Anchored Hearts by Priscilla Oliveras | Release Blitz + Review!

Greetings readers!

I am so excited to be a part of the release blitz for ANCHORED HEARTS by Priscilla Oliveras which hits shelves today! The Keys to Love series is a perfect set of romance books for those in need of a little summer escape and summer lovin’! I enjoyed the first book, Island Affair, and Anchored Hearts is here to deliver a new set of tropes to love and enjoy! If you want so more Latinx books on your TBR, then get these on your radar!

Stay tuned for my review going up a little later this week!

*Update: Read my review below!*

Anchored Hearts by Priscilla Oliveras is now live!



Sparkling with humor, romance, Latinx culture, and the unique island energy of Key West, Florida, the acclaimed Keys to Love Series by USA Today bestselling author Priscilla Oliveras is the perfect summer read. Sparks fly for a second time when award-winning photographer and prodigal son Alejandro ends up back home, forced to face the familia–and the girl he left behind–for the first time in years. Can these two Key West natives learn to put away old hurts and embrace a new future under the tropical sun?

Award-winning photographer Alejandro Miranda hasn’t been home to Key West in years–not since he left to explore broader horizons with his papi’s warning “never to come back” echoing in his ears. He wouldn’t be heading there now if it wasn’t for an injury requiring months of recuperation. The drama of a prodigal son returning to his familia and their beloved Cuban restaurant is bad enough, but coming home to the island paradise also means coming face to face with the girl he left behind–the one who was supposed to be by his side all along . . .
 
Anamaría Navarro was shattered when Alejandro took off without her. Traveling the world was their plan, not just his. But after her father’s heart attack, there was no way she could leave–not even for the man she loved. Now ensconced in the family trade as a firefighter and paramedic, with a side hustle as a personal trainer, Anamaría is dismayed that just the sight of Alejandro is enough to rekindle the flame she’s worked years to put out. And as famillia meddling pushes them together, the heat of their attraction only climbs higher. Can they learn to trust again, before the Key West sun sets on their chance at happiness?

“A big-hearted, beautiful book about first love, second chances, and finding one’s place in the world. An exceptional getaway of a book!”
—Emily Henry, NY Times bestselling author, Beach Read

“Anchored Hearts has it all: undeniable chemistry between its irresistible leads; believable roadblocks to their happy ending; a heartwarming world filled with familia and comunidad; and a lush Key West setting that leaps off the page. Alejandro and Anamaría’s love story is not to be missed!”
—Mia Sosa, USA Today bestselling author, The Worst Best Man



  Download today!
Amazon: http://mybook.to/anchored  
Apple Books: http://apple.co/30p8F4G
Nook: http://bit.ly/3rBSCfS
Kobo: http://bit.ly/3v4s897
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2OGLbFt

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/305p51T




Meet Priscilla




Priscilla Oliveras is a USA Today bestselling author and 2018 RWA® RITA® double finalist who writes contemporary romance with a Latinx flavor. Proud of her Puerto Rican-Mexican heritage, she strives to bring authenticity to her novels by sharing her Latinx culture with readers. She and her work have earned praise from O, The Oprah Magazine, Washington Post, New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, Publishers Weekly, and Booklist, among others. Since earning her MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University, Priscilla now serves as adjunct faculty in the program and teaches the online class “Romance Writing” for ed2go. While she’s a devotee of the romance genre, Priscilla’s also a sports fan, beach lover, and Zumba aficionado, who often practices the art of napping in her backyard hammock.
 
Connect with Priscilla
Website | https://prisoliveras.com/
Goodreads | https://bit.ly/3n3bbId
Amazon | https://amzn.to/3bvRvcb
Facebook | https://bit.ly/2OjHqGn
Instagram | https://bit.ly/3cc4VJk
Twitter | https://bit.ly/3epHyyv
Bookbub | https://bit.ly/3qq9pkI
Book+Main | https://bit.ly/2OyfjD4
Newsletter | http://bit.ly/PrisOliverasNewsNNotes

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Review

This was a fun read to follow up Island Affair!

I liked that we got to follow a different sibling from the Navarro family and delve into their roots in the Key West! The second chance romance with childhood friends was sweet and understandably a slow burn. These characters simply weren’t ready to make such big decisions when they were so young and rebuilding that connection that has been neglected (but never forgotten) over the course of ten years was going to take up most of the book! But he adored her and she adored him and their mutual pining was lovely. 

The family drama was my favourite aspect! This meddling Cuban-American family is funny and heartwarming and full of hijinks. There were definitely instances that resonated with my own family and their meddling ways. Although, I will say I would have like a deeper look into Alejandro’s strained relationship with his father. It was such a pivotal aspect to his arc and I feel like it needed more attention throughout and especially at the end of the book. 

As for the main characters. I liked them well enough. I cannot say they were my favourite, but for the most part I enjoyed being around them. I liked that Anamaria was very connected to her home and family, while also focusing on herself and her business (we love to see that), but sometimes I felt that she was wishy-washy. She’d put her foot down about something and the next second her thoughts would back track to opposite side. As for Alejandro, he was interesting. He was definitely a heartthrob but he was also slightly–nay–definitely self-centred. Sir, you have daddy issues. We got it. Was there evidence of any character growth by the end? Perhaps a bit, but it was very surface level.

This book is a bit cheesy. I am frankly okay with it. It added to the fluff, fun and flirting that I was hoping to get from this book! Were some of the lines a tad cringey? Maybe, but given that I expected nothing less from it means I wasn’t disappointed. 

Overall, this is a sweet and simple read. If you are looking for a book to enjoy the summer heat and love the childhood friends-to-lovers in combination with the second-chance romance tropes then I think this might be the read for you!

Rating: 3 / 5 Stars

Recommend?: YES, for those wanting a sweet and savory summer romance!

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Let me know what you think! Have you read this? Are you looking forward to reading this? What kind of summer books do you love to read?

Happy reading!

~ Rendz

5 Reasons to read The Beautiful Ones | In other words…I lived my best life reading this masterpiece again!

Greetings readers!

In 2017, I read my first Silvia Moreno-Garcia book and it was The Beautiful Ones. So to be talking to you about this book again in 2021 is well…MY FAVOURITE PART OF TODAY.

