Sugarcoated by Erin Nicholas - Book Review

A NEW SERIES FROM ERIN NICHOLAS!!! It's in caps because I'm shouting with excitement! Highly recommended! 

I guess I forgot to share this on my blog when I first wrote it up (it went on Bookbub, Amazon, Goodreads and all the usual suspects, buttttttttttttt.....) Anyway - no idea how that happened; brain failure as per usual these days I suppose! 😆😂🧠 Since Making Whoopie (Book 3 in the series) releases on Tuesday (aaaaah I can't wait!!!), I thought I'd better get this one shared!

Read on...

Sugarcoated is the first book in the new Hot Cakes series by Erin Nicholas, and she has the BEST recipe for sexy, swoony, sassy small town romance! If you haven’t read Erin Nicholas before, you’re missing out on SO many levels!

The residents of the rural town of Appleby, Iowa have stolen my heart with their hilarious, stubborn, laugh-out-loud personalities. Everyone we've met is so darn LIKABLE, you're just rooting for them right from the start.

So yes...I love LOVED this book - brother's best friend is SUCH a fabulous trope, and we've got a little friends-to-lovers twist here too. There's the perfect balance of slow burn & steam to keep those pages turning. You can't help but love Zoe - she's sweet, loyal and proud. Aiden is returning to his small-town roots with big plans for settling down, protecting the town's economy, and winning Zoe's heart.

I had lots of giggles with the baking terms tossed around in the dialogue and definitely enjoyed not only the steamy fun but the serious ’m thrilled beyond words that we have more sticky sweet Hot Cakes goodness coming our way, and I can’t wait to see the remaining bachelors meet their matches!

My general rating rationale:

3 – Perfectly fine story, perhaps some minor editorial errors. Entertaining. Typically with this rating I feel like there could have been MORE – be it believably/relatability, character development, internal dialogue, explanations or depth, richness to the overall storyline, etc. May lose a bit of engagement here and there but always finish reading.
4 – A very good book. Engaging, with well-developed characters, a great plot, relatable scenarios; keeps you invested to the last page. Would recommend to reader friends.
5 – Can’t say enough amazing things, loved the characters, fabulously detailed plot, a quick hook, intense investment in both story and characters (including supporting characters) throughout the book. Will tell anyone who will listen that they should read it (if they won’t listen, I’ll be louder).

Experimental Marine Biology by Susannah Nix REVIEW

A VERY ENTHUSIASTIC FIVE STARS 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best Friends to HEA…

...with a side of SCIENCE! The latest release from Susannah Nix is yet another romantic HIT! I’ve read everything she’s written, and have never been disappointed. She brings voice to the quirky, nerdy heroines and lets them stand on their own two feet and demand their spotlight. Experimental Marine Biology is the fifth book in her “Chemistry Lessons” series, but it is absolutely able to be read as a stand-alone.

Susannah’s books are always quirky, sassy, smart, and downright enjoyable reads. Experimental Marine Biology lived up to my whale-sized expectations (and then some!). I flew through it within one day because I simply couldn’t put it down. While the book is clever and well-paced, funny and sexy, it’s also emotional, genuine and deep. One of my *favorite* things about Susannah’s books is the fact that her characters are smart and complex – but also REAL. They have flaws and baggage just like the rest of us. The struggles (romantic, social, and workplace) are both relatable and funny, which is not that easy to pull off!

Brooke and Dylan were childhood friends...who stayed in touch despite distance and life changes...and finally got it together and fell in love (or...admitted they’d always been in love?). This book is romantic and sweet, geeky and witty, with clever comedy and emotional depth woven throughout. I recommend this book, along with the rest of Susannah’s works.

I voluntarily received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review, but I would have happily bought it as I have others. I’m thrilled beyond words that we have another Chemistry Lessons story to look forward to!

Buy links: 

Amazon
Goodreads
BookBub
Apple Books
Kobo
Barnes & Noble
Google Play

Note on triggers – the story and characters are real – remember I said that? Well they’re flawed, as are we all. Content warning for abortion, cancer, and emotional abuse/neglect from family members.

