Author: Sanna

Book Series Review: Sparrow Falls By Catherine Cowles

Book Series Review: Sparrow Falls By Catherine Cowles

FIVE Books, One Small-Town Obsession: My Sparrow Falls Series Binge, written by amazing Catherine Cowles There’s something magical about small-town romance when it’s laced with suspense, danger, and characters who feel like friends you’ve known for years. Sparrow Falls, Catherine Cowles’ romantic suspense series, is…

Glow Vegetable Ribbon Salad

Glow Vegetable Ribbon Salad

As we navigate our 40s and beyond, the way we nourish our bodies starts to matter even more, especially when it comes to supporting our hormones, energy, and digestion. This Glow Vegetable Ribbon Salad is one of those recipes that feels as good as it looks.…

BOOK REVIEW: Dreamland Billionaires Series by Lauren Asher

BOOK REVIEW: Dreamland Billionaires Series by Lauren Asher

Review of Dreamland Billionaires Series by Lauren Asher

If grumpy billionaires, fake marriages, and emotionally wrecked reformed bad boys are your jam, welcome to Dreamland- Dreamland Billionaires Series by Lauren Asher.

This series gave me romance, drama, vulnerability, and just the right amount of spice. Each book can be read as a standalone, but reading in order hits differently because the emotional payoff builds.

I flew through all three, but Final Offer? That book owns my heart. It left me sobbing, swooning, and hugging my Kindle like a deranged woman at 1:30 a.m.

So here we go—3 brothers. 3 rules. 3 chances to inherit a legacy.
And yes, they all fall HARD. Let’s break it down:

Review of Dreamland Billionaires Series by Lauren Asher

📘 Book 1: The Fine Print 

Rating: ★★★★ (3.75 stars, I rounded up to 4)

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 448 pages

Release Date: July 4, 2021

Trope-

💼✨ Grumpy x Sunshine

🎢👩‍💼 Workplace romance

💸❤️ Billionaire romance

🏰🚪 Forced proximity

👨‍👦‍👦📜 Family legacy pressure

Content Warnings: Loss of a loved one, emotionally distant family, toxic work culture, open door book, so there are explicit scenes.

Review of Dreamland Billionaires Series by Lauren Asher

Quick Recap:
Rowan Kane is a grumpy billionaire in charge of revamping Dreamland—a magical theme park empire. Zahra gets hired to help reimagine the park after writing a spicy critique, and suddenly she’s working under the emotionally constipated boss himself. It’s witty, warm, and full of electric tension.

My Thoughts:
The Fine Print was a vibe. Zahra had such a fun, fiery energy that cracked Rowan’s icy exterior wide open. The workplace banter? Gold. Dreamland itself felt like a character, and honestly, I could’ve read an entire book just set inside the park. A solid opener that gave me butterflies and some surprisingly emotional beats. Rowan needed therapy. Zahra gave him love. We love to see it.

Favorite Quotes:

  • “To the girls who dream of meeting a prince
    but end up falling for the misunderstood villain.”
  • “Life’s too short to hide who you are because you’re afraid of getting hurt.”

🎢🎵The Fine Print – Rowan & Zahra

Theme: Grumpy x Sunshine, forced proximity, creative chaos meets control

  • “Animal” – Neon Trees
  • “Sweet Sacrifice” – Evanescence
  • “Somebody Told Me” – The K!llers

Review of Dreamland Billionaires Series by Lauren Asher

📙 Book 2: Terms and Conditions

Rating: ★★★★

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 492 pages

Release Date: Feb 21, 2022

Trope-

💍🖊️ Fake marriage

🧊💼 Boss x Assistant

🔥⏳ Slow burn with tension

🧊❤️ Grump falls first

🧠💔 Hidden feelings / emotional repression

Content Warnings: Infertility, family pressure, grief, emotional neglect, open door book, so there are explicit scenes

book review

Quick Recap:
Declan Kane must get married to fulfill his inheritance clause, and guess who ends up with the ring? His assistant Iris, who’s been managing his calendar and his moods for years. But a contract marriage doesn’t stay fake for long, especially when there’s real longing simmering beneath the surface.

My Thoughts:
Terms and Conditions was steamy, intense, and had the kind of slow-burn that hurts. Declan might be the most buttoned-up brother, but underneath that control is a man falling apart for Iris. Iris was incredible—strong, capable, and quietly powerful. This book had its tender moments, but also made me want to scream, just kiss already, multiple times. And that epilogue? Gutted me in the best way.

