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Top Ten Tuesday – My Top 10 Favorite Book Boyfriends

October 3, 2017/40 Comments/by Suzanne

top ten tuesday

 

Top Ten Tuesday is a fun weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.  This week’s topic is Top Ten Book Boyfriends/Girlfriends (Which characters do you have crushes on?)

* * * * *

Going in, I thought this was going to be a tough topic to come up with a full set of 10 for.  With the exception of my longtime book boyfriend, Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice, I just drew a blank when I started thinking about characters I had crushes on.  Once I got going though, I actually ended up with 11 names and so had to make a cut (Sorry, Rhysand!).  Apparently I crush more easily than I thought I did 😉

 

TOP 10 BOOK BOYFRIENDS

 

1 and 2.  KAZ  and MATTHIAS from the SIX OF CROWS series

 

Apparently I have a thing for bad boys because Kaz Brekker scored the number 1 spot on my list, with his fellow teammate, Matthias, coming in a close second.  I love that they’re both tough yet a little vulnerable if you dig deep enough, and I’m especially enjoying Matthias right now as I’m reading Crooked Kingdom and watching Nina flirt relentlessly with him.  Every time he blushes, I crush on him a little more, haha.

 

* * * * *

 

3.  AZRIEL from the A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES series

 

I almost put Rhys on my list because I have crushed on him a bit throughout this series, but I bumped him for Azriel at the last moment because there’s just something about Azriel that appeals to me on a more subtle level.  I like his quiet, protective demeanor and that there’s an air of mystery surrounding him at times.

 

* * * * *

 

4.  ALUCARD EMERY from the SHADES OF MAGIC series

 

Honestly, I have crushes on most of the characters in this series to some degree, but Alucard Emery is just so fabulous, I had to put him on this list.  I’m a big fan of both his witty banter and most especially of his absolute devotion to Rhys.

 

* * * * *

 

5. CARSWELL THORNE from THE LUNAR CHRONICLES

 

This guy is just such a larger than life personality that you can’t help but fall in love with him.  I love a funny guy and Carswell Thorne is just hilarious, even if the hilarity is often unintentional.

 

* * * * *

 

6.  RON WEASLEY from the HARRY POTTER series

 

Seriously, how can you not love Ron Weasley?  I love Ron because he’s funny, sarcastic, loyal as hell to his friends, and because he’s often an underdog compared to all of the other witches and wizards at Hogwart’s.  There’s just something about an underdog that appeals to me…

 

* * * * *

 

7.   MR. DARCY from PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

 

Mr. Darcy was my first ever book boyfriend and he still makes the list all these years later.  Darcy initially comes across as arrogant and condescending, but I loved that, if you took the time to get to know him, as Lizzie did, there was much more to him than meets the eye and that he was actually quite kind-hearted and unassuming.

 

* * * * *

 

8. JON SNOW from A SONG OF FIRE AND ICE series

 

It’s totally the underdog thing here again with Jon Snow.  The fact that he’s played by the sexy Kit Harrington in the HBO series doesn’t hurt either! 😉

 

* * * * *

 

9.   LEVI STEWART from FANGIRL

 

How adorable is this guy?  I think I started crushing on Levi the moment he was compared to a golden retriever in the book, lol.

 

* * * * *

 

10.   AUGUSTUS from THE FAULT IN OUR STARS

 

This guy has got to be the sweetest boyfriend ever.  The way he felt about Hazel, everything he did for her…. just such a sweet, thoughtful guy. Loved him.

 

* * * * *

 

Question:  Who are some of your favorite YA badass female characters?

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https://thebookishlibra.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/toptentuesday.png 864 1600 Suzanne http://thebookishlibra.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/trimmed-Copy-of-Bookish-Logo-copy.png Suzanne2017-10-03 06:00:542017-10-02 20:38:40Top Ten Tuesday – My Top 10 Favorite Book Boyfriends
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40 replies
  1. Sam@WLABB
    Sam@WLABB says:
    October 3, 2017 at 6:15 am

    Be still my heart! Levi and Gus were all sorts of wonderful. Both were quite playful, and I admired their persistence with their reluctant ladies. Az and Kaz (rhyming!) were a different kind of wonderful. These strong, silent types who ran so deep.

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    • Suzanne
      Suzanne says:
      October 4, 2017 at 10:56 pm

      I definitely love that strong silent type!

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  2. Grace @ Rebel Mommy Book Blog
    Grace @ Rebel Mommy Book Blog says:
    October 3, 2017 at 7:07 am

    Carswell Thorne <3 Swoon!! Love him. Levi, Agustus and John Snow (from the show for me!) are great picks too. Lovely list!