My general rating rationale:

3 – Perfectly fine story, perhaps some minor editorial errors. Entertaining. Typically with this rating I feel like there could have been MORE – be it believably/relatability, character development, internal dialogue, explanations or depth, richness to the overall storyline, etc. May lose a bit of engagement here and there but always finish reading.

4 – A very good book. Engaging, with well-developed characters, a great plot, relatable scenarios; keeps you invested to the last page. Would recommend to reader friends.

5 – Can’t say enough amazing things, loved the characters, fabulously detailed plot, a quick hook, intense investment in both story and characters (including supporting characters) throughout the book. Will tell anyone who will listen that they should read it (if they won’t listen, I’ll be louder).

Polkadoodles' Sparkle Unicorn - Special Time

Hello lovelies!!! We're continuing the Sparkle Unicorn New Release party train direct from the Polkadoodles shop! 

For my next project, I'm featuring the image "Special Time". I think this image just may be my favorite - but don't tell the others!! ;)

The circle sentiment is from the Helga Hippo collection, the banner sentiment is from the Sparkle collection. My paper is from the Little Monsters. The frame die is from Gina Marie Designs, the stars are Lil Inker, the banner is Elizabeth Craft, and the Clouds are Lawn Fawn Puffy Clouds Border. I added some Distress Oxide Ink with a blender brush, and some Nuvo sparkle spray in silver.

Thanks for stopping by! Don't forget to check out the ENTIRE SPARKLE UNICORN: BELIEVE IN RAINBOWS COLLECTION right here - shop happy!!

Polkadoodles' Digi Choosday - Week 25: Anything Goes!

Good morning everyone! It's Choosday already! That means a new Digi Choosday challenge, and a new DISCOUNT CODE for the Polkadoodles shop! Head over to the blog to grab it before your shopping spree!

Today's challenge is, as always, Anything Goes! For my project this week, I've made a sweet thank you card to share with staff at the local clinic.

Today's card features the gorgeous Serenity Earth Star, from the Serenity Fairy Wishes collection. I printed her onto Neenah Solar White cardstock and colored with Copic Markers - I buy all of mine at Scrapbookpal.com for their low prices and fast shipping. I cut her out with my Scan N Cut since I can't help being completely  addicted to patterned paper and layering #sorrynotsorry.

Her lovely inspirational sentiment comes from the Helga Hippo sentiment bundle, and papers are from Winnie Sunshine Delights, Work and Play 10, and Halloween/Autumn Paper Heaven 2. I've cut the background squares using the Squarey Swirly Hearts die set. Metallic twine from Lawn Fawn, pearl swirl and embossing folder from Darice, action wobble from Art Impressions.

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO CLIP I MADE TO SHOW HER FLITTERING AND FLUTTERING ABOUT: CLICK FOR VIDEO

Don't forget to head over to the blog to grab today's discount code! Then shop your heart out. Choosday is the best day!

I'm entering this into the following challenges - 

Crafty Sentiments - Anything Goes (1/1)
Through the Craft Room Door - AG (1/2)
Crafter's Castle - #29: AG (1/3)
SSS Wednesday: Dies/Punches (2/5)
Crafty Catz #505: AG (2/3)
Colour Crazy #18: AG (2/2)
Creative Fingers - #185: AG (2/3)
QKR Stampede - #397: AG (2/3)
Through the Purple Haze - #167: AG (2/3)
Classic Design Team Challenge - #5/May: AG (unlimited)
A Perfect Time to Craft - #5/May: AG (unlimited)
A Bit More Time To Craft - #115: AG (unlimited)

Be sure to join in to our Anything Goes challenge via the link up at the Digi Choosday blog for your chance to win! 

Thanks for stopping by!

Polkadoodles' Sparkle Unicorn - Selfie

Hello lovelies!!! We're continuing the Sparkle Unicorn New Release party train direct from the Polkadoodles shop! Today is the last day to use the MASSIVE 40% off coupon code: rainbow40.

