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Julsmarshall

Julsmarshall

Joined March 2016

I like big books and I cannot lie.
review
Julsmarshall
Gilded Age: A Novel | Claire McMillan
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Pickpick

Quietly mysterious, this exploration of the Cleveland upper class and the young adults trying to find their way was interesting, scathing, and quite sad. I didn‘t know what to expect going in but it gave nods to the House of Mirth and The Awakening and made me think just like they did. I will look for more from this author, this was her debut in 2012. #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 19h
44 likes1 comment
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Julsmarshall
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Pickpick

Delightful! Loved the first book of the Wallflowers series. Somehow I‘ve never read this one. Great listening on #audio while I started to scan all of my books into #libib with the barcode scanner my sweetheart got me for my birthday. So much fun! #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2d
48 likes1 comment
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Julsmarshall
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My birthday #bookhaul from the cutest #indiebookstore in Pflugerville, Texas.

LeahBergen Happy Birthday! 📚❤️📚 3d
Dilara Happy birthday! 3d
Enchanted_Bibliophile Happy birthday 🎈🎂 3d
dabbe HB! 💚💙💚 3d
48 likes5 comments
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Julsmarshall
Here We Go Again: A Novel | Alison Cochrun
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Pickpick

Two women who were best friends as children but enemies since high school, join forces to move their beloved former HS teacher across the country as his dying wish. Shenanigans ensue as they come to terms with his reality as his life is ending and what is next for them as theirs is just beginning. This queer, buddy road trip adventure is funny, poignant, and unforgettable. I loved it! Releases 4/2. #ARC #metgalleygroup @AllDebooks

AllDebooks Yay, you're racing through them x 3d
56 likes1 comment
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Julsmarshall
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Today is my 8 year #litsyversary! Glad to be in your company, @Thekelburrows @Teenta and @grumpygirlbooks . And to everyone, thank you for making this my favorite place on the internet! It is special because you are!

Balibee146 Happy anniversary 🎉🎉 3d
TheBookHippie Wahooooo!!!! ♥️👏🏼🎉🥳🎊 3d
Librarybelle Happy Litsyversary! 3d
See All 17 Comments
MaureenMc 🎊🎊 3d
Graciouswarriorprincess Happy Litsyversary to all! 3d
AmyG Wow! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 3d
IuliaC Happy Litsyversary! 🎈🍾 3d
Ruthiella Happy Litsyversary! 🥳🥳🥳 3d
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Happy Litsyversary 🎊🎉🎈 3d
julesG Happy Litsyversary 🎉🎉 3d
Enchanted_Bibliophile Happy Litsyversary 🎉🎊📚🥳🎈 3d
Jas16 Happy Litsyversary 🎉📚🥳 3d
dabbe HL! 💚💙💚 3d
Deblovestoread Happy Litsyversary 🎉 3d
Gissy Happy Litsyversary 🥳🎉📚🎉📚🎉♥️♥️♥️ 2d
Ladygodiva7 🥳 Happy Litsyversary!! 🔥🔥 2d
JessClark78 Happy Litsyversary! 🎊📚🎉 2d
50 likes17 comments
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Julsmarshall
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Bailedbailed

Maybe me? Maybe not the right time? maybe the book? Whatever the reason, it is a #bail I‘ll try again in the future but in my birthday month, I‘m only reading what I‘m loving. #Roll100

dabbe #hailthebail! 🤩🤩🤩 3d
43 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Julsmarshall
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Pickpick

An absolute delight! Funny, charming, spicy and full of characters you can‘t help but fall in love with. Bailey does it again and is at the top of her writing game. This one isn‘t out until July but I couldn‘t resist jumping in. #BookspinBingo #netgalleygroup @AllDebooks @TheAromaofBooks

annahenke Oh I love the sound of this one and Tessa is a go to! 4d
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 4d
AllDebooks Yay 🙌 4d
51 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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Julsmarshall
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Pickpick

This was a compelling and honest read, full of beautiful poetry and prose and some pretty great rhymes. The characters were going through some challenging times in a tough community that fights for its own. Thomas is writing at the top of her game! This was both my #Bookspin and #Roll100 book so double the fun! @TheAromaofBooks @PuddleJumper