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    • Suzanne
      Suzanne says:
      October 4, 2017 at 10:39 pm

      Thanks!

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  3. Marie @ Book-Chatter
    Marie @ Book-Chatter says:
    October 3, 2017 at 7:09 am

    Love Mr. Darcy!

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    • Suzanne
      Suzanne says:
      October 4, 2017 at 11:01 pm

      He’s wonderful!

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  4. The Lovely Pages Reviews
    The Lovely Pages Reviews says:
    October 3, 2017 at 8:55 am

    Finally spotted Jon, it was about time!

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    • Suzanne
      Suzanne says:
      October 4, 2017 at 11:04 pm

      Right? I haven’t seen him on any other lists.

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  5. Nicole
    Nicole says:
    October 3, 2017 at 8:57 am

    I had an unbelievably big crush on Ron Weasley (and Rupert Grint) when I was younger. I’m a fan of the sarcastic types. And Mr Darcy and Levi are also great picks, and so is Jon Snow! I drew a blank with crushes too and sneakily went for characters I loved instead!

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    • Suzanne
      Suzanne says:
      October 4, 2017 at 11:07 pm

      Haha, that works too! Look forward to checking out your list 🙂

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  6. Angela
    Angela says:
    October 3, 2017 at 9:26 am

    This would have been a really difficult topic for me, I just don’t normally think of characters like that, but when I was younger I probably would have gone for Ron Weasley – I love a funny guy, and I had a red-haired boyfriend in high school!

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    • Suzanne
      Suzanne says:
      October 4, 2017 at 11:10 pm

      I thought this was going to be a lot harder than it was. I think I would have gone for Ron in high school as well. I always had a thing for funny guys and for freckles.

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  7. Olivia
    Olivia says:
    October 3, 2017 at 9:31 am

    Mr. Darcy! Yes! And I loved Thorne! And Ron! And Jon! Ha! Great list 🙂

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    • Suzanne
      Suzanne says:
      October 5, 2017 at 6:27 am

      Thanks!

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  8. Nissa @ Of Pens and Pages
    Nissa @ Of Pens and Pages says:
    October 3, 2017 at 9:50 am

    I have Mr. Darcy on mine too! He’s the best. Fantastic list!

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    • Suzanne
      Suzanne says:
      October 5, 2017 at 6:21 am

      He is the best!

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  9. ShootingStarsMag
    ShootingStarsMag says:
    October 3, 2017 at 10:10 am

    So much yes to Ron, Levi, Augustus, and Thorne!!

    -Lauren

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    • Suzanne
      Suzanne says:
      October 5, 2017 at 6:28 am

      They’re so great. Love them all!

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  10. Lindsey @ Lindsey Reads
    Lindsey @ Lindsey Reads says:
    October 3, 2017 at 2:18 pm

    So I just went through your list and just went “YES, I love him” at EVERY SINGLE character on your list 😀 So we definitely have very similar book boyfriend tastes, haha 🙂
    Hope you’re enjoying Crooked Kingdom!

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    • Suzanne
      Suzanne says:
      October 5, 2017 at 6:33 am

      Haha! Yay, we rock!

      Totally loving Crooked Kingdom so far, although the closer to the end I get, the sadder I get since I know this is only a duology.

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  11. Jordan Rose
    Jordan Rose says:
    October 3, 2017 at 4:17 pm

    I am on board for all of those (except the last two, but that’s only because I haven’t read Fangirl)! Kaz would absolutely be at the very top of my list, haha. I also love Alucard and Thorne – such great characters. Great list! 🙂

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    • Suzanne
      Suzanne says:
      October 5, 2017 at 6:33 am

      Kaz is just the best! Love him.

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  12. Jenea's Book Obsession
    Jenea's Book Obsession says:
    October 3, 2017 at 4:47 pm

    I have Fangirl and The Fault in Our Stars, but I haven’t read them. I really need to. My daughter loved Fangirl.

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    • Suzanne
      Suzanne says:
      October 5, 2017 at 6:39 am

      Fangirl is such a fun read!

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  13. Greg Hill
    Greg Hill says:
    October 3, 2017 at 5:40 pm

    Ha ha Jon Snow! And Levi- awesome pick. He was such a great “nice guy” character. I’m still reading Six of Crows so at least I know who Kaz and Matthias are… 🙂

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    • Suzanne
      Suzanne says:
      October 5, 2017 at 6:47 am

      I couldn’t resist Jon Snow, even though he knows nothing, haha!

