Taylor's bookshelf: all

Taylor's bookshelf: all en-US Sat, 01 Mar 2025 19:50:35 -0800 60 Taylor's bookshelf: all 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg Confess 22609310
For once, Auburn takes a chance and puts her heart in control, only to discover that Owen is hiding a huge secret. The magnitude of his past threatens to destroy everything Auburn loves most, and the only way to get her life back on track is to cut Owen out of it—but can she do it?]]> 306 Colleen Hoover 1476791457 Taylor 0 to-read 4.14 2015 Confess

author: Colleen Hoover
name: Taylor
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/01
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Book of Life (All Souls, #3)]]> 16054217 The #1 New York Times bestselling series finale and sequel to A Discovery of Witches and Shadow of Night

Bringing the magic and suspense of the All Souls Trilogy to a deeply satisfying conclusion, this highly anticipated finale went straight to #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. In The Book of Life, Diana and Matthew time-travel back from Elizabethan London to make a dramatic return to the present—facing new crises and old enemies. At Matthew’s ancestral home, Sept-Tours, they reunite with the beloved cast of characters from A Discovery of Witches—with one significant exception. But the real threat to their future has yet to be revealed, and when it is, the search for Ashmole 782 and its missing pages takes on even more urgency.]]> 561 Deborah Harkness 0670025593 Taylor 0 to-read 4.15 2014 The Book of Life (All Souls, #3)

author: Deborah Harkness
name: Taylor
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2014
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/17
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Red Rabbit 65212070 A folk horror epic about a ragtag posse that must track down a witch through a wild west beset by demons and ghosts―and where death is always just around the bend.

Sadie Grace is wanted for witchcraft, dead (or alive). And every hired gun in Kansas is out to collect the bounty on her head, including bona fide witch hunter Old Tom and his mysterious, mute ward, Rabbit.

On the road to Burden County, they’re joined by two vagabond cowboys with a strong sense of adventure �� but no sense of purpose �� and a recently widowed school teacher with nothing left to lose. As their posse grows, so too does the danger.

Racing along the drought-stricken plains in a stolen red stagecoach, they encounter monsters more wicked than witches lurking along the dusty trail. But the crew is determined to get that bounty, or die trying.

Written with the devilish cadence of Stephen Graham Jones and the pulse-pounding brutality of Nick Cutter, Red Rabbit is a supernatural adventure of luck and misfortune.]]> 455 Alex Grecian 1250874688 Taylor 0 currently-reading 4.16 2023

author: Alex Grecian
name: Taylor
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/04
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> Demon Copperhead 60194162 "Anyone will tell you the born of this world are marked from the get-out, win or lose."

Set in the mountains of southern Appalachia, this is the story of a boy born to a teenaged single mother in a single-wide trailer, with no assets beyond his dead father's good looks and copper-colored hair, a caustic wit, and a fierce talent for survival. In a plot that never pauses for breath, relayed in his own unsparing voice, he braves the modern perils of foster care, child labor, derelict schools, athletic success, addiction, disastrous loves, and crushing losses. Through all of it, he reckons with his own invisibility in a popular culture where even the superheroes have abandoned rural people in favor of cities.

Many generations ago, Charles Dickens wrote David Copperfield from his experience as a survivor of institutional poverty and its damages to children in his society. Those problems have yet to be solved in ours. Dickens is not a prerequisite for readers of this novel, but he provided its inspiration. In transposing a Victorian epic novel to the contemporary American South, Barbara Kingsolver enlists Dickens' anger and compassion, and above all, his faith in the transformative powers of a good story. Demon Copperhead speaks for a new generation of lost boys, and all those born into beautiful, cursed places they can't imagine leaving behind.]]> 560 Barbara Kingsolver 0063251922 Taylor 0 to-read 4.46 2022

author: Barbara Kingsolver
name: Taylor
average rating: 4.46
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The House Across the Lake 58909880 The New York Times best-selling author of Final Girls and Survive the Night is back with his most unexpected thriller yet.

Casey Fletcher, a recently widowed actress trying to escape a streak of bad press, has retreated to the peace and quiet of her family’s lake house in Vermont. Armed with a pair of binoculars and several bottles of liquor, she passes the time watching Tom and Katherine Royce, the glamorous couple who live in the house across the lake. They make for good viewing—a tech innovator, Tom is rich; and a former model, Katherine is gorgeous.

One day on the lake, Casey saves Katherine from drowning, and the two strike up a budding friendship. But the more they get to know each other—and the longer Casey watches—it becomes clear that Katherine and Tom’s marriage is not as perfect and placid as it appears. When Katherine suddenly vanishes, Casey becomes consumed with finding out what happened to her. In the process, she uncovers eerie, darker truths that turn a tale of voyeurism and suspicion into a story of guilt, obsession and how looks can be very deceiving.

With his trademark blend of sharp characters, psychological suspense, and gasp-worthy surprises, Riley Sager’s The House Across the Lake unveils more than one twist that will shock readers until the very last page.]]> 369 Riley Sager Taylor 0 to-read 3.58 2022

author: Riley Sager
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.58
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Hunger 30285766
Tamsen Donner must be a witch. That is the only way to explain the series of misfortunes that have plagued the wagon train known as the Donner Party. Depleted rations, bitter quarrels, and the mysterious death of a little boy have driven the pioneers to the brink of madness. They cannot escape the feeling that someone--or something--is stalking them. Whether it was a curse from the beautiful Tamsen, the choice to follow a disastrous experimental route West, or just plain bad luck--the 90 men, women, and children of the Donner Party are at the brink of one of the deadliest and most disastrous western adventures in American history.

While the ill-fated group struggles to survive in the treacherous mountain conditions--searing heat that turns the sand into bubbling stew; snows that freeze the oxen where they stand--evil begins to grow around them, and within them. As members of the party begin to disappear, they must ask themselves "What if there is something waiting in the mountains? Something disturbing and diseased...and very hungry?"]]> 376 Alma Katsu 0735212511 Taylor 5 3.57 2018 The Hunger

author: Alma Katsu
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.57
book published: 2018
rating: 5
read at: 2025/01/04
date added: 2025/01/04
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Book of Night (Book of Night, #1)]]> 58293924 Book of Night, a modern dark fantasy of shadowy thieves and secret societies.

In Charlie Hall’s world, shadows can be altered, for entertainment and cosmetic preferences—but also to increase power and influence. You can alter someone’s feelings—and memories—but manipulating shadows has a cost, with the potential to take hours or days from your life. Your shadow holds all the parts of you that you want to keep hidden—a second self, standing just to your left, walking behind you into lit rooms. And sometimes, it has a life of its own.

Charlie is a low-level con artist, working as a bartender while trying to distance herself from the powerful and dangerous underground world of shadow trading. She gets by doing odd jobs for her patrons and the naive new money in her town at the edge of the Berkshires. But when a terrible figure from her past returns, Charlie’s present life is thrown into chaos, and her future seems at best, unclear—and at worst, non-existent. Determined to survive, Charlie throws herself into a maelstrom of secrets and murder, setting her against a cast of doppelgängers, mercurial billionaires, shadow thieves, and her own sister—all desperate to control the magic of the shadows.]]> 304 Holly Black 1250812194 Taylor 0 to-read 3.51 2022 Book of Night (Book of Night, #1)

author: Holly Black
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.51
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/01
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Familiar 133286777 From the New York Times bestselling author of Ninth House, Hell Bent, and creator of the Grishaverse series comes a highly anticipated historical fantasy set during the Spanish Golden Age

In a shabby house, on a shabby street, in the new capital of Madrid, Luzia Cotado uses scraps of magic to get through her days of endless toil as a scullion. But when her scheming mistress discovers the lump of a servant cowering in the kitchen is actually hiding a talent for little miracles, she demands Luzia use those gifts to better the family's social position.

What begins as simple amusement for the bored nobility takes a perilous turn when Luzia garners the notice of Antonio Pérez, the disgraced secretary to Spain's king. Still reeling from the defeat of his armada, the king is desperate for any advantage in the war against England's heretic queen—and Pérez will stop at nothing to regain the king's favor.

Determined to seize this one chance to better her fortunes, Luzia plunges into a world of seers and alchemists, holy men and hucksters, where the line between magic, science, and fraud is never certain. But as her notoriety grows, so does the danger that her Jewish blood will doom her to the Inquisition's wrath. She will have to use every bit of her wit and will to survive—even if that means enlisting the help of Guillén Santangel, an embittered immortal familiar whose own secrets could prove deadly for them both.]]> 387 Leigh Bardugo 125088425X Taylor 0 to-read 3.74 2024 The Familiar

author: Leigh Bardugo
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.74
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/01
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Mansfield Park 45032 488 Jane Austen Taylor 0 to-read 3.86 1814

author: Jane Austen
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.86
book published: 1814
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/27
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> After He’s Gone 63919687
Charles and I were law students when I fell for him. He was handsome, charming, sure of himself �� and he deigned to look at me. We had a dream-come-true courtship, wedding, and honeymoon, all orchestrated and paid for by his wealthy parents. Then he brought me home . . . And I woke up.

Nineteen months and a baby later, I'm standing in our pristine living room, looking at Charles lying in a pool of blood. I don't remember how I got here. The police are bound to think I killed him. But I didn't . . . did I?]]> 224 Katherine Bolger Hyde 1448310334 Taylor 0 to-read 3.49 2017 After He’s Gone

author: Katherine Bolger Hyde
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.49
book published: 2017
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/13
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Half Wild (The Half Bad Trilogy, #2)]]> 20814989 "You will have a powerful Gift, but it’s how you use it that will show you to be good or bad."

In a modern-day England where two warring factions of witches live amongst humans, seventeen-year-old Nathan is an abomination, the illegitimate son of the world's most powerful and violent witch. Nathan is hunted from all sides: nowhere is safe and no one can be trusted. Now, Nathan has come into his own unique magical Gift, and he's on the run--but the Hunters are close behind, and they will stop at nothing until they have captured Nathan and destroyed his father.]]> 432 Sally Green 0670017132 Taylor 0 to-read 3.98 2015 Half Wild (The Half Bad Trilogy, #2)

author: Sally Green
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/10/16
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Put Your Warrior Boots On: Walking Jesus Strong, Once and for All]]> 35070269
Does it feel like the world has gone crazy and you're just along for the ride? From bombings to bullying, the world has us on pins and needles--afraid for our children, fearful for ourselves, worried that we won't have enough strength to stand our ground. But you don't have to start brave to stay strong. Inspirational author and speaker Lisa Whittle wants you to experience the joy and release of trusting in your Savior to help you live a God-ignited life. Find the tools you need to... confirm Truth and keep anti-biblical messages from misleading you develop passion for defending your beliefs without letting personal pride interfere outfit your days to support your faith so your dedication doesn't fizzle

There's no better time than this moment to put on your warrior boots and discover the fearless life you've been called to live.]]> 238 Lisa Whittle 0736969861 Taylor 4 I found it to be super helpful and I loved how it's geared towards women with busy lives.
The author talks a lot about how when it comes down to it, praying is what will help more than anything else and I definitely needed that reminder.
I loved the questions at the end of each chapter and I think Put Your Warrior Boots On would make a great book for a women's Bible study or just discussion with friends.

Merged review:

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book but I actually really liked it.
I found it to be super helpful and I loved how it's geared towards women with busy lives.
The author talks a lot about how when it comes down to it, praying is what will help more than anything else and I definitely needed that reminder.
I loved the questions at the end of each chapter and I think Put Your Warrior Boots On would make a great book for a women's Bible study or just discussion with friends.]]> 4.43 Put Your Warrior Boots On: Walking Jesus Strong, Once and for All

Put Your Warrior Boots On: Walking Jesus Strong, Once and for All

author: Lisa Whittle
name: Taylor
average rating: 4.43
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2017/05/05
date added: 2024/09/29
shelves:
review:
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book but I actually really liked it.
I found it to be super helpful and I loved how it's geared towards women with busy lives.
The author talks a lot about how when it comes down to it, praying is what will help more than anything else and I definitely needed that reminder.
I loved the questions at the end of each chapter and I think Put Your Warrior Boots On would make a great book for a women's Bible study or just discussion with friends.

Merged review:

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book but I actually really liked it.
I found it to be super helpful and I loved how it's geared towards women with busy lives.
The author talks a lot about how when it comes down to it, praying is what will help more than anything else and I definitely needed that reminder.
I loved the questions at the end of each chapter and I think Put Your Warrior Boots On would make a great book for a women's Bible study or just discussion with friends.
]]> <![CDATA[Treasure, Darkly (Treasure Chronicles #1)]]> 24959247
A great invention for creating perfect soldiers, yes, but Clark wants to live as a miner, not a slave to the army—or the deceased. On the run, Clark turns to his estranged, mining tycoon father for help. The Treasures welcome Clark with open arms, so he jumps at the chance to help them protect their ranch against Senator Horan, a man who hates anyone more powerful than he.

Sixteen-year-old Amethyst Treasure loathes the idea of spending the summer away from her bustling city life to rot on her father’s ranch, but when a handsome young man shows up claiming to be her secret half-brother, her curiosity is piqued. He’s clever, street smart, and has no qualms jumping into the brawl between the Treasures and Horans. Caught in the middle, Horan kidnaps Amethyst, and all she gets is this lousy bullet through her heart.

When Clark brings her back to life, however, the real action starts, and Amethyst joins him in his fight against the Horan clan—whatever the cost. Defeating the Horans may seem easy at first, but going up against men with the same fighting vengeance as Clark, and a Senator with power he’s obtained by brainwashing the masses?

Well, Amethyst’s boring summer at home has turned into an adventure on the run, chock full of intrigue, danger, love, and a mysterious boy named Clark.]]> 289 Jordan Elizabeth 1620076942 Taylor 0 to-read 3.85 2015 Treasure, Darkly (Treasure Chronicles #1)

Treasure, Darkly (Treasure Chronicles #1)

author: Jordan Elizabeth
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.85
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/09/28
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Final Girl Support Group 55829194 In horror movies, the final girls are the ones left standing��when the credits roll. They made it through the worst night of their lives…but what happens after?

Like his bestselling novel The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires, Grady Hendrix’s latest is a fast-paced, frightening, and wickedly humorous thriller. From��chain��saws to summer camp slayers, The Final Girl Support Group pays tribute to and slyly subverts our most popular horror films—movies like The Texas��Chainsaw Massacre, A��Nightmare on Elm Street, and Scream.

Lynnette Tarkington is a real-life final girl who survived a massacre. For more than a decade, she’s been meeting with five other final girls and their therapist in a support group for those who survived the unthinkable, working to put their lives back together. Then one woman misses a meeting, and their worst fears are realized—someone knows about the group and is determined to rip their lives apart again, piece by piece.

But the thing about final girls is that no matter how bad the odds, how dark the night, how sharp the knife, they will never, ever give up.]]> 352 Grady Hendrix 059320123X Taylor 4 3.49 2021 The Final Girl Support Group

author: Grady Hendrix
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.49
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2024/09/26
date added: 2024/09/26
shelves:
review:

]]> Homecoming (Witch Eyes, #0.5) 15827077
When it comes to making friends, witch-in-training Braden is no rock star. But he gets more than he bargained for when one little charisma spell goes disastrously wrong at the social event of the season.

Includes free bonus chapters from Witch Eyes.

Compelled to learn about his shadowy past and the family he never knew, Braden is drawn to the city of Belle Dam, where he finds himself caught between two feuding witch dynasties.]]> 42 Scott Tracey 0738735787 Taylor 0 to-read 3.71 2012 Homecoming (Witch Eyes, #0.5)

author: Scott Tracey
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.71
book published: 2012
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/09/22
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Innocent Blood (The Order of the Sanguines, #2)]]> 18626540 Innocent Blood

A vicious attack at a ranch in California thrusts archaeologist Erin Granger back into the folds of the Sanguines, an immortal order founded on the blood of Christ and tasked with protecting the world from the beasts haunting its shadows and waiting to break free into the sunlight. Following the prophetic words found in the Blood Gospel—a tome written by Christ and lost for centuries—Erin must join forces with Army Sergeant Jordan Stone and the dark mystery that is Father Rhun Korza to discover and protect a boy believed to be an angel given flesh.

