Top Five Reading Goals of 2017

Should I have posted this like two weeks ago, like on New Year's Eve? Yup. While I promised myself that I was going to make this blog stellar in 2017, I also have this three foot tall tiny two year old carbon copy of me running around my house (aka my daughter) and hey, life happens. But I got goals y'all! Here are the top five things I'd like to do with reading this year! What are yours? Comment below!

1) Read 52 books in 2017. That's a book a week! 

2) Read at least 3 Non-Fiction or Biography titles.

3) Read at least 4 Science Fiction/Fantasy titles (this is part of me really pushing myself out of my YA Romance, New Adult, & Historical Fiction comfort zone).

4) Listen to at least 1 audio book. Again, this is a comfort zone thing. I'm old school guys. I love the feel of a book, you know? 

5) Read at least 1 book that isn't Young Adult or New Adult. I am a young adult librarian, and I also curate our new adult collection (note: if you beg your director to add a special collection, be prepared to take it over!) and I stay on top of things in those genres, but I know there are some great adult and children's novels that I'm missing!

Compulsion (Heirs of Watson Island 1)

Author: Martina Boone
Release Date: August 4, 2015
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 433
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Southern Gothic

Summary

All her life, Barrie Watson has been a virtual prisoner in the house where she lived with her shut-in mother. When her mother dies, Barrie promises to put some mileage on her stiletto heels. But she finds a new kind of prison at her aunt's South Carolina plantation instead--a prison guarded by an ancient spirit who long ago cursed one of the three founding families of Watson Island and gave the others magical gifts that became compulsions. 

Stuck with the ghosts of a generations-old feud and hunted by forces she cannot see, Barrie must find a way to break free of the family legacy. With the help of sun-kissed Eight Beaufort, who knows what Barrie wants before she knows herself, the last Watson heir starts to unravel her family's twisted secrets. What she finds is dangerous: a love she never expected, a river that turns to fire at midnight, a gorgeous cousin who isn't what she seems, and very real enemies who want both Eight and Barrie dead. --Goodreads

The Rundown

I made a promise to myself that in 2017 I was going to start branching out more in the books I read and review, especially in YA. If there is a YA romance that's getting a lot of buzz or an underdog that needs a shout out, you know I'll read it! Science fiction and fantasy definitely get pushed lower on my TBR list, but the times they are a changin. Or at least I'm trying! While this one may be a small step outside of my reading usual comfort zone, I do love a good ghost story. Who doesn't?

I absolutely loved the idea that formed this story. Three families who have lived in the same plantation homes on the same island for generations dating back to the 1600s. When one family was cursed and the other two given magical gifts, a feud older than the Hatfields and McCoys began. Years of love, lies, murder, theft, and secrets spread through each family, each generation, sealing the bond between the Beauforts and Watsons, while making the Colesworths hate both families even more. Add in the secluded setting of a South Carolina coastal island, and you've got the perfect build up to all things magical, mysterious, and romantic.

Based on that alone, this book would have been a 4 to a 5 for me, but I really struggled with the characters. Barrie felt very immature to me, but I had a little forgiveness there given how she'd grown up with such a strict, reclusive mother. Eight came across as condescending in several of the conversations he had with Barrie. A lot of their flirting made me cringe. A good chunk of their dialogue was Eight telling Barrie that she was cute when she was clueless (gross) and Barrie "playfully hitting" Eight. I don't care if it's the boy or the girl doing it, hitting is abuse, not flirting. Probably the best dialogue and scenes came from Barrie's cousin, Cassie Colesworth, who was not quite a bad guy, but definitely not good either. 

The romance between Barrie and Eight felt like a background add in instead of a featured part of the story because it came out of nowhere. It was like two middle schoolers with the awkward teasing and randomly kissing, not an eighteen and seventeen year old. There was no build up!

The book itself started strong, but I had to really, and I mean really, power through in the middle. It felt like everything happened in the last one hundred pages. To be fair, it had less to do with the story and more with the characters. I am so over what I call the "Bella Swan complex" in YA heroines. You know, the "oh I'm not sure if I'm pretty even though the cutest boy in school likes me and life would be so much easier if only I weren't so clumsy." Stop it. Don't be afraid to write a kickass heroine. At least in the final show down, Barrie was her own (finally!) her own hero. 

