Tag: book tag

It’s Finally Fall Book Tag

Lauren1 Comment

It’s fall, y’all! That means it’s time for apple cider, comfy sweaters, and cozy blankets…if you live somewhere that isn’t Texas. We still do pumpkin patches and hayrides though!!!

I saw this book tag on Book Are 42 (I love that blog name) and she was tagged by someone else, but I couldn’t track down the originator of the tag. If anyone has the info, please let me know!

In fall, the air is crisp and clear | Name a book with a vivid setting!

The Ex Hex/ The Kiss Curse by Erin Sterling

The world of Graves Glen is set in a whimsical small town full of colorful characters and I could not love this series more. Both books are excellent and the second story doesn’t suffer from the dreaded second book syndrome.

Nature is beautiful… but also dying | Name a book that is beautifully written, but also deals with a heavy topic like loss or grief.

Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune

This is a book about death. The story is about a man who dies and goes to “live” in a tea house in a small village with a reaper, a ferryman, and some ghosts, including a ghost dog!!! And yes, I cried, but in the best possible way.

Fall is back to school season | Share a non-fiction book that taught you something new.

The Player’s Handbook by Wizards of the Coast

So I know the prompt was probably looking for something a little less esoteric, but this, while about a fantasy world, is a non-fiction book as it is a technical manual for a role-playing game. And I learned a lot. It did take me two months to read it, because dense, but I still read it!!!

In order to keep warm, it’s good to spend time with the people we love | Name a fictional family/household/friend-group that you’d like to be a part of.

In Death Series by J.D. Robb

For all that they are surrounded by mayhem and murder, the bonds of family and friendship are incredibly strong within Eve and Roarke’s group. What makes it even more special is that while Roarke and Eve are bazillionaire’s, that’s not the reason the people in the group are friends with them, they like these two on their own merits. I’d like to be friends with these people.

The colorful leaves are piling up on the ground | Show us a pile of fall-colored spines!

Um…no? I just organized the shelf nearest to me a few days ago. I’m not messing that up…I’m picturing myself storming off like a petulant child who is being sent to their room. Baby Lauren would not be amused.

Fall is the perfect time for some storytelling by the fireside | Share a book wherein somebody is telling a story.

Fairy Tale by Stephen King

So I’m not recommending this book as I’m still not sure how I feel about it (I’m not done with it yet) but it is told to you by the main character.

The nights are getting darker | Share a dark, creepy read.

A Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix

This book very much creeped me out when I read it a few years ago. Just thinking about that scene with the rats…eww. But, it was very well written and made me want to read more by the author, which is saying a lot, as I don’t usually enjoy horror stories.

The days are getting colder | Name a short, heartwarming read that could warm up somebody’s cold and rainy day.

Monk and Robot Series by Becky Chambers

I have heard this series referred to as hope punk, and I like it. I would also call it cozy sci-fi. It’s a series that isn’t afraid to ask tough questions, but it does so in a nice and gentle manner, you leave the stories not only questioning your life but wanting more in the series.

Fall returns every year | Name an old favorite that you’d like to return to soon.

The Last Dragonlord by Joanne Bertin

I loved the first two books set in this series, and am always up for a re-read. It’s the story of Liden, a dragonlord (a being who is also part dragon), and his journey through political intrigue and a murder mystery at a human court. It’s a fun read and I would have loved to see more in this world.

Fall is the perfect time for cozy reading nights | Share your favorite cozy reading accessories

A Cup of Tea

Does a cup of tea count? I can’t really read without one and during the cooler parts of the fall will go through several cups while I am reading. A particular fall favorite is by Harney and Sons, the Pumpkin Spice. It’s quite nice.

What a fun tag! I don’t ever tag anyone in these, because if you like a tag, you should give it a try! Let’s see what fun you can come up with!

Naughty or Nice Book Tag

Lauren3 Comments

When I saw this festive tag on the Wicked Witch’s Blog, I knew I had to do it. She got it from Jennily, to whom the image below also belongs. This tag spoke to me, which is weird because I read it.

Rules

  • Tag & link the person who tagged you (um, no one)
  • Tag and link me/this post (if you would be so kind, I love reading your answers!)
  • Tick/cross off the ones you’ve done
  • Tag another 10 people! (I don’t think I even know ten people!)

Received an ARC and not reviewed it: Yes, but’s that’s only because I like to review books closer to their release date. I should work on that.

Have a less than 60% feedback ratio on NetGalley: Unfortunately, the answer to this one is yes. And that’s because of the same answer above. I’m also behind by one book. Sigh.

