🙀 How to Manage Your TBR List Effectively 🙀

Like many bloggers, we subscribe to a variety of different platforms in order to get our hands on the newest ARCs to review. It's a win win scenario as the authors and Publishers get an honest review, and we get books.

Seems simple enough, right?

But for those who use different platforms, it can be challenging to organize our To Be Read Books and keep on top of them. For example, I presently have 42 titles on my NetGalley account. We're also registered with BookBub and they send us daily updates on the latest books available. We are also partial to Voracious Readers, which send along possible ARCs and you can choose which ones tickle your fancy!

Overall, we get inundated with books and only so many hours in the day to read. Here are some ways to help you manage your TBR list and help you get those reviews out in a speedy timeframe.

1. Maintain a chart:

For those who are use to things being super organized, you can create a flowchart to keep track of the books you have received, date received, date read, source of ARC and where the review was published. We have unfortunately not taken the time to do this, but there are serious bloggers out there who find this method to be effective.  It also gives you a sense of accomplishment when you get to scratch a book off your list! Best. Feeling. Ever.

2. Limit your platforms:

As previously mentioned, we have a variety of platforms that we use to receive ARCs. The one we use the most is Net Galley. Its free to sign up and there are books that you can read immediately. Posting your reviews will help with her feedback ratio and get you approved to review more books.

If you're just starting out, maybe stick to one platform to limit the confusion and have all your ARCs in the same place. We'd encourage anyone looking to get into reviewing books to explore the possible platforms and see which ones best suit your needs.

3. Dedicate time for specific books: 

Some people enjoying reading one book at a time. We don't always do that. We've started books and left them in order to dig into something new that we get our hands on. But we have found it effective to not have more than three books being read at the same time. You'll start to confuse the topics and forget the plot if you wait too long to return to the storylines.

We like to assign a particular day for each book or a particular genre. Maybe Mondays are biographies, Tuesdays contemporary romance, etc etc.

Do you have your own methods to keep up with your ever growing list of books to read?! Share with us! We'd love any advice you could give!! 

October Round Up

October has been a whirlwind of a month. we've accomplished a lot in the last thirty one days and are going to our first ever, monthly round up! It will give you a look at the books we read and our thoughts on each. We promise no spoilers. We want you to make the call for yourself as to whether a book is worthy of your attention. These are just a few we explored over this month.

We also tried our hand at writing a novel. Ekk. Wish us luck!

1. Just Friends by Elizabeth Grey💎💎💎
"Just Friends" was out first read by Ms. Grey and we aren't sure how we feel about it. Honestly, which is why we haven't written a review. It captured our attention but there were things that really effed with our brains, such as sexual harassment, etc.  Take a look at it yourself and see if its worth a read.

2. Fix Her Up by Carey Heywood 💎💎💎💎
This was a great read! It was funny and heart warming! I really wish a hot carpenter would offer to help me renovate a house after a bad divorce. It would also be acceptable for this man to have a six pack and a kind heart.

3. Well Met by Jen DeLuca 💎💎💎💎💎
We read this book via audiobook. It can be hit or miss depending on the performance of the narrator, but I really loved this book. I'm looking forward to reading more by Jen!

4. Born to be a Cowboy by R.C Ryan 💎💎💎💎💎
This is the third in the series by Ryan and we received a copy via Net Galley! We gave it five stars because it kept us entertained. Its more of a western romantic suspense. So if you love a bit of mystery, this might be for you!

Here are some of our other reads and ratings from October. Please check out our Goodreads page and Blog for our reviews. Most, if not all, of these are reviewed there. Thanks. 

5. Legendary by Stephanie Garber 💎💎💎💎

6. Passion on Park Avenue by Lauren Layne 💎💎💎💎

7. Love on Lexington Avenue by Lauren Layne 💎💎💎💎

8. The Lost Earl of Smuggler's Cove by Kate Carert 💎💎💎💎💎

9. Sizzle by Julie Garwood 💎💎💎💎

10. The Suit Life by Melanie Summers 💎💎💎

11. A Duke for Daisy by Ellie St. Clair 💎💎💎💎💎

12. Hooked on You by Kate Meader 💎💎💎💎

13. Tempting Danger by Wendy Vella 💎💎💎💎💎

14. Rule of Law: A Chimera Novel by Karin Tabke 💎💎💎

15.  Return of the Long Lost Earl by Kate Careret💎💎💎💎💎
***See previous review ***

16. A Second Chance for Justiss by C.H. Admirand 💎💎💎💎

REVIEW: Kate Carteret's "Return of the Long Lost Earl" 💎💎💎💎💎

This is our first book by Kate and we have already become addicted to her writing. We received a copy of this book via Voracious Readers and was emailed a copy by Kate. Our opinions on this book are our own and we do not intend to offense or discredit the author or publisher with our perspectives.

