Thursday, February 11, 2021

Where Is Your Bookmark? (Romance Is in the Air)




A weekly meme where readers share the first sentence of the book they are reading and say what they think. Hosted by the amazing Gillion Dumas of Rose City Reader.

Alexa Monroe walked into the Fairmont hotel in San Francisco that Thursday night wearing her favorite red heels, jittery from coffee, and with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne in her purse. [opening line of The Wedding Date]


A weekly meme in which readers share a random sentence or two from page 56 or 56% of the book they are reading. Hosted by the wonderful Freda of Freda's Voice.


Drew let out a sigh when he was finally alone again in his office. Great, just the place he didn't want to go. He jumped when Carlos poked his head back in the door.

"You should call her and tell her you'll be in town."

Drew got up and slammed the door in Carlos's face. [excerpt from 56% of The Wedding Date]

I thought a romance was in order this week leading up to Valentine's Day. I have heard good things about The Wedding Date (#1) by Jasmine Guillory since it's release three years ago. Having read the 4th book in the series, Royal Holiday, last year, I was eager to give The Wedding Date a try. 

The opening line immediately caught my attention--sounds like someone has something to celebrate! In the next sentence the reader finds out who she is meeting--which I thought I would leave that out to tease those who have not read the book yet. 

I'm not quite to the 56% excerpt I shared, and so am not sure what is going on. I take it our two lovebirds aren't on the best of terms right now. I cannot wait to see how this plays out!

A groomsman and his last-minute guest are about to discover if a fake date can go the distance in a fun and flirty debut novel.

Agreeing to go to a wedding with a guy she gets stuck with in an elevator is something Alexa Monroe wouldn't normally do. But there's something about Drew Nichols that's too hard to resist.

On the eve of his ex's wedding festivities, Drew is minus a plus one. Until a power outage strands him with the perfect candidate for a fake girlfriend...

After Alexa and Drew have more fun than they ever thought possible, Drew has to fly back to Los Angeles and his job as a pediatric surgeon, and Alexa heads home to Berkeley, where she's the mayor's chief of staff. Too bad they can't stop thinking about the other...

They're just two high-powered professionals on a collision course toward the long distance dating disaster of the century--or closing the gap between what they think they need and what they truly want... [Goodreads Summary]
Originally a feature called Last Year I Was Reading created by Maria from ReadingMaria
I liked it enough to continue on my own, but have tweaked it
 to feature Five Years Ago I Was Reading. 
(I would have gone back ten, but I read so little in 2011)

Five years ago this week I finished reading The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams, one of the postal group selections I was a part of in 2016. The book club was such fun--a small group of readers who each chose a book and each book would make the rounds through the mail for each member to read and jot down notes in a journal we would share. The books would rotate through the members until we all had read them and then the books and journals were returned to the original senders. I read quite a few great books that way, books I might not have read otherwise. The Chosen One was one such book, a young adult novel about a 13 year old who grew up in a polygamy cult. She's chosen to marry her much older uncle. It is an emotional and sometimes difficult book to read, but well worth it. Kyra is an amazing and brave character. 


What were you reading five years ago? Have you read The Chosen One?

Connect Five Friday is a weekly meme where readers share a list of five books,
 read or unread, or bookish things, that share a common theme.
 Hosted by the  Kathryn of of Book Date.


With Valentine's Day right around the corner and to celebrate Black History Month, I thought it would be fun to feature five romance novels by African American women that I am eager to read (besides just my current read by Jasmine Guillory). I have quite a few on my TBR pile and wish list, admittedly, and so narrowing it down to five was tough. All of the below books are authors I have yet to read but are on my must read list. 

Take a Hint, Dani Brown
by Talia Hibbert
Danika Brown knows what she wants: professional success, academic renown, and an occasional roll in the hay to relieve all that career-driven tension. But romance? Been there, done that, burned the T-shirt. Romantic partners, whatever their gender, are a distraction at best and a drain at worst. So Dani asks the universe for the perfect friend-with-benefits—someone who knows the score and knows their way around the bedroom.

When brooding security guard Zafir Ansari rescues Dani from a workplace fire drill gone wrong, it’s an obvious sign: PhD student Dani and ex-rugby player Zaf are destined to sleep together. But before she can explain that fact, a video of the heroic rescue goes viral. Now half the internet is shipping #DrRugbae—and Zaf is begging Dani to play along. Turns out, his sports charity for kids could really use the publicity. Lying to help children? Who on earth would refuse?

