Top Ten Tuesday: New Favorite Book Quotes

Welcome to Top Ten Tuesday!

Top Ten Tuesday is an original weekly feature created by The Broke and the Bookish and is now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. This week’s topic is:

Favorite Book Quotes

I feel like I’ve done this as a TTT post at least twice now, so I’m going to change things up just a tad and go with

New Favorite Book Quotes
1. “People sometimes still drown in the shallow end,” he whispers.

-Colleen Hoover, Heart Bones

2. “There are two different kinds of wrong. The wrong that stems from weakness and the wrong that stems from strength. You made that choice because you were strong and needed to survive. You didn’t make that choice because you were weak.”

– Colleen Hoover, Heart Bones

3.“Hatred is a one-way emotion.” I take a breath. “It only affects the person holding on to that hate. Take Laney’s ex, for example…” I face him, but he’s already watching me. “Do you think he knows how much you hate him? Do you think he cares that you do?” Leo chews the corner of his lip as his eyes search mine.  “Does he even know you exist?” His lashes lower. “So, what’s the point, right?” I murmur. “Only you carry the burden of hatred, Leo. And it’s a lot easier to let go of that pain than it is to hold on to it.”

– Jay McLean, Leo

4. “I like being the main character in your story.”

– Jay McLean, Leo

5. “Still, I’m drawn to him. Annoyingly drawn. Like a bruised and wayward moth flying into a flickering light bulb.”

– Erin Hahn, You’d Be Mine

6.“It sounds lonelier than it is. But I’d rather lose myself in a sea of strangers than find myself one-on-one with an acquaintance.”

– Erin Hahn, More Than Maybe

7. “Lyrics do that sometimes. They find their home at just the right time. Like a secret message in a bottle, floating on a current for decades, only to wash up at someone’s feet when the words are needed.” 

– Erin Hahn, More Than Maybe

8. “Even the sun gets covered by clouds some days. That doesn’t take away from the light it gives off.” 

– Brittainy C. Cherry, Southern Storms

9. “We didn’t fix everything for each other–but we didn’t have to. We just made a choice to be there. Which counted for a lot.”

– Katherine Center, What You Wish For

10. “More than anything, I know that you just have to choose to make the best of things. You get one life, and it only goes forward. And there really are all kinds of happy endings.” 

– Katherine Center, How to Walk Away

 

Review: The Right Player (Kandi Steiner)

The Right Player
Author: Kandi Steiner
Publication Date: September 24, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Synopsis:

I have a three date rule — but it’s not what you think.

See, I’ve been told I’m the “good time girl,” not the one you take home to Mom. And while that label stung at first, I’ve since embraced it — living the wild and free life and sticking to a three date max. That’s just enough time to have some fun and snuff out the possibility of catching feelings. And it’s been working for me for years…

Until Makoa Kumaka.

Sadly, he also has a three date rule — and it’s the exact opposite of mine. From the second I meet him, all I can think about is stripping down that six-foot-five Herculean hunk of a man. But like the gentleman I wish he wasn’t, he’s making me wait.

The more time we spend together, the more I feel those pesky emotions creeping in. I’m even tempted to trust him, but blame it on my past or my instincts, I can’t shake the feeling that he’s hiding something…

I’ve been playing the game forever, and no man has ever won my heart — which meant they never had the power to break it.

But maybe I just hadn’t met the right player.

Maybe I’ll wish I never did.


Sigh. ADORABLE. The Right Player was so freaking adorable. I knew it would be since it was connected to my favorite Kandi Steiner book, The Wrong Game. I just didn’t know how adorable it would be.

Belle was so vibrant and independent. Mokoa was a sweet, good guy. Their chemistry was perfect. I loved them falling in love. I enjoyed how the tables were turned in this one. Instead of being the guy not wanting a relationship, it was the girl. That spin created such an interesting dynamic. It also created some interesting, low angst drama. Normally, a lack of communication (or lying) doesn’t always work out for me, but it made sense in this case. I might have been cringing waiting for things to go down, but when they did, I liked it.

