Category: Book Tags

Books Under the Tree Book Tag

Yolanda @ Past Midnight2 Comments

I saw this on AceReader‘s blog and thought it was a fun Christmas theme post to do since I don’t think I did any holiday posts yet – and with Christmas a day away…let’s try this one out!

1. What book would you like to find under the tree this year?

I don’t usually get book gifts under the tree but this would make a great collection to my Cruel Prince series!

2. What is the best book you have ever received for Christmas?

Like I said, I don’t get many book gifts so I’ll say…the book my mother-in-law got me…

3. What book gives you all the Christmas feels?

I read this last year and it was super cute – lots of family Christmas vibes and romance of course.🥰

4. What book do you plan on reading to put you in the Christmas spirit this year?

I honestly have no plans to read a book to put me in the Christmas spirit this year…lol…I did read the In a Holidaze arc but that was months ago. And I didn’t join any winter blog tours this year, just didn’t have the energy!

5. What book have you read this year that you would like to throw out with the Christmas tree after the holidays?

I have a fake tree so I don’t toss a tree out after the holidays 😅 but this one right now is trying my patience and might end up a DNF, which is rare for me! I love the cover but I think I expected something else? It’s not for me.

6. What is a book from this year that you would like to place under a friend’s tree?

I would gift this to a few people ~ it’s an inspiring story!

7. Challenge: Create a stack of books in which the spines alternate green and red! Share the titles.

I’m tagging whoever wants to do this tag! Well here we are, one more day until Christmas and I hope those of you who do get books under the tree get all the ones you have been wishing for. 😘

Happy Holidays! 🎄 ~ Yolanda

All About Halloween Book Tag

Yolanda @ Past Midnight3 Comments

Hi everyone! Since Halloween is a few days away I thought this tag was perfect to add to my blog. I found it at Kristin Kraves Books, check out her beautiful blog and give her a follow!

What are your favorite Halloween movies?

I admit I haven’t binged on Halloween movies since my son turned like three because he’s scared of all things Halloween…except he did sit through The Nightmare Before Christmas. Now my daughter loves Jack Skellington, Sally and Zero as well but she hasn’t seen the movie yet. So it’s a favorite in our house.

But this Halloween, I have a craving to watch Beetlejuice! I need to find a moment when my kids aren’t around me haha.

And of course Practical Magic because sisterhood and witches! 😍


And oh yes the cheesy, I can’t help myself for loving it – Teen Witch! LOL

I grew up with many male older cousins, I was the youngest of the bunch and for years as a child I was stuck watching Poltergeist, Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street, etc…😭. Weird though, of all those movies from my childhood, Poltergeist probably freaked me out the most but I have a strange love for it, maybe because it’s nostalgic? But for sure I can’t watch that movie around my kids. 🤣

What is your favorite Halloween book?

I don’t think I’ve ever had a favorite Halloween book. 🤔 But the book I read this month that gave me lots of witchy, Halloween vibes has to be:

What other Halloween books would you recommend?

For another witchy read I’d recommend, The Wicked Deep:

Do you own any Halloween ugly sweaters?

I didn’t realized they existed haha, and it’s not sweater weather in Hawaii at all. It’s 85 degrees! So I don’t.

What are some of your favorite Halloween costumes?

I’m always a villain! I was Maleficent, The Evil Queen and Ursula the last three years! But I love seeing when people have creative costumes.

What are you doing for Halloween this year?

We will be trick or treating first, my kids can’t last long and sometimes my son opts to stay with my hubby at the house and pass out candy. After trick or treating we pass out candy. We have a lot of trick or treaters!

What is your favorite childhood Halloween memory?

I don’t have a favorite memory. Trick or treating around the neighborhood was so much fun as a kid. Back in the 80’s, I didn’t dress up for Halloween, at most maybe my mom bought me a mask at the store. My parents didn’t trick or treat as kids, they lived in farm country and they didn’t spend money on candy. So as a kid, I don’t think they understood the whole going all out in a costume haha, they gave me a plastic bag, a mask and we went around the neighborhood. I loved it! Every year was awesome, and I love going trick or treating with my kids it reminds me of being a kid again! 😍

I hope all of you who celebrate have a Happy Halloween!

