Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Romantic Holiday Books to Read

Romantic Holiday Books to Read 





Pretty soon it will be Christmas. Since the holiday is coming up soon, I decided to review some of the books I read. Each book is either Christmas or Thanksgiving-related. I enjoyed reading each book. 


Contains affiliate links and widgets from Collective Voice and Books Amillion in which I earn a small commission for you clicking and or purchasing any of these items. Thank you for your support!



Christmas in Spite of You 



Thank you, NetGalley, Black Odyssey Media, and K.C. Mills, for providing me with the arc Christmas in Spite of You. I will be giving an honest review in return.




Trigger Warnings- sex scenes, assault.
Tropes: Forced Proximity and Grumpy and sunshine

Imagine sharing your one-bedroom apartment with a sexy businessperson during the holidays. What would you do? 

Noel Anderson is a Christmas-loving woman. She has two big Christmas wishes on her list. She wants to go home for Christmas to see her parents. Her other wish is to land a new virtual design job. She wants to know about the virtual design job before Christmas. Her email informed her that the hiring process would begin after the holidays. Now Noel feels overwhelmed as she urgently requires cash for rent and other necessities. Noel advertised her apartment for rent over the holidays on Shared Space. Placing this ad will give her a chance to earn money. Whoever answered the ad would have the place to themselves. Noel’s plan was flawless.

 

 Kanton answered Noel's ad to arrange a meeting with Noel's neighbor. Noel and Kanton had a perfect plan to increase their finances. Unfortunately, Noel has a cold and cannot go home. This change in her plan makes Christmas-obsessed Noel grouchy. She decides to cancel the ad for the house guest, puts in her cancellation, and goes to sleep. The next morning, after waking up, she finds a strange man cleaning her kitchen. The man is Kanton, who she notices is well-dressed and handsome. 

His looks do not put her at ease, so she charges into the kitchen and demands him to stop. Kanton finds her behavior amusing, but her body is sexy. He tells her he is the house guest and has a right to be there. They go back and forth about his right to be there.

 Noel finds out he does because her cancellation did not go through. Now she is stuck with the hot and Christmas-hating man for one week. 

I love how K. C. Mills takes the time to give background information about Noel and Kanton. Mills provides information about both main characters’ traits, ambitions, family, life, and connections. Noel has a sweet and giving nature. Her positive outlook causes people to love her. She also has a wonderful support system. Noel’s supportive system inspires her to have hope for the future. They also motivate her to build a healthy romantic relationship.


While Noel has people who admire her, Kanton keeps people at bay. He wants a family but does not find a compatible significant other. The other thing he pursues is clients. His apprehension of having a genuine relationship may come from his mother’s behavior. She wants him to marry the perfect girl she picked for him. This is one reason He does not want to go home for Christmas. The author also describes that his family is not sentimental about Christmas. That is why he does not celebrate the holiday.

Once Noel finds out he does not celebrate Christmas, she makes this Christmas special. Her plan allows her and Kanton to have intimate moments, like watching romantic holiday movies and eating together. These small moments allow the couple to share laughs and cuddles. It is a wonderful way to build up to the sex scenes. It makes their romance more believable and special. Overall, it was a heartwarming book about people finding love.



Only for the Holidays 





Thank you to NetGalley and Abiola Bello, for providing me with the arc Only for the Holidays. My review is based on my opinions of the book. 


Tropes: Forced Proximity, Fake Dating Representation: Black female main character, Black male main characters, Black family

Tia is planning her boyfriend Michael’s eighteen birthday. She is excited to plan the celebration and spend time with Michael. Michael only contacts her about his party. Micheal comes clean and says he needs space. That her family drama is too much for him. Tia’s heart is broken, and she is determined to get Michael back. He relents her attempts and focuses on her creating his party. Tia’s mom says that the family is going away to the country for Christmas. This makes Tia upset about who wants to be there for Mike, even though he does not care about her. Tia goes with her mom and sisters on their holiday trip.

While at the hotel where they plan to stay, a young man named Quincy has a broken heart, too. He broke up with his girlfriend. Still angry about what she did, he tries to get ready for the Winter Ball. The Winter Ball is an important thing in their community, and Quincy is helping his parents host it. He, however, does not have a date with the ball. After friends question him about his date for the event, he lies and says he has one. 


