Cheers to a New Year: My 2022 in Review

2022 was the year I dived into a black hole called the Psy-Changeling series. I had immensely loved Nalini Singh's contemporary romance books, so when my romance sisters Lisa and Katie kept pushing for me to start this paranormal romance series, it was due time. Side-eyeing myself for not starting this series sooner! It seems paranormal romance is kinda my jam because I binged Hidden Legacy series by Ilona Andrews with the same fervor the year prior. I absolutely LOVED the world of Psy-Changeling *happy tears*. You bet I'll be diving into the "second arc" this year.

I was on a major board game kick last year after binging a lot of The Dice Tower videos. Tabletop games have been an on-and-off-again hobby of mine and I had made board game nights a resolution for 2021. They were a hit with my small but close circle of friends! As an introvert, these games nights became my favourite social event throughout the year heheh. I focused a lot of my energy on self-care and familial relationships. Two highlights of 2022 were seeing &Juliet musical and SEVENTEEN live in concert~ I'm focusing on travelling this year but I hope that I will also get a chance to attend more artisan markets and hobby conventions. May 2023 be kind to us all!

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Loved With Romance and School/Education

- - - Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme, created at The Broke and The Bookish but now hosted by Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl, where a new topic is given for a top ten book-related list - - -

I meant to post this yesterday but of course my plan fell through. Let's pretend it's still Tuesday anyway! This week's prompt was "School Freebie" in honor of school starting up soon. We're to come up with a topic that somehow ties to school/education. Even though I've graduated and left academia almost two years ago, I still get very excited around this time because of school supplies and stationery! I was very tempted to show you my emotional support stack of untouched notebooks. Instead I've decided to split my list into two parts with the overarching theme being romance (of course). All of the books on this list are ones that I have read and enjoyed~

Waiting on Wednesday (23)

Waiting on Wednesday was a weekly meme created by Jill at Breaking The Spine, 

for sharing upcoming releases we're highly anticipating.
Now, Tressa at Wishful Endings hosts Can't Wait Wednesday that is based off of WoW to continue the fun!

Dual Review: THE STAR-TOUCHED QUEEN + A CROWN OF WISHES

I am so far behind the Roshani Chokshi bandwagon but I am determined to catch up. I picked up book one back in 2016 when it first streaked across my book socials. Then being the collector that I am, of course I picked up book two despite having not read the first book yet. I mean, would you LOOK at these covers? Gorgeous! Stunning! *insert other synonyms of Beautiful* I had a terrible habit of getting books of a series without knowing whether I would like it or not. I have since then (6 hard years later) gained better control. In the case of The Star-Touched Queen duology, what you see is exactly what you get! Magic in words and imagery. I was swept away by the poetic narrative and mystical setting from the first few chapters.

Lit Love - May Box (PART OF YOUR WORLD)

Hello! I fell down a rabbit hole of book box subscriptions last month and came across another that I absolutely had to check out. Lit Love Book Box is a fairly new monthly book subscription, based out of Calgary, Alberta (soon to be British Columbia—wooot love supporting our fellow Canadian businesses) where you get to pick the book. Each month Lit Love will reveal 1-3 book titles in addition to one surprise option. How brilliant is that?! I feel that this is especially great for readers who may already be subscribed to another box or don't want to have doubles of a book. Lit Love works at curating high quality items including home decor, snacks, beverages and bookish goodies. When Lit Love announced their May box would be heavy on the snacks, you know your girl here HAD to jump on the opportunity to get one! I selected Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez for my box.

Hushbug - April Box (Eco)

Hello, hello! This month I came across a new-to-me book box subscription on my IG feed and I treated myself to a one-time box to check out. Hushbug Book Box is a monthly subscription box that features a newly released RomCom book, a treat/snack, and 3-5 curated items that follow the theme/book. The book box only recently started this year and wow, Kat (the face behind Hushbug Book Box) is doing amazing putting these together~ What really stood out to me as I was researching this book subscription was the inclusion of Canadian businesses and artisans. Two of my favourite things: romance books and supporting Canadian shops! It was a done deal. April's theme was Eco.

