Recommendations Archives - Page 16 of 18

Romance Reads I’ve Loved So Far This Year

Jul 18, 2018

Today I thought I would share some of my favourite books that I read in 2018 so far. 2018 has been a romance year for me, I’ve just been reading the genre so much more this year. But there are many ups and downs with reading romance books. There are some really bad books. But then are ones that just stand out above the crowd and make me fall in love.

Romance is still a new genre for me. And I am still finding what I like and don’t, like regarding tropes and cliches within in the genre. You can check out my post about reading more romance novels that I posted a couple of months ago.

I’ve tried to mostly keep new to me reads on this list. But some re-reads might have slipped through because I loved the book so much. Also if you have any recommendations of romance books that you think I might love – please send them my way.

So Over You (Chicago Rebels #2) by Kate Meader: If you know me well you know I love sports romances. I am an avid sports watcher so if I get to read about sports, especially ice hockey I am so in. I started this series last year after I saw someone recommend it and I just really enjoyed the characters. So Over You follows Isobel, one of 3 estranged sisters that have come together to run their fathers ice hockey team. Isobel used to play icy hockey herself until an injury left her sidelined and burned her dreams. And then is called upon to help her late fathers team. Her first assignment, help the person that broke her teen heart back into skating and winning form.

Undone By You (Chicago Rebels #3) by Kate Meader: While this is book 3 in this series, it is only a novella. But gosh did I fall in love with this book. Undone by You follows Dante the first openly gay general manager in pro ice hockey. Dante has just landed the job of his life and he isn’t going to let any hate or discrimination stop him from doing his job. However, his attraction to Cade star defensemen of his team may cause some problems – okay a lot of problems. But this book is such a powerful, heartbreaking and uplifting sports romance.

Marked (Sailor’s Grave #1) by Drew Elyse: This book immediately got my attention because the male protagonist works as a tattooist artist, but that is only the start. Marked follows Kate as she tries to move past the death of her husband and the father of her child. It’s been a couple of years since her husband’s death. But Kate still doesn’t know what to do with her life. Liam has liked Kate for some time. But he knows that she is not ready, that she needs time. But when Kate goes into his tattoo parlour for a piece, well Liam doesn’t just want to leave a mark on her skin. This book is heartbreaking and heart-lifting all that at the same time. | Full Review

Him (Him #1) by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy: I don’t think anyone will be surprised that this one is on my list. I love this book so much that I had to do a re-read this year. Him follows rising ice hockey stars Ryan Wesley and Jamie Canning as they met again after years apart. They use to be best friends, but one day Ryan just stop talking to him. And Jamie can’t figure out why. Then they have to face one another on the ice when their college teams come face to face. And old feelings and resentments come to the surface. But for Ryan seeing Jamie again as sparked an old crush and Jamie well it’s got him thinking. Now they have to spend six weeks together back to where it all started.

Brooklynaire (Brooklyn Bruisers #4) by Sarina Bowen: Another Sarina Bowen, is not a surprise. Brooklynaire by Sarina Bowen follows Nate and Rebecca, two colleagues turned friends as they try and navigate their lives after they share a moment together. It’s a romance that the readers have seen a glimpse of from the Brooklyn Bruisers series by Sarina. Nate and Rebecca have known each other for about 7 years when the book starts off. And it was great to see their relationship move from friends to something much more. Probably one of my favourite books by her and that’s saying something. I just love Nate and Rebecca so much, especially together | Full Review.

Speakeasy (True North #5) by Sarina Bowen: Speakeasy follows May as she tries to get a grip on life. After she finds out that her girlfriend is cheating on her, she thinks everything is over. And lucky Alec is there to save her before things get messy. Alec doesn’t want anything to do with the Shipley family. However, when he sees May is trouble he can’t help but intervene. But for a man that doesn’t do love, it’s new territory when he starts to spend more time with May and things might just change. Full Review

Midnight Captive (Killer Instincts #6) by Elle Kennedy: I finally got the chance to continue this series and gosh this book was intense. Midnight Captive follows former CIA agent Bailey and mercenary Sean Reilly as they both try and forget their night of passion together for different reasons. But when Sean gets into trouble, Bailey knows that something isn’t right. She may not like Sean, but robbing a bank isn’t his sort of thing. But Sean has his reason and any wrong move couple put his twin brother and know Bailey at risk. Things start to get heated as Sean and Bailey have to leave things aside before someone is injured or worse.

Midnight Target (Killer Instincts #8) by Elle Kennedy: This is the last in the Killer Instincts series and gosh did I fall in love with it. It’s tense and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. And I am going, to be honest, I did cry a couple of times. Midnight Target follows Cate four years after she was found by Jim Morgan, her father. After becoming a freelance photographer, she captures a photo of a corrupt South American politician with the leader of a notorious drug cartel. Then things go to shit. When Cate has to work with the man that broke her heart. But that is not all. Liam Macgregor and Sullivan Port haven’t seen each other in years. And feelings are never really kept hidden.

And that is it! Have you read any of these romance books? What did you think of them? Are you planning on read more? What are some that you think I should pick up? Let’s Chat!

Books I Could Re-Read Forever | Discussion

Mar 1, 2018

I was supposed to write this post the other day, but my health just wasn’t on my side. So today I thought I would share some of the books that I could forever re-read.

