Jan 12, 2020 | 52 Week Reading Challenge, Blog, January 2020
Another week, another new book. I hope you are all finding your groove with the challenge and enjoying the process. It’s not a competition, so if you are still reading keep going.
After all, the ultimate goal is to expand your literary library and hopefully find new authors and interests along the way.
For my debut author selection I chose Then, Now, Always by Mona Shroff. This debut book from Harlequin is a second chance romance, a celebration of family, passion for life and career, and dealing with difficult challenges.
Sam Hutcherson fell in love and knew Maya Rao was the one. Suddenly faced with having to choose between his family’s dreams and his own, he’s forced to make a choice. An unexpected moment changes everything and he wonders what went wrong. When life presents a second chance, will he find out the truth? One flip is all he needs, will he get it?
Maya Rao vowed to live her life differently and not depend on anyone else. If only her heart could be convinced. Family influences, expectations and family traditions will influence her hopes of finding love. Baking her heart into every bite she lives with purpose, but can she truly move forward from the one man who still has her heart?
From the moment I had the pleasure of witnessing Mona Shroff see and hold her book in person, I knew this book would be special. The details the publisher took to accurately reflect the book via the cover won me over. Folks, it’s beautiful and captures so, so much.
After reading this story I have a desire to learn so much about the world Maya and Sam shared, the one Mona created, the one I want to dive into. The details were infused, rich, and full of all the things. I enjoyed the pace and development of the characters and the way Mona used dual timelines kept the story moving between the past and present with precision and ease.
If you’re looking for a love story that is every bit satisfying and will be talked about for a long time, one-click and pre-order today. I can’t wait to see what Mona brings us next. I received an ARC from Harlequin for a fair and honest review. I can’t wait to share with family and friends, I hope you will too.
This sweet romance is behind closed doors with enough sweetness to put a pink blush on your cheeks and leave your heart full of joy. Warm, sensual, and delicious. Go. Now. Pre-order. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts once you’ve read this too!
What book did you read this week? I hope you were able to read and enjoy the adventure. Did you listen to an audio book? I can’t wait to hear what you read.
Books I Love A Latte participates in the Amazon Associates Program. Should you decide to click on the provided link(s) and purchase the featured book(s) and/or anything else during that shopping session, Books I Love A Latte will receive a small commission.
If you use our links, thank you in advance for your continued support of my 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐫-𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬, 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐬 & 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬.
If you’re taking this journey with us, welcome. I’m looking forward to selecting books that educate, enlighten and hopefully bring change in a positive way. While romance is still near and dear to my heart a lot of things have happened in the community over the past week that show we all need to continue to research, educate and inspire change.
To share in our fun please use the hashtag #TheBookBaristasRC2020
A quick re-cap for newbies to make this a successful year and a fun challenge. Check out the 52 Week Reading Challenge Page on the blog for more information.
Jan 5, 2020 | 52 Week Reading Challenge, Blog, MK Meredith
Welcome to the first week in the 52 Week Reading Challenge. For my selection in the Self Help book genre I chose Not Your Usual Boob by MK Meredith.
Wait, before you send me messages, no I do not have not have breast cancer. No one in my family is currently receiving treatment. In fact, that’s exactly why I am reading it.
Years ago, my mother-in-law went through breast cancer and has since passed away. While she’s been gone over five years, I remember being with her after her treatments. I remember trying hard to find the right words to explain to my young children why she was sick, and working through my own emotions as my husband watched his mother battle cancer.
If you’re looking for a breast cancer book that’s a no-nonsense approach with the gritty truth and a lot of humor this book is for you. The overall theme of this book is that breast cancer sucks but you are strong enough to not let it suck all the wind out of you. You can battle this with small steps. One at a time. MK is a brave warrior and the way she tackled her diagnosis and treatment is not for everyone.
MK has family history that impacts her decisions and determination to fight strong. This book is written with honesty, bravery, and courage. I love that she posed for the cover, it’s real and so is this book.
When faced with difficult decisions I will take some of what MK stated to heart, and appreciate her candid honesty of what she went through as I see my doctors for any ailments I have. I could relate to a few things in the book and appreciate the way she presents the information in her own style. We can all benefit from the questions to ask, the support network to create, and the transparency that many don’t feel is necessary with friends and loved ones. If you’re one to keep everything health related close to the vest, I respect your decision. We all need to respect the choices people make and the plans they set. Be strong, be loud, and stick with your plan.
The book is easy to read and she is very truthful of how this impacted all aspects of her life from the physical impact to the emotional change with her husband and family.
I hope that if you are currently receiving treatment or know someone who is you’ll consider getting them this book. There is a disclaimer that pictures are posted at the back, I’m sure to someone going through this, they will be helpful.
Be your own advocate and demand answers when you think there should be something more. Don’t settle and most of all love yourself no matter what. You are worth it.
