well, hello there.

“There were no windows in my bedroom, so I had to sit up and read my clock to figure out how angry I should be at my visitor. Eight A.M. I hated whoever woke me up. Had they come an hour earlier, I would have also hated their families and any household pets.” ✶ Okay, let’s talk snark. I’m a huge fan of banter and snark and it’s probably my favorite thing to read. I can overlook a plot that isn’t captivating me if there are some characters who are carrying everything. When it comes to books from Lish, I never have to worry. She brings the snark and the plot. ✶ For your consideration, I give you a cover with a bird, because we all know I’m a sucker for that. Also, I have some Lish books to giveaway soon, so be on the lookout. ✶ #decbookstagram18: made you laugh ——————— Snark and banter: yay or nay? ——————— {#HoldMeCloserNecromancer #LishMcBride #hellostacee #vscobooks #booksandtea #cupinframe #flatlaytoday #bookaesthetic #booksbooksbooks #whiteinframe #readmore #bookphotography #readersofinstagram #prettybooks #booksandminimalism} https://www.instagram.com/p/BrN4j4IBA6w/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=rf0cqfn5bkfh

“I pull the matches out of my pocket and flick one against the strip on the box. My heart races with ecstasy. Puffs of steam from my rapid breathing cloud my vision. I drop the match.” ✶ Mini review time: Between the cover and the promise of an unreliable narrator, I was 10000% here for this book. Sadly I was disappointed. ✶ I couldn’t settle into the writing or get captivated by the story. The characters were a bit too odd and the story lacked the tension and mystery I was expecting. I really liked the premise, but the execution didn’t work for me. ✶ Huge thanks to Delacorte Press for sending me a finished copy. Unfortunately, this was a DNF for me. ——————— DNFing: yay or nay? ——————— {#WatchYouBurn #AmandaSearcy #hellostacee #vscobooks #booksandtea #cupinframe #flatlaytoday #bookaesthetic #booksbooksbooks #whiteinframe #readmore #openbook #bookphotography #readersofinstagram #prettybooks #booksandminimalism #staceereviews} https://www.instagram.com/p/BrLSbthhoGq/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=7ba0d80fctat

“Plenty of humans were monstrous, and plenty of monsters knew how to play at being human.” ✶ Okay let’s talk captions. Sometimes I have my book quote and I know exactly what I want to talk about. Other times {like today}, I have no idea. So I’ll just say that I hope you all have a fantastic Saturday! ✶ For your consideration, I give you the red and black edition of #StackingUpSaturday ✶ #decbookstagram18: favorite color #fearyournoveldecember: festive favorite #allthebooksdec18: recommend a book #bloodwitchbookstagram: travel & adventure ——————— What’s your favorite color? ——————— {#Vicious #VESchwab #VillainSeries #hellostacee #vscobooks #booksandtea #cupinframe #flatlaytoday #bookaesthetic #booksbooksbooks #whiteinframe #readmore #bookphotography #readersofinstagram #prettybooks #booksandminimalism} https://www.instagram.com/p/BrIvOeRhcLQ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1d8qld959ejz5

“What could I become if I stopped worrying about death, about pain, about anything? If I stopped trying to belong? Instead of being afraid, I could become something to fear.” ✶ Okay, let’s talk hidden covers. I usually forget there are pretty things underneath the dust jacket, so it’s always a surprise. Take TCP for example. The only reason I knew about this gorgeous cover was I was actively reading it when I went to take the photo for today’s prompt. 🤦🏻‍♀️ ✶ For your consideration, I give you a very pretty naked book and a reminder that the giveaway for my arc of The Wicked King ends tonight. ✶ #decbookstagram18: naked books #ampersand2018: under ——————— Do you read with the dust jacket off or on? ——————— {#TheCruelPrince #HollyBlack #hellostacee #vscobooks #booksandtea #cupinframe #flatlaytoday #bookaesthetic #booksbooksbooks #whiteinframe #readmore #bookphotography #readersofinstagram #prettybooks #nakedbooks #booksandminimalism #ditchthatjacket} https://www.instagram.com/p/BrGKWmuFg4R/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=e5wn5q4wmdko

“Either we all get out of this or none of us does. We all know the consequences. It's as simple as that.” ✶ Okay, let’s talk genres. I’m pretty open to reading whatever, as long as the synopsis intrigues me. I’m a sucker for a pretty cover, but we all know that saying about judging a book by its cover. One of my favorite things in a story is an unreliable narrator and while This is Our Story doesn’t quite have that, there is an anonymous narrator for some of the chapters and that’s just as good. I’m going to leave the synopsis in the comments. ✶ For your consideration, I give you a book that more people need to read. Oh, and FYI: I just finished reading Ashley’s 2019 contemporary release and it’s likely to be one of my top books of 2019. ✶ #decbookstagram18: if you like that, read this ——————— What’s your favorite genre to read? ——————— {#ThisIsOurStory #TheLyingWoods #AshleyElston #hellostacee #vscobooks #booksandtea #cupinframe #flatlaytoday #bookaesthetic #booksbooksbooks #whiteinframe #readmore #bookphotography #readersofinstagram #prettybooks #booksandminimalism #openbook} https://www.instagram.com/p/BrDldbRlUns/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=19keovoqj7rjj

