Goodbye, November!

November seems like it started a few months ago. I don't remember a lot of it. It seemed to take forever (but it wasn't slow--if that makes sense).

2023 Resolutions:

     (1) Write [almost] every day...or at least think about it

     (2) Don't stop reading

     (3) Make something (e.g. a memories)

     (4) Share love of books/writing

     (5) Be kinder to myself

(1) *Crickets* Shhhhhh.

(2) Books read this month: 33 (might get one more in there before midnight though).

(3) November Memories: Served my civic duty twice this month (voted--and then jury duty (though I was dismissed)). My 29th birthday was this month, celebrated with my parents and my friends. Feast at school and Thanksgiving with the family. A nice long weekend. A Christmas photo shot with the doggo. A dentist appointment. Lots of shopping. Lots of naps. Lots of candles.

(4) Posts this month (including this one): 28.

(5) Ehhhhh. A little less stress with the preschool job change. Less stress eating. Less regular sleeping. More relaxing.

Anyone still holding onto their resolutions?

Any exciting December reads?

Anything I should check out?

#newyearsresolutions #goodbyenovember #hellodecember #hello2023 #keeplearning #writeeveryday #dontstopreading #makesomething #shareloveofbooks #bekindertoself #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Shy Sheldon

Literally NO CLUE how I missed reading "Shy Sheldon" 2-3 year ago when I was binge-reading Lucy Lennox's things. No clue. Better late than never though ;)

["When adorkable Sheldon Whitehall’s best friend hacks his social media account to make it look like Sheldon is asking his co-worker on a date, poor Sheldon freaks out. Meanwhile, the gorgeous and successful Carter Wardlaw is shocked to discover his secret crush on the IT guy might not be as one-sided as he thought."]

Meddling friends (Lucy trademark). Instagram posts gone wrong (happened to me very recently--though not in a fun, rom-com kinda way). Adorkable meets hot. Sign. Me. Up.

Lucy never fails to make me smile, laugh, and wish for my own perfectly imperfect person. This short novella was just what I needed.

"Shy Sheldon" is available via #BookFunnel.

#shysheldon #lucylennox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Terribly Tristan (Bad Boyfriends, Inc. #3)

Now we're off working out way through the books that Sarah Honey wrote with Lisa Henry. This next series is Bad Boyfriends, Inc. The third novel is "Terribly Tristan."

["When it comes to dating, one and done has always been Tristan's rule—so what happens when once isn't enough?

Leo Fisher is a sensible guy, with a sensible life. He's the picture of respectability, just like his parents raised him to be. But when he inherits a crumbling terrace house in Newtown from his uncle, he also inherits a tenant who turns his world upside down. Tristan is brazen, gorgeous, experienced, and doesn't care what anyone thinks of him. He's everything Leo is not—maybe that's why Leo is drawn to him. Leo has only ever made the right choices—the sensible choices, yet here he is, hooking up with his tenant—who happens to be a rent boy.

Tristan Montague is not a rent boy. Not exactly. He's a Bad Boyfriend. For a modest fee, he'll turn any date into the kind of disaster that will have his client's unsuspecting parents begging them to rethink their life choices. Boyfriending for cash is fun, but for real? No thanks. There are way too many flowers in the garden of life to settle on one single bloom. Tristan flits happily from lover to lover like a glorious gay butterfly, and he doesn't do repeats.

Except when he meets cute, awkward Leo, Tristan finds himself rethinking his 'no repeats' rule. Tristan's mission to show Leo that he, too, can be a glorious gay butterfly takes an unexpected turn when physical attraction develops into something more, and Tristan realizes he might not want to be a fake boyfriend anymore...he might want to be a real one?

But for Leo to take a stand against his overbearing parents, Tristan's going to have to be a Bad Boyfriend one last time—and it's going to have to be spectacular."]

Oh, Tristan. Of course your sassy, twinky, spectacular self gets saddled with true love when you spent the entire last book "mocking" your friends for it. You deserve it (both in the karma way and the love-that-for-you kinda way).

Also, love how all of these books have a meet-cringe (not a meet-cute, or even a meet-ugly, a meet-cringe).

And Tristan's fabulous and over-the-top self was utterly fucking perfect for awkward, slightly shy, very  unsure Leo. Fuuuuuuck, Leo. He deserves all of the drag queen hugs and cocoa and cuddles (and happily ever afters).

#awfullyambrose #horriblyharry #terriblytristan #badboyfriendsinc #badboyfriendsincseries #lisahenry #sarahhoney #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Horribly Harry (Bad Boyfriends, Inc. #2)

Now we're off working out way through the books that Sarah Honey wrote with Lisa Henry. This next series is Bad Boyfriends, Inc. The second novel is "Horribly Harry."

["Bad Boyfriend, Inc—when you can’t find a good boyfriend, why not hire a bad one instead?

To supplement his income while he’s completing his Early Education degree, Harry Townsend hires himself out as a terrible date—for a set fee, he’ll horrify parents and family members in all sorts of interesting ways. But when it comes to actual relationships—and sex—Harry doesn’t get the appeal. He doesn’t get the same tingly feelings everyone else seems to when they meet someone attractive, and he’s fine with that. He’d rather spend his evenings watching TV anyway.

Jack Windsor abandoned his uni degree to do an apprenticeship as a mechanic, much to his parents’ dismay. He’s happy with his choices, but leaving uni meant losing his accommodation, and now he’s crashing on his sister Mia’s couch. It isn’t ideal, but it’s only until he finds something else—which is proving difficult in Sydney’s brutal rental market.

When Jack almost kills Harry with a strawberry smoothie, he discovers that not only was Harry’s disastrous date with Mia a set up, but that Harry is looking for a roommate. Moving in with Harry is great, if only he wasn’t so distractingly cute—and totally uninterested in Jack. Except as they grow closer as friends, for the first time in his life, Harry tells Jack he’s developing feelings for him—tingly ones.