The Blogger Recognition Award

Yolanda @ Past Midnight4 Comments

The Rules

  1. Thank the blogger/s who nominated you and provide a link to their blog.
  2. Write a post to show your award.
  3. Give a brief story of how your blog started.
  4. Give two pieces of advice to new bloggers.
  5. Select up to 10 to 15 other bloggers you want to give this award to.
  6. Comment (or pingback) on each blog and let them know you have nominated them and provide the link to the post you created.

Thank you so much to Emer at A Little Haze Book Blog for nominating for this blogger award. She has been such an awesome support of my blog and I appreciate it so much. Check out her awesome blog and give her a follow, she has fun book tags and fabulous book reviews!

How Past Midnight came to be:

Honestly? I wanted to read arcs on NetGalley because money is tight when you have two kids! 🤣 When I was single with no kids, I bought books without a care. Having kids…well, my kids can’t eat books, right?

I found out about NetGalley and I wanted in! I used to blog, years ago…even got paid writing wedding planning articles for blogs so I thought I’ve done this before…mind you I’ve been out of it a few years though. I’ve been a lover of books since I was eleven…I’ve been reading for thirty years so I would consider myself experienced. Then one day in March 2019 I said I’m going to do it. And here I am. I called it Past Midnight because I start reading as I put my daughter to bed at night and when a book is good I read “past midnight”. 🤷🏻‍♀️ It’s been so much fun, I love having access to arcs, I’m back at buying books too because I have a bigger space to house them. I’ve made such awesome friends in the blog world and on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter. It’s been more than I could have imagined and I love it. 😍

Two Pieces of Advice to New Bloggers:

I think the obvious and best advice would be to be YOURSELF on your blog. Because seriously…that’s the best advice to give! But here are two more pieces of advice that helped me build this blog:

#1 – A thing that helped me a lot with posting everyday even if I didn’t have a book to review is doing book tags, blogger awards (if you are nominated), and weekly memes that bloggers host. There is so much out there! I have two young children that want my attention constantly, even if one is in school, the other is still home with me and we run errands and do activities some days so at times I have no time to read or even post. So PRE-SCHEDULE some book tag posts, or weekly memes for your blog. Currently some weekly prompts/memes I’ve tried are:

All of these are fun, easy and adds some different content to your blog other than book reviews. Especially when you don’t have a book review lined up – these have been a lifesaver for me!

#2 – I’m never satisfied with the way my blog looks, I’m always changing something after a few months. But I found an easy way to add some graphics and that’s by using Canva. It’s how I make blog banners or just add some simple graphics to my page and it’s free! I’m all about free. I paid for one graphic I think and it was only $1. So it doesn’t break the bank at all.

And that’s that! As always you are not obligated to do this post, only if you want to 😘 – here is who I’m nominating:

TheGeekishBrunette

Prose & Pancakes

Storme Reads

Somewhere Lost In Books

Sometimes Leelyn Reads

Biblio Jojo

Yna the Mood Reader

Kitty Maries Reading Corner

abellafairytale

Jessica E. Larsen

The Sunshine Blogger Award #3

Yolanda @ Past Midnight2 Comments

Thank you to Emer at A Little Haze Book Blog for tagging me for this award! It’s my third one and since I just finished #2, I might as well post #3 right away before I forget and procrastinate on it again. 😂 I am in a fog of sinus pressure so please excuse me! Emer has been so awesome at supporting my blog and she’s so friendly and welcoming, please check out her awesome website!

What is the Sunshine Blogger Award?

The Sunshine Blogger Award is given to those who are creative, positive and inspiring while spreading sunshine to the blogging community.

How does it work?

  • Thank the blogger(s) who nominated you in a blog post and link back to their blog.
  • Answer the 11 questions sent by the person who nominated you.
  • Nominate 11 new blogs to receive the award and write them 11 new questions.
  • List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post and/or on your blog.

Emer’s Questions:

Do you own more than one copy of any book? If yes then what book/s?

Yes, Pride and Prejudice because you know…I need all versions. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Nah, I only have 2 copies of it, one I bought for myself and the other because my hubby had the foresight (finally) to grab all the Jane Austen books the library at his workplace were giving away for free.

