Hi! It’s that time of year when we all look back on the books we’ve read and evaluate our favorite’s least favorite’s, etc. I’ve done this book tag for the last couple of years and it’s always fun to write and remind myself, yes, I did read all of those books. With all that’s happened in the world this year I’ll admit that my concentration and ability to read quickly has deserted me and I’m only 46% to my goal of 180 books, and I lowered my goal at the beginning of the year by 20 books to give myself time to read. I’m not going to stress about it and just keep on reading what draws my eye and mind to try to escape from the all of the stresses.

Here are my answers to the Mid Year Book Freak Out book tag.

Best Book You’ve Read So Far in 2020

There were a few books that I’ve really liked this year but Emily Henry’s Beach Read was my favorite. You know when you have that perfect storm of being in the right mood, having the quiet time to read and not be rushed, and loving all of the emotions the characters make you feel? This book was that for me.

Click this link for my review: Beach Read

Click this link to purchase!* Beach Read

Best Sequel of 2020 So Far

I think the definition of a sequel is the second book in a two book series, right? Well, I’m stretching that definition to be any book after the first, in a series. Why Kings Confess is the 9th book in the Sebastian St. Cyr historical mystery series. Each book finds Sebastian solving a murder and those are great, but the way this author evolves these characters keeps me coming back for more, and that’s saying something when I’m listening to the audiobooks. Davina Porter is the narrator, and she’s fabulous, but they are like 14 hours each! This is my favorite so far because of the love that has developed between Sebastian and his wife Hero. His words to her? Sigh….

Click this link to read my review: Why Kings Confess

Click this link to purchase!* Why Kings Confess (Sebastian St. Cyr Mystery Book 9)

New Release You Haven’t Read Yet But Want To

I eagerly bought this book and it has sat on my coffee table since March. Why? I don’t know! I love this series about Veronica and Stoker, the mysteries they solve, and their developing love and friendship for each other. I need to read it stat!

Click this link to purchase! A Murderous Relation (A Veronica Speedwell Mystery)

Most Anticipated Release of the Second Half of 2020

Well, anything by Ilona Andrews would be in this category for me and Emerald Blaze in the Hidden Legacy Series is next up!

Pre-order your copy here! Emerald Blaze: A Hidden Legacy Novel

Biggest Disappointment

I had heard so many great things about this author and was so, so disappointed that this was my first peek at her work. I really disliked it. I hate to remember how much, actually.

Biggest Surprise

A straight fiction novel is such a big departure for me. Especially lately when I only try to read books I know will have a happy ending. The Big Finish had characters with great heart and I shed a boatload of tears, but I also smiled a lot too.

Click here to read my review- The Big Finish

Click this link to purchase this novel!* The Big Finish

Favorite New Author (Debut or New to You)

When I submitted a request to read Blitzed by Alexa Martin I did it not knowing it was the third book in the series so I checked out Intercepted and Fumbled and read those, then Blitzed, all in one weekend. They were funny, irreverent, and sexy. Just what I needed to read that weekend. I LOVE this author and will snap up her next one as soon as it gets released!

Check out her bio on Penguin’s website and click HERE

Click this link to purchase the first book in this series. Intercepted (Playbook, The)

Newest Fictional Crush

I really don’t do fictional crushes so this one was difficult for me. You see, for me, it’s all about the fictional couple and their story. How they find each other and fall in love. BUT, if I had to pick one for this year, it would be Gus Everett. Although, I LOVED him with January.

Newest Favorite Characters

This book takes place in a small town in Alaska and centers around Zoey and Graham, BUT the cast of characters also shone and I can’t wait to read their stories as well! If you haven’t read this one and you need a pick me up, pick IT up!

Read my review by clicking this link- The Tourist Attraction

Click this link to purchase!* The Tourist Attraction (Moose Springs, Alaska)

Book That Made You Cry

Pretty much all books have made me cry this year but Her Last Flight was the most recent book to do that. It was fabulous.

Read my review here- Her Last Flight

Click this link to purchase this book!* Her Last Flight: A Novel

Book That Made You Happy

I was so happy to be back in the Hollows with Rachel, Ivy, Trent, and everyone! This series had been finished and years later she puts out another. It was soooo good!

Click this link to read my review- American Demon

Click this link to purchase this book!* American Demon (Hollows)

The Most Beautiful Book Cover You Bought or Received

It really is pretty, isn’t it?

What Books Do You Need to Read by the End of This Year

Too, too many to mention all but here are a few.

If you read all the way down to this point, thanks! Feel free to mention any books that are on your must read for 2020. I always like to keep an eye out for good books!

Deb