Life Lessons 10 Valuable Life Lessons My Husband Taught Me 11:03 AM Just celebrated another milestone in our marriage. This life chapter has brought a lot of changes - not just in my last name. 😏 There are lessons we've learned together as a couple and as individuals. And the valuable life lessons my husband taught me? I believe every marriage needs them.1. My husband taught me that self-worth is non-negotiable. I don't have to tolerate people who are shortchanging me. He showed me that accepting negativity is a disservice to myself. That I need to take care of my health. That I deserve to be pampered. That I can demand higher pay because I'm good at what I do.Tenor2. How to communicate my feelings.Here's the thing. If a child is crying and you tell them to stop, they grow up thinking they're not allowed to be upset, scared, angry, or show their feelings. In their young minds, they believe those feelings are wrong, invalid, or unacceptable. They get the impression that expressing their emotions is wrong, so they suppress them. Even when they reach adulthood and they know better.My husband showed me that all my emotions are valid. I don't have to hide or dismiss them. He created a safe space where I could express them without judgment, and that's been a game-changer for my emotional health.I still have a hard time sharing or expressing them, but he's a patient teacher (whose patience I always test in that regard 😅).Parks and Recreation3. To trust. Again.Past hurts had me guarding my heart like a dragon guarding its treasure. But my husband's unwavering honesty and genuine actions chipped away at those walls, building trust along the way. He proved that not everyone's out to hurt, humiliate, or use me. I don't always agree with what he tells me, but he's repeatedly proven to me that he's right, so I've learned to trust his judgment.Tenor4. It's okay to set boundaries.He showed me that I can walk away from people regardless of who they are or their role in my life. If they're sucking out my time and energy or disrespecting me, they're out. Self-love should always be a priority.GifDB5. Celebrate my individuality.I'm an introvert, and all my life, I've been made to believe that how I behave is boring and, well, not normal. Because I prefer quiet and solitude at a time when my peers love to party and be out there. So I forced myself to be where the crowd was, mingle, and be as loud as the others. It drained me. It also made me doubt myself and dislike myself for who I am because I thought I wasn't cool or good enough to be accepted. My husband is the most extroverted person I've met. He respects my need for solitude and doesn't force me into uncomfortable situations. The Odyssey Online6. Learn to redefine stereotypes.Growing up in our culture, I was bombarded with outdated gender roles. My husband, a modern-day man, shattered those expectations. He treats me as a wife AND someone with feelings, needs, and opinions. My husband and I are one, but I still get to keep my identity and make choices for my body. I don't have to conform to what society or tradition dictates, and he's there to support me on that.Tenor7. How to be a real partner.Maybe it's because I'm a middle child in a large brood. I've not been a leader. I'm not someone people turn to for opinions. So, I had no idea how to run a ship, so to speak. Marriage, as my husband taught me, is all about teamwork. Healthy relationships require two people working together, not against each other through rough waters.You can't just take orders or take over. We navigate challenges together, celebrate victories as a unit, and share responsibilities with open communication.Giphy8. The 'mundane' matters.The simple, everyday little things matter, like taking the trash out without being asked or preparing my breakfast while he lets me sleep in. An elaborate bouquet of flowers is lovely, but the flowers he picked from the road on his way home are just as meaningful. Tenor9. The real meaning of intimacy.Speaking your partner's love language is intimacy. Whether you're sitting silently together doing separate things, wrapped up in each other's arms, or hundreds of miles apart, you can get intimate. Because intimacy with someone is a choice that goes beyond the bedroom walls.Leightum10. My husband taught me to be more patient.Because are you really a husband if you're not annoying your wife? 😄 My husband is far from perfect, just like me. He makes mistakes, gets grumpy sometimes, and we don't always see eye-to-eye. We came from very different backgrounds and cultures and had opposing opinions. I've learned to be more patient because I can see him trying to be better. And I know what he does is for the best.[I admit I need to work on this more - especially when I'm being hormonal because that's when I'm not in the mood to cut him some slack. 🤷]TenorValuable Life Lessons My Husband Taught MeMarriage isn't just about fancy rings and cake-cutting ceremonies. Those moments are magical, but the real magic unfolds in everyday, quiet moments and unexpected life lessons learned. And my amazing husband has been a great teacher on this journey.Happy anniversary to my better half. I'm blessed to do life with you. Cheers to more years of love, sunsets, dirty jokes, and flirty pickup lines! 🥂Question for YouWhat life lessons has your partner or relationships taught you? Or do you have any marriage advice?
