Reading Right Now! (242)

What I'm Reading Right Now! is...

 

Railhead (#1) by Philip Reeve -- I just started this and I'm excited for it. I can't really remember what caused it to come across my radar. I want to say it was one of those Goodreads Recommendations. Since you liked that, you might like this. It's a sci-fi heist thing, Maybe? I'm excited for it. Only a couple of pages in so far.

Archie, Volume 1 by Mark Waid, Fiona Staples, Annie Wu, and Veronica Fish -- I haven't started this one yet, but I don't know. I kinda want to. I like the art. I'm interested.

What I Might Read Next

I'm bad at planning and deciding things.

Heroine Worship (#2) by Sarah Kuhn -- I wasn't all the way in love with the first book, but I still want to continue with the series. I love these covers.

And that's what I'm Reading Right Now! and what I'm thinking of reading next. Also, I can't believe I posted 5 days this week. Granted, most of them were Blog Tours that I signed up for, so I had to post, but I'm proud of myself.

BLOG TOUR: Cast in Wisdom (Chronicles of Elantra #15) by Michelle Sagara

I am pleased to be a part of the Blog Tour for Cast in Wisdom by Michelle Sagara. I received a free electronic copy for honest reviews. Thanks so much MIRA Books and Michelle Sagara for letting me be a part of this fun tour!

Title: Cast in Wisdom (Chronicles of Elantra #15)

Author: Michelle Sagara

Published by: MIRA

Released: January 28, 2020

Source: Electronic Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads   Amazon

Synopsis: SOMETHING IS WAKING

The fiefs that exist at the heart of the city of Elantra are home to sentient Towers that guard the world against the incursion of Shadow. But between the fiefs exists the gray world of the border zone. In it, geography changes between one passage across a border and the next. The rules of magic are different there—and yet somehow familiar to Kaylin Neya.
When a Shadow escapes, Kaylin must find out how…and why. If Shadows can breach the barrier erected by the Towers, the whole of Elantra will be devoured. It’s happened on other worlds. Bellusdeo, Kaylin’s Dragon companion, absolutely believes it can happen on theirs.

The border zone holds secrets and ancient histories, and people are gathering there in search of its power. Without even understanding what that power is, or why it exists, Kaylin is in a desperate race against time to find those secrets first. She doesn’t know who her enemies are. She doesn’t know how many she’ll face. But she won’t face them alone. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: Sooo I didn't realize this was Book 15 in a series until after I started reading it. Oops haha. I should really pay more attention to these things. So, while I wouldn't suggest you do what I did and read it out of sequence, unless you wanted to, I did really enjoy this book. I guess I've got a new series I need to read from the beginning.

I really enjoyed the world of Cast in Shadow. It was really interesting and made me want to experience more of it. It was a lot to wrap my head around in the beginning, but the more I read, the more into it I got.

I enjoyed all the action that was going down in this book. It was really fun to follow and kept me on the edge of my seat.

I liked the character of Kaylin. I liked following her journey. She has a lot of skills and is able to hold her own.

I really enjoyed Cast in Wisdom. I kind of wish that I had been caught up on the series before I read this. Mostly because I'm one of those people that has to read things in order or it will bother me. You could definitely read this out of order if you wanted to though. I've got a new to me series to start, and I can't wait to explore more of the world of Elantra.

Michelle is an author, book­seller, and lover of liter­ature based in Toronto. She writes fantasy novels as both Michelle Sagara and Michelle West (and some­times as Michelle Sagara West). You can find her books at fine booksellers.
She lives in Toronto with her long-suffering husband and her two children, and to her regret has no dogs.
Reading is one of her life-long passions, and she is some­times paid for her opinions about what she’s read by the venerable Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. No matter how many book­shelves she buys, there is Never Enough Shelf space. Ever.
She has published as Michelle Sagara (her legal name), as Michelle West (her husband's surname), and as Michelle Sagara West (a combination of the two).

Thank you so much for stopping by my Blog Tour Stop for Cast in Wisdom by Michelle Sagara. Thank you to MIRA Books and Michelle Sagara for letting me be a part of this fun Blog Tour. Go check out the book!

BLOG TOUR: Witness Protection Widow by Debra Webb

I'm really excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Witness Protection Widow by Debra Webb. Thanks so much to Harlequin Intrigue and Debra Webb for letting me be a part of this fun tour. I received a free copy for honest review.

