Tag Archives: fall

Tis the Season! Fall Is Almost Here and So Are Your Next 9 Book Obsessions

Posted in Miranda's Book Nook by

And just like that, summer has come and gone in the blink of an eye — as September shuffles in. While the new month ushers in sweater weather, the PSL season and more quintessentially autumnal activities, it also means a whole new season of book releases. So you know what that means: Miranda’s Book Nook is back to share a handful of fall 2022 book titles that I’ve been devouring of late that should be on your radar. Happy reading, y’all!

Husband Material by Alexis Hall

The highly anticipated sequel to Boyfriend Material is *finally* *finally* here, and let me tell you, it completely lives up to the hype of book one and asks “what happens after the HEA in the final chapter?” Luc and Oliver are just as adorable as ever, as this novel proves to be one for the fans of Boyfriend Material 1 million percent.

This follow-up is set two years after the conclusion of Boyfriend Material and Luc finds himself under enormous pressure to propose to Luc after four weddings, a funeral; and a rainbow balloon arch.

True to the author’s style, Husband Material is well-written, dividing up Luc and Oliver’s next chapter in a series of milestone moments ala Four Weddings and a Funeral-esque story. That in itself is an interesting premise and juxtaposition: to see commitment-phobic Luc set in the background of so many happy wedding days. It reads quite quickly with banter that I’ve gotten so into this one and barely wanted to put the book done. And by the end, it’s a perfect reminder that love is love though doesn’t always look or manifest the same.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

A Hundred Other Girls  by Iman Hariri-Kia

With comps including Devil Wears Prada and The Bold Type, I already was primed to like this book because that’s my world but the actual content completely took me by surprise, which I think is what I liked it so much.
Here, Noora is an aspiring who lands her *dream* job as an executive assistant to the legendary editor-in-chief of a fashion and culture magazine that she grew up reading. Which, like, story of my life! What she thinks is the perfect foot-in-the-door turns out to be a complete nightmare because her boss, Loretta, is an unhinged nightmare. As Noora balances a hectic work life amid raging print vs. digital clashes, there’s also a misguided crush on I.T. guy Cal. (Side note: Why do men, nay boys, have to have such audacity??)
It’s told in such a rich, compelling first-person narrative that feels like the main character Noora is talking in real life. For a story I know all too well, Iman Hariri-Kia adds a brand-new lens and perspective that I have seldom seen in the industry that feels so natural and authentic. This novel is legitimately straight-up funny in parts, just like the real world in others of a zillennial New Yorker living her professional dream. I came to this book because it’s a tale I know so well and I’m leaving intrigued to find out what this author will write next.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

The American Roommate Experiment by Elena Armas

A slow-burn, forced proximity, only-one-bed romance set in the same universe as The Spanish Love Deception that’s equally fun, indulgent and enjoyable. Fresh off of Lina and Aaron’s HEA, Elena Armas is back to tell Lina’s best friend Rosie’s story — with Lina’s cousin, Lucas, as the one stealing her heart.

Here, Rosie has since quit her high-paying engineering gig to pursue her secret life as a romance novelist. Except now, she’s got a serious case of writer’s block and a major deadline on the horizon. Plus, her apartment ceiling caves in and she needs a place to go. Lina, who is away on her honeymoon to Aaron (!!!), had given Rosie her spare key, so she heads there. However, unbeknownst to Rosie, Lina had allowed her cousin Lucas to stay at her place while he’s in town. As one can expect, hijinks ensue as these two share a studio apartment in Brooklyn … andddd Lucas somehow agrees to help fake-date Rosie so she’ll have some book inspiration.

This read was told in compelling first points of view that had me so enthralled to keep reading both sides. It was so fun, cute, and frothy with plenty of banter from the very first chapter. While, of course, there are teeny nods to Lina and Aaron, this is really Rosie and Lucas’ independent story. And honestly? I think I dug this one a tad more than Armas’ debut novel; it delivered on everything I love in a romance! Plus that ending, oh, it made my heart just SOAR!

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone

At a first glance, I already knew A Merry Little Meet Cute was my type of book because Julie Murphy is an auto-buy author for me, plus it’s got a holiday rom-com setting and it’s a former boy bander finds love story, so SIGN. ME. UP!

