From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata

 

"Love to me was honesty. Being real. Knowing someone's best and worst. Love was a push that said someone believed in you when you didn't."

Release Date: February 1st, 2018

Genre: Contemporary romance, sports romance, fiction

Rating:

Summary:

If someone were to ask Jasmine Santos to describe the last few years of her life with a single word, it would definitely be a four-letter one.

After seventeen years - and countless broken bones and broken promises - she knows her window to compete in figure skating is coming to a close.

But when the offer of a lifetime comes in from an arrogant idiot she's spent the last decade dreaming about pushing in the way of a moving bus, Jasmine might have to reconsider everything.

Including Ivan Lukov. 

Review:

I definitely missed the From Lukov with Love train - but better late than never, as they say!

I absolutely adored this book! 5 out of 5 bunnies, easily! This is my second sports romance novel, and I am 110% HERE. FOR. IT. Specifically because it is an ice-skating sports romance. I have lazily loved figure skating since I checked out a book at my school library as a kid that was about Michelle Kwan. What a queen. So then to read Icebreaker first then From Lukov with Love, it really allowed me to get into the brain of a figure skater.

I am normally a proud member of the friends-to-lovers trope club BUT the rivals-to-lovers in this book had me SWOONING. This was such a slow burn, but it was completely worth it and made the most sense. Jasmine and Ivan had despised each other for years. It was going to take a lot of name calling, blood, sweat and tears to get these two to see eye-to-eye but it was worth the wait! The love for each other didn't happen overnight: it was gradual, painstakingly slow, and then one day, BOOM! Struck by lightning and there was no turning back.

Jasmine is ABSOLUTELY NESTA CODED. Come to think of it, Jasmine and Ivan are ABSOLUTELY NESTA AND CASSIAN CODED. There, I said it. I absolutely can see so many parallels between the characters and I'm a sucker for it. Jasmine was such a multi-dimensional, complex character. I loved her strength, tenacity, and passion. I hope to achieve all my goals in life while conjuring the determination of Jasmine Santos. Side note, Ivan with all of his rescue animals, SO PRECIOUS. Always get you a man who loves animals, green flags all around.

I am normally not a fan of epilogues, they tend to ruin things for me in the long-run...but this one was perfect and adorable. No complaints at all.

This was such an amazing read. Once again, better late than never. Pick up this stunning sports romance novel! You can thank me later!

Hugs & kisses! 

Quotes:

"You are who you are in life, and you either live that time trying to bend yourself to make other people happy, or...you don't."

"But my mom had told me once that regret was worse than fear."

"I could have been the bigger person, but fuck it, I was five foot three and I wasn't built to be that person ever."

"Nothing and nobody would ever come between my dreams and me."

"When you want something bad enough, you can always make it happen."

"Love to me was honesty. Being real. Knowing someone's best and worst. Love was a push that said someone believed in you when you didn't."

"You're enough. You will always be enough. Hear me?"

"That's the girl I know. The one I partnered up with. The one I think is the best - and you better not ever ask me to repeat that because I won't."

"I believe in you. In us. Regardless of what happens, you will always be the best partner I've ever had. You'll always be the hardest working person I've ever known. There will only ever be you."

'Because I'm okay with you having ten other people be your favorite. But you're always going to be my favorite person," he finished. "Always. No matter what."

"This was my partner. This was more than my partner. He was my other half." 

The Mistletoe Motive by Chloe Liese

 

"To be brave and lay down their defenses. That's when they see each other clearly. And they fall madly in love."

Release Date: December 1, 2021

Genre: Contemporary romance, Christmas romance, fiction

Rating:

Summary:

He loathes the holidays. She loves them. She's full of festive cheer. He's brimming with Bah, Humbugs. Besides unreasonably seasonable names, the only thing Jonathan Frost and Gabriella Di Natale have in common is a healthy dose of mutual contempt. Well, that and the same place of employment at the city's most beloved independent bookstore, Bailey's Bookshop. But when the store's owners confess its dire financial state, Jonathan and Gabby discover another unfortunate commonality: the imminent threat of unemployment.

With the Baileys' requests to minimize the expenses, win new customers, and make record sales dancing in their heads, Jonathan and Gabby conclude - barring a financial Christmas miracle - one of them will soon be cut from the payroll. Neither are willing to step down from their position, so they strike a bargain: whoever has more sales in December gets to stay on in the new year; loser will resign. With a lifetime's worth of festive tricks up her sleeve, Gabby should easily outsell her nemesis, except the unreadable Mr. Frost's every move seems purely designed to throw her off her game.

