The Second Open Letter to the Ladybug in my room

  

Dear little bug,

If it's not to much to ask, can you stop exploring my room after midnight? Also, can you not fly into my ear? I almost killed you. Why were casually strolling on my PJs? Again, almost killed you.

Please just rest somewhere not on my body. It's late and I don't have the energy to play with you. I want to rest, not hunt for your tiny body in my bed. That's not my idea of a good night.

 

I do hope you are still alive. I was too tired to keep looking for your body. Here's to another night where you hopefully act more like the other ladybugs I came across in the house. I do thank you for not slamming your body into my light. That was nice.

Sincerely,

Your Reluctant Roommate

P.S. I don't want to cuddle with you. So stop trying to crawl all over my body.

We can be fans separately

  

The other night, my father was so eager to watch season 4 of Bridgerton that he started watching it without my mother. They had planned to watch it together but..... What can I say? It has good writing.

 

I was telling LB2 that there is not enough money in this world that would make me to a Bridgerton Watch Party with my father. In all truth and honesty, I can sit next to him and watch the entire Godfather Trilogy. Just not Bridgerton. If I was with my besties, we would squee through those parts. But with my Father......just open up a hole for me to slip into.

 

This is the man who covered my eyes during a kiss scene in a PG13 movie, who would yell out "Bad Word" whenever someone cussed on TV, who let me stand on his feet as he danced around the living room, who used to tell me I couldn't date until I was 30 (Huh, maybe that is why I'm still single?), and who then gave me the world's most awkward dating advice (I think we both wanted the moment to end and No, I will not share what was said). I get that my Father might have a romantic side. I just don't think either of us would be comfortable with me seeing it. He is my Dad. I'll let my mom handle that. Just as my title said, we can be fans separately.

 

As always, feel free to leave me a message below.

Cozy Mystery Month Matchmaker Mysteries

 I promise you all that I truly am not in to decapitation. Honestly, I'm not. I just so happened to have read this book around the same time as Losing Your Head.

Elise Sax is a talented writer who writes cozy mysteries and contemporary romance. Both are delightful journeys into fiction but today I'm going to focus on the Matchmaker Mysteries series. It is a complete series with its own completed spin-off series.

An Affair to Dismember Book 1 of the Matchmaker Mysteries series by Elise Sax

Gladie Burger just entered the Matchmaker business by letting her beloved Grandma Zelda talk her into becoming a co-owner of her business. Personally, Gladie has doubts that she can even succeed as a matchmaker as she has never even been on a date (facts,facts).

When her neighbor across the street dies, Gladie finds more than a few things weird. No ones mourning his death and his son is putting holes in the walls of the house looking for "termites". Like an itch on her brain, she just has to dig deeper to find out what happened. Only the very hot, very new police chief would rather she just set people up instead. While a brand new neighbor wants to set himself up with her. Not that she's complaining about it. But she really, really, really wants to find out what happened so...... She should be able to find out how her dead neighbor died, go on a date with her living neighbor and finally get a match made, right?

Gladie is that bestie who you know will have your back. As long as she hasn't passed out from seeing a dead body or encountered something so embarrassing, she's planning on moving into her attic and never leaving. Which, I for one, totally get. I just have a higher threshold for embarrassment. Siblings do that to you.

As always, feel free to leave me a message below.

Cozy Mystery Month Charlie Davies Mysteries

 This series is one that I read book one a long time ago. I didn't read more because it's an ongoing series and I hate waiting for the latest book to come out. It's demoralizing to be the sole person counting down the days and hours til a book drops.

Anyway, sorry for the mini-tangent. The Charlie Davies series is currently up to 13 books. The best way to describe Charlie is Hot Mess with anger management issues but in a endearing way. She's that snarky, argumentative bestie who life loves hating on in all the smallest, pettiest ways so she kinda plans how TP life's house and then set the paper on fire while in the heat of the moment (pun not intended). She didn't get to do that but she did key life's car.

