I always had this idea in my head of what a "rainy days" outfit would look like when I shared one here. I definitely had more of an Atlantic Pacific aesthetic in mind, with lots of color and maybe a coordinating boots and jacket set. The reality is though that my life - and wardrobe - don't look like that. So here's what rainy days actually look in my world: light, packable rain jacket in a color that won't show dirt, and water resistant leather boots. And because warm rainy days equals humid, an equally lightweight t-shirt that won't make me hate my life.

Have you ever been lucky enough to attend a panel where the entire room is excited to be there? It's an amazing experience, and combined with one of the most bright and welcoming bookstores I've seen in a while, and you've got an incredible way to spend a Thursday night.

But ok, back to last night. East City Book Shop brought together a fantastic group of authors (all new to me because I'm lame). Mia Sosa and Tracey Livesay are both local to the DC area, and Sally Thorne is traveling the U.S. from her native Australia! Oh, and did I mention that the panel was moderated by Sarah Wendell, of Smart Bitches, Trashy Books fame? BECAUSE IT WAS.

I know I'm biased, but I really do think Romance readers are some of the best people. Every one of us was so excited for the opportunity to listen to some of our favorites talk not only about their books, but about the industry as a whole and their experience navigating it. It's an even rarer opportunity to be able to do that in your own proverbial back yard.

And so I leave you on what was possibly the best moment of the entire night, when Mia Sosa brought down the house after relating an inspiration story that involved her, her husband, and a quaint play on the words "night cap" (I implore you to listen to the podcast, because I could never do it justice).

Connections in Death by J.D. Robb (Futuristic Procedural, Romantic Suspense)
Homicide cop Eve Dallas and her billionaire husband, Roarke, are building a brand-new school and youth shelter. They know that the hard life can lead kids toward dangerous crossroads—and with this new project, they hope to nudge a few more of them onto the right path. For expert help, they hire child psychologist Dr. Rochelle Pickering—whose own brother pulled himself out of a spiral of addiction and crime with Rochelle’s support.

Lyle is living with Rochelle while he gets his life together, and he’s thrilled to hear about his sister’s new job offer. But within hours, triumph is followed by tragedy. Returning from a celebratory dinner with her boyfriend, she finds Lyle dead with a syringe in his lap, and Eve’s investigation confirms that this wasn’t just another OD. After all his work to get clean, Lyle’s been pumped full of poison—and a neighbor with a peephole reports seeing a scruffy, pink-haired girl fleeing the scene.

Now Eve and Roarke must venture into the gang territory where Lyle used to run, and the ugly underground world of tattoo parlors and strip joints where everyone has taken a wrong turn somewhere. They both believe in giving people a second chance. Maybe even a third or fourth. But as far as they’re concerned, whoever gave the order on Lyle Pickering’s murder has run out of chances…

My Thoughts: I think the best thing about this series is that even after a number (don't ask me how many) of books away I could jump back in to Connections in Death and enjoy the hell out of it. I picked this up from the library after hearing so many good things from voices I trusted, and damn were they right. Action, emotion, family - it all takes center stage of this story, and the full cast of characters we've come to love are there to take part in it. The "whodunnit" is not a huge mystery, but the process of how the story evolves from A to B to C is enough to keep you invested - but not if you've never read one of these before. Like, Robb (Nora Roberts) is amazing, but I'm still not going to say Connections is a total stand alone - maybe after 10 or books you can jump around? Read them and come back and tell me.

The Long Way to a Small, Angry, Planet by Becky Chambers (Sci-Fi)
Follow a motley crew on an exciting journey through space—and one adventurous young explorer who discovers the meaning of family in the far reaches of the universe—in this light-hearted debut space opera from a rising sci-fi star.

Rosemary Harper doesn’t expect much when she joins the crew of the aging Wayfarer. While the patched-up ship has seen better days, it offers her a bed, a chance to explore the far-off corners of the galaxy, and most importantly, some distance from her past. An introspective young woman who learned early to keep to herself, she’s never met anyone remotely like the ship’s diverse crew, including Sissix, the exotic reptilian pilot, chatty engineers Kizzy and Jenks who keep the ship running, and Ashby, their noble captain.

