Tag: Wrap Up

June 2020 Wrap Up

meltotheanyAside28 Comments

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Do you ever have a reading month where you read so many new favorite things that you just know it will probably be your best reading month of the entire year? Yeah, okay, this is totally what I experienced with June 2020. So many new forever favorites! And easily the best reading month I have had in such a long time. 💗


➽ Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Buddy read with Isabella! ❤
This was a really heartbreaking read, but a much needed read. The talk of manipulation, gaslighting, grooming, and power dynamics/imbalances is expertly done, even if very hard to read at times. This book is about a young girl whose dream is to sing, and she quickly realizes that the price of fame might be a very scary thing when men in power feel untouchable. I’ve read a lot of reviews that say that this was inspired off R. Kelly and his victims but the author didn’t confirm that in my ARC, but I very much see the correlation from what little I do know about him and his cases. This is also ownvoices for the Black representation, and also deep dives into how racism and internalized racism makes people not want to believe Black voices even more than the already loud truth of not believing victims in the first place. But this is a very important book and I hope a lot of people are able to pick it up with it comes out in September.

➽ I’ll Be the One by Lyla Lee
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Buddy read with Lea & Maëlys! ❤ 🇰🇷🌈
I really enjoyed this one! It’s ownvoices for the Korean representation and queer representation, and the main character is also fat and we get to see how that impacts how the kpop industry, society, and her family sees her. This was so unapologetically beautiful, and it also wove in important discussions likes Asian fetisizations and anti-Blackness in the kpop industry and in kpop communities. Oh, and the mc and the love interest are both bi and I really loved that so much. Also, I’m praying for a spinoff book starring the sapphic side characters who stole my heart.

➽ This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar & Max Gladstone
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Buddy read with Maëlys! ❤ 🌈
This was a reread for me, and again I think this book has left me at a loss for words. The romance in this is my favorite of all time. The letter correspondence between these two women, fighting for wars they aren’t sure they believe in, but realizing more and more with every letter that they believe in each other? Whew, lads. One day this year I’m going to write a proper review for this book. If you haven’t read this yet, please give it a try. It is truly everything and such a win for the gays.

➽ The Deep by Rivers Solomon, Daveed Diggs, William Hutson, Jonathan Snipes
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Buddy read with Lea! ❤ 🌈
Oh, this story broke me greatly. This is a story about underwater descendants of African slaves, but only one person from these people can remember the story of their ancestors. This truly is a book about passing down trauma, and even about passing down white supremacy, and how scary both of those things are. This was beautifully crafted and truly has left me speechless. I’m not sure a day has gone by that I haven’t thought about it. This is ownvoices for the Black representation and the queer representation.

➽ Trade Me (Cyclone #1) by Courtney Milan
⭐⭐⭐ Buddy read with Lea! ❤ 🇨🇳
I read this in a 24 hour whirlwind, but I really enjoyed it. It is ownvoices for the Asian representation and has beautiful discussions on immigration, an Asian-American main character, healthy talks of power imbalances, breaking stigmas of poverty, the guy love interest having an eating disorder, and more!

➽ Hold Me (Cyclone #2) by Courtney Milan
⭐⭐⭐⭐  June Pick: Dragons and Tea Book Club! 🐉☕ 🇨🇳🌈
And then I read this book for the Dragons & Tea book club! This is also ownvoices for the Asian representation and the queer representation! And also has a Latinx, trans mc too! This was such a beautiful romance that I was swooning for the whole time, because the build up was truly expertly crafted and done! Yet, I really loved the discussion on how women can be treated in STEM classes and workplaces!

➽ The City We Became (Great Cities #1) by N.K. Jemisin
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Buddy read with Maëlys! ❤ 🌈
My heart, my soul, NK Jemisin really can just do no wrong in my eyes. I loved this story so much, and she is a genius for making literal personifications of cities. I loved seeing them work together, try to find each other, but also try to learn and find themselves. This is ownvoices for the Black representation and talks greatly on social injustice and how dangerous white supremacy is, in this story and in our world.

➽ The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Buddy read with Maëlys! ❤ 🌈
The way I am still so shocked that I think a VE Schwab book might be my favorite of the whole year. This was easily the best thing I’ve read all 2020, and such a beautiful discussion of art and love and living your life the way you deem worthy of living. Yet also has important themes about abuse and power dynamics. This entire story was so beautifully crafted and written and truly just feels like a love letter to stories. I can’t wait to watch the rest of the world fall in love with this one. 

➽ The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Buddy read with Maëlys! ❤ 🌈
A love letter to found families and I think this found family stole my whole heart while reading this beautiful story. This will easily make my best books of 2020 list, and I now want to read everything by TJ Klune now. This is also ownvoices for the queer rep, and my heart really, really loved this sweet romance as well. I truly just want the best for every character in this book forever.

➽ The Tea Dragon Tapestry (Tea Dragon #3) by Katie O’Neill
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Buddy read with Maëlys! ❤ 🌈
Has any book brought as as much joy as this one this year? I think maybe not. Katie O’Neil has truly outdone herself once again. I am so very in love with these illustrations, with these characters, and with this story. This particular volume really focuses on how everyone has their own path. There are so many things you can do in this life, and even though it seems scary, you can do so many of them if you wish to do so! There is also nothing wrong with staying on the path that makes you happy and makes you feel safe. But regardless of the paths you take, and who you chose to take them with, you are whole on your own and you are deserving of happiness and safety. Ahhhh, I needed this so badly in the month of June and this was truly such a special experience reading.


Okay, my loves! That is everything I was able to read in the month of June! I’m telling you, it was such a blessed month! What was your favorite read in June? Also, tomorrow I have a very exciting post and the first of a brand new series on meltotheany that makes my heart feel like it has wings! So, make sure you check it out tomorrow and every Friday, because it would mean the absolute world to me. Happy reading, I love you! 💗

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July 2019 Wrap Up

meltotheanyAside27 Comments

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Holy moly, friends, the Reading Rush really came through and boosted my books read stat for the year! I was able to read nine things last week, which was half of everything I read for the entire month! And, way more importantly, I read so many four and five star reads and I feel so very blessed with all the amazing stories I consumed this month!

➽ Lock Every Door by Riley Sager ⭐⭐⭐

➽ Darkdawn (The Nevernight Chronicle #3) by Jay Kristoff ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

➽ The Black Veins (Dead Magic #1) by Ashia Monet ⭐⭐⭐⭐

➽ Love From A to Z by S.K. Ali ⭐⭐⭐⭐

➽ Valiant: A Modern Tale of Faerie (Modern Faerie Tales #2) by Holly Black ⭐⭐

➽ Her Royal Highness (Royals #2) by Rachel Hawkins ⭐⭐⭐

➽ Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren ⭐⭐

➽ Say You Still Love Me by K.A. Tucker ⭐⭐⭐

➽ The Nowhere Girls by Amy Reed ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

➽ Normal People by Sally Rooney ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

➽ Beauty and the Beast Girl by neji ⭐⭐⭐

➽ Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

➽ Save Me – BTS Webtoon (The Most Beautiful Moment in Life 0) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

➽ All Systems Red (The Murderbot Diaries #1) by Martha Wells ⭐⭐⭐⭐

➽ 10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston ⭐⭐⭐⭐

➽ River of Teeth (River of Teeth #1) by Sarah Gailey ⭐⭐⭐⭐

➽ Foolish Hearts by Emma Mills ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

➽ The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow ⭐⭐⭐⭐

➽ The Tea Dragon Festival (Tea Dragon #2) by Katie O’Neill ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


Okay, loves! I think that is everything! I promise to get so many of these reviews out soon! I didn’t even open Word during last week’s madness, but I promise to tackle my outstanding reviews-to-write list very soon! I love you all, and I hope you’re having the happiest of reading!

