Hey, lovelies! We’ve reached the end of the year. This month wasn’t a super easy one for me reading wise. I dnf’d so many books and did a huge book unhaul. So, I listened to a bunch of audiobooks and managed to read ebooks when I could, but I didn’t have that much time for physical reading.
Physical Books The Choice by Nora Roberts Astrid Parker Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake Going Rogue by Janet Evanovich The Name of All Things by Jenn Lyons Beartown by Fredrik Backman Wild and Wicked Things by Francesca May
eBooks Good Morning, Midnight by Lily Books-Dalton Infinite Country by Patricia Engel
Audiobooks Gearbreakers by Zoe Hana Mikuta City of the Plague God by Sarwat Chadda Children of Ragnarok by Cinda Williams Chima Thistlefoot by GennaRose Nethercott The Wilderwomen by Ruth Enna Lang The Poison Season by Mara Rutherford Of Women and Salt by Gabriela Garcia One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig Seasparrow by Kristin Cashore
Hello, lovelies! I’m here with another NetGalley update. Here are my statistics, 267 approvals with feedback sent for 217 which gives me an 81%. I’m working on this post ahead of time, so hopefully I’ve gotten most of the 2022 approval’s read and I just have next years books to start fresh with.
Approvals on my TBR
The Hookup Plan by Farrah Rochon Publication date: August 2, 2022 I liked the first two in this series. So, I’m excited to be approved for the third.
Silver Under Nightfall by Rin Chupeco Publication date: September 13, 2022 Chupeco is an auto-buy author for me. I hit that request button so fast.
Signal to Noise by Silvia Moreno-Garcia Publication date: September 13, 2022 I think this is an older book that’s being reprinted. Her books are hit-or-miss for me, but I still keep trying.
Called to the Deep by Desiree M. Niccoli Publication date: September 20, 2022 I’ve been dying to read this one, but all the moving chaos has me behind.
The City Beneath Hidden Stars by Sonya Kudei Publication date: September 27, 2022 NetGalley caught me browsing. This adult fantasy sounds super good.
The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler Publication date: October 4, 2022 This was a random ‘read now’ email offer I got from NetGalley, but it sounds really good.
Built to Last by Erin Hahn Publication date: October 18, 2022 I’ve liked some of Hahn’s YA romance, so I’m excited to try her adult romance debut.
The Scratch Daughters by Hannah Abigail Clarke Publication date: October 25, 2022 This is the sequel to The Scapegracers and I’m very excited to read it.
The Vermillion Emporium by Jamie Pacton Publication date: November 1, 2022 Pacton’s fantasy debut, and I’ve seen lots about it. So, I’m excited.
The Wilderwomen by Ruth Emmie Lang Publication date: November 15, 2022 This was a cover request for me. The cover is stunning and then I read that it was about people with magical abilities and that is right up my alley.
Never Ever Getting Back Together by Sophie Gonzales Publication date: December 6, 2022 A book where the main character goes on a reality dating show and falls in love with one of the fellow contestants? Yes fucking please.
The Poison Season by Mara Rutherford Publication date: December 6, 2022 I’m reading much less YA fantasy, but I’ve liked other books by Rutherford. Hopefully I’ll like this one too.
Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert Publication date: January 3, 2023 Sign me up for anything Talia Hibbert, please and thank you.
Retro by Sofía Lapuente & Jarrod Shusterman Publication date: January 24, 2023 I love their tiktok’s together. I’m very excited to try this one.
Begin Again by Emma Lord Publication date: January 24, 2023 I like Lord’s books. I’m exctied to see what she’s come up with for this one.
Sorry, Bro by Taleen Voskuni Publication date: January 31, 2023 I will always immediately request queer romance.
The Witch of Tin Mountain by Paulette Kennedy Publication date: February 1, 2023 I requested this one while browsing randomly. It sounds good.
Wildblood by Lauren Blackwood Publication date: February 7, 2023 I read Within These Wicked Walls last year and really enjoyed it. I’m definitely interested in reading this one too.
Where Darkness Blooms by Andrea Hannah Publication date: February 21, 2023 This was another one that I got an email about and it sounded like something I’d like.
Sister, Maiden, Monster by Lucy A. Snyder Publication date: February 21, 2023 All it takes is a ‘read now’ email and a synopsis that’s halfway interesting. I’m actually really excited for this one.
The Crane Husband by Kelly Barnhill Publication Date: February 28, 2023 I really like the cover and this is from yet another NetGalley email.
Missing Clarissa by Ripley Jones Publication date: March 7, 2023 I love a good mystery/thriller. edc
A House with Good Bones by T.J. Klune Publication date: March 28, 2022 I think I only requested this because I know it’s going to be all over the internet when it comes out and I will want to read it because of peer pressure.
The Ferryman by Justin Cronin Publication date: May 2, 2023 I just can’t seem to say no anymore. I have no explanation.
To Shape A Dragon’s Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose Publication date: May 9, 2022 The cover really drew me in for this one. I got a ‘read now’ email from NetGalley and I’m truly a sucker for those.
All the Dead Lie Down by Kyrie McCauley Publication date: May 16, 2023 YA Horror is still sometimes my jam. So, I’m trying this one out.
A Song of Salvation by Alechia Dow Publication date: July 11, 2023 I’ve loved Dow’s other books. I hit request so fast.
Approvals I’ve Read
Bronze Drum by Phong Nguyen Publication date: August 9, 2022 I liked this one. It was definitely detail-heavy and it felt I wasn’t being shown anything, only told. But, I still enjoyed it. I think it was well written and I will definitely be trying more books from this author in the future.
