February 2021 | Reading plans

After taking a fairly long break, starting university, making some fairly big changes in my life, I decided to return to creating a reading plan for the month. I realized I enjoy its predictability and it helps me not waste as much time deciding what to read from many more books. I also really like to see what other people are planning to read, so I think it's a great combination. I hope you will enjoy this post!

In February I decided to take join Clueathon, a readathon based on the board game Clue. I decided to build my TBR on those prompts. Even though I doubt I will be able to finish reading so many books and keep up with my studies, I will do my best to read as much as time allows me to. The challenges for this readathon are:

1. Courtyard: Read a book with blue on the cover

I read a book by this author in the Autumn of last year and I liked it a lot. I can't wait to start this new series. This book follows the romance between a sexy, single dad and his reluctant live-in nanny. This book is different as I have never read a story with this type of plot, and I can't wait to get around to it!

2. Billiard room: You would never see us playing sports, read a book about someone who is different from you / a diverse read

I loved the first book in this series. A Strange Hymn by Laura Thalassa is the second book in the series, and as it's a fantasy romance it's perfect for this challenge. It follows a siren and the Bargainer, the Night King, and a man of many mysteries. I can't wait to get back to this world, to this story, and to these characters! It will most likely be one of my favorite books of this year and for sure of the month!

3. Study: Read a historical fiction

I did start this book at the end of January, I read the first 3 chapters and I must admit I am highly intrigued. I usually don't read historical fiction, but I very much think I will love this one. It seems to be fast-paced, fascinating, and I am already hooked. Might be because it has a rebellious heroine, and it involves pirates. I saw this book on Jess's (from PeaceLoveBooks) favorite books of 2020 and I glad I picked it up. I can't wait to read more of it!

4. The hall: Read a big book

Another historical fiction, I'm starting to wonder what I'm thinking. I did highly enjoy the first book in the series but never got around keep reading the other two books. For me, this is a big, intimidating read, and, even though I might not get around to finishing it this month, I really want to read it in the near future.

5. Lounge: Read the group book / come to one of the lives

As I already have quite a big TBR and I am not a fast reader I will aim to enter one of the live shows.

6. Dining room: Read a short/fast read, a book you will eat up

I loved loved loved the first 3 books in this series! Erin Watt is, in my humble opinion, an amazing writer duo. I can't wait to read this book and not just because this will be a fast short amazing read!

7. Ballroom: Read a book with a beautiful cover

I own this book, I like the cover, it's romance. I completely forget anything else about this book. Maybe it will be one of my new favorite books? Have you read it? Did you like it?

8. Conservatory: Read a book with nature on the cover or that includes an animal

I liked the cover and the title. Do I know more about this book? Well, not really, but I do want to read it and find more that way. To me, it looks like a cute, sweet romance between a city girl that moved to the countryside and a boy living there.

9. Library: Free choice

For those who know me, it's a fact that I almost never listen to audiobooks. Surprise surprise, I picked this book because I could find the audiobook for it. I did start listening to it already and it's light-hearted, fun, and exactly the type of book I'm in need of. Can't wait to write a review for it. And who knows, maybe it will get me into audiobooks? Recommend me some more audiobooks below and I might try them next month.

10. Kitchen: Weapon on the cover

To be completely honest, I missed reading Jennifer L. Armentrout's books. I liked everything I read by her so far (I thought Obsidian was ok and didn't like how long it took me to get through it, but adored everything else I read by her) and I must admit; this book scares me! And it's long. Will I get to finish reading it this month? Maybe not, as I will probably prioritize some other books on this TBR, but it would be great if I get to at least start it.

I must admit that I am more excited about some of these books than others, some I did started already and read the first few pages (under 5%). I would also like to finish some of the books I have already started too, but we'll see how well I can manage my time. What are your reading plans for the month?

