Roni Recommends: One That's Sweet & One That's Steamy

Hey there! I know it's been a while since I've been around. I've been writing, writing, writing. But in between all the writing marathons, I have had a chance to read a few books (because I always have to make time for reading even when things are crazy because otherwise *I* go crazy, lol.) Today I have two picks for you!

First up is After I Do by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I read One True Loves by the same author last year and LOVED it. It was one of my favorite reads of the year, so I don't know why it took me so long to pick up another book by Reid. Luckily, I was not disappointed. I didn't love this one quite as much as One True Loves (the bar was high, y'all), but I really enjoyed this story about a married couple that decides to take a year break from each other to try to save their marriage. I love Reid's voice and her humor. I also felt like the little frustrations of married life (and how they can become big problems) were realistically portrayed. The secondary characters were fantastic as well. Now, be warned, this is women's fiction not a traditional romance. However, I can tell you it's a satisfying ending.

Next up, is a dark and steamy erotic romance. Hostage by Annika Martin and Skye Warren is the second in the Captives and Criminals series (Prisoner was the first.) You can read it as a standalone, though. Warning, these are dark romances with antiheroes. That is not always an easy thing to pull off, but this writing duo does it well. The hero is a murderer (for very good reasons) but still...murderer. He meets the heroine by taking her hostage. So know what you're getting yourself into, lol. But if you're willing to go there, this was a page-turner and a very steamy read. I always feel a little wrong after reading this series, but I'm okay with that. ;) 

So what have you been reading lately? (I'm listening to Shonda Rimes's Year of Yes on audio and loving it.)

12 Books to Swoon Over for Valentine's Day (via Entertainment Weekly)

Swoon GIF from Swoon GIFs

Happy Valentine's Day, y'all!

This is a kickass list. 

I may be a *wee* bit biased. ;)

Enjoy!

From Entertainment Weekly: 12 Swooningly Romantic Books to Read This Valentine's Day

Book Haul: What I've Bought Lately

You know how you set a goal to read what's on your shelf and not buy new books for a while? Yeah, I suck at that goal. #NotSorry And I don't know about you, but I love to know what other people are buying and reading. So I thought today, I'd share what I've added to my TBR pile in the last month or so. I'd love to hear what you've picked up recently, too. :)

Fiction

Book of the Month Picks

I've been a member of Book of the Month for almost 3 years now I think, and I continue to love it. It pushes me out of my reading comfort zone and introduces me to new authors. Here are my choices from the last few months. If you'd like to try it, you can get a free book with my referral link!  (Full disclosure: I earn free books if you join, but they don't ask me to endorse. I pay for my membership.)

Non-Fiction

So, yeah, I have a lot to read! Lol. But that's a good problem to have. So what have you bought or checked out from the library lately?

The December Read & Watch Challenge

As you might have noticed, I'm a little behind on posting about this month's theme for the Read & Watch Challenge. I'm in book deadline armageddon mode, so I haven't had much time to dedicate to much else between writing sessions beyond showering and feeding the people who live here. Can you believe they expect to eat multiple times a day?? ; ) 

But I do have a book pick and movie pick for the Magical theme!

Book

Garden Spells (Bantam Discovery)

By Sarah Addison Allen

So many people have recommended Sarah Addison Allen to me, but I didn't get a chance to read her until recently. This book was just flat out delightful and such a feel good read. I went out immediately and bought First Frost after finishing this one. I believe this falls into the category of magical realism because it's a contemporary setting but magic is threaded throughout it. I highly recommend it.

Movie

Y'all, I can't even with this movie. I had heard wonderful things about the book and bought it but hadn't gotten to it yet. We saw this movie with my kiddo and omg, I think I cried through half the damn movie. But it was SO SO SO good. Everyone should see this, especially kids. I loved it. It was truly a magical movie.

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Of course I do plan to work in some magical holiday movies before Christmas. It's a requirement to watch National Lampoons Christmas Vacation and Home Alone. I also need a big dose of Sleepless in Seattle. I haven't read any holiday books this season, though, so I'm not sure I'm going to sneak any of those in before Christmas.

I'd love to hear your favorite magical books or movies and to hear what you are reading and watching this month. Let me know in the comments. : )

November's Read & Watch Challenge Theme: COZY

It's that time again--the beginning of a new a month and a new theme for the Read and Watch challenge. You don't have to use it like a literal challenge, but hopefully it inspires you to pick up something new to read and watch this month. I, for one, can't resist a good what to read/what to watch recommendation list. 