Please Join Us by Catherine McKenzie Publication date: August 23, 2022 I enjoyed this one. It was a little predictable but it was still fun with good twists and turns. I’d recommend this one for sure.
Three Kisses, One Midnight by Roshani Chokshi, Sandhya Menon, & Evelyn Skye Publication date: August 30, 2022 I love Roshani Chokshi’s books, so I loved her bits and didn’t care very much about the rest.
Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid Publication date: August 30, 2022 It’s always exciting to get approved for a popular book that I know will have a long wait with the library. I feel the same way about this as most others. I don’t care about tennis but this was a good story.
Spells for Forgetting by Adrienne Young Publication date: September 27, 2022 I enjoyed this. I wanted a bit more of the fantastical elements. It’s her adult debut, but it still felt like a YA novel with all of the flashbacks from the characters’ childhoods.
Just Like Magic by Sarah Hogle Publication date: October 4, 2022 I dnf’d this. I’m over the ‘celebrity in disgrace’ character.
When Life Gives You Vampires by Gloria Duke Publication date: October 4, 2022 This was a little heavy with the body issues, but I liked it overall.
Mistakes Were Made by Meryl Wilsner Publication date: October 11, 2022 This left me feeling icky with all the lying.
Little Eve by Catriona Ward Publication date: October 11, 2022 This was another miss for me, sadly.
A Very Merry Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams Publication date: November 1, 2022 I love this series and this book was no different. This one was so, so good. I loved checking in with all the past characters.
Kiss Her Once For Me by Alison Cochrun Publication date: November 1, 2022 I really loved this one. It was so perfect for the season.
Do you have any advanced copies or books you’re behind on?
Hi, lovelies! Another month down with only one left in the year. This is my halfway point for the Clear Ur Sht Readathon. I think I’m doing okay. I’m behind, but I’m honestly not super worried about whether or not I catch up. I’m just having fun reading along with the prompts. Here’s what I read this month!
Physical Books Kingsbane by Claire Legrand Birds of California by Katie Cotugno Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey An Arrow to the Moon by Emily X.R. Pan Spells for Forgetting by Adrienne Young Invictus by Ryan Graudin The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons
eBooks The Perishing by Natashia Deón When Life Gives You Vampires by Gloria Duke Three Kisses, One Midnight by Roshani Chokshi, Evelyn Skye, & Sandhya Menon A Very Merry Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams
I didn’t manage to finish my audiobook, but I’ve been slowly working my way through Bronze Drum all month. What books did you love in November?
Hi, lovelies! The end of another month means another post where I share the books that I’ve read. June was a pretty good month for me. I tried to focus on my Clear Ur Set Readathon TBR but was often distracted. I did mostly read books I own or NetGalley arcs though. I know the month isn’t over yet, but I have to stick to my posting schedule.
Physical Books Book Lovers by Emily Henry – 4.5 stars The Weeping Tide by Amanda Foody – 4.5 stars Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur – 3.5 stars Nightwork by Nora Roberts – 4 stars I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston – 4.5 stars When Sparks Fly by Helena Hunting – 3.75 stars Starry-Eyed Love by Helena Hunting – 3.75 stars Josh & Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren – 4.5 stars Not Your Average Hot Guy by Gwenda Bond – 3 stars My Killer Vacation by Tessa Bailey – 2 stars
eBooks Small Town Pride by Phil Stamper – 4 stars Home Field Advantage by Dahlia Adler – 4 stars Wretched Waterpark by Kiersten White – 3.5 stars Seasonal Fears by Seanan McGuire – 4.5 stars January Fifteenth by Rachel Swirsky – 3 stars Breaking Time by Sasha Alsberg – 3 stars What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher – 3 stars Can’t Resist Her by Kianna Alexander – 3 stars An Unreliable Magic by Rin Chupeco – 3.5 stars
Audiobooks Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas – 4 stars The Book of Koli by M.R. Carey – 3 stars The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend – 3 stars The Intimacy Experiment by Rosie Danan – 3.75 stars Forever, Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid – 3 stars After I Do by Taylor Jenkins Reid – 3 stars
Clear Ur Sht Readathon Wrap Up
Walkman // a book you’ve been avoiding the longest An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon I dnf’d this, but according to Narrator dnf’s count. Heck yeah.
Breakfast Club // read a book with food themes or items Hungry Hearts: 13 Tales of Love & Food edited by Elsie Chapman I also dnf’d this one.
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun // read a book with multiple POVs Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas We love a reread and I had a great time rereading this one.
NES // read a sci-fi, or a book with technology in it The Genesis Wars by Akemi Dawn Bowman I, sadly, dnf’d this. I really loved the first book last year, but I didn’t love it as much upon rereading and this book just wasn’t holding my attention. I made it a little over halfway before I put it down for something else.
Polaroids // read a book with characters on the cover Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas I reread via the audiobook. It took me forever and I don’t think I enjoyed it as much this time around.
Care Bears // read a comforting book Book Lovers by Emily Henry Read this outside in the sunshine and it was lovely. 10 out of 10, would recommend it.
Manic Monday // read a book you can finish over the weekend to avoid a manic Monday Silver in the Wood by Emily Tesh I also dnf’d this one.
Rainbow Brite // read a book with LGBTQIA+ representation Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur I got to read this at the beach! I mostly liked it, just didn’t love the bad first date as the main couple’s introduction.
I want to add down here at the end of this post that I dnf’d quite a few books. You can see the three that I said above for Clear Ur Sht, but I also dnf’d several others from my physical tbr and my NetGalley tbr. My impending move is looming and I’m trying to read as much of my physical tbr as I can.
