Gifts for the Book Lovers

Bookish Apparel

My everyday outfit now that I work from home is an oversized graphic t-shirt or sweatshirt. I love wearing something oversized when I want to be extra cozy while working, running errands, and most definitely while reading. It earns extra cozy points if it’s related to my favorite book series. If you have a book lover in your life that’s the same way, you should check out Stardust and Moonlight. She has the cutest ACOTAR apparel like this cute Prythian World Tour t-shirt and City of Starlight crewneck. She also has apparel for the other Sarah J. Mass universes.

Here are a few other options that I love from other small businesses:

Bookish Jewelry

Who doesn’t love receiving jewelry as a holiday gift? Estori Collective is a new brand to me that I fell in love with. She makes simple, timeless pieces that are both subtle and beautiful. Some of my favorites that I’ve purchased recently are the Velaris Pendant and Hunt’s Lightning Choker. Estori Collective also has jewelry inspired by Throne of Glass, From Blood and Ash, Zodiac Academy, and several other book series.

Book Clutch

If you’re looking for a truly one-of-a-kind gift for a book lover, you need to check out this customized cover book clutch. This gift is perfect for those that are a die-hard fan of a particular book or series as you can customized the cover to fit the recipient. It also comes in several different sizes.

Book Embosser

How perfect is this custom, personalized book embosser? Need I say more.

Thumb Page Holder

Something on my personal wishlist for this holiday season is a thumb page holder. Whenever I read for hours and hours, my thumb and hand tend to ache after a while. With this little nifty gadget, that will no longer be a problem. It comes in several different styles and sizes.

Bookish Candle

I’m pretty sure almost every reader loves a good candle! I know that I do, especially when I’m relaxing in my reading nook. If you know your favorite person loves candle, think about getting them a bookish candle or two.

Reading Journal

Spoil your favorite book lover with a STUNNING reading journal. It’s perfect for readers that enjoy writing down their thoughts and keeping track of their ever-growing TBR list.  

Bookish Artwork

For those that know that the recipient is a die-hard fan of a certain series and could use some new artwork, you may try your luck with purchasing some bookish artwork. FromBookstoBooks has some gorgeous subtle bookish artwork that are just *chiefs kisses*. I love that her artwork looks like any regular artwork if you haven’t read the book series before.

Just a few of my favorites:

The post Holiday Gift Guide: 8 Gift Ideas for the Book Lover appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

Life is really good. It’s crazy to think about how different my life looks right now compared to last year and the year before when I was slaving away in retail. This year, I’ve been doing a lot of internal healing, finding a new balance, and overall, just giving myself grace to explore and learn.

If you didn’t see the announcement on my social media, I transitioned out of retail pharmacy in April 2022 into medical writing, and I couldn’t be happier with my career change. I thought I wanted to work in a more traditional job in pharmacy and while there’s definitely a place in the industry for it, it just wasn’t the right fit for me personally. I love writing and creating (as you can tell by this blog!) so medical writing just made more sense for me. Now I get to do what I love and what I’m good at while keeping my toes in the medical world.

It can be tough, however, to write all day and have enough energy to then write for the blog, which is why I’ve had to take some time away. But hopefully I can get back into a regular posting schedule soon. Fingers crossed!

I also started taking pottery classes last November after seeing so many fun videos on TikTok. As a medical writer, I work from home fulltime, and I was starting to feel a little stir crazy being at home all day. My pottery classes give me an outlet to hang out with other people, and it’s a place where I can create without any expectations. As a high achiever and perfectionist, I tend to have high standards for myself whenever I’m working on something. With pottery, I’m able to lower my expectations and give myself more grace when creating. If you’ve ever tried pottery before, then you know it has a way of doing its own thing even if you have a plan, which I kind of love. It teaches me patience and grace every time I go into the studio. But I’ve been having a lot of fun doing it, and I’m feeling pretty proud of the progress I’ve made in only a few, short months.

On the left, here’s the first piece that I made that I love so much, and on the right is something that I just finished recently that I’m absolutely obsessed with. I think that I’m going to make a few additional pieces that match in order to make a little collection.

Nci and I have also been traveling more this year, which you already know makes my little heart so happy. Traveling makes me feel alive, and I’m always down for an adventure. We’ve been to Southport a few times for days at the beach, San Diego (a travel guide is in the works!), Easley for a book sale, and Wilmington. All of our trips, other than San Diego, have been in our own airplane, which makes it extra special. Hopefully, we’ll be able to continue the momentum and travel to even more new places in the second half of 2023. If you’re interested in seeing travel vlogs of us flying in our airplane, then definitely check out my Instagram page!

That is all for now! Thank you for sticking with me through so many life changes such as starting and graduating from pharmacy school, buying an airplane to the little details like what I’m reading and my beauty favorites. I’m endlessly gratefully for the support throughout the years! Cheers to many many more! Until next time…

The post Life Lately: July 2023 appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

Taking a hiatus from reading is a normal part of life, and It’s nothing to feel bad about it. I just started reading again last year, which is why I’m excited to help you do the same! So if you’re looking to start a new reading habit but struggle with finding the time, then keep on reading to learn my tips on how to create a new reading habit.

Read a YA novel or thriller

Even if these aren’t your kind of books, I recommend starting out with a thriller or young adult book when if you’re first starting your reading journey. These books are typically written so that they pique your interest right away. The key to starting a reading habit is to keep up the momentum, and let’s be honest, a slow burn just doesn’t do it for beginners. Keep it light and keep it interesting.

Shop My Favorite Fantasy Books

Read the first three chapters of any book right away

Even the best books can take a few chapters to get into. When you’re ready to start your new reading habit, make sure you have plenty of uninterrupted time to read the first few chapters of the book. Turn off your phone, mute the notifications, light a candle, and get ready to full dive into a new story. Hopefully you picked a solid book that you’ll want to keep reading over the next few days or weeks.

Dapple in multiple genres

If it’s been a long time since you had the time to sit down and read, then you may not know what kind of books that you enjoy. This the perfect time to dipple and dapple in multiple genres to see what kind of books that you enjoy. From fantasy to mysteries, there’s so many options to choose from. To give you a head start on where to begin, ask yourself a few questions:

• What books did you love to read as a kid? Was there a specific one that stands out?
• What kind of movies and TV shows do you enjoy watching?
• What topics do you tend to gravitate towards? Romance? Fantasy? True crime?

Add reading to another habit or ritual

If you’ve read Atomic Habits by James Clear (which you definitely should!), then you know that it’s easier to start a new habit by adding it to something that you already do. Reading takes time that you may think that you don’t have, but you do. If you’re spending time watching TV or scrolling on TikTok, then you have the extra time to crack open a book. What I’ve found to work for me is to add it my existing routine.  When I first started reading again, I used to read a few chapters before I went to bed to help me relax from a busy day. That simple change really helped me get into the habit of reading plus it helped me sleep better at night too.

Set an attainable reading goal

Goals are the ideas that help us push toward the future, and I’m very goal driven. They help give you focus and allow you to monitor your progress. If you’re a goal orientated like me, then setting an attainable reading goal may help you get into the habit of reading. The key though is to set a goal that is actually attainable, such as reading a book a month or maybe two a month. But at the end of the day, reading is meant to be a hobby so keep it fun and read as much as you can without pushing yourself overboard.