TheAromaofBooks Great progress!! 6d
53 likes1 comment
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Julsmarshall
The Rom-Commers: A Novel | Katherine Center
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I had the best time with Katherine Center, Ali Hazelwood, and Julia London at the Lark and Owl Bookstore Romance panel last tonight! These authors were open, authentic, and absolutely hilarious! So excited to have Katherine Center at my own event next month 🥰

Gissy Wow! what an experience 🤩 5d
44 likes1 comment
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Julsmarshall
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Pickpick

I enjoyed this, though I was a bit worried where it was headed for awhile. A married couple (20+ years) is dealing with life changes and an empty nest and decides to take solo trips for 9 months, agreeing to enjoy and experience life however it comes, including possible other relationships. I loved the settings of Portland, Sante Fe, & Patagonia, & the thoughtful way they supported each other as they reimagined their lives. So good! Releases 4/1.

52 likes3 stack adds
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Julsmarshall
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Pickpick

Fascinating and great on #audio #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 1w
48 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Julsmarshall
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Pickpick

A charming and witchy romance that was laugh out loud funny! I enjoyed every minute of watching Alex and Romina find their way back to each other & the happy swirl of family around them both. I loved the small town setting, the trio of sisters and their wonderfully real relationship and the magical shop they are working so hard to turn around. The floral elements added so much to the rich, evocative world Hoyle has created. So good! Releases 4/1

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Julsmarshall
Exiles | Jane Harper
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I loved this latest Aaron Falk book. The setting was fantastic, the mystery solid, and the characters interesting. I loved the ending too for Falk, but that‘s all I say so I don‘t give anything away. Great on #audio . #AuthoraMonth #AMM #BookspinBingo @Soubhiville @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2w
55 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Julsmarshall
Untying the Knot | Meghan Quinn
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Mehso-so

This was okay, I Iiked the characters enough to keep reading but I wished there was a little more depth. There were some significant mental health elements that warranted more professional assistance (or any) and it was kind of hard to go with “love conquers all”. I do really like the cast of family and friends and will keep reading the series. #BookspinBingo #readyourkindle

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Julsmarshall
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Pickpick

Cosby does it again. This book is thrilling, upsetting, evocative, and impossible to put down while still hard to read after dark. The protagonist is a flawed lawman who is trying to serve his community in a dark and violent time. Check the content warnings, this book may have the scariest serial killer ever. And Cosby‘s writing is so tight, so perfect, that he puts you right in the moment. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ So good! #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

Soubhiville I‘m looking forward to this one! 2w
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 2w
58 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Julsmarshall
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Such a lovely day to be reading outside. Helps to be in the sunshine when reading a book this dark, too.

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Julsmarshall
A Long Time Coming | Meghan Quinn
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After reading A Not So Meet Cute with #littensloveromance , I blew through two more in the series. There is one more that I‘ll read soon :) This was more steamy fun with this funny cast of characters, though the first half stressed me out a bit. I was happy with that ending though-a light palate cleanser that kept me reading. #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 2w
Julsmarshall Ooh, I‘ll have to check it out! 2w
51 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Julsmarshall
Spinneret | Timothy Zahn
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Good looking #Bingo board for March! Excited for #Bookspin and #doublespin I listed more mood reads than I ever had since it is my birthday month and I may want to go with the flow Also want to work on the galleys with #netgalleygroup @TheAromaofBooks @AllDebooks

AllDebooks Good luck x 2w
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! Looks fantastic!! 2w
36 likes2 comments
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Julsmarshall
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Mehso-so

This was okay. Cute and funny but I was looking for a little more oomph. Started on #audio last month and finished last night while #audiopainting

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Julsmarshall
The Dog Stars | Peter Heller
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Cleared the board in February! #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

