Playground of Randomness

14
Dec
2021

Hello, It’s Me

I was going to start blogging again (those words sound fake even to me) but somehow time seemed to always get away from me.

Today was our Secret Santa at work and I got a really cute Harry Potter notebook. See pic below.

So I was minding my own business, flipping through this notebook when our Social Media Manager mentioned to me that this book would be excellent for me to start writing again. Firstly I hadn’t even thought of writing in this book. But then she said “it’s been over a year since your last post.”

I didn’t know how she knew that (but she was a little creepy like that when it came to our social media accounts) but I was stunned to realize she was right. It had been a year (possibly more) since I last created blog content.

So I know this isn’t actually proper content and is just a “I’m back” post but I’m back. I’m going to start posting more regularly. I’m done with my studies for a while so I really feel like I can commit to blogging again.

26
Nov
2021

Fiction Friday: Book Review- The MacGregor Grooms (The MacGregors #9) by Nora Roberts

categories: Books, Reviews

The MacGregor Grooms by Nora Roberts

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The MacGregor series follows the Meddling Daniel MacGregor, a man who is obsessed with matchmaking for his kids and now his grandkids. After seeing his kids and grand-daughters happily mariied, Daniel sets his eyes on his grandsons next in an attempt to secure great-grandchildren for his wife, Anna.
This book is no different from the others in the series. It’s the same old formula. Daniel finds someone, decides to pair them up with someone from his family, rinse and repeat.
However at this stage, the familiarity is actually comforting.
There wasn’t really anything new or surprising about this book but that was what made it so great. This was an effortless read and with my short attention span, this was exactly what I needed. I was able to read one story a night so I walked away after each story feeling like I accomplished something instead of forcing myself through a book I might not have enjoyed.
If you are going through a book slump, I highly recommend any of Nora Roberts books.

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29
Oct
2021

Fiction Friday: Book Review- The Last Girl by Goldy Moldavsky

categories: Books, Reviews

The Last Girl by Goldy Moldavsky

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a free review. I originally was attacted to this book because of the cover and the title reminded me of “Final Girl” (the film). The synopsis caught me attention and I knew this was a must-read.
It did take me a few weeks to get to it because of life but I loved every second of it and sped through the book.
“The Last Girl” tells the story of Rachel Chavez, a traumatized female who moves to a new school and is struggling to fit in. She stumbles upon the “Mary Shelley“ club, a small but elite club of students from different backgrounds who all share the same love for horror movies and indulge in pranks inspired by urban legends.
But as time goes on, the pranks start to take a dangerous turn and Rachel realizes that it might not be that easy for her to start a new life.
I found the first chapter woefully cliché with the whole new girl who doesn’t fit in trope but after that the book picked up speed.
This was a really well-written book. The plot was kind of cliché but it was a great comfort read. I loved the references to horror movies and saw some of my favorites mentioned in this book.
Basically this book gave me the same level of comfort that horror movies gave to Rachel.
If you are looking for a thrilling read, I strongly suggest this one.

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22
Oct
2021

A Duke in Time (The Widow Rules #1) by Janna MacGregor

categories: Books, Reviews

A Duke in Time by Janna MacGregor

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Katherine Vareck is astonished when she discovers after her husband’s death that he had two other wives- one of whom is pregnant. Her late husband’s brother, Christian reluctantly steps in to try and sort out the mess.
Christian has spent his entire life avoiding his family and their scandal but there is something about Katherine that makes him want to protect her from his family and their drama.
Katherine and Christian are an adorable couple and it is clear that they have very strong chemistry from the start.
I strongly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or romance.

15
Oct
2021

Fiction Friday: Book Review- Black in White (Quentin Black Mystery #1)

categories: Books, Reviews

Black In White by J.C. Andrijeski

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book many many years ago (I think maybe it was when it first released) and I was appalled by it’s audacity to be a part of the series.
However I have slowly been collecting the ebooks as they go on sale (I have four already) and figured it was time to dive back in.
I didn’t remember much of this book besides the fact that I had a huge crush on Quentin Black so rereading this was a pleasure.
Miri Fox is a profiler for the police. She is damn good at her job however when she mets Quentin Black she is unable to read him as well as she could anyone else…and there’s the matter of Quentin being able to speak to Miri in her mind.
The secrets to Miri’s success is that she is a psychic. While she has an idea of her power, she doesn’t go around advertising it.
But Black’s arrival into her life introduces her to a whole new world that she never knew existed.
This is a murder mystery but honestly I am just here for Miri and Black.
They are adorable. I ship them and yes the murder mystery is pretty compelling. But I am a girl who just wants to see her ships sail.
If you enjoy fantasy. definitely give this series a go.

