2022 reading wrap-up

 

The end of 2022 is near and I can proudly say that it was a good reading year, and I hope 2023 is even richer!

This year I started a bookstagram and I'm so happy to be part of such a lovely community, and I'm hoping to expand it even more by my plans for a Youtube channel once I get over my shyness. 

Here I will be sharing the 11 books I read this year, along the reviews I left on Goodreads. Some you have already seen here on my blog, some you haven't; so let's begin!

The Beautiful by Renée Ahdieh
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

DNF at 52%.

Just like everyone else, I was excited for some vampire-forbidden-love type of trope. But how come I’m on page 233 of a vampire book and I there’s not a single hint about the existence of vampires?

I can handle slow plots, but the constant overthinking from Celine and her dArK SEcReT had me annoyed to the max.

Anyways, the plot felt really slow and painfully uneventful.

It really wasn’t for me 💔.

 

Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My second CoHo book.
Although it didn't make me cry as people told me I would, I can't deny this book was so beautifully written. And don't even get me started on Cap; he was the best character. His back must be hurting from carrying this entire book.

"... Seems in my past life, I was shot right in the ass. Must have bled out."

Iconic.

The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It's a 3.5 to me

Although it didn't blow me away, I had a lot of awww moments. These were my favorite quotes:

"You are so pretty one of these days I'm going to lose a finger in my garage because I can't concentrate with you so close to me. You are so pretty that I wish you weren't so I wouldn't want to hit every guy at school who looks at you, especially my best friend."

She's the most beautiful girl I've ever seen.

(Basic, I know. But I would cry forever if someone ever said this to me.)

"Just so you know," he mimics me,"I would chop that table up and use it for firewood before I would ever choose anything over you."

If you read this book, you'd know these quotes are from after the half of the book. Because honestly? The book was uneventful until it picked up around 25-30%. I may have gotten a bit emotional at the end, but only because it shows how much Drew cares about Nastya; I thought it was wholesome. But besides that, I barely felt anything.

My conclusion is: I think it's a good plot, but in the beginning, it was really slow and uneventful. I was bored during most of it. But it wasn't a bad read.

I think I have mixed feelings about it, lol.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Okay... it gave. And that plot twist managed to get a gasp from me.

A friend recommended me this book, and she was right; it was actually good. I enjoyed it because from the beginning it was a page-turner and as a slow reader, I'm proud of myself because I finished it in a span of 3 days, lol.

Also... am I the only one who wasn't a fan of Cadence and Gat's romance? Ever since Cady saw him sending the letter to Raquel, I stopped liking him. >:((

Another thing: Johnny was my favorite character, he was so hilarious.

"Can't we talk about sex or murder?"

"Never eat anything bigger than your ass."

Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If she was destined to burn in Hell, I would burn with her.

This book was a big slay and my first step into falling in love with YA fantasy. Also, Lou was such an amazing character; and sometimes I found myself relating to her personality. She was just as lovely as Coco. And don't get me even started with Ansel, I didn't expect myself to adore him completely.
And Reid... I fucking love him .

I have to admit that, just like many others, I was confused in the beginning but as I kept reading I was able to catch on. I'm a very slow reader, and I almost fell into a reading slump; but as soon as Reid and Lou married, the book immediately turned into a page turner for me.

A witch and witch hunter bound in holy matrimony. There was only one way such story could end--a stake and a match.

I found their dynamic to be so hilarious and wholesome; you can bet I squealed like a 14-year-old when he finally calls her "My little heathen". I passed away.

Anyways... I'm excited to run to my nearest bookstore and get my hands on Blood & Honey; I hope to enjoy it as much as I did this one! <3 br="">
p.s: Reid finally cursing was one of my most favorite things.

"Why the fuck is everyone in this kingdom trying to murder my wife?

 

Fallen by Lauren Kate
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

DNF at 67%.

I really, REALLY wanted to love this book because I thought I would, since I totally fell in love with the Hush Hush saga. Unfortunately, however, this felt like a bad copy-paste. Nora Gray and Bella Swan had more personality than Luce; and Daniel was boring, lol. I was rooting for Cam, mostly.

I'm sure 13-15 year old me would've loved it, though.

