Today at Top 5 Tuesday winter is coming!

I thought I had to write a post about TOG and Jon “My Hero” Snow accompanied by badass dragon mother but nope!

Shanah @bionicbookworm wants us to speak about our top Winter reads. Sigh…

Well that’s lovely but…how do I interpret this?

What is a winter read?
Is it a story happening in winter? With lots of snow and ice and cold? Does Santa have to be in it?
Is it a genre you love to read in winter like listening to Christmas carols?

And if so must the genre be dark and cold like winter * which would be deeply depressing when added to the gloom of short winter days*? Or you just want to be extra hot and spicy to invigorate your body after a freezing day ? Oooh I already see your eyes alighting at the words hot an spicy! Naughty naughty you!
Or rather that’s a genre sweet, warm and gooey like hot chocolate topped with marshmallow?

Well you tell me!

But as I have read less than five stories set in winter (Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater; Entice by Carrie Jones; Beartown by Fredrik Backman and Before I Let Go by Marieke Nijkamp are the sum of my meager list) I chose the easy way out!
Yes yes excuse me for going the easy road but I had a very long work day and after this short (nearly) winter day my brain is already half hibernating.

Sorry to disappoint you but I did not select the hot and spicy because my hormones are beat and asleep today. I’d rather want a warm cuddle so gooey and sweet is what you’ll get today.

These reads are dear to my heart because they all left me with a happy feel.

The kind of happy where you shut the book and the colors are brighter. You are so content that you get to work and even the aftershave your dreaded boss uses to douse himself with is just shy to repellent today instead of “trying to navigate in a security perimeter of 5 meters min”. And you are still happy at lunch time and want to thank the cook maning the lunch for the watery gravy and burnt peas in your plate?
To sum it up: it’s bliss and you wear pink glasses for a few hours or days.

So if you want that I will generously share my favorite titles with you!

First one: what is better than a crazy dog and its antics to make you smile and swoon? Ask Laura and all her reads about Corgys solving mysteries at Estes Park and she will have much to tell! Well my personal favorite is Atticus by Sawyer Bennett.

Told from dual POV, Atticus and Hazel’s POV, this story is moving, funny, insightful, sweet and many other things.

I cried when Atticus was lost and miserable.

I huffed and puffed when Hazel was such a mess.

I smiled when Hazel decided to save Atticus and that no one would hurt him. Over her dead body!

I laughed at Atticus shenanigans as it reminded so much of my dog.

I cried again when some moving moments happened in the book.

I rejoiced each time Hazel achieved something.

I ….

I FELT!

This is a feel good and insightful coming of age story.

One that will leave you all warm and fuzzy inside.

Second category holding two books: the protective hero! The ones caring for his girl. Even if he got away he’ll be back and determined to win her back. Add to it some part of the story happening when they were children for extra cuteness or even better a small town feel and I melt in a puddle of goo!
A girl like Lilac by Victoria L James and The Sweet Gum Tree by Katherine Allred

This one features one of the cutest couples with a fresh, naive, kind and smart heroine : The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang. This book is just THE perfect read if you want to feel good and have a happy smile on your face. I have to warn you though: don’t try to recruit a male escort because I doubt you’ll end with Michael. He is taken!

This story simply is a little gem. Essentially character driven, the writing is light, charming, funny and just right.

Here is one excerpt to give you an idea:

“You smell really, really good. What is it?”

Where was that scent coming from? It seemed to be everywhere on him, but too light. She craved a more concentrated dose.

“Michael?”

A funny look crossed his face. “It’s just me, Stella.”

“You smell this good?”

“Apparently. You’re the first to comment on it.”

“I want it all over me.” As the words left her mouth, she worried she’d said the wrong thing. That statement had sounded a little too personal, a little strange. Would he notice how strange she really was?

 

I also love unexpected friendship. When you have some lost souls and they will look at each other recognizing …something. There is an instant bond, the birth of a big loyalty. Someone understands you on a molecular level and will have your back. Always. I want that kind of friendship!
I Have Lost My Way by Gayle Forman

Last category: the make me laugh hard and swoon as hard book! It usually comes with two opposites forced to work together. The crazy bright and outspoken woman vs the stuck up and “in need of some craziness” man. With Managed by Kristen Callihan I had such a hoot! This is one of my favorite OTP to date and I could not get enough of their banter and chemistry. Oh and Scottie is extra hot and beautiful!

Now, just to give you a taste of their banter, here is some extract of their first encounter on the plane, Sophie’s speaking first: ”“Jesus,” I blurt out, lifting my hand as if to shield my eyes. “It’s like looking into the sun.” “What?” he snaps, those laser-bright eyes narrowing. Oh, this will be fun. “Just stop, will you?” I squint at him. “You’re too hot. It’s too much to take.” This is true, though I’d never have the guts to say so in normal circumstances. “Are you quite well?” he intones, as if he thinks the opposite. “No, you’ve nearly rendered me blind.” I flap a hand. “Do you have an off switch? Maybe put it on low?” His nostrils flare, his skin going a shade darker. “Lovely. I’m stuck next to a mad woman.” “Don’t tell me you’re unaware of the dazzling effect you have on the world.”

I bet you want to read it now, right?

Now now I hear that some of you may be disappointed with my choice of going all fuzzy on you. But as I aim to please my readers if you really want hot and spicy just contact me at:

Sophie Vixen
69 In Need of Kink Road
Double Crave State

I might ear your plea and get with a special family recipe one day on the blog!

Now do tell me all about your winter reads!

Thanks for reading!

Sophie