Hi friends!
We haven’t talked books in a hot minute, so let’s fix that!! To be honest, I have been in a bit of a slump this year. Not in a bad way where I don’t want to read anything, but I have slowed down and been a bit more intentional and selective when it comes to what I am reading. The past few years, I was reading between 100 and 200 books and this year set a modest goal of 30 books. It may end up looking more like 50 by the end of the year, but this feels right for the moment. I am enjoying the downtime between books and savoring the ones I am reading.
Funnily enough, right now I am re-reading A Court of Mist and Fury for the fourth time. It is such a comfort read and I love sinking into the things I love most when the world around feels a bit out of control. This has been bringing me a lot of joy. Plus, that SJM update we were all waiting for!! I can’t say enough about this series.
But aside from that re-read, I made a modest list for the second half of the year. A few of them are new releases that I need like I need air (I’m looking at you, FBAA and Brimstone) and a few are backlist books that have been around for a while but I never had the time for. Oh, and I am fully including a few holiday books that I’ll be gobbling up come the end of the year. So if you need a recommendation or 18, here’s what’s on my horizon.
Let’s start with my most anticipated.
The Primal of Blood and Bone ~ I have been waiting it feels like years for this. GIVE ME MORE CASTEEL AND POPPY. This is a part of a lengthy series, From Blood and Ash, and it is my favorite romantasy, second to ACOTAR. The last book left on a major cliffhanger and I am ready for answers.
Brimstone ~ The second installment after Quicksilver. If you love romantasy and haven’t read Quicksilver yet, please remedy that and add Brimstone to your list. SO so good.
Fearful ~ I loved the Powerless books so much, especially for a YA romantasy. This book takes place in the same realm but a new story. I am very much looking forward to going back to the world she built!
The Gingerbread Bakery ~ The books in this series are my absolute comfort read. They are light and fluffy and spicy and cozy and I can’t get enough of them. Highly recommend, especially when the weather gets cooler!
The Amalfi Curse ~ I am going into this book completely blind but looking forward to it because I loved her first book, The Lost Apothecary. Amazing atmospheric writing and vibe. I am hoping for the same with this one.
Shield of Sparrows ~ This romantasy has been everywhere on bookstagram and I need to see what the fuss is all about. Let me know if you’ve read it!
The Dead Romantics ~ Who doesn’t love a good paranormal romance? Just me? Nooo, can’t be. We all watched and loved Casper in the 90s, right? This isn’t the only paranormal romance on this list, either.
Our Infinite Fates ~ Another book that I am going into completely blind, but it was compared to The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, which is one of my favorite books. Plus, look at that cover. So pretty.
A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping ~ I ate up this author’s first book. Her writing is so warm and cozy. I can’t wait to read this one come autumn.
The Mating Game ~ Yes, ya girl is into wolf romances. And I think this will be a fun one for the holiday season.
Good Spirits ~ And yes, here is the second paranormal romance and it is one of my most anticipated because B.K. Borison is aaaaamazing!! Her Lovelight Farms series is one of my favorite cozy romances of all time. Her writing feels like a warm hug.
I’ll Be Home for Christmas ~ Is it even Christmas without a Jenny Bayliss book in hand? I love a good friends to lovers story so I can’t wait to get my hands on this one.
Mate ~ Another wolf shifter romance in the same realm as her first book in this series, Bride. Ali Hazelwood, how do you pump out so many books?!
Book Lovers ~ This is a reread for me. I remember not being a huge fan of this on the first read but I also had a lot going on at the time. I am wondering if I read it at the wrong time. Let’s find out!
The Conditions of Will ~ This book was recommended to me and raved about. I have a hold placed on it and can’t wait to get it in. She told me there’s plenty of family secrets, drama, lovable characters, and romance. Sounds good to meee!
The Let Them Theory ~ This is the “it” non-fiction book lately and I really do Mel Robbins and her podcast. I’m on a lengthy holds list, but it’ll be nice to have another non-fiction under my belt. I haven’t read many this year.
Three Pianos ~ I’ve been an Andrew McMahon fan since my days in junior high. Something Corporate was one of my first shows and I’ve seen him live in all of his bands over 20 times at this point. So yes, reading this is long overdue!
You Make It Feel Like Christmas ~ This is a new-to-me author but the cover caught my eye on a holiday book release list so here we are.
