Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
Kar2b

Kar2b

Joined June 2017

Ravenclaw | Cancer | Tiger | wannabe princess | Author, Editor, Reader... All around book lover!
reading now icon
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
reading now icon
Zodiac by Romina Russell
reading now icon
The Book of Living Secrets by Madeleine Roux
reading now icon
Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn
reading now icon
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
review
Kar2b
Just Like Magic | Sarah Hogle
post image
Pickpick

This book didn‘t grab me from the start. Although the writing is witty, I did not like Bettie at all - she‘s self absorbed and spoiled. Hall is a lot like Buddy the Elf, but soon, we see how these two learn from each other. I‘m glad I hung on… this is a cute, heartwarming holiday grumpy-and-sunshine story.

review
Kar2b
A Very Merry Bromance | Lyssa Kay Adams
post image
Pickpick

Started my holiday reading with this one. It was cute. I liked Colton more than I liked Gretchen, but it‘s understandable why she had a lot of baggage. The complicated relationship with her family certainly kept this book from being fluffy or too lighthearted.

review
Kar2b
post image
Pickpick

This was a cute, quick read. I grabbed the copy at my local library, not that I don‘t have shelves upon shelves of unread books at home.

The relationship between Cassie and Frederick is cute. They‘re both a little quirky, and I think that‘s what makes it work. If you like rom coms, I recommend trying this one out. There‘s a little spice, but not much. It‘s just a fun, fluffy story, like the TikTok cat videos Cassie likes to watch.

14 likes2 stack adds
review
Kar2b
And the Trees Crept In | Dawn Kurtagich
post image
Pickpick

This was very interesting… I liked the atmosphere. Appropriately creepy as an October (well, technically November) read.

review
Kar2b
post image
Pickpick

This was a cozy read, albeit slower paced than I typically prefer. I liked Gigi, and I loved the relationship between Sadie and Seth. My favorite parts were in the last third when we got to see the extended family.

GondorGirl I grabbed this as my BotM this month, but haven't gotten to it yet. I'm glad it's getting good reviews! 1mo
Kar2b I‘m looking forward to trying out the included recipes! 1mo
16 likes2 comments
review
Kar2b
The Secret Garden Complete Text | Frances Hodgson Burnett
post image
Pickpick

Hard to believe I had never read this classic. It was a cute story, although I had some trouble with the Yorkshire dialect.

blurb
Kar2b
A Love Catastrophe | Helena Hunting
post image

As others have shared, this book is light and fun - a bit of cotton candy on your shelf. That said, there are some very funny, laugh out loud moments, like this one that made it very entertaining.

review
Kar2b
post image
Pickpick

While I enjoyed The Lost Apothecary more, this was still an entertaining read. I think my biggest complaint was Lenna. She wasn‘t super likable, in my opinion. She immediately turned on her sister and Vaudeline whenever any small thing gave her doubt. In that respect, I felt she wasn‘t very loyal, and they were generous to quickly forgive her harsh worlds. It was an interesting overall with two murders to solve.

review
Kar2b
The Ballad of Never After | Stephanie Garber
post image
Pickpick

Silly Evangeline. Why did she not stay forever in the cozy inn with Jacks and the baby dragon? This book was so fun with twists and turns. It left me grateful that I only have to wait a few weeks for the conclusion. Also, how amazing are these preorder dust jackets? I can‘t wait to get the third one, too.

6 likes1 stack add
review
Kar2b
Once Upon A Broken Heart | Stephanie Garber
post image
Pickpick

Stephanie Garber had me at a series that features Jacks. I loved him in Legendary, but I adore him ever more in these books. Evangeline is his match in so many ways, and I love that he nicknamed her “Little Fox.”

review
Kar2b
The Brothers Hawthorne | Jennifer Lynn Barnes
post image
Pickpick

I will take more of Grayson and Jameson Hawthorne any day! I love that this series is continuing, and new characters are being introduced. I hope we get to see a book from Nash and Xander‘s POV someday too. Of all the brothers, Nash seems the least flushed out to me. Maybe it‘s because I‘m the oldest that I‘d like to know the oldest brother a little more. At any rate, I can‘t wait for the next installment. Game on!

review
Kar2b
The Whispering Dark | Kelly Andrew
post image
Pickpick

“Something‘s coming. Something with teeth.”

This was a creepy, atmospheric read. I enjoyed the relationship between DeLaney and Colton, and there were interesting side characters, too. It‘s nice to see a main character with a disability as well. Highly recommend this one.

