Title: Layoverland
Series: Bone Grace, #1
Author: Gabby Noone
Publication Date: January 21, 2020
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5 stars)

Bone ​Criers have a sacred duty. They alone can keep the dead from preying on the living. But their power to ferry the spirits of the dead into goddess Elara’s Night Heavens or Tyrus’s Underworld comes from sacrifice. The gods demand a promise of dedication. And that promise comes at the cost of the Bone Criers’ one true love.

Ailesse has been prepared since birth to become the matriarch of the Bone Criers, a mysterious famille of women who use strengths drawn from animal bones to ferry dead souls. But first she must complete her rite of passage and kill the boy she’s also destined to love.

Bastien’s father was slain by a Bone Crier and he’s been seeking revenge ever since. Yet when he finally captures one, his vengeance will have to wait. Ailesse’s ritual has begun and now their fates are entwined—in life and in death.

Sabine has never had the stomach for the Bone Criers’ work. But when her best friend Ailesse is taken captive, Sabine will do whatever it takes to save her, even if it means defying their traditions—and their matriarch—to break the bond between Ailesse and Bastien. Before they all die.

Bone Crier's Moon is one of my most anticipated 2020 releases. I didn't expect myself to be excited over new Young Adult fantasy books because I'm hardly into reading fantasy nowadays. However last year, I really had a good reading year and some books were YA fantasy and it made me miss the genre so I decided to check out the books that'll be releasing this year. And this book is one of them. And it did not at all disappoint.

WHAT I LIKE / LOVE:

• The characters. This story's told from a three-person POV and I love all three of them. Even the side characters were pretty interesting. Almost everyone actually is, protagonist or antagonist. They got their own charm and wit that makes them stand out in their own way.

• The romance. Although a part of me needed more "build-up that leads to them finally getting together", I didn't mind. In the midst of what they went through and the circumstances they're in, let's just say the pace of the romance wasn't that bad. And my hearrrrtttt, I WANT TO READ MORE OF THEM TOGETHER.

• The friendships. Can we say LOYAL??? Because wow, need me some friends like them. I think between the romance and the friendship, I have to say both balanced out well. I'm a sucker for romance and as much as I looooveee reading about it in fantasy, I also needed some dose of wholesome friendships. And this one SERVED.

• The action and mystery elements. I'll be honest, I'm not too into the bone-magic-thing concept of the book but the action? The mystery? And some twists and turns? They were pretty much the reason that added spice in the story. I keep flipping the page (continuing the story) because I was curious, I had to pay my this book my undivided attention because the fight scenes were pretty detailed, and I had to reread some things again because of some revelations.

OVERALL THOUGHT:

As you can see, I'm not dropping any character names in this review because it's a three-person POV so I don't want to give anything away. Overall, I loved this. I can't wait for the next book and I don't know how many books will be in this series but I just hope it will be as fun and gripping as this one.

Title: Sweet Temptation
Author: Cora Reilly
Publication Date: March 08, 2020
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 stars)

An Arranged Marriage Standalone Mafia Romance.

The first time Cassio met his fiancée, she called him ‘Sir’.

After losing his wife, Cassio is left to take care of two small children while trying to establish his rule over Philadelphia. Now he needs a mother for his children, and someone who can warm his bed at night.

But in a traditional world as his, choosing your wife is duty not pleasure.

Rules have to be followed. Traditions heeded.

That’s how he ends up with a woman—a girl barely of age. She might not be what he and his children need, but she’s wicked lovely and a sweet temptation he can’t resist.

Giulia always knew she’d marry a man her father chose for her. Only she never expected to be given to someone much older.

Suddenly she’s supposed to be a mother to two small children when she hasn’t even held a baby in her life.

Giulia quickly realizes that Cassio isn’t interested in a relationship on equal footing. Her mother always warned her that men of power like Cassio don’t tolerate insolence; yet, tired of being treated as a nanny and clueless child-bride, Giulia decides to fight for her vision of a happy family.

Heads up to anyone who's about to read this: this book has an age-gap trope so if you're not into that, just letting you know in advance that this book has it.

I've been waiting for this Sweet Temptation ever since I found out Giulia and Cassio were getting their own book. These characters have appeared in Cora's The Camorra Chronicles (I can't be sure if Cassio appeared in Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles, or at least mentioned) and if you've been reading some of my Top Ten Tuesday posts, you can see I've mentioned TCC in some of them. This is not part of either series. It can be read as a standalone.

Giulia and Cassio, them being a couple and as individuals, have got to be two of Cora's best characters. I did NOT expect this book to be soft at all considering this is part of her Mafia Romance books. There were still some parts where you could say that it's "dark" but yeah, out of all the books I've read from Cora, this is definitely the softest one. AND I DON'T MIND. I loved it actually. It was nice to get a glimpse of what their marriage was from their POVs because they seemed to be perfect for each other from the way I perceived them in TCC through Kiara's POV (Twisted Emotions & Twisted Bonds' female lead). I loved reading a big and scary man (he's Underboss after all) melt whenever he's interacting with his kids, and also when he puts his defenses down for his sunshine of a partner. Giulia's such a precious bean and a ray of sunshine, I love her so much.

