February Wrap-Up & Book Haul (a very late but personal one…)


It is now March 6th & I am writing this post from my new place, finally fully settled in. February was a very special month for my little family (hubby & two tiny humans), a month of new beginnings. We didn’t exactly live in the safest of neighborhoods…matter of fact, its up there with one of the worse. This is common in NYC but not ideal when you’re trying to raise two tiny humans. Our neighborhood prevented us from many of the simple things like taking a walk down the block, all four corners having heavy police presence. Now I love my city, but this was new for me. We moved into that apartment 4 years ago with hopes to move sooner rather than later. For those of you who live in NYC, you know that rent for an apartment is about the average mortgage on a house. We considered the very likely possibility of moving out of state & starting over. What held us back? I’d have to say that its our jobs/careers. They aren’t exactly positions easy to come by & we are blessed in that sense. Yet still, the rent for an apartment is astronomical. Through the grapevine I heard about NYC lottos for brand new beautiful apartments in development in up & coming neighborhoods. I never in a million years expected to win smh after all, the odds were grim in such a large city. When I got the call I couldn’t believe it, my commute is longer but It’s also a suburb style neighborhood w/out actually leaving the city. In fact it wasn’t until I was handed the keys that it clicked. I am still in disbelief but for the 1st time in many years, I am happy in my home 😉

Special thank you to my twin Gretchen @Chicnerdreads for being super sweet & coming to my neck of the woods to help out while we moved. I also got to read & edit her AMAZING debut poetry book Love, and You (Goodreads link here) out April 4th, 2017!🖤🙌🏼🖤

On the reading/blogging front…I didn’t blog much but surprisingly the move didn’t hinder my reading. I think its because when i’m stressed or overwhelmed, I find comfort in my books. On to my Wrap-Up…

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The Valiant by Lesley Livingston ★★★★ (3.75 STARS)

Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller ★★★★★ (5 STARS)

Long May She Reign by Rhiannon Thomas★★★ 1/2 (3.5 STARS)

The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco ★★★★ (4 STARS)

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Pachinko by Min Jin Lee (Book Of The Month)

Caraval by Stephanie Garber (Owlcrate)

Rooms by Lauren Oliver

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

Things We Lost In The Fire by Mariana Enriquez (Blogging For Books)

We Are Okay by Nina LaCour

Wing Jones by Katherine Webber

Kings of the Wild by Nicholas Eames

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Zodiac Starforce 

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*I can’t resist a good ebook deal & all of these were either .99 or $1.99 with the exception of My Sister Rosa which was $2.99

To All The Boys Ive Loved Before by Jenny Han

Starflight by Melissa Landers

Into The Light by Althea Romig

My Sister Rosa by Justine Larbalestier

The Dark Days Club by Alison Goodman

Kill The Father by Sandrone Dazieri

Usually this is the part where I include any movies or tv shows the hubby & I binged but the move pretty much ate up our February. Now that we’re settled, things are getting back to norm (whatever that is lol) & we’ve even gone out on our first date night since living here. I’m a little behind with reviews but I’ll catch up soon enough, for now i’m just enjoying the moment <3’s! 😉

Happy Reading My Bookish Peeps! <3<3<3

Author: LairOfBooks

"I didn't choose the Book Life, the Book Life chose me"

50 thoughts on “February Wrap-Up & Book Haul (a very late but personal one…)”

  1. Congrats on the new place 😀 I remember when we bought our house and I was like “How will we fill this place?” Now I’m like “Where the heck am I going to put this???” Gretchen is the best, I’m glad you two have each other!!

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    1. Thank you Debby! I can’t even imagine the feeling we will have when we buy our 1st house, that’s in the near future (exciting & scary lol). I scored a very generous in size apartment (3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen appliances, gym, laundry room, parking garage, and computer lounge for tenants) that I’m still in shock over lol. The Universe’ way of showing me some love after some rough years I guess 😉 Gretchen is AMAZING! Love her!

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      2. We live out in the country so we have never had to rent. However growing up I did live in an apartment with my mom so I know what you mean about great apartments/buildings being few and far between! Congrats again!!

