best of all, love...

I adore the fake relationship trope, and was so excited for Kai to have the chance to experience a fake boyfriend/undercover relationship. It was obvious from the beginning that there was so much more to Bryson than Kai had originally thought. As Kai learned more about the many layers that made up Bryson, I fell in love with him, right alongside Kai. Bryson was very thoughtful, caring, compassionate, and governed his life by a strong sense of fairness. The strong friendship that Bryson and Kai developed had me excited and giddy, as I saw it begin to bloom into more!

Kai was trying to figure out who he was as a person. He was of mixed ethnicity, as well as being closeted, which lead to his inner struggle. Bryson made him stronger, and braver. He helped Kai find his voice, and the both of them were a strong sense of support for one another. The secondary cast of characters were fantastic. I loved Kai's best friends, as well as Bryson and Kai's families. However, my favorite secondary character was Kai's 13 year old sister, who was like a little mini grown-up. She managed to deliver pep talks, life lessons, and sass, at times when it was needed most! I loved this little girl's spirit, and sense of self.

I could tell that Date Me, Bryson Keller was an #ownvoices story. It came through as being sincere and authentic. This story tugged on my heartstrings, and more than a few times, my husband wanted to know why I was crying. It was such a beautiful story, and I can't recommend it enough. The story balanced out the adorable, sweet and swoon-worthy moments, with the challenges, emotional pain, character growth, and life lessons. If you are looking for your next good read, look no further!

Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | Indiebound | TBD

About the Author:

Kevin van Whye is a writer born and raised in South Africa, where his love for storytelling started at a young age. At four years old, he quit preschool because his teacher couldn’t tell a story. Kevin’s love affair with stories led him to film school to study script writing. Kevin currently lives in Johannesburg.

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Stacking the Shelves & Sunday Post (69)

2020-05-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hosted by: Tynga's Reviews

Hosted by: Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer

This week has really dragged. I'm exhausted from lack of rest and sleep, but am really excited to have the weekend to catch up. I didn't get much reading done, but am hoping to get a lot done Friday night and Saturday. Sunday is my birthday, and we don't have much planned. We will probably just take a scenic drive, and eat some good food at home. Next week my husband only works Monday and Tuesday, so I'm counting down the days until Wednesday!

On the Blog this Week:

*Heart Bones by Colleen Hoover (WOW)
*The Trouble with Hating You by Sajini Patel (Book Review)
*A Secret for a Secret (All In #3) by Helena Hunting (Blog Tour Promo)
*The Hunter (Boston Belles #1) by L.J. Shen (Blog Tour Promo)

For Review:

Add to Goodreads

Thanks to Delacorte Press

Blog Tour Promo: The Hunter (Boston Belles #1) by L.J. Shen

2020-05-14T05:00:00.001-07:00

“The queen of enemies-to-lovers strikes again. I devoured every page, hooked on the sizzling chemistry between Hunter and Sailor. A ten star read." --Parker S. Huntington, Wall Street Journal bestselling author

The Hunter, an all-new compelling and must-read contemporary romance from USA Today bestselling author L.J. Shen is available now!

Boston’s debauched elite is going up in flames, and it’s the Fitzpatrick family that set it on fire.

Hunter

I didn’t mean to star in a sex tape, okay?

It was just one of those unexplainable things. Like Stonehenge, Police Academy 2, and morning glory clouds.

It just happened.

Now my ball-busting father is sentencing me to six months of celibacy, sobriety, and morbid boredom under the roof of Boston’s nerdiest girl alive, Sailor Brennan.

The virginal archer is supposed to babysit my ass while I learn to take my place in Royal Pipelines, my family’s oil company.

Little does she know, that’s not the only pipe I’ll be laying…

Sailor

I didn’t want this gig, okay?

But the deal was too sweet to walk away from.

I needed the public endorsement; Hunter needed a nanny.

Besides, what’s six months in the grand scheme of things?

It’s not like I’m in danger of falling in love with the appallingly gorgeous, charismatic gazillionaire who happens to be one of Boston’s most eligible bachelors.

No. I will remain immune to Hunter Fitzpatrick’s charm.

Even at the cost of losing everything I have.

Even at the cost of burning down his kingdom.