Books Book Review: Made For You By Renee Harless 6:28 PM Did someone say arranged marriage and undeniable sparks? If you need a light, feel-good, romantic, spicy read, head down to Sunny Brook Farms. I’m honored to join the ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) team for the third book in this series. Without further ado, here’s my book review for Made for You by Renee Harless.Book SummaryBe a stranger’s wife for six months to secure his inheritance. That's the whirlwind proposal Aurora received from a hot guy she met in the hotel where she's attending a teacher's conference.Driven by hidden motives and revenge, she agrees. But as lines blur and affection blooms, Aurora craves for more. Facing the end of their contract, she realizes the one thing she wants is the one thing he refuses to give. At least, that’s what she thought.TropesArranged marriageAge gapBillionaire RomanceOpposites attract (Grumpy who only smiles for his Sunshine)Found familyAll the “My wife”No unnecessary 3rd act breakup The CharactersTalon BeckettHeir to the Wilder Hotels (the only person who gives a damn about their family business)Had a rough childhoodAurora “Rory” EasterlySmall-town teacherRomance reader“Peaches” of Talon“She reminded me of the early dawn. Bright and alluring. Her name suited her perfectly.” - Talon BeckettRating⭐⭐⭐⭐🌶🌶🌶🌶Book Review: Made for You by Renee HarlessMade For You is a delightful read filled with “my wife,” spice, and a heroine who chased back her passion. Out of the 3 books in the Sunny Brook series, this is my fave.What I like:It may be a marriage of convenience, but there was palpable attraction from the start. In fiction, I always find it adorable when two people enter a transactional marriage but end up falling head over heels for each other. Especially if one of them swore to never.Aurora. She’s basically Belle 2.0 for me: bookworm, sunshine personified, soft-spoken but a fierce defender of the voiceless. Beautiful with a kind and generous heart.Supportive fake husband. Talon gave her the support she needed - though she didn’t ask for it. She’s not a damsel in distress. But he helped her patch up the tapestry her ex shredded, so to speak. Sunny Brook sounds like a fictional wonderland: picturesque, heartwarming, and the perfect backdrop for a love story that starts practical and blooms into something seriously steamy.Spice. Talon may be a dirty talker. But the wholesome, sweetheart, small-town, sunshiny girl could give him a run for his money. Swoon. The “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” “Yeah, it is,” but he’s looking at her, not at the view (swoon!)GiphyBeyond the butterflies Aurora found her voice and stood up to her family. YAS QUEEN! Draco. Aurora’s cat.Easy read and fast-paced.Talon’s adorable grandma The ever-reliable DeanThe supportive side characters (except for one, but whose story I can’t wait to read about)Minor quibblesPacing & DetailsWhile the narrative is engaging, I believe the pacing could benefit from some adjustments.There are sections where I felt additional detail would elevate the story. For instance, delving deeper into the characters' emotional responses to key events or showcasing their conversations and text messages directly, rather than relying solely on narration, could significantly enhance the reader's experience.Wait, that's it?Would’ve loved to see the school principal get his comeuppance, too. Maybe I’m a bit vindictive that way. But what they did to Aurora was unfair.I expected something more during the confrontation with Rory’s family. I’ve just been reading books with alpha males; my standard is too high. 😅 Plus, my husband would’ve done more if it happened to me. (Really trying not to spoil anything here since, so forgive the vagueness).I’m sure most readers don’t mind this minor ‘hiccup.’ Again, it’s just me.TenorWill I recommend it?Yes. Anyone looking for a feel-good read with a side lot of steam would thank Renee Harless for this book. Favorite Quotes“Whatever my wife wants, my wife gets.”“It wasn’t a future I ever envisioned for myself, but every day that passed with Aurora as my wife, it became more and more clear. I was so f* in love with her.”“Forget the hotels and the money. Asking you to be my wife was the best damn decision I ever made.”What are you reading next?Please add Made For You By Renee Harless to your reading list. The release date is February 13th on Amazon, and it will be available in Kindle Unlimited and Paperback.This post contains affiliate links, so we’d get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost. Thank you!Check out my top romance novel recommendations categorized by tropes.Question for YouDo you prefer living in a big city or in a small town?Hey, you wanna be book buddies? I share short book reviews, recommendations, funny memes, and relatable reels on my Instagram account @booksandblogs_lux. Follow me there! I also post my reviews on Goodreads.
