A Fresh Brew of Ideas for Real Living
What is January Reset? January is a time to breathe deeply, reset your focus, and set the tone for the year ahead. It’s not about massive overhauls, but about making small, intentional changes that add up to a big difference over time. This month, I’ve…
Let’s talk about Kindle dressing. Yep, you heard that right—dressing up your Kindle. It might sound a little extra, but trust me, it’s all the rage. I first got hooked when a friend on Instagram started giving her Kindle these adorable seasonal makeovers, and I…
Book Pub Day: May 7, 2024.
Genres: Romance Fantasy, High Fantasy, Fantasy Fiction
Trigger & Content Warnings:
Trying not to be in any blocked list, I am writing TW like that. I hope you don’t have an issue reading it.
With book two finally out, I couldn’t wait to dive in on my Kindle to read it—though my stunning physical copy is arriving next week, and I’m so excited to get my hands on it!
Let’s talk about book one, Five Broken Blades by Mai Corland.
I went in not knowing what to expect—except that there are six POVs—but wow, this book completely blew me away, and this was Corland’s debut novel. And can we just take a moment to look at the aesthetics?
The cover, the jacket, the map, the stenciled/sprayed edges—absolutely STUNNING!
Book two is just the same.
While the twisty, unpredictable plot of Five Broken Blades is a major highlight, the real heart of the story lies in its unforgettable characters.
Mai Corland has crafted six incredibly complex protagonists, each with a tragic backstory that shapes the course of the book.
The story doesn’t just revolve around them—it’s driven by their personal journeys, their motivations, and the tangled relationships they share. Understanding their pasts and choices is crucial to unraveling the many twists this book delivers.
Anyway, each character brought something unique to the table.
Royo— the grumpy but soft-hearted strongman. Royo, the hardened street thug with a deep need for redemption, serves as the emotional core of the story. His tragic past and yearning for atonement make him a character you can’t help but root for.
Sora— a master of poisons, driven by her devotion to her sister. Every action is calculated, and every risk is worth it. She was forced into the role of a poison maiden—a woman whose body is a literal weapon—Sora’s life is one of death, sacrifice, and longing for freedom. Every move she makes is to protect her sister, even if it means risking her own life.
Tiyung—The unassuming count’s son who quietly becomes indispensable as the story unfolds. He is sincere and surprisingly pivotal.
Aeri— The joyful thief with quick fingers and a heart of gold, just trying to earn her father’s approval. I thought her character was great, and probably the one I enjoyed and surprised by the most.
Euyn— the banished prince with a major attitude, managed to grow on me (eventually). The former crown prince of Yusan is a deeply flawed character who’s been shaped by both privilege and tragedy. His years of exile have given him a new perspective, but his ambition to reclaim the throne is as sharp as ever.
Mikail— the cunning royal spymaster and Euyn’s former lover, is the ultimate wild card. He’s manipulative, charming, and endlessly entertaining, constantly keeping everyone—including the prince—on their toes.
— You need to meet these characters!
And that twist at the end? Mai Corland, you got me good—I’m still recovering! 🤯👏
I was counting down the days until Four Ruined Realms was released because I needed to know what would happen next. It looks like it picks up right where book one left off, so I can’t wait to read it. 🙌
What will you find:
✨ Enemies to lovers (with actual sparks flying)
✨ Slow burn (and I mean sloooow)
✨ Forced proximity
✨ LGBTQ rep.
✨ Mystery
✨ Found family vibes
…this Korean-inspired story, as the fantasy world within the book draws heavily from Korean mythology and history NEEDS to be on your TBR!
Just a heads-up, though—there are some intense moments, so make sure to check the trigger warnings.
Here’s a list of different genres that fit the story’s intense and dark themes:
“Control” by Halsey
“Seven Devils” by Florence + The Machine
“Warriors” by Imagine Dragons
“The Devil in I” by Slipknot
“Sweet Sacrifice” by Evanescence
“Paint It Black” by The Rolling Stones or Ciara
“Kill This Love” by BLACKPINK
“Hail to the King” by Avenged Sevenfold
These songs bring a mix of genres to the table, offering dark, emotional, and high-energy vibes that reflect the book’s thrilling and treacherous narrative.Five Broken Blades by Mai Corlandz
The king of Yusan must die.
