One True Loves - Taylor Jenkins Reid - 4 Stars
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
TJR is shaping up to be.. well, not a 'favourite' author, but one that I know I will absolutely enjoy her books. The first one was good, the second one was great, this one was the best so far. It was well written, hilarious and I just freaking loved it. I've always been intrigued by situations like this, ones that don't happen often, and I like to think about how I would act or who I would choose. I think it takes a very good writer to take a super complicated situation or storyline and make it work seamlessly, or get characters into such a mess that you wonder well how the heck are you going to get them out of this? But she does. Plus, the characters liked cats and I don't know if you know.. but I like cats too.
Finding Fraser - KC Dyer - 3 StarsI received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
When I saw Jess post about this I was like yep. Mine. Need it. I have only read the first Outlander book so I was worried that this would talk about the others too much, but it barely mentioned them. I don't know if a non-Outlander fan would like this, to be honest. It was a very cute book and I did enjoy it most of the time. Unfortunately, I really disliked the main character. I mean, I don't have to like characters to like a book, but to put it nicely, this girl was an idiot, she had no backbone and she fell for the most ridiculous things. I understand these things were essential to make up the story, but still. Nothing wrong with making the character strong or at least not stupid. I also really didn't like the sister, mainly because the main character wouldn't stand up to her. But overall, it was a cute book and I did enjoy it. Just wanted to smack the main character.
A Year of Being Single - Fiona Collins - 3 Stars
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was okay, it was cute. As Steph would say, it passed the time just fine. It was very light and fluffy, predictable too. It was short, so a lot happened in not a lot of time, and it was paced a bit oddly. I didn't connect to any of the characters because of that.
The Girl from Summer Hill - Jude Deveraux - 4 Stars
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a P&P variation and there is a lot of P&P going on. For one, it talks about Jane Austen and the original, then there is a play and then it is playing out in 'real life'. It's hard for me to rate/judge P&P variations because I go into the book already knowing all the characters and the stories. I can definitely see how going into any P&P variation is a bit hard because there are so many characters and stories to keep up with, but for me, I am just matching who is who in my head (oh, there's Jane, he must be Bingley, where is Caroline? etc). But overall, this was a super cute read, I enjoyed it, and it would definitely be a good beach read. I can't say how a non P&P fan would like it though because it's hard for me to separate the two. But Nadine liked it!
Batter Up - Robyn Neeley - 3 Stars
This book was super cute, adorable, cheesy and predictable. It was not bad though, and it didn't annoy me or make me want to skim just to get it over and done with. It's just a simple, fluffy, adorable, romancey beachy type book.
Beauty - Robin McKinley - 4 Stars
I had no idea this book was written so long ago, but I really enjoyed it. It's not the best retelling I've ever read, but it is far from the worst, and I read it one sitting so it must have been good. I did want a wee bit more in the end, but all in all, an enjoyable read.
Unfortunately this book was not good. I was not a fan at all. First off: talking shit about someone because they are skinny and you are not, does not make you skinny (I know, shocker). Assuming everyone in a gym is there for fun or chit chat and must have no idea what it's like to be overweight is ridiculous. Saying thin people don't have to work hard or don't understand is preposterous. Guess what, once you lose weight, you look just like the skinny people you were making fun of, and then what? You think you get a free pass? You think you wear a sign that says 'it's okay, I'm not one of them?' NO. I am so sick of body shaming in general, whether it is people, movies, or books. So sick of it. Bringing someone else down does not bring you up. Of course, the book is much more than skinny/fat but nothing else redeemed it after that for me. I thought it would be a quick, enjoyable, fluffy read. It was quick. I wouldn't recommend it or read it again.
This book was honestly more of a 3 star, writing wise, but I really did enjoy it, much more than other 3 star books, which is why we hate the star rating, right? But seriously. It's a bit older than YA (apparently that's called NA?) and I wasn't the biggest fan of the style of writing, sometimes it felt like it was trying to be too flowery or familiar (like familiar with me like we just met, not familiar like it reminded me of something) but despite that, I kept thinking about this book when I wasn't reading it, I kept trying to sneak a page here and there on my phone. I really enjoyed it. It was funny, cute, a little sexy but not smutty, sweet but emotional. I really liked it and if you like these kinds of books, you should check it out. It's only 99 cents on Amazon! (not an affiliate link).
A Rogue by Any Other Name - Sarah MacLean - 4 Stars
Yeah I know this cover is just... yep. I don't remember who recommended this to me, but it sounded good. For what it is and what I obviously expected, I thouroughly enjoyed it. No complaints. Actually, one huge complaint. I am a sucker for an epilogue. THAT was NOT an epilogue, Miss MacLean. An epilogue is your chance to make me feel all happy and gooey and lovey and happy endings and shit. It is not to start a new story. Okay? I don't mind the new story at the end of the current one, makes me want to read the next book - just don't call it an epilogue when it has nothing to do with what I just read, k? K.