But how can Harry and Jack be together when Jack’s family thinks that Harry is the worst human being in the universe? And how can Jack convince them that his Bad Boyfriend is the best boyfriend he’s ever had, without admitting that Mia hired him to be terrible to them? When an approaching family event brings everything to a head, Jack’s going to have to step up to prove to Harry that he wants him in his life. And it might just take some bad timing, some good luck and the ugliest suit known to mankind."]

Harry needs protected at all costs. And Jack does a pretty damn good job of it (except that one time with the strawberry smoothie--buuuut it was their "meet-cute" so..).

And Jack! He was so patient and sweet and utterly fucking perfect!

Also, loving the ace/demi rep here.

#awfullyambrose #horriblyharry #terriblytristan #badboyfriendsinc #badboyfriendsincseries #lisahenry #sarahhoney #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Awfully Ambrose (Bad Boyfriends, Inc #1)

Now we're off working out way through the books that Sarah Honey wrote with Lisa Henry. This next series is Bad Boyfriends, Inc. The first novel is "Awfully Ambrose."

["Bad Boyfriend, Inc—When you can’t find a good boyfriend, why not hire a bad one instead?

Liam Connelly is a university student in Sydney. He leads an orderly and predictable life of studying, working as a waiter in an upscale harbour restaurant and spending lots of time with his cat, trying to convince himself that after his last cheating boyfriend, he’s perfectly happy alone. Well, mostly happy.

Ambrose Newman is a Bad Boyfriend. Professionally. Someone’s parents don’t approve of that long-haired unemployed bass player they want to date? Well, that’s where Ambrose comes in. For a few hundred dollars a night, he’ll go to dinner with them and their parents and show them that the grass is definitely not greener on his side of the fence. It’s dead. When Ambrose brings a date to Liam’s restaurant, it’s not sparks that fly—it’s glassware.

When Liam needs a date to prove to his visiting parents that he’s not destined to die sad and alone, he calls Ambrose, desperate. If Ambrose can be a bad boyfriend for money, he can be a tolerable one too, right? Which works out great—right up until Ambrose is too nice, and Liam’s parents invite them up to their winery for the long weekend.

Suddenly Ambrose has to be a Bad Boyfriend again, to give Liam an excuse to ‘break up’ with him before his mum starts planning the wedding. But as Liam gets to know the real Ambrose, real feelings start to sneak into the fake relationship on both sides. Under the watchful eyes of Liam’s protective family, who have no idea what to make of Ambrose, their fake relationship evolves into a chance at something real.

When Ambrose has an ugly run-in with Liam’s sister’s fiancé—who’s an even worse boyfriend than him—it might cost him not only any chance he had of convincing Liam’s family that he’s not the nightmare they think he is, but his fledgling relationship with Liam, too."]

Ambrose was hilarious when Liam first met him. Awful, sure, but hilariously so. It grew less funny the more he grew closer to Liam and his family, because his heart wasn't in it, and he was just trying too hard. 

Ambrose was actually so freaking sweet and caring and just wanted people to like him for him; he wanted a family. And Liam? He was so shy and loving and--. They just complimented each other so freaking well.

And Liam's family?!?! I fucking love Grandpa Billy!!

#awfullyambrose #horriblyharry #terriblytristan #badboyfriendsinc #badboyfriendsincseries #lisahenry #sarahhoney #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Awake

Now that I have a long weekend and people home, maybe I can read more thrillers? They're fucking addictive, even if I get paranoid as fuck. So I lasted suuuuuuuper long taking a break from the thrillers/mysteries. Here's "Awake" by Natasha Preston.

["Scarlett Garner doesn’t remember anything before the age of four—but a car accident changes everything. She starts to remember pieces of a past that frighten her. A past her parents hid from her…and a secret that could get her killed."]

Not to brag, but I totally predicted one of the major plots twists by chapter three. Not that it was a good plot twist (bad things happen), but it was unique (and good in that way).

I literally didn't know what to think after I finished this. Shock at the ending. Shock that the ending wasn't a typical triple-twist. Shock that it wasn't...bad. Shock in general.

So I turned to Goodreads to see what other people thought. I agree with the age thing; not many people remember before the age of four unless it's a painful or powerful memory (all of mine are from getting hurt or my sister being born). I disagree with how upset people are with how fast they fell in love; that's a genre thing, get over it. No one seems to mention the ending though; which I'm upset about (the fact that no one cares, and the fact that we'll never know).

#awake #natashapreston #thriller #yathriller #murdermystery #yamurdermystery #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Christmas Veto (Festive Fakes #3)

There are SO many good Christmas novels that just came out. In addition to all of the non-Christmas movies that came out, and all of the ones I keep skipping, and all of the ones I say "this one's next." ANYway. Here's Keira Andrews's "The Christmas Veto;" it's the third in her Festive Fakes series.

["Can fake dating lead to true love?

My name’s Connor Lisowski, and here’s what you need to know about me:

I’ve had a massive crush on my best friend’s older brother since high school.

Everyone thinks I’m straight.

I have two dads but I’m afraid to come out.

I’ve never even been kissed.

And somehow, I’ve been roped into pretending to be Reid’s boyfriend for the holidays. Who’s Reid, you ask? Only the aforementioned best friend’s older brother who never looked at me twice.

Until now."]

Connor is Logan's stepson from the Logan/Seth festive fake in "The Christmas Deal" (book 1). His best friend, and roommate, is the daughter of Logan/Seth's boss, as well as Micheal/Will's boss (who festive faked in "The Christmas Leap"--book 2). A little bit of a mind-maze, but I love series that connect the characters in more than one way. 

Also, going back and relearning who is who, there's a lot of bi-rep in this series. A lot of bi-erasure from old white ladies, but also a lot of positive bi information and representation (from our hot as fuck leading men).

I forgot how much I loved Connor. He's all prickly on the outside, but he's soft and warm and loving (oh so loving) on the inside. Reid's outwardly caring and confident nature matches him perfectly (as does his inner-dork and inner-klutz).

