Books I Read in October 2024

I read 14 books and DNF'd 1 book in October.

• The Fastest Way to Fall by Denise Williams (Audio, 11 hr 22 min, 2021, Adult Romance, Library) - 4 stars | My Review
• Book 2 - Still Boycotting SMP.
• The Cursed Sea by Lauren DeStefano (Audio, 9 hr 34 min, 2019, YA Fantasy, Purchased) - 3 stars | My Review
• Stuck With You by Ali Hazelwood (Audio, 3 hr 22 min, 2022, Adult Romance, Library) - 4.5 stars | My Review
• My Salty Mary by The Lady Janies (Audio, 10 hr 54 min, 2024, YA Historical Fiction, Library) - 4 stars | My Review
• How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams (Audio, 9 hr 5 min, 2020, Adult Romance, Library) - 5 stars | My Review
• A Demon's Guide to Wooing a Witch by Sarah Hawley (Audio, 12 hr 1 min, 2023, Adult Paranormal, Purchased) - 4 stars | My Review
• A Werewolf's Guide to Seducing a Vampire by Sarah Hawley (Audio, 13 hr 27 min, 2024, Adult Paranormal, Library) - 4 stars | My Review
• How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying by Django Wexler (Audio, 14 hr 1 min, 2024, Adult Fantasy, Library) - 1 star | My DNF Review - DNF'd @ 46 %
  
• Dial A for Aunties for Jesse Q. Sutanto (Audio, 10 hr 21 min, 2021, Adult Mystery, Library) - 3.5 stars | My Review
• The No-Show by Beth O'Leary (Audio, 10 hr 47 min, 2022, Adult Romance, Library) - 2 stars | My Review 
• Yours Cruelly, Elvira by Cassandra Peterson (Audio, 10 hr 42 min, 2021, Adult Nonfiction, Library) - 4 stars | My Review 
• Below Zero by Ali Hazelwood (Audio, 3 hr 43 min, 2022, Adult Romance, Library) - 3 stars | My Review 
• Neverworld Wake by Marisha Pessl (Audio, 8 hr 47 min, 2018, YA Thriller, Library) - 2 stars | My Review 
• The Restaurant at the End of the Universe (Audio, 5 hr 47 min, 1980, Adult Sci Fi, Library) - 3.5 stars | My Review
  

Pages read: 332 pages + 119 hr 52 min
Pages DNF: 6 hr 26 min

November 2024 TBR

I made it out of October alive but did not finish the 2 books on my TBR despite finishing 14 books. I am a quarter of the way through Recommended so it is staying on my TBR. I'm adding so old books to my TBR as well as one from the library that I need to read asap. November is not as busy but still has plenty of events, so we'll see how it goes!

My TBR for November:

• The Midnight Orchestra by Jessica Khoury (Hardcover)
• Recommended For You by Laura Silverman (Kindle - Netgalley)
• She, Myself, and I by Emma Young (Kindle - Netgalley)
• A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen (Kindle)
  

What are you planning on reading in November?

September 2024 Book Haul

In September, I hauled fewer books than July & August. I have read 9 of 12 with 3 left. I increased my read hauled books ratio to 83%. I spent $0 in September bringing my total spent for the year at $1.99 and I have saved a whopping $1,474.89.

PURCHASED BOOKS

1. Hot Vampire Next Door by Nikki St. Crowe (Kindle)
2. The Modern Girl's Guide to Magic by Linsey Hall (Kindle)
3. A Kingdom of Souls and Shadows by Leslie O'Sullivan (Kindle)
   

LIBRARY BOOKS

1. Lore of the Wilds by Analeigh Sbrana (Audio) 
2. How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi (Audio)
3. Trejo by Danny Trejo (Audio)
4. How to Raise an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi (Audio)
5. A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston (Audio)
6. Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood (Audio)
7. The Au Pair Affair by Tessa Bailey (Audio)
8. Lulu & Milagro's Search for Clarity by Angela Velez (Audio)
9. The Fact of a Body by Alexandra Marzano-Lesnevich (Audio)
   

What did you buy, borrow, or receive in September?

Have you read any of my hauled books?

Books I Read in September 2024

I read 14 books in September.