Another great thing about this book was getting to see Gemma and Zach again. Belle and Gemma’s friendship was once again in full swing. I also loved how Zach now played into that friendship. It was just so great to see them all together again. I wish there were more friends for Steiner to write about because I would read another book set in this world.

Obviously, I loved The Right Player. I would highly recommend it. I would also recommend The Wrong Game. You don’t have to read it first, but it might be more fun if you do. 😉

Review: Love Lettering (Kate Clayborn)

Love Lettering
Author: Kate Clayborn
Publication Date: December 31, 2019
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp.
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Synopsis:

Meg Mackworth’s hand-lettering skill has made her famous as the Planner of Park Slope, designing beautiful custom journals for New York City’s elite. She has another skill too: reading signs that other people miss. Like the time she sat across from Reid Sutherland and his gorgeous fiancée, and knew their upcoming marriage was doomed to fail. Weaving a secret word into their wedding program was a little unprofessional, but she was sure no one else would spot it. She hadn’t counted on sharp-eyed, pattern-obsessed Reid.


A year later, Reid has tracked Meg down to find out—before he leaves New York for good—how she knew that his meticulously planned future was about to implode. But with a looming deadline, a fractured friendship, and a bad case of creative block, Meg doesn’t have time for Reid’s questions—unless he can help her find her missing inspiration. As they gradually open up to each other about their lives, work, and regrets, both try to ignore the fact that their unlikely connection is growing deeper. But the signs are there—irresistible, indisputable, urging Meg to heed the messages Reid is sending her, before it’s too late.


Love Lettering was an utterly charming read. It’s my first book by Kate Clayborn and I was SO impressed. I went into this one blind, and I was addicted from the first word, first paragraph, first chapter. It was one of those types of reads.

The whole concept of letters and codes was fascinating. The way Meg saw letters and words was very cool. It’s hard to imagine a whole book being written around that concept, but it worked well. I’m going to be thinking about letters every time I look at a hand painted sign or wedding invitation now.

At the heart of Love Lettering was a sweet slow burn romance. I was completely sold on the idea of a relationship between Meg and Reid from the minute he walked into the store. His slightly awkward, buttoned up personality was perfect. It made me curious about him in ways I wouldn’t have been if I had his POV. Normally, I like a dual POV. Surprisingly, this one was probably better without due to the curiosity thing. Anyway. I liked the way Meg and Reid’s personalities and abilities fit together.

Meg also had several other relationships that were important. Her friendships with four different women stood out. The one I was most fascinated by was with Sibby. I was just as frustrated as Meg was with what was happening in that relationship. My favorite was probably Meg’s relationship with Lark and how it played out. There was just a lot of great friendship stuff that didn’t overwhelm the romance but coexisted in a good way.

There was even a shocking twist in this book. There was some foreshadowing, but not enough to ruin the surprise for me. I wasn’t expecting things to go down the way they did, and I loved it.

So, yeah. I loved Love Lettering. I was so impressed with Kate Clayborn’s writing. I can’t wait to discover more of her books. If anyone has a suggestion on which to read next, drop it in the comments.

Review: Lies and Lullabies (Sarina Bowen)

Lies and Lullabies
Series: Hush Notes, #1
Author: Sarina Bowen
Publication Date: September 22, 2020
Publisher: Tuxbury Publishing LLC
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

Synopsis:

Summer nights and star-crossed lovers! From USA Today bestselling author Sarina Bowen.

Once upon a time, he gave me a summer of friendship, followed by one perfect night. We shared a lot during our short time together. But he skipped a few crucial details.

I didn’t know he was a rock star.

I didn’t know his real name.

Neither of us knew I’d get pregnant.

And I sure never expected to see him again.

Five years later, his tour bus pulls up in Nest Lake, Maine. My little world is about to be shattered by loud music and the pounding of my own foolish heart.


