Happy Friday bookish people! How are you all today? I hope you are all well. We are so close to the end of the year now, the time of cosy reading is here and with more time on my hands I have been thinking about the books I haven’t managed to read yet this year that I am still wanting to get to.
What books do you want to get to before the end of the year?
The Dog Sitter Detective’s Christmas Tail by Antony Johnston
A festive murder mystery where I have enjoyed the rest of this series, I will be putting this on my December TBR.
Queen of Shadows – Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J Maas
At the start of this year I wanted to finish the Throne of Glass series and the A Court of Thorns and Roses series and so both of these are on this list.
The Ripper of Whitechapel by Yvette Fielding
I am intrigued what this will be like because of who it is written by, and it is only a short book so I am excited to read it.
Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco
I have started rereading the stalking jack the ripper series and I remember this second one being my favourite of the series so I am excited to get back into it.
A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J Maas
I would love to be able to finish this series before the end of the year, I read the rest at the beginning of the year and then I took a pause because I wasn’t sure if I would like Nesta in this book but enough is enough, it is time to finish the series.
Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber
I can’t wait to read this! Stephanie Garber is easily one of my favourite authors and I love everything she writes, I have been itching to read this since I got my hands on a copy.
Bloodlines by Richelle Mead
I recently got hold of second hand copies of this series. I remember absolutely loving it when I was younger so I’d like to do a reread and see what I think of it now.
A Quiet Life in the Country by T E Kinsey
I recently bought this book after being recommended it, and I would like to read it soon so that I know whether or not I would like to continue with the series into next year.
A Death in Diamonds by S J Bennett
Another mystery series I have loved all the books in so far, but I have been putting this one off as I need to be in the right mood to read it, but I would like to finish up this series before the end of the year.
Murder at Midwinter Farm by Helena Dixon
I have read and loved all of the Helena Dixon, Miss Underhay series so far and this book is coming out before December so I will be buying and reading that immediately.
Happy Friday bookish people! I hope you are all having a lovely day today. It is October, that means there is a new set of books being released and I will be sharing some of them with you.
The Weaver Bride by Lydia Gregovik – 2nd October
A sweeping fantasy about a witch who must navigate a ruthless marriage competition—and try not to fall in love along the way. Part twisting mystery, part thrilling romance, The Weaver Bride is an unputdownable romantasy steeped in a lush magical world.
Lovett Tamerlane is a silkwitch. Like all girls of her kind, she holds a rare magic—a magic that can be harnessed only through marriage to a Weaver. But finding a Weaver husband requires status, refinement, and money, all of which Lovett sadly lacks. Her one secret ability, to open any door, is her saving grace. Hidden in plain sight, Lovett spends her days using her gift to steal from wealthy families and her nights avoiding the fate imposed on all unwed silkwitches: a life confined to the cloisters.
But opening doors can be dangerous, and when Lovett steals from the wrong person, she finds herself face to face with Eliot Lear, the notorious son of a prominent Weaver. It turns out Eliot’s been watching Lovett. He knows she’s a silkwitch, and he offers her a life-altering opportunity: entrance to the Vainglory, a competition with the ultimate prize—marriage to Noé Alaire, heir to generations of Weaver wealth. The catch? Last year, the Vainglory ended in tragedy. The winner died. And the winner was Eliot’s sister.
The arrangement is simple: If Lovett solves the mystery of Ophelia Lear’s death and unmasks her killer, Eliot will ensure she has her pick of Weaver suitors, regardless of who wins the competition. Yet unraveling Ophelia’s murder proves far more complicated than either of them anticipated. And Lovett should know better than to take a Weaver at his word.
After all . . . what is love without betrayal?
Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber – 7th October
It starts with a class in an old movie theater.
Folklore 517: Local Legends and Urban Myths, taught by a woman called the Professor. Most students believe the Professor’s stories are just fiction, but Holland St. James has always been convinced that magic is real. When she tracks down a local legend named the Watch Man, who can supposedly tell you when you’ll die, the world finally makes sense. Except that the Watch Man tells her she will die at midnight tomorrow unless she finds an ancient object called the Alchemical Heart.
With the clock ticking, Holland is pulled deeper into this magical world in the heart of Los Angeles—and into the path of a magnetic stranger. Everything about him feels like a bad idea, but he promises Holland that her sister sent him to protect her. As they chase clues and stories that take them closer to the Alchemical Heart, Holland realizes everyone in this intoxicating new world is lying to her, even this stranger. And if she can’t figure out whom to trust, not even the Alchemical Heart will save her.
