Author: Coco

Bride by Ali Hazelwood (Bride #1)

Coco

A dangerous alliance between a Vampyre bride and an Alpha Werewolf becomes a love deep enough to sink your teeth into in this new paranormal romance from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Love, Theoretically and The Love Hypothesis.

3.5/5 stars – Fun addition to the vampire/werewolf trope, enjoyable read though it loses its way a bit toward the end

——— 📖 ———

The book starts a little slow but I actually loved the pacing, following Misery (terrible name tbh but you get over it) as she explains why she made the decision to marry Lowe. Learning more about her upbringing and the different species in this world was a lot of fun – the book keeps the usual of vampires & werewolves but adjusted enough to make the story slightly unique.

Once the book starts to get spicy, it honestly stays there a little too often though it’s also understandable given that this is a very new experience for both characters/species (and unfortunately a bit cringe). With how much time was spent on that, the big reveal/twist happens way too fast and resolves quickly. I would have enjoyed more time in the world and supporting characters (Ana, Alex, etc.). As a side note, one scene totally had me crying my eyes out!

I do really love ultimately how it ended and I appreciated that this dulogy wasn’t left on some huge cliffhanger. The book gave me just enough to be excited to read the follow-up book but I’m not scrambling to read it immediately. I’m genuinely excited to learn about Serena in the next installment Mate, but I hope we will get more Misery/Lowe tidbits, too!

A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston

Coco

A professor of literature finds herself caught up in a work of fiction…literally, from the New York Times bestselling author of The Seven Year Slip and The Dead Romantics.

3.5/5 stars – a cozy, creative concept with a strong start, but ultimately fell a little flat for me.

——— 📖 ———

I was hooked after reading a few chapters in a preview – very Pleasantville-esque – and I loved the concept of a heartbroken girl winding up in the town of her favorite romance book series. Ashley Poston does a great job creating cozy, magical romance stories without leaning too heavily into the magic itself, similar to The Seven Year Slip. As with that book, the overarching “mystery” here isn’t hard to predict, but the journey and the atmosphere are what make the story engaging.

I also really liked Elsy & Ander’s relationship – they both had smiliar but different experiences and they met at the right time in each other’s lives. Honestly it was only the last 20% of the book where it started to go down hill for me- I appreciate the way the story unfolded and ultimately ended, but it was frustrating at times. Did they really need to say I love You after spending a week together? Come on!

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

Coco

An overworked book publicist with a perfectly planned future hits a snag when she falls in love with her temporary roommate…only to discover he lives seven years in the past, in this witty and wise new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Dead Romantics.

4.5/5 stars – beautifully written story with a unique concept, heartfelt romance, and strong emotional themes.

——— 📖 ———

I’ve had this book on my TBR for almost 2 years. I’d been meaning to read it sooner but kept putting it off for some reason. THAT WAS A MISTAKE. I really appreciate when a book or movie can make me cry & the book did that TWICE pretty early on. Later reading that the author was grieving her grandfather’s passing made total sense – the writing was so passionate.

There weren’t ever any unexpected twists, everything was pretty obvious what was coming next but that didn’t bother me at all – it was clearly more about the journey and I wanted to see how Clementine’s story was going to unfold. The dynamic between the characters in different timeslines was very interesting and could have been explored even more- it was slightly surface level & their romance was a bit superficial imo since it developed quite quickly. That would be my own major critique as the book/story/characters is otherwise spectacular. I loved it.

Immediately shelved A Novel Love Story after reading the preview at the end of my copy, let’s go, Ashley Poston!

Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli (The Crimson Moth #2)

Coco

Enemies-to-lovers doesn’t get more high stakes than a witch and a witch hunter falling in love in bestselling author Kristen Ciccarelli’s latest romantic fantasy.

3/5 stars – I loved Heartless Hunter, but Rebel Witch didn’t quite capture the same magic of the first novel.

——— 📖 ———

I’m still composing my thoughts, but overall the sequel was a bit of a letdown compared to the first book. While I am happy with how it concluded, I didn’t fully enjoy the process – it somehow felt both slow and rushed at the same time.

The first half of the book is heavily focused on Rune and Gideon’s escape together (tbh multiple versions of that same scenario). While there are some genuinely funny and sweet moments, it starts to feel overdone, especially when that takes up roughly 40–60% of the story.

