The Hazel Wood Blog Tour: Q&A + Review

Hello friends. I'm sure you've been hearing and seeing all the buzz for The Hazel Wood for the past handful of months. I guarantee the hype is real. But also, release day is right around the corner. Which is why I'm excited to be involved in the blog tour. Read on for a fun Q&A and my review.

About the Author

Editor of @BNTeens, managing editor of http://BN.com . Book pusher, Ravenpuff. Author of THE HAZEL WOOD (Flatiron 2018). She has written for McSweeney's, Time Out Chicago, MTV and more. Melissa is from Illinois and lives in Brooklyn, New York.
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Q & A

Q: You created one darkly atmospheric and crazy story. I could never assume anything. Which is exactly what I love about the original fairy tales. I feel like you take readers on an adventure we'd only want to take in a book. Did you grow up on portal fantasies and fairy tales and characters like Alice? Alice is unexpected, to say the least.

A: Yes, every book Alice mentions is a book I myself have loved! I’m a book blogger and a former bookseller, and it was so fun to write a story I could absolutely fill with secret book recommendations. I, like Alice, remember times in my life through the books I’ve read—Francesca Lia Block and Allen Ginsberg when I was 14, The Fairy Rebel in middle school, Wise Child and Thomas the Rhymer in junior high. Peter Pan has long been one of my very favorite books—it’s far darker and more fascinating than you might guess if you’ve only seen the Disney movie—and other portal fantasies I’ve loved include, of course, the Chronicles of Narnia. I like that you felt you couldn’t assume anything when reading The Hazel Wood: I love that feeling when you’re reading a fantasy novel of, “holy crap, is the author going to do THAT?” and I remember feeling it very strongly at the end of Laini Taylor’s Daughter of Smoke & Bone and Days of Blood & Starlight. Those books inspired me to want to do the bigger, weirder thing when I write, even if I’m not sure, going in, how I’ll manage it.

Review

The Hazel Wood
Publication Date: January 30th, 2018
Publisher: Flat Iron Books

Series: The Hazel Wood #1

Pages: 368

Source: ARC from publisher

Rating: 4/5

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Seventeen-year-old Alice and her mother have spent most of Alice’s life on the road, always a step ahead of the uncanny bad luck biting at their heels. But when Alice’s grandmother, the reclusive author of a cult-classic book of pitch-dark fairy tales, dies alone on her estate, the Hazel Wood, Alice learns how bad her luck can really get: her mother is stolen away―by a figure who claims to come from the Hinterland, the cruel supernatural world where her grandmother's stories are set. Alice's only lead is the message her mother left behind: “Stay away from the Hazel Wood.”

Alice has long steered clear of her grandmother’s cultish fans. But now she has no choice but to ally with classmate Ellery Finch, a Hinterland superfan who may have his own reasons for wanting to help her. To retrieve her mother, Alice must venture first to the Hazel Wood, then into the world where her grandmother's tales began―and where she might find out how her own story went so wrong.

Lol. What?

Don't get me wrong. I was super engrossed from page one. The Hazel Wood is a unique tale. I was never 100% sure what was happening but that's what made the book weird and spooky and surprising. And sooooo atmospheric. The writing is deliciously beautiful in this dark manner. That so fits with the tone of the book. 

Alice is kind of an asshole. Sometimes. And angry. And a misfit with a terrible case of bad luck. You going to be hating on Alice some. But her personality is fitting. I don't want to say redemption is in her favour, because it's a weird weird world. The girl just got some stuff to deal with alright. 

The Hazel Wood is a dark tale for us fairy tale readers out there. It incorporates all the things I love about these unlovable fairy tale lands and characters. These characters guys! This world! You're not even ready. The mystery and mystic surrounding them and what happens when doors open. How about fate and family. Interesting characters at every turn(Finch will surprise you in many ways).

The Hazel Wood and Hinterland is this all-engrossing character. Worlds and lands are just as important in these kinds of stories and Albert does not disappoint. Nothing, I mean nothing, is as it seems. Portal fantasy with a fairy tale twist at it's best. I do not envy Alice and her "adventures" through the Hinterland. 

I picked this up thinking it the perfect fall time spooky read and it is that. I realize January isn't fall, but The Hazel Wood works perfectly then too. A dark tale for a cold and cozy winter night.

I want to thank Raincoast for having me on this blog tour. And Melissa for taking the time to answer my question.
It was just announced that The Hazel Wood has more books coming in the future. Which is great news. The Hazel Wood is a full and complete book but more is much appreciated.

Let me know if you guys are going to be checking out The Hazel Wood next week.

