Photo credits: Magda Ehlers (pexels) Edited by Vaishali C O M B I N E D W R A P U P M A Y / J U N E R E A D I N G Hello reading friends. Things are warming up in my hemisphere of the world, but as is par for the course, the sun never lasts long enough before it's challenged by one of its elemental tribe. Currently, the skyward gods push forth its familiar contender: rain. Climate-wise, we don't have a reliable mutually beneficial contract with she who dominates the atmosphere, but we have been experiencing some nice bouts sunshine (and some not very nice bouts of humidity). I think we might be due to have another heatwave, much to my misfortune. As much as I wished otherwise, Summer and I don't, and have never had, a well-blended history. Scorching reads and I get on instrumentally well. The scorching heavens and I? There was a reason I think I was born in September. Since I have such a vast portfolio of symptoms (not limited to heat Intolerance, light sensitivity and sensitivity to allergen exposure), it's safe to guess that summer isn't my favourite season. The heat is an instrumental strain to my daily chronic illness life. It's perhaps morbidly funny to me that while most of the populous flocks to the outdoors during the sunnier seasons, I studiously remain indoors (as I do with every season if I'm speaking with verity on side). Away from people. Away from possibly detrimental pathogens, away from Infectious air-travelling particles. Anything really that could trigger an awful flare up. This really isn't a foolproof strategy by any means though. My hermit self and my maladaptive body gratefully has a house to take shelter in (even if the indoors has its fair share of unfriendly problems). But, I also have many good books to look forward to. As long as we're talking about, thinking about, reflecting over, dining over or discussing fictional times, I dare to make a strong claim that in this spirit, all feels right in the world. We've had a few newsworthy things making circuitry recently Perhaps the most notable thing I can mention in terms of news of the moment was the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. It made big talk over on any and every channel switched to. There was much commentary over a long, successful and robust 70 years as sovereign and Monarch of the country. I think it was perhaps even more remembered because HMTQ marked history by reaching the 70th - a historic milestone. I'm really not what you'd call a royalist or a patriot in any way, and I actually hadn't intended on paying more than a passing Interest over the annual tradition, but, and because my mum's a Princess Diana fan and likes to track royalist events, I ended up sitting through the Jubilee parade. I also ended up enjoying what I did watch, which was the diversity-inspired, eras-themed parade. And of course Ed Sheeran played live, which is always something to relish in. As I have zero ties to the royals of our nation, I contentedly accessed the celebration through my TV screen. And even though it was televised, the energy was clearly big and I could imagine how the streets must have been alive with noise and enthusiasm as the parade passed through London. Sometimes just the general air of celebration can feel celebratory. In other new, there was soccer aid for UNICEF, the British Soap Awards (which isn't a competitive sport for cleanliness products for those of you outside the UK), and of course, June is very well known for being Pride month! I'm definitely that person who isn't a seasons-round sports fan until I watch a sports event and become an instantaneous, true-but-temporary fan for the moment. So I did let myself watch the latter half of the hours-long event. But back to books, I hope many wonderful reads fit for Pride celebration made your month that much more proud. I purchased two of Indie romance writer Rachel Bowdler's lesbian romances; The Fate Of Us (which looks so good) and her Hollywood/Bodyguard romance Saving the Star (which also looks so good). I don't know when I'll get to read them just yet but I do have two Pride month recommendations to make in addition... If you haven't yet read Josie Jaffrey's incredible adult investigative urban fantasy/paranormal romance, you must read it. With a thorny, rough-around-the-edges messy bisexual female lead you'll want to spend some time with the Seekers series. I've read the first two books in-series and I've been waiting since for the third to make it onto my virtual shelf. My second recommendation is Rebecca Crunden's Outlands Pentalogy. It's an incredible dystopic five-book series, and while these stories absolutely have to be read in order, the third book in the series entitled A Promise of Return follows a bisexual hero. You will have to wait two books before you get to the story that features the same-sex romance, just to caution. Since it would be far too spoilerish for me to disclose even basic details about this book in particular, I highly suggest beginning at the start of the Pentalogy. There's so much to love about the series. So much. It's dark and raw, but hopeful, and any chance I get to create chatter around the series, I take as a chance to create some chatter around the series. Onto additional bookish news. If one recalls, I talked a bit about my excitement for a promised book package from romance author Isabel Jolie. And then one may also recall my sense of deflation at not having received anything after a long wait, even after hoping every day that today would be the day that our postman arrived with the goods. I have an update. I got my package! It was everything I hoped it would be, and more quite literally. Instead of just expecting Crushed from Jolie's Twisted Vines series, I was the enthused receiver of Breathe in addition. Breathe, which was