Monthly Recaps

SEPTEMBER RECAP // start of spring, I actually read books (one good, one bad) & other shenanigans

October 12, 2020 / 34 Comments

I’m calling it, I would now REALLY like 2020 to end.

Okay no, there is ONE saving grace and it was a book. We are all shocked.

Anyways, I apologise for,,, not posting for a month. I know I am a terrible person. I intended to, but I just never got around to sitting down and drafting new content. I didn’t read all that much and was also just busy with university work. Actually had intended to have this up like a week ago but ah assignments. I had an assignment due this morning so,,, fun times.

Let us get dive right into what happened in September.

Oh, also happy October I guess. Tis not fall where I live, but spring, and there will most likely be no Halloween not that I celebrated it anyway bc I’m a hermit but still.

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne {★★☆☆☆}: thank the holy heavens above that I did not actually buy a physical copy of this book and instead read the ebook or,, idk I probably would have spat on it and tore it to pieces. Also, I don’t want it on my shelf. This book was… for lack of a better word and, excuse my language: a shitshow and/or a dumpster fire. The words are interchangeable. And honestly looking back, I have no idea why it’s so popular because this book is so offensive. I went onto Instagram to rant because I was so astounded and disgusted, which I don’t do, like at all.

I’ve been debating doing a full blog post review to discuss it in more length but I also don’t know if I want to post a negative post? So if you want it, I’ll do it. Most of it is in my GR review. But here are my biggest issues (there are others): 1) the cleft palate joke at like 2% is not in any way funny. I was born with a cleft palate and don’t ever want to read what Sally Thorn wrote ever again. Number 2) Josh was extremely possessive, lowkey creepy, and in no way, sexy and 3) how annoying it was that I had to be told over and over again that Lucy was short and Josh tall and muscular. I GET IT, SWEETIE. Not a great time at all. Okay bye.

NEXT

These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong {★★★★★}: but then we have this book THAT SAVED MY ENTIRE LIFE AND I AM STILL SCREAMING!! I just want to bow down to this masterpiece. OMGGGGG I loved this book so much and maybe my favourite of the year?? I don’t know 2020 anymore so I can’t say for sure. It got better by every page and even after I’d finished the book, which sounds weird but I don’t care. I just,,,, wow firstly can Chloe Gong become any cooler??? Secondly, this book had like everything I could have ever wanted and ticks all my boxes and did I mention that I am still screaming?? We have fantasy, historical fiction and what could be my newest favourite OTP and yo WE LOVE TO SEE IT. I literally loved everything. I loved the writing, the world-building was amazing. The setting was A++++ and just EVERYTHING. Obviously though, my favourite part was the romance because I’m lonely bish.  I didn’t realise I needed childhood friends to lovers to enemies (to lovers) in my life until now. I adore Juliette and Roma so much. Also, like 90% undecided but I ~think~ I’m in #ScarletGang (don’t come for me pls).

I NEED A SEQUEL RIGHT NOW AND I WILL SELL MY SOUL FOR IT. NO I AM NOT KIDDING. Seriously considering doing some highkey bribery or idk hacking computers here lmao.

READ THE BOOK!!!! [GR review here]

welp forgot to say: Big thanks to to Hodder & Stoughton for the eARC via Netgalley! Out November 17th, go preorder <3<3

Honestly don’t even know what I want to read anymore but I would like to make headway on my physical tbr. I’m… wow 10 months behind. Love that for me.

Pictured:

  • Starfish by Akemi Dawn Bowman (buddy reading with Tracy and IM SORRY!! Been taking forever to start)
  • Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo (Topping The TBR October pick)
  • With The Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo (a tad late on book club read but hoping to finish before the end of Latinx Heritage Month)
  • The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
  • An Ember In The Ashes by Sabaa Tahir (bruh NEED to finish this reread so I can continue on with the series)

Halloween (tentatibe) TBR:

  • The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by VE Schwab
  • A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro
  • The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Big thanks to Jonathan Ball Publishers for all the spoils!! They so kindly sent me The Priory of The Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon and Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer <3

Please click here for resources to show the Quileute tribe support!!

Click the images to be taken to the post : )

Yo… so remember when I said I was feeling conflicted about Suits?? Well, I finished it. Yes, all nine seasons. And I am a changed person. It has been a hot second since I watched so much television in a short amount of time and all I really have to say for myself is: Darvey!!

my fave!!!!

I also rewatched the first two and a half (yes half, I haven’t gone back to Eclipse) of the Twilight films, so Twilight and New Moon. Which is always fun. Yes, I am okay.

I don’t really have any other life updates because I feel more or less the same. Not motivated. Over this semester etc etc. You get the gist. I did set up my Notion but it’s not done yet, though I do want to a post and/or video when I feel like its finished. Maybe?? I’m very unorganised most of the time so thought it may be useful??

