Book Review: Out of My League by Sarah Sutton

Title: Out of My League
Author: Sarah Sutton
Genre: YA Contemporary / Romance
Publication Date: June 16th, 2020
Publisher: Indie
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨

“It’s all fun and games until someone catches feelings.
Sophia Wallace is convinced her life is over when her high school cuts the journalism program. Without the elective, she loses her chance to intern with the biggest newspaper company in the county, and why? All because the baseball team needs more funding.
To make matters worse, her boyfriend publicly dumps her at a party, which is mortifying. But the icing on the cake is when the captain of the baseball team and the most popular guy at Bayview High, Walsh Hunter, decides to be chivalrous. He jumps in, throws his arm around Sophia, and declares his undying love for her. In front of everyone.
Suddenly, Sophia is thrown into a world of fake relationships and undercover journalism, and she realizes she’s way, way out of her league.
Good thing she’s got the team captain to teach her how to play. But faced with choosing between saving her journalism class or her newfound feelings for Walsh, will she strike out or hit a home run?” (Goodreads)

I saw a reel for this one on Instagram and decided it would be up my alley since it had my favorite trope, fake dating.

This book is told from one point-of-view and it comes from Sophia Wallace. She is considered a nerd at her high school. She has a love for journalism and will do anything to save the program from losing its funding. Her boyfriend at the time doesn’t find any of these qualities appealing. Dillweed alert? Am I right? Sophia will do anything to keep journalism alive, even if that means finding out secrets about the baseball team.

Sophia has a lot going on besides the whole journalism thing. She deals with a lot of family dysfunction. Her parents can’t decide if they want to make a marriage work or not and it really takes a toll on her. It’s definitely not the best environment to be living in. In this way, she can also relate to Walsh Hunter. He doesn’t have the best home life either. It was nice to have them be able to listen to one another when it came to their feelings.

I did like the romance in this book. It was sweet and of course it had my favorite trope. They obviously weren’t friends in any way before this so there is a bit of banter as well. Sophia isn’t a fan of him and baseball is definitely a sport she can’t get behind, especially when it’s taking away her journalism haha. I loved seeing them get to know one another and learning about the person they thought they wouldn’t have anything in common with. The speed bumps in their path weren’t overly dramatic and fit into the plot well.

Overall, this was a cute read and I am glad I gave it a chance!

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Book Review: The Marriage Jinx by Krista Noorman

Title: The Marriage Jinx
Author: Krista Noorman
Genre: Adult Contemporary / Romance
Publication Date: April 22nd, 2022
Publisher: Indie / Kindle Unlimited
Rating: ⭐⭐

“Will a jinx keep them from happily ever after?

When my best friends and I made a pact after college to wait until we turn thirty to get married, I never thought we’d jinx ourselves. But ever since we signed our names on the dotted line, our dating lives have been one catastrophe after another. That can’t be a coincidence, right?
If that wasn’t bad enough, my new boss is Lucas Abbott—my high school crush and our town’s most eligible bachelor—and the attraction I feel is definitely not one-sided this time.
But before I get too excited about that, we’ve got problems. He’s not allowed to date employees because of a past family scandal His ex-wife won’t keep her nose out of his business.
And don’t forget the jinx.
Now that the guy might finally be in my life, I’m worried it will end in another disaster. But is the jinx our biggest obstacle or are deeper issues standing in our way?” (Goodreads)

I have been trying to read more fall books before it becomes winter and this was one I was looking forward to get to. Unfortunately, it wasn’t for me but it happens!

The book is told from dual point-of-views and they come from Penny and Lucas. They were decent characters. I think they both had some things to deal with, especially Lucas being divorced but not totally putting his ex-wife in her place. The marriage pact on Penny’s side was a fun, unique aspect in the beginning but towards the middle it felt like it fizzled out and didn’t have the repercussions it should have from her friends who created it with her.

The other characters in the book were fine. I did want more from them and with this being a series I’m sure some will get more page time. I didn’t really connect or feel drawn to the other characters so I don’t know if I would move on with the sequel to give it another try.

My biggest problem was the romance. It was very much insta-love. Penny had longed for him ever since high school and then they meet conveniently and then she starts working for him, he was infatuated with her without even really knowing her besides from long ago. This type of romance just never works for me.

I think that this book could have been better by being longer and using the setting better. I wish there would have been more about the farm and the small town. It also would have helped the romance to be drawn out more.

Overall, this one was okay but ultimately didn’t work for me.

Top Ten Tuesday: Holiday Books To Get Me In The Cozy Mood! | 11-29-22

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018.