But an enigmatic enemy of immense power and terrifying ambition seeks the same child—not to save the world, but to hasten its destruction. For any hope of victory, Erin must discover the truth behind Christ’s early years and understand His first true miracle, an event wrapped in sin and destruction, an act that yet remains unfulfilled and holds the only hope for the world.

The search for the truth will take Erin and the others across centuries and around the world, from the dusty plains of the Holy Land to the icy waters of the Arctic Ocean, from the catacombs of Rome to an iron fortress in the Mediterranean Sea, and at last to the very gates of Hell itself, where their destiny—and the fate of mankind—awaits.

With The Blood Gospel, the first novel in the Order of the Sanguines series, James Rollins and Rebecca Cantrell breathtakingly combined science, myth, and religion and introduced a world where miracles hold new meaning and the fight for good over evil is far more complicated than we ever dreamed. In Innocent Blood they again take us to the edge of destruction . . . and into the deepest reaches of imagination.]]> 733 James Rollins 0062300180 Taylor 0 to-read 4.29 2013 Innocent Blood (The Order of the Sanguines, #2)

Innocent Blood (The Order of the Sanguines, #2)

author: James Rollins
name: Taylor
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2013
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/09/21
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Forsaken (The Forsaken, #1)]]> 13552566
The life expectancy of prisoners on The Wheel is just two years, but with dirty, violent, and chaotic conditions, the time seems a lot longer as Alenna is forced to deal with civil wars for land ownership and machines that snatch kids out of their makeshift homes. Desperate, she and the other prisoners concoct a potentially fatal plan to flee the island. Survival may seem impossible, but Alenna is determined to achieve it anyway.]]> 384 Lisa M. Stasse 1442432675 Taylor 3
The characters become wish-washy and I couldn't connect with them in anyway. Alenna found "love" before she even got to know Liam. She pined over him when she should have been worrying about staying alive. Gadya was just weird. She was overly helpful and nice one second then just a bitch the next.
I though she was just a fake character. She was all strong and kick butt but she was just so trusting of Alenna right away. I just didn't understand her.
I think Stasse could have done a better job developing each and every one of the characters.
All the characters were just blah. Not good, not really bad.

The plot was neat but toward the end, Stasse just added some new developments, or twists if you will, that were just stupid. I mean, c'mon! Some of those things were just added just to try and get some gasps from the reader. It didn't work on me.

Overall, The Forsaken was just a disappointment. I seen some really great reviews and the first 10% was so great but in the end, I just wanted to finish the book right away.
If it didn't start out so great and it was just good, I wouldn't have been so disappointed.]]> 3.37 2012 The Forsaken (The Forsaken, #1)

author: Lisa M. Stasse
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.37
book published: 2012
rating: 3
read at: 2013/08/04
date added: 2024/09/21
shelves:
review:
The Forsaken started out great. After the first 10%, I was so sure it would become one of my favorites. Sadly, it did flatten out after 20% and about 50% though, it was like a plane crash.

The characters become wish-washy and I couldn't connect with them in anyway. Alenna found "love" before she even got to know Liam. She pined over him when she should have been worrying about staying alive. Gadya was just weird. She was overly helpful and nice one second then just a bitch the next.
I though she was just a fake character. She was all strong and kick butt but she was just so trusting of Alenna right away. I just didn't understand her.
I think Stasse could have done a better job developing each and every one of the characters.
All the characters were just blah. Not good, not really bad.

The plot was neat but toward the end, Stasse just added some new developments, or twists if you will, that were just stupid. I mean, c'mon! Some of those things were just added just to try and get some gasps from the reader. It didn't work on me.

Overall, The Forsaken was just a disappointment. I seen some really great reviews and the first 10% was so great but in the end, I just wanted to finish the book right away.
If it didn't start out so great and it was just good, I wouldn't have been so disappointed.
]]> Maybe One Day 18114914
Even when she isn't sure what to say.

Even when Olivia misses months of school.

Even when Zoe starts falling for Calvin, Olivia's crush.

The one thing that keeps Zoe moving forward is knowing that Olivia will beat this, and everything will go back to the way it was before. It has to. Because the alternative is too terrifying for her to even imagine.]]> 304 Melissa Kantor 006227922X Taylor 0 to-read 3.91 2014 Maybe One Day

author: Melissa Kantor
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2014
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/09/20
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Assassin and the Healer (Throne of Glass, #0.2)]]> 18333581 40 Sarah J. Maas Taylor 5 4.21 2013

The Assassin and the Healer (Throne of Glass, #0.2)

author: Sarah J. Maas
name: Taylor
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at: 2015/01/20
date added: 2024/08/18
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Rise of the Hotel Dumort (The Bane Chronicles, #5)]]> 17334064
The immortal Magnus Bane is making the most of his time in the Roaring Twenties: He's settled into New York society and is thriving among the fashionable jazz set. And there is nowhere better to see and be seen than the glamorous Hotel Dumort, a glittering new addition to the Manhattan landscape. But a different type of glamour may be at play...]]> 61 Cassandra Clare 144249560X Taylor 0 to-read 3.79 The Rise of the Hotel Dumort (The Bane Chronicles, #5)

The Rise of the Hotel Dumort (The Bane Chronicles, #5)

author: Cassandra Clare
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.79
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/08/11
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Chasing Before (The Memory Chronicles, #2)]]> 16081764
Felicia and Neil have arrived in Level 3 and are supposed to prepare for their divine vocations.

But during Felicia and Neil's training period, a series of explosions rips through Level 3. Tension is high, and casualties are mounting. A rift forms between the pair, one that grows wider when Felicia receives memories from the Morati. The memories cast doubt on the people she loves the most, but Felicia can't stop her curiosity. She has to know the truth about her life �� even if it means putting at risk everything she’s worked for in her death.]]> 368 Lenore Appelhans Taylor 0 to-read 3.52 2014 Chasing Before (The Memory Chronicles, #2)

Chasing Before (The Memory Chronicles, #2)

author: Lenore Appelhans
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.52
book published: 2014
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/08/07
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[World After (Penryn & the End of Days, #2)]]> 17849112 Angelfall, the survivors of the angel apocalypse begin to scrape back together what's left of the modern world. When a group of people capture Penryn's sister Paige, thinking she's a monster, the situation ends in a massacre. Paige disappears. Humans are terrified. Mom is heartbroken.

Penryn drives through the streets of San Francisco looking for Paige. Why are the streets so empty? Where is everybody? Her search leads her into the heart of the angels' secret plans, where she catches a glimpse of their motivations, and learns the horrifying extent to which the angels are willing to go.

Meanwhile, Raffe hunts for his wings. Without them, he can't rejoin the angels, can't take his rightful place as one of their leaders. When faced with recapturing his wings or helping Penryn survive, which will he choose?

]]> 320 Susan Ee 1477867287 Taylor 4
World After was so fast paced and I couldn't put it down. The writing style was so wonderful. It read almost like a contemporary and I was able to speed right though it in just one sitting.

I loved the world building of the first book and I liked how it continued to expand in World After.

I loved Penryn! She's such a well written character. She kicked so much butt but she was also really caring. I felt like there was a lot of character development as well.

I'm not totally into Raffe though. I like him but I'm not as in love with other people are. I'm sure that's just me but that did hold me back from giving this book five stars.

I felt like this series took a really weird turn in World After. Not necessarily a bad thing but this series didn't go in the direction I thought it would.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I read it in one sitting and I can't wait to pick up the next book. I loved Penryn and the world building still continues to blow my mind. This series is definitely worth checking out.]]> 4.09 2013 World After (Penryn & the End of Days, #2)

World After (Penryn & the End of Days, #2)

author: Susan Ee
name: Taylor
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2013
rating: 4
read at: 2015/06/20
date added: 2024/08/07
shelves:
review:
I'd seen a lot about the Angelfall series all over the place for the last few years and I always meant read it but I never got around to it. But when I received a copy of Angelfall and World After from NetGalley, I finally got around to reading them. And I'm very glad that I did.

World After was so fast paced and I couldn't put it down. The writing style was so wonderful. It read almost like a contemporary and I was able to speed right though it in just one sitting.

I loved the world building of the first book and I liked how it continued to expand in World After.

I loved Penryn! She's such a well written character. She kicked so much butt but she was also really caring. I felt like there was a lot of character development as well.

I'm not totally into Raffe though. I like him but I'm not as in love with other people are. I'm sure that's just me but that did hold me back from giving this book five stars.

I felt like this series took a really weird turn in World After. Not necessarily a bad thing but this series didn't go in the direction I thought it would.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I read it in one sitting and I can't wait to pick up the next book. I loved Penryn and the world building still continues to blow my mind. This series is definitely worth checking out.
]]> The Boy on the Bridge 16161456
As June approaches--when Laura must return to the United States--Alexei asks Laura to marry him. She's only nineteen and doesn't think she's ready to settle down. But what if Alexei is the love of her life? How can she leave him behind? If she has a chance to change his life, to rescue him from misery, shouldn't she take it?]]> 261 Natalie Standiford 0545539072 Taylor 0 to-read 3.35 2013 The Boy on the Bridge

author: Natalie Standiford
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.35
book published: 2013
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/08/07
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Forever... 16132448
When you build up something in your mind—really imagine it, wish for it—sometimes, when it actually happens, it doesn’t live up to your expectations.

True love is nothing like that.

Especially not for Katherine and Michael, who can’t get enough of each other. Their relationship is unique: sincere, intense, and fun all at the same time. Although they haven’t been together all that long, they know it’s serious. A whole world opens up as young passion and sexuality bloom.

But it’s senior year of high school, and there are big changes ahead. Michael and Katherine are destined for another big “first��: a decision. Is this the love of a lifetime, or the very beginning of a lifetime of love?]]> 226 Judy Blume 1442467800 Taylor 3
It's really important to know that this book was first published in 1975.

Right from page one I was so surprised by this book. And it continued to shock the crap put of me though out the whole book. This book was published in 1975! I was shocked by a lot of things in this book. At times, I felt like this more of a New Adult book then Young Adult. There's a lot of sex in this book.

The writing style was sort of choppy and brief. It didn't go into details and at times it felt sort of incomplete in a way.

I didn't really like any of the characters. Michael was a jerk and took a lot of his emotions out on Kath. And as the book went on, the more I didn't like him.
Kath was boring and plain. I did respect a lot of her chooses though.

Overall, I did enjoy reading this book but it wasn't all the well written. I would recommend reading at least one Judy Blume book just so you can compare it to modern day YA.
]]> 3.80 1975 Forever...

author: Judy Blume
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.80
book published: 1975
rating: 3
read at: 2014/12/05
date added: 2024/07/18
shelves:
review:
I'd heard tons of things about Judy Blume books. My mom and grandma have talked about them and I've seen a bunch of different editions with various covers. I decided I should at least read one Judy Blume book and I'm so glad I it.

It's really important to know that this book was first published in 1975.

Right from page one I was so surprised by this book. And it continued to shock the crap put of me though out the whole book. This book was published in 1975! I was shocked by a lot of things in this book. At times, I felt like this more of a New Adult book then Young Adult. There's a lot of sex in this book.

The writing style was sort of choppy and brief. It didn't go into details and at times it felt sort of incomplete in a way.

I didn't really like any of the characters. Michael was a jerk and took a lot of his emotions out on Kath. And as the book went on, the more I didn't like him.
Kath was boring and plain. I did respect a lot of her chooses though.

Overall, I did enjoy reading this book but it wasn't all the well written. I would recommend reading at least one Judy Blume book just so you can compare it to modern day YA.

]]> <![CDATA[A Court of Frost and Starlight (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #3.5)]]> 31076583 229 Sarah J. Maas 168119631X Taylor 0 to-read 3.77 2019

A Court of Frost and Starlight (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #3.5)

author: Sarah J. Maas
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.77
book published: 2019
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/07/01
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Shattered Veil (The Diatous Wars, #1)]]> 18621479 295 Tracy Banghart Taylor 0 to-read 4.33 2014

author: Tracy Banghart
name: Taylor
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2014
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/05/07
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1)]]> 61431922 Enter the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders...

Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general—also known as her tough-as-talons mother—has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.

But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away...because dragons don’t bond to “fragile�� humans. They incinerate them.

With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter—like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.

She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.

Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom's protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.

Friends, enemies, lovers. Everyone at Basgiath War College has an agenda—because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die]]> 665 Rebecca Yarros 1649374046 Taylor 5 4.56 2023 Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1)

author: Rebecca Yarros
name: Taylor
average rating: 4.56
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at: 2024/04/24
date added: 2024/04/24
shelves:
review:

]]> When the World Tips Over 203819256 An explosive new novel brimming with love, secrets, and enchantment

The Fall siblings live in hot Northern California wine country, where the sun pours out of the sky, and the devil winds blow so hard they whip the sense right out of your head.

Years ago, the Fall kids�� father mysteriously disappeared, cracking the family into pieces. Now Dizzy Fall, age twelve, bakes cakes, sees spirits, and wishes she were a heroine of a romance novel. Miles Fall, seventeen, brainiac, athlete, and dog-whisperer, is a raving beauty, but also lost, and desperate to meet the kind of guy he dreams of. And Wynton Fall, nineteen, who raises the temperature of a room just by entering it, is a virtuoso violinist set on a crash course for fame . . . or self-destruction.

Then an enigmatic rainbow-haired girl shows up, tipping the Falls�� world over. She might be an angel. Or a saint. Or an ordinary girl. Somehow, she is vital to each of them. But before anyone can figure out who she is, catastrophe strikes, leaving the Falls more broken than ever. And more desperate to be whole.

With road trips, rivalries, family curses, love stories within love stories within love stories, and sorrows and joys passed from generation to generation, this is the intricate, luminous tale of a family’s complicated past and present. And only in telling their stories can they hope to rewrite their futures.]]> 528 Jandy Nelson 0698195043 Taylor 0 to-read 4.26 2024 When the World Tips Over

author: Jandy Nelson
name: Taylor
average rating: 4.26
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/03/25
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Virals (Virals, #1) 7800188
As the friends discover their heightened senses and animal-quick reflexes, they must combine their scientific curiosity with their newfound physical gifts to solve a cold-case murder that has suddenly become very hot--if they can stay alive long enough to catch the killer's scent.

Fortunately, they are now more than friends--they're a pack. They are Virals.]]> 454 Kathy Reichs 1595143424 Taylor 0 to-read 3.95 2010 Virals (Virals, #1)

author: Kathy Reichs
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2010
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/02/07
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle]]> 23208665 388 Janet Fox 0451476336 Taylor 0 to-read 3.60 2016

The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle

author: Janet Fox
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.60
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/01/18
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Rush (The Game, #1) 16110609
Miki Jones's carefully controlled life spins into chaos after she's run down in the street, left broken and bloody. She wakes up fully healed in a place called the lobby - pulled from her life, through time and space into some kind of game in which she and a team of other teens are sent on missions to eliminate the Drau, terrifying and beautiful alien creatures.

There are no practice runs, no training, and no way out. Every moment of the game is kill or be killed, and Miki has only the questionable guidance of Jackson Tate, the team's alluring and secretive leader. He evades her questions, holds himself aloof from the others, and claims it's every player for himself. But when he puts himself at risk to watch Miki's back, he leaves her both frustrated and fascinated. Jackson says the game isn't really a game, that what Miki and her new teammates do now determines their survival. And the survival of every other person on the planet. She laughs. He doesn't. And then the game takes a deadly and terrifying turn.]]> 364 Eve Silver 0062192167 Taylor 4
Rush is super fast paced in the first 100 pages. I really liked how fast Silver jumped into the story. It did slow up in the last 100 pages but it wasn't boring by all means.
I loved the concept and plot of this book. It was a little far fetched but honestly, I didn't mind. I love the idea of a real life video game and having aliens involved was so crazy and fun.
The thing that brought this book down for me was the characters. They were very typical YA characters and I found them to be boring. Miki was likable enough but Jackson and Luka made me want to pull my hair out.
Jackson was the brooding bad boy and Luka was the nice guy that is just so nice that it's annoying.

Overall, I really enjoyed Rush. The characters aren't the best but I loved the writing and plot so much. I'm definitely going to be reading the rest of the series soon.]]> 3.87 2013 Rush (The Game, #1)

author: Eve Silver
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.87
book published: 2013
rating: 4
read at: 2015/07/26
date added: 2023/12/25
shelves:
review:
I read this book in 2013 when it first came out and I liked it when but I had some problems with the characters. I've been thinking about Rush a lot lately so I decided to reread it. I thought my opinions on this book would have changed in the last two years but surprisingly, they've stayed pretty much the exact same.

