Book Review: Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia

Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia

Blurb:

Her story is a phenomenon. Her life is a disaster.

In the real world, Eliza Mirk is shy, weird, and friendless. Online, she’s LadyConstellation, the anonymous creator of the wildly popular webcomic Monstrous Sea. Eliza can’t imagine enjoying the real world as much as she loves the online one, and she has no desire to try.

Then Wallace Warland, Monstrous Sea’s biggest fanfiction writer, transfers to her school. Wallace thinks Eliza is just another fan, and as he draws her out of her shell, she begins to wonder if a life offline might be worthwhile.

But when Eliza’s secret is accidentally shared with the world, everything she’s built—her story, her relationship with Wallace, and even her sanity—begins to fall apart.

My Review:

This book was, in a word, perfect! 

Eliza is the creator of the insanely popular webcomic, Monstrous Sea but her parents don't understand why she'd rather spend all of her time working on her "hobby" and talking to people online than being out in the world and doing athletic things like her two younger brothers. At school, Eliza is the "weird girl" who never talks. 

That is until Wallace Warland transfers to her school and she stands up for him when two of their classmates are picking on him. It turns out Wallace, the guy who doesn't like to talk much either, is a huge fan of Monstrous Sea - in fact, he's one of the most popular fanfiction writers of Monstrous Sea! 

Eliza allows herself to form a friendship with Wallace but as the two grow closer she's afraid to tell him her secret - that she's the creator of the webcomic he loves so much. As the stress and pressure on Eliza begin to build, will she be able to keep her secret identity a secret? Or will her life implode in front of her very eyes?

I'm not a fan of comic books so I wasn't sure I would like Eliza and Her Monsters but after loving this book as much as I did I can only wonder why I didn't pick it up sooner. We all know what it's like to fangirl over a series we love, but this book shows the behind the scenes life of the creator we rarely get to see. 

As both a blogger and an author, I could relate to Eliza's intensity for her craft and her anxiety over getting her work done on time so I feel like I really could understand Eliza and her viewpoint on the world around her. 

Wallace was an unusual character but I liked him - from his quiet silence and means of communicating mostly through notes to when the reader learns more about the reason why he is the way he is. If anyone would be a perfect fit for Eliza, Wallace was wonderfully developed. 

I loved the background characters and the things they added to the story, except for Eliza's parents. They were the kind of bookish parents that I hate - they're so wrapped up in their passions that they don't understand what's important to their children and I really wanted to reach into the book and smack them on more than one occasion.

Overall, I devoured this book quickly and loved both the author's writing style and the illustrations in the book to represent Eliza's comic. This book is about fandom, embracing who you are, and letting others in even though you don't want to and I loved every minute of it. 

My Rating:

5 of 5 Stars!

"What I'm Reading" Wednesday #90

This "WIR"-Wednesday I'm reading another alien-themed sci-fi novel, except this week's book is less scary-take-over-the-world-and-enslave-humans aliens and more sexy-Daemon-Black type of aliens. Yes, this "WIR"-Wednesday I'm reading...

Oblivion (Lux Series 1.5) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Blurb:

Experience the epic love story of OBSIDIAN as told by its hero, Daemon Black…

I knew the moment Katy Swartz moved in next door, there was going to be trouble. Lots of it. 

And trouble’s the last thing I need, since I’m not exactly from around here. My people arrived on Earth from Lux, a planet thirteen billion light years away. Plus, if there’s one thing I know, it’s that humans can’t be trusted. We scare them. We can do things they only dream about, and honestly, we make them look weak as hell. ‘Cuz they are. 

But Kat is getting to me in ways no one else has, and I can't stop myself from wanting her—or wanting to use my powers to protect her. She makes me weak, and I’m the strongest of our kind, tasked with protecting us all. So this one simple girl…she can mean the end for us. Because the Luxen have an even bigger enemy—the Arum, and I need to stay on my game. 

Falling for Katy—a human—won't just place her in danger. It could get us all killed, and that’s one thing I’ll never let happen...

