I Started Being ‘Nicer’ With My Reviews And Here’s Why

We grow as humans.

We hopefully learn from our mistakes and become a ‘better’ person. You know that type of person that’s really kind, compassionate, sympathetic, patient, and basically any ‘good’ adjective there is out there?

Over the past few years of living, I realized that through self-growth and development, I learned that in the past I was an…asshole. More specifically, I was an asshole in my reviews. I mean, why not? I have the right to stand by my opinions and I solely believed that my readers wanted the truth and nothing but the truth. If I were to be extremely honest, I actually wrote my reviews thinking nobody would read them and therefore, they were open diaries to myself. I wanted to let the future me know why I exactly hated this book if I were ever to go back to it and wonder why my belly burns whenever I see it.

Book Review: Confessions of a Domestic Failure by Bunmi Laditan

Title: Confessions of a Domestic Failure
Author: Bunmi Laditan
Publication: May 2nd 2017
Pages: 320
Synopsis:

From the creator of The Honest Toddler comes a fiction debut sure to be a must-read for moms everywhere

There are good moms and bad momsand then there are hot-mess moms. Introducing Ashley Keller, career girl turned stay-at-home mom who’s trying to navigate the world of Pinterest-perfect, Facebook-fantastic and Instagram-impressive mommies but failing miserably.

When Ashley gets the opportunity to participate in the “Motherhood Better” bootcamp run by the mommy-blog-empire maven she idolizes, she jumps at the chance to become the perfect mom she’s always wanted to be. But will she fly high or flop?

With her razor-sharp wit and knack for finding the funny in everything, Bunmi Laditan creates a character as flawed and lovable as Bridget Jones or Becky Bloomwood while hilariously lambasting the societal pressures placed upon every new mother. At its heart, Ashley’s story reminds moms that there’s no way to be perfect, but many ways to be great.

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MY RATING: 4/5

I picked this book on a whim from a thrift shop and immediately purchased it when I read on the back that it was a mixture of Becky Bloomwood from Confessions of A Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella and Bridget jones.

I Have an Odd Reading Problem

 

Obviously, I’m a reader.

I have a blog filled with majority of book reviews and promos. My instagram is dedicated to photos of books. And for the past month, I’ve spent 3 hours each week taking photos of books and I’ve read over 20 books for the month of February.

Reading is a hobby. For some, reading is taken more seriously. I remember for the past two or three years since starting the Goodreads Reading Challenge that it wasn’t just a challenge to read a certain amount of books each year but how many books I can read to surpass my personal goal. Then it went to being competitive against myself and beating my personal best.

Book Review: My Lady’s Choosing by Kitty Curran & Larissa Zageris

Title: My Lady’s Choosing
Author: Kitty Curran & Larissa Zageris
Publication: April 3rd 2018
Pages: 352
Synopsis:

The romance novel that lets you pick your path, follow your heart, and find happily ever after

You are the plucky but penniless heroine in the center of eighteenth-century society, courtship season has begun, and your future is at hand. Will you flip forward fetchingly to find love with the bantering baronet Sir Benedict Granville? Or turn the page to true love with the hardworking, horse-loving highlander Captain Angus McTaggart? Or perhaps race through the chapters chasing a good (and arousing) man gone mad, bad, and scandalous to know, Lord Garraway Craven? Or read on recklessly and take to the Continent as the “traveling companion” of the spirited and adventuresome Lady Evangeline? Or yet some other intriguing fate? Make choices, turn pages, and discover all the daring delights of the multiple (and intertwining!) storylines. And in every path you pick, beguiling illustrations bring all the lust and love to life.

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MY RATING: 4/5 STARS

Book Review: The Upside of Falling Down by Rebekah Crane

Title: The Upside of Falling Down
Author: Rebekah Crane
Publication: January 30th 2018
Pages: 252
Synopsis:

For Clementine Haas, finding herself is more than a nice idea. Ever since she woke up in an Irish hospital with complete amnesia, self-discovery has become her mission.

They tell her she’s the lone survivor of a plane crash. They tell her she’s lucky to be alive. But she doesn’t feel lucky. She feels…lost.

With the relentless Irish press bearing down on her, and a father she may not even recognize on his way from America to take her home, Clementine assumes a new identity and enlists a blue-eyed Irish stranger, Kieran O’Connell, to help her escape her forgotten life…and start a new one.