Books 14 Surprising Benefits of Reading Romance Novels 4:56 PM I used to scoff at romance novels. Predictable plots, unrealistic characters, and cheesy dialogue? No thanks. At least, that's what I assumed they were all about. But then I decided to explore and not judge the book by its half-naked godlike man on the cover. Fast forward to today, I am a proud romance reader (I read 180 books last year). While they may not be your cup of tea, romance books offer unexpected benefits beyond the happily-ever-afters. I'll help you ditch the stigma of books about gooey-eyed couples with these 14 surprising benefits of reading romance novels I discovered in my bookish era.1. Escape and RelaxationReality could be overrated. To read romance is to escape from daily routines and a chance to unwind and de-stress. It provides a safe haven to experience various emotions alongside the characters, forgetting your worries and concerns. Live vicariously through reading.Tumblr2. Emotional Intelligence and EmpathyRomance novels have diverse characters. Reading romance can help you understand people's emotions better. It's like trying on different shoes and walking around in them. This can make you more empathetic and emotionally intelligent, improving your relationships at work and in your personal life.Book Banter3. Confidence and InspirationI love romance books that feature strong, relatable characters. I'm especially partial to stories with feisty female leads overcoming their fears and trauma and pursuing their dreams. Fictional as they may be, they can inspire you to embrace your vulnerabilities, set goals, and chase your own happily ever after, whether in love, career, or personal fulfillment.Wiffle Gif4. Boosts Creativity and ImaginationI seldom read romantasy because I struggle with world-building. But romance books also allow you to dive into imaginative worlds with vibrant descriptions. Romance novels can push the boundaries of storytelling, helping you create a world of your own version in your head.GIFdb5. Better Communication and RelationshipsOne of my bookish pet peeves is the misunderstanding trope. It made me value the importance of communication in relationships more. Reading romance can equip you with tools to express yourself effectively, nurture stronger connections, and navigate the complexities of relationships.Pinterest6. Appreciation for Diverse Cultures and IdentitiesFictional characters in romance books provide cultural and social contexts. They help expand your understanding and appreciation for diverse perspectives and experiences. I like Ana Huang's books for this reason. She has characters from different cultures and backgrounds.Get Underlined7. Stress Reduction and Improved MoodThis may depend on the story, but I choose Happily Ever After or HEA-guaranteed books. They have uplifting stories with favorable resolutions. The witty banter, the fun family dynamics, the amusingly meddling residents in the small town, and the hilarious friends. Romance novels can provide a much-needed emotional boost.The Scarlet Reader8. Vocabulary Expansion and Language SkillsRomance novels often employ rich descriptions and engaging dialogue, exposing you to diverse vocabulary and writing styles. Some characters even speak a different language. Reading these stories can help you improve your vocabulary and communication skills.Pinterest9. Memory Boost and Cognitive StimulationFollowing intricate plotlines, remembering character details, and deciphering emotional complexities in romance novels provide a workout for your cognitive muscles. This mental stimulation can contribute to improving your memory and overall cognitive function.LinkedIn10. Problem-solving and Decision-making SkillsWitnessing characters encounter and tackle various challenges throughout their romantic journeys can indirectly enhance your own problem-solving skills. Observing their approaches to difficult situations and the consequences of their choices can lead to more thoughtful and informed decision-making in your own life. You also learn from their mistakes.The Writing Gym11. Sleep ImprovementReading before bed, especially a calming romance novel, can promote relaxation and prepare your mind for sleep. Just avoid reading suspense thrillers and resist the urge to succumb to cliffhangers at the end of a chapter to prevent losing sleep.GifDB12. Personal Growth and ReflectionRomance novels often explore self-discovery, personal growth, and overcoming obstacles. Engaging with these themes can inspire