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To sir with Love By Lauren Layne Review

Start & finish dates: July 28th, 2021 - July 30th, 2021

Goodreads synopsis:

Perpetually cheerful and eager to please, Gracie Cooper strives to make the best out of every situation. So when her father dies just months after a lung cancer diagnosis, she sets aside her dreams of pursuing her passion for art to take over his Midtown Manhattan champagne shop. She soon finds out that the store’s profit margins are being squeezed perilously tight, and complicating matters further, a giant corporation headed by the impossibly handsome, but irritatingly arrogant Sebastian Andrews is proposing a buyout. But Gracie can’t bear the thought of throwing away her father’s dream like she did her own. Overwhelmed and not wanting to admit to her friends or family that she’s having second thoughts about the shop, Gracie seeks advice and solace from someone she’s never met—the faceless “Sir”, with whom she connected on a blind dating app where matches get to know each other through messages and common interests before exchanging real names or photos. But although Gracie finds herself slowly falling for Sir online, she has no idea she’s already met him in real life…and they can’t stand each other.

My Review:

I adored this book, however, the only reason I wouldn't rate it as 5 is due to the slow build-up to finding out "Sir's" true identity, it felt somewhat unnecessary as it becomes more and more glaringly obvious as the story goes on. Although this book fits perfectly into the romance genre, it lacks anything that truly sets it apart and that includes the mystery of who "Sir" is. With that being said, it was a fun and mostly light read and I found myself not wanting to put it down, which is a tell-tale sign for me. Readers will enjoy the endearing relationships, the back and forth between Lady & Sir and the heart-swelling happily ever after to this modern fairy-tale.

My Rating: ★★★★

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Love this entire aesthetic!

photos under my "dream home" board in pinterest.

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Never Say Never By Justine Manzano Review

Start and Finish Dates: April 28th, 2021

Goodreads Synopsis:

Brynn is done with love. After she walks in on her mom doing the horizontal mambo with a man that’s decidedly not her dad, Brynn Stark swears to NEVER fall in love. One of her friends--Val-- reveals her true identity--Aphrodite, goddess of love, and promises to show Brynn why she shouldn’t lose faith. But when Brynn realizes she’s beginning to fall for Adam, Aphrodite's boyfriend, Brynn’s forced to decide if she’ll choose her goddess-given fate, or risk it all for the wrong-but-right guy. One thing’s for sure. Love sucks. And it's all about to blow up in their faces.

My Review/Thoughts:

Never Say Never is a mixture of fascinating plot and imperfect execution. I enjoyed the premise of the book, especially the nod to greek mythology, something I, personally, have rarely come across in my YA Fiction & Romance lane. However, the start of the book definitely had some slower and seemingly superficial moments. Although I could relate to the characters initial views on love, both the protagonist and the writing style came off as juvenile at times, even past the point of YA Fiction. As I got toward the depth of the plot, though, I started to feel more integrated into it, like I was there with the characters. The plot definitely speeds up and fleshes out, even giving some surprising elements that I both did and didn't see coming. To summarize, Never Say Never gives you all the romance/love triangle drama that you may look for in this genre, but adds just enough flair to set itself apart. (3.5 stars) (This ARC was provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.)

Rating: ★★★

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A little early morning reading with this exciting book ☁️

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Three-layered Nutella Chocolate Cake with Swiss Meringue frosting is a show-stopping dessert that’s perfectly nutty, moist, and decadent.

https://www.bakedbyanintrovert.com/nutella-cake/

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Now’s a good time to read my friends. Go forth.

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We finally had a snowy day where I live and I definitely took advantage. Read a book, drank hot cocoa and watched the snow fall from my balcony 🤍

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Wednesday Wilson Gets Down to Business by Bree Galbraith Review

Start and Finish Dates: December 22nd, 2020

Goodreads Synopsis: 

