The Cake Flavoured Book Tag!

Hello bookish friends!

I took an impromptu break, I just didn’t have any inspiration for posts, so took a week or so off!  So today I’m doing a tag to ease back into things! This tag combines two of my favourite things in the world; cake and books! I wasn’t tagged by anyone but I saw this over on White Rose Stories

*Warning this post contains pictures/gifs of delicious looking cakes. You may experience hunger.

CHOCOLATE — a dark book that you loved.

I don’t read tons of ‘dark’ books…
So I’m going to cheat and say a series: A Song of Ice and Fire by George RR Martin. They’re pretty dark in tone; definitely not a cheery series.

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VANILLA —  favourite light read.

I have so many!!
I go with a recent one,
Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert
CUTEST romance novel ever. All the feels! So light and fluffy.

 

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RED VELVET — a book that gave you mixed emotions.

House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J Maas
*GASP*
Everyone loves this book, so this is a bit of an unpopular opinion. I had extremely high expectations going in and this completely flopped. I liked the last 200ish pages maybe, I did enjoy the world and characters. But overall it was so mediocre, it’s just a mix of SJM’s previous series. I do want to continue the series, I hope book two does an ACOMAF and blows me away!

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CHEESECAKE — a book that you’d recommend to everyone.

Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge

Very relevant to what’s going on in the world right now, I think everyone could benefit from reading this book. We all need to educate ourselves on the topic of racism and inequality.

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COFFEE — a book that you started but never finished.

I haven’t DNF’d in a while…
But I did DNF My True Love Gave to Me ed. by Stephanie Perkins back in December…
It was a snoozefest, wasn’t my thing at all.

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CARROT — a book with great writing.

Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson
Of course, I couldn’t do a tag without mentioning a Sanderson novel!
Warbreaker is such a great (and underrated) book! If you’re looking to get into adult fantasy and don’t want to commit to a series, this would be a great start!

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I tag whoever wants to do this tag!

Black Lives STILL Matter: Things You Can Do in the UK | Book Recs, Petitions etc

Hey guys!
Feeds are starting to go back to normal. I see less and less BLM content going around. I want to draw attention to BLM, it’s not over. The fight is on-going and we need to keep up the discourse.

I did another post for BLM, which was a list of UK charities you can support, I recommend checking out that post if you want to donate.

Here’s your reminder (or wake up call) to my fellow Brits: the UK is not innocent.
I hear people talk about how awful and racist the US is when it is not even remotely uncommon here in the UK. Brits love to pretend it’s not a problem, but it is.

Which brings me to my first tip:

Educate Yourself

My recommendation:
Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge

I listened to the audiobook of this recently and I think it’s a really good starting point for educating yourself on racism in the UK. It’s super informative, I learnt so much from it – stuff that should be common knowledge and taught in schools.
It sounds like an attack on white people – it’s not. It highlights the inequality of Britain and its origin. It gives a first hand account of what it’s like to be Black in the UK.

 

I haven’t read this yet, I’m currently waiting for it to be available at my library:
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
(will give an update/review when I’m done)

Some other books I’ve seen recommended:

Brit(ish): On Race, Identity and Belonging by Afua Hirsch

Black and British: A Forgotten History by David Olusoga

The Good Immigrant Ed. by Nikesh Shukla

Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire by Akala

How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi

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Keep The Discourse Going!

TALK!
Share posts.
Call out your racist friends/family/neighbours/coworkers
Educate them to the best of your ability and direct them to resources online etc.

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Support Black-Owned Businesses in the UK!

I don’t want to make this post super long but adding loads of links, but I found an article on The Strategist compiling 92 Black-Owned business in the UK. So definitely check that one out!
(I will see if I can maybe write a book-ish Black owned business post in the future)

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Sign UK Petitions

*The UK government only respond to petitions on the official gov website, Change.org and other petitions are not considered.
I wish more people knew this, petitions outside of the government website are unfortunately a waste of time.

Require all police officers to take Anti-Racism education

Improve Maternal Mortality Rates and Health Care for Black Women in the U.K.

Mandate regular anti-racist training for all teachers

Introduce Mandatory Ethnicity Pay Gap Reporting

Make Anti-Racism training mandatory in all UK workplaces

Make black history a compulsory part of the national curriculum for all ages

Pay Slavery Reparations to all Caribbean & African Descendants

Grant work permits to asylum seekers who are trained doctors

 

I will be adding more petitions when I find them!

 

Audiobook Review: The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black

“By you, I am forever undone.”

* Spoilers for The Cruel Prince & The Wicked King

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Synopsis:

He will be destruction of the crown and the ruination of the throne.