Dani’s plan is simple: fake a relationship in public, seduce Zaf behind the scenes. The trouble is, grumpy Zaf’s secretly a hopeless romantic—and he’s determined to corrupt Dani’s stone-cold realism. Before long, he’s tackling her fears into the dirt. But the former sports star has issues of his own, and the walls around his heart are as thick as his... um, thighs.

Suddenly, the easy lay Dani dreamed of is more complex than her thesis. Has her wish backfired? Is her focus being tested? Or is the universe just waiting for her to take a hint? [Goodreads Summary]

Happily Ever Afters
by Elise Bryant
Jane the Virgin meets To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before in this charming debut romantic comedy filled with Black Girl Magic. Perfect for fans of Mary H. K. Choi and Nicola Yoon, with crossover appeal for readers of Jasmine Guillory and Talia Hibbert romances.

Sixteen-year-old Tessa Johnson has never felt like the protagonist in her own life. She’s rarely seen herself reflected in the pages of the romance novels she loves. The only place she’s a true leading lady is in her own writing—in the swoony love stories she shares only with Caroline, her best friend and #1 devoted reader.

When Tessa is accepted into the creative writing program of a prestigious art school, she’s excited to finally let her stories shine. But when she goes to her first workshop, the words are just...gone. Fortunately, Caroline has a solution: Tessa just needs to find some inspiration in a real-life love story of her own. And she’s ready with a list of romance novel-inspired steps to a happily ever after. Nico, the brooding artist who looks like he walked out of one of Tessa’s stories, is cast as the perfect Prince Charming.

But as Tessa checks off each item off Caroline’s list, she gets further and further away from herself. She risks losing everything she cares about—including the surprising bond she develops with sweet Sam, who lives across the street. She’s well on her way to having her own real-life love story, but is it the one she wants, after all?
[Goodreads Summary]

Of Fear and Faith
 (Death and Destiny #1) by N.D. Jones
In a world where nothing is ever as it seems, the seeds of love take root on the precipice of chaos, danger, and a great destiny.

In the shadow of an ancient prophecy, two individuals will be drawn together to meet a dangerous calling--or die trying. For legends tell of a powerful Fire Witch and a legendary shapeshifter who will one day rid the world of the wrath of the Water Witch of Legend, and restore the world to peace and balance.

However, for Sanura Williams and FBI Special Agent Assefa Berber, their destinies will not be so easily won, as fear and faith will ultimately determine their fates. In the heat of battle and the chill of prophecy, Sanura and Assefa will weather the dual storms of lust and love. Are they prepared for the intoxicating swirl of danger and attraction? Can they overcome their fears of such a powerful prophecy? In the face of their foes, these legendary warriors must embrace their roles as heroes, side-by-side, and defend humanity against the coming doom. 
[Goodreads Summary]

Rebel
(Women Who Dare #1) by Beverly Jenkins
The first novel in USA Today Bestselling Author Beverly Jenkins' compelling new series follows a Northern woman south in the chaotic aftermath of the Civil War...

Valinda Lacey's mission in the steamy heart of New Orleans is to help the newly emancipated community survive and flourish. But soon she discovers that here, freedom can also mean danger. When thugs destroy the school she has set up and then target her, Valinda runs for her life—and straight into the arms of Captain Drake LeVeq.

As an architect from an old New Orleans family, Drake has a deeply personal interest in rebuilding the city. Raised by strong women, he recognizes Valinda's determination. And he can't stop admiring—or wanting—her. But when Valinda's father demands she return home to marry a man she doesn't love, her daring rebellion draws Drake into an irresistible intrigue.
[Goodreads Summary]

The Seaside Café
(The Book Club #1) by Rochelle Alers
For three decades, the Seaside Café has served delicious meals to locals and island tourists alike. Kayana Johnson has moved home to help her brother run the café—and to nurse her wounds following a deep betrayal. Between cooking favorite recipes—creole chicken with buttermilk waffles, her grandmother’s famous mac and cheese—and spending time reading, Kayana is trying to embrace a life free of entanglements, while staying open to new connections . . .

