Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every weekend.

BOOKS

Cover of Christina Lauren's In A Holidaze (goodreads)

This is the first book that Christina Lauren has written that is set during the holidays and I was super excited to see how cute the cover is!

This is perfect for the holidays. It's bright and cheerful in the way that you associate with that time of year. I predict many people will be enjoying it as a means to destress after holiday shopping.

TV/MOVIES

The Umbrella Academy Season 2 Release Date Announcement

I loved season one of Umbrella Academy and have been eagerly awaiting news on when season two would be released. Netflix just recently shared this adorable video that announces the release date as July 31!

Those have watched the first season will recognize that they are sort of recreating the iconic dance scene that uses the same song. It's perfect and I love this cast.

What are you obsessed with this week? Let me know in the comments.

The Honey Don't List by Christina Lauren

The Honey Don't List by Christina Lauren
Release Date - March 24, 2020

Publisher Website - Simon and Schuster Canada
Publisher Social Media - Twitter

Pages - 308 pages
My Rating - 3/5
**arc received from the publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Carey Douglas has worked for home remodeling and design gurus Melissa and Rusty Tripp for nearly a decade. A country girl at heart, Carey started in their first store at sixteen, and—more than anyone would suspect—has helped them build an empire. With a new show and a book about to launch, the Tripps are on the verge of superstardom. There’s only one problem: America’s favorite couple can’t stand each other.

James McCann, MIT graduate and engineering genius, was originally hired as a structural engineer, but the job isn’t all he thought it’d be. The last straw? Both he and Carey must go on book tour with the Tripps and keep the wheels from falling off the proverbial bus.

Unfortunately, neither of them is in any position to quit. Carey needs health insurance, and James has been promised the role of a lifetime if he can just keep the couple on track for a few more weeks. While road-tripping with the Tripps up the West Coast, Carey and James vow to work together to keep their bosses’ secrets hidden, and their own jobs secure. But if they stop playing along—and start playing for keeps—they may have the chance to build something beautiful together… 

I eagerly anticipate each new book from Christina Lauren because I know exactly what I am going to get from them. Their books are fun, joyful reads that tend to leave me in a better mood than when I started. Their latest is what I've come to expect while still offering up some surprises.

Christina Lauren's newest, The Honey Don't List, is a bit of a change in that it falls quite low on the romance heat scale. Their books have always had varying degrees of spice, but when compared to some of their other novels this one is on the tamer end of the spectrum. It feels like a perfect introduction to the romance genre for those wanting to 'dip their toe in' but are not really sure what to expect.

I found, sadly, that I did not connect with the characters in this the way I normally do in their books. I did not like Melly or Rusty at all and I struggled to feel the connection between James and Casey. As a result  I couldn't become as invested in the story as I normally do. This felt like it was more story than character driven and I enjoy when there is a balance of both.

The book was, for me, funnier than some of their others. It has a charm to it that will definitely appeal to readers because they use humour to help balance the story being told. I also think that those who love the HGTV shows this is clearly inspired by will find elements they love in both the humour and other aspects.

The story is interspersed with snippets of some interviews that take place in the aftermath of a big incident. This usage is perfectly done because it piqued my interest in a way that kept me reading. I needed to know the circumstances that lead to these interviews. The reveal did not disappoint for me and fully aligns with the tone of the rest of the story (which I did have some concern about early in the story).

While this is would not be my favourite Christina Lauren novel, I did still find it an enjoyable, fun reading experience. It is a quickly consumed  shot of happiness that will satisfy when you are looking for that exact type of read. I am, as always, looking forward to whatever they write next.

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
Release Date - May 14, 2019
Publisher Website - Simon and Schuster

Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  395 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received from the publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Olive is always unlucky: in her career, in love, in…well, everything. Her identical twin sister Ami, on the other hand, is probably the luckiest person in the world. Her meet-cute with her fiancé is something out of a romantic comedy (gag) and she’s managed to finance her entire wedding by winning a series of Internet contests (double gag). Worst of all, she’s forcing Olive to spend the day with her sworn enemy, Ethan, who just happens to be the best man.

Olive braces herself to get through 24 hours of wedding hell before she can return to her comfortable, unlucky life. But when the entire wedding party gets food poisoning from eating bad shellfish, the only people who aren’t affected are Olive and Ethan. And now there’s an all-expenses-paid honeymoon in Hawaii up for grabs.

Putting their mutual hatred aside for the sake of a free vacation, Olive and Ethan head for paradise, determined to avoid each other at all costs. But when Olive runs into her future boss, the little white lie she tells him is suddenly at risk to become a whole lot bigger. She and Ethan now have to pretend to be loving newlyweds, and her luck seems worse than ever. But the weird thing is that she doesn’t mind playing pretend. In fact, she feels kind of... lucky.

Enemies to lovers has always been one of my favourite romance tropes. The whole 'I don't know if I want to hit you or kiss you' thing works especially well if you include some banter and electric chemistry between the characters. The Unhoneymooners has all of this and also manages to ignite your wanderlust.

