Tag: Book Tag

WWW Wednesday – July 7th, 2021

Welcome to WWW Wednesday which is currently being hosted by Sam @ Taking On A World of Words. It’s really just a place to do little update on what all you’ve been reading lately. Anyone is welcome to join, just leave a link to your post in the comments and be sure to give the appropriate credit to Sam!

Currently Reading

  • The Guncle by Steven Rowley – audiobook
  • The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow –  ebook
  • A Gathering of Ravens (Grimnir, #1) by Scott Oden – physical book

I haven’t made much progress into Ravens or The Guncle yet but I hope to really dive into them both this weekend. I’m really liking what I’ve read so far though!

I started January last fall but I just couldn’t make myself get into it. However, I decided to pick it back up again a few days ago and am having a much better experience with it this second time around. It’s almost making me want to try The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue… Almost.

What did you recently finish reading?

  • Graceling (Graceling Realm, #1) by Kristin Cashore – ebook
  • Harvest of Sighs (Thornchapel, #3) by Sierra Simone – ebook
  • Legendborn (Legendborn, #1) by Tracy Deonn – audiobook

I guess I’ll admit to having the controversial opinion that Legendborn was just alright to me. It didn’t amaze me like it has so many others. I have yet to decide if that was the fault of the audio narrator (who I really didn’t enjoy) or my own issues with the main character. However, I am going to continue with the series and will actually read a physical copy next time.

I also felt like Harvest was a little less exciting for me than the previous two books in the series, but still enjoyable. It was definitely a bumpy ride for the friend group and I hope the next book brings them a little more happy times than this one did.

Graceling  was a surprise for me. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it as much as I did, as older fantasy novels are not always that good. But this one was really enjoyable even if the ending felt a little rushed. I’ll definitely be continuing with the rest of the series.

What do you think you’ll read next?

  • Covet (Crave, #3) by Tracy Wolff – physical book
  • Libertie by Kaitlyn Greenidge – audiobook
  • The Serpent’s Curse (The Last Magician, #3) by Lisa Maxwell – physical book

What are you currently reading? What books did you finish this week? What are you planning on reading next? Have you read any of the books on my list? If so, what did you think of them? Leave a link to your WWW Wednesday post in the comments below!

2021 Mid-Year Freak Out Book Tag

Folks, it’s true. I’m back! It’s been a long 18 months since you’ve heard from me, but my job got extremely busy and complicated last year and has just now decided to finally slow back down and let me get back to the wonderful world of blogging. Did you miss me? You know I missed you! And hey, what better way to get reintroduce myself to you than a mid-year catch up?

Best Book You’ve Read So Far

Best Sequel You’ve Read So Far

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New Release You Haven’t Read Yet But Want To

Most Anticipated Release For The Second Half Of The Year

Biggest Disappointment

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I was super excited for this book when it was first announced. However, I found it to be incredibly slow and the mystery didn’t quite capture my interest like I thought it would. I was just expecting a little bit more from this one.

Biggest Surprise

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This is a series that I came across on Kindle Unlimited and I had no idea what to expect. But man, oh man, did this series have me hooked from the very first page. It’s not amazing, nor will the writing win any prizes, but it is soooo stinking fun. It’s my guilty pleasure series of 2021… and no, I do not feel one ounce of guilt for loving it. Definitely recommend it if you want some naughty fun, but fair warning that a large portion of it does deal with some very adult situations around extreme bullying.

Favorite New Author (Debut/New To You)

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Whattttttt?! Larkin’s choice is a rom-com writer?! Yes, it’s true! I started listening to Jenny Colgan’s books on audio earlier this year and really fell in love. They’re cozy and cute and the small Scottish village setting really becomes its own character. Her books are like eating your favorite comfort food. I can’t get enough!

Newest Fictional Crush

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Selwyn Kane. Bad boy and resident Merlin… Be still my beating heart.

Newest Favorite Character

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Sophie and Howl. I couldn’t really choose just one of them because their hilarious back and forth sassy comments made this book for me. I caught myself laughing aloud whenever they got into one of their arguments. And controversial opinion time: The book is wayyyy better than Miyazaki’s film adaptation. Like not even close.