January TBR

This are the challenges I drew up for this month. Two of them are romanceopolly challenges and the other 4 are some I would also like to complete this month. I am still hoping I can complete at least 4 of them this month and although it is the middle of the month I would love to push through and read 6 books. So this are my challenges:

1. Read a 5 star prediction: The murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie 3.5/5 stars

2. Read a book that will transport you in the future

3. Read a book that will transport you in the past: Famous Last Words by Katie Alender 4/5 stars

4. Read a book with your favorite animal on the cover in the title or in the story

5. Read a smoking hot erotic contemporary romance

6. Read a new adult book set in college: 3:AM kisses by Addison Moore 5/5 stars

If you would like to complete any of these challenges feel free to do so. I haven't come up with any of this challenges, either. Leave your recommendations in the comments below.

2019 Reading Goals

This year I decided to make it easy for me as I will have more important exams than I am used to and I started to work on some highly important personal projects and as a consequence I will have less free time on my hands so I went for attainable goals that would not put that much pressure on me... Or so at least I hope. So without further-ado, here are my reading and blog resolutions for this new year.

1. Participate in Romanceopoly
I recently discovered a video by one of my favorite booktubers talking about this project and I fell in love with it. I am conscious that my reading is far from being as various as I would like and I hope this challenge would give me the right push to enlarge my reading taste and appetite for lecture. As I mostly read romance and contemporary books I found these challenges to be perfect for what I was looking for.

2. I want to read 24 books this year
I have discovered that the highest amount of books I get to read in a month if I push myself a little is around 6 books, but the thing is that I don't want to force myself to read. Also there are moths when I do not have the time or the desire to read and so the difference is major. Some months I get to devour 6 maybe 7 books and other moths I do not read at all. As a result I consider reading, on average,  2 books each month is something I could do without as much effort.

3. TBR's... are not for me
I am a mood reader. I CANNOT stick to a proper traditional TBR! So what I am going to try what I call "the reading harder challange". Each month I am going to pick with the help of a number generator 6 promts for which I have to pick a book and from those books I have to finish reading at least 2 every month. Maybe this could give me some more liberty in choosing what I read without being too intimidated by the huge amount of books on my TBR. At the end of each month I will update the post in which I have listed the challenges so as to keep track of my progress.

I would also like to try to do kind of a TBR jar challenge where I pick at least one of my reads for the month, but I am not sure that this one will work out by the end of the year. However, I think it's worth the try.

4. More reviews
I like to think that I am critical of the things that surround me, however I do not thing I am very good at expressing my opinion clearly when it comes to that and I would like to improve that. As a result I am challenging myself to write, edit and post at least one review every month.

5. Keep posting
Due to lack of motivation, not reading or having to many things to do at once I tend to neglect my  hobbies and blogging and talking about books is one of them. So I would like to post at least once a week or every other week. That should be doable, right?

Hope you enjoyed today's post. Next I am going to make a list of the top 19 books I'm most excited to read this year and which I would very much hope to read before 2020.

Cramathon TBR

The Cramathon readathon takes place from june 10th to june 17th 2018.This are the reading challenges and my picks for them:

1.A predicted 5 star book - Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

2.A book out of your comfort zone - Pelinul Negru by Ioana Nicolaie

3.A book that has been on your TBR a long time  -  The picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wild

4.A book that is LGBTQ+ ownvoices (yay pride month!) - Leah on the offbeat by Becky Albertalli

5.Something that is not a standard novel (graphic novel, audio, comic, novella, poetry, etc) -  Illuminae by Jay Kristoff and Ami Kaufman

6.A book that has your fav color on cover – Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

7.Read 7 books – Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus by John Gray

And then there were none by Agatha Christie. A book review

And then there were none is a book written by Agatha Cristie in 1939 and published in the same year under the name of Ten Little Indians. The story is set is 1930 when ten guests are invited for a stay on Soldier Island, off the coast of England, by someone named U. N. Owen. Each of the guest bedrooms, and the dining room, contains a framed copy of a nursery rhyme, "Ten Little Soldiers," in which each of 10 soldiers dies, one by one; this rhyme turns out to be the framework for U. N. Owen's murderous plans.

 
The narrator is an unnamed omniscient individual, the point of view constantly shifting back and forth each of the ten characters, the story being related in a dark and sinister tone. And Then There Were None is an absolutely phenomenal book. Lots of suspense, mystery and action. This book will, for sure, keep you on the edge of your seat while you try to guess who the murderer is. 

