Bookish Quarantine Tag

Hey all! I'm fairly certain we're all a little stir crazy at this point so I thought it would be fun to do a Bookish Quarantine Tag with some of my favorite authors! Whaaaat? Yep, that's right. Lucy Score, Kathryn Nolan, Claire Kingsley, Jay Crownover, and Natasha Preston have all answered some questions for me and I hope you all enjoy their answers as much I do!

Major thank yous to Lucy, Claire, Kathryn, Jay and Natasha for taking the time to answer my questions. And to all of you I wish you the absolute best. I hope you're all staying safe and I want you to know I'm sending a ton of love to each and every one of you. We're all in this together.

Enjoy <3

Lucy:

What has been your favorite thing to eat while in isolation?
Tastycake Jelly Krimpets.

A lot of people have joined Tik Tok to give them something to do and make them laugh. What has made you laugh the most, and have you joined anything you thought you'd stay away from?
The only reason I know what Tik Tok is, is because of my super cool fake niece. The funniest Tik Tok I've seen is the wife working from home and her husband comes out in at T-Rex costume to dance up on her and then she hits him with a prosthetic leg. I haven't joined anything new during isolation. In fact, I've been moving toward simplifying, which is so overdue.

Claire:

If you could only keep 3 books with you during this time which ones would you choose?
I'd keep The Lord of the Rings (and cheat by counting them as one, since J.R.R. Tolkien considered them one story), Pride and Prejudice (because I could read that a million times), and probably something either motivational or maybe meditative, so I'd have something positive to lean on.

Many of us have been binge watching tv/movies. Which shows/movies have you been obsessed with?
I should probably be ashamed to admit how quickly we binge watched Tiger King, but I'm not. It was a train wreck, but a highly entertaining one. Lately, though, we've been MUCH classier, and watching the hell out of Poldark.

Kathryn:

What is your favorite "feel good" book?
My favorite "feel good" book is bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. It's an insightful book about writing, but it's also about life, dying, the power of books, the power of community, and all the ways writing can make you feel more alive and more attentive in a world just bursting to catch your attention! It's funny and deep and will make you cry but also clutch your chest at how perfect it is.

What have you been doing to keep your mind clear and your heart happy? 
I'm keeping my mind clear and heart happy with music, video chats with friends and family, fresh flowers, gardening, yoga and exercise, bike rides, and sitting with Walter in the sun on the back patio. Good books and good movies help, as does cooking and wine. Right now I'm just incredibly grateful that the people I love are as safe and healthy as they can be. That's all that matters <3

Jay:

If you could isolate with any other author who would you pick?
The only person I could spend this much time stuck inside with is Cora Carmack. We traveled together through Europe for nearly a month and shared close quarters, so I think we could quarantine together no problem.

Which bands/singers are you currently blasting?
NCT 127 New Zone (a surprise to no one I'm sure)

Natasha: 

What have you been doing to keep busy during this time?
I have an eight and a three year old so they keep me pretty busy. I’m also close to finishing another two books. When I have free time, I get in my hot tub (which is the only thing I panic bought a couple of weeks ago lol)

What's the best book you've read while in isolation?
I haven’t read anything new in isolation yet (deadline) but I have reread a favorite, The Hating Game by Sally Thorne.
_____

Which character from one of your books would you want to be quarantined with? 

Lucy: I'm trying to figure out who's the best cook and who wouldn't hate doing all of the dishes and laundry. So Scarlett Bodine is definitely out. I'm going to say Marley Cicero from Rock Bottom Girl and Ally Morales from By a Thread. Between those two I'd be fed and endlessly entertained.

Claire: I'd have to go with Cooper Miles. His energy might be a lot to handle, but he'd make every day fun.

Kathryn: It's a toss up between Edward Cavendish III (obvi) and a giant slumber party with the Bluewater Babes (which I think would be epic.)

Jay: Do any of them cook? Lol...I can't remember if any of them are good cooks, but I'm so sick of my own food and cooking I could cry. Ohhh...AVETT from Charged is a good cook, she even gets a food truck at one point so I pick her.

Natasha: Oh good question.  Clover from The Cellar. He might be my character but I still have a lot of questions.

Any positive words of wisdom?

Lucy: The world has never been more unified. Good people are doing truly selfless, beautiful things for strangers. And that's something worth focusing on.

Claire: Although this isn't an easy time, we're all in this together. Let's lean on each other in the ways we can, celebrating the things we still have. Love, friendship, connection, music, wine, good books, chocolate, cozy socks...

Kathryn: What the world is experiencing is unbearably hard and traumatizing and painful - the trauma and grief of this time is very real, as is the fear, the uncertainty, the longing for things to go back the way they were. When the world is burning, the smallest acts of kindness or generosity burn even brighter. And watching the strength of our communities coming together and lifting each other up is what gets me through every day.

