Why You Need A Notebook

Every reader has to be a writer a little bit. Even if you don't write books yourself. I, personally, do not have the creativity or the patience to pen a novel. But, I enjoy writing blog posts. I keep several notebooks for my reading.

Write down books read 

If you don't trust technology, you can keep track of all the books you've read in a notebook. You can just write down the title and name of author, or you can write a brief description along with that.

TBR lists

I screenshot books I want to read but my phone if overfill of screenshots. I used to use Goodreads to keep track of books I want to read, but I got carried away and I think I have over 2,000 books on there. A Notebook is a tangible list of books you want to read, and you won't lose it when you change phones.

Quotes

The Kindle has a nice feature where you can highlight text and it will post it as a quote to Goodreads. It is, however, tricky to use as you may end up accidentally highlighting text you didn't mean to. A notebook is so much simpler. A place to go and read the quotes when you want to remember. 

Book tags

If you own a blog or some bookish social media, you may have run across bookings. I screenshot book tags and then write that text into my notebook, then I type from the notebook to my blog. It may seem like a hassle, but it's less hassle than closing out of the blog editor to see what I need to type and then reopening it.

Amazon gift card codes

If you have been paying attention you know that I earn side money from cash making apps for Amazon gift cards. But, as of now, you can't automatically get your codes sent to Amazon. You have to type them in. Again, it's a hassle switching between screens to type in the codes. I keep a small notebook to write the gift card codes in and transfer them to Amazon from there.

The F It List by Alexis Winter

If a book is by Alexis Winter it is a pretty good bet that I will enjoy it. I haven't really reviewed one yet, because they were fitting into my lists so nicely. I already posted my friends to lovers trope post, this book would have fit it in nicely. 

When Cora is left at the alter, she comes up with a list of things to do, to find herself. Her work friend, Grayson, offers to help her with it. He has been crushing on her for years, and sees his chance at love with her. As they work through the list, they find themselves falling in love. But, her ex has been snooping around. And, she's pregnant with Grayson's baby.

I loved the cadence of this book. The progression happened so naturally. The tension was just enough to be gripping, without being enough to give anxiety. 

A Day In The Life Of A Book Blogger

I am not the most productive book blogger. I have a long way to go with writing interesting posts and promoting said posts. I blog on a free platform with not many options for growth. But, I plug away every day to create content for my blog. Even if I don't post daily.

5:00 am: I wake up and post my book review blog post. I post every other day and today is that day. 

6:30 am: I download pcloud onto my phone and upload my blog graphics and TBR list to it. I need to make sure I don't lose my stuff if I get a new phone.

8:00 am: Time to scroll through Pinterest. I have several book blogging boards and I read posts about book blogging nearly every day. It helps me dream up new content and design. It also helps me work on getting my blog seen.

9:00am: I had to charge my Kindle. But now it's 100% charged so I can read. I'm not sure if I'm going to review this book, but it's a steamy MMF romance.

11:00am: I wash my eyes and put eyedrops in them. I have some sort of droopy eyelid problem and I have to wash my eyes with baby shampoo at least once a day and put eyedrops in four times a day. I also have ointment for at night.

12:00pm: I take a break and run to the food pantry. This is a hobby blog for now and I'm broke.

1:00pm: I work on blog posts to be published later. I also create some blog graphics on Canva to use for posts and social media.

2:00pm: I do some reading. I do this for hours a day. Even while I'm doing other stuff, I'm reading. During this reading session I also do two loads of laundry.

5:00pm: I am obsessed with Bridgerton on Netflix right now. I've watched it three times already. Time to gear up to watch again. I'm so excited for season three.

7:00pm: At this time everyday, I take my meds. I have to take a sleeping medication so this ends up being lights out, for me.

