My Most Anticipated 2021 Releases (So Far)

Hey, all!

It's that time of the year where I discuss the 2021 releases that I am the most excited for. Granted, many stories have yet to be announced and I am sure that I am missing some of the releases that have caught my eye, but these are the releases of my favorite authors; so naturally they have made the list. There are also a few unannounced titles that are featured on Goodreads, but there is no word from the authors or their publishers. 

Below you will find a list of 15 books by authors that I positively adore. No doubt there will be titles announced and released that will thrill me into my bones. 

1. Into the Heartless Wood by Joanna Ruth Meyer -- January 26
2. Written In Starlight (Woven in Moonlight #2) by Isabel Ibanez -- February 9
3. A Court of Silver Flames (ACOTAR #4) by Sarah J. Maas -- February 16
4. Bridge of Souls (Cassidy Blake #3) by Victoria Schwab -- March 2
5. Act Your Age, Eve Brown (The Brown Sisters #3) by Talia Hibbert  -- March 9
6. Namesake (Fable #1) by Adrienne Young -- March 16
7. Rule of Wolves (King of Scars #1) by Leigh Bardugo -- March 30
8. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry -- May 11
9. The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren -- May 18
10. An Emotion of Great Delight by Tahereh Mafi -- June 1
11. Any Way the Wind Blows (Carry On #3) by Rainbow Rowell -- July 6
12. Love Letters From a Lord by Tessa Dare -- July 6
13. The Betrayed by Kiera Cass -- July 6
14. Isn't It Bromantic (Bromance B ook Club #3) by Lyssa Kay Adams -- July 20
15. The Heart Principle (The Kiss Quotient #3) by Helen Hoang -- August 17
16. Portrait of a Scotland by Evie Dunmore -- September 7
17. Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff -- September 7
18. Well Matched by Jen DeLuca -- 2021 (no release date or cover, yet!)

Hopefully, there will be more from Sarah J. Maas, Elizabeth Acevedo, and V.E. Schwab, but we will see!

Here are some debuts and new-to-me authors with titles that have caught my interest as well!

• A Dark & Hollow Star by Ashley Shuttleworth -- February 23
• Life's Too Short by Abby Jimenez -- April 6
• Witches Steeped in Gold by Ciannon Smart -- April 20
• Counting Down with You by Tashie Bhuiyan -- May 4
• Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim -- July 6
• This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron -- July 15
• A Universe of Wishes edited by Dhonielle Clayton -- December 8

There are, naturally, so many books coming out this year. I'm not sure how I'll keep up with reading them all, but I'd love to read the majority of the listed ones above. 

Which 2021 releases are you the most excited for? Let's discuss in the comments!

Happy reading!

Olivia

~ Liv the Book Nerd ~

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November 2020 Reading Wrap Up

Hey, all!

I know it's been a hot minute since I've updated my blog. Full disclosure, I've just been hella depressed, and picking up my computer to write out all of my reviews and blog posts has just seemed like a daunting and impossible task. Here's to my efforts to catch up!

In November, I read 5 books and 3 novellas/short stories. 

Looking back, I realize that these few books aren't necessarily in the running for my favorites from the year, but I had a good time reading them and they really provided a great escape from the negativity that my brain has wanted to focus on this year. 

An Offer From A Gentleman by Julia Quinn

3 stars

audio via Libby

Julia Quinn really knows how to write a compelling story. Unfortunately, this one just fell a bit flat for me. 

When I first started this addition to the Bridgerton series, I was so so in love with the Cinderella aspects of the plot, I loved the angst, and I loved the characters. Unfortunately, once the middle hit, I really did not enjoy the romantic pairing or how their personalities were drawn out. 

In the end, Benedict Bridgerton seemed much more aggressive (if not violent) than I was comfortable with. The resolution to their conflict was not satisfying to my sensibilities and I just didn't like it all that much. 

Overall, the first half of the book was 4 stars, the last half was 2 stars. I'm giving the book a 3-star rating. 

