Ah, this book was the cutest!!! I loved learning about traditional Indian wedding customs, food, clothing, decorations, etc. I also found both families charming, and Zuri and Naveen were adorable. This is a fun, entertaining and sweet romance.

Cute rom com about flight attendants. I love that Ava discovers how to be true to herself and finds love in the process. I like how Jack is quirky for a leading man, and I found Gen, Paul and the other supporting cast to be equally enjoyable. Sure, there are a few stereotypes in this debut novel, but the pacing is good, the romance is sweet, and the setting (Belize) is gorgeous.

Get me to a Ren Fair stat! No one has made a stronger PSA for the sexiness of renaissance faires and their patrons than Jen DeLuca. I have loved every book in this series, but I think We‘ll Traveled is my favorite. Lulu and Dex are so great together; they‘re both confident, have realistic expectations and most importantly, respect each other. They‘re also just a whole hell of a lot of fun to read.

This was such a fun and sweet read. I loved the concept of the second chance reality dating show. The descriptions of the dresses and settings were so fun, including the girls interactions with both Jordy and the crew. It was awesome to see how the women supported each other and grew their friendships, but I especially loved Skye and Maya. This was a fun, fast story that I highly recommend.

Favorite quote so far: “This was a hero‘s quest and something would have to be lost.”

This book wraps around you like a warm hug and fills you with warmth like the cups of hot cocoa everyone frequently drinks. I absolutely adored Elinor, “Nory” as the soft-hearted, genuine lead character that she was. Her group of friends and family are not perfect, but they are relatable and loving. Isaac is a wonderful lead man, too. This is a perfect cozy winter read, and a must for book loving romantics.

Thank you so much, Jenna, for this fun Slice of Summer package. My apologies that I I didn‘t post on July 1… being my birthday, it completely slipped my mind. Then I was caught up in holiday weekend festivities. At any rate, I love everything!! #sliceofsummerswap

I had the day off, so I spent it reading this book. I loved Elliott and Macy, both as young teens and as adults. The various relationships shown in this book - friends, family and co-workers - were realistic. It was also realistic that in relationships, someone is always the casualty… the one not chosen, the one left behind, etc. Love takes bravery and a healthy dose of trust. Beautiful story!!

It‘s official… Nora and Charlie are my favorite rom com couple. I love the witty, sexy banter between them, how they complement each other and how they accept each other as is. I also really liked seeing the relationship between Nora and Libby. This was such an adorable, heart felt story. My only complaint? I wish it was longer so I could keep reading!

This is for anyone who thinks about “the one who got away” or what would‘ve happened if you chose to spend your life with someone else. It explores deep topics, but doesn‘t take itself too seriously. The wedding antics and supporting cast provide comic relief. My favorite scene was on a plane… so funny!

This book reminds us to treasure those who love us, live in the present and be honest in our relationships - advice worth its weight in gold.

I‘ve had this one on my shelf for a while and finally got around to reading it. It was a cute, fun story with time travel. I liked how the author ensured Ellie had skills with a bow and arrow vs. her somehow magically obtaining them. Will, John, James, Henry, Isabel and Much were all such fun characters. Nothing deep here, but definitely an entertaining read about Robin Hood and his merry men.

Your box was mailed yesterday, @lirahlu - I suggest storing it in a cool place until opening so a few things inside don‘t melt. #sliceofsummerswap

@Catsandbooks Thank you for organizing this fun exchange!

I liked Hannah and Fox‘s story more than I liked Piper and Brandon‘s. It seemed less fluffy and more like something that could really happen. I still have to give big eye rolls to the de descriptions… how is every guy so magnificently well endowed?! Still, overall an enjoyable read.

This is the third Rebecca Ross book I‘ve read, although it was actually her debut novel. Her world building is magnificent, and I love the friendships and sisterly bonds she portrays between female characters. The story was fast paced and kept me completely engaged, which is why I read it in only two sittings. I‘m looking forward to the sequel!

Dreams Lie Beneath read like a fantastical dream, from a duchy under a curse, which will belong to the one who breaks it, to dream wardens who are magicians that document your nightmares, then battle one each new moon. I loved Clementine‘s strength and perseverance, as well as her ability to make up her own mind and not be swayed by others. I don‘t want to give anything away, but definitely read this one if you like fantasy.

Hotel Magnifique was a fun, fast read. I enjoyed the fantastical descriptions of the guest rooms, lobby and entertainment. The glamour that masks the rot beneath is well done, and the story unfolds in an intriguing way. The relationship between Bel and Jani was full of banter and attraction, and the sisterly love between Jani and Zola was sweet. I can see why it‘s been compared to Caraval… it does have a similar vibe.

Just looking at this collage makes me happy! Summer for me is sunny days and fun filled nights - outdoor concerts, fireworks, s‘more making and festivals. Since I‘m a summer baby (July 1), I pretty much treat it like a seasonal celebration! 🥰🎂

Thanks for the fun prompt @Catsandbooks and the #sliceofsummerswap

Just started this one and loving it so far! I have a thing for magical houses and hotels. 🥰 Plus, the OwlCrate edition glows in the dark… how cool is that?!

