Okay, I went REALLY ambitious with this months TBR! I am participating in Words & Whimsy Reading Challenge again, along with Bookemon! I just learned about Bookemon Readathon and I am so excited. I love Pokemon and reading, so putting them together is heaven for me!
First let’s start off with Words & Whimsy. Our theme is space – Broken Worlds! Here’s our criteria, Instagram challenge, and mini game!
Now for Bookemon! The bookemon I choose as my sidekick is Paperchu! Since he is electric, I get 100 combat points for every hour I read electronically. Since I read exclusively on kindle, I thought he was perfect for me!
All of my books can fit somewhere into the bookemon criteria, but there are a few I have added to complete additional challenges.
So as you can see, I have 16 books on my TBR. That’s a lot for me, but I’m hoping to get through as many as I can!
What’s on your TBR for May? Do we share any books? Are you participating in Bookemon or Words & Whimsy Reading Challenge? Let me know in the comments below!
Well, now that I’ve adjusted to the new normal, I’ll be going back to work full time next week! I’m sure this will put a damper on my reading, and I have a HUGE TBR for May. I just could not decide!
April has been my best reading month with 12 books. I’m hoping to keep up and may up the count next month! I’m shooting for 10 a month, and anything over is great!
My favorite book this month was probably Girls with Razor Hearts by Suzanne Young. Crave by Tracy Wolff was a very close second! My least favorite book was Hot Pterodactyl Boyfriend by Alan Cumyn. I mean, I knew it was bad going into it, but I had to see what all of the fuss was about. Believe me. I saw.
I had a much better reading month in April. My ratings were a lot higher than March, which I was happy about. I read a lot of great books this month!
Goodreads Goal: 41/120. I am two books AHEAD OF SCHEDULE! WHAT?! This is the first time all year I’ve been ahead of schedule and I am so excited!
I read 4427 pages, which is the most all year! I feel really great about this month. I am so proud of myself! My average rating was 3.71, which is also better than last month!
For genres, I read three contemporary and fantasy, two romance, one sci fi, thriller, and historical fiction and graphic novel.
This was a YA heavy month, with 10 YA books, one new adult and adult.
I read 9 ARCs this month – two more than last month! My tbr for May is very ARC heavy, so I’m hoping to keep making a dent in this pile I have! I am so very grateful and honored to have such an ARC heavy TBR pile!
🌦️ Yearly Goals Check In 🌦️
Goal of 10 books a month : I exceeded this goal with 12! It feels so good! Hoping to exceed it next month too.
TBR Posts : Still doing a post every Sunday, still only read 4 from it, haha. I am doing good slimming it down though! Under 1800!
Words & Whimsy : I had the pleasure of talking to Tracy Wolff this month! It was a blast! She is so sweet and down to earth. We have 7 chats (I think?) scheduled for May. I can’t wait to see who I’ll get to talk to! We have some big names this month – Christopher Paolini and then a joint chat with Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman! You don’t want to miss it! Join us here!
Words & Whimsy Reading Challenge : Our first month was a hit! May’s theme is Broken Worlds – aka space! We have open, interpretive criteria and fun group chats! Join here!
Mithah Reads : This month was hard blog wise. I’ve been working part time basically, but my three year old is NOT wanting to let me blog! And honestly, he wears me out so I’m going to bed a lot earlier! Hopefully once I’m back working full time in May I can get back into my blogging routine! I’ve got three blog tours next month and reviews from April to catch up on!
I’m still keeping up with my three blogging spreadsheets which I am very excited about. I love seeing all the data they track!
How many books did you read in April? What was your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!
🔥 Title: The Burning 🔥 Author: Laura Bates 🔥 Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire 🔥 Publish Date: April 7, 2020 🔥 Genre: YA, Contemporary, Feminism 🔥 Book Form: E-ARC 🔥 Pages: 352 🔥 Dates Read: Apr 17 – Apr 23 🔥 Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Fire for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A rumor is like fire.
Once a whore, always a whore.
Roses are red. Violets are blue. Anna’s a slut. We all know it’s true.
And a fire that spreads online… is impossible to extinguish.
New school. Check. New town. Check. New last name. Check. Social media profiles? Deleted.
Anna and her mother have moved hundreds of miles to put the past behind them. Anna hopes to make a fresh start and escape the harassment she’s been subjected to. But then rumors and whispers start, and Anna tries to ignore what is happening by immersing herself in learning about Maggie, a local woman accused of witchcraft in the seventeenth century. A woman who was shamed. Silenced. And whose story has unsettling parallels to Anna’s own.
