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BFF BOOK BLOG

BFF's reading and recommending great books!

* Home
* About the BFF Book Blog
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* K’s Besties
* A’s Besties
* Review Policy
* Upcoming Releases
* Contact
* Smart Girls Read Romance

MOVIE REVIEW – THE IDEA OF YOU

Wake up! Call in sick to work. Spend your entire day on the couch with a pint of
ice cream and a bottle of wine. The Idea of You movie releases today! (May 2,
2024!)

Thanks to Amazon Studios and Robinne Lee, I was able to catch an advance
screening of the Idea of You movie. I had mixed emotions going into the theater
tonight. Let me first say that I have always had a love/hate relationship with
this book by the incredibly talented Robinne Lee. Back in 2018, I had to read
the book in stops and starts, a mix of Kindle and audiobook. And it became very
apparent to me that the book, while heavily featuring romantic themes, was NOT a
romance! I loved the characters. I loved the premise. I loved the writing. But,
I have always been gutted by the ending. So much so that my little brain has
created an alternate ending that turns this great book into a true Romance and
the characters will forever live in that space in my imagination.

So I went into the theater tonight fairly low expectations. I really thought I
would come out of the movie and think “meh that was OK.” There has been a bit of
controversy in the book world surrounding the film. There were questions about
casting, wardrobe, screenwriting, all of the usual grumps and grumbles that
accompany a beloved-book to film adaptation. I was apprehensive but withholding
judgment.

I am so excited to say, I was completely blown away! This movie was absolutely
fantastic. The emotion and conflict of the story played out on the screen, but
the banter, humor and romance was truly brought to life. I think Ann Hathaway‘s
performance is stunning. She truly becomes Solene. Nicholas Galitzine is an
absolutely brilliant actor. His range of emotions from humor to sadness to love
to playfulness to brokenhearted are on full display. On top of that, he’s also
an incredible singer, performer and musician truly bringing the Hayes Campbell
character to life. For years, I’ve been a part of debates about “who would be
your Hayes Campbell?“ For me the question is finally answered and it will
forever be Nicholas Galitzine.

What truly puts this movie over the top for me is the ending. The movie brings
the ending that nearly every book reader has wished and dreamed for. Inside the
theater, my friend and I cried and laughed and swooned and walked out completely
satisfied and thoroughly enthralled.

I’m telling you – “don’t wait to watch this movie.” It is funny, sweet, sad,
hopeful, swoon-y, and definitely spicy. Lovers of the book will be pleased to
see so many scenes play out on the screen. But, even if you didn’t read the
book, I’m certain the movie will be completely entertaining.

I was incredibly impressed with Amazon Studios’ adaptation of Red, White and
Royal Blue. After seeing the care and skill, they applied to another of my
favorite books, I’m ready for many many more book to movie collabs.

I’m certain reviews of the movie, especially from the diehard book lovers will
be mixed. But for me, the movie is an absolute hit! What are you waiting for?
Check it out now on Amazon Prime!

PS: two older ladies in the row behind us had obviously NOT read the book. They
were practically clutching their pearls with the number of sex scenes in the
movie. We didn’t bother to tell them about the book! I’m guessing they would
have been well and truly scandalized .

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Release, Release Day Blitz Tags: #SmartGirlsReadRomance, Movie Review, Robinne
Lee, TheIdeaOfYou

May 1, 2024

2023 BESTIES – BEST BOOKS OF 2023

It was a fantastic reading year, here are my Top 10 books for the year!

(As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases.)

#1 – LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY BY BONNIE GARMUS

This is one of my most recommended books of the year. Everything about it is
brilliant – premise, characters, plot, emotion. It is outstanding! (And the
Apple+ TV Show is fantastic!)

#2 – ROMANTIC COMEDY BY CURTIS SITTENFELD

This book was an out-of-nowhere-surprise! I received the book as part of a
holiday book exchange from a stranger and devoured it! It’s brilliant, fun,
funny, great banter, solid characters and social commentary. It’s a really
enjoyable read!

