let's talk about the 78 books I've read so far this year 📖 mid-year book tag!

welcome back sweet friends!!
2022 mid year book tag: • I've read 70 books so ...
2023 mid year book tag: • let's talk about the 1...
tag questions:
best book you've read so far in 2024?
best sequel you've read so far in 2024?
new release you haven't read yet, but want to?
most anticipated release for the second half of the year?
biggest surprise?
favorite new author (debut or new to you)?
newest fictional crush?
book that made you cry?
book that made you happy?
most beautiful book you've bought so far this year (or received)?
what books do you need to read by the end of the year?
extra questions from Katie!
Katie's video: • mid - year book tag📚🫶🏻...
What books do you want to reread this year?
Favorite author so far this year ?
Books you’ve been putting off?
A book you enjoyed with mixed reviews?
Series you want to finish before the end of the year?
5 star predictions for rest of the year?
Do you think you’ll reach your reading goal, are you going to change it?
Any new goals for the rest of the year?
other videos I mentioned:
babel reading vlog: • reading books I've bee...
magnolia parks into the dark reading vlog: • reading my MOST antici...
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Thanks for watching!
Rach x
DISCLAIMER: I do not own this music. No copyright intended. This video was not sponsored. All opinions are my own.

[@leximor]

I personally LOVED (!!!!!) ruthless vows. A lot of it focuses on their individual journeys and the romance doesn’t come in till later in book. I think a lot of people loved divine rivals for the romance and were disappointed when it wasn’t as romance heavy since the characters are apart for a while. however i personally think ruthless vows was so romantic and beautiful. I adored it even more than divine rivals. don’t be scared! 💖

[@Sarahxxxxxxx]

I loved it too I didn’t understand all the hate. If you love the characters you will love the second book

[@kaiaorme2874]

Yes!! I gave it 5 stars!!

[@katienicholas5866]

yess!! totally agree

[@kansxlibrary]

Me too!!! I love that duology with my whole heart 😭

[@abbeyfrancis4390]

Same! 5 stars from me too. I loved it.

[@madelynnleah23]

78 books in 6 months is amazing

[@jordienaomi]

Would you consider doing a series of vlogs re reading the MPU books and go full spoiler?! Would love love love to hear all your thoughts, specifically on the Magnolia and BJ books. ❤

[@birdyreader]

Up!!!!

[@chloelassalle9777]

yes we NEED it !!

[@laurenphillips8705]

PLEASEEEE Rach, we need this!

[@AlexaPittman-mr5yw]

Yes I absolutely loved ruthless vows, I will admit the first was my favorite, but in saying that, divine rivals was a six star book, top book of 2023 it is one of my absolute favorite books of all time, but I still have ruthless vows five stars, I read it in a day, I just adore the characters and the writing and the romance and it still is one of my favorite books I have read so far this year

[@carlajanerys]

Ruthless vows was a 5 star for me - so long as you go in not expecting as much romance.. you will love 😊

[@JemimaRose]

that 'how does it feel?' cover is truly horrifying lol that would put me off it alone !

[@baileytaylor6454]

The US cover looks way less terrifying, I just bought it yesterday😂

[@sleepytoh]

i would love a full video on you re-reading magnolia parks series!! because we never got an in-depth reaction to you reading the first three books and i would like to see them!!

[@lozxcam]

I’m at 70 books out of a 100 goal for the year! My favourite book of the year has been ‘A Grave Robbery’ by Deanna Raybourn. I don’t know how to describe my love for the series. 9 books in and it’s still just as/ if not more entertaining as it was in the beginning. 1800s England murder mystery, independent heroine, top notch banter, cozy, romantic but not spicy. It’s just my all time favourite series.

[@nicki3154]

I can't wait for the paperback of A Grave Robbery to be published. I recently finished A Sinister Revenge. It is really such a good book series.

[@bratsfacks1013]

I was hopeful that I would love that series but I dnf-ed the first book :/

[@niyaroseee]

i LOVED ruthless vows personally. it is definitely more focused on the politics/ war and the characters individually, so there is significantly less romance than the first one but i still think this book was absolutely amazing.

[@elizabethcore2156]

I liked it better than the first tbh!

[@opheliaidk]

Hey rachel! i really encourage you to read the dead romantics! I went into it with the mindset that it's a pretty ''mid'' book BUT i was very surprised and it ended up being a 4.5 star read for me. I really connected with the characters and I loved the part were it dealt with grief. Hope this helps you decide if you want to read it or not.

[@janniemaldonado7422]

PLEASE READ RUTHLESS VOWS!!! I love Iris and Roman in divine rivals and ruthless vows 🥺💙 still my favorite duo. Rebecca Ross will not disappoint!!!

