Stilettos With My Latte: Holly's World

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Please note: it took me awhile to settle in with reading last month. Since I could not stop thinking about you know...

The majority of these books were read in a week, so let's dive in so I can move on to my next stack.

Goodreads Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

There was just something about this one. I typically do not like the back and forth and drawing things out in a romance read. HOWEVER, due to obstacles Carolina and Max had to overcome, I appreciated the organic feel and how it ended.

Life and Other Inconveniences by Kristan Higgins

Goodreads Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

This may not have been my favorite Kristan Higgins book, but I liked it. I feel like the supporting characters pulled me in more than the main ones.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Goodreads Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Not sure why it took me so long to eventually read this one...but I fell deep in between these covers and could not come up for air until I finished.

When you realize you can tell someone your truth, when you can show yourself to them, when you stand in front of them bare and their response is "You're safe with me" - that's intimacy.

Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
Goodreads Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I am such a sucker for a book set in Philly written by Philly authors. The icing on top was diving into racial issues. This one left me with so many conflicting emotions.

Is Kelley REALLY a bad guy?! I liked him and see nothing wrong with having preferences.

Tamra needs a muzzle along with committing to some serious self reflection. Natural hair does not make you authentically black.

I adored Briar's relationship with Emira.

Alix doesn't deserve my breath.

I feel like the ending was rushed and a sequel on subsequent characters would have been better.

The Family Business 5 by Carl Weber
Goodreads Rating: ⭐️⭐️

My anticipation level is HIGH for books in this series. This one was a dud in my opinion. We are introducing new characters in the Duncan family, when things are hardly resolved with the existing ones. Due to a goodreads book description error, I had access to the synopsis of the next release. And let's just say, Niles may not be dead and I would like for this book to come out RIGHT NOW please.

The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams
Goodreads Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I wonder if this is a thing. A men's only book club dissecting romance reads because they need to figure out what women really want?! If so, I would LOVE to be a fly on the wall.

Cleo McDougal Regrets Nothing by Allison Winn Scotch
Goodreads Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

And of course I saved the best for last. I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC (Advanced Reading Copy) from NetGalley for Allison Winn Scotch's book coming out on August 1. It has been 2 years since I have read a book from this author, so I also regret nothing as I abandoned my #TBR stack to get lost in these pages.

Could you imagine PETTY things you did as a child coming back to threaten your future as an adult? And the idea those people seeking revenge have the financial means to attempt to destroy you AND your character without even knowing if you have grown as a person?!

And let's not forget vulnerability and feeling safe with those around you to be able to share your doubts and bad decisions you may have made?!

Let's just say you are going to want to pick this one up when it is released. I cannot wait to discuss it with you all!

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.

We Met in December by Rosie Curtis

Good Reads Rating: ⭐️⭐️

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?!

A Catalina Cove Christmas by Brenda Jackson

Good Reads Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

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.

Regretting You by Colleen Hoover

Good Reads Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

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.

Love on Lexington Avenue by Lauren Layne

Good Reads Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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.

Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn

Good Reads Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

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.

Would Like to Meet by Rachel Winters

Good Reads Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

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!

Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

Good Reads Rating: ⭐️⭐️

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.

Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane

Good Reads Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

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.

Let me paint a picture. Beach house. Stack of books. Pool. Drinks. And a new fave coffee shop. With NO plans but to unwind. That was exactly how I spent my LONGGGG Labor Day weekend and I was averaging a book every 5 hours. PURE BLISS. Does anyone know how I can make this my job and get paid well for this?!

Needless to say - I read a ton of books last month.

The Right Swipe by Alisha Rai

Alisha Rai is another new author for me and I immediately fell in love with this Modern Love series. There is just something about women finally finding their voice and not putting up with bullshit.

We Came Here To Forget by Andrea Dunlop

I am constantly drawn to Dunlop's releases, however, this one left me with so many questions. I feel like there were too many unknown pieces and I don't want to conjure what happens. Some serious issues were addressed in We Came Here To Forget and I need her to TELL ME how they were resolved.

How To Hack A Heartbreak by Kristin Rockaway

Ehhhh...I did NOT hate this book. BUT I did not have to read it. But I do appreciate the exposure it gave to women who code. *shrugs*

The Good Luck Charm by Helena Hunting

Ethan & Lilah infuraited me to no end in this book - there were so many issues with the characters and I found myself being judgmental of their behavior. This did not help with my focus to exhibit more grace.

