Hi everyone! It’s officially time for another Mid Year Freak Out Book Tag. If you’ve been around here for a while you might remember I participated in this last year so when I saw this over on Suhani’s blog I knew it was time for the 2022 edition! This tag was originally created by Chami.
This year’s honestly already been such an eventful year for me… I’ve turned eighteen, completed all my A Levels (and am now in the long process of waiting for results), visited some amazing places with some even more amazing people and officially left school (I even had prom just over a week ago!). I know that this is only the start of what else this year holds – I’m moving out to start at university in September, for starters – and I’m really excited to see what else this year will hold.
And, of course, one of the things which I’m most excited about is my blog! Now that I have all my exams out of the way I finally have the time to fully dedicate myself to my blog and creating new content. I have a lot of exciting things planned – I’m hoping to join a new reviewing community, finally monetize my blog, do some guest posts, revamp my blog a bit and launch my bookstagram account, in addition to all my new post ideas. I also can’t wait to read more – I’m very behind on my Goodreads goal of 60 books (I’m currently on 18) but I think I can turn things around!
Anyway, that’s enough of me rambling! Let’s get on to what I have managed to read so far this year.
Best Book You Have Read So Far in 2022?
That would have to be You’ve Reached Sam by Dustin Thao! This was actually the first book I read this year, and it set the bar very high. It was genuinely such a beautiful, bittersweet read, and it had all the things I look for in a contemporary – amazing character development, meaningful themes and great relationships. I also love a sad ending every once in a while and this certainly delivered!
Best Sequel You Have Read in 2022?
I would have to go with Blood Stew by Todd Sullivan! I really appreciated Todd sending over the entire Windshine Chronicles series in exchange for some honest reviews and this was the perfect conclusion to the trilogy. I loved how action packed it was, with multiple different storylines, and I also really appreciated the return of some old favourites and learning more about the history of the Dark Elves.
New Release You Have Not Read Yet, But Want To?
I can’t choose just one, so I’m going to have to go for Confessions Of An Alleged Good Girl by Joya Goffney and I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston. Both of these released last month and I was lucky enough to receive them for my birthday, so it’s only a matter of reading them now that exams are over!
Most Anticipated Release For The Second Half of 2022?
The Final Gambit by Jennifer Lynn Barnes and Nothing More To Tell by Karen McManus. I’ve already preordered both of these (they release on the 1st September) and I already know I’m going to have difficulties deciding which one to read first, haha. I love a good mystery and both of these look like they’re going to be absolutely incredible!
Biggest Disappointment?
That’s a surprisingly difficult question – I actually could’ve chosen a few books to go here, I’ve had a few disappointments this year. That being said, the biggest one would have to be Last One To Die by Cynthia Murphy. The execution just fell really flat to me, I was expecting so many great things from this mystery but the writing style was really off, the main character annoyed me and the twist was predictable. It also didn’t help that the romance was the main focus of what was marketed as a mystery, which is always so annoying!
Biggest Surprise?
That would be If This Gets Out by Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich! I honestly wasn’t expecting this to cover as many important topics as it did, but I was really pleasantly surprised by it. I loved that a darker side to the music industry was explored as well as Zach’s struggle to come with his sexuality, which I’m sure many readers would appreciate.
Favourite New Author?
I’m going to have to go with Goldy Moldavasky, author of The Last Girl! I really enjoyed this book, it’s up there with my favourite reads of the year and I can’t wait to get my hands on more of her work. I recently found out that she’s releasing a new book (Lord Of The Fly Fest) in August which I’m super excited for and need to preorder!
Newest Favourite Character?
Ooh that’s a tricky one! With that being said, Biahnd from Beckoning Of The Gate (by Benjamin J. Ryan) really stood out to me. She was such an unusual character and I loved the contribution the little dog brought to the book. To be completely honest with you, I am really not a dog person, so I think it says a lot that I still ended up loving this character so much!
Book That Made You Happy?
Pretty much any contemporary I’ve read this year, haha! She Gets The Girl was a real favourite of mine though – I don’t think I’ll ever stop recommending it! Molly and Alex were just so incredibly cute together and I loved that it featured two of my favourite tropes – working together to get your crush’s attention only to fall for each other and, of course, best friends to lovers. It has all the feel good vibes you’d want from a great contemporary!
Favourite Book to Movie Adaptation You Saw This Year?
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han! I read this series years ago and loved it so much, so I knew I had to watch it when it came out on Prime! I really loved this adaptation, I think they did a really amazing job with it and I actually ended up watching the whole series in one day last Thursday. It’s made me want to reread all the books again after watching it!
Favourite Post You Have Written This Year?
This is honestly such a tough question – there have been so many posts I’ve enjoyed writing this year, like my mental health and Pride recommendation posts. Overall, though, it would have to be my first ever blogiversary Q and A – it was so much fun to write and reflect on the past year of blogging! It took me such a long time to write but I enjoyed every second of it.
Most Beautiful Book You Have Bought This Year?