Hi, lovelies! May is somehow already over. I had a great start to the month and tried to stay strong. Here are all the things I read this month!
Physical Books From Lukov With Love by Mariana Zapata – 4 stars The Suite Spot by Trish Doller – 2 stars Throne of Glassby Sarah J. Maas – 4 stars Heir of Fireby Sarah J. Maas – 5 stars Queen of Shadowsby Sarah J. Maas – 5 stars Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas – 5 stars
eBooks Primal Animalsby Julia Lynn Rubin – 2 stars Hide by Kiersten White – 2 stars
Audiobooks Youngbloods by Scott Westerfeld – 2 stars The Serpent’s Curse by Lisa Maxwell – 3 stars Book of Night by Holly Black – 3 stars The Assassin’s Bladeby Sarah J. Maas – 3.75 stars For the Wolfby Hannah Whitten – 5 stars Crown of Midnightby Sarah J. Maas – 4 stars
Hey, lovelies! I honestly cannot believe that April is already over. I am a day early, but know what I will and won’t be finishing within the next day. I think I did a little better reading-wise this month. That is helped with my new baby slowly sleeping in longer stretches, so some of my brainpower is coming back. Let’s get into what I read this past month and how I read it.
Physical Books Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake – 4 stars It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey – 4 stars Four Aunties and a Wedding by Jesse Q. Sutanto – 3 stars Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey – 3 stars The Devil’s Thief by Lisa Maxwell – 4 stars
eBooks Fool Me Once by Ashley Winstead – 4.5 stars The Bone Orchard by Sara A. Mueller – 2.5 stars To Marry and to Meddle by Martha Waters – 4.5 stars The Button Box by Bridget Hodder, Fawzia Gilani-Williams, & Harshad Marathe – 3.5 stars Very Bad People by Kit Frick – 2 stars A Mirror Mended by Alix E. Harrow – 3.5 stars The Jade Setter of Janloon by Fonda Lee – 2 stars I’m the Girl by Courtney Summers – 2 stars
Audiobooks Thronebreakers by Rebecca Coffindaffer – 4.5 stars Mickey7 by Edward Ashton – 2 stars Yearbook by Seth Rogan The Switch by Beth O’Leary – 4 stars The Infinity Courts by Akemi Dawn Bowman – 4 stars The Initial Insult by Mindy McGinnis – 4 stars The Last Laugh by Mindy McGinnis – 2 stars Aru Shah and the Nectar of Immortality by Roshani Chokshi – 4 stars Queen of the Tiles by Hanna Alkaf – 2 stars This May End Badly by Samantha Markum – 3 stars Our Lady of Mysterious Ailments by T.L. Hucho – 2 stars This May End Badly by Samantha Markum – 3 stars Tarnished Empire by Danielle L. Jensen – 3.5 stars Impostors by Scott Westerfeld – 4 stars Shatter City by Scott Westerfeld – 3 stars Mirror’s Edge by Scott Westerfeld – 3.75 stars
These are all the books that I read in April. What book did you enjoy most in April?
Hey, lovelies! Happy April! The weather is getting warmer and I feel like my foggy brain is clearing a bit now that my newborn is sleeping in slightly longer stretches at night. So, I managed to read a bit more than I did in the second half of February. But I’m still not back to my unusually high number of books read. But I read some really good books last month, so I’m happy with quality versus quantity.
Physical Books The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell – 5 stars The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas – 3 stars
eBooks Edgewood by Kristen Ciccarelli – 4 stars Savvy Sheldon Feels Good as Hell by Taj McCoy – 3.75 stars Last Exit by Max Gladstone – 4 stars The War of Two Queens by Jennifer L. Armentrout – 4 stars The City of Dusk by Tara Sim – 4 stars
Audiobooks Crownchasers by Rebecca Coffindaffer – 5 stars The Messengers by Margaret Peterson Haddix – 4.5 stars The Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson – 3.5 stars
These are all the books I managed to read in March and the format that I read them in. What was your favorite book you read last month?
Hi, lovelies! Back again for another monthly wrap-up. We will jump right into what I read for this month.
Physical Books Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon – 4 stars House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas – 5 stars Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton – 4 stars House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas – 5 stars
eBooks Obit by Victoria Chang Nophek Gloss by Essa Hansen – 3 stars Azura Ghost by Essa Hansen – 2 stars
Audiobooks Constance by Matthew FitzSimmons – 4 stars The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime That Changed Their Lives by Dashka Slater Muted by Tami Charles – 3.5 stars The Boyfriend List: 15 Guys, 11 Shrink Appointments, 4 Ceramic Frogs and Me, Ruby Oliver by E. Lockhart – 3 stars P.S. I Like You by Kasie West – 4 stars You’ll Be the Death of Me by Karen M. McManus – 3.5 stars The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter – 3.75 stars The Strangers by Margaret Peterson Haddix – 4 stars The Deceivers by Margaret Peterson Haddix – 4 stars
Hello, lovelies! I legitimately cannot believe that we’ve already reached the end of the first month of 2022. I have to start by saying that next month, things will be getting a little wilder in my life as I’m giving birth to my second child literally any day now. So, this will probably be the only semi-normal reading month of 2022 until I find a good routine with two little ones to care for. Let’s get right into the books that I read this month.
