ve_xo (2025)

31/12/2024

Happy New Years Eve and New Year 2025! 🥂 it’s a wrap! 📚

This year was full of amazing reads, and I had so much fun diving into new worlds! 📚✨ My reading stats were right where I expected, and I can’t wait to discover even more incredible authors in the new year. 💫

Are you setting a reading goal for next year? If not, what book are you most excited for? Let’s chat about all the bookish adventures ahead! 👀📖

#2025

30/12/2024

♡♡ 2025 plans, goals, wishes?

2025 is a big year for my home:
- Tony and I get married in March
- My daughter turns 21 (omg time flies)
- My mother in law has a big birthday celebration
- We’re spending the holidays with my family
- Pursuing my healthy journey again
- And so much more!

I am so excited for everything which is why I am making a goal to document 2025 as best as I can. 🥰

Do you journal?

#2025

25/12/2024

🎄Merry Christmas! Did you get anything awesome this year?

I got so many amazing presents from friends and family.💖

(The little ornament was courtesy of Christmas Cancellation PR box by .james.author, isn’t it cute!😍)

24/12/2024

🎄Merry Christmas Eve!

What is your favorite Christmas dish?

22/12/2024

🎄do you have any books on your wishlist?

My besties and sent me a Christmas gift, one of the books was My Darling December by Lauren Asher! It’s my current read and I was so excited to see it in the box! (Thank you!🥹💖).

Stay tuned friends, I will be sharing my review on my Goodreads. ☺️

19/12/2024

♡♡ did you read all the books you wanted to read this year? Recommend a fav!

{ collab}

To Be Claimed is an intense, dark paranormal romance that grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go. The opening scene alone sets the tone for a story drenched in suspense, mystery, and an irresistible heat. The cloaked figures, their dominance, and the ominous ritual of “the offering” create an atmosphere that’s both thrilling and chilling.

The author’s prose captures the tension and allure perfectly. The male lead, with his commanding presence and deep, mesmerizing voice, exudes power and control in a way that leaves you breathless. The chemistry between the protagonists is undeniable, with their dynamic pulsating with a mix of danger and desire.

While the high heat will satisfy fans of steamy romances, the suspense adds another layer, making this more than just a story about passion. It’s a thrilling ride where you’re never quite sure what will happen next.

That said, some scenes might push boundaries for readers unused to darker themes. A little more backstory for the characters would’ve deepened the emotional connection, but the tension and intrigue more than make up for it.

Huge thanks to Ingram Books for sending me a copy. All opinions are my own.

$♡♡ Your favorite holiday snack fills in the blank! “A Symphony of ___________.”{ author collab & } I just dove into A S...$

17/12/2024

♡♡ Your favorite holiday snack fills in the blank!

“A Symphony of ___________.”

{ author collab & }

I just dove into A Symphony of Starlight by ! Perfect for lovers of Firefly and Crescent City, in a world where the elite enhance their talents with cyborg modifications, Gemma is hiding in an off-grid city full of danger. This sci-fi/fantasy adventure is available now on Kindle Unlimited, and I can’t wait to share my thoughts. Keep an eye out—my full review will be up on Goodreads soon! 🌟 🎶✨

🎄What to expect from A SYMPHONY OF STARLIGHT:

* Star-crossed lovers
* Found family
* Slow-burn romance
* Forbidden magic
* Reluctant hero
* High-stakes survival
*
Synopsis:

In a world where the talents of the wealthy are enhanced with cyborg modifications, Gemma is a musical prodigy on the run from the family that rules the planet. She’s hiding in an off-grid city of gangs, traffickers, and outcasts, working the electronic rave scene and supplementing her income with small-time hit jobs.
But when her boss is murdered and her pursuers close in, Gemma takes a risky bounty that lands her stranded on a poisonous planet with a cocky hitman, a mysterious space captain, and a misfit crew, racing to fix a broken ship while keeping her identity hidden.
And when Gemma discovers that both captain and hitman are hiding deadly secrets of their own, the struggle to survive becomes a dangerous game of who to trust with her life.

♥︎♥︎ Dec 17

16/12/2024

♡♡ share a fav book with one of your fav tropes!