Blood & Honey by Shelby Mahurin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Thierry's hand came down on my shoulder. You see magic as a weapon, Reid, but you're wrong. It simply. . . is. If you wish to use it for harm, it harms, and if you use it to save... Together, we looked to Toulouse, who tucked a flower behind the woman's ear. She beamed at him before rejoining the crowd. It saves.

Although I enjoyed watching Reid improving his relationship with magic, it makes me sad to say this one didn't really feel memorable to me. I'm hopeful, though! Because I'm assuming this isn't just a filler book, but a [slight slowly painful] buildup to the next one, which I've heard people say it's really good.

Overall, it gave me Harry Potter and the Order of the Phenix vibes; you know, where nothing really happens because it's just the characters getting ready to face the shit that's about to go downhill and the only way it gets "interesting" is because someone dies?

Yeah, you know what I'm talking about.


I look forward to Gods & Monsters ! I have a feeling it'll be better <3 br="">

Archer's Voice by Mia Sheridan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Before I go on to explain why I have a love-hate relationship with this book, I'd like to point out that Archer Hale just became one of my favorite book boyfriends; he was so precious.

... I was going to give it a try. For Bree. Only for Bree. Because I thought that would make her happy. And I'd do anything to make Bree happy.

Archer and Bree's story was so beautifully developed, and this is the first time I read a book where the love interest is a mute. That's what I loved.

But what annoyed me to shit were the sex scenes after really deep, emotional moments between Archer and Bree; they had me rolling my eyes.
I'm sorry... but I don't think I could ever feel aroused after trauma-bonding over how I watched my father die.



I really wanted to love this book as much as my favorite BookTuber and the reviews here said I would. Other than Archer keeping my standards in check, I barely felt anything.





Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Men had a funny way of blaming the devil for things he didn't like. It was strange that we were called evil when humans were the ones who enjoyed watching us burn.

I was immediately sold when I read the words "witches" and "princes of Hell", and I am so happy that know this book exceeded my expectations. Kerri's writing captivated me, honestly. I never felt bored.

I was hoping we got to meet all the princes of Hell in this book, but that's okay, because it makes me more excited to meet the others in the next one :). Speaking of princes, I'm in love with Wrath (although i'm kinda mad at him rn). I seriously can't wait to read more about him and Emilia in Kingdom of the Cursed <3 br="">This story managed a few gasps out of me, and just for that I give it a 4.5; definitely worth a read.

It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have never found so much comfort in a book, this is all I wanted. This is the happy ending Lily and Atlas deserved and–... I'm truly at loss for words.
Atlas Corrigan is the best book boyfriend I'll ever know and I'm sure of it.


I'm definitely not sobbing while I'm writing this btw.

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Already half-way through the book I knew this was going to be a 5-star read. I just KNOW the grip this series is gonna have on me as I keep reading through the other books.

Tamlin had won my heart but as soon as Rhysand was introduced I immediately folded.

I can't wait to turn this series into my new personality and talk people's ears off about it, because I've been loving it since the very first chapter. Also, I know I'm not the only one who got reminded of Beauty and the Beast; which made me love it even more.

I wish more than ever to get taken away to a faerie continent where all I get to do is paint and read, shm.

Archer's Voice: a short review

Archer's Voice by Mia Sheridan

(post sourced from my bookstagram @jadespaperback)

Rating: 3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶

Archer's voice narrates the story of Bree Prescott, a girl who moves to the small town of Pelion, Maine to get away from not only the heartbreaking feeling of loss, but the memories of the blood and the feel of a gun against her skin from that night.
Her stay in Pelion was meant to be temporary, until she met the silent and mysterious Archer Hale; only to later find enough comfort in each other to heal in order to move forward and live.

Archer Hale has become one of my favorite book boyfriends; he’s the absolute sweetest. I fairly enjoyed this book, and although I loved watching Bree and Archer develop such a beautiful relationship throughout the story, it really bothered me how the sex scenes came immediately after they were revealing their trauma to each other, like ?? 😭

Also, the ending felt a little bit abrupt? I don’t know if I’m the only one who felt like this.

I’d love to hear your opinions on this book, especially if they differ from mine so I could see different points of view ✨.

Starting a Bookstagram!

 

After overthinking it for months, I finally decided to open a Bookstagram! 

