Irresistibly Yours by Lauren Layne

You can never go wrong with a Lauren Layne novel. Her books are so sweet, funny, and filled with swoon-worthy guys (especially those in suits)! You can't help but fall in love with the them.

I'm a huge fan of her Stiletto series so when I heard about a spin-off with her Oxford guys...I almost died from happiness. You don't have to read the Stiletto series before this book but I would highly recommend it because you'll have some background information on the other characters in the book. You'll have a better understanding of their quirks and relationship dynamics. You just need the whole experience! 

Cole Sharpe is a freelance sports writer at Oxford, looking to join the team full time when they decide to expand the sports column. Wouldn't be so hard since he's buddies with most of them, right? Wrong. In walks Penelope Pope, who is a great contender with her special skills in sports history and writing analysis. Not only does she have the same tastes as Cole in sports but their attraction for each other is undeniable. So it's hard for them to resist each other when circumstances pull them together. Rules were set to prevent any clashes of personal and professional matters while not falling in love was on the top of their the agenda. My question is: How can you not fall in love?! Penelope has set up walls from previous infatuations and she can't accept the possibility of love in her life. But as Cole continue to surprise her with his amicable charm, there might be chance at more than just friends.... 

The plot is easy to read, filled with girlfriends who you wish were your friends, charming fellows who you wish were real, and humorous office powwows that will leave you wanting more. So excited for what Lauren Layne has in store for the next two in the series because I can't wait to fall in love with them too. (Especially Lincoln's)

4 STARS - Really liked it!

Lost

As I sit here waiting
Waiting for you to come
My mind flashes back
Back to when you've gone

Silence had taken over
Over a single moment
Where everything went dark
Darker than we expected

Before words were spoken
Spoken irrationally and untrue
You knew how I felt
Felt about loving you

As things slowly changed
Changed to understanding
How deception can ruin
Ruin everthing we had created

Walls have been built
Built against our better judgement
Refusing to accept love
As love began to diminish

Was I wrong to wait
Waiting for your return
Can it be fixed
Fixed or completely done

No Interest In Love by Cassie Mae

Cassie Mae has done it again! I just love love love her books. Her stories are unique, funny, charming, and such a cute read. I just couldn't stop smiling. No Interest In Love one of those stories where you're not looking for love but end up falling when you least expect it. 

Jace and Shay have know each other for years but only through several random encounters. When fate throws them together again, she is assigned as his agent and help him land his next major role. While she was immune to his advances before, she could do it again right? He's the type of guy she doesn't want, a guy who wants only one night with no attachment or love. And she's the type of girl he doesn't need, a girl who wants to be taken seriously. As a new role opens up across the country, Shay will have to do whatever it takes to prove to herself that she can do her job without anything getting in the way. What begins as simple as a one way plane trip turns into a series of mishaps and an unexpected road trip. As things begin to fall apart, they each reveal something new along the way. Things you can't help but fall for. 

I love the dynamic between Jace and Shay. After those run-ins over the years, they developed this playful banter filled with inside jokes, slight smiles, and never ending arguments. You just can't help but wonder why they aren't together. Although they have their reasons, they can always find their way around them. Jace is such a charming character. Since it is from his POV, you can't help but swoon over the thoughts that ran through his head when their dynamic changes throughout the trip. He does go through quite a bit of character development and I love the way Mae has written it. I like how Jace discovers more about himself and doesn't know what he wants until it's right in front of him. 

I love the format of the book. Instead of the usual chapters, days and times marked the start and end of their journey. It's actually a refreshing change and you get reeled in even more.

4.5 STARS - Really liked it!

Doing It For Love by Cassie Mae

I have loved Cassie Mae's How To series and after reading this blurb, I was excited for it because it was different. Most books describe the process of falling in love that may or may not lead to a happy ever after. But not many books describe what happens the ever after. What happens after the years you have been together where the love isn't is as exciting as it used to be but is still there? When it's not as spontaneous and became more of a routine? Mae was able to capture that aspect and turn it around.

 

Liz Fanning and Landon Wangford have met Freshman year in college and hit it off right at the start. Years have past and everything is not as romantic as it used to be. Real life and responsibilities take the front seat. Landon is busy directing a movie while Liz works overtime to make ends meet. Exhaustion takes over so how do they have time for each other? While Liz wants the strawberries and whip cream, they'll have to settle for the peas and carrots. When Landon pops the question, Liz tries to rekindle the love by placing a bet on the table, hoping to make the wedding day more special. 

