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Whimsical&Witty

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Hi, I’m Haley.


I love reading books and talking about books, and I started bloggin’ about it in February 2019.

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Y’all!! This is my 100 post. I honestly can’t believe it. When I started this account in February I had no idea what I was doing. . So I’m sharing one of my favorite series as my 100 post. I just bought the newest HP illustrated book and it is BEAUTIFUL y’all. . QOTD: what are some things you’ve learned since joining bookstagram? . I’ve learned that I am a enemies to lovers trope junkie, that BOTM boxes are always my favorite monthly mail items, and you can never have enough bookish goodies. . But most importantly, I’ve met the most amazing people in this community. Those who inspire me, who challenge me, who motivate me. Those who serve as role models for me. Those who have encouraged me and uplifted me. I love you all and am so thankful for you. . Cheers. . #whimandwitty #bookstagram #igreads #bookblog #bookworm #goodreads #tbr #bbhqueens #newbookrelease #bookphotography #bookstagrammer #hp #bookstack #bookshelf #harrypotter #fantasy
QOTD: talking about book ratings today...what makes a book a 5 star rating? | For me, not only do I have to have loved it, but it also needs to have that extra “it” factor. I hate to say it’s based on a gut feeling...but it’s hard to put into words. . Synopsis: Camp Nightingale is a summer sleepaway camp for the prestigious elite. At least, it is until three girls go missing, leaving their thirteen-year-old bunkmate, Emma, behind. Fifteen years later, Emma is still haunted and decides to return to Camp Nightingale to uncover the truth about that summer. Yet, she quickly realizes the truth may be harder to unearth than she thinks, especially when its buried underneath some lies of her own. . Review: There’s just something about camp settings that screams suspense to me. Add in Emma, an unreliable narrator, and a group of untrustworthy characters and everyone became a suspect. . I enjoyed the alternating time lines and found both the past and present interesting and eerie. . There are so many twists and turns in this one that I was kept on the edge of my seat from the beginning until the very, very end. I had many theories, yet I was still so far off from the reveal(s) at the end. 5/5⭐️ from me and full review is in the link in my bio! . . #whimandwitty #bookstagram #igreads #bookblog #bookworm #goodreads #tbr #bbhqueens #newbookrelease #bookphotography #bookstagrammer #suspensethriller #TheLastTimeILied #RileySager #bookstack #bookshelf #thrillerreads
QOTD: what was your favorite or least favorite Halloween costumes growing up (or as an adult)? | I think my favorite was when I went as Dorthy from the Wizard of Oz. Although my sister went as a hotdog one year, which was probably the funniest costume in our family. 😂 . My #BOTM picks are growing into such a nice collection! I added The Flight Portfolio last weekend when I found a BOTM copy at the library for $1. View my summary below... . The Flight Portfolio - TBR The Chestnut Man - TBR A Woman is No Man - TBR Miracle Creek - not finished How Not To Die Alone - TBR Lock Every Door - 3/5⭐️ The Bride Test - 3/5⭐️ A Nearly Normal Family - 4/5⭐️ The Silent Patient - 3.5/5⭐️ Before She Knew Him - 5/5⭐️ Well Met - 4/5⭐️ . . . #whimandwitty #bookstagram #igreads #bookblog #bookworm #goodreads #tbr #bbhqueens #newbookrelease #bookphotography #bookstagrammer #suspensethriller #BOTM #romancereads #bookstack #bookshelf #thrillerreads
QOTD: what are your weekend plans? What books and/or reading are you hoping to get done? | I’m really hoping to finish a review and get another book finished! It’s also my stepmoms birthday so we will be celebrating that. . My September #BOTM pick is truly giving me all the autumn feels that my heart desires. Please give me more great thriller recs y’all have read recently! I’m in a bit of a slump in this genre. Here’s hoping this BOTM pick pulls me out of it! . . #whimandwitty #bookstagram #igreads #bookblog #bookworm #goodreads #tbr #bbhqueens #newbookrelease #bookphotography #bookstagrammer #suspensethriller #BOTM #thechestnutman #thrillerreads
QOTD: Sept-Dec is my favorite time of the year due to the holidays. Tell me- what’s a favorite tradition or memory you have of the holiday season? | I love decorating the tree for Christmas and carving pumpkins for Halloween. My sister and I usually decorate like crazy for both which is always fun. . REVIEW: . To say Elodie and Hollis got off on the wrong foot is an understatement. After the two get into a fender bender, they realize Elodie was on her way to interview for a caretaker position for Hollis’ young niece. Although initially rejected, Elodie ends up with the job and her relationship with young, Hailey quickly builds. Of course, the sexual tension between Hollis and Elodie quickly builds as well. But, the two soon realize that life has a way of complicating things and their pasts are a lot more complicated than they think. . I loved Elodie and