Hello, hello, hello my lovely reader friends!!! How are we doing this month?? How is the reading going??

 

I don’t know about you but this month went by WAY too fast!? Where did the time GO?!? 

 

If your like me then this month has been nothing but reading and work *sigh* but that being said I managed to read some amazing books!??! And I reconnected with one of my favorite authors of all time and I can’t wait to continue to read more from her (I’m also highly tempted to buy all of her books… someone please take my wallet away from me).

 

On to the books *claps*…..

 

What I Read This Month:

The Resolution of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorensen – 5 stars –

THIS SERIES. It is a gem. A piece of my heart. I just love how layered and complex both Callie and Kayden are. I also adore how they continue to struggle through their traumas throughout the books, and you get to see their internal and external struggles, the differences in family dynamics, and the way they love each other so completley throughout. One of my favorite series of all time. I love these books. 

Rule by Jay Crownover – 5 stars – my review 

I LOVED this book!!!! Rule is one of my favorite types of characters. He is honest, he is raw, talented, not afraid to speak his mind and I loved how the relationship grew between him and Shaw. Throw in a tattoo parlor, artistic breakthroughs, a suspenseful plot line and I’m in. So good. 

Devils Daughter by Lisa Kleypas – 4 stars – 

I really like Lisa Kleypas and this book was no exception. Really strong romance. I loved how she was a widow with a little boy and how well he treated her son and the relationship/ family they grow between the three of them. I also really enjoyed how this included elements about farming and how to properly tend her estate. I thought it added another layer to the storyline and I really enjoyed the slow burn that unfolded between these two!!

Queen of Myth and Monsters by Scarlett St.Clair – 4 stars –

This was good. I liked the first book in this series and am intrigued to see where this goes. I liked Adrian and Isolde but I don’t know, this one doesn’t stand out too much for me. However I probably will read the last one in this series. I need closure.  

For the Wolf by Hannah Whitten – 5 stars –

This was GOOD. I really enjoyed this. Kind of a red riding hood meets beauty and the beast retelling. Loved the romance between Red and Eammon!! Eammon is one of my favorite characters I’ve read in a fantasy romance and I loved how patient and protective he was over Red. I also adored the forest magic in this book and was really intrigued with the dual POV of Red and her twin sister. Solid fantasy romance debut. 

Jet by Jay Crownover – 4 stars –

Ahhhhh I love this series!!!! This series is just bad boy goodness wrapped into one and I cannot get enough. Jet is a heavy metal rockstar and Ayden is trying to runaway from her past self and become someone worth loving. She’s ashamed of her dirty country roots and wants to become someone she can be proud starting back at in the mirror. They’re romance is great. Sexy, fun, angsty, and addicting I could not get enough!!! I already ordered the rest of the series lol. 

 

Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas – 5 stars –

I love this book. This book broke me apart before super gluing me back together. It tested my limits and touched me in way that made my heart bleed. I loved how the two were pen pals and they’re friendship grew from having someone to turn to where they could be the versions of themselves they were afraid would be destroyed in their realities. They’re romance is electric and I love how he pushes her to become the version of her she wanted to be in her letter in real life. Amazing book. 

Little Lies by H. Hunting – 4 stars –

I love Helena Hunting! I adored, adored, adored this romance. I love how this story touched on both Lavender and Kodiak struggles with anxiety and how they both struggled with it in different ways. Hers stemming from childhood trauma whereas his stemmed from academic pressure, family, and personal pressure he puts on himself. They both break, both rely on each other in unhealthy ways, and have to learn to mature and deal with their pasts in a way that is healthy enough for the both of them to overcome their obstacles – could not put this book down!!! Amazing. 

Sparrow by LJ Shen – 5 stars –

AHHHHH THIS. BOOK. I LOVED IT. Just want a Troy Brennan in my life. That is all. Thats the review. 

 

What about you all? Read any of the books above? Read anything really good this month? Let me know in the comments below!

-BubblyBooks

 

Rule (A Marked Men novel #1)

By: Jay Crownover

Rating: 5/5 stars

My Review:

This book hit me like a train wreck and I am not complaining. I thought I would like this book going in, but I didn’t think I would ADORE it the way I do.

This book is raw, emotional, and fully developed in a way that will have you so immersed you can’t see straight. It’s like your drowning in the characters emotions and feeling their pain as if it were your own. 

“I know I messed up but I’m here for real now. We’re going to do this and I promise I’ll take care of you as best I can. You’re going to have to be patient with me because I’m flying blind.”