Vampire Academy series - Richelle Mead - 4 Stars
I can't remember if I read these books before or after Twilight, but they came out when I was like 20 and I loved them, I got an inkling to re-read them recently (after watching the 'guilty pleasure' that is the absolutely shockingly appallingly movie version) and I enjoyed them just as much as I did when I was younger, even though this time I knew everything that was going to happen, and I could see how incredibly lame these books are.... but guess what, I don't care.
Do I recommend these? Eh. They aren't books I'd recommend, unless you're super into YA and vampires (not that I am into vampires.. but apparently I was when I was younger) and in that case, you've probably already read them..
Just One Day - Gayle Forman - 4 Stars
Hmm. This book is super hyped and everyone seems to love it. I went into it not only with high expectations, but with a pretty firm idea of what I was reading... It did not meet my expectations exactly, but it completely blew me away with how wrong I was and I couldn't seem to wrap my head around that. I was so sure I knew how this book would go and it went the opposite way and it left me a little gobsmacked. I truly enjoyed it and I loved the growth, the story and the relationships... but then at points, I was bored. I think I was waiting for it to get where I thought it would go, but it didn't. All in all, this book was a pleasant surprise, but not in the way I thought it would be. Hard to explain. I enjoyed it.
Rumour Has It - Jill Mansell - 4 Stars
This was an adorable, lovely book. I really, really enjoyed it. It was exactly what I needed and expected. I hate to use the words chick lit, but if you like chick lit, you will like this. Adorable, but not cutesy. Funny but not cringe worthy. Sexy but not smutty. I really enjoyed it. It made me giggle and smile and I promptly gave it to my mother in law to read when I was finished.
Oh and check this out:
I know authors are people and all that jazz, but it makes me squeal and jump up and down like an idiot when they favourite a tweet or reply back to me.
I also read Exposure to a Billionaire for book club, which unfortunately I do not recommend.
Linking up with Steph and Jana.
TL;DR - Books I'd recommend because I enjoyed them: One True Loves, This Sky and Rumour Has It.
I was planning on reading more this past weekend, but KC and I got in a wreck on Saturday and it kind of put a damper on relaxing and reading. Thankfully we are both okay and that is what matters. I have been drawn to lighter books lately, as I'm sure you can tell. I am almost finished with The Lake House but bloody hell it's long. I've also been stuck on page 1 of Ready Player One for like 75 years, every time I try and read it, I am overcome with a need to put my kindle down. It's weird.
We leave for the cruise this weekend, I am looking forward to a lot of relaxing, eating lots of food, drinking all the cocktails, and reading all the books.
Read anything decent lately?
I haven't read any of these so I need to add them to my list pronto! I just finished a book called The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah and it made me cry at the end I was so into it! It's a WW2 book though so not everyone's cup of tea.
ReplyDeleteInteresting thoughts on the TJR book. I really enjoyed Maybe in Another Life, but haven't read anything by her since. I've added OTL to my TBR. Someone else has recently read Finding Fraser, for I recognized it as soon as I saw the title. You know how I like Jamie Fraser, so perhaps I'll check that one out, too. Sorry to hear about your car accident but am glad to hear you are OK. Have a wonderful time on your cruise. I look forward to hearing all about it in a forthcoming blog post.
ReplyDeleteMy friend . . . so glad you and KC are okay from the accident. I hate all the details that will ensue, but it's all relatively minor in comparison to you being safe and sound. Thinking about you both! And I'm so excited you get to go on a cruise - so relaxing!!!! Love the books . . . some great ideas! Happy day to you!
ReplyDeleteYou killed it this month with books. I've started re-reading Sookie Stackhouse, so maybe I'll add those to my June list...nothing wrong with that right?
ReplyDeleteThe Lake House WAS long and the ending was...well, let me know what you think!
I absolutely fan girl over author interaction. That's awesome!!!
ReplyDeleteAm I the only person who hasn't read TJR? It might be time.
i am going to add some Jill Mansel to my list! I always freak out with smiles whenever authors engage with me, I am a total fangirl too!! Love it!
ReplyDeleteUmmmmmmm thanks to you I added about a million books to my list just now. I don't think I have heard of TJR but that book sounds really good so adding it. Along with Rumor Has It, Batter Up, This Sky, and Just One Day. So glad you liked Girl from Summer Hill! It was cute, right?
ReplyDeletei love that the author tweeted you!!
