• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About Me
    • Connect With Me
    • Request An Honest Review
    • Beta Reading Requests
    • Testimonials
  • Book Review Archive
    • Book Review Archive
    • Audiobook Review Archive
    • Spooky Children’s Book Review Archive
  • Interview Archive
  • Referral Links
  • Podcast Recs
  • Policies
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter

Erica Robyn Reads

a horror book review blog

[Wrap Up] January 2022

February 5, 2022      Erica Robyn      8 Comments

Phew, what a start 2022 is off to!

My apologies to anyone waiting on me for reviews. Between all of the PT for my back injury, endometriosis surgery, crazy times at work, and other personal things, I just haven’t had the capacity for much.

My physical therapy is going wonderfully! We were finally making really good progress, before the short surgery setback anyway. I LOVE my physical therapist. She’s wonderful and I love that she knows exactly when I need a push vs when I need to rest.

The endometriosis surgery happened very quickly! I had my intake appointment on a Friday, four days later, they called to schedule me for surgery just three days after that! Then it was a mad rush to get a covid test, have my pre-op appointment, and get prepared. My doctor told me I would only need a day of recovery, and where my surgery was scheduled for a Friday, I figured I’d be back in action Monday for sure, so I only took the actual day of surgery off of work.

I was never in pain after the surgery, but I was very uncomfortable for sure. The incision sites were sore and I was very bruised. I wasn’t able to wear anything other than my husbands pj pants for a week! Thankfully, my boss let me work from home for a week.

I later learned that most people take a week off of work after a surgery like this. That’s good to know for next time… Just mentally, the break to focus on rest would have been good.

But anyways! I sure did have “a significant amount of endometriosis!” My doctor commented, “You must have been in a lot of pain.” All I could do was laugh and say, “Yes.” I mean, that’s why I’ve been asking for this surgery since I was a teenager and learned what it was… It took 7 different doctors and enrolling in the infertility program to finally get the surgery.

Trust your body, friends. Keep pushing until you find someone that listens to you.

Let’s dive in to my recap!

Monthly Musings

Reading:

  • SLASH-HER: A Women of Horror Anthology edited by Janine Pipe and Jill Girardi
  • The Hand That Pulls You Under — Tales of Absurdity and Lunacy by James Flynn
  • We Can Never Leave This Place by Eric LaRocca
  • When Murder Comes Home (Aileen and Callan Murder Mysteries Book 1) by Shana Frost
  • When Wilt Thou Die (Aileen and Callan Murder Mysteries Novella) by Shana Frost
  • When Eyes Don’t Lie (Aileen and Callan Murder Mysteries Book 2) by Shana Frost
  • When Birds Fall Silent (Aileen and Callan Murder Mysteries Book 3) by Shana Frost
  • When Red Mist Rises (Aileen and Callan Murder Mysteries Book 4) by Shana Frost
  • Smokes of Death Beer by Shana Frost
  • Baggage by Simon Paul Wilson & Matt Wildasin

Watching:

The Devil Below | 2021 Horror Film | Netflix
I could just not stay invested in this one. The acting was not convincing at all…

Ant-Man and the Wasp | 2018 Marvel Movie | Disney+
Another rewatch with my in-laws! This one is so frustrating but so much fun to watch. I always laugh a ton during this one.

Dark Shadows | 2012 Film | Netflix
I had watched this once before but couldn’t remember anything about it. My rewatch showed me why…. Love Johnny Depp in this role though!! The cast overall was amazing! Just not a film for me.

I Know What You Did Last Summer | 1997 Horror Film | Netflix
Oh man the number of times that I asked to watch this when I was 12 and was told no by my parents! This unfortunately fell of my radar until I saw it pop up on my Netflix queue! This was so much fun. I loved how the story came around full circle to what happened at the beginning with the scary story told on the beach!

Avengers: Infinity War | 2018 Marvel Film | Disney+
Another re-watch while the in-laws get caught up! This one is such an emotional rollercoaster!

Eternals | 2021 Marvel Film | Disney+
I cannot wait to see where this storyline goes next! What a fun first film! Lots of action and drama!