TheBookHippie 🎉🎉🎉 2w
TheAromaofBooks Yay!!! Fabulous month!!! 2w
dabbe 🤩🤩🤩 2w
willaful Way to go! 2w
48 likes5 comments
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Julsmarshall
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Ooh, some good choices this month! And I love getting a free copy of one of the #BOTY finalists! #BOTM

julieclair I loved Weyward! 3w
Kitta Oh I‘m getting Weyward too! 3w
Mpcacher They are both great reads!
3w
41 likes4 comments
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Julsmarshall
Just for the Summer | Abby Jimenez
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazing ! Jimenez gets better and better! Every book of hers becomes my new favorite. Justin and Emma are both known for being the last person someone dates before finding their one true love. They meet online-if they date each other, will it break the curse? Both characters are dealing with a lot and finding their way to each other won‘t be easy. This book is filling with longing, laughter, & love-don‘t miss it! Releases 4/1 #netgalley

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Julsmarshall
The Vaster Wilds | Lauren Groff
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Pickpick

My 2nd Groff for #authoramonth #aam This was an interesting read, all from the perspective of an escaped servant from colonial times as she is fleeing abuse and disease and struggles to survive the wilderness, injury, and being hunted. This is an adventure story that reads like a fable, a mystery and a tragedy all in one. It‘s hard to read, this is dark and depressing but the prose is quite lovely so that made it a pick for me. @Soubhiville

Soubhiville I loved this one, even though it is sad. 3w
KadaGul @Julsmarshall I had a hard time reading this, so it ended up being DNF. It was along the lines of Fable w/ primitive undertone. What bothered me was when the author ✍️ states choking on a whore or person, not sure exactly. I moved past that but couldn't shake off the imagery or feeling, so I gave up. I am grateful to @Soubhiville for introducing Lauren Groff and organizing #AuthorAMonth 3w
57 likes2 comments
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Julsmarshall
Punching the Air | Ibi Zoboi, Yusef Salaam
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Pickpick

My goodness, what a powerful story. This coming of age story in verse explores themes of racism, discrimination, police brutality, and inequality. It packs a punch with poignant prose and an unblinking reality. Zoboi has collaborated with Yusef Salaam, one of the exonerated NY five, and it is a timely and important read. Good on #audio #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

IndoorDame I loved this! So moving! 3w
ncsufoxes Yusef Salaam‘s book was really interesting. He wrote about what happened & his experience in prison. 3w
TheAromaofBooks Great progress!!! 3w
50 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Julsmarshall
The Dog Stars | Peter Heller
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Pickpick

This was a difficult read but really well done. A pandemic has happened, the world as we know it has ended, and the few folks left are struggling to make a life. The writing is beautiful and compelling, and the setting in Colorado is unique and provides a calming aspect to the tension. Thanks for encouraging me to finish this one, @Ireadkidlit . Check your trigger warnings for this one. #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks good on #audio too.

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 3w
51 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Julsmarshall
On the Come Up | Angie Thomas
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My March #BookspinBingo list. How is it almost my birthday month? @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 3w
39 likes1 comment
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Julsmarshall
A Not So Meet Cute | Meghan Quinn
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Pickpick

This was a funny, fast, spicy read. A great escape for a long week! #littensloveromance #romantsy #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks @StayCurious

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 3w
47 likes1 comment
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Julsmarshall
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Pickpick

So wonderful! Enjoyed this one so much! The riddles, love, and heart that flows through this story are heartwarming and comforting. I was smiling from ear to ear through the whole book. #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 3w
58 likes5 stack adds1 comment
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Julsmarshall
The Chiffon Trenches: A Memoir | Andre Leon Talley
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Pickpick

This is unlike any memoir I‘ve ever read. Andre Talley is a fashion icon, someone I‘ve always found fascinating and such a force in the fashion world. I loved the historical knowledge on varied topics he shared and all the dishy, honest, fashion tidbits. Getting the inside scoop on all the designers and models during their heyday was a joy. Read by the author and his signature voice made this all the more special. #bookriot #readharderchallenge

TheBookHippie Oh I bet this was good!! 4w
Christinak We read this for our book club- I absolutely loved it! I wish I knew he read the audio (edited) 4w
47 likes2 comments
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Julsmarshall
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Pickpick