I'm not sure if I'll continue on with this series. What do you do when the whole premise of a story is so so cool, but the characters make it lose its fizzle? Sigh. We'll see. It could be just me.

Rating: 3 Stars. If you liked Beautiful Creatures and don't mind a bit a longer read, you'll probably really enjoy this. If you like paranormal stories with murder and romance and a touch of historical fiction, pick up The Diviners by Libba Bray. 

The Assignment (Lessons in Control 1)

Author: Jade A. Waters
Release Date: December 12, 2016
Publisher: Carina Press
Pages: 241
Genre: Adult Fiction, Erotica, Romance

*I received this book as a NetGalley ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own. Thanks NetGalley!*

Summary

What would you do if someone offered to fulfill your wildest fantasies?

Seductive.

Charming.
Dominant. 

Dean Sova is everything Maya Clery craves. From the first touch, their connection is intense. After leaving her troubled past behind, Maya thought she was happy--she is happy--but meeting Dean forces her to acknowledge dark needs she longs to explore yet has never had the courage to face.

Her perfect match, Dean encourages Maya to set loose the submissive urges inside her in a series of assignments intended to open her mind and test the limits of pleasure...but Maya isn't sure she can fully let go of her inhibitions.

What would you do if someone offered to fulfill your wildest fantasies?

The answer seems obvious. You take the offer and hope the price isn't too high. --Goodreads

The Rundown

Hmmm...this felt like what happens when two people with extreme issues have sex. It didn't make me uncomfortable exactly, but pretty much everything about Dean and Maya's relationship felt off from the very beginning.

They meet through mutual friends at a cookout and are instantly attracted to each to each other. Okay. I'll bite. That happens a lot. They could have gone off on their sexy time adventures and figuring themselves and each other out for the rest of the book and it would have been alright. 

Alas, that's not what happened. It all felt less sexy and more awkward/borderline uncomfortable when Dean starts cranking out these sexual assignments for Maya right off the bat. Like before they've even kissed. I get that this is a BDSM novel, but so much with this story felt off to me. I never understood why Maya's best friend was always trying to steer Maya away from Dean when aside from being pretty kinky, he was a pretty sweet and romantic guy. Then there's this mysterious mentor of Dean's, Niko, that it felt like he was mentioned enough that there should have been more to, but I guess not? 

I think this would have been a better story if the author had developed more into Maya's recovery from an abusive boyfriend and how that played into her sexuality in a more healthy manor. Even their romance and declaration of love for each other at the end came out of nowhere with not much explanation for why they fell. Other than a few steamy scenes, this book is just a lot of loose ends that never got tied up. Pun intended.

Rating: 2 stars. Meh. Skip it. 

I See You

Author: Molly McAdams
Release Date: November 1, 2016
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Pages: 352
Genre: New Adult, Romance

Summary

Futures are uncertain, unpredictable--like ink spilled across the purest surface. Nearly imperceptible ripples flow until a unique stain is formed. The ink is permanently embedded on the surface...

During one wild night in college, Jentry Michaels is a tidal wave of ink that brands Aurora Wilde's soul. An unparalleled stain she can't forget despite the many months that have passed--and despite the distraction she'd hoped she would find in her new relationship with Declan, the charmer who captured her heart soon after. Jentry has irrevocably touched her soul, and he is intertwined in her present and future in ways she never fathomed. Now Aurora is faced with keeping that night hidden though it feels as if the ink has indelibly etched their story across her skin.

When Declan is confronted with his own personal demons, Aurora must decide if she will continue to hold tight to their relationship and safe, reliable future with him, or if she will turn to Jentry--the guy she can't forget no matter how hard she tries...--Goodreads

The Rundown  

I really enjoy giving myself over to a good love story. I think those of us who are romantics at heart really swoon at the idea of finding that one person that your heart and soul will never be able to let go of, no matter where life take you. 