I love re-reading, it’s one of my favourite things to do. I love reading a book again and finding out different things, finding out more. It’s a whole new experience. I re-read many books over and over again. Sometimes I re-read a book I haven’t read in years – sometimes I love the book even more. Sometimes I hate it. But it’s always a fun experience.

Sometimes when I re-read I only pick certain scenes in the book. They just really grasped me and I just have that feeling to pick it up. Sometimes it’s an emotional scene and it’s really captured me. But most of the time it’s that scene between characters that change everything.

Nevertheless, here we go. Like always, these aren’t in any real order.

Harry Potter by J.K Rowling: I seriously cannot tell you how many times I have re-read this series. I have lost count. Even though I’ve read it countless times, I still found out more and more about it when I pick it up again. At the moment I am re-reading it through audiobook and loving it! It’s like I am reading it for the first time again.

Every Series by Ellie Marney: This has to be one of my favourite Australian series of all time. I love it and recommend it to everyone that’s looking for #LoveOzYA or Crime. It’s got a great mix of crime, romance and coming of age. If you haven’t picked this up – please do.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan: I read this series many years ago now and I still love it to this day. I love that the world keeps on expanding, we are meeting new people, new worlds. And I just fall in love with each one. It’s one of the top books I recommend at work and don’t hesitate about it.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas: One of my favourite books of all time, when I read it last year I fell in love. And if you haven’t read it, I really think that you should. It’s heartbreaking, poignant and so so true. It’s a book that everyone should read, and understand. I think that everytime that I would re-read it, I would learn something new.

Him by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy: I love reading Him for the emotional impact. The relationship between the two protagonists is very intense and while they are both trying to figure their feelings out it hard for them. When I do re-read this, I normally skim read the sexy bits and really focus on their emotional relationship. The same goes for the second book Us. That book really tests both characters and it’s emotional as heck.

Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare: Since this has come out, I’ve said it’s my favourite CC books and nothing has changed. This book is everything and to me has little faults. While I struggle to re-read Lord of Shadows simply because that book killed me. I love re-reading Lady Midnight.

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick: It’s one of the first contemporary YA and I love it. It’s heartbreaking, fun and just makes me feel warm. It’s one of those books that break your break and holds it together at the same. I’ve already re-read it a couple times, before and I would do it again and again.

That is it! Do you re-read? What are some of your favourite re-reads? Let’s Chat!

Favourite Books Set in University/College | Discussion

Feb 25, 2018

So you all know that I’ve been reading more and more New Adult books over the last year or so. And that I’m falling more in love with romance books than ever. So today I thought I would share some of my favourite books that have a university/college setting.

I really enjoy reading books that are set in University for many reasons. The first being, that I’m currently at uni. About to start my fourth and final year. Whoop. But it’s also interesting to see the different takes and views that people do have of University. While nearly all the books have been set in America it’s really interesting to see.

Nevertheless, here we go. Like always these are in no real order.

The Ivy Years series by Sarina Bowen: I seriously love this series. Each book is different from one another and follows the lives of students of Harkness College. These books take you on an emotional journey that tends to kill me. But I love falling in love with these characters and then see their journey beyond their book. Plus it’s set around an Ice Hockey team!

Flight and Glory series by Rebecca Yarros: So this series shifts between university and flight school. Which is really intriguing. I liked seeing the contrast of both. While those that are at University have a wider range of classes, the boys at flight school have that mix of practical (flying) and studying for tests and exams. These books have left me emotional a wreak. I am series, I cried the first chapter of book 1.

Renegades series by Rebecca Yarros: Okay this is a little different. Because it isn’t just university, it’s Study at Sea. Yes, that means University at sea. It’s such a different take on that classic NA University novel and it’s so intriguing. There are still classes and exams but then they get to go on some amazing on-shore experiences. Plus some of the protagonists are extreme sports stars.

Summer Skin by Kirsty Eagar: One of the only NA that I’ve read set in Australia. It’s refreshing to see something that I can slightly relate more too. Summer Skin is not for the faint-hearted, be prepared for a sexy, slow-burning love full of passion and secrets. Summer Skin deals not only with young men taking advantage of women but how women can act differently to it. It shows us that people hide behind fronts not only to keep themselves safe but others as well.

Off-Campus Series by Elle Kennedy: Now these books are fun. Some things are crazy, but that’s also what makes them such great reads. These books show a wide range of uni life from classes, to parties and sport. I like that our characters study different things, but also have different experiences. Some are cruising through uni, they are acing classes and doing everything right. And then there are others that are struggling and just need some help and guidance.

When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon. While this isn’t really University, it’s just before it and the way that the program is run is much like uni. When Dimple Met Rishi was an entertaining read. It’s a rom-com to the core, but it explores the notion of family and culture. It’s about first love and believing in yourself. The reader is able to explore arrange marriage in a totally different way. They fall in love with the characters and cheer for them along the way. When Dimple Met Rishi also explores that life is up and down.

Taking Shots series by Cindi Madsen. This series is a little bit sexier. It’s hot but again looks at the life of a college student in the US. Like other series, the protagonists have different majors and it isn’t just in the arts. Plus they are also sports romances. I also like this series because there are different types of romance, from best-friends to lovers and love to hate. It’s got a little romance for everyone.

And that is it! Wow. Have you read any of these? Do you have any recommendations for me for books set in University/College? Let’s Chat!