{ collab}

📖✨ Today I’m sharing WOULD YOU RATHER by Stephanie Alves. Loved it! Would you rather fake date someone who drives you crazy or lose your dream job? This book was everything I love in a rom-com and more! From the very first page, Madeline and Lucas pulled me into their whirlwind of banter, tension, and undeniable chemistry.
Madeline’s perfectly planned life takes a chaotic turn when she’s thrust into the spotlight with Lucas Silva, a smoldering model with a heart of gold hidden beneath his maddening arrogance. Watching these two navigate their fake dating arrangement was a rollercoaster of emotions—laugh-out-loud moments, heartwarming scenes, and so much swoon.
The dynamic between Madeline and Lucas felt so real. Lucas’ devotion to his family was touching, and Madeline’s ambition and vulnerability made her a character I rooted for. The rules they set—no kissing, no falling in love—added just the right amount of tension as both struggled to keep their hearts in check. Spoiler alert: they failed beautifully.
This story is packed with charm, wit, and the kind of romance that leaves you smiling long after the last page. If you love fake dating, slow-burn romance, and characters who grow together, this book is a must-read. I didn’t want it to end! Absolutely recommend.

Huge thanks to Ingram Books for sending me a copy. All opinions are my own.

15/12/2024

🎄 what was the last bookmail you received?

Huge thanks to for sending me these adorable . I remember reading these when I was a little girl, I absolutely loved them! 🥰

These are so great for gifting this season. I’m so excited to add them to my collection. 🎄

10/12/2024

🎄 what’s your comfort read, food, or movie?

I love tog, holiday movies, Sixteen candles, Princess Bride, ice cream… these are some of mine. 💖

$♡♡ Your favorite Holiday snack/food fills in the blank: “Academy of ___________.”{ author collab: @ & } Hi friends! I re...$

06/12/2024

♡♡ Your favorite Holiday snack/food fills in the blank:

“Academy of ___________.”

{ author collab: @ & }

Hi friends! I recently started ACADEMY OF VILLAINS by Ever King. This is a dark fantasy romance perfect for lovers of Throne of Glass and Greek Mythology. I’m enjoying this story! It’s got all the details I love in fantasy books, an assassin ready to fight for a world that is slowly losing magic.

🎄What to expect from ACADEMY OF VILLAINS:

* enemies to lovers
* Morally grey
* Inspired by Greek Mythology (Nyx & Erebus)
* Assassin FMC
* Cursed Prince

ACADEMY OF VILLAINS is available now!

Synopsis:

In a kingdom where magic is slowly disappearing, an evil king expands his territory to gain more power, destroying towns and villages along the way. He collects the orphaned children with no magic and trains them as assassins in his army to be used as weapons against his enemies. Meanwhile, those who possess magic are sent to a ruthless academy to train as mages, ruling with cruelty under the evil king’s expanding reign.
Kiara, once an assassin for the king, infiltrates the magic academy to slay the prince and end the royal bloodline. But within the academy’s walls, she discovers a startling truth—she has magic.
The Cursed Prince will tempt her.
Secret societies will hunt her.
And the mysterious headmaster hides sinister truths of his own.
As students begin to vanish and Heartstrings are forged, Kiara’s quest for vengeance turns into a battle for survival—and a choice between love and destiny as she finds herself torn between killing the prince or saving the world with him.

♥︎♥︎ Dec 6

05/12/2024

♡♡ have you started Holiday shopping? Who is the hardest person to shop for in your family?

{ author collab: & }

Hi friends! Today I’m sharing my next read THE WALL FLOWER by JL Beck. I’m obsessed with the beautiful discreet cover. This is perfect for lovers of dark romance, the first book in the Oakmount Elite Series. I can’t wait to share my thoughts!

🎄What to expect from THE WALL FLOWER:

* Athlete and book lover
* Enemies to lovers
* Bully romance
* College setting

THE WALL FLOWER is available now!

Synopsis:

She needs me, because she needs money.
I don’t need her. Just her complete submission…
Maybell Jacobs is the Wallflower, quiet, shy, socially awkward and hell-bent on hiding even from herself, that is until a chance encounter takes place between us. Instantly she hates me and for good reason. I’m a walking-red-flag. Filthy rich jock, short tempered, and violent. I can have anyone and anything I want.. except her.  Little does she know her disgust, anger, and hate for me fuels my obsession to own her, completely in every single way.
Maybell resists, predictably... but her fight only makes her more desirable and I have plans that will lead her right into my lap and never want to leave.
When she joins the sinful tradition put on by the elite of the town, the Hunt, I’m shocked. The pretty little thing has no idea how much danger she’s in if she decides to become my prey.  Sweet, innocent, and fragile like a flower. I’ll have to be careful or risk breaking her.
Because I’m the ultimate predator and when I play there are no rules.
I don’t chase. I capture.
And I like to own my bait.