Rule is complicated. He’s not a a fluffy flower on the outside. He’s rude, he’s shameless. He doesn’t care what other people think and he’s not afraid to tell them what he thinks. He’s passionate in a way only broken characters can be – with emotions bleeding out in the most destructive and open way possible without regard or thought to those around to witness the emotional drenched explosion. 

Not to mention he is also a tattoo artist. 

Enter Shaw. She’s his twin brothers bff. The girl he thought belonged to his brother. Not to mention she’s also his perfect match in every way. If only he would let himself see her as anything other than his brothers property. 

Shaw is mad for Rule. Crazy about him. Only she knows he would/ has not ever looked at her that way before. She’s passionate and accepting and stands up for Rule in a way no one ever had before. 

“You’ve never wanted to be easy to love Rule and you make damn sure that nobody can ever forget it.”

Also the level of FAMILY DRAMA in this book is crazy. I love the broken family dynamics and how the author wove the story of the grieving family unable to shoulder the weight of the pain of losing someone. Theres a lot of push and pull between family members and I love how Rule is still unabashedly himself despite the criticism from his family and I love how Shaw appreciates him and sees the light inside of him despite his parents repeated attempts to drown out that part of him. 

“I’ve never trusted anyone all the time. It’s the people I care about the most that always seem to do the most damage.”

PLUS……The romance in this book is just so good. I love the easiness between the two of them – like they were just halves of a whole and didn’t need to try. The connection between them was effortless. The kind of connection you get from knowing one another intimately for their whole lives. I loved how Rule was impatient, and reckless, and vocal about his possessiveness of her. Rule is the kind of guy who does not like to share and doesn’t give two shits who knows it. 

“Opposites don’t just attract they freaking catch fire and burn the entire city down”

 I love, love, loved the tattoo elements in this book and getting to see Rule’s creative process!! Both Shaw and Rules friends were also so fun to read about and I CANNOT WAIT to read their stories in the next books!!!! I need them all imediently!! 

This was just such a good, classic, full bodied bad boy romance and I loved every part of it – so well done I need more!!! Please read this book I am begging you!!!

5 stars 

What do you all think? Adding this one to your TBR? Already read it? LMK your thought below!

-BubblyBooks

Hello hello hello my lovely reading friends!!! How are we this month?? How has the reading been? If your January was anything like mine then you were busy, busy, BUSY. Like seriously I feel like January was simultaneously the slowest and the fastest month… were did the time GO???? (and also can I have it back please and thank you). 

 

That being said by some magical gift of the universe I was actually able to squeeze in some reading time??? and I READ. (who is this person staring back at me in the mirror bc I don’t know her). I was also blessed by the reading gods this month because the books I managed to squeeze in the schedule were gold plated and shimmering with fantasticalness. It seemed like every book I picked up was like an automatic 100% on a test and we didn’t even have to pull out quiz-let or partner it with its BFF Cheg. #firebooks

 

That being said lets get on to the books I read this month!!!

 

What I Read:

Darling Beast by Elizabeth Hoyt – 4 stars – 

This series is fabulous. I love everything Elizabeth Hoyt writes, her stories are so full bodied and multilayered that I never know what I am going to get but I know I am going to be entertained. Apollo was attacked in prison and lost his voice because of it and Lily is an homeless actress currently living at the theater with her son. I love how tender and slow burn the romance unfolds. Both have been damaged in the past, they’re slow to trust but the romance that blooms is even more tender and addicting all the more so for it. SO so good!

Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood – 5 stars –

THIS BOOK AHAHSHSJSHDJD. I AM ADDICTED. OBSESSED. DECEASED. This book blew me out of the water with its fabulousness. I read Love Hypothesis and remember liking it but this book. This. Book. The romance is just so good in this book I couldn’t stop laughing (this book is so funny I could not hold in the laugher here. I was dying.) Not to mention I loved how the whole thing took place at NASA and we got an insight into the team bonding/work that took place on the newly developing scientific projects. Also the straight ANGST and soul mate hints sprinkled throughout this cupcake of a book was *chefs kiss*. Just had every ingredient needed to make an epic romance book. One of my new favorite reads of all time!!!

Bitter Sweet Heart by H. Hunting – 5 stars –

WOW. This book took me by surprise. I jumped into this one not knowing what it was about. I had heard of the author but never read anything by her and BOY was I flabbergasted. This book is everything. Maverick is wildly mature for his age. His ability to communicate his needs and protect those of others blew me away. Not to mention I loved how this was a teacher/student romance but it didn’t come across as taboo. Both were scared. Both listened to one another doubts/reservations and came up with solutions together, as a team.  Despite the age gap the two felt like equals and the CHEMISTRY was amazing. Pair that with amazingly well developed family aspects and this book was a solid win. Super good!