I have mostly enjoyed the unexpected conclusion which added even more to the charm of this novel. Agatha Christie herself stated after finishing it that, “Not only is the plot expertly and delicately crafted, but the characters are intensely unique and curious.” The setting was mysterious, the characters’ personality was unique and very different, and the mystery itself fascinating! The constantly twisting narrative line made the best of this original story.

In 2015 And Then There Were None was voted the World's Favourite Christie in a global vote which saw fans from over 100 countries vote, being the most brilliantly plotted mystery of all time. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a fast-peaced book they won’t let out of their hands until the end!

Spring challenges

Hi everyone! To mark the beginning of spring, even though the weather hasn't been getting warmer, I decided to do a bucket list which also includes some reading challenges. This is what I came up with, so feel free to participate in any of these, and don't be shy to comment below on any plans you might have for this wonderful season! Also, I will try to come up with a guide that includes books that are suitable for all these challenges as well as a wrap-up of everything I managed to get done at the end of spring. Hope you will enjoy and with no further ado here are the challenges:

Spring reading challenges

1. Read a book with your initials on the cover
2. Read a book that has been sitting on your shelf for over a year
3. Read a book with your favorite color on the cover
4. Read a book with green on the cover
5. Read a contemporary love story
6. Read a book with a text-only cover
7. Read a book rated 5 stars by at least one of your friends
8. Read a book that takes place in spring ( the story doesn't need to happen all throughout spring but it must include or expend over spring)

• Bucket list:
  • go to the zoo;
  • have a 24h read-a-thon (either take part in one or do one for my own)
  • go for a daily run for a week (morning or evening)
  • work out at least 2 a week;
  • go to a farmer’s market;
  • go for a hike;
  • read at least one book a month;
  • go roller-blading;
  • make smoothies;
  • gardening & admire flowers;
  • travel to a new place;
  • read a library book 
    

Top 6 Thursday: Favorite romance books

Hi, guys! Here are my top 6 favorite romance books I've read so far. Hope you will enjoy!

1. Simon vs the homosapiens agenda by Becky Albertally - a review is coming soon

2. Simple perfection and Twisted perfection by Abbi Glines

3. Vampire academy by Reachelle Mead

4. Bitter sweet love by Jennifer L Armentrout

5. By your side by Kasie West - a review is coming soon

6. Unraveling you by Jessica Sorensen

 This is all for now! See you soon with another post! Bye :))

The selection by Kiera Cass. A review

The sebection by Kiera Cass
The first book in the selection series
Genre: Young Adult, Distopian
Review: 4 / 5 stars
Goodreads description:
For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

Impressions and review:
I found this book to be a very pleasing, fascinating read. We follow the story of America Singer, a young girl who ends up competing for the prince's heart and becoming the next princess. Even though no one sees her as a threat due to her fiery temper and low position in society, she manages to hold her chance in front of all prejudices.
While I can easily admit that this isn't the most complex book in the world, nor the best written story of all, I found it to be very addicting. It is true that I haven't found all of America's decisions and reactions to be appropriate for the time and place she was in, but there were also times when I could have imagined myself as America, doing the same thing, having the same insecurities.
I am not a fast reader, however I have devoured this book as I finished it in only two days. I can highly recommend this book to anyone in search of a fast, enjoyable read. Although, one should keep in mind that this book is part of a series and it sets the love triangle for the next books, so if you don't feel like committing to a series or want to avoid love triangles in books perhaps this is not the book for you.
As for me, while I can understand why this book is not everyone's cup of tea, I am very glad that I have read it and I cannot wait to move on to the next book in the series because as it seems right now I am totally trash for this series.

