Books Lately

Happy Show Us Your Books day with Steph & Jana! I had a couple weeks of feeling like a reader again, then crashed and burned. I want to blame it mostly on a crappy book, but I think it's still me and the world. But I'm hoping with the election over now, things will magically get back to normal - reading wise, anyway.

Murder on Cold Street - Sherry Thomas

5th in lady sherlock series

I love this series, love these characters. It was super fun to buddy read with Heather, and I definitely enjoyed it. It wasn't as good as the previous book, but it was still a solid read and I recommend the series as a whole if it sounds like your jam.

The Devil and the Dark Water - Stuart Turton

I absolutely *loved* Evelyn Hardcastle. My expectations might have been too high, but goodness this was boring. So very very boring. What even happened? Couldn't tell ya. So much potential! So much disappointment.

In a Holidaze - Christina Lauren

This was completely and utterly delightful. Adorable and sweet, closed door but handled better than their last one. I thought it was really unique, well written, fabulous characters, fast paced, easy to read. Highly recommend, christmas or any time of year! Super cute and very enjoyable.

The Wedding Deal - Cindi Madsen

This was.... one of those romances that is perfectly fine and passes the time well enough, nothing super offensive or annoying, but nothing wow either. It was cute and I enjoyed it, but remember very little. I remember laughing a few times at some pop culture references and I liked the characters, so I don't not recommend it. 

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue - loving it so far!

Linking up with Steph & Jana. 

TL;DR - I recommend the lady Sherlock series, and In a Holidaze if you want a fluffy christmas read.

Read anything decent lately? Or are you struggling like me?

Checking in

Hi all! Hope everyone is well, as well as can be right now. I'm just popping by to say I'm skipping the link up again, this time on purpose. Just a lot going on, and you know how it is. So, perhaps next month! I'm not quite sure how to end this except to say hope everyone is hanging in there the best they can right now, and I'm just trying to stay positive and I hope you are too.

Books Lately

Happy Show Us Your Books day with Steph & Jana! Happy 6 year anniversary ladies!! Time flies when you're having fun. Speaking of fun, I've had so much of it lately (jk) that I straight up skipped my own link up and have barely read anything in the last couple months. Thankfully, I cut out something super time consuming very recently and hopefully that means things will calm down and I'll be back to a person who reads. If I can remember how.

Anxious People - Fredrik Backman

eight strangers, failed bank robber, hostage situation

Well this wasn't quite put it down since it took me a month to read, but that's me and not the book. I'll tell you what, this was beautiful and amazing and he is a fantastic writer and an amazing storyteller... but goodness gracious this was not  a light easy fun covid read, you know? I mean, it was so good, I cried, I loved so many lines, it was fantastic. I'm not mad I read it at all and highly recommend it. It's one of those books that you get so immersed in that you feel like you know all the people in real life, so you still think about them weeks later. It was good. I loved it. It's just heavy, and I know a lot of us aren't in the mood for that right now.

buddy reading Murder on Cold Street with my bestie Heather - this series is honestly so wonderful. Reminds me of our beloved Veronica Speedwell - a little bit content wise, but mainly the gooey happy feelings they both give me.

Linking up with Steph & Jana. Happy happy happy SUYB link up anniversary ladies!

TL;DR - I recommend... gosh you guys, absolutely so hard to choose from ALL the books I read. Too hard.

Read anything decent lately?

Books Lately

Happy Show Us Your Books day with Steph & Jana! I have not been a reader lately. August was weird. Maybe one day I'll be back to normal, but it is not this day.

The Secret Life of Violet Grant - Beatriz Williams

historical fiction, dual storylines
Well, not quite 'couldn't put it down' because nothing was unputdownable in August, but this was thoroughly delightful. Wish I had re-read A Hundred Summers before this one since apparently there are some reappearing characters. I adored Vivian, didn't really feel like I knew Violet as much, but overall it was a super fun, easy, enjoyable read. Teeny tiny quibbles about a few things, but nothing too big.

Tweet Cute - Emma Lord

teen rom-com, family business tweet war

This was super adorable, sickeningly sweet. I thought it was unique and fun and exactly what my brain needed. Made me hungry. Definitely recommend if you enjoy YA.

Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book - Jennifer Donnelly

beauty and the beast retelling... kind of

I was so excited for this book - and the movie - that I preordered it. In 2017. It is now 2020. Honestly, it's like when I purchase a book it almost guarantees that it won't get read for a few years. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more if I'd read it back when I purchased it, maybe not. It was cute, and fun, but not my favourite b&tb retelling. I liked the love & death characters, I liked the story within a story, but as a b&tb telling, mostly meh. It was fine and cute. Took me 2 months to read and 3.5 years to get to. Gorgeous cover though.

