It's My Birthday! 🎂

 

Halito! Today is my birthday (whoop) so I wanted to do something nice for everyone! I'm going to be giving away everything in the photo above (yes, the bags are included), so make sure you tell your friends. ;) The first prize pack will contain the DK bag along with the entire WILD SEASONS series by Christina Lauren! It will also include most of the BEAUTIFUL BASTARD series, minus Beautiful Beloved and Beautiful Secret. Short story: I let someone borrow both and never got them back. 

The second prize back will be a secret! It's full of ARCs (most are from this year or last) and the Shelf Stuff bag is also included. It contains a wide variety of genres, but you can safely assume they're YA, MG, Romance, or Fantasy (since I don't read much else). I think one might be considered Women's Fiction. 

Rules:

This giveaway officially starts on June 30th and ends on July 15th at 12 AM. The winner will be announced on July 16th on this post within the Rafflecopter form, and also notified via email. Once the first winner has made their selection, I will have Rafflecopter choose a second winner for whichever prize is left. The winners will have 48 hours to respond or I will have Rafflecopter select another winner (read my full giveaway policy here).

International friends -- your giveaway will be a little different! Instead the books mentioned above, you can choose one book (up to $15) from The Book Depository! Just make sure they ship to you, which you can check right here. I know it's not the same thing, but I don't want to leave anyone out! If this happens, one of the books will be recycled for a later giveaway (or maybe there will be a third winner). Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*this post has been backdated

Past Due Reviews [8]

 

Have you ever read a book and then forgotten to review it? Yeah? Well, that happens to me all the time! That's how I got the idea for Past Due Reviews. They won't be long posts, they'll likely contain a lot of comics, and my memories of the books themselves probably won't be that great (some of them were read months ago, and I didn't sit down and review them for this or that reason). Hopefully the content is still relevant and helpful! 

In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

Synopsis (via Goodreads): One Christmas wish, two brothers, and a lifetime of hope are on the line for hapless Maelyn Jones in In a Holidaze, the quintessential holiday romantic novel by Christina Lauren, the New York Times bestselling author of The Unhoneymooners.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…but not for Maelyn Jones. She’s living with her parents, hates her going-nowhere job, and has just made a romantic error of epic proportions.

But perhaps worst of all, this is the last Christmas Mae will be at her favorite place in the world—the snowy Utah cabin where she and her family have spent every holiday since she was born, along with two other beloved families. Mentally melting down as she drives away from the cabin for the final time, Mae throws out what she thinks is a simple plea to the universe: Please. Show me what will make me happy.

The next thing she knows, tires screech and metal collides, everything goes black. But when Mae gasps awake…she’s on an airplane bound for Utah, where she begins the same holiday all over again. With one hilarious disaster after another sending her back to the plane, Mae must figure out how to break free of the strange time loop—and finally get her true love under the mistletoe.

Jam-packed with yuletide cheer, an unforgettable cast of characters, and Christina Lauren’s trademark “downright hilarious” (Helen Hoang, author of The Bride Test) hijinks, this swoon-worthy romantic read will make you believe in the power of wishes and the magic of the holidays.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

Sadly, In a Holidaze didn't wow me like other Christina Lauren books I've enjoyed in the past (The Unhoneymooners, Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating, Autoboyography). I think it was supposed to be a warm and fuzzy romance, but it was very light on both. Romance-lite? Diet Romance? The story and characters were mostly meh (think Roomies and The Honey-Don't List). I believe this book would have benefitted from a duel POV, but we only get Mae's perspective. When she finally admits her feelings for Andrew, he just seems to go with it. There wasn't any tension or buildup to their relationship. It was kind of like she said, "Hey, I really like you," and he said, "Cool." 😴💤

Uncle Benny was easily my favorite character and I wish he'd been given more page time. (Obviously, we need a Benny spinoff now.) I liked his hippy vibe. The weird love-triangle-that-wasn't-really-a-love-triangle was unnecessary and really should've been left out. Mae ends up admitting to something that didn't actually happen in her current timeline (don't you just love time loops?), which starts a conflict with Andrew that didn't need to happen. It was also a really weird thing for them to "fight" about, to be honest. It happened, but it also didn't happen. I think this is why I dislike books that mess with time without fully explaining how everything works. You can't just scream at the cosmos every few pages looking for answers. WE need the information, too.  After a while, everything just started to feel repetitive (her days AND her relationship with Andrew). What exactly was Mae supposed to be doing? Finding her happiness? It was very vague, and some of her resets didn't really make sense. Why couldn't she be happy in any of the other versions of her life?