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  14. Di @ Book Reviews by Di
    Di @ Book Reviews by Di says:
    October 4, 2017 at 5:07 am

    Ahhhh- Kaz. 🙂 He’s awesome! I am so happy you loved 6oC so much! 🙂

    Az is ALSO amazing… So many characters are there… Rhys is the obvious choice but I also loved Cas a lot…

    Alucard! Yes, I was one of my favourite characters in that series. I was so sad that he and Kell didn’t get along for the most of it!

    I’m reading Cress right now and I loved Carswell in Scarlet. 🙂

    Mr Darcy is definitely one of my top picks too! I loved Colin Firth’s portrayal of him too.

    Jon Snow. 🙂

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    • Suzanne
      Suzanne says:
      October 5, 2017 at 6:49 am

      Yes! I think Colin Firth’s portrayal of Darcy is what has kept him on my list for so many years 🙂

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  15. Wendy @ Birdie Bookworm
    Wendy @ Birdie Bookworm says:
    October 4, 2017 at 12:35 pm

    I love your list! I love that you included Alucard, because he is so wonderful. And Ron Weasley was my HP crush too, both book and movie. Great picks.

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    • Suzanne
      Suzanne says:
      October 5, 2017 at 6:51 am

      Alucard is just the best!

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  16. Toni-Emma @ Book & Bloom
    Toni-Emma @ Book & Bloom says:
    October 4, 2017 at 4:37 pm

    Yes, Azriel! This is the first list I have seen him on so far. He almost made my list, but there were so many book boyfriends and only 10 spaces 🙁

    Check out my Top 10 Book Boyfriends HERE

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    • Suzanne
      Suzanne says:
      October 8, 2017 at 9:06 am

      I really love Az and am hoping that one of Maas’ new books for the series will focus on him.

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  17. Dani @ Perspective of a Writer
    Dani @ Perspective of a Writer says:
    October 4, 2017 at 8:02 pm

    Hi, what a lovely post!! <3 YES to Levi, Rhys (how could you *wink*) and Azriel!

    This week I twisted the topic and talked about why fall in love with characters… http://wp.me/p3LRfZ-5Wm

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    • Suzanne
      Suzanne says:
      October 8, 2017 at 9:10 am

      Haha, right? I almost added an 11th entry just so I wouldn’t bump Rhys.

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  18. Lauren @ Always Me
    Lauren @ Always Me says:
    October 4, 2017 at 8:40 pm

    Thorne and Ron made my list! I was so close to including Alucard – and I’ll think Kaz will be make my list since I’m reading Six of Crows now. 🙂

    Lauren @ Always Me

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  19. Ashley @ Caught Reading Redheaded
    Ashley @ Caught Reading Redheaded says:
    October 5, 2017 at 6:38 pm

    I really need to read Six of Crows. I know I’ve been missing out!

    Ashley @ Caught Reading Redheaded

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    • Suzanne
      Suzanne says:
      October 8, 2017 at 11:19 am

      It’s really a great series. I love all of the characters and the fact that it’s such an action-packed storyline. Hope you get to read it soon!

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  20. the bookworm
    the bookworm says:
    October 7, 2017 at 7:38 am

    Ugh, I missed such a fun TTT topic, this has been a hectic week for me so I wasn’t on blogland much. Great list! And yes to Mr. Darcy 🙂 Swoon. I’d have to add Knightly from Jane Austen’s Emma and also Strider from LOTR and Rhett Butler from GWTW. Happy weekend 🙂

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    • Suzanne
      Suzanne says:
      October 8, 2017 at 11:14 am

      Yes, this one really was a lot of fun. Knightly and Rhett Butler are great choices too. They both almost made my list. 🙂

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  21. Suzanne
    Suzanne says:
    October 8, 2017 at 9:12 am

    Oh yay, hope you’re enjoying Six of Crows! I just finished Crooked Kingdom this weekend. So sad it’s over because I just loved all of those characters so much.

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Comments are closed.

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About Me

me

Hi, I'm Suzanne. Proofreader by day, book blogger by night, devourer of books 24/7. My reading tastes: Basically you name it, I probably like it. I read a lot of contemporary and historical, both adult and YA, and I've also been enjoying more and more fantasy lately. Hobbies include: buying and hoarding of books, rambling about books to anyone who will listen, and trying to recommend books to my family and friends whether they are readers or not - because seriously, how can you not love to read books?