Describe your perfect day.

It would start off with 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep, then a large cookies n creme ice blended coffee drink from Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, half caff/no whip. Then my kids and I would have a fabulous day, and no one would be sick, I would have no sinus headache or allergies, etc…LOL…and I’d have a chance to finish a book in peace while they played together.

What attracts you to a book? The cover? Blurb? Recommendation from others? 

I admit, I judge a book by it’s cover…mostly. LOL

You are having a dinner party and can invite three famous people (either living or dead) to the party. Who do you invite?

Prince, Michelle Obama and Lizzo 🤷🏻‍♀️ my brain is mush, and that’s a really random dinner party guest list 😂 but sounds like a fun party right?!

Who is your favourite superhero?

Batman because at least in the Lego show versions he’s so sarcastic, which is quite funny to me.

Which would you prefer to win: an Oscar or a Grammy?

An Oscar maybe? I can’t act to save my life, but maybe like an Oscar for like costume design sounds cool! And no I can’t design costumes either.

What is the first book that you ever wrote a review for?

The Hidden Witch by Chandelle LaVaun

Coca Cola or Pepsi?

I was a Coca Cola addict for a long time! I’ve been off it for about 6 years now!!

Are you an early bird or a night owl?

Ugh…BOTH. But mostly early bird if I can help it, because my kids don’t know how to sleep in. 🤦🏻‍♀️ So they wake me up early.

What is your all time favourite quote from a book you loved?

Hard one that I can’t answer at the moment. 🧐

What’s the last book you bought (eBook, audiobook or physical book)?

And those are my answers – so here are my questions:

  1. What made you start blogging?
  2. How did you come up with the name for your blog?
  3. Name three of your favorite 2019 books so far?
  4. Name a booktuber that you follow?
  5. Do you write blog posts in advance or do you them on the day you want to post something?
  6. What’s the weirdest thing you have ever used as a bookmark?
  7. What’s your favorite bookish item? (page flags, bookmark, book sleeve, etc…?)
  8. What is your most anticipated book for the rest of 2019?
  9. What is your most anticipated book for 2020?
  10. How many books for you usually read in one week?
  11. Are you the type to read one book at a time or multiple books going on at a time?

I am tagging (and as always you are not obligated to do this at all!):

Kitty Marie

Storme Reads

Floras Musings

The Book Lovers’ Sanctuary

L.M. Durand

The Sunshine Blogger Award #2

Yolanda @ Past MidnightLeave a comment

I’m FINALLY getting around to posting this one but Thank you so much to Lindsay at Paw-Some Reads for tagging me with my second Sunshine Blogger award. Check out her awesome blog for great book reviews and other fun book content!

What is the Sunshine Blogger Award?

The Sunshine Blogger Award is given to those who are creative, positive and inspiring while spreading sunshine to the blogging community.

How does it work?

  • Thank the blogger(s) who nominated you in a blog post and link back to their blog.
  • Answer the 11 questions sent by the person who nominated you.
  • Nominate 11 new blogs to receive the award and write them 11 new questions.
  • List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post and/or on your blog.

Lindsay’s Questions:

What is your favorite genre to read?

It used to be romance but I think I have to admit now that it’s fantasy. Fantasy that has romance in it is my most favorite.

Would you rather read a great plot with average characters or a boring plot with amazing characters?

Ah! What a question…I’ll go with boring plot with amazing characters because maybe the characters can somewhat salvage the story! Haha

Do you have any pets?

Does a bat decoration from the Target store count? My son insists it’s his pet and he’s named it Miko, it even comes with his own cage! HAHA…on a serious note, I lost my sweet baby girl, Sky last year. I don’t think I’ve recovered yet – we miss her dearly. The kids want another pet but I don’t think I’m ready.

What has been your favorite read of 2019?

There have been SO many good ones!! But I’ll say Serpent & Dove because it’s my most recent favorite.

What was the last movie you watched, and did you like it?

I watched Moana couple days ago with my kids since it was on the tv and I LOVE the movie. As for new movies? i don’t get out much. 😩

Who is your favorite fictional villain?

