Top 5 Books on My 2018 Wishlist

Only one of these books actually has a cover… I am very excited about all of these so they are in no particular order.

1. Queen of Air and Darkness

I am ready to see where this all goes. I need to know if my ships are going to sail and if there are going to be any more plot twists that completely take me by surprise. I’m ready.

2. Throne of Glass 7

I’ve been waiting my entire life for this book. I’m ready to read it but I’m not ready for it to be over. 

3. Kill  Switch

I am addicted to Penelope Douglas’s writing. This is going to be a wild ride.

4. The Darkest Star

A book about Luc? Sign me the fuck up!

5. The Peer and the Puppet

I love Bebe Reid and her hardcore romances. This is also going to be a wild ride.

What books are you guys excited for in the new year?

Top 10 Worst Books of 2017

I apologize for my blogging hiatus, I've been in a bit of a blogging slump. Read quite a few new books and hopefully, I will get around to talking about those more.

10. Dare to Desire

I disliked this book so much I finished it, gave it 2 stars and then promptly forgot everything about it. I just remember finishing this book and feeling so annoyed that I had wasted my time reading it.

9. Badd Luck/Badd Mojo

I had a lot of expectations with these two books and was completely disappointed with what I got. So many people rave about this series in general and I didn't see what all the hype was about.

8. All the Wrong Chords

I just wanted to roll my eyes the entire time I was reading this one. It had such a great premise, but the plot was flat and the protagonist was so unbearably annoying that I couldn't enjoy it.

7. The First Kiss Hypothesis

This is another book I've completely forgotten everything about. It had something to do with how a girl was being cynical because apparently, first kisses mean everything. The protagonist was just so close-minded, she was so convinced that everything was in that first kiss that she wouldn't even try a second kiss just to make sure. It was so infuriating and I didn't like this book.

6. Descendants

Such good ideas, such bad outcome. It was another book that had so much potential but just fell flat. The book wasn't even that long but it felt like it took me years to read it. It was boring, and a love triangle was thrown in just for shits and giggles. I didn't like it.

5. Pretty Fierce

I didn't like the writing style of this one, it felt a bit off to me. I had an incredibly hard time relating to the characters and staying engaged in the story. I just don't think it was very good.

4. Stealing Candy

It took me a while to get through this one. I didn't like the writing style and there was really no conclusion to the story, just a what if that's more annoying than anything else. Honestly, the "cliffhanger" wasn't something that would leave me thinking and just felt abrupt.

3. Because of Lila

Another book I had high expectations of. I love Abbi Glines, but this book was terrible. The story didn't really know what it wanted to be. The first half leaves us thinking that Lila is going to end up with the sweet guy whose fun and sexy, but then this other asshole comes into the picture and us as readers get the worst case of whiplash in history.

2. The Mighty Storm

I have some pretty strong feelings about this one. I love every other book by this author that I’ve read, but there were so many factors in this book, spoilery factors, that just made me hate it.

1. Her Book Boyfriend

I went into this book expecting a light fluffy romance and instead I got a trash can with dead puppies. Okay, that might be a bit overdramatic, but it was pretty bad.

What books would you guys consider the worst that you've read this year?

Pulse Spoiler Free Review

Pulse 
by Danielle Koste

Release Date: January 1st, 2017

Synopsis:

Rowan Platts is addicted to success.

When she's presented with the chance to work on a top secret project fronted by her idol, renowned virologist Dr. Margot Miller, Rowan signs her life away without second thought. The realization she’s gotten in over her head comes only after the subject of their study is revealed: a boy with a bad attitude and an uninhibited taste for human blood.

He's a medical anomaly. Having the ability to crush metal with his bare hands and hear a heartbeat from across the room, it would make Rowan’s career if she was the one to discover what made him so unusual.

Easier said than done, with a subject who prefers snapping necks over answering questions. 

My Thoughts:

I received a copy for an honest review

I gave this book 5 stars. It was one of those books I was unsure about but ended up not being able to put down. It was such an engaging sci-fi/new adult romance. I would highly recommend it.

Lyall was unexpected. I thought because of what he was, that he was going to be a basic brooding bad boy that was so moody that would be the only thing anyone could focus on. This was not the case. Lyall was such a little shit. Playing without protagonists emotions and just messing with her for fun. It was playful and I loved that.

As for the story itself, I was very pleased with how it played out. The story felt almost metaphoric at times. I don’t know how to describe it. It was very fast paced. The book was around 300 pages and I read the entire thing in two sittings (I decided to take a shower halfway through and then continue). This book will be done in no time.