This month's theme is COZY. Fall is finally here! Down in Texas that is a huge reason to celebrate because it means an end to the oppressive summer heat. We've finally gotten a snap of cooler weather this week and I am so here for it. I hate when we have hot Halloweens. This week I was even able to light the first fire of the season. Hurrah!

So, I'll give you some of my picks and then tell you what I hope to read and watch this month.

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What to Read:

The Men at Work trilogy by Tiffany Reisz

Tiffany Reisz's Men at Work books are such a great seasonal treat. Each one tackles a holiday, all are sexy, and they're super fun. Plus, they take place in the Pacific Northwest, so perfect cozy up weather as a setting. You can read any of them as standalones but they are a great trio to grab.

The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking

The concept of Hygge is kind of a trend right now so you may have seen it around, but I really enjoyed this brief little book on how to Danes do things. Hygge is ALL about the cozy. I read this in the summer and it made me YEARN for cold weather. Fireplaces and comfort food and candles and blankets and friends. Bring it on.

This Is Where You Belong by Melody Warnick

I'm about two-thirds of the way through this one, but I've really enjoyed it so far. I may write a full post on it when I'm done, but I think it plays well to the theme of cozy. The premise is learning to love where you live. I really like the idea of this. No matter where you live, there are always going to be things you don't like or places you might think are better. But each city has its own charms and unique features. This is a book about digging into those and embracing them. I love the idea of being happy right where you are.

Off the Ice by Julie Cross

A super adorable YA story about family, falling in love, small towns, and hockey. I read this book in its early stages because Julie and I are friends, but it stuck with me. It's the perfect winter read to cozy up with (and I know nothing about hockey, so that's not a requirement.) 

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What to Watch:

via GIPHY

When Harry Met Sally

Do I really have to explain this one? A must watch.

Wanted It GIF from Wanted GIFs

You've Got Mail

Meg Ryan gets all the best cozy fall movies. New York and fall and bookstores. What's not to love? This one is due for a rewatch by me.

College movies with Robin Williams in them...

Still breaks my heart knowing we've lost such a great talent. Prepare the box of tissues for both of these.

Dead Poet's Society

Poetry, Beauty, Romance, Love GIF from Deadpoetssociety GIFs

Good Will Hunting

It's Not Your Fault GIF from Goodwillhunting GIFs

Gilmore Girls

I overloaded on the movie suggestions this time, but if you want a cozy watch for TV, you can't go wrong with the GIlmore Girls. Small town, much coffee drinking, lots of scarves. 

Dramatic GIF from Lorelaigilmore GIFs

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What I'll Be Reading

I have a few possibilities in mind. I haven't chosen yet, but these are the candidates.

Murder in the Mystery Suite by Ellery Adams

I realized the other day when I saw the preview for Murder on the Orient Express that I used to love Agatha Christie books. Well, the modern day version of that style is called the cozy mystery. So it's perfect for this month's theme. And this cozy mystery is based at a book retreat--so mystery and books! I'm in. Plus, after two many grim thrillers, it's sometimes nice to read a mystery that's fun and free of gore.

The Cottage on Pumpkin and Vine by Kate Angell, Jennifer Dawson, and Sharla Lovelace

This cover totally got me. I mean, that just screams cozy fall read.

Dear Fahrenheit 451 by Annie Spence

A librarian writes love letters and break up letters to books. I love this concept and plan to put this one on my bedside table to read in little bites.

My Kitchen Year by Ruth Reichl

What's cozier than a food memoir? This is the story of what happened to head editor Ruth Reichl after Gourmet magazine was suddenly shut down and she found herself without a job. She turned to food and cooking to process everything and heal. There are recipes in here but I've been told it reads more like a memoir, not a cookbook.

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What I'll Be Watching

Stranger Things

I loved the first season of Stranger Things, so I can't wait to dive into season 2. Nothing like a good, spooky TV show for the fall.

Murder on the Orient Express

I read the book in high school (because I had awesome English teachers who assigned cool books) and I'm so excited about the movie. Also, it's been so long since I've read it, I don't remember who the murderer is, lol. So I'll be surprised!

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That's my list for the month. What will you be reading and watching?