Non-Romantic Books For Valentine’s Day

This is actually a sort of “Part 2” post since I did the same sort of post back in 2018, so I’ll link that one here. I’ve got a fresh set of book recommendations this year just in time for Valentine’s Day! So if you’re like me and don’t enjoy a lot of romantic reads these books are for you! I’ll link full reviews if I have them as well as linking each title to their respective Goodreads pages, these aren’t listed in any particular order.

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! (How cute and hilarious is this gif?!)

Disappointing Books In Disguise

I thought this would be kind of a fun post idea! Essentially these are books that I’ve read where I thought the covers were gorgeous but overall I didn’t enjoy the story. Pretty simple but hopefully you all will enjoy it!

These are listed in no particular order and I will link my full reviews to each book as well.

Top Ten Tuesday: 2019 Bookish Discoveries

I couldn’t decide on just one thing that’s considered a bookish discovery so I broke it down into a few sections! I didn’t have the best reading year in 2019 so it was a bit hard for me to find enough for this post but hey here they are.

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish.

It has now been moved over to That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Hope Will Be Under My Tree!

I mean half of my Christmas list is books so I hope I’ll find at least one under the tree this year! These books are listed in no particular order and I will link each title to their Goodreads page.

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish.

It has now been moved over to That Artsy Reader Girl.

Books I Just HAD To Have & Haven’t Read Yet: Part 2

As you can probably tell from the post title there is a Part 1 that you can check out! Believe it or not I actually buy a LOT of books that I don’t read right away but I had to have them so bad apparently. I’m terrible about getting into the hype and buying the books right away and then putting them off forever, book lover problems for sure!

(I was also just reading the first post and realized I’ve only read one off of that list, so I’m still being terrible!)

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Bookish Romances

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish.

It has now been moved over to That Artsy Reader Girl.

I’ve done a very similar post not that long ago so a lot of these are “recycled” but I’m just very picky about my book romances, only a few truly impress me! Also a lot of these fall under the “forbidden romance” trope, I’ll just tell you now! I’m a sucker for forbidden romance, it’s like my brain thinks “Oh….they can’t be together? They shouldn’t be together?…….THEY MUST BE TOGETHER NOW!”.

These are in no particular order and I will link reviews if I have them.

**** SPOILER FREE! I won’t be naming characters just the books so you can read my post freely!****

10.) The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski

I originally thought (judging from the cover especially) that this book would be loaded with the usualy YA romance tropes: insta-love and love triangles. I was pleasantly surprised though as there were none of those! The romance is actually very slow-burn and also forbidden, my favorite.

You can read my full review here.

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9.) The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury

Once again we have a forbidden, slow-burn romance that had me rooting for this couple! I love when I get to see two characters developed separately and then coming together by the end, it’s so satisfying. On a side note: the women in this book are so badass.

You can read my full review here.

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8.) Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

This one has a dash of insta-love but it’s explained why later on in the story so it gets a pass from me! Otherwise it’s forbidden romance as well and I loved how well developed and complex the relationship is throughout the book.

You can read my full review here.

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7.) And I Darken by Kiersten White

This one is a bit odd because I was NOT expecting romance in this book at all but I got it and I loved it! There is a love triangle but one…portion of it is unrequited so I guess it’s not technically a love triangle then, is it? I digress. This was just one of those relationships that had so much….angst. They secretly loved each other but felt it was unrequited so WAITED forever to say anything, it drove me crazy in the best possible way!

You can read my full review here.

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6.) My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, & Jodi Meadows

Here we have another trope-free and slow-burn romance, well I guess I don’t know if the whole “get married and THEN get to know each other and fall in love” thing is a trope. If it is let me know what you sum it up as, haha! I loved how adorable the couple in this book was, sooooooo freaking cute!

You can read my full review here.

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5.) The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid

Another book you would never expect there to really be a romance in but there it is and it’s awesome! I love the couple in this book, I LOVE THEM! They’re so perfect for each other and the chemistry is just there! It’s pretty slow burn and definitely forbidden too!

You can read my full review here.

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4.) The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Anyone who has read this book will agree with me, I think! This is slow burn and forbidden love and it will have you pining along with the characters because you just want them to be together dammit!