Losing Your Head by Clare Kauter Book 1 of The Charlie Davies Mystery Series

Charlie Davies was a 19 year old cashier at small grocery store who is one bad customer away from torching the place. She decides to quit instead. She gets a new job at a private security and investigation firm and weirdly enough her first (very unofficial) investigation is to prove her childhood nemesis innocent of shooting and chopping his cantankerous uncle's head off. You know, normal stuff. Soooo, that's what she sets out to do. Hopefully, without getting herself killed. That's a bad look.

I hope you get to enjoy the madness that is Charlie. As always, feel free to leave me a message below.

Cozy Mystery Month Cambria Clyne Mysteries

 I read the first book before it got its current name. I remember laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes. When I saw that Erin Huss gave that book (and series) a rewrite and a fresh name, I had to read it.

French Vanilla & Felonies book 1 of the Cambria Clyne Mystery series

 

Cambria didn't expect to be framed for murder. She was just trying to do her job as an apartment manager and you know, avoid eviction. 'Cause being a homeless single mom was not on her to-do list. So finding out who offed her tenant is topping her to do list. That and trying to figure out how to be a apartment manager.

So, that is a very short synopsis, courtesy of yours truly. I hold this story close to my heart as it was one of the first ARCs I received and reviewed. If you can, give this one a read. It's worth it.

As always, feel free to leave me a message below.

Cozy Mystery Month Jane Ladling Mystery Series

 Sometimes, I like a good mystery. I don't need a nail-biting thriller that will leave me a sweaty mess (Although I could stand to lose a pound or three). I need a something warm and cozy. Hello, Cozy Mysteries!

Gena Showalter and Jill Monroe's Jill Ladling series is what we will talk about today. Do you have a mildly inappropriate sense of humor? Do you love retro fashion? Do you like to watch Ask a Mortician? Are in charge of a private graveyard? If you answered yes to any (or all) of those questions, this series is for you. I honestly think Caitlin would like this series. Just me though.

Romancing the Gravestone book 1

 

 

Jane Ladling is just doing her Grounds keeper rounds when she comes across a dead body. Well, a freshly dead body. In a grave. A hundred year old grave. So, she does what you're supposed to do. Fed her murder cat and called the sheriff.

She didn't expect the extremely hot Special Agent Conrad Ryan to show up and discombobulate her. Now she has a mystery to solve and a family curse (that exists in her mind alone) to hopefully break.

Jane is best described using a quote from the book. She is "organized chaos". She's funny, quirky, cute, and gives secondhand embarrassment out like it's participating trophies. Jane feels like that quirky friend who's social filter is half broken. She's adorably awkward.

I also suggest reading book 5 of the series after book 1 as it tells the tale of book one from Conrad's POV. His side of things is just as good.

As always, feel free to leave me a message below.

So You're a Kid Stuck in a K-Novel

 Sometimes being a kid is frustrating. We can't do things grow ups can. But, imagine how hard it would be if you'd been grown when you were isekai'd into a kids body. Here's what I learned from that with my manhwa reading.

How to Be a Dark Hero’s Daughter

Be a proactive go getter. Apply for a job. Yes, you are a kid. But work is work.

How to Protect My Sub Male Lead Dad

If you know who you missing parent is, make contact if possible.

I Became the Male Lead’s Adopted Daughter

Always be true to yourself. You're a kid. Any big changes you display as your true self will be chalked up to you maturing.

I Became The Male Lead’s Female Friend

Prepare for the future you know is coming quietly.

I’m Being Raised by Villains

Letting people in can be done. Don't be too scared.

For Older Brother, I Will Seduce the Male Lead

If you made ambitious plans, make sure you can really pull it off.

I Adopted a Villainous Dad

Be a bridge. Sometimes that's what is needed to change your story.

The Villainess Princess Wants To Live In A Gingerbread House

Sharing kindness is just as healing as sharing food.

Who Made Me A Princess

Talk. Like I mean literally open your mouth and talk things out.

Escape The Original Male Lead

Avoid scum.  

The Baengri Clans Unwanted Granddaughter

Never let others dictate your worth.

The Dukes Darling Daughter-in-Law

The original story may have gaps.

