Books The Stolen Moments Trilogy Book Review 4:16 PM I read The Stolen Moments trilogy over the weekend, and Emilia and Carter are now living in my head rent-free. The Stolen Moments book series by Catharina Maura is an unputdownable, thrilling, and heartwarming tale of enemies to lovers. I didn't know I could be a fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope, but here we are! Here's my The Stolen Moments Trilogy Book Review (while I'm still drunk in love with this love story).The Stolen Moments Trilogy Book RatingEmotions (Made me laugh, cry, angry, delighted): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Storytelling (Got me hooked): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Readability (Easy to read): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Plot (Will they, will they not? How are they going to survive the odds?): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐The Stolen Moments Trilogy Book ReviewStolen Moments was a slightly light read as Emilia and Carter were still in high school. The Illicit Promises was set in their college days when it started to get angsty.The Ruins of Us follows their story when they both have their careers. The would they or would they not, and the rollercoaster of emotions got more intense here.You can feel the intense chemistry between Emilia and Carter from the get-go. You'll love their witty banter and feel the tension between them. It was hate at first sight for these two. The crazy pranks they pull on each other become a norm for their small town, and everyone seems to be waiting for what the other comes up with.The story progresses as the tension between them grows, as does the seriousness of their situation.Emilia and Carter know that they can never cross that line and get together because Carter is Emilia's best friend's brother. And there's more to that story than meets the eye (you've got to read it!).You'll laugh, cry, and fight with them. And you'll continue to cheer them on until the end.Catharina Maura's portrayal of Emilia and Carter's complex relationship is masterful. Their banter is witty and engaging, making connecting with their struggles and triumphs easy. Maura also explores the taboo nature of their forbidden romance, adding depth and intrigue to the story.The Stolen Moments trilogy is an exhilarating emotional, packed with thrilling peaks and dramatic twists.The characters are relatable, and their journey is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. This series is a must-read if you're looking for a captivating romance with a forbidden twist.Oh, what will these two not do for each other? Their love will break your heart, give you hope, and bring you to the highest of highs and lowest of lows.If you're in the mood for an enemies-to-lovers story, this is definitely the series for you! Actually, even if this is not your genre, give it a try. I'm not an enemies-to-lovers fan, but Emilia and Carter made me a convert.Have you read The Stolen Moments or any Catharina Maura books yet? What did you think?Check out my top romance novel recommendations categorized by tropes.Hey, do you want to be book buddies? I share short book reviews, recommendations, funny memes, and relatable reels on my Instagram account @booksandblogs_lux. Follow me there! I also post my reviews on Goodreads.
Life Lessons 6 Empowering Movies & Shows Every Woman Should Watch 4:36 PM Want to celebrate International Women's Day? Or maybe you just need the inspiration to help you through a tough day. Then you should check these six empowering movies and shows every woman should watch to feel inspired and get her groove back.Hidden Figures (2016)Erin Brockovich (2000)Mulan (1998)Miss Scarlet & the Duke (2020)The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017)Funny Woman (2023)Hidden Figures (2016)Hidden Figures tells the story of a team of female African American mathematicians who played a vital role in the early years of the NASA United States space program. Each faced challenges in their department, dealt with condescending superiors and coworkers, worked hard to break the system and change the rules, and proved how they were better than society's perception.It's hard enough to be a woman in a male-dominated environment in the 60s, much more for women of color. But these empowering women didn't surrender, so their names went down in history.Lessons I learned from Hidden Figures Persistence pays.The team is as good as their mentor.If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door. Don't settle for a dead end when you can make a detour.Advocate for and support other women.Believe in your abilities even when others don't.Erin Brockovich (2000)Based on the true story of a single mother who becomes a legal assistant and helps to win a landmark case against a major corporation, this film inspires every woman