Boy Swallows Universe - Trent Dalton

coming of age, 1980s australia, convicted murderer babysitter, drugs, mute brother

This is quite possibly the weirdest book I’ve ever read lol. I have no idea how to describe it. The writing was absolutely beautiful, but sometimes it was a bit much and over the top and it’s almost like you couldn’t see the story for all the metaphors and imagery. I picked it up because it had really good reviews and because I’m trying to read more aussie authors – and I will say, 90% of my enjoyment of this book came from how Australian it was. From the dialogue, to the mentions of places, things, people, sports teams, to the food -oh the food! Man. This book made me so hungry and miss home so much. Some of it went over my head because I’m not from Brisbane and it’s set in the 80s, but for the most part, it felt like I was home when I was reading it. Anyway – the book. It’s kind of bonkers. I loved several lines, I laughed a few times, I was shocked and worried in certain scenes, I felt like I knew the characters. Completely crazy that it’s apparently semi autobiographical. 

The Wedding Date Disaster - Avery Flynn

Oh, this was such a disappointment. I love Avery Flynn. This felt like a different author. I was so confused and disconnected in the first chapter and I feel like it never got any better. Definitely needed some more development/back story before throwing us in there, no build up whatsover so absolutely no chemistry or tension for a supposed enemies to lovers. Such a disappointment and I am sad. I mean, I didn't hate it, but it was not at all what I was expecting and Avery Flynn was one of those authors I knew exactly what to expect from so it was extra disappointing.

Don't Hex and Drive - this publishes today so I'm a bit behind, but I loved the first one. 

Linking up with Steph & Jana. 

TL;DR - I recommend the Violet Grant - that was a solid read.

Read anything decent lately?

August 2020 - What's New With You

Hello all, time for another what's new with you link up! Thanks again if you join me, I always appreciate it. You don't have to display the button if you don't want to, but don't forget to mention it somewhere in your post and check out some of the other posts!

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Man, I hate the new blogger. Anyone else?

Anyway. August. Busy busy busy. Stuff happened and I tend to overthink everything, which makes me feel busier, when in reality I'm not. Just my mind. How's that for vague? It's fine, I'm fine, everything is fine, everything will be fine. But for such a busy/complicated/exhausting month, I don't have much to show for it. But what else is new in the time of covid?

So, August. Lots of drinking at work or out with work people (safely, of course). Hanging out and drinking with friends. Cats and dogs. Went to the gym, it was way more packed than July and I was not comfortable, think I mentioned that last time but it was technically in August so mentioning again. Put my membership on hold and sticking with running and yoga for now. 

Surprisingly, not a lot of books because my brain was tired. But, lots of tv time! The second season of that umbrella show was pretty good, I liked it. Also, watched Miss Fishers for the.... millionth or so time. It was amazing. I still haven't seen the movie. I'm scared! Maybe this weekend. I did watch Emma with Heather though - I love virtually watching movies with her, we talk the whole time. If we ever watched one in real life, we'd miss half the movie. Got my hair done! That was fun. Socially distanced book club, The Secret Life of Violet Grant - SUYB on Tuesday for thoughts on that.

And that's it! What a terribly exciting life I lead. This feels like it will never end. I'm glad I have a pretty solid bubble of people I feel comfortable and confident hanging out with. Work people and the same group of friends. But, man. This sure is getting old. I know it's wishful thinking, but I sure hope this is over by winter. 

Anywho. On that note, if you want to link up, please do so below!

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So, what's new with you?

Link Up Reminder

Hello all! Just a quick reminder to anyone who wants to link up - this Thursday the 3rd is the next What's New With You link up if you want to join me! 

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Books Lately

Happy Show Us Your Books day with Steph & Jana! I do not have a lot to share today. I'm still reading the book I was 'currently reading' last time. I don't know if it's me, the books, the world, my life being a bit busier... I'm sure it'll pick up again soon. I feel like this SUYB came around quickly... but that might just be me.

Court books #2 & #3 - Sarah J Maas
sequels to a court of thorns and roses
I mentioned when I read the first Court book, but skipped over the second, so this is basically for the whole trilogy. I was cranky when I finished the first book because of where I thought it was going - and guess what, it went exactly there! And I loved it! I already want to re-read them. So good. Can't wait to read the next one. Everyone who said I would love this trilogy, you were right. I think... I might like it more than the throne of glass series.

The Voting Booth - Brandy Colbert

two teenagers trying to vote for the first time

This was super cute. It touched on a lot of intense heavy topics but was also still light and full of teenage stuff. It was a very quick, easy read. Well timed, too. I will say the one thing that annoyed me, and this is kind of spoilery, if one of my cats went missing, I wouldn't chill out and go to the beach. But that's just me.

The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise - Dan Gemeinhart

follows a girl and her dad driving/living on a school bus after the death of mother & sisters

Heather recommended this one and I really enjoyed it. It was hilarious and silly and heartbreaking. Plus, cat! It was quirky and fun. I loved all the shenanigans and the not judgmental friendships made along the way. Lots of little lessons in there. I had a few quibbles with the father and how he acted and stuff, but it involves some pretty traumatic stuff and grief, so. I tried not to be too nitpicky.