As if that wasn't bad enough, Gabby's deceptive ex won't quit pursuing her, and her anonymous online friend suggests they take a break. Worst of all, as the pressure mounts to save the bookshop and her job, Gabby meets a new, tender side of Jonathan. Is this the same man she's called her cold-hearted enemy?

Maybe he's got a motive she just can't figure out - or maybe Jonathan Frost isn't as chilly as she once thought. Maybe Jonathan and Gabby already know - and love - each other in ways they never thought possible. 

Review:

✅ Autistic representation 

✅ LGBTQIA+ representation

✅ Holiday romance

✅ Grumpy x sunshine

✅ Enemies to lovers

✅ Forced proximity

✅ Workplace romance 

This book started off my holiday romances for December. It was a super cute and quick read! The festive elements throughout the book were an absolute gift. The author paired a different holiday song with each chapter. I *ABSOLUTELY ADORE* when there is a playlist for a book. It is similar to the score for a movie; it really sets the tone for what you're reading to allow better connection and absorption. 

There were many references and conversations in relation to Pride & Prejudice which I absolutely loved. I am always a sucker for a book with Pride & Prejudice parallels or if the book/move is referenced. I also love that the setting of this book was in a bookstore. ALWAYS a sucker for a book with a backdrop of a bookstore or library. I love reading about book lover such as myself. Instant bonding and connection. 

There was quite a hefty dose of spice at the end of the book. While this was a very cute, wholesome story but there was also that perfect addition of sexiness toward the end. Well-deserved after the slow burn. "It's like a reward."

I really loved all the characters, their quirks, and their interactions with each other. I appreciated the LGBTQIA+ and autism representation. I felt that most of the book was very slow to develop then the ending happened in 10x speed. It all moved so quickly. I do think the pacing could have been better but overall think this was a good book! 

Quotes:

"Here's the thing about reading romance: it's taught me an appreciation for a good grovel, but it's also taught me to recognize a toxic character when I see one."

"To be brave and lay down their defenses. That's when they see each other clearly. And they fall madly in love."

"Just because you're loving them differently than they love doesn't make it any less loving. My mom says there are countless kinds of love, and love enough for everyone. That love is an infinite resource whose expressions are just as innumerable."

"Two people, who couldn't have hated each other more at the outset while battling inconvenient desire, ultimately choose humility and forgiveness."

"That ends up really working for them. It's the heartbeat of their connection, being drawn to each other's differences, stretching themselves to narrow that distance between each other without losing themselves. They...grow. Together. And more deeply into their true selves."

"Your capacity for joy," he says quietly. "It's...humbling."

"No, Gabriella. I don't think it's silly or odd or strange or juvenile to hold on with both hands to the best parts of who we are when we're young and not let life take that from you. I think it's brave and badass and infuriatingly impossible not to admire you for it."

"I know I don't get it, in the sense that I don't have diabetes, but...maybe I understand it a little, living with something persistent and beyond your control. You can't take it off or walk away from it or lay it down for awhile. And even when you've become accustomed to its reality, when it's not really bad or good, it just...is, sometimes it's hard when you're with others. When you feel that sense of difference and distance from them as you deal with the part of yourself that they don't understand, that you have to think about in social situations and in your daily life in ways they don't."

Give Me a Sign by Anna Sortino

 

"It's not just the fluency, but the confidence. I know who I am. I don't need to be more hearing or prove my deafness. I can bring both worlds together. Just being myself, I'm complete."

Release Date: July 11, 2023

Genre: YA

Rating:

Summary:

Lilah is stuck in the middle. 

At least, that's what having a hearing loss seems like sometimes-when you don't feel "deaf enough" to identify as Deaf or hearing enough to meet the world's expectations. But this summer, Lilah is ready for a change.

When Lilah becomes a counselor at a summer camp for the deaf and blind, her plan is to brush up on her ASL. Once there, she also finds a community. There are cute British lifeguards who break hearts but not rules, a YouTuber who's just a bit desperate for clout, the campers Lilah's responsible for (and overwhelmed by)-and then there's Isaac, the dreamy Deaf counselor who volunteers to help Lilah with her signing. 

