tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12344865179600795232024-03-05T02:18:11.183-05:00This is the Story of My(Reading) LifeCanadian Book BloggerBrittanyLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645210938042967995noreply@blogger.comBlogger533125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234486517960079523.post-49112480802463205012021-01-01T12:37:00.002-05:002021-01-01T12:37:40.964-05:002020 Reads<p> </p><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Lora; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">2020 Reads</h3><div class="post-header" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Neucha; font-size: 13.5px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-1435889646427375936" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Neucha; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 818px;"><b>January</b><br />1. The Honey Don't List by Christina Lauren = 320 pages(e-ARC)<br />2. Supernova(Renegades #3) by Marissa Meyer = 552 pages(library audio)<br />3. Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman = 301 pages(scribd audio)<br />4. A Heart So Fierce and Broken(#2) by Brigid Kemmerer = 450 pages(hardback)<br />5. The Wives by Tarryn Fisher = 336 pages(scribd audio)<br />6. Blitzed(#3) by Alexa Martin = 320 pages(scribd audio)<br />7. The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager = 384 pages(scribd audio)<br />8. Every Heart A Doorway(Wayward Children #1) by Seanan McGuire = 173 pages(scribd audio)<br />9. Love Her or Lose Her(#2) by Tessa Bailey = 334 pages(paperback)<br />10. The Map From Here to Ther(#2) by Emery Lord = 353 pages(hardback)<br />11. Polaris Rising(#1) by Jessie Minalik = 431 pages(paperback)<br />12. Final Girls by Riley Sager = 342 pages(library audio)<br />13. The Night Country(#2) by Melissa Albert = 365 pages(library audio)<br />14. One Way(#1) by S.J. Morden = 330 pages(paperback)<br />15. All Our Wrong Todays by Elan Mastai = 373 pages(library audio)<br />16. No Way(#2) by S.J. Morden = 372 pages(paperback)<br />17. Clockwork Angel(TID #1) by Cassie Clare = 481 pages(library audio)(reread)<br />18. Heartstopper Vol 3 by Alice Oseman = 320 pages(paperback)<br /><b>Total = 6536 pages(18 Books)</b><br /><br /><b>February</b><br />19. Clockwork Prince(TID #2) by Cassie Clare = 502 pages(library audio)(reread)<br />20. The Worst Best Man by Miia Sosa = 359 pages(paperback)<br />21. Clockwork Princess(TID #3) by Cassie Clare = 567 pages(library audio)(reread)<br />22. The Wolf of Oren-Yaro(#1) by K.S. Villoso= 496 pages(ARC)<br />23. The One by John Marrs = 438 pages(paperback)<br />24. Prudence(The Custard Protocol #1) by Gail Carriger = 400 pages(library audio)<br />25. A Favor For A Favor(All In #2) by Helena Hunting = 300 pages(ebook)<br />26. The Ride of A Lifetime by Rober Iger = 272 pages(library audio)<br />27. The Simple Wild(Wild #1) by K.A. Tucker = 390 pages(paperback)(reread)<br />28. Wild At Heart(Wild #2) by K.A. Tucker = 400 pages(ebook)<br />29. Imprudence(The Custard Protocol #2) by Gail Carriger = 353 pages(library audio)<br />30. Doctor Dearest by R.S. Grey = 357 pages(ebook)<br />31. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi = 229 pages(library audio)<br />32. One Day In December by Josie Silver = 390 pages(library audio)<br />33. Breathless(Texas Nights #3) by Lex Marin = 333 pages(ebook)<br />34. Unbreakable(Cloverleigh Farms #4) by Melanie Harlow = 292 pages(ebook)<br /><b>Total = 6078 pages(16 Books)</b><br /><br /><b>March</b><br />35. The Last Sun(The Tarot Sequence #1) by K.D. Edwards = 384 pages(paperback)<br />36. The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware = 337 pages(library audio)<br />37. Competence(The Custard Protocol #3) by Gail Carriger = 352 pages(library audio)<br />38. Undercover Bromance(#2) by Lyssa Kay Adams = 338 pages(paperback)<br />39. Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier = 311 pages(library audio)<br />40. All I Ask by Corinne Michaels = 354 pages(paperback)<br />41. Him(Him #1) by Elle Kennedy & Sarina Bowen = 360 pages(e-book)(reread)<br />42. Us(Him #2) by Elle Kennedy & Sarina Bowen = 322 pages(e-book)(reread)<br />43. Restore Me(Shatter Me #4) by Tahereh Mafi = 435 pages(hardback)(reread)<br />44. Shadow Me(Shatter Me #4.5) by Tahereh Mafi = 73 pages(e-book)(reread)<br />45. Defy Me(Shatter Me #5) by Tahereh Mafi = 357 pages(hardback)(reread)<br /><b>Total = 3623 pages(11 Books)<br /></b><br /><b>April</b><br />46. Imagine Me(Shatter Me #6) by Tahereh Mafi = 464 pages(library e-book)<br />47. The Body by Bill Bryson = 450 pages(library audio)<br />48. How to Walk Away by Katherine Center = 302 pages(library audio)<br />49. The Hanged Man(The Tarot Sequence #2) by K.D. Edwards = 385 pages(paperback)<br />50. My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing = 374 pages(library audio)<br />51. Check Please #1 by M=Ngozi Ukazu = 288 pages(paperback)(reread)<br />52. Down Among the Sticks and Bones(Wayward Children #2) by Seanan McGuire = 187 pages(library audio)<br />53. Chain of Gold(The Last Hours #1) by Cassandra Clare = 624 pages(Scribd audio)<br />54. Moment of Truth by Kasie West = 320 pages(Sribd audio)<br />55. Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson = 270 pages(Scribd audio)<br />56. You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle = 354 pages(paperback)<br />57. Check Please #2 by Ngozi Ukazu = 336 pages(paperback)<br />58. Not That Kind of Guy by Andi J Christopher = 323 pages(paperback)<br />59. Stay(WAGS #2) by Elle Kennedy & Sarina Bowen = 285 pages(paperback)(reread)<br />60. Dead Wake by Erik Larson = 430 pages(library audio)<br />61. The Grownup by Gillian Flynn = 64 pages(library audio)<br />62. Wild At Heart(The Simple Wild #2) by K.A. Tucker = 400 pages(e-book)(reread)<br />63. The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooler = 368 pages(library audio)<br />64. The Girl of Fire and Thorns(#1) by Rae Carson = 440 pages(paperback)(reread)<br />65. The Crown of Embers(#2) by Rae Carson= 410 pages(paperback)(reread)<br />66. The Bitter Kingdom(#3) by Rae Carson = 433 pages(paperback)(reread)<br />67. The Hunger Games(#1) by Suzanne Collins = 374 pages(library audio)(reread)<br />68. The Empire of Dreams(#4) by Rae Carson = 432 pages(library audio)<br />69. Catching Fire(#2) by Suzanne Collins = 391 pages(library audio)(reread)<br />70. Mockingjay(#3) by Suzanne Collins = 390 pages(library audio)(reread)<br />71. In Other Lands by Sarah Rees Brennan = 482 pages(paperback)<br /><b>Total = 9576(26 Books)</b><br /><br /><b>May</b><br />72. Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston = 421 pages(library audio)(reread)<br />73. Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center = 320 pages(library audio)<br />74. The Two Lives of Lydia Bird by Josie Silver = 369 pages(library audio)<br />75. Touch of Power(#1) by Maria V Snyder = 390 pages(paperback)(reread)<br />76. Unforgettable(Cloverleigh Farms #5) by Melanie Harlow = 309 pages(e-book)<br />77. The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman = 333 pages(library audio)<br />78. Meet Cute Club by Jack Harbson = 189 pages(e-book)<br />79. Girl Gone Viral(Modern Love #2) by Alisha Rai = 384 pages(library audio)<br />80. Serpent and Dove(Serpent & Dove #1) by Shelby Mahurn = 513 pages(paperback)<br />81. Aurora Burning(The Aurora Files #2) by Jay Kristoff & Amie Kaufman = 512 pages(hardback)<br />82. The Loneliest Girl in the Universe by Lauren James = 305 pages(library audio)<br />83. Aurora Blazing(Consortium Rebellion #2) by Jessie Mihalik = 381 pages(paperback)<br />84. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune = 400 pages(scibd audio)<br />85. Bloodleaf(Bloodleaf #1) by Crystal Smith = 377 pages(paperback)<br />86. Greythorne(Bloodleaf #2) by Crystal Smith = 358 pages(ARC)<br />87. The Gilded Wolves(The Gilded Wolves #1) by Roshani Chokski = 388 pages(paperback)<br />88. The Last House Guest by Megan Miranda = 336 pages(library audio)<br />89. Beach Read by Emily Henry = 361 pages(paperback)<br />90. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes(THG # 0) by Suzanne Collins = 518 pages(hardback)<br /><b>Total = 7164(19 Books)</b><br /><br /><b>June</b><br />91. Devil in the White City by Erik Larson = 447 pages(library audio)<br />92. The Thief(The Queen's Thief #1) by Megan Whalen Turner = 279 pages(scribd audio)<br />93. The boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon = 368 pages(review paperback)<br />94. Ash Princess(Ash Princess #1) by Laura Sebastian = 433 pages(library audio)<br />95. Song of Blood and Stone(#1) by L. Penelope = 518 pages(paperback)<br />96. Beautiful Bastard(Beautiful #1) by Christina Lauren = 309 pages(ebook)(reread)<br />97. The Hideway Inn(#1) by Phillip William Stover = 288 pages(library audio)<br />98. Whispers of Shadow and Flame(#2) by L.Penelope = 484 pages(paperback)<br />99. Beautiful Bitch(#1.5) by Christina Lauren = 133 pages(ebook)(reread)<br />100. Beautiful Stranger(#2) by Christina Lauren = 345 pages(ebook)(reread)<br />101. ACOTAR(ACOTAR #1) by SJM = 419 pages(paperback)(reread)<br />102. Beautiful Bombshell(#2.5) by Christina Lauren = 160 pages(ebook)(reread)<br />103. Tristan Strong(#1) by Kwame Mbalia = 496 pages(library audio)<br />104. Charming Like Us(Like Us #7) by Krista & Becca Ritchie = 503 pages(ebook)<br />105. ACOMAF(ACOTAR #2) by SJM = 626 pages(paperback)(reread)<br />106. Beautiful Player (#3) by Christina Lauren = 432 pages(ebook)(reread)<br />107. In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson = 448 pages(library audio)<br />108. Love, Creekwood(Creekwood #3.5) by Becky Albertalli = 130 pages(library ebook)<br /><b>Total = 6488(18 Books)<br /><br />July <br /></b>109. ACOWAR(ACOTAR #3) by SJM = 705 pages(paperback)(reread)<br />110. ACOFAS(ACOTAR #3.5) by SJM = 229 pages(hardback)(reread)<br />111. The Queen of Attolia(The Queen's Thief #2) by Megan Whalen Turner = 359 pages(libaray audio)<br />112. Grown Ups by Marian Keyes = 560 pages(paperback)<br />113. The Midnight Lie(The Midnight Lie #1) by Marie Rutkoski = 358 pages(hardback)<br />114. Home Before Dark by Riley Sager = 384 pages(library audio)<br />115. Chasing Lucky by Jenn Bennett = 406 pages(paperback)<br />116. Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall = 427 pages(paperback)<br />117.The King of Attolia(The Queen's Thief #3) by Megan Whalen Turner = 375 pages(library audio)<br />118. The Passengers by John Marrs = 352 pages(paperback)<br />119. Don't Call the Wolf by Aleksandra Ross = 512 pages(library audio)<br />120. Waiting for Tom Hanks(#1) by Kerry Winfrey = 259 pages(library audio)<br />121. Dear Emmie Blue by Lia Louis = 311 pages(paperback)<br />122. Camp by Lev A.C. Rosen = 384 pages(library audio)<br />123. In the Middle of Somewhere(#1) by Roan Parrish = 416 pages(e-book)<br />124. Lady Smoke(Ash Princess #2) by Laura Sebastian = 492 pages(library audio)<br />125. Ember Queen(Ashe Princess #3) by Laura Sebastian = 480 pages(library audio)<br />126. A Conspiracy of Kings(The Queen's Thief #4) by Megan Whalen Turner = 312 pages(library audio)<br /><b>Total = 7321(18 Books)<br /></b><br /><b>August</b><br />127. The Poppy War(The Poppy War #1) by R.F. Kuang = 544 pages(paperback)<br />128. The Tourist Attraction(#1) by Sarah Morgenthaler = 400 pages(library audio)<br />129. A Taste of Sage by Yaffa S. Santos = 320 pages(library audio)<br />130. What You Wish For by Katherine Center = 320 pages(library audio)<br />131. The Dragon Republic(The Poppy War #2) by R.F. Kuang = 672 pages(paperback)<br />132. The King of Crows(The Diviners #4) by Libba Bray = 560 pages(library audio)<br />133. Rage and Ruin(The Harbinger #2) by JLA = 576 pages(library audio)<br />134. The Day We Meet Again by Miranda Dickenson = 394 pages(paperback)<br />135. Somewhere Close to Happy by Lia Louis = 330 pages(paperback)<br />136. Well Met(Well Met #1) by Jen DeLuca = 319 pages(library audio)(reread)<br />137. One to Watch by Katie Stayman-London = 432 pages(paperback)<br />138. Red Scrolls of Magic(The Eldest Curses #1) by Cassie Clare & Wesley Chu = 350 pages(library audio)(reread)<br />139. The Extraordinaries(The Extraordinaries #1) by TJ Klune = 405 pages(library audio)<br />140. Thick As Thieves(The Queen's Thief #5) by Megan Whalen Tuner = 337 pages(library audio)<br />141. Better Than People by Roan Parrish = 239 pages(e-book)<div>142. An Astronauts Guide to Life on Earth by Chris Hadfield = 295 pages(library audio)<br />143. Scenes from Quarantine(The Tarot Sequence #2.5) by KD Edwards = 42 pages(e-book)<br /><b>Total = 6535(17 Books)</b><br /><br /><b>September<br /></b>144. Fable(Fable #1) by Adrienne Young = 368 pages(ARC)<br />145. How to Stop Time by Matt Haig = 336 pages(library audio)<br />146. Lost Book of the White(Eldest Curses #2) by Cassie Clare & Wesley Chu = 400 pages(hardback)<br />147. Furyborn(Furyborn #1) by Claire Legrand = 512 pages(library audio)(reread)<br />148. City of Bones(TMI #1) by Cassie Clare = 485 pages(library audio)(reread)<br />149. Kingsbane(Furyborn #1) by Claire Legrand = 576 pages(library audio)<br />150. Not Like the Movies(Tom Hanks #2) by Kerry Winfrey = 320 pages(library audio)<br />151. The Lovely and the Lost by Jennifer Lynn Barnes = 328 pages(library audio)<br />152. The Answer Is by Alex Trebek = 304 pages(library audio)<br />153. Well Played(Well Met #2) by Jen Deluca = 336 pages(paperback)<br />154. Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E Harrow = 374 pages(library audio)<br />155. City of Ashes(TMI #2) by Cassie Clare = 453 pages(library audio)(reread)<br />156. City of Glass(TMI #3) by Cassie Clare = 541 pages(library audio)(reread)<br />157. City of Fallen Angels(TMI #4) by Cassie Clare = 425 pages(library audio)(reread)<br />158. Lightfall(Lightfall #1) by Tim Probert = 250 pages(paperback)<br />159. City of Lost Souls(TMI #5) by Cassie Clare = 546 pages(library audio)(reread)<br />160. City of Heavenly Fire(TMI #6) by Cassie Clare = 725 pages(library audio)(reread)<br />161. Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy by Cassie Clare & Co. = 655 pages(library audio)(reread)<br />162. The Bane Chronicles by Cassie Clare & Co. = 507 pages(library audio)<br />163. In Five Years by Rebecca Serle = 272 pages(library audio)<br /><b>Total = 8713(20 Books)<br /><br />October</b><br />164. Lady Midnight(TDA #1) by Cassie Clare = 698 pages(library audio)(reread)<br />165. Ghosts of the Shadowmarket by Cassie Clare and Co. = 617 pages(library audio)(reread)<br />166. In A Holidaze by Christina Lauren = 336 pages(e-ARC)<br />167. The Night Swim by Megan Goldin = 352 pages(library audio)<br />168. Tower of Nero(Apollo #5) by Rick Riordan = 416 pages(library audio)<br />169. Conventionally Yours by Annabeth Albert = 384 pages(paperback)<br />170. Lord of Shadows(TDA #2) by Cassie Clare = 701 pages(library audio)(reread)<br />171. Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade = 416 pages(paperback)<br />172. Queen of Air and Darkness(TDA #3) by Cassie Clare = 912 pages(library audio)(reread)<br />173. Tools of Engagement(Hot and Hammered #3) by Tessa Bailey = 368 pages(library audio)<br />174. Real Men Knit by Kwana Jackson = 336 pages(library audio)<br />175. A Curious Beginning(Veronica Speedwell #1) by Deanna Raybourn = 358 pages(paperback)<br />176. Scavenge the Stars(#1) by Tara Sim = 327 pages(library audio)<br />177. The Roommate by Rosie Danan = 336 pages(library audio)<br />178. In Case You Missed It by Lindsay Kelk = 406 pages(paperback)<br />179. The Brightest Night(Orgin #3) by JLA = 512 pages(library audio)<br />180. Bringing Down the Duke(#1) by Evie Dunmore = 368 pages(library audio)<br />181. The Unraveling of Cassidy Holmes by Elissa R Sloan = 448 pages(library audio)<br />182. Solutions and Other Problems by Allie Brosh = 525 pages(library ebook)<br />183. From Blood and Ash(Blood and Ash #1) by JLA = 623 pages(paperback)<br />184. A Rogue of Ones Own(#2) by Evie Dunmore = 448 pages(library audio)<br /><b>Total = 9887(21 Books)</b><br /><br /><b>November</b><br />185.<b> </b>Snapped(Playbook #4) by Alexa Martin = 336 pages(library audio)<br />186. A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire(Blood & Ash #3) by JLA = 625 pages(paperback)<br />187. Among the Beasts and Briars by Ashley Poston = 352 pages(library audio)<br />188. Fence Vol 1 by C.S. Pacat = 112 pages(paperback)(reread)<br />189. Fence Vol 2 by C.S. Pacat = 112 pages(paperback)(reread)<br />190. Fence Vol 3 by C.S. Pacat = 112 pages(paperback)(reread)<br />191. Fence Vol 4 by C.S. Pacat = 112 pages(paperback)<br />192. Return of the Thief(Thief #6) by Megan Whalen Turner = 464 pages(library audio)<br />193. You Lucky Dog by Julia London = 340 pages(library audio)<br />194. A Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson = 456 pages(paperback)<br />195. Dark Shores(Dark Shores #1) by Danielle L Jensen = 368 pages(library audio)<br />196. The Bone Season(The Bone Season #1) by Samantha Shannon = 466 pages(hardback)<br />197. Wild Like Us(Like Us #8) KB Ritchie = 505 pages(ebook)<br />198. The Pale Dreams(Bone Season #0.5) by Samantha Shannon = 108 pages(ebook)<br />199. Reticence(The Custard Protocol #4) by Gail Carriger = 384 pages(library audio)<br />200. Wild at Heart(Wild #2) by K.A. Tucker = 400 pages(ebook)(reread)<br />201. The Mime Order(The Bone Season #2) by Samantha Shannon = 510 pages(ARC)<br />202. Forever Wild(Wild #2.5) by K.A. Tucker = 156 pages(paperback)<br /><b>Total = 5918(18 Books)<br /><br />December</b><br />203. The Song Rising(The Bone Season #3) by Samantha Shannon = 363 pages(hardback)<br />204. Christmas Every Day by Beth Moran = 408 pages(e-book)<br />205. The Christmas Pact by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward = 161 pages(e-book)<br />206. Sergeant Delicious by Annabeth Albert = 83 pages(e-book)<br />207. A Promised Land by Barack Obama = 751 pages(library audio)<br />208. Memento(The Illuminae Files #.5) by Jay Kristoff & Amie Kauffman = 84 pages(library audio)<br />209. Mr Right Now by Annabeth Albert = 127 pages(e-book)<br />210. This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens = 304 pages(paperback)<br />211. Mind the Gap Dash & Lily(Dash & Lily #3) by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan = 256 pages(library audio)<br />212. Nick & Charlie(Solitaire # 1.5) by Alice Oseman = 159 pages(paperback)<br />213. The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern = 592 pages(paperback)<br />214. The Holiday Mix Up by Avery Ford = 84 pages(e-book)<br />215. Mistletoe and Mr Right(Moose Springs #2) by Sarah Morgenthaler = 400 pages(library audio)<br />216. The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss = 320 pages(paperback)<br />217. Let Your Heart Be Your Light by J.R. Lawrie = 199 pages(e-book)<br />218. The Prince and the Troll by Rainbow Rowell = 26 pages(library e-book)<br />219. Better Not Pout by Annabeth Albert = 288 pages(e-book)<br />220. The Remaking of Corbin Wale by Roan Parrish = 218 pages(e-book)<br />221. Tic-Tac-Mistletoe by N.R. Walker = 203 pages(e-book)<br />222. Through the Moon(The Dragon Prince Vol 1) by Peter Wartman = 128 pages(library e-book)<br />223. One More Round(Cocktails #4.6) by Alice Clayton = 120 pages(e-book)<br />224. Caraval(Caraval #1) by Stephanie Garber = 432 pages(library audio)(reread)<br />225. Wrapped Together(Portland Heat #5) by Annabeth Albert = 127 pages(e-book)<br />226. The Dawn Chorus(The Bone Season #3.5) by Samantha Shannon = 78 pages(e-book)<br />227. Served Hot(Portland Heat #1) by Annabeth Albert = 107 pages(e-book)<br />228. Delivered Fast(Portland Heat #3) by Annabeth Albert = 134 pages(e-book)<br />229. Knit Tight(Portland Heat #4) by Annabeth Albert = 112 pages(e-book)<br />230. Danced Close(Portland Heat #6) by Annabeth Albert = 132 pages(e-book)<br />231. We Met In December by Rosie Curtis = 390 pages(library audio)<br />232. Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli = 336 pages(paperback)(reread)<br /><b>Total = 7122(30 Books)</b><br /><br /><b>Grand Total = 84,961 Pages<br /> 232 Books</b><br /><br /><div><b>4 DNF's</b><br /><b>49 Rereads</b><br /></div></div></div>BrittanyLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645210938042967995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234486517960079523.post-13475919306000333312019-12-31T21:27:00.003-05:002019-12-31T21:27:57.688-05:002019 Reads<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Lora; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<b style="font-family: Neucha; font-size: 14.85px;">January</b></h3>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-1435889646427375936" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Neucha; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 818px;">
1. West(East #2) by Edith Pattou = 528 pages(ARC)<br />2. Arrogant Devil by R.S. Grey = 354 pages(e-book)<br />3. Lair of Dreams(The Diviners #2) by Libba Bray = 613 pages(library audio)<br />4. Before the Devil Breaks You(The Diviners #3) by Libba Bray = 552 pages(library audio)<br />5. A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer = 496 pages(ARC)<br />6. Queen of Air and Darkness(TDA #3) by Cassandra Clare = 912 pages(library audio)<br />7. Tangled Like Us(Like Us #4) by Krista & Becca Ritchie = 484 pages(e-book)<br />8. Famous In A Small Town by Emma Mills = 320 pages(hardcover)<br />9. One of Us Is Lying by Karen McManus = 361 pages(library audio)<br />10. Reign the Earth(Elementae #1) by A.C. Gaughen = 438 pages(Scribd audio)<br />11. Rough Terrain(Out of Uniform #7) by Annabeth Albert = 384 pages(e-book)<br />12. Fence #9 by C.S. Pacat = 29 pages(scribd e-book)<br />13. Fence #10 by C.S. Pacat = 29 pages(scribd e-book)<br />14. Fence #11 by C.S. Pacat = 29 pages(scribd e-book)<br />15. Fence #12 by C.S. Pacat = 29 pages(scribd e-book)<br />16. Serious Moonlight by Jenn Bennett = 432 pages(e-ARC)<br />17. Kill the Queen(Crown of Shards #1) by Jennifer Estep = 416 pages(scribd audio)<br />18. King of Scars(Nikolai Duology #1) by Leigh Bardugo = 527 pages(e-book)<br /><b>Total = 6933 pages(18 books)</b><br /><br /><b>February</b><br />19. Seafire(Seafire #1) by Natalie C Parker = 374 pages(paperback)<br />20. Siege and Storm(Shadow and Bone #2) by Leigh Bardugo = 432 pages(hardcover)(reread)<br />21. Fame, Fate and the First Kiss by Kasie West = 384 pages(library audio)<br />22. Ruin and Rising(Shadow and Bone #3) by Leigh Bardugo = 422 pages(hardcover)(reread)<br />23. The Red Scrolls of Magic(The Eldest Curse #1) by Cassandra Clare = 368 pages(ARC)<br />24. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell = 433 pages(paperback)(reread)<br /><b>Total = 2413(6 books)<br /><br />March</b><br />25. Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren = 309 pages(library audio)(reread)<br />26. Carry On(Simon Snow #1) by Rainbow Rowell = 522 pages(paperback)(reread)<br />27. The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker = 388 pages(scribd audio)<br />28. A Question of Holmes(Charlotte Holmes #4) by Brittany Cavallaro = 320 pages(scribd audio)<br />29. Extra Credit(Ivy Years #6) by Sarina Bowen = 324 pages(ebook)<br />30. Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid = 368 pages(scribd audio)<br />31. White Hot Kiss(The Dark Elements #1) by Jennifer L Armentrout = 392 pages(paperback)(reread)<br />32. Lovers Like Us(Like Us #2) by Krista & Becca Ritchie = 462 pages(ebook)(reread)<br />33. The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren = 432 pages(e-ARC)<br />34. Restore Me(Shatter Me #4) by Tahereh Mafi = 435 pages(hardcover)(reread)<br />35. Shadow Me(Shatter Me #4.5) by Tahereh Mafi = 112 pages(ebook)<br />36. Once and For All by Sarah Dessen = 358 pages(library audio)<br />37. Something Real by Heather Demetrios = 413 pages(hardcover)(reread)<br />38. Defy Me(Shatter Me #5) by Tahereh Mafi = 352 pages(hardcover)<br /><b>Total = 5187(14 books)</b><br /><br /><b>April</b><br />39. Meet Cute by Helena Hunting = 384 pages(paperback)<br />40. The Kingdom by Jess Rothenberg = 352 pages(ARC)<br />41. Alpha's Like Us(Like US #3) by Krista & Becca Ritchie = 489 pages(ebook)(reread)<br />42. Tangled Like Us(Like Us #4) by Krista & Becca Ritchie = 484 pages(ebook)(reread)<br />43. Royals(Royals #1) by Rachel Hawkins = 296 pages(scribd audio)<br />44. Finnikin of the Rock(Lumatere Chronicles #1) by Melina Marchetta = 401 pages(paperback)(reread)<br />45. Fumbled(Playbook #2) by Alexa Martin = 336 pages(paperback)<br />46. Heartstopper Vol 1 by Alice Oseman = 288 pages(paperback)<br />47. The Past and Other Things That Should Stay Buried by Shaun David Hutchinson = 352 pages(scribd audio)<br />48. Froi of the Exiles(Lumatere Chronicles #2) by Melina Marchetta = 593 pages(paperback)(reread)<br /><b>Total = 3975(9 books)</b><br /><br /><b>May</b><br />49. Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston = 418 pages(paperback)<br />50. The Bride Test by Helen Hoang = 296 pages(scribd audio)<br />51. Quintana of Charyn(Lumatere Chronicles #3) by Melina Marchetta = 516 pages(paperback)<br />52. Hot Dog Girl by Jennifer Dugan = 320 pages(hardcover)<br />53. Aurora Rising(The Aurora Cycle #1) by Jay Kristoff & Amie Kaufman = 470 pages(hardcover)<br />54. The Arrival of Someday by Jen Malone = 352 pages(e-ARC)<br />55. If You're Out There by Katy Loutzenhiser = 307 pages(e-ARC)<br />56. Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young = 368 pages(paperback)<br />57. The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary = 336 pages(paperback)<br />58. Becoming by Michelle Obama = 426 pages(scribd audio)<br />59. And I Darken(the Conqueror's Saga) by Kiersten White = 512 pages(paperback)<br />60. Little White Lies(Debutantes #1) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes = 390 pages(scribd audio)<br />61. Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer = 293 pagers(scribd audio)<br /><b>Total = 5004 pages(13 books)</b><br /><br /><b>June</b><br />62. Now I Rise(The Conqueror's Saga #2) by Kiersten White = 512 pages(paperback)<br />63. Bright We Burn(The Conqueror's Saga #3) by Kiersten White = 432 pages(paperback)<br />64. The Lost World & Forever Fallen(Ghosts of the Shadow Market) by Cassandra Clare = 85 pages(ARC)<br />65. The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez = 384 pages(paperback)<br />66. K2: Life and Death on the World's Most Dangerous Mountain by Ed Viesturs = 342 pages(scribd audio)<br />67. Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey = 400 pages(paperback)<br />68. The Rest of the Story by Sarah Dessen = 440 pages(scribd audio and hardcover)<br />69. The List by Joanna Bolouri = 305 pages(ebook)<br />70. Relight My Fire by Joanna Bolouri = 336 pages(ebook)<br />71. Don't You Forget About Me by Mhairi McFarlane = 432 pages(paperback)<br />72. Love Will Tear Us Apart by Holly Seddon = 336 pages(paperback)<br />73. Storm and Fury(The Harbinger #1) by JLA = 512 pages(audio)<br />74. Everything Girl by Emily Mayer = 416 pages(ebook)<br />75. HP & the Philosophers Stone by JK Rowling = 332 pages(audio)(reread)<br />76. Him(him #1) by Elle Kennedy & Sarina Bowen = 360 pages(ebook)(reread)<br />77. HP & the Chamber of Secrets by JK Rowling = 360 pages(audio)(reread)<br />78. Us(Him #2) by Elle Kennedy & Sarina Bowen = 322 page(ebook)(reread)<br />79. Spellslinger(Spellslinger #1) by Sebastian De Castell = 432 pages(paperback)<br /><b>Total = 6738(18 books)<br /><br />July</b><br />80. Not So Nice Guy by R.S. Grey = 264 pages(ebook)<br />81. Shadowblack(Spellslinger #2) by Sebastian De Castell = 384 pages(paperback)<br />82. To Pixar and Beyond by Lawrence Levy = 272 pages(scribd audio)<br />83. Prisoner of Azkaban by JK Rowling = 317 pages(audio)(reread)<br />84. Charmcaster(Spellslinger #3) by Sebastian De Castell = 432 pages(paperback)<br />85. Becoming the Dark Prince(Stalking Jack the Ripper #3.5) by Kerri Maniscalco = 67 pages(ebook)<br />86. Soulbinder(Spellslinger #4) by Sebastian De Castell = 432 pages(paperback)<br />87. Rafe(Loose Ends #1) by Rebekah Weatherspoon = 259 pages(scribd audio)<br />88. Queenslayer(Spellslinger #5) by Sebastian De Castelll = 496 pages(paperback)<br />89. Making Up(Shacking Up #4) by Helena Hunting = 368 pages(ebook)<br />90. Stillhouse Lake(Stillhouse Lake #1) by Rachel Caine = 286 pages(scribd audio)<br />91. Beautiful Player(Beautiful Bastard #3) by Christina Lauren = 432 pages(ebook)(reread)<br />92. Beautiful Boss(Beautiful Bastard #4.5) by Christina Lauren = 144 pages(ebook)(reread)<br />93. Killman Creek(Stillhouse Lake #2) by Rachel Caine = 333 pages(scribd audio)<br /><b>Total = 4486(14 books)</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>August</b><br />94. Heartstopper Vol 2 by Alice Oseman = 296 pages(paperback)<br />95. Beautiful Secret(Beautiful Bastard # 4) by Christina Lauren = 401 pages(ebook)(reread)<br />96. Wolfhunter River(Stillhouse Lake #3) by Rachel Caine = 334 pages(scribd audio)<br />97. Wicked Sexy Liar(Wild Seasons #4) by Christina Lauren = 384 pages(ebook)(reread)<br />98. Lock Every Door by Riley Sager = 371 pages(scribd audio)<br />99. Maybe This Time by Kasie West = 368 pages(scribd audio)<br />100. Dark Wild Night(Wild Seasons #3) by Christina Lauren = 341 pages(scribd ebook)(reread)<br />101. Crashing the A-List by Summer Heacock = 336 pages(scribd ebook)<br />102. Single(Single Dads #1) by R.J. Scott = 197 pages(ebook)<br />103. Grim Lovelies(Grim Lovelies #1) by Megan Shepherd = 376 pages(scribd audio)<br />104. Handle With Care(Shacking Up #5) by Helena Hunting = 320 pages(ebook)<br />105. Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren = 368 pages(e-ARC)<br /><b>Total = 4092 pages(12 books)<br /><br />September</b><br />106. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by JK Rowling = 636 pages(library audio)(reread)<br />107. The Lady Rogue by Jenn Bennett = 372 pages(e-ARC)<br />108. Sinful Like Us(Like Us #5) by Krista and Becca Ritchie = 511 pages(ebook)<br />109. Loki:Where Mischief Lies by Mackenzi Lee = 416 pages(library audio)<br />110. Well Met by Jen DeLuca = 336 pages(paperback)<br />111. How Not to Fall in Love, Actually by Catherine Bennetto = 512 pages(scribd ebook)<br />112. The Duchess Deal(Girl Meets Duke #1) by Tessa Dare = 389 pages(ebook)<br />113. The Governess Game(Girl Meets Duke #2) by Tessa Dare = 384 pages(library ebook)<br />114. Wayward Son(Simon Snow #2) by Rainbow Rowell = 368 pages(hardcover)<br />115. The Right Swipe(Modern Love #1) by Alisah Rai = 387 pages(library ebook)<br />116. Capturing the Devil(Stalking Jack the Ripper #4) by Kerri Maniscalco = 453 pages(hardcover)<br /><b>Total = 4764 pages(11 books)</b><br /><br /><b>October</b><br />117. The Tyrant's Tomb(Trials of Apollo #4) by Rick Riordan = 448 pages(library audio)<br />118. Rebel(Legend #4) by Marie Lu = 384 pages(hardcover)<br />119. Fireworks(True North #6) by Sarina Bowen = 343 pages(e-ARC)<br />120. Renegades(Renegades #1) by Marissa Meyer = 556 pages(library audio)<br />121. The Grace Year by Kim Liggett = 416 pages(ARC)<br />122. Reveal Me(Shatter Me #5.5) by Tahereh Mafi = 112 pages(ebook)<br />123. To Be Taught, If Fortunate by Becky Chambers = 142 pages(hardcover)<br />124. Archenemies(Renegades #2) by Marissa Meyer = 474 pages(library audio)<br />125. The Girl the Sea Gave Back by Adrienne Young = 327 pages(ARC)<br />126. Midnight Beauties(Grim Lovelies #2) by Megan Shepherd = 448 pages(ARC)<br />127. A Lie For A Lie(All In #1) by Helena Hunting = 285 pages(ebook)<br />128. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by JK Rowling = 766 pages(library audio)(reread)<br />129. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by JK Rowling = 607 pages(library audio)(reread)<br />130. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling = 607 pages(library audio)(reread)<br />131. The Monster of Elendhaven by Jennifer Giesbrecht = 160 pages(scribd audio)<br />132. Now Entering Addamsville by Francesca Zappia = 368 pages(scribd audio)<br />133. The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams = 320 pages(paperback)<br /><b>Total = 6763(17 books)</b><br /><br /><b>November</b><br />134. Faker by Sarah Smith = 336 pages(paperback)<br />135. Get A Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert = 384 pages(paperback)<br />136. The Darkest Star(Origin #1) by Jennifer L Armentrout = 367 pages(scribd audio)(reread)<br />137. The Wallflower Wager(Girl Meets Duke #3) by Tessa Dare = 384 pages(library ebook)<br />138. 10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston = 336 pages(scribd audio)<br />139. The Burning Shadow(Origin #2) by Jennifer L Armentrout = 432 pages(paperback)<br />140. Not the Girl You Marry by Andie J Christopher = 320 pages(paperback)<br />141. The How and the Why by Cynthia Hand = 464 pages(scribd audio)<br />142. Call Down the Hawk(Dreamer #1) by Maggie Stiefvater = 472 pages(hardcover)<br />143. The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez = 400 pages(e-ARC)<br />144. Headstrong Like Us(Like Us #6) by Krista & Becca Ritchie = 476 pages(e-book)<br />145. Deadly Little Scandals(Debutantes #2) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes = 352 pages(scribd audio)<br />146. The Queen of Nothing(The Folk of Air #3) by Holly Black = 308 pages(hardback)<br /><b>Total = 5031(13 books)</b><br /><br /><b>December</b><br />147. Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell = 209 pages(library e-book)<br />148. Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant = 486 pages(paperback)<br />149. Irresistible(cloverleigh Farms #1) by Melanie Harlow = 282 pages(e-book)<br />150. The Younger Man by Karina Halle = 502 pages(e-book)<br />151. Undeniable(Cloverleigh Farms #2) by Melanie Harlow = 269 pages(e-book)<br />152. Insatiable(Cloverleigh Farms #3) by Melanie Harlow = 284 pages(e-book)<br />153. My Life in Shambles by Karina Halle = 350 pages(e-book)<br />154. Hot Shot(North Ridge #2) by Karina Halle = 330 pages(e-book)<br />155. Maverick(North Ridge #3) by Karina Halle = 292 pages(e-book)<br />156. Crownbreaker(Spellslinger #6) by Sebastian De Castell = 544 pages(paperback)<br /><b>Total = 3548(10 books)</b><br /><br /><b>Grand Total = 58,934(156 books)</b><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><b>DNF</b><br />1. Once and Future by Amy Rose Capetta = @ page 113<br />2. Run Away With Me by Mila Gray = @ page 238</div>
BrittanyLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645210938042967995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234486517960079523.post-8673101298237517282019-01-08T07:00:00.000-05:002019-01-08T07:00:04.655-05:002018 In Review<br />
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Hello. Hi. How's it going?<br />
I'm pretty sure it's been roughly a year since I had an actual post go live. I had such strong intentions at the start of 2018. L.O.L.<br />
For the one or two who might read this(or maybe care enough) here's 2018 blogging thinking in a nutshell. Think about writing some sort of review. Writing two or three snarky lines on Goodreads as a review instead. Rinse and repeat. As the months dragged on it was quite apparent that blogging was not on my radar anymore. I still used the blog to keep track of my monthly reads and such. But that was it. Which means I could not pull the plug and close this place down. Especially when I had thoughts every once in a while about actually getting a review up. Which again; L.O.L.<br />
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I don't know if 2019 will bring me back here. I've had strong feelings about starting back up. But isn't that how everyone starts 2019; good intentions and goals. In reality, I no longer care to try and write longish detailed reviews. My Goodreads ones are precise and to the point. Which works for me. #lazygirl. No promises to myself. I just figured I'd like to come on here, spout a few words. Talk about my favourite reads of 2018 so I have a record of them. So here we are.<br />
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2018 was not an amazing year for the books. I mean I read a lot. 200 to be exact. Very few were 5 stars and standouts. There was a chunk of 4 stars. But for the most part mediocre. Apparently, that was my 2018 reading aesthetic. (My <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1033303-brittany" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> is the perfect place to check out what I read and what I'm reading. I keep it up to date).<br />
As for reading tastes, they actually changed. Well not changed. They went in a different direction. One I haven't been in for years. As the year went on Romance took a back seat. I was actually getting really annoyed with most of the ones I read. Which paved the way for Fantasy to jump back into my life. And that it did. The end of the year was romance heavy for reason only, to slam through a bunch of books real fast. But I was bored with them. Don't get me wrong, I still read a bunch of romance and contemps. Just not as many as years passed. So I went back to my origin(what?? lol...). There was a time when all I read was Fantasy.<br />
Audiobooks were also my bae. I mean I was listening to them in past years. But this year I was never without one on the go. I really took advantage of using them in times where I could be(getting ready, driving, cleaning, etc...). I found some series that are still ongoing and will only be read as audiobooks as the next book's release. I can't imagine them any other way now. Audios also help with this big ass books that I can't bring myself to read. I just highly suggest introducing them into your life if you aren't already. I have a ton of recommendations now.<br />
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1526941489l/40189670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating" border="0" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1526941489l/40189670.jpg" width="129" /></a>My favourite books for 2018 you ask? Well, there are some I truly loved. Obviously not as many as one would hope. But I think I can name a handful.<br />
Romance wise, well I loved Colleen Hoover's <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38926487-all-your-perfects" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">All Your Perfects</a>(a tear jerker), Christina Lauren's <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40189670-josh-and-hazel-s-guide-to-not-dating" target="_blank"><b>Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating</b></a> is the most precious darling book ever. As soon as I finished it I started it again. It's cute and dorky and funny and just lovely.<br />
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Have you read <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32620332-the-seven-husbands-of-evelyn-hugo" target="_blank"><b>The Seven Husband's of Evelyn Hugo</b></a>? You probably know ten people that have. At least. I cannot believe I had an ARC in my hands and it took me a year to get around to picking it up. Actually, the audio was the way I went and totally suggest. Evelyn Hugo is a masterpiece of fiction. I literally cannot believe that Evelyn is not a real-life movie star that we all grew up and watched her insane life unfold on the TV and newspapers. Besides that, it is a diverse and beautiful story. Evelyn is unapologetically honest and herself. I dare you not to cry a thousand times.<br />
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1497542946l/35297469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Starry Eyes" border="0" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1497542946l/35297469.jpg" width="132" /></a>Jenn Bennett delivered another hit with <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35297469-starry-eyes" target="_blank"><b>Starry Eyes</b></a>. I love those authors I can always count on; will never let me down. If you're a contemp fan and haven't picked up Jenn's backlist you're possibly not the contemp fan you think you are(I kind of kid...). Sex positive. Funny. Heartfelt. Diverse. The list goes on and on. Hard to pick, but Starry Eyes is now my favourite of hers.<br />
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And talking about dependable authors, Brigid Kemmerer delivered another perfect read in <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34236194-more-than-we-can-tell" target="_blank"><b>More Than We Can Tell</b></a>. It left me emotionally spent. Rev my precious darling. I've never wanted to a hug a character so much.<br />
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1511234923l/35804626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Art of French Kissing" border="0" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1511234923l/35804626.jpg" width="133" /></a>The book that surprised me the most and so underrated(which sucks, it deserves so much love); The <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35804626-the-art-of-french-kissing" target="_blank">Art of French Kissing</a></b>. Cheesy title aside, this little book surprised me at every turn of the page. It's like Top Chef meets teenage angst in a nerdy, banter-filled, swoony, geeky, diverse filled ray of sunshine. Literal joy. Which is going to deliver me a college-aged sequel. Right?! RIGHT?!<br />
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Finally. After years of waiting and hoping, Warner returned to my life. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34992929-restore-me" target="_blank">Restore Me</a> </b>broke me so many times. How can I love a book that hurts my precious Warner so? Probably because it gives me Warner and Kenji and a Juliette who I have to like a lot more than ever predicted. I cannot even imagine what Defy Me will bring into my life. Do to my life!<br />
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1507232049l/34992929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Restore Me (Shatter Me, #4)" border="0" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1507232049l/34992929.jpg" width="132" /></a>I finally caught up with and finished the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/82212-magnus-chase-and-the-gods-of-asgard" target="_blank"><b>Magnus Chase series</b></a> by Uncle Rick. I love Percy Jackson, but Magnus Chase really delivers on another level. The sass is real. The characters come from every walk of life; a gender fluid MC. A Muslim MC. A middle-grade MC is actually homeless and it's not discussed or told in a demeaning way. Leave it to Uncle Rick to come in with Percy make it a success and introduce diversity in every sense of the way into middle-grade fantasy adventure books.<br />
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1518550365l/34219873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow (Nevermoor, #1)" border="0" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1518550365l/34219873.jpg" width="137" /></a><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37946448-the-trials-of-morrigan-crow" target="_blank">The Nevermoor series</a></b> has landed into my life. It has plugged the Harry Potter hole I've been trying to fill for like ten years now. I mean that in the way it makes me feel. Besides the fantastical quirky whimsy of the story and characters. The books just gave me those feelings the Harry Potter did. I can't explain it. But if you're an HP fan you get it. And if you want to talk audio recommendations, well ma'am here is where you start. The production and narration are amazing. There is no other way for me to absorb these stories in the future.<br /><br /><br />
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Anybody that's still hanging around here, name some of your favourite reads from 2018. Maybe we'll be twinsies.<br /><br /><br />
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Like I rambled on about above, I'm not sure how 2019 will go blogging-wise. I'm of the mind to try and at least do weekly wrap-ups; which I've already failed seeing as we're now in the second week of January. But my aim is to read three books a week. So I could potentially get small and precise reviews up in my weekly wrap-ups. Try and keep this blog alive!...<br /><br />Happy New Year! Here's to another year of amazing books and everything else. I've got some Disney trips booked and we'll see what else pops up at work.<br /><br />Happy reading!<br /><br />Brittany<br />
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<br />BrittanyLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645210938042967995noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234486517960079523.post-49282372018346210582019-01-01T07:00:00.000-05:002019-01-01T07:00:14.000-05:002018 Reads<b>January</b><br />
1. Nowhere But Here(Thunder Road #1) by Katie McGarry = 496 pages<br />
2. Walk the Edge(Thunder Road #2) by Katie McGarry = 426 pages<br />
3. Long Way Home(Thunder Road #3) by Katie McGarry = 448 pages<br />
4. Down by Contact(The Barons #2) by Santino Hassell = 220 pages<br />
5. Daughter of the Pirate King(Pirate King #1) by Tricia Levenseller = 320 pages(reread)<br />
6. Daughter of the Siren Queen(Pirate King #2) by Tricia Levenseller = 352 pages<br />
7. Blood Passage(Dark Caravan Cycle #2) by Heather Demetrios = 512 pages<br />
8. Saga Vol. 8 by Brian K Vaughan = 152 pages<br />
9. The Sword of Summer(Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #1) by Rick Riordan = 499 pages(reread)<br />
10. Freedom's Slave(Dark Caravan Cycle #3) by Heather Demetrios = 608 pages<br />
11. Rebel of the Sands(Rebel of the Sands #1) by Alwyn Hamilton = 358 pages<br />
12. The Cruel Prince(The Folk of the Air #1) by Holly Black = 384 pages<br />
13. The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis = 368 pages<br />
14. The Hammer of Thor(Magnus Chase #2) by Rick Riordan = 471 pages<br />
15. This is Our Story by Ashley Elston = 312 pages<br />
16. On Hart's Boardwalk(On Dublin Street #6.7) by Samantha Young = 120 pages<br />
17. Brooklynaire(Brooklyn Bruisers #4) by Sarina Bowen = 452 pages<br />
<b>Total = 6498(17 books)</b><br />
<b><br /></b><b>February</b><br />
18. Gone Rogue(Wires and Nerves Vol.2) by Marissa Meyer = 324 pages<br />
19. More Than We Can Tell by Brigid Kemmerer = 416 pages<br />
20. Timekeeper(Timekeeper #1) by Tara Sim = 414 pages<br />
21. Truthwitch(The Wtichlands #1) by Susan Dennard = 415 pages<br />
22. The Ship of the Dead(Magnus Chase #3) by Rick Riordan = 423 pages<br />
23. Tell Me Three Things by Jule Buxbaum = 328 pages<br />
24. Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli = 303 pages(reread)<br />
25. The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli = 336 pages(reread)<br />
26. Reckless by Lex Martin = 406 pages<br />
27. Illuminae(The Illuminae Files #1) by Jay Kristoff & Amie Kaufman = 602 pages(reread)<br />
28. Bad at Love by Karina Halle = 367 pages<br />
<b>Total = 4334(11 books)</b><br />
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<b>March</b><br />
29. Gemina(The Illuminae Files #2) by Jay Kristoff & Amie Kaufman = 663 pages(reread)<br />
30. Opal(The Raven Cycle #4.5) by Maggie Stiefvater = 38 pages<br />
31. Shatter Me(Shatter Me #1) by Tahereh Mafi = 338 pages(reread)<br />
32. Unravel Me(Shatter Me #2) by Tahereh Mafi = 461 pages(reread)<br />
33. Ignite Me(Shatter Me #3) by Tahereh Mafi = 408 pages(reread)<br />
34. Restore Me(Shatter Me #4) by Tahereh Mafi = 448 pages<br />
35. Before I Ever Met You by Karina Halle = 324 pages<br />
36. After All by Karina Halle = 310 pages<br />
37. Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren = 432 pages<br />
38. Not-Joe Story(Wild Seasons #4.5) by Christina Lauren = 96 pages<br />
39. Alphas Like Us(Damaged Like Us #3) by Krista & Becca Ritchie = 489 pages<br />
40. Everyone's a Aliebn When Your A Aliebn Too by Jomny Sun = 256 pages<br />
41. Autoboyography by Christina Lauren = 407 pages<br />
42. Obsidio(The Illuminae Files #3) by Jay Kristoff & Amie Kaufman = 615 pages<br />
43. A Study in Charlotte(Charlotte Holmes #1) by Brittany Cavallaro = 321 pages<br />
44. Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli = 303 pages(reread)<br />
45. The Prophecy(Titan #4) by Jennifer L Armentrout = 400 pages<br />
46. A Thousand Pieces of You(Firebird #1) by Claudia Gray = 368 pages<br />
47. Alphas Like Us(Damaged Like Us #3) by Krista & Becca Ritchie = 489 pages(reread)<br />
48. The Last of August(Charlotte Holmes #2) by Brittany Cavallaro = 317 pages<br />
49. Book Boyfriend(Book Boyfriends #1) by Claire Kingsley = 239 pages<br />
50. Ten Thousand Skies Above You(Firebird #2) by Claudia Gray = 432 pages<br />
51. Damaged Like Us(Damaged Like Us #1) by Krista & Becca Ritchie = 400 pages(reread)<br />
<b>Total = 8554(23 books)</b><br />
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<b>April</b><br />
52. Lovers Like Us(Damaged Like Us # 2) by Krista & Becca Ritchie = 462 pages(reread)<br />
53. Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett = 432 pages<br />
54. Lady Midnight(The Dark Artifices # 1) by Cassandra Clare = 698 pages<br />
55. The Case for Jamie(Charlotte Holmes #3) by Brittany Cavallaro = 368 pages<br />
56. What to Say Next by Julie Buxbaum = 292 pages<br />
57. All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover = 320 pages<br />
58. They Both Die At the End by Adam Silvera = 368 pages<br />
59. Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli = 368 pages<br />
60. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne = 384 pages(reread)<br />
61. What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli & Adam Silvera = 448 pages<br />
<b>Total = 4140(10 books)</b><br />
<br />
<b>May</b><br />
62. A Court of Frost and Starlight(ACOTAR #3.1) by Sarah J Maas = 229 pages<br />
63. Moonrise by Sarah Crossan = 400 pages<br />
64. The Leaving by Tara Altebrando = 432 pages<br />
65. Him(Him #1) by Elle Kennedy & Sarina Bowen = 360 pages(reread)<br />
66. The Red Pyramid(The Kane Chronicles #1) by Rick Riordan = 516 pages<br />
67. Vengeance Road(Vengeance Road #1) by Erin Bowman = 327 pages<br />
68. The Seven Husband's of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid = 400 pages<br />
69. Us(Him #2) by Elle Kennedy & Sarina Bowen = 328 pages(reread)<br />
70. Good Boy(WAGs #1) by Elle Kennedy & Sarina Bowen = 282 pages(reread)<br />
71. Stay(WAGs #2) by Elle Kennedy & Sarina Bowen = 295 pages(reread)<br />
72. The Queen of Hearts by Kimmery Martin = 352 pages<br />
73. My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan = 352 pages<br />
74. Furyborn(Empirium #1) by Claire Legrand = 512 pages<br />
75. I Flipping Love You(Shacking Up #3) by Helena Hunting = 320 pages<br />
76. The Darkest Star(Origin #1) by Jennifer L Armentrout = 368 pages<br />
<b>Total = 5473(15 books)</b><br />
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<b>June</b><br />
77. Still Me(Me Before You #3) by Jojo Moyes = 390 pages<br />
78. Off Base(Out of Uniform #1) by Annabeth Albert = 304 pages<br />
79. Homecoming(Out of Uniform #1.5) by Annabeth Albert = 43 pages<br />
80. Off Leash(Out of Uniform #1.6) by Annabeth Albert = 15 pages<br />
81. I Do(Out of Uniform #2.5) by Annabeth Albert = 51 pages<br />
82. At Attention(Out of Uniform #2) by Annabeth Albert = 304 pages<br />
83. On Point(Out of Uniform #3) by Annabeth Albert = 304 pages<br />
84. Wheels Up(Out of Uniform #4) by Annabeth Albert = 320 pages<br />
85. Squared Away(Out of Uniform #5) by Annabeth Albert = 336 pages<br />
86. Point of Contact by Melanie Hansen = 451 pages<br />
87. Close Enough to Touch by Colleen Oakley = 336 pages<br />
88. Best of Both Worlds by N.R. Walker = 112 pages<br />
89. Everything Changes(Resilient Love #1) by Melanie Hansen = 200 pages<br />
90. Tonight by Karen Stivali = 43 pages<br />
91. Finders Keepers by N.R. Walker = 218 pages<br />
92. The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang = 336 pages<br />
93. Learning to Feel by N.R. Walker = 290 pages<br />
94. As I Am by Melissa Collins = 251 pages<br />
95. Son of the Dawn(Ghosts of the Shadow Market #1) by Cassandra Clare = 68 pages<br />
96. Cast Long Shadows(Ghosts of the Shadow Market #2) by Cassandra Clare = 68 pages<br />
97. Noah by Cara Dee = 283 pages<br />
98. The Darkest Flame(Roadmap to Your Heart #1) by Christina Lee = 240 pages<br />
99. The Faintest Spark(Roadmap to Your Heart #1.5) by Christina Lee = 131 pages<br />
100. Every Exquisite Thing(Ghosts of the Shadow Market #3) by Cassandra Clare = 78 pages<br />
101. The Deepest Blue(Roadmap to Your Heart #2) by Christina Lee = 240 pages<br />
102. The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Want = 292 pages<br />
103. The Secret History of Us by Jessi Kirby = 288 pages<br />
<b>Total = 5992(27 books)</b><br />
<br />
<b>July</b><br />
104. Sadie by Courtney Summers = 320 pages<br />
105. The Other Side of Lost by Jessi Kirby = 320 pages<br />
106. Getting Schooled(Getting Schooled #1) by Emma Chase = 300 pages<br />
107. The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O'Neill = 72 pages<br />
108. The Art of French Kissing by Brianna R Shrum = 256 pages<br />
109. Listen to Your Heart by Kasie West = 336 pages<br />
110. Aquicorn Cove by Katie O'Neill = 96 pages<br />
111. The Good Luck Charm by Helena Hunting = 352 pages<br />
112. Tight Quarters(Out of Uniform # 6) by Annabeth Albert = 336 pages<br />
113. When It's Right(San Fransico Thunder # 3) by Victoria Denault = 304 pages<br />
114. The Beau & The Belle by R.S. Grey = 346 pages<br />
115. Ever After A Gary Fairy Tale by Christina Lee & Riley Hart = 266 pages<br />
116. An Ember in the Ashes(An Ember in the Ashes #1) by Sabaa Tahir = 480 pages<br />
117. Princess Princess Ever After by Katie O'Neill = 56 pages<br />
118. Space Boy Vol 1 by Stephen McCranie = 248 pages<br />
119. The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee = 513 pages (reread)<br />
120. Learn About Loss(Ghosts of the Shadow Market # 4) by Cassandra Clare = 47 pages<br />
<b>Total = 4417(17 books)</b><br />
<br />
<b>August</b><br />
121. My Lady Jane by Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand & Jodi Meadows = 491 pages<br />
122. Sheets by Brenna Thummler = 224 pages<br />
123. Black Wings Beating(skybound #1) by Alex London = 432 pages<br />
124. Fence Vol 1 by C.S. Pacat = 112 pages<br />
125. Fence # 5 by C.S. Pacat = 27 pages<br />
126. Fence #6 by C.S. Pacat = 32 pages<br />
127. Fence #7 by C.S. Pacat = 28 pages<br />
128. Fence #8 by C.S. Pacat = 28 pages<br />
129. Bruja Born(Brooklyn Brujas #2) by Zoraida Cordova = 336 pages<br />
130. The Smell of Other People's Houses by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock = 240 pages<br />
131. Escaping From Houdini(Stalking Jack the Ripper #3) by Kerri Manisalco = 416 pages<br />
132. Keep Her Safe by K.A. Tucker = 436 pages<br />
133. A Deeper Love(Ghosts from the Shadowmarket #5) by Cassandra Clare = 51 pages<br />
134. Sidebarred(Legal Briefs #3.5) by Emma Chase = 101 pages(reread)<br />
135. The Prince(A Wicked Trilogy #3.5) by JLA = 125 pages<br />
136. Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren = 320 pages<br />
137. Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren = 320 pages(reread)<br />
<b>Total = 3719(17 books)</b><br />
<b><br /></b><b>September</b><br />
138. Mark of the Thief(Mark of the Thief #1) by Jennifer A Nielsen = 352 pages<br />
139. Jack of Hearts(and Other Parts) by A.C. Rosen = 352 pages<br />
140. The Chase(Briar U #1) by Elle Kennedy = 377 pages<br />
141. This is Kind of an Epic Love Story by Kheryn Callender = 304 pages<br />
142. As Dust Dances(Play On #2) by Samantha Young = 361 pages<br />
143. Rise of the Wolf(Mark of the Thief #2) by Jennifer A Nielsen = 352 pages<br />
144. Intercepted(Playbook #1) by Alexa Martin = 308 pages<br />
145. Wrath of the Storm(Mark of the Thief #3) by Jennifer A Nielsen = 343 pages<br />
146. The Wicked Ones(Ghosts From the Shadowmark #6) by Cassandra Clare = 74 pages<br />
147. Check, Please!: #Hockey Vol 1 by Ngozi Ukazu = 288 pages<br />
148. Warcross(Warcross #1) by Marie Lu = 353 pages<br />
149. Graceling(Graceling Realm #1) by Kristin Cashore = 471 pages(reread)<br />
150. A Torch Against the Night(An Ember in the Ashes #2) by Sabaa Tahir = 452 pages<br />
151. Strong(Stage Dive #4.5) by Kylie Scott = 120 pages<br />
<b>Total = 4507(14 books)</b><br />
