March & April 2020 Reads // Quarantine Reading (aka LONG POST)

YAY! It's BOOK DAY!

I have been reading a lot.. but have been very behind on writing my reviews... I got some of them written, so I can link up for SUYB today! :)

Here we go!

Get A Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert - own, physical book

3 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy contemporary romance.

Chloe Brown is chronically ill, living with her family, and doesn't feel like she has "a life". She decides to make a list to do all of the things she thinks she should have done by now. She starts by getting her own apartment, and then finds herself a bit stuck accomplishing the rest of the list. Luckily, her building maintenance guy, Red, seems like just the right person to teach her.

Everyone has raved about this book, but it just wasn't my favorite. I very very much loved the representation in this book. How often do you find a chronically ill MC? Not very often, I also appreciate how realistically that part of her life was portrayed. Beyond that, I had trouble connecting with the characters. I had a hard time with their instalove, and their chemistry. I also felt like since it was dual POV, Red's issues he was working through should have come out sooner. I think waiting kept me from feeling like I "got" his character. Overall, it was cute and fun with really good representation... I just didn't love it.

Jane Doe by Victoria Helen Stone - own, ebook

4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy thrillers.

Jane is new to working for an insurance company. She has a low-level job, and pretty dresses. She's pretty, but not remarkable. Just perfect for manager Steven Hepsworth to prey on. And that's her plan. To wiggle into his life, and ruin it.

I had a sneer on my face reading nearly this entire book. I don't read a lot of thrillers, but lately I've been wanting to read quickly paced and thrilling books more often than usual. I was a bit surprised by the simplistic writing style, but soon enough I acclimated and it was a very quick read. I'm not sure if thrillers and revenge novels are different genres... but if so, I'd classify this as the latter. I was intrigued by the story line, and was rooting for Jane start to finish. Steven was absolutely awful, and everything about him made me cringe. I do feel, as I often do with thrillers, that nothing particularly shocked me. It was face paced, entertaining, and satisfying.. but there weren't any "oh wow" moments for me. People I know that really like thrillers seemed to enjoy this one, so I would think it's a pretty solid read. :)

Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews (Kate Daniels #1) - own, physical book

4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy urban fantasy.

In post-apocalypse Atlanta magic comes in waves. One minute the magic is up, and technology doesn't work, and the next, the tech is up and magic doesn't work. This can make living in a dangerous world, even more dangerous. Kate Daniels has a target on her back because of the magic in her blood. She has spent her life in plain sight, trying to remain relatively out of sight. She is an investigator of magical crimes, and she's always got plenty to do. When she's approached by the Beast Lord, Curran, she'll work with the shifters to solve a common mystery.

Whew. First, I will say that it took me a while to get into this book. The world building is explained slowly, and I honestly don't felt like I understood the world until the second book. Note: there is an edition of this book with supporting materials in the back... which help you understand the world, I would recommend reading those first. You don't have to, but I bet it helps. Anyhow, once I got the world and magic a little more under my belt I started to enjoy the book more. I like Kate, she's surly and badass. I also liked all of the various other characters and her many connections in magical post-apocalyptic Atlanta. I am interested to learn more about world and the pack as I go. I also liked Curran, also a grump, so that's sure to be interesting, as I assume they will get together.

The Perfect Escape by Suzanne Park* - ARC, ebook

3 Stars - I might recommend if you enjoy quirky YA.

Nate is a super smart, super active, very quirky teenager who wishes he could be as affluent as his school mates. Kate lives in a smart house, with a tech giant dad, who is never home. When the two meet working at a zombie escape room, Kate suggests they team up for a weekend survivalist competition (complete with zombies) and split the cash prize.

This was such a fun debut novel with a quirky premise. I loved how Nate and Kate meet working in a zombie escape room and how they bond over their love of zombies. I would have liked to see more of the actual escape room throughout the book! I enjoyed the peek into their home and school lives too, though I admit that the middle portion of the book was a little bit long for me. The competition was fun and different to read. I enjoyed the action and survival elements.  The ending was really really sweet and left me feeling fuzzy. My biggest let down was the girl on girl hate. It happens so often in many genres, but I’m over it. I want to see more women supporting each other. Fewer women fighting against each other for men. All that aside this was a very sweet and quirky debut novel and I’d recommend it if it sounds like your thing. Excited to read more from Suzanne Park in the future!

Magic Burns by Illona Andrews (Katie Daniels #2) - library, ebook

4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy urban fantasy, or fantasy in general. Start with book one Magic Bites.