Life aboard the Wayfarer is chaotic and crazy—exactly what Rosemary wants. It’s also about to get extremely dangerous when the crew is offered the job of a lifetime. Tunneling wormholes through space to a distant planet is definitely lucrative and will keep them comfortable for years. But risking her life wasn’t part of the plan. In the far reaches of deep space, the tiny Wayfarer crew will confront a host of unexpected mishaps and thrilling adventures that force them to depend on each other. To survive, Rosemary’s got to learn how to rely on this assortment of oddballs—an experience that teaches her about love and trust, and that having a family isn’t necessarily the worst thing in the universe.

My Thoughts: I picked up this up from the library on an author's recommendation, and I'm a little torn on how to write about it. I very rarely read sci-fi unless it's sci-fi romance, and while this was has a found family (another of my favorite tropes) it's a harder one to read. There are happy endings, though no HEA (but a probable HFN) and I feel like while I thought it was objectively good, it wasn't my favorite. Is that damming with faint praise? I do think it raises some great points about individualism, uniqueness, family and relationships and connection but it just didn't catch me the way I thought it would. Due to all that though, I still feel like you should pick it up because it is very pleasantly different from what I usually read. It just perhaps won't be a reread for me.

Cast in Oblivion by Michelle Sagara (Fantasy)
POLITICS ARE HELL

Kaylin wasn’t sent to the West March to start a war. Her mission to bring back nine Barrani might do just that, though. She traveled with a Dragon, and her presence is perceived as an act of aggression in the extremely hostile world of Barrani-Dragon politics. Internal Barrani politics are no less deadly, and Kaylin has managed—barely—to help the rescued Barrani evade both death and captivity at the hands of the Consort.

Before the unplanned “visit” to the West March, Kaylin invited the Consort to dinner. For obvious reasons, Kaylin wants to cancel dinner—forever. But the Consort is going to show up at the front door at the agreed-upon time. The fact that she tried to imprison Kaylin’s guests doesn’t matter at all…to her.

A private Barrani Hell, built of Shadow and malice, exists beneath the High Halls. It is the High Court’s duty to jail the creature at its heart—even if it means that Barrani victims are locked in the cage with it. The Consort is willing to do almost anything to free the trapped and end their eternal torment. And she needs the help of Kaylin’s houseguests—and Kaylin herself. Failure won’t be death—it will be Hell. And that’s where Kaylin is going.

My Thoughts: I say this with love, but this is probably one of the few later books in this series where I didn't find myself confused 50% of the time. This is #14 in the series and there are so many threads and plot lines, and the books are published far enough apart that sometimes I'm just along for the ride and believing the author when she tells me things. This time I could actually remember (mostly) where all these people/beings/whatever came from, and by the very nature of the plot itself I was able to connect it everything else. Though side note (I love this book, it's absolutely not a stand alone), does anyone else get a little annoyed with people constantly chastising Kaylin for being young/mortal/ignorant, etc? I feel like the interwebs are always out here complaining about Mary Sues but....I could do with more "magically can do everything". I'M NOT SORRY.

Sleigh Ride by Heidi Cullinan (Contemporary Romance, MM)
The way to a man’s heart is on a sleigh.

Arthur Anderson doesn’t want anything to do with love and romance, and he certainly doesn’t want to play Santa in his mother’s library fundraising scheme. He knows full well what she really wants is to hook him up with the town’s lanky, prissy librarian.

It’s clear Gabriel Higgins doesn’t want him, either—as a Santa, as a boyfriend, as anyone at all. But when Arthur’s efforts to wiggle out of the fundraiser lead to getting to know the man behind the story-time idol, he can’t help but be charmed. The least he can do is be neighborly and help Gabriel find a few local friends.

As their fiery arguments strike hotter sparks, two men who insist they don’t date wind up doing an awful lot of dating. And it looks like the sleigh they both tried not to board could send them jingling all the way to happily ever after.

My Thoughts: I saw this bandied about online closer to the holiday, but only recently bought it myself. WHICH I THOROUGHLY HATE MYSELF FOR. I'm not sure why the description didn't move me, maybe I was concerned that Arthur would be too much of a jerk (ala Harlequin Presents) but honestly this is a heartwarming - and spicy - romance. It was also longer than I expected, fully deserving of the $5 price tag, but near the end there was I really starting to get worried that there was going to be a big emotional breakup before the HEA, but there wasn't! I'm happy to report this is a incredibly heartwarming romance, between two men who not only have to open up to each other, but also have to open up to themselves about what they really want. Plus, whoo boy the heat. I was not expecting such a... variety of sexual playtimes in this book, maybe because I just don't see it as often in Holiday themed books, but again, they were very well done. I know I've been harping on the topic in my reviews lately, but ALL THE CONSENT TALKS. ALL OF THEM. LET'S TALK ABOUT BOUNDARIES AND SAFE WORDS AND WHAT WE'RE INTO. It's so awesome. I can't wait to check out this author's backlist and would lightly recommend this one, no matter the season.


