September Wrap Up

September for me was not that great in terms of reading. I kind of had a reading slump and once that was over, I got sick. I didn’t get to read everything I wanted and fell so behind on my Netgalley TBR. I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed right now, but I’m just trying to take it day by day. Oh and I’m also on a book buy/request ban until I finish at least 3/4 of the books I have to read and review.

Without further ado, here are the books I got through in September. I actually really loved almost everything I read.

To read my full review, just click the title of the book

 

Summoner by S.D. Grimm

★★★★ 1/2  – FANTASTIC HEARTWRENCHING YA PARANORMAL ROMANCE

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I really wasn’t expecting this to be deeply affecting or heartbreaking, but that’s what makes this story brilliant and so powerful. And yes… I absolutely recommend that everyone pick this up!

This Body Won’t Break by Lea Mckee

 ★★★★★ – THRILLING YA DYSTOPIA

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This Body Won’t Break by Lea Mckee is phenomenal and I enjoyed it so much more than I thought I would. Mckee’s writing is gorgeous and atmospheric. It doesn’t take long before the mystery, intrigue, and tension had me completely hooked. I honestly could not stop reading and became more and more anxious by the minute… and I TOTALLY LOVED IT!

Kalifus Rising by Alane Adams

★★★★★ – A MARVELOUS AND MAGICAL ADVENTURE

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Alane Adams definitely amps up the adventure, the thrills, the twists, the humor and really everything else. Her writing is beautiful, vivid, and incredibly imaginative. Once again, I found myself being carried away into this magical world. Kalifus Rising is without a doubt one of the best sequels I’ve ever read. I love the characters, the mystery, the adventure, and everything else in between.

 

The Raven God by Alane Adams

★★★★★ – FANTASTIC CONCLUSION

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I’m really going to miss Orkney. This was the perfect conclusion to a fantastic Middle Grade Fantasy. I’ll have my review up really soon. Been falling behind on a lot since I got sick.

Boomerang Boyfriend by Chris Cannon

★★★★ – CUTE FUN TEEN ROMANCE

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This was a cute and quick read. I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would, but it was still fun. Full review to come.

Black Bird of the Gallows by Meg Kassel

★★★★ 1/2 – DARK THRILLING PARANORMAL ROMANCE

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Black Bird of the Gallows by Meg Kassel is a wonderful debut novel that reminded me of the reasons why I love paranormal romances. It’s deliciously dark, satisfyingly eerie, and absolutely enthralling. Kassel’s writing is beautiful and utterly captivating. I really liked the premise of the story and the spooky atmosphere. There are so many things I love about this book and I honestly can’t recommend it enough. While this book is perfect for paranormal romance lovers, I definitely think anyone looking for a fun thrilling read would enjoy this too.

Northwoods Magic by Desiree Lafawn

 ★★★★★ – FANTASTIC PARANORMAL ROMANCE

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Northwoods Magic by Desiree Lafawn will leave you spellbound for days and eagerly anticipating the next installment. Lafawn’s writing is enchanting and easy to read. The world building is well-developed and fascinated me. The story is engaging and full of intrigue. It has the perfect balance of magic, mystery, angst, humor, and romance. I’m absolutely looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

Reading Slump and getting sick in the same month is the worst! I’m so behind on my reading, reviews, and postings. I feel so meeeh and blahhhh about it. And today is such a downer too, but I really don’t want to talk about it. It’s just a really sad…

Anyway, how did you do with your September TBR? What were some of your favorite books? Let me know in the comments down below!

Take care!!

Sincerely Karen Jo

August Wrap Up

Hello lovelies and Happy first day of September. August went by so fast, but it was such an awesome reading month for me. I was able to read 14 books!!! It’s been so long since I’ve read more than 10 books in a month and it felt sooo GOOD! Now all I need is make a dent on my Netgalley #TBR. It probably doesn’t help that I keep requesting, but I’m going to really try not to  this month but..but.. but.. there are just so many good books I want to read. Anyway, I ended up loving most of the books I read so without further ado, here are the books I got through in August.

To read my full review, just click the title of the book.

 

Mr. 60% by Clete Barrett Smith

★★ 3/4 – NOT BAD, BUT NOT AMAZING

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I don’t dislike this book, but it definitely did not work for me. I think that Mr. 60% by Clete Barrett Smith is a decent story with the potential to be amazing and is probably that to other readers, but it just felt dull for me. Maybe I just went into this expecting to feel something and when I didn’t, I ended up being so disappointed that I couldn’t relate to the characters and story anymore. There were some good things about this book and I did enjoy the humor and the relationships between the characters, but it just didn’t WOW me like I thought it would.

 

The Big F by Maggie Ann Martin

★★★★★ – FABULOUS AND FUN

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OHMAHGOSH this book… I breezed through this one in less than 24 hours and absolutely loved every moment. The Big F by Maggie Ann Martin is such a heartwarming story about self-discovery, family, friendship, and love. It’s completely adorable, sweet, and just the perfect summer read that will leave a smile on your face.

