Is there a book you read this year that you don't Is there a book you read this year that you don't see mentioned nearly enough on bookstagram? 📖 Hype up why I should read it in the comments! 💬
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The first titles that come to mind from my 2023 reading list (so far) are:
🌲 We Are All So Good at Smiling by @ambsmcbride 
📖 The Neighbor Favor by @kristinaforest_ 
💻 Just My Type by @falonballard 
🥳 House Party edited by @justinwritesya 
🦊 The Night Fox by @ashleywilda_ 
🐦‍⬛ Illuminations by @redwombatstudio
📚 Story Thieves by @jamesrileyauthor 
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Have you read any of these books or are any of them on your TBR? 🤎 
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #2023books #underratedbooks
If the main character of your current read asked y If the main character of your current read asked you to swap lives with them right now, would you agree? 💭 Why or why not? 🤔
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🗝️ I definitely would NOT swap lives with either Grayson or Jameson in The Brothers Hawthorne because I don't even have a fraction of their brain power to solve puzzles and enter high-stakes games.. like that would just be a recipe for disaster! 🫣
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🏰 Aaaand I also probably wouldn't swap with Agatha or Sophie in The School for Good and Evil because I'd be very confused in a place like that and wind up creating chaos without meaning to because how do you *not* when you're living in close quarters with fairytale characters? 😅
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I've been drinking this Bannered Mare tea from @steepedinlore with a splash of milk almost daily and it's been just the pick-me-up I need when I have those midday slumps after spending hours at my desk 💻 You don't want to miss this one and you can use the code ESPRESSO10 for a discount when you make your purchase! 🫖
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If you don't want to swap with the MC of your current read, which character WOULD you want to trade lives with? 📖
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#bookishtea #cozyvibes #bookishshop #teaandbooks #teagram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandtea #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #maincharacter #currentlyreading #thebrothershawthorne #theschoolforgoodandevil
What are some of your favorite autumnal books? 🍂
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Happy first weekend of autumn 🍁 Who else is as thrilled as I am that the best season has officially arrived? 🤭
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I spent the day baking pumpkin bread with my sister, reading The Brothers Hawthorne while sipping my (multiple) cups of coffee, and watching the blustery rainy weather 🎃
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To answer my own question, here are a few of my top cozy, autumn book recs:
• The Nature of Witches by Rachel Griffin
• All Souls by Deborah Harkness
• Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
• Payback’s a Witch by Lana Harper
• Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
• Spells for Lost Things by Jenna Evans Welch
• The Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd-Jones
• The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
• The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw
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Have you read any of these? 📖
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #firstdayoffall #autumnvibes #fallvibes #fallbooks
Do you plan your reads around the seasons? 🍁
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I don't pick up many spring or summer books (since I dislike those seasons), but I typically find myself reading more cozy or witchy novels during autumn! 🍂 Doing this helps me to fully embrace my favorite time of the year 🙌🏼
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It'll come as no surprise to you that, thanks to @steepedinlore, I've also been sipping on many mugs of tea while I dive into my autumnal reads 🫖 Make sure you use my code ESPRESSO10 to get a discount on your seasonal tea purchase! 🤎
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🔍 FUN FACT ABOUT THIS PHOTO: My sweet and smooshy calico cat, Nona, decided that scarf was her snuggle spot and curled right up—she makes the cutest prop, doesn’t she? 🥹
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#cozyaesthetic #mybeigelife #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #butterbeer #teaandbooks #booksandtea #booksandcandles #candlesandbooks #bookflatlay #bookphotography #booktography #bookish #cozybooks #autumnvibes #fallvibes #steepedinlore #seasonalbooks #calicocat
Where do you purchase your home decor? 🪴 ⠀⠀ Where do you purchase your home decor? 🪴
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SURPRISE! I'm going to begin adding home content to this page and I'm incredibly excited about it 🥳 I've been slowly but surely transforming my house into the cozy little cottage of my dreams and the first thing to get a rework was the gallery wall in my bedroom, thanks to @desenio 🖼️