Why I Chose This Book | What I Think So Far:

I love the Lux Series, so picking up this companion novel to Obsidian, told in Daemon's point of view was a no-brainer. Since finishing the Lux series I've missed Daemon's sarcastic wit and reading Oblivion solely in his perspective is even better than just seeing him in Obsidian. Daemon is protective of his loved ones, hilariously sarcastic, and naughty in the best possible way. At just a third of the way in I can already tell you that this is a must read for fans of the series! 

Book Review: The Dazzling Heights by Katharine McGee

The Dazzling Heights (The Thousandth Floor #2) by Katharine McGee

Blurb:

The sequel to the New York Times bestselling novel The Thousandth Floor

New York, 2118. Manhattan is home to a thousand-story supertower, a breathtaking marvel that touches the sky. But amidst high-tech luxury and futuristic glamour, five teenagers are keeping dangerous secrets…

LEDA is haunted by memories of what happened on the worst night of her life. She’ll do anything to make sure the truth stays hidden—even if it means trusting her enemy.

WATT just wants to put everything behind him…until Leda forces him to start hacking again. Will he do what it takes to be free of her for good?

When RYLIN wins a scholarship to an upper-floor school, her life transforms overnight. But being there means seeing the boy whose heart she broke, and who broke hers in return.

AVERY is tormented by her love for the one person in the world she can never have. She’s desperate to be with him… no matter the cost.

And then there’s CALLIOPE, the mysterious, bohemian beauty who arrives in New York, determined to cause a stir. And she knows exactly where to begin.

But unbeknownst to them all, someone is watching their every move, someone with revenge in mind. And in a world of such dazzling heights, just one wrong step can mean a devastating fall.

The sumptuous second book in the bestselling Thousandth Floor series has all the drama, romance and hidden secrets that landed the first book in this series at #2 on the New York Times bestseller list.

My Review:

Step back into the thousand-story Tower and the amazing world of the future and all of its' amazing technology.

We met five teenagers in The Thousandth Floor and now only four remain, bound together by the horrible truth of the night their fifth died.

Leda Cole is haunted by the events of that night and she'll do anything to keep the truth from getting out. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. But what happens when she begins falling for the last person she expected to?

Watt Bakradi wants to hate Leda for blackmailing him into keeping quiet. If only he could trick her into saying what happened that night so he can have Nadia record it and he can turn her in. But what if the more time he spends with Leda, the less he sees the icy bitch he thinks her to be and begins seeing the vulnerable, hopeful girl underneath?

Rylin Myers's life changes the day she finds out she's been accepted to the most exclusive school in the country, a UpTower school attended by the last person she wants to be reminded of - Cord, the boy she fell in love with and betrayed. Will it give her a second chance with him? Suddenly back in school after two years Rylin is excelling at an advanced holography class and tentatively becoming friends with the last person she expected to. But when her teacher blurs the lines between student and teacher will her life combust again?

Avery Fuller finally has it all, including the forbidden love of Atlas. But with Leda's threat hanging over her head, the memory of the night on the roof that she can't tell anyone about, and her parents catching on to her and Atlas's relationship, can they ever truly have happiness? Or are some forbidden loves destined to remain just that?

And then there is the new girl, Calliope Brown. Beautiful, mysterious Calliope who has a hidden past with Atlas. What is she really doing in New York? Calliope is the girl with too many secrets to hide - and it's only a matter of time before someone catches on to her here too.

Throughout it all, someone is watching them from the shadows. Waiting for one of them to slip up so they can bring them down. After all, when you're on the top of the world, there's only one way down. Watch your step.

I only have one thing to say about The Dazzling Heights: WOW! I loved this book even more than the first book!

The technology and worldbuilding continue to amaze me and I loved seeing even more of this new, futuristic world, not just in the Tower, but beyond it.