Rush is super fast paced in the first 100 pages. I really liked how fast Silver jumped into the story. It did slow up in the last 100 pages but it wasn't boring by all means.
I loved the concept and plot of this book. It was a little far fetched but honestly, I didn't mind. I love the idea of a real life video game and having aliens involved was so crazy and fun.
The thing that brought this book down for me was the characters. They were very typical YA characters and I found them to be boring. Miki was likable enough but Jackson and Luka made me want to pull my hair out.
Jackson was the brooding bad boy and Luka was the nice guy that is just so nice that it's annoying.

Overall, I really enjoyed Rush. The characters aren't the best but I loved the writing and plot so much. I'm definitely going to be reading the rest of the series soon.
]]> Iron Flame (The Empyrean, #2) 90202302 “The first year is when some of us lose our lives. The second year is when the rest of us lose our humanity.�� —Xaden Riorson

Everyone expected Violet Sorrengail to die during her first year at Basgiath War College—Violet included. But Threshing was only the first impossible test meant to weed out the weak-willed, the unworthy, and the unlucky.

Now the real training begins, and Violet’s already wondering how she’ll get through. It’s not just that it’s grueling and maliciously brutal, or even that it’s designed to stretch the riders�� capacity for pain beyond endurance. It’s the new vice commandant, who’s made it his personal mission to teach Violet exactly how powerless she is–unless she betrays the man she loves.

Although Violet’s body might be weaker and frailer than everyone else’s, she still has her wits—and a will of iron. And leadership is forgetting the most important lesson Basgiath has taught her: Dragon riders make their own rules.

But a determination to survive won’t be enough this year.

Because Violet knows the real secret hidden for centuries at Basgiath War College—and nothing, not even dragon fire, may be enough to save them in the end.]]> 623 Rebecca Yarros 1649374178 Taylor 0 to-read 4.33 2023 Iron Flame (The Empyrean, #2)

author: Rebecca Yarros
name: Taylor
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/12/01
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Old Country 59568614 ��
It’s the house of their dreams. Former marine Harry and his wife, Sasha, have packed up their life and their golden retriever, Dash, and fled the corporate rat race to live off the land in rural Idaho. Their breathtaking new home sits on more than forty acres of meadow, aspen trees, and pine forest in the Teton Valley. Even if their friends and family think it’s a strange choice for an up-and-coming pair of urban professionals, Harry and Sasha couldn’t be happier about the future they’re building, all by their lonesome.

That is, until their nearest neighbors, Dan and Lucy Steiner, come bearing more than housewarming gifts. Dan and Lucy warn Harry and Sasha of a malevolent spirit that lives in the valley, one that with every season will haunt them in fresh, ever-more-diabolical ways. At first, it seems like an old wives�� tale. But when spring arrives, so does the first evil manifestation, challenging everything Harry and Sasha thought they knew about the world.

As each season passes, the spirit grows stronger, the land more sinister, and each encounter more dangerous. Will Harry and Sasha learn the true meaning of a forever home before it’s too late? Haunting and bone-chilling, Old Country is a spellbinding debut in the horror genre.]]> 352 Matt Query 1538721201 Taylor 0 to-read 3.69 2022

author: Matt Query
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.69
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/12/01
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Girl in the Castle 60420291 Beloved #1 bestselling authors James Patterson and Emily Raymond deliver a thrilling novel about a teen caught between two worlds and the truths that could set her free—or trap her forever.

My name is Hannah Dory and I need you to believe me

NOW: Hannah is brought to Belman Psych, told she is suffering from hallucinations and delusions. Hannah knows the truth: she must return to the past and save her sister. Could Jordan, the abnormal psych student who seems to truly care, be the answer she’s looking for?

1347: Hannah and her village are starving to death in a brutal winter. Hannah seeks out food and salvation in the baron’s castle. If she is caught stealing, she will surely hang. But if she and her friends succeed, she’ll save everyone she holds dear.

NOW: Jordan isn’t sure what to believe, and Hannah has even bigger problems: if she doesn’t make it back, her sister will die, but if she keeps going back, she might never escape.]]> 368 James Patterson 0316411728 Taylor 3 3.78 2022 The Girl in the Castle

author: James Patterson
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2023/12/01
date added: 2023/12/01
shelves:
review:

]]> Summer Darlings 49819442 Set during the splendid summer days of 1960s Martha’s Vineyard, this page-turning debut novel pulls back the curtain on one mysterious and wealthy family as seen through the eyes of their nanny—a college student who, while falling in love on the elegant island, is also forced to reckon with the dark underbelly of privilege.

In 1962, coed Heddy Winsome leaves her hardscrabble Irish Brooklyn neighborhood behind and ferries to glamorous Martha’s Vineyard to nanny for one of the wealthiest families on the island. But as she grows enamored with the alluring and seemingly perfect young couple and chases after their two mischievous children, Heddy discovers that her academic scholarship at Wellesley has been revoked, putting her entire future at risk.

Determined to find her place in the couple's wealthy social circles, Heddy nurtures a romance with the hip surfer down the beach while wondering if the better man for her might be a quiet, studious college boy instead. But no one she meets on the summer island—socialite, starlet, or housekeeper—is as picture-perfect as they seem, and she quickly learns that the right last name and a house in a tony zip-code may guarantee privilege, but that rarely equals happiness.

Rich with the sights and sounds of midcentury Martha’s Vineyard, Brooke Lea Foster’s debut novel Summer Darlings promises entrance to a rarefied world, for readers who enjoyed Tigers in Red Weather or The Summer Wives.]]> 368 Brooke Lea Foster 1982115025 Taylor 4 3.39 2020

author: Brooke Lea Foster
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.39
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2023/12/01
date added: 2023/12/01
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Christmas and Other Horrors: A Winter Solstice Anthology]]> 93481619
The winter solstice is celebrated as a time of joy around the world—yet the long nights also conjure a darker tradition of ghouls, hauntings, and visitations. This anthology of all-new stories invites you to huddle around the fire and revel in the unholy, the dangerous, the horrific aspects of a time when families and friends come together—for better and for worse.

From the eerie Austrian Schnabelperchten to the skeletal Welsh Mari Lwyd, by way of ravenous golems, uncanny neighbors, and unwelcome visitors, Christmas and Other Horrors captures the heart and horror of the festive season.

Because the weather outside is frightful, but the fire inside is hungry...

Featuring stories by:

Nadia Bulkin
Terry Dowling
Tananarive Due
Jeffrey Ford
Christopher Golden
Stephen Graham Jones
Glen Hirshberg
Richard Kadrey
Alma Katsu
Cassandra Khaw
John Langan
Josh Malerman
Nick Mamatas
Garth Nix
Benjamin Percy
M. Rickert
Kaaron Warren]]> 410 Ellen Datlow Taylor 4 3.55 2023 Christmas and Other Horrors: A Winter Solstice Anthology

Christmas and Other Horrors: A Winter Solstice Anthology

author: Ellen Datlow
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.55
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2023/12/01
date added: 2023/12/01
shelves:
review:

]]> Coraline 1967070
But there's another mother there and another father, and they want her to stay and be their little girl. They want to change her and never let her go. Coraline will have to fight with all her wit and all the tools she can find if she is to save herself and return to her ordinary life.

This beloved tale has now become a visual feast. Acclaimed artist P. Craig Russell brings Neil Gaiman's enchanting nationally bestselling children's book Coraline to new life in this gorgeously illustrated graphic novel adaptation]]> 192 P. Craig Russell 006082543X Taylor 4 The overall plot was really interesting and spooky. I wasn't expecting it to be so strange but I really enjoyed it.
I really like Coraline. She was a fun character and I thought she was really well written. ]]> 4.07 2008

author: P. Craig Russell
name: Taylor
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2008
rating: 4
read at: 2015/07/30
date added: 2023/11/17
shelves:
review:
I haven't seen the movie for Coraline or read the original book so I had pretty much no idea what this graphic novel was about.
The overall plot was really interesting and spooky. I wasn't expecting it to be so strange but I really enjoyed it.
I really like Coraline. She was a fun character and I thought she was really well written.
]]> Truthfully, Yours 201383603
Charlie did not think things could go this wrong�� Yet here she is, in Scotland, thousands of miles away from home, after having publicly called out one of the actors of her favorite show for being ableist at a convention... and of course, it went viral. The one silver-lining? Her best friend signing her up for a work stay program at an independent bookstore in Scotland, where she’ll be able to live in the owner’s apartment for the next three months. What Charlie does not realize is that she’s one good golf club swing away from chaos.

Enter Page, or Jamie Mahone, as the fans of StarVerse know him, the unfortunate co-star to the actor who started all this. Page did not for one second imagine that surprising his sister one night would lead to a good headache and a handful of trouble. Stuck in the same apartment, they must not only fight their immediate dislike of each other but also their attraction to one another. Their solution?

Flatmates rules!
1. The apartment stays clean, and we stay out of each other’s respective rooms.
2. If one of us feels uncomfortable, we need to tell each other.
3. Flatmates don’t fall for flatmates.

After all, Charlie is the show’s number one public enemy, and Page cherishes his privacy above anything else, so giving in to the rising attraction between them would be a bad idea�� Right?]]> 381 Caden Armstrong 1738418006 Taylor 0 to-read 3.89 Truthfully, Yours

author: Caden Armstrong
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.89
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/11/06
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> How to Survive Your Murder 59762456
And in the year since Claire’s death, Alice’s life has completely fallen apart. Her parents have gotten divorced, she’s moved into an apartment that smells like bologna, and she is being forced to face her sister’s killer and a courtroom full of people who doubt what she saw in the corn maze a year prior.

Claire was an all-American girl, beautiful and bubbly, and a theater star. Alice was a nerd who dreamed of becoming a forensic pathologist and would rather stay at home to watch her favorite horror movies than party. Despite their differences, they were bonded by sisterhood and were each other’s best friends.

Until Claire was taken away from her.

On the first day of the murder trial, as Alice prepares to give her testimony, she is knocked out by a Sidney Prescott look-alike in the courthouse bathroom. When she wakes up, it is Halloween night a year earlier, the same day Claire was murdered. Alice has until midnight to save her sister and find the real killer before he claims another victim.]]> 299 Danielle Valentine 0593352017 Taylor 4 3.65 2022 How to Survive Your Murder

author: Danielle Valentine
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.65
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2023/10/28
date added: 2023/10/28
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, #1)]]> 16034235
The Crown Prince will provoke her. The Captain of the Guard will protect her. But something evil dwells in the castle of glass—and it's there to kill. When her competitors start dying one by one, Celaena's fight for freedom becomes a fight for survival, and a desperate quest to root out the evil before it destroys her world.]]> 406 Sarah J. Maas 1619630346 Taylor 5

author: Sarah J. Maas
name: Taylor
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2012
rating: 5
read at: 2015/02/01
date added: 2023/10/12
shelves: best-books-i-read-in-2015, favorites, all-time-favorites
review:
Oh my gosh!

Spoiler free
Based on the recommendation of my sister, I had read The Assassin's Blade before I read Throne of Glass (I also recommend doing this), so this wasn't my first impression of Celaena Sardothien and the wonderful fantasy world that Sarah J. Mass has created.

Right from page one, I was hooked on this book. Mass' writing is so beautiful and detailed that I pretty much read this book in one day. It's amazing to me that Throne of Glass is her debut book.

All the characters were so complex and interesting. Even the minor characters were more then just names on a page. I felt like each character had a story and a background and best of all, a purpose. Maas never created meaningless characters. Each character came into play in the book and not 200 pages after they were first introduced.
Celaena is, by far, one of the best characters I've read about in fiction. Not just YA but of every single book that I've ever read. She's so complex and different, interesting and creative. She kicks everyone's butt but in some way, she's also relatable.

The plot was amazing. It was fast paced and different. It had so much substance and it was dragged out. All 400 pages of this book had relevance.

Overall, I loved this book. It's one of my favorite books that I've ever read. Everything was flawless and I can't wait to continue with the series. I highly recommend series if you're looking for something interesting and different with amazing characters.
]]> <![CDATA[The Awakened (The Awakened Duology #1)]]> 27266676
That is, until the Z virus hits, wiping out a third of the population in a matter of weeks. If that weren’t frightening enough, the bodies of the victims disappear and suddenly reappear, awakened from their dead state. They're faster, smarter, and they work together to get the one thing they crave, human flesh.

The United States is in a panic and then the government decides the unthinkable: to bomb every major city overrun with the awakened.

Now Zoey is on the run, with her dad and Ash, desperate to find a place of safety amongst the ruined remains of the country.]]> Sara Elizabeth Santana Taylor 0 to-read 3.72 The Awakened (The Awakened Duology #1)

author: Sara Elizabeth Santana
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.72
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/09/13
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Dead House (The Dead House, #1)]]> 22396591
Re-opened police records, psychiatric reports, transcripts of video footage and fragments of diary reveal a web of deceit and intrigue, violence and murder, raising a whole lot more questions than it answers.

Who was Kaitlyn and why did she only appear at night? Did she really exist or was she a figment of a disturbed mind? What were the illicit rituals taking place at the school? And just what did happen at Elmbridge in the events leading up to ‘the Johnson Incident��?]]> 440 Dawn Kurtagich 1780622341 Taylor 3 This book was told through diary entries, video clips, and interviews so that was interesting but I honestly don't really like that format. I find it hard to follow and I can't really get invested in the characters. I love the concept of this book but the way it was written just didn't work for me.
I still liked this book quite a bit but I would have loved it if it was written "normally".]]> 3.68 2015 The Dead House (The Dead House, #1)

author: Dawn Kurtagich
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.68
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2015/10/22
date added: 2023/08/02
shelves:
review:
This book is so weird but I actually really enjoyed how strange it was. It was a really original and unique read and it was also really spooky and creepy. And just completely crazy. This had to be one of the craziest books that I've ever read. I'm still dumbfounded over this book.
This book was told through diary entries, video clips, and interviews so that was interesting but I honestly don't really like that format. I find it hard to follow and I can't really get invested in the characters. I love the concept of this book but the way it was written just didn't work for me.
I still liked this book quite a bit but I would have loved it if it was written "normally".
]]> <![CDATA[Crash into You (Pushing the Limits, #3)]]> 17233800
The girl with straight A's and the perfect life—that's who people expect Rachel Young to be. So the private school junior keeps secrets from her wealthy family…and she's just added two more to the list. One involves racing strangers down dark country roads in her Mustang GT. The other? Seventeen-year-old Isaiah Walker—a guy she has no business even talking to. But after the foster kid with the tattoos and intense gray eyes comes to her rescue, she can't get him out of her mind.

The last thing Isaiah needs is to get tangled up with a rich girl who wants to slum it on the south side for kicks. But when their shared love of street racing puts their lives in jeopardy, Isaiah and Rachel will have six weeks to come up with a way out. Six weeks to discover just how far they'll go to save each other.]]> 474 Katie McGarry 037321099X Taylor 0 to-read 4.26 2013 Crash into You (Pushing the Limits, #3)

author: Katie McGarry
name: Taylor
average rating: 4.26
book published: 2013
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/07/30
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Rush (The Game, #1) 13571953
Miki Jones's carefully controlled life spins into chaos after she's run down in the street, left broken and bloody. She wakes up fully healed in a place called the lobby - pulled from her life, through time and space into some kind of game in which she and a team of other teens are sent on missions to eliminate the Drau, terrifying and beautiful alien creatures.

There are no practice runs, no training, and no way out. Every moment of the game is kill or be killed, and Miki has only the questionable guidance of Jackson Tate, the team's alluring and secretive leader. He evades her questions, holds himself aloof from the others, and claims it's every player for himself. But when he puts himself at risk to watch Miki's back, he leaves her both frustrated and fascinated. Jackson says the game isn't really a game, that what Miki and her new teammates do now determines their survival. And the survival of every other person on the planet. She laughs. He doesn't. And then the game takes a deadly and terrifying turn.]]> 364 Eve Silver 0062192132 Taylor 4 arcs
Rush is super fast paced in the first 100 pages. I really liked how fast Silver jumped into the story. It did slow up in the last 100 pages but it wasn't boring by all means.
I loved the concept and plot of this book. It was a little far fetched but honestly, I didn't mind. I love the idea of a real life video game and having aliens involved was so crazy and fun.
The thing that brought this book down for me was the characters. They were very typical YA characters and I found them to be boring. Miki was likable enough but Jackson and Luka made me want to pull my hair out.
Jackson was the brooding bad boy and Luka was the nice guy that is just so nice that it's annoying.

