What I've Been Reading Lately {November 2018}

This is the time of year where you blink and you've missed it. I always think -- or at least hope -- that time off at the holidays will equate to more time to read, but somehow, it never works out that way. And so, it is with great sadness that I report that I only read 13 books in November. That may not sound bad to some of you, but most months, I read around 30 books. And since my ultimate goal, aside from my Goodreads Reading Challenge goal, is to read a book a day, I am now behind. I'm remaining hopefully optimistic, though, that I can catch up. And in the spirit of that, I'm keeping this short this month so I can get back to reading. 😂

And without further ado, here's what I've been reading lately...

(More on why I've gone to this format here in lieu of traditional reviews for each.)

Y O U N G   A D U L T

Little White Lies* - Y'all, I love me some Jennifer Lynn Barnes. I love when she goes dark and creepy and serial killer. And now I love when she goes poofy and poised and in search of clues. A mystery of debutante proportions? Yes, please! The family dynamic was perfection, as was the narrator for the audiobook. And the fact that I didn't have everything figured out from page one! I love some actual mystery in my mystery stories. JLB is really good at the suspense, too, even when it's just, "Who's my daddy?" and not "Who's the killer?" 😂 I would have liked a little closure, but I just saw that this is a series now, so I'm happy as a debutante in pearls. 🌟🌟🌟🌟

East - Full of enchantment and wonder, this East of the Sun, West of the Moon retelling was exactly the kind of fantasy story I've been missing in my life lately. The original story is very akin to Beauty and the Beast, but this particular retelling allows for more trolls, more white bears, more questing...more everything. I can't believe I never knew this book existed, not until I saw people talking about West. I have seriously been missing out because Rose is kind of the perfect heroine: fierce and determined to set out and do the things that everyone keeps telling her she can't or mustn't, not to spite them but because she has to right a wrong and nothing is going to stop her, especially busy bodies and naysayers. I loved this book, absolutely loved it, and I'm so glad I already have West downloaded from the library. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

West - I have to admit, I almost gave up on this one in the beginning. I waited until it was almost due back to the library before even starting it, though that was partly because I had to wait for my hold on the first book to come in, too. Still, this sequel just starts off uncannily similar to East, and though I ended up loving that book, I didn't want to read the same book again, just set a few years later. However, I'm glad I stuck with it because, though the plots are comparable, and both books showcase Rose's determination and willingness to make sacrifices for the good of those she loves, this sequel veers off into [even stranger] new territory while also focusing a bit more on characters we've already come to know...and some we haven't. The mood in East tended toward forlorn and lost, but the tone in West was straight up melancholy and it felt like friends were few and far between on this part of Rose's journey. But it was worth it in the end. I especially loved Estelle's last line in the epilogue. 😉 🌟🌟🌟🌟


*ARC received from publisher for review purposes. This does not affect my review in any way.

A D U L T

Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe - I've always wanted to have my own restaurant. But that's a journey I'd embark on if I won the lottery...not if I lost my job. Not so for the heroine of this story. She loses her job and her man in the same fell swoop and says screw it. She was a feisty one and I loved seeing her plan come together. There are just so many lovely characters in a Jenny Colgan novel, too. The setting becomes a character itself because it's so much a part of the story. I'd definitely visit the Cupcake Cafe. 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Sweetshop of Dreams - So, after having read three of these very similar novels, I've decided that despite their being sweet and thoughtful and a little melancholy, there also more than a touch formulaic. Thirtiesh woman in need of some guidance meets or comes into contact with an elderly person with some special insight and develops a relationship with them to achieve their dreams, then when said dream is realized, insightful elderly person kicks the bucket. That might be putting too fine a point on it, but that's the general premise of the last three books I read from Jenny Colgan. And that's not even really a complaint, more like an observation. I just always knew it was coming and that made the death a little less impactful. But the stories themselves were all lovely and delightful in their own way. This one was probably my least favorite, but that might be because the heroine ended up with the wrong guy, in my opinion. But the guy I liked for her turned out to be gay, so I know nothing. :) 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Luck of the Draw - This is the second book in the A Chance of a Lifetime companion series, and I have to admit that I didn't love Zoe's story as much as Kit's. Maybe because I didn't like her love interest's backstory as much. And he's so distant; hard to get a read on him, even though half the book is narrated from his perspective. This is kind of hate-to-love but I never really felt the hate...or the love. I really enjoyed Kit and how fierce she was, but Zoe just kind of takes everything in stride. No chemistry and no emotion. Just meh. 🌟🌟

Wicked and the Wallflower - I feel like it's been too long since I read a Sarah MacLean book. I had a hard time placing Felicity and barely remembered mentions of the Sparrow, etc. Despite that, I enjoyed the story, though probably not as much as I have others of hers...or if I could remember better. It's got MacLean's trademark banter and wit, plus plenty of passion. But I just didn't feel that spark. 🌟🌟🌟




