What’s one series installment you’re excited f What’s one series installment you’re excited for this year? πŸ“š
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After the dramatic ending of The Ballad of Never After, I’m counting down til the release of A Curse for True Love! 🦊 I need to know what happens next because I’m going absolutely nuts right now πŸ˜…
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I’m also so excited for Foxglove, The Brothers Hawthorne, This Cursed Light, and Threads of Power - a few series continuations that I just know are gonna be phenomenal! πŸ™ŒπŸΌ
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Are any of these on your radar? πŸ‘€
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Do you plan to read romance books during Love Mont Do you plan to read romance books during Love Month? 🀎
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Pretty much my entire TBR this month is just cute romances and I can’t wait to dive in πŸ“– 
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Some of the titles I’m most excited about:
πŸŽ“ Begin Again by Emma Lord
πŸ“š Exes and O’s by Amy Lea
🌻 In the Weeds by B.K. Borison
πŸ’• Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert
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Have you read any of these or are any of them on your TBR? πŸ“
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What are your favorite high seas adventure books? What are your favorite high seas adventure books? πŸ΄β€β˜ οΈ

If I’m being totally truthful, I haven’t read that many of them BUT I just finished my reread of All the Stars and Teeth and was reminded how much I love it 😍 I need more books like this! 🌊

Give me recommendations for books with pirates, mermaids and sirens, island curses, and other high seas goodness βš“οΈ

Have you read All the Stars and Teeth? πŸ§œπŸΌβ€β™€οΈ

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How would your favorite book character take their How would your favorite book character take their coffee? β˜•οΈ
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My favorite fictional character of all time is Genya Safin from the Grishaverse 🀍 This badass Tailor has a taste for the finer things and would absolutely drink a deliciously dark roast with notes of cherry, walnut, and rich chocolate 🀀 I think she would enjoy a café au lait -- drip coffee with steamed milk -- that David prepared for her in a drip coffee contraption of his own making 🫢🏼
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Did I go way too in-depth on this just because I love these characters and coffee a little too much? πŸ™ˆ Maybe I did, but it was fun πŸ€·πŸ»β€β™€οΈ
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How do YOU take your coffee? 🀎
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What was your last 5-star romance read? ⭐️ It What was your last 5-star romance read? ⭐️

It was absolutely wonderful to end 2022 with Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez 😍 I don’t like to pick favorites when it comes to my top authors, but this adorable fake dating romance may very well be my favorite book by her! πŸ™ŒπŸΌ

I’m a seriously picky romance reader, but Abby’s blend of sweetness and substance never ceases to amaze me and Yours Truly was no exception 🀎 Just like her previous novels, this one made me cry my eyes out as I saw bits and pieces of myself in each of the characters πŸ₯Ή It was just SO GOOD, y’all, and you can find the full review on my blog! 🫢🏼

Are you planning to pick up Yours Truly when it comes out in April? πŸ“– Have you read any of Abby’s other phenomenal romance novels? πŸ₯°

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What was the last book you read in one sitting? πŸ’

Honestly, it’s not very often that I finish a book in one day - either because I find myself too busy or I just can’t concentrate for such a long period of time πŸ˜…

BUT every once in a while, I have a weekend day where I can just fully sink into a story and enjoy it from start to finish without distractions πŸ“– That’s what I did with BEACH READ last Sunday and it was wonderful πŸ₯° I read it when it first came out, but this time, I really got to enjoy it in a new way - and I couldn’t put it down! πŸ™ˆ 

If only I could have more days like that πŸ˜‚ Have you read Beach Read or anything else by Emily Henry? β˜€οΈ

