Bookish Q&A

 

 

 

1. Currently Reading

 

 Star Wars: Young Jedi Knights: Trouble on Cloud City by Rebecca Moesta and Kevin J. Anderson

Vampire Interrupted by Lynsay Sands

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

The Witching Hour by Anne Rice

Thunder in the Mountains by Lon Savage

Sleeping Beauties by Stephen King & Owen King 

 Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

Hans Christian Andersen Fairy Tales 

 

2. Last book read

 Finished Vampires are Forever by Lynsay Sands recently. It is a book in the Aregenu series of paranormal romances that feature a family of Immortals (they're vampires...) finding their Life Mates. This book focused on Thomas and Inez. I adore Thomas. And Inez is fun. Whole book was a fun read.

 

3. All-time favorite book/series

The Riordan-verse books. I am counting them all as one big series and you can't stop me.

 

4. An author I always recommend

Lynsay Sands - if you like romance books

Rick Riordan - if you like Young Adult

Anne Rice - if you want to know what kind of buttons are on the jackets the characters are wearing

 

5. A book/series I DNF'd

 I never finished the Hollows series by Kim Harrison. I actually only got a few books in. A character I liked got killed off and I just noped out of there. I should give it another chance... But... I loved him. I should give the books another chance... But...

 

6. A fictional place I'd like to visit

 The Jedi Academy on Yavin 4.

 

7. An OTP I love

 Henry and Alex from Red, White, and Royal Blue

 

8. My fictional bf/gf

 No.

 

9. Favorite book cover owned

 I don't really have one. There are plenty of covers I like, but none stand out in my mind as being my favorite.

 

10. Last disappointing read

I started a book of Norse mythology that I didn't realize was apparently written for young children. It was super disappointing. Not entirely the book's fault.. It is some of the book's fault.

 

11. A trope I love to see

There are so many tropes I love. Found Family, Fake Dating... I have now forgotten every trope in existence...

 

12. A trope I can't stand

Love triangles. I am just so fucking tired of them. 

Oh, and miscommunication for drama if it is too drawn out. Miscommunication for humor is fantastic though, need more of that shit.

 

13. My favorite MC

*forgets every main character in every book I ever read*

Uh... Percy Jackson? 

 

14. A fictional character that reminds me of myself

 Shikamaru Nara. I'm not as smart, but I am that lazy.

 

15. A highly anticipated book/series release

 The Court of the Dead by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro

 

16. A novel on my TBR

 Just one? There is so many... Ummm... Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree

 

17. My comfort read/character

 Fan-fiction.

 

18. My favorite side character

 Nico di Angelo. So proud of him for becoming a main character.

 

19. My favorite book to movie adaptation

Jurassic Park. Even though it does stray from the book on occasion. Still a great movie.

 

20. A villain I love to hate

Capitalism. I mean...  

 

21. My favorite reading spot

my bed. 

 

22. Latest book haul

 Got all but the first two books of the Dorothy Must Die series. I think those were the last books I bought. I read the first book years ago and really enjoyed it, but never finished buying the rest of the books. Decided to do that recently.

 

23. Longest book read

 The Stand by Stephen King or The Witching Hour by Anne Rice. Not sure which one is longer and I am too lazy to look it up. But both are over 1000 pages.

 

24. Shortest book read

 I assume a Berenstain Bears or Little Critter book when I was a child (or when my child was younger).

 

25. My bookish goals for the year 

I have none. Had none. Will have none next year.

6 Things That Won't Get Their Own Blog Post

Oh my. It has been awhile.

It took me awhile to adjust to the new job thing. And when I finally did, shit went to hell at work. And it has been a roller coaster of hell since. But hey! I have done some things besides work. So here is a post! A short one, but it is a post.

 

Hillbilly Diner's Omega 

by Corie Rosling

I should have predicted the West Virginia connection after the three paragraphs about pepperoni rolls. Which... Those three paragraphs were the best part of the entire book.  It was just... not good...

Single White Vampire 

by Lynsay Sands

This book was going to get its own post. I swear. Got it in the drafts folder and everything. But, I finished it around the time I started my new job... Three months ago [it's been almost a year now... I have been really slacking on my online presence. Whoops.]. So, I have forgotten most the details. Especially since I started the next book in the series already. Let's see what I remember...

Lucern Argeneau is a writer, he started with non-fiction but recently transitioned into paranormal romance novels. Which are re-tellings of his siblings finding love. Okay. Weirdo. Kate Leever is his editor who wants him to do some publicity. Which Lucern doesn't want to do because he's a grouchy vampire. 

Lucern finally agrees to doing a convention thanks to his meddling mother. And while at the convention, Lucern and Kate fall in love.

