I loved The Bridge Kingdom

December 6, 2021December 5, 2021 living in librosLeave a comment

Hey Readers! I’m sorry for disappearing without notice but I elected to spend my November revisiting my favorite novels and writing my fantasy story. My mind was feeling a bit stormy and this reset was much needed. But my mind has calmed and posts should resume to normal. Please enjoy this review of Bridge Kingdom

Everyone knows I love a story with enemies to lovers but what is a little bit less known is that I adore a story with Enemies to lovers combined with an arranged marriage. So when I discovered Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L Jensen, I knew I hit the jackpot.

If you loved Incendiary, buckle up for Illusionary

November 1, 2021October 28, 2021 living in libros1 Comment

Illusionary is full of fanfic tropes: fake marriage, bed sharing, enemies to friends to lovers, childhood friends, iconic besties, and pirates. I loved Incendiary but I wasn’t prepared to love Illusionary even more.

I went to Freeform’s halloween road and I wasn’t feeling it.

October 31, 2021October 28, 2021 living in librosLeave a comment

Every year Freeform throws a Halloween bash in Los Angeles for spooky lovers. I’ve previously attended their 2019 event, and I loved it. I could not wait to attend their next one. And I managed to snag tickets for this year!

Here’s how it went.

I am in love with Zoraida Córdova’s Incendiary!

October 25, 2021October 27, 2021 living in libros1 Comment

Zoraida Córdova’s Incendiary holds a special place in my heart because she personally wanted to send advanced reader’s copies of this book to Latinx readers and reviewers. The catch, Córdova had one copy, so the chosen readers would have to take turns sharing. Ultimately, I was not chosen, but Zoriada did write me a letter thanking me for signing up and sent me a bookplate. Which was very nice of her!

Years later, I finally sat down to read this book, and I felt a little disappointed there was not an instant connection.

And then I got to the part where Ren witnesses Dez’s decapitation, and she turns into a ball of anger and revenge. Apparently, I just needed a bit of violence to appreciate the story

My Fall favorites 2021

October 21, 2021October 15, 2021 living in librosLeave a comment

My Fall season must haves

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year, and now that it’s officially here on my side of the world, that means I get to be extra and thrive on the seasonal activities. So for today’s posts, I wanted to share my fall must-haves for this year. If you want to check out my previous fall recommendations, you can do so here.

A Dark and Hollow Star is FULL of Hotties

October 18, 2021October 25, 2021 living in libros1 Comment

Do you ever see a book cover and think “whoa, that’s hot.”

That’s the precise reaction I had when I saw the cover of A Dark and Hollow Star.

A Dark and Hollow Star is Ashley Shuttleworth’s debut novel and it’s a queer fantasy with elements of a murder mystery.

Run with wolves in Lobizona by Romina Garber!

October 11, 2021 living in libros1 Comment

Lobizona a young adult fantasy novel by Romina Garber promises a story about a young Argentine discovering the truth of her heritage, but this novel is way more than that! Nothing in the blurb of Lobizona prepares readers for the rich and imaginative world that they’ll step into.

My favorite quotes from my current Reads

October 4, 2021October 4, 2021 living in libros1 Comment

We are now in the second half of Latinx heritage month, and I’ve finished one book on tbr. I may have gotten sidetracked by reading the Venatrix Chronicles (review to come), which has lots of action and adventure that I abandoned my current reads.

Blazewrath Games was amazing and immediately after I picked up Incendiary but the novel wasn’t as fast paced as I liked so I then picked up Lobizona which was more my speed. As I’m slowly making my way through both novels I’ve decided to share some of my favorite quotes from both.

Books to read this spooky season

September 27, 2021September 27, 2021 living in libros1 Comment

Fall is officially here! And I know what you’re thinking- Umm, don’t you live in Southern California? Isn’t your fall nonexistent?

And you would be right.

In my part of the world, there’s not an abundance of leaves changing color or the need to bundle up. But that won’t stop me from getting into the seasonal spirit. And one way I do that is by reading some paranormal fiction!

So here is a list of books I would like to read during spooky season and for the rest of fall.

You need to read Blazewrath Games by Amparo Ortiz

September 20, 2021September 21, 2021 living in libros3 Comments

Blazewrath Games released last year (2020) and is author’s Amparo’s Ortiz debut. This novel is perfect for fans of fantasy, magic, chaotic besties, and most importantly-dragons!

This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and complete a purchase I receive a commission.