Title: Witness Protection Widow (#5)

Author: Debra Webb

Published by: Harlequin Intrigue

Released: February 1, 2020

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads   Amazon

Synopsis: Can the witness protection program keep her identity secret?

After Allison James finally escapes her marriage to a monster, she becomes the star witness in the case against her deceased husband’s powerful crime family. Now it’s up to US Marshal Jaxson Stevens, Ali’s ex-boyfriend, to keep the WITSEC widow safe. But as the danger escalates and sparks fly, will Jax be able to help Ali escape her ruthless in-laws? (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: This was a lot of fun! I don't read books like this all the time, but sometimes I just need them. I need that intrigue and romance, and Witness Protection Widow gave that to me. It had danger, suspense, and two characters finding their way back to each other. It was a book that really hit that sweet spot.

I didn't know when I picked this up that it was the fifth book in a series. I was able to read it just fine and I didn't feel lost when it came to characters or the story.

I really liked the romance. There's just something about second chance love, especially when it also coincides with two characters being stuck together in a life or death situation. The steam was on point.

I really enjoyed this. It was fun. If you need a little romantic intrigue in your life, I'd definitely suggest picking this up. It's also a really quick read too.

DEBRA WEBB is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 150 novels, including reader favorites the Shades of Death, the Faces of Evil and the Colby Agency series. She is the recipient of the prestigious Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Romantic Suspense as well as numerous Reviewers Choice Awards. In 2012 Debra was honored as the first recipient of the esteemed L. A. Banks Warrior Woman Award for her courage, strength, and grace in the face of adversity. Recently Debra was awarded the distinguished Centennial Award for having achieved publication of her 100th novel. 

With more than four million books in print in numerous languages and countries, Debra’s love of storytelling goes back to her childhood when her mother bought her an old typewriter in a tag sale. Born in Alabama, Debra grew up on a farm. She spent every available hour exploring the world around her and creating her stories. She wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the Commanding General of the US Army in Berlin behind the Iron Curtain and a five-year stint in NASA’s Shuttle Program that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set. Since then she has expanded her work into some of the darkest places the human psyche dares to go. Visit Debra atwww.debrawebb.com.

Thank you for stopping by my Blog Tour Stop for Witness Protection Widow by Debra Webb. Thanks so much to Harlequin Intrigue and Debra Webb for letting me be a part of it!

BLOG TOUR: Don't Read the Comments by Eric Smith

I'm really excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Don't Read the Comments by Eric Smith. I received a free copy through Netgalley for honest review. As soon as I read what this book was about, I wanted to read it. I'm so glad I got the opportunity to. Thanks so much to Inkyard Press and Eric Smith for letting me be a part of this fun tour.

Title: Don't Read the Comments

Author: Eric Smith

Published by: Inkyard Press

Released: January 28, 2020

Source: Review Copy from Publisher through Netgalley

Goodreads   Amazon

Synopsis: Divya Sharma is a queen. Or she is when she’s playing Reclaim the Sun, the year’s hottest online game. Divya—better known as popular streaming gamer D1V—regularly leads her #AngstArmada on quests through the game’s vast and gorgeous virtual universe. But for Divya, this is more than just a game. Out in the real world, she’s trading her rising-star status for sponsorships to help her struggling single mom pay the rent.

Gaming is basically Aaron Jericho’s entire life. Much to his mother’s frustration, Aaron has zero interest in becoming a doctor like her, and spends his free time writing games for a local developer. At least he can escape into Reclaim the Sun—and with a trillion worlds to explore, disappearing should be easy. But to his surprise, he somehow ends up on the same remote planet as celebrity gamer D1V.
At home, Divya and Aaron grapple with their problems alone, but in the game, they have each other to face infinite new worlds…and the growing legion of trolls populating them. Soon the virtual harassment seeps into reality when a group called the Vox Populi begin launching real-world doxxing campaigns, threatening Aaron’s dreams and Divya’s actual life. The online trolls think they can drive her out of the game, but everything and everyone Divya cares about is on the line…

And she isn’t going down without a fight. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: I had such a fun time with this book! When I first glanced at the cover, I had no idea it was a book about online gaming. I know, I know, I should have read the synopsis instead of basing everything off the cover, but I can't help who I am. It was such a pleasant surprise to experience the gaming world of Reclaim the Sun with Divya and Aaron's journey. I really like books about games, and it's not something I come across very often. I can think of three books I've read that really focused on a video game aspect, and I enjoyed all of them. I'm so glad I can now add Don't Read the Comments to that list.