Overall, I really enjoyed Rush. The characters aren't the best but I loved the writing and plot so much. I'm definitely going to be reading the rest of the series soon.]]> 3.88 2013 Rush (The Game, #1)

author: Eve Silver
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2013
rating: 4
read at: 2013/07/21
date added: 2023/07/26
shelves: arcs
review:
I read this book in 2013 when it first came out and I liked it when but I had some problems with the characters. I've been thinking about Rush a lot lately so I decided to reread it. I thought my opinions on this book would have changed in the last two years but surprisingly, they've stayed pretty much the exact same.

Rush is super fast paced in the first 100 pages. I really liked how fast Silver jumped into the story. It did slow up in the last 100 pages but it wasn't boring by all means.
I loved the concept and plot of this book. It was a little far fetched but honestly, I didn't mind. I love the idea of a real life video game and having aliens involved was so crazy and fun.
The thing that brought this book down for me was the characters. They were very typical YA characters and I found them to be boring. Miki was likable enough but Jackson and Luka made me want to pull my hair out.
Jackson was the brooding bad boy and Luka was the nice guy that is just so nice that it's annoying.

Overall, I really enjoyed Rush. The characters aren't the best but I loved the writing and plot so much. I'm definitely going to be reading the rest of the series soon.
]]> Side Effects May Vary 18053148 330 Julie Murphy 006224535X Taylor 0 to-read 3.40 2014

author: Julie Murphy
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.40
book published: 2014
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/07/17
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Hidden Pictures 58724923 A wildly inventive spin on the supernatural thriller, about a woman working as a nanny for a young boy with strange and disturbing secrets.

Mallory Quinn is fresh out of rehab when she takes a job as a babysitter for Ted and Caroline Maxwell. She is to look after their five-year-old son, Teddy.

Mallory immediately loves it. She has her own living space, goes out for nightly runs, and has the stability she craves. And she sincerely bonds with Teddy, a sweet, shy boy who is never without his sketchbook and pencil. His drawings are the usual fare: trees, rabbits, balloons. But one day, he draws something different: a man in a forest, dragging a woman’s lifeless body.

Then, Teddy’s artwork becomes increasingly sinister, and his stick figures quickly evolve into lifelike sketches well beyond the ability of any five-year-old. Mallory begins to wonder if these are glimpses of a long-unsolved murder, perhaps relayed by a supernatural force.

Knowing just how crazy it all sounds, Mallory nevertheless sets out to decipher the images and save Teddy before it’s too late.]]> 372 Jason Rekulak 1250819342 Taylor 3 4.12 2022 Hidden Pictures

author: Jason Rekulak
name: Taylor
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2023/07/15
date added: 2023/07/15
shelves:
review:

]]> Ugly Love 20736424
Never ask about the past.
Don’t expect a future.

They think they can handle it, but realize almost immediately they can’t handle it at all.

Hearts get infiltrated.
Promises get broken.
Rules get shattered.
Love gets ugly.]]> 317 Colleen Hoover 1476753199 Taylor 5
I'd seen this book many times over the past few months but I just never got around to buying it. I didn't really know what it was about but when I seen on Instagram that it was being made into a movie, I thought I better get around to reading it. Within a few days of buying Ugly Love, I started it. I was pretty sure I knew what to expect from this book. The synopsis on the back of the book says Miles is "secretive and tormented" which immediately made me roll my eyes. I was sure that the hype of this book would let me down.
However, nothing could have prepared me for this book.

Saying Miles is "secretive and tormented" is, on one hand, accurate. But it's not in the way I thought it would be. Miles isn't all that broody (he is but not in an annoying way) and he is such a complex character. All though out the book, I was impressed by how awesome he is. I thought I wouldn't like him but that's not the case at all.
Tate is outrageously. I loved her so, so much. She's insanely well written.

Ugly Love is told in present day Tate's perspective and "six years earlier" Miles perspective. AT first I really didn't like the "six years earlier" chapters. They were so melodramatic and over the top and annoying. But in the middle of book, they stopped being so melodramatic and actually became something worth reading.

I finished this book last night and I still can't stop thinking about it. This is a really hard review to write because I still can't think of any words to describe how this book makes me feel.

Overall, not only is this book worth all the hype (in my opinion) but it has become one of my favorite books of all time. Colleen Hoover wrote a book with characters that has torn be apart but put me back together again. I just don't have any words for this book.

]]> 3.66 2014 Ugly Love

author: Colleen Hoover
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.66
book published: 2014
rating: 5
read at: 2015/06/05
date added: 2023/06/30
shelves:
review:

I'd seen this book many times over the past few months but I just never got around to buying it. I didn't really know what it was about but when I seen on Instagram that it was being made into a movie, I thought I better get around to reading it. Within a few days of buying Ugly Love, I started it. I was pretty sure I knew what to expect from this book. The synopsis on the back of the book says Miles is "secretive and tormented" which immediately made me roll my eyes. I was sure that the hype of this book would let me down.
However, nothing could have prepared me for this book.

Saying Miles is "secretive and tormented" is, on one hand, accurate. But it's not in the way I thought it would be. Miles isn't all that broody (he is but not in an annoying way) and he is such a complex character. All though out the book, I was impressed by how awesome he is. I thought I wouldn't like him but that's not the case at all.
Tate is outrageously. I loved her so, so much. She's insanely well written.

Ugly Love is told in present day Tate's perspective and "six years earlier" Miles perspective. AT first I really didn't like the "six years earlier" chapters. They were so melodramatic and over the top and annoying. But in the middle of book, they stopped being so melodramatic and actually became something worth reading.

I finished this book last night and I still can't stop thinking about it. This is a really hard review to write because I still can't think of any words to describe how this book makes me feel.

Overall, not only is this book worth all the hype (in my opinion) but it has become one of my favorite books of all time. Colleen Hoover wrote a book with characters that has torn be apart but put me back together again. I just don't have any words for this book.

]]> I’m Glad My Mom Died 59366244
Jennette McCurdy was six years old when she had her first acting audition. Her mother’s dream was for her only daughter to become a star, and Jennette would do anything to make her mother happy. So she went along with what Mom called “calorie restriction,�� eating little and weighing herself five times a day. She endured extensive at-home makeovers while Mom chided, “Your eyelashes are invisible, okay? You think Dakota Fanning doesn’t tint hers?�� She was even showered by Mom until age sixteen while sharing her diaries, email, and all her income.

In I’m Glad My Mom Died , Jennette recounts all this in unflinching detail—just as she chronicles what happens when the dream finally comes true. Cast in a new Nickelodeon series called iCarly , she is thrust into fame. Though Mom is ecstatic, emailing fan club moderators and getting on a first-name basis with the paparazzi (“Hi Gale!��), Jennette is riddled with anxiety, shame, and self-loathing, which manifest into eating disorders, addiction, and a series of unhealthy relationships. These issues only get worse when, soon after taking the lead in the iCarly spinoff Sam & Cat alongside Ariana Grande, her mother dies of cancer. Finally, after discovering therapy and quitting acting, Jennette embarks on recovery and decides for the first time in her life what she really wants.

Told with refreshing candor and dark humor, I’m Glad My Mom Died is an inspiring story of resilience, independence, and the joy of shampooing your own hair.]]> 304 Jennette McCurdy 1982185821 Taylor 0 to-read 4.42 2022

author: Jennette McCurdy
name: Taylor
average rating: 4.42
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/06/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Moving Finger 63127706 The indomitable sleuth Miss Marple is led to a small town with shameful secrets in Agatha Christie's classic detective story, The Moving Finger.

Lymstock is a town with more than its share of scandalous secrets—a town where even a sudden outbreak of anonymous hate mail causes only a minor stir.

But all that changes when one of the recipients, Mrs. Symmington, commits suicide. Her final note says "I can't go on," but Miss Marple questions the coroner's verdict of suicide. Soon nobody is sure of anyone—as secrets stop being shameful and start becoming deadly.]]> 6 Agatha Christie 0062265849 Taylor 0 to-read 3.51 1942 The Moving Finger

author: Agatha Christie
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.51
book published: 1942
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/05/18
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[My Butterfly (Butterfly Weeds, #2)]]> 17874069
"This is pure romance at its best." ~Romantic Reading Escapes

"One of the most beautiful love stories I have ever read." ~Jelena's Book Blog

From the author who brought you the national bestselling novel Butterfly Weeds comes the heartwarming story of small-town firefighter Will Stephens.

Will Stephens doesn’t chase dreams outside of his small, Missouri town. He’s perfectly happy with his high school sweetheart in his arms, his guitar and his quiet summer nights. But life for Will is about to change. He’s about to find out what it’s like to chase a dream—one he has loved since he first laid eyes on her.

A firefighter by day and a musician by night, Will balances his dangerous career with his weekend gigs, but his mind is never far from Julia Lang. They said their goodbyes years ago, but Will now hopes a song from their past will help Julia stop and remember a life they once shared together. His only fear is that he’s waited too long to get his song to her ears.]]> 374 Laura Miller 1481089854 Taylor 0 to-read 4.23 My Butterfly (Butterfly Weeds, #2)

author: Laura Miller
name: Taylor
average rating: 4.23
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/03/28
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Where Echoes Die 59808315
But when Beck and her sister Riley arrive in Backravel, Arizona it’s clear that there’s something off about the town. There are no cars, no cemeteries, no churches. The town is a mix of dilapidated military structures and new, shiny buildings, all overseen by the town’s gleaming treatment center high on a plateau. No one seems to remember when they got there, and the only people who seem to know more than they’re letting on is the town’s enigmatic leader and his daughter, Avery.

As the sisters search for answers about their mother, Beck and Avery become more drawn together, and their unexpected connection brings up emotions Beck has buried since her mother’s death. Beck is desperate to hold onto the way things used to be, and when she starts losing herself in Backravel and its connection to her mother, will there be a way for Beck to pull herself out?

In her sophomore novel Courtney Gould draws readers into the haunting town of Backravel and explores grief, the weight of not letting go of the past, first love, and the bonds between sisters, mothers and daughters.]]> 352 Courtney Gould 1250825792 Taylor 4 While this isn’t a new favorite, it’s definitely worth the read if you enjoy slow burning mysteries ]]> 3.58 2023 Where Echoes Die

author: Courtney Gould
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.58
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2023/02/07
date added: 2023/02/07
shelves:
review:
This was such a one of a kind read for me, I’ve never read anything like it before. I loved the concept, the plot, and the characters. I did find the plot to be a little slow and at times I would find myself thinking about picking up a different book. The mystery kept me going though, I’m glad I pushed through and read until I finished.
While this isn’t a new favorite, it’s definitely worth the read if you enjoy slow burning mysteries
]]> <![CDATA[City of Nightmares (City of Nightmares, #1)]]> 60017811 Gotham meets Strange the Dreamer in this thrilling young adult fantasy about a cowardly girl who finds herself at the center of a criminal syndicate conspiracy, in a city where crooked politicians and sinister cults reign and dreaming means waking up as your worst nightmare.

Ever since her sister became a man-eating spider and slaughtered her way through town, nineteen-year-old Ness has been terrified—terrified of some other Nightmare murdering her, and terrified of ending up like her sister. Because in Newham, the city that never sleeps, dreaming means waking up as your worst fear.

Whether that means becoming a Nightmare that’s monstrous only in appearance, to transforming into a twisted, unrecognizable creature that terrorizes the city, no one is safe. Ness will do anything to avoid becoming another victim, even if that means lying low among the Friends of the Restful Soul, a questionable organization that may or may not be a cult.

But being a member of maybe-cult has a price. In order to prove herself, Ness cons her way into what’s supposed to be a simple job for the organization—only for it to blow up in her face. Literally. Tangled up in the aftermath of an explosive assassination, now Ness and the only other survivor—a Nightmare boy who Ness suspects is planning to eat her—must find their way back to Newham and uncover the sinister truth behind the attack, even as the horrors of her past loom ominously near.]]> 384 Rebecca Schaeffer 0358647304 Taylor 0 to-read 3.76 2023 City of Nightmares (City of Nightmares, #1)

City of Nightmares (City of Nightmares, #1)

author: Rebecca Schaeffer
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.76
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/02/02
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> No One Needs to Know 61948950
It was all confidential. Right up to the moment when it wasn’t.

UrbanMyth: It was lauded as an alternative to the performative, show-your-best-self platforms—an anonymous discussion board grouped by zip code. The residents of Manhattan’s exclusive Upper East Side disclosed it all, things they would never share with their friends or their spouses: secret bank accounts, steamy affairs, tidbits of juicy gossip. These are the same parents who would go to astonishing lengths to ensure their children gain admission to the most prestigious boarding schools and universities. So when a “hacktivist�� group breaks into the forum and exposes the real identity behind each poster, the repercussions resound down Park Avenue with a force none could have anticipated.

And someone will end up dead.

Will it be Heather, the outsider who would do anything to get her daughter into the elite’s good graces and into even better schools? Norah, the high-powered suit failing to balance work and the emotional responsibilities of motherhood? Or Poppy, perfect on the outside but hiding more than her share of secrets?

Each of them has something to hide. Each of them will do anything to keep their secrets hidden. And each of them just might kill to protect their own.]]> 320 Lindsay Cameron 0593159101 Taylor 0 to-read 3.43 2023 No One Needs to Know

author: Lindsay Cameron
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.43
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/01/19
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Weyward 60654349 I am a Weyward, and wild inside.

2019: Under cover of darkness, Kate flees London for ramshackle Weyward Cottage, inherited from a great aunt she barely remembers. With its tumbling ivy and overgrown garden, the cottage is worlds away from the abusive partner who tormented Kate. But she begins to suspect that her great aunt had a secret. One that lurks in the bones of the cottage, hidden ever since the witch-hunts of the 17th century.

1619: Altha is awaiting trial for the murder of a local farmer who was stampeded to death by his herd. As a girl, Altha’s mother taught her their magic, a kind not rooted in spell casting but in a deep knowledge of the natural world. But unusual women have always been deemed dangerous, and as the evidence for witchcraft is set out against Altha, she knows it will take all of her powers to maintain her freedom.

1942: As World War II rages, Violet is trapped in her family's grand, crumbling estate. Straitjacketed by societal convention, she longs for the robust education her brother receives––and for her mother, long deceased, who was rumored to have gone mad before her death. The only traces Violet has of her are a locket bearing the initial W and the word weyward scratched into the baseboard of her bedroom.

Weaving together the stories of three extraordinary women across five centuries, Emilia Hart's Weyward is an enthralling novel of female resilience and the transformative power of the natural world.]]> 329 Emilia Hart 125028080X Taylor 0 to-read 4.03 2023 Weyward

author: Emilia Hart
name: Taylor
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/01/19
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Not Every Girl 25442314
She is going through with it anyway, of course. After all, it is the chance of a lifetime. The unreasonable rules of others should not stand in her way.

In her small kingdom of Stewartsland, Olivia trains with the squires and harbors a secret dream. She longs to become a knight under the command of the Master-of–Arms, who just happens to be her father. He has indulged her passion so far, but they both know a simple fact �� girls may not attain knighthood. Dismayed by the constant discouragement of her ambitions, she makes an impetuous decision to disguise herself as a boy in order to sneak on a mission. The consequences are not at all what she anticipated.

When her deception is revealed, she is sent home in disgrace; however, an unexpected turn of events puts her at the center of a dangerous plot against the King. The ensuing adventure finds her grappling with mercenaries and outlaws, yet these pale in comparison to her newly awakened emotions. She finds not only her life at risk, but also her heart, when the aloof Prince Liam begins to affect her in ways she never thought possible. In the end, it is her courage and unique spirit which must guide her through the challenges she encounters both physical and emotional.
]]> 275 Jane McGarry Taylor 4 "Oh yes, because this is every girl's ultimate wish. I don't get the princess fantasy—the adult-perpetuated myth that every little girl should dream of becoming a princess. Because you live happily ever after, right? This presumption is unconvincing to me. True princes are a rare find. So let's face it, the odds of becoming an actual princess are slim at best. Girls should be taught to create their own happiness."