I love them all but best character award goes to LouLou the dog. She's such a spotlight taker. It was so amusing to read that she got Cassio going from tolerating her to finally accepting her existence in their family. Seriously, a darling floof.

This book wrapped up perfectly for me but at the same time I want more, especially when it comes to the part regarding Cassio and his kids, especially Daniele. I'm curious if they'll be part of Cora's next and upcoming project which is Sins of the Fathers. It's the second generation of characters aka the kids of the BIBMC and TCC characters. There are some things I need answers to but I can wait. And to wrap this up, this one was worth the wait.

A political golden boy and the woman of his dreams take the risk of their lives in a sexy romantic comedy of strange bedfellows and second chances by New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne.

Fresh off being named Citizen magazine’s Man of the Year, New York City’s youngest mayor, Robert Davenport, decides it’s time to strategize. Next move: a bid for the governor’s seat. In his way: an incumbent with a flawless reputation. He also has an Achilles’ heel: an estranged wild-child daughter with a past so scandalous it could be Robert’s ticket to victory. And a charm so irresistible it could be Robert’s downfall.

Rebellion is a thing of the past for Adeline Blake. As New York’s premier event planner, she’s all about reform and respectability. Then she’s approached by Robert to organize the party of the season. Curious, considering he’s her father’s most formidable opponent. And alarming, too. Because Addie can’t help but fall for the righteously popular candidate with the movie-star smile.

Now it’s Robert’s choice. Does he pursue a future that holds his legacy? Or the woman who holds his heart?

This is, hands down, one of my favorite Lauren Layne books EVER. I'm actually so happy I got approved for an ARC of this and was able to read it last year. I got to rereading this book three times already.

As individuals: Robert and Adeline both have layers to them that were interesting to read. Robert being the mayor in hopes to run and win as governor, and then there's Addie starting over a life away from the past version of herself. I like how Robert's all this professional guy and the fact that he's the kind of politician that actually has really good intentions for the people and the community (imagine having that in real life.. wow). I LOVE how he's got such a soft side to him that he allowed Addie to see and that he's not afraid to be vulnerable around her. And Addie makes me want to hug her. Imagine wanting a name for yourself without people judging you by your past "image" or actions or simply labeling you as someone's daughter. From what she went through and what she managed to accomplish, I'm actually so proud of her.

As a couple: This series is Lauren Layne's comeback in writing some detailed... smut. Yes, you read that right. We didn't get that in Central Park Pact though. But Robert and Addie were more than the physical aspect of their relationship. I felt THE LOVE in this book. There was even this scene that made me melt so much and I just wanna share a little tidbit... HIGHLIGHT FOR SPOILER and if you don't wanna read, skip skip skip this part (There was this scene were they hugged. THEY HUGGED. In this scene though, my heart just got so full. It was such a soft scene... they weren't on good terms that time but Addie took the initiative and just embraced and held him in her arms. And of course, Robert held her too and I won't say anything much on why/what happened prior but he let himself be vulnerable in this scene and didn't even bother hiding that he was crying... UH HELLO MY HEART). One of the main things I love about them together though that even if the relationship wasn't at all perfect, they still managed to talk things out like mature people. They didn't pressure the other and actually had an understanding.

The romance: This was also kind of a comeback for more romance in Lauren Layne's books. There were scenes of them as a couple a lot and not just them trying to be a couple or figuring out their feelings (I mean they were figuring it out but they were honest about it with each other even before putting a label on the relationship). AND CHEERS TO THE NO MISCOMMUNICATION TROPE!!! THE FLOOR WAS RIGHT THERE BUT MISCOMMUNICATION DIDN'T STEP IN!!! I was so happy with this, and it's largely why I love this book.

Last note: Like with every other LL universe, the girl group friendship is so strong on this one. And I just know we'll be getting their books soon too so I hope to meet them in their own respective stories someday. I also can't wait for Jarod's book! He's caught my attention in Hard Sell (21 Wall Street, #2) and I'm so happy knowing he's gonna be part of this series.

Title: Marriage on Madison Avenue
Series: Central Park Pact, #3
Author: Lauren Layne
Publication Date: January 28, 2020
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5 stars)

From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne, comes the final installment of the Central Park Pact series, a heartfelt and laugh-out-loud romantic comedy that’s perfect for fans of Sally Thorne and Christina Lauren.

Can guys and girls ever be just friends? According to Audrey Tate and Clarke West, absolutely. After all, they’ve been best friends since childhood without a single romantic entanglement. Clarke is the charming playboy Audrey can always count on, and he knows that the ever-loyal Audrey will never not play along with his strategy for dodging his matchmaking mother—announcing he’s already engaged…to Audrey.

But what starts out as a playful game between two best friends turns into something infinitely more complicated, as just-for-show kisses begin to stir up forbidden feelings. As the faux wedding date looms closer, Audrey and Clarke realize that they can never go back to the way things were, but deep down, do they really want to?

This was kind of worth the wait and somehow a didn't-meet-my-expectation (yes, singular) one at the same time. I've reread this and changed my rating from 4 stars down to 3.5 stars. Just a half star actually.

