Sugar and Gold by Emma Scott

5 Stars!! 

“Love and hope,” she said. “That’s life to me. Love for all the good that happens to you and the people you care about, and hope that any pain will be bearable or lessen in time.” 

Nick (Nickolai) was born with a condition that makes him special, a gift he wishes he could give away. Peoples feelings and emotions, he can see, feel and taste them- all around. He roams the US- stays moving so that he can outrun the thoughts and feelings of others. Until he meets her. 

Fiona was trapped- and in a bad relationship she never thought she would break from, until she does. Then finds a new home in Georgia. She makes a new life for herself - one that she is in charge of. She tells herself its time for her to enjoy her life....until a chance encounter with a tattooed stranger changes everything… 

I loved this book! It was very unique, with sort of like a magical realism trope feeling. The whole concept sucks you in because you want to know more about his ability and how it works. I loved the characters and the depth they had. I really enjoyed the story and honestly thought it was a brilliant way to get the reader immersed. 

This is a part 2 I think to the book How to Save A Life- also by Emma Scott. I did read it a long time ago and I know that I loved it- I just cant remember what it was about. But dont let that scare you, because this one can be read as a stand alone. 

Hold tight to your emotions, because they will be heightened in this one!! So many secrets to be revealed and twists to keep you engaged. You wont want to put it down! I love Emma Scott's writing! Highly recommend !!

The Wish Collector by Mia Sherdian

4 Stars!! 

“I believe everyone deserves grace, Clara. What you will have to ask yourself is if you should offer that grace from near or from afar. Offering grace does not mean offering your heart. That, my darlin’, must be protected at all cost.” 



This was such a fun and dreamy read. It takes place in New Orleans, and I got to read it this week while in New Orleans. That made it so worth it! Everything, all the culture and sights from the book came to life. 

Clara- a ballet dancer, gets the shot of a lifetime to work at the New Orleans Ballet. In order to follow her dream, she has to leave her father who has Alzheimer's which is very hard for her but she does it. After being in New Orleans for a while, she hears a story from her neighbor about the Weeping Wall located at Windisle Plantation. Its magic and story, consumes Clara. She goes to the wall and meets a stranger behind it all. 

Jonah, a highshot lawyer once upon a time, now lives in isolation because of something tragic that happened over 8 years ago. Consumed with guilt Jonah never leaves his home, which just so happens to be at Windisle Plantation. One day he receives a wish behind the wall, and hears a voice which turns his life - totally upside down. 



This book was so whimsical. There is a story within a story told here and it worked perfectly. There were a few different mysteries all going on at the same time which made the whole thing that much more amazing. I really enjoyed all of the mentions of New Orleans history and all the legends and tales told about it!

The Butterfly Project by Emma Scott

5 Stars!! 
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“I once read that you fell in love like how you fell asleep: slowly at first and then all at once.”

Zelda, is running from her past- but at the same time trying to make a future. She goes to New York to try and get her Comic Book published. It means the world to her because it is based on something very important to her. One night- she runs into a guy named Beckett, a guy who needs a second change- forgiveness and freedom of his past. 

Emma Scott - You are a Genius! This book was amazing, and so very different! I loved seeing the comic book strips through out the book and seeing how it would change, as the story developed. The characters were swoon worthy and lovable. The Butterfly Project was a story about two tortured souls- Zelda and Beckett, finding love, friendship and something neither of them would have expected. 

This was a 2019 TOP FAV- I recommend this one to the masses :P And all of Emma Scotts books!

A Wish For Us by Tillie Cole

5 Violet Blue Stars!! 
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I think my heart is ready to review this... 



Tillie- Tillie - Tillie cant you see... Sometimes your words just hypnotize me. I swear, I think she is a Wizard when it comes to words...



Its like she takes her time, sprinkling in all the feels... 

A Wish For Us is something that will stick with you forever. I usually give a little preview of what the book is about but Im not doing that with this one. See, I've been needing to read this for a while but, I know how Miss Coles books work. So I put it off for a while but here we are... in the aftermath and I am just so glad I went into this one blind. And for that reason, I feel like you should too. You can thank me later. 