As always, enjoyed this one. Love this series.

 

Five Nights at Freddy's

I don't feel like I know enough about the franchise to give this a worthy blog post. So, here it is. As someone who knows very little about the games, I thought the movie was pretty good. Just a fun little horror movie about animatronics that come to life and murder. That murder cupcake is fucking adorable by the way. Also, I love Matthew Lillard. Dude is just fantastic.

Unveiling Korean Mythology

by A.S Mason

I wanted a book on Korean mythology. This one was okay. But not great. Instead of just telling the stories, this book summarized the stories, which was kind of annoying, in my opinion. 

 

 

The Radium Girls 

by Kate Moore

This book was really good. But really heartbreaking. It was about a group of women who got radiation poisoning and their fight to get the help they deserved. I recommend it if you want to know more about the subject.

 

 Tall, Dark & Hungry 

by Lynsay Sands

Another book in Lynsay Sands' Aregeneau series.  In this one Bastien Argeneau meets his future sister-in-law's cousin. Who is in town for Kate and Lucern's wedding. Oh, and they fall in love, of course. I love this series and I love this book. 

Okay. That's all for this one. 

I got a few more in the drafts. And am also working on a new book review format (might also use it for movies and video games, still deciding). No idea how it will work for me, but we will see.

Books Q & A

Hello there! I came across this on my Tumblr from years ago (2012, I believe). So, I thought I would re-do it here.

1. Favorite childhood book?

Sideway Stories From Wayside School by Louis Sachar.

2. What are you reading right now?

That is my Now Reading Stack. And let's see.... 

My writing prompt journal, ignore that. That is for writing, not reading. 

The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice. I'm finally to the point where Lestat becomes a vampire.

Radium Girls by Kate Moore. This one was recommended by my kiddo. Not too far into it, but it's interesting so far. Five stars for the descriptioins of the girls. 

The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan. Artemis just showed up! Yay!

Single White Vampire by Lynsay Sands. Love this series. Love Lynsay Sands. 

Kong: Skull Island by Tim Lebron. 1 Star on descriptions, bro. 

Shards of Alderaan by Rebecca Moesta and Kevin J. Anderson. Boba Fett is in this one. 

Weird and Unusual Trivia. It's okay. 

Old Kindle full of fan-fiction. 

Tablet for reading new fan-fictions. 

Bottling It (A Wayfair Witches' Cozy Mystery) by A.A. Albright on the Kindle Fire. Pretty fun read so far.


3. What books do you have on request at the library?

None

4. Bad book habit?

Getting distracted by fan-fiction and forgetting I'm reading actual books...

5. What do you currently have checked out at the library?

Nothing.

6. Do you have an e-reader?

Yep. I actually have an old Kindle that I use just for fan-fiction. I download my favorites so I can re-read them all the time. And I have a Kindle Fire that I use just for the Kindle app.

7. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once?

I used to be firmly a one book at a time reader. But... Now I read several at once. It actually works really well for me. Well... Maybe not really well. It works okay-ish for me. It's nice because if I am reading something that is a darker read and it gets to me, I'll read a bit on something with a lighter tone instead of just avoiding the first book or giving up on it. 

8. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog?

Not really.

9. Least favorite book you read this year (so far?)

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. It was boring. So boring. Ugh. Boring!

10. Favorite book you’ve read this year?

Ummm... I can't choose. I read two Percy Jackson books that I love. And Good Omens which is such a great book. But, my favorite I've read so far this year that wasn't a re-read is probably Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper by J.L. Bryan. 

11. How often do you read out of your comfort zone?

I'm not sure...

12. What is your reading comfort zone?

I... I don't think I have one?

13. Can you read on the bus?

I am capable. Pretty sure I get motion sickness when I do, though.

14. Favorite place to read?

Probably in my bed...

15. What is your policy on book lending?

I'll lend books to my closest friends, but no one else.

16. Do you ever dog-ear books?

I usually don't, but do so sometimes with books that I have that are already damaged. 

17. Do you ever write in the margins of your books?

Nope.

18. Not even with text books?

No. 

19. What is your favorite language to read in?

English. Because that is the only language I can read in...

20. What makes you love a book?

Interesting characters. Good writing. 

21. What will inspire you to recommend a book?

If you express an interest in reading and give me five minutes, I'll recommend every book I've ever read and thought was half-way decent.

22. Favorite genre?

I'm not really sure. Maybe fantasy or paranormal romance. Gods, give me a fantasy paranormal romance with queer characters and I will swoon. Oh, maybe with a mystery in there?

23. Genre you rarely read (but wish you did?)

I need to read more non-fiction stuff that isn't true crime. 