We're also told from the start (by Mae) how much she loves Andrew. She has always loved Andrew, but I never actually saw their connection. I wish we'd seen more affection (and not the brotherly kind) between the two of them instead of simply being told over and over again that it was there. They only saw each other once or twice a year, so when did she have time to fall deeply and madly in love with him? Why was his affection immediately returned without anything really leading up to it? It was a little corny and a lot unbelievable. I also hated that she avoided Andrew's brother (can't even remember his name) instead of smoothing out the weirdness that only she was aware of. He felt avoided and didn't know why, and then she dismissed his feelings without a second thought (remember the love-triangle-that-wasn't-really-a-love-triangle?). 

Additionally, there were a lot of secondary - very flat, one-dimensional - characters, which made it hard to keep up with who was who at the start (so many family members and their many children). Overall, In a Holidaze was a quick read that wasn't terrible, but it also wasn't memorable. (★★★☆☆)

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Narrated by Ramon de Ocampo

Synopsis (via Goodreads): A big-hearted romantic comedy in which the First Son falls in love with the Prince of Wales after an incident of international proportions forces them to pretend to be best friends...

First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz is the closest thing to a prince this side of the Atlantic. With his intrepid sister and the Veep’s genius granddaughter, they’re the White House Trio, a beautiful millennial marketing strategy for his mother, President Ellen Claremont. International socialite duties do have downsides—namely, when photos of a confrontation with his longtime nemesis Prince Henry at a royal wedding leak to the tabloids and threaten American/British relations.

The plan for damage control: staging a fake friendship between the First Son and the Prince. Alex is busy enough handling his mother’s bloodthirsty opponents and his own political ambitions without an uptight royal slowing him down. But beneath Henry’s Prince Charming veneer, there’s a soft-hearted eccentric with a dry sense of humor and more than one ghost haunting him.

As President Claremont kicks off her reelection bid, Alex finds himself hurtling into a secret relationship with Henry that could derail the campaign and upend two nations. And Henry throws everything into question for Alex, an impulsive, charming guy who thought he knew everything: What is worth the sacrifice? How do you do all the good you can do? And, most importantly, how will history remember you?

I REALLY loved this book! Red, White & Royal Blue was one of my favorite reads last year, and I cannot wait to read the author's next book, One Last Stop. Alex and Henry were amazing characters, and I enjoyed their family dynamics (though they did have completely different experiences and lifestyles). Seeing a female President was the icing on the cake - bonus points for Alex being of mixed heritage and from Texas - and the fully fleshed out secondary characters were the sprinkles lovingly tossed on top. They really came alive in my mind, and most of them were people I wanted to be friends with. Casey McQuiston has written a brilliant, thoughtful story about impossible love and what it means for different people.

If you're looking for your next enemies-to-lovers romance, look no further. Alex and Henry hated each other, despite not always knowing why (so many laugh-out-loud moments). Their animosity at an event landed them in hot (international) water, which resulted in them being forced to play nice and go on outings together. They started off pretending to be friends (old chums from way back), but it quickly turned into something more. Their late night (or early morning depending on the perspective) phone calls melted my heart and made me love them both so much. They really opened up to one another, and I enjoyed seeing them grow together and on their own. There were some obvious roadblocks, but I thought they were handled well and thoughtfully resolved (even if the outcome wasn't always what they wanted). 

Everything about this book felt authentic and was so believable I wanted it to be real. I wanted these characters to exist so their story wouldn't end. Sadly, their story did come to end, but I was happy with where the author concluded things. Alex and Henry were left feeling hopeful about their respective futures, and McQuiston made me feel hopeful for ours. She showed us an America that chose to do better. Be better. Red, White & Royal Blue was such a refreshing read. It's definitely one to look for, if it's not already on your list! (★★★★★)

DNF&Y [35]

 

DNF&Y is used to explain why I gave up on certain books, and what about them just didn't work for me. What I disliked about a book might be something you love, so it helps to share your thoughts even when they're negative! If you would like additional information, please click on the DNF&Y tab at the top. If you want to join, you can link up at the bottom!

Sweet Filthy Boy (Wild Seasons, #1) by Christina Lauren

Synopsis (via Goodreads): One-night stands are supposed to be with someone convenient, or wickedly persuasive, or regrettable. They aren’t supposed to be with someone like him.

But after a crazy Vegas weekend celebrating her college graduation—and terrified of the future path she knows is a cop-out—Mia Holland makes the wildest decision of her life: follow Ansel Guillaume—her sweet, filthy fling—to France for the summer and just…play.