Olive has always considered herself to be unlucky. Bad things happen to her all the time. Her twin sister on the other hand has all of the luck. This novel, however, looks at how much of what happens to us is because of our choices rather than luck or chance. Olive has to, eventually, examine some things within herself and her own behaviour. Owning up to your own actions is, at times, hard for people to do and I loved how this element was tackled here. It, ultimately, is a positive message of going after what you want, and making your own destiny.

Ethan and Olive's interactions spark with both their desire and hatred for each other. The sexual tension is there underneath the exasperation and impatience. It laces their conversations with extra meaning. They are the slowest of slow burns as a result, but it is entirely worth it when it finally does happen. They compliment each other really well and bring out things in the other that are healthy. Their connection felt really natural and they are one of my favourite couplings from any Christina Lauren book.

The inevitable obstacle that the couple must overcome was different than I anticipated it being. I thought that the story was going to go in one direction and it veers off into another. Resolving the obstacle in a romance novel can often feel rushed or unearned but that is not the case here. It felt appropriate and authentic to who all the characters were.

Hawaii, and the type of trip featured in this novel, seems incredibly romantic. I'll make you want to go visit the islands of Hawaii and fall in love. It offered a subtle backdrop that was used just enough to move the story forward and provide a tropical paradise in which romance blooms. It definitely made me eager to read more books set in this location.

This book is perfect for those who are just dipping their toe into the romance genre and perhaps want something a little tamer in the sex scene department to start off with. It, for me, read as more restrained than their other books while still being sexy. I enjoyed all the development that went into building the relationship between Ethan and Olive and how it all felt perfect for who these characters are.

Christina Lauren keeps releasing addictive, fun. flirty reads that are like little shots of endorphins. You're much happier when you've finished reading one of them than when you began. If you are romance reader and somehow haven't managed to pick one of their books up I strongly advise you do so immediately. You're missing out on some of the best romance novels out there and you'll thank me later.

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Posting on a Sunday again as life has been kind of hectic. Hoping to get back to a regular schedule soon though.

BOOK

Cover for Twice In A Blue Moon by Christina Lauren (goodreads)

Christina Lauren writes compulsively readable romance novels that are always a favourite of mine. The cover for their newest was just released and it is fun and exactly what one would expect based on the tile of the novel.

The synopsis sounds incredible as well which makes this one even more of a must read for me.

TV / MOVIE

Good Boys Poster

I caught a glimpse of the poster for Good Boys and immediately stopped to take a second look. It's eye catching and pretty charming. The young boys not being tall enough to see their own movie works for what this movie is going to be. I feel the team behind it tells you everything you need to know about what kind of movie it is going to be and this poster just reinforces that idea.

The trailer (which will be a red band trailer) is debuting on Monday. I am looking forward to getting my first look at this movie, but am happy to see that the poster is working for me in the meantime.

What are you obsessed with this week? Let me know in the comments.

Waiting On Wednesday .... The Unhoneymooners

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pick is The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Olive is always unlucky: in her career, in love, in…well, everything. Her identical twin sister Amy, on the other hand, is probably the luckiest person in the world. Her meet-cute with her fiancé is something out of a romantic comedy (gag) and she’s managed to finance her entire wedding by winning a series of Internet contests (double gag). Worst of all, she’s forcing Olive to spend the day with her sworn enemy, Ethan, who just happens to be the best man.

Olive braces herself to get through 24 hours of wedding hell before she can return to her comfortable, unlucky life. But when the entire wedding party gets food poisoning from eating bad shellfish, the only people who aren’t affected are Olive and Ethan. And now there’s an all-expenses-paid honeymoon in Hawaii up for grabs.

Putting their mutual hatred aside for the sake of a free vacation, Olive and Ethan head for paradise, determined to avoid each other at all costs. But when Olive runs into her future boss, the little white lie she tells him is suddenly at risk to become a whole lot bigger. She and Ethan now have to pretend to be loving newlyweds, and her luck seems worse than ever. But the weird thing is that she doesn’t mind playing pretend. In fact, she feels kind of... lucky.

The Queens of Romance are back with another delightful sounding read that is going to be perfect for your beach tote this summer.

The enemies to lovers trope is always a favourite of mine and  the setting for this one would make it an instant read for me even if it wasn't written by some of my favourite romance authors.

Excitedly waiting for when I can get my hands on this one!

Expected release date - May 14, 2019

Josh and Hazel's Guide To Not Dating by Christina Lauren

Josh and Hazel's Guide To Not Dating by Christina Lauren
Release Date - September 4, 2018
Publisher Website - Simon and Schuster

Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  309 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received from the publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Hazel Camille Bradford knows she’s a lot to take—and frankly, most men aren’t up to the challenge. If her army of pets and thrill for the absurd don’t send them running, her lack of filter means she’ll say exactly the wrong thing in a delicate moment. Their loss. She’s a good soul in search of honest fun.

Josh Im has known Hazel since college, where her zany playfulness proved completely incompatible with his mellow restraint. From the first night they met—when she gracelessly threw up on his shoes—to when she sent him an unintelligible email while in a post-surgical haze, Josh has always thought of Hazel more as a spectacle than a peer. But now, ten years later, after a cheating girlfriend has turned his life upside down, going out with Hazel is a breath of fresh air.

Not that Josh and Hazel date. At least, not each other. Because setting each other up on progressively terrible double blind dates means there’s nothing between them...right?

