Shadowhunters: Do I Even Like the Books, or am I just too Far Down the Rabbit Hole to Quit?

Hello everyone and welcome back to my blog! I'm Genni, and today I wanted to do another little discussion post, once again on a popular series. If you missed my last post about rereading Percy Jackson in quarantine, check it out here. But if you want to read about my existential crisis with Shadowhunters, read on.

My history with Shadowhunters tracks back to my middle school years, when the first adaptation of City of Bones, The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones was released in theaters. Like many others, I did not watch it. However, I was now aware of the series; Lily Collins' eyebrows might have made me watch the trailer, but City of Bones was now in the corners of my psyche. Later that year, I bought the e-book edition of City of Bones, only to be gifted a week later the paperback edition. It was a sign, folks. And then I tried to read the book multiple times... and failed. But being the try-hard I am, I gave it a fourth go, and it stuck. Even then, I didn't really like City of Bones, but the aforementioned friend told me that I would be hooked by the third book.

My friend wasn't wrong. I didn't particularly enjoy City of Bones or the second book, City of Ashes, but I'm the first to admit that the third book, City of Glass, was pretty great. And then I started a blog, and my thoughts have been immortalized since. In late 2015, I gave the fourth book in the Mortal Instruments series four stars, the fifth 4.25 stars, and while I didn't review the sixth and final book, City of Heavenly Fire,  on my blog, my 2017 goodreads review is succinct with, "This was so damn good! 4.5 stars." Okay..then. So I guess I did like the series?

Lies. My apparent love for Mortal Instruments was a facade. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the books, but I also felt a pressure to love them because everyone else seemingly did, as well. When I didn't really like Clockwork Angel, the first book in Clare's Infernal Devices trilogy, I still gave it a 3.8 stars (oh, what an arbitrary scale I used!) even though I said, "I just couldn't care for the characters and I haven't connected to them at all yet" and "I didn't relate to any of the characters or parts of the plot." While hindsight is 20/20, it's clear I didn't even really like Clockwork Angel back then, but I still gave it a favorable rating out of fear of going against the crowd. I was a proverbial sheep, and I don't blame myself; I was 15 and blogging. I had opinions, but I wasn't steadfast in them, being easily persuaded by big names loving the series.

Fast-forward to June of 2020. Approaching my 21st birthday, not only do I hold tight to my opinions, but I've also caught up with the Shadowhunters canon. Mortal Instruments and Infernal Devices? Both done. Clare's third series, The Dark Artifices? Also read. And today, I finally finished Chain of Gold, Clare's most recent addition to the Shadowhunter chronciles. Luckily for me, the bookstore I work at received an ARC of the book, and I snatched it up. And then it sat in my room for a couple months. Even I questioned my behavior; why am I letting of YA's most anticipated releases sit on my bedroom floor when I have the chance to read it before getting inevitably spoiled? And I came to the conclusion: I don't actually care that much about the series.

While I've read all of Clare's core series - none of the coauthored series or novellas, however - I found myself not really caring about Chain of Gold at all. The Dark Artifices series might have been my favorite of Clare's series, but Chain of Gold has no big tie back to that trilogy, but rather the one I had mixed feelings on half a decade ago. And when I finally did pick up the book, it took me three weeks to finish it. In that time, I started and finished other books, watched who-knows how many tv shows, and worked full time. I was busy, but reading Chain of Gold was also really low on my to do list; there were times when I questioned just putting the book away for another day.

This most recent experience, and my previous one with Queen of Air and Darkness - the final book in my favorite series, but one I put down for almost a full year - makes me question whether I even like the series to begin with. I haven't come clear to an answer but I do know this: sometimes Cassandra Clare's books seemingly have little to no plot, and while character-driven stories are fine, they aren't when I don't really care about the characters. Also, every time I open a Cassandra Clare book, my eyes rebel because of that fucking font. It takes me hours to acclimate to it, most definitely impeding my enjoyment. And yet, I know I'm going to continue reading. I might not be biting at the heels for another book, but I've been reading these books for almost a decade now, and I don't see myself stopping until Clare does. But in the wait between books, maybe I'll find some fantasy reads that I wholeheartedly enjoy, rather than ones I may not even like, let alone love. 

Rereading Percy Jackson During Quarantine | My Thoughts on the Series 10+ Years Later!

