Tags & Awards – LairOfBooks

The Cozy Autumn Book Tag!

What’s this?!? a tag?!?! why YES, Yes it is! Fall is my absolute favorite time of the year, it’s when my spirits are at an all time high and I want to do all the cozy & outdoor things. This year I’m adding one new thing to my list of Fall things…hikes & trails! I’m a sucker for a scenic route and it only helps my efforts to get some cardio in on the weekends whilst also staying away from crowded city life. I’m slowly going to be working my way up to some tougher/longer hikes throughout New York State & hopefully I’ll get some good colorful Fall shots along the way. Of course, it wouldn’t be my favorite season without some fave autumnal reads…

🍂 Q U E S T I O N S 🍂

1. What book always reminds you of fall/autumn? Adriana Mather’s Haunting the Deep #2 in the How to Hang a Witch series ALWAYS invokes Fall vibes. Set on the Titanic with a MC who is a direct descendant of a prominent figure in the Salem Witch Trials, this book with Its ghostly characters is a great way to kick off the Fall season.

2. What is your favourite autumnal book cover? This year it’s a toss up between Lobizona by Romina Garber (my review) & Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas (my review). They SCREAM autumn with their lush dark burgundy and orange colors. Cemetery Boys does take place around Dia De Los Muertos which only amps up this book as one to pick up this season. Either way, you can’t go wrong!

3. What is your favourite autumnal drink to read with? Currently…COVID has me staying away from Starbucks BUT I found their creamers at Target *jazz hands* specifically the Caramel or Cinnamon Dolce creamers with my home made coffee topped off with some ground cinnamon. Mhm…as you may have guessed, I love cinnamon!

4. Do you prefer to read late at night or early in the morning? Late nights used to be my JAM! but alas, no longer! neither are the mornings tbh cause of my hectic jam packed schedule. Evenings are when I get most of my reading in.

5. Halloween is coming! What is your favourite spooky read? Up until this tag, I did NOT think to choose a fave spooky read. However, going forward Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (my review) which is haunting AF! will be that read I go to for its horror noir vibes. UGH! this book my fellow bookworms…will make the hair on your neck stand.

6. What is the ultimate comfort read for you? This will always be the Romance genre as a whole. However, most recently I discovered Adriana Herrera who I HIGHLY recommend. Here to Stay (my review) sees our MC relocate from NYC to Dallas Texas & it just so happens to run into Thanksgiving. The cast of characters/friends in this story felt like home to me so much so that I truly didn’t want the book to end. I will continue reading Herrera’s books whenever I need that cozy feeling.

7. What is your favourite autumnal reading snack? although it has been WAY TOO LONG! for many years, I’ve loved Junior’s NYC Strawberry Cheesecake. Not just for the flavor but for the many sweet memories attached to this treat.

8. What is your favourite autumnal candle to burn whilst reading? In previous years, I did buy candles from bookish shops but not as of late. While I burn through my current collection, I’ve noticed Butterscotch, Hot Cocoa and Salted Caramel scents seem to call to me.

9. When you’re not reading, what is your favourite autumnal activity? Long outdoor walks paired with a hoodie\leggings & an engaging audiobook. If not, then it’s curling up in bed watching romantic comedies in fuzzy socks.

10. What is on your autumn/fall reading list? Ha! this may just be a bit ambitious but I’m sure going to give it a shot…

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2018 Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag

Mid-year? I’d love the ability to time travel right about now or possibly even freeze time. Anything so that I can read all the books & I know y’all can relate *SOBS* I am however very thankful for having a really good quality reading year so far & hope it continues 🤞🏼 I’m thinking it will since many of my MOST highly anticipated releases of 2018 will be out later this year.

Original tag was created by ReadLikeWildfire and Earl Grey Books

Best book you’ve read so far in 2018

Children Of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

It’s been months since I read COBAB and yet I can still recall specific details. I have terrible short term memory tbh but the world Tomi has created is so rich and the characters have so much depth that they’re pretty hard to forget. Also, COBAB had one of the best endings I’ve read this year cause what I wanted to happen actually happened 😂 and I reallllllly need the sequel Children of Virtue and Vengeance in my little hands 🤗 lastly, Jimmy Fallon has started a Summer Reads Book Club and COBAB is on his list. Head on over to cast your vote if you loved it as much as I did! 💜

Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2018

Bruja Born (Brooklyn Brujas #2) by Zoraida Córdova

Best in so many ways but mainly because it superceded the first book Labyrinth Lost which I also enjoyed. I really felt like Córdova went into her writing room and gave it her all in this book. Not only was the supernatural world expanded in this sequel but the character growth & development was A++!!!

New release you haven’t read yet, but want to

A Thousand Beginnings and Endings by:

Ellen Oh, Elsie Chapman, Melissa De La Cruz, Julie Kagawa, Renee Ahdieh, Roshani Chokshi, Aliette De Bodard, Cindy Pon, Alyssa Wong, Sona Charaipotra, Aisha Saeed, Lori M. Lee, Shveta Thakrar, Preeti Chhibber, E.C. Myers, and Rahul Kanakia

“Fifteen bestselling and acclaimed authors reimagine the folklore and mythology of East and South Asia in short stories that are by turns enchanting, heartbreaking, romantic, and passionate.”

This first bit of the Goodreads blurb was honestly all I needed to read to know this was one I MUST read this year. I am picking up my copy on Saturday & yes It’s all I can think about. Check out my amazing friend Melanie’s review here 🖤

Most anticipated release for the second half of the year

Ok, there are way too many titles that fit this prompt if I’m being honest. I decided to go with Archenemies (Renegades #2) by Marissa Meyer. Recently it was announced that it was being extended to be a trilogy which made me so happy. After THAT ending in Renegades!!! how could I NOT?!?😱😱😱 haha! high hopes, I have high hopes 🤗

Biggest disappointment

The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert

No one is sadder than me with this one cause I really did think I was going to fall head over high tops in love with this one. Ultimately, there was some that I really enjoyed but MUCH that I did not. The positive is that the sequel or companion book being written will focus on the noir fairy tales written about in the Hazel Wood & that is what I loved most.