#3 – FOURTH WING BY REBECCA YARROS

This was another surprise. I picked it up on a whim since I had seen everyone
talking about it! Before I had finished, I owned it on audio (so I could hear
the pronunciations), Kindle (so I could see how things were spelled) and hard
cover (because I need it on my bookshelf.) And, I had pre-ordered all of the
formats of Iron Flame. The worst part about this series is having to wait for
each book to be released. But, I absolutely found this series to be worth the
hype!

#4 – SMOKE SERIES BY ABBI GLINES

This series was a highlight for my reading year. 10 books released this year and
I read every single one of them. This series is not available on audio so I
actually read each book and most in just two or three days. I loved every
character and every story line. This series is steamy and highly implausible,
but I’m here for all of it. These are incredible escapes from reality. They’re
really some of my favorite reads of the year! [Series order: Smokeshow,
Fireball, Smoke Bomb, Straight Fire, Firecracker, Whiskey Smoke, Smokin’ Hot,
Burn, Scorched and Ashes]

#5 – TRUE LOVE EXPERIMENT BY CHRISTINA LAUREN

Such a fun read. It’s witty and clever with a unique premise and great banter
and steam. It reminded me how much I enjoy Christina Lauren’s writing. I’ve
downloaded several of their more recent works because they’re just consistently
enjoyable and well written. This great story is the perfect example of their
talents.

#6 – YOURS TRULY BY ABBY JIMENEZ

Abby Jimenez has become an absolute one-click, insta-buy for me. I don’t care
what the synopsis is, I completely trust that she’s going to deliver a fantastic
story. Her characters are real and flawed and endearing. There are little gems
of truth and insight tucked in the pages and each story is emotional even
bordering on inspirational. Yours Truly is an absolutely fantastic book!

#7 – THE SEVEN YEAR SLIP BY ASHLEY POSTON

Every story Poston crafts is a mix of reality and whimsy. The Seven Year Slip is
magical and heartwarming. The main characters are just delightfully real and
flawed and so engaging. You’ll be rooting for their HEA! While I didn’t love
this story quite as much as The Dead Romantics, this is still a terrific story
well worth a read.

#8 – ICE PLANET BARBARIANS BY RUBY DIXON

I know I’m so so late to the blue alien party. But, I needed a pallet cleanser
this year and picked this up on a whim. And, oh man, I get the appeal. This
series is insane. It is SO steamy which is just not what you are expecting from
a blue alien sci-fi tome. But, it is definitely something fun and different. I
liked these stories so much that I finally broke down and got Kindle Unlimited
so I can read the whole series! It’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but
if you like it, you’re REALLY going to like it!

#9 – HAPPY PLACE BY EMILY HENRY

This book is just a delight. I love the cast of supporting characters. The main
female character wasn’t my favorite, but the rest of the characters more than
made up for it and the end is delightful. If you’ve read Henry’s prior work,
this has her signature style and is a fantastic book!

#10 – THE CHESTNUT SPRINGS SERIES BY ELSIE SILVER

I had never read any books by Elsie Silver and she was recommended in a FB
reader’s group. And once I read the first book, I was hooked. I love her writing
style – similar to Melanie Harlow and Devney Perry. And the characters are so
engaging. These stories are addictive and I fly through them. If you love good
contemporary romances, these are a solid choice! And, the rodeo/rural feel of
this series is like a warm hug. [Series includes Flawless, Heartless, Powerless,
Reckless and Hopeless]

I read so many terrific books this year! While I didn’t post many reviews and
was basically MIA from this platform, you can always find my recent reads by
giving me a follow on Goodreads. AND, you’re always welcome to send me a
Facebook Messenger through the Blog Facebook page if you’re in a slump or you
are looking for something specific.

I hope you had as much reading success in 2023 and I’m wishing you all the very
best books and more in 2024!

