Top 10 of 2019: Favorite Book Boyfriends

Top 10 of 2019 is hosted once again by Kimberly Faye Reads, and this year she has a co-host Ginger @greadsbooks.   Today's original topic, OTP or favorite couples, was one that while it might be fun, I changed it to something I thought was more me, favorite book boyfriends.  I'm going to have to narrow it down to only 10 for this year, when I read so many good books!

1.

I love Austin Jacobs, that's all there is to it.

2.

I think it was Sam, the bearded ginger, who started my year off right though!

3.

I had to pick the Irish bad boy Roark!

4.

Landon makes me wish I could find a guy from my past that things could work out with.

5.

I could honestly probably pick any guy from any Emma Hart story, but I'm choosing Jay!

6.

A new sexy hockey player to fall in love with, meet Porter!

7.

This story actually was similar to the first one on my list, So That Got Weird, but I loved Reece and his role in this story.

8.

I can't decide which Winston brother to pick, so I pick them all!!

9.

Loved Will, and how he dealt with the whole porn film bit at the beginning!

10.

So, when you read over 200 books, it's really hard to narrow down to just 10, even with a whole series up above!  Maybe I should have stuck to favorite authors and the boyfriends I got from them.  But I loved Jason, he cracked me up so much!


Have you met any of my book boyfriends yet?  Want to fight me for them?  LOL!!  Who were your book boyfriends this year?


If you're interested in joining in to the Top 10 of 2019, you can go to the links at the top for the hosting blogs.  Here are the other topics you'll see coming up:

Also, while you're here, make sure you go enter into my weekly Cleaning Up My TBR Giveaway HERE.  It's open until this Friday until midnight!

Christmas Songs Book Tag

I found this last year over on That Artsy Reader Girl blog, and decided it would be a fun one to join in and especially to help me out with my Blog Ahead Challenge in October!  The goal is to pick a book you’ve read this year that fits the theme of the Christmas song titles.  Personally, I may have to stretch to some books from earlier than this year, but we'll see how it goes!


1. “All I Want for Christmas Is You”: Favorite bookish couple.

 From this year's books I'll have to pick Luc and Evie from The Burning Shadow by Jennifer L Armentrout.


2. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”: Name a book where a character is away from home (school, vacation, etc.).

Happy Trail by Daisy Prescott.  Olive Perry is hiking the Appalachian Trail when she gets stuck in a snowstorm and meets Jay.


3. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”: Name your favorite “little” book (children’s book, short story, novella, etc.).

I got to read an advanced copy of A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood which contained poems and songs by Fred Rogers, otherwise known as Mister Rogers.  



4. “Santa Claus is Coming to Town“: What book(s) do you hope Santa brings you this year?

I am sooooooo hoping for an ARC of Chosen by Kiersten White.  Maybe I'll have it and have to change this answer by the time this post goes up, but I'm doubting it with the way things are going so far! 



5. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”: Which book turned your nose red (made you cry)?

The Perfect First by Maya Hughes was one that made me cry at so many things that just really resonated with me.  

 

6. “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”: Your favorite book/kind of book to read during the holidays.

I don't really have any favorite type of book or exact book to read.  I just like to read, and I'm happy with whatever it is as long as I'm getting time to read.  Maybe as a kid one book I loved to read over and over was The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson.






7. “We Three Kings”: Your favorite trilogy.

Hmm.  This year I'm going to pick the Kiss Me trilogy by Emma Hart:  Kiss Me Not, Kiss Me Tonight, and Kiss Me Again.



8. “Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow”: A character you would love to be snowed in with.  

I'm going to pick Rook from A Lie for a Lie by Helena Hunting, which is kind of perfect since he's a hockey player. 



9. “Last Christmas”: A book that seriously let you down.

This is so hard to pick because if I don't like a book, I don't finish it.  But I did read a book that was my planned goal of a classic I'd heard I would like.  I wasn't impressed.  It was Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut.  



10. “White Christmas”: An upcoming release you’re dreaming about.

Since I already mentioned Chosen by Kiersten White, I'll pick another, Rage and Ruin by Jennifer L. Armentrout.    

Release Tour Review: The Second We Met (Fulton U #2) by Maya Hughes

Book info:

Title:  The Second We Met
Author:  Maya Hughes
Series:  Fulton U #2
Genre: NA contemporary romance
Cover Design:  Najla Qamber Designs
Photo:  Wander Aguiar
Release Date:  October 17th, 2019

Source: E-galley from author which did not influence my opinion
My rating:  5 stars

Synopsis: 

Dear Jerk Across the Street, sorry for accidentally walking in on you and catching an eyeful of your—equipment. And hard pass on the open invitation to join you in the shower “anytime”, A-hole.

