Thursday, December 24, 2020

Year in Review


As 2020 winds down, I thought it would only be fitting to take a look back at my year in books. Oh what a year it has been. The Kindle Paperwhite that my husband gifted me last Christmas has been well used. I don't think a day goes by that I don't use it. Which is also why it has to be charged every 5 days or so.

For my stats, I have been utilizing Goodreads for the entire year, so that keeps track of my quantity of books, my average rating, and also lets me know how many pages I have read this year. One of the questions below is most read genre. I think it's safe to say there is one genre that has dominated the year, but we'll get to that in a bit.

Let's get started shall we?



The first book that I read in 2020 was Green Tea Latte to Go by Aven Ellis. It is such a cute rom-com, and of course it has an HEA. Picture it a blogger and a veterinarian for exotic animals. Although the pig may steal the show. 😉



My current read is Changing Lanes by Katie Graykowski. It is a second chance romance, and the romance is between a football player and a pediatric oncologist. Let's just say that this book could also fall into the "made me cry" category. Oh the tears.


At the time I am writing this, I have read 300 books. I still have a few more days before the year ends, so I see that number increasing just a little bit. My original Goodreads goal was 100. I will say that reading is pretty much my only hobby, so that helps my number to climb the way it has. 




As of today my page count is 77,655. That makes my average book length about 259 pages. Again, this will increase though, as I still have about a week. I plan on doing an official Goodreads wrap-up at the beginning of the year.


There were so many wonderful books this year that I cannot select just one! My top 5, in no particular order, were:


In no particular order:
  • Aven Ellis
  • Natasha Madison
  • Kennedy Ryan
  • Helena Hunting
  • Piper Rayne
  • Susan Stoker


Do we even need to discuss this one? 🤣  It's romance.
Should we talk sub-genre? If so it's probably sports romance (hockey is the winner), with military being a close second.


My least read genre is definitely non-fiction. Without looking at Goodreads, I believe I've read 2 non-fiction books this year. One being The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur, and the second being What Unites Us by Dan Rather.


There were so many books that made me cry. To be fair though, I am a pretty emotional person. So what makes me cry, might not make another.

Let's name some names, shall we.


Again, there were so many! I love a good rom-com, and many of them made me laugh. Some made me literally laugh out loud. Here are 5 that had me laughing.


If you know me, you know that I LOVE a good book series. It's actually what I gravitate towards. Don't get me wrong, a single book can be good, but if I can stay with my people for a while, I will. Even if those initial characters are now secondary.

Top 5:


My main goal is to read 150 books. I know that I read 300 this year, but let's be honest, that isn't a pace I can necessarily keep up. So I figure if I bump up my goal from 100 to 150, that should be attainable.

I would also like to complete the yearly reading challenge that Paige from Creating & Co hosts. It is 24 prompts, and it might require me to read a little outside my usual. That is completely fine though. I tried the PopSugar Reading Challenge this year, and did okay. The prompts for next year though I cannot make work for me, and I know if I push myself too much it will lead to a reading slump. So I'm skipping PopSugar for 2021.

My last goal is in regards to this space here, as well as my socials. It is my goal to post three times per week here on What Laura's Reading. My Facebook goal is once a day, whether that is sharing a meme or posting a blog post, or a crossover from Instagram. My Instagram goal is 3 photos a week at a minimum. If that all becomes too much though, I will drop Instagram.

Tell me about how your reading went this year! Also, what are your reading goals for 2021?

Happy Reading,







*Amazon links are affiliate links and I may earn a commission on products sold.

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

January Releases I'm Excited About

Oh my goodness, 2021 is right around the corner! I am in denial about this. Wasn't it just March, and we were learning about this pandemic? Weren't my kids and I just figuring out distance learning? Wasn't I kicking off my blog, and then promptly setting it to the side because of my kids school schedules? No? Well, okay then. Regardless, somehow 2020 flew by, and I think the majority of us are okay with that. 



So with 2020 almost behind us, let's talk about some new books that are releasing in January! The plan is to kick off 2021 with some (hopefully) amazing reads. I have 8 books that I am anticipating, and if you know me at all, you already know they are romance related. 