“You wanted to feel alive, right? It doesn't matter if you're monster or human. Living hurts.” ✶ Okay, let’s talk reading challenges. Yesterday I had to lower mine because I’m pretty sure I won’t make the original number. These last couple of months I haven’t been finishing books as fast as normal {for me.} I’m already looking towards 2019 and planning on not requesting as much. I want to get back into reading the things I’m excited for, including favorite characters I need to revisit. ✶ For your consideration, I give you a book I can’t wait to reread because I really need to get to Our Dark Duet. ✶ #decbookstagram18: naughty or nice ——————— How many books have you read this year? ——————— {#ThisSavageSong #VictoriaSchwab #hellostacee #vscobooks #booksandtea #cupinframe #flatlaytoday #bookaesthetic #booksbooksbooks #whiteinframe #readmore #bookphotography #readersofinstagram #prettybooks #booksandminimalism} https://www.instagram.com/p/BrBAct5B6aD/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1o8mzpc2t6eev

“Wishes don’t just come true. They’re only the target you paint around what you want. You still have to hit the bull’s-eye yourself.” ✶ Okay, let’s talk books we’re dying to read until you get them in your hands. I mean, I’m still dying to read Muse, but I just haven’t had a chance to get to it yet. Hopefully soon soon soon. ✶ For your consideration, I give you my interpretation of a blanket. A scarf is sort of the same thing, right? ✶ #decbookstagram18: book + blanket ——————— What book have you still not read? ——————— {#MuseOfNightmares #LainiTaylor #hellostacee #vscobooks #booksandtea #cupinframe #flatlaytoday #bookaesthetic #booksbooksbooks #whiteinframe #readmore #bookphotography #readersofinstagram #prettybooks #booksandminimalism} https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq-brbIhKz1/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=2l296gizndrc

“There seems to be a great deal of misinformation around the modern-day arranged marriage. I am often bombarded with questions by coworkers or middle-aged women sitting next to me on long-haul flights after they picked up on the fact that I’m half Indian.” ✶ Okay, let’s talk romance-y books. I’m a sucker for a story with a fun, flirty premise and the more banter, the better. I’ve had The Matchmaker’s List for a bit, but I’m going to be spending some time with it today. I’ve read part of the first chapter and I’m loving Raina’s inner monologue. ✶ For your consideration, I give you one of the books I’m currently reading. Huge thanks to @berkleyromance for sending it to me. I’ll leave the synopsis in the comments. ✶ #decbookstagram18: #onmondayswereadromance ——————— Romance as part of the plot: yay or nay? ——————— {#TheMatchmakersList #SonyaLalli #currentlyreading #hellostacee #vscobooks #booksandtea #cupinframe #flatlaytoday #bookaesthetic #booksbooksbooks #whiteinframe #readmore #bookphotography #readersofinstagram #prettybooks #booksandminimalism #lillytales} https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq74H9eB6pj/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1s6s12tkc4l5p

“It may comfort you to know that your death, while astonishingly violent, will likely be mercifully swift.” ✶ Okay, let’s talk villains. I’m always rooting for the bad guy and one of my favorites baddies is AIDEN. Of course, I can’t talk about Gemina without showing my name in the book. I am one of the people killed in the Heimdall purge and it’s seriously one of the coolest things that has ever happened to me. ✶ For your consideration, I give you my fictional gravestone, drawn on by Jay Kristoff. ✶ #decbookstagram18: favorite villain ——————— Who’s your favorite villain? ——————— {#Gemina #AmieKaufman #JayKristoff #hellostacee #vscobooks #booksandtea #cupinframe #flatlaytoday #bookaesthetic #booksbooksbooks #whiteinframe #readmore #bookphotography #readersofinstagram #prettybooks #booksandminimalism} https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq5RZCMBqeK/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=t7n9ansjn99j