When feelings begin to develop behind the provocative roles they take on, and their temporary masquerade adventures begin to feel real, Mia will have to decide if she belongs in the life she left because it was all wrong, or in the strange new one that seems worlds away.

This started out as a group buddy read on Instagram, but for the life of me I couldn't get into the story. I didn't like Ansel or Mia and thought they were both very flat characters. I put the book down for a few weeks, and when I picked it back up again I had no idea what the actual story was about. (Was there even a story???) I just remembered them having a lot of sex. I tried starting over and reading it again, but I think it was actually worse the second time around. 

As for the sex itself, Ansel and Mia tried a little light BDSM with some roleplay. I'm sure it was supposed to be sexy and romantic, but the only thing those scenes elicited from me was laughter. I couldn't take either of them seriously. She smudged his windows? Really? (They should have addressed Ansel's obsessive need for cleanliness before making her handprints a super big deal.) The entire thing was just really awkward. The weirdness was only amplified when Ansel said that his mother used to be a maid, which is the very thing Mia decided to wear in order to get herself in the mood. (She has to mentally prepare herself - get into a role and out of her head - in order to orgasm.) Like, that's what you chose to lead with afterwards, Ansel? Your mom was also a maid? Was it supposed to be a wonderfully weird coincidence? His comment made the entire thing feel super gross. She couldn't have been a sexy doctor or something instead?

Mia was also incredibly boring. I get that her relationship with Ansel was new and they wanted to explore what they were to each other, but she could have made her own friends, gotten a part-time job, or done something other than sightseeing if she really wanted to enjoy her summer. Personally, I would have been delighted to see Paris on a whim, but she doesn't seem grateful for the opportunity. Ansel also should have done more to be present while she was there, but he's always working. It was obnoxious. It's was also obvious he's hiding something (like when someone showed up unexpectedly to his apartment in the middle of the night), so I skimmed ahead to see what it was. The "big reveal" was annoying, and his lie by omission wasn't worth the effort he put in to keep it maintained. Additionally, it should have been a big Red Flag when Ansel never wanted her to meet his friends, specifically the three people he said knew him better than anyone else.

Secrets and withheld information are two tropes that I hate. Just have an honest conversation with your wife, if you really want to establish roots and get to know her. I'm also not sure what Mia's issue was with her dad, and wish that had been explored more from the start instead of haphazardly mentioned throughout the book. The story was shallow, the characters dull and uninteresting, and there was waaaay too much sex and too little conversation. Don't get me wrong - I love sexy times - but it was the only thing they did. When Ansel got home from work, they didn't go anywhere or do anything together, they just had more sex. If you ask me, their relationship was unhealthy and didn't always feel consensual. (★★☆☆☆)

*Share your DNF&Y post! Please leave the direct link to your DNF&Y post and not just your blog's URL. Thank you for participating and happy reading!

The Honey-Don't List by Christina Lauren

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Carey Douglas has worked for home remodeling and design gurus Melissa and Rusty Tripp for nearly a decade. A country girl at heart, Carey started in their first store at sixteen, and—more than anyone would suspect—has helped them build an empire. With a new show and a book about to launch, the Tripps are on the verge of superstardom. There’s only one problem: America’s favorite couple can’t stand each other.

James McCann, MIT graduate and engineering genius, was originally hired as a structural engineer, but the job isn’t all he thought it’d be. The last straw? Both he and Carey must go on book tour with the Tripps and keep the wheels from falling off the proverbial bus.

Unfortunately, neither of them is in any position to quit. Carey needs health insurance, and James has been promised the role of a lifetime if he can just keep the couple on track for a few more weeks. While road-tripping with the Tripps up the West Coast, Carey and James vow to work together to keep their bosses’ secrets hidden, and their own jobs secure. But if they stop playing along—and start playing for keeps—they may have the chance to build something beautiful together…

From the “hilariously zany and heartfelt” (Booklist) Christina Lauren comes a romantic comedy that proves if it’s broke, you might as well fix it.

From the New York Times bestselling author behind the “joyful, warm, touching” (Jasmine Guillory, New York Times bestselling author) The Unhoneymooners comes a delightfully charming love story about what happens when two assistants tasked with keeping a rocky relationship from explosion start to feel sparks of their own.

"I am very clearly the Pigpen to his Schroeder."

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

First of all, I want to point out that the synopsis says Carey Douglass, but the story I read had a Carey Duncan. I'm not sure if it's a typo, or if the authors decided to change the main character's last name after the review copies were sent out. 