Biggest surprise

The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw

Never did I ever think this tiny beautiful book would be so haunting! sucked me in and kept me entranced in this little town by the water. Still think about TWD & will MOST definitely re-read come this October. Also, Netflix will be adapting the book into a series & this just means more from this story which makes my 🖤 so happy!

Favorite new author (debut or new to you)

Mirage by Somaiya Daud

This Morrocan Inspired debut YA Sci-Fi book seriously took me by surprise! I tried not to include an arc in this tag but as I scrolled through my “Read” shelf I quickly realized this has been my year of reading sequels so nothing really fit the bill for “new fave author” & I’m also not trying to repeat my answers. Mirage honeslty wasn’t what I expected in the best way possible, spoiler free review linked above 🖤

Newest fictional crush

Kalen from The Heart Forger (The Bone Witch #2) by Rin Chupeco

The feeeeeels over this hate-to-love/slow burn Bookworms!!! 😍 caught myself having to fan myself a FEWWW times smh 😳😂 Would like some more Kalen in my life if the Book Gods allow 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼

Newest favorite character

Lemon Fresh from LIFEL1k3 by Jay Kristoff

Lemon Fresh has to be the MOST fun, loyal, roll with the punches character I’ve come across this year. Hyped to hear she’ll be getting her POV in the sequel 🖤

Book that made you cry

The Dangerous Art of Blending In by Angleo Surmelis

This book hit close to home, it wasn’t pretty…it was brutal! which I fully expected going in with the knowledge the this was based on the authors own childhood experience broke my heart. My review contains Content Warnings.

Book that made you happy

My Plain Jane (The Lady Janies #2)

I was lucky enough to read this earlier this year thanks to an amazing friend! 🖤 I have a review going up on July 6th as I am participating in the #MyPlainJane Blog Tour 😃 and gahhhh! is all that comes out when I try to put words into sentences! I LOVE the lady Janies, they are an amazing trio of authors who deliver humor and paranormal twists to the beloved Janes of well known classics.

Most beautiful book you’ve bought so far this year (or received)

Circe by Madeline Miller

I caved & purchased the U.K. edition Of Circe & I have ZERO regrets! This book is STUNNING both with & without the dust jacket 😍 I mean the FOIL bookworms! THE FOIL! #WEAK 😂 I do have a Book Of The Month edition I purchased before finding out about the U.K edition. I’m running a GIVEAWAY for CIRCE that ends on 6/29 over on my Instagram for the BOTM edition 🖤

What books do you need to read by the end of the year

Strange the Dreamer by MY QUEEN LAINI TAYLOR

I thought about listing all of the books I consider a MUST READ IN 2018! but there’s really only 1 book sitting at the very top of my TBR & that’s Strange The Dreamer. I am a lover of all things Laini writes & I have this weird thing with my favorites that I do…I don’t read their books when I know their sequel is light years away. Ok just 1 year but it sure does feel like an eternity when nothing compares in writing style to your fave author. Whelp the time has come! I’ve already pre-ordered my shmancy U.K. exclusive edition with the shmancy red sprayed edges 😍

Favorite book community member

This is such a tough question to ask because I honestly have so many bloggers I truly enjoy visiting & who I’ve developed genuine friendships with. That being said, the idea has been running around in my mind for quite some time now to compile a list and share the love. I also have come across many new bloggers with AMAZING content that I’d love to share with you all. Stay tuned for this bookworms! 🖤

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Meme Book Tag

The Meme Book Tag was originally created by Books are my Social Life & Dylanthereader5! I was tagged by Melanie over at Meltotheany who has an AMAZING blog & EPIC reviews! ❤ ❤ ❤ This tag had me giggling quite a few times, thank you Mel for tagging me 🙂

Crying Kim Kardashian – A book that made you cry.

My last real tear jerker was The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw (RTC) this book made me ugly cry at the very end *sobs*

Salt Bae – A book that needed a little something more

Having just finished Sky In The Deep by Adrienne Young, I’d say this book could’ve used a bit more in terms of plot. Well at least I would’ve appreciated a not so straight forward plot youknowwhatImshayin’ *CardiB voice*?

Guy thinking – A book that made you think

Easy! Furyborn by Claire Legrand & in such a satisfying way! This book is formatted so that the reader is following two timelines 1,000 YEARS apart! I buddy read it with some amazing bookworms & it was fun theorizing along the way 🙂

Confused guy – A book whose hype you don’t understand

SMH…this one is kind of mean no? haha! Ok If I’m answering honestly that would have to be The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert. I went in fully expecting to love it cause it had all the ingredients to be a hit in my corner. Ultimately it came down to this book not really being what it came across as…the Grim Fairy tales are there but they’re at the very end of the book. Still looking forward to the follow-up which I hear will be about the Hinterland…YASSSS! ❤

Evil Patrick – A guilty pleasure read (whatever you consider guilty pleasure to mean)

*giggles* I don’t feel guilty at all about this read but it is a genre I’m new to and am enjoying inhale reading cause they’re just that good & easy to digest. Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas was innnneresting haha! & perhaps not the book to read in public #jussayin

Meryl Streep – A book that you’re always hyping up

Ok…I really hadn’t realized how hard I push the Winternight trilogy until several bookworm buddies told me they’d read it & loved it after seeing me gush about. Whelp, the second book came around & it was even better than the first which meant I had to go on another round of promos cause it’s Katherine Arden & I friggin love this human!

The Bear and the Nightingale

The Girl in the Tower (Winternight Trilogy #2)

Successful baby – A book (whether you liked it or not) that you felt accomplished after reading

For this one I’m going with my first venture into Adult Fantasy, cause I had always been intimidated for a number of reasons. I think the complex world building worried me the most in terms of remembering everything. Red Sister (Book of the Ancestor #1) by Mark Lawrence however proved me so wrong! this is another series I will gush about til’ the ink runs dry. I recently reviewed the sequel Grey Sister (Book of the Ancestor #2) & it was also a 5 star read! Mark Lawrence really thinks about his readers & the world building is laid out in such a way that feels organic & won’t overwhelm.