If you want to read my original review, I will leave that link here. My thoughts have remained pretty much the same so for today’s post I wanted to highlight the 5 main reasons why I love this book and why I think you might love this book too!

THE BEAUTIFUL ONES by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Pub Date: April 27, 2021
Publisher: Tor Books
Buy Links Below!

From the New York Times bestselling author of Mexican Gothic comes a sweeping romance with a dash of magic.

They are the Beautiful Ones, Loisail’s most notable socialites, and this spring is Nina’s chance to join their ranks, courtesy of her well-connected cousin and his calculating wife. But the Grand Season has just begun, and already Nina’s debut has gone disastrously awry. She has always struggled to control her telekinesis—neighbors call her the Witch of Oldhouse—and the haphazard manifestations of her powers make her the subject of malicious gossip.

When entertainer Hector Auvray arrives to town, Nina is dazzled. A telekinetic like her, he has traveled the world performing his talents for admiring audiences. He sees Nina not as a witch, but ripe with potential to master her power under his tutelage. With Hector’s help, Nina’s talent blossoms, as does her love for him.

But great romances are for fairytales, and Hector is hiding a truth from Nina—and himself—that threatens to end their courtship before it truly begins. The Beautiful Ones is a charming tale of love and betrayal, and the struggle between conformity and passion, set in a world where scandal is a razor-sharp weapon.

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*Thank you to the publisher for the advances reader’s copy!*

5 REASONS TO READ THE BEAUTIFUL ONES…

1. Charismatic Characters!

Love them or hate them, these characters make this book incredibly fun to read! Personally, I love them! They may seem at first like your typical one-sided stock characters, but then they show so much more depth and colour to them! SMG always wins me over with the dynamic characters she writes and this book is no different!

Nina – The hopeless romantic speaks to my soul in every way possible! But she’s also stubborn, curious, dedicated and vulnerable! She wears her heart on her sleeve and I love every part of her! Even if the secondhand embarrassment is real when it comes to her, I love that she doesn’t let it bother her too much!

Hector – The foolish man who endears me with his level of obsession. If I share one quality with Hector, it is definitely our tendency to obsess (and I admit it is not the healthiest tendency to have). In my original review I noted that he was “the tortured, romantic heartthrob” and I stand by it!

Valérie – The prickly and cool socialite who intrigues me with her ferocity but is #toxic! Oooooooooooh Valérie!!!!! I cannot lie that she spills some truths in this novel about the marriage market and how women are bartering chips for family status. But she is also a classist manipulator, so unhappy in her own life that she wills it on everyone else. She is, nonetheless, a very interesting character to read about!

2. Delicious Drama!

This book is really 2-in-1 (the closest we’ll ever get to having an SMG sequel imo) and well let me tell you: they are both wild rides! Book 1 literally has me flushing with second-hand embarrassment with every turn of the page! And I love it! This first section is full of awkward first meetings, secret encounters, deceptions, whispers and revelations! I love it with all my heart, but the second part owns my soul! Book 2 has the second-chance story line that makes hope bloom in every part of me! The characters are changed, much more tender and hurt from the events of book 1. This second section is full of heartfelt confrontations, shy reconciliations, but also more deception, revenge and passionate plights! Most of my favourite scenes happen towards then end, it is just magnifique!

3. An Enchanting World!

This gorgeous world full of manners and wonders is EVERYTHING. I love how SMG develops Loisail as a Belle Epoque-esque world and if you’re running off the high of Bridgerton’s posh social order and policy, then you might find a kindred spirit in this book. The ladies and gentlemen in this book have strict rules to abide by and social convention to uphold and well…some of our characters may or may not be good at following them! Reading about these very different characters from very different backgrounds and histories navigate this socialite world is so intriguing.

4. Sweet Romance!

Emphasis on the sweet! I will tell you here: Don’t go in expecting the sexy times you got from Bridgerton, expect instead a tender and heartwarming fast, fall-hard turned second-chance slow burn of two people hurting and finding themselves back to one another. It is all about the repercussions of falling in love hard and quick at such a young age! It’s about the pain and struggle that sprouts from bitter heartbreak when things don’t go according to plan. It’s about the slow healing process of opening up to possibility of love again and letting it just flow!

5. Just the slightest touch of magic!

This book wins in every category for me because it has that touch of wonder. It’s not really magic per se, but it is that element of sparkle that I think every book needs! SMG explores telekinetic power in Hector and Nina with much intrigue. She tackles how it sets them apart in this very classist society, how it makes them the same despite their differences and what it means for their future! It’s BRILLIANT!

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This is a 5 star book for me!

Screw what past me said about predictability, I found that I didn’t mind it in this re-read at all! I just had so much fun reading this book again! I experienced ALL THE FEELS. And I’m sure that you will find similar things to love and cherish about this book when you pick it up!

This book releases APRIL 27, 2021!

Get in your pre-orders and library requests NOW!

For Canadian and American pre-orders, TOR will send you a beautifully illustrated postcard! Read more here!

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Let me know what you think! Have you read this book? Are you looking forward to picking it up (again)? What kind of romance novels do you love to read?

Happy reading!

~ Rendz

BUY LINKS!

Tune & Title Tuesdays | Bopping Bopping Bopping

Greetings readers!

I am not a frequent (or good) dancer, but I am a seat dancer. Meaning I am great at joining the rhythm from the comfort of my chair rather than getting up and swaying. (Although I must admit I do engage in swaying from time to time, but usually alone)

That being said when a song comes along that makes me dance in my seat IT IS A BOP! And I be boppin’!

Tune: Anaranjado – Jowell y Randy x J Balvin

Imagine me just bopping at my desk. My head and shoulders doing a circular up and down motion to match the beat of the song! Because I just get boppy when I listen to this song. Is “boppy” a word? No. But does  it perfectly explain how I feel when I listen to this song? Absolutely! Not to mention the fact that they mention Toronto! (I mean it’s mostly for the rhyme but still!)