An Offer From A Gentleman: The Second Epilogue by Julia Quinn

3 stars

Read via Libby

I'm not one who enjoys insta-love and insta-connections in my love stories, but this novella was incredibly sweet. I would have read an entire book about Posy and I'm honestly sad that we didn't get it. This novella was smartly written, but it was also pretty annoying to me because the story followed Posy's love story, but it wasn't from her perspective other than the first few pages. I love that Quinn wrote the second epilogues, but it was just odd to go into it thinking that I was going to get a bit more from Sophie and Benedict's romance, but there was pretty much nothing about them. 

Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong by Prudence Shen and Faith Erin Hicks

3 stars

Signed edition found at Half Price Books!

This was a really enjoyable graphic novel, though it wasn't anything groundbreaking when it comes to content. I really liked the dynamics between the characters and the plot. I also really enjoyed Faith's art style in this one. The colors were lovely and I liked the overall ending.

The one thing I didn't like was that there was a joke about slashing wrists. Granted, humor has changed drastically and and this novel is from 2013, but I just didn't like it at all. 

I do recommend checking out this graphic novel. It's really nicely done.  

Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

2.75 stars

Read via Libby

This was really disappointing. I was really looking forward to learning more about Colin and Penelope. They were by far two of my favorite side characters in the entire series thus far. However, my disappointment appears that it will be a bit of a pattern for this series.

This was wholly forgettable for me. I didn't like Colin at all. His communication skills seemed nonexistent and the way he treated Penelope was just really annoying to me. I think I loved Penelope even more than I thought I would. However, I really didn't like how she let people walk all over her. It was delightful to see her grow and blossom by the end fo the book. 

This was just disappointing to me. 

Romancing Mister Bridgerton: The Second Epilogue by Julia Quinn

3 stars

Read via Libby

I really forgot what this even was until I reread the synopsis. However, this one was really fun. I liked it much better than the last second epilogue. 

Wrapped Up In You by Talia Hibbert

4 stars 

Preordered on Kobo!

This was such a sweet little novella. Talia's writing style is one of my absolute favorites. The only reason that this novella didn't get a 5-star rating from me was because it felt a bit slow at times. It might have been the depression kicking in, or it could have just been my busyness throughout the month? I'll read it again next year and we will see. 

Read all of the Talia Hibbert!

Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh

3.5 stars 

I really loved the world that I was introduced to in this novel. I love the concept of worlds, cities, communities where different types of creatures live together. I loved the alternate universe New York that Nalini Singh developed and I loved the entire premise to this series. 

While I liked this book, the characters were just far too cookie cutter for me. Granted, this book isn't recent. It's very 2009 and that's not a bad thing at all. This was delightfully cheesy when it comes to the romance. I really loved the tension and the alpha-male/sassy heroine dynamic. However, the relationship between Elena and Raphael just wasn't my favorite. 

One of the main things that I disliked was the repetitivness of Elena. She was just constantly reminding the reader that she was "hunter born." It felt like it was mentioned on every page and it annoyed the crap out of me. 

One To Watch by Kate Stayman-London

4 stars

TW/CW: fatphobia, bullying, & cheating

This was such an excellent read. I didn't want to put it down and it captured my attention from the first page. While the majority of this book was read via audio, I still really loved picking it up physically because of the various forms of storytelling throughout the book. 

I really loved the podcast transcripts, the gossip magazine articles, the tweets, etc. It just really made this book feel more like an experience. 

I'm not one who watches The Bachelor or any of those sorts of shows, but I love books that take the angst and drama and incorporate the tropes and such. Books like Kiera Cass' Selection series are my guilty pleasure reads. Only I'm not all that guilty about it.

When I went into this book, I knew that there would be a lack body diversity. That's one of the main issues that Bea has with the show that she's casted in. However, there was also an issue with actual visual diversity too. Some characters were partially described at the very beginning of the show, but the descriptions were just DUMPED. I can't remember the details of 20+ men. Ew. 

This book was excellent, but there were definitely aspects that needed more work. What a wonderful debut!

Avg. Rating: 3.28 stars

What was your favorite read of November? Let's discuss in the comments!

Happy reading and happy Christmas to those who celebrate!