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June 2019 Wrap Up

meltotheanyAside13 Comments

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Hey, loves! Wow, I finally feel like a regular book blogger again! So, during June I was traveling a lot! I went to NYC for a week, and I went to LA for two weekends, but I feel so very blessed that I was able to spend so much time with so many loved ones! But I won’t lie, I am looking very forward to being able to read all the things again come July! But I really did have a good reading month in June (Thank you, Smutathon and Summerathon)! June was also the month that me and all my friends fell in love with Tessa Bailey, so I was truly just living my best romance reviewer life all month long!

(Like always, you can click the links in each of the titles if you would like to read a more in-depth review of each book and see the individual trigger and content warnings.)

➽ Ghosts of the Shadow Market by Cassandra Clare & More ⭐⭐⭐⭐

➽ Cherry Pie by Madison Faye ⭐⭐

➽ A Lesson in Thorns (Thornchapel #1) by Sierra Simone ⭐⭐⭐⭐

➽ The Queen of Dauphine Street (NOLA Nights #2) by Thea de Salle ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

➽ Fix Her Up ( Hot & Hammered #1) by Tessa Bailey ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

➽ Final Draft by Riley Redgate ⭐⭐⭐⭐

➽ Tithe (Modern Faerie Tales #1) by Holly Black ⭐⭐⭐

➽ Getaway Girl (Girl #1) by Tessa Bailey ⭐⭐⭐⭐

➽ The Tenth Girl by Sara Faring ⭐⭐⭐

➽ Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker & Wendy Xu ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

➽ The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez ⭐⭐

➽ Runaway Girl (Girl #2) by Tessa Bailey ⭐⭐⭐

➽ The Major’s Welcome Home by Tessa Bailey ⭐⭐

➽ Well Met by Jen DeLuca ⭐⭐⭐⭐

➽ Halfway Girl (Girl #2.5) by Tessa Bailey ⭐⭐⭐

➽ With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo ⭐⭐⭐⭐


Okay, loves! I think that is everything! Did you have a good reading month this June? What was your favorite read? Have you ever read a Tessa Bailey book? *drinks ice water forever* I hope you all had an amazing month, and I hope the last half of 2019 is truly magical for you all! I love you and happy reading, friends!

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May 2019 Wrap Up

meltotheanyAside29 Comments

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Okay, yeah, I know this is very late, but better late than never…. right? RIGHT? I hope so, haha! Okay, so in May I was in Hawaii for a little over two weeks, and I only was able to read three books while there! Then, when arriving home, I was so busy getting caught up with work and with packing for NYC that I just didn’t read very much (for me) in the month of May! But I was still able to read seven books that I really enjoyed and I’d love to talk to you about them!

(Like always, you can click the links in each of the titles if you would like to read a more in-depth review of each book and see the individual trigger and content warnings.)

➽ Arranged by R.K. Lilley ⭐⭐⭐

➽ Enthralled (The Enslaved Duet #1) by Giana Darling ⭐⭐⭐

➽ Gideon the Ninth (The Ninth House #1) by Tamsyn Muir ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

➽ Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee ⭐⭐⭐⭐

➽ Descendant of the Crane by Joan He ⭐⭐⭐⭐

➽ Blackbird, Vol. 1 (Blackbird #1-6) by Sam Humphries & Jen Bartel ⭐⭐

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


Okay, friends, that’s it! Again, I’m so sorry that this is so late! I swear, May and June have both just been whirlwinds for me and traveling! But I hope the rest of this summer I am able to focus on my reading and all my bookish endeavors! I hope you all are having the happiest of reading! And I hope you enjoy my June Wrap Up tomorrow!

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March 2019 Wrap Up

meltotheanyAside12 Comments

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Hey, loves! I know this is so late! This month has just been a little wild for me, because I’ve been getting ready to go on vacation to Hawaii! I leave on the 26th, but I’ve just been trying to get as much reading in as possible with my free time. Even though I am very much slacking with reviewing and commenting, but hopefully I’ll get that caught up this week too! And I promise, after May, things will be back to normal again around here on the blog! But I hope you’re all having an amazing April, and I’m sorry this is so late!

What I read in March…
(Like always, you can click the links in each of the titles if you would like to read a more in-depth review of each book and see the individual trigger and content warnings.)

💖 Also, before I get into these fourteen books, I also beta read a fifteenth book for my dear friend Julie, and I loved it so very much. It would mean the world to me if you all added it to your Goodreads TBRS – HERE! 

➽ – Wicked Saints (Something Dark and Holy #1) by Emily A. Duncan – ★★★★★
➽ – Rayne & Delilah’s Midnite Matinee by Jeff Zentner – ★★★
➽ – Shades of Magic Vol. 1: The Steel Prince by V.E. Schwab &Andrea Olimpieri – ★★★
➽ – On the Come Up by Angie Thomas – ★★★★★
➽ – The Bride Test (The Kiss Quotient #2) by Helen Hoang – ★★★★
➽ – Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston – ★★★★★
➽ – Last Call at the Nightshade Lounge by Paul Krueger – ★★★
➽ – The Devouring Gray (The Devouring Gray #1) by Christine Lynn Herman – ★★★
➽ – Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay – ★★★
➽ – The Red Scrolls of Magic by Cassandra Clare & Wesley Chu – ★★★★★
➽ – The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren – ★★★★
➽ – City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1) by Cassandra Clare – ★★★
➽ – Miranda in Milan by Katharine Duckett – ★★★★
➽ – Holy Sister (Book of the Ancestor #3) by Mark Lawrence – ★★★★★

Okay, loves! That’s all! I am so sorry this is going up so late (for me) again! But I hope you all enjoyed! I also hope you’re all having the happiest of reading! I love you! 💛✨

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February 2019 Wrap Up

meltotheanyAside38 Comments

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Hey, loves! The month of February has been such a rewarding month, but such a busy month, too. I’ll be honest, I’m going through a really big reading slump right now, and I hope it doesn’t stick around for much longer. I just think I really burnt myself out reading so many things, nonstop, for Contemporaryathon! But I can already start to feel myself getting more and more refreshed creatively and physically!