Marriage on Madison Avenue was cute and adorable. I love both Clarke and Audrey as individuals and as a couple. I've always loved best-friends-to-lovers stories and it's one of my favorite tropes (definitely my most favorite). It was nice to get a glimpse of their chemistry and how they're so familiar with each other. They just click which makes them my favorite couple from the series even though I rated Love on Lexington Avenue higher. It's just because the romance felt so lacking here. And I shouldn't be surprised because Central Park Pact hardly has romance in it. It has 90% build-up between the characters' growth and their relationship with each other then the 10% is the romance. I wouldn't have mind it if this was targeted as Chick-Lit/Women's Fiction but it's not.

Anyway, Audrey and Clarke got a ton of sweet moments that made me smile and it would've been PERFECT if I wasn't reminded from time to time that they're just doing this for show. I don't mind the fake-relationship trope (I actually enjoy it) but for this part, I wish I read more of them as an actual couple than the part where they had to keep up fake appearances even though they're already aware of each other's feelings.

This is the last installment for this series and I'm actually gonna miss them. I love love love how these three women came together and became best of friends despite the circumstances that brought them together in Central Park. This series also has one of the PRETTIEST covers in romance ever and I wish Lauren Layne's books got illustrated covers because they're so pretty and really captures the characters. And with that, I say goodbye to this world. Will likely reread some bits and pieces from time to time, as what I do with this author's books.

Come on, Bayview, you know you've missed this.

A ton of copycat gossip apps have popped up since Simon died, but in the year since the Bayview four were cleared of his shocking death, no one's been able to fill the gossip void quite like he could. The problem is no one has the facts.

Until now.

This time it's not an app, though—it's a game.

Truth or Dare.

Phoebe's the first target. If you choose not to play, it's a truth. And hers is dark.

Then comes Maeve and she should know better—always choose the dare.

But by the time Knox is about to be tagged, things have gotten dangerous. The dares have become deadly, and if Maeve learned anything from Bronwyn last year, it's that they can't count on the police for help. Or protection.

Simon's gone, but someone's determined to keep his legacy at Bayview High alive. And this time, there's a whole new set of rules.

HONESTLY? The biggest reason why I picked this book was because of Nate and Bronwyn. I wanted an answer, A CLOSURE or whatever, to their relationship *yes I shipped them since book one leave me alone* and now, I got it. Okay, on to the review.

I feel like there's so much to unpack here but I don't want to give away too much because this is a sequel to One of Us is Lying. One should read the prequel first before diving in to this because even I had to think hard to remember some characters (the Bayview Four were literally the ones whom I remember the most though and that's because I gave them all my attention when I read the first book).

So like what the synopsis says, the Truth or Dare game has been circling around the school - another form of game where it's both dangerous and ridiculous. What made this interesting for me is that I was always trying to guess what the "players" might choose and what kind of stuff they'll be told to do if they pick DARE or the scandalous secrets revealed if the pick TRUTH. It's kinda realistic but at the same time not. I know bullies exist but after the events that happened, you'd think people are gonna change. Sadly they don't especially if it involves them feeling good about themselves and trying to one-up the other.

Maeve, Knox, and Phoebe were likable and I like how they've formed a bond even under the unlikely circumstances they were in because of this game. They were there for each other and they're the kind of characters who own up to the things they did wrong and tried to be better for themselves and for others. I can't give any more info to them because during this book, I had some doubts among these three so... better get to know them yourself.

Like its prequel, this was also a ride on the GUESSING WHO IS THE MASTERMIND roller coaster. And I'm actually floored when my guesses were wrong. There were moments where I went "this person must be the one because the evidences are there" to "okay maybe not" to "but are they really innocent?". It was intriguing and quite.. thrilling? I'd say only 30%. This was heavy on the mystery aspect though. AND THAT ENDING?? I DID NOT EXPECT THAT. This book continued to surprise me until the end I must say.

One of the things that didn't quite sit well with me though was the romance... it was cute and all but I feel like it was added there for.. romantic purposes? I don't know. This book could hold its own without romance to be honest. I mean it was okay to read about it but it felt kinda out of place.. or maybe that was just me. Anyway, this was kinda lighter than the first book but I still gave this 4 stars because I was highly interested for the most part (THAT ENDING, AGAIN WITH THE ENDING) and I loved seeing Bronwyn, Nate, Cooper, and Addy here. I missed them.

Title: The Bromance Book Club
Series: The Bromance Book Club, #1
Author: Lyssa Kay Adams
Publication Date: November 05, 2019
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2 stars)

The first rule of book club:
You don't talk about book club.

Nashville Legends second baseman Gavin Scott's marriage is in major league trouble. He’s recently discovered a humiliating secret: his wife Thea has always faked the Big O. When he loses his cool at the revelation, it’s the final straw on their already strained relationship. Thea asks for a divorce, and Gavin realizes he’s let his pride and fear get the better of him.

Welcome to the Bromance Book Club.

Distraught and desperate, Gavin finds help from an unlikely source: a secret romance book club made up of Nashville's top alpha men. With the help of their current read, a steamy Regency titled Courting the Countess, the guys coach Gavin on saving his marriage. But it'll take a lot more than flowery words and grand gestures for this hapless Romeo to find his inner hero and win back the trust of his wife.

