2016 End of Year Book Survey

Meme created by Jamie @ The Perpetual Page Turner

Number of books I read: 207

Number of re-reads: 36

Genre I read most from: Romance/New Adult

 

Best book I read in 2016? This will only be surprising to like one person; A Court of Mist and Fury is the Queen of 2016. That book blew my damn mind. I still am not in control of my feelings. My head spins anytime I think about that masterpiece.

Book I was excited for & thought I would love, but didn't? There are a few answers here, so let's go with one that was so hyped up and failed to impress me; You. Sooooo boring. And one from a favourite author that let me down; The Hidden Oracle. I mean Rick Riordan writing from Apollo's POV what wouldn't there be to love? Apparently a lot. I liked it alright. There was just something missing. Apollo wasn't as funny or just fun as I imagined.

Most surprising read of 2016? Jennifer Lynn Barnes takes the award here. The Naturals series and The Fixer series are superb. And I just wasn't expecting that. They aren't my usual genre. But hell, they are both smart, witty and shocking. READ THEM!

Best series I started? Best sequel? Best series ender? A Darker Shade of Magic truly was a fantastic start to a series. A sequel besides ACOMAF you mean? Gemina and Torn are pretty damn great too. Oh series enders, you nasty wonderful things. Can anything really beat Crooked Kingdom; nope.

Favourite new to me author of 2016? It was bound to happen, but I'm sounding like a broken record; Jennifer Lynn Barnes you wonderful lady, I choose you!

Best book I read from outside my comfort zone? Honestly, I didn't stray too far from my comfort zone in 2016. I guess I don't read a lot of thrillers. So let's just mention The Naturals series again because I can.

Most action-packed/thrilling/unputdownable book? The book I read the fastest and thus made it the most unputdownable? One True Loves. I devoured that book in less than two hours. I was utterly engrossed from page one.

Book I read in 2016 that I will more than likely reread in 2017? Like 20 of them. Do you even know me? Let's go with the most obvious one then, Us. Because Jamie and Wes are my life line.

Favourite cover of a book I read? Even though the book was a bit of a letdown, the cover is sure as hell the most gorgeous thing ever!

Most memorable character of 2016? Crooked Kingdom really truly and indefinitely cemented Kaz Brekker into my heart. This guy leaves a memorable impression plus more.

Most beautifully written book I read? The flowery prose is on point in The Rose and the Dagger. That book makes my heart ache with it beautiful writing.

Most thought-provoking/life-changing read? It Ends With Us was an eye opener. So different from anything CoHo has written before. Dark, gritty and very real.

Book I can't believe I waited so long to read? Over the years I've slowly been making my way through Jojo Moyes backlist, but I'm kicking myself for not having read The Last Letter From Your Lover till this year. Perfect and emotional(soul destroying).

Favourite quote of 2016? I won't go for the super obvious ACOMAF one. Instead I'll go for the second obvious Krista and Becca Ritchie quote from Some Kind of Perfect.

“Our bad days have the ability to become better. It may be a horrible month. A horrible year. But there will be good days, good moments, great seconds.”

Shortest read? Longest read? A stupid novella from Tales from The Shadowhunters; Nothing But Shadows comes in a 74 pages(and a waste of 74 pages at that). And the monstrous tome(that I read twice this year) that I wish was even longer because Calloway comes in at a whopping 664 pages(this is a contemporary romance(at its finest)).

Book that shocked me the most? I want to say The Long Game because that book is 300+ pages of shockers. But Torn has that one scene that was hilariously shocking; and God I loved it soooo much.

OTP of the year? Just one! You guys know I live for finding new ships. It is my purpose in life! I mean Feyre and Rhys are my everything now. But also Jamie and Wes, Liam and Lissa, Jesper and Wylan, Damen and Laurent, Audrey and Thomas, Nora and Crosbie; I can go on for hours here. I am going to sneak in a TV one because #obsessed; Yuri and Victor. You guys don't even know my level of creepy obsession I have for this anime.

Favourite platonic relationship? Always and forever the Calloway sisters. But for something that isn't obvious, Sloane and Vera from This Adventure Ends. Total friendship goals.

Favourite book I read in 2016 from an author I'd previously read from? This is hard because I read favourite authors all the time. P.S. I Like You was the first to jump into my mind. So it wins. It deserves it though. Cute and adorable and awwww.

Best book I read in 2016 based solely on a recommendation? Sure, Becky Albertalli said read How to Repair A Mechanical Heart if you love Simon. So I did. Obviously. Although it isn't Simon, it's still perfect for Simon fans or anyone.

Newest fictional crush? Again, do you even know me? Rhys. Rhys. Oh and Rhys. This guy because clearly.

Best 2016 debut? I didn't read as many debuts as I would have liked to. But the ones I read were pretty damn great. I think I have to give The Summer of Sloane the nod here. It was just a really solid contemporary.

Best worldbuilding/setting? A Gathering of Shadows has a pretty spectacular and vivid setting. Numerous fantastical London's are a thing I didn't know I needed until I did.

Book that made me smile the hardest? The Hating Game in all its weird and lovely hate love romance so wins. I fucking smiled so hard for 90% of this book.

Book that made me cry the hardest? I hate you Sally Green for making me shed my precious tears and soul in Half Lost. Ten months later and I still hate it and her. #dramaqueen

Hidden gem of the year? Undecided has a terrible cover but is a wonderful New adult romance. Crosbie and Nora and the banter and the sexiness and ugh, it's perfect. So perfect I read it three times in 2016. #noregrets

Book that crushed my soul? I feel like this goes hand and hand with the one that made me cry the hardest. So see above. ACOMAF, Crooked Kingdom and A Gathering of Shadows had their fair share of soul destroying moments too.

Most unique read of 2016? Of course it's Gemina. That book is fucking spectacular in its unique format.

Book that made me the angriest? Cursed Child. Need I say more?....

Favourite new blog I discovered in 2016? Ummmm.... I didn't? I was a horrible blogger this year. I could barely keep up with my own. So I clearly sucked at being an active member of the community.

Favourite review I wrote? Surprise(not); A Court of Mist and Fury.

