Two posts in a week? Who am I?

But it’s time for the Mid-Year Freakout Tag! Last year I attributed this Tag to Earl Grey Books, but I am not 100% sure that is accurate.

Best Book You’ve Read So Far

When I listened to Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, I didn’t expect to feel so much for an octopus, but here we are, my favorite book so far this year.

Best Sequel You’ve Read So Far

I have yet to be disappointed by Ali Hazelwood, and Love, Theoretically was no exception. I will say that though this is my favorite sequel, I do wish the author would write something other than enemies to lovers. We shall see if her next adult romance, a paranormal one, changes this.

New Release You Haven’t Read Yet, But Want To

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang sounds so good. I may suggest this as a book club pick in the future so I have a reason to read and don’t put it off for forever.

Most Anticipate Release for the Second Half of the Year

Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maeher sounds fun. Like it will be a good time. I have several other books I am looking forward to, but this may be the one I am looking forward to the most.

Biggest Disappointment

I had high hopes for A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon by Sarah Hawley, but it did not go well. The male protagonist was not likeable, at all. And I could tell he was meant to be eventually, but still, nope.

Biggest Surprise

The Measure by Nikki Erlick is one of the few lit fic books I picked up on my own, and I was presently surprised. The concept was fresh and watching how the strings impacted society was amazing.

New Favorite Author

I don’t know? I re-read the Brown Sisters Trilogy by Talia Hibbert this year, but I didn’t like her YA book. Shelby Van Pelt would be, but she has only had the one book published. I don’t think I have a favorite author so far this year.

Newest Fictional Crush

Last year I had no fictional crushes and said the Hubs was enough, apparently that’s true this year too! It would seem I don’t get fictional crushes. I’ll let you know if that changes.

Newest Favorite Character

Marcellus the Octopus from Remarkably Bright Creatures. This book really left a lasting impression on me and I appreciate that.

Book That Made You Cry

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, translated by Geoffrey Trousselot, absolutely made me cry. It’s a master class in how to translate a work to English and still maintain the emotional resonance of the original.

Book That Made You Happy

I couldn’t believe how happy this book made me. Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murders by Jesse Q. Sutanto was a murder mystery, yes, but it was also an absolute joy to read.

Favorite Book To Movie Adaptation That You Have Seen So Far?

First off, A Man Called Otto, based on the book A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman, is great. It made me feel things! That being said, I hadn’t read the book when I saw the movie and there should have been a trigger warning for suicidal ideation at the beginning of this film. Still my favorite adaptation though.

Favorite Review You’ve Written This Year?

I have only written a few posts this year, and not a one of them was a review. They just aren’t a priority right now, unfortunately.

Most Beautiful Book You’ve Bought This Year?

I haven’t read it yet, but Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett is one beautiful book.

What Books Do You Really Need to Read By the End of the Year?

All four of these books have sequels coming out in the next couple of months, and while I haven’t read these books, I preordered the sequel. I have a problem.

Favorite Community Member?

Well, that’s just rude. I can’t even call someone my best friend. I don’t have a problem, I promise.

I don’t tag individuals in tags, as I believe everyone should be able to do them! So go forth and have fun figuring this out for yourself! Enjoy!

Well hello beautiful people! And how are we doing this fine Thursday? I thought I would try this tag out that I have seen all over booktube. I promise they won’t all be from the In Death series…I hope.

I’ve managed to track down the original creator! It’s by Earl Grey Books. Off we go!

Best Book You’ve Read So Far?

Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade

I wrote a full review on this back in February, but I loved it. I loved the plus-sized representation. I also loved the fact that fanfiction plays such a huge role in the story. Because I am both plus-sized and a nerd who reads fanfiction. The character dynamics were great and I loved the way the side characters got their own book! Huzzah! And yes, I have pre-ordered the third book in the series!

Best Sequel You’ve Read So Far?

All The Feels by Olivia Dade

This sequel to Spoiler Alert dealt with more plus-sized rep but also had ADHD rep. Again, things I am! These books just speak to me in a way I wasn’t expecting from a rom-com and I am very happy to have read them. They will be re-reads for sure.

New Release You Haven’t Read Yet But Want To?

When Women Where Dragons by Kelly Barnhill

The story of the aftermath of the day that hundreds of thousands of women turned into dragons and left a path of destruction in their wake. Yes, I do believe I am going to try and read this before the end of the year. I also love the cover of this book. It is very pleasing to the eye.

Most Anticipated Release for the Second Half of the Year?

Babel by R.F. Kuang

This story sounds so interesting. A section of Oxford (the school) that is utilized entirely for magically translating texts. And then Britain turns around and uses that information to colonize the world. Given what a huge fan of The Poppy War I was, I have pre-ordered this book.

Biggest Disappointment?

The Impossible Us by Sarah Lotz

This one disappointed me because one of the best plot points was spoiled by the synopsis. I disliked that enough that it made me DNF the book. It was well written though.

Biggest Suprise?

Spear by Nicola Griffith

I loved this book, and that surprised me, as this isn’t a writing style I usually go for. But it was so well written and the characters were rich and dynamic. The author packed a lot in there for a novella. I was really impressed.

New Favorite Author?

Olivia Dade

Since I loved both the books I read by her so much, it stands to reason that she would be a new favorite author for me. I’m so excited to dig into her backlog and also to see what she does next!

Newest Fictional Crush?

I haven’t really crushed on anyone fictional this year. I mean, the Hubs seems too good to be real sometimes. Is that how you get brownie points?

Newest Favorite Character?

Basically all the men in this series. I’ve only read two books so far, but the men seem really genuine and kind. They want to be the best possible versions of themselves for their significant others so they read romance books and that brings me so much joy.

Book That Made You Cry?

Nothing has made me cry this year, and that is a failing on the part of, well, me. I keep reading murder books and romance books!

Book That Made You Happy?

So This is Ever After by F T Lukens

It’s about a chosen one who takes up the crown after he and his friends defeat the evil king. The only catch is he has to get married by his 18th birthday or he dies. This book is filled with heart. I loved how it used the miscommunication trope. Bonus points, there is magic!

Favorite Book To Movie Adaptation That You Have Seen So Far?

Sorry folks. I haven’t really watched anything. My life consists of Marvel movies, book-tube, and books.

Favorite Review You’ve Written This Year?

Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi

This book was wonderful, and I don’t think my review did it justice. But here it is if you would like to peruse it.

Most Beautiful Book You’ve Bought This Year?

The Starless Crown by James Rollins

I love the way the colors were used and how the lone figure is just standing there. I know it doesn’t seem like the most beautiful cover to some, but I love it.

What Books Do You Really Need to Read By the End of the Year?

The rest of the In Death Series by J.D. Robb

You know I had to get an In Death book in here somehow. But in all seriousness, these books are the only ones I am looking to get to by the end of the year. Anything else would just be a TBR that I will eventually not do.

Favorite Community Member?

I’m sorry, I just don’t have a favorite. I love you all!

But that’s the tag! As far as tagging people, I would challenge you to try it for yourself. It’s harder than you think!