Books I Love A Latte participates in the Amazon Associates Program. Should you decide to click on the provided link(s) and purchase the featured book(s) and/or anything else during that shopping session, Books I Love A Latte will receive a small commission.
If you use our links, thank you in advance for your continued support of my 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐫-𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬, 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐬 & 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬.
If you’re taking this journey with us, welcome. I’m looking forward to selecting books that educate, enlighten and hopefully bring change in a positive way. While romance is still near and dear to my heart a lot of things have happened in the community over the past week that show we all need to continue to research, educate and inspire change.
To share in our fun please use the hashtag #TheBookBaristasRC2020
A quick re-cap for newbies to make this a successful year and a fun challenge. Check out the 52 Week Reading Challenge Page on the blog for more information.
Jan 4, 2020 | Angel Payne, Blog, Blog Tour, January 2020, Victoria Blue
Shark’s Rise (book #3) by Angel Payne & Victoria BlueAVAILABLE NOW!🦈Shark’s Rise
Abbigail Gibson and Sebastian Stark have been through some terrifying events and even through some terrifying ordeals, Bas will stop at nothing to keep Abbi safe. Will Abbi be ok with his plan this time, despite Bas’s best intentions? A mystery will be solved and the unexpected is bound to happen with Stark. It will take a strong woman to handle his moods and quick decisions.
Bas is controlling, dominating, and ruthless. He will do anything to protect those he cares about. Will he finally discover that it’s more than just making sure Abbi’s safe? The feelings are overwhelming and he’s unable to process all that’s happened.
Somewhere along the way Abbi’s health is in jeopardy. Fragile and unwilling to share much Bas will need to make a decision when he discovers the truth. Will Abbi let him in or push him away?
It’s time to dive into a trilogy that’s about survival, trust, duty, faith and ultimately love. This scorchin read may lead to
unexpected need to turn on the A/C.
This book is the third in a series and if you want to understand the relationship of Abbi and Stark you’ll want to start at the beginning with Shark’s Edge. The fourth installment will be out later this spring and I can’t wait to read it. I’m super excited for the next chapter!
I received an ARC for the third book from Bare Naked Words for a fair and honest review.
Books I Love A Latte participates in the Amazon Associates Program. Should you decide to click on the provided link(s) and purchase the featured book(s) and/or anything else during that shopping session, Books I Love A Latte will receive a small commission.
If you use our links, thank you in advance for your continued support of my 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐫-𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬, 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐬 & 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬.
USA Today bestselling romance author Angel Payne has written for four publishing houses, and is also independently published. She loves to focus on high heat romance starring memorable alpha men and the women who love them.
She has numerous book series to her credit, including the Suited for Sin series, the Cimarron Saga, the Temptation Court series, the Secrets of Stone series (with Victoria Blue), the Lords of Sin historicals, and the rebranded Honor Bound series, as well as several stand-alone titles.
Currently, she is serving as the Vice President of Romance Writers of America’s Passionate Ink Chapter.
She lives in Southern California with her soul-mate husband and beautiful daughter.
Victoria Blue lives in her own portion of the galaxy known as Southern California. There she finds the love and life sustaining power of one amazing sun, two unique and awe inspiring planets and three indifferent, yet comforting moons. Life is fantastic and challenging and everyday brings new adventures to be discovered. She looks forward to seeing what’s next!
Jan 1, 2020 | 52 Week Reading Challenge, Blog, January 2020
Happy New Year.
I hope that 2020 is a year of hope, friendship, adventure, and success for you in achieving your goals. Taking the first step towards a goal can be difficult and challenging for many. If you find yourself unable to make a list, don’t panic. There is plenty of time to organize your list and take that first step.
No journey is the same. There are multiple paths to completing your journey and I hope that whatever road you take leads you to your final destination.
If one of those goals is to read more books, I hope you’ll join the 52 Week Reading Challenge with The Book Baristas. If you’re reading this for the first time I’m including the tools you’ll need to participate. While I’m following the list in order, feel free to tick the boxes as you wish.
I hope you’ve selected a book and are enjoying it, if not I hope you’ll share as we gather to chat in the group later this weekend.
The beauty of discussing books is that it’s subjective and everyone is going to have a unique spin on the message and meaning. For this weeks selection I decided to read Not Your Usual Boob by MK Meredith. The reason I chose this book is because many people I know are either survivors, or currently going through treatment now. I wanted to read this book and share the information to those who might find it helpful. I will be reading other self-help books if time permits.
If you’re taking this journey with us, welcome. I’m looking forward to selecting books that educate, enlighten and hopefully bring change in a positive way. While romance is still near and dear to my heart a lot of things have happened in the community over the past week that show we all need to continue to research, educate and inspire change.
To share in our fun please use the hashtag #TheBookBaristasRC2020
A quick re-cap for newbies to make this a successful year and a fun challenge.
1. Download the awesome reading list and graphic.
2. Download the checklist for easy reference and book chat.
3. Start researching so you can either get those books from the library, borrow from a family member or friend, or be able to purchase when a sale hits on your favorite e-retailer.
