Top Ten Books I Will Probably Never Read

Hosted by my other blog, The Broke and the Bookish

1- 50 Shades of Grey: I know this is on plenty of lists. First, it's published fan fiction that she has made millions off of. That just makes me squirm. (I really don't care about the original work, I'm just against publish fan fics.) It's also just not my thing. I'm not into erotica, and definitely not into something this edgy.




2- Red Rain by R.L. Stine: I TRIED. I was so excited about this book, I devoured the Goosebumps books as a kid. Red Rain though. UGH. It has a 2.79 rating on Goodreads and I'm not all that surprised.



3- Anything that Stephanie Meyer might write- Okay, so I read all of Twilight as well as The Host. I will never read anything by her again. I was entertained by her books, but there are far too many MUCH better books out there to be read.




4- The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon: I was this close to buying the book. I was so intrigued by the story. However, after reading the reviews of several trusted friends, I probably won't pick them up. Too much graphic sexual violence for me.



5- Anything by Nicolas Sparks- Needless angst and turmoil and tragedy. No thank you. I don't like his writing formula, so I'll skip his books and move on to something else on my tbr.




6- Anything by Jodi Picoult- Same thing as Sparks. I don't like the style. Too much sadness for me. (Which, coming from a John Green fan, I know the irony). I read My Sister's Keeper and was ticked off for weeks. Not going to do that again.




7- Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews: Now, I've read the first book... Unfortunately I was TWELVE. I was scarred. I won't be reading this one again or anything that follows it.


Okay, so that's only 7. I just have a really hard time completely writing off books. I don't like saying never. "Never say never, Papa!" (An American Tail, obviously.)

What books are on your list???

Top Ten Books for Reads Who Like YA With Minimal Angst

Hosted by my other blog, The Broke and the Bookish

Atlantia 
by Ally Condie

Crown Duel 

by Sherwood Smith

Homecoming 

by Cynthia Voigt

Mistborn 

by Brandon Sanderson

Poison Study

by Maria V. Snyder

Princess Academy 

by Shannon Hale

Sabriel

 by Garth Nix

So You Want to Be a Wizard

by Diane Duane

Stardust

by Neil Gaiman

Waterfall

by Lisa T. Bergren

Top Ten Tuesday-- All Time Favorite Books from the Last Three Years

 Hosted by my other blog, The Broke and The Bookish

(In alphabetical order, because I couldn't possibly rank them)

Across a Star-Swept Sea   

   by Diana Peterfreund

After I Do

by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Code Name Verity

   by Elizabeth Wein

Eyes Like Stars

by Lisa Mantchev

The Girl of Fire and Thorns

   by Rae Carson

On The Jellicoe Road

by Melina Marchetta

Maybe One Day

   by Melissa Kantor

The Demon King

by Cinda Williams Chima

Throne of Glass

   by Sarah J. Maas

Wanderlove

by Kristen Hubbard

What books are on your list?? Share in the comments below!

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Heroines

1-   Elisa from the Fire and Thorns Series- Elisa is such an amazing character. I liked her even when we first meet her in the first chapter of Girl of Fire and Thorns, and she grows SO MUCH. She goes from being likable, to being incredible. Her determination, her loyalty, her faith. I adore her. 

2-    Hermione from Harry Potter- Because. Duh. Brave, a bookworm, loyal, and funny. I grew up with her, and I have so much love for her. I never felt bad about loving books, but she made it cool. Made me want to not just read more, but LEARN more.

3-     Raisa ana'Marianna from the Seven Realms series- Raisa is AWESOME. She defies stereotypes and works against incredible odds to accomplish her goals and do what she knows is right. She fights for her people, her family, and everything she cares about.

4-     Gabi and Lia from the River of Time series- I’m putting them together because they’re sisters, and they are so cool. They are thrown out of their own time and into a completely strange world. That doesn’t stop them from always fighting for what they love. They help anyone in need, and don’t listen to anyone that tries to tell them differently. They also possess a wonderful sense of humor and sarcasm.  Serious stuff happens, but it never gets too depressing because their optimism and sarcastic commentary.

