Reading Challenge Update, Library Goals, and New Book Rec
July was a big month for me in achieving this year’s book goals. First, I hit my 2025 personal library goal of 600 books (604 to be exact!). I am always striving to get to my lifetime goal of 1,000 books in my personal collection as many people say that hitting that number allows you to consider your books a ‘library’. Crazy to think I’m well on my way to hitting 1,000 books in just a few short years. It’s on my list of things to achieve before I’m 40, so I technically have 8 more years.
I also achieved my 2025 Reading Challenge of reading 80 books this year! I hit that in July! I think I can push for my stretch goal now of 150 books. I’ll let you know how I did in December when I do my 2025 Reading Recap. I’m feeling pretty confident I’ll hit it. You can also follow my journey by adding me on Goodreads.
But now, for the real reason you’re here. My latest book recommendation.
Rose in Chains by Julie Soto. This book is the newest release of one of my favorite authors! I’ve met Julie a couple of times now at book signing events and she is one of the most down to earth and funny people I’ve met. Rose in Chains is her romantasy book and she nails it! If you know anything about Julie it shouldn’t surprise you since she got her start by writing fanfic. She can write one hell of a sexy scene ;) Keep in mind this is a romantasy book so while there are some steamy parts, there are a lot of world building and fantasy elements in this book that make it the complete package. I gave it 5 STARS and I hope you enjoy it too.
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Overview:
The war is over, the dark forces have won, and the hero who was supposed to save them is dead.
Captured as her castle is overrun by the enemy, Briony Rosewood knows that the world as she knows it is changed forever. The dark forces of Bomard have won and her people, the Eversuns, face imminent servitude, imprisonment or death. Her brother, fated to be heir twice over and unite the warring kingdoms, is dead.
Stripped of her Mind Magic and her freedom, Briony and the other survivors are quickly auctioned off to the highest bidders in an auction – and as the heir-apparent’s sister, she fetches the highest price.
After a fierce bidding war, she’s sold to none other than Toven a high ranking Bomardsun – and her long-time and ill-fated infatuation. Scion of a family known for their cruel control of Heart Magic, the Hearsts are ruthlessly ambitious, and Briony knows they will use her however they can to further their own interests.
Yet despite the horrors of her new world and the role she must learn to play within it, all is not lost. Help – and hope – may yet arise in the most unlikely of places…
