review: the twelve days of dash and lily (dash & lily #2)

Dash and Lily have had a tough year since they first fell in love among the shelves of their favorite bookstore. Lily’s beloved grandfather suffered a heart attack, and his difficult road to recovery has taken a major toll on her typically sunny disposition.

With only twelve days left until Christmas—Lily’s favorite time of the year—Dash, Lily’s brother Langston, and their closest friends must take Manhattan by storm to help Lily recapture the unique holiday magic of a glittering, snow-covered New York City in December. ~ Goodreads

Source: arc provided by the publisher via ALA16 in exchange for an honest review

Review: In the sequel to the beloved Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares, we catch up with Dash and Lily one year after they first met and started dating.

I’m really curious to hear what fans of book #1 think of this one because the tone is so…sad. Not only for Dash and Lily as a couple but also because Lily has lost her Christmas spirit. A lot of that whimsy of two kids traipsing around NY and falling in love is gone.

The Twelve Days of Christmas is more of a story about growing up and family – not a fun bonus holiday sequel to Dash and Lily’s romance.

If you recall, Lily was a rather sheltered girl in the first book and even after one year dating Dash she’s much the same. Her grandfather has a heart attack and Lily’s rose colored world comes crashing down. As the family makes difficult decisions regarding her grandfather and try to move on with their own lives, they realize their over coddling of Lily has left her completely unprepared to deal with real life. Feeling as if she’s alone, Lily pushes everyone away.

Dash is left struggling and confused as to how to deal with her and tries to pull her out of her funk starting with his twist on the 12 days of Christmas with mixed results.

Lily and Dash keep trying to connect emotionally but keep missing the mark. Although Dash is going through some difficulty with his divorced parents – this is really Lily’s story. She has to learn to cope with life when it’s out of her control and still love the people around her even when they aren’t perfect. She could get pretty frustrating at times with her high expectations for everyone and pouty behavior but it’s something she needed to go through.

There are a few fun NY adventures that, at times, felt cheesy, implausible, and way over the top, but very Dash & Lily. And there was dialogue delivered by various characters that felt like a * very important life message* and came off very heavy handed. The supporting cast of characters were lots of fun though and helped provide some much needed levity.

This is very shitty review as far as encouraging you to read this lol but seriously, I liked it a lot – it’s just probably not what readers will be expecting or want. Or maybe I’m wrong on that. It has pretty mixed reviews on Goodreads for the reasons I mentioned but I would love to hear what you guys that of it if you've read it - or if you plan on reading it.

Cheesetastic Christmas Movie Reviews part 3

Thanksgiving is over and now it’s time to fully get into the swing of things and start watching those Hallmark Christmas movies.

I’ve been dutifully watching and reviewing them since they started a few weeks ago and have been kind of disappointing so far, to be honest, but this week I have two that I really enjoyed!


A December Bride website

Holiday, Original, Romance, Comedy | TV-G

Aspiring interior designer Layla is dreading the Christmastime wedding of her cousin who’s marrying Layla’s ex-fiancé. Although Seth is the one responsible for introducing the bride and groom, she begrudgingly accepts his offer to be her date as she’s out of options. Seth gets carried away at the reception and announces they’re engaged, forcing a mortified Layla to keep up the pretense. Stars Daniel Lissing and Jessica Lowndes.

Verdict: Adorable! Decent plot, great chemistry, Christmas spirit, very romantic. Seth is probably the cutest/nicest love interest that I can remember. I can’t even imagine how Layla restrained herself from throwing herself at him lol What a cutie pie!

I was not a fan of Layla’s family. Her cousin married her ex-fiance. Sure he wasn’t right for her but I would be mad too and everyone kept thinking she should just get over it because…family. Well – family doesn't break up your engagement and steal your boyfriend! Harumph. But bygones…Layla gets the way better deal in the end.

Cheese Factor: It’s cheesy in all the right ways…. fake romance, a smudge on her cheek to get Seth to touch her, surprise gifts to win the girl, conniving ex-boss, big family gatherings to help Layla meet her Christmas Showcase Home decorating deadline, a December wedding.