He’s now pondering how to score a date. Tia and her family arrive, and Mike is all she can think about. Her frustration about being away from her so-called boyfriend causes her to focus on others or her surroundings. This leads to one accident that is quite funny. This, unsurprisingly, catches Quincy’s attention. Her behavior makes him think is stuck up, but he finds her cute. He quickly understands Tia is in a horrible situation with her boyfriend. Something Quincy can relate to after dealing with his ex. Tia and Quincy spend time with each other. They realize they have more in common than they think. This leads to Quincy asking Tia to the Winter ball. She agrees despite still having feelings for her ex. The romance between Tia and Mike is heartwarming. 


Tia’s tendency to have accidents often results in humorous situations. This makes Quincy adore her and want to assist her in difficult situations. Quincy was a very loyal person, which was something Tia needed. She needed a boyfriend who exuded unwavering loyalty, allowing her to express herself, and providing unwavering support. I love the moments they have together. Those scenes include baking with one another, riding horses, and ice skating. They even had a scene in a hot tub. It has a lot of romantic moments. I enjoyed their book and would like to read a sequel or another book like this one.



I’ll be Gone for Christmas


Thank you to NetGalley and Georgia K. Boone, for providing me with the arc I’ll be Gone for Christmas. My review is based on my opinions of the book.

Tropes: Forced Proximity Representation: Black main female characters, Black Queer characters, Queer Characters, Interracial couples. 


This book is quite different because it has two female protagonists and tells each of their own stories. Bee Tyler is one of the main characters in the book. She is a writer for a tech company in San Francisco that she and her twin sister run together. Bee is the creative type and believes she is falling short in her role at the tech company. Her sister takes care of the coding and is the mastermind behind the whole operation. Bee feels like she failed her sister because she has finished her side of the project. The fear of failure and retribution from her sister causes her to agree to swap her home with a stranger. 


She does not tell anyone but her closest friends that she is leaving. Her friends convince her to use their Vacate app to arrange the house swap. That stranger is Clover. Clover has her problems. She is still grieving over her loss and ending her engagement with her best friend, Knox. This grief causes her to swap houses with Bee. Clover packs her bags and leaves the country life behind in Salem, Ohio. Goodbye. 

Clover’s arrival in the city was quite a culture shock. The people were in a rush, and she bumped into quite a few people. One person she bumps into is Bee’s sister, Beth. Upon meeting Beth, Clover thinks she is curt and dismissive towards her. Despite her behavior, Clover finds Beth attractive. The two continue to meet one another through Bee’s friends. All of Bee’s friends expose Clover to a world where people are open to their sexuality. This helps Clover overcome her issues on her own. 


Bee also overcomes a few problems of her own, and that is to be herself. Clover’s dad is quite fond of Bee and spends time with her. The affectionate tone in his voice when discussing his deceased wife and cherished Clover caused Bee to realize that families can display genuine love for each other. She realizes she can experience romantic love once more upon meeting Knox.

 Knox is a gentleman but flirts with Clover. Compared to Clover and Beth’s relationship, their relationship took a while to develop. I wanted more love scenes between Bee and Knox. 


Georgia K. Boone did a commendable job presenting a context for Clover’s journey of self-discovery in her sexuality. The author explored Beth’s parents’ perspective on her sexuality. This understanding allows readers to understand her relationship with her parents and Bee. I also like how the author puts you in the mood for Christmas by including classic Holiday songs in the book.



A Perfect Stuffing Danielle Allen 


I purchased this book: here.


Trigger Warnings: sex scenes 
Representation: Black main female character. Black main male character. 


Damon and Thalia met when both picked a lemon pie. It was the last one. The two realize liking the same pie is not the only thing they have in common. Both happen to be attending the same event. The sparks were flying at the store but even more at the Friendsgiving. 


I enjoyed this novella and the chemistry between the two main characters. This book was spicer compared to the others, but I enjoyed it. 









Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Fall Themed Romance Written by Black Authors

 






Contains affiliate links and widgets from Collective Voice and Books Amillion in which I earn a small commission for you clicking and or purchasing any of these items. Thank you for your support!


I have been looking for Fall Romance-themed books to read. Books that include fall-themed topics (such as fall festivals, Halloween, homecoming, paranormal activities, or football). Cozy and seasonal activities that put you in the mood for fall.   It was a difficult task especially if trying to find books by Black authors. It took a while, but I have seen some books. These are the ones I have read or plan on reading. 


The Dating Playbook





Taylor Powell is a fitness instructor who needs new clients. When a professional football player takes her fitness class, it appears that business might improve. He wants her to be his new trainer. She agrees but soon realizes that they are attracted to one another. Taylor has no dating policy with her clients. 

All this goes out the window when Jamar Dixon and she get attention. Dixon does not want anyone to know that he has a fitness instructor. His goal is to reenter the league successfully, without any setbacks. She agrees because she has bills to pay. 

