Tag: TBR

Monthly TBR

November 2022 TBR | Native Heritage Month

ChapterMalliumpkin1 Comment

We’re still here! All you have to do is LOOK!

Wow, I really brought the spice and a TBR post after… months? Months? MONTHS! We love to see it, yes we do! Though I am trying to desperately manifest strong reading vibes after a month worth of slumpy reading energy, not going to lie. But I digress. Not only are we in the autumnal season, but I’m on a really strong, positive reading streak right now (okay, not fully positive, there was one little hiccup) and I want to keep the ball rolling as we descend into November. Also known as, Native American Heritage Month! Yes, yes that’s where my fiery spice came from for this post. Look, I’m not going to sit here and rant, educate, etc… for the millionth time. Go check out my November 2020 TBR post for some links of Indigenous content creators, some educational links, etc… if you’re interested.

This month I’m specifically focusing on Native joy (because let’s be honest, it’s not talked about enough or given enough love) and some amazing Indigenous books that I’m super excited about getting to this month. Technically I could have read these at any given time, but as I mentioned, I spent a whole month in a bad slump and I couldn’t find the motivation to really read. The most I did was one book and then I was solely focused on gaming. That’s basically the whole story of what happened in September. ANYWAY, this month is going to be a good one, I just know it… I can feel it! I quickly want to mention (before we get into this ambitious tbr) that not all the books I want to read are on this list. My tbr for this month is massive because I’ve been essentially hoarding Native/Indigenous books just so I can put a heavy spotlight on them. Plus, books aren’t cheap, so it’s been a gradual build up to this point in time. So without my further descent into chaos, here is my stunning TBR for the month of November!

➸ Venco by Cherie Dimaline
February 7th, 2023 by William Morrow
ARC was given by William Morrow & HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review.
🌻 Empire of Wild ★★★★

This is kind of the book that has sparked this whole tbr and is probably what’s going to shape my tbrs up till February 2023. I really enjoyed Empire of Wild and was really captured by Cherie’s writing style. So I’m really excited that I was sent an arc for this book. If I can’t get to this arc this month, one of the upcoming months will have this on it and it’ll be the biggest priority. Plus, the synopsis sounds so good!

➸ The Star That Always Stays by Anna Rose Johnson
July 12th, 2022 by Holiday House
ARC was given by Holiday House in exchange for an honest review.

Okay, I’m a little late on this one, but to be fair, I didn’t receive my arc copy till end of July/early August and well, you all know what happened with September. So, I’m making this arc a high priority for this month. However, I’m a little nervous going in because I have a feeling I’m going to get really emotional about this book especially being an urban Native. So I’m prepping the tissue boxes for this one!

➸ Night of the Living Rez: Stories by Morgan Talty
July 5th, 2022 by Tin House Books
ALC was given by Libro.fm & Tin House Books in exchange for an honest review.

Another book I’m late to the party on, but thankfully this is an audiobook and I have no doubt that I won’t be able to breeze through it. Yeah, I’m back on my audiobook kick and it feels so good! However, I’m really excited to dive into this read and hopefully, maybe, convince my spouse to come along for the ride on this read with me.

➸ Making Love with the Land: Essays by Joshua Whitehead
November 15th, 2022 by Univ Of Minnesota Press
ALC was given by Libro.fm & Univ Of Minnesota Press in exchange for an honest review.

This is a newly acquired aalc for me! Which if you couldn’t tell, this book will be available this month! I’m so blessed, so privileged to have received an early copy of this book through Libro.fm and this is the other book that has kind of spurred a very massive November tbr. Between this book and Venco, the two of them have kind of kicked me into gear to make an insanely massive tbr and I’m really excited to dive into this soon! It’s also an audiobook and it has me even more excited!

➸ Healer of the Water Monster by Brian Young
May 11th, 2021 by Heartdrum

Though this book released last year, I’m really excited to be getting to this book in the here and now! This book centers around Navajo mythology and so this has a little soft spot in my heart. This has been a story I have been seeing come out more and more, and it fills my heart with warmth to see it. For those who may not know, the Navajo and Apache are consider cousins to each other, and so this make me really happy to see Navajo stories being brought into the spotlight for all to read and enjoy.

➸ A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger
November 23rd, 2021 by Levine Querido
🌻 Elatsoe ★★★★★

This book… THIS BOOK is the crown jewel of this whole entire tbr! As a Mescalero Apache reader, if you haven’t heard me sob, pop off in excitement, or even mention Darcie Little Badger then here it is right here. Ever since I found out there is an Apache author writing ya and middle grade books, winning awards for that literature, you have no idea how emotional it makes me and how much I want to throw my money at any work this author releases. If you would have told a young Malli that I would get to grow up to see an Apache author winning awards for their literature and brings forth Apache stories, I probably would have never believed you because I had never seen it before, ever. Until Darcie Little Badger released Elatsoe. And everything kind of changed after that. So the work Darcie does means a whole heck-a lot to me and while I need to re-read Elatsoe (I honestly might just buy another copy that I can highlight and tab the heck out of) to give a more in-depth review, I will be prioritizing this book greatly.

➸ The Lake House by Sarah Beth Durst
April 25th, 2023 by Harperteen
ARC was given by NetGalley & HaperTeen in exchange for an honest review.
Buddy Read with Destiny & Ashley ♥

While this isn’t a Native/Indigenous read, this is also a priority for my reading in November! Yes, it’s true, Destiny and I are back again with a buddy read, but this time we have Ashley with us! I am so excited about this buddy read with these two lovely souls. Ashley and I have been meaning to buddy read something together for a hot minute and as fate would have it, all three of us had an arc of the same book. So it’s on! It’s so freaking on and I’ve been vibrating with excitement since we all decided to buddy read this together. I’ve really been getting into the spookier, more hauntingly atmospheric reads lately and I feel very privileged and blessed to have an arc of this book.

