Merry Christmas everyone! I’m spending the day with family, celebrating the season!
Regular posts will be up again next week!
Merry in Manhattan - Part 3
Welcome back! It’s part 3 of my December Flash Fiction Friday series. It’s a tad longer than the others but… I think for good reason. I hope you’ve been enjoying reading it as I have been writing it. In case you’re behind, you can read Part 1 Here and Part 2 Here. Then tune in next week for the final part!
“I’m so glad you came, Lane!” One of Chris’ friends, Lucy, grabbed my coat out of her back bedroom and handed it to me. It was Christmas Eve and she’d hosted a get together for their friend group. It was a surprisingly fun and relaxed gathering. It as the first time I’d seen Chris not in a suit, but a sweater and blue jeans.
Expensive designer blue jeans and sweater that would never be in my budget- but still.
“I’m glad too,” I said as I pulled my coat on. It was starting to snow and Chris said we had one more place to go and I needed to stay warm. “This was really fun.”
And it was. Chris and I had been having a great time over the last few weeks. Cocktail parties, dinner, going to the theater, and even a charity sponsored “Yule Ball” where everyone dressed like they were in Harry Potter. But this was the best party by far with his group of friends. It was the first time I actually felt a bit at home in New York. They’d played games, drank (a lot), had a big dinner, and exchanged gifts. Chris even got me a small silver star shaped keychain engraved with the year. A reminder of my first Christmas in New York, he’d said.
Lucy grasped my shoulder as we made our way to the foyer where Chris was finishing a conversation with Lucy’s partner, Amanda. “Please tell me you’re coming to Levi’s Kwanza dinner on Friday. You’re seriously the best date Chris has brought to our parties in a long time."
“I wouldn’t miss it,” I promised, and not just because I was already planning the layout of my new office. While each event we’d gone to there had been a couple of familiar faces with each crowd. Chris had a lot of friends, but there was a circle of about five which were in regular rotation in his solar system. They’d welcomed me with open arms and it was fun to get to know them. Who knew that the high class businessman had such a great found family? I was going to miss them once New Years was past.
“And he must really like you if that gift is any indicator,” Lucy went on.
I clasped the keychain in my pocket. “What do you mean?”
“Girl, did you see where it was from?”
I pulled it out and examined the back.
Tiffany & Co.
It took everything in me to not let my jaw drop. “Oh… wow.”
Lucy shrugged. “Not bad for only dating a couple of weeks if you ask me, and he never gives the girls he brings over gifts.”
Chris’ smile widened when I appeared at the door and he held out his hand for me to clasp. Pretending to be his girlfriend was becoming scarily easy to do. After saying out goodbyes we headed out into the cold and then into the car he’d called for.
“So, where to next?” I asked.
Chris wagged his eyebrows. “You’ll see.”
We stopped all the way down in the Battery and he led me to an ice rink.
“What, did one of your fancy friends rent it out for a big Christmas Eve party for the night?” I asked.
Chris shrugged. “Nope. I just thought it would be fun. I know you mentioned wanting to go ice skating once, and this place is bigger than the rink at the Rockefeller and you get a view of the skyline and the Statue of Liberty.”
I turned and looked around me and he was right. The view was fantastic. “So… no friends or people we need to avoid?”
“Other than the usual muggers? No. We don’t need to avoid anyone.” Which earned him a laugh from me. I hadn’t had that particular New York experience yet and hoped I could avoid it all together. However, I’d heard it was bound to happen at some point if you lived there long enough.
Come to think of it, when I thought about avoiding people, Alexis hadn’t been at the other party that night either. We hadn’t needed to avoid her at all that day. Which was… odd.
Chris paid for our admission and skate rental and we spent the remainder of the evening skating among the others who’d gathered at the rink and enjoyed the peaceful snowfall. It had been awhile since I’d been on skates so it took me a bit to get used to it again, and Chris held my arm while I caught my balance. Then… he never let go of my hands, even when it wasn’t needed. We talked and laughed like old friends.
Months ago, I never would have guessed I’d have such a great holiday season in New York without my family and with Chris no less. I loved how inclusive it all was and how all of his friends were so different from one another but yet… not so different after all. Each event we attended was the perfect blend of a modern edge along with Christmas cheesiness. I missed my family of course, but there was a different sort of magic and comfort to seeing how other people celebrated and spending it on my own. I wasn’t ever alone, Chris and his friends were there. But, it was still just me walking in each time feeling like the new kid in school until one day… magically… I wasn’t. For the first time, I could really see myself living there and building a life. I wasn’t sure what it would look like once Chris’ and my agreement was over, but I could start to imagine.
Now New Years Eve was only a week away. I always mourned the ending of the holidays, but there was something else about this one ending that particularly made me sad.
“So, what are your plans for tomorrow?” I asked as we returned our skates at closing. “Some big fancy celebration with your posh family I’m assuming?”
Chris shrugged and put his arm around my shoulders. “Not so much. I’ll probably sleep in, maybe go see a movie.”
I stopped in my tracks. “Wait… you don’t have anything going on tomorrow? What about your family?”
“You met my family. Levi, Lucy, Amanda…” He opened his phone and got to work on arranging a ride for us to go home.
“And your parents? Siblings? Grandparents?”
Chris shook his head as he wrapped up getting our transportation. “Haven’t seen my dad since I was a kid, my mom is off with… who knows who this year… no siblings, grandparents died after college, haven’t talked to anyone else in years.”
“Chris…”
He waved away my pity. “Trust me, it’s for the best. I’ve been spending the holidays with my friends ever since I moved here and I don’t want it any other way. They’re the best ones I’ve ever had. If you ever met my family, you’d understand.”
The car arrived and we climbed in. I relished the warmth of the vehicle but I couldn’t tell if I was numb from the cold or Chris’ declaration about his family life. Yet, he did genuinely seem happy. Especially tonight at the party and even ice skating. I fingered the keychain in my pocket and I realized he and I were still holding hands.
“Thank you for the gift,” I eventually said. “You really didn’t have to do that.”
“I didn’t want you to feel left out while we exchanged,” he answered as though it was nothing at all.
“I didn’t get you anything.”
He shook his head and ran his thumb against my hand. “Don’t worry about it.”
We chatted the rest of the ride until we got to my apartment. The car waited while Chris walked me to my door. It was something he always did at the end of each night. “You know, you did get me something,” he said.
I stopped searching for my keys and looked up at him. “What do you mean?”
“Well, you helped me avoid Alexis.”
“Not a gift - a deal.”
Chris chuckled. “Right. But… this month has been fun. Every Christmas in New York is the best but, this year was different. I don’t think I’ve ever had more fun going to all of those things as I have with you. So, thanks. This might be one of the best Christmases ever.”
I was stunned for a moment. I hadn’t been imagining things that we were having a great time. He’d liked it too. Who knew? “It’s been one of my best too,” I admitted. Wow, he was standing really close.
Chris smiled. “Good.”
“Good.”