The Baby Raising A Devil

Don't be afraid to make the best choice for you, even when it looks like it might be the worst.

Becoming the Villain’s Family

Family is important. And Yes, that includes Found Family.

In This Life, I Will Be The Lord

You are never too young to be a Lady Boss.

Into the Light, Once Again

Old hurts can be healed.

The Monstrous Duke's Adopted Daughter

Don't be afraid to leave a bad situation. 

My Mom Entered a Contract Marriage

Pure Hearts are extremely precious in a dirty world.

My Secretly Hot Husband

If you got smarts, make it work for you.

The Max-Leveled Princess is Bored Today As Well

Don't let apathy sink in.

The Precious Sister of The Villainous Grand Duke

Love has no age.

Hope you enjoyed this post. As always, feel free to leave me a message below.

What to do if You wake up in a novel K-Novel Edition

 Below are some of the lessons I learned from manhwa. You know, in the unlikely event I find myself isekai'd into a novel. Hope you find it enjoyable. 

Author of My Own Destiny

If you are the author, maybe try to fix some of crappy storylines you gave your characters. 

Father, I Don't Want to Get Married

Dump the scum. And background checks should be a priority. Or not.......

The Male Lead Is Mine

Did book version of you dump the Dreamboat? Don't do it when it's your turn.

A Villainess For The Tyrant

Yay! You're the main character. Try not to die.👍

Ten Ways to Get Dumped by a Tyrant

Sometimes, giving in to your circumstances is better for your 3am mental health. That way you don't cringe to death.

I Fell in Love at First Sight, Sir Hidden Villain

Use your skills. Maybe you'll find that hidden story you didn't know existed.

I Failed to Divorce My Husband

Good intentions don't always lead to the outcome you planned.

I Married the Male Leads Dad

Sometimes following your fandom is a good thing. It just might bring a few complications, so prepare for that.

I Met the Male Lead in Prison

Amnesia can mess everything up. It is better for you to go in with full memories.

I Raised A Black Dragon

Running away from the story can sometimes bring it  to your front door. Try to adapt.

I only treat villains

Sometimes the villains are better than the main characters. Maybe make new friends who can help you in a pinch.

I Thought You Were A Time-Limited Husband

Ooh, you got powers now? Sorry, but you might need to save that world now. Double check to be sure though.

Life as a Tower Maid Locked up with the Prince

Don't act like your predecessor if it is possible. Also life saving deals will always be in fashion.

Kill The Villainess

Sometimes the only way home is following the storyline to its inevitable bad end. But that's only if you can actually get back.

The Reason Why Raeliana Ended up at the Dukes Mansion

Contract relationships may not end the way you anticipate. Prepare for that possibility.

The Ugly Lady’s Secret Pouch

Sometimes the only way to get through an awful setup is by being the ugliest girl in the room. Embrace it and stay safe.

The Villainess Flips the Script

Find allies in the places you would've had enemies.

The Villainess is a Marionette

Delicately cut your character's strings when you have to deal with sociopathic psychopaths. That's the best advice I can give you.

The Villainess is Retiring

Are you a supremely hated character from the get go? Gracefully exit stage right and live your best life without interacting with main characters as much as you can. Haters gonna hate, Boo. You don't need to hear it.

The Villainess is the Heroines Biggest Fan

If you don't play your role, someone else will. 

Tricked into Becoming the Heroine’s Stepmother

Is your main character just a kid? Try raising them to change your story's outcome.

Villainesses Have More Fun

We live in a world full of every day appliances. If that world lacks them, has patent laws, and you got a nice bank balance, maybe bring it to your new world. How can more money be bad in this new world?

When I Announced A Divorce, The Obsessive Maniac Went Crazy

Sometimes being nice to the wrong character can explode in your face like a nuke. Please be cautious of being nice to the opposite sex when married.

Your Ultimate Love Rival

Do you know Shakespeare's work? If you got an English Major, make it work for you by bringing your favorite works to print there. Now you shouldn't starve.

