pickI love, love, LOVED Ali Hazelwood's spin on a Vampyre/Werewolf romance. I was fully invested in the alternate world she built, and while some of the "twists" were more obvious to see coming than others, I thoroughly enjoyed the journey and the slow build of their romance. I sincerely hope she continues the series sooner rather than later!! ?
pickIf you love Sierra Simone's books, this is right up your alley! Some religious hangups meet a handsome sex club owner and a program designed to help discover your sexuality? Yes, please!
so-soCompared to the multitude of Tessa's books that I absolutely adore, this was just "meh". The concept was cute, but some of the dynamics were bizarre and hard to swallow (and I say that as someone who is HERE for the implausible Hallmark romance). But it was still cute... I guess. Strangely, I likely would have enjoyed it more had it been a new-to-me author. Going in with the high bar that Tessa sets herself left me disappointed in comparison ?
#Aardvark dropped a May clue on their Instagram and this is my guess. The "you know what", font style/color, the "we know what we're doing" caption (paired with the title), and the ladybug connection all feel on point. That does look like a ladybug in flight on the book cover, right? ?
so-soThis was... not great. So many plot points were weak, and I don't think she lands the paranormal aspect beyond some surface level descriptions that feel more like bad Twilight fan fic than anything else. The smut was pretty 🔥 though.
pickAnother Hazelwood winner! A slower burn than I remember in her previous books, but the characters were so dynamic that I didn't care at all. So well done, and the plot definitely felt more "unique" than her previous books. While the burn was slow, the latent sparks were excellent. Dare I say... my favorite of her books so far?! ???
pickI'm giving this a soft pick. Romance that definitely falls more on the taboo side of things (age gap, godfather, etc), so it won't be everyone's cup of tea. I picked it up after seeing it ALL over TikTok and while it's definitely not perfect, I have mad respect for the author, who has gone the self publishing route and is doing the dang thing. If interested, her books are sold on her website or TikTok page 🫶 #booktok
pickI absolutely adored this book, just as much or more than the others in this series. I found the character arcs extremely fascinating and incredibly satisfying. And of course the 🔥STEAM🔥 was perfection. I will miss the ladies of Bright Falls so dang much, sad to see this series end 😭 but also over the moon excited to read whatever Blake will write next!
pickSo for context, this lumbersnack is Thor Bradley, and he's wildly popular on Tiktok for chopping wood. He's also started a candle company (a candle brilliantly named Nontoxic Masculinity). So, my mom and I got flown out to LA by Tiktok for a networking event and I MET HIM. HAD A CONVERSATION. HE *HUGGED* ME. AND NOW I HAVE TO SLEEP AT NIGHT KNOWING WHAT MY BOOK BOYFRIEND COME TO LIFE SMELLS LIKE.
This book I read with him in mind was good too 🤣
pickLOVED this one! Set in the fast-paced (literally) world of F1 racing, it was fun to dive in during the first race week of the 2024 season. I loved the characters and their vulnerabilities. Also had a really good amount of steam! 🔥🏁🏎️
pickThe book I'm reviewing isn't in the database, so tagging another of the author's books! First off, the title is smutty click bait bc the story isn't nearly as "naughty" as it sounds. She dated a guy for a few months in HS, had never met his dad, and then hooked up with said dad BEFORE realizing the connection. I thought it was great! Though the "conflict" was a bit far fetched.