• Lore of the Wilds by Analeigh Sbrana (Audio, 10 hr 51 min, 2024, YA Fantasy, Library) - 2 stars | My Review
• The Boyfriend Candidate by Ashley Winstead (Kindle, 365 pages, 2023, Adult Romance, Library) - 5 stars | My Review 
• How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi (Audio, 10 hr 29 min, 2019, Adult Nonfiction, Library) - 4 stars | My Review
• A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston (Audio, 10 hr 56 min, 2024, Adult Romance, Library) - 3.5 stars | My Review
• Trejo: My Life of Crime, Redemption, and Hollywood by Danny Trejo & Donal Logue (Audio, 13 hr 18 min, 2021, Adult Nonfiction, Library) - 4 stars | My Review 
• How to Raise an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi (Audio, 6 hr 46 min, 2022, Adult Nonfiction, Library) - 3.5 stars | My Review
• Dating You, Hating You by Christina Lauren (Kindle, 368 pages, 2017, Adult Romance, Library) - 3.5 stars | My Review 
• The Witch Hunt by Sasha Peyton Smith (Audio, 10 hr 15 min, 2022, YA Paranormal/Historical Fiction, Netgalley) - 3 stars | My Review 
• Illicit Temptations by Katee Robert (Kindle, 325 pages, 2024, Adult Romance, Netgalley) - 3 stars | My Review
• Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood (Audio, 11 hr 7 min, 2022, Adult Romance, Library) - 4.5 stars | My Review
• The Au Pair Affair by Tessa Bailey (Audio, 12 hr 33 min, 2024, Adult Romance, Library) - 3.5 stars | My Review
• Lulu & Milagro's Search for Clarity by Angela Velez (Audio, 9 hr 8 min, 2022, YA Contemporary, Library) - 3 stars | My Review
• The Fact of a Body by Alex Marzano-Lesnevich (Audio, 10 hr 38 min, 2017, Adult Nonfiction, Library) - Not Rated | My Review 
• The Witch Hitch by Elizabeth Bass (Kindle, 317 pages, 2023, Adult Paranormal, Netgalley) - 2 stars | My Review
  

Pages read: 1375 pages + 107 hr 59 min
Pages DNF: 0

October 2024 TBR

October is our busy band month, so I'm keeping my TBR short and sweet. Last month, I read everything on my TBR (woohoo!!) and then some, finishing 14 books. I read more Kindle books in September than I have in a long time which is one of my goals. This month I have two overdue Netgalley reads (both Kindle books) that I would like to finish and then we'll see where the month goes from there. It would be really nice to read some paranormal or spooky reads for the season!

My TBR for October:

• Recommended for You by Laura Silverman (Kindle - Netgalley)
  
• Engagement & Espionage by Penny Reid (Kindle - Netgalley)
  

What are you planning on reading in October?

August 2024 Book Haul

In August, I hauled the exact same amount of books as July: 16. I have read 10 of the 16, so I have 6 remaining to read. My read hauled books ratio is now 82% with 24 books hauled this year left to read. Despite hauling 16 books, I didn't spend anything this month either hauling all these books. Yay for the library!

PURCHASED BOOKS

1. Flame by Chelle Bliss (Kindle)
2. Fake Flame by Adele Buck (Kindle) 
3. Regally Binding by Rebecca Chase (Kindle)
   

REVIEW BOOKS

1. Pucking Sweet by Emily Rath (Netgalley - Kindle)
   

LIBRARY BOOKS

1. Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez (Audio)
2. Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood (Audio)
3. Dear Martin by Nic Stone (Audio)
4. We Are Not Free by Traci Chee (Audio)
5. The Boyfriend Candidate by Ashley Winstead (Kindle)
6. Chase Me by Tessa Bailey (Kindle)
7. Dear Justyce by Nic Stone (Audio) 
8. Love & Other Disasters by Anita Kelly (Audio)
9. It Started With a Dog by Julia London (Audio)
10. Dating You, Hating You by Christina Lauren (Kindle)
11. Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood (Audio)
12. Never Lie by Frieda McFadden (Audio)
    

What did you buy, borrow, or receive in August?

Have you read any of my hauled books?

Books I Read in August 2024

I read 12 books and DNF'd 1 book in August.

• Dead of Night by Emily Goodwin (Kindle, 368 pages, 2019, Adult Paranormal, Purchased) - 4 stars | My Review
• The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren (Audio, 11 hr 43 min, 2024, Adult Romance, Library) - 3.5 stars | My Review
• Loud by Drew Afualo (Kindle, 256 pages, 2024, Adult Nonfiction, Netgalley) - 4 stars | My Review
• Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez (Audio, 11 hr 23 min, 2023, Adult Romance, Library) - 5 stars | My Review
• Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood (Audio, 9 hr 31 min, 2023, YA Contemporary, Library) - 1 stars | My DNF Review - DNF'd @ 8%
  
• Dear Martin by Nic Stone (Audio, 4 hr 32 min, 2017, YA Contemporary, Library) - 4 stars | My Review
• We Are Not Free by Traci Chee (Audio, 10 hr 26 min, 2020, YA Contemporary, Library) - 3.5 stars | My Review
• Dear Justyce by Nic Stone (Audio, 4 hr 45 min, 2020, YA Contemporary, Library) - 4 stars | My Review 
• Love & Other Disasters by Anita Kelly (Audio, 10 hr 38 min, 2022, Adult Romance, Library) - 3 stars | My Review  
• It Started with a Dog by Julia London (Audio, 10 hr 37 min, 2021, Adult Romance, Library) - 3 stars | My Review
• Chase Me by Tessa Bailey (Kindle, 244 pages, 2015, Adult Romance, Library) - 2 stars | My Review
• Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood (Audio, 11 hr 55 min, 2024, Adult Romance, Library) - 3 stars |  My Review
• Never Lie by Freida McFadden (Audio, 7 hr 21 min, 2022, Adult Thriller, Library) - 3.5 stars | My Review
  

Pages read: 868 pages + 83 hr 20 min
Pages DNF: 45 min

September 2024 TBR

August went by so quickly and I am, of course, full force into fall mode. So I tried to pick out a few seasonal reads for September. I included 3 Netgalley books and 1 Library book on this list. I have been reading more ebooks lately, so I'm hoping I can continue that trend. I started listening to more audiobooks when I started working in 2021 and it became really hard for me to read in bed at night because I was so tired. But I've been making more time before I'm tired to read. I still listen to lots of audiobooks while I work so I can do more than one thing at a time and not go crazy, but I'd love to read more Kindle books and eventually start picking back up physical books too!