5-     Ismae,Sybella and Annith from His Fair Assassin series- These girls! I adore them. I just finished Mortal Heart, which tells Annith’s story and concludes the series. I was sad to close the book and say goodbye to them. Each of the girls are very different from one another, and each are absolutely fantastic in their own way. Ismae is stubborn and loving, Sybella is darkly cynical and loyal, Annith is steadfast and kind. These girls are wonderful!

6-     Nita and Dairine from the Young Wizard Series- Another pair of awesome sisters. Bookish, and proud geeks. They love learning, they are dedicated to each other. They’re sisters, and they will always have each other’s backs and they are fiercely protect of those they love.

7-     Vin from the Mistborn series- This girl rocks! She starts off a skinny kid on the streets, then she meets a rather usual group of people. She learns just how much potential she has, and pretty much explodes into awesomeness.

8-     Sabriel and Lirael from the Abhorsen series-  These girls are tough. They don’t have the easiest lives. But when something goes wrong, they rise to the occasion, kick butt, save lives and make friends.

9-     Annabeth from the Percy Jackson series- I love her because she is smart and tough. And it’s not really all that important, but she’s blond.  How often do you come across a blond heroine? Usually they’re petite with dark hair and eyes. She pulls Percy, and their friends, out of trouble on multiple occasions.

10-  Yelena from the Study Trilogy- She’s one of my absolute favorite heroines ever. She starts out pretty low, a dungeon to be exact. She’s given the chance to live, as long as she is clever enough not to get herself killed. She goes from dirty, almost starving to death, to strong and clever. She’s witty and finds friends in unusual places, never judging anyone too quickly.  

Tell me! Who are YOUR favorites?? Share in the comments below!

Top Ten Things I Like/Dislike When it Comes to Romances in Books

Hosted by my other blog, The Broke and The Bookish

I'm such a sucker for a good romance. However it HAS to have the right ingredients, and not have too many of those tropes that annoy me. Here is my list of Dislikes and Likes!

 

Dislike

1- Instalove. I know this will be on a lot of lists, but seriously, can we just get rid of this? It's not even entertaining. He or she walks in the door and BAM. It's love. No. Let's find out who they are first. Maybe start with a name?

2- Physical Attraction Only. I get so tired of reading about how hot someone is. Yes, you are falling for them, but give me a break! It's not just about looks. To steal a favorite quote... (It's from a character describing her husband)

"You know when sometimes you meet someone so beautiful -- and then you actually talk to them and five minutes later they're dull as a brick; but then there's other people. And you meet them and you think, "No bad, they're okay." and when you get to know them... their face just, sort of, becomes them, like their personality's written all over it, and they just -- they turn into something so beautiful. He's the most beautiful man I've ever met."

THAT is what I'm looking for. Because honestly, that's one of the most romantic and heartwarming descriptions of love I've ever heard.

3- Too Stupid to Live Heroines. I want the two to be equal partners, not always having to save or cover for one or the other because their love interest isn't capable of taking care of themselves. I get that guys love to rescue a damsel in distress. Go for it. But if it's because she's just too dumb, maybe you should let natural selection do it's job.

4- ANGST! Angst/Lack of Communication. Oh how you wear me out and make me hate characters, angst. If you're worried all the time about what he/she thinks of you. Or question where you stand with them. Or have ANY issues that could be solved by maybe, I dunno, TALKING TO THEM? Do it. Communicate. It's only THE MOST IMPORTANT PART of a relationship. But go ahead. Loose sleep over a text message that didn't include a smiley. (“Oh no! Is he mad? Did I do something wrong?? Omigosh!)