struggling. You may call it the desperation of a single mom who wants to feed her kids that got Erin Brocovich's foot inside the door. But her wit, heart to help the victims, and grit made her the millionaire she is today. Lessons I learned from Erin BrockovichBe unapologetically you.Follow your instincts.Use what you have because what you have is enough.The goodness you give will come back to you a hundredfold.Behind every woman's success is herself - and an understanding partner.Look at everything as an opportunity; to network, learn, and move forward.Let the people in your life know how much they mean to you before it's too late.Mulan (1998) This animated film tells the story of a young woman who disguises herself as a man to take her father's place in the army and save China from invaders. Following tradition and family rules is difficult when your heart tells you otherwise. Mulan was only 16 when she left to join the army. You can only imagine her fear, knowing what lies ahead. She could get persecuted by her own people if they found out who - or what - she was and could die in the battle. But that did not deter her from protecting her father and her family.Lessons I learned from MulanWork smarter, not harder.Do it afraid.It's okay even if you don't feel like you belong. You are meant to create your own path.Faith it til you make it.Don't let your gender, age, or present situation define your destiny.Miss Scarlet and the Duke (2020)This series is about Eliza Scarlet, a female detective who wants to keep her father's legacy alive and follow her passion for solving crimes at a time when women who spoke up or had their own careers were still taboo. But, because of her limited resources and polite society's rules, she has to work double, resort to unconventional and sometimes unlawful methods, and seek her childhood friend Detective William Wellington's help to keep her business afloat and help victims find justice. You'll love Eliza's mischief and wit, her love-hate banter with William, the thrill of her next case and career move, or where their complex friendship will lead them.Lessons I learned from Miss Scarlet and the DukeHave gumption even in the face of those who don't believe in you.Don't sacrifice your happiness and passion for following society's standards.Things will not always go as planned...so always have a Plan B.Be humble enough to ask for help.It pays to be observant and patient.If the door closes, climb through the window. (Literally is the case for Eliza in the show)The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017)Miriam "Midge" Maisel was accidentally discovered in a comedy bar after her husband left her. A female standup comic was unheard of in the 50s. But she gets sexist comments and unfair treatment because she's not only pretty but also funnier and wittier than the men in the industry. But, of course, that doesn't stop Midge from being the marvelous force that she is.Lessons I learned from The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Don't dim your light for others to shine.Embrace who you are and use your strength to your advantage.Don't run after someone who doesn't see your value.Keep the people who believe in you.Know when to prioritize yourself.Be open to change.Break the mold, even when your own family doesn't support you.Funny Woman (2023)Another series about a woman breaking the mold, Funny Woman, is based on Nick Horby's Funny Girl book It is about Barbara Parker, a girl from Blackpool who's got her future lined up for her, a beauty queen working in her father's factory, and a fiance who adores her. But that's not what she wants. Instead, she wants to build a career doing comedy. Fighting sexism and finding her own voice, Funny Woman is a delight to watch. Lessons I learned from Funny WomanDon't settle for the good life when you can have a great one.Don't let rejection discourage you from moving forward.Be tenacious with your dreams.What empowering movies and shows about remarkable women who dare make a difference do you watch to inspire you? This post contains affiliate links, so we'd get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost to you.Want to earn a commission by promoting books online? Be my sub-affiliate on Blackwell's.