Frozen Wolf, Fire Dragon

Sometimes it is safe to be honest. Knowing when is the key here.

He’s My Real Brother, Duke

Keep notes on what happened in the original. That way you can keep up with important key events.

Long After the Ending

Life does continue after the main characters reach their happy ending. For Extras, living well is important. Remember you still need food and a roof.

The Tragedy of The Villainess

Sometimes the changes you make aren't enough. Accepting help is okay. 

Some rules don't apply to every situation. So breaking them might give you a higher chance at survival. Please take that into account.

As always, feel free to leave me a message below.

So You're a Kid Stuck in a C-Novel

 Being a kid in a novel is tough. Below are some of the lessons I learned from that. These are from Chinese novels, btw. Feel free to check some of these out.

Five Villain Daddies Are Fighting To Spoil Me

Life can be complicated.

Little One Tears the Villains Script

Misunderstandings can be hilarious.

What to Do If I Become the Villain’s Daughter

With proper love and care, trauma can heal.

I Become A Child After Transmigrating

Love can inspire change.

Chongfei Manual

Trust is a valuable commodity.

Fields of Gold

Good Deeds can change your life.

Transmigrating To Ancient Times with a Kitchen

Good food can change your life

Hope you enjoyed this post. As always, feel free to leave me a message below.

What to do if You wake up in a novel C-Novel Edition

 This is a few things I gathered from my reading of Chinese novels. Yes, there was more. Have a look below.

Becoming the Delicate and Spoiled Female Side Character in a Romance Novel

A side character can be a much better spouse than a main character.

Dont be a stepmother in the 1970s

Twins won't always be close.

I Transmigrated As A Villains Mother

Even Baby Villains need Maternal Love.

I Transmigrate As A Single Mother Of The Three Antagonists

Being a mother is a hard, rewarding job.

I Became the Sister of the Novels Tragic Heroine

There are times when your burden is idiot family members.

In the 1970s, I Became the Vicious Female Supporting Role in the Period Novel

Living well with ones family should always be the goal.

Married to the Male Lead’s Brother

If you managed to get a good deal, don't ruin it by trying to run away so you can find a better one.

No Way The Cannon Fodder Female Supporting Character Is Actually a Genius Big Shot

Life can be easier if you can obtain a system.

Noble Wife Wants No Love

Your true self will always be more charming.

Rebirth The Delicate Stepmom in a Period Novel

Always raise children with care and love.

Survive In The Wilderness

Have Wilderness Survival Skills.

The Male Leads Substitute Wife

Exit plans should exist in case you need them.

The Villain’s Little Sister is Spoiled by the Male Lead

Survival should always be at the forefront of mind.

After Transmigrating into a Short-lived White Moonlight, had a HE with the Villain

Sometimes the crazy ones are the sane ones.

I Became the Prime Ministers Adored Wife

Second chances exist if you chase them.

Transmigrator Meets Reincarnator

Don't make snap judgements about people. Also trade routes are beautiful things.

Transmigrated into a Villainous Character, I become a Little Chef in the Boarderland

Cooking is a skill that can be useful regardless of time period.

This not as long as it could be. There are tons of stories that I haven't started yet. 

As always, feel free to leave me a message below.

Here's to Another Year!

 And so another year ends. It has been a journey of ups and downs but we are here.

Here's to 2026! May it be better than 2025.

We all have quirks

My family loves to make fun of my quirks it seems. They're not really mean or anything but it can get annoying sometimes. Like, give a girl a break.

One of mine is my tendency to hyper organize my ebooks. Sometimes I go beyond the genre and author organization and head straight to separating the books by series. My siblings refuse to browse through my books. They say that they have no clue where things are and they would rather I recommend books to them than take a look around my digital library for a new read that peaks their interest. They should be happy I never employed the Dewey Decimal System. 

Another quirk that I firmly believe is overreaction on my siblings part is the fact that I am really good at making a cake give 15 slices when 6 was the expected serving size. The kids have banded together and refuse to let me cut anything except fruit. I don't cut meat (i.e. turkey, roasts and such) because I always hack it apart. But I thought the whole cakes and pies thing was fine. Apparently it is not. I have a ban on me. If they see me with a knife about to cut banana bread, they will go out of their way to stop me. Yes, I do feel hurt by that.