I Still Know What You Did Last Summer | 1998 Horror Film | Netflix
A fun follow up! But wow, why does Ty totally suck?! I was so over that character very early on and he only gets worse.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings | 2021 Marvel Film | Disney+
A rewatch while I heal from surgery! I love this film so much. I’ve decided the “What happened to your shirt?” scene is my favorite 😂

Vampires vs. the Bronx | 2020 Horror Comedy | Netflix
A trio of boys who had been working hard to keep their local bodega open suddenly realize that there is something strange going on in the area. So of course, being curious teen boys, they investigate. On their path, the discover that there are vampires living in the area… and of course, the adults don’t believe them. At least not at first. This film was wonderful! I loved the pacing, the humor that was thrown in here and there, the suspense of the violence and death, and how heartwarming the tale was overall! Seeing everyone band together at the end was perfect.

Brazen | 2022 Film | Netflix
This was a fun little murder mystery. A bit too slow for me, but I enjoyed having it on in the background.

Shitts Creek | Comedy TV Series | Netflix
My husband and I started watching this after my sister-in-law recommended it. And what perfect timing! Work was insane for both of us recently, and we needed the laughter! We LOVE this show!

Ozark | Season 4 Part 1 | Netflix
OOFH. What an intense first half of the season! If you haven’t watched yet, please do before you get spoiled online!

The Book of Boba Fett | Season 1 | Disney+
I’m really enjoying this! I can’t wait to see where the story goes!

Playing:

Hot Wheels Unleashed | Switch
My husband bought me Hot Wheels Unleashed, a racing game for the Switch and I am obsessed. I used to play a computer game from Hot Wheels when I was a kid, so this was so nostalgic to jump back into! This game served as a wonderful distraction from everything else that was going on, and bonus, my husband and I could play together!

Monthly bookish related haul:

January 2022 Book Haul Erica Robyn Reads

My favorite bookish photo this month:

Baggage by Simon Paul Wilson & Matt Wildasin book review and book photo by Erica Robyn Reads

In case you missed it:

  • [Wrap Up] December 2021
  • 2021 Highlights
  • My Favorite Book Quotes from 2021
  • [List] My Favorite Books That I Read In 2021
  • Goodreads: Your Year In Books Meme 2021
  • My 2021 Reading Stats
  • My Goals for 2022
  • [Feature] Little Free Library Visit
  • 3 February 2022 Book Releases I Can’t Wait To Read

Looking forward to: 

More rest and eventually getting back into the swing of things! February is also a month where my husband and I celebrate the day we first met, so I’m looking forward to that as well!

Thanks for reading!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Destiny @ Howling Libraries says

    February 5, 2022 at 2:19 pm

    I hope you can get lots of rest and recovery soon! I’m so glad your surgery went smoothly and I hope it brings you so much relief. ♥

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      February 6, 2022 at 4:39 pm

      Thank you so much! <3

      Reply
  2. Kristina says

    February 5, 2022 at 7:02 pm

    Omg wtf! We shouldn’t have to fight for something like this- how insane 🙃 I’m glad you did fight for it though, and that you finally got it!

    Welp.. that would’ve been me though — absolutely can’t back down ..it’s a good thing your boss has been understanding through everything 😅 please do take off next time, and take care of yourself while you’re healing xx

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      February 6, 2022 at 4:40 pm

      Right?! I was getting to the end of my rope there. I’m still pretty bitter it took so long, but I’m trying to be grateful it’s taken care of now! 🙂 <3

      Reply
  3. Greg says

    February 6, 2022 at 4:13 pm

    “Keep pushing” So true! You have to be your own advocate. Glad the surgery went well and that you’ve finally been able to get it!

    I loved Shang- Chi. And ooh Reckless Girls can’t wait to read it!!!

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      February 6, 2022 at 4:41 pm

      Thank you! <3 And isn't Shang-Chi awesome!? I can't wait to dive into Reckless Girls either. I hope you enjoy it!

      Reply
  4. ShootingStarsMag says

    February 11, 2022 at 10:39 am

    You really are your own advocate when it comes to medical things, so I’m glad you finally had the surgery you needed. That’s great you could work from home the next week too and just rest more!

    I have Plain Bad Heroines – still need to read it!!

    Love the show Schitt’s Creek. Need to finish the series though – I have pretty much the last season to go. I don’t want it to be over!