Copy of book sent to me by author in exchange for an honest review.

I had seen this book around on Instagram when my friend Logan read it and really liked it. I wanted to read it but I kinda forgot about it until the author sent me a copy. I was pretty excited to start this book and I wasn't disappointed.

I was really surprised by how Olivia was so interesting and different. I didn't find her annoying and she was really well written. She was pretty awesome.
I really think that she's a good example of the kind of female characters that YA needs more of.

Olivia and the plot reminded me Mulan and it was one of my favorite things about this book. Mulan is one of my favorite movies so reading a book that was similar (in a good way) was so much fun. I loved the character development and how the story progressed.

Overall, I really enjoyed Not Every Girl. I'm definitely to be getting a paperback of this book because I really want it on my shelves. If you're looking for a great YA with an awesome main character, I highly recommend Not Every Girl.]]> 3.75 2015

author: Jane McGarry
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.75
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2015/07/30
date added: 2023/01/16
shelves:
review:
"Oh yes, because this is every girl's ultimate wish. I don't get the princess fantasy—the adult-perpetuated myth that every little girl should dream of becoming a princess. Because you live happily ever after, right? This presumption is unconvincing to me. True princes are a rare find. So let's face it, the odds of becoming an actual princess are slim at best. Girls should be taught to create their own happiness."

Copy of book sent to me by author in exchange for an honest review.

I had seen this book around on Instagram when my friend Logan read it and really liked it. I wanted to read it but I kinda forgot about it until the author sent me a copy. I was pretty excited to start this book and I wasn't disappointed.

I was really surprised by how Olivia was so interesting and different. I didn't find her annoying and she was really well written. She was pretty awesome.
I really think that she's a good example of the kind of female characters that YA needs more of.

Olivia and the plot reminded me Mulan and it was one of my favorite things about this book. Mulan is one of my favorite movies so reading a book that was similar (in a good way) was so much fun. I loved the character development and how the story progressed.

Overall, I really enjoyed Not Every Girl. I'm definitely to be getting a paperback of this book because I really want it on my shelves. If you're looking for a great YA with an awesome main character, I highly recommend Not Every Girl.
]]> Hell Bent (Alex Stern, #2) 60652997 Wealth. Power. Murder. Magic. Alex Stern is back and the Ivy League is going straight to hell.

Find a gateway to the underworld. Steal a soul out of hell. A simple plan, except people who make this particular journey rarely come back. But Galaxy “Alex�� Stern is determined to break Darlington out of purgatory―even if it costs her a future at Lethe and at Yale.

Forbidden from attempting a rescue, Alex and Dawes can’t call on the Ninth House for help, so they assemble a team of dubious allies to save the gentleman of Lethe. Together, they will have to navigate a maze of arcane texts and bizarre artifacts to uncover the societies�� most closely guarded secrets, and break every rule doing it. But when faculty members begin to die off, Alex knows these aren’t just accidents. Something deadly is at work in New Haven, and if she is going to survive, she’ll have to reckon with the monsters of her past and a darkness built into the university’s very walls.

Thick with history and packed with Bardugo’s signature twists, Hell Bent brings to life an intricate world full of magic, violence, and all too real monsters.]]> 481 Leigh Bardugo 1250313104 Taylor 0 to-read 4.09 2023 Hell Bent (Alex Stern, #2)

author: Leigh Bardugo
name: Taylor
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/01/11
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[These Still Black Waters (Jess Lambert, #1)]]> 61660077 Two women struggle toward a dark truth as a killer avenges the sins of the past in a twisting novel of suspense by the USA Today bestselling author of Do No Harm, Behind Every Lie, and The Night Olivia Fell.

After a violent home invasion, Neve Maguire returns with her daughter to Black Lake, her childhood summer home, hoping for a fresh start. But when the body of a woman is found floating among the reeds in the lake behind her house, she fears she has made a horrible mistake.

Neve is hiding secrets, though. Detective Jess Lambert can tell. Recently back after her own personal tragedy, Jess knows what it’s like to live with skeletons in your closet, and she’s sure Neve has a few of her own.

When another woman’s body is found, Jess and Neve are forced to confront a horrible truth. Because one thing is clear: the darkness of the past is waiting. And the secrets of Black Lake are only just beginning to surface.]]> 299 Christina McDonald 1662511620 Taylor 4 This book really had me engulfed for the majority of the plot, I was hooked. I had several theories throughout the book, none of which ended up being correct. I loved the mystery, the plot, the characters. The two main characters were flawed for sure, both made horrible decisions several times, but that was not nearly as off putting as the plot twist. The plot twist actually made me sigh aloud because I was so disappointed the author took that path.
Overall, loved most of this book. I’m glad I read it but I’m not sure if I’ll check out any other books in the series. If you’re into thrillers/mysteries, you’ll definitely want to check out this book]]> 3.96 2023 These Still Black Waters (Jess Lambert, #1)

These Still Black Waters (Jess Lambert, #1)

author: Christina McDonald
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2023/01/09
date added: 2023/01/09
shelves:
review:
Four stars for the first 80% of this book, barely three stars for the plot twist at the end.
This book really had me engulfed for the majority of the plot, I was hooked. I had several theories throughout the book, none of which ended up being correct. I loved the mystery, the plot, the characters. The two main characters were flawed for sure, both made horrible decisions several times, but that was not nearly as off putting as the plot twist. The plot twist actually made me sigh aloud because I was so disappointed the author took that path.
Overall, loved most of this book. I’m glad I read it but I’m not sure if I’ll check out any other books in the series. If you’re into thrillers/mysteries, you’ll definitely want to check out this book
]]> The Monsters in our Shadows 64557193
Anthem is the city Exilist, tasked with trapping the Shivers and banishing them to the malevolent Deadlands outside the city walls. But Anthem is ailing and destined to soon fall victim to his own Shiver, a fate he’s reluctantly accepted. As Anthem begins to withdraw from his world, a threat he’s unprepared for comes hurtling home. If he is to save anyone, he will have to travel into the Deadlands in search of a remedy to tame these creatures. But no Atlas dweller has ever made it back alive, and Anthem must confront his own darkness before humankind is forever lost to the monsters in our shadows.]]> 388 Edward J. Cembal 1738707415 Taylor 4 3.96 2023

author: Edward J. Cembal
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2023/01/04
date added: 2023/01/04
shelves:
review:
What a unique read! I really liked the creativity of the plot and the entire book is really well written. I did find the book to be a tad slow because of the extensive world building but that didn’t really take away from my reading experience. If you’re looking for a one of a kind Dystopian novel, I would definitely recommend The Monsters in Our Shadows
]]> Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six 60023131 to die for in this chilling locked-room thriller.

What could be more restful than a weekend getaway with family and friends? An isolated luxury cabin in the woods, spectacular views, a hot tub and a personal chef. Hannah’s generous brother found the listing online. The reviews are stellar. It'll be three couples on this trip with good food, good company and lots of R & R.

But the dreamy weekend is about to turn into a nightmare.

A deadly storm is brewing.��The rental host seems just a little too present.��The personal chef reveals that their beautiful house has a spine-tingling history.��And the friends have their own complicated past, with secrets that run blood deep.

How well does Hannah know her brother, her own husband? Can she trust her best friend? Meanwhile, someone is determined to ruin the weekend, looking to exact a payback for deeds long buried. Who is the stranger among them?]]> 396 Lisa Unger 077833323X Taylor 2 3.38 2022 Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six

author: Lisa Unger
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.38
book published: 2022
rating: 2
read at: 2023/01/02
date added: 2023/01/02
shelves:
review:
While I love the concept of this book, the slow pace and ever changing POVs and story lines made this book drag beyond belief. I wanted to like this book so much but I had to force myself through it. The constant change of POVs and timelines made it impossible for me to get lost in the suspense and the over the top, dislikable characters didn’t hold much of my attention either.
]]> <![CDATA[The Collected Regrets of Clover]]> 61214136
From the day she watched her kindergarten teacher drop dead during a dramatic telling of Peter Rabbit , Clover Brooks has felt a stronger connection with the dying than she has with the living. After the beloved grandfather who raised her dies alone while she is traveling, Clover becomes a death doula in New York City, dedicating her life to ushering people peacefully through their end-of-life process.

Clover spends so much time with the dying that she has no life of her own, until the final wishes of a feisty old woman send Clover on a road trip to uncover a forgotten love story—and perhaps, her own happy ending. As she finds herself struggling to navigate the uncharted roads of romance and friendship, Clover is forced to examine what she really wants, and whether she’ll have the courage to go after it.

Probing, clever, and hopeful, The Collected Regrets of Clover is perfect for readers of The Midnight Library and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine as it turns the normally taboo subject of death into a reason to celebrate life.]]> 320 Mikki Brammer 1250284392 Taylor 5 Clover is a one of a kind main character that is overflowing with interesting qualities and with many outstanding side characters, this book held my attention every single time I picked it up.
]]> 4.14 2023 The Collected Regrets of Clover

author: Mikki Brammer
name: Taylor
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at: 2022/12/29
date added: 2022/12/29
shelves:
review:
It’s been a really long time since I read a contemporary romance that got me giddy and excited to read each chapter but The Collected Regrets of Clover renewed my love of romance books.
Clover is a one of a kind main character that is overflowing with interesting qualities and with many outstanding side characters, this book held my attention every single time I picked it up.

]]> <![CDATA[A Nice Place to Die (DS Ryan McBride, #1)]]> 62210047
The victim was a loner but well-liked. Why would someone want to harm her? And is her murder connected to a rapist who's stalking the local pubs? As Ryan untangles a web of deception and lies, his suspects die one by one, leading him to a dangerous family secret and a murderer who will stop at nothing to keep it.

And still, he harbors his secret...]]> 325 J. Woollcott Taylor 0 4.11 2022 A Nice Place to Die (DS Ryan McBride, #1)

A Nice Place to Die (DS Ryan McBride, #1)

author: J. Woollcott
name: Taylor
average rating: 4.11
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at: 2022/12/24
date added: 2022/12/24
shelves:
review:

]]> If They Knew 61410147
After years of infertility and heartbreak, Hannah and Charlie are finally going to get their dream family. Two-year-old Isabelle is a week away from being theirs; they just have to get through the final adoption approval process.

But when a global popstar is found murdered at the celebrity members�� club in their sleepy Gloucestershire village, Hannah fears her past is finally catching up with her. Exposing the truth could see her lose everything�� her husband, Isabelle �� perhaps even her life.

But Hannah doesn’t realise that Charlie has his own secrets, and, in trying to save her, has put them more at risk than she ever thought possible. As the couple get drawn in further to the murky world of celebrity and murder, they soon find themselves caught in a nightmare, forced to make terrible choices.

How many bad things will a good person do to hold onto what they love?]]> 368 Sophie Flynn 1804360856 Taylor 3 3.60 2022 If They Knew

author: Sophie Flynn
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.60
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2022/12/24
date added: 2022/12/24
shelves:
review:

]]> Lone Women 60460704
Adelaide Henry carries an enormous steamer trunk with her wherever she goes. It’s locked at all times. Because when the trunk opens, people around Adelaide start to disappear.

The year is 1915, and Adelaide is in trouble. Her secret sin killed her parents, forcing her to flee California in a hellfire rush and make her way to Montana as a homesteader. Dragging the trunk with her at every stop, she will become one of the “lone women�� taking advantage of the government’s offer of free land for those who can tame it—except that Adelaide isn’t alone. And the secret she’s tried so desperately to lock away might be the only thing that will help her survive the harsh territory.

Crafted by a modern master of magical suspense, Lone Women blends shimmering prose, an unforgettable cast of adventurers who find horror and sisterhood in a brutal landscape, and a portrait of early-twentieth-century America like you’ve never seen. And at its heart is the gripping story of a woman desperate to bury her past—or redeem it.]]> 275 Victor LaValle 052551208X Taylor 5 I started this book at work and I found myself constantly trying to find time to continue reading, so eager to turn each page. I read the entire book in just a few days and I was left wanting more but satisfied with the ending nonetheless.
Beautifully written, amazingly diverse characters, and one of the most memorable plots I’ve ever encountered. I opened this book completely blind, knowing only the title. I would highly recommend also going into this book knowing as little as possible so you can be engulfed in the mystery and mayhem that is Lone Women. This book is absolutely fantastic and I look forward to picking up the author’s other works as soon as I can.
]]> 3.68 2023

author: Victor LaValle
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.68
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at: 2022/12/23
date added: 2022/12/23
shelves:
review:
After YEARS of being unable to even finish a book, let alone finish a book in a matter of days, Lone Women has managed to wake up my love of reading. One of the most entertaining reads I’ve ever picked up and truly a masterpiece.
I started this book at work and I found myself constantly trying to find time to continue reading, so eager to turn each page. I read the entire book in just a few days and I was left wanting more but satisfied with the ending nonetheless.
Beautifully written, amazingly diverse characters, and one of the most memorable plots I’ve ever encountered. I opened this book completely blind, knowing only the title. I would highly recommend also going into this book knowing as little as possible so you can be engulfed in the mystery and mayhem that is Lone Women. This book is absolutely fantastic and I look forward to picking up the author’s other works as soon as I can.

]]> Carrie Soto Is Back 60435878 Carrie Soto is fierce, and her determination to win at any cost has not made her popular.

By the time Carrie retires from tennis, she is the best player the world has ever seen. She has shattered every record and claimed twenty Slam titles. And if you ask her, she is entitled to every one. She sacrificed nearly everything to become the best, with her father as her coach.

But six years after her retirement, Carrie finds herself sitting in the stands of the 1994 US Open, watching her record be taken from her by a brutal, stunning, British player named Nicki Chan.

At thirty-seven years old, Carrie makes the monumental decision to come out of retirement and be coached by her father for one last year in an attempt to reclaim her record. Even if the sports media says that they never liked the 'Battle-Axe' anyway. Even if her body doesn't move as fast as it did. And even if it means swallowing her pride to train with a man she once almost opened her heart to: Bowe Huntley. Like her, he has something to prove before he gives up the game forever.

In spite of it all: Carrie Soto is back, for one epic final season. In this riveting and unforgettable novel, Taylor Jenkins Reid tells a story about the cost of greatness and a legendary athlete attempting a comeback.]]> 384 Taylor Jenkins Reid 0593158687 Taylor 0 to-read 4.19 2022 Carrie Soto Is Back

author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
name: Taylor
average rating: 4.19
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/08/25
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Silvered Serpents (The Gilded Wolves, #2)]]> 45044785 They are each other's fiercest love, greatest danger, and only hope.

Séverin and his team members might have successfully thwarted the Fallen House, but victory came at a terrible cost -- one that still haunts all of them. Desperate to make amends, Séverin pursues a dangerous lead to find a long lost artifact rumoured to grant its possessor the power of God.

Their hunt lures them far from Paris, and into the icy heart of Russia where crystalline ice animals stalk forgotten mansions, broken goddesses carry deadly secrets, and a string of unsolved murders makes the crew question whether an ancient myth is a myth after all.

As hidden secrets come to the light and the ghosts of the past catch up to them, the crew will discover new dimensions of themselves. But what they find out may lead them down paths they never imagined.

A tale of love and betrayal as the crew risks their lives for one last job.]]> 406 Roshani Chokshi 1250144574 Taylor 0 to-read 4.07 2020 The Silvered Serpents (The Gilded Wolves, #2)

The Silvered Serpents (The Gilded Wolves, #2)

author: Roshani Chokshi
name: Taylor
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/02/05
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[House of Dragons (House of Dragons, #1)]]> 44603554 Five royal houses will hear the call to compete in the Trial for the dragon throne. A liar, a soldier, a servant, a thief, and a murderer will answer it. Who will win?

When the Emperor dies, the five royal houses of Etrusia attend the Call, where one of their own will be selected to compete for the throne. It is always the oldest child, the one who has been preparing for years to compete in the Trial. But this year is different. This year, these five outcasts will answer the call....

THE LIAR: Emilia must hide her dark magic or be put to death.

THE SOLDIER: Lucian is a warrior who has sworn to never lift a sword again.

THE SERVANT: Vespir is a dragon trainer whose skills alone will keep her in the game.

THE THIEF: Ajax knows that nothing is free--he must take what he wants.