My TBR for September:

• Dating You, Hating You by Christina Lauren (Kindle - Library)
  
• The Witch Hunt by Sasha Peyton Smith (Kindle - Netgalley)
  
• The Witch Hitch by Elizabeth Bass (Kindle - Netgalley)
• Illicit Temptations by Katee Robert (Kindle - Netgalley)

What are you planning on reading in September?

July 2024 Book Haul

Okay for July, I hauled less than I did in June, so we're doing better here. I didn't spend anything in June as most of these are library books. Out of the 16 that I have hauled, I have read 15 of them. I improved my total read of hauled books ratio back up to 84% this month. I have 18 books I've hauled this year that remain unread. Again hoping to knock that number down. :)

REVIEW BOOKS

1. Illicit Temptations by Katee Robert (Netgalley)
   

LIBRARY BOOKS

1. When a Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare (Audio)
2. Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez (Audio)
3. Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka (Audio)
4. Gleanings by Neal Shusterman (Audio)
5. Funny Story by Emily Henry (Audio)
6. Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World by Ashley Herring Blake (Audio)
7. Only a Breath Apart by Katie McGarry (Audio)
8. Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley (Audio)
9. Little & Lion by Brandy Colbert (Audio)
10. I Have Lost My Way by Gayle Forman (Audio)
    
11. How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley (Audio)
12. Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros (Audio)
13. Kiss Her Once for Me by Alison Cochrun (Audio)
14. The Killer's Shadow by John E. Douglas (Audio)
15. The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren (Audio)
    

What did you buy, borrow, or receive in July?

Have you read any of my hauled books?

Books I Read in July 2024

I read 16 books and DNF'd 2 books in July.

• Powerless by Lauren Roberts (Audio, 17 hr 28 min, 2023, YA Fantasy, Library) - 4 stars | My Review
• Love & Other Words by Christina Lauren (Audio, 8 hr 22 min, 2018, Adult Romance, Library) - 4 stars | My Review
• Say Yes to the Marquess by Tessa Dare (Audio, 9 hr 39 min, 2015, Adult Romance, Library) - 3.5 stars | My Review 
• When a Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare (Audio, 8 hr 37 min, 2015, Adult Romance, Library) - 3.5 stars | My Review 
• Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez (Audio, 11 hr 43 min, 2024, Adult Romance, Library) - 5 stars | My Review 
• Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka (Audio, 9 hr 42 min, 2022, Adult Thriller, Library) - 3.5 stars | My Review
  
• Gleanings by Neal Shusterman (Audio, 11 hr 54 min, 2022, YA Dystopia, Library) - 4 stars | My Review
• Funny Story by Emily Henry (Audio, 11 hr 23 min, 2024, Adult Romance, Library) - 5 stars | My Review  
• Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World by Ashley Herring Blake (Audio, 6 hr 7 min, 2018, Middle Grade Contemporary, Library) - 4 stars | My Review
• Little & Lion by Brandy Colbert (Audio, 8 hr 12 min, 2017, YA Contemporary, Library) - 3 stars | My Review
  
• Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley (Audio, 6 hr 47 min, 2017, YA Contemporary, Library) - 1 star | My DNF Review - DNF'd @ 7%
  
• Only a Breath Apart by Katie McGarry (Audio, 12 hr 22 min, 2019, YA Contemporary, Library) - 3 stars | My Review
  
• I Have Lost My Way by Gayle Forman (Audio, 7 hr 29 min, 2018, YA Contemporary, Library) - 3 stars | My Review
  
• Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros (Audio, 28 hr 16 min, 2023, Adult Fantasy, Library) - 4.5 stars | My Review
• How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley (Audio, 8 hr 11 min, 2024, Adult Contemporary, Library) - 1 stars | My DNF Review - DNF'd @ 3% 
• Mortgage of Convenience by Dani McLean (Kindle, 390 pages, 2024, Adult Romance, Netgalley) - 4 stars | My Review
• Kiss Her Once for Me by Alison Cochrun (Audio, 10 hr 38 min, 2022, Adult Romance, Library) - 3.5 stars | My Review
• The Killer's Shadow by John E. Douglas (Audoi, 8 hr 6 min, 2020, Adult Nonfiction, Library) - 3 stars | My Review
  

Pages read: 390 pages + 174 hr 20 min
Pages DNF: 29

August 2024 TBR

I'm so excited to "announce" that I have completed my updated Goodreads goal for the year in July. I have hit 100 books and will not be upping it any further. I started the year at 75, switched it to 100, and from here on out, it's just seeing how much further I can go past it! In July I also went back through my TBR shelves on Goodreads. I'm still technically working on it but I have removed all the books that I am no longer interested in reading. So I just feel like August is a fresh start!