Favorite Quotes:

  • “Some people need a hundred words to express a single thought, while some people only need one word to share a hundred thoughts.”
  • “Marriage is like going on a road trip with the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, except you have no map or fancy GPS system to help you out. You might not always agree on what music to play or which direction you should go. I can guarantee there will be moments you want to rip your hair out—or each other’s. Just like there will be times that test you, where you think that maybe things would be easier if you hitch a ride with someone else. The point is, life is going to throw a lot of things at you. Stuff like flat tires, dead ends, and mechanical issues. But you can either make the most of the journey with one another or cry about never getting to your destination. No one can make the right decision but you.”

💼🎵 Terms and Conditions – Declan & Iris

Theme: Fake marriage, repressed longing, emotional walls breaking down

  • “The Pretender” – Foo Fighters
  • “Love Me Like You Do” (Rock Cover) – Fame on Fire
  • “Control” – Halsey

Review of Dreamland Billionaires Series by Lauren Asher

📕 Book 3: Final Offer

Rating: ★★★★★

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 592 pages

Release Date: January 31, 2023

Trope-

💔⏳ Second chance romance

🚪🏠 Forced proximity

👶🍼 Secret child / single mom

🍷🩹 Addiction + redemption arc

🧠🔥 Emotional healing + raw vulnerability

📝🎯 Messy, real, and unforgettable

Content Warnings: Alcoholism, addiction recovery, childhood trauma, emotional abuse, mental health, co-parenting conflict, open door book, so there are explicit scenes

aesthetic of a book

Quick Recap:
Cal Kane is the charming youngest brother—and the most broken. To claim his inheritance, he must return to the lake house he once shared with his first (and only) love, Alana. She’s not just an ex. She’s the mother of the daughter he never got to know. What follows is a devastating, redemptive journey back to love, trust, and self-worth.

My Thoughts:
Final Offer ruined me. In the best way. Cal’s vulnerability was breathtaking.  Very well portrayed! His struggle with addiction and self-worth felt honest, raw, and painfully real. Alana was the perfect match—strong, protective, and so full of love. Watching them find their way back to each other, not just romantically but as parents and partners, felt like healing in book form. My heart is still sore from this one. It’s not just a romance—it’s a reckoning. Easily my favorite of the three.

Favorite Quotes:

  • “Sometimes it is those with the loudest voices who struggle the hardest.”
  • “Falling in love with yourself is ten times harder than falling in love with someone else.”

🥃🎵 Final Offer – Cal & Alana

Theme: Second chances, addiction, emotional wreckage, and healing

  • “Broken” – Seether ft. Amy Lee
  • “Fix You” – Coldplay (Cover by The Plot in You or other rock covers)
  • “Crawling” – Linkin Park (Acoustic or slowed down)

💬 The Dreamland Billionaires series gave me spice, swoon, sibling chaos, and some heavy emotional gut punches—especially in Final Offer. Each brother had a different journey, but all three had to face themselves before they could earn their HEA. And I love that kind of character growth.

If you’re in the mood for rich men being emotionally clueless until love knocks them out, this series delivers.

➡️ My rankings:
🥇 Final Offer (Cal forever)
🥈 Terms and Conditions
🥉 The Fine Print

Now, excuse me while I go re-read my favorite scenes and pretend I live in a lake house as a billionaire.

✍️ About the Author: Lauren Asher

Lauren Asher is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author known for writing emotionally rich, character-driven contemporary romance. She’s especially loved for her swoony billionaire heroes, sassy heroines, and slow-burn romances that tackle real-life struggles with heart and heat.

Her books often blend emotional growth, steamy tension, and relatable vulnerability—and Dreamland Billionaires is no exception. Lauren creates characters that feel messy and human, which is exactly why we root for them so hard.

She lives in the U.S. and, in her own words, writes books “for daydreamers.” 

📲 Connect with Lauren Asher

My Latest Romance Book Reviews:

You can follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook

Happy Reading!

S A N N A

P.S.

I’ve taken individual images from Pinterest that were used to create a “poster” image in this post. If you’re the owner of any of the individual pics on the poster, please let me know so I can credit you. These were used solely for creative purposes and entertainment.