The Intruder by Freida McFadden – 7th October
Who knows what the storm will blow in…
Casey’s cabin in the wilderness is not built for a hurricane. Her roof shakes, the lights flicker, and the tree outside her front door sways ominously in the wind. But she’s a lot more worried about the girl she discovers lurking outside her kitchen window.
She’s young. She’s alone. And she’s covered in blood.
The girl won’t explain where she came from or loosen her grip on the knife in her right hand. And when Casey makes a disturbing discovery in the middle of the night, things take a turn for the worse.
The girl has a dark secret. One she’ll kill to keep. And if Casey gets too close to the truth, she may not live to see the morning.
In this taut, deadly tale of survival and desperation, #1 New York Times bestselling author Freida McFadden explores how far one girl will go to save herself.
Mate by Ali Hazelwood – 7th October
A Human hybrid and an Alpha Were claw against the bonds of fate in the highly anticipated companion novel to the New York Times bestselling Bride.
Serena Paris is orphaned, pack-less, and one of a kind. Coming forward as the first Human-Were hybrid was supposed to heal a centuries-long rift between species. Instead, it made her a target, prey to the ruthless political machinations between Weres, Vampyres, and Humans. With her enemies closing in on her, she has only one option left—if he’ll have her.
As Alpha of the Northwest pack, Koen Alexander commands obedience. His authority is so absolute, only a fool would threaten his mate. It doesn’t matter if Serena doesn’t reciprocate his feelings, nothing will stop him from keeping her safe.
But power-hungry Vampyres and Weres are not the only threats chasing Serena. Sooner or later, her past is bound to catch up with her—and Koen might be the only thing standing between her and total annihilation…
The Boleyn Traitor by Philippa Gregory – 8th October
#1 New York Times bestselling author and “queen of royal fiction” (USA Today) Philippa Gregory returns with a dazzling historical novel of ambition, betrayal, and survival in the court of Henry VIII.
Jane Boleyn watches from the shadows of the Tudor court, where secrets are currency, every choice is dangerous, and even the faintest whisper can seal the fate of queens.
For Jane, survival demands playing every role required of her: a loving wife who conceals her doubts, a devoted sister to Anne Boleyn at the height of her power, and an obedient spy who carefully wields her words. But in a court ruled by ambition and a tyrant’s sword, Jane must rely on her sharp wit and skillful maneuvering to outthink those around her, knowing that one wrong move could cost her everything.
Philippa Gregory masterfully shines a spotlight on the untold story of Jane Boleyn, peeling back the myths to reveal a complex portrait of a woman who dared to survive at any cost. Perfect for fans of thrilling historical drama and readers captivated by the intrigue of the Tudor period, Boleyn Traitor is a must-read.
Vesselless by Cortney L Winn- 9th October
She’s heiress to the throne. The throne her father stole from him.
Nizzara has always been able to perceive spirits better than the average caster. When she enters a deadly tournament to end her betrothal, she’s determined to win without succumbing to the addictive spirit magic she channels or taking a life in the duel ring. Finding herself outmatched, Nizzara must face her fear of power and team up with Dagen—an enemy who is half-ghost and all charm—to survive the tournament.
Dagen, the last King of Zarr, was killed by Nizzara’s father ten years ago. Now a half-ghost—able to phase between his human and spirit form—he is stuck in another realm, hunting wretched souls. When his keeper offers him a chance to reclaim his freedom in exchange for Nizzara’s soul, Dagen takes the deal.
There’s only one catch: she must freely give it to him by the tournament’s end or his own soul is forfeit.
Girl Dinner by Olivie Blake – 23rd October
Good girls deserve a treat.
Every member of The House, the most exclusive sorority on campus, and all its alumni, are beautiful, high-achieving, and universally respected.
After a freshman year she would rather forget, sophomore Nina Kaur knows being one of the chosen few accepted into The House is the first step in her path to the brightest possible future. Once she’s taken into their fold, the House will surely ease her fears of failure and protect her from those who see a young woman on her own as easy prey.
Meanwhile, adjunct professor Dr. Sloane Hartley is struggling to return to work after accepting a demotion to support her partner’s new position at the cutthroat University. After 18 months at home with her newborn daughter, Sloane’s clothes don’t fit right, her girl-dad husband isn’t as present as he thinks he is, and even the few hours a day she’s apart from her child fill her psyche with paralyzing ennui. When invited to be The House’s academic liaison, Sloane enviously drinks in the way the alumnae seem to have it all, achieving a level of collective perfection that Sloane so desperately craves.
