August 2020 Reading Wrap Up

 

Hey, guys!

August has been so busy. I've been hired for a new job, I've started a whole new schedule, and -- just a lot of things have been going on. This month, I hadn't read as much as my previous reading months, but I'm really excited about what I've read this past month. While this past month was primarily taken up by audiobook reading, which is really surprising considering my stats last month, it doesn't really feel like I mainly listened to these stories. I've found a few new tropes and new authors that I adore (and dislike). Here are the books that I read this month!

If you're interested in seeing some more fun bookish content, I've just recently started dabbling with the Reels function on Instagram and I've posted a little something on my page with my wrap up books (the ones that I own at least).

Take A Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert

Read physically

5 stars

I will have a review up for this book in the next week, but holy cow this was everything I could have hoped for. If you love quirky, romantic, steamy romances, you will love this book so much. Dani and Zafir are such a lovely couple and I cannot push this book at you hard enough. Please read these stories about the Brown sisters! 

{Picture credit: me via Instagram}

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

Read via audio

4 stars

Since reading Elizabeth Acevedo's The Poet X, I've managed to pick up her releases as they've come out. Last year, With the Fire On High was one of Julia and I's bookclub picks and it was one of my all-time favorite 2019 reads as well. Her writing is always so beautiful, lyrical, and so well developed. It's really magical how fantastic her writing is. 

Once again, Acevedo didn't disappoint! This was such a beautiful story. It was written in verse and the audiobook was narrated by Acevedo and Melania-Luisa Marte -- what a powerful duo! Having the two narrators really added to the story and added the depth that I didn't know I needed. I loved how each narrator emphasized the differences in the poetry styles, the characters' personalities, and the little nuanced details. It's such a fantastic stylistic choice that I cannot get over. 

The topics and discussions in Clap When You Land are such important ones. While I do not want to spoil you, I do need to let you know that there are trigger warnings for stalking, assault, loss of a family member/parent, cheating, and plane crashes.

{Picture credit: me via Instagram}

King of the Libertines by Pam Godwin

ebook

2 stars

August was the month of romance-booktube! Naturally, I stumbled across Jess's channel (PeaceLoveBooksxo) and discovered her love for Pam Godwin. While I really didn't enjoy King of the Libertines, I'm eager to actually read the full-length novel that follows the characters in this novella. 

King of the Libertines follows the characters of Sea of Ruin, explaining their relationships and (I suppose) adding onto their dynamic. However, I felt like this novella was SO rushed, so surface level, and just not enjoyable at all. There were typos, grammar mistakes, and the character development was so unrealistic. I couldn't fully integrate myself into the world or actually care about the characters. It just wasn't for me. I'm hoping for more from the full novel, Sea of Ruin. 

Overall, I felt like this was a whole lot of nothing.

What Happens in Scotland by Jennifer McQuinston

ebook & physical

2 stars

Another disappointing read...

This was such a shallow read. The pacing was just horrible and it was just so unbelievable and annoying. I've been enjoyed the majority of the historicals that I've read this year, but this one was one of the worst. I'm debating even reading more from McQuinston's list of releases. 

Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik

audio and physical 

5 stars

This is probably one of my newest all-time favorite books. This was such a phenomenal read. The audio experience was perfect and the care and detail that the audio narrator put into their performance were just flawless. I was discussing this book with one of my friends that had read and they had said they rated it 4 stars because it was a bit difficult to tell which character was narrating when the perspectives would change, but I found that that wasn't the case when listening to the audio. When I eventually switched to the physical book (sometimes I will do that when I get closer toward the end of a book), I found I didn't have that issue because I had become so used to the ways the characters would differentiate themselves. Naomi Novik is a masterful writer and I cannot wait for her next novel, A Deadly Education; which is released September 29. I cannot stress enough that you should absolutely pick this book up.

The Scandalous, Dissolute, No-Good Mr. Wright by Tessa Dare

physical 

4 stars

Tessa Dare is such a feel-good writer. Anytime I pick up one of her books, it's like visiting a friend you haven't seen in the longest time. I'm always excited to read her novellas because, honestly, they're always hit or miss for me, but they're always ridiculously fun. This novella, I won't reiterate the very very long title, was so much fun! I'm so thankful for the lovely lady who gifted it to me in early August. 

Sometimes -- heck, most times! -- historical romance novellas don't do it for me. The pacing is wonky, the characters and their romances are uninteresting or hard to believe, or the writing is just bad. Thankfully, Tessa Dare is a queen, and does this story so much justice. Not only does she tackle an important topic in less than 150 pages, but she also does it well! The romance was so well developed, realistic, and it gave me Pride and Prejudice vibes. 