Hello everyone and welcome back to my blog! I haven't visited this space in a while, but I wanted to revist this little corner of the internet I made so many years ago! Now that quarantine has slowed life down a little, I want to try and dedicate some more time to the blog. No promises that I'm going to be updating frequently, but you might see me peek my head up every now and again.

In the midst of finals season earlier this month, I desperately wanted to reread the Percy Jackson series. I follow Rick Riordan on twitter, and for the last couple months, he had been teasing followers about a potential adaptation. These tweets regenerated my interest for the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, which I devoured as a kid. I generally credit the series for inspiring my voracious reading, but I had never reread the series, fearing that it wouldn't have lived up to my rose-colored hindsight.

Half a month later (with some breaks between the books), I have finished the series! Perfect timing, too, as Percy Jackson and the Olympians (PJ&O) is going be adapted on Disney+ as a television series. While I would have been excited about this news regardless, I'm much more eager for the adaptation now that the series is fresh in my mind.

As a college student, I was wary that I wouldn't enjoy the Percy Jackson series that much. And to an extent, I was correct. Back when I read the series when I was 9 and 10 years old, PJ&O took over my head; I constantly was thinking about the series, how the final book would play out, and yes, even wrote my first fanfiction set in Riordan's world. Percy's problems felt like my problems. After rereading the series, I am not spurred to write fanfiction, nor do I have the intense feeling of camaraderie with Percy. As a kid reading the series, I felt as if I was right there, following Percy, Annabeth, Grover, and all the others during their quests. As a 20 year old reading the series during a global pandemic, I found the books to be a great source of escapism, bringing me laughs and a wave of nostalgia. I don't think this experience is inferior to my first, and generally speaking, the series held up.

Upon rereading the series, I faced each book with more trepidation, worrying that this was the book that was going to disappoint me. As I finished each book, my expectations also grew, making a possible disappointment even more threatening. As I picked up The Lightning Thief, the first in the series, I wasn't expecting much. I was thinking, "Okay, I liked this book back in 2008. I knew I liked it then, but I also know it's not my favorite in the series." These are generally my thoughts now, as well. The Lightning Thief was such a fun and quick read, perfect for tweens and adults alike, but I still had a general sense of detachment. Reading about Percy, Annabeth, and the whole cast of characters was like seeing an old friend you fell out of touch with; pleasant, but acknowledging the distance, and how much closer you were years ago.

Upon reading the second book, I lowered my expectations; I remembered Sea of Monsters as my least favorite. Well, my memory proved wrong. As I continued the series, I enjoyed each book more than the last (though the final two books are very close), and I was surprised that my memory reserved Sea of Monsters as my least favorite! Upon rereading Sea of Monsters, I had such a fondness for characters that were introduced or got more page-time, like Tyson, Bessie, and Clarisse. As a 9 year old reading the book, I empathized the most with Percy, getting annoyed when he would, never contemplating other's perspectives. As a 20 year old with a complex approach - I would hope, at least, since I'm majoring in English - I found myself gravitating towards the new characters. Perhaps this is because Percy, Annabeth, and Grover felt so familiar; I remembered them much more than the secondary characters. While reading about them was a place of comfort, the expanded cast brought a freshness to my reading experience, opening up plot lines and internal conflicts I had forgotten about as years passed. I found myself recognizing Percy's flaws, and enjoying the book more because of them. I wasn't completely drawn into the story as my past-self was, but I appreciated how Sea of Monsters built upon the first novel's foundational world-building, introducing more characters, places, and plot points.

If any book was a disappointment, it would be The Titan's Curse. In my head, The Titan's Curse was my favorite of the series; I was expecting one thing, and got another. Spoiler: this is all because I had misremembered some of my favorite scenes occurring in The Titan's Curse, when they actually occurred in the Battle of the Labyrinth! However, this is also the book that introduced real consequences. We had our first character deaths - which I remembered, but was still dreading - and the world continued to expand, introducing Artemis and her hunters, Apollo, and the Titans. Back in the day, I loved this book. Upon reading it now, I recognize how The Titan's Curse works as a bridge, still having some juvenile jokes that were key to the first two books, but introducing dire consequences, which become more prevalent as the series continues.