Power is much easier to acquire than it is to hold onto. Jude learned this lesson when she released her control over the wicked king, Cardan, in exchange for immeasurable power.

Now as the exiled mortal Queen of Faerie, Jude is powerless and left reeling from Cardan’s betrayal. She bides her time determined to reclaim everything he took from her. Opportunity arrives in the form of her deceptive twin sister, Taryn, whose mortal life is in peril.

Jude must risk venturing back into the treacherous Faerie Court, and confront her lingering feelings for Cardan, if she wishes to save her sister. But Elfhame is not as she left it. War is brewing. As Jude slips deep within enemy lines she becomes ensnared in the conflict’s bloody politics.

And, when a dormant yet powerful curse is unleashed, panic spreads throughout the land, forcing her to choose between her ambition and her humanity…

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My Thoughts:

I did not like The Wicked King and didn’t think I’d get around to reading this but the ending did have me intrigued. So, when I saw The Queen of Nothing audiobook available at my library I thought why not go for it.

I am SO glad I did!
I listened to the whole thing in one day, basically one sitting.
The audiobook is around 9.5 hours long but I listen on 1.75-2x speed, so it was less than 5 hours for me.

I was addicted. I have no idea what happened but suddenly I was immersed and invested in this world and Jude and Cardan again?! The ending to TWK was pretty good and the best part of the novel, in my opinion. I was interested to see how Jude would end up back in Elfhame/ with Cardan.

There was plenty of drama, actions and romance. It was a worthy conclusion to a decent series. It wasn’t mind-blowning or lifechanging, but it was a very enjoyable read. Some of it was a tad predictable, which I find it common in YA but I don’t need every book to knock me off my feet or have loads plot twists. I don’t think predictability takes away from the enjoyment of a novel.

Characters:

Jude: I really liked the interaction between Jude and the other characters. Especially, Cardan! I liked Jude in TCP but felt less in TWK – I really didn’t connect to anyone or anything in that book for some unknown reason. Her character development has been interesting to watch over the three books, I don’t think anything drastically has changed about her but there was some change.
I also like the relationship we see between Jude and her sisters, this is definitely more developed in this one.

Cardan: I actually really liked Cardan in this one. His character development over the series has been great and I like the person he has grown into. Unlike Jude, he’s had like a 180, he was awful in the first book (as far as I remember I didn’t like him at all). We get a different perspective of Cardan in this one, more backstory and more personal, I feel. This book really made me understand (and like) the ‘real’ Cardan.
Narrator – Caitlin Kelly: I really loved this narrator! Her voice was so easy to listen to. I kind of wish I listened to the whole series on audio because I really enjoyed her narration. If I ever reread the series (which I kind of want to) I think I’d go with the audiobooks.  I did listen to TQoN in one day, so that’s how you know she’s a good narrator! There’s not many people I can just listen to all day long.

 

Rating: 4 Stars

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What were you thoughts on TQoN and the series in general?

New to Me Authors I Want to Read More From

Talia Hibbert

I discovered Talia Hibbert last December when I read Get a Life, Chloe Brown. It became one of my favourites and I absolutely adored the sequel too! I cannot wait to get more books by her. Her sense of humour is amazing and perfectly aligns with mine! She creates such ‘normal’/relateable but swoon-worthy romances without the cringe. I need everything she’s written. It’s so addictive and amazing!

Tiffany D. Jackson

I borrowed Let Me Hear a Rhyme on a whim from my library’s app. I had never read anything by this author and had never heard of her either. I ended up really enjoying it!
The writing style was engaging and easy, yet dealt with some really important topics. I knew after finishing this book I wanted to pick up more from her. I look forward to reading her other books!

Emily Henry

Oh my god, Beach Read.
Discovering this book was the best thing ever. I loved every moment.
I assumed this was a debut as I’d never heard of her before but NOPE! Emily Henry has more books and since I loved Beach Read with every fibre of my being, I will be picking up more of her books for sure!

Alice Oseman

I read the Heartstopper graphic novels this year and fell in love!
I’d seen Alice Oseman’s books around booktube & bookstagram a lot but I had never read anything before. I picked up vol 1 of Heartstopper as it was cheap on kindle and I DEMOLISHED it in one sitting. It was the cutest thing ever!
I can’t wait for more Heartstopper and to pick up Alice’s other novels!

 

 

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What new-to-you authors do you want to read more from?

 

The Reading Slump Continues & The Queen of Nothing| WWW Wednesday 08/07/20

Happy Wednesday!

Hope you’re all well and staying safe.