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Blog News, New Author, New Release, New Series, Reviews Tags: #KindleUnlimited,
2023 Best Books, 2023 Best Reads, 2023 Besties, 2023 Favorite Books, Abbi
Glines, Abby Jimenez, Ashley Poston, Best Books, Besties, Blue Aliens, Bonnie
Garmus, Christina Lauren, Curtis Sittenfeld, Elsie Silver, Emily Henry,
Flawless, Fourth Wing, Happy Place, Heartless, Ice Planet Barbarians, Iron
Flame, Lessons in Chemistry, Powerless, Rebecca Yarros, Romantic Comedy, Ruby
Dixon, Smoke Series, The Seven Year Slip, True Love Experiment, Yours Truly

January 1, 2024

2022 BESTIES – BEST READS OF 2022

#1 – THE DEAD ROMANTICS BY ASHLEY POSTON

This book was so good that as soon as I finished it, I immediately hit play and
started the audio again. It’s not only my #1 for this year, but it’s high on my
favorite books of all time! Please read it. If you don’t love it like I did,
don’t tell me, I want us to still be friends.

*Each of the images in this post link to Amazon. As an Amazon Affiliate, I
receive a small commission on items purchased through these links.

#2 – BOOK LOVERS BY EMILY HENRY

This is one of those books that reinforces EVERYTHING I love about Romance
Books! It’s absolutely delicious and everything I LOVE about reading romance
books. It should not be missed!

#3 – CARRIE SOTO IS BACK BY TAYLOR JENKINS REID

This is a book that is so well written you almost forget it’s fiction and then
you wish it would be true! I loved everything about this book and it confirms
that Taylor Jenkins Reid can do no wrong in my book!

#4 – TEN TRENDS TO SEDUCE YOUR BEST FRIEND BY PENNY REID

Clever, fresh, inventive and so well written. You’ll think about these
characters long after the story is over! I love this book so much!

#5 – SPACE SERIES BY SARA L HUDSON

I devoured this series. It’s so much fun. Each story is better than the last.
It’s fun and different and I loved each story more than the last. It’s full of
smart women and the men who love them!

#6 – THE STEM-INIST NOVELLAS BY ALI HAZELWOOD

Another group of super smart female friends and the guys who love them! Ali
Hazelwood is one of the best new voices in Romance and I can’t wait to read what
she writes next!

#7 – LAST ON THE LIST BY AMY DAWS

Amy Daws has come into her own. Everything she writes is better than the last
and I am here for it all! I can’t wait for the mountain-man brothers who will
start in the spin off of this story. The entire series is must-read!

#8 – THANK YOU FOR LISTENING BY JULIA WHELAN

Such a fun story that celebrates audio books and the narrators who create them.
I adored this book and the characters. It should definitely make your TBR if you
haven’t read it yet!

#9 – NORA GOES OFF SCRIPT BY ANNABEL MONAGHAN

What should have seemed like a boring and played storyline felt new and fresh. I
really really loved these characters both main and secondary. I was sad when
this book was over and I’ll look for more from this author.

#10 – SCANDALIZED BY IVY OWENS

Another story line that could have felt rehearsed and tired, but wasn’t! This
book was fun and tugged on the heartstrings from start to finish! I loved it.

#11 – LUCKY LEAP DAY BY ANN MARIE WALKER

#12 – HOMECOMING KING BY PENNY REID

This is quintessential Penny Reid. Fun and heartfelt. It’s perfect for the
fall/winter and I can’t wait to read Drama King!

#13 – ONCE UPON A DECEMBER BY AMY E. REICHERT

This book is full of Christmas Spirit! It is so clever and inventive. I loved
this premise and these characters, I have thought about this book all through
the holiday season.

All in all, 2022 has been an incredible year full of GREAT books! I could have
added even more to this bestie list. If 2023 has half as many wonderful books, I
can’t wait to see what’s to come!

I wish you all the very Happiest New Year and I hope 2023 brings love, health,
prosperity, all of the happiness and great books!

