How To Find More Time To Read

I know this is not really something that I struggled with. But, I've heard a lot of people lament that they don't have time to read, and it's really so easy to fit in some time to read.

1. Before Bed

Before bed is an ideal time to read. Experts even suggest reading over screen time. Of course, if you have an ereader, reading is screen time. Also I have "one more chapter" problems. But, before bed is an excellent time to read.

2. At The Doctor

Obviously not during the appointment. However, during the waiting period before hand you can have a book ready. My husband used to take his Uncle to the doctor all the time and it left us in the waiting room a lot. I always had a book ready for me. 

3. Audio Books

When you can't pick up a book, try an Audio book. I'll write a whole post about Audio books at another time. Are you doing chores around the house? Are you driving in your car? Both are excellent times to turn to Audio books.

4. Less TV Time

For me it's an easy choice when it comes to TV or books. For me reading is an imagination journey and it plays out in my head better than any movie could possibly measure up to. So, why spend hours watching someone else's idea of what happened on a story you don't really care about?

5. On The Bus

Public transportation is an excellent time to sneak in a little extra reading. It takes a long time between stops. Just still be aware of your surroundings if you do. Cross country bases are another good place to read.

What are your favorite times to read?

Wrong Prince by Lilian Monroe

This was an unusual, yet beautiful read. It was a shorter read. I finished in a morning, however it was packed full of emotions for me. This was another unexpected find on Kindle Unlimited. 

Cara and Theo were set up with an arranged marriage that they want out of. They pretend to go along with it while they look for a way out. However, they end up falling in love. Neither is willing to make the first move until Cara finds our she's pregnant. Happily planning for their future tragedy strikes and they have to see if their relationship is strong enough to pull through.

I loved the length of this book. Too long to be a novella and just short of being a regular novel. I loved the realness of the characters. I also loved the situations they find themselves in.

I was a bit upset when things got a little too real. I cried for the characters, but that makes it a good book, right? 

I would rate this ❤❤❤❤❤

Hate You More xx by Misti Murphy

I stumbled on this gem while scrolling through Kindle Unlimited. I like high-school bully romance sometimes and apparently I like the Enemies to Lovers trope too.

Arrow was Saylor's high-school bully. On their mutual birthday they end up hooking up in the bathroom of a club. A month later Saylor finds out she's pregnant, but when she tells Arrow he wants to be involved. Soon they find themselves putting the past behind them and working on their new future.

I loved Arrow's reasoning for being a bully and the fact that he cared about her all along but just went about it all wrong. I liked the snapshots of the past throughout the novel.

The only thing I didn't like is that Saylor has a pretty big secret that she keeps the whole book! And it's a big one, something that could have blown the relationship up if it came to light.

But still I give it ❤❤❤❤❤

Slip Shot by Pippa Green

I really commiserated with Chloe because she came from a conservative background. I do too. However my parents came around to sanity. I also turned to earth based religion as Chloe did. So, this book was cool with me. Didn't hurt that it was a brother's best friend novel, my favorite. 

After a night after her brother's wedding, Chloe is pregnant with Wayne's baby. Eager to be there for his kid, and to appease Chloe's family, he moves her in and gets fake engaged to her. But, over time,  he realizes he wants the real thing. Now he just has to fight to keep it.

I can't believe how good this novel was! My favorite was how Wayne was always there for Chloe. Even when he didn't realize he loved her yet.

I didn't like how they never told each other they loved each other. They both realized it on their own, but it was never said to each other. 

I still give it ❤❤❤❤❤

Daddy's Best Friend by Sofia T. Summers

Had to get my Sofia T. Summers fix in again and this book did not disappoint. 

Izzi has a plan. Get a job working for her Dad and go after his best friend and business partner, John. John lost his wife in childbirth 12 years ago and didn't want to go through that pain again. Little by little Izzi breaks down his resolve to leave her alone. 

I loved the Dad's best friend trope. It's one of my favorites. Izzi and John are strong characters that's hooked me from the beginning.  My favorite was to read from John's point of view. 

I loved this entire book. I have zero bad things to say about it.

I rate this novel ❤❤❤❤❤

Reading Necessities

You decide to sit down and start reading but you need to be surrounded by your cozy things to read. Of course you could just sit down with your book or ereader, but where is the fun in that? 

1. Light

If you are reading by printed page or paperwhite ereader then your first requirement is a light to read by. Then can be a lamp or a clip on book light, but you need to be able to see.

2. Coffee/Tea/Wine

Whatever your beverage of choice, keep it on hand. I keep a cheap water bottle filled with either instant tea, or lemon water. Sometimes I get fancy and get Lemon/ginger cold water infusions by Twinings tea, they are so good.

3. Blanket 

Even if it's Summer and not even the fan is enough to cool me off, I will wrap up in a blanket to read. The snuggle is real when I read. Whether it's a comforter or a small lap blanket, having something to snuggle with is definitely essential. 

4. Snacks

I'm a pretzel type person, some people want cookies. My Mom even suggested cheese and crackers. The point is, having something to nosh on while you read seems to cozy up the experience even more.