As always, feel free to leave me a message below. Tell me about your quirks. 

I don't really want to know

 I have always loved reading. Words make sense in ways people and the world in general never really had. I can understand how a character operates because I have seen its growth. People are layered in ways most books aren't. The world operates in a completely different way too. Books are like a safer, simplified mirror of the world we live in.

That said, I have a lot of books. Not just physically, but digitally. There is an ongoing joke in my family that I have a library. Not a physical one, but a digital one. I don't have enough space for a physical library.

In order to have a library, one must own over a thousand books. I passed that years ago. I honestly don't know how many books I have now. And I don't want to know. There comes a point in ones life where one just stops obsessing over things like that. At least, for me. 

Now, I just want to read a book I think is interesting. It was like this in the beginning and I think it fine for it to be this way now.  

As always, feel free to leave me a message below.

Fake It Til It's Real K-Drama Edition

 Fake Relationships are one of my favorite tropes. I already did a post on books with this trope. Now I give the K drama edition. All blurbs from AsianWiki. Real Quick Honorable Mentions: Happiness, Because This Is My First Life, A Business Proposal, Perfect Marriage Revenge. I mentioned them before on my blog so I won't mention it again.

Lie to Me

A woman in her late 20's is always asked "when are you going to get married?" On a whim, the woman then lies that she did get married.

Kong Ah-Jung  is an administrative official for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. She then co-ordinates a meeting for government officials. The meeting appears to flow smoothly and she is even praised by the minister. Disaster soon strikes when bees attack the meeting place and the meeting turns into chaos. Taking responsibility for meeting, Ah-Jung is ordered to submit a written apology. That evening Kong Ah-Jung goes to a club and drinks away her sorrows.

Meanwhile, Hyun Ki-Joon is the president for conglomerate "World Group." He is handsome, smart and from a rich family. But, in his teen years due to an accident he lost both of his parents. Since that time, Ki-Joon and his younger brother were raised by his aunt. Ki-Joon has a responsible character as an older brother but his younger brother Sang-Hee is more carefree. The younger brother Sang-Hee then comes back to Korea and meets Ah-Jung at the club, while she is drinking away her sorrows. Ah-Jung and Sang-Hee start to chat and Ki-Joon shows up to looking for Sang-Hee. He misses Sang-Hee. in front of the club Ah-Jung passes out and Ki-Joon takes her to the hospital. In order to ask Ah-Jung about Sang-Hee's whereabouts, Ki-Joon stays next to Ah-Jung's bed all through the night. The next day, they go their separate ways.

On the following day, Ah-Jung meets So-Ran who stole away her first love Jae-Beom. So-Ran and Jae-Beom eventually married. After So-Ran and Jae-Beom became a couple, Ah-Jung studied hard and passed her government official exam to impress Jae-Beom. At the hair salon, Ah-Jung on a whim lies to the couple and tells them that she is married. Ah-Jung then goes to a hotel to pay Ki-Joon for the other night's hospital bill. An accident occurs and she spills tomato juice all over her sweater. Ah-Jung is so embarrassed she pretends to pass out. Ki-Joon picks her up and takes her to his hotel room. During this time, Ah-Jung's friends watches and a rumor soon spreads that Ah-Jung and Ki-Joon are married ....

Okay, the first half of this drama is pure Rom-Com gold. The second half is exhaustingly angsty. It's not bad. It's actually quite good. I just got tired of the back and forth. If you watch it, you'll get what I mean. It is an older show so if it seems dated, there you go.

No Gain, No Love

Son Hae-Young is the type of person who doesn't want to lose money under any circumstance. When growing up, she had to share her mother's love with others. She often found her partners in relationships below her break even point. Now, Son Hae-Young faces the possibility of missing out on a job promotion at her workplace. To avoid such a loss, she makes a plan for a fake wedding. She recruits Kim Ji-Wook to be her fiance. Kim Ji-Wook works part-time as a cashier at a convenience store. He is the type of person who can't ignore people in need and tries to do the right thing. He is smooth with every customer at the convenience store, except for one person. That person is Son Hae-Young. When she suddenly asks him to become the fake groom at her wedding, he somehow accepts her offer.