The only reason that this didn't get 5 stars was that, naturally, the cliches were just a bit much for me (emphasis on "for me"). Because I've read so many Tessa Dare novels this year, I feel like I can make an opinion regarding her writing capabilities. She can write the cheesiest and most ridiculous tropes red hot and so well done. This novella was short, so I just felt like the added depth that I so love in her work was just missing. I wish this was a full-length novel. It's so delightful. I wanted more!

Say Yes to the Marquess (Castles Ever After #2) by Tessa Dare

audio

3 stars

If you couldn't tell from my ramble above, I adore Tessa Dare. I think she is such a phenomenal writer. She creates such likable characters with such swoony romances that I cannot help but love and root for. I really enjoyed Clio's strong character and Rafe's personality. While the entire situation surrounding their romance is something I hadn't seen before (granted, I haven't read much historical romance), I still felt like it was missing a little something-something. This novel is one of her earlier novels so that definitely contributes to the quality of her writing (for me), this just lacked some of the elements that I really enjoy in her books. The relationship was swoony, but it didn't have as much chemistry and it kind of dragged in some areas. 

This was so fun, but not my favorite of her backlist. 

A Kiss at Midnight (Fairy Tales #1) by Eloisa Jams

audio

4 stars

This book! This book was so lovely! I think I've found a new historical romance author that I want to explore. This retelling of the Cinderella story was so wonderful. 

It felt a little rushed toward the end, but I adored this book. 

Storming the Castle (Fairy Tales #1.5) by Eloisa James

audio

4.5 stars

This was so short, but so freaking fun. 

When Beauty Tamed the Beast by Eloisa James

audio

4.75 stars

Phenomenal! I cannot wait to read more from Eloisa James, especially her Fairy Tales series. I cannot get enough of these characters and the different dynamics James' writing brings to the historical romance genre.

Please read Eloisa James' Fairy Tales series!

Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid

audio

3.75 stars

This book started out really strong and intriguing, but around half-way, I really started to question where the novel was even going. I really really enjoyed the discussions that this book had surrounding performative allyship and racism, but really wished that there had been more of a focus on Emira's character development and growth. I loved her character and I just didn't think she shone like the side characters did. Alix was, of course, a massive part of the story, but I just wanted more about Emira. 

Total Books Read: 11

Audio: 7

Physical: 3

e-Copy: 1

Favorite read: Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik

Least Favorite read: King of Libertines by Pam Godwin

What did you read in August?

Olivia

~ Liv the Book Nerd ~

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{Mini-Reviews} Alien Romance Edition: Ice Planet Barbarians & The Alien's Ransom

Hey, guys!

During this quarantine time, I've managed to pick up a ridiculous amount of romance novels from all tropes, genres, and concepts. Many of them are definitely out of my comfort zone, but here I am enjoying at least half. 

However, this review duo will not be some that I enjoyed. In fact, I read far too many romance novels that I definitely didn't love before I found what I did love. 

Here are my attempts to see if I enjoy alien romance. 

Spoiler alert: I don't.

Ice Planet Barbarians (#1) by Ruby Dixon

My Rating: 1.5 stars

Page Count: 188

Published: April 3, 2015

Published by: Ruby Dixon

Avg. Rating: 3.88 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

You'd think being abducted by aliens would be the worst thing that could happen to me. And you'd be wrong. Because now, the aliens are having ship trouble, and they've left their cargo of human women - including me - on an ice planet.

And the only native inhabitant I've met? He's big, horned, blue, and really, really has a thing for me...

TW/CW: rape, kidnapping/abduction

Amazon // Book Depository // $2.99 for Kindle or Free through Kindle Unlimited

When I first picked up this book, I didn't expect to enjoy it-- and I definitely wasn't impressed. I went in with low expectations, but a little hope, but honestly this was just too weird for me. This world and these characters are just so bizarre.

Ice Planet Barbarians follows a young woman after she's been abducted by a hostile group of aliens (they were taken to be breeding stock). After some complications, the ship crashes into a strange planet and she and the women are left to fend for themselves. The girl is found by a blue alien with strange appendages who instantly becomes attached to her. 

This story lacked any sort of plot or world-building that would actually enable me to care about the romance that develops. Not to mention, the sexual parts are quite nonconsensual and creepy. The writing was not fantastic and the story development was just mediocre. I really didn't enjoy how the book was written or how the characters were developed; however, the story was just bizarre and strange enough to keep me wondering what the author would make the characters say or do next. 

