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TOP TEN TUESDAY: Books We LOVED That Are Underrated/Hidden Gems

February 26, 2019 / Jen / 15 Comments

Top Ten Tuesday.13

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl
Today we’re sharing Books We LOVED with Fewer than 2,000 Ratings on Goodreads. Technically this was last weeks topic, but my kiddos had that week off for ski week, so I didn’t get anything done lol. But I’m so thankful that we can share these hidden gems with you because we absolutely love these books and can’t recommend them enough! And they are…..

(Chelsea’s Choice)

1. Deep in the Heart by Sharon Sala
Amazon * Book Depository * Goodreads
This goes down in history as one of my favorite books ever. A complete hidden gem that my mom picked out for me when I asked her to help me get back into reading, I will forever love this adorable, addicting, and unforgettable novel about a second chance at love.

2. Famous in a Small Town by Emma Mills
Amazon * Book Depository * Goodreads
I just recently discovered this author, but this shocks me all the same. Have you people not read anything by this amazing woman?? It may be YA, but every word, relationship, and tear screams true. You’re missing out

(Chelsea’s Choice – Review)

(Jen’s Choice – Review)

3. Trick (Foolish Kingdoms #1) by Natalia Jaster
Amazon * Book Depository * Goodreads
HOW?! Just…how??? This book is magical and sexy and heartbreaking and swoony and just so addicting. You’re missing out if you haven’t met Poet and Briar.

4. The Importance of Being Scandalous (A Tale of Two Sisters #1) by Kimberly Bell
Amazon * Book Depository * Goodreads
This is a must read for all historical lovers and everyone who adores any type of romance that makes your heart race, has strong friendships, and is laced with moments that will have you laughing and then sighing out loud. I desperately need more friends to gush about this book with! Especially in regards to Nicholas. He is beyond intoxicating and you have to meet him!

(Jen’s Choice – Review)

5. Broken Skies (Broken Skies #1) by Theresa Kay
Amazon * Book Depository * Goodreads
Not only is this trilogy complete but it’s beyond addicting! If you’re a fan of The Lux Series by JLA or SciFi books then there’s a good chance you’re going to love this just as much as me! It had me on the edge of my seat, had a swoon worthy boyfriend, a power couple that I was obsessed with, side characters I adored and I loved how so many moments were butterfly inducing. I loved this trilogy!

6. The Sweetest Oblivion (Made #1) by Danielle Lori
Amazon * Book Depository * Goodreads
If you love sexual tension or forbidden stories, then you should give this book a try! It has both of those in spades! It’s about the Mafia, and while that’s usually not my thing, oh my gosh this book sucked me right in! The writing was seamless, the story was explosive and I loved all of the twisted and also crazy hot moments. I’m definitely looking forward to picking up anything else that Danielle Lori writes!

(Arielle’s Choice – Review)

7. The Raging Ones (The Raging Ones #1) by Krista Ritchie & Becca Ritchie
Amazon * Book Depository * Goodreads
When I found out that these two were writing a YA sci-fi/ dystopian-ish series you better believe I jumped on that in a second. It has a SUPER unique premise and true to their usual writing, has characters and relationships that gave me feels for days. It took a little bit to get into because we’re thrown into a world with an interesting social structure/ world building that was confusing to me at first but once you wrap your mind around it all and get to know the characters you won’t look back. I HIGHLY recommend.

8. Return Once More (The Historians #1) by Trisha Leigh
Amazon * Book Depository * Goodreads
I literally have no idea how more people don’t know about this series???? It’s a sci-fi time travel book about a spaceship of refugees from the wreck that was once earth. There is a group called the historians (basically cool, futuristic librarians) who travel back in time to different points in our history to basically study what went wrong and catalog each even meticulously. Another interesting aspect is that when you hit a certain age you can find out the identity of your True One–the person who is literally your soul mate, compatible in every sense. Of course they could have lived in the past or far future so that kind of sucks, haha. Again, super unique premise with great writing that will suck you in! Another HUGE recommend.

(Arielle’s Choice)

(Cassie’s Choice)

9. Light Years by Tammar Stein
Amazon * Book Depository * Goodreads
Okay people, I barely remember what this is about but I do remember that I read it when I was in high school and FELL IN LOVE. In short it’s the story of Maya, an Israeli girl whose boyfriend (and basically the love of her life) dies in a senseless suicide bombing while waiting for her at a cafe. To escape her shattered heart/ world she moves to the States to attend the University of Virginia. She tries to just be a “normal” student and obviously has to work through her grief and trying to fit in to what a normal university student is in America. She learns a lot about who she is and who she wants to be and honestly, after re-reading the synopsis on GR, I know I have to read this again immediately.