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I've been shopping from Desenio for YEARS now and very highly recommend their stunning art prints and frames, so of course, the opportunity to be a #DesenioPartner for this project was a dream come true 🙌🏼 In fact, I have gallery walls featuring their posters in three different rooms in my home--that's how much I love them 😍
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You can read my full review of this company (from products to pricing to shipping, and more) at the link in my bio 💻 And between now and October 3, you can get 45% off your purchase from @desenio using the code ESPRESSOEDITION 🫶🏼
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Which print in my new gallery wall is your favorite? 🤎
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#desenio #vintageinspired #vintageaesthetic #darkacademia #darkacademiastyle #slowliving #darkacademiaaesthetic #cozyvibes #mindfulmornings #intentionalliving #slowlifestyle #bookishlife #darkacademiastyle #ofquietmoments #brownaesthetic #earthtones #gloomandglow #myseasonalstory #aslowmoment #homedecor #cozycottage #farmhousedecor #gallerywall #artprints #modernorganic
What are some books that you've made your entire p What are some books that you've made your entire personality? 🙈
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Truthfully, it doesn't matter how long you've followed me, you probably already know that I love all things Shadow and Bone 🫶🏼 I've been going through a Grishaverse reread this year and loving every second of it, but nothing will compare to those first three books! 🥰
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I was late to the game with this trilogy, reading it for the first time just a little before the show first premiered, but it quickly became a core part of my personality 😉 Now, I own two signed copies of the first book (one is the special edition hardcover and one is the show tie-in) 📖 And no joke, 90% of my candles are related to the Grishaverse in some way (thank you @janzywaxco for providing the perfect scents for my many rereads and rewatches 🕯️)
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When was the last time you reread your favorite series? 📚 
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #shadowandbone #grishaverse #leighbardugo #signedbooks #fiercereads @fiercereads
Hi friends--what have I missed? 🤎
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All I'm hearing on repeat in my head is Jacob Black's ridiculous, "Where the hell have you been, loca?" 😆 I missed you all SO MUCH this past month and a half 😭
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So to answer the werewolf's question:
🫶🏼 I got to spend a week with one of my best buddies in Ohio and we made friendship blankets, got matching Gilmore Girls tattoos, went to high tea, watched a ton of Seinfeld, avoided a tornado, and shopped til we dropped (it was the best time)
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📖 @chronicacademia and I have been buddy-reading like our lives depend on it for quite some time, but actually meeting in person and being able to geek out over books together face-to-face was the absolute best
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🥀 The chance to meet one of my favorite authors during the same trip? Couldn't pass that up! I attended the Foxglove book tour in Columbus for @authoradalyngrace and it was such a surreal experience
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🪴 I've begun to work on some home projects--finally turning my cozy cottage into exactly that--and I'm loving every second of it! Very thankful for some incredible partnerships that will be coming to this page real soon
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🥰 I’ve spent so much quality time with my family, including celebrating my sister’s birthday with her making such precious memories. So grateful for my incredible tribe who have held me up and brought so much comfort lately. 
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💔 The life update that I posted on my stories on Sept 1 explained the hardest part of why I disappeared for so long. I know that there are great plans for my future even as I stumble my way through the now (if you missed it and are confused, feel free to DM me)
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Now, tell me something that you're looking forward to this autumn 🍂
What was the last book someone recommended to you What was the last book someone recommended to you that became a favorite? 🤎
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Okay, this wasn't the last one for me, but it was the FIRST book that @chronicacademia recommended to me… and it became an instant fave 😍
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The Bone Houses is a cozy-creepy (aka, not scary, but just a little eerie, while also being totally cozy and atmospheric) fantasy with incredible disability rep and a truly creative story 🦴 If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend it for your "spooky season" TBR 🎃
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What's a cozy-creepy book that you enjoy? 🙈 
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #thebonehouses #cozyfantasy #fantasybooks #perfectespressopour
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Books, Most Popular · July 7, 2023

