On paper, this should have been a 5 star read for me: historical fiction, lovely prose, siblings separated by WWI, PLUS fantasy & romance. While I did end up rating it 4 stars, there were a few things that didn‘t quite work for me in execution: Faland & his magical mystery hotel, the slowest slow burn romance(s) that don‘t come to fruition until literally the final chapters of the book, and some of the plot logistics of the climax and dénouement.

I never felt like the author had anything really all that insightful to say about the female character archetypes she sought to examine in this book. There were some sections more interesting to me than others, but I did find myself skimming a lot in some parts. The author‘s inclination to dissect historical/period characters from an intersectional/2024 modern feminist lens was flimsy at best and disingenuous at worst.

I had high expectations for this one because I have loved all of Kate Quinn‘s feminist historical fiction. The setting around the San Francisco earthquake was so intriguing to me, but unfortunately this one fell flat in execution. The romantic subplots didn‘t work for me at all, so it was hard to feel invested in the way they tied into the broader plot. On audio, I felt like the book went on ~2 hours too long. Listened using my Spotify account!

Both of these just edged into Pick territory for 3 ⭐️ reads. I appreciate that Ali Hazelwood is finally branching out from the (now very) repetitive trope formula established in The Love Hypothesis (Grumpy/Sunshine, extreme height difference). Check & Mate still featured a very nerdy subject (professional chess) and Bride‘s FMC is a Vampire Princess-in-STEM, but exploring new genres (YA, Paranormal Romance) has breathed new life into her writing.

These contemporary western romances were cute enough, but the prose was far too simplistic (bordering on juvenile) to really enjoy the reading experience. The romance/plot felt a bit more developed in the 2nd book, but they are both so short that any strong character development was impossible. I do love the pulpy western-style covers (definitely what convinced me to try), and I could see them being adapted into Hallmark/Netflix-style Rom-Coms.

3 stars, but more So-So than Pick for me. Entertaining enough for me to finish the 1st duology, but I won‘t be continuing. I was curious since A Fate Inked in Blood by the same author is a BOTM on my upcoming TBR (still excited for). This feels incorrectly marketed as romantasy - yes, there‘s a steamy romance, but no magic or fantasy elements (unless you count characters‘ inexplicable ability to run/climb/swim/fight while fatally wounded).

I should have loved this book, and I had high hopes based on my previous experience with Cinemaps by the same artist/author. This one was disappointing because the books featured in the illustrations were overwhelmingly obscure. Even with an English degree, I found myself skipping about half of the books, since there were so many I hadn‘t even heard of and had no context for. Highlights were the “maps” of Pride & Prejudice and A Wrinkle in Time.

I really enjoyed this duology; the fact that it‘s a complete duology was a big factor in its favor. While I definitely preferred the first book, overall it had a satisfying arc. A really good combination of gloomy, gothic vibes, a truly unique magic system (although I have some questions about the total # of Providence Cards), engaging action scenes, and a swoony romance.

Well, while it‘s still snowing at home, I‘ve found a couple nice, warm, sunny spots to read while on a work trip further south in Alaska, and I am loving soaking up the vitamin D. I had a yummy mocha earlier and now sipping on a strawberry basil smash canned cocktail. Wishing I had packed sunglasses today!

Stopped by this sweet bookstore in Sitka, AK while I was visiting for work. They had a great selection of books (I resisted) and store merch (couldn‘t resist a cozy crewneck and tote bag).

April #BookspinBingo card! My #Bookspin is Bourdain (excited to finally have the impetus to read this Kindle book I bought on a deal ages ago!) and my #DoubleSpin is Green Dot (an ARC I won from a Goodreads giveaway a few months ago).

I did finish my #Bookspin for March, but didn‘t get to my #Doublespin. I came very close to hitting a bingo, but as usual my mood reading distracted me from focusing on that. I did read 10 total books in March, and I have a couple that I am almost done with to get April off to a good start. Overall, I did a good job of balancing reading books from my TBR and those new releases that pull me in from Libby.

I just wasn‘t that interested in the options this month. There were a couple I would maybe get from Libby if/when they become available, but I am trying to be more judicious about only choosing something I really want to read. I have way too many BOTM books that are still on my physical TBR.

This was the appropriately named brewery in Charlotte, NC that I hung out at yesterday!

In Charlotte, NC for a work trip this week, and yesterday I spent some time at a local brewery with the book I brought. Book accompanied by a yummy pretzel and tasty Plum-Rosemary-Orange Sour Ale. I was impressed, you can really taste the rosemary in this drink!

Side note: any Charlotte/Raleigh Littens around? I have one more day here (I have to drive back to Raleigh tomorrow from Charlotte) and would love a good bookstore recommendation!

This sequel really lived up to expectations! It is everything you could want from the cozy academia fantasy romance corner. Even though it leans into the cozy genre, there are still serious stakes for Emily & Wendell. Emily is following up her encyclopedia with a a mapbook of the Otherlands, and Wendell tries to return this kingdom while avoiding his stepmother‘s assassins. The faerie world is broadened and endearing new characters introduced.

