photo via Netflix

Theodora 'Theo' Crain is one of the five children that grew up in Hill House, the home which has recently taken the paranormal horror world by storm, as well as Netflix. Based on the Shirley Jackson's classic novel, this updated version came out in a ten episode show was released right before Halloween on October 12, 2018. The perfect show for anyone who has had a fascination with the haunted house trope and doesn't mind a little scare, The Haunting of Hill House has been a hit, creating tension with family drama. The show has been on the top of everyone's to-watch list, but one thing that I can't stop talking about is Theo's gorgeous assortment of seemingly vintage inspired gloves that graced my laptop screen while binge-watching in a matter or three days.

And as someone with perpetually cold hands, I am thrilled by this new style possibility.

Theo's character within the show is played by Kate Siegel and Mckenna Grace, both who manage to rock the glove look from classic over the elbow black look to the very first pair of what I imaged to be 1920s to 1940s vintage that hung over the wrists of Mckenna Grace (also known for her roles in Gifted and I,Tonya) after being given them to ward of Theo's "sensitive" tendencies. They do to add a little something extra to her single horrified scream within Hill House, as well as tie together the past and present looks that takes place within the house.

via Netflix

via Netflix/Tumblr

From my first look at the show, right away we see the equestrian style leather that covers Kate Siegal's hands, and I knew that I would be in love with the classic Burberry meets Victorian wannabee vibe the entire show evokes even if my own closet is not quite there yet.

However, according to Syfy writer, Emma Fraser in interview with Hill House costume designer, Lynn Falconer, the gloves were not the major concern when dressing Theo's character to make the most impact. "This isn’t a style statement — even though she looks cool af on a night out in long gloves paired with a bralette, jeans and dangling suspenders. 'Her whole body is sensitive, but she is also looking for a connection,' noted Falconer about the clubbing ensemble we initially see this character in. The outfit came first, followed by the specific gloves to work with the sleeve length as longer gloves will cause hem issues with a long sleeve turtleneck."

via Netflix

The costumes have also been known throughout the show to create an element of foreshadowing among the characters from the robes to the everyday incorporation of the color red.

While I debate a re-watch to see all the mystery filled outfits I missed while waiting for the next scare to happen, I will also just be over here on Etsy trying to determine how to measure my hands for the next great pair of gloves to take me through the winter season and beyond, even if Theo wore them for more supernatural reasons.

If you are with me in bringing back the classy glove look, or just have a slight obsession with all things related to Hill House which keeps you up late at night watching conspiracy theories on YouTube, be sure to also check out the brands like Portolano or Shaneen Huxam which were used by Falconer in the show.

In the glittering hotbed of turn-of-the-twentieth-century Vienna, one woman’s life would define and defy an era 

Gustav Klimt gave Alma her first kiss. Gustav Mahler fell in love with her at first sight and proposed only a few weeks later. Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius abandoned all reason to pursue her. Poet and novelist Franz Werfel described her as “one of the very few magical women that exist.” But who was this woman who brought these most eminent of men to their knees? In Ecstasy, Mary Sharratt finally gives one of the most controversial and complex women of her time the center stage. 

Coming of age in the midst of a creative and cultural whirlwind, young, beautiful Alma Schindler yearns to make her mark as a composer. A brand-new era of possibility for women is dawning and she is determined to make the most of it. But Alma loses her heart to the great composer Gustav Mahler, nearly twenty years her senior. He demands that she give up her music as a condition for their marriage. Torn by her love and in awe of his genius, how will she remain true to herself and her artistic passion?

Part cautionary tale, part triumph of the feminist spirit, Ecstasy reveals the true Alma Mahler: composer, author, daughter, sister, mother, wife, lover, and muse.

Out of the two new books I purchased, Ecstasy was the first I picked up to read in my final week before Thanksgiving break. I started and easily fell into the classic feel of the early 1900s where Alma Schindler Mahler, a real famous composer, takes on a fictionalized life of her own with plenty of love and frustration as she comes to terms with who she and her dreams must be in the eyes of others in her life.