10. The Bakersville Dozen by Kristina McBride
Amazon * Book Depository * Goodreads
I honestly don’t understand how this book has so few reviews/ratings. Of all the YA thrillers I’ve read, this is easily one of my favorites. It’s darkly funny, has a creative theme and is ripe for a Netflix-movie adaptation. In addition, there’s a nice love triangle/romance angle as well. It’s probably been two years since I last read it, and I can still remember so many details from it, which I doesn’t usually happen for me with thrillers. If you enjoy any kind of YA mystery/thriller with some bonus romance, PLEASE read and review this. I’m due for a second reading soon and plan to write quite the detailed review.

(Cassie’s Choice)

(Cassie’s Choice – Review)

11. Top Ten by Katie Cotugno
Amazon * Book Depository * Goodreads
While this is certainly a Katie Cotugno book, the format is a bit different than most of her other YA offerings. Instead of following a mostly linear timeline, Top Ten jumps back and forth and switches perspectives between the two main characters and best friends, Ryan and Gabby. It’s inclusive, honest and completely refreshing from so many other YA contemporaries. I recommend anyone who likes real and messy and imperfect characters and relationships to read any of Cotugno’s books, but Top Ten is probably the most overlooked of her books and certainly doesn’t deserve to be.

12. #Murdertrending (MurderTrending #1) by Gretchen McNeil
Amazon * Book Depository * Goodreads
Along the lines of “The Bakersville Dozen,” #MurderTrending is another darkly funny YA thriller. Taking the concepts of social media and reality TV, McNeil creates a new world in which teenage criminals are placed on Alcatraz island and attempt to survive amid professional killers, all the while regular viewers follow along and comment and vote for their favorites. While the romance angle was a little underdeveloped, I loved the characters. I was rooting for them the entire time and often found myself laughing along with their dark humor. A fair warning that this isn’t for the faint of heart. While this is a YA novel, McNeil doesn’t skimp on the gory details.

So these are the Books We LOVED with Fewer than 2,000 Ratings on Goodreads. Have you read any of these books yet? Or are they on your tbr? If not, then which books do you love that has fewer than 2,000 ratings on Goodreads?

BOOK REVIEW: Beautifully Damaged (Beautifully Damaged #1) by L.A. Fiore

February 25, 2019 / Jen / 4 Comments

Beautifully Damaged (Beautifully Damaged #1)
by L.A. Fiore
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Ember Walsh is a trusting soul with the quiet beauty of her late mother, who perished in a mysterious car crash when Ember was three. A little tomboyish from being raised by her father, Ember packs a punch when a stranger gets pushy with her in a bar, catching the steely blue eyes of a tall, gorgeous tattooed man—Trace Montgomery. Still damaged from her last disastrous relationship and warned off the bad boy by friends, Ember fights the smoldering heat that Trace sparks in her when he begins shadowing her like a dark angel.

Burdened by a lifetime of horror and heartbreak, amateur fighter Trace doesn’t want to want Ember. His deep self-loathing keeps him from having any meaningful relationships, but Ember is an itch he can’t scratch. The two push and pull, slowly crumbling their walls, seemingly brought together by fate, because the turmoil that haunts their pasts is interlinked in undeniable ways. But can these two fighters finally lay down their arms?

Review:

Beautifully Damaged pulled me in and then crashed and burned. I haven’t had a 1 star rating in almost 3 years, but there was no denying how I felt about this book. Even though this story held so much potential, the characters wore on me and I kept picking holes at the story. When I found myself skimming the last quarter of the book, I knew I was done. So my top three issues were…

✩A doormat heroine

He really was fucked up, but I loved him. I loved him enough to stay.

From the very first chapter, we watched as Ember let her roommate walk all over her. Her roommate said rude things to her, took her stuff and even ditched her. All while Ember let her. And when she allowed Trace to do the same thing, I was done with her. I was so angry that she allowed herself to be a victim, again. It was frustrating that she never said anything when her boyfriend would be gone for all hours of the night or when she would catch him flirting with other girls. And there’s a scene where it looks like he’s having sex with another girl, ugh. Just no. Her lack of actions made me completely lose any and all respect I had for her. Yes she punched a guy in the beginning of the story and another person way down the road but it wasn’t enough. Not near enough because of all of the other moments I painfully had to sit there and watch her do nothing.