Title: Love Her or Lose Her by Tessa Bailey

via Goodreads

I thought I wasn’t going to be able to find a book to match the song. And well I think I am mostly successful with this one. The song is a rather sexy song in terms of lyrics and it talks about thinking about your significant other and the last time they got it on. That is basically this entire book. Rosie and Dom are in a rut in their marriage but they are definitely constantly thinking about their physical relations. That being said it’s a journey for them to start communicating again on a more personal level. While the book might not make me bop, it is pretty fun!

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Let me know what you think! What kinds of songs make you bop? Are you a dancer? Have you reading this book?

*Link to a master list of how you can help Black Lives Matter movements and other humanitarian movements across the globe*

Happy reading!

~ Rendz

Romance Reading Round Up | Pt. 4 // We Hit a Bit of a Slow Down these Past Months

Greetings readers!

The last romance round up I did was in April and wow that feels so long ago. A lot of it has to do with the fact that my holds weren’t coming in from the library due to such long waits and I started to pull away from romance and just wanted something different. (I started rereading more and making progress through my ARC stack.)

Nonetheless, romances were still read during the past months and are honestly starting to pick up again!

So without further ado!

The Good, the GREAT, and the Less than Satisfactory

Island Affair by Priscilla Oliveras

via Goodreads

Format: e-ARC
Rating: 3 / 5 Stars
Review: I found this book to be very enjoyable and a promising start to a new series following the different love stories of different siblings.

I thought the characters were well-crafted and worked great together and as individuals. Luis had a next-level white-knight complex and while it could get over-bearing at times it was also very sweet. I related a lot to Sarah and her struggles as the youngest sibling chasing the high expectations her older siblings set up and wanting to make her family proud. This book deals with so much, from eating disorders to mental issues and family feuds. I thought that they were all well researched, but I would have liked to linger a bit more on the resolutions between family members. It was all quick and easy towards the end which is my biggest issue with the novel. Oliveras set up some great moments for drama and action to really hit the readers in the feels but the every moment of resolution was far too abrupt and easy. That’s not to say that every problem needed to take three chapters to get fixed, but again I would have liked to linger in the deep end a bit more before catching a life preserver. Another minor issue I had was the integration of Spanish in the text. I am all for integrating different languages into text, but it needs to feel natural. All I really got from this book was the *heavily* repeated use of familia, coño, and the nanny’s old saying. Not to mention the Spanish was italicized so it stuck out even more making the blend of the languages more choppy than fluid.

Nonetheless, I enjoyed the reading experience. The characters were fun and the setting was fabulous! I wish I could get out to a little beach town like Key West! I’m looking forward to reading whatever sibling we get next especially since the minor teasers in this book looked really promising!

The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary

via Goodreads

Format: Audiobook
Rating: 4 / 5
Review: You know at first I thought this wasn’t going to be it for me, but I ended up really liking it. It had some Josh & Hazel vibes, but Leon and Tiffy did end up shining on their own. Super sweet. Loved the drama. Loved the notes. I just really liked it 🙂

 

 

Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert

via Goodreads

Format: e-book
Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
Review: Well well well that was certainly delightful!
Dani and Zaf were great and I mean GREAT characters. She was all business and snark and he was also snarky but a hopeless romantic!!!!! We love to see it.
Their banter was great. Their friendship turned fake relationship was great! The scenes were steamy and I was definitely tomato-faced.
I gotta say though plot-wise the fake dating wasn’t all that up front in the end. It eventually took a back seat to other going-ons so I would have liked a bit more of that. But we get Chloe cameos and I love her so I am very happy! And we get more Eve which only makes me more excited to read her book next!
Safe to say Talia Hibbert still gave us a fun, hilarious, flirty, dynamic and all around wonderful story, so read it!

Well Met by Jen Deluca

via Goodreads

Format: Audiobook
Rating: 2 / 5 Stars
Recommend: You all said this book was amazing…I don’t know what went wrong, but I feel lied to.
This was not the cutesy, bantery romcom I was expecting. I honestly don’t have any strong feelings towards any part of this book except an extreme meh-ness.
The characters…I didn’t hate but also didn’t particularly like. Emily was so wishy washy, I found nothing substantial about her to pinpoint other than maybe her tendency to overthink everything. Also she complained about the dude being stuck in the past when she literally kept bringing up her own past too! I never warmed to Simon either. The whole point of the book is to find out he is not truly an asshole but here I am keeping that sentiment. Even his pirate persona was too much sometimes and I 10/10 would most likely fall for the pirate. But again I didn’t hate them…they just bored me.
Bringing me to say that their romance was also pretty meh. And the ending….I eye-rolled. I’m sorry. AND I USUALLY SQUEAL AT THOSE ENDINGS!!!
The whole Ren faire thing was exciting I guess…but I still wanted more from that. We were literally stuck at the tavern for the whole summer like she was so like I get it but hey if you’re setting a book in a Ren faire give me Ren faire details.

To cut this short. My feelings about this book are just “it was fine.” Like there was nothing terrible about it, I just didn’t connect to anything. Nothing. Was it funny? Sometimes. Was it romantic? sure. But I just feel nothing strong about it.
But you know what? Imma still give book 2 a try because Stacey is someone I actually liked and not just had mellow feelings towards.

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Finally A Hockey Series That Works for Me!

Parental Guidance by Avery Flynn

via Goodreads

Format: e-book
Rating: 3 / 5 Stars
Review: You know what I’m going to appreciate this book because it was the first hockey-ish romance that I didn’t hate. It wasn’t super hockey heavy but it still beats out the other two I tried.
I mean the concept is a bit ridiculous, but I like that by the end the ridiculousness of it is recognized. (Although I’m pretty sure they would have gotten into some legal trouble there)
Regardless it was fun, short and quick read. Characters are a little one-dimensional but still pretty entertaining.
It was a fake dating plot so we (again) appreciate it.
Nothing outstanding but pretty good!

Awk-Weird by Avery Flynn

via Goodreads

Format: e-book
Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
Review: You know what? I’m trash for this book.
Is this book hard-hitting literature that made me think really hard about my life decisions? No. (Maybe a little)
But you know what this book is? It’s just plain fun and ridiculousness and it just made me happy.
Like I can’t relate personally to any of the characters (maybe a little about the awkwardness though) and yet I loved these two stubborn fools so much. Rooting for them to both get their acts together was so much fun. It’s a constant back and forth so it might piss some readers off, but I really just enjoyed it. I read this book in two sittings. I stayed up wayyyyy too late to finish it.
It was hilarious, romantic, dramatic and just so so so much fun!
And I’m giving it the five stars even though it is more like a 4.5 just because I’m still really happy about it!
(Although she could’ve toned down the amount of times she used the word “awk-weird” like we get it.)