Bringing Down The Duke by Evie Dunmore

There are times when we need to treat ourselves to a period romance. ESPECIALLY when its dedication reads, For Opa, who taught me I could take on anything, but don't have to put up with everything. <Inserts loud applause>

Whisper Network by Chandler Baker

Now this book ended with a bang.

Are we noticing a trend here with my books this year?! LISTEN.

Eloquent Rage by Brittney C. Cooper

I need some more of my friends to read this book so we can debate. I had so many conflicting thoughts while reading. I needed to remind myself this was someone's experience. I am curious to know if others felt this way growing up or if this author was simply obnoxious. BUT one thing rings true...do NOT touch my hair.

The Swallows by Lisa Lutz

This book has me fearful for our youth. It was so unexpected. The intricacies of dealing with teenagers dating and women constantly having to prove themselves...I am going to have to pray hard to get through those years.

Red At The Bone by Jacqueline Woodson

I gobbled this book in less than 3 hours. I felt like I was at my grandmother's house on Baynton Street hiding in the hallway near the back kitchen door so I could eavesdrop on grown up convos. The nostalgia soothed my soul.

More To Life by ReShonda Tate Billingsley

We all need reminders and this line in More To Life was mine: if you're not walking in your happiness every day, you need to change the path.

And if I wasn't paying attention, my next book had a great follow up...

With The Fire On High by Elizabeth Acevedo

Taking risks and making choices in spite of fear - it's what makes our life story compelling. I settled in and KNEW I would enjoy reading about Emoni's story as a teenage parent.

Now have any of you read anything good lately?! With the 4th quarter upon us, I am focusing in on my top reads of the year. I met my Good Reads Challenge (52) months ago. But now that I have hit 80, I kind of think I can hit 100 with my TBR pile and new releases.

Also, Caren and I did a thing. We started a bookstagram. Come give us a follow at Book Smart Street Snark as we attack these stacks!

Have you ever walked into the library to pick up your holds and double back because a cover caught your eye?! That's what happened with my first read of August...

American Street by Ibi Zoboi

Who could resist this cover?!

I had never heard of Ibi Zoboi but found myself easily enthralled with this familial story based on the impact of immigration laws. Very timely, huh?!

Confess by Colleen Hoover

After a heavy read, I needed to cleanse my palette a bit - and Confess seemed to be exactly right. It may not have been my fave Hoover book, but it is not possible to fall in love with EVERY one.

Intercepted & Fumbled by Alexa Martin

Social media was raving about Alexa Martin's latest release (fun fact: she's the wife of a former NFL player) and I found myself in a quandary. How can one read the sequel without knowing where we started?! So of course, I read them both.

I preferred Intercepted over Fumbled...but I am def going to read Blitzed this winter. Football, girlfriends, good food, and romance is always a touchdown for me!

I Do Love You Still by Mary B. Morrison

Ms. Morrison NEVER fails to disappoint with intermixing some ratchet into my everyday life. All boxes checked with this one!

Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center

At some point with this month's reads, I suppose I had to evoke some emotion. I knew I would love this book. But I didn't anticipate all the emotions I would experience. Ms. Center always knows how to put life in perspective and make you take account of what matters most.

The world is full of unspeakable cruelty. But the answer wasn't to never feel hope, or bliss, or love - but to savor every fleeting, precious second of those feelings when they came.

The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman

Nina may have offered me a glimmer of my dream job. I am not certain yet. Working at a book store and hosting several book club groups a week - so essentially getting PAID TO READ...where can one go wrong???

And my fave gem: trust people with your truth, and bravely tell them you're not brave at all.

The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory

I had high expectations for the 3rd book in the Wedding Date series...mainly because the cover was hot pink WITH gold glitter. How could one go wrong?! I did not HATE it , but think it would be better as a stand alone. Revisiting scenes from previous books just to have a different perspective is NOT my jam.

I Love You So Mochi by Sarah Kuhn

Ehhhh...social media reviews piqued my curiosity, but this time the cat got killed. The premise was good and lessons cute - but this may have been too "young adult" for me. It left me with questions.

The Marriage Clock by Zara Raheem

Tick. TOCK. TICK. Tock. Time is running out on this clock. I can relate with the pressure Leila felt, however, at times I felt her to be incorrigible. The best part of this book was experiencing the Indian culture and marriage traditions.

What does one do while on family vacation when the heat exhausts the kids so they sleep IN every single day?!

Start each morning off by reading on the patio of course. I definitely think I earned this quiet time.

The Bride Test by Helen Hoang

I loved The Kiss Quotient so much that I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. I was disappointed with how it shaped out.

Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jalaluddin

How could one not fall in love with this cover?! The story that unfolded between its covers captivated me from start to finish as it exposed me to different cultures, religious practices, and biased treatments as a result of having different beliefs.

Love, Hate and Other Filters by Samira Ahmed

Seems like I was going with a trend here, huh?! My next book dove deeper into the hatred encountered by Muslims who resided in NYC. What reigned supreme in both reads is strong female leads willing to stand up for what they believed in. And we need more of that nowadays.

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

I have loved EVERY book by this writing duo - they seem to be on trend with releases twice a year. This is the first book by them I could have lived without.

Passion on Park Avenue by Lauren Layne

Some days call for smut reads in order to unwind. This was definitely what the doctor ordered!

The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary

I've been reading a ton of books located in London this year. I may need to visit sooner rather than later. This was another quick chick lit book.

Black Girls Must Die Exhausted by Jayne Allen

This book resonated deep within my soul. The circumstances encountered with being a black woman trying to always delicately walk a line so they don't offend due to other's insecurities. Entwine that with dialogue and conflict resolution with your girlfriends...please pour me another glass of wine.

The Friends We Keep by Jane Green

Jane Green and I have a love/hate relationship. I either rave about her books or I am left craving more. Yet I am too scared to skip a release because what if I miss something good?! This is one that could have remained on the shelf.

In West Mills by De'Shawn Charles Winslow

This is the first book I read by a male author in some time. Not on purpose...but that's just how my reading list is shaping out. And you know what this read taught me: secrets always come to light, so it is always important to live in your truth.

I'm Fine and Neither Are You by Camille Pagan

Ohhhh baby. This book hit so many triggers within me. I do not want to reveal any spoilers, but uhhhh...I'm fine & neither are you.

His to Claim by Brenda Jackson

There is something about Brenda Jackson's Westmoreland Legacy with Navy Seals. I love them all.

Have you read anything good lately?!

May was intense with work, travel, and baseball but somehow I still managed to chip away at my reading list.

I discovered this gem in the Atlanta airport as I awaited my flight home...books, coffee, wine, AND cake?! YES PLEASE!

I could not settle on a latte. It was a toss between a Cioccoloccino Bianco (white chocolate latte) or a Peanut Butter Cup Cappuccino. Can you guess what I went with?!

Peanut Butter for the win

Meet Cute by Helena Hunting

Let me start this by saying I have never heard the term meet cute, but ever since I read this book I keep running across it in books and social media. Who knew?!

Yall know I love me some good chick lit and this checked off everything on my list: fashion, sass, laugh out loud moments, strong family bonds, and pulling at my heartstrings.

The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis Graves

This is another one I digested in less than 8 hours. I was intrigued from the start and could not put it down. It also made me reflect on my growth over the years.

The Matchmaker's List by Sonya Lalli

I have been immersing myself in different cultures with books selected this year. With this read, I learned more about the Indian community. It may not have been my favorite, but it definitely opened my eyes to different traditions & values.

The Assistants by Camille Perri

I will not go on a tangent here about women being undervalued in the workplace. Or men constantly disrespecting them and expecting us to just always simply say yes while they climb the corporate ladder. I did not particularly like this book, but I was in support of women going after what they deserve by any means necessary.

Field Notes on Love by Jennifer E. Smith

Ohhhh...field notes on love you say?! Well sign me up! I stayed up late reading this on a work night because it enveloped me in a warm hug. It also reminded me how I need to work on being more vulnerable. <insert eye roll>

The F Word by Liza Palmer

Of course I read this...but also, it is NOT the f word you think it is. Lol! But let's just say nothing is ever perfect, right?! And I suppose we have to accept that.

The Queen of Hearts by Kimmery Martin

This book has been sitting by my bed since March. I always loved the cover, but since the library kept allowing me to renew it - I did exactly that. I finally settled in with this treat and was taken on a journey. It struck a chord discussing the intricacies with close friendships. In order to keep these relationships in tact when issues arise, one must exhibit grace. A ton of grace. And let's just say I am still a work in progress.

Have you ever read a book and saw so many of your traits on display through the author's portrayal of their characters?! Between Fixie, Holland, and Molly, I found myself reflecting. Let's get to it...

Someone joined in on reading with me this month

I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella

You need to start thinking less about what you owe other people and more about what you owe yourself. What a way to start off March, huh?! I may not have loved every character, but this book def kept my interest.