I know, I KNOW, a lot of people like (even love) this book but it truly wasn't it for me. Yes, there were some parts that were memorable and fun and sweet AND HILARIOUS but majority of the time I was just so tired of the progress of their relationship. Now, I'm not a married person but it's not that hard to realize that when you're in a relationship (marriage or not), YOU COMMUNICATE. YOU MAKE AN EFFORT - ESPECIALLY WHEN THAT PROBLEM CAN BE SOLVED THROUGH PROPER COMMUNICATION. I don't like typing so much in caps lock but please do read that in the tone you read when the words are capitalized.

I love the idea of the book club where the men are reading romance novels. I love how these guys made an effort in saving their relationships and are actually trying to be better not just for their partners but also for themselves. It was also really precious and funny reading them help Gavin out with their own knowledge from the books they read. I also appreciate how Gavin was actually trying. He was reluctant at first and thought it was a waste of time but he did try. Because he wants to save his marriage. Because he realized he was also at fault and wants to be better for Thea, for the kids, and for himself. Because he still loves Thea deep down. And that really made my heart happy.

Thea was the biggest issue here. And also her sister, Liz, but that's for later. I can understand the trust issues given the sisters growing up in a broken home and being unloved but that doesn't excuse you to be shitty to your partner? You being mad at them for feeling angry at you lying and using the fact that you have trust issues and your broken home as an excuse to justify it? NO. If you have those problems, then why marry Gavin? Why put your partner in that position and constantly painting them as the bad person when they're trying to hard to make things right and you're the one who won't even meet them halfway? I was actually hurt AND TIRED for Gavin. Also Liz was like an annoying and spoiled sister who seemed to act like the president of the Anti Gavin Club and the constant force who always tells Thea that she's in the right even though there were a ton of times when she really wasn't.

Thea and Gavin's chemistry was actually really good when they're also good. And I really would've loved it if their relationship didn't took a dive down when things were starting to get better. Anyone who's read this would know or let me spoil it here via highlight (: when things were going so smooth and happy and they were happy and I was happy but she found out the romance novel in his closet and she got HELLA PISSED! Lorrrdddd... I really wanna fucking fight her. And continued to piss me off when she was accusing him of being fake lmaooo. AND GAVIN WAS STILL THE ONE WHO TRAVELED BACK JUST TO FIX THE MESS. I couldn't even...). SIGHING SO LOUD. This was supposed to be a favorite trope of mine: second-chance romance and the marriage on the rocks tropes. The execution though? POOR.

Also what's with the deal with their twins? I'm trying to do the math here and guess their age (or it might have been mentioned and I missed it) because I'm pretty sure they're around 2-3 years old but they talk like... 6-8 years old.... Was the age mentioned? Can someone help me here, please. Thank you.

I am still interested in continuing this series though.
The book club and the members were the highlight of this book.

Title: Winterwood
Author: Shea Ernshaw
Publication Date: November 05, 2019
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5 stars)

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Wicked Deep comes a haunting romance set deep in the magical snow-covered forest, where the appearance of a mysterious boy unearths secrets that awakens the enchanted, but angry, woods.

Be careful of the dark, dark wood . . .

Especially the woods surrounding the town of Fir Haven. Some say these woods are magical. Haunted, even.

Rumored to be a witch, only Nora Walker knows the truth. She and the Walker women before her have always shared a special connection with the woods. And it’s this special connection that leads Nora to Oliver Huntsman—the same boy who disappeared from the Camp for Wayward Boys weeks ago—and in the middle of the worst snowstorm in years. He should be dead, but here he is alive, and left in the woods with no memory of the time he’d been missing.

But Nora can feel an uneasy shift in the woods at Oliver’s presence. And it’s not too long after that Nora realizes she has no choice but to unearth the truth behind how the boy she has come to care so deeply about survived his time in the forest, and what led him there in the first place. What Nora doesn’t know, though, is that Oliver has secrets of his own—secrets he’ll do anything to keep buried, because as it turns out, he wasn’t the only one to have gone missing on that fateful night all those weeks ago.

Winterwood was one of the books I was so eager to read this year and it's also largely due to the fact that I really loved Ernshaw's other book, Wicked Deep. I fell in love with the writing and the magic and mystery were woven together. Two of my favorite elements in a story together.

So this book is about this witch (Nora) who found an unconscious boy (Oliver) in the Wicker Woods aka a forest no one dared to enter because it comes alive when disturbed if it's not a full moon. Creepy. She took him in, seeing he was still alive, and brought him back to her place to nurse him back to health until he'a able to go back to the camp he was supposed to be in that was just across the lake. But Oliver's got secrets and Nora was trying to figure out what he could be hiding since he was alive even though anyone who entered the Wicker Woods were never seen again.

