Hey everyone! I can’t believe it’s time for another wrap up. February was kind of a struggle. I didn’t post much on here (boo work) and I couldn’t quite figure out what I was in the mood to read (boo me for being a mood reader). All things considered, I managed to read six books (kind of) and I’m thrilled about that.

I read five books and DNF’d one. My average rating was 3.9, which is high but kind of close to my new normal because I give out 4 stars liberally. I’m very stingy with my 5 stars.
One of my goals this year is to avoid half-star ratings. Unfortunately, I had to break my own rule this month for A Curse So Dark and Lonely (4.5). It was worth it though because I loved that book. I’ll be more critical next month. Lol. Without further ado, these are the books I read. The reviews are linked.

Pride by Ibi Zoboi and A Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole ⇢ I didn’t expect to enjoy these two books as much as I did. The romance in Pride didn’t work for me, but everything else was great.
Vox by Christina Dalcher ⇢ I borrowed this from the library for my Goodreads reading challenge. It was a runner up in the science fiction category. Unfortunately, I DNF’d it at 102 pages. The characters were flat and I didn’t like the way the story was structured.

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah ⇢ Because I loved The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah, I decided to give The Nightingale a chance. I loved it and it made me cry way too much.
A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer ⇢ My favorite read this month and one of the best Beauty and the Beast retellings I’ve had the pleasure of reading. I haven’t reviewed it yet, but I will soon.
Geekerella by Ashley Poston ⇢ My last February read. I borrowed it from the library because I wanted to listen to an audiobook while traveling home for a wedding. This was a cute novel. I loved the female friendship in this. I didn’t like the narrator for the male protagonist though. I haven’t reviewed this either. Will do that in the next round of mini reviews.

Beat the Backlist ⇢ I only read one book from this TBR: Pride by Ibi Zoboi. I unhauled two books. Also, there’s a graphic for this challenge on the sidebar, which I update frequently.
Goodreads Reading Challenge ⇢ I read one book this month: Vox by Christina Dalcher. Unfortunately, this was a miss because I did not finish it. I was bored. Sorry, Goodreads readers who voted for this.


- I can’t recommend One Day At A Time enough. It’s about a multi-generational Cuban family as they tackle important topics like immigration, race, mental health, homophobia, gender identity, PTSD, sexism, alcoholism, and so much more. It’s funny and poignant. I watched season 3 as soon as it became available a few weeks ago and it didn’t disappoint. I hope they get a fourth season. Please watch it!
- Almost everyone on Twitter has been talking about The Umbrella Academy, so I decided to check it out. I watched the entire season and I’m still not sure how I feel about this show. The tropes were bad and it was all over the place, but I liked Klaus, Ben, and the soundtrack. I had to push through after the 8th episode, but I’m interested to see what direction they take the show in season 2.
- The Dragon Prince is so good. I watched it after I finished The Umbrella Academy and I couldn’t get enough of it. Can’t wait for season 3. Don’t sleep on this show.

- THE JONAS BROTHERS ARE BACK. I’m so freaking happy because I love them. The stan in me jumped out when they announced their return and I’ve been listening to my favorite JB songs since the announcement. I want front row seats, the new album, and merch immediately.

- Top Ten Tuesday: I Ship It – My top 5 book ships
- Review: King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo – TL;DR: Disappointing
- Blogger Friends Recommend Their Favorite Romance Novels – recommendations from a few romance readers/bloggers
- February TBR – I attempted to make a TBR for February. I think I did well with this. I’ll attempt to make one for March.

- I’m kind of obsessed with skincare routines and perfecting my own routine. I watched a ton of videos and got some fantastic advice from Scrill and Jasmine about their routines and products they use.
- My uncle got married this month and that was a lot of fun. I loved catching up with relatives that I haven’t seen in yeeeears.
- I got approved for some eARCs that I’m really excited about: The Bride Test by Helen Hoang, With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo, Dear Haiti, Love Alaine by Maritza Moulite. I can’t wait to read them, especially Dear Haiti because the character is Haitian.

- I don’t know how this happened, but Disney Books reached out to me and kindly sent this beautiful copy of The Everlasting Rose by Dhonielle Clayton. This is a first for me and the fact that they reached out to me about a book that was already on my TBR is so exciting. I can’t wait to buddy read this with Stacie and Bee.

That’s all for now friends. How was your reading this month? What was your favorite book? Least favorite?
I should read a princess in theory! I read the novella, once ghosted twice shy, last month and really enjoyed it!
(www.evelynreads.com)
LikeLiked by 1 person
You had a great month Merline! My friends have been saying a lot of great things about The Dragon Prince and Umbrella Academy, I really need to start them. I just watched the Jonas Brothers new mv and it brings so many feelings!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Dragon Prince is soooo good. Highly recommend it and hope you enjoy it. I hate to be so caught up in the JoBros again, but here I am. Lol.
LikeLike
– I’m half way through Umbrella Academy and I hate it but I can’t seem to stop watching, lol. I’m watching for the mystery subplot. It seems like their dad had a lot of secrets and that’s the one thing keeping me interested.
– Yes, to a new skin care routine! I’m loving mine. One small change in my life has made a difference in how I feel overall.
– Oooh I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts on all those ARCS. They look SO good.
– AND OMG I’M SO HAPPY THAT YOU GOT THE EVERLASTING ROSE. That was so thoughtful of them!
Happy March! xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
I honestly didn’t have anything to do so I kept watching but it was really hard to get through the rest of the season after episode 8. I’m still going to tune in for season 2 because I love Klaus and Ben.
LikeLike
HECK YEAH ON THE JO BROS! Their new song is making the 13-year-old inside of me swoon! Also, I’m with you on half-star ratings – I stick almost exclusively to full-star ratings, I feel like I could drive myself crazy trying to work out what books should be a half- or even quarter-star better or worse than others. Great wrap up, hi from a new follower!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Jordyn! Thanks so much for following! Half-star ratings are hard to keep up with. I’m going to try to stick exclusively to full-stars.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Okay, but can we talk about how all the ARCs you got approved for have a woman of color in the cover and were also written by women of color? That’s awesome!
I’m writing this comment while listening to old JoBros songs. I still can’t believe they’re back! 2019 is their last-album 10th anniversary, so it was the absolutely perfect timing for a reunion. I loved the music video for Sucker and it was so fun seeing them with their fiancés/wives. Who knew we’d be here, right? They were my favorite band growing up. When I was a little older, it turned out to be One Direction, but I don’t think we’ll be getting a reunion from them any time soon. Maybe in 10 years, lol!
Wishing you a great March! 💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha! I never thought they would reunite now. I expected them to be much older when they finally reunited. This is so amazing and I can’t wait for all the JoBros content.
I’m so happy that I got approved for those ARCS!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Geekerella was adorable and wormed it’s way into my heart, although that’s partially because I’m fan of the “enemies who unknowingly are pen pals” rom-com trope.
You got some great eARCs, looking forward to your thoughts!
LikeLiked by 1 person
THE JONAS BROTHERS ARE BACK AND IM SO HAPPY! I’ve been listening to Sucker all day 😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
SAME SAME SAME. I haven’t stopped listening to it since Friday.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely wrap up! 6 books is awesome! I really enjoyed the female friendship in Geekerella too! Such a cute book! And I’m obsessed with the Dragon Prince! I watched the whole second season over a weekend. 😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! I watched the first season in one day! Lol! I loved the relationships and the characters are so adorable.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oooh, The Bride Test! Looking forward to your thoughts on that one. Have a fantastic March!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person