Sunday, April 22, 2018

Sundays with Sam - The Sunday Post

Sundays with Sam is a combination of Sunday Post hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer and Stacking the Shelves hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

My Week in Review

I am sad to say, this is the end of our jeans week. I will miss them dearly. Back to ironing for me. The winter that never ends is starting to get me down. I guess I should be grateful we have not had any more snow, but I just want to ditch the winter jacket, you know?


I was really excited when Andrew Smith revealed this little tidbit to me:


I am obsessed with cute things, and this one put me in cuteness overload:
This was something I could totally relate to:
On the Blog:
STACKING THE SHELVES


Edelweiss/Netgalley
Library
What I Read Last Week


My top read was actually a throw-back, Isla and the Happily Ever After. It just made me giddy.
My most powerful read was Tradition. I read three "heavier" books this week, but this one resonated with me the most.
My most fun read was The Pros of Cons. Convention hijinks and friendship for the win.
  • Delayed Call by Toni Aleo (audiobook): Though I thought too much time was spent setting up a future storyline, I still enjoyed this book. This hate-to-love story was filled with great banter and a bunch of really heartwarming moments. The hero's growth is what really hooked me, and the ending pretty much turned me to mush. ★★★ 1/2
  • The Pros of Cons by Alison Cherry, Lindsay Ribar, Michelle Schusterman: What a fun-filled story featuring a wonderful female friendship. This is what happens when three cons collide, and the results were hilarious and heartwarming. ★★★★
  • The Love Coupon by Ainslie Paton: Watching hurricane Flick knock Tom from his very disciplined rails delighted me. I enjoyed watching these two knock each other off balance, and what an ending! ★★★★
  • Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins (audiobook): Though I had such a HUGE issue with Lola and her boyfriend, I couldn't get enough of Cricket. I was really happy, and I'm sure her dads were too, that Cricket came back into Lola's life. ★★★★
  • Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins (audiobook): I am declaring it right now! This is my favorite book of the series. It was low drama and just about being crazy in love. The bonus was getting to connect with all the couples in this book, and getting something really special at the end. I have some tears in my eyes just thinking about how sweet it was. ★★★★ 1/2
  • The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo: This book was one of my heavier reads. I am a fan of books in verse, and Acevedo did an incredible job with this story. Lots of really powerful moments in this one. ★★★★
  • All Out of Pretty by Ingrid Palmer: This was a tough read. It was painful and sad, and I was often filled with rage at Andrea's situation. It really reminds you how quickly someone's nice and stable life can fall apart. ★★★ 1/2
  • Tradition by Brendan Kiely: After reading this book, I KNOW I need to read more from Kiely. This book takes on toxic masculinity, and was really quite powerful and thought provoking. ★★★★ 1/2
  • Shot on Gold by Jaci Burton (audiobook): Burton switched it up and took us to the Olympics in this book, and I sort of loved being there. The vibe of the village added to my enjoyment, and I even got a little choked up when they were on the podium. The romance was hot and sweet, and I just adored both the hero and the heroine. The ending was a little abrupt, but still satisfying. ★★★★

What I Am Currently Reading

Spies, Lies, and Allies is really cute so far. There are a lot of people, who will appreciate the Laurel's love for Star Wars. I am really loving the interplay between her and Carlos, as well as her desire to reconnect with her dad.

I was doing a happy dance when I saw The Trouble with Love on Hoopla. I have really been enjoying this series, and Layne has been preparing us for this story since book two.

What I Plan to Read


I am just doing a dog paddle in my river of books. I feel as though I won't catch up until July, but at least I will be reading a lot of great books.








How was your week?
Let us know in the comments!

60 comments:

  1. I need to get Love & Luck, I thought Love & Gelato was fun. And lol about that spring "made you some cookies" graphic. Right??

    Ooh Courtney Summers has a new book out? I just read her last year, will have to take a peek.

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    1. I have had Love & Gelato for a while now. I think it will be fun to read them one after the other. Hey, I would show up if there were cookies. ;) Summer's book comes out in September, I think, and it sounds incredible.

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  2. Not to make you jealous but we totally got spring this week! In fact, some days were borderline summerish... That probably means that we've had our summer and it' downhill from here but I'm going to go into denial!

    I like the sound of Shot on Gold. :)

    Have a great week! And fingers crossed you get to out away the winter jacket for at least one day!

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    1. We had previously gone from 30s to 80s and back to the 30s. I did see 40s in the mornings and 60s during the day for next week, so, that's encouraging. I am a big fan of Burton's Play by Play series. It's the 14th book, and yes, I will read more. Sports romances are among my favorites.

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  3. You've just reminded me to continue with my Julie Cross series, can't even remember which one I read and also I've got the Stephanie Perkins books too that I've yet to read as well.

