Bookish Prediction tag!🎃

Hi everyone,

Today I am going to be doing a tag post. I was tagged in a really interesting tag the other day and really wanted to do it soon (Thank you so much for the tag Danni.❤️)

Rules:

• Pingback to the creator of the tag (Bookprincessreviews)
• Thank the person who tagged you
• Find an answer to match each prompt
• Have fun!

Next read;

The next book I will be reading is ‘the Thursday murder club‘ by Richard Osman. For those of you not from the UK Richard Osman is a tv producer and presenter and I have always found him funny, I enjoy watching him on tv. When I heard he had published a novel and that it was a murder mystery I had to buy it. I’m so excited to start this one and I hope I love it.

Next 5 star read;

Hmm… I don’t like predicting 5 star reads because what if I’m wrong or disappointed😂. A book I am hoping is my next 5 star read would likely be either ‘serpent and dove’ by Shelby Mahurin or ‘half a war’ by Joe Abercrombie. Both of these I am hoping will be 5 stars. I’m part way through half a war and it’s so good so far so I’m fairly certain it will be 5 stars.

Next 1 star read;

Next one star read… I’m not really sure, I’m hoping that I don’t have a one star read😂 this is something I try really hard not to predict lol.

Next love interest; (or a character that seems really cool to you)

Every time I have a question like this now I say Beltran from the venators series so I’m trying to choose something different lol. Maybe Luke St Clair from ‘rogues honor’ by Brenda Hiatt his character is based on Robin Hood (at least loosely, I don’t know whether the author actually based him on Robin Hood or if he’s just similar to Robin Hood) and I love Robin Hood so…😁😂. A character I have read this year that I find really cool though is Pip from ‘A good girls guide to murder’ which I gave 5 stars and Yarvi from ‘half a king’. I love him because of his character development.

Next book you will be buying;

I really hope it’s none because I have just bought I can’t stop buying books😂 but, I cannot stop myself so… if I did buy one it would likely be ‘queen of volts‘ by Amanda Foody, ‘a deadly education‘ by Naomi Novik, ‘where dreams descend‘ by Janella Angeles or a pre-order of ‘the burning god’ by R. F. Kuang. See I can’t even decided, this is why I end up buying multiple books at once because I can never just pick one😂.

Next book that will leave you with a book hangover; (and definitely wanting a reread or the next in the series)

Hmmm… I’m not sure about a book that will leave me with a hangover but, one that would probably be close to giving me a book hangover is half a war. I don’t like book hangovers at all because that usually means I fall into a slump😭.

I really love this tag and these questions. Thank you so much Dani for tagging me, I know it was a while ago and I’m sorry I only just got around to doing it. I’m behind with all of my tags at the moment. I think I have 15 drafts of tags🙈🙈😂.

I tag…

Everyone that wants to do it! What are some of your bookish predictions? Let me know in the comments below and let’s chat!

Thank you so much for reading!

One? Jennifer L. Cahill- Book Review!

Hi everyone,

Today I am going to be reviewing ‘One?‘ by Jennifer L. Cahill.

Thank you so much to Jennifer for providing me with a copy of this book!

Synopsis:

One? is the first book in a contemporary fiction trilogy, looking at finding ‘the one’ in the modern world and how relationship models are shifting in the most innovative period in living history. The story starts in 2005, and spans ten years following the characters from the challenges of their twenties into their thirties. 

It’s London in the mid-noughties before Facebook, iPhones and ubiquitous wifi.
Zara has just moved to London for her first real job and struggles to find her feet in a big city with no instruction manual. Penelope works night and day in an investment bank with little or no time for love. At twenty-eight she is positively ancient as far as her mother is concerned and the pressure is on for her to settle down as the big 3-0 is looming. Charlie spends night and day with his band who are constantly teetering on the verge of greatness. Richard has relocated to London from his castle in Scotland in search of the one, and Alyx is barely in one place long enough to hold down a relationship let alone think about the future. One? follows the highs and lows of a group of twenty-somethings living in leafy SW4.

My thoughts:

I had never heard of this book before and when I was offered a chance to read it, I had to say yes!

I really enjoyed the way that Cahill writes about London and the use of phrases that are so familiar to me and made me laugh for no reason hehe. I also loved that this was set pre iPhone, Facebook and WiFi because although, I was born before them I was to little to remember it and reading about it was kind of refreshing in a way.

I was a little worried that the characters would not be fleshed out because there were quite a few POVs in this book and even though some of them I liked more than others, they were all really well developed characters.

The last 30 pages (also the ending) were very different from anything I am used to but I was surprised by the fact that I liked it because it was different.

This is not your typical love story and it is definitely unique, it was fun, the friendships were enjoyable to read about and for a debut novel I thought it was really good!

3.5 stars 🌟

Purchase links:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Have you read this book? What did you think? Let me know in the comments and let’s chat.

Thank you so much for reading!

August (+July) Wrap Up!

Hi everyone,

How are you?

These wrap ups are sooooooooo late lol

I realised that I didn’t actually make a July wrap up (because I’m soooo organised) so I decided to just post 2 highlights of the month that I gave 5 stars, starting with;

Half a king by Joe Abercrombie

I finally understand the hype that surrounds Joe Abercrombie’s books. I am on book 3 when I am writing this post and I think this is going to be a new favourite series. The beginning of the first book is a little slow but once it picked up I couldn’t put it down. I gave this book 5 stars, so well deserved!

The ship of shadows by Marie Kuzniar

I read this book for a blog tour hosted by TheWriteReads and it has become one of my favourite books. I also gave this book 5 stars! I have never read a pirate middle grade before and I am trying to find one that is as good as this (I’m not having any luck so far). CAKE! lol

Ok, so onto the books I read in August. In August I read 26 books which was pretty good considering I was in a slump for the first week and a half of the month.

Play for time by Stephanie Damore

Play for time is the sixth book in ‘a witch in time’ series. I read the other books earlier on in the series. In case you don’t know, I really enjoy time travel books and I like that this is a time travel book with a murder mystery (2 things that I love) and because they are so short I just fly through them.