I’ve been in and out of a reading slump since May, it’s been super annoying.
I’m mostly consuming audiobooks these days, which isn’t a bad thing. I do hope to read more physical books this month!

WWW Wednesday is hosted by Taking on a World of Words.  It’s a super simple meme, you just answered the three W questions.

The Three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you’ll read next?

Currently reading:

Nothing.
I’m currently between books!

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Recently Finished:

The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black (audiobook)

I binge listened to this audiobook.
After disliking The Wicked King a lot, I didn’t think I’d pick this one up. Then I decided I actually wanted to finish this series and give this last one ago. I’m very glad I did! I enjoyed it very much, I think it may even be my favourite in the series.
I listened to the whole book in one day! I was addicted.
I played Animal Crossing and listened to this and I had a grand time!

(Review coming soon)

Rating: 4 Stars

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Reading Next:

My next audiobook is:
Black Brother, Black Brother by Jewell Parker Rhodes

My library’s audiobook app has had an influx of POC books over the last week-ish, which is awesome! This one was available right away so I decided to grab it.
It’s super short (4.5) so this will probably be another one day read!

As for physical books, I really want to get to
The Burning White by Brent Weeks

I haven’t been in the mood for fantasy (SHOCK) in a while but I think I’m finally ready to dive back in. I have been waiting to read this book for ages!! It’s the final in the Lightbringer series and I’m worried! It’s also over 900 pages, it’s a big boy.
I’m hoping this will not put me more into a slump and maybe get me back into fantasy! I miss fantasy but I cannot read it when I’m in a slump for some reason.

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What have you been reading lately?

Mid Year Book Freak Out Tag | 2020

Hey Bookworms!

Can you believe half the year is gone?! Crazy.
This year has been an odd one for sure, it hasn’t been my best year of reading, quantity-wise but I’ve read some great books!

1. Best book you’ve read so far in 2020

Beach Read by Emily Henry

Oh my god, this book!! It was SO good. I loved every moment of this book.
I honestly couldn’t fault it.
My review is here.

2. Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2020

Starsight by Brandon Sanderson

I loved this book!! I literally want the whole series right now. I am SO SAD I have to wait years for the next one. It left off on a killer cliffhanger. It was INSANE!

My review is here.

3. New release you haven’t read yet, but want to.

The Love Square by Laura Jane Williams
& The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon

4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year.

I actually don’t have one. I’m trying not to keep up with new releases too much as I need to get my tbr down! It’s getting out of hand and I need to stop adding to it (lol).

5. Biggest disappointment.

House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J Maas

I am seriously sad to put this book here. I fully expected it to be my favourite book of 2020 but BOY was I wrong. I haven’t been this disappointed in a while.

Review / Rant here.

6. Biggest surprise.

The Testaments by Margaret Atwood

I didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. The Handmaid’s Tale was such a great book and even though I did want more I didn’t think anything could compare. It didn’t have as much impact on me as the first book but this one was more enjoyable! I saw so many negative reviews for this, I was worried going in but it is definitely worth picking up in my opinion!

Review here.

7. Favourite new author. (Debut or new to you)

New to me – Alice Oseman
I read the graphic novels Heartstopper for the first time this year and OH MY GOD! WHY didn’t I read sooner?! It’s the most adorable series ever.

8. Newest fictional crush.

Zaf from Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert

9. Newest favourite character.

Dani Brown!

10. Book that made you cry.

House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J Maas

Considering it was my biggest disappointment, this might be a surprise that it also made me tear up a bit. One thing that was done right in this novel was the emotional impact, it had all the feels!

11. Book that made you happy.

I’ve read so many happy books this year!!
So I don’t keep using the same books I’ll go with Heartstopper by Alice Oseman.

Review here!

12. Most beautiful book you’ve bought so far this year (or received)

Already mentioned these two but oh well:
House of Earth and Blood & Starsight
They’re GORGEOUS!

13. What books do you need to read by the end of the year?

SO MANY!

Here are a few that are high priority:

The Burning White by Brent Weeks
You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson
The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black
With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo
Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

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What’s the best book you’ve read so far this year? What are you looking forward to reading next?

Book Review: Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert

 

 

Synopsis:

Danika Brown knows what she wants: professional success, academic renown, and an occasional roll in the hay to relieve all that career-driven tension. But romance? Been there, done that, burned the T-shirt. Romantic partners, whatever their gender, are a distraction at best and a drain at worst. So Dani asks the universe for the perfect friend-with-benefits—someone who knows the score and knows their way around the bedroom.