From Laura Bates, internationally renowned feminist and founder of the Everyday Sexism Project, comes a debut novel for the #metoo era. It’s a powerful call to action, reminding all readers of the implications of sexism and the role we can each play in ending it.
– Goodreads
Yes, it did take me a few days to read this book. I was slumping after I finished Red Hood. The Burning is a heavy book. I took a break, read something light, then came back and flew through this one!
From the get-go we know Anna has secrets. She keeps referencing something that happened at her old school. Something bad enough for her to move away, change her name, and start over. Even give up having a phone and a social media presence. I love/hate books like that. I honestly love it, but my curiosity gets the best of me. Its SO HARD not knowing! I think this is a big part of why I flew through it. Once we found out what the secret was, the book started really gaining steam and going much more quickly.
On top of Anna’s story, we also see her researching a woman who lived in her village in the 1600s that was tried and convicted of witchcraft. At some points, I thought this was more interesting than Anna’s story. I loved the glimpses into the past and all the research she did. Honestly, I want a book just about Maggie!
Laura Bates did great touching on slut shaming. It’s the whole focus of the novel. She did a great job of showing what happens to victims and those around them like friends and family, victim blaming from men and women, and the awful aftermath.
This was a great feminist read. I recommend it to anyone who loves ya feminist contemporaries.
Have you read The Burning? What were your thoughts? Let me know in the comments below! Until next time…
Twenty-one-year-old professional snowboarder Z Michaels is the bad boy of Park City, Utah. He’s always had his pick of any girl in town—and on the competition circuit. But underneath his cool exterior is a young man in turmoil, trying to take the edge off tragedy by overindulging in sex and shredding the slopes. In fact, Z’s reckless behavior is a thinly veiled attempt to blunt his emotional suffering with physical pain.
Ophelia Richardson isn’t like any girl Z has ever met. Though she’s from New Orleans high society, she’s no Southern belle—and she’s not shy about being miserable in frozen, godforsaken Park City. But laying low is her only option after her ex, a rich boy who couldn’t take no for an answer, nearly killed her in a jealous rage. Following that terrifying encounter, the last thing Ophelia needs is a boyfriend—especially one as rich and arrogant as Z. But Ophelia soon discovers that he isn’t what he seems. If anything, Z may be even more damaged than she is.
Tormented by their pasts and feeling alone in the world, Z and Ophelia find a connection unlike any they’ve ever known. But with Ophelia hiding the details of her life in Louisiana and Z’s death wish reaching terrifying new heights, their relationship seems to be going downhill before it even begins—unless they can find the strength in each other to trust, grow, and love again.
– Goodreads
I decided to pick this book up after chatting with Tracy. I had just finished Crave and Red Hood, which were both amazing, and had somewhat of a book hangover. She said for anyone starting with her romances (she has written over 60) that she would start with this series. It’s one of her favorites she had ever written. Romances usually pull me out of slumps, and this did a great job!
The story follows Z and Ophelia. I liked that it was insta-love for him, but not really for Ophelia. I mean, sure, she thought he was super hot, but it felt like it took way more for her to fall for Z and let him in. I thought it was an interesting twist and one I haven’t read many of! Usually it’s the girl falling instantly for the guy.
I loved the progression of their relationship. They both had some kind of baggage and it came out slowly. Nothing was perfect at any point, but they learned how to be perfect for each other. During the chat, Tracy said she tried to write her heroes how she taught her boys – how to treat women with respect and never force anything. I could totally see this in Z!
All of the side characters were great. The next books in the series focus on Z’s friends. I’m assuming there will be cameos from Z and Ophelia, which will be super fun to see! I will definitely continue on with the Extreme Risk books!
I recommend to anyone who loves romances and snowboarding! It was a great change of scenery from what I usually read.
Have you read Shredded or any other romances by Tracy Wolff? Let me know in the comments below!
Ah! Part 20 of my down the TBR! I’ve reviewed way more than 200 books, but this is really helping me get a true TBR. Today we will go through 20 more books that I added on July 15, 2015. I feel like this is gonna be a good one. Plus, I will finally get below 1800 books! Woooo!
✔ What I Kept ✔
Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult This has everything I usually hate! Chick lit, Amish, adult fiction. But for some reason this just sounds so good! I have to give it a try.