Then I read 5 books in the penny green series;

I read book 1 and 2 in July and 3,4,5,6,7,8 and 9 in August which were ‘the maids secret‘, ‘the inventors’, ‘curse of the poppy’, ‘the Bermondsey poisoner’, ‘an unwelcome guest’, death at the workhouse‘, ‘the gang at St Brides‘. I really love this series. It’s such fun and a really enjoyable murder mystery series and the romance is slow burn but the tension is😍😂. Most of this series I gave 4 stars, there were a few that got 3.5 but still a really great series.

Small spaces by Katherine Arden

Small spaces was our middle grade pick for @middlegrademarvles for the month of August. I think I gave this 3.5 or 4 stars…. I can’t remember🙈😂. Horror isn’t my thing but I like to read one every now and then to see if they surprise me lol but I haven’t had much luck. I have read quite a few horrors over the years for someone who doesn’t like them and have found 2 that I didn’t mind, this one and Harrow lake by Kat Ellis. Maybe one day I will find some more.

My favourite half-night stand by Christina Lauren

I also gave this a 3.5 stars. I have only read one other Christina Lauren book (I can’t remember which one) and liked that one better but this one was still good. I do like Christian Lauren’s writing though so I will definitely be reading more of their books.

I believe in a thing called love by Maurene Goo

Maurene Goo is a hit or miss author for me. I have read 3 books by her I think and loved two and disliked one. This is one of the ones that I liked. I gave this 4.5 stars, I really liked the story and the romance.

My big fat fake wedding by Laura Landish

As well as ‘my big fat fake engagement‘. This companion duology… I don’t know whether it is a duology or not😂. These two books both got 4 stars, I love the fake dating/ engagement tropes ( I know that are not everyone’s favourite) and the humour in these books is so fun. If you are looking for a fun romcom type book and you enjoy the fake dating trope and humour this is a series you will really love.

The girl in the blue coat by Monica Hesse

Not the best story of nazi Germany I have read but still a 4 star read. The main character did irritate me a little in places but the writing was good. I can’t really remember what happens in this book and I didn’t read it that long ago😬.

Murder on the SS Rosa by Lee Strauss

As well as the other books in the series ‘murder at harigan house’, murder at bray manor’, murder at feathers and flair’, ‘murder at the mortuary’, murder at Kensington gardens’, murder at St. George’s church‘, the wedding of ginger and basil’. I haven’t finished this series yet but what I have read so far is really fun. These books are quite short and fast paced, they are perfect for cozy fall time reading.

The women in the window by A. J. Finn

This book… ok so I was intrigued throughout and I wanted to know what was going on and I guessed some things and not others so the mystery element was good but I thought it was a bit long for what it was. I was really bored in some places and questioning the main character sometimes because she got on my nerves lol. I gave this 4 stars but I think I might change it to a 3 or a 3.5.

The wretched of muirwood by Jeff Wheeler

This book totally took me by surprise! I had heard many great things about this book but I didn’t expect to fall in love with this book. I loved Jeff Wheelers writing style, the tropes, magic system, friendships, romance.. basically everything about this book! You probably guessed already but I gave it 5 stars and I can’t wait to continue on with the series.

Under a dancing star by Laura Wood

I was a little disappointed with this one, not because I didn’t like it, I did, it’s just that I was hoping I would love it. The setting was gorgeous but the romance just didn’t mesh with me. I’m so sad about it to because I really thought I would love this one. I gave it 3.5 stars.

The city we became by N. K. Jemisin

NEW YORK!! The one city I want to see sometime in my lifetime, it is a goal. I LOVE New York (I sound as if I have already been😂). This book transported me to New York and for that it will forever hold a place in my heart. Some parts where slow but a really great introduction for me into N. K. Jemisins writing style and a really great read. I have other books by jemisin on my shelf so I’m glad I like her writing style, also, the audiobook for this one is really good. 4.5 stars!

Sky in the deep by Adrienne Young

This is one of the first Viking book that I have read and I’m so glad I did because now I want to read more. Whilst this did drag in places it was a fun fantasy with great characters and fight scenes. Hopefully I can find more Viking books!! Let me know in the comments if you know of any good ones.

So that’s everything I read in the month of August. It was a great reading month with some new favourites.

This is an old question but what did you read in August? Let me know in the comments down below and let’s chat!

Thank you so much for reading!

October TBR (Hocus Pocus Readathon)

Hi everyone,

How are you?

Today I am doing my October tbr and I couldn’t be more excited. Whilst Christmas is my favourite time of the year I LOVE the fall and I can’t wait to share with you my tbr! This month I start uni for the first time (yikes hehe) and I don’t know whether I can keep up with my usual amount of reading that I do, especially with the length of the tbrs I make (like last month which was 40 books) so, I decided to aim for 15 but because I am me, I could not do that and ended up with 20🙈🤣. But, it’s still better than 40 lol.

I am only participating in one readathon this month and that is the Hocus pocus readthaon hosted by Tiffy and Alyssa . It is a month long readathon based on Hocus pocus (I am the queen of staying the obvious). There are three teams, team Sanderson sisters, team undead and team trick or treat. I did want to be team Sanderson sisters but the prompts for team undead fitted better so I chose team undead instead haha. Our strengths are that we can double up on one prompt and our weakness is to do a 24 hour readathon. If you want to know more about the readathon click the link to the twitter page Here which will have full details as well as another other info.

So without further ado let’s get into the books I will be reading in October, starting with the readathon books;

The first prompt is to read the group book which is cemetery books by but I don’t have that and can’t get hold of it so I decided to read the back up book the bone witch by Rin chupeco.

This book isn’t necessarily one I will get to because whilst I really want to read this one I want to get to the others on this tbr first and they are all… quite big hehe. The bone witch is a book I have had on my shelf for a while and is one that I really want to read so I am hoping to get to it but I’m not going to be mad at myself if I don’t (I don’t think that makes sense🙈).

The next prompt is to read a book about family. I couldn’t find any books on my shelf that fitted this prompt, that I wanted to read so I decided to use my advantage but, I did bend this slightly and instead of doubling up I’m kind of switching it with another teams prompt, I think this is allowed😬. So instead of a book about family I am going to be doing the prompt read a book about witches which is a generic prompt that was so easy to find lol. I decided to read Hocus pocus for this prompt because I read it every year and what better way to fit in on this tbr than by putting it in the Hocus pocus readathon.