Olivia

~Liv the Book Nerd~

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{Review} The Girl the Sea Gave Back by Adrienne Young

Page Count: 327

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Published on: September 3, 2019

Format: audio from Libby + physical (bought by me)

Rating: 3 stars

Goodreads synopsis

For as long as she can remember, Tova has lived among the Svell, the people who found her washed ashore as a child and use her for her gift as a Truthtongue. Her own home and clan are long-faded memories, but the sacred symbols and staves inked over every inch of her skin mark her as one who can cast the rune stones and see into the future. She has found a fragile place among those who fear her, but when two clans to the east bury their age-old blood feud and join together as one, her world is dangerously close to collapse.

For the first time in generations, the leaders of the Svell are divided. Should they maintain peace or go to war with the allied clans to protect their newfound power? And when their chieftain looks to Tova to cast the stones, she sets into motion a series of events that will not only change the landscape of the mainland forever but will give her something she believed she could never have again—a home.

~ ~ ~

Hey, guys!

When it comes to Adrienne Young, I cannot get enough of her work. Her style is everything that I love and her characters are always so fascinating. The worlds that she creates are so intriguing and hit all of the points that I desire. I love how she's taken from Norse mythology and made her own set of gods and mythology for her world. Unfortunately, The Girl the Sea Gave Back really fell flat for me.

When it comes to TGTSGB, I was incredibly disappointed. I had attempted to immerse myself into this book three or four times before finally sitting down and listening/reading to it this go around because I was just tired of not knowing how I felt about it. (Also, Alex has been waiting forever for me to finish it. It was time.) Unfortunately, it was just hard to continue after putting down. I found the characters to be incredibly boring and lacking and had the hardest connecting with their stories and trials. I also found that the intense and emotional parts that pertain to the ending just fell flat for me.  I feel like because of the disconnect that I was feeling throughout the entire book, that I had just lost the last of my interest in how the book would conclude.  

To me, I felt like the book lacked the urgent pacing that one would expect of a story that took place over a couple of days. The story is so action-packed and there is so much information thrown at you, but you don't get any sort of semblance of the setting and the characters just lacked depth for you to care about the events surrounding them and happening to them. Also! There was romance in this book, but their chemistry was practically nonexistent? I honestly didn't expect them to shack up? I thought they were just friends connected by fate or something, but I guess that was the romance? That was just hardcore lacking. I was so sad. 

Overall, this book lacked the depth and intensity that Sky in the Deep had. This book felt more like a debut that Sky in the Deep did. I adored Sky. It's probably one of my all-time favorites, but Sea was just not it for me.  

What did you think of this book? Let's discuss!
Happy reading!
Olivia
Liv the Book Nerd
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{Review} Love in the City by Jen Morris

 

Page Count: 392

Publisher: National Library of New Zealand

Published On: October 5, 2020

Genres: adult romance

Format: eARC from author/publisher

Rating: 1 star

Goodreads synopsis:

Turning thirty has a way of making you take a good, hard look at your life. And I think we all know what any sensible adult does in that situation: tequila shots. Lots of them.

It’s okay, though, because I’ve finally escaped my tiny New Zealand home town and my negative parents. And New York is better than my wildest fantasies. 
​
So is Michael, the sexy single dad who lives in the apartment upstairs. And he’s featuring in my fantasies more and more—even if he’s a grump and I only ever seem to make a dork of myself in front of him. Ah well, a girl can dream.

Anyway, I’ve got a writing career to build, and writing about being single is fun. If that means swearing off men for a bit, that’s fine. I can totally do that. It’s just a tiny crush. 
​
Besides… happily ever afters aren’t real. Are they?

~ ~ ~

Hey, guys,

If you've been following my blog for a hot minute -- or rather if you've been following my Goodreads and Instagram because I've been terrible about updating my site -- you'll know of my unconventional adoration of the romance genre of late. I'm obsessed. Romance has really been what has gotten me through 2020. No regrets. 

I've discovered that I have certain tropes and buzzwords that cause me to want to pick up a romance instantly. One of the concepts that I love surrounds writers. I love reading about writers and learning about how they find inspiration, but also how they fall in love. Naturally, when I was approached to take part in the tour for Love in the City, I wanted to participate because the book sounded like my cup of tea. 

