Valentine’s Day Book Tag

Happy Valentine’s Day!

As per tradition, I’ve decided to complete the Valentine’s Day Book Tag to round out my Blogentine’s Day line-up. This tag was created by CC’s Books. Here are my answers:

• Stand Alone Book that You Love

Book Lovers by Emily Henry was one of my favorite books last year. I really enjoy Emily Henry’s writing style and I thought Nora and Charlie, the love interests in this book, were very well matched.

• Dystopian Book You Love

Honestly, I have not read a dystopian in a really long time. I am afraid I do not have any dystopian books to love this Valentine’s Day. Let me know if there are any recent dystopian books that you loved in the comments!

• A Book You Love that No One Else Talks About

I didn’t necessarily love this book, but overall, I did like it. Josh and Gemma Make a Baby by Sarah Ready was my least shelved book on my Goodreads stats last year. Contemporary romance has become extremely popular this past year, so it does surprise me that I don’t really see it mentioned at all.

• Book Couple You Love

One book couple that I really loved during the past year were Aelin and Rowan from Throne of Glass. I loved watching their relationship grow and change throughout the series. Also, I thought they were a very well matched couple. I especially appreciated in the later novels how we get to see Rowan’s softer side towards Aelin.

• Book that Other People Love, but You Haven’t Read Yet

One book that other people loved, but I haven’t read yet is Lovelight Farms by B.K. Robinson. I heard a lot of positive reviews for this book during Christmas in 2022, but I didn’t pick it up before December ended. As a result, I put this book on my 24 books to read before 2024 list. This book seems to be about saving a Christmas tree farm so I look forward to read it during December this year.

• A Book with Red on the Cover

One book with a red cover on my TBR is Yours Truly by Abby Jiminez. I have read two books by Abby Jimenez and I’ve loved each of them so I am looking forward to her 2023 release. Yours Truly follows one of the side characters from Part of Your World, her 2022 releases which made it onto my favorites list for the year. Here’s to hoping that I will enjoy Yours Truly just as much!

• A Book with Pink on the Cover

One book with a pink cover which I read recently was Love & Other Words by Christina Lauren. While I didn’t love everything about this book, it was a pretty solid read for me at 3.5 half stars. I do prefer the pink cover of this book as opposed to the previous orange cover.

• You were given a box of chocolate. Which book boyfriend/girlfriend gave it to you?

One love interest who I think would give a box of chocolate is Lucas from The American Roommate Experiment. Overall, this book wasn’t my favorite. However, it did mention many, many times about Lucas making food for Rosie. Honestly, he’d probably turn the box of chocolate into a wonderful dessert!

• You are single on Valentine’s Day. What book do you read? What movie do you watch? What TV show do you watch?

One book that is on my TBR for February is The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren. I recently received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and I think it will be the perfect book to read around Valentine’s Day. This book is about a filmmaker who recruits a romance author to be the lead of a reality dating show.

• You are in a book store. All of a sudden you get shot with an arrow by cupid. What new release will you love?

One new release in 2023 that I’m hoping to love is Happy Place by Emily Henry. I’ve enjoyed her past two releases, The People We Meet on Vacation and Book Lovers, so I’m hoping to enjoy Happy Place just as much. To be honest, I’m not completely interested in the plot of this book, but if anyone can change my mind, it’s Emily Henry!

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Conversation Hearts Book Tag

In honor of Valentine’s Day coming up, I thought I would complete the Conversation book tag created by That Bookie on Youtube. In the video, she pulls out conversation hearts and chooses a book that relates. Since I don’t have any conversation hearts nearby, I decided to look up some phrases and create some of my own! Here are my answers:

One book that I Purchased recently based on the cover was Ice Breaker by Hannah Grace. I thought the cartoon cover was cute and I heard a lot of positive buzz surrounding the book. Unfortunately for me, I wasn’t a huge fan of Ice Breaker. For me, the plot wasn’t very well developed and it was a little too long for a contemporary book. While I do still think the cover it cute, I’m not a huge fan of romances that are just a series of cute moments strung together.

One love at first sight book that I enjoyed this past year was Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood. Typically, I don’t enjoy the miscommunication trope, but this book was a fun and easy read. Even though we don’t really get to see the love at first sight on page in this book, I still overall enjoyed the romance.

One group of friends which I enjoyed recently was the cast of characters from Throne of Glass. Many of these characters didn’t like each other when they initially met, but they grew to respect and fight for each other. The cast of characters and friendships in this book are one of the reasons which I loved this series so much.

I would love to have a conversation with Holly Black, the author of many popular faerie books. Recently, I have seen a few different interviews of Holly Black pop up on my TikTok and I really enjoyed how she described creating the world of Elfhame, particularly how she imagines the appearances of the faerie characters. I am also a huge fan of her writing style and I love how she describes different things in her books. I think she would love to her more about her writing and world-building process.

