The 2026 End of the Year Book Tag

2026 is almost over. Holy cow that went by fast! Like most years, 2026 also involved a lot of working, sleeping, and reading. The only big things I did this year included attending ApollyCon and going to a Simple Plan concert. Otherwise, life was quiet. I think next year might be a bit busier, though. Or at least, I'd like to add a trip or two to it.

We only have a few weeks left, so I thought I’d do the End of the Year Book Tag. I don't remember who created this tag, but I found the questions on Green Tea & Paperbacks blog. So, let’s get this party started!

Are there any books you started this year that you need to finish?

I started the Kings of Lockdown by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti, which is book two in the Kings of Quarantine series. I'd like to complete the entire series by the end of the year, but I just don't think that's going to happen. The books are huge and contemporary bully romance is tough for me to get through when I'm not in the mood. I'm reading it on and off right now. I also need to finish The Drakon King by Terry J. Benton-Walker as it's a NetGalley ARC with a November release date. I'm about 70% through right now.

Do you have an autumnal book to transition into the end of the year?

It's already autumn, so that's probably a no. However, I do think my reread and completion of Kresley Cole's Arcana Chronicles was a great way to get into the autumnal mood. Those books have a fall, moving into winter, vibe.

Is there a new release you’re still waiting for?

Yes, of course! Crowned by Roses by Elizabeth Helen releases October 20. It's the only reason I've kept my Kindle Unlimited subscription, as, once I've finished that, I need to cancel. (I collect the FairyLoot versions of this series, so that's the only reason I don't have a physical copy at release time.) Also, there's the new ACOTAR book that's coming out, but I've mellowed on those books over the past few years. It's just been too long and better things have come out since then. Maybe I'll get back into the mood for it once I've read the new book. I don't want to be spoiled, so I'm still planning to read it right away.

What are three books you want to read before the end of the year?

I'm going to say three different books than the ones I've mentioned in the previous two questions. 

Tempest of Wrath and Vengeance by Melissa K. Roehrich (I finally have my special edition in my hands, but I just haven't picked this thing up yet. Ugh!)
Three Shattered Souls by Mai Corland (It's been almost a full year since I finished book two, so I need to get to this before I forget everything.)
Speak of the Demon by Stacia Stark (I have a special edition and need to decide if I want books 4-6 from the same book box company, so I need to read the first book to decide.)

Is there a book you think could still shock you and become your favorite book of the year?

Oh, gosh. I haven't had major luck with favorite books this year. There are three that I've really, really enjoyed, but there still isn't something that's knocked my socks off. I'm not sure what could at this point. I've heard good things about The Poison Daughter by Sheila Masterson. If I get to that this year, that can be my guess.

Have you already started making reading plans for 2027?

Not really. I kind of go wherever the mood takes me at this point. I'm hoping to not request as many NetGalley ARCs. I'm behind on a couple of e-ARCs and I feel bad about it, but I just don't have the brainpower to force myself to read them right now. I'd like to get caught up on those before asking for too many others. I'd also like to skip more FairyLoot boxes so my TBR doesn't grow as much. I was doing really well with the skips in the first half of the year, but towards the end, I just decided to keep them all. So, I think my reading plans are going to revolve around reading what I own. I have special editions that have sat unread on my shelves for years. I don't like that. (I'm looking at you, The Atlas Six and Daughter of the Moon Goddess.) I need to get those read or off of my shelves.

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Alright, there you have it. My End of the Year Book Tag answers. What would your answers to these questions be? Let me know in the comments below!

My Most Anticipated Releases for the Rest of 2026

I did a full Top 10 Most Anticipated Releases post like six months ago, but things have changed since then. Some of the books I had listed already released, new titles came to my attention, a couple of books had release date changes, and some new books were just announced. I've also already read some of the titles I originally listed, so I've decided to not include those. Sorry, Soul Sworn and Captive Traitor King! But anyway, it's time to share my most anticipated releases for the rest of 2026. Also, none of these are in any particular order except for #1.

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Daughter of the Dark by R.J. Valldeperas

I keep seeing character art of this book, and it's messing with my brain. I always think the book has already released, and I want to go purchase a copy only to realize, 1) it's not out yet, and 2) I've already preordered it via Barnes & Noble. So yeah, I'm excited for this one. I'll also say here that I couldn't fit a couple of titles on this list. Those include Ravenous by Kresley Cole and Bodies of Magic by Freya Marske. I'm anticipating both of those too.