Starting off the month, we have Confessions of a Curious Bookseller by Elizabeth Green. Now full disclosure, I downloaded this book for free through the Amazon First Reads program. It was my December 2020 pick, and no I haven't read it yet. But I'm going to, as it sounds really cute. It is screaming rom-com at me, and the blurb I've read is giving me major You've Got Mail vibes. And again, if you know me at all, you know that You've Got Mail is one of my absolute favorite movies. Seriously, top 5. Here's a little bit of the blurb for Confessions of a Curious Bookseller. 

Without question, Fawn Birchill knows that her used bookstore is the heart of West Philadelphia, a cornerstone of culture for a community that, for the past twenty years, has found the quirkiness absolutely charming. When an amicable young indie bookseller invades her block, Fawn is convinced that his cushy couches, impressive selection, coffee bar, and knowledgeable staff are a neighborhood blight. Misguided yet blindly resilient, Fawn readies for battle.

So tell me, are you going to read it? 

There are two releases today, well two that I'm aware of at least, and I want to read them both. Like as soon as possible.

 

The Off Limits Rule by Sarah Adams is the first book in the It Happened in Nashville series. Based on the snippet I've read, this is a new adult rom com. Also, it is a fade to black romance (aka closed door). So any sex that may happen in the story, you'll read little to none about. For those who prefer less steamy scenes, this may be perfect for you. 

I have found rock bottom. It’s here, moving in with my older brother because I’m too broke to afford to live on my own. It’s okay though, because we’ve always been close and I think I’m going to have fun living with him again.

That is until I meet Cooper…

Turns out, my brother has very strong opinions on the idea of me dating his best friend and is dead set against it. According to him, Cooper is everything I should stay away from: flirtatious, adventurous, non-committal, and freaking hot. (I added that last part because I feel like you need the whole picture.) My brother is right—I should stay away from Cooper James and his pretty blue eyes. He’s the opposite of what I need right now.
Bring it on Sarah Adams, bring it on. I cannot wait to dive in. Also, I'm curious as to how many books are in this series? (and I am guessing it is a standalone series where each book will follow a different character.)


The Strike Out by Meghan Quinn also releases this day! Now full disclosure, I know very little about this book, and I cannot find it on Amazon yet. I do know the author said it will be available on Kindle, so I'll just have to be patient. Based on the title, I'm thinking it is going to follow the love life of a baseball player. And well, we know how I feel about sports romance. It's also sounding quite steamy. So there's that. Here's the blurb that I read on Goodreads:

It started with one night out with the boys.

She was the hot diner waitress putting herself through school.

I was the rich, arrogant player everyone misjudges.

On paper we didn’t match.

Yet all it took was one day. One single day to change her mind.

She wasn’t planning to spend her day off with me.

She wasn’t supposed to fall for my charm.

But one day, one smile, turned into several nights of her calling out my name.

I’m not the guy she should end up with. I’m jealous, possessive. Not here for a long time - just a good time.

She’s changed me.

But, for some reason, I feel her slipping through my fingers and no matter what I do, I fear I’m going to strike out with the one and only girl I’ve ever fallen for.

I will be reading this book. I will be! It will also be my first Meghan Quinn book. So I'm curious to see if she ends up becoming a go to author for me. Have you read any of her other books? If you have, which do you recommend I read?






I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS BOOK SINCE SEPTEMBER!  My jaw dropped, after finishing Only One Kiss, when I learned that Manning's book was the third in the series. I darn near cried. The way Manning has been included in the first two Only One books, has made me want to know so much more about him. Now I finally get that opportunity. On January 5 I will be busy reading devouring Only One Night by Natasha Madison. 

Only One Night is the third book in the Only One hockey series, and this time we get to know the Captain. So we know from previous books that Manning is married, and that his wife comes across as a horrible person. He's miserable. I'm curious to see what we learn about his marriage, and how that plays out. There's a love interest for Manning. How will things work out with Manning and Evelyn?


Who is ready for a YA rom com? I know I am! You Have a Match by Emma Lord sounds like a cute story. Imagine being a teenager and finding out that you have an older sister! Not only that, but that older sister is an influencer on Instagram. 

When Abby signs up for a DNA service, it's mainly to give her friend and secret love interest, Leo, a nudge. After all, she knows who she is already: Avid photographer. Injury-prone tree climber. Best friend to Leo and Connie...although ever since the B.E.I. (Big Embarrassing Incident) with Leo, things have been awkward on that front.

But she didn't know she's a younger sister.