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Young Adult Romances

Heartstopper: Volume One Alice Oseman

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Format: e-book
Rating:  5 / 5 Stars
Review: This was too cute for words. Adorable. Just like a gulp of pure joy! Characters were interesting! The illustrations were simplistic but cozy! I felt the love! (A very short review I know!)

 

 

 

 

If It Makes You Happy by Claire Kann

via Goodreads

Format: e-book
Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
Recommend: I wasn’t able to finish it within the 48hrs of queer Blackathon cuz life got in the way but omg this was a lot of fun.
Claire Kann really knows how to make me laugh and I was super into her writing style. (It had pop culture references I actually got!)
I loved the setting of the small town. I loved the characters! Winnie! I thought she was fabulous. There was never a dull moment with her. Winston was all jokes. Um Dallas fell a little flat and Kara..hmmm..I don’t know how I feel about her just yet, nonetheless she was an interesting character.
Overall, the plot was really fun. I would have liked a little more of the Royal Engagement going-ons. I loved the dynamics on friendship, romance, queerplatonic relationships and polyamory. But in the end the book just made me happy. It was funny from start to finish and I had a smile the whole way through. It deals with some tough content especially when it comes to family and family fall-outs, but I think it leaves room for hope at the end.

Always Never Yours by Emily Wibberley, Austin Siegemund-Broka

Format: Audiobook
Rating: 3 / 5 Stars
Review: I don’t know what to rate this exactly but I’m feeling like a 3 so it’s a 3

Holy moly I have ~thoughts~

1. This book has confirmed what I already know are my flaws. I’m petty, jealous and vengeful in addition to being very very prideful. All this to say is I’m not as forgiving or nice as I think I am.
2. This whole book is so involved in the world of theatre that I am so unfamiliar with. I only touch base with Shakespeare through text, acting and interpreting with body language, set design and intonation is so out of my league that I honestly was intrigued and traumatized. (I could never act in front of people)
3. I WAS SO ANGRY FOR 90% OF THIS BOOK. Going back to my fatal flaws from point 1, I just… This book reminds me that I LOVE drama but it also stresses me the f out.
4. Owen was the smartest character.
5. The whole family dynamic is something I am not familiar with since my parents aren’t divorced and I like to think that this book gave me some much needed perspective on how different kinds of family dynamics are just as messy and wonderful
6. I feel vindicated bc I knew that this character was garbage.
7. I liked the book. I liked it’s focus on sex positivity without the slut shaming and it took a while until I stopped waiting for it to happen as if it were going to sneak in at one point, but I’m glad it didn’t.
8. I can’t say I loved this book and everything it tried to sell me, but it was quite the dramatic ride I was hoping for. (which is a good thing in my books)

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Let me know what you think! Have you read any of these? What romance reads have you loved as of late? Anything new you are looking forward to? I’m always on the hunt for recommendations!

*Link to a master list of how you can help Black Lives Matter movements and other humanitarian movements across the globe*

Happy reading!

~ Rendz

Tune & Title Tuesdays | Really this song can go with a lot of books…

Greetings readers!

A few weeks ago my sisters and I watched Mamma Mia! because they were showing it on TV and there was literally nothing else to watch. Now I wouldn’t call this movie is our favourite movie really, but we enjoy the songs so we usually watch it.

I may not have been part of the ABBA generation, but I fully admit they have some GREAT songs. This particular song has been stuck in my head for a while now and I admit I am on the way to learning all the lyrics!

Tune: Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight) – ABBA (Mamma Mia! version)

It’s just so catchy!!!! How can you not want to just belt it out after hearing it once?! I don’t have much to say other than yes this is one of my favourite ABBA songs and I will always do a little shimmy dance whenever I hear it!

Title: Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert

It’s plain an simple. Dani Brown asked the universe for someone to spend the nights with her and the universe answers in the form of Zafir Ansari. While Dani definitely doesn’t need any literal help chasing the darkness away, she wouldn’t mind a little company. I don’t know if she’d be a fan of ABBA or this song, but I can’t help but connect the two! XD

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Let me know what you think! What is your favourite ABBA song? Have you read this book yet? Have you watched Mamma Mia!

Happy reading!

~ Rendz

Romance Reading Round Up | Pt. 3 // Feeling like a Single Pringle

Greetings readers!

Friends, it’s hit. I was calmly reading my cheesy rom-coms and BANG I felt an overwhelming sense of longing.

I felt like a single-pringle.

HOW DARE YOU EMOTIONS? HOW DARE YOU!

I AM IN QUARANTINE! WHERE THE HECK AM I SUPPOSED TO FIND A SIGNIFICANT OTHER!?!?!

Emotions: Rendz…you literally just turned down a guy in my DMs…

I AM IN QUARANTINE.

Well anyways, I didn’t really know what to do with those feelings so I just continued on with my life and kept on reading my cheesy romcoms XD

New Discoveries

New Orleans Rush by Kelly Siskind

via Goodreads

Format: e-book
Rating: 3 / 5 Stars
Review: Okay I have a love/wtf relationship with this book.
On the one hand it was cute and sweet and the characters were a lot of fun. I mean Huxley is dumb and his name is something else, but you know what? He adores her and I like that.
Beatrice was fun and loving and so compassionate which I liked to.
Of course I fell for the stupid, playboy brother because I am who I am and clearly need help.
On the other hand this book was absolutely bonkers and half the time I was like “What in the actual flying cheeseballs is going on???”
Yet, it was a really charming read and it’s ridiculousness added to the fun!

Not the Girl You Marry by Andie J. Christopher

via Goodreads

Format: Audiobook
Rating: 3.5 / 5 Stars
Review: I liked it and at the same time this whole problem could have bee avoided if y’all actually talked to each other. But hehhhhh people aren’t always so easy to talk to I guess.
It was pretty darn funny though, and while I am definitely a Sasha-kind of person I did love reading about Hannah! Also I did get the How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days vibez so I appreciate it.