But besides this last week, I did have a really good reading month! I was able to read 16 things, and I loved so very many of them! Yet, I did DNF my first book of 2019, which is never a good feeling, but at least I don’t have to dread it anymore!

What I read in February…
(Like always, you can click the links in each of the titles if you would like to read a more in-depth review of each book and see the individual trigger and content warnings.)

➽ Once Ghosted, Twice Shy (Reluctant Royals #2.5) by Alyssa Cole – ★★★★

“Out of all the train cars in all the world you had to walk into mine.”

Oh my word, this was glorious. Alyssa Cole just keeps proving, over and over, that she is the queen of romance, and that the Reluctant Royals series is such a bright shining light for the romance genre. And I truly and utterly fell completely in love with Likotsi and Fabiola, and this is one of my new favorite f/f stories ever written.

➽ Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë – ★★

“People feel with their hearts, Ellen, and since he has destroyed mine, I have not power to feel for him.”

Okay, I know that Wuthering Heights is so many people’s favorite book of all-time, and so many people’s least favorite book of all-time, so I went into this not really knowing what to expect. I will be honest, I didn’t really love it, but I was for sure not expecting the wild ride that this story took me on. I just truly found all of the characters (Except for Ellen/Nelly) to be so damn insufferable.

➽ Fame, Fate, and the First Kiss by Kasie West – ★★★

“I have to convince audiences everywhere that a zombie loves a zombie hunter. So far, it’s not happening. So far, the only thing future viewers care about is that I’m not someone else.”

Okay, the only other thing I’ve ever read by Kasie West was the short story of hers in Snow in Love, but I think it is safe to say that I am officially just going to preorder everything she writes from now on, because this story was also such a damn delight. And she is now 2/2 for writing the sweetest and softest boys in YA literature. I honestly just had a smile on my face while reading the majority of this book. If I’m ever in need of a feelgood book, I’m just going to turn to Kasie West’s backlist from now on.

➽ A Girl Like Her (Ravenswood #1) by Talia Hibbert – ★★★★★

“There are some things you don’t get over. You just accept them, and keep breathing. That’s enough.”

Talia Hibbert is a national treasure, and I don’t think that I ever want to leave Ravenswood or these characters. Talia truly crafts the most heartwarming romances, with amazingly diverse characters, and weaves in some of the sexiest scenes I’ve ever read in my entire life. I have loved everything that she has written so far, and A Girl Like Her is probably my favorite yet. Truly a masterpiece, and she is truly creating a brand-new tier in the romance genre, above the rest.

➽ The Risk (Briar U #2) by Elle Kennedy – ★★★★

“I know you’re Chad Jensen’s daughter. I know you would take any opportunity to mess with my players’ heads. I know we’re probably going to be facing off with Briar in the conference finals in a few weeks”

I’m not sure what the world has done to deserve Elle Kennedy and all the amazing stories she keeps giving us set around this hockey team, but we are so damn blessed, friends. I hope she continues to write them forever. And The Risk was so sexy, so funny, and so phenomenal. Reading this was pure joy, and my biggest complaint is that I wish we had an extra epilogue, because I want and I need more. The Risk perfectly plays with the enemies to lovers trope, but also adds the fake dating element, and I was truly living my best life while reading this story.

➽ The Kiss Thief by L.J. Shen – ★★★

“A story of a Nemesis and a Villain with no chance at a happy ending.”

Francesca Rossi thought she had her life already figured out, even though she was only nineteen, and regardless of what kind of life she has ever wanted for herself. Her father is very powerful and has built an empire in Chicago, even if he deals with and in some very dark things. And Francesca’s hand in marriage is going to be connection to another powerful family one day. And it appears that the day is coming very quickly.

➽ Torn (All Torn Up #1) by Carian Cole – DNF @ 36%

“The line between Tor and I is somewhat unique, because it criss-crosses between family and friend, and just now it blurred into something I can’t quite describe.”

This was pitched to me as a romance where a young woman falls in love with her father’s best friend. And like, I was looking for something taboo and smutty, so I was ready for it. But I didn’t know that: 1.) The girl was going to be seventeen, which I get is legal in some states, but it still skeezes me the fuck out! And 2.) that the dad’s best friend was going to be a very big figure in her life from the day of her birth. Like, he was legitimately there the day she was born and given the title of godfather.

➽ Fence Vol. 2 (Fence #2) by C.S. Pacat – ★★★★

“All I have to do is fence.”

Oh my word, this was such a damn treat. I love these characters and this graphic novel series so very much. Vol. 1 completely stole my heart last year, and Vol. 2 was a wonderful addition. Even though the wait for Vol. 3 to get published is going to maybe be the death of me.

➽ Bingo Love by Tee Franklin – ★★★★

“I’ve hidden my love for a woman for fifty years”

Wow, I loved this second chance romance so much. It was sweet, and heartwarming, but so real, and so heartbreaking. I laughed, I cried, I wanted more. Seriously, I’m so dang happy that I picked this up.

➽ When Summer Ends by Jessica Pennington – ★★★

“Aiden and Olivia decide to live summer by chance. Every fleeting adventure and stolen kiss is as fragile as a coin flip in this heartfelt journey to love and self-discovery…”

Friends, this is going to be the perfect summer read. I know a three star rating seems low, but I promise I still really enjoyed this one. And I promise a full review to come very soon!

➽ Vicious (Sinners of Saint #1) by L.J. Shen – ★★★★

“I met Baron Spencer and he became my nightmare.”

Okay, you were all 100% correct. Vicious is totally the human equivalent of Cardan Greenbriar and I immediately want to reread this book this very second. Like, the first scene in his room, where he is sitting on the bed? I was waiting for my good dude to sprout a tail, honest to God. But yeah, this was an amazingly sexy read, and I enjoyed every single second of it. I can’t wait to continue on with the rest of this series.

➽ Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston – ★★★★★

“First, you’ve been, like, Draco Malfoy–level obsessed with Henry for years—do not interrupt me—and since the royal wedding, you’ve gotten his phone number and used it not to set up any appearances but instead to long-distance flirt with him all day every day.”

This book was glorious perfection! I can’t believe I haven’t wrote up a full review for it, but I think that is because I know that no word combination will do this heartwarming story justice. But I can safely say that I have never smiled so hard while reading, even when I was crying, and that you all should preorder this one immediately!

➽ A Heart in a Body in the World by Deb Caletti – ★★★★★

“She survived something big, and when you survive something big, you are always, always aware that next time you might not.”

I can truly say, with every single ounce of my heart, that this is one of the best books I’ve ever read in my entire life. It’s so quiet, but so loud. It’s so heartbreaking, but so healing. It’s so impactful, it’s so powerful, and it’s completely and utterly unforgettable. I truly recommend this story with my entire soul. A Heart in a Body in the World is now one of my favorite books of all time.

➽ The Weight of the Stars by K. Ancrum – ★★★★★

“Fighting for yourself is another way of loving yourself.”

