The Sunday Post #161


The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer.
It's a chance to share news - a post to recap the past week on your blog, 
showcase books and things we have received, and share news about what is
coming up on your blog in the week ahead. You can find the info here:
Sunday Post Meme

  • We're officially halfway through 2019... how did that happen??
  • While doing some shopping yesterday my car decided to not make the return trip home. Looks like it needs a new alternator. #AdultingIsFun (not really)
  • We've found a painter and he's going to be here Tuesday. Which means I have to settle on a color for the master bedroom now. Ack! This is a big decision! Someone come help me decide! #MoreAdultingFun
  • I'm looking forward to a short work week! Thursday is the 4th of July and I'm taking Friday off... so, hello four day weekend! I have no plans for the 4th (I can't handle the crowds and the noise) so staying in and reading sounds like a much better plan. For my friends in the U.S., what are your plans? A barbeque? The beach? Fireworks? 
  • So, I never listen to country music but my 11 year old niece made me listen to this song and watch the video. And I really like it! So Brooke, if you're seeing this, thanks for sharing the song with me... and I know Thomas Rhett is your husband but I still say Jason Momoa is cuter!


WHAT I READ IN THE LAST WEEK:

  
Birthday - Meredith Russo
I'm glad I read it but this was such a tough read. Truly heartbreaking and, to be honest, it made me sad. Morgan's pain was overwhelming at times and more than my fragile heart could take.

WHAT I'M CURRENTLY READING: 
    

Fumbled - Alexa Martin
I'm about 175 pages into this one (roughly 50%) and totally loving it! Poppy is such a strong character - an awesome mom willing to work hard to support her son. I'm loving watching she and T.K. come back together after learning that neither of them had all the facts about what happened in the past.


PHYSICAL BOOKS:

Call It What You Want - Brigid Kemmerer
I had pre-ordered this one since there was an offer for bonus content from Letters to the Lost and More Than We Can Tell. I was all for that!

eARC FOR REVIEW:

The Reckless Oath We Made - Bryn Greenwood
I've scaled way back on arcs but I couldn't pass this one up. Greenwood wrote one of my favorite books (All the Ugly and Wonderful Things) and I'm super excited for this one. I was shocked that I got approved for the arc but I downloaded it fast and ran before they realized they made a mistake. :)






How was your week? Any new books? Any news to share? 
I'd love to hear about it!
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The Mid-Year Book Freakout Tag | 2019

This is my third year doing this tag and it's a fun one. I like pausing mid-year to take a look back at what I've read in the last six months. Which books have been real stand-outs, which authors have knocked my socks off, and what books I'm looking forward to in the coming months. So let me pull up my GoodReads shelves for reference and we'll get started.

1. BEST BOOK YOU'VE READ SO FAR IN 2019


Always starts with the toughest question! I mean, does anyone choose just one book? (If so, I tip my hat to you. Well played.) I'm not even going to try and choose one. Because all five of these were total stand-outs and 5 star reads. Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner, The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis Graves, Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan, How To Save a Life by Emma Scott, and Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

2. BEST SEQUEL YOU'VE READ SO FAR IN 2019

     

 That's a toss-up between two. (Yes, I'm going with more than one book again. Let's just assume that's a given for the entire tag, m'kay?) Wild Country by Anne Bishop was a fantastic revisit to my favorite urban fantasy world and The Wicked King by Holly Black was a thrilling follow-up to The Cruel Prince. And that ending!

3. A NEW RELEASE YOU HAVEN'T READ YET BUT WANT TO

   

This question might as well be called Reader Hall of Shame. Because let's be real - those new releases keep cranking out every single Tuesday and maybe some of you speedy readers can keep up but I can't! I won a paperback copy of What the Wind Knows in a giveaway and I kept putting it off so I could read the physical copy. But that's been a couple months now and I should face the fact that it's not going to come. *sobs* I have it on my Kindle so I'll read it that way. Tucker's YA contemporary Be the Girl and another collab from Bowen & Kennedy, Top Secret, are two more that I desperately want to read soon.

4. MOST ANTICIPATED RELEASE FOR THE SECOND HALF OF 2019

     

 Easy-peasy. Colleen Hoover's Regretting You (December 10) and The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black (November 19).

5. BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT


Albertalli's Leah on the Offbeat wasn't a bad book by any means. But it wasn't at all what I'd waited and hoped for and ultimately was disappointing.

6. BIGGEST SURPRISE


 I downloaded the audio version of Intercepted by Alexa Martin as something and pass the time on my commute. I expected a fun romance and nothing more. Instead I found myself sucked right into the story and was 100% invested in Marlee and Gavin. Absolutely LOVED IT.

7. FAVORITE DEBUT OR NEW-TO-ME AUTHOR

   

When Amber (@ du Livre) told me I had to listen to Long Shot I just shrugged and downloaded it from Hoopla. And was promptly blown away. I immediately downloaded the next book. And then the next. Kennedy Ryan is by far my favorite new-to-me author this year. 

