Dee’s Reading Tree

For fans of: The Unhoneymooners, The Trouble with Hating You, and The Love Hypothesis

Hey guys! I’m back with another Mini Review. Thank you for sticking around! You can expect more regular bookish content from me from now on.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Catalina Martín desperately needs a date to her sister’s wedding. Especially since her little white lie about her American boyfriend has spiraled out of control. Now everyone she knows—including her ex and his fiancée—will be there and eager to meet him.

She only has four weeks to find someone willing to cross the Atlantic and aid in her deception. New York to Spain is no short flight and her raucous family won’t be easy to fool.

Enter Aaron Blackford—her tall, handsome, condescending colleague—who surprisingly offers to step in. She’d rather refuse; never has there been a more aggravating, blood-boiling, and insufferable man.

But Catalina is desperate, and as the wedding draws nearer, Aaron looks like her best option. And she begins to realize he might not be as terrible in the real world as he is at the office.

My Review:

This was such a wholesome Rom-Com. I really enjoyed the banter between Aaron and Catalina. I love a good enemies to lovers romance, and this one did not disappoint. The dynamic between Catalina and her Spanish family was very entertaining as well. I am also a fan of the “one bed” trope and was excited to see it play out. There were some steamy scenes which are always fun to read. If you are a fan of all these things I’ve mentioned, then you will definitely enjoy this book.

Let me know your opinions about it in the comments!

Disclaimer: I was not paid for this review, and all opinions on this blog are my own.

If you want to buy this book I sell most of my barely used books here.

If you like the Fireheart Stickers pictured above, visit my Etsy Store here.

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The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

January 29, 2021February 8, 2022 Dee’s Reading Tree

Author: V. E. Schwab

Published: October 6, 2020

Pages: 442

For fans of: Fantasy, The Priory of the Orange Tree, The Time Traveler’s Wife

Synopsis from Goodreads:

A Life No One Will Remember. A Story You Will Never Forget.

France, 1714: in a moment of desperation, a young woman makes a Faustian bargain to live forever and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets.

Thus begins the extraordinary life of Addie LaRue, and a dazzling adventure that will play out across centuries and continents, across history and art, as a young woman learns how far she will go to leave her mark on the world.

But everything changes when, after nearly 300 years, Addie stumbles across a young man in a hidden bookstore and he remembers her name.

My Review:

Schwab’s writing is as poetic and entrancing as ever. I loved the unique premise of the story and how it delved into the human condition. We are all trying to leave our imprint on this world, and we always wish we had more time. Schwab explores what happens when a woman has all the time in the world but cannot leave any mark on it. Addie cannot die, but is she really alive? The plot switches back and forth between the past and the present, which I thought was the perfect way to tell a story like Addie’s. The book also includes a lot of descriptions of artistic works such as plays, musicals, books, paintings, and sculptures; which serve to highlight all the ways people try to leave a piece of themselves for others to enjoy when they are gone.

I adored Addie, but Henry absolutely broke my heart. He is the most accurate reflection of myself I’ve ever read, and his character will stay with me forever. Also, a little warning that the descriptions of all the food Addie gets to sample throughout her very long life will make you extremely hungry. I enjoyed listening to the audio while reading the physical copy of the book. The narrator had the perfect voice and accent for it. I highly recommend this one to all Fantasy lovers, and fans of Schwab’s writing definitely won’t be disappointed.

Disclaimer: I was not paid for this review, and all opinions on this blog are my own.

reviews

From Blood and Ash

January 28, 2021February 8, 2022 Dee’s Reading Tree

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Published: March 30, 2020

Pages: 634

For fans of: Fantasy, The Shadows Between Us, Kingdom of the Wicked, and Serpent and Dove

Synopsis from Goodreads:

A Maiden…

Chosen from birth to usher in a new era, Poppy’s life has never been her own. The life of the Maiden is solitary. Never to be touched. Never to be looked upon. Never to be spoken to. Never to experience pleasure. Waiting for the day of her Ascension, she would rather be with the guards, fighting back the evil that took her family, than preparing to be found worthy by the gods. But the choice has never been hers.

A Duty…

The entire kingdom’s future rests on Poppy’s shoulders, something she’s not even quite sure she wants for herself. Because a Maiden has a heart. And a soul. And longing. And when Hawke, a golden-eyed guard honor bound to ensure her Ascension, enters her life, destiny and duty become tangled with desire and need. He incites her anger, makes her question everything she believes in, and tempts her with the forbidden.

