Tag: book talk

Books

Top 4 April Releases I’m Looking Forward To

by Hazel VeeLeave a Comment on Top 4 April Releases I’m Looking Forward To

Does anyone else go on bookish pre-ordering spree’s just so they get reminders of book release dates…? Just me…? I know it’s not just me!

Actually, I just checked my pre-order list and it’s not as bad as I thought it would be… for once. I actually only have 3 titles I’m super excited for in April and one I’m really really excited for in May (and probs my most excited title of the year).

| Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez

After a wild bet, gourmet grilled-cheese sandwich, and cuddle with a baby goat, Alexis Montgomery has had her world turned upside down. The cause: Daniel Grant, a ridiculously hot carpenter who’s ten years younger than her and as casual as they come—the complete opposite of sophisticated city-girl Alexis. And yet their chemistry is undeniable.

While her ultra-wealthy parents want her to carry on the family legacy of world-renowned surgeons, Alexis doesn’t need glory or fame. She’s fine with being a “mere” ER doctor. And every minute she spends with Daniel and the tight-knit town where he lives, she’s discovering just what’s really important. Yet letting their relationship become anything more than a short-term fling would mean turning her back on her family and giving up the opportunity to help thousands of people.

Bringing Daniel into her world is impossible, and yet she can’t just give up the joy she’s found with him either. With so many differences between them, how can Alexis possibly choose between her world and his?

I fell in love with Abby’s writing after reading The Friend Zone; I have yet to finish that series… I should really get on that, soon. Her newest novel is releasing in April and I suppose it’s the start of a new series? Or a stand alone? Either way it sounds like it’s going to be amazing. I miss reading my rom-com’s and I have no idea why I stopped!

| Sisters of Moonlight by Katherine Livesey

Each step was like an old familiar song…
 
Still recovering from the inferno that consumed Kelseth lighthouse, apothecary Lily Knight, powerful witch Alice Blackwell, and their newfound family find refuge in a mysterious mist-wreathed castle to regroup and draw up a plan of action.
 
Because the shadows are closing in and Hecate Winter, High Priestess of the notorious coven that almost cost Alice her life, is only getting stronger…
 
But there are murmurings of an even more sinister threat brewing on the horizon – and it has something to do with the castle.
 
When Alice’s nightmares begin to bleed into her daily reality, everything changes.

This is actually the second installment in the Sisters of Shadow series which I seemed to have picked up earlier this year. The covers for this series are gorgeous! I tried not read the blurb as I posted this because the first book sounds so good and I don’t want to spoil myself! I’m really looking forward to picking up this series soon!

| All The Best Liars by Amelia Kahaney

Tic-tac-toe, three girls in a row. Nine years old and inseparable. Friends for life, or so they think . . .

Best friends Syd, Rain, and Brie grew up on the wrong side of the tracks in the stifling California desert, desperately wishing for a way out.

When a deadly fire is set two weeks before the end of high school, nothing will ever be the same. In the end, each of them will escape—but not in the way any of them expects. One will do it by dying, another by lying, a third by taking the fall.

With gorgeous, taut prose and twists to the very last page, All the Best Liars alternates between the present and the past to unravel the truth behind the fire and the cost of the secrets at the heart of their friendship.

This def gives me We Were Liars vibes and that book blew my mind when I finished it. It was such a good book. I luckily got it for review back when it was released and that novel has stayed with me since! I’m always looking forward to similar plots. I’m also such a sucker for alternating timelines!

| Family of Liars by E. Lockhart

The prequel to We Were Liars takes readers back to the story of another summer, another generation, and the secrets that will haunt them for decades to come.

A windswept private island off the coast of Massachusetts.
A hungry ocean, churning with secrets and sorrow.
A fiery, addicted heiress. An irresistible, unpredictable boy.
A summer of unforgivable betrayal and terrible mistakes.

Welcome back to the Sinclair family.
They were always liars.

My most anticipated title for 2022. I can not wait for this one! I do feel like I need to revisit We Were Liars before this one is released!

What is your most anticipated title for April? Or for 2022?

Books

It’s Monday, what are you reading?

by Hazel Vee4 Comments on It’s Monday, what are you reading?