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Why did you join bookstagram? πŸ“– β €β €β €β €β € Why did you join bookstagram? πŸ“–
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Today is my third bookstaversary, friends! 🀎 I can't begin to express how thankful I am for this wonderful community and how it has impacted my life over the last three years πŸ₯Ή
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As many of you know, I was a full-time fashion blogger for over five years and somewhere along the line, I found that I just didn't love it anymore πŸ€·πŸ»β€β™€οΈ I wanted to find somewhere I could truly be myself and spend more time talking about fantasy novels, crisp autumn mornings, a great cup of coffee, and how to achieve the ultimate cozy lifestyle β˜•οΈ
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I joined bookstagram in 2020, thinking it would just be a fun little hobby to have on the side while I continued my fashionista hustle... and a year later, I rebranded EVERYTHING to The Espresso Edition πŸ™ŒπŸΌ I've made talking about books and coziness my full-time gig and I couldn't be happier about it 😍
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Thank you all for welcoming me to this wild and wonderful corner of the internet πŸ™ˆ Cheers to tons more bookish goodness! πŸ“š
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How long have you been on bookstagram? πŸ“±
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Would you take the protagonist of your current rea Would you take the protagonist of your current read for a cup of coffee? β˜•οΈ
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There have been quite a few characters I've read about this month who I'd love to sit down and chat with over a hot bev πŸ₯°
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However, from my current reads, I would NOT take anyone from Jade Legacy (because you never know who might end up unaliving), I'd definitely take both Kell and Lila from A Darker Shade of Magic, I'm not entirely sure I'd enjoy coffee with Katniss from The Hunger Games (since she's not the most exciting conversationalist), but I'd absolutely love chatting it up with Alina from Shadow and Bone! πŸ™ŒπŸΌ
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Have you read any of the books I'm currently reading? πŸ“š
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What is a spin-off series that you prefer over the What is a spin-off series that you prefer over the originals? πŸ“š

This past year, I either began or finished a few spin-off series that I found myself enjoying even more than their predecessors πŸ™ˆ The Dreamer Trilogy (the first of which is featured here) BLEW ME AWAY even though I just *sorta-kinda* liked The Raven Cycle 😱 But there I was, sobbing my eyes out at the end of Greywaren 😭 So freaking good! πŸ™ŒπŸΌ

Typically I’m all about the OG series (like Shadow and Bone), but every once in a while, there’s a really great spin-off or continuation that I wind up just loving! 🀩 I’m excited to discover even more this year πŸ—“οΈ

Have you read The Dreamer Trilogy yet? πŸ’­

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Books, Reviews · April 12, 2021

Book Review: Go the Distance by Jen Calonita

A huge thank-you to NetGalley and Disney-Hyperion for this e-arc of Go the Distance by Jen Calonita.

Fans of Hercules, this one is for you. Disney is at it again with another brilliant Twisted Tales novel. This one is called Go the Distance and it’s all about Meg!

A few years back, I picked up Reflection, Disney’s Twisted Tale about Mulan, and I was immediately hooked. These retellings of our favorite Disney stories are so creative and fun. Sometimes they answer questions that are still plaguing our minds after watching the animated films hundreds of times. Sometimes they’re a totally new plot. No matter the case, I’ve enjoyed seeing these characters come to life in a brand new and unique way.

When I found out that there was going to be a Twisted Tale for Hercules, I immediately requested the title on NetGalley. I actually hadn’t read the synopsis at all (oops) and was pleasantly surprised to find out it was about fierce and sassy Megara. Even though I didn’t watch Hercules as many times growing up, I still have tons of respect for Meg, so I began greatly looking forward to diving into this story.

It did not disappoint! If anything, it might have topped my love for Reflection (which I didn’t think was possible). But let me explain exactly why I loved it…


related posts
April 2021 New Book Releases // Book Review: The Lucky Escape by Laura Jane Williams // How to Create a Monthly Reading List

Why fans of Disney’s animated film, Hercules, should read Go the Distance.

What if Meg had to become a god?

After Hercules proves he’s a true hero and regains his godship, all seems right in the world. That is, until Zeus tells Meg that she can’t be with Hercules because she’s, well, mortal. Luckily, Hera has a solution, offering Meg a chance to prove herself worthy of a spot on Mt. Olympus–as a god. All Meg has to do is complete a mysterious quest.