Where I really wished the book had spent more time was toward the end, with the introduction of additional side characters, and how everyone would work together. So much time is devoted to what felt like filler that, by the time the real substance of the story arrives, everything wraps up far too quickly. And yes, even more predictable than the first book.

Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli (The Crimson Moth #1)

Coco

Heartless Hunter is the thrilling start to a romantic fantasy duology where the only thing more treacherous than being a witch is . . . falling in love.

4.5/5 stars – a well-written, fast-paced fantasy with compelling characters and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance.

——— 📖 ———

From the beginning I was hooked on this story – pacing is great and perfect amount of tension between the main characters, Rune and Gideon. The setting and world is fairly simple – think medieval witch-hunt vibes – and the magic is also straighforward: spells are driven by blood & witches are marked on their body when they use their own blood. Rune is a witch hiding her identity from almost everyone, masquerading as a rich debutante by day while secretly rescuing captured witches by night. Gideon is a witch hunter and the brother of Rune’s best friend, Alex. Both Rune’s and Gideon’s backstories are well developed and help you understand their motivations up to this point. The two main side characters, Verity and Alex, are also fairly well developed, and the inclusion of Rune’s Nan throughout the story consistently pulled at my heartstrings. With Alex and Gideon being brothers, theres that trope, as well – which brother will Rune choose?

I don’t really have anything negative to say about the book – it is well written and keeps you invested to the very end. Only a little predictable at times and characters sometimes make maddening choices. I would have loved a bit more focus on Rune’s role as the Crimson Moth, and seeing Rune, Alex, and Verity working together (maybe through a flashback) could have better showcased how competent they are at saving witches. The ending also was somewhat expected but came together in a way that made sense and was satisfying, setting up the sequel nicely. I am immediately starting [book:Rebel Witch|60217777]!

Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore by Emily Krempholtz

Coco

A powerful plant witch and a grumpy alchemist must work together to save their quiet town from a magical plague in this debut cozy fantasy romance about starting over, redemption, and what it really means to be a good person.

2.5/5 stars – cute ideas, a great setting, and fun side characters, but too much angst at times detracted from the overall story.

——— 📖 ———

It started out fairly slow, but I was invested to find out how Violet would start over in a new town while also keeping her identity hidden (I love that trope). The idea of a reformed evil plant witch trying to open a floral shop is fun and I enjoyed learning more about how her powers worked.

The author did a great job with building a cozy setting/town with charming side characters. I especially loved Violet’s “pet” Bartleby – he is hilarious & somewhat reminded me of a more angry Turnip head from Howl’s Moving Castle. I also liked the running joke about good vs. bad “Guy” and everything about the Rock Goblins. Though I would say all of the side characters – especially Nathaniel’s sister, Pru – deserved a bit more ‘screen’ time and I overall would have liked more character development here and less of a focus on Violet/Nathaniel constant “woe is me” vibes.

That said, my only major gripe was that the book has a lot of internal monologues between the two characters which got annoying fast. I also felt that the relationship between Violet and Nathaniel could have had more development before it progressed- some of Nate’s thoughts really gave me the ICK. Around this point I started to lose interest.

Last 20% of the book did get me back into it & the author added some nice twists that truly surprised me. I also liked how the book ended and the epilogue was a nice touch.

OuiPlease Vol. 2.1: La Vie En Rose

Coco

This is my fifth OuiPlease box (I signed up for the yearly subscription) and also, unfortunately, the worst that I have received so far. I am trying to be optimistic about OuiPlease because they really seemed to have turned a corner with the last box, which was pretty great!

I have two issues with Vol 2.1. The first issue is shipping related. Finally they ship the box ON TIME like they promised they would. That in itself is a HUGE step up for them because they started off pretty rocky with shipment delays. I am very impressed with how quick they had Vol. 2.1 out. The issue is that they AGAIN shipped the box to my OLD address. I’ve already contacted them once before because it had not been updated and they claimed it would be fixed but it wasn’t and ended up arriving on the doorstep of my old apartment. Lucky for me, the girl who lives there now returned the box to the office.