Happy reading!

Brittany

Review: Walk the Edge by Katie McGarry

Walk the Edge by Katie McGarry

Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publication Date: March 29th, 2016
Pages: 426
Series: Thunder Road #2
Source: Library e-book
Rating: 3.5/5
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One moment of recklessness will change their worlds.

Smart. Responsible. That's seventeen-year-old Breanna's role in her large family, and heaven forbid she put a toe out of line. Until one night of shockingly un-Breanna-like behavior puts her into a vicious cyber-bully's line of fire—and brings fellow senior Thomas "Razor" Turner into her life.

Razor lives for the Reign of Terror motorcycle club, and good girls like Breanna just don't belong. But when he learns she's being blackmailed over a compromising picture of the two of them—a picture that turns one unexpected and beautiful moment into ugliness—he knows it's time to step outside the rules.

And so they make a pact: he'll help her track down her blackmailer, and in return, she'll help him seek answers to the mystery that's haunted him—one that not even his club brothers have been willing to discuss. But the more time they spend together, the more their feelings grow. And suddenly they're both walking the edge of discovering who they really are, what they want, and where they're going from here.

Razor is a precious being. My new child.

Walk the Edge, although not as good as the Pushing the Limit books, was a better installment in the Thunder Road series. Like with Nowhere But Here, it took a while for me to get into. The 40% mark seems to be where the plot really picks up; secrets are finally being developed more, The MC's are moving more forward in their relationship, and the MC gang plays a bigger part.

Breanna is the 5th child of 9. She's fiercely smart and independent. Which makes her the surrogate mother to her younger siblings. Her parents throw a lot of responsibility on her. They expect a lot from her because of who she is. Except her outside person does not match who she really wants to show the world. This leads to Razor and Breanna striking up a friendship of sorts. Breanna's family pissed me off to no end. Her siblings treat her like dirt, especially her older ones. Her mom essentially ignores her. And like, you have 9 kids, if you didn't want the responsibility of taking care of them, then don't have 9 kids. Breanna's character growth is pretty great. She slowly learns to speak up for herself amongst a lot of shit and terrible people trying to take advantage of her.

Razor is a cinnamon roll. He lost his mother 8 years ago and has been drowning ever since. He's lost his smile, his laugh and the will to care about anything but being apart of the Reign. Razor's distrust of his dad, his extended family in the MC comes to head when evidence from his mom's death comes to light. Razor has always been lead to believe it was suicide and well, he blames himself for that. Like I said, I can't even with Razor. He's so subtly smart and kind and protective. The Reign is a motorcycle club that has its rules and although they create this family atmosphere, there is a lot of secrets that are kept for the wrong reasons. Like in Nowhere But Here, those secrets and lies create voids where there shouldn't have to be.

Razor and Breanna find solace and trust in each other because of circumstance but also because of a connection. They both find themselves invisible in a big family. The comfort they can offer each other leads to a really adorable relationship.

These books are far from perfect. There's the lack of diversity. A few problematic elements. And well, this motorcycle club is ultimately a boys club. Some of the wives and ladies may be strong women, but the men have control and that's that.

Katie is a great storyteller though. She's able to write dynamic families. She doesn't shy away from a bunch of emotional scenes. And the center of each of her books, a teenage romance with characters from very different lifestyles.

Let's see what Chevy and Violet have to offer next.

Happy reading!

Brittany

Review: Nowhere But Here by Katie McGarry

Nowhere But Here by Katie McGarry

Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publication Date: May 26th, 2015
Pages: 496
Series: Thunder Road #1
Source: Purchased
Rating: 3/5
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An unforgettable new series from acclaimed author Katie McGarry about taking risks, opening your heart and ending up in a place you never imagined possible.

Seventeen-year-old Emily likes her life the way it is: doting parents, good friends, good school in a safe neighborhood. Sure, she's curious about her biological father—the one who chose life in a motorcycle club, the Reign of Terror, over being a parent—but that doesn't mean she wants to be a part of his world. But when a reluctant visit turns to an extended summer vacation among relatives she never knew she had, one thing becomes clear: nothing is what it seems. Not the club, not her secret-keeping father and not Oz, a guy with suck-me-in blue eyes who can help her understand them both.

Oz wants one thing: to join the Reign of Terror. They're the good guys. They protect people. They're…family. And while Emily—the gorgeous and sheltered daughter of the club's most respected member—is in town, he's gonna prove it to her. So when her father asks him to keep her safe from a rival club with a score to settle, Oz knows it's his shot at his dream. What he doesn't count on is that Emily just might turn that dream upside down.