A Kingdom…

Forsaken by the gods and feared by mortals, a fallen kingdom is rising once more, determined to take back what they believe is theirs through violence and vengeance. And as the shadow of those cursed draws closer, the line between what is forbidden and what is right becomes blurred. Poppy is not only on the verge of losing her heart and being found unworthy by the gods, but also her life when every blood-soaked thread that holds her world together begins to unravel.

My Mini Review:

I confess that I haven’t been so utterly consumed by a story in a while. I loved Poppy and Hawke and their slow-burn romance. I always enjoy fierce and strong female leads along with dark and sexy love interests, and this book did not disappoint. The plot was fast-paced and intriguing. There were some plot twists that I easily guessed, but many shocking moments that took me by surprise. The premise of the story was unique with some familiar fantasy elements sprinkled in. I enjoyed the humorous dialogue and playful banter between the characters. I can certainly see why so many recommended I read this. I absolutely cannot wait to read the sequel to this, and I will proudly call myself a member of the Blood and Ash fan club.

Disclaimer: I was not paid for this review, and all opinions on this blog are my own.

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The Shadows

September 4, 2020February 8, 2022 Dee’s Reading Tree

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

the shadows book by alex north — Buy on Amazon

Author: Alex North

Published: July 7, 2020

Pages: 336

Goodreads rating: 3.79/5

Disclaimer: I was not paid for this review, and all opinions are my own. If you are interested in purchasing this book, please consider using my Amazon affiliate link (by clicking on the top or bottom pictures) and helping a fellow book blogger out 🙂 I will receive a small fee from Amazon, but your book will still cost the same.

This was one of my Book of the Month picks. If you would like to save on your subscription please consider using my link and I will get a free book credit.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

You knew a teenager like Charlie Crabtree. A dark imagination, a sinister smile–always on the outside of the group. Some part of you suspected he might be capable of doing something awful. Twenty-five years ago, Crabtree did just that, committing a murder so shocking that it’s attracted that strange kind of infamy that only exists on the darkest corners of the internet–and inspired more than one copycat.

Paul Adams remembers the case all too well: Crabtree–and his victim–were Paul’s friends. Paul has slowly put his life back together. But now his mother, old and senile, has taken a turn for the worse. Though every inch of him resists, it is time to come home.

It’s not long before things start to go wrong. Reading the news, Paul learns another copycat has struck. His mother is distressed, insistent that there’s something in the house. And someone is following him. Which reminds him of the most unsettling thing about that awful day twenty-five years ago.

It wasn’t just the murder.

It was the fact that afterward, Charlie Crabtree was never seen again…

My Mini Review:

This book left me craving more of this genre. Also, I figured my usual bright aesthetic could never do it justice, so I present to you my backyard (pictured above), where I’m frequently visited by bears (mainly they like to eat from my trash), and all sorts of forest animals. Maybe that’s why the creep factor in this book was so bad for me? It was not a very long leap from Alex North’s Shadows to my own world. Plus, we all knew a kid like Charlie…

I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I did a bit of the audio and a bit of the hardback. The plot was engaging, and the small twists had me hooked. I liked this one and The Whisper Man equally, though I’ve heard people say they liked Whisper Man better. Apart from the suspense, I always enjoy North’s take on the different sides of parenthood. I usually find myself comparing my own parenting style to the ones of the parents presented in his books. I admired Paul’s mom and the way she defended her son so passionately when he was interrogated for a terrible crime. She never doubted him for a second. I highly recommend this one to all Mystery/Thriller fans, and if you can do the audio book even better!

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The Guest List

September 3, 2020February 8, 2022 Dee’s Reading Tree

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

the guest list book by lucy foley — Visit my Bookstagram

Author: Lucy Foley

Published: June 2, 2020

Pages: 330

Goodreads Rating: 3.89/5

Disclaimer: I was not paid for this review, and all opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

The bride ‧ The plus one ‧ The best man ‧ The wedding planner ‧ The bridesmaid ‧ The body

On an island off the coast of Ireland, guests gather to celebrate two people joining their lives together as one. The groom: handsome and charming, a rising television star. The bride: smart and ambitious, a magazine publisher. It’s a wedding for a magazine, or for a celebrity: the designer dress, the remote location, the luxe party favors, the boutique whiskey. The cell phone service may be spotty and the waves may be rough, but every detail has been expertly planned and will be expertly executed.

But perfection is for plans, and people are all too human. As the champagne is popped and the festivities begin, resentments and petty jealousies begin to mingle with the reminiscences and well wishes. The groomsmen begin the drinking game from their school days. The bridesmaid not-so-accidentally ruins her dress. The bride’s oldest (male) friend gives an uncomfortably caring toast.

