Friday, October 4, 2024

September 2024 Wrap-Up + Book Haul


Another month gone and we're finally into October and the spooky month! September was mostly a good month, particularly in terms of the reading I got done. I read a total of 14 books in September which officially pushed me over the 100-book total for the year so far. I have a couple new favorites and finished a series this month. That being said, most of what I read was more "easy" reading to escape into and won't find its way onto my favorites of all time list. But, overall, an enjoyable reading month with a few standout reads as well as a reread of one of my favorite series.  

1. 
Title: Psycho Beasts
Author: Jasmine Mas
Rating: 3 // 5 stars

2. 
Title: Psycho Academy
Author: Jasmine Mas
Rating: 4 // 5 stars

3.
Title: Psycho Devils
Author: Jasmine Mas
Rating: 3.5 // 5 stars

4. 
Title: Psycho Gods
Author: Jasmine Mas
Rating: 3.5 // 5 stars

5.  
Title: The Blighted Stars
Author: Megan E. O'Keefe
Rating: 5 // 5 stars 
Review TK 

6. 
Title: Forbidden: Part One
Author: Emilia Emerson 
Rating: 4 // 5 stars

7. 
Title: Forbidden: Part Two
Author: Emilia Emerson 
Rating: 4 // 5 stars

8. 
Title: Cherished
Author: Emilia Emerson 
Rating: 4.5 // 5 stars

9. 
Title: Runaway Omega
Author: Ember L. Nicole
Rating: 3 // 5 stars

10. 
Title: Captivate
Author: E.J. Lawson
Rating: 3 // 5 stars

11. 
Title: Broken Bonds
Author: J. Bree
Rating: 5 // 5 stars
-reread- 

12. 
Title: Savage Bonds
Author: J. Bree
Rating: 5 // 5 stars
-reread- 

13. 
Title: Blood Bonds
Author: J. Bree
Rating: 5 // 5 stars
-reread- 

14. 
Title: Forced Bonds
Author: J. Bree
Rating: 5 // 5 stars
-reread- 


I hauled just three books in September. I'm pretty excited about all of them. I've found that being more intentional about the books I'm buying lately has led to more enjoyment out of the purchase and act of owning a copy. 


The first two books I got were The Fractured Dark and The Bound Worlds by Megan E. O'Keefe. These are the last two books in the Devoured Worlds trilogy, of which I read the first book this month. My library only had the first book on Libby so once I'd read that and knew I loved the story I bought the others to be able to continue with it. I have not yet read them, though I've started The Fractured Dark and they're on my immediate list to read soon. They're fascinating and complex and addicting but also require a lot of brain power that I find hard to give when I'm working a lot. 


The third book I got this month was Heir by Sabaa Tahir. To my understanding, this is a spin-off/set in the same world as the Embers in the Ashes quartet which is one that I haven't finished but have really enjoyed so far. I forgot I'd preordered this so it was a really happy surprise when it showed up on my doorstep. And the physical book is absolutely stunning! Under the dust jacket is a gorgeous case and the cover itself and spine are stunning. I can't wait to put this on my future shelf next to the Ember series. I will wait to read it until I've finished that quartet but it is on my rather immediate list. 


Thanks for reading!
xoxo
Lauren


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Friday, September 6, 2024

Book Review: "Midnight Sun" by Stephenie Meyer

Title: Midnight Sun
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Series: Twilight Saga #5
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Page Length: 818 pages
Publication Date: August 4, 2020
Rating: 4.5 // 5 stars

I finally did it. I finally read Twilight from Edward's POV. 

When this book first came out during COVID, I initially thought I'd blow through it rather quickly. Well, that obviously didn't happen. I'd reread the entire series just a few months before and it was too repetitive for me with the original book still so fresh in my mind.

That being said, I've been in the Twilight feels this year and decided it was time to finally read it. Without having the first book fresh in my mind, it was a whole different experience this time around. And let me tell you, I'm fully obsessed with this book. 

First things first, Edward is such a simp and also needs to see a therapist for some of his anxieties. Eddy, the response to being worried your girl is going to be bit by a spider is not to sneak into her room without her knowing for nights on end. But, I get it. Seeing Edward's thoughts in this book was very eye-opening. Are some of his actions still super creepy? Yes. However, seeing the rationalizations made it a little less questionable. 