The plot had great character development. Even though they each want something different in the beginning, they slowly begin to discover new insecurities about each other and changes happen. Although the love is always there, the process of preparing for the wedding, getting along with your future in-laws, and saving up for the honeymoon have added a few problems along the way. They just have to figure out how to get around it without losing some love in the process. 

It is a cute read! It didn't quite capture my attention in the beginning because you just have to be in the mood to read a certain book. But after putting it on hold and coming back to it, I actually really liked it despite putting it down. After all the little discoveries and falling into a deeper love they never knew they had, I love how it ended. Overall, it was a great read!

4 STARS - Really liked it! 

Sounds Like Me - My Life (so far) in Song by Sara Bareilles

This is actually my first non-fiction book I've reviewed and I'm so glad it was Sara Bareilles'. She is such an amazing song writer and I knew she'll be able to take us on her life journey. 

It's always a treat to get to know the artist behind the music. All the emotions artists have to process while writing, recording and performing should be told to help listeners get the full experience. Then you get a better connection to your artist! I believe Sara was able to do that. 

There was a great flow with the layout of the book. I love how each chapter of her journey was titled after one of her songs. It makes the chapters even more unique. Sara was able to captivate my attention with her experiences of heartbreak, struggles, and break-throughs. When you know the story behind the song, you actually appreciate it much more. Gravity has to be my favorite chapter with Brave as a close second. In one sitting, I have cried, laughed, and smiled. (People might've thought I was crazy haha) Her stories show you that people can go through similar struggles and emotions. The only difference is finding your way around it. 

I also love how she incorporated letters and stories written by the people she have met (friends, artists, and fans). She also changed up her style by having a chapter dedicated to letters she has written to her 13 yr. old self. It actually made me want to write letters to my future/past self. By incorporating all these personal materials, you can feel the connection. 

I know this book might have been a struggle to write for Sara but I think she did an amazing job. I wish she was able to come to Philadelphia for a book tour because it would be different experience to meet her in person. But it didn't make the cut, which I totally understand with her busy schedule with Waitress and new album release! I can't wait to see what she has next up her sleeve because I know she'll be awesome at it too!

4 STARS - Really liked it!

Friction by Sawyer Bennett

Sawyer Bennett is one of my favorite contemporary writers. She just knows how to hook you in with her plot lines, especially her Legal Affairs Series and spin-offs. This book definitely had the Good Wife feel to it (reminded me of Will and Alicia) because it had two strong-willed protagonists. They are both top-notch lawyers, on opposing counsels, determined to win their case until love gets in the way. 

Leary Michaels, coming from a not so fortunate childhood, has to use her skills and charm to succeed in a field dominated by men. She'll do whatever it takes to be at the top of her game. So what happens when she meets the opposing counsel with the same game plan? Sparks fly. Reeve Halloway knows his way around the courtroom but an encounter with Leary changes everything. 

The chemistry between the two characters is amazing because Sawyer Bennett knows how to build the tension (in and out of the courtroom). As their relationship changes from enemies to lovers, walls begin to break down and it can potentially turn into something more. But as the case takes a serious turn, will they risk it in order to win? 

I love books with dual POVs because you can see the plot at different angles. Especially since some scenes take place in a courtroom, you'll get to see how each of them process and build their case against the other. You just get the full effect. Even when the relationship grows outside of the courtroom, you'll get to see their thoughts and emotions. No need of wondering how the guy feels in a situation or vice versa. 

It's a really great book. I don't even know how to describe how great it is. If you love banter between two very charming and tenacious characters, you'll love this book. This might be my favorite Sawyer Bennett thus far. I can't wait to see what happens next in the series! I hope there will be more because Ford deserves one. We'll just have to wait!

5 STARS - Loved it!

Make Your Own Rules Cookbook by Tara Stiles

I usually don't read cookbooks but this one was a treat. My sister is a fan of Tara Stiles so I decided to check this out before buying it. It's such an inviting read. 

The color scheme chosen for the book is eye catching and not distracting. With it's bright colors, cool designs, and small illustrations, it makes you want to flip through it over and over again in case you missed something. 

The layout of the book is simple and easy to follow. The first section starts out with what you need in general for your kitchen so you are always prepared. From appliances and tools to produce and spices, she'll help guide you through the process and keep you organized. As for the recipes, I love the way she titles them because it gives them a bit of a personality. She also gives a description for each recipe, sharing her experiences/thoughts about why she chose it or why it's special. The pictures included also gives the book a more personal touch. Not only does she share the end result of some recipes, there are pictures of the people she met and places she have gone to gather information for these recipes. It's like a story book of recipes. 

