Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks! If you want to find out more about Stacking The Shelves, please visit the official launch page! Stacking The Shelves now has a new host and check out that new image!!
Paperbackswap
During the early 2000s late 90s Harlequin Published a series called the Men Made In America, with each author writing a romance from a different state. I personally have on my shelves Connecticut and Delaware. When I decided to collect them again, I used Fiction DB to find all the books I needed.
When I decided to use up my credits during the summer I decided to collect as many of the other books as p[ossible. Luckily for me, there was a trader who was running a two for one special. You ordered and paid for the books you wanted then you wrote her and requested the others., She was moving and needed to clear out as many books as possible. Which worked in my favor because she had all the books I needed!! So I ordered seven and got the other 7 for free!!
The books don't have to be read in any order and they aren't connected beyond being written from each state!!
Let's start with: * books are in order of series, not alphabetical by state*
The ones that are missing I'm going to get those later when I've traded out more books and have the credits. That's it my loves. I'm hoping to do these as a challenge in 2019. Have you read any of these?? What'd you get in your haul this week?? Share in the comments down below and I'll see you next week.
Meg Sanders enjoyed her wild night with a prince and his bodyguard—but now she’s moving on. She has enough problems without borrowing the kind of trouble Theo brings just by being who he is. But no matter how determined she is to leave that night a fond memory, she hasn’t seen the last of Theo and Galen…
Galen Mikos's life boils down to one goal. Keep Theo alive. But as long as Theo draws breath, he’s a
threat to the powers that have taken over Thalania—and anyone they associate with runs the risk of
becoming a target, too. Galen will never forgive himself if they let their selfish desire for Meg puts her in danger. But it might already be too late…
Theo Fitzcharles might be an exiled prince, but he doesn’t intend to stay that way. He’s only
concerned with one thing—clearing his mother’s name and reinstating himself as Crown Prince of
Thalania. There’s no room in that plan for distraction, especially when it makes him forget himself
the way Meg does. But after spending one perfect night with her and his best friend, Theo has no
intention of leaving her alone.
Even if it damns all three of them in the process.
Enter to win one of TEN (10) eBook copies of FOREVER THEIRS!
I absolutely loved this story. I read it right after reading the novella Theirs for The Night, which was a great introduction to the characters, and the base for the story. While it's not necessary to read the novella first I believe it's a great way to see the history and the chemistry of the characters. From there we jump right into learning all about Galen & Theo and where they are from. We learn why Theo's on the run and what the stakes are for him if he's not successful in finding allies or solving the mystery of how he was banished.
The story develops well with us never knowing if they were going to be betrayed, and by whom. As the story unfolds and more clues are brought to light we start to meet the other characters including the villain and learn some of his motivation. And the trio are wholly unprepared for how brutal and vicious this man will be.
While we do learn a bit about the parents and the mystery that led to Theo's outing, we are exposed to even more questions about her family and why she did what she did against their advice. We also learn more about Theo and Galen. As the story progressed Galen's history, & his reason for his loyalty to Theo is exposed and we get more form the silent giant. The chemistry between the three is smoking with not just the intimacy but the bond they create as they develop as characters and deal with the fallout of other learning that Meg is someone the two men will do anything for. Meg is a fun, fierce and strong character who needed to learn that asking for help didn't make one weak. She's out of her depths here but wants the men to know she's not here just because of who they are and does her best to keep up with them.
I have to say you don't realize what you are missing until you read a book from another perspective. I have read a lot of erotica books, especially menage because polyamory is my jam. It wasn't until the end of the story that I realized how refreshing it was to have the two male characters find it completely normal to be sexually attracted to each other and none of them felt like it challenged their masculinity. As I was reading I realized that they never once had that fight of if they belonged together or not because they were men, there were fights for other reasons but their sexuality wasn't the thing and you never realize how much that is repeated in other books until you read a book without it. I get it, some men will have to fight past their ideas they may have grown up with and I understand questioning your sexuality. However, in this novel, it was accepted by everyone as normal and it was so good to see. I know I know this may not happen in the real world, but it's nice to read a story where being bisexual isn't something to hide, to be afraid of or something downgraded as only a by-product of the passion.
