As an author... wow, your reviews are SO GOOD. You gave me things to consider next time I sit down to write. More of these videos pleaaaase! (This was great. Hope you're feeling better!)
SUCH eloquent critiques about these books!!! I think you would like Emily Henry, she does a good job of back story and conflict without it being too frustrating. My personal favorite is Book Lovers because I feel like she took such a good and unique twist on a classic trope, her characters are always interesting and entertaining, and just such fantastic writing. She is truly the only modern romance writer I can read.
feeling so validated rn, because everyone told me i was crazy for having to dnf both wildfire and icebreaker for my sanity. “they’re so good!!!” GLAD SOMEONE THINKS SO, BUT THAT SOMEONE AINT ME!!! my favourites are absolutely anything by ali hazelwood for silly romances, and anything by t.kingfisher! paladin’s grace was amazing! cool d&d vibes, a bit of a horror mystery, and an absolutely adorable romance 🥹
I honestly think people hype up books just because of spice or something of the sort. If smut is your thing, awesome, but I wish we could have spice and quality writing (I have not read these books so I have no opinion) I no longer trust booktok LOL
@@melodyastarsia1851 hype for spice alone definitely isn’t the case within my circle, so it was really weird to me everyone loved these 😭 i fear my friends sometimes my friends just like objectively horrible books 😭😂
Tis why I have a hard time getting into romance books. The ones I’ve tried are just too cringey and like a 13 year old wrote them 🤣 and I’m not a picky reader so that says a lot!!
PLEASE read Tress of the Emerald sea. It's fantasy and romance and it totally gives spring vibes! So excited for this video❤ edit: just finished the whole video and this is my 10/5 stars it's so so so good I have no doubt you will love it!
i don’t normally comment, but i recommend the romance “seven days in June” by tia Williams!!! it’s so so so good and the plot + characterization is so well thought out ♡
when I tell you this book changed my life I mean it fr TIA WRITES MASTERPIECES👌🏻 that book had me sobbing one minute then giggling and kicking my feet so hard the next omg-I recommend this book to everyone
you should try the shady hollow book series! they’re murder mysteries but they’re set in a super cozy woodland town inhabited by animals. despite being murder mysteries, they were such fun reads for me!
Late comment, but I just finished Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez and it was so good! Focuses on a woman who has been divorced and has a bit of that trope where the guy loves her but feels that the can't pursue her! I think you would love it!
Thank you so much for the honest book chats! I appreciate the honesty, I was staring to feel like I was the problem for not liking some of the really popular books going around. Would love to hear more of your book reviews!
The bookshop on the corner by Jenny Colgan was my favorite read of the year so far. It’s got romance but not in an overly done way. The main character goes on a self discovery journey with an unexpected love story intertwined. 💘 The audio book of this is great if you love English/Scottish accents!
I've made sure to only get my romance fix from the library! It's more painful to know I've spent money on a book that ends up being cringe or terribly written. And if I read any that I love but had borrowed, then I can buy the best ones for my shelves later 💕
I just launched my store and I love to wait to watch your videos while I make stock for my shop. Today I'm making stitch markers while my youtube video for this week loads! Love the long vlogs!!
You should read "This is How You Lose the Time War." It's short and the plot is pretty bizarre but it is an absolute delight. Incredibly well-written and smart but also very cozy!
This video was such nice vibes but i could also FEEL your frustration and disappointment with the first two books 😂 my latest 5 star read was the travelling cat chronicles, absolutely beautiful and touching and had me sobbing for half an hour reading the last chapter
yesss cozy k booktube era ❤️ you might like the brown sisters trilogy by talia hibbert, “sweethand” by ng peltier, and “delilah green doesn’t care” by ashley herring blake if you want a sapphic read!
+ i love the way you talk about books!! a recent favorite 5/5 was megan o’keefe’s “the blighted stars,” it’s sci-fi with a *devastating* enemies to lovers situation that has me itching to read the second book (which is out already!)