The biggest magic wave in seven years is hitting Atlanta, and it's causing a battle between some ancient gods. Kate Daniels will be once again investigating magical crimes, and trying to keep the peace.

The first book in this series was intriguing and quickly paced, but I wasn't sure if I'd love the series. After reading the second installment I can tell you that I'm fully invested. I enjoyed this one much more. The pace was quicker, there was more action and mystery, and you get to know the characters better. I enjoyed the imaginative takes on mythology from various cultures, and the interesting settings and creatures. I'm also loving the developments to Kate and Curran's relationship. That ending really hit me with the warm fuzzies. I stayed up really late finishing this one, and am excited to see where the series and the characters go from here!

Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews (Katie Daniels #3) - library, ebook

5 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy urban fantasy, or fantasy in general. Start with book one Magic Bites.

When Kate's shifter friend, Derek is found nearly dead, she'll investigate with the pack what happened. Her information will lead her to the infamous and dangerous Midnight Games undercover. When they find out about a very serious plot they will end up in the fighting arena.

I REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK! The further I get into this series, the more I enjoy it. The world is better explained and really interesting, and the relationships deepen. I really enjoyed the Midnight Games and the intrigue along with that. I liked the group teaming up to compete and learning more about the various characters. I really love Andrea, and her friendship with Kate. I hope she continues to be in the series more. I particularly appreciated a very meta section of this book where they talk about alpha males in romance novels. It definitely gave me a chuckle. I loved all of the banter in this book, and am glad that the SUPER SLOW BURN romance is continuing. :)

QUARANTINE READING STARTS HERE:

Hello Stranger by Lisa Kleypas (Ravenels #4) - own, physical book

4.5 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy historical romance. Since characters in this book start in the other books,  I would recommend starting with Cold Hearted Rake.

Dr. Garret Gibson, the first and only female doctor in England has never found herself wanting a romantic relationship. She is satisfied with her career and her life that accompanies it. However, when she continually runs into Ethan Ransom, a mysterious former detective (and possible assassin), she'll want more. Ethan is involved in some dangerous political plots, and knows it is best to keep Garret at bay, but he has trouble resisting. Will one night be enough?

This book was so much fun! I loved it so much, and it has now taken the second spot in the series for me. I loved Garret, she's so independent and tough. I also loved Ethan, he's very gruff but charming. I really loved how he helped her to learn self defense, and their sort of "forbidden" attraction and relationship. I thought that it was all very sweet and swoony. I enjoyed that this book was fast paced, and the particularly emotional ending. I also like that West's character gets featured more toward the end. I'm excited to continue with the series.

The Most Eligible Lord in London by Ella Quinn* - ARC, ebook

2 Stars - I wouldn't particularly recommend this one. :(

Lord Littleton is back in London for another try at The Season. Last Season he made a fool of himself and caused a scandal with a woman, and then ran away. This year, he's unfortunately interested in one of her friends Lady Adeline. How can he convince her that he's not going to hurt her? Adeline is spending her first Season in London, and doesn't know a rake from a shovel. When the handsome Lord Littleton is called out by her friend, she believes him to be a rake. The more time she spends with him, the more she questions that assessment, but also feels guilty for betraying her friend. Can she make heads or tales of the Marriage Mart?

I was ultimately drawn to this book because of it's gorgeous cover, so pretty! This was my first book by Ella Quinn, and the first book in a new series. It had the common first book in a series set up for the rest of the books, which is ultimately helpful, but always a bit jarring at first. You're learning a lot of characters without specific information related to them. I thought that the chemistry between Adeline and Frits was good, and I definitely wanted them to become more invested in each other. I liked that Frits wanted to be at his estates and out in the country rather than in Town, and that Adeline also wanted that. I struggled with Adeline's naivete, she just didn't seem to know anything. I think that is a product of her parents and siblings leaving her to her own devices... but it made her a bit annoying to read. I also found this book to be repetitive. Adeline goes driving with one man, then with another. She waltzes with one man, then with another. I realize drives and balls were common activity during The Season, but it just felt a bit cyclical when I was reading it. I also felt like Eugenie's anti slavery plot, while very interesting, was both too much and too little to add to this story. Overall this just didn't work for me. I enjoyed the ending more than the beginning, but it just wasn't my favorite.

The Widow of Rose House by Diana Biller* - ARC, ebook

4.5 Stars - I highly recommend if you enjoy historical fiction, historical romance, and anything with a bit of a spooky feel to it.