I wish I could play Reclaim the Sun. I probably wouldn't be very good at it, but I'd have a good time trying.

I also appreciated all the other stuff that goes along with online gaming, the good and the bad. Online gaming communities can be a lot of fun, but they can also be kind of scary and dangerous. Being anonymous online gives people the belief they can say whatever they want. Some people say and do some really awful things. I like how Don't Read the Comments brought up that dark side of online communities.

I liked getting to know Divya and Aaron and being able to watch them connect and get to know each other.

Don't Read the Comments is great! If you want a book that focuses on an online gaming community, this is your book! I definitely recommend it and I'm glad I got the chance to read it.

Eric Smith is an author and literary agent from Elizabeth, New Jersey.
His Young Adult books include the Inked duology (Bloomsbury), the anthology Welcome Home (Flux), The Girl & the Grove (Flux), and Don't Read the Comments (Inkyard Press).
His first non-fiction book, The Geek's Guide to Dating, was published with Quirk Books in December 2013. It was an Indiebound bestseller and has sold into eight languages.
When he isn't busy working on his own books, he works representing YA, sci-fi, fantasy, and quirky non-fiction with P.S. Literary.
You can find him on Twitter at @ericsmithrocks. You can learn more about his books, and his authors, on his official website.

Thank you for stopping by my Blog Tour Stop for Don't Read the Comments by Eric Smith. Thanks so much to Inkyard Press and Eric Smith for letting me be a part of this fun tour!

Review: Black Dog (#1) by Caitlin Kittredge

Title: Black Dog (#1)

Author: Caitlin Kittredge

Published by: Harper Voyager

Released: 2014

Source: Library

Synopsis: The first installment in a fabulous dark urban fantasy series—think Kill Bill with demons and gangsters instead of martial arts—from the award-winning author of the Iron Codex trilogy and Vertigo comic Coffin Hill...

Ava has spent the last hundred years as a hellhound, the indentured servant of a reaper who hunts errant souls and sends them to Hell. When a human necromancer convinces her to steal her reaper’s scythe, Ava incurs the wrath of the demon Lilith, her reaper’s boss.
As punishment for her transgression, Lilith orders Ava to track down the last soul in her reaper’s ledger . . . or die trying. 

But after a hundred years of servitude, it’s time for payback. And Hell hath no fury like an avenging Ava . .  (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: I liked the idea of this story, but there was something about it that didn't grip me all the way. Something was holding me back from loving it. This whole story felt like it was told in fast forward, and I think I would have appreciated it more if it was slowed down. There were times I felt a little lost, questioning how we got to where we were, and where we were going next.

I also thought some characters needed more development. I can't be expected to fall in love or trust someone after just a few pages. I really felt this way about Leo. One minute he's torturing Ava, and the next page she's into him. It just seemed very sudden and abrupt.

Ava was okay. I feel like out of all the characters, she was the one who was the most fleshed out.

I thought this book was all right. I'll continue with the series because I'm curious. It had parts that were cool, it just needed to slow down, relax a little.

BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 3.5/5

Slow Down Dog

Reading Right Now! (241)

What I'm Reading Right Now! is...

Two Dark Reigns (Three Dark Crowns #3) by Kendare Blake -- I am almost finished with this one. I'm definitely enjoying it. This series is so brutal, dark, shocking, and always throws a curveball at me. I do think this third volume is slower than the first two. That's not a bad thing, just something that I noticed. I'm excited to see where it goes. I'm interested in this Blue Queen angle, the killer mist. I love how the cover seems to have Katharine's scepter and the Blue Queen's. This book design is top notch.

So, I know I'm going to finish this one and have time to start something else for the weekend.

What do I start next though?? Welcome to Ashley is awful at making decisions. I have options. I think I know what I want to read next, but who really knows what I'll do.

 

In an Absent Dream (Wayward Children #4) by Seanan McGuire -- I want to continue and read the next installment in this series. While I don't love it love it like the rest of bookworld does, I do enjoy it, and I'm curious to see what happens next.

10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston -- I really want something cute, and I think this could be the fix that I need. I need that classic rom-com, feel good vibe. I think this will give me that.

So that's what I'm Reading Right Now! and planning to read next. What are you reading?