24. Favorite biography?

I don't think I have one...

25. Have you ever read a self-help book?

Not that I remember...

26. Favorite cookbook?

The TikTok Twink's book! I love him.

Baking Yesteryear by B. Dylan Hollis for those that have no idea what I'm talking about.

27. Most inspirational book you’ve read this year (fiction or non-fiction)?

Ummm... The Lightning Thief. Percy Jackson inspires me to be sassier.

28. Favorite reading snack?

Chips and snack crackers, I suppose.



29. Name a case in which hype ruined your reading experience.

I can't think of any time this happened.


30. How often do you agree with critics about a book?

I don't really pay attention to critics opinions about anything...

31. How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews?

I don't like to do it. There is enough negativity on the internet and I don't like to add to it. If I dislike something I will bitch to my friends, but I won't focus on it online. Also, just because I didn't like something, doesn't mean it's bad. It just wasn't for me. And that's fine. Not everything is for me. 

32. If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you choose?

Korean. But not so I could read books in Korean. Mostly so I could read the captions on K-Pop related videos on YouTube. And help Ryan practice his Korean.

33. Most intimidating book you’ve ever read?

Umm... I dunno... Uh... The Stand?

34. Most intimidating book you’re too nervous to begin?

Can't think of a single one.



35. Favorite Poet?

Lee Know from Stray Kids. That poem he wrote about potatoes was beautiful...



36. How many books do you usually have checked out of the library at any given time?

Uh. Now... none... I should really start going to the library again...

37. How often have you returned book to the library unread?

Fairly often.



38. Favorite fictional character?

Oh my gods... There are so many... umm... Let's see... I am going to say Nico di Angelo.



39. Favorite fictional villain?

*stares at my bookshelves for two days* Percy's Grandpa.



40. Books you’re most likely to bring on vacation?

I'd just take my Kindles. Got a whole shit load of books to choose from on one, and all my favorite fan-fiction on the other. Easier than carrying a stack of books.


41. The longest you’ve gone without reading.

Too long.

 

42. Name a book that you could/would not finish.

Most recently I gave up on finishing a book about Albert Fish. I tried, but after awhile I just couldn't deal with it anymore. 

43. What distracts you easily when you’re reading?

People...

44. Favorite film adaptation of a novel?

Winnie the Pooh.

45. Most disappointing film adaptation?

Percy Jackson movies. Like... Ugh. No. The show is fantastic though. Totally recommend that shit. Ignore the movies though.

46. The most money I’ve ever spent in the bookstore at one time?

Like 100 bucks. Back when I got gift cards for Barnes and Noble for holidays. 

47. How often do you skim a book before reading it?

Umm... Never. I will read the book blurbs most of the time, but I won't, like, open it up and skim through the pages.

48. What would cause you to stop reading a book half-way through?

I assume you mean stop reading it completely, because I will stop reading books to set them aside and read later because I'm not in the right headspace for it at the time. But... To completely stop reading, various things.


49. Do you like to keep your books organized?

Sadly, I don't have enough space to keep my books very organized. But gods do I want to organize them...

 

50. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you’ve read them?

Depends. If I liked it enough that I can see myself reading it again, then I'll keep it. Otherwise I'll give them away.

51. Are there any books you’ve been avoiding?

One of the Trials of Apollo books. I know what happens and I don't like what happens.

52. Name a book that made you angry.

Night Stalker or whatever by some guy. That book about Richard Ramirez. Fuck that book.



53. A book you didn’t expect to like but did?

I honestly can't think of one. 

54. A book that you expected to like but didn’t?

Again, can't think of one.

55. Favorite guilt-free, pleasure reading?

Fan-fiction!

56. Favorite book of all time?

Witch and Wombat by Carolyn Cushman. 

That's all for this one!

The Great Book Challenge

Hello there!

 I was hoping to have The Stand finished by this week. But... Well that would require me to go back to reading it. Which I will hopefully do today. So, no rambling about The Stand. 

Instead I'm gonna do this thing I found on Pinterest.

Searched around for the original posting for this. Got a lot of "this page doesn't exist" pages. Soooo... Yeah...

Time to ramble about books again. I do that a lot... 🤷🏻‍♀️

1. Favorite stand-alone 

I'm just going to go with Witch and Wombat by Carolyn Cushman.

2. Most wanted fandom item 

I'm not really sure. Like there are a lot of nerdy fandom things I want, but I lack the money and space for them. But I would love that life-size statue of Kakashi I saw online.

3. Currently reading 

The Stand by Stephen King, mostly. Okay, okay, fan-fiction mostly. But I'll get back to The Stand.