The mystery around Oliver was pretty intriguing and I was curious enough to keep me going through the story. However, sometimes it felt dragging. It was kinda repetitive how Oliver would appear and disappear and Nora had to either look for him again or wait for him if ever he decides to come back. I was also expecting this book would be creepy and full — and I mean FULL — of magic but neither really were there. Yes, it has the element of magic in it since Nora's a witch but her power (?) was also kind of a mystery since her mom thought she really didn't inherit the Walker gene of being a witch with all these abilities. Kinda unfortunate how Nora wasn't able to showcase them much. The creepy part wasn't also creepy — which I was expecting a lot (see this is why you don't EXPECT). I was just imagining nature the entire time.

Despite all those, this book was still really fascinating especially when it comes to the history of the Walker women and their backstory in general. THAT I really enjoyed. I love how there's this book of spells and almost every after chapter from Nora's POV (because this is a dual POV book), there's a life story of a Walker and what their life was like from their birth to their death and after that, there's a spell to cure symptoms or whatever that's connected to that Walker's life. You gotta read the book to get what I mean because I feel like I'm not explaining this clearly. But it was really, really interesting!

Overall, this book was filled with secrets (A LOT), mystery, magic (quite) and the precious Fin the Wolf. The story's pace picked up around the end and I admit, I was so into it more than I was when I started it. Things were really heating up and the wow-factor when I found out what Nora was capable of. It would also makes sense why she never used it for the entire duration of the story.

Title: Half Truths
Series: Secret Society, #1
Author: Claire Contreras
Publication Date: October 21, 2019
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Thriller/Mystery
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2 stars)

You've heard of these groups - the secretive ones that only the crème de la crème are invited into, the ones outsiders speculate about for centuries - I'm the second in my family invited to attend, but to them, I'm fresh meat. New blood. New money, too.

They think they'll elbow past me, that I'm here for their amusement, for them to walk all over, they'll find out soon enough that I'm not.

I may look like one of them, with my designer bags and clothes straight from the Parisian runways, but I'm not. I'm here for answers, to take revenge for blood spilled on their centuries-old Persian rugs.

I transferred here in search for answers about what happened to my older brother, who hightailed out of here, and my friend who seemingly disappeared into thin air. I certainly wasn't here for the attention of the star hockey player, regardless of how much he willed my eyes his way. I wasn't here for his scrutiny or his judgment or to read into his mysterious aura. I was here for the society, because only they held the answers I needed. That was, until I found out that in order to get those answers, I needed to to go through him. He's saying if I want in, I have to play by their rules, follow their lead.

It's a game I'm willing to play.

I may be the second person I know of to be invited into their society, but I'll be the first to make it out intact.

Reading the summary sounded so good but this was just not it.

I was expecting a good suspense romance because when you read the summary of the book, you'd think it would be dark. That the main character/heroine is some badass or headstrong girl who's out there to seek justice. That this could also be a thrilling story despite that it's romance. That there would be surprising twists and turns, and even shocking revelations. Well, not really.

These happened:

• I hardly felt the suspense.
• The suspect/culprit was so easy to identify (and too early to be mentioned).
• The heroine, Amelia, was too slow. And made the poor choices and picked the wrong people to be with.
• And I had to roll my eyes every time someone brings up how beautiful she is like lol okay we get it. It's nice to know she's pretty but does it have to be (almost) every character who meets her say that...
• Also the romance between her and Logan, the hero, has zero chemistry.
• They kept arguing who dislikes who (which was pretty annoying by the way) to her bringing up his groupies every chance she could get to their unfounded jealousy (like since when did you two started dating anyway?) to them declaring their love for each other like HUH?? 
• Wish there were more Logan POV chapters though because he seems to be the hero here but there's still so much layer to his character that wasn't tackled.
• The secret societies were interesting at first but then they just sounded ridiculous in the end.

Title: I'll Be Home for Christmas
Series: Little French Café, #3
Author: Karen Clarke
Publication Date: October 14, 2019
Genres: Women's Fiction
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3 stars)

Last Christmas, Nina gave away her heart – only to have it broken. But this year, at her family’s cosy café, could she find a second chance at love with someone special under the mistletoe?

Nina Bailey loves Christmas. Except this year she doesn’t. Because it turns out that her husband-to-be has been cheating on her – and her beautiful wedding ceremony in the snow is cancelled.

She’s not really in the mood to be jolly, sing carols, or go anywhere near gingerbread men – in fact, what Nina wants is to avoid the whole thing. So she’s come to stay at her Aunt Dolly’s cosy café to nurse her broken heart.

Nina is determined to get through Christmas with no tinsel, no fuss – and definitely no flirting. So when she arrives and meets infuriatingly handsome Ryan Sadler, with his gorgeous forest-green eyes, she is not best pleased. And when Nina overhears him making fun of her, she is furious. (There might have been an incident with a koala onesie and a spilled bottle of milk, but that really wasn’t her fault!) So despite the spark between them, and the fact that he can whip up a fabulous dinner faster than she can say Michelin star, romance and Christmas are off the menu this year.

Unfortunately, Aunt Dolly hasn’t quite got the message, going to great lengths to provide a proper British Christmas for her beloved niece: a true home away from home. With sparkling lights adorning every wall and a tree to equal the Rockefeller Center’s and, yes, mistletoe above every doorway, can Nina resist the magic of Christmas – and stick to her no-romance rule?

