Well, it’s almost the end of the year, and I’ll be posting my wrap-up a bit early since I want to cover quite a few updates~

ejstories –> ejbookblog

I’ve changed the domain of my site! I’m genuinely so excited about this change—it feels like a much better fit.

I’m also currently giving the blog a bit of a refresh! The layout and content will remain mostly the same, but I’m aiming to make it cuter and easier to navigate. That said, I’m no expert at web design—I’m just figuring things out as I go…

Ok, let’s get into my favorites and least favorites of the year:

The Best of the Year:

When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker

Rating: 5 out of 5.

This is THE Romantasy book of 2024. With stunning writing that had my jaw on the ground, loveable main characters, and steaming hot romance, if you’re a romantasy reader, this book is for you…see full review.

“Cut me if you want me to stop,” he rasps, his thumb sliding across my cheekbone. “I’ll gladly bleed beneath you, so don’t be shy.”

Now, Conjurers by Freddie Kolsch

Book Cover

Rating: 5 out of 5.

This book has everything you would want in a YA queer horror novel, and I absolutely devoured it in just a day and a half. The characters really come to life, and I even found myself loving the name ‘Nesbit North Nuñez’…see full review.

“I am your hands! I build and tear apart. I give you all that I can create. I am your heart. I feel the wrong and the right of things. I bring my love and hate. Hail Coven “

Manga & Webtoons

Home Office Romance

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Everything about this manga was relatable for me—cute, and funny in the most adorable way….see full review.

“It wasn’t that I had been unable to read manga on the train, but I’d always felt as if those around me were peeking…which tended to limit my choice of reading material”

Hungry Heart by Jem Milton

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Hello, bots, and readers, if you’re out there.

This one was just too cute to pass up—The Great British Kitchen Trials! I’ve watched a few seasons of The Great British Baking Show, and Laurie is a food blogger/writer so this felt like a perfect fit…..see full review.

“The problem with written words is how ambiguous they can seem… It’s hard to tell when I am being paranoid… or if something is really wrong.”

The Worst of the Year:

Butcher & BlackBird by Brynne Weaver

Rating: 1 out of 5.

Ya know, I don’t get my hopes up for good writing anymore, but I have to say the first few pages were an amazing hook—almost too amazing, as I quickly realized it was only getting worse from there……see full review.

“‘I’m guessing you made it your business too, judging by the quality of the hunting knife stuck in his throat. Handmade Damascus Steel. Where’d you get it?’ I sigh. My gaze lingers on the body and my favorite blade before I press my cheeks to my drawn-up knees. ‘Etsy.’”

Lord of Eternal Night by Ben Alderson

Rating: 1 out of 5.

This one I just DNF’d pretty early because I couldn’t get into the writing style. So, not a lot to go on here…see full review.

Honestly, I didn’t have many bad reads this year, but I did have quite a few that were just meh. Overall, 2024 felt like a slower reading year for me. That said, I’ve already started some books I’m really excited to talk about in the New Year—which brings me to…

Goals for 2025:

  • More Book Reviews!!!
    • This year was really lacking in book reviews simply cause I was busy.
  • Consistent and Scheduled Posts
    • This mainly applies to my monthly release posts. I’m thinking of setting specific days, like the last Monday of the month for manga releases and the second-to-last Monday for Yuri releases. Although this is subject to change, since posting too early means I might miss some releases or have to adjust for shifting publication dates.
  • Use StoryGraph More
    • 2025 is definitely going to be the year I finally make use of StoryGraph… seriously, this time.
  • Consistently Update My Socials
    • Instagram
      • I’ve been pretty consistent on Instagram, but this year I want to make sure my posts align with my blog content within just a few days.
    • Bluesky?
      • This might be a bit of a long shot, but I’m so over Twitter/X. Maybe it’s time to give Bluesky a try.
    • Threads
      • I think I’ll just use Bluesky and Threads interchangeably for now?
    • Pinterest
      • I’m already pretty good about this, but I’d love to update my graphics to make them prettier. Maybe I’ll even add a ‘Pin this image’ section to my blog posts for a more professional touch.
    • YouTube
      • I enjoy making YouTube videos—they’re mostly just for me as a hobby. Next year, I just want to post more and have fun with it..
    • TikTok
      • *Loud Sigh* I know I need to figure out how to use this

^^ I want to cry with overwhelming stress just looking at this list LMAO

^I’ve also linked my socials if any other book bloggers want to be mutuals~

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