The Honey-Don't List was enjoyable, but not my favorite book by this duo. I dislike it when the main conflict arises due to a lack of communication or secrets, and that's basically all this book is. Melly and Rusty don't communicate, Rusty is keeping secrets from Melly, Melly and Carey don't communicate, Melly and Rusty are keeping secrets about their business and Cary's involvement, and James doesn't communicate something that eventually turns into a secret. From the moment he said, "I'll tell her later," I knew it would be what came between their relationship. Nobody likes to be kept in the dark, especially when there's no reason for it.

I thought Carey's relationship with the Tripps was really unhealthy. I hate that she stayed with them for so long and let them get away with stealing her ideas and claiming them as their own. It's not really a spoiler, since you learn about it pretty early on (and it's alluded to in the synopsis), but it was a big issue for me in this book. Why didn't Rusty say something, if he felt so bad about it? How was their relationship able to continue the way it did for so long? How had no one ever bothered to tell Carey that she was in a parasitic relationship (before James)? It just wasn't believable that Carey spent 10 years of her life with these people, and they never fully appreciated her or acknowledged how she contributed to their success. 

I hated both Melly and Rusty, so following them around the entire time was not a fun experience. Additionally, there's very little time spent between James and Carey, so it was hard to feel invested in their relationship. It was adorable watching them go from teasing co-workers, to hesitant friends, and then eventually lovers, but there wasn't really anything solid between them. At the beginning James mentions his sister and nephews, and I wish we'd delved more into their respective backgrounds. I thought their individual lives were interesting, and think more shared information would have helped them build a stronger connection. The L word was said way too soon, in my opinion. They've known each other for months, and most of that time was wrapped up in other people's craziness.

"Right now I’m looking at Carey’s face, thinking it’s like a song I’ve heard a few times now, and every time I hear it again I like it more."

I like home makeover shows, so I thought that aspect of this book would appeal to me more, but it's not really a focal point. It's always there in the background, but we mostly see the Tripps on tour promoting themselves and fighting. Always fighting. I think seeing some of the behind-the-scenes interactions would have been an awesome addition to the story. Their respective interviews with police officers started off well, but I felt like their questions led you to believe something bigger would happen at the end. After everything was said and done, those snippets felt unnecessary. 

The ending really bummed me out. Carey still doesn't know who she is, or what she wants to do. James is back where he started, so it feels like everything he went through was for nothing. Carey's relationship with the Tripps is still complicated and exhausting to experience, and I was left feeling exasperated instead of elated. It wrapped up nicely, sure, but it didn't have any of the resolutions I was hoping for. (★★★⋆☆)

Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Sam Brandis was Tate Jones’s first: Her first love. Her first everything. Including her first heartbreak.

During a whirlwind two-week vacation abroad, Sam and Tate fell for each other in only the way that first loves do: sharing all of their hopes, dreams, and deepest secrets along the way. Sam was the first, and only, person that Tate—the long-lost daughter of one of the world’s biggest film stars—ever revealed her identity to. So when it became clear her trust was misplaced, her world shattered for good.

Fourteen years later, Tate, now an up-and-coming actress, only thinks about her first love every once in a blue moon. When she steps onto the set of her first big break, he’s the last person she expects to see. Yet here Sam is, the same charming, confident man she knew, but even more alluring than she remembered. Forced to confront the man who betrayed her, Tate must ask herself if it’s possible to do the wrong thing for the right reason… and whether “once in a lifetime” can come around twice.

With Christina Lauren’s signature “beautifully written and remarkably compelling” (Sarah J. Maas, New York Times bestselling author) prose and perfect for fans of Emily Giffin and Jennifer Weiner, Twice in a Blue Moon is an unforgettable and moving novel of young love and second chances.

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Unhoneymooners and the “delectable, moving” (Entertainment Weekly) My Favorite Half-Night Stand comes a modern love story about what happens when your first love reenters your life when you least expect it...

"I don’t know why people think permanent denial is better than temporary disappointment.”

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

I had really high expectations for Twice in a Blue Moon after reading and loving the last few books written by this duo. Unfortunately, the story was mostly disappointing.

My first complaint would be the character's ages. Tate and Sam meet when they are 18 and 21 respectively, and then fourteen years pass before the story picks back up. However, Tate and Sam still act like they did when they were together in London. It was like they never grew up, which was really weird since now they're both in their 30's. Whenever something happened, I had to remind myself that they were waaaay older, because their actions and responses felt immature for their current ages. I wish we'd seen some really obvious character growth, but it just wasn't there.

