Hidden Huntress by Danielle L. Jensen

Hidden Huntress by Danielle L. Jensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book two is solid. I also enjoyed it. It has a bit more intrigue, though it is clear to the reader for quite some time what the trickery is. The part that is not clear is how the good guys will be able to resolve it.

Since I immediately purchased book 3 on audible, I think it's clear that overall, I'm in favor of this unusual YA fantasy series about humans and trolls.

My only complaint is that the romantic moments, if they can even be called that, are all almost entirely fade to black, which doesn't impact the overall storytelling. However, I still find that disappointing. After two books, I should at least get a compelling make-out scene before it fades to black, especially between characters that are married. Hell, I would even settle for an intense eye gaze that makes us all feel something. All the vague hinting is a big let down after so many chapters of waiting for just one moment of sweetness or raw emotion between two characters. However, I still am enjoying the story. Just don't expect a typical amount of YA fantasy romance, as this book has as little as is possible to hold the story together.

Book 198 read in 2018

Pages: 464

Shacking Up Series

  Shacking Up by Helena Hunting
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is just the humor that I needed. Sometimes I just need a little humor to break up my reading. Ruby needed a place to crash because she was going to lose her apartment. So her friend has the perfect solution, she will move in Bancroft and pet sit for him. They began to fall for each other while talking on the phone during his trip. 

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480 Pages

Book 2: Hooking Up

Amalie is at her wedding reception when her whole world falls apart. This book also had some funny moments through out the book that you could not help but laugh. When it first started I wasn't for sure that it would have any humor in it with the way that it started. 

444 Pages

Book 1.5: Getting Down

Just a little additional book into the Halloween party. During this book I just found myself wondering how Amalie couldn't see that he wasn't the right guy for her. Why would she keep putting up with that stuff. 

160 Pages

Stolen Songbird by Danielle L. Jensen

Stolen Songbird by Danielle L. Jensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I picked this up, I thought this was an adult fantasy novel, but it's actually a YA fantasy, which made me really happy. And it's really good.

I don't think I've ever read a novel about trolls before, and the world building is fascinating. I adore the characters, even the bad guys and side characters. They are all interesting and layered.

The audiobook is excellent, and I plan to start book two immediately. The only thing I want that I didn't get was just more. More of everything, including a more intricate and intriguing plot. This book had my attention the full way through, but that was simply due to a love of the characters and world. I'm hoping book two raises the stakes and comes back with a really killer, high action plot. I want to see more of the magic in action.

Book 198 read in 2018

Pages: 469

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This started out in an unexpected way, and I thought, okay. Maybe. The concept was interesting, but the execution was problematic for me. There are some amazing quotes, but the world building is a struggle, in terms of presentation. Still, I was willing to give it some time to settle in to a good groove and also, to give it a few passes, due to its age.

Unfortunately, it did not settle in. Instead, it quickly becomes that person in your social media feed who just can’t stop mansplaining. You know the guy. Please don’t be that guy. But, hey, if you are that guy, then this book is perfect for you!

Book 197 read in 2018

Pages: 288

Wicked Ties by Shayla Black
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed the story in this book, but not the dominant nature of it. Jack is a bodyguard that protects Morgan because he wants revenge against Brandon. They began to fall for each other. They spend a few days in a cabin trying to figure out who is after her. 

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341 Pages

Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young

I LOVED THIS BOOK! Definitely a favorite from 2018 so far. It's one of those where you can't put it down, but you force yourself to read a bit slowly so that you can savor it as long as you can. 

I have no more words, so I'll just point you to Becky's review. 

340 pages

Savage Prince by Meghan March
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I heard this was like Ruthless King by Meghan March, I had to read but I was also nerves because that series crossed my normal line for what I was use too. But I love Meghan March so I needed to read this. This book started out a little crazy but the more it got into the story the more that I began to like it. I also as always like when Meghan brings characters from other books into this world. 