#thechristmasdeal #thechristmasleap #thechristmasveto #keiraandrews #festivefakes #festivefakesseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Naughty Elf (Omega Christmas #1)

M.M. Farmer's "Naughty Elf" is the first novel in her new Omega Christmas series. It's in the same universe as her Bangers & Mash series.

["All this naughty omega elf wants for Christmas is a Daddy alpha who can keep his world from falling apart.

Felix
I’m a mess, I’ll admit it freely. I thought getting a degree in Music would be fun, and it was, but now that I’ve graduated, I have no job—except working as an elf at the Barrington Christmas Market—and no prospects. I can’t even pay my share of the rent, and my roommates are about to throw me out. What I do have is a massive crush on one of the driving forces behind the Christmas market, Councilman “Hottie”. But why would an alpha as important as he is ever look at me?

Hunter
My whole reputation as a community leader rests on the success of the Barrington Christmas Market. Everything is going well…and then the cutest, naughtiest omega waltzes into my life and threatens to blow up everything. Because he’s everything I’ve ever wanted in a boy, and he desperately needs me. Felix and I are perfect together, but when the press finds out about our unconventional relationship, could that spell the end of my career and the Christmas market?"]

This was a fun little novella filled with passion and sacrifice and protective instincts and naughtiness. I love all of M.M.'s books, and this one made me really excited for the rest of this series. 

#naughtyelf #flirtyelf #sassyelf #cheekyelf #sweetelf #omegachristmas #omegachristmasseries #mmfarmer #bangersandmash #bangersandmashseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Fated Mates and Where to Find Them (Fated Mates #1)

I'm confused, because Amazon and Goodreads is telling me that "Fated Mates and Where to Find Them" is the second book in A.J. Sherwood's Fated Mates series, but the first book isn't out yet so...

["Zander is in an auction house for the sole purpose of getting someone to sign a contract. He doesn’t have any interest in owning a blood slave—until he lays eyes on Max. That, he must have.

Max is there for reasons of his own, mostly desperate reasons, and he’s braced himself for a year of hell. Which doesn’t seem to be forthcoming.

Someone needs to explain to this vampire that he’s supposed to use Max, not spoil him. Zander doesn’t seem to get it."]

and becuase it's all just fucking hilarious, the authors "other tags" [" Paranormal romance, blood slave contract thing, except Zander doesn’t actually know how to own someone, I’m pretty sure he’d break out into hives if he couldn’t spoil Max, Max has no idea what just hit him, he just knows he’s somehow the responsible one, it’s definitely not Zander, sexy times incoming!, Zander is a walking green flag, sass, so much sass incoming, light angst, mostly as an excuse for cuddles, stubborn to lovers, part time soulmates, full time problem, whole story is just mindless violence and fluff, the summary really doesn’t get across how much sex is in this but it’s also not wrong, cinnamon protection squad, assemble!"]

Zan is the embodiment of an overactive golden retriever, wanting nothing more than to please his person. It’s so fucking adorable. I can even. There are no words.

Max is a snarky, sassy, not-afraid-to-bite-back (literally) angry pittle. All hostile looking, but when they trust you and care for you, you’re done for (in the best of ways). 

#fatedmatesandwheretofindthem #fatedmatesandhowtowoothem #fatedmates #fatedmatesseries #ajsherwood #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Rival (King Sports #0.5)

Available only through Eden Finley's website or Patreon account is the prequel to her latest series, King Sports. Here's "Rival" (because it just came out, because I can't decide which Christmas book to read next, and because I reeaalllly need a break from thrillers).

["Interning at the ever-growing and reputable sports agency King Sports has been my dream job. This is what I want to do with my life. And I have one chance to impress my boss, Damon king, that I'm perfect for one of the coveted full-time junior agent positions up for grabs at the end of the summer. I'm hoping I can get some one-on-one time with him at the upcoming King Sports corporate retreat.

The only problem is, Camden Wheeler. My nemisis. My rival. He also wants the job.

College was four years of being king for Camden, while it was four years of torture for me. 

Being a sports agent is all I've ever wanted. Being a sports agent is Camden's backup. Camden couldn't make it in major leqague baseball, so now he's trying to weasle his way into my spot, and I'm not going to let him walk all over me like he did in college.

It's game on."]

HA! When Lane told them to compromise, they both looked like shocked fish. What’s “compromise”? 

These two are too much. There was so much sexual tension and mutual feelings of he’s-hot-but-brain-remember-you-hate-him and yin/yang awesomeness. This was the perfect start to the Kings Sports series (if only that series wasn’t still a year away). 

#rival #edenfinley #kingsports #kingsportsseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Twin

So I lasted suuuuuuuper long taking a break from the thrillers/mysteries. Here's "The Twin" by Natasha Preston.

["Ivy and Iris haven't lived together for years - when their mother and father divorced, each parent got custody of one twin. But after a tragic accident takes their mom's life, the devastated sisters are reunited, and Iris moves in with Ivy and their dad. Iris takes their mom's death especially hard. She barely talks, spending hours alone in her room. Ivy can't stand to see Iris so sad. She promised Iris that she can share her life now. After all, they're sisters. Twins.

It's a promise that Iris takes seriously. And before long, Ivy's friends, her teachers, and even her boyfriend fall under Iris's spell. Soon Ivy begins to think there's something wrong with her twin. It's almost like Iris is out to get her. Ivy tells herself she's being paranoid. It's not like she's in any danger from her twin..."]

The entire novel, I wasn't sure who was gaslighting who. Do I believe Ivy (the unreliable narrator) and trust that her twin was manipulating and gaslighting her (and her friends/family)? Or do I doubt Ivy (the unreliable narrator), associate all of her actions and reactions to the trauma and change in her life, and assume she's gaslighting us (the readers)?? Like, what the fuck.

I mean, Iris was faaaaaar from innocent and naïve. But she was also put through a lot of trauma and change. But Ivy didn't handle a lot of things (the trauma and the change--or her sister) very well either.

