Five Books to Get You Through Quarantine
I'm a huge homebody; I love being home, being in pajamas, and curling up on my couch to spend time with my husband and my dogs. But now, due to this pandemic, we're all confined to our houses for the foreseeable future and I'm getting pretty stir crazy. While my husband's idea of preventing cabin fever is rewatching the entire Star Wars saga, mine is tackling my ever-growing TBR and reading as much as I can. So if you guys are looking for ways to break up the monotony of quarantine, here are some books to try!
If you've already rewatched Game of Thrones multiple times and need something to help you forget about that ending, read....
Falling Kingdoms follows Cleo, Jonas, Lucia, and Magnus. Cleo is the princess of Auranos, and finds herself in the middle of a revolt between Auranos and the poor kingdom of Paelsia when her visit results in the death of a farmer. Jonas is the murdered farmer's brother, is leading the revolt, and is so blinded by his grief and need for revenge, he allies himself with someone far more dangerous than Princess Cleo could ever be. Lucia is the princess of Limeros, unaware that she was adopted into the royal family at birth, who is struggling to keep her newfound magic powers a secret. And finally, Prince Magnus is Lucia's older brother, and is struggling to not only keep his father happy, but to keep his romantic feelings for his sister a secret.
In my recent post about my favorite YA fantasy books, I mentioned that I struggle with super-involved fantasy books. But this book is not only incredibly easy to follow, it's entertaining and fun. I once heard someone describe these books as "Game of Thrones for Dummies," and I wholeheartedly agree; if you enjoy Game of Thrones but aren't sure you'd be able to get into a book with that same level of world building, this book is for you.
If you were looking forward to bringing the Roaring '20s back (but didn't want the global pandemic and stock market crash), read....
Evie O'Neill has a huge secret; her favorite "party trick," where she hold's people's items and can tell their secrets, isn't a trick at all. But when she takes it too far and slanders the town's Golden Boy, her parents decide she's too much of a troublemaker, and ship her off to live with her Uncle. Evie is thrilled to be leaving Ohio for New York City, but knows that she can never spill her secret to her Occult-obessed Uncle. However, when NYPD reaches out to her Uncle to help solve a slew of strange occult-like murders, Evie not only realizes that her gift could help catch a serial killer, but learns that there are others out there, just like her.
If quarantining has made you homesick for Twilight, but not quite homesick enough to put up with Bella's bullshit again, read....
Celine Rousseau has fled Paris after a terrible accident, and travels to New Orleans to start a new life. Seeking refuge in a convent in the French Quarter, Celine's ability as an exceptional seamstress quickly catches the attention from Odette and the rest of La Cour des Lions, and finds herself infatuated with the group's leader, Sebastian Saint Germain. But when young girls are found murdered throughout the French Quarter, and clues are pointed to The Court of Lions, and Sebastian particularly, as being responsible for these murders, Celine decides to take matters into her own hands to solve the murders. And she quickly discovers that not only could a mythical creature be real and responsible for these murders, but that he has her in his sights as his next victim.
1870's New Orleans, in all of its otherworldly glory, and VAMPIRES. The Beautiful is a step up from the paranormal romances that were popular when I was a teenager. The writing is stunning, and Renee is a master at descriptions and world-building. This book is definitely more-slow burn, and the plot doesn't really pick up until about the halfway point, but damn, when you get there, it's so worth it. If you're looking for something with romance and vampires, but aren't wanting to open your heart up to the flaws of 2000's Paranormal Teen Romance, give The Beautiful a go!
If working from home has halted your budding office romance, read....
Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman have been enemies ever since their companies merged, and as assistants to the 2 CEOs, they spend almost all of their time together. When the CEOs announce that they are wanting to promote one of them, Lucy knows she can't lose to Joshua, so she sets her sights on being his new boss. The problem? Lucy has started thinking about Joshua in verrry NSFW ways, and after a surprise kiss in an elevator, she finds herself wondering if he actually cares about her, or if he's planning to get under her skin to get the promotion.
This book is another palate cleanser for me. I read it for the first time in August, and since then, I've read it 4 times, because I love it so much. I am a total sucker for Enemies-to-Lovers romance, and Lucy and Joshua really deliver on the banter. Plus, I love that this book strikes that sweet spot of "being physically attracted to each other and acting on it, but not falling in love right away" that I feel like is lacking in so many adult romance novels. Also, Joshua is the love interest that all other love interests get measured up to, in my brain. If you also love watching people fall in love, give The Hating Game a read!
If you were planning to do something new and exciting this summer, but COVID 19 has put those plans on hold, read....
Recently dumped Emily has uprooted her life to move in with her sister while she is recovering from a car accident. When her teenage niece tells her she wants to volunteer for the local Renaissance Faire, and needs an adult to volunteer with her, Emily finds herself as the newest tavern maid of the Faire, and is constantly being scrutinized by the man in charge of it all, Simon. But while in real life, Simon and Emily can't seem to get along, their Faire characters- the Pirate Captain Ian Blackthorn and the Tavern Wench Emma- are very much attracted to each other. Emily struggles to determine whether these feelings real, or if it's just another part of Faire magic.
Part of the reason that I picked this book was because I had FINALLY convinced my husband to go to the local Ren Faire this summer, but due to the public health emergency, that's likely not happening anymore for me. But also, because I absolutely adore this book. Emily and Simon, as well as Emma and Captain Blackthorn, have so much chemistry, and the banter is A1. The side characters who are also involved the the Faire, Mitch and Stacy, are perfect comic relief. Please, give this book a shot, especially if a Renaissance Faire sounds like a good place for a romance (because it is).
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What's helping you guys get through the quarantine? Is it reading, like me, or watching old favorites, like my husband? Is it binging Netflix shows or deep-cleaning your house? Let me know in the comments how you're staying entertained during all of this craziness, and any books you've read, if you're a reader! And, as always, feel free to reach out to me via Facebook, or friend me on Goodreads to keep up with what I'm in the middle of. Happy reading!
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