Into The Crooked Place by Alexandra Christo! After reading To Kill A Kingdom and loving it I couldn’t resist picking this up last month. I love the silhouettes of the buildings and the silver detailing – I think it makes for a really beautiful cover!
What Books Do You Need To Read By The End of the Year?
I don’t think I necessarily need to read any books by the end of the year, but there are so many that I want to – it feels like the list is endless, but I’ve narrowed it down to my top ten. It’s honestly mind blowing to me that nearly half of these were on my list last year too – I still can’t believe I haven’t read them! I guess that’s what happens when you’re more of a mood reader…
- Six Of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo
- The Cruel Prince series by Holly Black
- These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong
- Kingdom Of The Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco
- I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston
- It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
- Confessions Of An Alleged Good Girl by Joya Goffney
- Ace Of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
- Better Than The Movies by Lynn Painter
- White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson
Tagging:
It wouldn’t be right if I didn’t tag Hannah, who tagged me last year, but other than that I’m opening this up to anyone and everyone who’d like to participate! If you do please let me know and I’ll be sure to check out your post.
Have you read any of these books? What did you think of them? Let me know in the comments!
I hope you enjoyed reading this post!
Ceri
Read And Review It 
loved the summer i turned pretty tv series! it was so much better than the book [ which is something i rarely say ]
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So did I, it was absolutely amazing – and even better than I expected! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
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Thank you so much for the tag! I hadn’t thought about doing it again this year, it will be interesting to see how 2021 and 2022 compare!
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You’re so welcome! I definitely found it interesting comparing the two, I’m sure you would too! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
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We loved reading your answers and we can’t wait for the releases for the rest of the year.
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I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed it! Me neither, there are so many great ones coming out. Thank you so much for readign and commenting.
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Brilliant post Ceri!!! It looks like you’ve had a great year so far and all these books look amazing and interesting!!! Thank you for sharing!!!
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Thank you! I definitely have, it’s been amazing so far. Thank you so much for reading and commenting!
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You’ve read such a variety of books Ceri I’m jealous! I’ve just come back from holiday and wish I’d read this before I went. Some great options x
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Haha it’s been something I’ve been focusing on this year so I’m glad you noticed! I hope you had a great holiday, thank you so much for reading and commenting x
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I am chuckling a little over the fun name of this tag! It has got some ‘crazy summer’ vibes.
Happy 18th! I remember my 18th (almost two years ago now) and it is truly super exciting to see where life keeps taking you.
Blood Stew has an awesome cover, and I love the sounds of The Summer I Turned Pretty. 🙂
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Haha me too, it’s such a fun name!
Thank you, I’m definitely excited to see what’s next in store.
It definitely does, I love it so much! And I can’t recommend watching The Summer I Turned Pretty enough. Thank you so much for reading and commenting 🙂
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Great blog tag. I love reading these posts and finding out what you did and didn’t like reading.
thank you for the suggestions. I really need to get on with my Goodreads challenge.
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Thank you! I’m so glad to hear that you enjoy them. Me too, I’m still massively behind but I’m sure both of us can do it! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
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This is a great book tag, and we are so looking forward to The Final Gambit. Thank you for sharing!
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Thank you! Same, I truly can’t wait. Thank you so much for reading and commenting!
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You’re welcome!
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I haven’t watched The Season I Turned Pretty as I prefer to read books first – glad to hear you enjoyed it! 🙂
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Yes I’m the same, it just feels wrong otherwise! I hope you enjoy it if you end up reading them first and then watching. Thank you so much for reading and commenting 🙂
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AHHHH all your plans for your blog SOUND AMAZING AND I’M JUST SITITNG HERE AND AM RIDICULOUSLY EXCITED AND REALLY REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO ALL OF IT!!!!!!
I’ve been meaning to get to you’ve reached sam since it was released last year BUT ALL THE OTHER BOOKS WERE EVIL AND KEPT DEMANDING ATTENTION so I never got around to reading it 😭😭 but,, ummm, DID YOU MENTION SAD ENDING????? I am absolute trash for sad endings SO EXCUSE ME WHILE I GO DEVOUR THIS!!!!!
I’m sorry last one to die ended up being so disappointing though 😭😭 the synopsis actually sounded SO INTERESTING???? but am definitely not picking it up anytime soon now (mystery novels being overtaken by the romance IS THE WORST THING OF EVER) SO TYSMMMM FOR SAVING ME FROM THE DISAPPOINTMENT!!!
ALSO YESS OMGGGG SHE GETS THE GIRL IS ABSOLUTE PERFECTION!!! the characters are all amazing obviously AND THE COVER IS GORGEOUS TOO, and you can basically just fly through it?!!! DEFINITELY PERFECTION.
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Aw I’m so glad to hear you’re excited for them, I can’t wait to finally start properly working on them!
Haha honestly same, that happens to me with books way too much! But it has the best sad ending (I’m a sucker for them too) and I’d really recommend it so I hope you love it as much as I did!
