MOVIE Review – The Idea of You

Wake up! Call in sick to work. Spend your entire day on the couch with a pint of ice cream and a bottle of wine. The Idea of You movie releases today! (May 2, 2024!)

Thanks to Amazon Studios and Robinne Lee, I was able to catch an advance screening of the Idea of You movie. I had mixed emotions going into the theater tonight. Let me first say that I have always had a love/hate relationship with this book by the incredibly talented Robinne Lee. Back in 2018, I had to read the book in stops and starts, a mix of Kindle and audiobook. And it became very apparent to me that the book, while heavily featuring romantic themes, was NOT a romance! I loved the characters. I loved the premise. I loved the writing. But, I have always been gutted by the ending. So much so that my little brain has created an alternate ending that turns this great book into a true Romance and the characters will forever live in that space in my imagination.

So I went into the theater tonight fairly low expectations. I really thought I would come out of the movie and think “meh that was OK.” There has been a bit of controversy in the book world surrounding the film. There were questions about casting, wardrobe, screenwriting, all of the usual grumps and grumbles that accompany a beloved-book to film adaptation. I was apprehensive but withholding judgment.

I am so excited to say, I was completely blown away! This movie was absolutely fantastic. The emotion and conflict of the story played out on the screen, but the banter, humor and romance was truly brought to life. I think Ann Hathaway‘s performance is stunning. She truly becomes Solene. Nicholas Galitzine is an absolutely brilliant actor. His range of emotions from humor to sadness to love to playfulness to brokenhearted are on full display. On top of that, he’s also an incredible singer, performer and musician truly bringing the Hayes Campbell character to life. For years, I’ve been a part of debates about “who would be your Hayes Campbell?“ For me the question is finally answered and it will forever be Nicholas Galitzine.

What truly puts this movie over the top for me is the ending. The movie brings the ending that nearly every book reader has wished and dreamed for. Inside the theater, my friend and I cried and laughed and swooned and walked out completely satisfied and thoroughly enthralled.

I’m telling you – “don’t wait to watch this movie.” It is funny, sweet, sad, hopeful, swoon-y, and definitely spicy. Lovers of the book will be pleased to see so many scenes play out on the screen. But, even if you didn’t read the book, I’m certain the movie will be completely entertaining.

I was incredibly impressed with Amazon Studios’ adaptation of Red, White and Royal Blue. After seeing the care and skill, they applied to another of my favorite books, I’m ready for many many more book to movie collabs.

I’m certain reviews of the movie, especially from the diehard book lovers will be mixed. But for me, the movie is an absolute hit! What are you waiting for? Check it out now on Amazon Prime!

Cheers, BFF K. Signature with a pink wineglass

 

 

 

PS: two older ladies in the row behind us had obviously NOT read the book. They were practically clutching their pearls with the number of sex scenes in the movie. We didn’t bother to tell them about the book! I’m guessing they would have been well and truly scandalized .

2023 Besties – Best Books of 2023

black background with gold polka dots 2023 in gold puffy balloons with the BFF Book Blog logo in the 0 spot. Book covers for the top 10 books are listed and then Besties is in the gold balloon letters at the bottom of the image.

 

It was a fantastic reading year, here are my Top 10 books for the year!

(As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases.)

#1 – Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

This is one of my most recommended books of the year. Everything about it is brilliant – premise, characters, plot, emotion. It is outstanding! (And the Apple+ TV Show is fantastic!)

 

Black background with gold polka dots. 2023 Besties at top and bottom with the BFF Book Blog logo as the 0. Gold balloon letters and #1 and the cover of Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus.

#2 – Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld

This book was an out-of-nowhere-surprise! I received the book as part of a holiday book exchange from a stranger and devoured it! It’s brilliant, fun, funny, great banter, solid characters and social commentary. It’s a really enjoyable read!

 

Black background with gold polka dots. 2023 Besties at top and bottom with the BFF Book Blog logo as the 0. Gold balloon letters and #2 and the cover of Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld

 

#3 – Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

This was another surprise. I picked it up on a whim since I had seen everyone talking about it! Before I had finished, I owned it on audio (so I could hear the pronunciations), Kindle (so I could see how things were spelled) and hard cover (because I need it on my bookshelf.) And, I had pre-ordered all of the formats of Iron Flame. The worst part about this series is having to wait for each book to be released. But, I absolutely found this series to be worth the hype!