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<b>October</b><br />
152. The Gentleman's Guide to Getting Lucky by Mackenzi Lee = 54 pages<br />
153. A Reaper at the Gates(An Ember in the Ashes #3) by Sabaa Tahir = 464 pages<br />
154. Strange the Dreamer(Strange the Dreamer #1) by Laini Taylor = 536 pages<br />
155. Saga Vol 9 by Brian K Vaughan = 152 pages<br />
156. Fight or Flight by Samantha Young = 384 pages<br />
157. Supernova(Amulet Vol 8) by Kazu Kibuishi = 224 pages<br />
158. The Burning Maze(The Trials of Apollo # 3) by Rick Riordan = 431 pages<br />
159. My Favorite Half-Night Stand by Christina Lauren = 400 pages<br />
160. The Land I Lost(Ghosts From the Shadowmarkets #7) by Cassandra Clare = 123 pages<br />
161. 9 From the Nine Worlds(Magnus Chase #3.5) by Rick Riordan = 176 pages<br />
162. Lord of Shadows(The Dark Artifices #2) by Cassandra Clare = 825 pages<br />
163. The Cruel Prince(The Folk of Air #1) by Holly Black = 370 pages(reread)<br />
164. The Witch Boy Vol. 1 by Molly Ostertag = 224 pages<br />
165. The Lost Sisters(The Folk of Air #1.5) by Holly Black = 50 pages<br />
166. Sweet Filthy Boy(Wild Seasons #1) by Christina Lauren = 385 pages(reread)<br />
167. Fire(Graceling Realm #2) by Kristin Cashore = 480 pages(reread)<br />
168. Dirty Rowdy Thing(Wild Seasons #2) by Christina Lauren = 352 pages(reread)<br />
169. Muse of Nightmares(Strange the Dreamer #2) by Laini Taylor = 514 pages<br />
<b>Total = 6144(18 books)</b><br />
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<b>November</b><br />
170. The Wicked King(The Folk of the Air #2) by Holly Black = 336 pages<br />
171. Wildcard(Warcross #2) by Marie Lu = 341 pages<br />
172. Maybe Now(Maybe Someday #2) by Colleen Hoover = 200 pages<br />
173. Wallbanger(Cocktail #1) by Alice Clayton = 384pages(reread)<br />
174. Rusty Nailed(Cocktail #2) by Alice Clayton = 320 pages(reread)<br />
175. Last Call(Cocktail #4.5) by Alice Clayton = 176 pages(reread)<br />
176. Pucked Love(Pucked #6) by Helena Hunting = 278 pages<br />
177. The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee = 450 pages<br />
178. Through Blood, Through Fire(Ghosts From the Shadowmarkets #8) by Cassandra Clare = 56 pages<br />
179. Kiss the Sky(Calloway Sisters #1) by Krista & Becca Ritchie = 442 pages(reread)<br />
180. Hothouse Flower(Calloway Sisters #2) by Krista & Becca Ritchie = 475 pages(reread)<br />
181. The Iron Trial(Magisterium #1) by Cassandra Clare & Holly Black = 295 pages(reread)<br />
182. The Copper Gauntlet(Magisterium #2) by Cassandra Clare & Holly Black = 264 pages<br />
183. Addicted After All(Addicted #3) by Krista & Becca Ritchie = 533 pages(reread)<br />
<b>Total = 4550(14 books)</b><br />
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<b>December</b><br />
184. The Bronze Key(Magisterium #3) by Cassandra Clare & Holly Black = 256 pages<br />185. The Silver Mask(Magisterium #4) by Cassandra Clare & Holly Black = 232 pages<br />186. Fuel the Fire(Calloway Sisters #3) by Krista & Becca Ritchie = 556 pages(reread)<br />187. The Golden Tower(Magisterium #5) by Cassandra Clare & Holly Black = 256 pages<br />188. The Trials of Morrigan Crow(Nevermoor #1) by Jessica Townsend = 512 pages<br />189. East(East #1) by Edith Pattou = 512 pages<br />190. Wundersmith(Nevermoor #2) by Jessica Townsend = 544 pages<br />191. The Afterlife of Holly Chase by Cynthia Hand= 416 pages<br />192. The Swedish Prince by Karina Halle = 458 pages<br />193. The Wild Heir by Karina Halle = 406 pages<br />194. The Nordic King by Karina Halle = 376 pages<br />195. Hotshot Doc by R.S. Grey = 350 pages<br />196. Nothing Personal by Karina Halle = 259 pages<br />197. The Diviners(The Diviners #1) by Libba Bray = 578 pages<br />198. Verity by Colleen Hoover = 250 pages<br />199. Space Dumplins by Craig Thompson = 316 pages<br />200. The Girl Who Saved Christmas(Christmas #2) by Matt Haig = 336 pages<br /><b>Total = 6613(17 books)<br /><br />Grand Total = 64941</b><br />
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<b>DNF</b><br />
1. The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory = DNF @ 34 pages<br />
2. In the Heir by Ruth Cardello = DNF @ 29 pages<br />
3. Villain by Samantha Youn = DNF @ 20%<br />
4. Brightly Burning by Alexa Donne= DNF @ 113 pages<br />
5. A Prom to Remember by Sandy Hall = DNF @ 122 pages<br />
6. Bombshell = DNF @ 51%<br />
7. Love, Lies and Spies by Cindy Anstey = DNF @ 163 pages<br />
8. Ruined by Amy Tintera = DNF @ 109 pages<br />
9. Layover by Amy Andelson = DNF @ 30%<br />
10.Windwitch by Susan Dennard = DNF @ 65 pages<br />11. 99 Percent Mine = DNF @ 10%BrittanyLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645210938042967995noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234486517960079523.post-31853206663290221932018-01-25T05:00:00.000-05:002018-01-25T05:00:28.925-05:00The Hazel Wood Blog Tour: Q&A + Review<br />
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Hello friends. I'm sure you've been hearing and seeing all the buzz for <i>The Hazel Wood</i> 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.<br /><br />
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1516632038p5/8384949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Melissa Albert" border="0" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1516632038p5/8384949.jpg" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">
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<b>About the Author</b></div>
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Editor of <a href="https://twitter.com/BNTeens" target="_blank">@BNTeens</a>, managing editor of <a href="https://t.co/jC4SsEADWS" target="_blank">http://BN.com </a>. 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.<br /><a href="https://twitter.com/mimi_albert" target="_blank">twitter</a>| <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8384949.Melissa_Albert" target="_blank">goodreads|</a> </div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Q & A</span></div>
<br /><br /><b>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. </b><br /><br /><b>A</b>: 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.</div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Review</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1500549460l/34275232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Hazel Wood (The Hazel Wood, #1)" border="0" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1500549460l/34275232.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="132" /></a><b>The Hazel Wood<br />Publication Date: </b>January 30th, 2018<br /><b>Publisher: </b>Flat Iron Books</div>
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<b>Series: </b>The Hazel Wood #1</div>
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<b>Pages: </b>368</div>
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<b>Source: </b>ARC from publisher</div>
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<b>Rating: </b>4/5</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34275232-the-hazel-wood" target="_blank">Add to Goodreads</a></div>
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<i>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.”</i></div>
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<i>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.</i></div>
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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. </div>
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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. </div>
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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).<br /><br />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. </div>
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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.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>
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I want to thank <i>Raincoast</i> for having me on this blog tour. And Melissa for taking the time to answer my question.<br />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.<br /><br />Let me know if you guys are going to be checking out The Hazel Wood next week.<br /><br />Happy reading!<br /><br />Brittany<br /><br /></div>
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BrittanyLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645210938042967995noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234486517960079523.post-79834249978782207352018-01-09T05:00:00.000-05:002018-01-09T05:00:26.554-05:00Review: Walk the Edge by Katie McGarry<br />
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1456569089l/17928147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Walk the Edge (Thunder Road, #2)" border="0" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1456569089l/17928147.jpg" width="132" /></a><b>Walk the Edge by Katie McGarry<br /><br />Publisher: </b>Harlequin Teen<br /><b>Publication Date: </b>March 29th, 2016<br /><b>Pages: </b>426<br /><b>Series: </b>Thunder Road #2<br /><b>Source: </b>Library e-book<br /><b>Rating: </b>3.5/5<br /><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17928147-walk-the-edge" target="_blank">Add to Goodreads</a><br />
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One moment of recklessness will change their worlds.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.</i><div>
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Razor is a precious being. My new child. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />Let's see what Chevy and Violet have to offer next.<div>
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Happy reading!<br /><br />Brittany</div>
BrittanyLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645210938042967995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234486517960079523.post-76486505414049949602018-01-08T05:00:00.000-05:002018-01-08T05:00:53.542-05:00Review: Nowhere But Here by Katie McGarry<br />
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1422584378l/23492282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nowhere But Here (Thunder Road, #1)" border="0" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1422584378l/23492282.jpg" width="132" /></a><b>Nowhere But Here by Katie McGarry</b><br />
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<b>Publisher: </b>Harlequin Teen<br />
<b>Publication Date</b>: May 26th, 2015<br />
<b>Pages: </b>496<br />
<b>Series: </b>Thunder Road #1<br />
<b>Source</b>: Purchased<br />
<b>Rating: </b>3/5<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23492282-nowhere-but-here" target="_blank">Add to Goodreads</a></div>
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<i><b>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.</b></i></div>
<i><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.</i><br />
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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. <br />
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Katie is great at writing that star-crossed, young love, different worlds romance. Oz and Emily certainly had chemistry from the get-go. <br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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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).<br />
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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.<br />
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Happy reading!<br />
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Brittany</div>
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BrittanyLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645210938042967995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234486517960079523.post-53033096967728639042018-01-04T05:00:00.000-05:002018-01-04T05:00:41.416-05:002017 End of Year Survey<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Best books of 2017" src="http://www.perpetualpageturner.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/2017-book-survey.jpg" height="307" width="320" /></div>
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<i>Meme created by Jamie @ <a href="http://www.perpetualpageturner.com/" target="_blank">The Perpetual Page Turner</a></i><br />
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Number Of Books You Read: 177</div>
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Number of Re-Reads: 50</div>
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Genre You Read From The Most: Romance</div>
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1464361740l/30038855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Letters to the Lost" border="0" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1464361740l/30038855.jpg" width="132" /></a>1. Best Book You Read In 2017?<br />
<i>Letters to the Lost</i>. 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. </div>
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2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?<br />
<i>The Love Interest</i> 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. </div>
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3. Most surprising (in a good way or bad way) book you read?<br />
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1402915678l/19547856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda" border="0" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1402915678l/19547856.jpg" width="133" /></a><i>Pucked Off</i>. 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.<br />
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4. Book You “Pushed” The Most People To Read (And They Did)?</div>
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It was still Simon. And as the years go on it will remain Simon. If you have not read <i>Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda</i> than your life has a big hole and you need to rectify that. </div>
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5. Best series you started in 2017?<i> Daughter of the Pirate King</i>; Pirates of the Caribbean meets YA.<br />
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1483132546l/33643994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Daughter of the Pirate King (Daughter of the Pirate King, #1)" border="0" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1483132546l/33643994.jpg" width="132" /></a>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.<br />
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 <i>A Conjuring of Light</i> was a pretty solid ending. </div>
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6. Favorite new author, you discovered in 2017?<br />
<i>Mackenzi Lee</i> killed it with <i>The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue</i>. Now I'm beyond excited for the companion book this year. And I do want to check out her backlist. </div>
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7. Best book from a genre you don’t typically read/was out of your comfort zone?</div>
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1489420853l/33784373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Hunting Prince Dracula (Stalking Jack the Ripper, #2)" border="0" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1489420853l/33784373.jpg" width="133" /></a>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. </div>
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8. Most action-packed/thrilling/unputdownable book of the year?</div>
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<i>Hunting Prince Dracula</i>. 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.<br />
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9. Book You Read In 2017 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year?</div>
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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; <i>The Gentleman's Guide..., Hunting Prince Dracula, Roomies, Santino Hassell 5B series. </i><br />
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1492601464l/29283884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue (Guide, #1)" border="0" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1492601464l/29283884.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
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10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2017?</div>
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<i>Night of Cake and Puppet</i>s! All the art and illustrations in the book are phenomenal. </div>
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11. The most memorable character of 2017?</div>
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Monty from <i>The Gentleman's Guide</i>... 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! </div>
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12. Most beautifully written book read in 2017?</div>
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<i>Dreams of Gods and Monsters</i>. I finally finished the book!</div>
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13. Most Thought-Provoking/ Life-Changing Book of 2017?</div>
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Nothing. I mean, there were some characters lives and choices I thought more than two seconds about...</div>
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14. Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2017 to finally read? </div>
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1483324000l/30340849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Pucked Off (Pucked, #5)" border="0" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1483324000l/30340849.jpg" width="128" /></a>I'm going to go with the <i>Five Boroughs</i> 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. </div>
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15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2017?<br />
"God bless the book people for their boundless knowledge absorbed from having words instead of friends."<br />Mackenzie Lee, <i>The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue</i><br />I mean, kind of offensive. But ultimately pretty accurate.<br />
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16. Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2017?</div>
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Shortest: <i>Corrupting Chris </i>@ 24 pages<br />
Longest: <i>A Court of Wings and Ruin </i>@ 705 pages</div>
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17. Book That Shocked You The Most?</div>
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I feel like I was missing the shock factor in 2017. <i>The Fallen Kingdom</i> had a few small ones; especially one unforgivable death. </div>
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1499075058l/34733250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Night of Cake & Puppets (Daughter of Smoke & Bone, #2.5)" border="0" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1499075058l/34733250.jpg" width="132" /></a>18. OTP OF THE YEAR (you will go down with this ship!)</div>
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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. </div>
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19. Favorite Non-Romantic Relationship Of The Year</div>
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All the familial relationships in the <i>Like Us</i> 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. </div>
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20. Favorite Book You Read in 2017 From An Author You’ve Read Previously</div>
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Gotta name a couple here:<br />
<i>Foolish Hearts</i> by Emma Mills<br />
<i>Good Boy</i> by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy<br />
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1493514119l/21427834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Damaged Like Us (Like Us, #1)" border="0" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1493514119l/21427834.jpg" width="128" /></a><i>Play on</i> by Samantha Young<br />
<i>Damaged Like Us</i> by KB Ritchie<br />
<i>Windfall</i> by Jennifer E Smith<br />
<i>Alex, Approximately</i> by Jenn Bennett<br />
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21. Best Book You Read In 2017 That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else/Peer Pressure?</div>
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<i>Eliza and Her Monsters</i> 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!</div>
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1464017758l/29939230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A Conjuring of Light (Shades of Magic, #3)" border="0" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1464017758l/29939230.jpg" width="133" /></a>22. Newest fictional crush from a book you read in 2017?</div>
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Lance from<i> Pucked Off</i>. Again, I just didn't expect him. </div>
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23. Best 2017 debut you read?</div>
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<i>Daughter of the Pirate King</i>! Swashbuckling good time. Lady Pirates. I mean, who doesn't want to read about lady pirates?!</div>
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24. Best Worldbuilding/Most Vivid Setting You Read This Year?</div>
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V.E. Schwab creates a very vivid and encompassing bunch of Londons in her Shades of Magic series.<i> A Conjuring of Light</i> was no different. Plus it expanded to other lands and the seas. </div>
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25. Book That Put A Smile On Your Face/Was The Most FUN To Read?</div>
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I feel like a broken record here... <i>The Gentleman's Guide</i>... my 100th reread of Simon. Oh! <i>Wires and Nerves</i>! Being back with the Lunar gang is all I really ever want in life. </div>
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26. Book That Made You Cry Or Nearly Cry in 2017?</div>
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<i>Letters to the Lost</i> had me sobbing for sad yet hopeful reasons.<br />
<i>If There's No Tomorrow</i> was just very emotional.</div>
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27. Hidden Gem Of The Year?</div>
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<i>How to Make A Wish</i>. 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. </div>
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1479129389l/30747137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Good Boy (WAGs, #1)" border="0" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1479129389l/30747137.jpg" width="133" /></a>28. Book That Crushed Your Soul?</div>
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<i>Bang</i>. This is too real and close to the world we live in. So very sad.</div>
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29. Most Unique Book You Read In 2017?</div>
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I really got nothing here. <i>Night of Cake and Puppets</i> and <i>Eliza and Her Monsters</i> 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. </div>
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30. Book That Made You The Most Mad (doesn’t necessarily mean you didn’t like it)?</div>
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<i>A Court of Wings and Ruin</i>. You bastard. I'm so mad over how disappointing and problematic you were. UGH!<br />
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1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2017?</div>
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None. I hardly blogged myself. So I was barely involved in the blogging community. </div>
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2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2017?</div>
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Ha! Like I wrote many... Let's just go with <a href="http://thisisthestoryofmyreadinglife.blogspot.ca/2017/05/review-names-they-gave-us-by-emery-lord.html" target="_blank">The Names They Gave Us</a></div>
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3. Best discussion/non-review post you had on your blog?</div>
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There be none. </div>
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4. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?</div>
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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.<br />
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5. Best moment of bookish/blogging life in 2017?<br />
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.<br />
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6. The most challenging thing about blogging or your reading life this year?<br />
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.<br />
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7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?</div>
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Funnily enough, my most viewed post was my <a href="http://thisisthestoryofmyreadinglife.blogspot.ca/2017/01/2016-end-of-year-book-survey.html" target="_blank">2016 End of Year Book Survey</a>. </div>
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8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?</div>
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I don't care that much. I don't blog for the views. Obviously. </div>
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9. Best bookish discover (book related sites, bookstores, etc.)?<br />
I didn't really stray too far from my usual. I received some gifts from different artists that post of Society 6 and Redbubble.<br />
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10. Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?</div>
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I did; although they weren't anything groundbreaking. Just my yearly books read and reread goal. </div>
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1475530166l/29102896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bad Romance" border="0" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1475530166l/29102896.jpg" width="131" /></a>1. One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2017 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2018?</div>
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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. </div>
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2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2018 (non-debut)?</div>
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All the things by Becky Albertalli. Leah on the Offbeat! What If It's Us!</div>
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3. 2018 Debut You Are Most Anticipating?</div>
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1510886704l/31180248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Leah on the Offbeat" border="0" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1510886704l/31180248.jpg" width="132" /></a>I am so behind on releases. Let's go with an ARC I already have and am excited for; <i>Nice Try, Jane Sinner.</i> </div>
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4. Series Ending/A Sequel You Are Most Anticipating in 2018?</div>
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<i>Obsidio</i>. GIVE IT TO ME!</div>
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1508244685l/34499221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="To Kill a Kingdom" border="0" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1508244685l/34499221.jpg" width="133" /></a>5. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging Life In 2018?</div>
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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. </div>
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6. A 2018 Release You’ve Already Read & Recommend To Everyone (if applicable):<br />
