Thursday, December 30, 2021

2021 Year in Review

It is time to say goodbye to 2021, and start looking forward to 2022!

Who would have thought that, after almost 2 years, our world would still be dealing with this major event. The latest version recently visited my house, and it was an unwelcome guest. Thankfully we are bouncing back, and all returning to our usual selves.

In 2021 my kindle was very well used. Very few days went by where it wasn't utilized. For someone who used to question the need for an e-reader, I sure have changed my tune. Now I buy very few physical books, and instead opt for the e-book. Well that is unless it's an absolute favorite, then I HAVE to own a physical copy for my trophy shelf.

I have continued to utilize Goodreads to keep track of my quantity of books, my average rating, and also at the end of the year it lets me know how many pages I have read. One of the questions below is most read genre, and we all know what genre wins.

Let's answer these questions. I'm curious to see what has changed from 2020!

The first book that I read in 2021 was High Risk Rookie by Odette Stone. This was such an anticipated read, and I remember being surprised when it was released. I don't recall any promo for it leading up to release day, and oh how quickly I "ran" to Amazon to download it.

My current read is The Hustler by Gina Azzi. It is the 8th book in her Boston Hawks hockey series, and it is a hidden identity book. I'm here for it. If you want to read it, it is coming out on January 6th.

At the time I am writing this, I have read 321 books. I am confident that I will at least finish The Hustler, and maybe just maybe I can fit in one more book. Time will tell.

As of today my page count is 54,498. That makes my average book length about 169 pages.

Oof that is down from 2020! In 2020 I had read over 80k pages and my average was closer to 250 per book. Oh well.

I have actually selected a favorite of 2021! I shared that info in my 12 days of Christmas book tag. So go see what book I selected.

I also have my favorite by the month too. Which was how the yearly favorite was chosen. Curious what titles made the list? Go read my Monthly Favorites of 2021 post.

In no particular order:

Aven Ellis
Natasha Madison
April Canavan
Samantha Lovelock
Kristin Turnage
Laura Lee

I read quite a few "new to me" authors in 2021! Some of these made their debut in 2021, others have been around for a smidgen longer. No matter what, I have found them, and I'm here to support them.

Samantha Lovelock
Kristin Turnage
April Canavan
Mary Morano
Lisa Suzanne
Anna Brooks
Paula Dombrowiak
Ellie Masters
Gina Azzi
Rebecca Jenshak

Do we even need to discuss this one? 🤣 It's romance.

Um, non-fiction, or really any other genre than romance.

Oh I wrote an entire post about this! I do need to go back and add a couple to the list, that is for certain. Those two additions are Only One Mistake by Natasha Madison, and The O Zone by Kelly Jamieson. Oh my heart.

I LOVE BOOK SERIES!

That being said, I also answered this question on my 12 days of Christmas post. It was by a new to me author, and she is now an auto-buy author for me.

My reading goal is once again going to be 150 books.

Also, I've said it before (maybe not here, but elsewhere) I want to read The Lord of the Rings. They are sitting on my bookshelf just staring at me, and I feel like it's time. Plus then I can have a Peter Jackson movie marathon once I'm done. I freaking love those movies.

As for reading challenges...In 2022 I plan on participating in the A-Z title challenge, as well as the A-Z author challenge. I am also joining the Buzzword-athon that Books and LaLa hosts. Other challenges may pop up here and there, but I'm not even thinking about those right now.

In regards to my blog, I am still formulating those goals. One that I have set in stone is to have one non-review post go up per week. I may increase this as the weeks go on, but that is my one set in stone goal.

When it comes to social media, I am also still thinking on that. I do want to resume my Instagram, and find ways to grow that space while sharing the books I am reading. So I am currently thinking of how I can create content, and what the appropriate amount of posting is for me. I also am researching IG Reels, as I want to delve into that space. For Facebook, that is still where I share a lot of new release promo materials (cover reveals, teaser blasts, release day announcements), share my blog posts, and also the occasional meme/graphic. My plans for 2022 are to continue doing just that.

Let's talk my goals surrounding advanced reading copies. Because I have them. In 2021 I started off light and easy. Then suddenly April hit, and my calendar became overfilled. This continued through November. So in 2022, I am pulling back slightly. I am going to become a bit choosier about the books I receive, as well as the authors who I work with. There's a fine line there that I want to walk. Especially since I want to read more of what is already on my kindle.

Tell me about how your reading went this year! Also, what are your bookish goals for 2022?

Happy Reading,

Laura

Eden by Xavier Neal {a review}

EDEN by Xavier Neal is now available! This book takes place in the village of Doctenn. If you're a fan of Xavier Neal's creations, then you may recognize that name from the Duched trilogy. Now don't worry, you do not need to read that prior to reading Eden. Eden is a complete standalone. So rest easy.

Prepare yourselves though. Eden is a dark, forbidden, taboo romance with hints of suspense. I should also mention that it is also a romance between three people. This book may push you past your comfort zones. Please keep that in mind if you choose to pick it up.