This week’s #StackingUpSaturday is the December TBR edition. ✶ Okay, let’s talk mood reading vs scheduled reading. I’m pretty much in the middle. I have a list of review books by release date and I try to read accordingly, but there are times that my heart just wants something else. And I don’t like to name my TBR because it’s a jinx. ✶ For your consideration, I give you four books I’m hoping to read soon soon soon. ✶ #decbookstagram18 #allthebooksdec18 #fearyournoveldecember: December TBR ——————— Are you a mood reader or a planner? ——————— {#DarkDaysDeceit #GirlsOfPaperAndFire #TheWickedKing #WatchYouBurn #hellostacee #vscobooks #booktography #bookoftheday #booksandtea #cupinframe #flatlaytoday #flatlayforever #bookaesthetic #whiteinframe #everysquareastory #booksandminimalism} https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq2qSiahspF/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1w62uq391fft6

“The problem with people is they forget that most of the time it's the small things that count.” ✶ Okay, let’s talk stand alones. I’m a sucker for a good stand alone. Sure, if I love the story, I’ll want more of the characters, but getting an entire story in one book and not having to wait eons for the next in a series? Yeah, that’s insanely satisfying. ✶ For your consideration, I give you the UK arc of ATBP with the gorgeous Finch post-it. This was my unicorn for a while and then Jennifer surprised me with it because she spoils me. ✶ And ICYMI: I shared a photo challenge for next month. It’s still on my feed or you can find it in my stories highlights. I hope you’ll join me for #decbookstagram18! ——————— What are some of your favorite stand alones? ——————— {#AllTheBrightPlaces #JenniferNiven #hellostacee #vscobooks #booktography #bookoftheday #booksandtea #cupinframe #flatlaytoday #flatlayforever #bookaesthetic #whiteinframe #everysquareastory #booksandminimalism} https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq0INJEhA6c/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=xqv9dkp7zypt

“Something is really wrong with me, to want what I hate, to want someone who despises me, even if he wants me, too.” ✶ Okay, let’s talk second books in a trilogy. I haven’t read TWK yet, but I’m about 100 pages away from finishing TCP and that will be happening this afternoon. Annnnnd then I’m pretty much starting this one immediately. For me, the second book of a trilogy can make or break a series, so I’m extra eager to see what TWK brings. ✶ For your consideration, I give you an arc I’ll be giving away as soon as I’m done reading it. Keep your eyes peeled. ✶ #novinbooks18: favorite November read #allthebooksnov18 #fearyournovelnovember: November book haul ——————— What is your favorite second book of a series? ——————— {#TheCruelPrince #TheWickedKing #HollyBlack #hellostacee #vscobooks #booktography #bookoftheday #booksandtea #cupinframe #flatlaytoday #flatlayforever #bookaesthetic #whiteinframe #openbook #everysquareastory #booksandminimalism} https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqxj1PUB5xq/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1tl9kc0rhq5d2

“I am Delilah Bard. I am a thief and a pirate and a traveler. I have set foot in three different worlds, and lived. I have shed the blood of royals and held magic in my hands.” ✶ Okay, let’s talk favorite female characters. I don’t think it’s a secret just how much I love Lila Bard. I will forever owe @bookchelle for forcing me to read this series because I probably wouldn’t have on my own. Although, I might have saved some money. 🤔😂 ✶ For your consideration, I give you a Lila Bard appreciation post, mostly because it’s been too long and we just can’t have that. ✶ #allthebooksnov18: favorite fall read #ampersand2018: next #fearyournovelnovember: I smell snow ——————— Who are some of your favorite female MCs? ——————— {#AGatheringOfShadows #AGOS #VESchwab #LilaBard #hellostacee #vscobooks #booktography #bookoftheday #booksandtea #cupinframe #handsinframe #flatlaytoday #flatlayforever #bookaesthetic #whiteinframe #everysquareastory #booksandminimalism} https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqu-lMJBejC/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1bji8h3rr8bp3

“If I cannot be better than them, I will become so much worse.” ✶ Okay, let’s talk faeries. I’m not usually looking for a faerie book, but Holly Black is the queen of Faerie-land and I’m 100000% here for it. I finally finally finally started The Cruel Prince and even though I’m only a few chapters in, I’m loving the dynamic between Jude and Cardan. Oh, and I’m hoping for some kissing. ✶ For your consideration, I give you a book I’m excited to spend some time with. ✶ Also, Holly Black will be at @mystgalaxybooks on January 16th for The Wicked King. If you’re local, get your ticket and if you’re not, get your personalized order in because MG ships! I’ll leave the order link in my bio. ✶ #ampersand2018: now #allthebooksnov18: classic #bookreadhappyhour: I want to take his face off ——————— Faeries: yay or nay? ——————— {#TheCruelPrince #HollyBlack #hellostacee #vscobooks #booktography #bookoftheday #booksandtea #cupinframe #flatlaytoday #flatlayforever #bookaesthetic #whiteinframe #openbook #everysquareastory #booksandminimalism} https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqsb6a8Bl6B/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=181na99h1msaj