How is your reading year going?

Happy Monday! I hope you’re all doing well.

Today's post is going to be my midpoint checkup for my reading challenges for 2023. We're going to see how I did according to my list from the beginning of the year.

1. Is the classic Goodreads challenge. I wanted to hit 200 books before end of the year. I'm at 106 books at the moment I'm writing this post. I should be at 110 books finished by the time the post goes up. I am 14 books ahead of schedule so I'm doing good. I'm not too worried about hitting that goal considering that I did really good the first couple months of the year. Then I had a little bit of a reader slump and I think I'm back on track so I'm not too worried. I never really feel like I'm not going to achieve it and if I feel like I'm not going to I'll just adjust to a lower number.

2. Continue to read sequels / work on finishing off series I’ve started. I don't think have pick up one book form a series this year. I'm on a standalone kick at the moment.

3. Expand My Horizons and read at least 5 fantasy books. Check.

4. Read 3 non-fiction books this year. Yea, that's gonna be a no from me dawg.

5. Re-read 5 books. She Shoots, She Scores.


Did you have any goals this year? Leave a comment, I’d love to chat!

xoxo,

Shon

Mid Year Book Freak Out Tag 2023

1.Best book you’ve read so far in 2023
The Reaper by Garry Michael

2. Best sequel you've read so far in 2023

Don't Let Me Go by (A Whisper in the Dark #3)Chani Lynn Feener

3. New release you haven't read yet, but want to.

LOT 62 (From Nothing #2) by Nordika Night

4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year.

After Hours Lectures by Kimberly Knight and Rachel Lyn Adams

5. Biggest disappointment.

His Revelry by Bailey Nicole

6. Biggest surprise.

Garron Park (From Nothing #1) by Nordika Night

7. Favorite new author. (Debut or new to you)

Chani Lynn Feener

8. Newest fictional crush.

Mat and Peyton from The Sinner's Penance by K.C. Carmine

9. Newest favorite character.

Devon Sawyer and Maddox Kane from Garron Park & LOT 62 by Nordika Night

10. Book that made you cry.

11. Book that made you happy.

Hunter's Descent (Mischief and Monsters) #2 by Alice Winters

 
12. Most beautiful book you've bought so far this year (or received).

Worthy: A Pride Anthology the Romance Cartel Book Box Special Edition Foiled Hardcover with sprayed edges

13. What books do you need to read by the end of the year?

The Stablemaster's Heart (Tales of Lilleforth #2) by Sarah Honey

I would love to hear your answers in a comment section.

xoxo,

Shon

Shon's 2022 Reading Goals | New Year Booktuber Tag

Happy Monday! I hope you’re all doing well.

Ah, it’s that time of year again – to discuss my goals for the year. Hey guys! Let's have a bit of fun and answer some questions today so I thought I would do New Year Booktuber Tag which I saw on Jessen Reads Romance. I wasn’t tagged by anyone. I’m not going to tag anyone myself, but if you feel like writing this post consider yourself tagged! Let’s get into it shall we?

What are you most excited about for 2023?

All the new books coming out in 2023 and participating in a couple of reading challenges.

Do you have a Goodreads challenge goal, and why that number?

Yes, my Goodreads goal for 2023 is 100 books. I feel it is a safe number.  Last year was a good year for reading.  I read 180 books.  

List three 5-star predictions!

1. Can't Say Goodbye by Eden Finley
2. The New Guy by Sarina Bowen
3. The Husband Hoax (Accidental Love #1) by Saxon James

What genre, subgenre, or trope do you want to read more of?

I want to read more Fantasy.

What trope do you think will be the most popular in 2023?

A trope I will never get tried of is Fake Boyfriend.

Name three bookish goals for the year!

1. Continue to read sequels / work on finishing off series I’ve started.
2. Expand My Horizons. I want to read at least 5 fantasy books and 3 non-fiction books this year.
3. Re-read 5 books

Name three personal goals for the year!

1. Do better at being organized. Both online and in real life!
2. Do better at blogging and social media. Because I am the absolute WORST at staying caught up.
3. Save Money. I buy way to MANY books and planner stickers.

What do you want to leave behind in 2022?

Negative.