BLOG TOUR: Tweet Cute by Emma Lord

I am really, really exited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Tweet Cute by Emma Lord. As soon as I heard about this book, I knew I wanted to read it. I received a free advanced copy for honest review. Thanks so much to Wednesday Books and Emma Lord for letting me be on this fun tour and giving me the chance to read this cute story.

Title: Tweet Cute

Author: Emma Lord

Published by: Wednesday Books

Released: January 21, 2020

Source: Review Copy from Publisher through Netgalley

Goodreads   Amazon

Synopsis: A fresh, irresistible rom-com from debut author Emma Lord about the chances we take, the paths life can lead us on, and how love can be found in the opposite place you expected.

Meet Pepper, swim team captain, chronic overachiever, and all-around perfectionist. Her family may be falling apart, but their massive fast-food chain is booming ― mainly thanks to Pepper, who is barely managing to juggle real life while secretly running Big League Burger’s massive Twitter account.
Enter Jack, class clown and constant thorn in Pepper’s side. When he isn’t trying to duck out of his obscenely popular twin’s shadow, he’s busy working in his family’s deli. His relationship with the business that holds his future might be love/hate, but when Big League Burger steals his grandma’s iconic grilled cheese recipe, he’ll do whatever it takes to take them down, one tweet at a time.
All’s fair in love and cheese ― that is, until Pepper and Jack’s spat turns into a viral Twitter war. Little do they know, while they’re publicly duking it out with snarky memes and retweet battles, they’re also falling for each other in real life ― on an anonymous chat app Jack built.

As their relationship deepens and their online shenanigans escalate ― people on the internet are shipping them?? ― their battle gets more and more personal, until even these two rivals can’t ignore they were destined for the most unexpected, awkward, all-the-feels romance that neither of them expected. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: This was adorable! It was everything I wanted, everything that I needed. The title doesn't lie, it's so cute! I sped through this, devoured it. It was such a fun read.

I liked Pepper and I liked Jack. I really liked the whole situation they found themselves in. It's perfect rom-com material. Their romance was pretty adorable.

I also really liked the tweet aspect of it all. Social media is such an odd place, especially Twitter. Sometimes it can be a lot of fun, other times it can be vicious. This really did take a little chunk out of real life by channeling snarky brand twitter accounts. I also like how it had that air of secrecy about it. Pepper and Jack and communicating with people that they don't know, but they form a bond over this online space.

I really liked Tweet Cute and I would definitely recommend it. It's adorable. If adorable is your thing, get it! I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Emma Lord is a digital media editor and writer living in New York City, where she spends whatever time she isn’t writing either running or belting show tunes in community theater. She graduated from the University of Virginia with a major in psychology and a minor in how to tilt your computer screen so nobody will notice you updating your fan fiction from the back row. She was raised on glitter, grilled cheese, and a whole lot of love. Her sun sign is Hufflepuff, but she is a Gryffindor rising. TWEET CUTE is her debut novel. You can find her geeking out online at @dilemmalord on Twitter.

Thank you for stopping by my Blog Tour Stop for Tweet Cute by Emma Lord. Thanks so much to Wednesday Books and Emma Lord for giving me the chance to read this adorable book and letting me have a spot on the tour. Happy Reading!

Review: Iron Kissed (Mercy Thompson #3) by Patricia Briggs

Title: Iron Kissed (Mercy Thompson #3)

Author: Patricia Briggs

Published by: Ace Books

Released: 2008

Source: Library

Synopsis: I could smell her fear, and it satisfied something deep inside me that had been writhing under her cool, superior gaze. I curled my upper lip so she could get a good look at my sharp teeth. I might only weigh thirty or so pounds in my coyote shape, but I was a predator...

Mechanic Mercy Thompson can shift her shape - but not her loyalty. When her former boss and mentor is arrested for murder and left to rot behind bars by his own kind, it's up to Mercy to clear his name, whether he wants her to or not.

Mercy's loyalty is under pressure from other directions, too. Werewolves are not known for their patience, and if Mercy can't decide between the two she cares for, Sam and Adam may make the choice for her... (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: I am a fan of Mercy Thompson and this series. She's always getting herself into situations. This situation is one of the darkest yet. I did not expect this book to go there. Trigger warnings for rape and sexual assault. I wasn't kidding when I said it got dark.

The triangle seemed to reach a conclusion, and I'm happy about the decision made. I like Adam.