I've sang the praises of many of the books by Christina Lauren. They consistently offer up romance novels that read like drinking champagne. They have bubbly, fizzy quality to them that feels effortless when you are reading them. Josh and Hazel's Guide To Not Dating is no exception to this. They've once again offered up an incredibly enjoyable read that will leave you smiling.

Hazel is the type of girl who dances like nobody is watching. She is whimsical and quirky. She would almost be a manic pixie dream girl if Christina Lauren hadn't infused her with so much more than these surface observations. She is acutely aware, mostly because it is what she's been told before, that she is A LOT to handle but refreshingly refuses to change. She likes who she is and that makes her someone you immediately love. Hazel is the kind of friend that is the life of the party but also the shoulder to cry on when you need it. She is much more complex than you might think based on the surface and that is exactly what her character works.

Josh Im is your standard romance novel love interest. He's kind, caring, patient, and entirely charmed by Hazel. I found Hazel much more interesting than Josh but he balances her in a way that makes their romance feel inevitable. I appreciated the focus his family bond had within the story. It is a part of his upbringing and culture and it just seemed to fit his character. He radiates goodness and that is hard not to love.

The friendship first element of the romance is something that always works for me, but especially works well here. They slowly fall in love with each other as the story progresses even if there was an instant spark there. Josh's steadiness and Hazel's playfulness just combine into this really sweet connection. It's one of my favourite relationships that Christina Lauren has written.

This book is, in my opinion, one of the more humour filled books that Christina Lauren has written. The disastrous double dates are not only a great way to inject some humour into the story but they also, perhaps surprisingly, deepen the romance being told.

Many people expect a Christina Lauren book to have some pretty sexy scenes. Those are found within the pages of these novel, but it also feels pretty restrained. It is more in line with Roomies where the story has the heavier focus than the sex scenes that do pop up. I think there is a really good balance to this story as a result.

If you're looking for a charming friends to more romance I highly recommend this one. It's got all of the elements that a romance reader could want and more. I, as always, eagerly anticipate whatever Christina Lauren writes next and whatever new couple they are going to make us love next.

Waiting On Wednesday .... My Favorite Half-Night Stand

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pick is My Favorite Half-Night Stand by Christina Lauren

Here is the Goodreads synopsis 

From the New York Times bestselling author that “hilariously depicts modern dating” (Us Weekly) comes a sexy romantic comedy about online dating, and its many, many fails.

With a world-famous speaker at their university, Mille Morris and her four woefully single male colleagues make a pact that they’ll all find dates. Unfortunately, Millie has more success helping them make matches online than she does navigating the onslaught of lewd pics in her own feed. But when she creates a fictional name for a new account, Millie finds herself vying for the online attention of a man she sees every day in the flesh.

I always love Christina Lauren's novels. They're always fun, sexy and enjoyable. Their newest focuses on online dating and included the added bonus of a secret identity being part of the plot. I also love the idea that she falls for a guy she knows in real life element because of the online dating twist to the story.

The December release always make for great holiday season reading as a way to treat yourself after a long day of shopping. I cannot wait to enjoy this one with a peppermint hot chocolate and Christmas cookies.

Expected release date - December 4, 2018

Dark Wild Night by Christina Lauren

Dark Wild Night by Christina Lauren
Release Date - September 15, 2015
Publisher Website - Simon and Schuster

Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  431 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**purchased**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.
But what didn't happen in Vegas seems to follow them everywhere.

Lola and Oliver like to congratulate themselves on having the good sense to not consummate their drunken Las Vegas wedding. If they’d doubled-down on that mistake, their Just Friends situation might not be half as great as it is now.

... Or so goes the official line.

In reality, Lola’s wanted Oliver since day one—and over time has only fallen harder for his sexy Aussie accent and easygoing ability to take her as she comes. More at home in her studio than in baring herself to people, Lola’s instinctive comfort around Oliver nearly seems too good to be true. So why ruin a good thing?

Even as geek girls fawn over him, Oliver can’t get his mind off what he didn’t do with Lola when he had the chance. He knows what he wants with her now ... and it’s far outside the friend zone. When Lola’s graphic novel starts getting national acclaim—and is then fast-tracked for a major motion picture—Oliver steps up to be there for her whenever she needs him. After all, she’s not the kind of girl who likes all that attention, but maybe she’s the kind who’ll eventually like him.

Sometimes seeing what’s right in front of us takes a great leap of faith. And sometimes a dark wild night in Vegas isn’t just the end of a day, but the beginning of a bright new life...

The Queens of Romance have done it again. Dark Wild Night delivers a take on friends to lovers trope that is basically everything I could want and continued their streak of writing adorable romance reads with incredibly charming characters.

The Wild Season series has quickly become one of my favourite romance series. It has an irresistible blend of humour and heart and balances out the sexy scenes with thoughtful story arcs that allow the characters to grow. This installment is no exception. It's pretty much, in my opinion, a must read series for romance fans.

Lola is a fascinating character. Her voice felt so different from Mia and Harlow but you could also immediately understand why they would all be friends. Lola, like her friends before her, has some baggage that she is dealing with and it get dragged to the forefront as her story arc progresses. She has a strong fear of abandonment that stems from many things in her life which combine with her lack of success in the romance department to create some entirely relatable issues for her to have to work through.