When the infamous Mrs. Webster buys a dilapidated mansion in New York, a eccentric scientist asks to study it's ghosts. Alva Webster isn't interested in people who want to hear about her supposed scandals, or really anyone who will get in her way of starting her new life. She turns down Professor Samuel Moore's persistent attempts to study her home. When her contractor and working crews up and leave her home, with their tools inside, saying they will not finish the work, she decides to work with Sam to remove the ghost, and hopefully resume work on the renovation. Despite her tumultuous romantic past, Alva finds herself drawn to the professor, despite her best attempts. Will they discover who or what is haunting her home? Or will the ghost drive them to their ruin?

Wow! This was such a fun book to read. I didn't really know what to expect with this one, and I found it to be a fun mix of historical fiction, horror, mystery, and romance. It had a very Gothic feel to it overall, much like du Maurier novels, or Jane Eyre. I enjoyed the Gilded Age setting in New York and the moves from the city to the country. It was nice to be out of regency England for a bit... I also enjoyed that while the character were wealthy, they had fairly normal professions and that made it feel different from all of the Dukes and Lairds common in historical novels. I really loved the spooky atmosphere that a lot of the book has, but also the contrast of the funny characters and clever dialogue. I enjoyed the "grumpy + sunshine" trope with the unusual slant that the male MC is the sunshine one. I thought Sam was really adorable and quirky, and he brought a lot of light to the story. I also like Alva and how she had overcome so many of her demons, and tried to change her life. Sam's relationship with his family and Henry were so wholesome and charming. I hope I get to read more books set in this world. While I'm not 100% sure I would classify this as solely a romance... it did have some really good chemistry, a fairly large romantic plot, and some steamy scenes. Le Swoon, I loved it! Overall I liked where the story went, and found the conclusion to be really satisfying. I think this was an incredible debut novel, and I cannot wait to read what else Diana Biller writes.

Devil's Daughter by Lisa Kleypas (Ravenels #5) - own, physical book

3.5 - 4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy historical romance. Since characters in this book start in the other books,  I would recommend starting with Cold Hearted Rake.

Lady Phoebe is a young widow with two young sons, after the early death of her husband she believes she will never love again. She had heard from her husband what a bully West Ravenel was to him while he was in school, and Phoebe hates him for it. When she attends a family wedding, and meets the man of the estate, she is shocked to find that he is the one and only West Ravenel. However, Phoebe finds it hard to continue hating him. West has lived a regrettable life, but can only move forward. Since working on his brother's inherited estate, he has found his purpose, and his fulfillment. When he meets Lady Phoebe, he knows she is much too good for him, but he struggles to stay away. 

I thought that this book was really cute. I loved Phoebe and have long loved West's character. I especially loved all of the sweet family scenes with her children spending time with her and West. Because I loved West's character so much I was really looking forward to this book, but I did find this one a little bit disappointing. I was hoping for more. Maybe it's because he is older and she is a widow with children, but it all felt a little bit business like. I don't know. It definitely was harder to enjoy for me because there was so much about Phoebe's parents, which feature in a book in another Kleypas series. I haven't read it, but enough of it was about them that it felt hard to enjoy those parts. I still enjoyed the book overall, but felt I didn't have all the connections I needed from the other series to love it as much as some of the others. Excited for the next book!

Outlander by Diana Gabladon (Outlander #1) - own, audiobook - re-read

5 Stars - I highly recommend if you enjoy historical fiction and romance.

When WWII nurse Claire is on a second honeymoon with her husband Frank, she is sent back into the past by some standing stones. She reappears in the 1700s, is assaulted by a British officer, and taken captive by some Scottish cattle rustlers. How can she escape and get back home?

Ahh I love this book. Listening to it was such a different experience, but a good way to get myself back up to speed so I can continue reading the rest of the series. I absolutely love Gabaldon's writing style and and the entire world that she created. Everything is so descriptive and vivid whether reading or listening. I of course, adore Jamie and Claire's story. It is so swoony, romantic, and action packed. I forgot how combative they can both be, but it feels natural during such a weird situation. I can't imagine being hurled back in time 200 years. I caught more things on the second pass through and really enjoyed the characters and scenes even more. I found myself more and less emotional at different times during this listen, but I will say that it made my menial work tasks go much faster, and it felt some comfortable and compelling to listen to. I don't have a lot of experience with audiobooks, but it seems worth the money because it is 32 hours long! Also, I liked the narration, but don't have a lot of experience with that yet either.


