Brambles by Intisar Khanani
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely loved Thorn. So it was a no-brainer that I would read this when I found it on Scribd recently.
“Brambles” tells the full story of how Alyrra earned the contempt of her family and even her closest friend.
It’s a story that is briefly mentioned in “Thorn” but while I STILL don’t get the cruelty of those around her (Alyrra did the right thing. Guess that makes us both silly, naive geese. It’s cool. We don’t mind) it was enlightening to see the full story.
The short story took is quick to read but packs a quick emotional punch. We also get to see how her relationship with the magical wind starts.
“Thorn” was one of the last books I truly enjoyed before Covid and “Brambles” really took me back to that feeling of being involved in a story without really realizing you are reading a story.
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Month: April 2021
Fiction Friday: Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires #1) by Rachel Caine
Glass Houses by Rachel Caine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Claire Danvers is a college freshman who just can’t seem to stay out of trouble. When she gets on the campus mean girl’s radar, Claire is left beaten and bruised, desperate for another place to stay off-campus.
She finds a friendly face looking for a room-mate but her new living situation might not be any better.
Instead of mean girls and cruel pranks, Claire now has to deal with vampires and magical books. Her room mates are older, nicer and hiding secrets of their own.
I’ve had several books from this series just sitting on my shelf for years (like most of my books do) and boy, do I regret not picking it up sooner.
Morganville is a TOWN FULL OF VAMPIRES. This book is basically everything I wanted and I really hate past me for taking so long to pick it up.
The worldbuilding and backstory of the vampires is really in depth and I loved how the characters all seem pretty well-rounded for supernatural beings.
If you’re a fan of fantasy or fangs, give this a go.
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6 Ideas for Selfcare Sunday
So Selfcare Sunday is by no means a new idea however it is something new for me.
I usually wait until I am close to tears before I decide “That’s it. I need a break.”
By picking a specific day, I know I am going to actually make time for me and I swear it makes the work week easier. Here are 6 ideas on what you can do to carve out some time for yourself. Also side note- it might say Sunday but you can (and should) always make time for YOU!
- Enjoy a warm beverage- For me this is either hot chocolate or a second cup of tea/coffee. Nothing brings me more comfort than the feel of a warm mug in my hands. (Often I end up drinking lukewarm tea because I was too busy using the mug to warm my hands).
- Journalling- Get out all your thoughts before the week begins so you can start the new week clearheaded and free. Bonus points for writing out your to-do list for the week so when the morning rolls around, you know exactly what it is that you need to do.
- Coloring- Coloring is an excellent destresser and a great way to calm your mind.
- Have a spa day- Whether it’s just a face mask and moisturizer or a full-on facial, take the time to treat your skin. It’ll feel amazing AND your face will be glowing by the end.
- Go all out for breakfast- Treat Yo self. And your tummy. You deserve to be spoiled and what better way that to start your day and your week with a breakfast that you’ll love.
- Escape into a book or TV show- Now this is something you all know I love. Watch some Netflix or catch up on your reading. You can escape reality without even leaving your couch.
Do you participate in Selfcare Sundays? What are your Sunday selfcare tips? I’d love to know below.
Fiction Friday: Book Review- My Five Dates (A Love Like That #2) by R.L. Kenderson
My Five Dates by R.L. Kenderson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I picked this book partially because I enjoy this series but mainly because I REALLY like this cover. Sloan decides to take revenge on her best friend’s cheating boyfriend but unfortunately gets caught by his brother, Caleb.
Caleb is not a fan of his brother and his crappy behavior. But when he sees the opportunity to get ahead at work with Sloan playing the part of his dutiful girlfriend, he takes it.
She’ll pretend to be his girlfriend to impress his boss and in return he won’t tell his brother about her damaging his beloved car.
They agree on five dates but of course, it isn’t long before they start having genuine feelings for each other.
I loved how this was such a quick read. It was fun and light-hearted and I absolutely adored Caleb’s character.
Definitely give this a go if you want a book that isn’t too heavy and will leave you with all the feels.
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