Not to be overly dramatic or something, but it does feel like the start of an entirely new era already. Yesterday was my last day of work, today is my first day of pregnancy leave. It’s surreal how fast time has flown by. Simply thinking about this little wiggle being born in about two weeks – or sooner, or later; who really knows? – is ridiculously surreal.
And hard at the same time. We’re currently living in a house that.. even though it feels like a home, is no fit place to have a baby at and I’m low-key freaking out. Today’s a bad day when it comes to mental breakdowns, to be honest. I thought at least the first day would be relaxing, but instead I’m constantly confronted with all the things that have yet to happen and.. I’m not coping all that well right now?
Which pretty much means the rest of the day will be spent in bed and bath, reading, with candles and.. probably way too much chocolate but who cares. Self-care. Ignoring the mess. Ignoring the to do’s.
Anyway. I’ll get back to being me eventually!
For now, let’s take a look at what I read since last Wednesday.
As always, covers link back to the Goodreads-page, so feel free to check them out!
I finally picked up Escaping From Houdini! Honestly, I thought Fall was the perfect time to read this book – which it is – but it’s also kind of fitting with the snow storm going on outside and me being locked safely inside, haha. And, well, Ride Baby Ride / Rocky Ride is my steamy fluff for in between – and on my Kindle. You all know I love switching between those two formats anyway.
Oh, I did good! I finished those two reads I wasn’t really feeling – I should totally get a move on writing those reviews, oops – and even started and finished two others! Archenemies pretty much blew me away; loved it! Swimmer Boy was a queer fluffy read for in between but I definitely had some issues with it. Not representation-wise, but writing-wise which sucks.. It could’ve been so good..
I’m not pulling any notes from my jar anymore since tomorrow’s the last day of January and then I’m starting Fantastic February! I’ll be posting my TBR for that one tomorrow – but let’s just say I’m definitely picking up The Wicked King as soon as I’ve finished my current reads. There’ll be no stopping me!
Two new additions this time around! I felt in the mood for some fluff when I requested New Starts and Cherry Tarts at the Cosy Kettle and finally got approved for the diverse Internment by Samira Ahmed!
I’m so excited for Fantastic February!
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You and me both, hah!
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I need to read Renegades soon! 🙈
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You do! Personally, I loved Archenemies more than Renegades – just saying, haha.
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That’s a good thing! 🙂☺️ I loved The Lunar Chronicles! 💗
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Same! Really should reread those some day.. Eventually.. 😛
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Yes! I might reread them this year or maybe next year..🙈
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I’m going to reread all Shadowhunters-books this year so.. I think I’ll keep it at that, for now. Haha!
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I’m either going to reread The Lunar Chronicles or the ACOTAR trilogy or The Raven Cycle..🙈🙈 I haven’t decided yet..but one of these. 😋 I reread the Throne of Glass series last year in preparation of Kingdom of Ash’s release.. ☺️
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I only started reading the Throne of Glass-books in 2017 so I didn’t really need to reread all of them before KoA, haha.
The Raven Cycle is one I’d like to reread one day as well but more because.. I THOUGHT I was going to love those books but I ended up feeling “just okay” about them? So I feel like maybe I was in the wrong head space or something. People keep telling me the same thing too so.. rereading them when I actually feel totally up for a reread is on the list, haha.
I’m thinking about making 2020 the Maas rereading year though. 😛
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I also read the ToG books for the first time in 2017 but I went through them very quickly and then read the ACOTAR trilogy right after Tower of Dawn, so I thought I should refresh my memory before Kingdom of Ash. 😍 Also because I couldn’t get enough of the world and these characters. ☺️
I didn’t love The Raven Cycle either but I think some of the subtle foreshadowing etc might have gone over my head the first time. It was a different kind of writing than I was used to. One of my friends who absolutely loves this series assured me that that’s a common reaction with this series and the second read will be even better as I’ll pick up on things that I didn’t before. 🙂 So I’m looking forward to that. ☺️
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I’m so excited that you have finally started Escaping from Houdini and I can’t wait to read your review on it. I preordered the last book in this series already lol.
I haven’t posted my TBR for fantastic February yet but I am participating. I went to the library today to pick up most of the books I will be reading. I’m going to be read the Grisha Verse trilogy and the Six of Crows Duology. I am waiting on one of the books to get to my library so hopefully that shows up soon.
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I’m almost halfway through and.. I have to say I liked Hunting Prince Dracula way better? I’m not getting the eerie, dark vibe I was getting so used to! It might just be me though – my brain’s been everywhere lately.