Lola's love of comics and art also presented a interesting element to her voice. She often saw or related to things through her artistic viewpoint. Her passion for her career and the drive she had to push herself was admirable. I appreciated that it didn't paint her as terrible for wanting a career she was proud of and for fighting for it. Her storyline does deal with balance and how important that can be for all elements of someone's life but she's never painted in an unsavory light for sometimes putting her career first.

Oliver is perhaps the most laid back out of the guys in this series. His love of comic book culture makes him a nice match for the artsy Lola. While Finn is my favourite of the guys in this series, Oliver's patience, kindness and Australian accent make him a strong second choice.

The secondary characters are some of my favourite from the entire series. They really added to the book's charm. We get to spend more time with Not-Joe thanks to Oliver's point of view and he is just as ridiculous as I had hoped. Lola's father also provides a lot of humour and helps add insight into her character. It was obviously nice to catch up with the characters we already know and love from the previous books but getting to invest in these knew characters is what makes these companion novels work for me.

This is a love story about timing, patience, and letting yourself take the risk. Lola and Oliver's journey will appeal to those who like a slower burn to their romance, and really satisfying payoffs. It's a solid addition to the Wild Seasons series and one whose heart rivals its sexy. 

Waiting On Wed ... Josh and Hazel's Guide To Not Dating

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pick is Josh and Hazel's Guide To Not Dating

Here is the Goodreads synopsis 

Most men can’t handle Hazel. With the energy of a toddler and the mouth of a sailor, they’re often too timid to recognize her heart of gold. New York Times and #1 international bestselling author Christina Lauren (Roomies, Beautiful Bastard) tells the story of two people who are definitely not dating, no matter how often they end up in bed together.

Hazel Camille Bradford knows she’s a lot to take—and frankly, most men aren’t up to the challenge. If her army of pets and thrill for the absurd don’t send them running, her lack of filter means she’ll say exactly the wrong thing in a delicate moment. Their loss. She’s a good soul in search of honest fun.

Josh Im has known Hazel since college, where her zany playfulness proved completely incompatible with his mellow restraint. From the first night they met—when she gracelessly threw up on his shoes—to when she sent him an unintelligible email while in a post-surgical haze, Josh has always thought of Hazel more as a spectacle than a peer. But now, ten years later, after a cheating girlfriend has turned his life upside down, going out with Hazel is a breath of fresh air.

Not that Josh and Hazel date. At least, not each other. Because setting each other up on progressively terrible double blind dates means there’s nothing between them...right?

I always enjoy books by Christina Lauren. They are pretty much my go to for romance reads. This one sounds adorable. I am looking forward to laughing at all the horrible blind dates they send each other on and for them to eventually realize they are perfect for each other.

This one comes out in September so it'll be a bit of a wait, but it does come out just in time for pumpkin spice season!

Expected release date - September 4,  2018

Waiting On Wed ... Josh And Hazel's Guide To Not Dating

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pick is Josh And Hazel's Guide To Not Dating by Christina Lauren

Here is the Goodreads synopsis 

The New York Times bestselling “romance It Girls” (Kirkus) bring you a hilarious, sexy romance about love perpetually unrequited (and denied), in the vein of their Roomies and Beautiful Bastard.

Foul-mouthed, quirky, sharp-as-a-whip Hazel never thought she would win the heart of her gorgeous college TA, Josh. And, in fact, she didn’t. But what a difference ten years can make. Well...ten years, and a lot of legwork. 

Christina Lauren books are pretty much my go to for romance. They are always fun, sexy, and enjoyable reads that always deliver what they promise.

This one sounds like it is going to feature a cute romance with different timelines (as I assume we'll see Hazel and Josh in both college and 10 years later). I am excited to learn more about this and love that it has been compared to Roomies which is one of my favourites.

Expected release date - October 9,  2018

Love And Other Words by Christina Lauren

Love And Other Words by Christina Lauren
Release Date - April 10,  2018
Publisher Website - Simon and Schuster

Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  432 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Love, loss, friendship, and the betrayals of the past all collide in this first women’s fiction novel from New York Times and #1 international bestselling author Christina Lauren (Autoboyography, Dating You / Hating You).

The story of the heart can never be unwritten.

Macy Sorensen is settling into an ambitious if emotionally tepid routine: work hard as a new pediatrics resident, plan her wedding to an older, financially secure man, keep her head down and heart tucked away.

But when she runs into Elliot Petropoulos—the first and only love of her life—the careful bubble she’s constructed begins to dissolve. Once upon a time, Elliot was Macy’s entire world—growing from her gangly bookish friend into the man who coaxed her heart open again after the loss of her mother...only to break it on the very night he declared his love for her.

Told in alternating timelines between Then and Now, teenage Elliot and Macy grow from friends to much more—spending weekends and lazy summers together in a house outside of San Francisco devouring books, sharing favorite words, and talking through their growing pains and triumphs. As adults, they have become strangers to one another until their chance reunion. Although their memories are obscured by the agony of what happened that night so many years ago, Elliot will come to understand the truth behind Macy’s decade-long silence, and will have to overcome the past and himself to revive her faith in the possibility of an all-consuming love.