Protect the Prince - Jennifer Estep

sequel to kill the queen

It took me a year and a half to get to this one, so of course I didn't remember enough of the first one. It does a relatively good job of recapping without being overkill. It wasn't as enjoyable as the first, but I liked it well enough and I am curious about the next one. And of course I love the romantic subplot.

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet - Jamie Ford
I have owned this for years and I'd heard such good things, I finally put it on my Erin challenge list... oh. my. god. Snooze city. I am so in the minority. Struggle street. I found it super hard to relate to these children supposedly having these very complex feelings, I didn't love the writing so maybe I couldn't see the story past that, you know? Blergh. Not my jam.

It Happened One Wedding - Julie James
Julie James books remind me a bit of Jill Shalvis books in the sense that I always know what I'm going to get, I'm going to enjoy myself but rarely be blown away. That's not a bad thing, they are solid, good, enjoyable reads. I think they are cute and I laugh and get all mushy. But they rarely have things that stand out about them, you know? So while that sounds like a lacklustre review, it's not. Solid 4 stars, enjoyable, just don't remember much about it now.

The Many Sins of Lord Cameron - Jennifer Ashley

good old solid historical romance. I enjoyed it more than the second but I don't think anything will ever compare to Ian Mackenzie. I really liked the heroine in this one. Yeah, not much to say, if you like historical romances, this series is definitely a good one.

Still reading Boy Swallows Universe... and a few others. I feel like my brain can't focus.

Linking up with Steph & Jana. 

TL;DR - I recommend the Coyote Sunrise book if you like middle grade, and the Court trilogy if you like Sarah J Maas books lol.

Read anything decent lately?

July 2020 - What's New With You

Hello all, time for another what's new with you link up! Thanks again if you join me, I always appreciate it. You don't have to display the button if you don't want to, but don't forget to mention it somewhere in your post and check out some of the other posts!

I will have a recap up soon. July was insane and my brain is still catching up lol. But please feel free to share yours!

Sorry to alarm anyone, I was just super busy and not totally sober when I remembered I hadn't done this post. I left that note up there because it was funny. I am quite proud of intoxicated me for getting this post and the link party up.

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So July! It was super busy (well, busy for covid). I actually started doing stuff, whereas before I was just work-grocery-friends places. I still mainly did those things, but I went to the gym and a restaurant. And apparently drank a lot of alcohol. We also had a Hamilton watch party with indian food (yummm) and I have no strong feelings about it, to be honest. Am I allowed to say that?

^ anyone watch Brandi TV? good lord she is hilarious.

The gym was great the first time I went, not a lot of people, everyone stayed far apart etc etc. The second time I went, not good. Too close, made me uncomfortable, will stick with running + yoga a bit longer.

We see lots of deer and ducks while running. I didn't get a photo of this, but one morning we were running and there was a deer stuck in a soccer net. We tried calling animal control but they weren't coming out because of covid. We (and a couple other runners) ended up scaring the poor thing so much he twisted himself out, which was good. Once he was out, I ran for the hills. Have I ever shared that I am afraid of deer?

^ It wasn't supposed to rain. It did. A lot.

The highlight of July! Millie has had this breathing issue for months and months and then Penny started doing it too and naturally that freaked me the hell out. I made them an appointment with their normal vet but they couldn't fit me in until later in the month (and that vet had already seen Millie and not fixed the problem, so, I'm glad we were 'forced' to go elsewhere). I was fine to wait until Millie had a really bad day and then obviously I didn't want to wait any longer. There's a vet that has long weekend hours and they were able to see us the next day so I took them both. The experience wasn't the best, they clearly did not have their covid shit down, we sat outside in 90 degrees for over half an hour past our appointment, and then after I had checked out, I waited another hour for them to bring my cats out. Unfortunately, Penny did not handle it well and apparently they couldn't examine her at all, couldn't even listen to her heart because she would hiss and scratch (I was kind of like... isn't this your job? To know how to restrain a cranky cat?) but because it was the same issue as Millie, and I'd showed them videos of what the cats were doing they said they felt comfortable 'diagnosing' them both. The vet was really nice and explained the issue better than the last vet and anyway, long story long, they were on medication for 10 days and it's been 2 weeks with no episodes/attacks. Hallelujah!

My cats despise the car and their carriers. But guess where they hang out if I leave the carriers out? Rage. Good thing I love 'em.

Other than that, the usual - books and cats. 

^ book club was I'm Still Here by Austin Channing Brown and BYO food. Covid has screwed with everyone and everything and this is such small potatoes, but one of the main things I miss is our big book club food spreads. 

^ oh! lowlight of the month, bloody mouse. I'm not afraid of mice but no, do not want them in my home thanks. My cats were completely useless. A friend had a bunch of traps from when she had a mouse problem and I caught the little guy almost immediately but... I just couldn't leave him or kill him. I couldn't do it! So I walked across to a wooded area and let him out. I know, I know. But I couldn't do it ok. I can kill a bug and that's about it.

So that was my July! There were a couple other things in there that aren't show and tell-able, but added to the overall busy feeling.

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So, what's new with you?