The five most dangerous liars in the land have been mysteriously summoned to work together for a single objective: to kill the god King Joon.
He has it coming. Under his merciless immortal hand, the nobles flourish, while the poor and innocent are imprisoned, ruined…or sold.
And now each of the five blades will come for him. Each has tasted bitterness—from the hired hitman seeking atonement, a lovely assassin who seeks freedom, or even the prince banished for his cruel crimes. None can resist the sweet, icy lure of vengeance.
They can agree on murder.
They can agree on treachery.
But for these five killers—each versed in deception, lies, and betrayal—it’s not enough to forge an alliance. To survive, they’ll have to find a way to trust each other…but only one can take the crown.
Let the best liar win.
“Loving somebody is needing two hearts to live instead of just one.”
“The second he touches me, a feeling rushes through me. Our hands fit together like a lock and key, but it’s more than that. He feels like home.
About The Author:Sanna
You can follow me on Instagram @mugofreality & Pinterest @MugOfReality
My Latest Book Reviews:
P.S.
I’ve taken individual images from Pinterest and TikTok (@bookishboymomma) that were used to create one poster with characters. For all the others, if you’re the owner of any of them, please let me know so I can credit you. These were used solely for creative purposes. All the other images belong to me!
Growing up, doughnuts were one of my favorite treats. They weren’t an everyday indulgence, but when the weekend rolled around or a chilly day called for a cozy snack, doughnuts were the perfect comfort food. It’s one of those nostalgic childhood memories that hits hard…
I may not be the most crafty person like my husband, but I enjoy crafting with my family. This holiday season, I had the idea to make a DIY Rustic Holiday Wall Hanging Ornament. My daughter and I spent a few enjoyable hours creating these…
Book Pub Day: 1 February 2018
Genres: Sports Romance, Adult contemporary romance
Trigger & Content Warnings:
Anyone with five dogs, a pig, a bunny, and a cinnamon-roll personality is good in my book!
I know From Lukov with Love wasn’t published yesterday, and many readers have already fallen in love with it. But here’s my (mostly spoiler-free) take.
I absolutely adored Jasmine Santos and Ivan Lukov. They’re the quintessential “enemies to lovers” couple: bickering constantly but with a love that runs deep. Their dynamic was everything—funny, heartfelt, and so relatable.
I’ve always loved figure skating but have never dared to step onto the ice (probably because I’d embarrass myself instantly, haha). Joking aside, I appreciated how realistic Mariana Zapata made this story. Figure skating isn’t just glitz and glamour; it’s grueling, requiring endless dedication, hard work, tears, and sacrifice.
Zapata captured that beautifully by portraying Jasmine as both vulnerable and tough—a balance that felt genuine and human.
This book was a solid 4.5 stars for me. Why not 5? Because let’s be honest, I got old waiting for them to finally get together! But that’s just Zapata’s signature style—slow-burn perfection. Aside from that, it’s absolutely 5-star material, which I rounded up on Goodreads.
If you’re expecting a lot of steamy scenes, this isn’t that kind of book. There’s only one explicit scene (toward the end), and the rest is very PG.
That being said, I loved how realistic the character interactions felt. Jasmine’s moments of negative self-talk might bother some readers, but they reflect the pressures of being in a physically demanding sport like figure skating.
Just like models in the fashion industry, skaters face scrutiny about their bodies, which inevitably affects their self-image. It’s not sugarcoated here, but it feels authentic.
As for the family dynamics, I know some have issues with how fat her siblings went on teasing her. Listen, siblings, teasing each other is a reality for many of us, and Jasmine’s relationship with her family added depth to her character. If you have siblings, you’ll definitely relate.
Ivan and Jasmine’s love-hate relationship is the heart of the book. Their banter was a chef’s kiss—it made me laugh out loud at 2 a.m. while the rest of the world and my family slept. Here are a couple of gems:
“Dumbass,” I mouthed before I could stop myself.
“Meatball,” he mouthed back.
And:
“Actually, Satan,”—his nostrils flared, and I didn’t miss that—“all I want is to know if you’re coming to me because no one else wants to deal with you—because that doesn’t make sense, so don’t think I’m stupid and don’t know that—or if there’s some other ulterior motive I’m not getting.”
