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January 2022 Book Blogger Round Up


Book Blogger Posts Round Up

A collection of blog posts by book bloggers


This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning, I get a commission if you purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Read the full disclosure here.

Looking for new bookish content to read? Want to discover some new book bloggers to follow?  Look no further!

I introduced this new feature here on the blog in May 2021 to showcase blog posts by other book bloggers. I'll be linking up a variety of blog posts so hopefully there will be something to suit all tastes.

The following posts were submitted for inclusion in this round up via my Twitter, where I asked for posts. I'll be continuing to do this every month.

Why?

Because I like reading blog posts by other book bloggers and thought you might too. Finding the time to scan through various social media feeds to find suitable content can take up valuable time though and so I figured I'd make it easier and put together a collection here on the blog.

My plan is to include a wide variety of content so there's something for everyone. You'll find book reviews, interviews, discussion pieces and more...

Want to be included in future round ups? Follow my Twitter profile and keep an eye out for the submission tweet.


January 2022 Book Blogger Round Up


@alitescape did a book review of A Land of Never After by R.L. Davennor. "... this tale is perfect for those who chase retellings, adore bloodthirsty curses, and get weak in the knees for pirates."

@ReadingLadiesBC joined in the Top 5 Tuesday meme sharing her Top 5 Bookish Resolutions.

@bitchbookshelf shared her Ultimate Guide to Book Blogging packed with some great tips for book bloggers.


You might also like: The Ultimate Guide for Book Bloggers


@GripLitGrl shared her review of Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez "The representation of the culture and history of Puerto Rico is executed in a gripping story of about a family spanning through generations living in New York facing gentrification, racism, drug use, loss, family secrets,  plotitics, relationships,  hurricane Maria, ETC"

@cats_herding shared her review of Demon by Matt Wesolowski "Another mind-blowingly, devastating Six Stories and made all the more devastating by the possibility it’s the last one (I really hope not). I cannot recommend Demon and this series enough."

@Mehsi_Hime reviewed What Lives in the Woods by Lindsay Currie "Scary, fast-paced, WOW. This is one book I couldn’t stop reading".

@ChocolateLady57 reviewed No Land to Light On by Yara Zgheib. "I swear, if you could turn emotions into a liquid, and poured it out on paper, this is what would be the result!"

@sperchikoff reviewed When You Get the Chance by Emma Lord. "If you liked any of Emma Lord’s other books or are a fan of YA contemporary/romance, this is definitely a book you want to check out!"

What bookish blog posts did you enjoy reading in January? Have a favourite book you read in January that you want to share?


In case you missed it, don't forget to check out the December Round Up for even more great bookish posts by different book bloggers. 


January 2022 Book Blogger Round Up



You might also like: My 2022 Reading Challenges


Are you a book blogger? Check out 101 Blog Post Ideas For Book Bloggers


              

2021 Challenges: December Update


2021 Challenges: December Update

This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning, I get a commission if you purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Read the full disclosure here.


We got COVID for Christmas, which is why it's taken me this long to post this update.

Both my kids are still positive and I have bronchitis caused by long-COVID and am currently doing another round of antibiotics and various other medicines. Not the best end to 2021 or the best start to the new year. It is what it is though and so just need to be patient and feel grateful it's not worse.

Before all that hit though, December was a productive month. I completed more of my reading challenges and did a lot of reading over all.

I'm also happy with how my blog and social media challenges went for 2021.

The Blog Audit Challenge 2021



The December Challenges were focused on looking at our results. 

I am amazed at the growth I've seen on my blog during 2021. Traffic has gone crazy! 

I started the year (1/1/2021) with 13,299 page views for the month. During this year I have repeatedly set new personal bests for traffic to the site. Currently my PB is 47,138 in the one month. As you can see, that's quite a good increase. I'm thrilled with the results.

There's still a lot of work to do to improve my site and although I'm not planning on doing the Blog Audit Challenge for 2022 I will be continuing to update older blog posts.

Posting consistently has been a major factor, as has improving the general SEO of the blog posts. Pinterest and Twitter continue to bring in the most traffic.