Additionally, Tate's relationship with her father really bothered me. She claims to be her own person now, but still lets him impact how she feels about herself. The guy has done nothing to earn her respect or her love, yet she freely gives him both. It didn't make sense that she was intimated by him, especially after being very successful herself. I also found it hard to believe that she would let him lie about their past together without calling him on his bullshit (very intricate and excessive lies). I don't know how PR and all that jazz works, but the man was selfish and shouldn't've gotten away with so much.

At the end of the book, I thought there would finally be a confrontation between Tate and her father, or we'd see more confidence and conviction from our leading lady. Sadly, while the ending implies Tate is going to "set the record straight," we don't actually see any of that. A lot of the story was left unresolved, and I wish the authors had written an epilogue or something that addressed all of the loose ends. There were serious issues that needed to be discussed before the book's conclusion.

I felt like the characters in Twice in a Blue Moon lacked authenticity and believability. The book takes place on the set of a movie being filmed, but I never felt like I was fully there for the experience. I was always an outsider looking in, and I want to feel like I'm a part of the story. Honestly, it was a quick read once I sat down and told myself I was going to finish the book, but I didn't feel compelled to pick it up. The before period was probably more interesting than the after, but things progressed slowly throughout the entire book.

The initial friendship and subsequent relationship between Tate and Sam was really sweet. I was completely swept up in their London romance, despite knowing it wasn't going to end well (it's in the synopsis). They were adorable together and so clearly in love, so the lack of communication for fourteen years wasn't entirely believable. I felt like the Sam from before would have reached out, despite the reasons he gives later on for not doing so. It felt out of character for him. “But then I touch you, and it’s like every fantasy I ever had coming true.” Instead of giving Tate the benefit of the doubt, he opted to play the villain in their story.

A bookish pet peeve: miscommunication plays a role in this one. Tate overhears something and makes assumptions, but doesn't think to ask Sam about it.

I did enjoy most of the secondary characters, although I wish they'd had larger roles. It would've been nice to see something happen with Charlie and Nick, or even Trey and someone on set. Maybe if the four of them had spent more time together? I don't know. It was like we were stuck on an endless loop with Tate. The stuff with her father, and then everything with Sam... we just went in circles. I also don't think Tate should have been so blindsided. What she found surprising was ridiculously obvious and sadly predictable. In the end, Twice in a Blue Moon wasn't a terrible read, but I did expect more going into it.

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Olive is always unlucky: in her career, in love, in…well, everything. Her identical twin sister Amy, on the other hand, is probably the luckiest person in the world. Her meet-cute with her fiancé is something out of a romantic comedy (gag) and she’s managed to finance her entire wedding by winning a series of Internet contests (double gag). Worst of all, she’s forcing Olive to spend the day with her sworn enemy, Ethan, who just happens to be the best man.

Olive braces herself to get through 24 hours of wedding hell before she can return to her comfortable, unlucky life. But when the entire wedding party gets food poisoning from eating bad shellfish, the only people who aren’t affected are Olive and Ethan. And now there’s an all-expenses-paid honeymoon in Hawaii up for grabs.

Putting their mutual hatred aside for the sake of a free vacation, Olive and Ethan head for paradise, determined to avoid each other at all costs. But when Olive runs into her future boss, the little white lie she tells him is suddenly at risk to become a whole lot bigger. She and Ethan now have to pretend to be loving newlyweds, and her luck seems worse than ever. But the weird thing is that she doesn’t mind playing pretend. In fact, she feels kind of... lucky.

"I experience a moment of pure terror when I imagine how mortifying it would be for our cold, wet butt cheeks to touch."

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

The Unhoneymooners is not a book you should read while putting your kids down for a nap. Laughter was literally bursting from my body, despite many attempts at mentally telling myself to shhhhhh! The girls would sit up and look at me, but I couldn't contain the fits of giggles. If you've read this, the Bathroom of Doom had me laughing hysterically! I have a very vivid imagination, and ohmygod that was amazing and too funny for words. I want someone to make a movie out of this book, just so I can see that scene happen on a screen somewhere.

Olive and Ethan have a rocky relationship at best, and also a string of bad luck crazy coincidences, but their dislike is based on a single misunderstanding (normally this bothers me, but the misunderstanding wasn't entirely their fault). It's a long time before they're comfortable enough with each other to discuss their issues, but the journey was entertaining and endearing. I loved both of their personalities, and how ridiculous some of their conversations were. They're stubborn, yes, but not unwilling to be reasonable.

This one is definiltely a romance, and there are some steamy scenes, but I feel like they were short and left a lot to the imagination. It really worked for this book, despite my lady parts wishing for more dirty details. Ethan seems like he would be very thorough, but Olive skims over the interesting tidbits. He's here, he's there, and then she's everywhere.