 

 

No Bake Energy Bites

No Bake Energy Bites

These No Bake Energy Bites are loaded with nutrients and made from real, whole foods that support energy, hormone balance, and overall wellness, especially for women over 40. They’re gluten-free, easy to digest, and naturally sweetened with a touch of honey. Perfect for an afternoon slump,…

A Kind-Hearted June

A Kind-Hearted June

June always arrives with so much pressure to feel happy.Like the sunshine alone should flip a switch and make everything lighter.But the truth is—I’ve never really been a summer girl. Give me shade, a cool breeze, snow, or fallen leaves over heat and humidity any…

Lunch Box Series: Lamb with Egg Fried Rice & Spinach

Lunch Box Series: Lamb with Egg Fried Rice & Spinach

Let’s make Ginger Soy Lamb with Egg Fried Rice & Spinach is a flavorful, high-protein meal prep idea perfect for quick, balanced lunches.

Some lunches just hit different—especially when they’re loaded with flavor, a little bit of heat, and come together without too much fuss. This one is kind of my take on an Asian-inspired comfort bowl: warm, savory, and packed with nutrients to get you through a busy day.

This lunch is perfect when you’re craving something hearty but still want to keep things balanced. And yes, it smells amazing when you heat it up—sorry not sorry to everyone else in the break room. 😅

But you might say, what break room lady, you work from home? 🙂

Let’s be real—working from home can blur the lines between meals, breaks, and the endless to-do list. That’s exactly why I started this Lunch Box Series. I don’t “meal prep” in the traditional sense, but prepping a lunch box each day gives me something I crave: structure, routine, and an actual lunch break.

Packing it into a lunch box—even if I’m just walking from my kitchen to my desk—makes me pause, sit down, and eat like a real person. Plus, it’s great for portion control.

When you’re working from home and snacking is just an arm’s reach away, having a set meal can be such a helpful reset. If you’re like me and sometimes don’t know where to stop (even when you’re full), this is a gentle and satisfying solution.

Lamb with Egg Fried Rice & Spinach Lunch Box Recipe

What’s in Lamb with Egg Fried Rice & Spinach Lunch Box:

🍳 Egg Fried Rice – I used leftover rice, tossed it in the pan with a bit of sesame oil, scrambled eggs right into it, and finished with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Super simple, super satisfying.

🥩 Ground Lamb with Soy, Ginger & Garlic – This is my favorite part. I sautéed ground lamb with minced garlic, grated ginger, a touch of soy sauce, and a little onion. It’s juicy, flavorful, and cooks in less than 10 minutes.

🌱 Sautéed Spinach – Just a quick toss in the pan with a little oil, salt, and garlic. I like mine soft but not mushy. It adds that green goodness and balances out the richness of the lamb.

TIPS:

  • Use day-old rice if you can—makes for a better fried rice texture.
  • You can swap lamb for ground beef, chicken, or turkey if preferred.
  • Don’t skip the sesame seeds. They add a subtle crunch and nutty flavor that ties the whole thing together.
  • I pack this in a glass container so I can microwave it safely (and it just looks pretty, let’s be real).

Lamb with Egg Fried Rice & Spinach Lunch Box Recipe

You are not feeling Lamb with Egg Fried Rice & Spinach?

Let’s Mix It Up:

  • Add a soft-boiled egg or a drizzle of spicy mayo if you want extra richness.
  • Swap spinach for bok choy, kale, or even shredded cabbage.
  • Toss in some chili flakes or sriracha if you love heat like I do.
  • Want it vegetarian? Swap lamb for crumbled tofu and add mushrooms.
  • You don’t have a lamb? No problem! Use ground turkey, beef or chicken instead. It will taste just as good.

 I’d love to know if you try this Ginger Soy Lamb with Egg Fried Rice & Spinach lunch box. It is super easy but packed with flavor.

You can follow me on FaceBook: @MugOfReality Instagram: @mugofreality Pinterest: @MugOfReality 

And tag me if you make any of my recipes, or if you read any books that I recommended. Or if I helped you in anyway get through. I am always here to help!

Lunch Box

LUNCH BOXES YOU MIGHT LIKE:

Lunch Box Series: Marinated Pan Fried Salmon with Rice and Steamed Broccoli

  • There’s something so satisfying about a well-balanced meal that’s easy to prep, packed with flavor, and nutritious.

Lunch Box Series: Southwest Ground Beef and Crispy Potatoes

  • This meal is pure comfort—flavorful, protein-packed, and balanced with just the right amount of carbs

Lunch Box Series: Air-Fried BBQ Chicken, Steamed Broccoli, and Potstickers

  • Let me just say, shortcut meals are my lifesaver. But meal prepping? That’s another story. It’s not that I’m against it, but honestly, prepped meals don’t last long in my house.