Note from the author:

This novel is not a "safe" read. It contains adult content (18+) including mature subjects, explicit language, and graphic/detailed sex scenes. Some readers may be triggered by scenes, topics, or language included in it. Some readers may view the choices as "non-romance" or worse. If you are a sensitive reader or expecting a traditional style romance, I suggest you rethink your choice to read this novel.

Eden grew up in Doctenn. Her mom was the nanny for the Lawson boys, and her dad also worked for the Lawsons family. Because her mom was the nanny, Eden spent time with Thatcher and Ian. As they grew up, they realized that they had a connection that could not be rivaled by anyone else. On the night they were going to take their relationship public, Eden had her heartbroken instead. This lead to her leaving Doctenn to pursue her education in the States. But you see things at the Lawson home were not all they appeared to be. This home was troubled. The father was not a kind man, and did not approve of many things. Getting Eden out of town was his priority, and he didn't care who he hurt in the process. She would ruin his boys. Now Eden is back due to a temporary job with the royal family. Thatcher and Ian are aware of this, and they are determined to get their trio back together. If only it were that simple. Forces are fighting against them. Who is behind it all? What will they do to put an end to this? Can Eden and her men get their happily ever after? Or is this destined to all go up in flames?

“Thee and thine, me and mine.”

If you know me, you know that taboo and forbidden reads are not my normal reads. Yet there was something about the description of Eden that drew me in. Now I do read dark romances on occasion. That being said, Eden was quite possibly the darkest that I have read.

I knew going in that this was a dark, forbidden/taboo romance. And it definitely lived up to that description. What I was not expecting was the mafia-esque moments that occurred. I'd love to expand upon that, but it would be a spoiler. I'm not going that route.

Ian and Thatcher did everything that they could to have Eden return to them. What happened after her return to Doctenn, and the Lawsons, was wild. There were multiple people involved, and it took time to learn the entirety of it all. It was as this was all unfolding that the darker elements began appearing. And when those moments came in, they were intense. Dang! Now this is where your boundaries may be pushed a little bit.

One thing to know about Thatcher and Ian, they are professional divers. They've earned many medals, and are well known in the diving community. That being said, their diving coach is an ass. He is rude, and clearly has learned his people skills from Mr Lawson. As in he has none. And he has his favorite target. That breaks my heart.

Speaking of Mr Lawson (as in their father), the things he has done are 100% unacceptable. I get it. He has money. He has power. He has influence. But DAMN!

Eden wasn’t my typical read, and it was occasionally a bit much for me, BUT I still enjoyed the overall story. Thatcher and Ian are willing to do everything and anything to protect the people they hold dearly.

If you are someone who can handle reading a darker taboo romance, give Eden a read.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts,
Laura

Cover Design: Dana Leah

How far will they go to protect paradise...

From a very early age, I was warned to stay away from the Lawson brothers...

It didn't matter they weren't biological brothers or that one had been adopted on a guilt-driven whim. They considered one another family. They shared a bond like any other brothers would.

Except it ran much deeper.

Darker.

Dirtier.

They had all the power, money, and hunger capable of destroying anyone who stood in their way as they trained to become icons the world watched every four years bring home gold medals.

Little did anyone know, there was only one thing the legends worshipped more than their beloved sport.

Me.

*Eden is a forbidden, taboo, MMF, dark romance novel that includes several triggers.*

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About the Author

Xavier Neal is a best-selling romance author who enjoys hopping from sub genre to sub genre like a game of Hopscotch she can't resist.

In between writing, she loves to read (everything from romance to self improvement books), watch movies (old and new), eat too much Tex-Mex (her Chuy's t-shirt collection is out of control), and watch AHL hockey games LIVE (preferably against the glass whenever possible).

She currently resides happily in Texas with her bearded husband "Lumberjack" and their two fur babies.

Connect with Xavier

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Thank you to Xavier Neal, and Candi Kane PR, for providing me with a review copy of Eden.

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Favorite Books of each Month {2021}

If you read my 12 days of Christmas post, then you know which book was declared my FAVORITE of 2021! Believe me when I say that was not an easy declaration to make, but I am sticking with that selection.

Throughout 2021 I kept a list in my planner for my monthly favorite. Some months were easier to choose than others, I will say that! Occasionally there were those months where a few books would stand out, but I would force myself to narrow it down to just the one.

So what books were my monthly favorites? Let's take a gander.

The Plan by Karla Sorensen {cover reveal}

Cover Design: Qamber Designs Cover Photography: Wander Aguiar Cover Model: Andrew Biernat

Release Date: February 9

Have you ever fake dated your bodyguard? I don't recommend it.

Especially if he's anything like Erik Wilder: former football player, world class know-it-all and unapologetic grump.

To be clear, I didn't want a bodyguard (hence the fake dating idea). Most days, I can’t figure out why he wants the job either. We drive each other insane, probably because we’re as opposite as two people can be.

He’s suspicious, never talks about his past and has the comfort skills of a cactus. I’m a happily ever after kinda girl who knows exactly what she wants out of life.

Erik’s words might say that the lines have to stay firm between us, but those dark eyes of his? They tell another story when he looks at me.