As Nina and Sloane each get drawn deeper into the arcane rituals of the sisterhood, they learn that living well comes with bloody costs. And when they are finally invited to the table, they will have to decide just how much they can stomach in the name of solidarity and power.
Nightbane Special Edition by Alex Aster – 28th October
Seven Deadly Thorns by Amber Hamilton – 28th October
The Cruel Prince meets Powerless in this dark academia romantasy that will tattoo itself onto your heart.
In the cursed Kingdom of Aragoa, the punishment for magic is death.
Even the students at Vandenberghe Academy aren’t spared. When Viola Sinclair’s deadly shadow magic is discovered, the queen gives her assassin a new assignment and a new cursed tattoo: seven-thorned rose on his arm for the seven days he has to hunt Viola down and kill her. If he doesn’t, he will be the one to die.
The assassin is Roze Roquelart–entitled prince, arrogant fellow student, and the one person Viola hates more than anyone. Roze should revel in the chance to end her life, but he desperately needs something from Viola and her magic. And he’s willing to spare her life–and fake their engagement–to get it.
Forced to work together, Viola and Roze must contend with deadly threats, dangerous secrets, and an impossible attraction. Will they give in to their deepest desires, even if it means destroying Aragoa–and risking both their lives?
HER WORST ENEMY. HIS ONLY CHANCE.
Be swept away by the sizzling, irresistible enemies-to-lovers romantasy with magic more destructive than your darkest nightmares.
Never Ever After by Sue Lynn Tan – 30th October
Not all fairy tales end happily ever after in this Cinderella-inspired fantasy by the bestselling author of Daughter of the Moon Goddess—for fans of Renée Ahdieh, Tahereh Mafi, and Stephanie Garber.
Life in the Iron Mountains is harsh and unforgiving. After the death of her beloved uncle, Yining has survived by becoming a skilled thief and an even better liar. When she acquires an enchanted ring that holds the key to a brighter future, it is stolen by her step-aunt, and Yining must venture into the imperial heart of the kingdom to seize it back.
Amid the grandeur of the palace, Yining catches the eye of the ruthless and ambitious prince, who tempts her with a world she’s never imagined. But nothing is as it seems, for she’s soon trapped in a tangle of power, treachery, and greed—her only ally the cunning advisor from a rival court who keeps dangerous secrets of his own. To break free, she must unravel the mystery of her past and fight for a future that both frightens and calls to her.
This sweeping fantasy romance inspired by Cinderella and a Chinese fairy tale is the first in a breathtaking new series by the acclaimed author of Daughter of the Moon Goddess.
The Everlasting by Alix E Harrow – 30th October
From the New York Times bestselling author of Starling House, Alix E. Harrow, comes a moving and genre-defying adventure through time – as a reluctant lady knight and a not-so-heroic-historian will fight through time and space to rewrite their tragic fates . . . and finally reveal the truths hidden beneath the greatest legend ever told.
It begins where it ends: beneath the yew tree – a girl not yet a knight, and a boy without a story.
It is where she pulls a sword from the heartwood and becomes a legend.
And it is where, more than a thousand years later, he will find her – and lose her – and find her – and lose her again.
It is where a new story will be written – but whose will it be?
Have you got your eye on any of these books this month? I will definitely be reading the new Stephanie Garber book when it arrives in the post.
Happy Friday Bookish people! I hope you’re all having a good day today! It is September and that means children are going back to school. So, I thought it would be fun to do a back to school themed book tag challenge. I found this one on monstrumology.com
English – name your favourite authors (or books) writing style: Erin Morgenstern
Particularly the whimsical, lyrical writing from The Starless Sea. One of my favourite books ever.
Maths – a book that made you frustrated: Ulysses by James Joyce
Parts of this book have no punctuation. Need I say more.
Social Studies/History – your favourite book from a different time period: A Little Princess
I have always loved this book, reading it is a very nostalgic experience for me. It is sad and heartwarming in equal measure.
Art – your favourite book with pictures: The Hatmakers by Tamzin Merchant.
This book follows Cordelia Hatmaker and her friends as they discover the secrets of their world and this is complimented by beautiful illustrations in the book and on the cover. It is stunning.
Drama – a book you would love to turn into a movie: the Stalking Jack the Ripper series by Kerri Maniscalco
It is so gothic and atmospheric, Victorian London, a bit of murder and mystery and romance. I would be front of the queue to see this as a film.
Music – name a character you think would have the same musical taste as you: Evangeline Fox from Once Upon A Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
I think she is quite whimsical and would like songs from musicals and disney, maybe a bit of country all of which I like.