I'm excited to read the next book in the series. They are fun, fast, and I just really, really like them. I need to know what Mercy is going to get caught up in next.

BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 4/5

Wow Wow Wow

Reading Right Now! (240)

What I'm Reading Right Now! is...

 

The Next Together (#1) by Lauren James -- I feel like I've been such a bad reader this week. I keep getting distracted by social media when I should be reading. So, I've been reading this one slowly, but I'm enjoying it. It's a really unique book. It's about two characters who are reincarnated (?) in all these different time periods and lives, but they manage to find each other. Why though? That's the main question. Why? They also tend to die.

I am so close to being done with it, so I know I'll finish it at the beginning of the weekend.

Two Dark Reigns (#3) by Kendare Blake -- I'm planning to start this next just because I want to. I need to see what's going to happen in this series next.

So that's what I'm Reading Right Now! and what I'm planning to read next. What are you reading?

BLOG TOUR: A Beginning at the End by Mike Chen

I'm really pumped to be a part of the Blog Tour for A Beginning at the End by Mike Chen. As soon as I glimpsed the synopsis, I knew I wanted to read it. I was provided with a free copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to MIRA Books and Mike Chen for letting me be a part of this fun tour.

Title: A Beginning at the End

Author: Mike Chen

Published by: MIRA Books

Released: January 14, 2020

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads   Amazon

Synopsis: "Compelling, realistic, and impossible to put down."—Booklist, Starred Review

"Sci-fi fans will delight in this lovingly rendered tale."—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
"A brilliant, fragile path through the darkness."—Library Journal, Starred Review
How do you start over after the end of the world? 
Six years after a global pandemic wiped out most of the planet’s population, the survivors are rebuilding the country, split between self-governing cities, hippie communes and wasteland gangs.
In postapocalyptic San Francisco, former pop star Moira has created a new identity to finally escape her past—until her domineering father launches a sweeping public search to track her down. Desperate for a fresh start herself, jaded event planner Krista navigates the world on behalf of those too traumatized to go outside, determined to help everyone move on—even if they don’t want to. Rob survived the catastrophe with his daughter, Sunny, but lost his wife. When strict government rules threaten to separate parent and child, Rob needs to prove himself worthy in the city’s eyes by connecting with people again.
Krista, Moira, Rob and Sunny are brought together by circumstance, and their lives begin to twine together. But when reports of another outbreak throw the fragile society into panic, the friends are forced to finally face everything that came before—and everything they still stand to lose. 

Because sometimes having one person is enough to keep the world going. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: One of my buzzwords is post-apocalyptic. I love that stuff. There's just something about the world falling apart and survivors having to figure out what to do to keep on living. Anytime a book has that premise, I'm in. So, I read the synopsis for A Beginning at the End, I knew I had to read it.

I definitely enjoyed A Beginning at the End. It wasn't exactly what I was expecting, but I still really enjoyed it. It's a slightly different take on a post-apocalyptic tale. We are really focused on four lives trying to move past and live in this new world. It's not so much a tale that centers on the disaster and death and mayhem of an apocalyptic event, but more on how survivors move past that and learn to live again. It was definitely an interesting read. I did like it.

It's a slower paced read, which could work for some people and not for others. It's one you have to stick with, but it's definitely worth it.

I liked the setting of San Francisco. It definitely had that sense of place and gave a permanence to the story. It's also kind of unique because in most post-apocalyptic stories, characters leave the city first thing.

I enjoyed following our four characters in this story. Watching them grow and come to terms with their world was nice.

I'm glad I got to experience A Beginning at the End. It was a unique post-apocalyptic tale and it's worth a read.

Thanks so much to MIRA Books for providing me with an early copy for honest review.

Mike Chen is a lifelong writer, from crafting fan fiction as a child to somehow getting paid for words as an adult. He has contributed to major geek culture websites (The Mary Sue, The Portalist), covered the NHL for mainstream media outlets, and ghostwritten corporate articles appearing in Forbes, Buzzfeed, Enterpreneur, and more. A member of SFWA and the Codex Writers group, Mike calls the San Francisco Bay Area home, where he can often be found playing video games and watching Doctor Who with his wife, daughter, and rescue animals.

Thanks for stopping by my Blog Tour Stop for A Beginning at the End by Mike Chen. If the apocalypse is your thing, I'd definitely recommend checking it out.