Roomies by Christina Lauren

I do not think I have read a book by this duo that didn't immediately suck me in. I am now driving myself crazy trying to pinpoint my fave. And they left me with this...I need more purpose.

Otherwise Engaged by Lindsey Palmer

I wanted to love this book based on the cover alone. Yet when it ended, I found myself annoyed. However, if there is a sequel...I will read it.

Trouble in Rio by Carl Weber

Finally! Another installment of Carl Weber's The Family Business series. Has anyone watched the BET series? And of course, I am now waiting for the next one...

Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams

Let's have a moment of silence for this cover. That alone drew me in AND had me craving box braids with some hoops. Might as well pop some gum too, right?!

Needless to say, I cannot wait to discuss this one with my girls. So. MANY. Talking. Points.

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Full disclosure. I did NOT want to read this book. WHY would I want to get lost in the world of a 60s band. Even though I LOVE everything TJR writes. Let's just say, I am happy Caren picked this up from the library and left it on my desk. ALL. THE. FEELS. And gratitude for those who support me.

You show up for your friends on their hardest days. And you hold their hands through the roughest parts. Life is about who is holding your hand and, I think, whose hand you commit to holding.

I swear this year - this is what is driving me. Supporting those who support me. And protecting my energy from those who waver.

On The Come Up by Angie Thomas

447 pages in less than 7 hours. Need I say more?! With Mochs and Gabi growing up, along with my friends' children, I make sure I read books in their genre. This presents opportunities for us to dissect them and opens up dialogue regarding issues plaguing our society. Communication is vital for fostering relationships.

The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls by Anissa Gray

Yall. I hated this book. I feel like it took forever to say WHY things were happening. I never got a full picture of the rooted cause of the internal conflict. AND I never cared about the main characters. I was more interested in those who were in the background. Give me more Eva, Baby V., and Kim!

So there you have it. 4 new authors. A total of 7 women and 1 man writing this month's reads.

I found a new game to play this month. Caren & I both place books on hold at the library and we swap as we tackle our massive TBR lists. I have discovered the counties deliver their holds quicker than the city no matter where you are on the list.

Let's dive into this month's reads...

Swear on This Life by Renee Carlino

I had never heard of this author, yet social media was raving about this book. I quickly discovered why. If you are on board to be emotionally gutted and then pieced back together...add this to your list. I was a bit sad it ended.

My Favorite Half-Night Stand by Christina Lauren

Upon discovering these authors last month, I decided I needed to read everything by them that is not a part of a series. This book had me firing off texts and asking for brainstorming sessions to amp up Single in the City. I THINK I want to jump into online dating if someone is willing to do my profile. But I DID love this book.

I also read two other books by them this month...Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating - this one had me cackling out loud.

And then there was Dating You/Hating You which def made me cringe at some parts due to workplace politics. But also reminded me of this...progress, not perfection.

99 Percent Mine by Sally Thorne

The Hating Game made my Top 7 Reads list last year, so the anticipation was high for this book to drop. I think my disappointment was due to my expectations. I could have waited until I had a reading lull to pick this one up.

Tell Me Lies by Carola Lovering

Who wants to be told lies?! I suppose college girls who do not know any better and just want to feel good. YET they do not understand what feeling good really means. But then there is that moment...when you recognize your worth and you stop accepting bullshit. And if just for that moment of awakening and power...I guess you can tell me lies.

This was a quick read - although I cannot say I loved it.

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

I do not know what is going on with me...but ANOTHER NEW author. And let me tell you, I simply adored this book and cannot wait to read about all of Michael's sisters with the subsequent sequels.

The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory

Ya know...I haven't been to a wedding lately and maybe somebody needs to get hitched if only for the sake of me finding a man?! Guillory's writing allows you to connect with her characters. I could relate to Alexa's experiences on a personal level and this book struck a chord within me. So much so...I had to read the next one, The Proposal, immediately to see what happened with Carlos. Did you know... it is ok to be vulnerable with people outside of YOUR circle???

So there you have it - all 9 books I read this month! As you could probably guess, it was a HEAVY writing month a work...how do you motivate yourself to just WRITE?

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It's Almost Time...

Well Hello There...

2020 Vision

Chapter 9

Summer Reads 2020

Diving Between February's Covers

Still Stings. Forever Faithful.

Diving Between January's Covers

Diving Between September's Covers

Diving Between August's Covers

Exhaling Year 8

Diving Between June's Covers

Diving Between May's Covers

Summer Reads 2019

Diving Between March's Covers

Diving Between February's Covers

Welcome to Holly's World

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