Lies and Lullabies was a sweet second chance romance. The whole rock star and secret baby tropes melded perfectly. I loved Kira and Jonas’ characters. It was easy to understand why Kira kept Vivi a secret and for why Jonas would want to come back to her five years later. Their chemistry was on point, and it didn’t feel weird for them to reconnect quickly. I’m normally not a fan of flashbacks, but they were few, woven well into the story, and didn’t distract from the present but added to it.

Like in all of Bowen’s books, the side characters helped make the story. Kira and Jonas’ daughter Vivi was adorable. There were so many sweet moments due to her. Kira’s brother Adam also had a big part. I loved his character. I’m wondering if we’re getting a book for him because his part in the story felt like it wasn’t resolved. I hope so! And then there was the rest of Jonas’ band. I liked the introductions to Nixon and Quinn. I’m so interested to see where Rebecca Yarros and Devney Perry take those characters.

There were a few things that felt a little too unresolved to me. One was teh whole Luke storyline. The second was Adam’s story, as I pointed out earlier. The third was that I wanted a little more time with Kira and Jonas at the end. There was a perfect epilogue, but the story felt like it ended a little abruptly. I can’t exactly explain why it felt that way. I guess I needed a little more clarification on how everything worked out for them with Jonas’ tour, etc.

Overall, this was a great second chance romance. It was filled with sweet moments and rock star fun. I’m so excited to read the rest of the series!

Top Ten Tuesday: Books On My Fall 2020 TBR

Welcome to Top Ten Tuesday!

Top Ten Tuesday is an original weekly feature created by The Broke and the Bookish and is now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. This week’s topic is:

Books On My Fall 2020 TBR
1. Rifts & Refrains
Author: Devney Perry

2. Muses & Melodies
Author: Rebecca Yarros

3. Every Last Secret
Author: A. Torre

4. Wild Like Us
Authors: Krista & Becca Ritchie

5. See Me After Class
Author: Meghan Quinn

6. The Bribe
Author: Willa Nash

7. The Bookworm’s Guide to Dating
Author: Emma Hart

8. Secret Puck
Author: Rebecca Jenshak

9. Varsity Rulebreaker
Author: Ginger Scott

10. Sorrow
Author: Tiffanie DeBartolo

Review: Yours to Keep (Lauren Layne)

Yours to Keep
Series: Man of the Year, #2
Author: Lauren Layne
Publication Date: September 1, 2020
Publisher: Montlake
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ½

Synopsis:

An irresistible baseball star and a resistant hometown girl stumble into love in a flirty romance by New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne.

Pro baseball shortstop Carter Ramsey is about to be Citizen magazine’s Man of the Year, but the only title that matters to him is out of reach: World Series MVP. Benched by a recent injury, Carter retreats to his hometown to recover. His ten-year class reunion and a potential reconciliation with the sweetheart he left behind could be perfect distractions. Until another old acquaintance throws Carter a curveball.

Olive Dunn admits that her former high school science partner is still a handsome charmer. But she wasn’t swayed then, and she won’t be swayed now. Because Olive remembers Carter’s little shortcoming: he tends to bail the moment it suits him, without a backward glance. Best to keep her feelings strictly platonic while he’s in town.

Except the entitled boy she knew is a changed man: solid, reflective, and generous. As they ease back in to their familiar friendship, things take a surprising turn, and Carter and Olive must decide if what they have is a passing flirtation or a real shot at love.


Lauren Layne is back! Well, she didn’t really leave, but… I hate to admit that the first Man of the Year wasn’t my cup of tea. That didn’t stop me from wanting to read Yours to Keep because it is very rare that I don’t fall in love with an LL book. I totally fell in love with this book. What made it so great, you ask?