I have a trip to pack and prep for so I thought I’d pop a reading post up today instead. I’m super excited for various reasons but one of the biggest reasons is I finally get to see my BFF! I haven’t seen her since 2008; we both tend to chase too many dreams and despite what state I’m in or what country she’s in, we’ve always tried our best to check in with each other. So when people say “distance” is why “X has happened” I think it’s crap. But maybe it’s just me.

This is also the first time she’s meeting Tums (who’s her goddaughter) and the first time Tums is meeting someone from my life that she might remember (she met my friend Eric when she was like 7mo’s, so). Yes, she’s 2 and hasn’t met anyone from my life. I know, it bothers me too.

Currently Reading;

I just realized I never finished this blog post rfom this morning. Omg.

Yes, I’m still listening to Bridge of Souls but I only have like an hour or so left in the audiobook. Annnd I’m not really sure how I feel about it in comparison to the previous two in the series.

I also started The Archive but it’s super confusing I guess because “Da” is probably her grandfather? I thought it was her dad so I got super confused. The concept of this book has always intrigued me and it’s definitely been on my TBR for way too long. Since I’m nearing the end of the MG series I figured I’d pick this one up.

I read a review of The Stolen Kingdom that really bumped this up on my TBR. I’m not regretting any of it. Plus it’s a NetGalley title and we all know how it is with those lol.

Hoping to Read;

Down Comes The Night: Magic? Darkness? I’m there.

I read a sampler of Lost in The Never Woods before it came out. And while I’m not exactly sure where it was going, it is a Peter Pan retelling… I’m starting to think that just because I LOVEEE PETER PAN doesn’t mean I love Peter Pan retellings? Like, idk. I just haven’t found one that I really vibed with.

Ya’ll House of Salt and Sorrow has been “currently reading” since freakin last Sept. I AM GOING TO FINISH THIS TITLE. It’s not even that I don’t like the book, I do. But goodness it’s so dark and creeps.

I started Go The Distance awhile ago, but I put it down for some reason. I really want to get this read and reviewed before it’s released as it was one of the titles in this series I was MOST excited about!

Books

Middle Grade March TBR

by Hazel Vee3 Comments on Middle Grade March TBR

It’s that time of the year again when I do Middle Grade March.

I thought I got that idea from an Owlcrate thing they did a few years ago but I could be wrong? I just searched there videos and I didn’t find anything for it this year. But this is a month I gather up all most of the middle grade books I didn’t get into last year… or DNF’d like 4 years ago. You know what, there are no rules to this, ok? lol a few are from my Owlcrate JR boxes and a few are books I’ve had sitting on my Kindle TBR and one series I fell in love with this year. So, I’m pretty excited.

My anxiety has been unreal the last few days and it’s not only draining but it’s also making me angry, which hasn’t happened in a long long while. I mean I’m more likely to speak my mind, if that’s the case but also, anger drains me. So I’m looking forward to picking up a few of these that are whimsical and full of adventure and fantasy.

Physical Books TBR;

All but one title is from Owlcrate Jr. And most have paranormal or fantasy themes to them. I love middle grade titles, I wish young adult could have an entire series with absolutely no love interest!

I’m super excited to get into The Midnight Hour as well as Cinders & Sparrows the most!

Continue reading “Middle Grade March TBR” →
Books

January Bookish Wrap Up

by Hazel VeeLeave a Comment on January Bookish Wrap Up

Number of Books Read: 8

I always seem to do really well with my reading challenge in January. It’s like, yes. A brand new start. So excited. So inspired! So I’m not even going to say how happy/excited I am because who knows what’ll happen next month lol.

| City of Ghosts by Victoria Schawb

Okay, this book took me by surprise. I LOVE Middle Grade books because I always feel like they pack such a hard punch when they have some sort of meaning or lesson attached. And when you’re really not in the mood for a romantic element in a book, MG is the way to go.

I had put this down when it was first released because I was being a wimp and getting scared. Yo, there’s nothing SCARY about this book. Every element that is suppose to be creepy, I mean is, but I found it all to be so much more fascinating. I wanted to know more about Cassy and why she can do what she does. And how does it all work. And I’m still trying to figure out if her parents actually see/believe in ghosts…. or? I had thought to binge this series but the last book doesn’t come out until I think March. And yes, I pre-ordered the OwlCrate exclusive! Even though I don’t own the other 2 in physical form but that is OKAY.