Review: RACHEL, OUT OF OFFICE by Christina Hovland

Title: Rachel, Out of Office

Author: Christina Hovland

Mommy Wars #1
Publisher: Entangled Amara
Publication Date: January 25, 2021

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Single mom Rachel Gibson seriously needs a break. Between an absent ex-husband, rowdy twin boys, and running her own work-from-home business, her candle isn't just burning at both ends, it's a full-blown puddle of wax. She's the go-to girl for other entrepreneurs, handling all the tasks they dread. Social media posts? She's got it. Website updates? She's on it. Light bookkeeping? She loves it.

Thank goodness Rachel's about to get a reprieve, as her former in-laws plan to whisk her boys away for a summer of fun at the family lake house. But when her ex backs out at the last minute, she finds herself in a pickle. Even though she's drowning in to-dos, she's horrible at saying no—especially when it comes to providing some stability for her kids.

Once Rachel arrives at the lake house, she struggles to keep up with work and balance the demands of family, all the while fending off pesky new feelings for her ex-brother-in-law. Which makers her wonder... is falling for her ex-husband's brother just one more messy complication added to the dumpster fire of her life? Or is anything possible when she's out of office...?

"Limits don't mean you're weak... They actually mean you're strong enough to 

recognize the importance of the other things in your life."

Where do I start?? I loved this book very much! It's one of my favourite reads of 2021. Rachel, Out of Office featured many of my favourite tropes including single parent, second chances, close proximity and the biggie "you picked the right sibling this time" (does this count as a trope? anywho..). More so than the romance which was so darn sweet, I greatly enjoyed and related to Rachel's character development. You go, Rachel! I'm rooting for all the people struggling to balance work and family (and self-care). We are in the same boat.

Waiting on Wednesday (22)

Waiting on Wednesday was a weekly meme created by Jill at Breaking The Spine, 

for sharing upcoming releases we're highly anticipating.
Now, Tressa at Wishful Endings hosts Can't Wait Wednesday that is based off of WoW to continue the fun!

Hello, New Year: My 2021 in Review

2021 was a year of great losses and great gains. We've had a number of deaths in our community but my greatest loss last year was the passing of my bestpup Tidus. Anyone who knows me or speaks to me on socials know Tidus was the king of our household. He was my IG book model and lone audience of my singing serenades. He had a huge and calming presence in our home. It's been a hard year adjusting to his absence but I'm fortunate to have so many memories, photos and videos of him to reminisce over. You are forever in our hearts, Tidus!

The rest of the year flew by after that. My days consisted of working, reading, eating and sleeping. You know... the basics. When I mentioned great gains, I meant that I gained a boatload of work experience and confidence in my nursing capabilities. Many of my seniors have commented that they've noticed how I've grown professionally. I take the praise with such gratitude for my team's guidance and support in my first year working as an RN. Shout-out to the ACE Team woo~ Honestly, to every single person just trying to get through to the next day during this pandemic... I applaud you and am cheering for you. May 2022 be a better and healthier year for us all.

Dual Review: THE WORD IS MURDER + THE WHISPER MAN

I keep telling myself I want to read more Mystery/Thriller books that don't include the In Death series. I've read three last year, and that's including these two up for review. 2021 will be the year I try to incorporate more into my reading! I have quite the little to-be-read collection piling up. Both Anthony Horowitz and Alex North were new authors to me. One blew my socks off and the other left me conflicted. It goes to show how much my mood and impressions of a character can greatly affect my enjoyment of a story. Both books have this minimalist cover-look though that I absolutely am a fan of.

Blog Tour + Giveaway: OVER HER WED BODY by Alexia Adams

Title: Over Her Wed Body

Author: Alexia Adams
Standalone
Publication Date: March 8, 2021
Publisher: Entangled Indulgence
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
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Beckett Samuelson has had enough stepmothers to spot a gold digger when he sees one. So when his ailing father announces his engagement to the private nurse he's only known for two months—who's also forty years his junior—Beckett has to step in. But as he gets to know the woman, he realizes she's the perfect next Mrs. Samuelson.

If only he was the intended groom.