Rated a book on Goodreads and promised a full review was to come on your blog (and never did): I can honestly say I have never done this. I don’t really write reviews on Goodreads, and if I do, it’s the same thing you would find on my blog so…yeah.

Folded down the page of a book: Yes. When I was younger. It leads to tearing and ripping on my part so I stopped doing it.

Accidentally spilled on a book: No, thank goodness. Now other people have spilled on my books and I have never forgiven them. But yeah, not me.

DNF a book this year: That’s a big affirmative.

Bought a book purely because it was pretty with no intention of reading it: Yes. I have an illustrated copy of The Hobbit that I got purely for the aesthetics.

Read whilst you were meant to be doing something else (like homework): Um, yes. Almost all the time. I mean, who needs sleep?

Skim read a book: No. I dislike skim reading. If I generally dislike a book enough to be tempted to skim it, I just stop reading.

Completely missed your Goodreads goal: Yes, though I met it this year. Go me!

Borrowed a book and not returned it: Never. Libraries are sacred places. You should always return your books!

Broke a book buying ban: Am I breathing? Then yes, yes I have. And I will continue to do so to the point that I will ban myself from doing book buying bans.

Started a review, left it for ages then forgot what the book was about: Nope. I tend to sit down a write a review as soon as I finish the book so I don’t forget what it is I was reading.

Wrote in a book you were reading: I can honestly say I have not. Have I thought about it? Sure. That temptation usually passes me by.

Finished a book and not added it to your Goodreads: In my past, yes. My Goodreads from years past is a mess. I am much better at keeping up with it now. Of course, this means I’m posting what I’m reading on both Goodreads and The Storygraph.

Borrowed a book and not returned it to a friend: Only once. And I am bound and determined to get that book back to her. I just saw her a few months ago too! I missed my golden opportunity!

Dodged someone asking if they can borrow a book: No. But that’s because I just outright say no.

Broke the spine of someone else’s book: Nope. At least, not that I can remember.

Took the jacket off a book to protect it and ended up making it more damaged: Yes. But my cat did it. I have since learned to put the dust jackets back on the books when I am not reading them.

Sat on a book accidentally: Of course. Who hasn’t? Liars, that’s who.

My score is 11 out of 10, so I’m naughty, but also nice? But mostly naughty. Guess I’m getting coal in my stocking this year!

If you would like to do this tag, go on and give it a go! I had a lot of fun doing it. It’s always amusing to admit you forgot to give a book back.

Ha. Ha ha.

The Thanksgiving Book Tag- Part Two

Lauren6 Comments

Happy Turkey Day everyone! I hope all is well with you and you aren’t running around like a turkey with its head cut off trying to prepare for the day. Remember to take time and relax, drink plenty of water, and actually spend time with your loved ones today. It’s not just about the food on the table.

But on to the second of my Thanksgiving tags. I found this one on The Sassy Book Geek’s blog and it originated with Erin and Becca at Fangirlscity on YouTube.

Bread- What book is purely fluff, and has no real plot line?

Anita Blake Series by Laurell K. Hamilton

So I can’t remember which book exactly it is in this series where it went from “hey, this book has a plot” to “hey, where did the plot go?” but it happened. These books used to be good, but somewhere along the way, it became about how much smut the author could squeeze in. So yeah. This whole series.

Turkey- What book made you want to fall asleep?

Divergent by Veronica Roth

I don’t know what it is about this series, but I just…yeah. It wasn’t very great. It just bored me. To the point where I didn’t really care how it ended. At all. Ever. I think I only watched the movie one day because I was bored. Le sigh. I know. You probably love this series. I just…don’t.

Gravy- What book makes the whole series worth reading?

Magic’s Price by Mercedes Lackey

Have y’all gotten tired of me talking about these books already? No? Good. In all seriousness, this is the rare third book where the payoff is absolutely worth it. It will inspire you to read every book in the Valdemar world.

Stuffing- What book is stuffed full of action scenes?

The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

While this book does have its slower moments, its action scenes are superb. It’s a grimdark book, to be sure. But it is excellent.

Mashed Potatoes- What book looked good, and then wasn’t?

The Power by Naomi Alderman

This book sounded like it would be great. It had everything going for it. All the things I like in a book, and yet here we are, putting it in the dislike/disappoint pile. I don’t feel too bad though, my book club didn’t like it either.

Cranberries- What book has the sweetest romance?