My Three Guys by Bianca Vix

Totally honesty here, I picked up this book purely for the steam factor. I figured that a bisexuality men romance with three men and a woman would be full of spicy scenes. And it was, but the storyline was amazing too! I thought I would be reading this book purely for my own pleasure, but it ended up being so good I had to review it.

April and Liam are a couple. When April walks in on their best friends, Kel and Dallas, hooking up it starts a conversation between her and Liam. They decide she wants to watch Liam and Kel get down. Kel will only do it if all three are involved. Which is what Dallas walks in on. When all four decide to join in the fun, it opens it up for it to be repeated. Which opens it up for love between the four.

My only complaint was that, aside from Kel and Dallas's original hookup, there was no butt stuff at all. I mean it's a bisexual men story, it kind of needs that in there. 

The Love Edit by Sofia T. Summers

When I saw that this was a Professor/Student, forbidden romance by Sofia T. Summers, you know I rushed to read it. This one was even more engaging than her usual romance. I read on the edge of my seat.

When Mauve starts to work for Silas as a TA the attraction is almost instant but she thinks he is taken and he is aiming for a promotion. They fight their attraction, but they can't for long. Soon they are hooking up every chance they have. And it isn't long before she gets pregnant. But, she doesn't want to ruin his life by it becoming known he got his TA pregnant. She tries to keep it a secret, but it is a secret that was meant to get out.

I was a little disappointed when there wasn't a "blow up" moment at the 70% marker in the book. They just continued working towards the goal of being together without any huge setback. Around the 50% mark they broke up, but there was no scene they didn't get caught. Maybe telling you this is a spoiler, I'm sorry if it does. This is just my thoughts on the book.

More Books I Did Not Finish

I had so much fun dissing the last post of books I did not finish that I decided to write another post of books I did not finish. Last post did not do any better than most posts on my blog. I just enjoyed writing the post a lot.

Dirty Toe Drag by Toni Aleo

I don't have a major contention with this book. It was such a slow start that I simply couldn't continue reading it. Which is a shame because it is a brother's best friend romance. Although, I didn't like that he had slept with a friend's sister before, made it seem less special for her.

Loving My Billionaire Stepbrother's Baby by Emilia Beaumont

I loved the first book, but it should have ended there. I read the warnings before purchasing the book. I thought since I had suffered from post partum depression that this book would make me feel seen. It did not. Viola doesn't even feel a connection with her child and that just broke my heart. I can't finish this book. I just can't. 

 Unreasonable by Nikki Rome

I desperately wanted to like this book. It's supposed to be friends to lovers and surprise baby. The book was so dry, though. And there was zero chemistry between the main characters it was so hard to believe that they were even friends with how little chemistry there was.

What's Mine Is Yours by Willow Renee

This is a MFF romance and there are so few of those, I was excited to read this one. It was so dry that I skimmed over a lot of the beginning to get to "the good part". About 70% through I realized "the good part" was never going to come and I gave up on it.

My Uncle's Secret Baby by Jamie Knight

This not an actual uncle so no incest went on. No, I had two problems with this book. The spellings and typos, and the fact their son never had a name. I was 60% through and a name was never given. I was so frustrated. 

Blurred Lines by Becca Jones

I wanted to like this book because there are so few military romance. But the names in this book were lifted from another military novel I just read. On top of that there were scenes from the other book I read too. The other book was just better. I couldn't get into it. 15% through and I had it.

Verona by Violette Paradis

The woman in this book is supposed to be around 25. She acts like a highschooler mooning over a guy that is clearly not into her. I could get behind the story if they were dating and he ended up breaking her heart. But, he wasn't interested enough to date her. I did not feel for her at all. I was maybe four chapters in before I gave up.

My Ex Best Friend's Daughter by K.C. Crowne

This is a book that I read purely based on the fact that it was written by this author. I'm obsessed with the Doctors Of Denver series. She does forbidden romance almost better than Sofia T. Summers, though don't tell her I said that.