The Emperor's Enemy by Jasmine Mas

I was not looking forward to this book at all after I recently read the Psycho Shifters trilogy by this author and wasn't super impressed with Blood of Hercules. However, I finished Bonds of Hercules a couple of months ago and I really enjoyed it. I'm hoping this book, which starts a new series by the author, is more like Bonds and less like the others.

The Knave and the Moon by Rachel Gillig

The second book in the duology is releasing in September. I got an ARC of book one, so I'm curious if I can be lucky enough to get an early copy of this one as well. Fingers crossed. I'm mostly in it for Bartholomew though. He is the main character. This cover is also very pretty. (Note: I just used the same description I had from earlier this year. ARCs are super limited for this title, so I definitely don't expect to get one.)

Monstrous Serpent by E.V. Olsen

This is another book that's haunting me. I want it to be out so badly. It seems like such an easy book to get me out of a reading slump. It has Rina Kent Legacy of Gods/Vipers vibes, which is just what I want right now. Rina's books aren't hitting like they used to, so I'm hoping this one gives me all the dark feels with the MM characters.

Roguefinder by Amy Pennza

I read two books by Amy Pennza in 2026. One was Dhampira and the other was the first book in this series, Wolfseeker. I liked Wolfseeker at the time, but didn't think much of it. I LOVED Dhampira, though. Well, a couple months later, and Wolfseeker somehow managed to stick in my brain. I now need the sequel. Thankfully, it comes out next month, which is good news for me. I also need to read Pennza's backlog at some point. She has a couple other books I'd like to read.

Earthbound by Saara El-Arifi

This is the third and final book in the Faebound trilogy. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the first two books in the series back when I read them last year. My friends weren't super impressed, but the twist in book one blew my mind. It's probably the only book that's every done that to me on that scale. I was shocked.

Defy the Dusk by Danielle L. Jensen

Danielle L. Jensen's new dystopian romance book wasn't really on my radar beyond knowing that I'd buy it and get to it one day. Lately, though, I've been wanting this book more and more. I think the hype of the dystopian romances in general has managed to rub off on me. I just hope it doesn't impact my enjoyment. The hype can sometimes get to be too much.

Kiss of the Black Flame by Helen Scheurer

Helen Scheuerer continues to share character art and snippets for this book, and it's starting to affect me. I honestly don't know very much about it beyond there being a book involved, but I do know what the MMC looks like for sure. Sexy. Lol.

Bloodgrove by Elisabeth G. Mark

This is a new addition to my 2026 releases, but it's one I'm obsessed with and want right now. It's out in early September, so I don't have to wait long, but it just sounds sooooo freaking good. It's why choose but one of the MMC's is the POV character. I love that! It also has vampires and gods, so I'm sold! 

Crowned by Roses by Elizabeth Helen

The sixth and penultimate book for this series comes out today, when this post goes live, so I'll be reading that on KU. However, Crowned by Roses, the last book, isn't out until October! Ugh. It's so far away but at the same time, it's too soon. I don't know what I'm going to do once there's no more Beasts of the Briar books. It's like when Zodiac Academy ended. That series was so crucial to the enjoyment of my reading in 2021, and Beasts of the Briar was the same for 2025. It made reading fun again. I just hope this book is a satisfying finale.

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Alright, there you have it. My most anticipated 2026 releases for the last half of  the year. What books are you looking forward to? Let me know in the comments.

Series I Binged

I couldn't think of a post for today until I thought about the six-book series I recently read and binged, so I decided to talk about other series I've binged. Not all of them, but just a few that come to mind when I think about my collection.

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The Mediator series by Meg Cabot

One of my favorite series I read as a teen. It was a lot harder to binge-read books 10+ years ago, so my definition of "binge" is a little different for this six-book series. I think I ended up reading the first book and I immediately wanted the next five, but I had to wait until I visited my older sister in the city, as she lived close to a Barnes & Noble where I could actually get copies of the sequels. I definitely don't miss those days. I like my instant-gratification of buying books when I want. Though, I think I only waited a weekend or two to devour the whole series.

The Wicked trilogy by Jennifer L. Armentrout

I actually read the first book in this trilogy and then didn't pick up books two and three for a while. Not because I didn't want to, but because the third book's cover change angered me and I was waiting for matching paperbacks. That hasn't happened. But I ended up devouring the ebooks and they helped get me out of a year-long reading slump. Honestly, this Buffy-type fae storyline is what got me back into reading. Jennifer's writing is pretty good for that.

The Beautiful Monsters series by Jex Lane

This is a newer addition to the list. I read Captive and its sequels back in November, and it was addicting. I compare the series to C.S. Pacat's Captive Prince trilogy mixed with Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark. It's definitely a darker read, so trigger warnings for some series stuff, but the paranormal aspects are fantastic. I'm actually sad there's no info about book four. 

Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

I binge-read the first seven books of the Zodiac Academy series after seeing an enamel pin fanart design that just blew my mind. And boy, did I not regret it. The series starts off on a weak note with all the guys being major jerks, but by book three, you're hooked. The banter, worldbuilding, and relationships are A+. I desperately want these books in physical form, but I'm holding off for my birthday or Christmas or something. I also devoured the Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac series, which is a prequel to this one, fairly quickly as well. I think I read the five of those books in a month, though, versus the week I read seven of the ZA books (the only ones that were out at the time).

The Daevabad series by S.A. Chakraborty

I read book one in this series and then desperately wanted the sequels, but I had to wait for my FairyLoot versions to arrive. Once I got them, I re-read book one and the rest pretty close together for how large and dense the three installments are. With the exception of the main female character, most of the people in this series are morally gray, which in a world of djinn, means for a great read.

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Alright, there you have it. Some series I've binged over the years. Have you binge-read any series lately? Let me know in the comments.

My Top 5 Ships of 2022 - Spoilers Ahead!!!

I'm warning you now, there will be SPOILERS in this post for the following series: Legendborn, Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac, Beautiful Monsters, Zodiac Academy, and From Blood and Ash. So do not continue with this post if you haven't read all of the books in those five series. While I love interacting with my blog followers, I don't want to spoil anyone.

You may be asking why I'm even sharing this post if probably everyone who stops by can't read it. Well, it's mostly for me. I like to look back at all my Top lists and reminisce. So, here they are, just for me. And maybe you if you've read those books. Ha ha.

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Nick, Bree, and Selwyn from Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

Artwork by @jessdraw.s

I have to be honest, I haven't read the second book in this series yet. However, I am rooting for a throuple so hard. Nick is such a nice guy, while Sel is...not. It would be great to see them in a relationship, and I think Bree is a strong, independent character who doesn't have to be with either of them but chooses the disaster boys anyway. But, like I said, I have no idea what is actually going to happen. These characters may or may not end up together, but I'm still going to root for them in fanfiction. Lol.

Leon & His Lionesses from Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti
Artwork from AMillionWorldsDesign

Like a lot of the books on this list, I pretty much binged the entire Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac series. I think I took a short break between two of the books, but still, it wasn't a long break at all. And, while the main female character in this reverse harem has major not-like-other-girls syndrome, there is one guy in this harem that has me rolling. Leon, the Nemean lion (basically a lion shifter), is hilarious! And his "lionesses" all together make me laugh so hard. I'm excited that the authors are planning to release a novella from their POVs for the events of Zodiac Academy, especially Leon.

Matthew & Tarrick from Beautiful Monsters by Jex Lane

I devoured the first three books in the Beautiful Monsters series, and I'm desperately waiting for book four. But the reason I love it so much is the Matthew and Tarrick relationship. It's so twisted and strange, and I both want them to be with each other but at the same time fight it out cage-match style. They have so much tension. I mean an incubus and a half-incubus/half-vampire?! That's crazy. 

Seth & Caleb from Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti
Artwork and photo from Thenubivagantcabinet

Another major spoiler for another series. I warned you. I was spoiled for this couple (which isn't even 100% confirmed yet) from an enamel pin set by Prettygalpins. However, the pin design is what made me want to read the books. And I'm glad I did. Not only do I love almost everything about Zodiac Academy, I ship this couple so hard that I've reread many of their scenes. I haven't done that for any other couple in the series, just this one. I also need to buy this print. It's very pretty, and probably the best one of this couple I've seen for sale anywhere.

The Joining Crew from From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Artwork by Dominique Wesson

I mean, how could this not be number one? It involves my favorite character, Kieran Contou, and my other favorite characters, Poppy and Hawke. They are just such a delight together. I recently reread The War of Two Queens, and it reminded me how much I adore all of them for different reasons. Even when Hawke made me mad in the third book, I still loved him. Kieran is the steady personality I feel like everyone needs in their life, Poppy is the stabby friend you want to have your back, and Hawke is the hot guy you drool after. I LOVE THEM! And I can't wait to see what happens to the three of them in the next book. Which sadly is an entire year away. 😭

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Alright, there you have it. My favorite ships of 2022. What were your favorite ships of the year? Let me know in the comments section.