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2KZt7S9

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/hunterlj

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Add THE HUNTER to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2Qav1lR

Excerpt:

“Why?” I asked, blinking at him in confusion. I had two left legs and the coordination of roadkill. I couldn’t dance if my life depended on it. I’d tried dancing at the only party I’d ever gone to—sophomore year—and was subjected to such thorough humiliation. People took videos of me dancing and forwarded it to half my school. Saggy Sailor, they’d graffiti-ed on my locker. Apparently, my back looked hunched and droopy when I danced.

“Because…” He tilted his chin down, his voice low, smoldering. “You’re obviously bored, and my family is watching us, and I’m partial to fondling you.”

“It’s the dress,” I muttered.
“I’d actually prefer fondling you out of it.”

I sliced my gaze sideways, noticing that Aisling and Persy hadn’t picked up on my exchange with him. They were now watching a video, probably of the reality show they were arguing about. Even though Hunter was just after a friendly dance to show his family we were getting along, I couldn’t unglue my butt from my chair.

“No fondling.” I crossed my arms over my chest, buying time.

“No promises. Get up.” “Did you tell anyone we live together?” I accused, my eyes narrowing into slits.

He stared at me, wide-eyed, mouth parted. “Negatory.”

“Did you tell anyone we were dating?”

“This is the lamest twenty-questions game I’ve ever participated in. No.”

“Well, people are talking about us.”

“That’s what people do. They fill the air with useless words to entertain each other. It’s called gossip, and it sucks all the asses in the world. Doesn’t mean it was me. Our building employs more than a hundred people. All of them work for my father. That means he’s spreading whatever the hell he wants to spread.”

About LJ Shen:

L.J. Shen is a USA Today, Washington Post and Amazon #1 best-selling author of contemporary, New Adult and YA romance. Her books have been sold to twenty different countries.

She lives in California with her husband, son, cat and eccentric fashion choices, and enjoys good wine, bad reality TV shows and catching sun rays with her lazy cat.

Connect with L.J. Shen:

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2OhSvp1

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Instagram: http://bit.ly/2AIOiTo

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Stay up to date with L.J. Shen by signing up for her mailing list:

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Website: http://www.authorljshen.com/

Blog Tour Promo: A Secret for a Secret (All In #3) by Helena Hunting

2020-05-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

A Secret for a Secret
All In #3

By:
Helena Hunting

Published:
May 12, 2020

Publisher:
Montlake Romance

Add to:
Goodreads

Source:
eARC from the publisher via Social Butterfly PR.

Book Summary:

“A Secret for a Secret was such a refreshing read. Kingston is all good and saintlike . . . until he's so not! A big recommendation from me”

-- Tijan New York Times Bestselling Author

A Secret for a Secret, an all-new not-to-be-missed sports romance guaranteed to bring all-the-feels by New York Times bestselling author Helena Hunting, is out now!

From New York Times bestselling author Helena Hunting comes a new romance about trading secrets, breaking the rules, and playing for keeps.

My name is Ryan Kingston, and I’m a rule follower. I’ve never been in a fistfight. I always obey the speed limit. I don’t get drunk, and I definitely don’t pick up random women at bars.

Except the night I found out that my whole existence has been a lie.

I got drunk. And picked up a stranger.

Her name was Queenie, and she was everything I’m not: reckless, impulsive, and chaotic. We did shots and traded secrets. And ended up naked at my place.

She left me a thank-you note in the morning and her panties as a parting gift. But no way to contact her.

Six weeks later I’m sitting in the first official team meeting of the season, and there she is. I neglected to mention that I’m the goalie for Seattle’s NHL team.

And Queenie? Turns out she’s the general manager’s daughter.

Book Excerpt:

“You think our GM got himself an assistant?”

I follow his gaze to the front of the room. Standing at the desk with her back to us, arranging papers, is a woman with wavy chestnut hair that nearly reaches her waist. “Maybe an intern?”

She’s wearing a navy dress that conforms to her very feminine form. I trace the dip of her waist and the curve of her hip, skimming down to where the hem of her dress hits the bend in her knee. Her calves are bare, athletic, and toned, and her heels boast a little bow on the back. Classy, yet sexy. “Possibly.”

“I hope the eye candy is gonna be permanent,” someone at the table behind us says, loud enough for everyone close by to hear.

“I wouldn’t mind if she helped me with my jockstrap,” one of the other guys chimes in, eliciting a loud chuckle from the rest of the table.

