Review: THE BOYFRIEND PROJECT by Farrah Rochon

 

THE BOYFRIEND PROJECT by Farrah Rochon

Publication Date: June 9, 2020

Publisher: Forever

Pages: 345

Source: Netgalley | Purchased

Add to Goodreads

RATING

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis

If you love Jasmine Guillory, Abby Jimenez and Talia Hibbert, you'll LOVE Farrah Rochon!

What happens when three women discover , thanks to the live tweeting of a disastrous date, that they've all been duped by the same man? They become friends of course!

Samiah Brooks never thought she would be 'that' girl. But a live tweet of a horrific date just revealed the painful truth: she's been catfished by a three-timing jerk of a boyfriend. Suddenly Samiah - along with his two other 'girlfriends', London and Taylor - have gone viral online. Now the three new besties are making a pact to spend the next six months investing in themselves. No men, no dating, and no worrying about their relationship status...

For once Samiah is putting herself first, and that includes finally developing the app she's always dreamed of creating. Which is the exact moment she meets the deliciously sexy, honey-eyed Daniel Collins at work. What are the chances? When it comes to love, there's no such thing as a coincidence. But is Daniel really boyfriend material or is he maybe just a little too good to be true?

MY THOUGHTS

THE BOYFRIEND PROJECT had me completely hooked from the get-go. Starting off with a Twitter scandal leading to unwanted Twitter fame, Farrah Rochon brings the laughs with entertaining dialogue and interactions between Samiah and her sister and her new friends Taylor and London. I loved this book for the friendships just as much as for the romance.

Samiah is absolutely wonderful. She's an incredible friend; she's witty and intelligent. She knows her worth and doesn't take anyone's mess.  

What I Loved:

• Women in STEM! 
• The Just Friends App - it's a cool innovative idea and I would definitely sign up
• The chemistry between Samiah and Daniel. And that hand massage! I mean how could they not catch feelings?

I enjoyed this book a lot - so much so that I included a copy in a pick-me-up care package for a friend. I hoped that it would bring her as much joy and entertainment for her as it did for me. 

Disclaimer: 

I requested this ARC from the publisher for review consideration. I was not compensated in any way other than the ARC provided. I've also purchased a finished copy for my physical library. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

What I'm Reading and Loving Right Now

What I'm Reading and Loving Right Now

Ice Planet Barbarians

Barbarian Alien

Barbarian Lover

by Ruby Dixon

(links to Goodreads

Months ago in a group chat, I asked what everyone was reading and reader after reader kept listing Ruby Dixon's ICE PLANET BARBARIANS series. At the time, I didn't know about the series but I made a note of it because SO MANY people kept talking about it. A couple of days later, I saw a paperback of ICE PLANET BARBARIANS in an airport bookstore and I was tempted to get a copy, but didn't. Jump to April and I was in the mood for something different from the contemporary romance that I usually read. It was the perfect time to start ICE PLANET BARBARIANS.

I may be a little late to the game with this series, but I don't even care because I am LOVING it. I'm having so much fun getting caught up in the stories and constanting laughing. And these stories are hot, hot, hot filled with Barbarians whose main goal is loving, adoring, and pleasing women - what's not to love about that?

What I LOVE:

• The joy I'm experiencing reading this entertaining series - it's complete escapism  
• How the couples couple up  - it's more than their khuis/cooties - they do find their perfect mates for their personalities:

Vektal and Georgie - She speaks, He listens. They have so much to learn about each other and they are eager to do so.

Liz has more in common with Raahosh than she thinks. When they figure it out, it's more explosive than either of them can imagine.

Aehako's playfulness is adorable and he's such a flirt. He can bring the calm to a situation and helps to ease Kira of her responsibilities and worries. 

• The world-building - the elements are brutal. Their environment is both primitive and futuristic and it's interesting to discover it all as the women adapt and find a new way of life on the Ice Planet.
• The fantastic illustrated covers and their gorgeous depictions of fierce women

 I am so happy that I was curious enough to begin this science fiction romance. I've read the first three books of the series so far and don't plan to stop there. I'm having too much fun!

Ruby Dixon definitely has a new fan in me AND I cannot wait to dive into this fandom and discover all of the gloriousness that everyone brings to it.

Cover Reveal: THE LOBSTER TRAP by Heidi McLaughlin and Kassidy Maye

 

Today I'm sharing the newest book from Heidi McLaughlin and Kassidy Maye with the cover reveal of The Lobster Trap.  It comes out June 13th and you can pre-order it now. I've pre-ordered my copy and can't wait to read it and get it signed when I see Heidi at Book Bonanza next month. 