Whew! Okay, that was a whole lot of books, but just be glad I didn’t list… everything. We might have been here all day going through all the books I want to read for this month. I’m really excited for this month though and it feels good to be making blog posts again, sharing stories, thoughts with everyone once more. I’ve felt like I’ve been holding my breath for so long and I’m just now taking a breath of fresh air. It feels really nice and I appreciate the patience everyone has had with me as life keeps throwing surprises my way. I hope each and every one of you has a lovely November, enjoys the season (whatever season you may be in), and I hope, just maybe, that some of these books caught your eye and you’ll fall in love with more Native/Indigenous literature this year. Until next time friends, I love you! 🧡

GoodReads|Instagram|YouTube|Wishlist|Kofi|Throne

Monthly TBR

July 2022 TBR

ChapterMalliumpkin4 Comments

Buddy reads, book recommendations, and earcs, oh my!

Salutations friends! It seems like it’s been a hot minute since I’ve done a tbr post and honestly, they’re probably going to become more selective just due to straying so far from tbrs and setting a general list of books to read. I really am turning into a big mood reader! But this post is super exciting because I’m doing something I’ve never done before…

Best friend recommendations!!!

Yes, I finally decided I wanted to try a dedicated tbr specifically to my best friend, Destiny‘s recommendations! I sat on this for a long time and over the past couple of months, as usual, Destiny has given me nothing but outstanding recommendations of books I need to read. And let me be frank, Destiny always has great recommendations and knows my taste in books fairly well. So I’m excited to reveal, not only our buddy reads, but the books she personally picked out for me. So without any further delays, here is my tbr for July, based around my friend’s book recommendations!

Disclaimer: Not all of the books are pictured because this is a chonky tbr, but all of the books will be listed!

➸ A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland
August 30th 2022 by Tordotcom
Buddy Read with Destiny ♥

I’m very excited for this arc and buddy read! I think I’m about 40% in and so far I’m very curious on the direction this book is going to go. I can say that the on page anxiety and panic attacks feel very accurate, very realistic, and have me completely stunned by the amount of time and detail the author has put into this.

➸ The Sacrifice by Rin Chupeco
October 4th 2022 by Sourcebooks Fire

Rin Chupeco has easily become one of my favorite authors and you can anticipate seeing quite a few reads, and reviews for her books in the coming months. However, focusing on just this arc, I’m very excited to have an earc of this book. The synopsis is ultimately what drew me in with the cover coming at a strong second. Both of these two things combined and I have been caught; hook, line, and sinker!

➸ Darling by K. Ancrum
June 22nd 2021 by Imprint
Buddy Read with Destiny ♥

This shouldn’t come at a surprise to anyone. I forever worship at the alter of K. Ancrum and after putting it off for so long, this read is happening. And I get to buddy read this with my wonderful friend. Plus, if you didn’t already know, this is a Peter Pan retelling. So if you love a good retelling, you should put this on your radar!

➸ Night of the Mannequins by Stephen Graham Jones
September 1st 2020 by Tor.com

This is another long overdue read and it’s no surprise to me that Destiny recommended this book to me. I have sang praises for The Only Good Indians for who knows how long and I’m honestly surprised I haven’t read this sooner. So it’s happening, it’s really happening. I’m going to be sitting down this month and reading it, and I already know I’m going to fall in love with it.

➸ Gallant by V.E. Schwab
March 1st 2022 by Greenwillow Books

This is another amazing recommendation from Destiny! For starters, the minute mixed media was mentioned, my attention was hooked. Plus, the cover is absolutely stunning. Even if Destiny never would have recommended it to me, this book would have eventually ended up on my radar.

➸ Nine Moon in a River of Stars: Phase One by Xen
January 30th 2022

Destiny spoke to me about this book many moons ago, but I have had this sitting on my kindle shelf ever since she recommended it to me. So I’m super excited to have this on my tbr for July and also fully prepared to get emotionally wrecked! Plus, the cover is really beautiful and it makes me eager to write a review for it!

➸ Cheer Up!: Love and Pompoms by Crystal Frasier & illustrated by Val Wise
August 10th 2021 by Oni Press

Do I know anything about this comic? No, but my guess is lesbian cheerleaders. And no, I haven’t read the synopsis because I like to believe some books are best going into them with no hint at all.

➸ Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson
October 5th 2021 by Margaret K. McElderry Books

Look… LOOK! I know what this looks like! Yes, technically it’s another book I placed on a past tbr I didn’t read, but it’s here now! Okay? So sh sh sh! It’s fine and it will be read, and yes, I’m still excited about it!

➸ Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano
February 2nd 2021 by Minotaur Books

I know absolutely nothing about this book! However, if I know Destiny, this is probably a mystery, thriller, or horror book. Which is really exciting! I don’t read enough horror or thriller books. So I’m eager to see what this book is about!

➸ Comfort Me With Apples by Catherynne M. Valente
November 9th 2021 by Tordotcom

I would be lying if I didn’t say I was nervous about this book. Not from the religious aspect, but from the synopsis. It has me nervous on where I’m going to fall on the spectrum with this book. Whether I’ll love it or end up disliking it, I’m not sure.

Phew, that was a lot of books to list and technically, I left three books off of this list just due to the size of this month’s tbr. However, one of the books I left off the list is a manga and it’s of an anime series I’ve recently gotten into. So I’m excited to see how the manga compares to the anime series. Otherwise, the other two will be set for a different tbr when I’m not trying to be an over-achiever. I’m so excited for this month of reading though and I can’t wait to see which books I’ll end up enjoying the most! Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this list and until next time, stay hydrated, I love you! ♥

GoodReads|Instagram|YouTube|Wishlist|Kofi

Monthly TBR

April 2022 TBR

ChapterMalliumpkin3 Comments

March was a flop, let’s try this again… But with April!

Yup, you read that right, March was a flop. I struggled with getting anything read for the month of March. I think I read… three or four things which is still good, but I definitely couldn’t get everything I wanted read. So for this month, we’re keeping things light and if I read more then I read more and if not, it’s okay because we’re refusing to put any amount of pressure on ourselves for this month. However, I am really excited about to talk about the books I have picked out for this month. So friends, let’s get our caffeine and dive in!