<i>To Kill A Kingdom</i> 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!<br />
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So how was your 2017? Link me to your survey(if you did it).<br />
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Happy reading!<br />
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Brittany</div>
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BrittanyLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645210938042967995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234486517960079523.post-67132998484085424172018-01-03T05:00:00.000-05:002018-01-03T05:00:01.968-05:002017 Reads<br /><b>2017 Reads</b><br /><br /><b>January</b><br />1. On Broken Wings(Wild Aces #3) by Chanel Cleeton = 336 pages<br />2. Hard Hitter(Brooklyn Bruisers #2) by Sarina Bowen = 336 pages<br />3. The Summer Palace(Captive Prince #3.6) by C.S. Pacat = 30 pages<br />4. Without BordersWanderlove #1) by Amanda Heger = 242 pages<br />5. Rat Queens Vol 3 by Kurtis J Wiebe = 160 pages<br />6. Amour Amour(Aerial Ethereal #1) by Krista & Becca Ritchie = 396 pages(reread)<br />7.The Hating Game by Sally Thorne = 384 pages(reread)<br />8. The Lie by Karina Halle = 292 pages<br />9. Caraval(Caraval #1) by Stephanie Garber = 407 pages<br />10. The Debt by Karina Halle = 264 pages<br />11. Velvet(Velvet #1) by Temple West = 417 pages<br />12. Forever Geek(Geek Girl #6) by Holly Smale = 412 pages<br />13. Cashmere(Velvet #2) by TempleWest = 460 pages<br />14. A Tragic Kind of Wonderful by Eric Lindstrom = 288 pages<br />15. Good Boy(WAGs #1) by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy = 269 pages<br /><b>Total = 4693</b><br /><br /><b>February</b><br />16. Infini(AE #2) by Krista & Becca Ritchie = 465 pages<br />17. Anything You Can Do by R.S. Grey = 247 pages<br />18. Wires & Nerves Vol 1 by Marissa Meyer = 240 pages<br />19. Daughter of the Pirate King(Daughter of the Pirate King #1) by Tricia Levenseller = 320 pages<br />20. Strong Signal(Cyberlove #1) by Megan Erickson & Santino Hassell = 229 pages<br />21. Letters to the Lost be Brigid Kemmerer = 400 pages<br />22. Obsidian(Lux #1) by JLA = 360 pages(reread)<br />23. Onyx(Lux #2) by JLA = 366 pages(reread)<br />24. Undeclared(Burham College #2) by Julianna Keyes = 276 pages<br />25. Pucked Off(Pucked #5) by Helena Hunting = 278 pages<br />26. Opal(Lux #3) by JLA = 382 pages(reread)<br />27. Status Update(Gaymers #1) by Annabeth Albert = 189 pages<br />28. Origin(Lux #4) by JLA = 364 pages(reread)<br /><b>Total = 4116</b><br /><br /><b>March</b><br />29. Opposition(Lux #5) by JLA = 352 pages(reread)<br />30. Royally Matched(Royally #2) by Emma Chase = 276 pages<br />31. At the Edge of the Universe by Shaun David Hutchinson = 485 pages<br />32. A Conjuring of Light(Shades of Magic #3) by V.E. Schwab = 624 pages<br />33. Buns(Hudson Valley #3) by Alice Clayton = 320 pages<br />34. Twist(Dive Bar #2) by Kylie Scott = 288 pages<br />35. Third Base(The Boys of Summer #1) by Heidi McLaughlin = 316 pages<br />36. The Power(Titans #2) by JLA = 344 pages(reread)<br />37. A Place in the Sun by R.S. Grey = 274 pages<br />38. Upside Down(Off the Map #1) by Lia Riley = 246 pages<br />39. Sideswiped(Off the Map #2) by Lia Riley = 384 pages<br />40. Inside Out(Off the Map #3) by Lia Riley = 244 pages<br />41. The Struggle(Titans #3) by JLA = 370 pages<br />42. Goodbye Paradise(Hello, Goodbye #1) by Sarina Bowen = 276 pages<br />43. Fast Connection(Cyberlove #2) by Megan Erickson & Santino Hassell = 260 pages<br />44. Hard Wired(Cyberlove #3) by Megan Erickson & Santino Hassell = 260 pages<br />45. Sutphin Boulevard(Five Boroughs #1) by Santino Hassell = 264 pages<br />46. Bittersweet(True North #1) by Sarina Bowen = 293 pages<br />47. Steadfast(True North #2) by Sarina Bowen = 313 pages<br />48. Keepsake(True North #3) by Sarina Bowen = 326 pages<br /><b>Total = 6515</b><br /><br /><b>April</b><br />49. Idol(VIP#1) by Kristen Callihan = 339 pages<br />50. Saga Vol 7 = 152 pages<br />51. Heat Wave by Karina Halle = 307 pages<br />52. The Truth About Happily Ever After by Karole Cozzo = 320 pages<br />53. Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett = 391 pages<br />54. Geekerella by Ashley Poston = 320 pages<br />55. It Happened on Love Street(Everland, Georgia #1) by Lia Riley = 368 pages<br />56. Bang by Barry Lyga = 304 pages<br />57. All Lined Up(Rusk University #1) by Cora Carmack = 305 pages(reread)<br />58. All Broke Down(Rusk University #2) by Cora Carmack = 368 pages(reread)<br />59. All Played Out(Rusk University #3) by Cora Carmack = 321 pages(reread)<br />60. Something Real by Heather Demetrios = 406 pages(reread)<br />61. The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli = 336 pages(reread)<br />62. Finding You(Destination Love #3) by Jo Watson = 368 pages<br /><b>Total = 4605</b><br /><br /><b>May</b><br />63. A Court of Mist and Fury(ACOTAR #2) by Sarah J Maas = 624 pages(reread)<br />64. A Court of Wings and Ruin(ACOTAR #3) by Sarah J Maas = 705 pages<br />65. Always and Forever, Lara Jean(Lara Jean #3) by Jenny Han = 336 pages<br />66. The Names They Gave Us by Emery Lord = 384 pages<br />67. The Love Interest by Cale Dietrich = 384 pages<br />68. How to Make A Wish by Ashley Herring Blake = 336 pages<br />69. Every Little Thing(Harts Boardwalk #2) by Samantha Young = 352 pages<br />70. Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia = 400 pages<br />71. Windfall by Jennifer E Smith = 418 pages<br />72. Queens of Geen by Jen Wilde = 288 pages<br />73. The Only Thing Worse Than Me is You by Lily Anderson = 352 pages<br />74. Giant Days Vol. 3 = 112 pages<br />75. Dating You Hating You by Christina Lauren = 320 pages<br />76. Hometown Cowboy(Rocky Mountain Riders #1) by Sara Richardson = 368 pages<br /><b>Total = 5379</b><br /><br /><b>June</b><br />77. Shacking Up by Helena Hunting = 480 pages<br />78. The Foxe and the Hound by R.S. Grey = 385 pages<br />79. The Last Thing You Said by Sara Biren = 320 pages<br />80. The Unlikelies by Carrie Firestone = 336 pages<br />81. Score(San Francisco Thunder #1) by Victoria Denault = 368 pages<br />82. Him(Him #1) by Ellen Kennedy & Sarina Bowen = 360 pages(reread)<br />83. Us(Him #2) by Elle Kennedy & Sarina Bowen = 328 pages(reread)<br />84. Good Boy(WAGS #1) by Elle Kennedy & Sarina Bowen = 282 pages(reread)<br />85. Managed(VIP #2) by Kristen Callihan = 321 pages<br />86. Big Rock by Lauren Blakely = 247 pages<br />87. Worth Any Cost(Gaming the System #6) by Brenna Aubrey = 348 pages<br />88. Burning Moon(Destination Love #1) by Jo Watson = 304 pages<br />89. Stay(WAGS #2) by Elle Kennedy & Sarina Bowen = 295 pages<br />90. Almost a Bride(Destination Love #2) by Jo Watson = 384 pages<br />91. Until it Fades by K.A. Tucker = 356 pages<br />92. The Best Thing That Never Happened to Me by Laura Tait & Jimmy Rice = 357 pages<br />93. Damaged Like Us(Like Us #1) by Krista & Becca Ritchie = 400 pages<br />94. Internet Famous by Danika Stone = 320 pages<br /><b>Total = 6191</b><br /><br /><b>July</b><br />95. The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee = 513 pages<br />96. The Fallen Kingdom(The Falconer #3) by Elizabeth May = 389 pages<br />97. Before Jamaica Lane(On Dublin Street #3) by Samantha Young = 417 pages(reread)<br />98. Fall From India Place(On Dublin Street #4) by Samantha Young = 294 pages(reread)<br />99. Echoes of Scotland Street(On Dublin Street #5) by Samantha Young = 331 pages(reread)<br />100. Moonlight on Nightengale Way(On Dublin Street #6) by Samantha Young = 334 pages(reread)<br />101. Down London Road(On Dublin Street #2) by Samantha Young = 373 pages(reread)<br />102. Long Way Down(Calloway Sisters #4;Addicted #3.2 ) by Krista & Becca Ritchie = 640 pages(reread)<br />103. Hunting Prince Dracula(Stalking Jack the Ripper #2) by Kerri Maniscalco = 448 pages<br />104. Night of Cake and Puppets by Laini Taylor = 256 pages<br />105. Dreams of Gods and Monsters(Daughter of Smoke and Bone #3) by Laini Taylor = 613 pages<br />106. Frost Blood(Frost Blood # 1) by Elly Blake = 376 pages(reread)<br /><b>Total = 4984</b><br /><br /><b>August</b><br />107. Fire Blood(Frost Blood #2) by Elly Blake = 416 pages<br />108. Devils & Thieves(Devils & Thieves #1) by Jennifer Rush = 336 pages<br />109. The Dark Prophecy(Trials of Apollo #2) by Rick Riordan = 414 pages<br />110. The Young Elites(The Young Elites #1) by Marie Lu = 355 pages<br />111. The Rose Society(The Young Elites #2) by Marie Lu = 398 pages<br />112. The Midnight Star(The Young Elites #3) by Marie Lu = 316 pages<br />113. Bad Romeo Christmas(Starcrossed #4) by Leisa Rayven = 252 pages<br />114. Extreme Honor(True Heroes #1) by Piper J Drake = 384 pages<br />115. Exit, Pursued by A Bear by E.K. Johnston = 248 pages<br />116. Foolish Hearts by Emma Mills = 320 pages<br />117. Shuffle, Repeat by Jen Klein = 327 pages<br />118. The Hogwarts Collection by J.K. Rowling = 224 pages<br /><b>Total = 3990</b><br /><br /><b>September</b><br />119. Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli = 320 pages(reread)<br />120. Spinning Out(The Blackhawk Boys #1) by Lexi Ryan = 462 pages<br />121. After We Fall by Melanie Harlow = 270 pages<br />122. Alex(Cold Fury Hockey #1) by Sawyer Bennett = 434 pages<br />123. Royally Endowed(Royally #3) by Emma Chase = 275 pages<br />124. Fraternize(Players Game #1) by Rachel Van Dyken = 307 pages<br />125. North to You(Journey to the Heart #1) by Tif Marcelo = 315 pages<br />126. Play On(Play On #1) by Samantha Young = 426 pages<br />127. Easy(Contours of the Heart #1) by Tammara Webber = 336 pages(reread)<br />128. Without Merit by Colleen Hoover = 384 pages<br />129. To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo = 384 pages<br /><b>Total = 3913</b><br /><br /><b>October</b><br />130. Bountiful(True North #4) by Sarina Bowen = 315 pages<br />131. The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert = 368 pages<br />132. Anything You Can Do by R.S. Grey = 247 pages(reread)<br />133. Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover = 324 pages(reread)<br />134. Shameless by Lex Martin = 394 pages(reread)<br />135. Sweet Filthy Boy(Wild Seasons #1) by Christina Lauren = 385 pages(reread)<br />136. Dirty Rowdy Thing(Wild Seasons #2) by Christina Lauren = 352 pages(reread)<br />137. Dark Wild Night(Wild Seasons #3) by Christina Lauren = 341 pages(reread)<br />138. Wicked Sexy Liar(Wild Seasons #4) by Christina Lauren = 384 pages(reread)<br />139. Beautiful Bastard(Beautiful #1) by Christina Lauren = 305 pages(reread)<br />140. Beautiful Bitch(Beautiful #1.5) by Christina Lauren = 160 pages(reread)<br />141. Beautiful Stranger(Beautiful #2) by Christina Lauren = 345 pages(reread)<br />142. Beautiful Bombshell(Beautiful #2.5) by Christina Lauren = 160 pages(reread)<br /><b>Total = 4080</b><br /><br /><b>November</b><br />143. Lovers Like Us(Like Us #2) by Krista & Becca Ritchie = 462 pages<br />144. Beautiful Player(Beautiful #3) by Christina Lauren = 432 pages(reread)<br />145. Beautiful Beginning(Beautiful #3.5) by Christina Lauren = 208 pages(reread)<br />146. Beautiful Beloved(Beautiful #3.6) by Christina Lauren = 80 pages(reread)<br />147. Beautiful Secret(Beautiful #4) by Christina Lauren = 401 pages(reread)<br />148. Beautiful Boss(Beautiful #4.5) by Christina Lauren = 144 pages(reread)<br />149. Beautiful(Beautiful #5) by Christina Lauren = 416 pages(reread)<br />150. The Fortunate Ones by R.S. Grey = 336 pages<br />151. Hero by Samantha Young = 410 pages(reread)<br />152. Hooking Up(Shacking Up #2) by Helena Hunting = 444 pages<br />153. Here We Are Now by Jasime Warga = 304 pages<br />154. Twelve(The Naturals #4.5) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes = 128 pages<br />155. Wild Card(North Ridge #1) by Karina Halle = 273 pages<br />156. Love, Life and the List by Kasie West = 384 pages<br />157. If There's No Tomorrow by Jennifer L Armentrout = 376 pages<br />158. Till Death by Jennifer L Armentrout = 384 pages<br />159. Roomies by Christina Lauren = 368 pages<br />160. The Problem with Forever by Jennifer L Armentrout = 474 pages<br /><b>Total = 6024</b><br /><br /><b>December</b><br />161. Wicked(Wicked #1) by Jennifer L Armentrout = 375 pages(reread)<br />162. Paris For One by Jojo Moyes = 336 pages<br />163. Torn(Wicked #2) by Jennifer L Armentrout = 369 pages(reread)<br />164. Infraction(Players Game #2) by Rachel Van Dyken = 278 pages<br />165. Slammed(San Francisco Thunder #2) by Victoria Denault = 336 pages<br />166. Brave(Wicked #3) by Jennifer L Armentrout = 362 pages<br />167. Holiday Spice(The Shaughnessy Brothers #6) by Samantha Chase = 384 pages<br />168. Instructions for A Second Hand Heart by Tamsyn Murray = 313 pages<br />169. Lovers Like Us(Like Us #2) by Krista & Becca Ritchie = 462 pages(reread)<br />170. Illegal Contact(The Barons #1) by Santino Hassell = 251 pages<br />171. Sunset Park(Five Boroughs #2) by Santino Hassell = 246 pages<br />172. Corrupting Chris(Five Boroughs #2.5) by Santino Hassell = 24 pages<br />173. Third Rail(Five Boroughs #5.5) by Santino Hassell = 87 pages<br />174. First & First(Five Boroughs #3) by Santino Hassell = 244 pages<br />175. Interborough(Five Boroughs #4) by Santino Hassell = 249 pages<br />176. Concourse(Five Boroughs #5) by Santino Hassell = 366 pages<br />177. Citywide(Five Boroughs #6) by Santino Hassell = 370 pages<br /><b>Total = 5052</b><br /><b><br />Grand Total = 59,542</b><br /><br /><b>DNF</b><br />1. By Your Side by Kasie West @ 31%<br />2. Hard Rhythm by Cecilia Tan @ 95 pages<br />3. The Cottage at Firefly Lake by Jen Gilroy @ 100 pages<br />4. Riveted by Jay Crownover @ 17%<br />5. Romeo and What's Her Name by Shani Petroff @ 23 pages<br />6. For the Win by Sara Rider @ 12%<br />7. Openly Straight by Bill Konigsberg @ 25%<br />8. Mature Content by Santino Hassell & Megan Erickson @ 14%<br />9. Home Run by Heidi McLaughlin @ 50 pages<br />10. Bombshell by C.D. Reiss @ 51%BrittanyLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645210938042967995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234486517960079523.post-5054204136896086602018-01-02T05:00:00.000-05:002018-01-02T09:13:49.368-05:00Favourite Reads of 2017<div style="text-align: center;">
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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).<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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10. Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33643994-daughter-of-the-pirate-king" target="_blank"><img alt="Daughter of the Pirate King (Daughter of the Pirate King, #1)" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1483132546l/33643994.jpg" width="132" /></a><br />
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9. Night of Cake and Puppets by Laini Taylor<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34733250-night-of-cake-puppets" target="_blank"><img alt="Night of Cake & Puppets (Daughter of Smoke & Bone, #2.5)" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1499075058l/34733250.jpg" width="132" /></a><br />
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8. Play On by Samantha Young</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35998769-play-on" target="_blank"><img alt="Play On (Play On, #1)" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1502413075l/35998769.jpg" width="133" /></a><br />
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7. Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30312700-alex-approximately" target="_blank"><img alt="Alex, Approximately" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1466543204l/30312700.jpg" width="133" /></a><br />
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6. Damaged Like Us by Krista & Becca Ritchie<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35047889-damaged-like-us" target="_blank"><img alt="Damaged Like Us (Like Us, #1)" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1493680205l/35047889.jpg" width="128" /></a><br />
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5. The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29283884-the-gentleman-s-guide-to-vice-and-virtue" target="_blank"><img alt="The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue (Guide, #1)" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1492601464l/29283884.jpg" width="132" /></a><br />
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4. Pucked Off by Helena Hunting<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33020988-pucked-off" target="_blank"><img alt="Pucked Off (Pucked, #5)" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1483324054l/33020988.jpg" width="128" /></a><br />
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3. Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31931941-eliza-and-her-monsters" target="_blank"><img alt="Eliza and Her Monsters" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1476994065l/31931941.jpg" width="132" /></a><br />
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2. Good Boy by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34033185-good-boy" target="_blank"><img alt="Good Boy (WAGs, #1)" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1485557945l/34033185.jpg" width="133" /></a><br />
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1. Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30038855-letters-to-the-lost" target="_blank"><img alt="Letters to the Lost" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1464361740l/30038855.jpg" width="132" /></a><br />
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Let me know what your favourite read of 2017 was.<br />
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Happy reading!<br />
<br />
Brittany</div>
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<br />BrittanyLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645210938042967995noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234486517960079523.post-80425273799426344312017-12-02T09:43:00.000-05:002017-12-02T09:43:17.273-05:00Villain by Samantha Young Blog Tour: Review + Excerpt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVjKht3KQgOnJb6BvviiVDKiYPfmMjlKoaSCuIy7s75S9Y_kSaJquTmh0qNh-HXzNbRvHI5YURxJ_zIhmBBKPKySgjCYWXmezYXD8X7smmbN3rMYQC8TcWFy326kzTh_IBAIDLT1rEhqY/s1600/author+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QePhyRoMN3jvC39qP7FrL_x1ry168uj-3LYu3rI2DEkvVA-YwfbPm7FUjNKaTcEMzBp-NBPsDXXgFHweqLHGX9IiIKFuC2TWrpA4AN8Y372M74l6MpKnIh75Or7dlRFxt_G9v6b7bN4/s1600/Villain+Tour+Nov+27th+-+Dec++4th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="1214" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QePhyRoMN3jvC39qP7FrL_x1ry168uj-3LYu3rI2DEkvVA-YwfbPm7FUjNKaTcEMzBp-NBPsDXXgFHweqLHGX9IiIKFuC2TWrpA4AN8Y372M74l6MpKnIh75Or7dlRFxt_G9v6b7bN4/s640/Villain+Tour+Nov+27th+-+Dec++4th.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>About the Author</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVjKht3KQgOnJb6BvviiVDKiYPfmMjlKoaSCuIy7s75S9Y_kSaJquTmh0qNh-HXzNbRvHI5YURxJ_zIhmBBKPKySgjCYWXmezYXD8X7smmbN3rMYQC8TcWFy326kzTh_IBAIDLT1rEhqY/s1600/author+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVjKht3KQgOnJb6BvviiVDKiYPfmMjlKoaSCuIy7s75S9Y_kSaJquTmh0qNh-HXzNbRvHI5YURxJ_zIhmBBKPKySgjCYWXmezYXD8X7smmbN3rMYQC8TcWFy326kzTh_IBAIDLT1rEhqY/s320/author+photo.jpg" width="213" /></a>Samantha Young is the New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of adult contemporary romances, including the On Dublin Street series and Hero, as well as the New Adult duology Into the Deep and Out of the Shallows. Every Little Thing, the second book in her new Hart’s Boardwalk series, will be published by Berkley in March 2017. Before turning to contemporary fiction, she wrote several young adult paranormal and fantasy series, including the amazon bestselling Tale of Lunarmorte trilogy. Samantha’s debut YA contemporary novel The Impossible Vastness of Us was published by Harlequin TEEN in ebook & hardback June 2017. Play On is an adult contemporary romance and the first in a brand new series set in Scotland. Villain is a companion novella to the New York Times bestselling romance HERO.<br />
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Samantha has been nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award 2012 for Best Author and Best Romance for On Dublin Street, Best Romance 2014 for Before Jamaica Lane, and Best Romance 2015 for Hero. On Dublin Street, a #1 bestseller in Germany, was the Bronze Award Winner in the LeserPreis German Readers Choice Awards for Best Romance 2013, Before Jamaica Lane the Gold Medal Winner for the LeserPreis German Readers Choice Awards for Best Romance 2014 and Echoes of Scotland Street the Bronze Medal Winner for the LeserPreis German Readers Choice Awards for Best Romance 2015.<br />
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Samantha is currently published in 30 countries and is a #1 international bestselling author.<br />
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<a href="https://authorsamanthayoung.com/" target="_blank">website</a>| <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSamanthaYoung/" target="_blank">facebook</a>| <a href="https://twitter.com/AuthorSamYoung" target="_blank">twitter</a>| <a href="https://www.instagram.com/authorsamanthayoung/" target="_blank">instagram</a>| <a class="" href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4167378.Samantha_Young" target="_blank">goodreads</a></div>
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<b>About Villain</b></div>
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Cover Design by Samantha Young</div>
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The sexy and emotional companion novella to the New York Times bestselling romance HERO.<br />
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Nadia Ray is not just a broadcast meteorologist. She’s Boston’s morning television It Girl. Successful and independent, she’s put a past she’s ashamed of behind her and is forging a future she can be proud of. However, when her new boss discovers her secret he blackmails her, intent on using Nadia’s popularity to make them the number one morning show in Massachusetts. He wants her to be part of uncovering the city’s biggest scandal – a secret billionaire Caine Carraway is hiding.<br />
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Soon Nadia is thrown into the path of Caine’s best friend: sexy, wealthy bachelor Henry Lexington. But she doesn’t encounter the dashing high society gentleman Henry is purported to be. Instead, she’s faced with an insulting and defensive villain who misjudges her at every turn.<br />
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When Henry finally realizes the truth and decides to make amends, Nadia wants nothing to do with him. But she underestimates his determination and charm and soon they find themselves embroiled in an intense, passionate affair.<br />
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An affair Nadia knows must come to an end before their feelings grow any deeper and he discovers her secrets.<br />
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After all, Henry Lexington isn’t the only one who played the part of a villain once…<br />
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Out December 5th in digital edition. <a href="http://amzn.to/2giFLfF" target="_blank">amazon.com</a>| <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Villain-Samantha-Young-ebook/dp/B076J8XL43/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1512189436&sr=1-1&keywords=villain" target="_blank">amazon.com</a>| <a href="http://amzn.to/2yxhpZz" target="_blank">amazon.co.uk</a>| <a href="http://bit.ly/2i1siJr" target="_blank">kobo</a><br />
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<b>Excerpt</b></div>
<b><br /></b>Maybe he really did feel bad for the way he’d treated me.<br />
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Yeah, maybe he did.<br />
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But did that change anything?<br />
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He’d still treated me poorly and who was to say he wouldn’t again?<br />
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Just because people felt awful for doing something didn’t mean they wouldn’t repeat the crime.<br />
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The real problem was my attraction to him.<br />
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I could admit it.<br />
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I was attracted to the son of a bitch.<br />
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There was something deeply wrong with me that I could be attracted to a man I didn’t even like.<br />
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Turned out that lunch with my colleagues was a terrible distraction idea. Because Henry was dining at The Bristol Lounge with none other than Caine Carraway.<br />
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“Maybe we should go somewhere else,” I said as we stood in the lobby outside the restaurant. Henry hadn’t spotted us yet.<br />
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Barbara frowned. “This is your favorite place. You love the Bristol Burger.”<br />
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I did love the Bristol Burger.<br />
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And for the first time in weeks, I was hungry.<br />
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Dammit.<br />
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No man was chasing me away from my goddamn burger.<br />
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“You’re right.” I nodded, sounding more assured than I actually felt. “But I’ll walk on your left side.”<br />
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My friend eyed me in confusion as I huddled at her side, trying to hide behind her as the host led us up the few stairs onto the main floor of the restaurant and right past Henry and Carraway’s table near the bar area, to a larger table at the back of the restaurant. As far as I<br />
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could tell, he hadn’t spotted me and there were now pillars between us that I could hide behind.<br />
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Relieved, I slid into my chair beside Barbara.<br />
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“Drinks?” the waiter asked.<br />
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We’d finished giving him our orders when the sight of Henry Lexington walking into view around one of those aforementioned pillars and toward our table made my pulse skitter.<br />
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He gave me a soft smile as if we hadn’t been enemies up until twenty-four hours ago. “Miss Ray, what a pleasant surprise.” That soft smile grew into a roguish grin. “Are you stalking me?”<br />
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I arched an eyebrow, wondering what the hell kind of game he was playing now. “A burger. I’m stalking a burger.”<br />
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“The burgers are very good here.”<br />
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“Mr. Lexington,” Barbara said beside me, sounding delighted to see him, and awfully familiar. “What a pleasure to see you.”<br />
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“You too, Barbara. And please, I’ve told you before—smart, beautiful women should call me Henry.”<br />
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I didn’t know what to do first: be surprised they knew each other or gag at his flirting with her.<br />
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“You know each other?”<br />
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“I know everyone worth knowing.” He winked at Barbara and she tittered like a schoolgirl.<br />
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Dear God.<br />
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And then I was the focus of his attention. He leaned against Andrew’s chair who was, as always, oblivious to anything but himself. “So this burger … will it put you in a good mood?”<br />