That’s the note I should’ve written. Instead I sent a pleasant and apologetic version.

Had I known Phoenix “Nix” Russo would’ve been the neighbor from hell, I’d have told him right where he could shove my words.

Nix is the big man on campus with everyone lined up at his games to make sure he knows it. Sure, he’s got piercing blue eyes, abs that don’t quit and a smile that could set fire to a set of panties from a hundred yards away, but he’s also the biggest pain in my ass.

Dear Pink-Haired Menace, learn how to take a joke and stop being such a kill-joy...

Elle Masterson called the cops on one of my parties—again. My sweet talking usually gets me out of trouble, but this time it got me into a nice pair of silver handcuffs. Now I’m on a reputation rehab tour with a stop at a spring break community service project.

Guess who’s my new boss?

Now we’re shoulder to shoulder, sweaty, tired and…she’s not anything like I expected. There might just be a heart under that hardass exterior. She’s invading my dreams and I can’t shake the feeling she’s the key to unlocking a piece of me that I’ve hidden away.

It’s only a matter of time until she finds out why I’m really here.

Maybe I can break through her walls and into her heart before that happens...one screw at a time.

PURCHASE ON AMAZON
or Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited 

READ CHAPTER ONE HERE:
https://www.mayahughes.com/blog

My Review:

I really, really, really loved the first book in this series, so I was very excited for this one.  And this was one I could barely put down.  But of course there were so many things going on when I got the chance to finally pick it up and read, that I had to.  What I loved though, was that it took no time to dive right back into the story when I was able to get back to it.  I enjoyed getting back to the characters I'd met and fell in love with in The Perfect First, and there were a few that I now am even more excited to hopefully see them get their own stories.  I felt that Elle did totally overreact in a lot of the situations that happened, but it was definitely easy to see with her background experiences with other guys why she did that.  But I like how Nix handled it.  Her drama didn't lead him to add more unnecessary drama, and to me, it was realistic how he handled each of her crazy times. His reactions to what normally would turn into the drama just for drama's sake in a story are what made my wavering between 4.5 and 5 stars keep it bumped up to a full 5 stars.  And I like that she would apologize when she realized she needed to.  I'm really becoming a huge fan of this author, and as I mentioned before, can't wait for more stories in this world.  I'm especially excited to see Jules and Berk's story in hopefully the next one!

GOODREADS LINK:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45022943-the-second-we-met

ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE FULTON U SERIES

#1 The Perfect First

US: https://amzn.to/2GsWvNM

UK: https://amzn.to/2vfiBht

CA: https://amzn.to/2PonNJm

AU: https://amzn.to/2GAVh4k

Free in Kindle Unlimited

AUTHOR BIO

Maya Hughes can often be found sneaking in another chapter while hiding in the bathroom from her kids! :-) I’m a romance writer who loves taking inspiration from everyday life, namely my husband and biggest fan. Inspiration also strikes when I hear a song, meet someone new or daydream while at soccer practice.

I’m the mom of three little ones, the wife to an amazing husband and also work full time. Some of my favorite things are cinnamon rolls, white wine, laughing until I can’t breathe and traveling with my family.

AUTHOR LINKS

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

Bookbub: http://bookbub.com/authors/maya-hughes

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/mayahughes

Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/mayahughes

Cover Reveal: The Second We Met by Maya Hughes

BLURB

Dear Jerk Across the Street, sorry for accidentally walking in on you and catching an eyeful of your—equipment. And hard pass on the open invitation to join you in the shower “anytime”, A-hole. 

That’s the note I should’ve written. Instead I sent a pleasant and apologetic version. 

Had I known Phoenix “Nix” Russo would’ve been the neighbor from hell, I’d have told him right where he could shove my words. 

Nix is the big man on campus with everyone lined up at his games to make sure he knows it. Sure, he’s got piercing green eyes, abs that don’t quit and a smile that could set fire to a set of panties from a hundred yards away, but he’s also the biggest pain in my ass.

Dear Pink-Haired Menace, learn how to take a joke and stop being such a kill-joy...

Elle Masterson called the cops on one of my parties—again. My sweet talking usually gets me out of trouble, but this time it got me into a nice pair of silver handcuffs. Now I’m on a reputation rehab tour with a stop at a spring break community service project. 

Guess who’s my new boss? 

Now we’re shoulder to shoulder, sweaty, tired and…she’s not anything like I expected. There might just be a heart under that hardass exterior. She’s invading my dreams and I can’t shake the feeling she’s the key to unlocking a piece of me that I’ve hidden away. 