🌷 Currently Reading 🌷

➸ Eternally Damned (Shallow Cove Dimensions #1) by January Raybe
April 5th 2022 by Raining Romance LLC
Arc provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

If you haven’t seen my review for Eternally Hers: The Prequel, definitely go check that out because I had a blast reading it. I have been so, so lucky to be blessed with an arc copy for the next book in this series and I’m so excited. I’m only a few chapters in, but oh, I’m very excited and that’s all I’ll say.

🌷 The TBR 🌷

➸ The Poison Heart by Kalynne Bayron
June 29th 2021 by Bloomsbury YA

Part of my 12 Challenge, this is on the tbr for April. The only thing I know about this book is that it’s a Medusa retelling and that’s it. That’s also the main reason so many friends recommended this book to me. I love retellings especially mythological retellings. I’m so here for this!

➸ Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant
November 14th 2017 by Hachette Audio

It’s freaking happening okay! I failed at reading this for my March tbr, but it’s happening immediately. I’m really excited about this especially because my spouse is waiting to hear my thoughts on it before they pick it up. So I really want to listen to this as soon as possible.

➸ Her Soul for Revenge (Souls Trilogy #2) by Harley Laroux
October 30th 2021
Buddy Read with Destiny 💜

I absolutely fell in love with Her Soul to Take! What a freaking fantastic read for my spooky little soul. Granted, this isn’t a series for everyone, but personally, I’m head over heels for it. Even more so after the author announced the third and final book in the series. I’m freaking hyped! Anyway, I have another buddy read with my lovely friend and I’m really excited. She always has the best recommendations and just gets my taste for books.

➸ Twisted Love (Twisted #1) by Ana Huang
April 29th 2021

A few friends have recommended this series to me and with the first three book loaded into my kindle library, I think I started on this series. Look, I don’t know much about it only that a few of my friends really adore this series. So I’m hoping I can read this first book and find out how I feel about it.

I feel really content looking at the list. I feels like a very achievable reading tbr and I’m excited to dive in. And who knows, maybe I’ll end up reading way more than I plan. These next few months are going to be a bit tricky reading wise due to so many things happening, but I’m excited. Maybe you’ll see more audiobooks on my tbrs in the future just due to everything. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this list and until next time, stay hydrated, I love you! ♥

Have an April tbr you want you share? Read any of these books? Tell me all about it in the comments below! ♥

|GoodReads|Instagram|YouTube|Wishlist|Kofi

Misc.

5 Books I Want to Read Before 2022 Ends

ChapterMalliumpkin6 Comments

Salutations Chapterlings! How are you doing? I hope you’re doing well and staying hydrated! I have a bit of a confession… This was technically a draft I had saved for 2021 that never got published and now I’m repurposing it for the year of 2022. This time, I’m getting it posted with some books that I really, really want to read before this year ends. And in a way, posting it now is a way to hold myself accountable for this mini tbr. Actually, this is a bit of a secret tbr and I hope you enjoy what I’m about to share! ♥

You’ve Reached Sam by Dustin Thao
“Seventeen-year-old Julie has her future all planned out—move out of her small town with her boyfriend Sam, attend college in the city, spend a summer in Japan. But then Sam dies. And everything changes.

Heartbroken, Julie skips his funeral, throws out his things, and tries everything to forget him and the tragic way he died. But a message Sam left behind in her yearbook forces back memories. Desperate to hear his voice one more time, Julie calls Sam’s cellphone just to listen to his voicemail.

And Sam picks up the phone.

In a miraculous turn of events, Julie’s been given a second chance at goodbye. The connection is temporary. But hearing Sam’s voice makes her fall for him all over again, and with each call it becomes harder to let him go. However, keeping her otherworldly calls with Sam a secret isn’t easy, especially when Julie witnesses the suffering Sam’s family is going through. Unable to stand by the sidelines and watch their shared loved ones in pain, Julie is torn between spilling the truth about her calls with Sam and risking their connection and losing him forever.”

Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice
“With winter looming, a small northern Anishinaabe community loses communication. Days later, it goes dark. Cut off from the urban realm of the south, many of its people become passive and confused. They eventually descend into panic as the food supply dwindles, with few hunters left in the First Nation. While the band council and a pocket of community members struggle to maintain order, an unexpected visitor arrives from a city in the south to escape a crumbling society. Soon after, others follow.

The community leadership is faced with the dilemma of allowing the urban refugees to live with them on their territory. Tensions rise, and as the months pass, so does the death toll due to sickness and despair. Frustrated by the building chaos, a group of young friends and their families turn to the land and tradition in hopes of helping their community thrive again, while they grapple with a grave decision.

Blending action and allegory, Moon of the Crusted Snow upends our expectations. Out of catastrophe comes resilience. And as one society collapses, another is reborn.”

The King of Burbon Street (NOLA Nights #1) by Thea De Salle
“Hotel chain mogul Sol DuMont is about to learn that some of life’s biggest surprises come in deceptively small packages—namely a petite heiress named Rain who’s hell-bent on upsetting her family’s expectations—in this first book in the all new series by Thea de Salle, set against the sultry backdrop of New Orleans.

Thirty-seven-year-old Sol DuMont is a divorcee and the owner of a mid-sized hotel chain in New Orleans. Since Hurricane Katrina, his father’s death, and the decision that he and his ex-wife Maddy are far better off friends than lovers, he’s lost interest in almost everything he held dear—parties, people, and pushing limits.

All his limits.

Then Arianna Barrington checks into his hotel.

Twenty-four-year-old Arianna “Rain” Barrington could have been society’s sweetheart. Her family is moneyed, connected press darlings, and make sweeping headlines from coast to coast for reasons both good and bad. But when her mother shoves her at Charles Harwood—the obnoxious, entitled heir of Harwood Corp—to cement a billion-dollar business merger, Rain does the only thing she can think of to escape: she creates a scandal so big Harwood doesn’t want her anymore before fleeing to New Orleans for much-needed rest and relaxation.