All of the books by this author have insane twists at the end. I always want none of them to real, because they are never happy endings where the killer ends up behind bars and the protagonist wins. This book? The ending made me cry. I want nothing more than the right twin to get her justice.

#thetwin #natashapreston #thriller #yathriller #murdermystery #yamurdermystery #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Snowbody Loves Me (Christmas Falls #2)

I need some serious break from the thriller/mysteries; I'm getting too paranoid, so I figured a visit to a Hallmark-perfect Christmas town would help. Here is the second novel in the new multi-author series (Christmas Falls): this is Jacki James's "Snowbody Loves Me."

["They say there’s no place like home for the holidays... But that isn’t true when snowbody loves you.

When I get ditched at the airport right before a holiday trip to the Bahamas, spending Christmas at home alone isn’t all that appealing so impulsively hopping on a plane to the most Christmasy place on earth seems like a good idea. At least until I realize I’ve got no plan, no place to stay, and nothing but beach clothes.

Luckily, Arlo, the handsome B&B owner, comes to my rescue.

Christmas Falls is supposed to be a quick holiday escape, but the town is just so dang cute. And so is Arlo.

There’s just something about the older man that draws me in and makes me want to stay a bit longer, and then a bit longer. Through sleigh rides, ornament-making, and handling a winter storm that strands guests, the Gingerbread Cottage B&B, Christmas Falls, and more importantly Arlo begin to feel like home.

The holidays never end in Christmas Falls–but can I say the same for me and Arlo?"]

This book was so sweet and cute and innocent and easy. Yes, it was an easy read, but Arlo and Emerson were easy. They clicked. They made each other better and supported each other. They glowed. 

There was also minimal angst. Like barely any. Which was sooooo nice. I needed this. 

#snowbodylovesme #jackijames

#grinchkisses #getfrosted #silentknight #underthemistletome #clausingascene #noelfingway #readysetglow #scroogeyou #christmasfalls #christmasfallsseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Haunting

Another day, another thriler/mystery (because, who doesn't need to be even more paranoid--and what's more terrifying than a serial killer? a serial killer praying on your greatest fears). Here's "The Haunting" by Natasha Preston.

["Haunted by the past . . .

Penny's trying to forget about her ex, Nash. His father was arrested for the brutal murder of four teenagers on Devil's Night last year. Penny's parents have forbidden her to have anything to do with Nash or his family. It's hard not to think of what happened as spooky season gets underway--but she's trying.

That stops when she goes to the Halloween store with her friends to find a costume. What she finds instead is ripped from a horror movie: a girl from school bleeding out on the floor of a dressing room. Stabbed.

Is a copycat killer on the loose? The adults are saying no. But Penny knows better."]

I feel horrible that Nash and his sister were shunned by the adults in this town (and all of their friends). Just because their father was convinced for the murders a year ago doesn't mean they should be ostracized and villainized. 

And poor Penny. I mean, it's the genre, but these past few narrators really have people hyper focused on stalking and hurting them.

I was both right about the killer and so, so wrong. I just...so many twists and turns. And the fact that the last page, the last lines, ends in a cliffhanger and we don't know shit!?!?! Who's alive? Who's dead? Who will make it? Who got stabbed? Who got shot? NO ONE KNOWS.

#thehaunting #natashapreston #thriller #yathriller #murdermystery #yamurdermystery #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Fear

Another day, another thriler/mystery (because, who doesn't need to be even more paranoid--and what's more terrifying than a serial killer? a serial killer praying on your greatest fears). Here's "The Fear" by Natasha Preston.

["Don't be afraid. Be terrified.

It’s just a stupid meme that’s going around their small fishing town in the dead of winter—people reposting and sharing their biggest fear. But when her classmates start turning up dead—dying in the way that they said scared them the most—Izzy knows it’s no joke.

With each death hitting closer to home, Izzy sets out to try to stop the killer. Could her older sister’s friend Tristan have something to do with the deaths? He’s given her some strange vibes. Or what about his brooding cousin, Axel? But he’s in her classes at school. He’s not a murderer . . . is he? Izzie’s soon on a path that will lead her right to the killer . . . and her own worst nightmare."]

Izzie was the narrator in this novel. But, so was "The Fear." The serial killer had several chapters in this novel, at perfectly suspenseful times, to describe his/her anger, his/her motives, and his/her next steps (as well as his/her obsession with Izzie). 

This book was hard to put down. Just when I though, 'okay, I can go to sleep now', there was another "The Fear" chapter, or the killer took another person, or Izzie made a good-intentions-but-stupid choice (to individually investigate the serial killer she didn't know who was obsessed with her). 

The other fabulous thing? There are 3-4 suspects, and Natasha (author) did a fabulously amazing job at hazing Izzie suspect each and every one of them. Just when you think you know something, have some new info about X person or Y person and you suddenly don't suspect Z anymore (for now).

And Natasha's use of last-minute, last-page, last-line plot twists from fucking left field (and maybe hell)???!!! Holy. Shit.

#thefear #natashapreston #thriller #yathriller #murdermystery #yamurdermystery #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

System Overload (Divorced Men's Club #5)

Again, who needs to finish what I started a few days ago when I can read another brand-new novel?? This one is Saxon James's "System Overload" (the fifth book in her Divorced Men's Club series)

["Keller
Banging my son’s bestie was a total accident that will never, ever happen again. I’m sure of it.
While he might be gorgeous and caught me in a weak moment, when it comes right down to it, my son has been my entire life for the last twenty-six years. I don’t know how to be anything other than his dad.
But with Molly heading off to Seattle, he leaves me with a parting gift: Will.
His best friend.
And my new roommate.
Still, I’m determined to focus on my plan of finding someone to settle down with and to start living for me.
Then Molly hits me with another gift: he’s asked Will to help find me the perfect partner.

