The reading list - Quarter 2

So we're over half way through the year and it's time for my second quarter reading list.
I'm not going to lie, with being so busy recently, the reading time just sort of dropped off my radar. In fact it took me over a month to read one book!!

But when we went away on holiday I took a stack of books with me and I finally got back into my reading zone. I got through a book and a half whilst away, and started the third. Of course with the back to reality, I soon stopped reading as much, but I am working on making more and more time for it!

So what did I read?



Always with Love - Giovanna Fletcher
Although this took me way longer to read than I imagined, it's a great book. It'sthe sequel to Billy and Me which I loved, so I had high hopes for this. Although for me, it wasn't as good as the first book, it was still a nice light read, perfect for holiday, and being a nosey person, I just wanted to see how the relationship of Billy and Sophie was going to go!

The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty - Anne Rice writing as A.N Roquelaure
Ok so I love fairytale adaptations. If it's a Disney story, even better. Admittedly when I bought this I did not realise it was an erotic novel, but got it on the recommendation of someone from Instagram, and I clearly didn't read the blurb properly at all! If you liked Fifty Shades of Grey, then you will love this. It's the story of Sleeping Beauty after she's awoken by the Prince, and set in a history which actually feels pretty realistic to the times it was set. Yes it is erotic, but the plot keeps you intrigued and reading more so than anything else - which I couldn't entirely say the same about for Fifty Shades.

Me before You - Jojo Moyes
I actually started this book last year, and just didn't get into it. But I started this towards the end of our holiday and I fell in love. The last half of the book truly captivated me, and it brings about an awful of thought-provoking ideas about we choose to live our lives. I'm not going to lie, I loved the characters so much, and was in absolute tears, especially towards the end. I also found the film on Netflix, and absolutely loved it. It stays pretty true to the book and her red dress was absolutely perfect!

The Beast Within - Serena Valentino
Another Disney tale re-adapted.  This time an actual Disney tale telling an alternative version of how Beast became to be. It's a simple and fast read, which I finished in two days, and could easily have done in one. I loved this version including witches and revenge. In fact I'd love to see this as a film. Definitely one for any Disney or Beauty and the Beast fan.

Perfume, the story of a murderer - Patrick Suskind
I've had this book a really long time and have only just read it. I've wanted to read more classics and this seemed like a good starting place. Plus the cover is beautiful! This book is beautifully written and so intriguing. I wouldn't say I was totally absorbed into reading it and couldn't put it down, but I definitely loved it in a sense that I it's a classic book that I would happily read over and over and I desperately wanted to know where the story was going at all times, but it isn't the easiest of reads which is why its wasn't a 'can't put it down' book for me.

As Old as Time; A Twisted Tale - Liz Braswell
Another alternative tale to my favourite fairytale, Beauty and the Beast (can you sense a theme here?). This is in collaboration with Disney and tells the tale of Belle's parents, and how they were connected to the fairytale castle. Not as quick a read at The Beast Within, but still a great and unique take on a classic tale. It's also part of a three book series, with re-imaginings of two other popular tales.

I have to admit, my reading time has definitely dropped recently, especially towards the end of this list as with returning to work, and an increased workload with this blog, I have found time a real struggle. But the books I have managed to read have been so very worth the time.

What should I be reading next?

You can read my Quarter One Reading List here.