No one wants them to be together. But sometimes the right person is the one you least expect, and the road you fear the most is the one that leads you home.

It's stupid how long it took me to finally read Nowhere But Here. Especially since I'm pretty sure I pre-ordered it. Anyhow, did this turn out to be my favourite Katie book? No. But at the end of it, I was entertained.

Katie is great at writing that star-crossed, young love, different worlds romance. Oz and Emily certainly had chemistry from the get-go.

My main problem was being bored and feeling a big disconnect with Emily and Oz. For at least half the book there was no drive for me to keep going. Sure I wanted to know what the hell the secrets were. But that was about it. Being in Emily and Oz's heads had its moments. I can understand why both of them are frustrated; they were raised in very different environments and families.

The bits that really kept me going, were when the friends(Razor, Chevy, Violet) were all together. They're a dynamic bunch. I can't forget the whole motorcycle club; that's about half the plot. I mean, if you want to talk interesting dynamics... I'm not into the whole Sons of Anchery, but what I love about this gang is the relationships. It is one big family. Blood or not doesn't matter.

Eli broke my heart. I just kept watching him try and be apart of Emily's life and he's precious. Like I know he's technically an absent father in your life. And you have an amazing adoptive dad. But like Eli, I just wanted you to love him and appreciate him. That's where all the secrets came in. The poor guy. I actually didn't see the "shockers" coming. Katie did a really good job of colliding secrets lies and life together there at the end. Left me so tear(ish).

Katie always writes a solid romance. Is it without its problems? No. Is it lacking so much diversity? Yes. But at this point I take her YA romance books for what they are; a solid mix of very different boys and girls falling in love in sometimes the messiest of ways. Brain candy.


Happy reading!

Brittany

2017 End of Year Survey

Meme created by Jamie @ The Perpetual Page Turner

Number Of Books You Read: 177

Number of Re-Reads: 50

Genre You Read From The Most: Romance

1. Best Book You Read In 2017?
Letters to the Lost. I didn't have any standout, I'll love this book for life read. But I've been a long time reader of Brigid's and this is easily her best work to date. It's just fucking good. And emotional. 

2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?
The Love Interest was a pretty big meh. The synopsis sounded so up my alley. Super meta and cliche or purpose well being super gay. Sign me up. Turns out the writing and characters were too juvenile. And queerbaiting was a thing. Not cool. 

3. Most surprising (in a good way or bad way) book you read?
Pucked Off. I love this romcom series. I love Helena Hunting. So I didn't go in expecting to hate it. I just didn't expect to love it and feel as much as I did. Especially for Lance; a character in the previous books that had a certain playboy image I wasn't into to. Colour me surprised by his depth and swoons and just him.

4. Book You “Pushed” The Most People To Read (And They Did)?

It was still Simon. And as the years go on it will remain Simon. If you have not read Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda than your life has a big hole and you need to rectify that. 

5. Best series you started in 2017? Daughter of the Pirate King; Pirates of the Caribbean meets YA.
Best Sequel of 2017? Cashmere; I know vampires are over. But this series is hilarious and meta and cute and fun. And just needs more love.
Best Series Ender of 2017? Ugh. Nothing... I didn't really finish too many series'. And for the most part, the ones I did were beyond disappointing. I guess A Conjuring of Light was a pretty solid ending. 

6. Favorite new author, you discovered in 2017?
Mackenzi Lee killed it with The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue. Now I'm beyond excited for the companion book this year. And I do want to check out her backlist. 

7. Best book from a genre you don’t typically read/was out of your comfort zone?

There was nothing out of my comfort zone. Romance, YA contemps, some graphic novels and fantasy and sci-fi. That's what I tend to always read. 

8. Most action-packed/thrilling/unputdownable book of the year?

Hunting Prince Dracula. I wouldn't call it the most action-packed. But I speed through it. The mystery and gothic nature really lend itself to a must read all in one sitting book. Plus Thomas.

9. Book You Read In 2017 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year?

That's hard; you guys know I reread a billion books every year. There are books I reread every year, like Simon and my favourite romances. So those will obviously be reread this year too. New to me reads in 2017 that will be reread; The Gentleman's Guide..., Hunting Prince Dracula, Roomies, Santino Hassell 5B series. 

10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2017?

Night of Cake and Puppets! All the art and illustrations in the book are phenomenal. 

11. The most memorable character of 2017?

Monty from The Gentleman's Guide... He's kinda brat that needs a good kick in the ass. But my God is he hilarious. His character arc is on point. Hijinks and kissing! 