All she wants is jazz piano, beignets, and to sail the Mississippi. What she gets is Sol DuMont, a whirlwind affair, and a hands-on education in sex, power play, and pushing limits.”

Night of the Mannequins by Stephen Graham Jones
“We thought we’d play a fun prank on her, and now most of us are dead.

One last laugh for the summer as it winds down. One last prank just to scare a friend. Bringing a mannequin into a theater is just some harmless fun, right? Until it wakes up. Until it starts killing.

Luckily, Sawyer has a plan. He’ll be a hero. He’ll save everyone to the best of his ability. He’ll do whatever he needs to so he can save the day. That’s the thing about heroes—sometimes you have to become a monster first.

Stephen Graham Jones returns with Night of the Mannequins, a contemporary horror story where a teen prank goes very wrong and all hell breaks loose: is there a supernatural cause, a psychopath on the loose, or both?”

Darling by K. Ancrum
“On Wendy Darling’s first night in Chicago, a boy called Peter appears at her window. He’s dizzying, captivating, beautiful—so she agrees to join him for a night on the town.

Wendy thinks they’re heading to a party, but instead they’re soon running in the city’s underground. She makes friends—a punk girl named Tinkerbelle and the lost boys Peter watches over. And she makes enemies—the terrifying Detective Hook, and maybe Peter himself, as his sinister secrets start coming to light. Can Wendy find the courage to survive this night—and make sure everyone else does, too?

Acclaimed author K. Ancrum has re-envisioned Peter Pan with a central twist that will send all your previous memories of J. M. Barrie’s classic permanently off to Neverland.”

Whew! I feel like this is a powerhouse of a list, don’t you think? I hope you enjoyed this list and maybe some of these books caught your eye. I truly, truly am keeping all my fingers and toes crossed that I’ll be able to read all of these before the end of 2022. It’s just time to get them read and clear a little space on my tbr. Until next time friends, I love you! ♥

Are any of these books on your radar? Have a/any books you’re hoping to read before 2022 ends? Come tell me about it the comments below! ♥

|GoodReads|Instagram|YouTube|Wishlist|Kofi

Monthly TBR

March 2022 TBR

ChapterMalliumpkin6 Comments

Dawn of the arcs! Tackling of the TBR cart! Praying for enough caffeine!

Hi, hello, it’s me again. Your lovely chaotic book blogger, Malli here to tell you about the reading plans for March. But before we jump right in to the tbr… Have you hydrated today? Eaten a snack? Grabbed that second cup of coffee you left in the microwave? You need to take care of yourself, my friend, whatever you may need, make sure you take care of yourself.

Okay, it’s that time again where we talk books. YES BOOKS! Let me start by saying, I have no idea how this month is going to go reading wise. I’m going to be honest, I’ve recently fallen down a sexy, steamy novella rabbit hole and I don’t know if I’ll ever get out. So I’m hoping if I throw enough books at myself, my overachieving drive is going to be like, “We have obligations! Let’s focus, grab those coconut chips, and read!” Or something along those lines. I really want to tackle some of the books off of my tbr cart due to no more space and needing to get some of those books packed up. Also, I have a few arcs I’d really like to read just because they’re on my list of 5-star predictions right now and thankfully, I did start one. With all that being said, I thought I would try attempting the ACMC readathon happening in March. Though, I’m not stressing over whether or not I can actually find books for this readathon because I’m kind of doing a subtle, early prep for another readathon that’s happening in May. Plus, I’m trying to keep some space free for the monthly prompt of my friend’s book club. As you can see, March is a very busy, chaotic month for me and this tbr. But, I still compiled some of the books I’m hoping to read this month. Check out the list below! ⬇️

🌷 Currently Reading 🌷

➵ Once Upon A K-Prom by Kat Cho
May 17th 2022 by Disney
Arc was given by Disney Publishing Worldwide & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I feel really blessed to have received an arc of this book. Coming back to the book community after a year hiatus, this was one of the first 2022 releases that I not only really wanted, but it’s on my 5-star prediction list, favorite book of 2022 prediction list, and on my list of top ten highly anticipated releases of 2022. I might be setting the bar high, but I have faith that this book is going to make me melt into a puddle in so many ways.

🌷 The TBR 🌷

➵ Iron Widow (Iron Widow, #1) by Xiran Jay Zhao
September 21st 2021 by Penguin Teen

Continuing with the 12 Challenge, Iron Widow is next on the list of books to read this year! When I returned to the book community, this was one of the top five books I was seeing everywhere. Everyone I knew was raving about this book, talking about this book, and posting about it. So this has subtly been on my radar of books I’m interested and I’m glad that it was recommended to me for the 12 Challenge because now I can sit down and read it.

➵ Into the Drowning Deep (Rolling in the Deep #1) by Mira Grant
November 14th 2017 by Hachette Audio

I have been hearing the faintest whispers about this book for a while now. And I’m not going to lie, I’ve been kicking my butt for not picking this up sooner. However, recently I’ve been hearing a lot of readers talking about how atmospheric the audiobook is and with Audible credits to spend… I’m slapping this on my March tbr.

➵ Unlock Your Storybook Heart (You Are Your Own Fairy Tale #3) by Amanda Lovelace
March 15th 2022 by Andrews McMeel Publishing
ARC was given by NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

✨ Break Your Glass Slippers (You Are Your Own Fairy Tale #1) by Amanda Lovelace ★★★★★
✨ Shine Your Icy Crown (You Are Your Own Fairy Tale, #2) by Amanda Lovelace ★★★

Truly, the blessings for this month for arcs! I’ve already read the first two books of this trilogy and now I’ve been blessed with a chance to read the final book of this series. If you’re not familiar with Lovelace’s poetry, she normally does duologies or trilogies for her poetry collections. And if I’m remembering correctly, she only has a few standalone poetry/short story books such as Dragonhearts. I’ve loved Lovelace’s collections for a while now and this arc has me more excited to complete another series by her.