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Blog News Tags: #SmartGirlsReadRomance, #SmartGirlsReidRomance, 2022 Best
Favorite Reads, 2022 Besties List, Ali Hazelwood, Amy Daws, Amy E Reichert, Ann
Marie Walker, Annabel Monaghan, Ashley Poston, Below Zero, Besties, Book Lovers,
Carrie Soto is Back, Emily Henry, Favorite Books, Homecoming King, Ivy Owens,
Julia Whelan, Last on the List, Lucky Leap Day, Nora Goes Off Script, Once Upon
a December, Penny Reid, Sara L Hudson, Scandalized, Space Series, Stuck with
You, Taylor Jenkins Reid, Ten Trends to Seduce Your Bestfriend, Thank You for
Listening, The Dead Romantics, The STEM-inist Novellas, Under One Roof

December 31, 2022

ALL ABOUT BOOKS FEATURING BFF BOOK BLOG

All About Books on Nebraska Public Media features a really fun interview with
BFF K! In this interview, BFF K visits with host, Pat Leach, about some of her
recent best reads. They chat about The Friend Zone Series by Abby Jimenez, what
makes Romance fresh and different, reading through the pandemic, the joy of
audiobooks. BFF K also sings the praises of the Romance Genre and why
#SmartGirlsReadRomance.

You can listen here or visit the All About Books webpage at Nebraska Public
Media!

Audio Player
https://d1vmz9r13e2j4x.cloudfront.net/NET/mp3/50016583.mp3

00:00
00:00
00:00

Use Up/Down Arrow keys to increase or decrease volume.

Check out BFF K’s review of the Friend Zone Series by Abby Jimenez.

As summer wraps up, I hope you’re finding some amazing reads!

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Blog News Tags: Abby Jimenez, All About Books, BFF K, Blog News, Life's Too
Short, Pat Leach, The Friend Zone, The Happily Ever After Playlist

September 16, 2021

REVIEW – THE FRIEND ZONE SERIES BY ABBY JIMENEZ

The Friend Zone Series – Series of Books by Abby Jimenez

The Friend Zone – 2019

The Happily Ever After Playlist – 2020

Life’s Too Short – 2021

BFF K’S REVIEW OF THE FRIEND ZONE SERIES BY ABBY JIMENEZ

This is what I refer to really loosely as a series. The characters in the first
2 books are best friends and the hero of book 1 is related to the hero in book
3. I actually read them out of order. I read the Happily Ever After Playlist
first. (And, it’s been optioned for a major motion picture!) Then Life’s Too
Short and The Friend Zone.

Each of these books follow a well-known trope – in each book the heroine has
some reason to keep the hero at arms-length, they’re put in “the friend zone”.
But, that’s where the tried and true ends. These books are really fresh and each
have interesting, unique plot twists and modern inventive characters.

The Friend Zone – Infertility

The Happily Ever After Playlist – Reclaiming life after loss

Life’s Too Short – Facing a hereditary illness and owning how you want to live
your life

The romance is heart-felt.

The worlds are contemporary.

The emotions are real. Each of these books made me laugh and cry and I couldn’t
read or listen fast enough. I had to know what would happen next.

But, as is the hallmark of Romance, each of these books ended with a Happily
Ever After for the main characters. I’ve said it before, but part of the reason
I read romance is that I know there will be an uplifting payoff at the end of my
read. That is comforting and reassuring to me! I want to know that the
characters will have a Happily Ever After or at least a Happily For Now!

Each of these books is an absolute HOME RUN for me and they’re perfect for
devoted Romance readers or those just tipping their toes in the Romance genre.
You will not be disappointed!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Abby Jimenez is a Food Network winner and New York Times best selling author.
Abby founded Nadia Cakes out of her home kitchen back in 2007. The bakery has
since gone on to win numerous Food Network competitions and has amassed an
international cult following.

Abby loves a good romance, coffee, doglets, and not leaving the house.

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Reviews Tags: #SmartGirlsReadRomance, 5 Rated Review, Abby Jimenez, BFF K
Review, Character Development, Funny, Happily Ever After, Happily Ever After
Playlist, Hero, Heroine, Life's Too Short, Review, Romance, Supporting
Characters, Tears, Tension, The Friend Zone, The Friend Zone Series, World
Creation

September 15, 2021

LET’S GET REAL – 2021 BFF BOOK BLOG UPDATE

LET’S GET REAL

Hello friends! I’ve missed you!

via GIPHY

I feel a little like Steve from Blues Clues reintroducing myself to you after a
long absence. It’s only been about 7 months and not 19 years, but it still feels
like I owe you an explanation. And honestly, the explanation is really really
simple. In fact, I can sum it up in one word: LIFE!