Matzah Ball Surprise by Laura Brown* - ARC, ebook

3 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy contemporary romance.

When Gaby's family won't get off her back about her ex and her dating life, she desperately asks the cute guy at the gym to be her Passover date. Levi doesn't know what the cute woman talking to him wants, but he's curious and eager to avoid his ex-fiance. Gaby is surprised to find out that her long time gym crush is deaf, but more surprised to find out that he is willing to be her Passover date. Will they be able to fool her meddling family, even when they can't communicate in the same language?

Ah, this book was so cute! I've been wondering for the longest time where all of the holiday books about non-Christian holidays are. Here we go. I love love love the diversity in religion as well as in ability. I also love, that this is an own voices novel for both categories. Overall I thought this book was super cute, and I loved the story, Gaby's family, and her chemistry with Levi. I thought it was great to learn more about Passover and daily issues facing Deaf or Hard of Hearing people. I thought that the holiday plot was very fun, the family aspects were delightful, and the tension between the MCs was fantastic. I wasn't crazy about the conflict and how it played out, there were a lot of people involved, and it seemed a bit unlikely, but it didn't diminish my enjoyment of the characters. I'm so excited that this book exists, and am excited to read more books by Laura Brown soon!

Beautiful by Juliet Marillier - own, audiobook

3.5 Stars - I might recommend if you enjoy audiobooks and YA fantasy novels.

This re-imagining of East of the Sun, West of the Moon makes the troll queen the main character of the tale. This is the story of a young girl who grew up with a controlling mother, sheltered and locked away from the world. A young girl who wants to be brave, learn, and have adventures. When her story ends as we know it to in the original tale, she must go out into the world to learn what she needs to know for her future.

This is an interesting book, as it is only available on audio in it's full form. You can access the short story version in an anthology. I am a big fan of Juliet Marillier, her writing style is still gorgeous in audio. Her love of learning and exploring is so evident in her writing, which I love. This would be a great book for younger readers and YA audiences as well. Hulde was a great character from the beginning, she was so sweet and wanted to learn. She was brave despite living in a bad environment, and followed after her dreams. Even when the inevitable happens (if you know East of the Sun, West of the Moon), she doesn't let it break her. I loved how she grew up on the page, and how Roon taught her so many things especially with her life so limited. While the story itself was a bit predictable, I enjoyed the change to read a fantasy novel about trolls, and commentary on what it means to be "beautiful". I was interested in the troll clans, and would have liked to know more about their world. The narration wasn't my favorite on this book, and I admit I found it distracting from time to time. However, I still enjoyed the story overall. While parts of it were simple and a little bit cheesy, it still had the signature Marillier depth. One quote that really stuck out to me was: "take hold of your story, shape it the way that you want, don't be afraid." I loved that Hulde made this her mantra. I also enjoyed the particular truth of, "Stories help folk make sense of things, don't you think?"

Coming Up Roses by Staci Hart (Bennet Brothers #1) - own, ebook

5 Stars - I highly recommend if you enjoy contemporary romance.

Would call this a modern day re-imagining of the Bennet family from Pride and Prejudice. This is a re-imagining of Lydia's story, post Wickham.

All readers have an author or two that they've been meaning to read for ages, but you just *know* that you will love their books. Maybe you follow them on social media, and just think "yes, this person has the best vibe." etc. And maybe you wait wayyyyy too long to actually tuck into one of their books... and you start to get anxious. "OH GOD WHAT IF I DON'T LIKE IT?!" Staci Hart has been that author for me, for YEARS. While I was so nervous to start this (or any of her) book(s), I very happily was *in love* with it. I would start by saying that this is a modern day re-imagining of the Bennet family from Pride and Prejudice. It re-imagines Lydia's story post Wickham. It doesn't really follow the story of Pride and Prejudice. I adored the flower shop setting, the premise of a family banding together to save it, the dreamy descriptions, and all of the sweet characters. I am not always the biggest fan of second chance romances, but this one really worked for me. This story was just the right amount of humor, fluff, angst, and quirk. Like a the comfort of a Hallmark movie, but so much deeper, and definitely sexier. And everything-ier. Random things I adored: Tess's dad calls her Pigeon! I die. Luke's LONG rant on Poldark. YAS! We were all thinking it! WE WERE ALL THINKING IT!!! Though this isn't a direct P&P re-telling, the Mrs. Bennet was spot. on. I really enjoyed this book so so so much, and cannot wait to continue the series and then read every other Staci Hart book. EVER.