When I think of a musical character, I have to think of Colton Wheeler from A Very Merry Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams. Colton is a country singer, which typically isn’t my favorite genre. However, I really enjoyed him as a character in A Very Merry Bromance and he seems really proud of the direction which his music makes at the end of the novel.

While they aren’t my favorite couple ever from a book, I did believe by the end of the novel that they were soul mates. Since Love & Other Words has a dual timeline, readers really get to see how Macy and Elliot’s relationship develops and changes by the end of the year. At the end of a romance novel, you want to believe that the love interests will be together forever and I definitely believed that for Macy and Elliot.

Have a great Valentine’s Day! 

Taylor Swift Lover Book Tag

Taylor Swift’s Lover is the perfect album for Valentine’s Day, so it makes for the perfect book tag for Blogentine’s Day! This book tag was created by Nish and Ngoc.

• I Forgot That You Existed: A book that you want to forget you ever read

I don’t necessarily wish that I could forget this book, but a recent book which I didn’t like was Ice Breaker by Hannah Grace. I initially was interested in this book because of the cover and a lot of positive reviews which I saw on TikTok. However, for me, the plot of the book felt very disjointed with unmemorable characters. I also found that the synopsis of this book didn’t necessarily match the contents inside. Overall, it was a very disappointing and unenjoyable read for me.

• Cruel Summer: A book that you turn to when things get tough

If I’m ever in a reading slump, I usually pick up one of the books from the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. I really love the characters in that series, so it is definitely one of my comfort reads!

• The Man: Favorite female protagonist

A female protagonist who I enjoyed recently was Maria from Ship Wrecked by Olivia Dade. While I wasn’t extremely impressed with the book itself, I really liked Maria as a main character. Maria was outgoing, positive, and always stood up for herself. Throughout the book, Maria dealt with awful producers who attempted to shame her for her body and tried to make her change her body, but Maria always stood her ground.

• The Archer: A book with good mental health representation

As I mentioned earlier, Ice Breaker wasn’t one of my favorite reads, but there was one aspect which I did appreciate in the book. In Ice Breaker, the female main character is constantly criticized for her weight. While the text doesn’t explicitly state that she has an eating disorder, she does have a very unhealthy relationship with food. I think this book brought up a huge issue in women’s sports where women who excel at their sport are often criticized for their appearance, despite needing to eat healthily and maintain muscle in order to perform well in their sport.

• I Think He Knows: Favorite fictional crush

One love interest who stood out to me this past year was Daniel from Part of Your World by Abby Jiminez. Daniel was a patient and kind love interest who supported the female lead in becoming more independent. This was one of my favorite books of 2022 and the healthy relationship featured in this book was a huge factor in that decision.

• Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince: Favorite angsty romance

One angsty romance which I read recently was Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood. The miscommunication trope plays a large role in novels by Ali Hazelwood which causes a lot of angst to appear throughout her novels.

• Paper Rings: A book with an ugly cover that you absolutely adored

I’m actually not a huge fan of this series, but one series which I think needs an update for covers is the Off-Campus series. This series was published several years ago and it looks like it is still stuck there. Since this series has gained a lot of popularity in recent years due to TikTok, I think it would be a good idea to update the covers.

• Cornelia Street: A book or series you never want(ed) to end

One book that I never wanted to end was A Very Merry Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams. This was an unexpected five star read for me. I was a huge fan of the romance in this book and I loved the main couple featured. The Bromance Book Club books aren’t usually my favorite, but this book makes me want to read whatever Lyssa Kay Adams writes next!

• Death by A Thousand Cuts: A book or series that deserved a better ending

This is an oldie, but it is one that has stuck with me for years after reading. The Divergent series definitely went downhill for me after the first book and the ending of Allegiant just destroyed everything else that I liked about this book. While I appreciate Veronica Roth tried to write an ending that would stand out in a sea of YA dystopian at the same time, I dislike when an end of a series makes the rest of the series seem pointless. Unfortunately, that is how I felt at the end of the Divergent series after I finished reading it.

• London Boy: Your favorite British male protagonist

Although the Bridgerton books often have insufferable male love interests, I do enjoy how they change their characters to be less toxic in the show. Jonathan Bailey played an excellent Anthony Bridgerton in the show and it made me interested in watching other television shows and movies where he appears because he was such a strong actor for the role.

• Soon You’ll Get Better: A book that your heart will never recover from

I don’t typically read books that make me sad, but I wasn’t expecting Love & Other Words to be as emotional as it turned out to be. However, that was one aspect of Love & Other Words which I thought made it stand out for me.