I was surprised when his lips met mine, but it wasn’t unwelcome. I wasn’t sure who went in for the kiss first, him or me. Not that I cared. We may have been cold and tired, but I hadn’t been kissed like that in… well, ever. We’d exchanged kisses on the cheek or temple through the month for a good show, but never this. Not even when I kissed Terrance did I feel so warm and light.
“Well, that was a pretty great gift,” Chris said when we broke apart.
I laughed. “Yeah, it was.”
We stood there in front of my building for a few comfortable and quiet moments. “Do you want to do something tomorrow morning?” I asked.
“Lane, you don’t have to do that. I told you, I’m fine-”
“I’m just saying that I don’t have plans either. You can sleep in as long as you want but maybe we can have a Christmas brunch and see a movie or something like you said” I said. I ran my fingers through his, not wanting to let go. “It would be nice to do something… just us. You did the skating, I’ll do this.”
Chris looked down at our hands then at my face. “Sure, that sounds great.”
“Great.”
“I’ll give you a call in the morning then.”
“Okay.”
He kissed me one more time before I searched for my keys again and let myself in. I watched from the window as the car drove away and leaned against the glass.
Oh. My. God.
Did that actually just happen? Was I actually glad it happened?
Yes, I was.
Marveling at the turn of events I unwrapped my scarf and unbuttoned my coat and threw them in the closet. I’d barely changed into pajamas and gotten some sleepy time tea started when there was a buzz at the door. I wrapped a robe around myself and opened it. I gasped and took a step back.
“Terrance?”
He removed his knit hat, one I’d gotten for him the year before, getting snow all over the floor and his brown hair was ruffled. A small carry on size suitcase was at his feet. “Hey Lane. Merry Christmas.”
Next week is the conclusion! I hope you all have a Merry Christmas!
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My Most Anticipated Books for 2019
We only have a few more weeks left of 2018! What even is this life? But… it means we have a whole new batch of books to be excited for in the next year! I’m already making my list of books I want to be sure I pre-order and have holds at my library set to go!
Here are my most anticipated books of 2019 in order of release date. (At least the ones I’m aware of thus far.)
Even If I Fall by Abigail Johnson
Genre: YA Contemporary
Release Date: January 8
How I Plan to Obtain It: Library
Quick Summary: Dana takes a DNA test and discovers she has a secret half brother.
Back in July I read Abigail Johnson’s first book, If I Fix You, and absolutely loved it! In fact, I read it because I’d heard about this one which is being released in 2019 and wanted to get a taste of her writing beforehand. It did not disappoint and I can’t wait to see how this one is!
On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
Genre: YA Contemporary
Release Date: February 5
How I Plan to Obtain It: Already pre-ordered
Quick Summary: Bri wants to follow in the footsteps of her rapper dad who died before he could make it big, but plans change when her mom loses her job.
In case you haven’t heard, the book The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas is kind of a big deal. I absolutely loved it, but I sadly haven’t seen the movie yet. (I know… I fail at life. I’m sorry.) When I heard she had a second book coming out, I pre-ordered it almost immediately. I thought I heard On the Come Up was a sequel to THUG but it doesn’t say anything about that in the description on Goodreads. Either way, it’s gonna be fantastic if it’s anything like her first book.
The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons
Genre: Adult Fantasy
Release Date: January 5
How I Plan to Obtain It: Library
Quick Summary: When Kihrin finds out he’s a long lost prince, he finds it’s not all he expected it to be and instead of saving the kingdom, he needs to destroy it.
This is Jenn Lyons debut novel and OH GOODNESS doesn’t it look epic? It has all of those classic epic fantasy elements, but looks like it’ll have all new spins. I can’t wait.
Courting Darkness by Robin LaFevers
Genre: YA Historical Fantasy
Release Date: February 5
How I Plan to Obtain It: Purchase
Quick Summary: To help protect her sisters, Sybella travels to France with the duchess only to find herself surrounded by enemies and she must find her fellow death handmaidens.
I am obsessed with the original trilogy, His Fair Assassins. I mean… nuns who serve the god of death and work as his assassins? HOW CAN YOU NOT WANT TO READ THAT? All three books are completely fantastic and I fell in love with them. But… then that was it. The trilogy was over and I had to move on with my life.
But then. BUT THEN.
I saw on Goodreads maybe a year or two ago that she was writing another book set in the same world. YEARS LATER! This hardly ever happens! I thought Robin LaFevers had put down her writing hat. NOW WE HAVE A SPIN OFF DUOLOGY AND IT’S FINALLY HERE!
If you can’t tell… I’m really pumped for this book. I can’t wait to be reunited with these characters and meet new ones. It’s going to be amazing.
Children of Virtue and Vengeance (Legacy of Orisha #2) by Tomi Adeyami
Genre: YA Fantasy
Release Date: March 5
How I Plan to Obtain It: Purchase
Quick Summary: Zeile and Amari must deal with the consequences of the previous book and unite the maji.
The first book, Children of Blood and Bone was one of the big ones for 2018 and one of those “overnight success” author stories we all dream about. The book was fantastic (think The Hate U Give… but also epic fantasy with multiple POVs and a bit more romance) and I can’t wait to see where the rest of the series will go!
The Queen’s Resistance (The Queens’s Rising #2) by Rebecca Ross
Genre: YA Fantasy
Release Date: March 5
How I Plan to Obtain It: Purchase
Quick Summary: Brianna is settling into her new roles and must learn to balance them as well as prepare for the future.
The Queen’s Rising was a happy surprise for me this year and I immediately became obsessed with the book, the world, and these characters! The quick summary I provided is a poor representation of how great it looks, and I want to see what happens next!
The Women’s War by Jenna Glass
Genre: Adult Fantasy
Release Date: March 5
How I Plan to Obtain It: Library
Quick Summary (I stole this from Goodreads because it was too good): “In a high fantasy feminist epic, a revolutionary spell gives women the ability to control their own fertility—with consequences that rock their patriarchal society to its core.”
I found this book as I was perusing Goodreads to find 2019 releases for this blog post in case I missed any.
Um… did you read that summary? I read that in the book description and didn’t need to go further to know I had to read it immediately. High fantasy where the women control their fertility and it breaks down the patriarchy?
YES PLEASE!
Heroine by Mindy McGinnis
Genre: YA Contemporary
Release Date: March 12
How I Plan to Obtain It: Purchase
Quick Summary: Mickey never understood the stories about teens who would overdose. But when she gets into a car accident and can’t play softball, she finds her answers in that small white pill given to deal with the pain.
Mindy McGinnis has become one of my auto-read authors, and there are hardly any other authors I’d trust more than her to handle this sensitive topic.
The Perfect Assassin by KA Doore
Genre: Adult Fantasy
Release Date: March 19
How I Plan to Obtain It: Library
Quick Summary: Amastan serves the assassins of Ghadid who are now being murdered and she must find the culprit before she’s the next victim.
I’ve been following KA Doore on Twitter for some time now thanks to PitchWars, and I am so excited her debut novel is finally being released and that it’s already being hyped as one of 2019’s most anticipated fantasies!