It’s only a matter of time until she finds out why I’m really here.

Maybe I can break through her walls and into her heart before that happens...one screw at a time.

ADD TO GOODREADS

Author Bio

Maya Hughes can often be found sneaking in another chapter while hiding in the bathroom from her kids! :-) I’m a romance writer who loves taking inspiration from everyday life, namely my husband and biggest fan. Inspiration also strikes when I hear a song, meet someone new or daydream while at soccer practice.

I’m the mom of three little ones, the wife to an amazing husband and also work full time. Some of my favorite things are cinnamon rolls, white wine, laughing until I can’t breathe and traveling with my family.

Author Links

INSTAGRAM

BOOKBUB

GOODREADS

Teaser Reveal: Fearless King (Kings of Rittenhouse #4) by Maya Hughes

 

Book info:

Title: Fearless King

Author: Maya Hughes

Series: Kings of Rittenhouse #4

Genre: New Adult Romance

Cover Design: Najla Qamber, Qamber Designs

Release Date: May 30th, 2019

BLURB

My first crush. My first heartbreak. My brother’s best friend.

The butterflies in my stomach turned into full blown eagles the second our lips touched. A kiss under the stars that changed our relationship forever.

After a lifetime of wishing, I stared up into Ford’s eyes with his fingers caressing my cheek and my heart racing.

The evening ended with my heart bleeding on the ballroom floor.

He destroyed my heart two years ago...but now he wants back in my life.

This time I won’t fall under his spell. I’ll resist his sexy, scruffy beard, and panty-melting smirk.

I thought I was over him. Hell, I fully planned to wave to him through my rearview mirror...but with one text, in the middle of the night, I know I'm in over my head.

Ford: I need you.

Dive right into the Fearless King short, The Wedding Kiss!

ADD TO GOODREADS

Author Bio

Maya Hughes can often be found sneaking in another chapter while hiding in the bathroom from her kids! :-) I’m a romance writer who loves taking inspiration from everyday life, namely my husband and biggest fan. Inspiration also strikes when I hear a song, meet someone new or daydream while at soccer practice.

I’m the mom of three little ones, the wife to an amazing husband and also work full time. Some of my favorite things are cinnamon rolls, white wine, laughing until I can’t breathe and traveling with my family.

Author Links

INSTAGRAM

BOOKBUB

GOODREADS

Cover Reveal with Giveaway: Fearless King by Maya Hughes

Title: Fearless King

Author: Maya Hughes

Genre: New Adult Romance

Cover Design: Najla Qamber, Qamber Designs

Release Date: May 30, 2019

BLURB

Rule No. 1 - Don’t dream about your best friend’s sister.

Rule No. 2 - Don’t kiss your best friend’s sister.

Rule No. 3 - Definitely don’t sleep with your best friend’s sister.

Too late.

Liv’s gotten under my skin with her sweet smile and her gentle touch. We had one kiss before it all fell apart. I wanted to hold her close, but I broke her heart.

Now, she’s in trouble and I’m the last person she wants to confide in, but I’m not giving up.

New Rule: Don’t fall in love with your best friend’s sister.

Start reading the FREE Fearless King short, The Wedding Kiss!

ADD TO GOODREADS

Author Bio

Maya Hughes can often be found sneaking in another chapter while hiding in the bathroom from her kids! :-) I’m a romance writer who loves taking inspiration from everyday life, namely my husband and biggest fan. Inspiration also strikes when I hear a song, meet someone new or daydream while at soccer practice.

I’m the mom of three little ones, the wife to an amazing husband and also work full time. Some of my favorite things are cinnamon rolls, white wine, laughing until I can’t breathe and traveling with my family.

Author Links

INSTAGRAM

BOOKBUB

GOODREADS

GIVEAWAY

Review with Giveaway: The Perfect First (Fulton U #1) by Maya Hughes

Book info:

Title:  The Perfect First
Author:  Maya Hughes
Series:  Fulton U #1
Genre: NA contemporary romance
Cover Design:  Najla Qambar, Qambar Designs
Release Date:  April 25th, 2019
Source:  E-galley from author which did not influence my opinion
My rating: 5 stars

Synopsis:

“How long do you last in bed?” Those were her first words to me, swiftly followed up with, “And how big would you say you are?”

Cue the record scratching, what?!

Persephone Alexander. Math genius. Lover of blazers. The only girl I know who can make Heidi braids look sexy as hell. And she’s on a mission. Lose her virginity by the end of the semester.