Listicle 7 Advantages Of Buying Cheap Everyday Products 6:13 PM 7 Advantages Of Buying Cheap Everyday Products Shoppers are presented with endless options for everyday products all the time. Some products are priced cheaply, expensively, or somewhere in between. But one common misconception is that cheaper products are lesser options.Cheap products are priced as so for various reasons, such as:quality mattersmarket competitionbrand pricing strategyaggressive salespromotionsThe point is that just because a product is priced cheaply doesn't necessarily mean it's less valuable than a more expensively priced item. On the contrary, buying cheap everyday products over their expensive counterparts has advantages.Advantage #1 - You spend less money The bottom line is if you buy cheaper products, you'll ultimately spend less money shopping. And this can be a massive benefit for people on a budget because it creates a trickle effect.Advantage #2 - You save more money If you spend less, then you can save more! And not only does a nice amount of savings give you peace of mind and security, but it could also be used to make a larger purchase down the road, such as buying a car or your dream home.Plus, although purchasing cheaper everyday products might not seem like it will allow you to save considerable funds immediately, every penny counts. So a small amount can add up in the long run.Advantage #3 - You can spend on other things Another considerable advantage of spending less on everyday purchases is that you'll free up money for other things you want but cannot currently afford. Things like more clothes or a new phone upgrade.Even something less practical, like a much-needed spa day, could suddenly be within reach if you cut down on the amount you spend on your regular shopping.Advantage #4 - You can shop more frequentlyHave you ever spent too much on your last store run that you can't afford to go next time you need to make more purchases? You don't have to scrimp and save, frantically trying to get that last toothpaste out of the tube.Not if you choose less expensive options when shopping. Because it will allow you to have enough money put back to go shopping whenever you need, rather than waiting until you can recoup the extra money you spent last time.Advantage #5 - It will improve your money management skills Practice makes perfect in life and money management. So, you're flexing your money management muscles by consciously finding cheaper alternatives to your everyday products. The more you do this, the easier budgeting will be for you. In addition, this will help you see the benefits of budgeting in other aspects outside of everyday shopping.Advantage #6 - It will help you become less obsessed with fancy brands One of the many advantages of spending less on everyday shopping is that you'll pass on signature products more often to purchase the cheaper options. However, you'll realize that a brand name doesn't mean everything.This is a big deal because people are putting more importance on brands, especially in this influencer marketing era. In most cases, a brand name increases the price of an otherwise average item.You'd be surprised at how many cheap products can compete with expensive ones qualitywise.Advantage #7 - It will reduce and eradicate your debt Your shopping habits might have contributed to your credit card debt. Therefore, spending less on shopping can also help undo the damage. Over time, the extra money you're getting to keep by choosing cheaper options at the store will chip away at your debts. Don't underestimate the effect of small changes!Pros of Buying Cheap Everyday ProductsIt seems like a minor adjustment, but choosing cheaper options at the store can positively change your life and financial situation! Remember, you don't have to replace all your every products to see a difference. If you discover that a cheaply priced product is poorly made after testing, you no longer have to repurchase it. These are only a few advantages of a more mindful purchasing habit, but hopefully, they convinced you to give shopping on the cheap a try.
Books 2022 Reading Challenge With Bookstagram Questions 4:39 PM I read 45 books in 2022. So instead of doing a short review for each book like I did in 2021, I'll answer some questions about the books I completed in my 2022 Reading Challenge with bookstagram questions. First book of the year:Lost Wife's Tale by Marion McGilvaryLast read of the year:Reminders of Him Colleen HooverFavorite book characters:Lady Johanna in Saving Grace by Julie GarwoodChristina Bennet in Lion's Lady by Julie GarwoodJade in Guardian AngelSpenser in Bad Business by Robert B ParkerAva Knight in Tempt Me, Your Grace by Tamara GillRavenna Caulfield in I Adored a Lord by Katharine AsheCampbell Barker in You Dropped a Blonde on Me by Dakota CassidyJason Curtis in Nothing Lasts Forever by Sidney SheldonFavorite author/s?Julia QuinnRobert FulghumRobert B. ParkerGenres you read this year:RomanceYoung AdultRegency Drama Fantasy FictionCrime Mystery Detective ThrillerMemoirSelf-help Christian LiteratureFavorite genre so far:Regency Drama RomanceCrime Mystery Detective ThrillerFavorite romance trope:Different Worlds / BackgroundsBooks that you finish in one day:The Quickie by James PattersonReminders of Him by Colleen HooverNothing Lasts Forever by Sidney SheldonUnputdownable books:The Quickie by James PattersonReminders of Him by Colleen HooverNothing Lasts Forever by Sidney SheldonGlass Sword