you to reflect on your life, values, and aspirations, potentially leading to personal growth and development.Giphy13. Appreciation for Different Genres Romance has various subgenres, each with distinct storytelling techniques and flavors. Exploring these variations can broaden your literary horizons and help you appreciate different writing styles.PopSugar14. Community and ConnectionOne of the many things I gained from reading romance is the bookstagram community. I may not join a book club because I like to read at my own pace, but I've met online acquaintances who share the same passion. It's tough when you're really into a book but have nobody to share your excitement with. The bookish community has been an excellent place for that.Hey, you wanna be book buddies? I share short book reviews, recommendations, funny memes, and relatable reels on my Instagram account @booksandblogs_lux. Follow me there! I also post my reviews on Goodreads.GetYarnWhat are some romance novels to read?I have a long list of my recommended romance novels. There are small-town romances, billionaires, cowboys, morally grey characters, romantic suspense, historical fiction, enemies to lovers, single-parent romance, and more. Surprising Benefits of Reading Romance Novels TakeawayRomance fiction has become a cherished part of my life. If you're still hesitant to pick up a romance book, I invite you to relinquish the stigma and dive without expectations. That's what I did. I never regretted this genre because the benefits of reading romance novels are just incredible.Question for YouWhat's your favorite romance book or movie? What do you like about it?Check out my top romance novel recommendations categorized by tropes.Hey, you wanna be book buddies? I share short book reviews, recommendations, funny memes, and relatable reels on my Instagram account @booksandblogs_lux. Follow me there! I also post my reviews on Goodreads.
Books How To Write Engaging Book Reviews: 6 Steps + Tips 5:23 PM Do you read reviews before reading or buying a book? I do. Book reviews help readers like me decide if a book is worth our time. Sometimes, a low rating would dissuade me. But I’ve learned that it’s mostly the reader’s personal preference and not the writing or the plot. That’s why knowing how to write engaging book reviews has become more essential than ever. So, let me share the six steps I follow when writing a good book review. Plus tips, because I’m generous like that. 😊 1. Understand Your Target Audience How to do a book review? The first step is knowing who’s going to read it. Who are they?They could be ardent fans of a specific genre.Book club members or casual readers looking for their next read. New authors scouting for what ticks the audience.Where do they read reviews?Social media platformsBook review sitesBlogsAmazon Tailor Your Review to Their Interests Once you’ve identified your target readers, focus your review on their interests. Mystery enthusiasts: emphasize elements like plot twists and suspense in your book review writing. Romance readers: discuss the authenticity of relationships and emotional depth. A good book review matches its content to the audience’s needs and preferences, making for a more relevant and engaging critique. And always keep it genuine. Honest book reactions are invaluable in helping potential readers decide if they want to spend time on a particular book. GifDB 2. Read and Prepare Successful book review writing begins long before the first draft. a. Thoroughly Read the BookExperiencing the book as a reader first allows you to form initial impressions and reactions. It’s crucial to read the trigger warning provided by the author (usually in the blurb). This should prepare you for what to expect so you don’t get upset or feel negatively about it, which would subjectively affect your review. b. Take Notes and Highlight Key PointsAs you read, jot down key themes, plot developments, character arcs, emotions you felt, what was running through your head while reading that part, and standout quotes. These notes will serve as the backbone of your review. And help you write the review faster.Emito 3. Structure an Engaging Book Review There are different ways to structure your feedback. This structure serves as a tool, not a rule, for you to excel in book writing reviews. Remember, there’s no one ‘right’ way to write an engaging book review—the key is to let your sincere and honest reactions guide your writing. Here’s a book review structure I follow:HookBrief introductionAnalysisPersonal insightsConclusion a. Hook the Reader Start your book review with an intriguing sentence, a captivating question, a surprising fact, or a relatable scenario that piques the reader’s interest. For instance, in my book review of Twisted Love by Ana Huang, I wrote:You say stoic and cold, but he’ll burn the world for her; I say, “Shut up and take my money!”That should get the attention of those who love this kind of