That’s it for  New Year Booktuber Tag. Please let me know your answers to the questions in the comment below. 

xoxo,

Shon

Mid Year Book Freak Out 2022

1. Best book you’ve read so far in 2022

    The Black Prism (Lightbringer #1) by Brent Weeks

2. Best sequel you've read so far in 2022
    Psycho (Necessary Evils #2) by Onley James

3. New release you haven't read yet, but want to.
    The Magic Between by Stephanie Hoyt

4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year.
    Lunatic (Necessary Evils #6) by Onley James

5. Biggest disappointment.
    Pack Master (Vampire Kings #3) by Loki Renard

6. Biggest surprise.
    About Last Knight (Knoxton Knights #1) by Michaela Cole

7. Favorite new author. (Debut or new to you)
    Onley James and Nicole Dykes

8. Newest fictional crush.

9. Newest favorite character.
    The Mulvaney

10. Book that made you cry.
    Bruised But Not Broken by Nicole Dykes

11. Book that made you happy.
    Moonstruck (Necessary Evils #3) by Onley James

12. Most beautiful book you've bought so far this year (or received).
    The Final Empire (The Mistborn Saga #1) by Brandon Sanderson

13. What books do you need to read by the end of the year?
    Night Trials (Midnight Magic #3) & Night Tremors (Midnight Magic #4) & Night Treasures             (Midnight Magic #5) by Richard Amos


I would love to hear your answers in a comment section.


xoxo,
Shon

The Worst Books I've read (so far) this year

We are near the halfway point of the year which means it's time for the halfway point best and worst books of the year so far we're starting off with the worst, next post will be the best. I have 7 books to talk about.

A King to Be Protected (Our King, Our Master #2) by Brea Alepoú: DNF at 26%. I kept trying to power through. Let me summarize what I did read in the first 26%. Sex. And sex. Sleep. Sex. And sex. Sleep. Did I mention the sex?

Super Hot Wingman (The Best Men #0.5) by Sarina Bowen, Lauren Blakely: Ugh.

Hot Seat (The Hot Cannolis #1) by Eli Easton, Tara Lain: This one didn't really work for me.

Mad Love (Dangerous Daddies #1) by April Jade: What the hell was that? I thought I was a pretty open minded reader. I guess not. I probably shouldn't have finished it. This one was a total waste of my time. I'm not going to elaborate. I've already spent to much time on this.

Metal Heart (Metal & Magic #1) by Michelle Frost: Sadly, I felt very disappointed with this one. At this point, I've struggled with three in a row from this author. It's time to maybe say that she's not for me. At the very least, I think I'll take a break because something isn't working at the moment.

Caring for Little Ollie (Different Hearts #1) by Izaia Winter: What the hell was that? Another book probably shouldn't have finished.

Pack Master (Vampire Kings #3) by Loki Renard: Um...Nope. What kind of ending was that?

Anyway those are some books that I didn't like. It's going to be a much longer list full of books that I thought were excellent so be looking out for that post.

Have you read any of these book. Let me know in the comment section below.

xoxo,
Shon

Series To Start In 2022

Hello Bookworms!  I wanted to listed all the Fantasy series that I plan on starting this year. I have 10 series that I'm planning on starting this year, not that I plan on finishing all of these series some of them are quite long but I definitely wanted to at least start all of these. I have two rules in place when picking out these series. One it has to be a series that's already complete that I can actually complete it if I want to.  Second is it has to have more then three books in the series. No Duologies.  These are in no particular order.

1. The First Law Series by Joe Abercrombie
2. Lightbringer Series by Brent Weeks
3. The Mistborn Saga by Brandon Sanderson
4. The Stormlight Archive Series by Brandon Sanderson
5. The Wheel of Time Series by Robert Jordan
6. Gentleman Bastard Series by Scott Lynch
7. The Riyria Revelations Series by Michael J. Sullivan
8. Powder Mage Series by Brian McClellan
9. Malazan Book of the Fallen Series by Steven Erikson
10. Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn Series by Tad Williams

Have you read any of these book.  Let me know in the comment section below.

xoxo,

Shon

Shon's 2022 Reading and Blogging Goals

Happy Monday! I hope you’re all doing well.

Ah, it’s that time of year again – to discuss my goals for the year. I think this will be a pretty short post because things are simple this time around since I’m trying to stick to mood reading for most of the year and my blogging will follow suit.