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275 Pages

Book 2: Iron Princess

I like this book better than the first one. This book gets more into the actually story and what their life is and more about his past life. With these short series they basically take a big story and break it up into three different books. She does a great job of leaving it at a cliff hanger to pull you into the next book. The 3rd book doesn't come out until later in May. So I will have to wait a couple of weeks to see how things will end. 

300 Pages

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Bono met his wife in high school, Park says.
So did Jerry Lee Lewis, Eleanor answers.
I'm not kidding, he says.
You should be, she says, we're 16.
What about Romeo and Juliet?
Shallow, confused, then dead.
I love you, Park says.
Wherefore art thou, Eleanor answers.
I'm not kidding, he says.
You should be.

Set over the course of one school year in 1986, this is the story of two star-crossed misfits-smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you'll remember your own first love-and just how hard it pulled you under.

During the years I taught high school, this book made the rounds.  I have always avoided it because my students warned me it was romance based, and I have always been vocal about how idiotic I find most YA romance.  However, I think this book has an entirely different vibe from other YA romance I've read.  There is a realness to the main two characters and their families (both bad and good), and the teens sound and act like teens (to the point that I felt frustration often).  This may be the only romance novel in my entire life that I've stayed up past bedtime for.

4.5

336 pages

Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer

Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

#BecRereads2018

SPOILERS WILL FOLLOW. YOU WERE WARNED.

This is one of those rare books where the movie is actually better, or at least the end of the movie is better than the end of the book. Now, when I first saw the ending to the movie, I was utterly shocked, upset, horrified, and screaming at the screen, internally.





That was perfect. Awful, but perfect. Make me feel something, especially after a 4 book build up.





On previous reads of this book, I remember feeling first excited, then disappointed by the arrival of the Volturi, even though the story ends generally happy. Because, come on! You're going to show me all those epic powers, and all that battle training, building me up for some epic smack down between the Volturi and the Cullens, and the nope. Just, nevermind. Let's not fight after all, and instead, we can just stand around and endlessly discuss things until everyone is bored out of their ever-loving minds and kind of hoping someone would just die already (though I'd be super pissed if it was one of my favorites).




Anyway, long story longer, I remember being super annoyed and disappointed by the end of this book the first time I read it, when everyone else was happy. Don't get me wrong, I love a happy ending, but give me some action, excitement, and almost death first, please and thank you.





I feel pretty similar this time around, especially because they brought together so many amazing vampires with so many awesome powers. And then nothing. Meh. Also, I still dislike the whole imprinting thing with Jacob. Not my cup of tea. It just feels wrong for the characters, which is why book 2 is still my all time favorite.





Book 196 read in 2018

Pages: 756

Bright Side by Kim Holden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! I had to finish this book in a day. I just could not stop and I needed to know how it would all end. This book will tear at your emotions: make you happy, laugh, and sad. Bright Side (Kate) moved to MN for college. She left behind her best friend since she was 10, Gus. Her relationship with Clayton, Shelly and Pete are also very cute and funny. She isn't afraid to stand up for her friends. She also meets Keller at the coffee shop, they realize fast that they have feeling for each other. They both have many secrets that they are hiding from all their friends. 

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423 Pages

Book 2: Gus

I didn't think that there was any way that Kim could give another book any where close to Bright Side. Oh my I was so wrong! I could tell that Gus was a great guy from the first book. But I never thought that I would fall so much in love with him. He is such a great guy! His mother is just as amazing. They keep opening their house for people that need help. This was such an amazing story and just the ending that I was hoping for Gus. 

389 Pages

Book 3: Franco 

I liked Franco and thought I would want to hear his story. I just didn't get into this book as much as the first two. It was just not as deep and touching as the first two. 

207 Pages

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#BecRereads2018 (Team Jacob)

I confess I do enjoy all the ridiculous bickering and posturing of Edward and Jacob in this book. Sometimes, I think Twilight is as much of a bromance, as anything else. Jacob and Edward put a lot of time and energy into hating each other and misunderstanding each other in this book. It's almost more about their relationship to each other, than it is about their relationships with Bella.

I love the ancient histories and mythology of this one, as well as the shifting energies between the vampires and werewolves.