Romance was never on the agenda, and Lilah's not positive Isaac likes her that way. But all signs seem to point to love. Unless she's reading them wrong? One thing's for sure: Lilah wanted change, and things here are certainly different than what she's used to.

In her sweet and swoony debut, Anna Sortino delivers a poignant coming-of-age story and a revelatory exploration of Deaf culture, its vastness, and its beautiful complexities. 

Review:

This utterly adorable YA novel incorporates deaf and blind representation that is paired perfectly with a sweet coming-of-age story and it is a completely welcomed breath of fresh air. 

Anna Sortino does an impeccable job incorporating the diversity of the deaf/HOH community while also weaving a heartwarming tale about finding your community and falling in love at summer camp. 

 I have been looking to read books with more representation and I think this does a fantastic job. I highly recommend! 

This was also my first time annotating a book before. I don't think I will be showcasing any of annotations anytime soon...I am a bit shy while I am trying to navigate this new element of reading. I thoroughly enjoyed annotating this book though. I felt a deeper connection to the story and the characters. I definitely cannot wait to continue annotating books as I read but also interested in re-reading some of my favorites to annotate! 

Quotes:

"There's so much energy, emotion, and personality that goes into ASL, and it clearly translates to their approach to this job. The way they move around, eager to take up space. It's not just vocabulary and grammar that I need to learn, but also how to set my expressions and movements free."

"This is how I want to embrace my disability and the access I need. It's not hearing loss, it's Deaf gain."

"It's not just the fluency, but the confidence. I know who I am. I don't need to be more hearing or prove my deafness. I can bring both worlds together. Just being myself, I'm complete."

"There's still plenty of summer left," he says. "And a whole life ahead of you. You can keep finding yourself again and again. The important part of all of that is just being true to what your heart tells you."

I'm in Love with Mothman by Paige Lavoie

 

"If I am your Moth, you are my flame." Then, in a voice as dark as the night sky, he says, "I couldn't stay away even if I wished it."

Release Date: December 2022

Genre: Fantasy fiction, paranormal fantasy, paranormal romance, contemporary romance

Rating:

Summary:

22-year-old Heather is suffering from an epic case of burnout.

So, just like any other young influencer, she abandons all of her social platforms, gathers up her best flowy dresses, and moves to a desolate cabin.

Heather imagines spending her #unplugged days traipsing through the woods and tending to her garden. However, her cottagecore fantasy is turned upside down when a wounded cryptid crashes into her roof - and her heart.

With no help from her internet followers, and the local monster-hunter growing suspicious, Heather's quiet life in the wilderness has suddenly become a little more complicated. To make matters worse, she thinks she might be falling in love with the brooding winged man in her living room. 

Review:

A delightfully peculiar romance. I feel that is one of the best ways I can describe this book.

This book was a gift from my sister, Madi. I sent her on a mission to the bookstore to surprise me with a pick to read! She definitely blew ANY expectations I had right out of the water. I was so shocked when she gave this time. I asked for a surprise and she definitely delivered. I have never read any book like this before: a cryptid romance. I figured it was a great theme for October and I'd give it a shot! Side note: I do truly adore when people buy books for me to read and they are completely under my radar and surprise me. It warms my whole heart! 

I genuinely thought I would be able to breeze through this book fairly quicky but I will say, it took me the whole month to get through. I just didn't find myself reaching for this book, excited to read it. I'll be honest, sometimes it felt like a chore. I feel like this book wildly exceeding my expectations while simultaneously missed the mark on all my expectations at the same time. If that is even possible? 

I absolutely loved the cozy, cottage core vibes this book gives. I, too, would like to disconnect like Heather and spend some time in the cottage tending to my garden and baking pastries. I also think I would be like Heather and struggle immensely because my dreams are way more picture perfect than reality more often than not. I loved that Heather was this extremely feminine, romantic character. I also absolutely loved the LGBTQIA+ representation in this book AND chronic illness representation. It was unexpected and I appreciated that! 

This was a really wholesome romance. Don't get me wrong: there was a substantial amount of cryptid smut. This is not a book for the faint of heart. BUT the love between Heather and Moth felt so genuine and it was really sweet to experience their love blossom. It felt like two people who had been lost for so long who finally found each other. 

All respect to everyone who loves these kinds of novels. It was just extremely hard for me to forget that he was a moth...a moth man. There is also a second book coming out where they get engaged. I will not be continuing my journey with Heather and Moth but I wish them all the best. 