So instead of recycling my TBR from past months, I'm adding new books and I will still hopefully get to the older TBR books too. This month, I have 3 books I've purchased over the years (1 Hardcover, 2 Kindle) and then one book for review that is St. Martin's Press, so I will not be posting about it. This is a very backlogged review book from a few years ago.

My TBR for August:

• Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson (Hardcover)
  
• Anatomical Shape of a Heart by Jenn Bennett (Kindle)
  
• Heir to Thorn and Flame by Ben Alderson (Kindle)
  

What are you planning on reading in August?

June 2024 Book Haul

Well, here we are and in June, I hauled 25 books. I once again, didn't spend anything on any of my hauls. There was a Stuff Your Kindle Day and I got a bunch of things. At the end of June, I've read 13 of my hauled books. A majority of those are ones that I borrowed from the library. I think I'm going to have to throw some hauled books on my future TBRs and try and knock them out. I'm down from 85% read to 78% read, so I definitely would like to get that number higher!

Books I Read in June 2024

I read 13 books and DNF'd 2 in June.

• The Camelot Betrayal by Kiersten White (Audio, 11 hr 46 min, 2020, YA Fantasy, Library) - 4 stars | My Review
• Bride by Ali Hazelwood (Audio, 12 hr 47 min, 2024, Adult Paranormal, Library) - 5 stars | My Review 
• The Kingdom of Copper (Audio, 23 hr 14 min, 2019, Adult Fantasy, Library) - 1 star | My DNF Review - DNF'd @ 57%
• All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby (Audio, 13 hr 5 min, 2019, Adult Thriller, Library) - 4 stars | My Review 
• Romancing the Duke by Julia Quinn (Audio, 9 hr, 2014, Adult Romance, Library) - 4 stars | My Review
• Director's Cut by (Kindle, 329 pages, 2024, Adult Romance, Netgalley) - 3.75 stars | My Review 
• The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez (Audio, 9 hr 17 min, 2020, Adult Romance, Library) - 5 stars | My Review
• Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams (Audio, 9 hr 45 min, 2019, Adult Contemporary, Library) - 3 stars | My Review
• Twisted Games by Ana Huang (Audio, 13 hr 14 min, 2022, Adult Romance, Library) - 2 stars | My Review
• The Excalibur Curse by Kiersten White (Audio, 10 hr 54 min, 2021, YA Fantasy, Library) - 3 stars | My Review
• Twisted Hate by Ana Huang (Audio, 15 hr, 2022, Adult Romance, Library) - 2 stars | My Review
• Twisted Lies by Ana Huang (Audio, 16 hr 23 min, 2022, Adult Romance, Purchased) - 2 stars | My Review
• Life's Too Short by Abby Jimenez (Audio, 9 hr 6 min, 2021, Adult Romance, Library) - 4 stars | My Review 
• Neon Gods by Katee Robert (Kindle, 384 pages, 2021, Adult Romance, Purchased) - 4 stars | My Review 
• House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas (Kindle, 804 pages, 2020, Adult Fantasy, Library) - 1 star | My DNF Review - DNF'd @ 5%

Pages read: 713 pages + 130 hr 17 min
Pages DNF: 40 pages + 13 hr 15 min

July 2024 TBR

I'm currently making this post a week ahead as I'll be traveling for a bit in the end of June and beginning of July and I want to keep my schedule. I had a pretty good reading month in June. I finished 12 books and DNF'd 1. I'm most likely going to finish another book or two before July starts due to the whole traveling thing. I'm flying for the first time ever and plan to read. I'm still really far ahead on my Goodreads goal (39 books ahead of my new goal of 100).

In July, I should have one hold coming through and I still have 2 books from May that I didn't read in June. I still want to read those ASAP and I added another Netgalley book that I've had on too many TBRs over the years!

My TBR for July:

• Loud by Drew Afualo (Kindle - Netgalley)
  
• The Cursed Sea by Lauren DeStefano (Physical - Purchased)
  
• Powerless by Lauren Roberts (Audio - Library)
  
• She, Myself, and I by Emma Young (Kindle - Netgalley)
  

What are you planning on reading in July?

May 2024 Book Haul

I didn't really have any chill with hauling books in May either, but I also read a majority and didn't spend any money. All the audiobooks were free (no credits used on Audible or borrowed at the library) and all the Kindle books were free. I saved $187.53 by borrowing books at the library (no clue on the purchased books because I don't track that when they are free). My total for the year is now $649.25 saved, $1.99 spent.

Out of the 22 books hauled in May, I have read 19 of them. I am now up to 85% of hauled books read (improved from 78% last month). I only have 10 hauled books this year left to read.