The Social Media Audit Challenge


For this challenge I'm concentrating on social media. The December focus was again on looking at the progress made over the course of the challenge. 

This challenge was interesting as it really made me think more about what social media sites I use and how I use them.

I did see a general increase in followers/subscribers on all my profiles through out the year.

I definitely want to invest more time into my Youtube channel, Twitter, and Pinterest as these are the ones that get the best results.

I'll be thinking a lot about the ways I can better leverage my social media based on my findings from this years audit challenge. 


You might also like: 101 Blog Post Ideas For Book Bloggers


The Clock Reading Challenge

I created the Clock Reading Challenge as I thought it would be fun and not too difficult to complete. 

I did it! I completed the challenge!

12 books in 12 months to form a clock face. 

I love the variety of the books I read. Some of my favourite books read in 2021 are on this clock. 

I'm doing the Clock Reading Challenge again in 2022.


The Clock Reading Challenge 2021



Books read this month:


12-  Twelve Days to Save Christmas by Elizabeth Neep - Amazon - Goodreads


Net Galley TBR Reading Challenge

 
As I completed the A to Z Reading Challenge in November, I decided to add this additional challenge for the last months of the year. 

Whilst I didn't get through all the books on my TBR, I did improve my feedback ratio and get it to 82%.

I'm doing the Net Galley TBR Reading challenge again for 2022. 


Net Galley TBR Reading Challenge 2021


Books read this month:


Twelve Days to Save Christmas by Elizabeth Neep - My review - Amazon - Goodreads

Everyday in December by Kitty Wilson - My review - Amazon - Goodreads 

So You Want To Build A Library by Lindsay Leslie - My review - Amazon - Goodreads


Other books read this month:

Decluttering Your Home in A Year or Less by Kai M. Jordan - My review - Amazon - Goodreads

The Mice Before Christmas by Anne L. Watson - My review - Amazon - Goodreads

Declutter Workbook by Luigi Harbin - My review - Amazon - Goodreads

The Most Awesome Money Book Ever by Melaine Bajrovic - My review - Amazon - Goodreads

Leveling Up by J. Hopkin - My review - Amazon - Goodreads

The Art of Optimism by Jim Stovall - My review - Amazon - Goodreads



You might also like: Exploring Audiobooks: Where To Find Free Audiobooks



2021 Challenges: December Update



How did you do with your December Challenges? Did you take part in the Blog Audit Challenge or the Social Media Audit Challenge in 2021? Have you read any of these books? Join the conversation in the comments section. 

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Book Review XOXO by Deborah Bladon


My thoughts about XOXO by Deborah Bladon


This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning, I get a commission if you purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Read the full disclosure here.




The book synopsis for XOXO by Deborah Bladon


XOXO by Deborah Bladon

This is how the worst Friday of my life started…


Subject: The Dick


Hey Sinclair,

Mr. Calvetti is as ornery as ever today.

He scolded me for taking a message from a woman who asked me to pass along this to him – “your lips are the purest form of pleasure this side of the Mississippi!”

She may not be a poet, but she is obviously head over heels for him, so I thought I’d play cupid and give him the message.

Dominick (The Dick) Calvetti told me once again to ignore all messages women leave for him.

He’s a cruel bastard with a gorgeous face and rock hard abs. I imagine he has those. He’s 6’3” and works out every morning. He has to be built under those suits, right? I know that the nickname I gave him is based on his attitude, but I sometimes wonder if it “fits” in other ways if you know what I mean. Even if it does, I still loathe him. He’s the worst boss on both sides of the Mississippi.

I attached a picture of the lingerie I bought for my date tonight. I snapped a selfie in the mirror this morning since you were still asleep.

Let me know what you think, roomie.

Arietta xoxo

P.S. Tomorrow we’re getting you a new phone. I miss texting. Emailing is for old people like The Dick.


Subject: Re: The Dick


Miss Voss,

Thank you for your email.

I hardly think 34 is considered old, and for the record, I’m 6’4”.

