Bookish Things & More
I'm Katrina, and the main blogger over at Bookish Things & More. I love reading, and find myself trying out more genres.
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Review
This review was originally posted on Bookish Things & More
This is such a fun cookbook. The images are amazing, and some of the recipes I've tried have been delicious. I liked going through and looking at the yummy pictures while working on my meal plan. The recipes are very easy to follow, and most can be made pretty quickly.
These were ridiculously easy to make. I didn't get a picture because Wee One dug in as soon as she could. She really liked them.
This recipe takes a bit longer. But that's only because of making sure not to scorch the cheese sauce. The Hubs wasn't sure about the whole in a potato thing, but it was still really good. The perfect mixture of everything.
I'm not gonna lie. Looking at the mixture marinating the shrimp, it didn't look appetizing at all. But once the shrimp hit the grill they smelled delicious. The end result wasn't bad either. Boy Child devoured 4 skewers before saying he was full.
Review
This is such a fun cookbook. The images are amazing, and some of the recipes I've tried have been delicious. I liked going through and looking at the yummy pictures while working on my meal plan. The recipes are very easy to follow, and most can be made pretty quickly.
Flourless Chocolate Cookies
While my kiddos didn't care for this recipe, the folks at work did. They were eaten not long after I put them in the kitchen. I thought they had a very rich taste.
Confetti White Chocolate Bars
These were ridiculously easy to make. I didn't get a picture because Wee One dug in as soon as she could. She really liked them.
Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Baked Potato
This recipe takes a bit longer. But that's only because of making sure not to scorch the cheese sauce. The Hubs wasn't sure about the whole in a potato thing, but it was still really good. The perfect mixture of everything.
Grilled Pesto Shrimp
I'm not gonna lie. Looking at the mixture marinating the shrimp, it didn't look appetizing at all. But once the shrimp hit the grill they smelled delicious. The end result wasn't bad either. Boy Child devoured 4 skewers before saying he was full.
Overall the recipes I tried were fabulous. I can't wait to try a few more, especially the scones.
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Review
This review was originally posted on Bookish Things & MoreI think this one may be one of my favorite in the series. We get to visit Scotland, and see a family face from the Finishing School series. We also see how Alexia interacts with her sister. And let’s just say for the record that I don’t like her sister.
The mystery about why the events are happening is fun and takes you on an adventure. We also meet Madame LaFeux. She’s an interesting character, and I love her.
Also the aethographers are new to Alexia. I love how she gets giddy over new technology. She’s definitely an odd person in the sense of the time.
The mystery about why the events are happening is fun and takes you on an adventure. We also meet Madame LaFeux. She’s an interesting character, and I love her.
Also the aethographers are new to Alexia. I love how she gets giddy over new technology. She’s definitely an odd person in the sense of the time.
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Review
This review was originally posted on Bookish Things & More
So this will be a super quickie. Jasper's story is a super fast read. We get to see what he's up to after he's come back from New York. They are still searching for Emily. But when he gets back he finds Wildcat in his room. She's come to London searching for her sister, but she can't get a grip on her feelings for Jasper.
They both mean more to each other than they are willing to admit. It's fun watching them banter and work together. Wildcat lives up to her name, and Jasper does everything he can to be a gentleman.
It's definitely a fun novella to read if you have read the series.
Quick Thoughts
So this will be a super quickie. Jasper's story is a super fast read. We get to see what he's up to after he's come back from New York. They are still searching for Emily. But when he gets back he finds Wildcat in his room. She's come to London searching for her sister, but she can't get a grip on her feelings for Jasper.
They both mean more to each other than they are willing to admit. It's fun watching them banter and work together. Wildcat lives up to her name, and Jasper does everything he can to be a gentleman.
It's definitely a fun novella to read if you have read the series.
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Review
This review was originally posted on Bookish Things & More
This installment is probably my favorite in the series. Viv is Simon's friend from when they were kids. She gets a call one night informing her that she's inherited a house in California. Of course she must go on an adventure and see to the place herself.
I adore Viv! She has a tendency to start daydreaming about her starring in her own romance novel. And she's usually picturing super hot Cowboy Hank, who tends to the animals on the farm area of the house she inherited. But the house is in horrible shape, and she wants to fix it up. Well.... there could be a problem with that. Since it's part of the historical district, she has to consult Clark, the town librarian, on any changes she wishes to make. These two are almost always fighting. I loved seeing them go back and forth at each other, especially when they started warming up to each other. Cowboy Hank only seems to show interest in Viv when she's around Clark.
I also love that Viv finds new friends in the area. Ones that will call her on her crap when need be. And drunk Viv is hilarious Viv.
So, who will Viv go after? Cowboy Hank or Bookish Clark???? You'll have to find out!
I think I laughed more in this book than any other book I've ever read.