This book wrecked me, but in a good sort of way. It captures you from the start and doesn't let up until the very end. Fair warning- you will cry... or at the very least, you will want to. You will want to snuggle up and have no distractions. You'll be transported into this story, and not want to come out. 

The writing is beautiful, and the characters are filled to the brim with depth. A lot of the story line is based on music and I am a music junkie. So that made it even better for me. And the way Cole writes about the music- took my breath away. There is also an amazing physical condition talked about in this book that I have never heard of and that made this book come alive. Im not telling you what it is- just go read it. I promise you wont be disappointed!! :P

The Fall Up by Aly Martinez

4 Stars!! 
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️



They met on a bridge- it was raining, Levee in her designer shoes and Sam with his cigarette hanging out of his mouth- looking like a dream. She wanted to jump... to fall into nothing... little did she know, she could also fall up. 

Pretty sure this was my first Martinez book. And it didn't disappoint! From the first line of the book, I was hooked. The main characters were lovable and I loved their chemistry, wit and banter.

The Fall up deals with mental health issues and depression. It talks about what happens when we overload ourselves and don't come up for air. What it feels like when we feel the walls close in around us and we think we have it under control- until we don't. Thinking we can do everything on our own without the help or love from others. 

This book made my heart lurch - it was beautiful and it will steal your heart, give you all the feels and leave you wanting more! I highly recommend it :P

Be The Girl by KA Tucker

5 Stars!! 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tucker has done it again! She has crafted a lesson into a story and we all need to hear it. Be the Girl is a book with a story that should stick with the reader for a long time. 

Be the Girl was about a lot of things. It was about starting over, and learning from mistakes. It was about bullying and disrespect. You can try and bury the past... but it always has a way of coming back around.... 

Aria moves across Canada with her mom to go live with her Great Uncle. Its a fresh start for the both of them. You can tell that she has been through something- the more you read- the answer becomes a little clearer. They move in next door to a family who has a son and an autistic daughter. 

This story was something I feel like everyone really should read. Being a teenager for me was hard- but that was a long time ago and I know being a teen these days can be hell. With the internet and technology, social media platforms.. its easy to be bullied because the haters have something to hide behind, and without thinking about it- that makes it easier for people to be shitty. This book brings light to that. 

I really enjoyed the characters each and every one of them. The flow of the book moved nicely and I was able to finish it in one setting because it consumed me. I recommend this one to all!!

Girls With Sharp Sticks by Suzanne Young

4.5 Stars!! 

"Demonstrate your value to those in attendance by showing how appealing a beautiful, obedient girl can be. Hold your tongue. Bat your eyes. Smile. Be best."

Just imagine for a minute if.... the dark and sadistic world of West World....


AND Handmaid's Tale....


HAD A BABY..... it would be something like- Girls With Sharp Sticks!! 

In Girls With Sharp Sticks, we are thrown into a world that seems to be on the edge of a New Wave of Dystopia. While the normal world still goes on outside the gates of Innovations Academy.. Something unworldly is happening in the Academy. 

The Academy, a prestigious reforming school for girls are taught the “essentials” to become obedient submissive wives, homemakers, etc. The girls are not allowed to question the men or "guardians." Report cards measure beauty, compliance, poise, decorum and an attitude of obedience. 

A sudden departure from one of the girls, puts Philomena and the rest of the girls on edge. Lennon Rose left without a goodbye or shoes. This starts a search for answers they didn't even know they needed! As the search begins, Mena starts to see things a little bit clearer. 

She starts to see the lingering touches, the possessiveness, hears the crude comments, and notices how the girls are being basically brainwashed and programmed to do as these men say.



This really pushes the girls closer together, even more than before, to get to the bottom of what is happening. 

The girls are treated so terrible, and its really sad bc at first none of them realize that the way they are treated is wrong. They are physically and emotionally abused and looked upon like cattle. They are limited to learning only certain things, and have no free will or freedom. 