8. NEWEST FICTIONAL CRUSH


Sweetest/Swooniest Boyfriend Award (aka newest fictional crush) goes to Archer Hale. ♥

9. NEWEST FAVORITE CHARACTER


Alex Claremont-Diaz. Brilliant, snarky, funny, clever, idealistic, impulsive, romantic. McQuiston created a one of a kind character when she wrote Alex.

10. A BOOK THAT MADE YOU CRY


How much time do you have? I cry in half the books I read. ;) But these four come to mind. Ben de Backer in I Wish You All the Best was precious and his situation touched my heart. Morgan in Birthday absolutely broke me. I shed some serious tears throughout that book. Sugar & Gold had two characters who suffered through no fault of their own. And while Built was not a sad book, there was one scene that moved me to tears.

11. A BOOK THAT MADE YOU HAPPY


I think I read this entire book with a big, goofy smile on my face. Josh & Hazel's Guide to Not Dating is feel-good romance at its finest. 

12. FAVORITE BOOK-TO-MOVIE ADAPTATION


Ummm... *crickets.* I haven't even been to the theater this year, much less seen a book to movie adaptation. So I'm going to stick with my same answer as last year, Love, Simon, because I've rewatched it several times this year. :) 

13. FAVORITE POST YOU'VE DONE THIS YEAR

Gah! This is always such a tough question. But after browsing six months of posts *yawn* there are a couple that I really enjoyed writing and was happy with the outcome. In March I interviewed author Lora Richardson in conjunction with her release of Vanishing Summer. That was a lot of fun and I loved chatting with Lora. In April I wrote a Top Ten Tuesday post where I talked about things that make me pick up a book. I had such a good time thinking about what tropes and settings and keywords were my kryptonite. And lastly, I was really pleased with my review of The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis Graves. I was able to find the words I wanted to share my love for that story. Always a good feeling.

14. MOST BEAUTIFUL BOOK YOU'VE BOUGHT THIS YEAR


Probably Girl In Luv by Rebecca Yarros and Jay Crownover. It's just dreamy. 

15. BOOKS YOU WANT TO READ BY THE END OF THE YEAR

      
      

Can I just say All The Books and leave it at that? No? Okay then, here's a teeny tiny sampling of the ones I really, reallllly want to read sooner rather that later.

What's the best book you've read so far in 2019?
What was your biggest surprise or disappointment?
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WWW Wednesday #53 | June 26, 2019


WWW Wednesdays is a meme hosted by Taking on a World of Words.
Just answer three questions and share what you're reading.


WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?
  
     
   
Fumbled (Playbook #2) - Alexa Martin
I started listening to Fumbled on audio yesterday afternoon but I wasn't loving the narration. (If you're an audio fan, the narration for Martin's previous book, Intercepted, is perfection.) As soon as I get a chance to get some reading in today (lunch hour, maybe?) I'll be switching to the paperback version. Can't wait to learn about Poppy and T.K.'s history!

WHAT DID YOU RECENTLY FINISH READING?
I finished this one early this morning and I've gotta tell you... it was a tough read. While the ending was happy/hopeful, it was a long time coming. I don't mean lengthwise, because at about 275 pages it's a fairly short book, but the content is heart-wrenching. To be honest, this book made me sad. Eric and Morgan's stories made a real impact on me but I also felt weighted down while reading. I shed plenty of tears and the pain Morgan felt was overwhelming at times. Not sure if I'll review this one because, while I am glad I read it, I'm not sure I want to dwell on it.

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'LL READ NEXT?
  
       

I really need to read Raze since it releases next week but I just haven't been in the mood for it. #readerproblems  I'm in the mood for something easy and fun with absolutely zero angst. Maybe a fluffy romance or possibly rereading an old favorite - something like the Rosemary Beach series by Abbi Glines, which is some of my all-time favorite brain candy. :)

What are you currently reading?
I wanna know! :)

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Top Ten Tuesday: Best Books I Read in Spring 2019

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl.
This week's Top Ten Tuesday topic: 
Best Books I Read in Spring 2019

I'm going rogue for the second week in a row. I just recently did a post on my most anticipated releases of the summer and that basically overlaps with my summer TBR. So instead I'm going to share the top ten books I read in the spring (March-April-May).


Watching You | 4.25 stars
Getting Schooled | 4.25 stars
The Bride Test | 4.5 stars
How to Save a Life | 4.5 stars
Intercepted | 4.25 stars
The Unhoneymooners | 4.25 stars
Long Shot | 5 stars

Were any of these one of your favorites? 

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Review: Superfan by Sarina Bowen

SUPERFAN
Sarina Bowen
Publication date: June 25, 2019
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Format: eARC
Source: Tuxbury Publishing



GOODREADS  *  AMAZON








S Y N O P S I S

Three years ago I met the most amazing girl in the world. We were both down on our luck. Then I got that call—the one that tells you to get your buns on a plane to go meet your destiny.

But the girl was left behind. I didn’t have her phone number, and she didn’t know my real name.