Quotes: 

"Put some gratitude in your attitude!"

"Be good to these woods, and I'm sure you'll be very happy here."

"It's hard to get into the groove with cleaning if I don't have the right playlist."

"I hold tight to the vintage copy of Pride and Prejudice tucked under my arm. I can - and I will - have my cute tree-climbing-moment if it kills me."

"At the top of the tree, with the hem of my dress blowing in the breeze, I feel like a rebellious Victorian lady who refuses to bend to society's norms."

"You are my forest witch."

"You -" Before I can process the tenderness of his voice, his hand cups my face just under the chin. "-are a wildflower; vibrant and unpredictable; wherever you choose to settle, roots will follow."

"If I am your Moth, you are my flame." Then, in a voice as dark as the night sky, he says, "I couldn't stay away even if I wished it."

"My love, flame, and flower - everything he calls me makes me feel precious and wanted."

The Nanny by Lana Ferguson

 

"You can have good things, but you have to let yourself have them."

Release Date: April 11, 2023

Genre: Fiction, contemporary romance

Rating: 

Summary:

Suddenly unemployed and on the brink of eviction, Cassie Evans is left with two choices: get a new job (and fast) or fire up her long-untouched OnlyFans account. But the job market is terrible, and as for OnlyFans...Well, there are reasons she can't go back. Just when all hope seems lost, an ad for a live-in nanny position appears to be the solution to all her problems. It's almost too perfect - until she meets her would-be employer.

Aiden Reid, executive chef and DILF extraordinaire, is far from the stuffy single dad Cassie was imagining. He shocks her when he tells her she's the most qualified applicant he's met in weeks and practically begs her to take the job. The idea of living under the same roof as Aiden-with his hands that make her hind-brain howl and eyes that scream sex-feels dangerous, but with no other option, she decides to stay with him and his adorably tenacious daughter, Sophie.

Cassie soon discovers that Aiden is not a stranger at all but instead someone who is very familiar with her-or at least her body. Given that he doesn't remember her, Cassie is faced with an impossible situation. As their relationship heats to temperatures hotter than those reached in any kitchen Aiden has ever worked in, Cassie struggles with telling Aiden the truth, and the more terrifying possibility-losing the best chance at happiness she's ever had.  

Review:

If you have been looking to add a super sexy book to your TBR, look no further. The Nanny ABSOLUTELY delivers. 

✔️ Forced proximity

✔️ Found family

✔️ Workplace romance

✔️   Zaddy single daddy

                                                      ✔️    Spicy 🌶️

I absolutely loved the modern elements to this book, referencing Taylor Swift albums, OnlyFans, Shrek, etc. I do think that the OnlyFans aspect could have been utilized more. 

The connection between Aiden and Cassie is INSTANTANEOUS and HOT. Muy caliente! 🔥While Cassie and Aiden did have instant chemistry, I would have loved to spend more time really developing their connection OUTSIDE of the sexual tension. 

The two best characters in the entire book: Wanda and Sophie. They are hilarious side characters! Together? They are even better! (This is also saying a lot because I normally do not enjoy children but I loved Sophie's personality and mannerisms). 

There are lots of serious, mature elements that are expertly mixed in with the light-hearted nature of this book. I think it is a great "filler" book because it is a super easy read. Definitely recommend! 

Quotes:

"You can have good things, but you have to let yourself have them."

"The dream is  coming home to someone who loves  you every day."

"I'm trying to pull myself out of my gloomy mood by blasting Taylor Swift's entire discography on the drive to the restaurant, but even my Spotify seems to be against me today, playing entirely too much evermore and not nearly enough Red. It's like the universe wants me to cry today."

"You've never seen Shrek?" "No." "Sophie. It's a cultural phenomenon. An epic love story. A comic masterpiece. I can't in good conscience allow you to continue through life without having seen it." 

A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas

 

"Stars flickered around us, sweet darkness sweeping in. As if we were the only sounds in a galaxy."

Release Date: May 1, 2018

Genre: High fantasy, romance, fiction

Rating:

Summary:

A TIME TO HEAL

Feyre, Rhysand, and their friends still busy rebuilding the Night Court and the vastly altered world beyond, recovering from the war that changed everything. But Winter Solstice is finally approaching, and, with it, the joy of a hard-earned reprieve.

