Friday Reads – LairOfBooks

Friday Reads and Thangs…

This New Yorker is prepared to be snowed in and to be honest I’m excited for it! The snow estimates have been all over the place with some as low as 7 inches to 10+ inches *GASP* It is so rare that I ever get to slow down and just wind down any day of the week or weekend that I don’t know what to do with myself LOL! I’m really looking forward to my resistance and strength training workouts this weekend since I’ll have a blanket of snow for a view which we haven’t seen in a really long time. Of course I have my reading plans in place and also some things I’d like to watch on Apple TV and HBO. On the healthy/self-love end of things, I’ve been weaning myself off of Starbucks Cold Brews cause as much as I love this drink, it absolutely drives up my anxiety. Instead i’ve been alternating between juicing (spinach, mangos, apples, pine apples and chia seeds in 8 oz of water), smoothies (strawberries, 1 banana, blueberries in 80z of water with 1 tbsp of flax seeds), and teas (Ginger or Peach Green Tea) which have made a HUGE difference in my mood and metabolism. I had planned for this post to go live early this morning but back to back meetings threw a wrench in that. So, let’s get into the books cause ya girl still has 3 miles to run *sobs* for cardio.

I’ve been on a thriller kick this week which I attribute mostly to me just not being in the mood for Fantasy and the escapism it offers. Instead I opted for serial killers and a group of vengeful women getting justice for the murders of their children…don’t know what that says about me these past 7 days but I went with it. Look out for my Three Thriller Mini Review post going up next week featuring yet another thriller that I’m currently listening to.

In My Dreams I Hold A Knife by Ashley Winstead (RTC)

The Collective by Alison Gaylin (RTC)

Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano (My Review)

This morning Libby delivered the audiobook for A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham and before I knew it…I had attended 3 meetings, meal prepped for this weekend and cleaned out my bathrooms while powering through this book. IT’S SO GOOOOOD Book Lovers! Our MC is a psychologist in a small Louisiana town where 20 years prior, her father had been imprisoned for the murder of 6 young girls. I’m about 60% in and hope to finish the rest tonight in the gym but all I can say is that this story is engrossing. Once I’m done with Flicker, I’m jumping right back into the island of Kekon with my favorite gangster family in Jade War. Having recently read and loved Jade City (My review), I really don’t want too much time to pass where I forget key details.

Euphoria was recommended to me by both friends & family to the point I just couldn’t escape it anymore. It’s INTENSE and I have had to take breaks in between episodes to process certain scenes but it’s excellently written. Anyone who is interested in watching the show should know that it focuses heavily on addiction. I’m starting season 2 this weekend and a part of me is not ready but I’m going in regardless.

Ted Lasso! this show caught me by surprise BIG time and I’m not even sure why I was resistant to starting it. My BFF kept asking me every week if I’d watched it so I figured it was time and I LOVE it so much that i’m savoring each episode so as to not finish the first season.

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FRIDAY READS & THANGS…

Happy Friday Book Lovers! I’m a little all over the place today but I’m stoked to get the weekend started. This weekend I’ll be flexing my newly found green thumb skills as I expand my at home window garden. I really thought this was something I sucked at smh since my past experience with plants were TERRIBLE. Whelp! (many things I thought I would suck at have turned out to be quite the opposite, never doubt yourself luvs) I have managed to keep my succulent Leo alive since the start of this year. Many will ask themselves (like my good friend Taylor @Nerdnarration), how do you kill a succulent? well it happened to me 2 years ago & I was set on never letting it happen again. Leo is now ready for siblings & my BFF IRL is bringing me a seedling from his very own garden! excited for this & have already ordered a few things for their arrival. On the bookish front, I have started a contemporary set to be released in 2 weeks & a few single issue comics. I also have plans for some outdoor activities with my tiny humans in a safe social distancing space.

The Faithless Hawk (The Merciful Crow #2) by Margaret Owen– I had no idea this was a duology but I’m so satisfied with how everything wrapped up! The world was further fleshed out as was the magic system & our MC’s were put through the wringer. I did NOT expect to finish it with tears in my eyes but it sure happened to be that way. I have a full review coming next week.