The mission? Oh, just to rescue her ex’s current wife from the Underworld. The ex-boyfriend she saved by selling her soul to Hades. The ex-boyfriend who immediately moved on to someone else while she was stuck in the Underworld. Can Meg put her past behind her and use her quick-wit to defeat monsters and gods alike, including the nefarious Hades? Will she finally figure out her place and contribution to the world? Or will her fear of commitment have her running away from an eternity of godhood with Herc?

Written by the author of Mirror, Mirror and Conceal, Don’t Feel, Jen Calonita’s latest twist is sure to delight and surprise. (Goodreads Synopsis)

I need to see you understand love is a strength, not a weakness. That putting your trust in someone you love doesn’t mean you can’t stand on your own two feet. It means you know how to share responsibility and accept help when it is needed… I want to see you know how to be vulnerable, Megara. And understand that love means opening your heart even if the story doesn’t always end the way you want it to.

go the distance

Over the past few years, I’ve read several of these Twisted Tale stories, but none of them have stood out to me quite like Go the Distance. From the moment it began, I was sucked into the tale and wondered what would happen next. I assumed it would be childish, simple, and end with a way-too-predictable HEA (happily ever after). Instead, I was taken on a wild, emotional journey.

I’ll admit, I didn’t grow up watching Hercules the way some kids did. I’ve seen it, sure, but it doesn’t hold a space in my heart as much as other Disney animated films. However, I always admired Meg. She was bold and feisty and I loved her charisma and determination, even in the face of danger. She knew how to put “Wonder Boy” in his place and stand her ground. I think that’s why a lot of people admire her. After reading this book, there’s only respect in my mind for this strong female character.

In order to stay with Herc forever, Hera sends Megara on a quest to become a god. As is expected, the quest isn’t something easy. In fact, it requires Meg to face her past and save the woman her ex abandoned her for… from the Underworld. Back to Hades’ domain, Meg goes (and didn’t she just manage to escape?), and she has more to unravel than just the emotions tied to her previous romance.

There were some stand-out moments throughout this quest. Times where Meg could have (maybe should have) given up and chosen to remain human. There were times where she made mistakes that were oh-so relatable due to her swirling thoughts and unsure feelings. I highlighted so many quotes in my Kindle as I read and even felt as though Megara became somewhat like a friend. This surprised me greatly since I was going into this assuming it would have an almost middle-grade feel to it, as some of the other Twisted Tales had. I closed the book feeling as though I had actually learned something from it.

My greatest desire after finishing this novel? That they’d turn this book into a movie. I would absolutely watch Meg’s story on the big screen!


purchase the book
Go the Distance – Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop | Target

Are you a fan of Hercules and Meg? Will you be reading Go the Distance this spring?


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In: Books, Reviews · Tagged: book review, books, Disney, Go the Distance, Go the Distance by Jen Calonita, Go the Distance review, Hercules, Jen Calonita

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Comments

  1. Oh to Be a Muse says

    April 12, 2021 at 12:07 PM

    This sounds like a cute Disney read. I had taken a break from reading for a while, but I just bought a book on Friday and finished it Sunday. Always nice to get back to reading!

    Reply
    • Stephanie Whitman says

      April 13, 2021 at 12:25 PM

      Look at you, reading straight through the weekend. That’s one of the best things to enjoy during those quiet moments, if you ask me πŸ™‚

      Reply
  2. I'm All Booked Up says

    April 12, 2021 at 12:44 PM

    Hercules is such a great movie! We need to add this to our TBR.

    Reply
    • Stephanie Whitman says

      April 13, 2021 at 12:25 PM

      Hercules is great! I love the movie, for sure, but this book is even better (if you ask me) hehe!

      Reply
  3. Lizzie says

    April 12, 2021 at 1:11 PM

    This sounds awesome! I loved Hercules when I was younger πŸ™‚ I love that it’s from Meg’s point of view!