12. Most beautifully written book read in 2017?

Dreams of Gods and Monsters. I finally finished the book!

13. Most Thought-Provoking/ Life-Changing Book of 2017?

Nothing. I mean, there were some characters lives and choices I thought more than two seconds about...

14. Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2017 to finally read? 

I'm going to go with the Five Boroughs series by Santino Hassell. Although some of the books were released this past year, I didn't start the series until 2017. And yea, the first book wasn't my favourite. But holy hell are those books addicting. 

15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2017?
"God bless the book people for their boundless knowledge absorbed from having words instead of friends."
Mackenzie Lee, The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue
I mean, kind of offensive. But ultimately pretty accurate.

16. Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2017?

Shortest: Corrupting Chris @ 24 pages
Longest: A Court of Wings and Ruin @ 705 pages

17. Book That Shocked You The Most?

I feel like I was missing the shock factor in 2017. The Fallen Kingdom had a few small ones; especially one unforgivable death. 

18. OTP OF THE YEAR (you will go down with this ship!)

Monty and Percy! God, they are lovely and perfect. Although Percy puts up with a lot being in love with Monty. He deserves all the credit here. 

19. Favorite Non-Romantic Relationship Of The Year

All the familial relationships in the Like Us series. Krista and Becca are amazing at writing family dynamics and relationships. I'm so happy to see all the kids grow and how their relationships developed beyond the ending of the Addicted/Calloway Sisters books. 

20. Favorite Book You Read in 2017 From An Author You’ve Read Previously

Gotta name a couple here:
Foolish Hearts by Emma Mills
Good Boy by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy
Play on by Samantha Young
Damaged Like Us by KB Ritchie
Windfall by Jennifer E Smith
Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett

21. Best Book You Read In 2017 That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else/Peer Pressure?

Eliza and Her Monsters wasn't even on my radar until a week or two before it's release. All the sudden I saw all these bloggers hyping it up. So I downloaded an e-ARC and holy shit were all these bloggers on point. Eliza is a fucking fantastic book!

22. Newest fictional crush from a book you read in 2017?

Lance from Pucked Off. Again, I just didn't expect him. 

23. Best 2017 debut you read?

Daughter of the Pirate King! Swashbuckling good time. Lady Pirates. I mean, who doesn't want to read about lady pirates?!

24. Best Worldbuilding/Most Vivid Setting You Read This Year?

V.E. Schwab creates a very vivid and encompassing bunch of Londons in her Shades of Magic series. A Conjuring of Light was no different. Plus it expanded to other lands and the seas. 

25. Book That Put A Smile On Your Face/Was The Most FUN To Read?

I feel like a broken record here... The Gentleman's Guide... my 100th reread of Simon. Oh! Wires and Nerves! Being back with the Lunar gang is all I really ever want in life. 

26. Book That Made You Cry Or Nearly Cry in 2017?

Letters to the Lost had me sobbing for sad yet hopeful reasons.
If There's No Tomorrow was just very emotional.

27. Hidden Gem Of The Year?

How to Make A Wish. Grace was a complex character that did so much growing. Having to be the adult so young, she had a hard exterior. But her being comfortable in her sexuality and going through with some very hard decisions was done so well. 

28. Book That Crushed Your Soul?

Bang. This is too real and close to the world we live in. So very sad.

29. Most Unique Book You Read In 2017?

I really got nothing here. Night of Cake and Puppets and Eliza and Her Monsters have artwork and illustrations weaved into the story. Well actually, Eliza also has the added bits of her online comic in the story. So that's pretty cool. 

30. Book That Made You The Most Mad (doesn’t necessarily mean you didn’t like it)?

A Court of Wings and Ruin. You bastard. I'm so mad over how disappointing and problematic you were. UGH!

1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2017?

None. I hardly blogged myself. So I was barely involved in the blogging community. 

2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2017?

Ha! Like I wrote many... Let's just go with The Names They Gave Us

3. Best discussion/non-review post you had on your blog?

There be none. 

4. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?

I got to meet my most favourite author of my most favourite book EVER. Two days in a row! Which essentially means we became BFF's.

5. Best moment of bookish/blogging life in 2017?
When I traveled to Vancouver this past spring. I got to meet my buddies(Hi, Melissa) and tour the Raincoast warehouse and offices. It was so awesome.

6. The most challenging thing about blogging or your reading life this year?
Wanting to blog. Blogger tells me I posted 19 times in 2017. That's sad. I lacked motivation, inspiration and time. 2017 was a rough year.

7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?

Funnily enough, my most viewed post was my 2016 End of Year Book Survey. 