I loved how his condition was never given a name. I know everyone thinks vampire right away, but I like how it was rationalized and how there was that scientific element to a classic myth.

The story felt edgy, almost like a plotline in American Horror Story but with a happier ending. The atmosphere of the story was creepy. It felt isolated because we only had about 5 important characters, the story was very contained to just a few of them. 

Overall, creepy and engaging, I would definitely recommend that you give this book a read. It’s refreshing and I think it adds something new to the genre.

All the Wrong Chords Spoiler Free Review

All the Wrong Chords
by  Christine Hurley Deriso

Release Date: December 12th, 2017

Synopsis:

Scarlett Stiles is desperate for a change of scenery after her older brother, Liam, dies of a drug overdose. But spending the summer with her grandfather wasn't exactly what she had in mind. Luckily, Scarlett finds something to keep her busy--a local rock band looking for a guitarist. Even though playing guitar has been hard since Liam died, Scarlett can't pass on an opportunity like this, and she can't take her eyes off the band's hot lead singer either. Is real happiness just around the corner? Or will she always be haunted by her brother's death?

My Thoughts:

I received a copy through Netgalley for an honest review

I gave this book 2.5 stars. The first half of the book was really hard for me to get through. I felt no connection to the protagonist and the story felt pretty dry to me. The ending picked it back up a lot but still doesn’t deserve 3 stars. 

The love triangle felt so forced. First, we were introduced to Zach who right off the bat seems pretty cool and we can definitely see him getting with our protagonist. Then all of a sudden Scarlett meets Declan, Zach’s friend, and there are absolutely no sparks or anything to suggest that he and Scarlett should get together. Scarlett doesn’t even seem to be into him all that much until after their meeting when she tells her sister she’s in love. Their entire exchange was just her thinking about how guys always hit on her sister. 

This love triangle was the trigger for me finding the protagonist unbearably annoying. She just got mad at her sister for such stupid things that were not her fault and just overall being a spoiled brat. I don’t respect her as a character much less like her. As anyone who reads books, you know how important liking, or at least respecting, the protagonist is. Without that liking or respect, the story behind it isn’t going to be very good for you no matter how good the plot actually is.

I also felt that the protagonist was incredibly oblivious or just naive. She just goes along with whatever she is told. She gets blown off and she thinks to herself “of, it was just a misunderstanding” and then goes on to believe even more lies. The girl needs to get a clue. She also overreacts. There is a secret she finds out near the end that I won’t talk about because of spoilers, and she just gets so upset that no one told her. I mean I do understand her getting upset about it, but she started bringing up completely irrelevant things to express to these people how much they have wronged her. It was irritating that these people were obviously sorry for not telling her and she just reacted like they were plotting against her or something. 

Overall, not my favorite. I’m also glad I started this book months ago because it took me a while to read. I might suggest this if you don’t mind love triangles or even like them.

The Heartbreak Cure Book Tour - Spoiler Free Review

The Heartbreak Cure
by Amanda Ashby

Release Date: December 4th, 2017

Tour Schedule: http://www.chapter-by-chapter.com/tour-schedule-the-heartbreak-cure-by-amanda-ashby/

Synopsis:

How to get over a heartbreak:

Step one: Eat your body weight in brownies.

Step two: Throw yourself into your dreams of becoming a famous writer. 

Step three: Beg your (hottie) ex-neighbor to act as your fake boyfriend. 

Step four: Skip step three unless you’re ready for some serious fallout.

After being dumped and humiliated over the summer, Cat Turner does what any sane girl would do. She asks bad boy Alex Locke to be her fake boyfriend and show the world (and her editor at the school newspaper) that she's fine. Problem is, the more time she spends with Alex, the more she risks getting her heart broken. For real this time. 

Disclaimer: This Entangled Teen Crush book contains a swoony bad boy who will melt your heart, brownies, and witty banter. One, two, or all three might prove addictive… 

My Thoughts:

I received an ARC through Netgalley for an honest review

I gave this book 3.5 stars. It felt like it ended a bit soon, it would have been nicer if it was a bit longer and everything was a bit more fleshed out, but I still had a good time.

As you may know, I’ve been really into contemporary romances lately and have been reading lots of those to fuel my flame. After reading this one I feel I have finally been satisfied and can now move on to reading more of other genres. This isn't a bad thing at all, it wasn’t like I was so completely disgusted by the book that I couldn’t read another in this genre. It was more like I’ve finally read so many in the past few months that I need to read something new.