Hollis. They didn’t have the typical miscommunication-driven plot issues, which was so refreshing. Instead the couple felt real and their struggles and their conflicts were understandable. Their relationship was also slow-build which y’all know is my favorite. . Fair warning, though, this book was emotional and heart wrenching. For me, it wasn’t as emotional as Hate Notes (another book by this author-duo), but it definitely still pulled at all my heart strings. Ultimately, this book was about hope. It’s a beautiful story and it’s definitely recommended by me. 4.5/5⭐️. . . #whimandwitty #bookstagram #igreads #bookblog #bookworm #goodreads #tbr #bbhqueens #newbookrelease #bookphotography #bookstagrammer #romancereader #ireadromance #romancebookstagram #parkavenueplayer #vikeeland #penelopeward
QOTD: Do y’all prefer 1st person or 3rd person POV? Single or dual perspective? | Personally I love 1st person, dual POV. It just helps me better connect with the characters and how they are feeling. . I thought I’d add in a behind the scenes photo of what #bookstagram really looks like for me. Usually my cat, Marty, tries to be the center of attention. He achieves this by trying to eat my decorations and push the books off my desk. . . #whimandwitty #bookstagram #igreads #bookblog #bookworm #goodreads #tbr #bbhqueens #newbookrelease #bookphotography #bookstagrammer #romancereader #ireadromance #romancebookstagram
New theme, who’s this? taking my pictures (and my books) indoors for a bit as I welcome the fall season. (Yeah, I know it’s technically still summer.) . Diving into this new romance this week. Mariana Zapata is one of my favorite authors and I haven’t read a book of hers that I didn’t enjoy. She’s the queen of slow burn. Has anyone read this one yet? What did y’all think? . QOTD: what ways do y’all celebrate in self-care? I’m lacking in mine recently and really want to focus on myself this week. . #whimandwitty #bookstagram #igreads #bookblog #bookworm #goodreads #tbr #bbhqueens #newbookrelease #bookphotography #bookstagrammer #thebestthing #marianazapata #romancereader #ireadromance #romancebookstagram #romancereader
QOTD: what’s one hobby you have outside of reading? | I love playing video games, watching movies, and anything home decor related (cough HGTV cough). . REVIEW: “Alicia Berenson was thirty-three years old when she killed her husband.” . Synopsis: Alicia, a famously talented painter, lives an idyllic life with her husband, Gabriel — at least she does until she decides to brutally murder him. Yet the circumstances surrounding the murder remain a mystery as Alicia refuses to speak. Theo, a criminal psychotherapist, is determined to work with Alicia to unravel the truth about that night...word by word. . My thoughts: This book captured my attention from the very first sentence and kept it throughout the novel. Personally, I enjoy when a thriller hooks me in and then slowly simmers. I understand for a big twist to pay off, a solid foundation needs to be built as is the case in The Silent Patient. . I enjoyed the writing style. I found it gripping and page-turning. Add in a unique setting (The Grove, a mental care facility), and epistolary elements and I thought The Silent Patient demanded to be read. . It’s always a bit of a risk when a book depends on the reader not guessing one twist for it to fully pay off. I figured it out right before the reveal. For readers who dabble in thrillers, you’d probably really enjoy this one. For me it fell short because I had a lot to compare it to (and let’s face it: I am an unusually suspicious reader.) . Overall I would still recommend it. 3.5/5⭐️ . #whimandwitty #bookstagram #igreads #bookblog #bookworm #goodreads #tbr #bookrecommendation #bbhqueens #newbookrelease #bookofthemonth #bookphotography #booksharks #booksparks #thesilentpatient #thrillerbooks #horrorbookreview #thrillersuspensebooks
QOTD: what’s something you’re looking forward to this weekend? | I’m going to see the new IT movie and v excited! . REVIEW: “I’ve told you many times that there’s no such thing as monsters. I’m sorry that I lied.” . Synopsis: After his wife’s death, Tom and his young son, Jake, move to Featherbank for a new beginning. Yet their new beginning morphs into something darker, more sinister, and frankly something unnerving. Jake begins to hear voices — whispers — and it appears The Whisper Man, a notorious serial killer, has returned to Featherbank once more. . My thoughts: This book was cleverly written. It was haunting and unnerving without a doubt. But what made it stand out as a police procedural thriller was the focus on family, particularly father/son dynamics. I loved seeing the parallels the author drew. . The downfall for me here was this book was sooo hyped up (rightfully so) but I don’t think it’s a traditional twisty-type thriller. The ending was predictable and I kept hoping for some huge twist that never came. . However, if you’re looking for more of a haunting take on (fictional) local folklore with a heavy emphasis on complex family dynamics — this book is for you! . 3.5/5⭐️ . #whimandwitty #bookstagram #igreads #bookblog #bookworm #goodreads #tbr #bookrecommendation #bbhqueens #newbookrelease #bookofthemonth #bookphotography #booksharks #booksparks #thewhisperman #thrillerbooks #horrorbookreview #thrillersuspensebooks