Catsandbooks Love this cover! 3mo
11 likes1 comment
review
Kar2b
The Seven Year Slip | Ashley Poston
post image
Pickpick

This is a book about a magical apartment, about who we are today, who we were in the past, and who we will be in the future. With themes of love, forgiveness, grief and fulfilling your dreams, I could not put it down! Every time I think the last book by Ashley Poston was my favorite, she comes out with a new one that steals my heart. I also loved getting a little Easter Egg glimpse at the characters from The Dead Romantics.

review
Kar2b
Fourth Wing | Rebecca Yarros
post image
Pickpick

I see the hype - it has the addictive quality of Twilight and Divergent. In fact, I saw a LOT of similarities to Divergent; of course, under any entirely different premise of a fantasy world and dragon wings instead of factions. My favorite characters were actually side characters: Rhiannon and Liam. I also loved the dragons, because DRAGONS! I‘ll be interested to see where book 2 goes, and this time, I‘ll get the early edition since I preordered.

review
Kar2b
With Love, from Cold World | Alicia Thompson
post image
Pickpick

First, I looove these covers! The pop art style is gorgeous and eye catching. I read both of these books yesterday and they were so fun! I love the representation in these books from a variety of body types (with positive messaging), ethnicity, and LGBTQ rep. The alternating POV between Ada and Lauren really allows us to get to know each character. I hope there are more books like these coming from the author!

Emilymdxn I love both of these! This author is such an auto buy for me after reading both of these 3mo
10 likes1 comment
review
Kar2b
Foxglove | Adalyn Grace
post image
Pickpick

Finished Foxglove this morning and can‘t stop thinking about this series. The personas of Death and Fate are so interesting. Signa is smart, independent and yet full of love and empathy for her family. The plot is fast paced and intriguing with lots of twists and turns. Some I saw coming, some I did not. I can‘t wait for the next book, Wisteria, and already ordered the Barnes & Noble edition to match these beauties.

dabbe Lovely covers! 🤩🤩🤩 3mo
Meshell1313 Oooh soo pretty! 😍 3mo
Kar2b I wish I could share more than one picture in a post. The back covers and end papers are gorgeous too! 3mo
8 likes3 comments
blurb
Kar2b
Foxglove | Adalyn Grace
post image

Reading Foxglove by firelight…

“Why would you settle for average when everything upon your tongue could taste of ambrosia?”

…my bourbon and I agree. 🤣

review
Kar2b
The Stand-In | Lily Chu
post image
Pickpick

This book is simply adorable! I loved Gracie so much, as well as the banter between her and Sam. I hope the author gives Fangli her own story, because she deserves it. Oh, and Gracie‘s best friend, Anjali, deserves a story too. Even the side characters are lovable and awesome (except Todd. Boo, Todd!)

The planner theme was fabulous, as I‘m one of those people who is still seeking the perfect system to organize my life. Read it, you‘ll love it!

rubyslippersreads The planner part was my favorite too. 4mo
11 likes1 comment
review
Kar2b
Good Kings, Bad Kings | Susan Nussbaum
post image
Pickpick

This is a book that everyone should read to understand how institutions work, to empathize with those who are failed by the system, and to be aware of their own outlook on their fellow human beings. When you consider yourself superior to another person for whatever reason - race, gender, ability, religion, etc., you may justify all kinds of horrible behaviors. It‘s a cautionary tale that‘s also woven with resilience and hope.

review
Kar2b
post image
Pickpick

This is a super cute romantic comedy appropriate for all ages. I loved the dual points of view and found both Jack and Lucky to be charming and hilarious. The chemistry between them was very believable. It‘s a fun read!

review
Kar2b
Divine Rivals | Rebecca Ross
post image
Pickpick

I didn‘t realize this was a duology when I started reading it… I am both happy, because I get to revisit characters I‘ve grown to love, and sad, because I have to wait until the sequel releases at the end of the year. Rebecca Ross‘ writing is a thing of beauty - poetic, flowing and memorable. I loved how the relationship developed between Iris and Roman. The ugliness of war was contrasted with the resilience of human spirit. Ah-mazing!

Bklover Great mug! (I love mugs)❤️ 5mo
11 likes1 comment
review
Kar2b
post image
Pickpick

Cute, spicy romantic comedies centered around a brother and sister duo who are heirs to a Napa Valley vineyard.

Both have opposites attract themes, but the witty banter and quirky personalities of the main characters really make these books shine.

If you‘ve enjoyed other Tessa Bailey novels, you‘ll like these!

blurb
Kar2b
Vengeance of the Pirate Queen | Tricia Levenseller
post image

WHY DO PUBLISHERS REDESIGN THE COVERS IN THE MIDDLE OF A SERIES? I love the original illustrated covers, now for the new 3rd book, they‘re using real models. I wish they would at least offer a matching dust jacket.

What do others think? Does this bother you?

CrowCAH Yes it annoys me too. They must have wanted to revamp the series, since book two came out back in 2018. 5mo
7 likes1 comment
blurb
Kar2b
post image

I purchased the gorgeous Fairyloot edition of this book, because I felt like it would go better with my LitJoy Folk of the Air set, and I loved the Oak and Suren artwork on the cover. It is very pretty with gold edges, gold foiling on the case, and illustrated end papers of Suren.

