hello lovelies!
I’m thrilled to announce that I will be one of the hosts for 2020’s Bookending Spring Blog Hop! Welcome to Day One of my reign, and I’ll be here with you for the next four days!! This season’s unofficially official theme for #BookendingSpring2020 is on starting anew and organization (the latter of which is one of my favorite things!!), so I thought I’d start with the elephant in the room… Procrastination!
We’ll start by identifying things that enable you to procrastinate, and there will be a question connecting with it that will either allow you to recommend books, people or yourself, in some ways :) Feel free to use all of the prompts below, or only the ones pertaining to you!
The Rules …
Thank the person who nominated you
- Give credit to the original creator of the tag (Kate @ Kate, a Dreamer Book Blog)
- Link back to the original post (this one!)
- Nominate other bloggers whose procrastination preferences you’d like to know!
- You DO NOT have to wait for a nomination to do this tag! Nominations are optional
- Link your post in the Master Linkey so other BookEnders can see it!
- Finally… link your posts in the comments! It’s not a rule, but I want to see them ?
Checking Emails
What are some of your favorite epistolary romances?
Dear Aaron by Mariana Zapata – it was such a surprise to me when I read it!! It kept me up until 4am before I finally had to give up and get some shut-eye, it was so immersive. The first half is all of their emailed and IM’d correspondence between Ruby, who signs up to write pen pal letters to a soldier abroad, and Aaron, the soldier who receives the letters. I LOVED reading these messages, they gave a clear idea of the characters before you even get to the second half, where there are actual dialogue and storytelling. Ms. Zapata did an excellent job in this department because you could see the hesitation and the uncertainty and feelings that were caught even just in the messaging parts, even before we got to the friends-to-lovers meetup in the second half. They’re just so cute (My Review)
Top Secret by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy – Top Secret was one of my favorite reads of 2019, and is available on Kindle Unlimited! This book… was so absolutely enthralling. Not only was the plot engaging, but there was an enemies-to-lovers and friends-to-lovers bit thrown in! Luke and Keaton are enemies in real-life (as well as dorm-neighbors), but on the internet, they’re friends who heavily flirt. But this book was no fluff piece – it had a surprising amount of substance and depth for a new adult romance. This book just teems with life through the two characters: Luke, who is a bossy-ass in bed, but who struggles through life by the tips of his fingers, and Keaton, who was so adorably nerdy and wore his heart on his sleeve, even for a rich legacy kid. He had amazing animal facts, too! (My Review)
Watching Netflix
What are some of your favorite reads featuring a celebrity / royalty /
someone famous?
Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston – I was terrified of this book, because it had so much hype surrounding it. Turns out… it was all warranted. This book was just plain fun to read. I laughed a lot and highlighted most of the book. These two boys had an amazing connection, and I loved the way they communicated with each other. STAN (My Review)
Truthwitch by Susan Dennard – Was another hyped book I put off. But after taking part in the #TheLuminaries (where are my #LumiNerds at??), I knew I had to read her book. The level of friendship in this book was off the charts. I adored Safi and Iseult’s friendship and loved the moments they caught together. Found family at it’s best, some royalty, some not, but all amazing (My Review)
The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima – This will always be a classic favorite for me. Talk about slow burn… the two main characters don’t even meet until halfway through the second book! The first time I read it, I was feverishly racing to that point, desperate for the romance to begin. But in the Many times I’ve reread it since, I appreciate the tension and the wait, and also the amazing political intrigue the last two books offer! A standout book, for sure!
To Love Jason Thorne by Ella Maise – This one is available on Kindle Unlimited, and was just a fun contemporary romance between a debut author (whose popular book is becoming a movie) and the celebrity movie star who will play the starring role – also known as her brother’s best friend, and her childhood crush. It was a sweet read, and I enjoyed the fake relationship aspect that played out. (My Review)
Rock Hard by Nalini Singh – This is still one of my favorite books in all of existence and is definitely the best office romance I’ve ever read. The hero is a famous ex-rugby player, so I could work into this list, but it’s an excellent slow-burn romance where the characters have a truly amazing connection. But it deals with some heavy issues very well, and I love how they help each other heal themselves ✨ (My Review)
The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller – This book was just straight-up fun. It’s not the most technically excellent fantasy I read, but I hardly cared about that when I was having the time of my life reading it. Those two characters may be morally gray, but they had a true connection and were amazing to follow. (My Review)
Losing Time on Twitter
Link yourself and share your favorite Twitter accounts that keep you entertained
I don’t follow a lot of just-for-the-hell-of-it accounts, most of the people I follow, I’m friends with. But I hope to find some fun accounts through your suggestions! I’m @kateadreamer!
On Snapchat / Taking Bookish Photos
Share some of your favorite bookish photos, and be sure to tag your accounts!