I am only reading the book of the film part and not the extra because it wasn’t my favourite and I don’t feel like reading it again. I look forward to reading this every year and then watching the movie. It’s a tradition, I can’t wait!

The third prompt is to read a paranormal or ghost book. For this I chose serpent and dove by Shelby Mahurin.

I started this earlier this year when it first came out, I was buddy reading it with Leah and fell into a reading slump and stopped reading it, I haven’t picked it up since but what better time than now. I really enjoyed the 100 pages that I read so I can’t wait to pick it up and finish it this time.

The fourth and final prompt is to read a book with morally grey characters and for this I chose Angelmage by Garth Nix.

First off this cover is 😍😍😍. So, I bought this when it first came out and then left it to collect dust on my shelf lol. But, now is the perfect time for me to pick this up and I am really in the mood for this book right now, I’m so excited. In fact I think this is the tbr I am the most excited about!

Ok so, now onto the rest of the books I hope to/plan to read in October.

First off the group book for Middle Grade Marvels, the book club I host with two amazing people Noly and Ellie. This months group book is dragon pearl by Yoon Ha Lee

This is part of the Rick Riordan presents series/collection. It’s a space opera with Korean mythology! I can’t wait to read this, it sounds so good and definitely my type of book especially since I am in such a sci-fi mood right now!

Now onto the rest of the physical books I have on my tbr starting with;

Half a war by Joe Abercrombie

I am loving the shattered sea trilogy so far. I finished book 2 last month (September) and can’t wait to start book 3 this month. I’m hoping I will love this one just as much if not more than the other two.

Keeper of the lost cities (Exile) by Shannon Messenger

This is book two in the keeper of the lost cities series. I read book 2 for middle Grade Marvels group pick for September and loved it so much, I had to pick up the sequel straight away.

The secret history by Donna Tartt

Ermm… yep, it’s still here. I’m buddy reading this with rain and we decided to move the buddy read to October so… I want to say it’s going to be read in October but at this point I just don’t know😂.

The bear and the nightingale by Katherine Arden

🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄honestly, I… do not even know what to say at this point. It WILL be read… Whether it will be read this year is a different story but it will be read😂.

The ten thousand doors of January by Alix E. Harrow

I started reading this for the hypeathon in September but I didn’t finish it because of the size of the rest of my September tbr. I soooo hyped over this book, I’ve heard so many great things and I can’t wait to read it.

Now onto ebooks;

The girl who could move shit with her mind by Jackson Ford

This is one of the best titles I have read😂. This is about a girl with telekinesis abilities… thats all I need to know, I’m so so intrigued by this book.

How I magically messed up my life in four freakin’ days by Meagan O’Keefe

Also one of the best titles I have read. I am all for any book about wizards but with this title you just know it’s going to be full of humour also and I can’t wait!

Every sky a grave by Jay Posey

This was on my stepmother tbr and I didn’t get around to it, I’m really hoping I can this month because it’s sci-fi and I’m like I said I’m in such a sci-fi mood right now.

Traitors blade by Sebastien de Castell

Another one that was on last months tbr, as well as August’s tbr as well… oops lol. This is another one I want to finish this month. I have been 16% of the way through this now for two months and I was enjoying it too.

Hijacked honeymoon by Cindy Stark

This is the tenth book in the read and temptations series. If you read any of my wrap ups you have probably heard me talk about this series many times before. I love cozy witchy mysteries and this is one of my favourites. Some of the dialogue is a bit cheesy and there is a lot of romance so if that’s not your thing then you won’t like this series but if you don’t mind that and you love witches and small towns murder mysteries then please read it, it’s so good! I can’t wait to read this one but it’s also the last one so I’m a bit sad😢.

The three body problem by Cixin Liu

This is probably the most ambitious book on this tbr (besides the secret history) because not only is it big I’ve heard it’s also very dense and scientific but that’s what I’m in the mood for right now so I’m so excited to start this series.

Royal decoy by Heather Frost

I swear that this has also been on a few tbrs in the past but shhhhh lol. I’m really hoping to finish all of the books that I am a couple of chapters into this book because it’s really starting to annoy me hehe.

The blight of Muirwood by Jeff Wheeler

I read book one in this series/trilogy in August I think and really enjoyed it, I gave it 5 stars. Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to read book 2 in September so I’m hoping that this month I will get to it.

Symphony of the wind by Stephen McKinnon

Also a book that has been on multiple tbrs. I shouldn’t even bother saying anything about these books because so many of them have been here before🤦‍♀️😁. I’m excited about this one too… bet you couldn’t guess that I was going to say that🤦‍♀️🙈😂.

I was a teenage ghost hunter by Brian Henry

This is the only review book I am putting on here because I don’t want to give myself that stress this month. It’s also the perfect time to read this one.

Wow! Why does it still seem sooo long to me🤣. I have shortened my tbr by about 20 books and it seems even longer some how😂. I know for a fact that I’m not going to be able to get through all of these books this month but it’s a lot more manageable (or so I thought) and I’m excited for each and every one of them!

Let me know what you have on your tbr for the spooky season. Are you participating in Hocus pocus readathon? Or any other readathons (actually don’t tell me or I will want to take part in them too😂)? Let me know in the comments and let’s chat!

Thank you so much for reading!

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes- Blog Tour! Hey

Hi everyone,

How are you?

Today I am going to be taking part in a blog tour for the inheritance games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. Thank you so much to Dave for letting me take part in this tour and to penguin and Jennifer for this amazing book!

Synopsis;

A Cinderella story with deadly stakes and thrilling twists, perfect for fans of One of Us is Lying and Knives Out. 

Avery Grambs has a plan for a better future: survive high school, win a scholarship, and get out. But her fortunes change in an instant when billionaire Tobias Hawthorne dies and leaves Avery virtually his entire fortune. The catch? Avery has no idea why–or even who Tobias Hawthorne is. To receive her inheritance, Avery must move into sprawling, secret passage-filled Hawthorne House, where every room bears the old man’s touch–and his love of puzzles, riddles, and codes. 

Unfortunately for Avery, Hawthorne House is also occupied by the family that Tobias Hawthorne just dispossessed. This includes the four Hawthorne grandsons: dangerous, magnetic, brilliant boys who grew up with every expectation that one day, they would inherit billions. Heir apparent Grayson Hawthorne is convinced that Avery must be a con-woman, and he’s determined to take her down. His brother, Jameson, views her as their grandfather’s last hurrah: a twisted riddle, a puzzle to be solved. Caught in a world of wealth and privilege, with danger around every turn, Avery will have to play the game herself just to survive.

