Bookish Posts and Books Read of Week of January 28th through February 3rd
January was long and now that we are in February, this week just passed so quickly, I was like how on earth are we at the end of the week already? I swear time is subjective lol This past week I did something I haven’t done in ages and I was a bit worried about going into a slump but thank goodness that didn’t happen. I binged the “Tairen Soul” series by CL Wilson. Its been years since I have read the whole series like this and I just was so consummed. If you love fantasy romance, and haven’t read that series…..READ IT NOW!! It will change your life. Its the best fantasy series ever written (and YES its better than Fourth Wing and SJM—and ironically SJM was inspired to write fantasy because of CL Wilson, not many know that). Now I didn’t get that many books read because these Wilson books are LONG in audio. Each book was at least 16 hours long. But It was a great experience.
(All links to the reviews will guide you to my Goodreads Reviews)
Book Listened-Lord of the Fading Lands by C.L. Wilson—Rating 5 Stars—This is a great beginning to the series. This is where our couple meet. Its basically the hero courting the heroine. Its so fun to see how well this couple gets along together.
Book Listened-Lady of Light and Shadows by C.L. Wilson—Rating 5 Stars—This is where the story continues for these two. It deals with more court politics and the heroine slowly discovering her magical abilities and some betrayals along the way. The ending will strike deep.
Book Listened-King of Sword and Sky by C.L. Wilson—Rating 5 Stars—Our couple are in the Fading Lands (The hero’s homeland) and they are exploring their relationship, the tairen creatures that are dying and how the heroine has to learn to embrace her abilities and what she is capable of while the evil of the villain grows.
Book Listened-Queen of Song and Souls by C.L. Wilson—Rating 4.5 Stars—Our couple are really challenged in this book. They are in a situation that is caused by fear that others have on their own potential. They also discover secrets about Elly’s parents and the workings of the evil mage for a thousand years. This villain is truly evil to the extent of Sauron in LOTR. Yep I said it.
Book Listened-Crown of Crystal Flame by C.L. Wilson—Rating 5 Stars—The FINALE is epic and beautiful. I loved the narration for the series. (Even though they changed narrator mid series which I don’t understand why they do that) It just is so captivating and it was just fun to get back to one of my all time favorite couples. This series really reminded me why I love it so much and why I think its top tier fantasy romance. If you love epic fantasy and haven’t read these books, you need to read them. It has a classic fantasy feel to the writing style but the world building and the romance is so well balanced. I love how its a couple against the world type of story. Its evidence you DONT need a third act breakup or inner conflict to write a powerful romance.
Book Read-Always to Remember by Lorraine Heath—Rating 4.5 Stars—This was a wonderful read. I knew coming off the Wilson books, I needed to pick up a page turner and Heath didn’t do me wrong on this one. It really pulled me in so quickly and was so heartfelt. This book really broke my heart because it deals with a hero that wouldn’t pick up a gun in the war and was willing to face the firing squad for it. Love a hero that has a heart of integrity. I see why its so well loved.
Book Read-The King and Vi by Shana Galen—Rating 4 Stars–I really had a fun time with this one. This has a curse being introduced for the series and it does have a “King and I” type of retelling. I found it such a unique setup and curious to see what she does with the series.
Bookish Posts to Look Forward To
Be My Valentine-Best Romantic Reads
Week 1 of February Releases of 2024
Fast Five- New Adult
Recommend It: Tortured Hero
Current Reads
My current audiobook is Riveted by Jay Crownover and it’s a blast getting back to this series. I am about halfway through and not sure why I stopped reading this series but this author is so fun to read. She writes great contemporary and wish more contemporary was written in this style. Then we have A Kiss From a Rogue by Elisa Braden and I can’t wait to read this book. I love Elisa Braden but I have been pacing her books because I don’t want to be finished with her books. Capturing Tess is one of my Romanceopoly picks. I really love this author, she just writes FF romance differently and I find it refreshing. I want to see more LGBTQ romances in this style. I am finally getting to this anticipated release with Through The Glen. I have been a bit nervous for this one because the last book burned me so bad, but the premise of this one has me really intrigued and I am liking what the reviews are saying for it. Dane’s Mark by Lora Leigh I have this book up for preorder, and you can bet once it hits 10 PM on Monday Night I will be reading it. (One good thing living out west is we get preoders in a couple hours early thanks to the EST LOL) Man I CANT WAIT FOR IT!!
Book Releases I am Excited For
Dane’s Mark by Lora Leigh
The Wrath by Gena Showalter
Ashes of You by Catherine Cowles
Legacy of Temptation by Larissa Ione
Serpentine Valentine by Giana Darling
My Weekly TBR
My weekly TBR consists of what I term a “Flexible TBR” basically means I try to read this TBR every week, but sometimes I will also pick up some random books that just sound good at the time. But I will endear to stick with my TBR as its carefully picked.
Favorite Book of the Week
This whole series DAZZLED me. I was so addicted to it and I couldn’t put these down. I love how immersive this fantasy series is and how “together” our couple is and how they fight for each other and have such integrity.
New Additions to AR Library
We have some great additions. I bought the hardcover for the special edition of the Rock Chick Renegade. I just can’t get enough of these covers, they are so gorgeous. I got the new release of the Samantha Young. I have heard great things about Amara Rae so added her to my KU library. This Elsie Silver and Maya Banks I added through Libby.
It’s fun to binge a series. There have been times where I was happy to be late to the party just because I got to do that and not wait for the series to be finished. It’s phenomenal that the series held up for you. Look at all those stars!
Binging a series is always fun!
Looks like you had a great week. So glad you had such a good reading week. I have to so I’m pretty happy.
Your reads look great as always!! And yes, time is flying by like crazy!