What I Read
Physical Books The Becomingby Nora Roberts – 3.75 stars Freshby Margot Wood – 4.5 stars A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Mayhem by Manda Collins – 3 stars Skyward by Brandon Sanderson – 5 stars Dustborn by Erin Bowman – 4 stars Starsightby Brandon Sanderson – 5 stars Cytonic by Brandon Sanderson – 5 stars Firebreak by Nicole Kornher-Stace – 4 stars Goddess in the Machine by Lora Beth Johnson – 4.5 stars Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel – 4 stars The Bone Seasonby Samantha Shannon – 5 stars The Mime Orderby Samantha Shannon – 4 stars The Song Risingby Samantha Shannon – 5 stars The Mask Falling by Samantha Shannon – 5 stars Ariadne by Jennifer Saint – 3.5 stars Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore – 4.5 stars Vision in White by Nora Roberts – 3.75 stars Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts – 3.75 stars Savor the Moment by Nora Roberts – 3.5 stars Happy Ever After by Nora Roberts – 3 stars
eBooks The Kindredby Alechia Dow – 4 stars Love at First Spiteby Anna E. Collins – 3.75 stars Tiger Honorby Yoon Ha Lee – 3 stars Light Years From Homeby Mike Chen – 3.5 stars Sunreach by Brandon Sanderson & Janci Patterson – 5 stars ReDawn by Brandon Sanderson & Janci Patterson – 4 stars Evershore by Brandon Sanderson & Janci Patterson – 5 stars The Iron Sword by Julie Kagawa – 3.5 stars Seven Merciesby Laura Lam & Elizabeth May – 4 stars Devil in the Device by Lora Beth Johnson – 4.5 stars The Broken Tower by Kelly Braffet – 3.5 stars Full Flight by Ashley Schumacher – 3 stars Tripping Arcadia by Kit Mayquist – 4 stars The One True Me and You by Remi K. England – 4 stars Sundial by Catriona Ward – 4 stars
Audiobook The Humans by Matt Haig – 2 stars Chasing the Boogeyman by Richard Chizmar – 4 stars As Good as Dead by Holly Jackson – 4 stars A Woman is No Man by Etaf Rum – 3.5 stars Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner – 5 stars
January Reading Wrap Up from Asha @ A Cat. A Book. And A Cup of Tea Check out what Asha read this month and how she did with her goals of getting her owned TBR smaller!
2022 “SUPPORT BOOK BLOGGERS” CHALLENGE: JANUARY CHECK-IN from Briana @ Pages Unbound I absolutely love the idea of a year-long challenge to support bloggers. She shares some great bloggers in her list, as well as, her post to the full challenge post.
Series I’m In the Middle of from Evelyn @ Evelyn Reads I love seeing updates like this (probably because I also love sharing updates like this).
Blogging to Get Free Books: Sometimes Necessary, not Evil from Caitlin @ Realms of my Mind This is a really thoughtful discussion post about how it’s not wrong to be interested or motivated to blog because you can potentially get arc’s for it. I love this post because I definitely didn’t start blogging or reviewing with the intent of getting arc’s but, the reward of a free book that I get to read before it’s published absolutely helps me stay motivated to blog and continue all of the hard work that I do here on the blog.
ARC Review: Fire Becomes Her by Rosiee Thor from Kal @ Reader Voracious Kal’s reviews are always thoughtful and influence me to pick up books I might have otherwise passed by.
Hello, lovelies! I thought it would be fitting to do one last update for my NetGalley Shelf series this year. I’m definitely going to be continuing this series every so often next year. I’m writing this post early, so hopefully when this posts, the only eARCs that are left on my TBR section are 2022 releases. I’ve recently been approved for a bunch of exciting 2022 eARCs, so I really tried to focus on finishing up the last few 2021 eARCs that I let fall behind before going into the new year. I’m so, so pleased with the fact that I managed to read every single 2021 (and earlier) eARC that I had on my approval list. I will say that I DNF’d quite a few of these books, but I did my best to give them a fair try.
For transparency’s sake, when I did my first NetGalley Shelf post I had a feedback ratio of 72% with 122 books approved and 88 with feedback already sent. As of now, I have a ratio of 83% with 192 books approved and 159 books with feedback already sent. The difference of 10% feels like a real accomplishment and I hope to continue to keep my requests under better control in 2022.
We Are Meridians by S. Ghali Publication date: August 27, 2019 I was approved for this book over a year after its publication, so I didn’t really make it a huge priority to read. I’m glad I did finally read it though. It’s more of a sci-fi thriller and it was exciting. The start of the book was a bit slow but once it gets going I really flew through the story. I liked the world and history of the people we read about. I liked the characters. I would definitely read a sequel if it’s released.
Spellbreaker by Charlie N. Holmberg Publication date: November 1, 2020 I was a part of the blog tour for this book. Find my spotlight post here. I tried to read the finished copy via Kindle Unlimited but I ended up DNFing it about 50 pages in. This is a fantasy story set in a historical London setting and that can be really hit or miss for me depending on my mood. I might try to read this series again in the future, but for now it’s a DNF.
The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri Publication Date: June 8, 2021 I attempted to read this in several formats, the eARC and the audiobook from the library but I can’t seem to make it past 15%. I think this is a ‘me thing’ and doesn’t have anything to do with the book. It’s just not for me. Maybe I’ll try a different book by this author and see if that goes better.
The Dating Dare by Jayci Lee Publication date: August 3, 2021 I had fun reading this romance. It was a fun, tension-filled story that ended with a happily ever after. I still love the small town of Wheldon.
Velvet Was the Night by Silvia Moreno-Garcia Publication date: August 17, 2021 I sadly DNF’d this book back in October. Her books have been hit or miss for me and I wasn’t really into this one after about 20% so I chose to DNF instead of struggling through it and probably rating it low.
