Books

It’s book day! Linking up with Steph and Jana. I flew through some Netgalley books this month! Might be the most I have had from my shelf in one month. I am sure they will be happy about that, since I am like 3 years behind on some books. But don’t worry, these are all the newest ones I was most excited about LOL.

Open Book by Jessica Simpson

I did this on audiobook, it is really the only way I enjoy this type of book. I have always loved Jessica Simpson, her empire of fashion, fragrance, kids line (and music)…it’s the dream! I really appreciate how raw and honest she was about her problems in this book. So many people try to wear the perfection mask these days, knowing everyone compares themselves to their impossibly “perfect” life. I don’t wish problems on anyone, but we all have them. It is nice to see the imperfect sometimes too. I felt like I could relate to her struggles with weight and self image throughout her life.

Bottom Line: I enjoyed this book as much as I thought I would. It was cool hearing the story behind the fashion line, and of course, all the dirt and grit of her life and relationships.

Neanderthal Seeks Human by Penny Reid

I really loved and really got annoyed with this book. Don’t get me wrong, it was good and I couldn’t put it down. But sometimes I just wanted to shake Janie and be like DUHHHHHH. She reminds me  of Stella in The Kiss Quotient, but I think I liked Stella more. I really liked Janie though, because her character was so different and awkward. And Quinn!!! Even though he remained a little mysterious throughout, it was hard to not love him. Penny Reid can write a love story.

Bottom Line: Cute book, I plan to continue in the series for sure. Love the knitting club aspect of it. There aren’t really any steamy scenes in this book, they are behind the curtains. So if you like a good love story, but tend to stray from romance because you don’t like them….this would be a good read for you.

Tools of Engagement by Tessa Bailey

This is my first Tessa Bailey book, and it won’t be my last! I didn’t realize when I requested this one that it was part of a series. While the first two couples in the series are in this book, you don’t need to know anything about them to enjoy this one. (And there are some hints dropped at what happened in the first two books to pick right up and feel like you know the whole story.)

I read another book recently, The Honey Don’t List, that had a home improvement couple in it. This one is nothing like that book, it is a lot better. I really felt like Bethany and Wes were relatable characters. Bethany was constantly self doubting herself, and wore a mask around people, letting them think she was always carefree and perfect. Inside she was an anxiety ridden mess. Who doesn’t feel the pressure to be perfect???? And Wes comes with his own problems too. Plus, there is the age difference between the two. Not to mention the little girl, Laura, was too cute. There were several times I LOL’d reading this book.

Bottom Line: I just really love an enemy to lovers book, and this delivers. So cute. Read it. You don’t even have had to read the first two books first, I didn’t.

**I received a copy of Tools of Engagement from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are of my own.**

The Dilema by B.A. Paris

This isn’t BA Paris’s typical book, it is more of a family drama. The whole book takes place in one day, and alternates between Adam and Livia, a couple who got married way too young and each have a secret. I wasn’t sure how I was liking it at first, but then I also couldn’t put it down and needed to know how everything played out. There was a twist I didn’t see coming, and I really did enjoy reading. I felt all the emotions between them, and while the whole book wouldn’t have been a story if they would have just communicated to each other in the beginning…..it was very realistic of a marriage.

Bottom Line: While this isn’t her typical physiological thriller, BA Paris writes a fantastic family drama!

**I received a copy of The Dilema from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are of my own.**

The Lies That Bind by Emily Giffin

This book is like a train wreck. It is a bit all over the place, and so absurd at times. But I couldn’t freaking put it down because OMG! I was really into Cecily and Grant’s build up of their relationship, and you sort of know what is going to happen to Grant based on the book synopsis…so that isn’t a surprise. There are a few twists to the book, I saw every single one of them coming, so it is a bit predictable. That part didn’t bother me. But there was some serious Jerry Springer shit happening here. And maybe too many coincidences. I feel like the book was rushed a bit in parts. And I don’t even know how I feel about the ending.

Bottom Line: I don’t really know how to rate this one. The chemistry between Cecily and Grant in the beginning, as well as not being able to put it down deserves 4-5 stars. But the rest of the book, ehhhhhh. I am going to call it 3 stars. If you are a Giffin fan, I wouldn’t pass it up. I am still thinking about the book, so that says something. But I was also left a little disappointed too? If you have read this, talk to me!

**I received a copy of The Lies That Bind from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are of my own.**

Heartache in Heels by Cate Lawley

This was a cute little read. There isn’t much depth to it, and it isn’t so much a romance as a fun little love story with a witch, fairy godmother, incorporeal bodies and a fun little love story. I read it in a day, and I enjoyed it. Not much else to say. I really liked all the characters in the book, and how it switched from Hillary and Brad’s POVs.

Bottom Line: Fun, quick read if you don’t mind a little paranormal activity.

All Stirred Up by Brianne Moore

This is an interesting modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion. The book was written in third person, which isn’t my favorite for a love story like this, but it worked. I really enjoyed all the behind the scenes of watching a restaurant work to make a new name for itself. I liked both Susan and Chris, and some of the side characters are fun too.

Bottom Line: Cute read. There are no steamy scenes in the book if you are looking for a fun second chance romance.

**I received a copy of All Stirred Up from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are of my own.**

Currently Reading

Burn For Me by Lea Coll