I love how this book, like The Thousandth Floor, starts with a death but you don't know who it is until the end. I felt that each character grew in this book and you saw a different side of each of them. The characters I didn't like from the first book, Watt and Leda, I completely loved in this book, although Rylin is still my favorite! And a character I liked in The Thousandth Floor, Avery, I absolutely couldn't stand in this book. She definitely gave off a clingy, jealous, desperate vibe toward Atlas when Calliope showed up and I loved the addition of Calliope. She was a great new character and I can't wait to see what's going to happen to her in the next book.

Overall, this book was a fantastic, unputdownable read that I didn't want to finish because it meant the wild ride would be over. This series is a definite must-read and I'm already dying for the next book! This book ruined me in the best possible way! As with the first book, the writing and storytelling are excellent and Katharine McGee is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors! 

My Rating:

6 of 5 Stars! 

Book Review: Fallen Heir by Erin Watt

Fallen Heir (The Royals, #4) by Erin Watt

Blurb:

These Royals will ruin you.

Easton Royal has it all: looks, money, intelligence. His goal in life is to have as much fun as possible. He never thinks about the consequences because he doesn’t have to.

Until Hartley Wright appears, shaking up his easy life. She’s the one girl who’s said no, despite being attracted to him. Easton can’t figure her out and that makes her all the more irresistible.

Hartley doesn’t want him. She says he needs to grow up.

She might be right.

Rivals. Rules. Regrets. For the first time in Easton’s life, wearing a Royal crown isn’t enough. He’s about to learn that the higher you start, the harder you fall.

My Review:

Aaahhhh, Easton; my favorite of the Royal brothers! I've been waiting so long for Easton's book and it was definitely worth the wait! 

Easton Royal just wants to have fun. He doesn't care about school or football (even though he's smarter than you'd think), he just wants to - dare I say? - self-destruct. Life is about three things for him: sex, drinking and having no responsibilities. 

Until new girl, Hartley Wright catches him doing something he shouldn't be. What starts out as Easton trying to make sure Hartley won't tell anyone what she saw quickly turns into him wanting to be around Hartley all the time. 

But Hartley is very guarded. She has to be with the secrets she's hiding. She doesn't want or need someone like Easton in her life. But Easton won't be discouraged that easily. 

Will Easton realize his feelings for Hartley are more than just physical? Will Hartley ever let her walls down and let Easton know what's going on with her? And once that secret is revealed, will it make both of their lives implode?

I loved this book! Easton's story was fantastic and I found myself enjoying it more than the last book in this series, Twisted Palace. While I love Reed, Easton will always be my favorite and I just want to hug him for all of the feelings of inadequacy he feels. He sees himself as a screw-up, even though he's surrounded by people that love him.

I was dying to find out what secrets Hartley was hiding and at times I found her a bit frustrating as a character but I liked her and Easton together. I hope they have the chance to explore the possibility of them being together in the next book.

That being said - the ending! OMG that ending! Once again Erin Watt has ruined me with that ending! How will I make it until the end of the year to see what happens after that ending?!?! You can't just leave me with that! 

Overall, this book is a great addition to the Royals series! If you love Easton as much as I do you need to read this book! It was a fast-paced read that I didn't want to put down and ended up reading all at once. Now I feel like I'll be in a Royals book hangover until the next book comes out!

My Rating:

5 of 5 Stars!

Grab your copy of Fallen Heir...
Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo | Add to Goodreads

Book Review: Unrest by Wendy Higgins

Unrest (Unknown Series #2) by Wendy Higgins

Blurb:

New York Times bestselling author Wendy Higgins brings you the second book in this thrilling war-torn world... 

Being on the run in the desert means food and sanctuary are hard to come by, but Amber Tate and her crew are not about to give up. Not after having the things they love brutally ripped from them by an unknown enemy who sent their world into the apocalypse. 

Survival takes precedence, but once safe shelter is found, their guards fall and the emotions they've been holding in are finally released. Anger, insecurities...lust. In their tight quarters, Amber, Rylen, Tater, and Remy can't escape it. The past must be faced, and passions run even stronger in the darkest of times. 