We have read our fair share of Historical Romance and have always found that they can either be written well and exciting, or dull and boring. There are some we have read that start out strong and then plateau half way through the book which, is when it should really start to pick up pace.

The main characters are Captain Ashley Winters and Lady Geraldine Myers. Lady Myers is scheduled to marry the appointed Earl of Kingsmead upon the death of the previous Earl. However, Captain Ashley Winters arrives to shake that up and disclose that he is the rightful heir and the long lost Earl. From there Captain Winters and Lady Myers form a relationship and set together on a mystery to prove or disprove whether Captain Winters is the rightful heir and what happened to Hunter Lyndon, the Earl's deceased son.

This story is witty and compelling. There is never a dull moment and Kate really leaves us guessing up until the very end whether Captain Winters is a conman or a long lost Earl. We would highly recommend this book to friends who love a good historical romance with a twist. This book is no where near boring or dull and it will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time. We enjoyed this book so much that in sharing our thoughts, Kate sent along a copy of her other novel The Earl of Smuggler's Cove, which we are eager to start reading.

We look forward to reading more from Kate and can we say, the cover of this book is breathtaking! Check out Voracious Readers for those looking to get in on reviewing.

Why book lovers are mortified with the latest social media challenge.

I'm certain that anyone who spends any time on social media has come across the bookmark challenge that some companies have engaged in. I will say, I'm trying really hard not to lose my temper while writing this post, so cut me some slack. 

There had been an outpouring of outrage from book lovers everywhere in response to this PR stunt at the expense of books. Companies such as Oreo, Vitamin Water and Chex Mix have actively participated and have received blow back from book and literacy advocates around the world. My question is: DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND WHY PEOPLE ARE PISSED?

Oh, you don't. 

It was just a joke right?

Well, wrong! Here is why I am pissed. 

Books are knowledge. They are priceless contributions to our society that should be praised rather than destroyed. Schools and teachers all over the world struggle to ensure that there are up to date books when teaching OUR children and providing them an education. And you have the balls (or lack thereof) to use books as though they are nothing. That they don't symbolize education, knowledge and privilege. Because being taught to read, having access to books & educational opportunities is a PRIVILEGE that many are not afforded. 

Secondly, respect your elders. Books have been around long before Oreos and social media. They deserve your goddamn respect. In the 1800s books were only allotted to people of wealth and the lower classes were not offered books or how to read. Women fought for the right to obtain a higher education in a time where men were deemed to be a "superior sex". In the 1960s, people of colour fought the right to education in the same way that had been given to white people. So, in my opinion.. when you disrespect books in the way that you have, you are slapping those who fought for the right to read and be educated in the face. You should be ashamed.

In today's society teachers fight for books for their classes. University and College students spend a fortune in books in order to move forward in their education to become a productive member of society. But I guess, negative PR is still PR right? You're still #trending?

But at what price?

Books represent the livelihoods of publishers & authors around the world. Authors pour their imaginations and soul into their works and whether I -as a book reviewer- like it or not doesn't mean I don't respect the process. Books have survived advancements in technology and will stand the test of time because they are history personified. 

This PR stunt has only contributed to a negative response and a negative impact on society. Maybe next time, rather than demonstrate your ignorance, you will use your power to contribute to society in a positive way. Support literacy campaigns. Donate books to schools. Provide some scholarships. But the books should not be victims of your need to promote your brand and stroke your ego. 

And.. *mic drop*

REVIEW: "Things Good Girls Don't Do" 💎💎💎💎

This book highlighted the fact that I am most certainly not a "good girl". I would have taken a baseball bat to the cheating ex's truck long before the middle of the book. Asshat had it coming. 

This is our first book by Codi Gary and it is the first in the series. I originally came to learn of the book from my addiction to the Chapters Interactive Story App. Every time a new story comes out, I just rack up my credit card buying diamonds. Thanks to those guys for turning me on to Codi's novels. 

This book involved a perceived Bad Boy - Chase - and the Good Girl - Katie- and their less than perfect romance in small town Idaho. I've never been to Idaho but I would hope that the character of Mrs. Andrews is not reflective of their population. I will admit that Katie annoyed the shit out of me in the beginning because of her do gooder attitude who let people walk over her. From the first conversation with Mrs. Andrews, I wanted to strangle something. 