1. Goodreads Challenge – 100 Books.

2. Continue to read sequels / work on finishing off series I’ve started. This is a goal I set every year. Because I start so many new series each year it feels like this will always be a reoccurring goal.

3. No more monthly TBR’s. I’m just going to read what I feel like reading.

4. Sparse Book Buying. I have purchased a lot of books over the years that I have yet to read. This year, I will not be purchasing any physical books. I have no room left on my shelves for new books.

5. Book Unhaul.  There are some books that I'm definitely never going to read.

Those are all of the reading goals I have made for myself to complete this year! I’m trying not to stress myself out over blogging and reading this year.

Do you have any goals this year? Leave a comment, I’d love to chat!

Shon's 2021 Reading and Blogging Goals

Happy Monday Bookworms! I hope you’re all doing well.

Ah, it’s that time of year again – to discuss my goals for the year. I think this will be a pretty short post because things are simple this time around since I’m trying to stick to mood reading for most of the year and my blogging will follow suit.

Goodreads Challenge – 115 Books.

Continue to read sequels / work on finishing off series I’ve started. This is a goal of mine every year. Because I start so many new series each year it feels like this will always be a reoccurring goal.

No more monthly TBR’s. I’m just going to read what I feel like reading.

Sparse Book Buying. Last year, because of the craziness of 2020, I purchased a lot of books that I have yet to read. This year, I am going to be very selective about the books I will be purchasing for my physical collection. I have little room left on my shelves for new books, and want to fill the remaining space up with only books that I will be reading immediately and will most likely enjoy.

Those are all of the reading goals I have made for myself to complete this year! I’m trying not to stress myself out over blogging and reading this year.

Do you have any goals this year? Leave a comments, I’d love to chat!

Manic Monday #21: The Best Books I've Read in 2020 (so far)

Today I'm going to talk about the best books that I've read so far this year.  I read 100 books so far this year which is absolutely ridiculous because last year I read 118 books, so the fact that now in half a year I've already read 100 that is just unbelievable. I know it's already obvious so we're already way past the half year mark but I don't care. 

Rocket Science (Love Logic #1) by K.M. Neuhold : That was a nice surprise! I really enjoyed this book! It was fun, flirty, sweet. Just what I needed at the time.

Fake It 'til You Make Out (Love & Luck #1) by Isla Olsen : This book was super funny and sexy.

Virgin Flyer by Lucy Lennox : Virgin Flyer is my very first book by Lucy Lennox. And just like that, I am in love. This is a stand alone M/M sweet, sexy, fun, witty and just amazing romance and I have fallen hopelessly in love with these two men.

Without You by Marley Valentine : This is my very first book by Marley and WOW!  Oh my heart, be prepared to sob. Don’t read it if you are looking for a super light romance….little bit heavy!!

Just Drive (Anchor Point #1) by L.A. Witt : I have read some books by this author and they 've been hit or miss (mostly miss) but this one really hit the mark.

Daddy Ink (Get Ink'd #1) by Ali Lyda : A single daddy and a tat artist, what more to you need?

A Rhythm You Feel (The Rock Gods: East Coast Label #1) by Ann Lister : When I pick this book up I did not know this was a spin off series. 

NoX by Adrienne Wilder : THIS BOOK! Probably one of the biggest surprises for me. I picked it up on a whim.  I don't read Paranormal / Shapeshifters but after read this I jump head first into Paranormal romance. 

Marriage Contract by A.J. Sherwood : Super short. Super cute! May/December romance. 

Falling for the Geek (His Best Friend's Brother #1) by R. Cayden : This one really worked for me. It had lots of things that I loved.  Best friend's older brother theme.

Project Hero by Briar Prescott : This is a very sweet read. Thoroughly enjoyable but with a hint of angst. I liked the balance. Both main characters were good decent guys, they fall hard fast but it doesn't feel rushed. 

Power Plays & Straight A's (CU Hockey #1) by Eden Finley, Saxon James : Loved this one and can't wait to read the others in the series.

Wreck Me Forever (Polished P & P #1) by Lila Rose : This was an unexpected surprise from a new to me author.  Can't wait for the next book.