Happy cooking!

Sanna

Lunch Box Series: Lamb with Egg Fried Rice & Spinach
Yield: MAKES 2 LUNCH BOXES

Ginger Soy Lamb with Egg Fried Rice & Spinach

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

This easy and flavorful lunch box is inspired by bold Asian flavors and balanced, nourishing ingredients. Featuring fragrant ginger soy ground lamb, fluffy egg-fried rice, and garlicky sautéed spinach, it's a wholesome, high-protein meal perfect for meal prep or a satisfying lunch on the go. Each element cooks quickly, making it ideal for busy weekdays—and yes, it smells amazing when reheated!

Ingredients

🍚 Egg Fried Rice:

  • 1 cup cooked rice (200g), preferably day-old
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 tsp sesame oil (5ml)
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional, for topping)

🥩 Ginger Soy Ground Lamb

  • 400g ground lamb (about 14 oz)
  • 1 tsp neutral oil (e.g., avocado) – 5ml
  • 1/2 small onion, finely chopped (about 50g)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 Tbsp fresh grated ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger) – 7g
  • 1 Tbsp soy sauce (15ml)
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • Optional: 1/2 tsp honey or brown sugar for a hint of sweetness

🌿 Garlicky Sautéed Spinach

  • 100g fresh spinach (about 3.5 oz or 4 loosely packed cups), or use 150g (about 5.3 oz) of frozen spinach.
  • 1 tsp olive or sesame oil (5ml)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: dash of soy sauce or sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

🍚 Egg Fried Rice:

  1. Heat a nonstick skillet or wok over medium heat and add a bit of oil. Sesame oil be ideal, but you can use any on hand.
  2. Fry rice (this rice is already cooked) so we ae just reheating and frying. Transfer on the plate and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet add a drizzle of oil, pour in the beaten eggs in the middle and gently scramble until just set.
  4. Add rice back in the skillet and combine it with eggs. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until well mixed.
  5. Season with salt if needed, and stir to combine. Top with sesame seeds if using.

🥩 Ginger Soy Ground Lamb

  1. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat with a dizzle of oil (about 1 tablespoon)
  2. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent (about 2 minutes). Yes, you can use onion powder, and skip this part.
  3. Stir in garlic and ginger, cook another 30 seconds.
  4. Add ground lamb (ground beef, chicken or turkey could be used instead of lamb) and cook until browned and cooked through.
  5. Add soy sauce and black pepper (plus honey if using), stir well, and cook 1 more minute. Set aside.

🌿 Garlicky Sautéed Spinach

  1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (10–15 seconds).
  3. Add spinach and stir until wilted (about 1–2 minutes).
  4. Season with salt, and soy sauce if desired.
  • For Frozen Spinch Option: 150g equals roughly 3/4 cup per serving once reheated and drained.

Make sure to:

  • Thaw it completely (you can microwave or leave it in the fridge overnight),
    Squeeze out excess water,
    Then sauté it with garlic and oil as in the original recipe.

🥗 Assembly

  1. Divide the egg fried rice into two containers.
  2. Spoon in the ginger soy lamb next to the rice.
  3. Add a serving of sautéed spinach, divide between two boxes.
  4. Garnish with extra sesame seeds or chili flakes if you’d like.
  5. Store in airtight containers. Reheat before serving, and enjoy!

Notes

Using Frozen Spinach:

  • Frozen spinach is super convenient!
  • Just thaw completely and squeeze out as much water as possible using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels—this keeps your lunch box from getting soggy.

Meal Prep Tip:

  • All three components (rice, lamb, spinach) can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
  • Perfect for grab-and-go meals during a busy week.

Reheat:

  • This lunch box reheats well in the microwave. Cover loosely and heat in 30–40 second intervals to keep everything from drying out.

Flavor Boost:

  • Want extra umami? Add a few drops of dark soy sauce or a drizzle of chili oil before serving.
  • A squeeze of lime or rice vinegar also helps brighten the flavors.

Swap It:

  • Feel free to switch lamb for ground turkey, chicken, or beef—or make it vegetarian by using crumbled tofu or plant-based ground.

Rice Tip:

  • Day-old rice works best for frying since it's drier and less sticky.
  • If you're cooking fresh rice, spread it on a tray and cool it in the fridge or freezer for a bit first.

