Our Top 10 Books of 2018-#2

 

Laura's Pick

Wanderlust by Lauren Blakely

A charming British hero, the woman who tempts him, and a hands-off arrangement that's oh-so-hard to maintain.
My bags are packed and I'm ready to go. All I have to do is board a plane, and I'll be on my way to fulfilling a promise I made long ago. Bonus points -- my last week in Paris looks to be even better when I meet a gorgeous, clever American woman and make plans to take her back to my flat that night.
But before we can get together for what would surely be a fantastic final fling, my boss hits me with a double whammy. My previous client didn't pay, so there's no trip, and the new client I now desperately need is none other than the tempting American I'm about to take home.
Have I mentioned this timing bloody sucks?
***
I'll admit it -- I have a big weakness for a hot British accent. As in, they make me swoon, sigh, and want to toss my panties. Good thing I can avoid that kind of temptation in Paris. So it's just my luck that the man who's the key to success in my new job is the man whose voice makes me melt. Oh, and we have to spend all our days together for work.
Thanks a lot, fate.
To top it off, I quickly learn he's witty, kind and has a heart and mind I'm falling for fast. All I have to do is resist him every single freaking day. That's so easy. Not.
But then I learn that's nothing compared to the real hurdle we face.
What could go wrong with falling in love in Paris? Nearly everything, it seems...

What We Said About Wanderlust

Wanderlust Release Day Launch

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Melissa's Pick

Josh and Hazel's Guide To Not Dating

Most men can’t handle Hazel. With the energy of a toddler and the mouth of a sailor, they’re often too timid to recognize her heart of gold. New York Times and #1 international bestselling author Christina Lauren (Roomies, Beautiful Bastard) tells the story of two people who are definitely not dating, no matter how often they end up in bed together.

Hazel Camille Bradford knows she’s a lot to take—and frankly, most men aren’t up to the challenge. If her army of pets and thrill for the absurd don’t send them running, her lack of filter means she’ll say exactly the wrong thing in a delicate moment. Their loss. She’s a good soul in search of honest fun.

Josh Im has known Hazel since college, where her zany playfulness proved completely incompatible with his mellow restraint. From the first night they met—when she gracelessly threw up on his shoes—to when she sent him an unintelligible email while in a post-surgical haze, Josh has always thought of Hazel more as a spectacle than a peer. But now, ten years later, after a cheating girlfriend has turned his life upside down, going out with Hazel is a breath of fresh air.

Not that Josh and Hazel date. At least, not each other. Because setting each other up on progressively terrible double blind dates means there’s nothing between them...right?

What We Said About Josh and Hazel's Guide To Not Dating

Josh and Hazel's Guide To Not Dating ARC Reviews

Amazon

JOSH AND HAZEL'S GUIDE TO NOT DATING BY CHRISTINA LAUREN - ARC REVIEWS

Hazel Camille Bradford knows she’s a lot to take—and frankly, most men aren’t up to the challenge. If her army of pets and thrill for the absurd don’t send them running, her lack of filter means she’ll say exactly the wrong thing in a delicate moment. Their loss. She’s a good soul in search of honest fun.

Josh Im has known Hazel since college, where her zany playfulness proved completely incompatible with his mellow restraint. From the first night they met—when she gracelessly threw up on his shoes—to when she sent him an unintelligible email while in a post-surgical haze, Josh has always thought of Hazel more as a spectacle than a peer. But now, ten years later, after a cheating girlfriend has turned his life upside down, going out with Hazel is a breath of fresh air.

Not that Josh and Hazel date. At least, not each other. Because setting each other up on progressively terrible double blind dates means there’s nothing between them...right?

I stumbled upon Christina Lauren's work last year when another author mentioned them. In that year, I've devoured their work, both in ebook and audio form, and just adore their writing style. When I saw the blurb for this book I couldn't WAIT to get my hands on it. This book had me laughing out loud, sighing, swooning and smiling so hard. Once I started reading I couldn't stop, and I've already re-read it. This is absolutely one of my favorite reads of 2018.

From the moment I met Hazel in this book I had instant fondness for her. She made me smile. This is the type of woman everyone NEEDS to have in their life. She's a constant source of support and brings a healthy dose of FUN to everything she does. She's confident in who she is-a trait that I so admire-but she also guards herself a bit. I loved getting to peek inside her head.

Josh Im. How can I describe how much I love him? Can I marry a book boyfriend?? If I could I'd marry this man in a heartbeat. He's sexy, sweet, kind and funny. He GETS Hazel. He just gets her. He isn't looking to change her or mold her into anything but who she is and that's just beautiful. 

These two definitely have sparks flying between them, even though they firmly insist they're just friends. These two, even when on hilariously fun double blind dates have this tether that exists between them. Watching them figure things out was so immensely gratifying.

I love the supporting characters in this story-from Hazel's mom, to Josh's family and friends, I just enjoyed meeting them. In fact, I wouldn't mind a story about Josh's sister...just saying. But these characters really just enhanced Hazel and Josh.

The writing here is superb as always. I was engaged the moment the book began and I didn't want it to end. I thought the pacing was perfect; there was no drag in the story at all. The premise of this book was unique and fresh and I loved the spin Christina Lauren put on it. This book was fun and sweet and made me grin. I absolutely loved it and highly recommend it.

Josh and Hazel were charming, fun, and I enjoyed their story.  This title has a lightness to it, even in the more serious times, that really feel like you are swimming in a bit of champagne as you are reading, bounced around on the bubbles.  

I enjoyed this aspect of it.  Hazel's flightiness, and her willingness to say just about anything, and do just about anything, that ended up making her the life of the party, but also, at least in her mind, un-dateable for Josh.

Josh, however, has different ideas, and sees her for all of who she is.  And, I think that is the appeal of this title, that she is herself and Josh loves her anyway...maybe even always has.

The writing in this was strong.  It definitely takes a balance and a precise story arc to have a character as off the wall as Hazel remain appealing and not get tiring.  But, that was, I think, part of the charm of the book.  You realize that Josh absolutely can love Hazel for who she is, because you do as a reader.

I enjoyed and recommend this title.

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AUTHOR'S WEBSITE

BARNES & NOBLE