Cazadora by Romina Garber Publication date: August 17, 2021 I loved Lobizona, so it’s no surprise that I really enjoyed the sequel. It was fast-paced (though my one complaint was that the characters seemed a bit aimless at the beginning of the story). And I really loved seeing these characters again. I’m hoping that Garber will write more books set in this world.
The Boy with Fire by Aparna Verma Publication date: August 31, 2021 I have nothing negative to say about this book. The world-building was interesting and well explained. The characters were well developed and complex. I just couldn’t connect to the story which is my own personal issue with the fantasy genre at the moment.
The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun Publication Date: September 7, 2021 This was a fun queer romance that followed a Bachelor style reality show. It did a really great job talking about mental illness. I think this one will absolutely be a hit with romance readers.
Under the Whispering Door by T.J. Klune Publication date: September 21, 2021 I DNF’d this book at 38%. The main character, Wallace, was incredibly unlikeable and I didn’t really care to read about him trying to redeem himself now that he’s literally dead. I liked the concept. I liked Hugo, Nelson, and Mei but they weren’t enough to keep me interested in this very slow story about a man that was terrible his whole life.
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao Publication date: September 21, 2021 When I requested this, I read “giant transforming robots” in the synopsis and that’s honestly all I needed to know. So, then I actually read the book and holy shit this book was so good. It’s inspired by the only female Empress of China in history but set in another world. It’s full of fire and anger at the way things are for women. But there’s also love and romance, which I didn’t think I was going to like but actually loved. I cannot say enough good things about this book. Please go buy it and read it now.
The Last Graduate by Naomi Novik Publication date: September 28, 2021 I ended up borrowing the finished copy of the audiobook from my library for The Last Graduate. I DNF’d this book at 40%. It felt identical to the first book, which I didn’t really love. So, I don’t feel the need to continue the story if it’s just going to be a copy of the first book with different classes now that they’re seniors.
Once More Upon a Time by Roshani Chokshi Publication date: October 5, 2021 I enjoyed this one. My biggest complaint was that I wanted it to be longer. I think I would have absolutely loved this if it had been a full-length novel. But it was so short I felt like I couldn’t really connect with the characters or let myself get invested in their story.
Tristan Strong Keeps Punching by Kwame Mbalia Publication date: October 5, 2021 I love this series. This one was a bit heavier with the inclusion of bits of American history in the southern states, and Tristan felt like he’d forgotten some of his character development. But it was still an action-packed, adventure story filled with interesting myths and folklore.
Luminous by Mara Rutherford Publication date: October 5, 2021 This was a well-written and compelling standalone fantasy. The world and the magic were really interesting. The characters were easy to care about. There’s a childhood friends to lovers romance which is one of my favorite tropes. But the villain was the star of the show. I really liked him, even more as we learned more about him.
A Spindle Splintered by Alix E. Harrow Publication date: October 5, 2021 I loved this. I read it super late, so I bought and read a finished copy. It’s a really compelling twist on Sleeping Beauty with a main character that is dying. I absolutely loved this and I already cannot wait for the next book in the series. I hope Harrow does all the fairytales and not just the two that have been announced.
I Am Margaret Moore by Hannah Capin Publication date: October 12, 2021 Another DNF I’m afraid. I just was so incredibly confused even 20% into the story and I didn’t want to suffer through a whole book being confused. I’ve not heard good reviews about this one, so I decided to DNF instead of giving it another low rating.
Truth of the Divine by Lindsay Ellis Publication date: October 12, 2021 I didn’t really like this book. I enjoyed the first one but made the mistake of reading the reviews for Axiom’s End before I started Truth of the Divine. So, I couldn’t help but look for all of the things that were mentioned in the reviews for the first book. I was hopeful that Ellis had improved upon those things, but that wasn’t the case. There were some parts regarding sex and intimacy that made me uncomfortable, but I think Ellis did a great job with the conversation of “what rights would humanity give to aliens if they came to Earth?”
The Death of Jane Lawrence by Caitlin Starling Publication date: October 19, 2021 I loved this. It was weird and creepy and dark. The characters were excellent. The setting was perfect for October (when I read it). The magic was interesting and compelling. I’d definitely recommend this one.
Little Thieves by Margaret Owen Publication date: October 19, 2021 I loved this book. I was actually a little surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I really loved the fantasy elements and the world-building with the Low Gods and their magic. I loved the morally grey main character, Vanja. I loved the romances and the friendship. I totally recommend this one.
Within These Wicked Walls by Lauren Blackwood Publication date: October 19, 2021 I loved most things about this book. The world and magic were fascinating. I loved learning about Andromeda’s backstory and debtera training. I loved her relationship with her mentor, Jember. But I didn’t really care for the romance.
You Can Go Your Own Way by Eric Smith Publication date: November 2, 2021 I was a part of the blog tour team for this book. So, I was given an advanced copy to read via NetGalley (thanks, Inkyard Press!) I had fun reading this one. I think it’s definitely for fans of YA contemporary. It’s also definitely a love letter to Philadelphia, PA. I liked the characters and the romance.
All of Us Villains by Amanda Foody & Christine Lynn Herman Publication Date: November 9, 2021 I am pretty bummed to say that I didn’t like this. I genuinely didn’t like most of the characters. I didn’t like how/where the story ended. I didn’t love the magic. I don’t know that I’ll be continuing on with this series.
You’ve Reached Sam by Dustin Thao Publication date: November 9, 2021 I really liked the concept of the story where Julie gets to talk to her dead boyfriend on the phone and take the time that she needs to move on from his death. But I just genuinely didn’t like Julie despite the growth and development that she goes through in the story. I still had a fun time reading this, it just didn’t emotionally destroy me like I anticipated it was going to.
