Hello Bookworms & happy Friday!!! here in NYC we’ve decided to skip Spring & go straight to Summer and although when I’m outside I truly dislike it…when I’m inside, I get to blast that A.C. & no sleep is better than one right next to that powerful ice machine ๐ย anyways, I pulled up Goodreads to see how many books I’d read in April & had to do a Britney…
I cannot remember the last time I read 8 BOOKS!!! *GASP*ย it was a great quality reading month, no complaints here (except for maybe Professed haha!) I was able to get ahead in my TBR ๐ย I participated in 2 Buddy Reads and had so much fun talking to the Bookworms in our group chats. I also borrowed for the very first time from another blogger buddy who is simply an amazing human being! Thank you Sarah @TheYaBookTravelerย I appreciate your kindness ๐ย Out of the 8 books that I read, 4 were 5 star reads which means I had a lot of fun reading in April.ย I’m hoping for an equally as good May & so far I think I’m getting my wish thanks to Harper & some new arc approvals that came through.ย Now without further ado I present to you my April Wrap-Up…
Professed by Nicola Rendellย โ โ STARS: Not what I expected but I read along since this was a book club pick for Julie & Chelsea’s Book Hangover Book Club. The characters just felt over the top & the “steamy scenes” were terrible ๐
Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglasย โ โ โ โ 4 STARS: This being the first book I p/u as a reintroduction to the NA genre (not that I’ve read all that very many ๐) was UNPUTDOWNABLE! ๐ณย I seriously couldn’t stop reading & now I’m on a Penelope Douglas binge
Ace Of Shades by Amanda Foody (Review)ย โ โ โ โ 4 STARS: Falls into the younger side of YA but still very enjoyable with its Sin City/Moulin Rouge vibes. Book 2 was just announced today, titled King of Fools for 2019 & I’m REALLY looking forward to It ๐๐๐
Sky In The Deep by Adrienne Young (Review)ย โ โ โ โ 4 STARS: Character driven, less focused on the bloody history of Vikings we’ve all come to know. This one is for those bookworms who love stories about family bonds and loyalty and choosing who your family is when you’ve lost it all.
My Plain Jane (The Lady Janies #2) by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows (RTC closer to publication date)ย โ โ โ โ โ 5 STARS: I mean C’mon! I LOVED My Lady Jane to pieces when I first read it & waited ever so patiently for this sequel. When a bookworm friend offered to loan me her copy I was STUNNED & Happy & grateful! I devoured it & all I can say is THANK YOU My Lady Janies for the ode to my childhood faves The Ghostbusters ๐๐๐
Undead Girl Gang by Lily Anderson (RTC)ย โ โ โ โ โ 5 STARS: a witchy read with a plus sized POC MC who’s a bit of a curmudgeon dishing out the sarcasm when she sees fit. Practicing witchcraft was never supposed to yield any real results until she needed it to & then…๐
Dread Nation by Justina Ireland (Review)ย โ โ โ โ โ 5 STARS: This is perhaps my fave read of the month! a black MC who kicks a** & doesn’t back down whether it’s racist white men or the walking dead trying to make a snack out of her. This book has so much more going on underneath the surface, #Blacklivesmatter, Colorism, and racism are all weaved into this tale. I have a giveaway currently running until Sunday 5/6, open to international Bookworms as well ๐ย Click on the link to take you to my review post to enter ๐
The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw (Review)ย โ โ โ โ โ 5 STARS: Take me back to this little town & island PLEASE! so atmospheric & haunting, I cannot stop singing this books praises! Please pick this one up before the Netflix series airs, it’s a short read but sooooo good that it’s guaranteed to stick around even after you’ve read that last line ๐
Avengers: Infinity War
ย ย ย ย
Date Day this month with the hubby was a ton of fun & led us to visit some of our favorite haunts. Starting off with breakfast at our fave diner by the theatre & a quick trip to The Strand where I picked up Leah On the Offbeat (Creekwood #2)by Becky Albertalli & the Graphic Novel Moonstruck: Magic To Brew. I spent a little too much time in the stacks & we ended up having to cab it to the other side of Manhattan to the theatre for a 1:30pm show. IMAX 3D…why do I always forget to wear contacts? instead I watch movies through 4 lenses ๐คท๐ปโโ๏ธ๐
The movie was about 2.5 hours long & it just exceeded expectations! Thanos our villain is one complex character with depth to him, he wasn’t just trying to kill everything in sight for power or control. I found this villain really interesting but that ending still had me giving him major side eye ๐ย It was awesome seeing some faves back on the screen & after watching Black Panther just last month, I was super stoked to return to Wakanda. This being part I of II, I expected to walk away with unresolved story line and I felt the ending sets up for the next movie rather nicely. The after credit scene led to a really cool development & now I spend my time on Screen Rant looking for any bread crumbs being released for the next set of Marvel movies. Overall I gave this movie 5 BUTTERFLIES!!!
