A Court of Silver Flames (ACOTAR #4)

By Sarah J Maas

Rating: 5/5 stars!!!

Summary: 

Nesta Archeron has always been prickly-proud, swift to anger, and slow to forgive. And ever since being forced into the Cauldron and becoming High Fae against her will, she’s struggled to find a place for herself within the strange, deadly world she inhabits. Worse, she can’t seem to move past the horrors of the war with Hybern and all she lost in it.

The one person who ignites her temper more than any other is Cassian, the battle-scarred warrior whose position in Rhysand and Feyre’s Night Court keeps him constantly in Nesta’s orbit. But her temper isn’t the only thing Cassian ignites. The fire between them is undeniable, and only burns hotter as they are forced into close quarters with each other.

Meanwhile, the treacherous human queens who returned to the Continent during the last war have forged a dangerous new alliance, threatening the fragile peace that has settled over the realms. And the key to halting them might very well rely on Cassian and Nesta facing their haunting pasts.

Against the sweeping backdrop of a world seared by war and plagued with uncertainty, Nesta and Cassian battle monsters from within and without as they search for acceptance-and healing-in each other’s arms

My Review:

Ok ok so after the long longggg 4 YEAR WAIT this book has finally appeared in my hands and you bet I devoured this baby like a starved lion who has been waiting patiently for more of this fabulous sexy little dangerous world that is the A Court of Thorns and Roses series!!!!

But wow. Like wow. This BOOK.

Ok so contrary to most opinions I actually didn’t hate Nesta going into this. I understood her and why she was so angry and why she lashed out. So I actually looking forward to seeing more of her journey 😉 . And OMG you all know I am IN LOVE with Cassian – he is just ahahdhakhad sexy and yummy all in one (love him 😉 ) so I OF COURSE I COULD NOT WAIT for him and Nesta’s story!!! (was literally on pins and needles and am glad my nerves could be put in time out the moment this gem was released). 

That being said I’m PLEASED to announce that the agonizing (hair pulling) 4 YEAR wait WAS WORTH IT.

Because guys this book was so good. 

Like so so so good.

Sarah J Mass truly knows how to write characters that just make me FEEL. MY heart was constantly under a hammer this whole book and being squished and reshaped and reborn. Because this book had no rules and no regulations – in fact it pretty much burned the safety manual to the ground in regards to how much it broke me. 

I related to Nesta so much as a character. The way she felt so broken and undeserving of love had me tearing up and shredded like cheese on a grader. I loved how she was this starved wolf who lashed out and tore into people with her sharp words and at the same time devoted erotic romance novels at the same rate she did chocolate cake (who said you could be two complete polar opposite things shoved into one character? Like RELATE to the crazy contrast that is Nesta). But most of all I related to how much lack of self love she could have and how that affected her relationships and pushing people away. #relate #Nesta-is-ME.

“So Nesta had become a wolf. Armed herself with invisible teeth and claws, and learned to strike faster, deeper, more lethally. Had relished it. But when the time came to put away the wolf, she’d found it had devoured her too.”

She was such a multilayered cake of a character and I just wanted to scream at anyone who didn’t see the golden gem of who she truly was hidden underneath her wolfish exterior (ahem I’m looking at you Amren and Rhys) because she was struggling so much and needed more than just Cassian to reach out their hands. 

“Keep reaching out your hand.”

I also just love how Sarah J Maas gave us bread crumbs of progress and than brutley ripped them away. Like I was DYING. The angst in this books is off the CHARTS and my HEARt was purely SUFFERING because of it. (but only SJM can make me suffer this much because her books are pure golden tiaras that I will wear even if they give me a killer headache because they are beautiful and pretty and the way she masterfully desvolpes a story – JUST YES 100% yes.) #iaminpain 

And than there was CASSIAN. (who yes deserves his own paragraph bc he is Cassian. Enough said.) Sarah J Maas did not come to play no games when it came to my lovely Cassian because he was FLAME and FIRE and the hand we all need to reach out to us when we are broken and trying to heal. I absolutly adored my brutey general solider winged man. He was so good. SO much fire and passion within him and yet he was vulnerable and unyielding when Nesta needed him to be. He was always in her corner and never ceased to fight for her – even when she could not find the strength to fight for herself. And thats all you really want. Someone who will stand by you even when you push them away (especially then) and make you see the strength within yourself – make you believe it was there all along – so that you could get up and heal yourself. So that you could learn to love yourself again. Learn to love the world again. Cassian was a hero wrapped in wings and a devils smile and I loved him and Nesta endlessly. 

“Rhys lifted his head. “This is a bad idea.”

Cassian winked.

“That should be written on the Night Court crest.”