I loved the chemistry, the romance, fun and the adventure of the story. I also loved how much realness was added in, how things that I thought about where brought up and how this novel ended on a cliffhanger. My Gawd I can't wait until December to find out how it all comes out. Will there be a battle against the villain?? Where is Galen's Dad?? What will Theo's little brother thing of his stunt?? Will the people accept Theo's decree?? How will that work on the international stage?? I'm anxious to find out.
Highly recommend and suggest you enter to win to grab a copy for yourself. The first book should still be free all over the book-buying world. Don't forget to check out the rest of the tour ladies and gents.
A "suspenseful" novel by the #1 "New York Times" bestselling author-now in a French flap trade edition.
Nora Roberts delivers an exciting tale that takes readers to the depths of the Caribbean-and the heights of passion and suspense-as a marine archaeologist and a salvager join forces to search for a legendary treasure.
I love how Nora writes these books giving us a really good past and the motivation for the rest of the story, swinging into the present and sharing the adventure, and then the future with just enough of hint of what life to the character will be like to leave it open to interpretation.
Unlike the other romantic suspense books she's written this one is more of an adventure tale, it's gotten sunken treasure, pirates, villains, revenge plots and romance. What more can you want?? Reading this reminded me of Fool's Gold that movie with Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey. It was such a good adventure story and I kept hoping and reading as they searched for the different boats. I was so invested in the story and really wanted them to find those historic finds and even got so invested in the hunt for the smallest clue that might lead them to the treasure. Nora writes in such a way that even if you've never snorkeled much less took the diving class you feel like you have and that you understand and that you are right there with them. From the way in which Tate loves everything about the sea, not just the treasure hunting but the small details that make the coral come alive. It was just beautiful.
From the very beginning, I was sucked in with the past laying down the foundation of the craziness that treasure hunting will cause for each of the characters and the cost that being the first to find a sunken treasure will bring to their lives. The story starts with a murder then we jump forward to this family on the hunt for two Spanish boats that went down in the Caribbean during the 1800s. As they searched and they grew as a crew and as friends to family, the chemistry between Tate & Matthew was so much so that it was no surprise that they then developed into future lovers. I was so invested in them and the journey, I was overjoyed when they began finding hints of the treasure and as the story unfolded I felt all the joy, excitement, happiness then the despair that the hunt brought to their lives. Even as we celebrated their finds, I just knew trouble was on the horizon but even I couldn't have predicted that.
As the story moved and we learned more about the sunken ships, we also learned how the loss of a treasure can affect each of the crew differently. I was so anxious as the story progressed and as they grew closer to finding the treasure. I grew nervous as things began to unfold, betrayals are revealed, relationships are lost and love gets sacrifficed.
I absolutely loved the story and the characters. We didn't really get a lot of backstory or much screen time with Tate's family beyond a few snippets here and there so I really didn't get a agood picture of what her parents looked like as I was building them in my head. Same for Bucky the uncle, I just had vague outlines of them, but their character as people came out when they needed to show it the most. I absolutely loved how Tate's mom came through for all of them in the end.
As each character develops throughout the story, and their motivations are revealed you feel certain emotions attached to them as the story grows. You despise the villain, are shocked by the betrayal, feel the despair and sadness of those who have paid a deep cost for being in the ocean. You fall in love all over again with a couple that has managed to stand the test of time and you feel the joy of budding young love and rekindling of old feelings.
I was thoroughly invested in this story, I wanted to know what happened in the end so I read as fast as I could. For me, there was no lag time within the story as everything laid the foundation for the end and I couldn't' wait to see how cold the revenge would be served. I loved the big blowout Tate and Matthew had and the emotional upheaval that it brought.
I can't wait to read more from the Nora Roberts shelf now. I highly recommend as a great summer read. If you're a fan of the ocean but don't want to get too up close and personal with it this is for you. And if you're a person who needs to breathe sea air to feel alive then this is for you as well.