Also, hello, magical moment with Jacob and Bella, even if she was somewhat coerced. Plus, I love how Jacob always gets Bella when Edward doesn't. That continues to please me, all these years later. And I especially enjoy the motorcycle denial. And Seth. Also Team Seth.

Book 195 read in 2018

Pages: 629

Dirty Secret by Emma Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Conner and Sofie dated in high school. Then she just up and left one day without a word. Conner and his brothers where in a band getting ready to go on a tour. Two and half years later Sofie comes back into town after her father's death. Sofie has to face all the reasons why she left Conner in the first place. Cute little story and I can't wait to move forward with the other brothers stories. 

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276 Pages

Book 2: Dirty Past

I love Tate's relationship with his niece. She is a great edition to this series. She offers some added laughter. Ella's past is just awful and it's great to see that she was able to walk away and learn that she need to fight. The way Ella's parents treat her is just awful. 

264 Pages

Book 3: Dirty Lies

The Twins! I was happy to be moving onto the them. Jessie and Aidan have known each other since high school. Aidan starts things out by helping Jessie with an ex that comes around talking to her. I was glad to see that band decides to make some changes to manager since he doesn't really even care about the boys. 

239 Pages

Book 4: Dirty Tricks

Kye is the other twin and the one that I have been waiting to know more about since book one. Sofie and him where so close. So right away I knew that he was going to be the best of all the boys. If Chelsey even had any idea how really nice Kye is. I also understand that Chelsey's dad is the reason why she is so afriad to more forward with Kye. Chelsey's is also good friends with their sister and this makes me want to know more about her. 

259 Pages

I will have to wait for Book 5 to become available on audio. I can't wait to hear about their sister. 

Hiding Lies (Eleanor Ames #2) by Julie Cross

Summary: "Eleanor Ames has never been what she seems. Average high school student on the outside, but reformed con artist trying to break free of her past on the inside. When Eleanor receives startling news about someone from her previous criminal life, plans for a new operation coinciding with her school's upcoming field trip quickly consume her. But operations rarely go according to plan. And this is one her irresistible teen FBI agent boyfriend, Miles, would never approve of."

What.happened.to.Ellie.

Ellie seemed to have lost her wit, spunk and personality between the first book and this one. Unlike my experience reading the first book, I don't think I laughed once! Most of what I enjoyed from the first book was missing from this one: no high school antics, no Harper, no Aidan, minimal Miles. The plot was convoluted, confusing and unresolved. I had to force myself to finish it. Disappointing! :( T

295 pages

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, it has been so long since I have first read this series. It has been nice re-reading this. I found myself forgetting some of the book since it has been so long. 

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498 Pages

Book 2: New Moon

I like that Jacob was there for her and able to help her break out of the gloom that she falls in when Edward leaves her. She keeps pushing her self to hearing Edward in her head. The only thing I really don't like about this book is that why would Edward just assume that she is dead because of the vision and when Jacob says that her dad is at a funeral. Did he really think that Jacob would be that calm about the fact that Bella died. 

563 Pages

Book 3: Eclipse

This was one of my favorite when they all work together to defeat the enemy. Also Bella admits that she has feelings for both of them. Before I started this book, I kind of forgot what it was all about it has been about 10 years since I have read these books. 

629 Pages

Book 4: Breaking Dawn

I forgot that half of this book was from Jacob's view. I remember the part he plays, just not that he told some of the story from his point of view. This book was the one that I forgot the most for some reason. I am very glad that I decided to re-read these. I think that I see the story different since I am at a different point in my life. 

756 Pages

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Team Jacob, and this is my favorite Twilight book.






Now that we have that out of the way, let's talk about how the first time I read this book, it was right after the end of a relationship that had left me absolutely gutted, so at the time I related with how hollow and numb Bella felt at the start of this story, on so many different levels. This time around, I didn't have the weight of that hanging over me and jading my perspective, which made me love the story even more.