I was in LA and NYC this past week so catching up on reviews ??
pickDidn't suck me in quite as much as Elle's other books, but not sure how much of that can be attributed to my wonky mental state vs the book itself? Certainly not bad, but it didn't suck me in like her books usually do. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood for a new adult romance in particular. Still had some good, unexpected plot points. Overall a soft pick 🏖️
In hindsight, maybe the *months* of UNOPENED bookmail was a sign that I have not been well? Haha. Kind of excited to open them and remind myself of what I picked though 😬
PS: Olive says hi! She's my social butterfly and can't resist a photo op 😹
I know I've been a lot less active lately, but I've missed y'all and wanted to say hi! Work has run me straight into complete and utter burnout (there aren't enough characters allowed for me to give the whole story). I know work stress is relatable to many, so I'm not claiming to be unique. But no job is worth tanking your mental health and sacrificing your well-being. I've decided to take a mental health leave and plan to read books with HEAs 🫶
Do I have a million unread physical books on my shelves? Obviously. Do I need to be paying money for more books right now, instead of chipping away at my neverending backlog? Obviously not.
Did I still find some things to order from both #Aardvark and #BOTM? OBVIOUSLY. Y'all know me better than that 😹
pickI really enjoyed this! The start of a new series, though technically a spinoff of the Briar U series (Gigi's parents were featured in the Briar U series and now she attends the same school). I love that she also plays hockey for the women's team, and falls for the badboy of the men's hockey team. Great steam, great storyline, great vacation read 🫶
pickThis was a cute one with some unexpected plot points (I love Meghan Quinn so I just sort of grabbed it from Kindle Unlimited and went in with no context). But it definitely veers from the traditional romance novel in the sense that we have 3 potential suitors and you're left in a "who's she gonna end up with" scenario. I wish there'd been more time to focus on "the one" but my biggest gripe is WHO GETS 3 PERFECT, HOTTIE BLIND DATE MATCHES?!
pickThis was super cute! A *completely* different story from Icebreaker, so if you're expecting a more traditional "hockey romance", this ain't it. But I loved the way the author handled more complicated family dynamics, and the steam was still steamy.
PS: I'm on vacation, so that's why I've been MIA. Miss you all! ?
I read a few books this year 🤣
Happy New Year, y'all! Cheers to 2024 being chock full of wonderful reads 🥂
Word on the street is that these are some of the January #BOTM offerings (a mix of potential main picks and add-ons, plus some of the add-ons that were put in the app mid month). See anything that piques your interest?
I've seen buzz around the tagged book on TikTok, and it's currently on their app as a late add-on, so I REALLY hope I like a main pick so I can snag it 🤞🏼
pickMy gosh, if you asked me to pick a favorite in this series I'd be stumped. They're literally all just THAT good. I love the thoughtful neurodivergent representation, and this one also included a rarely discussed (in romance books anyway) health condition. And the STEAM 🔥
All I want for Christmas is to marry into the Bergman family 😭😭😭
pickI'm so hooked on this series!! This one broke from the typical mold, in the sense that it features an already married couple whose relationship is at a crossroads. An honest, unflinching portrayal of two people who have drifted apart, and the journey to get back on track. Marriage counseling, anxiety disorders, family dynamics. AMAZING. Also, rediscovering the SPARK of course 🔥
YOU GUYS! I got locked out of my Litsy account for a week and I've been losing my mind! Finally got back in today and am bummed I didn't get to post any BOTM or Aardvark predictions 🤣
But glad to be back - I MISSED YOU 💋
pickOMG this series is gonna be over too soon, I can already tell. SO. FREAKING. GOOD. A heroine on the spectrum (expertly written by an author who's neurodivergent herself), and a hunky hockey stud who's been secretly pining for her for years. Love, love, loved every second.