Hiding out in the sleepy town of Waterville, Ireland, Clementine discovers there’s an upside to a life that’s fallen apart. But as her lies grow, so does her affection for Kieran, and the truth about her identity becomes harder and harder to reveal, forcing Clementine to decide: Can she leave her past behind for a new love she’ll never forget?

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MY RATING: 5/5 STARS

I was given a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book is my second 5/5 star read of 2018. It was so well written, it made me cry for so long during the last couple of hundred pages. The Upside of Falling Down taught me that life was beautiful no matter the circumstances. Your family and friends that surround you and their relationship they have with you are strong and unbreakable. They are they there to support you, lift you, and be there when you think you’re at your lowest.

Book Review: Dear Dwayne, With Love by Eliza Gordon

Title: Dear Dwayne, With Love
Author: Eliza Gordon
Publication: January 23rd 2018
Pages: 375
Synopsis:

Wannabe actress Dani Steele’s résumé resembles a cautionary tale on how not to be famous. She’s pushing thirty and stuck in a dead-end insurance job, and her relationship status is holding at uncommitted. With unbearably perfect sisters and a mother who won’t let her forget it, Dani has two go-tos for consolation: maple scones and a blog in which she pours her heart out to her celebrity idol. He’s the man her father never was, no boyfriend will ever be—and not so impossible a dream as one might think. When Dani learns that he’s planning a fund-raising event where the winning amateur athlete gets a walk-on in his new film, she decides to trade pastries and self-doubt for running shoes and a sexy British trainer with adorable knees.

But when Dani’s plot takes an unexpected twist, she realizes that her happy ending might have to be improvised—and that proving herself to her idol isn’t half as important as proving something to herself.

* * *

This is a work of fiction. While Dwayne Johnson p/k/a The Rock is a real person, events relating to him in the book are a product of the author’s imagination. Mr. Johnson is not affiliated with this book, and has not endorsed it or participated in any manner in connection with this book.

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Follow Eliza Gordon!

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MY RATING: 4.5/5 STARS

I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

I was approached to review this book and honestly, I didn’t read the synopsis when I said yes. I saw the adorable cover featuring the donuts and dumbbells and saw the title and just knew in my gut this book was for me. It was only until my friend pointed out to me that it was about diary entries to Dwayne ‘the rock’ Johnson did my gusto falter. A bit. I mean, really? A book featuring diary entries written to a real life celebrity?

But yup.

It happened. I read them. And I loved them.

Book Review: Can’t Forget You by Rachel Lacey

Title: Can’t Forget You
Author: Rachel Lacey
Publication: December 19th 2017
Pages: 352
Synopsis:

YOU NEVER FORGET YOUR FIRST LOVE

Jessica Flynn can’t wait to buy up that patch of unspoiled North Carolina woodland next door and expand her spa. What could be more sensuous than a hot-tub soak under the stars? Jessica would love to bask in the romantic view herself-but first she needs to find the right man to join her in this fantasy. Back in high school, she thought that was the dark and brooding Mark Dalton. But then he left to join the Special Forces, and when he returned to town, it felt like their teenage love affair had never even happened.

Mark Dalton has his eye on the same property for his own business. Yet there’s something he wants to have even more. Because Jessica is sweeter than he remembered, and he’s finding it hard to resist his attraction to the competition. When they finally find themselves alone, deep in the forest, nature can’t help but run a little wild. But if she ever finds out what he’s been hiding all these years, she may never forgive him…

MY RATING 3/5 STARS

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first novel from Rachel Lacey and upon closer inspection of my shelves, I apparently bought two books she’s written for Forever Romance. I didn’t know what to expect from Rachel but I was happy with how Can’t Forget You started. You’re never wrong when you first start off with a book about two ex-lovers who are pitted against each other who want the same property so they can either build a bigger spa (Jessica) or build a bigger obstacle course (Mark). It’s also never wrong when we start off the book with the classic scene with the hero or heroine falling sick and the other person has to take care of them and nurse them back to health.

Book Review: Always You by Denise Grover Swank

Title: Always You
Author: Denise Grover Swank
Publication: November 28th 2017
Pages: 352
Synopsis:

First love is better the second time around.