Oh, I did recently reach 2k followers on Instagram and I have a blog series planned. Keep your eyes out for that.

HOW WAS YOUR SEPTEMBER? WHAT DID YOU READ? WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE READ? HAVE YOU READ EITHER OF THE BOOKS I SPOKE ABOUT? WHAT ELSE DID YOU GET UP TO?  WATCH ANYTHING FUN? LET ME KNOW!

 

Happy reading

xo

YOUTUBE // INSTAGRAM // GOODREADS // TWITTER // PINTEREST // LETTERBOXD // KO-FI

Hi, I'm Ruby: chaotic mood reader, aspiring writer and lover of movies. If you want to know more, feel free to peruse xx

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34 Comments

  • sophie

    October 12, 2020 at 9:21 pm Reply

    aggh i’ve been seeing so much about these violent delights and i’m so intrigued ?? also yess notion is such a blessing but also not lol. i really need to crack down and organize it to it’s fullest potential!!

    love ya ruby 💜💜 hope you’re having a good october !

    • Ruby Rae Reads

      October 14, 2020 at 8:14 pm Reply

      These Violent Delights is BRILLIANT OMG!! You def need to read and feel the pain haha. Omg glad I’m not alone. I’ve been slowly working on my setup and figuring out what I want from it.

      Love ya too!! Wishing you a wonderdul October also <3<3

  • Stephen Writes

    October 12, 2020 at 11:28 pm Reply

    You have made me even more excited to read Those Violent Delights!! I’m so glad you loved it, Ruby 🥰

    With The Fire on High is an amazing book, too. I hope you are having a great October!

    • Ruby Rae Reads

      October 14, 2020 at 8:19 pm Reply

      Stephen, it is absolutely amazing!! I can’t wait for it (AND THE SEQUEL!!!) to come out. And I’m so looking forward to reading WTFOH <3<3 wishing you a wonderful October also

    • Ruby Rae Reads

      October 14, 2020 at 8:20 pm Reply

      YOU DO NEED THESE VIOLENT DELIGHTS BECAUSE IT IS ~SPECTACULAR~ READ IT!!!!

      Notion is super tricky when starting out. Just Google it all, that’s how I learned the reins hehe.

      Hope you have a lovely October too

  • Kay @ Hammock of Books

    October 13, 2020 at 1:48 am Reply

    THESE VIOLENT DELIGHTS AHASKLDFJSALKDF I READ IT OVER A MONTH AGO I STILL THINK ABOUT IT EVERYDAY!!!! my new favorite otp definitely and the setting really is A+++++ also I’m scarlet gang in the twitter feud but lowkey I registered for that before I actually read the book lmao and after reading the book I think I want to be a white flower but I guess it’s too late and Juliette’s just gonna murder me now <3

    • Ruby Rae Reads

      October 15, 2020 at 2:07 pm Reply

      Kay OMG I CAN’T STOP THINKING ABOUT IT EITHER!!! Like HOW can a book be THAT good aghhhhhhh. ROMA AND JULIETTE I LOVE THEM TOO MUCH *insert all the heart eyes*

      Also YES I only chose Scarlet after reading bc I wasn’t a fan of Roma’s father haha but everyone thinks that I should be White Flower so I’m not sure yet welp

      (i’d let juliette murder me tbh)

  • Sumedha

    October 13, 2020 at 8:11 am Reply

    Boo The Hating Game and yay The Violent Delights! I read TVD recently and liked it as well. Also, you have a blog series coming up? 👀 I’m intrigued.
    Hope your October is better than your September!

    • Ruby Rae Reads

      October 15, 2020 at 2:09 pm Reply

      Ah yay, so glad you enjoyed TVD. I,,, jeez am so obsessed haha. And seriously boo The Hating Game :(:(

      (also yes hi i do have a series coming, possibly two 👀)

      Thank you Sumedha, ilysm ❤️️

  • Caro @ bookcheshirecat

    October 13, 2020 at 2:18 pm Reply

    So happy to see you on my feed again 🥰 I’ve also been working on setting up my Notion, but my perfectionistic self might need to edit it again. I’d love to see your setup 💕 Things have blended together so much I needed to think what had even happened in September 😅 I did read some good books, including Skyward which really surprised me by how much I liked it 😊

    • Ruby Rae Reads

      October 15, 2020 at 2:12 pm Reply

      So happy to be coming back ❤️️

      ah yay, Notion has just been so fun. Also yes, though I’ve been trying to just have it be no pressure because it is just a planner haha. Also, I’ve been wanting to do the setup but its not quite ready yet and not sure what format I’ll share mine in welp. It’ll probs be like “Notion for lazy people” lmao

