Eddie and I have had an eventful week so far. It started with him violently getting sick anytime he tried to eat or drink, rapidly becoming lethargic, and then having emergency surgery yesterday. The culprit? The end of a foam handle on a cheap cat wand toy. He loves to chew on the foam… I always take them away, but he swallowed a chunk at some point, and it acted like a plug in his system.

He‘s on the mend now! (My bank account is not.)

This was a cute friends to lovers romance. I liked both Willow and Dev. I enjoyed the positive disability rep, and there were some really funny scenes and lines.

I also have the Afterlight signed edition and it‘s so cute! The edges are a race track with F1 cars.

“Love means we‘re always going to know how to hurt each other. We choose not to. Or to repair our hurts.”

This was such a cute book. Makes me wish this was a real island and real contest. Lovely writing with even lovelier characters. I highly recommend!

I wasn‘t sure what to expect from Starter Villain, which was my first book by John Scalzi. It was a quick, entertaining read. Loved the cats and dolphins. Makes me wish I had an uncle like Jake… well, maybe. All in all, I think Charlie rolled through the various twists and turns quite well.

Eddie was kind enough to wake from his nap to pose with the book. Then, he promptly curled up and went back to sleep.

I really love Abby Jimenez books. Her writing resonates with me. The characters feel so authentic, even supporting characters. They‘re not all 100% lovable, but they feel like real people you could meet. I also love that her stories have depth and realistic struggles. She is absolutely an auto-buy author for me.

I tried… can‘t do it. I‘m a huge Disney fan, but I‘m halfway through and not connecting with either main character. Plus, there are so! Many! Exclamation! Points! I get that the girls are excited, but it‘s a bit too much. Too bad, because it‘s a beautiful cover…

How did I not realize this book is part of a series by multiple authors to reimagine Disney princess plots? Of course, this is the Rapunzel tale, and it‘s definitely an interesting twist with her growing up on a homestead away from technology. Ren and Fitz shine as lovable characters, but you definitely need to suspend belief for some parts - still, I enjoyed it.

How do you recover from the book hangover of The Soulmate Equation? You pick up True Love Experiment starring best friend, Fizzy! I loved this book as much, if not more than, Soulmate Equation. We get to see more of River and Jess, but also watch Fizzy participate in a reality dating show with romance hero tropes. I want this show IRL. This was such a fun read and strong sequel. Have them both on hand when you start!

Sometimes a girl just needs to lose herself in romance stories, and I can count on Christina Lauren to deliver! They write such swoon-worthy characters and well developed supporting characters too. The premise of this story is a great one: what if a dating app helping couples find their genetically compatible match? All kinds of interesting things ensue. The MC‘s daughter Juno is adorable too. I loved this!

This was a really cute fantasy romance with some spicy scenes. I loved the setting (I‘ve always been a fan of Scotland and the Loch Ness monster.) The backstory added depth and believability as well. I‘d be curious to see what fans of Ali Hazelwood‘s Bride think, because I think the monster sex scenes in this book are much better (IYKYK).

Fun middle school who-dun-nit read with an elf, an ogre, a wizard, and two young girls who are confident and hilarious. You will love the Lilac and her bard, Netta.

This was a strong conclusion to the Emily Wilde trilogy, although I‘m a bit sad to be done with this lovely world and the adorable Wendell. As a dog and cat owner, I also appreciated the personalities of Shadow and Orga.

My own “Shadow” Clyde is posing with the book. 😆

This is not your typical romance book, and I‘m not sure how I feel about the ending. That said, it‘s a well written story with an interesting premise. I also like how the chapters go back in time to Daphne‘s previous relationships, adding color to the present day storyline.

I loved this story… Marcellus is the best! There are so many great characters… Tova, Terry, Ethan, the Knit-Wits, and Aunt Jeanne. I read that Sally Field might play Tova in the movie version. I hope they do make a movie of this book!