Book That Made You Cry

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Yes, I bawled my eyes out at this finale. No shame.

Book That Made You Happy

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I was provided an ARC of this book from the publisher and enjoyed it so much. It had the cutest little romance that made me smile the entire time I read it.

Most Beautiful Book You’ve Bought So Far This Year

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What Books Do You Need To Read By The End Of The Year

Favorite Book To Movie Adaptation You’ve Seen This Year

It’s not a movie, but the Shadow and Bone series on Netflix was absolutely amazing. It completely blew my expectations out of the water! I just really need season two to come out immediately, please!

What is your favorite book read of 2021 so far? Biggest disappointment? Have you discovered a new favorite author? What book are you most looking forward to reading in the second half of the year?

The Fall Bucket List Book Tag

I have been lacking in the creativity department lately when it comes to post ideas. However, I was really excited when I saw this tag done by Jessica @ The Awkward Book Blogger. I love the fall and winter time so this was just the perfect tag to come across.

The Rules

  1. Link back to the original creator (Tiffany @ Read by Tiffany) in your post.
  2. Feel free to use any of my graphics in your post, or create your own!
  3. Tag 7 other people at the end of your post.

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This book just ticks all of the boxes for me. It’s super fun with a crazy interesting setting, like a modern day Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This is the perfect book to sit and binge in one setting because you don’t want to put it down. I can’t wait to continue with the series.

 

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Everyone has been buzzing about this book since it was first announced. It was finally released last month and it seems that the reviews have been really good so far. I definitely want to dive into this beauty before the end of the year. I mean, can we all just gush over that cover for a minute?!

 

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Now technically the majority of this crew weren’t all that friendly before they were thrown together. However, nobody can deny that they didn’t have some seriously fun chemistry from the very first second they came into contact with each other. In the words of Love Island UK, they have “really good banter”.

 

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I will forever be a sucker for a good romance. I like to act like I have a very cold heart but if you really know me, you’ll know that I’m actually a hopeless romantic much to my detriment. But with that being said, this book will make you feel all of the feels.

 

 

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Did you know that the Queen of Hearts can bake a mean ass cake? Well if you’ve read Marissa Meyer’s take on her origin story, then you will know that Catherine’s only goal in life is to have her own bakery. When you read this book, you will constantly find yourself salivating over the amazing descriptions of food. I get hungry just thinking about it.

 

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Honestly, this book was such a joy to read. I had zero expectations going into it, but I would be lying if I didn’t say that it might be my favorite read of 2019 (so far at least). It still makes me smile whenever I think about it. Just read it, people!

 

 

TAG, YOU’RE IT….

What are some of your favorite fall activities? What books would you choose instead? Have you read any of the books on my list?

End of Summer Recap Book Tag

Fall is officially almost here and I am so happy. I am not a fan of the summertime and all of its hellish heat. However, I saw this awesome book tag over on the lovely Scorpio Book Dreams blog and decided that it was a good time to look back over the books that I’ve read during the past few summer months. I’m always talking about books on my TBR, so this will be a nice change of pace to reflect on the books that I’ve already finished. Please feel free to tag yourself!

Original post was created by Faith @ Bookself.

Which book can you not stop thinking about?

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Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal

I just really enjoyed this story. It was a nice feel-good story that I think everyone would enjoy picking it up. It was the perfect summer read for me. I keep waiting to hear that Mindy Kaling has optioned the rights to adapt into a miniseries or movie. I think she has the perfect writing style for a story like this.

Which book would you rather not have read?

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The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

This was one of my most anticipated releases for this year.. but dear God, was it sooooooo long. And trust me, I don’t mind lengthy novels. However, I could really feel the length with this story. It took far too long to actually get into the meat of the story, which caused me to not feel the need to ever pick it up to read. I’ll just continue looking forward to the next installment of The Bone Season series and try to forget that this book caused it to get postponed.

What genre did you read the most?