THE MURDERER: Hyperia was born to rule and will stop at nothing to take her throne.]]> 448 Jessica Cluess 0525648151 Taylor 3 I’ve read A LOT of YA fantasy books and House of Dragons wasn’t interesting enough to stand out on my shelf.
I loved the concept, the writing style was really nice but the overall plot wasn’t for me. It seemed rushed and over detailed. It didn’t capture my attention enough to really become invested in the characters.
Even though I wouldn’t necessarily recommend House of Dragons, I would be interested in reading other books from the author. ]]> 3.85 2020 House of Dragons (House of Dragons, #1)

author: Jessica Cluess
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.85
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2022/02/05
date added: 2022/02/05
shelves:
review:
This was the first book I picked up after an almost two year reading hiatus. I wanted to jump into this book and love it so much but unfortunately that wasn’t the case for me.
I’ve read A LOT of YA fantasy books and House of Dragons wasn’t interesting enough to stand out on my shelf.
I loved the concept, the writing style was really nice but the overall plot wasn’t for me. It seemed rushed and over detailed. It didn’t capture my attention enough to really become invested in the characters.
Even though I wouldn’t necessarily recommend House of Dragons, I would be interested in reading other books from the author.
]]> The Only Good Indians 52180399 The creeping horror of Paul Tremblay meets Tommy Orange’s There There in a dark novel of revenge, cultural identity, and the cost of breaking from tradition in this latest novel from the Jordan Peele of horror literature, Stephen Graham Jones.

Seamlessly blending classic horror and a dramatic narrative with sharp social commentary, The Only Good Indians follows four American Indian men after a disturbing event from their youth puts them in a desperate struggle for their lives. Tracked by an entity bent on revenge, these childhood friends are helpless as the culture and traditions they left behind catch up to them in a violent, vengeful way.]]> 305 Stephen Graham Jones 1982136456 Taylor 5 3.69 2020 The Only Good Indians

author: Stephen Graham Jones
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.69
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at: 2020/11/29
date added: 2022/02/01
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Hundred Lies of Lizzie Lovett]]> 31775995 Hawthorn wasn't trying to insert herself into a missing person's investigation. Or maybe she was. But that's only because Lizzie Lovett's disappearance is the one fascinating mystery their sleepy town has ever had. Bad things don't happen to popular girls like Lizzie Lovett, and Hawthorn is convinced she'll turn up at any moment-which means the time for speculation is now.

So Hawthorn comes up with her own theory for Lizzie's disappearance.�� A theory way too absurd to take seriously...at first. The more Hawthorn talks, the more she believes. And what better way to collect evidence than to immerse herself in Lizzie's life? Like getting a job at the diner where Lizzie worked and hanging out with Lizzie's boyfriend. After all, it's not as if he killed her-or did he?

Told with a unique voice that is both hilarious and heart-wrenching, Hawthorn's quest for proof may uncover the greatest truth is within herself.

]]> 418 Chelsea Sedoti 1492636096 Taylor 0 to-read 3.33 2017 The Hundred Lies of Lizzie Lovett

author: Chelsea Sedoti
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.33
book published: 2017
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/12/09
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Lola and the Boy Next Door (Anna and the French Kiss, #2)]]> 22247695
That is, until the Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket return to the neighbourhood and unearth a past of hurt that Lola thought was long buried. So when talented inventor Cricket steps out from his twin sister's shadow and back into Lola's life, she must finally face up to a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door. Could the boy from Lola's past be the love of her future?

Fall in love with the international bestseller from queen of young adult fiction, Stephanie Perkins.]]> 384 Stephanie Perkins 1409579948 Taylor 5 I'd already bought Lola before I even read Anna so I was like, what the heck? Might as well read it.
And I'm so glad that I did! Right from the start I liked this book so much more then Anna and the French Kiss.
I couldn't put Lola down. I loved the characters and the plot and everything about it.
One thing that I wish I could change a bit was how the story was about Lola and the boys. I wished it could have been more about Lola. I wanted it to be about her, not Max and Cricket.

Overall, I really loved this book! Definitely one of my favorite contemporaries.]]> 3.82 2011 Lola and the Boy Next Door (Anna and the French Kiss, #2)

Lola and the Boy Next Door (Anna and the French Kiss, #2)

author: Stephanie Perkins
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2011
rating: 5
read at: 2015/01/13
date added: 2021/06/29
shelves: best-books-i-read-in-2015, favorites, all-time-favorites
review:
I read Anna and the French Kiss last year and while it was good, I didn't really get into it. I didn't get the hype and I didn't fawn over St. Claire like everyone else did.
I'd already bought Lola before I even read Anna so I was like, what the heck? Might as well read it.
And I'm so glad that I did! Right from the start I liked this book so much more then Anna and the French Kiss.
I couldn't put Lola down. I loved the characters and the plot and everything about it.
One thing that I wish I could change a bit was how the story was about Lola and the boys. I wished it could have been more about Lola. I wanted it to be about her, not Max and Cricket.

Overall, I really loved this book! Definitely one of my favorite contemporaries.
]]> <![CDATA[Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World (Aristotle and Dante, #2)]]> 56980548 Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, two boys in a border town fell in love. Now, they must discover what it means to stay in love and build a relationship in a world that seems to challenge their very existence.

Ari has spent all of high school burying who he really is, staying silent and invisible. He expected his senior year to be the same. But something in him cracked open when he fell in love with Dante, and he can’t go back. Suddenly he finds himself reaching out to new friends, standing up to bullies of all kinds, and making his voice heard. And, always, there is Dante, dreamy, witty Dante, who can get on Ari’s nerves and fill him with desire all at once.

The boys are determined to forge a path for themselves in a world that doesn’t understand them. But when Ari is faced with a shocking loss, he’ll have to fight like never before to create a life that is truthfully, joyfully his own.

The highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed, multiple award-winning novel Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is an achingly romantic, tender tale sure to captivate fans of Adam Silvera and Mary H.K. Choi.]]> 516 Benjamin Alire Sáenz 153449619X Taylor 0 to-read 4.11 2021 Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World (Aristotle and Dante, #2)

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World (Aristotle and Dante, #2)

author: Benjamin Alire Sáenz
name: Taylor
average rating: 4.11
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/02/17
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Ripper (The Morphid Chronicles, #2)]]> 30163912
As Sam and Greg struggle to grow their relationship, she is haunted by memories of Ashby, her Morphid soul mate, and burning questions of the identity of her real parents. As if that wasn’t enough, her untried Morphid instincts fill her with doubt and indecision, taking her once simple life in directions she could never have imagined.

When Greg’s Keeper sense foretells danger, however, they abandon all dreams of normalcy and find no other choice but to flee. Armed with nothing but their Morphid skills, Sam sets their course toward New York City, a place that calls to her deeper instincts. As her Keeper, Greg must follow but knows danger awaits.

Thus begins a quest that will test their bond and may spell the end of all they hold dear. It’s only a matter of time before Regent Danata and chaos storm into their lives again.]]> 387 Ingrid Seymour Taylor 0 to-read 4.21 Ripper (The Morphid Chronicles, #2)

author: Ingrid Seymour
name: Taylor
average rating: 4.21
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/01/30
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Chosen Ones (The Chosen Ones, #1)]]> 40944762
A decade ago near Chicago, five teenagers defeated the otherworldly enemy known as the Dark One, whose reign of terror brought widespread destruction and death. The seemingly un-extraordinary teens—Sloane, Matt, Ines, Albie, and Esther—had been brought together by a clandestine government agency because one of them was fated to be the “Chosen One,�� prophesized to save the world. With the goal achieved, humankind celebrated the victors and began to mourn their lost loved ones.

Ten years later, though the champions remain celebrities, the world has moved forward and a whole, younger generation doesn’t seem to recall the days of endless fear. But Sloane remembers. It’s impossible for her to forget when the paparazzi haunt her every step just as the Dark One still haunts her dreams. Unlike everyone else, she hasn’t moved on; she’s adrift—no direction, no goals, no purpose. On the eve of the Ten Year Celebration of Peace, a new trauma hits the Chosen: the death of one of their own. And when they gather for the funeral at the enshrined site of their triumph, they discover to their horror that the Dark One’s reign never really ended.]]> 419 Veronica Roth Taylor 4 3.57 2020 Chosen Ones (The Chosen Ones, #1)

author: Veronica Roth
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.57
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2020/08/29
date added: 2020/08/29
shelves:
review:

]]> Like Candy (Candy #1) 26009724 341 Debra Doxer Taylor 0 to-read 3.82 2015

author: Debra Doxer
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2020/08/20
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[He Speaks, I Listen: Finding God’s Love in Life's Challenges]]> 30556112 Experience the Timeless Touch of God's Grace

No matter what season or trial you're going through, God will meet you in the midst of it as you seek Him. Sometimes, though, your heart needs extra reassurance.

Feel His loving arms around you and hear His comforting voice speaking to your soul through these meditations—each one recounting a tender moment in Scripture when God's presence was evident in the lives of His people. Listen to grace calling sweet and clear past all other voices to bless you this very moment.

Complete with prayers, searching questions, and room for writing your thoughts, He Speaks, I Listen will help you quiet your heart before God in your times of deepest need.]]> 176 Michelle McKinney Hammond 0736964894 Taylor 4 I did really like it though. I thought it was really creative and interesting. I liked how the writing style of this book was able to showcase a new perspective and remind of reader that God is always with us.]]> 3.42 He Speaks, I Listen: Finding God’s Love in Life's Challenges

He Speaks, I Listen: Finding God’s Love in Life's Challenges

author: Michelle McKinney Hammond
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.42
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2017/06/24
date added: 2020/08/08
shelves:
review:
This book was definitely not what I was expecting. Michelle McKinney Hammond takes people from the Bible and writes story stories about them. Like I said, that's definitely not what I was expecting from He Speaks, I Listen and it took me by surprise.
I did really like it though. I thought it was really creative and interesting. I liked how the writing style of this book was able to showcase a new perspective and remind of reader that God is always with us.
]]> The Raven 20424161
Edgar Allan Poe’s celebrated narrative poem now available as an ebook, including an extended excerpt from Mrs. Poe by Lynn Cullen, a vivid and compelling novel about a poet who becomes entangled in an affair with Edgar Allan Poe—at the same time that she becomes the unwilling confidante of his much-younger wife.]]> 46 Edgar Allan Poe Taylor 3 4.27 1845 The Raven

author: Edgar Allan Poe
name: Taylor
average rating: 4.27
book published: 1845
rating: 3
read at: 2014/11/26
date added: 2020/05/21
shelves:
review:

]]> Dark Shores (Dark Shores, #1) 41555964 High seas adventure, blackmail, and meddling gods meet in Dark Shores, a thrilling first novel in a fast-paced new YA fantasy series by USA Today bestselling author Danielle L. Jensen.

In a world divided by meddlesome gods and treacherous oceans, only the Maarin possess the knowledge to cross the Endless Seas. But they have one mandate: East must never meet West.

A SAILOR WITH A WILL OF IRON

Teriana is the second mate of the Quincense and heir to the Maarin Triumvirate. Her people are born of the seas and the keepers of its secrets, but when her closest friend is forced into an unwanted betrothal, Teriana breaks her people’s mandate so her friend might escape—a choice with devastating consequences.

A SOLDIER WITH A SECRET

Marcus is the commander of the Thirty-Seventh, the notorious legion that has led the Celendor Empire to conquer the entire East. The legion is his family, but even they don’t know the truth he’s been hiding since childhood. It’s a secret he’ll do anything to protect, no matter how much it costs him �� and the world.

A DANGEROUS QUEST

When an Empire senator discovers the existence of the Dark Shores, he captures Teriana’s crew and threatens to reveal Marcus’s secret unless they sail in pursuit of conquest, forcing the two into an unlikely—and unwilling—alliance. They unite for the sake of their families, but both must decide how far they are willing to go, and how much they are willing to sacrifice.]]> 368 Danielle L. Jensen 125031772X Taylor 4 3.92 2019 Dark Shores (Dark Shores, #1)

author: Danielle L. Jensen
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2019/03/07
date added: 2020/04/28
shelves:
review:

]]> I Killed Zoe Spanos 50202540 This gripping thriller follows two teens whose lives become inextricably linked when one confesses to murder and the other becomes determined to uncover the real truth no matter the cost.

What happened to Zoe won't stay buried...

When Anna Cicconi arrives to the small Hamptons village of Herron Mills for a summer nanny gig, she has high hopes for a fresh start. What she finds instead is a community on edge after the disappearance of Zoe Spanos, a local girl who has been missing since New Year's Eve. Anna bears an eerie resemblance to Zoe, and her mere presence in town stirs up still-raw feelings about the unsolved case. As Anna delves deeper into the mystery, stepping further and further into Zoe's life, she becomes increasingly convinced that she and Zoe are connected--and that she knows what happened to her.

Two months later, Zoe's body is found in a nearby lake, and Anna is charged with manslaughter. But Anna's confession is riddled with holes, and Martina Green, teen host of the Missing Zoe podcast, isn't satisfied. Did Anna really kill Zoe? And if not, can Martina's podcast uncover the truth?]]> 384 Kit Frick 1534449701 Taylor 0 to-read 3.77 2020 I Killed Zoe Spanos

author: Kit Frick
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.77
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2020/04/24
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Mexican Gothic 53152636
Noemí is also an unlikely rescuer: She’s a glamorous debutante, and her chic gowns and perfect red lipstick are more suited for cocktail parties than amateur sleuthing. But she’s also tough and smart, with an indomitable will, and she is not afraid: Not of her cousin’s new husband, who is both menacing and alluring; not of his father, the ancient patriarch who seems to be fascinated by Noemí; and not even of the house itself, which begins to invade Noemi’s dreams with visions of blood and doom.

Her only ally in this inhospitable abode is the family’s youngest son. Shy and gentle, he seems to want to help Noemí, but might also be hiding dark knowledge of his family’s past. For there are many secrets behind the walls of High Place. The family’s once colossal wealth and faded mining empire kept them from prying eyes, but as Noemí digs deeper she unearths stories of violence and madness.

And Noemí, mesmerized by the terrifying yet seductive world of High Place, may soon find it impossible to ever leave this enigmatic house behind.]]> 320 Silvia Moreno-Garcia 0525620788 Taylor 5 This was the first book by Silvia Moreno-Garcia that I've read but as soon as I finished Mexican Gothic, I knew I had to pick up her other books right away.
I loved everything about this book. The writing is absolutely stunning and captivating. I adored the main character so much! She was well written, determined, and so much fun to read about.
The plot was so unique and mysterious, I never wanted to put this book down. It was such a one of a kind read, I won't be forgetting Mexican Gothic anytime soon.]]> 3.66 2020

author: Silvia Moreno-Garcia
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.66
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at: 2020/03/15
date added: 2020/04/12
shelves: favorites, best-books-i-read-in-2020
review:
I was so excited to read Mexican Gothic. I don't remember the last time I had so much hype to read a book and I was so overjoyed when the publisher sent me over an early copy.
This was the first book by Silvia Moreno-Garcia that I've read but as soon as I finished Mexican Gothic, I knew I had to pick up her other books right away.
I loved everything about this book. The writing is absolutely stunning and captivating. I adored the main character so much! She was well written, determined, and so much fun to read about.
The plot was so unique and mysterious, I never wanted to put this book down. It was such a one of a kind read, I won't be forgetting Mexican Gothic anytime soon.
]]> a fire like you 53038421 A fierce and lyrical collection of poetry celebrating the moments of triumph and beauty in our lives, as well as the moments of despair—recasting them as opportunities for growth.

