Tag Archives: romance

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Mystery Romance Review: Unladylike Lessons in Love

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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.

Unladylike Lessons in Love
By Amita Murray
šŸŽ§ Narrated by: Aysha Kala
The Marleigh Sisters, Book 1Ā 
Book 8 of 2024

Thank you to Bibliolifestyle and Avon for my review copy! 

Have you ever read a book that you *could not put down* but also werenā€™t sure you really liked it at all? 

That is a very dramatic question to start this review, since I did not dislike this book overall! I absolutely could not put down Unladylike Lessons in Love, but there were a few moments that I truly disliked the book. And other moments that I really loved it. 

What I loved: 

-Lila, the main character, is fiercely protective of the people in her inner circle and has relatively modern sensibilities about romantic relationships and women working

-The author does not shy away from difficulties in the time period due to race, class, and disability

-The central mystery and conflict

What bothered me:

-The writing at times, especially during the romantic scenes. Some of the descriptions felt very odd to me. 

-While Lila is helping Maisie and cares for her, she is also extremely judgemental and disgusted by the way Maisie has made a living for herself (s3x work)

Amita Murray has written many contemporary mysteries, and this is her first historical romance, so it makes sense that the mystery element was so strong. This is my first book from her, and I would love to read future Marleigh Sisters books! 

QotD: What element of a book is most important to you? 

šŸ“š Character – dynamic, lovable, interesting, BAā€¦?

šŸ“š Setting – unique, realistic, vividā€¦?

šŸ“š Plot – fast-paced, twisty..?

šŸ“š Writing style – clear, poetic, uniqueā€¦?

AotD: I like my characters to be sure of themselves and lovable! 

[book synopsis]

Amita Murray takes us on a journey from the pleasure gardens of society to the dangerous streets of 19 th century London, in this spectacular romantic debut by an unforgettable new voice. 

ā€œWomen mind their reputation if they want to marry. I donā€™t want to marry.ā€

As the eldest daughter of an English earl and his Indian mistress, Lila Marleigh knows what itā€™s like to be an outsider from ā€œpoliteā€ society. As children, she and her sisters were wrenched from their home and sent to England, never quite accepted by those who claimed to care for them. Now Lila has set herself up as hostess of an exclusive gaming club, charming the ton that flocks to her establishment each night, though it shuns her by day. 

One night, Ivor Tristram comes barging through her door, accusing her of being his fatherā€™s mistress. Lila defies his expectations at every step and convinces him to navigate Londonā€™s rat pits and pleasure gardens with her, in her quest to solve a violent crime.

As they set out together to uncover the truth, an irresistible passion ignites that will shake them to the core. Lila must fight to protect those she loves, yet the biggest threat is to the sanctity of the heart she has guarded so carefully all her life. 

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January Wrap Up

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ā„ļøJanuary Wrap Up ā„ļøĀ 

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.

Image 1: My physical reads

I started out January feeling a little slumpy after binge reading 9 books in a week, but I ended up having a good reading month! I honestly felt like I was just reading out of habit, but half of my brain was just counting down the days until HOFAS.Ā 

Image 2: Reading Goal Check in

Reading Goals:
ā„ļø Physical TBR: 6 of 6Ā 
ā„ļø Total read: 13 / total brought into my house: I donā€™t want to talk about it, it was my birthday month. More than 13. Thank you all so much for your generosity!!!
ā„ļø Diverse Authors: 8 of 7 planned
ā„ļø ARCs: 7 of 8 plannedĀ 
ā„ļø BOTM: 0 of 1Ā 

Image 3: ARCs

Image 4: Diverse Author / Book breakdown (could be diversity of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion, physical difference, neurodiversity, or something else!)Ā 

Star Breakdown:

ā­ļøā­ļøā­ļøā­ļøā­ļø
šŸŽ§šŸ““šŸ–‹šŸ—£ļø Out on a Limb: link to review
šŸ˜šŸ“–šŸŽ§šŸ“ššŸ—£ļø House of Sky and Breath
šŸ“–šŸŽ§šŸ““ The Fury: link to review
šŸ“–šŸŽ§šŸ“ššŸ–¤ the Marriage GameĀ 
šŸ“–šŸŽ§šŸ“ššŸ—£ļø House of Flame and ShadowĀ 