    Lauren

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      February 11, 2022 at 7:23 pm

      Right?! It’s exhausting to have to advocate for yourself, but definitely worth it when you find doctors that listen!! 🙂

      Oh man, we just finished Shitt’s Creek and we’re SO sad it’s over! There’s a little documentary about the show on netflix too, I definitely recommend watching that after you finish the series!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Hello there!

Erica Robyn of Erica Robyn Reads
I run on hot tea, good books, and loud music. She/Her.
 

Search This Blog

Sign Up For Post Notifications


Loading

Recent Popular Posts

  • [Book Review] Try Again by Wesley Southard
  • [Book Review] Shades of the Black Stone by Wile E. Young
  • 7 July 2022 Book Releases I Can’t Wait To Read
  • [Book Review] The Razorblades in my Head by Donnie Goodman
  • [Book Review] H is for Hell Anthology

An Easy Guide to Locating Horror Reviews Without Losing Your Mind created by Lori of Barks At The Ghouls
Shirley's Book Blogger List
Ultimate List of the Best Book Review Blogs by Kindlepreneur

Categories

ericarobynreads

Sickness Is In Season by Aiden Merchant has everyt Sickness Is In Season by Aiden Merchant has everything a horror fan craves! From light and spooky, to full-blown spine-chilling terror, this collection of short stories is a killer mix.

No matter what your personal favorite sub-genre of horror is, you’ll be sure to find something that sinks its teeth into you within this collection!

#supporthorror #promotehorror #sicknessisinseason #aidenmerchant #crossroadspresss #horrorbookrecs #horrorshortstories #horrorbookstagram
My April book haul 😍🖤🙌 My April book haul 😍🖤🙌
NH friends! Don’t miss the book event with @greg NH friends! Don’t miss the book event with @gregorybastianelli.author tonight in Exeter at @waterstreetbooks! 

I’m SO peeved my back pain flared up and I can’t drive out… but I am so excited that Waterstreet Books sent a signed copy my way! 😍

I can’t wait to see photos from the event!!
The Luminous Dead by Caitlin Starling is a totally The Luminous Dead by Caitlin Starling is a totally captivating but nerve-wracking tale that is certainly not for those that fear tight spaces… While reading this tale, I felt so horribly claustrophobic. But I couldn’t stop. I had to find out what happened next!

#supporthorror #promotehorror #ladiesofhorrorfiction #horrorbookstagram #horrorbookrecs #theluminousdead #caitlinstarling
The Workshop of Filthy Creation by Richard Gadz is The Workshop of Filthy Creation by Richard Gadz is a chilling gothic horror story about what it means to be human. In these pages, you will see plenty of the darkness that humanity can create, but you will also see the light!

Ready to dive into a dark and dreary tale about gruesome medical practices set in Victorian London? Go pick up The Workshop of Filthy Creation today! I can’t wait for you all to meet Maria!

#supporthorror #promotehorror #gothichorrorreads #horrorbookrecs #theworkshopoffilthycreation #richardgadz #horrorbookstagram
Max is one of the most hilarious people that I fol Max is one of the most hilarious people that I follow on Twitter! I originally learned who he was after seeing him participate in the KillerCon 2020 Virtual Event. I went to follow him and his publishing house, Perpetual Motion Machine (that he runs with Lori Michelle), immediately after his reading.

Within the PMM publishing house, they also have the imprint, Ghoulish Books, which launched in January of 2022. Max’s latest book, Maggots Screaming!, launched today April 12th, 2022 from that imprint. In celebration, I’m so excited to be sharing this interview with Max!

Check out the full interview on my blog today! 

#horrorauthor #horrorauthorinterview #maxboothiii #supporthorror #promotehorror
Diaries of the Damned by Ivan Radev is a collectio Diaries of the Damned by Ivan Radev is a collection of tales that span numerous dark fears. But as always, even in the darkness, there’s a bit of light.

In the foreword, the author warns that this is a book of fears, and boy does he play on fears wonderfully! Each tale is presented to readers in the first person to really get readers in the characters shoes. Please use caution here when you dive in. The author does not shy away from the darkness.

Phew, this read will take readers on quite the journey! It was the perfect read for a dark and rainy spring weekend.

#bookreview #horrorbookreview #horrorbookstagram #diariesofthedamned #IvanRadev #horrorbooks
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2022 Erica Robyn Reads