Diving Between January's Covers

Let me tell you a little secret...I was on track to post this by the end of January, HOWEVER, I then became consumed with FOOTBALL. One track mind. One goal. One dream. More on that later...

BUT I did manage to read a few books last month. So let's dive in. 

Why yes. Yes I did keep the holiday reads going well into the new year. I wanted to love this book, but somehow it missed the mark. I feel like it dragged out too long to get to where we were going. I wanted to yell at Jess & Alex the entire time. So that couldn't be good for my health, right?! 

Isaac & Donna's story has been teased in multiple books in the Catalina Cove series. I was intrigued to find out what secrets lay in their past. And let me tell you...pride, lack of communication, and failure to compromise can kill something quickly. 

Sometimes I hate when I can guess where the story is going before I get more than 20% in. This was NOT one of those times. I KNEW the kicker immediately and could not wait to see how it presented itself and more importantly...how these characters grew from the issues they encountered. Once again, Colleen Hoover did not disappoint and took me on an emotional roller coaster. 

I think it's time I figure out who I was meant to become before I started living my life for everyone else. 

This was my FAVORITE book of the month. It was so easy to become intoxicated by Claire and Scott's potion to shaking up their every day life until they found the perfect mix! Sometimes life forces us to search for our "strawberry lemonade cupcake" and you NEVER knew how good this unexpected flavor would be until your first sip. 

In case you were wondering, I am currently seeking my strawberry lemonade cupcake in all avenues of this thing called life. 

Yall. We all know how I feel about a handwritten letter/card/note, right?! I expected to swoon throughout this entire book based on the premise. Let's be clear...I did not. I also did not hate it. But you know what I do hate?! Trash friends who do not support you and become jealous of your success.

If I didn't know any better, I would think this book was based on my life...

Set scene:

✅ likes to hang out at coffee shops

✅clumsy

✅obsessed with romance movies

✅a tad bit cynical at times 

✅family & friends think she should be more strategic and purposeful with dating strategies

End scene. 

But hey, I would love to meet! 

You know the easiest way to misunderstand someone's intent...ASSUME instead of ask questions for clarity. Let's just be clear...Chloe & Red drove me insane thru this entire book. And I may have decided I do not need to read the next one in this series. 

As an officer's daughter, this book immediately drew me in. The way you tackle life is different when law enforcemenet professionals are in your family. 

Constant scrutiny. Always holding your breath until they are home. Never knowing if plans will need to be shifted or interrupted due to emergencies. A means of communication within reach at all times in case something happens. As an adult, NOT dating anyone who disrespects his oath. EVER. 

You learn to be fluid, grateful, and appreciative of those who support you. You also begin to conceal your feelings and reactions unless you are around people you trust. And that's when you BREATHE. 

Now if I could go back and make different decisions allowing myself to be more unguarded, vulnerable, and accessible...

If you ask me again...my answer is...

What books are on your tbr list this year?! Mine keeps growing, which should not surprise anyone here in this space.