The Ex Hex by Erin Starling

I don’t really read books for the romances, so this was the first one I thought of. Probably because it was my most recent romance read. It was good. Rhys and Vivienne were cute together and the book left me wanting to know more about them in the “I want a sequel way”.

Corn- What’s the corniest book you’ve ever read?

In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

This has one of my favorite genre tropes, the time loop. And though the main character didn’t spend a lot of time in it, the book did still have the cheese factor I expect from that trope. It was still a cute book. But totally corny.

Green beans- What book is too long and needs to be shortened?

Dune by Frank Herbert

There is a lot of unnecessary exposition in this book. It could be because I don’t like this “epic masterpiece” but it doesn’t need to be that long. Did enjoy the recent movie release though. What? I’m weird.

Pumpkin Pie- What book do you read to get out of a reading slump?

Naked in Death by JD Robb

It’s not just this book, it’s the whole series. I can also get out of a reading slump with the Heralds of Valdemar series. Both work equally well. Besides, there’s something nice (and possibly daunting) about knowing you have 53 books to get to know your characters.

Dog/Cat- What’s your favorite Thanksgiving food that you would steal from the table?

Pumpkin Pie

It’s my absolute favorite thing on the Thanksgiving table. Well, that and dressing and gravy. Oh, and mashed potatoes with lots of butter. But yes, pumpkin pie!

What would your answers be? I tag you to do this! You know, if you have time.

Anything But Books Tag

Lauren3 Comments

I found this particular tag when BookTuber Merphy Napier did it a few months ago. Naturally, she found it through someone else, and I think I managed to track it to it’s original source…maybe. It’s from a BookTuber called TheBookHoarder.

I thought it would be fun to learn a little bit more about me…you know, that doesn’t have to do with books.

Name a cartoon that you love. Gargoyles. Hands down. Does anyone else remember this from the 90’s? I mean, not only are we dealing with incredible animation and storytelling, but the voice cast. Omg, the voice cast! Half of Star Trek: The Next Generation was on this show. And I’m not saying that I have all the Gargoyles Funko Pops, but that’s exactly what I’m saying.

What’s your favorite song right now? God Help the Outcasts from the Hunchback of Notre Dame musical soundtrack. Not the movie one, but the one that never made it to Broadway. That score is fire!

What could you do for hours that isn’t reading? Um…playing Animal Crossing? I also have a habit of falling down a YouTube rabbit hole of anything that catches my eye.

What is something you love to do that your followers might be surprised by? I love to watch Stargate SG-1. Although that may not be a surprise to some people. It’s been one of my favorite shows since it first started airing. It’s like the comfort food of TV that I watch when I’m feeling down or want to kill 160 hours of my time.

 What is your favorite unnecessarily specific thing to learn about? I love learning about travelling. I love researching all of the things associated with travelling to places far away. And by far away, I mean at least an hour from my house.

What is something unusual that you know how to do? I have no idea. Not annoying my husband by making him go shopping with me? Is that a skill?

 Name something you made in the last year and show us if you can. I retooled my blog into a book blog. Take a look around if you are interested.

What is your most recent personal project? I’m going to be making my first quilt soon! My amazing mother in law is going to come down and teach me how! I’m so excited!

Tell us something that you think about often? Going back to the theater. I’m a musical theater lover and listening to the soundtracks makes me so happy. I’m excited to get back to my first show this year, which is Wicked, by the way. Masks on of course!

Give us something that is your favorite. Grandma’s Chicken and Dumplings. Full stop.

Say the first thing that pops into your head. Lobster. Cause apparently I want some.

As for who I tag to do this, as always, I tag you. Cause why not!

20 Questions Book Tag

Lauren3 Comments

Well hello there! How’re you doing today? Are you drinking enough tea? Inquiring minds want to know.

I was tagged by absolutely nobody to do this 20 questions tag that I found on the interwebs. I discovered it through Paperfury, but alas, I was unable to find the originator of this tag due to the dead end spiral I was sent upon. Bother.

I thought this tag sounded fun and a little bit different. So without further ado, on with the tag!

How many books are too many for a series? I’ll get back to you when I have discovered the answer to that, as I just finished reading book 52 in the In Death saga by JD Robb. I might have them all. Maybe.

How do you feel about cliffhangers? I am of a mixed mind about cliffhangers, actually. When done really well, I enjoy them. But when they are bad, just, no. Also, I always worry that the authors second or third book won’t be picked up by the publisher and then I’m left with no resolution. It’s problematic.