ā­ļøā­ļøā­ļøā­ļø.5
šŸ“–šŸŽ§šŸ““šŸ–‹šŸ–¤ Say Youā€™ll Be Mine – link to review
šŸ“–šŸŽ§šŸ–‹šŸ“š The Bone Season – link to review
šŸ“–šŸŽ§šŸ““ Bride
šŸ“–šŸŽ§šŸ“š Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a LordĀ 

ā­ļøā­ļøā­ļøā­ļø

šŸ“–šŸŽ§šŸ““šŸ–‹šŸ“ššŸ³ļøā€šŸŒˆ The Curse of Penryth Hall – link to review
šŸ“–šŸŽ§šŸ–‹šŸ“ššŸ³ļøā€šŸŒˆ Electric Idol – link to review

ā­ļøā­ļøā­ļø.5
šŸ“–šŸŽ§šŸ““šŸ–‹šŸ“ššŸ–¤ Unladylike Lessons in LoveĀ 

Key:

šŸ˜ Reread
šŸ“– physical/ebook
šŸŽ§ Audiobook
šŸ“–šŸŽ§ = mix of both
šŸ““ ARC / ALCĀ 
šŸ–‹ ReviewedĀ 
šŸ“š Series
šŸ–¤ BIPOC Author
šŸ³ļøā€šŸŒˆ LGBTQ+ Author
šŸ—£ļø Mind, Body, Spirit Diverse AuthorĀ 

If it doesnā€™t have a šŸ–‹, the review will be coming next month!Ā 

Image 5: February plans
HOFAS: Fable link
ARC challenge
Diverse Reading Challenge

QotD: What was your favorite read in January? Do we have any books in common? Do you have any goals for February?

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Romance Review: Electric Idol

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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.

Electric Idol
By Katee Robert
šŸŽ§ Narrated by: Alex Moorock, Zara Hampton-Brown
Dark Olympus, Book 2Ā 
Book 6 of 2024

I would read these in order, because there is a lot more world building in book 1 than book 2 and it could be confusing? Or you could just be here for a good time and not worry about understanding the world. 

Book 2 of the Dark Olympus series is a modern Eros and Psyche retelling. 

I am such a fan of a brooding, morally grey MMC and a sweet (at least at the surface) FMC. 

Psyche is a plus sized influencer thriving outside of the image-obsessed inner circle of Olympus. But when Aphrodite overhears Psycheā€™s beauty praised, she naturally sends her personal hit man after her. (Naturally.)

Since Aphrodite has several layers of evil, her hit man is actually her son, the incredibly handsome Eros. He cannot go through with it, and instead proposes marriage to Psyche so that he can protect her. 

Watching the two of them fall in love was such a treat. Thereā€™s almost a found family element to watching Eros get to know Psyche and her family. I absolutely adored Psyche.

An element of Robertā€™s writing that I always appreciate is how casually queer it is. Both Psyche and Eros get to casually mention their bisexuality without much fanfare. 

I wish this world had just a little more fantasy or was a little more realistic, but that checks out with my general taste in books. 

If youā€™re a fan of ā€œtouch here and dieā€ vibes or the bad guy / good girl trope, you have to read this one!

[ book synopsis ] 

He was the most beautiful man alive.

And if I wasn’t careful, he was going to be my death.

*A scorchingly hot modern retelling of Psyche and Eros that’s as sinful as it is sweet.*

In the ultra-modern city of Olympus, there’s always a price to pay. Psyche knew she’d have to face Aphrodite’s ire eventually, but she never expected her literal heart to be at stake…or for Aphrodite’s gorgeous son to be the one ordered to strike the killing blow.

Eros has no problem shedding blood. But when it comes time to take out his latest target, he can’t do it. Confused by his reaction to Psyche, he does the only thing he can think of to keep her safe: he marries her. Psyche vows to make Eros’s life a living hell until they find a way out of this mess. But as lines blur and loyalties shift, she realizes he might take her heart after all…and she’s not sure she can survive the loss.

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Out on a Limb

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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.

Thank you to Libro.fm for my review ALC!

These two were just SO swoony!!! 

The thing you have to know going in is that this book centers around a surprise pregnancy after a one night standā€¦so if thatā€™s gonna give you a bad vibe, this might not be for you.

Win and Bo just take SUCH good care of each other. I donā€™t know how else to describe this. Itā€™s so beautiful, and thereā€™s funny moments, and the side characters are also amazing. 