Reading the Signs by Keira Andrews :  Baseball, age gap, low angst, dirty talk, hot sex and kink.  What's not to love?

Marry Me (Tattoos and Temptation #1) by Mia Monroe : If you are looking for a fantastic romance, this book was a delight! This faux romance is full of amazing chemistry but also just such richly written characters whose struggles feel so real.

What have YOUR best or your favorite books of 2020 so far??

Mid-Year Freak Out Tag

I seen this tag going around BookTube, it look like fun.  Let's get started!

1. Best book you’ve read so far in 2020

Virgin Flyer by Lucy Lennox; Without You by Marley Valentine; Pop Star by Eden Finley; NoX by Adrienne Wilder & Project Hero by Briar Prescott

2. Best sequel you've read so far in 2020

I have not read an sequel this year, to busy staring new series. 

3. New release you haven't read yet, but want to. 

Home for a Cowboy (Windsor, Wyoming #1) by Amy Aislin 

4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year.

Breaking News & Headlines (Prime Time #2 & #3) by Ella Frank

5. Biggest disappointment.

The Elite Series by Brooke Blaine & Ella Frank

6. Biggest surprise.

Cronin's Key (Cronin's Key #1) by N.R. Walker

7. Favorite new author. (Debut or new to you)

Briar Prescott

8. Newest fictional crush.

9. Newest favorite character.

Royal Librarian Edvin Blom from Up for Heir (Rosavia Royals #1) by Stella Starling

10. Book that made you cry.

Without You by Marley Valentine

11. Book that made you happy.

Project Hero by Briar Prescott

12. Most beautiful book you've bought so far this year (or received)

Have not bought any books, reading everything on Kindle Unlimited.

13. What books do you need to read by the end of the year?

The Name of the Wind (The Kingkiller Chronicle #1) by Patrick Rothfuss, I started this book in March.

xoxo,

Shon

Manic Monday #19: Mid-Year Check In

Happy Monday, Bookworms!  I hope this post find you all well & safe!  It's June so I thought I would do a mid-year check in.  Back in January I posted my 2020 Goals & Resolutions.  Let's take a look to see where I'm at.

Read 150 Books - I have currently read 67 book this year. 45% done with my 2020 reading challenge and 1 books ahead of schedule.

More Catching up on Series - Instead of catching up or finishing a series I'm already reading. I started 9 new series this year.

Expand My Horizons - I wanted to read at least five fantasy books and three non-fiction books this year. So far I have read one fantasy book.

Book Unhaul - In January I donate over 90 books to my local library.

Get back into Blogging - I'm trying to posted weekly.  Keyword is trying.

Watch More Movies and TV Shows - I want to watch a book-to-movie adaptations so I could feature it on the blog this year.  So far have watch zero.

So that it for now, how is your year going?  

xoxo,

Shon

Manic Monday #18: Series I’ve Been Meaning to Start!

Happy Monday Bookworms!   I hope you’re well & safe!  I am sharing series I’ve been meaning to start but haven’t!   I am only doing completed series though because if I did uncompleted ones the list would be never ending!

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Yes, I want to see what all the fuss is about this series! I hear so many good things about it (and some bad).

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
This is just another great fantasy series that I've heard great things about and I would really like to start.

The Infernal Devices Series by Cassandra Clare

I think that at some point I will have to give this series a chance. I mean, everybody seems to love it.

The Shadow and Bone Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo
I'm almost ashamed to admit that I haven't started this series. I've honestly been meaning to for years now, but for some reason I just haven't.

The Gold Seer Trilogy by Rae Carson

I must have read the first two or three chapters of the first book but just wasn’t very appealing to me at the time.

The Queen of the Tearling Series by Erika Johans

One day I will start this series, I'm 99.99% sure I have all of the books in the series.

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
The sad part is I own five of the books.

The Abhorsen Series by Garth Nix
Another one that I'm embarrassed to say I've never started on.

I know, some of you are probably reeling over the fact that I haven’t already started some of these series.  The older series have mostly all been on my TBR for years, but I somehow just haven’t gotten around to them. I'm sure there are other series but these are the ones that first jumped to mind when I started working on the post.

Have you read any of these or do you want to read any of these?

xoxo,
Shon

Manic Monday #17: Completed Series I Own!