It was heartbreaking to a fellow artist I think more than anything. To live a good life, Alma fought with whether she should or shouldn't be the person to give up her dream of music to support her husbands.

"What if there are no good women or bad women? she asked herself. What if pure and impure, faithful and loose, madonna and whore were simply poisons used to reduce a healthy woman to a gibbering, nerve-sick wreck? Men make the rules and we break them so we don't go mad."

Of course, when someone gives up their dreams, there comes conflict and more than anything for Alma as she comes of age and into life which is told in a beautiful flurry of narrative events filled with art and music. It all makes me wonder how I have never heard of Sharratt's writing before. The compelling nature each page kept me going whole-heartedly through the hardship and struggle that I could oddly relate with in the sense of ear of making something worth while in life at another expense.

And though beautiful inside and out, I will not lie to you about everything in this novel. At times I couldn't help myself but want to scream at Alma though I knew it was a different time. She went into a terrible relationship getting the raw end of the deal. This issue I had almost overtook me at times, wondering what Alma was thinking and if it would ever get better as I read on, taking breaks when I needed to let irritation also have a break.

“Let’s raise our glasses to Alma Maria Schindler, Fran Zuckerandl said, who has turned the rest of us poor women emerald with envy. Not only is she the most beautiful girl in Vienna, and that’s quite bad enough, she’s also a brilliant pianist. That’s infuriating. But on top of it all, she composes!”

Overall, I felt like reading Ecstasy was the most well versed biography I have ever opened and quickly finished.

The historical detail is luxurious and transported be throughout into the world of places like Vienna and New York. Both of which I now have an extreme need to visit again or for the first time. Alma's romance and awakening into the world of artists of any form is definitely a story that more need to know when told in Sharrat's mind. Who would have thought I never knew who this passionate Alma was before coming across a version of her story on a modern day bookshelf?

Mary Sharratt is truly making her goal of writing women back into history worth while in this bittersweet novel of Ecstasy.




Mary Sharratt is an American writer who lives with her Belgian husband in the Pendle region of Lancashire, England, the setting for her acclaimed 2010 novel, DAUGHTERS OF THE WITCHING HILL, which recasts the Pendle Witches of 1612 in their historical context as cunning folk and healers.

Mary writes regular articles for Historical Novels Review and Solander on the theme of writing women back into history. When she isn't writing, she's usually riding her spirited Welsh mare through the Lancashire countryside.

It has been about a year since I began my one and only serious relationship. Around this time, I have also began to find myself in my head late alone at night reminiscing. Or worse, I find myself reminiscing with someone while they internally roll their eyes at my lack of faith that anyone will every even like me again for more than my vagina (which is a much easier task to manage). The same friend who rolls her eyes with me now, it is good to know, has also been through most of the ex-relationship as a whole. So, it was easy for her to remind me that he was sort of an asshole. “Yes,” I completely agree with her. But, does that make it wrong to miss him?

Like most things that come to an end in life, I am pretty sure that there is a grace period after where you are aloud to reminisce, increasing by the time and relative emotional gravity whatever event took place.I still like to reminisce about pizza when I was about four and the silence seemed as big as my face. I still tell stories of my eight year exploration into gymnastics before someone finally told me that I was too much of a wuss to actually make anything of it.

Maybe though, this is sort of the same situation as I lie in bed and think about all the nights where I braved the half mile walk to his place to watch a strange assortment Netflix before falling asleep against his surprisingly warm chest instead of reaching towards an empty space that made me think something no college living student should ever think, maybe my twin xl mattress is too big for one person. Or at least a person who doesn’t have a full heart back yet. Maybe someone needs to stand up and tell me to stop being a wuss and finally get over my ex since I am making a bad case for women not being able to get over the guys they’ve slept with. He ain't coming back even if he still texts you dog gifs throughout the week, which is both nice and also worrying. Yet, then again, what is the harm in remembering? And...slightly wishing to return back to those moments if only for a second.

You know, until the possibility of love is back in the air and I even know it is better to lock up the ex for good.