My favourite musical is Les Miserblés. It’s the reason I am now working in backstage theatre. Five star books I would recommend: The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary, Out of Love by Hazel Hayes and The Very Secret Society for Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna. I really loved this video! I’m glad you had some great reads. 💙
I powered through Icebreaker and did not love it but Wildfire I just could NOT do. I DNFed at 41%. The line that had me shut the book for good was "If we get caught in the rain...we'll just enjoy the rainbow." AFTER SCHOOL SPECIAL CORNY I CANT TAKE IT.
one of my new favorite books is called Hello Beautiful. it’s SUPER character based and less plot heavy, but the dynamics between the main characters are so interesting and complex. highly recommend
Great Reviews!!!! thank you for reading them so I didn't have to I was curious about the hype around them. I would recommend Divine Rivals & Ruthless Vows both by Rebecca Ross I personally thought there was such a nice representation of love from the main characters and I also thought the fantasy world its set in was perfection. All though its is a little sad with the themes of grief (which I quite liked as I feel in some books they glaze over the topic a little bit) ultimately the second book has a great ending. also they are a little duology set. idk if they are completely spring books but I just really love them so I though I would suggest them. ☺❤
Let's goooo 🙌 bring on the book videos! especially now that I know you disliked wildfire and icebreaker too lol I have a feeling we're going to have similar taste in books 📚
I’m not typically a romance reader but I highly recommend Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez. It’s written well, makes sense lol and genuinely keeps you interested.
Loved the vlog- I too go through phases of reading none and then reading everything . What you said about olivie Blake I 100% agree. & Aww happy anniversary to you and Ryan 🎉
This was sooo pleasant ☺ I'm not a romance girly myself, but I love your takes all the same, because I just agree from a storywriting perspective. And love the kitties being silly, ofc! 🥰
You're not going to believe this after my comment on your last video but i literally JUST looked up "book slump" on RUclips two days ago to get book inspiration 😂
3 books I gave 5 stars to recently - Vampires of El Norte, Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Fairies and Once Upon a Broken Heart. All fantasy with some romance and loved them!
I loved the seven year slip by Ashley Poston and Before we were strangers by Renee Carlino. I shed some serious happy tears with those two books. Housemaid series if you’re into fast pace thrillers and the Divine Rivals/ Ruthless Vows or the Inheritance Games trilogy for quick/easy and fun reads ❤ happy reading ❤
i just finished reading all rhodes lead here by mariana zapata and despite being a lil cringey/corny at times it really scratched that mature formally married woman itch!! mariana also really knows how to write pining and slow burnnn whew. if you can look past a lil cringe then i'd def recommend it!
I'm so glad you found a hit after the two flops! Sorry if I have recommended this author before, but I would love to see what you think of Talia Hibbert's work. I wasn't a big fan of Get a Life Chloe Brown but I absolutely loved Take a Hint Dani Brown and Act Your Age Eve Brown. Both great romances with fully developed characters. I've had three 5 star reads this year, but none of them were cheerful 😂 ChainGang AllStars is a super intense dystopian-ish book that gave me a lot to think about and really knocked the wind out of me. The Centre also gave me a physical reaction, lol, it's a mystery that also has complex themes and then Braiding Sweetgrass is a nonfiction that I really connected with. Two of my favourite books of all time though are ones you might like - Howl's Moving Castle and Strange the Dreamer (beautiful writing, interesting themes, even though it is YA). Howl's Moving Castle is so different to the movie so I still recommend it for people who've seen that! I also highly recommend Nettle and Bone by T Kingfisher!
This whole blog I was shouting, read The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna!!!! Contemporary, romantic, funny, cozy, charming. It’s perfect!
If you haven’t already read them- I highly recommend Emily Henry’s books! Beach Read is my favorite, but I’ve enjoyed them all. Her books read like films- the settings are so lovely and immersive; and her writing is so good- warm, funny, and not surface level
My five star contemporary romance palate cleanser is You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle. Such funny dialogue (legit made me laugh out loud) and the characters feel so real. Interesting twist on enemies to lovers- they’re lovers turned enemies turned lovers again! Highly recommend!!
If you are not against trying a middle-grade novel and are looking for all the pretty, sparkly, magic, and mishap vibes (and writing), read The Grace of Wild Things by Heather Fawcett. She's the same writer who did The Encyclopedia of Fairies (which I also adored). The characters in the middle grade book are precious. It ended beautifully to the point I wish I could read more. The wording made me nostalgic and reverent of my childhood. It was so lovely. Middle grade can really pop off. Also, it did all of this WITHOUT ROMANCE. It's just cute af.
This was so fun to watch and put me in the perfect cozy reading mood! Curling up with a book immediately after this. And I'm not sure if you've read these, but I've thoroughly enjoyed Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow (Gabrielle Zevin), Lessons in Chemistry (Bonnie Garmus), and One Day by David Nichols recently.