8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?

I don't care that much. I don't blog for the views. Obviously. 

9. Best bookish discover (book related sites, bookstores, etc.)?
I didn't really stray too far from my usual. I received some gifts from different artists that post of Society 6 and Redbubble.

10. Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?

I did; although they weren't anything groundbreaking. Just my yearly books read and reread goal. 

1. One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2017 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2018?

Let's go with Bad Romance. As excited as I was for it(even have an ARC), I just could never get myself emotionally ready to face it. 

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2018 (non-debut)?

All the things by Becky Albertalli. Leah on the Offbeat! What If It's Us!

3. 2018 Debut You Are Most Anticipating?

I am so behind on releases. Let's go with an ARC I already have and am excited for; Nice Try, Jane Sinner. 

4. Series Ending/A Sequel You Are Most Anticipating in 2018?

Obsidio. GIVE IT TO ME!

5. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging Life In 2018?

I'm pretty sure my answer is the same every year, stay consistent and on top of things. But this year, I'm going to promise myself to not push it. If I continue to lack the motivation to keep this blog alive than so be it. That's a pretty big sign to probably just move on. 

6. A 2018 Release You’ve Already Read & Recommend To Everyone (if applicable):
To  Kill A Kingdom was pretty damn good. It's a dark and twisty Little Mermaid re-telling. Make sure you add it to your spring TBR. I say it's a must read!

So how was your 2017? Link me to your survey(if you did it).

Happy reading!

Brittany

2017 Reads

2017 Reads

January
1. On Broken Wings(Wild Aces #3) by Chanel Cleeton = 336 pages
2. Hard Hitter(Brooklyn Bruisers #2) by Sarina Bowen = 336 pages
3. The Summer Palace(Captive Prince #3.6) by C.S. Pacat = 30 pages
4. Without BordersWanderlove #1) by Amanda Heger = 242 pages
5. Rat Queens Vol 3 by Kurtis J Wiebe = 160 pages
6. Amour Amour(Aerial Ethereal #1) by Krista & Becca Ritchie = 396 pages(reread)
7.The Hating Game by Sally Thorne = 384 pages(reread)
8. The Lie by Karina Halle = 292 pages
9. Caraval(Caraval #1) by Stephanie Garber = 407 pages
10. The Debt by Karina Halle = 264 pages
11. Velvet(Velvet #1) by Temple West = 417 pages
12. Forever Geek(Geek Girl #6) by Holly Smale = 412 pages
13. Cashmere(Velvet #2) by TempleWest = 460 pages
14. A Tragic Kind of Wonderful by Eric Lindstrom = 288 pages
15. Good Boy(WAGs #1) by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy = 269 pages
Total = 4693

February
16. Infini(AE #2) by Krista & Becca Ritchie = 465 pages
17. Anything You Can Do by R.S. Grey = 247 pages
18. Wires & Nerves Vol 1 by Marissa Meyer = 240 pages
19. Daughter of the Pirate King(Daughter of the Pirate King #1) by Tricia Levenseller = 320 pages
20. Strong Signal(Cyberlove #1) by Megan Erickson & Santino Hassell = 229 pages
21. Letters to the Lost be Brigid Kemmerer = 400 pages
22. Obsidian(Lux #1) by JLA = 360 pages(reread)
23. Onyx(Lux #2) by JLA = 366 pages(reread)
24. Undeclared(Burham College #2) by Julianna Keyes = 276 pages
25. Pucked Off(Pucked #5) by Helena Hunting = 278 pages
26. Opal(Lux #3) by JLA = 382 pages(reread)
27. Status Update(Gaymers #1) by Annabeth Albert = 189 pages
28. Origin(Lux #4) by JLA = 364 pages(reread)
Total = 4116