Latinx heritage Month Reads 2021

September 15, 2021September 21, 2021 living in libros7 Comments

Leaves are falling, sunflowers are blooming, and the smell of pumpkin spice is in the air. Fall brings delicious snacks and the excuse to watch Over the Garden Wall.

But before Fall is officially on the calendar, there’s a special month-long celebration known as Latinx heritage month. Like many book bloggers, I’m going to dedicate this month to reading books by latinx/latine authors.

However, as we are on the eve of spooky season, I will also slip in some paranormal literature novels too.

Curious about the origins of Hispanic heritage month and why I emphasize this an Latinx celebration? Check out the page on the U.S government’s website.

*This post contains affiliate links. I receive a commission if you complete a purchase through one of my links.

The Raven and the Dove is darker than you may think

September 13, 2021August 27, 2021 living in libros2 Comments

Deadass this story went from a sweet YA fantasy to gore and heartbreak in the last arc. What the hell. I have no words.

The Sound of Stars needs a sequel

September 6, 2021August 27, 2021 living in libros1 Comment

Dystopia? Secret Librarian? Alien boyfriend? Say less?

A Sound of Stars is a dystopian YA novel with a demisexual black protagonist who has no choice but to be her own hero.

Why I stopped reading Vampire Academy

September 3, 2021August 17, 2021 living in libros1 Comment

Remember my previous reviews of Vampire academy where I confessed I could not finish the series? Well here’s my last review for the series.

The chaos twins are back-Rosemary and Christian team up again in Shadow Kiss

August 30, 2021August 17, 2021 living in librosLeave a comment

If you have been following my Vampire Academy reviews then you know I have a love hate relationship with this series and luckily for my readers I’ll be posting my last two reviews for this series this week. You can expect my review of blood promise this Friday.

In the third installment of the Vampire Academy series Rose and Christian grant us that precious frenemy content I craved!

Deliciously deadly: The Coldest Girl in Coldtown

August 23, 2021August 23, 2021 living in libros6 Comments

Holly Black wrote a vampire novel?!

Holly Black is best known for T he Folk of The Air Series, where a sad prince falls for a cunning human. This was the only series I’ve read of hers, but the Coldest girl in Coldtown has been on my tbr for a few years, and because I’m in a vampire reading mood, I decided to take the time to read it.

Matthew and Diana just want to cuddle but their haters won’t let them: A review for A Discovery of Witches

August 16, 2021August 13, 2021 living in libros2 Comments

By now, you must have noticed an influx of vampire novels I’ve been reading and reviewing, and that is because I had the genius idea to read as many as I can. My study is both fun but also informative. I want to trace some common themes in vampire literature.

It can get a little exhausting, so I slipped in Deborah’s Harkness’s A Discovery of Witches onto my tbr for extra credit points.

If you haven’t read or watched the hit series based on a Discovery of Witches, I will quickly summarize the first novel.

Act your age Eve Brown got me through sewing my first dress

August 9, 2021August 18, 2021 living in librosLeave a comment

I love the Brown sisters series so much I almost did not want to finish this series. However, after having a rough June I knew I needed a comedic and comforting rom com to read.

*This post contains affiliate links to bookshop. If you click and complete a purchase through one of my links I earn a commission.

I read Frostbite and rant: A Vampire Academy novel review

August 2, 2021August 17, 2021 living in libros2 Comments

Frostbite is the second installment in the Vampire Academy series, and it’s just as entertaining as the first novel. If you haven’t read my review of the first novel, I thought the series could have been better in a college setting. And I stand by that.

Let’s Jam Prime deceptions: sequel to Chilling effect

July 26, 2021August 17, 2021 living in libros1 Comment

I read Chilling Effect last year and did not intend to continue the series. Although I loved that it was Latinx space adventure with a badass pilot. My issues with this sci-fi novel involved a slow-paced plot and not enough space cats.

Recently, I found myself wondering about book two in this series and decided to borrow it from the library. And I’m glad I did. Prime deceptions has a much faster pace and lots of space cats content.

*This post contains an affiliate link. If you complete a purchase through my link I earn a small commission.

My Favorite Kindle Unlimited books (So Far)

July 19, 2021August 18, 2021 living in libros5 Comments

This past June has been a really rough month for me. Luckily kindle unlimited has become a welcome distraction. On Kindle unlimited you can read all the books in the ice planet barbarian series, but once you finish up reading all that smut, check out these reads.

A Taste for Love would make Jane Austen Proud

July 12, 2021August 18, 2021 living in libros2 Comments

Remember when I blogged a list of the books for teens tired of reading Shakespeare? Well, I should have also considered YA novels inspired by classic retellings. This is where A Taste For Love by Jennifer Yen comes in.