This heartwarming romantic comedy will have you reaching for eggnog, roasted chestnuts and gingerbread cookies! The perfect festive book to read curled up in front of the fire, for fans of Sue Moorcroft, Holly Martin and Debbie Johnson.

I was intrigued by these two characters, Nina and Ryan, meeting and possible falling in love after their previous relationships was a wreck. I did enjoy their interactions and they were sweet and cute although minimal. I should've expected it though since this is a Women's Fiction but still, I kinda wanted more. I'll take what I can get. And I did do that. Aside from the romance, Nina's relationship with her family was the highlight for me in this book. I love how supportive and caring they are especially after the events that happened with Nina's grandma who passed away and from her breakup with her ex.

I think I would have enjoyed this far more if I read the first book in the series even though I think that this is part of a companion series because I feel like Ryan's appeared in the first two books under a pen name. I would've enjoyed that. But overall, this was a quick light read. Surprisingly, I loved the little drama near the end.

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Title: Snowflakes at Mistletoe Cottage
Author: Katie Ginger
Publication Date: October 11, 2019
Genres: Women's Fiction
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 stars)

On a grey London day, Esme’s world crumbles around her when she loses her glitzy job on a top TV programme, her gorgeous, city-slicker boyfriend and her stunning apartment, all in one fell swoop just before Christmas.

Esme is forced suddenly to move back to her sleepy home town of Sandchester, and despite the snow blanketing the roof and the fairy lights that twinkle in her rustic little cottage, everything is looking bleak. That is until she reconnects with an old crush and finds herself unexpectedly getting swept away.

But Joe, handsome and charming as he is, is not all he seems. Esme soon realises that he has a tragic past which he just might not be able to overcome…

Surrounded by her loving, if hare-brained, family and with the support of her hilarious friends, Esme is determined to have a go at forging her own path, even if it all comes to nothing. But one question still lingers in her mind: will she find someone to kiss under the mistletoe this Christmas?

I won't lie, this was REALLY slow for me at first and I found it truly ridiculous how Nina got fired just like THAT. I mean, there are other ways one can DO to prove that they're telling the truth. How she was dismissed so easily was just dumb and had me rolling my eyes because of how frustrating it was. BUT GOOD THING, this book's pace picked up and I was soooo enjoying it. I loved reading how Nina was starting with her blog and how to get an audience like sis, I can relate. I saw myself there for a moment and it took me back to the days when I started blogging and it felt like no one was there to read. My heart was melting because of the memories. And I love Nina. I love her goal-driven personality and the way she knows what she deserves. I just full on love her and I felt a sense of pride reading what she's achieved after everything she's worked so hard for.

The romance was also so sweet and a little angsty because of Joe's history - angst in a sad way. I also love how supportive he was for Nina and how he was slowly opening his heart for something new. And aside from Joe, Nina's friends and family were just as supportive and present in her life. Being there for her and all. And reading this kind of relationship, whether it's between family or friends or with a special someone, set during the holiday season just warms my heart.

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Title: Rebel
Series: Legend, #4
Author: Marie Lu
Publication Date: October 01, 2019
Genres: Young Adult, Dystopia
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)

Respect the Legend. Idolize the Prodigy. Celebrate the Champion. But never underestimate the Rebel.

With unmatched suspense and her signature cinematic storytelling, #1 New York Times–bestselling author Marie Lu plunges readers back into the unforgettable world of Legend for a truly grand finale.

Eden Wing has been living in his brother’s shadow for years. Even though he’s a top student at his academy in Ross City, Antarctica, and a brilliant inventor, most people know him only as Daniel Wing’s little brother.

A decade ago, Daniel was known as Day, the boy from the streets who led a revolution that saved the Republic of America. But Day is no longer the same young man who was once a national hero. These days he’d rather hide out from the world and leave his past behind. All that matters to him now is keeping Eden safe―even if that also means giving up June, the great love of Daniel’s life.

As the two brothers struggle to accept who they’ve each become since their time in the Republic, a new danger creeps into the distance that’s grown between them. Eden soon finds himself drawn so far into Ross City’s dark side, even his legendary brother can’t save him. At least not on his own . . .

*** This is not a spoiler-free review. Just a heads up for anyone who wants to read the book but haven't yet and is here reading this review.

The world shifts, tilts, sometimes collapses. But sometimes, it bends toward you, and everything feels right.

I couldn't even begin to express how much I missed this world and characters, especially June and Day. I didn't even know a sequel was possible considering how years has passed since Champion ended but here we are. And I think for someone who's read only the three Legend books, they need to read Life After Legend too before diving in to this because it tells you what happened after the third book's ending and prepares you for the next book. It's like the bridge between Champion and Rebel.

I've been a fan of this series since I was introduced to the dystopian world of fiction. This became one of my favorites because I love the writing of the story, the world-building that actually has some realistic aspects to it, and how the characters are like with their defining personalities. It's one of the stories that stayed with me even after I stopped bothering with dystopia now and hardly with Young Adult these days.

You don't have to bear the weight of anything by yourself. Do you understand me? I know what it's like to be forced to go it alone. I never want you to feel that way.