Keep a TBR list

Once you build up the momentum of reading your first few books, you’ll want to create a running list of the books that you may want to read in the future. This way as soon as you finish one book, you can quickly scan your TBR, or to be read, list for something new to snag. Jot down any book that sparks your interest. I like to use Goodreads to save my TBR list and document my progress towards my reading goal.

DNF books

“DNF” means “did not finish”, and trust me, there will be plenty of books that you simply don’t want to finish once you start reading regularly. Many people will continue reading a book even if they hate it because they don’t want to leave it unfinished. But starting a new hobby is supposed to be fun.

This is something that I’m also still working on as well. So, here’s a gentle reminder for you and me that it’s okay to put the book down and ditch it. Even if it’s for a book club. Even if your best friend loves it. Life is too short to read boring books that don’t spark your interest.

Talk about it!

Who doesn’t love talking about books with others? While I don’t tell Nci every single detail, it has become a running joke about how fast I can read a new book and how many pages I finished. I enjoy talking about my favorite books, and I like to slip it into casual conversations if I can. It feels good to talk about your hobbies and passions with others. If you don’t have a community that you can do that with, feel free to sign up for a book club or online community where people have the same interests as you.

You may also like: What I Read in 2021 and My Top 10 Favorite Tv Shows

The post Creating a Reading Habit: Tips to Read More and Love it appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

In April, I finally finished the Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer, and I’m so sad that the series is over! When I first picked up Cinder, I didn’t have high hopes that the author was going to be able to pull off a cyborg mechanic Cinderella storyline, but she DID THAT and so much more! I also read Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller, which was also a winner for the month.

The Storyteller

Rating: 4/5

Description: It’s not every day you discover you might be related to Anastasia…or that the tragic princess actually survived her assassination attempt and has been living as the woman you know as Aunt Anna.

For Jess Morgan, who is growing tired of living her life to please everyone else, discovering her late aunt’s diaries shows her she’s not the only one struggling to hide who she really is. But was her aunt truly a Romanov princess? Or is this some elaborate hoax?

With the help of a supremely dorky, but undeniably cute, local college student named Evan, Jess digs into the century-old mystery.

But soon Jess realizes there’s another, bigger truth waiting to be revealed: Jess Morgan. Because if she’s learned anything from Aunt Anna, it’s that only you can write your own story.

My Thoughts: Wow, this book by Kathryn Williams did a fantastic job of blending mystery, romance, and historical fiction mixed in with a relatable story of self-discovery and finding where you fit into the world. I love that we get to Jess come out of her make-believe shell that she put on for the world to finally being comfortable with sharing her true self. Let me just say that I had no idea the historical context, and I had no idea that Anastasia Romanov was a real person. But I did enjoy the history context in the book, which was a surprise for me as I normally don’t. It was a well-thought story that you could not love.

A Forgery of Roses

Rating: 4/5

Description: She’s an artist whose portraits alter people’s real-life bodies, a talent she must hide from those who would kidnap, blackmail, and worse in order to control it. Guarding that secret is the only way to keep her younger sister safe now that their parents are gone. 

But one frigid night, the governor’s wife discovers the truth and threatens to expose Myra if she does not complete a special portrait that would resurrect the governor’s dead son. Desperate, Myra ventures to his legendary stone mansion. 

Once she arrives, however, it becomes clear the boy’s death was no accident. Someone dangerous lurks within these glittering halls. Someone harboring a disturbing obsession with portrait magic. 

Myra cannot do the painting until she knows what really happened, so she turns to the governor’s older son, a captivating redheaded poet. Together, they delve into the family’s most shadowed affairs, racing to uncover the truth before the secret Myra spent her life concealing makes her the killer’s next victim.

My Thoughts: Honestly, I was so upset that there wasn’t a second book! I wanted more after the story ended, but I did enjoy the little morsel that I got. I loved the blend of mystery, romance, and of course a good old fashion mystery to boot. While at times, the details of the book were a little gross. I think it fit really well with the gothic, dark fantasy vibe that I think that the author was going for.  I can’t wait to read the other books by this author.

Daughter of the Pirate King

Rating: 4/5

Description: Sent on a mission to retrieve an ancient hidden map—the key to a legendary treasure trove—seventeen-year-old pirate captain Alosa deliberately allows herself to be captured by her enemies, giving her the perfect opportunity to search their ship.

More than a match for the ruthless pirate crew, Alosa has only one thing standing between her and the map: her captor, the unexpectedly clever and unfairly attractive first mate, Riden. But not to worry, for Alosa has a few tricks up her sleeve, and no lone pirate can stop the Daughter of the Pirate King.

My Thoughts: Obsessed! Princess Alosa was truly a queen, bad to the bone, and her character definitely kept me captivated. This series came and delivered everything that it needed too. At the beginning of the story, you’re immediately dropped into the middle of the story. With the pirate concept, it does give a little bit of Pirates of the Caribbean vibes but a women’s twist on it. I honestly couldn’t put the book down, and I was so sad that the story was over after two books. Tricia has my vote to keep going with this series as I would love to see what Alosa and Riden are up to now.  

Second book in the duo is Daughter of the Siren Queen.

Curses

Rating: 3.5/5

Description: Merit Cravan refused to fulfill her obligation to marry a prince, leading to a fairy godling’s curse. She will be forced to live as a beast forever, unless she agrees to marry a man of her mother’s choosing before her eighteenth birthday.

Tevin Dumont has always been a pawn in his family’s cons. The prettiest boy in a big family, his job is to tempt naïve rich girls to abandon their engagements, unless their parents agree to pay him off. But after his mother runs afoul of the beast, she decides to trade Tevin for her own freedom.

Now, Tevin and Merit have agreed that he can pay off his mother’s debt by using his con-artist skills to help Merit find the best match . . . but what if the best match is Tevin himself?

My Thoughts: To be honest when I picked up this book, I had no idea that it was a retelling of the Beauty and the Beast. I did notice it once I started reading the book. While I thought it was a cute retelling and the characters were quite fun, I do wish that there was more character development and world building. The author mentions a bunch of different “faerie” types but never fully explains what they are. They just seemed like fairies that could curse people when they got upset and were quite finicky creatures. The only other issue that I had was the lack of development of the characters, especially Merit. I feel like she was very surface level, and we didn’t get a chance to really see your as her own person. Tevin was by far my favorite, and the story very much seemed more focused on him than Merit and her curse.

Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles)

Rating: 5/5

Description: Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless Lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . . Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. 

She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

My Thoughts: I have no idea what has gotten into me, but I have been picking up so many retellings lately. When I first cracked open the book, I was quite skeptical on whether or not the author was going to be able to pull off this story. I mean a cyberg Cinderella living in Beijing, China in the future? At first glance, it’s a lot, but Marissa Meyer truly pulled it off. I loved it, and I binged the entire series basically within a few days because I couldn’t put it down. It starts off kind of slow, but it slowly builds into something magical. Throughout the series, I was rooting for Cinder and her friends and loved the growth that I saw within the series.

Other books in the series: Scarlet, Cress, and Winter.

The Paris Library

Rating: 3/5

Description: Based on the true World War II story of the heroic librarians at the American Library in Paris, this is an unforgettable story of romance, friendship, family, and the power of literature to bring us together, perfect for fans of The Lilac Girls and The Paris Wife. 