BOOKSTAGRAM

Now I’m not superstitious but I do think that toda Now I’m not superstitious but I do think that today being Friday the 13th is a great excuse to stay home and read in bed all day. 😆

Anyone else? 

Happy Friday! 

#fridaythe13th #bookstagram #bookmeme #stayhomeandread #readerlife
Thanks so much to @read_bloom #partner for this go Thanks so much to @read_bloom #partner for this gorgeous gifted deluxe paperback edition!

💰 REVIEW - THE SECRETS OF CLARENCE MANOR 💰

Author - Devney Perry

Pub Date - 11/10/26

This was such an addictive read! If you enjoy books that have major Gossip Girl vibes, you’re definitely going to want to check this one out.

The Secrets of Clarence Manor is the first book in Devney Perry’s new Aston University series. It follows three young women, who on the surface may have little in common, but who are all harboring secrets, complicated pasts, and battling inner demons.

Ivy, Elora, and Cassia are roommates at Clarence Manor. Ivy is a Clarence, ultra wealthy and loves to treat her roommates as playthings. Cassia, as the newest and poorest of the three, is a prime target for Ivy. Elora is Ivy’s best friend, but she also likes Cassia, so it’s a bit awkward for her.  I was immediately invested in all three of these characters and their journeys and especially in their their growth because while all of these women are strong and independent, they definitely still evolve and grow throughout the book. I also loved how perfectly suited to them their romantic partners were.  It was so easy to cheer on each couple in the face of any obstacles they faced.

I also loved all of the tension and the suspense as everyone’s secrets are eventually revealed. It was just an all around delicious read.

Highly recommend for fans of:

Billionaire Romance
Secrets, Lies, Betrayals
Forbidden Romance
Elite University
Hidden Identity
He Falls First
Brother’s Best Friend

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

QOTD - Any fun plans for this weekend?
Thanks for the free book @acebookspub @berkleyroma Thanks for the free book @acebookspub @berkleyromance #BerkleyPartner #Berkley 

🎻 Review - PRUDENCE MARSH IS NOT A NOBODY ANYMORE 🎻

Author - Emily Krempholtz

Pub Date - 11/10/2026

Prudence Marsh is a bard who leaves her hometown of Dragon’s Nest, hoping to make a name for herself by auditioning to play at the royal wedding.  Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on your perspective), she runs into Callum, a handsome rogue just as he’s in the process of committing a robbery. 
During their encounter, Callum accidentally shatters Prudence’s violin, but promises he’ll replace it if she joins him and his crew as they travel to the scene of their next heist. 

The more Prudence gets to know Callum, the more she finds herself attracted to him, and vice versa. Finding love is not part of either of their plans, but sometimes things are just meant to be, and I enjoyed the slow burn romance that developed between them as they traveled together. 

This is a companion novel to Violet Thistlewaite is Not a Villain Anymore. I just loved being back in this cozy, whimsical world, and it was especially fun to see Bartleby, the stabby sentient plant again, as he stows away in Prudence’s bag and self-appoints himself Prudence’s protector as he travels hoping to find someone who can turn him back into a human. 

Of course I’m still loving Bartleby and his antics, but I also adored Prudence. I admired her sense of determination when it came to chasing her dreams, and I thought it was so fun to watch her perform, which was also what initially captivated Callum.  Callum is great too, especially if you enjoy charming and slightly morally gray characters. He definitely has a Robin Hood vibe that I really liked.

If you enjoy magical, whimsical cozy fantasies with a hint of spicy, slow burn romance, definitely check this one out!

Perfect for fans of:

✨Found Family
✨Forced Proximity
✨Witty Banter
✨Road Trips
✨Magical Heists

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

❓QOTD - If you could have magic to take care of one chore, which one would you choose?

AOTD - Folding laundry!
Thanks so much to @hambright_pr, @read_bloom, and Thanks so much to @hambright_pr, @read_bloom, and @scorelucy for the gifted copy!

🎅🏻 REVIEW - THE HEIST BEFORE CHRISTMAS 🎅🏻

Author - Lucy Score

Pub Date - 11/10/26

If you enjoy holiday romances with a dash of crime, you’re definitely going to want to check out The Heist Before Christmas, the fifth book in the Riley Thorn romantic cozy mystery series. 

Riley and her fiancé Nick go undercover at the local mall to try to bring down a theft ring, and if you’ve ever been to the mall at Christmas time, you know that chaos reigns. Nobody brings the laughs quite like Lucy Score, and she delivers delightful chaos, hilarious shenanigans, and witty banter all wrapped up with some holiday cheer! I pretty much laughed my way through this book and loved every page of it. 

