September has arrived! The 24/7 stifling heat has finally abated. I'm looking forward to cooler nights out on the town with the pup. Cheers to another month of great reads :)

#bookspin @thearomaofbooks

I hit my reading goal of 150 books! August was a fun month. I dove back into NetGalley and finally read books borrowed from friends that had been hanging out in my book mountains. I completed (and enjoyed) both my #bookspin and #doublespin selections. Wins all around. #bookspinbingo

@thearomaofbooks

Interesting magical system. An atmospheric read that was somehow full of sunshine while still emotionally dark. The gargoyle was my absolute favorite. I never want to say an idiom correctly again.

My friend let me borrow her pretty copy 🥰

The story picks up right where the first ended. There's no preamble as the author immerses you in the gritty kingdom of Middren. I liked this book, but it took me a while to finish since it's dark and intense 100% of the time. The main characters aren't exactly likable. I was still invested in them defeating the king.

Book 9 of #14books14weeks @Liz_M

I meant to only read the first few pages before crawling out of bed this morning. I failed in the best way.

I loved everything about this second (or maybe third) chance romance. Amid the first love bubbles, there's an intimacy from their long years of friendship. Bonus points for showing how hot consent is even when things are getting hot and heavy.

A big thank you to the author for showcasing a successful, tight-knit Black family.

Mixed feelings on this one. A decent mystery written in a style similar to Jane Austen's P&P. At times, it was veryyyy long winded on topics that could have been summed up with a few sentences. There were unnecessary POVs added that didn't really contribute to the overall story.

Another #14books14weeks complete! @Liz_M

Cozy small town romance with a splash of witchy magic. I like seeing Rhea's growth as she finds her place in Arcadia Falls. There were plenty of great puns and a whole lot of sass. #netgalley #arc

Parts of this book were great. Unfortunately, the excessive number of POVs was confusing and distracting. As a person who has grown up in a family of pilots, I did find the multiple crashes rather terrifying. I really wanted to like this book because I loved Judy Blume as a kid, but it was a miss. #authoramonth @Soubhiville

#5joysfriday @DebinHawaii

1. A chill Friday night after a busy week
2. Pixel 🐶 (the pile of fluff pictured above)
3. Coworkers at my bookseller side hustle
4. A job with flexible hours
5. Audiobooks (which certainly spice up boring tasks at work)

Still a fun ride, though it was decidedly darker than the last couple of books. So much pining was happening that I was starting to get exhausted. I hope the next book is the last of the series. I like them, but now it's starting to drag on a little.

Dragon/shape-shifter smut. There's an okay plot to move the story along. A pick solely because I was entertained.

A lovely second chance romance where the MCs are putting in the work to ensure a better future for themselves as individuals and as a potential couple. I loved their honesty with struggles in their first relationship. As they grew closer, you saw the different sides of similar events that eventually resulted in the first breakup. The emotions were raw yet hopeful throughout the book.

Thank you #netgalley for the #ARC!

A late #bookspinbingo post from July. I completed both #bookspin and #doublespin reads. A few of my reading choices were defined by challenge prompts that I wanted to complete, which is exactly why I do them.

@thearomaofbooks

August is only a day away! July has passed in a wave of heat that continues to stifle all enjoyment of the outdoors. My brain has had trouble completing books lately, so I added back room for mood reads in the hopes that will help this mini reading slump.

#bookspin @thearomaofbooks

A spicy monster romance full of magic set in the modern world. Fiercely independent Anna accidentally wakes up Frey, a winged creature who was turned to stone centuries ago. Turns out she was able to break the stone sleep, albeit temporarily, because they‘re destined to be together. I enjoyed seeing them find ways to meet in the middle of their values. Anna doesn‘t want to rely on Frey and he wants to cocoon her in a safe place. #netgalley #arc

I tried so hard to read this. I‘d make it about 5 pages before sleep would take me. I know she‘s working towards a specific point but it‘s hard to see in the overly descriptive retelling of her day.

#authoramonth @Soubhiville

The book captures Phuc's grade school years in a small Pennsylvania town. He highlights the struggles that crop up when there is a cultural divide between parents and children. His family fled Saigon when Phuc was an infant. He adds humor to scary parenting decisions and how hard it was to fit in at school.

Since the book stops just before he heads to college, I absolutely looked him up to see what he chose for a career.