My second issue is with the value I have received. This is what I have received in my Vol. 2.1. Box (prices pulled directly from the OuiPlease Magazine):

  • Les Petites … Paris Scarf – $120
  • NUXE Gentle Exfoliating Gel (75ml/2.6oz) – $24
  • Oliv’ Eye and Lips Smoothing Gel (0.5fl.oz) – $50
  • La Fare 1789 Intense Night Cream (30ml/1.0fl.oz) – $25
  • Le Chocolat Des Francais Chocolate Bars (30g ea) – $15 (2 bars)
  • Kusmi Tea The vert a la rose (25g/0.88oz) – about $5 according to kusmitea.com (Not listed in booklet)

And two coupons:

  • 25% off Les Petites … Paris Spring/Summer 2016 Collection (Bloomingdale’s in store only)
  • 20% off NUXE Paris online (www.us.nuxe.com)

This total adds up to just $239 which is $161 under $400 that I was promised when I signed up. I can only hope that this was in error and that I am simply missing item(s). There are numerous different jewelry items listed in the booklet, I was shocked I didn’t receive one of them considering how low my box was. I’ve reached out to OuiPlease to get both issues resolved and I will post an update once I have heard back. Historically they have been pretty quick to send out a replacement item.

Because of this low blow, I have a hard time appreciating the items in this box. I was so excited with the 1.6 box and this one is such a let down.

I do really like the Les Petites scarf, but I am shocked by the $120 price tag. It is very pretty, so I am happy to have it and it is the best item in the box. I also am interested in trying the Chocolate Barss and Kusmi Tea. I have always enjoyed the Parisian food items that they include in the box and I cannot wait to try them both.

This was probably the box that I was most excited to receive because I am a fan of Edith Piaf and loved the movie based on her life, La Vie En Rose. It is unfortunate that this ended up to be my least favorite box from OuiPlease.

 

 

 

Neko Atsume: Kitty Collector Review

Coco

Neko Atsume: Kitty Collector is a mobile phone game developed by Hit-Point and released in late 2014. A co-worker recently introduced me to the game and I have quickly fallen in love with Neko Atsume’s simple charm. While the game has a few other actions, the game’s official description is pretty spot on:

 

Playing Neko Atsume: Kitty Collector is as easy as one, two…and that’s it!
Step 1: Place playthings and snacks in your yard.
Step 2: Wait for cats to visit!

 

neko-atsume-screenshot-1

 

Once toys and food have been laid out for the cats, close the app and wait. Re-open the game in 20 or so minutes and cats will have been attracted to your garden. You then have the option to collect pictures of the cats in your Catbook:

 


neko-atsume-screenshot-2 
 

Once a cat is done playing in your yard, they will leave a thank you gift – usually silver fish but sometimes gold fish (in-game currencies) which can be used to buy upgrades for your garden. I am saving for the Yard Expansion which will double the amount of usable space. There are also many different remodeling options once the yard has been expanded.

 

neko-atsume-yard-expansion

 

Currently there are over 40 different cats to collect and rarer cats require certain combinations of food/toys. Each cat also has one memento to share (“proof that we have become a cat’s friend”). So far it doesn’t seem like you get a reward for taking pictures of the cats, but it is another fun thing to collect.

neko-asume-cat-list

There is a very extensive Neko Atsume Wiki that I recommend checking out if you have any questions about the game and a frequented Neko Atsume community on Reddit if you’re looking to connect with other players.

Available for free download on both iOS or Android devices.

OuiPlease Email Update + Valentine’s Amour Box Coupon

Coco

I am SO excited to post this update from OuiPlease because it definitely seems like a huge turning point for them. Not only are they are acknowledging some of the issues but they are also offering up resolutions. See below:

Bonjour OuiPleasers,
We are excited to announce that the last batch of Vol.1.6 White Winter in the Alps has
shipped and is on its way to your doorstep. We hope that you enjoy every single product in
this parcel.

The shipping of Vol.1.6 marked the end of OuiPlease’s first year and the beginning of our
second year and second volume. From Paris to the French Alps, we’ve explored France
from top to bottom and learned a few things along the way.

We have heard from our customers loud and clear: die shipping schedule needs to be timely
and consistent. We agree, and promise that shipping delays will not happen again.

Mark your calendars, OuiPlease Vol.2.1: La Vie en Rose
will be shipping on March 15th!

The last few months, many of our customers have had their subscriptions automatically
renewed. From now on, annual subscriptions will not be automatically renewed, they will be
renewed by you manually. A week before your annual subscription is up, we will remind you
with an email and you can choose to either renew or opt out.