PURCHASED BOOKS

1. Barbarian's Lady by Ruby Dixon (Audio)
   
2. Barbarian's Rescue by Ruby Dixon (Audio)
   
3. Barbarian's Tease by Ruby Dixon (Audio)
   
4. Neon Gods by Katee Robert (Kindle)
   
5. Calamity Rayne: Gets a Life by Lydia Michaels (Kindle)
   
6. Barbarian's Beloved by Ruby Dixon (Audio)
   
7. Barbarian's Seduction by Ruby Dixon (Audio)
   
8. Barbarian's Treasure by Ruby Dixon (Audio)
   
9. Barbarian's Bride by Ruby Dixon (Audio)
   
10. To Charm a Dark Prince by Kathryn Ann Kingsley (Kindle)
    

LIBRARY BOOKS

1. The Burning God by R.F. Huang (Audio)
2. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna (Audio)
3. Not That Fancy by Reba McEntire (Audio)
4. Homicide & Halo-Halo by Mia P. Manansala (Audio)
5. Blackmail & Bibingka by Mia P. Manansala (Audio)
6. Sanctuary of the Shadow by Aurora Archer (Audio)
7. Fire by Kristin Cashore (Audio)
8. I'm No Philosopher, But I Got Thoughts by Kristin Chenoweth (Audio)
9. Just My Type by Falon Ballard (Audio)
10. The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson (Audio)
11. Winterborne Home for Vengeance & Valor by Ally Carter (Audio)
12. You Lucky Dog by Julia London (Audio)
    

What did you buy, borrow, or receive in May?

Have you read any of my hauled books?

Books I Read in May 2024

I read 23 books in May.

• Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas (Audio, 17 hr 56 min, 2014, YA Fantasy, Library) - 3 stars | My Review
• Barbarian's Redemption by Ruby Dixon (Audio, 6 hr 10 min, 2017, Adult Sci Fi, Purchased) - 3 stars | My Review
• Barbarian's Lady by Ruby Dixon (Audio, 5 hr 56 min, 2017, Adult Sci Fi, Purchased) - 5 stars | My Review
• Barbarian's Rescue by Ruby Dixon (Audio, 5 hr 49 min, 2017, Adult Sci Fi, Purchased) - 3 stars | My Review
• Barbarian's Tease by Ruby Dixon (Audio, 6 hr 18 min, 2017, Adult Sci Fi, Purchased) - 4 stars | My Review 
• The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang (Audio, 23 hr 46 min, 2019, Adult Fantasy, Library) - 3 stars | My Review
• Not That Fancy by Reba McEntire (Audio, 6 hr 18 min, 2023, Adult Nonfiction, Library) - 2 stars | My Review 
• Always Jane by Jenn Bennett (Kindle, 381 pages, 2022, YA Contemporary, Netgalley) - 3 stars | My Review
• The Burning God by RF Kuang (Audio, 23 hr 47 min, 2020, Adult Fantasy, Library) - 3 stars | My Review
• The Very Secret Society for Irregular Witches (Audio, 9 hr 59 min, 2022, Adult Paranormal, Library) - 3 stars | My Review
• Barbarian's Beloved by Ruby Dixon (Audio, 5 hr 36 min, 2018, Adult Sci Fi, Purchased) - 3 stars | My Review
• Barbarian's Seduction by Ruby Dixon (Audio, 4 hr 40 min, 2019, Adult Sci Fi, Purchased) - 3 stars | My Review
• Barbarian's Treasure by Ruby Dixon (Audio, 5 hr 26 min, 2020, Adult Sci Fi, Purchased) - 3 stars | My Review
• Barbarian's Bride by Ruby Dixon (Audio, 5 hr 9 min, 2021, Adult Sci Fi, Purchased) - 3 stars | My Review
• Homicide & Halo-Halo by Mia P. Manansala (Audio, 8 hr 54 min, 2022, Adult Mystery, Library) - 3 stars | My Review
• Blackmail & Bibingka by Mia P. Manansala (Audio, 8 hr 48 min, 2022, Adult Mystery, Library) - 3 stars | My Review 
• Fire by Kristin Cashore (Audio, 12 hr 39 min, 2009, YA Fantasy, Library) - 3 stars | My Review
  
• Sanctuary of the Shadow by Aurora Ascher (Audio, 11 hr 15 min, 2024, Adult Paranormal, Library) - 4 stars | My Review
• I'm No Philosopher, But I Got Thoughts by Kristin Chenoweth (Audio, 2 hr 38 min, 2023, Adult Nonfiction, Library) - 2 stars | My Review
• Just My Type by Falon Ballard (Audio, 9 hr 30 min, 2023, Adult Romance, Library) - 5 stars | My Review
• The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson (Audio, 10 hr 55 min, 2022, YA Horror, Library) - 4 stars | My Review
• Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valor by Ally Carter (Audio, 6 hr 52 min, 2020, MG Fantasy, Library) - 3 stars | My Review
• You Lucky Dog by Julia London (Audio, 11 hr 15 min, 2020, Adult Romance, Library) - 3 stars | My Review
  

Pages read: 381 + 209 hr 36 min
Pages DNF: 0

June 2024 TBR

I did another heavy reading month with the help of Ice Planet Barbarians and audiobooks and finished 23 books in May. I recently changed my Goodreads goal from 75 to 100, which was perfectly timed as I am at 74 books read for the year now!