When the DNA service reveals Abby has a secret sister, shimmery-haired Instagram star Savannah Tully, it's hard to believe they're from the same planet, never mind the same parents ― especially considering Savannah, queen of green smoothies, is only a year and a half older than Abby herself.

The logical course of action? Meet up at summer camp (obviously) and figure out why Abby's parents gave Savvy up for adoption. But there are complications: Savvy is a rigid rule-follower and total narc. Leo is the camp's co-chef, putting Abby's growing feelings for him on blast. And her parents have a secret that threatens to unravel everything.

But part of life is showing up, leaning in, and learning to fit all your awkward pieces together. Because sometimes, the hardest things can also be the best ones.


I preordered the Happily Ever After boxed set back in August after Piper Rayne announced they had a book included in it. I don't think I've read books by any of the other authors, but that's okay. I'm going to give it a go, and maybe just maybe I'll find a new to me author. What's this boxed set about? No clue, but I do know we get 21 stories, and they all have a HEA. That right there makes me smile.

These heroes and heroines are lost without each other ... but obstacles stand in their way. 

Inside the pages of this steamy, limited edition boxed set created for you by your favorite romance authors, you’ll find sexy, funny, heartwarming, and red hot romance reads, where characters navigate their love through all the twists, turns, and ups and downs required to reach a happily ever after.

Which passionate romance will be your favorite? The enemies turned to trusted lovers or the rock stars who know exactly what they want? Best friends who wish they could be more, forbidden love, or second chance at forever?

No matter what you love - enemies to lovers, second chance romance, a forbidden tale, vacation fling, opposites attract, comedy, or contemporary romance - every story in this limited edition boxed will deliver the satisfying end you crave. 


Are you a fan of the enemies to lovers trope? How about just enjoying a good ole rom com? If so, Shipped by Angie Hockman could be the perfect read for you! Plus a cruise in the middle of January sounds wonderful. A perfect escape, especially for those of us who live in a cold, snowy climate.

Between taking night classes for her MBA and her demanding day job at a cruise line, marketing manager Henley Evans barely has time for herself, let alone family, friends, or dating. But when she’s shortlisted for the promotion of her dreams, all her sacrifices finally seem worth it.

The only problem? Graeme Crawford-Collins, the remote social media manager and the bane of her existence, is also up for the position. Although they’ve never met in person, their epic email battles are the stuff of office legend.

Their boss tasks each of them with drafting a proposal on how to boost bookings in the Galápagos—best proposal wins the promotion. There’s just one catch: they have to go on a company cruise to the Galápagos Islands...together. But when the two meet on the ship, Henley is shocked to discover that the real Graeme is nothing like she imagined. As they explore the Islands together, she soon finds the line between loathing and liking thinner than a postcard.

With her career dreams in her sights and a growing attraction to the competition, Henley begins questioning her life choices. Because what’s the point of working all the time if you never actually live?




 Last, but certainly not least is Connectivity 2.0 by Aven Ellis. Aven is an author that I found in late 2019 (thanks BookBub!), and I've been hooked ever since. Every book she's released, I've read and loved. If you love rom-coms and happily ever afters, then please check out her books! Aven has been teasing the book in her FB group, and every single time I am begging for more. I'm a bit greedy like that. 

Connectivity 2.0 returns us to London, and of course we will get to visit with MK and William. But we also will be meeting Lauren and Oliver. I can't wait to see how their story plays out.  Is it January 27 yet? Also, I can't wait to see what the cover is going to look like! I look forward to Aven doing a sneak peak for that in the group. Onto the blurb for 2.0

Recent college graduate Lauren Charleston heads to London for a prestigious media graduate internship that is part of a well-laid plan for career success.

Falling for a playboy billionaire with the nickname of Icky Ollie? Not part of said plan.

Tech developer Oliver Pratt makes tabloid headlines for his wild ways, seen with a myriad of women—including a princess. He’s exactly the type of man Lauren detests—especially in light of her past with men.

But Lauren might find exactly what she needs in Oliver if she can see beyond the surface—and face her own past, too. Will these two opposites find a certain connectivity, as their career mentors did? Or will this romance short-circuit before it begins?

