I hope that you’re all well. My sweet, dear February is behind us and it was the best month ever. I had a great quiet birthday and I read 8 books which I gave 4 or 5 stars to! So only amazing books! I also have three all-time favourites and read some of my most anticipated releases of the year so it was an overall success! I hope March continues to treat me well and I wish all of you a great (reading) month!
I have managed to read 8 books this month which is great for my reading goal; I’m now 14/70 with three books ahead of schedule. My favourite books were Legendborn, A Court of Silver Flames and Act Your Age, Eve Brown! All of these books made me ugly cry in a good an dbad way and I love them so much!
5 stars
Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert ★★★★★. This book holds a dear place in my heart for everything it represents in terms of representation. I have never been more drawn to a romance couple; Eve and Jacob, were *clenches fist* SO CUTE. I cried when I received an ARC for this book. I’m so so so happy.
A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J Maas ★★★★★. I had neevr read this before can you believe it? I didn’t have time to reread the whole ACOTAR series so this book was a nice transition into ACOSF and a great way of remembering the dynamic between the Inner Circle.
A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J Maas ★★★★★ This book. This book. This book. Character development? Perfect. Female empowerment? Sublime. Love interest? To die for. I loved this.
Legendbornby Tracy Deonn. ★★★★★ I have never enjoyed reading a book this much in my entire life. Never. This is what dreams are my of. I can die happily, my dreams have been answered.
4 stars
The Princess Trap by Talia Hibbert. ★★★★ .WOW a fun, cute and sexy romance! Talia Hibbert knows the way to my heart.
The Traitor Queen by Danielle L. Jensen ★★★★. This was a satisfying and great conclusion to the story and i had a great time reading it!
Finding Yvonne by Brandy Colbert ★★★★★. How refreshing this story was! A coming of age with a Black main character? Yes, please!
Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas ★★★★★. I read a dark! Kylo Ren fanfic once and my life has never been the same. Douglas is known for writing dark romances and I wanted to see what the hype was about. Worth it!
What to Read After Bridgerton byAnne @ The Lit Bitch. Let’s face it, after watching the TV show we all asked this question and Anne came up with a great list of books to read! A lifesaver.
So this is my birthday haul! I received many gift cards and of course I decided to spend that money in books! Since I’m going on a book buying ban, I’m hoping to read most of these in the following weeks!
Any book I should read first? Let me know!!
As I said, I had an amazing month! It wasn’t easy everyday and I started school again, but it was my birthday month and Black History month and Valentine’s Day (aka people celebrating romance novels) and I just felt so much love!! My (twin) sister and I both bought nice dresses to wear at home, we ate a delicious cake and we sang 22 by Taylor Swift the whole day! It was perfect. If you’re wondering what the white thing that’s under my dress, it’s a bad that is meant to cover my second degree burn! I tried curling my hair and this happened; I’m the clumsiest person ever. Bella Swan, who?
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Goals
Work on my WIP everyday. Now this is something I really struggled with this in February and I really hope I make a dent or even finish a first draft this month!
Not purchasing any book (except Act Your Age, Eve Brown)
Read at least 8 books this month
Finish Empire of Storms which I have been reading since december.
What did you do last month? What did you enjoy reading? Let me know in the comments!
Long time no see. I took went on an accidental hiatus after my birthday but I am back!! I have read so many books these past week (more than usual) and I have been loving all of the books I read! Also I received 12 books for my birthday so I’m going to upload a book haul soon! In the meantime I wanted to catch up on my reading and what better way to do that than with WWW?
I feel like all of the book community is reading this book haha (as they should). As I’m writing this post I am 300 pages in and I AM LOVING IT. I missed all of these characters so much!! I really didn’t like Nesta at first and it was hard forgiving her for what she put her sisters through but I am slowly changing my mind; I can’t wait to see how I stand on this topic by the end of the book.
What did you recently finish reading?
Okay so I don’t know what happened last weekend but I finished three books in three days and they are all 5 stars reads for me! A great reading weekend indeed. I’m going to put up a review for The Traitor Queen and Legendborn! If you are looking for amazing books with great characters, writing style and plot, these are the ones for you!