Awesome! 😀 No rush with your TBR – although I think you posted it by now? Could be wrong. Like I said, the pregnancy brain is getting.. ridiculous.. Seriously.. I can barely remember what time my boyfriend comes home from work every day.
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I know I’ve shared it on the Goodreads page but I haven’t done a TBR on my blog yet and it probably want be going up anytime soon. When I get back from Tennessee I will be posting it.
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No hurry. You definitely have more important things on your mind right now!
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True! Thanks girl!!
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Oh Kathy take care of yourself, self-care is so important and know that I am always here if you ever want to chat. You’re amazing ❤ ❤ I hope you'll love your next reads ❤ ❤
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I know, thank you! Chatting about it simply doesn’t really help anymore at this point, haha. I keep getting frustrated over the most stupid things. It’s something I have to get through. I’ll be okay!
Thank you so much though. ❤
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Of course, I can understand that. Always here if you need ❤ sending you love! ❤
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Oh my deary!! Take the time you have before he comes to do ALL self care!! Sending love 💗 and I’m so excited for your next “everything”!!
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Awh thank you! ❤
I'm doing my best to demand as much me-time as I possibly can. I need it so much right now, hah. 🙂
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Yes, just relax with candles and bathtime and reading. That sounds like a great time. I’ll likely be doing that too. Reading is going well. I’m on book 3 for the JanJamJarReadathon, but I still have a few hours before I have to finish up my weekly wrap-up post, so I’m still hoping to finish what I’m reading now and start another one.
As for February, I’m obviously participating in Fantastic February. There are so many fantasy books I’d like to read, so we’ll see how much progress I make.
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I’ve been trying to do just that, but at some point I just end up feeling guilty about relaxing and doing nothing. Especially with so many things still on the to do-list before the baby arrives and.. ugh..
You did awesome on that readathon, Dani!
I’m secretly hoping you’ll sneak in some more Monster of Selkirk, haha.
Happy reading! 🙂
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I hope you can find some balance between that to-do list and relaxing. From what I hear from just about everyone, there won’t be time for a lot of relaxing after the baby arrives.
I need to buy books 3-5 so I can keep reading, lol.
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Gah, I know. I’m trying my best but we’ll see how it goes. Right now I’m simply hoping the little one stays put for a while longer so we have a bit more time to get everything done, haha.
Well, you have *my* permission to buy them at least! 😛
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Well I hope he stays put a little longer for you guys too.
And haha, thanks. I’m waiting to make sure I have the extra money to do a little book splurge before I get them. They are sitting in my B&N shopping cart right now…as is Imber.
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Yay! That’s a Books & Munches-cart right there and I couldn’t be more proud of myself, haha
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You should be proud of your recommendations. You have great reading tastes.
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You just made my day. Thank you. ❤
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Well, you are certainly welcome.
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First babies are so unpredictable, but you can do this! And definitely practice as much self-care as you can. It’s a stressful time, but it should be a wonderful time, too. Although the house being out of wack only makes everything feel crazier than it should.
Enjoy Escaping From Houdini! I still haven’t started this series although I desperately want to soon.
Oh, and GOOD LUCK with the little one! So close now! (And as a mother of two teens, I’m kinda freaking out on your behalf over here LOL).
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I’m trying my best self-care-wise! It’s been rough though, especially since it’s starting to have some effects on my relationship as well. We’re not the most patient people at this point, getting frustrated over things all the time but.. we’ll get through it. I have this suspicion that, once the little one’s arrived, we’ll be like “don’t care about the house, as long as we’re together”, haha.
Thank you! I LOVE the books! Hunting Prince Dracula is my favorite so far and I’m pretty sure Escaping From Houdini isn’t going to change that.
Haha! I don’t even want to think about the teenage years just yet. If only because I know how rebellious I got.. Not to mention the boyfriend.. If our kid is our rebellious-ness combined, we’re in for some trouble for sure!
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I hope your home will feel better soon ❤ I have Daughter of a Burning city still on my TBR pile so I'm looking forward to your review!
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Same. Fingers crossed everything will turn out okay in time, hah.
Oooh.. Well.. Ahhum. I enjoyed it but didn’t overly enjoy it? Still have to tweak my review a bit but it’ll be up sometime in February. [Yay for scheduled posts, haha.]
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I hope you enjoy The Wicked King!
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There’ll be something wrong with the world if I don’t, haha!
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