Mercy by Jodi Picoult Mercy killings are a hot topic, one I love to discuss. I can’t turn a book away with that topic!
Charming Lily by Fern Michaels I went back and forth, and at the last minute decided to give this one a chance. It’s set in Mississippi and seems like it might have a good mystery.
✘ What I Deleted ✘
Salem Falls by Jodi Picoult This one just didn’t grab my attention the way Plain Truth did. It doesn’t seem like something I’d enjoy.
The Scoop by Fern Michaels Another very chick lit book. This just screams something that my mom would read. Or my Meme.
My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult Removing this ONLY because I have read it before. It was before the movie came out. I remember seeing the movie and being SO pissed at the ending. This is a great book, though.
This was a pretty good turnout! I deleted 15 books, bringing my TBR to 1785! I have deleted so many since starting this. I still have a long way to go, but it is still so satisfying. I only have 35 books left from July 15, 2015, so I’ll probably cover all those in the next post! I’m ready to move on from this day. I think it’s taken the whole month!
What do you think of my choices? Were there any that you would have kept or deleted? Let me know in the comments below!
Sheeeeeesh have I been in a funk this week! Zero motivation to do anything blog related. However, I have finished 5 books this week! You’ve seen reviews for We Didn’t Ask For This, Girls with Razor Hearts, and Ghosted in LA. This week be on the look out for reviews for Crave and Open Fire!
This will probably be a short one. Like I said, just in a blah mood. I also just started Red Hood by Elana K Arnold and Deny Me by Karen Cole and I can’t wait to dive further into them! I’m reading Red Hood for a book discussion over at Words & Whimsy!
We are starting the TBR at 1811. Let’s see where we end!
Picture Perfect by Fern Michaels This was listed as romantic suspense, so I thought I’d be here for it. However, the reviews were awful so I think I’ll pass.
Vendetta by Fern Michaels Number 2 in a series about a group of women who get revenge on those who have wronged them. I mean, normally I’d be up for trying, but something about it is just off-putting to me.
Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer I know I’ve read this. And I’m not deleting it because it’s Twilight. I’m removing it because I have fond memories of this series and want them to stay that way. I’m afraid of a reread.
Wow, this one ended up being pretty good! I deleted 9/10, bringing my TBR to 1802! So close!
What do you think of my selections? Did I make a mistake? Let me know in the comments below!
HUGE THANKS to Harlequin for inviting me to be a part of this blog tour!
🗝️ Title: We Didn’t Ask for This 🗝️ Author: Adi Alsaid 🗝️ Publisher: Inkyard Press 🗝️ Publish Date: April 7, 2020 🗝️ Book Form: E-ARC 🗝️ Pages: 352 🗝️ Genre: YA, Contemporary, LGBT 🗝️ Dates Read: Mar 30 – Apr 4 🗝️ Rating: 🗝️🗝️🗝️🗝️
Thank you to Inkyard Press for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
From Adi Alsaid, the acclaimed author of Let’s Get Lost, Never Sometimes Always, and North of Happy
Every year, lock-in night changes lives. This year, it might just change the world.
Central International School’s annual lock-in is legendary — and for six students, this year’s lock-in is the answer to their dreams. The chance to finally win the contest. Kiss the guy. Make a friend. Become the star of a story that will be passed down from student to student for years to come.
But then a group of students, led by Marisa Cuevas, stage an eco-protest and chain themselves to the doors, vowing to keep everyone trapped inside until their list of demands is met. While some students rally to the cause, others are devastated as they watch their plans fall apart. And Marisa, once so certain of her goals, must now decide just how far she’ll go to attain them.
– Inkyard Press
FIRST OFF! I want to share this awesome preorder incentive that goes along with the book’s theme of being environmentally friendly!
🚨Pre-order giveaway alert!🚨
Pre-order WE DIDN'T ASK FOR THIS by @AdiAlsaid by 4/6 & receive a stainless steel reusable straw, branded bag, and straw cleaner! To enter or for more info visit https://t.co/Cw0bHHVwLN. Open to US & CA residents only, 13+. pic.twitter.com/ve3SxSBKZZ
I wasn’t sure what to expect going into We Didn’t Ask for This. I was very pleasantly surprised. I read my first Adi book last month. After reading this, I know I need to read all of his works!