QOTD: what kind of reviews do y’all like to see? Long or short? Synopsis included or not? | I’m trying to work on improving my reviews but it’s tough! . ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Marriage for One is actually a re-read for me. I originally read it in May and loved it so much that I bought the physical copy. . If you want to read a book where the characters fall slowly and passionately in love, its Marriage For One. . If you a) love slowburn romance b) want emotional depth in your stories c) enjoy well rounded, flawed characters d) love the fake relationship trope... this book has all of the above. . My full review where I continue to gush about how much I love this book is in the link in my bio. . #whimandwitty #romancereader #romancebookstagram #bookphotography #bookstagrammer #bookreccomendation #bbhqueens #booksofig #bookblogger #romancebooks #vscobooks #readersofig #slowburnromance #bibliophile #bookhoarder #marriageforone #ellamaise
Hi everyone! I took a mini break for a few reasons. First law school started which limits my time a bit. But more than that...I have just been feeling really uninspired to take pictures. . I started this account with an outdoor/natural photo theme (ofc enhanced slightly) but lately I haven’t been feeling it. . I can’t decide if I should go forth with outdoor pictures, edit my photos more, or try to get more “staged” indoor pictures. . I know many don’t have a “theme” or care to edit much. Totally understand! And also totally fine. For me personally, I like using different filters and effects because it’s a great creative outlet for me! I just can’t really decide what new direction to go in (or not go in!) . So tell me....what appeals to you the most? A) outdoor/natural pictures B) indoor, staged pics C) pictures with edits like sparkles/texture or D) random chaos (which is also really fun). . . . #whimandwitty #bookstagram #igreads #bookblog #bookworm #goodreads #tbr #bookrecommendation #bbhqueens #newbookrelease #bookphotography #booksharks #booksparks #bookshelf #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #uglylove #colleenhoover #romancereader
Tackling the TBR list one colorful stack at a time. I’m half way through Recursion so I am making my way through this yellow stack! . QOTD: any plans for the weekend? What book do you plan to read and what are your thoughts on it so far? . . #whimandwitty #bookstagram #igreads #bookblog #bookworm #goodreads #tbr #bookrecommendation #bbhqueens #newbookrelease #bookphotography #booksharks #booksparks #bookshelf #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstack
QOTD: does anyone else have an unnecessary amount of coffee table books? What’s your favorite? . Calvin & Hobbes is one of my fave coffee table books. It reminds me of reading the Sunday comics in the newspaper growing up. Anyone else? . . #whimandwitty #bookstagram #igreads #bookblog #bookworm #goodreads #tbr #bookrecommendation #bbhqueens #newbookrelease #bookphotography #booksharks #booksparks #bookshelf #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #calvinandhobbes #coffeetablebooks
Thankful for this awesome birthday gift from my boyfriend who clearly knows me well. This is going straight to the top of the #TBR. . Tell me: QOTD - how often to covers influence you? This cover is gorgeous and definitely added to how much I wanted the physical copy. Or do you subscribe to the old “don’t judge a book by its cover.” Or what is your fave cover? . Personally I love the recent trend of illustrated covers in romance. . . #whimandwitty #bookstagram #igreads #bookblog #bookworm #goodreads #tbr #bookrecommendation #bbhqueens #newbookrelease #bookphotography #booksharks #booksparks #bookshelf #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #recursion #darkmatter #sciencefiction
QOTD: what book continually sits on your TBR shelf? Do y’all believe in “no-buys” until you can get your TBR down? . Still haven’t read this #BOTM pick. It’s haunting me from my #TBR shelves. I’m really trying to start this one tonight. Has anyone read this and can sway me either day? . . . #whimandwitty #bookstagram #igreads #bookblog #bookworm #goodreads #tbr #bookrecommendation #bbhqueens #newbookrelease #bookphotography #booksharks #booksparks #bookshelf #bookstagram #bookstagrammer