Christina Lauren is known for reads that are as addictive as they are sexy. Love And Other Words is something a little bit different. There's a shift from something fun and sexy to something a little more emotional. This novel proves that this duo is capable of shifting expectations and writing something outside of the niche they have created and doing that incredibly well.

The mystery of what drove Macy and Elliot apart is what drives the novel. I could not turn the pages fast enough because I was driven to know what had caused their falling out. The reveal is slow to unravel, but satisfying in a lot of ways. There is a lot of heartbreak within this novel, but there is also a lot of hope. If offers the possibility of making amends and having a second chance which is something I think everyone can relate to. We've all had things we wish we could do over, and mistakes that we wish to atone for.

I could have easily read an entire book of teen Macy and Elliot falling in love. This book handles the dual timeline perfectly. I felt that I really got to know who these characters are and became invested in them because I could feel the history of their relationship. It was years of backstory that wasn't just told to you but rather allowed to unfold over the course of the novel. It makes the history tangible in a way that makes the stakes of the present so much higher and makes this book feel that much more special.

There is an emotional heft to this novel that, while not missing from their previous books, is more weighted than anything they have written before. This novel pulls at your heartstrings in a way that I just wasn't expecting going in. This really is a beautiful love story at its core with some characters that you cannot help but root for at its centre.

No review of this novel would be complete without a mention of the secondary characters. Elliot's family is just as loveable as he is. Macy's father is a steady rock for his grieving daughter. I appreciated how much we got to know his character even with him not being a main character. The older Macy has a wonderfully supportive best friend that pushes her when she needs it most. These characters help flesh out not just the two main characters, but the world they inhabit and are created with some extra care that makes them more than window dressing.

I highly recommend this book if the 'second chance at romance' trope is a particular favourite of yours. It captures that delicious agony of wanting two characters to make it work with the thrill of watching them fall in love all over again. This may be a little different than what Christina Lauren fans are expecting, but a journey that is incredibly satisfying all the same.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews)

A few fun goodies made their way into my mailbox this week. First up is my #otspsecretsister package for this month. It was filled with some fun items that I really loved!

Roomies by Christina Lauren (goodreads)

The Wine2Go pouch is totally something I will make use of! The cookies are delicious! I am also very happy to have a copy of one of my fave romance novels! Roomies is such a fun read.

My copy of Call Me By Your Name arrived! I was so happy when this was delivered and I wanted to watch it immediately but I haven't been able to yet. 

The special features all sound AMAZING and I am very curious about the commentary from the director and cast.

What bookish goodies made their way into your mailbox this week? Let me know in the comments.

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

Waiting On Wednesday .... Love and Other Words

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pick is Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren

Here is the Goodreads synopsis 

Love, loss, friendship, and the betrayals of the past all collide in this first women’s fiction novel from New York Times and #1 international bestselling author Christina Lauren (Autoboyography, Dating You / Hating You).

The story of the heart can never be unwritten.

Macy Sorensen is settling into an ambitious if emotionally tepid routine: work hard as a new pediatrics resident, plan her wedding to an older, financially secure man, keep her head down and heart tucked away.

But when she runs into Elliot Petropoulos—the first and only love of her life—the careful bubble she’s constructed begins to dissolve. Once upon a time, Elliot was Macy’s entire world—growing from her gangly bookish friend into the man who coaxed her heart open again after the loss of her mother...only to break it on the very night he declared his love for her.

Told in alternating timelines between Then and Now, teenage Elliot and Macy grow from friends to much more—spending weekends and lazy summers together in a house outside of San Francisco devouring books, sharing favorite words, and talking through their growing pains and triumphs. As adults, they have become strangers to one another until their chance reunion. Although their memories are obscured by the agony of what happened that night so many years ago, Elliot will come to understand the truth behind Macy’s decade-long silence, and will have to overcome the past and himself to revive her faith in the possibility of an all-consuming love.

I love Christina Lauren's romance novels. They are always fun and sexy. I was excited to see that they have a new book coming out in April and it sounds adorable.

This is being called 'women's fiction' instead of romance so I am expecting something a little different from the usual with this one, but I am excited to read all about Macy and Elliot!

Expected release date - April 10, 2018

Roomies by Christina Lauren

Roomies by Christina Lauren
Release Date -  December 5, 2017

Publisher Website - Simon and Schuster
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  368 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Marriages of convenience are so…inconvenient.

Rescued by Calvin McLoughlin from a would-be subway attacker, Holland Bakker pays the brilliant musician back by pulling some of her errand-girl strings and getting him an audition with a big-time musical director. When the tryout goes better than even Holland could have imagined, Calvin is set for a great entry into Broadway—until he admits his student visa has expired and he’s in the country illegally.

Holland impulsively offers to wed the Irishman to keep him in New York, her growing infatuation a secret only to him. As their relationship evolves from awkward roommates to besotted lovers, Calvin becomes the darling of Broadway. In the middle of the theatrics and the acting-not-acting, what will it take for Holland and Calvin to realise that they both stopped pretending a long time ago?

This book has all the buzz words that pique my interest. It's set in New York, has an Irish love interest, and features the fauxmance to realmance trope. Add in the Broadway elements, and I immediately wanted to read it. I went into this novel expecting to love it, and it surpassed those expectations.