Lunch – a food you would love to try: castle banquets
Honestly, I don’t mind which one, but definitely castle banquets. They are always described as lavish and covered in gravy. Anyone who knows me knows how much I enjoy gravy. I would have it on everything.
Bus ride home – a book or author that is relaxing: Spellslinger series by Sebastien de Castell.
I don’t know what it is about these books, there’s magic, rebels, high stakes, murder, secrets and yet the whole tone is soft and comedic and just every time I think of it I feel calm and relaxed.
Extra credit – a book someone else told you to read and wound up enjoying: Lireal by Garth Nix.
It was suggested I read this, although they did not tell me it was not the first book in a series, because they had read it and liked it but they thought I would love it. Honestly to begin with I didn’t believe them, the synopsis didn’t hook me, but once I started reading I loved it.
Happy Monday bookish people! I hope you’re all having a good day today. It is the end of August and that means it is time to share my wrap up for the month.
In the UK, August is the summer holidays for most people, lots of people have time off and the kids aren’t in school so it’s always a busy month for my family, especially now that my Sister has a new baby. Alongside that I’m still plodding along with my PhD and we have been redecorating the dining room. It’s not left a lot of time for reading, however, I have been reading such good books lately that it’s looking like August will be one of my best months for reading and the most books I have read in a month so far this year.
What has your reading looked like in August? Have you read any great books? Any not so great books?
My August Wrap Up: From my TBR
A Novel Murder – I started this book and I am counting it as read because I actually ended up DNF’ing this book. At 24 pages. That is so early in a book to decide not to carry on but I could not get along with the main character, she was so self-pitying it was every few sentences my life is awful and I was losing the will to read.
A Curse For True Love by Stephanie Garber – I did read this and that means I have finally finished the whole Caraval and Once Upon A Broken Heart series’. I loved this book, it was so close to being a five star and was easily my favourite book in the series even though it contains one of my most hated tropes. I thought it was done well.
How To Seal Your Own Fate by Kristen Perrin – I did read this. This is the second book in the Castle Knoll mystery series. I did not like the first book, How To Solve Your Own Murder, but this second book surprised me because I actually enjoyed it and gave it four stars. I will give a deeper insight to my thoughts in a book review coming the 15th September.
Fearless by Lauren Roberts – What I think is the final book in the Powerless series. I am currently reading this and as I am typing I will be finishing this book today.
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins – I did read this and I will be giving a spoiler filled review on the 19th September.
This Monster of Mine – I have not read this yet but I still have ten days before the end of the month so I am still planning on finishing this one.
Knife Skills for Beginners – another book I am yet to read but I do still plan to read this before the end of the month.
Outside of my TBR I also read: Grimstone by Sophie Lark. Murder at the Highland Castle, Murder at the Island Hotel and Murder on the French Riviera by Helena Dixon and Heir of Fire by Sarah J Maas.
This brings my current total for the month to: 10 so far, but if I manage to get to those two final books on my TBR then it would bring my total to 12 and easily be the month so far this year that I have read the most books even though it has also been my busiest month so far.
Happy Friday bookish people! I hope you’re all having a good day today. Following on from last week where I shared the top ten crime fiction books I have read so far this year, today I am doing the same thing but this time it is with Fantasy books. Crime and Fantasy are my top two genres to read, I do read books from other genres but these two are my favourite.
So far this year I have read 22 fantasy book (actually 23 because I am currently reading Ignite Me by Taherah Mafi but when I made this list I hadn’t started this book yet). My least favourite of those 22 so far was To Sway A Bard. This is a short novel about a thief who is planning a heist and the Sheriff who is trying to stop her. Hoesntly, the premise sounded amazing, exactly what I love to read but the actual book did not go the way I hoped so it’s down at the bottom with my least favourite reads of the year.
So, the top 10 fantasy books I have read so far this year are:
In number 10:
The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber. This is the second book in the Once Upon A Broken Heart series. The first book was okay, I didn’t love it but I did love Stephanie Garber’s writing and her other series, Caraval, is one of my all time favourite series, so I wanted to keep reading. This second book was much better than the first. I enjoyed how the characters developed and that there seemed to be a more engaging plot in this book. I did not like the ending, that’s why it’s in tenth place here, it has a trope that I really hate to see so I am hesitant about going into reading the third and final book in this series.
In number 9:
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros. I won’t write any thoughts here, I will put them altogether with the other books in the series which (spoiler alert) are higher up on this list.