This book is a masterpiece. It’s about finding yourself, and finding a family of your choosing, and finding love that you deserve. I haven’t fully written up my review yet, but I promise it will be up soon. But friends, this is one of the best books I’ve ever read in my entire life. I love it with the sum of who I am.

➽ Once & Future (Once & Future #1) by Amy Rose Capetta & Cori McCarthy – ★★★

“I’ve been chased my whole life. As a fugitive refugee in the territory controlled by the tyrannical Mercer corporation, I’ve always had to hide who I am. Until I found Excalibur.”

This ended up doing a trope I hate a whole lot and I’m so sad! But this still had so much good in it! I promise, full review coming very soon!

➽ The Shadow Glass (The Bone Witch #3) by Rin Chupeco – ★★★★★

“I will save the kingdoms, and I will save you in the process, and maybe I will save the bits and pieces of myself that need rescuing too.”

Friends, I just finished this late last night! But my blog tour post will go up this Sunday and I can’t wait to full gush!

Man oh man, just looking at those five five-star reads? My heart. Truly some of my favorites of all-time, that I will carry in my heart forever and always! Also, I am more than halfway into The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon, so hopefully that will be one of the first things I finish in March! What was your favorite book you read this month? I’d love to know! And I hope you all are having the happiest of reading currently! 💛✨

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Bonus highlight of February:

Booktube Games with Lea!

 

January 2019 Wrap Up

meltotheanyAside42 Comments

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Hey, loves! This has truly been one of the wildest months of my entire life. From starting Booktube, to starting a book club, to hitting 40k on Goodreads, to being asked to host Contemporary-a-thon, this month has truly been a dream come true for me. I’m so thankful for each and every single one of you and I can’t believe how blessed I am to call you all my friends. Thank you, with everything I am, thank you.

Also, League of Legends Spring Split started up, so you know my reading was taking a hit on the weekends, but it’s always worth. But I was able to read 15 things on top of this blessed and busy start of 2019. And I was able to reread probably my favorite of 2019, let’s be real! But I also read some other amazing things, too!

What I read in January…
(Like always, you can click the links in each of the titles if you would like to read a more in-depth review of each book and see the individual trigger and content warnings.)

➽ The Wicker King (The Wicker King #1) by K. Ancrum – ★★★★★

“Would you do something bad if you knew it would have more good in it, in the end, than bad?”

Okay, I just want to start this review off that this book will forever be sentimental to me, not only because it was the first book I read this year and that I absolutely loved it, but also because it was the very first pick for the Dragons & Tea Book Club and the author came into the group and answered so many questions that made this one of the best reading experiences I’ve ever had in my entire life. This book will just always have a special place in my heart now.

➽ The Legend of the Golden Raven by K. Ancrum – ★★★★

“There is a difference between being nice and being kind.”

Oh my gosh, I am living my best life thanks to this short story! This month, I also read The Wicker King and fell so in love with Jack and August and how they both were able to give the other one what they needed in a world that wasn’t willing to fill their voids. And The Legend of the Golden Raven is a brief retelling of The Wicker King but from Jack’s perspective, where we really get to dive into the fantastical world he was able to see. And friends? I loved this. My only complaint is that I wanted more because I will always want more from these characters. Also, seeing Rina in this? Truly added five years to my life. I love this story, I love these characters, and K. Ancrum is truly a blessing.

➽ My Fake Canadian Wife by M. Hollis – ★★★★

“Why was it so hard to find good mainstream media where you could see two girls falling in love with a happy ending? Even harder if I wanted to find stories with black girls. Brazilian black girls falling in love? Mostly, I’d only found them in indie and self-published books. Maybe it would be easier to enjoy more media if everything I tried to watch didn’t look as white as the walls of my apartment.”

Did I start 2019 off with the cutest sapphic relationship set up, that also featured a pan love interest? Wow, the blessings for this new year already! Friends, I loved this. And if you’re looking for something diverse, something hella cute, something super romantic, and something that’s a really quick read, then look no further.

➽ 99 Percent Mine by Sally Thorne – ★★★

“Maybe he’s 1 percent mine. That has to be enough.”

Sally Thorne’s long awaited and most anticipated sophomore release, 99 Percent Mine was truly a wild ride for me. I’ll be honest, it took me a while to warm up to this story and especially to this main character, but I ended up enjoying this one for the most part. But, sadly, it is no The Hating Game, or at least it wasn’t for me.

➽ Again, but Better: A Novel by Christine Riccio – ★★★

“If you could go back and do London all over again, knowing everything you know now, would you do it?”

Friends, I wanted to love this so badly. So damn badly. Christine is not only the actual Queen of BookTube, she was one of the first channels I ever watched. She just seems so kind, and genuine, and I always feel like she radiates positive energy, and she was such a massive part of why I wanted to read Shadowhunters in the first place. But this review isn’t going to be about that, nor is it going to be a drag or me spilling the tea; this review is just going to be about why this debut was only okay for me. Even though I very much hope it works for you come May 2019! Also, please keep in mind that I have a very early ARC copy of this book. Many things could be changed upon publication!

➽ A Study in Scarlet (Sherlock Holmes #1) by Arthur Conan Doyle – ★★

“There is a mystery about this which stimulates the imagination; where there is no imagination there is no horror”

Everyone’s favorite original detective is Sherlock Holmes, and I’ve been wanting to see how it all began for a long while now! But I can honestly say that I was not prepared for the last half of this tiny book. Yet, I am still happy that I can finally say I’ve read the source material.

➽ The Waking Forest by Alyssa Wees – ★★★

“Let’s start with the Witch in the Woods.”

This is a story that is telling two very different tales with alternating chapters. One is a girl in our world, living in a beach house with her family, and she has suffered from nightmare like dreams her entire life. The second is a witch in the magical woods, who grants children wishes with her heart, and she is being told a story by a very different kind of fox. These tales simultaneously go on and weave together that is actually really beautiful.

➽ A Study in Charlotte (Charlotte Holmes #1) by Brittany Cavallaro – ★★★★

“I felt like I was being pulled through a dark, dank wardrobe into some boozy Narnia.”

This was the most unexpected treat! I thought that I might enjoy this one, but I never expected to fall completely head over heels for it, especially after reading A Study in Scarlet the night before starting this! This is a reimagining of Sherlock and Watson, but told in the perspective of their descendants, Charlotte and Jamie, in modern day! And, oh my gosh, this was just fantastic!

➽ The Hod King (The Books of Babel #3) by Josiah Bancroft – ★★★★★

“The world is full of wolves and lambs, but precious few shepherds.”

I can’t believe that Josiah Bancroft did it again, but he truly did it again. This is such a wonderful installment in a world that I never want to leave. This entire series is such a unique treat that is truly unlike any other fantasy out there. Every paragraph is so smart, every chapter so perfectly crafted, and each book makes me more and more invested. I am at such a loss for words because of this book’s pure magnificence.

➽ Song of the Dead (Reign of the Fallen #2) by Sarah Glenn Marsh – ★★★★

“I’m Odessa of Grenwyr, and the dead answer to me.”