Will
Molly running away across the country and leaving me made one thing very obvious. I crave stability. I crave a life where I get to control what happens to me, without the constant threat of having to move home to my homophobic family.
All I need to focus on is work and making enough money for the downpayment on my own place.
Except now I’m living in the spare bedroom of the man I’ve been in love with for years.
The same bedroom where we had one very messy, very quick accidental frot sesh.
Now I’m cooking for him every night, and we’re working out together every morning. It’s all feeling very domestic and my heart can’t separate reality from the fantasies in my head.
I know I’m going to get hurt.
It’s only a matter of time.
But when it comes to Keller, it’s impossible for me to walk away."]

Will's son (and Keller's BFF--Molly) was featured in Saxon's #AccidentalLove series (#NotDatingMaterial).

These two!!! D: There was so much angst and want and sexual tension and angst. It was so perfect and sweet and bittersweet and soft and GOD!! 100% recommend read.

Then again, all of Saxon's books are fucking perfect, so...

#makinghimmine #roommatearrangement #platonicrulebook #buddingattraction #employingpatience #systemoverload #divorcedmensclub #divorcedmensclubseries #saxonjames  #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Grinch Kisses (Christmas Falls #1)

Who needs to finish the book you started the other day when you can ready a sunshine/grinch, Hallmark-y small town, sister's fake boyfriend novel? The first in a new multi-author series (Christmas Falls): this is D.J. Jamison's "Grinch Kisses."

["I'm the grinch who saves Christmas … Yep, you read that right. Every year I save Christmas--and Christmas Falls--by organizing a massive festival that sustains tourism for our little town. But it turns out when Christmas is your life 24/7, the shine wears off the twinkly lights after a while. The holidays are a heck of a lot of work, and when I go home, I want peace and quiet, not fa-la-la'ing on my porch. That all changes when my sister brings me an early Christmas gift. One I didn't ask for. One that's tall, broad, and handsome...

Suddenly this season got a whole lot brighter."]

So. Fucking. Cute! I can't. This book was so fun and sweet, and there was a metaphor of Griff's icy heart melting that wasn't too on-the-nose-grinch ("his heart grew three sizes that day"). There wasn't too much angst (and the angst there was both fixed quickly and justifiable). 

Griff was most afraid to let loose, to lose control, to grow close to someone only for them to leave again. Until he met Logan. Logan was most afraid to settle down, to grow too attached, to loose people he loved again. Until he met Griff. Too bad Jess (Griff's sister) had other plans. ;)

I can't wait to read the rest of this series. The cast revealed so far in this novel make the rest of this series sound so. fucking. good. And the business names?! Very Hallmark and cutesy and somehow not at all cringe.

#djjamison #grinchkisses 

#snowbodylovesme #getfrosted #silentknight #underthemistletome #clausingascene #noelfingway #readysetglow #scroogeyou #christmasfalls #christmasfallsseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Lake

I figured that if maybe I was reading a mystery slash thriller while at jury duty, I’d be dismissed right at the beginning. I was very wrong. Annnyway, here’s Natasha Preston’s “The Lake.”

[“ Esme and Kayla once were campers at Camp Pine Lake. They're excited to be back this year as CITs (counselors in training). Esme loves the little girls in her cabin and thinks it's funny how scared they are of everything--spiders, the surly head counselor, the dark, boys . . . even swimming in the lake! It reminds her a little of how she and Kayla used to be, once. Before . . . it happened.

Because Esme and Kayla did something bad when they were campers. Afterwards, the girls agreed to keep it secret. They've moved on--or so they say--and this summer is going to be great. Two months of sun, s'mores, and flirting with the cute boy counselors. But then they get a note. THE LAKE NEVER FORGETS. And the secret they've kept buried for so many years is about to resurface.”]

I’m not sure if it was the boring atmosphere (the waiting room after waiting room) or my attitude (metaphorical waiting room) or what, but I didn’t really get into this book too much. 

Don’t get me wrong, it was great! And the ending?? I had to go back and reread the last page like three times. 

But the lead up, even though it was insane and psychopathic and dark as fuck, or didn’t hook me. 

#thelake #natashapreston #thriller #yathriller #murdermystery #yamurdermystery #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Turkeys (Licking Thicket #4.5)

Lucy Lennox and May Archer originally started writing "Turkeys" as a bonus short to the Licking Thicket series. Apparently, in true fashion, Hunter (a Jackson) and Charlton (a Nutter) wouldn't let them go without a fuller story. This story is available as an ebook on their website until the end of the month, when it will be released on Amazon. 

["Hunter Jackson’s Sage Advice for a Happy Thanksgiving

When your turkey-thieving, town-abandoning, former childhood friend reappears in Licking Thicket after fifteen long years, looking like a snack and smelling like all your favorite treats put together, it might be tempting to, well, dig in.

Don’t.

And when your plan to teach the man a lesson goes spectacularly awry, becoming less of a wattle-wearing walk of shame around the Thicket’s Thanksgiving festival and more of a sexy turkey-twerk in a skin-tight bird costume featuring the hottest pair of drumsticks the town’s ever seen, you might think it’s time to get over your feud and, well, take a bite.

Resist.

But when Charlton Nutter finally shows you the sweet, pure heart he’s hiding under all his fine, big-city feathers, and you realize, thanks to the town’s meddling matchmakers, that the man is hungry for the kind of love and belonging that only the Thicket can provide, you might decide that both of you have been acting like a pair of turkeys, and in that case you should…

Gobble. Him. Up."]

Ahhhh, I missed Licking Thicket and their nosy/neby neighbors and their oddly endearing traditions and their dirty-but-not-dirty titles/labels. All of which comes with a utter lack of filter, good intentions, and happily ever afters. 

And did Hunter and Charlie get their happily ever after! Oh, boy, did they. ;) 

["Which is why it's pretty ironic that calling someone a turkey is the opposite of warm and fuzzy. A turkey is an exceptionally foolish individual who makes really questionable choices...//And we're not saying that describes Hunter and Charlie at the beginning of this story, but we're not not saying it, either."]

