Coffee Ramblings

 Coffee Ramblings

It’s a new week and starting off with a bang.

I’ve got a stack of books on my TBR for the week that have been here for a while but I’m excited to read them.

I’ve got my first cup of coffee ready to go and I’m listening to an audio book that has been on my TBR list forever.

I need to finish my bullet journal for the week as I’ve not even started it yet. I didn’t love last weeks layout but hopefully this weeks will work better. I think I’m in a little bit of a bullet journal funk.

I’ve also got a stack of manga that I need to read this week. I haven’t read as many as I hoped this month and since we are coming down to the wire time to spend a day devouring them.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

  

 Hosted by The Book Date

New week new stack of books on my to read pile. I've got a huge stack on my list this week. I'm doing a little catching up. 

I didn't read as many as I would have hoped so I have a big stack to read this week. 

Finished last week. I have a few I'm almost done with that I need to finish this week. 

The Royal Trade by Erin Hayes 

These Pucking Boys by Michelle Hercules 

Stuck With a Billionaire by Noelle Stone 

My Pucking Mate by Izzy Elliott 

On my list for the new week 

This week’s scavenger hunt theme is romance with books over 300 pages. Perfect for my TBR this week.

I’m reading this week a variety that have been on my TBR forever. I’m really good at adding books to my TBR and never getting around to them. This week I’m hoping to read a few.

Becoming His by Albany Walker this one has been on my TBR forever and I never got around to it yet. I’m excited to start it. I’m a sucker for a good shifter romance.

Sweet Collide by Ava Harrison - I’ve got the audio and it’s on my list this week to finish it. I’m a sucker for a hockey romance.

Twisted Love by Ana Huang - this one has been sitting in my pile for years. I need to start this series because I’ve heard so many good things.

Dark Fae by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti - I’ve been seeing so many good things about this duo and I read this is the first series to start with so going to check it out.

Monster Romance on my list this week.

Monster by Katie May this one has been on my TBR for a while. I mean the daughter of Dracula sounds awesome! 

I've got a few review books on my list this week so we will see how many I can finish. 

What are you reading this week? 

Book Review: My Pucking Mate

Title - My Pucking Mate 

Author - Izzy Elliott 

Genre -  Romance Hockey Shifter 

Format - Arc Review Copy 

Publication date: August 19th 2024

Buy it on (Amazon) 

Add to your shelf (Goodreads)

Synopsis

When Leera Adams loses her parents months before starting college, the excitement of beginning the next chapter of her life is now shadowed with grief. Having grown up traveling the world with her photographer & journalist parents homeschooling her, she's a little awkward and anxious to settle down in one place but vows to do her best to have a normal college experience. She never planned for him.

Roman Razboinic has lived through his father's darkness, rebuilding the king's werewolf army, and learning to play professional hockey. When in reality he feels like he died the day he lost his mate and their unborn pup. Every day, he's just going through the mundane motions of taking care of his pack, his closest men, and playing hockey, until the time comes for him to fulfill his duty to his people. That is until an incredibly short and spunky woman throws his entire world off its axis.

Review

I received My Pucking Mate in return for an honest review from the author. 

Leera's life is tossed upside down when her parents don't come home and she's forced to figure it out on her own. At least she had a plan in place to head to collage. Little did she know that she would meet the man who would change her life forever and suddenly the life she had growing up is changed forever. 

I love Leera so much she's an adorable character you can't help cheering her on as she learns to deal with everything. Roman is kind of perfect he's got some issues that he needs to deal with but he can't fight the connection anymore than she can. They have this sweet insta love connection that just works. I really felt that I was able to connect with Leera she's just a sweetheart. Roman is swoon worthy in every way. 

This is my first book by the author and I'm hooked on her writing style. I ended up devouring My Pucking Mate in just an afternoon it was impossible to put down till the very end. It's a cliffhanger and the author has me dying for the next one. The author has created a beautiful captivating sweet romance that captured my heart as well as imagination. I loved the concept for the supernatural playing sports it was such a unique idea. I loved every moment of My Pucking Mate can't wait for the next one. 

 

Throwback Thursday!

  

Happy Thursday! 

New week with a new throwback to share. This week I'm sharing R.L. Stine's Beach Thrillers which includes Beach House & Beach Party. 

I've already read Beach Party this year and it's time to read Beach House. These are quick reads for just a few hours and remind me of my teenager days staying up late reading. 

I was a huge fan of Point Horror as a teenager and they are still fun quick thriller horror with just a touch of romance to read. They are very nostalgic re-reading these.

Do you have a book that you enjoyed when you were younger?