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  3. Oh wow, congratulations, that sounds like an amazing opportunity! Well worth the wait, huh? And hey, bigger commute time means more reading time! Glad you managed to find comfort in the books 🙂

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  4. I’m so happy for you in your new place! And you now I’m here whenever you need me. Just give me a call across the Brooklyn Bridge lol. I’m so happy for you and your family. I’ll never forget how mami asked that week if they had called you and then Friday you got the call!!! AHHHHH!!!!! Such a sweet dream and you definitely deserve all of this happiness. I admire you for being the strong woman that you are and still getting things done here at the blog and in your personal life! GO LILLY GO LILLY THATS MY TWIN THATS MY BEST FRAN THATS MY BEST FRAN!! Thanks for mentioning me and my book. *tears* February was hard but good to the both of us =)

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    1. THANK YOU BESTIE!!!! it meant a lot to have mami rooting for me to get this place, I really do think she has a bit of pull cuz the minute she asked, it was granted LOL! LOVE HER! & the journal she got me is BEAUTIFUL! It def feels like a dream, can’t wait for the spring to enjoy the garden they are growing. I’ll def be calling you over! & thank you again, It means a lot to me to have you there <3! I'm SUPER excited for everyone to read Love, and You! April is going to be GRAND! & i'm so happy to see this all come to fruition for you, well deserved! 😉

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  5. I have Daughter of the Pirate King on my TBR, I can’t wait to read it, especially since you loved it so much! 🙂 Such a great haul, as well, I’m envious haha. Congrats on the move! I’m so glad you’re loving your new place, that’s always so great and it sounds like it’s also very convenient, despite the longer commute. ❤

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    1. Thank you Analee! 😃 Daughter of the Pirate King was TONS of fun! It seriously had me in fits & giggles…I felt like my 5 year old smh 🤷🏻‍♀️😂 but it was just THAT good! I’m looking forward to read it’s sequel, hope you enjoy it just as much as I did when you get around to it 😉 the new place is d f more convenient in many ways so I’ll take the extra reading time on my way to work any day over my past residence 🙌🏼 thank you for stopping by 💕

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    1. Baha! I so would throw a house party though! smh & Ha! Ha! Ha! baby books he say?!?! I’m starting my Uncle Gaiman collection, it’s about time, I do worship the quill that man writes with (or @ least that’s what I’ve imagined he uses). I’m buddy reading Kings of the Wyld with my hubby. As soon as I opened the box he was all “what is that?” smh, sucker for a group of misfits with shields & swords. That’s why I married him 😉

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  9. Oh wow Lilly that’s wonderful news about your new home. It must be so amazing to be somewhere new you actually love and feel safe living in too, also the fact that you won it in a lottery so to speak must have been a huge shock. If something like that happened to me I wouldn’t be able to believe it either.
    Despite not blogging much you got through some great books, I’ve heard good things about all of them so I’m excited to get around to them myself.
    Also great haul for last month as well. It looks like you’ve got some brilliant books to get started on this month! 😀

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    1. Thank you Beth, it’s a tremendous weight off our shoulders to have moved the kids out. Now we have an abundance of space & even a backyard/garden. It’s made a difference to our lives already. I’m still in disbelief when I walk through the door. I’m also surprised to have read anything but books were keeping me sane. They’re all good books but the stand out for me we’re Daughter of the Pirate King & The Bone Witch. For some reason I have a feeling you’d love The Bone Witch…just a hunch 😉 thanks again Beth, happy reading! ☺️💕

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      1. That’s all right, and yeah I guess it must be. At least the moving is done and you can get back to normal, so to say, in your new home.
        Ohh, in that case I’ll definitely be adding The Bone Witch to my to-read list then. Thanks for the recommendation! 😀 ❤

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  10. I just say that it could not have happened for a better person and that is karma for being so fantastic. You have always been so supportive of me and encouraging since the moment we met. I feel like I’ve known you personally for years haha. I am super excited for you on this new journey my friend ❤

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    1. Goodness, this mean a lot to me. Thank you for always being you Danielle, you have also been very supportive of me & I am very thankful for your friendship. It certainly does feel like I’ve known you for personally for years as well *smiles* thank you again for your words of support positive vibes ❤ 🙂

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  11. Congrats on the move, Lilly! That’s so incredible and I’m glad you’re getting settled and loving your new home. 💕
    Also, it looks like you had a fantastic reading month. I can relate to turning to reading when you’re stressed or overwhelmed. I do the same and actually spent two days rereading three books this past week because of it lol. Anyway! I hope you’re having a fantastic March and that it’s full of great reads. 😊

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    1. Thank you Melissa! I’m so happy to be settled in & finally having the time to get back to blogging & the book community (missed you all!) <3! Books are seriously my safe haven, don't know what i'd do if it wasn't for stories & a chance to visit another world/characters. Wishing you a wonderful March & thanks again for your kind words ❤ 🙂