[@MariamRizvi]

The way this video popped up in my sub box and I literally couldn't fathom that we already halfway through 2024! That is so wild 😱😱

[@sarahn.7795]

I think my favorite book so far has been "The seven year slip". I have just adored this book so much and the writing was beautiful!!

[@sleepytoh]

i LOVED ruthless vows! i was initially scared too because of the reviews so i went in knowing the romance was not going to be as heavy as the first book. I think you definitely have to go in with the expectations of the romance being somewhat of a sub plot and more on the war. BUT I LOVED EVERYTHING THE WRITING AND THE ROMANCE! IT WAS STILL A 5 STAR FOR ME!!

[@jordantall5030]

I looooved Ruthless Vows!! Even though there were high stakes, it still felt so comforting. I don’t quite know how to explain it but it was just so good. I loved how it wrapped up the storyline!

[@tamrahudson4266]

Please don't be scared of Ruthless Vows!! The vibes are still perfect and I personally LOVED getting to learn about the history of the war and I really think you'll love it too based on your fav books:)

[@mirabarudde3059]

'The way I used to be' and 'The way I am now' is definitely my favorite books of the year. I love a character driven story and these were done so well. Gave both 5 stars!🌟💞

[@brookemcnary0522]

Seeing this post just brightened my day ❤

[@rileyhouser4215]

I read Binding & Keeping 13 pretty recently. Definitely would consider those my favorites of this year !

[@astronaut_bc9398]

I was hoping for you to do this video 🤩 Thank you very much and good luck finishing your 24 book list in 2024❤

[@ebonyedmonds]

I simply adored Ruthless Vows, it’s what made me go back and rate Divine Rivals five stars as well. I feel it’s more world building heavy compared to the first book, but I actually really liked how it further explored this and why Iris and Roman made the choices they did, based on that

[@annadaniel8295]

I personally ADORED Ruthless Vows!!

[@marydavis2312]

hahah theres something about your silliness in this video that feels so true to you and I love ittt❤❤❤

[@starlasell5698]

❤📚 Thank you for sharing, Rachel! I absolutely love the Emily Wilde's books!!!

[@taylorthue2376]

I was surprised a lot of people were disappointed by Ruthless Vows! I read it as soon as it released and went in with zero expectations and I really enjoyed it. I just love the Rowan and Iris so much I was happy to read anything about the two of them again!❤️‍🔥

[@katiamalinguaggio9286]

Your videos/personality/vibes bring me so much joy and peace! You so deserve all those arcs❤️❤️❤️❤️ Love from Connecticut, USA❤

[@kirstyclark1609]

Ruthless Vows made me sob 😭 it’s so good

[@Vivsbooks]

This video made me so happy and your comment about magnolia parks into the dark made me so excited to read it because I‘m scared of what the book could do to my wellbeing 🥺😄 I loved Katie’s video and also used one of her questions 💕

[@sophiesliskovic212]

I love this video! Currently reading just for the summer and loved funny story

[@leoniemorell6748]

I loved ruthless vows!! Such a fun Video, thanks Rach ❤

[@samanthamillie899]

I am currently reading Ruthless Vows and omg Im loving it! Its definitely taking me longer to read than Divine Rivals but truly that is because i am so distraught about whats happening and I dont ever want it to end. Roman and Iris forever

[@kkfaith08]

love your videos rach !!!

[@ryanfrisby7389]

Amazing video Rachel!

[@lydiasheneman7173]

rachellll! i personally feel like you will love ruthless vows! i thought it was the perfect resolution to the duology. please do a reading vlog when you finally pick it up!! :’)

[@min1705]

A bit unrelated to the video, but I feel like in recent years, I've lost a lot of the love I had for reading because of things like work, my personal life, etc. I've only been able to finish one book this year, and I've been feeling pretty bad about it. But watching you talk about the books you read has left me feeling a bit hopeful that I can get out of this slump and find love in reading again ♡

[@sharonlovesbooks]

Well done on reading that many books in half a year. I have read 58 so far which is around 14 more than I read for the whole year last year so kicking goals there 😊 I know that reading is not about the amount of books we read in a year or even setting goals but I like to challenge myself.