If you’re looking for a sports romance with a cinnamon-roll hero, witty banter, and a slow-burn love story, this book is for you!
What will you find:
I’m working my way through Mariana Zapata’s backlist, and I can’t wait to dive into Under Locke, Dear Aaron, When Gracie Met the Grump, and Wait for It in 2025. So far, I’ve read The Wall of Winnipeg and Me, Hands Down, Kulti, and All Rhodes Lead Here. I’ve loved them all, but Kulti might just be my favorite.
Jasmine Santos: A 26-year-old figure skater who’s tough, determined, and sarcastic but hides her vulnerability behind a strong exterior. Her journey of self-discovery and perseverance is inspiring and deeply relatable.
Ivan Lukov: A 30-year-old champion skater, Jasmine’s long-time frenemy, and eventual partner. Beneath his cocky exterior lies a loyal, supportive, and kind-hearted hero who’s deeply invested in Jasmine’s success.
If you’ve read this one, let me know your thoughts! If not, what are you waiting for?
For From Lukov with Love, which has a slow-burn, emotional, yet quirky vibe, I’d recommend a mix of classic and modern Rock playlist (with one exception of a pop rock song) that balances upbeat tunes with some softer, more introspective tracks to reflect the book’s theme — Here’s a short playlist I think would fit perfectly:
“Go Your Own Way” – Fleetwood Mac
“Dream On” – Aerosmith
“The Kill (Bury Me)” – Thirty Seconds to Mars
“Sweet Child O’ Mine” – Guns N’ Roses
“Weightless” – All Time Low
“I Hate Everything About You” – Three Days Grace
“Faint” – Linkin Park
“Warrior” – Demi Lovato (though more pop-rock)
From Lukov with Love is told in the sole POV of Jasmine Santos. She is a figure skater and after seventeen years, she’s aware that it is almost time to hang up the skates. Until an offer to be the partner of Ivan Lukov, a fellow skater who she has spent almost as long hating, lands in her lap.
“I wanted you to be my partner for years, dumbass. When Karina had told me you were thinking about switching to pairs, I had thought you would say something to me, even in passing as a joke. I thought you would say you were going to kick my ass, and I had planned on talking to you over it. But you never did. The next thing I knew, you had a partner. Some dipshit that wasn’t half as good as you.”
“I love you so much I spend all day with you, and it still isn’t enough for me,” he kept going. I stopped breathing. “I love you so much, if I can’t skate with you, I don’t want to skate with anyone else.” Holy. Fuck. “I love you so fucking much, Jasmine, that if I broke my ankle during a program, I would get up and finish it for you, to get you what you’ve always wanted.”
About The Author:Mariana Zapata is a bestselling contemporary romance author known for her signature slow-burn love stories. Her books often feature strong, independent heroines, complex relationships, and plenty of witty banter. Zapata’s writing style focuses on character development and emotional connections, making her a favorite among romance readers. She currently lives in Texas with her partner and pets.
Authors Website:
Instagram: @marianazapata
Zapata’s other books:
Under Locke, Dear Aaron, When Gracie Met the Grump, Wait for It, The Wall of Winnipeg and Me, Hands Down, Kulti, All Rhodes Lead Here, etc.
Happy Reading!
Sann
You can follow me on Instagram @mugofreality
Latest Book Review: When We Had Forever by Shaylin Gandhi
P.S.
I’ve taken individual images from Pinterest that were used to create the first “poster” image or featured image in this post. If you’re the owner of any of them, please let me know so I can credit you. These were used solely for creative purposes.
I’ve been meaning to write these journal entries every week, but truthfully, I just couldn’t. The past 30 days have been heavy, and I had to step back and focus on healing—physically, emotionally, and mentally. It started with a mild flu that drained me more…
One-Pan Herb Crusted Roast Chicken and Vegetables, what a meal?! There’s something truly magical about Sunday Supper. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a tradition that brings loved ones together, offering comfort, connection, and a chance to reflect before the week ahead. Whether…
Book Pub Day: December 10, 2024
Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, New Adult Fiction
Trigger Warnings: Grief, death, loss of partner/husband, betrayal, manipulation, deception.
I might be a bit biased because I adore this author, but When We Had Forever was an incredible read from start to finish!