Today’s prompt is Cozy Reads but I am going with Holiday Books To Get Me In The Cozy Mood. I have found so many I want to read on Kindle Unlimited so this will give me more motivation!

• Resting Grinch Face by Alina Jacobs
• A Tale of Two Christmases by Rosemary Whittaker
• Christmas Baggage by Deborah M. Hathaway
• The Naughty, The Nice, and The Nanny by Willa Nash
• The Dating Pact by Ginger Li

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• Take My Heart by Kaylee Baldwin
• The Two Bells of Christmas by Joanna Barker
• How the Grump Saved Christmas by Claire Kingsley
• Resting Scrooge Face by Meghan Quinn
• A Not-So Holiday Paradise by Gracie Ruth Mitchell

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What Are Some Holiday Reads You Have On Your TBR?

Let me know in the comments below!

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Book Review: Pumpkin Spice and Not So Nice by Becky Monson

Title: Pumpkin Spice and Not So Nice
Author: Becky Monson
Genre: Adult Contemporary / Romance
Publication Date: September 8th, 2022
Publisher: Indie / Kindle Unlimited
Rating: ⭐⭐

“If I were ever to write a memoir, it would be titled, Jenna Peterson’s Guide to Dating Emotionally Unavailable Men. I’m like a professional at it. I’m so good, I can take any dysfunctional man and turn him into Prince Charming, just in time for him to dump me and then go on to marry the next woman he dates. I’m about ready to give up on loving real men and focus on lusting over fictional men in the Turkish dramas I can’t stop devouring.
But then . . . I find a mysterious fifty-dollar bill with a handwritten note on it that was donated to my family’s pumpkin patch by accident. And wouldn’t you know it, the mystery man it belongs to is emotionally unavailable, albeit freakishly attractive. I keep telling myself to walk away, but there’s something about Aidan St. Claire that makes me want to unravel all his secrets. All I know is he sure can heat up the cozy fall nights. I can’t help but think that maybe this time I’ll get to keep Prince Charming for myself.” (Goodreads)

I didn’t know that this was connected to the book A Pumpkin and a Patch by Jennifer Peel. This one is about the other cousin and it’s pretty much happening simultaneously with the other plot. I thought this was pretty cool and well done. It was interesting to see another perspective on certain events. Unfortunately, I didn’t like this one as much.

I did like Jenna but I wasn’t a fan of Aidan. He was pretty boring from the beginning and I never got over how dull he was. There was nothing soon-worthy about him when compared to the rogue pirate. Their romance was also on the bland side as nothing happened between them until the last part of the book. I know that this is a clean romance but they really just felt like friends and continued with that montage.

Overall, this book just wasn’t for me but I can see others enjoying it more. I did like being back at the farm and exploring other areas in the same world as the other book.

Book Review: A Pumpkin and a Patch by Jennifer Peel

Title: A Pumpkin and a Patch
Author: Jennifer Peel
Genre: Adult Contemporary / Romance
Publication Date: September 8th, 2022
Publisher: Indie / Kindle Unlimited
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

“Every person has that one thing they’re known for, and it doesn’t matter what you do, that one thing—whether good or bad—follows you around like a bloodhound for the rest of your life. For me it’s a story I wrote when I was fifteen. Forever more I will be known as the Reece the Rogue Pirate girl, instead of Josie Peterson. Why couldn’t I be known for all the cute children’s stories I’ve written about my family’s pumpkin patch?
Tragically, the torrid story I wrote as a teen was based on a real person, Reece Cavanaugh. And guess what? He grew up to be a pirate—okay, lawyer. Same thing. To make matters worse, the man is representing my ex-fiancé who wants to steal my treasure, aka engagement ring. If that wasn’t the icing on the cake, Reece has an adorable daughter who happens to be my new student. That’s right, I must now have actual conversations with him after avoiding him for half my life, even by hiding behind banana displays when needed. But the more I get to know Reece—the real version, not the imaginary one who ravishes me on sandy beaches—I can’t help but wish we could roll around in the sand together. There’s a problem though, the school I work for frowns upon relationships between parents and teachers. And it’s pumpkin season, which means all my free time is spent on the family farm. But when he kisses me, I can’t help wanting to break all the rules and get tangled up in the barn. The burning question is, am I brave enough to make my story a reality or will it be another bad ending?” (Goodreads)

This was a cute, fall read!