      Omg yes September was such a weird month!! Really had to think back. Ahhh I have had Skyward on my tbr for ages so glad you like it xoxo

  • erin from rinsreads

    October 13, 2020 at 6:32 pm Reply

    Not me screaming when I saw your post on my feed!! I am SO happy that you liked These Violent Delights, I am counting down the days until I have it in my hands and can scream about it alongside you!! Also, those spines of the Ember quartet are GORGEOUS why have I never seen them before?? I might need to actually read the series now 😅 Thank you for tagging me love, I hope you have the best October!! 🥰🥰

    • Ruby Rae Reads

      October 15, 2020 at 2:16 pm Reply

      Omg ERIN YOU JUST MADE ME DAY!! Thank you for all the kind words xoxox

      AND YESSSS EEEEPP so so so excited for you to read These Violent Delights because I want to scream about it with EVERYONE.

      I literally love all the UK spines of the Ember series so so much. They look so great together right?!?

      And of course, love you and your posts! Wishing you a wonderful October too ❤️️❤️️❤️️

    • Ruby Rae Reads

      October 15, 2020 at 2:18 pm Reply

      My only meaning in life from now on is to make everybody read These Violent Delights *wink wink* I’m so excited to read all the books this month omg (even though there’s only like 2 weeks left welp)

      Thank you Margaret, you’re too lovely <3<3 hope you have the best October also!!

  • Marta @ the book mermaid

    October 16, 2020 at 4:45 pm Reply

    AHHHH I’m so excited to read These Violent Delights! I do wanna read Romeo and Juliet before XD But I’ve already pre-ordered the book!! I’m so happy!! 😀 Congrats on reaching 2K on Instagram!! I’m super curious with that blog series 👀

    • Ruby Rae Reads

      October 17, 2020 at 11:55 am Reply

      Ahh okay that would have been wise to actually read R&J beforehand… but alas I did not. I’m still making my way through Shakespeare and haven’t gotten to it yet. But THIS BOOK WAS SO AMAZING I AM STILL NOT OVER IT!! So excited for you to read it, and you are required to come and scream with me

      Thank you for being the kindest Marta<3<3

      (also shhh it shall be coming, hopefully in the next few weeks!!)

  • Veronika @ Wordy and Whimsical

    October 16, 2020 at 11:32 pm Reply

    I’m so jealous that you’re heading into spring – I hate the cold, and I just want to hibernate until the fall/winter end, because I’m already done with them. (And I’ve become such a hermit with online schooling, I barely go out, but I still hate the cold, lol.) I’m really excited for These Violent Delights; I’ve heard basically nothing but great things about it. 😀 Hope your October has been going well!

    • Ruby Rae Reads

      October 17, 2020 at 11:59 am Reply

      lmao I’m so jealous of autumn, because though I love spring, our winters are always freezing and we never have anything in between. Also, yes I too am a hermit. I’ve been staying at home and I don’t live in the city anyways so haven’t really been going anywhere

      OMG so so so excited for you to read These Violent Delights and then you a required to report back <3<3 wishing you a lovely October also!!

  • Marie

    October 18, 2020 at 7:34 pm Reply

    I’m just SO curious about These Violent Delights, everyone is SCREAMING about this book and it’s not even released yet ahah, I can’t wait to see what all this fuss is about 🙂
    I hope October has been kind to you so far, I’m sending you allll the love <3 <3

  • Anika May

    October 21, 2020 at 1:54 pm Reply

    Such a shame you didn’t like The Hating Game, it’s one of my favourite books and put me onto romance! It’s a shame about the offensive joke, I can’t remember it being there but that really sucks 🙁
    And thanks for including my post! Hope you have a good October.

    Anika | chaptersofmay.com

  • El

    October 22, 2020 at 6:03 pm Reply

    Yes another for the I’ve-forgotten-what-reading-and-blogging-is club (we have sparkly badges so at least there’s that) Honestly everything just flew out the window but it’s half term now so hoping to get a bit of normalcy back! Oooo these violent delights sounds SO GOOD! I need a really dark, immersive fantasy to get into! I started scorcery of thorns but it wasn’t really my thing :/ Not sure if that was the slump though so might give it another try! 💞

    • Ruby Rae Reads

      October 26, 2020 at 4:23 pm Reply

      I’m currently wearing about 5 sparkly badges. Yes that is a random number but the two of us have a thing going on here right?? I sense a palpable vibe lmao

      YAY for vacation?? It is vacation right?? Not yet for me. And also YES IT IS GOOD READ IT NOWWWW. Ah yeah, I haven’t read that one but I’ve been hesitant as it doesn’t sound like my thing and usually my gut is right with that kinda thing hehe

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