Monthly Wrap Up Archives - Page 24 of 28

A Slow Kind of Month | November Wrap Up

Dec 9, 2018

After the amount of reading that I did last month, November was a little slow. I finished 10 books in November and unlike October, it was a nice range of romance, YA and historical fiction. I spoke recently about my changes in reading habits, and November was a great month to show the diverse range of books that I am now reading. Anyway, let’s get onto the wrap-up.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K Rowling: I am currently re-read Harry Potter through audiobook. I’ve spoken about this before briefly, but it’s a whole new experience listening to the series. It’s like I am reading it for the first time again and it is magical | 4.5 Stars

The Pearl Thief by Fiona McIntosh: Every since I started at my job I’ve heard a lot about Fiona McIntosh, but none of her books really caught my eye. Until, her most recent one. The Pearl Thief is set in 1963 but includes flashbacks to WWII. It’s haunting, beautiful and looks at an interesting side of WWII. At times it’s hard to read not going to lie, but it’s also captivating. | 4.5 Stars

One Small Thing by Erin Watt: It was fun at times but is also very emotional. One Small Thing explores the notions of forgiving, coming of age and family. It delves deep into the lives of teens that shows both the horrors and breathtaking moments of becoming an adult. I do wish that there was more depth to the lead characters of Beth and Chase. Nevertheless, I did enjoy reading their story. There are many ups and downs to this novel and if you want a quick read that is a little different then this is for you | Full Review. 3.5 Stars

Butterface by Avery Flynn: I enjoyed Butterface by Avery Flynn. It was an easy read, that explores not the typical romance. Thought it does utilize classic romance tropes to move the story forward. Gina and Ford were both interesting characters that gave the story substance. | Full Review 3 Stars

Muffin Top by Avery Flynn: I really liked Muffin Top by Avery Flynn. It was engaging, entertaining and had me wanting more. I loved that family was a really big theme of this novel and much of the Hartigan series. Lucy and Frankie were hot on fire, and that just made the novel that more sweet. If you are looking for a romance novel, that you can just fall into, then this is for you | Full Review 4 Stars

Love Restored by Carrie Ann Ryan: Last month I started reading Carrie Ann Ryan books and really enjoyed what I was reading. The Gallagher Brothers novels are apart of the world that Carrie created. This first one was emotional as hell. I wasn’t prepared for what had happened and gosh the tears poured out of me | 4 Stars

Passion Restored by Carrie Ann Ryan: This one was my least favourite in the trilogy. I just wasn’t able to connect with both protagonists as much as other novels. I did enjoy the romance though. It was intense and full of passion – no pun intended | 3 Stars

Hope Restored by Carrie Ann Ryan: As the first in this trio, this one was very emotional. It dealt with more heavier themes than other romances or any of the books in Carrie Ann Ryan’s world – but that also made it really enjoyable and captivating. I adored the protagonists of this one so much and gosh they were cute. | 4 Stars

A Gathering of Shadows by V. E Shwab: I ended up re-reading this one in November, I am not even sure why. I was feeling like it. I wanted to read a fantasy but wasn’t sure what to pick up, so since I re-read the first one a little while ago, I decided this was the perfect opportunity | 4 Stars

And that was my November! What did you read in November? Did we read any of the same books? Let’s Chat!

It Was a Romance Kind of Month | October Wrap Up

Nov 6, 2018

October was a great reading month for me. I finished university at the start of the month, so I did have a little more free time on my hands. I was on a little reading slump recently, but having more time to read made it easier. All my reading in October was all romance, I always find when I’m feeling down or don’t feel like reading, then a romance book is the way to go. I wrote a post a while ago where I talked about reading more romance novels and I think that October showed that. So today I thought I would share my reads for October.

Power Play (Blades Hockey #0.5) by Maria Luis: The first book in October that I picked up on a whim. It came up in my Book Bub email and I was feeling like more ice hockey. It was okay. I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it. It’s only 188 pages so everything moves very quickly, especially the romance but both protagonists are enjoyable | 3 Stars

Sin Bin (Blades Hockey #2) by Maria Luis: This one was fun. While again I didn’t love it. I liked the concept and the plot of it. The fact that there was massive history between Zoe and Andre and that just added so much to the book. The banter was great, the romance was good and I had fun reading it | 3.5 Stars

Hat Trick (Blades Hockey #3) by Maria Luis: One of my favourite in this series, it was emotional, heartbreaking and full on. This second change romance of sorts hits you all in the right spots. Gwen isn’t the most likable character, but as the series and novel goes on we get to know what’s happened to her. I think this is the most emotional book in the series, but it was always heartwarming | 4 Stars

Body Check (Blades Hockey #4) by Maria Luis: This second chance romance stepped right on my heart. But it also had me laughing like crazy. While the concept of this one was a little out there, it was fun reading. I love second chance romances, and this one was right up there. The protagonists were married, but then parted ways, throughout the novel, they find themselves coming back together.