Christina Lauren has quickly become the Queen of Romance Books for me. They're always fluffy reads that have just the perfect ratio of plot to steamy scenes. Roomies is no exception to this. It's pretty much written to leave you with a smile on your face. Fluffy novels are often sneered at by those outside the romance genre, but they are not as easy to write as they might appear. There is a skill to crafting them, and especially to doing them well and Christina Lauren hits all the right buttons.

Holland is one of my favourite Chrstina Lauren heroines. She's someone who doesn't have it all figured out. She's almost paused in her life in a way. A secondary character in her own story. This felt so related to me. I think a lot of readers will connect with her because they'll see shades of themselves or those they know in her. She's a character you root for because you want her to succeed and feel she deserves it.

Calvin is pretty much the most perfect book boyfriend. It is like he was written to appeal to my specifically. His sexy accent, incredible talent, and kind personality all make him the stuff of book boyfriend legend. I like that even though he's written as this 'god among men' character he still feels down to earth. He also doesn't make me bristle like a lot of romance novel love interests can. He is not an aggressive alpha male which made him all the more appealing.

The road blocks that this couple face are also very realistic. They are mostly based in lack of communication and deep rooted issues that each of them have to deal with. Holland, especially, has to work through her own existing issues before she can move forward, and I love that this was acknowledged. She couldn't be with someone else until she was happy with herself. This is something that I had not seen addressed in a novel before, and I loved that it was, especially in this way.

There is a side plot dealing with Holland and her relationship with her best friend. It was, at times, a toxic relationship. In relationships we often don't see them as being unhealthy and it can take seeing those relationships through someone else's perspective to see them clearly. This relationship, to me, was written especially well. It's another part of Holland's journey, and a necessary one at that. It fits into the theme of loving and respecting yourself first, and I am here for that message.

I highly recommend this one for those looking for a book that features a beyond swoon worthy love interest, and an entirely relatable heroine. Purchase this one as an early holiday gift to yourself and you'll thank me later. It's a perfect way to escape all the holiday stress and is basically made to be enjoyed with a bubble bath and your favourite beverage. 

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews)

Some fun goodies made their way into my mailbox this week!

First up, my Sept #otspsecretsister package arrived and I have not had a chance to share it yet. I love everything! Thank you so much, 'Buffy'.

The Peter Pan pillow case will go well with the other pillow case I have and I may have already eaten the M&Ms! I was also thrilled to add this Christina Lauren book to my collection.

Sweet Filthy Boy by Christina Lauren (goodreads)

Lastly, the New York City Comic Con exclusives were released this week and I managed to get my hands on the two that I wanted. 

These are Goofy and Donald from the video game Kingdom Hearts. It is their Halloweentown outfits and I am in a little in awe of how great they look. I just need the Halloweentown Sora to complete the collection so I'll be on the look out for him to arrive at my local Hot Topic.

So cute, right? I love everything about them and love that they released for the Halloween season.

What goodies made their way into your mailbox this week? Let me know!

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

Autoboyography by Christina Lauren

Autoboyography by Christina Lauren
Release Date -  September 12, 2017

Publisher Website - Simon and Schuster
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  416 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Three years ago, Tanner Scott’s family relocated from California to Utah, a move that nudged the bisexual teen temporarily back into the closet. Now, with one semester of high school to go, and no obstacles between him and out-of-state college freedom, Tanner plans to coast through his remaining classes and clear out of Utah.

But when his best friend Autumn dares him to take Provo High’s prestigious Seminar—where honor roll students diligently toil to draft a book in a semester—Tanner can’t resist going against his better judgment and having a go, if only to prove to Autumn how silly the whole thing is. Writing a book in four months sounds simple. Four months is an eternity.

It turns out, Tanner is only partly right: four months is a long time. After all, it takes only one second for him to notice Sebastian Brother, the Mormon prodigy who sold his own Seminar novel the year before and who now mentors the class. And it takes less than a month for Tanner to fall completely in love with him.

Christina Lauren is one of my favourite romance authors. Their books are sexy, romantic, and usually come with a plot that is not just about the sexytimes (even though those scenes are pretty great). They had previously only done paranormal young adult novels, so I was thrilled for them to branch out into more contemporary stories in the young adult genre. Autoboyography was everything expected from this author which means I got a cute, heartfelt romance story that left me smiling.

This novel features a bisexual main character who develops a crush on a Morman guy he meets through a prestigious program at his school. Tanner is a laid back guy who tends to have things go his way. He was an interesting main character for me because I think Sebastian actually has the more obvious story arc. Tanner still has a lot of character growth, even if he may not seem like the obvious character to follow in this story. We see him struggle with what falling in love with Sebastian means for both of them, and how that impacts  his family and his outlook on things. It's a more subtle story but an enjoyable one in its own right.

Sebastian is, obviously, struggling with his sexuality, his religion and how that all fits together. He's part of a religion that isn't welcoming to who he is, so he resists and internalizes a lot of things until he simply can't do it any longer. In may ways he would be the obviously narrator of this story, but allowing Tanner to be the voice of the story made the religions elements feel more distant. It is still a large part of the story, but in a more abstract way. I am not overly familiar with the Morman religion but I felt like this story present a balanced look at the good elements of faith, along with the more intolerant elements found within it.