In the first entertaining installment in a new early chapter book series, one unfortunate kale incident isn't enough to stop the unbeatable Wednesday Wilson from pursuing her entrepreneurial dreams --- or is it? The most important thing to know about Wednesday Wilson is that she's an entrepreneur. She hasn't started any businesses yet, but she's pretty sure today is the day. She and her best friend, Charlie (Wednesday's future Vice President of Operations), with some help from her little brother, Mister, have made a list of potential businesses. But before they get to move forward on one, there's an unfortunate incident in class with the Emmas (whose last initials happen to spell M.E.A.N.) involving a bearded dragon named Morten and a piece of kale . . . it's a long story. It figures that Wednesday's archnemeses would be the ones to mess up her plans! But maybe all is not lost. Maybe this is just the opportunity Wednesday and her friends needed to come up with a brilliant business idea that will save the day and make them millionaires. Or . . . not? With its fresh voice, diverse cast of lovable and relatable characters and delightfully determined heroine, Bree Galbraith's illustrated early chapter book series hits the spot for beginning readers (and their grown-ups!). Endearing black-and-white drawings by Morgan Goble add nuance and clarity and help guide the story forward for early readers. Definitions of vocabulary words, all related to business, appear as footnotes throughout the text.

My Review/Thoughts:

Wednesday Wilson Gets Down to Business is the children's book I would have been obsessed with as a kid! This book was unique by my standards, and modern and refreshingly insightful. Bree Galbraith included lots of diversity within the characters, which should be/is becoming more common in the Children Fiction genre. Wednesday Wilson is a young, smart and independent future entrepreneur determined to make one of her inventions stick. Her awareness is really interesting to see develop throughout the book. The readability of this book was done very well, even at my age it didn't seem trivial or dumbed down and I actually enjoyed reading it. As I said before, this book was adorable, modern and insightful while normalizing diversity and values representation, which Wednesday event points out herself. I for one, am excited for the next installment in this new series. (This ARC was provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.)

Rating: ★★★★★

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Shine Your Icy Crown by Amanda Lovelace Review

Start and Finish Dates: December 22nd, 2020

Goodreads Synopsis: 

“Make them rue the day they underestimated you.” This is a story about not letting society dictate the limits of your potential. it’s time to take back your power & realize that you don’t need a king in order to be a queen.

My Review/Thoughts:

Lovelace's Shine Your Icy Crown, at first glance, gives inspirational and uplifting words to its readers. Begin to scratch the surface and you will realize that it is primarily made up of topical, on trend "poems". That's not to say that every poem I read was cliche or even corny, but there were more of those than poems that felt genuine. Another aspect that I had no issue with were the illustrations, they were gorgeous. Lovelace references in her book that she identifies as a feminist, but it almost seems to shroud the poetic, moving rhythm that most poetry has. So, while I was moved by some of the pages, as a whole, Shine Your Icy Crown lacked that empowering feel I was expecting. (This ARC was provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.) 

Rating: ★★★

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Mexican Gothic By Silvia Moreno-Garcia Review

Full review below the cut!

Start & Finish Date: July 21st - September 22nd 2020

 GoodReads Synopsis:

From the author of Gods of Jade and Shadow comes a novel set in glamorous 1950s Mexico. After receiving a frantic letter from her newlywed cousin begging for someone to save her from a mysterious doom, Noemí Taboada heads to High Place, a distant house in the Mexican countryside. She’s not sure what she will find - her cousin’s husband, a handsome Englishman, is a stranger, and Noemí knows little about the region. Noemí is also an unlikely rescuer: She’s a glamorous debutante, and her chic gowns and perfect red lipstick are more suited for cocktail parties than amateur sleuthing. But she’s also tough and smart, with an indomitable will, and she is not afraid: not of her cousin’s new husband, who is both menacing and alluring; not of his father, the ancient patriarch who seems to be fascinated by Noemí; and not even of the house itself, which begins to invade Noemi’s dreams with visions of blood and doom. Her only ally in this inhospitable abode is the family’s youngest son. Shy and gentle, he seems to want to help Noemí but might also be hiding dark knowledge of his family’s past. For there are many secrets behind the walls of High Place. The family’s once colossal wealth and faded mining empire kept them from prying eyes, but as Noemí digs deeper she unearths stories of violence and madness. And Noemí, mesmerized by the terrifying yet seductive world of High Place, may soon find it impossible to ever leave this enigmatic house behind.

My Thoughts:

Mexican Gothic was the first in its kind of books I have read: a suspenseful horror set in 1950’s Mexico. I loved the writing style and prose of the author provided. The intricate wording and thrilling scenes kept me on the edge of my seat. However, it seemed to drag on a lot of the time. Lastly, the uncovered plot at the end left me with questions and was somewhat unsatisfying. I’m usually a fan of horror/suspenseful books such as this one, but Mexican Gothic left something to be desired.