Delicate Ink (Montgomery Ink #1) by Carrie Ann Ryan: Another series that I picked up on a whim, but I wanted to give more tattoo related book a try. I didn’t love this one, but I still enjoyed it. The romance was interesting, the plot was intriguing and I loved the Montgomery family. This romance was steamy, hot but also fast-paced.

Tempting Boundaries (Montgomery Ink #2) by Carrie Ann Ryan: A best friends sisters/brothers best friend romance – yes, please. I liked this one way more. The romance melted my heart and just made me smile. I liked that both protagonists was nervous about being with each other, but also couldn’t stay away. There was also a lot more drama in this one, but I can’t say that I wasn’t entertained.

Harder than Words (Montgomery Ink #3) by Carrie Ann Ryan: This second chance romance with a twist. Luc never told Megan how he felt before he left town, but now he’s back and Megan lift is up in shambles. I adored this one so much. Luc with Megan’s kids tore me shreds and I loved it so much. Luc and Megan have so much history and it made for an emotional ride | 4 Stars

Inked (Sailor’s Grave #2) by Drew Elyse: This was one of my most anticipated reads of October. I adored Jess in the previous books, so I loved knowing more about her life in Inked. The romance was intense, the plot took me by surprise and I loved seeing characters pop up. I also adored that Jess was a tattoed woman and proud. You can check out my full review now | 4 Stars

Written in Ink (Montgomery Ink #4) by Carrie Ann Ryan: I loved this one for a different reason. I adored that Griffin Montgomery was a writer. It’s rare that I see male authors in a novel, but it worked so well. At times Griffin was intimidating and sometimes he was wrong. But I also love that Autumn brought out parts in him that made me smile.

Forever Ink (Montgomery Ink #1.5) by Carrie Ann Ryan: I read this one a little backward, but I really wanted to know more about Callie and her man. It’s a quick romance that is intense that explores expectations, family drama and loving someone that at first doesn’t seem right | 3. 5 Stars

The Charlotte Chronicles (Jackson Boys #1) by Jen Frederick: I have a lot of hate and love for this book. I adored parts of it, and really hate others. It’s a book that took me on a journey that is for sure. I wasn’t a massive fan of Nate, but I also wasn’t a fan of Charlotte. In saying that I still enjoyed reading their journey | 3 Stars.

Hidden Ink (Montgomery Ink #4.5) by Carrie Ann Ryan: I’ve been intrigued by Hailey and Sloane when I started to read this series, and I’m so glad that they have their own book. It was great getting to know them both more and know their story. This novella just made me smile so much | 4 stars

Ink Enduring (Montgomery Ink #5) by Carrie Ann Ryan: This one was probably the one that I least liked. I knew to go in what it was going to entail. But the romance just wasn’t for me. I did love seeing them all together and I thought it both worked and was written well. In saying that the Montgomery family really shone again in this one. I loved how accepting they were, just made it so good | 3 Stars

Adoring Ink (Montgomery Ink #6.5) by Carrie Ann Ryan: Holly is another side character that always caught my eye, so it was nice getting a novella for her. I loved that Brody could bring out a side in Holly that she tried to hide. They both have pretty horrible childhoods and together they are able to really took about it and lean on each other | 4 Stars.

Love, Honor, and Ink (Montgomery Ink #6.6) by Carrie Ann Ryan: While I did like this book, I do think that I could have gone without reading it. It was a nice romance don’t get me wrong, but I really didn’t need to read about rich people hating each other.