Gather At Home by Monika Hibbs* - ARC, ebook

5 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy lifestyle books that follow the seasons and include recipes, DIY projects, and floral arrangement inspiration.

This lifestyle book is filled to the brim with recipes, DIY projects, and inspiration for every season. Lifestyle blogger Monika Hobbs shares her tips and tricks for making every season and occasion special in an approachable and simple way.

This book was a delight to read. Everything from the gorgeous pictures, to strong element of tradition was so beautifully put on each page. I love the focus on family and tradition, and that Hobbs talks about passing down her mother's traditions to her own children. I also loved that she broke her book up by seasons, that is my favorite way to read a lifestyle book, and had me looking forward to the rest of 2020. I found myself so excited to reach each new season and soak up the recipes, photos, and projects. I love that she includes florals and greens that are in season as well! Her approaches are simple and accessible, and she includes patterns for the reader to use along the way. There was not a project in this collection that I wouldn't try making. Some of the recipes are not up my alley, as I'm not much for starting the year with "clean eating" (ex. clean cupcakes - I'll just go for normal ones.) but the bulk of them I would love to try. Some particular recipes I cannot wait to test are: Turkey Quinoa Burgers with Pineapple, On-the-Go Breakfast Muffins, Polish Chicken Noodle Soup, Light Cherry and Heirloom Tomato Pasta, White Wine Sangria, Individual Strawberry and Cream Pavlovas, Maple, Lemon, and Garlic Glazed Salmon, and Crunchy Honey, Cinnamon, and Almond Granola. Some particular projects I cannot wait to try are: Peony Bloom Place Cards, Kissing Felt Mistletoe, Wooden Hoop Winter Wreaths, Country Floral Arrangement, Pressed Floral and Citrus Bottle Chiller, and Potted Spring Bulbs.

Uprooted by Naomi Novik - own, physical book

3 Stars - I might recommend if you enjoy fantasy novels.

Every ten years the Dragon, a wizard, takes a young girl from the village to live with him as payment for his protection from the invasive wood bordering the valley. No one knows what happens to the girls, but once they leave his tower they rarely stay in their home village. When Agniezka is unexpectly chosen, she finds that the tower, and the dragon are not what she expected. As the threat of the wood grows stronger, Agniezka will discover there is more to herself, and the world than she  imagined.

This is the type of book I was hoping for when I picked up The Hazel Wood at the beginning of the year. I started out feeling very compelled by the world and the story, I liked the classic fantasy setting, and somewhat familiar story formula. I thought that the magic system was interesting, if not vague, and that the dual magic had a subtle sexiness to it. The first part of the book was compelling, but once Agniezka went to see the king it wasn't very interesting for me. Overall, that part dragged, and in the end the book felt much longer than it needed to. Once things synced back up it was more intriguing, and the ending was satisfying as well. I like where it ended up, and how it all came together. It does feel a bit like other stories in the end, but I'm not sure which ones... I didn't love it as much as I expected to, but that's ok.

Gilded Lily by Staci Hart (Bennet Brothers #2)  - own, ebook

3.5 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy contemporary romance. Read Coming Up Roses First.

Lila Parker has the perfect life: perfect job, perfect boyfriend, perfect apartment, and in line for more everywhere she turns. When she finds her boyfriend cheating on her with her client's sister, she moves out, and her world turns upside down. Kash Bennet, the gardener at Loungbourne cannot stand Lila. She's mean, moody, prissy, and grumpy. But he also can't stop thinking about her. When Lila needs his help, he'll find she's a much different woman than he thinks she is. Opposites attract, but can the relationship last?

Would call this a modern day re-imagining of the Bennet family from Pride and Prejudice. This is a re-imagining of Kitty's story. Which is to say... not much of a story.

I once again loved the writing, vivid descriptions, characters, and Bennet family so much. I really liked Kash, a bit more than Luke, and so it was fun to read his book. I do however, think that Sliding Doors is one of the worst movies ever. LOL so I have to say that Luke has better opinions on TV/movies with his hatred of Ross Poldark. LOL I didn't love the Felix Femmes or the plot related to them... which took up a lot of the book. I'm not one for reality tv, or drama, or rich and famous plots (for the most part) so I just struggled with that. And I struggled with how mean they were, and how mean her co-workers were. I think also because Lila wore such a guarded front with a lot of the characters and so much of the book it did take a while to get the feel for who she really was. Once we got there, I really liked her. In the end that made the rest of the book more satisfying and the ending so charming, but getting there wasn't as enjoyable as Coming Up Roses. I'm really excited for Mum's The Word, though! Highlight for Spoiler: I did think that Kash's actions toward the end were disappointing. That he let himself get caught up in the drama seemed out of character for him... but then Ivy got to tell him off...so I guess that's fine.