Moving on. Chase is your typical sexed up bad boy who likes a roll in the sheets with no commitment. Katie is coming out of a devastating break up after seven years with Jimmy (Grade A Dickwad) who cheated on her. Chase comes across her at the bar after sh had a particularly hard day and she is writing a list of things she wants to do. She's feel rebellious and wants to branch out to do some things she never got to do. Chase gets his hands on the list and decides that he would very much like to help the local good girl turn bad. 

Without spilling to much about the plot, I will say there is a HEA which is absolutely amazing. I love Steph, despite her douchbaggery. She has a quick foul mouth and I love it. There are plenty of opportunities for more stories in the series and I am still on the fence as to whether I want to continue. This is a great quick read for those looking for a feel good book with some badass characters. It touches on bigotry and social norms and I wanted to give a standing ovation at several points. So, it could be a great read. 

Its hot and spicy where it needs to be. But also emotional and complex when it comes to the hard things. I loved everything about it and like any good book it was emotional in all the places and continues to hold my attention. 

Four Diamonds from us: 💎💎💎💎

5 Books Turned Into Movies (Did They Live Up To The Hype?)

✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻

1. Twillight

I will admit that I was super pumped for the film version of the series. After reading the series I was entrenched with the chemistry and the dynamics at play. With the exception of New Moon which, I found to be a bit dry at times, I thought the books were a great young adult supernatural romance. I saw the movies out of dedication to the books and to see how the actors portrayed characters that we had become so deeply attached. Twilight is a film that had a lot of potential if it had different actors. Kristen Stewart would not have been my pick for Bella. Many people have also noted this. But Bella in the novels was such a complex and emotional character that I found Kristen's limited ability to demonstrate emotions to be a downfall. The movies did not live up to the hype of the books and I would read the books again before watching the films. 

✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻

2. Vampire Academy

Firstly, I actually watched the movie before I got into the books. I actually thought that the film was okay and I easily swooned over Dimitri and the actor that played him. The man has talent in the form of muscles that don't exist. After the film, I read the series and was devastated to find out that there wasn't a lot of promotional work done for the low budget movie. As a result the sequel was not expected. The film had a lot of potential to continue to grow; however it also came at a time when Twilight and the vampire mojo was let loose on society. I'd much prefer this film over Twilight any day.

✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻

3. Divergent

Alright.. Alright.. Settle down. I read the book and watched the movies which were fine. But I cannot un break my heart from the ending and it has completely thrown me. Tris should not die and I was hoping Ms. Roth would come back with an alternative ending. I so wanted a HEA for Tris and Four because.. god damnit they deserved it. They saved the whole fucking society. I think they should get to grow old and have hot little mini versions of themselves. I liked the books. I liked the movies. But my soul has not recovered from the ending. 

✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻

4. 50 Shades of Grey

I'm going to be fair is saying that I DNF the books or the movies because there was so much about the first glimpse that just made me feel icky. I tried.. I really really did. But I couldn't. I am a firm believer that Romance books are not porn for women as some people may say. I also am a strong advocate that women are sexual beings and there is nothing wrong with us expressing that. But I really didn't see much of a plot in this series. Throw in some issues around consent (I mean whats the point of a safe word if you ignore it) and some poor acting and you're really killing it. 

✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻✻

5. The Lovely Bones

This book is not a romance. SURPRISE! But it is a thrilling book about a young child who was abducted and murdered. The book tells the story as though she is omnipresent and witnessing the events after her disappearance. I fell in love with the book and I thought it was inspired and imaginative. I saw the movie and felt that it did not live up to the standard of the book. There were things that the directors could not include in the movie because they only have so much time to work with. The movie was still a good film, but it didn't accurately portray the book in the way I had envisioned it. 

5 Reasons A Book Ends Up In The DNF Pile..

Book bloggers are all too familiar with the acronym "DNF". Outside the world of book bloggers I am sure there are a variety of hypothesis for the acronym.. "Do Not Fuck" being an example. However, for us it means that we DID NOT FINISH your book. As an avid book reader, I have come to know what I like in a book and what ultimately forces me to toss it against the wall with a growl. Here are some of the reasons I have DNF a book.