For my #LitsyLove friends following Eddie‘s saga. He finally got fixed yesterday. I guess the third time really is the charm! We also learned that he‘s got early signs of tooth decay, so once he‘s healed we‘ll work on tolerating tooth brushing.

He‘s 10.5 months old and 14.6 lbs.

I love the body positivity and the relatability of Solomon‘s characters. This was a quick, fun read with realistic mental health representation.

Thank you so much @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks and @TieDyeDude for the #LitsyLove package. These are all books I didn‘t already own, and I‘m excited to read! I love being part of this book loving community! 🥰

I know there are plenty of women on Instagram who got divorced and took up running or weight lifting or started their own aromatherapy candle businesses. They look and feel better than ever, phoenixes risen from the ashes, embracing their “new chapter.” I am a dazed pigeon, looking for crumbs. But I am fine with that; being a phoenix looks exhausting.

Sophie Cousens is a gem of a writer! 🥰

My friend gifted me this book for Christmas. It was an interesting read. I loved the ancestral lore, Ellie‘s ability to commune with spirits, and her ghost dog, Kirby.

Interesting premise and I liked reading how ancient Romans lived, the public baths, the smell (omg, the smell - you could practically experience it coming off the pages with the descriptions), disease and war. Too bad the main character was so unlikeable. She had her own morals, like no drinking, no spanking children, etc., but then would give into them, almost like, “Oh well, when in Rome…” Ending felt flat and predictable too.

Happy Birthday @wanderinglynn Hope you have an amazing year ahead! #49bdaygiveaway

Although I read The Shadows Between Us years ago, I recall really enjoying it. I was able to pick back up in the world quickly without re-reading it. The wit and banter is strong in this story, and I love the theme of female empowerment. It doesn‘t hurt that the Fairyloot version is absolutely gorgeous too!

What a wonderful assortment of beautiful cards and thoughtful messages. Thank you to everyone who sent me a card during the #naturalitsywintercardswap and thank you to @TheBookHippie for organizing! It was such a joy to open each and every one! Happy New Year!!

Thank you so much, @Gissy for the festive holiday gifts. I can‘t wait to read the books, wearing my new comfy slipper socks and sipping hot cocoa of course! The notebooks will be great for work, and the mug is so cute! My son loves corgis! :-) I hope you have a very happy new year!! #nlhs #naughtylistholidayswap

Here‘s a before photo of my #NLHS with Eddie posing so nicely with the packages. He was very curious! #NaughtyListHolidaySwap

Is he not just the cutest? It‘s hard to get stuff done when I just want to cuddle with this ball of fluff. Eddie wishes you all the happiest of holidays!!

I‘m struggling to get through this book for my book club. It started so slow, and I don‘t like either main character. It‘s too bad, because the premise is so cute. To add to my disappointment, clearly this was rushed through edits… I have never seen a production note left in a book before! (Page 281 for those who want to check your copy.)

My #NaughtyListHolidaySwap package arrived today, and it‘s a hefty one! Looking forward to opening day!! #NLHS @WildAlaskaBibliophile

@staci.reads you absolutely captured my favorite things! I love it all! Such festive and delicious gifts that will keep my spirits high throughout the holiday season. Thank you so much! I hope you have the happiest of holidays and a wonderful new year! #sss #stuffedstockingswap

What beautifully wrapped packages! My apologies to @staci.reads that I didn‘t post when the box arrived. I tucked it in the corner away from my pets, excitedly awaiting opening day. I adore this wrapping paper… so festive and cute! #sss #stuffedstockingswap

Really, really late on my #naughtylistholidayswap aesthetic, but this is me. Mostly cold and paranormal… 😂 #nlhs @WildAlaskaBibliophile

I LOVE Christmas romances by Catherine Walsh. They are warm, funny, and the perfect blend of cozy, sweet and a little sexy. Megan and Christian have amazing chemistry, and the supporting characters could all have their own stories. I highly recommend to any and all romantics out there… read it!