    Lizzie
    http://www.lizzieinlace.com

    Reply
    • Stephanie Whitman says

      April 13, 2021 at 12:26 PM

      I’ll admit that it wasn’t one of the primary Disney animated films that I grew up with – I don’t think I watched it until my late teens/early 20’s, but when I did finally see it, I really enjoyed it. This book was even better than the film, if you ask me!

      Reply
  4. Neely Moldovan says

    April 12, 2021 at 3:24 PM

    Oh what a fun book! I really loved Hercules when I was younger. Such an underrated one IMO!

    Reply
    • Stephanie Whitman says

      April 13, 2021 at 12:27 PM

      I may not have grown up with it like some, but I can appreciate it much more now. Plus, I’ve always thoroughly enjoyed Greek mythology, so that makes it even more fun!

      Reply
  5. Raji says

    April 12, 2021 at 4:56 PM

    Thanks for sharing this review! I just came across this book over the weekend and I’ve been wondering how it is. I really liked the Hercules movie, so this definitely sounds like one I’d enjoy.

    Reply
    • Stephanie Whitman says

      April 13, 2021 at 12:27 PM

      Well, now you at least have one perspective on it hehe. I hope you get a chance to pick it up. Meg’s story is truly fantastic!

      Reply
  6. Nons Mshengu says

    April 12, 2021 at 6:08 PM

    I haven’t read a good Disney book in a long time. I’m currently on a self help book kick, but I am adding this to my reading list for the year. Amazing review.

    Reply
    • Stephanie Whitman says

      April 13, 2021 at 12:28 PM

      This is definitely one to add to your list if you’re looking for a good Disney book, that’s for sure. It’s such a great story!

      Reply
  7. Jaya Avendel says

    April 12, 2021 at 6:25 PM

    I had no idea Disney had created a Twisted Tales series! I love fairy tale retellings, both from the movies and from the original stories, and often play with hidden sides and endings in my writing. I look forward to exploring the questions answered and posed in both Reflection and Go the Distance!
    Thanks for sharing. <3

    Reply
    • Stephanie Whitman says

      April 13, 2021 at 12:30 PM

      Oh yeah! The Twisted Tales series has been around for quite some time now. I think the first book came out in… 2015? There are 12 books total and I’ve read several of them. Reflection is still my favorite – but this one is a super close second!

      Reply
  8. Anika says

    April 13, 2021 at 2:55 AM

    What an interesting concept! I love the idea behind it, and it would be so nostalgic to read about my favourite Disney characters growing up. Love that Meg is getting her own arc! πŸ™‚

    Anika | chaptersofmay.com

    Reply
    • Stephanie Whitman says

      April 13, 2021 at 12:31 PM

      Meg has always been a favorite Disney character for me, despite the fact that I didn’t grow up watching Hercules. I just loved her power and sass. Seeing her shine in this story was so satisfying. She’s an awesome character!

      Reply
  9. Lisa says

    April 13, 2021 at 4:45 AM

    I do love a good twisted tale – in fact that’s why I’m binge watching Once Upon a Time on Netflix at the moment. As a fan of Greek myths and legends too, this sounds right up my street – great review, I’ll have to check this book out, thank you! Lisa

    Reply
    • Stephanie Whitman says

      April 13, 2021 at 12:31 PM

      Oh my goodness, Once Upon a Time is one of my forever favorite shows! I’ve been craving a rewatch lately. I might need to start that back up again πŸ™‚ The Disney Twisted Tales are such fun books because they extend the universes that the animated films created for us!

      Reply
  10. Cristina Rosano says

    April 13, 2021 at 7:35 AM

    You totally convinced me! I love the idea that for once it’s not Hercules telling the story but Meg, I think she is such an underappreciated character! It sounds like it was not just a retelling but full of lessons! Can’t wait to pick this up, thanks for sharing x

    Reply
    • Stephanie Whitman says

      April 13, 2021 at 12:32 PM

      YESS! I honestly was under the impression that this book was going to be about Hades when I first saw the cover (which also would’ve excellent because sassy Hades is fantastic), BUUUT Meg’s story wowed me even more than I expected!