The Battle of the Labyrinth was better than I remembered! This fourth installment was a quintessential adventure novel, continuing to expand on the world-building, upped the ante, and included key moments for the Percabeth ship - a favorite of mine back in the day. We see the trauma on the first three books really affect Percy and co. in this penultimate novel, and the stakes grew. It also helped that I didn't remember the narrative in nearly as much detail as I did the previous three. I loved rereading the Calypso chapter, which I remembered loving as a kid, and I still have a great fondness for today; Percy's interaction with Calypso perfectly captured his internal struggle to be a hero, which conflicts with his desire to be a normal kid. I'll be honest, though, reading each book in such quick succession was starting to wear on me. I took a week-long break before jumping into the last book in the series, and I had an absolute blast.

The Last Olympian felt like a breath of fresh air, and after a week-long break of the series, was a fantastic finale. Unlike the last four novels, which featured Percy and his friends going on a quest and going up against several smaller enemies, Percy's friends all coalesce to face the final big bad in The Last Olympian. However, there were a couple of that threw me, such as Grover's lack of presence, and some pretty obvious foreshadowing to deaths. Riordan focuses on sideline characters, giving them complexities only to kill them off. Obviously, this made for a more impactful death scene, but it was also a clue onto his was going to face their untimely demise. In fact, the consequences felt a bit tame, with none of the core three characters facing any dire consequences. Despite all of this, I was completely drawn into the story. Even though I remembered The Last Olympian quite well - I've reread this one before, unlike the others - I still had a blast, and was impressed by how Riordan expertly plotted the series, expanded the world-building throughout the novels, and tracked each character's progression. 

Upon rereading the series, I found some flaws that nine and 10 year old me didn't catch. But none of this hindered my enjoyment; I had a wonderful time revisiting these books, which spurred me to become such an avid reader. I'm now a blogger, an English major, a bookseller, and perusing a career in publishing. If it weren't for books like these, I wouldn't have had such a passion for reading, which eventually became a passion for publishing. This series doesn't get all the credit - of course, I've put in a lot of hard work and hours, cultivating this! - but it was a foundational text in becoming the reader I am today. When reading the books, I was completely drawn into the story, and I'm looking forward to reading more of Riordan's back-list and his imprint, hoping to capture that same magical feeling.

 Have you been rereading your childhood favorites during quarantine?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and happy reading!

Genni at Ready, Set, Read!

10 Feel Good Reads to Ease Your Anxiety

With all the news swirling around about COVID-19, I know that many of us are feeling anxious, including myself. Plus, with professionals suggesting we distance ourselves socially, loneliness will surely creep in. To help alleviate some of the anxiety and loneliness many of us are feeling, here are 10 reads that will hopefully ease your anxiety and transport you into a simpler world of happy endings.

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

 Goodreads | IndieBound

Crazy Rich Asians is one of my most recent reads, and I had such a fun time reading it! After watching the movie a couple years back, I always wanted to read the source material, but I never got around to it. This semester, I am taking a class about book to movie adaptations, and was required to read Crazy Rich Asians! I had such a fun time immersing myself into this high-drama, extremely capitalist world where no one is good enough unless your the richest of the rich. It's nothing like my world, and I quite enjoyed escaping to another!

Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson

 Goodreads | IndieBound

Nothing to See Here is such a delightful read. The novel follows Lillian, a 20-something year-old whose life is off-track. When she's asked to become a caretaker for two children who combust into flames when they get agitated, she decides to go along with it. Nothing to See Here is bizarre, hilarious (I laughed out loud multiple times), and heart touching.

Tweet Cute by Emma Lord

 Goodreads | IndieBound

If you would rather read a YA novel, then feast your eyes (and your food desires) on Tweet Cute, a 2020 re-imagining of rom-com classic You've Got Mail. The chemistry between the two leads, Pepper and Jack, is spot on, filled with banter, awkwardness, and a strong bond. 

Best Romance I've Read Last Year! | 2019 Yearly Rewind

As a lover of romance, I've read quite a bit of romance this year!

Here are my favorite romance books I read in 2019! Keep in mind that these are the books I read in 2019, not just 2019 releases. Additionally, this list will only be adult romance novels. If you want to see some other picks, here are my other lists for the year!

Best 2019 Releases

Best Nonfiction of 2019

Best Fiction of 2019 

I know this is a bit late, but hey, better late than never! 