I read a book recently called Community Board by Tara Conklin. I feel like this is the ultimate cozy book. Not a long read, light hearted, (I was actually laughing out loud) great ending. I could go on and on. It’s for sure one for when you need the happy feels.
I just watched the trailer for the idea of you movie adaptation and immediately I thought “hmm why does this story sound familiar??” Then I came back here just to remember your review of it 😅
Never been a huge reader up until recently and definitely dipping my toes in slowly trying to find what I’m excited to read! Also I think you might like Reckless Girls This video was so cozy especially with stretchy kitties 🐱 thanks for the reviews 🩷
Finished “Alone With You In The Ether” yesterday and came back to see your thoughts about it now that I can see the spoilers… yeah we got stuff to discuss lmao and I definitely agree with your thoughts on the ending
Goorrlll, I would LOVE if you read Naked in Death! It's a thriller/romance and I have a tattoo of the protagonist's name because of how insanely good the books are and how they helped me through tough times.
So many good books….. Demon Copperhead, incredible read! Hello Beautiful could be the romance book you were looking for. Wellness, you’re going to love this one! Happy reading xo
😂thank you! This was very therapeutic in a way. Thought I was missing out by not reading these books, since they’re so popular lately. Made me crack up and then go back to the safety of my fantasy novels 😆
I know it's a popular one but my favorite musical is Wicked. It's just suchhhh beautiful lessons/story line AND THE MUSIC IS ON A WHOLE DIFFERENT LEVEL.
I have a friend who married a man 10 years younger than her. He was very bold in his attention, great guy. We love him. Her kids were like, mom he's great! They're such an adorable couple. They've been married like 20 years now and her kids abd grand kids adore him.
the faces u were pulling while reading had me rolling lmaoooo. loved this video SM & i would recommend “the infernal devices” its one of my fav trilogies and has a mix of fantasy, suspense and romance 🤎
Hi Kennedy! I am a relatively new watcher of your channel but I've gone through sooo many of your videos already. Love your book break down. I know you've read "Love Theoretically" not sure if you've read "The Love Hypothesis" but I like that one better. In terms of favourite romance book... I love "Immortal Beloved" by Cate Tiernan. She has this really beautiful way of exploring organically what it would be like to be an immortal. I read this every year! "Daughter of the Forest" by Juliet Marillier is an exceptional read. I remember reading this for the first time and crying happy tears. I fell so in love with her books I used to not be able to sleep without one next to me in my bed.
I'm currently reading the Seven sister series. It's about these six sisters who's adoptive father dies and he wrote them all a letter with hints about where they come from. Every book is about one of the sisters finding things about there past. There is some romance, mystery and sadness. Until now (almost done with book 3 out of 8) I've loved all books.
My comfort musical is The Music Man (1962)! So far this year my favorites have been "Chain-Gang All-Stars" by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah (NOT a light read, but a super fascinating fictionalized indictment of the US prison system), and the Emily Wilde series (2 out so far) by Heather Fawcett
I would highly recommend The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid! Incredible book and I found it to be a quick read, as the writing style is very straight-forward, but with morally complex characters. The audiobook is also excellent! A lighter, more romcom-style read with wonderful character depth is Red, White, and Royal Blue, by Casey Mcquiston.. And I'm really enjoying Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries right now! It's a super charming and light-hearted book, with two non-traditional main characters (for a romance book). Very sweet and light!
GOOD romance recs: The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna (Sweet and cozy!!) Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross (The yearning and letter writing!)
Ew completely agree with all the age stuff you said about The Idea of You. I’m 26 and couldn’t imagine being into a 20 year old, could you imagine being FORTY??closer to your kids age😭
You should read the Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches. I don’t want to give anything away so I’ll just say it’s the coziest read that gives you all the warm feels ❤
I agree with everything you said about all these books! I think a lot of popular and highly recommended romance books are very high spice level, and lower quality for plot and writing. I commented this before but I would highly recommend “Forget Me Not” by Julie Soto! It’s my favorite romance book I read last year and it set the bar for me.
I keep talking about these books but that's because I love them so much: The Lovelight Farms series by B.K. Borison. 3 books (with a 4th being released in the summer), all in a small town that gives me such Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls vibes, and all cutesy romance. I certainly loved them much more than Icebreaker, but that's up to you to decide. Also as a New York girlie, I love seeing Broadway shows so I have to say my current favorite musicals are Hadestown and Waitress. If we're talking movie musicals, that's a different story (there are a bunch but Mamma Mia has my entire heart and soul)
I think about Babel by RF Kuang daily, it was the epitome of a 5 star book to me! It can be info heavy at times but the characters are amazing, highly recommend!