I glance over my shoulder and pin them with an unimpressed glare. I recognize Foley from Tampa, and Dickerson is an LA trade. They’re notorious womanizers. “Watch your mouth and have some respect. That’s someone’s daughter.”

“Take it easy, King. It’s not like we’d actually say that to her face,” Foley says.

I don’t have an opportunity to reprimand him further because the GM, Jake Masterson, and our head coach, Alex Waters, enter the room through the side door. The GM crosses over to the woman, whose back is still turned to us, and he gives her a smile that seems . . . overly warm. He leans in and squeezes her shoulder as he says something with his mouth close to her ear.

“Maybe she’s not his assistant. Maybe she’s his new girlfriend, ’cause that looks pretty damn friendly to me.” Bishop jams a sausage link into his mouth.

“Maybe,” I agree.

She turns slightly, giving me a glimpse of her profile. Her cheeks are flushed pink. I blink a couple of times, because she seems incredibly familiar.

“I think I know her,” I mumble, more to myself than to Bishop.

“Not as well as our GM does, by the look of things.”

It hits me like a puck in the chest without pads on. I do know her. Queenie. My one-night stand who bailed the next morning and left a Post-it and panties hanging from my doorknob. Destroyed panties. “Oh God.”

Did I sleep with the GM’s girlfriend? Memories come barreling into my brain, and I want to sink into the floor. My behavior that night was highly atypical. Everything about that night was. I chalked it up to the alcohol, the family drama, and the fact that she seemed to be a very eager and willing participant in our adventures. Do not think about the things you did to her.

I’d be lying if I said I haven’t thought about Queenie and our night together. I’ve even considered driving by the bar where we met, but I don’t know if she’s likely to show up there. And it’s not as if I can ask the bartender about her without looking like a creep. Besides, if she wanted me to have her number, she would’ve left it.

“Are you okay? You look like you’re about to hurl,” Bishop asks.

I cover my mouth with my palm, not because I’m going to be ill but to hide the fact that it’s hanging open and I can’t seem to close it. Although my stomach is starting to do those awful somersaults that will soon turn into full-on nausea. The kind I used to get when I’d first hit the ice for a game.

This is bad. Really bad. I’ve never had a one-night stand before. I’ve always been in committed relationships, and I prefer to get to know my bed partners before they actually get into bed with me. Teen pregnancy was pretty common where I grew up in Tennessee, because there wasn’t much else to do apart from playing sports or getting into trouble with drugs and alcohol—my brother, Gerald, went the latter route. I obviously fit into the sports category. By the time I became a teenager, my parents had finally learned their lesson. It was drilled into me to never become that kind of statistic, or to turn my girlfriend into a mom before she was ready to take on more than senior-level algebra.

Ironic how my actual mother would’ve been one of those girls had my grandparents not made the choices they had.

“King?” Bishop nudges me. “You’re staring, man.”

Jake whistles with his fingers, causing the woman beside him to cringe but then quickly school her expression into an uncertain smile. “Who’s ready for a new season?”

He’s rewarded with a chorus of cheers from the players. Waters stands off to the side, clapping enthusiastically. He generally runs all team meetings, but Jake is a hands-on GM, so he always manages first meeting intros before he hands it over to our coach.

Jake waits for everyone to settle down and take their seats before he continues. “Gentlemen, I’d like to introduce you to my personal assistant, Queenie.” He throws his arm over her shoulder and pulls her into his side.

A hot spike of anger rushes down my spine—it’s a foreign feeling. I’m usually very level headed. But not right now. It’s obvious by the way Jake and Queenie interact that there’s a relationship there. Is she a cheater? Did she make me one? There’s a definite age gap. He’s young for a GM, but he’s in his forties, and I’m pretty sure she’s in her mid twenties.

“She also happens to be my daughter, so don’t get any ideas, boys.” He somehow manages to wink and glare at the same time.

And it just went from bad to worse.

My one-night stand isn’t my GM’s girlfriend; she’s his daughter.

Purchase At:
Available on Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon | Amazon Worldwide | Amazon Paperback
Amazon Audible | Audio

About the Author:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of PUCKED, Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She's writes contemporary romance ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy.