5- Dominate/Stalking/Manipulative Relationships. There is NOTHING attractive about someone who follows you/watches you all the time. (My husband teases he watches me while I sleep. He doesn't, because he knows I'd strangle him in his sleep if he did that.) Also, what about personal space? And as for being manipulated in a relationship? Where is the romance in THAT?

Now for the stuff I love!

Likes

6-Friends Falling in Love. Growing up together and falling in love? Yes please! (Lola and the Boy Next Door, anyone?) I love that shared history, and how much it adds to the relationship. Especially when they've seen each other through the awkward years and remember the best moments, as well as the most embarrassing parts. It keeps them humble. :)

7- Playful Teasing/Banter. I love the back and forth teasing. I find it adorable. A couple that makes each other laugh is about 100 times more interesting to me than the ones who are always sickly sweet to each other. It's not all just roses and perfectly chosen words. It's laughter and teasing and inside jokes.

8- Slow Burn Romance. They dance around each other. They tease here and there. They start to notice little things. A fun laugh. Shared love of books/music/movies. They dance a bit more... Until I'm practically yelling at them to finally kiss, or at least hold hands! Anything! But it is oh so compelling to watch them slowly fall for each other. And the moment when they finally realize they're supposed to be together? Don't you dare interrupt me while I'm reading. ;)

9- Foreign Locations. A romance with a backdrop of a completely new place? YES! (I'm looking at you, Stephanie Perkins and Gayle Forman!) Not only is the atmostphere of the setting seductive as a reader, watching the two characters discover together the wonders of where they are, or one of them showing the other around and helping them to discover all the hidden delights, is so fun!

10- Beyond Boy Meets Girl. It's rare, especially since so much of what I read is YA, but I LOVE when we see the relationship continue beyond them meeting and falling in love. I want the ever after. What is their “after”? I was beyond delighted when I read something recently (not going to say what, because, spoilers sweetie) and we got to see the PROPOSAL. Not only did the characters meet, fall in love and overcome a lot together, but they LASTED. They made it. I know many think that the romance ends after “I do”. But it so doesn't. At least I certainly hope not, because that would make marriage rather boring.

So! What are some of your likes/dislikes? Share your list in the comments!

(I just noticed that the last time I posted was two days before I got engaged! It's been WAY too long since I've blogged!)



Top Ten Books I've Read This Year

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created over at my other blog, The Broke and the Bookish.

This year I decided that I was going to be more stingy with my five star ratings. Which I have been, however, looking at my goodreads list you wouldn't believe that. I managed to stumble across several amazing books this year! 

1. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor: I was hooked from the very beginning. It was just so odd, and I liked it! The characters are fantastic, funny, sarcastic, real. The friendships are heartwarming and the romantic tension is alluring. 

2. Maybe One Day by Melissa Kantor: Picture this. Me, 3 am, sitting my bed, book in hand, tears streaming. Okay. Maybe DON'T picture that. Ha. But this book. This was one of those that doesn't connect with everyone. No book does. But this book slammed into me. It pulled me in, broke my heart and warmed it all at once. 

3. Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas: Loved the first book. This one was just as wonderful, maybe even better? I CANNOT wait for the next book! 

4. Rose Under Fire by Elizabeth Wein: This was a tough read, but like the first book, the writing is wonderful. Letters on a page transformed into fully realized people. The harsh landscape of their world was detailed and gritty. Their friendships were beautifully, and painfully, real. I was invested in all of them. 

5. Cress by Marissa Meyer: Okay, I really liked Cinder and Scarlett. But Cinder? My absolute favorite out of the three. Cress is positively adorable. The other characters remain amazing, and I loved their interactions with each other. As each character is discovered and added to the group, the more I love the story. 

6. New York: The Novel by Edward Rutherfurd: Now, if you've read my blog or follow me on twitter, you know how much I love New York. I'm also a total history geek. I house-sat for a relative. What was I most excited about? They have the history channel. Anyway, this book tells the story of New York, from it's earliest days of Dutch settlers, all the way up to the events of 9/11. I grew to love the families I was introduced to. I learned SO MUCH from this about the history of the city. I was googling stuff every few pages. 