Birdie was an amazing character, she was the character that I think every person real and fictional needs in their lives and I was so happy that these characters had her around to be a good influence. She’s crazy and wise and really helped the characters out with their transitions.

A character I didn’t expect to like was Isabel. We don’t actually see much of her, but throughout the book, we are led to believe that she just isn’t a very good person and we dislike her because of the protagonist's perception of her. In the end, she somehow managed to win me over and I’m glad. Our protagonist needs some more friends, she seems a bit lonely. 

Our two protagonist go through a lot together and I’m glad they managed to help each other and had a healthy relationship. They were really good to each other and it was nice reading a romance where both parties treat each other with respect. 

Overall, maybe not the most amazing thing I’ve ever read in my life, I’ve read better, but this is still a pretty good book that I would definitely support you reading.

Purchase Links:

Amazon | Amazon Australia | Amazon UK | Amazon Canada | B&N | iBooks | Kobo

About the Author

Amanda Ashby was born in Australia but now lives in New Zealand where she writes romance, young adult and middle-grade books. She also works in a library, owns far too many vintage tablecloths and likes to delight her family by constantly rearranging the furniture. She has a degree in English and Journalism from the University of Queensland and is married with two children. Her debut book was nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice award, and her first young adult book was listed by the New York Public Libraryʼs Stuff for the Teen Age.  Because she’s mysterious she also writes middle-grade books under the name, Catherine Holt and hopes that all this writing won’t interfere with her Netflix schedule. 

Giveaway Details:

$20 Amazon Gift Card International

a Rafflecopter giveaway

November Wrap Up

I started working on this Wrap Up on November 30th, but I got distracted and just left the tab open and just forgot about it until now, six days later. Also, if you've been wondering why I haven't been posting a lot int eh past couple of weeks, it's just because my life has been crazy, I'm a bit stressed over some things and haven't had a lot of time for other things. Basically, it's been a choice between blogging or reading books to blog about and reading has been winning that battle. Don't worry though, I have lots of fun posts planned!

1. The First Kiss Hypothesis 

I gave this book 2 stars. I was surprisingly underwhelmed by this book. Honestly, I've already forgotten what happened, but I don't really care because it wasn't too remarkable.

2. The Becoming of Noah Shaw 

I gave this book 5 Stars. I wanted to scream after reading this book! It was so good and I plan to get a physical copy as soon as possible. I am incredibly excited to see where the author goes with this series.

3. Scion of the Fox 

I gave this book 4 stars. This book hit me like a truck, I was not expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. Incredibly fresh storyline and hopefully there will be an equally exciting sequel.

4. Defying her Mafioso 

I gave this book 4 stars. Very sexy, and a very quick read. If you like romances about the mafia, then I would definitely recommend this one.

5. Huntress of the Night 

I gave this book 4 stars. Rita Stradling never lets me down. This book was no exception to the amazingness that is Rita Stradling's writing. There was one glaring flaw in the plot in that it's a love story about the VIRGIN goddess, other than that I had no problems.

6. His Mafioso Princess 

I gave this book 3 Stars. Wasn't as good as the first book was, but still pretty good.

7. Badd Motherfucker 

I gave this book 4 stars. After months of seeing all these people raving about the Badd Brothers series, I finally had to pick it up. I wasn't overly impressed, but it wasn't terrible.

8. All the Crooked Saints 

I gave this book 4 stars. I was gonna write a full review for this one, but I don't think I will because I really don't know what to say. I enjoyed it, but I don't think I really understood what happened. I didn't understand the whole miracle thing. I love the authors writing though.

9. Badd Ass 

I gave this book 3 stars. It was okay, I still liked the first book better.

10. Badd to the Bone 

I gave this book 3 stars. The series seemed to go downhill from the first book and I wasn't really feeling it.

11. Badd Luck 

I gave this book 3 stars. At this point, I don't really understand the hype of this series.

12. Badd Mojo 

I gave this book 3 stars. I'm getting through this book just so I could get to the next book. Also, I am aware I skipped a book in the middle, I will get to that one eventually, I just wasn't feeling it at the time.

13. The Client 

I gave this book 4 stars. This was filled with heat and humor. It was a book that made me feel giddy for the first time in a long time. I don't get that giddy feeling a lot anymore when reading books but it was present here and I have nothing but good things to say about that.

14. Obsession Mine 

I gave this book 5 stars. I've been waiting so long for this book to finally come out, I read it quickly and now I have to wait even longer for the next book. Tip: If you plan to read this series, wait till all the books are out and binge them. Do not make the same mistakes as me.

