Favorite Books Of 2018

Monday, December 31, 2018



Out of Time by Monica McCarty

Thursday, November 29, 2018

OUT OF TIME

by Monica McCarty
Series: The Lost Platoon #3
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Suspense, Adult
Publisher: Berkley Publishing
Publication Date: December 31st 2018
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★★
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷✷

A short while ago I read the second book in The Last Platoon series and quickly grew obsessed with a certain couple. Imagine my surprise when I found out that my favorites were not the main characters in this final book. I went into it just a bit sad, but Monica McCarty did such a bang up job with this book that the sadness lasted for like 0.1 seconds. Bonus, I got TWO amazing romances in Out of Time. Second bonus, one of the couples was my favorite couple!

The Frame-Up by Meghan Scott Molin

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

THE FRAME-UP

by Meghan Scott Molin
Series: The Golden Arrow Mysteries #1
Genres: Contemporary, Mystery, Adult
Publisher: 47North
Publication Date: December 1st 2018
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★★
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷

The Frame-Up was a really fun book to read! I had been eager to pick it up ever since I found out the whole concept of the story and it certainly lived up to my expectations.

My Favorite Half-Night Stand by Christina Lauren

Monday, November 26, 2018

MY FAVORITE HALF-NIGHT STAND

by Christina Lauren
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Adult
Publisher: Gallery
Publication Date: December 4th 2018
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★
Kiss Factor: ✷

I did NOT like this book. Christina Lauren's past two books have been duds for me, but I keep hoping that they will release a book as good as Love and Other Words, which was poignant and so well-written. Lately though, their books are starting to feel forced to me, and My Favorite Half-Night Stand was very problematic, in my opinion.

The Weekly Recap (25): The Break That Really Wasn't A Break

Sunday, November 25, 2018




Merrily Ever After by Jenny Holiday

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

MERRILY EVER AFTER

by Jenny Holiday
Series: Bridesmaids Behaving Badly #2.5
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Adult
Publisher: Forever
Publication Date: December 4th 2018
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★★1/2
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷✷1/2

Absolutely scrumptious! Actually, I take that back. Scrumptious does not even begin to express how amazing this short holiday novella was. I devoured Elise and Jay's story, Once Upon a Bride, and was more than a little excited to find out that they would be getting another novella. I'm so so happy that Jenny Holiday decided to write these two characters' stories because they are my favorite from the series.

The Other Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

Monday, November 19, 2018

THE OTHER MISS BRIDGERTON

by Julia Quinn
Series: Rokesbys #3
Genres: Historical, Romance, Adult
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: November 20th 2018
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★★
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷✷

This series by Julia Quinn has been my favorite from her. The books have been absolutely stealing my heart. There wasn't any doubt in my mind that I would be picking up The Other Miss Bridgerton. Like with the previous books, this was a feel-good story with a lovely couple.

The Weekly Recap (24): Snow, Cheesecake & Ugly Christmas Sweaters

Sunday, November 18, 2018




Diamond Fire by Ilona Andrews

Thursday, November 15, 2018

DIAMOND FIRE

by Ilona Andrews
Series: Hidden Legacy #3.5
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Romance, Adult
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: November 6th 2018
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★★
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷

How do they do it? How do Ilona Andrews make me, a novella-hater, love a novella? This writing duo is just exceptional. I can't believe how much I enjoyed Diamond Fire, but I should have known not to doubt these two. Every book from them has been a hit and they don't hold back with Diamond Fire.

Waiting on Wednesday (8): The Austen Playbook by Lucy Parker

Wednesday, November 14, 2018



Duchess by Design by Maya Rodale

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

DUCHESS BY DESIGN

by Maya Rodale
Series: The Gilded Age Girls Club #1
Genres: Historical, Romance, Adult
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: October 23rd 2018
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★★
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷

I have read quite a few historical romance novels, but only one other that was set in the Gilded Age. When I found out about Duchess by Design being set in America as opposed to the usual setting of Britain, I was quite intrigued. Duchess by Design was a surprising read for me. I loved the focus on independence, feminism and chasing dreams.