7. Across a Star Swept Sea by Diana Peterfreund: I love the Scarlet Pimpernel, I love retellings. This book was fantastic! I love the characters she created, and the world that she built! It was real, colorful to the point it felt tangible. Such a fantastic read. 

8. Pivot Point by Kasie West: I was so intrigued by the premise, and drawn in by the writing style. I swear, Kasie West has been eavesdropping in on conversations between me and my friends, because so much of what they say and do, remind me of my own friends. 

9. Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini: Again with the history geek part of me, I also love mythology. I loved those elements in the story, along with characters that were fun and interesting. 

10. Better Off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg: Friendship portrayed in a realistic way is always so refreshing. I loved this characters, and I loved their interactions. It was a fun, cute read that left me smiling.

SO! What made your list? I'd love to hear what YOU loved. The best way to get recommendations! :)

Top Ten Books About Friendship

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created over at my other blog, The Broke and the Bookish.

1. Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling:  Friendship+books= Harry Potter. It's as simple as that. It is the first book that comes to mind and it illustrates friendship perfectly. Your friends are your family, and I can't think of many other books that show that fact so clearly.

2. Mistborn Series by Brandon Sanderson: The main character, Vin, grew up knowing to never trust anyone. That lesson was pounded into her constantly by her brother, and she stuck to that rule. Until she met a group of unusual people. They teach her about friendship, the ups and downs and what it truly means to be a friend. 

3. Better off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg: Can a guy and a girl really be best friends? YES! This is a sadly neglected topic in so much of YA Fiction, or fiction at all. I've always had a blend of guys and girls as friends. This book shows both and is a refreshing change.

4. Maybe One Day by Melissa Kantor: This book is beautiful. I was up way past any reasonable hour reading this. Zoe and Olivia have a friendship so similar to some of my own that I instantly connected with them. 

5. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein: I know this book will be on many lists. The friendship between Maddie and Queenie is so wonderful! They maintain an incredible friendship through WWII, not exactly the easiest of times. 

6. Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta: Narnie, Jude, Tate, Fitz and Webb? I feel a bit teary just typing their names. They aren't just friends, together they form a family. They all know the ugliest sides of each other, but they also see the beautiful parts too. Taylor and her friendships are much different, but also fantastic representations of friendship.

7. Young Wizard Series by Diane Duane: Friendships in EVERY form. You want a book that shows just how many different kinds of friendships you can have? This is it. Kit and Nita meet and become best friends. A boy and a girl. Best friends. I can't say much more without spoiling it for you, but on their journey's they meet incredible "people" (some are actually people, some are... not quite people) and form friendships with them. Every walk of life, it doesn't matter, friendships are formed.

8. Study Series by Maria V. Snyder: Yelena emerges from the lowest of places possible at the beginning of the story. By the end she has formed relationships that will last lifetimes. Ari and Janco are some of my favorite characters ever. After an initial rocky start, they decide they like Yelena and form a fantastic friendship. But that's not all, the series is peppered with unlikely but delightful friendships.

9. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak: Liesel forms an array of unlikely friendships, from Rudy to Max to.... well, if you haven't read it, I won't spoil some of the other friendships... To those who have read it, the woman with the books. ;) Liesel loses so much right at the beginning of the book, but gains so much. She even, unknowingly, forms a relationship with our... distinguished narrator.

10. The Help by Kathryn Stockett: Unusual friendships in very unusual times. There are many I could mention, but my personal favorite is the friendship that is formed between Minnie and Celia. 

What made your list? Comment below or leave a link!

 

Top Ten New-To-Me Authors I Read In 2013

 

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created over at my other blog, The Broke and the Bookish.

Cristin Terrill (All Our Yesterdays) Anything time travel grabs my attention, and this was no exception. I love her concept of time travel and of time itself.