My 10 Most Anticipated Releases by New Authors

There are A LOT of 2023 book releases I'm looking forward to, and my top 10 changes each day based on what genre I'm in the mood to read. Since I noticed a lot of my most anticipated books are sequels, I decided to make three separate posts for my anticipated releases (similar to what I did last year). Today's post is the list of books by authors I've never read before that I'm most looking forward to. I'm sure others will be added once the year goes on and I hear about new stuff coming out, but this is what I have right now. I've already posted my most anticipated sequels as well as my ten most anticipated new releases/series starters by authors I'm familiar with.

For your reading pleasure, here are my ten most anticipated 2023 releases by new-to-me authors. Oh, and unlike my 2023 sequel list, I couldn't think of a list of honorable mentions to add here. I have a few others I could've added, but these are the big ones.

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Sun of Blood and Ruin by Mariely Lares (September)

This is a Zorro retelling! Do you know how many times I watched Antonio Banderas flipping around swinging one of those thin swords with Catherine Zeta-Jones looking all gorgeous and telling men off? Many, many times. My childhood was filled with them. I even watched the old TV show a bit as a kid when the reruns were on in the early, early mornings. In addition to the Zorro retelling, this story also has magic and mythology! So yeah, I'm all in!

Dragonfall by L.R. Lam (May 2)

Dragons worshiped as gods? Heck yes! A shape-shifting dragon boy? Again, heck yes! My only hesitancy surrounding this book is that the main female character is a thief. For some reason, I'm kind of tired of the thief trope. It's been done. A lot. However, I think I can get over it since there are dragons involved. They'll definitely distract me. Hee hee.

Gwen & Art Are Not In Love by Lex Croucher (November 28)

I'm getting Merlin vibes from this one. I used to love that show, and I definitely think I'll get some of the same feelings when I read this book. It just looks like a fun, quick, cozy fantasy read. A queer King Arthur retelling is exactly what I think I'll need as a palate cleanser between some of those denser fantasy novels. Plus, I already have a NetGalley ARC of this one, so yay!

The Jasad Heir by Sara Hashem (July 18)

The cover for this book is gorgeous! It sounds like it has some secret royalty, magic hunting, hidden magic, and some gladiator-type fights. With a nice dosing of enemies-to-lovers. I'm totally ready for it. Plus, I think this book might be getting a special edition in one of the book boxes. I'm hoping it's FairyLoot. I love it when books I'm anticipating end up being in my subscription boxes.

A Door in the Dark by Scott Reintgen (March 28)

I actually only found out about this book a couple of days ago, or maybe a week or so by now. But it hasn't been very long. And it just kind of snuck up on me when I realized it sounded pretty good. Six teen wizards trapped together sounds like a very entertaining read. And look at that cover! It's beautiful!

Blood & Steel by Helen Scheuerer (2023)

The synopsis for this has me thinking it'll be a fantasy version of Divergent, which I am totally here for. I like me a good Disney-Mulan-and-Shang type of romance where the seasoned warrior falls in love with the new novice soldier. I think the comparisons to The Witcher, FBAA, and The Bridge Kingdom don't hurt either, though it could be a huge letdown if the story can't live up to its comparisons.

The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon (October)

A soldier with light powers and a prince with shadow powers put together in an arranged marriage? I dig it. Honestly, this book sounds a little bit like a Darklina fanfiction, so I hope it doesn't go in that direction. I want something that's going to give me all the angst. I do love magical powers and a good enemies-to-lovers story. I am surprised it doesn't have a cover yet, though. It's releasing in October.

Seven Faceless Saints by M.K. Lobb (February 7)

I've been following this author on Instagram, so I keep seeing aesthetic reels and things for this book that make me extremely hyped about it. FairyLoot also released a reel that has me excited as well. It has an FBAA vibe from what I can tell, with a cinnamon roll love interest and a badass female main character. Love it!

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros (May 2)

Another dragon book! And this one was blurbed by JLA! Actually this is the second dragon rider book I'm looking forward to in 2023. Taran Matharu has one releasing too. That's totally gonna make my 2023 an awesome year! I love dragon-riding stories, from Game of Thrones to How to Train Your Dragon to Eragon, I've pretty much watched or read as many of them as I can. Although, there are quite a few books still left that I should get my hands on.

Bloodguard by Cecy Robson (June 6)

I do not know a lot about this book, to be completely honest. And sadly, Red Tower Books hasn't given a full description, even though it comes out this year. However, I've found myself drawn to this book. The cover reminds me of Red Queen, and the idea that it's a gender-flipped gladiator story has me super intrigued. I've already preordered it, but I think I might also request it on NetGalley as well.

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Alright, there you have it. My most anticipated 2023 books by new-to-me authors. What 2023 books are you looking forward to? Let me know in the comments section.