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3.) The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

This is a historical fiction with an M/M romance and both character’s think their love is unrequited! They’re both so adorable and this book is so much fun and is hilarious!

You can read my full review here.

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2.) Queens of Geek by Jen Wilde

This book is almost 100% about the romance and I was really surprised that I loved it so much! There’s TONS of diversity with POC characters, gay characters, and characters with mental illnesses too! The relationships are all just so positive and adorable, they gave me those fuzzy warm feelings!

You can read my full review here.

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1.) An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson

Normally I feel like I wouldn’t have loved this romance since it was a little insta-lovey but I loved both characters so much on their own and the love is forbidden of course so I was sold! Plus who wouldn’t love a Fae Prince?

You can read my full review here.

Have you read any of these books? What did you think?

Are any of these romances your favorite as well?

What are some of your favorite bookish romances?

Let me know in the comments!

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Top Ten Tuesday: Books That Have Been On My TBR The Longest

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish.

It has now been moved over to That Artsy Reader Girl.

There are quite a few books that have been waiting a very long time for me to read them and I only joined Goodreads 3 years ago so the books SAY that’s when I added them but in reality they’ve been waiting longer than that.

These are in no particular order.

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10.) The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

Yep, this one has been waiting a while but this year is the year I’m reading it! It’s officially on my “Beat the Backlist” TBR so it’s happening! I finally got a copy for Christmas too so now I really have no excuses.

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9.) Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman

Years back I read the amazing book known as “The Graveyard Book” and I decided I HAD to read more Neil Gaiman plain and simple. So “Neverwhere” is a pretty big book of his so I added it to my TBR, hopefully I’ll get to it….eventually.

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8.) The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch

I always feel really conflicted about this book because on the one side I hear it’s excruciatingly slow paced but on the other side I LOVE heists in fantasy books and criminal/anti-hero main characters. So I do want to give it a go since I own a copy.

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7.) The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie

As you can see I’ve added a lot of the “big” high fantasy novels and just proceed to not read them. I’m terrible. I really liked Abercrombie’s YA fantasy book “Half a King” as the plot twists were incredible and I enjoy politically driven fantasy books. So I’d like to read more of his writing!

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6.) The Way of Shadows by Brent Weeks

Yep, more fantasy. What can I say? I like fantasy and I also like assassins.

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5.) Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

I loved ‘True Blood’ so naturally I want to read the books, will I ever actually do it though? That’s the question. I may yet remove this one from my TBR just because it’s been on here forever.

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4.) Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence

Now as you can already probably tell I really, REALLY enjoy fantasy but what I enjoy more than that is dark fantasy. And I think it’s safe to say this qualifies, I’m here for the stabby books.

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3.) The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

Why have I STILL not read this book? I’ve heard nothing but great things about it, I own it, and it’s super short.

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2.) The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

A classic and while I don’t normally read many classics I do want to read this one. I’ve been trying. For years. I have yet to finish.

1.) Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton

I think it’s pretty obvious why this is on my list….the movie and dinosaurs.

Have you read any of these books? What did you think?

What are some books that have been on your TBR the longest?

Let me know in the comments!

Follow Me Elsewhere: Twitter * Instagram * Goodreads

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Can’t Believe I Read and Loved!

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish.

It has now been moved over to That Artsy Reader Girl.

This week’s theme is pretty broad you can do any spin on it that you can think of! It’s books you can’t believe you read, I decided to go with an easy one and just do a list of books that are kind of out of my comfort zone that I ended up enjoying.

I will include reviews if I have them, these aren’t in any particular order.

10.) Queens of Geek by Jen Wilde

Normally I do not read contemporaries, ESPECIALLY if they’re romance focused so “Queens of Geek” didn’t seem like a book I’d enjoy. However, I was very surprised by how much I loved it! The romances were adorable, the anxiety rep was amazing, and the diversity is off the charts. Fantastic book overall and I’m so happy I gave it a read.

You can read my full review here.

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9.) The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

I don’t usually read historical fiction, I find it can be a little too slow paced for me but this was an exception because it’s very fast paced and FUN! Definitely a book I didn’t think I would read!

You can read my full review here.