I’ve always enjoyed the grumpy-sunshine dynamic of Riley and Nick and it was especially entertaining here because Riley is going through some things that have her behaving a little Scrooge-like in sharp contrast to our golden retriever, Nick, who loves everything about Christmas, owns a giant inflatable Santa, and who might also happen to have a secret Mrs. Claus kink!  I actually think Lucy Score struck the perfect balance here between the humor and the more emotional moments as Riley is struggling with her psychic gift and trying to find her path forward.

While this book will definitely work great as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the other books in the series as well. Riley, Nick, and all of their eccentric elderly roommates and neighbors have endeared themselves to me so much throughout the series, and I think that connection makes this holiday read all the more special.

I did this as an immersive read and highly recommend going this route. Natalie Duke does a phenomenal job bringing Riley, Nick and all of their hilarious neighbors to life with distinctive voices. She perfectly captures the humor and the emotion of Score’s writing, as well as chemistry between Riley and Nick. It’s a delightful read and listen!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

❓QOTD - What’s your favorite holiday movie?

AOTD - Christmas Vacation and Home Alone are my favorites.
Thanks for the free book @acebookspub @berkleyroma Thanks for the free book @acebookspub @berkleyromance #BerkleyPartner #Berkley 

✨ Review - WITCHES OF QUESTIONABLE INTENT ✨

Author - Jenn McKinlay

Pub Date - 11/10/26

I’m obsessed with the Books of Dubious Origin series and if you like witches, books, magic, and libraries, I think you’re going to be as well!

It was so fun being back in this whimsical world where a team of witchy librarians at the Books of Dubious Origin (BODO) department at the Museum of Literature are tasked with keeping magical books safe. 

In book 1, Zoe Ziakis was new to the BODO and unsure of how to use her magic, but now Zoe is coming into her own and learning more about her powers. 

Zoe and the BODO team are really put to the test in this book when someone manages to sneak in and steal the Book of Shadows, a book that could be particularly dangerous in the wrong hands. It’s up to them to get the book back!

I fell in love with this quirky team of characters in the first book and was thrilled to see them in action again. If you enjoy found family vibes, you’re going to love them too. One of my absolute favorite characters this time around was Diego, a new addition to their little family, and you just have to meet him for yourself. 

The world building in this series is fantastic too! I love the magic that is present in the BODO itself, where hidden rooms reveal themselves to those who need them and where magical bookcats are also present. The magical system is easy to understand and vividly described, and I was especially intrigued by Zoe’s grimoire and how it worked. 

As much as I loved all of the magic and whimsy, I also loved how action-packed this story is. There are lots of twists and turns and just the right amount of tension and suspense as the team frantically works to figure out who stole the book and who else might be involved. 

Oh and there’s even hint of a delicious, slow burn romance brewing between Zoe and Jasper, one of her fellow teammates. This pair is well suited & I eagerly cheered them on and look forward to seeing their relationship grow in future installments.

Witchy bookish perfection!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

❓QOTD - Any new releases on your radar this week? Or CR?
✨LOVELIGHT FARMS Series Collector’s Editions ✨ Lo ✨LOVELIGHT FARMS Series Collector’s Editions ✨

Lovelight Farms by @authorbkborison is one of my favorite romance series and now all four books are being reimagined into stunning collector’s editions, thanks to @theinkfluenceagency.

These new editions will include:

✨Illustrated foil-stamped covers
✨Illustrated sprayed edges with hidden Easter eggs
✨Character artwork endpapers for every couple
✨Custom pop-up slipcase that brings Lovelight Farms to life

✨Every edition is hand-signed by the author, and every illustration was created by human artists (no AI). 

Swipe to see some close-ups of each cover as well as the endpapers and slipcase. 

If you’re interested in getting these beautiful editions, you can get them through the @inkfluenceragency and their Kickstarter campaign, which runs through November 13, 2026. 

Link to the Kickstarter is in my bio if you want to check it out and secure your copies of these beauties! 

Thanks so much to  @inkfluenceragency and @berkleyromance for inviting me to be a part of this campaign! 