Literally just got Wildfire from my library app LOL. Also, if you’re looking to really dig into a fantasy book, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE read the Mistborn series. Even just the first book- The Final Empire is so good (though you do have to get pass the initial chapters). It’s 1000% worth it
I don't know if you've read it yet but the Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches seems right up your alley! Very like cute, light, fluffy witchcore with good writing.
So my latest favorite books (not necessarily romantic) is Legends and Lattes + Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree. Completely cozy reads. I'm not sure if you already read them. Another book that was surprisingly very good is Jake's Magical Market by J.R. Matthews.
Ken! Try reading “A Perfect Vintage” if you want more fun summer romance fiction featuring a mid 30s lady and a younger mid 20s man in France. So fun!!
I love Sarah Hogle's romance books! They're so wonderful, the perfect mix of funny and angsty 💘 Twice Shy is super cute and wholesome, but my fav is probably You Deserve Each Other which just makes me so emotional every time I read it (in the best way!) 😭😍 And yes, Icebreaker was a total mess lol 😂
Have you read any of Beth O’Leary’s books? They’re romance centred but the plots are really unique and interesting. I found the writing really engaging and funny. Also The Christmas Swap by Talia Samuels was a fab read, light, fluff and cheesy. But so fun!
😅I laughed so hard when you brought up the hair issues with the young boy. Ty for this genuine review. It grosses me out to. So i dont have to buy (the idea of you). Ty for keeping me from making a mistake. I read The seven sisters from Lucinda Riley to help me through my spring depression. Love it❤ I love the music in your video. Really animal crossing vibe. I love that game especially on my off days when im exhausted Ty for your comfy videos. Your videos help me with my anxiety 🙏🏻🌷
Singing in the Rain is my favourite musical, closely followed by Royal Wedding. I am never unpacking my preferences in romance tropes. That shizz is between me and god. If you've not read Red White and Royal Blue yet, that's my fluffy romance recommendation.
The Three Bs: Bed, Burrito and a Book... that sounds awesome, actually. Maybe a good essay title, but definitely living one's bests life.
As an author... wow, your reviews are SO GOOD. You gave me things to consider next time I sit down to write. More of these videos pleaaaase! (This was great. Hope you're feeling better!)
I don't write fiction specifically but I had the same feeling!
SUCH eloquent critiques about these books!!! I think you would like Emily Henry, she does a good job of back story and conflict without it being too frustrating. My personal favorite is Book Lovers because I feel like she took such a good and unique twist on a classic trope, her characters are always interesting and entertaining, and just such fantastic writing. She is truly the only modern romance writer I can read.
Book Lovers is my fav Emily Henry, too!
an hour?? YOU SPOIL US KENNEDYYY
Literallyyyyy!! Like can we get more of these please?!?
feeling so validated rn, because everyone told me i was crazy for having to dnf both wildfire and icebreaker for my sanity. “they’re so good!!!” GLAD SOMEONE THINKS SO, BUT THAT SOMEONE AINT ME!!!
my favourites are absolutely anything by ali hazelwood for silly romances, and anything by t.kingfisher!
paladin’s grace was amazing! cool d&d vibes, a bit of a horror mystery, and an absolutely adorable romance 🥹
I honestly think people hype up books just because of spice or something of the sort. If smut is your thing, awesome, but I wish we could have spice and quality writing (I have not read these books so I have no opinion) I no longer trust booktok LOL
@@melodyastarsia1851 hype for spice alone definitely isn’t the case within my circle, so it was really weird to me everyone loved these 😭
i fear my friends sometimes my friends just like objectively horrible books 😭😂
I listened to Icebreaker last week on spotify during my 12 hour shift at work and I want my time back 😂 I agree with everything you said
Hahaha those covers in pastel colors won't fool me
they get me EVERY time😭
😊😊😊😊😊Thank you for sharing ❤❤
Tis why I have a hard time getting into romance books. The ones I’ve tried are just too cringey and like a 13 year old wrote them 🤣 and I’m not a picky reader so that says a lot!!
the house on the cerulean sea by t j klune and psalm of the wild built by becky chambers! two of my fav books of all time, 7/5 stars for sure!!
