Townsfolk and Tourists,
I’m hopping on that book tag train! Thank you Liza from |The Inharmonious Heroine| for the tag! Make sure to pop by and give her blog some love. As always, I’m not tagging anyone specific but if you see this and want to give it a go then do! Let me know so I can see your answers. Without further ado: The Mid Year Freak Out Tag
1.) What is the best book you have read so far in 2020?
At this point in the year, I have read 117 books and out of those around 11 have been 5 stars. Picking just one is so unfair, so here is a book that surprised me with a 5 star! I read Redshirts on recommendation from my spouse! I’ll be reading the rest of Scalzi’s backlist soon.
2.) What is the best sequel you have read so far in 2020?
Phil’s Blue Angel blew me away! I couldn’t read it fast enough and I seriously love his blend of dystopian horror.
3.) What is a new release that you haven’t read yet but want to?
I’m really excited to read the last in the Constortium Rebellion trilogy! I’m actually a bit sad not all of the siblings are going to get their own books. My library hold finally came in so I’m excited to finally get to read it!
4. What is your most anticipated release for the second half of the year?
I am maybe a tiny bit obsessed with DI Stephens. She is one of my favorite flawed female leads. Canelo just shared the cover for book three that will be out later this year and I am so excited!
5. What was your biggest disappointing book so far?
I know that Kleypas is considered one of the queens of historical romance but this book disappointed me. I don’t always have to read likeable characters but I truly couldn’t stand the heroine. I’m glad I read it though as it gave me a new recipe to try!
6. What was your biggest surprising book so far?
I was surprised by how much I loved this young adult contemporary! This book was such a warm read with great representation and tackling important issues regarding life as an influencer (specifically as a WOC) and doxing. The romance is sweet and very much in the background so Divya’s story really shines. I highly recommend it!
7. Who is your favorite new author (debut or new to you)?
I’ve read a lot of new to me authors this year but Sarah Hogle’s debut was so much fun! Enemies-to-lovers and a second chance all wrapped up neatly with hijinks, miscommunication, and flawed characters. I absolutely loved it and I can hardly wait to see what Hogle comes up with next!
8. Who is your new fictional crush?
Sunshine Vicram without a doubt. I adore her sarcasm and fierce love and loyalty for her family and community. I can’t stress enough how much I loved her and Auri. I can’t wait to read the next one!
9. Who is your newest favorite character?
Fun fact: When I type “murder” in my phone it automatically corrects to Murderbot. If that doesn’t show you how much I love them then I don’t know what will. I started Network Effect and I am equal parts excited and sad that this is the end of the series.
10. What books made you cry?
I’m only 30-40% through this book as I write this but I have been in tears for almost all of that. It is heartbreaking and a horrific nightmare.
Holly Rae Garcia is going to be one of my new authors to watch. Just hand me that box of tissues and let me ugly cry.
11. What is one book that made you happy?
I put this gem off for a while because there was some conflict between hype and reviews of bloggers I respect saying they were underwhelmed. I’m so glad I picked it up because this ended up being a 5 star for me! I will be stalking the release date for Well Played and hoping I get another fantastic story to sink into.
12. What is the most beautiful book you have bought or received so far this year?
So, I don’t buy many books and when I do they are almost always ebooks. That said, this is probably the most striking of the books I’ve bought recently.
13. What books do you need to read by the end of the year?
Duckett & Dyer have to be on this list! I’m excited to see what Nair puts Michael and Stephanie through next. Such a fun duo!
That’s a wrap, Townsfolk!
I tag you all! Let me know if you do it because I would love to see your answers!
This was fun to read! I’m a sucker for mystery/thrillers with female leads so I will definitely have to check out the DI Stephens books!
I‘m excited to hear what you think of them! Dani is such a strong, complex character and the inclusion of PTSD and residual effects of a TBI makes her someone you want to root for. Thanks for popping by!
Oh my gosh, I absolutely love that your phone defaults to Murderbot. xD That’s perfect. I just started that series this year, too, and I am so in love with Murderbot. <3
Isn’t it the best! The entire series is a total comfort read for me now. I hope you enjoy the rest of it too!! 🥰