already on my to-purchase TBR index. But that's not all, in addition to also signing both books with wonderful messages, the author enclosed a clear crystal quartz stone. It was such a thoughtful (and utterly unexpected) gesture that I was overwhelmed by her generosity, especially when the sentiment of receiving a healing crystal hit closer to home than the author could have realised. Because (*points at self*) living with debilitating bad health here. I sent her a thank you email, and after a quick warm and friendly exchange, I told her that I was including her entire backlist of books (which you can find below), and that she must share with me any new releases so I can be of bookish service and help with expressing some new-release hype. If you're new to Isabel Jolie romance, I urge you to try any one of her books. She's an incredible writer of romance and I fully believe that she'll have an even more incredible writing career ahead of her. You'll be in the best hands with her style of authenticity. Without embellishments or preamble, her books deserves a place on any shelf (virtual or physical). You can find some pictures of my books - and the release date of her June release, Savor, - below! I also have the pleasure of sharing two guest posts with you. PD Alleva's guest contribution - Nostalgia, Pulp Fiction, and Ancient Aliens: Major Influences Behind the The Rose Series is available to read! As is Audrey N. Lewis's piece on what drove her to write a story of inclusion, difference and acceptance within The Tapestry. I didn't think I'd be so busy, but I have so many interesting bookish things coming up in the following months, which I'll get to share in future wrap ups for the year. Lots of author interviews will be on the way soon. If you're a fan of YA fantasy, you'll also want to check out L.L. MacRae's Moroda. A re-release originally published in 2017, MacRae has revamped and revised the first book in the world of Linaria, and the recent re-launch brings with it additional POVs, bonus chapters, expanded scenes and much much more. You can find a selection of her overhauled covers below, with links to retailers! And to finalise this Wrap Up with one final - but no less important - piece of news, I bring you an anthology entitled Dissent. A group of romance writers joined forces very recently to organise a benefit project exclusive to the support of reproductive rights. While I'm not a US citizen, I don't need to be to feel the weight of what's happening in the realm of women's rights in the twenty-first century, and as a believer of body sovereignty I'm more than happy to share and join a cause in spreading that message. While the author organisers are busying away gathering fellow authors, bloggers and affiliated creatives to participate with contributions, the anthology is in its earliest stages. I'll be updating and sharing more on this soon! Mentally file the 6th of September (also known as National Read a Book Day) into your roving minds because we have a publication date for Dissent. More on this soon in addition, but for now, keep scrolling for all the promised fun stuff... My Bookish Package from Isabel Jolie!
West Side Series Haven Island series Twisted Vines series LINKS FOR ISABEL JOLIE: Website: http://www.isabeljoliebooks.com Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isabeljoliebooks/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabeljolie... Twitter: https://twitter.com/isabeljoliebook Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/isabe... Newsletter: https://isabeljoliebooks.com/#newsletter Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Isabel-Jolie/e/... Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/isabeljoliebooks/ L.L. MacRae's Reworked world of LinariaLINKS FOR MORODA: Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61114984 Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B2719QC4 Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2719QC4 Anthology for reproductive rights "A charity romance anthology with NEW, never before published content from over 100 romance authors. All the proceeds from the eBook and paperback will be donated to an organisation that protects reproductive rights." More details on this soon, including a cover, a premise and a list of all authors that will be contributing! Bloggers, readers, reviewers, writers and all other creatives can participate in any way to contribute their time, energy, artistry and expertise to the cause. Updates can be accessed through the author organisers' social media or through their newsletters. Or try this link here! Be sure to act as soon as possible as the online form is time-sensitive. My May and June Reads... 1) King of Wall Street by Louise Bay - Rating ★ ★ ★ 3
While this story was an attention pull from the start, and before I get into why this fell out of favour in a few different ways, I must begin by saying that my aversion did eventually plateau when I felt more comfortable with what I was reading and where things were going. If you're looking for a hate-to-sex-to-love, horrible boss/stubborn employee with benefits romance that works in reverse, this is definitely for you! Content Warning: multiple detailed sex scenes, swearing and a situation where the heroine overhears the hero with an OW. No cheating. You can find my full review of 'King of Wall Street' here! - 3 S T A R S to King of Wall Street 2) Faking Ms. Right by Claire Kingsley - Rating ★ ★ ★ ★ 3.5/4
