CPL's Book a Week Challenge discussion

We're a few weeks past the midpoint so let's talk about book highs and lows so far. What books have you loved? What books just didn't do it for you? Let's reminisce about the last six months.

I'm going to start with the lows because it's always a good idea to end on a positive note, right? I tend to be pretty positive when it comes to books. I rarely give low reviews and I tend to enjoy a book even if it has issues. But there are times when all I can remember about the book are its issues. My lows so far:

Be Dazzled - I really wanted to love this one. It's all about cosplay! But as someone who frequents (and runs) cons, I couldn't get over the major inaccuracies of con life. Plus whoever heard of cosplay being a team sport? It just kept pulling me out of the book. I also didn't think the resolution between the characters was enough considering what happened.

Romancing the Duke - This was such a cute story but I couldn't get over the fact that of course she paired the fat girl with the guy who had eye sight problems. Like, come on. It's the 21st century; are we still doing that?

Escaping from Houdini - I was pretty impressed with this series as a whole. It's really only this book that gave me problems. It required such a suspension of disbelief. People are being murdered horrifically and you're going to insist there is no problem and still put on nightly shows? Really? Plus love triangles annoy me.

And now for the highs! There have been a lot of highs. Most of the books I've read this year I've loved so I'm only go to pull a couple for this.

Project Hail Mary - I loved this book. It was everything I adored about Weir's The Martian but better. The use of first person really put you in the middle of the action and the bouncing back and forth between past/present was excellent. Plus, without spoiling, there was a perfectly precious character who is now my favorite.

The Raven Cycle - I read the majority of this series for the first time this year and fell in love. The way Stiefvater describes emotions and actions... I can't really put into words what her language is like. It can be so subtle but you just feel it in your soul. I also adore found family and this series is literally found family.

The Bridgerton Series - Who knew I'd fall into the regency romance genre? But this series has so far been excellent. I am here for great sibling dynamics and for family that truly loves each other. The Bridgertons are amazing. And the actual love story given to each of them has so far not been boring. The side characters are also a delight.

Legendborn - Secret societies? King Arthur? Magic? Weaving in the weight of history and the toll it takes? The book was a little "tell not show" heavy but that didn't detract too much for me. Especially when we got to the last 100 pages; I was on the edge of my seat. The wait for book 2, which just had its title revealed, is going to be rough.

What have been your highs and lows so far this year?

I just got a KOBO reader and I'm thrilled to say I have one of your favorites up there already loaded onto it. (The Raven Boys)
I have 59 books read this year. Most of them fantasy romance. I just finished a series on Hoopla that I really enjoyed called The Lord of the Fading Lands, by C.L. Wilson. There's a Tairen (giant flying cat creature) that was my favorite. But now I'm looking for the best reads on Overdrive so I can use my KOBO.

I've read 70 books so far, aided in no small part from reading Agatha Christie's Poirot books in order on Hoopla. Despite being limited to 5 checkouts a month, I've managed to read 16 Poirot and 2 Miss Marple books.

I've found an interesting trope (genre) and several series to read that are quite fun. Historical mystery/romance. They all have similar titles, but different stories: A Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue, A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem, A Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy, and A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder (I'm currently reading the 2nd book in this series).

I'm also conducting a survey of romances involving Dukes (starting with the Bridgertons).