Paris, 1939: Young and ambitious Odile Souchet has it all: her handsome police officer beau and a dream job at the American Library in Paris. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. Together with her fellow librarians, Odile joins the Resistance with the best weapons she has: books. But when the war finally ends, instead of freedom, Odile tastes the bitter sting of unspeakable betrayal.

Montana, 1983: Lily is a lonely teenager looking for adventure in small-town Montana. Her interest is piqued by her solitary, elderly neighbor. As Lily uncovers more about her neighbor’s mysterious past, she finds that they share a love of language, the same longings, and the same intense jealousy, never suspecting that a dark secret from the past connects them.

A powerful novel that explores the consequences of our choices and the relationships that make us who we are—family, friends, and favorite authors—The Paris Library shows that extraordinary heroism can sometimes be found in the quietest of places.

My Thoughts: While I’m not usually big on history-related stories, this one was a pleasant read (well as pleasant as the history of WWI and the Holocaust can be). I like how the story telling flips between present day and the past to intertwine a story of love, lost, grief, and growth. If you’re looking for a happy ending though, you won’t find that here. The book focuses on WWII, the Holocaust, and the American Library. You’ll get a glimpse into what life was like when the Nazis invaded France. Many of the characters in the book are based off real people, which was refreshing.

The Overnight Guest

Rating: 3/5

Description: She thought she was alone…

True crime writer Wylie Lark doesn’t mind being snowed in at the isolated farmhouse where she’s retreated to write her new book. A cozy fire, complete silence. It would be perfect, if not for the fact that decades earlier, at this very house, two people were murdered in cold blood and a girl disappeared without a trace.

As the storm worsens, Wylie finds herself trapped inside the house, haunted by the secrets contained within its walls—haunted by secrets of her own. Then she discovers a small child in the snow just outside. After bringing the child inside for warmth and safety, she begins to search for answers. But soon it becomes clear that the farmhouse isn’t as isolated as she thought, and someone is willing to do anything to find them. 

My Thoughts: Now don’t get me wrong, I did really enjoy this book, but it was very predictable for a mystery, thriller book. If you read a bunch, you won’t be shocked or surprised with how this book unfolds unfortunately. I did enjoy the world building and the setting of a winter wonderland isolated from the city. It added another layer of creepiness to the storyline. Other than the predictable storyline, the story also flips between three different viewpoints: two from the present and one from the past. It was a lot to keep up with plus the number of characters were also hard to follow.

The post What I Read in April + May 2022 appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

The Bear and the Nightingale

Rating: 2/5

Description:  At the edge of the Russian wilderness, winter lasts most of the year and the snowdrifts grow taller than houses. But Vasilisa doesn’t mind—she spends the winter nights huddled around the embers of a fire with her beloved siblings, listening to her nurse’s fairy tales. Above all, she loves the chilling story of Frost, the blue-eyed winter demon, who appears in the frigid night to claim unwary souls. Wise Russians fear him, her nurse says, and honor the spirits of house and yard and forest that protect their homes from evil.

After Vasilisa’s mother dies, her father goes to Moscow and brings home a new wife. Fiercely devout, city-bred, Vasilisa’s new stepmother forbids her family from honoring the household spirits. The family acquiesces, but Vasilisa is frightened, sensing that more hinges upon their rituals than anyone knows.

And indeed, crops begin to fail, evil creatures of the forest creep nearer, and misfortune stalks the village. All the while, Vasilisa’s stepmother grows ever harsher in her determination to groom her rebellious stepdaughter for either marriage or confinement in a convent.

As danger circles, Vasilisa must defy even the people she loves and call on dangerous gifts she has long concealed—this, in order to protect her family from a threat that seems to have stepped from her nurse’s most frightening tales.

My Thoughts: Unlike the many stellar reviews on Goodreads, I was not a fan of this book, and I think it’s because I’m not even sure what I read to be honest. The book is super slow at the beginning, which makes it hard to get into it and why it took me almost a week and a half to finish it. It just wasn’t very interesting, and the names/Russian words are hard to keep up with. You end up losing a lot of contexts, and the story for me didn’t really feel complete. Overall – it was a no for me.

The Night She Disappeared

Rating: 4/5

Description: 2017: 19 year old Tallulah is going out on a date, leaving her baby with her mother, Kim. Kim watches her daughter leave and, as late evening turns into night, which turns into early morning, she waits for her return. And waits. The next morning, Kim phones Tallulah’s friends who tell her that Tallulah was last seen heading to a party at a house in the nearby woods called Dark Place.

She never returns.

2019: Sophie is walking in the woods near the boarding school where her boyfriend has just started work as a head-teacher when she sees a note fixed to a tree. ‘DIG HERE’ . . . A cold case, an abandoned mansion, family trauma and dark secrets lie at the heart of Lisa Jewell’s remarkable new novel.

My Thoughts: The Night She Disappeared starts off as a slow burn but trust me it quickly picks up once you get a few chapters in. I like that it sets the stage immediately by providing multiple points of view and a chilling atmosphere that tells you something is off, but you aren’t quite sure what. The author really fleshes out each character that it makes the story more real and easy to become invested in everyone. My favorite part about the book though is the fact that I thought I knew would be the outcome, and I was totally surprised with how the story turned. It was a good surprise by the way!  

The Midnight Library

Rating: 3/5

Description: Between life and death there is a library, and within that library, the shelves go on forever. Every book provides a chance to try another life you could have lived. To see how things would be if you had made other choices . . . Would you have done anything different, if you had the chance to undo your regrets?

A dazzling novel about all the choices that go into a life well lived, from the internationally bestselling author of Reasons to Stay Alive and How To Stop Time.

Somewhere out beyond the edge of the universe there is a library that contains an infinite number of books, each one the story of another reality. One tells the story of your life as it is, along with another book for the other life you could have lived if you had made a different choice at any point in your life. While we all wonder how our lives might have been, what if you had the chance to go to the library and see for yourself? Would any of these other lives truly be better?

In The Midnight Library, Matt Haig’s enchanting new novel, Nora Seed finds herself faced with this decision. Faced with the possibility of changing her life for a new one, following a different career, undoing old breakups, realizing her dreams of becoming a glaciologist; she must search within herself as she travels through the Midnight Library to decide what is truly fulfilling in life, and what makes it worth living in the first place. 

My Thoughts: After reading the description, I was a little concerned with whether the author’s writing would actually be able to match the hype around the storyline. I was really hoping that it wouldn’t fall flat like the book, Cinderella is Dead, did for me. Thankfully, it did not disappoint, and it was a cute read. It does lean into almost a self-help book, but I didn’t mind how the author blended that into the storyline.

The post What I Read in March 2022 appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

Cinderella is Dead

Rating: 2/5

Description: It’s 200 years after Cinderella found her prince, but the fairy tale is over. Teen girls are now required to appear at the Annual Ball, where the men of the kingdom select wives based on a girl’s display of finery. If a suitable match is not found, the girls not chosen are never heard from again.

Sixteen-year-old Sophia would much rather marry Erin, her childhood best friend, than parade in front of suitors. At the ball, Sophia makes the desperate decision to flee, and finds herself hiding in Cinderella’s mausoleum. There, she meets Constance, the last known descendant of Cinderella and her step sisters. Together they vow to bring down the king once and for all–and in the process, they learn that there’s more to Cinderella’s story than they ever knew . . .

