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Hello, again!

September 6, 2020 Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

Hi! Hello! Long time no see. So things got crazy for a bit. I got really stressed with working as a nurse during the pandemic, trying to read in general, and having any other responsibilities other than waking up, going to work, and taking care of my son.

Things have somewhat calmed down. I am reading more now, and I’ve been really into some books lately. I’m gonna try to start this thang up again!

Let’s start with my TBR for September. It’s really, really ambitious. I’m just having trouble deciding.

So yeah. 21 books. That’s laughable for me but I cannot choose! I do have a plan though! I have them listed shortest to longest and I’m going down the list! I’m hoping finishing books quickly will give me that push to keep reading quickly!

As you can see, I’ve already finished three this month! I’ll have these posts up as quickly as I can, and as quick as my son will let me!

I hope all of you have been happy and healthy these last three months. I hope you’re dealing with quarantine the best way you can and realize that whatever you can do each day is enough. 💖

Until next time….

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When the Stars Lead to You ARC Review

November 25, 2019November 24, 2019 Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

Title: When the Stars Lead to You
Author: Ronni Davis
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publish Date: November 12, 2019
Book Form: E-ARC
Pages: 400
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance
Read Dates: Oct 28 – Oct 31
Rating: ★★★★

The stars.
And the boy she fell in love with last summer.
When Ashton breaks Devon’s heart at the end of the most romantic and magical summer ever, she thinks her heart will never heal again. But over the course of the following year, Devon finds herself slowly putting the broken pieces back together.
Now it’s senior year, and she’s determined to enjoy every moment of it as she prepares for a future studying the galaxies. That is, until Ashton shows up on the first day of school. Can she forgive him and open her heart again? Or are they doomed to repeat history?
From debut author, Ronni Davis, comes a stunning novel about passion, loss, and the power of first love.
– GOodreads

Thank you to Netgalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Wow! What a debut! This heart-wrenching novel takes an honest look at young love, first love, and what we do to find ourselves in the midst.

So many hard topics were discussed amongst the love. First was depression and suicide. Devon falls in love with Ashton, who battles depression daily. You see how it affects Ashton, but also Devon. Devon so badly just wants to make him better. It’s such an honest look at loving someone with depression. Don’t they know how much I love them? Shouldn’t it be enough?

Another topic that is discussed is that we still have prejudices against bi-racial couples. Devon is bi-racial. Ashton is white. Ashton’s parents do not approve of this relationship because Devon is bi-racial. Are we not now in a time where skin doesn’t matter? It literally affects you in no way, so let them be and let them love!

It also explores losing yourself to your first love. I know when I was a teen, I so did this. It’s so new and exciting and you’ve never felt these feelings before. Your life revolves around them. Then you break up and realize you don’t know yourself anymore.

So much of this book just rang true to me. It reminded me of my younger self and my feelings. It was such a great novel and a quick read! I would definitely recommend!

Until next time…

ARC, fantasy, Four Star Book, Uncategorized, ya

Spin the Dawn ARC Review

August 12, 2019August 11, 2019 Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

Title: Spin the Dawn
Author: Elizabeth Lim
Publisher: Alfred A. Knoph Books for Young Readers
Publish Date: July 9, 2019
Book Form: E-Arc
Pages: 385
Genre: Fantasy, YA
Rating: ★★★★

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Project Runway meets Mulan in this sweeping YA fantasy about a young girl who poses as a boy to compete for the role of imperial tailor and embarks on an impossible journey to sew three magic dresses, from the sun, the moon, and the stars.

Maia Tamarin dreams of becoming the greatest tailor in the land, but as a girl, the best she can hope for is to marry well. When a royal messenger summons her ailing father, once a tailor of renown, to court, Maia poses as a boy and takes his place. She knows her life is forfeit if her secret is discovered, but she’ll take that risk to achieve her dream and save her family from ruin. There’s just one catch: Maia is one of twelve tailors vying for the job.

Backstabbing and lies run rampant as the tailors compete in challenges to prove their artistry and skill. Maia’s task is further complicated when she draws the attention of the court magician, Edan, whose piercing eyes seem to see straight through her disguise.