      Reply
  11. Claire Lomax says

    April 13, 2021 at 8:58 AM

    Can I firstly say, I can’t believe I have not come across our blog before, I love it! Think I might fall in to a rabbit hole right now!

    I love Disney but I have not read any of the twisted stories yet despite hearing good things. I am heading to the shops tomorrow so I think I might need to try some out.

    Thank you for sharing x

    Reply
    • Stephanie Whitman says

      April 13, 2021 at 12:33 PM

      I’m so glad you did happen upon it. Your encouragement means so much to me πŸ™‚ I hope you enjoy the Twisted Tales if you get a chance to read them. I’ve enjoyed several of them so far and this one is super high up on my list of favorites!

      Reply
  12. Alexis Gauthier says

    April 13, 2021 at 10:22 AM

    I’m not sure why, but for the longest time I’ve been hesitant to read this line of books. HOWEVER, after reading your incredible review I’ll definitely be more open to considering it! I think that I have an ARC of one of these stories somewhere, and I’ll have to go find it now

    Reply
    • Stephanie Whitman says

      April 13, 2021 at 12:34 PM

      No way!!! I don’t know why, but I hope this has convinced you to pick them up πŸ™‚ I’ve read I think 4?? out of the 11 that are currently out (a Rapunzel Twisted Tale is releasing later on this year), and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed them. Talk about a fun concept for books – taking our favorite Disney animated characters and giving them new stories!

      Reply
  13. Tara Fuller says

    April 13, 2021 at 11:25 AM

    i’m so intrigued! I added the entire series to my queue. I am curious though, do they need to be read in order or are they stand alones? I definitely want to read them all next month!

    Reply
    • Stephanie Whitman says

      April 13, 2021 at 12:36 PM

      Oh my gosh, that’s so fun! I hope you enjoy them lots. They’re all standalone books, since they’re each about a different Disney world (from Aladdin to Beauty and the Beast, Mulan, Hercules, and beyond)! Reflection was the one I started with and it’s still my favorite, with this one being a super close second. I also liked As Old As Time. Let me know what you think when you’ve gotten into them!

      Reply
  14. lifestyleseason says

    April 13, 2021 at 1:56 PM

    Great review! Thank you for sharing this book! I’d never heard of these books before but I love the sound of them! I’m glad you enjoyed this book and it sounds so exciting! I’ll definitely have to check it out.

    Reply
  15. Amie says

    April 13, 2021 at 2:05 PM

    Ooooh this looks absolutely amazing! I’ve been looking out for lots of amazing new books, so I’m going to check this book out!

    Reply
  16. Lindsey says

    April 13, 2021 at 2:49 PM

    Oh I love the sound of this. I haven’t heard of these books before but it sounds like the exact sort of thing that I would definitely enjoy. Great review!

    Reply
  17. Della Driscoll says

    April 13, 2021 at 4:00 PM

    This isn’t my usual read but it sounds really interesting and I’d love to give it a go xx

    Reply
  18. Sarah Mark says

    April 13, 2021 at 5:40 PM

    This sounds like such an interesting read. I will need to check it out!

    Reply
  19. Venus says

    April 13, 2021 at 6:10 PM

    Just by the book cover, this book looks so mysterious. Definitely, something that I will ultimately love to read.

    Reply
  20. Greta says

    April 13, 2021 at 10:39 PM

    Wow this book sounds awesome! Perfect Beach read for my trip at the end of the month.

    Reply
  21. Kelly Diane says

    April 14, 2021 at 12:21 AM

    I love the concept of these twisted tales. I used to love watching Hercules when I was younger so I definitely need to pick up a copy of this. I agree with you that it would make such a great movie.