In this never-before-published collection, poet Upile Chisala grapples with themes of love, loss, and desire. Throughout this third book, she explores her identity as a black Malawian woman, offering intimate reflections on her life and experiences, imparting a stirring, universal message of empowerment and self-love.]]> 160 Upile Chisala 1449499589 Taylor 4 I thought the writing was beautiful and meaningful, and relatable many times, but I felt like there was quite a few filler poems that didn't seem to hold as much meaning as others and maybe were written in haste.
Overall, I did enjoy it and would probably pick a physical copy for my poetry book shelf, but it wasn't my favorite.]]> 3.90 2020 a fire like you

author: Upile Chisala
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2020/01/24
date added: 2020/04/07
shelves:
review:
I've been really enjoying reading modern poetry books lately and while A Fire Like You isn't my most favorite, I still really enjoyed it.
I thought the writing was beautiful and meaningful, and relatable many times, but I felt like there was quite a few filler poems that didn't seem to hold as much meaning as others and maybe were written in haste.
Overall, I did enjoy it and would probably pick a physical copy for my poetry book shelf, but it wasn't my favorite.
]]> The Mars Room 36373648 338 Rachel Kushner 1476756554 Taylor 2 3.41 2018

author: Rachel Kushner
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.41
book published: 2018
rating: 2
read at: 2020/04/07
date added: 2020/04/07
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Break Your Glass Slippers (You Are Your Own Fairy Tale, #1)]]> 52945057 more forgetting time.
more midnight dances with yourself."

amanda lovelace, the bestselling & award-winning author of the “women are some kind of magic�� poetry series, presents a new companion series, “you are your own fairy tale�� the first installment, break your glass slippers, is about overcoming those who don’t see your worth, even if that person is sometimes yourself. in the epic tale of your life, you are the most important character while everyone is but a forgotten footnote. even the prince.

��]]> 160 Amanda Lovelace 1524851892 Taylor 5 3.95 2020 Break Your Glass Slippers (You Are Your Own Fairy Tale, #1)

Break Your Glass Slippers (You Are Your Own Fairy Tale, #1)

author: Amanda Lovelace
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at: 2020/01/23
date added: 2020/04/04
shelves:
review:
I’ve read several of Amanda’s poetry books in the past and always enjoyed them but this is by far my favorite. I really connected with these poems and I feel like Amanda’s books keep getting better and better. I’ll always be excited for her releases and I can’t wait to pick up a physical copy of this book to add to my poetry shelf.
]]> <![CDATA[Sara and the Search for Normal]]> 52768277 In this prequel to OCDaniel, Sara quests for “normal�� and finds something even better along the way.

Sara’s Rules to be Normal

1. Stop taking your pills
19. Make a friend
137. Don’t put mayonnaise on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Sara wants one thing: to be normal. What she has instead are multiple diagnoses from Dr. Ring. Sara’s constant battle with False Alarm—what she calls panic attacks—and other episodes cause her to isolate herself. She rarely speaks, especially not at school, and so she doesn’t have any friends. But when she starts group therapy she meets someone new. Talkative and outgoing Erin doesn’t believe in “normal,�� and Sara finds herself in unfamiliar territory: at the movies, at a birthday party, and with someone to tell about her crush—in short, with a friend. But there’s more to Erin than her cheerful exterior, and Sara begins to wonder if helping Erin will mean sacrificing their friendship.]]> 272 Wesley King 1534421130 Taylor 4 This book was so well written, had fantastic characters, and wonderful mental health representation. I could tell that the author wrote this book with care and thoughtfulness. I appreciated, what I felt as, accurate mental health representation and I was able to relate to the main character a lot.
I really don't have much to say critically about this book because I enjoyed it so much and even read it in two sittings.]]> 4.27 2020 Sara and the Search for Normal

author: Wesley King
name: Taylor
average rating: 4.27
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2020/01/31
date added: 2020/03/28
shelves:
review:
Even though this is a prequel, I haven't yet OCDaniel. But after reading Sara and the Search for Normal, I'm picking it up right away.
This book was so well written, had fantastic characters, and wonderful mental health representation. I could tell that the author wrote this book with care and thoughtfulness. I appreciated, what I felt as, accurate mental health representation and I was able to relate to the main character a lot.
I really don't have much to say critically about this book because I enjoyed it so much and even read it in two sittings.
]]> The Girl from Widow Hills 52754102
Arden Maynor was just a child when she was swept away while sleepwalking during a terrifying rainstorm and went missing for days. Strangers and friends, neighbors and rescue workers, set up search parties and held vigils, praying for her safe return. Against all odds, she was found, alive, clinging to a storm drain. The girl from Widow Hills was a living miracle. Arden’s mother wrote a book. Fame followed. Fans and fan letters, creeps, and stalkers. And every year, the anniversary. It all became too much. As soon as she was old enough, Arden changed her name and disappeared from the public eye.

Now a young woman living hundreds of miles away, Arden goes by Olivia. She’s managed to stay off the radar for the last few years. But with the twentieth anniversary of her rescue approaching, the media will inevitably renew its interest in Arden. Where is she now? Soon Olivia feels like she’s being watched and begins sleepwalking again, like she did long ago, even waking outside her home. Until late one night she jolts awake in her yard. At her feet is the corpse of a man she knows—from her previous life, as Arden Maynor.

And now, the girl from Widow Hills is about to become the center of the story, once again, in this propulsive page-turner from suspense master Megan Miranda.]]> 325 Megan Miranda 1501165429 Taylor 3 Unfortunately, it was way too slow for me tom really become invest in it. Nothing really happened until 19% into the book and the real action didn't happen until the book was almost over. There was several plot twists and one was pretty decent but the other seemed to come way out of left field and it didn't make a lot of sense to me.
I did really like the overall plot and the writing was really good. I liked the main character and even the side characters added value to the book.
Overall, for most of the book, it wasn't really holding my attention and I wasn't extremely driven to finish the book. If you don't mind slower reads, you might really enjoy The Girl from Widow Hills.]]> 3.68 2020

author: Megan Miranda
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.68
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2020/02/25
date added: 2020/03/27
shelves:
review:
I was really excited to pick up The Girl from Widow Hills. The plot sounded great and I'd seen several reviews that had high praise.
Unfortunately, it was way too slow for me tom really become invest in it. Nothing really happened until 19% into the book and the real action didn't happen until the book was almost over. There was several plot twists and one was pretty decent but the other seemed to come way out of left field and it didn't make a lot of sense to me.
I did really like the overall plot and the writing was really good. I liked the main character and even the side characters added value to the book.
Overall, for most of the book, it wasn't really holding my attention and I wasn't extremely driven to finish the book. If you don't mind slower reads, you might really enjoy The Girl from Widow Hills.
]]> Where the Line Bleeds 35297373 Where the Line Bleeds tells the story of fraternal twins Joshua and Christophe, who are graduating high school as the novel begins. The two boys both anticipate and dread their lives as adults. Joshua finds a job working as a dock laborer on the Gulf of Mexico, but Christophe has less luck: Unable to find a job, and desperate to alleviate his family’s poverty, he starts to sell drugs. Joshua does not approve, but his clumsy concern fractures the twins�� relationship. When their long-missing addict father reappears, he provokes a shocking confrontation between himself and the brothers—one that will ultimately damn or save them.

Where the Line Bleeds is unforgettable for the intense clarity of how the main relationships are rendered: the love but growing tension between the twins; their devotion to the slowly failing grandmother to raised them, and the sense of obligation they feel toward her; and most of all, the alternating pain, bewilderment, anger, and yearning they feel for the parents who abandoned them—their mother for a new life in the big city of Atlanta, and their father for drugs, prison, and even harsher debasements.

Jesmyn Ward herself grew up in a small Mississippi town near New Orleans, and this book makes palpable her deep knowledge and love of this world: black, Creole, poor, drug-riddled, yet shored by strong family ties and a sense of community that balances hope and fatalism, grief and triumph. Hers is an important new voice in American fiction, distinguished by its simple, patient, and utterly focused attentiveness to the physical details of her characters and their lives.]]> 239 Jesmyn Ward 1501164333 Taylor 5 It tells such a raw, honest story and I couldn't help but become invested from the first chapter. The writing is so great and the author is so talented. I felt the plot was very authentic and didn't shy away from being gritty. The plot itself wasn't action packed but I didn't think it was boring or unbearably slow. It was very engaging and I read the entire book in just a one sitting. ]]> 3.79 2006 Where the Line Bleeds

author: Jesmyn Ward
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2006
rating: 5
read at: 2020/03/24
date added: 2020/03/24
shelves: favorites, best-books-i-read-in-2020
review:
I'm so surprised by how much I really enjoyed this book.
It tells such a raw, honest story and I couldn't help but become invested from the first chapter. The writing is so great and the author is so talented. I felt the plot was very authentic and didn't shy away from being gritty. The plot itself wasn't action packed but I didn't think it was boring or unbearably slow. It was very engaging and I read the entire book in just a one sitting.
]]> <![CDATA[From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home]]> 42202117 Now a limited Netflix series starring Zoe Saldana!

This Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick and New York Times bestseller is “a captivating story of love lost and found�� (Kirkus Reviews) set in the lush Sicilian countryside, where one woman discovers the healing powers of food, family, and unexpected grace in her darkest hours.

It was love at first sight when actress Tembi met professional chef, Saro, on a street in Florence. There was just one problem: Saro’s traditional Sicilian family did not approve of his marrying a black American woman. However, the couple, heartbroken but undeterred, forged on. They built a happy life in Los Angeles, with fulfilling careers, deep friendships, and the love of their lives: a baby girl they adopted at birth. Eventually, they reconciled with Saro’s family just as he faced a formidable cancer that would consume all their dreams.

From Scratch chronicles three summers Tembi spends in Sicily with her daughter, Zoela, as she begins to piece together a life without her husband in his tiny hometown hamlet of farmers. Where once Tembi was estranged from Saro’s family, now she finds solace and nourishment—literally and spiritually—at her mother-in-law’s table. In the Sicilian countryside, she discovers the healing gifts of simple fresh food, the embrace of a close knit community, and timeless traditions and wisdom that light a path forward. All along the way she reflects on her and Saro’s romance—an incredible love story that leaps off the pages.

In Sicily, it is said that every story begins with a marriage or a death—in Tembi Locke’s case, it is both. “Locke’s raw and heartfelt memoir will uplift readers suffering from the loss of their own loved ones�� (Publishers Weekly), but her story is also about love, finding a home, and chasing flavor as an act of remembrance. From Scratch is for anyone who has dared to reach for big love, fought for what mattered most, and those who needed a powerful reminder that life is...delicious.]]> 339 Tembi Locke 1501187651 Taylor 5 best-books-i-read-in-2020 From Scratch really brought out so many emotions while I was reading it and I didn't ever want to put it down. I was very surprised but how wonderful the writing style was and every word left so sincere and I could tell how much love and passion went into creating this book.]]> 3.94 2019 From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home

From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home

author: Tembi Locke
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2020/03/24
date added: 2020/03/24
shelves: best-books-i-read-in-2020
review:
This book was so beautiful. I loved every aspect of it and it was so touching.
From Scratch really brought out so many emotions while I was reading it and I didn't ever want to put it down. I was very surprised but how wonderful the writing style was and every word left so sincere and I could tell how much love and passion went into creating this book.
]]> The Circus Rose 43261119 A queer retelling of “Snow White and Rose Red�� in which teenage twins battle evil religious extremists to save their loves and their circus family.

Twins Rosie and Ivory have grown up at their ringmaster mother’s knee, and after years on the road, they’re returning to Port End, the closest place to home they know. Yet something has changed in the bustling city: fundamentalist flyers paper the walls and preachers fill the squares, warning of shadows falling over the land. The circus prepares a triumphant homecoming show, full of lights and spectacle that could chase away even the darkest shadow. But during Rosie’s tightrope act, disaster strikes.

In this lush, sensuous novel interwoven with themes of social justice and found family, it’s up to Ivory and her magician love—with the help of a dancing bear—to track down an evil priest and save their circus family before it’s too late.]]> 288 Betsy Cornwell 1328639509 Taylor 3 I loved the writing style so much. It was beautiful and the alternating styles of the chapters, one character's perspective is written in poetry, was really interesting. I didn't love the poetry chapters but they were very unique.
The one thing that I feel really holds this book back is how aimlessly the plot wanders and nothing really happens throughout the book. I honestly couldn’t tell you what the actual plot is because there isn't one. The writing style and the fun atmosphere of the setting gives this book life but the complete lack of plot drags it down.
]]> 3.23 2020 The Circus Rose

author: Betsy Cornwell
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.23
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2020/03/24
date added: 2020/03/24
shelves:
review:
I read Mechanica by Betsy Cornwell years ago when it was first released and I loved it so much. I hadn't gotten around to picking up her other releases but when I seen the synopsis for The Circus Rose, I knew I had to read it and I was so excited.
I loved the writing style so much. It was beautiful and the alternating styles of the chapters, one character's perspective is written in poetry, was really interesting. I didn't love the poetry chapters but they were very unique.
The one thing that I feel really holds this book back is how aimlessly the plot wanders and nothing really happens throughout the book. I honestly couldn’t tell you what the actual plot is because there isn't one. The writing style and the fun atmosphere of the setting gives this book life but the complete lack of plot drags it down.

]]> The Kingdom of Back 34213299
Born with a gift for music, Nannerl Mozart has just one wish--to be remembered forever. But even as she delights audiences with her masterful playing, she has little hope she'll ever become the acclaimed composer she longs to be. She is a young woman in 18th century Europe, and that means composing is forbidden to her. She will perform only until she reaches a marriageable age--her tyrannical father has made that much clear.

And as Nannerl's hope grows dimmer with each passing year, the talents of her beloved younger brother, Wolfgang, only seem to shine brighter. His brilliance begins to eclipse her own, until one day a mysterious stranger from a magical land appears with an irresistible offer. He has the power to make her wish come true--but his help may cost her everything.

In her first work of historical fiction, #1 New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu spins a lush, lyrically-told story of music, magic, and the unbreakable bond between a brother and sister.]]> 336 Marie Lu Taylor 0 to-read 3.67 2020 The Kingdom of Back

author: Marie Lu
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.67
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2020/03/24
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Whisper Network 41555931
But the world has changed, and the women are watching this promotion differently. This time, when they find out Ames is making an inappropriate move on a colleague, they aren’t willing to let it go. This time, they’ve decided enough is enough.

Sloane and her colleagues�� decision to take a stand sets in motion a catastrophic shift in the office. Lies will be uncovered. Secrets will be exposed. And not everyone will survive. All of their lives—as women, colleagues, mothers, wives, friends, even adversaries—will change dramatically as a result.

"If only you had listened to us,�� they tell us on page one of Chandler Baker's Whisper Network, “none of this would have happened."]]> 352 Chandler Baker 1250319471 Taylor 0 to-read 3.56 2019

author: Chandler Baker
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.56
book published: 2019
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2020/03/22
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Cactus 41860718 An unforgettable love story that shows sometimes you have to embrace the unexpected.

Susan Green is like a cactus: you can't get too close. She likes things perfectly ordered and predictable. No surprises. But suddenly confronted with the loss of her mother and the unexpected news that she is about to become a mother herself, Susan’s greatest fear is realized. She is losing control.

Enter Rob, the dubious but well-meaning friend of her indolent brother. As Susan's due date draws near and her dismantled world falls further into a tailspin, Susan finds an unlikely ally in Rob. She might have a chance at finding real love and learning to love herself, if only she can figure out how to let go.]]> 384 Sarah Haywood 0778369072 Taylor 0 to-read 3.43 2018 The Cactus

author: Sarah Haywood
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.43
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2020/03/22
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Court of Miracles (The Court of Miracles, #1)]]> 33973264
When Ettie attracts the eye of the Tiger--the ruthless lord of the Guild of Flesh--Nina is caught in a desperate race to keep the younger girl safe. Her vow takes her from the city's dark underbelly to the glittering court of Louis XVII. And it also forces Nina to make a terrible choice--protect Ettie and set off a brutal war between the guilds, or forever lose her sister to the Tiger.