This series is more, how shall I say this, mature. It is still a Rom-Com but with surprisingly deep and mature moments. The things that need blurring will be blurred, so have no worries there. I enjoy this show's use of irony and tongue in cheek. It has a two episode spinoff which actually helped me better understand a secondary character's development. So, I wouldn't say it was an absolute thing you need to watch as well. But it did make the whole thing more fun.

Love in Contract

Choi Sang-Eun is an attractive woman, with talent and charm. She works as a contract marriage master. Her job is to help her client have a perfect single life. She transforms herself for each of her clients. Her client Jung Ji-Ho has been in a marriage contract with her for 5 years, running on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of the week. Jung Ji-Ho is a mysterious man. Her new client Kang Hae-Jin is a popular actor. She has a marriage contract with him on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Choi Sang-Eun becomes involved with her 2 clients and finds herself in a love triangle.

This one is a Rom-Com with more drama in it than I initially expected. I went in thinking I would get  comedy only to get way more drama. Still a fun watch, just prepare yourself for Chaebol drama. 

Would You Marry Me

Kim Woo-Joo is the only son of a family that runs bakery Myungsoondang and he works there as a marketing team leader. The bakery has an 80 year history. Personality wise, he is a bit narcissistic and rational person. He gets involved with subcontractor designer Yoo Me-Ri for work. One day, she suddenly asks Kim Woo-Joo to marry her. Meanwhile, Yoo Me-Ri is going through some trials in her life, including a broken engagement due to her ex-boyfriend's infidelity and a fraud lease on a newlywed home. Around this time, she received good news that she won a special prize for newlyweds which is a top-class townhouse. Her problem is that she has already broken off her engagement. She suddenly proposes to Kim Woo-Joo, who has the same name as her ex-fiance. This is how they begin their fake newlywed life for 90 days.

I just started this one. Rom-Com with a dash of Thriller, heavy on the Rom-Com. It is very difficult to laugh quietly at 4 in the morning when all you want to do is tell someone what just happened on screen. I am thoroughly enjoying this drama. 

I hope you get to watch one or more of these delightful series. As always, feel free to leave me a message below.

New Projects

 I finished working on a new throw blanket. It is a beautiful Rubbed Sage color and it will be so warm. My timing is good as there is snow on the ground as I write this.

I was working on a different blanket but the yarn was so plushy, it messed up the tension of the whole thing and caused the yarn to snap twice. I was so frustrated that I scrapped the whole project. Yes, there may have been some screaming involved. My mom and siblings gave me a wide berth and mega side eye. They said that it felt like I was mad at them, not the yarn. 

For the sake of my mental health, I switched to the sage yarn. I didn't give up on the other yarn. I just needed some time away from it so I could figure out how I should work with it. I think I might have figured it out. Time will tell, though.

Anyway, I over did it in the beginning by knitting like my life depended on it. I was trying to make up for all the time I felt that I had wasted. Now my body is sore. My mom said I probably need to do a workout to warm-up my body before I start knitting.

Oh, before I forget, a picture of the blanket is below.

As always, feel free to leave me a message below.

Open Letter to the Ladybug in my Room

 Dear Ladybug,

Last week, you kinda creeped me out. Why were you flying so aggressively and slamming your tiny body into my light? Why were you buzzing so loudly that I almost mistook you for a bumblebee?

I was wondering if you were hopped up on some kind of ladybug juice. You know, the kind that leaves you a bit loopy. I was mildly hurt that you wouldn't crawl onto my hand but I got over it after seeing how out of it you seemed. I haven't seen you since then and I hope you are better.

Your inadvertent roommate who was there first,

Yafania

As always, feel free to leave me a message below.