The book is told from one point-of-view and it comes from Josie Peterson. She is a school teacher in her town and she also helps out at her family’s farm for the fall season. Josie was a good character and I liked that the relationship was based around a book she wrote about Reece when they were high school. What a way to tell someone you find them attractive! Although, it wasn’t supposed to get out but thanks to her brother it did. I definitely felt for her in this situation. It had a lot of backlash and has been plaguing her since it happened, even in her adult years. She does learn how to own it, especially with the help of Reece.

I do wish that there was more from her family and friends. They kind of just felt one dimensional.

The romance was fast paced but it wasn’t terribe. It’s not usually my cup of tea but I think it worked for this story and the characters since they had history, even if it wasn’t much besides the written story.

Overall, this was cute and I will be looking at other books by this author.

Book Review: Funny Feelings by Tarah Dewitt

Title: Funny Feelings
Author: Tarah Dewitt
Genre: Adult Contemporary / Romance
Publication Date: April 28th, 2022
Publisher: Indie
Rating: ⭐⭐

“Farley Jones is being forced to date Meyer Harrigan, the man she has come to love, in order to make all of her stand-up dreams come true.
It’s agony— a tragedy, even. In lieu of flowers, please send cash…
Meyer and his daughter Hazel have been everything to her since they came into her life three years ago. So, all joking aside, the stakes really are high when it’s not only her career, but both of those relationships on the line. A former stand-up star himself, Meyer has helped the trajectory of her career take off since he began managing her… Since he became her closest and most treasured friend, in the process.
This is the only reason why, when the biggest opportunity of Farley’s career includes thrusting him back into the spotlight to stir up publicity, he agrees— despite his grumpiness, his protectiveness over Hazel, and his disdain for public attention.
When helping her includes taking those barriers down, all those funny feelings start coming out into the open, and it quickly begins to feel like anything but a joke.” (Goodreads)

I don’t think that this book was bad, but it just wasn’t for me.

I’ve only recently read another book about a character who was a stand-up comedian and it wasn’t a favorite of mine. It was an interesting job to learn about but something that just didn’t leave me wanting more. I guess I should have reread the blurb again because I would have known this would have that. Definitely on me! Ha.

Also, friends-to-lovers isn’t a trope that I tend to like. I can count on one hand how many books with it that I have enjoyed. Again, not the book’s fault but just personal taste.

I do think that there were sweet moments between them and I am a sucker for a dad. They tend to be a cinnamon roll, especially around their kids.

Overall, this wasn’t for me but could be one for you! I’d check it out despite my review, especially if you like the things I mentioned.

WWW Wednesday | 10-26-22

Hello, My Lovely Bookworms!

This meme was formerly hosted by MizB at A Daily Rhythm and is now hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words.

It consists of answering these three questions:

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

My audiobook is Crown of Bones by A.K. Wilder. This is a reread so I remember what went on before I dive into the sequel. It has been as good as the first time I read it! It’s definitely underrated.

Currently, I am reading Buried in a Good Book by Tamara Berry and Blackmail and Bibingka by Mia P. Manansala. Both are enjoyable!

P.S. Buried in a Good Book ebook is on sale today on Amazon. If you are curious about it!

• Empire of Exiles by Erin M. Evans (arc) ⭐⭐⭐

My next audiobook will be In My Dreams I Hold a Knife by Ashley Winstead. Apparently I am on a Mystery/Thriller kick!

I will be reading more arcs and maybe one from KU. The titles will most likely be The Poison Season by Mara Rutherford, Curse of Shadows (Amassia #2) by A.K. Wilder, and A Pumpkin and a Patch by Jennifer Peel.

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT READ? ARE YOU LOVING IT? HAVE YOU READ OR WANT TO READ ANY THAT I HAVE LISTED? LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS!

Find me on Instagram / Goodreads

Book Review: The Fiction Between Us by Julie Olivia

Title: The Fiction Between Us
Author: Julie Olivia
Genre: Adult Contemporary / Romance
Publication Date: September 22nd, 2022
Publisher: Indie / Kindle Unlimited
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Some fairytales may be real, but ours is strictly fiction.
I’ve been Queen Bee at our theme park for ten glorious, uncomplicated years. I’m far better at creating fictional magic than real life miracles. So when Landon Arden, my best friend’s twin brother and my old high school bully, starts to work at Honeywood, I’m wishing for some gift from above to fix this mess.
Cue a worse situation.
After Landon falls on stage during one of our shows, the guests mistake him for a character in the park: Ranger Randy.
The problem isn’t when our manager asks him to perform as the bearded, tight tush, short shorts-wearing hero. No, my fairytale comes crashing down when we’re told that Queen Bee and Ranger Randy must appear as a couple.
Fine. Whatever. Ten years ago, my teenage crush for Landon may have been real, but I can fake a happy ending with Ranger Randy. I can sign autographs with him, have his arm around my waist, hold his hand, and… kiss him on stage?
I tell myself it’s all for show. We’re just characters in a theme park. And I won’t fall for true love’s kiss, even if I do want to try it one more time…” (Goodreads)

I’ve been looking forward to another book set at the amusement park ever since reading the first. It’s been such a fun setting and this time it was about the characters and amphitheater instead of the rollercoasters.