And nothing could have prepared her for the final challenge: to sew three magic gowns for the emperor’s reluctant bride-to-be, from the laughter of the sun, the tears of the moon, and the blood of stars. With this impossible task before her, she embarks on a journey to the far reaches of the kingdom, seeking the sun, the moon, and the stars, and finding more than she ever could have imagined.

Steeped in Chinese culture, sizzling with forbidden romance, and shimmering with magic, this young adult fantasy is pitch-perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas or Renée Ahdieh
– Goodreads

Spin the Dawn was advertised as Mulan meets Project Runway, and that’s definitely what the beginning of the book was. It was fabulous!

What I liked:

I was hooked on Spin the Dawn from the very first page. When I started reading I decided to play that very dangerous game of, oh I’ll read one chapter before bed. So I did. And I didn’t want to stop!

Ask me to spin the finest yarn of thread, and I can do it faster than any man – even with my eyes closed. YEt ask me to tell a lie, and I will stumble and falter to think of one. I have never had a talent for spinning tales.

With a first line like that, how can you not be pulled in?!

Also, I loved Eden. He was my favorite character. He talks about how he’s not a morning person, he loves to read. I mean, book boyfriend, yes? I also liked Maia. She was strong and grew throughout the story. But she couldn’t hold a candle to Eden.

The pace of this novel was good. About 30-ish percent through the competition ends and Maia is set on an impossible quest. Or so they think. The rest of the story is her and Eden gathering items to make a gown with the suns laughter, a gown with the moon’s tears, and a gown with the star’s blood. The quest is eventful, dangerous, and exciting.

What I didn’t like:

There wasn’t anything specific I didn’t like. The plot was good, the pacing was good, I enjoyed the characters. I think it just didn’t hit the mark of the other books I’ve read this month. Just a personal preference thing, I think. I’ll definitely be reading the sequel!

Would I recommend?

I would! This was our first club read this month and I really enjoyed it! I’m looking forward to her future works!

Get Spin the Dawn here:

| Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble |

Until next time…

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March Wrap Up

April 1, 2019April 1, 2019 Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

Guys, where did March go?! I was laying in bed last night after just finishing Warrior of the Wild and thinking about what I was going to write for my review. Then I thought, crap, I need to do my wrap up! At this point it was already 11pm and I knew I would hate myself in the morning, so I decided to do the wrap up today and my March plan tomorrow. Then after that you’ll get a review of Warrior of the Wild by Tricia Levenseller and The Program by Suzanne Young! Lots of content coming soon!

What I read in February:

The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O’Neill

Super cute graphic novel that I got from OwlCrate.
4 Stars

Fake Plastic Girl by Zara Lisbon

My first ARC of the month. I wasn’t super impressed. A TON of Taylor Swift references.
3 Stars

The Mermaid’s Voice Returns in This One by Amanda Lovelace

I binged Amanda Lovelace in February, so I was super excited to get an ARC of her third book. I loved the poetry, but it wasn’t my favorite.
4 Stars

The Manic Pixie Dream Boy Improvement Project by Lenore Appelhans

Third ARC of the month. I had to make myself finish. It was just too campy – and I didn’t think that was a thing. Plus the title is way too long.
2 Stars

The Demon Next Door by Bryan Burrough

This was my Audible pick of the month. Who doesn’t love a good murder mystery?
3 Stars

The Queen’s Rising by Rebecca Ross

This is where it starts getting good. I could not put this book down. Plus Rebecca was so sweet during her chat! Can’t wait to read The Queen’s Resistance!
5 Stars

What Happens When by Samantha Boyette

My fourth ARC of the month. It was also meh. I didn’t like the whole try – to – turn – the – girl – straight thing.
3 Stars

Enchanteehttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40956288-enchant-e by Gita Trelease

Oh man. This book was wonderful and so descriptive. I felt like I was in France the whole time. I loved all the French language that was incorporated. Gita is now an instabuy author for me!
5 stars