Pucked by Helena Hunting – 3 stars –

After finishing off Bitter Sweet Heart I wanted to read more of Helena Hunting an picked up the Pucked series ASAP!!! This first book was something. Wildly addicting, over the top fun, hilarious characters. I loved how easy and quick this one was to read and I was INVESTED in the future couples to come. 

Pucked Up by Helena Hunting – 4 stars –

AHHHH this book was SOOOO much better than book one!!! Buck is straight up hilarious and even though the whole book was his POV I wasn’t bored for one second. Him and Sunny are great together and I love how sweet he is towards her. I was laughing so hard at some points in this book, Buck is so straight forward and unabashedly himself that I could not get enough. SO FREAKIN GOOD. 

Puked Over by Helena Hunting – 4 stars –

This book was SPICE. Randall and Lily had instant chemistry and I loved how they both could not stop the attraction from growing amongst one another. Randall is much more grounded than the other Pucked men so far and absolutely worships Lily with every fiber of his being. Fast plot line, addicting drama, hockey, and more this series is so much fun and I can not get enough!!!

The Marquess Makes His Move by Diana Quincy – 5 stars –

This book is amazing. I went into this one not expecting much and then ended up completely devouring it in two days. I loved how Rose is an artist and draws intricate maps for a living and I adored how Brandon supported her and urged her to pursue her talents despite what society might think of her. Not to mention Brandon had secrets of his own and I loved getting a glimpse into his family and how accepting and genuinely interested Rose is in his background/life. The two are connected in a way that is fascinating to watch unfold and I ADORED the passion the two had for one another. This author is really good and I cannot wait to read more from her! 

Duke Most Wicked by Lenora Bell – 5 stars –

OMG THIS BOOK IS A SOFT CUSHION OF LOVE THAT I WANT TO FALL INTO. I am a puddle. I am drowning in the sheer affection of wonderfulness that is this book. First off I am in love with Brandan. Second of all I am in love with Brandan Duke of Westbury. This book is just ahasdhkdkd so good. I love how Viola is his sisters music teacher, the elements of composing music and the passion behind her playing was fascinating and beautiful to watch unfold. Not to mention I was a sobbing disaster at Brandan’s hidden passion for her and I LOVED how brash, and straightforward, and reckless he was. The romance in this is AMAZING and I ADORED the plot. One of my new favorite historical’s of all time!!!

Forever Pucked by Helena Hunting – 5 stars –

DANGGGGGGG. THIS BOOK WAS A SLICE OF SWEET PIE I COULD NOT RESIST. Let me tell you my expectations going into this one were low. staggeringly low. I wasn’t the biggest fan of Alex and Violet in Pucked but this book was SPICY cinnamon cake and I love every piece of it. I thought this was going to be a short little cute wedding novella but then BAM enter a dramatic plot line that had me straight up sobbing and I was mistaken. I loved every direction this plot took and I loved how we got to see all the characters together again and check in with the different couple from the Pucked world. This book was just something you never want to end and want to keep reading while ignoring all your problems and/or responsibilities. So GOOD!!

Pucked Under by Helena Hunting – 4 stars- 

We go more of Lily and Randall!!!! This was a super short and super steamy novella but the plot still felt very well developed. I loved getting to see more of Randalls family and how he and Lily were able to overcome obstacles in their relationship. Very good! I enjoyed it!

Tv Shows I Watched:

• Emily in Paris (season 3) – I finally got around to watching the most recent season of Emily in Paris and really enjoyed it! I love the fashion in this show and the glimpse into the marketing world. Not to mention I am INVESTED to see where Emily and Gabriels relationship goes. I need answers!!!!
• Peaky Blinders (season 6) – The final season FINALLY dropped. Thomas Shelby is my love and I just love this series with every part of me. SO so good. I’m depressed to see this series end. 
• The Fate: Winx (season 1/2)- This series was surprisingly really good!!! So of course I binged the whole thing in a week only to find out there will never be another season again and it was cancelled??!?!?! Get it together Netflix. 
• Alexa and Katie (season 1-4) – This series is extremely cheesy and the jokes are border line cringeworthy. So of course I binge watched the whole thing. The final season is the best and I wish there was more. *cries*

Well thats about all for this month! What about you all?? Read anything good this month??? Read any of the books above? Lets chat in the comments below!

-BubblyBooks

 

Hello hello everybody!!! How is your day going?? How is the reading treating you?