This story is told from one all-knowing POV, but has a huge cast of characters. Thankfully, they are all introduced slowly and with a great background, so I had no trouble keeping up with who was who. I loved the one POV. It gave you little hints or glimpses of what was to come after all of this was over. That really elevated the story for me.
These students go to a private school who has a lock in for high schoolers once a year. This year, Marisa decides to stage a protest during the lock in. She is an avid snorkler and diver, and hates seeing the coral reefs slowly dying off. The kids are stuck in the school for a whole week. Four of them are chained to doors.
Marisa has a list of 30 demands she wants met before she lets everyone out. All the kids have connections – parents are celebrities or ambassadors or huge sports stars. She is banking on one of them being linked to the Lokoloko resort – the main place she wants shut down.
We Didn’t Ask for This isn’t just about Marisa though. Like I said, there is a huge cast of characters – 10 or more. You see them form bonds, friendships, and relationships during tough times. That gives you hope these relationships will last well beyond when this is over. All of the characters had very distinctive voices and actions. This helped to tell them apart. I want to applaud Adi because I think it’s very hard to one, have that many characters in a novel, and two, have them all have distinct voices! He did it so well!
This was a quick read. I know my dates read doesn’t reflect that, but yall, my kid refused to let me read this week. The 30 mintues to an hour a day I got to read I read about 10%-20%. The pace was great and it kept me hooked! I had to see how they were going to get out and what demands ended up being met!
I highly recommend if you are a fan of YA contemporary or Adi. I’m definitely going back to read the rest of his works!
Adi Alsaid was born and raised in Mexico City. He attended college at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He’s now back in Mexico City, where he writes, coaches basketball, and makes every dish he eats as spicy as possible. In addition to Mexico, he’s lived in Tel Aviv, Las Vegas and Monterey, California. His books include Let’s Get Lost, Never Always Sometimes, and North of Happy. Visit Adi online at http://www.SomewhereOverTheSun.com, or on Twitter: @AdiAlsaid.
Is We Didn’t Ask for This on your tbr? Let me know in the comments below!
Another week! I haven’t gotten near as much reading done as I wanted to, but as I settle into a new routine I’m hoping that I can! Mostly it’s if I can stay off Animal Crossing and my kid lets me…
Let’s get to clearing this tbr! We are starting at 1825. I may do a few extra books today to try to get under 1800! Let’s do this!
Emergency Doctor by Edward Ziegler and Lewis R Goldfrank I think I’ve read this one before. But I love true medical stories. Helps to remember why I chose this profession because some days, especially lately, I really wonder.
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Isiguro The synopsis of this kind of reminds me of Girls With Sharp Sticks. I loved that story so I definitely want to give this one a try!
Wow. April is kind of slim for me! I usually have to narrow down the list, but this month there’s not a ton I just can’t wait to read. I have three this month!
First off is Crave by Tracy Wolff! I got the arc box for this which I was super excited about. I am also excited about the return of vampy romances!
Release Date: April 7, 2020
Next is Good Girl, Bad Blood by Holly Jackson. I fell in love with A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and I have forced many of my friends to read it. They all enjoyed it too! I cannot wait for the sequel!
I am so excited for April! As I mentioned in my last post, Words & Whimsy has started their own reading game! The theme is dinos! 🦖 I’m team T-Rex! 🦖 Here’s a peek at our very open, interpretative criteria, our mini game, and instagram challenge!
Okay, I know, I know. 14 books is A LOT. Like, I’m only reading about 10 a month. HOWEVER. As of right now, I’m only working about 20 hours a week. That’s like, almost 30 hours less than normal. I am going to use that time to read! And play with the toddler. But also read! One of his favorite things to do is cuddle in the chair and read or watch Blippi. I plan to take full advantage of that in the mornings before work.
So a little breakdown on why I chose what I did. 10 of my books are arcs, so I just fit them where I could. I love Marie Lu, so I had to include her newest book. I’ve been wanting to read Belle Revolte since I heard about it and begged asked for an arc. I have heard nothing but wonderful things about Serpent and Dove. It was my most anticipated release the month it came out. I bought it on release day. So why haven’t I read it?! And finally, Hot Pterodactyl Boyfriend. I have heard nothing but bad things about this one. But it’s like a train wreck I think? Or Tiger King? So bad you just can’t.look.away. So obviously, for dino month, I had to give it a try.
What do you think about my TBR? What’s on your list for April? Let me know in the comments below!
Mithah Reads 