Corazon Dela Cruz sends every spare penny she earns to her family in the Philippines. Then her latest nursing client offers her $25,000 to fake an engagement to convince his overprotective son to return to work abroad—he doesn't need Beckett's help. But as Corazon and Beckett spend more time together—from picnics on the beach to galas in fancy dresses—she starts to develop very real feelings.

Too bad she's engaged to the wrong Samuelson.

Waiting on Wednesday (21)

Waiting on Wednesday was a weekly meme created by Jill at Breaking The Spine, 

for sharing upcoming releases we're highly anticipating.
Now, Tressa at Wishful Endings hosts Can't Wait Wednesday that is based off of WoW to continue the fun!

Top Ten Swoony Dates/Quotes

- - - Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme, created at The Broke and The Bookish but now hosted by Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl, where a new topic is given for a top ten book-related list - - -

I feel like January just zoomed by and now Valentine's Day is right around the corner. What is my favourite aspect about the annual Love Day you ask? Sweet treats, duh. CHOCOLATE! This week's prompt is 'Valentine's Day/Love Freebie'. I'm going to mix the two and share some top-class, swoon-worthy dates/quotes that will always live rent-free in my mind. I've recruited my romance soul sisters, Lisa and Katie, to share a few of theirs as well (thank you, my darlings~). Prepare to get swept off your feet, people!

Review: THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT by Katee Robert

Title: The Marriage Contract

Author: Katee Robert

The O'Malleys #1
Publisher: Forever
Publication Date: June 2 2015
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Teague O'Malley hates pretty much everything associated with his family's name. And when his father orders him to marry Callista Sheridan to create a "business" alliance, Teague's ready to tell his dad exactly where he can stuff his millions. But then Teague actually meets his new fiancée, sees the bruises on her neck and the fight still left in her big blue eyes, and vows he will do everything in his power to protect her.

Everyone knows the O'Malleys have a dangerous reputation. But Callie wasn't aware just what that meant until she saw Teague, the embodiment of lethal grace and coiled power. His slightest touch sizzles through her. But the closer they get, the more trouble they're in. Because Callie's keeping a dark secret and what Teague doesn't know could get him killed.

"I might not deserve you, but I'm sure as fuck going to do right by you."

It's been a very long while since I last read a mafia/organized crime romance book. Honestly, I think I've only read one series before this which completely blew my mind and heart. It was hard for me not to compare them despite having completely different tones, plot and well, everything. This was my first book by Katee Robert and I really enjoyed it! There were characters that had me swooning, and others that had me mad side-eyeing. I'm invested in the O'Malleys though, and desperately need to know that the other siblings find their happy endings too.

Waiting on Wednesday (20)

Waiting on Wednesday was a weekly meme created by Jill at Breaking The Spine, 

for sharing upcoming releases we're highly anticipating.
Now, Tressa at Wishful Endings hosts Can't Wait Wednesday that is based off of WoW to continue the fun!

Blog Tour + Giveaway: HER MARINE NEXT DOOR by Aliyah Burke

Title: Her Marine Next Door

Author: Aliyah Burke
Standalone
Publication Date: December 14, 2020
Publisher: Entangled Brazen
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
| +Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Kobo |

My next door neighbor Parker Jax is not my type. He's covered in tats, rides a motorcycle, and his parties keep me up all night. The fact he's sexy as sin doesn't change the fact we are oil and water.

I'm a quiet artist. He's a rowdy marine. I've got a broken heart. I'm convinced he doesn't have a heart at all.

Thankfully, my bad-boy neighbor is on leave from Marines for only thirty days. But then the jerk has to go and show me that he has a soft side beneath all those hard muscles. He actually leaves his own party to help me, and he didn't even have to.

Fantastic. Now I owe him.

I'm not worried, though. What are the chances he'll need me to do anything before the month is up?

But when a woman shows up with a kid at her side, knocking on Parker's door, it turns out those chances are pretty good...

Blog Tour + Giveaway: THE MISTLETOE TRAP by Cindi Madsen

Title: The Mistletoe Trap

Author: Cindi Madsen
Heart in the Game #2
Publication Date: November 16, 2020
Publisher: Entangled Amara
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Holiday
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From the moment Julie sees her best friend, Gavin, in the airport, it's like no time at all has gone by instead of months and months. No matter how long they've been apart, their relationship has always been steady, comfortable, and decidedly just friends. Even though their meddling parents have hung what seems like unlimited amounts of mistletoe everywhere she goes this holiday season, Julie knows some things will never change.