A Fantasy Lover’s Honest Thoughts on A Court of Thorns and Roses

book opened next to a couple of candles and coffee being poured into a mug

So you’re considering picking up the fantasy series, A Court of Thorns and Roses, but you aren’t sure what to expect. I’m sharing my totally honest thoughts.

I’ll admit, I feel a little ballsy as I post this article. The fandom for this particular series is incredibly strong and I received a lot of poking and prodding from the bookstagram community when I first joined because I made it clear that I hadn’t read all the books. I will state right now that I have read the first novel three times. And I hate it. But please, don’t click off this page quite yet (even if you’re a massive Maas fan). I have a lot more to say about these books and I’d like for everyone – Feysand lovers and ACOTAR newbies alike – to read this.

With the release of A Court of Silver Flames in 2021, I felt it was appropriate to share this particular article. It was a new direction and yet my opinions of the series remain the same. Let me tell you why…


related posts
Books With a Strong Female Lead // 15 Duologies That Will Hook You // How to Read More
a court of frost and starlight book opened with glasses resting on top next to mug of coffee and burning candle

Let’s start at the beginning (a proper place to start, eh?)

Before getting into my personal opinions, I think you should know that the trigger/content warning is as follows for the entire series: domestic, sexual, emotional, and physical abuse, PTSD, anxiety, depression, graphic sexual sequences, little-to-no diversity, graphic violence, and death. In addition, there will be *SOME SPOILERS AHEAD*.

I picked up A Court of Thorns and Roses for the first time not long after its release in 2015. After reading Wicked Lovely and The Iron Fey, along with plenty of other faerie stories, I was really looking forward to something new and different. The author had already grown increasingly popular because of Throne of Glass and I wanted to see what all the hype was about. I started the book with an open mind and it took extreme effort to even complete it.

We’re introduced to our protagonist, Feyre (pronounced “fay-ruh”), a less-than-exciting teenager with a horrible home life who gets pulled into a fantastical world she didn’t ask to join. It is absolutely a Beauty and the Beast retelling, but without a creative spin at all (unless you consider sex “creative”). Her captor (and savior?), Tamlin, is a beast in every sense of the word, but you get the feeling that there’s more to him than meets the eye – just not in a good way. Their relationship is as toxic as it gets. It’s the ultimate definition of “bully love” and it makes me cringe just thinking about it.

By the end of the book, we’ve met Rhysand, a total jackass and playboy who sexualizes and abuses Feyre – while somehow still saving her from ultimate demise. The story ends with you thinking you might like Tamlin and hate Rhysand. Meanwhile, our “leading lady,” Feyre, is a limp noodle who mostly lets everyone else do the work for her. Oh, and in case you didn’t know, there’s plenty of really graphic sexual content throughout the book. This series should never have been categorized as young adult. Though it is now considered an adult novel, I will continue to yell from the rooftops that this series is not acceptable if you are under 18 years old. The primary reason for that is the fact that it portrays romance that is not healthy in any way and as someone who personally walked through more than one abusive relationship, I can see all the tells in this book that make it seem “romantic” even though it is full of toxicity.

A couple of years later, I attempted to read the book again, thinking maybe with time and maturity, I would enjoy it more. I didn’t even finish it. After that, I pretty much just resigned myself to not liking the series and not having any desire to continue. What’s the point of reading more books if the first one was that awful? However, when I joined bookstagram and realized it was the number one fandom, I knew I had to at least attempt to read it again in order to see what the hype was all about. It was like nails on a chalkboard trying to get through that first book again. I didn’t think it was possible to hate it more, but I did.

Then I reached A Court of Mist and Fury. At this point, I pretty much expected to loathe ACOMAF. I heard it was even more smutty than the first book (like, how was that even possible?) and assumed that was the primary reason others enjoyed it. Well, I was wrong. Not about the smut, there was plenty of it towards the end of the book, but about the content being pointless. This was where my opinions waver.

Rather than finding myself angry with Feyre and even more frustrated with Tamlin and Rhysand, we got some serious character development in this book. It’s confirmed that Tamlin really is horrible in every way, shape, and form. However, Rhysand was apparently faking his jackass/playboy lifestyle and he’s actually a “decent person.” (There’s a reason for those quotations). He rescues Feyre from her abusive relationship and helps her work through PTSD and severe anxiety due to what she encountered in the first book. What completely baffled me was how we were just supposed to move on from the fact that he sexually and emotionally abused her for an extended period of time! Yes, I get that he “isn’t really a bad guy” but it still didn’t give him a single right to treat Feyre in that way – no matter how important his cover was. It gives the impression that it’s alright for someone to be abusive if they’re doing it for a “good reason.” This is hands down the number one reason I will never recommend this series – even if I did enjoy one book out of five.

Ultimately, Feyre grows to be a stronger woman and by the end of the book, she became a character I didn’t hate. She maintains her newfound strength through the following book, A Court of Wings and Ruin. If we’re looking past my previous marks against the story, there is one thing to note about Rhysand and Feyre’s relationship that most people dislike and I actually appreciated. Some may find it frustrating that a lot of her character progression is due to Rhys holding her up. However, from the standpoint of someone who has severe anxiety and PTSD (along with several other mental health challenges and a past in sexual abuse), having someone by your side, boosting you up, but also not coddling you, is super important. I felt as though that’s exactly how their relationship functioned in ACOMAF and I appreciated it.