Jay: If there was ever a time to get lost in a good book this is it. We might all be stuck at home, but there are a million words and wonderful words just waiting to be discovered right now when we need it most.

Natasha: This situation is tough on everyone and we all have a lot of emotions. But this temporary and we will get through it. We will hopefully come out stronger, kinder and more appreciative. Keep reading and visit dozens of worlds while ours is currently very small.

I hope you all had fun reading this tag! I also wanted to shout out that Claire, Lucy, Kathryn and Natasha all have new books out:
Claire: Love According to Science
Lucy: By a Thread
Kathryn: Under the Rose
Natasha: The Twin

From Here To You by Jamie McGuire

If you have been following my blog for a while then you know the love I have for Jamie McGuire. Beautiful Disaster is one of my favorite books. It's incredible. I was hooked on her writing from the second I opened that first book.

For my birthday I went to a bookstore (yes, that's what I asked to do for my birthday) and I found From Here To You on sale for $4! I know! Crazy. So of course I bought it.

Then the stay home orders started happening.

Because of this I've really been reading a lot and this was one of the first books I picked up.

You. Guys.

This book follows Darby who on her wedding day finds out she's pregnant. Mhm. Preggers. And her nearly betrothed is an abusive a-hole. To give her baby and herself a good life she runs to the bus station and catches a ride to the farthest place she can afford: Colorado Springs. Upon arrival at the Colorado Springs Hotel, she not only gets a room but also manages to score a job as a front desk clerk.

Trex takes a new job with the Cheyenne Mountain Complex which is a top-secret military installation. Single and gorgeous, Trex has always felt that "the one" is out there, and when he finds her he'll instantly know. Staying at the Colorado Springs Hotel he has no idea the one might be so close.

The second Trex lays eyes on Darby he's hooked. Now, I did read some reviews on this and some people complained of "insta love." This is a topic I've touched on a few times, but in case you haven't read those posts I'll fill you in. I have a love hate relationship with "insta love." Sometimes I'm happy because I don't want to wait the whole freaking book for the couple to get together. But I can't stand it when 10 pages in they're desperately in love. That drives me mad. I didn't feel like From Here To You was rushed. Now, there were times I thought dang Trex you just met this girl, but I mean, who am I to judge?

The other best part of this book is we get to see characters from Jamie's previous novels....and by that I mean we get to see some of the Maddox brothers! Yay!!

I loved Trex and Darby's relationship and I also really enjoyed the suspenseful aspect that was woven in. All in all I had a great time reading this - I stayed up until 4 am to finish - and I would definitely recommend.

"But as wildfires rage on the mountain and Darby's ex-fiance shows he isn't so willing to let her go, both she and Trex are soon to find out that what you don't know absolutely can hurt you."

Buy From Here To You Here:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Books-A-Million

Listen to my playlist for From Here To You on Spotify by clicking HERE

The Secret Life of a Book Blogger Tag

1. How long have you been a book blogger?
I started A Book Lovers Playlist in February of 2013.

2. At what point do you think you will stop?
Honestly, I don't see a time where I don't have this blog. I have had moments (uh hello we know) where I haven't written anything in a while, but I always find my way back to it. I really love my blog and I love everything that goes with it.

3. What is the best thing?
The best thing is probably interacting with other book lovers, as well as getting the opportunity to talk with my favorite authors.

4. What is the worst thing?
I feel really bad when I stop posting for a while. I feel like I'm letting my readers down and I hate that.

5. Who's your book crush?
Oh man, do you have all day? Right now I can't get Ashley Player - from the Dirty/Player series by Jaine Diamond - out of my head.

6. What do you wear when you write your blog?
Usually I'm in leggings and a hoodie. Sometimes I'm real classy and wear my finest pjs.

7. How long does it take you to prepare?
Oh man, sometimes it takes me a while. Well, that's not really accurate. It doesn't take me that long to prepare, but it takes me a while to write the post itself. Reviews usually just flow, I like to talk to you all as if we're best friends, so I don't want my writing to be boring. But, including links to everything is very time consuming.

8. How do you feel about the book blogger community/culture?
I love it! Everyone I have met is so kind. It's a really laid back and fun community to be a part of, at least from my experiences.

9. What do you think one should have for a successful blog?
Excitement. You have to be excited to read and discuss the books you read, otherwise I think your readers will see right through you.

10. What do you eat when blogging?
Everything.

Wow, has it been a minute.

Hey guys!

It's been a hot minute since I've posted on here. I told you before that I lost my grandma and it was leaving me uninspired. Well that's still true. I haven't had the desire to log on and gush about books with you but I'm trying to get back into the swing of things.

At the end of last year I got to do some really exciting things on here and it was so much fun. I can't wait to get back to business and to fall in love with my blog again. You all mean so much to me and I enjoy talking to you, making you laugh through my reviews, and fangirling over all the book boyfriends.