  • Yours to Keep is one of those books that made me smile the entire time I was reading it. The words feel like they’re wrapped in this upbeat, happy bubble wrap no matter what’s going down.
  • The characters were lovable, each in their own way. Carter because he was a professional athlete trying to figure out who he was without baseball (a great guy). Olive because she wasn’t about to let anyone decide who she was without her input. They weren’t perfect, but they were good people.
  • The chemistry was undeniable, but I loved that they started off by developing a friendship.
  • The side characters were great and added some fun moments to the story. I especially loved Carter’s twin and parents.
  • Just have to say that I loved the ending and epilogue for this book.
  • This is a weird one, but I loved that the whole “Man of the Year” article was what tied this book to the first one and not the political aspect from the first book. They almost didn’t even feel related, and that was a good thing for me.

Was there anything I disliked? Not really. The only thing I could probably point out was that I would have preferred it be in first person instead of third, but this LL so the third worked for me. Yours to Keep was another great addition to her contemporary romance catalog, and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. Can it hurry up and get here, please?

Mini Reviews: Engagement and Espionage (Reid) & Batter of Wits (Sorensen)

Engagement and Espionage
Series: Solving for Pie: Cletus and Jenn Mysteries, #1
Author: Penny Reid
Publication Date: July 14, 2020
Publisher: Cipher-Naught
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Contemporary Romance

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

If you’re a fan of Cletus Winston and his baker love Jenn Donner, you will most likely enjoy Engagement and Espionage. It’s a fun cozy mystery filled with antics that can only be attributed to Cletus. Plus, getting more of Cletus and Jenn’s relationship was so fulfilling. They are a couple of favorite characters of mine and I’m so glad there are more books in this series to come.

Batter of Wits
Series: Love at First Sight, #4
Author: Karla Sorensen
Publication Date: April 21, 2020
Publisher: Smartypants Romance
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

I’m always a little hesitant to read a book by one author set in a world created by another author. I’m afraid that it just won’t have the right “feel” to it. Penny Reid’s writing style, settings, and characters are one of a kind. Her Green Valley, home of the Winston brothers, has a special place in my heart. I have read a couple books in this world now, and neither of them quite reflected the setting or style I expected. This is all a big build up to say that Karla Sorensen is the first author who has managed to write her own unique characters and do Green Valley justice. Batter of Wits felt like coming home to Green Valley, and that’s a good thing. I loved Grace and Tucker. Their love story had some uncomfortable bumps, but it was fun.

Review: Dirty Empire (Nina West)

Dirty Empire Series: Dirty Empire, #3 Author: Nina West Publication Date: September 15, 2020 Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion. Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ Synopsis:

Mercy Wheeler and Gabriel Easton’s sordid tale continues in Dirty Empire as Mercy finds her loyalties tested and Gabriel’s attempt to break free of his family’s legacy comes with unexpected consequences.

Dirty Empire is the third book in the Dirty Empire series and should be read after Sweet Mercy and Gabriel Fallen.


One word for Dirty Empire: EXPLOSIVE. Why explosive? If I gave away Gideon’s secrets he would kill me, so this review is going to be a little sparse. Here’s what you need to know:
  • Things started where they left off. The drama and suspense continued and actually heightened in this third book.
  • Gideon and Mercy’s relationship went next level and got hotter, if that was possible.
  • There were some revelations I guessed but still managed to be a little shocked by.
  • Dirty Empire was supposed to be the end of Gideon and Mercy’s story, but IT’S NOT!!! There was another crazy cliffhanger and there will be a FOURTH book. I can’t decide if I love or hate that.
  • Dirty Empire was a fabulous addition to this series, and I can’t wait for the fourth book!

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Covers for Upcoming Releases

Welcome to Top Ten Tuesday!

Top Ten Tuesday is an original weekly feature created by The Broke and the Bookish and is now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. This week’s topic is:

Cover Freebie

I’m going with:

Favorite Covers for Upcoming Releases

Here are some covers I love. Not all of these are books I plan to read, but these are cool.

1. Crazy Stupid Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams

There’s something about the cat that makes me smile.

2. In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

I like the colors used and the simplicity.

3. Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade

I’m not big on illustrated covers in romance, but this is one that I can get behind because it fits the story so well.

4. Super Fake Love Song by David Yoon

It’s just so freaking cute and YA perfection!

