Did I tell you I read a book that was so far out of my normal genre wheelhouse, I nearly didn’t recognize myself?
No?
Well I did, and boy was it a doozy.
Normally I read romance, romantic suspense, and psychological thrillers. I also read historical romance, historical fiction and some young adult stuff, too. I will not read horror, and I typically steer clear of science fiction (I loved The Martian, though).
However, this last month I read something completely new to me: Sci-fi romance.
Right now you are probably thinking, “what’s the big deal, it’s probably just aliens having sexy times with humans.”
And you would not be wrong.
But let me tell you, this book was surprisingly so much fun to read. It was a quick one; I think I finished it in just two days. It was easy and fun and absolutely page-turning. You guys, it was a blast to read.
But the name of the book, and the cover of the thing…oh my Lord.
After a while though it kind of fits with the whole idea behind the book. This is a cheesy, over the top, pretty unbelievable plot, but the writing is super fun, very sexy, and wholly engaging.
And the author is a best selling NYT someone, but writes under a pen name because…Sci-Fi romance, people.
Okay, so what’s the title?
*squints tightly and side-eyes computer screen*
It’s called “Ice Planet Barbarians” by Ruby Dixon.
If you could hear me right now, that last bit came out really fast and as one big sentence without pauses.
See? I told you! Look at that cover! Super cheesy!
Omg, I’m rolling my eyes at myself so hard right now. I really contemplated not even telling you about this book, but the truth is, I really loved it and I want to share books that I love with people. Even if they call into question my morals, values & any overall judgment I might have left.
Eh. Whatever, I’m not for everyone. 🙂
Okay so here’s the synopsis:
“You’d think being abducted by aliens would be the worst thing that could happen to me. And you’d be wrong. Because now, the aliens are having ship trouble, and they’ve left their cargo of human women – including me – on an ice planet.
And the only native inhabitant I’ve met? He’s big, horned, blue, and really, really has a thing for me….”
Contains mature themes.
Yes, there are unbelievable parts (how she is greeted by the alien is definitely not normal). Yes, there are silly parts (some of the banter back and forth is just crazy), and yes, there are some very sexy parts (the alien has unusual anatomy, let’s just say). But overall, it’s a love story. It’s a love story combined with sort of a choose your own adventure, and it’s utterly unputdownable.
This book is currently free on Kindle Unlimited. It’s also available on paperback and on audiobook, which would be really fun because there is a language barrier between the two main characters, and their improvising is very entertaining.
I also read another book last month, but it just wasn’t really my thing so I won’t recommend it here.
And then I started, finally, the Shakespearian contemporary romance, “Well Met” by Jen Deluca.
At the time of this writing, I’ve only read a few chapters, but it’s cute. It’s different (heroine moves to new city to help her injured sister, and ends up joining a renaissance faire where she meets Simon, broody enemy that is sure to turn to lover), but so far, I really like it. Drama folks out there will adore this story!
Speaking of books to read…I found a website that is actually fantastic if you like book recommendation sites. It’s new to me, but I’m late to the game for just about everything, so chances are you’ve already heard of it.
It’s a site called Under the Covers Book Blog and it’s like your own personal library with your own librarians to tell you about each book you must read, and why.
Check it out. I think you’ll love it.
A NEW FAVORITE PODCAST
For the last few weeks I’ve been kinda hooked on listening to podcasts. They are so great to take advantage of when you’re doing mundane tasks. I find I listen when I’m doing dishes or folding laundry, or while at work and doing a task that doesn’t require the full use of my brain. I also listen to them while I’m waiting for my children (at their ages I’m always driving them somewhere, or picking them up from somewhere, and there is always wait time).
One that I stumbled upon in the Jordan Harbinger Show.