Happy Monday and happy to the start of another crazy week, Bookworms!!  How are you doing?  Couple years ago, I did this list. I thought it was time to do a updated list after I did my big book un-haul early this year.  Before I start working on this list, I took every book off my bookshelf and my Goodreads TBR.  After added every book back, I currently have 157 unread books on my bookshelf and my Goodreads TBR.

Here is the completed series I currently own!  They are sorted alphabetically by author's last name and I will note whether the series is unread, started, or read.

Renée Ahdieh
The Wrath and the Dawn Series (2 books, unread)

Kelley Armstrong
Age of Legends series (3 books, unread)

Leigh Bardugo
The Grisha Trilogy (3 books, unread)
The Six of Crows Duology Series (3 books, unread)

Gail Carriger
Finishing School series (4 books, unread)

Rae Carson
The Gold Seer Trilogy (3 books, started)

Cinda Williams Chima
Seven Realms Series (4 books, unread)

Roshani Chokshi

The Star-Touched Queen Series (2 books, unread)

Suzanne Collins
The Hunger Games trilogy (3 books, read)

Cassandra Clare
The Mortal Instruments Series (6 books, read)
Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy Series(10 books, started)
The Infernal Devices Series (3 books, unread)
The Dark Artifices Series (3 books, started)
Ghosts of the Shadow Market (10 books, unread)

Alison Croggon
The Books of Pellinor Series (4 books, unread)

Sally Green
The Half Bad Trilogy (3 books, unread)

Richelle Mead
Vampire Academy series (6 books, read)
Bloodline (6 books, started)

Jodi Meadows
The Orphan Queen Series (2 books, unread)

Marissa Meyer
The Lunar Chronicles Series (6 books, unread)

James Patterson
Confessions Series (4 books, unread)

Mary E. Pearson
The Remnant Chronicles Series (3 books, unread)
Dance of Thieves Series (2 books, unread)

Morgan Rhodes
Falling Kingdoms Series (6 books, unread)

Rick Riordan
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series (5 books, started)
Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard Series (3 books, started)

J. K. Rowling
Harry Potter series (7 books, read)

Marie Rutkoski
The Winner's Trilogy (3 books, started)

Evelyn Skye
The Crown's Game Series (2 books, unread)

Laini Taylor

Daughter of Smoke & Bone Series (3 books, unread)

Amy Tintera
Ruined Series (3 books, unread)

Kiersten White
The Conqueror's Saga (3 books, unread)

xoxo

Shon

Manic Monday #16: Quarterly Wrap Up

Happy Monday, Bookworms!! How are you doing? Are you practice social distancing where you live? I have been working from home for one week. With me work from home now, I don't see any reason for me not to blog more. I have read 42 books this year and have written zero reviews. So, I'm going to give you a quick little wrap up of what I have read so far. 

January

1. Roughing the Passer by Alison Hendricks - Very slow start. Cute but don't see myself reading the other book in series. Wasn't the biggest fan of the supporting character too much drama for such a short book.

2. The Blueprint & A Deeper Blue (Rules of Possession Series) by S.E. Harmon - This was an enjoyable read, I realy like Kelly and Blue.

3. Damaged Like Us & Lovers Like Us (Like Us Series) by Krista & Becca Ritchie - I really enjoy the first two books in this series. I need to finish this series ASAP!

4. Shots on Goal by Amy Aislin - This is the thrid book in the series and just like the previous two, it start off strong but fizzle out at the end.

5. Tough Guy by Rachel Reid - The third book in the Game Changers Series, such a huge disappointment.

6. Crashing the Net, Checking It Twice, Changing the Rules (Crashing Series) by Samantha Wayland - I do not see myself rereading this series but the sex scenes in book 2 & 3 were hot AF! If you are not into MMM skip this series.

7. Rebound by L.A. Witt - Cute. May/December MM romance.

8. Pretty Perfect by Riley Hart & Christina Lee - I like this, looking forward to the next book in the series.

9. Marking What's Mine by Gianni Holmes - It was interesting. May/December MM romance. There was fair amount of steam and mild angst.

10. Voyeur by Fiona Cole - No! Hard Pass!

11. Want Me by Neve Wilder - I want to reread this but I have to many books on my TBR.

12. The Secret Thing by E.M. Denning - This is May/December MM romance. There was fair amount of steam, likable characters and mild angst.