Unfortunately, I really did not like this book. I wanted to DNF within the first 15-20%, but I stuck it out in hopes that the writing and concept strengthened as the novel continued on. It didn't and my one-star rating is the result. 

I had been asked to take part in the blog tour for this book, but as you can see. I backed out because of my rating. 

For me, one of the main things I unfortunately disliked was the writing style. There was so much telling instead of showing. It read like the character's journal and the writing wasn't solid or polished enough for me to genuinely enjoy the writing style. My dislike of the writer's style really caused me to struggle to immerse myself in the story or enjoy the characters. To me (this is just my opinion), the entire story read like draft-level fanfiction stuff. The wording was awkward and strange to read and there were many moments that were supposed to be funny or swoony, but I was just cringing. It was just really two-dimensional and surface level and I couldn't get behind it. 

Another thing that I didn't enjoy was that the main character was just really annoying. She was supposed to be really creative and artsy, but she really didn't use her noggin 100% of the time. The entire conflict surrounding her blog was that she had pitched an idea for a writing series for a large publication, but it wasn't even really set in stone until the end. She hadn't been given the 100% go-ahead to start on the work and she just pinned herself down to a topic that she didn't jive with throughout. She had so many options, but she blatantly refused to actually communicate with the person and company that she desperately wanted to collaborate with. It was completely unrealistic and bugged me to no end. So unnecessary. 

Additionally, she just didn't communicate with anyone around her until it became incredibly difficult to function. It was just so unrealistic and I couldn't handle it. 

Overall, I cannot recommend this book; however, I'd love to discuss this with other readers. I don't think I'm being too harsh because these are my opinions, but I'd love to discuss why you probably think I'm wrong. I love the discussion!

Happy reading!

Olivia

Liv the Book Nerd

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September & October 2020 Reading Wrap Up

 

Hello hello!

I've really been slacking when it comes to blogging, but I'm finally back with my reading wrap-up for the past two months. In September and October, I managed to read 18 novels, graphic novels, and novellas. I'm really pleased with the books I've read and I've even found a few new favorites. 

Here is what I read these past two months!

An Ember in the Ashes, A Torch Against the Night, & A Reaper at the Gates by Sabaa Tahir

Ratings:

Ember: 4 stars
Torch: 4.75 stars
Reaper: 5 stars

Publisher: Razor Bill

Format: audio + physical via Libby/Personal Collection

One of the first things I did in September started the Ember trilogy via audiobook through my library's Libby subscription. Not only was I completely blown away by my reread, but I also had to continue bingeing the series up until the beginning of October. Not only is the finale one of my new most anticipated releases, I instantly preordered the book and asked for the release day off from work so that I can sob as I read it in full. It's one of those, guys.

An Ember in the Ashes definitely felt like a debut novel, but I really really loved it. I probably loved it even more than when I first read it in 2016. The audio performance was phenomenal and I was so glad to have the next two books to binge so that I could continue to experience the twists and turns that are the plot of the series. 

Torch and Reaper were just phenomenal, but Reaper was definitely the most awe-inspiring. I am so completely impressed with the improvement to her writing skills, the obvious care, and originality that went into her story. I'm so freaking jazzed to read A Sky Beyond the Storm. 

{click here for the OG 2016 review for Ember}

The Switch by Beth O'Leary

Rating: 3.5 stars

Publisher: Flatiron Books

Release Date: August 18, 2020

Format: audio provided by NetGalley & publisher

What a delightful read! I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I adored how it wasn't romance-focused (though I wish it wasn't marketed as such) and I loved the focus on personal growth and change. The characters were so well-written. I absolutely adored Eileen and her part of the story in London. While Lena was really interesting and fun to follow, she definitely didn't capture my interest like her grandmother did. 

This is an excellently written novel. It's character-driven (which I love!) and so witty and smartly written. The banter is so delightful. If you're a fan of British humor, you will love this book. Just know that this really isn't a romance novel like The Flatshare. It's definitely more of a contemporary novel. 

