Welcome to Litsy!

A gorgeously cosy rec for #hauntedshelf 🍁 this is a delightful rom com about two history teachers who love teaching and their students, make everyone around them feel safe, and fall in love featuring soup and meddling comedy parent figures. Highly recommend! #skeletoncrew

I seldom read contemporary romance, but this one has been on my TBR for a while and I needed a light, fun read this week. It was the perfect book for the moment with two teachers in their 40s finding a happily ever after. The ending is a bit abrupt and over the top, but overall I appreciated the school setting, the focus these characters put on their work, and their clear communication. Rose‘s former in-laws also added an entertaining dimension.

Here is my current progress for #Jumpstart2023. All the blue dots are the ones that I‘ve read, and the books with the cat stickers have been removed from my monthly TBR since I was able to complete the #ISpyBingo prompts using other books.

Current audio is tagged.

I picked this up over a month ago & finally just powered through tonight just to finish it. No character development. Wooden dialogue. No real plot line. Their main backstories were buried about 3/4 of the way through & then each backstory just came out like word vomit. There was no connection, no spark, & nothing to really root for. And the sex scene, I can‘t even describe how awful it was.

But at least I can get it off my shelf!

Overall I‘m giving it a pick, but it‘s a weak one. Pluses: plus size heroine, both main characters are average joes, no angst. Cons: the over the top ending.

Not part of my rating but I listened to the audiobook and I spent most of it confused as to why the love interest (Martin) and her ex had the same name. Wasn‘t until the end that I realized it sound a bit different and slowed it down to .75 and heard Barten (sp?). 😂😂😂

5 stars- This book was amazing, the ex-in-laws provided much-needed comic relief. I loved that both MCs were in their late 30s-mid-40s and the female MC was plus-sized. I also loved that it tackled some hard topics. But was still in the end a fun romance. I liked that the MCs were teachers! My mom was a teacher so I know what a hard job that is.

Good Evening Littens. I wanted to pop in and give u guys an update. I feel like I kinda had a breakthrough today. I actually had some energy and did some cleaning of my house. I haven't been able to do that in over 2 months. All I have been doing is sleeping, getting my kids to school/picking them up, making food, & more sleeping. I am keeping my fingers crossed that it says this way so that i can be more present here. I have also been reading ⬇️

This series was recommended to me, and I can see why my friend likes it; however, I didn't like either of the main characters. The supporting characters were all more interesting than the two leads. The story is fine, but predictable (although I kind of hated the ending for a few reasons, TBH). I was hopeful to find some more engaging characters, as complex/dynamic characters are one of my favorite parts of a good book, but no such luck.

Today's #AVeryMerryReadathon book @TheSpineView

This was just the perfect mix of a standoffish grump and sunshine, black coffee and hearts on the sleeve, and it was everything I wasn't expecting and found loving it. The storyline was solid, the details were great, but what I loved the most were 1) the body positivity as the MC is a plus-size woman, 2) older representation in romance, 3) Consent and communication!!!

This was cute AND felt like your BFF telling you the work gossip. Cause work gossip is always the best when it‘s not your work.

Nice to read a #romantsy about mature people with real working lives. I thought the conflict between the couple was a bit contrived and the sex scenes were a bit awkward but overall a good read.

After Spoiler Alert, I thought I‘d give Dade another try and glad I did. I enjoyed this. Very well rounded and developed characters. I liked how Rose adapted to Martin‘s arrival at the school and dealt with all the unintended disruption he caused. I also liked Martin‘s reaction when he discovered what had been done to Rose and his indirect part in it. Two great characters here. Dade gives her characters and settings a lot of depth and realism.

A woman filled with pride and protecting her heart meets a quiet man overcoming a painful past. This love story was so beautiful. Rose and Martin have histories that have shaped them. The love and respect shown in their relationship and in their intimate moments is wonderful. I also love the moments during school with them interacting with students. Sweet and funny.

4.5/5

Olivia Dade is quickly becoming a favorite romance author. I loved that the main characters in this novel were in their 40s and had both been through divorce. So many romances focus on characters in their 20s, so it's nice to read something a little different.

The ending was so good and heartfelt that I made me cry. I loved it.

5/5 for this contemporary romance. I loved this book so much! Rose is such a strong female character. Martin is a teddy bear. I loved their banter. I highly recommend this.

I don‘t read many romance novels, but I picked this one for the Book Riot Read Harder Challenge. It was one of their recommendations for a fat-positive romance. I really enjoyed it! The love interests were 40-something high school teachers, which was appealing. The guy was gentle, nerdy, and super smart, and the woman‘s larger body was appreciated and celebrated. It was a sweet romance, had some steamy moments, and an enjoyable read.
#readharder

@Jas16 you are still my romantsy North Star and thank you for both books. 😭I loved this book, not only because it was a great romance between two people who had overcome their respective struggles in life to be able to love themselves and other people but it was about teachers. And how some kids have nothing at home but sometimes go to school where there might be that one person who cares for them and roots for them, encourages them, 👇🏼

This was a very fun read. It is also the most accurate representation of today teaching environment I‘ve read in fiction. This author obviously is a teacher, or was one. It is a delightful, light #romantsy read!

Rec from Smartbitches. A forty something romance. I found there was a touch of a fairy tale vibe to it. Martin is a bit too perfect, Rose is very much a mix of ice queen and Snow White, there's fairy gods in-laws and a cartoonish villain. Still it was a nice read, a good story where two wounded adults communicate and find happiness. I would not have picked up that book if not for the rec because the cover is so bad. #romansty

Game 7. Anything is possible. 60% done with this book. It's good. So..one last time until September #readingandwatchinghockey

This could be the last game of the season... Go Blues...#readingandwatchinghockey Last time until next september...???

A light romance, rec from Smartbitches and my next Booked2019 #summerreading

Haha!😁 It's true though.

Saturday night and parked on the couch with a good book and a very good girl. #romantsy #dogsoflitsy

I was going to read a historical mystery I picked up at the library today, but 30 pages in I couldn't stand any of the characters, so I'm going to try this one instead. #romantsy

I totally loved this #romantsy about two teachers with scars from their past who find in each other someone who sees their strengths but still appreciates their vulnerabilities. Rose surrounds herself in armor saving all of her softness for her students. Martin is all kindness and sensitivity. They share a passion for teaching and slowly come to come trust each other. I loved everything about this book- its sweetness,humor, feminism, everything.

I received two books in the mail today. My #BOTM showed up. And the 2nd is a contemporary romance with an ice queen heroine and cinnamon roll hero.

Also pictured is a blurry snout from a curious Peri.