Best discussion/non-review post I had on the blog? Based on the many I post? #sarcasm. I did a few TAG's that were fun. But I also posted a Let's Chat about mid-year because 2016 was sucking as
much then as it was at the end of the year.

Best event I participated in? The Raincoast Teen Reads are always super fun!

Best moment of bookish/blogging life in 2016? It was my third blogoversary. Not like I celebrated. #oops But sticking around for three years is a decent chunk of time.

Most challenging thing about blogging in 2016? Blogging. Keeping myself motivated to blog and write reviews. I didn't do a very good job of it. I blame it on the curse of 2016.

Most popular post on the blog from 2016? By views, my stop on the Heartless Blog Tour. Guess that's not too surprising seeing as everyone and their mother were eagerly anticipating that book.

Best bookish discovery? And the most lethal on my bank account- Society 6.

Completed goals I set for 2016? My reading challenge and re-reading challenge.

A book I didn't get to in 2016 that is the number 1 priority for 2017? A Brandon Sanderson book. I NEED to finally experience his writing and story telling. It NEEDS to happen.

My most anticipated release for 2017? Is there anything besides A Court of Wings and Ruin? Am slowly dying from impatientness.

2017 debut I'm super eager for? Daughter of the Pirate King; it's being compared to Pirates of the Caribbean! Good thing I begged and pleaded to get myself an ARC. :D

Series ending/sequel my grabby hands are all over? The last book in The Illuminae Files. AHHHHHHH

The number 1 thing I hope to accomplish in my blogging life in 2017? Staying consistent. Haha.

A 2017 release I've already read and am dying for everyone else to read? Obviously The Upside of Unrequited. You guys are going to love it!

How was your 2016?

Happy reading!

Brittany

2016 Reads

2016 Reads

January
1. Tied to Trouble(Gamers #3) by Megan Erickson- 175 pages
2. The Deal(Off-Campus #1) by Elle Kennedy- 384 pages
3. The Mistake(Off-Campus #2) by Elle Kennedy- 297 pages
4. Stay With Me(Wait For You #3) by JLA- 448 pages(re-read)
5. Built(Saints of Denver #1) by Jay Crownover- 352 pages
6. Pucked Over(Pucked #3) by Helena Hunting- 261 pages
7. First by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn- 323 pages
8. The Year We Fell Down(The Ivy Years #1) by Sarina Bowen- 270 pages
9. The Year We Hid Away(The Ivy Years #2) by Sarina Bowen- 274 pages
10. The Understatement of the Year(The Ivy Years #3) by Sarina Bowen- 281 pages
11. The Shameless Hour(The Ivy Years #4) by Sarina Bowen- 317 pages
12. The Return(A Titans Novel #1) by JLA- 344 pages(re-read)
13. Giant Days Vol 1- 128 pages
14. We Are the Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson- 464 pages
15. Appealed(The Legal Briefs #3) by Emma Chase- 304 pages
16. Starflight(Starflight #1) by Melissa Landers- 358 pages
17. The Last Letter to Your Lover by Jojo Moyes- 400 pages
18. Play On(Lewis Creek #1) by Michelle Smith- 258 pages
19. The Score(Off-Campus #3) by Elle Kennedy- 360 pages
20. Frigid(Frigid #1) by JLA- 260 pages(re-read)
21. Bad Romeo(Starcrossed #1) by Leisa Rayven- 417 pages(re-read)
22. A Bad Romeo Christmas(Starcrossed #2.5) by Leisa Rayven- 3 pages
Total = 6678

February
23. Broken Juliet(Starcrossed #2) by Leisa Rayven- 358 pages(re-read)
24. Stars Above by Marissa Meyer- 400 pages
25. The Naturals(The Naturals #1) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes- 315 pages
26. Wicked Sexy Liar(Wild Seasons #4) by Christina Lauren- 384 pages
27. Amulet Vol 7- 224 pages
28. Captive Prince(Captive Prince #1) by C.S. Pacat- 270 pages
29. Disarm(Disarm #1-6) by June Gray- 384 pages(re-read)
30. Arrest(Disarm #7) by June Gray- 352 pages(re-read)
31. Prince's Gambit(Captive Prince #2) by C.S. Pacat- 404 pages
32. Kings Rising(Captive Prince #3) by C.S. Pacat- 352 pages
33. A Darker Shade of Magic(Shades of Magic #1) by V.E. Schwab- 398 pages
34. Hero by Samantha Young- 404 pages(re-read)
35. You(You #1) by Caroline Kepnes- 448 pages
36. Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman- 384 pages
37. How to Repair a Mechanical Heart by J.C. Lillis- 296 pages
38. Robot Dreams by Sara Varon- 224 pages
39. A Gathering of Shadows(Shades of Magic #2) by V.E. Schwab- 512 pages
40. The Power(A Titans novel #2) by Jennifer L Armentrout- 344 pages
41. Killer Instinct(The Naturals #2) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes- 400 pages
42. Beautiful Player(Beautiful #3) by Christina Lauren- 432 pages(re-read)
43. Beautiful Boss(Beautiful #4.5) by Christina Lauren- 144 pages
44. The Pact by Karina Halle- 379 pages
Total = 7808

March
45. The Play(The McGregors #3) by Karina Halle - 434 pages
46. Winter Wishes(The McGregors #3.5) by Karina Halle - 87 pages
47. When We Collided by Emery Lord - 352 pages
48. Us(Him #2) by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy - 328 pages
49. The Devil You Know by Trish Dollar - 246 pages
50. Daughter of Smoke & Bone(DoSaB #1) by Laini Taylor - 420 pages(re-read)
51. Better off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg - 276 pages
52. Sustained(The Legal Briefs #2) by Emma Chase - 272 pages(re-read)
53. Us(Him #2) by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy - 328 pages(re-read)
54. Half Bad(Half Bad #1) by Sally Green - 384 pages(re-read)
55. Kindred Spirits by Rainbow Rowell - 96 pages
56. Collide by Riley Hart - 332 pages
57. Wicked Heart by Leisa Rayven - 320 pages
58. Half Wild(Half Bad #2) by Sally Green - 412 pages
59. Pucked(Pucked #1) by Helena Hunting - 380 pages(re-read)
60. Welcome to Shadowhunter Academy(Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy #1) by Cassandra Clare - 78 pages
61. Out of Frame(Out of Focus #3) by Megan Erickson - 202 pages
62. Dance With Me by Heidi Cullinan - 282 pages
63. Eight Ways to Ecstasy(Art of Passion #2) by Jeanette Grey - 384 pages
64. Undecided by Julianna Keyes - 292 pages
65. Dear Thing by Julie Cohen - 432 pages
Total = 6337