Surprisingly enough, due to my recent reread of the Red Rising series, my top genre this past summer was science fiction. Which I’m actually really happy about because it is one of my favorite genres to pick up. Not to mention the fact that all of the books for that genre that I have read recently were really good. I’m also in currently in the middle of two more!

What book surprised you the most?

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The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson

I figured I would enjoy this book (helloooo, I’m a sucker for historical fiction!), but I didn’t realize how much I would love this story and all of its characters. Rye has always been on my list of English villages I’d love to visit, but now I am DYING to go see it during the summer and channel my inner Beatrice.

Which book disappointed you the most?

Just look above a couple of questions and that should answer this one too…

What was your favorite cover?

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Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

Another lovely design by the supremely talented Charlie Bowater. I honestly love all of her designs.

What was your favorite summer release?

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Aurora Rising (The Aurora Cycle, #1) by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

This book was just as fun and engaging as what I was expecting from this writing duo. I thought it was a great start to another science fiction series from them. I loved how we get multiple POVs and they were each so different from one another. Also, let’s all give a cheer for the fae-inspired, Kal. Seriously… SPACE ELVES.

What book did you plan on reading but never got around to?

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Kingsbane (Empirium, #2) by Claire Legrand

I actually preordered this beauty but then I realized I desperately needed to do a reread of the first book before diving in. I’ve finally gotten around to downloading the audiobook version of it and so hopefully I’ll be able to finish that after my current listen of Iron Gold. So I’m hoping to add this to my TBR for next month. It’s just been begging me to pick it up.

What’s on your Autumn TBR?

What was your favorite summer release? Was there a specific book you meant to read but never got around to it? What books do you plan on reading during this fall?

Pokemon (Gotta Read ‘Em All!) Book Tag

I grew up during the Pokemon craze of the late 90’s and early 00’s. It was a very exciting time to be a kid, trying to collect all of the trading cards and beating every single video game… Pokemon Snap, anyone?! And with the recent release of Detective Pikachu and popularity of Pokemon Go (and yes, I do play on a regular basis), the nostalgia has been amped up. So when I saw this tag on Peruse Project’s channel, I knew I had to participate.

Please feel free to do this tag if you’re interested!

Type: Normal

Favorite Contemporary

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Heretics Anonymous by Katie Henry

This book was such a delight to read. Y’all know that I’m not much of a contemporary reader, but this story was one that I immediately fell in love with. The characters were all unique and interesting. I also really enjoyed the family dynamics that were a main focus of the story. This is just a really fun and emotional read that I would recommend anyone to pick up.

Type: Fire

Hot Fire Romance

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A Discovery of Witches (All Souls Trilogy, #1) by Deborah Harkness

A witch and a vampire walk into a library… Sounds like the start of a joke, doesn’t it? But no, this is just the start of a steamy romance full of magic and mayhem. This is one of my favorites series and the television series is reallyyyy good too.

Type: Water

A Flowing, Easy To Read Book

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Love & Luck by Jenna Evans Welch

Contemporary romances are probably most people’s go-to easy read. I personally have been enjoying Welch’s romances, as they feature cute boys and international destinations such as my favorite place in the world, Ireland.

Type: Electric

A Book That Kept You Buzzing Long After Finishing

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The City of Brass (The Daevabad Trilogy, #1) by S.A. Chakraborty

I read this book immediately upon its release and I could not get it off my mind for the rest of the year. It truly had the biggest impact on my reading life last year. I loved everything about it.

Type: Grass

Your Favorite First Book In A Series

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The Diviners (The Diviners, #1) by Libba Bray

I’m not one for horror or scary stories, however this book changed my mind. I was immediately engrossed in the Roaring Twenties NYC setting and the characters living there. I really enjoy the multiple POVs and how each have their own story to tell.

Type: Ice

Cold As Ice Character(s)

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Victra au Julii from Golden Son (Red Rising, #2) by Pierce Brown

Victra is most definitely my main bitch. She is strong-willed, independent, and armed with the sharpest tongue. I love how cold and vicious she can be on the outside, while also having a pretty warm heart.