What do you think you’ll read next?
Remember when I mentioned receiving 12 books on my birthday? Yes, I’ll probably reading one of those. I’m going on book buying ban to keep my TBR low haha;
February is my favourite month of the year because it’s my birthday month (February 13th) and also because everyone tries to read more diverse books and it makes me really happy!
I had a good reading month in January even if I didn’t read as much as I had hoped; I feel in a little bit of a slump and I started watching a lot of TV instead of reading but by the end of the month I found my mojo again and I’m actually very excited for all of the books I plan on reading this month
Finale by Stephanie Garber ★★★★ I started the year by finishing Finale, the last book in the Caraval series. I think the series wrapped-up nicely and I really liked to see all of the character's arc coming to an end. I preferred the second book but still a nice ending to an enjoyable series! The author announced a few months ago that she would release a book on Jacks and i really loved it so I'm excited for that!
The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen ★★★★ I really enjoyed this book! It had been recommended to me on Instagram and it was so unique and captivating! You can see my full review here.
Fable by Adrienne Young ★★★★ I didn't like this book as much as I had hoped but it remained an enjoyable book nonetheless. I really like the ship's crew and their whole dynamic but I especially loved Fable who was an inspiring and resilient strong character. I can't wait to read the second book and see how it all ends.
The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn ★★★★★ My favourite book of the month! I wrote a full review where I gushed about this here. Basically this book contains a lot of my favourite trope and made me believe in love.
From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout ★★★★I buddy read this book with a friend and it was such a nice experience! It was fun, action-packed and full of feels and steamy moments! I'm going to upload my review soon!
Paper Princess by Erin Watt. No rating. Call this book the "reading slump slayer"; It is so problematic, unrealistic and trashy BUT it is so addicting and I couldn't put it down. I read this in a day. I didn't expect this to be a series and I might pick up the next book when I have my next reading slump.
This month’s “hopefuls”
I know that realistically I won’t read all of these but I’m going to try my best!
Bridgerton
Do I really need to talk about this show?? I loved the diverse cast, all of the tropes and the quality of the cast and crew. I might upload a post dedicated to the series and what to read after binge-watching the TV show.
Nicola Coughlan is a real star and particularly stood out to me in Bridgerton and people recommended the Derry Girls and it was HILARIOUS. The episodes only watch 20 minutes and tell the story od girls from Londenderry in Ireland in the 90s and it was such a good time; can’t wait for season 3!
This is my sister’s favourite show, with reason and I’m into season 3 and it’s phenomenal. The whole series is magnificient.
Listen. I love love love these characters to death. I am waiting for my own personal Nick Miller. The last seasons were so wholesome and warmed my heart, I wish I could see the series again. And I almost cried with laughter too. Such a great show.
Books coming out this month I’m excited about
There are so many great releases this month! I also received an ARC in December for my Dearest Josephine by Caroline George and I highly recommend it to all of you! And of course A Court of Silver Flames! Any new SJM book is an event in and of itself! There are so many great diverse and books written by BIPOC coming out but these are the ones I’m the most interested about.
What have you been up to last month and what are your plans for this month?
Welcome to Day #21 of blogmas! Christmas is only three days away! So exciting! 🎶 It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…🎶
Happy Winter solstice everyone! We’re in winter, also known as for my favourite season! I can’t wait to feel the cold wind on my face, wear heavy and comfy coats and snuggle in my bed with a cup of hot cocoa. Fate decided that I would be born in winter so I always felt a closeness to the season.
The winter solstice also means that it is Feyre darling’s birthday! Feyre Archeron is one of my all-time favourite characters. She is resilient, strong, loving and clever. I love the way she cares for her loved ones and how she watches out for them. I love how she puts people first but still takes care of herself. She is wonderful and inspiring because she went through traumatic events and still thrived. She deserves all the love and support and I wish her a very happy birthday. You can see Feyre’s magnificence in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series written by the wonderful Sarah J. Maas. I would like to thank the author for writing characters like Feyre who inspire me. My favourite book of the series is A Court of Mist and Fury where you can see Feyre’s growth and maturity.