Crazy Stupid Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams

Rating: 4.75 stars 

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: October 27, 2020

Format:  eARC provided by NetGalley + the publisher

Once again, NetGalley has blessed me with one of my most anticipated 2020 releases. This was everything I could have hoped for. Lyssa Kay Adams' books just keep getting better and better. I loved everything about this book. The only reason it isn't getting is a five-star rating is that something (the extra oomph that gets me every time) was just missing. It really was just a me-thing. This book was so freaking excellent. If you haven't picked up any of the Bromance Book Club books yet, I urge you to do so soon. 

The next installment in the series follows The Russian! I'm so freaking jazzed. I've been waiting for his book since I first read the first book in the series. 

Previous Reviews:

Bromance Book Club: {click}

Undercover Bromance: {click}

The Happily Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez

Rating: 3.5 stars

Publisher: Forever

Format: audio borrowed from Libby

I freaking love Abby Jimenez's writing style so much. Her books are so compulsively readable and I adore how she tackles her chosen tropes and makes something new of them. While I really liked this book, it really fell short when it came to the end. As I hit the 60% mark, the pacing just seemed to lag and I really didn't like how the characters began to interact. Jason began to rub me the wrong way and their very very realistic relationship that had developed in the first 200-ish pages just died for me. 

Overall, Jimenez has this really fantastic ability to create likable and realistic characters and relationships. I loved the twists and turns that she took us on when it came to the band-traveling-bits. It was really frustrating at times, but it really made you think differently toward the end. 

{My thoughts on The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez}

Love in the City by Jen Morris

Rating: 1 star

Format: eARC provided by publisher + NetGalley widget

Release Date: October 5, 2020

While I desperately wanted to adore this book -- Hello! It follows a romance writer as she falls in love in New York -- but this was just not for me at all. By the end of the book, I began to skim and I dreaded picking it up to finish it. This was just not well done and I really didn't enjoy a lot of it when it's all said and done.  I'm definitely in the minority when it comes to the reviews on Goodreads. There's definitely a base for those who enjoyed this book, but I definitely did not. 

Full review to be published tomorrow!

A Gathering of Shadows & A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab

Rating: 5 stars (both!)

Publisher: Tor

Format: audio (Libby) + physical (mine)

Well, I'm officially a V.E. Schwab stan. I was already a borderline mega-fan, but I didn't think that it was official until I continued on with this series. A Darker Shade of Magic has sat with me for months on months now. I'm so upset that I didn't just binge the series when I could. I had books! Now, I'm so obsessed! 

I'm already planning on rereading soon. I just love love love these books and I cannot recommend them enough. They are PERFECTION! 

Once I finish with my VES backlist, know that I will be raving about all things V.E./Victoria Schwab!

Heartstopper: Volume 1 by Alice Oseman

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Graphix

Format: originally Libby

 (but by some chance, I found a physical copy on my birthday and splurged!)

I've been dying to get my hands on the published copies of Heartstopper to finally support Alice Oseman when it comes to her comic career. (Now I know that I can read it online and support her through there too!) I adore all of Alice Oseman's work. She is such a fantastic writer and I cannot wait to support her work even more.

Heartstopper was absolute perfection. I desperately want the second and third volumes so that I can just have them in my hands. Her writing style and drawing style is everything that I love. I love Charlie and Nick. It was also so great to see Frances again. 

The Girl the Sea Gave Back by Adrienne Young 

Rating: 3 stars

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Format: audio from Libby + physical (bought by me)

When it comes to Adrienne Young, I cannot get enough of her work. Her style is everything that I love and her characters are always so fascinating. The worlds that she creates are so intriguing and hit all of the points that I desire. I love how she's taken from Norse mythology and made her own set of gods and mythology for her world. Unfortunately, The Girl the Sea Gave Back really fell flat for me. 

Full review coming next week!

All Scot and Bothered by Kerrigan Byrne

Rating: 2 stars

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Released On: September 29, 2020

Format: eARC via NetGalley/publisher & audio via Libby

Trigger/Content warnings for abuse and neglect, emotional abuse, trauma, violence, bombs, child abuse, child trafficking

Another disappointing read. 