Note that if you signed up for an annual subscription, you will receive the 6 boxes you paid
for. Any OuiPlease delays will not affect the number of boxes we deliver to you.

With Vol.2.1 we are excited to announce that we will begin shipping with UPS. We invite
you to register for “My Choice” at www.UPS.com to receive immediate alerts anytime a
package is sent to you via UPS. Not only will you know exactly when your OuiPlease parcel
will arrive, but you can even make changes to the delivery through this app.

Bisous bisous,
OuiPlease Team

P.S. We invite you to show yourself a little love for Valentine’s Day! We’re putting together
a pre-curated OuiPlease // a la Carte box filled with all kinds of romantic goodies to make
your Valentine’s day special. Get 20% off on the box using the code OUIVALENTINE.
With a la Carte, remember, the day you order your parcel is the day we ship it!

ouiplease-valentine

 

The Valentine’s Amour Box will include:

  • LEBON toothpaste Cinnamon/Mint – $17
  • PIER AUGE Body Balm Caresse Agrumes with essential oil of Grapefruit $80.00
  • HAREM DES SENS Fabulous silk milk – $30
  • SOTHYS Raspberry & Litchi Oxyvitamin Treatment – $39.00
  • SOTHYS Raspberry & Litchi 2-in-1 Mask Scrub – $31.00
  • HISTOIRES DE PARFUMS Eau de Parfum – $40
  • MIRGIOLE Sorbonne earrings – $60
  • TASSIA CANNELIS bracelet OuiPlease Exclusive – $50.00
  • LA FARE 1789 Lavender Flower Jar $20.00
  • POPUP PARIS Candle – $35.00
  • L’ATTELIER Roasted Almonds $15.00

The box is $150 before coupon and valued at $417 (Colors of accessories and jewelry are subject to change due to inventory. Value and size will remain uncompromised).

What do you think of their response?

OuiPlease Vol. 1.6: White Winter in the Alps

Coco

This is my fourth OuiPlease box and so far the one I have been most pleased with – not to mention the closest OuiPlease has come to matching the original promised $400 value. I did notice that they have since changed the verbiage for the current box:

“OuiPlease Vol. 1.6 White Winter in the Alps is valued at least Twice the Price per parcel.”

Since the month-to-month box costs $150, that would make the new value only $300.

Other than the usual delay, I also had a few issues with shipping (even though I had updated my address on the website in early January). Luckily I was able to re-route the package to the UPS store and OuiPlease updated my address manually for future packages. I definitely recommend emailing OuiPlease directly with any shipping changes.

It’s also important to keep in mind that your annual subscription will be auto-renewed even if you haven’t received all of your boxes. Mine was set to renew this month despite only having received 4 total boxes however cancelling is simple (via the website) and I confirmed with OuiPlease:

“Since you still have boxes remaining your account is not fully cancelled but it is pending cancellation. Once you have received all boxes of your subscription the status of your account will change to complete because your subscription will be complete and you will not be charged again. So to confirm: you will receive all 6 boxes of the subscription.”

Now that my PSA is out of the way, here’s what was in my OuiPlease Vol. 1.6: White Winter in the Alps box (links open up to the brand’s product page):

Total – $377

Pricing wise, I felt they weren’t too far off this time but still are probably closer to the $300 mark.

 

1951 Maison Francaise Leather Clutch Lebon Cinnamon Mint Toothpaste
 

My favorite item is the 1951 Maison Francaise clutch, especially since most subscribers received a card holder instead. I don’t plan on using the bag as a clutch, but rather I will probably use it as a makeup bag. I am most excited to try the Lebon toothpaste because it is (to me) an unexpected item in a subscription box. I was happy to see they included a full-size bottle, as well!

 

L'Attelier Caramelized Walnuts and Les Ladures Histoires de Parfums Tubereuse 1 Eau de Parfum
 

My least favorite item is the L’attelier caramelized walnuts, but that is mainly because they included their roasted almonds in the Vol. 1.5 box already. All L’attelier food items I have received have been delicious, though, so I am happy to see them included regardless. I do feel like they are a little overpriced with how small they are.

On first use, the Histoires de Parfums Tubereuse 1 perfume is not my taste, but my boyfriend liked it and said it smelled like blue koolaid. I haven’t decided if this is a good thing yet. The scent definitely improves after awhile.