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“Excuse me?”<br />
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Those blue eyes were too intense, much too intense. “A good enough mood to agree to have lunch with me tomorrow?”<br />
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I was going to kill him.<br />
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How dare he put me on the spot in front of my colleagues, in front of Barbara! What? Did he think I’d be civil to him because we had an audience? I scowled. “No.”<br />
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“Are you seeing someone?” he persisted.<br />
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“No, she’s not,” Barbara interjected, giving me an “Are you crazy?” look. “And yes, she’s free for lunch tomorrow. You can pick her up from the station at one.”<br />
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“Fantastic.” Henry gave her a grateful, gorgeous smile before turning it on me. “See you tomorrow.”<br />
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He was gone before I could even get past the shock that had sealed my lips.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Review</span><br />
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1508346016l/36435232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="36435232" border="0" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1508346016l/36435232.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="133" /></a><span style="font-weight: 700;">Villain by Samantha Young<br />Published: </span>December 5th, 2017<br />
<b>Publisher: </b>Samantha Young<br />
<b>Series: </b>Hero #1.5</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36435232-villain" target="_blank">Add to Goodreads</a></div>
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I really, really liked Henry in Hero. He was a fun, cheeky flirt. The total opposite of Caine; which in hindsight he needed to be easy going to have uptight, broody Caine as a best friend. So well we got a good sense of Henry in Hero, Nadia was a little more unknown. We just knew she finally stole Henry's elusive bachelor heart.<br /><br />I feel like Villain was written for the fans. I'm pretty sure all of us wanted more of Henry and to get the real story of his and Nadia's romance. And here we are. Like most of Samantha's romance stories, it's messy at times. There's some sort of redemption. A misunderstanding. A hot alpha male type. Villain definitely fits the mold. There was certainly more to Nadia than most of us guessed in Hero. She's taken the on air news world by storm. Risen in popularity has clearly made her uncomfortable. Nadia's boss is a pig that wants her keep on moving up. She's put in a really tough position. Which leads to her and Henry not meeting on the best of terms. Trust is an issue there.<br /><br />Like all tragic romances there's a past and secrets that can get in the way. But hey, if you've read Hero(which why haven't you?), there's no surprise to their future. Like mentioned, Villain is most definitely a story for the fans that wanted just a little more of Henry and Nadia. I think it does the job well enough. Hero just holds that different more emotional spot in my heart. </div>
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Happy reading!<br />
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Brittany</div>
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BrittanyLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645210938042967995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234486517960079523.post-65515945833991427452017-10-10T10:33:00.000-04:002017-10-10T10:33:09.106-04:002017 Favourites Part 3Part 1 <a href="http://thisisthestoryofmyreadinglife.blogspot.ca/2017/04/2017-favourites-part-1.html" target="_blank">here</a><br />Part 2 <a href="http://thisisthestoryofmyreadinglife.blogspot.ca/2017/07/2017-favourites-part-2.html" target="_blank">here</a><br /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrsSjkKwXCLD9I7EhvzU-ShcxDPjVqzZpYTGGJ7wt6mS-FGKGvMEdPlfyRmxSpVjM7hPfBfI9t7rKTtEkOu0lT6fLm1bQyne0cwGOIcza91Uns44Z5ZYdjFrYruRrKXGgNC58JdsIDbw/s1600/tumblr_njqv9mzZHn1rf73xqo1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrsSjkKwXCLD9I7EhvzU-ShcxDPjVqzZpYTGGJ7wt6mS-FGKGvMEdPlfyRmxSpVjM7hPfBfI9t7rKTtEkOu0lT6fLm1bQyne0cwGOIcza91Uns44Z5ZYdjFrYruRrKXGgNC58JdsIDbw/s320/tumblr_njqv9mzZHn1rf73xqo1_500.gif" /></a>Oh hey. I'm still kinda hanging around here. Think about my blog sometimes. Like when I realize we're 10 days into October and I'm late doing this post. I leave for vacation early tomorrow morning, so this is going to be a rush job. But I want to get it done and out.<br />
Yesterday was Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving to me fellow Canadians! If you're anything like my house, there are now two weeks worth of turkey leftovers.<br />The 2017 trend continues; my reading is going alright. I've yet to discover that stand out read for my reading year. I've read a lot of blahs. Done a lot of rereads. And read some pretty good books. But in all honesty, I had to refresh myself on the past three months because nothing stood out. Which means this list doesn't even have ten books on it. What even. The rest of the year better give me some spectacular books!<br /><br /><b><br /></b><br />
<b>July 1st-September 30th stats</b>:<br /><b>Read</b>: 35<br /><b>Reread</b>: 9/35<br /><b>DNFs:</b> 1<br /><b>Total Read So Far:</b> 129<br /><b>Most Read Genre</b>: Romance<br /><b>Total Pages Read(of finished books)</b>: 44,386<br /><br /><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29283884-the-gentleman-s-guide-to-vice-and-virtue" target="_blank"><img alt="29283884" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1492601464l/29283884.jpg" width="132" /></a><br />A super gay tour of Europe. Some of my favourite cinnamon roll characters of 2017.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32498439-the-fallen-kingdom" target="_blank"><img alt="32498439" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1476819421l/32498439.jpg" width="142" /></a><br />A really solid ending to what I believe is an underrated trilogy. Historical Scotland + fae + broody princes + banter = a good time.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33784373-hunting-prince-dracula" target="_blank"><img alt="33784373" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1489420853l/33784373.jpg" width="133" /></a><br />Gothic Europe at its best. Flirty banter(400 pages of sexual tension). Mystery. These books are bloody fantastic.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34733250-night-of-cake-puppets" target="_blank"><img alt="34733250" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1499075058l/34733250.jpg" width="132" /></a><br />Zuzana's and Mik's first date with spectacular illustrations. This book is everything.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33275690-foolish-hearts" target="_blank"><img alt="33275690" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1487081647l/33275690.jpg" width="132" /></a><br />Emma Mills adds another adorable read to her repertoire. Clueless Claudia makes me a little frustrated. But in a good way. Family, friends, a little romance and perfect dialogue.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33673491-shuffle-repeat" target="_blank"><img alt="33673491" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1493661400l/33673491.jpg" width="132" /></a><br />Cute! June is super pretentious(above high school). But that's what made her growth and realizations so spot on.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35998769-play-on" target="_blank"><img alt="35998769" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1502413075l/35998769.jpg" width="133" /></a><br />One of Young's best books to date. Broody Scotish men, self-growth, sexy moments and a bunch of emotions.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33361210-without-merit" target="_blank"><img alt="33361210" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1506093187l/33361210.jpg" width="128" /></a><br />A very different CoHo book. This family needs a fuck ton of therapy.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34499221-to-kill-a-kingdom" target="_blank"><img alt="34499221" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1506665493l/34499221.jpg" width="133" /></a><br />Keep this one on your radar for early 2018. A dark and twisty Little Mermaid retelling. A bloody good time.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
What's been your most favourite recent read?<br /><br />Happy reading!<br /><br />Brittany</div>
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BrittanyLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645210938042967995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234486517960079523.post-58370230988939545882017-09-19T09:21:00.000-04:002017-09-19T09:21:00.818-04:00Fraternize Blog Tour: Review + Excerpt + Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdSR8N3XhJijuuq19umjQtmr3Hro9WmeLE0qEINh8y1aSw_vPVTMfZpUYQhbayypAQ9gg17tCt7EvJyJ1vgTjT340WmsBeLmBqj4EWk2klS-iabcI5rnLT96NAqvXeromb_nxYbv-XjM/s1600/Fraternize+Blog+Tour+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdSR8N3XhJijuuq19umjQtmr3Hro9WmeLE0qEINh8y1aSw_vPVTMfZpUYQhbayypAQ9gg17tCt7EvJyJ1vgTjT340WmsBeLmBqj4EWk2klS-iabcI5rnLT96NAqvXeromb_nxYbv-XjM/s400/Fraternize+Blog+Tour+Banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hi friends. Thanks for stopping by for my stop on the Fraternize Blog Tour. Fun times are being had, thanks to Thomas Allen. Continue reading for my thoughts on a Fraternize, an excerpt, and a giveaway!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZRemiJgVSzThEXbAbeaiU_dOG-QJ1ZYT2YDB5trUujQzKHkxJPHXArSKhIlcrgQ7VMQBe0-0qav33Y25KiXLItf7TjLNaoGNiOk1j0Z9f2xRuk9gWeM6dGRrN5vGFjm4VRCoBF8dK-4/s1600/Rachel+Van+Dyken+Author+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="622" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZRemiJgVSzThEXbAbeaiU_dOG-QJ1ZYT2YDB5trUujQzKHkxJPHXArSKhIlcrgQ7VMQBe0-0qav33Y25KiXLItf7TjLNaoGNiOk1j0Z9f2xRuk9gWeM6dGRrN5vGFjm4VRCoBF8dK-4/s200/Rachel+Van+Dyken+Author+Photo.jpg" width="133" /></a><b>About the Author</b></div>
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Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.<br />
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She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!<br />
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<b>About the Book</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiciKlU2eUM9iXeJAoedxnFJj0U2_gqMYGJd2ZUpW3oJeaXd9WTI1_PBOlsX_JJxBzlEfHXVzpDFjUTR3qo4kSUyLKHdIJ44JBP1DWa-FbZ3cXLvgTUFKC5dFgoLkPLhZh5TjqPaAbFRQw/s1600/VanDyken-Fraternize-23432-CV-FT-v5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiciKlU2eUM9iXeJAoedxnFJj0U2_gqMYGJd2ZUpW3oJeaXd9WTI1_PBOlsX_JJxBzlEfHXVzpDFjUTR3qo4kSUyLKHdIJ44JBP1DWa-FbZ3cXLvgTUFKC5dFgoLkPLhZh5TjqPaAbFRQw/s200/VanDyken-Fraternize-23432-CV-FT-v5.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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<b>Fraternize by Rachel Van Dyken</b></div>
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<b><b>Publication Date</b>: Sept.12th, 2017</b></div>
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<b>Publisher</b>: Skyscape</div>
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<b>Series</b>: Players Game #1</div>
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<b>Pages</b>: 320</div>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34214847-fraternize" target="_blank">Add to Goodreads</a></div>
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New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken kicks off a brand-new series in which romance is a game and love is a touchdown. </div>
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Emerson just made her dream come true as a professional cheerleader for her favorite pro football team. But even though the plus-size athlete is breaking down boundaries, she still has to contend with the massive rulebook. Carbs? Nope. Chocolate? Definitely not. Still, Emerson loves her curves, and she’ll rock the hell out of this job even if it kills her. Except for one mandate that is easier read than done… </div>
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No fraternizing with the players. </div>
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Problem one is Miller Quinton: Emerson’s first love, first sex, and the guy who still ignites her daydreams and R-rated fantasies. Thrown back together, Miller and Emerson feel the undeniable pull of passion again, even if the conflict that tore them apart seems insurmountable. Then there’s way-too-sexy Grant Sanchez. He has a serious reputation with the ladies, and when it comes to winning someone he wants, he doesn’t let anyone stand in his way. </div>
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Now Emerson is breaking every rule in the manual. But what she doesn’t know is that she’s part of a wicked little game—one that could steal both her dream and her heart.<br />
<a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/fraternize/9781477809204-item.html?ref=isbn-search" target="_blank">indigo</a>| <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Fraternize-Rachel-Van-Dyken/dp/1477809201/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=" target="_blank">amazon.ca</a>| <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fraternize-Players-Game-Rachel-Dyken/dp/1477809201" target="_blank">amazon.com</a>| <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Fraternize-Rachel-Van-Dyken/9781477809204?ref=grid-view&qid=1505823928729&sr=1-1" target="_blank">book depository</a></div>
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<b>Excerpt</b></div>
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<i>Haven’t read part 1 of the chapter one excerpt yet? </i><i>Check out yesterday post to find out how this flashback fits in!</i></div>
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<b>CHAPTER NINE EXCERPT – Part 1 of 2</b></div>
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Emerson</div>
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“Are you sure this is okay?” I glanced around the empty locker room and shivered. My body ached in all the wrong places, places I didn’t even know existed. Practice had ended a half hour ago, and even though I’d rolled out my muscles and nearly cried from the impact of the foam roller, I still hurt.</div>
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“Sure.” Kinsey shrugged. “I use it all the time. Just make sure to lock up when you’re done. It’s one of the perks of being a Bucks Girl.” She dumped the last bag of ice in the tub and pointed. “Ten minutes, no complaining. No tears. Buck up, Bucks Girl.”</div>
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I shivered/ “I hate ice baths.”</div>
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“Everyone hates ice baths, psycho.” She patted me on the back and then gave me a friendly shove toward the tin tub. “Keep your sports bra and underwear on just in case one of the night janitors walks by or, you know, a player.”</div>
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I glared. “A football player?”</div>
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“No worries. It’s preseason, and practice is at the ass-crack of dawn tomorrow. It’s too late for them to be out, the big babies.”</div>
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“Okay.” I sighed, buying myself more time before Kinsey crossed her arms and waited. “You’re not leaving until I’m in the tub, huh?”</div>
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“I’m not leaving until your ass is in the tub.”</div>
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“I take back what I said about you being nice.”</div>
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Laughter burst out of her. “I don’t give a rat’s ass. Now get in the tub, Em.”</div>
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With jerky movements, I pulled my tank over my head, tossed it on the floor, and jerked down my black leggings.</div>
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“Get in.” Kinsey pointed.</div>
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“I am!” I snapped. “I just…was thinking.”</div>
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“You were stalling.”</div>
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“You’re a bitch.</div>
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“Name calling? Really?”</div>
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I gripped the sides of the tub and slowly lowered my sore body. A rush of cold stole the breath from my lungs as tiny needles started jamming into my skin.</div>
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“S-so cold.” I hated Kinsey. “I hate you, I hate you.”</div>
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Her answer was to shrug then grab a red kitchen timer and crank it up to ten. “Alright, see you tomorrow morning, friend!”</div>
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“I have no friends!!” I yelled back at her. I heard her laugh as the locker room door closed.</div>
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Teeth chattering, I tried to think of something to distract myself with while I was blanketed by chilly silence and an insane amount of pain. But the agony was intense, and my muscles seized with every breath I tried to suck in.</div>
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The locker room door opened again.</div>
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“We still aren’t friends!” I yelled as my body convulsed beneath the icy water.</div>
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“Well, that’s disappointing,” came a dark, sexy voice. “I could have sworn we made a pact of sorts this morning.”</div>
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I glanced up through frozen eyelashes to see Sanchez towering over my icy hell with a grin on his smug face.</div>
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<i>End of Excerpt…want to find out what happens between Sanchez and Emerson next? </i><i>Check out tomorrow’s tour post to find out!</i></div>
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<b>Review<br /></b><br />
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So, I know I claim to be this huge romance reader. Which yea, super true. But this was my first foray into a Rachel Van Dyken book. A little ashamed there. Now that's been remedied, and I can say I liked what I read we can move on. </div>
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<br />Fraternize surprised me. Which is a not thing that happens in a straight up romance. I 100% assumed this was going to be a cookie cutter romance. I don't really like to be wrong, but I do like being surprised. So there's that.</div>
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<br />I liked Emerson well enough. She's got a lot going on in her personal life. Add in that her love of cheerleading doesn't look kindly on curvy girls. Emerson has to work twice as hard for her talent to be seen just because of her body. I have no doubt that the girl has a killer, strong body. Of course, she makes the squad and in enters Sanchez; cocky, big talker, determined to make Emerson his best friend/more. Sanchez is so obviously fronting with all his over the top dramatics, that it's really hard to not like the guy. </div>
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<br />Emerson still misses her childhood best friend, Miller. It's a thing she constantly thinks about even though he hurt her. Well, hey, guess what? Miller just happens to be traded and apparently, he hate misses Emerson too. Fraternize also gives us alternating chapters from Miller's POV. It was a most excellent way to see Miller and their shared pass in two different lights. Because clearly, Emerson doesn't know the whole story. And vice versa. </div>
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<br />I want to say that yea, Fraternize has that love triangle thing going on. But at the end of the day, all there are in their early twenties. Emerson is leading neither of them on. And things might just surprise you. Feelings and emotions get confused and messy. Just maybe the past should stay in the past. Who knows what the future really holds. </div>
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<br />Fraternize is a super light and fun sports-centered romance. It gets silly and cheesy at many a times. But that's what I was expecting. I wanted a good time. Emerson has to put up with caddy cheerleaders who hide their jealousy through mean comments. Sanchez offers her an escape. Well, Miller offers her the truth. It's not all about boys and love. Emerson makes a few strong friendships along the way. Body image is a talking point. But these boys are great about hyping her up.<br />I thoroughly enjoyed Fraternize; my first Rachel Van Dyken read. I am so looking forward to the next book in this companion series. </div>
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<b>Giveaway</b><br />
The winner will receive 1 copy of Fraternize by Rachel Van Dyken! Giveaway Details:<br />
- Canada Only (full rules found in the T&C on Rafflecopter)<br />
- Giveaway ends on September 28th at 11:59 am EST<br />
- Winner will be drawn randomly through Rafflecopter, contacted via email & will have 48 hours to claim their prize<br />
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="b863f2b57" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b863f2b57/" id="rcwidget_yrnwvfz6" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br /><br /></div>
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Thanks again to Ambur and Thomas Allen for setting up this blog tour. I hope you guys will check out Fraternize.<br /><br />Happy reading!<br /><br />Brittany</div>
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BrittanyLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645210938042967995noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234486517960079523.post-51651759914775855452017-07-06T05:00:00.000-04:002017-07-06T05:00:06.620-04:00Mid-Year Book Freak Out TAG<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQK0fZvCj7cJSrawlzwbhw5ATyOqv-LzehFPH3uWEiXp19r-QnDgh6hXrUegRRRGjQ-Ch0Cgc6jVlBlXKlE9lvVN1u7-Svm9AqV6yiN_tn0ZtILInMaH67TOzYua-pzINDItkbE7uHok/s400/tumblr_nqxv24JLOb1tq3nl1o1_1280.gif" /></div>
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<i>Full credit to </i><a href="http://abooksofathomless.blogspot.com.au/" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">A Book So Fathomless</a><i> for coming up with these questions. Find their post </i><a href="http://abooksofathomless.blogspot.com.au/2015/07/mid-year-book-freakout-2015-edition.html" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">here</a><i>.</i><br />
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I've done this post/TAG for the past two years, so I figured might as well keep it going.<br />
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1489420853l/33784373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1492601464l/29283884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="29283884" border="0" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1492601464l/29283884.jpg" width="132" /></a><b>1. Best book you've read so far in 2017?</b><br />
You know what? I've yet to read a book that I want to scream and yell about being an instant favourite forever and ever. But I do have some excellent reads. I think because it's the freshest in my mind, <i>The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue. </i>A romping good time!<br />
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<b>2. </b><b>Best</b><b> sequel you've read so far in 2017?</b><br />
Two parter;<br />
Companion sequel; <i>Pucked Off</i>. Surprisingly heartwarming and wrenching, different tone from the other books. But in a very good way.<br />
Sequel in a series; <i>Cashmere. </i>This book is hilarious and different, well being a bit meta. I know the vampire craze is long over, and this series knows it by making fun of it.<br />
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1489420853l/33784373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="33784373" border="0" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1489420853l/33784373.jpg" width="133" /></a><b>3. New release you haven't read yet but want to?</b><br />
I'm pretty much caught up on the releases I was most anticipating in the first half of the year. I do really want to read <i>Flame in the Mist. </i>But there's a good chance I'll wait till the sequel releases next year so I can do a binge.<br />
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<b>4. Most anticipated release for the second part of the year?</b><br />
Honestly, nothing I NEED right this minute. <i>The Language of Thorns, Renegades and Hunting Prince Dracula </i>are all highly anticipated though.<br />
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<b>5. Biggest disappointment?</b><br />
The disappointment of the century you mean. <i>A Court of Wings and Ruin </i>let me down in a lot of ways. After the gift that was ACOMAF I may have expected too much. Either way, ACOWAR barely delivered. I'm still not over this disappointment... Back to the ice cream I go.<br />
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1476994065l/31931941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="31931941" border="0" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1476994065l/31931941.jpg" width="132" /></a><b>6. Biggest surprise?</b><br />
<i>Eliza and Her Monsters</i>; it wasn't even on my radar till about a week before its release and a whole bunch of reviewers were raving about it. So I downloaded an e-ARC and found myself fully invested within the first page. It's the perfect book for us that find homes in fandoms.<br />
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<b>7. Favourite new to you author?</b><br />
Jo Watson; I read her Destination Love series(or what's out so far in it) and thoroughly enjoyed her sense of humour.<br />
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<b>8. Newest fictional crush?</b><br />
I'm one to hoard book boyfriends like a squirrel hiding nuts. But 2017 you haven't been super kind to my shipper heart. <i>Pucked Off </i>finally gave me the chance to get to know Lance. And my perception of him definitely changed for the better. So feel in love with him.<br />
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1464361740l/30038855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="30038855" border="0" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1464361740l/30038855.jpg" width="132" /></a><br />
<b>9. Newest favourite character?</b><br />
Monty, you flirt. He is a literal character. Gets himself into situations and the plans he comes up with to get out of them, zounds. I saw a post on Tumblr say(perfectly sums up <i>The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue)</i>:<br />
Everybody: Monty, no!<br />
Monty: Monty, yes!<br />
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<b>10. Book that made you cry?</b><br />
<i>Letters to the Lost</i> caused plenty of tears. Not necessarily sad tears. The feels sure piled up and overflowed well reading that spectacular book.<br />
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<b>11. Book that made you happy?</b><br />
<i>Damaged Like Us </i>made me happy in the way that I was so damn happy to be back in this world. Back with some of my most beloved characters. Getting to know a new generation of Calloway's.<br />
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<b>12. Favourite book to movie/T.V. show adaptation?</b><br />
I really, really liked Netflix's adaptation of <i>Thirteen Reasons Why</i>. But because it was a book long before Disney got its hands on it, <i>Beauty and the Beast</i>(2017) wins. AMAZING! LOVED!<br />