QOTD: what was the last thing you bought for “treat yo self?” Or if it’s been awhile, what would you like to buy? | for me it’s these cute cacti! They still need re-potted. . REVIEW: Ok y’all I gotta be honest - I have sat with my feelings about this book for awhile. I was conflicted because I usually love RS Grey, but I gotta give my honest thoughts. . I loved Taylor’s characterization. I grew up in a similar situation to Taylor, so my heart just went out to her. . I also thought this book delivered on enemies-to-lovers and slow burn. The banter was great and the tension between Taylor and Ethan was amazing. . The only downfall for me is that they were enemies for far toooo long. They were still enemies at like the 75-80% mark. I live for the thawing portion of the enemies to lovers tripe. I love seeing the hatred slowly break down and turn into love. I needed a better balance here. . Overall, I did enjoy Coldhearted Boss. It was 3/5⭐️ for me. If there was more time spent on the romance after the enemies portion, this would have been a 4 or 5 for me. Tell me — what did y’all think? Is this a classic case of it’s not you - it’s me? . FULL REVIEW is in the linktree on the blog (see my bio!) . . . #whimandwitty #bookstagram #igreads #bookblog #bookworm #goodreads #tbr #bookrecommendation #bbhqueens #newbookrelease #bookphotography #booksharks #booksparks #bookshelf #bookstagram #bookstagrammer
{#partner} QOTD: what genre do you read most, what genre book do you own most, and what genre do you look for most on bookstagram? | I read romance the most but I own the most thriller books. But on here I like to look for recs outside my comfort zone. I’ve gotten some great memoir recs this way! . Happy #publicationday to @chloe_liese for They’re a Match, the final installment of the Tough Love series. . They’re a Match carried over all my favorite aspects from the previous books. Nairne, as always, packs a punch on the page. She’s a role model for all, but especially women as we navigate a modern world. . The ending was *chefs kiss.* They’re a Match did an amazing job of deepening the connection between Zed and Nairne. Exploring the changes in their relationship as they prepare for parenthood. Unveiling a vulnerability in Nairne as she grappled with how motherhood looks as a parent who has a disability. . The care and fragility Chloe Liese used when writing this is beautiful. I dare you to not cry a little. . Full review is in the link in my bio! Come read me ramble on about how much I loved this book (spoiler free). 5/5⭐️. . . #whimandwitty #bookstagram #igreads #bookblog #bookworm #goodreads #tbr #bookrecommendation #bbhqueens #newbookrelease #bookphotography #booksharks #booksparks #bookshelf #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #chloeliese #theyreamatch #toughloveseries
Y’all it’s my birthday! I’m celebrating 24 years today. I wanted to share four things I’m thankful for as I head into this new chapter. 1. Thankful for books (always!) I’m hopefully finishing up They’re a Match tonight. Reading is always my favorite. 2. My friends and family who have made me feel so lucky today (and every day). 3. Thankful for bonfires and that campfire smell. (You know what I mean!). 4. Margaritas! Cuz today I’m celebrating not only my birthday but a new job offer. Cheers y’all! What are you thankful for today? . . #whimandwitty #bookstagram #igreads #bookblog #bookworm #goodreads #tbr #bookrecommendation #bbhqueens #newbookrelease #bookphotography #booksharks #booksparks #bookshelf #bookstagram #bookstagrammer
QOTD: any advice on finding a style/furnishing an apartment? Where do y’all take inspiration from? | I find myself so lost when picking out furniture or trying to decide what will look best in my apartment. My mind is like: Mid century? Round table? Pinterest? I love seeing y’all’s offices and living rooms - they are magazine worthy! . REVIEW: I really enjoyed my #BOTM pick, Well Met, from debut author, Jen DeLuca. Well Met was a great summer romance read filled with character growth, small town dynamics, and Shakespeare references. A winning combination in my eyes. . This book was just fun. I loved the small town setting, the Faire backdrop, and Emily was such a great character to read through. I related to her in so many ways, especially her “I will try to fix everything” attitude and her desire to feel “needed” by those around her. Reading her character growth was so satisfying. . The one thing I really miss in romance is when it lacks dual POV. I think it’s easier for me to connect to the story when I can see both POVs. Well Met is told through single POV. With that being said, I still really loved it and am definitely recommending it if you’re looking for a fast, cute, summer read. 4/5⭐️. . Anyone else read this one? What did y’all think? . #whimandwitty #bookstagram #igreads #bookblog #bookworm #goodreads #tbr #bookrecommendation #bbhqueens #newbookrelease #bookphotography #booksharks #booksparks #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #wellmet #jendeluca #berkleyromance #romancestagram
QOTD: how do you organize your books? Chaos, by height, by author? . There is something so refreshing about the end of summer. Feeling so motivated and creative to be productive. I am moved in (mostly) and staring at a blank bookshelf has me SO excited. Can’t wait to get it organized. . For now, I’m featuring the very first books to make it on the shelf - this weeks bookmail! My BOTM pick, my BOTM add on, and an ARC of @chloe_liese third book in her tough love series, They’re a Match. . #whimandwitty #bookstagram #igreads #bookblog #bookworm #goodreads #tbr #bookrecommendation #bbhqueens #newbookrelease #bookphotography #booksharks #booksparks #bookshelf #bookstagram #bookstagrammer

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