2021 Reading Wrap Up

Hey, all!

It's been a hot minute since I've been able to post, but I hope you forgive me. If you've been keeping track of my bookish shenanigans on Instagram, you'll know that I've contracted some sort of cold that has transformed itself into a sinus infection. The last week of 2021 was very strange and I had a hard time even reading my current reads. 

In 2021, I read 115 books, graphic novels, manga volumes, and short stories. 

Number of Pages Read:  33,143

Number of Books Read: 115

Number of Books DNF'd: 7

My 2020 average rating: 4.0 stars

Shortest Book: Leave the Window Open by V.E. Schwab (9 pages)

Longest Book: A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas (757 pages)

Average book length: 288 pages

  

Most popular: The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (1,512,912 people shelved on Goodreads)

Least popular: So You Want to Be A Viking by Georgia Amson-Bradshaw, Takayo Akiyama, and John Haywood (66 people have shelved on Goodreads)

Highest Rated: A Royal Affair by V.E. Schwab (4.68 average on Goodreads)

 J A N U A R Y  reads:

• Princess Princess Ever After by Katie O'Neill
• How the Dukes Stole Christmas by Tessa Dare, Joanna Shupe, Sophie Jordan, and Sarah MacLean
• Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade
• Check Please Book 2: Sticks & Scones by Ngozi Ukazu
• Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco
• Mating the Huntress by Talia Hibbert
• Aru Shah and the Song of Death by Roshani Chokshi
• The Fairy Tale Detectives (Sisters Grimm #1) by Michael Buckley
• The Unusual Suspects (Sisters Grimm #2) by Michael Buckley
• The Problem Child (Sisters Grimm #3) by Michael Buckley
• Once Upon a Crime (Sisters Grimm #4) by Michael Buckley
• Desperate Measures (Wicked Villains #1 ) by Katee Robert
• We Hunt the Flame (Sands of Arawiya #1) by Hafsah Faizal
• Heartstopper Volume 2 by Alice Oseman
• Lore Olympus Volume 1 by Rachel Smythe

F E B R U A R Y  reads:

• Bookish and the Beast (Once Upon a Con #3) by Ashley Oseman
• A Court of Mist & Fury (ACOTAR #1) by Sarah J. Maas
• A Court of Wings and Ruin (ACOTAR #3) by Sarah J. Maas

M A R C H  reads: 

• A Court of Frost & Starlight (ACOTAR #3.5) by Sarah J. Maas
• A Court of Silver Flames (ACOTAR #4) by Sarah J. Maas
• Into the Heartless Wood by Joanna Ruth Meyer

A P R I L  reads

• A Deadly Education (The Scholomance #1) by Naomi Novik
• The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
• Only When Its Us by Chloe Liese
• The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson
• Seance Tea Party by Reimena Yee
• Pilu of the Woods by Mai K. Nguyen
• The Black Bull of Norroway (Norroway #1) by Cat and Kit Seaton
• The Queen of the High Mountain (Norroway #2) by Cat and Kit Seaton
• DNF- These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong

M A Y reads:

- The Witch Boy by Molly Knox Ostertag

- My Hero Academia Volume 1 by Kohei Horikoshi

- Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert 

- Heartstopper Volume 3 by Alice Oseman

- The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

- Norse Mythology Volume 1 by Neil Gaiman & P. Craig Russell

- DNF -- All the Stars & Teeth by Adalyn Grace

- Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli & Aisha Saeed

- Well Played by Jen DeLuca

- First Kill by V.E. Schwab 

- A Royal Affair by V.E. Schwab

- Rhapsodic by Lauren Thalassa 

- DNF-- Sabriel by Garth Nix

- Hurricane Summer by Asha Bromfield

J U N E reads:

- The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen

- Heartstopper Volume 4 by Alice Oseman

- One Last Stop by Casey McQuinston

- All the Feels by Olivia Dade

- A Quick and Easy Guide to Queer & Trans Identities by Mady and Jules Zuckerberg

- DNF - Meet Cute Diary by Emery Lee

- So You Want To Be A Viking by Georgia Amson-Bradshaw, Takayo Akiyama, & John Haywood

- Witchy by Ariel Slamet Ries

- The Sprite and the Gardener by Rii Abrego & Joe Whitt

- Neon Gods by Katee Robert

- Spy x Family Volume 1 by Tatsuya Endo

J U L Y reads:

- Stealing Thunder by Alina Boyden
- A Sky Beyond the Storm (Ember in the Ashes #4) by Sabaa Tahir
- Dream Daddy: A Daddy Dating Comic Book (#1-5) by Leighton Gray, Vernon Shaw, Wendy Xu, Lee C.A., C. Spike Trotman, Josh Trujillo, Ryan Maniulit, Jack Gross, Jarrett Williams, Drew Green, D.J. Kirkland, Matt Herms, Reed Black, Jeremy Lawson, & Kris Anka
- Bridge of Souls (Cassidy Blake #3) by Victoria Schwab

- This Savage Song (Monsters of Verity #1) by Victoria Schwab
- Wynd by James Tynion IV and Michael Dialynas
- The Archived (The Archived #1) by Victoria Schwab
- Lightfall by Tim Probert
- The Unbound (The Archived #2) by Victoria Schwab
- Leave the Window Open (The Archived #2.5) by Victoria Schwab
- Catwoman Soulstealer: The Graphic Novel by Sarah J. Maas, Louise Simonson, and Samantha Dodge
- Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger

A U G U S T reads:

- The Night Swim by Megan Goldin
- The Unraveling of Cassidy Holmes by Elissa R. Sloan
- The Unraveling of Cassidy Holmes by Elissa R. Sloan
- Spy x Family Volume 2 by Tatsuya Endo
- Spy x Family Volume 3 by Tatsuya Endo
- Spy x Family Volume 4 by Tatsuya Endo
- Spy x Family Volume 5 by Tatsuya Endo
- The Way of the Househusband Volume 1 by Kousuke Oonu and translated by Sheldon Drzka
- Our Dark Duet (Monsters of Verity #2) by Victoria Schwab
- Isn't It Bromantic (Bromance Book Club #4) by Lyssa Kay Adams
- DNF - Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco

 

S E P T E M B E R reads

- The Girl from the Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag

- The Way of the Househusband Volume 2 by Kousuke Oonu and translated by Sheldon Drzka

- The Way of the Househusband Volume 3 by Kousuke Oonu and translated by Sheldon Drzka
- The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
- The Way of the Househusband Volume 4 by Kousuke Oonu and translated by Sheldon Drzka
- DNF - Hot and Badgered by Shelly Larenston
- Slaughter House-Five (the graphic novel) by Kurt Vonnegut and Ryan North
- A Touch of Darkness (Hades x Persephone #1) by Scarett St. Clair
- Animal Farm the Graphic Novel by Odry and George Orwell
- It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey - ARC
- The Way of the Househusband Volume 5 by Kousuke Oonu and translated by Sheldon Drzka
- The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix

O C T O B E R reads

- Nevernight (The Nevernight Chronicles #1) by Jay Kristoff
- Vicious (Villians #1) by V.E. Schwab 
- Warm Up (Villians # 1.5) by V.E. Schwab
- Home Before Dark by Riley Sager
- Blue Flag Volume 1 by Kaito
- Saint Young Men Omnibus #1 by Hikaru Nakamura
- Vengeful (Villians #2) by V.E. Schwab
- Extraordinary (#0) by V.E. Schwab
- This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal E.E. Mohtar and May Gladstone
- Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune
- Manfried the Man by Caitlin Major
- For the Wolf by Hannah Whitten
- DNF - The Final Revival of Opal and Nev by Dawnie Walton
- Saved by the Lumberjack by Kori Hart

N O V E M B E R reads

- From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
- Morning Glory Milking Farm by C.M. Nascosta
- The Mabon Feast by C.M. Nascosta
- The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
- Any Way the Wind Blows (Simon Snow #3) by Rainbow Rowell

D E C E M B E R reads

- Caste Heaven Volume 1 by Chise Ogawa
- Vampironica Volume 1 by Greg Smallwood
- King of Battle and Blood by Scarlett St. Clair
- The Last Graduate by Naomi Novik
- Dekoboko Sugar Days Volume 1 by Atsuko Yusen
- A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson
- Heartstopper: Become Human by Alice Oseman
- BL Metamorphosis Volume 1 by Kaori Tsurutani
- BL Metamorphosis Volume 2 by Kaori Tsurutani
- BL Metamorphosis Volume 3 by Kaori Tsurutani
- BL Metamorphosis Volume 4 by Kaori Tsurutani
- Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe
- Snow, Glass, Apples by Neil Gaiman & Colleen Doran
- The Girl From the Other Side Volume 1 by Nagabe
- The King's Spinster Bride by Ruby Dixon 

What did you read this year and what stood out to you? Let's discuss in the comments! Happy New Year! Stay tuned for my favorites from 2021!