MMC (male main character), and they’ll get a taste of how the story would go. b. Briefly Introduce the Book You can add the blurb in the book, write your own summary, or introduce the book you’re reviewing, including the title and the author. Provide a concise overview of the plot without giving away too much. The goal is to entice your readers to read more. c. Analysis This is where you delve into the specifics and technicalities. Discuss Strengths and Weaknesses: Discuss what worked for you and what didn’t regarding plot, pacing, and character development. Most readers like fast-paced plots, slow burns, and plot twists.Explore Themes, Characters, and Writing Style: Discuss the themes it explores, the depth of its characters and the author’s writing style. Use evocative language to make your analysis engaging and informative. d. Add Your Personal Insights More than reading the technicality of the book, I prefer to know what the reader thinks about the story. How did you react? Did it move you, make you laugh, swoon, scream? Did you want to throw the book across the room? (Happens to me sometimes) In my review of Where It Began by Lucy Score, this is what I wrote:Well, damn. I thought I was ready for this.After all, I already know what happened in the first six books.But there I was, book in hand. Broken and destroyed. Shattered, then beautifully rebuilt. I laughed. I grieved. I was gutted. And then, like Phoebe, filled with hope and love.Sh!t, is someone chopping onions again?? The more honest, the better. This makes me gauge whether a review is mostly just a personal preference. What didn’t work for them might work for me, and vice versa. e. Conclusion Summarize your thoughts and give your final verdict—would you recommend the book? This is how I wrapped up my book review of Twisted Love:Did it live up to the hype? It did for me.Will I recommend this? Yes, if you like the tropes and don’t mind the author’s warning.Giphy 4. Add Value to Your Review A quality book review does more than just critique a book—it offers additional value beyond the book itself. Here’s how you can do that: Recommend Similar Books or Authors: If the book reminds you of other works, mention them. This could be useful for readers who enjoy those similar books.Consider the Book’s Relevance to Current Events: If applicable, discuss how the book reflects or contributes to ongoing societal conversations. This can make your review more interesting and relatable to your readers. Or if it’s a Christmas-themed book, recommend it around the holidays.Discuss the Book’s Impact on You as a Reader: Open up about how the book affected you. Did it change your mind about something? Did it inspire you? Sharing your engagement with the text can make your review more compelling and relatable. You can check some of my book review examples here.Yarn 5. Edit and Proofread Writing a book review doesn’t stop once the last word is written. Editing and proofreading are essential steps to shape your review for publication. Check for Grammar, Spelling, and Punctuation: Polish your book review by ensuring it’s free from typographical errors. A clean, error-free review demonstrates attentiveness and professionalism, boosting your credibility as a reviewer.Ensure Clarity and Coherence: Each sentence should flow seamlessly into the next, and your ideas should clearly build upon each other. Get Feedback from Peers, if Possible: Another set of eyes can catch things you might have missed and provide valuable insights. If it’s feasible, have a friend or peer review your review.TumblrI used Grammarly for this, and it's yet to fail me. If you want to sign up for Grammarly, please use my referral link. 😉 6. Select an appropriate rating system A rating system can add an at-a-glance assessment to complement your honest reaction and detailed review. However, choose one that aligns with your review style and your readers’ expectations. Star Ratings: The most common system, usually 1 to 5 stars. It’s intuitive, simple, and widely recognized by readers. Explain also what makes a book earn such a rating. This is what I use.Numerical Ratings: Similar to star ratings, but typically out of 10. This allows for more nuanced ratings as it provides more options.Letter Grades: This can be useful if your readers know the academic grading system. It ranges typically from an A+ to an F.Descriptors: Instead of numerical or symbolic ratings, you can use words (like “Exceptional,” “Great,” “Good,” “Fair,” and “Poor”) to describe the quality of the book.Just for fun, I made a Rating System based on Taylor Swift song titles on my Instagram account. GiphyTips for Writing Engaging ReviewsReady to start writing a book review that stands out? Here are some tips to help your thoughts shine:Use Vivid and Descriptive Language: To engage your readers, paint a clear picture with your words. For example, instead of saying, “The setting was nice,” you could write, “The setting