In other news, I have been reading non stop lately. With everything going on in the world right now I've been staying home and occupying myself by reading as much as possible. Have you all been reading more? I hope you all are also staying home and staying safe!

I have a list of TBR that I can't wait to get in to. I also have been reading the Bootleg Springs series by Lucy Score and Claire Kingsley and guys, I'm in love. It's absolutely hysterical!

Thank you again for being patient with me, I hope you stick around for the upcoming content.

<3

Bluewater Billionaire's Bonus Questions

Four authors.
Four bad ass female characters.
Four sexy and lovable men.
Four love stories.
Four books.
And four weeks of reviewing and interviewing these incredible authors.

You guys, I have had so much fun this month. Lucy, Claire, Kathryn, and Pippa are some of the funniest, kindest, and just plain awesome ladies I've ever had the honor of interviewing. They have been so kind to me while I asked my MANY questions and fan-girled over not only their books but them as well. I hope you all have had as much fun reading these reviews/interviews as I did writing them.

This experience has been the highlight of my year and I just want to thank all of you for being so amazing. You have a fan in me for life. Thank you for everything <3

And as a bonus for all of you who follow my blog - and for me - I have asked these beautiful ladies 2 bonus questions!

(Instead of writing the book titles for each answer The Price of Scandal will be numbered 1, The Mogul and the Muscle will be 2, Wild Open Hearts will be 3, and Crazy for Loving You will be 4.)

1. If you had to use one word to describe each book in the Bluewater Billionaire's series, what would it be?
Lucy: 1. Mineyminemine. 2. Shoes. 3.Cookies.  4. Penises.
Claire: 1. Charming. 2. Badass. 3. Heartwarming. 4. Swoony.
Kathryn: 1. Smart. 2. Powerful. 3. Joyful. 4. Strong.
Pippa: 1. Sexy. 2. Swoony. 3. Sensual. 4. Heartfelt.

2. And last, if you were to recommend 1 book  by each author, which one would it be?
Lucy: (For Claire) I'd have to go with Highball Rush in the Bootleg Springs series. Really any of the books she wrote in that series. They're AMAZEBALLS! (For Kathryn) Strictly Professional! Snarky tattoo artist and a prim and proper British guy in a suit? Yes, please! (For Pippa) Mister McHottie. It made me snort laugh out loud on a beach! (For herself) How about The Worst Best Man because Frankie makes an appearance in TPOS.

Claire: Rock Bottom Girl by Lucy Score, Bohemian by Kathryn Nolan, and Master Baker by Pippa Grant. (For herself) Faking Ms. Right :)

Kathryn: The Worst Best Man by Lucy Score. Sidecar Crush (Bootleg Springs 2) by Claire Kingsley. America's Geekheart by Pippa Grant. (For herself) I'd say Bohemian, because it has the most "feel" like Wild Open Hearts.

Pippa: For Lucy Score, Heart of Hope, because it's beautiful (and it's a holiday romance, so read it now!) For Claire Kingsley, go with Cocky Roommate, because WESTON! For Kathryn Nolan, definitely Bohemian - GORGEOUS!!! And for me, I suggest Flirting with the Frenemy.

Pippa Grant Interview

Have you ever started to talk to someone and can instantly tell that they're a good one? Like a genuinely good human? That's how I felt when I first started talking with Pippa.

I loved Crazy For Loving You so much, so when I emailed her the final questions I was smiling  and giggly, and basically as silly as I was the first time I ever got kissed. Which btw happened while I was on the phone with my mother. Not exactly a romantic first kiss but that didn't stop the giddiness.

Thank you Pippa for answering all of my questions and for letting me be giddy.

Enjoy!!


1. How did West and Daisy's story come to you?
I knew I wanted Daisy paired with her polar opposite, but it took me four false starts before I found West. I wasn't sure if he was her ex-boyfriend, if he was famous too, if they grew up together, met later in life, or were total strangers, but once he finally begrudgingly told me he was a military man looking to settle down with a family, I understood why he was in Daisy's life.

It would've been nice if he'd been more forthcoming about 80,000 words earlier, but I'll forgive him. He had good reason to be nervous.

2. If you could be the CEO of a multi billion dollar company, what would the company be?
I'd be the CEO of a company that made happy, fun products for adults. ANYTHING that would make grown-ups, especially moms and businesswomen, smile, would be where I'd spend my days. (I'd also happily run a billion-dollar publishing empire specializing in romantic comedies...just putting that out there.)