• You Need to Calm Down: A book with a powerful message

Recently, I have been rereading the Lore Olympus series through the published book versions. One aspect of Lore Olympus which I really appreciate is how it tackles difficult subject matter in a thoughtful way. Additionally, I have always appreciated that Rachel Smythe gives warnings to this content at the beginning of the book in order to be mindful of readers who pick up her book.

• Afterglow: A book you want to give a second chance

It’s not that I want to give this book a second chance, but I do want to give this duology a chance for redemption after the first book. Recently, I read The Stolen Heir by Holly Black which is a duology taking place several years after The Cruel Prince series that follows Oak, Jude’s brother, and Lady Soren from The Court of Teeth. I had high expectations going into The Stolen Heir because I loved The Cruel Prince series so much. While The Stolen Heir wasn’t the worst book that I’ve ever read, it didn’t have the same magic as the original trilogy for me. That being said, I do plan to read the next book in the duology and I hope it is a little stronger than the first book.

• Me!: Best character development

One of my favorite character developments in a book is Manon from Throne of Glass. Due to her upbringing, Manon suppresses her emotions and doesn’t believe that she could ever love another person. A lot of pressure is placed on Manon to follow very rigid rules and orders, as there is a swift and brutal consequence for disobedience, so she will typically follows the rules set by her grandmother as opposed to her own heart. However, throughout the series, Manon slowly opens up to other people and begins to make her own choices, often due to her love for other people.

• It’s Nice to Have a Friend: Fave friends-to-lovers story

This isn’t necessarily my favorite friends-to-lovers romance, but I was impressed with how Love & Other Words was able to build such a successful friends-to-lovers romance through flashbacks. Typically, I am not a huge fan of dual timeline books. While I did have some other aspects of this book which I didn’t enjoy, I did think the scenes that readers get to see of the development of the relationship in book really reinforces that the main characters are soulmates, which is what I like to see in a romance book.

• Daylight: If you could read one book or series again and again, what would it be

If I could read one series again and again it would have to be A Court of Thorns and Roses. Like I mentioned earlier, I love the world and the character inside, so I could read it again and again without being bored.

New Year’s Resolutions Book Tag

Happy New Year! A new year equals a ton of new books to read and enjoy! Here are some of my book New Year’s Resolutions from the New Year’s Resolutions Book Tag:

• An Author that you’d like to read that you’ve never read before

One new-tome author that I would like to read in 2023 is Carley Fortune. In 2022, Fortune released Every Summer After which was extremely popular on social media. The plot of this book sounds like one which I would enjoy, so I am hoping to pick this book up as well as her 2023 release, Meet Me at the Lake, this year.

• A book you’d like to read

This year, I created a list titled 24 Books that I Would Like to Read by 2024 of boos previously released and books to be released in 2024 which I would like to read. One book on my list is Happy Place by Emily Henry. Over the past couple years, Emily Henry has become an auto-buy contemporary romance author for me, as I really enjoyed The People We Meet on Vacation and Book Lovers.

• A classic you’d like to read

Realistically, I do not think I will be reading a classic this year. When I pick books to read for fun, I’m not usually picking a classic book.

• A book you’d like to re-read

One book that I would like to re-read this year is the rest of the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. I reread the first two books in this series during 2022, so I would like to read the last two books and the novella again during 2023.

• A book you’ve had for ages and want to read

One book that I’ve had for a couple years and would like to read is In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren. I have put this one off because I haven’t enjoyed many new releases by this author duo in recent years and, from the description, I can expect that this book may have some tropes which I don’t typically like to read. However, I did include this on my 24 Books to Read Before 2024 list as I do want to read this book when December rolls around this year.

• A big book you’d like to read

This year I don’t have any massive books on my list, I think I covered that a lot in 2023 with reading a lot of Sarah J. Maas books. However, one big book that I have always had my eye on is Priory of an Orange Tree by Shannon Hale. The size of this book definitely intimidates me, but I have heard many positive reviews and I think it could be fun to read in 2023.

• An author that you’ve previously read and want to read more of

One author that I expect to read again in 2023 is Tessa Bailey. This year, she will be releasing a new duology set in a vineyard, which reminds me a lot of her Bellinger sisters duology. That duology was only average to me, but I really love how fun her books are to read, so I definitely see myself picking up her new releases in 2023.

• A book you got for Christmas and would like to read

I did not get any books for Christmas this year! That being said, I did buy Volume Three of Lore Olympus the day after Christmas when I was shopping during after Christmas sales. This book is on my 24 Books to Read Before 2024 list, so I would like to read it before the end of the year.

