What Laura's Reading

This has been an awesome week for reading. Did I complete all the prompts? Did I stick to my TBR? Keep reading to find out! Also, at the end I will have my page count and rating average.

If you read my TBR post, then you'll know that I am an April baby, and my birthstone is a Diamond. You'll also know that I selected the color white to represent that stone.

This prompt worked out perfectly. You see Winning My Best Friend's Girl just released this past week. So it was only fitting that it had a white cover. Okay fine, I just really wanted to read the book because I love the Bailey family and all things that happen in Lake Starlight. This book follows Kingston and his long time crush Stella. She had recently moved back to Alaska, but she was avoiding Kingston (and really all the Baileys) as she didn't want to dredge up the past. Well that was all fine and dandy, but it didn't work. Can they (Kingston and Stella) work through the issues of their past to reconnect? Do they make things work or do they walk away? Also, who is writing that freaking blog?!?

Rating: 4⭐️

I went into The Family journal not knowing much about the story. That was fine with me. I have to admit that I did have a slightly different expectation, but overall I was happy with the book.

Lily Anderson has made up her mind. She is relocating back to her hometown of Comfort Texas along with her two kids. Her kids, well they are not happy with this news. At all. They like it perfectly fine in Austin, and do not see why they have to leave their home just because they made a few questionable choices. Mom knows best though, and so they are off. Once they are settled in to Lily's childhood home, Lily discovers a journal stuffed into her mom's desk. At first glance she thought it was just a random book, but upon opening it up, she discovered a treasure. This book was not a book, but rather a journal that was handed down from Mom to daughter when the time was right. I really want to tell you more, but I can't without ruining the story. So you'll just have to accept that it was a cute story, and it might make you want to start a family journal of your own.

Rating: 4⭐️

I debated with myself about keeping this book for this prompt. It feels like cheating in a way. However now that I've read the book, I can say that it does have Cinderella vibes. So I'll continue to count it.

As for Stealing Cinderella, wow, I was not prepared for how things happened. I mean, I know it's a sinister fairy tale, but dang! Also I want to read more from this collection so I can see what happens to other popular fairy tale characters.

Rating: 4⭐️

When I initially selected my TBR, I had a different book slotted for this prompt. However as the week progressed, I decided to just go with the flow. So when I finished The Royal Treatment (book 1), I decided to just move on to The Royal Wedding (book 2). After all, The Royal Treatment was cute, and it made me laugh, so I was curious as to what the next book would be like. I wasn't disappointed. I laughed a few times, I shook my head at the characters a few times, and had my HEA.

Rating: 3⭐️

Full disclosure: I totally did not read this outside. I sat on the couch, by the window, and devoured it that way. After all had I been outside, my kids would not have left me alone to actually read the book. Either that or I would have been eaten alive by mosquitos. (I am their favorite meal after all)

Bet Me by Lila Monroe was so freaking good. Lizzie and Jake had met at a bar on New Years Eve. Lizzie was getting over a recent breakup, and after a few too many drinks, she decided to get back at her ex. She ended up leaving her purse behind, but Jake ran out after her to give it to her. One thing led to another, and suddenly they are both at her ex's condo. Lizzie has her revenge moment, and they runaway into the night. Okay really they went back to Jake's place. Things happen, or rather don't fully happen, and Lizzie leaves. Years pass, and suddenly they are brought back together to work on an art exhibit together. One night Lizzie thinks she's sending a video message to her sister, but in the morning she finds out otherwise. She is now a proud owner of a viral video. What is that video about? Well you'll have to read the book to find out.

Rating: 4⭐️

I had so many genre options for this challenge, but I wanted something "simple", and also a quick read. I've enjoyed bits of poetry in the past, so The Sun and Her Flowers seemed like a good choice.