The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O'Neill - own, physical book

5 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy cute graphic novels.

A girl named Greta finds a lost tea dragon, and returns it to the tea shop. While there she meets the owners and learns about the mysterious world of tea dragons.

This book is just very cute. The art is adorable. The dragons are adorable. The characters are diverse and interesting. If you just want to read something happy and cute, I recommend this one. Perfectly appropriate for all ages.

Miss Pinkerton by Mary Roberts Rinehart - own, physical book

4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy classic mysteries.

Night nurse Hilda Adams is often called to help observe crime scenes and help solve mysteries. When someone is found dead at the Mitchell Manor, she is called to look after Miss Juliet, matron of the house. The death looks like a suicide, but is it that cut and dry?

I have only read one classic mystery, but the cover and background of this book drew me in. I immediately liked the writing style, it's very accessible, and fairly quick to read. The short chapters and endings of each chapter really keep you reading as well, even though older mysteries tend to be slower in nature. I often find myself bored with mysteries, or working it all out too quickly. Neither was the case with this one. I am excited to read more of the series now, and maybe even watch the movie version. If you like classic mysteries, I think you'll like this one.

Eagle and Crane by Suzanne Rindell** - own, physical book

4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy historical fiction.

The Thorn family and the Yamada family have always had a feud. When their sons Louis and Haruto (Harry) find themselves swept up in the splendor of Earl Shaw's Flying Circus, they will find themselves becoming friends, and questioning the generations' long family feud. As the barnstormer travels around California Earl's step daughter Ava will make friends with the two daredevils, as the group comes into their fame. When the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor, Harry and his family are sent to an Internment camp. When the Yamadas escape from their camp, and one of the planes from the flying circus crashes with two bodies inside, the FBI comes to investigate the crime and deaths.

It's been a while since I've read historical fiction, but I really enjoyed this book. The back and forth between the post-war mystery, and the Depression barnstorming act wove a really interesting story. I really enjoyed the complicated friendship between Louis, Harry, and Ava. I like how all of the details unfolded slowly, and intensified the emotions and kept you guessing about the mystery. There are so many WWII novels in the world, but I feel like there aren't that many that I've heard about focusing more specifically on Internment. What a horrible period in America's history, unfortunately much like the current period, and this made for a very thought provoking and moving book.

I did read a few more books in April, but this post was so long... I'll add them to May, and make extra posts if necessary.

Monthly totals:

Read - 20
Owned - 13
Ebook - 10
Physical book - 8
Audiobook - 2
ARC - 4
Library/Borrowed - 3
Re-read - 1
Bought - 318 (34 physical books, 284 ebooks) - 245 books were freeee!++ :) -- also please note that the bulk were free because/I've bought so much because 1) so many free/discounted ebooks during quarantine and 2) supporting local/small bookstores. :)
To Let Go - 3 (at least)

Yearly Totals:

Read - 34
Owned - 22
Ebook - 12
Physical book - 20
Audiobook - 2
ARC - 6
Library/Borrowed - 7
Re-read - 2
Bought - 393 (80 physical books, 313 ebooks) - 271 books were freeee! :)
To Let Go - 13

Linking up with Jana and Steph for Show Us Your Books today. :) 

What have you been reading? What do you hope to read this month?! 

Let's be friends on Goodreads!

XO,

Alexandra

* Asterisks denote titles that I was given advance access to by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. These reviews are my own opinion, and based on the edition of the book I was given at the time. Thank you Netgalley

**Double asterisks denote books won via a goodreads giveaway! 

***Triple asterisks denote titles that I was given advance access to by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. These reviews are my own opinion, and based on the edition of the book I was given at the time. Thank you Edelweiss!

****Quadruple asterisks denote titles that I was given advance access to by the author of the book in exchange for an honest review. These reviews are my own opinion and based on the edition of the book I was given at the time!

++ pro-tip: use your Amazon shipping at a slower rate to get e-book credits. I do it whenever I don't need something ASAP and it's resulted in a lot of free ebooks. I usually get them when they are $1.99, etc. Just make sure to use them before they expire!