Review
This installment is probably my favorite in the series. Viv is Simon's friend from when they were kids. She gets a call one night informing her that she's inherited a house in California. Of course she must go on an adventure and see to the place herself.
I adore Viv! She has a tendency to start daydreaming about her starring in her own romance novel. And she's usually picturing super hot Cowboy Hank, who tends to the animals on the farm area of the house she inherited. But the house is in horrible shape, and she wants to fix it up. Well.... there could be a problem with that. Since it's part of the historical district, she has to consult Clark, the town librarian, on any changes she wishes to make. These two are almost always fighting. I loved seeing them go back and forth at each other, especially when they started warming up to each other. Cowboy Hank only seems to show interest in Viv when she's around Clark.
I also love that Viv finds new friends in the area. Ones that will call her on her crap when need be. And drunk Viv is hilarious Viv.
So, who will Viv go after? Cowboy Hank or Bookish Clark???? You'll have to find out!
I think I laughed more in this book than any other book I've ever read.
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Review
This review was originally posted on Bookish Things & MoreKylie Scott has done it again! We have a runaway bride and a hot musician. I was super excited when I found out that Vaughn was going to have his own book. I really liked him, even though he came across as a d-bag, in the Stage Dive book. But it's nice to see another side of him.
Lydia is hilarious. I love her attitude, even when things are falling apart around her. Her inner thoughts while being around Vaughn will have you laughing. She's learning to be herself after running out on her wedding day, and stumbling into Vaughn's house to hide. Things are awkward but easy as she gets to know him. And her lack of sexy times during her previous relationship comes roaring full speed ahead anytime she sees Vaughn. He's pretty much sex on a stick. I love how Lydia grows into her own person, and the girl can throw a mean punch. Her first instinct is to run to a new place and new beginning, but maybe the new people in her life can make her stay.
I loved all of the characters that work at Dive Bar. They are a hot mess, but there for each other if something happens. My favorite is Nell. She's a no nonsense, tell 'em like it is sort of person. And I love how welcoming she is to Lydia as a friend. Lydia definitely needs more of those. I can't wait to see what shenanigans come to pass with the rest of the Dive Bar crew.
Dirty is fast paced, and will have you devouring it in one sitting. I didn't want to put this book down. The romance is a little fast, but it doesn't seem like it while you're reading. You get swept into these characters' lives, and want more when it's finished.
Lydia is hilarious. I love her attitude, even when things are falling apart around her. Her inner thoughts while being around Vaughn will have you laughing. She's learning to be herself after running out on her wedding day, and stumbling into Vaughn's house to hide. Things are awkward but easy as she gets to know him. And her lack of sexy times during her previous relationship comes roaring full speed ahead anytime she sees Vaughn. He's pretty much sex on a stick. I love how Lydia grows into her own person, and the girl can throw a mean punch. Her first instinct is to run to a new place and new beginning, but maybe the new people in her life can make her stay.
I loved all of the characters that work at Dive Bar. They are a hot mess, but there for each other if something happens. My favorite is Nell. She's a no nonsense, tell 'em like it is sort of person. And I love how welcoming she is to Lydia as a friend. Lydia definitely needs more of those. I can't wait to see what shenanigans come to pass with the rest of the Dive Bar crew.
Dirty is fast paced, and will have you devouring it in one sitting. I didn't want to put this book down. The romance is a little fast, but it doesn't seem like it while you're reading. You get swept into these characters' lives, and want more when it's finished.
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 - Kylie Scott)
Review
This review was originally posted on Bookish Things & More
I really enjoyed this book. It's kind of got the same feel of the Weekday Bride series, but set in a small town with friends everywhere. That I think is the biggest thing to take away from this book. Friendship.
I really liked Melanie, Wyatt, Zoe, Luke, and Jo. And of course Miss Gina. She's got a lot of spunk. Melanie finds herself returning to her home town the week of her 10 year high school reunion. She never planned to go back, but after everything life threw at her, she needed to go home. Her family isn't the greatest, and they get very little mention in the book. Which is good because they probably would have made me angry. She finds her support system in her group of childhood friends. Even though it's been a bit since they've spoken, they have her back like nobody else. That may be one of the things I love about small towns. The sense of family and knowing everyone is looking out for you.
Melanie also meets Wyatt, who came to town a few years prior to make a life for himself away from the hustle and bustle. He's an all around good guy. I love his protectiveness and cocky attitude. He doesn't come off as a dbag, he's just confident and sure of himself. The sparks between him and Melanie are undeniable. And I loved seeing their friendship grow and turn into more.
There are a few moments that may be hard to read for some that involve Melanie's daughter. And I only say that because I know as a parent it's hard for me to see anything possibly bad happen to children. But it's nothing horrific, just unsettling.
There are events that take place that make you want to throat punch some people, but knowing that there are friends there ready to do anything for the others makes it much more enjoyable.