The Red Scrolls of Magic by Cassandra Clare and Wesley Chu
Genre: Adult Urban Fantasy/Paranormal
Release Date: April 2
How I Plan to Obtain It: Library
Quick Summary: Magnus and Alec take a trip around the world while carrying The Book of White, and must evade those who want the book for themselves.
When the Shadowhunter books were first released, I was all about them. (The Infernal Devices are my fave and TEAM JEM FOREVER.) But, I’ve kind of gotten over the hype. I started to re-read them a year or two ago, then never finished.
Do you know who I’ll never tire of though from this series? MAGNUS BANE AND ALEC LIGHTWOOD.
There’s going to be a trilogy about them and written for an adult audience?
Yes please.
Storm of Locusts (The Sixth World #2) by Rebecca Roanhorse
Genre: Adult Urban Fantasy
Release Date: April 23
How I Plan to Obtain It: Library
Quick Summary: Maggie finds out a friend may have fallen in with a cult and goes on the search for them.
The first book in this new urban fantasy, Trail of Lightning, was SO SO good! It was dark, intense, and Maggie is a fantastic leading character. But then how it ended? I couldn’t believe she left it like that and I needed to know what happens next like…. yesterday.
Lady Hotspur by Tessa Gratton
Genre: Adult Fantasy
Release Date: April 30
How I Plan to Obtain It: Library
Quick Summary: A retelling of Henry IV where centuries after The Queens of Innis Lear, we follow the story of women who are heirs to the thrones of warring kingdoms.
I read The Queens of Innis Lear in October and it was good - but not amazing. However, I did love the concept and I’m totally willing to read this author again. It’s another Shakespeare play I’m not totally familiar with - but I expect a lot of bloody deaths led by three fantastic women.
The Dragon Republic (The Poppy Wars #2) by RF Kuang
Genre: Adult Fantasy
Release Date: May 2
How I Plan to Obtain It: Purchase
Quick Summary: After the third poppy war ends, Rin is on the run and out for revenge.
I cannot say enough good things about the first book and Kuang’s debut novel, The Poppy War. It’s safe to say I’m 100% here for all of the fantasy novels featuring bad ass women who have intense dark streaks. Rin is a compelling character, the magic is fascinating, and it’s an amazing look into Chinese history and folklore. Also, isn’t this cover completely gorgeous?
The World of Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas
Genre: YA Fantasy
Release Date: September 3
How I Plan to Obtain It: Purchase
Quick Summary: It’s a guide to the world of Throne of Glass.
Do I need a guide/encyclopedia for the Throne of Glass books? Probably not.
Do I want one?
Obviously.
Is it just a marketing ploy so they can get more money?
Probably.
Do I care?
Not really.
Besides, there are so many names and places in this series that even ridiculous fangirls like me have a hard time keeping them straight.
Darkdawn (Nevernight Chronicles #3) by Jay Kristoff
Genre: Adult Fantasy
Release Date: September 3
How I Plan to Obtain It: Purchase
Quick Summary: In the final book of the Nevernight trilogy, Mia goes on a quest to find the origins of the darkin.
AHHHHHHHH THE FINAL NEVERNIGHT BOOK IS COMING!
I don’t know if I can handle it. This trilogy is so intense, but amazing. This book was supposed to come out in 2018 but the release date got pushed back to 2019. (Considering it was supposed to be the same day as Kingdom of Ash, for me personally this was probably a good thing because my feels would be a mess.) If you want a dark fantasy with a unique and snarky voice, you absolutely need to read these books!
Crescent City by Sarah J Maas
No cover has been given yet! Not even a stand in.
Genre: Adult Fantasy
Release Date: September 3? Maybe?
How I Plan to Obtain It: Purchase
Quick Summary: After her best friend is brutally murdered, Sidhe goes on the hunt for the killer.
Sarah J Maas is writing a new fantasy series but this time it’s not YA and it’s written for adults. (As some of her other books should have been…)
Have you not met me?????
I need it immediately.
I don’t need to know anything else. Just take my money.
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
Genre: Adult Fantasy
Release Date: November 5
How I Plan To Obtain It: Purchase
Quick Summary: When graduate student Zachary picks up an old book and is entranced, he discovers a story about his own childhood and a mysterious doorway to a subterranean library.
Sorry Sarah J Maas… in a matter of a single Instagram post, Erin Morgernstern beat you for most anticipated book of 2019.
Some context for you all: Morgenstern’s debut novel, The Night Circus, is my all time favorite book (other than Harry Potter - obviously). She hasn’t written anything in the last 7 years. Then she posted on Instagram that she has a new book being released in November of 2019.
I’m pretty sure I had a panic attack. Or maybe a fangirl attack. I couldn’t really breathe.
I would read this author’s grocery lists. I don’t care what she writes. I need it in my possession. I can’t believe I have to wait a whole year for this book. If someone were to put a gun to my head and demanded I read only one new release for 2019, it would be this one hands down no questions asked.
Wicked Hour (Heirs of Chicagoland #2) by Chloe Neill
Genre: Adult Urban Fantasy
Release Date: December 3
How I Plan to Obtain It: Purchase
Quick Summary: No description yet!
The first book in Chloe’ Neill’s spin off series from the Chicagoland Vampires wasn’t the greatest of all time. However, I still really enjoyed it and I love the world she’s created, and the end did make me curious as to where the series was going. Besides, the characters are all great and even if I just have glimpses of my faves from the original series I’ll be happy!
Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell
Genre: YA Fantasy
Release Date: TBA
How I Plan to Obtain It: Purchase
Quick Summary: All we know is that this is the sequel to her book Carry On.
Why yes, I will be singing “Carry On My Wayward Son” and think about the TV show Supernatural every time this book appears or comes up in conversation. You’ve been warned.
Anyway. This book was supposed to release in 2020, but it was bumped up to 2019! Woo hoo! We don’t have an exact date yet, but it’s coming. Carry On isn’t my all time favorite of Rainbow Rowell’s books, but I do love Simon and Baz (aka - Harry/Draco slash fiction) and am totally on board for reading more of their adventures.
What books are you all looking forward to in 2019? What makes something an absolute read for you?
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Merry in Manhattan - Part 2
Welcome back to part 2 of Merry in Manhattan to see some of the adventures Lane and Chris go on. (Even if it’s a little late… Sorry!) It’s been really fun to write so far! If you missed part one, click here.
The room was pitch black save for the shining menorah at the head table and the dozens of glow in the dark sticks, bracelets, and necklaces which the guests wore and lined the tables all in blue and white.
“This is incredible,” I said.
“You’re not in Kansas anymore, Dorothy,” he answered and passed me a bright blue cocktail rimmed with sugar.
“Definitely not.” I took a sip of the sweet drink while also eyeing the dessert table filled with sufganiyot, chocolate coins, and marzipan. It made my mouth water. “So, who are the traditional guests I need to convince that I’m your girlfriend? I need to be sure that I’m putting on a good show.”
“Well-”
“CHRIS! You made it!”