I loved Olive's family! It was amazing how connected they were, and how fiercely protective they were of each other. If one person knew something, everyone knew. It was also common for more than one family member to show up unexpectedly and just stay to talk, or cook dinner. I know they mention Ethan's family, but I would have liked to know more about them as well. Especially since Olive's family plays such a large role.

There are no heartbreaking moments, but I did feel like being violent on Olive's behalf. I don't want to give anything away, so I'll just say there was a douche canoe that I wanted to kick repeatedly. However, in the end he got his comeuppance, and it was perfection. It definitely beats the kicking and eye-stabbing I was imagining, although he deserved both. It was also nice to see people dealing with their problems by talking, instead of adding a lot of unnecessary drama.

My favorite parts of the book happened while Olive and Ethan were on their borrowed honeymoon, and I really enjoyed seeing the two of them slowly connect over time. At some point their dislike turned into a really solid friendship, which eventually led to something more. I really liked how honest they were with one another, even when saying something the other person wouldn't want to hear. It was refreshing to see characters that didn't lie for the sake of someone else's feelings (even though they did lie about being married to score an awesome vacation). They were honest about what they were thinking, and I think that made a huge difference. Also, Maui sounds like an amazing place to visit! If you're reading this, husband of mine, pretend I'm winking at you in a suggestive way.

In the end, The Unhoneymooners was a hilarious read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I'm excited about this book being released into the world, because I know it's going to make a lot of people smile. "...when you get to the backside, remember: push together, don't spread." I'm grinning like a maniac remembering this scene, and how it's referenced later. Also, if you're a fan of books with grand gestures, this author duo has you covered!

Roomies by Christina Lauren

Narrated by K.C. Sheridan

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Marriages of convenience are so…inconvenient.

Rescued by Calvin McLoughlin from a would-be subway attacker, Holland Bakker pays the brilliant musician back by pulling some of her errand-girl strings and getting him an audition with a big-time musical director. When the tryout goes better than even Holland could have imagined, Calvin is set for a great entry into Broadway—until he admits his student visa has expired and he’s in the country illegally.

Holland impulsively offers to wed the Irishman to keep him in New York, her growing infatuation a secret only to him. As their relationship evolves from awkward roommates to besotted lovers, Calvin becomes the darling of Broadway. In the middle of the theatrics and the acting-not-acting, what will it take for Holland and Calvin to realise that they both stopped pretending a long time ago?

“I catch a flash of bare ass and find religion.”

I've really loved this author duo in the past, but I was a little disappointed with this one. However, I am really happy I chose the audio version for this book, because the Irish accent was fantastic!

I started Roomies with high expectations, but grew increasingly frustrated with the story. Among other things, the twist at the end felt unnecessary and made me dislike both Holland and Calvin. Initially, I really liked Calvin. I thought he was wonderful the majority of the time, but his choices at the end were unexpected and inexcusable. He never should have asked Holland to do that. She should have meant more to him, and their relationship should have been more important. I can understand why some of the lies were necessary, but there were a few that weren't, and Holland's lack of confidence at the end was irksome.

Also, Lulu was obnoxious and Holland should have confronted her a lot sooner than she did. Her best friend was all over her husband and made a mockery of their marriage, and no one said a thing. Yes, Lulu knew the circumstances, but she was cruel and merciless. Holland's "best friend" tossed her under the bus often and without remorse. Even after a fight, I thought Holland was too forgiving. 

Holland wasn't very good at standing up for herself, or saying what she was thinking. If she had been more honest from the beginning, a few of the issues wouldn't have been issues. Lulu wouldn't have been able to use her secrets against her, and Calvin wouldn't have been so caught off guard. Honestly, everyone could have been more forthcoming with their thoughts and feelings. Even at work, Holland allows her boss to treat her like garbage, and refuses to call him on his bullshit. Calvin called him a "twat" and I have to agree.

Additionally, I thought Holland was entirely too selfless and way too cynical. She would see things that weren't there, and have thoughts that made zero rational sense. Her mind would be all over the place before she had all the facts, or gave someone a chance to explain themselves. I hated how she could be in love with Calvin one minute, and then questioning everything he's ever done or said the next. She gave me mental whiplash. Why couldn't she just trust what he said and enjoy the moment? She was easily her worst enemy.