American Witch by Thea Harrison (April 29, 2019, Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance, MF) 
Power can change a person…

For months Molly Sullivan endures the inexplicable: electrical surges, car breakdowns, visions. She even wonders if she might be the cause… and wonders if she might be crazy. Then she discovers her husband has cheated on her. Again. Now Molly realizes she is a newly awakening witch and a woman pushed over the edge.

Revenge can shape a person…

Josiah Mason is a Powerful witch and the leader of a secret coven with a shared goal: to destroy an ancient enemy who has ruined many lives. Josiah lost years to this man, and his sole focus is revenge. He’s prepared for every contingency—except encountering a beautiful new witch who understands nothing of the immense Power building within her or the attraction she wields over him.

Danger can bring them together…

When divorcing her husband, Molly uncovers a dangerous secret he’s willing to kill to protect. She turns to Josiah for help, and they discover a connection between Molly’s husband and Josiah’s enemy.

As they work together, a spark ignites between them that threatens to become an inferno. But Molly is done compromising herself for any man, and Josiah’s mission is his top priority. And the enemy is cunning, cruel, and drawing ever closer.

As the danger escalates, so does the tension between them. Is a lasting relationship possible? Will either of them live long enough to try?

That Kind of Guy by Talia Hibbert (May 2, 2019, Contemporary Romance, MF)
She wants a fake relationship. He needs something real.

If there’s one thing Rae can’t stand, it’s pity. She’s forty, frazzled, and fed up—so attending an awards ceremony alone while her ex swans about with his new wife? Not an option. To avoid total humiliation, Rae needs a date of her own. And her young, hot-as-hell new best friend is the perfect candidate…

Zach Davis, king of casual hookups, has a secret: the notorious womaniser craves emotional connection, and anonymous encounters leave him feeling hollow. After years of performance, Zach’s desperate to be himself. So why does he agree to play Rae’s fake boyfriend? And why does it feel so easy?

When the line between pretence and desire blurs, Zach’s forced to face an unexpected truth: there’s nothing phoney about his need for Rae. But the jaded divorcée’s been hurt by playboy men before. Can a weekend of faking it prove that Zach’s for real?

So I got this shirt. Do I love it? I don't know. Do I hate it? Definitely not. But I think I'll know much more as the linen wears in because here it was pretty much right out of the package and it shows. I'll keep you updated.

If you ever wondered what my Sundays look like, sometimes they look like magical re-imagining of my childhood and it is THE BEST.


First, let's talk about how DC came *out* for this show. Not only was the audience packed, it was packed full of people of all ages, races, and genders, and so many of them were in theme. Or full on costume. As in if I had gotten their any earlier and had had more time in the hallways I would have been hard pressed not to ask a million people if I could take their picture. Everyone was there to be their best geeky self and it made me a little sad I didn't buy that one Torrid bomber jacket that I loved (even though I'd never have worn it in real life). There's just an energy to that much joy, and then when the show started? All bets were off.


I was trying not to be the most terrible of guests so I dutifully didn't take out my phone until the end/post story performances, but this show was so much fun. I'd seen the simulcast that E Street Cinema hosted a few years ago, but nothing compares to being there in person while the entire audience cheers when Kunzite comes on stage with a light saber (I don't make the rules guys, I just report what I see). 


For a relatively simple stage setup, the variety of actresses (this is a full female cast - see Takarazuka history for some relevant information) make the most of it, singing and dancing with gusto. I think what probably surprised me the most was how much of the story is told without any dialogue at all. The Negaverse and the Dark Kingdom come on stage first, with a combination of projection effects, lights, and dancing to communicate their back story/introduce the kind of conflict that we'll be watching later when it comes to Sailor Moon and the Earth itself.