Girls With Sharp Sticks by Suzanne Young

This book makes you so uncomfortable in a good way. It was such a great read and my favorite ARC of the month by far. All the mods at Words & Whimsy gave it 5 Stars. And Suzanne was amazing during her Q&A!
5 Stars

How Not to Ask a Boy to Prom by S. J. Goslee

This book was cute, but the main character was slightly annoying.
3 Stars

Spellbook of the Lost and Found by Moira Fowley-Doyle

This was the second audio I got to this month. I loved the Irish voice actors and the way the past was woven in with the present. I did feel like the story dragged on a little.
3.5 Stars

The Program by Suzanne Young

Review to come. Man this was a great start to this series. I can’t wait for book two.
4 Stars

Warrior of the Wild by Tricia Levenseller

Another amazing read. Review to come. Officially a Tricia fan!
5 Stars

Alright guys, that’s it for my March wrap up! I finished criteria in Book Battle. Princesses came in last. Better luck this month! Be on the look out for my March plan!

Until next time…

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Fake Plastic Girl Review

March 4, 2019March 3, 2019 Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

Title: Fake Plastic Girl
Author: Zara Lisbon
Book Form: Ebook ARC
Publisher: Henry Holt
Genre: YA, Mystery
Rating: ★★★

Henry Holt has acquired the YA thriller Fake Plastic Girl and its untitled sequel, by Zara Lisbon. Inspired by The Great Gatsby, the novels are set in the 21st-century world of the Rich Kids of Instagram, Hollywood style. Publication of the first book is set for winter 2019.
– Goodreads

I received a copy of Fake Plastic Girl from Netgalley/Henry and Holt in exchange for an honest review. These thoughts and opinions are my own.

Fake Plastic Girl was quite an interesting read. It’s not like anything I have read. I read a lot of YA Contemporary, so it was nice to have something fresh in the genre.

This book is about a girl, Justine, who happens to become friends with mega pop star, Eva Kate Kelly. This book is largely about the growth of their friendship over about a month. It was interesting to see how Justine changed and evolved when she entered the world of the famous – which was a place she always wanted to be. Eva-Kate created this persona of her, which she ultimately took on and became.

So this is both what I loved and hated most about this book. A large part of the book focused on Taylor Swift. Like whole chapters. I’m still confused by that. I think the MC measured life/memories with Taylor Swift albums, but it was so much more in depth than that. At times I wasn’t sure if I was reading the MC’s thoughts on Taylor or the author’s. That took me out of the story a bit. I am a HUGE Taylor fan, so at first with all the references, I was super excited. Then, there was this quote,

“No, no. Make no mistake, true snakes in this story wear Yeezys.”

I mean, COME ON. That’s a great line. I have to give it to Zara Lisbon. But after a while, all the references got to be too much, and I feel like the story was muddled. It almost turned into a book more about what she thought about Taylor, than what was happening with Justine and Eva-Kate.

The book had a very abrupt end. When I started the book, I didn’t know it would be part of a series. I felt this novel was mostly just a really long setup for the true story, which will happen in book two. There will be a sequel in 2020, but I still wanted more. I gave three stars because, honestly, I will read the sequel. I want to know what happens. But the story didn’t just wow me.

Until next time…

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The Tea Dragon’s Society Review

March 3, 2019March 2, 2019 Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

Title: The Tea Dragon’s Society
Author: Katie O’Neill
Book Form: Physical
Pages: 72
Publisher: Oni Press
Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Middle Grade
Rating: ★★★★

From the award-winning author of Princess Princess Ever Aftercomes The Tea Dragon Society, a charming all-ages book that follows the story of Greta, a blacksmith apprentice, and the people she meets as she becomes entwined in the enchanting world of tea dragons.

After discovering a lost tea dragon in the marketplace, Greta learns about the dying art form of tea dragon care-taking from the kind tea shop owners, Hesekiel and Erik. As she befriends them and their shy ward, Minette, Greta sees how the craft enriches their lives—and eventually her own.
– Goodreads

This graphic novel was SO ADORABLE. I received it in my February Owl Crate, and immediately fell in love with the art. This is exactly the kind of style I love in my graphic novels.