pickSWOON!!! This book made my heart melt right out of my chest. Amazing chemistry. Frenemies to lovers. Thoughtful deaf representation. ALL. THE. FEELS.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
pickSQUEEEEE, this book is SO STINKING GOOD. Extremely well fleshed out characters, smoking hot chemistry 🥵, and the world of professional women's soccer. At the risk of using an idiom that has nothing to do with soccer, Meryl knocked this one out of the park! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Side note: was definitely an odd choice to read while curled up at my GRANDMA'S HOUSE but oh well. Blame the flushed cheeks on the raging fireplace 🤣
pickGosh, this book is phenomenal! A great continuation of the series. I've certainly been in my smut era this year, but when my library hold came through I couldn't pass it up. It's a chunkster, but the story is so we'll fleshed out and executed that it never lost my attention. Religious cults fascinate me and I was HOOKED. But holy moly does JK know how to reallyyyy takes "slow burn romance" to another level (IYKYK) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Is there anything cuter than itty bitty kitty toe beans?! 🥹
Kept my November #BOTM box simple. In all honesty, I probably would have skipped if the Ali Hazelwood wasn't an add-on 😆
Y'all, I am so in love with this sweet little nugget! Olive is such a joy. I just wish Moxie would chill tf out already. Seriously... she turns into a full on demon cat with the hissing and it makes me sad. Anybody have tips on how to smooth out the process of adding a new kitten to the mix? Or maybe recommendations for where I can find someone to perform a cat exorcism? 🐾
pickThis was cute! Loved the MCs, and always dig a "bad boy into the small town good girl" angle. It's got a really slow burn and more of a slightly cracked door romance vibe. Certainly alot less spicy than my usual fare, but would be perfect for someone who prefers good chemistry with minimal details in the bedroom ? #aardvark
pickThis new adult romance was so good! She's had a crush on her best friend's older brother since they were kids, but now he's the seemingly unattainable campus hottie and baseball star. He's secretly been harboring feelings for her too, so when he accidentally intercepts her request for help with her first kiss and... other things... he's happy to oblige. Home run! ⚾️
The kitten distribution system got me, y'all! We found this sweet little baby on the side of the road all by herself. And I couldn't bring myself to surrender her to the shelter knowing what I've heard about lower adoption rates for black cats. So anywho... MEET OLIVE! She's so spunky and sweet and has the prettiest green eyes. She's currently in my guest room and building up to an intro with Moxie, who is less enthusiastic about her new sister 😹
pickHow stinking cute was this?? Lucy Score's books have really grown on me. I used to think they were too long and slow of a burn, but dang if she doesn't do the slow burn WELL. And then when you DO get to the spice?! 🔥
pickKate Canterbary is becoming a go-to author for me - I'll definitely be working my way through the rest of her backlist. So funny and steamy, with fully fleshed out characters and the right balance of conflict. I thoroughly enjoyed this "best friend's little sister, enemies to lovers" vibe. I would totally live in Friendship, Rhode Island! ❤️
"My mom will become a TikTok influencer" was not on my 2023 bingo card... but here we are! You could have knocked me over with a feather when she went viral, and her platform keeps growing! She's a big hit in the 50+ market talking about the clothes, shoes, and girly things she loves with her signature southern twang and humor. Give her a follow if you're interested (or if you love online shopping ?). We're making a go of it as partners ?
October #Aardvark picks are live and I got all 5 predictions correct 💪🏽 - AND they added a surprise 6th pick (Black Sheep) in honor of their one year anniversary! The Burnout was already on my radar (the parallels with my current work situation are too on point) and I DEFINITELY let myself fall for the cover of Starter Villain. Happy fall, y'all! 🤣🎃
pickI'd consider this to be a soft pick. I loved the second chance, childhood friends, from tough upbringing to rockstar angle. But the delivery didn't always stick the landing.
A fun, witchy, fall Goodreads win! 🔮✨
(Side note: hard to read the title to myself without hearing T Swift 🎵)
pickThis was a solid return to Knockemout (gosh, that town name is bonkers). A compelling enemies to lovers tale. A bit of a second chance trope. Slowwwww burn and pretty spicy, though some of the steamy scenes were a bit far fetched. I was certainly drawn to suit daddy though!
Side note: why are her books so LONG?!
pickSuper cute, very steamy, solid romance! A runaway bride with stumbles on a nanny gig for the hunky, blue collar single dad of twins... while literally still wearing her defunct wedding dress. So sparks were bound to fly (duh!) ❤️
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