When going into this, the synopsis instantly captivated me. I adore a Scottish historical romance. I love an unconventional pairing. I love a hint of scandal and intrigue!

This just did not tick my boxes. However, it isn't because the book is written badly. Not by any means. This book was so freaking well-written. I loved the historical aspects, the unconventional plays on gender and gender expectations for that time period. However, I didn't enjoy the hero of the story and I guess I just didn't jive with the heroine either. I was really wanting to love this story, but I didn't enjoy the way the steamy scenes were written (they felt far too long and drawn out and I didn't like the terms used in them). 

Overall, I just didn't like how the author fleshed out her characters. I'm a very character-focused reader. I love to connect with who I'm reading, but I just couldn't with this book. Ramsey was just not the kind of guy I like.

One quote I liked, however, was: 

"She wept because people were so unkind. Because they preyed upon one another in ways she couldn't begin to imagine, and that fact made her feel helpless and afraid."

~@59% of the novel~

That quote just sums up a good portion of my mental state in 2020... if that tells you anything. 

There were a lot of good moments in this book, but I just didn't really enjoy the main couple as much as I've enjoyed others. 

I do plan on continuing my search for my favorite Kerrigan Byrne novel because I definitely have a couple more queued up for future reading.

Her Accidental Highlander Husband by Allison B. Hanson

Rating: 1.5 stars

Publisher: Entangled Publishing LLC

Release Date: September 28, 2020

Format: eARC provided by NetGalley & publisher

Trigger/Content warnings for domestic physical abuse/assault (on-page descriptions + emotions and flashbacks pertaining to the experience), panic attacks, emotional abuse.

When I picked up this book, I was instantly intrigued by our heroine. She was so strong and I loved how her panic attacks and trauma from her previous marriage were discussed on-page and described. It was very well done. However, I felt like once I got past the first third of the novel, I lost interest and the writing just went downhill. 

I had wanted more from the relationship, but once you hit a certain point, Marian's emotional struggles disappeared (even when she was assaulted AGAIN and kidnapped). During a couple points of extreme stress (moments that would expect to cause a person to experience moments of panic due to their previous experiences), she had no reaction whatsoever and it just seemed really unrealistic that her panic attacks and trauma would disappear once she became slightly more comfortable because of her accidental husband. 

Another issue I had was with the pacing. The middle parts of the novel had some good plot-driving and character developing moments, but it really just felt like a whole lot of nothing. By the time the characters made it to the end of the story, I was incredibly bored, uninterested in what the conclusion could have been, and annoyed with how it turned out. 

This was just not my cup of tea. 

One Year at Ellsmere by Faith Erin Hicks

Rating: 3.5 stars

Publisher: First Second

Release Date: July 14, 2020 (originally published December 29, 2008)

What a delightful graphic novel! I adored Faith Erin Hicks' additions to Rainbow Rowell's Pumpkinheads. Her illustration style has everything that I love. It was so nice to read another one of her books. I really want more from this world and cast of characters. 

This story has everything you need:

- Full-color illustrations

- Awesome, complex characters

- A hint of the fantastical

- Middle-grade friendship

- Spooky, competitive boarding school setting

The Duke & I + The Duke & I Epilogue II &
The Viscount Who Loved Me + The Viscount Who Loved Me Epilogue II by Julia Quinn

Ratings: 

Duke: 3 stars

Duke Epilogue II: 3 stars

Viscount: 4 stars

Viscount Epilogue II: 3 stars

So, I was supposed to be reading the Bridgerton books for the readathon happening over on YouTube and Instagram with Jess from PeaceLoveBooksxo, Kerry, Natasha, Krys, and Alecia (it's called the Binging Bridgerton Readathon), but somehow my hold from my library went through right away instead of the three-week wait that it had told me previously. I didn't expect it, but I've been binging them and I can't stop reading these addicting books. 

I won't be releasing my reviews for these books until after the discussions take place with the readathon group, but I'm eager to post a series review once I've finished all eight books!

Trigger warning for rape and nonconsensual happenings in The Duke & I.