Type: Fighting

An Action-Packed Book

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Truthwitch (The Witchlands, #1) by Susan Dennard

This book starts off in the middle of a chase scene and doesn’t let off from there. I fell in love with the energy in this novel and I can say that it carries throughout the entire series so far. I am super excited for the next installment!

Type: Poison

A Toxic But Still Enjoyable Book

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A Curse So Dark and Lonely (Cursebreakers, #1) by Brigid Kemmerer

I’m not sure this book is really problematic in any way, but due to it being a remake of Beauty and the Beast, and how some find that story to be nothing but an example of Stockholm Syndrom.. I guess it works. Either way, it’s soooo good. It really might be my favorite retelling.

Type: Ground

Down-To-Earth Character(s)

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Nikki from Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal

I really love Nikki as a main character. She was so relatable trying to be independent and live her own life, while trying to also keep her family and community happy. I also loved the relationships she formed with all of the widows. It almost made me jealous of her… Haha!

Type: Flying

Favorite High Fantasy Book

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Furyborn (Empirium, #1) by Claire Legrand

I loved this book soooo much when I first read it. I have the sequel as well, but I think a reread is needed first before diving into it. It’s definitely coming up on soon again on my TBR.

Type: Psychic

A Predictable Plot

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Freeks by Amanda Hocking

Yeahhhhhh, the “twist” in this book wasn’t even a twist. I knew that was going to be the case from the very beginning. Yawn.

Type: Bug

A Book That Annoys You

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The Loneliest Girl in the Universe by Lauren James

This book got so much buzz when it was first released, but it really didn’t do anything for me. The concept and story was really interested but I hated the whiny main character so much that it ruined everything else for me.

Type: Rock

A Hard To Describe Book

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Navigating the Stars (Sentinels of the Galaxy, #1) by Maria V. Snyder

This book is a futuristic science fiction that focus on science groups locating and trying to unlock the secrets of some artifacts that have been found on multiple planets. That’s about all that I can really explain without getting into a whole bunch of stuff. It’s one of those books with just a lot going on.

Type: Ghost

Everyone’s Dead, A Book Where No One Is Safe

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Jade City (The Green Bone Saga, #1) by Fonda Lee

This family is basically cursed with bad luck. When you mix gang fighting with magic powers, bad things are bound to happen and happen quite a lot. This book will definitely keep you on your toes.

Type: Dragon

A Book With Fantastic Creatures

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The Wicked King (The Folk of the Air, #2) by Holly Black

This series is centered around Fae, so of course magical creatures run amok all through the pages. And I love it so much!

Type: Dark

Dark And Twisted Story

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Give the Dark My Love (Give the Dark My Love, #1) by Beth Revis

A book all about necromancy and how one woman uses her dark side to keep loved ones around in hopes to save her country. As you can imagine, things get really dark pretty quick.

Type: Steel

A Book With Pirates

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Daughter of the Siren Queen (Daughter of the Pirate King, #2) by Tricia Levenseller

This book is literally about the daughter of a pirate king and a siren. There are battles and sword fighting, and of course a bit of romance. What more can you ask for?

Type: Fairy

A Book With Fae/Fairies

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Aurora Rising (The Aurora Cycle, #1) by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

This one is going to come out of left field a bit, but hear me out… Kal Gilwraeth is actually an alien version of Fae. That is coming straight from the mouths of Amie and Jay, too! So yes, let’s give it up for some space elves! They deserve some love and recognition as well.

What are some answers you would use for this tag? Have you read any of the books on my list? Do you agree with my choices?

Anticipated Releases Tag

I saw this really fun tag done by Lauren @ Fangirl Fury and just knew that I had to participate.. Because hey, who doesn’t love talking about new books?! Only a crazy person, that’s who. #GimmeAllDemBooks

Original tag created by Ellyn @ Allonsythornraxx.