The relationship between Day and Eden is seen in a new light here. We see that it's not just sunshine and rainbows between them even though they're living a new life now where they're not on the streets and struggling. Their relationship lacked communication. It was sad to read especially during the times where Eden was pulling away from Day.

I get Eden though. It really is hard to live in someone's shadow, even if that someone is your brother whom you love and adore. My heart broke for him too. He was getting provoked and bullied in school but it's hard for him to resist retaliating knowing that it will cost him some Level points -- these points determine your social standing in the community, the system's rigged and it's part of what created chaos in the book. I won't go into specifics to avoid spoilers.

I won't lie. I was kinda frustrated with Eden's choices in the book because how and on what grounds do you think you can trust a man who's killed people for his own benefit just because he got a tragic past? I mean, yeah sure he wants a fairy system but the aftermath of the plan was just chaos and something you'd see in The Purge (literally, it was like a scene in the movie when the chaos started). JUST BECAUSE THEY GOT A TRAGIC PAST DOESN'T EXCUSE THEM FOR THEIR PRESENT DAY SHITTY ACTIONS! *sigh I'm just sad over the events that happened. HIGHLIGHT FOR SPOILER (I actually teared up reading this book.. and it wasn't even a JuneDay-related scene. It was the scene where Pressa's father a.k.a. the father of Eden's friend, who is ill by the way, was trying to stop the people from robbing his store. IT WAS JUST SO HEARTBREAKING TO READ ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU VISUALIZE IT. Again, HE IS ILL. AND FRAIL. He could only beg and plea for the people to stop, even the ones whom he knew. I'm still sad thinking about it and he died in the end because someone got in with a knife and stabbed him.).

But it's because I care. Because sometimes, being patriotic means calling out the problems rotting away your country. 

In the end, I was proud of him for standing up and doing what's right despite how risky it was and the punishment could be severe. I was emotional reading via Day's POV how, after everything that's happened, he looked frightened standing in front of the president and pretty much everyone and telling them why he did what he did. That quote above is something. And I appreciate the fact that even though there was a slight change in the country, it wasn't a complete change. Because that's not how things work at all and I'm glad Marie Lu kept it realistic like that but still managed to give us a picture of what could happen if we just identify the problem, call it out, and do something.

Now, JuneDay. This couple is one of my "OTPs of all OTPs" in the Young Adult scene. Their relationship here really took off after what happened in Life After Legend. AND THIS IS WHY I SUGGEST TO READ THE NOVELLA. My heart was just so happy to see them together again and is bouncing with love and joy over the ending. I don't wanna say so much because this review is getting long. But I'm really happy for them, I'm happy for my shipper heart too. I'm happy that they took things slow like trying to recall what they remember of their time together and how much they loved each other. It was just so nice and so...freeing. I feel so free after Champion's ending. To June and Day, you deserved this love and happiness.

Each memory I have of you, I keep in a treasured place in my heart.

Closing this with a throwback: I remember reading Champion a few days after its release, thinking it's the final book of the series, with the physical copy in my hands right after I just recently bought it at the bookstore. I remember reading it while I was dining out with my family that day and I was just too engrossed with the book. I remember hardly feeling bittersweet and don't really know what to feel entirely during the ride back home because I just finished it. But now, Rebel's here and I got my closure. The Wing brothers found their happiness. June and Day reunited. I'm a satisfied and emotional reader now who is saying her goodbye to this world and the characters for the final time.

Thank you, Marie Lu.
The long wait was worth it.

Title: Four Christmases and a Secret
Author: Zara Stoneley
Publication Date: September 27, 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3 stars)

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…

Except for Daisy Christmas means another of Uncle T’s dreaded Christmas parties, complete with Christmas jumper and flashing antlers. And Oliver Cartwright. Gorgeous Oliver Cartwright. Who she hates.

Every year Daisy has to face insufferable Ollie and hear all about how BRILLIANT he is. Whereas Daisy has no job, no man and no idea how to fix things.

This Christmas however Daisy is determined things will be different. There will be no snogging Ollie under the mistletoe like when they were teenagers. No, this year she’ll show Ollie that she’s a Responsible Adult too.

But as the champagne corks pop, and the tinsel sparkles, Uncle T has news of his own to share…and it could change Daisy's life forever…

This is my first Christmas-related read for the year and I'm off to a good start. Four Christmases and a Secret made me feel warm inside because 1) it's set during the holiday season; 2) it has the friends-to-lovers trope aka my favorite in romance even though it was quite the slow-burn; 3) Uncle Terence and his bookstore; 4) Christmas party in a bookshop - I mean, how amazing is that; and 5) Stanley.

There were still things that bugged me though was how Daisy's mom annoyed me at the beginning who kept insisting that her daughter should be dating/married and that kind of talk irks me. Some scenes between Daisy and Ollie were kind of confusing too when it comes to their relationship but oh well.

Overall, this was a quick read and quite slow at some point. Still, it was enjoyable than I thought.

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Title: Call Me, Maybe
Author: Stephie Chapman
Publication Date: October09, 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3 stars)

What if you got a second chance with your first love?