“I was not a pet, not a doll, not an animal. I was a survivor, and I was strong. I would not be weak, or helpless again I would not, could not be broken. Tamed.”
“You are my salvation, Feyre.”
“No one was my master— but I might be master of everything, if I wished. If I dared.”
— Sarah J. Maas
Art by Charlie Bowater
Have you read the series? Let me know in the comments!
A little bit of a later post today, but I’m back with a list of my most anticipated releases of 2021. I’l really excited for these books to come out and I think a lot of these are going to be 5 stars reads.
Standalones
Synopsis: From the New York Times bestselling author of Red, White & Royal Blue comes a new romantic comedy that puts a queer spin on Kate & Leopold. A 23-year-old realises her subway crush is displaced from 1970’s Brooklyn, and she must do everything in her power to help her – and try not to fall in love with the girl lost in time – before it’s too late . . .
Why I want to read it: Red, White and Royal Blue is one of my all-time favourite books and I’m so excited that this romance is going to be sapphic!
Synopsis: Crazy Rich Asians meets The Princess Diaries in this irresistible story about Izumi, a Japanese-American girl who discovers her senior year of high school that she’s really a princess of Japan. Izumi Tanaka has never really felt like she fit in—it isn’t easy being Japanese American in her small, mostly white, northern California town. Raised by a single mother, it’s always been Izumi—or Izzy, because “It’s easier this way”—and her mom against the world. But then Izzy discovers a clue to her previously unknown father’s identity…and he’s none other than the Crown Prince of Japan. Which means outspoken, irreverent Izzy is literally a princess. In a whirlwind, Izzy travels to Japan to meet the father she never knew and discover the country she always dreamed of. But being a princess isn’t all ball gowns and tiaras. There are conniving cousins, a hungry press, a scowling but handsome bodyguard who just might be her soulmate, and thousands of years of tradition and customs to learn practically overnight. Izzy soon finds herself caught between worlds, and between versions of herself—back home, she was never “American” enough, and in Japan, she must prove she’s “Japanese” enough. Will Izumi crumble under the weight of the crown, or will she live out her fairytale, happily ever after
Why I want to read it: you had me at “The Princess Diaries”!! I love the hidden princess trope and also the Japanese rep!! Very excited about this.
Synopsis: Sixteen-year-old Tessa Johnson has never felt like the protagonist in her own life. She’s rarely seen herself reflected in the pages of the romance novels she loves. The only place she’s a true leading lady is in her own writing—in the swoony love stories she shares only with Caroline, her best friend and #1 devoted reader.When Tessa is accepted into the creative writing program of a prestigious art school, she’s excited to finally let her stories shine. But when she goes to her first workshop, the words are just…gone. Fortunately, Caroline has a solution: Tessa just needs to find some inspiration in a real-life love story of her own. And she’s ready with a list of romance novel-inspired steps to a happily ever after. Nico, the brooding artist who looks like he walked out of one of Tessa’s stories, is cast as the perfect Prince Charming.But as Tessa checks off each item off Caroline’s list, she gets further and further away from herself. She risks losing everything she cares about—including the surprising bond she develops with sweet Sam, who lives across the street. She’s well on her way to having her own real-life love story, but is it the one she wants, after all?
Why I want to read it: this seems like such a cute romance and I love the fact that the main character is a person of colour! It also reminds me of To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before and since I really enjoyed the series I can’t wait to read this.
Synopsis: Reena Manji doesn’t love her career, her single status, and most of all, her family inserting themselves into every detail of her life. But when caring for her precious sourdough starters, Reena can drown it all out. At least until her father moves his newest employee across the hall–with hopes that Reena will marry him. But Nadim’s not like the other Muslim bachelors-du-jour that her parents have dug up. If the Captain America body and the British accent weren’t enough, the man appears to love eating her bread creations as much as she loves making them. She sure as hell would never marry a man who works for her father, but friendship with a neighbor is okay, right? And when Reena’s career takes a nosedive, Nadim happily agrees to fake an engagement so they can enter a couples video cooking contest to win the artisan bread course of her dreams. As cooking at home together brings them closer, things turn physical, but Reena isn’t worried. She knows Nadim is keeping secrets, but it’s fine— secrets are always on the menu where her family is concerned. And her heart is protected… she’s not marrying the man. But even secrets kept for self preservation have a way of getting out, especially when meddling parents and gossiping families are involved.