A Taste For Love is a pride and prejudice retelling with fla’va. I mean that in the most literal sense, of course.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you complete a purchase through one of my links I earn a small commission.

You had me at Hola

July 5, 2021August 17, 2021 living in libros4 Comments

I’ve been reading so much fantasy literature these past months that I decided to dig deep into my Tbr for a novel I’ve been neglecting.

You had me at Hola by Alexis Daria is a romantic comedy told in a dual perspective and has a telenovela flare. This novel was not only funny but features great romantic tension and a few steamy sex scenes.

I wish Vampire Academy was set in college

June 28, 2021September 2, 2021 living in libros5 Comments

I asked my followers on Instagram for vampire book recommendations and Vampire Academy was my only suggestion. I came into this series not knowing much about it and I was not prepared for the world I entered.

Alright I’m just going to say it. I think Vampire Academy would have flourished if set in college. Are these fighting words or do other readers agree?

Gracling: Idiots to lovers who kick ass

June 21, 2021August 17, 2021 living in libros3 Comments

Published in 2008, Graceling by Kristin Cashore is the first novel in a fantasy YA series. Yeah, it’s been a hot minute since this novel was published, but I think it deserves more attention. This novel has idiots to lovers, a hot prince, medieval fights, a toxic uncle, a killer heroine, and a soft prince who practices botany.

While I love fantasy novels with cute princes, see my short review for Kill the Queen, I enjoyed this novel because Katsa is a cute idiot!

This post contains affiliate links. If you complete a purchase through one of my links I earn a small commission.

Sleeping Beauty’s engaged to an Elf Prince! A review of ‘Enchanting the Elven Mage’

June 14, 2021August 27, 2021 living in libros2 Comments

I was in the mood for more elf princes after finishing Deal with the Elf king so I decided to read Enchanting the Elven Mage by Alisha Klapheke. This story is a Sleeping Beauty retelling with a delicious twist.

I mean the author didn’t have to add dragons, elves, witches, faeries, and killer wolves but we got it all.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and complete a purchase through one of my links I earn a commission.

From DNF to Done: I review We Unleash this Merciless Storm

June 7, 2021June 3, 2021 living in librosLeave a comment

Yes, I did it! I finally finished We Unleash this Merciless Storm. Originally I began this novel last summer, but to be honest, I wasn’t much in the mood to read it. But then I said forget it let’s dive in!

We Unleash this Merciless Storm is the Sequel to Tehlor Kay Mejia’s We Set the Dark on Fire (Here’s my review for that novel). Set immediately after the previous novel, explosive ending, We Unleash this Merciless Storm gives readers a change in perspective.

Young adult novels for teens tired of Shakespeare

May 31, 2021August 18, 2021 living in libros4 Comments

When I started this blog I was overwhelmed with the reading required for my major. My brain struggled to decode these older texts and by my 3rd year in college, I decided to mix in young adults novels in between reads.

Young adult novels have become very diverse and with the rise of Own Voices novels, I began to prefer these novels because I feel like they explore modern themes.

Not to hate on Shakespeare, but forbidden teenage romance like that of Romeo and Juliet do not speak to teens in the U.S as say Angie Thomas’s The Hate U Give does.

The list I’ve complied contains YA books that hold similar plots and themes. Whether you’re in a book slump or looking for your next read, I hope you find this list helpful.

Elves are baddies too: Review for Deal with the Elf King

May 24, 2021May 22, 2021 living in libros3 Comments

Deal with the Elf King is a new adult fantasy novel with a Hades and Persophone twist.

Deal with the Elf King is written by fantasy author Elise Kova this stand-alone novel takes readers into a world of magic and unexpected romance.

Romance Review Monday- Get a Life, Chloe Brown

May 17, 2021May 8, 2021 living in libros3 Comments

Whoa, if you are tired of boring romance novels with problematic storylines and toxic love interests, check out the brown sister series.

Get a Life Chloe Brown is the first novel in the brown sister series written by Talia Hibbert, an author who loves to write diverse romance.

This series follows three black sisters living in the UK as they fall in love. I have previously reviewed Take a Hint, Dani Brown and loved it, so don’t forget to check out my thoughts.

Books I read in April instead of finishing Six of Crows

May 10, 2021May 8, 2021 living in libros4 Comments

Hey book lovers, I am back again this week, not with a book review but a collection of them. I feel like I’ve bombarded this blog with so many book reviews that I’m a little tired of them. So today, I felt like I would change things up and tell you about all the novels I read this month.

