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A contemporary, arranged marriage romance that takes place in a monarchy. It’s steamy with a generous dose of woman power!
This contemporary romance about an arranged royal marriage was not what I expected. We chose this as our #diversebuddyreads for February and it was definitely outside my typical romance reads comfort zone.
This had some steamy scenes and I definitely enjoyed the female main character, Shanti, and her fierce determination. Growing up all she wanted was to be a queen and make a positive impact on her people. It was interesting to read about how she was groomed for this role.
I struggled a bit at first with the chemistry between Shanti and Sanyu but the more I thought about their situation, the more I realized that I appreciated how Cole let their relationship unfold. They were strangers, who had to get to know each other amidst the inherent sexism of the kingdom which scripted their roles. The stolen moments between them at night, when King Sanyu took her into his confidence, were so telling of how much she came to mean to him.
Although Sanyu was not a favorite male lead character of mine - I did enjoy how he changed over the course of the story because of his growing love for Shanti and her influence over him. Above all, this book highlights the strength of women and their influence even in the face of misogyny.
This book definitely gave us lots to chat about and as always, it was a lively discussion with our buddy readers. A huge thank you to William Morrow for my #gifted copy.
This contemporary romance about an arranged royal marriage was not what I expected. We chose this as our #diversebuddyreads for February and it was definitely outside my typical romance reads comfort zone.
This had some steamy scenes and I definitely enjoyed the female main character, Shanti, and her fierce determination. Growing up all she wanted was to be a queen and make a positive impact on her people. It was interesting to read about how she was groomed for this role.
I struggled a bit at first with the chemistry between Shanti and Sanyu but the more I thought about their situation, the more I realized that I appreciated how Cole let their relationship unfold. They were strangers, who had to get to know each other amidst the inherent sexism of the kingdom which scripted their roles. The stolen moments between them at night, when King Sanyu took her into his confidence, were so telling of how much she came to mean to him.
Although Sanyu was not a favorite male lead character of mine - I did enjoy how he changed over the course of the story because of his growing love for Shanti and her influence over him. Above all, this book highlights the strength of women and their influence even in the face of misogyny.
This book definitely gave us lots to chat about and as always, it was a lively discussion with our buddy readers. A huge thank you to William Morrow for my #gifted copy.
A fun, swoon worthy, sexy romcom full of sassy banter and sexy steam! Plus so many delicious cupcakes!
A chronically ill Chloe Brown witnesses a fatal car accident and vows to get a life. In her quest to live a more exciting life, she enlists the help of her building’s sexy superintendent and they soon discover there’s much more than meets the eye about each other. Plus, there’s some good
A comedy-mystery centered around a stressed out mom who mistakenly gets hired as a contract killer while in disguise at a Panera Bread. In other words - it’s a must read!
A dual POV Regency era romance full of gossip, angst, fun banter and some steamy moments!
I read this after watching the Netflix show which I admit, I probably should have done in reverse, but it didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the book. I felt like watching the show allowed me to picture all the glamorous gowns, etc - that was by far one of my favorite aspects of the show (
I read this after watching the Netflix show which I admit, I probably should have done in reverse, but it didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the book. I felt like watching the show allowed me to picture all the glamorous gowns, etc - that was by far one of my favorite aspects of the show (
A hot country super star going through a very public, messy breakup can’t ignore the instant attraction he feels towards his new assistant stylist while on tour. I don’t know about you but I find it impossible not to be pulled in by a “superstar falls in love with the regular girl” plot!
I flew through the book - instantly taken in by Tatum and Kiki’s romance. I don’t listen to country music, nor do I have a thing for Cowboys but this book might have changed that.
I flew through the book - instantly taken in by Tatum and Kiki’s romance. I don’t listen to country music, nor do I have a thing for Cowboys but this book might have changed that.
Angie Thomas can do no wrong! This prequel for THUG takes us smack into Maverick’s life as he juggles life, love, parenthood and survival in Garden Heights pre Starr.