Hunter was an honorable mention "uncle" in Edens life until he had a falling out with her father. Years later she takes a job working for Hunter. The dance around the fact that they want each other because it's forbidden on several levels. Soon they cave and are hooking up. Then Eden finds out she is pregnant. Now she needs to find out if he loves her back.

This book had all the drama, I loved it! There was paparazzi, a stalker, a mob boss, and drama with Eden's Dad. It was totally worth the read.

Heart Keeper by Annie Dyer

After reading, not one, but two Alexis Winter novels I didn't think I would find another good book to beat book hangover so soon. But, I found this gem in a Facebook ad.

Nate starts flirting with Amber and soon it leads to them hooking up. After four times she discovers that she is pregnant.  Amber doesn't tell Nate right away, but when he finds out, he insists on stepping up and taking care of her. Soon she is moved in with him and his two daughters. And Nate is falling in love. Which only begs the question: is she falling in love with him too?

It was a little off putting that she didn't want to date him at first because he had kids. I think, personally, single Dads are sexy.

Are You A Book Nerd?

I'll never forget the first time someone called me a nerd. It was my Aunt, and I was offended at first. She then explained that she was a nerd too and offered the reasons I am a nerd. After that conversation I was proud to be a nerd.

Do you have a library card?

I've had a library card since I was a child. At first it was so my mom could load up on more than 10 books to read aloud, then I insisted on checking out my own books. It's okay, I have enough younger siblings that she was able to replace the library card quickly. 

Do you spend your 'pin money' on books?

Every month I spend about $20.00 on new books. Even with the library and Kindle Unlimited, I still have so many books I want to buy. It's a problem, really. I haven't bought any clothes that fit me, despite a recent 70lb weight loss. It all goes to books.

Do you have Kindle Unlimited?

I have to have Kindle Unlimited. So many books. So little time. A few weeks ago Kindle Unlimited cut me off 6 days before my payment was due, and 6 days before payday. I was lost! I found a couple of free books on Kindle to tied me over, but I was miserable without my Kindle Unlimited. 

Do you read more than 100 books a year?

100 seems to be what people with jobs and young children aim for. That's good. I am, however, disabled and have no young children at home. Last year my goal was 200 books, but I surpassed that goal quickly. This year my goal is 400. On Kindle I have reached 200 so far, but I've read books on Hoopla too, so I'm not sure what my actual count it.

Do you have Hoopla and Overdrive?

Speaking of Hoopla, and to go along with having a library card. Hoopla and Overdrive are collaboration with the local library to provide free books. Hoopla is totally self contained. Overdrive can send books to your Kindle app so those books get added to your reading insights. 

Do you take a book with you?

If I can't take a book I often won't go. In the city I wear a crossbody bag and I carry a Kindle Fire HD 10. So, I can't physically take my books with me everywhere. I certainly will not leave my Kindle in the car. I wish I could carry a bigger bag, but thieves abound in the city and it's just not practical to carry a bigger bag.

Bookworm Problems

There are so many memes on Facebook about Bookworm Problems, that I decided to share my personal Bookworm problems.

When I read a book and have to wait for the next in the series.

I don't have to wait as long as I used to for the next book in the series to come out. Although one book I read, I have to wait till June for the second half of the story! I'm frustrated with even that wait!

Having to roll back and forth in bed to get comfortable while reading.

Reading in bed is comfy, until you've lain on your right side too long and have to roll over to the left side for awhile. This wouldn't be too bad on it's own, I guess. However, whatever shirt I'm wearing gets twisted up in the back and forth and I feel like I'm being strangled by my shirt.

Ugly hair, because, you know, reading in bed.

I looked so good with my hair down. It gets knotted up when when I lay down to read. I do not look good with my hair in a ponytail or tied up it a loose bun. But it keeps my hair from being tangled when I read in bed so that is how I wear my hair 90% of the time.

Accidentally spoiling a book that I got excited talking about.