However, I did love that Holland wanted to do something nice for Calvin and her uncle, even though it was something she secretly wanted for herself, too. I wish she had thought a little more about herself and her future, but I think Calvin was the right risk for her to take. He truly cared about her despite their circumstances, and I enjoyed them together. He helped her find clarity in her life, and I think him being around brought certain things into perspective for her.

Holland's uncles were two of my favorite characters! I really loved them and their relationship.

Roomies ranks somewhere in the middle for me. I wish Holland had been more assertive, and that everyone had been more honest. Instead, we get a lot of unnecessary drama. I did like that they were married first and friends second, because it gave the story an interesting perspective. It was fun watching them grow individually and as a couple. Although I found them to be incredibly frustrating at times, their relationship felt authentic and showed their imperfections and vulnerabilities. People are flawed and occasionally make bad decisions for what they think are the right reasons. Sometimes you just have to trust another person and believe everything will work out in the end. 

Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Hazel Camille Bradford knows she’s a lot to take—and frankly, most men aren’t up to the challenge. If her army of pets and thrill for the absurd don’t send them running, her lack of filter means she’ll say exactly the wrong thing in a delicate moment. Their loss. She’s a good soul in search of honest fun.

Josh Im has known Hazel since college, where her zany playfulness proved completely incompatible with his mellow restraint. From the first night they met—when she gracelessly threw up on his shoes—to when she sent him an unintelligible email while in a post-surgical haze, Josh has always thought of Hazel more as a spectacle than a peer. But now, ten years later, after a cheating girlfriend has turned his life upside down, going out with Hazel is a breath of fresh air.

Not that Josh and Hazel date. At least, not each other. Because setting each other up on progressively terrible double blind dates means there’s nothing between them...right?

“And as someone you would never date, but who will soon be your best friend, I can say with no ulterior motive that I don’t like that you’re in a relationship with a potentially treasonous skank.”

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating wasn't what I was expecting, but it was everything I wanted. I was a little hesitant about Hazel at first, because I disliked how often she declared herself "undatable". However, I was happy to see that she was super confident, loved herself, and had no desire to be something she wasn't. She was eccentric, and it was beautiful. I'm also glad she was able to surround herself with people that loved her and didn't expect her to change.

I love that she had so many pets! Hazel is a girl after my own heart! I adored the names she gave them and think Christina and Lauren are lovely geniuses. Winnie the Poodle -- golden. I've never wanted a poodle before reading this book, and now I have a strong desire to adopt one and give it the same name.

Hazel had the best humor, and I really enjoyed her outside-the-box way of thinking and living. She inhaled life with every breath and didn't take anything for granted. "And two, I think there’s something about the eight-year-old brain that just resonates with me on a spiritual level."

Josh Im is perfection. He's quiet and thoughtful, but never judgmental. He has always accepted Hazel for who she is, even when she was vomiting all over his shoes, or feeding him barely-edible food. He actually listened when she spoke, and he appreciated her way of living life. I adored the two of them as friends, and liked watching their relationship grow. He was wary at first, but unable to resist Hazel's charms and her lovely personality. She declared herself his (sometimes inappropriate) best friend, and the two really hit it off. 

I read this book in less than twenty-four hours, if that tells you anything. I enjoyed the setting, the story, the characters -- all of it. They went on a couple of double dates, which were fun to watch, but I kept waiting for them to realize the other two people didn't matter. They were so focused on not admitting their feelings (unsure if the other person felt the same, and not wanting to alter their friendship), that they missed out on a lot of moments together. I just kept waiting for everything to click into place for both of them, and I think in the end it was done in the best possible way.

The epilogue might be my favorite part...

My Weekly Pull [36] & Can't Wait Wednesday [6]

My Weekly Pull is something I do every Wednesday to show which comics I had pulled for me that week! If you're into comics, or you're looking to start, please join me! If you decide to do your own post, leave a link in the comments. I would love to stop by and check it out!

Ant-Man and the Wasp #5 (of 5) by Mark Waid, Javi Garron, David Nakayama

Jacob's comics for the week!

Optimus Prime #23 by John Barber, Priscilla Tramontano, Kei Zama

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Urban Legends #5 by Gary Carlson, Frank Fosco

Transformers Unicron #4 (of 6) by John Barber, Alex Milne, James Raiz

Deadpool #4 by Skottie Young, Nic Klein

Spider-Man Deadpool #38 by Robbie Thompson, Jim Towe, Dave Johnson

Venom First Host #2 by Mike Costa, Mark Bagley, Rod Reis

Only one comic for me this week! I've enjoyed Ant-Man and the Wasp, but it was something I could have lived without. It wasn't a comic I anticipated each week (or was it month... I can't remember), although it was somewhat entertaining. I think I grabbed this one because I enjoy the Ant-Man movies, but it just wasn't the same. 

