AUGUST, SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER RECAP // uni had me by the neck but i finished ft. not a lot of reading, some movies, midnights & student exhaustion

If you honestly thought I could be prompt with these, then I thank you for your faith. You’re the best, you’re a real one and I love you to the moon and back. To everyone who had realistic expectations… yeah same.

Let’s catch up!

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Hothouse Flower by Krista & Becca Ritchie {★★★½☆}: looking back, my rating seems too generous because I don’t remember what happened in this book ahah. Still apprehensive about Daisy and Ryke, and literally what was stopping these authors from ageing Daisy up like two years? It’s weird. Their actual connection is quite sweet personality-wise, but eh I don’t care all that much. Tried continuing with the rest of this series but I’m a LiLo supporter through and through *hides* GR review here!

Addicted After All by Krista & Becca Ritchie {★★★★☆}: This series slowly but surely came for my heart and I am so glad that the Internet wasn’t lying to me about this couple. It’s dang good and Lily and Lo are everything to me. Ugh adore and will protect them with my entire soul. Sad their series is over but also oof I tried continuing with the rest and it’s lowkey too much *hides* But these two are beautiful and glad I read them!!! Review here xoxo

Bad Reputation by Krista & Becca Ritchie {★★★½☆}: I wanted to love this, and at first I did, but oof it was long. I know it was two books technically, but I started getting bored by the end of the first book. So oh well. I marked it as read twice because the other covers are ugly and I wasn’t about to pretend this was one book with that length yikes. More thoughts here!

Better Than The Prom by Lynn Painter {★★★★★}:  Anything with my smol children in it automatically get 5 stars because they are far too cute and cure all of my life problems. That’s basically all I have to say *insert heart eyes*

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You’d Be Mine by Erin Hahn {★★★½☆}: Trying to get back to my YA era and this one was solid. Super unique premise and I definitely had a more immense appreciation for country music after reading, those lyrics were beautiful. The romance was sweet, the writing was good and it explored the complexities of grief and trauma really well. Definitely recommend! GR review here < 3

Anne of Manhattan by Brina Starler {★★★★☆}: You know what, whilst I may deserve slander for this one, I really have no regrets so feel free to hit me as hard as you like. Stumbled upon a video on TikTok because I spend way too much time listening to people on that app; was intrigued and lowkey this published fanfiction was GLORIOUS. The writing? Wonderful. The vibes? Chef’s kiss. As I said, no regrets. I recommend for my fellow Anne girlies *wink wink* GR review here xoxo

A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night Volume 1 by Ana Lily Armirpour {★★★★☆}: As soon as I saw this was a thing, immediately jumped onto that KU subscription because I will continue to be obsessed with this film I watched for class. Go watch it if you haven’t, it’s maybe the best thing you’ll ever see. Honestly thought we were getting more from this so maybe I’m missing a volume, but it was great nonetheless and idc

It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover {★★★☆☆}: I,,, I am at a loss for words. Though I have many a problem with ITWU, overall I was really excited to get a cute happy ending for the babies. And whilst we did, this was just SO. BADLY.  WRITTEN. My god. Maybe I was still in editor mode from my writing seminar but where is the description??? Nah I just eventually got tired of not seeing what I was reading and just getting slammed with dialogue. It was alright but not amazing. I think it’s time I get off that dang app lmao. Review here!

Penguin Random House South Africa spoiling me to death over here, you’re the best:

• How To Be A Revolutionary by C.A. Davids
• Pandora by Susan Stokes-Chapman
• Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
• Juniper and Thorn by Ava Reid
• Love Radio by Ebony LaDelle
• Nothing More To Tell by Karen M. McManus
• With Fire In Their Blood by Kat Delacorte
• Exes and O’s by Amy Lea (proof)
• The Summer I Turned Pretty trilogy by Jenny Han

Thanks to Jonathan Ball Publishers:

• Honey and Spice by Bolu Babalola
• Love On The Brain by Ali Hazelwood

Big thanks to Pan Macmillan for these stunners:

• The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas
• Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
• Ophelia After All by Racquel Marie

And to Wordsworth Books for the spoils:

• The Last Feather by Shameez
• The Left-Handed Book Sellers of London by Garth Nix
• Beasts of Prey by Ayanda Gray
• Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson

Bought these myself:

• Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren
• Velvet Was The Night by Silvia Moreno Garcia
• Four Dead Queens by Astrid Scholte
• Sky In The Deep by Adrienne Young
• Star Daughter by Shveta Thakrar (Fairyloot exclusive edition)

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It’s the way I have had no time and watched basically nothing apart from films for class. Already mentioned A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night which is amazing and did I mention you need to watch it?! I also had to watch The Rocky Horror Picture Show for the first time for a class which was fun.

Aside from that, nothing much exciting. I did go to see the Avatar release in cinemas in preparation for the sequel. It twas great on the big screen! Oh and also saw Ticket To Paradise at the theatre which was great and I’m here for the rom-com revival!!!!

Technically a play, but I went to see the Romeo and Juliet ballet which was absolutely everything! I love theatre and that orchestra *CHEFS KISS*

 We can also talk about music this time around yay!!! You all know Blondie released Midnights last month and I,,, it was not what I was expecting it to be. Definitely not bad, it’s just not beating Folklore/Evermore for me BUT it’s definitely still a bop. Specifically, Karma which I’m obsessed with but also Lavender Haze, Anti-Hero, You’re On Your Own Kid, Mastermind and The Great War are all great <3<3<3

 I FINISHED MY UNDERGRAD DEGREE!!!! Literally just a few days ago and I haven’t quite fully processed it. It’s a lot. That was stressful and hard but also cool.

I’m also doing Honours next year!!! Which is the other big update and hence why I also do not feel like I’ve finished my degree. I’m pursuing either English or Film and I will keep you posted when I know which I choose lmao. I’m very torn.

But um yeah this is weird and I have a substantial amount of time to spend doing nothing THANK HEAVENS OOF. Triple majoring was a choice my friends *sweats* But I finally have time again and I AM BACK!!! So excited to get to some posting xoxoxo

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO? HOW ARE YOU DOING? WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN READING? WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MIDNIGHTS TRACK? I’D LOVE TO KNOW!