This review is going to be up VERY SOON! But I loved this world, these characters, and this author so much. The ownvoices bisexual representation means so much to me, and I will never get sick of reading about necromancers. I think this duology is a damn gift to the YA genre and I am so blessed that I was able to read it. Also, give me all the dragon companions, please!

➽ The Foxhole Court (All for the Game #1) by Nora Sakavic – ★★★★

“It’s about second chances, Neil. Second, third, fourth, whatever, as long as you get at least one more than what anyone else wanted to give you.”

Holy shit, I didn’t think I’d actually like this. What even is my life? Friends, I couldn’t put this down. I read it in 24 hours and no regrets were had. This was way darker than I expected, but I became so damn invested in this main character and I honestly fell in love with him and his story from day one. I know this is a bit of a polarizing read, but if you enjoyed Fence and The Wicker King then I think this story is for sure worth a try for you! Especially since it’s free on Amazon US!

➽ Dead Witch Walking (The Hollows #1) by Kim Harrison – ★★

“Making a spell is easy. It’s trusting you did it right that’s hard.”

Dead Witch Walking is just a product of its time and it just reads like an early 2000s PNR/UF story. I guarantee if I read this back when I was in love with the Fever series, the Kate Daniels series, and the Riley Jenson Guardian series, then I would have enjoyed this way more than I did. Sadly, we are in 2019, and the true fact is that this didn’t age well, in my opinion. But I still had a lot of fun reading this one!

➽ Truly Devious (Truly Devious #1) by Maureen Johnson – ★★

“When you have enough power and money, you can dictate the meanings of words.”

This was just so not what I was looking for. I’ll have a full review up soon, but basically this story alternates from past to present day, but the story never feels like it is moving forward. This was a slog to read, and it continued to just be a worse and worse reading experience while reading. And the cliffhanger ending? It just felt so cheap and so out of left field. I probably won’t be continuing on with this series.

➽ The Wicked King (The Folk of the Air #2) by Holly Black – ★★★★★

“I want to tell you so many lies.”

Even better the second time around. Perfection. Masterpiece. My fucking heart.

➽ King of Scars (Nikolai Duology #1) by Leigh Bardugo – ★★★

“A handsome monster husband who put a crown on her head? It’s a perfect fairy tale to sell to some starry-eyed girl. She can lock you in at night and kiss you sweetly in the morning, and Ravka will be secure”

Okay, friends! Full review to come very soon! But this was just okay for me. And the ending honestly irritated me. But Zoya? Zoya is everything and I’d die for her and her happiness.

Okay, loves! I hope you enjoyed! I am sorry I’ve been so busy, but I really think things will calm down after Contemporary-a-thon! Let me know what your favorite book of January was! And I’m wishing you the happiest of reading, always! 💛✨

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December 2018 Wrap Up

meltotheanyAside15 Comments

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Hey, loves! I cannot believe that it is the end of the year already! I promise you, this will be a lot less chaotic after the 31st! But I have so many exciting new adventures that are starting on January 1st! I hope you all are having the happiest of reading and that you’re having an amazing end of 2018!

But on to what I read in December…
(Like always, you can click the links in each of the titles if you would like to read a more in-depth review of each book and see the individual trigger and content warnings.)

➽ Jane Steele by Lyndsay Faye – ★★

“Reader, I murdered him.”

I’m going to try to keep this review short, mostly because it depresses me to think that I actually am giving this such a low rating. Out of all the books on my “Must Read of 2018” list, I was most excited for this one. I was also the most positive that I would five star it, but here we are.

➽ Queen of Air and Darkness (The Dark Artifices #3) by Cassandra Clare – ★★★★

“There was blood on the Council dais, blood on the steps, blood on the walls and the floor and the shattered remnants of the Mortal Sword.”

Friends, it has been a ride. I have spent the last six months reading everything that Cassie Clare has created for the Shadowhunter world, and it was all leading up to this moment – the release of Queen of Air and Darkness. And friends, it was so worth it. Not only was reading all of these books and stories, and falling in love with so many of these characters and worlds, a highlight in my reading year, it was just a highlight in my 2018. And I just want to thank each and every single one of you that came along with me on this journey.

➽ Merry Inkmas by Talia Hibbert – ★★★★

“…Princesses like no-strings sex just as much as the next girl.”

Oh, friends, please pick this one up for the holiday season! It was so heartwarming, so atmospheric, and brought me so much joy to read! I loved both protagonists, I loved the wintery setting, I loved the Christmas tattoo shop, and I completely recommend this one with my entire heart. And now I need to go and read everything by Talia Hibbert.

➽ Snow in Love by Melissa de la Cruz, Nic Stone, Aimee Friedman, & Kasie West – ★★★

“I got you something…”

This is a heartwarming holiday anthology that just came out at the end of 2018! This is a collection of four short stories, but I truly only recommend two of them. Seriously, this is a wild break down of two five star reads, and two one star reads. But I truly loved two and I hated two. Yet, I also truly believe the Kasie West and Nic Stone’s stories are so good that it would be worth it to pick up this collection, especially if you are in need of a little holiday cheer!

➽ The Duchess Deal (Girl Meets Duke #1) by Tessa Dare – ★★★★

“Charming princes weren’t always what they seemed. Shining armor went out of fashion with the Crusades. And if fairy godmothers existed, hers was running several years late.”

Wow, The Duchess Deal single-handedly restored my faith in historical romances. Seriously, all of 2018 has been me being disappointed with every historical book I pick up, but this one? Friends, I was laughing out loud, I was clutching my pearls, I was melting into a puddle of goo on the ground. This book made me feel everything, and I can’t wait to read so much more by Tessa Dare in the new year!

➽ Killing Sarai (In the Company of Killers #1) by J.A. Redmerski – ★★★

“There is a stark difference between fear and uncertainty, Sarai. You fear nothing but are uncertain of everything.”

I have had this book recommended to me a lot over the years. But the thing is, dipping into older published dark romance normally isn’t the best experience, so I’ve put off this 2013 publication for a while. But honestly? This actually was a really enthralling read that held up really well in 2018. And I am really excited to continue on with the series.

➽ The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air #1) by Holly Black – ★★★★★

“He looks like a faerie lover stepped out of a ballad, the kind where no good comes to the girl who runs away with him.”

This reread? PERFECTION!

➽ Evidence of the Affair by Taylor Jenkins Reid – ★★★★★

“Alone in the world and alone in my marriage. Alone in love, really.”

This is a very short read, that is told completely in the format of letters from the late seventies. Letters between two cheating individuals, but, more importantly, letters between the spouses of those cheating individuals, who are sharing the letters they find between each other. Taylor Jenkins Reid is kind of known for pulling off some powerful and emotional twists in her stories, but I am in awe of how flawless she was able to do it in such a short number of pages!

➽ The Queen and the Cure (The Bird and the Sword Chronicles #2) by Amy Harmon – ★★

“I fell in love with you in pieces. Layer by layer, day by day, inch by inch.”