 

Black background with gold polka dots. 2023 Besties at top and bottom with the BFF Book Blog logo as the 0. Gold balloon letters and #3 with the cover of Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

 

#4 – Smoke Series by Abbi Glines

This series was a highlight for my reading year. 10 books released this year and I read every single one of them. This series is not available on audio so I actually read each book and most in just two or three days. I loved every character and every story line. This series is steamy and highly implausible, but I’m here for all of it. These are incredible escapes from reality. They’re really some of my favorite reads of the year! [Series order: Smokeshow, Fireball, Smoke Bomb, Straight Fire, Firecracker, Whiskey Smoke, Smokin’ Hot, Burn, Scorched and Ashes]

 

Black background with gold polka dots. 2023 Besties at top and bottom with the BFF Book Blog logo as the 0. Gold balloon letters and #4 with 3 bookcovers for the Smoke Series by Abbi Glines.

 

#5 – True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren

Such a fun read. It’s witty and clever with a unique premise and great banter and steam. It reminded me how much I enjoy Christina Lauren’s writing. I’ve downloaded several of their more recent works because they’re just consistently enjoyable and well written. This great story is the perfect example of their talents.

 

Black background with gold polka dots. 2023 Besties at top and bottom with the BFF Book Blog logo as the 0. Gold balloon letters and #5 and the cover of True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren

#6 – Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez

Abby Jimenez has become an absolute one-click, insta-buy for me. I don’t care what the synopsis is, I completely trust that she’s going to deliver a fantastic story. Her characters are real and flawed and endearing. There are little gems of truth and insight tucked in the pages and each story is emotional even bordering on inspirational. Yours Truly is an absolutely fantastic book!

 

Black background with gold polka dots. 2023 Besties at top and bottom with the BFF Book Blog logo as the 0. Gold balloon letters and #6 and the cover of Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez.

#7 – The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

Every story Poston crafts is a mix of reality and whimsy. The Seven Year Slip is magical and heartwarming. The main characters are just delightfully real and flawed and so engaging. You’ll be rooting for their HEA! While I didn’t love this story quite as much as The Dead Romantics, this is still a terrific story well worth a read.

 

Black background with gold polka dots. 2023 Besties at top and bottom with the BFF Book Blog logo as the 0. Gold balloon letters and #7 with the cover of The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston.

 

#8 – Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon

I know I’m so so late to the blue alien party. But, I needed a pallet cleanser this year and picked this up on a whim. And, oh man, I get the appeal. This series is insane. It is SO steamy which is just not what you are expecting from a blue alien sci-fi tome. But, it is definitely something fun and different. I liked these stories so much that I finally broke down and got Kindle Unlimited so I can read the whole series! It’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you like it, you’re REALLY going to like it!

 

Black background with gold polka dots. 2023 Besties at top and bottom with the BFF Book Blog logo as the 0. Gold balloon letters and #8 with the cover of Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon.

 

#9 – Happy Place by Emily Henry

This book is just a delight. I love the cast of supporting characters. The main female character wasn’t my favorite, but the rest of the characters more than made up for it and the end is delightful. If you’ve read Henry’s prior work, this has her signature style and is a fantastic book!

 

Black background with gold polka dots. 2023 Besties at top and bottom with the BFF Book Blog logo as the 0. Gold balloon letters and #9 and the cover of Happy Place by Emily Henry.

 

#10 – The Chestnut Springs Series by Elsie Silver

I had never read any books by Elsie Silver and she was recommended in a FB reader’s group. And once I read the first book, I was hooked. I love her writing style – similar to Melanie Harlow and Devney Perry. And the characters are so engaging. These stories are addictive and I fly through them. If you love good contemporary romances, these are a solid choice! And, the rodeo/rural feel of this series is like a warm hug. [Series includes Flawless, Heartless, Powerless, Reckless and Hopeless]

 

Black background with gold polka dots. 2023 Besties at top and bottom with the BFF Book Blog logo as the 0. Gold balloon letters and #10 and the covers of the first 3 books in the Chestnut Springs Series by Elsie Silver.

 

I read so many terrific books this year! While I didn’t post many reviews and was basically MIA from this platform, you can always find my recent reads by giving me a follow on Goodreads. AND, you’re always welcome to send me a Facebook Messenger through the Blog Facebook page if you’re in a slump or you are looking for something specific.