#Lovelight #BKBorison #Inglewild #SpecialEditions #Kickstarter

❓QOTD - What’s your favorite season and why?
📚 NOVEMBER HOPEFULS 📚 Hey book friends! I’m late 📚 NOVEMBER HOPEFULS 📚

Hey book friends! I’m late but today I’m finally sharing the books I’m hoping to read in November.  It’s somewhat of an ambitious list but I’ve already finished a few so we’ll see how it goes and if my inner mood reader cooperates.  Several of these were gifted, so I’ve tagged those publishers and PR companies. Thank you! 🩷

Physical Books:

The Secrets of Clarence Manor by Devney Perry 
Duke by Jessica Peterson
The Monster Hunter Librarian by Lauren Connolly
Two Can Play That Game by Zakiya N. Jamal
Prudence Marsh is Not a Nobody Anymore by Emily Krempholtz (Currently reading)
Witches of Questionable Intent by Jenn McKinlay (Finished, review coming this week)
The Christmas Competition by Zoe Allison
You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria (26 in 2026 book)
You Feel Like Christmas by Christine Drummond (Currently reading)
Now That We Don’t Talk Anymore by Rachel Pologe
The Heist Before Christmas by Lucy Score (Finished, review coming this week)
Christmas Staycation by Meghan Quinn

E-ARCS/ALCs:

Hate and Other Acts of Fiction by Megan Oliver (Finished, review coming this week)
Beneath a Midnight Moon by Catherine Cowles
Crash into You by Simone Soltani
Alma Vampires by Elena Armas
The Soulmate by Lana Ferguson
The Christmas Yes List by Melissa Ferguson

❓QOTD: Have you read any of these or are you planning to?
Thanks to @dellromance @ballantinebooks #partner f Thanks to @dellromance @ballantinebooks #partner for the gifted review e-copy. 

✨REVIEW - COUNTING DOWN TO YOU ✨

Author - Emily Stone

Pub Date - 10/6/2026

Emily Stone is my go-to when I want a holiday read that’s going to make me feel ALL the feels and Counting Down to You did exactly that!

Ali works for a recruiting firm and while she usually enjoys her work, she is feeling out of sorts because she is grieving the death of her best friend, Robyn. 

Ali’s boss forces her to take a sabbatical through the holiday season and Ali decides to spend it in the French Alps, taking a temporary job at a ski resort there. While she’s there, Ali will also be completing an advent calendar full of challenges designed by Robyn. This was a yearly tradition between the two friends, and this is the last one Robyn designed before she passed away.

I thought this was such a beautiful story, especially as soon as it became clear that Robyn had designed these challenges in a way to help Ali process grief and loss.  What a wonderful act of friendship.  I also loved that some of the challenges were fun ones so it added some levity to the story, especially when one challenge leads her new coworkers to think she is dating Leo, the handsome resort manager, and he decides to play along. 

I was so invested in Ali’s healing journey and loved watching her complete each challenge prompt as they led her to build new friendships, learn so much about herself, and take chances both in terms of her career and in her personal life as she and Leo develop real feelings for one another.

I thought the romance was handled really well in this story but have to admit that the beautiful friendship between Ali and Robyn was what really stole my heart and had me feeling all of those feels.

Highly recommend this one if you enjoy holiday romances with heavier, emotional themes. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

❓QOTD - If someone were to curate an advent calendar for you, what would be your ideal theme?

AOTD - If it’s not bookish, I think I’d love one that allowed me to try different kinds of coffee each day.
Thanks to @librofm #partner for the gifted audiobo Thanks to @librofm #partner for the gifted audiobook!

🎄Review - IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE MURDER 🎄

Author - Ally Carter

Pub Date - 10/13/2026

 It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Murder is the second book in Ally Carter’s Kiss, Merry, Kill series, a Christmas-themed cozy mystery that is the perfect transition from spooky season over to holiday reads. 

Ella has spent most of her life cleaning for a billionaire’s family.  When the family patriarch dies unexpectedly, he leaves his entire fortune to his grandson, Liam, the boy Ella says ruined her life 10 years ago. 

Liam learns pretty quickly that not everyone is happy about him inheriting billions, and when someone tries to kill him, he suspects someone may also have killed his grandfather, and so he decides to lay low.  Meanwhile, he is presumed dead and Ella is accused of killing him. 

Even though Ella is furious with Liam, she agrees to team up with him to try to find the truth about his grandfather’s death and to figure out who wants Liam dead.

This book is such a good time! The banter between Ella and Liam is hilarious, and the chemistry between them is undeniable.  I thought the mystery element was very well done, so that both it and the romance held my attention equally, and I thought there was just the right amount of holiday cheer to keep things cozy. 