In number 8:
Way of the Argosi by Sebastien de Castell. This is the first in the spin off, prequel series, that goes with Castell’s Spellslinger series – another of my all time favourite series’. In Way of the Argosi we follow a young Ferrius and we see how she starts on the path to becoming an Argosi. I really enjoy how the writer builds the layers for characters in this series. She starts out as a scared young girl and we really get to go along on the journey with her as she figures out how strong she is and as she learns what is the best thing to do. I thought without Kellen in it I would not enjoy this series as much, I don’t usually enjoy prequel’s because I sort of know how they end but this one surprised me, I loved it and I hope to finish all three books by the end of the year.
In number 7:
Crown of Midnight by Sarah J Maas. I started this year with the idea that I was going to finish ALL of the Sarah J Maas books on my shelves, because I own all of them and I had only read the first book in each of her series’ – A Court of Thorns and Roses, Throne of Glass and Crescent City House of Earth and Blood. So, I had big goals for this year to get through all 13 other books that I owned in these series’. At this point, it is August and I am making progress in this goal but I’m not sure I’m going to make it but hey, we shall see. I did read Crown of Midnight. Which, to begin with was very slow going. It was a little boring with all the information you get at the beginning but then once the action gets started it hooks you in and I started to really enjoy it and I am excited to get around to Heir of Fire next.
In number 6:
Unravel Me by Taherah Mafi. This is the second book in the Shatter Me series which follows Juliette, a girl who has been in prison for a long time because if she touches you then you die is basically the premise. I enjoyed the first book but I loved the second book. The writing is done in a way that you really feel like you are inside Juliette’s head, feeling what she is feeling and there are so many parts that are absolutely heartbreaking.
In number 5:
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros. I did warn you this one was coming and yes, the first book in the series is up higher on the list and I will give my thoughts with that one.
In number 4:
Throne of Secrets by Kerri Maniscalco. This is the second book in the princes of sin series, the spin off of the Kingdom of the Wicked trilogy. This one follows Prince Gluttony and his rivalry with a newspaper journalist. I did enjoy this one, it wasn’t as good as the rest of Kerri’s books in my opinion, a bit too cinderella-y for me but I still enjoyed the tension and the way the mysteries are done in the plot. Also, it has dragons. The next book in this series follows Prince Sloth and I cannot wait for this book to come out, I will devour it the day I get it. Unfortunately that won’t be until February.
In number 3:
A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J Maas. As I was saying, I planned to read all of her books that I had not read yet, this year. So, I have currently read four out of five of the ACOTAR series and ACOWAR is so far my favourite out of the series. I like the balance between battle and romance within this book, although I do kind of think the series could have ended nicely here I appreciate getting to spend more books with the characters.
In number 2:
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. Here it is. Okay, honesty. I spent two years refusing to read this book, I didn’t think I would like it and it got so popular so quickly I was cautious about it. Then I got a cheap copy of the first book and I absolutely loved it. And now I have multiple t-shirts, seven dragon soft toys, a bunch of pins and other merchandise and I have read all three books in the series… I might like the series a little bit.
In the top spot, number 1 is:
Capturing the Devil by Kerri Maniscalco. This is the fourth and final book in the Stalking Jack the Ripper series. It follows Audrey Rose Wadsworth and Thomas Cresswell as they uncover different mysteries like Jack the Ripper, a killer who mimics Dracula, a circus with Houdini in it and this final book they come up against the serial killer H H Holmes. I adore this series. I love everything about it.
What are some of your favourite fantasy books you have read so far this year?
Happy Monday bookish people! I hope you are all having a wonderful day today. It is August, the middle of the summer holidays in the UK, and time to pick what books I will be reading this month. Or hopefully reading at least. I have a few things to be doing during the month: my PhD work, redecorating the dining room, taking a trip to see family in Hampshire, it is going to be a busy month. Which means I need some good books to get me through it. For some reason, summer months I get really into reading fantasy, their covers give Autumn vibes, but I love reading them in summer so you won’t be surprised to know the bulk of my reading is fantasy this month.
A Curse For True Love by Stephanie Garber
Fearless by Lauren Roberts
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
This Monster of Mine
Knife Skills for Beginners by Orlando Murrin
A Novel Murder
How To Seal Your Own Fate by Kristen Perrin
I have also put together a small list of books I would also like to get to but only if I have time, which are: Heir of Fire by Sarah J Maas which was on July’s TBR but I ran out of time, A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J Maas, Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent, The Stolen Heir by Holly Black, A Gift of Poison by Bella Ellis and the Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping.