It was really started to get painful posting about my reads on my personal account and having only one person to truly connect with (Lea I love u forever <3), because I truly wanted to connect with more people and not feel like I was talking to a wall, lol.

Just as I have been sharing my reviews here, I will be doing the same on my account; I plan to also share my singular reviews on my blog here to stay active :)

I'm kind of nervous about this new journey, but reading has been my favorite [healthy] form of escapism from reality and I will try my best to prioritize that over aesthetics and numbers.

If you're into YA romance and fantasy, then you might enjoy my content over there :)

And who knows? Maybe I'll be confident enough soon to start a BookTube <3

Either way, I hope to be more consistent and reach more people <3. In the meantime, I hope to see you there!

Fall 2022 TBR list 🍁

 I promise this time I will do everything in my power to not give into the temptation of book acquisition syndrome (haha, get it?). Although Winter is my favorite season of the year, Fall gets the second place; so... I have made a list with the books I want to read that I believe fit my definition of cozy-pinterest-girl fall vibes:

Blood & Honey by Shelby Mahurin

After narrowly escaping death at the hands of the Dames Blanches, Lou, Reid, Coco, and Ansel are on the run from coven, kingdom, and church—fugitives with nowhere to hide.

 Lou and Reid's enemies-to-lovers story had me on a chokehold; and don't even get me started on how much I adore Ansel. Although I have a gut feeling I shouldn't get too attached to him... authors are evil.

Anyways, I'm currently 10% into the book according to my goodreads account, and so far it's already a slay for me. I'm very excited to see how it turns out!

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

Isis Ulloa via Pinterest

Jude was seven when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King.

To win a place at the Court, she must defy him–and face the consequences.

I was sold when I read somewhere (probably TikTok) that the trilogy was a slow burn enemies-to-lovers. Since I couldn't find the first book at my nearest bookstore, I will wait until my Nook gets delivered, so The Cruel Prince can do the honors of being my first e-book :)

I'm slowly becoming an "instalove" hater, so I hope I really enjoy this series if I actually end up loving the first book, hehe.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Don't look at me like that.

No, I haven't seen the movie, nor read the book.

I honestly have no explanation as to why I decided to pick up this book, so I assume I'm subconsciously craving a sappy romance story that's not by Colleen Hoover.

Will is acerbic, moody, bossy—but Lou refuses to treat him with kid gloves, and soon his happiness means more to her than she expected. When she learns that Will has shocking plans of his own, she sets out to show him that life is still worth living.

Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

A gripping novel about the whirlwind rise of an iconic 1970s rock group and their beautiful lead singer, revealing the mystery behind their infamous break up.

 I've been following Alexa Raye, a BookTuber, lately; and she speaks really well about this author, especially her other book The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. However, I want to give this one a try first... not because I'm a total whore for the 70's... that would be nerdy as fuck.

Archer's Voice by Mia Sheridan

When Bree Prescott arrives in the sleepy, lakeside town of Pelion, Maine, she hopes against hope that this is the place where she will finally find the peace she so desperately seeks. On her first day there, her life collides with Archer Hale, an isolated man who holds a secret agony of his own. A man no one else sees. 

I'm not a woman of many words, but I hope this book ruins my life. I'm sick and tired of reading love stories aren't heart-wrenching as people say they are. Archer is Alexa Raye's favorite book boyfriend, so I hope she's right. 

Archer's Voice is the story of a woman chained to the memory of one horrifying night and the man whose love is the key to her freedom. It is the story of a silent man who lives with an excruciating wound and the woman who helps him find his voice. It is the story of suffering, fate, and the transformative power of love.

Sounds promising :) 

Books I Actually Read During Summer '22

 

photo from @lovelychaos via Twitter

I want to introduce you to this post by saying that whoever plans a Summer TBR list and sticks to it, has my respect.

Because I couldn't, lol.

I have no self-control, meaning I treated myself to a new book every chance I had.

In my previous Squarespace blog, when I made my summer TBR list, I was already reading The Beautiful by Renée Ahdieh. So let's start with that one... because I didn't even finish it.

I really wanted to give it a chance, but the whole time I was like "Yes, girl! Give us nothing! 🤪😍"

The Beautiful by Renée Ahdieh

The Beautiful by Renée Ahdieh
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

DNF at 52%.