There are so many places I would like to go on picnic, but the one that goes back to my childhood is Wonderland.

🫖 Wonderland
🎩 Alice, Mad Hatter, March Hare, Doormouse, and my husband and kids
🎂 The best tea fixings: tiny sandwiches, cakes, cookies, fruit tarts and tea in various flavors

@MoonWitch94 @lirahlu @Catsandbooks #thoughtfulthursday

This was a cute rom com with flawed, realistic characters. I liked the body positivity message and showing that love comes in all sizes! Alex and Lauren truly brought out the best in each other. I don‘t need the sex scenes, but they didn‘t overshadow the story, so I didn‘t mind them. Recommend if you like romance books.

I am so in love with this Illumicrate version with the stained edges. I love special editions of books, although sometimes I buy them and then find I don‘t care for the story. Hoping it‘s not true in this case, although I just started it and I‘m only a chapter in so far.

I‘m torn on this book. There were parts I really liked— the first chapter had me laughing out loud.

What annoyed me:
1) Political stereotype of conservatives as prejudiced, environment hating, awful humans.
2) Lee‘s friends and family taking her drug and alcohol abuse in stride.
3) Casual acceptance of infidelity.

I enjoyed Lee‘s growth in the story and liked her in the end, but 70% of the book I found her selfish, immature and judgmental.

When the first chapter has the main character doing the best walk of shame I‘ve ever read… running through a Disney park dressed as Belle to get back to her hotel room while families chase her 😂😂😂

I can tell already that this is going to be an entertaining read!

Meh. I love Matt Haig‘s children‘s books, especially about Santa Claus, but this one was too slow for me. The premise was interesting, and I didn‘t mind the flipping from present to past, since I imagine someone who has lived hundreds of years would reminisce a lot, but the overall story was rather anticlimactic, in my opinion.

This was a very satisfying read for me. I liked that Greta was unapologetic about choosing her passion, guitar and music, over a conventional lifestyle. I felt bad for her and her dad because they were both hurting so much, but the was the story unfolded was lovely. I enjoyed Jennifer‘s ya novels, and her debut in adult fiction did not disappoint.

Gallant is a haunting, atmospheric tale. It was the perfect balance of spook and intrigue. I really enjoyed it, and it‘s a clean read for all ages too. Olivia is brave and smart. I enjoyed seeing nonverbal represented too, and the frustration of others misjudging or silencing you. Overall, an excellent book! This black and white version with black stained edges is an OwlCrate exclusive.

I really liked Shay and Dominic. Their relationship felt realistic, and I laughed out loud at some of the witty dialogue between them. The supporting characters were also well developed, and the author did a great job representing the ongoing grief of losing a loved one. Not your typical rom-com, this was an entertaining and engaging story.

This was such a great book! I loved the WI Dells setting and WI references, the cute romance between Sabrina and Ray, the supporting and loving family, the paranormal aspect and the mental health rep of anxiety. I‘ve read other books by Amy Reichert and enjoyed them, but this was my favorite by far. Makes me want to run out to a supper club!

“Come out sometime and I‘ll make you the best brandy old-fashioned you‘ve ever had.”
.
.
.
“I‘m not interested in an old-fashioned. My last old-fashioned left me for a craft mocktail.”

Who else loves books set in their home state? Wisconsin definitely has treasures only found here, or at least, that are better here than other parts of the county. 🍺 🧀 🍦

In the alternative world Jessica created, people worship a god known as The Artist, and some individuals, called prodigies, can alter reality through painting. I appreciated the close relationship Myra has with her younger sister Lucy. It‘s a direct contrast to the dysfunction of the Harris household. This was a complete page turner for me, and I also enjoyed the sweet romance elements.

This is a book everyone should read. Mandy shared her story of acquiring a disability and finding a way to pursue and achieve her dreams in a warm and relatable way. Her life lessons are provided as a summary at the end of each chapter, and everyone can benefit from them.

Margaret Rogerson is a master storyteller, and Vespertine is no exception. This fantasy world where the dead come back as mostly malicious spirits, and the nuns bless the dead to keep them from rising is new and fresh while also having similar roots to Catholicism with saints and relics. Artemisia is a realistic, strong character, as is the revenant. I enjoyed the banter between them, as well as the supporting cast!

This was an interesting read with sentient houses in an alternative England. The concept was really interesting, especially since I‘d just read Cinders & Sparrows, a mid-grade about a magical house. Vi is a strong lead who cares deeply for those she loves, and I like WYN as her childhood best friend, too. A few parts felt slow, but overall, enjoyed this story.