Wynd Issues 1 & 2 by BOOM Comics! – If you’re a fan of all things Fae then this will be one to keep an eye out for. I’m already craving more from this story & appreciate so much the plus size rep as well as there being POC characters. Wynd is a Fae Queer boy living in Pipetown where all with magic in their blood have been exiled. Wynd is in hiding, he was taken in by a family when he was just a baby left behind in a basket. The family has taken great risk in hiding him while the King has hired help to eliminate any found within his kingdom. There’s also talk of a land where those with magic live freely, can’t wait to read more!

A Man Among Ye Issues 1 & 2 by Image Comics– I love all things pirates but its the female pirate stories that have given me LIFE! this comic is based off of the real Irish Pirate Anne Bonny. We get a female MC who is very confident & just a bad a**! aboard Captain Jack’s crew. Other than Jack who may be a love interest, the crew is very sexist & anti Anne. Mutiny is definitely afoot. Now I’m not sure if she will remain on his crew or venture off based on how issue 2 left off. I am absolutely in need of issue 3 cause it seems we will be getting more female POC Pirates. I have a feeling this will be a favorite & I’m really hoping it gets a trade paperback *fingers crossed*

The Roommate by Rosie Danan

House Rules:
Do your own dishes
Knock before entering the bathroom
Never look up your roommate online

This was about all I had read from the Goodreads Synopsis before I clicked on request on Netgalley. So far its been receiving really good reviews & I can see why. Since starting it last I found myself quickly going through the pages with no real want to put it down except for the much needed sleep. I’ve heard it’s a very sex positive read & that one of the MC’s has a profession not typically seen in books…I’m intrigued 😉

“She-Ra and the Princesses of Power tells the tale of Adora, a teenager who can transform into the heroine She-Ra and leads a group of other magical princesses in a rebellion against the evil Lord Hordak and his Horde.”

I’ve just started watching friends & can’t stop! thank goodness for slow work from home days amiright? haha! there are POC & plus size characters that I have absolutely been charmed by. These characters have quickly become faves! Final thoughts will be in my August Wrap-up.

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Friday Reads & Thangs…

Hello Book Lovers! It’s been about 2 weeks since my last post where I reviewed Real Men Knit by Kwana Jackson. There has been very little to no reading on my part since then. Friday Reads & Thangs is usually where I check in & share life updates, what I’m reading, watching, or sight seeing. However, this past week it was more important to stand up for a movement. I’ve been more visible on my Bookstagram trying to do my part in uplifting Black voices as well as sharing resources as I come across them in my IG stories. I’ve always aimed to read diversely & boost marginalized POC voices for my personal growth as well as to share on this platform. As a mother of two amazing Afro-Latinx kids, I consider it my every day goal to seek out knowledge that I can share with them. The need to listen & uplift black voices in the book community shouldn’t be something that is only now being done. That it is being done (Finally!) is a step in the right direction. I will continue to boost on all platforms with hopes that our tomorrow looks nothing like our present. Below are some of the links I’ve come across & utilized, there are many more easily accessible online. The petitions listed below are very quick to sign & will only take a moment of your time. I’ve also attached links for some of the resources I’ve come across as well as a list of where you can donate if you’re able to. Whether you’re on the front lines battling injustice through peaceful protests or signing a petition, you are doing your part in the fight to bring down systemic racism.

PETITIONS

GENERAL LIST OF BLACK LIVES MATTER PETITIONS TO SIGN

Bryanna Wallace & Autumn Gupta

Stand with Breonna Petition

Justice for Ahmaud Arbery

Justice for Darius J. Tarver

Justice for George Floyd

RESOURCES

BLACK HISTORY MONTH LIBRARY

ANTI-RACIST READING LIST (NYT)