My brain is drawing a BLANK but I say it’s due to the sinus pressure in my face (ugh HATE being sick)…so let’s go with my fave from the tv series Game of Thrones, the Night King. Even Cersi was pretty bad-ass, I hated her and loved her villainous ways!

How do you feel about audiobooks?

Don’t like them. I have no focus and patience for them.

What’s your dream job?

An author? At least that used to be my dream job. Right now a travel writer would be nice too…been stuck in Hawaii since I gave birth to my son seven years ago! I have the travel bug…BADLY.

Do you watch booktube/who are some of your favorite booktubers?

I only know one booktube duo so far and learned of them through Instagram – they are called AudioShelf!

Do you review books that you DNF?

Nope – and if it’s an arc on NetGalley, I think I DNF’ed one and reviewed it on NetGalley but not on my blog.

Would you rather read outside by the pool on a sunny day or inside curled up with blankets on a rainy day?

Blankets on a rainy day! A sunny day by the pool would probably mean I am IN the pool because it’s so dang hot in Hawaii. I overheat too quick haha.

And that’s my answers! So here are my question and yes some are inspired by Halloween:

  1. What are your plans for Halloween?
  2. What’s the spookiest book you’ve ever read?
  3. What is your favorite Halloween movie?
  4. What’s your favorite candy?
  5. Where was the last place you went to on vacation/holiday?
  6. What is your favorite romance trope? (Enemies to lovers? Friends to lovers?)
  7. Do you dress up for Halloween? If yes, what will be your costume this year?
  8. How many books have you read so far this year?
  9. Do you keep a reading journal?
  10. Name one thing that is challenging about blogging?
  11. Do you buy books online or in a physical store?

I’m tagging:

Chelsie @ My Reading Escape

Sarah June

Nadya @ Pop of Geek

Nicole – The Anatomy of a Bookworm

BiCoastal Confessions

And remember you are not obligated to do this tag at all! It’s just for fun and only if you feel like it. Would love to see your answers. ☺️

The Waffle Book Tag

Yolanda @ Past Midnight2 Comments

Hi everyone, let’s take a break today from book reviews and do something fun. I saw this floating around the blog world and thought it was super cute. Plus it comes with adorable graphics – thanks to the creator kat @ novelsandwaffles.

All waffle graphics used here are created by Kat.

The Rules:

  • Link back to the original creator, Kat @ Novels & Waffles 
  • Feel free to use any of the waffle graphics in this post, just make sure to credit Kat
  • Tag away if you want.

I always say Pride & Prejudice is my favorite classic novel but…I’ll change it up and say Jane Eyre. I love the moment when Mr. Rochester’s secret is revealed and Jane decides to leave him. Such angst, I felt horrible for both of them.

Wholesome goodness vibes is what Peter K and Lara Jean always give me. And not only because of the two of them. I think it’s because Lara Jean is always baking something and she and her sisters are so cute together.

I read this when it was first published in the 90’s and I was in love with the whole series. This reminds me of middle school! For years after I left middle school, every time I reread this series it reminded me of my middle school library.

I’m cheating LOL…I cannot think of ANY character right now in the recent books I’ve read or am reading who is SWEET. 😆 But I read a lot of children’s books to my kids and Hattie and Horace are the sweetest!!!

The perfect book for this category. Broke my heart but it made me smile too.

A dystopian western?! Yup and with paranormal aspects in it too! Review coming soon for this one, but for me it was different – but good different!

Even though I wasn’t into it by the end – I finished the series.

My favorite accessory? A bookmark-or whatever I use for a bookmark, my cellphone, a receipt, one of my kids’ drawing laying around, a hair tie, etc…😂

Such a super short and sweet tag! I enjoyed doing this one – and definitely help yourself to doing this tag if you like! Would love to see your answers. 😘

Lover – Book Tag

Yolanda @ Past Midnight7 Comments

I found this super fun book tag from Sara @ The Bibliophagist . She created it and it is inspired by Taylor Swift’s new album Lover, which I was playing all of last week. Check out Sara’s blog for more amazing book content!

Rules:

  • Link back to the creator, Sara @ The Bibliophagist!
  • Answer the questions!
  • Tag whoever you want and link back to the person who tagged you!