• A series you want to read from start to finish

One of my book goals for this year is to read three graphic novels. I plan on reading the Lore Olympus series, which currently has four books released in print form. I did read some of this series when it was released on WebToon, however, I am excited to read the print series as it contains some bonus scenes. While my goal is to read at least three graphic novels this year, I don’t think that it would be unrealistic to read the four printed volumes of this series.

• A series you want to finish that you’ve already started

Technically only one books will be released this year from the duology, but I would like to continue The Cruel Prince series by reading the first book in the companion series, The Stolen Heir. On my 24 Books to Read Before 2024 list, I also have How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories, which is also apart of this series. I loved The Cruel Prince series when it was originally released, so I’m excited to read more books set in this world.

• Do you set reading goals? If so, how many books do you want to read in 2023?

This year, I did set a few reading goals in my Reading Goals for 2023 post. This year, I would like to read at least 36 books (I read 38 books in 2022 with a goal of 24 books).

• Any other reading goals?

Some of my other reading goals are: I want to read three previously purchased books, three graphic novels, and I would like to visit my local library in-person more frequently.

What are your bookish reading resolutions?

The Christmas Joy Book Tag

On the twentieth day of Christmas, a book reviewer gave to me… the Christmas Joy Book Tag!

• Anticipation: The Christmas excitement is real, what book release(s) are you most anticipating?

Recently, I posted about my most anticipated book releases for 2023. On my list, one book that I was really excited for was Happy Place byEmily Henry. I absolutely loved The People We Meet on Vacation and Book Lovers, so I’m hoping to enjoy Happy Place just as much as those books. Happy Place is about a couple who broke up months ago, but never told their friends. As a result, they decide to pretend to be a couple at an annual summer trip. I mentioned in my post how I don’t typically like books where the couple was previously together because I really enjoy reading about a couple falling in love for the first time. However, if any author can convince me to change my mind, it would be Emily Henry.

• Christmas Songs & Carols: What book or author can you not help but want to sing about?

During my annual Brittany Awards, I talked about some of my favorite books/authors of the year. One book that I mentioned was A Very Merry Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams. The Bromance Book Club series has been hit-or-miss for me, but A Very Merry Bromance is easily my favorite of the lot. I love when romance book scenes build upon each other where every interaction between the main characters makes them question their ideas of love as opposed to a collection of cute scenes/situations throughout the novel. A Very Merry Bromance excelled in creating love interests who were equally interesting and well-matched.

• Gingerbread Houses: What book or series has wonderful world building?

Christmas Trees & Decorations: Favorite Book Cover, Birds of California by Katie Cotugno

One book that I read this year with excellent world-building is Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas. Typically in series by Maas, there is a lot of world building in the first book. While this can make it difficult to get through the first hundred pages or so, it is helpful into understanding the world. However, the best part of the world-building of this book comes at the end of the second book in this series, House of Sky and Breath. I won’t say it here because it is a major spoiler, but all I will say is that if you don’t know how it ends, you will be shocked when you read it!

• A Christmas Carol: Favorite classic or one that you want to read

To be honest, I.am not a huge fan of classic books! If I was going to pick a classic book, I would probably opt for a “modern classic.”

• Christmas Sweets: What book would you love to receive for Christmas

I will not be receiving this book for Christmas (it doesn’t ship out until next year), but I am eagerly anticipating my package in the mail. Recently, FairyLoot released exclusive editions of the Crescent City series. These books features exclusive covers and artwork inside. I cannot wait to receive my copies in the mail!

• Candles in the Window: What book gives you that warm fuzzy feeling

One book that gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling this year was Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood. I didn’t go into this book expecting to love it as much as I did, but I really enjoyed reading this book. Before I read this book, I was in a huge reading slump and I needed a fun book with likable characters and this book was exactly what I needed at that time.

• Christmas Trees & Decorations: What are some of your favorite book covers?

This year for my Brittany Awards, I talked about some of my favorite covers of the year. One cover that I really liked was Birds of California by Katie Cotugno. I think it has bright, fun colors. I really like the lettering used, which looks like a neon hotel sign. That being said, I do not think that this cover really matches the story inside. Birds of California is a very somber story, so some readers may feel tricked by the cover.

• Christmas Joy: What are some of your favorite things about Christmas and/or some of your favorite Christmas memories?

One of my favorite things about Christmas is buying presents for other people! I like finding things that remind me of someone and giving it to them as a gift. I have a few cousins are are young, so I love getting to see Christmas through their eyes as well.

The Christmas Song Book Tag

On the twenty fourth day of Christmas, a book blogger gave to me… The Christmas Song Book Tag!

• “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”: Name a villainous character you can’t help but love

He’s not necessarily a villain, but he is apart of an enemies-to-lovers couple which I love. Charlie from Book Lovers was one of my favorites enemies-to-lovers this year. I really loved his banter with Nora and they were one of my favorite couples of the year.