3. There are 4 authors in the book that the girls love to listen to when they go to Drag Queen Brunch. If you could go to DQB with 4 of your favorite authors within ear shot, who would you pick?
Ahh! What a great question! And I know it's great because it's hard to answer, lol. For starters, Janet Evanovich - her humor is amazing, so I know I'd laugh listening to her. Then I'd toss in Jennifer Barnes - my son LOVES her books, and she's an amazing teacher for writers. Julia Kent would be a must too, because she's also very funny, and also so very nice. And then I'd round out the group with Alexander Dumas, whom we'd have to bring back from the dead, just because it would crack me up to have someone who wrote my favorite classic ever sitting there between some of the most brilliant and hilarious minds in the romance world today.

4. In each of the books the girls meet the author who wrote their story. If the 4 girls in the books, and the 4 of you who wrote them, could hang out for a whole week on vacation, where would you want to go?
We'd go to a private Caribbean island and soak up the sun and drink margaritas and Pina Coladas and watch Lucifer and plot books and world domination while someone else did all of our laundry and cooked us fresh seafood, and it would be amazing, and I'd never want to leave.

5. West is totally the guy you add to your book boyfriend list. He's already been added to mine. Who is your favorite guy out of the 4 books?
You know I'm totally biased here and have to pick West!! I'm a sucker for a military man who takes care of people. BUT, if you held my toes to the fire and told me I had to pick someone else, I'd pick the love child of Derek, Jude, and Beck, where said love child got Beck's heart, Jude's protectiveness, and Derek's pick-pocketing skills.

6. Out of the 4 girls, Emily, Cameron, Daisy, and Luna, who would you say you're the most like?
I'm a mix of Emily and Cameron, believe it or not! I went to college for an engineering degree, and I LOVE supporting women in STEM fields.

7. If you lived in Bluewater with Claire, Kathryn, and Lucy, and you were in charge of an activity for the community, what would you choose?
I'd make us all spend a night at the pottery wheel! It's an art form that's fascinated me since I was little, and I'm actually about to start taking some classes to learn how to actually do it without making bowls that look like artistic poop.

8. What is your favorite part of Bluewater?
Ah, another hard question!!! If I were to live in Bluewater, I'd spend every morning and evening on the beach (I love sunrise and sunset colors!!), and I'd probably spend my days in the little village writing at the coffee shop that I'm sure in in there somewhere, and talking to all the residents during my breaks.

9. What was your favorite part of your book?
It's a spoiler!! Can I say the black moment? That horrible all is lost, how will they ever survive this? moment? Because that was definitely a big moment...and hard to write, but one of my favorite black moments that I've ever written. I know I should say the cats on the trampoline, or one of the moments with Daisy and West in her bedroom, or the bromance scene between all the heroes (I gigged the whole time I was writing that!!), but...yeah. The black moment.

10. If Crazy for Loving You had a theme song, what would it be?
"I get knocked down," aka "Tubthumping" by Chumbawamba.

Follow Pippa on Social Media:
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Buy The Bluewater Billionaire Books:
The Price of Scandal
The Mogul and The Muscle
Wild Open Hearts
Crazy For Loving You

Crazy For Loving You: Bluewater Billionaires Book 4 by Pippa Grant

You guys, the more I read of this series, the more I want to read. It's kind of like watching one episode of Friends, you just keep watching because it's so so good. When it was time to read Crazy For Loving You I had my metaphorical Thanksgiving pants on, ready to eat up as much of this as I could. Wait, that sounds really rather weird. Um, maybe disregard that.

Learning more about each of these women and watching their relationships grow as friends - as well as the relationships with their fellas - has been so much freaking fun.

I have to tell you guys, I did not think this book was going to go where it did!

I've gotten used to Daisy being the party girl of the group. She is loyal to her friends and a beautiful human, but she's definitely the wild child of the group.

So when Daisy finds herself inheriting a baby with an ex Marine -who probably never lets his gas tank get below half full (I'm an optimist) - my jaw was on the ground.

After Daisy's cousin and her husband pass away, she is left with their son Remy. However, as previously stated, she's not the only one who was named guardian of the child. Enter West.

My god, West.

I loved him so much that I have hearts in my eyes as I type this.

Because of Daisy's wild ways her grandmother insists that West stay with her to basically help her image. The courts will never let her keep the baby if she can't prove that she can be a fit mother for Remy - even though his own mother was not exactly Carol Brady if you know what I mean.

With West being strict and Daisy being...well...not...the two of them have to learn a way to work together. And oh boy do they. I LOVED watching their relationship, as well as watching them with Remy. It was also fun to see the rest of the characters we've grown to love throughout the series.

I won't give any spoilers but one of my favorite parts is when Derek, Jude, and Beck all meet West for the first time. I. LAUGHED. OUT. LOUD. And then I reread it because I loved it so much.

Every book in this series is phenomenal and so much fun. Obviously I recommend this installment, duh.

Buy Crazy For Loving You HERE

Listen to my playlist for Crazy for Loving You on Spotify by clicking HERE