Family plays a large role within the story. It is just as vital to the story as the romance. We see Tanner's family who is supportive and loving. They repeatedly shower him with reassurance, and understanding. It doesn't mean they are perfect, but it does make you feel that everything they do comes from a place of love. Tanner's parents would not ostracize him from their lives. Sebastian has no such assurances of his own family. Their religion ensures that there would be disappointment, and possible irreparable fractures to their relationships. I feel Sebastian's family dynamic is shown to be more complex than I anticipated it would be, but still left me feeling anger at the whole situation the treatment of members of the LGBTQ+ community by this religion.

The ending of the novel is sort of a beginning of sorts. It offers the potential for future happiness with a long, bumpy road as the path to get there. It's the most realistic ending this story could of offered, and I think it was the perfect way to send the story. You're left smiling, but it doesn't discount the obvious struggles that will be ahead of Tanner and Sebastian regardless of whether they are together or apart when the story ends.

If you're looking for a cute romance story that has some depth within it, I highly recommend this one.  It's perfect for those wanting a story that is about finding out where you fit, discovering your own path, falling in love, and fighting to live life the way that makes you happy.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews)

A few VERY exciting things made their way into my mailbox this week.

First up, I did some #otspsecretsister shopping recently, and ended up getting myself a few little things.

I love the "L" button so much! I couldn't resist the Yuri On Ice one, and was thrilled to find the Bucky/Steve button. I had been looking for one like that for a long time now.

I received two books for review from Simon and Schuster. A huge thank you to them for sending one of my most anticipated reads of 2017 to me!

The Becoming Of Noah Shaw by Michelle Hodkin (goodreads)

Autoboyography by Christina Lauren (goodreads)

I definitely fangirled when I opened this packaged. I cannot even express how excited I am to have The Becoming Of Noah Shaw in my hands. I am a huge fan of the Mara Dyer series and cannot wait to continue this story.

What goodies made their way into your mailbox this week? Let me know!

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

Dating You / Hating You by Christina Lauren

Dating You / Hating You by Christina Lauren
Release Date -  June 6, 2017

Publisher Website - Simon and Schuster
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  320 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

All’s fair in love and work. The first standalone romance by New York Times and #1 international bestselling author Christina Lauren (Beautiful Bastard) is a sexy, compulsively readable romantic comedy that dives headlong into the thrill and doubt of modern love.

Despite the odds against them from an embarrassing meet-awkward at a mutual friend’s Halloween party, Carter and Evie immediately hit it off. Even the realization that they’re both high-powered agents at competing firms in Hollywood isn’t enough to squash the fire.

But when their two agencies merge—causing the pair to vie for the same position—all bets are off. What could have been a beautiful, blossoming romance turns into an all-out war of sabotage. Carter and Evie are both thirtysomething professionals—so why can’t they act like it?

Can Carter stop trying to please everyone and see how their mutual boss is really playing the game? Can Evie put aside her competitive nature long enough to figure out what she really wants in life? Can their actor clients just be something close to human? Whether these two Hollywood love/hatebirds get the storybook Hollywood ending or just a dramedy of epic proportions, you will get to enjoy Christina Lauren’s heartfelt, raucous, and hilarious romance style at its finest.

Take a burgeoning romance, a work place competition, and serious sexual tension and you have Christina Lauren's newest novel.  It's a rom-com in book format that boasts a charming mix of romance, drama, and humour and it completely won me over.

This novel is perfect for those who are just starting to dip their toe into the romance novel waters. It has a storyline that is just as strong as the romance elements. This is because it spends equal amounts of time on both the story and the romance. It is also one of the tamer reads from Christina Lauren in terms of the sex scenes. There are some sexy scenes within these pages, but they are fewer in number than in previous novels, and less explicit overall. Combine this with the fact that this is a standalone novel and it makes a great jumping in point for not just the romance genre, but Christina Lauren's novels as well.

Sexism in the work place takes a central focus in this novel which creates a deeper level to this romance. It explores all different kinds of sexism from subtle to overt and does so in a way that is a great conversation starter for groups reading the book together. It doesn't just focus on the glaringly obvious ones, but also looks at the way it is ingrained in people. It was one of my favourite elements of the novel as I feel it not only added to the plot, but the character development as well.

The relationship dynamic is deliciously fun, even if it is sometimes frustrating. The 'enemies to lovers' trope works well, especially with the competitive edge thrown in. It will delight fans of banter filled romances. It is sharp witted, and exactly the perfect dynamic for these characters. You totally believe that this is how these characters would act.  It will, however. make you want to scream at the characters at various times. Communication is key to any relationship and you will want these characters to talk to each other more than anything at certain points of the story. There is so much that could be cleared up by them sharing their feelings with each other and you so wish it would happen (even as you want the banter to continue).

The side characters were also a pleasant surprise. The previous series from this author has shown me that they excel at crafting an electric cast of characters that you fall in love with. This is vital to companion novels where those characters will become the focus of the subsequent novels in the series. I was curious to see if that same care would go into the secondary cast of a standalone novel. I was happy to discover that the effort was put into them. They are well crafted, and often steal the scene. A novel is usually made by the secondary cast of characters, and this novel is made all the better by the amazing support system that the main characters have.