DOCUMENTARIES THAT ASSIST IN UNDERSTANDING RACISM, PREJUDICE & MORE

9 CHILDREN’S BOOKS ABOUT POLICE VIOLENCE

BEING AFRICAN AMERICAN & LGBTQ

ANTI-RACISM RESOURCES FOR ALL AGES

A LIST OF BLACK OWNED INDEPENDENT BOOK STORES

22 BLACK-OWNED BOOKSTORES YOU CAN ORDER FROM ONLINE

20 BOOKS ABOUT ANTI-RACISM TO EDUCATE YOURSELF

Currently I am not posting any bookish content on any of my platforms. This week has been one to reflect & do my part. On Monday 6/8/2020 I’ll return with a Gush review for Talia Hibbert’s upcoming book Take a Hint, Dani Brown (The Brown Sisters #2)

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FRIDAY READS & THANGS

**WHIMSICAL ILLUSTRATIONS BY ESRA RØISE**

It’s Friday Book Lovers & I for one couldn’t be more thankful! last weekend I was in Philadelphia with my boyfriend, a city that’s quickly becoming a favorite for its rich history, food, awesome human beings & of course home of Rocky! 🥊 this weekend however is going to be more chill, staying local with a trip to one of my tiny humans favorite parks that offers up some good waterside scenic paths to ride bikes. I anticipate some down time (perhaps a smidge haha!) where I can squeeze in reading, most likely while meal prepping. I’m trying to get into the habit of always having an audiobook playing while multi-tasking & so far its been fun & productive. This week was pretty big for the YA publishing world with the release of SJ Maas House of Earth and Blood & Cassandra Clare’s Chain of Gold! 🤗 although I can’t partake in the Chain of Gold excitement just yet since I’ve yet to read Lady Midnight, I am wishing all those who are, a great reading experience! 🖤

AN ANONYMOUS GIRL – By the time this post goes live I’ll probably have finished listening to this audiobook from Libby. For the most part I enjoy choosing thrillers blindly since Synopsis tend to give away too much. This has been an interesting listen, not at all what I expected & I’m not sure yet if that’s a good or bad thing. This is a heavy on narcissism read where the MC becomes extremely co-dependent in a sick twisted triangle of sorts. Not in a romantic way at all but in a sick twisted spider caught in a web sort of way, my thoughts will be delivered in a spoiler free mini review.

HOUSE OF EARTH AND BLOOD – This beauty is FINALLY out in the world & yes I’ve dropped all other physical reads to dedicate my time to this story. I’m not very far in it at all but I do now have a Kindle copy which will make it easier to read on my down time. This is SJ Maas’ first adult Fantasy & so far I’m getting all of the Urban Fantasy vibeZ I’ve been craving with complex world building for the win. High hopes here Book Lovers! HIGH hopes *fingers crossed*

DOCILE –

“There is no consent under capitalism

Docile is a science fiction parable about love and sex, wealth and debt, abuse and power, a challenging tour de force that at turns seduces and startles.

To be a Docile is to be kept, body and soul, for the uses of the owner of your contract. To be a Docile is to forget, to disappear, to hide inside your body from the horrors of your service. To be a Docile is to sell yourself to pay your parents’ debts and buy your children’s future.” —I’ve heard from a few trusted friends that this is quite the compulsive read & I’ve really been craving my next sci-fi read. I’ve also heard this deals with very murky consensual sex

DEMON SLAYER VOLUME 1 – While In a Philly comic shop I was on my phone looking for some top Manga recommendations when I came across Demon Slayer. Instantly sucked in by the sibling relationship portrayed on the cover I went looking for the 1st volume which was sold out! turns out it’s a hit manga that’s already on Hulu & now I was set on getting my hands on it. I ended up getting a copy at a Barnes & Nobles where I read the first 20 pages & grew attached to the MC Tanjiro. More thoughts to come, I may just review this manga in batches as I go through the volumes which I predict will happen rather quickly 🙂

Gentefied (Season 1) was mentioned to me by Jessica a Bookstagrammer (Litnoob) I enjoy watching for their stories & in depth bookish thoughts. Gentefied is about three cousins with many differences who come together to save their grandfather’s taco shop (YUM!) which is struggling in a LATINX community faced with gentrification. I was looking for my next Netflix binge & am so very thankful for this recc! ❤