What happens when you meet your teenage heart-throb – when you’re both all grown up?
When Cassie was fifteen, all she wanted was to marry Jesse Franklin, the bassist from her favourite band, Franko. Now she’s single, in her late twenties and wondering what happened to that teenage dream.

A chance encounter on Facebook soon leads to a transatlantic hook up, and soon, Jesse and Cassie are having a long-distance love affair spanning five thousand miles.

Cassie is on cloud nine – until she hears something that makes her think that Jesse might not be all that he seems. They say never meet your heroes – but what happens when you fall in love with them…?

Are Cassie and Jesse star crossed lovers, destined to be together? Or should Cassie have left her crush in the box marked 'teenage memories'?

I gotta say, this is one of those insta-love books but for some reason, I still went with it even though I'm not really a big fan of that kind of romance. Call Me, Maybe explored a long distance relationship and while many relationships do work despite the distance, this kinda put me off a bit. Like the two characters just met, he knew she was a fan, they talked a bit about their life and all, then suddenly they're fighting about who gets to adjust. I'll be honest if I say that both characters were a bit selfish on their part and handled some events poorly. What gave me a sense of relief though was that Cassie and Jesse were both aware of their faults.

Still, I did love the friendships especially between Cassie and Rachel even though there were moments where I was kind of "hmmm" about it. Out of all the sibling-relationship in this book between the Franklin brothers, Brandon and Jesse's was my favorite. But what else is my favorite? Jesse and Lainey's aka Brandon's wife aka Jesse's sister-in-law. She gives him advice and she's like a mother hen to Jesse. It was comforting to read when you know what happened between the family.

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Title: Love on Lexington Avenue
Series: Central Park Pact, #2
Author: Lauren Layne
Publication Date: September 17, 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Add to: Goodreads / Amazon
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 stars)

From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne comes the second delightfully charming installment in the Central Park Pact series, following a young widow whose newfound cynicism about love is challenged by a sexy, rough-around-the-edges contractor.

There are no good men left in New York City. At least that’s Claire Hayes’s conviction after finding out her late husband was not the man she thought he was. Determined to rid her home of anything that reminds her of her cheating husband, Claire sets out to redesign her boring, beige Upper East Side brownstone and make it something all her own. But what starts out as a simple renovation becomes a lot more complicated when she meets her bad-tempered and rough-around-the-edges contractor Scott Turner.

Scott bluntly makes it known to Claire that he only took on her house for a change of pace from the corporate offices and swanky hotels he’s been building lately, and he doesn’t hesitate to add that he has no patience for a pampered, damaged princess with a penchant for pink. But when long workdays turn into even longer nights, their mutual wariness morphs into something more complicated—a grudging respect, and maybe even attraction...

Love on Lexington Avenue is another reminder why I enjoy and love Lauren Layne's books. I've been waiting for Claire's book since she was "the wife" and how curious I was on what's going on in her head after the events that happened with her ex-husband's infidelity and death.

This book was a light and quick read for me, as most of the author's books, and I wanted more. I realized in the end that this was a slow-burn romance because when I was going through the book, I realized there weren't that much romantic moments between Claire and Scott until the last few chapters. Sure, there was the sexual tension and the comical banter, but do I count those romantic? Not really. However, I didn't mind. I enjoyed those moments instead and I loved reading Claire's journey of moving on and the things that she can finally do now that her husband's gone. Reading her becoming free of the past felt liberating. I was so proud of her with the goals she was trying to achieve like renovating the house, finding work, putting what she was passionate about to the field and having that as her stepping stone for a business. She does calligraphy. Let me tell you that that is hard to do. It requires skill and concentration and creativity that I all fail to have when we had calligraphy lessons in class. AND I'M JUST SO PROUD OF HER. Her happiness radiates from the pages and I want nothing more than to jump in the book, hug her, and tell her she's doing amazing and that she is amazing.

Scott... I kinda forgot who Scott was when I started this book. And then I remembered he was Oliver's friend so I reread the parts of him appearing in Passion on Park Avenue. The first book was a 50-50 for me so I hardly remember some stuff. Anyway, Scott was kinda hard to read at first but I grew a soft spot for the guy whenever he's with his dog, how he was being honest with Claire about his job that him being gone from time to time to travel for work is a possibility, and him actually being sweet to Claire even though he liked masking it. I AM STILL MELTING ON THE INSIDE AND EMOTIONAL WHENEVER I REMEMBER THAT HE PAINTED CLAIRE'S KITCHEN WALL [REDACTED] - I'm not saying the color because that's an essential fact about Claire so you have to read the book. It was just so precious, okay, and quite sentimental.

The other characters were also a constant presence especially Audrey and Naomi. The latter still being successful and in love with Oliver while the former being all adorable and me yelling internally for her to get it together with Clarke already. Seriously, one of the biggest highlights for me in this book was being able to get a glimpse of Clarke and Audrey's relationship that I am so excited for their story. I know I'll be served with best-friends-to-lovers excellence.

Overall, I loved it. I am willing to reread it like I do with my favorite romance books because it landed on my "ROMANCE BOOKS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY" list. I also would like to say that you all should read this for Bob aka Scott's dog aka Bobsie as what Claire calls her aka the sweetest gentle giant in this story.