I hope you’re all having a wonderful start of the month ๐ย what was your favorite read in April? feel free to link those wrap-ups down below & I’ll make my way over to your corner of the interwebz ๐’s! Don’t forget to throw yourย ๐ฉย in the ring for a chance to win a copy of Dread nation (see here)! ๐ค๐ผ๐ค๐ผ๐ค๐ผ
FOLLOW LAIR OF BOOKS ONโฆ
Instagram:ย @LairOfBooks
Twitter:ย @LairOfBooks
LairOfBooks 
I am so jealous, but like jealous with love, if that makes sense. I’m so happy you gave My Plain Jane 5 stars, I can’t wait for the book, after I got rejected, ouchie. But like I need it in my life. Penelope Douglas is awesome and I also loved Birthday Girl.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I got rejected for it too Lara but it was my fault, I was a little late to review an arc. Tried again with a clean slate and just got approved for everything I requested. My Plain Jane I borrowed from a friend & Iโm patiently waiting now to own a finished copy on pub date ๐ I hop you love it, have a feeling you will ๐ Iโm hoping to read Corrupt by Penelope soon cause Birthday Girl was so good! Thank you for stopping by โบ๏ธ๐
LikeLike
You got to read My Plain Jane already? I’m so jealous but I’m also so happy to see that you loved it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Sara โบ๏ธ๐ itโs also up on Edelweiss, in case you wanna give it a shot. I was denied the first time but as long as youโre in good standing and youโre active on your blog, theyโre pretty cool on approvals ๐ค๐ผ๐ค๐ผ๐ค๐ผ
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good to know! I’ve never had any luck on Edelweiss but I’ll give it a try.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This was me for about a year NetGalley was my friend but eventually the tides turned with Edelweiss for the better. I will have all my fingers crossed for you โบ๏ธ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Youโre so welcome ๐
LikeLike
Iโd have to say my favorite read of the month was Simon vs. The Home Sapiens Agenda I mean I did end up reading it 3 times in one month lol. I will leave a link to my full wrap up if you want to check it out.
https://mistysbookspace.wordpress.com/2018/05/03/april-wrap-up-2018/
LikeLiked by 1 person
CONFESSION: I totally purchased Leah w/out having read Simon vs. The Home Sapiens Agenda SMH, I do plan on reading both though LOL! 3 times?!?! that means it’s worthy ๐ Happy reading in May! heading over to your corner now ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Iโm waiting to buy Leah because I want the paperback to match Simon. Thank you so much happy reading for you as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bookworm problems ๐๐๐ I feel ya! Haha ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah normally I would have just gotten whatever was out but I at least try to match my books that are part of a series but thatโs doesnโt always happen lol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is true ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow you read some great books! I’m so excited to read My Plain Jane and Ace of Shades! Also, I’ve been hearing so much about Undead Girl Gang and Sky in the Deep – I might consider giving them a try too ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you โบ๏ธ๐ I hope you love them to pieces! Undead Girl was hard to put down ๐ I hope you do give the a go๐
LikeLike
I will tale a quality month any time! And you killed it in April ๐ค I agree about sleeping in the AC haha. I also keep a fan on. It is the best. Besides, I think I read once that sleeping in the cold is better for you? I went to Powell’s a few weekends ago. But I want to come visit you and the Strand!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Danielle! I had the AC on last night & it was HEAVEN! best sleep ever! โค April was such an unexpectedly good reading month, wish to see more of those but we shall see haha! I need this article to show to Lorenzo who thinks I'm trying to make the room into a igloo lol. Powells *heart eyes* one day! I feel about Powells probably the same way you feel about Strand. One day my friend ๐
LikeLike
I am lookong for that article haha. I will send it to you if I find it or a convincing one ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you ๐๐
LikeLike
I got your back ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha! ๐๐๐
LikeLike
Ah yay I’m happy you had such a good reading month!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you โบ๏ธ๐ Happy reading in May! ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Eight books, nice job Lilly! ๐ A lot of five star reads too, that’s always exciting. Everyone is watching Avengers and I’m over here clueless, because I really don’t like superhero movies or TV shows. HAHA.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Ashley! < 3 โค โค & that's ok, I have a few friends who aren't into the Marvel/DC universe. I enjoy watching them with hubby ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
You had a wonderful reading month and read a lot of awesome books!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! โบ๏ธ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
It looks like you had some amazing reads this month! Iโm so glad I was able to share MPJ and that you loved it too โค๏ธ
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Sarah! You made my YEARRRRR! โค โค โค you just wait & see, I'm going to include the fan book trailer you created for it in my review lol! ๐
LikeLike
Sounds like you had a good month! And I love that pic of you with the books hehe. Also I totally get the watching through 4 lenses thing ๐ I can’t wear contacts so that’s me EVERY TIME we go see a 3D movie hahaha
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Flavia ๐๐๐ & yeah we need another option for those of us who wear glasses ๐ itโs so awkward ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha so true!