March
29. Opposition(Lux #5) by JLA = 352 pages(reread)
30. Royally Matched(Royally #2) by Emma Chase = 276 pages
31. At the Edge of the Universe by Shaun David Hutchinson = 485 pages
32. A Conjuring of Light(Shades of Magic #3) by V.E. Schwab = 624 pages
33. Buns(Hudson Valley #3) by Alice Clayton = 320 pages
34. Twist(Dive Bar #2) by Kylie Scott = 288 pages
35. Third Base(The Boys of Summer #1) by Heidi McLaughlin = 316 pages
36. The Power(Titans #2) by JLA = 344 pages(reread)
37. A Place in the Sun by R.S. Grey = 274 pages
38. Upside Down(Off the Map #1) by Lia Riley = 246 pages
39. Sideswiped(Off the Map #2) by Lia Riley = 384 pages
40. Inside Out(Off the Map #3) by Lia Riley = 244 pages
41. The Struggle(Titans #3) by JLA = 370 pages
42. Goodbye Paradise(Hello, Goodbye #1) by Sarina Bowen = 276 pages
43. Fast Connection(Cyberlove #2) by Megan Erickson & Santino Hassell = 260 pages
44. Hard Wired(Cyberlove #3) by Megan Erickson & Santino Hassell = 260 pages
45. Sutphin Boulevard(Five Boroughs #1) by Santino Hassell = 264 pages
46. Bittersweet(True North #1) by Sarina Bowen = 293 pages
47. Steadfast(True North #2) by Sarina Bowen = 313 pages
48. Keepsake(True North #3) by Sarina Bowen = 326 pages
Total = 6515

April
49. Idol(VIP#1) by Kristen Callihan = 339 pages
50. Saga Vol 7 = 152 pages
51. Heat Wave by Karina Halle = 307 pages
52. The Truth About Happily Ever After by Karole Cozzo = 320 pages
53. Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett = 391 pages
54. Geekerella by Ashley Poston = 320 pages
55. It Happened on Love Street(Everland, Georgia #1) by Lia Riley = 368 pages
56. Bang by Barry Lyga = 304 pages
57. All Lined Up(Rusk University #1) by Cora Carmack = 305 pages(reread)
58. All Broke Down(Rusk University #2) by Cora Carmack = 368 pages(reread)
59. All Played Out(Rusk University #3) by Cora Carmack = 321 pages(reread)
60. Something Real by Heather Demetrios = 406 pages(reread)
61. The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli = 336 pages(reread)
62. Finding You(Destination Love #3) by Jo Watson = 368 pages
Total = 4605

May
63. A Court of Mist and Fury(ACOTAR #2) by Sarah J Maas = 624 pages(reread)
64. A Court of Wings and Ruin(ACOTAR #3) by Sarah J Maas = 705 pages
65. Always and Forever, Lara Jean(Lara Jean #3) by Jenny Han = 336 pages
66. The Names They Gave Us by Emery Lord = 384 pages
67. The Love Interest by Cale Dietrich = 384 pages
68. How to Make A Wish by Ashley Herring Blake = 336 pages
69. Every Little Thing(Harts Boardwalk #2) by Samantha Young = 352 pages
70. Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia = 400 pages
71. Windfall by Jennifer E Smith = 418 pages
72. Queens of Geen by Jen Wilde = 288 pages
73. The Only Thing Worse Than Me is You by Lily Anderson = 352 pages
74. Giant Days Vol. 3 = 112 pages
75. Dating You Hating You by Christina Lauren = 320 pages
76. Hometown Cowboy(Rocky Mountain Riders #1) by Sara Richardson = 368 pages
Total = 5379

June
77. Shacking Up by Helena Hunting = 480 pages
78. The Foxe and the Hound by R.S. Grey = 385 pages
79. The Last Thing You Said by Sara Biren = 320 pages
80. The Unlikelies by Carrie Firestone = 336 pages
81. Score(San Francisco Thunder #1) by Victoria Denault = 368 pages
82. Him(Him #1) by Ellen Kennedy & Sarina Bowen = 360 pages(reread)
83. Us(Him #2) by Elle Kennedy & Sarina Bowen = 328 pages(reread)
84. Good Boy(WAGS #1) by Elle Kennedy & Sarina Bowen = 282 pages(reread)
85. Managed(VIP #2) by Kristen Callihan = 321 pages
86. Big Rock by Lauren Blakely = 247 pages
87. Worth Any Cost(Gaming the System #6) by Brenna Aubrey = 348 pages
88. Burning Moon(Destination Love #1) by Jo Watson = 304 pages
89. Stay(WAGS #2) by Elle Kennedy & Sarina Bowen = 295 pages
90. Almost a Bride(Destination Love #2) by Jo Watson = 384 pages
91. Until it Fades by K.A. Tucker = 356 pages
92. The Best Thing That Never Happened to Me by Laura Tait & Jimmy Rice = 357 pages
93. Damaged Like Us(Like Us #1) by Krista & Becca Ritchie = 400 pages
94. Internet Famous by Danika Stone = 320 pages
Total = 6191