As we moved on to A Court of Wings and Ruin, we get more time with the secondary characters. Up until this point, they really were just that: secondary. In this novel, they became necessary. I will say that while this book moved at a bit of a slower pace, it did a good job working its way up to an emotional climax with a too-perfect ending.

Now I need to be brutally honest: I hate Nesta. She’s Feyre’s sister who was turned Fae against her will. She’s bitter and resentful and absolutely horrible to Feyre and literally everyone else. She always has been, even prior to being changed without permission (which is often why she’s given a free pass on being a completely abusive b*tch). She treats everyone terribly, and honestly, she has zero excuses (Feyre could have been just as cruel, after everything she went through). Nesta carries this attitude on into the novella, A Court of Frost and Starlight, and I truly cannot stand her.

In fact, for those who have experienced familial or emotional abuse, I want to extend a warning: She is the main character in this new extension of the series and while I hoped she would have a great character arc at some point, after reading A Court of Silver Flames I can confirm that I still hate Nesta and that, if anything, I became entirely more frustrated with this series after finishing the newest novel. She’s truly wicked and the writing makes it appear as though we should be sorry for her, rather than finding her behavior abhorrent.

I clearly think this series comes with a lot of promise, and it is very entertaining as a whole, but there are also some seriously problematic themes without a single content warning. So, before you dive head-first into A Court of Thorns and Roses, please be aware of this.


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bookish coconut wax candles (ESPRESSO10 for a discount) | A Court of Thorns and Roses Box Set | A Court of Silver Flames | wooden cake tray | single-serve French press | cappuccino mug & saucer | blue light blocking glasses | pom blanket | similar basket | similar sweater
candle burning next to mug of coffee and glasses with a small candle on top of a book

Have you read A Court of Thorns and Roses?


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In: Books, Most Popular · Tagged: a court of thorns and roses, a court of thorns and roses series review, acotar, book review, books, faerie books, fantasy books, fantasy series

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Genesis @ Whispering Chapters
2 years ago

I’ll be honest, I wasn’t a fan of the first book of this series the first time around, which is why I never continued with the series when I read it in 2016. Then in 2019, I decided to give it a shot once again. I ended up liking ACOTAR a bit more, which was the push I needed to keep reading. ACOMAF was ultimately fave at the time. Like you said, yes, it’s smutty (I love smut), but it was way more than that. I loved just Rhys was there to help, but never being overbearing or thinking he knew best for her, something I appreciated.

I know you hate Nesta. Personally, in ACOFAS, I learned to like her because I saw a lot of myself in her. It wasn’t until ACOSF that I truly loved her because I realized that I’m Nesta. All of Nesta’s fears, struggles, weaknesses, traumas (way more traumas than you know from the OG series), they are all my own. It was the first time I could relate to a character 100%. The mental health representation with this one is strong and deep–it’s not brushed aside, but keeps getting deeper and deeper.

I hope one day you give ACOSF and read it with an open mind. I think you’d learn to like Nesta. I wouldn’t go so far as to say “love her” seeing how you feel about her now, but I know you’ll see things differently when it comes to her character (and it’s not because what happens at the end).

Reply
Emma
1 year ago
Reply to  Genesis @ Whispering Chapters

Thank you so much for your honest reply on this book! I have yet to read it but after reading this my eyes are opened! I was really interested in reading this book but I was hesitant as I didn’t know its intentions. It said it was teen to young adult book so I trusted it would be all right but I decided to do some research and I’m so glad I found this website. I wanted a enemies to lovers trope with that sexual tension that didn’t involve (or at least a lot, I’m alright with one idea in the series) of sex or all this lust and body/physical craving. It’s NOT love. That’s lust. There is a huge difference!!

I love books that are worth the wait and they have those sweet and fluffy moments not one that’s like another rip off version just like Fifty Shades of Grey. That book (and movie) was horrible. Anyway! I’m so grateful for your honesty and thank you so much! if you have any recommendations for clean romance books I’d love to hear about them!