Today we are gathered here to discuss one thing and one thing only: *HISTORICAL ROMANCES*

In my experience many people have been more hesitant to jump into the historical romance sub genre than other romance sub genres. As a long time reader (and fan) of both contemporary, fantasy, and historical romance I know that all genres have they’re own personal appeal and quirks. After all thats what makes reading fun – the variety!!!

That being said I feel like historical romances are often the most overlooked sub-genre and simply do not get the credit they deserve! Personally some of the best/most comforting/ most delightful stories I have read have been HISTORICAL ROMANCES. So this is my post shouting to the rooftops on why you should READ HISTORICAL’S *claps* (Especially if you haven’t given the genre a chance!!!)…

Why People Might Be Hesitant to Jump Into the Historical Romance Goodness:

• The Questionable covers
• The Stigma that historical romances are only for “old people”
• Its all “smut” no plot

 

Why Historical Romances Are Great:

• The amazing plot lines and multi layered storylines (Believe it or not historical romances actually have typically very unique and diverse plot lines – some of the most unexpected characters and plot twists I have read have actually been in historical romances!!)
• Many historical romances are actually quite modern in the sense that many of the plot lines have been focused on strong heroine characters, fast paced plot lines dealing with historical issues/movements, not to mention hundreds of new releases are published every year world wide!
• THE SWOON FACTOR – historical romances just have a way of making you feel all soft and warm inside when your reading them. They are COMFORTING!!!
• They’re inexpensive. Historical romances are typically priced around $7-9 a book. Making them a significantly more affordable option than most traditionally published romance novels. Not to mention you can often find more historical romance options used for an even lower price at book stores and used online retailers! 

 

My Favorites:

Wicked and the Wallflower by Sarah Maclean 

This is one of the first historical romances I’ve ever read and it still remains one of my top favorites to this day. An amazing plot-line (think Peaky Blinders meets Bridgerton) and the romance in this is TOP swoon factor. So, so good! 

Sweetest Scoundrel by Elizabeth Hoyt

Ahhhhh I love this book!!! If you want to read a book simply for the sole purpose of swooning over the male character than this is. it. Ava Makespeace is PERFECTION and I love this book to pieces. 

The Prince of Broadway by Joanna Shupe 

Another amazing plot line. If you like gambling, betting, high stakes romances than this is the historical for you. The tension in this book is *chefs kiss* and I love how the two have met each others match in this book!

A Duchess by Midnight by Charis Micheals 

A fairytale retelling that will have you feeling soft and fuzzy all over. This one is a cinderella step sister retelling that will have you simultaneously swooning and laughing all at once – so cute!

In Bed With A Highlander by Maya Banks 

Let me tell you – if you are looking for a series to binge this is it. The characters in this are SO lovable and the romances are all SO GREAT. I read this series soooo long ago and I still remember how much I feel in love with each and every book – highly recommend! 

A Rogue of Ones Own by Evie Dunmore

This is the historical romance enemies to lovers everyone needs in their lives. The banter in this is so great not to mention the pining an yearning and just the subtleties in this book are ahhhhh so so great! Amazing read!

A Kiss At Midnight by Eloisa James

A cinderella retelling done to perfection. I read this forever ago and still remember the unique plot line and the really layered writing. Super unique despite being a retelling – really loved this one!

Seduced by A Scot by Maya Banks 

Another amazing series by Maya Banks. The heroine is deaf and cannot hear anything. Therefore the characters believe her to be incompetent to stupid, but its not until she meets the hero the the truth begins to be revealed… so so beautiful and fascinating. I loved how protective the characters were of one another and the family aspects in this book are great. Amazing, amazing read! 

 

Anywho what about you all? Ever read any historical romances? Willing to give the genre a try? Lets chat in the comment below!

-BubblyBooks

Hello hello my little book loving animals?! Are the TBR’s exploding yet?!! If you’re like me than this month flew by at a completely UNREASONABLE speed – my time has been whisked away by candy canes and holiday MADNESS. 

And somehow we have now entered 2023?@!!!? 

Hello…..

That being said December ended up being a VERY successful reading month for me!!! We made our reading challenge for the year (and even surpassed it?!?! Who am I??? Who have I become??? actually setting goals and *achieving* them?!?) *claps*

That being said on to the BOOKS!!! *snaps*

What I Read Last Month:

Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score – 5 stars –

This book was so cute!!! I have to be honest I was sure about it in the first half – but then BAM the second half hit and I could not stop turning the pages!! So, so good. Just an overall very solid grumpy/sunshine romance! Cannot wait for the sequel 🙂 

Lore Olympus Vol 2 by Rachel Smitme – 5 stars –

I love this graphic novel!!! The second installment had me even more invested than the first and I cannot WAIT to read more!!