Best of Luck by Kate Clayborn

Monday, November 12, 2018

BEST OF LUCK

by Kate Clayborn
Series: Chance of a Lifetime #3
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Adult
Publisher: Lyrical Shine
Publication Date: November 27th 2018
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★★1/2
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷✷1/2

What a beautiful book this was! With every book in the Chance of a Lifetime series, Kate Clayborn's incomparable talent only seems to be growing. Best of Luck was a heartwrenching and beautiful tale of two lovely, but slightly broken, characters finding their way towards each other.

Sleepover by Serena Bell

Thursday, November 8, 2018

SLEEPOVER

by Serena Bell
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Adult
Publisher: Loveswept
Publication Date: November 13th 2018
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★★
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷✷

I have only read a few books by Serena Bell, but she is without a doubt an auto-read author for me now. She writes straightforward and wholesome romance novels that are just the perfect mood lifters. Sleepover was a sweet and charming story that I found myself inhaling.

Monthly Memories: October 2018

Wednesday, November 7, 2018



Off the Grid by Monica McCarty

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

OFF THE GRID

by Monica McCarty
Series: The Lost Platoon #2
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Suspense, Adult
Publisher: Berkley Publishing
Publication Date: July 3rd 2018
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★★
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷✷

I am a little behind in reading and reviewing this title, but better late than never! I'm so glad I decided to randomly pick up Off the Grid last week because it was just what I needed. I don't read a lot of romantic suspense stories, but The Lost Platoon series is definitely shaping up to be a favorite series of mine. These books are edgy, sexy and have a good dose of suspense to them!

Umbertouched by Livia Blackburne

Monday, November 5, 2018

UMBERTOUCHED

by Livia Blackburne
Series: Rosemarked #2
Genres: Fantasy, YA
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication Date: November 6th 2018
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★★
Kiss Factor: ✷✷1/2

What a wonderful duology Rosemarked has been. It's always a nerve-wracking experience going into a series finale because your expectations are so high, but I didn't have to worry about anything here. Livia Blackburne delivered a bittersweet, yet powerful finale with Umbertouched.

The Weekly Recap (23): Finicky Mother Nature, Halloween Potluck & Growing Old

Saturday, November 3, 2018




The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory

Thursday, November 1, 2018

THE PROPOSAL

by Jasmine Guillory
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Adult
Publisher: Berkley Publishing
Publication Date: October 30th 2018
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★1/2
Kiss Factor: ✷✷

Writing this review for The Proposal honestly hurts a little bit. The Wedding Date was such a charming debut novel that I couldn't help but have high expectations for Jasmine Guillory's sophomore novel. Unfortunately, my expectations for this book were not met. The Proposal lacked the addicting quality that I have come to expect from Jasmine Guillory and for the most part, fell flat.

Waiting on Wednesday (7) : Out of Time by Monica McCarty

Wednesday, October 31, 2018



Matched to Perfection Series by Priscilla Oliveras

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

HIS PERFECT PARTNER

by Priscilla Oliveras
Series: Matched to Perfection #1
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Adult
Publisher: Zebra Shout
Publication Date: September 26th 2017
Source: Bought
Star Quotient: ★★★★
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷✷

I read this series out of order - His Perfect Partner was the second book I read and to this date, I think this is my favorite of the series. Don't get me wrong, all of the books are just the most charming, but the couple in His Perfect Partner just about melted me with their cuteness.

Shades of Wicked by Jeaniene Frost

Monday, October 29, 2018


SHADES OF WICKED

by Jeaniene Frost
Series: Night Rebel #1
Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Adult
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: October 30th 2018
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★1/2
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷
Amazon - The Book Depository

It's been a good while since I have read a Jeaniene Frost novel, but I've been in the mood for paranormal romance, especially ones with vampires, lately. I thought Shades of Wicked would be the perfect dive for me since it seemed to be exactly what I wanted. This book was an awesome ride and I'm glad that I took a chance on me. I can't wait to see what the author does next with the series.