4. Most emotional death

Mordin... Wait. This is about books, not video games. Shit... Uhhh... *forgets every book character that has ever died*

 

5. Inspiring book quote 

“The really important thing to be was yourself, just as hard as you could.” 

-Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman

6. Book that got you into reading 

Probably something by Dr. Suess.

7. Last book you bought 

physical book - Hamlet (No Fear Shakespeare edition) for my kid. 

digital book - 🤷🏻‍♀️ I got a bunch of free books for the Kindle that I don't remember the titles of. They only get filed in the memory banks after I read them and if I enjoy them.

8. Series you never finished 

Hmm... I haven't finished the Trials of Apollo yet. But I plan to. 

9. Fandom you want to join 

I'm think I'm all filled up on fandoms... 

10. Favorite place to read 

Curled up in bed. 

11. Recommend a book 

Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett

Carrie by Stephen King

Simon vs. The Homosapien Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Witch and Wombat by Carolyn Cushman

12. Worst reading experience 

I have blocked those from my memory banks. I have vague memories of complaining to Ryan about books I didn't enjoy, but nothing specific. 

13. Your bookmark(s) 

I got a box of bookmarks. Yes, I do mostly use pieces of the boxes from my Funko Pops. I put clear contact paper on them so they're protected. 

14. Most underrated book 

Witch and Wombat by Carolyn Cushman (Hey, I really fucking love this book, okay)

15. Favorite quote 

“Life is too short to read books that I'm not enjoying.”

-Melissa Marr

16. Relatable character 

Kakashi Hatake from Naruto (hey, it was a manga before it was an anime, so he counts as a book character), because I also will read when I should be doing other things.

17. Favorite book universe

I'm going to go with the Riordan-verse which includes the Percy Jackson books as well as the Kane Chronicles, the Magnus Chase books, and I'm not sure but the ones by other writers I think also fit into the universe. I just find the whole ancient gods and goddesses still being around interesting and Rick Riordan did a really great job creating a universe with all of them.

18. Book that made you laugh

The Simpsons episode guide books?

19. Favorite IG fandom account 

I don't have one.

20. Best sequel 

Ugh. Seriously the only sequel I can think of right now is Doctor Sleep by Stephen King. Which is a great sequel. But there has to be others, right?

21. Book you read for school 

I once read Tale of the Body Thief by Anne Rice for a book report. I think I was in 7th grade?

22. Your guilty pleasure book 

I don't really have one.

23. Favorite casting choice

Umm... Sissy Spacek as Carrie in the original movie.

24. Old read 

Young Jedi Knights Series by Kevin J. Anderson and Rebecca Moesta?

25. Nook vs. traditional book 

Well... I don't have a Nook. I have a Kindle. And the Kindle app on my tablet. And honestly, I don't prefer either. There are pros and cons for traditional books and ebooks. 

26. Favorite reading snack/drink 

My bowl of snacks with a soda usually

27. Funniest line from a book 

“Most books on witchcraft will tell you that witches work naked. This is because most books on witchcraft are written by men."

Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch

28. Your Hogwarts house 

... Ravenclaw... Shut up.

29. Local bookshop 

We don't have one. The closest book store to me is Barnes and Noble which is at least a 35-minute drive. 

30. Saddest book ending

Pretty much any Stephen King book. Cause everyone fucking dies.

Well, I think that's good enough. I got this all filled out in a day, which is unusual for me cause I like to overthink everything. 

Do you have a book related question for me? Leave me a comment or find me on social media.

Support me on Ko-Fi (so I can buy more books)

30 Day Book Challenge (all at once)

 

Who loves nerdy 30 day challenges?

Me!

Who refuses to do them as they were intended?

Also me!

Enjoy these thirty questions about books that I probably spent too much time trying to answer.

1. Best book you read last year

I read a lot of good books in the past year. I think I read Red, White, and Royal Blue? Which was awesome and pretty new still. So, let's go with that one.

2. A book that you've read more than 3 times

I have read a lot of books more than 3 times but I'm gonna go with The Courtship of Princess Leia by Dave Wolverton

3. Your favorite series

So many good choices. I'm gonna go with the Argeneau series by Lynsay Sands. Paranormal romance with great characters, solid plots, and a fantastic amount of humor.

4. Favorite book of your favorite series

Vampires are Forever. Okay, I love all the books in the Argenau series, but I remember reading the books for the first time and fell in love with Thomas, so his book became a favorite. 