I loved The Bird and the Sword so much when I read it, so I was looking so forward to the indirect sequel, the Queen and the Cure. But, sadly, I was so let down by this next installment. I didn’t care about the character, the story, or any of the hardships that they were going through. Honestly? The only parts I really liked where when the characters from The Bird and the Sword made brief cameos.

➽ The Gilded Wolves (The Gilded Wolves #1) by Roshani Chokshi – ★★★★

“Sometimes the only way to take down what had destroyed you was to disguise yourself as part of it.”

Most of you know that Roshani Chokshi is one of my favorite authors. I loved both The Star-Touched Queen & A Crown of Wishes with my whole heart and soul! So, I knew when she was writing a brand-new series, about a found family completing heists and solving puzzles, that I wouldn’t be able to resist once I got my hands on an ARC. And friends, this was such a treat to read.

➽ Bound – A short story (Book of the Ancestor #2.5) by Mark Lawrence – ★★★★★

“But the fact is that few people are able to see value in the words of someone they truly dislike. Have your own opinions spoken back to you by someone you despise and you will likely begin to find fault.”

Wow, what an early holiday treat. This was a short story filled with action, suspense, and girls kissing! And, dare I say, perhaps the start of a polyamorous relationship? But this is an amazing little story about a mini murder mystery that involves the poisoning of some very wealthy and powerful people, and the poison is being implemented in a way that is impressing even master assassins. And Ara is just the person for the job to go undercover at a party full of nobles, considering her social status, but she will have the help of Regol.

➽ The Kingdom of Copper (The Daevabad Trilogy #2) by S.A. Chakraborty – ★★★★★

“It is time we get some vengeance for what they have done.”

Friends, this was such a phenomenal installment that was such a treat to read. This is an own voices Muslim Fantasy series, and a historical setting of the early 1800s, which barely touches upon the Ottoman Empire. And The Kingdom of Copper picks up five years after the events of The City of Brass

➽ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (The Chronicles of Narnia (Publication Order) #1) by C.S. Lewis – ★★★★★

“I hope no one who reads this book has been quite as miserable as Susan and Lucy were that night; but if you have been – if you’ve been up all night and cried till you have no more tears left in you – you will know that there comes in the end a sort of quietness. You feel as if nothing is ever going to happen again.”

I loved this more than words! It felt like winter and it felt like childhood and now I want to reread the entire series! Review to come soon!

➽ The Shadowhunter’s Codex (Shadowhunter Chronicles) by Cassandra Clare – ★★
Honestly? I was a little bored while reading this and I kept forcing myself to pick it up! I did think the illustrations were absolutely beautiful! And I loved the addition of the scribbles and doodles in the margins, so we can see what some of our beloved characters thought while reading this book that is supposed to be an actual book in the Shadowhunter world. But, sadly, it reads like a textbook. But I am happy I read it, because I do think it not only expanded my knowledge of the world, but a few parts were actually interesting. But I for sure think you do not *need* to read this by any means whatsoever.

➽ The Winter of the Witch (Winternight Trilogy #3) by Katherine Arden – ★★★★★
Perfection! Review to come soon! ❤

➽ High Voltage (Fever #10) by Karen Marie Moning – ★★
What a way to end 2018! Fitting, to be honest! Review to come soon!

And I also read the last three volumes of Saga!

➽ Saga, Vol. 7 by Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples – ★★★★★

“Nothing in the universe was safe from the endless war between mom’s planet and dad’s moon…”

This seventh installment is truly a masterpiece, and one of the most impactful graphic novels I’ve ever read. The ending of this is true and utter perfection, and the emotional range that Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples are able to evoke is truly something I don’t have words for. This but seventh volume truly shows why Saga is one of the best graphic works in existence.

➽ Saga, Vol. 8 by Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples – ★★★★

“In the beginning, there was Landfall and there was Wreath.”

This ended up being such a heartwarming volume, after bawling my eyes out after Vol. 7. The start of this was for sure still a tearjerker, but Saga truly will make you feel every emotion possible. This series continues to prove that it is a tier above so many out there, and I truly hope it never ends.

➽ Saga, Vol. 9 by Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples – ★★★★★

“That is the hardest part of being alive.”

BRB, crying forever! BUT, also, review soon! ❤

Okay, loves! That’s it! I’m so sorry the end of the year posts have been a bit wild this last week! I promise, things will calm down soon! But I hope you are all having the happiest of reading! And I’m wishing you all the happiest of new years! 💛✨

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November 2018 Wrap Up

meltotheanyAside33 Comments

WrapUp11

Hey, friends! I had a strange November! I started the month off by going to Blizzcon, which was so amazing! But it put me in the worst book slump, because I came home only wanting to play video games! But, after four audiobooks I was able to break out of the slump towards the end of the month, and I was able to read fourteen things in total!

But on to what I read in November…
(Like always, you can click the links in each of the titles if you would like to read a more in-depth review of each book and see the individual trigger and content warnings.)

➽ The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker – ★★★★

“Looking back, it seemed to me I’d been trying to escape not just from the camp, but from Achilles’s story; and I’d failed. Because make no mistake, this was his story—his anger, his grief, his story. I was angry, I was grieving, but somehow that didn’t matter.”

This is a feminist reimagining of Homer’s The Iliad, centering on the Trojan War, but is told in a completely different light than ever before. Yes, we get to see the Trojans and Greeks battle and Achilles be the hero the world knows and loves, but this tale is all about a voice that is never heard in other renditions.

➽ Lady Midnight (The Dark Artifices #1) by Cassandra Clare – ★★★★★

“I breathe when you breathe, I bleed when you bleed, I’m yours and you’re mine, you’ve always been mine, and I have always, always belonged to you!”

I went into this brand-new series, that has been building up in the previous series for some time now, never expecting the main story to be about a secret murderous cult. Like, the blessings. Basically, in Lady Midnight Emma is still unable to let the mysterious deaths of her parents go unsolved, even though everyone else thinks they were just the first casualties of the start of the Dark War. But it has been five years since then, and the Cold Peace is still being held up by the Shadowhunters, making it so no one can help or work with the fae.

➽ Skyward (Skyward #1) by Brandon Sanderson – ★★★★

“You get to choose who you are. Legacy, memories of the past, can serve us well. But we cannot let them define us. When heritage becomes a box instead of an inspiration, it has gone too far.”

I did adore this book. It was just what I needed. I actually was feeling really slumpy before I picked this up, and not only did it rectify that, but it reminded me why I love books and stories and fictional worlds so much. I know Brandon Sanderson isn’t for everyone, but he truly is a master at his craft and every book and series he touches turns to gold. And his world-building is honestly on a tier above all else in the genre. And, again, I cannot wait for book two. And I cannot wait to learn everything about a certain blue and orange slug.

➽ Enchantée by Gita Trelease – ★★

“Remember—magic is a cheater’s game, and everyone who sees it wants to play.”