The Weekly Recap (22): I Have A New Boyfriend

Saturday, October 27, 2018




The Viscount Can Wait by Marie Tremayne

Thursday, October 25, 2018

THE VISCOUNT CAN WAIT

by Marie Tremayne
Series: Reluctant Brides #2
Genres: Historical, Romance, Adult
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: October 23rd 2018
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷
Amazon - The Book Depository

I recently read and enjoyed Marie Tremayne's debut novel, Lady in Waiting, and was eager to have found a new historical romance author whose writing I liked. The Viscount Can Wait is the second book in the Reluctant Brides series and while I can't say that I enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed the first book, it was still a good historical romance read and has solidified Marie Tremayne as an author I'm excited to see develop more.

Waiting on Wednesday (6) : There's Something About Sweetie by Sandhya Menon

Wednesday, October 24, 2018



The Guardian by Sarah Fine

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

THE GUARDIAN

by Sarah Fine
Series: Immortal Dealers #2
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Adult
Publisher: 47North
Publication Date: October 23rd 2018
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★★
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷
Amazon - The Book Depository

Back in July, I read and adored Sarah Fine's The Serpent. After enjoying that first book, you bet I was excited to pick up The Guardian. The Guardian turned out to be a solid sequel that managed to surprise me on more than one occasion. Don't you just love when a book can do that?

A Wedding One Christmas by Therese Beharrie

Monday, October 22, 2018

A WEDDING ONE CHRISTMAS

by Therese Beharrie
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Adult
Publisher: Carina Press
Publication Date: November 1st 2018
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★★
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷✷
Amazon

Utterly charming! A Wedding One Christmas is only my second book penned by Therese Beharrie, but she is fast becoming an auto-read author for me. I adored reading this book as it was one that had me cheering for the couple to find their happily-ever-afters.

The Weekly Recap (21): A Typical Week & A Drool-Worthy Book Haul

Saturday, October 20, 2018




Once Upon a Bride by Jenny Holiday

Thursday, October 18, 2018

ONCE UPON A BRIDE

by Jenny Holiday
Series: Bridesmaids Behaving Badly #2.5
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Adult
Publisher: Self-Published
Publication Date: October 9th 2018
Source: Bought
Star Quotient: ★★★★1/2
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷✷1/2
Amazon

I'm not a novella fan as they tend to leave me feeling very much unsatisfied. That being said, in the hands of the right author, a novella can absolutely shine. I picked upon Once Upon a Bride because I've been thoroughly enjoying Jenny Holiday's Bridesmaids Behaving Badly, and I knew that I wanted to read more about the love story of the bridezilla herself. I knew I was going to enjoy this read, but I never thought that I would love this as much as I did. Seriously, Once Upon a Bride had me grinning ear to ear. It was just so good!

Waiting on Wednesday (5) : Passion on Park Avenue by Lauren Layne

Wednesday, October 17, 2018



Her Festive Flirtation by Therese Beharrie & Tinsel In A Tangle by Ainslie Paton

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

HER FESTIVE FLIRTATION

by Therese Beharrie
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Adult
Publisher: Harlequin Romance
Publication Date: November 1st 2018
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★★
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷✷
Amazon - The Book Depository

I had been seeing a few of Therese Beharrie's books around and my co-blogger, Lisa, also enjoyed a book by her. I was also weirdly in the mood for a holiday romance in August so I couldn't resist downloading Her Festive Flirtation from NetGalley. This book gave me all the warm and fuzzy romantic feelings! The characters in this book were charming and adorable. A year after being jilted, Ava is still reeling. Only it's a lot worse because her brother is getting married. I liked Ava a lot. She was a sweet girl with just the perfect balance of sass and vulnerability. She was the sort of character that I wanted to root for from the very beginning. Noah, her secret crush and her brother's best friend, was just as great. He was a genuine and soft guy who totally gave me the butterflies. He helped Ava come out of her shell in Her Festive Flirtation and helped her see just what a wonderful and loving person she was. The romance in the book was everything! It's the sort of romance that left me smiling at every interaction between the couple. Ava and Noah also had some history between them that they needed to resolve and that only served to add to the romantic tension between them. The Christmas-time setting also made the whole book seem so magical (even though it was a hot Christmas since the book is set in South Africa) and gave me very happy feelings. Her Festive Flirtation is definitely a book I recommend for the holidays or just if you're looking for a lovely romantic read to make you happy!