    Also looking forward to Totals, enjoy Rachel Hawkin books.

    Angelica @ Paperback Princess

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    1. I am trying to get to Cross' backlist. I know there is a new Juniper Falls book coming in the fall (?), but I have few of her older books I want to get as well.

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  4. Lots of great books you got this week! I can't believe that Spring is almost over already! Where has the time flown?

    Here’s my Sunday Post!

    Ronyell @ Rabbit Ears Book Blog and join in this week’s Book Photo Sundays and Cover Spotlight!

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    1. Spring can't be over until it actually begins. We still have 2 months, and I expect lovely spring weather for the rest of it (do you hear me, mother nature!)

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  5. Ohh too bad about no more jeans, it is so easy to just wear jeans to work. Your books look great and I love a lot of the covers. Have a great week :)

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  6. I am hearing so much about White Rabbit these days that I am super curious about it! I hope that you enjoy all of the books on your list this week. I really loved Royals and Love & Gelato. I am feeling the same with my mountain of books. Those spring releases are definitely piling up for me. Have a great week! :)

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    1. I loved Roehig's first book, so I am looking forward to it. Reviews have been mixed, but I am still eager to read it. Spring releases ARE out of control. I have been saying NO though. It causes me physical pain, but I have to decline these days. I have almost nothing from July on though.

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  7. Oh my goodness! I want to draw hearts around the big guy getting a birthday cake!! OMGGGG!!

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    1. It's like the best thing I saw that day, maybe even that week. My daughter gave him 11/10 for cuteness.

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  8. That Berkley Romance tweet - man can I relate to that too! And I love that walrus!!! I'm so very curious about Love and Luck and can't wait to hear what you think. :)

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    1. I have heard good things about Love & Gelato. I bought it a while back, and getting approved for Love & Luck was the kick in the pants I needed to show a little shelf love and actually read the book.

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  9. Spring showed up this week so today I finally can clean up the yard and not freeze doing so. We're still going to be below normal temps later this week, but I'll take today's spring sun for sure. I read Sunny by Jason Reynolds yesterday and loved it--best book of the three in the companion books so far.

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    1. I finally read my first Reynolds book back in January, and it was as good as I thought it would be. Tradition was written by an author Reynolds co-wrote with, and he also has a lot of things to say, and says them in a way that made me listen.

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  10. Nice new reads! Those are totally new to me ones! Hope you enjoy them all!

    Here's
    my STS


    Have a GREAT day!

    Old Follower :)

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  11. Jeez, I hope you get some spring soon. You did get some great reads though, hope you enjoy them. Have a wonderful week. 😊

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    1. Supposedly highs in the 60s this week. I'm sort of excited about it. I will still need my coat in the morning (low 40s), but 60s will be nice.

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  12. Haha, I love that walrus. Sorry about the ironing, though. I also feel like I’m drowning in unread books. I’ve been reading the same giant book for 2 weeks, so the unread ones are just piling up. I hope you have a good week and enjoy your new books!

    Aj @ Read All The Things!

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    1. I saw that you took on a Martin book. EEEK! Too big for my tastes.

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  13. No more jeans! That's so sad! I'm a jeans girl myself. The walrus is so cute. Every time I see it, I just want to give him a hug. I hope you enjoy your new reads. The LL one is one of my favorites from her!!
    Have a good week! :)

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    1. It's not just sad, it's tragic. And seriously, we don't have clients on campus, so why not jeans ALL the time? I keep trying to lobby hard for that one, but you know, dress up makes you work better, yada, yada. My expectations is high for this final Stiletto book, because the build has been going on for so long.

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  14. Awww, that walrus is cute! I relate. 😍 I adored Listen to Your Heart! Happy reading, Sam!

    Have a great day. =)

    Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!

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    1. Even my least favorite KWest book made me smile, so I never hesitate to pick up her books. Glad you liked it!

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  15. Oh my gosh that walrus is too adorable!!!! You got some books that I have my eye on so I am excited to see what you think! Have a great week!

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    1. That walrus will be a source of glee for me whenever I need a little.

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  16. You had a great week. When I worked outside of the home, any times jeans were allowed it was so nice. Now I work in my pajamas. LOL Love the Walrus and it is always fun to hear a character will be back!

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  17. All the good books! I've read a few and have a few others coming up soon. Happy reading!

    Karen @ For What It's Worth

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  18. I think spring is maybe, finally coming??! I'm ready for the weather to be nicer, too!

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    1. They are forecasting 60s for this week, and it's really nice right now, so I have high hopes.

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  19. I think spring is on vacation. XD I hope it warms up soon! Enjoy your new books! Sadie looks really good!