Olivia

Liv the Book Nerd

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{Review} King of Blood & Battle by Scarlett St. Clair

 

Page Count:  368

Publisher: Bloom Books

Published on: November 30, 2021

Genres: new adult fantasy, paranormal

Amazon // Indie Bound // Barnes & Noble // Better World Books

Content Warnings: does contain some sexual/spicy scenes, death, gore, blood depictions, war themes, murder

Rating: 5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

Their Union Is His Revenge.

Isolde de Lara considers her wedding day her death day. To end a years-long war, she is to marry vampire king, Adrian Aleksandr Vasiliev, and kill him. ⠀

But her assassination attempt is thwarted and Adrian threatens that if Isolde tries kill him again, he will raise her as the undead. Faced with the possibility of becoming the thing she hates most, Isolde seeks other ways to defy him and survive the brutal vampire court. ⠀

Except it isn’t the court she fears most—it’s Adrian. Despite their undeniable chemistry, she wonders why the king——fierce, savage, merciless—chose her as consort. ⠀

The answer will shatter her world.

~~~~

“All of the stars in the sky are not as bright as my love for you.”

This book really did it for me. I was absolutely obsessed with the writing style, the characters, their chemistry, the world, the conflict -- everything. It ticked all of the boxes for me and I just so thoroughly enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down. I didn't want to put it down. It took over all of my thoughts until I could finish it. Now it's over and I'm in agony and I want the next book. This is why I end up waiting two months to read my most anticipated releases. I'm always blown away and then I don't have the sequel. It's a curse!

Looking back, there were bits that weren't done as much to my liking, but I really didn't mind it at all. It didn't take me out of the story and I didn't really notice it while I was reading. Those moments just kinda popped into my mind as an afterthought as a way of saying "Hm, maybe if it was executed like this, the moment or writing would have blown me away even more!" In the end, I didn't enjoy the big twist because I felt like the concept and hints were introduced too far toward the end. However, I think the trope that was introduced is just something that I'm not all that impressed by. It's mainly me because anyone else that I talked to agreed that it was hinted toward too far into the story, but they love how it turned out nonetheless. Even though I didn't fully 100% love the twist, it didn't stop me from enjoying the story. It's just my preference for tropes.  

Let's discuss Adrian and Isolde because I just adored them from their first interaction. They gave me the vibes from some of my favorite fictional couples and I am so into it. Adrian and Isolde were so passionate and their chemistry was so well done. 

I also really loved the vampire mythology that St. Clair took the bits and pieces from to make this world. They're not overly sentimental and sparkly. They're capable of so much cruelty and violence that reminds me of the Dracula stories and various blood-sucker lore found in European history. I loved it. 

This summer, I read St. Clair's first book in her Hades x Persephone series, Touch of Darkness and I was honestly underwhelmed. King of Battle and Blood completely redeemed her writing for me. I'm definitely going to be giving the rest of the Hades x Persephone series a chance. I need it all. 

I cannot recommend this book enough. You definitely need to give it a try. It was so addicting and exactly what I needed. 

Happy reading!

Olivia

Liv the Book Nerd

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{Review} From Blood & Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Page Count:  454

Publisher: Blue Box Press

Published on: March 30, 2020

Genres: new adult fantasy, paranormal

Amazon // Indie Bound // Barnes & Noble // Better World Books

Content Warnings: does contain some sexual/spicy scenes, death, gore, talk of losing a child, kidnapping, loss of a loved one, mention of suicide, assault, physical abuse, blood depictions, mentions of rape, anxiety depictions, war themes, and self-harm for the acquisition of blood

Rating: 4.5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

A Maiden…

Chosen from birth to usher in a new era, Poppy’s life has never been her own. The life of the Maiden is solitary. Never to be touched. Never to be looked upon. Never to be spoken to. Never to experience pleasure. Waiting for the day of her Ascension, she would rather be with the guards, fighting back the evil that took her family, than preparing to be found worthy by the gods. But the choice has never been hers.

A Duty…