5. The Cousins by Karen M. McManus

I love the creepy feel of this covers for McManus’ upcoming thriller.

6. Mistletoe in Paradise by Jill Shalvis

I just want to be on that beach enjoying that sunset.

7. Every Last Secret by A.R. Torre

There’s something about this cover that’s both relaxing to the eye and slightly thrilling to the mind.

8. The Garden of Promises and Lies by Paula Brackston

I love the contrast of the pretty, white dress and the dark background. I also like the fact that it’s the woman from behind. It just works for me. Makes me want to read it.

9. Sorrow by Tiffanie DeBartollo

The simplicity of this cover and the old school feel fits the emotions I know DeBartolo can invoke. It makes me curious and it’s cute.

10. The Bookworm’s Guide to Dating by Emma Hart

ADORABLE. That’s it.

Review: Spoiler Alert (Olivia Dade)

Spoiler Alert
Author: Olivia Dade
Publication Date: October 6, 2020
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Synopsis:

Olivia Dade bursts onto the scene in this delightfully fun romantic comedy set in the world of fanfiction, in which a devoted fan goes on an unexpected date with her celebrity crush, who’s secretly posting fanfiction of his own. 

Marcus Caster-Rupp has a secret. While the world knows him as Aeneas, the star of the biggest show on TV, Gods of the Gates, he’s known to fanfiction readers as Book!AeneasWouldNever, an anonymous and popular poster.  Marcus is able to get out his own frustrations with his character through his stories, especially the ones that feature the internet’s favorite couple to ship, Aeneas and Lavinia. But if anyone ever found out about his online persona, he’d be fired. Immediately.


April Whittier has secrets of her own. A hardcore Lavinia fan, she’s hidden her fanfiction and cosplay hobby from her “real life” for years—but not anymore. When she decides to post her latest Lavinia creation on Twitter, her photo goes viral. Trolls and supporters alike are commenting on her plus-size take, but when Marcus, one half of her OTP, sees her pic and asks her out on a date to spite her critics, she realizes life is really stranger than fanfiction.

Even though their first date is a disaster, Marcus quickly realizes that he wants much more from April than a one-time publicity stunt. And when he discovers she’s actually Unapologetic Lavinia Stan, his closest fandom friend, he has one more huge secret to hide from her.


With love and Marcus’s career on the line, can the two of them stop hiding once and for all, or will a match made in fandom end up prematurely cancelled?


Spoiler Alert is the first book I have read by Olivia Dade. Her books weren’t on my radar until I saw my blogger friend Nick recommending her last release, 40-Love. She made that book sound magical, so when I saw Spoiler Alert, I decided to read it. I am so, so glad I did.

I’m going to be completely honest here. I didn’t read the blurb before starting the book. I didn’t realize it had a fan fiction aspect to it. I’m happy I didn’t because that might have put me off. Fan fiction within a romance doesn’t always go well for me. It did in this book, though. Rather than take away from the story, it enhanced it. I love how it supported the characters and the romance.

That romance… SIGH. What an adorable romance. Marcus and April were utterly perfect for each other. I loved how Marcus could let his guard down with April. I loved how she didn’t have to always worry about her insecurities and weight with him. They got each other and accepted each other for who they were deep down. It was such a pleasant experience reading their love for each other. I didn’t even mind when they had some drama to deal with.

Individually, Marcus and April had things in their background that they struggled with. Much of it had to do with their parents. Having been someone’s child and now someone’s parent, I liked seeing how their childhood and adult experiences with their parents shaped them. How it all went down was great.

We don’t get a ton of time with other side characters in this book, but there were a couple notable ones. Alex was hilarious. I am so curious about his working relationship with Lauren. I was pleased to find out they are getting a book. I also enjoyed April’s co-workers.

There wasn’t anything I didn’t love about Spoiler Alert. I guess if I had to nitpick something I could say that there needed to be more between Marcus and April about the resolution of their problems. Still, that wouldn’t make me give this book less than 5 stars. It was a fantastic read that I would highly recommend.