In the midst of unrest, their worlds are rocked again when they discover the truth about the war that's ruined their lives. They thought finding out the enemy's identity would give them the edge; instead it's revealed terrifying dangers they never thought possible.

My Review:

Unrest picks up right where Unknown left off. Amber, Tater, Rylen, and Remy are running/hiding from the DRI after they watched the Air Force bomb an encampment that was holding Amber and Tater's parents and grandmother, Remy's parents, and Rylen's wife Livia as prisoners. 

Together with a group of army men they've befriended they head for their last hope - an army base in Utah where they may or may not find allies waiting. It won't be an easy trek from Nevada to Utah - struggling to find food and fuel to keep their vehicles running, frigid temperatures, potential illnesses, and hostile survivors with guns face them at every turn. 

When they reach the army base they're heading for will they find the help and answers they're looking for? Or is it another trap? Can they all work through their grief, put their pasts behind them, and come together? Will Amber ever tell Rylen how she feels? And how will he react if she does tell him?

This book keeps you on the edge of your seat and takes your emotions on a rollercoaster ride. It's a fast-paced read, which for me is always a good thing. 

I loved getting to see added character depth - not only from the four "main characters" but from their new friends as well. I thought Wendy Higgins plotted the story well and conveyed the struggles that the group would face perfectly. It makes you think about those little things we take for granted every day and how we would handle being without them if the unimaginable happened. 

The only thing I found a little strange was when the group finds out what the DRI really are they initially struggled to believe it to be true. I mean really, at this point with all the destruction they've witnessed do they really think what's going on was caused by some what - terrorist group? 

I especially loved Amber and Rylen in this book. And of course Remy and Tater - man I wish they would get together! There are some steamy scenes in this book but they were really great additions to the story, the progression was natural - not just thrown in for the sake of being there. 

I have some hunches for the next book and I can't wait to see how this trilogy will end! Overall, I really loved this one, although I did like the first book slightly better.

My Rating:

4.5 of 5 Stars!

#BookTag Saturday: The Book Blogger Memory Challenge

Today I'm tackling the Book Blogger Memory Challenge. I saw this challenge on Google but I'm changing the questions a little to suit my needs.

1. Name a book written by an author named Jennifer.

Getting Rid of Bradley by Jennifer Crusie

2. Name a book with a dragon on the cover.

A Dance With Dragons by George R.R. Martin

3. Name a book about a character named Matthew.

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

4. Name a book written by an author with the surname Smith.

The Secret Circle: The Initiation by L.J. Smith

5. Name a book set in Australia.

Saving Wishes by G.J. Walker-Smith

6. Name a book with the word "one" in the title.

The One by Keira Cass

7. Name a book turned into a movie.

Midnight Bayou by Nora Roberts

What I'm Reading #89 & #BookMail #32

Due to my other posts taking precedence this week I had to combine my "What I'm Reading" Wednesday and #BookMail Thursday posts for today. It's been a very busy week but I've managed to stay on top of my reading and right now I'm reading...

Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia

Blurb:

Her story is a phenomenon. Her life is a disaster.

In the real world, Eliza Mirk is shy, weird, and friendless. Online, she’s LadyConstellation, the anonymous creator of the wildly popular webcomic Monstrous Sea. Eliza can’t imagine enjoying the real world as much as she loves the online one, and she has no desire to try.

Then Wallace Warland, Monstrous Sea’s biggest fanfiction writer, transfers to her school. Wallace thinks Eliza is just another fan, and as he draws her out of her shell, she begins to wonder if a life offline might be worthwhile.

But when Eliza’s secret is accidentally shared with the world, everything she’s built—her story, her relationship with Wallace, and even her sanity—begins to fall apart.

Why I Chose This Book | What I Think So Far:

I usually don't like anything revolving around comics but this book sounded so cute so after much back and forth I decided to order it from Amazon. I'm only into chapter three but I really like it so far! 

I got two pieces of book mail this week! One I had won from @bookcrushin on Instagram from #SignedBooksSundays and the other I ordered from Amazon...