Details matter. Sending emails to the intended recipient matters more, especially when you include a sensitive image exposing so much of your body.

Also, cancel your date, as you will now be working late tonight.

And report to my office. Immediately.

Signed,
THE DICK

“XOXO”

You might also like:  Book Review: 10 Dates by Emily James



Discussing XOXO by Deborah Bladon



Quotes from XOXO by Deborah Bladon


“It’s chocolate, Arietta.” She takes a bite of the piece in her hand. “It’s good, but even bad sex is better than this.” I disagree. I’ve never had sex that has been as satisfying as this chocolate.

Her brows perk. “Playing hard to get is how I landed my husband.” I’m not playing. I may be hard to get, but that’s because I’m worth the wait.

Jesus, I feel like I’ve stumbled into a time machine and shot back to high school when my dick directed everything.

This woman is not Arietta, and if I can’t have her, I don’t want anyone else.

“That is special. First dates can lead to lifetimes together.”

I didn’t wear my pretty pink lace bra and panty set for Lowell yesterday. He won’t see it tonight. I have it on because I like knowing that under my clothing, hidden from everyone’s view, I’m wearing something that makes me feel beautiful in my own special way.

Arietta raises her hands in the air and uses sign language to communicate with my father: I got the postcard you sent, and you got a tan. How was the trip?

“You’re more beautiful and kind and everything than you realize. Dominick sees that. He came here dressed like a GQ model because he wants you. He took you to dinner because he’s falling for you. He told you to call him Dominick because he needs you, and he was alone when you emailed him last night because no one is you but you, Arietta.”

“No one can guarantee you another minute. Why waste even one when you can be with the woman you love?”


Where to find XOXO by Deborah Bladon online:


 Amazon affiliate link

Goodreads


Book Review XOXO by Deborah Bladon




You might also like: The Ultimate Guide for Book Bloggers


Are you a book blogger? Check out 101 Blog Post Ideas For Book Bloggers

 

Reading Resolutions 2022


My Reading Resolutions 2022

My Plan for Better Reading This Year


As it's the start of a new year it's always a good time to think about how to improve. That goes for my reading habits too.

I've decided that this year I'm going to set myself some reading resolutions in the hopes that they help guide me to a more productive year.

Net Galley Ban

The struggle is real when it comes to Net Galley. It's super easy to get click happy and end up spiraling your TBR out of control.

Although I did the Net Galley TBR Reading Challenge at the end of 2021, which helped improve my ratio (currently 82%), my big goal is to get my TBR list down to zero. In fact, I'm doing the Net Galley TBR Reading Challenge again this year.

My resolution is to not request or add any new books to my TBR until I've cleared the whole of the backlog on there currently. 

Should I manage to be successful in keeping my resolution and in clearing my TBR list there 🤞 I'll be adding a second resolution to not have more than 3 books on my Net Galley TBR list at anyone time.


You might also like: Best Reads of 2021


Daily Reading

Life has a habit of getting hectic and I can end up with weeks where I manage to get very little reading done. I'm hoping to make sure I make more steady progress with my reading by setting the resolution to read for at least 1 hour a day, every day. 

The hour doesn't need to be in the one block as that's sometimes just not possible. It therefore can be spread out throughout the day. Ten minutes here, thirty minutes there... who knows I might end up reading for more than an hour a day. One can hope.


Try New Genres

Thanks to the reading challenges I do I've ended up reading some books that I might not (almost definitely wouldn't have) picked up otherwise. 

As some of these books have turned out to be awesome reads I've decided I want to keep pushing my comfort zone and trying out more books that aren't in my usual genres. Don't get me wrong, I will of course still be loyal to my thriller and romance genres. I just want to add a few "different" reads into my year for more variety.


You might also like: 101 Blog Post Ideas For Book Bloggers


Reading Resolutions 2022


What reading resolutions have you set yourself for this year? What are your plans for a fuller, more productive reading year?


        

Book Review: You'll Be The Death of Me by Karen M. McManus

My thoughts about You'll Be The Death of Me by Karen M. McManus


This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning, I get a commission if you purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Read the full disclosure here.