➵ Willodeen by Katherine Applegate
September 7th 2021 by Feiwel Friends

This was a wonderful present from my spouse! I love Applegate’s writing. I think her writing is so powerful, so beautiful. If you’ve been here for a while (or maybe you’re new) then you may have seen my review for Crenshaw. That book was so powerful and left me in a puddle. So anytime I pick up a book written by Applegate I have tissue boxes at the ready. I’m ready to fall in love, but sob my heart out.

➵ The Mythic Dream edited by Dominik Parisien
September 3rd 2019 by Saga Press

Diversity! Diversity for days! Anthologies truly are blessings in so many ways. Authors from all over coming together to share stories of myths across civilizations and cultures. Every story unique and different from the last. My soul and heart are so full that this anthology exists. And I’m a little bias because this is one of the first anthologies I discovered that has Indigenous representation.

➵ Pisces Hooks Taurus (Signs of Love #4) by Anyta Sunday
October 16th 2018 by Anyta Sunday

I swear, I will finish this series this year. It’s been far too long and reading this book is long overdue. This book has been on a backlist of titles that I’ve needed to read and we’re doing it. I’m making it happen one way or another. The flames of determination are high and even if I have to throw sleep out the window, I’m reading this book. Oh yeah, it’s gonna happen.

➵ Vespertine (Vespertine, #1) by Margaret Rogerson
October 5th 2021 by Margaret K. McElderry Books

Bless my beautiful and delightful friends because I didn’t know I needed this book in my life until the incredible Destiny and I fell into one of our deep bookish conversations. Basically it was her giving me all the book recommendations and me making a giant freaking list of all the books I need in my life. This stunning book being one of them. Look, I’m going to be honest, you had me at ghosts and necromancer/witchy type of class/guild/group. So yeah, color me intrigued and needing it like NOW.

Do you ever look at your tbr list after you’ve pumped yourself up for it and then go, “By the stars… what have I done?” Yeah, yeah… yeah, me neither. This is fine, it’s fine, we’re going to do great! I hope you enjoyed this little tbr post. I’ve really been enjoying making tbr posts recently and have been excited to share my monthly reading plans. Until next time chapterlings, stay cozy, I love you! ♥

What are you reading for the month of March?

|GoodReads|Instagram|YouTube|Wishlist|Kofi

Monthly TBR

February TBR 2022

ChapterMalliumpkin6 Comments

Tis the season of love, friends!

Salutations friends! January feels like it just zoomed right on by and now we’re being plopped in a whole new month again! Time really is just flying by. And with this new month that means I have another monthly tbr for you. Before we get into the tbr, I must admit, I haven’t finished one book off my January tbr. However, I do plan on finishing it sometime this week. I just spent a few days in a weird fog and the only thing my brain could really handle was playing Stardew Valley. Anyway, onward we march to the tbr!

❄️ Currently Reading ❄️

➸  The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune
March 17th 2020 by Tor Books 

I’ve really been enjoying this book so much! I have two pages worth of notes, quotes, and so many thoughts, feelings. I think my favorite character thus far has to be Theodore. And Sal is absolutely precious. Okay, all the kids are freaking precious!

➸ Playing Cupid (The Mythical Creatures Collection#1) by S.C. Alban
February 23rd 2021 by The Parliament House Press

“For the past five years, seventeen-year-old Megan Cooper has built a wall around her heart with little room to experience true feelings. Her mother’s passing has left her family fractured, driving a wedge between her and her father that has only gotten deeper with time. The only solution: graduate high school early and get out of Dodge. With one final standing between her and the rest of her life, Megan is paired with a Home Economics partner who seems destined to dump all the work on her. Constantly bailing at the last minute, with more excuses than she can keep track of, Jay Michaels seems determined to ruin her plan. That is, until she hits Cupid with her car. With his shooting arm is significantly injured, Megan has no choice but to take his place. As she races to find Cupid’s final three love matches in order to meet his quota by the start of the new year, she comes face to face with the very emotions she’s been pushing away for so long. Caught between what her head is saying and what her heart longs for, Megan must face old wounds, find forgiveness, and track down the perfect match for the one boy with all the excuses.”

➸ Once Upon A K-Prom by Kat Cho
May 17th 2022 by Disney
Arc was given by Disney Publishing Worldwide & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

“Elena Soo has always felt overshadowed. Whether by her more successful older sisters, her more popular twin brother, or her more outgoing best friend, everyone except Elena seems to know exactly who they are and what they want. But she is certain about one thing – she has no interest in going to prom. While the rest of the school is giddy over corsages and dresses, Elena would rather spend her time working to save the local community center, the one place that’s always made her feel like she belonged. So when international K-pop superstar Robbie Choi shows up at her house to ask her to prom, Elena is more confused than ever. Because the one person who always accepted Elena as she is? Her childhood best friend, Robbie Choi. And the one thing she maybe, possibly, secretly wants more than anything? For the two of them to keep the promise they made each other as kids: to go to prom together. But that was seven years ago, and with this new K-pop persona, pink hair, and stylish clothes, Robbie is nothing like the sweet, goofy boy she remembers. The boy she shared all her secrets with. The boy she used to love. Besides, prom with a guy who comes with hordes of screaming fans, online haters, and relentless paparazzi is the last thing Elena wants – even if she can’t stop thinking about Robbie’s smile…right?”