I almost covered my ears from the shriek that caused everyone in the vicinity to cringe and stop their conversations for a moment. A petite woman with curly brown hair which made her almost a foot taller bounced through the crowd and waved frantically at Chris and I. He promptly wrapped an arm around my waist with his free hand and pulled me close to his side. Her smile only faltered for a moment before returning to it’s startling sparkle which could be seen even in the dark room.
Looked liked my acting career needed to start immediately.
“Alexis, hi. I didn’t know you were going to be here.”
Alexis tossed her hair and playfully swatted at Chris’ shoulder. “Oh you did too! And who’s this?” Her smile remained bright but a thin sheen of ice clouded her eyes when she looked at me.
Huh. Well. This was interesting. People who were “traditional” needing him to have a date my ass. I could watch him squirm a bit and let this woman chase after him all night but… no new office and nothing to do the rest of the month. He’d probably find one of his other girls to tag along.
“I’m Lane,” I said and stuck my hand out for her to shake it. She took it hesitantly then I pulled mine away abruptly let it land on Chris’ arm. I clung to him like fly paper. “It’s so nice to meet you! I can’t believe Chrissy-boo hasn’t mentioned me!” I ruffled his hair for good measure and he tensed under my grip. If this was what he wanted me to do, he was going to get the whole nine yards.
“Lane… I thought we agreed you wouldn’t call me that in public,” Chris said through a grin.
I lay my head on his broad shoulder and looked at him through my lashes. “I just can’t help myself!”
Alexis waved her hand between Chris and I. “So… you’re together?”
“We don’t like to put labels on things…” Chris started to say.
“A few weeks now! And it’s been perfect,” I cooed over him.
Alexis’ smile faltered again but to her credit, she was really trying hard to not let us see. “Wow. That’s… that’s so great! Anyway, it was so good to see you. I’m gonna get a drink. Do you need a drink? I need a drink. Catch up later? Bye!”
She scampered off in the direction of the bar and I gave her a tiny wave. Once she was out of sight I pushed Chris aside. “You liar!”
Chris’ eyes went wide as he tried to keep his drink from spilling. “What?”
I put my hand on my hip. “You said you needed me because the people hosting these parties were ‘traditional.’ You just need someone to be here so that you don’t get any unwanted attention.”
Chris groaned and wrapped his free arm around my shoulders and we walked through the party. He waved and smiled to people he knew as he spoke. “She’s my best friends cousin and we run in the same circles. Especially this time of year and get invited to the same parties. I couldn’t stand another year of her chasing after me.” We pushed past a small crowd and placed our drinks on a tall table wrapped in glow sticks. Chris rested his arm on the table and leaned forward. “It’s not like you are mad about not going home because of their grand Christmas celebrations though.”
My jaw dropped. “Yes I am!”
Chris raised his brows. “And your ex has nothing to do with it?”
I stammered and took a sip of my drink. “I … what? No… how do you know about him?”
“You talk about your hometown a lot. It doesn’t take a genius to put together that Terrance wasn’t a mere acquaintance.”
I took a larger sip of the drink and set it back on the table with a clunk. I really needed to watch what I was saying around the office. “We were engaged. High school sweethearts. The whole nine yards. He does real estate there and is basically a hometown hero.”
“For selling houses?”
“For winning football state championship in high school. Apparently that qualifies him to tell people where to live now.” I traced the rim of my glass with the tip of my finger then licked the sugar off. “We’d been growing apart for awhile, especially when I was in grad school. He never wanted to come to New York and I think that was why I stayed home for so long. Anyway, we broke up and I knew it was a good time to leave. He wasn’t happy that I’d left though and said I’d fail but he’d be waiting there for me when I realized it.”
Chris grimmaced. “Ouch.”
“Yeah. He wasn’t that great of a guy it turns out. So, I was kind of looking forward to shoving my New York success in his face over Christmas.”
Chris raised his glass. “Now that’s true holiday spirit!” He dug around in his pockets until a phone appeared. He came to my side and held it in front of us. “Say cheese!” Before I could smile the photo was taken.
“What is that for?” I pulled away from him and finished my drink.
“You want revenge on your ex? Crawling back home and talking up New York won’t do it. Your family leaving on a cruise is the best thing that could have happened to you because now you can be here and showing off your life without even thinking about Terrance.”
I leaned against the table and considered this. “That doesn’t seem a bit high schoolish?”
Chris scoffed. “You really think any of us have matured past the age of 18? Besides, you know I’m right.”
I looked at the phone and cringed at the awful photo. “Fine. But we take another picture.”
We pulled in close once again and he wrapped his arm around me and just as he took the photo he kissed my cheek. Which… wasn’t awful to be honest. He had really soft lips. He posted it to his social media and a moment later I had a notification that I’d been tagged. It was a weirdly convincing image. I smiled as I looked at it.
“Why are you being so nice?” I asked.
Chris shrugged. “Christmas… well… Hanukkah spirit you can say.”
“Well, thank you.”
“Hey, you’re the one doing me a favor by keeping Alexis away.”
“And you’re giving me your office.” I put my phone away and stood up straight, ready to face the rest of the party. “So, what event do we have next?”
Chris only smiled.
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NaNoWriMo 2018 Recap
Another year, another National Novel Writing Month in the books. I won, barely making it to my 50,000 word goal. It was a bit of a different November for me. Instead of the usual starting a new book from scratch, I decided to dedicate the month to revisions for White Rose so it would be prepared for at least beta readers - if not to query - at the start of 2019.
Going into November, I was so excited. I was coming off of PitchWars, and while I didn’t get chosen, I still had such an awesome experience (and still am!) learning from other writers. I’ve gotten so much help and guidance, and in preparation for November to get into my revisions I felt like I was taking a class in first pages, structure, voice, and outlining. I took notes, filled out my spreadsheets, and went to reworking my book. I thought I was prepared.
Then the first week of November went through and I realized I wasn’t nearly as prepared as I thought. I hardly knew my characters at all! All of the scenes were still in the wrong place! Everything I wrote on the page felt wrong!
I had what I thought was this amazing spread on my Scrivener doc with notes of what I needed to fix for each scene, the old version of the scene for reference, then a blank page for the new version. That sounds prepared, right?
In a way… I guess I was. There were some changes that were great and I could tell I was going in the right direction. For the most part though, something felt off. But I couldn’t tell what it was.
I sought advice for figuring out my characters and structure and it helped for sure - but something was still wrong.
About half way through the month, I was perpetually behind. Most days I did write, but not enough to keep up with my word count goal. Once I hit a certain word count each day, I was thankful my writing session was over and closed my laptop. But then would feel guilty for not getting more done.
One day, I was listening to the Writing Excuses podcast and they were talking about writers block. They said that sometimes writers block comes from trying to fix words that were already there instead of starting over.
This was the case for me. I kept on going back to my old scenes and chapters, thinking I could just revise and tweak the parts that needed fixing - when I just needed an entire overhaul. In fact, the days when I enjoyed my book the most was when I wasn’t going back to my old work and doing something brand new. That needed to be my new approach!