Shaylin Gandhi has a way of weaving stories that are deeply emotional and yet feel entirely relatable. This book is no exception. It masterfully explores the complexities of love, grief, and rediscovery, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
The story kept me hooked with its well-paced twists and turns. The ending, in particular, took me completely by surprise. It was one of those rare moments where the twist was both shocking and perfectly logical once all the pieces fell into place. Gandhi’s ability to blend emotional depth with compelling revelations is a true testament to her storytelling prowess.
What struck me most was how real the characters felt. Grayson’s reflections on grief were raw and poignant, capturing emotions that resonated deeply with me. The line, “Grief. It’s the most challenging emotion in the human experience, isn’t it? The hardest to deal with. You’re not alone in that,” stayed with me long after I finished reading. It encapsulates the book’s profound exploration of loss and the courage it takes to move forward.
This novel is a beautifully written and refreshingly original take on love and loss, yet it carries a sense of familiarity that makes it impossible to put down. If you enjoy books that stir your heart and make you reflect, When We Had Forever should absolutely be your next read.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the author, NetGalley, and the publishing house for granting me the incredible opportunity to read this ARC. It’s truly appreciated!
Here’s some rock-inspired playlist that captures the emotional intensity and themeof the book:
“Everlong (Acoustic)” by Foo Fighters – Captures the longing and deep connection Mina feels as she unravels her emotions.
“November Rain” by Guns N’ Roses – A sweeping epic about love, loss, and healing.
“With or Without You” by U2 – Represents the complicated, push-pull dynamics of Mina’s relationships.
“Broken” by Seether ft. Amy Lee – Reflects the pain of loss and the hope for connection amidst brokenness.
“Bring Me to Life” by Evanescence – Represents Mina’s awakening to new feelings and rediscovering herself.
“Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day – Mirrors Mina’s solitary journey through grief and self-reflection.
“You Found Me” by The Fray – Highlights the serendipity of finding Grayson and the secrets that change everything.
“Shadow of the Day” by Linkin Park – A poignant track for themes of love, loss, and moving forward.
“Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star – A dreamy, emotional song that reflects Mina’s pull toward Grayson.
“Patience” by Guns N’ Roses – A soft rock ballad about taking time to heal and find love again.
“Here Without You” by 3 Doors Down – Represents the lingering connection to Michael and the journey of letting go.
“All Apologies” by Nirvana (Unplugged) – A raw track reflecting forgiveness and the imperfections of love.
An emotionally powerful roller coaster of a novel about losing and finding love, perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover and Lucy Score. Six months after her husband died in a car crash, Mina Drake is still mired in a haze of grief. Reminders of her years with Michael are everywhere, but beneath her heartache lies an even more painful emotion. It’s a guilty suspicion she can hardly admit to anyone, even herself that her marriage was over long before Michael’s accident.
They were good together once, she’s sure of it, sharing a connection so deep that Mina couldn’t understand how it unraveled. That is, until a chance discovery in her husband’s office, and the reappearance of Michael’s estranged brother, Grayson, a notorious bad-boy photographer-awakens her to possible answers. More shocking still is the pull Mina feels to tattooed, scarred Grayson, who’s nothing at all like the man she married.
But as feelings stir to life again, so do secrets, changing everything she thought she knew about her marriage, and about the risks and rewards of loving with no limits.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:SHAYLIN GANDHI is a traveler, scuba diver, and pianist. She lives in Denver, Colorado, with her husband, their identical twin daughters, and two rescue dogs. When not finagling words onto paper, Shaylin can be found hiking, biking, scheming up ways to add another stamp to her passport, or ingesting enough coffee to power a small city. Shaylin once spent forty-six days riding her bicycle from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic.
Authors Website:
Instagram: @AuthorShaylinGandhi
Gandhi’s other books:
Once Charmed, Twice Cursed: A Standalone Fantasy Romance, Song of the Hundred-Year Summer: A Fairytale Romance Novella,
Happy Reading!
Sanna
You can follow me on Instagram @mugofreality
Latest post: Finding Myself
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 them, please let me know so I can credit you. These were used solely for creative purposes.
Caramel Milk, or as we call it in the Balkans, Špinovani Šećer Mleko or Prepečeno Mleko, has been a comforting winter tradition in nearly every Balkan household. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a remedy passed down through generations, lovingly made by mothers and…