Hardcover or paperback? Yes. I happen to like both. I was obsessed with mass market paperbacks for years, but they fall apart easily if you read them too many times. And I love the floppy paperbacks they now offer. However a hardback offers longevity, something you don’t get with a paperback.

Favorite book? Pshaw. I have several.

I have never been able to choose my favorite book. And I’m sure this list will change as the years pass. I need to re-read a few of these. And I just reread A Discovery of Witches, but every time I bring it up, I want to read it again. Also, if it’s in a series, I love the whole series, not just the first book. Cause logic.

Least favorite book? I know it may seem mean to actually answer this, but The Road Not Taken but Susan Rubin is up there, and I never even finished it. Life is too short to read books you don’t like.

Love triangles, yes or no? For the most part no. I really don’t like that trope, and can count on one had the very few times I have liked it. Well, I think I mean only once. But for the most part, it’s a big no for me.

The most recent book you couldn’t finish? Outlawed by Anna North.

I really wanted to like this book. I think this was just a matter of right book wrong reader.

A book you are currently reading? Point B by Drew Magary

A story where teleportation is possible? Yup. I’m there.

The last book you recommended to someone? If we discount all the recs I make as a blogger, then both The Invisible Live of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab and A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness. They are both very different books, but both speak to me. I just love recommending them.

Oldest book you’ve read by publication date? Um, I have no idea. I read The Odyssey for fun once. That’s the oldest one I can think of.

Newest book you’ve read by publication date? Faithless in Death by J.D. Robb

I know. I already mentioned this one. But it just came out! Pluss I love this series. I would have to to have read all 52 books in it.

Favorite author? Hmm. I guess I never thought of it. Deborah Harkness (I love her writing style, and her plots), J.D. Robb ( I’m sorry, but I simply adore Eve and Roarke), Melanie Rawn (I’m still anxiously awaiting book three of the Exiles trilogy, and I may never get it). That’s all I can think of for now. Of course, this list may change later.

Buying books or borrowing books? Um, both? I like borrowing books from libraries. Especially since you can do it through the Libby app on your phone now. But I also have an addiction to collecting books. I must own all the pretties!

A book you dislike that everyone seems to love? Dune by Frank Herbert. I just can’t connect with this book. Doesn’t stop me from continuedly trying to read it though.

Bookmarks or dogears? Either one is perfect acceptable. I prefer bookmarks, but if I don’t have one handy, dogeared pages do in a pinch.

A book you can always re-read? Um, see favorites list above, I can re-read that list of books anytime, anywhere. Also, anything in the Valdemar universe by Mercedes Lackey.

Can you read while listening to music? Yes, if by music you mean having the TV on in the background. I do that all the time. I used to read by music all the time. Not in the last few years though. Huh, I may have to try that again.

One POV or multiple? In this I have no preference. For multiple POV’s though, it has to be clearly stated who’s POV it is, or I get frustrated and DNF the book.

Do you read a book in one sitting or multiple days? I can do both, honestly. It depends on how the books is, what time I have free, and if my ADHD is acting up. Tic Tok waits for no woman!

Who do you tag? I tag you! Go forth and try this tag out for yourselves! I had a lot of fun doing it.

The Festive Christmas Book Tag

Lauren1 Comment

We lookie here. Another Christmas book tag. I may love Christmas so festive book tags seemed like the perfect way to express that. I found this one through Jenniely, but it was originally from booktuber GirlReading.

It’s just so cool!

Get it? Cool? Cause winter is cold?

A fictional family you would like to spend Christmas dinner with?

Well this ones easy. The Weasleys of course. Does anyone else what to give them muggle gifts and watch as Arthur tries to steal everyone’s presents to figure out how they work and what the point of them is? Just me then?

A bookish item you would like to receive as a gift?

Well that’s easy, a Book Nook! I wrote about the beautiousness of the Book Nook here. This one by Scrapbookstickers on Etsy is fantastic!

A fictional character you think would make a perfect Christmas elf?

Well this is easy. Pick a house elf. Any happy house elf. I know we all love Dobby (see gif below) but all the house elves at Hogwarts work to make the school look super festive.

Match a book to it’s perfect Christmas song.

Why was this so difficult? I mean, it was just so difficult. So I settled.

The book is To Be Taught, If Fortunate by Becky Chambers and the Song is Star to Follow by Trans Siberia Orchestra.

Bah Humbug. A book or fictional character you’ve been disappointed in and should be put on the naughty list?