4 out of 4 cheesy elves!


My Christmas Dream website

Holiday, Original, Romance, Comedy | TV-G

Christina, the manager of McDougal’s flagship department store, is determined to land the manager position for their new Paris location. She sets out to impress Victoria, the store’s owner, by creating the best holiday display in McDougal’s history. Fresh out of inspiration despite assuring Victoria otherwise, Christina turns to a recently-fired store employee who also happens to be a talented artist and single dad to his young son. Stars Danica McKellar, Deidre Hall and David Haydn-Jones.

Verdict: Very cute! I loved the awkward way these two start off – she fires him (or I should say looks the other way when someone else fires him) for spilling paint on her before a big meeting with her boss so they’re kind of all grrr at first when she needs his help. I also liked that Christina’s boss, played by Deidre Hall, isn’t your typical tyrant. She was supportive and kind, while still being no nonsense. I’m going to knock this an elf though for the annoying kid. Sure he got things moving but OMG – what a whiner lol (Sorry – I know I’m a heartless bitch but he annoyed me)

Cheese factor: Single dad who's afraid to love or show his artwork again, kid with doe eyes forcing these two together every chance, long lost loves, discovering “what’s *really* important. It was pretty cheesy but cute.



3 out of 4 cheesy elves

My previous reviews are here and here

Cheesetastic Christmas movie reviews (#2)

I’ll be reviewing the new Hallmark Christmas movies each week. You can catch last week's reviews here.

On to the movies!

---

Christmas Cookies – website

Aunt Sally’s Christmas Cookie Company is sold to a large conglomerate and executive Hannah (Wagner) must seal the deal and shut down the factory, which is the small town of Cookie Jar’s lifeblood. What was supposed to be a simple assignment for Hannah becomes complicated when she meets Jake (Brown), the factory owner who’s determined to keep the factory in town. Despite not being a fan of the holiday, the Christmas spirit in this small town is infectious and she gets swept up in the joy of the season while also falling in love. Starring Jill Wagner and Wes Brown.

Verdict: Kinda boring and not a lot of spark between the two actors. And the male love interest in particular was kind of bland. 

Cheese factor: The Christmas spirit force was strong with this one. A very close knit community with LOTS of decorations. The girl hates Christmas and is there to move the town cookie factory and take everyone’s job away… blah blah blah

It’s not a Christmas theme but there’s a much better spin on this trope with the Hallmark Valentine movie called – Appetite for Love

2 out of 4 Cheesy Elves!

***

Every Christmas Has a Story – website

When a TV personality has an on-air snafu and admits she hates Christmas, she is invited to the Most Christmas-y town in the US to try and repair her image. Forced to work with her ex-boyfriend Jack, the show's producer, the magic of Christmas and this special town will change the way she views Christmas and her life. Stars Lori Loughlin, Colin Ferguson and Willie Aames.

Verdict: Not bad. There’s a bit of romance, small town charm and a mystery. I liked the actors. This one also felt a bit more modern with a woman with an actual career, a young girl who has aspirations to be a reporter and WoC boss. Still not enough – but better.

Cheese factor: Kate hates Christmas – I’m detecting a movie theme here – and she gets Scrooge shamed big time, almost losing her job. No worries! Small town to the rescue! This movie was super heavy handed – constantly bashing you over the head that if you don’t love all things Christmas you can never love or live life fully lol

3 out of 4 Cheesy Elves

Has anyone started watching these yet? Gotta say - I'm not overly impressed so far. Hopefully the cheesy fun and romance will kick in soon. So far the 2016 movies have felt like their just cranking them out.

review: round midnight: a fly me to the moon holiday set by emma barry & genevieve turner

A Midnight Clear
Annapolis, Maryland, 1948

Frances Dumfries is the perfect admiral's daughter. She runs the household, hosts the parties, and never falls for the midshipmen surrounding her. Having fun or putting herself first is definitely not on her schedule. And she doesn't want anyone-particularly not a man too handsome and kind for his own good-to point that out.