This book was well written and fast, but there were parts I didn‘t like: 1) the characters swear and say Jesus or Christ about every other sentence, to the point of distraction for me, 2) the sex wasn‘t loving, but raw and often not consensual (although it‘s not graphic or detailed), and 3) the main character is very judging of others eating habits and lives, although she herself makes strange choices. That said, I was entertained throughout.

This was a magic-filled story with just the right balance of spookiness and intrigue. The magical house is fun to explore, with moving staircases, indoor sentient trees, talking busts and mischievous house pests. Zita was a brave heroine readers will love, and Bram and Minnifer were great, too. While technically a middle grade book, I believe it can be enjoyed by all ages.

Finished this lovely book this weekend. It‘s a great story about an aspiring romance writer who edits for a strictly non-fiction small publishing house. The romance is light, but believable. My favorite part is the hidden room with all the bookshelves. I would love something like that!

This is a cute story that pokes tongue in cheek at romance tropes, especially the fake dating trope. Interestingly, there were many tropes in this book. The story was cute; Olive and Adam were likable, as were their friends. I‘m not a fan of the experience guy and innocent girl trope but thankfully that was a brief scene in this book. Overall, I recommend as a fun romantic comedy. I read it in one day.

This was such a magical book about finding family, unconditional love and pursuing what makes you happy. TJ Klune‘s whimsical writing style adds to the magic. Arthur, Linus, Zoe and the children were so endearing… I want to go to the house on the island and stay, just like I want to visit the tea shop in “Under the Whispering Door.”

Tricia Levenseller is a queen of witty banter. Many of the snappy comebacks between characters make me laugh out loud. That said, this was not my favorite of her books. It was good, but something felt a little off to me, and it ends very abruptly. Looks like the sequel comes out later this year.

Besides the banter, I enjoyed the sisters‘ relationship, and it was good to see anxiety portrayed too.

Weather Girl was my pick for my January Authentic Books box, and it did not disappoint. The story covered heavier topics in a realistic way, but also found lovely moments that showed how the characters genuinely cared for and supported each other. I love that Russ was not a chiseled super man; he was a real man with a real body. Ari was also very likable. And, look how sunny and cute the others items are in this box!

This is a hauntingly beautiful gender-swap retelling of The Phantom of the Opera. It‘s the best one I have read to date. The world Jessica Olson creates is a cruel as it is lovely. Isda is a strong main character, and her relationship with Emeric is a gem. Unlike its title, this story will linger in my memory long after I turned the last page.

I‘ve now read all 3 of Abby‘s books in this series, and she‘s become a must-buy author. She features strong, realistic women with real world problems. The men are well rounded too. Sure, maybe everyone is described as gorgeous or hot, but then again, isn‘t attractiveness what often draws us in first? The canine companions are a bonus - I love stuntman mike! This photo is a nod to the hoodie status in relationships - if you read it, you know. 😂

This book… I didn‘t want it to end, and when it did, I was happy to learn the sequel comes out next year. The descriptions are lush, the Rumpelstiltskin storyline is cleverly played out, and the doomed romance is as engaging as the characters. Marissa can weave an excellent tale!

On a related note: I hope FairyLoot offers an exclusive edition of Cursed, too.

What would need to be in a suitcase you found to tell you it belongs to your soulmate?

I saw a lot of myself in Laura as a fellow romantic who loves the idea of love. From the start, there are so many laugh out loud moments. I loved Laura, Ted, Jesper, and the whole cast of characters. Highly recommend this book, and enjoyed “This Time Next Year” too. Sophie Cousens is now on my must-read authors list.

Do you ever wonder how many times you crossed paths with the important people in your life before you actually met them? This book shows how it might happen with a timeline that jumps between the past and present. The characters felt real to me. This was a perfect year-end read with it‘s new year theme! It speaks to crosses paths, destiny, luck, good friendships and mental illness. There‘s a lot in this book, but it never felt heavy.

This was a cute romance… Over the top in a few places, but not enough to ruin the fun of it. It was a fast, enjoyable read!

This was an adorable and sweet read! I didn‘t realize it was a young adult book until I started reading, but the story is enjoyable for all ages. I loved both Holly and Elle, as well as Elle‘s brother, Nick, and Holly‘s friends, Ruby and Fred. Learning about British holiday foods and traditions was fun too. I received the book in my Authentic Books holiday edition box, along with these other lovely goodies!

I enjoyed how atmospheric this book was, the slow burning romance between Leta and Rowen, and the mythology/religion of the Lady and Lord Under. I thought the story wrapped up quite well, so I‘m not sure since it says #1 what book two will bring or how many there will be in total. Could be read as a stand-alone.

Starting this one for Halloween week. While I was waiting for it to get here, I actually read a cute Christmas romance, Happily this Christmas by Susan Mallory. I love fun holiday reads!

This was such a warm and sweet story! I got the book in the 1-year anniversary box from Authentic Books. I loved how Wallace developed throughout the story, and the whole premise of the ferryman and the tea shop “weigh station” in between life and the afterlife. Hard to say who was my favorite character… they were all so intriguing.