I wanted to love this so much, friends. But sadly, it just fell so very short for me. I felt like the author was trying to cram so many important things that happened in France in that time into this book, while also trying to write her own story, and both elements just made this entire story feel disjointed and left a lot to be desired.

➽ Lord of Shadows (The Dark Artifices #2) by Cassandra Clare – ★★★★

“Break my heart. Break it in pieces. I give you permission.”

I really did love this book, even if I didn’t love it as much as LM. I just truly think that Cassie Clare is getting more and more talented as an author, and I expect she is going to give us the entire world with QoAaD. Like, I am so hyped that I predict it will make my top five of 2018.

➽ The Queens of Innis Lear by Tessa Gratton – ★★★★★

“I will wear the crown, and I will get it like a king. Not as a mother and wife, but as the firstborn child, as the strongest.”

This is a reimagining of Shakespeare’s King Lear unlike any reimagining I’ve ever read before. Tessa Gratton stays very true to the original play, and really makes a feminist statement on all the themes, but she made something so unique, so powerful, and so much its own thing. And every book I read from her ensures that she is becoming one of my favorite authors of all-time. From the themes she creates, to the lyrical writing she weaves, to the beautiful stories she creates, I five star everything by her. And The Queens of Innis Lear was no different, it is a masterpiece.

➽ Ghosts of the Shadow Market (1 – 8) by Cassandra Clare – N/A

“Your voice is the music I love best in all the world.”

This is scheduled to come out in June of 2019, and will include ten stories in total, but only eight have been released singly so far! Therefore, I am not going to give this collection a total star rating, I’m just going to let you know my individual star rating for each story separately, then come release I will do more in-depth and full review, that will also include the two stories that haven’t been released yet! But I hope this post gets you all hyped, because I can’t wait to read the final Dark Artifices book with the entire community in just a few more days!

➽ Now I Rise (The Conqueror’s Saga #2) by Kiersten White – ★★★

“Hatred makes monsters of us all.”

It makes me sad to say this, but this series, or maybe just Kiersten White’s writing, just is not for me. I will say that I have had very bad luck with historical books this year, so maybe that is it? Because so many of my friends love this series so much. But full review to come!

➽ A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer – ★★★

“I am always surprised to discover that when the world seems darkest, there exists the greatest opportunity for light.”

A Curse So Dark and Lonely is a reimagining of Beauty and the Beast with a much darker theme. In this version, the Prince is forced to repeat the quest to find love over and over each season, while causing more and more bloodshed each time. But after three-hundred seasons, this season will officially be the very last one.

➽ My Favorite Half-Night Stand by Christina Lauren – ★★

“ I wonder whether I’m single not because I haven’t met the right person yet, but because I’m not the right person yet.”

So, the basic premise of this book is that there is a close-knit group of friends who all work sort of together. But they constantly hang out outside of the workplace, and they really are their own little found family. Oh, and they are all supposed to be super smart and super unlucky with dating. Yeah, it gave me Big Bang Theory vibes which is never a good sign. But anyways, they all need dates to this big event (which doesn’t even happen in the book, by the way) so they all download a dating app.

➽ The Queen’s Resistance (The Queen’s Rising #2) by Rebecca Ross – ★★★★

“Crowning Isolde Kavanagh as the rightful queen was not the end of our rising. It was merely the beginning.”

This is the next installment, with the first book being The Queen’s Rising, and I loved this one just as much as the first! I feel like this is such an underhyped YA fantasy, by the debut author, but it is such a shining light. Plus, I got to buddy read this with Lea and it made it more perfect, because I think our friendship started because of the first book! Review to come very soon, friends!

➽ Sadie by Courtney Summers – ★★★★★

“Sometimes I don’t know what I miss more; everything I’ve lost or everything I never had.”

Sadie is worth all the praise and hype you’ve heard about it. I had a feeling I was going to love this book, but I didn’t know that I would give it a piece of my heart. This is such a bright light in 2018 releases, and even though it handles some really tough topics, I recommend it with my entire heart and soul. And I will never forget Sadie or her story, and I will never stop listening to, and I will never stop believing, the voices of girls who have their own stories to tell.

➽ The Unrequited by Saffron A. Kent – ★★★

“Unrequited love and insomnia are longtime friends of mine.”

Okay, this is a bit of a taboo story, but your girl was really craving something sexy by the end of November! And… this was just what I needed! I will say that this is a teacher/student (college) relationship and I know those aren’t for everyone. And the main character has… a lot going on! But this was a wild ride that I never wanted to get off of, honestly! Review to come ASAP!

➽ Heartstopper: Volume One (Heartstopper #1) by Alice Oseman – ★★★★★

“But love works in surprising ways, and sometimes good things are waiting just around the corner…”

I just finished this this morning, and I’m soft, and weak, and so damn happy! Review to come soon, friends! But you can read this for free HERE!

Okay, that is everything that I read! What did you read this November? And more importantly, what did you love? I can’t believe we are at the last month in 2018 already! I’m so scared that I’m going to miss out on some amazing publications that this year had to offer, and that they won’t make my best of the year list! But I have read so many amazing books this year, and I feel so very blessed! I hope you all have an amazing December, and I’m sending you all love and light always! 💛✨

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October 2018 Wrap Up

meltotheanyAside40 Comments

OctoberWrapUpHappy Halloween, friends! I hope you all are having a safe and happy holiday! And remember: Don’t eat or drink anything from Faerie! Yeah, I am going as Cardan from The Cruel Prince this year, because I’m extra but also like to stay on brand!  🍏

October was a bit of a rough month for me reading wise. I DNFed two books, and read sixteen others, but I truly only loved a small few of the things I picked up this month! And, sadly, the first thing I read ended up being the best thing I read all month! But I am hoping that November is much better reading wise for me! 🧡🍂

Other October Things…
✨ #FridayFrightAThon is over and it was such a success! Thank you to everyone who read along with us. It means the world to me! I hope to do it again next year!

✨ I did five spooky recommendations: Witches, Ghosts, Demons, Shifters, and Vampires!

✨ Worlds 2018 for League of Legends is WILD this year. And, I’ll be honest, me staying up too late and watching it (because it is in Korea this year) has really impacted my reading. But it is so worth it! #IGWIN ❤

But on to what I read in October…
(Like always, you can click the links in each of the titles if you would like to read a more in-depth review of each book and see the individual trigger and content warnings.)

➽ The Lost Sisters (The Folk of the Air #1.5) by Holly Black – ★★★★★

“His hair was bright in the moonlight, his face as handsome as heartbreak.”

No one weaves words and magic like Holly Black. No one. And I don’t even have words to express how amazing it feels to be back in this world. Not only did it make me appreciate The Cruel Prince more, it also made me emotional because of all the foreshadowing for The Wicked King. This is a pivotal short story that completely immersed me, captivated me, and reinforced that this is my favorite series of all-time.

➽ Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid – DNF @ 22%

“I love you as much as I’m willing to love anybody.”