Just like everyone else, I was excited for some vampire-forbidden-love type of trope. But how come I’m on page 233 of a vampire book and there’s not a single hint about the existence of vampires?

I can handle slow plots, but the constant overthinking from Celine and her dArK SEcReT had me annoyed to the max.

Anyways, the plot felt really slow and painfully uneventful.

It really wasn’t for me 💔.

View all my reviews

Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

My second CoHo book ever, and the first one to break my planned TBR list.

I was so sad when I reached the part that traumatized Miles so much. He was so in love with Rachel (before Tate) to the point he saw her as poetry.

Like prose and love letters and lyrics cascading down

the

center

of

a

page

 

Every time he spoke about her, the text would turn as if it were poetry. So you bet my heart broke when it went back to normal after *THAT* happened.

Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Although it didn't make me cry as people told me I would, I can't deny this book was so beautifully written. And don't even get me started on Cap; he was the best character. His back must be hurting from carrying this entire book.

"... Seems in my past life, I was shot right in the ass. Must have bled out."

Iconic.

View all my reviews

The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay

The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It's a 3.5 to me

Although it didn't blow me away, I had a lot of awww moments. These were my favorite quotes:

"You are so pretty one of these days I'm going to lose a finger in my garage because I can't concentrate with you so close to me. You are so pretty that I wish you weren't so I wouldn't want to hit every guy at school who looks at you, especially my best friend."

 

She's the most beautiful girl I've ever seen.

(Basic, I know. But I would cry forever if someone ever said this to me.)

"Just so you know," he mimics me,"I would chop that table up and use it for firewood before I would ever choose anything over you."

If you read this book, you'd know these quotes are from after the half of the book. Because honestly? The book was uneventful until it picked up around 25-30%. I may have gotten a bit emotional at the end, but only because it shows how much Drew cares about Nastya; I thought it was wholesome. But besides that, I barely felt anything.

My conclusion is: I think it's a good plot, but in the beginning, it was really slow and uneventful. I was bored during most of it. But it wasn't a bad read.

I think I have mixed feelings about it, lol.

View all my reviews

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Okay... it gave. And that plot twist managed to get a gasp from me.

A friend recommended me this book, and she was right; it was actually good. I enjoyed it because from the beginning it was a page-turner and as a slow reader, I'm proud of myself because I finished it in a span of 3 days, lol.

Also... am I the only one who wasn't a fan of Cadence and Gat's romance? Ever since Cady saw him sending the letter to Raquel, I stopped liking him. >:((

Another thing: Johnny was my favorite character, he was so hilarious.

"Can't we talk about sex or murder?"

"Never eat anything bigger than your ass."

  

Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin

Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If she was destined to burn in Hell, I would burn with her.

This book was a big slay and my first step into falling in love with YA fantasy. Also, Lou was such an amazing character; and sometimes I found myself relating to her personality. She was just as lovely as Coco. And don't get me even started with Ansel, I didn't expect myself to adore him completely.
And Reid... I fucking love him .

I have to admit that, just like many others, I was confused in the beginning but as I kept reading I was able to catch on. I'm a very slow reader, and I almost fell into a reading slump; but as soon as Reid and Lou married, the book immediately turned into a page turner for me.

A witch and witch hunter bound in holy matrimony. There was only one way such story could end--a stake and a match.

I found their dynamic to be so hilarious and wholesome; you can bet I squealed like a 14-year-old when he finally calls her "My little heathen". I passed away.

Anyways... I'm excited to run to my nearest bookstore and get my hands on Blood & Honey; I hope to enjoy it as much as I did this one!<3 br="">
p.s: Reid finally cursing was one of my most favorite things.

"Why the fuck is everyone in this kingdom trying to murder my wife?

And that's it!

<3 br="">I was planning to finish reading Fallen by Lauren Kate before my college semester began. I couldn't, so I will include it in books I read during the Fall! I've been slowly dipping my toes into fantasy, so I look forward to including more YA Fantasy than Colleen Hoover (No hate; I love her but I need to step out of my comfort zone. Although she's my go-to in times of reading slumps). Any more YA Fantasy recs? I'm thinking of adding The Cruel Prince to my TBR :)

<3 br="">