Easier said than done.
It worked… for a bit.
Then, about three weeks in, I had some down-time in the middle of the day and I took a good look at my spreadsheets tracking out my scenes and the major plot points of my book. Finally - it hit me.
I’d been structuring my book wrong the whole time. I’d been ending my first act in entirely the wrong place! I played and rearranged and all of the sudden - I saw my book. Or at least the first half of it. It made so much more sense!
I put together a brand new outline, rearranged all of my scenes in Scrivener, made note of everything I was going to have to delete later (there’s a lot of it) and got to work. I made a catch up plan (I was around 10,000 words behind) and announced it on Twitter. Which, is a big key to how I was able to keep going. Having other people comment back on my tweets with words of encouragement helped me to keep going. (Thank you!) November 30th, I slid in with just over 50,000 words.
Some things that I learned over those four weeks…
I need to be willing to take the crazy risks. I get worried that if I make THE BIG CHANGE, it’ll ruin my book. But, I’ll never know where my book goes if I don’t try. A lot of times that big change I’m afraid of is actually what I need.
But, if that big change doesn’t work- that doesn’t mean my book is ruined. I can always go back to how it was before and try again.
I also need to stop putting so much pressure on myself to have my revisions done by a certain time. Having goals is awesome - but I have to learn to forgive myself if I don’t make that goal exactly. There’s no rush or time frame I have to query, be signed by an agent, or have a book deal. If I need space to figure out the structure of my book, I need to give it to myself. There’s a whole lot about this pressure I put on myself I could talk about, but that’s another topic for another time.
Ultimately though, as I always learn, I know I am capable of doing this. Of getting those words on the page and telling a story. Most Novembers, I think “what if the other years were a fluke?”, “what if I’m not capable of pounding out a story any more?”, “what if this book just is bad and I need to quit now?” Then, like most years before, I still finished.
It’s not perfect, and there’s still so much work to do. But I’m 50,000 words closer.
How did NaNoWriMo go for everyone else?
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Merry in Manhattan - Part 1
I saw this on Twitter a few days ago and I might have gotten inspired…
I’m waiting for a reverse Hallmark Christmas Movie about a small town girl who realizes her community’s politics are terrible, moves to Manhattan, gets a high pressure office job, meets a businessman, and they host a non-denominational holiday party at their penthouse.
— Jennifer Wright (@JenAshleyWright) December 1, 2018
Which is great because Flash Fiction Friday has been MIA for a majority of 2018. The story I came up with with a 3-parter (maybe 4, we’ll see how it goes), the word count for each definitely go over the 1,000 word mark, but are still nice and short for you, and not quite the same as described in the tweet. However, I definitely think that city-based Christmas stories are highly underrated. Who says that small towns are the only ones who have the “real” spirit of Christmas?
“What do you mean you’re going on a cruise?” My stainless steel travel mug clattered to the ground and I stooped to retrieve it while processing Mom’s announcement.
“You know how I’ve always wanted to go on one, and the weather here is so miserable this time of year. Besides, Carla found such a great deal!” Mom’s voice was bubbly and cheerful while I crawled around my desk in search of where my mug had rolled underneath it. “Besides, just the other day you were telling me how pretty New York is at Christmas. It’s your first one in the big city and you should enjoy it!”
There it was. Of course it had rolled directly in the middle of the executive size desk where it was most difficult to reach. I put mom on speaker phone and lay on my stomach to nab the bandit coffee mug. “I know but…”
“Aw, Lane, Honey, if I knew you’d take it so hard I would have told Carol I wouldn’t go. Maybe she can get a refund…”
The disappointment in her voice was almost too much to handle. “No, Mom. It’s fine. You’ve always wanted to go on a cruise and you hate the winter so this will be perfect for you. I’ll mail you your gift before you leave and just be sure to send me a picture of you opening it Christmas morning.”
Her tone changed immediately. “Of course! And I’ll do the same. Okay sweetie, I’ll talk to you later. Lots to do! Bye!”
She disconnected the conversation and I slumped against the floor. The damn coffee mug was still out of reach. This was not a day to go without caffeine.
“Having trouble?” a male voice asked.
Damn. I should not have worn a skirt.
“I’m fine.” I bumped my head on the desk and rubbed it gingerly as I attempted to sit as elegantly as possible. While on the floor. While searching for my morning coffee.
My co-worker Chris raised a mocking eyebrow and leaned against the door frame, hands in his Armani dress pant pockets. His blonde hair was perfectly combed with a sweep that didn’t even need any gel to make it stay there.
The bastard.
“You enjoy lying on the floor?” he asked.
“When my coffee has rolled under my desk, yes, I do.” I climbed to my feet and tried have some sense of dignity.
“Want some help?”
“No.” Then I pictured my coffee mug rotting underneath my desk for the next several hours and the coffee going cold because there was no way I was getting back down there to get it. “Yes.”
Chris pushed off the door frame and got to his knees. At least the man had a great ass. Yes, I was checking it out. No, I did not feel guilty because he totally did the same to me when I was on the floor as well.
“You know I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation,” he said.
I was already typing away on my phone with a message to my boss to let her know I was available to work over the holidays. “Hm?”
Chris emerged from under the desk and lifted the mug triumphantly. “Your phone was on speaker. Looks like you’re spending Christmas here.”
The phone binged with an incoming message. THANKS LANE! FEEL FREE TO TAKE THE HOLIDAYS OFF THOUGH. YOU’VE EARNED IT!
I groaned. What happened to the big time city bosses who were absolute Scrooge’s and made everyone work on the holidays? Now I wouldn’t even have that to distract me from how I’d be spending Christmas alone this year. I swiped the mug out of Chris’ hand and slumped in my desk chair. “Yeah… I’ll be here.”
I went back to my phone. NO PROBLEM. LET ME KNOW IF YOU NEED ME!
He perched on the edge of the desk. “Don’t sound so excited about it.”
“Sorry, I was looking forward to going home.”
“You hate going home.”
“No I don’t.”
Chris picked up the tiny snow globe I used as a paperweight and shook it. “Yes you do. Leading up to Thanksgiving all you did was complain, then when you got back you kept on complaining.”
I opened my email for the day and started to click through it. “That is not true.”
Chris tossed the snow globe and caught it again. “Yes it is. It’s boring.”
Accurate.
“They have awful politics.”
Accurate.
“They’re closed minded.”
Accurate.
“And you felt suffocated there.”
Also accurate.
I looked away from the computer. “Do I really talk about my hometown that much?”
He placed the snow globe back on the desk. “You really do.”
I took a sip of coffee to hide my embarrassment. My family had lived in a small town for generations, and I never felt like I fit in there. After finishing up grad school, I took a job at a startup advertising business to save up money and make a name for myself, then stayed far longer than anticipated. Finally, I’d had enough of it all and a few months ago applied for a position in New York and was hired.