12
Oct
2021

Book Review- Boyfriend by Sarina Bowen

categories: Books, Reviews

Boyfriend by Sarina Bowen

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a free review.
Abbi has had a crush on Weston for a while now. Nothing major- just a small silly harmless crush. So when she sees him hang up a flyer advertising his services as a fake boyfriend for Thanksgiving, she jumps at the offer.
Weston is surprised when his mystery date turns out to be the attractive waitress from the team’s regular hang-out spot. But a deal is a deal and she promised him a delicious meal with all the trimmings.
However sparks fly during their own fake date and it isn’t long before Weston and Abbi eventually get something going between them.
I absolutely loved this pairing. Weston and Abbi are adorable. They both have their own baggage and family secrets but I enjoyed being able to see how they fit into each other’s lives so well.
This was a fun, light read that I devoured in one setting. Definitely give this a go!

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08
Oct
2021

Fiction Friday: Book Review- The Theft of Sunlight by Intisar Khanani

categories: Books, Reviews

The Theft of Sunlight by Intisar Khanani

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In the spirit of full disclosure you should know that:
1) I got impatient and ordered an eBook copy a week after requesting this book
2) I did not finish this book because I saw a spoiler online and then I myself skipped to the end of the book to check said spoiler.
Yes I am a book-ruiner. I accept my fate.
Anyway, “The Theft of Sunlight” is just as compelling as “Thorn”. Like “Thorn” I was unable to put it down. In fact if it wasn’t for the spoiler and my forward, page-skipping ways I would have enjoyed it. I definitely did enjoy the 200+ pages I read and I will be going back to finish this book as soon as the next one is written.
Intisar Khanani’s writing is magical and her worldbuilding is incredible. If you are a fan of fantasy novels, definitely give this one a go

SPOILER ALERT

It has a cliffhanger ending. That is the part that ruined the book for me. That and the strong violence

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04
Oct
2021

Fiction Friday: Book Review- Christmas Fairytales by Nora Roberts

categories: Books, Reviews

Christmas Fairytales (The MacGregors, #7)

Christmas Fairytales by Nora Roberts

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Meddling Daniel MacGregor has grown tired of waiting for his grand-daughters to marry and give him great-grandbabies. So he cooks up a plot and finds nice healthy males from “nice healthy stock” (his words not mine) for all three of them.
It’s hard not to admire Daniel and his schemes. He carries them off SO WELL!
I loved that each character in this book was so different and you could really see how their background and family shaped them.
I have been following this series from the very beginning and it was so good to see characters from the earlier books pop up again.
I flew through these stories and really enjoyed myself.
If you’re interested in a light read I definitely recommend this book.

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01
Oct
2021

Fiction Friday: Book Review- A Reckless Match by Kate Bateman

categories: Books, Reviews

A Reckless Match by Kate Bateman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don’t care how much of a book slump I am in. I am always down for a Kate Bateman book. “A Reckless Match” follows two feuding families.
The reasons why they’re feuding are not really clear but their dislike has been passed down to the kids and that’s where the story begins.
Maddie and Gryff show up for their families annual “pledge of goodwill” meeting. The two of them have been enemies since they were kids and that hasn’t changed.
Until they uncover a smuggling plot and team up to stop the smugglers. Soon the two enemies are sharing passionate kisses and spending nights together- all to bring the bad guys to justice of course.
Kate Bateman writes books with strong-willed heroines, swoon-worthy heros and a plot that just drives you to know more. This book is no different.
I enjoyed “A Reckless Match” immensely and cannot wait to read more about this feuding family.

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24
Sep
2021

Fiction Friday: Book Review- Sparks Fly by Helena Hunting

categories: Books, Reviews

When Sparks Fly by Helena Hunting

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Best friends to lovers is the worst trope in human history, IMO. That being said, THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD!
Avery and Declan have been friends since college and now live together. They share the same friends and spend most of their evenings together.
When Avery is involved in an accident, Declan is wrecked with guilt. He was supposed to be with her in the car but he blew her off for a one-night stand.
Declan dedicates himself to helping her recover and keeping her company while she is stuck at home.
Declan and Avery get closer than ever as he helps her heal and soon they realize that their feelings might be more than just platonic.
So again, like I said. Worst trope ever but Helena Hunting does it SOO good.
The friendship between Declan and Avery honestly seems platonic at first and I was like “eeww” because I couldn’t see them falling in love.
Basically their feelings surprised me as much as it surprised them. I loved how the evolution of their relationship just seemed so genuine.
This was the book that brought me out of my book slump and I am so glad for it. If you’re a fan of romance, this is the book for you.

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