✩A jerk of a hero

“You actually believe I could feel any other way about you? You are my forever.”
“You’re not mine.”

If you follow my reviews, you know I always love the guys that start off as a douche bag and then turn into so much more . But with Trace Montgomery, I finally found a jerk I didn’t like. I tried my hardest to fall for him since he was thoughtful, caring and protective. But in the end, I just hated him. My first clue that I should have given up on him was when he was staring at Ember, while getting another girl off. My second clue should have been when he purposely flirted with other girls when Ember was around. My third clue should have been when he didn’t care that he was tearing Ember apart when he threatened to bring another girl back to where they both lived. Ohhhh and he proceeded to warn Ember that the girl he was bringing back was a screamer. What a great guy *rolls eyes*. And while there was a ton more clues, the final nail in the coffin was when he made it look like he was fucking another girl while Ember walked in on it. Just NO. Trace pushed too hard. He pushed too far. I didn’t care that his past made him the way he was. He was cold and callous in my eyes.

✩WTFs

I discovered that a body could still function when the heart was reduced to nothing but ash.

I’m not even going to touch on the fact that we’re told Ember is shy yet she has no problem singing in public or punching a guy in the face, or the cooking thing, or her tattoo she got before she even slept with Trace, or his stalking, because all of that was absolutely ridiculous. But the huge revelation at the end? I’m sure that was supposed to make us happy, but all it did was make me livid. The legal implications, the emotional scarring, the abandonment? Not to mention the complications in the future, I just, wow. Are you kidding me? It was messed up on so many levels and it left the worst taste in my mouth.

Beautifully Damaged was definitely not for me and I wont be picking up another book by this author.

BOOK REVIEW: The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

February 24, 2019 / Arielle / 4 Comments

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Olive is always unlucky: in her career, in love, in…well, everything. Her identical twin sister Amy, on the other hand, is probably the luckiest person in the world. Her meet-cute with her fiancé is something out of a romantic comedy (gag) and she’s managed to finance her entire wedding by winning a series of Internet contests (double gag). Worst of all, she’s forcing Olive to spend the day with her sworn enemy, Ethan, who just happens to be the best man.

Olive braces herself to get through 24 hours of wedding hell before she can return to her comfortable, unlucky life. But when the entire wedding party gets food poisoning from eating bad shellfish, the only people who aren’t affected are Olive and Ethan. And now there’s an all-expenses-paid honeymoon in Hawaii up for grabs.

Putting their mutual hatred aside for the sake of a free vacation, Olive and Ethan head for paradise, determined to avoid each other at all costs. But when Olive runs into her future boss, the little white lie she tells him is suddenly at risk to become a whole lot bigger. She and Ethan now have to pretend to be loving newlyweds, and her luck seems worse than ever. But the weird thing is that she doesn’t mind playing pretend. In fact, she feels kind of... lucky.

Review:

It PHYSICALLY pains me to say that this is not in the running for one of my favorite Christina Lauren books. You better believe that I had been stalking NetGalley for the last few weeks, hoping to see this cover pop up. I was SO excited to find out that I was approved on the first day in YEARS that I had a snow day, too. I loved Olive and Ethan and when I first read the synopsis about this being a hate-to-love featuring a pretend marriage…mmmm…I figured this would be a recipe for perfection.

That wasn’t exactly the case. Overall this book was still good and I still laughed out loud many, many times. I mean during a good chunk I was actually rocking my daughter, trying to get her down for a nap, and it was getting physically hard to hold in my laughter and not wake her up haha. I loved reading about their time in Hawaii together. The banter and their chemistry was great as always. The only part about this book that caused me to pause and knock off a star..maybe a star and a half, was purely a personal preference thing. It was a situation towards the end involving “the conflict” between Olive and Ethan..and even Olive’s sister..that really rubbed me the wrong way. View Spoiler »This similar type of situation bothers me in every romance though, so there’s a good chance that it won’t affect a lot of people’s views on the book overall. Like I said, still a hilarious, sexy, finish-in-a-day because of the addictive writing kind of book…it just wasn’t meant for me like most of their other ones!