My thoughts:

Can I just quickly say that the US cover (I think it’s the US cover) is so so pretty omg!😍 But the UK cover has me more intrigued.

A couple of years ago I read a Jennifer Lynn Barnes book (the naturals) and I enjoyed it but it didn’t blow me away, this one however, really did! I could NOT put this book down!

Avery (our main character) was a really great character, I really enjoyed experiencing this book from her perspective. She’s highly intelligent and wise for her years and handled the situation she was randomly thrown into very well considering the circumstances.

I didn’t know what to make of the family, they were so interesting to read about though. You know they all have secrets and hidden motives and trying to piece together what those secrets are was so much fun… that sounds weird but I enjoy figuring out clues.

The estate itself was so fun to explore, so many hidden passageways and the libraries yes, you read that right there are more than one! I wanted to much to be in this book and get to explore those libraries and this house.

I loved figuring out the clues with Avery and the Hawthorne grandsons and there were times where I would guess the clues which didn’t bother me because I was proud of myself for getting them right haha and times where I didn’t see something coming from a mile away that left me sitting on my bed with my mouth hanging open in shock.

This book has so many twists and turns, you will find yourself turning pages faster than you ever have before because you just have to know what the next clue is! Jennifer has an amazing way of crafting plots. I cannot wait for book 2! Read it now or you won’t know what you are missing!

5 🌟!

Purchase links;

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Media links;

Goodreads

@jenlynnbarnes

The beast and the Bethany by Jack Meggit-Phillips- Blog Tour!

Hi everyone,

How are you?

Today I am going to be doing my review for the beast and the Bethany. I am so excited about writing this review. Thank you so much to Dave for allowing me to take part in this tour and to Jack for this amazing book!

Synopsis:

Ebenezer Tweezer is a youthful 511-year-old. He keeps a beast in the attic of his mansion, who he feeds all manner of things (including performing monkeys, his pet cat and the occasional cactus) and in return the beast vomits out presents for Ebenezer, as well as potions which keep him young and beautiful. But the beast grows ever greedier, and soon only a nice, juicy child will do. So when Ebenezer encounters orphan Bethany, it seems like (everlasting) life will go on as normal. But Bethany is not your average orphan . . .

My thoughts:

Once again I read another fantastic book that I would not of heard of if it hadn’t been for Dave, I am never disappointed.

There have been times when I have read a book in a day or within a few hours but, never have I read a book in less than 45 minutes! I said to myself “I might as well read a few chapters” but, did I just read a few chapters… of course not! I could not put this book down, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.

The characters of Bethany and Ebeneezer where so well done. I disliked both Bethany and Ebeneezer at first but it was lovely to see them, not only became better people, but the development of their friendship as well. It’s been a really long time since I have read an MG book with such great character development. Especially, Ebeneezer who becomes a really lovable character and person.

If you have not read this book, pick it up now (or when it comes out whichever is sooner, actually preorder it because it is so worth it) you will not be disappointed. This has to be one of the best middlegrades I have ever read, getting a 5 stars and a CAWPILE rating of 9.71 which is the second highest rating I have ever given an MG book (according to cawpile). If that doesn’t tell you everything you need to know, I don’t know what will.

Jack has an incredible writing style that flows so beautifully, the atmosphere and characters jump off the page at you (or try to eat you depending on the character😁), if you are a MG lover or someone who wants to get into MG I highly recommend reading the beast and the Bethany you will love it and if you don’t you can feed me to the beast (famous last words… I shouldn’t of said that hehe).

Thank you jack for this amazing book!

5 stars!

Author bio:

Jack Meggitt Phillips is an incredibly exciting new talent. He is an author, scriptwriter and playwright whose work has been performed at The Roundhouse and featured on Radio 4. He is scriptwriter and presenter of The History of Advertising podcast. In his mind, Jack is an enormously talented ballroom dancer, however his enthusiasm far surpasses his actual talent. Jack lives in north London where he spends most of his time drinking peculiar teas and reading PG Wodehouse novels.

Isabelle Follath is an illustrator who has worked in advertising, fashion magazines and book publishing, but her true passion lies in illustrating children’s books. She also loves drinking an alarming amount of coffee, learning new crafts and looking for the perfect greenish-gold colour. Isabelle lives in Zurich, Switzerland.

Twitter

Goodreads

Purchase links:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

July+ August Book Haul

Hi everyone,

I hope you are good!

So this wrap up is going to be both the books i bought in July and August. During the month of July I think I bought about 2 books (which is unusual for me) hehe. In August I bought quite a few, I bought both physical books and ebooks. This is the first month where I have started buying ebooks. My amazon wish list has defitniely gone down a bit because of this, why I didn’t buy ebooks before I have no idea!😂

I bought a total of this month and I am truly excited to get to each one of them!

Ok, so starting with the physical books I bought this month;

Paperbacks:

The jumbies by Tracey Baptiste

So starting off with the jumbies. This was our book club pick for the month of June and I have to say I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Horror isn’t typically a genre I lean toward whether it’s Middle Grade or otherwise, I find it quite boring at times (maybe I’m reading the wrong books😆) but this one was quite good. I gave it 3.75 stars which is probably the best rating I have given to any horror novel.

The turn of the key by Ruth Ware

I also read this in the month of July. Whilst I am not a horror fan I am a huge thriller fan, but I am very picky about my thrillers lol. This book though had me on the edge of my seat. I really enjoyed it and Ruth Wares writing, I will certainly be picking up more of Ruth Wares books soon!

The ship of shadows by Maria Kuzniar

THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!! Dave just holds the most amazing tours. I am usually well aware of all of the new releases in middle grade but this one I knew nothing about. I am soooooo glad that I took part in this tour because I couldn’t get enough of this book. It was sooo good! I cannot wait for book 2!!!

Jade city by Fonda Lee

Jade city is on my tbr for the month of September and I am so excited to get to it. I have read nothing but amazing reviews and heard so many people recommend this book. It was on my August tbr but I didn’t get around to reading it😢 so I’m crossing my fingers that I find time to pick it up this month.

