This was my first book by Christina Lauren, the pen name of the 2 authors, Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings. The story revolves around Liam, a reserved heir of a grocery chain and his ex, a free spirited woman named Anna.

Elin Hilderbrand’s The Perfect Couple masterfully blends romance, family drama, and a gripping mystery, all set in the luxurious surroundings of Nantucket. The story kicks off with the tragic discovery of the maid of honor’s body on the morning of what was supposed to be a perfect wedding. As local police investigate, it becomes clear that this isn’t a simple accident. Someone in this wedding party might be responsible.

Book Lovers  by Emily Henry is a contemporary romance that centers around Nora Stephens, a tough and successful literary agent in New York City. Unlike the typical heroines in the romance novels she represents, Nora is not the one who ends up in a small town finding love. She’s the opposite, the one who gets left behind.

The Paris Roommates is a series that has “Emily in Paris” vibes with a cast of characters similar to the tv show, “Friends.” The series follows the stories of 6 friends and roommates who last spent their time in France working at Nadine’s restaurant, years ago. They are reunited and back in France to help Nadine again after an unfortunate incident.

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed is an emotionally gripping and inspiring memoir that delves into the depths of human resilience and transformation. At 26 years old, reeling from the death of her mother, the disintegration of her family, and the dissolution of her young marriage, Strayed makes the impulsive decision to hike more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) alone. With no prior long-distance hiking experience, Strayed's journey is both a physical challenge and an emotional pilgrimage.

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill was published in 1937 after two decades of research into the success habits of over forty millionaires. This research started as a challenge from steel magnate Andrew Carnegie, leading Hill to formulate 13 principles that he believed were the blueprint for personal and financial achievement. The book emphasizes the power of personal beliefs and the importance of a positive mental attitude, proposing that success begins with the mind and a fervent desire.

"The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level" by Gay Hendricks is a transformative self-help book that delves into the concept of limiting beliefs and how they prevent individuals from achieving their full potential. Hendricks' work is centered around the idea that people have an internal thermostat setting that determines the amount of love, success, and creativity they allow themselves to enjoy. When they reach this upper limit, they sabotage themselves, thereby preventing further success or happiness. Hendricks calls this the "Upper Limit Problem.

Happy Place by Emily Henry follows the story of Harriet and Wyn, a once-loving couple who have recently broken up. Despite their split, they decide to keep their breakup a secret and pretend to still be together during their annual weeklong vacation with their friends. This vacation at a cherished summer house has always been their “happy place.” It is a retreat filled with fond memories and traditions.

The People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry weaves a tale of friendship, love, and the complexities that come with evolving relationships over time. The book features Poppy and Alex, who are best friends with contrasting personalities. Poppy is the ever-optimistic and adventurous spirit. Alex is the cautious and thoughtful soul. Their bond is cemented through an annual tradition of summer vacations. Each trip is a testament to their deep connection and the memories they cherish.

"You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life" by Jen Sincero is a motivational self-help book that encourages readers to embrace their inner power, overcome self-doubt, and pursue the life they desire.

The Idea of You by Robinne Lee centers around Solène Marchand, a sophisticated 39-year-old art gallery owner and single mother, who finds herself unexpectedly entangled in a romance with Hayes Campbell, a 20-year-old pop idol from the world’s most famous boy band. This relationship sparks at a concert and meet-and-greet event Solène attends with her daughter, setting the stage for a deeply emotional and controversial love story.

Regretting You by Colleen Hoover is a poignant and emotionally rich novel that delves into the complexities of family, love, and the intricacies of human relationships. Hoover is known for her ability to craft deeply moving stories. This novel stands out for its exploration of the mother-daughter dynamic, set against the backdrop of tragedy and the challenges of coming to terms with painful truths.

Beach Read by Emily Henry stands out in the realm of contemporary romance with its clever narrative and deep emotional undercurrents. The novel centers around January Andrews, a once hopeful romance writer facing personal disillusionment, and Augustus Everett, a literary fiction author with a penchant for the darker sides of storytelling. Neighbors for the summer, they embark on a challenge that pushes both to explore unfamiliar literary territories: January will try her hand at literary fiction, while Gus attempts a romance novel.

Things We Never Got Over is the first book of the Knockemount series by Lucy Score. Knockemount is a fictional place in Northern Virginia where the story takes place with a whole lot of small town and southern charm. It’s also aptly named as the Morgan brothers enjoy knocking each other out and fighting it out. The citizens are feisty and seem to live by a similar philosophy as the Morgan brothers. I enjoyed this book and would recommended if you’re a romance novel reader and fan of charming small towns where everyone knows your business. It would be great if Knockemount was a real place so I could visit.

The Universe Has Your Back is a self-help book by Gabrielle Bernstein. I enjoyed the book as I am always looking for ways to improve myself and be a better person to those around me.  If I learn one new thing from a book, I feel it is money only worth spent. I will devour self-help books pretty quickly. This book being no exception with completing in a few days!

In Five Years is a compelling and emotional contemporary fiction novel written by Rebecca Serle. The book takes readers on a journey through friendship, love, loss, and self-discovery, delving into the complexities of fate and the unexpected turns life can take.

It Ends with Us is a powerful and emotionally charged contemporary fiction novel written by Colleen Hoover. This gripping story explores themes of love, strength, resilience, and the complexities of domestic abuse, making it a truly unforgettable reading experience. It is also in the process of being filmed so it will hit the theaters soon.

"Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen is a timeless classic that has captivated readers for over 200 years. The novel, first published in 1813, is a witty and insightful exploration of societal norms, class structures, and relationships in Regency England. A young women’s journey to find love, sibling rivalry, parental pressure, not giving into institution of marriage, whilst wanting to marry but not sacrificing her pride.

This book was a fun must read for anyone who loves music and wants to tag along a band’s music tour and success. It definitely takes you to another place in the rock and roll era and the wild parties. To the golden days of LA’s past music scene of Laurel Canyon, rock and disco. The story is about the the rise and fall of an infamous rock band. It is a fictional band but does have some inspiration from Fleetwood Mac.

I decided to read her newly released book after watching her documentary, “Pamela: A Love Story” on Netflix. Maybe, I feel an affinity as a Cali native and spending lot of time in Malibu as a kid living in SoCal. After all, she lived in Malibu, a coveted small beach town, peaceful but surrounded by the water, celebrities and nice homes. It was a quick 10 minute drive for me when I lived there. A quick escape to the ocean. I have seen the crowds when they filmed Baywatch. I even saw Pamela one time at a shopping center in Malibu. I let her be which is what most locals from SoCal like me do. We are used to celebrity sightings. I was excited to read her book and curious what she has to say.