Also, random side note–I am obsessed with this cover. Even though it wasn’t one of my top favorites I think I still need to buy it to brighten up my bookshelves at home, lol.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for this eARC that was given in exchange for an honest review! ♥

BOOK REVIEW: The Winter of the Witch (Winternight Trilogy #3) by Katherine Arden

February 22, 2019 / Chelsea / 2 Comments

The Winter of the Witch by Katherine Arden
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Following their adventures in The Bear and the Nightingale and The Girl in the Tower, Vasya and Morozko return in this stunning conclusion to the bestselling Winternight Trilogy, battling enemies mortal and magical to save both Russias, the seen and the unseen.

Now Moscow has been struck by disaster. Its people are searching for answers—and for someone to blame. Vasya finds herself alone, beset on all sides. The Grand Prince is in a rage, choosing allies that will lead him on a path to war and ruin. A wicked demon returns, stronger than ever and determined to spread chaos. Caught at the center of the conflict is Vasya, who finds the fate of two worlds resting on her shoulders. Her destiny uncertain, Vasya will uncover surprising truths about herself and her history as she desperately tries to save Russia, Morozko, and the magical world she treasures. But she may not be able to save them all.

**ARC Provided via netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

Many say, better to die, until the time comes to actually do it, Morozko had told her once. He was right.

So, this series was a true love-hate thing for me. Yet, as a month and a half has passed since I finished it and have had sour thoughts about since, I can’t help, as I start writing this review, to have fond feelings for this story-so I guess that tells more than any nasty feelings that lingered. I hated the first, but loved the setting, the vivid storytelling (when it wasn’t talking about something totally triggerish for me), and, of course, Morozko. So I read the second-And I just plain adored it. Many times it’s not enough for the guy to be the only appealing thing to me, but, for this one, I really just had to know more about the mysterious Winter King and his oddly protective personality-even though, over the course of the series, he said time and again that he couldn’t always be around to protect Vasya, that it was taking him away from his duties, and that he wouldn’t ever do it again so be warned. Yet, every single time she was in danger…a certain freezing cold and rain or snow would assist our daring Vasya, and we just knew who couldn’t help himself from not letting her die. How romantically thrilling.

“I do not like him.”
“I fear,” said Sergei, “that he does not care in the slightest.”

And I finished this book around Christmas, or right before, what-have-you…and couldn’t find the words to write the review. After everything, this is what we were left with? Yeah, it was good. But, gone was what made me fall in love with this series, which was how Vasya was so strong, and how Morozko picked up the pieces and was relentless when she couldn’t be. I loved that. No matter how trigger-happy, nor how angry I got, I always loved that about this series, which is why I finished in the first place. Morozko had sacrificed so much over the course of this series, therefore he was at his weakest in this book-so we didn’t get to see many of theses moments (Though, he still continued to sacrifice all he had, in the only ways he could). It hurt me deeply, even though I know the goal was to show Vasya’s growth and what she can do to save her city on her own. But, with all the bullcrap surrounding these epic moments, the lack of Morozko was hard to swallow.

“…that is the only way you can play for everything, when you do not fear to lose.”

For all the triggers in all the lands of these books, one thing has stood out above all that that I just….just…could not stand, and that’s that bastard priest that was a thorn in my side from book one on. Can he just not, like, DISAPPEAR?! Go. Away.

YOU CAN’T SIT WITH US. He ruined so much and caused so much pain, heartache, and desperation that I could barely stand the series because of it. But, alas, he’s gone nowhere, and here we are.

Raising her head, she snapped at him, “Did you bring me here to watch me bleed to death? You are going to be disappointed. I am getting used to spiting people by surviving.”

TRIGGERS: Death, animal death (TRAUMATIC), child deaths, scary moments for weaklings such as I, and, like, so much more? What am I forgetting? Abuse at the hands of a misinformed and angry mob? And, for book two, which is what really hurt me most out of this whole series…a baby death. I have never been okay with this moment and, had it been erased from this series and book two, I think I could stomach it more.

“I knew you couldn’t do without me!” cried Ded Grib, triumphantly. “Even if now you have allies that are bigger.” He gave the Bear a very hard look.
“This is going to be a terrible war,” the Bear interjected. “What damage do you expect to do with a mushroom?”