The entire kingdom’s future rests on Poppy’s shoulders, something she’s not even quite sure she wants for herself. Because a Maiden has a heart. And a soul. And longing. And when Hawke, a golden-eyed guard honor bound to ensure her Ascension, enters her life, destiny and duty become tangled with desire and need. He incites her anger, makes her question everything she believes in, and tempts her with the forbidden.

A Kingdom…

Forsaken by the gods and feared by mortals, a fallen kingdom is rising once more, determined to take back what they believe is theirs through violence and vengeance. And as the shadow of those cursed draws closer, the line between what is forbidden and what is right becomes blurred. Poppy is not only on the verge of losing her heart and being found unworthy by the gods, but also her life when every blood-soaked thread that holds her world together begins to unravel.

 

~ ~ ~

Hey, guys!

This book has been on my radar for so long. Back in high school I really enjoyed reading JLA's Lux series. However, I when tried to reread them after graduating from high school, they just didn't live up to the hype. I never did finish that series and I don't really think I'll ever get to it. The writing wasn't my favorite and I really lost interest in the fates of the characters. I was really worried that this would be the case with FBAA.

I originally was going to read this with Crystal @crystalsbookishlife when she was hosting a buddy read back September of 2020. Needless to say, it was a flop for me. I wasn't in the mood and I couldn't get into the storyline. I think I put it down around 22% through it.

This time, I was pushed by a friend IRL to read this book. I'm not sure what switch was flipped this second time around, but I was instantly hooked. I didn't want to put this book down. I spent the first week of November devouring it on my work breaks, the gaps I had between writing for #NaNoWriMo, and any other free time I could muster. If it tells you anything, within the first 100 pages, I decided to purchase books 2 & 3 for my collection and instantly dove into book 2 after finishing this one. I'm hooked!

This book isn't peak literature by any means. I still don’t think JLA’s style is 100% my favorite, but her writing has definitely improved. It’s so addicting. Granted, It's pretty predictable at some points, but it managed to completely shock me by the end. I think this series is really promising and I'm really glad I picked it up. If you love high fantasy setting with a paranormal romance, you definitely should check this one out. If you love spicy content in your romance, you’ll definitely be pleased. I definitely will be continuing on with this series ASAP. As I said before, I've already picked up book 2: A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire and I have book 3: The Crown of Gilded Bones on standby when AKOFF destroys me.

Let's discuss second chances in the comments! What book or books have you given a second chance? Did they work out or were they consistent flops for what you wanted to read?

Other Reviews for JLA books:*

• Obsidian: 4 stars
• Onyx: 4 stars
• Opal: 3 stars
• Wicked: 4 stars

*Please know that these reviews were written when I was still in high school. I'm sure my thoughts and processes have changed since then. I do not ever plan on rereading or continuing with the Lux series because I felt the writing was quite lackluster. I really enjoyed Wicked and plan on rereading someday. When I read back on my review, I didn't remember nearly enough of what the actual book was about, but I cracked myself up with my comments. Of all the JLA books, Wicked is probably my favorite from high school. In my head, it's worthy of 5 stars. The Lux books are 3 stars when I think back on them. But the reviews posted are my immediate thoughts after finishing them. It's just really interesting to think back on what you thought after -- 6 years. How time flies!

Also, the Lux books were some of the first reviews I ever posted on Liv the Book Nerd, so that's pretty special and nostalgic for me. Hope you enjoy teen-Olivia's thoughts!

Happy reading!

Olivia

Liv the Book Nerd

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July & August Reading Wrap Up

Hello hello!

While I've been away from the blog, I've managed to nearly finish the plans for my wedding, finished up a manuscript editing gig (second rounds will begin once edits are complete - yay!), I've dropped down my hours at my full-time gig, and started back at my old library job (with a raise and a staff-position!). Alex and I have also gone through some weird changes - he has a full time job teaching English to high school students, we somehow lost the apartment we had been planning on living in, and we've found another to apply to. Throughout it all, I've also managed to read 21 books and graphic novels. 