The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams

Goodreads | IndieBound

The Bromance Book Club is a shining star in the romance genre! It is the start of a new series by Adams - which do not need to be read in a specific order - that tackles toxic masculinity, emotional vulnerability, healthy communication, and reader shame. It was heartfelt, nuanced, and above all, sexy. If you love the second-chance romance trope and/or enjoy contemporary romances, The Bromance Book Club is a great start for you. 

Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

 Goodreads | IndieBound 

Another great contemporary romance? Get A Life, Chloe Brown! Chloe Brown is on a mission: to get a life. After a near-death experience, Chloe has a new lease on life and wants to make the mot of it, and her motorcycle-riding sexy superintendent just might be able to help. Hibbert's novel has charisma, chemistry, and passion. Chloe is also chronically ill and has an autoimmune disease, and I really appreciated the representation! Get your hands on it ASAP if you want a smart and sexy romance!

BLOG TOUR & REVIEW | Tweet Cute by Emma Lord

Hello everyone and welcome back to my blog! I'm Genni, and I'm thrilled to participate in the Tweet Cute book tour! As I mentioned in an earlier post, Tweet Cute was one of my favorite reads of last year, and I hope all of you YA, romance, or contemporary readers will pick it up!

Before I begin my review, here is a great excerpt of the book, where Pepper and Jack - two teens running their families restaurant's twitter account - agree to continue their twitter war, no holds barred. This scene is essentially "game on," and a lot of fun (and cuteness) ensue!

Title: Tweet Cute
Author: Emma Lord (Follow her on Twitter and Insta!)
Series? Nope!
Pages: 368
Publication Date: January 21, 2020
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Source: I read an ARC of Tweet Cute through Netgalley! My thoughts and opinions are my own. :)

A fresh, irresistible rom-com from debut author Emma Lord about the chances we take, the paths life can lead us on, and how love can be found in the opposite place you expected.

Meet Pepper, swim team captain, chronic overachiever, and all-around perfectionist. Her family may be falling apart, but their massive fast-food chain is booming ― mainly thanks to Pepper, who is barely managing to juggle real life while secretly running Big League Burger’s massive Twitter account.

Enter Jack, class clown and constant thorn in Pepper’s side. When he isn’t trying to duck out of his obscenely popular twin’s shadow, he’s busy working in his family’s deli. His relationship with the business that holds his future might be love/hate, but when Big League Burger steals his grandma’s iconic grilled cheese recipe, he’ll do whatever it takes to take them down, one tweet at a time.

All’s fair in love and cheese ― that is, until Pepper and Jack’s spat turns into a viral Twitter war. Little do they know, while they’re publicly duking it out with snarky memes and retweet battles, they’re also falling for each other in real life ― on an anonymous chat app Jack built.

As their relationship deepens and their online shenanigans escalate ― people on the internet are shipping them?? ― their battle gets more and more personal, until even these two rivals can’t ignore they were destined for the most unexpected, awkward, all-the-feels romance that neither of them expected.

Goodreads | IndieBound

Best 2019 Releases I've Read This Year! | 2019 Yearly Rewind

This list would have had a lot of overlap with my best fiction, non-fiction, and romance books I've read this year, so I've excluded those that I've already mentioned on the blog! So here are some that I haven't given the due diligence to, but I still think you should check out!

Meet Cute by Helena Hunting

Goodreads | IndieBound

Meet Cute is such a darling romance novel. I read this all the way back in May 2019, and I would still recommend it to this day. If you like contemporary romance that adds fandom culture with familial issues that ends on such a satisfying note. This was my first Helena Hunting novel, but it won't be my last. 

Love from A to Z by S.K. Ali 

Goodreads | IndieBound

Love from A to Z is such a wonderful, soulful book. Though a YA novel, it's perfect for anyone who wants to read a book that wonderfully balances complex issues (Islamophobia, sexism, chronic illness, grief) and a heartwarming love story. S.K. Ali is such a talented writer, and she left me wiping away tears plenty of times.

Best Non-Fiction I've Read Last Year | 2019 Yearly Rewind

Hi everyone and welcome to my blog! I'm Genni, and today I'll be sharing with you the best non-fiction books I've read this year. as someone who predominately reads fiction year-round, I tried to expand my bounds and delve into non-fiction. I didn't read much, but definitely found some stars.

Here are my favorite non-fiction books I read this year! Keep in mind that these are not 2019 releases, but rather books I read in 2019.

Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want to Come by Jessica Pan

Goodreads | IndieBound

I listened to this book on audio, and I had such a great time. It was the perfect audiobook to listen to as I did chores around my apartment - engaging, yet not so complicated that I had to give my whole entire focus to it. Pan's memoir, where she attempts to become more extroverted, was both comical and clever.

Best Fiction I've Read This Year! | 2019 Yearly Rewind

Hey everyone and welcome back to my blog! I'm Genni, and instead of doing a mega-post of all my favorite books I read this year, I wanted to splice it up into four different categories. You'll see the best fiction, best non-fiction, best 2019 releases, and best romance books I've read this year, and there won't be any overlap/repeats!

Without further ado, here are my favorite fiction reads of this year, in no particular order! Keep in mind, not all of these are 2019 releases, but rather the books I read in 2019.

ADULT

Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman

Goodreads | IndieBound

If you want a book that is just full of energy and an all-around good time, then look no further than The Bookish Life of Nina Hill! Nina Hill just realized that she has a slew of family members when her biological father, who she has never known, passes away and leaves her as a beneficiary in his will. Cue a burgeoning romance, and you've got a lovely book!

Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid

Goodreads | IndieBound

Such a Fun Age is my favorite book of the year! I sincerely can't recommend it enough, but if you need more incentive, you can read my review that was featured on the January 2020 Indie Next List.

BOOK REVIEW | Watch Over Me by Mila Gray

Title: Watch Over Me
Author: Mila Gray
Series? Watch Over Me is a part of a companion series, but you can read this as a standalone.
Pages: 352
Publication Date: December 3, 2019
Publisher:  Simon Pulse
Source: I was provided an e-arc of Watch Over Me in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!

From the author of Come Back to Me comes a striking new novel about a young woman— desperately trying to protect her family from their violent father—who finds safety, and a passionate romance, with an ex-Marine.

Ever since Zoey was a kid she’s been caring for her mom and her little sister, defending them from her violent father. She’s been the strong one, the responsible one as she sacrificed her wants and dreams to keep her family together.

Now the life they’ve built for themselves in California is about to be upended. Her father, just released from prison, has discovered where they’re hiding and has come looking for them.

Enter Tristan. A former Marine and now member of the Coast Guard, Tristian promises his best friend, and Zoey’s Marine brother, that he will take care of Zoey and her family. Protect them, watch over them, and be the rock they need in their lives.

And as Tristan starts to help Zoey deal with the emotional fall out of her childhood, their relationship turns from protector to something more. The two grow closer as a romance blooms into a heart-pounding and powerful relationship that Zoey hopes will be strong enough to fight off the damage her father has done to her and her family.

But not everyone can be kept safe forever, and when Zoey’s father does show up, a confrontation ensues that will change Zoey’s world forever.

Goodreads |  Indie Bound

September, October, and November Wrap Up!

Hello everyone! Long time, no see! I'm Genni, and though it's been a hot minute since I've written on this lovely blog of mine, I wanted to say hello and talk about all the books I read in the last three months. . I haven't been doing too great at reading for fun, and most of what I do read isn't on goodreads (articles, chapters, bits and pieces of texts), so I am behind on my goodreads challenge. Here's hoping that I can squeeze my last twenty books in during Thanksgiving and winter holiday breaks!

Without further ado, here are all the books I've read these past three months.

Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

Romancing Mister Bridgerton is the fourth novel in Quinn's Bridgerton series, which I've been having so much listening to on audio. Though this one was fun, it was my least favorite so far, and I haven't picked up another in the series yet. However, I hope to begin listening to them again in the new year as I eagerly await Shonda Rhimes Netflix series! 

Maybe Tomorrow? by Charlotte Agell

Anyone who thinks kids books are just for kids needs to read this book. Maybe Tomorrow is such a heartfelt and wonderful take on grief and friendship. And yes, I cried while reading it (are we surprised?). 

Watch Over Me by Mila Gray

The semester is in full swing, which basically means that it takes me a super long time to read books now. But that was not the case for Watch Over Me, which I read in one day. I opened it up on my kindle app, as I received the e-arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, and was immediately drawn in. Once again, Mila Gray delivers a heartfelt, sexy, and tender romance.

What I'm Currently Reading + Life Update!