Pennywise – A book with a promising concept/a book that you had high expectations for, but ultimately let you down

The hype was real on this one because of this authors last work. I never read Andy Weir’s The Martian but the love for that book wasn’t missed by this bookworm. So much so that I haven’t watched the movie cause so many of my closest bookworm buddies have said to read the book 1st! haha! I still plan to but I decided to get his latest Artemis & sadly it just didn’t work for me. I had such high hopes & was determined not to let the train leave the station w/out me but ultimately there were some problematic thangs in this one.

Headphones guy – A audiobook that you enjoyed

The Serpent king by Jeff Zetner cause it hit me all in the feels & I’ll never be over that ending! *sobs for days* seriously this book is all about friendship & grieving and gahhhh! my book babies, love them so much! ❤

Distracted guy – Two books; one you’ve been neglecting on your TBR for a long time and a new one that’s distracting you/peaking your interest.

hmmm…not sure if I’m neglecting this one but I sure am willfully NOT reading it at the moment haha! with reason! I’m a big fan of Laini Taylor so much so that the wait in between books is brutal & can leave me slumping hard sooo…

Strange The Dreamer by Laini Taylor (Promise I’ll be reading this one in the VERY near future)

As for the book that continues to make me break my neck every time I walk by my bookshelf…

The Wicked King (The Folk of the Air #2) by Holly Black (I won this from a NOVL giveaway & I doubt I’ll be able to hold out for much longer cause y’all know those who read The Cruel Prince, that ending! smh)

Cash me outside girl – A book that tried to be something that it’s not (pretentious, didn’t live up to what it was marketed as, etc.)

Like Melanie, I’m also not fond of this meme. I had to dig through my Goodreads shelves & I did come up with one that really wasn’t what I expected. Wintersong (Wintersong#1) by S. Jae-Jones which I rated 3.5 stars at the time but would probably take my rating down to 2.5 stars now that I’ve had much time to think about it. Pitched as a Labyrinth re-telling, Wintersong is great when we’re with the Goblin King in the underground. Otherwise the heavy use of Classical music terminology all throughout really made me feel like a real outsider with scrunched eyebrows lol. Less Labyrinth, more something else…

Dog in fire – How many unread books do you own?

Well this got awkward hella fast…I honestly couldn’t tell you since I own 2 large bookshelves in my living room & 3 medium sized ones in my bedroom and I don’t keep my unread books separate from the rest. Anywhere between 70-100 SMH (working on it) I know…I Know…

BONUS – Pick a meme that wasn’t featured in this tag and pair a book with it

My Question: A book with an ending you didn’t see coming…

3 words…The Cruel Prince! Holly Black legit shooketh the house with THAT ending & it took me a minute to recover. Twisted up more than ya fave pretzel haha! 🙂

I tag…

Flavia @Flaviathebibliophile

Ashley @SociallyAwkwardBookworm

Raven @DreamyAddictions

Sarah @TheCleverReader

Regina @Bookishinbed

Amy @ACourtofCrownsandQuills

Rebecca @BookishlyRebecca

Larkin @WonderfilledReads

Amanda @PeaksandPages

This was a fun tag &was a labor of love! haha (Thanks Mel for sharing the links to the memes). I invite everyone who is interested to take a stab at it 😉 also, friendly reminder when tagging a fellow blogger, choose one of their posts to link back to so that they get a ping aka notification letting them know you tagged them or were tagged by them <3’s

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The 20 Questions Tag

I was tagged to do the 20 Questions Book Tag by the amazing Melanie over at Meltotheany *whispers* follow Mel she really is amazing <3’s

I thought I was going to bust out this tag real quick earlier today while working & then I realized these ummm questions…required some thinking on my behalf. If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen my IG story where I’m an emotional mess after finishing Obisido & couldn’t process a single thought other than what now Jay & Amy? but on to the…

1. How many books is too many books in a book series?
I used to think this was a toughie cause the selfish reader in me just doesn’t want to let go of some of fave series. Now, I really do wish some of them would just STOOOOOP in the name of sweet mercy! I’d say no more than 5 & even that might be too generous for some.

2. How do you feel about cliffhangers?
cruel cruel techniques used by writers to keep us shamelessly crawling back for more! It honestly sucks a bit more now tbh because for those that I’ve had the blessing of reading in advance, the wait is torture (I’m looking at you The Cruel Prince smh)

3. Hardback or paperback?
I’ve always preferred hardback & will still buy all of my faves in hardback however…my wrists just aint the same! baha! maybe it’s all the book lifting I’ve done throughout the years but I just can’t do it smh! I carried Obsidio this entire week & was so close to getting some Ace bandages *flair for the dramatic*

4. Favorite book?

This question legit feels as if I were being asked which of my tiny humans is my favorite…I mean if I had to…just kidding! Ok so If I had to choose a favorite book, it would always be Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. When I think of Harry Potter, the Triwizard tournament is one of the first things that springs to mind. It was also very festive & brought Hogwarts to life both on the page & the big screen. Also, THAT scene with Hermione confronting a clueless Ron…💔

5. Least favorite book?
Like Water for Elephants *Lé sigh* 😌

6. Love triangles, yes or no?
to date I’ve only come across a couple that I enjoyed. I’d say yes cause those that I read were some of the BEST ships EVER!