“They’ve trained you not to believe what you’re told by others. You have to come to it on your own. I can’t wake you, Philomena.” 



TIME TO WAKE UP GIRLS!!!

I absolutely ate this little nugget up!!! There is a little something in this for everyone! Its a little mix of dystopian, sci-fi, action, mystery, and a very small bit of romance- if that's even what you would call it! The only thing that I had issues with was- I thought it could have been executed a little better - and if there would have been some heavy action scenes that would have been fab- but I guess we cant always get what we want :P Other than that, I adored it and cant wait for the next book!

The Girl He Used To Know by, Tracey Garvis Graves

4 Stars!! 

"Life isn't easy for anyone. We all have challenges. We all face adversity. It's how we overcome it that makes us who we are.” 

Annika meets Jonathan in College at a chess club meet. Annika is beautiful, but has a hard time with normal social interactions. She is on the autism spectrum, but that doesn't matter to Jonathan, he falls hard and fast for her. Annika works really hard to do her best to cope with her Autism. They have their ups and their downs in the relationship but, for the most part everything seems to be going amazing until something tragic happens and Annika closes herself off. 

The book is told from alternating POVS and Timelines- 1991- Their College Years and then Fast Forward to Present day for them in the book and the year is 2001. We get to see how people reacted to Autism back in the day. It was really sad since there weren't as many cases and it wasn't a well known thing. She gets bullied and talked down to a lot because of it. Jonathan was so great with her a TRUE cinnamon bun! 

They run into each other again one day on the streets and decide to get together to catch up. Annika is finally a librarian which was her dream, and Jonathan is recently divorced. The rest - you'll have to read to find out!! 

This was my first Tracey Graves book and it did not disappoint. I love books that represent real issues and gives a voice to those who may not have one. I absolutely adored Annika, she was so precious and her best friend Janice was literally my HERO. She was amazing. Jonathan was perfection and a joy to read!! 

I recommend this to all!! But - if you liked books like The Kiss Quotient or The Bride Test, you'll enjoy this one for sure! It isn't anything like those, but the subject matter is similar and refreshing! Happy Reading :P

Allied by, Amy Tintera

3 Stars!!
There comes a time when we have to accept that people make their own choices, and we’re not responsible for those choices, even if they’re our family.

This is the most mellow Fantasy series I have ever read. The characters, even when at war- were really just chill for the most part. Its been a while since I have read the first two of the series but I remembered the story line and what was happening. For whatever reason, I really enjoyed those two way more than this one.

The writing was still fantastic and I enjoyed the end of the story- it just seemed to drag a little more than the others and the ending was a little predictable.

I appreciated seeing the romance blossom a little more in Allied, and we got to see how the two races would end up working together in the end.

Overall- this book was enjoyable it just went a little too slow for me or maybe just not much was happening, compared to the others in the series. I still recommend this book and the entire series! Totally worth the read :P

Home Tears by Tijan

4 Stars!!

It is no secret that I am a HUGE fan of Tijan!! I love her writing and ALLLLL the Drama she dishes! I have always been hesitant to read Home Tears because it was one of her lower rated books. But I have made it a point recently to not give a damn about other peoples ratings and just to take a leap and go for it. IM SO GLAD I DID.

This Book was literally like a Soap Opera. We have Dani- who is from a very small town. She always felt like the black sheep in her family which included her mom, two sisters and two aunts. Dani's boyfriend (Jake) ends up cheating on her with one of her sisters- Dani does what she does best- she leaves with out a word.

Fast Forward 10 years and Dani is back home visiting - trying to get over a trauma she just went through. She is dealing with a lot of emotions and trying to change her ways. Her crazy Fam is not happy to see her. They have issues with Dani leaving for so long- most thought she was dead.

I LOVED this book. I could relate SO much to Dani O'Hara and her whole messed up Fam. The drama was flowing STRONG- in Tijan fashion. We get to see Dani's growth, as well as other characters over the course of the book. Jonah was great as well- He was patient and really just went with the flow of things. He was there for Dani and wasn't an ass like most guys tend to be in these types of books.