[@Dkg260]

I wish I could read the amount of books you do! Ly bestie ❤❤❤

[@rhayes8596]

We are here to listen to you yap rach! Please keep yapping ☺️

[@sanjhsolanki2419]

Ahhh I loved Ruthless Vows more than the first book!! You should read it asappp. Loved the video ❤

[@jadelittle1477]

Love this video!!! How you've managed to read 78 books in less than 6 months is incredible!! I'm a busy uni student so haven't had as much time to read as I would like, but currently on a break so will definetly be doing some reading!! Just starting The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo! My fav book this year has definitely been Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries!! I recently finished it and I loved it. I'm waiting for the smaller paperback to come into my book store before I buy the second one, as I want the book sizes to match... but knowing you gave it a 5 star, I'm so pumped to read it!! ❤

[@Nicole.iss.reading]

Mistborn is soo good bestie. The romance subplot is everything

[@PinkHawk191]

Fourth Wing and Iron Flame are my favorite books of 2024 so far.

[@Martha-go7zk]

I seriously LOVED powerless I need reckless rn fr lol ❤ love ur vids

[@TheMooresDaily]

Ruthless Vows wrapped up the series perfectly! Loved it.

[@birdyreader]

Yes 👏

[@volxmar]

my comfort person!

[@VicandWes]

I fell in love with the Stalking Jack The Ripper series! I listened to the audiobooks and highly recommend for your reread! ❤

[@jenniferbeaman5356]

I've never been so early for a video!!

[@eviesvlog]

Ruthless vows is amazing loved it!!

[@larakovtun2125]

My favourite book i read this year would have to be A Court Of Thorns and Roses because it was my first time reading it and the series and it was truly amazing!!! Also love your videos!! 💜

[@maddiemozingo]

PLEASE read How Does It Feel!!!! I’m obsessed. It is so good.

[@LilyCollings]

I absolutely LOVED Ruthless Vows more-so than Divine Rivals but maybe it was because of the headspace I was in when I read it and just appreciated the escapism. It has less of a focus on the romance but I think it's such a great story - honestly the perfect conclusion/follow up to the series 💖

[@birdyreader]

Yes 👏

[@stephanie_marie_120]

I loved ruthless vows! Read it soon!!

[@hannasmith794]

I LOVED Ruthless Vows!!!! Such a good read

[@katelynyoung655]

The Will of the Many by James Islington was an unexpected 6 star for me. Definitely the best book I’ve read in a LONG time!

[@abbeyfrancis4390]

Yesss! Get on Ruthless Vows. I’m still so shocked you haven’t. I loved it, gave it 5 stars. One of those ones where I stayed up way too late cause I needed to finish it right then and there 😂

[@kalilinee3555]

I’m reading ruthless vows now, I’m about 60% in. Soooo good so far. I’m loving it!!

[@jaudeyt]

you talking about MP is literally me core

[@haylovesbooks]

My top three favs are you with a view, just for the summer, & redeeming 6!!!!

[@mansoor3159]

Rachel you are so so sooooooo inspiring for me and I really really love to read books so so so much and I really really needed this vlog💖💖🥹🥹

[@booknerdktree]

Your videos are some of my absolute favorite on booktube💗💗💗 A new romance releasing at the end of this month that I think you would LOVE is Love and Other Goals by Tracy Baack💗

[@maylinw8925]

I felt the same way about ruthless vows but I ended up loving it!!!😊

[@emilyd005]

I think you would love the Veronica speedwell series!! It’s a historical mystery series with a fun romance!!

[@courtney.n967]

I loooved Ruthless Vows!! Way more than Divine Rivals! It’s more plot driven and her beautiful writing is consistent. Don’t be afraid to give it a go!!

[@Mila_readss]

You deserve everything that you receive

[@MarileeGallegos-hx1wl]

I'm also very excited for Reckless. It comes out the day before my Birthday!!!❤

[@mstanforda]

So excited for the day that i start the magnolia parks series 💌

[@voidislost]

you actually inspired me to read anatomy and immortality! i gave the first book 4 stars mostly due to the start being a bit too slow for me. now im waiting for the second book to arrive to my nearby library :]

[@springoffaith9690]

My favorite book so far has definitely been Magnolia Parks: Into the Dark. So glad I found this universe this year (because of you bestie!)

[@Findmewherethebooksare]

A video idea I’ve been trying to get out there to the book girlies is similar to what you’ve done here: convince us to read your favorite books based on a few of your favorite lines ❤

[@BrinkleyK]

I love watching these kinds of videos. They give me so many good book recommendations that I can at to my list of books I want to read. I personally can not choose one but a couple of my favorite books I've read so far this year were The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther and Twisted Lies by Ana Huang.

[@emelia7891]

i’m also a just for the summer stan!

[@TheMooresDaily]

My favorite series this year has been the remnant chronicles by Mary e Pearson! Kiss of Deception took me by surprise but it had me SQUEALING!