I‘ll have to do a re-read before The Prisoner‘s Throne comes out.

Liatrek I just got my copy❤️ So beautiful 😍one of my fav series! 5mo
10 likes1 comment
quote
Kar2b
post image

Page 211 - People never got to stay in their Wonderlands, did they? Alice and Dorothy and the Darlings, all dragged back to the mundane world and tucked into bed by their handlers.
🍄
🧚
🛶
(Sigh) Reality comes for all of us, sooner or later!

quote
Kar2b
post image

Page 165 - Once we have agreed that true love exists, we may consider its nature. It is not, as many misguided poets would have you believe, an event in and of itself; it is not something that happens, but something that simply is and always has been. One does not fall in love; one discovers it.
❤️
❤️
❤️
This quote speaks to me on so many levels!

BennettBookworm Loved this book!! 5mo
16 likes1 comment
review
Kar2b
post image
Pickpick

This was a quick summer read. I liked the anxiety rep and the fact that Hallie as the female lead is maybe not the traditional tall, lithe heroine, but she‘s confident of her body. Julian was very emotional and passionate, and I love the way he is a protector of those he cares for.

review
Kar2b
post image
Pickpick

There were parts I really loved about this book: Cassandra and Clytemnestra are strong women in a male-dominated world. However, for as much as I liked them, I could not connect with Elektra or Helen; in fact, I‘m sympathetic to Clytemnestra for being related to such selfish women. The story was a little slow, and I found myself paging through some chapters quickly, especially those in Elektra‘s POV.

review
Kar2b
What the Hex | Jessica Clare
post image
Pickpick

This was a cute follow up to Go Hex Yourself, and I really like Will and Penny. There were a couple blatant errors in the beginning. His suit changed from green to blue to green in one scene, and her POV went from 1st to 3rd person. From there, I either got so sucked into the story that I stopped noticing or the editing got better. Overall, a very fun, quick read!

review
Kar2b
A Fire Endless | Rebecca Ross
post image
Pickpick

This was such a fantastic end to this duology. I loved the two main couples even more, and seeing the spirit world was an exciting element. The pacing was fast and kept me turning pages. I‘m a little sad to leave this world and characters behind.

review
Kar2b
post image
Pickpick

Rebecca Ross is a master of words. Each of her books beautifully unfolds a story of bravery, loyalty and love. I completely adored all the characters in this book, especially Jack, Adaira, Torin and Sidra. The concept of an enchanted island and nature spirits was so cool. I can‘t wait to read A Fire Endless!u

Also, this Illumicrate version is so gorgeous! I wish I had the exclusive sequel.

sweetpealsd I love Rebecca Ross. I‘m going to pick this one up. 7mo
7 likes1 stack add1 comment
blurb
Kar2b
Ship Wrecked | Olivia Dade
post image

Just finished this one. It was cute, although there were times I got frustrated with both main characters for their poor decisions. Overall, I enjoyed it and I always like seeing the characters from the previous books as supporting characters in the current read.

The cover on the left is the stained cover. On the right is the preorder gift with purchase cover that nods to classic romance novels. Which do you prefer?

7 likes1 stack add
review
Kar2b
Not the Witch You Wed | April Asher
post image
Pickpick

I love a good rom com with a snarky heroine. This one checked all the boxes. Did it have the meddling mother? Fake dating? Misunderstandings and a reluctance to admit true feelings? Yes, yes and yes, but it was so fun! I hope we get stories about Rose and Olive too, and Harper, because she is an amazing best friend.

review
Kar2b
Cursed | Marissa Meyer
post image
Pickpick

I proceeded to spend my Sunday afternoon finishing Cursed and loved how this duology ended. While very satisfying, I could continue in this world and would love to know how these characters spend the rest of their lives. I did love Serilda and the children, Gild and the gods. This was such a rich and explorative Rumpelstiltskin retelling.

blurb
Kar2b
Cursed | Marissa Meyer
post image

Completely in love with this gorgeous silver foiled Fairyloot edition of Cursed. It goes so nice with the gold foiled Gilded. I had to wait many months to receive it, but it‘s well worth the wait. Started the book last night and loving it so far. Marissa Meyer has a gift for pulling the reader in and not letting go.

6 likes1 stack add
review
Kar2b
post image
Mehso-so

This was a sweet story, but the pacing is s-l-o-w. I found myself skimming paragraphs at a time where nothing really happens. It picks up in the last third, and some of the characters: Grands, Peach and Julius really are memorable. I also liked the historic building itself and the idea of treasures within it. It would be a dream come true to be able to start a bookstore because I found first edition books in amazing condition in my house!

review
Kar2b
post image
Pickpick

Excellent conclusion to an amazing series. I read these books so fast. I love the Lockwood & Co team, although I think Skull is my favorite character. His lines made me laugh out loud!

blurb
Kar2b
post image

On to book 2… I think this whole series will be a fast read!