Sincerely,
Emma W. <3

Reply
Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication
2 years ago

I LOVED ACOTAR from the get-go and really enjoyed the initial trilogy. It is very smutty, which I’m not the biggest fan of, but the story is SO good. I just finished ACOSF over the weekend. I also can’t stand Nesta and I don’t like her that much more after reading the book, but I do see her struggle and understand her more. There is a lot of backstory and trauma to unpack with her and the book does that. It is a tad slow in places, it is incredibly smutty (I skipped over some of those scenes) and I HATED the ending. BUT it was an interesting look into Nesta and why she is the way that she is. I’m also curious to see how this series progresses.

Reply
Lee
2 years ago

I hadnt heard about this series before – love that you gave a brutally honest review!

Reply
Lizzie
2 years ago

Sounds like an interesting series! But I do appreciate the warning because I have had that type of experience throughout my life so I think I’ll skip out on this one lol!

Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com

Reply
Lucy
2 years ago

This is a really in depth review of this book series and I appreciate you being so honest about it! x

Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk

Reply
Taylor
2 years ago

I read ACOTAR and ACOMAF in the same week, one right after the other back in 2016. I was sort of on Booksta and I had seen the books floating around. It had been a LONG time since I read fantasy, and these books made me fall in love with the genre again. ACOTAR reminded me of a book I loved growing up (East) and then ACOMAF was one of the first books I’d read that had mental health representation of what I was experiencing, which made me love the book.
I read ACOWAR when it was released, but overall felt kind of meh about that book, I haven’t read the novel or the newest one. They’re fun books, I think the story telling and writing is great, but they aren’t my favorite fantasy’s. I also agree that they should NOT be classified as YA, because the content is so mature.

Reply
Mykki
2 years ago

I’ve been aware of this series and its polarizing nature for a while, but I don’t really read a lot of YA anymore and I don’t think I’m missing anything by not reading it.

I’m glad the second and third novels made this series more enjoyable for you, but it’s a bummer the MC doesn’t grow much in the first book,

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Stephani
2 years ago

I haven’t heard of these books but I love your honest review. Just reading your start about what the book includes I can already tell I wouldn’t like this book either 😬😬

Xo, Steph

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Cristina Rosano
2 years ago

I had kind of the same approach to the first book. Sat on my shelves for a good year and wasn’t truly driven by reading it, but after I picked up the second where there’s more character development and you get to unveil more of Feyre, I truly enjoyed it!

As you said there are loads of things that Feyre has to go through and Rhysand is right there to her side. I didn’t love Nesta at first, but to be honest I see where she comes from. There’s so much left unsaid between them that created some sort of gap between them. Thank you for sharing and hope you give a chance to the last book x

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Caitlin
2 years ago

I haven’t heard of this series either but I don’t know if I could read it with all the heavy topics involved. My mental health can’t handle topics like that right now!

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Laura Leigh
2 years ago

I haven’t heard of this series before – I love that you gave such a brutally honest review! that is always so helpful and appreciated! thank you for sharing this lady! as always – love your photos!

xo Laura Leigh
https://louellareese.com

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I'm All Booked Up
2 years ago

I’m actually not a Sarah J. Maas fan. I just could never get into her writing style. It’s such an unpopular YA opinion. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

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Melina Elisa
1 year ago

What a great breakdown of the series! I haven’t read it before, and honestly I know very little except the fact that it’s very smutty. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it. I might give it a try to have my own opinion. My sister loves the series! Great review xx

Melina | http://www.melinaelisa.com

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Jodie
1 year ago

I see a lot of love for Sarah J. Maas’ books on instagram, but have never read any of her books (not my preferred genre) but you’ve really provided a balanced review here. Thanks for sharing.

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Raji
1 year ago

Wonderful post! I’ll admit, I’m a huge fan of this series, it was ACOMAF that really helped me appreciate it, but I’m definitely not blind to its faults either. Regarding Nesta, my opinion about her started off much the same as yours, but ACOSF, while it didn’t change my viewpoint on her, did help with understanding her perspective a little better which in turn, made her a more readable character for me. Thanks for sharing this honest review!

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Mind Beauty Simplicity
1 year ago

i’m glad you decided to share this unpopular opinionated review because i find a lot of books recommended through booktok or book communities online kind of disappoint me. when you mentioned this book has a lot of trigger warnings, it made me think of it ends with us, by colleen hoover. although so many people love that book and story line, it left me feeling angry. i personally don’t enjoy books that leave me in that type of mood.