Like so many people, I’ve had a wild 18 months: living through a pandemic, job
change, health stuff, a new pandemic puppy and the busy day to day of being a
wife, mom, daughter, co-worker, friend – all of the labels that we each carry.
It has seemed really heavy. Let’s just acknowledge that it’s been a lot.

And, it’s impacted my life as a reader and blogger as well. Like so many others,
I’ve found it so challenging to continue or engage in many of my favorite
past-times. And reading has been that way. Sometimes life makes it hard to
concentrate long enough to get into or through a book, even some of my
favorites. The bad news is that this blog has been a casualty. My posts have
been few and far between and my outreach to engage with my fellow readers has
been seldom at best.

But, it’s not all bad news, there are some bright spots. I’m still reading, I’m
just not actively reviewing as many books. And, I might not be reading on my
Kindle or carrying a paperback. But, I am loving audiobooks. Reading has
continued to be a bright spot and a salve for my soul. I have read predominantly
Rom Coms and light romance. Books continue to be both an escape and a way to
“live a thousand lives” instead of just one. Reading is still my most favorite
escape and defines me as a human. I feel so lucky to have that beacon to guide
me through the dark and confusing times and give me so much hope for the future.

via GIPHY

All of that to say that I’ve missed you! I would like to say that I’ll be back
more often in the coming weeks. But let’s be honest, I don’t want to make any
promises. I will do my best and that’s all any of us can do. Take care of
yourselves and always remember Smart Girls Read Romance!

PS – Tell me about your reading journey over the past 18 months? What’s your
experience been? And, as always, if you’ve read something really great, let me
add it to my TBR!

PSS – I always rate my recent reads on Goodreads and keep my TBR up to date, so
you can have an idea of what I’m reading even if I’m not posting about it!

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from Blues Clues, Update

September 15, 2021

REVIEW – HAPPY SINGLES DAY BY ANN MARIE WALKER

Single and proud of it! Oh, oops…

As a Certified Professional Organizer, everything in Paige Parker’s world is as
it should be. Perfect apartment, perfect office, perfect life. And now, the
perfect vacation planned to honor Singles Day. After all, what’s better than
celebrating her pride in being single? Because who needs a man anyway? They have
zero taste in quality television, leave the toilet seat up, and sleep with your
best friend. No thanks. Her life is fine just the way it is.

As the owner of a now-dormant bed & breakfast, Lucas Croft’s life is simple and
quiet. It’s only him and his five-year-old daughter, which is just the way he
likes it. Because who needs a woman anyway? They nag you to clean up your stuff,
want the toilet seat put down, and expect the dishes to be done the same day the
meal is cooked. No thanks. His life is fine just the way it is.

But when Paige books a room that Lucas’ well-intentioned sister listed without
his knowledge, their two worlds collide. If they can survive the week together,
they just might discover exactly what they’ve both been missing.

Buy Happy Singles Day on Amazon today!

BFF K’S REVIEW OF HAPPY SINGLES DAY

This is the sweetest story! Ann Marie Walker has created absolutely realistic,
believable characters, and plopped them in a stunning setting. Happy Singles Day
is just the right mix of emotionally bruised hero and heroine, cute kid, puppies
and cake and this story is an absolute dream to read!

There is tension and emotion and some really weighty things that both Paige and
Lucas carry in their past. But, being thrown together to ride out a storm in a
questionable B&B leaves them little choice but to get to know one another. It’s
a delicate dance but they perform it beautifully discovering so much about
themselves, each other and their capacities for both love and change.

The build up is great, but most of the steamy-ish scenes are pretty much fade to
black. Though they certainly pack enough emotion that you don’t really miss the
steam. The characters and settings are unique and lovingly-well-developed! I
enjoyed Happy Singles Day immensely and highly recommend it for a Valentine’s
Day read or any day you want to get lost in good story!