 

Alienation (Starstruck #2) by S.E. Anderson (Beta Read)

★★★★★ – ABSOLUTELY AMAZING

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One of my favorite series ever!Beta read for Sarah and Alienation is absolutely fantastic. Full review to come. Read my review for Starstruck here and add Alienation on Goodreads.

 

The Crowns of Croswald (The Croswald Series #1) by D.E. Night

★★★★★ – MAGICAL AND MESMERIZING

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The description of the world in this book is just amazing – breathtakingly rich and so detailed that I felt like I was in Croswald myself. I don’t want to give you more than that because you need to experience it for yourself… But even if I did, I just don’t think there are enough words to describe how beautiful the world is… Just know that Croswald is whimsical, fascinating and undeniably one of the most magical places I’ve ever been to.

Above the Sky (Above the Sky #1) by J.W. Lynne

★★★★★ – Brilliant and Thrilling

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I’m so happy Jen asked me to read her book and now I have a new series to rave about. The writing and world building is amazing. The characters are absolutely lovable. The plot is fast paced, full of action, and filled with a lot of twists and turns that will leaving you wanting more. Above the Sky is fantastic in so many ways and I can’t wait to read the sequel.

 

Vicarious (Vicarious #1) by Paula Stokes

★★★★★ – INTENSE, TWISTED AND MIND-BLOWING!

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Vicarious is haunting, riveting, and absolutely fantastic. Paula Stokes not only manages to keep you guessing and on the edge, but she also excels in creating complicated, but lovable characters. The plot is thrilling, action-packed and full of twist that will completely blow your mind! I don’t want to spoil anything for you, but Stokes surely knows how to keep you on your toes. The mystery, the secrets, the drama, the action, the slow burn romance (yes! there’s a little romance and it’s so sweet) had me flipping the pages way past my bed time.

 

Ferocious (Vicarious  #2) by Paula Stokes

★★★★★ – EXPLOSIVE ENDING

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DAMN.. That was one intense and wickedly awesome ride!!! I binged this duology and LOVED every moment. I honestly don’t even know where to begin.! My mind is still reeling and I’m seriously having a hard time moving on…Full review to come.

 

Starswept by Mary Fan

★★★★★ – BEAUTIFUL AND UNFORGETTABLE

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Starswept is absolutely beautiful through and through. I mean the book itself is ridiculously gorgeous! The cover, the design, and the interior chapter spreads… I seriously don’t think I’ve ever seen such a pretty book. And you know the saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” well you can just throw that out the window right now because Starswept is stunning and undeniably mesmerizing.

 

Her Book Boyfriend by K.R. Grace

★★★★ – SHORT BUT SUPER SWEET

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I’ve never read anything by K.R. Grace before, but I enjoyed this one so much that I’m excited to check out her other books. The romance is super sweet and adorable. I definitely went to sleep with a dorky smile on my face. If you’re looking for a quick, fun and enjoyable story with witty and lovable characters, then definitely pick this up!

 

Bell of Eternity (Celtic Legends #2) by Martina Boone

★★★★ 1/2 – ABSOLUTELY HEARTWARMING

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I LOVE Lake of Destiny so I was super excited when Martina Boone sent me an ARC of Bell of Eternity. Brando had already charmed me in every possible way, so I couldn’t wait to get started on his book. I must admit…Lake of Destiny still takes the #1 spot in my heart… BUT Brando and Emma’s love story definitely made me swoon. With gorgeous writing, breathtaking setting, heartwarming storyline, sweet romance, lovable characters, intrigue and a bit of mystery, Bell of Eternity will take a piece of your heart. Celtic Legends is definitely one of my favorite series ever and I absolutely cannot wait to read what comes next. I’ll have a longer review later on.

 

Dirty Little Secret (Forbidden Desires #1) by Kendall Ryan

★★★★- IRRESISTIBLE AND SEXY

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Really enjoyed this one! Full review to come

 

No Ordinary Star (No Ordinary Star #1) M.C. Frank

★★★★★ – EXTRA ORDINARY!

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This book is probably one of the shortest book I’ve read, but it’s definitely not lacking. It’s beautifully written – elegant, poetic, and affecting. I’m completely enthralled by this story and can’t wait to see what happens in the next two installments. I’m already missing Felix and Astra…Oh and I really hope the hint of “romance” becomes stronger because I’m totally shipping tin soldier and match girl.

 

Mask of Shadows by Linsey Miller

★★★ – INTERESTING, BUT JUST OKAY

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While this book didn’t quite work for me, I do think Miller has some great ideas and the potential to write an amazing sequel. I’m not too confident I can recommend this 100%, but just because I didn’t love it, doesn’t mean you won’t. Also, I’m still quite interested in reading the sequel because after that ending… well I just have to know what happens next.

Breaking the Rules of Revenge By Samantha Bohrman

★★★★★ – SWOONY AND SO FUN

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This book is so much fun! Full Review to come.

 

So how did you do with your August TBR? What were some of your favorite books? Let me know in the comments down below!

Have a great weekend!

Sincerely Karen Jo