Just go read it, please. The audiobook is fantastic, so however you choose to consume your books you are in for a treat! 

[book synopsis ]

Winnifred “Win” McNulty has always been wildly independent. Not one to be coddled for her limb difference, Win has spent most of her life trying to prove that she can do it all on her own. And, with some minor adjustments, she’s done just fine.

That is until she has a one-night stand with the incredibly charming Bo, a perfect stranger. And that one night changes everything.

While Bo is surprisingly elated to step up to the plate, Win finds herself unsure of whether she can handle this new challenge on her own or if sheā€™ll need a helping hand.

Together, Win and Bo decide to get to know one another as friends and nothing more. But, as they both should know by now, life rarely goes according to plan.

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Romance Review: Say You’ll Be Mine

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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.

Say Youā€™ll Be Mine
Naina Kumar
šŸŽ§ Narrated by: Soneela NankaniĀ 
Book 1 of 2024

Thank you PRH Audio & Berkley Romance for my review copies!

Say Youā€™ll Be Mine was my first read of 2024 and it was an amazing start to my reading year! Author Naina Kumar utilized my current favorite trope – fake dating/engagement – to tell a sizzling and swoony story full of rom com hijinks. I absolutely adored the two main characters, as well as their surrounding cast of friends, and hope we get more of their stories! 

One trope that you quickly find out about is one that rarely works for me, but did in this circumstance. When the main character has a friend or romantic partner who is clearly using them or somehow just being toxic, I have such a hard time reading about it. In this case, you get to know about Meghnaā€™s relationship with Seth, and you can see how she missed the signs that things had gone awry. This plot line was SO satisfying!

The romance was fantastic! You have a little grumpy/sunshine, a little opposites attract, and a lot of fake dating (but he is definitely falling fast). 

šŸŽ§ Narrator Soneela Nankani was an excellent choice for this book. Her narration brought life to all of the characters. 

[ book synopsis ]

In this utterly charming debut romance, a teacher with big dreams joins forces with a no-nonsense engineer to survive an ex’s wedding and escape matchmaking pressure from their Indian families. Their plan? Faking an engagement, of course.

Meghna Ramanā€™s parents wanted her to be an engineer, but instead sheā€™s followed her passion, becoming a theater teacher and aspiring playwright. But when she discovers that her beloved writing partner, best friend, and secret crush, Seth, is suddenly engagedā€”and not to herā€”she realizes heā€™s about to become the one-that-got-away. Even worse, heā€™s asked her to be his best man. And worse than that, sheā€™s agreed. Determined to try and move on and relieve a bit of the pressure she feels, Meghna agrees to let her parents introduce her to a potential match. Maybe sheā€™ll even find the engineer her family wishes she became. . . .

Grumpy, handsome engineer Karthik Murthy has seen enough of his parentsā€™ marriage to know that it isnā€™t for him. He only agreed to his motherā€™s matchmaking attempts to make her happy, never dreaming he would meet someone as vibrant as Meghna. Though he canā€™t offer her a real marriage, a fake engagement could help Meghna soothe the sting of planning Sethā€™s wedding festivities and Karthik avoid the absurd number of set-ups his mother has planned for the next year.

But as they find common ground, grow protective of one anotherā€™s hearts, and learn to fall for the flaws they thought they hated, an undeniable chemistry takes shape. Soon, Meghna and Karthikā€™s expectations and insecurities threaten to risk something thatā€™s become a lot more real than they hoped.

Say Youā€™ll Be Mine is a delightful trip back to the heyday of swoony romantic comedies from the nineties, but with a deep and poignant look at the effects of culture and family in our most intimate relationships.

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3 for Thursday: 23 for ’23 Reviews

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For todayā€™s 3 for Thursday, I wanted to give you 3 mini reviews for my last (non-holiday) 3 books that I read for the #23for23 challenge.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.

Tastes Like ShakkarĀ 
By Nisha Sharma
šŸŽ§ Narrated by: Soneela Nankani, Vikas AdamĀ 
If Shakespeare Was an Auntie, Book 2
Book 174 of 2023

This is the follow up book to Dating Dr. Dil, which I loved. I would encourage people to read the books in order, because you meet the side characters and get some set up for each book. (Speaking of which – I cannot WAIT for the next book!!)