Sneaking in some reading this morning before I jump into chores for most of the day. Hoping to finish this book today!

I have been so pleased with this sequel; fans of Encyclopedia of Faeries will love this one too!

I kept seeing this series hyped for romantasy readers and thought I‘d give it a chance. It was free on Kindle Unlimited, so I signed up for a free trial to try it out. It wasn‘t any worse than the average romantasy (it felt very ACOTAR meets Hunger Games), but I found its utter mediocrity and tropey-ness to be a turn off. I skimmed A LOT to finish this one, and won‘t be continuing with the sequel, despite a vague interest in knowing the ending.

Turned in my winter reading challenge bingo card to the local library today; I got 6 entries to the final giveaway, 2 coupons for a personal pizza, and 3 cute stickers (I declined the bookmarks because I already have far too many), but resisted checking out any physical books, since my physical and Kindle TBR are already overflowing.

Limited work this week due to spring break. I had a dentist appointment at 8 am, now biding the time for a bit at a local cafe, so that I can hit up the nearby library when it opens at 10 am.

Impromptu bookstore popup at a local brewery! I resisted buying anything, but they had a lot of Alaskana options, as well as popular bestsellers.

An unfortunately disappointing finale to the trilogy. I absolutely love Olivie Blake‘s writing style and characterization (which is still highlighted in this book), but the plot was basically incomprehensible to me. I honestly couldn‘t describe what happened outside of a few set piece scenes and character deaths. I‘ll credit my lack of comprehension partially to distracted audiobook listening, but I didn‘t have that problem w/the first 2 books.

March #BookspinBingo card. My #Bookspin is Two Twisted Crowns and #Doublespin is Ask Again, Yes.

Overall, a good reading month. I finished 8 books, and have two in-progress carrying over to March. Higher than average ratings for me, which means I read a lot of good books in February! My top read of February is the tagged; I finished it in 2 days and immediately started the sequel. According to Goodreads and Storygraph, I am 6 books ahead on my 2024 reading goal (75 books).

Technically The Fragile Threads of Power and The Atlas Complex are still in-progress, but I am marking them off because I don‘t plan on including them on the March bingo card. No bingos, but I did clear all the free spaces (I always leave those to account for my mood reading tendencies).

Now off to plan for March #BookspinBingo!

I‘ve enjoyed all the entries in this historical romance series (I feel like Mimi Matthew‘s is becoming an auto-read author for me). This one especially nailed all of the romance tropes it includes (childhood friends > lovers > enemies > lovers), by actually making the scenario feel realistic based on the characters‘ circumstances and the timeline of their relationship.

Happy Leap Day (aka bonus reading day), Littens!

Holly was my favorite character from King‘s The Outsider, so I‘ve been looking forward to reading her stand-alone since it was announced. I haven‘t read the Mr. Mercedes series, although I‘m interested now to go back to the start of her story. Overall, I enjoyed this book, but I kind of feel like giving away who the serial killers were right at the beginning took away some of the suspense. Didn‘t care at all for the heavy handed COVID commentary

I‘ve been really underwhelmed with the BOTM picks recently, so I was excited to see several interesting options for March! I ended up choosing A Fate Inked in Blood, but I almost picked Annie Bot. If I see good feedback on that one, I might add on later.

The BOTY winner and other finalists were really not my jam this year (plus I‘d already read 2 of them), but I feel like Shark Heart is one I might actually enjoy.

Trying to post more regularly on my bookstagram. I love this sweatshirt I received as a gift from my SIL. It‘s my favorite reading outfit! I also have a lot of reviews overdue to post on Litsy!

If you want to follow me on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/readerlykimberly?igsh=ZW9keXpreTVpZW0y&utm_source=qr

Thoughts on this year‘s BOTY finalists?

I had a lot of issues with the content and execution of Weyward, and I thought The Wishing Game was very mediocre with juvenile writing (despite a promising premise). Really surprised that they were voted that highly. Not interested in the romance or mystery/thriller options, so I guess I‘ll be choosing Shark Heart.

It‘s only appropriate that I should be settling in for a quiet Valentine‘s night in with a sweet historical romance. Unfortunately, my husband headed back to his work yesterday (he has a 2 week on, week off schedule), but at least I have a swoon worthy duke to spend my solo evening with 😉.

Side note: the page turner remote that @Saknicole gave me for Christmas has completely revolutionized my Kindle/iPad reading!

Does it count as a Target run if you *don‘t* get sucked into the book section? A pleasant surprise for me is that these books ended up being BOGO 50% off at checkout, so I got to feel less guilty!

Happy V Day, Littens!

🩷💖💗💓💞💕💘

Shelves and drywall patching are done and arranged for now. So happy that at least a portion of my books are now on display! Decided to focus these shelves mainly on my nicer hardcovers.

Still need to figure out shelving in our office for all of my paperbacks (10 boxes worth 😬 packed away), but that‘s a project for another week. We also want to display some of our framed artwork around the shelves on this wall.