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Friday Reads & Thangs

Happy Friday Bookworms! I’m having one of those weird Fridays where I’d like to do it all lol…to be honest it has me feeling all over the place. This may just be the side effects from opting not to go to NYC Comic Con this year (NEVER missing out again), on this day I’d be running around the Javitz Center seeing familiar faces & beloved authors. Instead, this weekend I’m going to squeeze in some family/friends, park & physical fitness time. Also, two of my favorite Romance content creators Bree & Steph will be hosting their very first live show this Saturday night and I will certainly be tuning in! glass of wine, crackers & cheese already on deck *woot woot* ❤

Stephs Romance Book Talks

Bree over @ Bree Hill & Falling For Romance

American Predator by maureen callahan

Today is the first day of the #FridayFrighathon run by Meltotheany, ACourtOfCrownsandQuills, Chelsea Palmer, PinotandPages

I was STOKED to see one of my Book of the Month picks as a selection for this readathon! I’ve been making my way through my BOTM shelf & finally feeling a little less guilt. I’m currently listening to this one on Scribd while reading along to my physical copy, so far the narration is on point. Creepy but quite addictive, this is turning out to be a quick page turner.

Can’t escape love by alyssa cole

This is the 2nd Novella in the Reluctant Royals series centered around Reggie. We first meet Reggie in A Duke By Default as Portia’s twin sister. Reggie is hands down a fave character because of what she embodies…intellect, strength, independence, and fearlessness. She is a disabled black woman who runs an empire that all started with her beloved blog GirlsWithGlasses. With a lot on her plate,Reggie has developed a bit of insomnia and can think of only one solution. Gus is a guy who loves puzzles and at one point had live-stream videos where Reggie was his only viewer. His voice was very soothing for Reggie & was her go-to before bed. This story takes off once Reggie seeks him out with a proposition to have 10 hours of his voice recorded. I’m almost done with this one & it may just be a new fave!

The never tilting world by rin chupeco

“Frozen meets Mad Max in this epic teen fantasy duology bursting with star-crossed romance, immortal heroines, and elemental magic, perfect for fans of Furyborn.”

YES PLEASE! I’m a HUGE fan of Rin Chupeco since reading The Bone Witch Trilogy, I’d read anything they write confident that I will be hella satisfied. The Never Tilting World will hit the shelves on 10/15/2019.

legacies

I LOVED The Originals on the CW & after it ended back in 2018, I really felt the void. Luckily, we were gifted with a spin-off. I started watching this series on Netflix just yesterday & binge watched 7 whole episodes while on the go. This is a lot for me since I haven’t been watching much of anything this year. I’d best describe this as the X-Mansion from X-Men meets Hogwarts & I’m HOOKED! They even have their own version of Quid-ditch<3

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Friday Reads & Thangs…

Happy Friday Bookworms! by the time this post goes up I will probably be at the end of my work day and well on my way to starting my 4 day mini vacay! MUCH needed & highly anticipated haha! this evening I will be heading to Virginia for some family quality time & I’m pretty STOKED for the change of scenery. This does mean I probably won’t be getting much reading in this weekend but since I’ve been on a reading spree this month, I think a break is just what I need to keep the momentum going. I do plan on reading on my Kindle while commuting in order to stay awake & be a excellent co-pilot. I’ll also probably start Stranger Things season 3 cause I get it, it’s annoying for my friends to have to whisper spoilery things when they’re around me 😂

The Merciful Crow (The Merciful Crow #1) by Margaret Own

This is perhaps my MOST HIGHLY anticipated YA Fantasy books this year! I was blessed by the Book Gods with a eGalley last week & it’ll be the book I read on my road trip to VA. So far I’m only 15% in but that’s only because I’ve been super busy & exhausted otherwise I’d be inhale reading this in NO time! with a caste legend for a intro…this is already setting up to be a well developed world, well at least I’m hoping it is. I’m very intrigued by the caste system & the Crows themselves.