Happy Monday bookish people! I hope you’re all having a lovely day today. It is the end of June. I honestly don’t know where this month went. I have been so busy trying to meet my PhD deadlines that the month has flown by. How has the month been for all of you?
I did manage to read a bit this month, not as much as last month but I got through some pretty good books and I did manage to finish my TBR so I’m happy with that.
From my TBR I read:
The Ballad Of Never After by Stephanie Garber – I enjoyed this book a lot more than Once Upon A Broken Heart so I’m glad about that because I loved her Caraval series then when I wasn’t sure on Once Upon A Broken Heart I was worried, but unnecessarily because the second book was much better.
Crown of Midnight by Sarah J Maas – I finally got around to reading this book after far too long. I have to say the first half of the book was dragging a little bit but once the action started kicking in I was more intrigued, and I got sucked into the story and I can’t wait to keep going with the next book in the series. I will be posting a book review on the 23rd June.
Library Of Shadows by Rachel Moore – I wasn’t sure about this book going into it but I was pleasantly surprised. If you want to see all my thoughts about this book I will be posting a book review on the 13th June.
The Murder Hypothesis – again, another book that I wasn’t sure about when I picked it up but I thought it was good, for a YA mystery it was intriguing, nothing overly special or groundbreaking but an enjoyable read.
The Secret Service of Tea and Treason by India Holton – another book that has been on my shelf for a while that I have been meaning to get to, and of course I loved it. It was actually in line for my favourite book of the month, it just missed out on that accolade.
In Want of A Suspect by Tirzah Price – the continuation of Lizzie and Darcy’s story that started in Pride and Premeditation. I loved the first book, it was one of my favourite books that I read in that year, and this second book was just as good, I have to say that the romance in this novel wasn’t quite as good as in the first book in my opinion but it was still good. This was my favourite read of May.
Outside of my TBR I also read: The Mysterious Affair of Styles by Agatha Christie which I was a little bit underwhelmed with, it was okay but not the best of her novels. And I also read Murder At The Charity Ball by Helena Dixon which is maybe the tenth book in the Miss Underhay series? A solidly good book all round.
So, that means this month I read 8 books which is a pretty good effort with how my month has been going. How many books did you get through this month? Which book that you read was your favourite?
Happy Friday bookish people! I hope you are all doing well today. Seeing as it is Valentine’s Day today, what else could I bring you except a post celebrating some of my favourite book boyfriends. I have to say, it was hard to choose. I made a list of them all and then picked the best ones for the questions and it was a long list.
I found this Tag on Got Meghan’s Blog if you want to check out how they answered the tag.
The Most Romantic Boyfriend: LORD PHILLIP STANTON from The Lady in the Tower by Marie Louise Jenson. Phillip is a bit of a rogue for most of the book but by far out of my fave book boyfriends he would be the most romantic. He is a Lord in the Tudor period brought up on chivalry and how he should treat a lady.
A Dark and Moody Bad Boy With A Good Side: KAI from Powerless by Lauren Roberts. He is the epitome of dark and moody especially for the first half of the book but deep down he’s a softie, he just doesn’t want everyone to know that.
Paranormal Boyfriend: WRATH from Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco. I wasn’t sure who to put to start with then I remembered, he’s a prince of hell so a demon of sorts. Which I am saying counts, okay.
Boy You’d Be Friends With Benefits With: JULIAN SANTOS from Caraval by Stephanie Garber. Now, I wouldn’t be friends with benefits at all but for the purpose of this tag it would be Julian. I love him and he had to make it onto this list somewhere, so I put him here because he dresses like a cross between a circus performer and a pirate.
Your Soul Mate: THOMAS CRESSWELL from Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri maniscalco. You can’t convince me otherwise. He is my favourite book boyfriend by a mile.
Boyfriend You’d Venture Anywhere with: NATHANIAL HAWTHORNE from Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson. He’s magic, it would make life interesting.
Boyfriend You Want to be Stranded on a Desert Island With: KELLEN ARGOSI from Spellslinger by Sebastien de Castell. He literally spends most of the series trekking across a desert trying to survive so he must have picked up some skills from all of that which could help us.
Most Badass Boyfriend: RHYSAND from the A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J Maas. I don’t think I need to explain this one, if you’ve read the series then I am sure you will understand.
That’s my answers! Who are some of your favourite book boyfriends?
Happy Friday bookish people! I hope you are all good today, a bit of a warning, this might be a long one.
I have been seeing these lists everywhere and I thought it would be fun to do my own. So, these are the 25 books I want to prioritize in 2025. I have chosen these books because they are either: oldest on my TBR, continuing series I have started which is one of my goals for the year or they are books I feel like I should have got to by now.