The main worry I am sure about this is the fear of not being able to fully move on. The question that, if I am constantly reminiscing, am I living still in the past, wondering if I will ever find another average slice of pizza to be as big as my face again? But here comes the charity. It was supposed to happen. An ex at some point or another is supposed to be an ex. Eventually, I got big enough that I could get two slices with extra cheese. We can’t go back and expect that all the reminiscing about the good stuff doesn’t also come with all the messy not so good bits that make me think of him and agree with my friend without a doubt. “Asshole.”

But mine, if only for a time.

So what does everyone else think? Is it bad to reminisce about your ex? Yourself with your ex? Exs?

I needed a YA novel in my life and I picked up this one. Or rather I was given this one late one night while at a birthday party. When it was nearly time to go home, my friend shoved it into my arms along with book of short stories. If there is any way to be very tired and slightly inebriated, it is to be so around book loving friends.

So here we are. Here I am after I read Scythe. The first in a duology I believe by Neal Shusterman who also wrote the well known YA series Unwind.


Thou shalt kill.

A world with no hunger, no disease, no war, no misery. Humanity has conquered all those things, and has even conquered death. Now scythes are the only ones who can end life—and they are commanded to do so, in order to keep the size of the population under control.

Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a scythe—a role that neither wants. These teens must master the “art” of taking life, knowing that the consequence of failure could mean losing their own.

I expected a lot from this book. In the past year I feel like I have seen it everywhere. To me this had to be the next sort of big thing in the realm of dystopian YA novels. I was pumped going into the story and the entire concept the story held of people being chosen as death to a world where humans can never really die.

I expected badass characters and action plot lines that would make me want to read and read and read until I hit the last page. Unfortunately though, my expectations might have been a bit too high as they were not met.

Though the badassery was there in moments of when we were trying to pick a villain within the book, they didn't feel quite grounded for me to even care about the outcome. I was more trying to make sure I finished the book and see what happened rather than enjoy it even though I am usually a sucker for books where the protagonists are randomly taken from their normal lives to "save the world" or at least something to that effect.

“Hope in the shadow of fear is the world's most powerful motivator.”

And when that didn't happen, I was at least hoping for some fantastic characters that I could find myself really getting into and going on this slightly played out adventure with. But alas, instead of strong companionship between the characters that in the first pages seemed to have so much in common with each other, a romance was attempted even though the two characters did not even talk to one another to an extend throughout the entire novel which spanned months.

I love romance in all books, and if it was played out right, I have a feeling I would have really loved it in this one two. Instead all I felt was confusion and myself rooting less and less for these characters to even see each other again, let alone get together and live happily ever after under the immortal earth's sky.

I have a lot to say I feel negatively about Scythe, but I will not say that I didn't like it. Though the story did not immerse me and make me happy to be reading it, it was an overall ok and pleasant read that didn't frustrate me to the point of no end. I think the problem was that the tone of this book lost its mark without the necessary tension, and the pace felt very slow with not much happening that wasn't already outside of our main character's hands.

I am a character driven girl, and sadly these characters of Cita and Rowan all in all did not make me want to keep reading on to the second book, Thunderhead.

I forget who read these books first. Me, or the girl who sat nearby in my geometry class freshman year of high school. Sadie was a senior, and both of us sucked at math, but none of that matter as we both raved about this new fantastic book, Throne of Glass. We talked about how badass our favorite new YA heroine, Celena Sardothian was. We gave recommendations and set up goodreads accounts so that we could continue to give recommendations to one another long after she graduated. Everyday though one thing we always managed to sneak into conversation? We couldn't wait for the next book to come out.

Aelin has risked everything to save her people―but at a tremendous cost. Locked within an iron coffin by the Queen of the Fae, Aelin must draw upon her fiery will as she endures months of torture. Aware that yielding to Maeve will doom those she loves keeps her from breaking, though her resolve begins to unravel with each passing day…
With Aelin captured, Aedion and Lysandra remain the last line of defense to protect Terrasen from utter destruction. Yet they soon realize that the many allies they’ve gathered to battle Erawan’s hordes might not be enough to save them. Scattered across the continent and racing against time, Chaol, Manon, and Dorian are forced to forge their own paths to meet their fates. Hanging in the balance is any hope of salvation―and a better world.
And across the sea, his companions unwavering beside him, Rowan hunts to find his captured wife and queen―before she is lost to him forever.
As the threads of fate weave together at last, all must fight, if they are to have a chance at a future. Some bonds will grow even deeper, while others will be severed forever in the explosive final chapter of the Throne of Glass series. 