The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman

via Goodreads

Format: e-book
Rating: 3 / 5 stars
Review: *I would like to start off by saying that before I read this book I read another romance novel that was all sex! Sex! SEX! and this was like fade to black! Innuendo here and there! Sweet kissing!  Two very very very different reading experiences*

ANYWAYS.
This book was delightful at the same time as it was “okay then…”
Nina was…a character. Bookish to a tee and very specific about the way she is. I’d like to think we’d be friends even though she’d judge on the books I read 💯 but yes she was delightful. Sarcastic and brilliant but stubborn too
The whole family dynamic thing….was some next level white people nonsense. Don’t get offended, it is what it is. But it made a really big statement on family and what it means to be related, although I can’t say I quite agree on how hereditary the personality traits of this family are.
The romance as I mentioned before was more sweet than spicy. I would have liked a little more of them getting to know each other…. Idk. It just felt very surface level for me.
The writing was not my absolute favourite. I usually don’t mind the narrator talking to the reader but I did mind that this narrator was semi-omniscient at the most sporadic times.

My favourite thing?
It threw so much shade at Harry Potter. I mean it still praised it, but as a reader who will most likely never read HP, I delighted in it.
IT ALSO MENTIONED THE PENDERWICKS so it gets all my votes.
It threw 2 seconds of shade to Canada, but I’ll let it slide.
Overall. though it was fun and quirky. It’s a tale about a book lover and those are always fun to read about. It’s funny and outrageous sometimes but in a calm way that’ll give you some peace in the end.

The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa

via Goodreads

Format: Audiobook
Rating: 4 / 5 stars
Review: This was lovely!!! I loved the characters and the DRAMA! I mean this is some tricky waters we’re swimming in but I loved that she didn’t gloss over the uncomfortable bits.
This was also freaking hilarious. I laughed soooo many times. Especially that poem he made up, omg I died.
The family dynamic was also amazing. This Brazilian family was close-knit and full of personality! I related hard to the child of an immigrant pressures that Lina was struggling with herself.
The narrators were alright. I mean I liked their voices but sometimes they gave different accents to the same people so I was confusion.
Regardless, this was super fun!

The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory

via Goodreads

Format: Audiobook
Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
Review: Wow I’ve said it before and I shall say it again I have never read a book with characters that overthink everything and jump to conclusions to quickly.
It was very entertaining for me and I’m usually so quick to roll my eyes.
I thought the characters were lovely. Alexa was fun and sassy. Drew was kind of a dumbass, but I liked him too.
Carlos…I love him. Can’t wait to read his book.
The meet cute was a meet cute. Lord knows if I was trapped in an elevator with a hot doctor I would have been 100% more awkward but 100% on board with fake dating.
Also, fake dating. Wonderful.
The drama was mostly due to their over thinking so don’t be expecting such a scandal although there was one point where I was like “He did not just say that. Break up with him, honey!” and that was a good part.
I honestly didn’t expect to like this as much as I do and it is a pleasant surprise!

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The Lowlie Ones

The Honey-Don’t List by Christina Lauren

via Goodreads

Format: e-ARC
Rating: 2.8 / 3 Stars
Review: Okay that was that. Uhhhh. I didn’t love it, I didn’t hate it. I’m feeling that neutral feeling where I’m just glad I finished it.
It was lacking a lot in the romance area for me.
And the whole situation with the bosses took over most of the plot and it was resolved very unsatisfactorily.
Idk it just wasn’t what I wanted from CLo.

The Right Swipe by Alisha Rai

via Goodreads

Format: Audiobook
Rating: 2 / 5 Stars
Review: Oh my. Okay. Um. Well. I didn’t love this or like it much. If I’m being honest it was boring. Things got more interesting towards the end with all the revelations, but even that felt a little flat.
The characters were meh at best. She was a lot to take in and at the same time not at all. He was boring af.
None of the side characters stood out either.
I was just bored the whole way through.
It wasn’t out right horrible, just dull.

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Sequelz

Undercover Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams

via Goodreads

Format: e-book
Rating: 3.5 / 5 Stars
Review: So I liked it because hi yes hello Braden Mack was my favourite thing about the previous book.
Liv is questionable. I know lots of ppl have qualms with her and she is very much flawed in this book still.

Given the #MeToo context of the story, I really like how this book tackled talking about survivors and what it means to support them in helpful ways, especially since lots of peoples “good intentions” turn out to be victim blaming and shaming

Now the reason they break up is just…. *face palm* so bullshit. More specifically why he lied to her and yada yada she gets mad is just……….. Come on. We could have had some serious drama but all we got were petty “you lied to me!” but at least they recognized they were both being dumb at the end so there’s that.

Can’t say I liked this one more than book one but I am looking forward to the next one!

Love Her or Lose Her by Tessa Bailey

via Goodreads

Format: Audiobook
Rating: 3 / 5 Stars
Review: Okay. Where do I even begin?
I wasn’t in love with Rosie and Dominic in book 1 so I wasn’t that excited for this one, but I kept an open mind.
I ended really liking Rosie and uh I was alright with Dom (didn’t hate him but he’s more than just okay? 🙃 )
This one was a lot more 🔥 🔥 🔥 than book one so you best be thinking I was tomato faced the whole way through. Yup. (it’s just that I’m not into the possessive territorial “you’re mine” kind of love and this book tried to like play with that and I just don’t know how I feel about it)
Once we got past the 75% mark I felt like it was dragging we kept going back to the same thing and I just wanted to be done already.
Overall though. It was nice. The ending was sweet and I liked how we got to see these characters grow as individuals and not just a couple. Definitely more angsty than romcom-y so mind that.

The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory

via Goodreads

Format: Audiobook
Rating: 3 / 5 Stars
Review: This was alright.
I’m a little disappointed because Carlos was such a star in the last book, but I felt him lack luster in this one! Which is actually about him!!! (even tho I didn’t like that he was just ambiguously Latino until in one of the last chapters it’s revealed he’s Mexican–I think)
Nic was also just alright. Didn’t love her, but didn’t hate her.
I kind of just have this mellow feeling overall. I wanted to love this more but it was simply alright. Definitely has its entertaining and heartfelt moments, but I think it lacked in drama.
It needed an extra oomph.