Here, Bee Hobbes is a well-known plus-size adult film star. While her two moms are accepting of her career, she’s hoping to branch out as an actress. When her favorite producer Teddy hires her to headline his squeaky-clean Hallmark-type Christmas movie, they decide to keep her profession and stage name under wraps. Bee arrives in Christmas Notch, Vermont, to film and is shocked to learn that her costar is the one-and-only Nolan Shaw, the former boy band star she used to crush on as a teenager. Nolan, for his part, needs to rehab his image after the band split and he got into a series of tabloid pickles, shall we say.  While he promised to deliver a good clean movie, he’s equally shocked that his favorite adult entertainment creator is his costar. We’ve got a secret romance trope, so much holiday romance goodness and so much more.

Told in dual perspectives, it is full of compelling language that is so intriguing that makes for such a fun Hallmark-esque holiday romantic comedy. The spice content is a lot higher than Murphy’s YA past as it is an adult romance read, so fair warning. It’s fun, indulgent and enjoyable. Plus, a sex-positive and body-positive rom-com? What more could you want in a modern romance?

Rating: Four Stars

Available: September 20, 2022

Drunk on Love by Jasmine Guillory

Jasmine Guillory has become an auto-buy romance author for me, and I was beyond excited to learn that she was writing another novel (whether set in her existing book universe or not), which Drunk on Love ended up fully matching my expectations. It’s told in such a relatable first-person point of view, back and forth between eventual love interests Margot and Luke, that fully drew me into its compelling prose.

In this novel, Margot Noble is the CEO of a family-owned vineyard and winery in Napa Valley, who’s in desperate need of some stress release. After making small talk in a local bar, she meets the sexy and charming Luke Williams, with who she quickly has undeniable chemistry. After an unforgettable night (and morning), they quickly discover that Margot’s brother has hired Luke to work in their winery’s tasting room for the season. Plus, considering Margot’s level of professionalism, she’s hesitant to pursue anything but that doesn’t stop her thoughts from wandering…

While, yes, Drunk on Love does exist in Guillory’s preexisting literary universe (!!!), it does feel like a standalone entity with a teensy cameo from a few beloved, post-HEA favorites. Margot and Luke’s story is very distinctly their own and exists on its own instead of being a sequel or so-and-so’s sibling, which I enjoyed. Though the callout to the Guillory MCs past was super fun and cute as an aside that doesn’t take away from Margot and Luke’s moment in the spotlight.

All in all, it’s just fun, cute and so enjoyable, which made it even easier to get sucked into this one. Plus, that epilogue, GAH! Seriously, Drunk on Love was so cute and sweet and I just wanted, like, 10 more pages of that HEA bliss!

Rating: Four Stars

Available: September 20, 2022

Just Like Magic by Sarah Hogle

As a reader who fell in love with Sarah Hogle’s You Deserve Each Other novel the first second I began reading the initial pages of my ARC, she fast become an auto-read author for me, and Just Like Magic does not disappoint! It’s a holiday romantic comedy but fully imbibed with quirky magic throughout.

Here, Bettie is an heiress and influencer who’s lost all her money and status and is searching for a way to hide her financial struggles from her family over Christmas. After she ends up housesitting at a stranger’s Colorado cabin, she plays a Christmas song backward on vinyl and accidentally conjures Hall the Holiday Spirit. Hall arrives in the form of a charming, optimistic, merry, and quirky man whose goal is to teach her how to lift her holiday cheer. She invites him to join her family for Christmas, where he can pose as her [fake] fiancé.

Hogle, much like in her previous books, is not one to dawdle on backstory and jumps right into the action which I like. This magical romance is, like, seriously the ultimate grumpy-sunshine story and I loved it with my whole heart. It’s different from her previous novels but still so intriguing as a reader. It’s a quick read that I barely wanted to put down and will definitely make the perfect addition to your holiday reading list. All in all, it’s an interesting, oddball, bonkers story that weirdly works and ends up being so much fun for such a lovable holiday vibe.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: October 4, 2022

All I Want for Christmas by Maggie Knox

After devouring Maggie Knox’s The Holiday Swap, I was automatically intrigued by what their latest novel would be about. I was very pleasantly surprised to learn it’d be about two enemy musician/reality TV contestants forced to fake date and set around the holly jolly holidays.

Here, Sadie and Max are rival budding country musicians both competing on a hit reality TV competition, which culminates in a big holiday-themed finale. After the pair, who are both desperate to win and get their big Nashville break, team up during the show’s duet week, fans clock their instantaneous and inimitable chemistry on the stage. Hoping to capitalize on the “Saxie” buzz, the show execs enlist Sadie and Max to team up for the remainder of the competition *and* pretend to be in a romantic relationship too. The only problem? These two do not get along.