Now, let's talk about why I love this book, which is that quite frankly, Jacob is fantastic and brings real life to this story. He's funny and bold, and he makes a ton of mistakes when it comes to friendship and communication. However, he is always very sorry and tries to make up for it. He's just so genuine and loving that it is impossible not to enjoy his character.





I confess that upon rereading this, I fell asleep on the book, right at the part that Edward returns. That's how little interest I had after Bella raced away from Jacob. Sigh. But alas, we don't always get what we want














FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO MAY STILL BE ON THE FENCE, I PULLED TOGETHER THIS FLOW CHART TO HELP YOU SORT OUT IF YOU ARE TEAM JACOB (WOOHOO!) OR TEAM EDWARD (MEH). 

Book 193 read in 2018

Pages: 563

My Not So Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella

Summary: "When Katie Brenner is fired from her dream job in advertising in London...she is forced to rethink her revenge fantasies and her assumptions about family, love, and office politics and realize how much she may have misjudged everyone--and everything--around her."

Well, I picked up this Sophie Kinsella novel because I was in desperate need of a laugh, and her novels always deliver giggles and random bursts of laughter in public. BUT, this was not the case in this instance. I enjoyed the story and the message, but I hardly ever laughed, which was such a disappointment. :(

438 pages

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#BecRereads2018

It was fun to reread this one, though it's definitely different the second time through. The first time everything is so shocking and hilarious and in your face, but once you are used to that, the story reads a bit differently. I actually spent more time thinking about Greg and his issues this time, rather than just being amused at how ridiculous it all is.

The audiobook version was good, and it included a full cast.

PAGES: 295

Book 192 read in 2018

Illuminae (The Illuminae Files 01) by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she’d have to do. This afternoon, her planet was invaded.

The year is 2575, and two rival megacorporations are at war over a planet that’s little more than a speck at the edge of the universe. Now with enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra—who are barely even talking to each other—are forced to evacuate with a hostile warship in hot pursuit.

But their problems are just getting started. A plague has broken out and is mutating with terrifying results; the fleet’s AI may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what’s really going on. As Kady hacks into a web of data to find the truth, it’s clear the only person who can help her is the ex-boyfriend she swore she’d never speak to again.

Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents—including emails, maps, files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more—Illuminae is the first book in a heart-stopping trilogy about lives interrupted, the price of truth, and the courage of everyday heroes.

I am totally into this kind of novel.  The unique formatting and storytelling is refreshing, especially when done well.  I did audiobook this, and I wish I hadn't.  I did get a full cast performance, but I think I missed something by not reading it in print.

This is an emotional, deep story with some serious plot twists and turns.  Highly recommend.

5/5

608 pages

Besieged (The Iron Druid Chronicles #4.1-4.2, 4.6-4.7, 8.1-8.2, 8.6-8)

 Besieged (The Iron Druid Chronicles #4.1-4.2, 4.6-4.7, 8.1-8.2, 8.6-8)
by Kevin Hearne
Pages: 256
Rating: 5 out of 5

I always love short story collections of a fun series. The shorter snapshots can give you insight to a character's past and personality. Sometimes the shorter story just allows you to have a great visit with a favorite fictional character. If you enjoy the Iron Druid Series don't miss this short story collection. Though there were a couple minor spoilers for me in since I am on book 7.

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#BecRereads2018

Haters gonna hate, and the rest of us are just going to reread Twilight, enjoy it for exactly what it was intended to be, and then visit Forks and La Push (baby!) with our besties and have one heck of a fun time.





















But on a separate note, this is technically my least favorite Twilight novel, and I'm still Team Jacob, forever, which I'll get into further once I reread and review New Moon.



Book 193 read in 2018

Pages: 498

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The New World by Patrick Ness
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am excited to see where Viola's journey will go in the new world. 

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25 Pages

Followed by Frost by Charlie N. Holmberg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Misa gets just cursed because of how hateful she is to people. She spends the next few years all by her self. Eventually she begins to make some friends and meet some people that are bothered by her curse. She ends up saving someone and her curse is broke. 

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256 Pages