5. Candle/Incense

Okay, it's not essential but it's pretty important to have a smell good thing burning. I prefer dragons blood incense, however I also happily burn the candles my Mom gets me for some smell good ambiance.

What are your essentials when reading?

Forbidden Crush by R. S. Elliot

Another R. S. Elliot book for the win. I love this author and follow them on Kindle to get their new releases as soon as they hit Kindle Unlimited. 

Kat wants to have a fling with Jonah and that's all. He had lost his wife three years ago and doesn't think he will ever find love again. But, when Kat realizes that she is pregnant it's time to reevaluate feelings and see if this is even something they want to continue or not.

I loved that Kat is the one that doesn't want to be serious. That Jonah wants love again but doesn't know if it's possible. I liked that after Jonah proposes, Kat turns him down.

I didn't find anything I didn't like in this book. It went at the perfect pace and had the perfect amount of pages.

I would rate this book ❤❤❤❤❤

The Virgin Rulebook by Lauren Blakely

As much as I love the accidental pregnancy trope, I was excited to read a Brother's Best Friend novel that didn't include that element. 

Crosby has sworn off dating until spring training. He decides to have Nadia be his safe plus one to his best friend's wedding. But, it isn't so safe after all and he had Nadia end up with all the feels for each other. 

I loved that this was a Brother's Best Friend story where the brother didn't punch his best friend. I like that too, but this was nice too. 

I didn't really like how long it took for them to seal the deal. But, it worked for the story so I'm not too upset.

All in all I give this novel ❤❤❤❤❤

My Secret Valentine Baby by Ella Goode

My Valentine read a little late. This is because I didn't read it till Valentine's Day. But, it was perfect to read the day of because it's a novella.

Archer sees Mila in his bar and decides he must seduce and marry her. But, Mila disappeared after one amazing night. Only to resurface four months later, pregnant with his kid. There then ensues a battle as Archer tries to pick up his plan where he left off.

I really liked the scene at the end where Archer interrupts Mila getting hit on by a guy in his bar. His possessiveness was hot. I also liked how Mila stood up to him throughout the story.

I didn't like how Archer wanted to marry her right away. Although I can see it being kinda realistic because it was his first time. It just still seemed like their love wasn't genuine because it was rushed.

All in all I rate this book ❤❤❤❤

Best Books From My Childhood

There are so many books that I loved as a child. Today I'm focusing on my preteen years. I don't know if I'll do read-a-louds from early childhood or books I read as a teenager. But I thought I'd share some favorites of mine. 

1. Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery 

I loved this entire series when I was a preteen and on into the teenage years. I have read and reread them. I couldn't wait to get my daughter these books and bought her the whole set. Unfortunately she wasn't as thrilled about them as I was. I will also mention Anne With An E on Netflix. I enjoyed the series for its own value, however they were not true to the series at all.

2. The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis 

Another series I have read over and over again. While The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe gets all the glory the entire series is worth a read. This series is meant to be a Christian allegory. But it's not obvious about it and so well written I can forgive that. The movies both old and new were amazing! And my only complaint there is that they didn't make the whole series. 

3. The Diary of Anne Frank by Anne Frank

It's a dark book for sure but my mom was insistent that I read it. My Dad didn't want me to because of the boy/girl stuff that goes on. Thankfully mom won that argument because I loved the book. Not only did I reread it, but it also sparked an interest in reading about the holocaust and I found many more enjoyable and informative books.

4. The Original Adventures of Hank The Cowdoy by John R. Erikson 

Okay, this series is probably more of a 3rd grade read, but I discovered it as a preteen and loved it. I read it aloud to my younger siblings and they loved it too. It's hilarious! Also if you get a chance the audio version is read by the author and he does the voices and sings the songs and its just the best thing ever.

I hope you either have read or will think about reading these books. Maybe pass them on to a preteen reader you know as well.

Only Ever Yours by Nikki Ash

This book came highly recommended on one of my Facebook book groups. I had to try it. 

Cam takes her best friend's place as an escort to Issac. He falls instantly for her and pushes to actually date her. But, she has danger in her life and apparently so does he. The danger blows up in their faces just as their love is taking off.

I loved that this was an age gap, insta love, not so surprise pregnancy. It had all the elements of a good read. 

There wasn't a thing I disliked about this book. For a minute I thought there was, but the problem sorted itself out.

I give this book ❤❤❤❤❤

Reckless by Abby Brooks

yThis is one of my favorite tropes: Brother's Best Friend. All the feels for that trope. Add to that an unplanned pregnancy, swoon!

Jude proposes to Izzy to give the look of stability his life for his brother. But he does it in truly cringe worthy fashion. But then Izzy discovers she's pregnant with Judes child and agrees to marry him for his brother and their child. But things spin out of control for the couple and Jude is left to fight for his marriage.

I loved the flow of this book. Everything happened right on time. I loved the descriptions in this book. It left me highlighting certain parts.

I couldn't find a thing I didn't like about this book.