Sarah J. Maas (Throne of Glass) LOVE LOVE LOVE this series! Now that I actually have time to read I get to read the sequel! 

Rainbow Rowell (Fangirl) Instant love. I've read Fangirl and Elenore and Park, I plan on reading everything else she writes!

Robert Galbraith (The Cuckoo's Calling) Okay, I'm totally cheating with this one. We all know that "Robert Galbraith" is actually JK Rowling. HOWEVER, I did not know it was her when I purchased the book. (The book was fantastic. Watch the blog for a review!)

Lauren Graham (Someday, Someday, Maybe) Yes. THAT Lauren Graham. Our own Lorelai. And she can write! Really enjoyed this, especially all of the wonderful details about NYC!

George R. R. Martin (Song of Ice and Fire) I knew who he was, but I hadn't read his books until this year. I'm completely addicted, just ask Daisy. I also refer to him as Evil Santa. 

Leigh Bardugo  (Shadow and Bone) Picked up one of her books by accident and fell in love with her storytelling and world building. 

John Green (The Fault in Our Stars) Yes yes yes, I know. I'm late to the party on this one. I had no idea who he was. Someone was talking about how much they loved TFiOS so I gave it a try... I don't think I've ever loved a book more.

Ruby Preston (Staged) I was introduced to this book by her publisher when she offered me a copy of the book for review. I loved it. It's another theatre book, and it shows the other side of theatre. Producing!

A.G. Howard (Splintered) I am so excited for the sequel for this! And completely envious of those lucky people who got an ARC!

A little exciting bit of news... I GRADUATED ON FRIDAY!!!! Yep! It finally happened! To show my excitement I leave you with a dancing Time Lord.

Top Ten Tuesday- Authors Who Deserve More Recognition

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created over at my other blog, The Broke and the Bookish.
 

Lisa T. Bergren- I’m not sure if I would have heard of her if a friend hadn’t recommended her book series, then later I saw someone mention it during a boutofbooks chat. After that I looked the River of Time series up… and fell in love with the story. 

Stephanie Fowers- I love talking about local authors. Stephanie’s books are light, and filled with humor. Her characters are so relatable that if I were to cast the actors in the play or movie version, I have a friend that would fit every role perfectly. 

Lindsey Leavitt- Okay, she’s fairly well known. But more people need to know about her. Her Princess for Hire series is an absolute delightful read.

Maria V. Snyder- How she isn’t more well-known is a mystery to me. Maria is the queen of strong, relatable heroines. Her Study series features a lead named Yelena, and is one of my absolute favorite heroines. Wonderful world building, fantastic characters (you’ll love Ari and Janco too!) and absorbing story telling.

R.L. LaFevers- I think by now a lot of the blogging community has heard about her and her fantastic books. However, if it weren’t for all the amazing bloggers out there I may not have found her books! 

S.J. Kincaid- Another author I know of because of blogging. I read Insignia last year and loved it. A YA novel with a male MC! 

Elizabeth Fama- I got to meet Elizabeth, be jealous. No seriously, you should be jealous because she’s awesome. When you think mermaids, you think red hair, dinglehoppers, heart of gold, couldn’t hurt a fly, etc, etc. Elizabeth takes that stereotype,  flips it upside down and makes it ever so much more interesting. Monstrous Beauty is a great read if you’re looking for something that’s a mix of romance, historical fiction, mystery, and fantasy. 

Chanda Hahn- I don’t even remember how I heard about her series, but it’s wonderful. I’m a sucker for a fairy tale retelling, and her books are fantastic! 

Jessica Day George- I discovered her by accident (another local author!) when I won the audio for her book, Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow. I think she might be more well known among MG readers, not many realize she writes YA as well.

So… I only made it to 8. Turns out a lot of my favorite authors are already well known. 

Who is on your list? What delightful authors have I yet to discover???