I recommend all Tijan books - they always have such depth and the writing always sucks you in! Always here for a drama fest :P

Kings Warrior by Frost Kay (Book 4)

5 Stars!!  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ You are a champion, a warrior.” He looked her straight in the eye. “You are not the victim. You’re a survivor.” Book 1-Rebels Blade- 4 Stars!! Book 2-Crowns Shield- 4.5 Stars!! Book 3-Enemys Queen- 4 Stars!! Book 4-Kings Warrior- 5 Stars!! YALL!! Book 4 melted my heart like WAX! Everything I have been waiting for and hoping for started to unfold and happen in this book and I am beyond thrilled with it!! Revolution and war come with a price in the fourth volume of The Aermian Feuds. After escaping from the warlord- Sage, Jasmine, and Blaise are all in rough shape. Blaise isn't as tormented as Sage and Jasmine and quickly jumps into training and getting prepared for the coming war. Sage and Tehl have been through so much and they are brought back together once more, to try and gain some sort of connection. They both have had their hearts put to the test. I was so impressed with the way Kay handled bringing these two characters together. Tehl is a TRUE cinnamon bun. His character has grown so much over the course of the books! Literally there are some dark heavy moments but handled with so much care my heart almost BURST. I cried big fat ugly tears. I don't want to say too much since this is an ongoing series- But, Overall this was by far my favorite installment. This series is breaking all the rules and twisting and turning with each new book. I am so excited to read the next one and can hardly wait!! If you couldn't tell already- I highly recommend it !!

The Bride Test by, Helen Hoang

5 Stars!!
“I only want you to be yourself with me.”


Helen Hoang is quickly becoming an auto buy author on my list of Favorites ! Her writing is amazing and her books, are super cute and adorable. They also shine a light on many topics that need to be talked about more. This is an own voices novel- in 2016 she was diagnosed with Autism herself- which inspired the Kiss Quotient and now The Bride Test.

I know most people loved the Kiss Quotient more-BUT- I am a minority and absolutely adored this one!! This book is following a couple of characters who we originally met in The Kiss Quotient. We may only see those characters for a minute- but you cant help but smile once you put the pieces together.

I don't want to say much about the plot- because to me, its such a treat to go into them blind- but I highly recommend these books!! Especially if you have any interest about autism and the autistic community. Hoang writes from experience and its like a breath of fresh air!! I cant wait to see what book 3 will be about and if we get to see all the characters we fell in love with again

Enemy's Queen by Frost Kay (Book 3)

4 Stars!! 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book 1-Rebels Blade- 4 Stars!! 

Book 2-Crowns Shield- 4.5 Stars!! 

Book 3-Enemy's Queen- 4 Stars!! 

Book 4-Kings Warrior- 5 Stars!! 

I AM ADDICTED. To put this book down - well lets just say, I DIDN'T. This series is fabulous and I really hope that it continues to be!! The characters. the dialogue, the action - not to mention the twists and turns-Im officially....

We get to see a whole NEW side to Sage and Tehl. There were both on a roller coaster of emotions. In this installment, we see misery and hopelessness. Tehl, in my opinion really showed the most growth in this book. He is learning how to communicate and to be patient. Hes also learning how to listen and heed his brothers and councils warnings. 

Poor Sage has gotten herself into a mess and she is trying to hold on to figure a way out. Meanwhile her family and her advisers are all working on a way to get her out of it as well. We get new characters in this book and a whole new group of people to learn about. The pacing and plot are constantly growing and changing. 

I am really looking forward to the next few books and anxious to see where Kay takes us!!!

Crown's Shield by Frost Kay (Book 2)

4.5 Stars!! 

“No one likes an easy fight and…” The Scythian hesitated. “The strong deserve to live. You are built from strength. You wear it like armor.” 

Book 1-Rebels Blade- 4 Stars!!
Book 2-Crowns Shield- 4.5 Stars!!
Book 3-Enemys Queen- 4 Stars!!
Book 4-Kings Warrior- 5 Stars!! 