I had originally planned to finish my reread Six of Crows before Shadow and Bone premiered but these nine other novels were more tempting.

Some of the novels I am going to mention have their own published blog post already- I will speak on them briefly-but I will link their posts if you want to read more of my thoughts.

A book lover’s review of ‘Shadow and Bone’

May 3, 2021May 26, 2021 living in libros6 Comments

You know that feeling when one of your favorite book series gets turned into a movie/tv series?

Yep.

It’s time for a Shadow and Bone show review. If you haven’t watched this amazing adaptation yet, go and do it, please!

Tokyo and Jill are the real stars of this series: A review for My soul to Keep

April 19, 2021April 19, 2021 living in libros2 Comments

My Soul to Keep is the latest novel in Rebekah Weatherspoon’s vampire sorority sister series. Previous novels in the series focused on a college student becoming a vampire queen, and two exes deciding to marry each other. I have reviewed the other two novels already. If you want to read my thoughts on Better off Read and Blacker than Blue then follow those links.

Nocturna: or two idiots fall in love in Latin America

April 12, 2021April 18, 2021 living in libros3 Comments

Hello booklovers! Today’s review is an idiots to lovers story courtesy of romantic prince and a stubborn theif, That’s right today am reviewing Nocturna by Maya Motayne.

Nocturna is Maya Motayne’s debut novel and the first in the Forgery of Magic series. This series is high fantasy, set in Latin America, and contains lots of magic.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you complete a purchase through one of my links I earn a small commission.

Mini review: Blacker than Blue

April 5, 2021April 26, 2021 living in libros3 Comments

Hello readers! I am back with another smutty vampire review!

Blacker than Blue is the sequel to Rebekah Weatherspoon’s Better off Red, a sapphic vampire love story which I reviewed last week. Blacker than Blue is set in the same sorority house and follows Cleo and Benny, two side characters we met in Better off Red. Like Better off Red, Blacker than Blue is also an interracial love story.

The Sapphic Vampire love story you didn’t know you needed to read

March 29, 2021August 17, 2021 living in libros4 Comments

Better Off Red by Rebekah Weatherspoon is the vampire love story I didn’t know I needed to read! So, if your a fan of vampires check out my review.

Rent a Boyfriend: a cute winter read to say bye to Spring

March 22, 2021March 22, 2021 living in libros2 Comments

Before I start this review I wanted to leave some links to support the Asian American community. In case you don’t know what happened in the US this past week 8 people of Asian descent were killed because of ongoing Covid racism and ignorance. If you witness hate aimed at Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders you can report the incident to the Stop AAPI Hate website.

To donate directly check out these sites:

Stop AAPI Hate

Napawf.org (Works for social, political, and structural change for Asian American and Pacific Islander women and girls)

Asian Mental Health Collective – aspires to make mental health accessible and approachable to Asian communities worldwide. Check out their U.S directory if you are seeking mental health services. Check out the Canadian directory.

A few years ago at the Los Angeles Festival of books, I listened to Gloria Chao confess that she named the love interest in American Panda after Sailor Moon’s boyfriend. I found it adorable and never forgot it.

Coincidentally, I stumbled across Rent a boyfriend while browsing and decided to pick it up, unaware it’s penned by the same author.

Rent a Boyfriend is a novel by Gloria Chao that you might recognize from such books as American Panda and Our Wayward Fate.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of my links and complete a purchase, I earn a commission.

Black Witch Magic is a spooky Christmas read

March 15, 2021August 18, 2021 living in libros2 Comments

Family curses, paranormal investigators, a witch working as a librarian? Black Witch Magic was a novel I knew I needed to read.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me an arc in exchange for my honest review.

Put Down Your Phone And Read Take A Hint Dani Brown

March 8, 2021March 6, 2021 living in libros1 Comment

Hello romance novels! Have you read any good romance novels lately? Well I’ve recently read Take a Hint Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert and loved it! Seriously add this novel to your tbr!

This post contains affiliate links to bookshop. If you complete a purchase through one of my links I earn a commission. If you would like to know more about bookshop’s affiliate program check out my blog post.

El tóxico rises again: reviewing Ruin and Rising

March 1, 2021March 1, 2021 living in libros7 Comments

Hello book lovers! Have you looked at the new Shadow and Bone pictures Netflix released? Did you see the photo of Alina and the Darkling together? This man is toxic but I’m still excited to see that part of the story. Speaking of Shadow and Bone, I’ve collected my thoughts for this last novel and gathered them together in this post for your enjoyment.