1. Its bloody boring.. 

The point of telling a story, whether that be fictional or non fiction is to bring it to life using words.  If I am a couple chapters in and I am not hooked, I will not finish it. There has to be something in those first couple chapters that causes me to want to read on. Authors are story tellers and we want to be engaged and picturing the scene as it unfolds in our minds. But, if you bore the shit out of me and I start to fall asleep, you end up in the DNF pile. 

2. When common sense becomes not all that common..

I have read a couple books where the plot just doesn't make logical sense. For example, if the female character is attacked in a dark alley and saved by some mysterious man, who doesn't provide a last name or who he is, one would suspect that the female will have her guard up in regards to this person. But I have gotten half way through a book, whereby the female has still not asked important questions about the male character that any logical person would know to ask. When they ultimately have sex and I still don't know his last name.. I lost it. It very well could be personal opinion, but I can't relate to someone who doesn't at least know some essential things about a person before they let them take a look at their lucky charms. 

3. Grammer & speling R super impotent (yes that was done intentionally)

I have a bit more flexibility when it comes to reviewing ARCs or pre released books as they have not gone through the finial editing and publishing routine. But, if you're book has been published and I purchased the book and you have more than 10 spelling and/or grammatical errors.. well, you know what happens. Grammar and spelling are so important when writing because if you spell a word incorrectly or fail to reflect the purpose of the narrative, then the book kind of loses its appeal. Reading a book should not feel like grading a paper. By the time it hits your readers, your publisher and editor should be able to recite from the book because they have reviewed it that often. 

4. The plot would confuse Albert Einstein..

I believe it takes a very skilled and talented writer to enchant the audience with multiple perspectives. Most times I have read books with two, perhaps three perspectives throughout the course of the book. These are some of my favourite books as when we only see the plot from the perspective of the essential main character there are usually some gaps until the end of the book. I have found that having more than three perspectives is a challenge to read. If I have to do a bubble chart in order to keep characters and their storylines straight, then it defeats the purpose. Adding other characters is great when building a series, but don't try to cram ten characters into 400 pages. 

Some of my favourite authors in the Romance Genre do this exceptionally well, and I will refer to Avery Flynn, Lauren Layne, April Hunt and Laura Griffin. These ladies have proven that they have the skill to engage an audience with multiple perspectives and they do it so well that it keeps me coming back for more. 

5. Personal Ideology..

My friends in the USA have the first amendment of their constitution which offers freedom of speech to its citizens. In Canada, we have the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which allows us the ability to express our opinions freely. I respect the right of all to speak to their perspectives; however, I will not read material that spurts hate, racism, discrimination or violence. If your book references a social ideology that is not consistent with my own, I will explore whether I would be open to continue reading or DNF. 

For example, I recently DNF a book because in the opening chapters the male character faked being an Uber driver to transport three women. One woman who was distraught about a break up. When he dropped the women off, he looked to one of the women to ask for the phone number of the distraught woman. I had two issues with this concept. The first being that the asshat faked being an Uber driver. Considering all the recent media and increased incidents of crime with individuals doing this, I felt a little sick reading it. The second being that I felt that the male character was targeting an already vulnerable female to increase his chances of getting laid. Both left me unsettled and I could not move past it.. so the DNF pile got another visitor. 

Although I am sure that some other bloggers would disagree with some of my reasons, these are the five that I most commonly use. Happy writing authors and heres to hoping your masterpiece does not end up in my shit pile of DNF. 

REVIEW: The Rancher's Second Chance

“The Rancher’s Second Chance” by Mary Sue Jackson & Leslile North

Please note that the following review may contain spoilers and are my own opinions based on the novel. I received a copy of this book from Net Galley in return for an honest review. I have not read any prior books by either of the authors but I am familiar with southern cowboy romance. 

The book has spilt perspectives between the two main characters, Cole and Samantha. Cole has returned to Hope Springs after the death of his wife to raise his two year old son, Devon. Samantha returned to Hope Springs upon the sudden death of her brother and father and as a result was left with the family ranch. Samantha enlists Cole’s help in fixing up the ranch as she is not familiar with what to do since she has been gone from the ranching life for a decade. 

These characters have a past and appeared to be high school sweethearts until Samantha ended the relationship to pursue a career in academia. As the plot progresses, we learn more about the internal conflict present for Cole and Samantha. Samantha is determined to return New York City, but struggles with leaving her family ranch to her conniving cousin, Pete. Cole is struggling to come to terms with a friend’s death in high school and his feelings of responsibility. Together, they’re one glorious ball of intensity and sexual chemistry. 