THE LOBSTER TRAP (The Seaport Series, #1)

by Heidi McLaughlin and Kassidy Maye

Release Date: June 13, 2023

Book Tropes:

Opposites attract 

Small island town / Beachy 

Vacation romance 

HEA

Strangers to lovers 

City Girl meets small town boat captain  

Rags to riches  

Stuck up rich girl meets enthusiastic, larger than life boat captain

About the book:

From the New York Times bestselling author of Forever My Girl: The Motion Picture, Heidi McLaughlin takes you to the classic New England Coast for a summertime beach romance that leaves you yearning for love, a boat . . . a cup of clam chowdah! 

After graduating from Yale, Caroline Taylor embarks on a summer long vacation in the small beach town of Seaport before she starts her corporate career at Goldman Sachs. 

Dune Carter, boat captain at Blue Lobster Adventures, and notorious heartbreaker is all fun and games until he meets the one tourist who turns his head in more ways than one. 

Despite her initial resistance to his charms, Caroline finds herself drawn to Dune, and his idyllic life on the island. From the endless sunny days, warm nights, sunset boat cruises, and cobblestone roads—Caroline begins to fall in love with Seaport and the boat captain. 

However, turmoil strikes their dreamy island relationship, and Dune must attempt to conquer life off the water in the ways he has always conquered the ocean and show Caroline why he’s worth staying in Seaport.

 

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3HVMWri

Apple: https://apple.co/3nLzAHk

Nook: https://bit.ly/3VO5CyN

Kobo: https://bit.ly/44N3HPi

Follow the series on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@seaportseries 

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/146309553-the-lobster-trap 

About Heidi:

Heidi McLaughlin is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of The Beaumont Series, The Boys of Summer, and The Archers.

Originally, from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband, two daughters, and their three dogs.

In 2012, Heidi turned her passion for reading into a full-fledged literary career, writing over twenty novels, including the acclaimed Forever My Girl.

Heidi's first novel, Forever My Girl, has been adapted into a motion picture with LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe, and opened in theaters on January 19, 2018, and is now available on DVD & Digital.

To stay connected with Heidi visit www.facebook.com/authorheidimclaughlin or heidimclaughlin.com

Social Media:

Website: http://heidimclaughlin.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorHeidiMcLaughlin/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeidiJoVT/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidimclaughlinauthor/ 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6568302.Heidi_McLaughlin 

Goodreads Group: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/184432-heidi-s-hangout

Text GETHEIDISBOOKS to (833) 926-1009

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/HeidisNewsletter 

BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/heidi-mclaughlin 

About Kassidy: 

Kassidy Maye, owner of The Tuesday List and law student, dips her toes into the other side of the literary world with her debut novel, The Lobster Trap, co-written with her mother, Heidi McLaughlin.  

Social Media:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/44JpHKN 

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/41mz7Jl

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kassidymaye/

I'm participating in BOUT OF BOOKS 37

I'm participating in Bout of Books 37. This is the first readathon I've participated in a few years and I'm looking forward to participating in the daily photos on IG and connecting with other readers. I'll share the books I'm reading along the way on Twitter and Instagram with #boutofbooks. 

About Bout of Books

The Bout of Books readathon is organized by Amanda Shofner and Kelly Rubidoux Apple. It’s a weeklong readathon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 8th and runs through Sunday, May 14th in YOUR time zone. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are reading sprints, daily Discord questions, and exclusive Instagram challenges, but they’re all completely optional. For all Bout of Books 37 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

Reviews: HOW TO LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR, FOURTH DOWN, and BUNS

A collection of mini-reviews, quick thoughts, and books worth mentioning. 

Check them out!

HOW TO LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR by Sophie Sullivan

Publication Date: January 18, 2022

Pages: 352

Source: Publisher | Netgalley

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS

I want to read more books that make me laugh, and I'm happy to add HOW TO LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR to that growing list.

I was hooked by the cover alone - the crossed out Hate is that one simple thing that made me want to read this book. I just knew that it was going to be a lot of fun. HOW TO LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR is described as an enemies to lovers romantic comedy, but I think it's more like strangers to friends to lovers to friends to so much more. I loved Grace and Noah's game of getting to know each other.

HOW TO LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR was a fun take on Trading Spaces and House Swapping. It was a fun, feel good book about figuring out who is important to us in our lives and making time and space for those people.

"We need to stop trying to prove ourselves to people that aren't even paying attention."

From the acknowledgments:

"To all of the people whp are afraid to jump because the landing is uncertain; I hope you find the courage to take the leap. Even when the landing hurts a bit, it is so incredibly worth it."

I love this so much and it's why I always read the acknowledgments.

