Recap of Reading In 2023 So Far

 

Hi my loves

Long time no see. I wanted to come back so many times but life has been lifing (is that even a word?? but you know what I mean) so I have had to prioritize staying afloat and being mentally well versus the pressure I put on myself to read and share and make posts.  

I actually haven't really been reading any books for pleasure this year, as I for some reason decided I had a goal and a dream to complete a degree I started so many years ago, that I now have to repeat some of the courses because they are too old and science has moved on since I took them last. 

While in school to help me destress I have found that I have been re-reading some favorites, right now I have re-read the entire Psy-Changeling series by Nalini Singh so many times ( probably an unhealthy amount of times, but seriously is there ever too many times to read a book?? ) , and I love more each time I do. Luckily it's available on audiobooks so I've been able to just pop my headphones in when I need time to relax, or play it in the car and unwind. 

I've been obsessed with the series and really have been re-listening because the voice actress is phenomenal. Also because a lot of my favorite paranormals aren't available in audiobook format, and I wish people realized just how much that sucks for those of use with vision impairments.  

While the world has been burning around us (literally, I live in New England and we got hit by the smoke from the Canada fires for days) and figuratively just watching as fascism rolls it's way through American politics, I have found myself retreating to books as a safe place. While I haven't been on the book streets and haven't been paying attention to all the drama, I happened to see that some authors have been acting out and really honestly it's almost like clock work now.  

While I was gone from the blogging world I have been working on purging my shelves and got rid of a few problematic authors works from the shelves, I haven't found too many people jumping at taking linda howard's collection though, which tells me that the word has spread about her toxicity. I'm going to donate them to the local friends of library book sale so hopefully they can get rid of them Even with doing that my shelves are still packed and I still have five bookcases at my parents house.  I'm going to work on more purging down of authors. I pulled all my Julia Quinn books that I hadn't read and went ahead and traded those out as well. Beyond the books I love from the Anita Blake series and the beginning of the Merry Gentry series, I went ahead and pulled the trigger on getting rid of Laurell K Hamilton as well.  

There are just some authors I have grown away from and others who have shown their ass. Comments they have made about why they don't write black people in their series but willingly had black people casted in their shows, while sitting next to the queen of historical black books was just wild and crazy to me. The Anita books fell off for me after Harlequin but like an impulse I couldn't stop would make me buy them and I no longer needed them so off they go to someone else who will love them.  

Working in healthcare and surviving this pandemic has made me a little more brutal about what I'm willing to keep and what I'm still willing to allow in my space. 

How have y'all been?? Getting any reading done?? What have you been doing to entertain yourself ?? Any good books you recommend??

Love & Light 

YA Book #Review: Last Summer With Maizon (Maizon 1) by Jacqueline Woodson

Book Title: Last Summer with Maizon (Maizon 1)
Author: Jacqueline Woodson  |Website| Twitter| Facebook| Instagram

Publisher:  Puffin Books
Genre: Young Adult, Social Situations
Series/Standalone: Book 1
Format: Trade paperback, Trade Hardcover

Cost: $7.99

Pages: 144

How I got it: Purchased

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound
Publication Date: May 27, 2002
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Synopsis:

Margaret loves her parents and hanging out with her best friend, Maizon. Then it happens, like a one-two punch, during the summer she turns eleven: first, Margaret's father dies of a heart attack, and then Maizon is accepted at an expensive boarding school, far away from the city they call home. For the first time in her life, Margaret has to turn to someone who isn't Maizon, who doesn't know her heart and her dreams. . . .

Whew Chile, I was not prepared for this very emotional story and considering its size it packs quite a punch. I can totally see why Jacqueline Woodson has so many awards because she conveyed so much in so few pages and made it all relatable.  This is the story of two young girls who are in the summer right before 6th grade, and the changes their lives are about to face. Can they survive with their friendship intact or will the coming changes push them too far apart??

I do wish we had gotten more though but my gosh this was impactful. I felt Margaret's hurt about the changes in her life and the upheaval it caused.  After reading this I learned that the book is actually part of a series so I will be picking those up as well

Maizon's changes as well hurt my heart because I knew it was coming. She was so happy and hopeful and I knew the world is cruel to little black girls so I knew especially here in CT where I'm from that this wasn't going to end well for her. Even if it was an amazing opportunity. The world isn't the kindest to young smart black girls.

Margeret is an extremely inciteful child to be able to see what some adults would have missed. I'm glad Margeret and Marizon had each other for these changes and could rely on each other.

I loved the portrayal of friendships in this story. All the different friendships the girls experience and how they help them get through all the changes that happen.  I loved the glimpses of grief and how each person deals with it. A great read for any grade level to be sure.