This fresh take on a classic story will make readers question the tales they’ve been told, and root for girls to break down the constructs of the world around them.

My Thoughts: I had high hopes for this one as the storyline seemed like it was going to be really good. I loved the idea of spinning an old classic into something new and wicked, but the storyline left much to be desired. While the first chapter started off strong, it quickly went downhill. The plot was all over the place, the characters didn’t feel very developed, and it was a miss for me. The only part that I enjoyed was the overall concept and the ending was decent.

The Wrath and the Dawn

Rating:  2.5/5

Description: In a land ruled by a murderous boy-king, each dawn brings heartache to a new family. Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, is a monster. Each night he takes a new bride only to have a silk cord wrapped around her throat come morning. When sixteen-year-old Shahrzad’s dearest friend falls victim to Khalid, Shahrzad vows vengeance and volunteers to be his next bride. Shahrzad is determined not only to stay alive, but to end the caliph’s reign of terror once and for all.

Night after night, Shahrzad beguiles Khalid, weaving stories that enchant, ensuring her survival, though she knows each dawn could be her last. But something she never expected begins to happen: Khalid is nothing like what she’d imagined him to be. This monster is a boy with a tormented heart. Incredibly, Shahrzad finds herself falling in love. How is this possible? It’s an unforgivable betrayal. Still, Shahrzad has come to understand all is not as it seems in this palace of marble and stone. She resolves to uncover whatever secrets lurk and, despite her love, be ready to take Khalid’s life as retribution for the many lives he’s stolen. Can their love survive this world of stories and secrets?

My Thoughts: Retellings are meant to light your imagination on fire and give you a fresh take on an old story. Unfortunately, this story fell pretty flat for me. While I like the original story, this duo was supposed to be a feminist and diverse retelling of 10001 Nights. Its neither that nor more. Honestly, I could go on and on about why I wasn’t a fan of this book, but there’s a few that stood out to me. One the main character, Shazi, was very wishy-washy throughout the entire book on what she wants to do or not do. There was also no real plot development or character development for many of the characters, including Shazi. I walked away from the story not really like or rooting for anyone in particular.

Second book in the series is The Rose and the Dagger, which I also read and wasn’t a fan.  

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

Rating: 3/5

Description: France, 1714: in a moment of desperation, a young woman makes a Faustian bargain to live forever and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets.

Thus begins the extraordinary life of Addie LaRue, and a dazzling adventure that will play out across centuries and continents, across history and art, as a young woman learns how far she will go to leave her mark on the world.

But everything changes when, after nearly 300 years, Addie stumbles across a young man in a hidden bookstore and he remembers her name.

My Thoughts: I know there that are many people who LOVED this book, but it left much to be desired for me. While I love the idea of the plot, the author really didn’t develop it where it could’ve been. Many parts of the book didn’t add anything to the storyline, and the characters were pretty boring. The only part that I enjoyed was the rom com bit that is thrown in near the end of the story. It gave the story a little spice even with not much to begin with. Basically it wasn’t terrible, but it also wasn’t great either.

Arsenic and Adobo

Rating: 2/5

Description: When Lila Macapagal moves back home to recover from a horrible breakup, her life seems to be following all the typical rom-com tropes. She’s tasked with saving her Tita Rosie’s failing restaurant, and she has to deal with a group of matchmaking aunties who shower her with love and judgment. But when a notoriously nasty food critic (who happens to be her ex-boyfriend) drops dead moments after a confrontation with Lila, her life quickly swerves from a Nora Ephron romp to an Agatha Christie case.

With the cops treating her like she’s the one and only suspect, and the shady landlord looking to finally kick the Macapagal family out and resell the storefront, Lila’s left with no choice but to conduct her own investigation. Armed with the nosy auntie network, her barista best bud, and her trusted Dachshund, Longanisa, Lila takes on this tasty, twisted case and soon finds her own neck on the chopping block…

My Thoughts: The only interesting about this book was the cover, which is really well-done. The writing and characters felt….juvenile. It’s the only word that maybe fits. I felt like I was reading more of a high school reading assignment than an adult book about murder, grief, and post-graduation. It was a meh for me.

All the Stars and Teeth

Rating:  4/5

Description: Set in a kingdom where danger lurks beneath the sea, mermaids seek vengeance with song, and magic is a choice.

She will reign.

As princess of the island kingdom Visidia, Amora Montara has spent her entire life training to be High Animancer — the master of souls. The rest of the realm can choose their magic, but for Amora, it’s never been a choice. To secure her place as heir to the throne, she must prove her mastery of the monarchy’s dangerous soul magic.

When her demonstration goes awry, Amora is forced to flee. She strikes a deal with Bastian, a mysterious pirate: he’ll help her prove she’s fit to rule, if she’ll help him reclaim his stolen magic.

But sailing the kingdom holds more wonder — and more peril — than Amora anticipated. A destructive new magic is on the rise, and if Amora is to conquer it, she’ll need to face legendary monsters, cross paths with vengeful mermaids, and deal with a stow-away she never expected… or risk the fate of Visidia and lose the crown forever.

My Thoughts: Finally a book that I loved this month. At first Amora seems to be the villain in the book, but she quickly transforms, and you see her in her full glory. The story is breathtaking, sweet, horrifying at times, and best of all – full of adventure. I already ordered the second book in the series because I’m so excited to see how this story continues to unfold.

The second book in the series is All the Tides of Fate.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder

Rating: 4/5

Description: The case is closed. Five years ago, schoolgirl Andie Bell was murdered by Sal Singh. The police know he did it. Everyone in town knows he did it.

But having grown up in the same small town that was consumed by the murder, Pippa Fitz-Amobi isn’t so sure. When she chooses the case as the topic for her final year project, she starts to uncover secrets that someone in town desperately wants to stay hidden. And if the real killer is still out there, how far will they go to keep Pip from the truth?

My Thoughts: If you were a big fan of Nancy Drew books during your childhood, then you’ll love this book. The main character, Pippa, decides to do her school project on an old case that rocked her town 5 years ago. It quickly turned into an in-depth investigation, and I loved seeing the story unfold as she finds new clues and pieces. It was a fun piece to read, and I really enjoyed it.

The post What I Read in February 2022 appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

Before I started my natural deodorant journey, I had no idea the amount of chemicals that are found in aluminum-based deodorant. It wasn’t until my mom kept harping to me about the dangers of them that I started to do my own research. There are obviously mixed reviews and opinions on whether the aluminum in products is dangerous. My opinion is that it doesn’t hurt to do without, and I haven’t looked back since I made the switch.  

Advice on Making the Switch

1. Start in the winter months.

I feel like this goes without saying, but you tend to sweat more during the hotter months of the year. Aluminum-based deodorants are antiperspirants, which means that they actually stop you from sweating. So when you’re making the switch, it can be quite an odd feeling to sweat, and you may feel a little anxious about it during the process. It’s natural to sweat and just because you sweat doesn’t mean that you have a body odor too.

2. Allow time to do an underarm detox

When you make the switch to all natural deodorant, it can take a little bit of time for your body to adjust to the change. Think of it like this: antiperspirants block your sweat glands so when you make the switch, you’re unblocking your sweat glands that have been plugged up for a long time. Initially, you may sweat more in the first few weeks of switching over. To help with the underarm detox process, you can make your own armpit mask or use a product like Megababe Happy Pits to help with the transition.