➸ Together We Burn by Isabel Ibañez
May 31st 2022 by Wednesday Books
Arc was given by Wednesday Books & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

“Eighteen-year-old Zarela Zalvidar is a talented flamenco dancer and daughter of the most famous Dragonador in Hispalia. People come for miles to see him fight in their arena, which will one day be hers. But disaster strikes during their five hundredth anniversary show, and in the carnage, Zarela’s father is horribly injured. Facing punishment from the Dragon Guild, Zarela must keep the arena—her ancestral home and inheritance —safe from their greedy hands. She has no choice but to take her father’s place as the next Dragonador. When the infuriatingly handsome dragon hunter, Arturo Díaz de Montserrat, withholds his help, she refuses to take no for an answer. But even if he agrees, there’s someone out to ruin the Zalvidar family, and Zarela will have to do whatever it takes in order to prevent the Dragon Guild from taking away her birthright.”

➸ My Boss’s Kitten, Vol 1 by Yumi Hisawa
October 15th 2019 by Kodansha

“Aya was deserted right before her marriage and was left without a place to live. One day, she finds herself wandering back into the house she was supposed to own after her wedding. To her surprise, the cold-blooded boss she hates from work had moved in as the new owner! A dangerous love ignites under one roof between the girl who lost love and her sadistic boss!”

What’s on your tbr for February?

That’s a wrap of the February tbr friend! I’m really hoping to get all of these read for this month and definitely finishing up my January read! What are you planning to read for February? And books you’re excited to read? Come chat about in the comments below! Until next time chapterlings; remember to hydrate, I love you! 💚

P.S. I totally forgot a book to put on here, but its fine! You can check it out on my 12 Challenge post!

|GoodReads|Instagram|YouTube|Wishlist|Kofi

Tags

12 Challenge | 12 Months to Read 12 Books

ChapterMalliumpkin9 Comments

This challenge was originally created by shadowbooker on Instagram.

Hi, it’s me! Back with setting myself up for struggles with tbrs… again!

Salutations Chapterlings! As I’m sure you’ve seen floating around on Instagram and possibly book Twitter, there’s a new challenge in town! Yes, it’s true, this lovely challenge was brought to us by the lovely Shadowbooker (who’s link you can click above, directly under the image for this post) who crafted this stunning template. After a lovely friend reached out to me asking to give them a recommendation for this challenge, I was easily persuaded into doing this challenge myself.

Thanks to friends, family, and some amazing peeps in the book community, I was finally able to gather all 12 books onto this list. And then I had a thought, “Let’s make a post dedicating it to this challenge and essentially holding myself to this challenge.” So, let me introduce to you the 12 books recommended to me for this challenge.

P.S. To everyone who reached out and recommend Elatsoe by Darcy Little Badger: Thank you for recommending that book to me. Yes, I have already read it and yes, I need to do a reread to actually take some darn notes and write a full review, but I have read it. You can find a statement from me on GoodReads HERE!

The 12 Books

✨ The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune
✨ Garlic and the Vampire by Bree Paulsen
✨ Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
✨ This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron
✨ I Love You So Mochi by Sarah Kuhn
✨ Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon
✨ Girl Made of Stars by Ashley Herring Blake
✨ Scythe by Neal Shusterman
✨ Healer of the Water Monster by Brian Young
✨ Legacy by Whiti Hereaka
✨ Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
✨ The Adventure Zone: Petals to the Metal by Clint McElroy

And now the nerves kick in!

Honestly, I’m really nervous about this list of books. Some of them I’m really excited for because many friends have been recommending certain titles to me for a hot minute, but I definitely have some worries. If I pick up a book and don’t like it, that’s on me because I should know my reading preference, but when others recommend books and I don’t like it… oh, I’ll feel bad for days if I didn’t enjoy the book. Even more so due to three books on this list being overly hyped to me and anytime someone overhypes something, I get very weary about if I’ll actually feel the same. So I’m definitely nervous, but excited to do this challenge.
Are you participating in the 12 Challenge this year? If so, what books do you have on your list or if you have a similar post, post a link in the comments. Until next time chapterlings, sending you all of my love for this new year of reading! 💚

|GoodReads|Instagram|YouTube|Wishlist|Kofi

Monthly TBR

January 2022 TBR

ChapterMalliumpkinLeave a comment

It’s TBR time again!

Salutations book dragons! It’s that time again where I tell you what has found it’s way into my tbr pile and myself, once again, praying to the gods that nothing (and I do mean nothing) comes to stop me from completing my tbr for this month. Frankly, I tried to keep it small because I’m trying to ease my way back into reading the way I used to, but doing it in a more healthier way, with way less burnout and more satisfaction. A sense of completion, in it’s own way. And who knows, maybe a few extra books will find it’s way onto the this list without me actually listing them. So if you don’t mind short tbrs, stick around and maybe you’ll find something you’re excited for!

➸ Tiger Honor (Thousand Worlds #2) by Yoon Ha Lee
January 4th 2022 by Rick Riordan Presents
Arc was given by Disney Hyperion & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

“Sebin, a young tiger spirit from the Juhwang Clan, wants nothing more than to join the Thousand World Space Forces and, like their Uncle Hwan, captain a battle cruiser someday. But when Sebin’s acceptance letter finally arrives, it’s accompanied by the shocking news that Hwan has been declared a traitor. Apparently the captain abandoned his duty to steal a magical artifact, the Dragon Pearl, and his whereabouts are still unknown. Sebin hopes to help clear their hero’s name and restore honor to the clan. Nothing goes according to plan, however. As soon as Sebin arrives for orientation, they are met by a special investigator named Yi and his assistant, a girl named Min. Yi informs Sebin that they must immediately report to the ship Haetae and await further instructions. Sebin finds this highly unusual, but soon all protocol is forgotten when there’s an explosion on the ship, the crew is knocked out, and the communication system goes down. It’s up to Sebin, three other cadets, and Yi and Min to determine who is sabotaging the battle cruiser. When Sebin is suddenly accused of collaborating with the enemy, the cadet realizes that Min is the most dangerous foe of all…”

➸ The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune
March 17th 2020 by Tor Books 

“Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his old records. As a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, he spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in government-sanctioned orphanages. When Linus is unexpectedly summoned by Extremely Upper Management he’s given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage, where six dangerous children reside: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. Linus must set aside his fears and determine whether or not they’re likely to bring about the end of days. But the children aren’t the only secret the island keeps. Their caretaker is the charming and enigmatic Arthur Parnassus, who will do anything to keep his wards safe. As Arthur and Linus grow closer, long-held secrets are exposed, and Linus must make a choice: destroy a home or watch the world burn. An enchanting story, masterfully told, The House in the Cerulean Sea is about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place—and realizing that family is yours.”