Rating: ★★★

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These Witches Don’t Burn by Isabel Sterling Review

Full Review Below the cut!

Start And Finish Date: July 28th - August 2nd 2020

GoodReads Synopsis: 

Hannah's a witch, but not the kind you're thinking of. She's the real deal, an Elemental with the power to control fire, earth, water, and air. But even though she lives in Salem, Massachusetts, her magic is a secret she has to keep to herself. If she's ever caught using it in front of a Reg (read: non-witch), she could lose it. For good. So, Hannah spends most of her time avoiding her ex-girlfriend (and fellow Elemental Witch) Veronica, hanging out with her best friend, and working at the Fly by Night Cauldron selling candles and crystals to tourists, goths, and local Wiccans. But dealing with her ex is the least of Hannah's concerns when a terrifying blood ritual interrupts the end-of-school-year bonfire. Evidence of dark magic begins to appear all over Salem, and Hannah's sure it's the work of a deadly Blood Witch. The issue is, her coven is less than convinced, forcing Hannah to team up with the last person she wants to see: Veronica. While the pair attempt to smoke out the Blood Witch at a house party, Hannah meets Morgan, a cute new ballerina in town. But trying to date amid a supernatural crisis is easier said than done, and Hannah will have to test the limits of her power if she's going to save her coven and get the girl, especially when the attacks on Salem's witches become deadlier by the day.

My Thoughts: 

These Witches Don't Burn completely curved my expectations and I loved every second of it. I was ready to read a summery, magic-filled romance with a dangerous plot twist, but was handed a thrilling story about a girl willing to do anything to protect and avenge the people she loves (or loved) that still managed to have light aspects.

Not only was Hannah, our protagonist, relatable, her character development was realistic, which is refreshing to see in these types of stories. I truly loved Hannah’s community of friends, family and the coven itself. I felt like I wanted to be in the mix. Hannah and Morgan’s romance was cutely awkward which I partially predicted from the beginning.

The progression of the story somehow had me on the edge of my seat yet it didn’t feel like things were being rushed along. I felt like I was in Salem, right in the thick of everything.

To sum it up, These Witches Don’t Burn is the perfect YA thriller to dip your toes in without too much doom & gloom, adds in a unique romance, and sets up a vibrant, magical version of our world. Hold on to your black tourmaline everybody. 

Rating: ★★★���★ 

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Love this!

Read More, Read Better

Many of us are looking for more ways to enjoy our time at home in these stressful circumstances. Some of us have turned to books. But how can we make sure we get the most out of them?

Keep reading

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Decided to take some bookish pictures today! Thinking of making a bookstagram lol.

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I’ve completed two books in the past 24 hours, and am now starting on this gorgeous book! Honestly, anything described as being “told in lush, haunting prose” will incite at least 3 stars from me lol. I already can’t wait to read and review it!

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-there is a little universe in all of us. We are filled with planets and stars, light and gravity, dark matter and a million other mysteries we will never understand. And the greatest mystery of all is that we are immortal. We will be reshaped, again and again, by the universe itself. And we will never die.

I knew while reading it that this book had changed my life.

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Together We Caught Fire By Eva Gibson

“So I stood up. I placed my feet, one by one, ahead of each other. I did what I had to do to go on even as every step forward left a scar on my heart.”

Full review is below the cut!

Timeline - 3/25/20-4/2/20 ( I know i’m late)

A forbidden attraction grows even more complicated when the guy Lane Jamison has crushed on for years suddenly becomes her step-brother in this sexy and gorgeously written debut novel about the lines between love, desire, and obsession.

I absolutely adore this book. The main character, Jane was not a stereotypical protagonist, and was much more realistic than I usually read in a YA contemporary. She’s just trying to get through life, though the image of her mother’s death haunts her daily. She finds empathy and friendship in Connor, who has his own difficulties in his life. Together, they not only catch fire, but they make it in this steamy romance. The ups and downs in this book, though, aren’t stereotypical in YA either, and that was another aspect that I really appreciated. Altogether, Together We Caught Fire is a must read for anyone who wants something unexpectedly deeper than the average saccharine-sweet teen romance. 

Rating: ★★★★

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This looks amazing!

shakespeare & sons & coffee (prague)