by Victoria AveyardBooks that made you cry:King's Cage by Victoria AveyardReminders of Him by Colleen HooverBooks that made you laugh:Bad Business by Robert B ParkerAll I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten by Robert FulghumBooks that upset you:The Quickie by James PattersonNothing Lasts Forever by Sidney SheldonKing's Cage by Victoria AveyardWar Storm by Victoria AveyardBook you think has a frustrating plot or ending:The Blue Bistro by Elin HilderbrandEternity by Jude DeverauxThe Gift by Julie GarwoodBooks with covers you love: Book series you read:The Red Queen Series (complete)Hunger Games (complete)Crown's Spies Series (books 1-3 only)Books with steamy scenes:All Julie Garwood booksAll Julia Quinn booksIf You Give a Girl a Viscount by Kieran KramerBooks that made you want to fall in love again for the first time:A Night Like This by Julia QuinnThe Girl with a Make-Believe Husband by Julia QuinnSaving Grace by Julie GarwoodThe most remarkable book:Reminders of Him by Colleen HooverNothing Lasts Forever by Sidney SheldonEasiest read:Bad Business by Robert B ParkerNovel that took you a long time to finish:Unbecoming by Jenny DownhamThe longest time it took you to finish a book:2 weeksAn author whose work you want to read more of:Robert B ParkerColleen HooverJulia QuinnKate WhiteCheapest book you bought:Robert B Parker ($0.63 second-hand bookstore)Books that disappointed you:War Storm (Victoria Aveyard)The Blue Bistro (Elin Hildenbrand)Books that you will recommend:Bad Business by Robert B ParkerThe Girl with a Make-Believe Husband by Julia QuinnNothing Lasts Forever by Sidney SheldonBooks that you are less likely to recommend:Eternity (Jude Deveraux)Books that made you want to reach out to the author:Lost Wife's TaleBooks that you wish to have an epilogue or sequel:Lost Wife's TaleBook character you want to swap lives with for a day:Lady Johanna (Saving Grace)Princess Christina (The Lion's Lady)Book character you hated:Lorna on Foursome by Jane FallonBook character you wish you were friends with:Paige Turner (Nothing Lasts Forever)Ravenna Caulfield (I Adored a Lord)Princess Christina (The Lion's Lady)Jade (Guardian Angel)Book boyfriend/husband:Ledger Ward (Reminders of Him)Daniel Smythe-Smith (A Night Like This)Major Edward Rokesby (The Girl with a Make-Believe Husband)Laird Gabriel McBain (Saving Grace)Campbell Barker (You Dropped a Blonde on Me) Book setting you wish you could see in real life:Julie Garwood's in the Scottish HighlandsThe Blue Bistro The Christmas Village in How the Grump Saved Christmas (Claire Kingsley)What book color do you have the most of?Shades of BlueBooks you wish will be made into a movie or series:Julie Garwood's and Julia Quinn'sAppointment with Death by Agatha ChristieHow do you rate your books?I base the rating on entertainment or emotions, storytelling, readability, and plot. Emotions. I laughed, cried, got confused, got upset and frustrated, got scared, got angry, and got giddy. I felt all the emotions the author wanted me to feel. Or if it made me feel better after closing the book.Storytelling. I like stories that are easy to read. Or storytelling style makes me feel like I'm talking to someone sharing a fascinating story that I can't wait to hear the rest of it.Readability. Is reading it like pulling teeth, or do I find myself breezing through the pages?Plot. What happened to the story? Is there character development? Did it surprise me or keep me guessing? Did the whole point of the story make sense? Did I learn something from it or at least left thankful I picked up the book? All the Books on My 2022 Reading Challenge⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten Appointment with Death Saving GraceSlow BurnThe BrideBad BusinessLethally BlondeGuardian AngelThe Lion's LadyThe Glass SwordHeartbreakerThe QuickieRattled!Heaven Changes EverythingThe SecretA Night Like ThisNothing Lasts ForeverCatching FireThe Girl with a Made-Believe HusbandHow the Grump Saved Christmas ⭐⭐⭐⭐FoursomeShoe Addicts AnonymousThe WeddingThe Debutant DivorceeAnna and the French KissYou Dropped a Blonde on MeKilljoyI Adored a Lord Ali's Pretty Little LiesMockingjayTempt Me Your Grace ⭐⭐⭐A Lost Wife's TaleIf You Give a Girl a ViscountWar Storm Honor's SplendorUnbecoming⭐-⭐⭐Mr. & Miss AnonymousThe Blue BistroThe GiftEternityWant to earn a commission by promoting books online? Be my sub-affiliate on Blackwell's.This post contains affiliate links, so I'd get a commission if you purchase through my links at no additional cost to you. This helps me maintain my site. Thanks in advance!Hero imageCheck out my top romance novel recommendations categorized by tropes.Hey, you wanna be book buddies? I share short book reviews, recommendations, funny memes, and relatable reels on my Instagram account @booksandblogs_lux. Follow me there! I also post my reviews on Goodreads.
