Books Lately

I know I say this all the time, but I love this link up.. and blogging.. and goodreads because I have found SO many books that I never would have come across otherwise and that is just flipping fabulous to me. Happy anniversary of this link up ladies, I just want to say that I've been with you from the start. Okay sure, the first one was an accident posting it on the same day but ever since then  I've been with you. You couldn't get rid of me if you tried (please don't try).

I totally overdosed on netgalley books recently and I need to take a break because it started to feel like a chore to read them. Lots of books to share this month, there might have been a few nights I chose 'one more chapter' over 'turn off the damn light and go to sleep'.

I was provided some of these books from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks Netgalley!

The Heartbreakers - Ali Novak - 4 stars - Netgalley

If you are looking for something light, fluffy, easy, cheesy and adorable, this is it. I did enjoy this, but I took it for what it is. Comparing to my favourites, it's not a 4 star book, of course not. But on it's own, for what it is, I enjoyed it.

The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend - Katarina Bivald - 4 Stars - Netgalley

I actually almost bought this book in Dublin, but put it back, so I was happy to see it on netgalley when I got home. It was cute, though it took a bit to get into. I loved all the bookish references, it's hard not to. This is a super simple, sweet, easy read. I found myself really enjoying it, though as someone who has gone through the thing they go through, I rolled my eyes at how dramatic they made it. Definitely does not go down like that. I wish the ending was a little more fleshed out.

The Brontë Plot - Katherine Reay - 2 stars - Netgalley

I want to love Katherine Reay's books, but I don't (Dear Mr Knightley, Lizzy & Jane). I love the covers, they are absolutely beautiful. I love the titles and the ideas, they have such potential and the book lover in me wants to love them purely for that. I just feel like the books are forced.. I don't like the characters, I don't care about them or the story. I don't like the religious aspects of her books - though that's my fault for continuing to read them and hoping something will change. I think some people will - and do - love Reay's books but I am not one of them, and that is okay.

Sisters of Versailles - Sally Christie - 1 star - Netgalley

I was excited to read this book because I loved our recent trip to Versailles. Unfortunately, I should have left Versailles in Versailles. Someone likened this book to Mean Girls but in 18th century France. I completely agree, except I actually like Mean Girls. Someone else compared this book to Philippa Gregory's books, to which I say that person should not be allowed on goodreads. To put it quite bluntly, this book was not good. It was not well written and it was just plain boring. Sorry. Not a fan.

Fairytale Beginnings - Holly Martin - 4 stars - Netgalley


Quite honestly, this book is ridiculous. It's not very well written. But I really enjoyed it, so there you go. There were a few things that annoyed me (could do without the ex partners talk) but this book was really cute, silly and I liked it. There are lots of Disney references and it's more 'adult' than I expected it to be. It's not gonna blow your mind or win any awards, but it's cute and I enjoyed it.

The Piper's Son - Melina Marchetta - 5 stars

The first half of this book was 2 or 3 stars, true story. It was boring and I didn't remember the characters well enough from Saving Francesca and I didn't care for them either. Gasp. But the second half picked up and I loved them all and I bawled like a baby and I loved the book as a whole. So much love for this book and these characters and please let me squeeze you and be part of your life. of course, I loved the Australianisms.

I also might have loved this book purely for the Pride and Prejudice references. Yep.

You - Caroline Kepnes - 4 stars

This book is seriously fucked up. But I read it in one sitting, so it must have been good. It is definitely graphic and I didn't like certain parts, but overall, if you're going for a seriously crazy book, this is it.

The Maze Runner - James Dashner - 2 Stars

I feel bad giving this book 2 stars, it's not really that bad. Here's the thing: it is definitely written for a younger reader. But I have read books that are written for middle grade before and they were written better than this. I don't know how to explain it. If I was 12, most likely I would love it. But the juvenile style of writing drove me nuts. The story is fine, and I would definitely recommend this to kids / tweens, but it's definitely more on the Y side of YA.

The Reader - Bernhard Schlink - 2 stars

I did not enjoy this book. I didn't hate it, I didn't feel anything. It fell super flat for me and never grabbed me. Lots of people love it and it's apparently this amazing fabulous book but I must be missing something. Not a fan.

Night Pleasures - Sherrilyn Kenyon - 4 stars

Hashtag don't judge me. Or, you know what, do. I care not. I don't mind some steamy adult scenes as long as I enjoy the story, you know? For what it is, it's good. It's predictable, in fact very similar to the first book in the series (which I reread last year), but still enjoyable, especially if you like books like these. I keep going back and forth on 3 and 4 stars, it's probably more like 3.5 or 3.75 but goodreads doesn't allow that, and it did make me laugh in certain parts and some parts were original, and overall I enjoyed it so 4 stars it is. But it's definitely not for people who don't like romance, or the paranormal. I don't know if I will read the rest of the series, but there was an excerpt for the next book and it actually did sound interesting / funny, so I just might.

Burial Rites - Hannah Kent - 5 stars

I picked this audiobook up because it's read by the same person who read Code Name Verity, and she just might be my favourite narrator. The 2 books couldn't be more different, and she did an amazing job on both. I really think it helped me enjoy the book because of the Icelandic places and names, I felt like it was almost like I was watching a movie.. with my ears. Which is how I want all books to be, like a movie in my head.
As for the actual book: it took me a hot minute to get into it. I am so conflicted about it, I don't know how to convey my feelings. It was beautiful and moving, heartbreaking and intriguing. In other parts it was a bit boring. It is fictional, but based off real events. It's heartbreaking, but beautiful. That makes no sense, but there you go.

A Kiss at Midnight (and When Beauty Tamed the Beast) - Eloisa James - 5 stars

Okay okay, but remember 'don't judge a book by it's cover'? This cover is seriously ridiculous and almost made me not want to read the book, but I kept seeing it recommended. It is definitely a romance, so if you're not into that, step away. But if you are, I freaking LOVED this book. I thought it was really well written and funny with an actual story, not just sexy time. I seriously really enjoyed it and promptly read the rest of the series (though they can be read as stand alones). Honestly, if you like books 'like these' I'd suggest reading 1&2, don't bother with the rest.

Outlander - Diana Gabaldon - 5 Stars

If ever there were a ridiculously popular book that was not for everyone, it's this one. I loved it. Extremely well written, interesting and overall I just enjoyed it. However, just because I enjoyed it doesn't mean I would do the things they did, or that I accept them or think they are right. For pete's sake people, it's fiction. Not only that, but it is set almost 300 years ago, not to mention published 25 years ago. This book has some effed up shit in it, and I understand why people don't like it. But when I read a book set 300 or so years ago, I don't try and apply my life, my world, my culture to it. We must take care to avoid the enormous condescension of posterity.

I also read the 4 books in the Throne of Glass series - check out my review here. After I read this series, I hit the biggest book rut of this year. Nothing sounds good, all the books on my TBR list that I was excited about now held no interest. I have 50+ books on my shelves, 150 on my kindle. Nope. Nothing is grabbing me. I texted Kari for help and after going back and forth and me shooting everything down, she said 'I think you need the next Throne of Glass book' and I was like, duh YES. That is what I need. How rude of Sarah J. Maas to not have written it yet.

Linking up with Steph and Jana for the show us your books link up.

TL;DR - I recommend Burial Rites, The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend and You. Completely different books, one serious, one silly and one kinda crazy. You choose.

I'm still in said book rut so haven't read anything else since. Help. Read anything decent or awful lately?