I read and reread and each time after I got over the perpetual fear that I would never write a book of my own as grand, SJ Maas, little did she know, through the years of her Live Journal blog (that has since been edited to only show blogposts since 2012-ish) encouraged me forward into my writing. Encouraged me to write a world I could escape into much as she did when she first started writing herself. It is amazing what a single book can do, and Crown of Midnight was the first book I ever pre-ordered.

Now it has been about seven or so years and in my hands I now hold the final book in the Throne of Glass series. I have read everything that SJ Maas has written and published, perhaps even loved her other series of A Court of Thorns and Roses just as much as Throne of Glass, if not more. Yet holding Kingdom of Ash feels different. It feel like a grand journey that I started was finally coming to an end. And I was ready when I opened up to the first page.

And I also wasn't.

“Once upon a time, in a land long since burned to ash, there lived a young princess who loved her kingdom …” 

But once I picked up Kingdom of Ash there was no way to stop it or set the book down. Scene by scene with some of my favorite characters I knew so well, I had to know what happened next.

The characters per usual were wonderful. I may even have a new favorite character within these books, Fenrys, which I honestly did not see coming. We all apparently need a good hearted person to stand by us Fenrys I feel like. In the moments of darkness and sorrow, somehow he managed to bring me back to whatever book reality in the same way he connects Aelin to being true to herself in all ways past, present, and hopeful future.



Each character and story line played out toyed with my emotions until my stomach was weighed down by dread, frustration, happiness, sadness, and of course, simple amazement. They are flawed in all the confusing sorts of ways, yet even in the darkest moments that they face in this final book I still found myself rooting for them whether it be in their battles of war, love, or believing in a better world.

A better world which I couldn't help but think by the end we all need a little piece of these days, even if it is only captured between the covers of hardback.

“To whatever end,” he whispered.Silver lined her eyes. “To whatever end.”A reminder—and a vow, more sacred than the wedding oaths they’d sworn on that ship.To walk this path together, back from the darkness of the iron coffin. To face what waited in Terrasen, ancient promises to the gods be damned.”

We see it all in this book and all the questions I may have ever had were finally answered in Kingdom of Ash in a delightfully terrifying and magical way (along with a bit of sass as anyone could imagine would happen with Aelin around).

There simply is so much to say and so much not to say as I take it how far this story has come and how far I have come with them.

Oh, I love these books. My heart aches in a strange way to say the end. These books have been a journey I will not forget and will be sure to reread throughout the rest of my reading years to come to remind me where I have been and what inspired me to keep moving forward.

The Author

“Let’s make this a fight worthy of a song.” 

Man. What a ride. Seriously, this show was probably one of the best binge sessions on Netflix I have had yet. The Haunting of Hill House based on the Shirley Jackson novel from 1959 kept me on the edge of my seat (or bed rather) and held me throughout while this ten episode series took its twists and turns in all the best possible and creepy ways that may make this is the best October hauntingly Halloween show to watch. Ever.



Flashing between the past and present, we first see the family of seven living in the large mansion of Hill House in attempt to flip the home over the summer and eventually finds themselves in a house that is not just a spill of nightmares, the show lays a foundation that had me constantly questioning and needing to know what happened in the past even when we flashed forward to present day. In the present, we see the five children grown and effected variously by their time in Hill House. One is a bestselling author of paranormal novels, one is an undertaker, one is an addict, one is a child psychologist, and another from the first episode we have a lot of questions to find out about.

While watching be sure to note that there is no room not to go with the flow. The past and present switch back and forth when you least expect in a never ending consequential timeline. As I watched, it is slowly (so so slowly in the best suspense filled way) revealed what happened in the house on the fatal night of when the kids were rushed with their father away from the home, as well as what is inside the mysterious red room which gave the appropriate amount of The Shining vibes just from saying it aloud.