Lux Thinking Aloud The Word I Choose For 2023: No 5:59 PM What word are you choosing for 2023? I started my Word for the Year instead of New Year's Resolution years ago, and this year is no different. My word for 2023 is only a two-letter, monosyllabic one, but it's powerful. So powerful that even though it denotes negativity, you are encouraged to say it more often so you can live happy and healthy. The word I choose for 2023 is No.My Word for 2023: NoWhat is Saying No? Saying no is more than just refusing, declining an invitation, or disagreeing.Saying no is an art. It takes gumption to say no, especially to people you don't want to disappoint.Saying no shows how much you believe in what you stand for, regardless of how persuading or discouraging eternal forces are. (Remember the War on Drugs slogan, 'Just Say No'?).Saying no is an expression of self-love and self-respect. It's about being unapologetically you.Saying no means protecting yourself from people and things that can harm or distract you from your goals.Saying no is okay. It is healthy.And saying no is important if you want to improve your life.This 2023, I choose to say No more often.Because I want more sh** done. (That's my phrase for 2023, by the way. "Get it done.")How often do you say no? To other people and, most of all, to yourself? TenorWhy No is my word for 2023I choose to say No more this year, so I can say yes to better things.No to rehashing traumatic experiences in my head. Yes to acceptance, contentment, and peace.No to overthinking and what-ifs. Yes to embracing the present and all its beauty and ugly.No to believing and giving the time of day to the lies of the enemy. Yes to loving who I am and thanking God for making me this way.No to growing and nourishing the seed of doubt that past experiences and toxic people planted in me. Yes to seeing and treating myself with kindness and compassion.And No to little everyday things that impact my life significantly.GiphyEveryday things I'm saying No toNo to buying and eating cakes for no reason. I'm reserving that for special occasions now. No to One more chapter and One more episode. Oh, the lies we tell ourselves! I'm tired of waking up to dull-looking skin and breakouts because of lack of sleep. Of my growing eye bags and sluggishness the following day. Of rereading and redoing my work multiple times because my brain's not functioning well.No to procrastination. This 2023, I'm saying no to putting off to tomorrow what I can finish or at least start on today. The main culprit for my procrastination is mindless browsing on my phone. I put off doing my chores, stretching and strengthening my back, and working on a project. And would you believe it, I even procrastinate on ordering online. So my floor gets dirtier than I would admit. My laundry piles up. I feel weaker, and my lower back hurts. So I'm saying enough of that this 2023.TenorNo to baseless worries. Even the Bible reminds us not to worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34).But more often than necessary, I worry. Anxiety has been a part of my day, and when things are going right, my brain automatically finds something to worry about. Or worries that there's nothing to worry about. 🤷 It could be a result of growing up in the environment I was in. Or talking to people who are more anxious than I am. But I'm saying No to that more often and with more conviction this year. And remind me to focus on what is true, noble, righteous, pure, lovable, or admirable, or on something praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).No to another year of hiatus on my blog. My blog is my baby. It's one of the few things I can call my own. And I have neglected this baby for a while now. I've not been deliberate in writing more often. In encouraging my readers, which I claimed to be the purpose and reason for this blog. In reaching out and updating my subscribers and sending Soul Food that I promised. So I'll be more active on my blog again. I'll write more often (not as often as when I started - daily or weekly. Gosh, where is that girl with so much time in her hand now?). I'd be a more responsible and doting mother to this love child of a blog. Effects of Not Saying No I know the results of not saying No all too well.My mental and physical health suffers. My relationships suffer. My work quality suffers.I burn out when I don't say No to clients' demands.I get lethargic when I don't say no to another episode of Outlander or Miss Scarlet and the Duke. I go through the day like a zombie desperate for brains when I can't say no to Miss Julia Quinn, Julie Garwood, or Colleen Hoover's stories.TenorIn Summary: No for 2023This year, more than saying no to working myself like a slave one moment and procrastinating the next, I'm saying no to my bad habits.To the lies in my head. To activities that don't help me grow, make more money, and fill my heart with joy.My word for 2023 is No because I want to say yes to more substantial, better possibilities.I'm choosing the word No because I want to say Yes to my health, my peace, and seeing things accomplished.Have you chosen a word for the year?What things are you saying No to this 2023?Hero image