July
95. The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee = 513 pages
96. The Fallen Kingdom(The Falconer #3) by Elizabeth May = 389 pages
97. Before Jamaica Lane(On Dublin Street #3) by Samantha Young = 417 pages(reread)
98. Fall From India Place(On Dublin Street #4) by Samantha Young = 294 pages(reread)
99. Echoes of Scotland Street(On Dublin Street #5) by Samantha Young = 331 pages(reread)
100. Moonlight on Nightengale Way(On Dublin Street #6) by Samantha Young = 334 pages(reread)
101. Down London Road(On Dublin Street #2) by Samantha Young = 373 pages(reread)
102. Long Way Down(Calloway Sisters #4;Addicted #3.2 ) by Krista & Becca Ritchie = 640 pages(reread)
103. Hunting Prince Dracula(Stalking Jack the Ripper #2) by Kerri Maniscalco = 448 pages
104. Night of Cake and Puppets by Laini Taylor = 256 pages
105. Dreams of Gods and Monsters(Daughter of Smoke and Bone #3) by Laini Taylor = 613 pages
106. Frost Blood(Frost Blood # 1) by Elly Blake = 376 pages(reread)
Total = 4984

August
107. Fire Blood(Frost Blood #2) by Elly Blake = 416 pages
108. Devils & Thieves(Devils & Thieves #1) by Jennifer Rush = 336 pages
109. The Dark Prophecy(Trials of Apollo #2) by Rick Riordan = 414 pages
110. The Young Elites(The Young Elites #1) by Marie Lu = 355 pages
111. The Rose Society(The Young Elites #2) by Marie Lu = 398 pages
112. The Midnight Star(The Young Elites #3) by Marie Lu = 316 pages
113. Bad Romeo Christmas(Starcrossed #4) by Leisa Rayven = 252 pages
114. Extreme Honor(True Heroes #1) by Piper J Drake = 384 pages
115. Exit, Pursued by A Bear by E.K. Johnston = 248 pages
116. Foolish Hearts by Emma Mills = 320 pages
117. Shuffle, Repeat by Jen Klein = 327 pages
118. The Hogwarts Collection by J.K. Rowling = 224 pages
Total = 3990

September
119. Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli = 320 pages(reread)
120. Spinning Out(The Blackhawk Boys #1) by Lexi Ryan = 462 pages
121. After We Fall by Melanie Harlow = 270 pages
122. Alex(Cold Fury Hockey #1) by Sawyer Bennett = 434 pages
123. Royally Endowed(Royally #3) by Emma Chase = 275 pages
124. Fraternize(Players Game #1) by Rachel Van Dyken = 307 pages
125. North to You(Journey to the Heart #1) by Tif Marcelo = 315 pages
126. Play On(Play On #1) by Samantha Young = 426 pages
127. Easy(Contours of the Heart #1) by Tammara Webber = 336 pages(reread)
128. Without Merit by Colleen Hoover = 384 pages
129. To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo = 384 pages
Total = 3913

October
130. Bountiful(True North #4) by Sarina Bowen = 315 pages
131. The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert = 368 pages
132. Anything You Can Do by R.S. Grey = 247 pages(reread)
133. Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover = 324 pages(reread)
134. Shameless by Lex Martin = 394 pages(reread)
135. Sweet Filthy Boy(Wild Seasons #1) by Christina Lauren = 385 pages(reread)
136. Dirty Rowdy Thing(Wild Seasons #2) by Christina Lauren = 352 pages(reread)
137. Dark Wild Night(Wild Seasons #3) by Christina Lauren = 341 pages(reread)
138. Wicked Sexy Liar(Wild Seasons #4) by Christina Lauren = 384 pages(reread)
139. Beautiful Bastard(Beautiful #1) by Christina Lauren = 305 pages(reread)
140. Beautiful Bitch(Beautiful #1.5) by Christina Lauren = 160 pages(reread)
141. Beautiful Stranger(Beautiful #2) by Christina Lauren = 345 pages(reread)
142. Beautiful Bombshell(Beautiful #2.5) by Christina Lauren = 160 pages(reread)
Total = 4080

November
143. Lovers Like Us(Like Us #2) by Krista & Becca Ritchie = 462 pages
144. Beautiful Player(Beautiful #3) by Christina Lauren = 432 pages(reread)
145. Beautiful Beginning(Beautiful #3.5) by Christina Lauren = 208 pages(reread)
146. Beautiful Beloved(Beautiful #3.6) by Christina Lauren = 80 pages(reread)
147. Beautiful Secret(Beautiful #4) by Christina Lauren = 401 pages(reread)
148. Beautiful Boss(Beautiful #4.5) by Christina Lauren = 144 pages(reread)
149. Beautiful(Beautiful #5) by Christina Lauren = 416 pages(reread)
150. The Fortunate Ones by R.S. Grey = 336 pages
151. Hero by Samantha Young = 410 pages(reread)
152. Hooking Up(Shacking Up #2) by Helena Hunting = 444 pages
153. Here We Are Now by Jasime Warga = 304 pages
154. Twelve(The Naturals #4.5) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes = 128 pages
155. Wild Card(North Ridge #1) by Karina Halle = 273 pages
156. Love, Life and the List by Kasie West = 384 pages
157. If There's No Tomorrow by Jennifer L Armentrout = 376 pages
158. Till Death by Jennifer L Armentrout = 384 pages
159. Roomies by Christina Lauren = 368 pages
160. The Problem with Forever by Jennifer L Armentrout = 474 pages
Total = 6024

