As second books go, this one held it's own against the "second book curse". Alina's narrative drug a few times for me but the story was really pretty good. A lot of times you get romance focused fantasy in YA, but Alina is often too busy being a badass to have time to worry too much about her love interests. I like the change of pace and the tone she sets for younger readers.

I ship Alina/Mal on the run forever. Ruin and Rising up next!

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Things I want in a romance book:

1. Some spice (a little or a lot, give me SOMETHING)
2. Escapism (I want to enjoy the ride I know I'm on - AKA Hallmark movie endings with tricky yet manageable shenanigans)

This book has both, along with a good plot and well rounded characters. Hazelwood's Author's Note says that most of her books are set in academia and I'm sold. Can't wait to pick up another of hers and leave reality behind for a bit.

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This book has all the charm, sincerity, wittiness and a little more gloom than Cerulean Sea. I absolutely love that my heart swells and aches, I want to shed tears for both joy and sadness.

This book is like A Christmas Carol meets Beetlejuice, but more pleasant. I got the exact experience I was hoping for. The audiobook was excellent with well defined character voices.

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I flew through this book. As my third TJR book, I have to say, I am never disappointed in her writing. I am fully immersed in her stories and they feel SO REAL that you can't help but feel like you've just had a memory lapse of history and find yourself Googling characters to be sure they didn't actually exist.

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I had no idea what to expect going into this. Nightbitch was entirely relatable when it comes to her insight on motherhood and womanhood. The meaning behind the feral half of this book is also valid for many of us.

I won't lie, I was definitely uncomfortable at different times. I understand why the author deemed them necessary too. I couldn't have accepted another ending for this book. Nightbitch full circled her woman vs. mommy.

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I will admit that the beginning of the book was feeling VERY FBAA (similar story lines/scenarios) and I was feeling disappointed by it. However, it really picked up and became it's own story somewhere around halfway through and just like the FBAA series, this first book really gets into the thick of it as it's ending. The cover is doing wonders for me now that I've read the whole book! Can't wait for book two!

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I thought this would be more Little Red Riding Hood but really is closer to a Beauty and the Beast rewrite. It's YA in the sense that it's a pretty mild and muted story and honestly a bit confusing at times but I think I like it enough that I'll listen to the second one, For the Throne, as well.

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Thank you @wanderinglynn for gifting me all this! That was very kind of you to step in for my #HauntedHollowSwap box! I'm so excited to read all three of these books, I'll have a hard time picking which to read first. 🧡🖤

Angrboda, mother of monsters, has taken residence in my bookish heart. I've said it before here, but I love retellings. I love Mythology. Norse Mythology is something I have only explored with Gaiman. I could see the threads between his retellings and hers. The story got both emotional and tightly wound, making for a spectacular end. The audiobook narrator is a perfect fit for the story, truly. I will likely reread this in print.

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This was a clever idea for a story. The writing is good, the way the story comes together is good, the "plot twist" is even good. The MC is borderline awful though and by the time I got to the end of the book I was questioning why these people wasted 10 years of their lives waiting for the other one to openly say that they loved them?! Maybe it was just poorly executed? I felt cheated by the story even though I got the happy ending.

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I had a slow start to this one but that's probably because I watched the Netflix series first. I do like the book better (unsurprisingly 😅). I love the characters and the story. The writing was better than I think I expected, a pleasant surprise there. I will definitely be finishing the series and reading more by Bardugo.

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There are many thoughts and emotions present throughout the whole book. I've never gained so many equally important perspectives from one story. The tragedy compounded in ways I didn't know before this book. I had to pick up a lighter book several times in between this heavy hearted story but I am beyond grateful to have experienced it. The audio is amazing with a 45 person cast. May we never forget.

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A Hallmark Christmas movie but if it were done by Food Network.

Sometimes I need a simple, palate cleansing, cute story that's light and without much resistance or conflict. We know how it ends, we know what to expect and there's comfort in that laid back, easy read. This books is definitively that. I really enjoyed watching Hadley and Max play out.