• “All I Want for Christmas is You”: Which book do you hope to see under your Christmas tree?

This book definitely isn’t coming on time for Christmas, but it is a book that I am excited to receive in 2023. Recently, I pre-ordered the Fairyloot edition of Crescent City which feature exclusive covers and artwork of the characters. I am am very excited to have these as a part of my collection!

• “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”: Name a character that overcomes major obstacles and learns to believe in themselves

One character that overcomes obstacles is Fiona St. James, a former child actor from Birds of California by Katie Cotugno. Fiona’s experience in the industry caused her to dislike something which she loved so much. However, in the book, readers get to see Fiona discover her love of acting again, even if it isn’t on the screen.

• “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”: Which character would be on the nice list and which character would be on the naughty list?

For this question, I am going to go with the book Well Traveled by Jen DeLuca. This book made one of my least favorite love interests ever to reappear, Daniel from Well Played. He would definitely be on the naughty list because he still hasn’t grown from the book where he first appeared in the series and still takes no accountability for the terrible actions he did in Well Played. I will give the character on the nice list to Dex, the main love interest of Well Traveled. Dex has a huge reputation as a conceited player, but readers get to see a different side of him in this story.

• “Frosty the Snowman”: Which book melts your heart?

One book that melted my heart this year Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood. This was the perfect cute, fun romance and I really enjoyed Bee and Levi as a couple. This book helped me get out of a reading slump in 2022 because I enjoyed reading it so much!

• “Feliz Navidid”: A book that takes place in a different country than your own

This isn’t a real place, but it is a place that I wish I could visit… Terrasen from Throne of Glass! After finishing Throne of Glass, I wish I could see what Terrasen has become since the end of the novel.

• “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”: Which holiday themed book do you use to spread Christmas joy?

and

• “Sleigh Ride”: Which fictional characters would you spend the holiday with?

One holiday themed book that I enjoyed this year was A Very Merry Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams. As a result, I would love to spend the holiday with Colton Wheeler from A Very Merry Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams. Colton loves Christmas and likes to share holiday experiences with the important people in his life. I love how much of a family the members of the Bromance Book Club are even though they aren’t related, so I think they would be a fun group to hang out with around the holidays.

• Baby It’s Cold Outside”: Which book that you didn’t like would you not mind sacrificing to a fire to keep yourself warm?

I don’t necessarily think this book should be thrown in a fire, but my lowest rated book of the year would have to be Mr. Wrong Number by Lynn Painter. I found the main character and plot to be extremely immature. I didn’t like how the main character making very ridiculous decisions was portrayed as humorous. I am not a fan of romances that read a lot younger, but seem to be aged up to include more intimate scenes, which this book unfortunately did.

• “Do You Hear What I Hear?”: Which book do you think everyone should read?

One book that I read this year which I would recommend to other people is Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez. I am a huge fan of her books, but I don’t see them talked about as much online.

Midnights (Taylor Swift) Book Tag

Maroon – King of Battle and Blood

As we get closer to the most important midnight of the year, I thought it would be a great time to complete the Midnights (Taylor Swift) Book Tag! The original creator of this tag is Star is All Booked Up.

• Lavender Haze – A book you will always love and defend

One book that I will always love is The Hunger Games. I have seen many TikToks recently showing clips of the series and it reminds me of how much I loved that series when I first read it. I recently saw some pictures of the movie for A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and I can’t wait to see another story set in the Hunger Games world.

• Maroon – A spicy book

Scarlett St. Clair is known to be an author who heaving leans into the romance aspect of fantasy romance. I hadn’t read a book by her before this year, but I wasn’t surprised at the level of romance when I read King of Battle and Blood.

• Anti Hero – An undesirable narrator

Mr. Wrong Number by Lynn Painter was one of my least favorite books of the year, mostly due to the narrator, Olivia. The main character was one of my pet peeves with some adult romances: “main characters who are extremely immature, selfish, and awful but their actions as passed off as quirky or laughable. As a result, I did not find Olivia to be a likable or even tolerable narrator.

• Snow on the Beach – An unexpected surprise

You’re Own Your Own Kid – Birds of California

For me, Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood (see my review here) was an unexpected surprise. I wasn’t a huge fan of her first novel, The Love Hypothesis, and I was iffy on the novellas that she realized earlier this year. However, Love on the Brain was an easy and fun book to read and it makes me want to read what Ali Hazelwood releases next.

• You’re On Your Own Kid- A narrator who really needs a hug

Birds of California follows Fiona, a former child star with a rocky past in the tabloids, who the network wants to convince to join a revival of her past successful television show. Fiona’s past has made her closed off to other people and to despise something that she once loved. For that, I think she just needs someone else in her corner.