7. The most recent book you just couldn’t finish?
I almost DNF’d The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert after nodding off in the tub 4 times at different hours of the day 😂 but I’m glad I stuck with it cause the last 20% really did grab my attention for the next book 🤞🏼

8. A book you’re currently reading?
Ok so as I mentioned when I 1st started this tag (see the very top), early this morning (on the elevator up to work) I finished Obsidio (Illuminae Files #3) and I’m still NOT ok & don’t think I ever will be w/out this crew in my life 😭 but the show must go on & the arc pile is threatening to crush me so *drum rollllll* I am set to start reading (if I’m not too busy swallowing my Obsidio tears) Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody (The Shadow Game #1)😉

9. Last book you recommended to someone?

I recently recommended Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi (my review here) to my BFF on a trip to Barnes & Noble. The plan is to get him to read it before the movie so that we can watch & compare the two 💙

10. Oldest book you’ve read? (Publication date)
had to pull up Ol’ Goodreads & at first I thought it was Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina but it seems that Mel & have yet another thing in common 😂 The Illiad & The Odyssey are also my oldest (favored) read books 💜

11. Newest book you’ve read? (Publication date)
OBSIDIO 🖤🖤🖤 is the most recently published book I’ve read & it was worth all of the stars in all of the galaxies

12. Favorite author?
I have 3 that I can’t choose between, whatever they write I am reading! Adam Silvera, Leigh Bardugo, and Laini Taylor. Jay Kristoff is quickly claiming the #4 spot in my 💜

13. Buying books or borrowing books?
Buying. My local library is just for show they have but a few shelves with books & all others must be requested from the city. As for borrowing from friends it isn’t really something I’d feel comfortable with unless it’s one of my BFF’s then it’s a possibility haha!

14. A book you dislike that everyone else seem to love?

I don’t think I’ve read a book that fits this description but The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert was definitely one that many of my bookworm buddies were split down the middle for…I just wasn’t a fan 👀

15. Bookmarks or dog-ears?
Bookmarks all the way! the more the merrier 🤗 as a matter of fact I am currently looking for some Obsidio/Illuminae Files bookmarks, please help & leave some shop reccomendations in the comment section down below 💜

16. A book you can always reread?
I’m tempted to just copy & paste Mel’s answer cause well it is Goblet of Fire you know! but my other choice would be The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden (my review) for its atmospheric vibes & magical powers of teleportation. Opening a page in that book is like stepping into another land 💜

17. Can you read while hearing music?
Instrumentals are what I pull up on Spotify unless the author has a set playlist which is the first thing I search for when starting a new read. Life in NYC means public transportation for most of us which means…

18. One POV or multiple POV’s? (POV’s = Point of views)
Books with multiple POV’s tend to be my faves just cause I enjoy getting to know the characters better this way. It’s like getting a free pass to be in someones head…creepy I know smh but I enjoy these 🤷🏻‍♀️

19. Do you read a book in one sitting or over multiple days?
Multiple days, it’s rare that I read a book in one sitting but it has happened. Books with a train wreck I just can’t find it in me to tear my eyes away from Orrrrr a New Adult that sinks its teeth into me 💜

20. A book you’ve read because of the cover?

Illuminae by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman

Not only are they STUNNING on the outside, without their dust jackets they’re actually great ice breakers hehe! sometimes they also invite unwanted attention from chatty strap hangers on the train but can you really blame them?!? If I saw this book naked, I’d be breaking my neck too bahhha! smh…

Who do you tag?

Ashley @ Socially Awkward Bookworm.

Sofii @ A Book. A Thought

Heather @ The Sassy Book Geek

Danielle @ Books, Vertigo & Tea

Amy @ A Court Of Crowns and Quills

LaRonda @ Flying Paperbacks

Kayla @ Books and Blends

Sarah @ The Clever Reader

Kelly @ Just Another Book in the Wall

Inge @ The Belgian Reviewer

This was a fun tag & a great way to share some of my bookish secrets with you all (Thanks Mel!). I invite everyone who is interested to take a stab at it 😉 also, friendly reminder when tagging a fellow blogger, choose one of their posts to link back to so that they get a ping aka notification letting them know you tagged them or were tagged by them <3’s

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The Wonder Woman Book Tag

Diana Prince, my favorite Superhero of all time has a tag! I gave a silent YASSSSS & fist pump when I got the notification from the WONDERFUL Sarah over at The Clever Reader! Thank you Sarah, this warrior is ready! ❤ ❤ ❤

Wonder Woman: Your favorite badass female book character…

Vasya from The Bear and The Nightingale (my review) is the definition of a free spirit! she won’t let anyone dictate her path in life & she knows exactly what she doesn’t want. Vasya reminds me most of Brave’s Merida…

Fantasy Island: A book setting you want to escape to…

This may seem odd to some but for those who have read The Bone Witch (my review) & LOVED it…you probably fell for the LUSH beautiful world building Chupeco brought to life through the eyes of young Tea. The Bone Witch gives off Memoirs of a Geisha vibes & I’m SUPER stoked to escape to this world again with The Heart Forger...

London: A hyped book that let you down…

The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert…this book had all the ingredients to be one of the books I’d end up loving but ultimately it just didn’t work out that way. I am however hoping that the follow up Tales of the Hinterland is more up my alley since I’m guessing it will focus more on the dark fairy tales.

Steve Trevor: A book that has a beautiful cover and a great story (i.e. good personality)…

The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell (my GUSH review). Not only is the cover STUNNING with its embossed coiled dragon, but the story takes place in NYC during the 20’s which is my favorite time period in NYC History…think Gangs Of New York! The follow-up to The Last Magician will hit shelves this October, The Devil’s Thief looks like it will be just as AMAZING as TLM 🙂

Lasso of Truth: A book you hated…

Hate is such a strong work & I try not to use it on the regular but I will say that I highly disliked Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. Its been YEARS since I read this book but it still maintains the spot on my Goodreads shelves as the only 1 star read. It all came down to plain boredom cause circus stories are actually some of my FAVES! (heart eyes at The Night Circus)..

Wonder Woman’s Shield: A book so sad that you need a shield…

Hands down They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera (my review)…CONFESSION: I actually struggled to pick one of the 3 Adam Silvera books cause they all broke my heart into millions of little pieces. However, TBDATE was the only book I actually needed emotional support from my fellow blogging buddies via Twitter DM’s (thanks again Krysti @ YA & Wine & yawednesdays lol)…

Ares: a villain that is scary, but you can’t seem to hate them…

This was perhaps the toughest prompt for me because I tend to really dislike my villains (not counting anti-heroes) but after recently reading & becoming OBSESSED with To Kill a Kingdom (RTC), I’d have to say Lira the MC. TKAK is basically Ursula’s story w/out saying as much. Deliciously dark, this book introduced me to Lira who now holds a special place in my <3! Yes she’s a villain. Yes I love her. No I don’t feel bad about this HAHA!