★★★★☆
RECOMMENDATIONS
Movie Fool's Gold starring Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson
Having Diving and good sailing Happy Reading my loves,
Movie Title: Carolina Moon Released: 2007 Directed by:Stephen Tolkin Starring: Clair Forlani, Oliver Hudson & Chad Williett Based on: Carolina Moon by Nora Roberts Run Time: 95 mins
Premise: A woman who has psychic visions returns to her hometown to exorcise her demons, and finds both danger and love.
Trailer:
Based on the book of the same name the movie was a wonderful adaptation. As I personally saw the movie first when I read the book the characters sounded like they did in the movie.
I believe they choose some great actors to portray the book characters. And while I know the accents left much to be desired, they still captured the small town feel and the dealings of the trauma coming back to life for so many.
It wasn't until I read the book that I realized that the sheriff was supposed to be black and that some characters were missing from the movie. In the book, Tory isn't as alone as the movie portrays her as being. There are some other small changes, like characters that are missing and a few of the crimes are more than in the novel but still a pretty good adaptation. Maybe because I saw the movie first this story was very haunting and remained in my mind for years before I even read the book.
I would recommend it. It's a little harder to find but if you have Netflix you can rent the DVD because for whatever reason none of the streaming services have the rights to the movies. UGH. Or you can rent it for $3.99 on amazon.
Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks! If you want to find out more about Stacking The Shelves, please visit the official launch page! Stacking The Shelves now has a new host and check out that new image!!
Let's get into the books because no excuses on why these are here:
Purchased
A Quiet Kind of Thunder by Sara Barnard. I got this because people have been talking about for years on booktube (not so much now, but before it was really popular)
Denton Little's Still Not Dead by Lance Rubin. This is another of those books popular on booktube and I wanted to read it because it's only a $1 from the DT.
Lora Leigh's Secret Pleasure (Bound Hearts 13). I've been loving this series for years. This was on sale at BAM for $2.97
Hans Christen Anderson I got these are the DT as well for $1 each.
Dark Sentinel by Christine Feehan. I've been reading this series since the beginning. Took breaks then caught up. I'm now completely caught up so I definitely pre-ordered this.
Second Time Sweeter by Beverly Jenkins. I'm hoping this doesn't go where I fear it's going. But I must read it to know what happens in this town after the past craziness.
Paperbacswap
I've finally gotten a few of the stragglers from my credit spree:
The Liar by Nora Roberts. I read this last month and needed it for my shelves, so I traded for it. You can read my review here.
The Island by Heather Graham. This is going on the read bookshelves apparently this was when I lived in another part of the state and was borrowing all my books instead of purchasing. I loved this on my goodreads and I wanted to have it to re-read.
The Dead Room by Heather Graham. Thi is the fourth book in the Harrison investigations 4 and I needed it in my life.
And surprisingly that's it. I managed to behave myself in the last few weeks, I do still have paperbackswap books to share that have come in, once they do I'll share with y'all. What'd you get in your haul this week?? Share in the comments down below and I'll see you next week.
Meg Sanders has spent her life playing by the rules—until tonight. It’s her birthday and she’s determined to be a little wild and a whole lot carefree, at least until she has to get back to reality tomorrow. But the last thing she expects is to be seduced on the dance floor by two gorgeous men.
Theo and Galen are each incredibly sexy on their own, and potentially devastating as a pair—and they want her. Meg isn’t down for anything resembling complicated when her life is such a mess, but the two of them win her over with the promise of a night out of her deepest, darkest fantasy—and that they walk the next morning with no strings attached.
After all, anything goes when it’s only for one night…
I absolutely adored this novella, this is a great introduction to the rest of the story arc. It's a closed triangle romance and I'm so here for it. (For those who don't know that means that each of the menage participants have a relationship, so the two men are sexually involved with each other and then also each has a relationship with the woman).