I am a very sensitive soul, so when a mother is weeping for her child (book one) or an animal is slaughtered (1, 2, and 3) or burnt to death (2) or a baby dies traumatically and because of a selfish heroine (2) I cannot. I cannot I cannot and I will not. Yet, again, here we are. I feel fondly of this series…even after all this. All the tears. All the heartache. It all hurts. But I still, in a weird way…imagine skimming all that to get to the bright and amazing and shining parts. So I guess, again, that speaks louder than my angry reviews.

Which leads me here-Do I want these absolutely STUNNING books on my shelf? Yes. Will I get them? I don’t know. Is it worth it? There is so much heartache and sadness. Despair. But then-Morozko. Romantic peril. My baby Solovey. And those gorgeous covers. Here we are. Again. And again. And again.

None of the tales spoke of both wanting and resentment, of grand gestures and terrible mistakes.

Most enjoyable, to me, in order:

The Girl in the Tower (Favorite, might even just buy this one)
The Winter of the Witch
The Bear and the Nightingale

******************

ARC from Netgalley!!!

If I’m being frank, this series was one of the most confusing I’ve ever read-My emotions were all over the place. One minute I would hate the books, then next I would love them. I was sad. I was angry. I was annoyed. My heart would beat fast for Morozko. My heart would leap when Solovey was around. Back to angry again. It was a mess. I was a glass case of emotion. And, if I’m being honest, here is the order of enjoyment of these books:

A Girl in the Tower
The Winter Witch
The Bear and the Nightingale

And I’m not sorry about it.

RTC.

********************

I figured, why not walk straight into the fire? My soul is already broken anyway

Also, BR with the lovely Candace who has kept me sane through all this!

View all my reviews

REVIEW + GIVEAWAY: To Dream Is To Die (Dead Dreamer #1) by Sarah Lampkin

February 21, 2019 / Jen / 4 Comments

I was so happy to join this tour because I adore Paranormal stories! So check out my review below and enter a fabulous giveaway. Enjoy!

REVIEW + GIVEAWAY: To Dream Is To Die (Dead Dreamer #1) by Sarah Lampkin

To Dream Is To Die (Dead Dreamer #1)
by Sarah Lampkin
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Eighteen-year-old Brenna Whit is entering college as a freshman and starting to meet new people, but she hides a dark secret. Because of an accident that happened three years ago, her spirit wanders the Fade whenever she falls asleep. It's something she wants to keep hidden from the world, but when she sees someone watching her in spirit form, she fears the secret's out. With new friends, possibly new enemies, school, and a new crush, Brenna has too much to worry about for just her freshman year of college.

Review:

To Dream Is To Die was a story that kept me turning the pages. It all unfolded so effortlessly and each time we were given a piece of the puzzle, there was still so much I couldn’t wait to learn more about. There was a few different mysteries along with some twists and turns that kept me guessing. So if you adore paranormal stories, set in college, then definitely check this one out.

Brenna Whit was a dark, snarky college student who ended up dying three years ago. She came back from the dead and her life had been different ever since. Now, when she was supposed to be dreaming, she wandered the fade instead. Brenna moved into the college dorms for the first time and I loved watching her friendship unfold with Aeria. They were kindred souls and friendship definitely played a central theme in this story. And while each character was unique, I wasn’t able to connect with any of them. I tried my hardest, because the story line was a ton of fun, but sadly I couldn’t ever make that connection. Regardless, I still enjoyed reading about Brenna and her journey.

As the story unfolded, we learned more and more about the world that Brenna wandered while her body slept. I was beyond fascinated, especially since some of it seeped into the times when Brenna was awake. It was entertaining watching how it even affected those around her. So when I reached that final page, I was so happy that some of my questions were answered. Yes there is still so much for us to learn, but we stopped at the perfect waiting spot until the next book in this series releases.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

About Sarah Lampkin:

Sarah Lampkin is a New Adult/Young Adult fiction author from Southern Virginia. She currently resides in Northern Virginia with her cat, Fox (who is practically a dog). When she’s not writing, she’s playing video games, rock climbing, or getting ready for hunting season. Sarah began writing over a decade ago with her first novella called Angels: Moon and Sun, which is now being rewritten as Tainted Wings on Wattpad. She draws inspiration from Celtic mythology in her stories and aims to create unique worlds following strong female protagonist. In 2015, Sarah was able to utilize her Dead Dreamer series in her graduate program and graduate with an MA in English.

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