I walked in on her interview session for potential candidates (who even does that?) and saw straight through her brave front. She’s got a list of Firsts to accomplish like she’s only got months to live. I’ve decided to be her guide for all her firsts except one. Someone’s got to keep her out of trouble. I have one rule, no sex. We even shook on it.

I’ll help her find the right guy for the job. Someone like her doesn’t need someone like me and my massive...baggage for her first time.

Drinking at a bar. Check.

Partying all night. Double check.

Skinny dipping. Triple check.

She’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met. The walls I’d put up around my heart are slowly crumbling with each touch that sets fire to my soul.

I’m the first to bend the rules. One electrifying kiss changes everything and suddenly I don’t want to be her first, I want to be her only. But her plan was written before I came onto the scene and now I’m determined to get her to re-write her future with me.

One-click or read for FREE in KU!

My Review:
Really glad I've gotten the chance to read more by this author.    Pretty sure Maya Hughes is going on my list of must-read authors.  I was very excited to see this is going to be the first in a series, because part of what I loved about this was the supporting characters, specifically Reece's roommates/teammates.  They were so much fun! And the fact that they loved Seph right from the start, and treated her like one of the gang.  Of course there was also Marisa, and she will probably feature in one of those guys' stories I'm guessing.  This was a story I could barely put down.  I would have sat and read it all in one sitting if I'd been able to.  I snuck in reading time at work at my desk because it was so good.  Now, I have read something somewhat similar lately, storyline of the girl losing her virginity like this, these characters stood out as a different story and I love them so much!  The times when Reece kind of freaked out or tried to stand his ground at not getting involved were very realistically done in my opinion.  Although, I kind of wish we'd had a bit more details on what had happened with him the year before.  It was pretty much given away with what we did get, but I could have seen that being a bigger part of the story as well.  I totally hated Seph's dad, and his treatment of her made me tear up.  Such a good story, so much laughing and emotion and smiling and steaminess!  


About the Author:

Maya Hughes can often be found sneaking in another chapter while hiding in the bathroom from her kids! :-) I’m a romance writer who loves taking inspiration from everyday life, namely my husband and biggest fan. Inspiration also strikes when I hear a song, meet someone new or daydream while at soccer practice.

I’m the mom of three little ones, the wife to an amazing husband and also work full time. Some of my favorite things are cinnamon rolls, white wine, laughing until I can’t breathe and traveling with my family.

Author Links

INSTAGRAM

BOOKBUB

GOODREADS

  

GIVEAWAY 

Chapter Reveal with Giveaway: The Perfect First by Maya Hughes

Title: The Perfect First

Author: Maya Hughes

Genre: New Adult Romance

Cover Design: Najla Qamber, Qamber Designs

Release Date: April 25, 2019

Chapter Reveal Sneak Peek! And giveaway down below!

“Very nice to meet you, Reece. I’m Persephone Alexander. I have a few questions we can get started with, if you don’t mind.”

“The quicker we get started, the quicker we can finish.” He looked around like he would have rather been anywhere but there.

Those giddy bubbles soured in my stomach. A server came by with the bottled waters I’d ordered. I arranged them in a neat pyramid at the end of the table.

“Would you like a water?” I held one out to him.

He eyed me like I was offering him an illicit substance but then reached out. His fingers brushed against the backs of mine and shooting sparks of excitement rushed through me. Pulling the bottle out of my grasp, he cracked it open and took a gulp.

My cheeks heated and I glanced down at my cards, flipping the ones at the front to the back.

“I have a notecard with some information for you to fill out.”

Sliding it across the table, I held out a pen for him. He took it from me, careful that our fingers didn’t touch this time. I’d have been lying if I’d said I didn’t want another touch, just to test whether or not that first one had been something more than static electricity. He filled out the biographical data on the card and handed it back to me.

“Let’s get started.” Just rip the Band-Aid off. Clearing my throat, I tapped the cards on the table. A few heads turned in our direction at the sharp, rapping sound. “When were you last tested for STDs?”

Read the rest of the Chapter Reveal!

Author Bio

Maya Hughes can often be found sneaking in another chapter while hiding in the bathroom from her kids! :-) I’m a romance writer who loves taking inspiration from everyday life, namely my husband and biggest fan. Inspiration also strikes when I hear a song, meet someone new or daydream while at soccer practice.

I’m the mom of three little ones, the wife to an amazing husband and also work full time. Some of my favorite things are cinnamon rolls, white wine, laughing until I can’t breathe and traveling with my family.

Author Links

INSTAGRAM

BOOKBUB

GOODREADS

GIVEAWAY