A cute, predictable romance full of witty repartee. I wish I was as quick on the verbal sparring as Effie.

I completed one of my outstanding #NetGalley reads! Thank you @AllDebooks for inspiring me to dive back in.

A silly conclusion to this adorable danmei. The plot is a mix of political intrigue and utter ridiculousness. Somehow it all comes together. A great light read for danmei fans.

#whereareyoumonday @Cupcake12

I‘m hanging out in New York, New York this week. I‘m enjoying diving into the science behind many of the forensic techniques we accept as standard practice today.

Thanks for the tag @KadaGul

July is here!!! Ready for summer reading to commence. It‘s too hot to do anything else lol.

#bookspin @TheAromaofBooks

Only one bingo this month due to lots of social time the last couple weeks. June was a fun month full of new authors. Both spins were memorable reads.

#bookspinbingo @TheAromaofBooks

There was a lot of traveling in June which means less books than usual. My favorites of the month were Shield of Sparrows, Lights Out, and Tainted Cup. Despite the summer sunshine, I still seem to gravitate towards the darker reads.

Any thoughts on starting a tag for monthly storygraph wrap-ups? I love seeing everyone‘s reading stats.

A soft pick, but still a fun ride. I enjoy the concept of assassins (not serial killers) going through a 12 step program to help them stop killing as a lifestyle. It does add a dangerous element to the step where you make amends since most of those people have vowed to kill you.

June #bookspin @TheAromaofBooks

#mellowmonday @Eggs

“You don‘t find a life. You have to make one, with the people around you and the causes you put your strength into.” - The Unbroken (tagged)

After a weekend spent hanging with family (who I adore), I appreciate the effort that goes into building a life to be proud of. It truly takes a village.

Thanks for the tag @KadaGul 😊

Parts of this story were great, especially the early portion as the regiment settled into Qazal. It started to unravel near the middle where suddenly there was a forbidden attraction building(ish). From there, it got muddy. I still liked elements of the book, but it was a bit of a slog to finish.

Book 5 of #14books14weeks @Liz_M

The writing is great. The story was meh. I could see the humor in the programming reduncies, but it just didn't capture my interest. It got very repetitive very fast. Honestly, it kept putting me to sleep, so I gave up on forcing it.

Another book checked off the #14books14weeks pile @Liz_M

A cute fast-paced read about a graphic novelist who helps save the world from aliens.

The library in my hometown now features graphic novels on their new release shelves. I stumbled on this one when I popped in for a quick visit.

I am a big Scalzi fan and have read many of his books. This one didn't land as well for me. The first half really pulled me in, and then it started to drag a little. I did enjoy the vignettes of someone's life each day of the moon crisis. My favorites were the billionaire and the cheese feud.

My first time reading two #authoramonth books in a month! @Soubhiville

I really liked the viewpoint of the main character. As a Malaysian-American, Jess straddles the line of both cultures. It's an element that comes into play multiple times throughout the story. I loved learning about the spirits and the clash between religions. The only thing that grated on me was Jess' naivete. Overall, a fast-paced read full of pissed off spirits.

Great author choice for this month's #queerbc @PuddleJumper

I‘m not usually a dark romance fan, but I genuinely enjoyed this one. The jokes had me laughing out loud. I mean who wouldn‘t fall for a guy who liked your cat.

@5feet.of.fury Thank you for the great recommendation! This kept me entertained for the entirety of my 8 hr drive.

This ending was a reminder that it can also be the beginning of a new story. What a powerful read. It touched on climate change, family, grief, loss, and the grind of moving forward. Dom tries his hardest to give each of his kids what they need to survive on a desolate island. Rowan‘s arrival sparks a change in the family dynamics as time runs out for the seeds they‘re protecting.

June #doublespin @TheAromaofBooks

Huge fan of this world and the characters. A princess I could actually relate to. Odessa isn't super clever or a skilled fighter. She's a normal girl (plus a crown) who likes to read. Yes, the guardian is attractive and rude, but his back story was unique, so still points for breaking the romantasy mold. I will absolutely be reading the next book. I might even go wild and pre-order it.

#gottacatchemall: set somewhere dangerous

Well. That was…a lot. So much was packed into this story. Love, loss, grief, hope. They all show up in different forms multiple times throughout the novel. I cannot wait to discuss all the nuances with #camplitsy25. Definitely going to need to reread closer to discussion day.