Lux Thinking Aloud My 2022 Wrapped 5:02 PM How has your year been? I saw a meme saying this year is a perfect blend of losing my mind and having the time of my life. And I couldn't relate more. Here's my 2022 wrapped. Not that you care, but I do. 😁My 2022 WrappedI turned 40.Though I still feel like I'm still 21. I think I'll forever be in my heart. The only indications that I've aged are that I'm starting to see lines near my eyes, I gain weight faster and find that I can't lose them as quickly as I used to, and I just don't give a damn anymore.I'm more comfortable with my choices, not having to think if this is what society would approve of or what people would say.I spent my birthday and Christmas by myself. Peacefully, contentedly, joyfully.I read the most books in my life in one year.Last year, I gave myself the Read One Book or Series in One Month Challenge. However, I found that after reading one book, I'm itching for the next month to start so I can begin reading again. So this year, I didn't give myself a limit.Result: I finished reading 45 books this 2022.We Heart ItNewfound obsessionWe always keep discovering new things. I've found that this year, I can be into something I used to ignore. For example:garlic breadthe period drama, both in books and seriesHuman Nature Marine Caviar HydroMiracleTaylor SwiftI failed in my cooking challenge.Just like my reading challenge, I gave myself a cooking challenge. It's to make one dish I haven't made before every month. I think I only got to March. I still cook, but they're the same dishes like pasta arrabbiata (already bottled and ready to add), pasta basil, and basically heating up meals I order.GiphyI wrote more than 3 million words this 2022.I stressed myself out by getting more projects than usual. I ended up not taking a day off for three months, not going out (which is not an issue for introverts like me), and watching days go by like a blur. I'm glad that's over now.Not surprising that Grammarly counted more than 3 million words I checked on their tool.I look forward to a more productive but less anxiety-driven year this 2023.GifimageI went on a solo trip.Thanks to my husband's insistence, I booked a weekend getaway on the mountain, read a book (period drama, of course), ate organic food, and reveled in that soothing Pinoy hilot massage. It was so relaxing and pleasing that I had to extend it another night.SelfMy 2022 in SummaryMy 2022 can be wrapped up in four things:WorkingReadingNappingEatingBut for everything that happened, I can describe my feelings in one word: Thankful.Thankful for better health.Thankful for more clients and projects.Thankful for my husband.Thankful for an imperfect yet blessed life.I'm thankful to not have any huge challenges this year - except for losing some of our dogs which was heartbreaking. This 2022...There were significant events in our family. I pushed myself too far with work.Rebounded in my health.And I know I still need to get better at blogging. 2023 will also have its own set of challenges, triumphs, and breakthroughs. And I'm ready.How's your 2022?Hero image
Listicle 10 TV Shows To Binge-Watch Before 2022 Ends 7:40 PM 10 TV Shows To Binge-Watch Before 2022 Ends Are you looking for more TV shows to binge-watch before 2022 ends? Here are ten TV series that I highly recommend, especially for fans of period drama, crime series, dragons, fantasy, and comedy.10 TV Shows To Binge-Watch Before 2022 Ends1. Miss Scarlet and the DukeEliza Scarlet is at the marrying age but not the marrying type. Instead, she loves solving crimes like her late father did, despite living at a time when female detectives were unthinkable and laughable. To save herself from poverty after her father's demise, she can either marry an eligible gentleman or fend for herself. So, ignoring patriarchal discrimination and prejudice, she became her own boss and started - well, continued her father's private detective business. She gets into trouble for trying to catch criminals, but Duke is always there to help her, albeit reluctantly.Why I love this show: I love period drama! There's something idyllic about it, even when the plots are chaotic. Detective series. Makes my mind work, trying to solve the case with Eliza.Woman power. It's no easy feat to prove, especially to a room full of ego and bravado, that you're better and smarter than they are, but Eliza makes it happen.Inspirational. Paving your path in an unwelcoming world takes gumption.It's well-made and easy to watch.Eliza and William could very well be a rom-com couple you'd love to ship2. The OutlanderFor some mysterious reason, Claire Randall was transported back 200 years in the past. To survive the barbaric time, she had to marry Jamie Fraser. Claire didn't plan to fall in