April
66. Half Lost(The Half Blood Trilogy #3) by Sally Green- 352 pages
67. Forever Pucked(Pucked #4) by Helena Hunting- 318 pages
68. The Lost Herondale(Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy #2) by Cassandra Clare- 96 pages
69. The Whitechapel Fiend(Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy #3) by Cassandra Clare- 96 pages
70. Off the Record(Record #1) by K.A. Linde- 445 pages
71. Too Late by Colleen Hoover- 150 pages
72. Nothing but Shadows(Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy #4) by Cassandra Clare- 74 pages
73. Sidebarred(The Legal Briefs #3.5) by Emma Chase- 101 pages
74. The Winner's Curse(The Winner's Trilogy #1) by Marie Rutkoski- 355 pages(re-read)
75. The Winner's Crime(The Winner's Trilogy #2) by Marie Rutkoski- 402 pages
76. The Winner's Kiss(The Winner's Trilogy #3) by Marie Rutkoski- 496 pages
77. Days of Blood Starlight(DoSaB #2) by Laini Taylor- 517 pages(re-read)
78. The Raven King(The Raven Cycle #4) by Maggie Stiefvater- 438 pages
79. The Last Boy and Girl in the World by Siobhan Vivian- 432 pages
80. The Wrath and the Dawn(The Wrath and the Dawn #1) by Renee Ahdieh- 432 pages(re-read)
81. Dirty(Dive Bar #1) by Kylie Scott- 288 pages
Total = 4992

May
82. It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover = 384 pages
83. Forever With You(Wait For You #5) by Jennifer L Armentrout = 384 pages(re-read)
84. A Court of Thorns and Roses(ACOTAR #1) by Sarah J Maas= 419 pages(re-read)
85. A Court of Mist and Fury(ACOTAR #2) by Sarah J Maas = 624 pages
86. For the One(Gaming the System #5) by Brenna Aubrey = 432 pages
87. The Rose and the Dagger(The Wrath and the Dawn #2) by Renee Ahdieh = 420 pages
88. One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid = 352 pages
89. Charged(Saints of Denver #2) by Jay Crownover = 384 pages
90. Rebel Belle(Rebel Belle #1) by Rachel Hawkins = 345 pages
91. Summer of Sloane by Erin L Schneider = 291 pages
92. The Hidden Oracle(The Trials of Apollo #1) by Rick Riordan = 376 pags
93. Summer Days and Summer Nights edited by Stephanie Perkins = 400 pages
94. The Way Back to You by Mindi Scott & Michelle Andreani = 384 pages
95. Wicked Heart(Starcrossed #3) by Leisa Rayven = 320 pages(re-read)
96. Some Kind of Perfect(Calloway Sisters #4.5) by Krista & Becca Ritchie = 692 pages
97. The Loose Ends List by Carrie Firestone = 352 pages
98. Cream of the Crop(The Hudson Valley #2) by Alice Clayton = 384 pages
99. Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson = 449 pages
100. Breath, Annie, Breath(Hundred Oaks #5) by Miranda Kinneally = 320 pages
101. Gemina(The Illuminae Files #2) by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff = 659 pages
102. All In(The Naturals #3) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes = 384 pages
103. Wanderlost by Jen Malone = 316 pages
104. The Witch Hunter(The Witch Hunter #1) by Virginia Boecker = 362 pages(re-read)
Total = 9433

June

105. The King Slayer(The Witch Hunter #2) by Virginia Boecker = 368 pages
106. Me Before You(MBY #1) by Jojo Moyes = 372 pages(re-read)
107. Dark Wild Night(Wild Seasons #3) by Christina Lauren = 352 pages(re-read)
108. Dirty Rowdy Thing(Wild Seasons #2) by Christina Lauren = 336 pages(re-read)
109. Moonlight on Nightingale Way(On Dublin Street #6) by Samantha Young = 336 pages(re-read)
110. This is One Moment(Come Back to Me #2) by Mila Gray = 384 pages(re-read)
111. Linemates by Van Barrett = 408 pages
112. Always With Love(Billy and Me #2) by Giovanna Fletcher = 400 pages
113. All the Feels by Danika Stone = 336 pages
114. The Falconer(The Falconer #1) by Elizabeth May = 392 pages
115. Dearest Clementine(Dearest #1) by Lex Martin = 368 pages(re-read)
116. Finding Dandelion(Dearest #2) by Lex Martin = 232 pages
117. The Vanishing Throne(The Falconer #2) by Elizabeth May = 475 pages
118. Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid = 342 pages
119. Scoring Wilder by R.S. Grey = 404 pages
120. Settling the Score(The Summer Games #1) by R.S. Grey = 432 pages
121. The Allure of Julian LeFray(The Allure #1) by R.S. Grey = 354 pages
122. The Allure of Dean Harper(The Allure #2) by R.S. Grey = 282 pages
123. Undecided by Julianna Keyes = 301 pages(re-read)
124. Losing It(Losing It #1) by Cora Carmack = 280 pages(re-read)
125. The Memory Book by Lara Avery = 368 pages
Total = 7522

July
126. The Year We Fell Apart by Emily Martin = 316 pages
127. After I Do by Taylor Jenkins Reid = 352 pages
128. Forever Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid = 352 pages
129. The One That Got Away by Bethany Chase = 352 pages
130. Pucked: Area 51 by Helena Hunting = 112 pages
131. The Fixer(The Fixer #1) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes = 372 pages
132. The Long Game(The Fixer #2) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes = 360 pages
133. Wicked(The Wicked Saga #1) by JLA = 375 pages(re-read)
134. Torn(The Wicked Saga #2) by JLA = 299 pages
135. Stay With Me(Wait For Me #4) by JLA = 448 pages(re-read)
136. Fractured by Dani Atkins = 289 pages
137. It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover = 384 pages(re-read)
138. The Wrong Side of Right by Jenn Marie Thorne = 390 pages
139. Miss Mayhem(Rebel Belle #2) by Rachel Hawkins = 273 pages
140. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by Jack Thorne = 320 pages
141. United As One(The Lorien Legacies #7) by Pittacus Lore = 449 pages
Total = 5443