Told from dual points of view across multiple timelines during the holiday season, this book features cute and compelling language that just drew me in and read quite quickly. All in all, it’s light and fun and indulgent to create a truly sweet holiday romantic comedy.

Trigger Warning: Assault

Rating: Four Stars

Available: October 4, 2022

Built to Last by Erin Hahn

While this book had a lot of exposition and background to sift it into, it eventually became a completely adorable and sweet romance novel. Much like the author’s previous YA novels I’ve read, this book was full of compelling language that drew me in and I couldn’t stop myself from smiling so wide.
Built to Last is a second-chance romance between two former child stars who’ve moved on from their lives in the spotlight. Shelby, once a party girl, has turned over a new leaf as a home restorer back in Michigan following her tumultuous relationship/split/meltdown with fellow tween star Lyle. (My HGTV-obsessed heart is soaring!) Lyle returns into her life as the EP of a home renovation pilot that she’d star in. The catch? Her costar would be Cameron, the third member of the childhood crew and her self-proclaimed “the one who got away.”
It’s a positively, adorably, heartstoppingly, sickenly sweet romance, like, I mean. By the end, it was a completely fun read that further solidified Erin Hahn as an auto-buy author for me. It was literally so flipping adorable. And, can confirm, that Cameron is one great book BF, like seriously, I’m swooning. (Literally, he’s the quintessential good guy who’s so mad for Shelby that he’d do anything.) Also, OMG that ~little~ connection to her Must Be Mine YA novel, IYKYK.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: October 18, 2022

A Very Merry Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams

The next Bromance Book Club book is finally here, and it’s Colton’s story and a holiday romantic comedy, like, did Lyssa Kay Adams read my diary? This book had such witty and funny banter and starred the same lovable dorks of the Bromance Book Club, IYKYK. (And yes, if you peeped my bookstagram account, this was the book I read pre-Harry Styles concert.)

Here, it’s country superstar Colton Wheeler’s time to step into the spotlight (pun intended) as he falls for notorious holiday Scrooge/grump Gretchen Winthrop, an heiress turned immigration lawyer. Despite a magical night together, one year later Gretchen’s moved on — until her family needs her to get Colton to be their spokesman for the brood’s famed whiskey brand. If she can broker the deal, a seat on their foundation board is all hers. The catch? Colton wants a date (or three) before Christmas before he’ll seriously consider the offer. With the BBC in his corner (all reading a holiday romance, naturally), Colton is determined to prove their one-time spark is still there and burning brighter than ever.

Adams writes with such compelling language that has me *dying* to keep reading. Told in dual perspectives, this has shaped up to be a super-cute holiday rom-com with a grump/sunshine twist. It’s so much fun with so much banter, and I dug it SO FREAKING MUCH. Like, I seriously did not want to stop reading or the book to end.

This book has second-chance, grumpy/sunshine, holiday, famous person and average person tropes, which is everything, so yes please!

Rating: Four Stars

Available: November 1, 2022

Advance reader copies of the books listed were provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Indulge in Self-Care With the LUXSB Perfume Subscription Box

Posted in Beauty Trends, Miranda Tries New Things by

Fall is in the air and so is our collective desire to break out our best cozy sweaters, riding boots, pumpkin spice-flavored anything, and watch the leaves changing on the trees. As we dive deeper into the colder weather season and the enduring pandemic rages on, any forms of self-care are so very welcome to keep us sane during our favorite season.

It was a few weeks ago when I found an email in my inbox about LUXSB, an online perfume subscription service, with its monthly deliveries of more than 600 fragrances, including a few new scents that give me all the fall feels. From that initial message alone, I was instantly intrigued to learn more and test out some beauty goodies for myself. After all, self-care is needed now more than ever and that’s just a fact.

A little background for y’all: LUXSB (Luxury Scent Box) is a women-founded company owned by sisters, which it’s always so so so so amazing to see other women thriving and succeeding on their own as they disrupt the patriarchal nonsense of the world we live in (ugh) to shatter glass ceilings and make their dreams come true. After debuting its first brick-and-mortar shop back in 2010, thanks to COVID and lockdown, the brand pivoted to focus more on home deliveries and online orders. What separates this brand from other competitors is its vast beauty experience and deep knowledge to offer custom fragrance suggestions that are perfect for you and what you are looking for in a fragrance.

Each monthly box, starting at the reasonable price of $15, offers a selection of perfumes, in a luxe perfume case, which includes a personal choice of your favorite designer or scents. LUXSB partners with many iconic brands for niche and exclusive perfumes and once you find your new signature scent from the monthly miniature bottles in your order, you can order larger sizes when you find the scent of your dreams. I was lucky enough to receive a box of several of the brand’s newest fall scents from the company and was excited to try it out for myself!