In June, I have at least one library hold coming through and then I'd like to read the two books left from my May TBR. I couldn't really think of a book I wanted to add, so I'm doing a 3 book TBR. None of these are audiobooks so I think it's reasonable to start here.

My TBR for June:

• House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas (Kindle)
  
• Loud by Drew Afualo (Kindle - Netgalley)
• The Cursed Sea by Lauren DeStefano (Hardcover)
  

What are you planning on reading in June?

April 2024 Book Haul

April Book Haul went crazy. Whoops! I hauled 22 books in the month and spent $0. All of the purchased books were included with my Audible membership (didn't spend any credits) or in the case of the Kindle book, it was free on Amazon when I got it. I saved $192.62 from borrowing books at the library. My total for the year is now $461.72.

Out of the 22 books I hauled in April, I have read 18 of them. I'm currently reading 2 of the remaining 4. Up to 78% of hauled books read this year now, which is an improvement from last month.

PURCHASED BOOKS

1. Barbarian Lover by Ruby Dixon (Audio)
2. Barbarian Mine by Ruby Dixon (Audio)
3. Barbarian's Prize by Ruby Dixon (Audio)
4. Barbarian's Mate by Ruby Dixon (Audio)
5. Heir to Thorn & Flame by Ben Alderson (Kindle)
6. Barbarian's Touch by Ruby Dixon (Audio)
7. Barbarian's Taming by Ruby Dixon (Audio) 
8. Barbarian's Heart by Ruby Dixon (Audio)
9. Barbarian's Hope by Ruby Dixon (Audio)
10. Barbarian's Choice by Ruby Dixon (Audio)
11. Barbarian's Redemption by Ruby Dixon (Audio)
    

LIBRARY BOOKS

1. A Fragile Enchantment by Allison Saft (Audio)
2. The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez (Audio)
3. Home Before Dark by Riley Sager (Audio)
4. Before the Devil Breaks You by Libba Bray (Audio)
5. The King of Crows by Libba Bray (Audio)
6. Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q Sutanto (Audio) 
7. Sure, I'll Join Your Cult by Maria Bamford (Audio)
8. When in Rome by Sarah Adams (Audio)
9. Tress in the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson (Audio)
10. Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas (Audio)
11. The Dragon Republic by R.F. Huang (Audio)

What did you buy, borrow, or receive in April?

Have you read any of my hauled books?

Books I Read in April 2024

I read 26 books in April.

• Snared by Jennifer Estep (Audio, 10 hr 30 min, 2017, Adult Paranormal, Netgalley) - 3 stars | My Review
• Venom in the Veins by Jennifer Estep (Audio, 9 hr 37 min, 2018, Adult Paranormal, Purchased) - 3.5 stars | My Review
• Sharpest Sting by Jennifer Estep (Audio, 10 hr 55 min, 2020, Adult Paranormal, Purchased) - 3 stars | My Review
• The Last Strand by Jennifer Estep (Audio, 11 hr 25 min, 2021, Adult Paranormal, Purchased) - 2 stars | My Review 
• Book 5 - #SpeakUpSMP 
• Paris: The Memoir by Paris Hilton (Audio, 8 hr 22 min, 2023, Adult Nonfiction, Library) - 5 stars | My Review 
• For Butter or Worse by Erin La Rosa (Kindle, 360 pages, 2022, Adult Romance, Netgalley) - 3.5 stars | My Review 
• The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez (Audio, 9 hr 32 min, 2019, Adult Romance, Library) - 5 stars | My Review
• Home Before Dark by Riley Sager (Audio, 11 hr 4 min, 2020, Adult Horror/Thriller, Library) - 3 stars | My Review 
• Before the Devil Breaks You by Libba Bray (Audio, 21 hr 26 min, 2017, YA Paranormal, Library) - 3 stars | My Review 
• King of Crows by Libba Bray (Audio, 22 hr 20 min, 2020, YA Paranormal, Library) - 4 stars | My Review
• Saga, Volume 11 by Brian K. Vaughan, Fiona Staples (Paperback, 160 pages, 2023, Adult Sci Fi, Purchased) - 4 stars | My Review
• Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto (Audio, 10 hr 41 min, 2023, Adult Mystery, Library) - 4 stars | My Review
• Sure, I'll Join Your Cult by Maria Bamford (Audio, 7 hr 40 min, 2023, Adult Nonfiction, Library) - 3 stars | My Review
• When in Rome by Sarah Adams (Audio, 9 hr 46 min, 2022, Adult Romance, Library) - 5 stars | My Review
• Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson (Audio, 12 hr 27 min, 2023, Adult Fantasy, Library) - 4 stars | My Review
• Barbarian Alien by Ruby Dixon (Kindle, 248 pages, 2015, Adult Sci Fi, Purchased) - 4 stars | My Review  
• Barbarian Lover by Ruby Dixon (Audio, 5 hr 47 min, 2015, Adult Sci Fi, Purchased) - 4 stars | My Review
  