For my next project, I'm featuring the image "Selfie". Oh, she is so cute! I've used the pre-colored version - an amazing option when you don't have the time or inclination to color, but you still want to get your craft on!

The sentiment is from the Helga Hippo collection, the papers are from Winnie Sunshine Delight and Helga Hippo, and the die I used for the card base and the pierced square are also from PD - it's a set called Squarey Swirly Hearts! This set has become one of my latest go-to dies because it's such a great size & so versatile! Star dies from Paper Smooches and Lil' Inker Designs, circles from Hero Arts - Circle Infinity Dies.

Thanks for stopping by! Don't forget to check out the ENTIRE SPARKLE UNICORN: BELIEVE IN RAINBOWS COLLECTION right here - shop happy!!

Polkadoodles' Gems Challenge - Week 13: Anything Goes!

Good morning everyone. It's Saturday - time for a new Gem of a Challenge from Polkadoodles! You can find our challenge blog here: A Gem of a Challenge. 

Are you ready for the TOO CUTENES this week? Buzz buzz buzz - it's summertime here in the Midwest, and the bees are busy! This sweetie is not exception ;)

I've used Too Cute - Bee Heart Basket to create my card today. I printed this cutie pie onto Neenah Solar White cardstock and colored with Copic Markers - I buy all of mine at Scrapbookpal.com for their low prices and fast shipping. 

I created this multi-stenciled background using Distress Oxide inks and blender brushes over a honeycomb stencil (Time for Tea Designs) and a bubbles background pattern stencil (American Crafts). The flag paper is from the Work & Play 12 collection, and the heart is from the NEW Sparkles Unicorn: Believe in Rainbows collection (it's in the accessories bundle). NOW THROUGH SUNDAY YOU CAN GET 40% OFF THE SPARKLES PRODUCTS USING CODE: rainbow40

Our Gem of a Challenge challenges run for 2 weeks, so you've got lots of time to link up, and they are ALWAYS Anything Goes! Visit the challenge blog HERE. 

I'm entering this into the following challenges - 

SSS Wednesday: Dies/Punches (1/5)
Crafty Catz #505: AG (1/3)
Colour Crazy #18: AG (1/2)
Creative Fingers - #185: AG (1/3)
QKR Stampede - #397: AG (1/3)
Through the Purple Haze - #167: AG (1/3)
Classic Design Team Challenge - #5/May: AG (unlimited)
A Perfect Time to Craft - #5/May: AG (unlimited)
A Bit More Time To Craft - #115: AG (unlimited)

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Polkadoodles' Digi Choosday: Week 23: Anything Goes!

Good morning everyone! It's Choosday already! That means a new Digi Choosday challenge, and a new DISCOUNT CODE for the Polkadoodles shop! Head over to the blog to grab it before your shopping spree!

Today's challenge is, as always, Anything Goes! For my project this week, I've made a sweet thank you card to share with staff at the local clinic.

Today's card features the adorable Fuzzypuff kitty, Jasper, in Jasper Balloon. What a cutie pie! I printed his cuteness onto Neenah Solar White cardstock and colored with Copic Markers - I buy all of mine at Scrapbookpal.com for their low prices and fast shipping. I cut him out with my Scan N Cut since I am addicted to patterned paper layering. 

His delicious birthday greeting comes from the Helga Hippo sentiment bundle, and papers are from Little Monsters, Winnie Winterland, Little Dudes Dragon Onesie, and Work and Play 12. Dies from Gina Marie Designs (flag), Paper Smooches (balloons and star), and Time for Tea Designs (hexagon). Embossing folder from Darice.

Don't forget to head over to the blog to grab today's discount code! Then shop your heart out. Choosday is the best day!