My one small complaint is about the enemies to lovers trope. And truly, I donā€™t know if itā€™s this book in particular or if Iā€™m burnt out on the trope after reading 10 in October & November. Thereā€™s a fine line between too much hate and too little, and this had too little for me. I say I like when she hates him but he likes her, but I needed a little more tension, the relationship seemed too easy. This might be because a lot of the drama centered around familial obligations, which hasnā€™t been something Iā€™ve had to deal with much in my life. 

Perfect for: When youā€™re in the mood for something cozy and spicy. 

šŸŽ§ Narration was fantastic! 

A Lot Like Adios
By Alexis DariaĀ 
šŸŽ§ Narrated by: Seraphine ValentineĀ 
Primas of Power, Book 2
Book 164 of 2023

This could be read out of order, but I absolutely LOVED Book 1, so donā€™t skip it entirely! (Iā€™m a sucker for a romance on a tv/film set.) Our couple is off in their own little bubble for most of the book, so while our FMC checks in with her cousins, we donā€™t have a lot of focus on the events of book 1. 

Gabriel is opening a new location of his incredibly successful LA gym. He finds out his dream marketing expert for his campaign is actually his ex-best friend, Michelle. When he reaches out, she agrees to work on his campaign – but only if heā€™s willing to stay with her in New York. You know, normal business stuff if youā€™re in a rom com. 

I adored the characters but the plot dragged a little. I almost enjoyed them more when they were working on their business project and actually talking to each other. Which might say more about myself as a reader than the book itself, but thatā€™s where we really saw the character growth. 

šŸŽ§ Excellent on audio. 

Long Way Down
By Jason Reynolds
šŸŽ§ Narrated by: Jason Reynolds
Book 171 of 2023

Ok – something completely different! Lit fic, YA, and a novel in verse. I read this to complete the PopSugar Challenge, but it has been sitting on my shelf since it was published in 2017. 

After his brother is murdered, fifteen-year-old Will knows the rules: no crying, no snitching, revenge. The entire book takes place during his elevator ride down from his apartment. On the way down, he talks to the ghosts of victims of gun violence that he knew or knew of. It was beautiful, and powerful, and sad. 

šŸŽ§ I love listening to novels in verse by audio, and I loved listening to it read by the author so we got to hear how he wanted his work spoken. 

QotD: (pick one or both)
– Did you participate in the 23 for ā€˜23 challenge to read books by BIPOC authors with a BIPOC main character? If so, how did it go?Ā 
– What was your most read genre last year?Ā 

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PopSugar 2023 Wrap Up, 2024 Thoughts, and a Review

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What motivates you to read? Are you someone who likes to do challenges with prompts, like the PopSugar Reading Challenge? In previous years, I tried to keep track of my PopSugar Challenge progress on this blog, but always lost steam at some point in the year. I did finish the past 3 years! Each year, I entered December with a daunting list of prompts to fill: always the ones that I hadn’t found books that I was truly excited to read. And every year, it made reading feel like a chore. In 2023, I had just 3 prompts left to fill. But when the 2024 list was posted, I almost quit just because the 2024 is SO HARD for me primarily as a romance and fantasy reader.

Now, I’m not trying to tell y’all that PopSugar is terrible and we should all complain about the prompts. The Facebook group has been full of complaints all year that the prompts have been catering to us romance readers. So this year is just not our year, and I’m ok with that.ā€‚2024 will be my break year where I don’t have to worry about challenges with specific prompts! To see what goals I AM setting for 2024, see my post from the beginning of the year!

If you enjoy having prompts to help you pick which books you want to read, I applaud you (and may end up back with you by March, we’ll see!), and wish you the best of luck with your Challenge!

This is the second time Iā€™ve used Nora Roberts to fulfill a reading prompt for a specific year/decade, and both were very much products of their time. While this book was kind of fun, there were some problematic elements that kept me from fully enjoying it. 

First – consent. Remember during the MeToo era when we were like ā€œno means noā€ and that was likeā€¦revolutionary? Books like this is why that was revolutionary. If someone says stop and their partner does not IMMEDIATELY stopā€¦ew.

Second – the male lead was Native American, which is cool for diversity and inclusion except when it was stereotypical and borderline racist. Now, maybe Iā€™m stereotyping the 80s, but I was mostly pleasantly surprised by the representation with just a few throwaway lines that raised my eyebrows. I think the current rule of thumb is to include diverse characters but not write about the experience of being marginalized unless you have also experienced it. 