Happy Publication Day! + Book Review: Love and Other Conspiracies

Title - Love and Other Conspiracies 

Author - Mallory Marlowe  

Genre -  Romance  

Format - Arc Review Copy 

Publication date: August 20th 2024

Buy it on (Amazon) 

Add to your shelf (Goodreads)

Synopsis

The hardest thing for a paranormal conspiracy theorist and a web series producer to believe in is finding love in this swoony debut romantic comedy.

Hallie Barrett's life has imploded after she's dumped by her hotshot ex, who also happens to be her coworker and the star of the online series she was producing. Without a new show to present for the company competition, she’ll be out of a job. But inspiration can come from the strangest places . . . like the most handsome guy she’s ever seen passionately discussing Bigfoot on a late-night docuseries.

Hayden Hargrove made a name for himself as a cryptid expert on his hit podcast, and is intrigued by the plucky, blue-haired producer who offers him the opportunity to lead his own web show. When the production team sees that Hayden’s solo on-screen presence is bad enough to make a ghost blanch, Hallie jumps on camera too, hitting him (and his cryptids) with a healthy dose of skepticism—and enough chemistry to electrify their show to the top of the competition.

As Hayden and Hallie investigate the unknown, they unearth feelings for each other that shake their beliefs to the core. In their search for Mothman, aliens, and the truth, the most elusive discovery might just be learning to love again.

Review

I received Love and Other Conspiracies in return for an honest review from NetGalley. 

I adore Hallie and Hayden they are such great characters and they have this sweet romance that blossoms as they work on creating this show. I think Hayden is perfect for Hallie they just complemented each other and when everything spirals he's still got her back. I loved the banter between them they just have this adorable spark. 

I picked this one up because it sounded cute and I'm so glad that I did because it's a adorable whirlwind romance. I'm a huge fan of paranormal conspiracies so this one was a must read and I'm so glad that I did because I just loved every moment of the story. The characters are fantastic I really felt like I could connect with Hallie and she holds a special place in my heart. 

This is my first book by the author but I'm obsessed. I was instantly hooked on Hallie's story and couldn't put it down till the very end. I actually finished it in just one afternoon because I had to know how it would all end. The author has done a beautiful job creating a captivating story with fantastic characters to fall in love with. I'm honestly obsessed with her storytelling and can't wait to see what comes next. Highly recommend!!! 

 

Book Review: Learning Curve

Title - Learning Curve 

Author - Max Monroe 

Genre - Sports Romance  

Format - Arc Review Copy 

Publication date: August 16th 2024 

Buy it on (Amazon) 

Add to your shelf (Goodreads)

Synopsis

She’s the virginal cheerleader, and he’s the tortured bad boy. Their worlds are different, but college life at Dickson University brings them together in a passionate, angsty, fiery collision.

Finn Hayes is what girls my age would call “stupid hot.” He’s handsome, has brown eyes that remind me of warm chocolate chip cookies, and a tall, muscular build that makes marble sculptures jealous.

Green flag, right?

Wrong.

He’s also broody, closed off, and so complex that it feels like I need a decoder to crack him.

He’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met and fights like he came out of the womb swinging, taking down both my ex-boyfriend and an ex-UFC fighter with ease.

But the underground society at our college known as Double C has nothing on him in the secrets department, and it’s that mysterious edge that keeps me coming back for more.

This is more than the story of how Finn and I fell in love.

This is proof that love has a learning curve. Sometimes you succeed, and sometimes…it destroys you.

Review

I received Learning Curve in return for an honest review from Hambright PR. 

I adore Finn and Scottie they complement each other so much even if they don't see it. They have this sweet yet very steamy chemistry that's undeniable. I loved that we got to know so many of the supporting characters like Ace and Julie and Blake. The characters are easy to connect with I couldn't help falling in love with them all and cheering them on through the book. 

I ended up staying up late to finish because I had to know how it would end after this whirlwind steamy adventure. This one had me in all the feelings and even had tears streaming down my face a few times. I finished it in one day she's a little chunky but worth every moment and my only complaint is now I have to wait for Blake and Lexi's story. 

This is my first book by this very talented writing duo and I can not believe I've waited so long. The Learning Curve is beautifully written and captured my heart right from the start keeping me hooked till the very last page. I loved every moment of the Learning Curve it's an emotional story that pulled at my heart strings and ends perfectly. I'm so glad that I jumped at this chance because I'm obsessed with Max Monroe and can't wait to read the backlist. I've already grabbed a few to start. 

 

Throwback Thursday!