I loved this prequel. It was so nice to get Maverick’s backstory and see life from his POV as he struggled with teen fatherhood (we don’t see this often enough and I absolutely loved how real it was!), school, trying to make ends meet while keeping on the right side of the law, gang violence, drugs and more.
Maverick is such a strong and compelling character. While reading, you can understand his struggles and feel his love for his children. I love how Thomas doesn’t try to sugar coat or glamorize. She writes honestly - showing the good and bad, the circumstances faced by young black men and the decisions they make trying to get ahead.
Family is a strong theme in all of Thomas’ books and it definitely shines through here. We not only see Maverick’s mom and cousin but also the people in the community that act as his family, shaping the man he is through their tough love and compassion. I loved seeing how the main characters in THUG came about and the circumstances between the relationships of their parents.
If you enjoyed THUG, I highly recommend you do not miss this prequel! You won’t be disappointed.
I loved this prequel. It was so nice to get Maverick’s backstory and see life from his POV as he struggled with teen fatherhood (we don’t see this often enough and I absolutely loved how real it was!), school, trying to make ends meet while keeping on the right side of the law, gang violence, drugs and more.
Maverick is such a strong and compelling character. While reading, you can understand his struggles and feel his love for his children. I love how Thomas doesn’t try to sugar coat or glamorize. She writes honestly - showing the good and bad, the circumstances faced by young black men and the decisions they make trying to get ahead.
Family is a strong theme in all of Thomas’ books and it definitely shines through here. We not only see Maverick’s mom and cousin but also the people in the community that act as his family, shaping the man he is through their tough love and compassion. I loved seeing how the main characters in THUG came about and the circumstances between the relationships of their parents.
If you enjoyed THUG, I highly recommend you do not miss this prequel! You won’t be disappointed.
A near death mountain climb, a lovesick marmot, a sexy mountaineer and a determined actress turned producer made this a fun rom com with adventure!
All’s fair in love and marmot war! I love how Sarah Morganthaler incorporates animals into her stories - dogs, moose, hedgehogs and now a marmot! I now look forward to some animal antics in each book. It’s safe to say the marmot stole the show a bit here.
All’s fair in love and marmot war! I love how Sarah Morganthaler incorporates animals into her stories - dogs, moose, hedgehogs and now a marmot! I now look forward to some animal antics in each book. It’s safe to say the marmot stole the show a bit here.
A steamy trip back to the Night Court. Do you need more info than that? I didn’t think so!
A WWII book set in Italy that will steal your heart and break it while leaving you filled with hope as you turn the last page.
Our Darkest Night was this month’s #candidbabesbookclub read. I don’t read too much historical fiction but this book completely captured me. I do tend to enjoy WWII fiction and having this book set in Italy was wonderful bc it offered a different perspective from the many books set in Germany.
Nico and Nina’s story was gripping. They had such strength individually and together their bond was simply beautiful. Inspired by true events from the author’s husband’s family the story is seeped in emotions like sacrifice & loss, family, friendship, love and ultimately hope. I dare you to read this book and not lose your heart to it. It was impossible to remain unaffected by the bravery of the characters, especially knowing that people put their lives and families on the line to save Jews during this horrific and heartbreaking time in history.
Needless to say, I was wholly invested in these characters and this story. The book is beautifully written and I couldn’t put it down. A huge thank you to William Morrow and Book Club Girl for providing the book.
Our Darkest Night was this month’s #candidbabesbookclub read. I don’t read too much historical fiction but this book completely captured me. I do tend to enjoy WWII fiction and having this book set in Italy was wonderful bc it offered a different perspective from the many books set in Germany.
Nico and Nina’s story was gripping. They had such strength individually and together their bond was simply beautiful. Inspired by true events from the author’s husband’s family the story is seeped in emotions like sacrifice & loss, family, friendship, love and ultimately hope. I dare you to read this book and not lose your heart to it. It was impossible to remain unaffected by the bravery of the characters, especially knowing that people put their lives and families on the line to save Jews during this horrific and heartbreaking time in history.
Needless to say, I was wholly invested in these characters and this story. The book is beautifully written and I couldn’t put it down. A huge thank you to William Morrow and Book Club Girl for providing the book.