Second Hand Embarrassment

 Have you ever had a moment when reading a book when you have to walk away? Not because you were busy or had someone call you away. The character(s) just made you so embarrassed that you had to walk away. I am experiencing as I write this post.

I really want to finish this book but our female lead is such a wild card, I'm a little scared. She might be more than I am used to handling. I know her plans are going to fail but watching her try so hard is kinda pitiful in a way. It's embarrassing because she doesn't see until later that plans A,B,C,D,E,F,G and H  were all for naught.

Please if there is any one out there reading these posts, if someone you know is that bad, just stop them. If you can't do that because they won't listen, quietly film it to remind them later to behave better. They're going to act like it never happened. So video evidence is need.

As always, feel free to leave me a message below.

When You're Hooked

 On a Saturday night whim, I started a novel. It was book one out of nine and I had low expectations. It is currently Wednesday evening and I am about to start book eight.

To be honest, its name is a bit corny. The synopsis was a bit interesting but the name threw me off for a long while. If I wasn't bored at the time, I probably wouldn't have even bothered picking it up. So thankful I did.

I guess, what I am trying to say is this: Not only should you not judge your books by the cover, you also shouldn't judge them just by their name and synopsis. They might actually be incredible but just have a really hard time telling you how.

As always, feel free to leave me a message below.

The Colors and Scents of Fall

 I looked outside today and saw that Fall is well and truly here. Yes, the weather has been cold enough for me to have to throw layers on. Yes, the trees in my neighborhood have mostly turned. What I mean is there are leaves on the ground.

One of my favorite childhood memories is that of jumping into a pile of leaves. That is what would get me excited when I would see the trees changing colors. Of course, I don't do that now. My knees won't like afterwards and I really need them to like me.

I also always enjoyed how crisp the air would get as Fall slides into Winter. And the scents! The faintest hint of wood smoke. The spicy scent of basil going to seed. Cinnamon Apple candles and air spray perfuming the air. The sweet and savory scents of baked goods.

As always, feel free to leave me a message below.

Fake it til it's real

 I do enjoy a good romance story. One of my favorite tropes is that of the "fake relationship". There is.something about watching two people fall in love with each other as they pretend to be lovers in front of others. Below are a few of my favorites. All blurbs from Goodreads.

Fauxmance - Cookie O'Gorman

Fauxmance (foh-mans): Term for a romantic relationship that is fake. Real feelings, like love, are strictly prohibited. See also: Why would anyone enter a fake relationship?

Eighteen-year-old Magnolia believes in true love.

Or she did.

When her boyfriend dumps her the day before her sister's wedding, Maggie is devastated—but her broken heart is only part of the problem. Maggie is the maid of honor, and her sister insists: Every member of the bridal party must have an escort. No exceptions.

Thank goodness for Hayden Davenport.

Sarcastic, cocky, a surprisingly good listener and self-professed player, when Maggie gets stuck in an elevator with the handsome stranger, she thinks she's found the perfect wedding date. Unfortunately, Hayden hates weddings. Like really hates them.

But one soul-shattering kiss changes everything.

Maggie needs a fake boyfriend. Hayden wants to prove he's changed his playboy ways. Faking it should be easy. The hard part?

Remembering it's all pretend and not falling in love for real.

This book features two opposites with sizzling chemistry, a sweet, hopeless romantic and a cynical bad boy who'll steal your heart. Elevators, fake romance, and weddings, oh my! Get ready to swoon, laugh, and say 'I do' to this heartfelt YA romance.

Quirky-Cute Heroine + Charming Hero with major bad boy vibes = A fun novel you will find a favorite. Their chemistry sizzles on the pages of this teen romance.

Honestly, I'm Totally Faking It - Amanda Gambill

Rach is a down-on-her-luck, happy-go-lucky kind of lady … Sure, she may be an assistant to personal assistants, crashing on her ex-boyfriend’s couch, and have a whole secret past, but mostly, things are great.