I’d never heard anything from him before, but recently found his episode regarding narcissists. His guest was renowned narcissism expert, Wendy Behary, and she was incredible. I learned so much about narcissists; how to identify one, how to work with one, how not to raise one (hint: don’t spoil or over-demand from your kids), and essentially, how to protect yourself from one. Chances are there is a narcissist, or someone with narcissistic traits, in your life.
This podcast will help.
And here’s another one that I think all women should listen to. It’s a podcast called The Model Health Show. I’ve talked about it here before; it’s truly the number one resource for mental and physical health. The host is educated, intelligent, does his research, and is just a super smart cookie all around.
A few months ago he interviewed Dr. Jolene Brighten.
Dr. Brighten “has a huge mission to help us all better understand the role of hormonal birth control and its effects, and to help women make the best decisions for their own bodies and lifestyles.”
The interview educates us about the birth control pill —
- how it works
- how it can make our ovaries age
- the statistics of the birth control pill being prescribed solely for symptom management
- the surprising connection between the birth control pill and autoimmunity
- and so much more totally interesting and IMPORTANT information.
If you have a daughter that uses birth control for heavy periods, or to control acne, or for actual family planning, or if you yourself use the birth control pill, for any reason at all, please listen to this episode.
Dr. Brighten is not anti birth control, by any means. She just wants us to be informed so we can make the best choices for ourselves.
PRODUCTS I WOULD GIVE UP COFFEE FOR
Every fall I think I need three things: a new umbrella, a new pair of boots, and a new raincoat.
And every fall the same thing happens: I buy a set of umbrellas at Costco and then find four at home that were organized (read: hidden) in my closet, I order four pairs of new boots and end up returning them all because I can never EVER find a pair I like, and I buy a raincoat and end up seeing something cuter on someone else at the pumpkin patch.
Not this year, people!
First of all, I’m forcing myself not to buy another umbrella. Unless it’s covered in polka dots, or a cute plaid I can’t resist, I am out of the market!
Second, I’m not buying any more boots. I’m just not. Clogs, though…that’s another story. Don’t even look at the Bryr clogs on Instagram. Oh man do I laaaa uuuuvvv those shoes!
And thirdly, the raincoat situation. Here’s the deal. I found one I really think I’m going to love. It’s long (my shortie ones never give me enough coverage). It had a big hood (hello, Oregon downpour), it is completely waterproof (this is the PNW people. Water resistant won’t do), and it’s stylish!
Check it out:
This is the Loxley Marine Navy longline waterproof rain jacket from Joules. Here’s the only catch: it’s expensive. At $184.95 it is definitely an investment, however, I’m reading a lot about this UK company, Joules, and people are loving it. If you are considering this coat, you might want to act quickly as they are nearly sold out. Apparently it rains a lot in other parts of the world, too.
Have you guys heard about this? Maskcara makeup? Oh my goodness, if you haven’t…oooooo this is gonna be something you will so love!
Maskcara makeup is basically makeup that celebrities use on screen. Like, when they are filming movies. They use it because it’s cream makeup so it blends extraordinary well, is buildable and easily erasable (until you set it), and it can cover imperfections like a you-know-what! Their palettes are completely customizable so you never have a color you don’t use, taking up space in there.
On top of all that, their brushes are to die for soft, and pretty inexpensive as far as brushes go. These brushes are heavy, dense, and uber soft. AND they are double sided. Cha-ching!
Buffalo Plaid
I’m a fan of the Buffalo Plaid trend right now. To me, it’s the perfect pattern for fall. It’s not too Halloween, not too autumn…it’s just the right amount of recognition of the season change.
Right now Walmart has these pillows on sale for $6.00. Yeah, you read that right. $6.00.
And look at this cute $10.00 blanket to go with it.
And if that’s not enough to get you to check out Walmart, look at this new pillow design by Drew Barrymore! Oh my goodness, the florals! I recently realized I may have an unhealthy adoration of all things floral (see this post on Instagram), but I can’t help it. There are just too many beautiful patterned jewel toned florals out there right now. I’m in heaven!