Sent my #NaughtyListHolidaySwap out yesterday. I had fun picking items from the darker side of the holidays… hope my recipient enjoys it all! #NLHS

Package shipped today! Eddie oversaw the packaging 😂

#StuffedStockingSwap #SSS @Avanders

I enjoyed this… stayed up late reading it, which is one of my main tells that I‘m invested in a story. It does embrace tropes and well known story arcs, but still managed to surprise me at times. I‘ll be continuing with this series, and I‘m predicting it will get darker before the end. We haven‘t visited the Nightshade realm yet, after all.

This is a very cute story about finding family and finding yourself. I agree with other reviewers about how it wraps up quickly, and there are a few unclosed mysteries, like why did her great aunt leave Iris the house in the first place? But overall, I enjoyed this cozy romance.

This story has the ugly subject matter of war, but the writing is beautiful. I felt for Laura and Freddie with their stories alternating between chapters. The middle was a little slow for my taste, but the ending was satisfying. And, this OwlCrate edition is GORGEOUS!

The concept is unique, but the story got bogged down with too many details. Cyborg goblins are cool, but when each one is described extensively, the timing really grinds to a screeching halt.

I‘ll read book 2, because I am vested in seeing how Nix and Lark come through the full journey. I only hope it has faster pacing.

Bonus to the author for realistic portrayal of anxiety, PTSD and mental health.

This is the last installment of the aunties series. It was cute, full of the antics we‘ve come to love. I think book two was my favorite of the three, but they‘re all fun, easy reads.

This was a Dollar Tree book score. I have found some really great books there that I never would‘ve discovered on my own. This was a sweet slow build love story, but I think the real gem was Jo‘s relationship with her nieces and all of them dealing with the raw grief of losing her nephew and their brother respectively.

I liked this book, but I didn‘t love it. For one, as a 50 year old myself, I was a little offended at Hester being described as old and acting like an 80 year old instead of a 50 year old. Putting that aside, I did like Hester‘s friends, and I felt that Cordelia was strong for a 14 year old extremely sheltered girl.

…Doom appeared on Hester‘s doorstep, in the shape of a woman…

Moving on to my latest OwlCrate book. The redesigned dust jacket is lovely, and I really like the foiling on the hardcover. I hear good things about this book!

The author describes this book as a warm hug, and I would agree. It‘s sweet like jam and low stakes. There is more cuteness than conflict, but I wanted to slide through the pages and visit this charming island and all of its lovely inhabitants. A great book if you want something cozy and light.

I love the original cover, but the OwlCrate edition has great features too!

My letters are going out today! I had so much fun making all these cards. I hope you enjoy them!! #litsolacefallcardswap

This story was short and sweet. A very easy, enjoyable read. If you like Hallmark movies, this reads like a Hallmark movie on the page.

I loved this series! It was charming and romantic. The visual descriptions were so good - I truly felt like I was in Wisteria. I‘m not sure which couple was my favorite - I think they both are because they‘re so well matched! I‘m a little sad to see this world end, but I did love the ending. See what I did there? 😉

I love the dynamic between the villain and his assistant. The cast of supporting characters are fun, too. It‘s silly, but highly entertaining.

I‘m looking forward to the next book, which will hopefully tie up some of the loose ends from this one.

Thank you @jessinikkip for the amazing #LitsyLoveSummerSwap package. I‘ve wanted to read the first two books in the Glimmer Falls series for a while, and the other books sound great too. I think Eddie is trying to steal my cups! 🤣 I love the journal and pens too.

Thank you @Bookgoil and @Deblovestoread for organizing such a fun swap event! #LLSS

Favorite line is on page 3: I ignored him the way you do when you‘re trying to stay married. 🤣

This is a lovely book. I really enjoyed all the characters and Nora‘s family dynamic. She‘s a great mom.