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  13. Congratulations on moving!! It makes me so happy to hear you were able to find a place you love. I’m on the other side of the country in San Francisco, so trust me when I say I FEEL YOU on those rent prices. Its amazing when you can find a place you love and can call home 🙂

    You got a good book haul this month too! I also picked up My Sister Rosa for $2.99 and really enjoyed it. It was so creepy! I’ve been meaning to read The Bone Witch but I’ve been putting it off forever. It looks like you enjoyed it? Hope you have a productive reading month in your new home 😀

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    1. Thank you Alex! Oh Gosh! San Fran! yea I’ve heard how pricey it can get out there smh. I’m in love with this new place & happy to have finally settled in, getting back to the norm now. I have had My Sister Rosa on my TBR since last year before it was released but never actually picked it up. Seeing it on Kindle sale was a sign for me to get this book, the synopsis gives me the creeps & I’m all for that! LOL. The Bone Witch is good but oh so very slow 😉 Happy reading Alex & thanks again for your kind words <3!

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  15. Congratulations on moving and I hope your new place is everything that you’ve imagined! I’ve only been to NYC once and it always shocks me how high the prices are. I don’t live in Melbourne anymore but I’ve been thinking of buying, and prices are also ridiculous over there. :/

    Anyway, it looks like you’ve hauled many good books! I’m also looking to read We Are Okay and The Hate U Give myself.

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    1. Thank you for your kind words Reg! :0) I love my city but it honestly is ridic how expensive life is here smh. Never been to Melbourne but I’ve heard it’s pricey 😦

      I read the first 5 chapters to We Are Okay after accidentally requesting it on Netgalley not seeing that it was only a sneak peak LOL! I liked what I read so i’ll be finishing that one soonish. The Hate U Give is thus far, the best book I’ve read this year. I’m looking forward to Angie Thomas’ next book *fingers crossed* 😉

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  16. Pingback: February Wrap-Up 2017 – chicnerdreads

  17. Congrats on the new apartment, Lilly ♥ Moving is suuper stressful so I’m glad you’re all moved in now! It must be so exciting 😀

    I’m glad to see you enjoyed Daughter of the Pirate King and The Bone Witch! Also, amazing haul 😍😍 I loved Caraval and Zodiac Starforce!!

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  18. Yay for getting all settled in! Lilly I am so happy for your and your family. I wish you many years of happiness in your new home 🙂 I cant believe you were able to read 4 books (and read and help edit Gretchen’s poetry book!!) while packing up and moving your entire life to a new location! You are a super woman for sure.

    At least your move didn’t effect your book buying lol I also hauled The Hate U Give (thanks to your review and our convo) AND Norse Mythology in February… Now to actually read them!

    Happy reading and blogging in March my friend 🙂

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    2. Thank you Amanda that means so much to me! I honestly don’t know how I got it done but books keep me grounded. After the craziness of the packing, I’d sit down and read a bit or on the train rides to/from work which is ironically the only place where I can relax lmao! On a crowded train smh. I’m so glad you picked up The Hate U Give & cant wait to read your review 😃 My Gaiman collection can officially grow in this new place. I need a copy of Stardust, the book that started my love for Uncle Gaiman 😍
      Book buying is so therapeutic lol. Happy reading & blogging in March my friend 🙌🏼😃💕

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  19. CONGRATS ON THE MOVE! I knew you were moving, but I didn’t realize all the details behind it. You must be *so* happy! I assume it’s safe for you and the tiny humans to walk around outside now? Is there a park nearby? ARE THESE PHOTOS FROM YOUR NEW PLACE?! There is sooo much light! I couldn’t be happier for you. Mazel tov on your new place!

    Also: Girl. When you are doing to find time to read all those books? I am so impressed with your haul! Super jealous, but also not– I get overwhelmed with reading lists that long. But, I supposed that’s the life of a book blogger! ❤

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    1. Thank you Jackie 😃 I’m very happy to be settled in (finally lol). It’s it’s own little community but where I live we have access to a backyard/garden. The state is building a park behind us. It’s very quiet here but also very cold since we’re near the water. Tons of light, the living room has 6 floor to fielding windows. The kids each have a room now & are very happy trying to make it their own lol. Thanks again for the kind words 💕 now my book buying habits I am NOT so proud of lol. Especially since I shouldn’t be buying anything til I get through my arcs but I just can’t help it 😫 haha! I do think it’s a book blogger trait 😂😂😂

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