Midshipman Joe Reynolds sympathizes: Ever since he tumbled headlong into love with Frances, life hasn't been much fun. With only so much time until he ships out from the Naval Academy, he's racing the clock, and her refusal to give him a second look, to secure her affection. But this sailor isn't surrendering in the campaign to win her heart.

Torn between duty and selfishness, it will take a Christmas miracle to show Frances and Joe that love is rare, precious... and worth fighting for.

A Midnight Kiss
Huntsville, Alabama, 1950

New Year's Eve is a night for old friends, new hopes, and champagne dreams-and Betty Parrish intends to take full advantage. But when her long-term beau makes one too many arrogant comments, she throws him out. After all, who needs men?

Greg Henkins's New Year's plans involve tools and engines, not dances and debutantes. But when the vivacious Betty runs into him, his night ends up head over heels. After all, who could resist a midnight kiss?

Greg and Betty are intoxicated by what they share at midnight, but will their budding relationship wilt in the sober light of morning?

~ Goodreads

Source: e-arc provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

Review:

If you are feeling like 2016 is a giant dumpster fire and you are falling into a pit of despair then get this book. If you haven’t read the series yet – snap up this book and the entire series, grab a cup of tea and some chocolate – curl up and read. You’ll feel better. Promise.

The Fly Me to the Moon series (currently at 4 full length novels, plus this set of two novellas from the Fly Me to the Moon world) is the cure for all that ails you.

A Midnight Clear is a previously published novella and the perfect place to start with this series and has a bit of a Christmasy setting but is not a holiday story and A Midnight Kiss is a wonderful little story set against the backdrop of a New Years Eve party.

I read a lot of romance and a lot of hot, sexy as hell books but very few give me that *butterflies in my stomach* feeling when two people just look at each other for the first time or share their first kiss. This series does. It’s romantic and swoony!  It has an old school - by gone era feel with whip smart characters working for social change and leading the charge in America’s Space race.

I highly recommend this entire series – fun, smart, original setting and ROMANTIC!

* Series Goodreads link

Series recommendation: The village by darien cox

I’m still trying to get back to a regular reading/blogging schedule but in the meantime here’s a quick series recommendation for fans of M/M romance but are looking for a little more with your romance.

There’s a new couple in each book with an overarching story about aliens and the group of men working covertly in a small NY village trying to make contact with and protect humans from them. Yes, aliens. It’s a unique series with a lot of fun twists and adventures. Plus great romance.

Check it out on Goodreads



#1 Safe in Your Fire -

Welcome to The Village – A new gay romance series with a sci-fi twist from best selling author Darien Cox.

When asked to locate and interview an off-the-grid former child star for a magazine feature, novice journalist Rudy Sansone thinks he’s getting yet another demeaning assignment from his boss. But finding ‘Baby James’ Waterman proves to be a personal and professional challenge, as the elusive, hostile, and surprisingly sexy James is nothing that Rudy expected. But Rudy’s scrappy motivation to get the story at all costs plunges him into the mountain community of Singing Bear Village, where he senses strange and frightening secrets simmering beneath the surface. But what’s simmering between Rudy and his reluctant interview subject is something more carnal and heated, and his desire to be consumed by it clouds his judgement when warning bells urge him to flee the village and never look back.

My thoughts: A bit of series set up to slog through but an interesting and original blend of sci-fi and romance

#2 Deep in Your Shadows -

It’s been three months since the team were instructed to stay off the mountain, and Christian is going a little stir crazy. Until one rainy afternoon an object crashes into the water in Singing Bear Village, creating temporary chaos and confusion in the peaceful lakeside community. Given past events, Christian and his crew call Ogden, and their boss brings a specialized team to take over the situation, shutting out local law enforcement.

But Sheriff Myles Murphy doesn’t like being shut out, and is furious to have his authority superseded. Christian assures his boss that he can handle the local sheriff and assuage his suspicions, but it won’t be so easy. Because while Christian has harbored a secret crush on the man for two years, Sheriff Myles Murphy despises him.