Girl in the Blue Coat by Monica Hesse

The girl in the blue coat was an amazing read, I read it in August and gave it 4.5 stars! I really liked all of the characters on this one and the history. If you like historical fiction about the war I really recommend this one.

Before they are hanged by Joe Abercrombie

I haven’t even finished half the world yet (book 2 in Abercrombie’s shattered sea trilogy) and I’m already collecting all the books in his first law series. I really like Abercrombie’s writing style so I’m certain I will like all of his books🤞.

Small spaces by Katherine Arden

This was our middle grade book club pick for August and it is another one I was incredibly surprised by. I really like Katherine Arden’s writing style. I hope I love her winter night trilogy just as much! I gave this book 4 stars.

A thousand ships by Natalie Haynes

When I received this book in my subscription box for August I have to admit I knew nothing about it but I do know that it’s about the Trojan war and that is all I need to know to be exciting about this book.

Sanctuary by V. V. James

Sanctuary has been on my Goodreads tbr for about a year now and I have really wanted to get to it. When I went on amazon a couple of weeks ago and saw that it was £2.00 I had to get it! I can’t wait to get to it!

unearthed by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

This is a sci-fi series I have heard really great things about. I loved Amie Kaufman’s illuminae files series with Jay kristoff so I had to pick this one up. I don’t think I have read anything by Meagan Spooner but I’m definitely very intrigued.

Rules for vanishing by Kate Alice Marshall

This one is very mysterious. I think this is described as a horror-fantasy combo which has me very intrigued, I don’t really know much more about it but that is enough for me to be highly intrigued.

Sorcerer to the crown by Zen Cho

This is also a series I have heard really great things about. I think there are only two books out at the moment but correct me if I am wrong. I hear it has good representation in it. Also this cover😍

The bastard legion by Gavin Smith

First of all how good is this title!😂 This is a sort of space opera where all the crew are criminals!😱 that’s all I need to know, I’m so excited to read this book.

Magic bites by Ilona Andrews

I have been looking for a good urban fantasy for a while and have seen this one recommended to people. I can’t wait to dive into the Kate Daniels series and I have heard that the authors are husband and wife, is that true? Let me know.

Pawn of prophecy (The Belgariad) by David Eddings

The belgariad series has been described as a really classic fantasy which I am always excited for. I can’t wait to pick this one up, I have heard Fantastic things about this book and read some really amazing reviews raving about how great this book is.

Velocity weapon by Megan O’Keefe

This is another space opera which I haven’t actually heard many people talk about. I think this is a duology but I’m not 100% certain. This book is apparently funny, action packed and full of twists. It has space battles, politics and a thriller all rolled into one, to say I am excited for this one would be an understatement!

Deal with the devil by Kit Rocha

I won this book in a giveaway hosted by @Pages_Pinnacles. Thank you so much! I can’t believe I won! I couldn’t decide what book to pick but in the back of my mind I always knew it was going to be this one as I have had my eye on it for a while. This book is about mercenary librarians😮 need I say more🥳. I think this is also very romance cantered so if that’s not your thing I probably wouldn’t pick it up but I’m so excited!

Ebooks:

Traitors blade by Sebastien De Castell

I have had this on ebook now for two months and I was really enjoying it but I had to put it down to read something else and then never picked it up. I think I am 5 chapters in and will likely have to go back and reread them chapters because I only remember little bits. I know I was enjoying what I read though so hopefully I can pick this back up soon. I’m really excited to be starting the greatcoats series!

The woman in the window by A. J. Finn

I read this book in August and omg! I was not expecting some of the twists that happened in this book. Some I did guess but most of them where a complete surprise. I got this one for 99p on kindle and it was more than worth it!

Wolf by wolf by Ryan Graudin

I also got this for 99p on kindle. I haven’t started it yet but it is on my September tbr. I don’t know anything about this one apart from what I have heard. Ryan Graudin is apparently a really great author and I’m really excited to be getting into his books.

Wicked as you wish by Rin Chupeco

I also got this book really cheap on kindle, amazon had it on a limited time offer! I’m so excited for this book. I have Rin Chupeco’s other series on my shelf so I’m hoping that I like her writing style.

Every star a grave by Jo Posey

I don’t know why I love the cover of this book so much but I do😍😆. This was also on a limited time special offer and I’m so glad I got a copy because I really want to read this book. I’m in a really big sci-fi mood at the moment (as you can probably tell by this tbr lol) and this one really caught my eye.

I am so excited for every book in this haul and I think it shows as I have read quite a few of these already. I’m going to try and only purchase ebooks once I have finished the one I am currently reading, whether I will actually stick to this is a different matter😂.

Have you read any of these books? Was there a new favourite? Are you interested in buying any of these (if so I am sorry to add to your tbr😂)? Let me know in the comments below and let’s chat!

Thank you so much for reading!

September TBR!

Hi everyone,

How are you?

So last month I read a total of books during a reading slump which I am quite proud of😆. However, I did not get to two of the main books that have been on every one of these tbrs for many months… it’s very embarrassing lol. This month I am even more determined than ever to finish both of those books.

Whilst challenging myself to actually complete these two books this month I decided to be a total idiot and take part in a readathon and set a tbr with a total of 39 BOOKS… YES you did read that right, it does say 38!!!! I will never learn😂. But I couldn’t help it, there are so many books I want to get to and my reading taste/mood right now is to just read a bit of everything lol.

The readathons I am planning on taking part in this month are Beccas bookoplathon which runs for the entirety of the month.

I am rambling so let’s get into the books I want to try (emphasis on ‘try’) and read this month because this is going to be a long one😂.

Firstly, I want to start with the book I am currently reading and want to finish today (1st September) and they are;

Half the world by Joe Abercrombie

Im really enjoying this series so far! I want to finish it because I want to know what happens but I also want to go really slowly, ahhh reader struggles lol.

Ok, now let’s get into my actually tbr for September;

Starting off with the two blog tour books:

The inheritance games by Jennifer Lynn. Barnes

My first tour if for the inheritance game! I’m so excited for this book! I don’t think I have ever been this excited for a blog tour!!!! I should of been reading this already but I had two books left that I wanted to finish for the tropical readathon by the end of August. My spot on this tour is the 5th so… I better get reading😬😬.