8 likes1 stack add
review
Kar2b
post image
Pickpick

I binge watched Lockwood & Co over 2 days with my husband, immediately wished for a season 2, and went out and bought the original hardcovers of all five books. I‘m curious how many of the books were covered in season 1. For sure, we saw book 1 and book 2 (which I‘m about 25% into right now.) I love paranormal, and these characters are so fun!

review
Kar2b
post image
Pickpick

Started this on the flight home from San Antonio. I loved “The Hating Game” so it was an easy to purchase this one. It‘s one of my favorite classic-inspired stories. Angelika, her brother Victor and the other characters were fun and well described. The goofy premise of building your ideal mate made my laugh, and the antics that take place throughout the book were pure entertainment. Well done, Ms. Thorne!

review
Kar2b
Hannah's War | Jan Eliasberg
post image
Pickpick

I don‘t often read historical fiction, but this book pulled me in so completely that I read it on one sitting. It spoke to the will of the human spirit and how powerful, intelligent women influenced history but were often unnamed and unremembered in favor of their male counterparts. I will look for more works by this author… an unforgettable story!

review
Kar2b
The Poison Season | Mara Rutherford
post image
Pickpick

This was an interesting book… it read very much like a fairytale, with lovely movements and moments of horror such as the poison lake that eats its victims like acid and a sentient, bloody thirsty forest. I did like Leelo and Jaren, although the end felt a bit too much like buttoning everything up. All in all, I enjoyed this story.

blurb
Kar2b
Ninth House | Leigh Bardugo
post image

“By the time Alex managed to get the blood out of her good wool coat, it was too warm to wear it.”

What a first line! 🤣 Excited to dig into this one as my next read of 2023. I have the Barnes & Noble edition of Hell Bent waiting in the wings.

review
Kar2b
post image
Pickpick

This was a cute, fun read. Rosie has had a crush on her best friend‘s cousin - she‘s never met him but follows his Instagram account. Lucas is dealing with recovering from a terrible accident, and while I don‘t wish a terrible accident on anyone, I do like that this makes him human, because otherwise he reads as the perfect man: romantic, a great cook and dancer, and attuned to the woman before him. Try this is you like rom coms!

7 likes2 stack adds
review
Kar2b
post image
Pickpick

I prepared for this release by re-reading The Folk of the Air trilogy and How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories. Going from seeing Oak and Suren as kids to now young adults made reading this book all the more enjoyable with that background fresh in my mind. I did figure out parts of the plot early, but it didn‘t diminish my love for this tale. Oak and Wren have great chemistry, and it was fun to see new courts like the Court of Moths.

Liatrek Just finished and loved it! I also reread the trilogy to prepare and just love this world she built. Can‘t wait for the sequel ❤️ 11mo
9 likes1 comment
review
Kar2b
post image
Pickpick

I started 2023 with a re-read of one of my favorite series! The LitJoy exclusive Folk of the Air set is gorgeous, and it was fun to read Holly Black‘s annotations throughout the series. Cardan remains one of my favorite male leads, and Jude is also a favorite female lead. So much to love about these books!

review
Kar2b
post image
Pickpick

I loved Andrew and Molly‘s story. The way each past flight was woven throughout the book. The adorable and mishap filled adventure to return home for the holidays and be with family. It was such a lovely friends to lovers romance, and I‘d really like to see a second book that continues the tale.

review
Kar2b
post image
Pickpick

Finished “Long Live the Pumpkin Queen” last night. The Barnes & Noble edition is very pretty. I enjoyed the book, although I‘m still trying to determine why there was a Fourth of July tree… not really a holiday that fits with with rest since it‘s U.S. only.

Also. this is my last Bones coffee bag from their Nightmare Before Christmas collection. The packaging is gorgeous, and the grounds smell amazing. To me, the flavoring is subtle.

blurb
Kar2b
Something Wilder (Export) | Christina Lauren
post image

2 of my 3 vacation reads… missing is “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil”

I enjoyed them all, but Something Wilder was my favorite. Kingdom of the Feared was my least favorite. I love a good romance book, but I get bored when plot slows with too much sex or sex obsessed thoughts by the characters. This one had that in droves. I‘m not quite sure how it even is classified as a young adult book.

9 likes1 stack add
review
Kar2b
Wake the Hollow | Gaby Triana
post image
Mehso-so

This was an interesting premise, but the execution fell a little flat for me. The ending was pretty strong, so I‘d consider reading other works by this author. If you like tales of the Headless Horseman, you may enjoy this book.