Signed Copy of:

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

I was so excited when I saw that Queen of Shadows was one of the books I had to choose from when I won last month's #SignedBooksSundays and I was happily surprised that Kelly included some awesome signed bookmarks from Wendy Higgins and Cora Carmack as well. Three of my favorite authors!

Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia

Obviously, I already told you that I ordered Eliza and Her Monsters. *Sighs happily* I love being an Amazon Prime Member... I get anything I order in two days or less. :)

September Waiting On:

Signed Copies Of:

Because of Lila by Abbi Glines (wonder if I'll ever get this one?!?!)

The Dazzling Heights by Katharine McGee

Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas

The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas

Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco

The Language of Thorns by Leigh Bardugo

Cover Reveal: JAX by Cristin Harber

Today I'm happy to share with you the sexy cover art of Cristin Harber's  upcoming novel, JAX! JAX releases October 10, 2017 so be sure to pre-order your copy! You won't want to miss this one!

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About Jax:

Seven is an enigma. A motorcycle club princess. The daughter of a notorious gangster. The best friend of the deputy mayor. A coffee shop owner. The single mom of two young, adopted children. She’s colorful, in every way possible—from her attitude to her piercings and bright pink hair—and she’s a woman on a mission with the power to help broker a clean break between a powerful motorcycle club and a South American drug cartel. But not all players are ready for the game to change, including the ones she can’t see like the CIA. 

Jax Michaelson has a bad attitude and a good shot. The former Navy SEAL has been on Titan’s problem list for running his mouth since the day he showed up for work, but he does a hell of a job, and they’d never let him go. Call him cocky, that’s fine, because then you’d have to admit he’s the best at anything and everything—except diplomacy.

When Titan is forced into the seedy drug world filled with cartel glitz and Harley-riding MCs, Seven and her family become an unexpected bargaining chip right after she and Jax find a way to stand each other—in bed.

Will friends become lovers? Or are they too far gone to be opposites that attract? Is Jax nothing but a bad boy who leaves her hoping for a military hero when the burden of living as Mayhem royalty backfires and her children disappear.

JAX is a standalone romantic suspense novel by New York Times bestselling author Cristin Harber. It features characters from the Titan, Delta, and Only series, but readers do not have to have read those books to enjoy this one. There's a guaranteed happily ever after and no cliffhanger! Enjoy!

PREORDER JAX – AVAILABLE OCTOBER 10TH: 

Amazon | iBooks | Nook | Kobo | Google Play | Add JAX to Goodreads

About Cristin Harber

Cristin Harber is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author. She writes sexy, steamy romantic suspense and military romance. Readers voted her onto Amazon’s Top Picks for Debut Romance Authors in 2013, and her debut Titan series was both a #1 romantic suspense and #1 military romance bestseller.

Connect with Cristin online:

Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Team Titan Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Cover Reveal: THE CONSORT by K.A. Linde

Today I'm really excited to share with you the gorgeous cover of THE CONSORT by K.A. Linde! It's the third book in the Ascension Series, which I absolutely love and I can't wait for book 3! So, without further delay, are you ready to see the amazing cover artwork?!?!

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THE CONSORT

Ascension Book 3

By K.A. Linde

Genre: YA Fantasy

About the Book

After the loss of a friend and false imprisonment in an Eleysian dungeon, Cyrene has no interest in destiny. Her heart was shattered, friends scattered, and her home is nothing but a pretty illusion. Even her magic won’t cooperate.

When all seems lost, she turns to the one person she never thought that she would trust:

Prince Kael.

His darkness mirrors a growing force lurking within her. A struggle she never imagined threatens to consume her. And as friends and foes begin to show their true colors, she starts questioning whether anyone is who they seem.

Even herself.

Preorder Your Copy Today!

Amazon US | Amazon UK | iBooks | B&N | Kobo | Google Play | Goodreads

About the Author

K.A. Linde grew up as a military brat and created fantastical stories based off of her love for Disney movies, fairy tales, and Star Wars. In her spare time, she is an avid traveler, loves reading young adult novels, and dancing. Additionally, K.A. has written more than a dozen adult novels and is a USA Today bestselling author. She lives in Lubbock, TX with her husband and two super adorable puppies.