I hope you had as much reading success in 2023 and I’m wishing you all the very best books and more in 2024!

Cheers, BFF K. Signature with a pink wineglass

 

2022 Besties – Best Reads of 2022

White background with pink polka dots. 2022 Besties. The BFF Book Blog logo with an open book and two hands cheers-ing wine glasses over the book.

 

#1 – The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston

White background with pink polkadots. BFF Book Blog logo in upper left corner. #1 in bottom left. Book cover in bottom right corner.

This book was so good that as soon as I finished it, I immediately hit play and started the audio again. It’s not only my #1 for this year, but it’s high on my favorite books of all time!  Please read it. If you don’t love it like I did, don’t tell me, I want us to still be friends. ❤️

 

*Each of the images in this post link to Amazon. As an Amazon Affiliate, I receive a small commission on items purchased through these links.

#2 – Book Lovers by Emily HenryWhite background with pink polkadots. BFF Book Blog logo in upper left corner. #2 in bottom left. Book cover in bottom right.

 

This is one of those books that reinforces EVERYTHING I love about Romance Books! It’s absolutely delicious and everything I LOVE about reading romance books. It should not be missed!

#3 – Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid

This is a book that is so well written you almost forget it’s fiction and then you wish it would be true! I loved everything about this book and it confirms that Taylor Jenkins Reid can do no wrong in my book!

#4 – Ten Trends to Seduce Your Best Friend by Penny Reid

Clever, fresh, inventive and so well written. You’ll think about these characters long after the story is over! I love this book so much!

#5 – Space Series by Sara L Hudson

I devoured this series. It’s so much fun. Each story is better than the last. It’s fun and different and I loved each story more than the last. It’s full of smart women and the men who love them!

#6 – The STEM-inist Novellas by Ali Hazelwood

Another group of super smart female friends and the guys who love them! Ali Hazelwood is one of the best new voices in Romance and I can’t wait to read what she writes next!

#7 – Last on the List by Amy Daws

Amy Daws has come into her own. Everything she writes is better than the last and I am here for it all! I can’t wait for the mountain-man brothers who will start in the spin off of this story. The entire series is must-read!

#8 – Thank You for Listening by Julia Whelan

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Such a fun story that celebrates audio books and the narrators who create them. I adored this book and the characters. It should definitely make your TBR if you haven’t read it yet!

#9 – Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan

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What should have seemed like a boring and played storyline felt new and fresh. I really really loved these characters both main and secondary. I was sad when this book was over and I’ll look for more from this author.

 

#10 – Scandalized by Ivy Owens

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Another story line that could have felt rehearsed and tired, but wasn’t! This book was fun and tugged on the heartstrings from start to finish! I loved it.

 

#11 – Lucky Leap Day by Ann Marie Walker

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#12 – Homecoming King by Penny Reid

White background with pink polkadots. BFF Book Blog logo in upper left corner. #12 in bottom right. Book cover in bottom left.

This is quintessential Penny Reid. Fun and heartfelt. It’s perfect for the fall/winter and I can’t wait to read Drama King!

 

#13 – Once Upon a December by Amy E. Reichert

White background with pink polkadots. BFF Book Blog logo in upper left corner. #13 in bottom right. Book cover in bottom left.

This book is full of Christmas Spirit! It is so clever and inventive. I loved this premise and these characters, I have thought about this book all through the holiday season.

 

All in all, 2022 has been an incredible year full of GREAT books! I could have added even more to this bestie list. If 2023 has half as many wonderful books, I can’t wait to see what’s to come!

I wish you all the very Happiest New Year and I hope 2023 brings love, health, prosperity, all of the happiness and great books!

 

 

 

All About Books Featuring BFF Book Blog

All About Books Logo

 

All About Books on Nebraska Public Media features a really fun interview with BFF K! In this interview, BFF K visits with host, Pat Leach, about some of her recent best reads. They chat about The Friend Zone Series by Abby Jimenez, what makes Romance fresh and different, reading through the pandemic, the joy of audiobooks.  BFF K also sings the praises of the Romance Genre and why #SmartGirlsReadRomance.

All About Books Host Pat Leach with BFF K from BFF Book Blog

You can listen here or visit the All About Books webpage at Nebraska Public Media!

 

Check out BFF K’s review of the Friend Zone Series by Abby Jimenez.

As summer wraps up, I hope you’re finding some amazing reads!