And I know it’s not even Halloween yet, but will you just look at this Holiday tin barn decoration they have at Walmart for $16.00. This could be used all year long; just add a tiny Christmas wreath on the door, or a red heart, or a tiny bouquet of flowers, or some small leaves scattered around it…the possibilities are endless. I need this. The End.
Hairdo Needs
I don’t know where all my bobby pins disappear to. I have a feeling they find their way down the hallway to two young girls’ rooms where they are lost forever…at any rate, I never seem to have them when I want them. However, with these babies, they will always be at my stubby little fingertips. People in the know (i.e. ballet moms, mostly) call these the “Cadillac of bobby pins”. That’s a good enough review for me!
Lululemonlike Workout Pants
Take a look at this total steal!
These yoga pants are identical to Lululemon’s in all aspects, except the price! Where Lulu will charge you over $100.00, these babies come in at $26.00.
Yes.
$26.00.
And they have an entire store of Lulu copycat items.
I’m starting with the yoga pants and a new sports bra, $24.00, because dang it, it’s time for me to get back into an exercise routine, and ain’t nothin’ better to motivate you than to have new workout gear! (rest assured, mine will be in all black, because…cellulite)
NEW MUSIC THAT I’M LOVING
Circles – Post Malone
Take What You Want – Post Malone
I Want To Come Back Home – Blue October
I never thought I would like Post Malone.
First of all, the name. What the heck is it supposed to mean? Post – Post It note? Post Office? Post, as in “after”?
And Malone? I don’t even. Is that a family name?
Does someone know the history behind this name? Please educate me so that I can stop wondering.
Okay, so second of all, I never thought I would like his music because I don’t necessarily enjoy rap. I’m kind of sick of it, to be honest. I have a teenager and that’s ALL they listen to. As loud as possible. All the time.
I’m so over it.The lyrics are generally awful, either totally degrading, profane as heck (and I like to swear, so that’s saying something), or just make absolutely no sense at all. Words are made up just so they rhyme, it seems. Also, I need a copy of an Urban Dictionary (don’t Google it — it’s disgusting, mostly) just to understand the words. And then I wish I didn’t know what they meant after all.
But with all that said, this guy PM has actually put out some pretty great songs. It’s not an album I’m going to run out and download on the spot, but there are a few songs I really like. These two happen to be on my repeat list.
Anyway, check it out. You might be surprised, too.
FREE (or really really cheap) BOOK CORNER
The First Girl Child is the perfect book for the month of October. And if you have Kindle Unlimited, you can read it absolutely free! If you don’t have KU, no worries, you can download it to an e-reader, your phone, tablet, or Kindle, for just $4.99.
Here’s the synopsis:
From the New York Times bestselling author comes a breathtaking fantasy of a cursed kingdom, warring clans, and unexpected salvation.
Bayr of Saylok, bastard son of a powerful and jealous chieftain, is haunted by the curse once leveled by his dying mother. Bartered, abandoned, and rarely loved, she plagued the land with her words: From this day forward, there will be no daughters in Saylok.
Raised among the Keepers at Temple Hill, Bayr is gifted with inhuman strength. But he’s also blessed with an all-too-human heart that beats with one purpose: to protect Alba, the first girl child born in nearly two decades and the salvation for a country at risk.
Now the fate of Saylok lies with Alba and Bayr, whose bond grows deeper with every whisper of coming chaos. Charged with battling the enemies of their people, both within and without, Bayr is fueled further by the love of a girl who has defied the scourge of Saylok.
What Bayr and Alba don’t know is that they each threaten the king, a greedy man who built his throne on lies, murder, and betrayal. There is only one way to defend their land from the corruption that has overtaken it. By breaking the curse, they could defeat the king…but they could also destroy themselves.
Okay, friends, I think that covers it for this month!
Have a great October! Read a bunch, watch a lot of TV, and report back with your favorites!
Cheers!
x. Megan