Happy Wednesday, book friends! I am in denial that September is almost over, because that would mean it’s nearly October, which means that Winter is Coming.
As much as I enjoy a warm cup of tea and a snuggle under the blankets with a good book, I hate winter. I don’t do cold, and my clumsy tendencies mean if there’s even a hint of ice or snow, I’m liable to fall down. That means the treadmill for my runs and extra anxiety during dog walks. Azula, at least, adores the snow, so I’m sure she’ll be happy to see it again.
But, I guess I’m getting a little ahead of myself here. After all, it’s only September. Live in the moment, and what not.
So, let’s dig in to the current moment and where I’m at in it, book-wise!
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Recently Finished
I read Evie Dunmore’s Bringing Down the Duke last week in a quick three-day sprint. The bright, gorgeous covers of Dunmore’s books make them Instagram stars, and I couldn’t help but snag one of my own.
I am so glad I did! This book was a delight, with Austen-esque vibes but a very modern sensibility in the protagonist’s outlook and awareness of, erm… the things that happen in romance novels.
After that and in the space of exactly one sleepless evening, I tore through Ali Hazelwood’s The Love Hypothesis, which was absolutely adorable and un-put-downable.
It’s the first all-night reading spree I’ve pulled since moving in with my fiancé, and he was… confused. So was my dog, for that matter. If you want more of my arm-flailing thoughts on this one, you can check out my full review. I loved it so much I’m a little mad at myself for finishing it so quickly, to be honest.
I’ve also listened my way through several more audio volumes of The Princess Diaries. I seem to have erased large chunks of the last few books from memory, because (spoilers to come, if you can spoil a series that’s old enough to be in college) while I know I have read them, I did not recall that Mia & Michael were ever broken up, particularly not for two years.
Currently Reading
I’m now listening my way through the final pre-Royal Wedding installment of the Princess Diaries series, Forever Princess , which is a nail-bitingly stressful experience, if I’m honest. I mean, I know she’ll end up with Michael but I can’t remember how she does, so… I expect to come up with a lot of good excuses to listen in the coming days.
Kindle-wise, I’m trying to get my NetGalley situation under control, starting with digging into an ARC of Bad Luck Bridesmaid (coming out with St. Martin’s Press in January 2022). So far, I’m struggling with the shift away from Love Hypothesis into this one, which has a somewhat more cynical outlook on love at the start, though it is ultimately a romantic comedy.
It’s definitely up my alley, it’s just that it’s a different alley from the one I hastily raced down through the night, so I’m still trying to catch my breath before I can change directions. Or something.
Recently Acquired
October is a great season for witchy reads, so I snagged a digital copy of The Witch Haven for when the mood inevitably strikes.
I also made my first-ever purchases from Book Outlet, a discount book buying shop that I learned about via Bookstagram. Fresh copies of It’s Kind of a Cheesy Love Story, American Panda, and A Rogue of One’s Own graced my doorstep when I arrived home on Tuesday!
Since pizza is my first love, I’m guessing that pizza-themed romance will win out as the first one from this new stack that I dig into.
And now for some audience participation
We’re all caught up on what’s been happening in my bookish life lately, so now it’s your turn!
What are you reading right now? Any recent reads that gave you a book hangover you’re still nursing, like mine?
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