I second house on the cerulean sea!!! It made me tear up it was so beautiful 🥺
this is not my hobby, i’m just here for the vibes and the comfort ken brings to my day ❤ needing it a little extra as i’ve been down more myself too
PLEASE read Tress of the Emerald sea. It's fantasy and romance and it totally gives spring vibes! So excited for this video❤ edit: just finished the whole video and this is my 10/5 stars it's so so so good I have no doubt you will love it!
On the TBR!! thank youu!!🤎
Kennedy! You are killing it with the content lately!!!
i don’t normally comment, but i recommend the romance “seven days in June” by tia Williams!!! it’s so so so good and the plot + characterization is so well thought out ♡
thank youu!! will be adding to my tbr!
when I tell you this book changed my life I mean it fr TIA WRITES MASTERPIECES👌🏻 that book had me sobbing one minute then giggling and kicking my feet so hard the next omg-I recommend this book to everyone
Just wanted to let you know that you are my comfort youtuber 💕
thank youu🥹
you should try the shady hollow book series! they’re murder mysteries but they’re set in a super cozy woodland town inhabited by animals. despite being murder mysteries, they were such fun reads for me!
100% its so gooood
i’ve also been in a spring romance mood lately, just finished pride and prejudice, moving onto ready or not🌸
The company of that $2000 chair needs to sponsor you because now I want one of those to sit in and read all day!!!
Late comment, but I just finished Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez and it was so good! Focuses on a woman who has been divorced and has a bit of that trope where the guy loves her but feels that the can't pursue her! I think you would love it!
The cult of the lamb music hit my heart lol
Thank you so much for the honest book chats! I appreciate the honesty, I was staring to feel like I was the problem for not liking some of the really popular books going around. Would love to hear more of your book reviews!
I still think about Alone With You in the Ether. Loved that book. Quotes galore.
The bookshop on the corner by Jenny Colgan was my favorite read of the year so far. It’s got romance but not in an overly done way. The main character goes on a self discovery journey with an unexpected love story intertwined. 💘 The audio book of this is great if you love English/Scottish accents!
I just started the bookshop on the corner and it’s soo good so far 😊
Ali Hazelwood is a great romance writer! She focuses on protagonists in STEM and the love interests have great witty banter! Can’t recommend enough!
it’s like Chila and Azula were there for emotional support through the two first books 😭🫶
I've made sure to only get my romance fix from the library! It's more painful to know I've spent money on a book that ends up being cringe or terribly written. And if I read any that I love but had borrowed, then I can buy the best ones for my shelves later 💕
so smart!!
i did not know this video was an hour long! i literally loved it, THIS is how you’re supposed to review a book. you’re amazing.
I love the caption note "hey my caption girlie love u!" Made my heat happy ❤❤❤
one hour!? and romace books?? aaa love ur videos !
I just launched my store and I love to wait to watch your videos while I make stock for my shop. Today I'm making stitch markers while my youtube video for this week loads! Love the long vlogs!!
I love how candid you are! Its so relatable ❤️
what a fun video, i love your spicy takes! song of achilles is a top tier 5 star romance for me. one of my favorite books
Half A Soul by Olivia Atwater is a favorite of mine. The setting is a mix of Regency era England and the land of Faerie. I loved every minute of it.
I LOVED that book! it's sooo dreamy and reminded me of Howl's Moving Castle.
@@swe3tpeachexactly why I loved it too. ❤
You should read "This is How You Lose the Time War." It's short and the plot is pretty bizarre but it is an absolute delight. Incredibly well-written and smart but also very cozy!
Girl I was obsessed with 1D! I immediately bought this book.
This video was such nice vibes but i could also FEEL your frustration and disappointment with the first two books 😂 my latest 5 star read was the travelling cat chronicles, absolutely beautiful and touching and had me sobbing for half an hour reading the last chapter
yesss cozy k booktube era ❤️ you might like the brown sisters trilogy by talia hibbert, “sweethand” by ng peltier, and “delilah green doesn’t care” by ashley herring blake if you want a sapphic read!
+ i love the way you talk about books!! a recent favorite 5/5 was megan o’keefe’s “the blighted stars,” it’s sci-fi with a *devastating* enemies to lovers situation that has me itching to read the second book (which is out already!)
My favourite musical is Les Miserblés. It’s the reason I am now working in backstage theatre.
Five star books I would recommend: The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary, Out of Love by Hazel Hayes and The Very Secret Society for Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna.