Review – The Friend Zone SERIES by Abby Jimenez

The Friend Zone Book Series by Abby Jimenez

The Friend Zone Series – Series of Books by Abby Jimenez

The Friend Zone – 2019

The Happily Ever After Playlist – 2020

Life’s Too Short – 2021

 

BFF K’s Review of The Friend Zone SERIES by Abby Jimenez

This is what I refer to really loosely as a series. The characters in the first 2 books are best friends and the hero of book 1 is related to the hero in book 3. I actually read them out of order. I read the Happily Ever After Playlist first. (And, it’s been optioned for a major motion picture!) Then Life’s Too Short and The Friend Zone.

Each of these books follow a well-known trope – in each book the heroine has some reason to keep the hero at arms-length, they’re put in “the friend zone”. But, that’s where the tried and true ends. These books are really fresh and each have interesting, unique plot twists and modern inventive characters.

The Friend Zone – Infertility

The Happily Ever After Playlist – Reclaiming life after loss

Life’s Too Short – Facing a hereditary illness and owning how you want to live your life

The romance is heart-felt.

The worlds are contemporary.

The emotions are real. Each of these books made me laugh and cry and I couldn’t read or listen fast enough. I had to know what would happen next.

But, as is the hallmark of Romance, each of these books ended with a Happily Ever After for the main characters. I’ve said it before, but part of the reason I read romance is that I know there will be an uplifting payoff at the end of my read. That is comforting and reassuring to me! I want to know that the characters will have a Happily Ever After or at least a Happily For Now!

Each of these books is an absolute HOME RUN for me and they’re perfect for devoted Romance readers or those just tipping their toes in the Romance genre. You will not be disappointed!

 

 

About the Author

 

Abby Jimenez is a Food Network winner and New York Times best selling author. Abby founded Nadia Cakes out of her home kitchen back in 2007. The bakery has since gone on to win numerous Food Network competitions and has amassed an international cult following.

Abby loves a good romance, coffee, doglets, and not leaving the house.

 

 

 

Review – Happy Singles Day by Ann Marie Walker

Single and proud of it! Oh, oops…

As a Certified Professional Organizer, everything in Paige Parker’s world is as it should be. Perfect apartment, perfect office, perfect life. And now, the perfect vacation planned to honor Singles Day. After all, what’s better than celebrating her pride in being single? Because who needs a man anyway? They have zero taste in quality television, leave the toilet seat up, and sleep with your best friend. No thanks. Her life is fine just the way it is.

As the owner of a now-dormant bed & breakfast, Lucas Croft’s life is simple and quiet. It’s only him and his five-year-old daughter, which is just the way he likes it. Because who needs a woman anyway? They nag you to clean up your stuff, want the toilet seat put down, and expect the dishes to be done the same day the meal is cooked. No thanks. His life is fine just the way it is.

But when Paige books a room that Lucas’ well-intentioned sister listed without his knowledge, their two worlds collide. If they can survive the week together, they just might discover exactly what they’ve both been missing.

Buy Happy Singles Day on Amazon today!

 

BFF K’s Review of Happy Singles Day

This is the sweetest story! Ann Marie Walker has created absolutely realistic, believable characters, and plopped them in a stunning setting. Happy Singles Day is just the right mix of emotionally bruised hero and heroine, cute kid, puppies and cake and this story is an absolute dream to read!

There is tension and emotion and some really weighty things that both Paige and Lucas carry in their past. But, being thrown together to ride out a storm in a questionable B&B leaves them little choice but to get to know one another. It’s a delicate dance but they perform it beautifully discovering so much about themselves, each other and their capacities for both love and change.

The build up is great, but most of the steamy-ish scenes are pretty much fade to black. Though they certainly pack enough emotion that you don’t really miss the steam. The characters and settings are unique and lovingly-well-developed! I enjoyed Happy Singles Day immensely and highly recommend it for a Valentine’s Day read or any day you want to get lost in good story! ❤️

 

An advance copy of this book was received. Receipt of this copy did not impact the content or independence of this review.

About the Author

Ann Marie Walker is the author of nine novels, ranging from romantic suspense to romantic comedy. She’s a fan of fancy cocktails, anything chocolate, and ’80s rom-coms. Her superpower is connecting any situation to an episode of Friends, and she thinks all coffee cups should be the size of a bowl. You can find her at AnnMarieWalker.com, where she would be happy to talk to you about alpha males, lemon drop martinis, or Chewbacca, the Morkie who is kind enough to let her sit on his couch. Ann Marie attended the University of Notre Dame and currently lives in Chicago.