Most Anticipated Release(s) of the Year

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Supernova (Renegades, #3) by Marissa Meyer

I’ve been enjoying this series so much. I think Meyer has done a great job of showing how life is more shades of grey, rather than black and white. I appreciate that her writing has matured as well, compared to The Lunar Chronicles. I cannot wait to see what the end of Nova’s story will bring, especially after that shocking ending of the previous book. I NEED TO KNOW.

A Book You’re Not Anticipating

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Sea Witch Rising (Sea Witch, #2) by Sarah Henning

I never read the first book in this series and don’t plan to. Am I the only person who doesn’t really care about all of this villain origin stories trend going on? I kind of feel like I might be.

Most Underhyped Anticipated Release

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Suggested Reading by David Connis

I can never say no to a book about books and this one just sounds so amazing. I am a firm believer in no censorship when it comes to books, especially in high school. I can’t wait to see how Connis tackles this controversial topic!

A Book You’ve Been Waiting on Forever

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The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys

Ever since finishing Salt to the Sea, I have been dying for another Sepetys novel. And I feel like it has been forever since this book was first announced and I cannot wait any longer for it. I love that Sepetys always chooses to cover historical events that aren’t usually covered in school or in novels.

A Book You’re Anticipating That’s Outside of Your Comfort Zone

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The Athena Protocol by Shamim Sarif

I’m typically not a big reader of thrillers, but something about the synopsis of this novel sounds too good to pass up. I expect a lot of nonstop action mixed with some twists and turns. Also, I’ve always had small desire to work in intelligence. Those guys are badass.

Your Top Three Can’t Wait Books of the Year

  • Five Dark Fates (Three Dark Crowns, #4) by Kendare Blake
  • The Guinevere Deception (Camelot Rising, #1) by Kiersten White
  • The Beautiful (The Beautiful, #1) by Renee Ahdieh

All three of these books have been on my radar ever since they were first announced, especially Five Dark Fates. This fall is definitely killing it in the new releases department.

Top Five Most Anticipated Backlist Books on Your TBR

  • The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough
  • The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw
  • When the Sky Fell on Splendor by Emily Henry
  • Defy the Fates (Constellation, #3) by Claudia Gray
  • The Last Magician (The Last Magician, #1) by Lisa Maxwell

What are some of your most anticipated releases? Do you usually keep up to date with new releases? What are some backlisted books on your TBR for the rest of the year? Are you excited about any of the books on my list?

Past, Present, and Future Book Tag

I’m trying to get more into book tags, as I feel like they’re always really fun to do but I hardly ever participate in them. I saw this one a few days ago done by Danielle @ Life of a Literary Nerd and thought it was a good way to showcase some TBR books. It was originally created by Bookish Pisces.

RULES

  • Find a book published 10+ years ago.
  • Find a book that will be published THIS year.
  • Find a book that will be published NEXT year.

Past

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The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough

The Thorn Birds is a robust, romantic saga of a singular family, the Clearys. It begins in the early part of this century, when Paddy Cleary moves his wife, Fiona, and their seven children to Drogheda, the vast Australian sheep station owned by his autocratic and childless older sister; and it ends more than half a century later, when the only survivor of the third generation, the brilliant actress Justine O’Neill, sets a course of life and love halfway around the world from her roots.

The central figures in this enthralling story are the indomitable Meggie, the only Cleary daughter, and the one man she truly loves, the stunningly handsome and ambitious priest Ralph de Bricassart. Ralph’s course moves him a long way indeed, from a remote Outback parish to the halls of the Vatican; and Meggie’s except for a brief and miserable marriage elsewhere, is fixed to the Drogheda that is part of her bones – but distance does not dim their feelings though it shapes their lives.

Wonderful characters people this book; strong and gentle, Paddy, hiding a private memory; dutiful Fiona, holding back love because it once betrayed her, violent, tormented Frank, and the other hardworking Cleary sons who give the boundless lands of Drogheda the energy and devotion most men save for women; Meggie; Ralph; and Meggie’s children, Justine and Dane. And the land itself; stark, relentless in its demands, brilliant in its flowering, prey to gigantic cycles of drought and flood, rich when nature is bountiful, surreal like no other place on earth.