5. A book that makes you happy

Witch and Wombat by Carolyn Cushman

6. A book that makes you sad

The entire Star Wars Expanded Universe (or I suppose it's called Legends now). Aside from a few that are actually sad, the reason is more that I spent over 20 years reading those books and falling in love with what all those writers did with the characters, so when it was officially announced to be not canon I was sad (still am) because I won't get any more of those. I'm not saying I'm against what is happening in the Star Wars universe now. I enjoy all of it well enough. But it's like I lost an old friend. I still have the books, the memories, but I'll never get anything new. Though... Towards the end there I was getting pretty depressed since they killed off a favorite character and had another go to the dark side... 

7. Most underrated book

Witch and Wombat by Carolyn Cushman

8. Most overrated book

The Fifty Shades of Grey books. I will admit that I never actually read them, but from what I have seen around, those books did not deserve all the publicity and praise they received. 

9. A book you thought you wouldn't like but ended up loving

I'm not really sure. I guess Twilight? But I don't really "love" it. It was good for what it was. Not as shitty as people make it out to be. But also not as great as some people think it is.

10. Favorite classic book

Peter Pan.

11. A book you hated

I got nothing. There are books that I didn't enjoy, but I can't remember the titles or anything. Got more important things to remember.

12. A book you used to love but don't anymore

I can't think of any actual titles, but there have been a few romance novels that I enjoyed before, but now I find cringey as hell.

13. Your favorite writer

This question is always hard because there are so many that I love. But I'm gonna say Lynsay Sands because I love her mix of romance and humor. And I really liked how her vampires came to be. 

14. Favorite book of your favorite writer

Since I already talked about Lynsay Sands' Argeanu series, I'm gonna go with one of her other books for this one. Honestly, I don't have a favorite, but Lady Pirate was super good. 

15. Favorite male character

Bernie from Witch and Wombat.

16. Favorite female character

Hali from Witch and Wombat

17. Favorite quote from your favorite book

Don't have one. 🤷🏻‍♀️

18. A book that disappointed you

The last book in the Southern Vampire Mysteries series. I just... Why?

19. Favorite book turned into a movie

Are we going by my love for the book or my love for the movie or if it was adapted well? Because all of those are different answers. 

20. Favorite romance book

I'm just gonna go with any romances by Lynsay Sands.

21. Favorite book from your childhood

Either something from the Berenstain Bears or Little Critter series as a young child. A little older and it was the Wayside school books. 

22. Favorite book you own

Do not ask me to play favorites like that.

23. A book you've wanted to read for a long time but still haven't

Frankenstein. I just keep putting it off for some reason.

24. A book that you wish more people would've read

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

25. A character who you can relate to the most

I dunno. A hobbit from Lord of the Rings. Not like, Bilbo or Frodo or Sam or Pippen or Merry cause they are all brave and have big adventures. Some barely mentioned hobbit that just hangs out in the Shire eating and having a good time.

26. A book that changed your opinion about something

Mayflower Madam by Sydney Biddle Barrows

27. The most surprising plot twist or ending

I think Gone Girl had a hell of a twist. Thankfully I read it before it got spoiled for me.

28. Favorite title

Uh. I dunno. Love Bites by Lynsay Sands?

29. A book everyone hated but you liked

I have no idea what other people hate...

30. Your favorite book of all time

Uh. Uh. PASS!

And that's all I got for this week. See y'all next Wednesday 👋🏻

20 Questions About Books

 I always liked doing those survey things that you could fill out and post on your MySpace bulletin boards. Don’t see them on Facebook very often, which is fine, I tend to avoid Facebook. I found a few on Pinterest under fun blog posts or something like that. And I think this was one of them. Not overly positive. My memory sucks.

I got this from: Emily the Book Nerd


1. HOW MANY BOOKS IS TOO MANY BOOKS IN A SERIES?

It really depends on the type of series, in my opinion. I think if all the books are all focused on the same plot, five and under is a good number. But if it is just the same characters having different adventures, just keep going until the author runs out of good ideas.


2. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT CLIFFHANGERS?

I don’t mind them. Prefer if I already have the next book ready for me, but sometimes I don’t. I don’t get angry, just a little frustrated, and do a lot of dramatic sighing. And excited to get the next book.


3. HARDCOPY OR PAPERBACK?

Paperback just because they are easier to carry around. And I always need a book on hand. I love how hardbacks look on my shelf with their cute little dust jackets. But they get heavy in my purse.


4. FAVOURITE BOOK?

Usually this question leaves me forgetting every book I ever read, but I decided recently that if I am asked this question I’m going to say Witch and Wombat by Carolyn Cushman. It is definitely one of my favorites, so I feel it is a good enough answer.