Why I want to read it: the Fake dating trope when the characters slowly realize they are in fact, not faking it???? Yes, yes yes.
At thirty-three-years old Evangeline Starling’s life in Chicago is missing that special something. And when she’s passed over for promotion at work, Evie realizes she needs to make a change. Some time away to regain perspective might be just the thing. In a burst of impulsivity, she plans a holiday in a quaint English village. The holiday package comes with a temporary position at Much Ado About Books, the bookstore located beneath her rental apartment. There’s no better dream vacation for the bookish Evie, a life-long Shakespeare lover. Not only is Evie swept up in running the delightful store as soon as she arrives, she’s drawn into the lives, loves and drama of the friendly villagers. Including Roane Robson, the charismatic and sexy farmer who tempts Evie every day with his friendly flirtations. Evie is determined to keep him at bay because a holiday romance can only end in heartbreak, right? But Evie can’t deny their connection and longs to trust in her handsome farmer that their whirlwind romance could turn in to the forever kind of love.
Why I want to read it: any reference to Shakespeare will do, thank you very much.
First book in the a series
Synopsis: Shiori, the only princess of Kiata, has a secret. Forbidden magic runs through her veins. Normally she conceals it well, but on the morning of her betrothal ceremony, Shiori loses control. At first, her mistake seems like a stroke of luck, forestalling the wedding she never wanted, but it also catches the attention of Raikama, her stepmother. Raikama has dark magic of her own, and she banishes the young princess, turning her brothers into cranes, and warning Shiori that she must speak of it to no one: for with every word that escapes her lips, one of her brothers will die. Peniless, voiceless, and alone, Shiori searches for her brothers, and, on her journey, uncovers a conspiracy to overtake the throne—a conspiracy more twisted and deceitful, more cunning and complex, than even Raikama’s betrayal. Only Shiori can set the kingdom to rights, but to do so she must place her trust in the very boy she fought so hard not to marry. And she must embrace the magic she’s been taught all her life to contain—no matter what it costs her.
Why I want to read it: I think this is a retelling of Snow White and there’s nothing I love more than fairtytale retellings. Also this has Asian rep and a beautiful cover! What more could I need?
Sequels
Synopsis: Nesta Archeron has always been prickly-proud, swift to anger, and slow to forgive. And ever since being forced into the Cauldron and becoming High Fae against her will, she’s struggled to find a place for herself within the strange, deadly world she inhabits. Worse, she can’t seem to move past the horrors of the war with Hybern and all she lost in it. The one person who ignites her temper more than any other is Cassian, the battle-scarred warrior whose position in Rhysand and Feyre’s Night Court keeps him constantly in Nesta’s orbit. But her temper isn’t the only thing Cassian ignites. The fire between them is undeniable, and only burns hotter as they are forced into close quarters with each other. Meanwhile, the treacherous human queens who returned to the Continent during the last war have forged a dangerous new alliance, threatening the fragile peace that has settled over the realms. And the key to halting them might very well rely on Cassian and Nesta facing their haunting pasts. Against the sweeping backdrop of a world seared by war and plagued with uncertainty, Nesta and Cassian battle monsters from within and without as they search for acceptance-and healing-in each other’s arms.
Why I want to read it: WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS BOOK SINCE FOREVER. I’m not really a fan of Nesta but I care about Cassian and I really just want to see all of my babies together again.
Synopsis: A queen foretold to save the world. A dragon in search of his destiny. New enemies change the game as the final battle draws near…
Why I want to read it: I have been fortunate enough to receive ARCS for the first and second book in the series and I adored it. It’s initially a retelling of Tristan and Isolde (classic star-crossed lovers) but then it evolves into its own story. I love this series for the phenomenal world building . Can’t wait for book 3! You can see my reviews for the first two books here and here.