3. It’s okay if you’re feeling anxious

Did I mention how odd it is to actually feel yourself sweat? After you make the switch to aluminum free deodorant, your body naturally overcompensates for the change, and you may find yourself sweating more than you normally do. This can cause a bit of anxiety and worry thinking that you stink even more than you actually do. That’s okay to feel that way. I was so anxious and worried that I would stink up a whole room when I switched over. I would run home after class and jump in the shower because I was so nervous about the funk. Over time, it gives better, and your anxiety goes down once you find a product that works for you.

My Favorite All Natural Deodorants

Kopari Coconut Deodorant – $14

This vegan, plant-based deodorant is by far my number one favorite all natural deodorant. I’ve been using this one consistently for probably over two years now, and it’s the one that I consistently go back to whenever I need a refill. The coconut oil in the product is a natural anti-bacterial powerhouse that helps prevent odor-causing bacteria to collect in your underarms. It comes in 5 different scents (including a fragrance-free option for people with sensitive skin). The only downfall of the Kopari Coconut deodorant is the fact that because it is made of coconut oil, it’s hard to travel with. The coconut oil base melts pretty easily in warmer temperatures so just something to be aware of.

Nubian Heritage Deodorant – $9

If you’re looking for a great aluminum-free deodorant that you can travel safely with, then take a look at one of my old favorites’ deodorant brands, Nubian Heritage. The one that I currently have in my travel bag is the Honey Black Seed 24 Hour deodorant, which leaves you not only smelling good but also moisturized too. They have 7 different scents to choose from that prevents you from stinking in different ways. I will say that all of the scents I’ve gotten from Nubian Heritage give off a very earthy/natural scent. Maybe even a little woodsy scent. I personally don’t mind the smell as it keeps me smelling clean all day.

Play Pits Deodorant – $12.99

Because we love to support POC-owned businesses over at UM, I wanted to share with you a black owned deodorant company called Play Pits. Started by a mother and son duo, Play Pits is an all natural deodorant company that is perfect for both kids and adults. After I switched over to more natural products, I really wanted to get Nci also on board, so I ended up getting both the King and Queen scents for the both of us to try. Nci is very much a happy camper when it comes to the King deodorant. I personally am a little mixed in my review. As my Queen deodorant came a little bumpy so it wasn’t comfortable to apply. But the scent is amazing, and it does work to keep you smelling nice all day. I think I might’ve just gotten a bad batch as Nci didn’t have that problem with his.

The post How I Made the Switch to All Natural Deodorant (+ My Favorites) appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

The Lost Apothecary

Rating: 3/5

Description: A female apothecary secretly dispenses poisons to liberate women from the men who have wronged them – setting three lives across centuries on a dangerous collision course.

Rule #1: The poison must never be used to harm another woman.

Rule #2: The names of the murderer and her victim must be recorded in the apothecary’s register.

One cold February evening in 1791, at the back of a dark London alley in a hidden apothecary shop, Nella awaits her newest customer. Once a respected healer, Nella now uses her knowledge for a darker purpose – selling well-disguised poisons to desperate women who would kill to be free of the men in their lives. But when her new patron turns out to be a precocious twelve-year-old named Eliza Fanning, an unexpected friendship sets in motion a string of events that jeopardizes Nella’s world and threatens to expose the many women whose names are written in her register.

In present-day London, aspiring historian Caroline Parcewell spends her tenth wedding anniversary alone, reeling from the discovery of her husband’s infidelity. When she finds an old apothecary vial near the river Thames, she can’t resist investigating, only to realize she’s found a link to the unsolved “apothecary murders” that haunted London over two centuries ago. As she deepens her search, Caroline’s life collides with Nella’s and Eliza’s in a stunning twist of fate – and not everyone will survive.

My Thoughts: I mean come on – as soon as I saw this book on Goodreads, I knew I had to read it. A murderess apothecary set in the 1700s is right up my alley, and the story was very well written. While I loved how the story blended both stories together, I did feel like it could’ve been more. The modern day story felt a little under-developed, and I feel like the author could’ve taken it a completely different way that would’ve been much more exciting as a reader. Overall, it was a decent, short read that I like overall.  

The Stranger in the Mirror

Rating: 4/5

Description: Addison’s about to get married, but she’s not looking forward to the big day. It’s not her fiancé; he’s a wonderful man. It’s because Addison doesn’t know who she really is. A few years ago, a kind driver found her bleeding next to a New Jersey highway and rescued her. While her physical wounds healed, Addison’s memory never returned. She doesn’t know her real name. Or how she ended up injured on the side of a road. Or why she can’t shake the notion that she may have done something very, very bad . . .

In a posh home in the Boston suburbs, Julian tries to figure out what happened to his loving, caring wife, Cassandra, who disappeared without a trace two years ago. She would never have left him and their seven-year-old daughter Valentina of her own free will—or would she?

As these two lives intersect, The Stranger in the Mirror hooks readers with riveting drama, told with Liv Constantine’s hallmark blend of glamour, tense psychological thrills, and jaw-dropping twists.

My Thoughts: At first, I wasn’t really feeling the story but as the story and characters continue to develop, I started to really enjoy it. I read the entire book in one sitting as the story and writing style truly sucks you right in and makes it hard to put the book down. If you’re a fan of psyc-related thrillers, then you’ll enjoy the twist and turns found in this storyline.

Talon (The Talon Saga)

Rating: 4/5

Description: THE DRAGONS OF TALON: Once hunted nearly to extinction, they are now poised to take over the world.

THE ORDER OF ST. GEORGE: The legendary dragonslayers will stop at nothing to wipe dragons from the face of the earth.

These mortal enemies are locked in secret and deadly combat, with humanity none the wiser.

To take her rightful place in the Talon organization, young dragon Ember Hill must prove she can hide her true nature and blend in with humans. Her delight at the prospect of a summer of “normal” teen experiences is short-lived, however, once she discovers that she’s also expected to train for her destined career in Talon. But a chance meeting with a rogue dragon will soon challenge everything Ember has been taught.

As Ember struggles to accept her future, St. George soldier Garret Xavier Sebastian is tasked with hunting her down. But when faced with Ember’s bravery, confidence and all-too-human desires, Garret begins to question everything the Order has ingrained in him—and what he might be willing to give up to uncover the truth about dragons.

My Thoughts: Per usual, I’m a big of fantasy stories, and this one does a great job of blending fantasy with a little bit of romance and thrill. As Ember is learning how to be herself in a world that wants her to be anything but, you get to see her become a bad-ass and fall maybe in love with not 1 but 2 characters. I’ve already sped read the rest of the series because I couldn’t wait to keep reading to find out what adventures the misfit group of Ember, Garret, Wes, and Riley got into throughout the remaining books. While I was sad to see it end, it was a good story that kept you on your toes, and you instantly fell in love with each of the characters.

Other books in the series are Rogue, Solider, Legion, and Inferno.

Sex and Vanity

Rating: 1/5

Description: The iconic author of the bestselling phenomenon Crazy Rich Asians returns with a glittering tale of love and longing as a young woman finds herself torn between two worlds–the WASP establishment of her father’s family and George Zao, a man she is desperately trying to avoid falling in love with.