I would like to note that the hottie on the cover, certainly helped with visualization in this book. Where do people find these guys? Is there like a mailing list we can get on. Overall the book was a good read and was different than the typical cowboy romance that we usually see. There was an element of enemies to lover, hostile families, cutest little tot and two adults who really just need to get their heads out of their arses. I liked this read and would recommended this book to friends who are lover of the cowboy fantasy such as myself. 

This book was published by Relay Publishing on August 9th, 2019 and can be purchased at a variety of locales. Follow the links below to get your own copy. 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Ranchers-Second-Chance-Mary-Jackson-ebook/dp/B07W7TH2GW/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=a+ranchers+second+chance&qid=1566317150&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Our Top 10 Most Anticipated Romance Books for Fall 2019!!

First of all, thanks to everyone who reads my posts. As a blogger, I don’t blog for the acknowledgement but it is nice to see others reading. I’d also like to thank Feedspot for naming us on the list for the Top Romance Book Blogs! 

To see the list, follow this link! Https://blog.feedspot.com/romance_book_blog

                                                                                                                     

1. April Hunt’s “Lethal Redeption” (Release Date: November 26, 2019):

This is the second book in April’s Steele Ops Series. 

It promises to be an action packed and exhilarating ride. This is the story of Grace Steele and Cade Wright whom have a complicated history which has presented its own list of problems in the first novel “Deadly Obsession”. Grace has a history of being involved in a cult and is asked by Steele Ops to help infiltrate the same cult to extract a woman who has asked to be rescued. As a result, she and Cade are partnered to go undercover at an engaged couple, and things heat up. We are pumped to see how this book turns out and are excited to see how April continues with the series. You can preorder your copy today on the following links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Lethal-Redemption-books-price-Steele-ebook/dp/B07P9Q6RND/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=lethal+redemption&qid=1565102358&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Indigo Books: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/lethal-redemption-two-full-books/9781538763384-item.html?ikwid=lethal+redemption&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=3

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lethal-redemption-april-hunt/1130777505#/

Author’s website: http://www.aprilhuntbooks.com/

2. Katie Ruggle’s “Risk it All” (Release Date: December 31, 2019)

Katie continues with the Rocky Mountain Bounty Hunter series with “Risk it all” as a follow up to “In Her Sights”. In this book, we anticipate that we will get to know more about the Pax sisters and their evasive mother. “Risk it All” focuses on Cara Pax, who is known to not be as excited about the bounty hunter lifestyle as her sisters. She does get assigned a bounty and doesn’t believe that he is guilty. Henry Kavenski, who is clearly hot because that’s how we roll. He is set on proving that he is innocent and he needs Cara to help prove it. I hope that we continue to see the strong willed and feisty Pax sisters prevail in the continuation of this series. You can preorder your own copy or read the first in the series:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Risk-Rocky-Mountain-Bounty-Hunters-ebook/dp/B07Q2FXZLN/ref=sr_1_10?keywords=katie+ruggle&qid=1565102585&s=gateway&sr=8-10

Indigo Books: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/risk-it-all/9781492662525-item.html?ikwid=risk+it+all&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0

Barnes & Nobel: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/risk-it-all-katie-ruggle/1129751965?ean=9781492662525#/

Author’s Website: https://katieruggle.com

3. Avery Flynn’s “Daddy Dilemma” (Release Date: October 14, 2019)

If you loved the Hartigan Series and were biting your nails when Parental Guidance was released, then you may want to preorder this book. From the brilliant mind of Avery Flynn comes the second book of the “Ice Knights Series”. If any of Avery’s previous works are any indication as to what we will see in this book, we can prepare ourselves to laugh, cry and swoon. “Daddy Dilemma” combines characters from both series, Tess Gardner & another member of the Ice Knights. Theres a wedding with open bar, hot one night stand and a surprise baby. We anticipate this will be a great read to keep you warm in the Fall. 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Daddy-Dilemma-Ice-Knights-Book-ebook/dp/B07T2TVWVF/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=daddy+dilemma&qid=1565103848&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Indigo Books: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/daddy-dilemma/9781640638686-item.html?ikwid=daddy+dilemma&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/daddy-dilemma-avery-flynn/1132077304?ean=9781640638686