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I have got to stop being a sucker for covers 😆 This story had so much potential and it just didn't follow through on any front. With the madwoman in the title, I was disappointed that she didn't carry over from the focus on the Bronte novels to the focus on the Bronte heiress. Especially with the foreshadowing of her father fulfilling a separate Bronte history. I feel burned by the lack of connectivity in this book. So much wasted potential!

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I like Greek Mythology. I like retellings. I even like smut. This book was just not the one for me. I think the biggest reason I finished it was because it's easy consumption, I was just flying through the pages so I didn't DNF it. I think the level of spice in this one is probably really perfect for others that can overlook an OK story/writing.

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My 5 year old got his Scholastic order today at school. We read The Bad Seed together for the first time and I must say, it's all too relatable. I had a misguided childhood and spent a lot of years working out trauma and depression. I'm better now, not perfect but better. This book gets me. I was a bad seed as well. 🌰🖤

With anxiety and awkwardness in tow, I mailed my very first Litsy swap box today for #HauntedHollowSwap! It should arrive at its mystery destination in 3 days! Now that I've done it once, I'm excited to participate in more swaps in the future!!

#HHS21 @wanderinglynn I've fulfilled my end of the deal to not make you more twitchy 😆🧡

This one has been my favorite in the series so far. I love Nesta's redemption and she has always deserved it. Maybe I've always felt most akin to her too. I've had my share of depression and trauma, it is a spectacular thing to claw your way out of it and take possession of yourself. I honestly hope the next book is on another character as I feel Nesta and Cassian are finally wholly complete.

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1. The cooler temps. 🙌🏻

2. Pumpkin Beer (Southern Tier, Sam Adams, Blue Moon and Fat Heads all have good ones)

3. Fridays! My youngest doesn't have preschool so it's our day to do special things.

4. Today I'm grateful that we are FINALLY getting the carpet installed in our basement. We've haven't had use of our basement since July because of water damage. It's the last piece to get us back to normal!

Thanks, @Eggs for including me! 🧡

Magical Realism + Historical Fiction is perfection when done right and this book is the perfect example. I just finished the audio and after seeing other reviews, realized that the print book has photographs and other additives that authenticate the story. I really feel like I would have been even more tied to this beautiful story if I had read it in print. I think this book will be my second ever reread. Ivey is an amazing storyteller.

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The book was a bit difficult to start but became increasingly engaging pretty early on. I have so many thoughts but will only share a few that won't give anything away. Piranesi is an unreliable narrator and really proves that much at the end. I also think his given name really fits the Imaginary Prisons art, right down to the very end with his last realization at the park. There's just so much to think about.

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My #HauntedHollowSwap This or That. I'm such a PG13 Halloween lover 😆 My anxiety is just about unbearable when I'm in a haunted houses, reading scary books or watching scary movies. I can laugh about it later or find holes in the plots to make it less intense but in the moment I am a mess and I don't enjoy it. 😅 I will forever be the mom begging my kids to go through the corn maze instead of the haunted house.

I don't really like to do "bad" reviews. This was my first graphic novel and I really can't decide if it's just the format or if one of the books I loved from 5th grade just hasn't aged well with me. There were a few parts that I enjoyed but overall it wasn't for me. I'm highlighting two parts I liked from the book and choosing to leave the bad behind. Aunt Beast is a mood for me.

There was a lot to like about this book. I love the alternate timeline that has so much of our own history peppered in at all the right places. I love the all female band of misfits, outcast for not being the perfect specimen, even when it was the church's God that was in control of that imperfection. It was a little slow moving at some places but all in all I really liked the story.

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I was pleasantly surprised with this book. It was genuine, funny, heartfelt and always teetering on the brink of being dark. The audio was great (and quick). Similar to House in the Cerulean Sea by the sweet, weird, sad and magical beauty of it all not so much by actual content. I will definitely be reading more from Wilson.

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Some #spookyaesthetic for the #HauntedHollowSwap! ?