 ★★★★★

Be prepared for some tough questions if you read this to the kiddos. And bring tissues. 
Happy Reading my loves, 

Snippet Book #Review: Revealed: A Prince and a Pregnancy by Kelly Hunter

Book Title: Revealed: A Prince and A Pregnancy
Author:  Kelly Hunter |Website| Twitter| Facebook|

Publisher: Harlequin Presents
Genre: Romance
Series/Standalone:  Series
Format: Mass Market 

Cost: $4.50

Pages: 184

How I got it: Purchased 

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: April 2010
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Synopsis:

When heiress Simone Duvalier sashays back into Rafael Alexander's life, Rafe can't wait for her to head back home and leave him to his empire-building in Australia. They once shared so much, but all that remains are memories and the desire to bed her....

Simone has never forgotten fiercely ambitious, achingly sexy Rafael--and neither has her traitorous body! But when a princely secret and an unplanned pregnancy threaten to change everything...can this dark-hearted bad boy become a prince and a father?

I've been on a kick of reading the smaller romance books in my collection this month, and this is the second book I've read that was a second chance romance with fun, and strong female characters.  Normally when you read these even if they are fun romances, the woman is at some sort of disadvantage to the man, even if it's just financial or social class. This time they are on even footing, they grew up together and fell in love and when faced with moving into a new part of their relationship fears ruled and they broke up.

Now there is a wedding and their siblings are getting married and they have to be civil with each other.  Simone would like to make amends and either get back with Rafael as friends, she misses the companionship they always had.  Rafael hasn't quite healed from their break years ago and can't be int eh same room as her much less be friends again.  And as their meddling siblings, time and circumstances work together Rafael and Simone find themselves fighting to discover if they can make another go of it.

I loved this second chance romance. I loved that they both were successful in their own right, but in this one place, and for the first time in a long time the man isn't a manwhore 9nothing wrong with it but sometimes it would be nice to have a nice guy and we got him here).   I loved that they could admire each other and their successes and that when they tried to get back together they had a few kinks to work out but they had a common goal.  I loved their conversations and their journey to their HEA. I loved that even if it meant losing him Simone was willing to stand in and defend him, even if he repaid that loyalty with his foolish attitude. 

 ★★★★☆

This was a great story even with the crazy reveal that leads them to come together. I really enjoyed their adventures and am going to read their siblings' story as well. 

Happy Reading my loves, 

Snippet Book #Review: The Billionaire's Pregnant Mistress by Lucy Monroe

Book Title: The Billionaire's Pregnant Mistress
Author:  Lucy Monroe |Website| Twitter| Facebook|

Publisher:  Harlequin Presents
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series/Standalone:   Series
Format: Mass Market

Cost: $4.50

Pages: 184

How I got it: Purchased

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble |
Publication Date: December 2004
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Synopsis:

When Greek billionaire Dimitri Petronides is forced to give up Xandra Fortune, his beautiful mistress, he's certain she won't be too distraught. For all the intense passion they've shared, she's never let him into her heart, and such a commitment-shy woman could never be his wife....

But after their split Dimitri discovers that Xandra Fortune is not who he thought she was--and she is also pregnant with his child. Now he has to track her down and claim his mistress as his wife!

This was a re-read for me and I enjoyed it this time around just as much as I did the first time. Xandra was a famous model who was dating Dimitri and when he is called home she continues to work not knowing her world is about to crumble around her.

My favorite parts are when they challenge each other. When they break up its done in such a hard way that hurts them both because Dimitri wants to please his favorite relative instead of standing up for himself and what he wants.  When Dimitri realizes his mistake he id devasted to learn that Xandra is gone and not even the best detectives he's hired can find her.

Invited to a private party he's given some seriously devastating news and is left to decide who he wants to be now. Due to stubbornness, these two are at odds and they struggle to find the comfortable ground they once inhabited. They each have someone they were working to protect and in doing so they end up facing off. Dimitri is playing catch up and is hoping his actions now will speak louder than his words then did.

I loved how they came back together and that they were both so wary but trying to get to a happy place.  Personally, I would have taken my family to task even if it made them mad at me, you're not talking to me like that but enjoying the fruits of my labor. Just not going to happen.  I loved the friendships and other familial relationships that we got to see in the book and I loved how great they were as siblings.  As a couple, they worked well and they were so sensual together. I loved how Xandra would take him to task at times when he said something so side-eye worthy.

Fantastic romance, well-written characters, a great second chance romance.  I say it's a great read for being poolside.

 ★★★☆☆

Enjoy poolside or ar the beach, heck even on the back porch, 

Happy Reading my loves, 

My Summer 2018 Reading List

Happy Summer Solstice my loves.