August
142. Their Fractured Light(Starbound #3) by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner = 425 pages
143. Head Over Heels(Geek Girl #5) by Holly Smale = 446 pages
144. How to Keep Rolling After a Fall by Karole Cozzo = 272 pages
145. I'm Still Here by Clelie Avit = 256 pages
146. Labyrinth Lost(Brooklyn Brujas #1) by Zoraida Cordova = 336 pages
147. SMUT by Karina Halle = 315 pages
148. Some Kind of Perfect(Addicted # 3.5 & Calloway Sisters #4.5) by Krista & Becca Ritchie = 664 pages(re-read)
149. Out of Bounds(The Summer Games #2) by R.S. Grey = 442
150. This Adventure Ends by Emma Mills = 320 pages
151. The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon = 344 pages
152. Saga Vol 6 by Brian K Vaughan & Fiona Staples = 152 pages
153. Overexposed(In Focus #4) by Megan Erickson = 177 pages
154. Been Here All Along by Sandy Hall = 240 pages
155. Roman Crazy(The Broads Abroad #1) by Alice Clayton & Nina Bocci = 336 pages
Total = 4725

September
156. Something Real by Heather Demetrios = 406 pages(re-read)
157. Results May Vary by Bethany Chase = 340 pages
158. The Fifteenth Minute(The Ivy Years #5) by Sarina Bowen = 313 pages
159. Archer's Voice by Mia Sheridan = 345 pages
160. Time Served(Time Served #1) by Julianna Keyes = 283 pages
161. Shameless by Lex Martin = 394 pages
162. The One Real Thing(Hart's Boardwalk) by Samantha Young = 352 pages
163. Get Inked: A Pucked and Clipped Wings Crossover by Helena Hunting = 164 pages
164. Last Will and Testament(Radleigh University #1) by Dahlia Adler = 414 pages
165. Rookie Move(Brooklyn Bruisers #1) by Sarina Bowen = 336 pages
166. Puddle Jumping by Amber L Johnson = 127 pages
167. P.S. I Like You by Kasie West = 330 pages
168. Beautiful(Beautiful #5) Christina Lauren = 416 pages
169. Stalking Jack the Ripper(Stalking Jack the Ripper #1) by Kerri Maniscalco = 336 pages
170. Vassa in the Night by Sarah Porter = 304 pages
Total = 4860

October
171. Six of Crows(Six of Crows #1) by Leigh Bardugo = 465 pages(re-read)
172. Crooked Kingdom(Six of Crows #2) by Leigh Bardugo = 536 pages
173. TheUpside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli = 352 pages
174. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne = 384 pages
175. Pucked Under(Pucked #4.5) by Helena Hunting = 204 pages
176. Every Hidden Thing by Kenneth Oppel = 368 pages
177. Lady Renegades(Rebel Belle #3) by Rachel Hawkins = 264 pages
178. Kiss Cam by Kiara London = 272 pages
179. Suffer Love by Ashley Herring Blake = 352 pages
180. Invaded(Alienated #2) by Melissa Landers = 356 pages
181. Giant Days Vol 2 = 128 pages
182. United(Alienated #3) by Melissa Landers = 317 pages
183. The Twelve Days of Dash and Lily(Dash & Lily #2) by David Levithan & Rachel Cohn = 272 pages
184. The Goal(Off-Campus #4) by Elle Kennedy = 350 pages
185. The Fever Code(The Maze Runner #0.6) by James Dashner = 347 pages
186. Fly With Me(Wild Aces #1) by Chanel Cleeton = 320 pages
187. Let it Snow by Jeanette Grey = 120 pages
Total = 5407

November
188. Into the Blue(Wild Aces #2) by Chanel Cleeton = 320 pages
189. Bad Blood(The Naturals #4) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes = 384 pages
190. Royally Screwed(Royally #1) by Emma Chase = 276 pages
191. Heartless by Marissa Meyer = 449 pages
192. Four Letter Words(Dirty Deeds #1) by J. Daniels = 416 pages
193. Beloved(Salvation #1) by Corinne Michaels = 391 pages
194. Beholden(Salvation #2) by Corinne Michaels = 369 pages
195. Bad Romeo Christmas(Starcrossed #4) by Leisa Rayven = 252 pages
196. Fractures in Ink(Clipped Wings #3) by Helena Hunting = 269 pages
197. Fire In You(Wait For You #6) by Jennifer L Armentrout = 360 pages
Total = 3486

December
198. Ever the Hunted(Clash of Kingdoms #1) by Erin Summerill = 400 pages
199. Dawn Study(Study #6) by Maria V Snyder = 384 pages
200. Naughty Boss by Whitney G. = 127 pages
201. Fall With Me(Wait For Me #4) by Jennifer L Armentrout = 389 pages(re-read)
202. Reasonable Doubt Vol 1 by Whitney G. = 86 pages
203. Reasonable Doubt Vol 2 by Whitney G. = 76 pages
204. Reasonable Doubt Vol 3 by Whitney G. = 183 pages
205. A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig = 272 pages
206. Frostblood(Frostblood Saga #1) by Elly Blake = 389 pages
207. Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli = 320 pages(re-read)
Total = 2626

Total Reads = 207
Total Pages = 69 317


Happy reading!

Brittany

Top 16 of 2016

Friends, we made it. 2016 was a brutal year in many ways; which means I'm very happy to see it end. Reading may have been a rollercoaster for me in 2016, but I still managed to end the year on a high note. And a not too shabby 207 books read. I want to say this list was super hard to narrow down, but that would be a lie. Although I read A LOT of great books, there are some very clear standouts. I honestly could have done a Top 10 list this year and been happy. But there are 16 books deserving of singing their praises and being my 2016 winners. Here they are:

16. We Are the Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson

We Are the Ants was a surprise and a half. I hoped to love it. But the story turned out to be even more special. Just try not to tear up well rooting for Henry to come out okay and do the right thing.