FOURTH DOWN by Heidi McLaughlin

(The Portland Pioneers, #1)

Publication Date: August 10, 2021

Pages: 336

Source: Buoni Amici Press | Library

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS

I was excited when I saw that my library had an audiobook copy of FOURTH DOWN by Heidi McLaughlin and I downloaded it right away. I'm so glad that I listened to the audiobook as my second reading was more enjoyable than the first. To have the story presented in a voice other than my own changed the tone of the book, it added to the humor and flirtatiousness that I didn't necessarily pick up on, and that's what I needed.

FOURTH DOWN is the first book of the new Portland Pioneers series and an enemies-to-lovers sports romance.

What I liked:

• Autumn - she's compassionate and self-assured and she has an ease about her
• Autumn's developing friendship with Peyton, I love reading about women supporting women
• The Beaumont Series connection - it was funny to read the men of 4225 West as the older dudes
• Julius's children - Reggie and Roxy - they are adorable and their presence helped shape the story

Julius wasn't my favorite person. He had a lot of misdirected anger and Autumn definitely has a more forgiving heart than I do. It took me longer to warm up to Julius and understand the pain he was dealing with. I'm just glad that they were able to figure it out and find the love that they both deserve.

I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series.

BUNS by Alice Clayton

Publication Date: May 23, 2017

Pages: 320

Source: Purchased

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS

My book club knows that we can turn to Alice Clayton when we need a good laugh. The first two books, Nuts and Cream of the Crop, had us rolling so of course we had to read the third book in the Hudson Valley series, Buns.

I loved the idyllic setting and the Dirty Dancing comparison. Luckily we live close to one of the Mountain lodges where the movie was filmed and I'm tempted to take a day trip to relive the story all over again.

I loved reading Archie and Clara working together and falling for each other and the silly situations they got themselves into. And it was fun to fall for Archie who seemed aloof, but was anything but.  

I'm sad to say goodbye to the people of Hudson Valley with the end of this series - but I would love to catch up with them at a wedding or weekend getaway. A bonus story is all I would ask for.   

Reviews: FOLD IN THE CHEESE, HOW TO WIN AT THE CHALLENGE AND LIFE, and ODDBALL

 FOLD IN THE CHEESE: 

An Unofficial Guide to Splendiferous Entertaining for Fans of Schitt's Creek

By Parker Long

Publication Date: October 25, 2022

Pages: 144

Source: Netgalley | Library

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

My Thoughts

Just like it says on the cover, FOLD IN THE CHEESE is definitely for fans of Schitt's Creek. This book was fun to read because it drew from specific events and scenes from Schitt's Creek - one of my all-time favorite shows. The book shares the hits and misses of being a hospitable host and preparing for events that people will remember.

I read this book while preparing for an annual work event and it was a great reminder that not every event is perfect - don't stress over making it perfect - most people don't notice the little mishaps. Just go with it and have fun.

I loved the various events featured like the housewarming party and the baby shower hosting how-to, but my favorite events focused on food and family especially the chapter BACKYARD BARBECUE. BEYOND THE GRILL provided the absolute best advice - Offering a Smattering of Sides. "The important thing is to have something for everyone and fully embrace the abundance of comfort food. You never know who'll need it." 

FOLD IN THE CHEESE cracked me up and made me want to watch all things David and Alexis.

And best of all, it features my personal favorite meatloaf recipe.

How to Win at The Challenge and Life: A Champion's Guide to Eliminating Obstacles, Winning Friends, and Making That Money

by Sydney Bucksbaum

Publication Date: October 25, 2022

Pages: 256

Source: Netgalley | Library

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

My Thoughts

The book is definitely for fans of The Challenge and it's likely only for fans of The Challenge. I am a fan of the show,having watching the seasons a ridiculous number of times, and sadly I have to admit that this book left me wanting so much more. With the inclusion of "at Life" in the title, I expected more in depth acknowledgements and revelations.

I did like getting more details from the contestants of the earlier seasons like Cynthia and Landon.

I wanted more photos and behind the scenes details. I would have love to read a book about the other contestants attempts at the big win, but continued to fall short because there is honor in trying.

For readers who are interested in this book, check it out from the library. 

ODDBALL by Sarah Andersen

Publication Date: December 7, 2021

Pages: 105

Source: Netgalley | Library

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

My Thoughts

ODDBALL is a fun, loveable, and relatable collection of comics about creators, artists, authors

living with pets, anxiety, friendships, and surviving ourselves.

Some of my favorite comics:

"Suddenly Finding a New Obsession"  

The accuracy of loving something or fixating on something that it becomes your whole personality

Another Good One:

"So I didn't do that thing."

"Neither did I"

"Failure Solidarity" with a big hug

The books ends with my favorite comic of the book. "One Year" 

Taking it and making it one baby step at a time.

Another great collection from Sarah Andersen.

Books I Read in 2022

 

The first book read in 2022 and the last book of 2022.