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Nicci
1 year ago

I have been told numerous times to read this series and I was close to going and buying it but I definitely won’t now. Much like yourself I’ve been in an abusive relationship and honestly I don’t think I can stand to read it. I hate books that portray unhealthy relationships in a good way! I’m glad I read this review as I think it’s saved me from what would be a very uncomfortable read!

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Her Digital Coffee
1 year ago

This is a super popular book and I’m interested in hearing your take. I haven’t read this book for myself yet and don’t want spoilers, but I’ll revisit your review for sure! Thanks for the honesty!

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Stephanie Whitman
1 year ago
Reply to  Her Digital Coffee

Understandable that you don’t want spoilers. However, if you have any aversion to the trigger warnings that I shared, I believe it’s very necessary to read my post in full to prepare yourself for what is to come.

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Jaya Avendel
1 year ago

*evil grin*
I so enjoyed this review! I am the type who is turned off to anything that is hyped or raved about, but I do try to read books before I decide if they are for me or not. I agree with so much of what you say about the toxic relationships and abuse present throughout this series! It is sad that so many other people like it because they can relate . . .
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!!

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Simona
1 year ago

Honesty is the only way to go – even if it will ruffle a few feathers on the way! I think Cristina owns these books, but I never felt like picking them up to be fair to you. Now I know it might most definitely not be my kind of read!

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Karalee Shotola
1 year ago

Thank you for sharing your honest review! I haven’t read this series, but I’ve heard about it since it is so popular. Based on your review, I definitely don’t think the series would be more me.

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Lauren
1 year ago

I haven’t heard of this before. It is not usually me go to read, but it sounds interesting. You have shared a detailed review and thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Lauren – bournemouthgirl

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Aubrey
1 year ago

I’m so happy to finally see someone on the internet who shares my opinion on this series. Honestly once I finished reading it, it felt like the relief you feel after you realize a situation is toxic and build enough courage to leave it. I am also someone who has experience emotional, sexual, and physical abuse from a past partner and most of the relationships in this series made me feel literally ill. I kept reading becuase I kept being told it would get better and I would love it. Anyways I cannot bring myself to read Silver Flames or any of her other books now. Thanks for the review!

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Minzly
1 year ago

Great review! I felt ACOTAR was a lackluster in the beginning and learning what happened after to the whole series I felt the same about certain points. However I still feel motivated to read through the rest of the series ATM. Whether it improves upon further reading remains to be seen. But like you said it’s definitely got it’s issues. (・∀・)

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Jodie
7 months ago

As a reviewer and blogger, I think it’s important to share your honest thoughts whether they be positive or negative. Great review Stephanie.

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I'm All Booked Up
7 months ago

We haven’t read this series, but we’re not the biggest Sarah J. Mass fans. It was really interesting reading your thoughts because we didn’t plan on reading this series.

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40+ Fictional Books by Black Authors That Will Absolutely Blow You Away

Welcome to The Espresso Edition, a cozy bookish blog (with just a pinch of lifestyle goodness). I'm Stephanie, and I'm overjoyed to welcome you to this safe space designed for book lovers old and new who are seeking everything from book recommendations to reading tips to reviews and so much more.