Matt Osborn had no idea coaching his five-year-old nephew’s soccer team would get him so much attention from the mothers-attention he doesn’t want now that he’s given up on love and having a family of his own. Yep, Matt’s the last of his bachelor buddies, and plans on staying that way. That is, until he finds himself face-to-face with the woman who broke his heart.

Single mom Anna paused her life in England to help her father recover from an illness. She can’t afford complications, and too-hot-for-his-own-good Matt Osborn-her almost former fiancé-is definitely a complication. He’s a reminder of what might have been-or should have been. That irresistible pull between them isn’t over. Not even close. But if she’s not careful, she’ll break both their hearts . . . again.

MY RATING: 4/5 STARS

I was provided an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This is my second book from Denise Grover Swank and it honestly was not a disappointment. I love second chance romances especially an emotional one like what college sweethearts Anna and Matt went through. Matt always knew Anna was the one. He fell completely head over heels for her when he first met her and knew his heart would forever be hers whether he wanted it to be true or not. It pained me to read how these two lovebirds fell apart. Anna was too young, too scared, and too weak to get locked down in a marriage when Matt popped the question. She said she accepted a job in London, England, and didn’t want kids or want to stay in the small town she grew up in. It completely shattered Matt when he heard all this.

Book Review: One and Only by Jenny Holiday

Title: One and Only
Author: Jenny Holiday
Publication: February 27th 2018
Pages: 368
Synopsis:

In this laugh-out-loud romantic comedy, USA Today bestselling author Jenny Holiday proves that when opposites attract, sparks fly.

Miss Responsibility meets Mr. Reckless

With her bridezilla friend on a DIY project rampage, bridesmaid Jane Denning will do anything to escape–even if it means babysitting the groom’s troublemaker brother before the wedding. It should be a piece of cake, except the “cake” is a sarcastic former soldier who is 100% wicked hotness and absolutely off-limits.

Cameron MacKinnon is ready to let loose after returning from his deployment. But first he’ll have to sweet talk the ultra-responsible Jane into taking a walk on the wild side. Turns out, riling her up is the best time he’s had in years. But what happens when the fun and games start to turn into something real?

“Holiday’s books are on my favorites shelf with Jennifer Crusie, Julie James, and Rachel Gibson.”
-Rachel Cross, author of Rock Him

The Bridesmaids Behaving Badly series: 
One and Only 
It Takes Two
Three Little Words

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MY RATING: 5/5 STARS

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I’m going to be honest and let you guys know that I sent out my request for this one as soon as I saw the instagram story Forever Romance (the publisher) posted simply because of how gorgeous the cover looks and how much it reminded me of a romantic movie poster. It’s simply so stunning, I knew I would have to get my hands on it one way or another. Now, it seems so shallow because I knew absolutely nothing about the book but it made it so much more enjoyable to not know sometimes.

Blog Tour: American Panda by Gloria Chao

Title: American Panda
Author: Gloria Chao
Publication: February 6th 2018
Pages: 320
Synopsis:

An incisive, laugh-out-loud contemporary debut about a Taiwanese-American teen whose parents want her to be a doctor and marry a Taiwanese Ivy Leaguer despite her squeamishness with germs and crush on a Japanese classmate.

At seventeen, Mei should be in high school, but skipping fourth grade was part of her parents’ master plan. Now a freshman at MIT, she is on track to fulfill the rest of this predetermined future: become a doctor, marry a preapproved Taiwanese Ivy Leaguer, produce a litter of babies.

With everything her parents have sacrificed to make her cushy life a reality, Mei can’t bring herself to tell them the truth–that she (1) hates germs, (2) falls asleep in biology lectures, and (3) has a crush on her classmate Darren Takahashi, who is decidedly not Taiwanese.

But when Mei reconnects with her brother, Xing, who is estranged from the family for dating the wrong woman, Mei starts to wonder if all the secrets are truly worth it. Can she find a way to be herself, whoever that is, before her web of lies unravels?

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MY REVIEW:

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for a review and join this amazing blog tour featuring a bunch of bloggers you NEED to check out.

I really wanted to read this book because it’s the first book with Asian representation published by a HUGE publisher. It’s representation I craved for while growing up and today as an adult because everyone wants to be included.