Inked Expressions (Montgomery Ink #7) by Carrie Ann Ryan: This one made me cry, smile and cry some more. I loved the idea of family of learning in this one. Everlyn and Storm have known each other for a long time, but after the death of Everlyn’s husband, they drift apart. When heartache and worry bring them back together, secrets begin to rise and boy it gets interesting | 4 Stars

Fireworks (True North #6) by Sarina Bowen: Another one of my most anticipated books of October, I couldn’t wait to delve into this one. While I didn’t love it as much as the others in this series, I fell in love with this second chance romance. | 4 Stars

Inked Memories (Montgomery Ink #8) by Carrie Ann Ryan: The last in the Montgomery Ink series and the last of the brothers to fall in love. This one was fun and like the others in this series full of romance. Wes and Jillian are very similar and together they are like fire. It was really fun seeing them fall for each other | 3.5 stars

Royally Yours (Royally #4) by Emma Chase: It’s addicting, intriguing and compelling. It explores what it’s like to rule a country as a woman and the hardships that follow. The romance in Royally Yours is addicting, beautiful and full of chemistry. If you are looking for a royal romance, then this is for you. You can check out my full review now | 4.5 Stars

Fallen Ink (Montgomery Ink: Colorado Springs #1) by Carrie Ann Ryan: After reading the Montgomery Ink series, I wanted to read more into this world. This one was crazy good and while the thing that happened was crazy as well, I still really enjoyed it. I also loved knowing more of the Montgomery family | 4 Stars

Restless Ink (Montgomery Ink: Colorado Springs #2) by Carrie Ann Ryan: This one was really interesting. I didn’t know how to go into this, but Carrie Ann Ryan did it in a great job. Thea and Dimitri have known each other for a while, but it’s only now that their feelings are starting to come out. It was really nice, but also a lot of things happen that was a little crazy.

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And that is it! Ocotber was a big month for reading for me and it was great. It was all romance, but I think that I needed it to get out of my reading slump. What are the books that you read in October? Was any the same as me? Let’s Chat!

Books I Loved Reading In August | Discussion

Aug 30, 2018

It’s time for me to share the books that I read and loved in August. While I didn’t read a whole heap in August, I did read some really fantastic books. With a range of genre’s and readership, I managed to read 9 books this month. And after last months 21 books, I think I needed to have a slow month.

I was able to read books that have been on my TBR for some time as well as some newer arcs. Overall, I think it was a great month for me. Check out the books that I read in August and loved below and like always they are in no order.

The Chase (Briar U #1) by Elle Kennedy: When a new book from Elle Kenney comes out, you know I have to read it right away. The romance was adorable and I loved how slow burning it was. Fitzy and Summer are adorable together and sometimes even sexy which was a nice combination. The Chase explores trusting in yourself and learning to love who you are. It’s about friendship and family and creating something new. If you are looking for a slow-burn college romance then this one is for you. Full Review.

Until You’re Mine (Fighting For Her #1) by Cindi Madsen: I’ve read a couple of Cindi Madsen books over the last couple of years and they have been hit and miss for me. But when I got the second book in this series for review, I knew I needed to pick up the first. And I am so happy that I did. Until You’re Mine was just an intense but great read. I love sports romances and I’ve read a couple of boxing/MMA related books over the years. But this one stood out for me. I love the ‘forbidden romance’ trope so much and it works great here. The romance was adorable and steamy and just worked so well. I really enjoyed how both protagonists cared so deeply about one another, and their goals in life and everything just seemed to work great.

Until We’re More (Fighting For Her #2) by Cindi Madsen: If I thought I loved the first one, I am so happy I also read the second. Until We’re More is a ‘best friends to lovers’ romance that just tore me apart. This one tore me apart a whole lot more on so many different levels, but it was so beautiful at the same time. It’s all about denied feelings, breaking down walls and letting go. Throw in a little sport and gosh this book is for me.

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller: Whatever I am about to say about this book won’t be enough. The Song of Achilles has been on my TBR for quite some time now. I even brought it a couple of months ago from work, but I just never picked it up. I don’t even know why it has everything I love in it. But, gosh I am so glad that I did. This has to be one of my favourite books this year, maybe even one of my favourite books of all time. I just loved everything about it.

It’s a Greek mythology, a reimagining of sorts that looks at the lives of Achilles and Patroclus from when they were young boys to their fall at Troy. This book messed with my feeling and tore me to shreds. It was so beautifully written that everything I felt was times ten. I just loved so much about this book and I cannot wait to read more from Madeline Miller. I think I’ll write a full review of this one soon as well.

And those were my favourite reads in August! What did you read this month? What were the books that you loved? Are any the same as me? What do you plan to read in September? Let’s Chat!