➸ Reclaim the Stars: 17 Tales Across Realms & Space by Zoraida Córdova
February 15th 2022 by Wednesday Books
Arc was given by St. Martin’s Press & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

“Reclaim the Stars is a collection of bestselling and acclaimed YA authors that take the Latin American diaspora to places fantastical and out of this world. From princesses warring in space, to the all too-near devastation of climate change, to haunting ghost stories in Argentina, and mermaids off the coast of the Caribbean. This is science fiction and fantasy that breaks borders and realms, and proves that stories are truly universal.”

Authors include Vita Ayala, David Bowles, Daniel José Older, J.C. Cervantes, Sara Faring, Romina Garber, Isabel Ibañez, Anna-Marie McLemore, Yamile Saied Méndez, Nina Moreno, Circe Moskowitz, Maya Motayne, Linda Raquel Nieves Pérez, Claribel A. Ortega, Mark Oshiro, Lilliam Rivera and Zoraida Córdova.

New year means all the new releases!

And with that, this article is finished! Truly, this will be the year where I’m catching up on 2021 releases and trying to include 2022 releases into tbrs. Again, I love my backlist of titles I need to read (there’s so many titles), but I truly want to focus on titles I missed last year and the titles I’m excited for this year. Hopefully, I’ll be able to read everything I want to read and maybe if I’m feeling good, more reviews or wrap up will pop up with more titles than the tbr for that month stated. Do you have any titles you’re hoping to read this month that you want to share? Tell me about them down below or if you have a tbr list you want me to check out, link it in the comments. Until next time friends, sending you all my well wishes, luck, and of course, love! 💚

|GoodReads|Instagram|YouTube|Wishlist|Kofi

#5OnMyTBR

#5OnMyTBR | Planned to Read in 2022

ChapterMalliumpkin1 Comment

#5OnMyTBR is a bookish meme hosted by E. @ Local Bee Hunter’s Nook
You can learn more about it here or in the post announcing it.

Salutations lovelies! I’m back with a ‘five on my tbr’ for everyone! I haven’t done one of these in a hot minute either and I thought this would be a really good one to kick off on since we’re talking 2022. Yes, it’s true, I’m already planning a 2022 tbr with some 2022 releases that are just around the corner. Now, most of these books are arcs, but I’m hoping to knock out my arc list in hopes to have them read by their respected release dates. Except for one, one book on this list is coming out literally right in the new year, but I’m still mentioning it because I’m so excited for it. Anyway, without further delays, here are some of the books I want to read in 2022.

🎄 Tiger Honor (Thousand Worlds #2) by Yoon Ha Lee 🎄

“Sebin, a young tiger spirit from the Juhwang Clan, wants nothing more than to join the Thousand World Space Forces and, like their Uncle Hwan, captain a battle cruiser someday. But when Sebin’s acceptance letter finally arrives, it’s accompanied by the shocking news that Hwan has been declared a traitor. Apparently the captain abandoned his duty to steal a magical artifact, the Dragon Pearl, and his whereabouts are still unknown. Sebin hopes to help clear their hero’s name and restore honor to the clan.

Nothing goes according to plan, however. As soon as Sebin arrives for orientation, they are met by a special investigator named Yi and his assistant, a girl named Min. Yi informs Sebin that they must immediately report to the ship Haetae and await further instructions. Sebin finds this highly unusual, but soon all protocol is forgotten when there’s an explosion on the ship, the crew is knocked out, and the communication system goes down. It’s up to Sebin, three other cadets, and Yi and Min to determine who is sabotaging the battle cruiser. When Sebin is suddenly accused of collaborating with the enemy, the cadet realizes that Min is the most dangerous foe of all…”

🎄 Reclaim the Stars: 17 Tales Across Realms & Space by Zoraida Cordova 🎄

“Reclaim the Stars is a collection of bestselling and acclaimed YA authors that take the Latin American diaspora to places fantastical and out of this world. From princesses warring in space, to the all too-near devastation of climate change, to haunting ghost stories in Argentina, and mermaids off the coast of the Caribbean. This is science fiction and fantasy that breaks borders and realms, and proves that stories are truly universal.

Authors include Vita Ayala, David Bowles, Daniel José Older, J.C. Cervantes, Sara Faring, Romina Garber, Isabel Ibañez, Anna-Marie McLemore, Yamile Saied Méndez, Nina Moreno, Circe Moskowitz, Maya Motayne, Linda Raquel Nieves Pérez, Claribel A. Ortega, Mark Oshiro, Lilliam Rivera and Zoraida Córdova.”

🎄 Belle Morte by Bella Higgin 🎄

“There’s only one way out

Belle Morte. One of five houses where vampires reside as celebrities and humans are paid to be their living donors. While others came here seeking fortune, I came in search of my sister who walked into Belle Morte five months ago . . . and never walked back out.

Now that I’m here, the secrets about this world have proven to be much bigger than I ever anticipated. And lurking around every corner are shocking insinuations of what happened to my sister.

There’s only one person who might have the answers I need, and the undeniable pull I feel toward him is terrifying: Edmond Dantès―a vampire, and my mortal enemy.

The harder I try to resist him, the further I fall under his spell. And in one instant my life is irrevocably changed. My past becomes prologue and my fate becomes sealed behind these doors. Belle Morte has spoken. And it may never let me go.”

🎄 The Vicious Grace (The Last Finestra, #1) by Emily Thiede 🎄

“Three weddings. Three funerals. Alessa’s gift from the gods is supposed to magnify a partner’s magic, not kill every suitor she touches.