15. Unknown 

I gave this book 3.5 stars. Off to a rocky start, but made a comeback near the end. Very good introduction to the world and characters in a way that we sympathize with them.

16. Unrest 

I gave this book 4.5 stars. Way better than the first book, a complete expansion of the world and the characters. Went from Dystopian to Sci-fi, but wasn't a rough transition.

17. Undone 

I gave this book 5 Stars. Best of the series, perfect blend of two protagonists in their efforts to win the war. There was a perfect amount of logic and emotion behind the story.

What books did you guys read in November?

Undone Spoiler Free Review

Undone
by Wendy Higgins

Release Date: December 5th, 2017

Synopsis:

USA Today and New York Times bestselling author, Wendy Higgins, brings you the gripping, sensual conclusion to her apocalyptic trilogy.

Amber Tate never dreamed their heart-wrenching escape from the enemy’s attack would lead them to the most beautiful place she’s ever seen, marred by one ugly fact; it’s under enemy control. Like everywhere else in the world, Elmendorf military base in Alaska has been captured, and it’s time to take it back—all of it—one base, one city at a time. After losing so much, Amber clings to the only precious person she has left, and vows to sacrifice everything to help save the Earth.

Remy Haines is a lover, not a fighter, so when she finds herself in enemy territory, expected to feign allegiance while gathering intel for the rebel cause, she’s never been more out of her element. Tensions only increase when her feelings for Jacob “Tater” Tate won’t go away, and the enemy’s leader takes an interest in her. She’s torn between what her heart wants, and what she knows she should do. As for what her body needs…well, it’s always had a mind of its own.

My Thoughts:

I received an ARC for an honest review

This series got better by the book. While the first was a 3.5 star book, the second was 4.5 and this third and final installment has finally earned that last half a star. Everything finally came together in this final book that was left open-ended in the past two installments and I have to say it feels really good to see it tied up so nicely.

One character I’ve had a pretty rocky relationship with over the past two books is Linette. She’s strong, confident, and kind of a shitty person. I don’t like her, but there is definitely respect for her. She does things that are questionable and a lot of the time I don’t agree with what she does and the way she treats other people, but at the same time, she does know what she’s doing. 

I loved how this novel was a perfect blend of relationships and plot. I feel like a lot of the time novels either focus more on romance or more on a boring used up plot. This had the romance and had the exciting plot, but it also had compassion. There were all these characters finding companionship and love in unexpected places. Those were some of my favorite parts, just the closeness of the characters.

The unique part of the series is the fact that I don’t think I’ve ever encountered this particular blend before. The entire first book was dystopian, there wasn’t even a hint of extraterrestrials and then we get to the second book and it completely transitions into a sci-fi novel. It was really bizarre when first reading it, but I have to say I started to enjoy it more after the shift happened. I’m not complaining.

I usually have an intense hatred of duel perspective books, I just don’t see how they are helpful in most books, however, in this one it completely worked. Since our core group was separated we got to see through the points of view of best friends Amber and Remy. We got to see how they were doing while separated and could see both of their efforts throughout the war. This is one of the rare occasions where I have in fact, enjoyed a dual perspective. 

It’s a fast-paced book filled with emotion and excitement. Would highly recommend reading the series and this their novel in particular.

Unrest Spoiler Free Review

Unrest
by Wendy Higgins

Synopsis:

New York Times bestselling author Wendy Higgins brings you the second book in this thrilling war-torn world... Being on the run in the desert means food and sanctuary are hard to come by, but Amber Tate and her crew are not about to give up. Not after having the things they love brutally ripped from them by an unknown enemy who sent their world into the apocalypse. Survival takes precedence, but once safe shelter is found, their guards fall and the emotions they've been holding in are finally released. Anger, insecurities...lust. In their tight quarters, Amber, Rylen, Tater, and Remy can't escape it. The past must be faced, and passions run even stronger in the darkest of times. In the midst of unrest, their worlds are rocked again when they discover the truth about the war that's ruined their lives. They thought finding out the enemy's identity would give them the edge; instead it's revealed terrifying dangers they never thought possible.

My Thoughts: 

I received a copy for an honest review

I gave this book 4.5 stars. Unrest was so much better than book one. I found that our protagonist, Amber, wasn’t doing as many things that were stupid as in the first book. She seemed to actually have gone through some character development that made her into a much more matured character.

Our main ship managed to work through their communication issues, they actually managed to start speaking to each other and being honest and things were developing between them finally after the struggle of the first book. It was nice to see the heat between them and to see it finally going somewhere.