That's exactly what happened with Aurora and Jentry. I don't think the Goodreads blurb above really does this story justice. It makes Aurora sound like a wishy washy girl who falls for anyone, but that couldn't be more far from the truth. After her night with Jentry, even when he said that that was all he could promise, she couldn't ignore the pull she felt and went back to where she met him hoping for a chance to see him again. She didn't find him, but she did find Declan, a sweetheart who she gradually fell for. 

Fast forward to a year later when Jentry and Aurora are placed back in front of each other with their lives intersecting in ways that neither one ever imagined. They can't fight the way they're drawn to each other, even though choosing to be together could hurt everyone they both care for and love. 

This had just the right amount of drama, twists, and romance to make it a quick, fun read. Complaints: Jentry being all "Yes I want you" in one breath, then pushing Aurora away for like eighty percent of the story. Also the timeline of the story, which alternated between the night Aurora and Jentry met, two months ago, one month ago, and the present day from chapter to chapter was a little annoying as there were many times I'd be flipping back through the story to make sense of it all, pulling me out of the moment. 

If you're looking for a decent NA romance to curl up with for a light, easy read, this is a solid choice!

Rating: 3.5/5 stars. A fun, no mess no fuss read! 

Top Five Favorite YA Books of 2016

via GIPHY

2016 was an amazing year in YA. Historical fiction and quirky contemporary romances galore! Here are my top five favorite teen reads of the year! What were your favorites? Comment below!

1) Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

I talked about this book to anyone who would listen to me. Seriously. My teens. My coworkers. My high school English teacher. Everyone heard me gab about this book. Why? First off, when it comes to historical fiction, you had me at World War Two. This story was everything. Beautiful, tragic, poetic, hopeful, dark...I just couldn't even when I finished. I wept at the end. Even if historical fiction isn't your thing give this one a go anyway. This is a story for all readers and one that will stay with you long after you put it down. 

Click here for my review!

2) Every Exquisite Thing by Matthew Quick

When I read this one back in the spring I remember finishing and going, "Wow. This was exactly what I needed right now." Beautiful literature here guys, and if you're a note taker while reading, be prepared to fill your journal with thought provoking quotes. I could go on and on, but check out my review here and pick this one up today!

3) Front Lines by Michael Grant (Soldier Girl #1)

If you've followed my blog this year, you've caught on that I have a thing for World War Two books. Blame my fourth grade teacher for handing me a copy of Number the Stars by Lois Lowry twenty years ago. This is WWII with a twist: women are eligible for the draft and able to fight and hold positions equally alongside men. I didn't feel that it took away from the history or that it gave the novel a fantasy vibe. This is a WWII book: gritty, real, and honest from boot camp to the deserts of North Africa. Pick this one up soon so you're ready for the sequel, Silver Stars, on January 31, 2017!

Click here to read my review!

4) The Problem With Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Jennifer L. Armentrout. J.Lynn. Whatever she writes, I read. Period. I had such major book hangover with this one because it was just so good. Don't write this off as another teen romance. Armentrout explores the lasting scars of child abuse and flaws in our foster care system. Mallory has a quiet and sure strength that makes you cheer for her throughout the book, while Rider is a swoon worthy artist that wrestles with rising above what the world has dealt him. A must read for contemporary fans! 

Click here for my review!

5) The Romantics by Leah Konen

Every other book on my list this year had pretty serious themes going on, but are you just looking for a good warm hug of a book? This is the story for you! I laughed and laughed and laughed and loved every minute of this. Seriously if you're a fan of a quality rom com, you won't regret grabbing this one today! I had a blast reading this!

Click here for my review!

Wrong For Me (Motor City Royals #2)

Author: Jackie Ashenden
Release Date: November 29, 2016
Publisher: Kensington
Pages: 300
Genre: Contemporary Romance

*I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own. Thanks NetGalley!*

Summary

After eight years in prison, Levi Rush is finally out and back on the gritty streets of Detroit to claim the future he was owed. A future that includes the one woman he's wanted for years--his former best friend Rachel. She's the reason that he went inside and if getting her to do what he wants means buying the building houses her tattoo studio and using it as leverage, then that's what he'll do. Because if there's one thing he learned inside it's that if you want to win, you have to play dirty. 