January

8: IN A NEW YORK MINUTE by Kate Spencer

9: CRUSHING by Sophie Burrows

12: ON THE NICE LIST by Stephanie Elizabeth

14: THIS WITCH: Poems by J.R. Rogue

15: MURDER BOOK: A Graphic Memoir of a True Crime Obsession by Hilary Fitzgerald Campbell

16: CLOSE AGAIN by Ella Frances Sanders

16: HAPPILY AND MADLY by Alexis Bass

21: NEVER SAW ME COMING by Vera Kurian

22: LONG WAY DOWN by Jason Reynolds

28: NEVER NEVER by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher

29: HEARTSTOPPER: Vol. 4 by Alice Oseman

February

3: some things I still can't tell you by Misha Collins

3: BLACK BIRDS IN THE SKY: The Story and Legacy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre by Brandi Colbert

6: TREASURE by Oyinkan Braithwaite

6: WELCOME TO THE GRIEF CLUB by Janine Kwoh

8: CHEER UP! Love and Pom Poms by Crystal Frasier

19: FOURTH DOWN by Heidi McLaughlin

22: FURIA by Yamile Saied Mendez

23: SWEET VIRGINIA by Caroline Kepnes

23: TAKE  THE LEAD by Jessica Simpson

March

6: AMERICAN GIRLS by Alison Umminger

20: LOVE ON THE LAKE by Helena Hunting

21: WHAT KIND OF WOMAN by Kate Baer

 

April
1: HOW TO LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR by Sophie Sullivan

2: I HOPE THIS FINDS YOU WELL by Kate Baer

9: PAPER GIRL AND THE KNIVES THAT MADE HER by Ari B. Cofer

10: ALL ROADS LEAD TO HERE (short story) by Abby Jimenez

12: A WICKED AND BEAUTIFUL GARDEN by Katie McGarry

16: ALONG FOR THE RIDE by Sarah Dessen

24: SAY HER NAME by Zetta Elliott

24: PART OF YOUR WORLD by Abby Jimenez

May

6: THE ART OF LIVING by Grant Snider

7: AIN'T BURNED ALL THE BRIGHT by Jason Reynolds and Jason Griffin

9: NO ONE WILL MISS HER by Kat Rosenfield

11: COVER STORY by Susan Rigetti

18: DISPLACEMENT by Thalia Chaltas

28: FAMILY OF LIARS by E. Lockhart

June

2: THE ONE NIGHT by Meghan Quinn

9: SAVE ME (from Myself) by So Lazo

19: ALL FIRED UP by Dylan Newton

20: THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY by Jenny Han

23: GIRL ON FIRE by Alicia Keys

26: HUDA F. ARE YOU? by Huda Fahmy

29: HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE by Dahlia Adler

July
4: REMINDER OF HIM by Colleen Hoover

28: INHERITANCE by Elizabeth Acevedo

August

1: THE GIRL WITH STARS IN HER EYES by Xio Axelrod

6: CLEMENTINE by Tillie Walden

25: KEEPING THE MOON by Sarah Dessen

30: THANK YOU FOR LISTENING by Julia Whelan

September

5: BOOK LOVERS by Emily Henry

6: SONGTELLER: My Life in Lyrics by Dolly Parton

25: CARRIE SOTO IS BACK by Taylor Jenkins Reid

27: EVERYTHING IS OK by Debbie Tung

October 

4: VERITY by Colleen Hoover

12: ON THE COME UP by Angie Thomas

17: A GLORIOUS AND DEVILISH EXPANSE by Katie McGarry

29: WICKED GIRLS by Stephanie Hemphill

30: THE EX HEX by Erin Sterling

November 

10: YOU ARE HOME by Catana Chetwynd

12: I KILLED ZOE SPANOS by Kit Frick

13: THE BOOK STORE SISTERS by Alice Hoffman

15: SHRIMP by Rachel Cohn

20: SENSORY: Life on the Spectrum ed. by Schnumn

26: THE ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF LENNY AND MARGOT by Marianne Cronin

27: FANGIRL, Vol. 2 by Sam Maggs and Rainbow Rowell

December

3: SLIP by Marika McCoola

4: RESTING SCROOGE FACE by Meghan Quinn

4: healing for no on but me by Jennae Cecelia

21: THE COLOR OF US by Jessica Park

23: AND YET: POEMS by Kate Baer

26: THE FIRE NEVER GOES OUT by ND Stevenson

29: IF THE FATES ALLOW by Rainbow Rowell

30: GIRLS AND BOYS by Dennis Kelly

31: the moon will shine for us too by Jennae Cecelia

31: THE VIEW WAS EXHAUSTING by Mikaella Clements and Onjuli Dhatta