My heart pounded even more than that silly film in comparison though, because though the children may have gotten older and left the house, some of them still may be carrying the ghosts and memories with them-- both figuratively and literally and both that managed to pull me further in to this scary wonderfully written web, equally.

Images via Netflix

Beware the jump scares that are just the beginning of what sorts of trauma is inflicted upon the characters and viewers like myself. I was forced to watch and watch and watch to find out what happened next while a sense of dread seated itself directly in my stomach. Each twist and turn only caused the dread to get  larger and larger until I thought I could be tricked no more in such a haunted house-- but then was wrong.

I never thought I would ever say I am a fan of horror films or series, but this series. Oh, this series may have converted me. At the very least it set the bar for all horror paranormal shows from now on. The Haunting of Hill House kept me in my seat with the perfect combination of suspense, tension, fear, and a strange camaraderie with the characters themselves in a way that made me feel as if I was walking into each situation right along side them, even if I was screaming for them not to go in there. You know, like a sensible person. From the camera work, to the many actors that worked together to create the past and present in one beautiful work of memory confetti, The Haunting of Hill House is a work to be admired and viewed possibly only in the daylight unless you have a friend watching right along side you.

The many many hours was worth it. The show was completely messed up. I loved it.



Netflix (10 episodes total) released on Fri., Oct. 12.

Four young ladies at the side of the ballroom make a pact to help each other find husbands . . . no matter what it takes

Proud and beautiful Annabelle Peyton could have her pick of suitors—if only she had a dowry. Her family is on the brink of disaster, and the only way Annabelle can save them is to marry a wealthy man. Unfortunately her most persistent admirer is the brash Simon Hunt, a handsome and ambitious entrepreneur who wants her as his mistress.

Annabelle is determined to resist Simon's wicked propositions, but she can't deny her attraction to the boldly seductive rogue, any more than he can resist the challenge she presents. As they try to outmaneuver each other, they find themselves surrendering to a love more powerful than they could have ever imagined. But fate may have other plans—and it will take all of Annabelle's courage to face a peril that could destroy everything she holds dear.

After reading my first book by Lisa Kleypas I knew that I had to continue this reading endevour. So onward with the wallflowers! And by onward, I mean that I need to get all the rest of Lisa Kleypas books because I think she is my new reading obsession. Who knew I could be a historical romance girl? I didn't. Learn something new every day.

Like I also learned that one may not only like a character at the beginning, but may love them by the end. Usually for me this kind of character is the antagonist that I always hate to love. Love to hate? Yes, definitely that one. In this lovely book however, Annabelle was the character that made me want to sigh and roll my eyes in the most polite of manners. In the beginning after all, it was as if I could feel her pretentious feelings towards herself and that of the peer society seeping off the page. If I could have leaped into them and told her get over herself at some points I would have. There is a hot man who obviously has the hots for her after all and she was ignoring him!

“You…you mustn’t stare at me like that.” Soft as the murmur was, he caught it. “With you here, nothing else is worth looking at.”



From the first pages it was obvious, if darling Annabelle wanted to find herself a pleasing husband to her in all ways (wink wink) she need look no further than Simon Hunt. Though of course not a peer, but rather a wealthy climber in the ranks of society being born a butcher's son, he still makes a rather dashing impression even if he is rough around the edges. The chemistry between these two however is undeniable and makes for fun games from chess to compromising sort.

“Let me spoil you,” he whispered. “Let me take care of you. You’ve never had anyone to lean on, have you? I’ve got strong shoulders, Annabelle.”

I couldn't help myself but read and read and read this book until I finished it in record time for me recently coming from a book slump, or rather a feeling like I have no time to read between classes sort of slump. Silly me. There will always now be time for Lisa Kleypas historical romances to keep me smiling and on my toes from the moments of swoon worthy romance to tragedy and humor to keep me a fan forever. Yep, I was hooked and will continue to be happily.
Soon I will be reading onto the next book to see which wallflower has some romance in store for her next? Will it be on the American friends of Annabelle? Or perhaps precious stuttering Evie that for some reason I absolutely love. Can't wait to see what comes next...obviously I need more books, and quickly.