And then someone turns up dead. Who didn’t wish the happy couple well? And perhaps more important, why?

My Mini Review:

This is a five star read mainly because I did not see that coming! I’ve read so many books that it’s hard for me to be surprised by a twist or an ending, and this one surprised me on both counts. This book had me hooked from the beginning and I just had to keep reading until I uncovered all its mysteries. It was very plot driven, and Foley did a good job flawlessly switching timelines. The characters had all the qualities that make for a good story. They were interesting, realistic, and had unique backgrounds and personalities. There were some surprising twists, and that “aha!” moment that keeps me coming back to this genre, you know that moment when you finally figure it out? I’m definitely going to have to read more from this author. I highly recommend this one to all Mystery/Thriller and who-done-it fans.

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WWW Wednesday

September 2, 2020February 8, 2022 Dee’s Reading Tree

This is a meme hosted by Taking on a World of Words where you answer three questions: What are you reading now? What did you just read? What will you be reading next? Now on to the books!

Disclaimer: All opinions on this blog are my own.

What I’m reading now

I’m currently reading three books in different formats:

-Splintered (#1) by A.G. Howard (audio book is free if you have an audible membership right now, and this one has been on my TBR forever)

-Rules of Engagement by J.T. Geissinger (e-book is free on kindle unlimited and I needed something funny and light to read)

-Blood and Honey (Serpent and Dove, #2) by Shelby Mahurin (the hardback just arrived yesterday and I’m super excited to start it!)

the vanishing half book by brit bennett — Visit my Bookstagram

What I just read

-The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett -you can read my review here.

-The Shadows by Alex North -review coming soon

-The Guest List by Lucy Foley -review coming soon

These are the books I plan to read next, all subject to change of course

-The Lost Book of the White (The Eldest Curses, #2) by Cassandra Clare

-Fable (#1) by Adrienne Young

-Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

Let me know what your WWW’s are in the comments!

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September TBR

August 31, 2020February 8, 2022 Dee’s Reading Tree

I have some anticipated reads coming up in September so I’m super excited about those. I also have a tentative list of other books to choose from. I tried to include different genres so that I always have something to choose no matter what mood I’m in. Tell me about your most anticipated September books in the comments!

Disclaimer: All opinions on this blog are my own. If you are interested in purchasing any of these books, please consider using my Amazon affiliate link by clicking on the pictures and/or links and I will receive a small fee, but your book will still cost the same.

the lost book of the white by cassandra clare eldest curses book 2 — Buy on Amazon

The Lost Book of the White (The Eldest Curses, #2) by Cassandra Clare

This one will hopefully arrive on my doorstep on its release day September 1, and I cannot wait!

blood and honey by shelby mahurin serpent and dove book two — Buy on Amazon

Blood and Honey (Serpent and Dove, #2) by Shelby Mahurin

This one should also be arriving on my doorstep on September 1, and I’m going to have trouble choosing which one to read first!

To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini

Paolini hasn’t written anything since the Eragon series, which I loved, so I’m really looking forward to this one. It will be released September 15, and I have already pre-ordered it, but it might take me the rest of the month to read since it’s a massive 880 pages!!

Other books I plan to pick from:

-Lord of Shadows (The Dark Artifices, #2) by Cassandra Clare

-From Blood and Ash (Blood and Ash, #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

-Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender

-The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary

-The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson

-What You Wish For by Katherine Center

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August Wrap-Up

August 31, 2020February 8, 2022 Dee’s Reading Tree

I actually managed to read ten books in August. I imagine I will have to slow down a bit in September since I have started to homeschool my kid and will be devoting a lot of time to planning lessons and teaching. August was a great reading month with mostly five star reads. My favorite book was Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren. My most disappointing one was These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner. I guess I only enjoy the books Amie writes with Jay Kristoff.

thunderhead book by neal shusterman arc of a scythe series — Buy on Amazon

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thunderhead by Neal Shusterman -you can read my review here

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren -you can read my review here.

midnight sun twilight book 5 by stephenie meyer — Buy on Amazon

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/4

Midnight Sun (Twilight, #5) by Stephenie Meyer -you can read my review here.

twilight book one by stephenie meyer — Buy on Amazon

Twilight (#1) by Stephenie Meyer

I decided to do a reread of this one before I read Midnight Sun, and it turned out to be a great decision, because Midnight Sun runs alongside Twilight. I was able to appreciate Edward’s point of view much more after reading Bella’s very limited take on the story.

