Top 10 Tuesday: New to Me Authors I Discovered in 2020

Hello everyone! I hope you all are having a great start to your weeks! I’ve been so lucky to have read so many great books last year, and one thing I have loved about blogging is the number of new authors I have been able to discover and come to love. This week’s Top Ten Tuesday, hosted at That Artsy Reader Girl, is New to Me Authors I Discovered in 2020!

---

Emma Lord

I found Emma Lord with her debut novel, Tweet Cute, at the beginning of 2020, and I ended the year with her new release, You Have a Match. I fell in love with her funny, realistic writing style and her charming characters. She is definitely one I will continue to follow.

---

Sophie Gonzales

I loved Only Mostly Devastated so much and I cannot wait to read Perfect on Paper.

---

Cassandra Clare

I know, I know. I’m SUUUUPER late to the party, but I am eternally grateful that I used my quarantine to finally get into the Shadowhunters world. I still have so many books left too, which is exciting.

---

Adrienne Young

Fable was one of my favorite books of 2020. I am dying for Namesake to be released.

---

Santa Montefiore

• 

• 

• 

This series wrecked me and I still have to finish the last book (hopefully soon). I am so grateful to my best friend, Kaley, for recommending Santa Montefiore to me.

---

Rick Riordan

I devoured The Lightning Thief and I can’t wait to read the rest his series. The stories are so clever- I love the mythology and how he has twisted it.

---

Jennifer Lynn Barnes

I could not put The Inheritance Games down. It was entirely captivating and the end left me aching for book 2.

---

Anna Bright

I loved the concept of The Beholder and I need to get The Boundless soon cuz I want to know what happens next!

---

Jenny Lee

The writing in Anna K: A Love Story was so beautiful and I loved her retelling of the classic, Anna Karenina (which I also read in 2020). I will definitely be looking forward to her next book.

---

Sandhya Menon

When Dimple Met Rishi just made me so happy. It was exactly what I needed at that time. It was also the book that really got me into audio books because it was so well done.

---

Which authors were you excited to have discovered in 2020? Let me know in the comments and what your recommendations are 🙂

ARC August 2020 TBR

It’s time for Read. Sleep. Repeat.’s ARC August! I did this challenge last year and it really helped me to get through a good portion of my backlogged ARCs. I’m ready to tackle some more this year and hopefully find some new favorites in the process! Here is my TBR for this year’s ARC August!

Are you participating in ARC August this year? What books are on your TBR? Have you read any of these? Let me know in the comments and we can cheer each other on!

Top 10 Tuesday: Books That Make Me Feel Giddy

Happy Top Ten Tuesday my lovelies! This week’s topic, hosted over at That Artsy Reader Girl, is Books That Make Me Smile. There is a big range to this, as many of my favorite books make me smile, but I decided to do books that made my feel giddy because that is the type of feeling I immediately think of when I hear “Books That Make Me Smile.” You can call me a hopeless romantic, as most of these ended up being rom-coms, but who doesn’t love experiencing that type of story?

---

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

Ok, so I know I am so late to the party, but I am HOOKED on The Mortal Instruments series right now. This book is really what sealed the deal and even though I wouldn’t necessarily call this a “happy” book, my new excitement for the series makes me smile. I just bought the boxed sets of The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices so that I can binge them.

---

Bras and Broomsticks by Sarah Mylnowski

I wrote a post about re-reading old favorite books a little while ago, and this book is what sparked it. Re-reading this book brought me so much joy and kept a constant smile on my face. It is such a witty, lovable story and I think still holds up all these years later.

---

When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

This was one of the first audio books that I fell in love with. The narration was superb and had me smiling while walking down the street and running errands. The love story is so pure and sweet and the storytelling is fantastic.

---

Only Mostly Devastated by Sophie Gonzales

This book made me literally squeal with delight. I LOVED it. It gave me the full range of emotions and I lived for it. It is probably one of my favorite books of 2020 so far.

---

Fame, Fate, & the First Kiss by Kasie West

I binge listened to this audio book because I didn’t want to stop. Their romance made me smile and I love a good Hollywood story.

---

Tweet Cute by Emma Lord

I could not wipe the smile off my face the entire time reading this book. It was a perfect YA rom-com.

---

Red, White, & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

I’ve already gushed about this book a gazillion times, but it deserves another.

---

Again, but Better by Christine Riccio

I loved the concept of this story, and thought that it was done really well. In addition to the love story, there were also so many aspects of the main character that I related to and a lot of funny references that made me laugh out loud.

---

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han

I really tried to not include this one on ANOTHER list, but for this topic it was a must have. There are few other characters whose relationship makes me as giddy as Peter Kavinksy and Lara Jean.

---

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

This whole series makes me so happy, but this book in particular. It was what really made me fall in love with Sarah J. Maas’s books, and gave me another ultimate book boyfriend in Rhysand.