• Midnight Rain – Star-crossed lovers

I am going to go with the second book in the Crescent City series for this one. I’m not going to give away any spoilers, but one of the prophecies given in this novel is that the love interest of one character will result in terrible consequences for the other.

• Question – Grumpy x sunshine

Snow on the Beach – Love on the Brain

My most recent grumpy.sunshine read was A Very Merry Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams. It evens refers to the trope in the book! Usually in books, the male character is the grump character. However, this wasn’t the case for A Very Merry Bromance, so it was nice to see the roles reversed. This book has everything I wanted a from a grumpy x sunshine book: fun banter between the two main characters and main characters who challenge each other.

• Vigilante Sh** – Favorite character out for revenge

I finished the Throne of Glass series this year, so Aelin definitely has to be my favorite character out for revenge. Aelin never forgets when someone hurts her or a friend and she always fights for the people who she loves. I saw someone say on TikTok that Midnights is basically an album written for Aelin, so many of these songs could describe her!

• Bejeweled -Strong character development

In the first book of the Bellinger sisters series, Fox is a flirt who doesn’t take much seriously. In the second book in the series titled Hook, Line, and Sinker, Fox still maintains his charm, but strives to be taken more seriously in his profession and as a romantic partner. This helped him because a strong romantic lead in Hook, Line and Sinker, and it was nice to see a character in a contemporary novel grow from one book to the next.

• Labyrinth – Second chance romance

Midnight Rain – House of Sky and Breath.

This isn’t necessarily a “second chance romance,” but the two main characters do get a second chance to interact after bad first impressions. Book Lovers by Emily Henry was one of my favorite books of the year, largely due to the two main characters. Nora and Charlie were the perfect fit for each other and I loved reading their banter back and forth.

• Karma – Favorite full circle moment or parallel

Crescent City is full of full circle moments and parallels. There are so many clues dropped throughout the book that come together for an epic ending to the first book. I can’t wait to reread this book to see all of the clues that I missed the first time around.

• Sweet Nothing – Favorite cozy/fluffy read

This isn’t my favorite cozy/fluffy read, but I’m currently reading Icebreaker by Hannah Grace. I was initially interested in this book because it was recommended as a fun, cute read. I’m hoping that I enjoy it!

• Mastermind – Perfect world building and storytelling

For perfect world building, I have to go with Sarah J. Maas. When she revealed all of the worlds in her book were slightly connected, I went down the rabbit hole of theories which could connect them together. Even on their own, each series has so many layers, characters, and plots that create worlds which feel so real!

What book do you think pairs well with a Taylor Swift song?

Summer Lovin’ Book Tag

Since summer vacation is about halfway over, I thought it would be the perfect time to complete the Summer Lovin’ Book Tag. I am not sure who started this tag, but if you know, please tell me in the comments so I can give them credit. Here are my answers:

• Start of Summer: Pick a book with an attention-grabbing first line

This book didn’t have a memorable first line, however, I do think the first chapter did a great job of introducing the main character and pulling me in with a strong voice. While I wasn’t a huge fan of the rest of the novel, I did think the first chapter was strong.

Beach Read follows January, a romance writer, who spends the summer at her recently deceased father’s beach home in Michigan where she encounters August, a literary fiction writer and former college rival. After they run into each other, January and August hold a competition to see how can write better in the other’s genre.

• Too Hot to Go Out: Pick a book for a day in

Aurora Rising is a long book, so it is the perfect book to spend the day inside reading. I really enjoyed Aurora Rising for the fun cast of characters and Guardians of the Galaxy-esque style story, however, I was less impressed with the sequel, Aurora Burning, released earlier this year.

Aurora Rising follows Aurora, who wakes up 200 years after she was cryogenically frozen on her way to a space colony. In the future, Aurora learns that the government is keeping the colony a secret for unknown reasons.

• Summer Road Trip: Pick a book you’d take on the road

Starry Eyes doesn’t feature a road trip, but it does feature a hiking trip with some breathtaking descriptions of the scenery. While I’m not the biggest fan of aspects in Jenn Bennett’s earlier works, I always appreciate her attention to detail in the setting.

In Starry Eyes, Zorie and Lennon, once best friends and now enemies, go on a camping trip with friends. When abandoned by their friends, Zorie and Lennon decide to hike in the California forests to reach a stargazing event.

• Ice Tea Goodness: Pick a book with a cold setting

I don’t think it is necessarily cold in this book, but it does take place in New York City, which does get cold and this book did release this past January. That being said, Tweet Cute is a fun contemporary that is perfect to read any time of the year.

Tweet Cute follows Pepper and Jack, the daughter and son of rival business owners, who battle it out on Twitter after the chain restaurant owned by Pepper’s family steals a recipe from the small business of Jack’s family.