Though I am writing this post it is possibly one of the hottest October days I have ever experienced, it is Autumn, and I love autumn. It is the times for cozy sweaters and beautiful foliage. It is also a time to get back into the wonderful zone of reading. Thus, after looking through some other lovely blogs, I have come across the Autumn reading tag I was not tagged in. Yay!

Let's do this fall fabulous book thing.

Are there any books you plan on reading over the autumn season?

I plan to read. That is my only goal and I think that it is a very good goal for me. To read and keep reading. Not sure exactly what books specifically I will be reading, but definitely the books that strike me and make me want to keep reading. I need to get out of this school stress reading slump and read all the great funny fantastic novels I can get my hands on.

Recently, The Kiss Quotient has made me definitely need to dive back into my one true reading love. Romance. Next up on my list for right now is some Lisa Kleypas.

September brings back school memories: what book did you most enjoy studying? And what were your favorite and least favorite school subjects?

Back in school I was one of those people who hated being told what to read and how many pages per day. It made any book lose its fun and excitement somehow. Recently, the most fun I had in college reading a book for class has been The 2017 Pushcart. A lot of short good reads all in one.

Also, I remember that one class my freshman year got to read A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness. Lucky! They were definitely an exception to the my hating assigned reading rule.

And my favorite subjects? Probably English of course. My favorite part of the day was when I would skip the cafeteria to go to the library and hang out with the fantastic librarian instead of my peers. Art too was wonderful when sitting next to a good friend who was much better at the art than I was.

My least favorite subject, of course, was the dreaded math. Typical, but true. It still is as I push through statistics this semester.

October means Halloween: Do you enjoy scary books and films? If so what are some of your favorites?

As long as they aren't slasher films in the gratuitous nature, I am up for the next scary movie night this month. Then again, I am also that person who says they have to watch all the scary movies that Netflix has put up for the month only to continue to re-watch Gilmore Girls and wait for Fall break so that I can go home and watch Hocus Pocus or even better, a nostalgic Disney Halloween film.

Book wise...man, have I read any horror? I have never even read Stephan King. What kind of reader am I??

With November it’s time for Bonfire Night and firework displays. What’s the most exciting book you’ve ever read that really kept you gripped?

Though I have never seen fireworks in the fall I don't think, fires in the crisp air of weekend evenings is always something that will hold memories. Books that kept me on the edge of my seat that I will never not remember include A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness. Also, Fracture Me and the rest of the Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi.

What book is your favorite cozy comfort read?

My favorite cozy reads are the kind of reads that I wrap myself in a blanket with and read and read and read until I finish the whole book in one crisp cool fall day. A few favorites include Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell and rereading A Court of Mist and Fury for the tenth time (at least). Definitely cozy, definitely favorite books ever if I am being honest.

For a longer less known book that kept me settled in all day a few years ago includes The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly.

Curled up with a good book, what is your hot drink of choice?

Warm apple cider! Homemade it tastes delicious and it makes the house smell perfectly autumn, because autumn does have a smell.

Any plans you’re looking forward to over the next few months?

Going home for Fall break is definitely on my list, as well as other breaks. Oh I really need a good away from school break.

Recently all I have been thinking about is the books I cannot read. You know the ones, the ones that you have been waiting for for so long finally coming out soon, and the other books that you still have a long while to wait for. From fantasy to contemporary romance, here are a few of the books stuck in my head that I cannot wait for.



There are a lot of them.

Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor

October 2, 2018

In the wake of tragedy, neither Lazlo nor Sarai are who they were before. One a god, the other a ghost, they struggle to grasp the new boundaries of their selves as dark-minded Minya holds them hostage, intent on vengeance against Weep.

Lazlo faces an unthinkable choice—save the woman he loves, or everyone else?—while Sarai feels more helpless than ever. But is she? Sometimes, only the direst need can teach us our own depths, and Sarai, the muse of nightmares, has not yet discovered what she's capable of.