I'm entering this into the following challenges - 

Crafty Sentiments - Anything Goes (1/1)
Through the Craft Room Door - AG (1/2)
Crafter's Castle - #29: AG (1/3)
SSS Wednesday: Dies/Punches (2/5)
Crafty Catz #505: AG (2/3)
Colour Crazy #18: AG (2/2)
Creative Fingers - #185: AG (2/3)
QKR Stampede - #397: AG (2/3)
Through the Purple Haze - #167: AG (2/3)
Classic Design Team Challenge - #5/May: AG (unlimited)
A Perfect Time to Craft - #5/May: AG (unlimited)
A Bit More Time To Craft - #115: AG (unlimited)

Be sure to join in to our Anything Goes challenge via the link up at the Digi Choosday blog for your chance to win! 

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamper's Delights - June Anime Release Day!

Hello lovely crafters! How's your weekend? We're doing well here, and from a crafty standpoint, I'm excited to bring you some inspiration from Stamper's Delights! It's new release day for Anime, and continuing the Adventure theme, we've got this lovely Anime set called "Adventure".

I printed this beauty onto Neenah Solar White cardstock and colored with Copic Markers - I buy all of mine at Scrapbookpal.com for their low prices and fast shipping. I cut her with my Scan N Cut. I created the background using Distress Oxide Inks with Blender Brushes from Time for Tea Designs. The large oval masking stencil is also from Time for Tea Designs. The background stencil is Water Ripple from Gina Marie Designs. Sequins from Doodlebug Design, sentiment from Stamping Bella.

Visit the us on the Stamper's Delights Inspiration Blog to see all of the DT's amazing creations! I hope you enjoyed my project today. Don't forget to play along with our monthly challenge over on the blog too, for your chance to win. Thanks for stopping by!

Polkadoodles' Gems Challenge - Week 12: Anything Goes!

Good morning everyone. It's Saturday - time for a new Gem of a Challenge from Polkadoodles! You can find our challenge blog here: A Gem of a Challenge. 

Are you ready for the TOO CUTENES this week? Cats are my go-to for inspiration using animal cards because they're my favorite. Crazy cat lady, right here!

I've used Too Cute - Kitty Love to create my card today. I printed this cutie pie onto Neenah Solar White cardstock and colored with Copic Markers - I buy all of mine at Scrapbookpal.com for their low prices and fast shipping. 

I built my color palette around this gorgeous background paper from Winnie Celebrations 3. I've added in some complimentary colors and patterns but I stuck with the purple and green combo. So fresh and fun! Sentiment is from Winnie Celebrations 1.

Our Gem of a Challenge challenges run for 2 weeks, so you've got lots of time to link up, and they are ALWAYS Anything Goes! Visit the challenge blog HERE. 

I'm entering this into the following challenges - 

SSS Wednesday: Dies/Punches (1/5)
Crafty Catz #505: AG (1/3)
Colour Crazy #18: AG (1/2)
Creative Fingers - #185: AG (1/3)
QKR Stampede - #397: AG (1/3)
Through the Purple Haze - #167: AG (1/3)
Classic Design Team Challenge - #5/May: AG (unlimited)
A Perfect Time to Craft - #5/May: AG (unlimited)
A Bit More Time To Craft - #115: AG (unlimited)

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Stamper's Delights - June Chibi Release

Hello lovely crafters! TGIF! We're doing well here, and from a crafty standpoint, I'm excited to bring you some inspiration from Stamper's Delights! It's new release day for Chibi, and this month we have some extra images to celebrate summer adventures!

I printed this cutie onto Neenah Solar White cardstock and colored with Copic Markers - I buy all of mine at Scrapbookpal.com for their low prices and fast shipping. I cut him out with my Scan N Cut. I used this gorgeous Swirly Square Die to cut the base of the card. I love this edge! I've used Candied Apple Distress Oxide Ink and this Landscape Clouds stencil from Polkadoodles to create this circle background. 

Here's a look at all of our new release images for this month - so gorgeous!

Check out all the DT project inspiration on the blog! I hope you enjoyed my project today. Don't forget to play along with our monthly challenge over on the blog too, for your chance to win. Thanks for stopping by!