I loved this sequel so much! Enjoyed being back in Montana at the Meadowlark Ranch with these magnetic ranchers and their sweethearts. Quick witted, heartwarming , and with the right amount of spice, I loved Wes and Ada and how they built each other up while falling in love and renovating a bed and breakfast on the ranch. Releases March 5, check this one out! #netgalleygroup #BookspinBingo @AllDebooks @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 4w
AllDebooks ❤️ 4w
53 likes2 comments
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Julsmarshall
The Mystery Guest | Nita Prose
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed spending time with Molly Gray again in this sequel to the Maid. Another solid mystery with quirky characters and a calming setting in a charming English boutique hotel. I really enjoy this series and look forward to more! #BookspinBingo #BOTM @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 4w
54 likes1 comment
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Julsmarshall
Come and Get It | Kiley Reid
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Mehso-so

This was an interesting character study of a time and place and young people finding their way in a confusing world. It felt a bit all over the place though and I found myself reluctant to pick it up. It had moments of brilliance as it considered how race, money, and privilege intersect, but it fell short of the mark for me. #netgalleygroup #BookspinBingo @AllDebooks @TheAromaofBooks

AllDebooks That's a shame 1mo
TheAromaofBooks Great progress!! 1mo
50 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Julsmarshall
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Pickpick

Moyes does it again, this was charming, moving, and heartwarming. It has been in my #TBR forever and I‘m glad ai finally got to it. Listened on #audio and thoroughly enjoyed the multiple narrators. Highly recommend! #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

Liatrek Loved this one! Really want to reread someday ❤️ 1mo
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 1mo
47 likes2 comments
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Julsmarshall
Sisters Brothers | Patrick DeWitt
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Bailedbailed

Nope, just couldn‘t get into this. Maybe it was because it was on #audio , maybe I‘m just not in the mood, but it is a #readordonate and so bye. #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

dabbe #hailthebail 🤩🤩🤩 1mo
Aims42 Seconded @dabbe 😏👏 1mo
TheAromaofBooks Off the list and onto the next!!! 1mo
MaggieCarr I still cringe at the spooned out horse eyeball part. 🫣 1mo
julieclair Out it goes… 👍 1mo
49 likes5 comments
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Julsmarshall
Leslie F*cking Jones | Leslie Jones
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Pickpick

So funny! Heartfelt and open, Leslie Jones narrates her #audiobook and you hear the emotion, tears, and all the times that she cracked herself up. This was pretty long on audio, 17 hrs, and I suspect that is due to some embellishing and tangents (which she alluded to). This was filled with cursing and not for the easily offended. If you are a fan, or just love strong women with no effs to give, this is for you. #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

HeatherBookNerd Same! 1mo
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 1mo
58 likes2 comments
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Julsmarshall
Untitled | Untitled
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Wishing you a day full of books! Happy Valentine‘s Day!

TheSpineView Happy Valentine's Day! 1mo
BeeCurious Love this pic! Happy Valentine's Day. 1mo
Ruthiella Happy Valentine‘s Day 💘 1mo
49 likes3 comments
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Julsmarshall
Bride | Ali Hazelwood
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Pickpick

This was a lot of fun. I liked seeing Hazelwood‘s take on romance set in a world with Vampyres and Weres, loved the found family vibes, and the world building work that sets us up for more. Was it perfect? No but sweet without being saccharine, spicy without losing sight of emotions, and hard to put down. I really enjoyed it! #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks I've been curious to see what she does with this genre!! 1mo
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Julsmarshall
The Clackity | Lora Senf
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Pickpick

This was a spooky, fun, middle grade horror book that had me smiling to myself and turning the pages. Evie is a delight, her Aunt is the sweetest of witches, and the friends she meets on her adventures are special and wise. So happy I stumbled upon this one for the #BookRiotchallenge . #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 1mo
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Julsmarshall
Simply the Best: A Chicago Stars Novel | Susan Elizabeth Phillips
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Pickpick

This was a blast! Mix a prickly chocolatier struggling to find her place in the world with a hard hitting, successful sports agent, sprinkle in a murder and quirky family and you have this fresh and funny novel. Maybe a little formulaic in places but an entertaining and charming world to escape into. Releases Feb 13. #Netgalleygroup #BookspinBingo @AllDebooks @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 1mo
52 likes1 comment
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Julsmarshall
Florida | Lauren Groff
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Pickpick