I’ve heard so many amazing things about this book (and the miniseries), so I think it’s finally time that I see what all of the hype is about. I always appreciate a good sweeping love story. I’ll probably read the book first and then watch the show as well to see how they measure up to one another.

Present

40645629Rayne & Delilah’s Midnite Matinee by Jeff Zentner

Every Friday night, best friends Delia and Josie become Rayne Ravenscroft and Delilah Darkwood, hosts of the campy creature feature show Midnite Matinee on the local cable station TV Six.

But with the end of senior year quickly approaching, the girls face tough decisions about their futures. Josie has been dreading graduation, as she tries to decide whether to leave for a big university and chase her dream career in mainstream TV. And Lawson, one of the show’s guest performers, a talented MMA fighter with weaknesses for pancakes, fantasy novels, and Josie, is making her tough decision even harder.

Scary movies are the last connection Delia has to her dad, who abandoned the family years ago. If Midnite Matinee becomes a hit, maybe he’ll see it and want to be a part of her life again. And maybe Josie will stay with the show instead of leaving her behind, too.

As the tug-of-war between growing up and growing apart tests the bonds of their friendship, Josie and Delia start to realize that an uncertain future can be both monstrous…and momentous.

I was in love with Zentner’s debut novel, The Serpent King, but have yet to check out his more recent releases. I think I’ll be picking this one up over Goodbye Days, as I’m not ready for a good cry at the moment. Haha! I’ve heard this one is a bit more lighthearted and a fun read, which is just what I need.

Future

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The Silence of Bones by June Hur

1800, Joseon (Korea). Homesick and orphaned sixteen-year-old Seol is living out the ancient curse: “May you live in interesting times.” Indentured to the police bureau, she’s been tasked with assisting a well-respected young inspector with the investigation into the politically charged murder of a noblewoman.

As they delve deeper into the dead woman’s secrets, Seol forms an unlikely bond of friendship with the inspector. But her loyalty is tested when he becomes the prime suspect, and Seol may be the only one capable of discovering what truly happened on the night of the murder.

But in a land where silence and obedience are valued above all else, curiosity can be deadly.

June Hur’s elegant and haunting debut The Silence of Bones is a bloody tale perfect for fans of Kerri Maniscalco and Renée Ahdieh.

Ummm, a historical murder-mystery set in 1800’s Korea?! I don’t see how this book isn’t being screamed about all over the book community because it sounds amazing. I am really not looking forward to having to wait until next year to finally be able to pick it up.

What is a backlisted book on your TBR? What about one that is being/or has been released this year? Do you already have a 2020 release that you’re looking forward to reading? Have you heard of or read any of the books on my list?

2019 Mid-Year Freak Out Book Tag

Another half year has gone by super fast. I think it really is true what they say, “The years go fast, but the days go slow.” I think that’s especially true as you get older. I mean I will turn 30 in 18 months and that doesn’t even compute with me sometimes. However, that also means that we’ve had 6 months of reading time so far in 2019 and that is awesome. It also means that I’m THIS much closer to my favorite time of year – fall. Cold weather is calling me and I cannot wait!

Best Book You’ve Read So Far In 2019

I couldn’t pick just one book because all four of these books just rocked my freaking world this year for different reasons. I cannot recommend them enough to people.

Best Sequel You’ve Read So Far In 2019

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I’m honestly just trash for this series. The first one was so unique but maybe suffered from a bit of slow pacing, but holy moly this sequel was insanely amazing. There was an outlaw style space port, cage-style fighting, etc. I don’t even know how Caine and Aguirre are going to be able to top this sequel, but I have really high hopes!

New Release You Haven’t Read Yet But Want To

Basically I’m kicking my ass over having not read these books because I am obsessed with Jeff Zentner and Emily Henry’s novels. But I will say that I own Kingsbane but I’ve been putting it aside until I do a reread of Furyborn. It’s happening soon though, for sure.

Most Anticipated Release For The Second Half Of The Year

Okay, just give me all of the books at this point. I promise I won’t complain.