The audiobook is a quick, entertaining listen, narrated by Brittany Pressley and Will Damron.  I loved how they brought these characters to life, and I especially enjoyed the snippets from Ella’s police interview that are sprinkled throughout. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

❓QOTD - What’s your favorite holiday treat or drink? 

AOTD - I love gingerbread lattes and frosted sugar cookies.
Thanks for the free e-arc @berkleyromance #Berkley Thanks for the free e-arc @berkleyromance #BerkleyPartner #Berkley 

🌻Review - SUNFLOWER SEASON 🌻

Author - Danica Nava

Pub Date - 11/3/2026

(physical copy purchased by me)

June has a successful career in tech but has lost her passion for the industry. When she learns that her family’s old abandoned farmland is up for auction, June decides it’s a sign that it’s time for a change.  She buys the farm back and returns home to rural Oklahoma, where she immediately runs into Noah, her former childhood sweetheart, who is now a firefighter in town. 

June and Noah’s reunion is awkward because years ago, June and her brother abruptly moved away after their last living relative passed away and June hasn’t spoken to Noah since they left.  The old feelings are definitely still there though, so I really enjoyed watching the two of them reconnect and eventually rekindle their romance.  Noah is sweet, funny, and so overwhelmingly supportive of what June is trying to do on her farm. Green flags everywhere with that man!

As much as I adored the romance, what I loved even more was June’s journey.  She really comes into her own as a farmer throughout the story, and I was just so impressed by her strength, determination, and her resilience whenever there were setbacks. 

June was such an easy character to root for, and I also loved how pretty much the whole town welcomed her back with open arms. The found family vibes in that little town were everything!

Sunflower Season is perfect for fans of:

Small town romance
Farmer FMC (former tech girl)
Firefighter MMC
Found Family
Childhood Sweethearts
Indigenous Representation that is really well done

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

❓QOTD - Since June grows sunflowers on her farm, what’s your favorite kind of flower?

AOTD - Peonies and lilacs
🎧 AUDIOBOOK REVIEW 🎧 Thanks to @simon.audio #part 🎧 AUDIOBOOK REVIEW 🎧

Thanks to @simon.audio #partner for the gifted ALC!

Review - THE WITCHES OF CAMBRIDGE

Author - Alice Hoffman

Pub Date -  9/8/2026

I’m a huge fan of Alice Hoffman’s books and especially of her lyrical prose.  The Practical Magic series is a favorite of mine, so I’m excited that Hoffman is starting another witchy series, The Witches of Cambridge. 

The first book in the series, also titled The Witches of Cambridge, is equal parts dark academia and historical fiction with some magical realism and witchy vibes sprinkled throughout.  It follows two young women, Ava and Lauren, who have both just gotten into the elite Radcliffe College in Cambridge, Massachusetts, an area known for witch trials in its earliest history.  Ava and Lauren are opposites in pretty much every way still become friends and both are recruited to join the Lilith Society, a secret society of witches. 

I enjoyed this story both because of the themes of friendship, sisterhood, and empowerment that are present, but also because of the magic, mystery, and historical elements.  I was especially intrigued by the mystery element when members of the Lilith Society start to go missing and with the story being set in the 1950s under the shadow of McCarthysim, it starts to fill like a literal witchhunt. 

Mena Suvari narrates and does a wonderful job bringing both Ava and Lauren to life and capturing their distinct personalities. She also perfectly captures the atmospheric vibes of the story. Highly recommend this one on audio!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

❓QOTD - Mid week check in?  How’s your week going so far?

AOTD - I’m doing great overall, with the exception of getting my flu shot, which has knocked me on my butt all day today. 

#witchyreads #darkacademia #audiobook
Thanks to @youhadmeathea #partner and @macmillian. Thanks to @youhadmeathea #partner and @macmillian.audio #macaudio2026 for the gifted ARC and ALC.

🔮 REVIEW - TO VEX & TO HEX 🔮

Author - Neena Noon

Pub Date - 11/3/2026

Witches, books, romance, and banter. What more could you ask for in a cozy, spicy paranormal romcom?

Lucy is a witch and a bookseller who loves using her magic to help readers find the perfect book. The bookshop feels like home to Lucy, and its owner, fellow witch Charles, feels more like family to Lucy than her own actual family.  When Charles is injured and put on bedrest, his estranged and nonmagical grandson, Grayson, shows up to help.

Lucy finds Grayson useless and annoying, and she starts hexing him in hopes that he’ll get annoyed and leave.  Unfortunately for Lucy, Grayson is determined to repair his relationship with his grandfather so he’s not going anywhere no matter how many hexes Lucy puts on him. He soon starts to retaliate with shenanigans of his own. Nothing like a little forced proximity to create some incredible chemistry and turn enemies into lovers! 