As humans and godspawn reel in the aftermath of the citadel's near fall, a new foe shatters their fragile hopes, and the mysteries of the Mesarthim are resurrected: Where did the gods come from, and why? What was done with thousands of children born in the citadel nursery? And most important of all, as forgotten doors are opened and new worlds revealed: Must heroes always slay monsters, or is it possible to save them instead?

I am excited for this book. As it is a Laini Taylor book, it is sure to be weird, but sure to be utterly fantastic. Be sure to read Strange the Dreamer in prep for this upcoming page turner.

A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi

Oct. 16, 2018

It’s 2002, a year after 9/11. It’s an extremely turbulent time politically, but especially so for someone like Shirin, a sixteen-year-old Muslim girl who’s tired of being stereotyped.

Shirin is never surprised by how horrible people can be. She’s tired of the rude stares, the degrading comments—even the physical violence—she endures as a result of her race, her religion, and the hijab she wears every day. So she’s built up protective walls and refuses to let anyone close enough to hurt her. Instead, she drowns her frustrations in music and spends her afternoons break-dancing with her brother.

But then she meets Ocean James. He’s the first person in forever who really seems to want to get to know Shirin. It terrifies her—they seem to come from two irreconcilable worlds—and Shirin has had her guard up for so long that she’s not sure she’ll ever be able to let it down.

Tahereh Mafi's writing never ceases to make me fall in love. I cannot wait for this more serious contemporary I have only been hearing amazing things about.

Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas

October 23, 2018

Years in the making, Sarah J. Maas’s #1 New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series draws to an epic, unforgettable conclusion. Aelin Galathynius’s journey from slave to king’s assassin to the queen of a once-great kingdom reaches its heart-rending finale as war erupts across her world. . .

Aelin has risked everything to save her people―but at a tremendous cost. Locked within an iron coffin by the Queen of the Fae, Aelin must draw upon her fiery will as she endures months of torture. Aware that yielding to Maeve will doom those she loves keeps her from breaking, though her resolve begins to unravel with each passing day…

With Aelin captured, Aedion and Lysandra remain the last line of defense to protect Terrasen from utter destruction. Yet they soon realize that the many allies they’ve gathered to battle Erawan’s hordes might not be enough to save them. Scattered across the continent and racing against time, Chaol, Manon, and Dorian are forced to forge their own paths to meet their fates. Hanging in the balance is any hope of salvation―and a better world.

And across the sea, his companions unwavering beside him, Rowan hunts to find his captured wife and queen―before she is lost to him forever.

Who isn't waiting for the final chapter within the Throne of Glass series? If there is any indication that I am it is the rant that I just had while at work to my poor coworker who has never heard of the series let alone read it.

It is just sooo good.

Picture Perfect Cowboy by Tiffany Reisz

Nov. 5, 2018

Jason "Still" Waters' life looks perfect from the outside—money, fame, and the words "World Champion Bull-Rider" after his name. But Jason has a secret, one he never planned on telling anybody...until he meets Simone. She's the kinky girl of his dreams...and his conservative family's worst nightmare.

Original Sinners? Tiffany Reisz? Please, you know that I am already in and ready for the fun picture perfect time that this book is offering.

The Rose by Tiffany Reisz

April 16, 2019

On the day of Lia’s university graduation party, her parents—wealthy art collectors with friends in high places—gift her a beautiful wine cup, a rare artifact decorated with roses. It’s a stunning gift, and one that August Bowman, a friend of her parents and a guest at Lia’s party, also has his eye on. The cup, August tells her, is known as the Rose kylix, and it’s no ordinary cup. It was used in the temple ceremonies of Eros, Greek god of erotic love, and has the power to bring the most intimate sexual fantasies to life.

But Lia is skeptical of August’s claims of the cup’s mythology and magic—after all, he’s a collector himself, and she suspects he just wants to get his hands on this impressive piece of art. So he dares her to try it for herself, and when Lia drinks from the Rose kylix she is suddenly immersed in an erotic myth so vivid it seems real—as though she’s living out the most sensual fantasy with August by her side…

Realizing the true power of this ancient and dangerous relic, Lia is even more wary of giving it up, though August insists it is only safe with him. He’s willing to pay the full value of the cup, but Lia has another type of trade in mind. One that finds them more tangled up in each other—and in fantasy—than either was prepared for.