One thing that surprised me, actually, is how often Edward was around without Bella knowing. And I'm not just talking about in her room at night but scenes where we thought she was just alone but she's actually being watched discreetly by him. It's rather funny, actually. 

My favorite part of this book, however, was all the bonus content Cullen. We get very little time with the Cullens in the first few books, if you actually think about the page time. Yet, their histories and way of life are perhaps the most interesting part of the series. Not only did we get to see a significant number of Cullen interactions, we also got a lot of backstory and history. 

Edward had a habit of going on tangents thinking about something that happened in the past and I loved those. We got to see the darker side of the Cullens. I also think that with being able to read their minds, reading from Edward's perspective was eye-opening for all of the Cullens. We got a glimpse into their motivations, their feelings, their powers...it was fantastic. I'm also incredibly surprised by how much we as a fandom underestimated Jasper's abilities. 

All in all, this was a fantastic read for a long-term Twilight fan. While I've reached a point where I am both equally critical and in love with the series, I must say that it was just fun to be back in this world with a fresh perspective. While we're not going to get the rest of the series from Edward's POV, it would be rather interesting to get future books. Or, alternatively, I wouldn't mind a prequel with the Cullens and each of their stories fleshed out in greater detail. 

This is definitely a must-read for Twilight fans. 


Previous Reviews



Thanks for reading!
xoxo
Lauren


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Tuesday, September 3, 2024

August 2024 Wrap-Up + Haul


Another month gone in 2024. What a month it was! Lots of great things happened, including a lot of financial wins and some exciting purchases as well as fun events and moments. In between everything happening in real life, I also read 12 books! I read a new series, reread a favorite series, and started another. I got a new favorite book in it all and everything I read was, at the very least, an enjoyable read. There wasn't anything too complex or full of depth, but with how my reading mood has been this year that's okay. 

1. 
Title: Belladonna
Author: Adalyn Grace
Rating: 4.25 // 5 stars
Review TK

2. 
Title: The Never King
Author: Nikki St. Crowe
Rating: 3.5 // 5 stars

3. 
Title: The Dark One
Author: Nikki St. Crowe
Rating: 3.5 // 5 stars

4.
Title: Their Vicious Darling
Author: Nikki St. Crowe
Rating: 3.5 // 5 stars

5.
Title: The Fae Princes
Author: Nikki St. Crowe
Rating: 3 // 5 stars

6.
Title: Just Drop Out
Author: J. Bree
Rating: 5 // 5 stars
-reread-

7. 
Title: Make Your Move
Author: J. Bree
Rating: 5 // 5 stars
-reread-

8. 
Title: Play the Game
Author: J. Bree
Rating: 5 // 5 stars
-reread-

9. 
Title: To the End
Author: J. Bree
Rating: 5 // 5 stars
-reread-

10. 
Title: Blood of Hercules
Author: Jasmine Mas
Rating: 5 // 5 stars
Review TK

11. 
Title: Psycho Shifters
Author: Jasmine Mas
Rating: 3.5 // 5 stars 

12. 
Title: Psycho Fae 
Author: Jasmine Mas
Rating: 3.5 // 5 stars


I hauled only three books this month. I feel like that's a pretty good number as it means I appreciate them more. I also got a lot of non-bookish items this month so, if anything, I feel like I've over-hauled this month in all areas. Of the three books I got, I bought one for myself on preorder and the other two were birthday presents. I'm excited about all of them!

Up first is Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer. This is the sequel to Assistant to the Villain, which I read last year and thoroughly enjoyed. To me, this book feels like the fantasy romance equivalent of a Hallmark movie. Addicting and fun, but not overly complex. The first book ended on a cliffhanger so I am very much anticipating diving into this sequel after I do a reread of the first. 

Then I got Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X Kendi. I had a copy of this that I sadly had to leave behind when I moved back from the UK. I knew I wanted to replace it though and continue reading it. I feel it's an important part of history that often gets toned down or completely erased. As an American and white person, I feel it's even more important to read and learn these things to be able to properly understand a lot of how the country and society has been impacted by this history.

Lastly, I got Broken Bonds by J. Bree. This is a book I've read multiple times but have not been able to get a physical copy of yet. I love this series and I want to slowly start getting the paperbacks to add to my bookshelves. My plan is to turn my bookshelves into a space where only my absolute favorite books get to live. And this series definitely deserves a spot. I can't wait to reread this one and give it a nice, thorough annotation while I do so. 


Thanks for reading!
xoxo
Lauren


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