The Darkest Star by Jennifer L Armentrout

Monday, October 15, 2018

THE DARKEST STAR

by Jennifer L Armentrout
Series: Origin #1
Genres: Paranormal, Romance, YA
Publisher: Tor Teen
Publication Date: October 30th 2018
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★1/2
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷
Amazon - The Book Depository

Full disclosure but I never completed JLA's Lux series. However, I was craving a paranormal YA book and thought that The Darkest Star might give me that fix that I wanted so badly. I was right. The Darkest Star was not by any means a life-changing read, but it was entertaining and had a cast that I liked.

The Weekly Recap (20): Adjusting, Wawa & Movie Night

Saturday, October 13, 2018




Hot Winter Nights by Jill Shalvis

Thursday, October 11, 2018

HOT WINTER NIGHTS

by Jill Shalvis
Series: Heartbreaker Bay #6
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Adult
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: September 25th 2018
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★
Kiss Factor: ✷✷1/2
Amazon - The Book Depository

Jill Shalvis' Heartbreaker Bay series has been a warm and comforting presence in my reading life since I read the first book. It's only seemed to have gotten better with every release. I was excited to read Hot Winter Nights and I had no doubt that the book would deliver. After having read the book though, I'm mildly disappointed. I didn't feel like Hot Winter Nights was up to par with the rest of the series. That being said, this is still a charming series and I will still recommend these books in a heartbeat!

Waiting on Wednesday (4) : Serious Moonlight by Jenn Bennett

Wednesday, October 10, 2018



All Fall Down by Ellie Marney

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

ALL FALL DOWN

by Ellie Marney
Series: Circus Hearts #2
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, YA
Publisher: Bearded Lady Press
Publication Date: October 1st 2018
Source: Bought
Star Quotient: ★★★★
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷✷
Amazon

The Circus Hearts companion series is turning out to be one of my favorite reads of 2018. Not that I had any doubts that Ellie Marney would impress me yet again. This series is different from her previous books, but the books still contain that addictive quality that is quintessential of Ellie Marney's writing. Deeply romantic and character-driven, All Fall Down was a luscious read.

Fight or Flight by Samantha Young

Monday, October 8, 2018

FIGHT OR FLIGHT

by Samantha Young
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Adult
Publisher: Berkley Books
Publication Date: October 9th 2018
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★★
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷✷
Amazon - The Book Depository

Samantha Young's books are just entirely too hard for me to resist. She writes some of the best romance books and I will read her grocery list if she ever decided to publish it. You can imagine how staggering my expectations were when I went into Fight or Flight, not only because I adore her books, but it has a hate-to-love romance! Fight or Flight delivered so much more than I expected. I'm going to need all of you reading this book to definitely pick it up!

The Weekly Recap (19): Nick Is Tired

Saturday, October 6, 2018




One Night Wife & Fool Me Forever by Ainslie Paton

Thursday, October 4, 2018

ONE NIGHT WIFE

by Ainslie Paton
Series: The Confidence Games #1
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Adult
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Publication Date: May 28th 2018
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★★
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷✷
Amazon

Well, damn! Who knew I would ever love a book where the hero is a con artist? I started One Night Wife back in May but I was struggling with my thesis at the time, so I ended up setting it aside as I knew I wasn't in the right state of mind of it. I'm so glad I waited because I have no doubt that I wouldn't have been able to appreciate all the intricacies of this book. Ainslie Paton always delivers with amazing and swoon-worthy romances, but what always impresses me with her stories are how unique her set-ups are. One Night Wife with its Robin Hood style con-family captivated me the whole time.