Leggings/Jeans and a sweatshirt with my hair down is a vibe I live for all year round ? And people seem to care less that I have my nose in a book when it's the "off" season. This is my first Litsy book swap and I'm very excited to participate. Sometimes the world needs a little extra joy in it, the #HHS will help me bring some. Thanks @wanderinglynn for all the ways you bring this together!

The only thing I'd change about this book is the order in which I chose it! It almost would have been better to read this one before the other two. All three books are outstanding though and this collection of stories is like squeezing the last bit of juice from the orange. I love love love the dark Brothers Grimm vibes.

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I love mythological retellings. Ariadne isn't the emotional ride that either of Miller's books are but is worthy of existing next to them on the shelf. Ariadne and Phaedra both offer a different perspective than history has given them already in this book. After looking up the multiple stories that exist historically for Ariadne, I appreciate Saint's route and her ending for Ariadne.

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You always know that things like literature shape civilization throughout time. This book is a better look at one instance of that with the publishing Dr. Zhivago during a tumultuous era.

There's quite a bit of character focus changes and setting changes, it was hard to keep up with in the beginning until I was familiar with the rhythm. A full cast is always a win for me but I still think I would've started off better with a print book.

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This series has proven to be my favorite. The writing is really good for the YA genre, the story is very good and the characters, I have fallen in love with. This finale was everything I wanted it to be and more. I read it slowly and I'd be lying if I said I didn't shed some tears. I really felt like I was stepping away from a life at the end. I am ever hopeful Mahurin has more stories to share.

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I finally read July's free Prime read. I was excited to read it but I didn't love it. I didn't love the characters or the execution of the story. It's got all the right vibes and meet cutes. So much of the story feels forced together and "made", not authentic. The whole "magic of found objects" theme that whole story rides on is without purpose in the end and it makes you wonder why the heck it's been so prominent the whole time.

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I finished this book over breakfast and I am surprisingly blown away by it. I had no idea it was a Pirate book but for being a tale as old as time, it's a refreshing and adventurous YA pick. It was always pounding forward and focused heavily on Fable's experience with the world. Major Peter Pan vibes, maybe even a little COBAB. Somehow, the cleanness of the book also enhanced it (and I love romance and smut, truly).

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Historical Fiction, WW2, Poland. Based on a true story about a 16 year old girl and her 6 year old sister that hide 13 Jewish people in their home. I am so absorbed and I'm 51% through the audiobook. The narrator is fantastic. The audiobook is free on Hoopla. If this story continues to be THIS good, I'm buying a copy and donating it to my SIL's high school ELA classroom library. Her kids will love this story. It's suspenseful and easy to digest.

This was a Prime First Reads and I'm so happy I picked it. Kelly Harms gives me a little perspective on my "momness" each time I pick up one of her books.

Working Mom VS Stay At Home Mom in this body swapping Freaky Friday remix. We moms are always trying to prove our place in society and our worth to ourselves and those around us. More proof that we need to lean in on each other instead of competing or judging.

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You can time travel but there are rules. In a bittersweet twist, we see that you cannot change the things that happen but you can change how you deal with them.

A short, adapted, Japanese audiobook, it makes for a quick check off a book challenge. It's character driven so it's not for everyone but I really enjoyed the takeaway.

My only negative note is that I really wanted a story on the ghost woman but didn't get one.

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YA/Queer/Contemporary .. Romance maybe? I love all the topics discussed in this story. Especially the part where they address one kid's homophobic parents. It reads a bit teenager-y but has a bigger purpose and I think both straight and queer people can find value in this book. There is one sex scene but I really think it's appropriate content for 16 year old readers. They're thinking about it or doing it anyway.

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I've been away since October. My dog, my best friend's husband and my mother have all passed away in that time frame. It's been hard. I couldn't read, or focus. I've just started picking up books the past few weeks. I'm happy that I've found reading again.