The beast and the Bethany by Jack Phillips

The second tour I am doing this month is the beast and the Bethany. This was a two month blog tour and I have loved reading everyone’s reviews from August and I’m now even more excited for this book because I don’t think I have read one bad review for this book!

Now for the readathon books and prompts:

My first roll was;

Dark cover- middlegame by seanan McGuire

This is my first choice for this prompt but if I can’t get a hold of a copy I will likely read “the bear and the nightingale” instead. ‘Every heart a doorway’ by seanan McGuire is a book I really enjoyed reading last year and this one sounds even more like my type of read so I can’t wait!

Then I got a community shelf card;

Next in a series- one dark throne by Kendare Blake

I wanted to get at least one of my uncompleted series on the tbr this month so I am so glad I got this prompt. I read ‘three dark crowns’ last year and gave it 4 stars! I’m super excited to be carrying on with this series. I love the really complicated sibling dynamics in this book and the magic, I honestly don’t know which direction this series is going to go in.

My third roll was;

Adult- Vicious by V. E. Schwab

Let’s be honest, would this really be a tbr of mine if I didn’t include Schwab somewhere? Of course not lol. I was putting off starting this duology because until bridge of souls comes out next year they are all the Schwab books I have left to read😬. But, it is time, I can’t put them off any longer hehe.

Then my fourth roll was;

Set in the past- the gang of st brides by Emily Organ

‘The gang at St Brides is the ninth (and final) book in the Penny Green series, a series which I am really enjoying. It’s fun, fast and intriguing. If like me you like murder mysteries set in period England with a romance, then I highly recommend the Penny Green series. I’m sad that this is the final book in the series.

Fifth roll;

Highest rated- Seven crowns by E. V. Everest

This is a book that has intrigued me ever since I saw it on kindle unlimited and the cover is so pretty😍. When I read that it was for fans of cinder and the selection I knew I had to put it on this months tbr. I don’t know about you but that sounds like a really great combination. Little did I know it would fit this prompt, you do not want to know how load I screamed when I realised this was the highest rated book on my goodreads to be read shelf!

6th roll;

TBR Vet- The summoning by Kelley Armstrong

I read this book many many years ago and if I am honest don’t remember a thing that happened. I do remember that, for he most part, I enjoyed it but nothing else🙈. I’m pretty excited to be starting this series again especially since I am in the mood for a good paranormal romance series right now. If anyone had any good recommendations let me know!

7th roll;

Ebook or audiobook- Traitors blade by Sebastien de Castell

Soooooo, I am about 5 chapters into this and had to put it down (which I was disappointed about) to read my readathon books lol. What I have read so far has made me not only excited to continue, but even after reading so little it has made me excited about reading more of Sebastien de Castell’s books because I really like his writing style.

8th roll;

Adult- jade city by Fonda Lee

So this is the start of my embarrassing list of books that have been on a number of tbrs😂. I am sooooo determined to get to these books this month, you have NO idea how annoyed I am with myself🤣.

Then I got a change card;

The secret history by Donna Tartt

So, you are probably saying “I’m sure she said she was going to read this book last month or there would be severe consequences”. Yes, yes I did say that, but do you think I listened to myself and read the book?.. No of course I didn’t! Buttttt, that’s because our buddy read is now in September (I think🙈) so, It DAMN IS, IT WILL be read in September… Ermm… I swear I am fine!

Another community shelf:

Wanting to read for a while- Get a life Chloe brown by Talia Hibbert

Woohoo, a book on here that I haven’t had on tbr before🥳. I have heard such good things about this book and I have heard that it has really good representation so that’s a big plus! I can’t wait to read this!

11th roll;

Small book- The truth about keeping secrets by Savannah Brown

I received this one in a subscription box and don’t know a lot about it (what else is new) but it is a mystery so I’m ok with not knowing much about it and would prefer to go in blind anyway. The title has me asking questions already so I’m really hoping I like this one.

12th roll;

Middlegrade- Keeper of the lost cities by Shannon Messenger

I have had this book on my shelf for over a year and have not read it yet🤦‍♀️. When I saw that it was one of the choices in the poll for our middle grade book club, I was hoping, praying and crossing my fingers that this would be picked and… it was!!🥳🥳😂 I’m so excited that this is out middle grade book pick. If you want to join us the sign up form is here and the twitter is @GradeMarvels.

Other books on my tbr (physical);

The bear and the nightingale by Katherine Arden

🙄🙄🙄anddd we are back to a book that has been on multiple tbrs. This is another one that I WILL definitely be reading in September! I may be reading it in replacement for middlegame if I can’t get hold of that but either way it will be read lol.

Half a war by Joe Abercrombie

Once I finish half the world I am (obviously) going to start half a war, the final book in the shattered sea trilogy. If the first and second book are anything to go on then this is going to become one of my favourites trilogy’s. I’m so excited to get to this third book.

The ten thousand doors of January by Alix E. Harrow

I found out a few days ago (don’t ask me how I didn’t already know before then) that this book is the hypeathonreadathon book pick for September. I have been wanting to read this book ever since it came out and never got around to it. It’s going to be fun reading it forHypeathon! By the way isn’t this cover just stunning😍😍😍.

The good hawk by Joseph Elliott

This is another book I got in a subscription box and know nothing about lol but, I do know that is a somewhat dark fantasy and I have read some really great reviews about it!

Lifelike by Jay kristoff

I have been on chapter two of this book for over a month now🤦‍♀️. It’s not that I’m not enjoying it either it’s just that my slump really scrambled up my reading routine lol. I really want to finish it in September.

Grey sister by Mark Lawrence

This is another uncompleted series I wanted to add to the tbr. I’m hoping to finish this trilogy by the end of October so I can add another completed series to my shelf. Will that actually happen… probably not but I can hope.

A million June’s by Emily Henry

I have also had this one on a few tbrs if I remember correctly. I know Hayley from Hayley in bookland really liked this one and it sounds like my kind of read so I have no excuse for not picking it up sooner.

Of curses and kisses by Sandhya Menon

I think this one has been on a few tbrs also. It’s a beauty and the beast retelling, it’s romance, boarding school with the likelihood of lots of cute scenes so I don’t know why I haven’t read it yet. It’s was the perfect summer read but I always like to read summer books in autumn so I have no excuse if I don’t pick it up this month.