Taylor Powell is a fitness instructor who needs new clients. It appears that business could improve when a football player enrolls in a class. He wants her to be his new trainer. She agrees but soon realizes that they are attracted to one another. Taylor has no dating policy with her clients. 

All this goes out the window when Jamar Dixon and she get attention. Dixon wants to keep his fitness instructor hidden from everyone. He is trying to get back into the league and does not want to fail. She agrees because she has bills to pay. 

This book was exceptional and left me feeling satisfied. I love how Taylor was a badass woman who knew how to take care of herself. She was a breath of fresh air because she did not give the vibes of being a damsel in distress. 


The Dating Playbook or Where or at your local library 




Witchful Thinking





Lucinda Caraway loves living in Freya Gover. This is a mystic seaside town filled with charms, hexes, and magical beings. She is a high school teacher during the day and reads to leave at night. She also has a conjured garden. v overall you feel like she has a good life. Despite her good life, she cannot stop wishing. One day, a wish she makes turns into a spell. No, she cannot say no to anyone.  Especially her high school crush, Alexander Dwyer. Dwyer needs her help unhexing his house. 

Dwyer is back after traveling the world, doing what Lucy has dreamed of doing. Dwyer wants to leave again as soon as he can sell his house. Until she can unhex herself, she and Alex are stuck together. 




Find the book here The Witchful Thinking or here at Your local library. 



Deja Brew by Celestine Martin 




October has been tough for former celebrity chef Sirena Caraway. First, her cooking powers are on the fritz. Then she didn't earn a career-changing job. Last but not least, she embarrassed herself at the town Halloween party. At midnight she makes the despite try to make a second chance wish to get one live on track. 

When she wakes up, she realizes it is the first of October. She gets a chance to live the entire month. This means she gets to run into Gus Dearworth.

Gus Dearworth, a former reality star, moved to Freya Grove to restore his image and heal a broken heart. Despite this, he is unsettled and yearning for the spotlight again. He wants to start a relationship with Sirena. To get closer to her, he realizes he can help her get her powers back. If she can decipher a magic cookbook he owns, she will get her powers back. Will they ignite her powers or a romance?



Find the book here: Deja Brew or at your local library. 

A Ghost in Shining Armor by Therese Beharrie 



Therese Beharrie wrote a story about a woman with supernatural talent. Gemma Daniels can see ghosts. She can help the ghosts settle their unfinished business. One day she kisses a hotter-than-life stranger, who helps to be a ghost. He is now determined to help her. 

Levi Walker died trying to save his sister. Now he gets a second chance at life if he helps Gemma find a relative. Once he finds Gemma’s relative, he can never see her again. The closer he gets to Gemma, the harder he finds it to keep the rules. 




Find the Book Here A Ghost in Shining Armor or at your Local library. 


Kiss and Spell by Celestine Martin 









Ursula Caraway always wished to live happily ever after in her hometown of Freya Groove. Ursula is a self-proclaimed Jersey Shore Witch Princess, about to begin her perfect life. Until everything changed. Now Caraway is selling fortunes at a local psychic shop. She wants to shake things up. 

She does this by befriending an enchanted prince. 

Prince Xavier Aider wants to find a woman to marry. The problem is, he needs more social skills. The Queen of the area also placed a curse on him. When Ursula agrees to help him, he accepts. Now they have to break the curse before Midsummer. It may work as long as they do not let their physical attraction get in the way of them breaking the curse. 


Find the Book Here Kiss and Spell or at the local library. 





Coming Home by Kennedy Ryan 







Toure Wallace and Niomi Spencer were close to Finley College a Historically Black University they attended. They shared a variety of passionate kisses. But their careers launched them in different parts of the world. Both became high-profile journalists. 



Despite not seeing each other for years they still have feelings for each other. Now homing is coming up. Niomi is a morning show host. She has been asked to interview Toure, a rewarding winning journalist, at an event at their old university. After talking to each other they realize that kiss is still in their minds after all this time. 


Will they be able to rekindle their romance, or should they keep their good time in the past?


I really loved this book. Toure and Niomi's chemistry made me root for them to end up together. They had a lot in common despite their different lifestyles. I love how even though they were not together they kept up with each other's careers. 

Find Here Coming Home Kennedy Ryan or your library. 









Conclusion:


I hope these books put you in the mood for Autumn. If romance is not your favorite genre to read in the fall. I have posts that feature other books. 