I really loved this video! I’m glad you had some great reads. 💙
Anastasia is my favorite musical. I saw it on broadway and it changed me. Unfortunately it’s not showing anymore but I highly recommend the soundtrack
I powered through Icebreaker and did not love it but Wildfire I just could NOT do. I DNFed at 41%. The line that had me shut the book for good was "If we get caught in the rain...we'll just enjoy the rainbow." AFTER SCHOOL SPECIAL CORNY I CANT TAKE IT.
LMAOOO
one of my new favorite books is called Hello Beautiful. it’s SUPER character based and less plot heavy, but the dynamics between the main characters are so interesting and complex. highly recommend
These are the takes I needed!!! Thank you for being honest 💓
omg i love how you talk about bookks sm!!! 😭😻💝💖
Great Reviews!!!! thank you for reading them so I didn't have to I was curious about the hype around them.
I would recommend Divine Rivals & Ruthless Vows both by Rebecca Ross I personally thought there was such a nice representation of love from the main characters and I also thought the fantasy world its set in was perfection.
All though its is a little sad with the themes of grief (which I quite liked as I feel in some books they glaze over the topic a little bit) ultimately the second book has a great ending. also they are a little duology set.
idk if they are completely spring books but I just really love them so I though I would suggest them. ☺❤
Let's goooo 🙌 bring on the book videos! especially now that I know you disliked wildfire and icebreaker too lol I have a feeling we're going to have similar taste in books 📚
I absolutely LOVED babel , if you like fantasy, dark academia, it’s so good
Okay but I am HERE for the chaos Kennedy book reviews! Thank you for all the amazing honesty!
I’m not typically a romance reader but I highly recommend Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez. It’s written well, makes sense lol and genuinely keeps you interested.
yours truly and just for the summer by abby jimenez are really good too!!
I've heard soooo many good things about Abby Jimenez!! I want to read her books!
happiest of anniversaries to you both 🫶
I'll always recommend this but flowers for Algernon too❤
Loved the vlog- I too go through phases of reading none and then reading everything . What you said about olivie Blake I 100% agree. & Aww happy anniversary to you and Ryan 🎉
This was sooo pleasant ☺ I'm not a romance girly myself, but I love your takes all the same, because I just agree from a storywriting perspective. And love the kitties being silly, ofc! 🥰
1 hour video?!? I clicked on this so fast lol! I absolutely love your takes on these books. Please more reading vlogs these are hilarious lol!!!
You're not going to believe this after my comment on your last video but i literally JUST looked up "book slump" on RUclips two days ago to get book inspiration 😂
lmaoooo of COURSE😭
3 books I gave 5 stars to recently - Vampires of El Norte, Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Fairies and Once Upon a Broken Heart. All fantasy with some romance and loved them!
I've heard good things about all of these!
I loved the seven year slip by Ashley Poston and Before we were strangers by Renee Carlino. I shed some serious happy tears with those two books. Housemaid series if you’re into fast pace thrillers and the Divine Rivals/ Ruthless Vows or the Inheritance Games trilogy for quick/easy and fun reads ❤ happy reading ❤
thank u for blessing our monday with an hour long chit chat!! loving the lengthy content lately🤎
Divine Rivals was *chefs kiss* !!!
yes!
i just finished reading all rhodes lead here by mariana zapata and despite being a lil cringey/corny at times it really scratched that mature formally married woman itch!! mariana also really knows how to write pining and slow burnnn whew. if you can look past a lil cringe then i'd def recommend it!
ooo adding to my tbr! can always look past a little cringe lolol
@@CozyK the love interest is also a broody hunky single dad so😌
I'm so glad you found a hit after the two flops! Sorry if I have recommended this author before, but I would love to see what you think of Talia Hibbert's work. I wasn't a big fan of Get a Life Chloe Brown but I absolutely loved Take a Hint Dani Brown and Act Your Age Eve Brown. Both great romances with fully developed characters.
I've had three 5 star reads this year, but none of them were cheerful 😂 ChainGang AllStars is a super intense dystopian-ish book that gave me a lot to think about and really knocked the wind out of me. The Centre also gave me a physical reaction, lol, it's a mystery that also has complex themes and then Braiding Sweetgrass is a nonfiction that I really connected with.
Two of my favourite books of all time though are ones you might like - Howl's Moving Castle and Strange the Dreamer (beautiful writing, interesting themes, even though it is YA). Howl's Moving Castle is so different to the movie so I still recommend it for people who've seen that! I also highly recommend Nettle and Bone by T Kingfisher!