There’s just so much I could gush about when it comes to this book but I linked my review instead!

| The Prince and the Troll by Rainbow Rowell

Unpopular opinion but… for some reason it bothers me when there’s real life things in books or tv shows. By “real life things” I mean brand name things. I don’t know if I’ll formally review t’his book or series because it just keeps getting worse with each book. I was a bit disappointed with this one because Rainbow Rowell, hello! And because for literally the entire book up until the last 2 pages, NOTHING MAKES SENSE. The ending itself didn’t make sense either. NOTHING. MADE. SENSE. OMG.

The ending was equivalent to when you’re in bed with someone and you’re really close to an orgasm and they’re like “yeah no, let’s switch” and you’re left feeling super confused, a little angry and totally unsatisfied. I literally can’t think of another example to explain how this book made me feel.

| Unmade by Sarah Rees Brennan

I DID IT. AFTER LIKE 8 YEARS I FINALLY FINISHED THE SERIES. Because my stubborn ass just couldn’t cope with the fact I’d have to say goodbye to Kami, Ash and JARED. So I figured if I held off on this book, they could (somehow) live forever… floating around somewhere in my mind. I have no idea ok. But I just wasn’t ready.

And it turns out, you shouldn’t wait that look to finish a series you loved. Because 1) your tastes in genres/book may have changed 2) you’ll probably forget what the heck even happened in the prior books and 3) SOMETHING SO TRAGIC COULD HAPPEN THAT YOU DONT KNOW HOW TO FEEL ANYMORE. I took like a week off after reading a particular part that just… HOW COULD YOU SARAH, SERIOUSLY?!?!?!

I also found myself rooting for Ash. Which… was weird. Also, I have questions. How did people not like over throw Rob? Just for like fun? I haven’t written a review for this yet but I think it might be time to.

| The Haunting of Beatrix Greene by Rachel Hawkins

Ya’ll I don’t know what was happening here but can you say ~ sexual tension ~? I really need to read the rest of this mini series thing they’re doing. Also, a part of this book creeped me out more than any part in City of Ghosts did.

| Hazel and Gray by Nic Stone

Guys, I literally don’t even want to talk about how disappointing this book was.

| The Princess Games by Soman Chainani

At this point I’m ready to just DNF the rest of the series. Idc if I just wanted to get to the last book. The thing is, these don’t even have an order. They all read like solo book because NONE OF THE DAMN THEMES MAKE ANY DAMN SENSE.

THIS. BOOK. WAS. WTF. LEGIT IDK WHAT ELSE TO SAY EXCEPT WHAT IN THE ACTUAL FUCK?!

My review of this book: JUST NO.

| Kawaii Kitties

This is the second art book I’ve requested from NetGalley and they’ve both been super cute, super helpful and super easy to understand. I did pre-order this because I need it in my collection that is just now starting. With this book.

| Love, Almost by Hayley Doyle

I have mixed feelings about this book; on one hand I remember when I was 5 months in with my ex husband. He proposed somewhere in there at Disneyland and I remember feeling like this is my forever and I mean he was, until we were 30. I remember that the thought of him dying legit killed me inside. It was a fear we both had of each other. Last I talked to him years ago he said he still checks my social media to make sure I’m still alive. Not sure if he still does but I gotta admit hearing that put me off and kinda irritated me.

Learning to live without someone that you feel like your life JUST began with can be just as heartbreaking as living a whole lifetime with them. While my ex husband didn’t die, the him I knew and loved did. And sometimes it’s still hard for me to remember I don’t know who he is now, and he doesn’t know who I am. It’s hard to remember that I have memories he wasn’t there for. It’s such a incomplete feeling almost. This book definitely triggered those memories for me.

BEST READ: City of Ghosts

LEAST FAV READ: Hazel and Gray // The Princess Games

What was your favorite read of January or what are you looking forward to reading in next month?

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It’s Monday, What Are You Reading?

by Hazel VeeLeave a Comment on It’s Monday, What Are You Reading?

I don’t know how I feel about this graphic lol. I feel like it’s too… empty?

First Monday of 2021 and I’m not doing a Manifestation post; probably because I have a million “Hello 2021” posts to post lol. If that isn’t throwing things into the universe then I don’t know what is! Besides it’s only the 4th day of 2021 and I’ve already read 3 books (at the time of writing this post), I’d say that’s a pretty awesome start right?!

