Books
How is Christmas only six days away? It really snuck up on me this year. This Christmas I decided to go the easy route and buy all the adults restaurant gift cards (the kids still get gifts you have to unwrap). I figured food gift cards would be something everyone would like and would come in handy because with the economic downturn eating out is one of the first things to go when people are tightening their belts. I just didn't have the energy to try to figure out the perfect gift for everyone before the 25th. This year I am going to my sister's house for Christmas. I could use any prayers or good vibes sent my way. I love my sister and her family, but things can get tense due to family drama. Hopefully this year we can just get along and have a good time together.
This week I read, 1 fantasy, 2 romances, and 1 graphic novel:
XOXO by Axie Oh
Cello prodigy Jenny has one goal: to get into a prestigious music conservatory. When she meets mysterious, handsome Jaewoo in her uncle’s Los Angeles karaoke bar, it’s clear he’s the kind of boy who would uproot her careful plans. But in a moment of spontaneity, she allows him to pull her out of her comfort zone for one unforgettable night of adventure…before he disappears without a word.
Three months later, when Jenny and her mother arrive in South Korea to take care of her ailing grandmother, she’s shocked to discover that Jaewoo is a student at the same elite arts academy where she’s enrolled for the semester. And he’s not just any student. He’s a member of one of the biggest K-pop bands in the world-and he’s strictly forbidden from dating. ~Goodreads Description.
This was such a sweet story. Jenny's pov is was very well written and I loved both Jenny and Jaewoo. Their relationship was so sweet and delightful. I enjoyed getting to know Korea along with Jenny as she settles at her new school. All in all, a great book that I ended up liking way more than I thought I would.
Crush the King by Jennifer Estep
This was the last book in the Crown of Shards series, and I really enjoyed it. In this book Everleigh truly becomes the ruler of her people. She grows in confidence and a willingness to finally believe she is exactly where she is supposed to be. Everleigh’s journey from forgotten orphan to queen of all Bellona was so well written and compelling. I loved all of the machinations between Everleigh and the king of Morton as they try to outmaneuver each other. One thing that was odd was that Sullivan Everleigh's consort was a very minor character in this book. It just felt off after their relationship was one of the main threads in the first two books. Other than that, I greatly enjoyed this book, and I am glad I finished the series.
(There are a few background questions that are not answered probably because the author is doing a spin off series with a different main character. But I am happy with how this series ended so I don’t think I’ll continue.)
Lightfall by Tim Probert
This is a really well-written and illustrated graphic novel for kids. I loved the friendship between Bea and Cad. The adventure they go on is compelling (although it does end on a cliffhanger.) The character growth and humor were all very well done. All in all, a great story and I can't wait for the sequel.
A Temporary Betrothal by Dorothy Mack
I picked this book up at my local used bookstore because I thought it sounded like it would be right up my alley and it was for the most part. I loved Belinda and eventually liked Anthony. The reason for them being forced to become betrothed felt a little farcical but that's regency romance for you. One of my critiques though was that the setup took a really long time and them actually having to deal with being man and wife was only in the last 25% of the book. I would much rather it be at least 50-50. Because I love the part where two people deal with the ramifications of being married. Once they got there, I really loved Belinda and Anthony's relationship and how they strove to get to know each other and then grew to love one another. I quite enjoyed Dorothy Mack's writing and hope to read more by her.
Reading Challenges 2022:
TBR: A Temporary Betrothal
Cloak & Dagger Challenge: N/A
50 State Challenge: N/A
The Jellybean Challenge: XOXO, A Temporary Betrothal
How was your weekend?
This week I read, 1 fantasy, 2 romances, and 1 graphic novel:
XOXO by Axie Oh
Cello prodigy Jenny has one goal: to get into a prestigious music conservatory. When she meets mysterious, handsome Jaewoo in her uncle’s Los Angeles karaoke bar, it’s clear he’s the kind of boy who would uproot her careful plans. But in a moment of spontaneity, she allows him to pull her out of her comfort zone for one unforgettable night of adventure…before he disappears without a word.
Three months later, when Jenny and her mother arrive in South Korea to take care of her ailing grandmother, she’s shocked to discover that Jaewoo is a student at the same elite arts academy where she’s enrolled for the semester. And he’s not just any student. He’s a member of one of the biggest K-pop bands in the world-and he’s strictly forbidden from dating. ~Goodreads Description.
This was such a sweet story. Jenny's pov is was very well written and I loved both Jenny and Jaewoo. Their relationship was so sweet and delightful. I enjoyed getting to know Korea along with Jenny as she settles at her new school. All in all, a great book that I ended up liking way more than I thought I would.
Crush the King by Jennifer Estep
This was the last book in the Crown of Shards series, and I really enjoyed it. In this book Everleigh truly becomes the ruler of her people. She grows in confidence and a willingness to finally believe she is exactly where she is supposed to be. Everleigh’s journey from forgotten orphan to queen of all Bellona was so well written and compelling. I loved all of the machinations between Everleigh and the king of Morton as they try to outmaneuver each other. One thing that was odd was that Sullivan Everleigh's consort was a very minor character in this book. It just felt off after their relationship was one of the main threads in the first two books. Other than that, I greatly enjoyed this book, and I am glad I finished the series.
(There are a few background questions that are not answered probably because the author is doing a spin off series with a different main character. But I am happy with how this series ended so I don’t think I’ll continue.)
Lightfall by Tim Probert
This is a really well-written and illustrated graphic novel for kids. I loved the friendship between Bea and Cad. The adventure they go on is compelling (although it does end on a cliffhanger.) The character growth and humor were all very well done. All in all, a great story and I can't wait for the sequel.
A Temporary Betrothal by Dorothy Mack
I picked this book up at my local used bookstore because I thought it sounded like it would be right up my alley and it was for the most part. I loved Belinda and eventually liked Anthony. The reason for them being forced to become betrothed felt a little farcical but that's regency romance for you. One of my critiques though was that the setup took a really long time and them actually having to deal with being man and wife was only in the last 25% of the book. I would much rather it be at least 50-50. Because I love the part where two people deal with the ramifications of being married. Once they got there, I really loved Belinda and Anthony's relationship and how they strove to get to know each other and then grew to love one another. I quite enjoyed Dorothy Mack's writing and hope to read more by her.
Reading Challenges 2022:
TBR: A Temporary Betrothal
Cloak & Dagger Challenge: N/A
50 State Challenge: N/A
The Jellybean Challenge: XOXO, A Temporary Betrothal
How was your weekend?