We get introduced to Meg who is a struggling college student who is trying not to become the failure those from her town have named her. She's run all the way to NYC to accomplish her goals and she's so close to finishing when she's dealt a financial blow that knocks her back. To help cheer her up a girlfriend suggests they go to the club and she doesn't really feel into it even if it's her birthday. She does go however and that decision makes a huge change in her life and the direction she will take from then on.
We get introduced to Theo and Galen at the club and the chemistry is off the way. Meg wants them but the way her life is going they might not want her. As the story develops and we get a glimpse at the depth of Theo and Galen and their relationship I was hooked. I read the story in less than an hour because I needed to know everything and the cliffhanger??? Why yes I will be reading the next book.
The chemistry between all three was off the charts, and the eroticism of their sex scenes just drew me in. I loved it because they laughed and still had some seriously sexy times. I can't wait to learn more about the men and their relationship, why they could only have this one night and what Meg is going to do about her situation.
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts—an utterly spellbinding tale about a woman who, though battered in both body and spirit, can never lose Hope…
Tory Bodeen grew up in South Carolina, in a small run-down house, where her father ruled with an iron fist and a leather belt—and where her dreams and talents had no room to flourish. But she had Hope, who lived in the big house just a short skip away and whose friendship allowed Tory to be something she wasn’t allowed to be at home: a child. After young Hope’s brutal murder, unsolved to this day,
Tory’s life began to fall apart. And now, as she returns to her hometown, with plans to settle in and open a stylish home-design shop, she is determined to find a measure of peace and free herself from the haunting visions of the past. As she forges a new bond with Cade Lavelle—Hope’s older brother and the heir to the family fortune—she isn’t sure whether the tragic loss they share will unite them or drive them apart. But she is willing to open her heart, just a little, and try. Living so close to those unhappy memories will be more difficult and frightening than Tory could ever have expected, however. Because Hope’s murderer is nearby as well…
I actually saw the movie first and because of it, as I was reading I kept flashing back to the movie and actresses voice was Tory's in the whole book. I really loved the movie and so I loved the book just as much, this was a little more fleshed out because we got to see the motivations for the characters actions which we can't see in the movie.
This is an absorbing story about a young girl with a gift that scares the adults around her so much that they abuse her. The system failed her because the people who should have stood up to protect her didn't and the ones that tried were blocked by those too lazy to challenge the status quo. Tory was gifted with a strong empathic psychic gift that allowed her to read emotions and see when things were going to happen. This has been a curse for her because it's the excuse used to abuse her violently and on one of these days she witnesses the death of her best friend.
When she has a chance Tory runs and while she's gone she builds a successful life for herself and even falls in love. Even that falls apart due to her gift not working how she wanted it to. Running again she rebuilds herself in Charleston and then when she feels ready decides she's going back home. From there her coming home sends a killer into a spree. She challenges the towns' matriarch, reunites with the side of her family that tried to help her, and comes to the attention of Cade, her best friends' older brother.
Tory is trying her best to move on and confront the past on her terms. She stays away from her mother because she understands that the relationship was super toxic and she can't help someone who is hell-bent on ignoring all her options. As she builds her store and runs into the past, be it classmates or memories of places and things, she finds herself trying to avoid Cade and his pursuit. Cade kept tabs on Tory after she moved away and became successful. He never got over the day his life changed and having Tory back in town brings that day into focus. He's also dealing with the town believing he's going to cause their collapse because he's changing how the farming is done. He's known his whole life he was going to take over the family farm and knows he's responsible for taking care of the town as well and he's trying to show everyone that organic isn't bad. In Tory, he finds something he never knew he was looking for, and he's even more determined to protect it and her as the danger around her escalates.
As the story progresses and Tory and Cade continue to circle each other, the past comes to visit several times. Each time it brings with it newer information about the death of Tory's friend and Cade's sister. Faith the remaining twin is still struggling to find herself now that she's the remaining daughter and the one her mother wishes had died. She's bouncing from relationship to relationship and never settling down. Tory coming back into town pushes her in a direction she's not sure she's ready for. And because Tory is back relationships she took for granted are being challenged.