    Reply
  22. Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says

    April 14, 2021 at 6:49 AM

    I’ve been excited to read your review of this! I haven’t read any of the Twisted Tales books, but I have read ones that are similar and they were a little too juvenile. This one sounds interesting and definitely makes me want to give it a try!

    Reply
  23. Andrea's Book Corner says

    April 14, 2021 at 11:53 AM

    Ahh this one sounds so interesting! I’ve always been a fan of Disney and Hercules so will definitely give this one a try.

    Reply
  24. itskoo says

    April 14, 2021 at 2:02 PM

    I had the same experience with Hercules in that it never held a place on my list of Disney movies I enjoyed–I did like the song though. I love a strong female character and Go the Distance sounds really good. The quote you pulled out solidified that I need to read this book. Thanks for sharing your review!

    Reply
  25. Laura Leigh says

    April 14, 2021 at 2:47 PM

    I absolutely loved Hercules growing up! I still remember seeing it at the drive in movie theater in our small town. I definitely need to read this book! Sweet memories are already flooding back! Thank you for bringing this book to my attention – I am very excited to read!

    xo Laura Leigh
    https://louellareese.com

    Reply
  26. Nathalia says

    April 16, 2021 at 1:32 PM

    I’ve always been intrigued by this Twisted Tales series but this is the only one I feel like I NEED to read. Hercules is one of my all-time favourite Disney films, and I grew up wanting to be Meg. Will definitely give this one a go!

    Reply

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Book Review: No Experience Required by Janet Quin-Harkin

Welcome to The Espresso Edition, a cozy lifestyle blog. Looking for book reviews, hygge home decor, or comfortable and classic outfit ideas? I've got you covered.

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What’s one series installment you’re excited f What’s one series installment you’re excited for this year? πŸ“š
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After the dramatic ending of The Ballad of Never After, I’m counting down til the release of A Curse for True Love! 🦊 I need to know what happens next because I’m going absolutely nuts right now πŸ˜…
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I’m also so excited for Foxglove, The Brothers Hawthorne, This Cursed Light, and Threads of Power - a few series continuations that I just know are gonna be phenomenal! πŸ™ŒπŸΌ
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Are any of these on your radar? πŸ‘€
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#cozyaesthetic #mybeigelife #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #bookflatlay #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations #onceuponabrokenheart #theballadofneverafter #thecursefortruelove #bookseries #fantasyseries #2023books #fantasybooks #yafantasy #fantasyreader
Do you plan to read romance books during Love Mont Do you plan to read romance books during Love Month? 🀎
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Pretty much my entire TBR this month is just cute romances and I can’t wait to dive in πŸ“– 
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Some of the titles I’m most excited about:
πŸŽ“ Begin Again by Emma Lord
πŸ“š Exes and O’s by Amy Lea
🌻 In the Weeds by B.K. Borison
πŸ’• Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert
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Have you read any of these or are any of them on your TBR? πŸ“
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#cozyaesthetic #mybeigelife #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #wintervibes #winter #bookflatlay #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations #romancebooks #valentinesday #lovemonth #romancereader #cartooncoverromance #februarytbr #romcombooks
What are your favorite high seas adventure books? What are your favorite high seas adventure books? πŸ΄β€β˜ οΈ

If I’m being totally truthful, I haven’t read that many of them BUT I just finished my reread of All the Stars and Teeth and was reminded how much I love it 😍 I need more books like this! 🌊

Give me recommendations for books with pirates, mermaids and sirens, island curses, and other high seas goodness βš“οΈ