After reading The Red, unaware there was going to be a sequel, I am preparing myself for this absolutely stunning to look at book as much as I am preparing for the perfectly pornographic pages sure to be read very quickly. Tiffany Reisz has a talent for one sitting reads. I am sure this lovely thing will be no different.

Again, but Better by Christine Riccio

May 21, 2019

Shane has been doing college all wrong. Pre-med, stellar grades, and happy parents...sounds ideal -- but Shane's made zero friends, goes home every weekend, and romance...what's that?

Her life has been dorm, dining hall, class, repeat. Time's a ticking, and she needs a change -- there's nothing like moving to a new country to really mix things up. Shane signs up for a semester abroad in London. She's going to right all her college mistakes: make friends, pursue boys, and find adventure!

Easier said than done. She is soon faced with the complicated realities of living outside her bubble, and when self-doubt sneaks in, her new life starts to fall apart.

Shane comes to find that, with the right amount of courage and determination one can conquer anything. Throw in some fate and a touch of magic - the possibilities are endless.

For all my feelings about how excited I am for this book, check out my cover reveal for it!


Anyone else have books on the brain lately that are just out of reach?

In case you haven't heard about this upcoming release in 2019. Keep it on your radar, because I am pretty sure it is going to be the next great thing in happy-making contemporary fiction world. What book is this in case you haven't already seen the cover? It is...

Again, but Better

Release Date: May 21, 2019
416 pages

Shane has been doing college all wrong. Pre-med, stellar grades, and happy parents...sounds ideal -- but Shane's made zero friends, goes home every weekend, and romance...what's that? 

Her life has been dorm, dining hall, class, repeat. Time's a ticking, and she needs a change -- there's nothing like moving to a new country to really mix things up. Shane signs up for a semester abroad in London. She's going to right all her college mistakes: make friends, pursue boys, and find adventure! 

Easier said than done. She is soon faced with the complicated realities of living outside her bubble, and when self-doubt sneaks in, her new life starts to fall apart. 

Shane comes to find that, with the right amount of courage and determination one can conquer anything. Throw in some fate and a touch of magic - the possibilities are endless.

photo by Christine Riccio via Instagram

Beware of pickpockets they say, especially in France. I kept my cross body purse held with my hand tightly to the front of my body each time I walked the streets of Paris alone. Along the Seine was the only place that made me pause now and make me scream at myself to use my head. Still, all I can think of now is that it was a pretty good thing that at the time where I wasn’t using my head as much as I should have, high after spending a good hour or so in Shakespeare and Co., that I spoke terrible French and could understand it even more terribly.

The sun shone down on me as I walked along past street vendors and postcard sellers that sat in fold-able chairs and scrolling on their phones until a customer grabbed something off their cart. As I approached a few more to pass, a woman smiled and came up to me with a clipboard, and I think now, had I been in New York City, would I have paused?

Um, no. Definitely not.

I am the person who drags friends away from the sales people in the mall that try to get you try that new flat iron at their kiosk until you end up buying some sort of hair oil. Yet, I paused as she quickly spoke in French, pushing the clipboard towards me as if to sign a petition of some sort.

“Je…” I didn’t understand her, and held my purse tighter as after that millisecond of pause happened, I took a step or two forward. Keep walking, I needed to keep walking...and yet…



In that moment one of the two older men who were sitting in their chairs next to their carts of postcards and trinkets called out towards me and the woman who was already a few steps behind me, giving up in sort of a huff.

As I passed one of the older men, he ran a hand through his white hair and pointed after her, trying to explain. “Pickpocket,” he said.

Understanding must have shown on my face.

He continued to explain to me in slow French to just keep walking. Those who tried to get one to sign something like that usually would have swiped my purse while my hands were busy.

I nodded a merci and continued on. Thinking back on that moment now though, when I glanced down towards that clipboard that young woman was holding, it had quite a few signatures on it. I wonder how many did not simply keep walking.