Overall, it is easy to follow and easy to make so if you are a newbie in the kitchen, this may be a great book for you. She includes alternative ingredients to make dishes more healthy without losing the flavor or authenticity of the dish. If you want to change your eating habits (and not by a lot), you will love it. I will definitely buy this book for myself and for my sister!

5 STARS - Love it!

Should've Said No by Tracy March

Where do I even start?! This is my first book by Tracy March and after reading this, I am definitely reading more books in this series. Should've Said No takes place in a small town called Thistle Bend. Although it's not real, it was based off of Crested Butte, Colorado (gonna add that to my list), which is filled with various mom & pop stores, beautiful scenery, and a handful of interesting characters. March reels you in to become part of it and it's just so darn cute.

It starts off with Lindsey Simms, a museum curator whose job went from organizing the Smithsonian in DC to a not so known place in the middle of nowhere. Although she may not like the change, it will be a challenge to organize the town's history when a feud between two families runs deep. (It had a Romeo and Juliet kinda feel to it) So who is the Romeo, you may ask? Carden Chreshaw. Not only is he the most eligible bachelor in Thistle, but the most swoon-worthy character. He knows how to woo a woman while not trying to woo a woman. haha The chemistry between the two is so strong that you wish there is someone out there like him. I just love it.

The feud is what drives the story. While trying not to take sides, Lindsey has to figure out the true story behind the land deal without getting on someone's bad side. As the history unravels, it gets harder for her to not reveal any secrets. Since Carden has a few secrets of his own, there is bound to be some drama. There may be a plot twist and it all depends on how good you are with predicting things. Overall, I love the way it is written. It's detail oriented, has alternating POVs, quirky secondary characters and great character development. You never know what might happen! Will the feud ever be solved? Will she finish what she is set out to do? Will they fall in love and live happily ever after? You just gotta read it. :)

5 STARS - Love it!

This Love of Mine by Miranda Liasson

Just finished my first ARC from NetGalley today! This Love of Mine by Miranda Liasson is a cute HEA read. Overall Rating: 3 stars

When I read the description for This Love of Mine, I knew instantly that it will be a good one. I am a sucker for small town romances, especially series of which follow different family members/friends and their quest of discovering love.

Meg Halloran is an independent, tell it how it is kind of women. And Benjamin Rushford is a big hot shot, always gets what he wants kind of man. While she is busy running her own bridal store and he aiming to get a promotion as an ER doctor, fate throws them together again in an elevator years later. This may not be a second chance romance where a couple falls out of love and falls back again. But it is a second chance of putting everything that happened in the past aside and being able to fall in love. 

Why not 4-5 stars? 

Some parts of the book were easily predictable. I usually like a twist in the plot to make it more exciting. And everything that can possibly go wrong, went wrong and it all magically gets resolved. I just couldn't help but laugh at the parts when everything is just perfect and it all falls into place. It just wouldn't happen in the real world for me but it may for someone. If you like a book where every character gets a happy ever after, you will love this book! On the flip side, there was great chemistry between the two, swoon-worthy moments, and charming side characters! I love Grandma Gloria and her sassiness. Especially Ben's sister, Sam, and her own little drama with love. And I bet Sam will get her love story in the 3rd Mirror Lake Novel. I hope it is because it was actually one part of the book that was not fully resolved! I also love books with weddings and doctors it was good read overall! 

3 STARS - Like it!

The Start of New Chapter

Life is a roller coaster because it is filled with ups and downs and turns when you least expect it. Three years ago, I have started this blog for a Journalism class. I never thought I would continue it after but here I am. I am ready to start a new chapter in my life.

Since I want to improve on some writing techniques, I thought I should start writing reviews. Whether it is a review about books, food, movies, music, or t.v. shows, I want to broaden my horizons. It does sorta sound like a clique but isn't that part of life? Doing different things and discovering new things about yourself? You wouldn't know until you try, right? So this is me trying. I'm just going to do it and hope I that can become a better writer. I'm not the best but anything can be improved with a little bit of practice.

I love reading so I thought it will be easier to do a couple book reviews. It has been a few years since I have written in my blog but one of my entries have been book review. If you want to scroll back, it will be on one of my favorite books of all time called The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. It was going to become a movie but I haven't heard any progress. It's upsetting because it does have the potential to become an exciting film. There hasn't been a lot of movies with magic lately. Not since the last Harry Potter movie was released in 2011. And I miss it! Harry Potter actually had it all: magic, adventure, rivals, friendships, and love. If they can complete the screenplay for The Night Circus, I will ecstatic! For now, all I can do is wait. It may not come but hoping is always a good feeling to have.

5 STARS - Love it!