The Roommate by Rosie Daman – 4 stars –

This book was SO GOOD! It was not what I expected in the best way. I loved Josh – I though he was such a caring and interesting and soft character. And I loved learning more about his job and the background behind it. Overall I thought this book had a very fascinating premise and I need to get to the sequel this year!!

Twisted Love by Ana Huang – 4 stars –

This book was good. I liked it. But it kind of felt like something I may have read before?! However I think the series has great potential and I am already deeply INVESTED in the next books couple and need it ASAP. 

All He’ll Ever Be by W. Winters – 4 stars – 

This book was CHUNKY. It ended up being four books in one (the whole series published in one book) and let me tell you this book was DARK. Maybe one of the darkest books I have ever read. Its a mafia romance and I was too invested to stop turning the pages. But it is the kind of book that weighs heavily on your mind and on your heart after you finish reading it. So many parts crossed the line and made it hard for me to continue but I couldn’t stop reading in the hopes that things would lighten up. Amazing writing and super unique plot line. I’m interested to see what W. Winters writes next! 

In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren – 5 stars –

I LOVED this book!!! This book was a fun SUGAR COVERED GUMDROP and I devoured it at an unnatural speed. SO fun, super cute, and I loved the whole time warp trope of repeating the same day over and over again. The romance in this was so cute and I love everything I have read by Christina Lauren so far 🙂 A great Christmas romance!

A Princess for Christmas by Jenny Holiday – 5 stars –

Another Christmas romance for the win! This book took me by surprise. I went in having very low expectations but DANG did this book surprise me. I love love loved Leo (he was sexyyyy) and the steam level in this was *chefs kiss* Great well paced plot, and super lovable characters. It was like the smutty version of a hallmark movie – in a good way!!! Loved it 🙂

Duke of Midnight by Elizabeth Hoyt – 5 stars –

ELIZABETH HOYT IS *chefs kiss, chefs kiss, chefs kiss* SO good!!! This is definelty one of my favorite of hers in the series. It was such a fabulous plot and I loved the action, paired with the yearning and undeniable angst – throw in some near death experiences and some snarky enemy banter and this book was sheer perfection. Loved it. 

Sweetest Scoundrel by Elizabeth Hoyt – 5 stars – (reread)

I WILL NEVER STOP RAVING ABOUT THIS BOOK. Asa Makepeace is one of my favorite characters ever written and I adore him and Eve with every piece of my heart. One of my favorite books of all time. Super unique, amazing writing, and a plot I could not put down. AMAZING!!!

Leo by Mia Sheridan – 5 stars –

I LOVED this one!!!! Mia Sheridan is an incredible author and this book was no exception. I loved how broken both of the main characters were and how they were able to lean on one another and hold each others hearts in times of darkness. Plus that plot twists?!?! *Mind. Blown.* I simply need all of the books in this series please and thank you. 

Midnight Lily by Mia Sheridan – 5 stars –

Another Mia Sheridan for the WIN!!! This was even more unique than Leo and I wasn’t too sure about it until the end. Both the characters in this book just fall for one another so hard and I love their devotion and bone deep acceptance of one another. This book crawled into my emotions and lived there. So freaking good!!!

Lore Olympus vol 3 by Rachel Smtthe – 5 stars –

Another great installment to a fabulous graphic novel!!! The next book can not come soon enough 🙂 I love Hades and Persephone!!! *heart eyes*

 

This month was reading GOLD!!! SO many 5 star reads it just seems like every book was better than the last and I could not stop devouring them like addictive chocolate coated CANDY!!? 10/10 reading month. Also I didn’t realize I read 12 BOOKS this month??!? *pauses in shock* I honestly do not know how this was achieved. But I am thanking the bookish gods. #successfulreadingmonth 

 

Blog Goals for 2023:

• Blog more!!! I’m hoping to post more content more consistently this year. I’m hoping to get one post out a week but realistically am putting the goal at trying to get at least 3 posts published per month!
• Read the physical books I own. This is hard because I am a mood reader and tend to read whatever I feel like at the moment but I’m hoping to get all the physical books read on my TBR – I have no space lol. Donating needs to happen.
• Read the e-books I have on my kindle. Of course this is the opposite of reading my physical books but I also have a lot of e books I need to get through. We’ll see if I get to this goal – haha!
• Read more series. Lately I have been in the mood to binge read some series and I’m hoping this year I will finally be able to get to some!
• Go to a book signing event! I keep hearing more about these and would love the chance to meet some of my favorite authors in person and get some books signed! Who knows maybe this summer?