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8.) Paper Princess by Erin Watt

If I was listing these in an actual order this would probably be #1 because it is so far from what I normally read, I didn’t think I would EVER read this but I borrowed it from the library to give it a try. I was surprised by how addicting this story was and how much fun I had reading it, it’s like reading a soap opera!

You can read my mini review here.

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7.) Heartless by Marissa Meyer

This is only on the “can’t believe” list because I didn’t love “Cinder” and I could not understand what the big deal with this author was. So when she released this standalone back in 2016 I wasn’t sure if I’d like it or not, but I’m a sucker for Alice in Wonderland retellings so I gave it a go. I was pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable it ended up being in the end!

You can read my full review here.

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6.) The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski

So…a YA Fantasy with a girl in a ballroom gown on the front, I NEVER would have guessed it would have been as amazing and badass as it was. Kestrel, the MC, definitely matches the cover but she isn’t a damsel in distress either, loved her!

You can read my full review here.

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5.) The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury

As I already kind of mentioned, I don’t go for books that appear to be romance-heavy either by the cover or synopsis and “The Forbidden Wish” kind of appears to be romance-heavy. However, while the romance is a big part it’s such a “ship-worthy” romance and also the women in this book are total badasses! Very glad I read this one!

You can read my full review here.

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4.) Lips Touch: Three Times by Laini Taylor

This is a book that you shouldn’t judge by it’s cover because honestly, the cover makes it seem very cheesy. But the three short stories within are very unique, well-written, and just downright awesome and I’m glad I made time for them!

You can read my full review here.

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3.) The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

This book comes very hyped and very recommended by tons of people but normally slow paced, atmospheric books are not my jam. I’m glad I made an exception for this one though because it’s beautiful and very much worth my time.

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2.) The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

I have to say that I completely misjudged this book and I blame the synopsis, which makes it sound like this book is all about true love, insta-love, and kissing boys. Which is why I DIDN’T want to read it but I am so glad I finally caved because this book might be about a kiss but that really isn’t even half of it, there’s magic and mystery and some amazing characters! I could rave all day.

You can read my full review here.

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1.) The Wrath & The Dawn by Renee Ahdieh

Once again, a book that SEEMS like it’s all about that romance (which it kind of is) but is actually filled with badass women and magic too. Definitely loved this book a TON and didn’t think I would at all!

Have you read any of these as well? What did you think?

What are some books you can’t believe you read (positive/negative)?

Let me know in the comments!

Follow Me Elsewhere: Twitter * Instagram * Goodreads

 

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Meant To Read in 2017….and Failed

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by  The Broke and the Bookish.

So these are all actually books I have on my 2018 Beat the Backlist TBR (which has yet to be posted) so I am bound and determined to ACTUALLY read them this year! They deserve it!

These are in no particular order.

10.) Little Monsters by Kara Thomas

I absolutely LOVED “The Darkest Corners” it was such a dark, twisted mystery/thriller especially for YA, there were times when I forgot I was even reading YA! After an amazing debut like that I want to read all of her books and this one is no exception, I just really need to get my butt into gear!

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9.) The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

I KNOW I NEED TO READ THIS SO VERY BADLY! I am ashamed of myself for not having read this yet! It’s pretty much a must read for fantasy fans and I am one, therefore I must read this. This is the year!

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8.) Because You Love To Hate Me by Various Authors

I am all for tales from the villain’s POV which all of these are, plus I like a good collection of short stories! I have heard mixed things about this one but I’m still excited to read it! I am so terrible, I’ve been meaning to read this for months. Literally.

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7.) Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

I bought this right when it released and still haven’t read it. Why am I like this? I love Laini’s writing and I need to get lost in her newest fantasy creation! Soon, my friends, soon.

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6.) A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab

I do have a sort of excuse for this one but also not really because I own both this and “A Conjuring of Light”. I feel like I need to read this at exactly the right moment because I do not want to start reading and not be ready or have time to be fully immersed in this one, it deserves my attention 100%!

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5.) The Queen of Blood by Sarah Beth Durst

I’ve hear tons of good things about this book and I got it a while ago for Christmas so honestly I have no excuses for myself since I own it! It sounds super good and I love a good fantasy with interesting world building!

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4.) The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

I finally got the complete box set of the whole series so I am fully prepared to re-enter the Percy Jackson world. Now I just need to get to reading it…..