Disclosure: I got sent a free copy of this book by the Publisher via Net Galley.




The book synopsis for You'll Be The Death of Me by Karen M. McManus 


Book Review: You'll Be The Death of Me by Karen M. McManus

From the international bestselling author of 
One of Us Is Lying comes a brand-new addictive thriller.

Ivy, Mateo and Cal used to be close - best friends back in middle school.

Now all they have in common is a bad day. So for old time's sake they skip school together - one last time.

But when the trio spot Brian 'Boney' Mahoney ditching class too, they follow him - right into a murder scene.

They all have a connection to the victim. And they're ALL hiding something.

When their day of freedom turns deadly, it's only a matter of time before the truth comes out . . .

It's Ferris Bueller's Day Off with murder, perfect for fans of One Of Us Is Lying and A Good Girl's Guide To Murder. This explosive new thriller is impossible to put down.


You might also like:  Book Reviewers: Book Bloggers Who Review Non Fiction



Jo Linsdell 5 Star Award


Discussing You'll Be The Death of Me by Karen M. McManus





Where to find You'll Be The Death of Me by Karen M. McManus online:


 Amazon affiliate link

Goodreads


Book Review You'll Be The Death of Me by Karen M. McManus




You might also like: The Ultimate Guide for Book Bloggers


Are you a book blogger? Check out 101 Blog Post Ideas For Book Bloggers

My 2022 Reading Challenges

 

My 2022 Reading Challenges

Challenges to help motivate my reading in 2022


I love a good challenge and reading challenges are no different. Every year I pick a few to join in with. 

Last year I did the Clock Reading Challenge, the A to Z Reading Challenge and the Net Galley TBR Reading Challenge.


This is what I've chosen for 2022:

The Clock Reading Challenge


This is a reading challenge that I created last year. It was so much fun I'm doing it again this year. 

You can find full details about this years Clock Reading Challenge here.

12 books in 12 months to make up a clock-face. This is last years final clock:


The Clock Reading Challenge


I love how different these books all were from each other. Looking forward to discovering more new reads during this years challenge.

It's going to be fun seeing this year's clock come together.


The Clock Reading Challenge 2022



Net Galley TBR Reading Challenge


I added this challenge to my list as an additional challenge towards the end of last year as I'd completed to A to Z Reading Challenge and wanted something to help motivate me to get my Net Galley TBR back under control.

I did manage to tick a few books off my list but I've still got too many on there that I need to get through. My goal is to get my Net Galley TBR down to 0. 

These are the books still on my list that I plan to get through this year:


Net Galley TBR Reading Challenge



I will not be adding any more new books to my Net Galley TBR until I have finished all of these.


My 2022 Reading Challenges


What reading challenges are you doing this year? What books are you particularly looking forward to reading?

You might also like: Best Reads of 2021

            

Blog Audit Challenge 2021: December Link Up #BlogAuditChallenge2021



Blog Audit Challenge 2021

As I mentioned in the sign up post for this challenge, I'll be hosting monthly link ups in order to keep us all on track, and give us a way to see each others progress. On the first Saturday of every month participants can share their links and discuss their progress. 

#BlogAuditChallenge2021

December Link Up

Welcome back for the last link up of the Blog Audit Challenge 2021.

How did you do with the December challenges? How did your blog improve over the last year? What was the hardest part of the challenge? What are your thoughts about the Blog Audit Challenge? 

Create a blog post sharing your progress and link it up below so we can all visit and support each other in our mission for blog awesomeness. 


You might also like: 101 Blog Post Ideas For Book Bloggers


Blog Audit Challenge 2021 December Link Up #BlogAuditChallenge2021



You might also like: The Social Media Audit Challenge 2021


Don't forget to promote your participation in the Blog Audit Challenge 2021 by using the following graphic in any blog posts you do connected with the challenge along with a link back to this site. 


I'm taking part in the Blog Audit Challenge 2021


Don't forget to drop by the other links to show your support. 

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