 

So out of these 8 books I've shared, which one do you think you'll check out? Will you read it in January? Or will it just be added to your TBR? Three I already have pre-ordered, so I don't need to worry about those. 😉 For the others, I think I'll be checking my local library to see if they'll have copies available.  Did I miss any must read romances? If so, let me know!

Happy Reading!


*Amazon links are affiliate links and I may earn a commission on products sold.

Tuesday, October 13, 2020

Love in the Aisles {a review}

It's release day for Love in the Aisles!



Imagine meeting someone, moving to their town, marrying them, having a child with them, and then dealing with the comments from the community after your spouse dies. Well that is what Charlotte is dealing with. The seniors of the town, are full of opinions. After all, Charlotte married their favorite son, and she "stole" him away from another woman. How very dare she!  Who does she think she is?!? Oh right, a woman who fell in love with a man, and was devastated when he did.

Charlotte is trying to stay strong though. She has to be for her and her son. Although is is also trying to avoid all the people that she can. Going to the grocery store is not something she looks forward to, but it's a necessity. On this trip she meets a the new employee, Ian. Ian has recently moved to the town, and is living here under an assumed name. He is a celebrity who was just left at the alter. He's in all the tabloids, and peopel are wondering where he is! Ian needs to heal, and escape his reality for a bit. Never did he expect to fall for someone in this small twon. Yet he isn't fighting it.  Both of them never expected to find love in a grocery store.

I absolutely loved this story, and cannot wait for the next in the series. Charlotte and Ian are adorable. Yes they have their moments where you just want to smack them both upside the head, but such is the way of most rom-com slash hallmark-esque books. (and I love it) Definitely a series I will continue with, and I look forward to reading more from the authors.

Does Love in the Aisles sound like a book you'd read? 

Happy Reading,




*I received an ARC from Give Me Books Promotions in exchange for a review.
**I also participate in the Amazon Affiliate program. I may make a small commission (at no additional cost to you) via links shared.

Monday, September 14, 2020

The Librarian of Boone's Hollow {a review}

The Librarian of Boone's Hollow releases tomorrow, September 15 2020! If you are a fan of Kim Vogel Sawyer I'm sure you already have this book on order (or reserve at the library).

For fans of The Giver of Stars and The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, this new release by Kim Vogel Sawyer emphasizes the importance of literacy, the power of storytelling, and the redemption found in overcoming generational prejudice. 


I went into this book only knowing what the teaser from the publisher said. You see at the beginning of August, I had received an email from Waterbrook Multnomah inquiring if I would like to join the launch team for The Librarian of Boone's Hollow. It's been a while since I have signed up for a team, and so I said why not. After all the subject of the book sounded interesting, so I joined. Plus I have a love of Christian fiction, so that made my decision pretty easy.


Curious as to my thoughts on the book? Keep reading.

Friday, September 11, 2020

Remembering



Where were you? It is the question that is asked every year on this date. And for good reason. We shouldn't forget the horrific events that occurred 19 years ago. Not just the event of course, but the people who lost their lives, the people who showed up to do whatever they could to help, and how our country ultimately came together in mourning, and in healing.

To answer the question, 19 years ago I was at work. I had graduated from college in May, and this was my first full time job! I was working with my (step) family at the invitation/stationary division. At the time of the first attack I was more than likely in the process of packaging up an order for one of our customers. We always had music going in the warehouse, and I remember someone turning the music off, and sharing the news about what was going on in New York. I remember someone turning the radio on so we could listen, and I also remember being in shock about what was being discussed. Meanwhile, my Stepdad drove home to get a TV so we could all watch what was happening. That day many of us were numb, nervous, and just on edge. 

Around lunch time I remember there was talk of something potentially happening in downtown. My immediate worry was for my Mom who worked in the heart of downtown. Thankfully that talk was nothing more than rumors. Like I said, everyone was on edge. That night, and for many nights to come, I was glued to the news.

In the days and weeks to come, our company created notepads that we sold. If I recall correctly, a portion of the sales went to various charities. I remember those products flying off our shelves, and on to the shelves of our retailers. 

It was a somber time for our country. Together we worked on healing. From the reading of the names, to tv commercials, to songs inspired by the events; all of this bonded us. We weren't a country divided, we were together, and we were becoming stronger.

If you know the creator of this graphic, please let me know.
I found it via Piper Rayne's facebook page.




Today my heart is with the families who lost loved ones on this date. May they feel the love that many are directing their way.




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