♥︎♥︎ Dec 5

02/12/2024

♡♡ what book is on your wishlist?

Huge thanks to .bloom for sending me these titles! I’m so excited for them 😍 do you see any that you’re looking forward to reading?

30/11/2024

♡♡ what are you reading this weekend? 🥰

{ collab}

📖✨ Review: A Love Letter to Whiskey by Kandi Steiner

I enjoyed this one! If you’re a fan of angsty, character-driven romances that explore love in all its flawed beauty, this special edition is a must-read. This is a story that will break your heart before piecing it back together.

Kandi Steiner delivers an emotional rollercoaster with a story that blurs the line between love and obsession. Jamie and B’s connection is magnetic, their journey spanning over a decade of heartbreak, missed opportunities, and searing passion. This isn’t your traditional romance; it’s raw and messy, exploring themes of timing, self-discovery, and the complexity of human relationships.

This special edition enhances the original story with Jamie’s perspective in Love, Whiskey, offering insight into his inner turmoil and the choices that drove their relationship’s ups and downs. The extended epilogue was a satisfying addition, giving readers a glimpse into the possibility of closure after years of unresolved tension. Steiner’s prose is poetic and evocative, immersing readers in the highs and lows of a connection that defies easy categorization.

Huge thanks to Ingram Books for sending me a copy! 🥰 All opinions are my own.

28/11/2024

🦃 HAPPY THANKSGIVING! 🍽

☕️ what fills your cup with joy? Tell me what you’re grateful for.

There are so many things I’m grateful for, starting with my loved ones, my will to get up in the morning, and life experiences that have brought me to where I am today. 💖

Today we’re headed to Tony’s parents as the peanut gang. We got matching sweaters for us! 🏠
🎀 also, how cute is this bow mug! I found it only at . It’s perfect. 🥹

27/11/2024

🎄 do you have pets? Tell me about them!

This is my cat Luna, Lunlun or Nani as we nicknamed her. She likes back rubs, snacks, scratching the carpet on the stairs, and Tony’s throw blanket (which they’re always fighting about). She’s been with us since 2016 when my daughter Ash asked for a pet. We went in for a dog but here we are almost 10yrs later. Here she is lounging by the tree 😆💖🥰

26/11/2024

♡♡ what sequel are you excited for? (Book or Movie)

{ author collab: & }

Hi friends! Today I’m sharing my next read THE SIREN’S STORM by Alexandra Burnett. This is a mystery thriller, sequel to The Harvester in The Burkes Series. I read the first book a few weeks ago and I enjoyed it. I can’t wait to see what book 2 brings. If you’re intrigued, my review is up for book 1 on my Goodreads. In the meantime check out what The Burkes Series is about below:

🎄What to expect from THE SIREN’S STORM:

* Murder Mystery
* Crime thriller
* One bed
* Forced proximity
* Opposites attract

THE BURKES SERIES is available now!

Synopsis:

She’s a siren, calling me to my ruin. And I just can’t resist her song.

After three tours with the Marines, all I want is to settle into my new, quiet life.

Then, my brother calls to ask a favor—a favor that will change everything.

Carrie Marossi is the opposite of quiet. Not only is she bubbly and outspoken with a larger than life personality, she’s gorgeous—absolutely stunning—with a quick wit to rival anyone who dares to challenge her.

She’s the kind of woman a man would risk everything for. The kind of woman I had risked everything for.

I told myself never again, but the more time I’m forced to spend by Carrie’s side, the harder it is to resist her charm and allure—to resist the passion burning between us... to resist falling under her spell.

And what shakes me to my very core is the realization that saving her life... might just cost me my heart.

♥︎♥︎ Nov 26

25/11/2024

☕️I found a new mug, how cute is he? 🥹😍

🎤 Open Mic Post: Tell me something about yourself, something random, or ask me a question.

ve_xo