Rachel Hamilton is a tattoo artist and one hell of a tough girl. Detroit is her home, and she's determined to make it a better place. But her plans are threatened when her old friend Levi returns and gives her an ultimatum: she gives herself to him body and soul, or else she and her business are out on the street. Levi's got no room in his heart for anything but anger and the lust he's been carrying around for so long. But the only thing stronger than the secrets of their shared past is their fiery attraction to each other...--Goodreads

The Rundown

Hmmm...

I requested an ARC of this before I realized that it was the second in a series, but it really didn't take away much or make me feel like I was missing out on anything crucial. 

I realize that you have to give yourself over to a little bit of fantasy with a book like this, but really? A guy she hasn't seen for nearly a decade buys the building where her tattoo studio is, then demands that she move in with him and have sex with him because he's angry with her? 

That's it. That's the whole book. I may have been able to roll with it a little more if either character had been even remotely deep or fascinating, but Rachel and Levi both felt flat to me, and none of the supporting character struck me enough to make me want to read the first or last book in the series. Even what I call the "steam factor" didn't do much to raise my impressions of this book because the arrangement Levi started with Rachel was less passionate and more like a revenge fueled business transaction.

Honestly, the most intriguing part of the story was how gentrification in poorer neighborhoods in large cities is viewed by both locals and investors. I actually found myself doing a little research on the pros and cons of gentrification after I finished this book out of curiosity, so I will thank the author for that.

If you're looking for a steamy, swoon worthy New Adult series to dive into with awesome characters and killer plot lines, start with Jay Crownover's Marked Men series and skip this one altogether. 

Rating: 2/5 Stars. Dull and silly. 

The Lovely Reckless

Author: Kami Garcia
Release Date: October 4, 2016
Publisher: Imprint
Pages: 384
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary Romance

Summary

Seventeen-year-old Frankie Devereaux would do anything to forget the past. Haunted by the memory of her boyfriend's death, she lives her life by one dangerous rule: Nothing matters. At least, that's what Frankie tells herself after a reckless mistake forces her to leave her privileged life in the Heights to move in with her dad--an undercover cop. She transfers to a public high school in the Downs, where fistfights don't faze anyone and illegal street racing is more popular than football. 

Marco Leone is the fastest street racer in the Downs. Tough, sexy, and hypnotic, he makes it impossible for Frankie to ignore him--and how he makes her feel. But the risks Marco takes for his family could have devastating consequences on them both. When Frankie discovers his secret, she has to make a choice. Will she let the pain of the past determine her future? Or will she risk what little she has left to follow her heart? --Goodreads

The Rundown

I've been reading a ton of New Adult lately and I had to remind myself to shift gears to give this book a fair shake. Things are just a lot more...there are just so many intense feelings when you're a teenager. 

First off, props to Frankie's character that this wasn't another #richwhitegirlwithfirstworldproblems book. She recognizes the advantages she's had by living a privileged life, but recognizes the ugly side of it too. The detachment, the extravagance...it's all too much, especially when she makes friends with kids at her new high school who struggle to help their family make rent or buy groceries. 

I struggled with Marco and Frankie's romance for most of the book. Like I said, I had to remind myself a lot about how big feelings feel when you're seventeen. I'm a romantic and love at first sight is always a sigh worthy thing, but at times this seemed like a bit much. Once I gave myself over the story and stopped shaking my head going "Oh kids really?" I was able to get more into it. 

Between Marco and Frankie's hot and heavy romance, the street racing, the inside look at auto theft rings and the lawmen trying to catch them, and the "parent's just don't understand" vibe, I could totally see this going to the big screen and being a huge PG-13 hit. I promise I'm not making fun at all, quite the opposite. While I didn't think this book was profoundly deep or anything, it was a ton of fun. And who doesn't enjoy a good, fun ride of a book once in a while?

Rating: 3/5 stars. Not earth shattering, but entertaining nonetheless!