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This round up seemed to be pretty mellow. I’ve been falling out of love with my romances. I think it’s time I shake things up somehow. Maybe switch genres. I don’t know. But if you have any recommendations to liven up the party I am open to hearing about them!

Let me know what you think! What genres have you been gravitating towards lately? Have you read any of these books? What romance stories do you enjoy? 

Happy reading!

~ Rendz

The Prediction Book Tag | I am quite the prophetess

Greetings readers!

It has been forever since I’ve done a tag so today I decided to do just that! Bring back some fun to the blog!

I won’t lie. I’ve had one or two prophetic dreams before. Just sayin’. So maybe this wonderful tag, created by the wonderful Book Princess Reviews, will really work out in my favour!

RULES

.x. pingback to the creator of the tag, @bookprincessreviews .x.
.x. tag the person who tagged you .x.
.x. find an answer to match each prompt .x.
.x. have fun! .x.

All of these prompts are your predictions for your…

Next Read

Undercover Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams

via Goodreads

My library hold just got in and I cannot wait to dive into Mack’s story. He was my favourite from book one so getting to read about my son will be amazing!

Next 5 Star Read

Hunted by the Sky by Tanaz Bhathena!

I might not read this for a while so it might not be the exact next, but I loved Tanaz’s contemporary book The Beauty of the Moment so I am super excited and have lots of high hopes for her fantasy debut!

via Goodreads

Next 1 Star Read

This is a tough one because I don’t usually rate books one star! But if I have to confess what book I’m wary about reading it would be : Love Her or Lose Her by Tessa Bailey

via Goodreads

It’s not that I think it will be trash, but book one got 3 stars and I’m not totally in love with the characters in this one. Plus it is a second chance romance and hhhhmmmrrrpppphhh those haven’t worked out for me in the past.

Next Love Interest (or Character that Seems Really Cool to You)

via Goodreads

Stealing Mandy’s answer and noting down Ashton Suárez from You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria. We must stan our telenovela hunks.

Next Book You’ll Be Buying

MEXICAN GOTHIC BY SILVIA MORENO GARCIA!!

via Goodreads

I’ve saved my Christmas gift card for this purchase, I’m just waiting for the price to dip a little bit so I can go easy on the rest of my wallet!

Next Book That Will Leave You with a Book Hangover (and Desperately Wanting a Reread or Next in Series)

Realm of Ash by Tasha Suri

If this book is anything like its predecessor, Empire of Sand, I will be wanting to reread both instantly after I turn the last page! I actually do feel like rereading EoS right now even though RoA is a companion novel! I am just so excited to jump back into this world!

Tagging: Anyone for who wants to try it out!

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Let me know what you think! Are you any good at predicting your next reads? Have you ever felt a certain way about a book before you even started reading it? 

Happy reading!

~ Rendz

 

Romance Reading Round Up | Part 2 // Just in time for Valentine’s Day!

Greetings readers!

As you can guess from the title, I am still very much on my rom-com train. I have decided to become comfortable with this side of myself, it’s part of my own personal growth! Also there is much irony in this. As one who used to–shamefully–crap on the romance drama, I am now becoming a binge reader of it….

via giphy.com

That’s not to say that every book I read is a massive success and it turns out I’m quite picky with my romances. I stick to contemporary, which is odd because I am a such a hardcore fantasy reader. I have the goal to read a fantasy-romance soon though. Once I find the right one. Don’t even get me started on historical or paranormal…I need time to get comfortable okay.

GETTING INTO CLo

via Goodreads

My Favorite Half-Night Stand by Christina Lauren

Format: Audiobook

Rating: 3.75 / 5

Review: I enjoyed it. I liked the characters, despite the fact that I was calling them both idiots every five seconds. I mean, I think I kind of liked it more for that fact. Could it get a little tedious at times? Yeah, but still it’s a really good modern love story.
The narrators were both really good, I would listen to them again!

via Goodreads

Dating You / Hating You by Christina Lauren

Format: Audiobook

Rating: 4 / 5

Review: Thoroughly enjoyed this. I feel very satisfied with the ending. This was a great lovers to enemies to lovers kind of thing.
The characters were amazing! I had so much fun!

via Goodreads

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

Format: Audiobook

Rating: 4 / 5

Review: The drama….I was living!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Look I still have issues with Ethan, but like I guess I can’t totally blame him…
ALSO, the revenge bit. I was living. I mean I get that she would be devastated, but I think it would have fed my hate-fire and since I’m pretty, jealous, and vengeful I would have been feeling glorious in the moment. Other than that this was hilarious! And I liked the laughs!
Her Latinx family was fun, if a little cliche, but I wasn’t expecting incredible rep so meh.
Narrators were good. Still not my favourite voices.

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TWO FROM MY ORIGINAL TBR

via Goodreads

Faker by Sarah Smith

Format: ebook

Rating: 1.5 / 5

Review: This was a big thumbs down for me, sorry. Oh wow.
The characters, I didn’t really like.
The writing was not my fave.
The pacing was so weird.
This is not the enemies to lovers it could have been.
The cheesy bits at the end…ugh
Just not for me.

via Goodreads

Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey

Format: ebook

Rating: *a decent* 3 / 5

Review: Ummm I liked it but I had some issues.
I think Georgie was a great character and her struggles as a youngest sibling really resonated with me, but with regards to her relationship with Travis… She sort of came off as a little manic pixie dream girl.
Travis was alright. Not horrible, but alright..
The “baby girl” was not working for me. I mean she didn’t want to be seen or treated like a kid but loves being called baby girl?
Everyone has their kinks… And umm I was a little (totally) tomato faced while reading. But then again I’m 10/10 awkward so…

via giphy.com

The ending was a little no-no-no for me. Um. Yeah. No. Like I love an HEA but I just wasn’t feeling it.
Overall, it was fun. Very funny. And even though it had its drawbacks I think lots of romance readers will enjoy it.