Review: Always and Forever Lara Jean (#3) by Jenny Han

Title: Always and Forever Lara Jean (#3)

Author: Jenny Han

Published by: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers

Released: May 2017

Source: Book I Own

Synopsis: Lara Jean is having the best senior year.

And there’s still so much to look forward to: a class trip to New York City, prom with her boyfriend Peter, Beach Week after graduation, and her dad’s wedding to Ms. Rothschild. Then she’ll be off to college with Peter, at a school close enough for her to come home and bake chocolate chip cookies on the weekends.
Life couldn’t be more perfect!
At least, that’s what Lara Jean thinks . . . until she gets some unexpected news.

Now the girl who dreads change must rethink all her plans—but when your heart and your head are saying two different things, which one should you listen to? (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: Excuse me while I go cry in a corner. I finished it. I can't believe I finished it. I mean, I can believe I finished it, because I binged the whole thing with no chill what-so-ever, but now I don't know what to do with myself. What do I do with myself?

It's been awhile since I've been as addicted to a series as I've been to the To All the Boys I've Loved Before Trilogy. I mean, it really took over. I got a little obsessed. I came to love the characters so much and I just loved witnessing their story. I didn't want it to end. I didn't want to leave them.

I loved this book, but I was also sad while reading this. I knew it was the last one. I knew that after this, I wouldn't get to see Peter and Lara Jean again. It was just a very bittersweet experience. 

I think that sadness also came from what was happening in the book. Always and Forever Lara Jean is really all about change and growing up. They are getting ready to graduate high school, go to college, life isn't the same after that. Especially high school life. These people that you've spent years growing up with and you're all separating. Going to different places. Most of these people you'll never see again. There's a kind of sadness in that.

I, like Lara Jean, am not good with change. She probably did better with it in this book than I did when it came to senior year of high school.

This book was in fast-forward. I didn't want it to go by as fast as it was.

Lara Jean and Peter had some really cute scenes in the first half, and then, of course, conflict had to happen. Ohh it made my heart hurt.

I love Lara Jean and Peter. I hated the uncertainty that was happening. I think, in the end, I wanted more closure. I wanted an epilogue. I want to see Lara Jean and Peter again. In my mind, Peter and Lara Jean stayed together and lived happily ever after.

So, now I'm done with this series that stole my heart and I'm not okay. I'm glad that I get more Netflix movies, because I'm going to need them.

BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 4.3/5

What am I going to do with myself now??

Reading Right Now! (239)

What I'm Reading Right Now! is...

 

Rogue Protocol (Murderbot #3) by Martha Wells -- I'm a big fan of the Murderbot Series. They are all really fun. I will say that I find it a little hard to get into them in the beginning. I feel like each one spends time reintroducing everything that I already know, but once it gets in to the action, I'm hooked. This whole series really should have been one book instead of these short novellas. But I'm excited to read more. I'm almost finished with it.

The Next Together (#1) by Lauren James -- My plan is to start this one next. I'm excited for it. I read The Loneliest Girl in the Universe by James late last year and really enjoyed it, so I wanted to read more by her. This one also looks like it has some mixed media, which I love in my stories.

So that's what I'm Reading Right Now! What are you reading?

BLOG TOUR: A Love Hate Thing by Whitney D. Grandison

I am really excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for A Love Hate Thing by Whitney D. Grandison. The cover and synopsis for this book got me. Thanks so much to Inkyard Press and Whitney D. Grandison for letting me be a part of this fun tour. I received a free copy for honest review through Netgalley.

Title: A Love Hate Thing

Author: Whitney D. Grandison

Published by: Inkyard Press

Released: January 7, 2020

Source: Review Copy from Publisher through Netgalley

Goodreads   Amazon

Synopsis: When they’re stuck under one roof, the house may not be big enough for their hate…or their love.

When Tyson Trice finds himself tossed into the wealthy coastal community of Pacific Hills, he’s ready for the questions, the stares and the feeling of not belonging. Not that he cares. After recovering from being shot and surviving the rough streets of Lindenwood, he doesn’t care about anyone or anything, much less how the rest of his life will play out.
Golden girl Nandy Smith has spent most of her life building the pristine image that it takes to fit in when it comes to her hometown Pacific Hills where image is everything. After learning that her parents are taking in a troubled teen boy, Nandy fears her summer plans, as well as her reputation, will go up in flames. 