If you're looking for a quick, steamy read with an out-0f-this-world alien race, you'll like this. I've discovered that I'm not the biggest fan of alien romance, but it was pretty fun to get out of my comfort zone.

~ ~ ~

The Alien's Ransom (Drixonian Warrior #1) by Ella Maven

My Rating: 2 stars

Page Count: 244

Published: February 24, 2020

Published by: Ella Maven

Avg. Rating: 4.11 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

"Nothing in my life had prepared me for extraterrestrial motorcycle clubs."

Frankie: I thought alien abductions only happened in movies. But here I am on a strange planet with green soil and a gang of muscled, wicked-horned aliens on hover bikes. All I want to do is go back to Earth, but the alpha male in charge has decided I belong to him. Now I'm on the back of his bike speeding to an unknown destination and super freaked out about liking his biceps and serious scowl. Good thing I have some banked personal days because this might take awhile...

Daz: The job is supposed to be easy. All I have to do is deliver a spaceship of living cargo to the vile Uldani and they'll release my brother. If I fail, they'll take it out on him. Except the cargo is something I've never seen before--human females. The one called Frankie is beautiful and soft, and I've already spilled blood for her. Now how am I going to save my brother? Because this human female is mine.

TW/CW: kidnapping/abduction

Amazon //  $2.99 for Kindle or Free through Kindle Unlimited

This was such a mess of a book, but I still couldn't put it down. I picked up The Alien's Ransom for the April BaeClub group read on Facebook where we read a book together and then discuss the designated Facebook discussion area. It's a fantastic experience and it's one of the best things that I've taken part in during this quarantine time. 

This book's plot is quite similar to Ice Planet Barbarians only it has slightly different blue aliens with lots of body modifications, it takes place in a warmer climate, and the plot is established more concisely and isn't lost in the romance. However, the plot still lacks because it's still skimmed over to make way for the smutty romance. The last fourth of the novel was when the actual plot began to pick up, but I still didn't enjoy it very much.
This is a fun story, but it definitely isn't something I would continue with. Alien romance is just not for me.

Have I just been searching for the wrong alien romance titles? If you have any that you love, please let me know in the comments!

Happy reading and stay safe!
Olivia
~ Liv the Book Nerd ~
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{Review: Series Reread}: The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

Hey, guys!

I had already decided that for 2019 I would splurge and reread more books -- especially my favorite series. The past six months have been really rough. I have to be honest. Going back to some of my favorite series has been so therapeutic. Visiting The Lunar Chronicles, especially, has been like visiting a good friend. I absolutely adore this series. It has one of the best cast of characters and being with them again is so nice. 

Here are my thoughts when it comes to rereading the series!

First things first, I decided to pick these up via audio and I definitely do not regret it. I love these audiobooks! Sometimes I'll be a little iffy about the audio and pick the book up physically, but I've only picked up the physical books to see if I've hit the halfway mark and check out name spellings.

Cinder (#1)

This is the third time that I have read Cinder. Back when it first came out in 2012, I quickly picked it up from the library and loved it. I gave it five stars. Three years later, in 2015, I picked it up again and gave it 5 stars. This year is no different and I gave it 5 stars. I originally picked the audiobook up on a whim and I definitely do not regret it. I absolutely adore every part of this book. Marissa Meyer's method of creating characters is so much fun and I love how she develops them throughout the book. She's such a fantastic storyteller. You can just tell that she put so much work into the world building and the character building. She's so wonderful. 

Scarlet (#2)

I've also read this 3 times:

March 2013: 5 stars

February 2015: 4 stars

May 2019: 4 stars

I honestly do not remember rereading this book in 2015 and giving it 4 stars. I vaguely remember rereading the series to continue the series, but I don't remember docking the book a star. 2015-me had the right idea, however. Scarlet did not stand the test of time. The characters, Scarlet and Wolf, were just not as compelling as Kai and Cinder. They were dynamic and really well fleshed out, but their behaviors are just kind of annoying sometimes. 

Scarlet has this persona that she's really tough and brave, but she was just constantly screaming, sulking, and crying. Granted, she goes through a lot of crap that no one should have to go through, but sometimes it was just so repetitively tragic. I wish she had been more complex than what she portrayed. Also, the voice that the audiobook narrator gave her is annoying as hell. Fake French accents just grate on my nerves. It wasn't fun. 