An advance copy of this book was received. Receipt of this copy did not impact
the content or independence of this review.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ann Marie Walker is the author of nine novels, ranging from romantic suspense to
romantic comedy. She’s a fan of fancy cocktails, anything chocolate, and ’80s
rom-coms. Her superpower is connecting any situation to an episode of Friends,
and she thinks all coffee cups should be the size of a bowl. You can find her at
AnnMarieWalker.com, where she would be happy to talk to you about alpha males,
lemon drop martinis, or Chewbacca, the Morkie who is kind enough to let her sit
on his couch. Ann Marie attended the University of Notre Dame and currently
lives in Chicago.

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January 19, 2021

2020 BESTIES

2020 has been a roller coaster of a reading year! I read some good books, I read
some ok books, I started but didn’t finish a whole lotta books. (I’m glaring at
you, Midnight Sun!) However, I think the success of my reading ventures had as
much to do with my mood as with the books I started or finished. This year’s
list looks a little different as it includes both nonfiction and my attempts to
add more diverse voices to my library.

Through the ups and downs of 2020, I am so thankful for books and the escape
that they provide from real life! And, I hope that 2021 brings us all amazing
stories full of love and laughter! Without further adieu, I present the BFF Book
Blog 2020 Besties!

#1 UNTAMED BY GLENNON DOYLE

I originally borrowed this from the library. Then, I purchased the Audible copy
and asked for a hardcover copy for Christmas. I’ve purchased and sent 3 copies
as gifts through the holidays. This book has some incredible lessons and is
presented with such honesty and heart. I loved this book and I think every woman
should read it! (But, my Zoo loving heart has to say, I don’t really believe
that running cheetahs are unhappy. But, I completely get the point she’s driving
home about taming ourselves unnecessarily!)

#2 AMERICAN ROYALS (AND MAJESTY) BY KATHARINE MCGEE

I can not stop thinking about the premise of these books. It’s mind blowing.
And, then the incredibly unique setting gives birth to this soap-operaesque
drama and you won’t be able to put it down! I can’t recommend this series highly
enough and I wish a. there were more books coming and b. this would become a
Netflix series!

#3 UNFORGETTABLE BY MELANIE HARLOW

I thoroughly enjoyed the entire Cloverleigh Farm series. The books are heartfelt
and emotional. They are full of terrific, gritty, relatable stories and
characters who end up with with real life HEA’s. And, Unforgettable is the
perfect example of that. I love a good baseball player hero (there are 3 in the
Besties list this year) and I’m a sucker for a well written adoption story. This
book hit me in all the feels and I’ve re-read parts of it over again. It is just
a really solid book and I highly recommend not only Unforgettable, but the
entire Cloverleigh Farm series!

#4 THE HAPPY EVER AFTER PLAYLIST BY ABBY JIMENEZ

This book is sweet and fun but wrapped in an unexpected layer of feels and
emotion. It’s a rockstar romance, but really takes a different spin on the
traditional storyline. It is just a great story and it will definitely leave you
with a smile on your face and a song in your head!

#5 THE RIVALS BY VI KEELAND

Enemies to Lovers at its very best! This is story is absolute frothy
deliciousness! It’s steamy and the banter is top notch. It’s a fantastic escape
that kept me up waaaaayyyyy too late and also made a 6 hour car ride fly by!
This is one 2020 release that shouldn’t be missed!

#6 THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA BY TJ KLUNE

What a unexpected and joyous surprise this book was! It’s a magical fantasy that
almost seems YA but tackles really complex themes of family, love, identity and
belonging. It’s beautifully written and should absolutely be a must read!

#7 UNWIND BY NEAL SHUSTERMAN

This book is the opposite of #6! Where House in the Cerulean Sea is sweet and
calming, Unwind is vivid and disturbing. BUT, it’s still a really great story. A
complete dystopian mind f&^@ this book will rock your world and make you think
some very deep thoughts. It’s also the first book that my tween son has been
remotely interested in discussing with me. That alone puts it on the list!

#8 HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS BY R.S. GREY

This book is classic R.S. Grey. It’s light and fun, quick and witty and purely
delightful! This book is not going to make you rethink life’s purpose, but it
absolutely is going to give your brain a mini-vacation in a charming story. I
loved pretty much everything about this story. This is the classic example of
why I love to read lighthearted, feel good, romance! (When I checked tonight,
this book was $3.99 with the audible add on for $1.99! Go get that right now!)