All in all, I did enjoy this book, and I'm ready to see what the rest of the characters of River Bend have coming up in their lives.
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Review
I really enjoyed this book. It's kind of got the same feel of the Weekday Bride series, but set in a small town with friends everywhere. That I think is the biggest thing to take away from this book. Friendship.
I really liked Melanie, Wyatt, Zoe, Luke, and Jo. And of course Miss Gina. She's got a lot of spunk. Melanie finds herself returning to her home town the week of her 10 year high school reunion. She never planned to go back, but after everything life threw at her, she needed to go home. Her family isn't the greatest, and they get very little mention in the book. Which is good because they probably would have made me angry. She finds her support system in her group of childhood friends. Even though it's been a bit since they've spoken, they have her back like nobody else. That may be one of the things I love about small towns. The sense of family and knowing everyone is looking out for you.
Melanie also meets Wyatt, who came to town a few years prior to make a life for himself away from the hustle and bustle. He's an all around good guy. I love his protectiveness and cocky attitude. He doesn't come off as a dbag, he's just confident and sure of himself. The sparks between him and Melanie are undeniable. And I loved seeing their friendship grow and turn into more.
There are a few moments that may be hard to read for some that involve Melanie's daughter. And I only say that because I know as a parent it's hard for me to see anything possibly bad happen to children. But it's nothing horrific, just unsettling.
There are events that take place that make you want to throat punch some people, but knowing that there are friends there ready to do anything for the others makes it much more enjoyable.
All in all, I did enjoy this book, and I'm ready to see what the rest of the characters of River Bend have coming up in their lives.
Giveaway
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 - Catherine Bybee)
Review
This review was originally posted on Bookish Things & More
5 Reasons to read Crazy, Stupid, Fauxmance
It's Fun!
I love the whole attitude of this book. It's fun and even when there are shocking times, they find some of the humor in the situation. And there are a few times I literally laughed out loud when they were dealing with some tension.
The Fauxmance
Books that start out with fake romances always get me hooked. I know that emotions are going to come into play, and I love seeing the characters come to that conclusion. It's always a fun journey, and definitely one of self-discovery.
Seeing characters from previous books
Mariely is Willa's best friend, and I adored seeing so much of her in this book. They have such a tight bond, and call offer the advice that's needed. They show what true friendship is about.
The Characters
Mariely and Cabot are both great characters. They each have their own issues they deal with. And they have to learn to trust each other. Mariely is such a fun character. She channels her inner starlet wherever she goes. I love her sense of style, and her swear words. They are amazing. Cabot is not at all what Mariely thinks of him. He's a nice surprise, and grows a lot during this book.
The Plot
Not only is there the whole fauxmance going on because of certain situations, but each is going through their own things too. Mariely is scared to show Cabot where she lives, and is subconscious of her scholarship status at the school. Cabot has issues within his own family. He holds grudges against the person who he feels hurt him.
This series is a lot of fun. I can't wait to see what all of these characters bring in the future.
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Review
5 Reasons to read Crazy, Stupid, Fauxmance
It’s Fun!
I love the whole attitude of this book. It’s fun and even when there are shocking times, they find some of the humor in the situation. And there are a few times I literally laughed out loud when they were dealing with some tension.
The Fauxmance
Books that start out with fake romances always get me hooked. I know that emotions are going to come into play, and I love seeing the characters come to that conclusion. It’s always a fun journey, and definitely one of self-discovery.
Seeing characters from previous books
Mariely is Willa’s best friend, and I adored seeing so much of her in this book. They have such a tight bond, and call offer the advice that’s needed. They show what true friendship is about.
The Characters
Mariely and Cabot are both great characters. They each have their own issues they deal with. And they have to learn to trust each other. Mariely is such a fun character. She channels her inner starlet wherever she goes. I love her sense of style, and her swear words. They are amazing. Cabot is not at all what Mariely thinks of him. He’s a nice surprise, and grows a lot during this book.
The Plot
Not only is there the whole fauxmance going on because of certain situations, but each is going through their own things too. Mariely is scared to show Cabot where she lives, and is subconscious of her scholarship status at the school. Cabot has issues within his own family. He holds grudges against the person who he feels hurt him.
This series is a lot of fun. I can’t wait to see what all of these characters bring in the future.
It’s Fun!
I love the whole attitude of this book. It’s fun and even when there are shocking times, they find some of the humor in the situation. And there are a few times I literally laughed out loud when they were dealing with some tension.
The Fauxmance
Books that start out with fake romances always get me hooked. I know that emotions are going to come into play, and I love seeing the characters come to that conclusion. It’s always a fun journey, and definitely one of self-discovery.
Seeing characters from previous books
Mariely is Willa’s best friend, and I adored seeing so much of her in this book. They have such a tight bond, and call offer the advice that’s needed. They show what true friendship is about.