I loved the story. I got so absorbed into the story that time flew by and I didn't even notice. I do have to say I docked it a star for the description of the Sheriff Carl D. because when you read other books by Nora whenever she describes an older man she generally does it in a nicer way, Normally when she's saying that the person isn't classical handsome she does in a way to make you know they are interesting to look at anyway and handsome in their own way, nope not for the black guy. Even the town drunk was described better. O-o
Despite her abysmal description of the town's sheriff, he did a fantastic job being sheriff and even knew when to have a pissing contest with the Feds and when to use them to keep his town safe. Which I greatly appreciated. That's one of my pet peeves when the local law wants to pretend they can do it all on their own. Like no, get help when you need it.
Even though I had seen the movie I had forgotten who the villain was and up until the reveal kept going back and forth between two or three characters. I really enjoyed and would recommend for the mystery lovers out there. Do be warned sexual violence is discussed as well as predatory behavior.
Hosted by: Jill over at Breaking The Spines. This is a weekly book lust prompt, asking for us to share our absolute can't wait to get our hands on a copy books. Swing on over to find out how to participate and to see what others are sharing.
Young Adult/New Adult
Kiss The Girl ( A Naughty Princess Club 3) by Tara Sevic
A struggling antiques collector finds herself falling in love with a millionaire playboy; but can she ever be a part of his world?
Meet the Naughty Princess Club, a series from USA Today bestselling author Tara Sivec that brings readers to Fairytale Lane and the hilarity—and romance—that three women fall into once they decide to strut their stuff and bring on their own happily ever after.
While her friends have broken free of their insecurities, Ariel Waters is struggling to come out of her shell. Her ex-husband took away her voice and her self-confidence, and Ariel is drowning under a sea of debt to afford the alimony she has to pay him. She refuses to ever fall for a man’s charms again, and is determined to make her own way.
When her house and her beloved antiques are taken by the bank after too many missed payments, Ariel finds herself adrift until the infuriatingly charming Eric Sailor comes to her rescue. Although she can’t stand the millionaire playboy, Eric’s kindness and unconditional support reveal hidden depths and a love that Ariel never imagined she could find.
But there are outside influences who will stop at nothing to keep them apart; can Ariel and Eric weather the storm and find a way to be together?
Dark Sentinel (Carpathian Series 38) by Christine Feehan
In an explosive novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan, a human woman ignites the desire of her Carpathian lifemate--and of an ancient vampire with a score to settle. After the devastating loss of her entire family, Lorraine Peters heads to the woods searching for peace of mind and anything to quell the anger in her soul. Instead, she stumbles upon a scene of horrific violence, as one man lies helpless in the face of three attackers.
Andor Katona's existence has been a harsh one, living for centuries as a monk in the Carpathian Mountains. Unable to find his lifemate, he almost welcomes his release from a colorless and unfeeling world at the hands of the vampire hunters who have mistaken him for their prey. That is, until a whirling ball of fury bursts onto the scene, determined to save him.
In one glimpse, in one breath, Andor recognizes Lorraine as his lifemate, but it will take more than their telepathic connection to convince her of their immortal bond. Lorraine is a lethal combination of cunning and courage. So much so that she captures the attention of a master vampire, one who has already lost what was once irreplaceable to him. One who will strike with deadly precision at Andor and his ancient Carpathian comrades in a war to end all wars. . .
#1 New York Times-bestselling author Nora Roberts takes us deep into the rugged Black Hills of South Dakota, where the shadows keep secrets, hunters stalk the land, and a childhood friendship matures into an adult passion.Asummer at his grandparents' South Dakota ranch is not eleven-year-old Cooper Sullivan's idea of a good time. But things are a bit more bearable now that he's discovered the neighbor girl, Lil Chance, and her homemade batting cage. Even horseback riding isn't as awful as Coop thought it would be.
Each year, with Coop's annual summer visit, their friendship deepens from innocent games to stolen kisses, but there is one shared experience that will forever haunt them: the terrifying discovery of a hiker's body.As the seasons change and the years roll, Lil stays steadfast to her dreams of becoming a wildlife biologist and protecting her family land, while Coop struggles with his father's demand that he attend law school and join the family firm. Twelve years after they last walked together hand in hand, fate has brought them back to the Black Hills when the people and things they hold most dear need them most.