#9 Accidental Tryst by Nathasha Boyd

This is another light-hearted, feel good love story. It gives off rom-com,
“chick flick” (though I hate that term) vibes. It is so well written and plays
out like a romantic movie ala Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant. Part of the reason
that I love this book so much is that I can’t stop thinking about these awesome
characters. It’s just a really enjoyable!

#10 KEEPING SCORE BY ALYSSA KALE

This is Alyssa Kale’s debut novel, but you’d never know it! This story features
another baseball player Hero who is absolutely fantastic. It’s just a really
engrossing story that presents some standard tropes in whole new ways. I
couldn’t put it down and it broke me out of a serious reading slump this year.
If you’re struggling to get into a book, try picking this one up and giving it a
try!

#11 THE ACE AND THE ASSISTANT BY JIFFY KATE (AND THE ROOKIE AND THE ROCKSTAR AND
BEEF CAKE!)

I read the Ace and the Assistant until I finished it at 3am this week. I haven’t
done that in a long time and I loved every minute of it! This is such a fun
series. The writing reminds me of Melanie Harlow, Sarina Bowen or Emma Chase.
Everything I’ve read from this writing duo is really terrific and I’m adding
more of their books to my TBR in the new year!

#12 STONE PRINCESS BY DEVNEY PERRY

This book is 3/6 in the Tin Gypsy’s series, but my favorite so far. I really
liked the main characters and there is the hint of a love triangle without
actually going there. It’s the famous-hero-falling-for-the-small-town-girl trope
and I’m here for all of it! This whole series is really inventive and immersive.
I have never been a huge fan of MC stories, but this series is the exception.
Highly recommended!

SOME OTHER NOTABLE TITLES IN 2020:

I hope that you had some really wonderful reading escapes in 2020. And, one of
my New Year’s Resolutions is to post more in the new year! But don’t forget to
follow me on Goodreads as I update that with all the books as I finish them! I
look forward to sharing more with you in the coming months.

Best wishes for peace, health and happiness in 2021!

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January 1, 2021

REVIEW – SIMMER DOWN BY SARAH SMITH

In this finger-licking good rom-com, two is the perfect number of cooks in the
kitchen.

Nikki DiMarco knew life wouldn’t be all sunshine and coconuts when she quit her
dream job to help her mom serve up mouthwatering Filipino dishes to hungry beach
goers, but she didn’t expect the Maui food truck scene to be so
eat-or-be-eaten—or the competition to be so smoking hot.

But Tiva’s Filipina Kusina has faced bigger road bumps than the arrival of
Callum James. Nikki doesn’t care how delectable the British food truck owner
is—he rudely set up shop next to her coveted beach parking spot. He’s stealing
her customers and fanning the flames of a public feud that makes her see sparks.

The solution? Let the upcoming Maui Food Festival decide their fate. Winner
keeps the spot. Loser pounds sand. But the longer their rivalry simmers, the
more Nikki starts to see a different side of Callum…a sweet, protective side. Is
she brave enough to call a truce? Or will trusting Callum with her heart mean
jumping from the frying pan into the fire?

PURCHASE HERE

Amazon

Barnes & Noble Books A Million Bookshop Hudson Booksellers
IndieBound Powell’s Target Walmart

BFF K’S REVIEW OF SIMMER DOWN

So…..now I just want to fly to Hawaii and eat all of the delicious food. I mean,
if we’re honest, I always want to do that, but this book really put me in the
mood for a culinary adventure mixed with a little romance.

Nikki and Callum are the epitome of enemies-to-lovers. Their bitter feud covers
up a really intense attraction….for awhile. When they find themselves thrown
together they discover that they can really heat things up in the kitchen and
the bedroom. And, the reader is lucky to be along for the ride.

Callum is a terrific Hero. He’s caring and reasonable and lets Nikki know how
special she is. Nikki is complicated. She listens to Callum but doesn’t always
hear him. She gets in her own way, a lot. But, you will still root for her and
Callum to figure their s@#$ out!