He’s just as stubborn as I am, but when our fake dating plan starts to feel a lot more real, it's only a matter of time before his professional walls come crashing down.

I just have to hope my heart doesn't get buried in the rubble.

Pre-Order Your Copy Here!

Add to your Goodreads TBR List!

Meet Karla Sorensen

Well, let’s see ... I’m a wife and a mother. If the things that I write bring a smile to someone's face, then I've done my job.

I am obsessed with Outlander (both the books and the show). I’m almost exclusively a romance reader, which means some people will never consider me a literary snob.

If I could meet one historical figure, it would be Jane Austen. I received my Bachelors in Public Relations and worked in health care marketing before I had my babies.

I hate Twitter. I do it, but I hate it. Also, if you want to get on my good side, bring me wine and I'll love you forever.

Connect with Karla Sorensen

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Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Off the Bench by Alley Ciz {a review}

Calling all U of J fans! Today is the day you have been waiting for. Off the Bench by Alley Ciz is NOW AVAILABLE! Run to Amazon and grab this book. It was SO GOOD.

Quinn has had her eyes on CK for quite a while now, but he pays her no attention. It's frustrating. No matter how much she flirts with him, he doesn't seem to be interested. It's even worse now that they both living in the same place with their friends. They see each other constantly. CK is only interested in friendship. Or is he? CK struggles with thoughts of his past that keep popping up in his mind. Once a nerd always a nerd, and the athletes are beyond his level. They could never be friends with him. Athletes always want something from him. Except with this group who has adopted him. They seem genuine. Yet that nagging voice keeps popping up that he isn't worthy of a relationship with them. Especially not with Quinn. He's doing a great job of keeping his distance. That is until he mentions a dating app that he's on. Suddenly Quinn is taking him under her wing, and has agreed to be his dating coach. Can this work out? Can she coach him through his awkward dating skills? Can he manage a relationship with someone? What about Quinn, can she handle seeing CK date someone else? Will she ever confess her feelings?

This was my first UofJ book, but dang if I'm not going back to read Kay and Mason's trilogy! Those two seem intense. Plus I am really enjoying this cast of characters. Then there's the fact that Savvy and Carter both made appearances. Carter's little side story has me curious as to when that book will be written. That is going to be explosive. Back to CK and Quinn though. This book is opposites attract. It's forced proximity. CK is absolutely adorkable! I want to know more about this video game he's creating too! I loved these two. Quinn is a strong, outspoken woman, who isn't afraid to go after what she wants. Obviously CK is a bit of an exception for that, until it's not. Quinn isn't going to let her mother's thoughts hold her back. She's getting her education, and not the MRS degree her mother thinks she should get. Throughout this book I loved seeing CK bloom. He was finding himself, and some of that was with Quinn's pushing of his boundaries. When the big dramatic moment happened, my heart sank a bit. These two had just found their way to each other, and now it was up in flames. But it was because of this that CK really stepped up. He trusted his friends, and followed his heart. Loved it. Absolutely loved it.

From the characters, to the setting, to the storyline, this book had my complete attention. I didn't want to set it down, but being sick doesn't always allow me to push through. Thankfully that virus is just about gone, so that helps.

If you are a fan of college romances that feature the opposites attract, friends to lovers, and/or forced proximity tropes, then please go grab this one. This could also be considered a sports romance too as Quinn is a very skilled cheerleader.

I want more of this setting, and the characters! Alley Ciz has created a very strong group of friends, and oh how I wish I could meet them all.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on Off the Bench. I hope you'll consider giving this new release a read. If you have KU it is included with your subscription!

Laura

@UofJ411: What’s happening here?

#TheyDoSayOppositesAttract #WhereAreAllThePost-its

On a scale of one to ten, Quinn Thompson is a fifteen.

Gorgeous. Fiery. A cheerleader so far out of my league it’s embarrassing that I even fantasize about her.

I need to find a way to shut down the dirty thoughts she inspires before it’s too late.

If I don’t, this whole new life of mine is at risk.

Easier said than done when temptation lives right down the hall.

For such a smart guy, CK can be surprisingly clueless.

Sweet. Shy. The star of all my naughty nerd fantasies, but utterly blind to my flirtations.

Giving in to his plea to be his love coach may seem drastic, but I’m desperate for the chance to come off the bench.

Too bad the friend zone was a hell of a lot safer for my heart.

READ NOW ON AMAZON!

Add Quinn & CK's story to your Goodreads TBR!

Meet Alley

Alley Ciz is an internationally bestselling indie author of sassy heroines and the alpha men that fall on their knees for them. She is a romance junkie whose love for books turned into her telling the stories of the crazies who live in her head…even if they don’t know how to stay in their lane.

This Potterhead can typically be found in the wild wearing a funny T-shirt, connected to an IV drip of coffee, stuffing her face with pizza and tacos, chasing behind her 3 minis, all while her 95lb yellow lab—the best behaved child—watches on in amusement.

Where to find Alley

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Thank you to Alley Ciz, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with a review copy of Off the Bench.