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3.) Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller

I borrowed this from the library, didn’t finish it, brought it back, bought a cheap copy on Book Outlet, and then proceeded to still not read it. I love pirates, I want to read all the pirate books, so I am FINALLY going to read it this year!

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2.) Dangerous Girls by Abigail Haas

Okay this book comes highly recommended by a ton of people and I’ve started it and stopped a couple of times just because I had other things to read. But this year I’m finally going to finish it, maybe during the summer since it gives off that vibe with the cover.

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1.) Bad Romance by Heather Demetrios

This is a book about an abusive relationship and while that may be hard to read through I think it’s going to be a very honest and important book about abusive relationships. I’m really excited to finally read it plus I think the cover is stunning.

Have you read any of these books? What did you think?

Did you mean to get to any of these last year as well?

Are you planning on reading any of them this year?

What were some of YOUR books you meant to get to in 2017 and didn’t?

Let me know in the comments!

Top Ten Tuesday: Required Reading For SFF Lovers

Hello fellow book lovers!

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jamie @ The Broke and the Bookish.

Time for another Top Ten Tuesday and this week’s theme is “Back To School” which can be anything from books you read in school or books you think should be required reading etc. So I decided to go with books I feel are required reading for any Sci-fi and Fantasy lovers out there!

I do have full reviews for each of these titles (which I am not going to link this time around) if you’d like to check them out!

These are also in no particular order and there are equal amounts of sci-fi and fantasy books here!

10.) A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

This book is simply amazing and definitely something you should check out if you’re a fantasy lover! Schwab weaves together some incredible world building and an action-packed plot focusing on a main character who has the magical ability to travel between the 4 parallel versions of London.

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9.) The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

This is technically sci-fi but while reading you don’t get very many vibes of this except for the alien type creatures and some plot information you receive later on. It’s sci-fi though trust me! This is about a boy living in a town of men who can all hear everyone’s thoughts and when he learns a secret about said town he must flee for his life.

Very heartbreaking story but so, so good.

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8.) Vicious by V. E. Schwab

Yes, another Schwab book! Basically if you’re a lover of SFF then just check her out period! This book is probably my favorite of hers and it involves morally ambiguous characters and super powers, what more could you ask for? It’s definitely a page turner!

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7.) Illuminae by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

This is one of those books that may not be for everyone but with the super unique formatting and the literal non-stop action I can’t help but recommend it for all sci-fi lovers. It has everything from a self-aware AI to creepy space viruses! There really is never a dull moment.

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6.) Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff

 I honestly recommend this book ALL the damn time but here I am again with it! This book has such creative world building and the characters were amazing too, tons of plot twists, and plenty of action as well. All around amazing fantasy book with all of the fantasy elements I personally look for. Who doesn’t love talking animal companions?

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5.) Kingdom of Ash and Briars by Hannah West

Another fantasy book I recommend all the time which is also very underrated, it has some very unique world building along with four different retellings weaved into the plot as well (Hua Mulan, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, and Jane Austen’s Emma). It’s got some very heart warming and heart breaking moments for sure, overall amazing story though!

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4.) The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid

This is sci-fi but the political intrigue and plots are very reminiscent of fantasy as well, the pacing is insanely fast and there’s non stop plot twists and action! You’ll also love the complete badass main character, Nemesis, who pretty much just kicks ass the entire book. She’s one tough cookie!

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3.) Red Rising by Pierce Brown

If I were going to sum up why this should be required reading it’d just be me screaming because of how awesome this book is.

There are so many wonderful characters and it’s like a much more brutal and violent version of the Hunger Games except in space….well Mars but you get what I mean.

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2.) An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

The world building is very Ancient Roman inspired, there’s loads of action,  fantastic characters, and plenty of shock worthy plot twists. This has all of the wonderful fantasy elements most of us look for and is extremely entertaining!

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1.) Every Heart A Doorway by Seanan McGuire

Very short, sweet, and to the point this book is magical and actually has some great world building for how short the story is. It’s about a home for “chosen one” children who have been kicked out of their magical worlds and must learn how to cope back in reality.

Have you read any of these books as well? What did you think?

Do you think these should be required reading for SFF fans?

What are some books you’d consider required reading for SFF lovers?

Let me know in the comments!