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

Now, I know this one has never been on the tbr before🥳🥳yessss! Lol, this is also described as a dark fantasy and I’m so here for it. The reviews I have read all say really great things about it and Catherine Fishers writing so it’s definitely a book I am looking forward to reading.

Dreamers pool by Juliet Marillier

Dreamers pool has only been on the tbr once before so I can let that slide right? Hehe. Juliet Marillier is an author I have really wanted to read from for a long time so I’m really excited to read one of her books.

Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett

Ugh, Another recurring Book😩. I literally have no excuses for not reading this book yet so I don’t know what to say at this point, I’m really annoyed with myself for not having read this book yet!

The shadow between us by Tricia Levenseller

Tricia Levenseller is an author I love, her daughter of the pirate king duology is one a favourite of mine and I’m so excited to be getting into this standalone of hers. It sounds so good!

The kindle books/ebooks I really want to read:

Every sky a grave by Joe Posey

I have been in the mood for sci fi for the past couple of weeks now and when I saw this was 99p I HAD to get it! It still is at the moment but I’m not sure how long it will remain because it’s a limited time deal so if you want a copy I would be quick. I’ll add the link here just in case anyone does and hope that it is still at 99p when I post this. Apparently this is for fans of Star Wars…. like I could say no to that! I can’t wait to get to this one.!

Wicked as you wish by rin chupeco

This is another book I found really cheap on kindle, I think it was around £1.52. When I checked though it had gone back up in price😢. This book apparently has a really sassy firebird which automatically had me sold before I even read the synopsis. Im really excited to finally be reading something by Rin Chupeco!

The blight of muirwood by Jeff Wheeler

I read the first book in this trilogy/series (the wretched of muirwood) a couple of days ago and gave it five stars! I’m super excited to continue with this series and will be reading more by Jeff Wheeler because I really like his writing style.

The girl who drank the moon by Kelley barnhill

Another Middle Grade Book that I am super excited for. I have heard nothing but great things about this book and read nothing but amazing reviews. I really hope I get to it because this tbr is becoming somewhat HUGE!!😂

Royal decoy by Heather Frost

I’m currently 6 chapters through this book, I think I started it in July🙈. I’m in such a mood reading mood (I’m not sure that’s a phrase🤣) lately that I keep picking things up and putting things down and it’s irritating me lol.

The twisted tree by Rachel Burge

I read a brief synopsis of this book and then stopped because it’s sounds really mysterious and atmospheric and I want to go in knowing as little as possible.

Symphony of the wind by Steven McKinnon

I read one chapter of this one in July also then put it down lol. I really want to complete all the books I have read a few chapters of this month because it will stop me being so irritated with myself lol.

Mrs ps book of secrets by Laura Grey

I’m hoping and praying that some of these will be on this tbr for the LAST TIME also! Especially since I feel so awful for not having reviewed them yet🙈.

Forget me not by Anca Antoci

Same goes for this one. I always feel so bad every time I see these books because I know how long the authors have been waiting for the review that I promised months ago that I still haven’t gotten around to doing.

Beneath black sails by Clare Sager

Same with this one as well😬. How pretty is this book though😍😍. I love pirates so I can’t even make an excuse for not reading this!

The awakening of Ren Crown by Anna Zoelle

Another sci fi book that I’m really intrigued by. Hopefully I get around to it this month but I won’t be to annoyed with myself because of the size of this tbr😂. But it would still be nice to get to it.

Beach read by Emily Henry

This seems like the perfect romcom for me right now especially since I’m in such a weird reading mood.

Murder aboard the flying Scotsman by Lee Strauss

I’m really enjoyed this series so far. This is the eighth book in the ginger gold mystery series. This one is set in the 1920s. The Ginger and Hayley’s friendship is one of the main reasons I read this book, besides the romance and mystery😂.

Ahhhhh, so many amazing books so little time😂. I’m trying to read everything all at once and as you can imagine, failing miserably. There are so many more books I want to read this month but I think I already have more than enough lol.

What are you planning on reading this month? Is your tbr as ambitious as this? Let me know in the comments down below!

Thank you so much for reading!

Mid Year Book Freak Out Tag!

Hi everyone,

Today I am going to be doing the Mid- Year Book Freak Out Tag. This tag was created by Chami and Ely but there videos are no longer available. Guess what… I’m posting this a tinyyyy bit late… nothing new there😂.

1- Best books you have read so far in 2020

Off the top of my head I can think of 3 main ones:

Venators by Devri Walls

A good girls guide to murder by holly Jackson

The book thief by Markus Zusak

2- Best sequel you have read so far in 2020

I haven’t read many sequels yet so far this year, hopefully I can rectify that in the coming months but so far I think they would be:

Promises forged by Devri Walls

Potkin and stubbs by Sophie Green (book 2 and 3)

Plus all the books in the ‘teas and temptations‘ series.

3- New release you haven’t read yet, but want to.

Omg! There are so many but I’m sticking to this to the pattern and picking 4:

Good girl, bad blood by holly Jackson

Silence of bones by June Hur

From blood and ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The court of miracles by Kester Grant

There are so many more I just can’t remember them off the top of my head lol.

4- Most anticipated release for the second half of the year.

Ok, so I’m breaking the three pattern because there are so many releases this second half o the year that I am looking forward to. Top 6 would be:

Where dreams descend by Janella Angeles

Release date: August 25th

Deal with the devil by kit rocha

Release date: July 28th

Queen of volts by Amanda Foody

Release date: September 1st

Eight will fall by Sarah harian

The hardcover of this released last year but the paperback releases in November and I usually only buy paperbacks so I’m counting it lol.

A deadly education by Naomi Novik

Release date: September 29th

The invisible life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab

Release date: October 6th

And ‘the burning god’ also but I haven’t read ‘the dragon republic’ yet so I can’t include that one… or can I? Well I’m going to anyway😁.

5- Biggest disappointment

So far this year I have read books that I have really enjoyed but there are two books that had me disappointed so far this year one being ‘Crown of oblivion’ by Julie Eshbaugh and possibly ‘wilder girls’ by Rory Powers. I was hyped for crown of oblivion and was disappointed because it was not what I expected it to be. Wilder girls is one I am unsure on. I DNF’d it and I can’t decide whether it’s because I read this during a pandemic and the book has some what of a pandemic also or whether I didn’t mesh with the writing style. I might give this one another go.