The truth of it was, moving was harder than I anticipated. New York was wonderful and all I imagined - or was sure it was if I ever had the chance to see it. Work took up most of my time and the little space in my schedule I had free, was spent in my tiny apartment with take out and Netflix. Not having any friends in the city killed one’s social life. The prospect of spending a week back home with all of the lights, carols, and snow and being with my family for a bit was something I was looking forward to.
Although, the delivery guys and I were becoming quite familiar.
I tapped on the keyboard without actually typing anything. “It’s just that Christmas is the one thing my town does right.”
“I spend Christmas in New York every year and they absolutely do it right. Way better than this little town you always moan about.”
I raised my brows. “Obviously, you’ve never watched Hallmark movies.”
Chris crossed his arms. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
I pushed the laptop aside and leaned forward. “What I mean is that Christmas is kind of a small town thing. It’s what all the movies are about. Big city girl goes back to a little village and experiences the true meaning of the holidays.”
Chris threw his head back and laughed. “That’s the biggest piece of bullshit I’ve ever heard in my life.”
My jaw dropped. “It is not bullshit!”
“New York does the holidays better than anywhere else. You just have been trapped in this office too much to bother seeing it.” He gestured toward the window which, if you turned your head enough and stood in the corner you might have been able to have a glimpse of the skyline beyond the brick wall. “Look, I might have a solution.”
I sipped my coffee. “Oh really?”
“Yes, really. The thing is, I have a favor to ask of you.”
I leaned back in my chair and it was my turn to laugh. “You have a favor to ask of me? Is that why you’re being so nice today?”
“I’m always nice.”
He wasn’t.
Chris removed himself from my desk and went to the window. “The thing is, I have a few events I need to attend over the holidays and those who are hosting them are… traditional… let’s say.”
I turned my chair so I could face him. “Traditional?”
“Yes. They require my having a plus one.”
I laughed again. “You want me to be your date?”
He stuffed his hands back into his pockets. “Plus one. If those in attendance assume you are my date, I may or may not correct them.”
“And you couldn’t find any of your other bimbos to accompany you?” He was always bragging about all of the dates he’d been on each weekend, making me want to stuff my ears with cotton.
He raised a finger as to make a point. “First of all, there is no room for girl on girl hate. That’s very closed minded of you to call them bimbos.”
“I didn’t know you were so woke,” I said over my mug and crossed one leg over the other.
He raised another finger. “Second of all, you don’t do anything or meet anyone, so you aren’t in a position to be turning down invitations unless you want to become a hermit.”
“I can meet people if I -”
He raised a third finger. “And third of all, I’ll make it worth your while.”
I strummed my fingers against the coffee mug. “You’ll make it worth my while?”
Chris leaned against the window. “If you come with me to these events, you not only will learn the true spirit of Christmas in a way only New York can teach it, but I’ll also give you my office. You’ve been lusting after it ever since you came on board.”
I almost dropped my mug again. His office was one of the best in the building. Placed in a corner, windows that overlooked the whole city, and a mini bar. It was like walking into Mad Men.
“What?” I stood and joined him at the window. “Your office is huge! Why… what? Why would you do that?”
He shrugged. “Think of it as a Christmas gift.”
“And all I have to do is go to your events?”
“That’s all you have to do. Well… it wouldn’t hurt if assumptions were made about our relationship so, you might have to act a bit.”
“So I need to pretend to be your girlfriend.” It made the offer significantly less appealing.
He rocked his head back and forth. “It would be helpful.”
“And no one else can help you?”
Chris shrugged again. “Everyone else in the office is married or not interested in men.”
Another fact which was completely accurate. I sipped on my coffee and looked Chris up and down. He may have been a self centered lawyer, but he was charming enough, and attractive. More than attractive - he was downright hot. Even I couldn’t deny that. Yet, would this be something he’d lord over me for the rest of time? I didn’t want to get pulled into his shenanigans. Yet, the prospect of spending every night in December alone in my apartment while my parents and their friends were away on a cruise enjoying themselves was not something I looked forward to.
“We’ll need to have a break up plan,” I said.
“A break up plan?”
I nodded. “Once the holidays are over I have zero intentions of being your plus one to other events. When’s the last one?”
“New Years Eve.”
Of course it was.
“Fine. Once New Years is here the plan is over and you’ll have to tell all of these… acquaintances… that we’ve broken up.”
“Sure, why not? I wouldn’t want to go out with you any more anyway. This is strictly professional.”
“Thank God.”
He walked back to the door of my office and out to the hallway. “I’ll send you the details for tonight.” He called over his shoulder. “And be sure you wear something decent so you can at least pretend to be a local.”
Before I could give a reply he was already gone and down the hallway. Well… that took care of my being bored over Christmas at least. I went back to my desk and worked on catching up on everything so I’d have the weekend free. A few minutes later an email from Chris popped onto the screen.
I pinched my brows together as I read. “What the hell am I supposed to wear to a glow in the dark Hanukkah cocktail party?”
To be continued next week!
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November Reading Round Up
Thanks to NaNoWriMo and… life… I read basically nothing in November. I thought I would be able to squeeze in more but it just didn’t happen. One book I started in October then finished at the start of November. One book was one of my highly anticipated and turned out to be a temporary DNF. Then the last one was interesting but didn’t grab me enough to put down my writing and keep reading and ended up finishing at the start of December.
The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy (Montague Siblings #2) by Mackenzi Lee
Genre: YA Historical/Fantasy (LGTBQIA+ rep)
Format: Hardcover
Rating: 4 stars
Quick Summary: Felicity tries to enroll in medical school but isn’t accepted, so she seeks out a childhood friend who is engaged to her idol to obtain her education.
First off, that summary doesn’t do the plot justice at all - but it was really hard to do when I wanted to keep it to once sentence. What can you do?
I adore the first book in this duology, The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue a really ridiculous amount. Monty is my precious baby. Needless to say, I was excited for the second book.
In a sense, this could be a companion novel. You may be able to read this one without reading the first and still be able to follow the plot. I don’t recommend it though because you’ll miss out on SO MUCH extra context. Which, in a way was one of the downfalls of the book. I cared about Felicity and this story because I read the first book and I already went into it caring about Felicity. This book relied on trusting that the reader already cared a bit too much. Yes, it’s a sequel, but this is also it’s own story, and it let the first book do too much of the heavy lifting.
For me, the plot didn’t really pick up until about half way through. I enjoyed it the first half, but it wasn’t spectacular. Overall, that was my feeling the whole book. It was good, I loved what it was doing, I liked the themes of feminism and identity and exploring Felicity’s asexuality, etc. But it didn’t have that little extra… spark… Gentleman’s Guide had.
You’ll like this book if you also enjoy: Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue, sea dragons, lady pirates, feminism, women in STEM, friendship themes, arranged marriages, historical, a hint of fantasy
Content warnings: addiction, violence, bloody wounds, medical procedures, racism, sexism
Lethal White (Cormoran Strike #4) by Robert Galbraith (JK Rowling)
Genre: Adult Thriller/Mystery
Format: Hardcover
Rating: Temporary Did Not Finish
Quick Summary: A disturbed man arrives at Strike’s office with the story of a child who was murdered he claims he witnessed, sending Cormoran and Robin on a twisting trail through Parliament.