Books I Read;

I’m so sad I ever put down City of Ghosts, it’s such an interesting read/concept! And it probably just kick started my historical fiction needs. I didn’t find this book creepy at all, just super interesting the whole way through! Jacob was the best part of this book. Wish I knew what the cat was about on the cover.

Maybe it’s my fault I waited seven years to finally finish The Lynburn series and read Unmade. I just wasn’t ready to say goodbye to these characters. However, I am glad I finished it and I can honestly say this was my least fav book of the entire series. The whole time I was wondering wtf was even happening and can Rob just like, idk. Disappear? The whole thing was just WEIRD to me. Like how can a whole city just let this happen? It sort of gave me Bella-in-Breaking-Dawn vibes. If you know what I mean.

I don’t even want to talk about The Prince and the Troll. This series has such captivating covers but this book was just… bad. I was literally confused the whole time waiting for some big huge reveal only to get… even more confused?? I don’t even know honestly.

Books I Plan on Reading;

These are books I’ve already started.

The Archive has been on my TBR FOREVER. I keep passing it up because I love the idea so much and I’m scared I’ll hate it. But after reading City of Ghosts I now see why everyone loves this author’s work. Her writing is hypnotic. No joke.

I’m doing the audio for Among The Beasts & Briars and while it sounds super interesting the narrator isn’t doing it for me. I may just stick with it cause currently it’s convenient but I do eventually want to start reading it myself. Too bad there isn’t a book copy on Scribd.

And one NetGalley book for review. I mean I have 2 so I might read them both but I haven’t started the other one yet. I’ve been staying away from NetGalley until I can get my ratio back up. And since I really have a lot of books to read as it is… I don’t need to go and request a bunch of others I probably won’t get to in time. I’m trying to be more realistic this time around.

What books have you finished or are planning to read next?

Books

It’s Monday, What Are You Reading?

by Hazel Vee2 Comments on It’s Monday, What Are You Reading?

Another Monday. Another new week! I’ve been struggling with my mental health lately which is why the blog has been a bit quiet this week but I have a mental health evaluation today so hopefully they can help!

I did somehow manage to finish two books last week but I’m still struggling with a few other titles I started for October.

What I read;

| You by Caroline Kepnes
Amazon* | Goodreads

I finally finished the audiobook of YOU by Caroline Kepnes and I started the show on Netflix. But I’ve only gotten like half way through the first episode cause well.. toddler. If it’s not Paw Patrol or Daniel Tiger she won’t sit quietly. I LOVED this audiobook! I loved being in Joe’s head. I loved how the author manage to make you feel sorry for Joe. I absolutely hated Peach and Beck honestly. I have so many things to say about Beck. I was really cheering for Karen.

I rated it 4 stars and probably one of my favorite reads of 2020. Review coming soon!

| Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate
Amazon* | Goodreads

This was a middle grade read my husband got for me a while back. It’s about a kid in a stressful situation and suddenly this imaginary cat friend shows up. When I overly stress, aware of it or not, I hallucinate small things. Mostly a black cat that likes to stare at me from doorways and flick it’s tail around. It started in Dec of 2014 when I had a mental breakdown from my ex husband lying and not coming home. My husband now has never ever made me feel crazy or think that this cat follows me around insane. So he got me this book as a comfort read. And I absolutely love that he did.

I love middle grade books that have super hard topics and this is definitely one of them. There were so many times my heart broke for these kids. The reason why I rated it 3 stars is because of the ending.

Goodreads Reading Challenge 2020;

Finishing 2 books this week put me at 17 books for 2020 out of my goal for 20. Thankfully I’m on track. I know my goal is super low this year but I wanted to be realistic. As small the goal, I’m super excited I’m finally on track!

What I Plan On Reading;

Tbh, I don’t know!

Here are a few options of what I plan on choosing from. I’m disappointed I’m struggling so hard with Unmade considering how much I love the Lynburn bois, esp Jared. And I hate how Ash is growing on me. But I really hate how much I’m struggling with this read. This is what I get for taking 7 years to finish the series.

The Invisible Life of Addie Laure, The Midnight Library and The Haunting of Beatrix Greene (cause I read everything by Rachel Hawkins) are high on my pick up list but I have no idea what I’m in the mood for!

What did you finish last week? What are you currently reading? Let me know in the comments below!

Books

It’s Monday, What Are You Reading?

by Hazel Vee2 Comments on It’s Monday, What Are You Reading?

This post includes affiliate links.