There were many poems in this book that I related to, and then there were others that while meaningful did not relate to my life. A few that I enjoyed were:

when snow falls i long for grass when grass grows i walk all over it when leaves change color i beg for flowers when flowers bloom i pick them

i hear a thousand kind words about me and it makes no difference yet i hear one insult and all confidence shatters

borders are man-made they only divide us physically don’t let them make us turn on each other - we are not enemies

Have you read a lot of poetry? If so, who do you recommend?

Rating: 4⭐️

The Royal Treatment was such a cute story! The story moved along at a good pace, and I found myself laughing out loud a few times. Picture yourself being a blogger, who has chosen the niche of writing about the Royal family. Not only do you write about them, but you're actually their worst critic. You think they should just disappear, and that there should be no royals. Meanwhile Prince Arthur is in a bit of pickle. There is a referendum coming up that could strip the family of their power. So Arthur invites Tessa to move into the palace, and into their day to day lives. This way she can see what the family truly does, and how it is beneficial to the community. Can he change Tessa's mind? Or is the Royal family about to lose their titles?

Rating: 3⭐️

I also had a bonus book this readathon! I know, I was shocked as well. It really shouldn't surprise you as to who the book was by, as I already read the first two books in the Crown Jewels series. So my bonus book was The Royal Delivery. This is the third book in the Crown Jewels series, in which Tessa and Arthur are starting a family. Of course there are issues. There is miscommunication. There is a scene in the throne room. There is a coming together of the family. I may have gasped a time or two, and I also loved the message that Tessa was trying to get across through her new foundation. It was definitely worth finishing up the series.

Rating: 3⭐️

Here are my stats for the readathon. I did not keep track of hours spent reading, as that isn't something I choose to focus on.

Most read genre: Romance

Books Read: 8

Pages Read: 2201

Average Rating: 3.625

Badges Earned: 10

How did you do with the Reading Rush? Did you earn the badges for the 7 prompts? What about the extras? No matter what, I hope you had an excellent reading week.

Happy July everyone!

Hopefully with all that is going on in the world you've been able to carve out some extra time for reading. I am thankful that has been the case for me.

There is so much more that I want to say, but I also want to dive into the whole reason for this post! That reason of course is the Mid-Year Freak Out tag. This tag was created by Megan Olivier over on Youtube. I've watched many a booktube video about this tag, but it is my first year participating. I love hearing about what people have been reading, and the highlights from the first six months.

Curious about my year so far? Keep on reading.

I am fully embracing the number of books that I've read this first half of the year. As of July 1st, I have read 159 books.

It's a lot, I know. Could I give credit to the pandemic? No not really. Especially since my first 3 months had me at about 75 books. I believe I met my Goodreads goal (100 books) in April. Maybe May. So credit to the pandemic? No. Credit to reading being my primary hobby? Yes. Credit to my hubby and kids who gifted me a Kindle for Christmas? Absolutely.

The majority of the books that I have read have fallen into the romance genre, and I'm perfectly happy with that. I have read a few fantasy books, and I enjoyed them too.

I have read so many fantastic books this year. It's been spectacular. So choosing a favorite was down right difficult. How did I make my selection? I went with some of my 5 star reads. Five star reads are pretty rare for me, so I feel like those are the ones I should shout from the roof tops. Not to say that there weren't 4 star books that were my favorites as well. I just figured I'd focus on the 5 stars. All that to say, here are my three favorite books that I've read so far this year.

The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros
I read this book in February during Contemporaryathon. I went into it not knowing much, expect that Steph from Steph's Romance Book Talk had highly recommended it. This book crushed me. From the letters shared, to the relationship, to the ending, my emotions went on quite the rollercoaster ride. If you choose to read The Last Letter, make sure to have tissues on hand. That's all I will say about it.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
This is a book that has been on my TBR for quite some time. I've heard the hype surrounding it, and knew that it was a must read. After everything that has been happening here in my home state, I knew it was time. It was time to read, time to learn, time to try and understand. Things have to change. The Hate U Give opened my eyes and deeply impacted me. Definitely one of those books that will stay with you in the long run.