An investigator in New York, Coop recently left his fastpaced life to care for his aging grandparents and the ranch he has come to call home. Though the memory of his touch still haunts her, Lil has let nothing stop her dream of opening the Chance Wildlife Refuge, but something . . . or someone . . . has been keeping a close watch.
When small pranks and acts of destruction escalate into the heartless killing of Lil's beloved cougar, recollections of an unsolved murder in these very hills have Coop springing to action to keep Lil safe.Lil and Coop both know the natural dangers that lurk in the wild landscape of the Black Hills. But now they must work together to unearth a killer of twisted and unnatural instincts who has singled them out as prey.
I went into this one like I do all the Nora books on my shelves without reading the synopsis. I was confused for a little bit but then I let myself sink into the story and it did not disappoint. It flew by and before I knew it I was hooked and reading every chance I got until I was done.
This starts off as a sweet coming of age story, with the two kids meeting, him a city kid who was angry at being sent to stay with relatives he barely knew existed; much less had been with and Lily being a town girl who knew what she wanted to be the second she was old enough to read and study. She befriends him and wins him over because she had a baseball cage in her backyard, and they became fast friends. Returning to his grandparents home every summer become's Coop's little bit of happiness and as he and Lily grow so do their feelings. Before long they are making plans and racing towards adulthood, then life pride and fear steps in.
It's year's later and these two are finally back in the Black Hills having made something of themselves separately. They failed at being a couple but they have succeeded in reaching their respective dreams. When an accident calls Coop back to the Hills, Lily is hoping she can avoid him, then she hopes she can just be friends again. Coop's not happy with it, they try and avoid each other, but finally, Coop confronts her and from there we get a pretty awesome story.
The unfolding of the mystery and what is going on takes a while. It pulls on their mutual history and then escalates quickly. The crazy of the stalker comes out fast. Because really he was playing an extremely dangerous game. As the danger increases Coop andLily get real clear on their boundaries then break them and keep changing where they want them to be. We see great female friendships and the development of another romance alongside their own. I was rooting for the other couple as well.
The banter between Coop and Lily was awesome to read. They went back and forth and yet each of them conceded when it meant getting closer to the goals. I loved reading about the sanctuary that Lily created and how she aided the animals especially the big cats. I really enjoyed the friendships that were displayed and for a while was afraid the other couple wasn't going to get their happy ever after because of the crazy person. I was anxious to find out who it was, and then when we had an idea I wanted to know more, like why did he go off the deep end. I was anxious and nervous as the remaining pages dwindled and the danger kept escalating. As the final scenes unfolded I was on the edge of my seat and trying to read faster.
I really enjoyed how the location was used as a backdrop and as a character as well. As the seasons changed within the Dakotas it brought with it not just more of the mystery but a change in the characters as well. I loved how the development and improvement of the sanctuary also brought along a change for relationships that developed and even how the characters themselves began to change. Nora's writing was very descriptive about the sanctuary and the Hills and it felt like I was there. I was completely absorbed by the story and in love with the location even more.
I really enjoyed this one being based in the Dakotas, as well as the fact that it deals with big cats, because for many a year I have loved the cats, with the Siberian Tiger being my favorite. To read a book that features some of my favorite animals?? Yeah I was seriously stoked. I highly recommend
★★★★1/2☆
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Krewe of Hunters Series by Heather Graham
Julie Garwood's Buchanon/ Reynards series
Have you read this one my loves?? Have a favorite Nora Roberts you think I should grab and read?? Share in the comments down below. Let me know what you think if you pick up Black hills. Happy Reading my loves,
Movie Title: Crazy Rich Asians Released: August 15, 2018 Directed by: Jon M Chu Starring: Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Gemma Chan, Awkwafina, Nico Santos Lisa Lu, Michelle Yeoh & Ken Jeong. Based on: Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan Run Time: 120
Premise:
Crazy Rich Asians" follows native New Yorker Rachel Chu (Wu) as she accompanies her longtime boyfriend, Nick Young (Golding), to his best friend's wedding in Singapore. Excited about visiting Asia for the first time but nervous about meeting Nick's family, Rachel is unprepared to learn that Nick has neglected to mention a few key details about his life. It turns out that he is not only the scion of one of the country's wealthiest families but also one of its most sought-after bachelors. Being on Nick's arm puts a target on Rachel's back, with jealous socialites and, worse, Nick's own disapproving mother (Yeoh) taking aim. And it soon becomes clear that while money can't buy love, it can definitely complicate things. ~~~ From Rotten Tomatoes Website.