This whole blog I was shouting, read The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna!!!! Contemporary, romantic, funny, cozy, charming. It’s perfect!
If you haven’t already read them- I highly recommend Emily Henry’s books! Beach Read is my favorite, but I’ve enjoyed them all. Her books read like films- the settings are so lovely and immersive; and her writing is so good- warm, funny, and not surface level
My five star contemporary romance palate cleanser is You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle. Such funny dialogue (legit made me laugh out loud) and the characters feel so real. Interesting twist on enemies to lovers- they’re lovers turned enemies turned lovers again! Highly recommend!!
If you are not against trying a middle-grade novel and are looking for all the pretty, sparkly, magic, and mishap vibes (and writing), read The Grace of Wild Things by Heather Fawcett. She's the same writer who did The Encyclopedia of Fairies (which I also adored). The characters in the middle grade book are precious. It ended beautifully to the point I wish I could read more. The wording made me nostalgic and reverent of my childhood. It was so lovely. Middle grade can really pop off. Also, it did all of this WITHOUT ROMANCE. It's just cute af.
This was so fun to watch and put me in the perfect cozy reading mood! Curling up with a book immediately after this.
And I'm not sure if you've read these, but I've thoroughly enjoyed Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow (Gabrielle Zevin), Lessons in Chemistry (Bonnie Garmus), and One Day by David Nichols recently.
I read a book recently called Community Board by Tara Conklin. I feel like this is the ultimate cozy book. Not a long read, light hearted, (I was actually laughing out loud) great ending. I could go on and on. It’s for sure one for when you need the happy feels.
I just watched the trailer for the idea of you movie adaptation and immediately I thought “hmm why does this story sound familiar??” Then I came back here just to remember your review of it 😅
hahahah you can’t escape it
Never been a huge reader up until recently and definitely dipping my toes in slowly trying to find what I’m excited to read!
Also I think you might like Reckless Girls
This video was so cozy especially with stretchy kitties 🐱 thanks for the reviews 🩷
Finished “Alone With You In The Ether” yesterday and came back to see your thoughts about it now that I can see the spoilers… yeah we got stuff to discuss lmao and I definitely agree with your thoughts on the ending
Goorrlll, I would LOVE if you read Naked in Death! It's a thriller/romance and I have a tattoo of the protagonist's name because of how insanely good the books are and how they helped me through tough times.
So many good books….. Demon Copperhead, incredible read! Hello Beautiful could be the romance book you were looking for. Wellness, you’re going to love this one! Happy reading xo
😂thank you! This was very therapeutic in a way. Thought I was missing out by not reading these books, since they’re so popular lately.
Made me crack up and then go back to the safety of my fantasy novels 😆
I dont comment often on videos for anyone, but you're my favorite comfort youtuber
I know it's a popular one but my favorite musical is Wicked. It's just suchhhh beautiful lessons/story line AND THE MUSIC IS ON A WHOLE DIFFERENT LEVEL.
I’m right there with ya! It’s so special to meeee
i absolutely love these videos!! you’re my favorite youtuber 😭🫶🏼
I have a friend who married a man 10 years younger than her. He was very bold in his attention, great guy. We love him. Her kids were like, mom he's great! They're such an adorable couple. They've been married like 20 years now and her kids abd grand kids adore him.
I love that!! As long as the frontal lobe is developed, i support it lolol
the faces u were pulling while reading had me rolling lmaoooo. loved this video SM & i would recommend “the infernal devices” its one of my fav trilogies and has a mix of fantasy, suspense and romance 🤎
Hi Kennedy! I am a relatively new watcher of your channel but I've gone through sooo many of your videos already. Love your book break down. I know you've read "Love Theoretically" not sure if you've read "The Love Hypothesis" but I like that one better. In terms of favourite romance book... I love "Immortal Beloved" by Cate Tiernan. She has this really beautiful way of exploring organically what it would be like to be an immortal. I read this every year!
"Daughter of the Forest" by Juliet Marillier is an exceptional read. I remember reading this for the first time and crying happy tears. I fell so in love with her books I used to not be able to sleep without one next to me in my bed.
I'm currently reading the Seven sister series. It's about these six sisters who's adoptive father dies and he wrote them all a letter with hints about where they come from. Every book is about one of the sisters finding things about there past. There is some romance, mystery and sadness. Until now (almost done with book 3 out of 8) I've loved all books.
Loving the book talk!!
My comfort musical is The Music Man (1962)!