Other Updates:

• I’m still working at the jewelry store near me and am hoping to continue to work there during the beginning of the year and start my job search for a more permanent career!
• I got some new books this Christmas!! Please share down below your bookish hauls!!! I need to live vicariously through your shopping habits lol
• I’m starting to get more into pen paling finally!! I actually need to catch up on some letters and have been procrastinating lol
• I started a couple new shows on Netflix! Including the documentary on Megan and Harry (although I’m only a couple of episodes in – so far I am intrigued) please drop your show recs below though!! I am looking for more to watch and distract myself from life *claps*

 

Thats all for now! What about you all?? Read any new books?! Have any good recommendations!? Let me know in the comments below!

-Bubblybooks

 

Hey all! How are we doing today my bookish loves? I thought I’d put together a quick list of all my UNDERRATED FAVS this year *claps* 

Some of these books truly took me by surprise and I’m happy to say some of them have even become some of my favorite books of all time. I love discovering books that seem to fly under the radar and thought I’d reflect on a few of my favs below!

On to the books!!! 

 

The Edge of Never by J.A. Redmerski 

This book took me by surprise with how much I loved it. I binged it in a total of two days and I just couldn’t get enough. Super addictive. Extremely emotional. This book took me by storm and I need to read the sequel ASAP because I still remember that CLIFF HANGER and I need answers!!!

Sweetest Scoundrel by Elizabeth Hoyt

I will never stop raving about this book. Just so so SO good. I love these charters with every piece of me (although I must admit Asa has a special place in my heart). Amazing well paced plot line, fantastic writing, and twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This book is just unlike anything I’ve ever read and I simply adore it for that reason alone – so good! 

Midnight Lily by Mia Sheridan 

I actually just finished this one and cannot believe how much I connected with it. Mia Sheridan just knows how to write a book that will make your heart bleed and your fingers ache from how fast you are turning the page. And let me tell you THE PLOT TWIST in this book – I actually yelled out loud!!! This book will make you believe in love and fate like no other – SO FREAKING GOOD!!! 

Leo by Mia Sheridan 

AHHH another recent favorite!!! I LOVED this one!! Not only did this one have another fantastically unpredictable plot twist – but this book is so sexy, fast paced, and real that it will make your heart open and weep. The emotions these books bring out in me is unmatched. I love Mia Sheridans writing and I cannot wait to read more! Highly recommend!

The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorensen 

Another book I will not stop raving about!!! Both of these characters struggle with broken pasts and I love the way they are both there for each other in an unbelievably realistic and painful way. I love how the two of them are able to turn towards one another and heal and ahhhh just so freaking fabulous I could not help but get sucked into this book and I devoured it at a simply unhealthy speed. So good!!!

A Princess for Christmas by Jenny Holiday 

Another book that took me by surprise this year!!! Going into this I was not expecting much – but it turned out to be an amazing christmas romance!!! Leo turned out to be one of the best male characters I’ve ever read and I was not expecting this to be so steamy!! Really cute and light plot with just enough angst to make it interesting – super good!! The perfect Christmas romance.

 

What about you? Read any good books lately? Have any good underrated romances to recommend?! Lets chat in the comments below!

-BubblyBooks

 

Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score 

I just finished this one and was surprised by how much I liked it! By the end I was deeply attached to the characters and need more!!! A super fun grumpy/sunshine romance 🙂

The Roomate by Rosie Danan

This book took me by surprise with how unique I felt it was. I love love loved Josh (I need a josh in my life *snaps*) and I love how the two started their own business together and the chemistry in this one was GOLDEN. So good!

On Dublin Street by Samantha Young 

Ahhhhh one of my favorite books of all time. I still cannot stop thinking about this book. It is so. dang. good. ahahahahah!! I love the chemistry and the passion and the way these characters just felt  so REAL. This one takes place in Scotland and Braden Carmichael just might be one of my favorite fictional men ever written 😉

The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorensen 

THIS. BOOK. Amazing. Heart-stopping. Heart shredding. Impossibly addicting and magically heart melting I adored every page of this and will never get tired of it. 

It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey 

Another favorite of mine! I loved the characters in this one and the steam was *chefs kiss* Super cute and super addicting I blew threw this one in a couple of days and now I simply cannot get enough of Tessa Baileys books!!

Ruthless Rival by LJ Shen

LJ Shen just knows how to write books that speak to my soul and this one was no exception. Christian is one of my favorite characters she’s ever wrote and the uniqueness and tension LJ Shen in books will never not make me dissolve into a distorted mess of twisted feelings and painful memories. So-so good I loved it!!!