2020 Besties

 

2020 has been a roller coaster of a reading year! I read some good books, I read some ok books, I started but didn’t finish a whole lotta books. (I’m glaring at you, Midnight Sun!) However, I think the success of my reading ventures had as much to do with my mood as with the books I started or finished. This year’s list looks a little different as it includes both nonfiction and my attempts to add more diverse voices to my library.

Through the ups and downs of 2020, I am so thankful for books and the escape that they provide from real life! And, I hope that 2021 brings us all amazing stories full of love and laughter! Without further adieu, I present the BFF Book Blog 2020 Besties!

 

#1 Untamed by Glennon Doyle

I originally borrowed this from the library. Then, I purchased the Audible copy and asked for a hardcover copy for Christmas. I’ve purchased and sent 3 copies as gifts through the holidays. This book has some incredible lessons and is presented with such honesty and heart. I loved this book and I think every woman should read it! (But, my Zoo loving heart has to say, I don’t really believe that running cheetahs are unhappy. But, I completely get the point she’s driving home about taming ourselves unnecessarily!)

 

#2 American Royals (And Majesty) by Katharine McGee

                              

I can not stop thinking about the premise of these books. It’s mind blowing. And, then the incredibly unique setting gives birth to this soap-operaesque drama and you won’t be able to put it down! I can’t recommend this series highly enough and I wish a. there were more books coming and b. this would become a Netflix series!

 

#3 Unforgettable by Melanie Harlow

I thoroughly enjoyed the entire Cloverleigh Farm series. The books are heartfelt and emotional. They are full of terrific, gritty, relatable stories and characters who end up with with real life HEA’s. And, Unforgettable is the perfect example of that. I love a good baseball player hero (there are 3 in the Besties list this year) and I’m a sucker for a well written adoption story. This book hit me in all the feels and I’ve re-read parts of it over again. It is just a really solid book and I highly recommend not only Unforgettable, but the entire Cloverleigh Farm series!

 

#4 The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez

This book is sweet and fun but wrapped in an unexpected layer of feels and emotion. It’s a rockstar romance, but really takes a different spin on the traditional storyline. It is just a great story and it will definitely leave you with a smile on your face and a song in your head!

 

#5 The Rivals by Vi Keeland

Enemies to Lovers at its very best! This is story is absolute frothy deliciousness! It’s steamy and the banter is top notch. It’s a fantastic escape that kept me up waaaaayyyyy too late and also made a 6 hour car ride fly by! This is one 2020 release that shouldn’t be missed!

 

#6 The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

What a unexpected and joyous surprise this book was! It’s a magical fantasy that almost seems YA but tackles really complex themes of family, love, identity and belonging. It’s beautifully written and should absolutely be a must read!

 

#7 Unwind by Neal Shusterman

This book is the opposite of #6! Where House in the Cerulean Sea is sweet and calming, Unwind is vivid and disturbing. BUT, it’s still a really great story. A complete dystopian mind f&^@ this book will rock your world and make you think some very deep thoughts. It’s also the first book that my tween son has been remotely interested in discussing with me. That alone puts it on the list!

 

#8 His Royal Highness by R.S. Grey

This book is classic R.S. Grey. It’s light and fun, quick and witty and purely delightful! This book is not going to make you rethink life’s purpose, but it absolutely is going to give your brain a mini-vacation in a charming story. I loved pretty much everything about this story. This is the classic example of why I love to read lighthearted, feel good, romance! (When I checked tonight, this book was $3.99 with the audible add on for $1.99! Go get that right now!)

 

#9 Accidental Tryst by Nathasha Boyd

This is another light-hearted, feel good love story. It gives off rom-com, “chick flick” (though I hate that term) vibes. It is so well written and plays out like a romantic movie ala Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant. Part of the reason that I love this book so much is that I can’t stop thinking about these awesome characters. It’s just a really enjoyable!

 

#10 Keeping Score by Alyssa Kale

This is Alyssa Kale’s debut novel, but you’d never know it! This story features another baseball player Hero who is absolutely fantastic. It’s just a really engrossing story that presents some standard tropes in whole new ways. I couldn’t put it down and it broke me out of a serious reading slump this year. If you’re struggling to get into a book, try picking this one up and giving it a try!