 

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THE RANDOS I PICKED UP.
ONE LOVE BETWEEN TWO RAGES.

via Goodreads

99 Percent Mine by Sally Thorne

Format: Audiobook

Rating: 1.5 / 5

Review RANT: There is a word I used often while reading to describe the characters in this book: Bitch.

Darcy was sold as a boss ass bad bitch but what she truly was was a sad spoiled bitch.
Tom was sold as a good boy with a beast inside, but he was really a little bitch.
Jamie was sold as a bitch and he truly was a Bitch (TM)
Truly was a yasss bitch and I liked her.
And Megan the one and only one who I thought was actually going to be a bitch was actually super nice.
My God I really did not enjoy this experience. I didn’t hate the book, but I couldn’t stand the characters. I couldn’t stand the “Tom is an Animal” imagery and it just ruins everything. It’s like supposed to be a kink but its not. These siblings literally walked over Tom their whole lives and he lets them because he’s a spineless little bitch that is sold as him being super nice, can’t say no kind of guy.
What’s worse is that they recognize this bad behaviour and their moment of “aw man we are actually shitty ppl” spans about one chapter and Tom is back to worshipping Darcy and Jamie.
Maybe it’s because I’ve been walked over like this that I’m on the defense, maybe it’s because I’m not into the territorial/possessive kind of affection or maybe just maybe I hated the fact that she calls him a sled-dog at one point and later on says “fetch Valeska” and I never got over it. 🙃

It’s a hell no from me, dogs.

via Goodreads

Moonlight Over Manhattan by Sarah Morgan

Format: Audiobook

Rating: 4 / 5

Review: This was a sweet book overall. I was mainly here for the MC who I relate to in a lot of ways! It’s a romance between a shy girl and a doctor and honestly…goals. HOWEVER, the drama lasted one chapter and the very last one at that. It had the potential to be great drama too but I was robbed of that tension *sigh*
Still it was very cute!

via Goodreads

See Jane Score by Rachel Gibson

Format: Audiobook

Rating: DNF @ 73 %

Review: I couldn’t anymore. This is not worth my time, I’ve got other romances lined up.
Biggest issues:
1) He is such a d*ck. Misogynistic, arrogant, just terrible over all.
2) She (stupidly) falls in love with him despite knowing how awful he is.
3) No one says “aboot” and even if he does, it is not a cute accent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
4) I cannot stress how much of a d*ck he actually is. Him having sex with a girl w/ small boobs instead of big ones is not a moment of growth.

I’m done. This is the second hockey romance to go to the trash for me. As a Canadian (who fully admits to belonging to the stereotype of liking hockey) I am disappointed.

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Well that’s it for me! This round had both its highs and lows. I don’t think I have a true favourite from this round, maybe Moonlight over Manhattan and Dating You/Hating You even if they didn’t get the full five stars! My next round of romances will hopefully bring me a true 5-star read!

Let me know what you think! Have you read any of these? Did you enjoy them? As always, I’m open to all your recommendations!

Happy reading!

~ Rendz

 

Romance Reading Round Up | Part 1 // Who is this new Rendz?

Greetings readers!

So a while ago I posted about the recent Adult contemporary romances that had been calling my attention. It’s so unlike me. I mean, I don’t really read pure-romance and if I do I have a specific type…but I decided to give it a go this fall and well it was an adventure.

Unfortunately, I only got to a few of those books on my list because most of them have very long wait lines on my library’s ebook website. So instead I went on a perusal and found some other romance books to read while I wait and I have to say, some were good choices and some missed the mark.

So here’s a little wrap-up because if I’m not sharing my awkward romance reading experiences on the internet then why am I here?

I AM A HOANG-STAN

Let me tell you!!!!

via Goodreads

 

My Goodreads Review:

Well that was fun. This is my second ever contemporary romance read…no it’s the third. Possibly 4th?
Whatever, the point is that I don’t have much experience with this genre and I think I liked this one the best! It was super cute, heart-warming, steamy (really steamy–did not see all that coming lol), and DRAMATIC. And I love drama.

Will definitely be reading the next one!

I have to say, that I absolutely loved Stella and Michael, both as individuals and as a couple. They were both so interesting and had such incredible stories to tell. The story itself was hilarious, I was laughing the whole way. But it was also steamy hothothot. Like I was not expecting THAT and let’s just say I looked like a tomato because I am who I am.

via Goodreads

My Goodreads Review:

Ok. So. I loved Esme and Khai. I did. Like girl loves boy love girl 😭
But QUAN 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Can’t wait for his book.
And The Authors note really made me cry hot dang.

This was a lovely follow up. Very different from TKQ, but I still had a great time with these characters. I think that Esme and Khai made such a great couple, but their individual journeys took precedence and were really inspiring! HOWEVER, QUAN STOLE THE SHOW FOR ME. HE IS AMAZING OMG. I LOVE HIM! I know we are gonna have to wait a bit for his book, but I am over the moon excited for it!

Also the Author’s Note in this book had me in tears! I super related to it as the child of an immigrant and I think that people should read it if they pick up this book! It adds much needed perspective!

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I GOT MY LIFE TOGETHER AND READ THIS AMAZING BOOK

via Goodreads

My Goodreads Review:

This was absolutely lovely. Adorable. Funny. A phenomenal cast of characters. So much wit and banter! The right HEA. Feeling very gushy rn ♥

Ugh, I loved this one. I mean, I’ll be honest it took me a bit to get over his name “Red” but eventually I warmed up to it. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again, these characters were phenomenal. So much personality and pump, I loved every second of reading this. I am so looking forward to reading about the rest of the Brown sisters. There are three of them so I am hoping for lots of fun!

 

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THEN I TOOK A TURN FOR THE MEH…

via Goodreads

My Goodreads Review:

Really good first half and then like an okay middle and then the last 30% was meh/ugh.
I didn’t love anything or anyone by the end.
Will I still read the next one…. Probably.

This series had a lot of promise at the beginning and it just dwindled into meh. I was super surprised when I first started reading and found out that this entire series was set in TORONTO. HELLO, PATRIOTIC RENDZ! And I think that’s the thing I liked the most about this book. The characters had promise but fell really flat in the latter half of the book. There was one character I just could not stand and like I didn’t buy any of the excuses the other characters gave for her behaviour, Sorry, not sorry. The cover is cute, but it doesn’t do justice to Jane’s story, I think.