The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas 

This book was so good!!! I loved these two and the premise was so fun!! AHHH just so so cute and I may have already re read this one on my phone a few times post reading…..

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry 

THIS BOOK IS SO FUN. I loved how freakin FUNNY it was and how CRAZY quirky the characters were and omg just *chefs kiss* I devoured this one at work because I could not put it down!!!

Most of All You by Mia Sheridan 

This book made my soul hurt. Mia Sheridan knows how to write books that touch the parts of you that you didn’t know could feel. These characters tore me open and I adored how raw and vulnerable the characters were. I need more from Mia Sheridan asap!!!

Any who my lovely readers- read any of the books above? Read any great romances this year? Drop some recs in the comment below!

-BubblyBooks 

Hey hey hey!!! Y’ALL how are we doing?!?!? Are we surviving/thriving the holiday MADNESS?! I don’t know about you my bookish flowers – but November FLEW by at a completely unreasonable speed and I am simply not mentally prepared for the madness that is DECEMBER. 

That being said by some book blessed miracle I got some reading done?!?!? 

In fact the good books just kept coming and coming and I am not complaining. The amount of absolute GEMS that have blessed my book filled nights are just – *chefs kiss* I even read some books that landed on my favorite of ALL TIME shelves *snap*

But without further ado lets get to the BOOKS my lovely reader friends:

What I Read this month:

A Duchess by Midnight (Awakened by A kiss #3) by Charis Micheals – 4.5 stars – 

This book was a DELIGHT. Seriously. I was not expecting to love this one as much as I did but the attention to detail, the unique plot line, the fun yet fully shaped characters made me simply captivated with every turn of the page. I loved how this was a retelling following one of Cinderella’s stepsisters but it still felt fresh and new – I may have already ordered the other books in the series….. So. Good.

Scoundrel of my Heart by Lorraine Heath – 4 stars –

This was just classic historical romance goodness. The plot was well fleshed out – the ANGST was there and had me swooning and simultaneously pulling out my hair. The love was steamy and heartbreaking and tension driven and I lived for every moment the two were able to carve away together. Very good and I’m excited to read more from this author!

Roomhate by Penelope Ward – 5 stars –

THIS BOOK Y’ALL. This book was a surprising snack of absolute goodness. The feelings the characters had for one another in this book was just so palpable you could cut it with a knife. I mean these TWO ahhhhh – so freaking good. This book does also have a time jump and the pregnancy trope (which I don’t usually read) but I thought it was so well done and you get to see how their love grows over time faced with real life obstacles and it just felt so real and RAW and my heart was pounding and bleeding and loving all at the same time. AMAZING!! I need all of Penelope Wards books ASAP!

The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorensen – 5 stars –

AHHHH THIS IS ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITE BOOKS AHHH!!!! SO SO GOOD. When I tell you this book ripped open my heart and then surgically repaired it with every page flip?!?! I mean words cannot even describe how much this book touched me. I felt like I could both feel and simotenously relate to each of the characters pain. Both Callie and Kayden deal with trauma from their past and present and the way the two of them find each other and use one another to heal just has my heart in tatters. I adore adore adore this book and still cannot stop thinking about it. So good.  

On Dublin Street by Samatha Young – 5 stars –

AHHHHHH currently kicking myself for taking so dang flipping long to read this book?!?! This book was NOTHING like I thought it was going to be in the BEST way. I love love loved how it took place in Scotland and I need a Braden Carmichael to marry me. Thats all I have to say. Amazing. All time fav. 

Cinderella and the Duke by Lydia Drake – 3 stars–

This was a charming debut that I quite enjoyed. I loved how flippant and over the top the character were – especially gregory. I loved the verbal banter and the long witty battle of wills the two shared throughout the book. The plot was fast paced and engaging. Overall a rather enjoyable book that I thought was very good for a first time author! Can’t wait to see what she publishes next!

Barbarbian Mine by Ruby Dixon – 4 stars–

I just adore this series. I love the cover art. I love the characters. The books are steamy, the plot action packed and easy to follow. I love the family aspects in this book and I adored Harlow and Rhys. I need the next book already!!!!

Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe – 5 stars–

I love this graphic novel. I read it on my phone AGES ago and when I found out it was in print I checked it out at my library ASAP. The art is AMAZING and I love the Hades and Persephone retelling!!! SO cute!!