Hello friends! Long time, no see! Welcome back (or to) my blog! Since I haven't been here in a hot minute, today's post is just a catch up. :)

To be honest, I've kind of hit a slump with reading and blogging. If y'all don't know, I have basically changed from predominately reading YA to reading adult romance. Since my reading tastes have shifted, I've felt kind of "off" about this blog; I started this when I was 16, and now I'm 20. Obviously in four years, I'm allowed to change, and I want this blog to, as well. So while I'll still be talking about books, the type of books might not be the same. You'll be seeing a lot more romance with some nonfiction and YA sprinkled in there. Also, I want this to be a place where I can express my opinion. I don't want it to always be about books, and while it predominately will be, don't be thrown off with new content!


Besides that lil' blogging update, I've been stuck in the middle of quite a few books. I stopped listening to Beautiful Secret by Christina Lauren just over halfway through. Don't get me wrong, I was really, really enjoying it. CL is one of my favorite authors, and I'm determined to finish up their series this year. I just got way too overwhelmed with life to continue the audiobook at the moment. Plus, another book caught my eye...


And that book is Neverworld Wake by Marisha Pessl! I've never read anything by Pessl, but damn do I want to rectify that after I complete Neverworld Wake. It's been slow going listening to the audiobook - I only listen to it in the mornings and night when I'm getting ready for school and going to sleep - but it's been capturing me. When my mind wonders, my mind goes back to the book. It's essentially Groundhog Day meets a classic "whodunnit" mystery thriller with a hint of "battle until one survives" feeling. It's good, y'all! I highly recommend!

I've also been reading two other YA books! This is pretty different for me nowadays, since I'm usually reading romance. But since I got a bit of burnout, YA it was. I'm currently reading my advance reader copies of Lady Rogue by Jenn Bennett and Permanent Record by Mary H.K. Choi. Both of these were two of my most anticipated releases this year, and I'm liking them so far. But the thing is, I'm not loving them. I don't know where the disconnect is - maybe it's because I'm reading it on my phone, or maybe it's because I have basically no free time whatsoever, so the reading is going very slowly. Either way, I recommend them so far, and I have a feeling I'll be doing the same when I reach the endings of both of them.

Talking about having basically no free time whatsoever, let's get into my life update.

If you didn't know, I'm currently a junior at UNC Chapel Hill. It's an amazing school, but I'm definitely feeling the pressure of being an upperclassmen. as someone who wants to work in publishing as a career, I'm hyper aware that the industry is competitive and that it takes a while to get a job that it self-sustaining. So basically, I'm doing everything to ensure that I will have a job by graduation, or soon thereafter, in publishing!

I'm a full time student living off campus, which is already taking up a ton of my time and energy, but I'm also working part time at a local bookstore as a bookseller. I love the store and get along great with my coworkers, but it's also a job, and takes a lot out of me. When I'm done working a seven hour shift, the last thing I want to do is homework, or clean my dishes, or put up my clothes. But alas, I have to.

Besides work and school, I also have several extracurricular. I'm the president of a student organization on campus, and it's a lot of work! I was the secretary last year, but I didn't realize that here was so much bureaucracy involved in running a student organization. Emails, orientations, delegating tasks, the list goes on.

And besides just that student org, I'm also the editor-in-chief of Her Campus at Chapel Hill, an online magazine written for women by women. As the editor-in-chief, I correspond with headquarters, manage a group of 20 women, schedule articles, apply for partnerships, and also write articles weekly. On a side note, check out my articles!

As you can tell, I've got a lot on my plate. It's a constant balancing act, and while I love this blog and think it's a testament to my hard work and passion, it does tend to get ignored in favor of all my other responsibilities. I don't want to make empty promises and say I'm going to get better, so keep in mind that maybe the most I can do is four posts a month. It'll have to be enough, or else I'm seriously going to have a breakdown. So I hope all of you can still come visit when I do post, and not be disappointed when I don't.

I don't want this post to get super long, so I'm going to leave it off here. Thank you so much for stopping by, and I hope you are having a less stressful fall than I am!

Happy Reading!

Genni @ Ready, Set, Read!

BOOK REVIEW | The Last Hope by Krista & Becca Ritchie

Title: The Last Hope
Author: Krista and Becca Ritchie
Series? Yes, The Last Hope is the second in a duology.
Pages: 400
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Publication Date: August 13, 2019
Source: I received a copy of The Last Hope in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. :)

A stunning conclusion to the sci-fi romance duology by writing duo Krista & Becca Ritchie, The Last Hope is filled with twists and turns you'll never see coming.