13. Cold Light & Make Snow Mistake (Iron Heretics MC Universe) by Michelle Frost - I enjoy both, Cold Light is a dark M/M romance where Make Snow Mistake is a light cute M/M romance.

14. Blade by Aiden Bates, Ali Lyda - Is the fist book in the Hell's Ankhor Series and in my opinion the best.

February

1. Discord & Disrupt (Iron Heretics MC Universe) by Michelle Frost - Love Discord, Disrupt was a disappointment.

2. Rocket Science by K.M. Neuhold - YES!

3. Intercepted by Alexa Martin - Cute. BWWM romance.

4. Her Russian Defender by Camilla Stevens - Pick this up because I was looking for BWWM romance. Was not impress.

5. Gunnar by Aiden Bates, Ali Lyda - Book two in the Hell's Ankhor Series, was okay.

6. Devilry by Marley Valentine - Slow start, rush ending. But a great middle!

7. Forbidden Desire by L.M. Mountford - It was okay quick read but there was just something lacking with the story.

8. Fake It 'til You Make Out by Isla Olsen - This was so good. I really enjoyed this. Fake Relationship & Friends to Lovers, what more could you ask for?

9. Brighter Shades of Light by Jaclyn Osborn - I don't know what happened. This book had everything I like in a story: M/M romance, student/teacher romance, age gap, slow burn and forbidden love. But somehow it did not come together. There where parts that I did enjoy but I feel like there was more parts I did not enjoy.

10. Danger Zone by Brooke Blaine, Ella Frank - This book and these characters where just so so. I probably shouldn't have finished this, but I enjoy the authors other series (Fallen Angel) so much.

March

1. Troublemaker by Sean Ashcroft - This was so good. I really enjoyed this. Fake Relationship & Friends to Lovers, what more could you ask for?

2. The Boyfriend Game by Stella Starling - I'm a sucker for a fake boyfriend romance book.

3. Virgin Flyer by Lucy Lennox - So good, they I'm now trying to read all of Lucy Lennox books.

4. Without You by Marley Valentine - 5 stars!

5. Rebel by Aiden Bates, Ali Lyda - This is the third book in this series and I was very much looking forward to this one, because it's Rebel's story and I have wanted to know more about him since the last book. I would have DNF at about the halfway point if I hadn't wanted to see how Rebel dealt with his dad and the Vipers.

6. Just Drive by L.A. Witt - It was interesting. May/December MM romance. There was fair amount of steam and mild angst.

7. Need for Speed by Ella Frank, Brooke Blaine - So, book two in The Elite series was a step up from book one. Instead of almost smashed my kindle out of annoyance, I just rolled my eyes out of annoyance.

8. Out on the Ice by Lane Haye - This book and these characters where just so so.

Manic Monday #15: Intimidating TBR Book Tag

I discovered this tag on PeruseProject YouTube channel.  So many big books on my TBR.  Let's get started!

1) What book have you been unable to finish?
A: Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy (Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy #1-10) by Cassandra Clare

2) What book have you yet to read because you just haven't had the time?
A: The Hammer of Thor (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #2) by Rick Riordan

3) What book have you yet to read because it's a sequel?
A: Lord of Shadows (The Dark Artifices #2) by Cassandra Clare

4) What book have you yet to read because it's brand new?
A: The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller

5) What book have you yet to read because you read a book by the same author and didn't enjoy it?
A: Any books by Penelope Douglas, Stephenie Meyer and Sarah J. Maas

6) What book have you yet to read because you're just not in the mood for it?
A: The Demon King (Seven Realms #1) by Cinda Williams Chima

7) What book have you yet to read because it's humongous?
A: The Name of the Wind (The Kingkiller Chronicle #1) by Patrick Rothfuss

8) What book have you yet to read because it was a cover buy that turned out to have poor reviews?
A: Black City (Black City #1) by Elizabeth Richards

9) What is the most intimidating book in your TBR pile?
A: Queen of Air and Darkness (The Dark Artifices #3) by Cassandra Clare

Manic Monday #14: Shon's Top 20 Book To Read in 2020 - Updated

This is my top 20 books I want to read in 2020. These are in no particular order.