I’m very pleased with how all of the below pictures have turn out! These are definitely my faves. You can check out my bookstagram @kateadreamer ✨ Click on the pictures to be taken to the individual posts in a new tab.
Baking Cookies ?
Uh, yum! What books have you read recently that surprised you (in a good way)?
Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross – This was one of those books that I’d had on my TBR forever and just finally decided to read it randomly – mostly because it was such a stunning cover. But I was pleasantly surprised by this YA Magical Steampunk! It had found family, a fierce female and just a fun adventure! (My Review)
Etiquette and Espionage by Gail Carriger – Another book I’ve had on my TBR since forever! But oh my gosh, so much fun to read! A middle-grade steampunk that takes place in a spy school in the sky. Sophronia herself was so very charming and clever. She was practical and confident, and she was a glorious character to follow because of it. At the heart of Sophronia is someone who will follow her curiosity to the ends of the Earth, and it was really a joy to read and follow. (My Review)
Every Other Weekend by Abigail Johnson – I was lucky enough to get this one for review, and adored it. The main characters are younger, like 15, and are apartment neighbors every other weekend, as that’s when they stay with the other divorced parent. This is one of those really vulnerable, emotional books that read really important to me, and the friendship those two struck, as they became each other’s safe place, almost broke me (My Review)
Reading Books :)
What are some reads that sucked you in so much you had to keep reading?
Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews – Seriously one of the most fun series! Ilona Andrews (a husband-wife writing team) writes this as their passion project. They release chapters online (very, very slowly!!!! grrrr) and then release the final edited copy later. But it’s super fun! Magical innkeeper serves as a gateway for all paranormal creatures that come to Earth (since Earthers don’t know about the other life in space). There’s vampires, werewolves, and other manners of creatures that live in space and visit the Inns as they travel between worlds. An Innkeeper has total control of the Inn, she can make hallways appear and things since through the floor. This book is fun and I highly, highly, highly recommend it!! (Fiercest Females in Urban Fantasy)
The Foxhole Court by Nora Sakavic – This book is character-driven and not for everybody. But these characters captured my heart! I read all three books in two very sleepless nights and then was so obsessed I reread the series immediately after. Then, I read it six more times throughout 2019! The first book is free on Kindle and the rest or 99c. But be aware of all the content warnings in this one. It’s a rough ride, but I’ve never loved characters more (Best Books of 2019)
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater – Another character-driven masterpiece, this series stole my heart!! I mean Ronan ? And Adam ? I need to read Call Down the Hawk like forever ago! If you haven’t read this series by now… I definitely recommend it. It’s weird, but I can’t imagine a bookstaworld without them ? (Favorite Fantasy Books I Need to Reread)
Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews – This is one of my favorite series in all of existence. Ignore the cover, which is awful, and it’s one of the most well-done sci-fi/urban fantasy EVER. This magical world is amazing, and while the romance simmers in the background of the magical mystery, the slow burn is incredible.(Fiercest Females in Urban Fantasy)
Bullet Journaling
Feel free to share some of your favorite spreads!
What are some of your favorite listed blog posts that you recommend we check out?
For bullet journal pics, head to my Instagram page and check out the Bullet Journal highlights!
Jumping from Task to Task
What are some books featuring multiple POV’s that you recommend?
I just discovered that I don’t… read that many books with alternating POV’s! Which is … weird? Seeming as I happen to like dual-POV books? Click on the picture to navigate to that particular review!
Scrolling through Bookstagram
What are some accounts that have the prettiest accounts?
What are some accounts that always have great recommendations?
Click on the image to be taken to their account! Click here to check out mine :)
Love/Hate Relationship with Phone
Books featuring your favorite enemies-to-lovers romance!
[ Check out more great enemies-to-lovers books I’ve read ]
Motion by Penny Reid – This one was so, so much fun to read! It made me quite giddy. It follows Mona, who’s posing as her twin sister when her parents put her sister on house-arrest. But her sister can’t make it, so she’s pretending to be the ultra-feminine Lisa, a big difference from her smarty-pants self, who went to college at like 15. With her parents out of town, her brother’s best friend is the one house-sitting and making sure she stays in line… and <3 (My Review)
Shortcake by Lucy Watson – I just finished this one, so my review’s not up yet but oh my gosh!! So much fun :) Emmy is the live-in caretaker for a kind old lady, who happens to be one of her best friends. What she didn’t know, was that she was named in the lady’s Will. Turns out, for Emmy or grandson Ben to get their inheritance, they have to spend a couple of months renovating the house and living in it together. And they despise each other. Really, he despises her, and things get messy quickly when a fake engagement is announced… (My Review)
Truthwitch by Susan Dennard – With a couple of different perspectives, there are few interesting romances that spice up the pages here that wouldn’t be construed as entirely… friendly ? I loved it!! (My Review)
Singing Along to Music
Do you have any recommendations for musical books / rockstar romances?