Nutrition Information

Yield

2

Serving Size

1

Amount Per ServingCalories 992Total Fat 64gSaturated Fat 20gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 38gCholesterol 380mgSodium 1148mgCarbohydrates 38gFiber 6gSugar 4gProtein 65g
Soft Goodbye to May

Soft Goodbye to May

“May” didn’t begin how I hoped. Life got messy, emotions ran high, and burnout knocked louder than usual. But somewhere in the chaos, I found a gentle reminder… Sometimes, growth looks like showing up a little late—but still showing up. Okay, I’ll admit it—I blinked,…

Book Review: Lights Out by Navessa Allen

Book Review: Lights Out by Navessa Allen

Book Pub Day:  Feb. 28, 2024 Genres: Dark Romance, Contemporary Romance, Dark Rom-Com *It incorporates elements of mystery, thriller, and romance. Trigger & Content Warnings: Trying not to be on any blocked list, I am writing Theme & Tropes like that. I hope you don’t…

Grilled Naan With Smoked Salmon

Grilled Naan With Smoked Salmon

Grilled Naan with Smoked Salmon

Looking for an easy, elegant idea to celebrate Mother’s Day? This grilled naan with smoked salmon checks all the boxes—effortless, delicious, and full of flavor.

While I’ll never turn down a smoked salmon sandwich, something about serving it on warm, slightly charred naan feels extra special.

It’s a beautiful twist on the classic that takes almost no time but makes a lasting impression. Whether you’re treating your mom, your wife, or yourself, this dish brings together comfort and sophistication in one bite.

Here’s the beauty of it: you don’t need to be a chef to pull this off. Lightly grill your naan (on an indoor grill, griddle, or even stovetop skillet) until it’s soft with a bit of crisp around the edges. Then top it with a schmear of your favorite creamy spread—plain cream cheese, whipped goat cheese, or a herbed dairy-free option.

Grilled Naan with Smoked Salmon

Layer on silky smoked salmon, and if you want to level it up, add sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, pickled onions, capers, fresh dill, or even a soft-boiled or poached egg. A squeeze of lemon and a dash of cracked black pepper or everything bagel seasoning to tie it all together.

Pro tip: Toast the naan ahead of time and keep the toppings prepped so your guests can build their own. It’s a fun and interactive brunch option.

Grilled Naan with Smoked Salmon

This recipe is ideal for a cozy Sunday celebration that doesn’t feel fussy. Thoughtful, flavorful, and satisfying—it’s the kind of dish that says “I love you” without needing a full-blown kitchen production.

🌻Happy Mother’s Day! Whether you’re cooking for someone or enjoying it yourself, this one’s a keeper.

— Sanna 

You can follow me on FaceBook: @MugOfReality Instagram: @mugofreality Pinterest: @MugOfReality 

And tag me if you make any of my recipes, or if you read any books that I recommended. Or if I helped you in anyway get through. I am always here to help!

Amazing recipe for Mother's Day brunch or over holiday season

If you love grilled naan with smoked salmon then you might enjoy these recipe:

Grilled Naan with Smoked Salmon

Grilled Naan with Smoked Salmon Recipe
Yield: Serves 4

Grilled Naan With Smoked Salmon

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

This grilled naan with smoked salmon checks all the boxes—effortless, delicious, and full of flavor.

Ingredients

  • 2 naan (family size, store-bought or homemade)
  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese (or herbed cream cheese), softened
  • 6 oz (170g) smoked salmon
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing naan)

Topping options:

  • Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Everything Bagel Seasoning
  • Capers

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill: Heat your indoor grill, stovetop griddle, or skillet. Brush naan: Lightly brush both sides with olive oil.
  2. Grill naan: Grill 2–3 minutes per side until lightly charred. Spread cream cheese: Remove from heat and generously spread cream cheese on each naan.
  3. Add smoked salmon: Layer smoked salmon slices evenly.
  4. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh dill, cracked pepper, everything bagel seasoning and any other toppings.
  5. Serve: Cut into halves or quarters and enjoy warm.

Notes

Other optional toppings:

  • Pickled red onions
  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Lettuce or arugula
  • Lemon wedges

Morning Glow Juice

Morning Glow Juice

  Morning Glow Juice. One glass. A whole mood shift. Lately, I’ve been craving more than just something to sip in the morning—I’ve been craving a reset. A gentle ritual. A little act of care that helps me feel clear, grounded, and ready before the…