Separately -
I am excited that Hoopla has updated the face of their audiobooks. I'm deeply invested in The Hazel Wood too. Really excited to be here with you all again. 💜🧡💜

Last night I lost my favorite reading partner, Tatum. She was so much more than a dog to me. She loved our peaceful reading sessions away from the two wild boy toddlers. She always attempted to lick away my tears if I were crying. She had saint like patience. She was strong and stark and sweet. I really love the theory of A Dog's Purpose and hope more than anything that my sweet Tatum is a bleary eyed puppy somewhere warm in this world. ❤❤❤

Pachinko covers roughly 100 years of one family's lineage and experience through Korea and Japan during times of colonialism, World War 2 and beyond. Moving through a time that was premodern to something that resembles life as it is now, the reader can see how many things have changed but many ideas and practices have not. A big story, with much to tell. There is a lot of shock and sadness. There's also a lot of honor, heart and sacrifice.

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This book had the audacity to shove my own misogyny in my face! Seriously, I found myself wondering why Afi wouldn't just settle down and take the bait and why she was so hard on Eli. Wait.. what? Yep, this book is just that good. I had a hard time putting it down, reading it in two days. I have a lot of reflecting to do on how to better be a woman that supports women. The story is addictive, frustrating, relatable and empowering.

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"If you are unafraid to look darling, you are unafraid to find."

Living my best "basic broad" life over here. The outside world is absolute chaos so I burrowed back inside today. My kids and I enjoyed the perfect, cloudy, fall Ohio day and made pumpkin muffins. I'm finishing the night with a few Pumpkin Wheat beers, a cheap fall candle and a few more chapters of Blood & Honey.

I don't want this book to be over ? Mahurin is just so TALENTED. ?

Somehow this book about magical being misfits evokes raw and real human experiences and emotions. There's something to take away from each and every character and you do so with a wholesome smile for a lot of it.

This book is officially in my lifetime top 5 favorite. I loved everything about this book and crave more! I really hope Klune write more about Marsyas Island, Linus, Arthur, their little monsters and all their adventures.

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"You can keep telling girls to be polite, to keep a level head and it'll all work out in the end. But don't be surprised when they figure out that you've been feeding them lies. Don't be alarmed when they grow tired of using their voices and playing by your rules. And don't be shocked when they decide that if they can't win a fair fight, they'll just have to fight dirty."

A great book to start my spooky reading season with.

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I loved this book so much that I preordered a signed copy of the next in the series. It helps that she's also giving away goodies with the pre-order 😉

I can see how this book fits into New Adult. I love that it's a darker fantasy with a touch of gore and a lot of grit. I think the writing is MUCH better than a lot of YA fantasy I've read.

And of course, these characters. I love everything about our innocent Reid and our heathen Lou.

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My imagination feasted on this novel. Rich colors, characters and culture. I listened to the audiobook (Sneha Mathan narrates) and I had such a hard time turning it off to go about daily life. It really pulls you in and keeps you there. Definitely a favorite of 2020.

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I finished this book with both a heavier heart and a better mind. I want to be better and to do better as a human and for other humans. This book was a perfect jumping off point.

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A really great book to read with your kids. A really great read for middle grade kids that may feel like they don't yet have a tribe or don't belong. A book everyone can find a piece of themselves in.

These inseparable brothers learn that they neither have to look identical nor share the same DNA to be bonded and family. It merely takes love and light to drive out the dark.

I'm excited to read these stories with my own little goblins.

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The phrase "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." immediately came to mind when I finished this book. I laughed, was horrified, embarrassed, a bit heartbroken, and sometimes smitten.

This book is full of layers that you will be peeling through long after you've read it. Reid is a brilliant writer and her characters are distinctive, believable and solid. Lewis narrates them all flawlessly and really brings the story to life.

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This is my first book on the topic of AIDS/HIV. The uncertainty and the stigma around this disease were both at their peak in the 80s. This book covers multiple sides of what that looked like then.

This book is really a coming of age story for a young girl dealing with grief, loneliness and guilt. Struggling to find common ground with family and understand her adored uncle.

A gorgeous, albeit sad, YA novel.

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So much of the historical fiction I read is set in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The Mercies is set in the early 1600s and has such a different vibe. It's bare bones and raw, white knuckle sadness and strength. A witch hunt with no witches and a whole lot of truth in between. I honestly loved the way the story tied up for Maren and could feel her strength vibrating through me.

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