Not to mention to CHEMISTRY between the two had me SIZZLING!!! Like the romance and the smut in this was too good!!!?! Omg I was panting after each interaction they had with one another. And how SJM weaved in all their interactions with their layered history from the past books – just omg slap me and snap me back into reality because this book just makes me want to dissolve into this WORLD. OMG so so good I cannot stop thinking about those twos CHEMISTRY and fire and love and addahdss amazing. Thats all I have to say about that.

“Az chuckled, the wind shifting the strands of his dark hair. “You two need a chaperone up here?” Yes. No. Yes. “I thought you were the chaperone.” Az threw him a wicked smile. “I’m not entirely sure I’m enough.”

That being said this book just keep getting better. I loved the magical house Nesta lived in (like magic house – I want one!!) and the female friendships absolutely SHINED in this book. I loved Gwyn and Emmerie with my whole dang flipping heart (if we don’t see them more in the next books I will die)(also how they would swap romance novels made me want to be friends w them ASAP).

…..and all the danger and quests and fight scenes and training scenes and multi layered political interactions in this book?!?? SO. GOOD. I’m also forwarding my hospital bill to SJM for the shear HEART ATTACK she gave me with those plot twists in the end. Like I lucky I’m still alive because the shock factor alone was enough to kill me. Only SJM would try and kill me and than revive me in the next page – hot damn these books are everything. 

“Welcome back to the Night Court, Nesta Archeron.”

This book was a pure golden gem and I loved it. This series will always hold a place in my heart. I read the books in high school in a time when I needed them more than anything and therefore these books will always have an imprint on my soul. So heres to the countdown for BOOK 5 everybody. Lets hope it isn’t another 4 year wait 😉

5 Golden Glittering Stars 

What do you guys think? Adding this one to your TBR? Already read it? LMK your thoughts in the comments below!

-BubblyBooks

Hey all! So as many of you know romance is my weakness in books – if the book has a good romance you can bet I will be reading it. *please give me all the romantic rip your heart out or smother me in fluff situations* 

That being said I wanted to share with you all some of my favorite fantasy romances that I just cannot get enough of!! Some of these are even favorite series of mine that I guiltlessly binge read one after the other….

The Winners Curse Series by Marie Rutkoski 

Honestly such a good slow burn romance. I read these years ago and still remember the angst. This series is too good and cannot recommend it enough! 

Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa 

Read this whole series last year and LOVED it! Book 3 is my fav in the series and I need to read more from this author asap (if you like A Court of Mist and Fury you will like these books 😉 )

The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen 

I still need to read book 2 in this series but omg this romance hit my in the gut and tore up my insides?!? The ending destroyed me and this slow burn romance is devastating in the best of ways. So good. 

A Darker Shade of Magic by VE Schwab 

One of my favorite series of all time. Kell and Liliah are so beautifully written and I love this fantasy world! Its been years and I still cant get this book out of my head. 

A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St.Clair 

A Hades and Persephone retelling that I adored!! This book made me feel so many things and I loved it. One of my favorite fantasy romances of all time!!!

What about you all? Have you read any of these? Have any on your TBR? Read any good fantasy romances lately? LMK in the comments below!!

-BubblyBooks

Hey everybody – how are we doing? Are we doing groovy? Did we read anything spicy this month? 

I surprising did read some things while simultaneously getting my butt kicked by school and the shock that was this tiny short month being over??

February: Starts

Me: *blinks*

February: Over 

So that about sums up this month and all that happened. Valentines day was equally uneventful this month and I am so happy to finally be done with most of my midterms (I think I have one left??). 

But enough about me – on to what were are all here for – THE BOOKS *claps hands together*

The Silvered Serpents by Roshani Chokshi – 5 stars –

Ughh this series!! I love love love!! But Severin you crazy bastard!! That ending left me breathlessly frustrated but the cover for book 3 is GORGEOUS and I can’t waittt. 

Sweetest Scoundrel by Elizabeth Hoyt – 5 stars –

Oh my god. Oh my god. One of the best (maybe the best?? ahh) historical romances I have ever read. Asa Makepeace is hands down my favorite man I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading in a historical and omg can he just appear in real life and marry me please?!? Like I’m waiting. 

A Rogue of Ones Own by Evie Dunmore – 4 stars – 

Another breath of fresh air historical romance. Loved how this one felt fresh and modern but also had some fabulous historical flavor to it. Tristan is amazing and I loved the whole “It was always you” aspect to the romance between him and Lucie. Will def be wanting to read the other books from this author. 

After by Anna Todd – 4 stars –

I surprisingly didn’t hate this??? But omg that ending ran my heart over with a truck!!! Way to get me invested and than have me crushed all in the span of a breath!! But also *hello* *waves hands* I need more of this toxic trash. 

After We Collided by Anna Todd – 5 stars – 

Wow. This book is a rollercoaster. I went from loving to hating this – to love hating this on multiple occasions. Somehow the petals I picked off the flower while reading this ended up on love?! Maybe I’m crazy, but I love my two idiots Hardin and Tessa and am now attached to these characters. 

In all…

I am happy to say that I am pretty satisfied with how my reading month turned out (especially because a couple of the books I read were over 600 pages (I’m looking at you AFTER and AFTER WE COLLIDED smh) ….but do wish I had gotten around to reading SJM’s new book, A Court of Silver Flames and am hoping I pick it up this MONTH because I JUST HAVE TO OK. 

What I watched:

The Bachelor (current season) – Waiting on the season finale over here. But….. I don’t think Matt is going to pick who I want to safe to say I’m bumming and also disappointed with the male species once again. Sigh. 

Well that its my lovely reader friends! I hope you all had an equally successful reading month and that you read some excellent books during March! Best of luck with the reading goals and go pick up that book!!

-BubblyBooks

Hey my lovely readers! First things first Happy Valentines day!

In honor of the lovely heart celebrating love filled holiday I thought I would highlight all the fictional men that have complete and UTTERLY stole my heart and gave me very much unreasonable HIGH expectations for men in real life…. because lets face it:

 Fictional men >>>> real men any day. All day. 

That being said my list of Book Boyfriends in INSANe.

Like so many different shades of potential boyfriend material here – all I need is one of them to jump off the page and DATE ME PLEASE.

And since I will never stop ranting about my fictional loves I thought I’d compose a neat little list of 15 of my TOP favorite Fictional Men that have ruined me for all others (and why yes there is more than 15 fictional men I swoon over but these are TOP TIER in terms of literature men *thumbs up* *winks*):

(This list is also in random order- not ranked by whose my fav – you cant ask me to choose between my babies I love them all) 

Josh (The Hating Game by Sally Thorne)

Ugh top tier office romance. Need a Josh in real life.

Tristian Ballentine (A Rogue of Ones Own by Evie Dunmore)

Did not expect to swoon this much for Tristian. But this dirty minded rogue is everything I didn’t know I needed. 

Kai (Cruel Intentions by Siobhan Davis)

HOT. Just so adjhfsfh. 

Asa Makepeace (Sweetest Scoundrel by Elizabeth Hoyt)

Literally in love with him. Thats all I have to say about that. 

Hades (A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St.Clair)

My new bae. If you all read my review you know my love for the god of the underworld is endless. 

RHYSAND (A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas)

END GAME. My first book love and my last. I now uphold all men to Rhysand. Consider my standards impossibly raised. 

Adrian (Bloodlines/Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead)

I LOVE Adrian. Omg his banter. His snarkiness. Just ahhh love him!

Devon (Wicked and the Wallflower by Sarah Maclean)

So another dark crime lord to add my list of fictional husbands. (if you watched peaky blinders Devon is literally Thomas Shelby and I am here for it). 

Kaidan Rowe (Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins)

SO sexy. I love love love Kaidan!!

Daemon (Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout)

One of my first book bfs. He’s an a-hole with snarky banter for DAYS. Love me a sarcastic boy. 

Alex Fuentes (Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles)

Swoon love. The classic bad boy we all wanted to fall for in high school. YEs please. 

Kaz Brekker (Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo)

AHHHH my book BF for life!! Another top tier crime lord and example of “I will burn the world down for you” love love love!!

Severin (The Gilded Wolves)

Severin took me by surprise and I am so here for it! Another angsty masterminded treasure hunter I didn’t know I signed up to give my heart to.

Cillian (The Villain by LJ Shen) 

Ughhhhhh Cillian can TAKE ME AWAY please. Just that MAN.

Alex Winslow (Midnight Blue by LJ Shen) 

Alex is one funny mother F-er. Like his internal monologue. The banter. The way he is just straight up crazy rockstar. I’m sorry I fell. 

What do you guys think? Have you read any of the books above? Any of the fictional men above make your list of book bfs? Lets chat swoon in the comments!!

-BubblyBooks

A Touch of Darkness

By Scarlett St.Clair

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: 

A Modern Hades and Persephone Retelling

Persephone is the Goddess of Spring by title only. The truth is, since she was a little girl, flowers have shriveled at her touch. After moving to New Athens, she hopes to lead an unassuming life disguised as a mortal journalist.

Hades, God of the Dead, has built a gambling empire in the mortal world and his favorite bets are rumored to be impossible.

After a chance encounter with Hades, Persephone finds herself in a contract with the God of the Dead and the terms are impossible: Persephone must create life in the Underworld or lose her freedom forever.

The bet does more than expose Persephone’s failure as a goddess, however. As she struggles to sow the seeds of her freedom, love for the God of the Dead grows—and it’s forbidden.

My Review:

Wow. Just put out a “wanted” sign for my heart and emotional sanity and am offering anyone who can find it my eternal gratitude as well as some “sprinkles of motivation” to get offline and READ A DAMN BOOK. 

Now that we got that out of the way – this book DESTROYED ME.

My – heart and soul – we don’t know them anymore because they have been taken and converted into a PDF file of this book. Oh my god. Oh my flipping goodness gracious this book. THIS BOOK. wow. Just gotta collect myself for a minute here because this book was spicer and quicker to devour than a packet of minute microwave spicy Mexican rice. 

If you know me at all (or even just a tiny tinsey bit) than you know I am an absolute trash can for anything to do with greek gods or greek god retellings. That being said this book took my expectations lit them on fire and tossed them into the ocean to be reborn. 

Yes it was that good and as you all know HADES and PERSEPHONE is one of my all time FAVORITE retellings too so you know I was about to dive into this ready for some top tier fabulousness and *thank god* this book did not disappoint. 

“Take her, and I will destroy this world. Take her, and I will destroy you. Take her, and I will end us all.”

Don’t get me wrong – this is a DEBUT book so the writing wasn’t a tasty dense cup of chocolate pudding – but that being said I still enjoyed this and binge read it faster than I would have devoured said pudding cups. 

Like guys the TENSION, the back and forth banter, the seductive sultry spicy tingly tongue flavor this book gave me!!! ajfhhfkshfk please its a miracle my eyebrows are still resting comfortably over my eyes and that they were not burned off from the level of  sheer FLAME that was this book.

“Oh, darling.”

The chemistry between Persephone and Hades is one of my favorite things ever. I love a couple in which the guy is super dark and powerful and has a bad reputation but would literally drop everything and burn the world down for their girl simply because they “felt like it”. 

“They say Hades is protective of his realm, and while that is true, it isn’t about power. He cares for his people, protects them, and he takes it personally if anyone is harmed. If you belong to him, he will tear the world apart to save you.”

Not to mention Persephone is a literal fairy gum drop who is super innocent and sweet but also slightly sassy strong and doesn’t put up with Hades jazz and actually challenges him in the BEST WAY *snaps*. Like yesss we love love love matches in which both MC’s CHALLENGE THE HELL out of one another (in the best way) and one second are like “you drive me insane I want to kill you” but their inner dialogue is like “are we about to kiss right now”… just yes freaking yes *claps approvingly* 

And SAFE TO SAY I AM A HAPPY CAMPER BECAUSE we got all of that and more in this book!! Hades and Persephone were literally destined for each other and I loved that. I also loved how this retelling took place in a modern city version of “Olympus” and how each of the Gods had a night club themed after them. Aphrodite had her own nightclub, Hades had Nevernight, and even Apollo had his own club. Hot night clubs are a 10/10 for me. Really liked that a lot. 

Overall this book is a 10/10 for fabulousness, romantic tension, greek gods, and TOP TIER smut, smut, smut!!! Like a book with an addicting as heck plot line and amazing smoochy scenes give it all to me!!! I mean this book made me FEEL things. So. Many. Emotions. and the ending had me in absolute stitches. Ugh please book just take my heart and STOMP on it – run it over with a truck if you must. 

Soooo in short if your looking for a book to suck away all your time and make you an sugary smut addicted reader in which your butt is literally glued to your couch (unless your taking a snack break in which you can promptly unglue your butt from said couch) (I approve of snack breaks) (snack breaks are good)  than you NEED this book in your life and you need it NOW. 

Loved every second of this and it is now a new Forever Favorite. Can’t get my hands on the other books in the series fast enough – five cherry sauce dripping romantic STARS!!!

5 stars 

What about you all? Have you read this book? Like greek god retellings? Add this one to your tbr! And please lmk your thoughts in the comments below – is this one making the TBR? Lmk!!

• BubblyBooks

Hey there my bookmark hoarding friends! I hope 2021 isn’t treating you too terribly so far… but most of all I hope your TBR’s are exploding and your ability to consume fabulous books is on point 😉

Since I wasn’t able to post a wrap up for last month (time just slipped through my fingers like sand. Honestly couldn’t tell you what even occurred in December) I decided to just do a MEGA wrap up post and include all the book goodies I was able to complete (miraculously) this past December and January. 

So lets get to it! 

What did I actually read in December?? Well I’m glad you asked. By some miracle of the bookish gods I was able to complete a whopping 5 books! (honestly: I can’t believe it myself) 

While I was hoping to read more last month (and was honestly a bit shocked I had read such a small puddles worth of reading material) I did enjoy the books I read which has to go to count for something right??

Books I Read in December: 

The Duke and I by Julia Quinn – 3 stars –

Ok so yes, after binging the first 3 episodes of the Bridgerton series on Netflix I immediately found myself seeking out copies of the books…so  when I found this one at a local bookshop I picked it up ASAP ASAP!! There was one scene in this book that appalled me, but other than that it was a great start in terms of world building and characters. So much so that I immediately found myself reaching for book 2. I 100% recommend starting this series if your a fan of the show!!

The Villain by L.J. Shen – 5 stars – 

Another FABULOUS, PERFECT, HEART INFECTING, SOULD CRUSHING favorite from on of my favorite romance authors of all time: L.J. Shen. Cillian just very well might be one of my favorite male characters she has ever written (safe to say I now have a new book BF to add the the ever growing collection) (seriously it is getting out of hand). This was everything I love from LJ Shen and more!! A new forever favorite. 

Devil of the Highlands by Lynsay Sands – 3.75 stars –

As a newbie to the ever growing mountain that is historical romance I liked this highlander read very much. It was cute and romantic. However the plot just fell a little flat in terms of pacing at some points for me?? That being said I will definitely still be picking up more Lynsay Sands books because I heard she is one of the top authors to read when it comes to historicals. 

One to Watch by Kate Stacyman-London – 5 stars –

WOW. This book took me by surprise. The straight up EMOTIONS I felt while reading this and how much I just utterly connected with the characters in this shocked me. I felt like I was reading about a real person – it felt that real to me. If you love reality tv, the bachelor, or just rom-com, romancy plots in general READ THIS. You will not be disappointed. 

The Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd Jones – 3 stars – 

There wasn’t anything bad about this book. I liked this book. The whole concept of Bone Houses was fascinating and I loved the writing and pacing in this book. However for some reason it just fell a bit flat for me overall??! I liked it but I wasn’t blown away by it. A solid 3 star read. 

Books I Read in January: 

The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn – 5 stars –

By far my favorite in the Brigerton series so FAR!! Anthony is the brooding older brother I did not know I NEEDED ughh and Kate is absolutely his perfect match in every way possible. I also loved the family dynamics in this one – can’t wait for season 2 of this beautifulness after I’ve completed the series!! (My Review) 

Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn – 3 stars –

This book was cute. It was Penelope’s story with Colin and I enjoyed it. There just wasn’t much of a wow factor for me, overall it was just “cute”, 3 stars. 

To Sir Phillip with Love by Julia Quinn – 4 stars –

This one took me by surprise with how much I enjoyed it and I’ve come to realize that in historicals the broodier the male the more likely I am to fall in love with the book – this was no exception. I loved Eloises story and how Sir Phillip was just trying his hardest to be a better father for his kids. Def my second favorite book in the series so far!

Saga Vol 4 – 4 stars–

Read the fourth segment in this graphic novel series and enjoyed it! Although I was not a fan of that one GIRL who was trying to get with her husband?!? Like a no from me sweetie. Other than that will probs pick up Vol 5 sometime in the future. 

Dearest Rogue by Elizabeth Hoyt – 4 stars –

My FIRST Elizabeth Hoyt book and I must say I was not disappointed!! Dare I even say I’ve found a new author to love?? This book was fabulous because it follows a London socialite (who is the sister of a duke) and who also happens to be blind – which was super interesting – and a dashing ex solider who is HIRED to be her body guard and assist her with her blindness. SO DANG FLIPPIN GOOD!! 4 stars. 

Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff – 5 stars –

One word: KAL KAL KAL (did I say Kal?) (aka my new book BF)

A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St.Clair – 5 stars –

OMG OMG OMG this book made me FEEL things. Like I don’t even know why I was so drawn in (I mean besides the obvious which is loving Hades and Persephone retellings #greekgods) but danggg this book made me so emotional and destroyed me. A new forever favorite – my gosh dang it I love this book and still can’t stop thinking about it. 

A Touch of Ruin by Scarlett St.Clair – 4 stars –

Ok so this sequel only made me more attached to my newest loveliest OTP and now I have to wait until MAYYY to get my hands on book 3?? Excuse me while I go hide under the covers until this book is released.

What I watched:

Bridgerton (season 1) –

LOVED LOVED LOVED this show!! Season 2 cannot arrive fast enough and if you are a fan of period dramas (think pride and prejudice or Emma) than you simply need to watch this show – like yesterday. 

Blacklist (season 3/4) –

Really loving this dark crime FBI type of show. You know me the darker the show the more likely I am to loveee it. Give me all the drama please. Also that season ending for season 3 *jaw drops* is the show trying to kill me with heart stopping plot twists?? Because it damn well is working. 

The Bachelor (current season) –

OMG the DRAMA in this. Poor Matt his sensibilities are just to delicate for all these crazy chicks. Praying he ends up with Michelle at this point because my boy needs some normal in his life right about now. Plus they are just meant to be. I said what I said. 

In all I’m really happy with my reading over the past two months! January took me by surprise with a whopping total of 8 books?? Don’t even want to know where that time came from. Any who heres to hoping February is just as successful for all of you readers out there… and for those of you who need to here this “GET OFF TWITTER/GOODREADS AND GO READ AN ACTUAL DANG BOOK”

Have a lovely rest of your day my bookish bunnies!!

-BubblyBooks

Hey fellow book charms!! If you have been following my posts you know I recently binge watched Brigderton and am now fully obsessed and throughly invested in the guilty pleasure reading world that is: Historical Romance. 

That being said after I stumbled upon this reading challenge on PeaceLoveBooksxoYoutube channel, I asked myself: why the heck not?

I’m already reading more Historicals than is heathy… mine as well take the obsession to the next level *thumbs up*

While I’ve never participated in a readathon before (I’ve always been too much of a mood reader to ever stick to the goals/guidelines) this one only lasts a week (starting tomorrow, January 15) which I figured was a safe amount of time for me to commit to considering this will be my first readathon of all time. 

The Details: 

• Read Historical Romances (kind of a given but didn’t want to leave any deets out 😉 )
• Follow the bingo board to help guide/choose your TBR
• The readathon runs from January 15-21
• The readathon is hosted by the following book tubers:PeaceLoveBooksxo, RemarkablyLisa, and LaceyBooklovers
• The buddy read chosen is: A Notorious Vow by Joanna Shupe

While my TBR is a little AMBITIOUS and OVERREACHING I am keeping in mind that I am trying to AIM HIGH here in the hopes that while my TBR may be exploding, the stack of books nearly toppling over will give me the encouragement I actually need to finish something (that something being some juicy addicting Historical Romances)

On to the TBR! 

The bookish stash I have accumulated – here to hoping it doesn’t topple over aha!

The Rogue of Fifth Avenue by Joanna Shupe

Challenges: New to You Author, Blue on the Cover, Different Social classes, Joanna Shupe, Used book 

When Beauty Meets the Beast by Eloisa James

Challenges: Stepback, Recommended to You, Damaged Hero, Used book

While the Duke Was Sleeping by Sophie Jordan

Challenges: New to You Author, Different Social Classes, Stepback

Daring and the Duke by Sarah Maclean

Challenges: Stepback

Rebellious Desire by Julie Garwood

Challenges: New to you author, Published before 2000, Used book

The Seduction of an English Scoundrel by Jillian Hunter

Challenges: New to you Author, Stepback, Shirtless man on stepback/cover, Used book

Temptation and Surrender by Stephanie Laurens 

Challenges: New to you Author, Stepback, Ripped bodice on cover/stepback, Shirtless man on stepback/cover, Used books

— I may also read the third Brigderton book An Offer from a Gentleman by Julia Quinn but for simplicity sakes left it off the tbr —

Well thats all I’ve planned out for this weeks readathon! Have you read any of the above books? Heard of any of the authors? Have you ever participated in a readathon? Lets chat in the comments below!

-BubblyBooks

The Viscount Who Loved Me (The Brigertons #2) 

By: Julia Quinn

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: 

1814 promises to be another eventful season, but not, This Author believes, for Anthony Bridgerton, London’s most elusive bachelor, who has shown no indication that he plans to marry. And in all truth, why should he? When it comes to playing the consummate rake, nobody does it better…

–Lady Whistledown’s Society Papers, April 1814

But this time the gossip columnists have it wrong. Anthony Bridgerton hasn’t just decided to marry–he’s even chosen a wife! The only obstacle is his intended’s older sister, Kate Sheffield–the most meddlesome woman ever to grace a London ballroom. The spirited schemer is driving Anthony mad with her determination to stop the betrothal, but when he closes his eyes at night, Kate’s the woman haunting his increasingly erotic dreams…

Contrary to popular belief, Kate is quite sure that reformed rakes to not make the best husbands–and Anthony Bridgerton is the most wicked rogue of them all. Kate’s determined to protect her sister–but she fears her own heart is vulnerable. And when Anthony’s lips touch hers, she’s suddenly afraid she might not be able to resist the reprehensible rake herself…

My Review:

Ok so I did a thing. I may have binge watched all 8 episodes of Brigerton on Netflix in a matter of days (and yes each episode is an hour long) (I know I am crazy ) (and why yes I am aware that I have absolutely zero chill factor when it comes to my shows). That being said of course I imediently had to read the books… because duh. 

I did complete book one in the series (Julia Quinns, The Duke and I), which I liked but didn’t feel passionately enough about to review on the blog. HOWEVER I finished The Viscount Who Loved Me a few days ago and I must say I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT THIS ONE MY FRIENDS. 

The second book follows Daphne’s overbearing older brother: Anthony. Guys, guys, guys, we LOVE Anthony. Anthony is are temperamental, fight picking, endless bickering, older brother we simply cannot get enough of. I was obsessed with his thunder temper, phenomenal quick wit, and charming bruteyness.

Like yes give me all the sassy overbearing muffin attitude I cannot get enough of Anonthy!! Just keep it coming please. 

But I’m just getting started here. Because I also loved Kate. She was the star of the seasons older sister and was Anthonys absolute perfect match in every way possible:

Kate in a nutshell: more stubborn than a fierce headed chubby bull. Quick to jump to conclusions about Anthonys infamous rogue nature. And most importantly never let an opportunity pass where she could point out how Anthony was absolutely, terribly, completely wrong for her younger sister. Who ya, by the way happened to be the girl Anthony was dead seat on marrying (hey we like Anthony for his looks not his ability to make disastrous choices in all things)

Like guys, the enemies to lovers in this. The BANTER… *gasps* *swoons* *falls in love with said books ability to annihilate my in person romance expectations* 

The snarkiness between the two of them (#chefskiss). The heated conversations. The unexpected tender moments. SWOON. SWOON. SWOON. Did I say swoon? 

The irony in this book is also fabulous because it is crystal clear how perfect they both are for each other to literally everyone but them. Like I just wanted to smack both of these characters on the forehead and be like “Your in love with each other dimwits.” 

Safe to say this book had everything I adore in a romance and more. Fabulous banter. Amazing enemies to lovers. Great passion, tenderness, and burning for one another. This book consumed me like a forest fire and burned my heart down with its flames. I recommend this book to anyone with a pulse.

5 stars

So what do you all think? Adding this one to the TBR? Watch Bridgerton on Netflix? Comment below so we can chat all things Brigertons!!! I’m dying to know which character is your favorite (in the books and in the tv show!) 

-BubblyBooks

Hey my lovely reading friends!! How are you all? How has the New Year been treating you? Have you finished your first read of 2021 yet?

I’m not sure about you guys but I CANNOT believe it is 2021 right now?!? 2020 felt like the longest year ever and my little book reading brain simply would not have survived if I couldn’t slip down the rabbit hole into my never ending TBR of books.

While 2020 was a dumpster fire of a year (quite literally it burned up the past nine+ months of my life like a forgotten cigarette in a dry forest) I did manage to have a GREAT reading year! In fact the number of books I read nearly doubled (I somehow went from reading about 35 books a year to 71?! what in the parallel universe?!).

Seriously reading was my only saving grace this past year. So I just want to send a quick shout out to all the books that helped me get here (and by here I mean the end of this god awful time sucking year) and highlight some of my favorite books I read this last year:

And the Oscar goes to the following books….

Crescent City by Sarah J Maas

I mean are we surprised?? Are we really surprised? As a long time fan of SJM (her books are my fav and she has been my fav author for many years) it comes as no surprise that I fell in LOVE with Crescent City and am EAGERLY and IMPATIENTLY awaiting ACOTAR #4 this upcoming February!! 

The Winter King by CL Wilson

As I said before this book took me by SURPRISE. The world building in this was SO. GOOD. Also there was marriage of convenience in this book (which I am quickly beginning to learn is my shit weakness in terms of tropes). This book has a weather power princess and a brute ice king and their romance is so closed off, and back and forth, with infinite burning and denial of feelings for one another… just yessss!!

The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen

Oh would you look at that another marriage of convenience (this truly is a shocking turn of events). This book is great enemies to lovers. The level of angst and betrayal in this is on another LEVEL let me tell you. Also this book takes place in a Jungle which I think is pretty epic. Def recommend.

Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young

Two words: Slow Burn. The romance is this is so tender and slow burn and just ahshjdshs. Plus it has vikings. 

The Villain by LJ Shen

If you all have been following me for awhile you know LJ Shen is my QUEEN of all things romance and this book was TOP TIER LJ SHEN!!! One of my favorite couples she has ever written. I may have fallen in love with Cillian… (not me falling for book characters again). So freaking GOOD.

Wicked and the Wallflower by Sarah Maclean

This was one of the first historical romances I was blessed with reading and this book was EVERYTHING. I may have already reread it on multiple occasions… and I don’t reread books?!? The main lover boy reminds me of Thomas Shelby from Peaky Blinders on Netflix and thats all you need to know to start this. Loved it. 

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne 

Some more fabulous enemies to lovers. This one was an office romance in a publishing house and I loved Josh and Lucy so dang much. The chemistry was achy and fire and ughhh I want a Josh in real life!!!

Fable by Adrienne Young

Another by Adrienne Young who I am quickly coming to learn may be one of my new favorite authors of all time!! This one took place on the high seas and is super gritty, dark, and grimy. I loved the characters in this one and no one does slow burn romance quite like Young. Amazing. 

The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi

This book has me hyped because I desperately ship Severin and Laila!!! I am so excited for book two because I want NEED more of them!!!

Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa

Binged this whole series dangerously quick. An amazing Fae romance featuring a really dark hero and heroine. One is a dark Fae king the other is a messy dangerous siren. The banter and jokes in this will make you laugh out loud like NO OTHER. Book three was my for sure fav 😉 

Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin 

I almost didn’t include this one because I read it last January (almost a year ago) but than remembered I simply HAD to because Serpent and Dove has one of my FAVORITE romances I have read in YA and I simply love love loved the marriage of convenience in this one. Reid and Lou are amazing!! This actually reminds me that I own Blood & Honey the sequel and should go read that…

Ok wow, did NOT mean to make this list this long…but what can I say I read some FIRE books this year and looking back there was some I just could not not include you know??

(also Honorable Mention to Angry God by LJ Shen, From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L Armentrout, and Sweet Retribution by Siobhan Davis!!) 

Thats all for now reading bears!! What were some of your reading highlights from 2020? Are you just as excited for the New Year as I am? Read any of the books above? Lmk in the comments below!

– BubblyBooks

Heyyy guys!! How are you all? Did you read anything good over the long Thanksgiving break? I took a much needed few days off (school has been ruff my friends) and caught up on a bit of reading time which was great!

That being said I CANT BELIVE ITS ALREADY DECEMEBR LIKE WHATTT?? Where did the time go? Is it off having a pina colada somewhere because I would very much like my time back, thank you very much.

Ok so enough of that little side stress note and on to THE READING:

I read 6 books this moth *stares at myself of shock in the mirror* and I actually enjoyed all of them?? (What parallel universe have we escaped into??)  

Send Me Their Me Their Souls by Sara Wolf – 3.5 stars– 

This was the conclusion to a series I really enjoyed. That being said, sadly I did not love this book as much as the first two…. but Zera is still one of my all time favorite sassy af MC’s. The reason why  I docked stars is the ending was SO messy in my opinion. Like I have questions??? AND I NEED answers and will not be getting them?! *cries in corner* 

Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles – 5 stars –

OMG this series is EVERYTHING. I read the first two books years ago and loved them both with my whole heart so of course this book was no exception. Great characters, awesome plot line, and a romance that will have you literally swooning. So good. 

A Kiss at Midnight by Eloisa James – 5 stars –

This was the Cinderella retelling I did not know I NEEDED in my life!! Seriously this book blew my expectations away (Expectations = *Blown AWAY*). Both characters were equally intelligent and their banter, chemistry, and arguments were straight swoon and fire! Loved the plot and the side characters were *chefs kiss* 10/10 recommend! 

World After by Susan Ee – 4 stars – 

This sequel was SO flipping good!! The slow burn elements in the story and the ROMANCE. Yesss plzzz. Also this has sexy ANGELS and a post apocalyptic world. Just yes to all of the above. 

Resurrection by Siobhan Davis – 4 stars –

Ok so I LOVED Siobhan Davis’s Cruel Intentions series (Like it was one of my all time favorite series I’ve ever read, def on of my favorite series for the year) but this whole series… let me tell you… was a different cup of tea. If you are a fan of dark romance, bully romances, or reverse harem than this is the series for you. The world building is always great and the drama is always fabulous in Sibohan’s books so DEF recommend it you are in need of some TWISTED, CRAZY AF, dark SMUTTT!! 

Rebellion by Siobhan Davis – 3 stars –

Ok ok so I figured out I do not like sharing. That being said Saint is my favorite boy and I need answers because Siobhans cliff hangers are AHAHAHH. This series is more addictive than cheddar popcorn snacks my friends. 

All in all I read a total of 6 books this month! In the words of Ariana Grande I’m feeling #Successful #SoSuccessful 

So all in all not a bad reading month! What are you currently reading? What do you plan on reading next? Let’s chat about it in the comments below!! 

-BubblyBooks