Wolf, however, I understand. I think I enjoy him more than I have in the past. I think this reread really cemented the demented-ness of the mutation experiments that occurred on Luna. It's really messed up! I don't think it had fully sunk in how terrible Luna's actions were until now. Let's chalk that up to the lack of development and understanding in 15/17-year-old Olivia. 

Also! Carswell Thorn is amazing and I adore him. He's so flawed, but I can't help but root for him. He's just so fun.

Cress (#3)

2016: 5 stars

{Original 2016 Review}

2019: 4.8 stars

Cress never disappoints. I absolutely adore the character Cress and I especially love the interactions between Cress and Thorn. I love their romance and I love how they help each other grow as people. They're precious beans and need to be protected. 

I loved how there were so many perspectives throughout the book. It really added the extra depth and dark vibes that the series is so well known for. Each character goes through so much, but they always grow into themselves and learn from their mistakes. I love these characters.

Wolf and Jacin really annoyed me in this addition, however. Wolf was being a mopey asshole and was putting the team in jeopardy. He just wasn't acting like himself and it was annoying. Jacin is just a grump, but I appreciate that he doesn't change himself for others. He's a bit dense, but he's fun.

This book is so action packed and fast paced. I really didn't want to stop listening to it. There's a reason that it's one of my favorites of the series. (However, we will see which one is my new favorite after I finish the series.)

Fairest (#3.5)

This was actually my first read of Fairest! 

4.5 stars

Back when this first came out, lots of people were telling me to just skip it because it didn't really add to the story....WHAT WERE THEY THINKING? I love it when authors include additions that develop other characters -- especially the villains! This was so good! 

This didn't make me sympathize with Levana's cause, but I definitely understand her more now. I hate that she had to go through what she did, but she could have done something to make her life better and make the lives of others better because of what she experienced. Instead, she consistently made terrible choices, didn't learn from them, and then made even worse choices. 

She's so self-centered and self-absorbed. She's a narcissistic asshole and she's straight up evil. Her character is so frustrating and it just made me feel sad for her because she didn't want to change and she didn't want to make an effort to be kind. 

She's evil. 

You definitely should read this if you're going to read the series.  

Winter (#4)

2016: 5 stars

2019: 4. stars

{Original 2016 Review}

This was the longest audiobook that I've ever read, but it was also so freaking fun. By the end of it, I was making the most ungodly noises as things were happening and I managed to wake up my dog as he sat in my lap while I listened. This book was just a fantastic roller coaster of emotion and character development. I am so freaking happy that I reread this series. 

Of all of the Lunar Chronicles books that I've read, this was the book that I had read only one time. Because of that, I hardly remembered it. This was as close to first-read do-over that I could get and I'm so glad. 

I love these characters and I love how the series ended. I'm eager to see what I think of Stars Above.

*written as soon as I finished this book June 25*

 Stars Above (#0.5, 0.6, 3.1, 4.5)

Rating: 4 stars

The Little Android: This was so sweet. I was quite confused at first because I thought it was an Iko story, but I really love how Meyer tied in the story of the Little Mermaid. It was tragic, but still hopeful and heartwarming. I really liked how we got to get a glimpse into the world of the Lunar Chronicles before Cinder was even introduced. 

Glitches: Oh my goodness. This was so sad, but so cute. I loved seeing how Cinder's life began after the surgeries. It was so fascinating to see the family dynamic of the Linh family before the plague struck.

The Queen's Army: Wow. This was one of my favorites. It was so fascinating to see who Wolf was before his transformation and after he was transformed. It's sick how Levana treated her people. This was just so good.

Carswell's Guide to Being Lucky: Oh my goodness. This was really fun too. It's so interesting to get the chance to see such a pivotal moment in Captain's life. I love him still.

The Keeper: Scarlet is probably one of my least favorite characters, but reading this novella gives me a new perspective to why she is like she is. I like her a little more, but I still don't like her as much as I like the other characters. 

After Sunshine Passes By: Oh. My. Gosh. I love Cress. A precious bean who doesn't deserve any bad in her life. A literal sunshine.

The Princess and the Guard: Winter is such a strong character, but she's so misunderstood by the end of the book. Winter goes through so much, but she still remains so wholesome and good. She deserves the world.  It was also really nice to see Jacin before he became the hard guard- dude that he is. I loved his interactions and adoration for Winter. A wholesome duo. 

The Mechanic: This was honestly probably my least favorite of the novellas. I understand why so many enjoy this novella - Kai is beautiful and lovely and deserves the world - but I wish that this had been a retelling from his perspective and a different scene. It just didn't feel so different from the actual scene. 