Author’s Website: https://averyflynn.com

4. Holly Black’s “Queen of Nothing” (Release Date: November 19, 2019)

Holly Black is the Queen of Teen Fantasy Fiction and she continues her rein in the continuation of Jude, The Queen of Fearie and King Cardan. There is a lot of confusing chemistry between Jude and Cardan and we hope that in “Queen of Nothing” we still a resolution to their feelings for one another. Despite being exiled Jude returns to Elfhame and finds it to be in a state of war and upheaval. Will she and Cardan be able to put aside their differences for the peace of Elfhame or will it all come to nothing. You can preorder your copy at the following links, but I would encourage you to read the first two books “The Cruel Prince” and “The Wicked King”.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Queen-Nothing-Holly-Black/dp/0316310425/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=74698161962019&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvqmt=e&keywords=queen+of+nothing&qid=1565104031&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Indigo Books: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-queen-of-nothing/9780316310420-item.html?ikwid=queen+of+nothing&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-queen-of-nothing-holly-black/1130884109?ean=9780316494786#/

Author’s Website: https://blackholly.com/books/the-queen-of-nothing/

5. Helena Hunting’s “A Lie for a Lie” (Release Date: October 15, 2019)

The magnificent author of “Meet Cute” and “Good Luck Charm” brings us a new addition to our collection in October. If you love a serendipitous story of love and second chances then this may be the Fall read for you. A celebrity hockey player is looking to get away from the hustle of his every day life and a beautiful woman who falls -literally- into his lap en route to Alaska. Both have their own secrets that they have kept from each other and we get to find out how it all turns out. Can a relationship work if its built on lies? Read with us and find out. 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Lie-All-Helena-Hunting/dp/1542015359/ref=sr_1_131?qid=1565105086&refinements=p_n_publication_date%3A1250228011&s=books&sr=1-131

Indigo Books: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/a-lie-for-a-lie/9781542015356-item.html?ikwid=a+lie+for+a+lie&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=1

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-lie-for-a-lie-helena-hunting/1131825741?ean=9781542015356

Author’s Website: https://helenahunting.com

6. Susan Stoker’s “Claiming Sarah” (Release Date: September 10, 2019)

I was fortunate enough to be able to get a republished copy of this book from my friends at Net Galley. If you loved any of Susan’s previous works, such as “Protecting Caroline” and “Claiming Grace”, then we bet you are going to love this. Susan’s character, Sarah is strong willed and determined but is frightened nonetheless when she starts receiving gifts from a man she barely knows. She seeks out the help of Cole to learn some self defence and eventually, the Ace Security Crew. You’ll be left on the edge of your seat throughout the read. 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Claiming-Sarah-Security-Susan-Stoker/dp/1542008050/ref=sr_1_161?qid=1565105732&refinements=p_n_publication_date%3A1250228011&s=books&sr=1-161

Indigo Books: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/claiming-sarah/9781542008051-item.html?ikwid=claiming+sarah&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/claiming-sarah-susan-stoker/1130472764?ean=9781542008051

Author’s Website: https://www.stokeraces.com

7. Lauren Layne’s “Love on Lexington Avenue” (Release Date: September 17, 2019)

Lauren has time and time again delivered funny and intriguing books that keep use going back for more. She has delivered great series such as “The Best Mistake”, “New York’s Finest” and “Sex, Love & Sillettos”. This book is the second in “Central Park Pact” Series and gives us the great story of Claire Hayes, who has realized that her husband was not the man she thought he was. Now, she a single woman who has purchased a brownstone needing a facelift. She’s hoping to breathe new life into her now home, as well as herself. Shehires Scott Turner to help and things start to heat up. Lauren promises to bring page turning, laugh out loud scenes that keep us wanting more. 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Lexington-Avenue-Central-Park/dp/1501191608/ref=sr_1_174?qid=1565105732&refinements=p_n_publication_date%3A1250228011&s=books&sr=1-174

Indigo Books: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/love-on-lexington-avenue/9781501191602-item.html?ikwid=love+on+lexington&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-on-lexington-avenue-lauren-layne/1130508271?ean=9781501191602#/

Author’s Website: https://laurenlayne.com

8. Evie Dunmore’s “Bringing Down the Duke” (Release Date: September 3, 2019)

This is Evie Dunmore’s debut and it certainly sounds like it will be great. If you love historical romance with a hardcore female character who challenges the social norms, then this may be for you. So, take a step back in time to England 1879 and experience the challenges of women and the men who choose to love them. I hope this book lives up to my expectations and Evie becomes one of my go to authors in the future. 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Bringing-Down-League-Extraordinary-Women/dp/1984805681/ref=sr_1_210?qid=1565107022&refinements=p_n_publication_date%3A1250228011&s=books&sr=1-210