…AND THE WORST

via Goodreads

My Goodreads Review:

DNF @ 67%
I CANNOT.
I SIMPLY CANNOT ANYMORE.
Enough with the stupid finger on the nose
Enough with sacrificing your goals for quality time
All y’all do is have sex, what is even your relationship.
I can’t. NOPE.

This was such a struggle. I hated the characters. At first they were alright and then I found them downright stupid. He was a douche bag and she was an idiot. It was also a second chance romance story so we didn’t get any of that bond-building, but if I’m being absolutely honest, these characters had no chemistry. They had a history of hooking up and they just picked up where they left off. I couldn’t finish this book. Not to mention, I listened to the audiobook and since all they did was have sex…it was a little too much for me.

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AND THEN I WAS SAVED BY A NOT-SO-ROMANCE

via Goodreads

My Goodreads Review:

3.5-3.75…maybe the full 4.

I went into this book looking for a pocketful of sunshine. And while I did get a rainbow it came after this gigantic storm of drama and bad decision after bad decision.
To say I enjoyed myself would be accurate.
To say I was close to pulling my hair out from sheer stress and frustration would also be accurate.

It’s really a story about family, community and self-discovery. It takes some WILD turns, but was still a lot of fun. This was not the fluffy romance I was hoping for, but I do love family stories and this was a wonderful one!

FUN NOTE: I listened to the audiobook and I could tell the narrator wasn’t Canadian or Torontonian for that matter. Hearing her pronounce the 2nd T in Toronto instead of Torono was one thing, but hearing her pronounce Yonge as y-unj instead of like young was eeek! It gave me a little laugh too.

I pretty much said everything I needed to say in my review. This wasn’t really a romance-romance, it was a contemporary story about family dysfunction and expectation, that I really related to. It was also set in Toronto SOOOO 🙂

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AND BACK UP TO THE GOOD!

via Goodreads

3.75
This was cute, funny and wild. Definitely missed that moment of total meltdown, but I actually didn’t mind too much. The characters are what really make this and I loved them to pieces. I felt like the end was a bit too rushed and I would have liked to delve into that drama. But it’s a solid read.

I had a fabulous time reading this! It’s my first Christina Lauren and I know they are a huge name in the romance world and I am very glad that I enjoyed it so much!

Again, the characters were what sold this book to me. They were wonderfully crafted and had such great chemistry. The plot was cute if a little out there, but I really enjoyed it!

Now, I listened to the audiobook and I wasn’t the biggest fan of the narrators. I feel like she was a little too monotone and didn’t have enough of that exciting bubbliness of Hazel. And he…well his “feminine” voice was a little too eeek. Ummm not to mention the fact that I sped it up so he kind of sounded like a chipmunk XD

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So for round one I’d say it’s pretty successful! I had lots of fun even though there were some setbacks with some of the books.

I think this will be the end of my romance phase for now though. I’ve been missing fantasy and I have lots of ARCs waiting for me!

Let me know what you think! What are some of your favourite romance books? Have you read any of these? What kind of love stories do you like the most? 

Happy reading!

~ Rendz

Contemporary Romances that I Want to Read| I Am Actually So Ready to be Attacked by Fluff and Fun!

Greetings readers!

Some of you know that I have already dabbled in the contemporary romance genre when I read Stripped by Zoey Castille. It was a fun story, I’ve never read anything like it before, but I’ve been wanting to return to the genre as of late. Especially since I keep seeing people on my feed reading and loving these books and I just want to join in on the fun! You know I don’t read contemporary anything often, so this is like a miracle that I am in the mood to read books like these!

I might stay away from the strippers this time though and keep in line of something more contemporary in the sense that it’s a little fluffier and FUNNY. (No offense to the stripper books though because it was fun!)

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

via Goodreads

This one is a little older, it came out two years ago I think, but I keep seeing it pop up on my feed! It sounds absolutely adorable and fun! It’s an #OwnVoices novel with Asian and Autistic rep. I’ve never read anything like that before and this seems like a great start since most people seem to love it!

You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria

via Goodreads

I will stan any and all Latinx Romance, especially those written by Latinx authors. Besides that fact, this cover is absolutely amazing (Like I have major heart eyes) the synopsis pitches it as a telenovela romcom and afjknfjnfjenj I need it nowwww!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Seriously this sounds like so much fun, it’s going to have scandal and drama and romance and everything good thing that is in a good novela. I’m ready for it!

Get A Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

via Goodreads

This sounds so obnoxiously cute. I love it already. So many people on my instagram have been raving about it! I feel like I will relate to the MCs personality in some ways. I’m no computer geek, but like I wouldn’t classify myself as much lived either. And the hot neighbour trope really has me wanting to read it!

Faker by Sarah Smith

via Goodreads

Enemies with benefits. Yes. You know I will gobble this up. I’m also super attracted to the construction people life, if that makes any sense. I think this one has some mixed reviews, but I’m hoping to enjoy it! I have get over the guys name though. It’s not a bad name, it’s just one of those names I find super unattractive XD

Well Met by Jen Deluca

via Goodreads

Renaissance Faire enemies to lovers sounds like a lot of fun to me. I mean it really sounds like a white-people kind of thing…not saying that POC don’t do renaissance fairs, never actually been so I shouldn’t judge. Still I’m intrigued by the concept, I might get triggered with the Shakespeare stuff since I’m taking a Shakespeare course right now, but I’m excited!

Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey

via Goodreads

Fake dating trope is something I will die for!!!! Yes, give it to me. And these characters sound delightful! Oh yes, I am so going to jump on the train with this one. The town clown and the hot ex-baseball player…yessssssss!

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That’s all I have for now! Obviously I am missing many more, but I’d figured I would start off with a small list!

Let me know what you think! I would LOVE your recommendations. Keeping in mind that I prefer something contemporary and fluffy with lots of funnies! I mean you wanna hit me with the hard stuff, go ahead, but I like the cheese in combo with the fluff!

Happy reading!

~ Rendz