After striking up conversation with two customers, Kayana suggests a summer book club. Each week, they’ll meet on the patio to talk about their favorite novels. But there are plot twists awaiting them in real life too. For schoolteacher Leah, this two-month sojourn is the first taste of freedom she’s had in her unhappy marriage. Cherie, filled with regret about her long-term affair with a married politician, discovers a powerful new passion. And Kayana finds a kindred spirit in a reclusive visitor who’s ready to make his true identity known, and fill this summer with new possibilities . . .
[Goodreads Summary]

Have you read any of these? If so, what did you think? What romance novels by Black authors would you recommend? 



Every Friday Coffee Addicted Writer from Coffee Addicted Writer poses a question which participants respond on their own blogs within the week (Friday through Thursday). They then share their links at the main site and visit other participants blogs.
What book or series can you see getting made into a movie and not being horribly re-written? (submitted by SJ @ Airin' My Dirty Laundry

 

I would love to see so many of the books or series I read turned into a movie. I can't think of just one. The issue with series being turned into movies though is that I generally want more than can be fit into a movie. I like the idea of a book series being turned into a series for the small screen more than a big movie fit for the theater, if you know what I mean. Whether it would be horribly re-written? Well, that depends on who is doing it, I suppose. Besides, so many things can come into play in translating a book to the screen. A certain amount of tweaking is necessary to draw in a larger more diverse audience (readers and non-readers alike), not to mention time constraints. Even if you have the best script, a low budget, poor CGI, the wrong director, or miscasting can have an impact too.

The truth is I enjoy watching small and big screen productions. I like seeing books come to life on the screen. I go in expecting there to be differences and drive my family crazy when I start comparing the two.  I find it fun to analyze the technicalities and can often (even if not always) appreciate why certain things were changed the way they were between the two. Sometimes the changes make no sense though. While almost always I like the book better than the movie or series, it does not mean I necessarily did not enjoy the other. Sometimes I like the way something is handled on the screen over the way it happened in the book. But sometimes it can go horribly wrong too. Do not get me wrong. There are movies out there that do not even come close to the book and which I find just plain bad. I can enjoy both mediums and do not expect a movie to exactly mirror the book it is based on if it is done well. The key there being done well, of course. 


 I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Be sure and tell me what you are reading and are up to!


© 2021, Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

42 comments:

  1. The Postal Book Club sounds like a fun way to read a great selection of books. What a fun idea! Here's my post:

    https://collettaskitchensink.blogspot.com/2021/02/my-weekly-bookishness-2122021.html

    Colletta

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    1. Colletta - It was such fun. I really miss taking part in the Postal Book Club. I read some books I wouldn't have otherwise. Thank you for visiting!

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  2. I read The Wedding Date a while ago, and I liked the story. Enjoy your current read!

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    1. Breana - I am enjoying The Wedding Date so far. I'm nearly half way through and hope to finish this weekend. Thank you for stopping by!

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  3. Busy reading week for you. I am going to have to look into that Five years Ago I was Reading meme. Sounds fun. My highlighted book this week here

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    1. Anne - I didn't get in as much reading this week as I hoped, but I hope this weekend will bring some quality reading time. Thank you for visiting!

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  4. I'm not a big romance fan but these sound fun. I hope you enjoy your books!

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    1. Eustacia - Hopefully they will be good. :-) Thank you for stopping by!

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  5. The opening lines of The Wedding Date really piqued my interest. Now I want to know what happens next.

    Here's mine: “AN ORDINARY LIFE”

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    1. Laurel-Rain - I'm enjoying The Wedding Date. :-) Thank you for visiting!

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  6. You're right, Wendy. This book sounds like the perfect Valentine's Day read. Have a good one!

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  7. I absolutely love the fake dating trope. I hope you enjoy it! It sounds quite fun.

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    1. E.M. - Me too! It's one of my favorite romance tropes. Thank you for visiting!

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  8. What a 56! Left me wondering, that's for sure. Happy Valentine's weekend!

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    1. Freda - Me too! I am almost there so will know soon. :-) I hope you have a happy Valentine's weekend too. Thank you for stopping by!

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  9. I agree, I'd be much more likely to watch my favourite book series on Netflix than go to the cinema.

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    1. Louise - It's nice to know I am not the only one. :-) Thank you for visiting!

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  10. Hi Wendy

    'The Wedding Date' is probably not a book I would choose for myself, but right time, right place and as a fun fill-in between more serious books, I might well be persuaded.

    Five years ago today, my 'Book Beginnings' post featured 'The High Flyer' by Susan Howatch and the opening lines certainly fitted the time of year...

    "When I first saw my temporary secretary it never occurred to me to flirt with him.

