• twitter
  • instagram
  • goodreads

whimsical and witty

I talk about books, movies, and general life musings

  • Home
  • Books
  • Movies
  • TV
  • Rating System
  • Hi, my name is Haley.
  • Contact

Books by Topic Warning

Warning: by browsing books by topic you may inadvertently spoil a plot point in a book. Browse at your own risk! You have been warned.

I don’t care about potential spoilers! Let me browse by topic.

Hi, I’m Haley.


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

Put in your e-mail to follow the blog and receive notifications of new posts! I post every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Join 84 other followers

Categories

  • Authors
  • Book Review
    • Adult Thriller/Suspense
    • Fiction
    • New Adult Contemporary
    • Non Fiction
    • YA Contemporary
    • YA Thriller
  • Cover Reveal
  • TV Review

Instagram

Spent last month slowly re-reading HP4 through the illustrated edition. This was so good for my soul. This past month has been stressful and busy so it was great to revisit one of my favorite stories. . QOTD: what is one holiday tradition that you have with your family? | my sister and I have started decorating Christmas cookies and a gingerbread house every year and it’s one of the things I always look forward to! . #whimandwitty #bookstagram #igreads #bookblog #bookworm #goodreads #tbr #bbhqueens #newbookrelease #bookphotography #bookstagrammer #hp #bookstack #bookshelf #harrypotter #fantasy #gobletoffire #christmas #holidaybooks #bookblogger
A slight #OOTD with my November #BOTM pick. I’m really excited for this because I’ve heard great things but I’ve heard some mixed feelings about the ending. What are your thoughts? Get a Life Chloe Brown is going to be my add on for next month because I’m experiencing FOMO! . What are your thoughts on these? . #whimandwitty #bookstagram #igreads #bookblog #bookworm #goodreads #tbr #bbhqueens #newbookrelease #bookphotography #bookstagrammer #suspensethriller #TheFamilyUpstairs #LisaJewell #bookshelf #thrillerreads
QOTD: something your thankful for this weekend? | this week I’m thankful for milk chocolate, Christmas decorations, and my family. . I want to begin by thanking the author, Elle Maxwell, for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. . Synopsis
One look at Graham Wyatt, the former love of Mackenzie’s life, and she almost forgets that for the last five years she’s vowed off love indefinitely. Five years ago, Graham broke both Mackenzie’s heart and her spirit, but she’s successfully built herself back up again. Although, Graham’s past is dark and complicated, his heart is still set on Mackenzie even after all this time. With the baggage that comes with past heartbreak, this second chance at love is more complicated than either Graham or Mackenzie realize. . Oh gosh there was so much to love in Us, Again. The writing to form the character’s personalities was impeccable. These characters were deeply flawed and deeply human. They had fears, desires, and hopes. And I’m not just talking about the two main characters (who are just…amazing) but also about the cast of secondary characters who not only held their own but surpassed my expectations. . Mackenzie’s character was my favorite though due to her originality and independence. I have never seen a character in the romance genre like her. She loved and cared for Graham so deeply, but more than that, she cared and loved herself. The message that Mackenzie sends to adult women is so important. There is a special scene between her and her mom where they discuss deal breakers in relationships and it almost broke me. I wanted to repeat this advice to my younger self. . Us, Again tackles important, fundamental issues and roadblocks that occur in every day relationships. It doesn’t sugarcoat what it means to love someone. It shows the gritty, dark underbelly of love — the place where it’s vulnerable and scary. Us, Again doesn’t shy away from the soul shattering aspects of love and it’s all the better for it. . #whimandwitty #bookstagram #igreads #bookblog #bookworm #goodreads #tbr #bbhqueens #newbookrelease #bookphotography #bookstagrammer #romancereader #ireadromance #romancebookstagram #ellemaxwell #usagain
Hello my friends! I’m making a return to bookstagram after a small break. QOTD: what book are you reading right now and what are your current thoughts? . During this break I finished @chloe_liese upcoming release, They’re Strictly Friends. The quick and skinny is: I loved it. . I wanted to share one of my favorite quotes from the book. When describing Elodie, Lucas says “A bright mind, no doubt, yet fueled by emotion, affection, vulnerability. She carried hurt within her, which, unlike mine, was never far from the surface.” I’ve never seen myself more in a character than I did with Elodie. . A full review to come, but quite simply, this book is magic. They’re Strictly Friends reminded me of the strength that comes in exposing our vulnerabilities. It’s an emotional read that shows us the fragility and complexity of what it means to be human. Above all it shows the ability love has to heal us, to guide us, and to change us. . It’s an amazing romance with steamy scenes and Harry Potter references to boot. . #whimandwitty #bookstagram #igreads #bookblog #bookworm #goodreads #tbr #bookrecommendation #bbhqueens #newbookrelease #bookphotography #booksharks #bookshelf #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #chloeliese #theyrestrictlyfriends #toughloveseries #romancereads #romancereader
Up next in the queue thanks to @nadysbookblog speaking so highly of this one! I’m so excited to read this and jump back into fantasy a bit. . QOTD: what’s one hobby you have outside of reading? | I love writing, yoga, The Sims, skin care products, and watching movies. . . . #whimandwitty #bookstagram #igreads #bookblog #bookworm #goodreads #tbr #bbhqueens #fantasyreader #bookphotography #bookstagrammer #romancereader #ireadromance #romancebookstagram #acourtofthornsandroses #sarahjmaas
QOTD: what is one goal you have for yourself this week? | my goal is to clean out and organize my guest room and organize some holiday decor. A small task but it’s been weighing on me! . Synopsis and Content Warnings: Determined to solely focus on hockey after last season’s disastrous ending, team captain Hunter makes a celibacy vow. Although, as soon as Hunter gets paired up with Demi for a yearlong project, he realizes this vow may be harder to keep than he thought. Demi is intelligent, driven, sarcastic, and right up Hunter’s alley. So when she makes a play for him, his resolve is tested in more ways than one. CW: attempted suicide. . Review: I just love living in the universe that Elle Kennedy has created. The collegiate atmosphere, college campus, hockey teams, and cast of characters are what make this series (and this book) great. I love her writing style and think she has such a talent for creating unique character voices. . Fans of sports romances (hockey in particular), characters who are college-aged/collegiate settings, and romance with comedic elements will likely enjoy The Play. . While I enjoyed the book overall (it’s a 3/5), this was easily my least favorite EK book. I took issues with the way the CW was handled and with certain actions around the celibacy vow. . For a more in depth review, visit Whim&Witty the blog (link in linktree/bio) to see why The Play fell a bit flat for me. There are very, very minor spoilers there (and clearly marked) but these may be crucial for you to read before diving into the book depending on how you feel about the CW. . #whimandwitty #bookstagram #igreads #bookblog #bookworm #goodreads #tbr #bbhqueens #newbookrelease #bookphotography #bookstagrammer #romancereader #ireadromance #romancebookstagram #theplay #ellekennedy #briaru
QOTD: what’s your favorite Halloween or fall inspired movie? I need recommendations y’all! . I re-organized my shelves and I was feeling really good about it. I even decorated for y’all/Halloween and it was the perfect spooky vibe for about five minutes. Marty (my cat) apparently likes fall decorations so much he tried to eat them. . #whimandwitty #bookstagram #igreads #bookblog #bookworm #goodreads #tbr #bbhqueens #newbookrelease #bookphotography #bookstagrammer #romancereader #botm #bookshelfphotography
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

Twitter

My Tweets

Goodreads

  • twitter
  • instagram
  • goodreads
Blog at WordPress.com.