December
161. Wicked(Wicked #1) by Jennifer L Armentrout = 375 pages(reread)
162. Paris For One by Jojo Moyes = 336 pages
163. Torn(Wicked #2) by Jennifer L Armentrout = 369 pages(reread)
164. Infraction(Players Game #2) by Rachel Van Dyken = 278 pages
165. Slammed(San Francisco Thunder #2) by Victoria Denault = 336 pages
166. Brave(Wicked #3) by Jennifer L Armentrout = 362 pages
167. Holiday Spice(The Shaughnessy Brothers #6) by Samantha Chase = 384 pages
168. Instructions for A Second Hand Heart by Tamsyn Murray = 313 pages
169. Lovers Like Us(Like Us #2) by Krista & Becca Ritchie = 462 pages(reread)
170. Illegal Contact(The Barons #1) by Santino Hassell = 251 pages
171. Sunset Park(Five Boroughs #2) by Santino Hassell = 246 pages
172. Corrupting Chris(Five Boroughs #2.5) by Santino Hassell = 24 pages
173. Third Rail(Five Boroughs #5.5) by Santino Hassell = 87 pages
174. First & First(Five Boroughs #3) by Santino Hassell = 244 pages
175. Interborough(Five Boroughs #4) by Santino Hassell = 249 pages
176. Concourse(Five Boroughs #5) by Santino Hassell = 366 pages
177. Citywide(Five Boroughs #6) by Santino Hassell = 370 pages
Total = 5052

Grand Total = 59,542

DNF
1. By Your Side by Kasie West @ 31%
2. Hard Rhythm by Cecilia Tan @ 95 pages
3. The Cottage at Firefly Lake by Jen Gilroy @ 100 pages
4. Riveted by Jay Crownover @ 17%
5. Romeo and What's Her Name by Shani Petroff @ 23 pages
6. For the Win by Sara Rider @ 12%
7. Openly Straight by Bill Konigsberg @ 25%
8. Mature Content by Santino Hassell & Megan Erickson @ 14%
9. Home Run by Heidi McLaughlin @ 50 pages
10. Bombshell by C.D. Reiss @ 51%

Favourite Reads of 2017

Hey. Hi. Hello. Yes, I still hang around my blog sometimes. Like 90% of the world, I felt the effects of 2017. It was a trash fire and I'm extremely happy to see it end. My blogging and reading were not at it's best. I'm just going to skip over the blog though(I hope to get a burst of motivation and inspiration to start posting much more regularly).
I read in 2017. That wasn't the problem. The issue was the books I read. I seemed to not be able to catch a break. And could be why I reread a hell of a lot more than usual. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed a bunch of the books. It's just my average rating really dropped. I'm sure it had to do with me just not being able to deal with a lot of the smaller issues that pop up in romance books(and YA). I don't think I necessarily read more critically; or as much as I want to be. I just didn't want to deal with mediocre. Which bleed over into some of my favourite authors. Some of their books my biggest disappointments of the year. If you know me, you'll definitely notice their absences from the list.
I had planned on making the usual 17 of 2017 post... but I found I would just be lying. Of the 20 5 stars, most were rereads. So you know what, that sums up my year. I had some new 5 star reads but nothing became an all-time favourite stand out.
With all that shit being said, don't get me wrong, these books being mentioned today were wonderful for many different reasons. That's why I choose them as my favourites of 2017.
Friends, I hope you had a wonderful 2017. I want to make time to see you guys around here more in 2018. Let's get this started.


10. Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller


9. Night of Cake and Puppets by Laini Taylor


8. Play On by Samantha Young

7. Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett


6. Damaged Like Us by Krista & Becca Ritchie


5. The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee


4. Pucked Off by Helena Hunting


3. Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia


2. Good Boy by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy


1. Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer

Let me know what your favourite read of 2017 was.

Happy reading!

Brittany