The Tea Dragon’s Society centers around Greta, who I instantly fell in love with. She wanted to keep learning to be a blacksmith so the art wouldn’t die, but she knew this wasn’t her true calling. She happens upon a Tea Dragon in the market, and her world opens up.

The writing was great. It follows Greta through a year after finding the Tea Dragon, and also finding herself. She makes amazing friends, each one who I was invested in. I feel like that’s generally hard to do in 72 pages.

As I said before, the art was fantastic. It was so adorable and just up my alley.

I’m giving this book 4 stars. I loved the story, characters, and art. It just didn’t blow my mind to be a 5 star.

Until next time…

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March Planning

March 2, 2019 Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

Hey guys! This is the post where I’ll let you know my reading plan for the month! Reading plans are subject to change, and in all honesty, probably will.
First I’ll show you the Book Battle theme, let you know what team I’m on, and let you see the criteria for this month!

This month is themed around an 80s classic, The Breakfast Club! I’m team Princess! #bbPrincess It’s my 5th month to help and I’m super excited to get this rolling!

Criteria

Book with Green Cover
Female POV
Book Set in a School
Criteria Choice #1
Criteria Choice #2
Club Read #1
Club Read #2
Book With a Face on the Cover
Irish POV
Book About a Group of Misfits
Team Book

Criteria Choice Options

ARC
Book with a Crime/Heist
Dr. Seuss Book
Book with Detention
Book with a Clover on the Cover
Book with a Purple Cover

Club Reads

Warrior of the Wild by Tricia Levenseller
City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty
Year One by Norah Roberts
The Outsiders by SE Hinton
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
The Disasters by MK England
Two Can Keep a Secret by Karen M McManus
King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo
Hunted by Megan Spooner
Enchantée by Gita Trelease
The Queen’s Rising by Rebecca Ross
February Owl Crate Book – Crown of Feathers by Nicki Pau Preto AND Tea Dragon Society by Katie O’Neill
February Owl Crate Jr. Book – The Lost Girl by Anne Ursa

So for the first time ever, I don’t have a TBR based around the criteria. I have a group of physical books and ARCs I’ll read, and I’m just hoping I can fit them!

Physical Books

ARCs

So that’s the plan! I’m hoping since it’s an easy month and back to the normal amount of time, I’ll be able to get to all/most of these. I’m so excited so share my reviews with you! Look for The Tea Dragon’s Society coming up next!

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Month In Review

February 28, 2019 Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

Guys! Can you believe February is over? This year is flying by already.
In this post I’ll be doing a round up my month of Book Battle. If I finished criteria, what I read for each criteria, and if my team placed!
I’ll also let you know my favorite and least favorite reads of the month! Let’s dive in!

BOOK BATTLE
Criteria:

Your Team’s Retelling (Snow White): The Shadow Queen by CJ Redwine ★★★★ (Finished after book battle ended)
Another Team’s Retelling (Sleeping Beauty): Spindle Fire
Contemporary: You by Caroline Kepnes ★★★★★
Second Book in a Series: Crown of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi ★★★★★
Badass Female MC: Corpse & Crown by Alisa Kwitney ★★★
Book with a Castle: Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi ★★★★★
Club Read #1: Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi ★★★★★
Club Read #2: Scythe by Neal Shusterman ★★★★★
Criteria #1 – poetry: The Witch Doesn’t Burn in this One by Amanda Lovelace ★★★★
Criteria #2 – romance: The Billionaire’s Bride for a Day by Shadonna Richards ★★★
Book with Love in the Title
Book with a Princess: The Princess Saves Herself in this One by Amanda Lovelace ★★★★★
Black POV – Dear Martin by Nic Stone ★★★★
Book with Kiss in the Title: The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang ★★★★
Book with Pink Cover: Queens of Geek by Jen Wilde ★★★★★

So I did not finish criteria. I was two books away. I was liking The Shadow Queen, I just couldn’t stay up to finish it. I never got to book with love in the title, which surprised me. This is only my second time ever to not finish criteria. Both were on short months – December we ended early for Christmas holidays and now February. I don’t like short months!