Still by Kennedy Ryan
The Grip series has been recommended by Chelsea Palmer for quite some time now. Knowing how much I enjoy Kennedy's writing, and her characters, I figured I'd give it a try. Flow (book 1) was a good introduction to the characters, and laid the groundwork for the story. Grip (book 2) kept the story going, and the storyline went deeper. Still (book 3) was intense, eye opening, heartbreaking, and so much more. This is another book that you'll want to have tissues on hand for.

Those who know me know that I LOVE series. I will choose a series over a standalone 99% of the time. I love to stay with my characters, and the world that the author has created. So what were my favorite sequels? I have 4 that I want to share, but believe me when I say there are a lot more that I enjoyed.

Southern Comfort by Natasha Madison

This is the second book in the Southern series, and we are following the story of Olivia and Casey. Buried secrets never stay hidden in the south.

When you find out that your fiancé is arrested for swindling over ten million dollars from his clients, you do what any sane woman would do. You escape reality and go undercover, trading in your city-girl Louboutins for country-pumpkin cowboy boots.

It wasn’t a forever change—it was temporary. I only had to stay here until things back home got straightened out, or so I thought.

A Favor for a Favor by Helena Hunting

This second book in the trilogy is by far my favorite. Bishop is hands down my favorite character ever.

When I joined Seattle’s NHL expansion team, I thought it was the start of something great. But nothing ever goes the way you expect. Take my introduction to my new neighbor. She came rolling in on the hot mess express at midnight, making a racket while she tried to get into my team captain’s apartment. Did I mention that he’s married to a woman who definitely was not her?

Imagine my surprise when I end up with an injury that has me out of the game for weeks, and she’s the one to offer to help me. I should probably add that she’s not the captain’s mistress. She’s his sexy, pastel-haired younger sister.

So we come up with an arrangement: she rehabs me so that I can get back on the ice sooner, and she can add a professional athlete that isn’t her brother to her client list. Seems simple enough. As long as I can keep my hands to myself and my hormones in check.

A Complete Game by Aven Ellis

Book three in the DC Soaring Eagles series follows Addison and Brady. Brady being a professional baseball player who was just traded to DC, and Addison a woman who wants to find her dream career working with animals while trying to please her parents.

A professional baseball player who needs to find himself—on and off the mound.

A heroine passionate about animals—but not the life she’s living.

And two ferrets who spark a romance that will change everything for Brady and Addison …

Addison Blakely should be happy. After all, so many items on her life list had checkmarks by them: self-sufficient and living on her own, enjoying life in DC with fantastic friends, happily single, and working at a professional job.

So why isn’t she?

Addison knew life wasn’t going to be like the Regency romances she devours. The pages of her own book weren’t going to be filled with a dashing hero and a gorgeous romance. Nor would she be living the life she wanted by the last page. That wasn’t reality.

Or so she thought.

Addison’s life changes when a celebrity photoshoot with the Washington Soaring Eagles baseball team brings Brady Jensen into her life. Addison is drawn to the gorgeous pitcher with a crooked smile and a soft spot for the underdog. The more Addison learns about Brady, the more she begins to believe she can rewrite her own story.

When Brady and Addison are both faced by the challenges of living an authentic life and accepting their own truths, will this relationship end without a happily ever after? Or will Brady and Addison’s love make it all nine innings?

If you like emotionally intelligent heroes, animal shenanigans, and romantic gestures worthy of a swoony Regency novel, you’ll want to escape into A Complete Game. Can be read as a standalone.

Riven Knight by Devney Perry

We met Genevieve in Gypsy King, and now we are finding out what happened after the mountain. Riven Knight continues the story, but this time the focus is on the relationship between Genevieve an Isaiah. They barely know each other, but now they are married.