“A future chieftain

Fie abides by one rule: look after your own. Her Crow caste of undertakers and mercy-killers takes more abuse than coin, but when they’re called to collect royal dead, she’s hoping they’ll find the payout of a lifetime.

A fugitive prince

When Crown Prince Jasimir turns out to have faked his death, Fie’s ready to cut her losses—and perhaps his throat. But he offers a wager that she can’t refuse: protect him from a ruthless queen, and he’ll protect the Crows when he reigns.

A too-cunning bodyguard

Hawk warrior Tavin has always put Jas’s life before his, magically assuming the prince’s appearance and shadowing his every step. But what happens when Tavin begins to want something to call his own?”

Sadie by Courtney Summers

I’ve had this book on my shelf for far too long! shamefully so cause I predict this will probably be a read-in-one-sitting 5 star read. As a fan of the Serial Podcast, Sadie checks off all my boxes. Although I do have a physical copy of this book…I’ve only heard amazing things about the audiobook so I downloaded it on Scribd & It’s ready to go. If anyone has book recs along the lines of Sadie or Serial, please drop them in the comments down below 🙂

THIS IS HAPPENING FOR SURE! I’m the Queen of procrastination with my Netflix Queue. The co-workers, friends, and family are all tired of whispering around me so as to not spoil me. I get side eyed A LOT! but I may have had a little encouragement recently *wink eye wink eye* haha. This will be what I turn to when my eyes get tired from reading tonight on the road. I keep hearing this season was EPIC & will get me in my feels, I’m ready! ❤

Friends!!! We made it to through another week & the weekend is looking PROMISING fingers crossed. I wish you all the good reads & adventure, feel free to drop down below what you’re reading/watching/doing this weekend Luvs! ❤

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Friday Reads & Thangs…

It’s Friday for this New Yorker & I could NOT be happier to start this 3 day holiday weekend!!! After all, this is the weekend before BEA which means it’s legit prep time for many bookworms…

I’m super excited to be seeing many of my friends both far & near next week. Some of them I’ll be meeting for the very first time in person but I feel like I’ve known them my whole entire life. With that in mind, I’ve been trying to keep my reading light. I’m finally in a good reading flow and want that to continue by only reading books I’ve been absolutely excited to get to. I also have a few reviews that I’ll be streaming throughout the coming week (Middlegame, Vicious (Sinners of Saint #1) & Serious Moonlight) to get back in the flow of things. This weekend I will most likely be heading to D.C. which means all of my reading will take place on my commute to & from (4.5 hours)…as long as sleep doesn’t sabotage my plans *fingers crossed*

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

I am 250 pages into this Contemporary New Adult & really enjoying it so far. It’s the LGBTQIA+ LATINX read I didn’t know I needed in my life. This follows the son of the first female President of the United States in a hate to love romance with the Prince of Wales. Not only is the chemistry off the walls but there’s an amazing friend group I can’t get enough of. I find myself constantly laughing out loud on the train ride to work and shaking my head in awe. Politics does play a big role in this story & I’m loving how McQuiston has pulled in some very relevant current day issues impacting this romance. I am only half-way through with hopes to finish this read tonight.

Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

Initially I had my heart set to jump into The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides (still next on my queue after this read) which was one of my May Book of the Month add-ons. Then I was blessed by an awesome friend who text me asking if I wanted her arc copy of Sorcery Of Thorns. I really didn’t even have to think twice before I accepted after hearing non-stop early rave reviews. One of my 1st jobs ever (unpaid) was as a Librarian Assistant in 5th grade. To come across a book about books that have a life of their own…Grimoires that are kept in chains and guarded by a Warden?!?! YES PLEASE! SIGN ME ALL THE WAY UP! I haven’t been this curious about a book in a VERY long time. *fingers crossed* it becomes a new favorite.

Honestly, I’m quite surprised I have yet to watch Big Little Lies. I read Liane Moriarty’s book some time last year & was as hooked as I was back in the day to Desperate Housewives on abc. To further entice me, it features two of my fave actresses, Reese Witherspoon & Nicole Kidman!!! *GASPS* I ABSOLUTELY LOVED the book & have high hopes for this HBO series, especially now that it’s been renewed for a second season. The plan is to alternate between reading Sorcery Of Thorns & watching Big Little Lies tonight on my ride to D.C.