15. The Rose and the Dagger by Renee Ahdieh

A phenomenal sequel/ending to a stunning series. Shazi brings so much to strong fictional ladies. Kind of shows them up. Even though the story had some imperfections they are so easily overlooked because this book can be nothing but glorious in my mind. 

14. Stars Above by Marissa Meyer

How I will take and love any Lunar Chronicles book I get. Aces, these characters kill me no matter what age they appear at. And literally "The Wedding" made my life. So naturally Stars Above became an instant favourite of the year.

13. Torn by Jennifer L Armentrout

It's not a top anything list without JLA showing up. The long wait for Torn was so worth it. I think that one scene with Tink alone made up for the year and a half wait. Holy shit I'm still LOLLLLing. Of course, my fave author can make me love a fae story. 

12. P.S. I Like You by Kasie West

Adorable. Perfect. Sweet. Absolutely everything I've come to expect, need and want in a Kasie West contemp. 

11. Undecided by Julianna Keyes

I think it's easy to call Undecided the gem of my reading year. I know I love NA(and read a lot of it), so finding something different and special in that huge pool is hard. BUT I FOUND IT! I re-read this special snowflake like four times. I FEEL SUCH NEED, CROSBIE. Crosbie + Nora = life

10. This Adventure Ends by Emma Mills

Mills has proven that she is and will be a YA contemp force to be reckoned with. Two major hits in a row. This Adventure Ends gives me friendship, family, relatability and of course a ship. But Sloane, she is sarcastic and witty and so uncomfortable with strong feelings that I get her so so much. 

9. Wicked Heart by Leisa Rayven

Let me sum it up; Wicked Heart is dripping in sexual tension and banter. It's hilarious and hot. It is a book you finish in one sitting, sigh and flips right on back to the first page to give another go. It is not a hidden gem, it is a star.

8. Jennifer Lynn Barnes

2016, the year I found Jennifer Lynn Barnes. This lady needs more readers. Her stories are insanely amazing. They're so smart. I wore my shocked face for at least 50% of each of the six books I read of hers. They're just fucking good. 

7. It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

The book that destroyed my soul. It Ends With Us was the most important fictional story I read this year. It Ends With Us is a deeply emotional story that is an important one. Tragically bad things happen and books like this one tell that story that many people are living. But also it doesn't have to end tragically; there can be a happy ending and that not everyone is alone.

6. Gemina by Amie Kaufmann & Jay Kristoff

I feel like I'm throwing insane and intense around a lot here, but I guess that sums up my reading year. Gemina was as glorious as Illuminae. Talk about upping the ante. Gemina was hilarious and absolutey the most unique book of the year.

5. Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

Bardugo has created a masterpiece. I mean it. The story is insanely intense and high stakes. But this group of characters is the show. I think about them and how much I adore them and even though I'd be killed, want to live in Ketterdam just to catch a glimpse of one of them(Kaz please). 

4. Us by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy

When an unexpected sequel is given to you; more Jamie & Wes is given to you, one is allowed to scream like a child. #acceptable I mean, Jamie & Wes bring me happiness by just being their wonderful perfect selves. OTP status overachieved. Just so you get it, I've reread this book at least ten times this year.

3.Some Kind of Perfect by Krista & Becca Ritchie

Perfection.

10 books. 6 phenomenal characters. 3 complex and wonderful loving couples. And this is it. SKoP is beyond satisfying and the most beautiful wrap-up to one of my ultimate favourite series. My love for these characters and their lives knows no bounds. The ups and downs. The highs and lows. I felt them all like I was right there in each and every moment. Reading that last chapter, knowing that's the end, had my heart breaking for my happiness.

2. The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli

Relatable. Amazing. Perfect. Diverse. Adorable. 

1000% on par with Simon. I love Molly and this book just as much. Pure and utter happiness in a book.

1. A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Maas

Is this any surprise?! Seriously?! Maas fucking killed it with ACOMAR. The Night Court! Rhys! Feyre! Rhys and Feyre together ARE GOLD AND GIVE ME LIFE! My emotional journey through this book was one I both appreciate and hate. Maas is the queen destroyer of feels; she continually proves that. Months and months later and my head is still spinning with my obsession over this tome of perfection. ACOWAR may murder me, and I CANNOT wait.

Any of these books make your favourites of 2016? What was your top read of 2016?

Happy reading!

Brittany

2016 Favourites Part 4

Check out Part 1 here
Check out Part 2 here
Check out Part 3 here


Well, here we are; at the last favourites post of the year. 2016 was an interesting one. A lot of downs, some awesome ups. And here were are. My last quarter of the year was pretty slow reading wise. Since November I've worked pretty much every single day. So reading took a back seat and watching TV made a comeback. I find it a much easier way to unwind. A little more thoughtless than reading. In case you're wondering(I know you are), Yuri on Ice is my new obsession. When I say it has become my life, that's 100% true. I've watched it three times through, plus countless other random episode watches. Now I'm spending my time on Tumblr waiting impatiently for a season 2 to be announced. I'm impatient and if the unthinkable happens and there's no season 2 I may murder someone. #dramatic
Right, well reading. I still read some fantastic books this quarter; as you will see. So let me drop my stats now. You guys know the drill.

October 1st to December 30th stats:
Read: 36
Reread: 3
Most Read Genre: Romance
Total Pages: 11,519
Total Books Read in 2016: 207
Total Pages Read in 2016: 69,317

HOLY SHIT! AMAZING!

Perfection! I can't wait for the whole world to experience another Becky book.


The cutest and greatest hate to love romance. I am obsessed.

I LOVE Lily and Randy. So another story about them is, of course going to be gold.

You guys have to meet Tucker. The SWEETEST guy ever. 

Mind = blown

More of the Starcrossed couples is always very much appreciated. This story collection made my sooooo happy. 

Romance + F16 fighter pilots is a perfect combination for all the feels.

Have you guys read any of these? What was your most favourite book these past few months?


Happy reading!