Please check TW!

This month‘s #FictionalTraveler: set in Portland

Oh, what a tricky mystery. There were plots within plots within plots. I loved it. This was one was decidedly darker than the first book but equally as good.

Long drive coming up in a couple weeks (8 hours). Please recommend your favorite audiobook. All suggestions greatly appreciated!

#wondrouswednesday @Eggs

1. Find the fun in all things
2. 🥰😏🤓
3. My puppy being his silly self (which meant walking around swinging his favorite toy at my legs while I got ready for work)

Thanks for the tag!

I love this author. His books always make me laugh. Old Man's War is an interesting take on who gets to explore space. Would you sign up to fight in a war you've never seen at the age of 75? I can understand the draw of being young again, but to leave family behind in lieu of getting old would be very hard.

#authoramonth @Soubhiville

Ohmigoodness this was a twisty turny other world sci-fi murder mystery that I could not put down. Absolutely going to read the second book in the series.

Book 100 of the year! 🎉
Book 3 of #14books14weeks @Liz_M

A sinister plot to dethrone the Raven is slowly coming into focus. Less ghost hunting but way more political intrigue. Jusetsu is starting to be more aware of her surroundings and others' perceptions of her.

Book 2 off #14books14weeks @Liz_M
Late post for May #doublespin @TheAromaofBooks

May was a solid reading month. Multiple #bookspinbingo along with the completion of both my #bookspin and #doublespin. There were some intense nonfiction reads, a couple fluffy books, and unexpected endings abound.

May top reads: Can't Get Enough, Trees, Remember Me, and When the Tides Held the Moon.

Thank you for hosting this fun reading challenge @thearomaofbooks!

I have tentative titles planned for some of the listed prompts but I‘m always hesitant to commit since I‘m such a mood reader. Just listing the challenge has really helped keep #bookspin low-key. @TheAromaofBooks

I want to give all the stars to this book. Hendrix has been my favorite of the Skyland trio since book 1. So happy to see her sassy self shine. For a romance, it brought out all the complicated feelings that surface when caring for an older family member. I also really appreciated having a heroine who knew how to put herself first when needed.

TW: A main focus of the story is Hen caring for her mother, who has Alzheimers.

A far flung future where it‘s possible to travel all across the universe and interact with a wide variety of aliens. I enjoyed Maya‘s viewpoint. She just wanted to do the right thing even as that became harder and harder to discern. The world building was fun though there were a couple of plot holes that could‘ve been tightened up. A fast paced space heist full of interesting characters.

#jumpstartsummer @TheSpineView

This man is a genius with words. The satire was on point throughout the whole book. I may have highlighted half the book.

“If you want to know a place, you talk to its history.”

Great author selection for #authoramonth @Soubhiville
#jumpstartsummer @TheSpineView

I feel like my understanding of this book is just out of reach. The ending almost made sense. It was like being part of the movie Inception and you‘re not sure which door will take you back to the real world.

Really looking forward to the #camplitsy25 discussion.
#jumpstartsummer @TheSpineView

This book was a reminder of why I love StoryGraph‘s reading challenges so much. I never would have discovered such a lovely story without #52bookclub25‘s bonus prompt: set in New Zealand. It‘s a mystery that will break your heart to pieces. The author did a fantastic job of bringing the struggles of caring for someone with Alzheimer‘s to the page. I couldn‘t put this book down.

The audiobook was great. She brought Emily‘s emotions to life.

My favorite installment of the webtoon. You see the relationship between Hades and Kore grow stronger even as Zeus fights to find a reason to isolate her.

First book of the #jumpstartsummer readathon and #14books14weeks challenge. @TheSpineView @Liz_M

I love when a book surprises you in the best way. This was wonderful story of finding family in an unexpected place and finding love with the impossible. There author did a great job of using a historical setting to add emphasis to the story. Also, the illustrations throughout were beautiful (drawn by the author).

#fictionaltraveler: Spanish-speaking @julieclair
#gottacatchemall: someone swims @PuddleJumper

"Prince Jing made a note of the carp spirit's name."
#FirstLineFridays @ShyBookOwl

Perfect night to start my newest book. #dogsoflitsy