5. LEAST FAVOURITE BOOK?

The previous person put math textbooks which… yeah… But I also gotta add public school textbooks in general were pretty awful. Though, a West Virginia history textbook my kid had in eighth grade had a picture of the Mothman statue so it gets a pass. Cause, Mothman.


6. LOVE TRIANGLES, YES OR NO?

I am soooo fucking tired of love triangles. Unless you give me something new with the trope, I don’t want to read it. I almost stopped reading a Sabrina Jeffries (who's work I love) book because I thought it was going to be a love triangle. She changed the trope up and I really enjoyed the book. 


7. THE MOST RECENT BOOK YOU JUST COULDN’T FINISH?

Oh gees. Okay… There was a paranormal romance I started recently that I got a few chapters in before I just couldn’t. And there have been quite a few Kindle books that I noped the fuck out pretty quickly. I am at a point in my life where I refuse to waste my time with bad books. And especially since I read so much fan-fiction. If someone can write a fucking fantastic piece of fan-fiction and expect no compensation aside from a few nice comments, then you all can write better books that you expect me to pay for.


8. A BOOK YOU’RE CURRENTLY READING?

Star Wars The New Essential Chronology by Daniel Wallace


9. LAST BOOK YOU RECOMMENDED TO SOMEONE?

I am not going to count any reviews I’ve done that say I recommend the book just cause it feels less personal or something. Instead I’m gonna go with Witch and Wombat. Went on a multi-text conversation with Ryan about how much I love the book and recommend he check it out.


10. OLDEST BOOK YOU’VE READ?

I could say the Bible, but I never finished it. It was badly written, y’all. Soooo… I don’t really know… I’m just going to say Carrie by Stephen King for the moment and know that I’m probably wrong.


11. NEWEST BOOK YOU’VE READ?

Uhhh… Well… I don’t know. I’m slow at everything so I rarely read a book when it first comes out. I am going to assume it was Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston.


12. FAVOURITE AUTHOR?

This is a tough one, but I am going to say Lynsay Sands. I have absolutely adored every book of hers I have gotten to read, though I have missed a few of her non-Argeneau series books. Need to remedy that…


13. BUYING BOOKS OR BORROWING BOOKS?

I buy books for the most part. I do occasionally borrow books from friends. I used to go to the local library constantly when I was younger, but… It is not a great library for various reasons.


14. A BOOK YOU DISLIKE THAT EVERYONE SEEMS TO LIKE?

I don’t know. What do other people like?


15. BOOKMARKS OR DOGEARS?

Bookmarks usually, but I have dogeared pages of books.


16. A BOOK YOU CAN ALWAYS REREAD?

Witch and Wombat… Okay, look, it’s a great book.


17. CAN YOU READ WHILE HEARING MUSIC?

Yeah. I have conditioned myself to be able to read under any circumstance.


18. ONE POV OR MULTIPLE POVS?

If it’s well written, it doesn’t matter to me.


19. DO YOU READ A BOOK IN ONE SITTING OR OVER MULTIPLE DAYS?

Depends on a couple different things. If it sucks me in and I got nothing else going on, I can read a book in one sitting. But sometimes I will put off finishing a really good book because I don’t want it to end.


20. ONE BOOK YOU READ BECAUSE OF THE COVER.

I haven’t read it yet, but I pretty much bought The Haunting of Ashburn House by Darcy Coates the other day because the cover had a picture of a spooky-looking house on it. I read the blurb before I decided to buy it, but I only picked it up because of the cover.

That's all for this week. See y'all next Wednesday!

Stephy Reading Challenge - Book 26

 

Botticelli - Images of Love and Spring by Frank Zӧllner

This whole book was just an in-depth look at five different Botticelli paintings. The paintings are Mars and Venus, La Primavera: A Wedding Picture, Minerva and the Centaur, The Birth of Venus, and The Villa Lemmi Frescoes.

My favorite of these is Mars and Venus.

It was a very interesting read. I like art, but I never looked too closely into the subtle references or meanings in art. I just like pretty things. So it was cool to learn this kind of stuff. 

I also learned what the seven liberal arts are. So now whenever Jaskier mentions them my brain is feeding me a definition. So that is fun while reading Witcher fan-fiction...

Stephy Reading Challenge - Book 25

 

Supergirl at Super Hero High by Lisa Yee

This book opens with Kara (you know, Supergirl) being sent away from Krypton as the planet is destroyed. She arrives on Earth, like, 20 years later. Superman finds her and takes her to live with his parents. After a bit, she goes to Super Hero High.

At Super Hero High, Kara feels like she doesn't belong and struggles to control powers that she's only had for a couple months.

And someone is trying to use the school's Boom Tubes. Which is bad.

Supergirl makes friends and helps save the day, so it all worked out in the end.