Genevieve Daylee didn’t expect to be standing in front of a judge on her twenty-seventh birthday. But ever since her life became entangled with a former motorcycle gang, she’s learned not to expect anything but trouble.

Her mother, a woman she once admired and adored, is gone, leaving behind a trail of secrets and lies. She’s living in a tiny apartment above a garage owned by her brother, a man who loathes her very existence. And the father she met beside her mother’s grave is as much of a stranger as Isaiah Reynolds, the broken man with soulless eyes standing beside her in front of the judge.

Isaiah is her protector from the murderer at large in Clifton Forge. Though he’s more like a riven knight in dented armor than a prince on a white stallion. She knows next to nothing about him, other than he works as a mechanic. As of tonight, he’ll be sharing her bathroom.

And, according to the judge, Isaiah is now her husband.

At the beginning of the year I compiled a list of books that I wanted to read in 2020. They were, naturally, all 2020 releases. Some I had been looking forward to for a while now, and others that I was just learning about. While there are many that I still have not read, these two books are ones that I have been waiting for, but I just haven't gotten to them yet.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

Now anyone who knows of the Hunger Games trilogy has probably heard about this book! I absolutely loved the HG trilogy, as well as the movies. I desperately want to re-read and rewatch! In my mind that needs to happen before I can read this prequel.

House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J Maas

I've only read one series by Sarah J Maas so far, and I loved ACOTAR! Absolutely devoured the series, and would love to visit Velaris. So when it was announced that she was creating a new series, I knew it was one I would have to check out. I've tried my best to avoid spoilers, and am planning on keeping it that way until I can read it. Guess it's time for me to either buy the book, or jump into the long line at my library.

There are a handful of books that I am looking forward to this second half of the year. So selecting my most anticipated releases was quite difficult. Well that's true, but it also isn't. You see both of these books I have chosen I have been eagerly awaiting since 2019.

Hollowpox by Jessica Townsend

This is the third book in the Nevermoor series. I read Nevermoor and Wundersmith back in August, and have had to patiently wait for this third installment. What is going to happen in this book? I'm not sure. I do know that Morrigan will be involved, but that's about it. Is it October yet?

Royal Icing by Aven Ellis

Last October I received an email from Bookbub, and in it was a free book from Aven Ellis. I quickly downloaded that, and was sucked in to the Aven-verse. I have loved every single moment of being in the communities she creates. Royal Icing is the third book in her Modern Royals series, and this time it follows the lives of Poppy and Xander. Aven has been teasing this book in her Facebook group, and it has just been building up to the release! I am looking forward to August 26 and discovering what happens in the lives of Xander and Poppy. Of course I'm also curious to see what drama Queen Antonia produces.

There are not many books that disappoint me, but it does happen. In 2020 I have DNF'd (did not finish) a handful of books. I've actually put a few of authors on my do not read list as their writing styles do not mesh with me, even though they are extremely popular. I don't advertise my DNF's though, so you won't see me mentioning them here. Although if I see someone else mention they put the book aside, I will comment that I did the same.

This year there has only been one book that has truly disappointed me, and that was Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn. I read the title and the description, and had built up this thought as to what the book would be. After all I love planners. I love romance books. I love hand lettering. So why wouldn't I love this book? Well something didn't work for me. I think part of the problem was that I didn't look inside the book before purchasing it. I had this idea that there would be sample spreads inside of the planner. Or little features of the main characters lettering. Or heck images of the things that the two characters found on their walk. But that didn't happen. Plus something just felt off in the writing, and I cannot put my finger on it.

My biggest surprise could be just about any of the books that I've read this year. I've read so many different sub-genres for romance, and have truly savored each and every one. For this category I decided to go with authors who were new to me. Their books that I discovered this year grabbed my attention, and have me wanting to read more from them.