I enjoyed all of the cozy, magical vibes this story had to offer, and I enjoyed the enemies to lovers romance and the found family element.  I read this as an immersive read and thought the audiobook was the perfect compliment to the print version. It was narrated by Maya Dhawan and John Hartley and they both did a tremendous job bringing these characters, their banter, and their hilarious shenanigans to life.

❓QOTD - What book are you starting the week reading?
📚 EVERYTHING I READ IN OCTOBER 📚 OCTOBER WRAP-UP 📚 EVERYTHING I READ IN OCTOBER 📚

OCTOBER WRAP-UP 

Hey book friends! I hope your November is off to a great start. 

I had an excellent reading month and finished 26 books. Two of those were books I started in September but didn’t finish by month’s end, but I was also able to get all of my October ARCs read and managed to finish a few on my physical TBR, including another of my final 26 in 2026 reads.  My photo features all of the physical copies I read, but I also read a few e-arcs and listened to several audiobooks as well. 

As always, I’m behind on reviews so expect to see a few of these books reviewed this week.

❓QOTD:  How was your reading month? What were some of your favorite October reads? What book will be your first read of November? 

AOTD - I started November with Witches of Questionable Intent and so far I’m loving it!

❤️ 5 STARS ❤️

Entities to Lovers by Mallory Marlowe

🧡 4.5 STARS 🧡

Never Been Tamed by Corinne Michaels
Bad Words by Rioghnach Robinson
Bonfire & Bliss Bookstore by Brittanee Nicole
Sunflower Season by Danica Nava (review coming soon)
Eight Ways to Say I Love You by Amanda Elliot (review coming soon)
With All My Haunted Heart by Isabel Sterling
Undone by Peyton Corinne
Counting Down to You by Emily Stone 
Love You to Death by Jenna Levine
Love Beyond the Diamond by Laura Langa
Make Me Hate You by Kandi Steiner

💛 4 STARS 💛

Bound & Unbound by Ali Hazelwood
Meet Cute Magic by Morgan Elizabeth 
Kill for Me, Kill for You by Steve Cavanagh
A Witch in Nottingham Hill by Alexandra Paige
Trigger Happy by Meredith Trapp
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Murder by Ally Carter (review coming soon)
The Irish Goodbye by Heather Aimee O’Neill (10 Before the End)
The Favorites by Layne Fargo (10 Before the End)
The Witches of Cambridge by Alice Hoffman (review coming soon)
Cowboy Casual by Holly Renee (Review coming soon)
Things We Swore We’d Never Do by Jillian Dodd (Review coming soon)
Phantasma by Kaylie Smith (26 in 2026)
Home for the Homicides by Elle Cosimano & Hannah Morrissey

💚 3.5 STARS 💚

To Vex and to Hex by Neena Noon
Look What the Cat Dragged In by Jason Rekulak

💙 3 STARS 💙

NONE

1 or 2 STARS 

NONE

DNF 

NONE
👻 Me on October 31st vs Me on November 1st 🎅🏻 Hap 👻 Me on October 31st vs Me on November 1st 🎅🏻

Happy Halloween to all of my bookish friends! 

Today I’ll reading my last spooky season book of the year and then it will be on to all of the holiday romances! 

Who else is ready for all of the holiday reads? 

#happyhalloween #merrychristmas #readerlife #seasonalreader #bookstagram

Bookish meme holiday reads Happy Halloween Merry Christmas reader life
🎃👻 CANDY CORN BOOKSTACK 👻🎃 Happy Halloween Eve, b 🎃👻 CANDY CORN BOOKSTACK 👻🎃

Happy Halloween Eve, book friends! I couldn’t let the holiday pass without making a fun candy corn stack, and this year I decided to feature a few of my favorite @berkleyromance books! 

Books Featured: 

👻Addicted to You by Krista and Becca Ritchie
🎃Ricochet by Krista and Becca Ritchie 
👻Happily Never After by Lynn Painter
🎃If Only You by Chloe Liese
👻No Ordinary Love by Myah Ariel
🎃Book Lovers by Emily Henry
👻Embrace by Bal Khabra
🎃Wedding Dashers by Heather McBreen
👻The Love Wager by Lynn Painter
🎃Happy Place by Emily Henry 

❓QOTD - Have you read any of these? Are you Team Candy Corn Yay or Candy Corn No Way? 😂
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