The Amazons: A book that you wish had more/better LGBT+ representation…

The Dangerous Art of Blending In by Angelo Surmelis (my review) means so much to me for personal reasons but it isn’t without its flaws. The relationship between Evan & another guy on the surface seems Ok but in reality it felt like a ton of pressure being placed on the MC coming out as Gay before he was ready. There’s a lot going on in this book & 13 year old Lilly would’ve found strength in Evan’s story. Still I am thankful to have read this book if only to reflect on how far I’ve come in my personal journey. Evan’s story is based on the authors real life experiences & so that would be something to keep in mind when thinking about picking up this read…not everyone’s journey is filled with supportive people.

Justice League: What superhero book friends do you tag…

Flavia @FlaviatheBibliophile

Beth@ReadingEveryNight

Melanie @Meltotheany

Ashley@Sociallyawkwardbookworm

Larkin@WonderfilledReads

Destiny @HowlingLibraries

Kristin@KristinKravesBooks

Jasmine @Jasmine’sReading

TheBookishChic

Raven @Dreamyaddictions

Kelly @AnotherBookintheWall

Tiana@ TheBookRaven

Amanda @PeaksandPages

Kelly@Kelly’sRambles

I decided to tag some of my closest book blogging buddies that I know enjoy tags along with some new to me book bloggers I’ve discovered over the past couple of days. Friendly reminder if you’re tagging other WordPress bloggers, please choose any of their posts to link back to otherwise they sadly won’t get the notification telling them you’ve tagged them (took me a minute to figure that one out haha!) but most of all, I hope you have fun with this one <3’s!

The Valentine’s Day Book Tag

The Valentine’s Day Book Tag was originally created by CC’s Books and As Told by Tina! & I was tagged by the wonderful Mel over at Mel To The Any <3! Thank you Mel XoXo! ❤ Now I know Valentine’s Day was yesterday & some may say that it’s over but…LOL! I don’t celebrate my Valentine’s til’ tomorrow Friday. Such are the woes of a city gal always on the go with two tiny humans 😉

I hope you all had wonderful day yesterday whether you celebrate the holiday or not cause I love ya! I had so much fun watching all of my IG stories and Booktube Q&A’s with significant others & Galantines. Next year I definitely want to squeeze in a date night with my BFF cause it’s been a minute…but I digress haha! onto the tag..

1. Stand Alone Book you love

Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia

Although If I’m really being honest here I really could go for more Eliza & her world *SOBS*

2. Dystopian Book you Love

The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton

This book! Gah! Mesmerizing while at the same time carrying a deeper message. This is one you won’t want to miss out on. I am FULLY supporting & showing my love for this book for many reasons, the main one being that in this world Clayton has given us a society who loves all skin tones & complexions. The social commentary on body image & high standards set by this fictional society really mirrors our own. There’s also LGBTQIA+ rep with three of the characters, one of them plays a main role & sexuality in this society is fluid–two women marrying would be considered normal by their society as subtly mentioned in the book (my heart warmed when I read this). I LOVED This book to pieces!!!!

3. A book that you love but no one else talks about

You Bring the Distant Near by Mitali Perkins

Why am I not seeing more Bookworms talking about this BEAUTIFUL gem of a book?!?! for all but especially those who enjoy literary fiction from time to time…this YA book about 3 generations of women will warm your heart & leave you smiling! almost entirely made up of female MC’s this book covers an older matriarch, her children & her grandchildren…GAH! LOVED it & want to see more books like this one hit our shelves 🙂

4. Favorite Book Couple

Mustang & Darrow- Red Rising Saga…these two are fierce alone & together they’re a force to be reckoned with.

5. Book that other people love but you haven’t gotten around to read

Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor...with reason Bookworms LOL! Laini is one of my top 3 fave authors & I just couldn’t bear the wait til the sequel but now that we have cover art, guess what time it is?!?! (U.K. cover for Muse of Nightmares has yet to be released but this stunner down below is already giving it a run for my $$$)

6. A book with Red on the cover

Red Clocks by Leni Zumas, a recent add-on to my BOTM box that I am really looking forward to reading soon 🙂

7. A book with Pink on the cover

A Girl Like That by Tanaz Bhathena. My awesome friend Flavia over at Flaviathebibliophile was kind enough to get me a arc copy of this book signed by the author! & I am over the moon happy to get started on it very soon 🙂

8. You were given a book of chocolate what fictional boyfriend/girlfriend would give them to you.

ummm well after this last book (Iron Gold) I don’t know how I’d receive this gesture but I think if Darrow walked up to me with some chocolates I’d be lying if I told you I’d say no….#jussayin

9. You are Single on Valentine’s Day. What Book would you read? What TV show would you watch? What Movie would you watch?

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne which I haven’t read yet but the hype is real & it seems ideal for the day & as for what I’d watch… It’s a tie btwn Sleepless in Seattle and Love & Basketball < ❤ ❤ ❤

10. You are in the Book Store. All of the sudden you get shot with an arrow by Cupid. What New Release will you love.

Easily Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda cause the Universe has been screaming BLOODY READ IT ALREADY! @ me 😉 oh & BTW I’m counting this because the new special edition released 1/30 includes new Simon and Blue emails, a behind-the-scenes scrapbook from the Love, Simon movie set, and Becky Albertalli in conversation with fellow authors Adam Silvera and Angie Thomas….basically all of my faves Gushing about this book *eeeeeK*

11. Spread the Love Who do you tag?

On every other tag I usually list a few but I am a day late with this so instead I’ll say…you’ve all been tagged by me 😉

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

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The Books Under the Tree Tag

Happy Saturday Bookworms!!! I’m currently enjoying my Christmas Eve Eve with the family but I’m taking a little break to come in here & spread a little tag joy. The Books Under the Tree Tag was originally created by Game Of Tomes two Booktubers that are new to me & I’ve already binge watched a TON of their videos, their channel is super cozy to watch. I was tagged by the wonderful Mel over @ Mel To The Any who I discovered just this year & OMYGAHHHH! seriously bookworms, check out her content & see for yourselves why she’s my newfound favorite!

