The last roundup of books for 2018! I can hardly believe it. I’m trying to finish out the year strong with reading, but like I mentioned last month I’ve slowed down a little bit. Blame it on the holidays, a sudden lack in my attention span, and Hallmark movies. Such is life, right? Anyway, here’s my short and sweet December 2018 reads and reviews.
My Top Picks …
Hotshot Doc by R.S. Grey – (Kindle Unlimited) – thanks to the author for providing an ARC!
enemies-to-lovers workplace romance
I saw someone describe this book in three words: broody, hot, doctor. That pretty much sums it up! I haven’t loved/enjoyed a book this much from R.S. Grey since Anything You Can Do. Bailey and Matt had me hooked from the start. Their story was fun, cute, romantic, sexy – everything you’d expect from Grey. And, the angst/one liners/sarcastic comments/pop culture references were pure gold. I laughed and smiled the whole way through.
Enjoyable Enough …
The Dinner List by Rebecca Serle
girl celebrates birthday with five people – dead and alive – at dinner
Ehhh. I had higher hopes for this since I saw everyone and their mom reading it, but I was kind of left wanting more. Sure, the concept is great. Who hasn’t asked the age-old question, “if you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?” So I enjoyed reading someone’s own fictional take on that. Otherwise, I thought Sabrina was kind of a whiny brat and needed to get her shit together.
The Trouble with Mistletoe by Jill Shalvis
Christmastime romance
There’s really not a whole lot to say here other than this is a cutesy romance that takes place during the holiday season. I love that Willa owns a pet shop, and who can resist a guy named Keane? I mean really. This is my first time reading a Jill Shalvis book, and I’ll definitely be picking up a few more!
Just Okay …
The Aftermath by Rhidian Brook
British couple lives with German family post-WWII
I rode the struggle train to keep myself awake enough to finish this one. Talk about a snooze-fest. So disappointing because the movie adaptation coming out next year looks SO good, but I can already tell that the movie is going to be pretty different from the book. I think where this one lost me is that I wanted more focus on the adults and the developing love triangle/forbidden affair. The story lines with the children didn’t hold my attention and seemed more like filler than substance.
Currently reading: All the Beautiful Lies by Peter Swanson
Keep up with all my reading in the archives, on Instagram Highlights and on Goodreads.
I slow down with the reading this time every year!
I think it’s just inevitable! Too hard to focus and stay caught up with everything going on.
Im so going to read Hotshot doc in the next couple weeks. So many people are saying good things about it
I loved it, so I hope that you enjoy it!
Ha! Yes to all your thoughts on The Dinner List. Completely agree. Hopefully someone writes a better book with the same concept 🙂
Glad it wasn’t just me – I was so confused by all the rave reviews after I finished it!
It’s so hard to find the motivation to read sometimes, especially with all the holiday happenings, and I’ve found that if a book doesn’t keep my interest, I can’t get through it, which is what The Aftermath sounded like for you. I need to read an RS Grey book! That needs to be my New Year’s Resolution or something!
Yes, totally girl! They’re so cute.
I need to read a R.S. Grey book. I have a love/hate with romances but everyone seems to love them.
They really are so cute! Good reads when you need something light.
I can’t stand romance books but if I did like them, I feel like everyone’s glowing endorsement of RS Grey would make me read all her books.
Haha, she obviously has a loyal following.
The Dinner List does have a really good premise, but I’m sorry it didn’t really live up to it!
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
I was disappointed too!
Loved Hotshot Doc! 🙂 So cute. I didn’t like Not So Nice Guy, so I was nervous!!!! Boo about The Aftermath. The trailer DOES look good. Here from SUYB! XO – Alexandra
Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
Thanks for stopping by! I’m a ride-or-die R.S. Grey fan, but I’m with you about Not So Nice Guy. Wasn’t one of my favorites either! And, I’ll definitely still see The Aftermath even though I didn’t care for the book.
Always fun to see what you’re reading! One of these days I will try and catch up, haha!
I’m sure you will!
I just finished hot shot doc over the weekend and agree with you – these two characters I really loved!! I think I’ve mentioned this before but you would love the author Lauren Layne!! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
Hotshot Doc was so fun! Reminded me why I’m such a fan of R.S. Grey to begin with. Added Lauren Layne to my author list, will definitely check out some of her books!
i’m glad you loved hotshot doc! i liked it. i’ve heard mixed things about the dinner list, so i’ll be skipping it. doesn’t sound like my jam. glad you liked the jill shalvis book, i adore her books and that series. that book is a passionflix movie if you’re interested, kind of hallmark-y in terms of quality but a tad bit steamier (not as explicit as the book obvs).
I just finished another Jill Shalvis book, and it was so cute! I liked it even more than this one. Hotshot Doc reminded me of R.S. Grey OG (lol) in terms of why I fell in love with her books in the first place. Or I just really needed something light to read so I’m bias.
Haven’t read The Dinner List yet, but I am hoping I will enjoy it! Also love your festive jammies!
Awe, thanks – they’re so cozy! Hope you enjoy The Dinner List!