Obsidio Illuminae book three by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff — Buy on Amazon

I was able to finish my reread of the Illuminae Files alongside by husband who was reading them for the first time, and he loved them. It’s always nice to share a book you love with a loved one. You can read my old review for this one here.

these broken stars book by amie kaufman and meagan spooner — Buy on Amazon

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

What a gorgeous cover right? But I think this book was just an okay read and I don’t believe I will continue on with this series. I found the characters in this book overly dramatic and childish. I guess I only like the books Amie writes alongside Jay Kristoff. I did not write a full review for this one.

throne of glass series by sarah j maas — Buy on Amazon

Throne of Glass (#1) by Sarah J. Maas

I’ve been slowly rereading this series in between audio books because I missed these characters so much. If you haven’t read these books. I highly recommend them. Maas writes amazing Fantasy worlds with characters you will love. I had never listened to the audio books, and I am loving them.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

You can read my review for this one here.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

The Shadows by Alex North

My review for this one will be coming soon!

wolfsong by tj klune book — Buy on Amazon

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Wolfsong (Green Creek, #1) by T.J. Klune

My review for this one will be coming soon!

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The Vanishing Half

August 31, 2020February 8, 2022 Dee’s Reading Tree

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Author: Brit Bennett

Published: June 2, 2020

Pages: 343

Goodreads Rating: 4.37/5

This was one of my Book of the Month picks. If you would like to save on your subscription please consider using my link and I will get a free book credit.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

The Vignes twin sisters will always be identical. But after growing up together in a small, southern black community and running away at age sixteen, it’s not just the shape of their daily lives that is different as adults, it’s everything: their families, their communities, their racial identities. Ten years later, one sister lives with her black daughter in the same southern town she once tried to escape. The other secretly passes for white, and her white husband knows nothing of her past. Still, even separated by so many miles and just as many lies, the fates of the twins remain intertwined. What will happen to the next generation, when their own daughters’ storylines intersect?

My Review:

This was such an amazing coming of age story spanning multiple generations. I loved all the different points of views and going back and forth in time. The plot was very character driven, and the characters were all unique and interconnected. Bennett did such a great job portraying how one person’s decisions can cause a ripple effect into the lives of those around them. It was so interesting to learn about “passing,” a term I was not familiar with before this.

My own great grandma was “so black she was blue” just like they described Jude in this book, then she went on to marry the whitest man she could find, and their kids did the same after that. Which explains why I’m so pale. No I’m not from Mallard, I am from Cuba. I still have what I call my “black nose” and thick curly hair that gets out of control if I don’t do what I can to tame it. But I know exactly where these features come from, even if I never got to meet her. I can’t imagine living my whole life not knowing my heritage like Kennedy did in the story.

If there is anything I learned from this book is that you have to know where you come from in order to see where you’re going. The Vanishing Half is definitely worth a read, especially during current times. I would recommend it to all Historical and Contemporary Fiction fans. I haven’t read The Mothers by Bennett yet, but I enjoyed her poetic writing style so much that I definitely will soon!

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WWW Wednesday

August 26, 2020February 8, 2022 Dee’s Reading Tree

It’s time for another WWW Wednesday post! This week has flown by, and I can only hope the rest of the year does the same. I’m super excited for Fall, but I hate that many of the Fall activities, like taking my kids trick or treating, will not be possible this year. We will still be decorating some pumpkins, which is another one of my favorite things. What are some Fall activities you are looking forward to?

This is a meme hosted by Taking on a World of Words where you answer three questions: What are you reading now? What did you just read? What will you be reading next? Now on to the books!

the shadows by alex north book — Buy on Amazon

What I’m reading now

I’m currently finishing up The Shadows by Alex North and Wolfsong by T.J. Klune. Both are great books and I cannot wait to tell you all about them.

What I just read

I just read The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennet, and it was an amazing book but I haven’t had a chance to write a review yet.

What I will be reading next

I’m super excited for all the September releases that I have been waiting for a while for. I have pre-ordered all of them and I cannot wait to get them in the mail 🙂

-Serpent and Honey (Serpent and Dove, #2) by Shelby Mahurin releases September 1.

-The Lost Book of the White (The Eldest Curses, #2) by Cassandra Clare releases September 1.

-To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini releases September 15.

Let me know what you’re currently reading in the comments!

Author: Dee’s Reading Tree

The Spanish Love Deception

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

From Blood and Ash

The Shadows

The Guest List

WWW Wednesday

September TBR

August Wrap-Up

The Vanishing Half

WWW Wednesday