My thoughts: My favorite of the series. Loved this one! Great suspense, funny and sexy as hell!

#3 Trapped in Your Storm -

Autumn has local DJ and disinformation agent Elliot Nicholson feeling renewed. He’s moved past the depression and anxiety that plagued him over the summer, and lately his job has been blessedly free of crisis. But for Elliot and his colleagues, nothing remains peaceful for long in Singing Bear Village. Baz, their outlandish ambassador, may be missing. Strange anomalies in the forest suggest something’s amiss with their neighbors under the mountain. And an online conspiracy theorist claims to know all the team’s secrets, and is threatening exposure. Thankfully, Elliot has Nolan, his loyal friend and teammate who’s always kept him grounded. But one night an innocent lark goes too far, and Elliot is knocked off-balance when Nolan starts looking at him in a different way.

My thoughts: Friends to lovers romance – a trope I love even though, in this case, it got a tad too sappy for me. The progress of the alien plot line was loads of fun though!

Happy reading!
Any series rec’s for me?

cheesetastic Christmas movie reviews

It’s that time of year again! And I’m in need of cheesy, feel good movies now more than ever. There’s a new Hallmark Christmas movie every week so I’m hoping to keep up on them and post a review each Friday. We’ll see how that goes.

I was already a few behind (they started early this year!) so I’ll start with two this week.

***

A Wish for Christmas- website


“Sara is the type of woman who prefers to sit on the sidelines at work, but when her big idea for a Christmas initiative is stolen, she makes a wish to Santa that she'll finally have the courage to stand up for herself. Santa grants her wish but only gives her 48 hours. Stars Lacey Chabert and Paul Greene.”

Verdict: meh…This was supposed to be about Sarah getting the courage to stand up for herself but really it just turned her into an obnoxious person who stuck her nose in everyone’s buisness and pushed them to do things before they were ready. And the romance was pretty lacking in chemistry.

Cheese factor: There’s a ball of mistletoe hanging in the office that the Christmas hating hero repeatedly orders to be taken down….I bet you can guess how the movie ends. lol This town and the hero's family has a HUGE Christmas decorating budget! It looks like a Christmas fairy threw up on their house but it was festive! lol




I give this one 2 out of 4 cheesy elves.

The Mistletoe Promise – website


“A chance meeting between two strangers who share a disdain for Christmas results in The Mistletoe Promise, a pact to help them navigate their holiday complications – together. But as  they spend more time with each other and experience the magic of Christmas the phony couple discovers there may be more to their contract than business. Based on the bestselling novel by Richard Paul Evans. Stars Jaime King and Luke Macfarlane.”

Verdict: Loved how these two met – eating lunch in a mall food court trying to avoid aggressive Christmas carolers. Of course they hate Christmas! lol Both are super smart and career driven but nice and I liked them.

There were some weird editing cuts and it got oddly depressing at times but overall I liked the romance so a thumbs up.

Cheese factor: Huge gorgeous, perfect flakes of snow constantly falling, horse carriage rides in Central Park, snowman building contests, old fashioned (sexist) business practices where women have to wear dresses to parties and you must have a girl friend to get promoted. Pretty standard Hallmark stuff.




3 out of 4 cheesy elves.

November tbr pile

This is a deceptively small reading pile for this month. I have there 3 ARC’s I got at ALA and one e-arc I accepted from a favorite author. BUT I have almost all of September and October’s ARC’s still needing to be read (probably 20-ish + or so books total) so I’m not going to catch up any time soon. But I’ll give it a shot!

Here’s November’s TBR:





All in Pieces by Suzanne Young - Goodreads Loved Young's The Program duology so I'm excited to read something outside that world as well.

Jess, Chunk, and the Road Trip to Infinity by Kristin Elizabeth Clark - Goodreads This sounds funny and quirky. But I can go either way with quirky. I either love it or get irritated but I'm willing to give it a try.