    Even in 1990, when suing for sexual harassment was still considered to be primarily an American activity, an office flirtation would have been considered unwise for a high flyer, and besides, this particular male hardly struck me as being irresistible.

    He had curly hair, chocolate-coloured eyes and a chunky, cherubic look.

    My taste in men has never encompassed overgrown choirboys"

    The book was actually a really troubling read and murder was very much on someone's mind!

    I very seldom both read a book and then watch the film, preferring to do either one or the other.

    I really like the sound of 'The Seaside Cafe'

    Thanks for a great post, it has been fun stopping by :)

    Yvonne X

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    1. Yvonne - I have been in the mood for romance and The Wedding Date is proving to be a good choice.

      The High Flyer sounds interesting. I looked up the synopsis on Goodreads and does sound darker than I would have expected.

      I enjoy watching movies based on books I have read. Sometimes seeing a movie makes me want to read the book it is based on.

      I am looking forward to reading The Seaside Cafe. Hopefully it will be as good as it sounds.

      Thank you for stopping by!

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  11. The Wedding Date looks good. I hope you have a great weekend!

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    1. Yvonne - I am really enjoying The Wedding Date. I am glad I decided to read it. :-) I hope you have a great weekend too. Thank you for visiting!

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  12. Oh, I really liked Chosen One when I read it years ago! I haven't read Wedding Date yet, but have read a couple other of her novels and enjoyed them. And, I keep seeing Take a Hint, Dani Brown on blogs so have added it to my TBR list.

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    1. Helen - The Chosen One was probably not one I would have read without the book group, but I am so glad I had the opportunity to read it. I can't wait to read Take a Hint, Dani Brown. I keep hearing good things about it. Thank you for stopping by!

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  13. Of Fear and Faith sounds pretty promising. I'll have to check into it!

    Lauren @ Always Me

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    1. Lauren - I think so too. I am anxious to try it. Thank you for visiting!

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  14. I love the fake date trope. It's always so much fun! Hope you're enjoy it! Have a great weekend! :)

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    1. Ashley - I do too. It's one of my favorites. :-) Thank you for stopping by!

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  15. The Wedding Date situation is pretty common in romance novels and even films but this one might go on a separate path.

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    1. Harvee - Yes, the Fake Date trope is one of the popular ones, especially in recent years. It's one of my favorites. Thank you for vsiting!

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  16. The Wedding Date sounds like fun. I think I was reading Forever Interrupted and I Am Malala five years ago. (At least, I posted about those books on my blog in February of 2016.)

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    1. Lark - I hope to read I Am Malala at some point. I can't believe I still haven't. Thank you for stopping by!

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  17. I feel like I may have read The Chosen One too but it's been so long. And, one of these days I would love to discovery Beverly Jenkins. And, The Seaside Cafe sounds like a fun, easy read.

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    1. Iliana - I've been wanting to try Beverly Jenkins for awhile now. Perhaps soon. :-) I just heard there's a second book in Alers series coming out. I had better hurry up and read The Seaside Cafe! Thank you for visiting!

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  18. I am going to have to check out Of Fear and Faith, looks good. I like to watch books turned into movies but I would prefer a series be made into a tv show so I can watch it every week and hopefully not as much will be cut out. Have a great week!

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    1. Jamie - Of Fear and Faith sounds really good to me as well. I look forward to reading it someday. Yes! I think a series would do more justice to our favorite books, I think, because so much more can be included. Thank you for stopping by!

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  19. Big yes to black American romance authors. I have read Beverley Jenkins and have another of hers in my shelves. I have a Jasmine Guillory book too to read. Looking forward to it. Up soon!

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    1. Kathryn - I am really looking forward to reading Beverly Jenkins. Alyssa Cole is another one on my must read list--although I didn't feature her here. Thank you for visiting!

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  20. The Wedding Date sounds like a fun read. I remember it was quite a popular pick in our libraries when it first came out and I never have the chance of borrowing it until it totally slipped off my mind. I suppose I shouldn't have any problem borrowing it at this time. ;)

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    1. Melody - It was such fun. I really enjoyed The Wedding Date. I remember all the buzz around it when it came out too. Thank you for stopping by!

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  21. I did not realize that Rochelle Alers is an author of colour. I have three of her romances on my shelf. I will try to read at least one before the end of the month.

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    1. Carla - I hope you enjoy her work! I haven't read her yet, but like you, have two or three on my shelf to read. Thank you for visiting!

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