The book is told from two point-of-views and they come from Quinn and Landon. Quinn doesn’t have the best impression of Landon after some high school drama and since then she will do anything to keep her distance. She is the grump to his shine and I loved their dynamic!

The romance is a slow-burn with a bit of spice once you get around the halfway mark. They are very cute together and I liked seeing them both manage their feelings, especially Quinn. She has a chip on her shoulder when it comes to her mother and Landon so when it comes to love it isn’t easy. She does have people around her that want to see her soar and be happy, in a relationship and when it comes to work. Plus, fake dating. Need I say more?

I’m still obsessed with the friend group and there were some major plot twists when it came to them! I’m hoping that the third book is about Bennett. I want to know more about his weird relationship, haha.

Overall, this was a great read.

Audiobook Review: The Second Blind Son (The Chronicles of Saylok #2) by Amy Harmon

Title: The Second Blind Son (The Chronicles of Saylok #2)
Author: Amy Harmon
Genre: Adult Fantasy / Romance / Mythology
Publication Date: July 20th, 2021
Publisher: 47North
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

“An insidious curse is weakening the Norse kingdom of Saylok, where no daughters have been born in years. Washing up on these plagued shores is Ghisla, an orphaned stowaway nursed back to health by a blind cave dweller. Named for a mysterious god, the boy, Hod, is surrounded by prophecy. To Ghisla, he’s a cherished new friend. To Hod, the girl is even more so. For when Ghisla sings, Hod can see.|Unable to offer safe shelter, Hod urges Ghisla onward to become a daughter of the temple, where all the kingdom’s girl children have been gathered. But because of a magical rune, the two cannot be separated, no matter the time or the distance.
Now, subject to a ruthless king, Ghisla enters a desperate world of warring clan chieftains and catastrophic power struggles. Who among them can be trusted is unknowable. So are the sacrifices Ghisla and Hod must make to defeat the cursed forces that could destroy a kingdom and the fated bond between two souls.” (Goodreads)

This wasn’t as good as the first, but it was still a great read and I feel like I need more books like this in my life!

This book is told from multiple point-of-views, mostly coming from Ghisla and Hod. The timeline aligns with the first exactly but is told from two different pairs of eyes. I thought that this was well done and liked seeing the events unfold. I will say that it was a bit slow for the first 40% but the last 60% made up for it!

Just like in the first book, Ghisla and Hod begin a friendship from a young age. She was the only one who truly tried to understand him and his blindness. They saw him as a bad omen and it was hard for him to fit in anywhere. I liked their friendship and the romance that ensued. They are perfect.

I feel like through this book I understand the other characters better. Ghost is still an all time favorite and what she says at the end to the king is just *chef’s kiss*.

The epilogue at the end was the perfect way to end the duology. It wasn’t too long but gave me a glimpse at their future. I do wish I got more from this world though, I just love it!

Overall, this was another great read. I will definitely be checking this author out again and seeing what other books she has written.

WWW Wednesday | 10-19-22

Hello, My Lovely Bookworms!

This meme was formerly hosted by MizB at A Daily Rhythm and is now hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words.

It consists of answering these three questions:

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

My audiobook is The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox. I am still going strong with the Christmas book. 😂 I’m not far so I can’t comment on it yet.

I started A Wilderness of Stars by Shea Ernshaw last night. It has been fine so far but I’m not fully invested in it. We will see how it goes.

• Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter ⭐⭐⭐
• The Secrets We Keep by Cassie Gustafson (arc) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen (🎧) ⭐⭐⭐

My next audiobook has not been picked yet, haha. I have nothing from the library at the moment so we will see!

The next books I will pick up will be Two Wrongs Make a Right by Chloe Liese (arc), Empire of Exiles by Erin M. Evans (arc), and Out of My League by Sarah Sutton (KU).

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT READ? ARE YOU LOVING IT? HAVE YOU READ OR WANT TO READ ANY THAT I HAVE LISTED? LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS!

Find me on Instagram / Goodreads