Enjoy the #bookhusband cameo!

I made all the snacks (not pictured: nachos and second round of wings still currently in the oven) and now I get to enjoy the game (i.e. read my book) until the half-time show (who else is excited to see Usher?!).

Ignore the book boxes I emptied yesterday when filling out living room shelves.

Just finished my re-read of this series in anticipation of finally reading The Fragile Threads of Power. While it can be a common fantasy series pitfall, I really appreciate how Schwab uses the increasing lengths to deepen the character development, expand the world building, and add complexity to the continuing plot. Each book still tells a distinctive story that builds upon the overarching narrative. I ❤️ Kell, Lila, Rhy, Alucard, and Holland.

Shelves are partially filled. My husband has to finish the drywall patching before I can finish the top shelf.

I will probably also be reorganizing the bottom shelf, moving most of the fiction hardbacks to the top, where I am also going to display my non-fiction and then fill in the bottom with more fantasy books to go along with the HP collection.

Will be happy when this project is done, so we can push the couch back towards the wall.

Status update on my husband installing shelves in our living room! I can‘t wait to fill these with books!

The plan is to use these living room shelves for my nicer hardcovers. We still have to figure out shelving for the rest of my books; there are still 15 boxes worth packed up since our move back in October!

I was out of state attending a wedding last weekend, so finally getting to post my February #bookspin board.

BookSpin: The Family
DoubleSpin: The Fragile Threads of Power

Late post for my final January #bookspin. I did finish my BookSpin (The Mitford Affair) but not my DoubleSpin. Still very proud that I finished 10 books last month!

Proud of my strong start to reading in January! Apparently I am already 4 books ahead on my 2024 reading challenge (set for 75 books).

I did a lot of escapist/destress reading this month due to a lot of anxiety around work (today is actually my last day at the job I have done for 9 years 😳), and am now looking to be fun-employed for a few weeks before I start a new position.

My top book of January was Bright Young Women!

I fell in love with Rebecca Ross as an author last year when I discovered A River Enchanted and Divine Rivals, and wanted to explore more of her back catalog (found on Hoopla).

This ended up being a light pick (3.5 ⭐️). Ross has a beautiful writing style that really brings forth the magic of the worlds she creates. Overall, though, this ended up being a somewhat generic (but above average) YA fantasy romance.

I recommend to #BorrowNotBuy!

If I was rating just on the merit of the bold, stylized illustrations, this graphic novel would get 5 ⭐️, but I found the approach to the narrative was really lacking.

I would have preferred a more even split between the biographical elements and the imaginary Glass Town. The silliness of the Glass Town characters‘ exploits took away too much from the reality of the Brontës‘ early lives. Maybe because the book‘s aimed at a young audience?

3 ⭐️

This book was so close to perfect for me (rated 5 ⭐️ on GR and 4.75 on SG). Directly inspired by the Ted Bundy case, specifically the sorority house attack in Florida, one of his final crimes. The books centers on two characters (Pamela, the sorority president, and Ruth, a victim from Seattle) and moves back and forth in time. What this book does differently from other true crime inspired novels is breaking down the media mythologizing of…👇🏼

If I hadn‘t used an Audible credit, I would‘ve DNF‘d this, but I felt obligated to finish. The premise sounded pretty interesting (alternate history in which women have the power to turn into dragons) in theory, but the execution did not live up to expectations. Sort of a coming of age story, but the overall theme is just Patriarchy = BAD. The level of suspension of disbelief needed to accept the society-level ignorance/amnesia is laughable.

Light pick (3.5 ⭐️) The premise is perfection (reclusive author of an extremely popular children‘s book series comes out of hiding to hold a Wonka-esque competition for his most rabid fans to win the only copy of his next book), but the boring Mary Sue main character with the predictably traumatic backstory (that isn‘t even that traumatic) really brought down the vibe for me. Overall I liked it, but totally understand the mixed reviews.

Is this a pretty obvious Hunger Games/Red Queen YA dystopian ripoff? No doubt. Did I still have a fun time reading it and enjoying the very slow burn romance? For sure. Light pick (3.5 ⭐️) that I would recommend if you enjoyed the YA dystopian era of the early 2010s, but it‘s not doing anything original and of course ends on a cliffhanger since it‘s the first in a duology. If you know what you‘re getting into and that sounds appealing, go for it.

I rated this 2 ⭐️ on GR and 2.5 on SG. This was just not it. I really enjoyed Nancy Mitford‘s Pursuit of Love & Love in a Cold Climate, so I was really interested in learning more about her and her family, whom many of the characters in her autobiographical novels are based on. Read like a narrative Wikipedia article. It was impossible to root for any of the characters: Nancy is so passive & woe-is-me, while Diana and Unity are straight up Nazis.

I meant to post this last week when they arrived in the mail, but….it finally happened…I preordered the same book twice 🤦🏽‍♀️

My husband opened the packages and was totally “WTF, Kimberly?!”

Thankfully I have a sister that already owns the first two in this series in hardback, so the extra copy will end up going to her.