The Characters
Mariely and Cabot are both great characters. They each have their own issues they deal with. And they have to learn to trust each other. Mariely is such a fun character. She channels her inner starlet wherever she goes. I love her sense of style, and her swear words. They are amazing. Cabot is not at all what Mariely thinks of him. He’s a nice surprise, and grows a lot during this book.
The Plot
Not only is there the whole fauxmance going on because of certain situations, but each is going through their own things too. Mariely is scared to show Cabot where she lives, and is subconscious of her scholarship status at the school. Cabot has issues within his own family. He holds grudges against the person who he feels hurt him.
This series is a lot of fun. I can’t wait to see what all of these characters bring in the future.
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Review
This review was originally posted on Bookish Things & More
Better Homes and Hauntings has the same humor and flair the other books by Harper have. It’s fun, flirty, and had me laughing at several parts.
There’s a bit of mystery, and ghostly activity. You keep trying to figure out exactly what’s happening. And see a budding romance along the way.
If you want a quick read, and are a fan of Harper’s previous books, you should definitely give this stand alone a try.
Quickie Review
Better Homes and Hauntings has the same humor and flair the other books by Harper have. It’s fun, flirty, and had me laughing at several parts.
There’s a bit of mystery, and ghostly activity. You keep trying to figure out exactly what’s happening. And see a budding romance along the way.
If you want a quick read, and are a fan of Harper’s previous books, you should definitely give this stand alone a try.
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Review
This review was originally posted on Bookish Things & More
I’m going to go about this review a little differently. I figured I’d list my likes and dislikes.
Overall, I loved this book. It felt like we were back to the nitty gritty feel of the first Elemental Assassin’s books. I can’t wait for the next one!
Review
I’m going to go about this review a little differently. I figured I’d list my likes and dislikes.
Liked
Disliked
Overall, I loved this book. It felt like we were back to the nitty gritty feel of the first Elemental Assassin’s books. I can’t wait for the next one!
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 - Jennifer Estep)
Review
This review was originally posted on Bookish Things & More
I loved Hattemer's writing. It is gorgeous. Her words flow together, and you get wrapped up in them, and don't realize how much time has gone by. The way she writes emotion is amazing. You can feel the words as you read them.
I really enjoyed the trip aspect of this book. Going on a quest to find someone. But maybe they can find each other by the end. They experience all these things that they would have loved to experience with Jesse, but sometimes that's not how things work out. Sometimes you have only those with you to lean on, and the memory of a loved one is a great thing even if they can't be there.
I had a love/hate relationship with the characters. A lot of the time they are almost unlikable. They have ways they respond to problems that had me puzzled, and they seemed so selfish at times. This was usually Lillian and Cal. They are guarded and don't want to share their experiences and times with Jesse. Ben needs to learn to let go of control. He doesn't have to be the grown up all the time. He should sit back and enjoy the moment. Trevor needs to grow up a little. But I loved his carefree attitude. He takes everything as it comes and tries to bring out the positives in any situation. Matt... all I hope for his is that he realizes who he is, and doesn't let fear keep him in it's grip.
Even though I didn't click with the characters at all times, I found times where I adored them. Coping with loss takes a different form in each and every person, and we come through it in our own way.
Review
I loved Hattemer's writing. It is gorgeous. Her words flow together, and you get wrapped up in them, and don't realize how much time has gone by. The way she writes emotion is amazing. You can feel the words as you read them.
I really enjoyed the trip aspect of this book. Going on a quest to find someone. But maybe they can find each other by the end. They experience all these things that they would have loved to experience with Jesse, but sometimes that's not how things work out. Sometimes you have only those with you to lean on, and the memory of a loved one is a great thing even if they can't be there.
I had a love/hate relationship with the characters. A lot of the time they are almost unlikable. They have ways they respond to problems that had me puzzled, and they seemed so selfish at times. This was usually Lillian and Cal. They are guarded and don't want to share their experiences and times with Jesse. Ben needs to learn to let go of control. He doesn't have to be the grown up all the time. He should sit back and enjoy the moment. Trevor needs to grow up a little. But I loved his carefree attitude. He takes everything as it comes and tries to bring out the positives in any situation. Matt... all I hope for his is that he realizes who he is, and doesn't let fear keep him in it's grip.
Even though I didn't click with the characters at all times, I found times where I adored them. Coping with loss takes a different form in each and every person, and we come through it in our own way.
Favorite Quotes
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Review
This review was originally posted on Bookish Things & More
I love everything about this book. I couldn't put it down. This book is perfect, quick read for the spring and summer. Enjoy!!!
10 Things I loved about Romancing the Nerd
I love everything about this book. I couldn't put it down. This book is perfect, quick read for the spring and summer. Enjoy!!!
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