The ACOTAR series (yes, I am counting the books I have left to read – A Court of Wings and Ruin, A Court of Frost and Starlight and A Court of Silver Flames – as one together because I really want to finish this series in 2025)
I Hope You’re Listening by Tom Ryan
Capturing the Devil by Kerri Maniscalco
The Gilded Cage by Lynette Noni
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber
The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V E Schwab
The Wolf and the Woodsman by Ava Reid
Sabriel by Garth Nix
Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo
Assassins Apprentice by Robin Hobb
Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
Map of Days by Ransom Riggs
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
Traitors Blade by Sebastien de Castell
The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater
A Heart So Fierce and Broken by Brigid Kemmerer
City of Brass by S A Chakraborty
Where Dreams Descend by Janelle Angeles
Us in Ruins by Rachel Moore
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
The Painted Dragon by Katherine Woodfine
That’s the ones on my list, what books do you want to read in 2025?
Have you read any of these books? What did you think of them?
Happy Friday bookish people! I hope you are all doing good. I wanted to do something a little bit different today. I have been seeing everywhere people tracking the series’ that they are reading. How many they have started, how many they have completed and reminding themselves of which series’ they are currently in the middle of. So, I thought, why not have a look at how many series’ I am reading… there’s a lot. It’s about the amount I was expecting because I do love reading a series and getting all that time with a group of characters but I am terrible at keeping up to date with them. I have found over the years that I can’t binge a series one book right after the other, I have to spread them out with other books inbetween so then it takes me forever to get around to reading them again.
So, here’s a breakdown of the series’ I own and the ones I have read – or not.
BOOK SERIES’ I HAVE COMPLETED:
The Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead – a nostalgic favourite
The Bloodlines series by Richelle Mead – a spin-off to the Vampire Academy series
The Spellslinger series by Sebastien de Castell – LOVED this series
The Marlow Murder Club by Robert Thorogood – as it stands I am up to date on this series but a new book will be coming in 2025
The Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman – i have read the four books currently out even though he is writing more but I think I am going to dnf this series.
The Stalking Jack the Ripper series by Kerri Maniscalco – a favourite for me
The king dom of the wicked series by Kerri Mnaiscalco
The Caraval series by Stephanie Garber – another favourite series
The Cruel prince series by Holly Black – started my love of fae
The Brown Sisters trilogy by Talia Hibbert – a romance series that surprisingly I enjoyed
The Hatmakers trilogy by Tamzin Merchant – a middle grade series which is stunning
The new Faraway Tree series by Jacqueline Wilson – up to date on the two currently published
The Dog Sitter Detective series by Antony Johnston – two books out currently so I am up to date
The Trial/The Suspect by Rob Rinder – a great new murder mystery series that has two books out currently and I have read both so I am up to date as of 2024
Gir, Missing trilogy by Sophie Mckenzie
City of Ghosts by V E Schwaab – a short children’s series following Cassidy who can see ghosts
The Maze Runner series by James Dashner
The Divergent series by Veronica Roth
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
The Vicious Duology by V E Schwaab – a great morally grey, are they heroes are they villains kind of book
Name of the Star series by Maureen Johnson – I absolutely loved this when I was younger, it is for teen readers but it is pretty dark
That is all the current series that I have finished/ got up to date with = 22 – not bad but not great either, the next category is the big one…
BOOK SERIES’ I HAVE STARTED BUT NOT FINISHED:
The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen – currently reading but I am unsure if I will continue the series or not.