 

Happy Thursday! I can't believe we are at the end of the week it's just flying by so fast this year. We are already half way through the month. School has restarted here again which means the teenager is back in school. More time for reading but I miss her during the day we've been attached all summer. 

Today I'm sharing two books one I read ages ago and loved so much and one that has been on my kindle for years. 

First up is 

Born at Midnight by C.C. Hunter 

(Goodreads)(Amazon) 

Synopsis 

Welcome to Shadow Falls, nestled deep in the woods of a town called Fallen…

Kylie Galen has never felt normal. One night she finds herself at the wrong party, with the wrong people, and it changes her life forever. Her mother ships her off to Shadow Falls—a camp for troubled teens—but within hours of arriving, it becomes clear that her fellow campers aren't "troubled." Here at Shadow Falls, vampires, werewolves, shapeshifters, witches and fairies train side by side—learning to harness their powers, control their magic, and live in the normal world. They insist Kylie is one of them, and that she was brought to Shadow Falls for a reason.

As if life wasn't complicated enough, enter Derek and Lucas. Derek's a half Fae who's determined to be her boyfriend, and Lucas is a brooding werewolf with whom Kylie shares a secret past. Both Derek and Lucas couldn't be more different, but they both have a powerful hold on her heart. Even though Kylie is uncertain about everything, she starts to realize that Shadow Falls is exactly where she belongs…

Don't miss this spectacular, New York Times bestselling, young adult paranormal romance series from C. C. Hunter! Born at Midnight will steal your heart and haunt your dreams.

On my TBR and has been for years 

The Crown of Light by Stacey Marie Brown 

(Goodreads)(Amazon) 

Synopsis 

**NOT A STANDALONE SERIES! HIGHLY recommend to read Darkness & Collector Series prior. Lightness Saga contains story-lines, world-building, and spoilers from previous books and characters. Starting with Darkness Series> Collector Series> Lightness Saga.

A war is brewing.

Kennedy is one of the last known Druids. Wanted dead by the Seelie Queen and as a coveted asset to defeat this cruel ruler, Kennedy has become a mark. Especially by a sexy, merciless Dark Dweller, Lorcan Dragen.

Kidnapped and taken prisoner, Kennedy’s life takes a dramatic turn, down a path she never imagined. Spending time with a man who killed her best friend’s mother and her friend, she knows he is not someone she should care about. But the longer she spends with her enemy, the more her feelings blur the line between what is right and wrong, what is true and what is not.

As her magic grows, so does the shy, nerdy girl, and she soon realizes nothing on a list or in a book will prepare her for what is ahead.

Even her own feelings.

**Sexual content, language, alcohol, violence, death, and other mature content intended for readers 17 and older.

What are you throwbacks this week? 

COVER REVEAL - Pretty Relentless by Lacey Black

Title: Pretty Relentless

Series: Pine Village #4

Author: Lacey Black

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Tropes: Small Town/Single Dad

He Falls Hard First/Secret Relationship

Cover Design: Sarah Paige 

The Book Cover Boutique

Photographer: Sara Eirew Photography

Release Date: September 17, 2024

BLURB

Ava

My life is content. Living and working in my small hometown of Pine Village is right where I want to be, especially with family and a few close friends nearby.

It’s taken me some time to dig my way out of the negative spotlight I found myself under a few years back, thanks to an old photo from college that resurfaced. That’s why I have rules: no social media, no drinking alcohol in public, and no dating the father of one of my students. Then, Gavin Pierson rescues me from the side of the road.

He’s not making it easy to say no, especially when he flashes that sexy boyish grin of his. The only problem is dating him would be a complication I’m not prepared to deal with, but he’s proving to be relentless.

Gavin

Something calls to me when I’m near my daughter’s shy fifth-grade teacher. I wanted Ava Rutledge when we were teenagers in high school, and now that seems to be the case once again.

However, she’s given herself strict guidelines, and despite the attraction I know she feels, convincing her to take a chance on us could be a challenge. It's a good thing I’m a patient man. The biggest hurdle we face is the fact she’s my daughter’s teacher, and that’s the one rule she’s not willing to budge on.

I’m going to have to show her how much fun it can be when we break it.

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AUTHOR BIO

USA Today Bestselling Author Lacey Black is a Midwestern girl with a passion for reading, writing, and shopping. She carries her e-reader with her everywhere she goes so she never misses an opportunity to read a few pages. Always looking for a happily ever after, Lacey is passionate about contemporary romance novels and enjoys it further when you mix in a little suspense. She resides in a small town in Illinois with her husband, two children, and three rowdy chickens.

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