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Is there a book you read this year that you don't Is there a book you read this year that you don't see mentioned nearly enough on bookstagram? 📖 Hype up why I should read it in the comments! 💬
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The first titles that come to mind from my 2023 reading list (so far) are:
🌲 We Are All So Good at Smiling by @ambsmcbride 
📖 The Neighbor Favor by @kristinaforest_ 
💻 Just My Type by @falonballard 
🥳 House Party edited by @justinwritesya 
🦊 The Night Fox by @ashleywilda_ 
🐦‍⬛ Illuminations by @redwombatstudio
📚 Story Thieves by @jamesrileyauthor 
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Have you read any of these books or are any of them on your TBR? 🤎 
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #2023books #underratedbooks
If the main character of your current read asked y If the main character of your current read asked you to swap lives with them right now, would you agree? 💭 Why or why not? 🤔
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🗝️ I definitely would NOT swap lives with either Grayson or Jameson in The Brothers Hawthorne because I don't even have a fraction of their brain power to solve puzzles and enter high-stakes games.. like that would just be a recipe for disaster! 🫣
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🏰 Aaaand I also probably wouldn't swap with Agatha or Sophie in The School for Good and Evil because I'd be very confused in a place like that and wind up creating chaos without meaning to because how do you *not* when you're living in close quarters with fairytale characters? 😅
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I've been drinking this Bannered Mare tea from @steepedinlore with a splash of milk almost daily and it's been just the pick-me-up I need when I have those midday slumps after spending hours at my desk 💻 You don't want to miss this one and you can use the code ESPRESSO10 for a discount when you make your purchase! 🫖
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If you don't want to swap with the MC of your current read, which character WOULD you want to trade lives with? 📖
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#bookishtea #cozyvibes #bookishshop #teaandbooks #teagram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandtea #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #maincharacter #currentlyreading #thebrothershawthorne #theschoolforgoodandevil
What are some of your favorite autumnal books? 🍂
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Happy first weekend of autumn 🍁 Who else is as thrilled as I am that the best season has officially arrived? 🤭
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I spent the day baking pumpkin bread with my sister, reading The Brothers Hawthorne while sipping my (multiple) cups of coffee, and watching the blustery rainy weather 🎃
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To answer my own question, here are a few of my top cozy, autumn book recs:
• The Nature of Witches by Rachel Griffin
• All Souls by Deborah Harkness
• Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
• Payback’s a Witch by Lana Harper
• Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
• Spells for Lost Things by Jenna Evans Welch
• The Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd-Jones
• The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
• The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw
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Have you read any of these? 📖
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #firstdayoffall #autumnvibes #fallvibes #fallbooks
Do you plan your reads around the seasons? 🍁
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I don't pick up many spring or summer books (since I dislike those seasons), but I typically find myself reading more cozy or witchy novels during autumn! 🍂 Doing this helps me to fully embrace my favorite time of the year 🙌🏼
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It'll come as no surprise to you that, thanks to @steepedinlore, I've also been sipping on many mugs of tea while I dive into my autumnal reads 🫖 Make sure you use my code ESPRESSO10 to get a discount on your seasonal tea purchase! 🤎
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🔍 FUN FACT ABOUT THIS PHOTO: My sweet and smooshy calico cat, Nona, decided that scarf was her snuggle spot and curled right up—she makes the cutest prop, doesn’t she? 🥹
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#cozyaesthetic #mybeigelife #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #butterbeer #teaandbooks #booksandtea #booksandcandles #candlesandbooks #bookflatlay #bookphotography #booktography #bookish #cozybooks #autumnvibes #fallvibes #steepedinlore #seasonalbooks #calicocat
Where do you purchase your home decor? 🪴 ⠀⠀ Where do you purchase your home decor? 🪴
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SURPRISE! I'm going to begin adding home content to this page and I'm incredibly excited about it 🥳 I've been slowly but surely transforming my house into the cozy little cottage of my dreams and the first thing to get a rework was the gallery wall in my bedroom, thanks to @desenio 🖼️
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I've been shopping from Desenio for YEARS now and very highly recommend their stunning art prints and frames, so of course, the opportunity to be a #DesenioPartner for this project was a dream come true 🙌🏼 In fact, I have gallery walls featuring their posters in three different rooms in my home--that's how much I love them 😍
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You can read my full review of this company (from products to pricing to shipping, and more) at the link in my bio 💻 And between now and October 3, you can get 45% off your purchase from @desenio using the code ESPRESSOEDITION 🫶🏼
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Which print in my new gallery wall is your favorite? 🤎
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#desenio #vintageinspired #vintageaesthetic #darkacademia #darkacademiastyle #slowliving #darkacademiaaesthetic #cozyvibes #mindfulmornings #intentionalliving #slowlifestyle #bookishlife #darkacademiastyle #ofquietmoments #brownaesthetic #earthtones #gloomandglow #myseasonalstory #aslowmoment #homedecor #cozycottage #farmhousedecor #gallerywall #artprints #modernorganic
What are some books that you've made your entire p What are some books that you've made your entire personality? 🙈