Brittany

Ever the Hunted Blog Tour: Interview + Review

Friends! Today is a fun day to stop by the blog. You wanna know why? Well, I get to take part in the Ever the Hunted Blog Tour. Ever the Hunted is the start to Erin Summerill's debut YA fantasy series. Raincoast was awesome enough to let me read and review the book for you guys. So check out that below. But even more wonderful; Erin doing a small Q&A(also below). See, all the fun to be had today!

About Erin Summerill

Erin Summerill was born in England. After spending years bouncing between Air Force bases in Hawaii, England, and California, her family settled in Utah, where Erin graduated with a B.A. in English from Brigham Young University. She had aspirations to write the next great American novel, but writing proved tougher than she first thought. So she grabbed a Nikon and became a professional photographer while crafting manuscript after manuscript. The scenic detour of shooting weddings across the United States, as well as internationally, provided world-building inspiration. It gave her the vision to draft her debut YA fantasy, EVER THE HUNTED. Now when she isn’t writing, or shooting a wedding, she’s chasing her four kids, two dogs, one cat, and five chickens. This could be why she downs massive amounts of Coke Zero and Hot tamales.

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Q&A

Brittany: I see that you're a photographer too; was seeing our world through a lens the tipping off point for you to create your own fantastical world? I can imagine that you were able to create a truly vivid image of the kingdoms with your imagination, but was there a destination/place that inspired you the most?

Erin: Hi Brittany!

Yes! My love of photography has played a huge role in writing. I am a terrible landscape photographer, but I enjoy viewing the world around me and imagining how I could possibly capture it by the camera in a fantastical way. Eventually, that led to writing fantastical landscapes into my book. In fact, with photography as a backbone, I tend to look at light as a tool in terms of how it changes a landscape. When I build a scene, that’s what I usually think of first in terms of setting.

On a family trip, we visited the Oregon coast and the California redwoods. Some of the forests were inspired by the landscape of Oregon and California, with a little bit of Harrison Hot Springs, Canada thrown in. That charming town is magical!

Review

Ever the Hunted by Erin Summerill

Publisher: HMH Books
Publication Date: December 27th, 2016
Series: Clash of Kingdoms #1
Pages: 400
Source: ARC from publisher
Rating: 3/5
Add to Goodreads

Seventeen-year-old Britta Flannery is at ease only in the woods with her dagger and bow. She spends her days tracking criminals alongside her father, the legendary bounty hunter for the King of Malam—that is until her father is murdered. Now outcast and alone and having no rights to her father’s land or inheritance, she seeks refuge where she feels most safe: the Ever Woods. When Britta is caught poaching by the royal guard, instead of facing the noose she is offered a deal: her freedom in exchange for her father’s killer.

However, it’s not so simple.

The alleged killer is none other than Cohen McKay, her father’s former apprentice. The only friend she’s ever known. The boy she once loved who broke her heart. She must go on a dangerous quest in a world of warring kingdoms, mad kings, and dark magic to find the real killer. But Britta wields more power than she knows. And soon she will learn what has always made her different will make her a daunting and dangerous force.

Ever the Hunted caught my attention early. Firstly because of the cover, simple and pretty. So it made my want to know more; what is this book? Then it sounded like the story was going to be a kick-ass lady. And I am always looking for more strong females to read about. Ever the Hunted was 100% on my radar because of a pretty cover and tough sounding lady, #noshame Also, Britta; Erin you seem to have forgotten two letters. An N and Y and hey look the perfect name.

Britta is an outcast. Having a mother(even a dead one) from the other side of the border is not something that makes you well liked. Britta knew from a young age that she'd have to know how to take care of yourself. Her father taught her to always been on her toes. But now he's been murdered and Britta is in hiding. Until she's caught and offered clemency for catching her father's killer. Except for no way, it can't be Cohen, Britta's childhood BFF and her father's apprentice. Here starts Britta's journey to realize nothing is as it seems and secrets are everywhere.

I liked Britta well enough. She's grieving and lonely when we met her, but as the story progresses she does a pretty good job at knowing herself and what she wants. Britta isn't really one to back down when things get tough. She's alone, she thinks her best friend killed her father but Britta doesn't get all ragey for revenge. Britta's more like let's find Cohen and go from there. She doesn't jump the gun and I really appreciated her toughness well seeming to keep a level head.

There are some side characters, like the three guards tasked with helping Britta find Cohen. They fill out the quote pretty well;  one friendly, two creeper and third mysterious. But Cohen is the focus. Britta has it bad for him; insert love eyes x 100. And this is where the story wobbled for me. Honestly, there's nothing special about Cohen. He fits the mold of childhood best friend who ran away to keep MC safe because he loves her so much but is still keeping secrets to a tee. This is where Britta loses focus. I am all for romance, if you guys know me you know I needs it in my books. Except there are times where it becomes too much. Ever the Hunted is a YA romance set in a fantastical world. It may not be marketed as such, but it is. Britta spends more time focused on getting together with Cohen and his body then Erin spends on building a fantasy world and the magic system.

Talk of Cohen being molded to a tee, well the story in Ever the Hunted is predictable to a tee. There was absolutely nothing that I didn't see coming from page 1 or way before it happened. Did that take away from me loving the book, yes. Did that hinder my enjoyment of the book, nope. This is no epic YA fantasy, and I found that out pretty early on well reading. The predictable factor is high and the world building and magic system are lacking in explanation. But overall it's an easy, light read. Ever the Hunted has elements of what makes a good, but simple fantasy story; it's political with the two warring countries, which of course leads to finding traitors in the mix. And there's a magic system. Did I understand how this magic system worked, uh, not really. But it's there and I know magic is a no-no in Britta's land, well-being more sacred on the other side of the border.

Ever the Hunted falls into a lot of YA tropes; Britta is a special snowflake, and well that can be over done, I actually don't mind it as long as I like the snowflake. And I did. I like Britta. Ever the Hunted is a good book. It reads fast and it's not one you have to spend a lot of time mulling over, nor figuring out. It's a romance heavy plot, but I say as long as you know that going it there's no reason why you wouldn't enjoy Britta's story. The ending didn't leave me in shock, but I'm still super interested in picking up the sequel next year. Again, I'm all for easy reading during this super busy time of year, and Ever the Hunted sure provided that.