Now, with only weeks left until a hungry swarm of demons devours everything on her island home, Alessa is running out of time to find a partner and stop the invasion. When a powerful priest convinces the faithful that killing Alessa is the island’s only hope, her own soldiers try to assassinate her.

Desperate to survive, Alessa hires Dante, a cynical outcast marked as a killer, to become her personal bodyguard. But as rebellion explodes outside the gates, Dante’s dark secrets may be the biggest betrayal. He holds the key to her survival and her heart, but is he the one person who can help her master her gift or destroy her once and for all?”

🎄An Unreliable Magic (A Hundred Names for Magic #2) by Rin Chupeco 🎄

“Tala, Alex, and the rest of their friends are safe for now, but know the Snow Queen is still out there. They have to be prepared for when she eventually attacks—and all decide to do so in their own way.

When Ryker comes out of the woodwork, showing himself when he starts attacking American detention facilities and freeing refugees. And the Nameless Sword, a legendary weapon that according to Avalon legend, will make its wielder the most powerful warrior of their time turns up with her name on it, Tala’s life gets messier…But when the Snow Queen arrives with an unlikely ally, the group will have to work together.”

Okay, friends! I those are the top five books I have at the top of my 2022 reading list thus far! These are some of my most anticipated reads of 2022 and I can’t wait for them to release! What are some of the books you’re hoping to read in 2022? Come chat with me in the comments below! Until next time friends, stay safe and cozy! I love you! 💚

|GoodReads|Instagram|YouTube|Wishlist|Kofi

Monthly TBR

December 2021 TBR

ChapterMalliumpkin4 Comments

Honestly, I must have lost a few marbles, not going to lie. I haven’t done a tbr since September and well… that didn’t go so well. Maybe there’s a part of me that really misses doing tbrs piles or maybe I just miss telling you all what I’m hoping to read, hoping to consume. And if I’m being honest, 2021 has been a weird, stressful year especially when it comes to attempting to read. Look, there’s just been a lot of things that have prevented me from picking up books or even thinking about writing articles. But I digress!

It’s not a big tbr, no it’s far from that. With my current situation of feeling under the weather and then on top of that the stress of packing, house renovations, and the holidays looming around the corner, I didn’t want this to be a very large list. You know the ones, those end of the year tbr crunching kind of piles to squeeze in as many books as possible before the year is over? Yeah, those kind of tbr piles. I didn’t want this to be that. So, I put together a kind of casual reading list for this month and if I don’t read everything, then I think that’s okay!

☃️ December TBR ☃️

➸ For the Wolf (The Wilderwood, #1) by Hannah Whitten
June 1st 2021 by Orbit
Buddy read with Destiny at Howling Libraries 💜

“As the only Second Daughter born in centuries, Red has one purpose-to be sacrificed to the Wolf in the Wood in the hope he’ll return the world’s captured gods. Red is almost relieved to go. Plagued by a dangerous power she can’t control, at least she knows that in the Wilderwood, she can’t hurt those she loves. Again. But the legends lie. The Wolf is a man, not a monster. Her magic is a calling, not a curse. And if she doesn’t learn how to use it, the monsters the gods have become will swallow the Wilderwood-and her world-whole.“

➸ When Snowflakes Fall (The Graysons, #1) by Tara Wyatt
 September 9th 2019 by Tara Wyatt

“Divorced single dad Luke Grayson isn’t looking for love. Nope. Not at all what he’d planned on asking Santa for this year. Love is off the table for Luke and has been ever since he had his heart broken when the mother of his son walked out on him without a backward glance. Ignoring the hurt and the loneliness, he’s spent the past several years focused on providing a good, stable life for Ethan while growing his successful carpentry business. But then Dr. Christie Harmon moves to Cheyenne, Wyoming and has Luke wanting all kinds of things he shouldn’t want from the gorgeous pediatrician. Things like long nights, sweet mornings, and whispered promises. Soon, Luke finds himself only wanting Christie under his Christmas tree this year. But Christie’s running from a secret—one that could completely change how Luke sees her.“

➸ Merry Inkmas by Talia Hibbert
November 28th 2019 by Nixon House

“Cash Evans has come a long way since his troubled childhood, but all the wealth he’s earned as a tattoo artist can’t fix the hole in his heart. He knows that the sweet barista who haunts his dreams is off-limits… But life doesn’t always go to plan. Bailey Cooper is determined to learn from her mother’s mistakes. She’s seen how cruel love can be, and she’s not about to sacrifice her self-respect for a relationship. But when a bad boy with a heart of gold comes to her rescue, she finds herself wondering if this beast might just be her Prince Charming.“

➸ Immortal Souls (Immortal Souls, #1) by Phoenix Viera
December 12th 2021 by Koa Tales

“A fallen Empire. A forbidden royal romance. An ancient treaty with the Fae. In a world tainted by greed and rebellion, death prowls the shadows of the once glorious Sun Empire, waiting to devour those who dare fight back. Corvus, heir to the most powerful House, is a threat to the Emperor, despite being the dearest friend of Crown Princess Saphyr. When the Emperor forbids their friendship, Corvus forms an Alliance to overthrow him, until betrayal forces Corvus into exile. After the lethal Queen of the Sirens emerges from the secret realm of Sirenibus, Corvus is tempted by an irresistible deal at a dangerous price. Caught up in a conspiracy and a war between light and darkness, can he and Saphyr save the people from a terrible destiny and restore the Empire to its former glory? Or will Corvus have to sacrifice more than he is willing to give? Will his life be enough, or will it also demand his soul?“

Okay friends, that’s about all the books for this tbr. As I said, not a very big list of books to read for this month. However, I’m excited to read these and tell you my thoughts on them. What books do you plan on reading for the month of December? Do you have any must reads immediately? Tell me your thoughts in the comments! Until next time; stay cozy and stay bookish! I love you! 💚

|GoodReads|Instagram|YouTube|Wishlist|Kofi