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Truthfully, it doesn't matter how long you've followed me, you probably already know that I love all things Shadow and Bone 🫶🏼 I've been going through a Grishaverse reread this year and loving every second of it, but nothing will compare to those first three books! 🥰
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I was late to the game with this trilogy, reading it for the first time just a little before the show first premiered, but it quickly became a core part of my personality 😉 Now, I own two signed copies of the first book (one is the special edition hardcover and one is the show tie-in) 📖 And no joke, 90% of my candles are related to the Grishaverse in some way (thank you @janzywaxco for providing the perfect scents for my many rereads and rewatches 🕯️)
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When was the last time you reread your favorite series? 📚 
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #shadowandbone #grishaverse #leighbardugo #signedbooks #fiercereads @fiercereads
Hi friends--what have I missed? 🤎
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All I'm hearing on repeat in my head is Jacob Black's ridiculous, "Where the hell have you been, loca?" 😆 I missed you all SO MUCH this past month and a half 😭
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So to answer the werewolf's question:
🫶🏼 I got to spend a week with one of my best buddies in Ohio and we made friendship blankets, got matching Gilmore Girls tattoos, went to high tea, watched a ton of Seinfeld, avoided a tornado, and shopped til we dropped (it was the best time)
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📖 @chronicacademia and I have been buddy-reading like our lives depend on it for quite some time, but actually meeting in person and being able to geek out over books together face-to-face was the absolute best
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🥀 The chance to meet one of my favorite authors during the same trip? Couldn't pass that up! I attended the Foxglove book tour in Columbus for @authoradalyngrace and it was such a surreal experience
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🪴 I've begun to work on some home projects--finally turning my cozy cottage into exactly that--and I'm loving every second of it! Very thankful for some incredible partnerships that will be coming to this page real soon
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🥰 I’ve spent so much quality time with my family, including celebrating my sister’s birthday with her making such precious memories. So grateful for my incredible tribe who have held me up and brought so much comfort lately. 
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💔 The life update that I posted on my stories on Sept 1 explained the hardest part of why I disappeared for so long. I know that there are great plans for my future even as I stumble my way through the now (if you missed it and are confused, feel free to DM me)
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Now, tell me something that you're looking forward to this autumn 🍂
What was the last book someone recommended to you What was the last book someone recommended to you that became a favorite? 🤎
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Okay, this wasn't the last one for me, but it was the FIRST book that @chronicacademia recommended to me… and it became an instant fave 😍
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The Bone Houses is a cozy-creepy (aka, not scary, but just a little eerie, while also being totally cozy and atmospheric) fantasy with incredible disability rep and a truly creative story 🦴 If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend it for your "spooky season" TBR 🎃
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What's a cozy-creepy book that you enjoy? 🙈 
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #thebonehouses #cozyfantasy #fantasybooks #perfectespressopour
Do you prefer to savor one book for an extended pe Do you prefer to savor one book for an extended period of time, or do you tend to fly through your reads pretty quickly? ⏳
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Normally, I would say that I fly through books--inhaling them more than savoring them 😅 But over the last week, I spent time buddy-reading The Fragile Threads of Power... and taking my time with it ☕️
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There was something really nice about slowing down and reading little bits at a time, then discussing them with my friend, then reading more, then theorizing about the plot, then reading a little more, etc. 🤎 It felt good to just appreciate the book rather than gobbling it up (though I know I'll go right back to that with whatever I read next 😆)
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If you tend to fly through your reads, what's the last book that made you WANT to take your time with it and savor each moment? 📖 
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #fastreader #buddyread #thefragilethreadsofpower
Do you have any auto-buy authors? 💳
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I'm SO picky with this list because, as a rule, I don't buy books unless I've read them already and loved them enough to read them again 🤷🏻‍♀️ BUT there are a few authors who are exceptions to this because I've literally never been disappointed by their books and I just want to support them in any way I can so I'll pre-order, order multiple copies, and screech about their books til my throat gets raw 🤎
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 🍂 Rachel Griffin - the first book I read by her was The Nature of Witches and I was instantly in love with her atmospheric writing and the way every book makes me appreciate nature
🌲 Joanna Ruth Meyer - the first book I read by her was Echo North and now I've reread several of her books countless times and own multiple copies of my fave
🥲 Justin A Reynolds - the first book I read by him was Opposite of Always and literally every one of his books makes me both laugh til my belly aches and cry my eyes out
☀️ Emily Henry - the first book I read by her was Beach Read and now I crown her the romance queen and live for every summer-y release
🏙️ John Green - the first book I read by him was Paper Towns and it remained my favorite book for many, many years, even after the hype surrounding TFiOS... I learn from everything he writes
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Have you read books by any of these authors? 📖 
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions @timesnewrachel @gamwyn @justinwritesya @emilyhenrywrites @johngreenwritesbooks #autobuyauthor #thenatureofwitches #favoriteauthor

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