Until she:

1. Meets Pres — an aspiring politician, certified Capricorn, and a definitely “unlikable” dude (he knows, he had a poll done on it) —and

2. Accidentally goes viral at the same time. (The internet is calling it “Boobgate.”)

His PR person says they should capitalize on the fame. Pres only wants to win an election. And Rach, well, she really just wants to keep her job.

Now she must decide if she can be herself and get the guy, too, or if faking it until you make it is all it’s cracked up to be…

Boobgate will now enter my vocabulary. Fudge Nuggets is already there. Prepare yourself for a workout. Your stomach muscles will be sore after reading this one. This is a novel for mature readers.

 #Awestruck - Sariah Wilson

A sweet all-American story of love and revenge.

Ambitious intern Ashton Bailey is about to get closer to her dream of being a sports announcer. All she has to do is prove that too-perfect-to-be-true NFL quarterback Evan Dawson isn’t quite as wholesome as his contract requires. It’s also the perfect opportunity to get delicious payback on the boy who broke her teenage heart. At least that’s her plan. But she forgot just how easy it is to crush on the irresistible charmer. #OhNoNotAgain.

Evan has a knack for getting through the opposing team’s defenses, and he won’t let this tall, redheaded knockout be the exception. He’s determined to make things right between them and earn back Ashton’s trust—and maybe her heart, too.

Then the press mistakenly announces their engagement, and Ashton and Evan find themselves going along with the lie. Now the whole world is watching as Ashton flirts with attraction and disaster. But while revenge is sweet, it just might come at the cost of something sweeter still.

I binged read the series this book belongs to a few years ago. It is still a favorite of mine. A sweet, clean read. Definitely time enjoyed.

Accidentally Married - Victorine E Lieske

Madison Nichols, aspiring actress, is floundering. Her rent is due and she needs a job. Desperately. After getting a tip about an open position, she rushes to Jameson Technologies and meets CEO Jared Jameson. Unfortunately, due to a misunderstanding, she is put in the awkward position of pretending to be his girlfriend. Not the job she was applying for. And when she finds out Jared lied to her to get what he wanted, she decides to get back at him. In front of his family.

Jared is stunned when Madison announces they are getting married. She pushed her revenge too far. How can he tell them it’s all a lie? And when his sick aunt asks them to be married before she dies, Madison comes up with a hair-brained plan to hire an actor and stage a fake wedding.

What they both don’t know is Jared’s father has found out about the fake wedding. And he’s got his own hair-brained plan.

This is a sweet romance, appropriate for any age.

Oh, this one was a family favorite. I read this one aloud to my mom when she was doing my sisters hair and we were just cracking up. A funny clean read.

Acting Married - Victorine E Lieske

Tara McDermott needed a job, so she took the only thing available--cleaning house for the swoon-worthy actor, and Hollywood Bad Boy, Rick Shade. When he comes up with a crazy plan to tame his wild reputation by marrying her, she reluctantly agrees so she can pay off her debts and move her daughter back to the Midwest where life is simpler. If only he wouldn't make her heart pound every time he kisses her. 
Rick's reputation is in the toilet and it's affecting his job. In order to get a good role, he needs to show Hollywood he's now a family man. After enticing Tara with a large sum of money to go through with the farce, he sets out to show the public he's in love. But Tara's soft lips keep calling to him and soon he doesn't know what's pretend and what's real.

Part of the same series as the one above. This one is more angst-filled. Still a clean read. Just, meatier.

The Cinderella Deal - Jennifer Cruise

New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Crusie brings humor and storytelling magic to this modern-day romance of a match made anywhere but in heaven—but destined for a fairy-tale ending.


Daisy Flattery is a free spirit with a soft spot for strays and a weakness for a good story. Why else would she agree to the outrageous charade offered by her buttoned-down workaholic neighbor, Linc Blaise? The history professor needs to have a fiancée in order to capture his dream job, and Daisy is game to play the role. But something funny happens on their way to the altar that changes everything. Now, with the midnight hour approaching, will Daisy lose her prince, or will opposites not only attract but live happily ever after?

Quirky Queen + Uptight Professor = Beautiful Mad Match. They work cause no one thinks they work. Hilarious perfection.

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