was a quaint, sun-drenched village nestled in the rolling hills, evoking a sense of serenity.”Provide Specific Examples and Quotes: Including brief and relevant excerpts from the book to fortify your points and provide context for your thoughts. (See my Obsession Falls book review, for example).Be Honest and Balanced in Your Assessment: A balanced, honest book review won’t just lavish praise or dish out harsh criticism. It acknowledges both the strengths and weaknesses of the book, providing readers with an objective view. This is what I wrote for Things We Hide From The Light (Knockemout Book 2) by Lucy Score:Is there something I didn’t like about it?These Morgan brothers are carrying heavy baggage, and just like Knox, I didn’t like how Nash handled things with Lina. But then again, that’s just me. Lol. In the end, he made things right, so there’s redemption. Knowing who Lina’s ex was was also awkward for me at first. But I got used to the idea since everyone’s already happy where they are.Avoid Spoilers or Use Spoiler Warnings: Nothing ruins a reading experience quite like an unexpected spoiler. If you must include one, make sure to warn your readers beforehand. It’s about respect and common courtesy. For example, I include my favorite scenes without spoiling the plot.Favorite Scenes:Shania Twain CDParking lot fightSnowball fightSloane and Lucian’s momEvery time Sloane and Lucian are at each other’s throatMake Your Review Unique and Personal: Your perspective makes your review special. Don’t shy away from sharing your emotional reactions and personal insights. Keep Your Review Concise and Focused: While it’s easy to ramble on about a book, a great review is concise and meaningful. Be sure to focus on key points and keep your thoughts organized.Gipher Share Your Review After you’ve taken the time to truthfully and thoughtfully craft your book review, it’s time to share your insights: Post on your blog or a review platform: Make your review accessible by posting it on your blog or a book review platform like Goodreads. This will help others make informed reading choices and build your reputation as a reliable reviewer.Promote on social media: Use social media to notify your network about your new review, drawing readers in with a compelling quote or a provocative question. Interact with comments and feedback: Respond to comments, thank readers for their feedback, and use the interaction to spark a conversation about the book. PinterestWhy are book reviews critical?Book reviews connect readers, writers, and books in one interactive loop. For readers: a place to share their thoughts and help others consider.For authors: identify which part of their work needs improvement and receive affirmation from their fans. How long should a book review be?The ideal length for a book review depends on several factors, including: Platform: Different platforms have different expectations. Blogs, review websites, social media, and academic journals may have specific word count requirements. Genre: Reviews for shorter genres like poetry or children’s books might be naturally faster than those for longer, complex novels. Target audience: A shorter review might be ideal if your audience is casual readers interested in a quick overview. A more extended review could be preferable for more dedicated readers wanting deeper insights. Here are some general guidelines: Short reviews: 250-500 words Good for platforms with limited space or for quick, concise overviews. Focus on the book’s key points and offer a general recommendation. Medium-length reviews: 500-750 words The most common length offers enough space for analysis and personal insights. Discuss strengths and weaknesses, provide examples, and give a more nuanced recommendation. Long reviews: 750-1500 words Suitable for in-depth analysis, comparisons with other works, and exploring the book’s themes and literary elements. Best for dedicated readers or academic settings. Don’t feel constrained by word count. Prioritize conveying your message effectively. Gifer Takeaway: How To Write Engaging Book Reviews A good book review is a gift to authors, a beacon for fellow readers, and a space to express your feelings and thoughts. Writing book reviews is simple, but how to write engaging book reviews can be a challenge. Remember, the most meaningful reviews come from a place of honesty and passion, so be genuine. Follow these engaging book review tips. And always, always be kind. Do you read reviews before buying any product?This post contains affiliate links, so we'd get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost. Thank you!Check out my top romance novel recommendations categorized by tropes.Hey, you wanna be book buddies? I share short book reviews, recommendations, funny memes, and relatable reels on my Instagram account @booksandblogs_lux. Follow me there! I also post my reviews on Goodreads.
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