love with Jamie but needed to return to her present to escape the war. My heart goes out to Frank, Claire's husband, but I can't bear to look at him after Claire returns. Viewers and book fans would understand. Why I love this show: I'm not a fan of codependent relationships, but Jamie and Claire's love for each other proves how powerful love can be. It defies time.Total admiration for the author of the novel on which the story is based. Such a brilliant mind to come up with this complex and beautiful story.It makes you root for one character and despise the other effortlessly. Their fight for survival and freedom is admirable.3. Only Murders in the BuildingAn unlikely friendship between three residents in the Upper West Side was born from their mutual love for solving crimes.Why I love this show: The light comedy is a breath of fresh air.Wonderful cast! Love their dynamics and chemistry.Crime mystery will get you hooked.4. The Lord of the Rings: Ring of PowerThis series received a lot of hate from solid book fans. But for someone content with visual entertainment, I love this series. Ring of Power is based on J.R.R Tolkien's series that talks about the story of Middle Earth thousands of years before The Hobbit. It's a backstory of the powerful rings in the Lord of the Rings.Why I love this show: Perfect cinematography.Breathtaking visual effects.I love getting to know about the story before and behind the story.5. House of the DragonSpeaking of perfection and great prequels, House of the Dragons is a must-watch TV show before 2022 ends. If you're a fan of Game of Thrones, HOTD was set 172 years before Daenerys Targaryen was born. It's still about the fight for the iron throne, but this time, it's Targaryerns vs. Targaryerns - the dragon riders. Why I love this show: Mesmerizing cinematography.You know the ending (because there will be no Game of Thrones if it all ends up good), but you'd still be hooked.Perfect casting.6. The Lincoln LawyerAlso based on a novel, Lincoln Lawyer is about Mickey Haller, a notable lawyer who is back to revive his career after an accident and an incident in his past case that still haunts him. He's famous for working at the back of his Lincoln car, thus, the name. This is a binge-worthy quality show you need to watch before 2022 ends.Why I love this show: Smart!This thriller crime series will keep you guessing until the crime is solved.I love Mickey's team. They make do with what they have, and it's more than enough.7. Dolunay (Full Moon)I've seen four Turkish series, but this is the least annoying plot. 😅 Turkish series basically follow the same theme:Rich, arrogant, stringent businessman.Simple, carefree, clever, strong woman.They fall in love and try to hide their feelings. They fake a relationship, engagement, or marriage. Or they fake it first before they fall in love. Fight against family, exes, current love interests, and business nemeses. Finally win the fight and live happily ever after.Dolunay is no different, but it's the least ridiculous so far. There are many scenes in a Turkish drama that will get you face-palming. Or shaking your head and saying, "Everyone's that stupid? Nobody figured that out? You must talk about that top secret loudly in a public place?"Dolunay is not only tolerable, but it's also likable.Why I love this show: Ferit and Nazli's chemistry.Ferit's house.Ferit and Nazli's fight for an innocent boy's future.The view. Turkey is a beautiful place I wish to visit someday.8. The EmpressAnother treat for period drama fans. It follows the story of Elisabeth, a hardheaded unfeminine lady who was only supposed to accompany her sister, the planned betrothed of Emperor Franz of the Viennese court. The emperor ended up choosing her. She lived a complex life, having to follow the rules, stand up for herself, and be worthy of her title while following her heart and wanting to help bring peace to the empire.Why I love this show: Another fascinating period drama.She wanted to marry for love and not for convenience. And she did. The story gets better and better, so I hope there's a season 2.9. So Help Me ToddScrupulous and controlling mother but brilliant lawyer Margaret Wright had to hire her Blacksheep son Todd when he proved he could be an asset in solving crimes. This mother-and-son comedic duo is a delight to watch. Definitely, a 2022 TV show to binge-watch before the year ends.Why I love this show: Such talented castLove the mother-son dynamicsFunny and witty linesLigh,t despite the crimes10. Young SheldonIf you're a Big Bang Theory fan, you'll love Young Sheldon. It's Sheldon Cooper's origin story, how he was when he was a child, his family, and their lives before Sheldon became the Nobel Prize winner, Dr. Sheldon Cooper.Why I love this show: It makes me laugh out loud.Witty lines and an impeccable cast.An imperfect family that's hard not to love.What TV shows do you binge-watch this 2022? Hope you can add these to your list before the year ends. Hero image