---

What books make you feel giddy? Let me know in the comments! ❤

June 2020 Wrap-Up

We’re half way through 2020! Thank the lord. June was a super weird month for me. I turned 28 and have been having so many thoughts about the future. I have no idea what it holds for me, but I am trying to stay hopeful. I was fortunate enough to celebrate some amazing milestones for people I love this month which meant that I didn’t get as much reading or blogging done as I had planned, but I am coming out of my reading slump and am ready for some new good reads in July.

---

Books Read

Daughters of Castle Deverill by Santa Montefiore ★★★★★

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare ★★★★★

Redhead in a Blue Convertible by Ivan Scott ★★

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen ★★★★

---

Favorite Book of the Month:

---

Currently Reading:

---

Challenge Updates

Goodreads Challenge: 40 of 100

Classics Club Challenge: 10 of 50

Beat the Backlist: 25 of 50

---

June Reviews

• Redhead in a Blue Convertible by Ivan Scott • 

June Posts

• Book Con 2020: Book Conline • Cleaning Up My TBR: Down the TBR Hole #24 • #TBT- Re-reading Old Favorites • Top 10 Tuesday: Books On My Summer 2020 TBR • The Mid Year Freak Out Book Tag 2020 • Top 10 Tuesday: Re-Do- Popular Books That Lived Up to the Hype • Top 10 Tuesday: Most Anticipated Releases for the Second Half of 2020• 

---

May 2020 Wrap-Up

As we get into these summer months, I am constantly trying to find the joy and hope in this world and the uncertainty that surrounds all of us right now. It’s such a scary time for everyone, and as Broadway keeps pushing back its reopening, my unease and anxiety of what world I will be returning to in the, hopefully near, future grows. It’s not always easy, but one thing I can say is that reading has given me those moments of freedom and escape and I am eternally grateful that I have such a big love of books.

---

Books Read

Kill Code by Clive Fleury ★★★

Collide by Nina Walker ★★★★

The Betrothed by Kiera Cass ★★★

The Shadow Wand by Laurie Forest ★★★

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins ★★★★

Bras and Broomsticks by Sarah Mylnowski (Reread) ★★★★★

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare ★★★★

---

Favorite Book of the Month

---

Currently Reading

---

Challenge Updates

Goodreads Challenge: 36 of 100

Classics Club Challenge: 9 of 50

Beat the Backlist: 22 of 50

---

Broadway Book Chat: Mandy Striph from Mamma Mia!

---

May Reviews

• My Summer of Love and Misfortune by Lindsay Wong • Kill Code by Clive Fleury • The Betrothed by Kiera Cass • The Shadow Wand by Laurie Forest •

 

May Posts

• Top 10 Tuesday: 10 Must-Haves for a Harry Potter Party • Cleaning Up My TBR: Down the TBR Hole #23 • Top 10 Tuesday: 10 Books I Wish I Had DNF’d • Top 10 Tuesday: Reasons Why I Love YA • The Fantasy Book Tag • 

---

February 2020 Wrap-Up

Well, this month just flew by, huh? We’re coming into Spring and I cannot wait for the weather to start warming up.  It has been a fairly hectic month for me, as I started a new job, am in the deep end of audition season, and am still trying to have a social life and read as much as I can.  Audiobooks have definitely helped and I am so happy to have found that I enjoy them.  I’m sure March will be just as crazy, if not crazier, than February and I am ready to meet it head-on!

Books Read:

Dark Secret by Danielle Rose ★★

The June Boys by Court Stevens ★★★

Only Mostly Devastated by Sophie Gonzales ★★★★★

The Devouring Gray by Christine Lynn Herman ★★★

Def Me by Tahereh Mafi ★★★★

Reveal Me by Tahereh Mafi ★★★★

The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner ★★★

---

Favorite Book of the Month:

---

Currently Reading:

---

Challenge Updates:

Goodreads Challenge: 16 of 100

Classics Club Challenge: 8 of 50

Beat The Backlist: 9 of 50

---

February Reviews

• Dark Secret by Danielle Rose • Only Mostly Devastated by Sophie Gonzales • The June Boys by Court Stevens •

February Posts

• Top 10 Tuesday: Books On My TBR I Predict Will Be 5 Star Reads • Cleaning Up My TBR: Down the TBR Hole #20 • Top 10 Tuesday: Favorite Contemporary Romances • The Wanderlust Book Tag • Top 10 Tuesday: Last 10 Books That Gave Me A Book Hangover • Top 10 Tuesday: Characters I’d Follow On Social Media • Prediction Book Tag •

---

 

Top 10 Tuesday: Last 10 Books That Gave Me A Book Hangover

Book Hangover (n):  When you finish a book and it leaves you feeling so full and happy for having experienced an amazing story, and yet excruciatingly empty for not being a part of that world anymore.

Here we are again with another Top 10 Tuesday, hosted over at That Artsy Reader Girl.  This week’s theme is The Last 10 Books That Gave Me A Book Hangover.  A good book hangover can be hard to find, and I find that I have them more rarely now, so when I do find one I love to shout it out as loud as possible!