Biggest Disappointment

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I wish I understood what the hype was with this book but it did not work at all for me. The main character was so whiny and naïve, making it really hard for me to care about any of her thoughts. I get that maybe that’s a reason because she’s been so isolated but still, it just didn’t work for me.

Biggest Surprise

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I know there was a lot of hype going around this book when it first came out, especially considering it was Reese Witherspoon’s book club pick. But even with that, I wasn’t sure it was going to work for me as I’m super picky when it comes to contemporary novels. However, I freaking loved it so much! I listened to the audiobook and it was amazing. I’ll definitely be picking up whatever else this author writes.

Favorite New Author (Debut/New To You)

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I am so impressed by the world-building Fonda Lee created in Jade City. It was so impressive and interesting. This was my first read by her but I know I’m already obsessed. I can’t wait to continue with this series and also explore some of her other novels.

Newest Fictional Crush

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Nathaniel Thorn is one sassy sexy sorcerer. I was living for his witty one-liners and the back and forth banter between him and Elizabeth.

Newest Favorite Character

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Spensa is so feisty and strong-willed. I love that she doesn’t take no for an answer but continues to fight for what she wants and what she believes in. She’s just a little firecracker. I am slowly dying inside waiting for the sequel to come out because I cannot wait to see what she’s going to do next.

Book That Made You Cry

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Yeah, I’ll admit that I shed a few tears at work while listening to this audiobook. They were happy tears though!

Book That Made You Happy

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This book was just such a joy. It was engaging and fun, with a really great family story as well. It wasn’t what I was expecting at first but turned out to be just as great.

Most Beautiful Book You’ve Bought So Far This Year

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What Books Do You Need To Read By The End Of The Year

Favorite Book To Movie Adaptation You’ve Seen This Year

I don’t know if it really counts since I haven’t read the books but I really enjoyed Dumplin’ and Mortal Engines.

Favorite Review You’ve Written This Year

What is your favorite book read of 2019 so far? Biggest disappointment? Have you discovered a new favorite author? What book are you most looking forward to reading in the second half of the year?

The Audiobook Tag

I saw this awesome tag on Kristin Kraves Books page. I’ve really gotten into listening to audiobooks in the last couple of years, so I thought this would be the perfect tag to do.

Please feel free to do it as well! I’d love to see your answers!

HAVE YOU ALWAYS LISTENED TO AUDIOBOOK OR WHEN DID YOU BEGIN?

I definitely have not always listened to audiobooks. I was very against them personally for the longest time, as I just knew that there was no way that I would be able to really focus on what I was listening to. I thought that I would have a hard time really taking in the story without actually reading the words.. Well I was wrong. I finally decided to give audiobooks a shot about two years ago and I haven’t looked back since. It’s such a unique reading experience that I really appreciate. I also feel like some books actually translate better via audio as well, such as Daisy Jones & The Six or Sadie.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE AUDIOBOOK?

I honestly couldn’t really decide which audiobook I loved more. They are both so different from one another, while also just amazing. I really appreciated the cast for Sadie and how this story seamlessly flowed as via audio. While I love that the actual author narrates The Night Tiger.

WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVOURITE THING ABOUT AUDIOBOOKS?

I tend to listen to my audiobooks while I’m working or driving, which means that I occasionally don’t always fully focus on the story and end up missing parts of the story. And for me personally, I have a harder time listening to a fantasy story than I do with historical fiction of contemporary, as it requires more focus to fully be able to grasp the world and story.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE DIFFERENCE IN EXPERIENCE BETWEEN PHYSICALLY READING A BOOK AND LISTENING TO IT?

This is a hard question to answer, but I think that audiobooks can sometimes really bring a story to life by giving it that cinematic element with the narration, such as the full cast version of The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. There are also some books that I think just translate better as audiobooks. I also think audio versions can help some of those slower paced novels that we struggle through.

HOW AND WHEN DO YOU LISTEN?