Ok, it’s now 3:30am & I can’t sleep so I’ve returned to this tag since earlier today was hectic & I couldn’t finish. I’m beginning to wonder if my childhood excitement for Christmas Eve has stayed with me sub-conciously, keeping me up all night 🤔 not sure but my mind & body are not aligned 😂 not saying I’m grinching it but…On to the tag ☃️

What book would you like to find under the tree this year?

There’s only one book I’m looking for under my tree & it’s the U.K. edition of The Bear and the Nightingale *sighhhh* sold out on Book Depository, I’ve got notifications turned on for a re-stock but I’m not confident in that happening. Instead I will be ordering a copy from AbeBooks as a Christmas/Birthday gift to myself 🎁 and maybe I’ll even have it gift wrapped 😂

What is the best book you have ever received for Christmas?

2 years ago my sister got me the Deluxe 1st Edition of Fables. It’s hardcover and pretty and I LOVE it! the illustrations are BEAUTIFUL and eye catching. 2018 is the year I binge Fables 🤗

When a savage creature known only as the Adversary conquered the fabled lands of legends and fairy tales, all of the infamous inhabitants of folklore were forced into exile.
Di
the normal citizens of modern-day New York, these magical characters created their own secret society-within an exclusive luxury apartment building on Manhattan’s Upper West Side-called Fabletown. But when Snow White’s party-girl sister, Rose Red, is apparently murdered, it is up to Bigby, Fabletown’s sheriff, and a reformed and pardoned Big Bad Wolf, to determine if the culprit is Bluebeard, Rose’s ex-lover and notorious wife killer, or Jack, her current live-in boyfriend and former beanstalk-climber.

What book gives you all the Christmas feels?

Goblet of Fire by JK Rowling always stirs up Christmas feels for me. Specifically the arrival of the Beauxbatons & Durmstrang schools at Hogwarts. There’s also a Christmas tree scene in The Goblet of Fire movie that is pretty vivid in my mind…

What book do you plan on reading to put you in the Christmas spirit this year?

I’ve actually already done this when I picked up The Girl in the Towerby Katherine Arden in anticipation of snow & Christmas. Although this book isn’t about Christmas, there really is no other book (other than Harry Potter) that puts me in the wintery holiday spirit. Atmospheric and covered in snow, this sequel was the perfect book to put me in the X-mas state of mind ☃️

What book have you read this year that you would like to throw out with the Christmas tree after the holidays?

Ha! a bit of a mean one here 😂 & I don’t typically have books that I’d toss out BUT there is one this year 😱…I really had high hopes for my very first Andy Weir read & it just didn’t even come close to what others felt about his other book The Martian. In fact, it really made me feel uncomfortable so no, I don’t plan on keeping my copy.

What is a book from this year that you would like to place under a friend’s tree?

Mel & I have the same book in mind for this prompt & that’s because this book should be read by EVERYONE. I have my sister currently reading The Hate U Give & can’t wait to discuss the themes with her. Poignant, relevant, soul searching, impactful, and heart-breaking are only a few of the words that come to mind when describing this book. 2018 is the year we see it hit the big screen & I for one am trying to have as many loved ones read the book before then 💙

Challenge: Create a stack of books in which the spines alternate green and red! Share the titles.

For more Bookish photos, click on the photo to follow LairOfBooks on Bookstagram

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. Who do you tag?

I am a bit late with this tag since it’s now officially Christmas Eve 🙈but better late than never amiright? 😂 If you’re in the mood to do this tag, consider yourself tagged but in the spirit of the holiday, here are a few bloggers I have in mind for this tag (no pressure bookworms, it is the day before 😂)

Kristin Kraves Books

Socially Awkward Bookworm

Nerd Narration

WonderfilledReads

I wish you all a happy & wonderful holiday surrounded by those you love! 💕May your trees have a few books from your WISH-LISTS (if not all) waiting for you to unwrap. I will return next week with my highly anticipated 2018 reads🤗

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Hocus Pocus Book Tag

It really isn’t October if my favorite Halloween movie of all time isn’t on TV, Hocus Pocus will forever be THE movie I associate with this month. Thank you Flavia The Bibliophile for tagging me to participate in this very witchy tag…now I know what you meant when you said this brought out the bad witch in you 😂😂😂

THE RULES 📝

There are no rules. It’s YOUR blog. But it would be nice if you linked back to Never Not Reading (tag creator), and maybe the person who tagged you too. Share the love folks.

Feel free to use the GIFs used by Never Not Reading, the graphics made by Flavia the Bibliophile if you would like, both, or make and use your own visuals!

I have started a TON of new trilogies & series this past year alone, not all have I completed though lol. One trilogy I can credit with getting me into YA Fantasy is Laini Taylor’s Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy. Laini’s writing is easily some of my favorite in this genre. Book 2 in the trilogy is a bit on the slower side but the pay off is worth it all! This trilogy also includes The Night of Cake and Puppets novella which Laini Taylor & her husband Jim Di Bartolo re-released recently with illustrations. I recommend this trilogy to those who love strange & beautifully written worlds/characters.