Have you read All the Stars and Teeth? πŸ§œπŸΌβ€β™€οΈ

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#lightacademiaaesthetic #lightacademia #cozyaesthetic #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #cozybookstagram #bookaesthetic #booktography #bookphotography #vintagemood #bookseverywhere #hyggebookstyle #quietshadesofbrown #bookmoments #ofcosymoments #booksandcoffee #coffeeandbooks #fortheloveofreading #bookrecommendations #booksuggestions #booksonbooks #booknookstagram #allthestarsandteeth #piratebooks #mermaidbooks #highseasadventure #fantasybooks #duology
How would your favorite book character take their How would your favorite book character take their coffee? β˜•οΈ
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My favorite fictional character of all time is Genya Safin from the Grishaverse 🀍 This badass Tailor has a taste for the finer things and would absolutely drink a deliciously dark roast with notes of cherry, walnut, and rich chocolate 🀀 I think she would enjoy a café au lait -- drip coffee with steamed milk -- that David prepared for her in a drip coffee contraption of his own making 🫢🏼
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Did I go way too in-depth on this just because I love these characters and coffee a little too much? πŸ™ˆ Maybe I did, but it was fun πŸ€·πŸ»β€β™€οΈ
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How do YOU take your coffee? 🀎
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#cozyaesthetic #mybeigelife #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #bookflatlay #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations #grishaverse #shadowandbone #thedarkling #genyasafin #leighbardugo #perfectespressopour #coffeepour #favoritefictionalcharacter #favoritecharacter #favoritebookcharacter
What was your last 5-star romance read? ⭐️ It What was your last 5-star romance read? ⭐️

It was absolutely wonderful to end 2022 with Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez 😍 I don’t like to pick favorites when it comes to my top authors, but this adorable fake dating romance may very well be my favorite book by her! πŸ™ŒπŸΌ

I’m a seriously picky romance reader, but Abby’s blend of sweetness and substance never ceases to amaze me and Yours Truly was no exception 🀎 Just like her previous novels, this one made me cry my eyes out as I saw bits and pieces of myself in each of the characters πŸ₯Ή It was just SO GOOD, y’all, and you can find the full review on my blog! 🫢🏼

Are you planning to pick up Yours Truly when it comes out in April? πŸ“– Have you read any of Abby’s other phenomenal romance novels? πŸ₯°

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#cozyaesthetic #bookreel #bookcommunity #cozyreel #cozytime #bookishreel #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #aestheticreel #coffeecoffeecoffee #bookflatlay #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations #romancebooks #yourstrulybook #abbyjimenez #romancereader #cartooncoverrromance #2023bookrelease #bookreview
What was the last book you read in one sitting? πŸ’

Honestly, it’s not very often that I finish a book in one day - either because I find myself too busy or I just can’t concentrate for such a long period of time πŸ˜…

BUT every once in a while, I have a weekend day where I can just fully sink into a story and enjoy it from start to finish without distractions πŸ“– That’s what I did with BEACH READ last Sunday and it was wonderful πŸ₯° I read it when it first came out, but this time, I really got to enjoy it in a new way - and I couldn’t put it down! πŸ™ˆ 

If only I could have more days like that πŸ˜‚ Have you read Beach Read or anything else by Emily Henry? β˜€οΈ