The Nerdy and the Dirty by B.T. Gottfred - Goodreads This is supposed to be an honest exploration of teen sexuality - particularly in girls so I'm looking forward to reading it.

A Midnight Kiss by Emma Barry and Genevieve Turner - Goodreads I ADORE the Fly Me to the Moon series! It's so swoony and romantic and original. I highly recommend it.

What are you looking forward to reading in November?

Review: romancing the inventor (Supernatural society #1) by gail carriger

Imogene Hale is a lowly parlourmaid with a soul-crushing secret. Seeking solace, she takes work at a local hive, only to fall desperately in love with the amazing lady inventor the vampires are keeping in the potting shed. Genevieve Lefoux is heartsick, lonely, and French. With culture, class, and the lady herself set against the match, can Imogene and her duster overcome all odds and win Genevieve's heart, or will the vampires suck both of them dry?

This is a stand-alone LBGTQ sweet romance set in Gail Carriger's Parasolverse, full of class prejudice, elusive equations, and paranormal creatures taking tea.

Delicate Sensibilities? This story contains women pleasing women and ladies who know what they want and pursue it, sometimes in exquisite detail.

Supernatural Society novellas can be read in any order. ~ Goodreads

Source: e-arc provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

Review:

I’m really enjoying these spinoff novellas set in Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate world featuring some of our favorite side characters and their HEA's.

First off – let me say that you do not have to have read any of Carriger’s prior series to enjoy this novella. While it has great cameos if you have, it stands alone. But if you do enjoy Victorian, paranormal, steampunk and romance give her other books a try as well. She has both adult and YA - all set in the same world.

So back to Romancing the Inventor!

Imogene Hail has never been attracted to men and is tired of the constant push to marry her off to one. She wants to explore her “perverse sexual proclivities” towards women and feels that getting a job at the local vampire hive is the way to do that. Who’s more sexually free than vampires after all?

Once she gets there though, the vampires don’t show much interest in her and she becomes a parlourmaid. Everything is quite dull until the day she brings the enigmatic Madame Genevieve Lefoux tea.

Imogen is immediately smitten by the inventor but Genevieve is gun shy after a romance gone bad and by Imogene’s age and innocence. She feels that Imogene is nursing a hero worship crush and tries not take advantage of that. 

This is a very slow burn romance but so, so sweet. Both women are whip smart – Genevieve with her inventions and Imogene with math – and it was fun to watch Genevieve's resistance crumble under Imogen’s relentless pursuit. Occasionally Imogen’s pining from afar dragged on and frustrated me but she really couldn’t do much else considering her social station and precarious situation with the vampires.

When the vampires do finally start to take notice of Imogene all hell breaks loose and the real fun begins. Vampires/werewolves and fun extended cameos with Alexis and Lord Maccon and a few others make Romancing the Inventor a delightful, quick read!

Happiness is...blogger friends

There's been a lot of depressing news in the blogosphere as of late. Joyous Reads has a Life Lately post  that pretty much covers it and reflects how I feel about it all. For now - I want to keep the focus on the positive side of blogging and bloggers.

But first the not so happy news. We lost our sheltie, Beau, a few weeks ago. Most of you already know this and I don't want to keep harping on it but I wanted to share how wonderful everyone was to me when I needed it.

As people heard about Beau I got an out pouring of love, hugs, support, gifts and chocolate from all my blogger/online friends. DM's,, emails, cards...it was amazing and really helped me in a way that I don't think anything or anyone else could have. So many of you are animal lovers and really *got it* and those of you who weren't still had followed Beau's journey these past few years and were there for me all the way.

I wanted to share a pic of some of the things people sent my way. I'm not naming anyone specifically only because I don't want to be a doofus and leave anyone out. The emails, tweets and virtual hugs meant just as much to me as the gifts. THANK YOU ALL!

And in the life goes on department - this little girl is staying with us for the week. Meet Millie...

She's so funny and quite the snuggler. She burrows under the covers and wags her tail almost all night lol

You can see the blur in the 2nd pic where her tail should be visible. 

That's all from my world - Happy November everyone! May it be better than October.