The Bone Shard Emperor by Andrea Stewart Publication date: November 9, 2021 I really liked the first book and I liked this second book even more. It was really fun to see these characters gain power and try to figure out how to use that power to help their people, but also how to gain favor and alliances. The magic was fascinating and I can’t wait for the third book.
Jade Legacy by Fonda Lee Publication date: November 30, 2021 While I really didn’t care for the pacing of this story and how it spans a period of 20 years or so, I did love the characters and the latest chaos that Hilo probably caused. I think a lot of people will really love this conclusion.
If This Gets Out by Sophie Gonzales & Cale Dietrich Publication Date: December 7, 2021 I DNF’d this after like 10 pages. I had no business requesting this. Even when I do read YA contemporary, this doesn’t really fit into what I do read. I tend to read more hard hitting realistic fiction and not YA romance.
A History of Wild Places by Shea Ernshaw Publication date: December 7, 2021 I really loved this one. It’s a good one for spooky season, but I think it’s also just a solid wintertime mystery/fantasy. There’s magic, murder, and characters you can’t help but get invested in. I think Ernshaw’s adult debut was absolutely even better than her YA books (which I also loved). It still has the same magical and mysterious feel that her YA books have, the writing is beautiful, but it’s just a bit darker.
The Excalibur Curse by Kiersten White Publication date: December 7, 2021 I was really happy with this series finale. I think the story was a fast-paced and enjoyable read. I think all the loose ends were tied up and I wasn’t really left wanting for anything.
No Beauties or Monsters by Tara Goedjen Publication date: December 7, 2021 This book was weird as heck, but I think I liked it? It was confusing right up until the big reveal and I still am not sure if I liked the weird science fiction twist. But it was written in such a compelling way that I couldn’t put it down.
Where the Drowned Girls Go by Seanan McGuire Publication date: January 4, 2022 I loved this book. I love this series. This one follows Cora after the events of Come Tumbling Down. It’s not a happy story, much like some of the others in this series. But I loved Cora and the twists and turns of the story. I thought seeing the other school for children that had found doors was really interesting. I already cannot wait for more books in this series.
When You Get the Chance by Emma Lord Publication date: January 4, 2022 I loved Tweet Cute and You Have a Match, so I expected to enjoy this one as well. It follows Millie who was a great main character. There’s lots of high school theatre stuff for those that like that. But I really enjoyed the searching for her mom aspect and the romance in the story. The theatre stuff mostly went over my head. I think this one will definitely be a hit like her first two books.
Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves by Meg Long Publication date: January 11, 2022 I liked this one. The world was interesting and I think the world-building was well done. It was a well-written story with a good balance of showing and telling. I think the main character was developed nicely. I would have liked to know the supporting characters a bit better. But overall, I enjoyed this book.
The Thousand Eyes by A.K. Larkwood Publication date: February 15, 2022 I was approved for this right before I read The Unspoken Name for the Clear Your Shit Readathon and I’m so glad that I was. I binge-read this book the minute I finished the first one. The world is opened up more and we meet new characters. I loved it just as much as I did the first book (though I really missed Csorwe). I will definitely be reading more from this author and recommending this series to anyone and everyone.
Approvals on my TBR
Tiger Honor by Yoon Ha Lee Publication date: January 4, 2022 I loved Dragon Pearl so I have high expectations that I will love this book as well. I believe it’s set in the same world but follows a different set of characters, which should be really fun.
The Kindred by Alechia Dow Publication date: January 4, 2022 I really loved The Sound of Stars by this author. This one sounds like it’s going to be more science fiction than the last and I’m totally here for that.
Love At First Spite by Anna E. Collins Publication date: January 4, 2022 I’m on a blog tour for this one and a few other early 2022 romances. I honestly don’t know much about this book, but I’m always down for a good romance novel.
Light Years From Home by Mike Chen Publication date: January 25, 2022 Chen’s books have been hit or miss for me. But this one sounds like something I’ll enjoy. It seems like it’ll have some aliens and a bit of family drama which are two things I usually like in books.
Seven Mercies by Laura Lam & Elizabeth May Publication date: January 25, 2022 I genuinely didn’t think I was going to get approved for this. So, I definitely screamed a little bit when I got the email saying I was approved. This is the sequel to Seven Devils which I read and absolutely loved. I have really high hopes for this sequel.
The Broken Tower by Kelly Braffet Publication date: January 25, 2022 I seem to have an issue with requesting sequels that I have no business requesting. I haven’t read the first book in this series yet, but I have borrowed it from my library and hope to enjoy both that book and this eARC which is the sequel.
The Iron Sword by Julie Kagawa Publication date: February 1, 2022 I really loved The Iron Raven. I have no doubt that I’ll love this book too. I’ve been having issues with YA fantasy lately, but I think this series will hit all the right nostalgic notes for me to love it.
Azura Ghost by Essa Hansen Publication date: February 1, 2022 I did an oopsie with this one. I requested this after having it advertised in a NetGalley email to me. I quickly read the description and was interested because it’s adult science fiction. But after being approved, I went to add it to my ARC list on GoodReads and learned that this is the second book in a series, of which I have not read the first. But! Good news! My library has the first book as an eBook, so, I will read it there before I read this one.
Full Flight by Ashley Schumacher Publication date: February 22, 2022 I honestly don’t know what this is about. But I really enjoyed Schumacher’s debut. Also, this cover is totally stunning and I am a sucker sometimes.
Manhunt by Gretchen Felker-Martin Publication date: February 22, 2022 The first sentence of the synopsis is “Beth and Fran spend their days traveling the ravaged New England coast, hunting feral men and harvesting their organs in a gruesome effort to ensure they’ll never face the same fate” and that’s genuinely all I need to know.