My Killer Vacation by Tessa Bailey – 5 stars –

This books is STEAMY STEAMY STEAMY!!!! I am also an extreme sucker for the grumpy sunshine trope and this book was a bucket overflowing with it. I loved the overprotectiveness in this book as well as the fact that Taylor sung in the shower and Myles was a tattooed motorcycle riding grump who fell for all her quirks. SO good I love Tessa Bailey and the murder mystery aspects of the book made it all the more juicy!

The Redemption of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorensen – 5 stars – 

OMG the sequel was just as heart shattering, gut rendering as book one and I will read anything this author writes because I simply cannot get enough. Amazing amazing amazing. My heart will never recover and I do not want it to. One of my favorite duologys of all time.

December (very very tentative)  TBR:

The Roomate by Rosie Danan

Holidaze by Christina Lauren

Heartbreaker by Sarah Maclean

Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan

 

Well see if I get to any of these but since I’m a huge mood reader – no promises – 

That being said what have y’all been up to this month??? Read anything amazing? Read any of the books above? LMK in the comments below!

-BubblyBooks

 

 

 

Cinderella and the Duke 

by Lydia Drake

My rating: 3/5 stars 

My Review:

This book was such a delight! 

First off I loved how animated and lively both of the characters were. Gregory was impossibly charming an funny in the most outlandish and over the top way and I was HERE FOR IT. Not to mention I loved how sassy and determined Emily was and how she didn’t let Gregory push her around. They’re chemistry was *chefs kiss* and I loved how they both *refused* to get attached to one another even though they were both clearly smitten with one another.

The plot was a little fast paced in the beginning – border line on insta love, but I honestly didn’t mind it because the time was took later on in the book for the two to get to know each other and have their relationship grow.

I loved the witty verbal banter in this book and how the two of them where constantly at one another throats (I am HERE for the pure TENSION this book was giving me). 

Overall this was a delightful historical romance that I quite enjoyed (not to mention the cover is LOVELY) and I’m excited to read more from this author!!!!

3 stars

*A huge thank you to AMARA publishing for providing an ARC for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own*

What do you guys think? Adding this one to your TBR? Have any historical romance recs? LMK in the comments below!

The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden

by Jessica Sorensen 

Rating: 5/5 stars

 

My Review: 

Ahhhhh this book!!!! THIS. BOOK. It is a gem y’all: A. GEM. This book is like biting into a warm soft cookie fresh from the oven, soft, delicious, and incredibly ADDICTING.

This plot gripped me from page one and I could not get my butt off the couch for the life of me. 

“In the existence of our lives, there is a single coincidence that brings us together and for a moment, our hearts beat as one.”

I loved how broken and raw both of these character were and how achingly tender their pasts shaped their hearts. Callie struggles with anxiety and has trouble putting herself out there in social settings. I loved how vulnerable and honest she was and how she was able to let Kayden see sides of herself she kept tucked behind cement walls.

“It’s amazing how the things you remember forever are the things you’d rather forget and the things you desperately want to grasp onto seem to slip away like sand in the wind.”

I also ADORED Kayden.  

I loved how he was there for her even before he let himself admit that she was seeping through his walls. Before he let himself admit what he couldn’t even bring himself to himself. The two of them crashed into one another worlds in the most intoxicating way and I loved how real and authentic each characters voice felt. Kayden comes from an abusive household hidden by well crafted lies and excuses artistically designed around hiding injuries by claiming them to be “sports related” and Callie struggles with an event from her past that has the power to shatter her. 

“I can do pain. That’s the easy part of life. It’s everything else, happiness, laughter, love, that’s fucking complicated.”

Both Callie and Kayden had to build walls to survive. Had to build defenses to protect themselves from their past and from the feels that threatened to break them. They way they both understood one anothers twisted coping mechanisms and respected each others need for defenses made me absorb this book at an unreasonable speed. The romance in this was just so so so good and I loved every second of it.

“No. I just never wanted to throw them away. Even if they were broken. I still loved them.”

I also loved Seth – Callies best friend (he’s so funny I was laughing my butt off) and I also adored Luke who was also a really good friend to Kayden *heart eyes*. 

Overall this was an addicting mess of goodness and that CLIFF HANGER ENDING WAS NOT FAIR TO MY NERVES (I may or or may not have already ordered the second book….). 

Not to mention the plot was incredibly easy to follow and I devoured it at an unhealthy (slightly insane) pace that you will understand if you read this book. So good – highly recommend if your looking for an addicting romance with an easy to follow plot line and characters you will undoubtedly get attached to!!!!

 

5 stars

So what are your thoughts? Have you read this book before? Thinking about adding it to your TBR? LMK in the comments below!

• BubblyBooks