When brooding security guard Zafir Ansari rescues Dani from a workplace fire drill gone wrong, it’s an obvious sign: PhD student Dani and ex-rugby player Zaf are destined to sleep together. But before she can explain that fact, a video of the heroic rescue goes viral. Now half the internet is shipping #DrRugbae—and Zaf is begging Dani to play along. Turns out, his sports charity for kids could really use the publicity. Lying to help children? Who on earth would refuse?

Dani’s plan is simple: fake a relationship in public, seduce Zaf behind the scenes. The trouble is, grumpy Zaf’s secretly a hopeless romantic—and he’s determined to corrupt Dani’s stone-cold realism. Before long, he’s tackling her fears into the dirt. But the former sports star has issues of his own, and the walls around his heart are as thick as his… um, thighs.

Suddenly, the easy lay Dani dreamed of is more complex than her thesis. Has her wish backfired? Is her focus being tested? Or is the universe just waiting for her to take a hint?

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My Thoughts:

Oh. My. God. This. Book.

It was EVERYTHING!!

I absolutely loved the first book, Get a Life, Chloe Brown, so I had high expectations for this book, and it did not disappoint! It was addicting and engaging from the very first page. From the fact I was already laughing and smiling on the first page, I knew it was going to be amazing.

It was exactly what I needed. I have been in a slump lately and I need something fun, light and easy to read. Take a Hint, Dani Brown is exactly that!

I love the fake dating trope, it is one of my faves! I love it when characters pretend to date and you slowly see them realise their feelings and actions are not faked. *swoon*
I’m so used to this trope in YA but it’s nice to see it in an adult setting – it was sexy and steamy, as you would imagine for an adult romance. It wasn’t cheesy or cringe, which is perfect for me as I get secondhand embarrassment quite easily!
The TENSION, my goodness; I was d y i n g for them to get together. It was everything I enjoy in a romance. I was thriving while reading this.

Anxiety/grief rep: really, really well written. It was very realistic and relatable. (Could be triggering, so be aware if these are your triggers!) The anxiety and grief were well balanced in the novel, though this is a romance and predominantly happy and cheery, it did deal with darker topics – these didn’t feel out of place or forced at all.

Writing style: I love Talia Hibbert’s writing. It is incredibly addictive, so humorous and fun. I literally was obsessed. The banter and sarcasm are just right up my alley, I live for that kind of humour. I laughed out loud at many moments, it was an absolute joy to read. I was laughing and smiling all throughout!

The characters are all incredibly well written and I was instantly attached and invested in all of them. There really wasn’t any negative aspects!

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Characters:

Dani:   Nerdy, Black, fat, & Bisexual

I loved Dani!! Such a great protagonist. She’s cool and relatable, I really liked her personality and sense of humour. I found her easy to connect to, I just want her to be my best friend. Her character is so well written and developed, she feels so real.
She’s so unapologetically herself, she’s super sex-positive, and super sassy!

Zaf: Muslim, ex-rugby player with anxiety/dealing with grief.

OH MY GOD, ZAF. What an actual cinnamon roll!! I need me a Zaf in my life. I love that Zaf is a grumpy, broody type but is a total softy underneath. It was too cute!!. He is a total sweetheart and completely swoon-worthy. I loved him. He’s so caring and lovely and troubled. I just want to give him a hug. 

 

Rating: 4.5 Stars
*Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an early copy

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Reading Wrap Up | June 2020

Hey guys!
Happy July! Damn June went fast, I can’t believe it!
June was kind of a bad month for me, I was in such a bad slump. By June 17th I hadn’t finish a book since May 18th-ish and was struggling to find motivation to read. Considering I read basically nothing for the first half of the month I’m surprised I managed 4 in the second half!

 

Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-lodge (audiobook)

This was super informative and interesting. It is a MUST read, in my opinion.
I have tried to write a review but I have no words to express everything. I’ll try and get a discussion post on this book, maybe?

Rating: 4 Stars

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Let Me Hear a Rhyme by Tiffany D. Jackson (audiobook)

This was a surprised. I borrowed from my library on a whim and I actually really enjoyed it. I love the 90s setting and the music theme, it was so cool to listen to.
Full review here.
Rating: 4 Stars

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House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J Maas

And here is the cause of my reading slump. It took me a MONTH to read this. Most of it is pretty boring. I was disappointed in this book. I have full ranty review on this, you can check out here. I have A LOT of feelings about this book.

Rating: 3 Stars

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Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert

Finally, this book saved my sanity. After reading HOEAB I need something fun, quick and lighthearted. This was ADORABLE!
I will have a review up soon!

Rating: 4/4.5 Stars

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What books did you read in June? Any new faves?