I can’t believe I’m DNFing a Taylor Jenkins Reid book. She wrote one of my favorites books of all time, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, that means more to me than I have words to even begin to express. But this? This was just boring, and crude, and told in such a bad format. It’s like mini interviews if you will, where multiple people are talking, but it was impossible for me to ever be immersed.

➽ Aquicorn Cove by Katie O’Neill – ★★★★

“But there’s no home without a future…”

Aquicorn Cove stars a young girl named Lana, and she and her father come to visit her Auntie Mae on her little island. Lana is grieving the loss of her mother, but feels happier in her hometown, before Lana was forced to move to the city with her father. And the village is rebuilding after a disaster has struck. But Lana is more than happy to help. But when she goes to the water, she finds a little seahorse-like friend, who is in need of her help!

➽ City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments #6) by Cassandra Clare – ★★★★★

“You are the blade of Heaven. Make sure you are worthy.”

Friends, we did it, we read all of the The Infernal Devices and The Mortal Instruments. I’d like to take a moment and thank each and every one of you who motivated me to read this backlist instead of just jumping into The Dark Artifices. Seriously, I am so grateful because even though the road started off rocky, I quickly became so attached and fell so in love with these characters and this world. (But we don’t talk about City of Fallen Angels, that book never existed!)

➽ Vicious (Villains #1) by V.E. Schwab – ★★★

“Plenty of humans were monstrous, and plenty of monsters knew how to play at being human.”

Friends, this is my fifth book by VE Schwab, and I’ve three starred every single one of them. At this point, it is glaringly obvious that you should take my review(s) of her work with a grain of salt, because it is obviously a “me” thing. I will say that I adore the author, and I want so desperately to fall in love with a book of hers. And even though I thought Vicious would be the one, it sadly wasn’t.

➽ The Good Daughter by Karin Slaughter – ★★★★

“Nothing ever truly faded. Time only dulled the edges.”

This is a story about two sisters who are still grieving from a harrowing, unspeakable, horrible event that happened to them twenty-eight years ago. The book starts out with a flashback chapter, where we quickly learn that a home invasion is happening, because the girls’ father is a very liberal lawyer in a very conservative and small town.

➽ The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah – ★★★

“Some stories don’t have happy endings. Even love stories. Maybe especially love stories.”

This is a heartbreaking, historical fiction, WWII story that stars two sisters living in France, when the Germans take over in 1939. But we get to see present day glimpses from 1995, that star an older woman thinking about her life and all the harrowing events that she was forced to live through before immigrating to The United States. But it really develops this complex guessing game where you are not sure which sister is this present-day narrator.

➽ The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock by Imogen Hermes Gowar – DNF @ Page 149/496

“Its appearance is unbeautiful. It is not what people expect of a mermaid.”

Friends, life is just too short to read books that feel like a chore. On top of racist comments, use of slurs for Romani people, questionable antisemitic speech, slut shaming, and other gross things because of “historical accuracy!” Miss me with all that, please. And the last chapter I finished (14) literally had a questionable orgy going on so that men could fulfill their fantasy of having sex with mermaids. Life is too short, friends. Way too short.

➽ The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller – ★★★★★

“I could recognize him by touch alone, by smell; I would know him blind, by the way his breaths came and his feet struck the earth. I would know him in death, at the end of the world.”

Best reread ever! RTC very soon! But… now I just want to reread all my favorites!

➽ The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare – ★★★

“…For one Herondale to be saved by love, and another Herondale dammed by it.”

I clutched my pearls so very tightly when I found out that there was an anthology that starred Magnus, my favorite character in all of Cassie Clare’s works. Magnus is the bisexual, Asian, warlock of my dreams, and I love him with every bone in my body. I truly believe he is one of the best characters in all of literature.

➽ The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware – ★★

“Never believe your own lies…”

This was my first Ruth Ware book, but sadly it wasn’t a hit with me. But looking at my friend’s reviews, I do think I might be in the minority with my feelings. I will say that the atmosphere was eerie and perfect. I will also say that the writing and prose was beautiful. But I’m not someone who reads a lot of thrillers or mysteries, but even I could see all the reveals in this one coming a mile away.

➽ One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid – ★★★

“I am finishing up dinner with my family and my fiancé when my husband calls…”

Do you ever read a book and know that you’re reading it at the exact moment in your life when you needed to read it? Because that is me with One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I know a three star rating doesn’t seem that high, but the message of this book spoke louder to me than maybe any other book this year. The universe really lined up for me with this one.

➽ Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches, Vol. 01 by Miki Yoshikawa – ★★
This started out so much better than it ended. But then the gratuitous fan service and the glossed over sexual assault and disrespect of other people’s bodies just completely ruined this one for me. Which is really sad, because I loved the concept!

➽ Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy by Cassandra Clare – ★★★

“This is how a faerie loves: with a gift.”

With the way that City of Heavenly Fire ended, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy! I thought this was going to be everything, but sadly I was a little let down. I mean, a few of the stories in here are the best I’ve read from this universe ( Bitter of Tongue & Born to Endless Night) but most just felt boring to me, if I’m being honest. I know that sounds horrible, but I just feel a little let down, I guess.

➽ If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio – ★★★★★

“You can justify anything if you do it poetically enough.”

This book is so haunting, so atmospheric, so gripping, and so perfect. And If you, too, love The Secret History by Donna Tartt then I recommend this book with every single bone in my body. Also, this is such a love letter to Shakespeare and all his work, so if you appreciate that I think you’ll also fall so head over heels for this story. I’m honestly not sure what I expected going into If We Were Villains, but it is now one of my favorite books of all time.

➽ Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass #7) by Sarah J. Maas – ★★★

“Once upon a time, in a land long since burned to ash, there lived a young princess who loved her kingdom…”

Here is the thing – if you have loved this series from the start, you are probably going to love this conclusion and be very happy upon turning that last page. I’ve had a rocky journey with Throne of Glass even before it became “cool” to dislike this series and even before the stans thought it would be “cooler” to ignore all the gross, problematic elements. I’ve just never loved this series. And I always feel like the characters I do end up liking from this world, get the bad end of the stick. And Kingdom of Ash was no different. And, in true Sarah J Maas fashion, the book was ungodly longer than it truly needed to be.

➽ Empress of All Seasons by Emiko Jean – ★★★★

“Silence is the cousin of invisibility.”

I loved this ownvoices Japanese fantasy so much! This is another review that I’m in the middle of, but I promise it will be up before the November 6th release! Don’t sleep on this one, loves!

➽ The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager – ★★★

“…Sometimes a lie is more than just a lie.”

I just finished this one! But a review should be up on November 2nd! I really was completely immersed with this story, and I actually loved the finale twists! I’m just not completely sold on the epilogue. But this was a really good book for the spooky season, and I’m so happy that I was able to read it with so many of my friends!

And I think that’s everything! Again, I hope you all have the happiest of Halloweens tonight, and please stay safe and warm! I’m actually leaving to go to California for a few days tomorrow, but I have lots of posts scheduled, I just might be a little late responding to all your amazing comments! Happy reading, friends! Stay spooky! 🎃🧡

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