A Thousand Perfect Notes by CG Drews – This book was … oh my gosh… so emotional!! It was CG Drew’s debut novel (she’s one of my favorite book bloggers, and goes by the moniker PaperFury!) and it had me in tears. It’s a beautiful story and I can’t recommend it enough ✨ (Goodreads | Amazon)
Rock Addiction by Nalini Singh – This is the first book in a whole series of musicians, and truly, they’re all absolutely wonderful. In this one, Fox (lead singer) and Molly (librarian) start with a one-night stand, until he proposes a month-long arrangement, as long as he’s on vacation. It’s a sweet, sweet story that is full of the love of family (found-family) and very sexy. A great first book – and the series only gets better from there! (My Review)
Playing Video Games
Shoutout some of your favorite books that take place in an alternate world!
[ Check out more great urban fantasy reads, featuring a fierce female I’ve read ]
The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima – This is one of my favorite high fantasy series, hands-down, and I’ve reread it several times. The political intrigue, the inquisitiveness, and the character development and buildup was just absolutely superb in a way that few books can comprehend (Goodreads | Amazon)
Dark Lover by JR Ward – I love the Black Dagger Brotherhood, not only because there are tons of books to keep me happy, but because of the intricate world-building involved in this one. Plus the found-family aspect is top-tier. It’s a very popular series, and with good reason! (Goodreads | Amazon)
Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh – The first book in one of my favorite series ever, this alternate world is so rich and immersive, it’s like coming home every time I pick up one of these books. It’s so unusual, I couldn’t help but fall in love! (My Review)
King Hall by Scarlett Dawn – One of my favorite books for friendship, found family, and a spicy, spicy slow burn paranormal romance that just explodes! Paranormal New Adult at it’s best, that’s for sure! I can’t recommend this one enough ? (Goodreads | Amazon)
Blogging / BookTube-ing
What are some of your favorite blogs (or BookTube channels) that you follow?
Under the Covers Book Blog (link) | Paper Fury (link)
Books Nest (link) | Molly’s Book Nook (link)
Jenny in Neverland (link) | Twirling Pages (link)
Of Wonderland (link)| Lala’s Book Reviews (link)
My Bookish Court (link) | Tessa Talks Books (link)
Senseless Cleaning/Organization
It takes skill to keep a series well organized – what series do you recommend that gets better and better with each book?
Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh – This is a long series, and there’s even a sister series. But I definitely wish there were more ? Singh is able to continue writing in this absolutely vivid world, and only make it better and better! She manages to hide Easter eggs several books ahead of her plot and ugh Slave to Sensation is an amazing book, but buckle up, because it’s truly only the beginning (My Review)
The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima – This series holds four books, and it truly does get better with each one! The last two books are my favorite, action-packed, rife with political intrigue and love ? (Favorite Fantasy Books I Need to Reread)
Magic Bites by Kate Daniels – Again, this series has several books to it, but I’ve never gotten tired of this world. As the books continue the world only grows and my love for characters grow with it ? (My Review)
Texting with Friends
Shoutout your favorite books that feature a great friendship
[ Check out more great friendship books I’ve read ]
Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston – This book is so popular, so I was expecting it to be good (but really was kinda thinking it was going to be overhyped), but was completely taken aback by the amazing connection Alex and Henry had! They connected so well, and I enjoyed their friendship almost as much as the romance (My Review)
Truthwitch by Susan Dennard – I was told that this one was “a great friendship story” when it came out years ago and wrote it off because I wanted romance. Well, turns out this book had both, but I actually liked the friendship the best. Iseult and Safi were badass, fierce females who loved each other and would do anything for the other. It was amazing, actually (My Review)
Every Other Weekend by Abigail Johnson – I was lucky enough to get this one for review, and adored it. The main characters are younger, like 15, and are apartment neighbors every other weekend, as that’s when they stay with the other divorced parent. This is one of those really vulnerable, emotional books that read really important to me, and the friendship those two struck, as they became each other’s safe place, almost broke me (My Review)
Making Lists instead of doing Tasks
What are some of your favorite office/workplace romances?
[ Check out more office / workplace romances I’ve read ]
Cherish Hard by Nalini Singh – I loved this second-chance romance! What happens when the hot gardener you made out with (accidentally!) turns out to be one of your new contractors?? Whoops… I loved, loved, loved this one. It’s sweet, and it has so much heart (My Review)
Smut by Karina Halle – Smut promises just what the title delivers, plus a fun twist. When classmates (and enemies) have to pair up to write a novella for a class project, they find out they work well together and begin a new money-making adventure post-graduation: to team up and write Smut to sell on Amazon. It was such a fun, sexy read, available on Kindle Unlimited! (My Review)
Rock Hard by Nalini Singh – This is still one of my favorite books in all of existence and is definitely the best office romance I’ve ever read. The hero is a famous ex-rugby player, so I could work into this list, but it’s an excellent slow-burn romance where the characters have a truly amazing connection. But it deals with some heavy issues very well, and I love how they help each other heal themselves ✨ (My Review)
Cuddling with Pets
Books that feature an animal changeling OR books that feature awesome, fun pets so well they’re basically characters!