I want to give massive thanks to Raincoast for including me in this blog tour. And of course, thank you to Erin Summerhill for taking the time to answer some questions.
Ever the Hunted releases on December 27th. Which makes winter break a perfect time to check it out. 

#CurrentlyReading Ever the Hunted by Erin Summerill ° @raincoastbooks ° ° It's frosty outside today. I love how it goes from +20 one day and -2 the next. Welcome to Canada. No wonder I have a headache. I've just started reading Ever the Hunted. I've been super eager for this one. Sounds like an epic fantasy with a nice side of romance. I have Erin on the blog in a few weeks. So make sure you stop by! ° ° ° #shelfie #EvertheHunted #ErinSummerill #fantasy #RaincoastBooks #HMH #IreadYA #IloveYA #bookstagram #bookstagramer #bookaddict #booklove #instabook #bookphotography #bookporn #bookgram #booknerd #bookworm #booknerdigans #booklion #reading #reader #books #bibliophile #bookblogger #whatimreading

A photo posted by Brittany (@britsreadinglife) on Nov 22, 2016 at 9:25am PST

Happy reading!

Brittany

Heartless Blog Tour: Meet Hatta + Review

G'day friends! Welcome to my stop of the Heartless blog tour. Are you guys excited for Heartless? Was it one of your 2016 most anticipated? Have you already read it? I know it's one of those things if not all three. Right? I mean it's Marissa Meyer, anything that lady writes is going to be gold and find its way into my hands immediately. Anyhow, I'd like to thank Raincoast Books for having me participate. And for giving me the chance to introduce you guys to a special character you'll meet in Heartless. Keep reading for an excerpt and my review.

About Marissa Meyer

I live in Tacoma, Washington, with my husband and beautiful twin daughters. Published works: The Lunar Chronicles; Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, Winter, Fairest and Stars Above) and Heartless.

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Introducing..... Hatta

Hatta(The Mad Hatter), the bizarre. Seriously, Meyer captures what I love about The Mad Hatter in all his head scratching glory. Hatta and his magical hats and his entertaining tea parties are some of my favourite parts of Heartless. That being said, Hatta has his dark side. The mystery behind him is something I wouldn't mind Meyer exploring in the future(hint, hint). Hatta has his angry and cunning side as he continues to try and outrun time and his ultimate descent into madness. It's all so much fun!

Heartless Excerpt: Hatta

With one hand on her elbow, Jest guided Catherine around the table, toward the man who was occupying the throne at the far end. He was exquisitely dressed, with plum coattails and a crimson silk cravat. One finger skimmed idly along the brim of a matching purple top hat. Though he was young, his hair was silver-white, with a few choppy locks tumbling around his ears and the rest tied with a velvet ribbon at the nape of his neck.

He was slouched and apparently bored, feet set up beside a half-empty cup of tea.

Then his attention landed on Jest and turned lively, a grin fast to brighten his face. He swung his feet off the table.

“Well, well, if it isn’t our star performer, returned from the world of gallantry and riches.” He stood and gave Jest a quick embrace, before pulling away and grasping him by the shoulders. His smile had turned to scrutiny.

“Don’t seem much changed,” he mused, shutting one eye at a time to complete his inspection. “A bit scrawnier perhaps. Don’t they feed you in that fancy castle of yours?” He pinched Jest’s cheek, but was pushed away.

“Like a cow for slaughter,” Jest said, “but I’m also forced to work for my pay. A novel idea to you, I know.”

“A horrific waste of talent is what I call that.” The Hatter—for Cath assumed this must be him—grimaced suddenly and cast his gaze toward the Hare and Squirrel on the table. “That’s enough! I can’t take any more.” Grabbing a cane that had been propped against his chair, he whapped the handle of a spoon, which flicked a cashew from a bowl of nuts and sent it soaring right into the Hare’s open mouth.

The Hare froze. A sudden silence fell over the tea parlor. The Hare pounded on his sternum—choking. His red eyes bugged. Catherine tensed.

The Boa Constrictor slithered onto the table, encircled the Hare’s body, and squeezed. The cashew sailed out of his mouth and kersplatted into the Turtle’s teacup.

Catherine watched, appalled, but the rest of the tea party guests had already taken back up with their conversations and tea drinking. She seemed to have been the only one concerned.

Review

Heartless by Marissa Meyer

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publication Date: November 8th, 2016
Pages: 464
Source: ARC from publisher
Rating: 3.5/5

Add to Goodreads

Long before she was the terror of Wonderland—the infamous Queen of Hearts—she was just a girl who wanted to fall in love.

Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland, and a favorite of the unmarried King of Hearts, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, all she wants is to open a shop with her best friend. But according to her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for the young woman who could be the next queen.

Then Cath meets Jest, the handsome and mysterious court joker. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the king and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into an intense, secret courtship. Cath is determined to define her own destiny and fall in love on her terms. But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans.

In her first stand-alone teen novel, the New York Times-bestselling author dazzles us with a prequel to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

The queen of re-tellings takes on a different world in Heartless. It's no secret that Wonderland, particularly starring Alice, are quite a popular commodity in the book world. I'm sure it has something to do with the bizarre world and characters that Carroll created. There's a lot to explore there. What I was really anticipating with Heartless, though, is Meyer's take on The Red Queen before she became the evil "off with their heads" tyrant. With no back story provided by Carroll, Meyer had the world at her fingers(and her imagination too) to provide readers with an interesting prequel.

Catherine/Cath lives in Hearts. It is a sleepy kingdom that thrives on gossip, parties, and characters of all sorts. As a Lady, Cath has expectations attached to her life and name. She's a noble lady, therefore she must act and live like one. Her love of baking and the dream of opening a bakery with her maid and best friend Mary Ann is farfetched but that doesn't stop Cath from dreaming of the impossible. Things starting going sideways when Cath realizes the King has taken an interest in her, a romantic interest. In fact, he plans to make her his Queen. Cath wants nothing to do with that life. She just wants to bake her days away. Then Jest shows up; the new court joker is mysterious and appealing. There seems to be an intense spark between Cath and Jest, one that Cath eventually falls into. Jest leaves Cath even more determined to control her own destiny and have the love and husband she chooses. Of course, that's not how the story goes.