I don’t think I mentioned it in the first book, but I really love Rylen, he’s so sweet and such a good person. During the first book where it seemed like he was leading Amber on he didn’t really know he was doing it, he didn’t realize that she, in fact, liked him in return. What I loved about him is that he wasn’t one of those “Perfect” characters whose main goal is to be good and to make sure everyone knows just how good they are, he wasn’t overly noble, he just liked to do right by people. He too has done some stupid things when it comes to Amber, but he’s making up for it. 

Remy and Tate are something I saw coming from the beginning. The moment Remy was introduced and Amber thought about how much Remy and Tate hated each other I just knew that something would happen between them. They are absolutely adorable together. Well, from what we saw, I’m hoping we’ll get more of that in the third book as the third is duel perspective with Remy and Amber. Tate is a bit emotionally unavailable because of the whole apocalypse thing, but he really does care for Remy and want’s to be good to her. He’s there to support her when she needs it and he gets really jealous when other guys try and get with her despite the two not actually being together. They are a good pair.

The plot thickens. We find out so much more about what happened in the first book. If you read the first book and didn’t read the synopsis for the first or second books then the plot twist will probably come as a huge surprise. Or it may not, but I was kind of expecting it, except I was expecting it to happen in the first book not the second, so I was a bit surprised when it was revealed.

Overall, if you like New Adult Novels, if you like dystopian, if you were a bit unsatisfied with the first book, you should definitely read this second installment because it just get’s so much better.

Unknown Spoiler Free Review

Unknown
by Wendy Higgins

Synopsis:

In this first installment of NY Times bestselling author, Wendy Higgins's debut New Adult series, a frighteningly realistic apocalyptic America is brought to life, entwined with searing romantic tension that will leave you eager for more. *** Amber Tate believes the worst thing she'll suffer in life is dealing with the unrequited love she feels for her brother's best friend, Rylen Fite. She also believes war is something unfortunate that happens places far, far away from her rural Nevada town. She's wrong on both counts. When an unknown organization meticulously bombs major cities in the United States and across the globe, a trickle-down effect spreads to remaining towns at an alarming speed-everything from food and water sources to technology and communications are compromised. Without leadership, the nation is split between paralysis and panic, but Amber isn't one to hide or watch helplessly. She's determined to put her nursing skills to use, despite the danger, even if it means working alongside the man she can never have. 

My Thoughts:

I received a copy for an honest review

I gave this book 3.5 stars. It was a good start to the series, definitely not my favorite, but it was a good place to start. As someone who’s read and loved Wendy Higgins’ books in the path, I was a bit harsh with the rating, just because it wasn’t quite up to the standard I hold her to.

I sort of jumped the gun and started the second book and almost finished the second book before writing this review. In my defense, It was only a couple hours later that I started writing this, I’m just a really fast reader, and the story was too good for me to stop.

I must address the elephant in the room. I got about 25% into this book and was just nauseated because, would you look at that, a wild love triangle appears! You know how much I detest them. It wasn’t that much about the love triangle as it was the situation it put the characters in. Our protagonist has been in love with this guy for a very long time and he seems to have feelings for her and we all know from the get-go that these two characters are going to end up together. So the fact that these two characters who obviously love each other start seeing other people it feels like their cheating. I know they aren’t actually but whenever I read s book where we know who the love interest is and then one of the characters gets into a relationship with another character, it feels wrong. It doesn’t matter if that other character is actually this person's significant other while the “Love Interest” is the one on the side, it just feels like cheating to me.

What I also didn’t like about this was that there really wasn’t any lead in to their relationships. Our protagonist sees this man for a while and they just sort of happen and we don’t get that much out of it, we just sort of meet him, get a description and how the protagonist feels about him and we are expected to feel the same even though we get no character depth. I really wasn’t feeling it and it actually made me nauseous at one point. This, however, is not the main love triangle I was referring to above.

The main love triangle of the story is a huge spoiler so I won’t get into that. I wanted to hate that other character so much as they were the one thing standing between our couple getting together. However, it is handled so well, this character is given a lot of depth and I grew to really care about them. I also really appreciated how our protagonist didn’t treat them terribly despite the situation they were in.

I really do love our protagonist, Amber, she is sweet and obviously smart. She makes really bad decisions sometimes, but it isn’t enough for me to hate her for it. It’s nice to know she isn’t a Mary Sue, she does have flaws.

As someone who has already pretty much finished the second book I can say that it is definitely worth it to continue reading the series and I’m intrigued by this world that the author has created. It has lots of potential for all sorts of cool twists and turns. I would suggest giving this book a read.