This month has been a whirlwind. The month started with lots of lighthearted and adorable romantic reads and then A Court of Silver Flames was released and I died. Every time I read Sarah’s books, I give my heart to these characters, and they return it broken, battered and yet filled with more love and wonder than before. Words will never express how much I adore this series and escape that it has granted me. If you want to hear more of my thoughts then I’ll leave a link to my review here!

I loved this book so much but it left me with one of the biggest book hangovers I’ve ever experienced, I was completely and utterly broken and emotionally exhausted. So to distract myself, I finished the month with another character inspired read-a-thon and based my weekly TBR around the fashion icon that is Blair Waldorf. Again this was another really fun and lighthearted reading experience but I think I need to take a couple of weeks off from reading and focus on my own mental health. I’ve discovered that I use reading as an escape and a distraction from my own problems and it’s time to take steps towards overcoming these struggles and facing them head on.

The month of March is not only dedicated to my mental health, but to clearing my bookshelves and reading some of the books that I actually own. I’ve started selling books on Depop but I’ve reached the point where I want them gone, so I’m looking at donating a couple to local charity shops, libraries and friends. These books played a huge part in my teenage years and I want to share their magic with other readers and young people.

I’ve also relaunched my Twitter account and stepped in the wonderfully chaotic world that is #booktwitter! Everyone there is so enthusiastic and lovely, and if you want to follow along then I’ll leave a link to my profile here!

Here in the UK, PM Boris Johnson finally unveiled a roadmap for lifting lockdown restrictions across England, so things are looking hopeful and it’s nice to see a light at the end of this tunnel! Hopefully on 12th April, non-essential shops will re-open and I’ll be able to step foot in a bookstore again, and when I do I’m going to treat myself to a BIG bundle of books! I can’t wait! I know it’ll be a while before things go back to ‘normal’ or if they ever will, but this announcement has been a huge mood booster.

Anyway, this month has been a rollercoaster ride, and although I’ve got a lot planned for March, I’m eager to see what this month brings and to start working towards some exciting goals and posts.

Wrap Up

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren – I’m a sucker for Christina Lauren, her books never fail to make me smile and are all just super adorable! So far I think this is one of my favourites, the enemies-to-lovers and fake dating trope made this such a fun and lighthearted read.

Josh and Hazels Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren – I well and truly fell down the Christina Lauren rabbit hole this month and had to read another one of her books ASAP! I loved Hazel, she’s quirky, eccentric and a character you just can’t help but love! If you’re looking for a quick and romantic read, then I suggest you give this one a go!

The Nature of Witches by Rachel Griffin – What makes this book special is the magic system and way in which Griffin communicates through seasonal magic. Her descriptions and the way in which magic connects with these characters is intricately detailed and adds an additional layer of wonder to an already captivating story. There’s something beautifully enchanting and equally destructive about this book and its characters, a balance that results in a powerful narrative that will keep readers hooked.

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff – Everyone’s told me how incredible this series is, and they’re not wrong! Going into it, I was a bit skeptical with format but it ended up being one of my favourite aspects of the entire book! I’m OBSESSED with Kady and Ezra’s relationship and witty back and forth banter they share, I didn’t expect to laugh this much!

A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J Maas – It’s no surprise that I’ve fallen utterly in love with this book, it was perfect. Once again, Sarah has crafted an emotionally intense and beautifully perfect masterpiece that has gifted me with a reading experience like no other. These characters mean the world to me, so being able to join them again on another adventure was the ideal escape filled with magic and wonder, and one I wished would never end.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote – I read this as a part of my Blair Waldorf character read-a-thon and you can’t get more Blair Waldorf than Breakfast at Tiffany’s! I really enjoyed this book and it was interesting to get to know a darker and wilder side of Holly Golightly. Capote has a almost lyrical way with words that just make it so easy to read and enjoy!

Play as it Lays by Joan Didion – It’s no secret that I absolutely adore Didion and her writing. I’m slowly making my way through all of her books and read this one as a part of my Blair Waldorf read-a-thon. As expected I loved it and it’s clear why it’s on TIMES list of best novels.

Romancing Mr Bridgerton by Julia Quinn – I finished the month off with bit of Bridgerton! I’m slowly making my way through this series and really enjoyed watching Penelope and Colin’s relationship blossom. The second book will always be my favourite but this was still a lighthearted and romantic read and I can’t wait to hopefully see more of their relationship in season 2!

Mrs Dalloway by Virgina Woolf – When I read To the Lighthouse I thought I was missing something, everyone raved about her writing was but I struggled to connect with it. But then I read Mrs Dalloway and I now I see it. Mrs. Dalloway is a complex, compelling novel that enters into the consciousness and hearts of it’s characters and one that witnesses the battle between sanity and insanity. I loved it!

TBR

Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff – I don’t plan on reading much this month, but this series is at the top of my TBR! I flew through the first book so I’m fairly confident that devour this one too!

Obsidio by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff – There’s no way I’m not finishing this series this month. I’m too invested and I need to know what happens to these characters.

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern – I’ve really been craving some of Morgenstern’s magic and I think it’s about time I tick this one off the TBR pile! The Night Circus is one of my all time favourite reads, so it’s fair to say that I’m going into this with high expectations.

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo – After Netflix dropped that trailer for the upcoming series, I knew I had to re-read both Shadow and Bone and Six of Crows! Word’s can’t describe how excited I am for this series to hit our screens, and for these characters and Bardugo’s wonderful Grishaverse to come to life. Transporting this world from page to screen isn’t a small feat but such responsibility has been embraced by executive producers Eric Heisserer and Shawn Levy, with Leigh Bardugo also on board as a producer. I have total and utter faith that this adaptation will stay true to the books and will successfully embody everything we as the fans cherish in this series.