I Forgot That You Existed: a book from your childhood that you don’t remember anything about

♪ it isn’t love, it isn’t hate, it’s just indifference ♪

Required reading – I forget at what age, 5th grade? Something like that, but all I remember is the cover because of the dogs and that’s it.

Cruel Summer: the worst book you’ve read this summer

♪ it’s blue, the feeling I’ve got and it’s… it’s a cruel summer ♪

It’s not horrible, I just couldn’t get into this one! 😒

Lover: a bookish relationship that’s perfect exactly the way it is

♪ can we always be this close forever and ever ♪

Because I just love Lara Jean and Peter K. together. They just make sense. 🤷🏻‍♀️💕

The Man: a book with a badass female main character

♪ if I was a man, then I’d be the man ♪

Lara from The Bridge Kingdom – I’m scared of her and ready to see how much she kicks ass in book 2. 😅 I’m actually reading at eArc of Diamond City right now and the protagonist, Aina, actually is more scary badass than Lara, but I’m going with what is published.

The Archer: a book with great character development

♪ I see right through me ♪

A lot of characters in this book show growth, it’s an awesome book. I read it as an arc but I now need a physical copy to re-read it.

I Think He Knows: your fictional crush

♪ he got my heartbeat skipping down 16th Avenue ♪

Rhysand – High Lord of the Night Court. 🖤

Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince: a book set in high school

♪ waving homecoming queens, marching band playing, I’m lost in the lights ♪

A high school enemies to lovers, next door neighbors, love story.

Paper Rings: a book with a happy ending

♪ I like shiny things, but I’d marry you with paper rings ♪

I’ll go with THE classic happily ever after, no not Cinderella….Pride and Prejudice. A thousand times, yes.

Cornelia Street: a setting you’ll never forget

♪ “I rent a place on Cornelia Street,” I say casually in the car ♪

I just finished this book recently and I won’t forget it for sure. It’s a retelling of one of my favorite childhood stories Twelve Dancing Princesses. I love the setting, the whole vibe, a house by the sea, with a creepy curse, a mystery, and horror. 😱

Death by a Thousand Cuts: a book that broke your heart

♪ I can’t pretend that it’s okay when it’s not ♪

I was not okay at the end of The Shadow Glass. Was there no other way? 😭

London Boy: a setting that plays a big role in the story

♪ show me a gray sky, a rainy cab ride ♪

The setting in We Hunt the Flame is vital to the story – the Arz, a cursed forest is what prompts the protagonist to go on a treasure hunt. I loved the setting in this book!

Soon You’ll Get Better: a book that made you cry

♪ what am I supposed to do if there’s no you? ♪

I went into this book laughing and contemplative, then it hit me in the end with a sad event. It was kind of out of the blue and I was like…what? 😢

False God: a book with a well-written sexy scene

♪ I know heaven’s a thing, I go there when you touch me, honey ♪

I read two books in August with sex in it (I swear I used to read more books with sex in them 😂🤷🏻‍♀️) – I’ve been in YA bookland for awhile I think…so I’ll go with The Spitfire, an adult historical romance.

You Need to Calm Down: a book featuring an LGBT romance

♪ shade never made anybody less gay ♪

The most recent LGBT book I read and reviewed recently is Mooncakes. It’s a super cute graphic novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Review to come.

Afterglow: a great second chance romance

♪ why’d I have to break what I love so much? ♪

In The Lady Rogue, Theo and Huck are so cute especially when they are bickering. 😂 But they are totally meant to be together, despite what happened in the past.

ME!: your all-time favorite book

♪ I promise that you’ll never find another like me ♪

Going off the books I’ve re-read a lot the past few years – it has to be this series, for now…😬

It’s Nice to Have a Friend: your favorite friends-to-lovers book

♪ something gave you the nerve to touch my hand ♪

I feel like every Sarah Dessen novel could be a Taylor Swift song! What do you think? I can’t say this is my favorite, but the most recent friends to lovers I’ve read all year.

Daylight: a book with a positive message

♪ you gotta step into the daylight and let it go ♪

Okay I looked at my list of books I’ve read and geez…do I need more upbeat, happier reads! I mean most of what I read has a positive message whether the characters go through some crazy obstacles in life. But Vow of Thieves…had it all for me, it was an emotional rollercoaster, yes, it made me cry more than once. I love the characters, main ones, secondary ones…the message of strength, keep fighting, don’t give up. Kazi is MY hero. I’m glad she got her daylight in the end.