• Barbarian Mine by Ruby Dixon (Audio, 5 hr 36 min, 2015, Adult Sci Fi, Purchased) - 3 stars | My Review
• Barbarian's Prize by Ruby Dixon (Audio, 6 hr 5 min, 2016, Adult Sci Fi, Purchased) - 3 stars | My Review
• Barbarian's Mate by Ruby Dixon (Audio, 6 hr 34 min, 2016, Adult Sci Fi, Purchased) - 3 stars | My Review 
• Barbarian's Touch by Ruby Dixon (Audio, 8 hr 33 min, 2016, Adult Sci Fi, Purchased) - 4 stars | My Review
• Barbarian's Taming by Ruby Dixon (Audio, 6 hr 44 min, 2016, Adult Sci Fi, Purchased) - 4 stars | My Review 
• Barbarian's Heart by Ruby Dixon (Audio, 6 hr 42 min, 2016, Adult Sci Fi, Purchased) - 4 stars | My Review
• Barbarian's Hope by Ruby Dixon (Audio, 5 hr 26 min, 2016, Adult Sci Fi, Purchased) - 3 stars | My Review
• Barbarian's Choice by Ruby Dixon (Audio, 5 hr 48 min, 2016, Adult Sci Fi, Purchased) - 3 stars | My Review

Pages read: 768 pages + 213 hr
Pages DNF: 0

May 2024 TBR

So I went a little wild in April and finished the Elemental Assassin series, the Diviners series, and decided to read book 2 of Ice Planet Barbarians. Then I discovered that the majority of that series is available for free if you have an Audible membership (aka doesn't use your credits) and I started binging that. With that being said, I finished 26 books in April. I don't think I have ever finished that many books in a month...ever. I'm at 51 books for the year (26 ahead at the moment), so I definitely think I'll reach my goal of 75 :)

In May, I want to read some Netgalley books that will be publishing in the next few months. I have a library book I'd like to finish (and maybe book 3 will be available from my holds list - fingers crossed). And, of course, I'd love to read a super backlist book as well!

My TBR for May:

• The Dragon Republic by R.F. Huang (Audio)
  
• Director's Cut by Carlyn Greenwald (Kindle - Netgalley)
  
• Loud: Accept Nothing Less Than the Life You Deserve by Drew Afualo (Kindle - Netgalley)
  
• The Cursed Sea by Lauren DeStefano (Hardcover)
  

What are you planning on reading in May?

March 2024 Book Haul

In March, I hauled 8 books and have read 7 of them. This year-to-date, I have read 75% of my hauled books. I have spent $1.99 in March and saved $82.75 for a total of $269.10 for 2024. I feel like I'm improving on reading the books I'm hauling and keeping up with them!

PURCHASED BOOKS

1. Venom in the Veins by Jennifer Estep (Audio)
   

REVIEW BOOKS

1.  Director's Cut by Carlyn Greenwald (Kindle)
   

LIBRARY BOOKS

1. Twisted Love by Ana Huang (Audio) 
2. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang (Audio)
3. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros (Audio)
4. Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey (Audio)
5. Sharpest Sting by Jennifer Estep (Audio)
6. Last Strand by Jennifer Estep (Audio)
   

What did you buy, borrow, or receive in March?

Have you read any of my hauled books?

Books I Read in March 2024

I read 9 books in March.

• The Glittering Court by Richelle Mead (Audio, 13 hr 1 min, 2016, YA Historical Fiction, Purchased) - 3 stars | My Review
• Let's Talk About Love by Claire Kann (Audio, 9 hr 5 min, 2018, NA Romance, Purchased) - 4 stars | My Review 
• Twisted Love by Ana Huang (Audio, 10 hr 41 min, 2021, NA Romance, Library) - 3.5 stars | My Review 
• Soul of Stars by Ashley Poston (Hardcover, 424 pages, 2019, YA Sci Fi, Purchased) - 4 stars | My Review
• From the Jump by Lacie Waldon (Audio, 9 hr 18 min, 2022, Adult Romance, Netgalley) - 3.5 stars | My Review
• The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang (Audio, 19 hr 27 min, 2018, Adult Fantasy, Library) - 4 stars | My Review
  
• Lair of Dreams by Libba Bray (Audio, 20 hr 13 min, 2015, YA Paranormal, Purchased) - 4 stars | My Review
• Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros (Audio, 21 hr 22 min, 2023, Adult Fantasy, Library) - 5 stars | My Review
• Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey (Audio, 11 hr 29 min, 2024, Adult Romance, Library) - 3.5 stars | My Review
  

Pages read: 424 pages + 114 hr 36 min
Pages DNF: 0

April 2024 TBR

Last month, my goal was to finish some books that had been on multiple TBRs for a while and I finished 3 and am more than halfway through another. The final one is on my TBR for this month. However with that being said, I started reading some of my books in a series last month and also started some new series. Now the motivation is striking to finish some series. So in April, I am focusing on reading the remainder of the Elemental Assassin series by Jennifer Estep. I have books 16 through 19 in audiobook format, which means they will be read this month! Then the rest is just up to mood and honestly, whatever is ready for borrowing at the library off my holds list.