UGH. I was so excited for this book. I loved the third Strike book, Career of Evil and it left the audience on such a cliffhanger and we had to wait TWO YEARS to find out what happened.
The resolution of said climax was handled in the prologue and it left me completely unsatisfied. But, I knew it wasn’t really resolved so I kept going. The rest of the book though?
Meh.
I honestly don’t even remember much of what happened of the little I did read. It didn’t grab me and pull me in. I’m definitely going to go back to this book, because when I talked to some friends they said they feel like all of these books are a bit slow but still end up being enjoyable. Also, I love these characters so much that I know I’ll want to read book five when it eventually comes out as well. I just have to come back to Lethal White when I have more time to focus on it.
You’ll like this book if you also enjoy: I honestly don’t know because I can’t remember what happened so far.
Content warnings: Reference to a child being murdered, PTSD, unhealthy relationships
Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
Genre: Adult Fantasy (Maybe YA… slightly unclear with this one.)
Format: Library Hardcover
Rating: 4 stars
Quick Summary: The daughter of a money-lender gets a reputation for turning pennies into gold and it grabs the attention of the king.
Technically I finished this in December (yesterday) but it was before this post went up so… there we go.
I liked Uprooted by the same author and with this being a retelling I was definitely intrigued. It followed the points of view of three different young women, (more were added through the book, but it mainly focused on them) which I really liked, particularly since my favorite element of Uprooted was the friendship. However, the reader never got a heads up of who’s POV we were in when, which makes it slightly confusing and takes me out of the book. After awhile I got used to it and I was able to get into the book more.
It’s a slower and quieter read, but still enjoyable. What I loved was how it truly captured the feeling of winter. If you want an atmospheric book for these cold months, this is definitely a good one! You read it and want to curl up next to the fire with some hot cocoa and a blanket.
Spinning Silver is a it slower to get into, but I’m so glad I stuck it through to the end. It really was wonderful and I loved how it all wrapped up.
You’ll Like This Book if You Also Enjoy: quieter fantasy, atmospheric books, incredibly slow burn romance, hate to love, winter, fairy tale retellings
Content Warnings: fire, death, burning, child abuse, alcohol abuse, kidnapping, demon possession, poverty
What did you read in November? Any other Cormoran Strike fans who are riding the struggle bus with this most recent installment?
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Book Recommendations- Relateable Characters
When I was looking for a topic for this week, I sought out my friends who run the Monthly Recommendations group on Goodreads to see what their topic was for the month. It was “relateable characters.” I thought that was perfect because there’s a ton of characters I’ve related to in all of the books I’ve read!
It was actually much harder than I thought it would be -especially if I wanted to have a variety of age levels and genres. A majority of the characters I’ll talk about are from young adult contemporary books. It’s not that I don’t relate to characters in other genres and age groups. I completely do! But it’s more of the “I get that emotion” or there’s moments where I relate, but for the character as a whole… not as much. Which I like. So much of reading is putting yourself in the shoes of characters who are not like you. Let’s be real, my life is nothing like most of the ones you’ll read in a fantasy. Yet, even in adult contemporary, a majority of the time my life looks nothing like theirs. Which honestly, should be a blog post in it of itself with my gripes on how adult fiction is written.
But we’ll save that for another time.
Anyways. Here is my list!
Simon from Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
Simon was the first character I thought of! While I’m not a 16 year old boy who’s coming out of the closet, there’s something about him I completely connected to. The way he interacted with his friends and family, the insecurities and emotions, they were all things which were so on point not just for when I was a teenager, but even now as an adult.
Molly from The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli
In the same vein as Simon, Molly from Albertalli’s second book was relateable in a way where I could see myself as a teenager, but also as an adult. It was in a different way than Simon though because this premise was 100% me. A girl who has had a million crushes, but never actually dated anyone. This was me in high school to a “t” and it’s still me now. Her reasoning and mindset behind all of it I connected to in a way I never have been able to with other books.
Christy from the Christy Miller series by Robin Jones Gunn
My thoughts and feeling on the Christy Miller books have changed drastically since I first read them in high school. But, I can’t deny the impact these books had on me back then and all the way through college. Even as an adult when I read a book in one of the spin-off series, while I didn’t agree with a lot of directions it took, the situations the characters went through I completely connected with. I remember when I first read Summer Promise as a 13 year old, my thoughts were “did this author read my mind? This character is me exactly.”
John from I Am Not a Serial Killer by Dan Wells
This one is a bit of a stretch considering that I’m not a teenage boy with sociopathic tendencies. However - he grew up in a morgue and I grew up in a funeral home so I was SO EXCITED to read this. Cause no one else really has much experience growing up around dead people.
Cath from Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
My love for Fangirl knows no bounds, and so much of it is because of how much I love Cath. This is one of the first books which really put a focus on people who were “fangirls” (particularly of Harry Potter) and along with it, writers. While fan fiction was never a big part of my Harry Potter fan experience, it still took me back to those days when we were waiting for each book to be released. Then, it was also one of the first books where I connected on the level of being a writer. Most books and movies get pretty eye-rolly when they depict writers (which is weird cause it’s writers writing about ourselves?) but this one I felt really got what it’s like. Beyond that, I also connected to her thoughts and insecurities of starting college. While my experience was slightly more close to her sister’s, there were still a lot of moments where I remembered it all from my own college days.
Bridget from The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares
All four of these characters are completely relateable. However, there was something about Bridget which rang true to me. Bridget is extreme, and the reasons for the directions her mind goes are completely different than mine. However, I can see so much of the same thought patterns and while I’m not as extreme as she is, I can see how I could be pushed to be so.
Elide from the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J Maas
I had to pick one person from the Throne of Glass books! It was hard though because as much as I’d love to say I’m like Aelin or Mannon… I’m just not. Elide though, I could for sure see.
She’s one of the few characters with a disability which I actually really liked, which is really rare for me. I loved how she was small and most people tended to look her over and underestimate her abilities. Most of the time, Elide we learn does this on purpose. But, I could connect to the idea of people underestimating you at first glance. Then, we see how she totally has a sassy attitude and ends up having a lot of friends who would surprise others. A lot of “wait… THAT person is your friend? But they’re so scary!”
Elide is amazing, and I relate to her while also wanting to be more like her.
Annith from His Fair Assassin trilogy by Robin LaFevers
I love all three of these ladies in His Fair Assassin, but when I read Anith’s book (the third one), I truly saw myself when it came to faith. Most books if they ever address issues of faith, a lot of times it’s a “conversion” story. Annith was a character who always had a connection to her faith for as long as she could remember, and I loved seeing that portrayed because it truly was on point for how I connected to my own religion.
Everyone in Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
No, I could not pick only one character from this book to talk about! This is one of the few adult contemporary novels I could truly see myself and relate to. Lincoln has moved back in with his parents, isn’t dating anyone, trying to figure out his next steps and what he wants to do, and is also a complete nerd. Then, we have Beth and Jennifer and OH GOODNESS do I love their emails! They remind me of messages my friends and I send to one another. They’re complete friendship goals.