Top 6 Thursday: Top 6 fictional boyfriends

As to still keep the Valentine's Day spirit alive, I thought it would be a nice idea to do a fictional boyfriends themed Top 6 Thursday. Here it's what I have so far, and please keep in mind that they are in no particular order. Enjoy!
 1. Liam from The boy who sneaks in my bedroom window by Kirsty Moseley

 
2.Woods from the Perfection series by Abbi Glines

3. John Logan from the Mistake by Elle Kennedy

4. Tarver Merendsen from These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman & Megan Spooner

 5. . Caleb from Beware of bad boy by April Brookshire

 

6. Jesse from Crush by Chrissy Peebles

Honorable mentions:
Rush from The too far series by Abbi Glines

Flynn Cormac from This Shattered World by Amie Kaufman & Megan Spooner

Zayne from The Dark Elements series by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Garrett Graham from The Deal by Elle Kennedy

Valantine’s Day book Tag

Of course since Valentine’s Day is tomorrow I’ll be doing a kind of seasonal TAG and I am sooo excited! If you have been around for a while you know I haven’t done any book related TAGs for a long time now and I must admit I have missed it.

The original creator of this tag is CC’s Books.

1.) Stand Alone Book You Love

The boy who sneaks on my bedroom window by Kirsty Moseley

 

I gave this book 5 stars because it’s just so unique, deals with searious issues and has such an adorable romance! I am in love with this story! I have read it a year ago and I still think about it. Highly recommend it…..

2.) Dystopian Book You Love

The selection by Kiera Cass

I haven’t read much dystopian books so far, but the one that I enjoyed the most (might also be the fact that I also read it quite recently) is The Selection. This book is addictive and cheesy. I will post a review for it soon so if you want to find out more about it keep an eye out for that...

3.) A Book That You Love But No One Else Talks About

Beware of bad boy by April Brookshire

I have read the first two books from this trilogy and absolutely loved them. It is the story of Caleb and Gianna, who are stepbrothers and who fall in love. Their story follows Gianna’s coming of age, it tickles problems such as beauty in society, abusive relationships and much more. I can only highly recommend this trilogy as I don’t think words would make it enough justice!

4.) Favorite Book Couple

John Logan and Grace from the Mistake by Elle Kenedy

I totally loved their story. I think they are so cute together and perfect for one another. Also I find so real and raw all the things they've gone trough...This is a match made in haven and if you have read the book you know what I an talking about!

5.) Book That Other People Love But You Haven’t Read Yet

The hating game by Sally Thorne

The one that at the moment everyone has read and seem to love is the Hating Game and of course this isn't the only possible answer for this question... I have yet to read this book and find what it is about.

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6.) A Book With Red on the Cover

Simon vs the homosapiens agenda

This is my current read and I really enjoy it so far and I can only keep reading it. As it seems for now I am going to finish it quite soon!

7.) A Book With Pink on the Cover

Did I mention I love you by Estelle Maskame

I had this book on my TBR for a while now and for some reason I still have to pick it up. The cover is absolutely gorgeous, though!

8.) You were given a box of chocolate what fictional boyfriend/ or girlfriend would given them to you.

Drew Jagger from Egomaniac by Vi Keeland or Garrett Graham from the Mistake by Elle Kennedy

Both of them are so sweet especially when they are in love. I can totally see them going out and about only to make their loved one happy. I can certainly see any of them gifting chocolate for Valentine's day!

9.) You are Single on Valentines Day. What Book would you read? What TV show would you watch? What Movie would you watch? 

 

For what I would read for Valentine’s day, considering that is tomorrow, I am going to choose my current reads, those being Clockwork angel by Cassandra Clare an Simon vs the homosapiens agenda. What TV show would I watch… well this gets a little tricky. I think I going with Flash, even though it’s more of an action show (that’s the only TV show I’m currently watching and have yet to seen all episodes that are out). And for a movie I think Baby Driver is the perfect choice especially that I have been meaning to see it for a while now.

Well if I was I’d be reading either “The Forbidden Wish” or “Daughter of Smoke and Bone”, watching no TV (because I don’t know of any romantic type shows I’d actually enjoy), and watching my favorite rom-com Sweet Home Alabama!

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

Alluring Raven by Jessica Sorensen

From prior experiences with this writer I already know I love her work (I have read “Unraveling me”). This book just caught my eye! I’m sure I will love the story and as a bonus I absolutely adore the cover.