I give this book another ❤❤❤❤❤

My Boys by Alyssa Clark

I really wanted to review a reverse harem romance and I finally got the chance with this book. 

Lucas, Noah, and Bryce finally open up to Frankie that they have been into her for years. They then embark on a relationship. Frankie's very religious mom finds out and is furious.

I loved Noah the best. His assurance that Frankie get hers first was sweet. I also loved that Bryce was brave enough to make a move with Frankie.

What I didn't like was the fact the guys all getting theirs first. The only exception was Noah, as I've mentioned. All of the guys didn't bother to make sure she got hers during the actual act and that was frustrating to read.

As a whole I liked the book. But the spicy scenes were lacking for me.

This is the first rating of ❤❤❤❤

Decidedly With Luck by Stina Lindenblatt

This book is not on Kindle Unlimited, as most of the books I've reviewed so far have been. But, it is so worth the purchase!

Logan runs into Kiera at a masquerade ball. She doesn't know it's him and decides to move on from her husband's death with who she thinks is a stranger, but who actually is her husband's best friend. She ends up pregnant but tells everyone that it's her husband's baby. It is a total comedy of errors.

I loved the premise of this story. Logans daughter is so cute. This is also a sports romance and I love those!

The relationship between Logan and his ex wife is weirdly good. Like I didn't totally get it. 

I rated this book ❤❤❤❤❤

What To Do With Your Old Books

In a perfect world we could keep every book we ever bought. And, some books are meant for keeping. But, if you are like me, and just don't have the space to keep so many books it's time to let some go. Here are the least painful ways.

1. Pass it to a friend

Do you have friends or family that also like to read? My Aunt and cousin also like romance novels and when I couldn't afford new books they would often get together books they had finished and give me boxes of books. I loved it so much! 

2. Donate to a book box

I don't know if every city does this, but in St. Louis we have book boxes. These are little boxes spread throughout the city. You can drop off your old books and pick up someone's old books anytime. This is awesome because you could be helping a homeless person read if they want to.

3. Host a Giveaway

If you have a blog or Bookstagram, this is an excellent opportunity to get some new followers. Host a giveaway and make it a rule that to enter the giveaway they have to follow you. Google play has some apps for running an Instagram giveaway.  I'm sure Apple has some too.

4. Sell your old books

If you can't bear the thought of giving away your old books then sell them. When I have a bunch of clothes in the wrong size I gather them in trash bags and sell them on Facebook Marketplace for $20.00 a bag. You could do the same with a box of your old books. You won't recoup the money from buying the books but you may get enough cash to buy a few more.

I hope these ideas give you a starting off point of what to do with your old books.

What do you do with your old books?

The Vegas Accident by Sofia T. Summers

I was so excited for this book to come out! I marked it on my calendar and saved the pre order to my books to read list. I have read and enjoyed other books by this author and I must say this novel did not disappoint!

On a lark Luke and Imogene decide to get married in Vegas. Then end up roommates six months later. Soon they can't stay away from each other. Just as Luke realizes he has fallen in love, Imogene blindsides him with the news that she is pregnant. 

This book had me both giggling and tearing up. I enjoyed all the amazing characters in this book. I also loved the back and forth between Luke and Imogene.

The only thing I disliked about this book was all the church talk. But towards the end Imogene shares her very progressive views about the Bible. Then, Luke and Imogene have a handfastening ceremony in the woods to renew their vows. So that makes up for their lives revolving around church socials and such.

This book gets a rating of ❤❤❤❤❤

Josh And Gemma Make A Baby by Sarah Ready

Gemma decides she only needs a man for one thing. And, Josh, her brother's best friend is perfect for that. He agrees and IVF begins. But during the journey Gemma decides that maybe she wants Josh as more than just his sperm. 

I loved the different tone of this book. It's about a couple genuinely getting to like each other. It's also about the difficult topic of IVF. 

I didn't like that it was only from Gemma's POV I really wanted to know what Josh thought. But it's not a deal breaker for me. I still greatly enjoyed this novel.

I would again give this story ❤❤❤❤❤

Best Friends Don't Kiss by Max Monroe

Best friends for 15 years decide to fake a relationship for the holidays. Through a whole slew of moments of comedy they come to have real feelings for each other.

I don't usually like slow burners like this, but in this case it was perfect. It came late in the book but when the steam hit it was on point.

I don't think there was a single thing that I didn't like about this book.

Even though I might need to kick the Christmas stories for the season, I really loved this novel. I would definitely read it again.

Again I rate this one at ❤❤❤❤❤

Off Limits by J. L. Beck

This is a best friends Dad trope. It is a novella. It all starts when the best friend goes out of town and the FMC and MMC decide they can't hold back their attraction anymore. They end up falling in love and have to break the news to the best friend/daughter. 

I really liked the length of this story as it was a nice breather between the longer books I read. The steam between the characters is great and the best friend took things pretty well.

There wasn't anything I didn't like about this book. It was sweet and steamy

I'd rate this story ❤❤❤❤❤