LikeLike
You had a really great reading month! Look at all those 5 stars! I feel you on skipping spring and going straight to summer. I’m in Vermont and it was 87 degrees out yesterday! I hadn’t gotten the AC out yet and my bedroom was boiling hot all night. It was awful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Bentley! no complaints here, April was a fun quality reading month ๐ yea we hit 90 yesterday & I didn’t know how to act haha! I got home and started turning the AC’s on in the bedroom and Living room, melting status LOL! I hope you have a much cooler night today ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
You got through some great books this month Lilly, and I am so so glad to see you gave My Plain Jane five stars because that is one of my most anticipated releases for this year, I can’t wait to get my hands on my copy. ๐ Also your review definitely made me want to check out The Wicked Deep so hopefully I’ll be able to get around to that soon myself. ๐
I saw Avengers: Infinity War this month too and oh my god it was incredible right? That ending has left me shocked and heartbroken and kind of gutted that we have to wait a year until the next one is released.
Great post, it seems like you had a great month as well so I hope you have an even better May! ๐ โค
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Beth! โค โค โค I'm pretty confident you're going to love My Plain Jane ๐ I CANNOT wait for you to read The Wicked Deep. Such a good read! & OMYGOSH that ending!!! what was that?!?! haha! Psyched for the second part to this movie ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thatโs all right, and actually Iโm pretty confident in that as well! ๐ Same here, but we have to wait a year for the next part, how cruel is that?! ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Between movies and books I feel weโre always in a perpetual state of waiting ๐คฃ hopefully itโs well worth it ๐ค๐ผ
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such an awesome wrap up! You read so many amazing books! And oh my gosh, infinity war was SO INTENSE. I was literally barely breathing by the end of the movie
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Ashley! ๐ and yeah that movie had me on a roller coaster of emotions ๐ฉ๐ Happy reading in May! ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing wrap up, love! And… I’ know I’m completely biased because you blessed me with so much of your time, BUT STILL! Also, I’m still jelly over your day date! Ahhh! I can’t wait to go to NY! But amazing April, love! And I’m wishing you all the love, happiness, and good books (preferably with me) this May! ๐xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Mel! ๐ค haha yea we did buddy read a lot in April & it was AWESOME! Hope May sees us enjoying all the books with some more great buddy reads along the way. Haha @ that last bit! Of course with you! Btw I got another Harper title but Iโll text you ๐๐ Happy reading & all that jazz in May! ๐ค
LikeLiked by 1 person
Man, those are some really interesting-sounding books you mentioned! I suddenly predict that my TBR list is about to grow some more. lol
And yay for Infinity War! ๐ โค
I was so busy in April that I had practically no time for reading, which sucked because it just made me want to read that much more! Oh, well, here's hoping May will be calmer and full of more books. ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! ๐ค I hope May turns out to a EPIC reading month for you ๐
LikeLike
Awesome wrap up! Iโm really glad you loved Sky in the Deep and the Wicked Deep! Iโve been wanting to read both of those so badly! โค๏ธ
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Kelly! ๐ I hope you enjoy them as much as I did, The Wicked Deep especially cause it’s still replaying in my memory ๐๐ผ Happy reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great wrap up! You had a great bookish month! I can’t wait to read Ace Of Shades, and Sky In The Deep! Birthday girl is not for me but I love Penelope Douglas books. You should also check out Punk 57! It’s dark and emotional NA romance.
Hope you have a wonderful May! ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Raven! ๐ I hope you enjoy Ace & Sky, I have Punk 57 on my Kindle & have heard so many great things that I’m sure I’ll get to that one as soon as I read Corrupt ๐๐ผ I love dark & emotional haha! I hope you have an amazing May! ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
WOW! You read so many amazing books, that’s awesome!!! I saw The Avengers Infinity War and I think it’s fair to say that I’m still shocked! Loved your post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you and yes! Iโm eager to watch the next Marvel movie for some answers ๐ happy reading in May! ๐
LikeLike
Lovely wrap-up ๐ I’m so happy April was such a good reading month for you! You’ve made me even more excited to read Undead Girl Gang and The Wicked Deep, I love a witchy read! Happy reading ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you โบ๏ธ๐ I hope you enjoy them as much as I did, I have a feeling you will ๐ค๐ผHappy reading in May! ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll be reading My Plain Jane soon!
LikeLike