I know I said I was going to start book blogging on Readarella again; but I didn’t really have a MMM topic to think about this week. And I’m feeling super behind on my October TBR (which I still haven’t even finished that blog post yet either) so I figured this would push me to read more this week. My October Challenge is what usually introduces me to my next favorite book or series and after the last few years lacking in reading I’m really hoping this year I can try to build it all back up.

My TBR is never ending as it is, so why did I rejoin NetGalley and request books for review? Cause I’m clearly on some bullshit lol. Maybe running from demons I can’t identify at the moment. A sure way to tell is compulsive shopping or taking on another 5 projects.

But I also seem to always push myself the hardest in Fall/October. And without being able to decorate for Fall how I want to because of the move and replacing things I guess I decided to just jump into more projects.

That’s anxiety for you; half the time you don’t know what the hell you’re doing, your soul is just doing its own thing and you’re like “oh ok, I guess this is what we’re doing this week,”

This week I’m trying to work through a few books;

Continue reading “It’s Monday, What Are You Reading?” →
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Book Sample Review | Lore by Alexandra Bracken

by Hazel Vee3 Comments on Book Sample Review | Lore by Alexandra Bracken

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Lore by Alexandra Bracken
Release Date: Jan 5th 2021
Genre: Young Adult > Retelling
Source: NetGalley (Thank you NetGalley & Hyperion!)
Summary:

Every seven years, the Agon begins. As punishment for a past rebellion, nine Greek gods are forced to walk the earth as mortals, hunted by the descendants of ancient bloodlines, all eager to kill a god and seize their divine power and immortality.

Long ago, Lore Perseous fled that brutal world in the wake of her family’s sadistic murder by a rival line, turning her back on the hunt’s promises of eternal glory. For years she’s pushed away any thought of revenge against the man–now a god–responsible for their deaths.

Yet as the next hunt dawns over New York City, two participants seek out her help: Castor, a childhood friend of Lore believed long dead, and a gravely wounded Athena, among the last of the original gods.

The goddess offers an alliance against their mutual enemy and, at last, a way for Lore to leave the Agon behind forever. But Lore’s decision to bind her fate to Athena’s and rejoin the hunt will come at a deadly cost–and still may not be enough to stop the rise of a new god with the power to bring humanity to its knees.

Amazon* | Goodreads

I’m so sad to say that as many books of Bracken’s I have on my Kindle and forever TBR, I haven’t read anything of her’s until now. I’m a sucker for Greek Mythology and maybe it was because I’m watching Great Greek Myth’s on Amazon Prime (which I just watched the episode about Gorgons which I had no idea were a group of sisters! The story of Medusa was much shorter than I had thought and was really sad. The irony that Athena is the one asking for help.

The story for me had a bit of a slow start. We meet Lore who goes by Lauren and she’s a street fighter. That’s how she makes her money, and how she I guess deals with her demons. She’s successfully avoided all this crap the mortals and God’s are in until an old friend finds her. I had a hard time grasping what was going on since we only got bits and pieces of her past. We’re introduced to her friend Miles who is seriously friend goals to the max. It wasn’t until Athena shows up that starts finally started to make sense. And things start to get interesting.

In this short book sampler we’re introduced to the basics of the story and the main characters. I’m definitely going to pick this up on release day! I need to know more!

Are you into mythology/retelling’s? What is your favorite one?

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It’s Monday, what are you reading?

by Hazel Vee3 Comments on It’s Monday, what are you reading?

Okay it’s actually Tuesday but WORK WITH ME HERE!

It’s been YEARS since I’ve done one of these! I’m kind of excited to do one today!

WHAT I READ;

I really wasn’t expecting to finish this before I finished this blog post lol but here we are! I super enjoyed this read. It’s not like it was gripping or amazing but I just literally could not put it down!

CURRENTLY READING;

I really wanted to focus on getting through my Kindle Unlimited borrows but I also need to get through my Fall TBR also. So this week I’ll be trying to focus on:

  • Shadow of the Fox by Julie Kagawa
  • The Bookwanderers by Anna James
  • The Time of Green Magic by Hilary McKay

I don’t really know how I’ll do considering my reading habits aren’t what they use to be lol. But I’m glad I’ve been finding time to read more lately… I also need to catch up with my GoodReads challenge since I’ve fallen 3 books behind. Eep.

What are you planning on reading this week?