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#cozyaesthetic #mybeigelife #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #wintervibes #winter #bookflatlay #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations #beachread #emilyhenry #romancebooks #romancereader #contemporaryromance #cartooncoverromance #perfectespressopour #rereading
Why did you join bookstagram? πŸ“– β €β €β €β €β € Why did you join bookstagram? πŸ“–
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Today is my third bookstaversary, friends! 🀎 I can't begin to express how thankful I am for this wonderful community and how it has impacted my life over the last three years πŸ₯Ή
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As many of you know, I was a full-time fashion blogger for over five years and somewhere along the line, I found that I just didn't love it anymore πŸ€·πŸ»β€β™€οΈ I wanted to find somewhere I could truly be myself and spend more time talking about fantasy novels, crisp autumn mornings, a great cup of coffee, and how to achieve the ultimate cozy lifestyle β˜•οΈ
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I joined bookstagram in 2020, thinking it would just be a fun little hobby to have on the side while I continued my fashionista hustle... and a year later, I rebranded EVERYTHING to The Espresso Edition πŸ™ŒπŸΌ I've made talking about books and coziness my full-time gig and I couldn't be happier about it 😍
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Thank you all for welcoming me to this wild and wonderful corner of the internet πŸ™ˆ Cheers to tons more bookish goodness! πŸ“š
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How long have you been on bookstagram? πŸ“±
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#cozyaesthetic #bookstagram #bookcommunity #bookstagrammer #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #bookstaversary #readersofig #booksta #bookblogger #bookishblogger #cozylifestyle #bookshelves #shelfie #readergirl #girlwhoreads #meetthebookstagrammer #facebehindtheaccount #newprofilepic
Would you take the protagonist of your current rea Would you take the protagonist of your current read for a cup of coffee? β˜•οΈ
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There have been quite a few characters I've read about this month who I'd love to sit down and chat with over a hot bev πŸ₯°
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However, from my current reads, I would NOT take anyone from Jade Legacy (because you never know who might end up unaliving), I'd definitely take both Kell and Lila from A Darker Shade of Magic, I'm not entirely sure I'd enjoy coffee with Katniss from The Hunger Games (since she's not the most exciting conversationalist), but I'd absolutely love chatting it up with Alina from Shadow and Bone! πŸ™ŒπŸΌ
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Have you read any of the books I'm currently reading? πŸ“š
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#cozyaesthetic #mybeigelife #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #wintervibes #winter #bookflatlay #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations #bookcharacters #bookboyfriend #bookgirlfriend #bookcharacters #fantasybooks #yafantasybooks #adultfantasybooks
What is a spin-off series that you prefer over the What is a spin-off series that you prefer over the originals? πŸ“š

This past year, I either began or finished a few spin-off series that I found myself enjoying even more than their predecessors πŸ™ˆ The Dreamer Trilogy (the first of which is featured here) BLEW ME AWAY even though I just *sorta-kinda* liked The Raven Cycle 😱 But there I was, sobbing my eyes out at the end of Greywaren 😭 So freaking good! πŸ™ŒπŸΌ

Typically I’m all about the OG series (like Shadow and Bone), but every once in a while, there’s a really great spin-off or continuation that I wind up just loving! 🀩 I’m excited to discover even more this year πŸ—“οΈ

Have you read The Dreamer Trilogy yet? πŸ’­

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#lightacademiaaesthetic #lightacademia #cozyaesthetic #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #cozybookstagram #bookaesthetic #booktography #bookphotography #vintagemood #bookseverywhere #hyggebookstyle #quietshadesofbrown #bookmoments #ofcosymoments #booksandcoffee #coffeeandbooks #fortheloveofreading #bookrecommendations #booksuggestions #booksonbooks #booknookstagram #thedreamertrilogy #calldownthehawk #theravencycle #theravenboys #fantasybooks #spinoffseries
What are some of your favorite stand-alone fantasy What are some of your favorite stand-alone fantasy books? βš”οΈ
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Crazy enough, my very favorite book of all time is a stand-alone fantasy 😱 If you don't listen to a single other book recommendation I have this year, that's fine, but *please* read Into the Heartless Wood by Joanna Ruth Meyer 🌲 It is absolute perfection! 🀌🏼
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Some of my other favorite stand-alone fantasy books:
🌿 THE NATURE OF WITCHES
✨ THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF ADDIE LARUE
πŸ— THE STARLESS SEA (on audiobook)
πŸ’€ THE BONE HOUSES
πŸŒ™ WINTERWOOD
πŸ’” HEARTLESS
πŸ¦‰ WILD IS THE WITCH
πŸ•―οΈ GALLANT
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Have you read any of these books? πŸ“– 
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#cozyaesthetic #mybeigelife #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #wintervibes #winter #bookflatlay #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations #fantasybooks #standalonebooks #standalonefantasy #sffbooks #yafantasybooks #adultfantasybooks

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