I can't believe it's the official first day of Summer, here in CT it was a breezy balmy day a great beginning to the Summer months.  I spent most of the afternoon in the garden and communing with the elements. With summer comes the urge to eat lighter, to stress less, to relax more and have some good fun.  And that also means for me to read light fun books especially books about the beach and summer vacation.  With that, I decided to create a list of books to read from my shelves that should be entertaining but not bog me down in series or sequels.  Let's take a look :

Sarah Dessen. She's mentioned a lot when it comes to summer books and since I own a good majority of her books and have only read one I need to remedy that. For my summer reading list I have picked:

• That Summer
• Keeping the Moon
• Someone Like You
• Dreamland
• The Truth About Forever
• Along For the Ride
• The Moon and more
• Whatever Happened to Goodbye

Deep Blue by Jennifer Donnelly 

Breaking Butterflies by M Anjelais

Riptide by Lindsey Scheibe

Tonight The Streets Are Ours by Leila Sales

The Heartbreakers Ali Novak

I have a few from Simone Elkeles 

I also have Susane Colasanti who I adore, I have a few of her books to complete as well including:

• City Love
• Take ME there
• Waiting For You

I want to completely catch up on Katie McGarry's books including

• Walk the Edge
• Long Way Home
• Say You'll Remember Me

Miranda Kennealy's books which I have on my shelves. I'm saving closer to the end of summer as most are about going back to school.  Or being in school.  

Who I Kissed by Janet Gurtler

Kissing In Italian by Lauren Henderson

I recently hauled this one which seems like a fun read about summer camp and two interesting people When Dimple Met Rishi

Morgan Madsen is considered the summer young adult queen and I have Since You've Been Gone by her to complete as well.

I wish to re-read Forever by Judy Bloome

Marrying Up by Wendy Holdem. No idea what it's about but I know it looks awesome and it's so bright and summery I can't wait to dive in. 

Swapping Lives by Jane Green or any of her other works I have on my shelves because she's great for chick lit and romantic comedy.

Island For Two by Beverly Jenkins

Endless Summer Nights by Donna Hill Anthology

Sultry Nights by Donna Hill

Sweet Southern Nights by Donna Hill

Plus any of the romantic comedies I have on hand from any number of authors. Well, that's all I have for now. Share in the comments whichever ones you think I should move up the list.

I'll share when I have read and what I'm thinking as the month flows along.

Thanks for stopping by my loves and happy Summer Reading

YA Book #Review: All I Need by Susane Colasanti

Book Title: All I Need
Author:  Susane Colasanti |Website| Twitter| Facebook|

Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Genre: Yound Adult Romance
Series/Standalone: Stand Alone
Format: Trade Paperback

Cost: $10.99

Pages: 240

How I got it: Purchased 

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound
Publication Date: May 2013
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:

The last night of summer is only the beginning... Skye wants to meet the boy who will change her life forever. Seth feels their instant connection the second he sees her. When Seth starts talking to Skye at the last beach party of the summer, it’s obvious to both of them that this is something real. But when Seth leaves for college before they exchange contact info, Skye wonders if he felt the same way she did—and if she will ever see him again. Even if they find their way back to each other, can they make a long-distance relationship work despite trust issues, ex drama, and some serious background differences? Teen favorite Susane Colasanti returns to the alternating-voice style of her beloved debut When It Happens in this Serendipity-inspired story about summer, soul mates, and the moments that change our lives forever.

I picked this up on a whim and wanted to have a fun quick read. And that's exactly what I got. I luaghed in this book and I looked at the charcters sideways "Like Ok girl, whatever you say".

Going into this book blind without any indication other than the cover was pretty good. You quickly caught onto what was going on.  Now home girl starts off letting us know she's in love with love. She wants to feel what her parents have, however she's more than a little naive about how true love works. Skye and Seth have a great conversation and they hit it off right away, however Skye is a bury her head in the sand kind of girl and she doesn't think about how things will work out.

I loved that time flies by in the book rather quickly. I loved that she had strong happy healthy parents in her life who she had a good relationship with. Ah had two sets of best friends, he summer friend she's been friends with since she was nine and another group of her 'regular' friends; they all know each other and hang out at the end of every summer .  I really loved the girl friendships, I loved that she stressed her volunteer work, her interests in academic success.

Skye however was seriously naive, she had this immature and ill formed idea of hat love was and she kept chasing it. Which in of itself isn't wrong, it is however unfair to the people you date if you don't thing they are worth your time even as you date them.  I loved how she and her friends were different reflections of each other, they could see the flaws in the other but not so much in the mirror.  Seth had his hangups too, based on his parent's and their relationship and his hang ups about money and Skye's wealth.

I loved  his description of college and how it can change you.  Skye wants everything to stay the same yet doesn't really understand that nothing ever stays the same.  I loved how her parents handled them dating and how mature Skye seemed when given different choices.  I know personally I would never turn my life around like this for someone I had one conversation with. However I know people who have and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't.  I really enjoyed their conversations because they were so sarcastic together.  When conflict hits, I loved that Skye felt safe seeking her friends and her mother;s advice.  I loved that she wasn't the only one feeling like this about the relationship.

However, Skye's immaturity and Seth's trust issues do impact the relationship, without realizing it they really had only a summer romance which is just a surface level romance.  Several times throughout the books Susane showed us that and the characters would duck around the issues.  The story wrapped up quickly and it definetly keeps you engaged trying to see where they go from here and that ending???

A fun quick summer read. I really enjoyed the girlfriends and the parents being such good people.

 ★★★1/2☆☆

RECOMMENDATIONS: 

• Sarah Dessen This Summer
• 
  

Happy Reading my loves, let me know if you read this and enjoyed and share in the comments down below.