Something Old, Something New: This was my favorite by far. AAAAH it almost made me cry. I am so happy with this ending. I wish that there was another wedding novella to follow this one, but I'm so happy with this novella! I want more!

Favorite of the series: Cinder or Winter
Favorite romantic pairing: either Cress and Thorne or Cinder and Kai
Favorite character: Cinder or Cress
Favorite non-romantic relationship: Thorne and Iko

What's your favorite of the series? Let's discuss in the comments!

Happy reading!
Olivia
~ Liv the Book Nerd ~

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June 2019 Reading Wrap Up + Mini Reviews

Okay, guys!

I've read so many freaking books this month. It's honestly so bizarre that I've done so much reading the past two months. Perks of working part-time and having the summer off from school I suppose. I really really love the books that I read this month. It was just such a fun reading month. Let's jump into it! 

Reading Stats:

Total Number of Books/Things Read: 20

Number of Novellas:2 

Number of Rereads: 6

Number of Graphic Novels: 6

Adult: 3

YA: 9

Middle Grade: 5

DNFs: 1

Circe by Madeline Miller

4.75 stars 

read physically and through Audible

This was such a fantastic book. It's definitely going to be one of my favorites of the year. This is the sort of feminist novel that I didn't know that I needed. Circe is such a fascinating, strong, and powerful character. Her development throughout the book was so addicting to watch and I just love her so much. The focus on her growth, her story, and her power was just so fabulous. When she first had her child, the focus and narration surrounding her first two years of motherhood were just so spot on. I'm not a mother -- full disclosure. However, I'm the eldest sibling (kind of, my sister is 1 minute older -- so whatever), so I understand how hard being a mother is. When my mom first started working full time, I had to pick up the slack of helping with the kiddos. 

This book is just so phenomenal. Click {here} for my review!

Fangirl & Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

5 stars

read physically

Two of my all time favorites! These books are just automatic five stars. I was honestly so scared that I wouldn't enjoy these as much, but they absolutely lived up to the hype. 

I'll have a re-read review up soon!

Here are my original reviews!

{Fangirl}

{Carry On}

Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

4.9 stars

read physically

Another new favorite! Margaret Rogerson did not disappoint! This was so freaking magical and beautiful. I honestly want to reread it and tab it up. It was honestly just so phenomenal and well done. I love Margaret Rogerson's books so much!

Full review to come!

Made You Up by Francesca Zappia

4 stars

read physically

This was the only book that I managed to read for the Buzzword-A-Thon, but I'm really happy that I read it. Francesca Zappia is such a wonderful writer and I absolutely adore this story. The main character, Alex, struggles with schizophrenia and the hallucinations that result from her disorder. With her schizophrenia, Alex's perception causes her to be an unreliable narrator. I really loved that perspective. She's so scattered and confused and scared -- while I feel terrible that she has to deal with those experiences, it allows me to learn something new and empathize with her more easily. This book was so good. I cannot wait to read more from Zappia. 

Full review to come.

Click {here} for my review for Eliza and Her Monsters.

Courtney's review for Made You Up {click}

Saga #54 by Fiona Staples and Brian K. Vaughan

5 stars

read through Hoopla 

One day during the middle of the month, I decided that I wanted to torture myself and read the last bit of the Saga series because I missed the series. Instead, I made myself cry and I almost threw my phone across the room. This series is phenomenal and I cannot wait for more to come out. I need it.

Volume 1

Volume 2

Volume 3

Volumes 4-9 

Cress (The Lunar Chronicles #3) by Marissa Meyer

4.8 stars

read via audio through Hoopla 

Aaaaah! Cress is probably one of my favorite additions to the Lunar Chronicles series. Before I did this series reread, it was my favorite. I'll discuss more of that once my series review is up. 

Fairest (The Lunar Chronicles #3.5) by Marissa Meyer

4.5 stars

read via audio through Hoopla 

Of all of the Lunar Chronicles books, this was one that I hadn't read. I'm really glad that I read it though. It was awesome to get some back story on Levana, Winter, and Selene. It definitely added to the story and gave it an extra layer of depth. 

How To Read by Kwame Alexander and Melissa Sweet

 3 stars

e-ARC provided via publisher

This was such a lovely picture book. I loved the poetry and how the art contributed to the story that the poem told. This is going to be a favorite amongst the young children of the world. This is so great for kids.