Monthly Memories: September 2018

Wednesday, October 3, 2018



Shadow of the Fox by Julie Kagawa

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

SHADOW OF THE FOX

by Julie Kagawa
Series: Shadow of the Fox #1
Genres: Fantasy, YA
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publication Date: October 2nd 2018
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★★1/2
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷
Amazon - The Book Depository

Amazing! Shadow of the Fox is just the sort of fantasy that I enjoy devouring with adventure, danger, and demons. What a thrilling ride this was! I'm only sad that I now have to wait for the sequel to release.

Ruthless & Wicked Fun: Kill the Queen by Jennifer Estep

Monday, October 1, 2018

KILL THE QUEEN

by Jennifer Estep
Series: Crown of Shards #1
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Adult
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Publication Date: October 2nd 2018
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★★
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷
Amazon - The Book Depository


I'm always lamenting the fact that adult fantasy romance is not more popular. There is just something about the combination of a dangerous fantasy setting and a steamy romance that just appeals to me. I was thrilled to find out about Kill the Queen and added the book to my TBR just after taking a look at that cover. This was an exciting and action-packed first book and I can't wait for more!

The Weekly Recap (18): The Classes Dilemma & Restaurant Week

Saturday, September 29, 2018




Lady Sherlock Series (#1-3) by Sherry Thomas

Thursday, September 27, 2018

A STUDY IN SCARLET WOMEN

by Sherry Thomas
Series: Lady Sherlock #1
Genres: Historical, Mystery, Adult
Publisher: Berkley Books
Publication Date: October 18th 2016
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★★
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷
Amazon - The Book Depository


Can anyone tell me why it took me so long to read A Study in Scarlet Women? I want to bang my head against a wall because this was just amazing for me. Most of you may not know this about me, but before I was a romance reader I got through high school by reading Agatha Christie novels. A Study in Scarlet Women gave me those historical and mystery feels that I devoured in Christie's novels. I'm so excited that this is a series as it means more time for me to spend time with these characters!

Waiting on Wednesday (3) : Symptoms of a Heartbreak by Sona Charaipotra

Wednesday, September 26, 2018



For the Duke's Eyes Only by Lenora Bell

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

FOR THE DUKE'S EYES ONLY

by Lenora Bell
Series: School for Dukes #2
Genres: Historical, Romance, Adult
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: September 18th 2018
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★★
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷✷
Amazon - The Book Depository


Lenora Bell will not stop impressing me with her releases. With every new book of hers, I seem to be falling harder and harder in love with her books. For the Duke's Eyes Only is my favorite book from her so far. Fans of historical romance will gobble this up!

Don't Touch My Petunia by Tara Sheets

Monday, September 24, 2018

DON'T TOUCH MY PETUNIA

by Tara Sheets
Series: The Holloway Girls #2
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Adult
Publisher: Zebra Shout
Publication Date: September 25th 2018
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★★1/2
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷✷
Amazon - The Book Depository


It's another hit from Tara Sheets! I am absolutely loving The Holloway Girls series. It has everything that I ask for in a good romance series with delightful characters and a swoony romance, and more with the touch of magic. As with Don't Call Me Cupcake, Don't Touch My Petunia charmed me from the first page. I just want to shout out my love for these books from the top of a rooftop!

The Weekly Recap (17): Leaving Home, Settling In & Heading Back To School

Saturday, September 22, 2018




Followers Appreciation Giveaway & A Short Hiatus

Saturday, September 15, 2018



Rebel Hard by Nalini Singh

Thursday, September 13, 2018

REBEL HARD

by Nalini Singh
Series: Play Hard #2
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Adult
Publisher: TKA Distribution
Publication Date: September 18th 2018
Source: ARC received for review
Star Quotient: ★★★★1/2
Kiss Factor: ✷✷✷✷1/2
Amazon - The Book Depository

My first Nalini Singh book and oh my goodness! Why have I not been reading her books? Something is obviously very wrong with me. Rebel Hard came to my attention when a romance blogger tweeted about it having a Kiwi-Indian cast. As a brown/desi reader, I get so excited about romance books that feature characters that share my skin tone. I was quick to read Rebel Hard, and ahhh! It was just so so so good! Could I leave my review at that? No?

Fall TV Plans

Wednesday, September 12, 2018



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