I enjoyed this book and think it is a great book for kids. As are the rest of the books in the series. And the original cartoon. Fuck that new series...

My only complaint was that Amanda Waller was too nice. But I guess they didn't want her putting bombs in teenagers. Which she totally would do...

Stephy Reading Challenge - Book 24

Deadpool: X Marks the Spot

Well.

Let's see.

Hmm...

Deadpool has a bunch of money, so he buys a boat and decides he's going to be a pirate.

That fails.

He hallucinates a bunch.

Then he decides he's going to join the X-Men. At this point in these comics, the X-Men are living on some island for whatever reason. Reason involves Norman Osborn.

Deadpool made his own X-Men uniform and everything! But Cyclops said no.

In the end, Deadpool does some crazy shit to make the X-Men look good. And everyone's happy. 

Well, Norman Osborn wasn't happy. But fuck that guy.

Fun read. As all Deadpool comics are.

Stephy Reading Challenge - Book 23

 

Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night by Kresley Cole

Immortals After Dark

Bowen MacRieve, of the Lykae Clan (third in line for the throne, fancy), lost his mate a long, long, long, long time ago. Nix (*holds up sign that says I 💗 Nix*) tells him that he'll find his mate if he enters the Talisman's Hie. So he does. While on a task he comes across Mariketa the Awaited, a witch.

Bowen thinks Mariketa put a spell on him to make his Instinct be all "Look Bowen! Mate! Our Mate!" (not sure why I picture The Instinct as an over-excited puppy... Cause that doesn't fit with the writing, but I do...) Bowen ends up trapping Mariketa in a tomb with some others from the Lore. She blasts him with a spell that turns off his regeneration right before he traps them, though.

In Bowen's defense, he assumed with two demons and three fey, the witch could get out fairly quickly.

They do not get out fairly quickly.

Weeks later, a war is brewing because Mariketa hasn't returned and she's the leader of the Witches. And they're pissed at Bowen.

So, he has to go fetch her and bring her home. 

They have to jump a bunch of hurdles to get back to New Orleans. And then a couple more hurdles happen after they return to New Orleans. 

In the end, things work out and they get a happy ending. 

Lovely book. Lovely characters. Lovely all around.

Stephy Reading Challenge - Book 22

 

Vittorio, the Vampire by Anne Rice

I spent a lot of time while reading this book rolling my eyes at Vittorio. Because teenagers thinking they know best is apparently not a modern trope.

When Vittorio was 16, his entire family was slaughtered by vampires. An attractive female vampire, Ursula, allows him to live though. Which... Stupid...

Vittorio travels to a town, trying to find a way to have his revenge on those vampires. After a nightly visit from Ursula (when I think they had sex...), Vittorio learns that the town gives their undesirables to the vampires.

So, Vittorio goes vampire hunting.

And fails.

The vampires capture him and feed him a bit of vampire blood, which, I think Ursula did before... Anyway. It's a vampire court... A Satanic vampire court.

Ursula begs Florian (the leader) to turn Vittorio. Which doesn't happen. Instead, Vittorio passes out and wakes up in Florence (I think it was Florence...) where, holy shit, he can see angels now! At first, he just sees Fra Filippo Lippi's guardian angels. Then another angel. Then finally his own guardian angels. He convinces the angels to help him destroy the vampires. They agree, with the vow that he will kill all the vampires.

The angels take him to the vampire's castle, help him enter their daytime resting place. Where he slaughters the vampires. Well... All but Ursula.

He tells the angels that he's going to redeem Ursula's soul.

Ursula wakes up and tricks Vittorio and makes him a vampire. Because of course she does.

Together they slaughter the captive humans at the castle and most of that town that Vittorio stayed at before. 

They make their way back to Florence (I think...) where, hey, it's the angels! Since Vittorio broke his promise to the angels, they punish him by making it so he can see people's souls. 

And, that's the book.

I enjoyed it, but... I had some issues. Mostly the Vittorio and Ursula romance. He meets her when she is trying to steal away his younger brother and sister. Then the next night he's all "Monster! Let's kiss!" And the next night they're all "I love you!" Seems... Weird to me... But whatever.

Good side story to the Vampire Chronicles.

Stephy Reading Challenge - Book 21

 

The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl: Squirrel Meets the World by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale

This book was super cute and funny. 

Doreen Green is an average, optimistic 14-year-old girl who has a squirrel tail and squirrel powers. 

In the book, you follow her as she starts a new school, makes friends, and takes down a supervillain wannabe.

Two friends that Doreen makes are Ana Sofia and Tippy Toe.

Ana Sofia is a super-smart deaf girl that has mad detective skills.