Sacrifice all you have to survive.

Imprisoned for weeks on an enemy starcraft, Franny, Court, and Mykal have sat with an unfathomable revelation. But as they fight to stay alive, escaping prison means trusting a young mysterious stranger. He knows everything about their lost histories, and when answers aren’t given freely, the bonded trio are forced to join a mission. One that will determine the fate of humanity.

Legend says, a baby—the first of her species—has the power to cloak and teleport planets. Tasked with retrieving the infant, Court fears the baby is just a myth, and if they fail, they’ll never find the truth about their origins.

As Court and Mykal grow closer, their linked bond becomes harder to hide, and dynamics change when Franny begins to fall for someone new. Vulnerable and with no choice, the hunt for the baby sends the trio on a dangerous path to Saltare-1: a water world where their enemies can’t die and survival comes at a high cost.

Goodreads | Buy the Book!

August Wrap Up!

Hi everyone and welcome back (or to!) my blog! I'm Genni, and today I'll be going over which books I read this past August. August was such a busy month for me, both reading-wise and personally!

Without further ado, here are the 10 books I read last month!

An Offer from a Gentleman by Julia Quinn

 Goodreads

An Offer from a Gentleman is the third book in Quinn's Bridgerton series, which I have been consuming at a break-neck speed. I have taken a break since reading the fourth book, but this third iteration did not disappoint. I would highly recommend this series if you are trying to get into the historical romance genre!  

Check, Please! by Ngozi Ukazu

 Goodreads

I picked up Check, Please! for a readathon that I completely dropped the ball on. Nevertheless, I am so happy I picked this one up, and I'm looking forward to reading more about Bitty and Jack when the second volume releases. 

BOOK REVIEW | Start Here by Trish Doller

Title: Start Here
Author: Trish Doller
Series? No, Start Here is a standalone.
Pages: 352
Publisher: Simon Pulse (Simon & Schuster)
Publication Date: August 13, 2019
Source: I recieved an ARC via Simon and Schuster in exchange for an honest. Many thanks to the publisher! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Two teens go on a life-changing sailing trip as they deal with the grief of losing their best friend in this heartwrenching, hopeful novel from the author of Something Like Normal and In a Perfect World.

Willa and Taylor were supposed to spend the summer after high school sailing from Ohio to Key West with their best friend, Finley. But Finley died before graduation, leaving them with a twenty-five-foot sailboat, a list of clues leading them to destinations along the way, and a friendship that’s hanging by a thread.

Now, Willa and Taylor have two months and two thousand miles to discover how life works without Finley—and to decide if their own friendship is worth saving.

From acclaimed author Trish Doller comes a poignant tale of forgiveness, grief, and the brilliant discoveries we make within ourselves when we least expect it.

Goodreads | IndieBound

July Wrap Up!

Hello everyone and welcome back to my blog! I'm Genni, and today I'll be wrapping up everything that happened in July. And let me tell you, it was a busy one, personally, professionally, and reading-wise!

Without further ado, here are the nine books I read in July!

The Love Solution by Ashley Croft

Goodreads

As I said in my goodreads review, The Love Solution was of an odd reading experience for me. The novel follows two different sisters and their complex love lives; while I liked the basis of the plot, I just couldn't connect with the characters and was a bit put-off by one of the sisters, who wanted to use a love potion on her ex. There was also a love triangle in this novel, and too much attention was put into the character who doesn't end up with one of the protagonists, making the successful relationship weak in comparison.

How to Hack a Heartbreak by Kristin Rockaway

Goodreads

After being a bit disappointed with The Love Solution, I wanted to read a novel that seemed to be a shoe-in for at least four stars. Unfortunately, How to Hack a Heartbreak just missed the mark. I did give the book 3.5 stars, and that's because I loved reading about a woman in STEM and how she navigated a sexist world, both professionally and romantically. The protagonist, Mel, is a great, and she had such a distinct voice. However, the novel just felt a bit off-balance. The romance between Mel and her love interest wasn't fleshed out that much, and yet there was so much focus on this being a romance novel. In fact, I think the strongest points of the novel was its social commentary, and I wish the book leaned more into that.

