Best Reads Of 2019 .... So Far

We are quickly approaching the midway point of the year and that means checking in on my reading progress and the books that have stood out so far.

I am always amazed at how fast the year is going whenever I decide to write one of these posts. It seems like it is flying by in particular this year.

I have not read nearly as much as I wanted to. I am already 8 books behind in my Goodreads challenge. I am hoping to refocus my attention on reading and the blog and making some progress this summer.

Taking a look at what books I have read this year has made me realize that I have become quite good at picking books that will appeal to me. I feel like my reading is made all the richer as a result. I still stray outside my comfort zone (especially if friends recommend a book) but feel like I genuinely know what books I will and will not enjoy. This has made picking my ten favourites even more difficult.

Here, in no particular order, are the ten books that have stood out to me during the first half of the year;

1. Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

2. Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

3. Stay Sexy and Don't Get Murdered by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

4. The Kingdom by Jess Rothenberg

5. A Curse So Dark And Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer

6. You'd Be Mine by Erin Hahn

7. Top Secret by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy

8. Her Royal Highness by Rachel Hawkins

9. 99 Percent Mine by Sally Thorne

10. Chase Darkness With Me by Billy Jensen

All of the above books are linked to my reviews so you can discover exactly why they made my list if you so choose. Chase Darkness With Me is not currently reviewed so there is no link for that, but expect a review closer to release date.

I will be curious to see which books make it on to my year end list as the year continues! What book makes your own best of 2019 (at least so far) list? Let me know in the comments!

Cover Reveal: Top Secret by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy

Those of you who love romance novels are probably familiar with both Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen. They've both written many books and have collaborated in the past on a few. Their newest book is about to release on May 7th and you may have already seen a tease pop up in your social media as some lucky bloggers (myself included) got to read an advance copy.

I am excited to help share the cover for Top Secret! It's a fun, bright cover that I feel matches the synopsis perfectly. Here is a little more about the book to get you excited!

Bestselling authors Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy return with their first Male / Male romance in 3 years.

LobsterShorts, 21
Jock. Secretly a science geek. Hot AF.

LobsterShorts: So. Here goes. For her birthday, my girlfriend wants…a threesome.

SinnerThree: Then you’ve come to the right hookup app.

LobsterShorts: Have you done this sort of thing before? With another guy?

SinnerThree: All the time. I’m an equal opportunity player. You?

LobsterShorts: [crickets!]


SinnerThree, 21
Finance major. Secretly a male dancer. Hot AF.

SinnerThree: Well, I’m down if you are. My life is kind of a mess right now. School, work, family stress. Oh, and I live next door to the most annoying dude in the world. I need the distraction. Are you sure you want this?

LobsterShorts: I might want it a little more than I’m willing to admit.

SinnerThree: Hey, nothing wrong with pushing your boundaries...

LobsterShorts: Tell that to my control-freak father. Anyway. What if this threesome is awkward?

SinnerThree: Then it’s awkward. It’s not like we’ll ever have to see each other again. Right? Just promise you won’t fall in love with me.

LobsterShorts: Now wouldn’t that be life-changing...

Doesn't this sound amazing? I basically was intrigued just from the premise and I promise it gets even better once the story starts to unravel.

Sarina and Elle also answered a few questions about Top Secret (just in case you were curious).

Q and A about Top Secret:

Q: Have we met these characters before in another book?

A: No! These guys are brand new, and we can’t wait for you to meet them.


Q: Is this story MM? Or is it a MMF / MFM / menage?

A: This book is MM.


Q: Is this a love triangle story?

A: Not really. You’ll see.

Now that you've read the amazing sounding synopsis and have seen the absolutely perfect for this book cover I bet you're wanting to read some of it immediately. Luckily I can help with that! I also get to share the first chapter of Top Secret. Be warned: You'll want to go pre-order it as soon as you're finished.

Top Secret is now available to pre-order at some of your favourite ebook retailers!

Apple // Kobo // Barnes and Noble

You can also add it your Goodreads right now so that you don't forget to get your copy on May 7th!

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)

Just one ebook purchase this week that was kind of an impulse purchase because I have seen it all over the place on Twitter this past week.

The Accidentals by Sarina Bowen (goodreads)

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

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!