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Blog Tour Hosted By:

https://www.socialbutterflypr.net

Book Review: The Trouble with Hating You by Sajni Patel

2020-05-12T21:00:00.000-07:00

The Trouble with Hating You
By: Sajni Patel
Release Date: May 12, 2020
Publisher: Forever Romance
Add to Goodreads
Source: eARC from the publisher in exchange for a honest review

Book Summary:

A laugh-out-loud romantic comedy debut about first impressions, second chances, and finding the love of your life in the most unexpected way.

Liya Thakkar is a successful biochemical engineer, takeout enthusiast, and happily single woman. The moment she realizes her parents' latest dinner party is a setup with the man they want her to marry, she's out the back door in a flash. Imagine her surprise when the same guy shows up at her office a week later -- the new lawyer hired to save her struggling company. What's not surprising: he's not too thrilled to see her either after that humiliating fiasco.

Jay Shah looks good on paper...and off. Especially if you like that whole gorgeous, charming lawyer-in-a-good-suit thing. He's also arrogant and infuriating. As their witty office banter turns into late night chats, Liya starts to think he might be the one man who truly accepts her. But falling for each other means exposing their painful pasts. Will Liya keep running, or will she finally give love a real chance?

My Thoughts:

I was really excited to begin reading, The Trouble with Hating You. I love reading stories where I can learn about another culture. This story was an easy read, and caught my attention right from the start. I loved being immersed in the Indian culture. I could easily visualize the exotic and extravagant food, colorful clothing, and traditional customs, as I was transported in to Liya and Jay's world.

One of my favorite book tropes is enemies to lovers. Liya Thakkar is extremely close to her passive, submissive, and quiet mother, but cannot go a few minutes without arguing with her domineering, misogynistic, judgemental, callous, and cold father. Nothing Liya does is good enough for him. She is an independent and modern woman. Liya has a masters degree in bioengineering, and just got promoted into management, yet her father continues to look down on her.

Her parents have been trying to match her up with a man, because they want her to settle down, get married, have children, and become a traditional Indian wife. Even though Liya has repeatedly turned them down, they won't take "no" for an answer. So when Liya's parents invite her to come eat dinner with them, she isn't too surprised that they invited a man and his mother to meet her, with the intention of getting to know each other, which could possibly lead to marriage. Liya is angry, and runs out; knocking over Jay, a handsome lawyer, who is there just to please his mother.

A short while later Liya learns that Jay, will be working to represent her company; as they have a ton of lawsuits that they are currently dealing with. Pretty soon Jay is turning up everywhere, and as much as Liya is determined to dislike him, he is such a warm, caring, and stand up man, that she finds herself falling for him. Will Jay be able to tear down Liya's sky high walls? Will Liya learn that you can be an independent and strong woman, and have the love of a good man too?

I loved how easily the writing in this story flowed. It truly was effortless. The author did a great job of weaving a story that held my attention. Where I struggled most was with the way Liya treated Jay. With enemies to lovers stories, you expect a certain amount of animosity. However, I kept waiting for things to shift between Liya and Jay, and felt frustrated with how long it took for Liya to realize how wonderful Jay was. It got to the point where I was questioning why
Jay would put up with her continued negativity, and rude treatment.

I loved Jay, his family, and Liya's close group of girl friends. This secondary cast of characters came to life for me, and each of them was extremely likeable. Liya's parents each left a lot to be desired. Her father was horrible, and I kept waiting for her mother to stand up to him; if not for how he treated her, at least for how he treated their daughter.

Liya and Jay both had tragic events in their pasts that shaped them, and my heart hurt for what they had endured. I was very satisfied with the ending, and am looking forward to trying out more books by this author.

Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound | Google

About the Author:

Sajni Patel was born in vibrant India and raised in the heart of Texas, surrounded by a lot of delicious food and plenty of diversity. She draws on her personal experiences, cultural expectations, and southern flair to create worlds that center around strong Indian women. Once in MMA, she’s now all about puppies and rainbows and tortured love stories. She currently lives in Austin where she not-so-secretly watches Mathew McConaughey from afar during UT football games. Queso is her weakness and thanks to her family’s cooking, Indian/Tex-Mex cuisine is a real thing. She’s a die-hard Marvel Comics fan, a lover of chocolates from around the world, and is always wrapped up in a story. Her debut Women’s Fiction, The Trouble With Hating You, was featured in Apple Books’ Top Ten Debuts to Read in 2020, Oprah Magazine’s Top Romances to Read in 2020, and Cosmo Top 12 Summer Reads for 2020.

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