Indigo Books: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/bringing-down-the-duke/9781984805683-item.html?ikwid=bringing+down+the+duke&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=1

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bringing-down-the-duke-evie-dunmore/1130202255?ean=9781984805683#/

Author’s Website: https://eviedunmore.com

9. Jill Sanders’ “The Presence” (Release Date: September 10, 2019)

Jill is the author of a variety of books, but I first fell in love with her Entanglement Series, which is a paranormal romance. “The Presence” is the fourth book of the series and I am beyond excited. At the end of the third book, I thought that would be the end of the series and I am stoked to get my hands on a copy of this! If you loved the previous books or just love Paranormal Romance with a supernatural element, this is the series for you. Trust me. You’ll thank me. 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Presence-Entangled-Book-4-ebook/dp/B07VXRKHNZ/ref=sr_1_11?qid=1565108578&refinements=p_27%3AJill+Sanders&s=digital-text&sr=1-11&text=Jill+Sanders

Indigo Books: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-presence/9781945100086-item.html?ikwid=Jill+Sanders&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=31

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-presence-jill-sanders/1132758748?ean=2940161491386

Author’s Website: https://jillsanders.com

10. Jane Washington’s “The Fairest” (Release Date: TBD)

Although an official date for book three of the Bastan Hollow Saga has not been released, we are hoping that we get to read this book as soon as it is released. Jane’s Bastan Hollow Saga is what turned me Paranormal Romance and I love the element of well known fairy tales being thrown in there. In the previous two books we had the narrative on Lilou Adler & Arlo Demarcus  and how it impacted the story line in “Disobedience” with Mel and Slade. We are excited for the continuation of the series and look forward to it. We don’t have a pre order option presently as the date has not been released, but you can follow up with Jane’s Website and check out the other two books before! 

Author’s Website: https://www.janewashington.com

Ebooks vs. Paper Books - The War to End All

Things have certainly changed over the past several decades in relation to reading. Historically, books were scarce and only obtained by those wealthy and able to read. Now, accessibility to books is unlimited.  There has been an ongoing debate about whether Ebooks are making paper books obsolete. Kind of like how the cell phone technology made the landline and pay phones irrelevant. I’ve broken down some of the pros and cons of both. I will say I have both types and have also indulged in audiobooks on occasion. 

Firstly, the Ebook. Whether you own a Kindle, ipad, orKobo, obtaining books has never been easier. The price of ebooks is also inexpensive in comparison to physical books. There are a lot of positives to ebooks, such as the ability to electronically highlight texts, increase font size, adjust spacing and controlling the black light. These are reasons I absolutely love and cannot live without my kindle! That being said, there is nothing worse than a technical issue that causes you to lose your book history. In those moments, I feel like throwing my Kindle at the wall with the force of the Incredible Hulk! Ereaders are also battery based and require recharging regularly. Although the battery life in most readers is long (several days at least), there are times where power won’t be able to save us. For instance, if there is a power outage for extended periods of time and you are unable to charge your reader. 

Again, I’ll say that I love my Kindle like I love cheeseburgers. But there are downfalls to each.

I started reading physical books when I was about four and I started with the Webster’s Dictionary. My mother almost died when I looked up the “fuck” word and used it randomly. It’s still a favourite of mine. Unlike an ereader, the font and lighting for a physical book can’t be changed. For those like me who have eye glasses or sensitive eyes, this can deter me from buying abook. Physical books are more expensive overall, but it's great to support our authors. 

I love the feel and the smell of a new book. Bookstores are my happy place. I go there when I need a moment just to enjoy the peace. Without everyone else’s problems and just tackling the problems already worked out in a good book. A physical book will never die on you and you can put notes on the physical pages if needed. But for the love of sweet baby Jesus DO NOT crease the corners. Get something.. anything as a book mark! Respect the craft of creating a book. 

What about you? Do you have a preference. I also have thoughts on Audio books and I can honestly say that it is really important that the narrator be entertaining for me to fully engage. 

Let us know in the comments your thoughts! 

Why We Love Romance. . .

We Love Romance. We Say It Loud and Proud.