While I became a professional hockey player, she became a superstar, with platinum records and legions of fans. And a slick, music producer boyfriend who treated her badly.

But fate wasn’t done with us yet. When Delilah turns up at a hockey game, I can’t resist making contact. The internet swoons when I ask her out on a date.

She might not remember me. But her jerkface ex does. He’ll do anything to keep us apart.

Good thing athletes never give up. This time I’m playing for keeps.

M Y   T H O U G H T S

Let me start by saying that this is the first of the Brooklyn Bruisers books I’ve read, so I went in totally unfamiliar with the characters and their back stories. I adore Sarina Bowen and am working my way through her entire backlist but just haven’t gotten to this series yet. Even so, I had no problem jumping right into Superfan and was totally invested in Silas and Delilah. So if, like me, you haven’t read the previous books in the series, never fear – pick it up, start reading, and you’ll be sucked right in.

Silas and Delilah met three years ago when she was a struggling musician and he was tending bar while trying to formulate a Plan B when his efforts to play professional hockey didn’t pan out. Timing is everything and it was definitely not on their side. When they reconnected, now both successful in their careers, all the same feelings were still there but their lifestyles were even more hectic and incongruous than before. But no way was Silas willing to lose Delilah a second time!

This was a swoony second-chance romance with all the Sarina Bowen magic. Silas was incredibly down to earth and unassuming. Sweet and thoughtful and protective – definitely one of the good guys. Delilah made jokes about being a diva but in reality she was the same girl as when she was still unknown and struggling. Their chemistry jumped off the page and their easy banter kept a smile on my face. But they still didn’t have an easy road to a future together. Between living on opposite coasts, their crazy schedules, an ex that won’t get the message and let go, and a possible stalker… they had a lot to overcome. And I was pulling for them all the way.

Whether you’ve followed the Brooklyn Bruisers since the very first book, or if you’re brand new to the series, you’ll love being pulled into Superfan. Filled with great friendships, an addictive story and a swoony romance, Superfan is a total hit!

4/5 STARS

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. This does not impact my opinion of the book or the content of this review. I received no compensation and my review is voluntary.



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The Sunday Post #160


The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer.
It's a chance to share news - a post to recap the past week on your blog, 
showcase books and things we have received, and share news about what is
coming up on your blog in the week ahead. You can find the info here:
Sunday Post Meme

  • Yesterday was a busy one with plenty of running around: had a hair appointment, got the oil changed in my car, bought a ceiling fan, went by Home Depot to pick up paint samples (the master bedroom makeover continues), and finally out to dinner. Hopefully today will be spent mostly at home.
  • I bought my mom a new-to-her (but actually refurbished from Amazon) iPhone and added her to our plan. She'd been using an ancient flip phone that did nothing more than make calls. My sisters and I have been trying to get her to text for years and she's resisted. Now texting lessons for my 74 year old mom begin. LOL
  • On the web: Suzanne Collins announced a Hunger Games prequel coming out next May. Can't wait for that one! GH shared a list of the top 25 books for your summer reading list. I loved seeing both The Bride Test and Mrs. Everything on there.
  • Because it's insanely hot here and because this drink looks insanely refreshing...



WHAT I READ IN THE LAST WEEK:

      
  
Red, White & Royal Blue - Casey McQuiston
Superfan - Sarina Bowen
Despite it taking me almost 2 weeks to read (what the heck?), I totally enjoyed Red, White & Royal Blue. It was impossible not to fall a little in love with Alex and Henry and I enjoyed the balance between relationship + politics. Superfan was pure Sarina Bowen goodness. Silas was such a swoony hero - totally sweet, so thoughtful, without ego, and just such a good guy. Plus, I'm a sucker for a second chance romance.

WHAT I'M CURRENTLY READING: 
    

Birthday - Meredith Russo
I'm only 50 pages in to this one but, man, am I feeling bad for these kids! Especially Morgan, who is dealing with so much (gender identity, grief, bullying) and is doing it largely alone. I suspect this one is going to make my cry. *grabs tissues just in case*


PHYSICAL BOOKS:

Storm and Fury - Jennifer L. Armentrout
Kill Devil Hills - Sarah Darlington
My pre-order of Storm and Fury arrived. Even though I ordered just the book (signed and personalized) they sent the special edition Book Beau pouch anyway. I didn't really want or need it so I'll see if my niece wants it. And in the Amazon deal of the week, I snagged a paperback of Kill Devil Hills for $4.15! I read this one years ago and loved it so much and for some reason it never occurred to me that it was released in paperback. I assumed it was ebook only but I have absolutely no idea where I got that assumption from. LOL I saw author Sarah Darlington share a pic of the book on IG this week and immediately clocked over to Amazon. So excited to have this one and now I definitely need to do a reread.

KINDLE BOOKS:
     
As Dust Dances - Samantha Young
Breathless - Maria Luis
Clean Sweep - Kate Willoughby

LIBRARY LOANS:
Fumbled (audiobook) - Alexa Martin





How was your week? Any new books? Any news to share? 
I'd love to hear about it!
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