#flakes #fakers #lairs #fools #turkeys #lickingthicket #lickingthicketnovel #mayarcher #lucylennox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Unexpected Fate (Fair Falls Fated #2)

Trying to catch up on a few books/series. Here's R.S. McKenzie's "Unexpected Fate." It's the second book in her Fair Falls Fated series.

["Benji
My boss is a jerk. My work is impeccable, but no matter what I do, it's never enough. He bites my head off for the smallest infraction, real or imagined. Just being around him makes my body hot with anger—and other feelings I’m not brave enough to name. He’s gotten under my skin, but I can't focus on him when I have other problems. All I’ve ever wanted was a family of my own, but having a disorder that affects my fertility makes it feel like an unattainable dream. Just when I think I’ll never have the life envisioned, fate intervenes and everything changes in one fell swoop.

Rome
My assistant is infuriating. He's a snarky smart ass—and smells better than any omega I've ever met. Something within him calls to the alpha in me, but he keeps me at arm’s length. I'm sure my cold shoulder and attitude haven't helped, but as soon as he comes near me, my brain seems to go offline. One of these days his smart mouth is going to get him into trouble, and I’m going to make sure he gets everything he deserves."]

These two...trying to tell each other (and others--any themselves) that they hate each other. It obviously didn't last long. ;)

When they finally allowed themselves to feel that chemistry, it was fire. That doesn't mean it was easy, though. They still fought fate. When fate said "no more" and took that option from them though? They quickly succumbed to the overwhelming feelings of love and affection (and possession).

Neither of them had a family when this all started, but when it ended, they had a family bigger than either of them thought was possible. 

Trigger warnings: fertility issues, discussion of fertility surgery, off-page past parental abuse, off-page past attempted assault of a minor, and more

#surprisedbyfate #unexpectedfate #fairfallsfated #fairfallsfatedseries #rsmckenzie #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Rupi Kaur: milk and honey, the sun and her flowers, home body

Another day, another Target find, another book-box, another thing(s) I've been meaning to read for years. Rupi Kaur's poetry books. 

"milk and honey"
["Milk and Honey is a collection of poetry and prose about survival. About the experience of violence, abuse, love, loss, and femininity.
It is split into four chapters, with each chapter dealing with a different pain. Healing a different heartache. Milk and Honey takes readers through a journey of the most bitter moments in life and finds sweetness in them -- because there is sweetness everywhere if you are just willing to look."]

"the sun and her flowers"
["A vibrant and transcendent journey about growth and healing. Ancestry and honoring one’s roots. Expatriation and rising up to find a home within yourself. Divided into five chapters and illustrated by Kaur, the sun and her flowers is a journey of wilting, falling, rooting, rising, and blooming. A celebration of love in all its forms. this is the recipe of life said my mother as she held me in her arms as i wept think of those flowers you plant in the garden each year they will teach you that people too must wilt fall root rise in order to bloom."]

"home body"
["Rupi Kaur constantly embraces growth, and in home body, she walks readers through a reflective and intimate journey visiting the past, the present, and the potential of the self. home body is a collection of raw, honest conversations with oneself – reminding readers to fill up on love, acceptance, community, family, and embrace change. Illustrated by the author, themes of nature and nurture, light and dark, rest here."]

It's about trauma, falling in love, falling into a toxic cycle, and finally healing.

It's about family, tradition (good and bad), rock bottom, learning to love yourself again, and finally blossoming. 

It's about depression and anxiety, about learning to fight again, and about reconnecting to yourself.

It's about the simple luxuries in life (milk, honey). It's about nature and nurture (sun, flower). It's about overcoming (being at home in your own body).

These collections were beautiful, haunting, healing, cathartic, empowering, and so. much. more. There's a reason these were such major hints all those years ago. I highly recommend reading them if you haven't already.

#milkandhoney #thesunandherflowers #homebody #rupikaur #poetry #poetrybooks #poems #feminist #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Wayside School series

About two years ago, I reread "Sideways Stories From Wayside School" by Louis Sachar for the first time in 20 years (second grade throw-back). I recently found the series as a box-set at Target and said to myself "why the hell not" (like one does about books--or at Target) and bought it. Like the one I read a few years ago, these are illustrated by Tim Heitz.

1) "Sideways Stories From Wayside School" ["There was a terrible mistake - Wayside School was built with one classroom on top of another, thirty stories high (The builder said he was sorry.) Maybe that's why all kinds of funny things happened at Wayside-especially on the thirteenth floor."]

2) "Wayside School is Falling Down" ["Louis the yard teacher starts off 30 tales of unusual students. Comic sketches precede every chapter. Todd brings a cute adorable plastic puppy who bites back when Joy steals it. Cafeteria lady Ms. Mush serves Mushroom Surprise that changes Ron. When Paul falls out the window, Leslie offers her pigtails to pull him back. On the 19th floor, invisible Allison finds Miss Zarves' class."]

3) "Wayside School Gets A Little Stranger" ["Before you enter Wayside School, you should know that it’s a thirty-story building with one classroom on each floor. Mrs. Jewls teaches the class on the thirtieth story. Miss Zarves teaches the class on the nineteenth story—except there is no nineteenth story, so there is no Miss Zarves. Understand? Good. Explain it to Calvin."]

The fourth book (a recent publication ("Wayside School Beneath a Cloud of Doom")) was sold separately (and probably the reason this 3-book set was on sale).
4) "Wayside School Beaneath a Cloud of Doom" [" Welcome back to Wayside School! Your favorite students and teachers are all here. That includes Sharie, who loves her striped-and-spotted umbrella more than anything; Kathy, who has a bad case of oppositosis; Jason, who has to read the longest book in the world; and the rest of Mrs. Jewls’s class on the thirtieth floor, who are busily collecting toenail clippings. Everyone is scrambling to prepare for the all-important Ultimate Test, but meanwhile, there is a mysterious Cloud of Doom looming above them…"]

Seriously, when life gets too serious, when things become too much, when you need a break from reality, children's/middle grade novels are a great way to go. You still have that relaxation from reading but it's...less taxing. The problems are usually trivial, the characters are happy and ready for growth, and the plot is simple as fuck. Plus, with the Wayside School series:  it's funny and silly and quirky and just plain weird--which should make you smile (even if you don't feel like it).