Like I mentioned earlier, I tend to listen to audiobooks while I’m at work or when I’m driving. I like to switch them up with the podcasts that I listen to on a regular basis. (Feel free to ask me for some podcast recommendations as well!) I use Audible as well for my books. I appreciate their return policy sooo much.

WHAT STYLE/GENRE DO YOU PREFER?

I actually tend to gravitate towards historical fiction with my audiobooks and then just sprinkle in some contemporary and fantasy. I’ve recently gotten into science fiction as well, which I used to always just want to physically read. I’m surprised that I enjoy listening to it just as much as reading it.

WHAT ARE SOME AUDIOBOOK/NARRATOR RECOMMENDATIONS?

I don’t have any specific narrator recommendations but I’ll definitely give you some audiobook recommendations listed below!

  • Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal
  • Sadie by Courtney Summers
  • The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo
  • Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
  • The Paragon Hotel by Lyndsay Faye
  • Leviathan Trilogy by Scott Westerfeld – Side Note: This trilogy is narrated by actor Alan Cumming and he does an amazing job!)
  • This is Our Story by Ashley Elston
  • Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys
  • The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman – Side Note: I highly recommend the full cast version!

Do you enjoy listening to audiobooks? What are your favorite audiobooks? Do you prefer to listen to a certain genre?

Seven Deadly Sins Book Tag

I always enjoy a good book tag, even though I don’t do them as often as I’d like to. And I’ve been seeing this one floating around and it just looked fun as hell! Something about the seven deadly sins has always intrigued me. I really feel like someone needs to write a book involving it somehow… Can you imagine a world-building revolving around them? Someone go write this book immediately.

Also, please feel free to participate as well if you’re interested!

WRATH – What author do you have a love/hate relationship with?

I think I’m going to have to go with J.K. Rowling. She goes and creates one of the most beloved book series in history… then continuously takes away from the original magic she created by basically rewriting some of it via Twitter. Like I don’t need an author to try and back-peddle and be like, “well I know I never said so-and-so (nor implied) but I’m saying it now 20 years later to seem more hip”. Either write some more books or just shut up, please.

GLUTTONY – What book have you devoured over and over again with no shame?

Let me go ahead and say that I am not a re-reader. The only time I really reread a book is if it’s part of a series and I need to refresh before the next release comes out. So I have reread Harry Potter probably 8 times, since I always reread the series before the next book came out. However, I’m going to go with Pride and Prejudice this time. I’ve reread that book multiple times over the years and I will probably continue to do so for the rest of my life. It’s the classic love story and I will never get enough of it.

SLOTH – What book have you neglected to read due to laziness?

I don’t really neglected a book due to laziness, as my problem revolves around being such a mood reader. However, I will say the closest one is Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. It’s such a long book and also literary historical fiction, so I’m just waiting for the right time to focus all of my energy on it. But it is on my list for must-reads this year!

PRIDE – What book do you talk about most in order to sound like an intellectual reader?

I don’t think I’ve ever really done this? But I do feel a sense of accomplishment knowing I read Gone with the Wind, Atlas Shrugged, The Count of Monte Cristo, and War and Peace in grade school. Something about pushing myself through such long and challenging books at such a young age makes me proud of myself. Also, a little ashamed because I rarely challenge myself like that anymore. Hahaha!

LUST – What attributes do you find attractive in male or female characters?

I’m a simple girl, just give me witty and sarcastic characters. Also, dark and brooding, maybe a bit of an asshole. You know, I tend to gravitate towards those typical stereotypes. My favorite characters have to have some kind of personality… And if they’re anything like the freaking awful character of Mal from the Grisha Trilogy, I will immediately hate them. Thank you and goodnight.

ENVY – What book would you most like to receive as a gift?

Hmmm.. this one is kind of difficult. I really want to get back into Rick Riordan’s books, so I would love the boxed set of The Heroes of Olympus, to go along with my boxed set of Percy Jackson. I really want to do a reread of those soon and then finish the sequel series. I think I might be too far behind to move on to his other series at this point, but I’ll be happy with just those two.

What are some of your answers to these questions? How do you feel about J.K. Rowling now? Do you agree/disagree with my answers?