Have you read a Nora Roberts book that you loved? Please tell me so I can give her a fighting chance! So far, I have been suggested The Awakening series and Inheritance.

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Jan 16 & 18 New Releases

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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.

This month has SO many amazing books coming out! These are on my radar, and are mostly fantasy & romance – with a couple thrillers and even a nonfiction book thrown in! I missed posting last week so swipe to see last weekā€™s new releases!

16th

šŸŽ Most Ardently by Gabe Cole Novoa | YA Historical Romance | Pride & Prejudice Retelling | LGBTQ
šŸŽ The Lily of Ludgate Hill by Mimi MatthewsĀ | Historical Romance
šŸŽ The Fury by Alex Michaelides | Thriller
šŸŽ The London Bookshop Affair by Louise Fein | Historical fiction | Dual timeline
šŸŽ Valley Verified by Kyla Zhoa | Contemporary Romance
šŸŽ Say Youā€™ll Be Mine by Naina Kumar | Contemporary RomanceĀ 
šŸŽ Our Hidden Conversations by Michele Norris | Nonfiction | Journalism

18th
Faebound by Saara El-ArifiĀ | Fantasy
I Wish You Were Mine by Jessica Peterson | Contemporary Romance | Kindle Unlimited Ā 

šŸŽ ARC/ ALC / free publisher mail

Are any of these on your TBR?

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January 9th: New Releases

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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.

Red String Theory by Lauren Kung Jessen
Contemporary romance | Rom Com

From the publisher: In this charming rom-com about two star-crossed lovers, a woman whose life is guided by her belief in the red-string of fate finds her perfect matchā€”but his skepticism about true love puts a knot in their chances.

Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend* by Emma R. Alban
Historical romance | Young Adult

From the publisher: A swoon-worthy debut queer Victorian romance in which two debutantes distract themselves from having to seek husbands by setting up their widowed parents, and instead find their perfect match in each otherā€”the lesbianĀ Bridgerton/Parent TrapĀ you never knew you needed!

The Heiress* by Rachel Hawkins
Mystery | Thriller

From the publisher: THERE’S NOTHING AS GOOD AS THE RICH GONE BAD.

When Ruby McTavish Callahan Woodward Miller Kenmore dies, sheā€™s not only North Carolinaā€™s richest woman, sheā€™s also its most notorious. The victim of a famous kidnapping as a child and a widow four times over, Ruby ruled the tiny town of Tavistock from Ashby House, her familyā€™s estate high in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Recipe for a Charmed Life* by Rachel Linden
Heartwarming romance | Magical realism

From the publisher: After a day of unrivaled disappointments, a promising young chef finds every bite of food suddenly tastes bitter. To save her career, she travels to the Pacific Northwest to reconnect with her estranged mom, and discovers a family legacy she never suspected in this delicious novel from the bestselling author ofĀ The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie.

Do you have any of these on your TBR?

*Received as a free gift from the publisher

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Lore Olympus

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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.

Do you enjoy reading graphic novels? Have you ever read an online comic or graphic novel? Lore Olympus is, so far, the only one I’ve gotten sucked into, but I love it so much!

Lore Olympus Volume 2 & 3
By Rachel Smythe
Book 168 & 169 of 2023

This is the last of my 2023 reviews! Unless I post out of order from my current plan, which could honestly happen.

I read Lore Olympus like 6 years ago on Webtoons. There were probably 100 episodes at the time? 50? I donā€™t know, there were a lot and I binged them all in one or two days. I *think* I ended up around Volume 2. For me, I couldnā€™t keep up with it once I had to read it on a weekly basis instead of a huge binge. I had a hard time keep track of the plot from week to week, and it seemed like such a small taste of the story to read just one episode!! I was so happy when I found out they were being published and I could go back to bingeing them 25 episodes at a time. Or in this case, 50, since I read Volumes 2 & 3 back to back. 

I do feel spoiled by all the romances I read – so this will they wonā€™t they that Iā€™m used to seeing on TV doesnā€™t do it for me quite the way it used to. But I cannot put these down! The artwork is so rich and gorgeous, and I love how Smythe characterizes all of the Greek gods and goddesses and plays with their traditional stories. 

If you havenā€™t read these yet, I highly recommend giving them a try!