  

1. Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers
2. With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo
3. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
4. Traitor's Blade by Sebastien de Castell
5. Skyward by Brandon Sanderson
6. Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff
7. The Black Prism by Brent Weeks
8. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
   
9. A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
10. The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
11. Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare
12. The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima
13. The Hatter's Game: Part I by Cole McCade
14. Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
15. Damaged Like Us by Krista Ritchie, Becca Ritchie (Rating: 4/5 stars)
16. Tough Guy by Rachel Reid (Rating: 3/5 stars)
17. Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes, Michelle Rowen
18. The Hammer of Thor by Rick Riordan
19. The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
20. After by Anna Todd

Manic Monday #13: Goodreads

Do you ever wish that you didn’t read a review or check the average rating for a book on Goodreads before you buy it? I love Goodreads, I truly do because it helps me keep track of the books I’ve read and the books I want to read. I also get to connect with other readers through posting and reading reviews.


I can’t think of a single book that I’ve read in the pass 3 years that I didn’t research on Goodreads beforehand. I always need to check out reviews before I buy a book. I used to read the synopsis and if it sounded good I’d buy it. Not any more.

I’m glad that there is site/app where I can checkout what other readers are thinking, but lately, I've been irritated with how it influences my reading decisions. I try to take other’s views with a grain of salt but I still find myself shying away from 3.5 or less starred books regardless of the varying opinions.

Do you feel like Goodreads is a curse and blessing? Do non-amazing ratings make you iffy? Is Goodreads affecting your choice in reading a certain book?

Manic Monday #12: Once Upon A Mattress

Happy Monday! It's time for another bookish list. My favorite places to read. You can tell by the title of this post, a least one place I like to read.

1. In bed. Morning or night, one of the best places to read is in the bed. It is extremely comfortable, just stack up some pillows, curl up with your blanket and have a cup of hot coffee next to you. The only thing that would make this better if the rain is falling against your window pane.

Using a food tray to read in bed, that way you don't have to hold the book while reading.

On a side note, try avoiding reading while laying on your back with the book over your face. FYI when you start to doze off and the book fall on your face it's not very pleasant. LOL!

2. On a couch. Like your bed, the couch is a nice and comfy spot to sit/rest and read a book. Armrests make great pillows.

3. In a hotel. You’re enclosed and away from prying eyes. It’s private and cozy.

4. In the car. I spend a lot of time in the car. I open a book and fill those empty wasted minutes spent traveling by treading.

5. At work. Sometimes I need to escape the stress of work. So go to the break room and open a book and for 15 minutes I'm in another world.

What are some of your favorite places to read?

Manic Monday #11: YA Book I Dislike / Hate

This month I'm hope to get back into reading.  But, before I fall in love with all the new books I got last month.  Let me talk about some books I don't like.

Once again I was on YouTube and I saw that one of the booktubers I follow posted a new videos on YA books she dislike. Out of all the books she listed, I read one. So I did a search for a similar videos and I discover that I am not alone.

Disclaimer. The following list is my own opinion.  These are books that I personally do not like. I'm sure you might see one of your favorite book on this list.

1. Allegiant by Veronica Roth
First book was good. The second book was so so. But this book! Why does this book even exist?

2. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Bella Swan, could anyone be more annoying? Edward is one of the least impressive characters ever.

3. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (click here)

4. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkin (click here)

5. A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab (click here)

What are some book that you dislike / hate? Let us know in the comments down below.
 

Manic Monday #10: The Best and Worst Fictional Presidents

Hello bookworms. Happy Monday! In honor of President's Day I decide to make a list of the best and worst fictional presidents from both Books, Television and Film. 

The Worst

1. Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic (Harry Potter)
2. Presidents Snow and Coin (The Hunger Games)

3. President Fitzgerald Grant III (Tony Goldwyn in Scandal)
4. President Benjamin Asher (Aaron Eckhart in Olympus Has Fallen)

The Best

1. Abraham Lincoln (Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter)

2. President Josiah "Jed" Bartlet (Martin Sheen in The West Wing)
3. President Thomas J. Whitmore (Bill Pullman in Independence Day)
4. President James Marshall (Harrison Ford in Air Force One)



Let us know who are some of your favorite or least favorite fictional presidents and the comment down below.