FAVORITE READ: This one is tough! I read a lot of good books this month. I think my favorite is You. It was weird. It was creepy. It was everything I wanted in a psychological thriller. I can’t wait to listen to Hidden Bodies this month.
Runners up: Scythe, The Gilded Wolves

LEAST FAVORITE READ: I didn’t like Billionaire’s Bride for a day. It got a 3 star rating, but I might have even gone down to 2 star. It just wasn’t for me.

I didn’t rate Spindle Fire. This book came highly recommended by a friend. I listened to the audio and honestly, I was confused throughout the whole book. I’m still fairly new to audios, and some books just don’t translate well for me in that format. This may have been one of those books. I am looking forward to a re-read soon in either print or ebook so I can really see what this book is about!

What were your favorite and least favorite reads for February? Let me know in the comments below!

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What’s Coming Up!

February 26, 2019 Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

Not a lot has been going on lately! Book battle ended on Feb 22. Snow White won! We had the best most chill team! They were amazing.

Next Sunday, at 4pm EST, we are having a live author chat with Kendra Saunders! Come join us over at Words at Whimsy!

Starting, March 1, the new month of Book Battle will begin! This theme is probably one of my favorites! Come join us for an easy month and see where you fit in!

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Shadow Queen Review

February 23, 2019 Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

Title: Shadow Queen
Author: C. J. Redwine
Book Form: Ebook
Pages: 416
Genre: Fantasy, YA, Retellings (Snow White)
Rating: ★★★★

Lorelai Diederich, crown princess and fugitive at large, has one mission: kill the wicked queen who took both the Ravenspire throne and the life of her father. To do that, Lorelai needs to use the one weapon she and Queen Irina have in common—magic. She’ll have to be stronger, faster, and more powerful than Irina, the most dangerous sorceress Ravenspire has ever seen.

In the neighboring kingdom of Eldr, when Prince Kol’s father and older brother are killed by an invading army of magic-wielding ogres, the second-born prince is suddenly given the responsibility of saving his kingdom. To do that, Kol needs magic—and the only way to get it is to make a deal with the queen of Ravenspire, promise to become her personal huntsman…and bring her Lorelai’s heart.

But Lorelai is nothing like Kol expected—beautiful, fierce, and unstoppable—and despite dark magic, Lorelai is drawn in by the passionate and troubled king. Fighting to stay one step ahead of the dragon huntsman—who she likes far more than she should—Lorelai does everything in her power to ruin the wicked queen. But Irina isn’t going down without a fight, and her final move may cost the princess the one thing she still has left to lose.
– Goodreads

This book took me a bit to get through. It wasn’t the writing. It wasn’t the story. It wasn’t anything about the book.

I think it was me.

I was on Team Snow White this month. We won! YAY! But at first, I was not excited. Snow white is my least favorite fairy tale. And I think I just had a mental block of ‘I don’t want to read about this chick. I hate her.’ But really, this book was great! And C.J. Redwine is the sweetest! If you ever see her ask her about her worst wardrobe malfunction. You won’t be disappointed.

Now, for the review.

I loved how badass Snow White, er, Loralei was. She was amazing. She was a warrior through and through who could think on her feet and could always find a way out of sticky situations. She always put the good of her people and her kingdom before the good for herself, and that’s what makes a really great leader.

Kol was nice too. I liked how he and the Eldrans could turn into dragons and had a human heart and a dragon heart. That was a unique twist on the story and really caught my attention.

Irina was awful, as all villains are. But this book makes you think about her. It shows you backstory and things that happened to her. It makes you feel for her. Like CJ said in her chat, she was one decision away from being good or evil. You could really see that in this book and you kind of feel for her.

Overall, I gave this book a 4/5 star rating. I loved the battle at the end. I loved the action scenes, and the relationship that unfolded between Loralei and Kol. Places were slow moving for me, but again, that could have just been my mental block against Snow White.

This is a good, clean read for young readers who are maybe above their aged reading levels. Read it if you love Snow White. Read it if you love fantasy, action, and dragons. I’ll be reading the sequels.