4. Join The Book Baristas on Facebook to find the post where we’ll be sharing and chatting about the weekly selections.
5. If you’re an author and you and/or your book fit the weekly selection please feel free to contact me for my weekly post.
I hope you’ll stop by and see what we’re up to.
All are welcome and I hope you’ll pass this along. I plan to chat about the weekly choice in my Facebook Group The Book Baristas. Not a member? Join and get ready to take a step in completing hopefully one of your goals for 2020 and make a few friends along the way.
I can’t wait to see what you’re reading. Please download the graphic #amreading and add your title. We can’t wait to see what you selected.
Hope you are enjoying your selection and I’ll see you in The Book Baristas this Sunday.
Dec 29, 2019 | 52 Week Reading Challenge, Blog, December 2019
For many of you, setting goals is easy. For others, you’re still not ready to put pen to paper and commit. I am a little of both sometimes so hopefully however you plot and plan next year will be amazing.
If reading all the books was one of your goals, I hope you finished all the books that were on your bookshelf or in your e-reader that you downloaded. Always wanted to read more but not sure where to start?
Today I’m working on my goals for 2020 and reading more books is on my list. While I read and review for my blog, I want to read with purpose. Ask questions, engage with readers and authors, and hopefully help others discover new genres and authors.
It’s with that in mind that I am excited to announce the first annual 52 Week Reading Challenge. It’s time to step outside the genre you usually read and dive into books that will educate, enlighten and hopefully bring change in a positive way. While romance is still near and dear to my heart a lot of things have happened in the community over the past week that show we all need to continue to research, educate and inspire change.
If you’re still reading I’m hoping you’ve made a choice to commit and participate. Now, it’s time to tackle the following steps to make this a successful year and a fun challenge.
1. Download the awesome reading list.
2. Download the checklist for easy reference and book chat.
3. Start researching so you can either get those books from the library, borrow from a family member or friend, or be able to purchase when a sale hits on your favorite e-retailer.
4. Join The Book Baristas on Facebook to find the post where we’ll be sharing and chatting about the weekly selections.
5. If you’re an author and you and/or your book fit the weekly selection please feel free to contact me for my weekly post.
While there is no rule to reading in order, I will be sharing my weekly selections in the order on the list. If you’re a rebel reader and have a different way, awesome. Hopefully our paths will cross at some point. You are still welcome in the group and I hope that you’ll share your selections with us.
The purpose is to encourage you to read and discover the joy in new book adventures. There are 48 weekly ideas leaving 6 weeks for you at the end to make your own choices as the year comes to a close. I hope this will help reduce the stress and pressure of participating. For many, the holiday season from Thanksgiving to the New Year is challenging and I want you all to complete the challenges.
I hope you’ll stop by and see what we’re up to.
All are welcome and I hope you’ll pass this along. I plan to chat about the weekly choice in my Facebook Group The Book Baristas. Not a member? Join and get ready to take a step in completing hopefully one of your goals for 2020 and make a few friends along the way.
I can’t wait to see what you’re reading. Each week posts will go live on Sundays with my reading selection of the week and a list of other books you may find of interest. If you have suggestions that are not on my list, please comment and I’ll add them to the post.
The reason I chose this book is because many people I know are either survivors or going through treatment now. I wanted to read this book and share the information to those who might find it helpful. I will be reading other self-help books if time permits.
To share in our fun please use the hashtag #TheBookBaristasRC2020
Dec 29, 2019 | Blog, Blog Tour, December 2019, Rachel Van Dyken
The Setup, an all new contemporary romance by #1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken, is LIVE!
Get ready and mark your calendar. Finn, a notorious Wingmen has 30 days to prove himself to his bosses with a new product they are launching. What happens when he needs to test the product and his partner stirs up feelings he thought he’d never feel every again? The chemistry will test Finn and Jillian. Can they resist? Will his past douse the fire before it has a chance to really burn?
Finn can’t deal with Jillian’s little habits and she can’t figure him out. When she discovers a secret that could ruin his Wingmen status it will propel her to do something she never imagined.
The slow burn is absolutely insane and once again the comedic one-liners and witty dialogue add to this must read series. I’ve enjoyed each and every book in the series and hope you will too.
Finn is charming, sexy, and knows what he wants. Jillian has her own set of goals and desires. Both have secrets and would never dream of jeopardizing the dream jobs they have. Sometimes money isn’t everything but for one, it’s a game changer.
Caution, this scorchin read may lead to unexpected need to turn on the A/C.
Books I Love A Latte participates in the Amazon Affiliate Program. Should you decide to click on the provided link(s) and purchase the featured book(s) and/or anything else during that shopping session, Books I Love A Latte will receive a small commission.
If you use our links, thank you in advance for your continued support of my 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐫-𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬, 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐬 & 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬.
About Rachel:
Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she’s not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.
She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!
Connect with Rachel:
Website: http://rachelvandykenauthor.com