K.A. Linde loves to hear from her readers!

You can contact her at kalinde45@gmail.com or visit her online at one of the following sites: 

www.kalinde.com 

www.facebook.com/authorkalinde 

@authorkalinde 

The Affiliate: Book 1 

"With rich romance and twisty political intrigue, THE AFFILIATE is a breakneck fantasy ride that's perfect for fans of THE SELECTION or THRONE OF GLASS." --Susan Dennard, NYT bestselling author of TRUTHWITCH

On the day of her Presenting, in front of the entire Byern Court, seventeen-year-old Cyrene Strohm's lifelong plans come to fruition when she's chosen for one of the most prestigious positions in her homeland--an Affiliate to the Queen.

Or so she thinks.

When Cyrene receives a mysterious letter and an unreadable book, she finds nothing is as it seems. Thrust into a world of dangerous political intrigue and deadly magic, Cyrene's position only grows more treacherous when she finds herself drawn to the one man she can never have...

King Edric himself.

Cyrene must decide if love is truly worth the price of freedom. Find out in this first book in USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde's new Ascension series. Great for fans of Game of Thrones, Tudors, and Sarah J. Maas's Throne of Glass series.

Buy The Affiliate:

Amazon | iBooks | B&N | Kobo

THE BOUND: Book 2

Cyrene Strohm is a Queen’s Affiliate, a high-ranking official of the court of Byern, with power and privilege to spare. But she’s also a keeper of dangerous secrets: like the fact that she holds the heart of the King, and that she possesses magic in a world where magic no longer exists.

Determined to discover what this means and how to use her newfound abilities, Cyrene sets off for the distant land of Eleysia. An island nation where Affiliates are strictly forbidden from entering.

But the journey is perilous, and the destination may mean utter ruin, as Cyrene comes to learn that everything she’s been told her whole life – about her court, her homeland, and even herself—are bound in a beautiful lie.

Buy The Bound:

Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | Goodreads

Book Review: After the Game by Abbi Glines

After the Game (Field Party #3) by Abbi Glines

Blurb:

The third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Field Party series—a southern soap opera with football, cute boys, and pick-up trucks—from USA TODAY bestselling author Abbi Glines.

Two years ago, Riley Young fled from Lawton, Alabama. After accusing the oldest Lawton son, Rhett, of rape, everyone called her a liar and she had no option but to leave. Now she’s back, but she’s not at Lawton High finishing up her senior year. She’s at home raising the little girl that no one believed was Rhett’s.

Rhett is off at college living the life he was afraid he’d lose with Riley’s accusation, so Riley agrees to move back to Lawton so she and her parents could take care of her grandmother, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s. But the town still hasn’t forgotten their hate for her, and she hasn’t forgotten the way they turned on her when she needed them most.

When town golden boy Brady Higgens finds Riley and her daughter, Bryony, stranded on the side of the road in a storm, he pulls over and gives them a ride. Not because he cares about Riley, of course, but because of the kid.

But after the simple car ride, he begins to question everything he thought he knew. Could Brady believe Riley and risk losing everything?

My Review:

Seventeen-year-old Riley Young is the most hated person in Lawton, Alabama. Two years after the traumatic event that turned Riley into a mother and turned the whole town against her when she accused golden-boy, Rhett Lawton of rape, Riley is back in town with her parents and her daughter Bryony to help take care of her grandmother.

When the town turned on Riley, so did Brady Higgens. Rhett was like an older brother to Brady so at the time he couldn't believe that Riley would be telling the truth. But all it takes is seeing her and her daughter in the rain, reluctantly accepting a ride from him so the little girl doesn't get sick for him to begin questioning what if Riley was telling the truth.

Riley is the last person Brady should be starting a friendship with. Especially since the town is counting on him to bring the football team into the championship - and win. With more pressure than ever, Brady shouldn't be falling for Riley. But he can't stay away. And when a secret makes his perfect world explode Riley will be the only one Brady wants to turn to.