#sidewaysstoriesfromwaysideschool #waysideschoolisfallingdown #waysideschoolgetsalittlestranger #waysideschoolbeneathacloudofdoom #waysideschool #waysideschoolseries #louissachar #timheitz #books #childrensbooks #childrensclassics #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Don't Bang Your Stepbro (The Rules We Break #3)

Trying to catch up on a few books/series. Here's D.J. Jamison's "Don't Bang Your Stepbro." It's the third book in her The Rules We Break series (it's in the same town and universe as her The Games We Play series).

["I'm not one for rules, but Don't Bang Your Stepbro is kind of a no-brainer.

Until I wake up naked in a Vegas hotel bed with my stepbrother, Beckett, each of us with a hell of a hangover and a matching wedding ring.

We've already made a huge mistake, so what's the point in denying what's been simmering between us for ages?

Might as well enjoy the honeymoon, right?

But what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Or at least, it's supposed to.

With a hometown of family and friends who see us as brothers, not lovers, we have to find a way back to who we were before this snafu. But some boundaries can't be uncrossed. You don’t bang your stepbro, but maybe…maybe when he’s your husband…you do."]

“‘But they’re stepbrothers. Surely they know nothing can come of it, right’” Oh Tucker, you sweet summer child ((from the previous book, “Don’t Mess With the Ex”)).

I binged read this. In record time. Because they’re idiotic and adorable and perfect. And they broke a bed having sex (because of course they did).

I might have happy cried at the end. Trying to blame it on allergies or sleep deprivation, but it’s just Beck and Wes.

#dontdateadilf #dontmesswiththeex #dontbangyoursteprbo #djjamison #theruleswebreak #theruleswebreakseries #thegamesweplay #thegamesweplayseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Don't Mess With the Ex (The Rules We Break #2)

Trying to catch up on a few books/series. Here's D.J. Jamison's "Don't Mess With the Ex." It's the second book in her The Rules We Break series (it's in the same town and universe as her The Games We Play series).

["For years, I've lived by one simple Don't Mess With The Ex.

It was an easy rule to follow when Laurence Kensington III was on the other side of the country.

Now that he's shown up out of the blue? Not so much.

I followed my heart into a whirlwind romance with him once, and it led to disaster. I've vowed to never be so impulsive or reckless again. But when he brings me a proposal that will help me achieve my dreams for Granville *and* refuse his entitled family something they want, I'm once more put to the test.

Laurie is as handsome as I remember, but more generous than I ever gave him credit for. His sweet gestures, generous spirit, and open heart make it a challenge to stick to my rule.

But then, maybe messing with the ex isn't all bad. Maybe it's time to write new rules.

Is it really so wrong to follow my heart if my heart was right all along?"]

My god. Dead. I'm dead. I would have sold my soul for Laurie from the very first chapter. He deserves all of the cookies and cocoa and soft blankets and doggo cuddles and small town support and found family and true love ever. All. Of. It.

Well, that and Tucker. And Tucker? He deserves all of that plus a few impulsive rides on Laurie's bike and forced lunch breaks with Laurie and Saturday breakfasts in (with Laurie). They both need to relax and take a step back and be impulsive again (together), but Tucker really needed it. Laurie brought that out in him (and Tucker gave Laurie a family and a home for the first time...ever).

#dontdateadilf #dontmesswiththeex #dontbangyoursteprbo #djjamison #theruleswebreak #theruleswebreakseries #thegamesweplay #thegamesweplayseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Rocked to Death (Bakery Brothers #1)

The Bakery Brothers series is a Flowershop Assassins spin-off series by Louise Collins. The first novel is "Rocked to Death."  

["Stone Briggs.
Ex-con, big brother, and not a fan of baking. Which was strange considering he owned, Stud Muffins, a reputable bakery in a dodgy part of town.

Stone’s goal in life is to be there for his brothers, and if at all possible, keep them out of prison. Which sounds simple, only… Newt just stole something, Mickey wants to take part in illegal fights, and Jude is keeping a secret.

Things are complicated enough for Stone without Robin strolling into his life and falling at his feet. Not his feet exactly. He falls five metres along from where Stone had his bare butt cheeks against the bakery window…

Why bare butt cheeks?
That might have something to do with the dead man he just wiped off the kitchen walls.
Which wasn’t Stone’s fault.
That was down to the assassin, Donnie King, and Yates Matthews, the crazy florist across the street.

Why did Robin fall?
That might have something to do with the bible that hit the back of his head.
Which was partly Stone’s fault.

If Robin—the priest—hadn’t forced him to take the bible, Stone wouldn’t have thrown it at him.
He didn’t mean to knock Robin unconscious and break his nose. He’s not a monster despite what some people might think.

Stone is just a guilt-ridden guy who runs a stupidly named bakery.

And the ear sliding down the wall has nothing to do with him…"]

"'...more like rocked to death' // 'I feel like thats a misleading title.'"

I can't decide if I like Yates's crew more or Stone's crew. Either way, Stone is a papa bear with overwhelming guilt and a bit of an over-protective issue. Then again, Robin isn't perfect either, so... ;)

These two... wow. It was well over 50% into the novel until anything actually happened between the two of them. But when it did.. *fire*

Also, Yates is totally and completely wrong about what goes down in the bakery (and its fucking hilarious).

#rockedtodeath #mycowlickcop #bakerybrothers #bakerybrothersseries #flowershopassassins #flowershopassassinsseries #louisecollins #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Nanny Proposal

Trying to catch up on things that came out in the last month so here's Lucy Lennox's "The Nanny Proposal."

["I’ve been in love with Dr. Grant Brighton for four long years.

He’s tall. Gorgeous. Brilliant. An amazing single dad.