On her very first morning on the jewel-like island of Capri, Lucie Churchill sets eyes on George Zao and she instantly can’t stand him. She can’t stand it when he gallantly offers to trade hotel rooms with her so that she can have the view of the Tyrrhenian Sea, she can’t stand that he knows more about Curzio Malaparte than she does, and she really can’t stand it when he kisses her in the darkness of the ancient ruins of a Roman villa and they are caught by her snobbish, disapproving cousin, Charlotte. “Your mother is Chinese so it’s no surprise you’d be attracted to someone like him,” Charlotte teases.

Daughter of an American-born-Chinese mother and blue-blooded New York father, Lucie has always sublimated the Asian side of herself in favor of the white side, and she adamantly denies having feelings for George. But several years later, when George unexpectedly appears in East Hampton where Lucie is weekending with her new fiancé, Lucie finds herself drawn to George again. Soon, Lucy is spinning a web of deceit that involves her family, her fiancé, the co-op board of her Fifth Avenue apartment, and ultimately herself as she tries mightily to deny George entry into her world–and her heart.

Moving between summer playgrounds of privilege, peppered with decadent food and extravagant fashion, Sex and Vanity is a truly modern love story, a daring homage to A Room with a View, and a brilliantly funny comedy of manners set between two cultures.

My Thoughts: I really wanted to like this book as it came recommended, but I’m actually more upset that I finished the entire book. The author unfortunately spends a lot of time describing the fashion, the scenery of Capri, and name dropping in every other sentence that it makes it hard to read the actual story. For me the story and characters were underdeveloped, and this book should’ve never hit the shelves. I would not recommend at all.

Single Black Female

Rating: 3/5

Description: Ivy Donovan is a successful stylist, entrepreneur, and single mom who has been loyal to her sons’ father, Michael, who’s serving a lengthy prison sentence. But life has gotten lonely over the years, and Ivy wants more for herself. Michael, however, isn’t about to lose his family.

Coco Norris is well-off, single, childless, and struggling with her allegiance to emotionally unavailable men. When she finds a man who seems like he can give her everything she has ever wanted, Coco soon discovers that she has taken on more than she can possibly handle.

Deja Maddox is a real estate agent who is married to Bobby, a police sergeant with the NYPD. They have assimilated, looking down on anything that doesn’t fit their buttoned-up, polished life. But Deja isn’t as satisfied as she would like everyone to believe. When Deja’s past returns with a vengeance, she’s forced to face herself as her “perfect” life begins to crumble.

Nikki Diamond is a savvy, self-made businesswoman and social media darling who lives large and with no regrets. She’s also Deja’s little sister and thinks her sister can have so much more than her ho-hum marriage. And Nikki is all too happy to lend a “helping” hand to make that happen.

Things come to a head when Ivy’s youngest son, Kingston, is caught up in a polarizing encounter with the NYPD. Everyone must figure out where they stand, including Bobby, who suddenly has to decide if his “blue life” matters more to him than his Black life and the Black lives of those he loves.

Single Black Female highlights the nuances of Black love, the often tested bonds of Black families, what it means to face the world as a Black man and the joy and pain of being a Black woman.

My Thoughts: While I love the writing style of the author, the story felt a little typical with the struggle of the black women and black men into drugs. This book came recommended as it gives off a “Sisters” vibe, which is why I enjoyed the book. I just wish the ending was more than what it was. Personally, I just want to read books where black people get to find love and enjoy life outside of rapping, poverty, and drugs. If that’s what you also want to read, then this isn’t the book for you. Tracy Brown though is a great author, and I’m interested to read other books by her.

Local Woman Missing

Rating: 4/5

Description: Shelby Tebow is the first to go missing. Not long after, Meredith Dickey and her six-year-old daughter, Delilah, vanish just blocks away from where Shelby was last seen, striking fear into their once-peaceful community. Are these incidents connected? After an elusive search that yields more questions than answers, the case eventually goes cold.

Now, 11 years later, Delilah shockingly returns. Everyone wants to know what happened to her, but no one is prepared for what they’ll find….

In this smart and chilling thriller, master of suspense and New York Times best-selling author Mary Kubica takes domestic secrets to a whole new level, showing that some people will stop at nothing to keep the truth buried.

My Thoughts: Just wow. This book was totally unexpected, and there were so many twists and turns. At first, it starts off a little slow as it builds up the suspense and develops the story from different angles. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it but trust me it gets good and you won’t be expecting the ending. If you enjoy thrillers/suspense books, then you’ll want to add this one to your reading list.

Pretty Things 

Rating: 3/5

Description: Two wildly different women–one a grifter, the other an heiress–are brought together by the scam of a lifetime in a page-turner from the New York Times bestselling author of Watch Me Disappear.

Nina once bought into the idea that her fancy liberal arts degree would lead to a fulfilling career. When that dream crashed, she turned to stealing from rich kids in L.A. alongside her wily Irish boyfriend, Lachlan. Nina learned from the best: Her mother was the original con artist, hustling to give her daughter a decent childhood despite their wayward life. But when her mom gets sick, Nina puts everything on the line to help her, even if it means running her most audacious, dangerous scam yet.

Vanessa is a privileged young heiress who wanted to make her mark in the world. Instead she becomes an Instagram influencer–traveling the globe, receiving free clothes and products, and posing for pictures in exotic locales. But behind the covetable façade is a life marked by tragedy. After a broken engagement, Vanessa retreats to her family’s sprawling mountain estate, Stonehaven: A mansion of dark secrets not just from Vanessa’s past, but from that of a lost and troubled girl named Nina.

Nina, Vanessa, and Lachlan’s paths collide here, on the cold shores of Lake Tahoe, where their intertwined lives give way to a winter of aspiration and desire, duplicity and revenge.

My Thoughts: At first I thought that I would love Nina’s character, but I actually loved Vanessa more. Nina just seemed like a girl that was mad at the world and others for her mom’s poor decisions while Vanessa is well-aware that she is rich and shallow despite her using social media to fill a hole in her life. As the story unfolds, you really get to see more about each character as a person including their struggles and misgivings. Overall, I liked the story even though the ending was not what I expected. 

What are you currently reading? 

The post What I Read in January 2022 appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

But I digress! I think that the one thing that has helped Nci and I in our financial goals is being able to be open and honest about our individual financial situations and talking about it a lot. So in today’s post, I wanted to dive in and share some tips on how to discuss finances with your partner. 

Start off slow and generally

Money is such a taboo and touchy topic even for family members, friends, coworkers, etc. So when you’re starting to bring it up in the relationship, you’re going to want to start off slow and in general. One way to start bringing up the topic of money is on dates. Do you feel like your partner is spending lots of money on dates and activities? Bring it up and see what they say. It’s a great way to open up about it and find a solution that works for both of you such as splitting the costs or cooking more at home.

Be honest

From the very beginning, there should be honesty and a “no judgement zone” when it comes to talking about finances together. You can decide together how much you want to share or not to share, but whatever you do share be honest about it. Do you have 50k in student loan debts or filed for bankruptcy before? Those are all things that are important to discuss with your partner when you are ready to share.