 

Mirgiole Sorbonne Earrings Tassia Canellis OuiPlease Exclusive Bracelet
 

I love both of the gold jewelry pieces I received, even though they are not my style, I can definitely appreciate them.

 

oOlution Glow Up
 

I haven’t had a chance to really test out the Harem des Sens or oOlution products, but they smell really good and I can’t wait to play around with them.

Overall, I really like the items they chose this time around and felt there was a good balance of categories. I have two more boxes left before my subscription is fully cancelled, so hopefully OuiPlease will continue improving.

Influenster Jingle VoxBox

Coco

The last time I received an Influenster VoxBox was in March of 2014. Life got busy, and I did not have a lot of time to put into this blog at the time, so my participation waned. I was so happy when I received an email that I had been selected for the Jingle VoxBox. Hopefully this can be the beginning of many more VoxBox reviews this year.

When the Jingle VoxBox arrived, I thought it was sooo tiny! But it has just as many goodies inside as the ones in the past did. Here’s what was included:

 

  • Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream sample (1oz) – $8.99-15.99 full size
  • Biscoff Cookies (3 two packs, 25g per pack) – $2.99 per 250g
  • Ore-Ida Tater Tots product FREE coupon ($4)
  • Hallmark itty bittys (Rapunzel) – start at $6.95
  • NYC City Proof 24HR Waterproof Eyeliner (932 Dark Brown) – $3.99
  • KISS True Volume Lashes “Natural Plump” – $3.99
  • KISS Strip Lash Adhesive (Black) – $3.99
  • Pure Ice Nail Polish (1019 Deja Vu) – $1.97 only at Walmart

 

As always, here are my first impressions of each item :

 

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
I was surprised that the cream is unscented, which is nice because it can be used without distracting from any perfumes (which I wear daily). It feels very moisturizing and should be good for these winter months.		 Biscoff Cookies
I can’t recall if I have ever tried these before, but I am excited to try them! I had them on a plane! I remembered! They’re really good!! I love that they included 3 packs, because it will give me a chance to really try them again.
Ore-Ida Tater Tots Free Coupon
I expected more coupons that I would never use, but this one is awesome because it pays for the entire item! I can’t wait to try these Tater Tots!!		 Hallmark Disney Rapunzel Itty Bittys
ADORABLE! Is there more to say? These are so cute, I am resisting collecting them all!
NYC City Proof 24HR Waterproof Eyeliner (932 Dark Brown)
I’m not a huge eyeliner fan, so I am not sure if this will get much use for me personally. It looks pretty nice and goes on smooth.		 KISS True Volume Lashes “Natural Plump”
I have only worn false eyelashes… once! It was for my cousin’s wedding and they were gorgeous but hurt horribly when it was time for removal. I have never had the pull to wear falsies, but since then I have wanted to re-create the look.
KISS Strip Lash Adhesive with Aloe (Black)
I am so happy that this was included with the eyelashes because otherwise I wouldn’t have known what to do. This tube will last me FOREVER.		 Pure Ice Nail Polish (1019 Deja Vu)
Pretty sparkly blue-purple color, however I am not sure I am their target market – I never shop at Walmart.

 

Full posts to come soon!

Disclaimer: I received these products to test for free through the Influenster VoxBox program.

CocoFeed: Mahogany Verona Dining Set from Cost Plus World Market

Coco

My boyfriend and I decided that our Christmas present to each other would be a dining table set for our new apartment (which we unfortunately moved into the day AFTER CHRISTMAS). We decided we would spend a little time looking into prices and different stores, but we fell in love with this set at Cost Plus World Market on our first day of searching.

This is the Mahogany Verona Dining Set which was on sale when we visited the store. The set came with 4 chairs, a bench, and the expandable table. After coupons, we only spent $802 on the entire set! I picked up the place mats and runner at Home Goods (about $20), the faux Orchid is from Costco ($30), and the chair cushions are $4 each at IKEA (however they are a little small, but will work for now).

Plus World Market offers a rewards program called World Market Explorer where you earn a $10 coupon for every $200 spent. I earned $30 back just on this set (since tax isn’t included in the total) and picked up a bunch of freebies from their market section.

I am so in love with our first dining table and so far the quality is great! It is absolutely gorgeous!

Instagram filter used: Valencia

View in Instagram ⇒