John Farrell from the Postmortal. That guy was all kinds of screwed up. He made lots of bad life choices. And for a book about a guy with the potential to live forever, well. I still gave the book 4 stars though.

A book or a fictional character you think deserves more love and appreciation and deserve to be put on the nice list?

Anything by Mercedes Lackey, but more specifically, Vanyel from The Last Herald Mage trilogy. These books have everything. Plucky animal sidekicks, queer rep, a great magic system, good world building, compelling characters, sadness, happiness. Everything!

Red, Gold and Green. A book cover that has a wonderfully christmasy feel to it.

I reviewed this book and I just happen to think it’s so cute! The Autobiography of Santa Claus by Jeff Guin. It’s exactly what it says on the cover. The perfect warm hearted Christmas time read.

A book or series you love so much, you want everyone to find under their Christmas tree this year so they can read it and love it too?

The Dragon Prince Trilogy by Melanie Rawn. I love this book series and I think everyone should read it. It has dragons, obvs, a strong female protagonist, a strong male protagonist, compelling villains, an interesting magic system, and fantastic world building. Did I mention the dragons? Plus, look at that beautiful Michael Whelan cover art!

What would your answers be to any of these questions? Do the tag and let me know!

12 Days of Christmas Book Tag

Lauren1 Comment

‘Tis the season…for a holiday book tag!

Yup, I decided to try my hands at a book tag. So I set to the Googles and stumble across this one on The Sassy Book Geeks page. It loosely based on this one from Lizzie Loves Books.

A 12 Days of Christmas Book Tag! As a Christmas enthusiast I had to do this tag.

Without further ado, let’s go!

On The First Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me: A Partridge in a Pear Tree.

The partridge stood alone in the pear tree. What is your favorite stand alone?

Sherlock Holmes as a woman…and a sorceress. I reviewed this one back in February and I loved it! Also, I don’t read many stand alones, and this was one of the few I did read that I loved.

On The Second Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me: Two Turtle Doves

Love is in the air! Who is your one true pairing?

Rohan and Sioned of The Dragon Prince trilogy! Their relationship is fire, quite literally.

On The Third Day Of Christmas, My True Love Sent to Me: Three French Hens

In the spirit of threes, what is the best trilogy you have ever read?

I couldn’t think of anything more timely, because I have just recently started reading the newer releases. This trilogy, released back in the 90’s, has everything, romance, political intrigue, fight sequences! Love it!

On the Fourth Day of Christmas, My True Love Sent to Me: Four Calling Birds

Since series usually consist of four or more books, what is your favorite series?

The Crown of Stars series by Kate Elliot is equal parts amazing world building and fantastic character development. I need to re-read these.

On The Fifth Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me: Five Gold Rings!!!

One ring to rule them all! Who is your favorite villain/antagonist?

The scariest villains are the one’s that could exist in real life, and since Voldemort was essentially Hitler with magic. Yeah, scary dude.

On the Sixth day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me: Six Geese a Laying

Creation is a beautiful things. What is your favorite world/world building?

The Perilous Order of Camelot series has some of the best world building. I mean, it literally starts with the creation of the universe. Gotta love that!

On the Seventh Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me: Seven Swans a Swimming

Who needs seven swans when all it takes is one good animal sidekick? Who is your favorite animal sidekick?

Yfandes is one of my favorite sidekicks. She is a steadfast and sure, which is exactly what Vanyel needs in his life.

On the Eighth Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me: Eight Maids A Milking

Milk is so 18th century. What book or series takes beverages/food to a whole new level?

I love the way the hobbits love food and drink. Mushrooms! Second breakfast!

On the Ninth Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me: Nine Ladies Dancing

Dancing is just one skill of a lady. Who is your favorite kickass female lead?

Sarra from Exiles is a fantastic leading lady. She is intelligent and strong willed, but not unwilling to accept help from others.

On the Tenth Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me: Ten Lords A Leaping

Who is your favorite leading lad?

Rohan loves books and really hates the High Prince. Not that he doesn’t deserve it. Did I mention he is also a prince?

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me: Eleven Pipers Piping

What is your favorite book or bookish this about music? (It can be about music, reference music a lot, etc.)

Vanyel wants nothing more than to be a bard and escape his father’s keep. Music is his life. His whole life. Here’s hoping he actually has the bardic gift.

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Drummers Drumming

What is your favorite book of the year?

This was by far my favorite book this year. And that ending. Oh my goodness that ending! This is a must read for anyone for sure.

How would you answer any of these questions? Let me know!