A fun, sexy 'enemies to lovers' romance novel that pretty much demands it be read with a cocktail. This is an excellent choice for a fluffy beach read and should be in your beach bag this summer. If you're a romance fan this one should definitely be on your radar. 

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

BOOK

Cover for Roomies by Christina Lauren

You probably saw this with my Waiting On Wednesday post this week BUT I had to share it again. I love everything about this cover!

I love that it is a romance novel without any people on the cover. I love the New York skyline, and the use of the wedding rings in the title. It's charming and reminds me of a rom-com movie which I am sure is the entire point. I cannot wait for this book!

TV/MOVIE

iZombie

I have sang this show's praises before, and I am sure I will do it again. The latest episode slayed me. It delivered phenomenal performances from all of the cast, and left me a crying mess by the time the hour was through. This show, for me, is one of the most criminally underrated shows on television right now. If you're not watching, please do. You won't regret it.

Baby Groot

I went to see Guardians Of The Galaxy Volume 2 on Friday and was charmed. It's funny, and filled with a surprising amount of heart. Baby Groot, in particular, will steal your heart. He's even more adorable than you're expecting him to be (and that is pretty adorable)

He is seriously the cutest. I anticipate that most people who loved the first move will enjoy this one as well as it has everything you loved about the first one in abundance.

What are you obsessed with this week?

Dirty Rowdy Thing by Christina Lauren

Dirty Rowdy Thing by Christina Lauren (Wild Seasons #2)
Release Date -  November 14, 2014

Publisher Website - Simon and Schuster
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  326 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**borrowed from a friend**

**SPOILERS FOR THE FIRST BOOK IN THE SERIES**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

It doesn't get better than ex sex... unless you fall in love.

Unlike her best friends Mia and Lola, Harlow Vega has a reputation for always being up for a fling. Twelve drunk and wild hours in Sin City married to the ridiculously hot and rugged Canadian fisherman Finn Roberts, who (no surprise) is amazing with his muscular hands–and his lips and the rest of his body–was just her speed.

But it was just a thing: dirty, rowdy, and easy... until Finn turns up in her hometown on business. Harlow's not ready to be tied down, but when the whole crew is hanging out together, there's just something about him. It may not be love (hell, it may not even be like), but their exciting, tension-filled hookups provide the perfect distraction from the scary life changes they're both facing–challenges neither is sure how to handle, let alone fix. One night together turns into two, and soon Finn's mysterious business trip has gone on for weeks. They agreed on the sex–wild, wet, kinky–but now their border-crossing booty call is starting to feel like the real deal. And for two people used to being in control, taking the ultimate plunge by falling in love feels a lot more like flat-out falling.

Christina Lauren is quickly becoming my go to author for romance reads. They offer up books that are fun and yet offer a seriously aspect to them as well. The Wild Seasons series was pretty much my introduction to this author, and I loved Sweet Filthy Boy, and was eager to read the second book in this companion style series. I ended up loving Dirty Rowdy Thing even more, and predict it'll be my favourite of the series.

Having told Mia and Ansel's story, the next novel in this 'series' focuses on Harlow and Finn. Harlow may be looked at as a party girl with a bubbly personality and not much smarts, but she is anything but that. Harlow is fiercely loyal, smart, and just so happens to also enjoy shopping. I loved how she defied expectations (especially Finn's) at every turn. It showed that you can be fun and bubbly but that doesn't mean you're an airhead. Finn is the stoic, rugged fisherman who hides a sweet side underneath his quiet demeanor. He's the kind of guy who likes to be in control, and is protective of those he loves. I love each of them as individual characters, and loved them even more together.

While the first novel dealt with a lot of sexy role play, this novel focuses on light BDSM elements. It is one of the few novels I have read that included BDSM where I felt it was handled correctly. They include the importance of aftercare which many novels don't bother to discuss or acknowledge most of the time. It was a small addition that made all the difference in how these scenes were handled. These scenes also played into Finn's personality perfectly, which his quiet, take charge demeanor adding something extra to these steamy scenes.

The romance is one of my favourites. Harlow and Finn really bond and the author's allow the relationship to be built slowly. The lust they feel for each other is the stuff of instant gratification but once they scratch that surface stuff, the real love story begins and it is perfect. They are each complicated people, who are both very strong willed and this makes they perfectly matched. Their love story, from lust to friendship, to something deeper and real, is the heart of this novel and is a love story I would read again and again.

The relationship Harlow has with her family was really sweet. It is not often in a novel like this that they parents are such a focus, and when they are the relationship tends to be one of conflict. Harlow and her father's bond is especially shone in this book. Finn's relationship with his family was also great. Neither were a source of tension in the novel and it was a nice change.

If you're looking for a sexier read to spice up your to be read pile, I highly recommend this series (and this book in particular). This series is the perfect addition to your beach bag this summer as they offer up some seriously sexy reads with some endearing characters. These books offer the perfect mix of storyline and steamy scenes so you end up getting the best of both. You'll immediately be charmed by these books and want to grab the next installment (along with any other books this written) as soon as possible.