 

#11 The Ace and the Assistant by Jiffy Kate (And the Rookie and the Rockstar and Beef Cake!)

I read the Ace and the Assistant until I finished it at 3am this week. I haven’t done that in a long time and I loved every minute of it! This is such a fun series. The writing reminds me of Melanie Harlow, Sarina Bowen or Emma Chase. Everything I’ve read from this writing duo is really terrific and I’m adding more of their books to my TBR in the new year!

 

#12 Stone Princess by Devney Perry

This book is 3/6 in the Tin Gypsy’s series, but my favorite so far. I really liked the main characters and there is the hint of a love triangle without actually going there. It’s the famous-hero-falling-for-the-small-town-girl trope and I’m here for all of it! This whole series is really inventive and immersive. I have never been a huge fan of MC stories, but this series is the exception. Highly recommended!

 

Some other notable titles in 2020:

                             
I hope that you had some really wonderful reading escapes in 2020. And, one of my New Year’s Resolutions is to post more in the new year! But don’t forget to follow me on Goodreads as I update that with all the books as I finish them! I look forward to sharing more with you in the coming months.

Best wishes for peace, health and happiness in 2021!

 

Review – In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

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.

Purchase it today

More links listed below after author bios!

 

BFF K’s Review of In a Holidaze

In a Holidaze is a classic Christina Lauren novel: endearing, clever, great characters, witty banter and a unique storyline that keeps you wondering what’s coming next. This novel has upbeat charm and reminded me of their earlier novels. I enjoyed it immensely!

I’m sure every review of this book will note that it’s Groundhog Day meets Christmas. But, it still needs to be said. And it is also delightfully sweet and fun. Thank goodness Mae works out the clues and only jumps back in time a handful of times so the story moves forward quickly. The bulk of the story is a darling friends-to-lovers romp that is entertaining and heartwarming.

I love the emphasis of chosen family in the story. The entwined families and their shared lives enhance the holiday aspect of the story, but it’s not overwhelmingly-Christmasy. They’re a crazy crew I would love to spend a holiday with them AND I would love to know who the other brother ends up with!

If you’re struggling (because 2020) and feeling overwhelmed or just looking to jumpstart the holiday spirit, you should definitely pick up a copy of In a Holidaze! It’s a perfect gift for you!

 

 

 

An advance copy of this book was received. The reviewer purchased the audiobook copy. Receipt of the advance copy did not impact the content or independence of this review.

 

About the Authors

NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY AND #1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHORS


Christina Lauren is the combined pen name of long-time writing partners/besties/soulmates/brain-twins Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings. The coauthor duo writes both Young Adult and Adult Fictio
n, and together has produced fourteen New York Times bestselling novels. Their books have been translated into 30+ languages.

You can find them online at ChristinaLaurenBooks.com or at @seeCwrite (Christina), @LolaShoes (Lauren), or @ChristinaLauren on Twitter.

 

More purchase links!

Coming Soon – Better than the Book by M.E. Carter and Andrea Johnston

Release 10.15.2020
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Tropes: Friends to Lovers, Celebrity Romance

New York is where dreams come true. Or at least that’s what I’ve been told.

Despite my love of planning, my dream of working on Broadway and meeting my

Hollywood superstar crush seem to be running into more brick walls than necessary.

Still, I could never have anticipated my crush on Hunter Stone was just one Ambien trip

from an unexpected reality.

Now, I find myself lost in his charms and enamored with his passion for acting. Beyond

his good looks and brooding reputation is a man who sends my heart racing and leaves

me wondering if fictional boyfriends are real.

***

Passion and drive have made all of my acting dreams a reality. All I’ve worked for is at

my fingertips, but I can’t seem to settle. In my life or on my future.

Meeting Celeste Pumper… Pumper-Something was never part of my plan. Her own

passion for the stage has reminded me of a life beyond the big screen and celebrity.

Holding her in my arms and staring into her eyes should frighten me but instead I feel

more solace than my lifestyle normally allows.

 

Our paths didn’t cross by happenstance. It was always meant to be. Sometimes truth is

better than fiction and our story is better than the book.