Thank you! Yes I agree, it had the potential to be so amazing but the execution just wasn’t it (that’s one of my biggest pet peeves too) – I’m so glad to hear I could help!
Yess I loved She Gets The Girl so much, it’s up there with my favourite reads of the year so I’m so glad we’re on the same page there! Definitely one of the best contemporaries I’ve read in a while.
Thank you so much for reading and leaving such a lovely comment ❤
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haha, the confessions of an alleged good girl book looks fab!
https://thelifestylebloggeruk.com
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Ooh it definitely is, I just finished it and I loved it! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
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I love these tags where I get to learn a little bit more about my fellow bloggers! I had no idea you were 18 – I thought you much older. What exciting times you have ahead of you. I’m really enjoying The Summer I Turned Pretty! Thanks for sharing!
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I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed it, I love tags like these too! And thank you haha, I’ve got that a couple of times with my blog and I always take it as a compliment. I can’t wait to see what direction my life takes next! Ooh yay, it’s such a great series. Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
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Wow, what a year you’ve had so far! I can’t wait to see and hear what the rest of the year has in store for you. This book tag really had me hooked, I loved reading your answers. Thank you so much for sharing with us lovely. Good luck with your alevel results and starting uni, exciting times ahead! Xo
Elle – ellegracedeveson.com
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It’s certainly been eventful! I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed it so much, that means a lot. Thank you so much for your support and for reading and commenting xx
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That’s amazing how much you’ve achieved thus far, I’m super proud of you! What a fun tag, I loved reading your answers. I’m also quite behind on my reading but I’m hoping to make time to finish the ones I’ve started soon! I’ve heard of The Summer I Turned Pretty and can’t wait to check that out. Thank you for sharing, and I’ll check out your bookstagram!
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Aw thank you so much, that means so much to me! I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed it – and I’m sure we can both turn things around. I hope you enjoy TSITP if you do end up checking it out! Thank you so much for reading and commenting – I’ll be sure to check out your instagram too!
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All the Holly Black and CoHo books are on my TBR. Right now I’m reading “Book of Night” by Holly Black. It’s pretty good so far. Interesting story.
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I hope you enjoy them when you get to them, I’m so excited! Ooh I’m so glad you like it so far, I’ll have to add it to my tbr. Thank you so much for reading and commenting!
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What an awesome list!! Some of those look like perfect beach books for this summer. Thanks for sharing! 😀
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Thank you! Yes they definitely are. Thank you so much for reading and commenting 🙂
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Ohh this is such a good tag! We have some of the same books on our TBR list, I hope you end up hitting your goal x
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Thank you! Ooh that’s so exciting, I hope you enjoy them. Thank you so much for reading and commenting x
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These all look like great suggestions. I didn’t see this style of post before so I found it really interesting. It sounds like you have some great things coming up on your blog. I look forward to seeing more content.
Lauren x
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Thank you, they truly are! I’m so glad you enjoyed it and that you’re excited about the new directions I’m going in – I can’t wait to start focusing on new content! Thank you so much for reading and commenting x
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These books look amazing. Going to add some of these to my reading list. Thank you for sharing.
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They definitely are, I really recommend them! I hope you enjoy them, thank you so much for reading and commenting.
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Well done on completing your A levels Ceri! And congratulations on turning 18 too 😊 sounds like you’ve got a great future ahead. A great selection of books to choose from there too! Thanks for sharing. Jade MumLifeandMe
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Thank you so much! 😊 Yes hopefully! I’m so glad you think so, I really love all of them. Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
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The Last Girl sounds great! I’m currently reading a Karen McManus book so I’ll have to look out for this other one too. Goodness, my A Levels seem so long ago now. What I wouldn’t give to be 18 again!
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Ooh yes it definitely is, I really enjoyed it! I hope you enjoy it when it releases. Haha, thank you so much for reading and commenting!
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AHHH WOW it seems like you’ve had an absolutely fabulous year, I hope the rest of it is just as great!!💗💗🥺🥺 and I’m SO SO EXCITED to see all the new content from you, I can’t wait!!
Ahhh I kissed shara wheeler was indeed spectacular, I really do hope you adore it!!
I have an unread copy of if this gets out on my shelf AND IM RUNNING TO GET TO IT NOW AHH!!
I’m so so excited to read she gets the girl too, I’ve heard the BEST things about it!!!
loved this SO SO MUCH!!💖💖💖
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Yes I definitely have, it’s been really amazing so far overall ❤ ❤ and I'm so glad to hear that, I hope you like it all!
I actually started reading it recently and I love it so far, I can't wait to see what happens next!
I'm so glad to hear that – I really hope you enjoy it haha! And definitely pick up She Gets The Girl soon too if you can, it's absolutely amazing and so worth the hype!
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, thank you so much for reading and leaving such a lovely long comment ❤ ❤
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This is my favorite tag to do every year, so I loved reading your answers! Happy reading, you have some amazing titles on your TBR for the rest of the year!
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Same haha, it’s always so much fun! I’m so glad you enjoyed reading it – and I definitely do! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
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