If you have been following this series from the beginning then you know I’ve been spoiling all the books over on my youtube channel. And today is no different, so if would like to know all the juicy plot points for this series head on over to my youtube Living in Libros.

If you want to live a spoiler free life read the summary and dip. My thoughts are full of spoilers and a rant for the whole series. Proceed with caution.

The Rise of the Alina Cult

February 15, 2021August 16, 2021 living in libros4 Comments

Hello Book Lovers!

Welcome back to another review of the Shadow and bone series. Today I’m discussing Siege and Storm otherwise known as book 2.

Reading Shadow and Bone so you don’t have to

February 8, 2021August 16, 2021 living in libros8 Comments

Hello book lovers! If you lurk on the book side of social media then you probably know by now that Leigh Bardugo’s book series Shadow and Bone has been turned into a Netflix series and we can expect the show to premiere in April. I am a big Six of Crows fans so when I heard this news I knew I needed to read Shadow and Bone too!

If you’re curious about this series and want to know what it’s all about before the show premieres, well I got you covered…

Announcement! I’m on Youtube!

February 4, 2021February 26, 2021 living in librosLeave a comment

Hello Book Lovers! I hope your February is off to a great start! My February has been busy! Which reminds me I have some big news!

You can now find me on Youtube!

Yes, Living in Libros is now on youtube! You can now find me gushing about baddies in lit on a screen near you.

My dream for this Youtube channel is not only to review novels but for my audience to get to know me a little more. I plan on sharing my sewing adventures, give Kdrama recs, and sharing more of my hobbies.

Check out my first video if you’d like and subscribe to see more.

until next time keep living in libros,

Gaby

Need a whimsical dystopian novel? Check out No ordinary Star

January 25, 2021February 4, 2021 living in libros2 Comments

Hello book lovers! I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy. For this week’s blog post, I wanted to share a book that isn’t super popular, No Ordinary Star- written by M.C Frank- a physicist turned author and editor in chief.

This novel is written as a whimsical dystopian with dark and light moments and set in the snowy tundra. Reading this book put me in a chilly mood, and I needed to read it cozied up in an oversized hoodie.

Crazy Stupid Bromance takes toxic masculinity by the throat

January 18, 2021January 17, 2021 living in libros2 Comments

Hello book lovers, I hope your reading this week is going great, or you found a new tv show or even a kdrama to binge. I’m currently reading the second novel in the Shadow and Bone trilogy. Today I wanted to review a recently released romance novel.

I ended my year by reading Lyssa Kay Adams’ Crazy Stupid Bromance. This novel is both funny and dramatic and includes a chunky cat named beefcake, who’s a little on the naughty side. This book immediately caught my attention.

This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of these links and complete a purchase through bookshop I earn a commission.

My favorite reads of 2020

January 11, 2021January 17, 2021 living in libros3 Comments

Happy new year, book lovers! I hope the new year has been treating you well and that you’re not stressing too much, although if you’re a U.S resident, please take time away from the internet to distress and have a mental break. Watch some cat videos or your favorite tv show.

*This post contains an affiliate link to my bookshop store front. If you complete a purchase using this link I earn a small commission.

Make way for the Raven King: A review for the conclusion of The Raven cycles

January 4, 2021January 17, 2021 living in librosLeave a comment

Hello readers! I hope you’ve had happy holidays and have entered the New Year fresh and with some zest. But if you didn’t, that’s cool too. I hope my review can take your mind off of things for a bit. I finally finished the Raven cycles series, and the last book was interesting and exciting, but I do have some questions.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you complete a purchase through one of my links I earn a commission.*

Quarantine Christmas: Let’s go to Stars Hollow

December 24, 2020May 31, 2021 living in libros2 Comments

Hey readers! I hope you’re having a happy holidays staying safe and dodging covid. This year has looked a lot different than what we are all used to. So to lighten the mood I thought I’d share one of my best 2020 experiences. Disclaimer I went to this pop up before covid was considered a pandemic in the U.S. and before everything was shut down in March.

Cruel Prince should really be called the Sad Prince

January 7, 2020August 31, 2021 living in libros6 Comments

One day in October, I was living my best carefree life-blissfully unaware of the Folk of the Air series until my dearest friend Nessa decided to ruin my life by casually mentioning this series followed an enemy to lover’s trope.

In case I haven’t made myself clear on my feelings about this Trope, I loved them! This trope is top-quality writing, redemption arcs, soft moments. I live for it all.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you click this link and complete a purchase through my link I earn a commission.