Friends!!! We made it to the end of the week & I personally cannot be more excited for the chill time this weekend. Sure I’ll miss not having Game Of Thrones to run home to Sunday nights but thankfully I have a never ending TBR! What are your plans this weekend? Reading anything rave worthy? Sound off in the comments <3’s

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Friday Reads 9/8/17

Hello Readers! I debated on whether or not to post today because of all the things currently weighing many of us down. Many have just experienced Harvey while others have been or will be affected by Irma. I live in NYC but my heart is in Puerto-Rico where the majority of my Dad’s side of the family resides & FL where my Uncle & aunt are. Many uncles, aunts, and cousins currently without electricity on the island of PR while others are prepping for Irma in Florida. My thoughts & prayers are with all of those affected…it’s been difficult to think of anything else. If you are a reader in Texas, PR, the Caribbean, or FL please stay safe 💙

In times of high stress I go into overdrive googling in search of answers…basically trying to assess the situation. This however, is beyond me & I need to pull away from the weather reports & just speak to my loved ones. I’m also turning to reading my books while also offering support to those I know on Twitter who live in the areas. The Book community always shows up to uplift those in need & that is why I’m so proud to be a member.

Yesterday I finished reading Zero Repeat Forever (The Nahx Invasions #1) by Gabrielle Prendergast & was really surprised to have my opinion of this book do a complete 360. It’s a chunker coming in at 496 pages so I guess you can see it used it’s time wisely. I’m aiming to have a review up by this weekend but this storm is sapping all of my energy so we’ll see. I will say that this book went from a 3 star rating to a 4.5 😉

Today I started reading Even the Darkest Stars by Heather Fawcett but I didn’t get very far, I’ll def be hunkering down with this one tonight. I’ve heard such great things about the world building in this book with a very unique setting not yet seen in YA. Hoping to get sucked into this world 🤞🏼follow me on Goodreads for my most random reader thoughts 💜

I’m also listening to the Stars Above (The Lunar Chronicles)by Marissa Meyer Audiobook. This is the novella that followed the conclusion Winter (The Lunar Chronicles #4) & I’ve held off on reading it for some time now. The Lunar Chronicles is one of my favorite YA series and as is the case with most of my faves, I always have a hard time letting go lol. It is time though since I’d love to get to Wires and Nerve soon which also takes place in this Universe. So far I’m really enjoying listening to Stars Above whenever I’m walking/commuting to/from work. The narrator Rebecca Soler is hands down a perfect fit & having met her at a Marissa Meyer event signing for Winter a while back, I was able to see why. It’s a special thing when the narrator to a audiobook loves the story they are narrating & Rebecca’s enthusiasm shines through.

Happy FriYay Readers! hope you’re all staying safe & in touch with your loved ones. You are all in my thoughts & prayers. Typically I ask what everyone is reading/watching but today I just want to send you love, strength, and hope 💕

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Friday Reads 8/25/2017

Happy Friday Readers! Hope you’ve all had a wonderful week & are getting ready to have an AMAZING weekend…if not, & you’re going more low key such as I’m doing then I hope it’s with a good book 😉

This week I found myself dealing with a ton of fatigue & feeling ill which meant that I was hitting the pillow early every single night. This however, did not slow down my reading by too much since I was reading whenever I could handle flipping pages on my kindle. Thankfully, I’m feeling much better now & hope it stays that way *fingers crossed*

Earlier this week I finished Julia Ember’s The Tiger’s Watch (Ashes of Gold #1). My rating was 4 stars & overall I’m very happy to see this book out into the world. Featuring a gender fluid MC, a awesome Tiger who is fierce & loyal, and a beautiful friendship, I’m going to need more! Check out my review for The Tiger’s Watch here.