Les Misérables meets Six of Crows in this page-turning adventure as a young thief finds herself going head to head with leaders of Paris's criminal underground in the wake of the French Revolution.]]> 464 Kester Grant 1524772852 Taylor 4 The writing style is my favorite part about The Court of Miracles. It's beautifully written and makes this book stand out from the mass of YA fantasy out there.
There's a wonderful cast of characters and even though I never became deeply invested in the characters, I really enjoyed them. I really loved the main character and, in my opinion, she makes this book stand out so much.
If you're not much into romance being forced into every single book, The Court of Miracles is for you. I really appreciated how there wasn't much in this book and what little there is, isn't unnecessarily forced into the plot. ]]> 3.69 2020 The Court of Miracles (The Court of Miracles, #1)

The Court of Miracles (The Court of Miracles, #1)

author: Kester Grant
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.69
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2020/03/18
date added: 2020/03/22
shelves:
review:
I've been craving a Young Adult fantasy novel thats actually original and has great world building for so long and The Court of Miracles has supplied the solution. With a little bit of a slow start, I was worried this was going to be equipped with long, drawn out plot that was going to take a turn into boring. The plot does pick up though and its worth the slow beginning.
The writing style is my favorite part about The Court of Miracles. It's beautifully written and makes this book stand out from the mass of YA fantasy out there.
There's a wonderful cast of characters and even though I never became deeply invested in the characters, I really enjoyed them. I really loved the main character and, in my opinion, she makes this book stand out so much.
If you're not much into romance being forced into every single book, The Court of Miracles is for you. I really appreciated how there wasn't much in this book and what little there is, isn't unnecessarily forced into the plot.
]]> <![CDATA[spilled sugar (Bittersweet Memories Book 2)]]> 48844102 186 Jessyca Thibault Taylor 5 Jessyca is such an amazingly talented writer and each of her poetry collections are uniquely beautiful. The overall quality of each poem is notable and the consistency throughout this book is wonderful. I didn't feel like there was any filler poems or pages of lesser quality. Each page is full of honest emotions that are transformed into beautiful works of art. ]]> 4.08 spilled sugar (Bittersweet Memories Book 2)

spilled sugar (Bittersweet Memories Book 2)

author: Jessyca Thibault
name: Taylor
average rating: 4.08
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2020/03/22
date added: 2020/03/22
shelves:
review:
I've loved all of Jessyca Thibault's books and Spilled Sugar is no exception.
Jessyca is such an amazingly talented writer and each of her poetry collections are uniquely beautiful. The overall quality of each poem is notable and the consistency throughout this book is wonderful. I didn't feel like there was any filler poems or pages of lesser quality. Each page is full of honest emotions that are transformed into beautiful works of art.
]]> <![CDATA[Yellow: poems for the healing heart]]> 34932020 100 Alannah Radburn Taylor 5 I could really feel the passion and honesty in the words and each poem was so well written. The quality of the whole collection is fantastic. Each line is beautifully written and full of the author's emotions.
I highly recommend picking up a copy if you're interested to poetry.]]> 4.59 Yellow: poems for the healing heart

author: Alannah Radburn
name: Taylor
average rating: 4.59
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2020/03/18
date added: 2020/03/22
shelves:
review:
This is one of the best poetry books I've ever read. I loved it so much.
I could really feel the passion and honesty in the words and each poem was so well written. The quality of the whole collection is fantastic. Each line is beautifully written and full of the author's emotions.
I highly recommend picking up a copy if you're interested to poetry.
]]> The Stars in Her Eyes 42613091
One woman. Three men. Some things are best kept secret.

When Creslyn Knight auditions for the role of a life time, she never expects three things:
1.To know the casting director—intimately.
2.To be insanely attracted to the three stand-in actors at the audition.
3.That she’d soon be putting her morals to the test when her resolve weakens.

Acting is in Creslyn’s blood, and she’s focused her sights on one thing: landing the role of a lifetime. But she’s always been told that everything comes at a cost. The casting director names his when he tells her she must make him believe she can surrender to a harem of men, or he can’t justify giving her the lead role.

Determined to prove him wrong and show him she can tap into a passion that deep, Creslyn throws herself into rehearsals. But the fine line between script and reality soon starts to blur, leading her and three men into unchartered territory. The only problem? She has a jealous roommate, a disgruntled mother, and a string of paparazzi hot on her trail, making Creslyn question the cost of everything.

In a world where some things are best kept secret, is the price of fame too high when it comes to the heart?

The Stars in Her Eyes is a new adult, steamy contemporary romance that features all the heat you expect from a multi-partner romance, with a storyline and HEA readers crave with a contemporary love story. Finally, the best of both worlds!]]> C.M. Albert Taylor 3 The plot was pretty unique and it was also a very quick read.
Overall, it's a fun romance read. It's definitely not meant to be taken seriously or to be read critically. If you look to deep, there's flaws but for a quick, light read, it was enjoyable. ]]> 4.21 The Stars in Her Eyes

author: C.M. Albert
name: Taylor
average rating: 4.21
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2020/03/16
date added: 2020/03/22
shelves:
review:
It's been a long time since I've read a super fluffy romance and that's definitely what The Stars in Her Eyes is. The writing style was good, the characters were fun but the toxic way some of the male characters treated Creslyn wasn't okay to me. Like I said, it's been a long time since I've read a book like this so I'm a little disappointed after all this time, it's still normal for male characters to be this toxic in this genre.
The plot was pretty unique and it was also a very quick read.
Overall, it's a fun romance read. It's definitely not meant to be taken seriously or to be read critically. If you look to deep, there's flaws but for a quick, light read, it was enjoyable.
]]> After All I've Done 51477868
She's lost her best friend, her husband--and possibly, her mind.

Five months ago, an accident left Diana Sparrow badly injured and missing a few months of her memory. As if that's not enough, she's started having recurring nightmares about the night of the accident. Dreams that feel so real, she's left questioning: maybe she didn't just slide off the road into a ditch. Maybe, just maybe, she hit something. Or someone.

She can't turn to her former best friend Val, who's been sleeping with Diana's husband Jonathan for months, but she might find some comfort in newcomer Cole Pelham. Yet the closer they become, the more Diana begins to wonder what really happened that night--and how Cole might be connected. Worse, it seems everyone else could be involved, too.

Who was with her that night? What really happened? As her life unravels thread by thread and the dreams become too real to ignore, Diana will have to face the unthinkable--and do the unforgivable.]]> 310 Mina Hardy Taylor 0 to-read 3.59 2020 After All I've Done

author: Mina Hardy
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.59
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2020/03/13
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Obsidian Tower (Rooks and Ruin, #1)]]> 50147675
Then, one night, two terrible accidents befall her: Ryx accidentally kills a visiting dignitary in self-defense, activating a mysterious magical artifact sealed in an ancient tower in the heart of her family’s castle.

Ryx flees, seeking a solution to her deadly magic. She falls in with a group of unlikely magical experts investigating the disturbance in Vaskandar—and Ryx realizes that her family is in danger and her domain is at stake. She and her new colleagues must return to the family stronghold to take control of the artifact that everyone wants to claim—before it destroys the world.]]> 528 Melissa Caruso 035651319X Taylor 0 to-read 3.76 2020 The Obsidian Tower (Rooks and Ruin, #1)

author: Melissa Caruso
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.76
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2020/03/13
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Wife Who Knew Too Much 51174531 From Michele Campbell, the bestselling author of It's Always the Husband comes a new blockbuster thriller in The Wife Who Knew Too Much.

Tabitha Girard had her heart broken years ago by Connor Ford. He was preppy and handsome. She was a pool girl at his country club. Their affair should have been a summer fling. But it meant everything to Tabitha.

Years later, Connor comes back into Tabitha's life—older, richer, and desperately unhappy. He married for money, a wealthy, neurotic, controlling woman whom he never loved. He has always loved Tabitha.

When Connor’s wife Nina takes her own life, he’s free. He can finally be with Tabitha. Nina’s home, Windswept, can be theirs. It seems to be a perfect ending to a fairy tale romance that began so many years ago. But then, Tabitha finds a diary. "I’m writing this to raise an alarm in the event of my untimely death," it begins. “If I die unexpectedly, it was foul play, and Connor was behind it. Connor—and her.��

Who is Connor Ford? Why did he marry Nina? Is Tabitha his true love, or a convenient affair? As the police investigate Nina’s death, is she a convenient suspect?

As Tabitha is drawn deeper into the dark glamour of a life she is ill-prepared for, it becomes clear to her that what a wife knows can kill her.]]> 336 Michele Campbell 1250202558 Taylor 5 I wasn't a fan of the main character, Tabitha from the beginning. I disliked her the entire book and is probably one of the dumbest main characters I've ever read about. That being said, I doubt the entire plot would have been even remotely possible if the main character wasn't so gullible and dumb. It was often tedious to read from Tabitha's perspective but it wasn't bad enough that I wanted to quit reading.
I also was not a fan of Connor, obviously. From the the very beginning, we know him as a cheater and he blames his behavior on his wife, toxically painting Nina as the villain, thats she's responsible for his terrible behavior and cheating ways. There more about him that I hate but tom keep the review spoiler free, I won’t go into detail.
The choices him and Tabitha make individually and together are incredibly terrible and stupid but also made the book pretty engaging, similar to the way reality tv shows are engaging.
I really enjoyed reading from Nina's perspective. She was more interesting than Tabitha and Connor put together and I wish more of the book was from her perspective.
The plot twists were interesting and mildly surprising. The characters do lead you believe you know what happened and it's pretty impossible to not make the obvious assumptions.
The pace was actually really good, I was very impressed. It wasn't slow and I didn't think anything was rushed, even at the end. I read the whole book pretty quickly and I even looked forward to reading each time I picked the book up.
Overall, very impressive read. I didn't enjoy the main characters but that didn't take away anything from the reading experience. I really enjoyed Nina's perspective and the overall plot and pace was wonderful. I really enjoyed this book and since I read this as a digital copy, I look forward to the release so I can pick up a physical copy.]]> 3.69 2020 The Wife Who Knew Too Much

author: Michele Campbell
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.69
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at: 2020/03/13
date added: 2020/03/13
shelves: best-books-i-read-in-2020, favorites
review:
This book has given me so many different feelings. I feel so conflicted about a few aspects of the plot but overall, it's a pretty great read.
I wasn't a fan of the main character, Tabitha from the beginning. I disliked her the entire book and is probably one of the dumbest main characters I've ever read about. That being said, I doubt the entire plot would have been even remotely possible if the main character wasn't so gullible and dumb. It was often tedious to read from Tabitha's perspective but it wasn't bad enough that I wanted to quit reading.
I also was not a fan of Connor, obviously. From the the very beginning, we know him as a cheater and he blames his behavior on his wife, toxically painting Nina as the villain, thats she's responsible for his terrible behavior and cheating ways. There more about him that I hate but tom keep the review spoiler free, I won’t go into detail.
The choices him and Tabitha make individually and together are incredibly terrible and stupid but also made the book pretty engaging, similar to the way reality tv shows are engaging.
I really enjoyed reading from Nina's perspective. She was more interesting than Tabitha and Connor put together and I wish more of the book was from her perspective.
The plot twists were interesting and mildly surprising. The characters do lead you believe you know what happened and it's pretty impossible to not make the obvious assumptions.
The pace was actually really good, I was very impressed. It wasn't slow and I didn't think anything was rushed, even at the end. I read the whole book pretty quickly and I even looked forward to reading each time I picked the book up.
Overall, very impressive read. I didn't enjoy the main characters but that didn't take away anything from the reading experience. I really enjoyed Nina's perspective and the overall plot and pace was wonderful. I really enjoyed this book and since I read this as a digital copy, I look forward to the release so I can pick up a physical copy.
]]> <![CDATA[The Girl of Hawthorn and Glass (The Girl of Hawthorn and Glass, #1)]]> 51969167 Even teenage assassins have dreams.

Eli isn’t just a teenage girl �� she’s a made-thing the witches created to hunt down ghosts in the human world. Trained to kill with her seven magical blades, Eli is a flawless machine, a deadly assassin. But when an assignment goes wrong, Eli starts to question everything she was taught about both worlds, the Coven, and her tyrannical witch-mother.

Worried that she’ll be unmade for her mistake, Eli gets caught up with a group of human and witch renegades, and is given the most difficult and dangerous task in the worlds: capture the Heart of the Coven. With the help of two humans, one motorcycle, and a girl who smells like the sea, Eli is going to get answers �� and earn her freedom.]]> 320 Adan Jerreat-Poole 1459746813 Taylor 2 I really appreciated the non-binary characters (overall good LBGTQ+ representation), but none of the characters seemed complete. I couldn’t connect or relate to any of them and they lacked character building. No one seemed to have their own personality.
Overall, I didn't like this one at all. I feel like this book is far from being ready to publish, regardless that I read this as an ARC. With some editing, I think this book could be good.]]> 2.95 2020 The Girl of Hawthorn and Glass (The Girl of Hawthorn and Glass, #1)

The Girl of Hawthorn and Glass (The Girl of Hawthorn and Glass, #1)

author: Adan Jerreat-Poole
name: Taylor
average rating: 2.95
book published: 2020
rating: 2
read at: 2020/03/09
date added: 2020/03/09
shelves:
review:
I was so excited for this book, I wanted to like it, I gave it so many chances. But this book, in my opinion, is not even close to be ready to be published. This reads like a first draft. I like the overall concept, which is why I gave it two stars, but everything else needs work. The plot is confusing, not completely thought out, lacks any kind of direction. Even after finishing this book, I don't know what actually happened. I couldn’t explain the storyline at all.
I really appreciated the non-binary characters (overall good LBGTQ+ representation), but none of the characters seemed complete. I couldn’t connect or relate to any of them and they lacked character building. No one seemed to have their own personality.
Overall, I didn't like this one at all. I feel like this book is far from being ready to publish, regardless that I read this as an ARC. With some editing, I think this book could be good.
]]> A Strangely Wrapped Gift 36436622 186 Emily Byrnes 1975771125 Taylor 3 The style was unique and even though it wasn't a style I prefer, I liked that it was unique. I also liked the consistency through out the book, there's wasn't any noticeable filler poems. Because of the style, I couldn’t really connect deeply with the entire book but I could relate to the themes and I appreciated the consistency. ]]> 3.95 2017 A Strangely Wrapped Gift

author: Emily Byrnes
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2017
rating: 3
read at: 2020/03/03
date added: 2020/03/03
shelves:
review:
It's so difficult for me to review poetry, it's so personal to the author, and even if I don't connect with it, it doesn't mean someone else won't. I loved the themes of this collection. Love, loss, mental health, recovery, and LGBTQ+.
The style was unique and even though it wasn't a style I prefer, I liked that it was unique. I also liked the consistency through out the book, there's wasn't any noticeable filler poems. Because of the style, I couldn’t really connect deeply with the entire book but I could relate to the themes and I appreciated the consistency.
]]> Euphoria 50542976 131 F.S. Yousaf Taylor 0 to-read 3.53 2018

author: F.S. Yousaf
name: Taylor
average rating: 3.53
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2020/03/03
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Little Secrets 45046683
A year later, Marin is a shadow of herself. The FBI search has gone cold. The publicity has faded. She and her husband rarely speak. She hires a P.I. to pick up where the police left off, but instead of finding Sebastian, she learns that Derek is having an affair with a younger woman. This discovery sparks Marin back to life. She's lost her son; she's not about to lose her husband, too. Kenzie is an enemy with a face, which means this is a problem Marin can fix.

Permanently.

All it takes to unravel a life is one little secret...

Overwhelmed by tragedy, a woman desperately tries to save her marriage in award-winning author Jennifer Hillier's Little Secrets, a riveting novel of psychological suspense.]]> 352 Jennifer Hillier Taylor 5 It wasn't necessarily packed with action but it wasn't slow and it was very entertaining and engaging. The pacing was great and the plot twists were unexpected but not outlandish and over the top. The whole plot was written with direction and purpose.
I thought the main character was wonderfully written and flawed enough that she wasn't plain and boring.
Overall, absolutely fantastic read. I loved everything about it and I'm still in awe at how well written the plot was. I've read so many thrillers with poorly executed plot twists and outlandish surprises that don't make sense. Little Secrets is one of the best thrillers I've ever read and it's definitely one of my favorite books of 2020. ]]> 4.19 2020

author: Jennifer Hillier
name: Taylor
average rating: 4.19
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at: 2020/03/03
date added: 2020/03/03
shelves: favorites, best-books-i-read-in-2020
review:
This is my first book by Jennifer Hillier and it definitely won't be my last. I absolutely loved Little Secrets. From the first chapter, I was invested and I never wanted to put this book down. I read it in less than 24 hours because it was such a great read.
It wasn't necessarily packed with action but it wasn't slow and it was very entertaining and engaging. The pacing was great and the plot twists were unexpected but not outlandish and over the top. The whole plot was written with direction and purpose.
I thought the main character was wonderfully written and flawed enough that she wasn't plain and boring.
Overall, absolutely fantastic read. I loved everything about it and I'm still in awe at how well written the plot was. I've read so many thrillers with poorly executed plot twists and outlandish surprises that don't make sense. Little Secrets is one of the best thrillers I've ever read and it's definitely one of my favorite books of 2020.
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