Plan your financial goals

I don’t know if it is just Nci and I, but we love making financial goals and being able to actually reach those goals. It’s something so exciting hitting your lofty money goals that you placed in front of yourself even if you don’t get to share it with others. During our regular money meetings, we like to plan and discuss our financial goals, how much do we want to save for each of those goals, and a rough timeline of what we’re hoping for.

Here are some great financial goals to get you inspired:

• 3-6 months worth of expenses for an emergency fund
• Pay off credit cards
• Pay off student loan debt
• Save for a vacation
• Pay off a car loan

Set a money meeting regularly

Once you’ve gotten comfortable with discussing finances with your significant other, set regular money meetings to be able to discuss your current financial state and make sure nothing needs to be adjusted. Sometimes things happen (such as emergencies, vacations that went over budget or any other unexpected expenses), and you may need to recalibrate to reach your joint financial goals. The more that you talk about money with each other, the less awkward the conversations tend to be overtime.

Make it a mission to keep up with credit scores

I’ve talked about credit scores before on the blog (one on how to build your credit and another on how to manage it), but you should be monitoring your credit score regularly. There are a ton of free credit services out there, but the one that I like to use is CreditKarma. They even have an app or you can sign up for email notifications to get alerted anytime there is an inquiry into report or any changes to it.

Talk about your saving/shopping styles

Everyone has a different saving and shopping styles, which is why it’s important to know what style you and your partner fall into. Some people are naturally penny pinchers and tend to save most of their income while others enjoy splurging and enjoying the fruits of their labor. While neither one is better or worse than the other, there does need to be a balance to reach financial freedom and overall wealth.

Personally, I tend to save a decent bit, but I also like to spend in smaller increments constantly. For an example, I’ll go to Target and buy something for $20, then go to Marshalls and do something similar, and so on. I don’t normally spend over $100 in on go unless it’s something for Ava, my health, or the cars that we own. While Nci will save, save, save and then drop a large amount when he needs to. We are very similar but also different which works for us.

Budget or no budget?

I think that a budget can be a good thing for a relationship if you’re serious about taking control of your finances, which in turn is good for your relationship. A budget basically allows you to see where your money is going every month and how you can adjust it to reach your goals. In theory, you will have enough money to pay your bills, save money, and have some left over to enjoy and spend. When it comes to budgeting, you can definitely have two separate budgets in your relationship if you prefer. Titi and I don’t have a budget (mainly because we’re lazy), but we have noticed that we naturally do a 50/30/20 set up if you were wondering.

Be willing to adjust when bumps come up

One lesson that I most definitely learned in 2020 is that life is unpredictable, and you have to learn to go with the flow. The same goes for your financial goals and your financial relationship with your partner. When things come up, be willing to adjust when they come up and keep pushing. For any large emergencies such as a trip to the ER or an unexpected car repair, I would recommend having an emergency fund that you can pull from. This way you won’t have to put the balance on a loan or credit card. It will also elevate some of that stress as well.

Those are my tips on how to have the money talk with your significant other. I know that sometimes it can be awkward and hard to talk about money in the beginning, but I promise it gets so much easier over time. Because at the end of the day, you and your significant partner are a team. In the comments below, share what is one financial advice that you’ve gotten that has changed the game for you?

The post How to Talk About The “M” Word With Your Partner appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

I’ve read 20 books this year, which is pretty wild as I haven’t picked up a book for fun in so long! Because I love reading other people’s reading list, I figured I’d share what I read last year and some of my absolute favorites. I’m a big fan of series so you’ll find quite a few in this list.

Unleash the Power of Storytelling: Win Hearts, Change Minds, and Get Results

Rating: 4/5

Description: Unleash the Power of Storytelling offers a practical roadmap to crafting and delivering more powerful, persuasive stories that you can use to get more of what you want out of your career and your life.

My Thoughts: Unleash the Power of Storytelling came highly recommended by so many famous influencers that I decided to put it on my reading list. As the description says, it’s a clear cut roadmap about how to delivery powerful stories in a way that allows you to get what you want in life. Stories are everywhere; you just have to know where to look for them. Highly recommend for everyone!

Goddess of the Sea

Rating: 3.5/5

Description: On the night of her twenty-fifth birthday, alone in her apartment, Air Force Sergeant Christine Canady
wished for one thing: a little magic in her life. After drinking way too much champagne, she performed, of all crazy things, a goddess-summoning ritual, hoping that it would somehow make her life a little less ordinary…but she never believed the spell would actually work.

When her military plane crashes into the ocean, CC’s mission overseas takes an unexpected turn. She awakens to find herself in a legendary time and place where magic rules the land—occupying the body of the mythic mermaid Undine. But there is danger in the waters and the goddess Gaea turns this modern, military gal into a beautiful damsel so that she can seek shelter on land.

CC is soon rescued (literally) by a knight in shining armor. She should be falling in love with this dream-come-true, but instead she aches for the sea and Dylan, the sexy merman who has stolen her heart.

My Thoughts: This book was my first fantasy book that I picked up when I started to get back into reading. It did not disappoint, and it was a good love story mixed with fantasy. We all want a little magic in our live, and the book showcases that you should be mindful of what you ask for. You might get exactly what you ask for.

First Time Pharmacist

Rating: 2/5

Description: Pharmacists often don’t feel like they’re ready upon graduation. Along with helping you handle insurance
issues, prevent misfills, deal with the workload, and take care of yourself and your license, this book helps pharmacists build great relationships with their patients and their teams.

Graduating from the University of Florida with his PharmD, Dr. Richard Waithe now has seven years of community pharmacy experience including Pharmacy Manager of a Target, CVS, and Publix Pharmacy. In his book, First Time Pharmacist, Dr. Waithe shares his best practices, keys to success, and biggest lessons he’s learned to better prepare you to be the pharmacist you always hoped you’d be.

My Thoughts: To be honest, I wasn’t really a big fan of this book. I really like the idea of what the book was supposed to be, but it was a little too basic for my liking. If you haven’t ever worked in a retail pharmacy before, then you should definitely read it. But if you have, then it’s a bit of a waste of time as it doesn’t dive into anything you wouldn’t already know from experience. It was a miss for me.

Shiver (The Wolves of Mercy Trilogy)

Rating: 4/5

Description: For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—is a chilling presence she can’t seem to live without.

Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human… until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It’s her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human—or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

My Thoughts: What more could you ask for – a romance, fantasy book that hooks you from the very beginning. The Wolves of Mercy is a coming of age series mixed with the folklore of werewolves. With so many secrets and twists, it’s hard not to root for Grace and Sam’s love story. The author did a great job of showcasing their stories and building them up throughout the entire series.

Other Books in the series are Linger (#2) and Forever (#3).

The One Thing

Rating: 4/5

Description: The One Thing explains the success habit to overcome the six lies that block our success, beat the seven thieves that steal time, and leverage the laws of purpose, priority, and productivity.

My Thoughts: Self-help and biographies are not normally my cup of tea, but this book came highly recommended in one of the blogging courses I invested in this year. I have to admit that it’s pretty good and really helps to simplify your to-do list to the things that will make a difference. A long, overwhelming to-do list is the thing of the past!

Spin the Dawn (The Blood of Stars #1)

Rating: 5/5

Description: Maia Tamarin dreams of becoming the greatest tailor in the land, but as a girl, the best she can hope for is to marry well. When a royal messenger summons her ailing father, once a tailor of renown, to court, Maia poses as a boy and takes his place. She knows her life is forfeit if her secret is discovered, but she’ll take that risk to achieve her dream and save her family from ruin. There’s just one catch: Maia is one of twelve tailors vying for the job.