Usually I talk to my husband about books and he doesn't read so it doesn't matter. But, when I blog, I can get a little too excited about a book and accidentally spoil it for other readers. Oh I try to stick with the main story when I talk about a book, but there are so many great details to uncover as well.

 

Not being able to read a book for the first time after you've read it.

Some books are so good that I reread them. The problem is that now I know what happens. Of course you find new details every time I read them. But, you can only discover a book for the first time once.

When a scene if skipped in the movie adaptation. 

I love books. They play out like a movie in my head. So, when the movie or TV show skips something in the book or bypasses the plot all together it can be a problem. This happened big time in season 2 of Bridgerton. I watched the show first because I didn't know you can get the books for free on Hoopla and Overdrive. I then read the books and I was so disappointed in the show because the book was so much better.

Not having book money

Okay, I have Kindle Unlimited, Hoopla, and Overdrive. But, sometimes I like to buy books too. However,  I only get paid once a month, and my husband's check is spent as soon as we get it. So, when I find a book that costs money I screenshot it and save it to my phone until I do have the money.

Callous Player by R.C. Stephens

I was having such a book hangover after reading two really great books. I tried and failed to read four books. Finally this brother's best friend gem got my attention. I may read the next book in the series because it is two characters I was rooting for in this book.

Declan and Poppy meet in a bar with no clue that Declan is her brother's teammate. When they do realize it they have already developed feelings for each other. They start sneaking around and just as they start falling in love, her brother catches them and the ish hits the fan. As they spend time apart they realize they have to fight for each other

This book is obviously amazing in that it cured a book hangover. The only thing I struggled with was the fact I was so tired reading this book that I wasn't able to read it straight through like I wanted.

Best Friends To Lovers Romance

I really enjoy the friends to lovers trope. My husband says we were friends first, but it was very short lived. Like we met in June and by December we decided to go on a date, where I admitted my feelings and then he reciprocated my feelings so it was all good. But, the idea of being friends for years and having unrequited love that entire time? And then things fall into place? I love it!

Adrian by Sosie Frost

I could have added this to my sports romance list. But, really it is a story of two best friends that decide to make a baby together. But, Adrian just recovered from a puck shot to a very sensitive place. After months of no luck Adrian realizes he might not be able to give her a baby, and he is in love with his best friend.

The Baby Proposition by Kim Loraine

This is not a Kindle Unlimited book, but it was totally worth the price I paid for it. When Maverick finds out his best friend wants a baby, he offers himself up for baby batter. And, he wants her to conceive the "old fashioned" way. But, even with rules in place, Maverick can't help falling in love with Clara and can only hope she feels the same.

My Best Friend's Ex by Meghan Quinn 

This book is actually a friend's to lovers romance. But, it was amazing. Had all the feels. Not just a twinge in the chest. Hard crying. Tucker is hung up on his ex until Emma comes tearing through his life, making him fall in love with her.

Best Friend Baby Daddy by B.B. Hamel

They have best friend's since high-school. Both have secretly been into each other until he needs a favor. Marry him for a few months, he says. But, a few months turns into one year and a strictly platonic relationship starts having strings. 

My BFF's Baby by Layla Valentine 

When he loses his Dad, he reevaluated his life and decides to quit the company he founded with her. When she tries to change his mind they end up in bed. But, he still won't budge. She moves back home and finds out she's pregnant. He doesn't know but he's still trying to make a choice between living his best life and keeping the woman he loves.

Best Friend's Secret Baby by Ella Goode

Secretly in love with each other for years, the two best friends get black out drunk and lose their virginity to each other. Fuzzy details at best, they are soon fooling around. She is keeping a big secret from him.

Gifting Me To His Best Friend by Katee Robert

When her husband gives her to his best friend for Christmas, she decides to gift him too. Soon the three of them are having all kinds of fun. But she and her husband decide they want more. They want long term. But her husband's best friend doesn't see how it could work.