These past two months have been really bad when it comes to focusing on physical books. My brain has had a hard time focusing on anything but everything else going on around me. Hopefully, after the wedding I will be able to buckle down on this blog, my Instagram (follow @livthebooknerd), and maybe start up a TikTok? (Follow @livthebooknerd on there too!)

J U L Y reads:

Stealing Thunder by Alina Boyden

Rating: 2 stars

When I first started Stealing Thunder, I was obsessed. It had such a great start, but as I kept getting further into the story, I just wasn't a fan. I don't think I'll be continuing with the sequel. I just did not enjoy this book. Full review to come!

A Sky Beyond the Storm (Ember in the Ashes #4) by Sabaa Tahir

Rating: 4.5 stars

What an excellent ending. The only reason I didn't give this book the full 5 stars was because I just felt like there was something missing. This is wholly on me. There wasn't anything wrong with the book. I definitely cried at a couple points, but I just can't pinpoint why it wasn't 5 stars for me. Definitely read this series!

Dream Daddy: A Daddy Dating Comic Book (#1-5) by Leighton Gray, Vernon Shaw, Wendy Xu, Lee C.A., C. Spike Trotman, Josh Trujillo, Ryan Maniulit, Jack Gross, Jarrett Williams, Drew Green, D.J. Kirkland, Matt Herms, Reed Black, Jeremy Lawson, & Kris Anka

3 stars

What a hilarious read! This collection of short stories in graphic novel form introduced you to so many great dads! I'll definitely be keeping out an eye for more from this series. The various art styles were so much fun and each of the stories were so compelling. I do believe I read this one in one sitting. 

Bridge of Souls (Cassidy Blake #3) by Victoria Schwab

Rating: 5 stars

Once again, Victoria Schwab can do no wrong. This was such an excellent finale to such an addicting middle grade series. I absolutely adore Cassidy Blake. She's such a relatable and fun main character and heroine. Her continued story was so much fun to experience. I had the pleasure of listening to all three of the books in the trilogy and I cannot recommend that medium enough. The focus on friendship in these books is so lovely and the spooky elements are just perfectly executed. 

This Savage Song (Monsters of Verity #1) by Victoria Schwab

Rating: 4.5 stars

TW: parental neglect and abuse, violence, blood

While this isn't my favorite of Victoria Schwab's, I'm still absolutely obsessed. Who's surprised? This book was so different from what I've read before. The world building, the characterization, and the conflict were structured and executed so unlike any other book I've read. Naturally, it had the best qualities that come from a Schwab novel (addicting worlds, interesting power dynamics, unconventional relationships, and morally gray situations and people), but this story was lyrical, dark, and sometimes incredibly hard to read.  Since finishing this book, I haven't been able to leave the world she's created. Having my own little VE/Victoria Schwab reading marathon was probably the best thing I could have done for my reading habits and my mental health.

Wynd by James Tynion IV and Michael Dialynas

Rating: 2 stars

I had the hardest time actually getting through this book. I have no recollection of what it's even about. I just remember enjoying the color scheme? I'm not sure. Just entirely forgettable and I won't be continuing on with the series.

The Archived (The Archived #1) by Victoria Schwab

Rating: 5 stars

TW: violence, mental abuse, death of a loved one

This was so excellent. Schwab did a great job of setting up the twists, creating a whole new facet to death and the afterlife and history, and I love the mystery and darkness that permeated this story. Now, there WAS a love triangle; but that’s just a product of the time. 2013…whatcha gunna do? It wasn’t all that bad either. I love Wes & Mac. I think their part of the love triangle was deliciously angsty and not all that romantic. It was more for them to actually make a friend that they can be wholly honest with. A partner. I thought that was lovely.

Lightfall by Tim Probert

Rating: 3 stars

This was also pretty forgettable, but I remember way more than I do of Wynd. This story had such an adorable art style. I really enjoyed the characters and the beginnings of the story it established. I had wished for more from it, but I'm more likely to continue with this series. It picked up toward the end.

The Unbound (The Archived #2) by Victoria Schwab

Rating: 4 stars

TW: self harm, PTSD, assault

Wow. This book was so powerful and so hard to read at the same time. I think that this book really suffered from second-book-syndrome -- but also not really? This book wasn't different from The Archived, but it was slower paced, Mackenzie was more in her head, and there wasn't as much action I would say. It was excellent -- that's for sure -- but I really wish that Schwab had been able to get a third book published. You're really left wanting more  -- that cliff hanger! Maybe if this book becomes more popular, her publisher would let her write the end of M's story. 