6- Biggest surprise

I have been surprised by a fair few books I have read this year. Some main ones would be:

When wishes bleed by Casey L. Bond

This wasn’t a huge surprise because I knew I would enjoy it but I didn’t think I would enjoy it as much as I did. I gave this book 5 stars!

Behind blue eyes by Anna Mocikat

This is another one I new I would enjoy that I also didn’t think I would enjoy as much as I did. I also gave this one 5 stars!

Harrow lake by Kat Ellis

This one wasn’t a favourite or anything but I was surprised that I gave it 3 stars as I wasn’t expecting to like it at all.

How to take an 18th century selfie by Catherine Hudson

This book just had me laughing out loud. The cover and title alone put a smile on my face and I loved this book so much more than I originally thought I would.

7- Favourite new author (debut or new to you)

There are quite a few authors that are new to me that I discovered this year and some that book already heard of but only recently read a book by (Brandon Sanderson) some examples of authors that are new to me are

Holly Jackson

Cindy Stark

Rae Carson

Cindy L. Bond

Joe Abercrombie

8- Newest fictional crush

Beltrannnnnnn from the venators series obviously! And peter Parrish from the ‘teas and temptations‘ series. These are the only two that spring to mind straight away but there are a few others.

9- Newest favourite character

I want to say Rume from the venators series because her character is one of my favourites and she has grown so much but I feel like I have mentioned venators to many times so I’m going to pick some others… Pip from ‘a good girls guide to murder‘ is a good one. I haven’t finished this book yet when I am writing this but another character I love is Liesel from ‘the book thief’.

10- Book that made you cry

I don’t often cry when reading books. I get angry, frustrated, annoyed happy and even sad but I don’t cry if that makes sense.

11- Book that made you happy

Hmmm… the earls secret treasure‘ by Nicole Reen was a really good one. That was such a warm and happy read as well as ‘Tilly and the Book Wanderers’ by Anna James, I loved this book. It was such a heartwarming read.

12- Most beautiful book you have bought so far this year (or received)

Erm… there are a lot. If you know me by now you will know that I mainly buy books because of their covers and guess what… I’m not embarrassed to say so!😜 some of my favourites would have to be ‘crescent city‘ which I think is an obvious one. ‘Rogue princess’ B. R. Myers, ‘rebel belle’ by Rachel Hawkins, ‘dark shores’ by Danielle L. Jensen, ‘the stars we steal’ by Alexa Donne and sooooo many more! I could of continued with that for ages, someone teach me self control because creaky I am lacking it.

13- What books do you need to read by the end of the year?

The books that I really want to have read by the end of the year…. there are so many. One would definitely be ‘the bear and the nightingale’ by Katherine Arden. This has been on every tbr each month since December last year and I still haven’t gotten to it yet🤦‍♀️🙈. ‘Sky in the deep’ by Adrienne Young is another one that has been on my tbr for a long time. ‘The secret history’ by Donna tartt was one of the books that I wanted to read by the end of the year also but I have started that one, I know I am shocked to, actually reading something I said I was going to read… who the hell am I?😂

14- Favourite community member(s)

If I listed every single favourite person in this community I would be here for a while so I went with 7;

(@theartsyreader1)

(@ReadToRamble)

(@AllThingsGeexo)

(@beckyc_89)

(@Bookishcreation)

(@AVoraciousreadr)

(@dinipandareads)

Phew that was a lot of questions😂. I tag anyone who wants to do this to do it, it’s really fun! Let me know in the comments some of your most anticipated releases, fictional crush and fictional crush!

Thank you so much for reading!

The Earls Secret Treasure by Nicole Renée Review

Hi everyone,

Today I am going to be reviewing ‘the earls secret treasure’ by Nicole Renée. Thank you so much to booktamins and the author for letting me review this book!

Publication day: 29th October 2019

Genres: romance, historical fiction

Synopsis:

Karina Bardot, daughter to the Duke and Duchess of Essex has always been overlooked. Plain, and too involved in her novels, she was resigned to being a spinster for the rest of her life.No man could possibly match the heroes she read about in her quiet time, so, she was content with letting her books be the loves of her life. 
Quite thrilled with it actually. 
That was until her parents informed her of her sudden betrothal to a Marquis. She barely even knew of her own engagement, and now she is to meet her future husband? Now Karina’s forced to endure a season filled with endless parties, mind-numbing conversation, and dress shopping. Something she detested more than ballrooms. Captain Cole Black asked his men to do one job. Find the woman who stole expensive fabrics from their trade deal, and return to the ship posthaste. He was leery of being in London for too long, as having left the high society life, with its obligations and stifling rules of decorum long ago. Cole was confident that his men would return with the woman responsible for their delay, and continue on their journey. Only his men returned with someone else entirely. And the ship had already left port. 
Drat. 
Will Karina finally get the excitement, and adventure she’s been craving all along? And Will Cole finally realize that his greatest treasure is not lost at sea?

My thoughts:

I hadn’t heard of this book before booktamins sent me an email and I am sooo thankful that they did because otherwise I would never of heard of this book.

I have one word for you PIRATES! I love pirates and any book that involves a ship is going to be a book that I love.

I have read quite a few regency romance books that take place on ships or with pirates but I have to say this is by far one of my favourites! The romance had me smiling all the time, every time there was a scene with Cole and Karina I would start smiling.

Karinas character was so well written. I wouldn’t know how I would of reacted in her situation and she dealt with things in a way a lot of people of this time wouldn’t have. I loved watching her character grow throughout the story and how she always knew what she wanted. Cole’s character was so well done also. He is my new pirate crush! Renee really knows how to write amazing characters and I just couldn’t help falling in love with them.

The plot was very intriguing and was unlike most of the books i have read in this genre, I was so surprised by some of the twists. Whilst there are many tropes in here that we are all familiar with and have seen many times they were not predictable.

I couldn’t get enough of this book, I want more. I hope that Nicole Renee writes more books because I’m in love with her stories, characters and writing style. If you love pirates, regency romance, adventure and so much more then read this book!

5 stars!

Purchase links:

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Links;

Goodreads

Thank you so much for reading!