LOVE, Love - LOVE this series!!! This picked up right where Rebels Blade left off- and went from there! These books are pretty addicting - once you start you wont want to stop- You have been warned :P

The plot is thickening and things are really starting to take off in Book 2! Tehl and Sage are together a lot more in this book - and they are starting to build somewhat of a friendship. Their banter is great and flows nicely. 

All the princes are just amazing each with their own personality that really makes each individual stand out. Sam is a womanizer and Gav is just a teddy bear I want to take home with me. Tehl is so awkward and I absolutely love that about him. 

HOLY CLIFFHANGER- this book had me on the edge of my seat as it ended!! I can not wait to pick up book 3 and 4!! If you're looking to get lost in a Feud of Kingdoms - I highly recommend this series!

Bad Boy Brody by Tijan

3.5 Stars!! 

She was beautiful. She was wild. She was the untamed one.

In Bad Boy Brody, we follow Brody- a really popular actor who is - SHOCKER



A BAD BOY.... 

Didnt see that coming did ya?? 

He one day gets a phone call from his brother and hears him die while on the phone with him. That leads Brody down an even worse "bad boy road." His agent gets him a part in a B movie to try and bring up his ratings and the good movie offers back. 

He takes the deal which will be a true story of how a popular woman rancher Karen Kellerman is murdered leaving behind a husband and step children. Brody shows up to the set and sees a girl (Morgan Kellerman) - who usually is a ghost to everyone else- among the horses. 



Little does Brody know. She has a tragic story of her own. 

I enjoyed this book. Its Tijan- its hard not to get invested in her emotionally driven characters. I thought everything flowed smooth and it was a great story to read. I felt the characters had depth and the story even had a bit of mystery about it. 

My only "little bitty" issue with it was Morgan. She just fell flat a little for me. She lives among the horses and has a relationship with nature that some of us could only dream of tapping into. I loved that aspect, but she came across as dull and kind of boring. She was amazing with the horses and I get that she is supposed to seem sort of skittish like a horse but she just wasn't that relatable and I had a hard time finding a connection with her character. I loved Brody- and thought the side characters were great as well. I just would have liked to see Morgan come out of her shell a little bit more. 

Overall Tijan usually rocks my world with every.single.one of her books so it was still enjoyable and I would still recommend :P 

Ryans Bed by Tijan

4.5 Stars!! 

"My face. My body. My heart -
it all went with her, because she was me.
My twin sister killed herself on June twenty-ninth.
We would've been eighteen the next day.” 

Mackenzie, her twin sister Willow, brother Robbie and parents, have just moved - due to her fathers new job. She doesn't know anyone or anything about the new place they now live. Mackenzie thinks she is just the normal sibling- just average, since her two siblings and parents are all extraordinary. And in Macs mind- shes less than. One day not too long after the move, Mackenzie's life is turned upside down when her twin sister Willow, commits suicide. 

Mac is the one who finds her- and she is completely void of emotion. She cant eat or think- everything seems to be falling apart around her. Then she finds herself in Ryan's Bed, a boy she barely knows. Her parents sent her and her brother to a friends, (Ryan's House) so that they could sort out all the details of the death. She ends up in his bed thinking it was his sisters- because its the only place she feels safe for whatever reason. 

I woke that morning in Ryan’s arms, I felt a little less crazy. I felt a little bit better. And I felt a little more whole.

I absolutely loved this story and the characters. Mac broke my heart the entire book because of the pain and dissociation she has with everything since losing her sister. I love Tijan - and this is one of her best yet. I love the way she writes such gripping characters. The kind you can feel along with. When the MCS are in pain you feel it too- You feel everything. 

Ryan was suchhhh a sweetheart!! I absolutely loved how amazing he was for her and how he was just everything she needed in the moment - no matter how crazy she was, he was right there helping and consoling her! Their chemistry was fabulous! 

This book was not easy to read, its about grief and what goes on in the person left behind after a suicide. There are some dark moments but also happy moments. Its filled to the brim with emotions. I overall- really enjoyed this one and Tijan continues to be one of my top Faves!