Truly written without a chance for redemption, Levana takes the cake in my book as the most vile of all villains. Once I read Fairest: Levana’s Story, I knew this character didn’t have an ounce of good in her. Fairest is a novella published after the Lunar Chronicles trilogy ended however this is very much Levana’s story before the events of the trilogy took place. Meyer gives us a look at the villain & how she came to be but never once did I feel sympathy for Levana. Not sure if it’s just me but she is DARRRRK! 🙈

Two series came to mind for this prompt since I’ve found that many bookworms I’ve come across have either read one or the other. The first for me will always be Harry Potter by JK Rowling & the other is Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan. Both filled with their own kind of magic that whisks you away into lands unknown. Although I’m a die hard fan of Harry Potter, Rick Riordan continues to give his young readers more adventures in this world making sure kids keep going back 😉

Flavia & I share the same opinion for silly books, My Lady Jane & The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue immediately came to mind. However, My Lady Jane definitely takes the cake for silliest in my book. I have not laughed as hard as I did reading My Lady Jane & because of that suffered many long stares on the crowded New York City trains. The mix of humor & twist on historical fiction is so effortlessly done, I couldn’t tell you which one of the 3 awesome authors wrote which parts. I am so ready for the sequel! have you seen the cover to My Plain Jane (The Lady Janies #2)?!?! isn’t it STUNNING?!?!? 😍😍😍

I hate to put this book here because I REALLY enjoyed it! but I’m very much aware that I fall in the minority with this one 😂 The Love Interest by Cale Dietrich (my review) is a satire on all the well known YA tropes we all have a love/hate relationship with. It reminded me a ton of one of my fave modern rom-coms This Means War with Reese Witherspoon. Many bookworms felt that there was no depth to the characters which I thought was purposefully done by the author. This book didn’t take itself seriously & provided me with many bursts of laughter 😂😂😂

Julia in You’re Welcome, Universe by Whitney Gardner is unapologetically honest & for this alone has secured a safe place in my ❤️ This character is confident even when she may not feel that way on the inside. Most of the time she is speaking her mind through sign language & won’t shy away from giving her two cents when asked. I appreciated Julia’s raw & straight forward personality because we don’t see a lot of that in YA contemporaries.

I didn’t think I had a series for this prompt but a quick trip to Goodreads brought back all of the memories I had with The House of Night series by P.C. Cast 😩I had to DNF the series 5 books in because of the writing. I read 5 books which says I enjoyed it enough to continue but I struggled with the massive amount of grammatical errors. I am no member of the grammar police, I’m far from perfect but when it becomes a task to get through a sentence I’d say that it’s a problem. I believe the series currently has 12 books out & I just hope the editing improved for the sake of the loyal fanbase.

I’ve got NOTHING folks! 😂 So I cheated a bit…since I couldn’t think of a bookish character I’m going with one from the Marvel Netflix series Iron Fist…Danny Rand really worked my last nerve with his role as a dumb naive superhero. Not sure if this was intentional but it persisted throughout the rest of the show with ZERO character growth. I’ve heard from friends who’ve read the comics that this is just how he’s always been portrayed & that sucks cuz I loved all of the other characters in this show.

It may be too soon to wish for this but a part of me just doesn’t want to accept that this is over 😩 but as a fan of this du-ology, how could I not? Specifically for the group of hackers introduced that serve as kind of “Over watch” for Kate & who go by the name of The Wardens. I NEED more of these characters, I still think of them & what crime they’ve been fighting since last I saw them 💭

I almost went with The Love Interest by Cale Dietrich again but another more recent read came to mind & it HURTS my soul to put it in here! 😩I recently had the opportunity to read & review Beasts Made of Night by Tochi Onyebuchi which I really enjoyed. That being said, early reviews put me once again in the minority but this time I’m not sure why. My review will go live later this week in time for its October 31st release date & so I’ll save my thoughts for that post. All I will say is that this was a 4 star read for me & I’m very interested in seeing more from this author 😄

Another prompt that had me scratching my head (these questions weren’t easy bookworms! 😂) but similar to Flavia, Mr. Kristoff came through. For me however it’s The Illuminae Files by Jay Kristoff since I have not yet read Nevernight. Illuminae as many of you have probably heard or seen, isn’t written in the traditional style. Told via chatroom scripts & Files, this book feels very much ahead of its time which I guess is the point since it takes place in the future aboard a space ship 😂 Now that I know Nevernight also has a similar feel I am even more eager to get to it 🙌🏼

Although I haven’t read Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, I did get to meet Simon briefly when he walked right into the middle of The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli & it most definitely accomplished what it set out to do, I am still thinking Who is this Simon guy? no worries, I will be reading Simon Vs. the Homo sapiens Agenda before the movie release March 2018 😉

I had a ton of fun with this tag, those who’ve been around my blog for a while know by now that I’m not the type of bookworm to hate on a book harshly but rather give it a fair trial 😂 I’m a very honest reviewer & can also be very selective with the books I request to read so I don’t have too many disappointments. That being said, it’s always good to go back & see why certain books/authors didn’t work for you💜

If I didn’t tag you down below but you’d like to take a go at it, please do & share your links down below. If I did tag you but you’re not up for it that’s ok too 😉

I Tag 🙋🏻

Shanah @Bionic Book Worm

Beth @ ReadingEveryNight

Gretchen @ChicNerdReads

Darque Dreamer Reads

Kristin @KristinKravesBooks

Avalinah @AvalinahsBooks

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The Fall Book Tag!

Sundays seem to be the best time for a tag & since it’s finally beginning to feel like sweater weather, what better tag than The Fall Book Tag created by Shanah over at Bionic Book Worm! Shanah has a wonderful blog I’ve found to be a MUST VISIST! whenever I blog hop, with such creative content, book reviews, and book discussions there’s something for everyone 🙂

The rules:

Please link back to Bionic Book Worm, as the creator of this tag!! She wants to see your answers!!
Use the graphics – if you want 🙂
Have fun!

They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera…by now if you aren’t new to my blog chances are you know my love for Silvera runs DeeeeP! haha! & even though all of his book are notorious for their ability to rip your heart out & tear it to shreds…TBDATE with it’s Sci-Fi element took a different approach by giving you the inevitable outcome in its title. Yes, they do both die at the end but that’s not what this story is about at its core. Uniquely told it will keep you flipping pages while fearing the inevitable til’ the very end. I wrote a Gush Review here.

Our Dark Duet (Monsters of Verity #2) by Victoria Scwab & I’m guessing many of you who have already read this one may be giving me all sorts of raised eyebrows lol. The ending did leave me a sobbing mess but I seriously DID NOT see any of it coming! I can’t go into details because this is a sequel in a du-ology but *round of applause* to Schwab because although it devestated me, I now can’t see it ending any other way. I have a spoiler free review here.