I'm in the pleasant position to say that I've done it. I've finally read a Claire Kingsley romance! Somehow, this managed to cut its way up the cue that is my reading list. But I'm also in the pleasant position to say that for the most part, Faking Ms. Right glides right on by with sweet simplicity, an easy writing style and plain adorable grace. Content Warning: Profanity, a parent with cancer, descriptive bedroom scenes with some kink, alcohol consumption. Some themes include early parenthood separation/past parent infidelity and same sex partner adoption. You can find my full review of 'Faking Ms. Right' here! - 3.5/4 S T A R S Faking Ms. Right 3) Rocky Ride by Vivian Arend - Rating ★ ★ ★ 3
Rocky Ride is a short, high-heat, light erotic steamer with sexcapades, sexual experimentation and a quick and heady romance between a bold copper and her sweet - dirty talking - bad boy biker. Told in the third person POV (which did take me a bit of getting used to), this is a short, smutty, erotic read with some slivers of familial engagement and a slight storyline. Content Warning: Mentions drugs. Some swearing. Mentions a past cancer battle and bereavement of a parent. Some violence. Kink, some light BDSM, multiple descriptive sex scenes, (inside and outdoors) and with some voyeuristic fun. You can find my full review of 'Rocky Ride' here! - 3 S T A R S to Rocky Ride 4) Talk Wordy To Me by Frankie Love with Kaylin Evans - Rating ★ ★ ★ 3
The title of this book did indeed talk wordy to me. With a punnily christened name that gives off the same vibe as Teagan Hunter's Textual series, I couldn't look at this book and not give it some of my time. Talk Wordy to Me is a quickie drama-less, complication-free, bookish-backsplashed romance designed for an easy, prompt and simple reading experience. Content warning: sex scenes (unprotected sex). Minimal swearing. Family member that has a stroke. Past parent deaths. You can find my full review of 'Talk Wordy To Me' here! - 3 S T A R S to Talk Wordy To Me 5) Star Bright by Susannah Nix - Rating ★ ★ ★ ★ 3.5/4
Star Bright is a diligently scribed, well-written, industry-themed romantic novella that manages to hit multiple notes, taps into multiple (celeb-centric) themes and thoughtfully offers an honest reflection of a life where fame, celebrity and stardom can create the untouchable personas who walk red carpets, perform with nothing short of poise but are damned if sublimity isn't met in all its forms. Content Warning/listing: Swearing. A bedroom scene (the following are off-page). Mentions smoking and recreational drugs. Anxiety, panic/anxiety attacks. Also mentions an abuse victim. Parental alcoholism. Hero who's had therapy rep. Mentions substance abuse, addiction and overdose. You can find my full review of 'Star Bright' here! - 3.5/4 S T A R S to Star Bright 6) Cheesy On the Eyes by Teagan Hunter - Rating ★ ★ ★ ★ 4
With a sun-kissed, keep-to-himself sort of guy who lives life the way he wants to live it; riding the waves, fixing up his boathouse and hitting the gab with his guy gang, a confection-hungry heroine who operates on a steady diet of sass, undwindling Thea-ness and bold claims, a salt-of-the-earth couple, there's sweet and savoury goodness from start to HEA. A flavoursome rom-com, with all the fun, flavour and Hunter fruitiness that generously tickles and tackles the funny bone. Content Listing/Content Warning: Mentions domestic abuse/physical abuse. Swearing and a few sex scenes Mentions drinking. You can find my full review of 'Cheesy On The Eyes' here! - 4 S T A R S Cheesy on the Eyes 7) Alabama Admirer by Ann Omasta and Callie Love - Rating ★ ★ 2.5
The authors label this an instant love novella (which it is), so if the mood doesn't mind? The very limited matter won't either. With a story at its minimum, Alabama Admirer's a light, sweet and instant love/instant lust romance with a bit of heat, a danger-danger situation, some sweet family moments and a small family vibe. I gave it two stars because it was an ok read and my topmost organ thanked me profusely for going small-scale. Content Warning: A shootout. Some violence. Some blood. A bedroom scene. You can find my full review of 'Alabama Admirer' here! - 2.5 S T A R S Alabama Admirer 8) Battle of the Sexes by Adriana Locke - Rating ★ ★ ★ 3
A well-grounded office romance short story with realist-minded protagonists with something to challenge, something to overcome and something to gain. In the spirit of encouraging the theme of second chances there's some heat, some sweet, some ice and spice. And a familiar history for some roots. Prepare for something confidently Adriana Locke if you're a fan of her work. Content Warning/Content Listing: Some swearing, one or two bedroom scenes (not full bedroom smut scenes). - 3 S T A R S Battle of the Sexes You can find my full review of 'Battle of the Sexes' here! I hope you've enjoyed my May and June reads, but more than that, I truly hope you've enjoyed your own. Stay safe and well reader friends. I love interacting with fellow readers and hearing about reader opinion, so if you'd like to talk books or about your own recent reads, get in touch and comment below! H A P P Y R E A D I N G --------------------------------------- M Y R A T I N G S Y S T E M: ★ - 1 star: I did not like the book ★★ - 2 stars: The book was okay ★★★ - 3 stars: It was a good, solid read ★★★★ - 4 stars: A great book ★★★★★ - 5: A phenomenal read --------------------------------------- _______________________________________________ R E L A T E D P O S T S: ● March/April Reading Wrap Up 2022 ● January/February Reading Wrap Up 2022 ● November/December Reading Wrap Up 2021 ● September/October Reading Wrap Up 2021 ● July/August Reading Wrap Up 2021 ● May/June Reading Wrap Up 2021 ● March/April Reading Wrap Up 2021 ● January/February Reading Wrap Up 2021 ● November/December Reading Wrap Up 2020 ● September Reading Wrap Up 2020 ________________________________________________ SHARE ON FACEBOOK Leave a comment and let's talk...
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February 2024
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