Getting in the Holiday Spirit | 12 Days of Books Tag

Tuesday, December 07, 2021

I know it’s been very quiet on my blog for most of the year. However, that is all about to change! Now that I have finished my graduate program, I am back and just in time to get into the holiday spirit with a lovely book tag. I’ve decided to focus on all the amazing books I read this year in 2021, so I could always return to the tag next year if I would like. This book tag was created by Ashley at the Falling Down the Book Hole.


ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME: A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE.

The partridge stood alone in the pear tree. What is your favorite standalone of the year?


This one was getting so much buzz when it first released. I am not one to pick up hyped books (until the hype has considerably died down), but it was the shortest book on my tbr pile so I decided to bring it on a trip with me. House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland surprised me in all the right ways; it was intriguing, mysterious, and atmospheric. The book was an unexpected favorite!

ON THE SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME: TWO TURTLE DOVES.

Love is in the air! Who is your one true pairing?


I usually read much more than I completed this year. Currently, I have around 80 books read and I couldn’t pick any OTP I felt incredibly passionate about. However, there’s something about Liv, the main character’s perspective on the gorgeous sunsets of Greece, that emphasized true love. Love & Olives by Jenna Evans Welch is the third book in the Love & Gelato series that each follows a character traveling abroad and falling in love. 

ON THE THIRD DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME: THREE FRENCH HENS.

In the spirit of threes, what is the best trilogy you have read?


Looking back at all the books I read this year, I only finished a few trilogies. One being, the Dimple Met Rishi trilogy by Sandhya Menon, which was fantastic from beginning to end. Menon just has a talent for making authentic and fresh contemporary characters come to life.

ON THE FOURTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME: FOUR CALLING BIRDS.

Since series usually consist of four or more books, what is your favorite series of 2021?


I would love to say Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan, but I’ve only read the first book in the series so I can’t deem it a favorite series until I finish at least one more book. This year, I made my way through the Experiment in Terror series, starting with Darkhouse by Karina Halle, and it was such an unexpected fun time. The series follows Perry as she hunts ghosts with Dex for their Youtube channel. 

ON THE FIFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME: FIVE GOLDEN RINGS.

One ring to rule them all! Who is your Favorite Villain/Antagonist?


While I couldn’t quite get into the story, I still enjoyed how the devil was portrayed in The Devil Makes Three by Tori Bovalino. Though, I am looking forward to reading more from Bovalino in the future.

ON THE SIXTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME: SIX GEESE A LAYING.

Creation is a beautiful thing. What is your favorite world/world-building?


This is another book that I also couldn’t get into. However, the world building was absolutely fantastic. The Perfect Place to Die by Bryce Moore primarily takes place in a hotel with hidden passageways and secrets around every corner, based on a real-life mystery. The world building truly came to life.

ON THE SEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME: SEVEN SWANS A SWIMMING.

Who needs seven swans when all it takes is one good animal sidekick? Who’s your favorite animal sidekick?


I don’t read a lot of books that include animal sidekicks. However, if I had to pick an animal sidekick for myself, I would love a friendly dragon to join me. The only book I read this year that could fit with this prompt was Together Apart, a romantic anthology of stories that discuss the pandemic. Many of the stories include animal sidekicks, specifically dogs and cats, that help their owners get to know their neighbors. Some of the animals are even featured on the cover!

ON THE EIGHTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME: EIGHT MAIDS A MILKING.

Milk is so 18th century. Which book or series takes beverages/food to a whole new level?


I adore reading books about food competitions or bakeries being saved or chefs working towards those Michelin stars. However, I didn’t read a single one of those books this year. However, I was obsessed with the description of the taco stand in I’ll Be the One by Lyla Lee. When I was reading Skye, the protagonist, persuaded me to eat some tacos. Best decision ever.

ON THE NINTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME: NINE LADIES DANCING.

Dancing is just one skill of a Lady! Who is your favorite female lead?


I do not know why I haven’t heard many people mention Within these Wicked Walls by Lauren Blackwood, because this was such an amazing book! Andromeda, an awesome female lead, is hired as an exorcist to cleanse the house of the Evil Eye.

ON THE TENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME: TEN LORDS A LEAPING.

How about your favorite leading lad?


While I read The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta for class, I still found it incredibly inspiring and riveting. Told entirely in verse, the story narrates Michael’s journey of self-acceptance. It was gorgeous and awe-inspiring!

ON THE ELEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME: ELEVEN PIPES PIPING.

What is your favorite book or bookish thing with musical influence?


I had some difficulty picking out a book for this prompt as I don’t think I read many books with a musical focus. However, Somewhere Only We Know by Maurene Goo follows a K-pop star navigating the waters and following her dreams. The book, while a romance, did steer in an unexpected direction which I loved.

ON THE TWELFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME: 12 DRUMMERS DRUMMING.

Drum roll please…what is your favorite read of this year?


This year has been such a horrible reading year for me. And not just in quantity but quality as well. My average rating is the lowest it’s been in five years and I’m hoping I can turn it around next year. Until then, the best book I read all year easily goes to We Can’t Keep Meeting like This by Rachel Lynn Solomon. With phenomenal writing, laugh out loud moments, and all the feels, this book is a superb read that you'll want to return to again and again.

Happy holidays!

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