I adore Nikki’s mom and Callum’s brother. They add depth and spice to the story.
But, I can’t forget about the real star of the story – the food! Oh the food!
The description of countless dishes and their preparation will make your mouth
water and have you searching for local restaurants to devour these delicacies.
You will literally want to lick up every last drop of this story!

An advance copy of this book was received. The reviewer purchased the audiobook
copy. Receipt of the advance copy did not impact the content or independence of
this review.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah Smith is a copywriter-turned-author who wants to make the world a lovelier
place, one kissing story at a time. Her love of romance began when she was eight
and she discovered her auntie’s stash of romance novels. She’s been hooked ever
since. When she’s not writing, you can find her hiking, eating chocolate, and
perfecting her lumpia recipe. She lives in Bend, Oregon, with her husband and
adorable cat Salem.

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November 2, 2020

REVIEW – IN A HOLIDAZE BY CHRISTINA LAUREN

THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

One Christmas wish, two brothers, and a lifetime of hope are on the line for
hapless Maelyn Jones in In a Holidaze, the quintessential holiday romantic novel
by Christina Lauren, the New York Times bestselling author of The
Unhoneymooners.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…but not for Maelyn Jones. She’s living
with her parents, hates her going-nowhere job, and has just made a romantic
error of epic proportions.

But perhaps worst of all, this is the last Christmas Mae will be at her favorite
place in the world—the snowy Utah cabin where she and her family have spent
every holiday since she was born, along with two other beloved families.
Mentally melting down as she drives away from the cabin for the final time, Mae
throws out what she thinks is a simple plea to the universe: Please. Show me
what will make me happy.

The next thing she knows, tires screech and metal collides, everything goes
black. But when Mae gasps awake…she’s on an airplane bound for Utah, where she
begins the same holiday all over again. With one hilarious disaster after
another sending her back to the plane, Mae must figure out how to break free of
the strange time loop—and finally get her true love under the mistletoe.

Jam-packed with yuletide cheer, an unforgettable cast of characters, and
Christina Lauren’s trademark “downright hilarious” (Helen Hoang, author of The
Bride Test) hijinks, this swoon-worthy romantic read will make you believe in
the power of wishes and the magic of the holidays.

PURCHASE IT TODAY

* Apple Books
* Amazon
* Barnes & Noble
* Google Play
* Audible

More links listed below after author bios!

BFF K’S REVIEW OF IN A HOLIDAZE

In a Holidaze is a classic Christina Lauren novel: endearing, clever, great
characters, witty banter and a unique storyline that keeps you wondering what’s
coming next. This novel has upbeat charm and reminded me of their earlier
novels. I enjoyed it immensely!

I’m sure every review of this book will note that it’s Groundhog Day meets
Christmas. But, it still needs to be said. And it is also delightfully sweet and
fun. Thank goodness Mae works out the clues and only jumps back in time a
handful of times so the story moves forward quickly. The bulk of the story is a
darling friends-to-lovers romp that is entertaining and heartwarming.

I love the emphasis of chosen family in the story. The entwined families and
their shared lives enhance the holiday aspect of the story, but it’s not
overwhelmingly-Christmasy. They’re a crazy crew I would love to spend a holiday
with them AND I would love to know who the other brother ends up with!

If you’re struggling (because 2020) and feeling overwhelmed or just looking to
jumpstart the holiday spirit, you should definitely pick up a copy of In a
Holidaze! It’s a perfect gift for you!

An advance copy of this book was received. The reviewer purchased the audiobook
copy. Receipt of the advance copy did not impact the content or independence of
this review.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY AND #1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHORS

Christina Lauren is the combined pen name of long-time writing
partners/besties/soulmates/brain-twins Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings. The
coauthor duo writes both Young Adult and Adult Fiction, and together has
produced fourteen New York Times bestselling novels. Their books have been
translated into 30+ languages.

You can find them online at ChristinaLaurenBooks.com or at @seeCwrite
(Christina), @LolaShoes (Lauren), or @ChristinaLauren on Twitter.

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