• Nasty Sunburn: A book you really disliked (so far) this year

I had high hopes for The Wedding Party because I read The Proposal the year before and really enjoyed it for being a realistic romance. Unfortunately for me, I was disappointed by the inconsistent characters, underdeveloped romance, and all-over-the-place plot in this one.

The Wedding Party follows Maddie and Theo after they are chosen to be in a mutual friend’s wedding party. Although Maddie and Theo claim to dislike each other, they start a secret relationship.

• Sizzling Summer Reads: Recommend one of your favorite books (this year)

I am not someone who typically enjoys books about acting or plays, so I was pleasantly surprised when this became one of my earliest five star reads this year. I especially appreciated the main character in this book, who was extremely outgoing and bold.

Always Never Yours follows Megan Harper, who inadvertently lands the lead role in her school’s production of Romeo and Juliet. However, Megan more identifies with Rosaline, as she always dates guys right before they find their true loves.

What activity do you love to do in the summer?

Top Ten Tuesday: Books that Make Me Smile

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. This week’s theme is books that make me smile. I am someone who loves to read fun, light-hearted contemporary books, so I am never short on books that make me smile. Here are some of my favorites:

• P.S. I Like You by Kasie West

P.S. I Like You is like your favorite, feel-good high school movie. Even though it is a little cliche and tropey, it is still easy to read and fun. P.S. I Like You follows Lily, who writes letters back and forth to a classmate who responds to lyrics that she writes on her desk in science class.

• The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson

The Unexpected Everything is a cute summer read with a fun cast of characters and really cute dogs! Morgan Matson always writes great coming-of-age stories, so if you enjoy that type of story, you will appreciate the character development within this book. The Unexpected Everything follows Andi who takes a job walking dogs when her summer internship falls through due to her father’s potential involvement in a political scandal.

• The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen

The Truth About Forever has a memorable cast of characters with a lot of heart. It makes me smile to see how Macy grows as a character and watching her family come back together after the death of her father. The Truth About Forever follows Macy, who lives a very controlled life after her father’s death when she encounters a catering company full of imperfectly perfect friends.

• A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

This is the first fantasy book on my list, but I had to include it because I found myself smiling so many times during the interactions between Feyre and Rhysand. A Court of Mist and Fury is the second book in the A Court of Thorn and Roses series where Feyre, a poor human, is taken captive by a faerie after she shoots and kills a faerie disguised as a wolf.

• Love, Life, and the List by Kasie West

All of my favorite Kasie West’s books make me smile, and while this one is a little more angsty than most, happy endings always make me smile. I also smiled when the main character, Abby, finally stood up for herself to Cooper. Love, Life, and the List follows aspiring artist Abby who creates a list to gain more life experience in order to improve her art which she completes with her best friend Cooper, a boy that she likes but her doesn’t like her back.

• Cress by Marissa Meyer

Cress and Thorne are two of my favorite characters from The Lunar Chronicles, so of course, the story that focuses on their story would have to be one of my favorites in the series. I especially liked one of the ending scenes in this book, which made me smile, because it came full circle from a line earlier in the book. Cress is part of The Lunar Chronicles which follows Cinder, who is part cyborg, after she is forced to participate in a study by her evil stepmother to cure a deadly plague.

• To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han

Like with P.S. I Like You, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is the perfect high school romantic comedy. The movie version of this book especially makes me smile because it is a great adaptation of the original story. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before follows Lara Jean, a shy high school student whose secret love letters get sent out to boys at her school.

• This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen

There are so many aspects of This Lullaby that make me smile. I enjoy Dexter’s character and how Remy and Dexter compliment each other so well in a relationship. This Lullaby follows Remy, whose relationship rules are threatened when she meets Dexter, a sweet and clumsy musician.

• Secrets of My Hollywood Life by Jen Calonita

When I was younger, I absolutely loved this series by Jen Calonita. Not only does the writing make me smile, but like many other books on this list, it was like reading a high school romantic comedy movie. Secrets of My Hollywood Life follows Kaitlin Burke, a famous actress who goes undercover as a normal teenager in high school.

• It’s a Mall World After All by Janette Rallison

No matter how many times I read this book, I find myself laughing every single time, which I don’t typically do in books. It’s a Mall World After All follows Charlotte, who spies on her best friend’s boyfriend when she suspects him of cheating, but she keeps running into the boyfriend’s annoying, but cute best friend who is also her rival.

What are some books that make you smile?

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Top Ten Tuesday: Authors I’ve Read the Most Books By

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. This week’s theme is my most read authors.

How do I find my most read authors?