The Guinevere Deception by Kiersten White
This book was a group read for a readathon that I participated in back in February. Now I cannot remember the readathon name, I just remember that it was hosted by Creating & Co. That doesn't matter though. What does matter is how this book drew me in and held me captive until the very end. I supposed this is where I should let you know that I love all things Camelot, so in a way it shouldn't be a surprised that I loved this book so. Ahh Guinevere.

The Pawn by Skye Warren
This is book one in the Endgame trilogy, and it was a ride. Oh my word. There are things I want to say, but at the same time I'm worried that I will spoil something. I will say that you'll love Gabriel. Yet you'll also hate Gabriel. Same goes for Avery. Here's part of the blurb from Goodreads:

Gabriel Miller swept into my life like a storm. He tore down my father with cold retribution, leaving him penniless in a hospital bed. I quit my private all-girl's college to take care of the only family I have left.

There's one way to save our house, one thing I have left of value.
My virginity.

Gypsy King by Devney Perry
Tin Gypsy was my first motorcycle club (MC) romance. The Tin Gypsys have recently disbanded, and Bryce Ryan wants to know why. When a woman is found dead in a local hotel, it is assumed the the Tin Gypsys were involved. Bryce is on the story, and she is determined to expose the club, as well as their leader, Dash Slater. But were they involved, or is someone trying to frame them? Doesn't matter Bryce needs to know, and she will not give up until the truth is revealed.

Where do I even begin! 2020 has been the year of new-to-me authors! It's been a blessing.

In no particular order, here are some of the amazing authors who I have discovered this year:

This category was difficult for me. I'm not one to typically "crush" on a fictional character. Well at least not a book character. Yet when I truly sat back and thought about it, so many of the characters that Samantha Whiskey created came to mind. Maybe it was because they were a recent read. Maybe it's just because they seem like genuinely nice guys. I'm not entirely certain.

I will say that Roman is at the top of the list though. Especially with how he handled things with Teagan.

Some characters just draw you in, and even once the book is finished you find yourself wanting more. If you're anything like me, you also might want to be their friend. They are just that awesome.

Olivia and Casey from Southern Comfort by Natasha Madison

Stevie and Bishop from A Favor for a Favor by Helena Hunting

Addison and Brady from A Complete Game by Aven Ellis

Is it any surprise that two of the books on my "made you cry" list, are also on my "favorites" list? I don't think so! I mean I did mention above that tissues were needed for both of them. Also, if you decide to read these books, know that they do carry trigger warnings with them. As much as I want to tell you the specific triggers, I also do not want to spoil the story. If you truly want to know, send me a message on Instagram.

The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros

Still by Kennedy Ryan

Riven Knight by Devney Perry

A Favor for a Favor by Helena Hunting

A Complete Game by Aven Ellis

I'm not much of a cover buy person, but there was something about these three that grabbed my attention.

The Guinevere Deception by Kiersten White

Finding Dandelion by Lex Martin

A Complete Game by Aven Ellis

Need is such a strong word when it comes to reading. Would I like to read these books by the end of the year? Also-freaking-lutely! Do I need to read them by then? No. A woman can dream though.

Royal Icing by Aven Ellis comes out on August 26, 2020

Only One Kiss by Natasha Madison will be released September 1, 2020

Hollowpox by Jessica Townsend will finally be available on October 27, 2020

The Camelot Betrayal by Kiersten White is coming on November 10, 2020

Noble Prince by Devney Perry is also available on November 10, 2020.

Then there is House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J Maas which is already out.

Oofta! That was a lot to share. Hopefully you stuck around until the end!

So tell me, what has been your favorite book that you've read so far this year? Also, have you read any of the books I mentioned above?

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Royal Icing {a review}

Today is August 26, which means it is release day for Royal Icing by Aven Ellis!

Monday, August 24, 2020

TBR Book Tag

Monday, August 10, 2020

Books I read in July

Monday, July 27, 2020

The Reading Rush: Wrap-up

Thursday, July 23, 2020

Mid-Year Freak Out

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