Once again Abbi Glines has written a novel that makes you feel. I was so glad this book was about Riley and Brady because when Riley was first mentioned in Under the Lights I thought she was getting a raw deal from the people in town and I thought Brady was the perfect character to pair her up with.

Throughout this series, and in the author's other series I've always thought that the author captured the essence of small towns, especially small, football-obsessed southern towns really well. This book especially showed how easily small minded people can turn against someone and Riley's past broke my heart - as does what happens to Brady's family.

The only thing I didn't like so much was that after reading so many of this author's books you realize they're all sort of the same plot/idea. I think I could pick up any one of Abbi Glines's books and be able to tell you the plot without even reading it. I wish her writing was a little less... predictable.

Overall, knowing what to expect from this author, I really enjoyed this book. It's definitely in the top five of my favorites by Abbi Glines and I'm glad I read it. This book is perfect for those looking for a fast-moving, romantic read about small town teens that a reader can throw in a beach bag and spend the day devouring while laying in the sand.

My Rating:

4.5 of 5 Stars!

My Favorite "Broken Men" in Literature

Bookish Confession:

I completely swoon for the dark, moody, damaged broken men I read about in books. From Varen Nethers in the Nevermore Trilogy to Reed Royal in the Royals Series, from Lucas Wolf from the Devoured Books to Sawyer Weston in D. Kelly's Illusions Series... I love them all. 

How could I possibly think a guy with mood swings, a bad temper, and a dark past is sexy you ask? 

Maybe it's the whole bad boy thing. Maybe I think the most damaged ones are the most deserving of love. Maybe I see a lot of someone I care deeply about reflected in those characters. Yeah... it's mostly that last part, but definitely the other two points as well.

I guess part of it is that I think the "perfect" male character, like in Nicholas Sparks books are a little too perfect... like they're hiding something. Nobody is that understanding all the time, nor does someone always say the right thing and do the right thing all. the. time. It's just not possible. It's unrealistic.

The flawed guys just seem more... human. More... real? And to me, that's what makes all the difference when reading a book. You want to immerse yourself in the story and forget that it's a work of fiction and that the characters aren't actually real. 

So in honor of my guilty pleasure, here are some of my favorite sexy bad boys and broken men in literature...

1. Lucas Wolf from Devoured by Emily Snow

2. Varen Nethers from Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

3. Thorn from RoseBlood

4. The Goblin King from Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones

5. Sawyer Weston from Just An Illusion by D. Kelly

6. Reed Royal from the Royals by Erin Watt

7. Daniel Porter from Can't Hardly Breathe by Gena Showalter

8. Razor Turner from Walk the Edge by Katie McGarry

9. John from Trust by Kylie Scott

10. Shane Collins from the Morganville Vampire Series by Rachel Caine

#BookTag Saturday: the Bookish Sickness Tag

This was a fun, unusual tag that I was tagged with on #bookstagram on Wednesday. I answered on there, but now I'm doing it again with slightly different answers.

1) Diabetes / Sweet Read:

The Girl Who Invented Romance by Caroline B. Cooney - this is a sweet, innocent read and I've loved it since middle school!

2) Chicken Pox / A Book You Will Never Read Again:

Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller - Just couldn't get into this one. Pirates aren't my thing.

3) Flu / Contagious Read:

The Royals Series by Erin Watt - I can't get enough of this series!

4) Insomnia / A Book You Read In A Night:

Fallen Heir by Erin Watt - Read this in close to one sitting

5) Amnesia / Book That Took Your Breath Away:

Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco - Excellent world building, the author definitely did her research!

6) Bad Nutrition / Book That You Forgot to Eat While Reading:

First, am I the only one amused by that question? Shall I eat the book? I don't usually eat while I'm reading because I get so wrapped up in the story the rest of the world ceases to exist.

7) Homesickness / Book That Reminds You of Traveling:

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness, Crash Into Me by Albert Borris 

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