He’s also straight, uninterested in dating someone ten years younger than him, and, tragically, *my boss*.

If I’d known taking the nanny position would mean mangling my heart, I might never have accepted his offer, but I love the Brighton family so I’ve resigned myself to never living the fairytale…

At least until the Dean of Admissions at the girls’ dream school says only families with two parents need apply, and in desperation, Grant makes me a different offer: to be his on-paper *husband*.

With things heating up between us and my heart hanging in the balance, how can I convince Grant to make me the proposal I really want: to turn this marriage of convenience into a real-life happily-ever-after?"] 

The mutual pining and the mutual miscommunication was heartbreaking. I nearly cried (and did cry) a lot. Which was odd because this novella was so short, but at the same time, Lucy has planned on my heartstrings and HEA feels for so long now. 

They were absolutely perfect for each other. And completely and utterly fucking bliiiiiind to each other's feelings. It was almost entertaining. Almost (then it got in to the angsty feelings from the mutual stupidness).  

Also, Blue and Tristan made an appearance, and I almost cried (though a little sad that there was absolutely zero mentions of Aunt Tilly). 

#thenannyproposal #lucylennox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Raging Ranger (Flowershop Assassins #3)

My tentative goal for October is to read only thrillers/murder mysteries/dark romances/paranormals/etc (unless my mental health kicks up a fight about it). Here's Louise Collins's "Raging Ranger." It's the third novel in her Flowershop Assassins series.

["Ranger Keyes, assassin, occasional stripper and full-time hopeful (not hopeless) romantic is determined to get his happily-ever-after. His best mates, Donnie and Yates, have both found love, and he knows it’s finally his turn to step into the spotlight and star in his own love story.

For that, he needs a co-star, and he sets his sights on one guy and one guy alone.

He may have a chip on his shoulder and a permanent frown on his face, but Ranger knows that Troy’s the guy for him. Convincing Troy to go on a date, let alone that they’re supposed to be together isn’t easy. Troy’s guarded, and dismissive and tells Ranger repeatedly he isn’t the co-star in his love story, he’s the bad guy.

But how can he be the bad guy when he’s put butterflies in Ranger’s gut?
How can he be the bad guy when he helps Ranger with his building rage?
How can he be the bad guy when Ranger falls in love with his laugh?

Ranger’s about to find out exactly how…"]

'kay, listen, I totally had an idea where this was going and how exactly Ranger would get heartbroken (and how Yates would loose his shit), but holy shit, I did not expect what happened.

Also, Ranger toooootally adopted those two "attack" dogs he "rescued" at the end of Yates's book. They practically stole the show here. I loved them. I want more of them. Just a story about the dogs being...them (they also kinda reflect Ranger and Troy in a way..).

#byebaby #sopathetic #ragingranger #flowershopassassins #flowershopassassinsseries #louisecollins #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Bone to Pick (Sunday Brothers series #3.5)

Who needs to finish the series you're reading when you can read May Archer's latest edition to her Sunday Brothers series "Bone To Pick"?

["Never fall for your professor…

Especially when that professor is Theo Hancock, the man who failed you in your final semester, causing you to have to repeat a class in your millionth year of college when you’re already twenty-freaking-six years old…

Especially when the professor is the most stunning, eye-popping piece of perfection who ever walked on campus. So brilliant, his voice alone changed the course of your life. So gorgeous, students affectionately call him Dr. Hotco— Well, you get the idea.

And especially don’t fall for him so hard you show up at his house after midnight fueled with tequila and armed with a sense of justice, a frantic-mad sonnet, and a bone to pick with your professor.

Because you might just end up snowed in with him, his tiny cabin might just have one bed, and fate might have a new future in store for both of you."]

I fall more in love with the Sunday brothers the more time we spend with them. They were adorable and stubborn and passionate and one-of-a-kind. They all deserve their happily ever afters, their nosy townspeople, and the crazy-as-fuck antics along the way.

Especially Porter.
With Theo.
Just saying.

#pickme #pickone #handpicked #cherrypicked #bonetopick #sundaybrothers #sundaybrothersseries #loveinoleary #loveinolearyseries #whisperingkey #whisperingkeyseries #mayarcher #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

So Pathetic (Flowershop Assassins #2)

Here's Louise Collins's "So Pathetic." It's the second novel in her Flowershop Assassins series.

["Yates Anderson, ex-military strategist, part-time assassin, and full-time flowershop owner is one hundred percent focused on finding his elusive mark, Mr Stevenson.

He has not gotten distracted by the young man who wandered into his shop and asked to die. He has not taken it upon himself to look out for this tragic case, and he wants nothing more than Dylan to stop lingering around his shop like a bad smell.

Except, he doesn’t smell bad, he smells like strawberries, and with each encounter, Yates wants to add cream to that equation. His big watering eyes and twitching eyebrows do things to Yates, dirty things. Dylan is pathetic, so pathetic, but what does that make Yates?

He craves pathetic, longs for it in his bed, and once it’s there, he’s not sure he wants to kick it out the next morning. He doesn’t do caring or emotions. He’s heartless, robotic, yet he’s falling for Dylan.

Dylan knows (or doesn’t) just how to play his one last remaining heartstring, and maybe, just maybe, Yates doesn’t want the lonely, cold existence he claims.

Maybe, just maybe, he wants Dylan to be his.

And maybe, just maybe, that one remaining heartstring is going to break…"]

This one made me sob. Just going to preface this review with that. I sobbed. Multiple times. 

Dylan and Yates are a little toxic with each other (not necessarily in the Adam/Noah kinda way from Necessary Evils, but similar). They didn't make it easy for each other. But what kind of love story is easy?

Also, I fucking love Ranger. He needs all of the doggos and rage rooms (though, he might break it--the room, not the dogs (he's a bit of a psychopath, but he's not a monster)).

#byebaby #sopathetic #ragingranger #flowershopassassins #flowershopassassinsseries #louisecollins #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks