Taylor Fenner's Blog, page 9

Can’t Wait Wednesday: Nightweaver!

Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they’re books that have yet to be released.

Nightweaver by R.M. Gray

Young Adult, Romantasy, Nightweaver Series #1

eBook, Hardcover, 432 Pages

March 4, 2025 by Little, Brown Books For Young Readers

Blurb:

Violet Oberon had never stepped foot on land. Six hundred years after the Nightweavers claimed human lands for their own, the ocean is a haven for seventeen-year-old Violet and her family. Notorious pirates of the Western Sea, the Oberon clan are undefeated in battle-until an Underling murders Violet’s brother, and she discovers there are monsters more fearsome than the Nightweavers that have taken them captive. When the son of a wealthy Nightweaver shows Violet and her family mercy, offering employment at his estate rather than enslavement, Violet vows not to forget that he is everything she hates. But as she adjusts to her new role as a kitchen maid at Bludgrave Manor, she finds that hatred is a curious thing. Arrogant, entitled, right hand to the wicked prince, William Castor might be the key to avenging her brother-and reclaiming her freedom. But mercy always comes with a price. As Violet hunts the Underling responsible for her brother’s death, dark secrets threaten to unravel everything she thought she knew about the Nightweavers, herself, and her world. Torn between family loyalty and a chance at revenge, the cost of learning the truth about her brother’s murder could be her life.

Why I Want to Read This Book:

Ok I confess that part of the reason I’m so excited for this book is the stunning hardcover edition with all the bells and whistles! It’s so pretty! Also, I follow this author on instagram and I love all the aesthetic posts she’s shared for the book.

Will you be checking this book out? What upcoming releases are you looking forward to?

Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Books I’m Thankful I Gave A Second Chance

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and The Bookish and currently hosted by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Books I’m Thankful I Gave A Second Chance 

This week’s TTT is a Thankful/Thanksgiving Freebie. I decided to do books I’m thankful I gave a second chance. I DNF books and sometimes for whatever reason, I’m compelled to give them a second chance. It’s a case of it’s not the book, it’s me in the original moment I tried to read it. Sometimes I still don’t like the book, but other times I end up loving them the second time around. I have a whole shelf devoted to these “give-a-book-a-second-chance reads.”

1. Witches of East End by Melissa de la Cruz

This was a case of I watched the tv show first and had to learn to separate the two.

2. The Dead House by Dawn Kurtagich

This book kind of grossed me out the first time I read it but now it’s my favorite book hands down.

3. Glitter by Aprilynne Pike

I’m not sure why I didn’t like this one the first time, maybe the genre? But I enjoyed it the second go-round!

4. Ally by Anna Banks

I think this one was more that I was meh about the first book, Nemesis, but chose to read Ally anyway and liked it so much more.

5. Ever the Brave by Erin Summerill

I loved the first book in this series but struggled getting into Ever the Brave. After two tries I finally gave it 3 stars when I finished.

6. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

This was a case of some books are just better in audiobook format.

7. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

I read Empire of Storms first (yes I know it’s book 5) and was completely lost the first time I tried to read this one. So I read the series backwards from Empire of Storms.

8. The Similars by Rebecca Hanover

This one didn’t interest me the when I got it as an ARC so I set it aside. Flash forward a few years, I picked it up and loved it.

9. In A Dark, Dark Wood

I tried to read this as a physical and audiobook at the same time and had trouble following as some of the dialogue tags get dropped in the audiobook. I tried it again just in audiobook and didn’t have any issues.

10. Final Girls by Riley Sager

Another case of the audiobook was better. Still my 3rd least favorite of Riley Sager’s books.

What did tou pick for today’s Freebie? Do you DNF books? Do you ever go back and give them a second chance?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? And WWW Wednesday – 25-27 November 2024

This week I’m linking up to It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? Hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date and WWW Wednesday hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words!

#IMWAYR is a weekly meme started on J Kaye’s blog and now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date.

WWW Wednesday was created by MizB at A Daily Rhythm and was taken over by Sam at Taking on a World of Words. To participate answer the 3 W’s:

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

Currently Reading:Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid

I’m about 1/2 into Lady Macbeth and enjoying it so far! I really like this author’s writing style so far.

The ABC Murders by Agatha Christie

I’ll be starting this audiobook while doing my workout this afternoon and I’m definitely in the mood for another Poirot mystery.

Recently Finished:The Hunting Moon by Susan Dennard

I really enjoyed this one and I can’t wait to read the third book!

Death in the Clouds by Agatha Christie

While not my favorite Poirot book, I definitely thought this one was inventive!

Reading Next:Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty

I think this will be my last audiobook borrow from the library for November.

What are you reading and loving this week? Have you read any of these?

The Sunday Post: New Recipes, Cutting Ties, and Travel Planning

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

New Recipes, Cutting Ties, and Travel Planning:

Hey Book Blogger Friends! How was your week? If you’re in the US are you ready for Thanksgiving this coming week?

This week I tried a few new recipes I found on Pinterest and I loved them all. I made a “sushi” bowl, one-pot teriyaki noodles, vegan French toast (if you like cinnamon toast this was so decadent!), and spaghetti with plant-based meatballs and homemade marinara. Are you hungry yet??

This week I also ended the on-again/off-again long distance relationship I’ve been in for far too long. It wasn’t going anywhere and I’m sick of having to be the one to make the effort always and I’m just eager to look ahead to the future.

Since I figured out my work schedule for 2025 last week I was able to start travel planning for my spring 2025 trip and I’ve picked my destination: New Orleans! I’ve always wanted to go and I’m so excited! I’ve already picked out a nice hotel with a great location!

Last Week on the Blog:

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? / WWW Wednesday

Stacking the Shelves: 23 November 2024

This Week on the Blog:

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? And WWW Wednesday – 25-27 November 2024

Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Books I’m Thankful I Gave a Second Chance

Can’t Wait Wednesday: Nightweaver! (Make up from last week)

Time Travel Thursday and Throwback Thursday

First Line Friday

Stacking the Shelves

New Book Mail on My Shelves:

Library Audiobook Borrows:

Physical:

Stacking the Shelves: 23 November 2024

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Reading Reality. Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual.

Books Added to My Shelves This Week:

This week I got one book I had ordered off PangoBooks while I think I might have gotten scammed by another seller (they claimed they shipped the book a week after I ordered it but the post office is still awaiting the package). Meanwhile I borrowed two audiobooks from my library’s Hoopla and Libby apps

Physical:

This book is so gorgeous! I’m about 100 pages into reading it right now although I’m more in an audiobook mood right now.

Library Audiobook Borrows:

I’ll be starting this one tomorrow most likely!

I just finished this one and sadly my library doesn’t have the third book yet!!

What books did you add to your shelves this week? Have you/do you plan to read any of these?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading and WWW Wednesday – 18-20 November 2024

This week I’m linking up to It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? Hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date and WWW Wednesday hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words!

#IMWAYR is a weekly meme started on J Kaye’s blog and now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date.

WWW Wednesday was created by MizB at A Daily Rhythm and was taken over by Sam at Taking on a World of Words. To participate answer the 3 W’s:

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

I’m starting a new book today and I have a library audiobook borrow to start as well!

Currently Reading:Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid

I’m just starting this one. I fell in love with the cover first and I don’t know much about the book but I’m excited to start it!

Recently Finished:Miss Aldridge Regrets by Louise Hare

I ended up DNFing this one.

The Wedding Witch by Erin Sterling

I loved this book! It was such a perfect, feel-good, funny end to the trilogy. Exactly what I needed!

The Last One At the Wedding by Jason Rekulak

I enjoyed this one! I liked the plot, the setting, and trying to unravel what was going on while at the same time all of the characters were so unlikable!

Razor Thin by Amy Frances

I so wanted to love this one. Hearing the author talk about it made me so excited but when I sat down to read it I was just confused. Even when I skipped ahead to the big twist I wasn’t shocked, I mostly just wanted to know why. I gave it 114 pages (out of about 500+) but gave up.

Reading Next:Stolen by Kelley Armstrong

I recently rewatched Bitten but realized I had only read the first book in the Women of the Otherworld series so I borrowed the audiobook of book 2 from the library.

What are you reading and loving this week? Have you read any of these?

The Sunday Post: New Schedule, Holiday Prep, and Me Time

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

New Schedule, Holiday Prep, and Me Time:

Hey Book Blogger Friends!

This week I finally found out when our new schedule for work will begin. In 2025 we’re switching from the current 6 days on, 3 days off schedule to a 4 day on, 2 day off schedule. I’m okay working fewer days but I’m unhappy with fewer days off, especially working night shift so it will seem like only 1 1/2 days off. Luckily it doesn’t go into effect until January 11th. It shifted all the days I was planning for vacation though.

This week I finished pulling recipes and planning out what I want to make for Thanksgiving (and also planned for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). This coming week I’ll finish my grocery shopping.

This weekend I had to unplug for a mental health weekend. Even though it’s not even winter I’m already feeling the winter blues and when I found myself telling two people off on Friday I decided I needed some me time. That’s the plan for tomorrow and Tuesday as well.

Last Week on the Blog:

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? – 11 November 2024 and WWW Wednesday – 13 November 2024

Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Destination Titles

Can’t Wait Wednesday: Darkly!

Time Travel Thursday and Throwback Thursday: 14 November 2024

First Line Friday: 15 November 2024

Stacking the Shelves: 16 November 2024

This Week on the Blog:

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? / WWW Wednesday

Can’t Wait Wednesday: Nightweaver!

Time Travel Thursday and Throwback Thursday

First Line Friday

Stacking the Shelves

New Book Mail on My Shelves:

Library Audiobook Borrows:

Physical:

Stacking the Shelves: 16 November 2024

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Reading Reality. Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual.

Books Added to My Shelves This Week:

Last weekend after I posted I found my package from Amazon for the Bookish Secret Santa the writing group I’m in does each year and received two of my high priority TBR books from my friend Chelscey! I also got two audiobooks from my library’s Libby and Hoopla…

Bookish Secret Santa:

I was so happy to get The Wedding Witch! And not just because a day early my library hold came in for it and it was a short hold I would have had to cram in quickly. I’ve been dying to see how this trilogy ends since reading the second book and this one being delayed another year in 2023.

This was the other book I received and I’m so glad I did! It released just after my New England trip in October so I wasn’t financially able to pick it up right away.

Library Audiobook Borrows:

Sadly I ended up DNFing this one earlier this week because I felt like I wasn’t absorbing anything from the story.

I mentioned wanting to read The Hunting Moon in last week’s Throwback Thursday post so I decided to give The Luminaries a reread to refresh my memory before I do. I’m listening in audiobook this time and I’m liking it better this way. It’s like that for me with some books.

What books did you add to your shelves this week? Have you/do you plan to read any of these?

First Line Friday: 15 November 2024

This week I’m joining First Line Friday. First Line Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Carrie @ Reading is My Superpower! So grab the book nearest you, your current read, or the book on top of your TBR stack and share the first line.

My pick this week is…

The Wedding Witch by Erin Sterling

And the first line is…

“Elves really were dickheads.”

I love that first line, don’t you? What is the first line of the book you’re reading this week?

Time Travel Thursday and Throwback Thursday – 14 November 2024

Time Travel Thursday is a weekly meme hosted by Budget Tales Book Blog where readers take a look back at what they were reading this time last year (or the year before or the year before that…) and compare it to what you are reading now. I’m also joining Susan @ Susan Loves Books and linking up to Davida @ The Chocolate Lady’s Book Review Blog for Throwback Thursday which discusses books you want to read that were published one year ago and also shares a past review so here we go…

14 November:Ghost of a Chance by Brittany Kelley

One year ago today I was just finishing this cute seasonal rom-com.

Currently Reading:The Last One At the Wedding by Jason Rekulak

This afternoon I started this thriller, The Last One At the Wedding which has been a high priority on my fall TBR!

Comparison:

Ghost of a Chance is a rom-com with fall/Halloween vibes. It’s a light feel-good read and now that I’m thinking about it I feel like a reread at some point. The Last One at the Wedding is a thriller, so a little darker in theme obviously. I don’t know much about it yet but I’m eager to get into it!

Have you read either of these books?

New Release – 1 Year Ago Today:Do Your Worst by Rosie Danan

I received this one from Bookish Secret Santa with my writing group last year and the woman that gifted it to me and I were going to do a buddy read. We haven’t gotten around to scheduling that yet but I’m looking forward to reading this one at some point. Do Your Worst released November 14, 2023!

New Eyes on An Old Review:

Audiobook Review: Holly by Stephen King

I still stand by my review of this one. I liked the main plot of the missing girl but could have done without all the political drivel thrown in. If I’d been reading this in November 2024 after the stress of earlier this month and wanting to get away from all of the political chatter I probably would have DNF’d this one.