Reading Stats: 

Total Read: 18

September Reads: 5

October Reads: 13

Avg. Rating: 3.58 stars

Genre Break-Down:

YA Fiction: 4

Adult contemporary: 1

Adult contemporary romance: 3

Adult fantasy: 2

Adult historical romance: 6

Graphic novels: 2

What did you read this month? What was your favorite?

Happy reading!

Olivia

Liv the Book Nerd

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{Weekend Reads: 09/10-09/13} Catching Up on eARCs, audioARCs, and Buddy Reads!

 

Hey, guys!

I used to update you all via Goodreads and blog updates on what I was reading, but I decided to start it back up this weekend to touch base with you all and push out some books that I definitely recommend.

A weekend doesn't usually include a Thursday, but I'm being quarantined for the next couple of days, so I'm including it because who knows when I'll be cleared to go back to work.

I've been attempting to get used to a new work schedule, so my reading time has been considerably cut and it's been a process to get used to working full time. The past four years were taken up by school, working 2 part-time jobs, and attempting to keep up with social obligations. Being in quarantine from March to Jun was such a weird change, but going back to a regular schedule is just as strange. 

This (long) weekend, I plan on catching up on the four books that I've started in the past couple of weeks before diving into two buddy reads that start on Monday.

#1] The Switch by Beth O'Leary, 

performed by Daisy Edgar-Jones & Alison Steadman

Current Reading position: 80% (2 hours left)

-audioARC provided by NetGalley & Macmillan Audio-

Synopsis:

When overachiever Leena Cotton is ordered to take a two-month sabbatical after blowing a big presentation at work, she escapes to her grandmother Eileen's house for some long-overdue rest.

Eileen is newly single and about to turn eighty. She'd like a second chance at love, but her tiny Yorkshire village doesn't offer many eligible gentlemen.

So they decide to try a two-month swap.

Eileen will live in London and look for love. She’ll take Leena’s flat, and learn all about casual dating, swiping right, and city neighbors. Meanwhile, Leena will look after everything in rural Yorkshire: Eileen’s sweet cottage and garden, her idyllic, quiet village, and her little neighborhood projects.

But stepping into one another's shoes proves more difficult than either of them expected. Will swapping lives help Eileen and Leena find themselves…and maybe even find true love? In Beth O'Leary's The Switch, it's never too late to change everything....or to find yourself.

My Thoughts So Far:

- This is an excellent audio experience. I love the narrators and the quality of this production. 

- I love Leena and Eileen. They're so similar, yet so different and bring so much to the story. 

- I think I prefer Eileen's half of the story to Leena's. That isn't to say that Leena's is bad, but Eileen is so hilarious and lovely. I'm just drawn to her story more. 

- The romances in this story do not take up the majority of this story. It's more a story of healing and growth, which I adore. I cannot wait to see how this story ends. However, I'm not the biggest fan of Leena's love story. It hasn't come to its climax, but I know how it's going to go. It's been done before and it isn't anything new. Eileen, however -- I hope it turns out how I'm envisioning. 

- This is my first Beth O'Leary novel, but I'm eager to listen to or read The Flatshare soon. 

Anticipated rating: 4 stars

#2] Blood & Honey (Serpent & Dove #2) by Shelby Mahurin

Current Reading position: page 110/528

-personally pre-ordered-

I'm so behind on this buddy read! I was supposed to have this finished on Thursday, the 10th, but it definitely hasn't happened. This past weekend and this week have just been odd. I'm not sure why I haven't finished this book because the first 110 pages were fantastic. I just need to pick it back up. I've been carrying it around the house? But I haven't opened the book? Just odd.

Synopsis: 

After narrowly escaping death at the hands of the Dames Blanches, Lou, Reid, Coco, and Ansel are on the run from coven, kingdom, and church—fugitives with nowhere to hide.

To elude the scores of witches and throngs of chasseurs at their heels, Lou and Reid need allies. Strong ones. But protection comes at a price, and the group is forced to embark on separate quests to build their forces. As Lou and Reid try to close the widening rift between them, the dastardly Morgane baits them in a lethal game of cat and mouse that threatens to destroy something worth more than any coven.

First Thoughts:

- Wow, I already love this so much and I cannot wait to read more.