Watching the show I actually thought a lot about how accessible it was to people due to the lack of dialogue. I'm not saying the show was silent, there are obviously some words spoken between characters here and there, but honestly most of the emotion and story movement are done during the musical numbers. So if you'd watch any of the original subbed series, you didn't have to pay too much attention to the two screens projecting translations - I think all of us were quite aware of what Sailor Moon was saying as she screamed "Eeeeeyyeeee!" and collapsed crying on the stage. Or what was going through Sailor Venus's mind when during the big battle with Kunzite, she pulls our her heart sword/wand thing and there's a flash and a pause while images of the Silver Kingdom run behind the both of them. There couldn't have been a better "past life love conflict" interlude than that, lol. Though I later realized that Queen Beryl doesn't actually do anything but cackle evilly until the after show mini performances and that is awkwardly hilarious.

So all in all I loved everything about the whole experience. Getting to return to my childhood and this show I loved so much surrounded by people who loved it too, was awesome. I asked on Facebook if you've even truly lived if you haven't been in a packed Warner Theater while the entire audience sings along to "Moonlight Densetsu" and I kind of meant it. It's pretty unforgettable. And according to this detailed post on Sailor Moon News there are a couple performances this weekend in New York if you're reading this and in the area!

So first things first, I want to point out the obvious - I have not included the Paris purchases in the infographic. I went back and forth about it, but ultimately while I acknowledge that with their inclusion I went way over my intended purchases for the season, I don't regret it and I think one must make room for exceptional circumstances. Instead I've put them in their own category so we can more accurately discuss my "real time" Winter purchases.

Winter 2019 Purchases:
1. Black Midi Dress (Reformation)
2. Floral Midi Dress (Reformation)
3. White Jeans (J.Crew)
4. Puffer Jacket (H&M)
5. Orange Maxi Dress (Anthropologie)
6. Blue Romper (Free People)
7. Turtlenecks (x2, White & Mustard, Uniqlo)
8. Wool Sweater (Uniqlo)
9. Light Grey Turtleneck Sweater (Marine Layer)
10. Cropped T-Shirt (Marine Layer)
11. Slim Leg Jeans (Abercrombie, replaces a split thigh pair)
12. Leather Jacket (Ralph Lauren*, returned faux leather one from Nordstrom)
13-15. Black Leggings & Two Workout Tanks

*I didn't pay anywhere near that, thus why I bought the jacket

Paris:
1. C&A Yessica Loungewear Set
2. The Frankie Shop Believe Crew Neck Sweater
3. American Vintage Cropped Sweatshirt
4. American Vintage Wool Button Down Shirt
5. American Vintage Cotton/Wool Button Down Tunic
6. OYSHO Puffer Jacket

Shoes (Not Counted Towards Seasonal Total):
1. Waterproof Leather Booties (Kodiak via REI)
2. White Sneakers (Puma)
3. Nude Leather Sneakers (New Balance)

Of my real time purchases, I actually think I did pretty well. A significant number of the pieces I picked up were for Summer, and the winter additions I made turned out to be not only useful for my international trip, but for Winter as a whole. I wouldn't have initially told you that turtlenecks would make such a significant difference, because sometimes I am stupid. Adding a couple more turtlenecks allows me to be warmer AND create a different look with less pieces, which helped me see my wardrobe as a whole in a different light.

On the other hand, I'm not sure any of these wardrobe challenges are bringing me joy.  I like shopping, and at this point at my life I have such a discerning eye (*cough* picky *cough*) towards what I like, that I try a lot, return even more and purge even more after that. So does that mean I should feel bad about the stuff I've bought that's over a magical number? I really don't know. I definitely couldn't get on board with Mademoiselle's 5PFW challenge (props to her, I'm not committed enough) but I also am not sure opening the flood gates is the best answer either. I'm going to continue keeping track, that roundup from last year's data was very interesting to me, but on the rest I don't know.

I think the general consensus among my friends right now is that I need more green items in my closet. It's not a color I'm typically drawn to, but ooh, that is a-changing.

Since I like to be as real with myself as possible, I'm going to say that title up there is 100% correct. Even if I tried at it I probably couldn't pull off as effortlessly cool an outfit again (though believe you me, I will try). Stumbling upon this jacket in Ralph Lauren is one of those holy grail discoveries I'm not typically known for. I'd tried so many times since watching Lizzy's Testing Basics review to find that perfect leather/faux leather jacket of my own, and it'd always been close but no cigar. I did find one for a friend though, so not a total loss.

But this jacket is just AMAZING. It is both already broken in but still structured, fitted in the shoulder but still manages to hang perfectly unzipped (I could zip it, but I probably won't). And the final reason that I couldn't walk away from it was that it was down to $200. FROM $800. It was 50% off the red price and that, folks, is why you sometimes go into stores you usually can never afford, and try on everything.