Trailer:
I highly recommend you go see this movie. My sisters and I went last Tuesday and just fell in love. It was an amazing movie, but a very different experience for me. I fell in love with the premise of the story and of course, now I want to go to Singapore. I think I fell in love with the scenery a little more than the story.
I had just finished watching To All the Boys I've Loved Before (again) and I was excited to see another movie featuring an Asian cast. This movie was stunning. I absolutely loved how they used the location of Singapore as both a glorious backdrop and also like a character in the movie.
While it dealt with one of my favorite tropes of the protagonist not knowing the person they are dating/engaged to is a person in disguise the movie also has some depth to it. I loved how the movie touched on the struggles that immigrant children face when returning to the 'home country'. I truly felt it when her mother made the comment about her being different on the inside while retaining all that is Chinese on the outside.
I was absorbed by the different storylines and characters within the main overarching story. As we get introduced to the family we realize they are far more complex & complicated than Nick has led Rachel to believe. Being thrown into the festivities for the wedding, being in Singapore when she's never been there before and meeting his daunting and super successful family, she would have been lost if it wasn't for her best friend from college and her family's backing.
I just loved the friendships and the different relationships within the story. While many might call the mother the villain I totally got what she was saying, but didn't agree with her execution, especially after we get more of her background. The story progressed beautifully and there were moments that I didn't agree with Rachel's handling of certain situations. The story unfolded wonderfully and of course that wedding scene??? I totally want to get married just so I can do it that way. My gawds that was amazing. I loved the humor the wit, and of course the romances that were advancing and developing.
I could gush about the movie for hours because there were serious moments as well and even after I saw it I learned that a key scene has an even deeper meaning. I'm going to link out to my favorite review so far and let you know that it's a spoiler review so watch only if you've already seen the movie or if you want a more in-depth look before you go to see the movie.
My goal this year is 150 books, if I break that down it comes out to 13 books per month, with 3 to 4 books a week. Totally doable in my books, so as the proverb says, you can eat an elephant one bite at a time, so here are my first few bites:
Read So Far this Year:
91
TBR Pile
150
TBR Balance:
59
Lemonade Syllabus:
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.
Perpetual Author Challenge:
Shadow Rider by Christine Feehan
The Reef by Nora Roberts
The Villa by Nora Roberts
Honest Illusions by Nora Roberts
Northern Lights by Nora Roberts
Finish Series Challenge: There is also a Sequel September Challenge going on on Booktube and here on the book blogging world.
Deadly Gift by Heather Graham
Red Lily by Nora Roberts
Black Rose by Nora Roberts
Sylvia Day Crossfire 4
Crossfire 5
Rogue Gina Damico
Delicious by Shayla Black
Carolina Moon by Nora Roberts
ARC
American Asshole Tara Sue Me
Forever Theirs Katee Robert
Theirs For The Night Katee Roebrt
.
.
Black Out Challenge:
L. Divine Book 1
Dread Nation by Justina Ireland
L. A Banks
L.A Banks
L.A Banks
Erotica books:
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.
.
Non Fiction Books:
Religious Book
Religious Book
Finance Book
Social issues Book
Personal Interest Book
I'm leaving a lot to mood reading but these are some of the ones I wish to finish this month or catch up on. What are you going to be reading my loves?? Share in the comments down below if you have read any of these and as always