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1474603468l/30166719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="30166719" border="0" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1474603468l/30166719.jpg" width="127" /></a><br />
<b>13. Favourite review you've written this year?</b><br />
What reviews? Haha. Let's go with <a href="http://thisisthestoryofmyreadinglife.blogspot.ca/2017/05/review-court-of-wings-and-ruin-by-sarah.html" target="_blank">A Court of Wings and Ruin</a> because I put a good effort into my ranting and disappointment.<br />
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<b>14. Most beautiful book you've received so far this year?</b><br />
This(>>) BEAUTIFULLY STUNNING edition of <i>The Beauty and the Beast. </i>The perfect birthday gift from my cousin and aunt.<br />
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<b>15. What books do you need to read by the end of the year?</b><br />
As I always say, any review books I acquire(or have already acquired).<br />
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Did you guys do this TAG? Hook me up if you did!<br /><br />Happy reading!<br /><br />Brittany</div>
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BrittanyLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645210938042967995noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234486517960079523.post-91945292512745985022017-07-03T05:00:00.000-04:002017-07-03T05:00:25.904-04:002017 Favourites Part 2<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrsSjkKwXCLD9I7EhvzU-ShcxDPjVqzZpYTGGJ7wt6mS-FGKGvMEdPlfyRmxSpVjM7hPfBfI9t7rKTtEkOu0lT6fLm1bQyne0cwGOIcza91Uns44Z5ZYdjFrYruRrKXGgNC58JdsIDbw/s320/tumblr_njqv9mzZHn1rf73xqo1_500.gif" /></div>
Find Part 1 <a href="http://thisisthestoryofmyreadinglife.blogspot.ca/2017/04/2017-favourites-part-1.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Happy Canada Day! #Canada150 (or if this post goes up late Happy Canada Day Weekend).<br />These past three months have been decent. I've lacked on the posting and keeping the blog consistent; again. But I've done a good amount of reading. So close to the hundred mark. I honestly don't have any major standouts. I've had a few 5* reads, but mostly 4 and under. One massive disappointment; which if you know me you will see missing from this list. I need to try a little harder at choosing my reads. I need some books to make me super excited(like Belle >>) and get me back to being a reading machine.<br />As expected/assumed, romance has been my go to. Also, read some great YA contemps. Check the stats below:<br />
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April 1st to June 30th stats:<br />
Read: 46<br />
Reread: 9/46<br />
DNFs: 1<br />
Total read so far in 2017: 94<br />
Most Read Genre: Romance<br />
Total Pages Read(of finished books): 31,499<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30312700-alex-approximately" target="_blank"><img alt="30312700" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1466543204l/30312700.jpg" width="133" /></a><br />
Adorable, frustrating, sex positive, movie buff awesomeness.</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30971726-how-to-make-a-wish" target="_blank"><img alt="30971726" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1492235138l/30971726.jpg" width="133" /></a><br />Sweet f/f romance with a few harder hitting moments.</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31931941-eliza-and-her-monsters" target="_blank"><img alt="31931941" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1476994065l/31931941.jpg" width="132" /></a><br />Fandom, fame and mental health was written(and illustrated) perfectly. READ THIS BOOK. </div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32048554-windfall" target="_blank"><img alt="32048554" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1473868084l/32048554.jpg" width="132" /></a><br />
What happens when an 18 year old wins the lottery? A little bit of fun and chaos. Jen Smith is one of my fave authors. She's so dependable. </div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28245707-queens-of-geek" target="_blank"><img alt="28245707" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1488881057l/28245707.jpg" width="133" /></a><br />Three days at a con with three awesome friends. Absolutely fun and perfect. Super positive rep for autism, mental health and LGTBQI+.</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26114524-the-only-thing-worse-than-me-is-you" target="_blank"><img alt="26114524" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1444317771l/26114524.jpg" width="132" /></a><br />
Smart, nerdy kids. There are some pretty big nerd-offs. With a hate to love manipulated romance. It's pure fun.</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33838194-shacking-up" target="_blank"><img alt="33838194" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1484723679l/33838194.jpg" width="138" /></a></div>
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Hunting always knows how to deliver a great romcom. The relationship is a slow burn that borders more towards the sweet side. 100% approve.</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35244824-the-foxe-the-hound" target="_blank"><img alt="35244824" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1495990836l/35244824.jpg" width="125" /></a><br />
Fun. Hilarious. A raging good time. </div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31078124-the-unlikelies" target="_blank"><img alt="31078124" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1489647845l/31078124.jpg" width="133" /></a><br />
Quirky and darkly funny. Friendship to the max. I mean, mature friend group. </div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34080660-stay" target="_blank"><img alt="34080660" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1485826787l/34080660.jpg" width="133" /></a><br />
Oh Erickson. I LOVE this author duo. Trust me when I say they create swoony romcom gold together.</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35047889-damaged-like-us" target="_blank"><img alt="35047889" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1493680205l/35047889.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
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I feel like I've been waiting a lifetime for this book. Moffy is everything I needed him to be. Loved Farrow. LOVED being back in the Calloway world!</div>
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What's been your favourite book this past quarter?<br />
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Happy reading!<br />
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Brittany</div>
BrittanyLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645210938042967995noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234486517960079523.post-64761379154452024872017-06-29T09:40:00.002-04:002017-06-29T09:40:34.638-04:00Blog Tour: Until It Fades by K A Tucker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>ABOUT UNTIL IT FADES:</b></div>
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Twenty-four-year-old truck stop waitress and single mother Catherine Wright has simple goals: to give her five-year-old daughter a happy life and to never again be the talk of the town in Balsam, Pennsylvania (population three thousand outside of tourist season).<br />
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And then one foggy night, on a lonely road back from another failed date, Catherine saves a man’s life. It isn’t until after the police have arrived that Catherine realizes exactly who it is she has rescued: Brett Madden, hockey icon and media darling.<br />
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Catherine has already had her fifteen minutes of fame and the last thing she wants is to have her past dragged back into the spotlight, only this time on a national stage. So she hides her identity. It works. For a time.<br />
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But when she finds the man she saved standing on her doorstep, desperate to thank her, all that changes. There’s an immediate connection, and it’s more electric than the bond of two people who endured a traumatic event. It’s something neither of them expected. Something that Catherine isn’t sure she can handle; something she is afraid to trust.<br />
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Because how long can an extraordinary man like Brett be interested in an ordinary woman like Catherine...before the spark fades?<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1501133381?tag=simonsayscom" target="_blank">amazon.com</a>| <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Until-Fades-Novel-K-Tucker-ebook/dp/B01J1XU87G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1498688381&sr=8-1&keywords=until+it+fades" target="_blank">amazon.ca</a>| <a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/until-it-fades-a-novel/9781501133381-item.html?ikwid=until+it+fades&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0" target="_blank">indigo</a>| <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Until-It-Fades-K-Tucker/9781501133381?ref=grid-view&qid=1498688454718&sr=1-1" target="_blank">book depository</a>| <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/until-it-fades-ka-tucker/1124286600;jsessionid=31B4540061DD97307AE925B1435BE8AA.prodny_store01-atgap05?ean=9781501133381&st=AFF&2sid=Simon%20&%20Schuster_7567305_NA&sourceId=AFFSimon%20&%20SchusterM000023" target="_blank">B&N</a>| <a href="http://www.booksamillion.com/p/9781501133381" target="_blank">BAM</a>| <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781501133381?aff=simonsayscom" target="_blank">indiebound</a>| <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/until-it-fades/id1137741016?mt=11" target="_blank">apple</a>| <a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details/K_A_Tucker_Until_It_Fades?id=Rmq7DAAAQBAJ&PAffiliateId=110l3H&PCamRefID=untilitfades_9781501133398_sscom" target="_blank">google</a>| <a href="https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/until-it-fades" target="_blank">kobo</a><br />
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<b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</b></div>
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K.A. Tucker is the author of He Will Be My Ruin and the Ten Tiny Breaths and Burying Water series. She currently resides outside of Toronto with her husband, two beautiful girls, and a Chug.<br />
<a href="https://www.katuckerbooks.com/" target="_blank">website</a>| <a href="https://www.facebook.com/K.A.Tucker.Author" target="_blank">facebook</a>| <a href="https://twitter.com/kathleenatucker" target="_blank">twitter</a>| <a class="" href="https://www.instagram.com/katucker_/" target="_blank">instagram</a><br />
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<b>Publisher: </b>Atria Books<br />
<b>Publication Date: </b>June 27, 2017<br />
<b>Pages: </b>356<br />
<b>Source: </b>ARC from publisher<br />
<b>Rating: </b>4/5<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31208654-until-it-fades" target="_blank">Add to Goodreads</a></div>
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<b>Until it Fades</b> is a girls dream type romance. You know growing up when you imagine your celebrity crush(or just a celebrity) coming into your life in some way and sweeping you off your feet in some whirlwind romance? <b>Until it Fades</b> is mostly that for Catherine. She saves the life of one the NHL's biggest stars and her life immediately changes. Catherine is a small town girl, who had a really rocky and tough time in her later teen years. A scandal that the town blamed her for and then becoming a mom at eighteen. Catherine works at a truck stop diner to support her daughter, Brenna, well trying to build a relationship with her family again. Then enters Brett. Catherine saved his life and well that's going to bond two people whether they want it to or not.<br />
<br /><b>Until it Fades</b> is a pretty light read. There are a few grittier subjects that shaped Catherine and where she is today. But for the most part, Tucker lightly touches on what could have been a really dark book. Romance is the genre here, but I feel like it wasn't fleshed out enough. <b>Until it Fades</b> it quite plot heavy. Catherine isn't in the best head space, so she needs to build up her confidence again. The fact is that Catherine and Brett spend more than half of the book apart and barely talking. So yea there was that element of the slow burning, but also once they get together it really is a whirlwind. I mean rich guy, poor girl, you know. I really liked it. It really worked the for the book and their characters.<br /><br />Let's talk characters. Catherine is super likeable. She fell for the wrong guy as a teenager; more like manipulated into falling for him and that caused her life to derail. But she knows what hard work is. Catherine is humble and kind(almost to a fault). Being there for her daughter, Brenna is everything to her. Brett is a really stand up guy. I dare you not to fall for him. For someone who could be a total douchebag based on his families status, he's the farthest thing from him. Watching him fall for Catherine and Brenna is really sweet. The accident made him realize that even at twenty-six he needs to plan for a future that can change at the drop of a hat. Brett is a truly nice guy who gives a crap. He's caring and adorable. Where do I find a Brett?<br />Not being a kid person, I'm surprised by my thoughts here. But Brenna totally stole the show. She's a really smart five years old. Has her wits about here. Listens to Catherine and her grandparents. But like any kid, she's going to repeat things or speak her mind. Which is really hilarious on the page when it gets Catherine into an awkward moment.<br />Supporting cast is awesome! Keith, Catherine's best friend is so dependable and a true friend. Misty is a bit of a mess herself, a little overeager, but you can't fault her where Catherine is concerned. Leroy and Lou, Cath's surrogate parents. The owner's of the diner and her safe place.<br />Catherine's family could not be any different than Brett's. It's funny to watch them interact the few times they do. Jack, Catherine's brother is a mischievous college hockey player whom I'm crossing my fingers gets his own book soon. <br /><br /><b>Until it Fades</b> is a really solid book. It's more of a plot-driven romance, and although that's not my favourite I still found it to be super enjoyable. I sped through the story just wanting to see Catherine and Brett finally kiss. I know patience is a virtue that I don't have. But it definitely pays off. If you're looking for something on the lighter side of the romance scale. Something that leaves you wanting more with a side of great characters than pick up <b>Until it Fades</b> ASAP.<br />P.S. That easter egg for Toronto fans; I see what you did there, Tucker. </div>
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<b>GIVEAWAY:</b></div>
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Happy reading!<br />
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Brittany</div>
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BrittanyLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645210938042967995noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234486517960079523.post-53201323133841630162017-06-05T05:00:00.000-04:002017-06-05T05:00:04.588-04:00Review: How to Make A Wish by Ashley Herring Blake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>How to Make A Wish by Ashley Herring Blake<br /><br />Publisher: </b>HMH Kids<br />
<b>Publication Date: </b>May 2nd, 2017<br />
<b>Pages: </b>336<br />
<b>Source: </b>ARC from Publisher<br />
<b>Rating: </b>4/5<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30971726-how-to-make-a-wish" target="_blank">Add to Goodreads</a><br />
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<i>Grace, tough and wise, has nearly given up on wishes, thanks to a childhood spent with her unpredictable, larger-than-life mother. But this summer, Grace meets Eva, a girl who believes in dreams, despite her own difficult circumstances. <br /><br />One fateful evening, Eva climbs through a window in Grace’s room, setting off a chain of stolen nights on the beach. When Eva tells Grace that she likes girls, Grace’s world opens up and she begins to believe in happiness again. How to Make a Wish is an emotionally charged portrait of a mother and daughter’s relationship and a heartfelt story about two girls who find each other at the exact right time.</i><br />
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Guyyyssss, what a sweet little book. I mean, there's definitely some sniffle-inducing moments. But all and all, so sweet and lovely. I read Ashley's debut, <i>Suffer Love</i>, last year. I remember thoroughly enjoying it. Buuutttt that's about all I remember. So, that's not great(but will make a good reread; be like I'm reading it for the first time(again)). Could be my fault because I read a bazillion contemps in a year. Where I was going with this is that, <i>How to Make a Wish</i> promised a bi MC in a gay relationship, so automatically I signed myself up to some non-existent list that promised me I would find a way to get my grabby hands on this one. And well I obviously did, but with a bit of trepidation because of the whole realizing that Suffer Love was ultimately forgettable. I think I'm safe here, <i>How to Make A Wish </i>leaves me with quite a bit to remember it by.<br /><br />Grace was in a really hard situation. Her mom is the farthest thing from providing a stable parental unit. Grace had to grow up super fast, she's the adult in their relationship. And it shows on Grace's exterior. Grace's attitude and hard shell is hard to get pass at times but makes sense for the life she lives. <i>How to Make A Wish </i>is a book about different kinds of relationships but is also a great coming of age, self-growth story. We start the book as Grace is coming home after being away for a few weeks, to find that her mom has moved them in with her new boyfriend. New boyfriend isn't a terrible guy, but the situation, living situation is terrible. Who ups and moves their teenage daughter to some strange guys home? And strange guys home also happens to be the home of his son; Grace's ex-boyfriend. Let's just say they didn't end of pretty terms. That's pretty much the icing on the cake when it comes to Grace's mom, the revolving door of boyfriends, drinking, no job, constant moving. As I said, not stable. It's really really hard to feel one ounce of sympathy towards her mom. Even when it's obvious that she's not mentally stable. To see the life Grace is living, the situations she has to save her mom from. Her mom even sells her piano. Which is Grace's love and life; her ticket to college. So there's the biggest and most complicated relationship in Grace's life.<br /><br />Luca, Grace's best friend is a real treat. I want to call their friendship more sibling like. But it is a true and strong friendship. There are no secret lingering romantic feelings. Thank God. Luca is loyal and the most stable person in Grace's life. Which also brings his family into Grace's life. His mom is a better mom to Grace than her own. I love their relationship too. Like I mentioned, Grace is hard to get through to sometimes. She's got a hard shell that she can't let crack, and neither Luca or his mom ever shy away from being there for her. A lot of the time it is about Grace and what her mom has done now, Luca is perfect at talking Grace down, bringing her to reality. It's one of those things where Grace can say whatever about her mom, but if someone else, like Luca or his mom brings a dose of reality Grace is quick to be angry at them. But that never keeps them away, they understand. Two of the least selfish, wonderful people.<br /><br />Eva is somewhat of a salvation for Grace. Yet also a complication. Luca's mom becomes Eva's guardian after her mom unexpectedly and quite suddenly passes away. Eva and Grace bond immediately. Over their art; Eva being a dancer and Grace being a pianist. Over their broken families. Both feel lost and unsure about their futures. The chemistry is definitely there. In a very sweet and innocent way. I mention this relationship is a complication for Grace because she doesn't want to care for and eventually lose someone else. She sets out to protect Eva from her mom by keeping the truths about her mom secret from Eva. Luca is on her to tell her everything. But Grace is convinced if she just tells Eva the bare minimum and asks her to keep her distance everything will be fine. Until it isn't. There's no falling out, there are just times where both Grace and Eva need time. I love them together. Even being a YA book, and them being young, their relationship has that timeless more mature feel to it.<br /><br />Grace is a complicated character. Becoming the adult at such a young age will change how a kid grows and sees the world. Grace lives in a small town, she loves her town. But she wants out. Grace knows there's more for her. She is a very talented pianist. Grace works hard even with all her mother's setbacks. Grace doesn't provide the reader with an easy time. She is self-involved a lot of the time. She blames the world for giving her such a hard leg to stand on. Eva brings hard truths based on her life growing up as a dancer and being bi-racial. Luca's tough love starts to crack her shells. Grace's moms actions eventually really take their toll. I mean, that ex-boyfriend Grace was trying to make us hate so much showed a very different side to their relationship. Grace could be as uninterested as her mom at times. I never let her faults affect how I saw Grace. There was just something about her that made me connect with her instantly. And she showed major development. Yes, she could be quick to anger but it didn't always fester and Grace eventually learned to stop placing blame.<br /><br />Yes, <i>How to Make A Wish </i>touched on some deeper topics, like grief and mental illness, but I never felt like the story went dark. It was a sweet first love with some very dimensional characters. I cannot wait to see what Ashley will give me in future books.<br /><br /><br />
Happy reading!<br /><br />Brittany<br />
<br />BrittanyLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645210938042967995noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234486517960079523.post-53305272096816617522017-05-18T05:00:00.000-04:002017-05-18T05:00:07.717-04:00Review: The Names They Gave Us by Emery Lord<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGDgThr57vTl90kRiMOWgcSdW-Aj17_wa1oq9FdMhh1Xy2yvyS8gyVcwB2vz3dtZfBa_gJsjO3gOFKzL2i5BQgFw4wzg-Q3Ih0zeL6a8MxKVc6fZgVQPMFcDEVH-4jjpR_RfBNucsBaw/s1600/30038906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGDgThr57vTl90kRiMOWgcSdW-Aj17_wa1oq9FdMhh1Xy2yvyS8gyVcwB2vz3dtZfBa_gJsjO3gOFKzL2i5BQgFw4wzg-Q3Ih0zeL6a8MxKVc6fZgVQPMFcDEVH-4jjpR_RfBNucsBaw/s320/30038906.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<b>The Names They Gave Us by Emery Lord</b><br />
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<b>Publisher: </b>Bloomsbury<br /><b>Publication Date: </b>May 16th, 2017<br /><b>Pages: </b>400<br /><b>Source: </b>ARC from Publisher<br /><b>Rating: </b>4/5<br /><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30038906-the-names-they-gave-us" target="_blank">Add to Goodreads</a><br /><br /><i>Lucy Hansson was ready for a perfect summer with her boyfriend, working at her childhood Bible camp on the lake. But when her mom’s cancer reappears, Lucy falters—in faith, in love, and in her ability to cope. When her boyfriend “pauses” their relationship and her summer job switches to a different camp—one for troubled kids—Lucy isn’t sure how much more she can handle. Attempting to accept a new normal, Lucy slowly regains footing among her vibrant, diverse coworkers, Sundays with her mom, and a crush on a fellow counselor. But when long-hidden family secrets emerge, can Lucy set aside her problems and discover what grace really means?</i><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
I like Emery. I really do. Her first two books are two of my all-time favourite contemps. I had some issues with her last book, but that was a me thing. Of course, I was dying to get my hands on <i>The Names They Gave Us</i>. Even though I had some reservations. I wasn't sure how well I'd connect, even like <i>The Names They Gave Us</i>. It is about the daughter of a pastor struggling with her faith. I am not a religious person and can find that when faith and religion are one of the main plot points I find myself unable to connect to the story. Or even find that it's too in my face. Clearly, I shouldn't doubt Emery and her story telling abilities. I may not have been able to relate to Lucy on those aspects of her life but that did not take away from the enjoyment of this book. <i>The Names They Gave Us</i> may not be my favourite of Emery's books but I do believe it's her strongest(to date). <br /><br />I had some misgivings about Lucy pretty much right away. You get this immediate impression of her; daughter of the pastor, clean cut, captain of the swim team, perfect upstanding boyfriend, hiding a few of her passions from her parents; she has a certain image to uphold. Or at least she thinks she does. My views on Lucy changed pretty quickly. She obviously had a lot of personal growth to go through. And it's not that she was a bad person, it's more that her true self had yet to have the time to shine through. Lucy was hidden behind her faith, the comfortable feeling of her trusting loyal boyfriend and captaining the swim team. The news of the return of her mother's cancer is ultimately the catalyst summer Lucy and all she'll learn. I loved Lucy for being curious and fiercely loyal. Even when shocking secrets are revealed and she has every right to be mad, Lucy remains unselfish and a decent person. <br /><br />Obviously, her mom's cancer is tragic, but I want to point out the bright light that came from it for Lucy(besides her boyfriend pausing them because yea dude is nice but Lucy needs more than nice), her spending the summer as a counsellor at the camp next door. This isn't her families bible camp. It's a camp for troubled kids. Lucy goes in with misgivings. It is a very different setting than her normal summer. But that's the point. Lucy needs to get out of her comfort zone. To realize how strong of a person she is. To form new friendships. To strengthen her bond with her parents. And the big one for Lucy, learning to trust her faith and to know that it will change and grow as she does. I feel like a lot of readers will find themselves relating to Lucy in one way. Even if you live different lifestyles, personal growth and change is always a scary thing when you're a teenager. Even more so in the throes of tragedy.<br />Quick note on the cancer plotline; this is far from a "cancer book". Yes, Lucy mom's cancer is an element of the book but it is not the book. Far from it. <br /><br /><i>The Names They Gave Us</i> is a character driven novel, as you would assume a contemp would be. Lucy is our leading lady, but there is a whole slew of characters that I came to love as they dealt with their own baggage, well also helping Lucy along on her summer of growth. The power of friendship really shines through for Lucy when she starts to form relationships with some of her fellow counsellors. I don't think she realized how lonely she was until that point. The four main friendships she forms are some of the best moments in the book. As a group they're dynamic is amazing and fun. They have that familial bond that is missing in a lot of YA books out there. Lucy starts to fit seamlessly into the group. Forming those new relationships, with the group and some of the other kids at the camp is truly what helps Lucy in her journey.<br /><br />There is a romance; which is sweet and swoony and exactly what I wanted it to be. Never at any point does it take over the story. The romance is quite a few rungs down that plot ladder. Friends, family, faith and Lucy herself all squish up front and centre. Which is exactly how it should be for this story. I mean, I wouldn't mind more of Lucy and Jones in the future. Their relationship is super adorable. The whole always being yourself and honest with each other thing makes their lasting power as a couple believable. Even with them being so young. <br /><br /><i>The Names They Gave Us </i>is a personal growth story. Lucy starts out pretty subdued and nieve. She believes there is so much holding her back from learning to be herself. Lucy believes things about her parents just based on their faith and that is a dangerous thing. This is where Lucy's curiosity and her ability to learn and change shape her as a person. What you believe in people, how you think they'll react or think is second nature to us. Lucy realzing that her parent's faith or somebodies home life isn't a good enough reason to judge. Just like Lucy loving make-up or not knowing what her future holds should stop her exploring her life and options in the present. <i>The Names They Gave Us </i>is just a great YA contemp for anyone looking for a solid one sitting read; it's got the fun times, the sad times, family, friendship and a pinch of romance. A total win for me. <div>