[ Check out a more of my favorite shifter books! It’s a post from Bookending Autumn 2019 ? ]
Moon Called by Patricia Briggs – This is an all-encompassing urban fantasy, with werewolves, vampires, walkers (coyote shifters, which is what the main character is!), ghosts, fae, demons, etc! (My Review)
Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh – This book features a panther changeling, alpha of a leopard changeling pack. This is one of my favorite series, and features all kinds of shifters, from wolves to bears (so fun!) to sea creatures ✨ Each book features a different couple, but the series must be read in order (My Review)
Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews – the main character isn’t a shifter, but the book does heavily involve with Curran, a lion shifter, who is known as the Beast Lord of Atlanta, so all shifters and were-‘s answer to him. He may not be the main character, but Kate is certainly surrounded by all kinds of shifters (My Review)
The Wallflower Wager by Tessa Dare – Featuring a lady who can’t help but rescue every broken, needy animal she meets (including an otter, a steer, a goat, a disabled dog, a hedgehog, a parrot, 13 kittens… and more) and her new neighbor, who demands she get rid of the animals. It was an adorable regency romance, yes, but the animals completely stole the show for me! (My Review)
Using Goodreads Like a Social Media
What are you currently reading, or What are the next couple books on your TBR?
Be sure to link your account!
You can find me on Goodreads here! ✨ Next I’m going to follow the path I’ve made on my OWLs TBR … hopefully! As a mood reader, we’ll see how that goes long-term ? But the next few immediate reads for this week…
Heartstopper by Alice Oseman – This will be my first graphic novel, I’m so excited about this!!
Wolfsong by TJ Klune – An MM fated mates romance between neighbors … literally the thought of reading this makes me so happy!
The Wonkiest Witch by Jeannie Wycherley – A Kindle Unlimited read that promises to be a kind of magical cozy mystery. This is just the kind of dorky fun I want right now!
Who Do I Nominate?
Remember, nomination are optional! You are welcome to do this tag without a nomination, are not required to do it if you are nominated and do not have to tag people! But it does make things fun :)
I tag…
Lauren @ LaLa’s Book Reviews || Marilu @ My Bookish Court
Alexandra @ Twirling Pages || Aly @ Of Wonderland
Jenny @ Jenny in Neverland || Kathryn @ Kathryn Booksville
Kayleen @ Kayppuccino || Cait @ Functionally Fictional
Chiara @ Bookworms Anonymous || Molly’s Book Nook (link) || Kelsey @ Quiteallwrite
Things to look forward to this week…
Other book tags you may enjoy…
Check out my other past Bookending content here!
Announcement: I created a BookTube Channel! ?
I’ve done two videos so far and am having SO MUCH FUN!! Click on the image above (or right here) to check out my channel ?
Haha this is such a creative tag! Love it!
Thank you!! It was so fun to come up with, just thinking about all the things I do to avoid doing things ?
Oh wow, such a nice tag! You did a good job with the creation! ?
My brain is practically fried from work as it’s been quite a day, ahaha so it’d be better for me to wait to see if I can answer thoses properly XD
Thank you! This was my first time doing a tag – and it’s long so you don’t have to do all of them if you don’t want to. I set it up so you can pick and choose the procrastination methods you’re guilty of LOL! I completely understand, it took me a few days to do this one myself :) Send a link once you’ve done it!!
Thank you for tagging me! ?
I’ve been meaning to read Truthwitch for a long time now. I hope I read it soon!
Of course! I put it off for awhile because of the hype but I ended up loving it :) it’s textbook YA fantasy but the connections between the characters make it that much better!!
This is such a cool tag!! I definitely have to do it because I’m the Queen of Procrastination ?
I really love all your prompts ?
Thank you!! When I was researching tags that haven’t been done yet, I found the productivity tag but not opposite… and that doesn’t seem right ? Please link me when you do it!! I want to see :)
ah i loved reading this, so much fun. also great to check out other peoples instagrams <3
Thank you!! I enjoyed putting it together :)
I love this tag! I think I’m going to have to do it myself someday soon but as we all know, I’ll probably procrastinate.
RWRB is so good and it is one of my favourites too! All those bookstagram pictures are also so pretty! <3
Yayyy! I’m so glad you enjoyed the tag :) Send me a link when you do it, I want to seeeeee!! (And yes, RWRB is amazing ??)
Such a cool and fun tag!!
Thank you!