Now with Trice living under the same roof, the wall between their bedrooms feels as thin as the line between love and hate. Beneath the angst, their growing attraction won’t be denied. Through time, Trice brings Nandy out of her shell, and Nandy attempts to melt the ice that’s taken Trice’s heart and being. Only, with the ever-present pull back to the Lindenwood streets, it’ll be a wonder if Trice makes it through this summer at all. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: I was so excited to read A Love Hate Thing. I think the cover is so pretty, the colors speak to me, and I was drawn in by the synopsis. I'm always up for an enemies to lovers kind of story. I use enemies loosely, because these two characters just didn't really like each other at first. They couldn't stand each other, but that's because they didn't really know anything about each other. I guess a more accurate way to describe it would be strangers to friends, but that doesn't carry the same impact of enemies and lovers. Anyway, sorry for rambling a bit there. What I was trying to say is that I really like books with that angle, that trope.

I enjoyed A Love Hate Thing. I thought it was fun. I liked all the hostility and antagonism that eventually turned into friendship and more. I love watching a relationship emerge. I like when characters have to realize what they're feeling. It's so much more satisfying then insta-love.

I liked both characters, Nandy and Tyson. I mean, they both had their issues. They were at opposite ends of life. I liked seeing them come together, start to understand each other. I liked how they brought out good in each other.

A Love Hate Thing was a fun read and I'd definitely recommend it. I'm glad I got to read it.

Whitney D. Grandison

Whitney D. Grandison is an American young adult fiction writer. Some of her works can be found on Wattpad, one of the largest online story sharing platforms, where she has acquired over 30,000 followers and an audience of over fifteen million dedicated readers. Outside of writing, she is a lover of Korean dramas, all things John Hughes, and horror films. Whitney currently lives in Akron, Ohio.

Thank you for stopping by my Blog Tour Stop for A Love Hate Thing by Whitney D. Grandison. Thanks so much to Inkyard Press and Whitney for letting me be a part of such a fun tour. Be sure to check out A Love Hate Thing which is available now!

BLOG TOUR: The Little Bookshop on the Seine by Rebecca Raisin

I am really excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for The Little Bookshop on the Seine by Rebecca Raisin. As soon as I read the synopsis, I was sold. I received a free copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to HQN and Rebecca Raisin for letting me be a part of this fun tour and letting me journey to Paris from the comfort of my chair.

Title: The Little Bookshop on the Seine (#1)

Author: Rebecca Raisin

Published by: HQN

Released: January 7, 2020

Source: Review Copy from Publisher through Netgalley

Goodreads

Synopsis: It’s The Holiday on the Champs-Élysées in a great big love letter to Paris, charming old bookstores and happily-ever-afters!

When bookshop owner Sarah Smith is offered the opportunity for a job exchange with her Parisian friend Sophie, saying yes is a no-brainer—after all, what kind of romantic would turn down six months in Paris? Sarah is sure she’s in for the experience of a lifetime—days spent surrounded by literature in a gorgeous bookshop, and the chance to watch the snow fall on the Eiffel Tower. Plus, now she can meet up with her journalist boyfriend, Ridge, when his job takes him around the globe.

But her expectations cool faster than her café au lait soon after she lands in the City of Light—she’s a fish out of water in Paris. The customers are rude, her new coworkers suspicious and her relationship with Ridge has been reduced to a long-distance game of phone tag, leaving Sarah to wonder if he’ll ever put her first over his busy career. As Christmas approaches, Sarah is determined to get the shop—and her life—back in order…and make her dreams of a Parisian happily-ever-after come true. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: This was great! It was such an atmospheric read with the most fun of premises. Who wouldn't want to work in a gorgeous bookshop in Paris? Every book lovers dream! I was just so sold by the premise of this book and I wasn't disappointed. It was such a fun read. It was nice and festive. Plus it had that romantic thing going that I love!

I had such a fun time reading this. I loved the idea of it, being able to travel and experience Paris. Then reality hits, and it is not perfect. Reading Sarah's journey was the best time.

I really enjoyed everything about this book. I'm definitely going to read more by Rebecca Raisin. If you're looking for a cute story, I'd definitely recommend Little Bookshop on the Seine. It will give you all the feels!

 The Author

Rebecca Raisin

Goodreads

Thank you for stopping by my Blog Tour Stop for The Little Bookshop on the Seine. Thanks so much to HQN and Rebecca Raisin for letting me be a part of the tour. I'd definitely recommend getting this book and being lost in the streets of Paris.