Yet even the festive atmosphere can't keep the shadows of the past from looming. As Feyre navigates her first Winter Solstice as High Lady, her concern for those dearest to her deepens. They have more wounds than she anticipated - scars that will have a far-reaching impact on the future of their court.

Bridging the events of A Court of Wings and Ruin with the later books in the series, A Court of Frost and Starlight explores the long-lasting effects of a devastating war and the fierce love between friends. 

Review:

A Court of Frost and Starlight - a comfy filler novella that wraps you up in a warm embrace while the snowstorm rages on outside the window. (I definitely had winter ambience videos playing in the background reading this to really set the mood and distract me from the 115 degree weather in Arizona). 

It felt *literally* impossible to pick up this book and continue reading, I'll be honest. I started reading it directly after A Court of Wings and Ruin but I had to stop. There was just such a marked difference from the masterpiece that was ACOWAR to then reading ACOFAS. I read a few palette cleanser books in-between then set back on my determined path. Taking that break was EXTREMELY HELPFUL. I was able to power through! I thought it was a very cute book...for a filler. There isn't much more to say about it. Simple, sweet, completed. Time to move on to A Court of Silver Flames! I am SO STOKED! 

Quotes:

"Stars flickered around us, sweet darkness sweeping in. As if we were the only souls in the galaxy."

"The weaver went on, "I have to create, or it was all for nothing. I have to create, or I will crumple up with despair and never leave my bed. I have to create because I have no other way of voicing this." Her hand rested on her heart, and my eyes burned. "It is hard," the weaver said, her stare never leaving mine, "and it hurts, but if I were to stop, if I were to let this loom or the spindle go silent..." She broke my gaze at last to look at her tapestry. "Then there would be no hope shining in the void."

"To the blessed darkness from which we are born, and to which we return."

"You were born on the longest night of the year." His fingers again stroked down my back. Lower. "You were meant to be at my side from the very beginning."

"I think my heart knew you were mine long before I ever realized it."

"I will never stop being grateful to have you in my life, either, Feyre darling. And no matter what lies ahead"--a small, joyous smile at that--"we will face it together. Enjoy every moment of it together."

"You look like an angry snowball."

Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller

 

"I'll say whatever I please. I'm not a lady, I'm a pirate!"

Release Date: February 28, 2017

Genre: Fantasy, fiction

Rating:

Summary:

There will be plenty of time for me to beat him soundly once I've gotten what I came for. 

Sent on a mission to retrieve an ancient hidden map-the key to a legendary treasure trove-seventeen-year-old pirate captain Alosa deliberately allows herself to be captured by her enemies, giving her the perfect opportunity to search their ship.

More than a match for the ruthless pirate crew, Alosa has only one thing standing between her and the map: her captor, the unexpectedly clever and unfairly attractive first mate, Riden. But not to worry, for Alosa has a few tricks up her sleeve, and no lone pirate can stop the Daughter of the Pirate King. 

Review:

Ahoy there, me hearties! (Yes, pirate slang is 100% appropriate). Let me start by saying, this was SUCH a quick read. I literally read it in one day. I don't often read books in one sitting so that was surprising for me. It is a smaller book though with large font so it was also pretty easy to do. However, simply because I finished reading this book in one day, does not mean it was a glorious read. 

I truly wanted to like this book; I had heard wonderful things about it. Expectations vs reality though right? 

When I started writing this review, I would have given it 3 bunnies but after completing my review, I will say this book gets 2 out of 5 bunnies for me. 

I absolutely LOVE the concept of this book. I think the idea of it was phenomenal. The delivery fell flat and left a lot to be desired. 

I overall didn't mind Alosa, I did enjoy her ambition and her sass. I love the idea of her pirating an all-female ship. Feminism, always. I really enjoyed Enwen and Kearan's characters. I would have loved to spend more time really fleshing out her character, as well as Riden. I think these two characters have the potential for marked character development but only witnessed glimpses of that in this book. 

However, I do find it extremely distasteful and concerning that the main character is 17 years old. She is a child. I understand that this is set in a different time period but it shouldn't have been acceptable then and it is certainly not acceptable now. I felt that the book and the character were hypersexualized. It would have been so easy to age up this character; why leave her underage but then have such sexual tones and themes throughout this book? 