Backstabbing and lies run rampant as the tailors compete in challenges to prove their artistry and skill. Maia’s task is further complicated when she draws the attention of the court magician, Edan, whose piercing eyes seem to see straight through her disguise.

And nothing could have prepared her for the final challenge: to sew three magic gowns for the emperor’s reluctant bride-to-be, from the laughter of the sun, the tears of the moon, and the blood of stars. With this impossible task before her, she embarks on a journey to the far reaches of the kingdom, seeking the sun, the moon, and the stars, and finding more than she ever could have imagined.

My Thoughts: Spin the Dawn is definitely a true mix of Project Runway and Mulan. I love that Maia takes on the goal of becoming the greatest tailor despite the world telling her that only men could have that role and war splitting her family apart. Filled with lies, magic, and near death experiences, you’re only option is to fall in love with the main characters of this fantasy story. My only complaint is that the story ends after only two books – I need more!

The other book in the series is Unravel the Dusk (#2).

Flame in the Mist 

Rating: 5/5

Description: The only daughter of a prominent samurai, Mariko has always known she’d been raised for one purpose and one purpose only: to marry. Never mind her cunning, which rivals that of her twin brother, Kenshin, or her skills as an accomplished alchemist. Since Mariko was not born a boy, her fate was sealed the moment she drew her first breath.

So, at just seventeen years old, Mariko is sent to the imperial palace to meet her betrothed, a man she did not choose, for the very first time. But the journey is cut short when Mariko’s convoy is viciously attacked by the Black Clan, a dangerous group of bandits who’ve been hired to kill Mariko before she reaches the palace.

The lone survivor, Mariko narrowly escapes to the woods, where she plots her revenge. Dressed as a peasant boy, she sets out to infiltrate the Black Clan and hunt down those responsible for the target on her back. Once she’s within their ranks, though, Mariko finds for the first time she’s appreciated for her intellect and abilities. She even finds herself falling in love—a love that will force her to question everything she’s ever known about her family, her purpose, and her deepest desires.

My Thoughts: I am the biggest sucker for any enemies-to-lovers plot or stories of women going undercover as men to get what they want. I saw this book on a whim while I was browsing through Goodreads and wow it was so good! Gives me a little bit of a Mulan vibe, but it’s amazing in it’s own right. I only wish that the series kept going past the second book as I soaked up the series in a matter of days.

The other book in the series is Smoke in the Sun (#2). 

Midnight Sun (The Twilight Saga #5)

Rating: 3/5

Description: When Edward Cullen and Bella Swan met in Twilight, an iconic love story was born. But until now, fans have heard only Bella’s side of the story. At last, readers can experience Edward’s version in the long-awaited companion novel, Midnight Sun.

This unforgettable tale as told through Edward’s eyes takes on a new and decidedly dark twist. Meeting Bella is both the most unnerving and intriguing event he has experienced in all his years as a vampire. As we learn more fascinating details about Edward’s past and the complexity of his inner thoughts, we understand why this is the defining struggle of his life. How can he justify following his heart if it means leading Bella into danger?

My Thoughts: Just like many people, I really enjoyed the Twilight series in high school (hate the movies!) so when I saw that another book in the series came out, I had to read it. While I still love the original version better, it was definitely interesting to read the story from Edward’s point of views, his struggles, and what he was thinking during his journey with Bella.

Mexican Gothic

Rating: 3.5/5

Description: After receiving a frantic letter from her newly-wed cousin begging for someone to save her from a mysterious doom, Noemí Taboada heads to High Place, a distant house in the Mexican countryside. She’s not sure what she will find—her cousin’s husband, a handsome Englishman, is a stranger, and Noemí knows little about the region.   
 
Noemí is also an unlikely rescuer: She’s a glamorous debutante, and her chic gowns and perfect red lipstick are more suited for cocktail parties than amateur sleuthing. But she’s also tough and smart, with an indomitable will, and she is not afraid: Not of her cousin’s new husband, who is both menacing and alluring; not of his father, the ancient patriarch who seems to be fascinated by Noemí; and not even of the house itself, which begins to invade Noemi’s dreams with visions of blood and doom.
 
Her only ally in this inhospitable abode is the family’s youngest son. Shy and gentle, he seems to want to help Noemí, but might also be hiding dark knowledge of his family’s past. For there are many secrets behind the walls of High Place. The family’s once colossal wealth and faded mining empire kept them from prying eyes, but as Noemí digs deeper she unearths stories of violence and madness. 
 
And Noemí, mesmerized by the terrifying yet seductive world of High Place, may soon find it impossible to ever leave this enigmatic house behind.

My Thoughts: I had no idea what I was in for when I saw this book recommendation on my Instagram ads. While the story starts off slow, you can tell immediately that something big is going to happening, but you just aren’t sure exactly what. I was expecting murder, mystery, or something of like. It’s definite more than you could anticipate, and I would recommend reading it. You may not to read this one close to bed or at night as it gets pretty creepy at times.

Matched (Matched #1)

Rating: 3/5

Description: In the Society, officials decide. Who you love. Where you work. When you die.

Cassia has always trusted their choices. It’s hardly any price to pay for a long life, the perfect job, the ideal mate. So when her best friend appears on the Matching screen, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is the one…until she sees another face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. Now Cassia is faced with impossible choices: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she’s known and a path no one else has ever dared follow—between perfection and passion.

Matched is a story for right now and storytelling with the resonance of a classic.

My Thoughts: In the beginning, I wasn’t quite sure if this was a series that I would like or want to keep reading. The series is kind of slow to start, but you soon fall in love with each of the main characters for different reasons. I enjoyed the first two books as there were plenty of twists, turns, and small deviances that spice the books up. But the last one fell a little flat to me, and it wasn’t what I was expecting at all. The ending left much to be desired and lack the same energy as the first two books. 

Other books in the series Crossed (#2) and Reached (#3).

Crown of Feathers (Trilogy)

Rating: 10/5

Description: In a world ruled by fierce warrior queens, a grand empire was built upon the backs of Phoenix Riders—legendary heroes who soared through the sky on wings of fire—until a war between two sisters ripped it all apart.

Sixteen years later, Veronyka is a war orphan who dreams of becoming a Phoenix Rider from the stories of old. After a shocking betrayal from her controlling sister, Veronyka strikes out alone to find the Riders—even if that means disguising herself as a boy to join their ranks.

Just as Veronyka finally feels like she belongs, her sister turns up and reveals a tangled web of lies between them that will change everything. And meanwhile, the new empire has learned of the Riders’ return and intends to destroy them once and for all.

My Thoughts: 10/10! If you’re a fan of books like Eragon and Harry Potter, then this series will be right up your jam. The author sets up the story right from the beginning showing you the stark differences between sisters and how they view the world. After only a few chapters of the first book in the series, I was completely hooked and had to keep reading to find out what happened next. I also loved that the author writes the story from different viewpoints as you get a wider view of what’s happening in the story at the same time. It’s beautifully written, and I 100% recommend for anyone to read! Totally obsessed!

Other books in the series are Heart of Flames (#2) and Wings of Shadow (#3).

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