Powerless by lauren Roberts – a definite five star for me
Shadow and Bone by leigh Bardugo
Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas
The Maid by Nita Prose
A Court of thorns and roses by Sarah J Maas
The Miss Underhay series by Helena Dixon
Sabriel by Garth Nix
The left handed booksellers of london by Garth Nix
The three dahlias by Katy Watson
Crescent City by Sarah J Maas
Finlay Donovan is killing it by Elle Cosimano
Grave Expectations by Alice Bell
The Cat who solved three murders by
Throne of the fallen by Kerri Maniscalco
The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni
Once Upon A Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
Shatter me by taherah Mafi
A Marvellous light by Freya Marske
The strange case of the alchemist’s daughter by Theodora Goss
Six Tudor Queens by Alison Weir
A Curious beginning by Deanna Raybourn
Hercule Poirot series by Sophie Hannah
The art of the dying by Ambrose Parry
Bringing down the duke by Evie Dunmore
Clockwork Sparrow by Katherine Woodfine
Pages and Co by Anna James
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
Anatomy a love story by Dana Schwartz
Love and gelato by Jenna Evans Welch
The vanished bride by Bella Ellis
Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price
The windsor knot by Sophia Bennett
Truly devious by Maureen Johnson
How to solve your own murder by Kristen Perrin
The Good Girl’s guide to murder by Holly Jackson
An ember in the ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Spin the dawn by Elizabeth Lim
Court of miracles by Kester Grant
From blood and ash by Jennifer L Armentrout
The beautiful by Renee Ahdieh
Dangerous remedy by Kat Dunn
Serpent and dove by Shelby Mahurin
house of salt and sorrows by Erin A Craig
The wisteria society of lady scoundrels by India Holton
A curse so dark and lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
The Bear and the nightingale by Katherine Arden
The Invisible library by Genevieve Cogman
A darker shade of magic by V E Schwaab
Scythe by Neal Shusterman
The raven boys by Maggie Stiefvater
Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch
Miss Peregrines by Ransom Riggs
Which gives us 53 started series…
BOOK SERIES’ I OWN BUT HAVE NOT STARTED:
The Graceling series by Kristen Cashore
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Faebound by Saara-El Arifi
Phantasma by Kaylie Smith
The Bone Spindle trilogy by Leslie Vadder
The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
Legendborn by Tracey Deonn
Crown of Ivy and Glass by Claire Legrand
Furyborn by Claire Legrand
Sisters Grimm by Menna Van Praag
Bone Criers Moon by Kathryn Purdie
The Guinevere Deception by Kirsten White
Traitors Kiss by Erin Beaty
The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi
The Crowns Game duology by Evelyn Skye
Nevernight by Jay Kristoff
The fate of wrath and fame by K A Tucker
Shadowscent by P M Freestone
Seafire by Natalie C Parker
Al of us Villains by Amanda Foody
Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody
Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Truthwitch by Susan Dennard
Traitors Blade by Sebastien De Castel
This Savage Song by V E Schwaab
Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J Tuli
The library of the Dead by T L Huchu
Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer
Library of the Unwritten by A J Hackwith
Song of the Forever Rains by E J Mellow
lightlark by Alex Aster
Scarlet by Genevieve Cogman
Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare
Chain of God by Cassandra Clare
Swordcatcher by Cassandra Clare
Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Fairies by Heather Fawcett
A Winter’s Promise by Christelle Dabos
Threadneedle by Cari Thomas
Set Fire to the Gods by Saara Rasch
Scavenge the Stars by Tara Sim
Everyone in my Family has killed someone by benjamin Stevenson
One of us is lying by Karen M Mcmanus
Lockwood and co by Jonathan Stroud
Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare
lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare
The Diviners by libba Bray
Daughter of smoke and bone by laini Taylor
All the stars and teeth by Adalyn Grace
Fable by Adrienne Young
Incendiary by Zoraida Cordova
Where Dreams Descend by Janelle Angeles
Deal with the elf king by Elise Kova
Well Met by Jen DeLuca
A Thief’s Justice by Douglas Skelton
Marion Lane and the midnight murder by T A Willberg
Blood and sugar by Laura Shepherd Robinson
The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder by C L Miller
Twin Crowns by Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber
A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
Empire of the vampire by Jay Kristoff
little thieves by Margaret Owen
This Woven Kingdom by Taherah Mafi
Godkiller by Hannah Kaner
The Atlas six by Olivie Blake
A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross
Stolen Heir by Holly Black
Realmbreaker by Victoria Aveyard
Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
Mortal Follies by Alexis Hall
Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
The Foxglove King by Hannah Whitten
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
The Wren in the holly library by K A Linde
Five Broken Blades by Mai Corland
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
Castles in their bones by Laura Sebastien
Dance of Thieves by Mary E Pearson
Only a monster by vanessa len
The North wind by Alexandria Warwick
The Crimson Moth by Kristen Ciccerelli
The Coven by Harper L woods
Crucible of chaos by Sebastien de castell
Play of shadows by Sebastien de castell
A Dark and hollow star by Ashley Shuttleworth
These Hollow vows by Lexi Ryan
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
The Serpent and the wings of night by Carissa Broadbent
Way of the argosi by Sebastien de castell
When the moon hatched by Sarah A Parker
Which brings us to 90 series I own at least the first book for but I have not started. Let me know if you have read any of these and what you thought of them.
So, final tallies are: 90 series’ not started, 22 completed series, and 53 series that I have started and not finished
Grand total = 165 series!! Wow, that’s a lot. Hopefully I will make better progress with them in 2025. What are your priority series’ for 2025?
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