[@oliviakayley1186]

i'm a pretty harsh rater and i loved ruthless vows! one of two of my five star reads this year so far

[@alyoelze5880]

I LOVED Ruthless Vows!!

[@fathireads]

Please read Two Twisted Crowns! I'm currently reading it and I'm loving it

[@Showtunediva]

I agree with you about Justin Rachel.❤

[@anniephillips1335]

My mom and I buddy-read Ruthless Vows and both agreed that it was even better than the first one- and we absolutely adored Divine Rivals! I think you’ll dig it ❤

[@jodiebascuguin28]

I loved House of Salt and Sorrows. ✨

[@elenahaszing9486]

The Night Circus, by far my favorite book of the year. Just Incredible

[@unavailable162]

Don’t worry about the amount of 5 stars cause I’m the same! Last year out of the 280 books I read I only had 12 5 stars total! This year I’ve tried to improve that to not over analyse and just go off the vibes I’m feeling so far doing a lot better with 5 stars then last year lol

[@allesae]

love love love

[@charlottesolomon3265]

As for reccomendations - I just finished and LOVED The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, it was just the cutest, coziest fantasy story with a sweet romance to boot!

[@vlinder1410]

I loved the housmaid series!!

[@MillisThings]

Pleaseeeee read Ruthless Vows! ❤❤❤ I love it so so much! It’s definitely a bit different to Divine Rivals but its so amazing 💕

[@kaitlynbillings]

My favourite book of the year so far is definitely Divine Rivals I really enjoyed that story 😊

[@san3949]

One of my favorites this year was The Finale Empire by Brandon Sanderson. I was nervous to read it, but my husband kept saying how much he loved it, and I'm so glad I read it.

[@porshaepaul7744]

Magnolia Parks Into the Dark was definitely my favorite read of the year!

[@Vio-yv5br]

I love this video!! I also LOVE Erin A Craig's work she is so good and keeping you at the edge of your seats!! But so far my top fave books are Redeemed which is the last book of the Dirty Air Series: Lauren Asher, A Man's World: Grace Newman, and Butcher&Blackbird: Brynne Weaver. Hope you can read these books!!

[@Emma-rn2dq]

I am in the middle of reading Ruthless Vows right now and so far I am really enjoying it! I think that there is a different vibe compared to Divine Rivals but the writing is very poetic and I’m still very engaged in the story. I think you should read it if you can separate the first and the second book

[@user-ep8cs4qf6x]

Yes Rachel…you NEED to read ruthless vows 🤣 I also was put off by all the negative reviews but honestly?…I actually preferred the second book (and so did a few of my friends who read it!) I would say the first book focuses on the romance and the second book focuses on the world and the war that is surrounding them but personally I felt like it added so much, it made the romance even more gut wrenching (if that was possible) and just added so much more depth to divine rivals ❤

[@lauracuthberr792]

My favorite books this year have been Kingdom of Ash and Mag Parks into the Dark. Did I cry for days over both absolutely.

[@fallonturner7441]

My favourite standalone of this year so far is the Sword of Kaigen, such an incredible book and I think about it all the time. Favourite new series which I’ve never heard anyone talk about is A Tale of Stars and Shadow by Lisa Cassidy. Both fantasy and highly recommend!

[@jacelynbolton9083]

Ruthless Vows is STUNNING! Don’t listen to the others Rach! I think you’ll absolutely love it!!

[@Schmilerz]

I have the same issue with Two twisted crowns - loved the first one and haven’t had the urge to pick up the second 😢 I just don’t ever think about it. I know I would love it once I read it, but there are so many slightly more intriguing books out there that I want to read first

[@sophiesliskovic212]

Planning to read magnolia parks too!

[@user-in3rq3dp6m]

Ruthless vows was amazing I liked it even better than the first one (both were so so good)

[@saram2557]

I loved Ruthless Vows. 😭❤️

[@SamiKaye]

I absolutely loved Ruthless Vows and rated it 5 stars! I felt the pacing was pretty good (I was afraid it was gonna drag on/slow) and journalism is still a big part of this series and I loved this aspect so much! I felt like reading this sequel made me love and understand this series so much more! I highly recommend! 📚💕

[@Maroon58]

I actually loved Ruthless Vows more! I loved that we got more information about the Gods. And the quotes from the mmc are so good! Loved Dana Schwartz books. I wish there was more in that series!

[@lucygoodwriter]

I love your videos so much Rachel ❤ my favorite books so far probably have to be lilac girls by Martha Kelly Hall, better than the movies by Lynn Painter, or wait for me by Caroline Leech