I just finished reading Night of Cake and Puppets by Laini Taylor & OHMYGOSH Bookworms!!!! I’m not big into romance or easily get the fuzzies for any of the love scenes I’ve come across in the books I digest. That being said, Zuzana & Mike’s love story had me smiling all throughout! I’m talkin’ school girl moments of “awwwww” & “omg I wish my first date was this cute” haha! what makes this even more odd is that as much as I’m not into romance, neither is Zuzana & so seeing her outside of her comfort zone was like I was doing so right along with her. I have a GUSH review for this novella here, it follows book 2 in the Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy. It does not spoil the trilogy & can be read alone, it will however spike your interest in the Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy 😉

This one actually made me giggle lol. So in Shanah’s tag she mentions Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi as being one that she’s been talking about quite a bit. Whelp! it’s my pick for this prompt because I’ve been eyeing it these past couple of days to get my Diverse Fiction fill for the mth. I went as far as ordering the U.K. edition some time last year & it’s SOOOOO BEAUTIFUL! High time I get to this book so thank you Shanah for the bit of encouragement your tag has given me <3!

Recently I had the opportunity to read & review a eGalley copy of The Epic Crush of Genie Lo by F.C. Yee (review here) which was so much fun! for fans of the Percy Jackson series, this is the book for you. For those looking to diversify their reading, Genie Lo is inspired from the Chinese tale of the Monkey King. I LOVED the humor & action in this book and I’m looking forward to more from this author 🙂

Hands down the honor goes to The Girl in the Tower (The Winternight Trilogy #2) by Katherine Arden which is the sequel to last years favorite The Bear and the Nightingale (see my review here). I was thrilled to be granted access to a eGalley & now I wait for the perfect Fall/Winter night to start this atmospheric lush read *eeeeK*

I TAG…

Larkin @WonderfilledReads

Beth @ReadingEveryNight

Sofii @A Book. A Thought

Darque Dreamer Reads

Sarah @TheCleverReader

Kourtni @KourtniReads

Kelly @KellysRambles

Fernanda @TheWanderlustReader

Sophie @BlameChocolate

No pressure to those I’ve tagged & if anyone else who comes across this post would like to participate please feel free to join in on the fun. Fall is my favorite season and this tag is a nice way to welcome the season on my blog 🙂 Happy Reading Bookworms! ❤ < 3 ❤

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The Sunshine Blogger Award

It’s 12am & I can’t sleep which means it’s time for a book tag! special thanks to the lovely Sarah over at The Clever Reader for tagging me, if you’re not already following her you probably should cuz she ROCKS! 💙 Sarah & I spoke about how the hard part is coming up with questions to ask afterwards so you’ll be seeing my attempts shortly 😂

The Rules

Thank the person who nominated you and link back to their blog.
Answer the 11 questions your nominator has given you.
Nominate 11 other people and give them 11 new questions to answer.
List the rules and display the award

What is your favorite cover so far this year?

The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell, this book is S-T-U-N-N-I-N-G in physical & ebook format! the matte velvety finish of the dust jacket combined with the raised shiny emblem of the coiled snake give it the dark & ominous feel. The good news is the story is just as good as the cover 😉

Do you enjoy Audiobooks or Physical/eBooks better?

Although I enjoy my audiobooks, nothing beats physical format for me. However, as much as I love physical books it isn’t what I use most. I read a ton and sometimes finish a book in the AM & need a book to come home with on my evening commute. Which is why e-books are my lifeline, also It’s how I consume the majority of my arcs. So if we’re talking enjoyment then I’d say physical over anything 💜

What is your 2017 reading goal?

CONFESSION! I MUST CONFESS! 😩…I started the year off with a goal of 100 smh haha! I thought, well last year I read 80 so what’s 20 more? yea, that isn’t going to happen but my more humble 50 is within my reach 🙌🏼

What is your favorite genre of YA?

Hands down FANTASY! It’s the genre I read most of & I wouldn’t change it for the world! It allows me to enter many fantastical worlds where reality is suspended. It also features mostly female heroines so hell yea! 🙌🏼 This year had been my favorite year reading YA Fantasy because of the inclusion of POC’s & the Own Voices authors debuting their works. So many great 2018 titles to look forward to.

If you could live in a book world which one would it be?

Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray, I can totally see myself enjoying life hopping from planet to planet while living aboard a ship. I’d def have a preference, The planet called Kismet is described as a water-world with tropical weather & fun loving people/culture. The downside being that only the privileged wealthy can afford to lay up on Kismet but that wouldn’t stop me from trying to sneak in 😂

Who’s your book boyfriend/girlfriend?

This is a hard one since I don’t really see any of the protagonists in my books as boyfriend material lol. However, for a while there Wallace Warland from Eliza and her Monsters shot straight for my ❤️ & then there was a very douchey scene that left me a bit peeved at him haha!

What is your favorite mystical creature?

This little one is my fave as of late & in fact will be my next Funko Pop! So friggin cute & mischievous 😏

If you could meet any author who would it be?

I won’t go with the standard pick (JK Rowling) this time…Instead I’ll go with a new fave, Angie Thomas for many reasons. Mostly though because I think she’s amazing for writing about the hard topics & exposing a ugly truth that exists and is very relevant to our current times.

What is your anticipated read for the rest of this year?

This most certainly is The Girl in the Tower by Katherine Arden, the sequel to The Bear and the Nightingale! Katherine Arden blew me away with her lush world building & beautiful writing, I needed more! thankfully, I was approved for a eGalley & it legit makes me smile every time I see it in my reader 😃

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If you could have any power what would it be and why?

I’ve actually always wanted to have the power to control the weather since discovering Storm on X-Men. Ironically, It’s the one I really wish I had now more than ever given everything our world is experiencing…

What book in the Harry Potter series is your favorite?

Recently I was made aware that Goblet of Fire isn’t as well loved by most…this little bookworm however, LIVES for this book & movie! 🙌🏼 everything about this installment in the series from start to finish sucks me in. I can be doing a million things at once while I’m home but this scene in the giph will come on & time stops lol. I LOVE when each school makes their dramatic entrance haha!