Great Books to read in Autumn


Mystery Books to Read





Thursday, August 22, 2024

How to create a cozy reading area





 All book lovers desire a comfortable space for reading. A location that provides everything they need, plus their favorite book or books. Inside or outside, you can make a cozy reading nook. I will share a few tips on creating an area that will make you want to sit and read for hours. 


Contains affiliate links from CollectiveVoice in which I earn a small commission for you clicking and or purchasing any of these items. Thank you for your support!






1. Find an area with good lighting 




Look for a location in your home that has good lighting. You can have natural light from a window or sunroom. These spaces are suitable during the daytime. Especially if you want a beautiful view of the sun shining, the raindrops on your window, or leaves falling. 

You can add lighting to make your place brighter at night. Lamps and twinkling lights will work. Make sure the spot you pick has access to an outlet if you are using lamps or twinkling lights.

2. Find a quiet place 





Make sure your spot is in a quiet place in your home. A place away from all the noise in your home. A location with less foot traffic if you stay with others. Pick a corner you do not use.




3. Have comfortable sitting





This can be your bed, a chair, a beanbag chair, and any other area you can sit in. Make it a comfortable spot where you can sit for minutes or hours. 




4. Add cozy elements 






When fall comes, add a throw to your reading nook. Having these items keeps you warm and comfortable when you read. Throw pillows are also comfortable to sit or lie on. Pillows can also serve as décor. Rugs would be nice if you are the type of reader who likes to lie on the floor.



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5. Choose how to store your books 







You can need a lot of space for your books, you add or build a bookshelf to store your books. Choose the best bookcases that fit your needs and space. Standard bookcases work for extensive book collections. Choose this type of bookshelf when have ample wall space. Modular bookcases work for those who want to change or add to their bookshelves. Floating, corner, and leaning shelves work for people who do not have a lot of space. Bookshelves also come in varied materials.

 

Laminated cases or shelves work best for those who want to have a variety of colors. Laminated shelves are also perfect because they do not show marks or dings like other materials. Glass is great for those who want a more modern style. Metal is modern and lightweight. Wood is the easiest one to find and offers a variety of styles from which you can choose.

The traditional style is classic. The wood color is solid. Traditional style can include accents and carved wood details.

The rustic style has a natural wood appearance that resembles a pastoral cottage. It is rugged and old-fashioned in appearance.

Modern focuses on minimalistic style but a variety of eye-catching shapes.

Coastal style is good for those who have a more laid-back personality. Coastal style features weatherworn wood.

Contemporary includes the newest designs that are progressive.

Industrial is a bold style that looks like it belongs in a factory. Industrial-style bookcases have worn wood and metallic metal.

 Do not forget to choose a bookshelf or case that matches your other furniture. 

 

Baskets would also be a perfect way to store your books. You can add a chest or ottoman to your space if you prefer to hide your books.



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6. Pick how you want to organize your books 



You have the option to order them based on color or size. This is perfect for people who are visual learners. It is also easier to organize than other systems. Arrange them initially based on the colors seen in a rainbow.

Another way to organize is by genre. This works for those who own a variety of books from different genres. For example, my books would start with spiritual, Cookbooks, History, politics, Biographies, Drama, Mystery, and Romance. Those with bigger collections may opt for organizing by the author. You can arrange them in alphabetical order.

Sort by height is another way to stack your books. Put the larger books together, including those in that p genre, and stack the smaller ones. The simplest method is to arrange the books based on how often you use them.

 

You do not have to have all books lying in the same direction. Arrange the bigger books horizontally and insert the smaller books vertically to fill the remaining space.





 

7. Add a place for the other things you may need 





Invest in a table that offers a convenient location to keep your glasses. Have space to accommodate your coffee mug. For those who need bookmarks, store them in a container and put them on your table. Add your notebook and pens if you need to write anything.



Extras 



8. Add decor 








You can add décor to your book sleeves. Start by choosing at least two or three colors to use. If you have a dark bookcase or shelf, add colors such as whites, creams, or grays as your décor. Pick personal items you would want to have on bookshelves. You can also add book-themed items. For example, you have a quote from one of your favorite authors.

 

Make sure you leave some negative space on your shelves.





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9. Add plants 




These can be real plants or faux plants adding a natural element brings depth and texture.

 

10. Define your area.


 

A rug can help you define your space from other parts of the room. A dressing room screen will also work to create a definition and give you privacy.





Conclusion: 


To have a truly cozy area you need to love the location you pick. Choose any area you like to go to whenever you read a book. Once you find that location pick your favorite book to read. 







Here are some blog posts to help you find your next read: 


Favorite romance books

Fall Books to Read

Cozy Culinary Mystery Books to Read