- Witchy goodness right off the bat? Hello, yes, please!

- Lou and Reid are just going to go right for it, huh? Geez, I love love.  Let's go.

- I know that I'm going to be hurt by this book... is that why I haven't picked it back up yet?

Anticipated rating: 5 stars

[Serpent & Dove mini review]

#3] All Scot and Bothered (Devil You Know #2) by Kerrigan Byrne

Current Reading position: 5% (loc. 256/4928)

-eARC provided by NetGalley & St. Martin's Press-

Synopsis:

They are a dangerous duke, a fierce lord, and an infamous earl—dark, bold, brave men who know exactly what they want. And there is only one woman who can bring them to their knees...

He is first and foremost—at everything. A man who's made his own way in the world through ruthless cunning and sheer force of will. A strong and imposing Scot who can turn on the charm but does not suffer fools. His title: Lord Chief Justice of the High Court. His name: Cassius Gerard Ramsay. His mission: To investigate the goings-on at London's most notorious gaming hell, owned and operated by one of the most intriguing and desirable women he's ever met.

IN THIS GAME OF LOVE, THE RULES DO NOT APPLY

Cecelia Teague was an orphan facing a rather dire future—until a secret benefactor from her mother's scandalous past swept into her life. Sent to a prestigious boarding school and later to university, Cecelia believed high society was at her fingertips...Then, from out of nowhere, she became the inheritor of a gambling establishment. Now Cecelia must live two lives: one as a proper lady who finds herself undeniably drawn to Lord Ramsay and the other as a savvy gaming hell owner trying to save her business from the very same man. He has no idea she is both women...and Cecelia would like to keep it that way. But what happens when consuming passion and escalating danger threaten to reveal the truth?

First Thoughts:

- I've never read a Kerrigan Byrne novel before, but I'm already invested and enjoying her style of writing and the way she's developed her characters. 

- Most times when I'm starting a new historical romance novel, I can tell within the first 50 pages if I will enjoy it as intensely as I love my favorites. This has a lot of promise. 

Anticipated rating: (it's honestly too early to tell, but...) 4 stars (probably)

#4] Crazy Stupid Bromance (Bromance Book Club #3) by Lyssa Kay Adams

Current Reading position: 17% (loc. 856/5079)

- eARC provided by NetGalley & Berkley-

Synopsis:

A hacktivist and a cat café owner decode the friend zone in this romantic comedy from the author of Undercover Bromance.

Alexis Carlisle and her cat café, ToeBeans, have shot to fame after she came forward as a victim of a celebrity chef’s sexual harassment. When a new customer approaches to confide in her, the last thing Alexis expects is for the woman to claim they’re sisters. Unsure what to do, Alexis turns to the only man she trusts—her best friend, Noah Logan.

Computer genius Noah left his rebellious teenage hacker past behind to become a computer security expert. Now he only uses his old skills for the right cause. But Noah’s got a secret: He’s madly in love with Alexis. When she asks for his help, he wonders if the timing will ever be right to confess his crush.

Noah’s pals in The Bromance Book Club are more than willing to share their beloved “manuals” to help him go from bud to boyfriend. But he must decide if telling the truth is worth risking the best friendship he’s ever had. 

First Thoughts

- This is so excellent! I was instantly hooked and caught up in where the story left off in Undercover Bromance.

- I honestly forgot about the computer genius, Noah, but I've already fallen in love with him. He's a Whovian (Doctor Who), he's a total sweetheart, and has a rival that's Alexis's cat! How adorable.

- Alexis is peak-bad bitch material. I adore her. She obviously has a lot of trauma to get past after dealing with the events of Undercover Bromance, but even more hardship has been added onto her plate. We will see how this goes. 

- I love that we get to see more from Liv and Mack. Give me all of the happy endings, snark, and groomzilla energy from Mack.

Hopefully, I can finish these books this weekend. I'm aiming to finish The Switch this afternoon and get to the halfway mark of Blood and Honey as well. 

[Bromance Book Club Review]

[Undercover Bromance Review]

Anticipated rating: 5 stars

What are you reading this weekend?

Happy reading!
Olivia
~ Liv the Book Nerd ~

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