 

Charity: https://nycchildrenstheater.org/about-nycct/
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/BttB_GR
Universal: http://mybook.to/BttB
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2LWFXRp

 

M.E. Carter and Andrea Johnston are romance writers who share a love of the written word. Combining their sense of humor, beliefs in love, and sarcasm, this writing duo has joined forces to create the Charitable Endeavors series. With the sole purpose of bringing laughter and love to their readers while tapping into their charitable hearts, a portion of the release proceeds will be donated to charity.

Better than the Book is the fourth book in the Charitable Endeavors Series by M.E. Carter and Andrea Johnston. Each story is somehow related to the indie book community and is guaranteed to be a contemporary romantic comedy and fade to gray (no gratuitous sexy times when we’re donating to charity) PLUS a portion of each book’s release will be DONATED to charity!

We are so excited to share the next Charitable Endeavors release! As always, our goal is to bring a laugh out loud romantic comedy to you while designating a portion of the proceeds to charity.  Better than the Book  is a funny celebrity romance featuring Hunter and Celeste, two individuals with a passion for the stage.  That’s why we’re thrilled to designate a portion of the release month ebook proceeds to New York City Children’s Theater! New York Children’s Theater reaches children through their communities and education with stage productions, interactive workshops, and in-school residencies. Their mission is to demonstrate that engaging young people in the arts has a positive impact on their cognitive, emotional and social development, and furthers a lifelong appreciation of the arts. You can learn more about their program here NYCCT – NYC Children’s Theater.

 

Review – The Trouble with Quarterbacks by R.S. Grey

R.S. Grey’s next standalone rom-com, The Trouble With Quarterbacks, is available NOW! Get your copy today!

About The Trouble With Quarterbacks

CANDACE: KAT & YASMINE! DO NOT DALLY! Come straight home after work. Kat, don’t take the long route from the subway station just so you can pass by Cute Hot Dog Guy. This is important!

I’ve had THE BEST DAY. You won’t believe it. There I was in my preschool classroom, washing a bit of poo out of some soggy trousers, when this absolute babe came to collect his nephew from my class.

Truthfully, I thought I’d blacked out for a moment when I first saw him. He was a proper hunk with glorious brown hair, quite tall, and he had these arms. Are muscly arms supposed to turn me on? I’m panting just thinking about them.

Anyway, he told me he’s a professional foosball player. At least, I think that’s what he said. The tots can get quite loud near pick-up time.

YASMINE: Foosball? What are you on about? Have you gone mad?

KAT: Oh sod off. So what if I like to have a good look at Hot Dog Guy’s arse on my trek home after a hard day’s work? It’s called self-care.

CANDACE: Kat, you’re hopeless. Yasmine, yes—foosball! I suppose it’s a big thing over here in the States? We must investigate and learn everything we can.

By the way, he’s called Logan.

Logan + Candace. I think that sounds quite nice! I can hear the wedding bells now. Dum dum da-dum.

YASMINE: Oh good grief. I suppose we can do some snooping when I get home. I’ll grab wine on my way.

KAT: I’ll grab hot dogs.

THE TROUBLE WITH QUARTERBACKS is a hilarious romance about unlikely love found between a British preschool teacher and the professional quarterback who sweeps her off her feet.

Grab your copy today!

BFF K’s Review of The Trouble with Quarterbacks

Cute, fun and flirty! The Trouble with Quarterbacks by R.S. Grey is everything I look for in a Rom-Com. I want lovable characters, laugh out loud hi-jinx, some steamy scenes and a happily ever after that delivers an over-the-top satisfying conclusion. I know that every time I pick up an R.S. Grey rom-com I’m going to end up thoroughly satiated.

Logan is a dream. Celebrity quarterback, more money than he knows what to do with, but down to earth, devoted Uncle, and really all-round great guy! Candace is charming and quirky; preschool teacher by day and cocktail waitress by night. She’s quick witted and while not intimidated by Logan’s money or fame, she’s not seeking it out or comfortable with it either.

The book is fast paced and delightful to read. It’s the perfect mix of touching emotions and laugh out loud scenes. If you love a good rom-com that reads like a movie script, then you will not want to miss The Trouble with Quarterbacks! Grab your Kindle copy today!

 

An advance copy of this book was received. Receipt of this copy did not impact the content or independence of this review.

 

About R.S. Grey:

R.S. Grey is the USA Today bestselling author of over twenty novels. She lives in Texas with her husband and daughter, and can be found reading, binge-watching reality TV, or practicing yoga! Visit her at rsgrey.com

 

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