<br />P.S. I get what Emery was doing with that ending, but open endings are my enemy. Just be forewarned. I'd like to think that leaves room for a sequel. I know that is very very wishful dreaming on my part.<br /><br /><br />Happy reading!<br /><br />Brittany<br /><br /></div>
BrittanyLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645210938042967995noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234486517960079523.post-83841922886938897762017-05-17T05:00:00.001-04:002017-05-17T12:48:42.406-04:00Review: The Love Interest by Cale Dietrich<br />
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<b>The Love Interest by Cale Dietrich</b><br />
<b><br /></b> <b>Publisher: </b>Feiwel & Friends<br />
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<b>Publication Date: </b>May 16th, 2017<br />
<b>Pages: </b>384<br />
<b>Source: </b>ARC from publisher<br />
<b>Rating: </b>2/5<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31145148-the-love-interest" target="_blank">Add to Goodreads</a><br />
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<i>There is a secret organization that cultivates teenage spies. The agents are called Love Interests because getting close to people destined for great power means getting valuable secrets.<br /><br />Caden is a Nice: The boy next door, sculpted to physical perfection. Dylan is a Bad: The brooding, dark-souled guy, and dangerously handsome. The girl they are competing for is important to the organization, and each boy will pursue her. Will she choose a Nice or the Bad?<br /><br />Both Caden and Dylan are living in the outside world for the first time. They are well-trained and at the top of their games. They have to be – whoever the girl doesn’t choose will die.<br /><br />What the boys don’t expect are feelings that are outside of their training. Feelings that could kill them both.</i><br />
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Friends, I am a huge ball of disappointment right now. Excuse me well I devour some pizza to get me through this review.<br />
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<i>The Love Interest</i> immediately made it to the top of my most need now, give me ARC in exchange for my black soul list when I realized it was about a school that trains spies to infiltrate these girls lives for whatever reason. They send in two boys to compete to win her heart. That part didn't get me. The twist was the boys end up falling for each other. I'M HERE FOR THAT!<br />
What actually proceeded to happen was a hot fucking mess. The sort with poor execution and extremely one-dimensional characters.<br />
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In theory, <i>The Love Interest </i>should have been wonderfully meta. It literally plays on every trope and cliche that YA has overused throughout the past ten years. An M/F/M love triangle that consists of the bad boy and nice boy competing to win the heart of this unique and unknowingly beautiful girl, who is not like ANY OTHER GIRL. EVER. This spy school makes(trains) these boys to be YA cliches. The boys know nothing about the real world except for what they watch and read in popular teen media. This should have been fucking hilarious. And for the first fifty pages or so I was so into it. I'm thinking this could be possibly one of the best things to happen to my YA loving heart. We now all know how that thinking turned out...<br />
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The three most important things about a book failed me here. Let's start with the characters. Caden, Dyl and Juliet were literal personifications of their main traits. Caden the nice. Dyl the bad. And Juliet the different beautiful girl. Let's just outright scratch Juliet from the rest of this review. There is nothing to say except zzzzzzzzz. Caden and Dyl, every time the scene gave them the opportunity to explore their true personalities, away from acting as the cliched nice or bad, I had high hopes. We're going to get some swoony and fun gay moments. GIMMIE. Maybe once or twice, yes, but holy god was the rest terrible. These three characters, the satire, and fun that could have been had. What a missed opportunity.<br />
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There's no plot. There's no world building. And hey, I tell you guys every time that I am a character driven reader. So world building isn't the end all be all for me. BUT, when a book is missing everything that lack of world building and plot development becomes an issue. <i>The Love Interest</i> is about a spy school and the main character realizing how much he wants freedom and to be himself. So let's take down the establishment, bro. The end. There is zero development or movement from that line.<br />
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I think the absolute real killer for me was the writing. Like I said, the satire that was expected to come from this read was non-existent. The dialogue was flat, flat, flat. One cheesy, cliched, unemotional line after another. At the 60% mark, I was so over everything. I was bored and thus commenced the skimming. I thought about giving up, but this book still had me hoping for something to save it from itself.<br />
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I was here for the promised gayness. Caden had some decent moments well he was coming to terms with his sexuality. The dude grew up in a place that probably wasn't super okay or open about being your true self. So I was alright with giving him a minute to figure that out.<br />
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Caden and Dyl's "relationship" on the other hand was not the burning focal point that I expected it to be. Again, it had its moments. But there was also a whole bunch of harmful bits. In fact, for like 50 pages it veered into queer baiting territory, and this girl was fucking livid. From that point on, their relationship wasn't salvageable.<br />
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Disappointments are the hardest. I can handle a terrible read when I didn't have any expectations. But when I feel like I'm promised something and the execution fails so epically, it's a letdown. There's your Catch-22; are expectations the real one to blame here?<br />
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I mean, if you can get over a very flat story and characters, The Love Interest delivers on the fun scale. It doesn't take its self seriously. It's a cliched mess in exactly the way it's meant to be. There are no surprises. The Love Interest is ten years of YA tropes in 400 pages.<br />
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Happy reading!<br />
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Brittany</div>
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BrittanyLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645210938042967995noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234486517960079523.post-73287665550353526432017-05-15T05:00:00.000-04:002017-05-17T12:42:19.781-04:00Review: A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J Maas<b><br /></b>
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<b>A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J Maas</b><br />
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<b>Publisher: </b>Bloomsbury<br />
<b>Publication Date: </b>May 2nd, 2017<br />
<b>Series: </b>A Court of Thorns and Roses #3<br />
<b>Pages: </b>705<br />
<b>Source: </b>Purchased<br />
<b>Rating: </b>3/5<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31451174-a-court-of-wings-and-ruin" target="_blank">Add to Goodreads</a><br />
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<i>A nightmare, I’d told Tamlin. I was the nightmare.</i><br />
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Feyre<i> has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin’s maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring </i>Prythian<i> to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit—and one slip may spell doom not only for </i>Feyre,<i> but for her world as well. As war bears down upon them all, </i>Feyre<i> must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords—and hunt for allies in unexpected places.</i><br />
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<b>I just want to point out the obvious spoiler warning. This review doesn't hold back. Enter at your own risk.</b><br />
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<b><br /></b>If I'm being completely honest with myself, ACOWAR is more a 3*. It's just really hard to choose that star number for a trilogy I have been shouting to the stars about being my favourite. The ToG series turned out to be a dumpster fire; it's like Maas can write this fantastic first book, an even better second book, and that third book, that's where it starts to get messy. Maybe duologies should be her thing?...<br />
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Although I didn't hate ACOWAR, I had a lot of problems. So this review? It's probably going to seem much more negative than positive. I don't really care. Those problems are what stick out for me because I needed this book to be near perfect, and it just wasn't. But I can start with what I liked.<br />
Feyre, Rhys, Az, Mor, Cassian, Armen, Nesta, Elain and even Lucien; I still like you guys. It's not your fault you were toned down at times. Look how far Feyre has come! She is a strong bamf of a High-Lady. Rhys, you've come just as far with starting to defeat your demons. Nesta, though, that girl is a stone-cold wall and I am here for that. I get you, girl.<br />
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We all know there are more books to come in this series, and I mean it's pretty damn obvious who those books will be about. Maas did a good enough job of setting up those characters for their stories. I mean, you can't just touch on their new lives or reveal secrets like that and not wrap them up. So if the next three books aren't centered around who I assume they will be, things will get ugly real fast.<br />
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The banter and relationship with Feyre, Rhys and the Inner Circle was still pretty much on point. They fight and love like a family. Even better was the inclusion of more of the different courts. Meeting more High Lords and High Fae was fun. Especially when they all have very long histories with Rhys.<br />
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Okay, so I don't know if I want to blame this disappointment on myself, for I clearly put ACOWAR on a very high pedestal. After ACOMAF, I expected ACOWAR to deliver the moon and well it didn't even come close. ACOWAR was fine. But who the hell wants just fine when you're expecting epic?!<br />
I can't even pinpoint what really was my biggest issue. It was more a cumulation of a bunch of smallish things.<br />
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I've yet to have issues with Maas's writing, but this time, woah batman. If you dislike the word Mate, well.... It's the repetitiveness of words and those damn - and ... multiple times on a page. HOW IS AN EDITOR LETTING THIS SLIDE?!<br />
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The pacing was so off at times. Even Rhys couldn't fix it for me; because the unthinkable happened, I GOT BORED WITH RHYS ON THE PAGE! WHAT EVEN?!?! It was so slow for so much of the book that I knew when we finally got to the battle and action things were going to be rushed. And that sure was what happened.<br />
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ACOWAR was missing that spark. Characters felt off, and sometimes one-dimensional. The plot was so fucking predictable and convenient. I never feared for any of the main guy's lives. I go into the last book in a trilogy like this, where war is coming and I know death and destruction are on the horizon. I fear for my precious tears. But at some point into ACOWAR I lost that feeling. So and so is epically hurt, someone screams because they think someone else is dying, but I just knew there was nothing to worry about. Was Maas trying to make up for QoS and mess she made of ToG with that book? I kind of felt like it. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to see ANY of my precious babies in pain or worse. BUT when war is happening, death is to be expected. When EVERYONE makes it out unscathed, that's super unrealistic, even for a fantasy. Especially when, fuckface Tamlin is given redemption.<br />
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Okay, so I'm sure everyone is aware of the criticism Maas gets for her lack of diversity. She's never addressed it, as happens a lot. ACOWAR has the inclusion of some LGBTQ+ characters. A few new characters, some we already know. Great. Some much needed diverse characters added. Maybe Maas isn't as blind to her world problems as we, the reader, assume. My issue though, how forced and unauthentic this came off. Adding a few gay characters in, having another known character reveal "their secret lifestyle" was very obviously a second thought. So yes, great, Maas realized how much she needs to diversify her world, but hey maybe don't make it seem like you're only doing that because you feel like you have to. You should want to. I sure as hell hope I'm wrong; it just felt so off when I was reading those passages and scenes. Like I said, unauthentic. That is the best word, to sum up how it made me feel every time that character and their lover was mentioned.<br />
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There is a lot of uncomfortable, inappropriate and harmful moments throughout the book. Like I mentioned above, the harmful LGBTQ+ representation is too prominent. The icky feelings Rhys gave me at times was super unexpected. From telling Mor that should suck it up and be okay with forming an alliance with her abusers to Rhys telling Feyre that the library is a safe spot for the Priestess who have been victims of sexual assault but then proceeds to stick his fingers in Feyre. Maas's writing and story telling felt super sloppy and almost like she didn't care enough to fix all these harmful scenes.<br />
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Fuck, Rhys and Feyre are overly obnoxious for 50% of the book. Now that they're mated, the innuendoes take a front seat whatever the moment. They could seriously be discussing a tragic moment and it quickly turns into something sexual and dirty. Which adds to how inappropriate this book feels way too many times. I realize it's a romance. I'M HERE FOR THAT. But it got old super fast. The banter and sexual tension from ACOMAF were missing. A lot was missing from ACOMAF, but their relationship was my everything from that book. I expected the dynamic to change because obviously(they're mated don't you know?...). I just thought it would change for the better. Not lose half of the elements I loved about them being together, to begin with.<br />
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I just am a ball of disappointment. ACOTAR and ACOMAF left me needing more. Wanting more. I had major book hangovers. I was rereading my favourite parts all the time. I finished ACOWAR, closed the book and didn't even want to look at it. I very easily picked up my next read and went on with my life. I had feelings, but they were ones that made me want to vent to Samantha and tell her to hurry up and finish the damn book so we could discuss ALL of my problems. When I should have been saying hurry up and finish so we can bask in our tears and happiness together. Fine is one of the worst words to describe something, especially ACOWAR. ACOMAF gave me so much life, that maybe I should have known ACOWAR couldn't give me that much. But fuck, I was expecting at least almost getting there.<br />
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I'm not going to kid myself, I will more than likely revisit ACOWAR before the next book releases next year. I'm not dreading the continuation of the series. The possibilities of where Maas can go in future books is endless. I will try my hardest to not let my lingering feelings over ACOWAR ruin what could be another epic installment to the ACOTAR world.<br />
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Happy reading!<br />
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BrittanyBrittanyLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645210938042967995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234486517960079523.post-38716707437305423802017-04-25T09:26:00.003-04:002017-04-25T09:26:45.124-04:00Release Day: It Happened On Love Street by Lia Riley<br />
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7q92EwD0qifpRtl8n32_sTiq3No6tcNxI83oHoRm_V1XzaFL7K5UUrqrlR7wqV3OJBhGLdb9TldrJLY-EG4TfgXMI8FOLZfFvEsDgIYj8rZmxxrs3TNKTNfA1hQr_ZOfw-FN244sV8CE/s640/FOR_happenedonlovestreet_blitz.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZq14z1Ddo5xOpSsuVIZXPclkYavY_tHS9fsjDr-C8IADk5HQj6ThTlbrC6bC3MXG7cicEMY9G_MJwsJJu6B_Re2tJI8nxAtjs8d5iTeCohI4wIEWE2iQ87RilG0qek0M_czxSEyojC8o/s1600/Riley_ItHappenedOnLoveStreet_MM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZq14z1Ddo5xOpSsuVIZXPclkYavY_tHS9fsjDr-C8IADk5HQj6ThTlbrC6bC3MXG7cicEMY9G_MJwsJJu6B_Re2tJI8nxAtjs8d5iTeCohI4wIEWE2iQ87RilG0qek0M_czxSEyojC8o/s320/Riley_ItHappenedOnLoveStreet_MM.JPG" width="197" /></a><b>ABOUT THE BOOK</b><br />
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Title: IT HAPPENED ON LOVE STREET<br />
Author: Lia Riley<br />
Series: Everland, Georgia<br />
On Sale: April 25, 2017<br />
Publisher: Forever<br />
Mass Market: $7.99 USD<br />
eBook: $5.99 USD<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29335317-it-happened-on-love-street?from_search=true" target="_blank">Add to Goodreads</a><br />
<span style="color: #0000ee; text-decoration-line: underline;">Series Page on Goodreads</span><br />
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In the tradition of New York Times bestselling authors Kristan Higgins, Jill Shalvis, and Marina Adair, comes the first in a new series by Lia Riley about two city sisters finding love in a small town.<br />
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The most romantic place she never wanted to be . . .<br />
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Pepper Knight moved to Everland, Georgia, as step one in her plan for a successful legal career. But after this big-city gal's plans go awry, going home with her tail between her legs isn't an option. So when the town vet—<br />
and her sexy new neighbor—offers Pepper a temporary dog-walking job, she jumps at the chance. No one needs to know that man's best friend is her worst nightmare . . . or that Everland's hot animal whisperer leaves her panting.<br />
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The last thing Rhett Valentine wants is to be the center of small-town gossip. After his first love left him at the altar, he's been there, done that. These days, life is simple, just the way he likes it. But sultry southern nights get complicated once sparks fly between him and the knockout next door. When she proposes a sexy, secret fling—all the deliciousness and none of the prying neighbors-it seems too good to be true. And it is. Because Pepper's determined to leave Love Street, and when she goes, she just might take his heart with her . . .<br />
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“Here’s an idea.” He nudged his finger on hers. “Say we—and this is purely hypothetically—enjoyed the . . . ahem . . .pleasure of each other’s company in the privacy of our homes.”<br />
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“Hypothetically, kept it casual and under the radar?”<br />
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She nudged back. “When I leave, there’s no heartbreak, no drama, and no one is the wiser.”<br />
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“Interesting theory?” He reached out, his hand splaying her knee. “Or recipe for disaster?”<br />
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Tingles shot up her thigh. His skin was warm, those fingers very big and very male. “I have enough to worry about with my future. If you don’t need me for more than a little here and now? I might be persuaded. Hypothetically.”<br />
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He moved his hand from her knee to the back of her neck. The touch melted her faster than an ice cube in the July sun.<br />
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“What are you thinking?” she murmured.<br />
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His deep blue gaze locked on hers and there it came again, that curious sensation of floating and drowning. “That I’d like to hypothetically kiss you.”<br />
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There was a sudden roaring in her ears, a whoosh of blood. “Well, there’s only one way to test a hypothesis.”<br />
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Slowly, oh so slowly, he dipped forward. His lips didn’t settle on hers like she expected. Instead, he kissed the center of her forehead, softly, experimentally. A tremble rocked through him.<br />
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The evening air was sultry, no a hint of chill. The idea that she shook this steadfast man sent a shiver of need through the join of her thighs, a throbbing shudder that swelled to an ache as he peppered a light trail of kisses down her temple, and then moved lower. He took his sweet time on her cheeks, treating her as something to savor, a delicious dessert you didn’t want to wolf in one bite. Tension spread through her body, pulling tighter and tighter, her belly doing a fluttery dips and dives.<br />
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When he finally reached her lips, it seemed reasonable to expect that the kiss would be as soft as the others. Silly. Because Rhett was full of surprises. He didn’t hold back, his tongue was greedy, insistent, and hungry. Their teeth banged together. A chair tipped over. They crashed against a table leg, sent it screeching across the floor.<br />
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“In theory, you’re a good kisser,” she gasped, tracing her lower lip with her tongue. The skin was puffy, aching.<br />
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“Let me experiment a bit more. The initial results are promising.”<br />
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<b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR</b><br />
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Lia Riley is a contemporary romance author. USA Today describes her as "refreshing" and RT Book Reviews calls her books "sizzling and heartfelt." She loves her husband, three kids, wandering redwood forests and a perfect pour over coffee. She is 25% sarcastic, 54% optimistic, and 122% bad at math (good thing she writes happy endings for a living). She and her family live mostly in Northern California.<br />
<b>Stalk her here</b>: <a href="http://www.liariley.com/" target="_blank">Website</a>| <a href="https://www.facebook.com/authorliariley/?ref=br_rs" target="_blank">Facebook </a>| <a href="https://twitter.com/LiaRileyWrites" target="_blank">Twitter</a>| <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7366597.Lia_Riley" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<b><br /></b> <b>FOLLOW FOREVER ONLINE: </b><a href="http://forever-romance.com/" target="_blank">Website</a>| <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ForeverRomance/?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a>| <a href="https://twitter.com/ForeverRomance" target="_blank">Twitter</a>| <a href="https://www.instagram.com/foreverromancebooks/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>| <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/foreverromance/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a><br />
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Happy Reading!<br />
<br />
Brittany</div>
BrittanyLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645210938042967995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234486517960079523.post-51225753526522218262017-04-10T05:00:00.000-04:002017-04-10T05:00:23.916-04:002017 Favourites Part 1<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrsSjkKwXCLD9I7EhvzU-ShcxDPjVqzZpYTGGJ7wt6mS-FGKGvMEdPlfyRmxSpVjM7hPfBfI9t7rKTtEkOu0lT6fLm1bQyne0cwGOIcza91Uns44Z5ZYdjFrYruRrKXGgNC58JdsIDbw/s1600/tumblr_njqv9mzZHn1rf73xqo1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrsSjkKwXCLD9I7EhvzU-ShcxDPjVqzZpYTGGJ7wt6mS-FGKGvMEdPlfyRmxSpVjM7hPfBfI9t7rKTtEkOu0lT6fLm1bQyne0cwGOIcza91Uns44Z5ZYdjFrYruRrKXGgNC58JdsIDbw/s320/tumblr_njqv9mzZHn1rf73xqo1_500.gif" /></a><br />
Oh hey, been awhile. About three months in fact. That sucks. But also is what it is. I don't want to set myself up with big expectations, but hopefully, April will see a few more posts than the last few months have. Of course, I've been reading though! Netflix has definitely tried to bust in there and distract me. So there's been some bickering over my free time. It's weird to say that reading doesn't win more than half of the time now. Anyhow, it's that time of the year again for the first quarter of my favourites. Honestly, I struggled to get a decent list together. Don't get me wrong, I've read some amazing books. But there's been a lot of duds. Quite a few DNF's. Even more disappointments for books I should have loved and sequels to series I love even more. Not surprisingly romance still is my go to. No one is shocked by that. Although I am becoming more critical with my romance books. Yes, they're my babies, but now that I've read every single trope a thousand times over, it's taking more and more to wow me. Alright, here's my stats;<br />
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January 1st to March 31st stats:<br />
Read: 48<br />
Reread: 9<br />
DNFs: 6<br />
Most Read Genre: Romance<br />
Total Pages Read(of finished books): 15,324<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27570367-the-lie" target="_blank"><img alt="The Lie" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1451486459l/27570367.jpg" width="128" /></a><br />