I liked this selection of short stories overall and some I really loved. Evocative, poetic, and compulsively readable. Great on #audio, read by the author. #AuthoraMonth @Soubhiville #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

Soubhiville This is my favorite by her. 1mo
Suet624 Thought this book was really good. 1mo
TheAromaofBooks Yay!!! 1mo
58 likes3 comments
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Julsmarshall
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I love #bookmail ! #BOTM is in the house 😍

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Julsmarshall
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Pickpick

This was a pure delight! Funny, sexy, and compelling, Dade does it again with characters that make you swoon and think. I loved the history with the Sprite house and how she honestly explores the mental health challenges each character had to work through without it feeling too heavy. So good! Releases 2/13! #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks #netgalleygroup @AllDebooks

TheAromaofBooks Great progress!! 1mo
AllDebooks Cute 😍 1mo
48 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Julsmarshall
Ruined | Sarah Vaughn
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Mehso-so

I‘m not sure about this one. A graphic novel that feels like a mashup of Bridgerton and Austen. I didn‘t enjoy this as much as I expected too, maybe just not my thing? The art was gorgeous and the characters interesting, I just wanted more story. #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 1mo
52 likes1 comment
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Julsmarshall
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Pickpick

This second book in this series was just as compelling as the first. The Vega family is back with an expanding cast of characters that you can‘t help but root for. The FMC is strong, spicy (nickname Cinnamon), and working for justice. The MMC is a hot single dad who works hard and falls harder. Second chance romance sprinkled with enemies to lovers makes for a great story to get lost in. #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks great on #audio

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 1mo
49 likes1 comment
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Julsmarshall
What Happened to Nina? | Dervla McTiernan
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Pickpick

Out on March 25, this fictional crime thriller reads like true crime, but in real time. Well written, the mystery is fast paced and hard to put down, I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish. There were a couple of great twisty surprises too. Not for the faint of heart, this doesn‘t shy away from the ugliness of violence. I don‘t like the cover, but everything else is satisfying. I will read more from McTiernan. #ARC #netgalleygroup @AllDebooks

AllDebooks Sounds good 👍 1mo
50 likes1 comment
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Julsmarshall
Flamer | Mike Curato
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Pickpick

This #bannedbook was lovely and meaningful. In this thoughtful graphic novel, the author explores the experiences of a kid who sees themself as different and is struggling with the labels others are putting on them. The boy scout camp setting offers the perfect backdrop and brought back memories of when my son was immersed in the Scout community, luckily his seemed more inclusive than most. #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks #bookriotchallenge

TheAromaofBooks Great progress!! 1mo
TieDyeDude I really enjoyed this book and the author's ability to give the main character depth without feeling the need to give them a definitive label. It is a shame that it is such a challenged book because it could be invaluable to certain young people. 1mo
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Julsmarshall
Cutting Teeth: A Novel | Chandler Baker
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Pickpick

This really made me think. About motherhood and the lengths we‘ll go to keep our kids comfortable. Mysterious murder at an upscale private school, unreliable narrators, 4 year olds that start to crave drinking blood, and parents who see fit to satisfy that craving? This is a bit bonkers but well written and so compelling. Baker writes a great psychological, suburban thriller that makes you question everything. #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 1mo
59 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Julsmarshall
Business or Pleasure | Rachel Lynn Solomon
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Mehso-so

This was ok on #audio but fell a little short for me. Interesting characters, a ghost writer and former tv star, and the premise was quirky: a shy guy, bad at intimacy and an open, sex positive woman willing to help him getter better in the bedroom. It felt a little too focused on the physical and not enough on the emotional. It made both the romance, and the story, unbelievable. #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

willaful Didn't love this like some of her others. The Ex Talk is my favorite. 1mo
Julsmarshall I feel the same. I loved the Ex Talk :) 1mo
TheAromaofBooks Great progress!! 1mo
56 likes3 comments
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Julsmarshall
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Pickpick

Forgot to post this one. Lovely, calming, meditative. Everything Pema Chodron exudes. Love and peace.

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Julsmarshall
Ready or Not | Cara Bastone
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#BOTM dropped and was tough to choose this month!

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks It was tough!! 2mo
Laughterhp I picked heartless hunter too! 2mo
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