{DNF} The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory

no rating

read physically

I just really could not get into this book. I didn't like the characters, the plot, the conflict. I just wasn't a fan at all. I DNF'd this around 145 pages in.

99 Percent Mine by Sally Thorne

3 stars

read physically 

This just wasn't it. I've been anticipating Sally Thorne's sophomore novel ever since I read The Hating Game. I even pre-ordered it. However, this story was just so bland and boring. I was semi-entertained for the majority of the time, but I hardly liked Darcy, Tom was just bleh, and their romance was just so forced and annoying. I liked the concept and the themes surrounding family, change, and sibling relationships -- but it just wasn't done well. This was just so scattered. I feel like the pressure was too intense for Thorne. This was kind of a flop.

Winter (The Lunar Chronicles #4) by Marissa Meyer

4.8

read via audio through Hoopla

Another Lunar Chronicles reread. This was so much fun to listen to. I loved being with these characters and seeing the story wrap up. Marissa Meyer is so wondeful.

Steven Universe and the Crystal Gems #1-4 by Josceline Fenton, Rebecca Sugar, and Chrystin Garland

4.5 stars

read digitally through Hoopla

I loved this little volume. Steven Universe is one of my favorite shows and reading these graphic novels brings me so much joy. 

Wundersmith the Trials of Morrigan Crowe (Nevermoor #2) by Jessica Townsend

4.8 stars

AAAAH THIS BOOK! I'm still recovering from the wonderfulness of this story. I cannot wait for book 3. I need it! I'll have more cohesive thoughts in a review. Stay tuned!

Memento by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman 

5 stars

This was perfect and everything I needed from an Illuminae Files and AIDEN back story. I cannot wait to get back to Obsideo.

Steven Universe: The Ultimate Dough Down by Talya Perpa, Rebecca Sugar, Meg Omac, and Lorena Alvarez Gomez

4.75 stars

read digitally through Hoopla

This was so cute. I love Steven Universe so much and this was just so wholesome and wonderful. I love the focus on Sadie's character and her feelings surrounding Lars' absence. 

Steven Universe: Camp Pining Play by Rebecca Sugar

5 stars

read digitally through Hoopla

This was so much fun. This volume focused on Peridot and Lapis and their relationship. I just need more wholesome stories about them. I love them so much.

Steven Universe and the Crystal Gems (#1-4) by Josceline Fenton, Rebecca Sugar, and Chrystin Garland

4 stars

read digitally through Hoopla

I'm such a massive fan of SU and this volume was just so wholesome and great. I honestly don't know what order to read these comics (thank you Goodreads). If you love the show, you'll love the comics.

The Tea Dragon Festival by Katie O'Neill

5 stars

e-ARC provided via NetGalley

This was such a lovely and perfect little story. I absolutely adore everything about this story, the art style, the plot, and the characters. The representation in this book was so freaking wonderful! Wonderfully done! I loved learning more and more about the world of dragons and tea dragons. I'm so in love with this world. I hardcore recommend this book to anyone who loves whimsical, lovely, soft stories. Everything by Katie O'Neill is perfect so far.

Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer

4.5 stars

More Than We Can Tell by Brigid Kemmerer

4.75 stars

Letters to the Lost was such a freaking fantastic contemporary romance. Declan and Juliet are such fascinating characters and I loved their love story and I couldn't put this book down. Kemmerer has a way of creating a cast of characters that you absolutely root for and hope for. This book was so addicting and I wish that I had more from these characters. I'm so freaking glad that Brigid wrote More Than We Can Tell. SO GOOD!

More Than We Can Tell is one of the best contemporaries I've read all year. I didn't think it could live up to the awesomeness that was Letters To the Lost, but oh my gosh it did. Rev is such a wonderful, complex, soft boy. His story was so compelling and I couldn't put it down. Emma was just wow. So realistic, so smart, so complex...I love her. As their stories intertwined, I just fell in love. I have so many feelings that aren't fully manageable. This book was so emotional and perfect. 

Go the Fuck to Sleep by Adam Mansbach (narrated by Samuel L. Jackson)

3 stars

the reading is 4 stars

read via audio through YouTube

Alex pulled this up on his phone on a quick little car ride and I was completely shook. The audiobook is narrated by Samuel L. Jackson and he just hit every line perfectly. This book is definitely not for kids, but it's a satirical play on the classic bed time stories that they love so much. This is a really fun book for parents and siblings of younger siblings.

What's your favorite book that you read in June?
Happy reading!
Olivia

~Liv the Book Nerd~

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