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    1. That is what the weatherman is promising. Sadie looks awesome and I love Summers. I won't get to that one for quite a while, but I am excited about it.

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  20. We had a heatwave out of nowhere these last few days Sam and I was totally unprepared for it, as on the first day I went to work with my Uggs on and was about dying at work, but the heat over here is really horrible to deal with, I much prefer the hot weather in other countries to my own! I can't wait to see how you get on with West's newest book, her last few have unfortunately been a miss for me. And don't worry Sam I'm the same, I have so many books to get through, but its so weird I tend to get through more when I'm at work during the weekday, and hardly anything read at all over the weekend :( I hope you have a great week!

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    1. I don't want it hot or cold, I just want a good NJ spring. I have heard really good things about West's new book, and that was from some people, who were not big fans of the last few. So, I am translating that to mean it's very good. I think having no real structure to my day on the weekends is why I don't read as much. I also use most of the time to blog ahead for the entire week. Before I was blogging, I read 2 books every weekend.

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  21. It's finally starting to get warm here but the nights are still really chilly, so I feel you on just wanting to be able to put away my cold weather jackets.

    I look forward to seeing what you think of Royals. I almost requested that one but then looked at my pending list of ARCs and decided to control myself, lol.

    Hope you have a great week!

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    1. I am about 30% in on the Royals, and it is so much fun. I needed something like this. I read three darker, heavier books in a row, so it's a welcomed change of pace.

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  22. Spring is here at my place and I'm so glad. What a weird, long winter. That walrus is just too cute!

    My Sunday Post

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    1. Right this second, my window is open and I was outside without a jacket or sweater. It's a very appreciated change.

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  23. I am so over this weather! I want it to be warm and stay that way for a while. I would miss wearing my jeans to work. I consider the fact that I can wear them everyday one of my biggest job perks. I am right with you in regards to dog paddling through a sea of books. I hope you enjoy all of your new reads!

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    1. I am giddy like a school girl thinking about the highs this week - 60s every day. Unfortunately, it is 37 degrees right now, so - jacket dilemma!

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  24. Idk who that character is, but that's awesome you got a response and it was good news! And awww, that walrus is adorable!!!

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    1. Ryan Dean is the main character in the Winger books. He's amazing!

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  25. I never did get to Isla but I want to now after hearing it was your favorite and lowest on angst. I enjoyed The Love Coupon, too! Flick was a hurricane! :)

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    1. I know everyone is all Anna and St. Clair, and I did enjoy the book, but there was a lot of drama. Isla is all about the love and I was swept away by it all. Love Coupon was great. I enjoyed it so much, I am going to pick up the first book in the series.

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  26. The walrus is indeed cuteness overload :D have a great week, Sam!

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    1. I am keeping that pic around for when I need to smile.

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  27. I am sorry you are out of jeans season at work. Jeans are easier for work I totally agree! I love that walrus graphic!! Also, Listen to Your Heart by Kasie West looks great I hope you enjoy that one! Have a great week!

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    1. Wearing pants again has been sad, but at least we still have jeans on Fridays. I was excited about the KWest book. Sort of frustrated that it's a secured PDF format, but KWest is worth the struggle.

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  28. Seriously - where you Spring?!

    I'm reading White Rabbit right now and really loving it, so I hope you enjoy it too. :) I just love this author - his first book was great.

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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    1. I was delusional and wore just a sweater yesterday. Still a bit too cool in the morning, but the afternoons have been nice. Yeah for spring! I just finished White Rabbit this morning and was really happy with it. I don't know what people are talking about because I was all about Bash and Rufus. Their romance made me smile.

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  29. Oh look at me, only 3 days late in commenting this week. #failingatlife I love that little spring graphic. So cute. :) And that walrus pic... so adorable! Confession: I've never read that Stephanie Perkins trilogy. Me, who loves contemporary. Me, who owns all three books and has them sitting on my shelf (for years). Maybe I'll make that a goal this summer. :)

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    1. I read Anna because it was so hyped. I liked it, but was not blown away, hence, why it has taken me years to pick the series back up. The library had them in audio, so, why not! I liked Lola, but it was really the last book I loved. Well worth my time.

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  30. I think everyone is ready to ditch the winter jacket. Why won't spring/summer start already? I'm bored of being cold and I want to turn the heating off in my house. You read The Love Coupon! Glad to see you enjoyed it, I thought it was pretty fun. And Lola and the Boy Next Door! That's my favourite book in that series, it's so cute. I really enjoyed it.

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    1. It is quite a beautiful day outside today, and I DID get to ditch the coat last week. Some of the days I didn't wear it were questionable, but I did double up on sweaters. Lola is your favorite? I liked it, but I think I had issues with it, because I am a mom. I just struggled with the 22 year old boyfriend, but I had so much love for Cricket.

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