Testing 1, 2, 3

Upon unboxing my shipment for the first time, I found four handheld, travel-sized perfume samples in total. Each came in a handy, interchangeable travel case in metallic red, teal, purple, and gold colors. What’s great is that as soon as you run out of one vial, you can swap it out with fresh ones super easily, not to mention that it’s the perfect size to carry in your purse or travel luggage. It also comes with a velvet drawstring bag that can hold one container for easy transportation.

In general, it’s super easy to use. All you have to do is twist open the colorful top and the spray top pops up almost like a tube of lipstick. Then, to close and seal you just twist it back up. Super simple to apply your new go-to scent over and over! Now, if you want to check which travel case has which fragrance insider or even to replace empty vials, it can be a little more difficult. But the box’s instruction card reveals that’s, in reality, quite simple. After you’ve twisted the top open, you can pull the black-colored top straight up and out of the case to reveal or replace what’s inside. Then, to put it back in, you just have place it back inside the container and twist to close again. In the end, there’s no need to stress that you can’t get it because it was a fairly simple procedure.

Now, onto the main event: the exclusive Eau de Parfums that were made in France or England and are just delightful for a quick spritz.

Quintessential Fall Scents

Now, my box sample came with four new fall arrivals that are each different but equally perfect for this crisp autumn season, so keep reading for my two cents based solely on my lil’ nose and its power.

Juliette Has a Gun – Lipstick Fever: Right off the bat, this name gave me serious badass slash strong females only vibes, which I’m always here for, every time. With a spritz and a sniff, I can tell it’s a very strong (that’s a hard yes, lol) but light scent. It’s not bad at all, in fact, I quite like it. It seems like a nice, basic perfume for those consumers who typically don’t wear much perfume, but yes, it does smell lovely with a slight floral tone.

It’s definitely a pretty feminine scent, naturally focusing on the historic notes used in lipsticks with aromas of iris, violet absolute, and raspberry, plus woodsy notes to give it refinement.

Shay & Blue Salt Caramel: Now, in the spirit of full disclosure, this was not 100 percent my cup of tea for my nose. It was very spicy and all those caramel smells come out strong here. It definitely could be a unisex scent because it’s less floral and almost cinnamon-y with such a rich caramel smell. It’s not totally my style, I’d much prefer Juliette Has a Gun – Lipstick Fever of the two, but I definitely feel all the fall vibes with this one.

This rich Eau de Parfum brings the flavors of glossy caramel, sea salt, tonka bean, and sandalwood for an indulgent, deeper, and darker scent.

Etat Libre d’Orange – You or Someone Like You: This makes me think of a traditional perfume that you’d smell at a makeup counter and was always envious of your mom for having when you were growing up because this hits all the notes of what you’d think a perfume should be. In terms of scent, this one is quite minty and smells of pine-ish. This light perfume is nice, and I definitely like this one the most for its subtle scent. It gives off winter vibes, thanks to its minty smell, and that’s when I’d want to wear it the most. Like, it’d be perfect for any holiday parties you attend, you know, if Corona doesn’t cancel them all.

This light perfume brings a fresh and crisp aroma to your skin when you spritz this on yourself. Its primary notes include mint, anise, bergamot, and grapefruit, all of which come through tenfold.

Mancera – Jardin Exclusif: This strong scent reminds me of some big-name designer perfume, which isn’t awful and I actually like the aroma. It has a little floral smell to it, and in general, it’s the type of perfume I’d choose to wear to work slash the office and feel like a strong, powerful woman and a total girlboss.

This perfume brings a bewitching citrus scent that’s just delicious and indulgent. The fruit scent contains notes of pear, caramel, lemon, peach, black currant, and green apple. Plus, sprinkling of notes of jasmine, rose, violet, grey amber, sandalwood, and vanilla that complete its lovely package and final smell.

All in all, my order of favorites would likely be Etat Libre d’Orange – You or Someone Like You, Juliette Has a Gun – Lipstick Fever, Mancera – Jardin Exclusif, and Shay & Blue Salt Caramel to round out the quartet. Each scent gives me *all* the fall vibes, and I can’t wait to wear these fragrances all season long while I don my coziest sweaters and drink copious amounts of hot cocoa. That being said, while these are great fall scents, I’m not still totally sure if I found my ideal scent just yet, but I guess there’s always next month to make sure…