Tippy Toe is a squirrel. What else would you expect?

There are chapters in Doreen's point of view, as well as Ana Sofia, Tippy Toe, and the super-villain wannabe. All with footnotes from Doreen.

Like I said before, the book was super cute. Wonderful characters and some cameos from other Marvel characters. Fun and enjoyable read from beginning to end.

Stephy Reading Challenge - Book 20

 

Twice Bitten by Lynsay Sands

An Argeneau Novel

This was not the book I had planned for T. I had a Star Wars book planned. Even started reading it, but got cranky for reasons I won't rant about here. So, I dug out another Argeneau book, cause they make me happy.

This book focuses on Elspeth Argeneau and Wyatt MacKay.

Elspeth moved to Canada to get away from her controlling mother. She rents a room from Meredith, a sweet old lady. Everything seems to be going well until Elspeth is stabbed and comes home to find her mother and younger twin sisters have invaded her home. Made that stabbing not the worst part of her day. Then she meets Wyatt, Meredith's grandson. The thing is, she's met Wyatt before. She just doesn't remember it. And then someone keeps trying to kill her. Things seem pretty shitty for Elspeth. But hey! She met her lifemate! Again...

I really liked Elspeth and Wyatt. Elspeth was a tough character but also caring and kind. Wyatt took everything calmly, which was refreshing. No panic about any of it. 

Also, G.G. is fantastic and I love him.

As always with this series, great read.

I didn't much like Martine (Elspeth's mother) for what she did, but I enjoyed seeing another side to the immortals. She wasn't evil. She didn't do what she did to hurt her children. She is just a long-lived woman who suffered a great loss and did not cope well. I don't agree with her choices, but it was interesting to read. 

Stephy Reading Challenge - Book 19

 

Born to Bite by Lynsay Sands

An Argeneau Novel

This is a lovely story about Eshe and Armand meeting and falling in love. 

Oh. 

And figuring out who murdered Armand's previous three wives and his daughter-in-law. 

Soooo... A paranormal romantic murder mystery! Yay!

Eshe is a strong, bad-ass, smart, beautiful immortal and I am a little in love with her.

Armand is a bit broody, which... Understandable. Three of his wives have been murdered. But still likable. Also, he's a farmer, which was fun. I mean, a vampire is talking about birthing cows and cleaning stables. Fantastic.

Romance was good. Mystery was solid. Great book all around.

Oh!

And Bricker!

Yay Bricker!

I love you Bricker. At one point he acts as the Voice of Reason, but he did very good and we're all very proud of him.

Stephy Reading Challenge - Book 18

 

Rosemary's Baby by Ira Levin

Trigger Warning!

rape mentions ahead

Oh. This book.

Let me start by saying this was written in the 60s, and it shows. There were some words, phrases, and ideas that just aren't cool by today's standards.

Also, I have watched the movie with Mia Farrow a few times over the years. So, I knew what was going to happen from page one. I also feel like I've read this book before, but I could be wrong.

Now, for those that don't know, this book is about Rosemary. A young wife to an actor living in New York. Rosemary and her husband, Guy, move into a new apartment. Soon they meet their neighbors, an elderly couple named Roman and Minnie. Rosemary becomes pregnant. And in the end, she discovers she gave birth to Satan's son. Oh, and Roman and Minnie and all their friends are Satan-worshipping witches. Book ends with Rosemary rocking the baby and cooing over him.

Not sure if it was because I knew what was going to happen, or if Rosemary was blind to red flags. I mean, there were so many red flags that Rosemary could have made curtains, a set of sheets, and a few dresses from them all. 

Also, for some reason, I kept picturing Ray's parents from Everybody Loves Raymond (a show I've never watched a full episode of) as Roman and Minnie. No idea why. But it did send me into giggle fits at times. 

Out of everyone, Rosemary's husband was the worst. And that includes the Satanists and Satan himself. After he drugged his wife and let her be raped by Satan, he tells her the scratches on her body are because he fucked her while she was passed out drunk.

What.

The.

Fuck.

And in the end, he was like "They promised you wouldn't be hurt. And you weren't. Not really." Dude. She was drugged, raped by Satan and y'all made her think she was crazy! Oh, and you all killed one of her closest friends. All so you could be a famous actor. I would have applauded if Rosemary slit his throat. Actually, I'm just gonna pretend that's how the book ended. Cause fuck him.

This was... a frustrating read. I was just so angry at Rosemary's husband throughout the whole thing. And it was frustrating that she didn't kill him. But, it was a solid horror read. I also recommend the movie with Mia Farrow. I have not watched the newer mini-series yet so I have no opinion of it.