Getaway Girl by Tessa Bailey 

Goodreads

After reading Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey in June (review here), I wanted to read more from the author. While I did find the ending a bit abrupt and melodramatic, Bailey's writing sucked me in, and I could not put this romance novel down! The novel follows Addison, a black sheep in a small town, and Elijah, the new mayor. Their relationship was wonderful; I felt the tension, their devotion, and also their reservations about diving deep into such strong feelings while everyone is watching.

The Duke and I (The Bridgertons #1) by Julia Quinn

Goodreads

I'm not too sure what prompted me to reading The Duke and I by Julia Quinn, but I'm sure glad I did! I've always struggled to get into historical romance, but The Duke and I hit the nail on the head! I'm a sucker for a romance between a woman and her brother's best friend, which is exactly what The Duke and I is! The day I finished reading this, news announced that Shonda Rimes is adapting the series for a tv show, set to air on Netflix, and I am ecstatic!!  

The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory 

Goodreads

On one of the first days of my new job, there was an ARC of The Wedding Party in the back of the store. Let's just say I snatched that one up very quickly! I've read Jasmine Guillory's other novels - The Wedding Date and The Proposal - and enjoyed both of them. I'm pleased to say this was my favorite yet!

The Last Hope (The Raging Ones #2) by Krista & Becca Ritchie

Goodreads

After reading and enjoying The Raging Ones by Krista and Becca Rtichie last year, I knew I had to read the sequel, especially after the ending that left me reeling! Here is my review of the first book. A lot of my questions were answered in this second book, and the meticulous world building of the first novel paid off. I felt so immersed in The Last Hope, and the novel is one of my favorites of the year, without a doubt. You can read my review on the 14th, in which I'm participating in the blog tour! 

The Viscount Who Loved Me (Bridgertons #2) by Julia Quinn

Goodreads

After a two-book hiatus from Julia Quinn's series, I felt compelled to pick up the second book in the series, and I'm so glad that I did! I'm not too sure what my favorite of the series is, but The Viscount Who Loved Me was not a disappointment! Antoni and Kate have wonderful chemistry, as I've begun to expect for Julia Quinn. 

Buns (Hudson Valley #3) by Alice Clayton 

Goodreads

 

Buns is the third book of Clayton's Hudson Valley series. While the series does not follow the same characters, it takes place in the same town - you guessed it, Hudson Valley. This third and final book in the series follows Clara, the best friend of the two prior leads in the story and a master hotel renovator, and her love interest, the gruff Archie Bryant, an upcoming hotel owner, who is extremely reluctant about any updates. While Clara and Archie's romance isn't a slow burn, their emotional vulnerability did take a bit to develop. Out of all the novels in the series, Buns was my favorite.

Nobody's Victim: Fighting Psychos, Stalkers, Pervs, and Trolls by Carrie Goldberg

Goodreads

 

Since I started my new job at a local indie bookstore, I've had the pleasure of having access to a ton of ARCs, spanning genres. This has allowed me to explore other genres outside of YA and romance, like nonfiction essays by Carrie Goldberg, an accomplished victim's rights attorney. Her essays on her personal experiences and her (anonymous) clients were angering, appalling, and will also inspire readers to fight back.

In my last life update, I mentioned that I was offered a job at a local indie bookstore right by UNC, which is the university I attend! I started on the 9th, and so far have had a great time. Working at a bookstore is so different from working at a huge company like Harris Teeter. I'm given a lot more tasks, so there's always something for me to do. I like that I'm never just standing around doing nothing, and the atmosphere is both relaxing and welcoming.

me at the ballgame!

Outside of the job update, I also celebrated  my 20th birthday! I spent the day-of with my parents; we had a nice lunch at a new local restaurant and went to the movies and saw Spider Man: Far From Home. (Side note: I liked the movie, but I also didn't love it.) You might see a post shortly about the movies I've been watching; I miss talking about other entertainment on the blog! A couple days later, I went to a lemur center with one my friends. I have never seen lemurs in real life, so it was great to learn more about them! Then a week after my birthday, my two closest friends and I went to see a baseball game in a nearby city. It was a pro game, but the team actually serves as a feeder team into a team in the MLB. I don't watch baseball too much, but I love the atmosphere of the ballpark! Overall, I had a great month!  

Did you have a good July? What books did you read? 

Thanks so much for stopping by and I'll see you soon with another post!

Happy Reading!

Genni @ Ready, Set, Read!