I then started Beasts Made of Night by Tochi Onyebuchi my 5th arc for #arcAugust & today I reached the 60% mark. This book is not like anything you’ve seen before in any YA Fantasy. It does not hold your hand while you get to know the world, it hits the ground running & trusts you the reader to keep up. I can’t wait to see how it all ends.

I’m hoping to finish Beasts Made Of Night between today & tomorrow. typically, this would be reaching for me lol but hear me out. Hubby is going to Upstate NY to participate in a Spartan race which means all of Saturday is mostly free. Yes, I have my kids but nap times for my 2 tiny humans means reading time for me. Also, we have this thing at home (fairly new) where everyone gets their “Me Time” including the kids & lemme tell ya! it works wonders LOL!

Also, on the agenda…I need a good audiobook recommendation, I have a few but I’m not really sure what I’m in the mood for. I’m about to get my credit from Audible & after LOVING The Serpent King so much, I’m wondering whether I should get his other book Goodbye Days OR go in a completely different direction with a thriller.

Saving the best for last…I am FINALLY going to start They Both Die at the End by my MOST FAVE AUTHOR IN ALL OF YA CONTEMP! *drum rolllllll* Adam Silvera *Smiles* I’ve been trying to get in the mood for a good tear jerker but it’s just not happening & I really just want to read this already haha! So I’m fully stocked with my box of tissues and as ready as I’ll ever be for my heart to be ripped out & stomped on in true Silvera fashion 😉

Happy FriYay Readers! hope you’re all having a wonderful end of the week! what are YOU reading? watching? planning this Weekend? any good audiobook recs?

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Friday Reads 8/11/2017

Happy Friday Readers!!! This has been one long and trying week, so happy to see it come to an end *whoop whoop* I’m actually surprised to have finished any books but I managed 3! LOL!

Earlier in the month I decided to join #arcAugust to help me make a dent in my physical & digital stack (see here). I opted not to have a set TBR because I am a mood reader and because I love to genre hop to keep things interesting and avoid slumps. I’ve read two eGalleys for #arcAugust & listened to 1 audio book from my back list…

I cannot even begin to tell you all how The Serpent King BROKE MEEEE!!! left me walking the New York City platforms hopping from 1 train to the next all the while trying to keep my tears under control. This story about friendship between 3 very different characters has managed to find a forever home in my ❤ for so many reasons (trigger warning: child abuse, racism, and homophobia) I will discuss in my review. I will be picking up a physical copy this month for my shelves & writing a Audio-book review over the weekend, just trying to decide between spoilery vs. non-spoilery haha! I have too many feels that need to be discussed! smh.

Soon after or around the same time really, I finished & reviewed The Epic Crush of Genie Lo which was my 1st chosen arc for the readathon. This was such a fun & diverse read with elements similar to those found in Rick Riordans books. Except we follow Chinese folklore centered around The Monkey King & I am so ready for more books with Asian representation. In my review I also linked two Own Voices reviews that I really enjoyed reading myself from two amazing bloggers.

Lastly, last night I finished reading Spellbook of the Lost and Found & will be writing my review tonight. I have not yet come up with a rating but I can say it’s between 3.5-4 stars. This book had that dark vibe that kept reminding me of the cult classic The Craft & could easily see it play out on the screen. Still gathering my thoughts but more to come…and will most likely watch The Craft cuz Fall please, I’m ready for my favorite season <3’s

I started When I am Through With You (Sins and Scandals #1) by Stephanie Kuehn….I legit JUST realized as I’m writing this post that this is going to be a series! GAHHH! freaking out at my desk cuz YASSSS! I started reading it this morning on the train ride to work & jeez it’s 50 shades of effed up! but oh sOoOo good! I’m already wondering if I’m in the mind of a psychotic killer. Just as soon as I publish this post I will be back to reading. This is also my 3rd read for #arcAugust & I’m content with that since it’s more than I’d have read by this date any month haha!

Also on the night stand for this weekend, is The Princess Saves Herself in This One by Amanda Lovelace which I am pretty excited about! my twin Gretchen over at ChicNerdReads LOVES this collection so much & I honestly don’t know what has taken me this long but better late than never 😉