So far this year, I've finished 25 books (a third of my goal of 75) with 9 of those being last month. I feel pretty good about that pace and I'm really hopeful that I'm going to knock out a lot of old TBRs and finish some series this year!

My TBR for April:

• Snared by Jennifer Estep
  
• Venom in the Veins by Jennifer Estep
• Sharpest Sting by Jennifer Estep
• Last Strand by Jennifer Estep
• Always Jane by Jenn Bennett
  

What are you planning on reading in April?

Book Review: Manacled by SenLinYu

Publish Date: Apr 27, 2018
1,017 Pages [ebook edition]
Self-Published

SYNOPSIS:

Harry Potter is dead. In the aftermath of the war, in order to strengthen the might of the magical world, Voldemort enacts a re-population effort. Hermione Granger has an Order secret, lost but hidden in her mind, so she is sent as an enslaved surrogate to the High Reeve until her mind can be cracked.

Author’s Notes:
This story diverges from canon following the conclusion of Harry Potter and "The Order of the Phoenix". The initial inspiration of this plot occurred when watching the first episode of The Handmaids Tale. In homage there are elements of it maintained throughout the story. This work is dark. Rape and non-consensual sex are a significant and ongoing aspect of the plot. There are also character deaths, psychological trauma, descriptions of battlefield violence, and references to torture. Reader discretion is advised.

REVIEW:

I have wanted to read this for so so long. I was reminded of it when I kept seeing book binding videos of it on TikTok. Then I discovered you could send it to your Kindle and it was all over. I honestly wanted nothing more than to just read this book. I would drive my youngest to school and go back to bed just to read this until I had to get dressed and leave for work (literally leaving myself 10 min each time). I'd get home and make dinner, eat, and do the same thing - straight to my comfy bed with my gooseneck and page turner. 

For those that don't know, this is a Harry Potter fanfiction that revolves around the idea that after Order of the Phoenix (book 5), Voldy and the Death Eaters win. All the main players die, except Hermione, who a la Handmaid's Tale, gets assigned to Draco Malfoy for the wizard repopulation program with the extra caveat that a magical pregnancy will unlock memories of the final member of the Order who Voldy believes is hiding somewhere. She has magical manacles on her that prevent her from harming him or Draco.

I knew this was a Dramione story but I was struggling to see how that was going to happen until the flashbacks started. The flashbacks were a bit repetitive in nature but I ate them up. Overall, I really did enjoy the ride. I know that SenLinYu is set to release published works in Fall 2025 and I'm very ready. Whatever they write is going to be incredible because the writing in this fanfiction was unbelievable. Hermione has always been my favorite and she was such a badass in this version. I really like what SenLinYu did with the character.  

Spice level: Kinda wavered on this because it really isn't graphic (despite the tw for rape), so 4 on the spice level scale. Trigger warnings for rape, violence, self harm, suicide, torture (some pretty hefty graphic descriptions of the violence in this)

Find on Goodreads

February 2024 Book Haul

In February, I hauled 7 books and have read 4 of them. This year-to-date, I have read 69% of my hauled books. I have spent $0 in February and saved $78.81 for a total of $186.35 for 2024. Not too shabby!

PURCHASED BOOKS

1. The Spare Room by Laura Starkey (Kindle w/Prime)
   

REVIEW BOOKS

1. Mortgage of Convenience by Dani McLean (Kindle)
2. Loud: Accept Nothing Less Than The Life You Deserve by Drew Afualo (Kindle)
   

LIBRARY BOOKS

1. Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas (Audio)
2. Fireborne by Rosaria Munda (Audio)
   
3. Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson (Audio)
4. Being Henry: The Fonz...and Beyond by Henry Winkler (Audio)
   

What did you buy, borrow, or receive in February?

Have you read any of my hauled books?

Books I Read in February 2024

I read 7 books in February.

• Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas (Audio, 12 hr 43 min, 2013, YA Fantasy, Library) - 5 stars | My Review
• Till Death by Jennifer L. Armentrout (Kindle, 400 pages, 2017, Adult Thriller, Purchased) - 3 stars | My Review
• Fireborne by Rosaria Munda (Audio, 13 hr 34 min, 2019, YA Fantasy, Library) - 2 stars | My Review
• Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson (Audio, 10 hr 12 min, 2018, YA Mystery/Thriller, Library) - 3 stars | My Review  
• Being Henry: The Fonz...and Beyond by Henry Winkler (Audio, 9 hr 22 min, 2023, Adult Nonfiction, Library) - 3.5 stars | My Review
• The Love Theorem by Camilla Isley (Kindle, 266 pages, 2019, Adult Romance, Netgalley) - 3 stars | My Review 
• Manacled by SenLinYu (Kindle, 1017 pages, 2018, Adult Fantasy, "Purchased") - 4 stars | My Review
  

Pages read: 1683 pages + 46 hr 51 min
Pages DNF: 0