Hazel in The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
No, I never had cancer when I was a teen. However, I was in and out of the hospital all of the time as a kid and there were so many things Hazel talked about in connection with her illness that I could connect to in regards to my disability. It was one of the first books where it was honest and real about it, and I found myself nodding “YES! THIS!”
Merit from The Chicagoland Vampires series by Chloe Neill
Okay, so I might not be a vampire and in a relationship with a super sexy vampire master guy and know how to wield a sword. HOWEVER. The Chicago stuff? ON POINT. The Chicago food cravings? ACCURATE. Also, Merit started as a stubborn nerdy girl who loved to read about fairy tales. Um… that’s totally me. If I had randomly been attacked by a vampire and named sential for a vampire house, I could see myself being similar to Merit.
How about you? Which characters have you been able to find yourself relating to?
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My Holiday Romance Book Haul & 'Tis The Season-A-Thon TBR
Here in the US Thanksgiving is only 2 days away! How did this happen? I should start fasting so I have room for all of the turkey.
(Kidding… kidding…)
For me and my family, once our Thanksgiving dinner plates are empty we go into all out Christmas mode! 99.9% of the time we wait until the day after. But… I’d be lying if I said there hasn’t been the Thanksgiving night or two where we’ve decided to put the tree up while watching Miracle on 34th Street. (To be fair - that movie starts on Thanksgiving day so… it’s totally okay.)
Last Christmas, I learned I loved reading holiday romances. In fact, that was all I read. I did some re-reads of old favorites, and everything else was holiday themed. It was so fun! I absolutely love the holidays and loved having things which were fun and light to read. The holidays can be stressful enough, I don’t need heavier literature and fantasy to add to it. (Not that I don’t love dramatic/serious books. I do! Just… not in December.) If I’m crying, I want it to be because I’m happy or laughing.
So… I might have gone a tad overboard with my ebook buying for my holiday TBR. A couple of months ago I saw them popping up on Amazon and on my Twitter feeds and… well… you’ll see. On the plus side, all of these books were under $4.
What as even better, is that all of these also work for the ‘Tis the Season-a-Thon happening December 3-9!
(Yes, all of these are romance, they’re all adult, and I’m assuming they all have at least one steamy scene.)
Frozen by LA Casey
No… this book isn’t about the Disney movie. Although… a Snow Queen inspired holiday romance book actually sounds like a great idea. ::adds to my stories to write someday list::
This book is a hate-to-love holiday romance where the characters have hated each other since childhood and are now vying for the same last minute Christmas gift for their niece and nephew. The catch? There’s only one left at the toy store. So… basically it’s Jingle All the Way minus Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sinbad and add romance.
I also can totally see myself one day being this aunt for my niece. Her saying she wants a certain toy for Christmas and I go battle it out on Christmas Eve at the toy store.
Let the Hunger Games begin!
Love Rekindled at Christmas by Evelyn Issacks, Elizabeth Kysian, Diana Lloyd, Eve Pendle, and Elizabeth Watson
Firstly - all 2018 proceeds for this book go toward Planned Parenthood.
All of these are historical romance holiday novellas about couples who may have had some steam in the past and it’s being reignited. Second chances, childhood sweethearts, being snowed in, scandals, road trips… basically everything you could possibly want in this genre of book. I’m liking the idea of novellas and short stories around the holidays because if you didn’t like one story it’s okay since it didn’t take you too much time and there’s more to follow! Also, you don’t feel as stressed out trying to finish a whole book. You can read one story and feel accomplished. No stress!
How the Dukes Stole Christmas by Tessa Dare, Sarah MacLean, Sophie Jordan, and Joanna Shupe
Okay… if it wasn’t for the fact that all of these authors are fabulous, the title alone sold me. I also really want to wear the cover model’s dress.
Each of these novellas are re-imaginings of classic holiday stories and they all feature dukes. So… what else do we need to know? It’s going to be amazing and probably the first book I pick up the moment I’ve finished my Thanksgiving turkey.
Joy to the Earl by Nicola Davidson
Another one where the title alone sold me on reading this book. What can I say? I love a cheesy holiday pun.
Our hero has a disability who finds out that he just so happens to have a secret inheritance. (And I’m assuming looses his shirt somewhere along the way if the cover is any indication.) Woo hoo! Merry Christmas! Apparently, he’s also a virgin which I happen to find super swoony. Most of the time you have heroes who are rouges and ladies men. Instead, it’s the woman who has the reputation. So, I find this refreshing.
Let it Snow by Jessica Calla, Jennifer Acres, Joel Bain, JP Dailing, Cindy Dorminy, Jordin Kay, KD Proctor, and Larissa Weatherall
Another anthology! This time, it’s contemporary romance and all of the novellas take place in the same town. Each story stands alone, but they do have some interweaving characters. I think it’s such a cute idea! Like Love Actually but the story lines may or may not all come together in the end.
Once Upon a Winters Eve (Spindle Cove #1.5) by Tessa Dare
I love love LOVED Tessa Dare’s first book in the Spindle Cove series, so naturally when I saw this novella was set in the same series it was an instant add to my holiday TBR.
A Christmas Brothel by Annabelle Anders, Tammy Andresen, KC Bateman, Katherine Bone, Dawn Brower, Jane Charles, Elizabeth Essex, Aileen Pish, Susan Gee Heino, Rose Gordon, Virginia Heath, Alanna Lucas, Amanda Mariel, Deb Marlowe, Nadine MIllard, Kate Pearce, Sandy Raven, and Ava Stone
I saw the title of this one and I knew I had to download it. It’s another anthology where they all take place in the same location and each story stands alone. It says it’s a set of “Canterbury Christmas Tales” which tells me that this is more medieval setting, which I think is super cool. Usually in historical romance you get regency and Victoria eras.
Also - proceeds for this book go for Toys for Tots!
What’s even better, is that most of these books will work for the challenges for the ‘Tis the Season-A-Thon hosted by some of my Booktube friends! (December 3-9) Their challenges are:
Read a book with red/green on the cover (Love Rekindled at Christmas, A Christmas Brothel, Joy to the Earl, and How the Dukes Stole Christmas all work for this one!)
Read a book while listening to holiday music (Which I’ll probably be doing anyways so - check!)
Read a warm and fuzzy book (Which… is basically all of these because I’m sure every single one of these books will be warm/fuzzy/happy books)
Read a short book - under 250 pages (Once Upon a Winter’s Eve fits this challenge!)
Read a holiday themed book (um… that’s all of them.)
Then, their group book is Snow in Love by Melissa de la Cruz, Nic Stone, Aimee Friedman, and Kasie West which means… I went ahead and requested it from my library.
What books do you all plan on reading during the holiday season? Anyone else get completely suckered into buying any holiday romance book that has a pretty dress on the cover? (And the shirtless men too -let’s be real.) Just me?
Like what you read? Consider buying me a coffee.