The One True Me and You by Remi K. England Publication date: March 1, 2022 I’ve loved all of England’s books so far, so I have high hopes for this one too.
Fool Me Once by Ashley Winstead Publication date: March 1, 2022 This is the third and final romance that I’m on a blog tour team for. Once again, I don’t know much about it but I love finding new romance.
A Far Wilder Magic by Allison Saft Publication date: March 8, 2022 I liked Saft’s first book and this one sounds right up my alley. Mythical creatures and an ancient magic secret? Yes, please.
Savvy Sheldon Feels Good as Hell by Taj McCoy Publication date: March 22, 2022 This is another one of the romances that I’m a part of the blog tour for. I don’t know much about it, but the quick blurb I read sounded good and I’m always open to new romance books.
In a Garden Burning Gold by Rory Power Publication date: April 5, 2022 I didn’t really love Power’s previous two books. But this one sounds pretty different, so I’m going to give it a try.
To Marry and To Meddle by Martha Waters Publication date: April 5, 2022 I was sent an eARC of this one like I was for the first two books in the series. These are fun Regency romances, so I expect the same from this one.
This May End Badly by Samantha Markum Publication date: April 12, 2022 The tagline for this book is “When a high stakes boarding school prank war leads to a fake dating scheme, two teens must decide if they are ready to take the ultimate risk — falling in love.” How could I not hit request after reading that?
Hide by Kiersten White Publication date: May 24, 2022 This is White’s adult debut and I’m incredibly excited about it just from what I’ve seen her share on Twitter. Hide and seek but deadly set in an amusement park? Oh heck yeah.
Home Field Advantage by Dahlia Adler Publication date: June 7, 2022 I saw this on NetGalley and wasn’t going to request it. But then I got an unsolicited email from someone at the publishers with a NetGalley widget. I loved Cool for the Summer so I figure I’d give this book a try too.
Breaking Time by Sasha Alsberg Publication date: June 14, 2022 I genuinely don’t know why I requested this. But I was approved, so here goes nothing.
This is my final NetGalley Shelf update of 2021. Let me know if you like seeing these posts because I’ve really been enjoying creating them. It’s been a fun way to keep myself accountable and I feel like I’ve gotten to see real progress with reading and reviewing my NetGalley eARC’s.
Hey, bookworms. We’ve almost reached the end of another Blogmas, as well as, the end of 2021. We thought it would be good to wrap up the year with a quick blogging wrap up and some goals for the new year.
Amanda’s 2021 Wrap Up & 2022 Blogging Goals
Wrapping up 2021 will be a bit bittersweet for me. It’s the last year that my daughter will be an only child. It’s also the year I’m the most proud of for blogging. I am incredibly proud of the content that I produced this year. I tried new things and also managed to keep up with the things that we’ve been doing since the beginning. I managed to post for both Blogtober and Blogmas while pregnant and corralling a 3 year old. I am hopeful that I’ll be able to continue this into the new year.
That’s the perfect segway into my goals for the upcoming year. I am due to have a baby in the middle of February, so, I absolutely foresee things slowing down for me a bit after my son is born. But I am hopeful that in the first month of January, I’ll be able to get a decent amount of posts scheduled so I can work when I have time and not have a deadline to meet. I have a few post ideas planned, but I haven’t started working on anything yet.
Antonia’s 2021 Wrap Up & 2022 Blogging Goals
I’m actually really proud of myself for my reading/ blogging for 2021. I’m currently at 28 of 30 books for my yearly goal and think I can make it over these last few days. I’m already past what I read for 2020 so either way I’m pretty happy. I didn’t join Amanda in writing any reviews this year but joined in for a lot of our other posts and was pretty consistent through the whole year.
For 2022, I’d like to continue that for all of our regular posts and hopefully add in the occasional review as well. One of my bad habits is setting really high goals for myself and then being discouraged when I can’t reach it. Next year I’d like to do at least as much/ a little more than this year but I don’t want to give myself specific numbers.
What are your goals for 2022? Any reading or blogging goals?
ARTWORK by Liu Zishan from 123RF.com QUOTE from Babylon’s Ashes by James S A Corey
Hello, lovelies! We’re almost out of 2021 and I have another monthly wrap-up for you. This month I wanted to focus mainly on science fiction books. But I ended up reading some other genres as well. We’re still in the middle of the Clear Your Shit Readathon, so I’m still working on my TBR for that. But I did okay with my TBR jar picks this month! Let’s get into what I read.
What I Read
Physical Books Any Sign of Life by Rae Carson – 3.5 stars To Be Taught, If Fortunate by Becky Chambers – 4 stars Jade City by Fonda Lee – 4 stars A Spindle Splintered by Alix E. Harrow – 5 stars The Traitor Queen by Danielle L. Jensen – 5 stars Persephone Station by Stina Leicht – 4 stars Accidentally Engaged by Farah Heron – 3 stars You’d Be Home Now by Kathleen Glasgow – 4 stars Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer – 4 stars Roxy by Neal Schusterman & Jarrod Schusterman – 4.5 stars Portrait of a Scotsman by Evie Dunmore – 4 stars The Unspoken Name by A.K. Larkwood – 5 stars
eBooks The Boy With Fire by Aparna Verma – 3 stars The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochran – 3.5 stars The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen – 4 stars Tristan Strong Keeps Punching by Kwame Mbalia – 3 stars Jade War by Fonda Lee – 4 stars Once More Upon a Time by Roshani Chokshi – 3 stars Deal With the Devil by Kit Rocha – 3.5 stars A History of Wild Places by Shea Ernshaw – 3.5 stars Luminous by Mara Rutherford – 3.5 stars Jade Legacy by Fonda Lee – 3.5 stars Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves by Meg Long – 3.5 stars All of Us Villains by Amanda Foody & Christine Lynn Herman – 2 stars The Bone Shard Emperor by Andrea Stewart – 4 stars
Audiobooks A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine – 3 stars Borne by Jeff VanderMeer – 1 star A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon – 3 stars Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young – 3.5 stars The Girl the Sea Gave Back by Adrienne Young – 3 stars
Blog Tour: Cytonic by Brandon Sanderson from A Cat, A Book, and a Cup of Tea I loved seeing Asha’s first thoughts for this new release! Mine just arrived in the mail and I can’t wait to dive into it.