I pretty much all of Karina's books. But for some reason, this one just really hit me more emotionally. LOVE IT.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25543733-cashmere" target="_blank"><img alt="Cashmere (Velvet, #2)" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1485468220l/25543733.jpg" width="129" /></a><br />This series is super underrated. All the fun is had with these vampires. Seriously, Cashmere is hilarious.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33847617-good-boy" target="_blank"><img alt="Good Boy (WAGs, #1)" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1484276539l/33847617.jpg" width="133" /></a><br />Blake Riley is pure fucking gold.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34044126-anything-you-can-do" target="_blank"><img alt="Anything You Can Do" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1485716584l/34044126.jpg" width="125" /></a><br />If you want something to fill that The Hating Game void, Anything You Can Do does an excellent job of doing that in the most funny sexually intense way.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33643994-daughter-of-the-pirate-king" target="_blank"><img alt="Daughter of the Pirate King (Daughter of the Pirate King, #1)" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1483132546l/33643994.jpg" width="132" /></a><br />This book starts with a Jack Sparrow quote, which sets the tone perfectly for an epic swashbuckling adventure.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30038855-letters-to-the-lost" target="_blank"><img alt="Letters to the Lost" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1464361740l/30038855.jpg" width="132" /></a><br />Easily my favourite book of the year. Brigid has always been a favourite author, but this is her best work to date. Addicting and emotional.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33116504-pucked-off" target="_blank"><img alt="Pucked Off (Pucked, #5)" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1483324029l/33116504.jpg" width="128" /></a><br />This was unexpected. I, of course, mean that in the best way. This series is ridiculous and funny. Pucked Off and Lance take a different tone in the most perfect way.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30312819-at-the-edge-of-the-universe" target="_blank"><img alt="At the Edge of the Universe" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1465305697l/30312819.jpg" width="132" /></a><br />Just try not to have your heart break a few dozen times when reading this one.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29939230-a-conjuring-of-light" target="_blank"><img alt="A Conjuring of Light (Shades of Magic, #3)" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1464017758l/29939230.jpg" width="133" /></a><br />And epic ending to an epic trilogy. I read it super slow for a reason; I didn't want to say goodbye! Anoshe.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30415154-fast-connection" target="_blank"><img alt="Fast Connection (Cyberlove, #2)" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1465924265l/30415154.jpg" width="133" /></a><br />I really had doubts going into this one; I did not like one of the MC's from the previous book, well turns out I had nothing to worry about. Intense and wonderful.<br />
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Have you guys read and loved any of these? What was your favourite read from the past few months?<br />
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Happy reading!<br />
<br />
Brittany</div>
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<br />BrittanyLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645210938042967995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234486517960079523.post-36250672088685624892017-01-23T09:40:00.001-05:002017-01-23T09:50:09.863-05:00Caraval Blog Tour: Review + Excerpt<div style="text-align: center;">
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Good day! Aren't you guys excited you stopped by the blog today? Because I totally have a special invite for you below. The Caraval Blog Tour kicks off today and I'm so excited to be a part of it. Caraval is truly a unique book, with an even more mysterious setting. A new YA book for fantasy and circus lovers to check out. Raincoast, as they always are, were awesome enough to let me read and review Caraval for you guys. But also, that invite below is an excerpt that you don't wanna skip.</div>
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<b>About Stephanie Garber</b></div>
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When I’m not writing, I teach creative writing at a private college in Northern California, where I’ve been known to turn assignments into games and take students on field trips that involve book signings. I’m also a blogger on <a href="http://www.publishingcrawl.com/">PUB(LISHING) CRAWL</a>. But I probably spend most of my time on Twitter where I tend to overuse exclamation points and emojis.</div>
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To help pay my bills during college, grad school, and the breaks in between, I worked as a barista, a waitress, a bartender, a customer service representative for an energy consulting company, and as a sales girl at Bath and Bodyworks. I also spent years working with youth; I worked as a counselor at space themed summer camp, volunteered at a school for deaf children in Mexico, and I took multiple groups of college students overseas to spend their winter vacations serving at youth hostels in Amsterdam. But out of everything that I’ve done, writing young adult novels has been my favorite job.<br />
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My debut YA fantasy novel, Caraval will be published January 2017 (Flatiron Books/Macmillan—US and Hodder & Stoughton—UK). Caraval has sold in twenty-five foreign territories and the movie rights were pre-empted by Twentieth Century Fox.</div>
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<a href="http://stephaniegarberauthor.com/">website</a>| <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14137787.Stephanie_Garber">goodreads</a>| <a href="https://twitter.com/SGarberGirl">twitter</a>| <a href="https://www.facebook.com/StephanieGarber.Author">facebook</a>| <a href="http://ink361.com/app/users/ig-1580717025/stephanie_garber/photos">instagram</a></div>
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<b>You're Invited</b></div>
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<b><b>Caraval by Stephanie Garber</b></b></div>
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<b>Publisher: </b>Flatiron Books</div>
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<b>Publication Date: </b>January 31st, 2017</div>
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<b>Series: </b>Caraval #1</div>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">Pages: </b>416</div>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">Source: </b>ARC from publisher</div>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">Rating: </b>3.5/5</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27883214-caraval"></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27883214-caraval">Add to Goodreads</a></div>
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<i>Whatever you've heard about </i>Caraval<i>, it doesn't compare to the reality. It's more than just a game or a performance. It's the closest you'll ever find to magic in this world . . . </i><br />
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<i>Welcome, welcome to Caraval―Stephanie Garber’s sweeping tale of two sisters who escape their ruthless father when they enter the dangerous intrigue of a legendary game.</i><br />
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<i>Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing </i>Caraval<i>, the far-away, </i>once-a-year<i> performance where the audience participates in the show, are over.</i><br />
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<i>But this year, Scarlett’s </i>long-dreamt of<i> invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by </i>Caraval’s<i> mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season’s </i>Caraval<i> revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.</i><br />
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<i>Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during </i>Caraval<i> is only an elaborate performance. But she nevertheless becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with the other players in the game. And whether </i>Caraval<i> is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game </i>are<i> over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever. </i><br />
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I'm pretty sure anyone who reads YA has had Caraval on their radar since it's synopsis was released at some point last year. Was it the comparison to The Night Circus that caught your attention? For me, well I read and liked The Night Circus it was more that word Circus that seems to get me every time. Anything that says it's going to offer me a unique circus setting and I'm instantly sold.<br />
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Scarlett has dreamed about Caraval her whole life. She spent much of her childhood being told the tales of the magic of Caraval and writing to Legend, the master of the games. Never hearing anything back doesn't detour her until her mother goes missing and her father turns into a cruel monster. Now Scarlett is set survival and protecting her sister. Fast forward to present day where Scarlett is engaged to a man she's never met but dreams that he's going to save her and her sister from the confines of their father. Until an invitation for Caraval arrives and spirals her into different directions.<br />
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Scarlett is a naive girl that has spent too much of her life in fear and dreams. Her sister, Tella is literally her saving grace. Her need to protect her is pretty much the only thing keeping her alert. Scarlett is under the belief that someone will save them. This unknown fiance has been spun to greatness in Scarlett's head. Where Tella knows that they must save themselves. The sisterly bond is strong and is the driving force behind the story of Caraval. Things may spiral out of control and the realm of reality for Scarlett once she's competing in Caraval. But she never forgets that's doing this, competing, to save Tella.<br />
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Caraval is a character all of its own. A vivid mix of The Night Circus and Wonderland spawns to create something uniquely its own. It's easy to call Caraval a circus, but it's not really. There's the magic of a circus on the surface. But truly Caraval is a game. There are performers and participants and like Scarlett, you never know who is who. Trust and reality are a fickle thing. It's easy to forget yourself, to go mad and get lost in the game. Which is what, I'm sure, the grand master Legend thrives on. Scarlett wants nothing more than to meet Legend. His tales and decent into evil are, ahem, legendary. But just like the mysterious game he created, Legend seems to one of myths only. Caraval and its magic are what kept me turning the page.</div>
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Of course, there's a romance. I'm pretty sure that is a requirement of publishing a YA book. It's pretty clear from the get-go who Scarlett's romantic interest is going to be. Just maybe not who he truly is. We met Julian, a rugged sailor, "conversing" with Tella. From there he's annoying and saving Scarlett at every turn. It's one of those I don't want to like you but I'm finding myself attracted to you against my better judgment. Scarlett isn't stupid, enlisting Julian to help her, to help each other through the game is a need. Scarlett finds herself lusting after Julian a bit too much. But hey attraction, who knows when it's going to show up. Like 90% of the characters(including Caraval), Julian is full of lies, a past, and mystery and it's near impossible to tell what's real and what's just part of the game. And their lies Scarlett's biggest issues in falling for Julian. </div>
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I guess my main grips with Caraval, the ones that kept me from loving it as much as I thought I would from the get go were the romance and the pacing. The romance I just wasn't interested in. I wasn't swooning or shipping. It added nothing to the plot for me. But the pacing, that's my main issue. The first half of the book was a page turner. I mean most chapters end on a small cliffhanger. But at some point, the story just lost speed. I just wanted the climax. The shock factor was wearing off and it was too easy to predict what was coming. And unfortunately, the ending was a little too neat. I thought Caraval was a game of chance and blurring the lines and well the conclusion failed there. Don't get me wrong, I'm super eager to see what the sequel will bring me. </div>
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Garber has created a unique and vivid world in Caraval. Her writing and the tone of the story fits together perfectly with that world. The tale of two sisters escaping their small life and cruel abusive father into the legend of Caraval is an intriguing one. Reality is a gray area. Trust and lies go hand in hand. The players and performers of Caraval create a journey that spins your head in the most delicious way. </div>
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I want to give massive thanks to Raincoast for including me in this blog tour. Caraval releases on January 31st. It makes a perfect winter read, so I highly suggest checking it out.</div>
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Happy reading!<br />
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Brittany</div>
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BrittanyLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645210938042967995noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234486517960079523.post-343366521239606482017-01-17T14:14:00.002-05:002017-01-17T14:14:33.474-05:00Top Ten Tuesday: Hidden Gems I Read in 2016<div style="background-color: white; color: #bf266f; font-family: "coming soon"; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px; text-align: center;">
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<i>Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme held by <a href="http://www.brokeandbookish.com/" target="_blank">The Broke and the Bookish</a>.</i></div>
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<b>This week's topic </b><b>is</b>: Hidden gems I read in the past year.</div>
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Hidden gems, to me, means books that don't get enough love. The love they so deserve. The readers they deserve to have. So either these books are ones I don't see the community or my friends ever talking about and/or they don't have a decent number of ratings on Goodreads; this makes them my hidden gems from 2016.</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22929578-the-fixer?ac=1&from_search=true" target="_blank"><img alt="The Fixer (The Fixer, #1)" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1418036245l/22929578.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31143173-undecided?ac=1&from_search=true" target="_blank"><img alt="Undecided (Burnham College, #1)" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1468820934l/31143173.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22537367-summer-of-sloane?ac=1&from_search=true" target="_blank"><img alt="Summer of Sloane" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1438372060l/22537367.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17235448-the-wrong-side-of-right?ac=1&from_search=true" target="_blank"><img alt="The Wrong Side of Right" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1402694775l/17235448.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26797462-the-vanishing-throne" target="_blank"><img alt="The Vanishing Throne (The Falconer, #2)" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1444805811l/26797462.jpg" width="139" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28490317-overexposed" target="_blank"><img alt="Overexposed (In Focus, #4)" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1465321718l/28490317.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27161833-the-king-slayer?ac=1&from_search=true" target="_blank"><img alt="The King Slayer (The Witch Hunter, #2)" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1459112048l/27161833.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16102490-how-to-repair-a-mechanical-heart?ac=1&from_search=true" target="_blank"><img alt="How to Repair a Mechanical Heart" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1350926753l/16102490.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23677341-we-are-the-ants?ac=1&from_search=true" target="_blank"><img alt="We Are the Ants" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1425574151l/23677341.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27779275-this-adventure-ends" target="_blank"><img alt="This Adventure Ends" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1455111092l/27779275.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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Have you guys read any of these and loved them too? What was a hidden gem from your past year?</div>
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Happy reading!<br /><br />Brittany</div>
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BrittanyLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645210938042967995noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234486517960079523.post-87933521845532653872017-01-13T05:00:00.000-05:002017-01-13T09:57:52.493-05:00Miniviews #30: All the Disappointment <a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1466980054l/30375956.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dawn Study" border="0" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1466980054l/30375956.jpg" width="133" /></a><b>Dawn Study by Maria V Snyder</b><br />
<b>Publication Date: </b>January 31st, 2017<br />
<b>Publisher: </b>Mira Books<br />
<b>Pages: </b>384<br />
<b>Series: </b>Study #6/Soulfinders #3<br />
<b>Source: </b>Netgalley/Publisher<br />
<b>Rating: </b>2/5<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30375956-dawn-study" target="_blank">Add to Goodreads</a><br />
<b><br /></b> It literally hurt my heart to give this book anything but 5 stars, but here we are; a massive puddle of disappointment.<br />
The Study series is my precious. After waiting many years in the hopes that Yelena would grace my life with more books my dream came true. And now we're at the absolute end(I assume so anyhow) and I'm mad.<br />
Dawn Study what the hell? It's not even the story, although there was nothing super stellar or shocking about it(in fact, it was overly repetitive; capture, rescue, scheme, capture, rescue, scheme, and repeat). It's everything else. I'm not sure if this was a rush job or Snyder got confused, but this book feels so out of place. The writing is meh. The dialogue is lacking is every way possible. And the characters! These were not my characters I know and love. Their voices are missing. Their personalities are missing. These were just some random characters that happened to have the same names as my beloved ones. I mentioned the dialogue was lacking, and well that's because these characters were. Everything was so forced and not good. No sexy Valek. No funny Ari and Janco. Yelena was a shell of her usual kick-ass self.<br />
I'm just so upset and angry. I really wish I'd skipped this finale. It would be better to have no ending than this ending...<br />
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1472078174l/30256248.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="By Your Side" border="0" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1472078174l/30256248.jpg" width="132" /></a><b>By Your Side by Kasie West</b></div>
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<b>Publication Date: </b>January 31st, 2017<br />
<b>Publisher: </b>Harper Teen<br />
<b>Pages: </b>352<br />
<b>Source: </b>Edelweiss/Publisher<br />
<b>Rating: </b>DNF<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30256248-by-your-side" target="_blank">Add to Goodreads</a></div>
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DNF @31%<br />
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Guys, I just did something shocking. I marked a Kasie West book as "DNF".<br />
I can't even.<br />
But you know what? I haven't touched the book in two months. Haven't even thought about. That first 31% was hell to get through too.<br />
I thought I was going to love this one based on the premise of getting stuck in the library with a cute guy(and it being a Kasie West book). Apparently, that's not all it's cracked up to be. Autumn(the MC) is a moron. The story of her getting stuck in the library makes no sense. Like absolutely zero. It makes it impossible to believe. Plus all the reasons she can't get out or no one has come looking for her, also ridiculous.<br />
I don't even like Dax. Although if I could have stood to be in Autumn's head, Dax would have been the reason that I kept reading. I feel like he has a much better/interesting story than Autumn and her superficial worries. I mean, Jesus women, this guy(Dax) is telling you he holes up in the library because his foster family are terrible people and he can't stay there. And you're worried about getting yourself out because your best friend might be trying to "steal" your crush from you. Dax is literally begging you not to try and call the police and you can't think about him. Nah, girl is petty and selfish. I don't need to read about another spoiled brat who is shown the error of her ways by a poor kid with a tragic life. I'm sure there are parts I'll like, but I just can't bring myself to care enough about Autumn and her getting to a better place by the end of the book. I'll just assume she'll continue to be a jerk to Dax and not see how shitty her friends are for 85% of the story.<br />
Hard pass. </div>
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1476909286l/30145142.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Cottage at Firefly Lake (Firefly Lake, #1)" border="0" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1476909286l/30145142.jpg" width="123" /></a><b>The Cottage at Firefly Lane by Jen Gilroy</b></div>
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<b>Publication Date: </b>January 31st, 2017<br />
<b>Publisher: </b>Forever</div>
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<b>Pages: </b>368<br />
<b>Series: </b>Firefly Lake #1<br />
<b>Source: </b>Indigo(Tina)<br />
<b>Rating: </b>DNF<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30145142-the-cottage-at-firefly-lake" target="_blank">Add to Goodreads</a></div>
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DNF @ 100 pages<br />
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I'm not one to shy away from DNF'ing. But this year I promised myself to do it more often. There is absolutely no point in finishing something I'm not enjoying. Especially when I have a billion books on my ever-growing TBR.<br />
This isn't a bad book, there's just nothing compelling me to finish it. Let's just call it dull. It's funny because it's not overly dramatic yet it is. One character has just lived through a near death experience; plus her past includes two recently dead parents, and two things from her teen years that caused her to run away from her life and boyfriend(Sean, the other MC). I mean that is way too much tragic history. It's so overdone. And that's only in 100 pages, who knows what else this girl could experience before the book ends. Add on that Charlie isn't all that likable and what am I reading this for?<br />
Sean was fine. In fact, I probably would have liked the book more if it was just from his POV. He seems a lot more level-headed than Charlie.<br />
There's nothing compelling me to read. The story is utterly predictable. The characters are uninteresting. The dialogue is so-so. Just dull. Very dull.<br />
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1463949483l/28963772.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Four Letter Word (Dirty Deeds, #1)" border="0" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1463949483l/28963772.jpg" width="131" /></a><b>Four Letter Words by J.Daniels</b></div>
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<b>Publication Date: </b>October 4th, 2016<br />
<b>Publisher: </b>Forever<br />
<b>Pages: </b>416<br />
<b>Series: </b>Dirty Deeds #1<br />
<b>Source: </b>Purchased<br />
<b>Rating: </b>1.5/5<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28963772-four-letter-word" target="_blank">Add to Goodreads</a></div>
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It's funny how you go from thoroughly enjoying a book to becoming super frustrated and over it. Ie: Four Letter Words.<br />
I was so into this one for almost half the book. I devoured it and stayed up way past my bedtime to keep reading. But then it all went downhill. Syd and Brian finally met in person and everything became overly cheesy and dramatic. Calling each other my girl and my boy, what are we 15? The sex scenes were blah and I was pretty much just skipping over them. Just everything turned into an eye roll. Syd was crying or giggling on every page. Brian was thinking about ways to get inside his girl. And I probably should have just closed the book at that point.<br />
Four Letter Words was overly long for a romance. Could have cut 100 pages out and nothing would be amiss. Of course, everything still hit the fan with 30 pages left, because obviously.<br />
Too bad. Because I thought I was really going to like this one. At this point, I'd give the first half a 4* and the second half a 1*. So take with that what you will. We'll see how I do with the second book. </div>
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1436047259l/23595441.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Time Served (Time Served #1)" border="0" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1436047259l/23595441.jpg" width="126" /></a><b>Time Served by Julianna Keyes</b></div>
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<b>Publication Date: </b>March 23rd, 2015<br />
<b>Publisher: </b>Carina Press<br />
<b>Pages: </b>283</div>
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<b>Series: </b>Time Served #1<br />
<b>Source: </b>Purchased<br />
<b>Rating: </b>2/5<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23595441-time-served" target="_blank">Add to Goodreads</a></div>
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After reading Undecided early in 2016 and absolutely adoring it(it was a top favourite of 2016), I knew I needed to read Keyes' back titles. So here were are. Well, the writing and fundamentals of this book are fine. I, unfortunately, did not enjoy 75% of it. The real downer for me was Rachel and Dean. I didn't like nor connect to either of them. And I really did not enjoy their relationship. Both have a lot to learn and really just need to grow up. I can understand Rachel wanting to move away from her past but hey, maybe don't be so condescending about it. She's always sorry for leaving Dean, Dean is bent on hurting her and revenge. But you know there's still love simmering there so it's just all so messy and unappealing. These are two people that just need to move the hell on from each other. The sex scenes were not my thing. They seemed to really be saturated with hate and I just, no thanks. Their whole back and forth, hot and cold made the book feel longer than it is. I kept thinking about DNF'ing.<br />
Good news is that I enjoyed a bunch of the supporting characters like Parker, Baxter, and Oreo a whole bunch. So they made the story so much better.<br />
Ultimately, Keyes is a great author. This story didn't hit its mark for me. But that doesn't take away from her writing, dialogue or just general storytelling abilities. I look forward to checking out more of her work. Especially Undeclared when it's released sometime this year.</div>
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Happy reading!<br />
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Brittany</div>
BrittanyLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645210938042967995noreply@blogger.com1