I know Jacob and our son are really enjoying the different Transformers comics! They've piqued my interest, so I'll probably try them myself soon.

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings, that highlights upcoming releases that we're anticipating and excited to read. It's a spinoff of the feature Waiting on Wednesday that was hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

My Favorite Half-Night Stand by 

Christina Lauren

Expected publication: December 4th 2018

Synopsis (via Goodreads): From the New York Times bestselling author that “hilariously depicts modern dating” (Us Weekly) comes a sexy romantic comedy about online dating, and its many, many fails.

With a world-famous speaker at their university, Mille Morris and her four woefully single male colleagues make a pact that they’ll all find dates. Unfortunately, Millie has more success helping them make matches online than she does navigating the onslaught of lewd pics in her own feed. But when she creates a fictional name for a new account, Millie finds herself vying for the online attention of a man she sees every day in the flesh.

I loved Autoboyography by these two, and I recently started Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating. It was published yesterday, and they already have something new coming out in December. They're on fire!

My Favorite Half-Night Stand sounds like it's going to be just as enjoyable and probably pretty hilarious. I cannot wait to get my hands on this!

Autoboyography by Christina Lauren

Narrated by Deacon Lee & Kyle Mason

Synopsis (via Goodreads):Three years ago, Tanner Scott’s family relocated from California to Utah, a move that nudged the bisexual teen temporarily back into the closet. Now, with one semester of high school to go, and no obstacles between him and out-of-state college freedom, Tanner plans to coast through his remaining classes and clear out of Utah.

But when his best friend Autumn dares him to take Provo High’s prestigious Seminar—where honor roll students diligently toil to draft a book in a semester—Tanner can’t resist going against his better judgment and having a go, if only to prove to Autumn how silly the whole thing is. Writing a book in four months sounds simple. Four months is an eternity.

It turns out, Tanner is only partly right: four months is a long time. After all, it takes only one second for him to notice Sebastian Brother, the Mormon prodigy who sold his own Seminar novel the year before and who now mentors the class. And it takes less than a month for Tanner to fall completely in love with him.

But how can I send my heart to him when he's just said, in no uncertain terms, that he doesn't speak its language?

All the smiling hurt my cheeks! I loved being inside Tanner's head and hearing his thoughts. He was adorable, funny, and I thoroughly enjoyed his story.

I cannot imagine being an open bisexual and suddenly having to pretend that I'm not. I understand his parents were worried about him living in a very religious community, but he shouldn't have to hide himself away until it's safe for him to be who he is. Speaking of his parents, I loved how overly supportive they were of their children. When they found out he was bisexual, they told him nothing had changed, and he was free to be himself no matter what (until they moved to Utah and didn't want things to be harder for him). Tanner repeatedly mentions how lucky he is, because most children don't get that unconditional love from their parents, and it was a joy to read about a family that supported rather than condemned. 

Sebastian's parents are not as accepting, and it frustrated the hell out of me when they said or did something that was judgmental of others. I'm not familiar with the Mormon church or their beliefs, but I think the authors (Christina and Lauren are two separate people), did a wonderful job of conveying their ideology. In reality, it's not much different from the religion I grew up with, and it makes me wonder about a lot of things, but that's a conversation for another time.

Sebastian is confused and conflicted about himself, and Tanner is blissfully uncomplicated. I thought the two of them were fun to watch, and it was easy to see how Tanner wrote a book based on his thoughts alone. At times they were poetic and funny, but others had a sadness to them that was hard to hear. The audiobook for this was outstanding! I really wanted more of this story as soon as it ended, but it left me with a smile.

Autumn was an amazing best friend! I wish Tanner had confided in her sooner, but their relationship had its own complications. They haven't known each other very long, but the ease of their friendship was beautiful. You know they're going to stay in touch no matter where they are in life.

Autoboyography had a lot of highs and just as many lows. The ending was a tad confusing because the perspective changes without any warning. We've been in Tanner's head for the majority of the book, but then suddenly Sebastian is getting his thoughts out there. Even when Tanner does pop back up, it's weird. I wasn't in his head anymore, but viewing things from another perspective. I wish the authors had kept things the same, because changing everything really messed up the flow for me.

Overall, this was an incredible story that I loved listening to. Tanner and Sebastian are so very different, but they share something important. It was easy to fall in love with them and wish for the best. A person's identity is important and shouldn't be a secret, but that's hard when your family (the people that are supposed to love you the most) cannot accept the truth of who you are.