#SciFiMonth Mission Log: week three from imyril @ There’s Always Room For One More I love the mission logs that are shared each week for #SciFiMonth because it’s all the sci-fi content my heart could possibly want all in one place.
Hello, lovelies! It’s the end of another month and what a month it’s been. I read some great books and some not so great. But I’m happy with what I read.
What I Read
Physical Books The Bronzed Beasts by Roshani Chokshi – 5 stars The Hawthorne Legacy by Jennifer Lynn Barnes – 5 stars Pahua and the Soul Stealer by Lori M. Lee – 5 stars Into the Dying Light by Katy Rose Pool – 5 stars Twice Shy by Sarah Hogle – 4.5 stars
eBooks Cazadoraby Romina Garber – 3.75 stars The Death of Jane Lawrenceby Caitlin Starling – 3.75 stars Within These Wicked Wallsby Lauren Blackwood – 3 stars The Crown of Gilded Bonesby Jennifer L. Armentrout – 4 stars The Dating Dare by Jayci Lee – 3 stars Where the Drowned Girls Goby Seanan McGuire – 4 stars You Can Go Your Own Way by Eric Smith – 3.5 stars A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout – 4 stars Little Thieves by Margaret Owen – 5 stars Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao – 5 stars
Audiobooks The Last Legacy by Adrienne Young – 4 stars The Bones Houses by Emily Lloyd-Jones – 4 stars The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave – 3.5 stars Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman – 3 stars My Contrary Mary by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, & Jodi Meadows – 3.5 stars Axiom’s End by Lindsay Ellis – 3 stars
Hello, lovelies! I know that there’s still a few days left in October. But I’ve managed to finish all of the books I was planning to read for Gothtober and I wanted to share that with you all! I had to change a few of my choices for the prompts because I DNF’d some of the books that were on my original TBR (you can find that here.)
Mythology Pahua and the Soul Stealer by Lori M. Lee
Omens The Death of Jane Lawrence by Caitlin Starling
Found Family The Bronzed Beasts by Roshani Chokshi
Dark Romance A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout
LGBTQ+ Representation Into the Dying Light by Katy Rose Pool
Murder The Hawthorne Legacy by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Classics Within These Wicked Walls by Lauren Blackwood
BIPOC Representation The Dating Dare by Jayci Lee
Disability Representation The Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd-Jones
I’m pretty proud of myself for actually managing to complete all these prompts. I DNF’d two of my original choices, so it’s not identical to the TBR I shared at the beginning of the month. But I managed to read books for all the prompts and I think that’s what counts. How did you do?
Hi, lovelies! I really cannot believe that September is over. But I’m very excited for October to get here because I have lots of fun Blogtober content planned. I also just love the spooky season.
What I Read
Physical Books A Lesson in Vengeance by Victoria Lee – 3 stars The Nature of Witches by Rachel Griffin – 5 stars Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto – 4 stars
eBooks Holdout by Jeffery Kluger – 3.5 stars The Twin Paradox by Charles Wachter – 3.5 stars Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia – 4 stars How We Fall Apart by Katie Zhao – 3 stars The Lovely and the Lost by Jennifer Lynn Barnes – 4 stars
Audiobooks Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas – 4 stars For the Wolf by Hannah Whitten – 5 stars They’ll Never Catch Us by Jessica Goodman – 4 stars The Night Swim by Megan Goldin – 4 stars When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole – 2 stars Home Before Dark by Riley Sager – 3.5 stars One by Oneby Ruth Ware – 2 stars The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James – 4 stars Recursion by Blake Crouch – 3 stars The Girls I’ve Been by Tess Sharpe – 4 stars The Lost Girls by Sonia Hartl – 4 stars The Broken Girls by Simone St. James – 3.75 stars Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng – 2 stars
Audiobooks Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas – 4 stars For the Wolf by Hannah Whitten – 5 stars They’ll Never Catch Us by Jessica Goodman – 4 stars The Night Swim by Megan Goldin – 4 stars When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole – 2 stars Home Before Dark by Riley Sager – 3.5 stars One by Oneby Ruth Ware – 2 stars The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James – 4 stars Recursion by Blake Crouch – 3 stars The Girls I’ve Been by Tess Sharpe – 4 stars The Lost Girls by Sonia Hartl – 4 stars The Broken Girls by Simone St. James – 3.75 stars Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng – 2 stars The Ones We’re Meant to Find by Joan He – 2.5 stars The Maidens by Alex Michaelides – 2.5 stars
Autumn Reads from Journey into Books Michaela recommends some great books for the Autumn season.
Ranking Riley Sager Books from Falling Down the Book Hole Ashley ranks all of Sager’s books. This was a fun one as I’ve recently read a few of their newer books.
classyxbookreviews.wordpress.com 