Gavin is well-aware his family's wanted him and Julie to get together since forever, even though he's been friend-zoned since they could talk—and he's been happy to play that role. After all, as the new starting quarterback for the San Antonio Mustangs, he's got enough on his plate without adding romance to the mix.

But between playing elves in the holiday bazaar to nights spent one-on-one watching rom-coms or soaking in their town's hot springs, suddenly the "reverse parent trap" they've fallen into is actually starting to work. But this could be one scheme where letting themselves get trapped might be way too dangerous.

Waiting on Wednesday (19)

Waiting on Wednesday was a weekly meme created by Jill at Breaking The Spine, 

for sharing upcoming releases we're highly anticipating.
Now, Tressa at Wishful Endings hosts Can't Wait Wednesday that is based off of WoW to continue the fun!

Review: THE REALITY OF EVERYTHING by Rebecca Yarros

Title: The Reality of Everything

Author: Rebecca Yarros

Flight & Glory #5 (Standalone)

Publisher: Entangled Embrace
Publication Date: August 24 2020
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Two years after the man she loved was killed in Afghanistan, Morgan Bartley is trying to put the pieces of her life back together. The reno on her dilapidated beach house in the Outer Banks might be just the distraction she needs to keep her debilitating anxiety attacks at bay and begin to heal her heart... if she can ignore the ridiculously handsome guy next door.

At twenty-eight, single dad Jackson Montgomery's life revolves around his five-year-old daughter and his job as a search-and-rescue pilot for the coast guard. He's no stranger to saving a damsel in distress, and though his gorgeous new neighbor is clearly in distress, she's no damsel. She's stubborn as hell with walls a mile thick, and the dog tags hanging from her rearview mirror give him a pretty good clue as to why.

It doesn't matter that their attraction is undeniable—she swore she'd never fall for another pilot, let alone a military man. There are some wounds time can't heal, and some fears too consuming to conquer. 

She's a barely breathing heartbreak on the edge of recovery. He's a crash waiting to happen. Together they could have it all... if they can endure the coming storm.

 

"I can't even suggest that it will be easy, because that's a huge lie, but I swear 

that I will always make the shitty lows pale in comparison the to incredible highs."

Wow. Just. Wow. I actually wasn't aware that this was book five of a series. Luckily, it can be read as a standalone and still be fully enjoyed without any confusion. Evidence #1: I LOVED IT. The Reality of Everything was so raw and heart breaking, yet so beautifully hopeful. I'm eager to jump into the first four books now to learn more about the other couples' backstories. I'm desperately wishing that two side characters will receive their own HEA too (Please, Rebecca Yarros hear my prayer). Not only did I love Morgan and Jackson—and Fin, I also loved the entire Cape Hatteras friendship circle. The Reality of Everything shines a light on grief, loss and healing. Witnessing Morgan's pain and struggles felt like being stabbed in the heart, but it made the moments of genuine joy that much sweeter.

Blog Tour + Giveaway: GIRL LONG GONE by Danielle M. Haas

Title: Girl Long Gone
Author: Danielle M. Haas
Standalone
Publication Date: May 25, 2020
Publisher: Entangled Amara
Genre: Adult, Romantic Suspense, Mystery
| +Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Kobo | iBooks |

Monica's stomach fluttered with excitement as she told the interesting man she'd been flirting with online for weeks all about her weekend plans. He was a great match, and they had so many things in common. But sometimes your life can come down to one single bad decision...

NYPD Computer-crimes detective Connor Mitchel's sister is missing. As he combs through his sister's life, he realizes Monica might not have been this killer's first target—or his last. In a twisted game of cat and mouse, Connor thinks he's finally found the man responsible for his sister's disappearance. Unfortunately, he'll first need to convince the shy, distrustful Evelyn Price she could be the next victim tangled in the murderer's web if she doesn't agree to help him catch the killer. But just as Connor and Evelyn close in on their quarry, the killer has one last trick up his sleeve that could trap them all...