The Hollow of Fear* - Oh, how I adore this series and specifically Charlotte Holmes. This was a re-read because the library had the audiobook available and well, I missed Sherry Thomas' characters something fierce. I read an ARC of this back before the book was released in October, but I still find I have no words to describe the utter brilliance of it. This addition to the Lady Sherlock series is yet another murder mystery, but this time her good friend Lord Ingram is the prime suspect in the death of his estranged wife and it's up to Charlotte to absolve him of all guilt. As usual, Charlotte leaves no stone unturned, but in this installment, she'll go to incredible lengths to help her beloved friend...and dare I hope, potential paramour. I love where this story took their relationship and where it left off, and it's my fervent wish that this series would never end, though I shall have to be satisfied with the two books that are still to come. I might faint with anticipation... 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

One Day in December - This was such a lovely story about missed opportunities and what-ifs and second chances and it had my heart full to bursting by the end. I get a touch more lovey-dovey around the holidays, and this story was such a cozy read...and I finished it in a single day which is quite an accomplisment for me these days. The story is told from the point-of-view of two would-be victims of love at first sight as their relationship evolves -- and devolves -- over the years. It was at times frustrating and bittersweet, but at the heart of it, a truly beautiful story. And exactly what I love to read at this time of the year. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Love, Sincerely, Yours - I've read a few of Meghan Quinn's books, but I'm not familiar with Sara Ney. Still, I decided to give this one a chance because that summary was kinda funny, and from what I know of Quinn's other books, they're also pretty funny. Sexy, too. So imagine my surprise when the book I thought was going to be a hawt workplace romp actually turned into a pretty sweet romance. It was a quick read, and though some of it felt a little forced at times -- especially the dude-bro humor when the guys were bustin' each other's chops -- it was still a lot of fun. 🌟🌟🌟


Burn for Me - Last week when asked what I was thankful for, I spouted the usual BS. Had they waited until this week to ask, I would have had a much different answer. I am SO thankful for Goodreads and the amazing friends I've made there and their wonderful recommendations for books that I would have never in a million years picked up on my own. Was it the cover that kept me from this one? You betcha. Because I know tons of people who absolutely love this writing duo. But a very dear friend on Goodreads wasn't having it. Said it was set in Houston and to forget about the covers. But mostly, MOSTLY I just needed to meet Mad Rogan and fall madly in love. And I did. With all of it. It's not like I've been resisting this series all this time...I just didn't know I needed it in my life. And I'm so much happier because of it, book slump notwithstanding. There are magic users -- powerful ones, magic fights in the streets, and a really great family dynamic, not to mention the (mostly) unresolved sexual tension between Nevada and Mad Rogan. It was just. So. Much. Fun. In fact, I already started the second book because I was already missing the characters and their shenanigans. 😉 🌟🌟🌟🌟

White Hot - Okay, yeah, I liked this one even more than the first in this series. And that title? Spot on! I'm on board with everything that's developing in this sequel: Nevada's magical abilities, her relationship with Mad Rogan, even Rogan's attempts to be a little less mad for Nevada's sake. Their banter gives me life. But they also make me laugh, too, and I love that this story isn't just death and mayhem all the time, though there is a fair amount of both. As much as I love Nevada and Rogan, though, I can't help adoring all of the side characters, their friends and allies, and what they bring to the story. Grandma Frida, Bug, Leon, Augustine...they all keep things fun but can get down to business when the situation warrants. And with the revelations bestowed on us in this book, the situaton is going to call for serious business, sooner rather than later. I wouldn't be surprised if we start calling her Mad Nevada after this... 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Wildfire - I'm so glad I knew going into this book that it wasn't the final book in the series -- thanks, Tandie! 😄 It was a conclusion of sorts to Nevada and Mad Rogan's story, though, and the subsequent books will focus on Catalina. When I first learned this, I thought I might not read further, but after this book, I don't think I'll be able to help myself. Also, I know myself and I would have totally caved anyway because I would miss Nevada and Rogan too much. They've ingratiated themselves into my reading life and I'll never be the same again. That said, I loved this ending that wasn't an ending. We learn so much more about Nevada's family and their gifts as they fight to be recognized as their own house -- and avoid that tyrannical granny of theirs. Plus, the plotting of that odious Caesar takes some pretty crazy turns, and it made this the most action-packed book of the series so far...which is really saying something. I did not particularly care for the addition of Rynda Sherwood as a more substantial character, though it did serve to show just how much Nevada and Rogan belonged together, how much better they were together than with anyone else. In that case, I can suffer a couple of hangers-on while one of my favorite couples sort out their issues. I've really enjoyed this series, and I cannot wait to continue it, despite some initial doubts. I've already put the newest book on hold at the library, but considering it's only been out a month, it's going to be a long, long wait. But I waited this long to discover this amazing writing duo, so what's another 25 people waiting per copy? 😂 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟


*ARC received from publisher for review purposes. This does not affect my review in any way.

Have you read any of these? What did you think? Find any new titles to check out? ;0)

Until next time! Happy reading!

Labels: discussion, mini reviews, reviews, what i've been reading lately