We all know how this story ends before we even open the book. We know that Cath doesn't have a happy ending in store(well that could be argued but I digress, this is not a happy ending). Now we just have to know she got to that place of evil Queen. Cath starts out as a dreamy, intelligent and proper lady. She does what's expected of her, is nice to all the caddy people of the kingdom. Well, she plans her future in private. I love me a villain starter story. It's super intriguing to see their fall into wickedness. And admittedly Heartless was no different. As soon as Jest appeared it was quite obvious where Cath's story was going. But I guess I held out a teeny bit of hope that Meyer was going to change Cath's ending... As people kept trying to keep Cath away from her wants. As people kept trying to control her future. As the jobberwock wrecked havoc on Hearts, Caths decent into a less than content and starry-eyed dreamer was slow but obvious. The Red Queen was there on the horizon, love was going to change Cath in her. Nobody saw her coming(well nobody in Hearts).

Heartless is full of the characters that intrigue us, probably even love, from Carroll's Wonderland. Cheshire, The White Rabbit, Hatta and everyone at his mad tea party. Even just mentions of beloved characters were fun to realize. Hatta is as mad and bizarre as we know him to be. Cheshire is as cunning and truthful as expected. But Jest, Jest is a new one. It's hard not fall for the court joker. He's mysterious and swoony all rolled into a lovely package. My heart hurt from the moment I met him because I didn't foresee a happy ending for him.

Meyer took liberties with her version of the pre-Wonderland days. But all the charm and weirdness was in every page and every character. I could imagine this as part of Carroll's world. These characters are Meyer's yet fit in right with the magical world Carroll created. I did go in with high expectations. I mean The Lunar Chronicles is one of my absolute favourite stories. I fell in love immediately upon opening Cinder. So Heartless had big shoes to fill. At the end I thoroughly enjoyed Heartless, it is absolutely a great spin on Wonderland. There were just some bumps along the way. Cath's story was a slow one. I, unfortunately, was not dying to read every day. And that takes away a bit from my enjoyment. But those that last third was more on par with the action and adventure and intense scenes I loved from The Lunar Chronicles. So thank God for those last 150 pages(even if they were a tad bit sad).

Heartless is a fun and bizarre love story. Don't mistake it for anything else. It's about what happens when, in a world where anything can happen, your destiny is made for you. Cath's love for Jest is ultimately her downfall. Her transformation in The Queen of Hearts provides the entertainment value I love about Wonderland in all its impossible weirdness.







I want to thank Raincoast for including me in this blog tour. Very much appreciated.
Guys, make sure you check out Heartless. I know there's a Wonderland fan in all of us, so this one fits perfectly into that category. You should also check out the other tour stops so you can get to know many of the other characters Heartless introduces us too! Follow the tour on social media; #HeartlessIsHere

#CurrentlyReading Heartless by Marissa Meyer ° ° Less than a week until release!!! 🙊🙊🙊 I've been so busy this week that reading has taken a back seat. 😣 But that means I've been savouring reading Heartless instead of devouring it in a day. So I guess that's a good thing. I mean this book is amazing so far. Obviously. It also makes me drool with all of Cath's baking and the description of said baked goods. ° ° ° #shelfie #Heartless #TheLunarChronicles #Cinder #MarissaMeyer #SciFi #AliceinWonderland #FierceReads #RaincoastBooks #IreadYA #IloveYA #bookstagram #bookstagramer #bookaddict #booklove #instabook #bookphotography #bookporn #bookgram #booknerd #bookworm #booknerdigans #booklion #reading #reader #books #bibliophile #bookblogger #whatimreading

A photo posted by Brittany (@britsreadinglife) on Nov 2, 2016 at 8:38pm PDT

Happy reading!

Brittany

2016 Favourites Part 3

Check out Part 1
Check out Part 2


These posts always seem to fall on some kind of holiday. Well, I'm writing this on Thanksgiving, so that totally counts. So, Happy Thanksgiving to me fellow Canadians. I know these past few months, even year really, has been pretty sparse around here. Me and 2016 have not been the best of friends and unfortunately that's affecting my blog. Something 2016 and its terribleness has not been affecting? My reading. So there's that. Following on with this years trend, romance has been my main squeeze.  And I don't see that changing anytime soon. I've also continued to be surprised by the number of good books, even amazing books, I'm picking up. Very few duds. I'm still doing a bunch of rereading because obviously; rereading is possibly my favourite thing to do.

July 1st to September 30th stats:
Read: 45
Reread: 5
Most Read Genre: Romance/NA
Total Pages: 15,028
Total Books Read So Far This Year: 170
Total Pages Read So Far This Year: 57,798

These books are intense! Political scandals in a rich, exclusive high school in D.C. Need I say more? This series is amazing!

JLA can do wrong, and Torn fully proves that. Ivy is kick ass. Ren is sweeter than ever. And Tink; I mean "his secret" and him getting a cat are perhaps two of my most favourite scenes JLA has ever written.

This book is super relevant for this election year. But beyond that, one of the most solid debuts that has a strong family focus.

The ending I put off for far too long. And of course, it was stellar. This trilogy is all sorts of smart, shocking and fun. A definite space opera that I live for.

Yes, I love this book. But the best part and why I loved it even more? Karole keeps it real about the consequences of bullying. And erasing the stigma surrounding people in wheelchairs. Pax is a fully capable rugby playing guy, who has insecurities but won't let his wheelchair define him. 

Romance lovers this is a must read. Talk about life imitating art. Smut is fun, hilarious, sexy, adorable and mostly, totally meta. You don't have to be a romance writer to appreciate this book for what it is; perfectly awesome.

I inhale read this like I couldn't breathe until I reached the last page. Funny, real and loveable. I adore this book. It will be a top favourite of 2016. Mark me. 

Adorable. Perfect. Sweet. Exactly why I love Kasie West.

Loved Pippa and Jensen. Loved how much Hanna and Will are in it. Loved all the epilogues. Sad that the series is over but a satisfyingly perfect ending nonetheless.

Sherlock meets The Madman's Daughter in a super creepy Victorian London. With a total feminist MC that is down to kill stereotypes. Plus, that ship is everything.

Have you guys read and loved any of these?

Happy reading!

Brittany