So far this year my favorites have been "Chain-Gang All-Stars" by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah (NOT a light read, but a super fascinating fictionalized indictment of the US prison system), and the Emily Wilde series (2 out so far) by Heather Fawcett
the most fun reading vlog i have watched in a while hahaha
I would highly recommend The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid! Incredible book and I found it to be a quick read, as the writing style is very straight-forward, but with morally complex characters. The audiobook is also excellent! A lighter, more romcom-style read with wonderful character depth is Red, White, and Royal Blue, by Casey Mcquiston.. And I'm really enjoying Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries right now! It's a super charming and light-hearted book, with two non-traditional main characters (for a romance book). Very sweet and light!
GOOD romance recs:
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna (Sweet and cozy!!)
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross (The yearning and letter writing!)
Exactly the vid I needed!! I'm on the hunt for new books all the time 😂❤
Ew completely agree with all the age stuff you said about The Idea of You. I’m 26 and couldn’t imagine being into a 20 year old, could you imagine being FORTY??closer to your kids age😭
RIGHT! glad you’re with me lolol
I was looking for something to watch and having a weird i wanna read but cba moment, and this video was perfect and put me in such a good mood :)
For lighthearted romance I'd recommend The American Roommate Experiment! It was so cheesy but I ate it up.
You should read the Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches. I don’t want to give anything away so I’ll just say it’s the coziest read that gives you all the warm feels ❤
I agree with everything you said about all these books! I think a lot of popular and highly recommended romance books are very high spice level, and lower quality for plot and writing. I commented this before but I would highly recommend “Forget Me Not” by Julie Soto! It’s my favorite romance book I read last year and it set the bar for me.
I keep talking about these books but that's because I love them so much: The Lovelight Farms series by B.K. Borison. 3 books (with a 4th being released in the summer), all in a small town that gives me such Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls vibes, and all cutesy romance. I certainly loved them much more than Icebreaker, but that's up to you to decide.
Also as a New York girlie, I love seeing Broadway shows so I have to say my current favorite musicals are Hadestown and Waitress. If we're talking movie musicals, that's a different story (there are a bunch but Mamma Mia has my entire heart and soul)
I think about Babel by RF Kuang daily, it was the epitome of a 5 star book to me! It can be info heavy at times but the characters are amazing, highly recommend!
Literally just got Wildfire from my library app LOL. Also, if you’re looking to really dig into a fantasy book, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE read the Mistborn series. Even just the first book- The Final Empire is so good (though you do have to get pass the initial chapters). It’s 1000% worth it
I don't know if you've read it yet but the Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches seems right up your alley! Very like cute, light, fluffy witchcore with good writing.
I'll Give You the Sun is an all time favorite book that I wish I could read for the first time again and recommend if you haven't read already!
So my latest favorite books (not necessarily romantic) is Legends and Lattes + Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree. Completely cozy reads. I'm not sure if you already read them. Another book that was surprisingly very good is Jake's Magical Market by J.R. Matthews.
This was so fun! My favorite musical is My Fair Lady! 🎵
Ken! Try reading “A Perfect Vintage” if you want more fun summer romance fiction featuring a mid 30s lady and a younger mid 20s man in France. So fun!!
I love Sarah Hogle's romance books! They're so wonderful, the perfect mix of funny and angsty 💘 Twice Shy is super cute and wholesome, but my fav is probably You Deserve Each Other which just makes me so emotional every time I read it (in the best way!) 😭😍
And yes, Icebreaker was a total mess lol 😂
Have you read any of Beth O’Leary’s books? They’re romance centred but the plots are really unique and interesting. I found the writing really engaging and funny.
Also The Christmas Swap by Talia Samuels was a fab read, light, fluff and cheesy. But so fun!
The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah!!!!! That book made me teary I never get that emotional reading books
😅I laughed so hard when you brought up the hair issues with the young boy. Ty for this genuine review. It grosses me out to. So i dont have to buy (the idea of you). Ty for keeping me from making a mistake.
I read The seven sisters from Lucinda Riley to help me through my spring depression. Love it❤
I love the music in your video. Really animal crossing vibe. I love that game especially on my off days when im exhausted
Ty for your comfy videos. Your videos help me with my anxiety 🙏🏻🌷
Singing in the Rain is my favourite musical, closely followed by Royal Wedding.
I am never unpacking my preferences in romance tropes. That shizz is between me and god.
If you've not read Red White and Royal Blue yet, that's my fluffy romance recommendation.