---

Only Mostly Devastated by Sophie Gonzales

---

Tweet Cute by Emma Lord

---

Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas

---

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

---

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

---

American Royals by Katharine McGee

---

The Seven Husband’s of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid 

---

Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

---

The Wicked King by Holly Black

---

Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han

---

Please share your last few book hangovers in the comments so I can add them to my list! ❤

Classics Club Review: Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

Summary: A classic novel of romantic suspense finds the second Mrs. Maxim de Winter entering the home of her mysterious and enigmatic new husband and learning the story of the house’s first mistress, to whom the sinister housekeeper is unnaturally devoted.

---

I cannot get over how much I loved this book.  The writing is absolutely stunning while still remaining incredibly relatable and easy to read.  The main character, Mrs. de Winter, whose first name we never learn (brilliant), often goes off on mental tangents that are so realistic and really create a beautiful picture of her character and mindset.   I couldn’t help but root for the second Mrs. de Winter and Maxim, especially the more we learn about the history of Manderly and its occupants.  The romantic gothic vibe of the book is delightfully sinister, without being too spooky for a scaredy-cat like me.  I think I expected it to be a little more supernatural than it was, which I was pleasantly surprised by.  The whole concept of Rebecca’s haunting presence being a character in itself, rather than her being an actual ghost, was so clever, real and insanely impactful.  I cannot wait to watch Hitchcock’s film adaptation and I definitely could see this as a book I will want to reread.  I highly recommend this one, especially for someone who is trying to get into more classics.

The Netgalley Book Tag

Hello my lovelies! Today’s book tag is The Netgalley Book Tag created by Kourtni Reads.  I saw it over at A Little Haze Book Blog and Emer said anyone who wants to do this tag was tagged by her, so I considered myself tagged 🙂

The rules are as follows:

• Link back to the tag’s creator (Kourtni Reads)
• Thank and link back to the person who tagged you (Thanks Emer!)
• Answer the questions the best you can. If you don’t use NetGalley, you can substitute other sites or places where you get books!
• Tag a few people to do this too
  

  ---

Auto-Approved: Who’s one author whose books you automatically want to read, regardless of what they’re about?

Kristin Hannah.  I have yet to be disappointed by any of her books and they are always beautifully character-driven.  Also Sarah J. Maas.  I love the worlds she creates and her characters are some of my absolute favorites.  I can’t wait to read her new book.

Request: What makes you want to request a book that you see on NetGalley?

The cover art usually draws me in initially, but what makes me request it is almost always the summary.  I will also request a book by an author I know I like or a book that I have heard a lot about.

Feedback Ratio: Do you review every book you read? If not, how do you decide what books to review?

I do not review every book I read.  There are some books that I want to keep just for me.  I try to stay up to date with reviewing my ARC’s and am working on getting my Netgalley ratio up to 80% (I messed it up at the beginning when I was still figuring out how it worked).  I like to review new releases when I can and also review the classics I read for my Classics Club Challenge.

Badges: If you could create your own badge to display on your blog, what would it be for?

Hmmmmm… maybe a badge for reading more classics?  It might give me motivation to buckle down and get some more done.

Wish for It: What’s one book that you are absolutely dying to read?

The next American Royals book by Katharine McGee.  I CANNOT wait.

NetGalley Challenge: What was the last book that you received as an ARC that you reviewed? If you’ve never received an ARC, what’s the last book you reviewed?

The last ARC I reviewed was The Wickerlight by Mary Watson and I am currently reading The Weight of a Soul by Elizabeth Tammi.

---

I tag anyone who wants to do this tag and can’t help themselves from requesting too many books from Netgalley 🙂

Top 10 Tuesday: Changes In My Reading Life

Happy Top 10 Tuesday! This week’s theme from That Artsy Reader Girl is Changes In My Reading Habits.  I couldn’t think of a full 10, so here are my 8 recent changes in my reading life.

1. I am less of a mood reader now.  I am definitely more purposeful in my book choices because of my blog, and have stuck more to the YA/NA genre than I ever have before.
2. I read more on a schedule than I ever have.  Granted, my schedule is still fairly lax, but I have really been trying to stick to a stricter schedule to make my blogging life easier and to meet release deadlines.
3. I read in more places- I used to really only read in the bathtub or on the train, (unless a book was so good I couldn’t stop) and now I read before bed, just sitting on the couch, or standing in my kitchen while my food cooks.
4. I’ve started to read more YA Contemporary Fiction again.  I loved it as a teen, but have gravitated away from it and focused more on Fantasy and Historical Fiction in general, and I’m coming back to it.
5. I am more willing to DNF a book that I am not enjoying.  Now, don’t get crazy.  I still will mostly push through, but I’ve given up a couple more books than I normally would have.
6. I don’t lose bookmarks anymore- I use the same ones for a LONG time and have received a few nice ones as gifts that I’ve managed to hold on to.
7. I’m less stingy about buying new releases.  I am SUPER stingy with my money, but I’ve recently decided to invest in new releases and not feel guilty about it.  Especially since I rarely regret buying a book.
8. I read more on my kindle than I used to.  Mostly due to ARCs and having been on the road for the better part of the last year.