I adore sirens and mermaids; I think they have to be my ultimate favorite mythical creature. I do feel that the siren concept materialized out of thin air; it was very rushed and not thoroughly developed so it felt forced. The confusing story of her birth (being half-siren, half human), switching in and out of her siren powers, the siren powers themselves...they just felt very comical and unrealistic. 

Am I going to be scrambling to pick up the sequel to this book? No. 

Will I read the sequel down the road to continue the storyline? Possibly. 

Quotes:

"I'll say whatever I please. I'm not a lady, I'm a pirate!" 

"Lass, you've the face of an angel but the tongue of a snake." 

"I am me because I choose to be me. I am what I want. Some people say you have to find yourself. Not I. I believe we create ourselves to be what we want."

"Everyone has something dark in their past. I suppose it's our job to overcome it. And if we can't overcome it, then all we can do is make the most of it." 

"I value brilliant minds, honest souls, and those with long endurance. I forge relationships based on trust and mutual respect, not fear and control."

"Imagine that you traveled all over the world, looking for happiness, looking for thrills to pass the time. Imagine seeing everything there is to see and still not finding happiness. Well, that would give you a very bleak outlook on life, would it not?"

"Yes, we should all worship the stars. They are as useful as they are beautiful. Some never change position. They are constants in the sky. Without them, we would be lost." 

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

 

"I wish you could see yourself the way I see you." 

Release Date: September 14, 2021

Genre: Contemporary romance, fiction

Rating:

Summary: 

When a fake relationship between scientists meets the irresistible force of attraction, it throws one woman's carefully calculated theories on love into chaos.

As a third-year Ph.D. candidate, Olive Smith doesn't believe in lasting romantic relationships - but her best friend does, and that's what got her into this situation. Convincing Anh that Olive is dating and well on her way to a happily ever after was always going to take more than hand-wavy Jedi mind tricks: Scientists require proof. So, like any self-respecting biologist, Olive panics and kisses the first man she sees.

 That man is none other than Adam Carlsen, a young hotshot professor-and well-known ass. Which is why Olive is positively floored when Stanford's reigning lab tyrant agrees to keep her charade a secret and be her fake boyfriend. And when a big science conference goes haywire, putting Olive's career on the Bunsen burner, Adam surprises her again with his unyielding support and even more unyielding...six-pack abs.

Suddenly their little experiment feels dangerously close to combustion. And Olive discovers that the only thing more complicated than a hypothesis on love is putting her own heart under the microscope. 

Review:

I have finally finished reading The Love Hypothesis! I have been dying to read this ever since I finished reading Love on the Brain! I am 100% aware that I went out of order here but I don't want to hear it! No judgement! 

I know I distinctly remember saying in my previous book review post that it was a rare occurrence that I read a book with a fake dating trope...well, clearly, I lied. I've done it again, two books in a row. Who am I? This book delivered the fake dating trope tastefully. I didn't experience my normal rage when reading about the tangled web of lies.

While I do normally loathe the fake dating trope, one trope I will NEVER get tired of is grumpy x sunshine. This book literally is the embodiment of grumpy x sunshine. Adam is "antagonistic and unapproachable" at first but then becomes UTTERLY SWOONWORTHY. "I wish you could see yourself the way I see you." Such a sweetheart. I would adore a book a POV book with Adam pining after Olive for the past 3 years and throughout the timeline of The Love Hypothesis. That would be divine. ALSO, THAT BONUS CHAPTER Y'ALL?! That was scrumptious, finger-lickin' good. 

I also need more books with women in STEM. I am here for the strong, intelligent feminist icons. Anh is such a badass. "Carry yourself with the confidence of a mediocre white man." Yes, queen!

I had two complaints about this book 1) that the summary of the book was misleading. I felt that the summary that was written does not accurately describe the story. The story was obviously way better than the description. 2) The book is not long enough. This is always a complaint of mine for a spectacular book though. I never want the story to end!

I cannot decide if I prefer Love on the Brain or The Love Hypothesis more. I think both books are absolutely amazing. They were such wonderful reads that I didn't want them to end. I may have to do a dual book review with these two going head-to-head to see which one comes out on top! 

Quotes: 

"Carry yourself with the confidence of a mediocre white man."

"I wish you could see yourself the way I see you."

"You can fall in love: someone will catch you."

"I'm going to kill you," he gritted out, little more than a growl. "If you say another word about the woman I love, if you look at her, if you even think about her - I'm going to fucking kill you."

"This might be inappropriate but...Olive. You are really...You are extraordinary."