Unfortunately, it seems like Goodreads has deleted this feature off of its website. However, after playing around with some of the existing features, I discovered a way to find your most read authors. Below, I have a Twitter thread where I explain step-by-step how to now find your most read authors on Goodreads (click on the tweet to see the thread):

I was working on a future Top Ten Tuesday post (hosted by @ArtsyReaderGirl) about Authors I've Read the Most books by. It looks like @goodreads removed this tool feature, but I figured out a way to still find your most read authors, so I thought I'd share what I found (1/?)

— Brittany (@BAndBeanBoots) June 15, 2020

My Top Ten Most Read Authors

Now, here’s my top ten!

• Meg Cabot (24)

I am not surprised that Meg Cabot tops my list of most read authors. During middle school and high school, I primarily read and reread books by Meg Cabot and Sarah Dessen. The Princess Diaries series alone takes up about half of the books that I’ve read by this author.

I have great memories of reading books by Meg Cabot. Mia Thermopolis was one of the first book characters that I really related to and her books were always light and funny, which I really enjoyed. Although I’m not particularly drawn to any of her recent releases, I will always have fond memories when I look back at books by this author that I really enjoyed.

My favorites: The Princess Diaries series, All-American Girl, Avalon High

• Sarah Dessen (14)

Like I mentioned with Meg Cabot, I read and reread many of Sarah Dessen’s books in middle school and high school. Some of those first books I read by this author, Just Listen and The Truth About Forever, still are some of my favorite YA books.

I think I enjoyed Sarah Dessen’s books so much, because like with The Princess Diaries, I could relate to the characters, even if they weren’t exactly like me. While there was a period was I wasn’t a fan of Dessen’s newest releases, I recently read The Rest of the Story, which was one of my favorite books of the year.

My favorites: Just Listen, The Truth About Forever, This Lullaby, Along for the Ride, The Rest of the Story

• Kasie West (12)

I had never heard of Kasie West until I started blogging, which surprises me, since I love contemporary and she is such a loved YA contemporary author. While Kasie West’s most recent releases have been a miss for me, I enjoy her books for being lighthearted and easy to read. While I really enjoyed some of Kasie West’s books now, I feel like they would have been books that I would have reread countless times in high school.

My favorites: P.S. I Like You; Love, Life, and the List, The Fill-In Boyfriend

• Miranda Kenneally (9)

It doesn’t surprise me too much that Miranda Kenneally is on this list as I have read the entire Hundred Oaks companion series. While I wouldn’t consider Miranda Kenneally one of my all-time favorite YA contemporary authors, her books are light-hearted and easy to read, which is my favorite type of book to read.

My favorites: Breathe, Annie, Breathe; Jesse’s Girl; Racing Savannah

• Marissa Meyer (8)

It also doesn’t surprise me to see Marissa Meyer’s name on this list because I loved the Lunar Chronicles, so with that series combined with the two graphic novels that followed, that’s already quite a large number of books. I will always look back fondly on the Lunar Chronicles series because it was a series that I picked up because of reading book blogs and watching book videos on Youtube.

My favorites: Cinder, Cress

• Jenny Han (7)

I was actually surprised to see Jenny Han on this list, but it makes sense considering I finished both her To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before series and the Summer series, as well as a short chapter book by this author. Jenny Han’s books just encompass everything that you hoped high school would be, which is why I think I love her books so much. I particularly enjoyed her children’s book, Clara Lee and the Apple Pie Dream.

My favorites: Clara Lee and the Apple Pie Dream; To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before; Always and Forever, Lara Jean

• Janette Rallison (7)

Like with Meg Cabot and Sarah Dessen, I read many books by Janette Rallison, particularly in middle school. Janette Rallison’s books made me laugh out loud, no matter how many times I read them, which doesn’t usually happen for me with books.

My favorites: Just One Wish, It’s a Mall World After All

• Elizabeth Eulberg (7)

Elizabeth Eulberg was another surprise on my list. Even though I’ve read books by this author over the years and I have enjoyed several of her books, she’s never been on my all-time favorites list so I didn’t realize how many books I’ve read by her over the years. For Elizabeth Eulberg, her writing is always solid, but the stories themselves are always hit-or-miss for me.

My favorites: The Lonely Hearts Club, Prom and Prejudice

• Kiera Cass (6)

This doesn’t surprise me too much, considering I read the entire Selection series. Kiera Cass is by no means my favorite author, but The Selection series was just a lot of fun and quick to read. I don’t have any particular favorite books by Kiera Cass, but I can say that I wasn’t a huge fan of one of her standalone books, The Siren.

• Sarah J. Maas (5)

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed The Court of Thorns and Roses series despite not being a huge reader of fantasy. This series motivated me to pick up other fantasy books, like The Folk of the Air series, which I also really enjoyed.

My favorites: A Court of Mist and Fury

Who are some of your most read authors?

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