Tagging:

A Little Haze Book Blog

Kitty Marie’s Reading Corner

nen & jen

….and if you like doing book tags like I do, and I didn’t tag you, go ahead and try this one out! 😘

20 Questions Book Tag

Yolanda @ Past Midnight7 Comments

I saw this book tag on a few blogs but finally decided to do it after seeing it just recently on Nen & Jen check out and follow her lovely blog for more awesome content!

Let’s do this!

How many books are too many in a series?

I think it depends on the series – some just need to stop at three if it’s becoming repetitive or the writing/editing is suffering (I’m looking at you Anita Blake series 😅). In YA Fantasy or Sci-Fi, I love a good, solid, well written trilogy but lately I am in love with duologies. It keeps the story tight and exciting. But for historical romance novels with a whole family and each family member has a story to tell, I want each sibling or whoever to have their own book. So it depends!

How do you feel about cliff hangers?

I used to hate them, because I hate waiting a year for the sequel. Like why do you have to torture us?! 😂 But now that I blog about books, I have so many books on my TBR list, it makes the time go fast reading other books, and now I don’t mind them so much. Out of sight, out of mind haha…

Hardback or paperback?

I’m not picky anymore. Just give me books.

Favourite book?

I don’t have just one…I just have too many I love equally.

Least favourite book?

I don’t have a book I totally dislike. I mean there are a few, but not at the top of my head.

Love triangle…yes or no?

I love them when the girl picks the guy I want her to end up with. 😂

The most recent book you couldn’t finish?

I don’t know why but I just cannot push on to read Ruin & Rising by. Leigh Bardugo. I barely got through Chapter 1! And I just don’t have a desire to finish. I borrowed it twice already and both times I didn’t finish.

A book you’re currently reading?

The last book you recommended to someone?

Outside of my blogging, I recommended, Frankly in Love, by. David Yoon to one of my besties who is looking for more Asian authors.

Oldest book you’ve read (based on publication date)?

I think it has to be Pride and Prejudice. I’m pretty sure I’ve read older stuff in high school and college, does William Shakespeare count? Or Beowulf (wasn’t that a poem? 🤔)? Haha but the one I enjoyed is Pride and Prejudice.

Newest book you’ve read (based on publication date)?

I read a lot of eARCS that haven’t been published yet, but for published books, I’ll say Vow of Thieves by. Mary Pearson that was published on Aug. 6th. And I’m just looking at my NetGalley list.

Favourite author?

I have too many: Mary Pearson, Sarah J. Maas, Madeline Miller, Jenn Bennett, Sarah MacLean, Lisa Kleypas, Karen Marie Moning….way too many haha.

Buying books or borrowing them?

Mostly borrow because of cost and space but I’ve been buying more because I’m trying out book crate subscriptions. And I told my hubby I finally want a nice big book shelf in the house. I didn’t plan on one because my kids would pull off the books. But I do love our library!

A book you dislike that everyone else loves?

Very unpopular opinion but The Grisha series. 😞 I tried but for some reason, it doesn’t interest me.

Bookmarks or dog-ears?

Bookmarks!

A book you can re-read over and over?

Lisa Kleypas books I’ve re-read a lot when I’m in the mood for historical romance. But I also love the A Court of Thorns and Roses series.

Can you read while listening to music?

I have two children. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I’ve learn to read while listening to gaming youtube videos, Dan TDM videos, baby shark videos, Peppa Pig, Blippy…🤦🏻‍♀️💆🏻‍♀️

Multiple POV or one POV?

No preference, I love both, as long as it’s done well!

Do you read a book in one sitting or over multiple days on average? 

If the book is good, then in one sitting (well…actually that’s what I used to do before kids-so I’d say in one day because my kids do come first). But if a book is slow-paced, it will take me a few days.

Who do you tag?

Anyone who wants to do this tag! No pressure. 😘

Thanks for reading my post! Hope you enjoyed it and if you do any book tags, please put your links in my comments. I love reading book tag posts!