Leave the Window Open (The Archived #2.5) by Victoria Schwab

Rating: 5 stars

This was just a little short story from Wesley's perspective. It was absolutely perfect and it just made me want to know more about the events following The Unbound. I neeeed it!

Catwoman Soulstealer: The Graphic Novel by Sarah J. Maas, Louise Simonson, and Samantha Dodge

Rating: no stars

This was just incredibly boring, badly thought out, and badly executed. You can definitely tell that SJM was on a time crunch and maybe lacked passion for her subject? I see so many wonderful elements that can lead to a great time, but those elements weren't exactly true to Catwoman's story. I don't know. I just really wasn't into this at all. 

Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger

Rating: 5 stars

This book was absolutely phenomenal. I cannot wait to read more from Darcie Little Badger. This had everything I wanted and needed. Paranormal vibes, ghosts, queer rep, Apache representation, whimsically atmospheres, darkness(!), an alternate, magical United States setting, compelling characters -- this book was absolutely everything and is everything to me. This will be one of those books that I push into the hands of anyone who vaguely wants something magical or wants anything that even remotely relates. Read. This. Book.

A U G U S T reads

The Night Swim by Megan Goldin

Rating: 4.5 stars

This was an excellent read. I switched back and forth between the audio and the physical formats, but I primarily stuck with the audio. This book is written in both the prose format and in the style of a true-crime podcast. The audio was so well produced and the narrator was just so talented at differentiating voices and the performance aspects of the story. If you love books that focus on relevant and hard hitting topics, you definitely need to give this a read.

TW/CW: battery, assault, rape, threats of violence & death, blood, threats of rape, sexism, and neglect

The Unraveling of Cassidy Holmes by Elissa R. Sloan

Rating: 4 stars

This was such a fascinating read. I'm so curious about the behind-the-scenes aspects of Hollywood and stardom. This book essentially looks at the dark side of fame in the 1990s and into current times. The book follows a very Spice Girls-esque girl group as they grow into their fame and stardom. The book begins as one of their members, Cassidy, is found dead from suicide. The story flashes back and forth between present day, the moments in the past that led the girls to rise of the girl band, and the moments that caused their band to disband. I couldn't put this book down. It was really dark at times, really hopeful during others, but it was just so addicting. I didn't want to put this book down for one moment.

Spy x Family Volume 2-5 by Tatsuya Endo

Ratings:

Volumes 2 - 4: 4 stars

Volume 5: 3 stars

I'm already so addicted to this manga series. It's so entertaining and the dynamics between the characters are so much fun to read about. If you love spies, assassins, and mind-readers -- you have to check out this series. I can't get enough of it.

The Way of the Househusband Volume 1 by Kousuke Oonu and translated by Sheldon Drzka

Rating: 5 stars

I'm obsessed. Everyone needs to read this manga series. I didn't expect to find new manga favorites, but now I have found 2 in August. What a world. Read this! And when you're finished, the first few episodes are on Netflix and cover the first couple of volumes. It's amazing!

Our Dark Duet (Monsters of Verity #2) by Victoria Schwab

Rating: 4 stars

This was a painful ending. It was definitely bittersweet. While I didn't enjoy this as much as This Savage Song -- the pacing was different and a bit slower for me -- I still really liked how it wrapped up. 

TW/CW: PTSD, violence, gore, death, cancer, loss of loved one(s)

Isn't It Bromantic (Bromance Book Club #4) by Lyssa Kay Adams

Rating: 4 stars

This is definitely the best of Adams' Bromance Book Club books out so far. Wow. Just so excellent. If you've loved The Russian in the first three books, you have to read this one. I just adore him so much. Elena I could give or take, but I really enjoyed how their romance and relationship grew. I just didn't really enjoy how long it took them to use their words. The amount of time that it took them to get past the miscommunication trope was just a bit much for me (hence the 4-star rating). 

Tropes: marriage of convenience, childhood friends, book within a book

Well, it's taken me months to just finish this wrap up, so stay tuned for another coming soon!

I'm officially married and moved into my place, so now I'll actually have time to write about books! Let's go!

Also, I'm 24 now. How wild!

Happy reading!

Olivia

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