Synopsis: Eve Brown is a certified hot mess. No matter how hard she strives to do right, her life always goes horribly wrong—so she’s given up trying. But when her personal brand of chaos ruins an expensive wedding (someone had to liberate those poor doves), her parents draw the line. It’s time for Eve to grow up and prove herself—even though she’s not entirely sure how… Jacob Wayne is in control. Always. The bed and breakfast owner’s on a mission to dominate the hospitality industry—and he expects nothing less than perfection. So when a purple-haired tornado of a woman turns up out of the blue to interview for his open chef position, he tells her the brutal truth: not a chance in hell. Then she hits him with her car—supposedly by accident. Yeah, right. Now his arm is broken, his B&B is understaffed, and the dangerously unpredictable Eve is fluttering around, trying to help. Before long, she’s infiltrated his work, his kitchen—and his spare bedroom. Jacob hates everything about it. Or rather, he should. Sunny, chaotic Eve is his natural-born nemesis, but the longer these two enemies spend in close quarters, the more their animosity turns into something else. Like Eve, the heat between them is impossible to ignore—and it’s melting Jacob’s frosty exterior
Why I want to read it: The Brown sisters series is one of the best romance series I’ve read this year and I’m very existed about Eve Brown’s story. And the autism rep!!! Both of the main character are so chaotic and that’s how I like my characters.
No covers/ Untitled
Untitled (legacy of Orïsha #3) by Tomi Adeyemi
This is a very unpopular opinion but book two was extremely disappointing. I really want to see how book 3 wraps up the story and if it redeems some of my favourite characters. I hope I get the joy I felt when I read the first book.
Gods and Monsters (Serpent and Dove #3) by Shelby Mahurin
Serpent and Dove is one of my favourite book and Blood and Honey was my most anticipated book of the year but I read so many bad reviews that I’m scared to pick it up. I will read it eventually though because I love the characters and I also want to see how it all ends.
Untitled (Crescent City #2) by Sarah J. Maas
I haven’t read House of Earth and Blood yet but I trust Sarah J, Maas with my life so I’m sure both the first and second book in the series are going to be amazing.
Which books are you excited to read in 2021? Let me know in the comments!
I found this tag from Sam’s Nonsense‘s Youtube Channel and I thought it might be nice to properly kick off this Christmas season with a Christmas- related book tag! Let’s go!
1) Anticipation: The Christmas excitement is real, what book release(s) are you most anticipating? ❆☃
I’m going to dedicate a post to my most anticipated releases soon, but to name a few I’m really excited for A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas, Excuse me While I ugly Cry by Joya Goffney One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston, Act your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert and Gods and Monster by Shelby Mahurin!
2) Christmas Songs & Carols: What book or author can you not help but sing its praises? ❅☃
Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey Mcquiston! Last Christmas I gifted it to my sister (who loved it) and recently gave it to a friend who wanted to get back into reading; cannot recommend this enough!
3) Gingerbread Houses: What book or series has wonderful world building? ❅☃
The Folk of the Air series and the A Court Of Thorns and Roses series have incredible world building! Have you noticed a pattern? I seem to love the Fae and I wish I lived in a world where they were present.
4) A Christmas Carol: Favorite classic or one that you want to read ❅☃
I have a few favourites that are perfect for this season: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott and Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. Perfect cozy holiday reads.
5) Christmas Sweets: What book would you love to receive for Christmas ❅☃
These Violent Delights, From Blood and Ash, Fable more than anything! (Kerstin my sister if you read this….you know what to get me for Christmas haha) -; These are the books I’m going to buy as soon as I get through my current TBR.
6) Candles in the Window: What book gives you that warm fuzzy feeling ❅☃
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, always.
7) Christmas Trees & Decorations: What are some of your favorite book covers? ❅☃
Some of my favourite covers are these:
I really like intricate designs as well as art on my covers!
8) Christmas Joy: What are some of your favorite things about Christmas And/Or some of your favorite Christmas memories? ❅☃
I know it’s weird since I’m dedicating a whole blogging month to Christmas but I’m not a fan of Christmas in itself, but rather, the feeling, the happiness in the air, the songs, the snow, Christmas lights and Christmas markets..It’s not really about Christmas but more what it represents.
Anotherbookworm 