What is there to love about romance?? The romance genre has so many sub-genres that you are bound to fine one that appeals to you. Its like going to Sephora for a mascara and you have so many options! Often, people misconstrue Romance novels as solely about love and sex. We’ll admit the Happily Ever Afters are sometimes unrealistic, but a girl can dream. Romance isn’t solely about erotica or pure sexuality in word form. Each author writers with dedication to their characters and they build up those characters with personalities that are relatable or that you feel a strong sense of connection. Whether you like, Sci Fi, Paranormal, Historical, New Age or Young Adult, the romance genre has something for you. I’ve read my fair share of other genres, but Romance has by far been the one that sucked me in the most. I did have a slight obsession with serial killer books for a while and will not lie that I find the topic interesting. Unfortunately, that particular topic does not leave me feeling optimistic about society as a whole. It can be very concerning most of the time when you read that stuff. The sadism and cruelty of some of the world’s individuals is not for the faint of heart. 

People will go and buy a book about Ted Bundy or a biography of a celebrity without any concern. However, I have seen various people going to book store and trying to hide their romance novels. WHY? In my perspective, serial killers are a less socially acceptable topic than sexuality, yet the paradigm exists. I love romance and I’m a god damn independent woman, who can read whatever the fuck she wants. I plan to do so without being embarrassed about the shirtless men on the cover. I fucking love shirtless men. People have spent decades being embarrassed about their sexuality because its not “social acceptable”. Well, guess what.. I’m part of society and I decide what is acceptable for me. So screw you haters.. I love my shirtless guys on the covers on my romance novels. 

Some people call it “Smut” or porn for women to make it sound like a dirty act that happens in the back alleys behind some creepy bar in the middle of night. Last I checked, my vagina and I can access porn on the internet the same as any man. I don’t need to read romance to get me some of that. I read romance because it makes me believe that even when faced with unbelievable obstacles that love will overcome. It has little to do with the sex scenes that make the nether regions tingle and everything to do with what the readers want in their own lives. I’m proud to say I have found my HEA with my lovely partner, but getting a snap shot of the challenges some couples face through a romance novel, always leaves me feeling better. 

I’m a proud reader of smut, raunchy, shirtless cowboy loving, romance. And I don’t plan to change that.

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice. Molly Harper Continues to Deliver With "Gimme Some Sugar".

“Gimme Some Sugar” by Molly Harper

*Please be advised that this review contains spoilers*

I have had the pleasure of reading some of the previous works by Molly, in particular, “Aint She A Peach”, which was the story of Frankie and Eric. Luckily, we see all parties of the McCready family in this addition to the Souther Eclectic Series. 

As I listened to “Aint She A Peach” via audiobook, I am unsure if the physical book contains the McCready family tree which is present on this book in the first section. If you plan to read this book as a standalone, this will be beneficial for you. There are many characters who have returned to grace us with their presence, including Tootie and Frankie who I personally find to be hilarious. We also get to see Margot and Kyle and the conclusion to their story from the first book. 

“Gimme Some Sugar” is the story of Lucy Bowman and Duffy McCready. Lucy and Duffy grew up together in Sackett and as teens were too stubborn to talk to each other about their feelings for each other. As we become aware in the previous novels, Duffy had a disaster of a marriage with Lana. She was all kinds of crazy and we come to find out that Duffy proposed as Lana had said that she was possibly pregnant when they were in high school. Lucy went off to marry Wayne and they moved away from Sackett so they could go to college. 

Now, Lucy has returned with her four year old son, Sam, after losing Wayne in a tragic accident. Lucy struggles with the role of a widow in the beginning and what is appropriate behaviour. Lucy’s marriage was not perfect and it appears as though she was grieving the loss of her husband before he died. She returned to Sackett to give her son a quiet life surrounded by family and her childhood memories. Sam is also a super funny little kid who says the most hilarious things at the worst possible moments. 

Lucy opens her own bakery, although not without some sabotage from her mother in law, which presents its own barrel of monkies. Elsie is the monster in law from hell, who is stuck in her backward ways. 

It was a pleasure to read this book and Molly really brings light to important issues that are present in society. When is it appropriate to move on after losing a spouse? What do you do when your parenting is undermined by the in laws? And most importantly, how to listen to your heart above all else. 

I do hope that this isn’t the end of the Souther Eclectic Series as I would love to see how things work out for the McCready family and their significant others. Does Margot get married and does she have a boy or girl? Does Frankie and Eric get married and have a family of their own? Does Donna move on and start dating again? These are all some of the unanswered questions that I’m sure readers would love to get some closure on. 

Overall, Molly hits it out of the park with this addition to the series. I love the craziness of the McCready family and the drama that follows them. I hope to see more in the future from Molly. 

To find out more about Molly's books or to purchase your own copy please visit her website: https://www.mollyharper.com/. We would love to hear your thoughts!