ReplyDeleteright now i'm loving The Cartel. seriously, READ IT. i can't put it down. i am even going into work late today so i can finish the book because priorities LOL
Adding some of these to my list! And I LOVE when authors respond on twitter...it makes me embarrassingly excited haha
ReplyDeleteOh no! I'm glad you're ok, but accidents are always scary. :(
ReplyDeleteI've read Beauty! I remember really liking the story, and then the ending kind of ruined it for me. I still liked it enough to give it 4 stars, but it felt too rushed and tidy for me, and I disliked how they made her pretty for her "happy ending" after the whole point before that seemed to be that it didn't matter.
I added A Girl From Summer Hill to my list for Erin's book challenge, it's good to know you liked it being such a big P&P fan!
ReplyDeleteJill Mansell is one of my very favorite authors ever! You should pick up some more of her books - they are all light, easy, fun reads. That's so cool that she tweeted back to you!!
ReplyDeleteAdding Rumour Has It to my must read list! This isn't the first time I've heard good things about it... and I totally want the author to tweet me, too ;)
ReplyDeleteOooh looking into one true loves, beauty, and this sky. Interesting for sure. I am not obsessed with vampires. But I don't mind them and I like YA. Obviously made it through all 9 of the blue bloods books. Maybe after a bit of a break I will look into Vampire Academy. Because why not?! Hmmm you blogging about kindle daily deals... good... but also bad! I've bought SO many! LOLOLOLOL XO - Alexandra
ReplyDeleteSimply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
I've read Beastly and SOME of the VA books. I can't remember how far I got with those. Like you, I read them somewhere around Twilight. They started off strong for me, but then I got board with them.
ReplyDeleteSarah
The Midwest Darling
As always I'm in awe of how much reading you get done so quickly, you my friend are my inspiration! Adding Beauty and Rumour Has It to my list :-D
ReplyDeleteGreen Fashionista
Oh my goodness!! I can't believe she tweeted back to you!! That's awesome! I love when stuff like that happens!
ReplyDeleteI loved Vampire Academy! In fact that's a series I've read more than once (as well as the spin off from it with the Alchemists). I really get sucked into Richelle Mead's writing!
I didn't know that Beauty book had a new cover - I've had that book by that author for about 20 years. Its one of my favorite editions. The one I have, the cover is so beautiful - cream color & soft & has the softest pink rose on it - its always the center of my book shelf :)
ReplyDeleteOh never mind... I'm thinking of the one written by Susan Wilson :) oops.
DeleteI do have that one too though
Ahh I'm so glad you and KC are okay! I love that Jill Mansell tweeted you-- it's always so exciting to connect with authors. Also exciting-- your cruise is so close! I just added This Sky to my list-- I'm intrigued by your review! I've been split on the Taylor Jenkins Reid books I've read, but I'm hoping my library gets this one eventually, since it sounds like it was good!
ReplyDeleteTJR is becoming a solid author for me as well. I know I'm going to enjoy enjoy her books. I've never loved loved loved any of them, but I always like them. I feel the same way about Jonathan Tropper.
ReplyDeleteJust One Day has been on my to read list. I added Rumour Has It and Batter Up, which both seem like light, fluffy summer reads!
ReplyDeleteRumour Has It sounds like just the bit of light reading that I need right now :) Adding it to my list!
ReplyDeleteThank you for helping me add to my reading list! A lot of these sound right up my alley!!
ReplyDeleteI once had an author respond to a tweet of mine and I totally freaked out! So fun!
ReplyDeleteXo, Evelina @ Fortunate House
I would be totally excited as well if an author replied to my tweet! Off to check out some new books, I need some summer reads!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're ok from the wreck! That can really shake you up. Looks like you tackled a TON of books. I will be adding that Rumour Has It to my "to read" list right away!
ReplyDeleteI definitely need a fun, lighthearted, easy to read book after everything going on down here. I definitely think I need to download Batter Up or One True Loves for that! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes
ReplyDeleteAdding Rumor Has It and Just One Day to my list. I've really been liking TJR lately too!
ReplyDeleteFirst up, glad you and KC are okay! I have not read anything by Taylor Jenkins Reid and need to because I keep hearing great things about her. Adding One True Loves to my TBR. Strangely, Incredibly Good sounds like it would get on my last nerve too. I read Vampire Academy and was so-so on it. Not a bad book but it didn't make me rush out to get book 2. And yes, the movie was so bad! LOL! I'm also adding Rumor Has It and Just One Day to my list. I also get giddy when an author responds to my tweet or follows me!
ReplyDelete1) So sorry to hear about the car accident but so glad that you are both okay!! I hope you're able to resolve it soon and there are no extra injuries down the road. I really need to read a TJR book..they all sound so unique and fun! That's so exciting about getting a reply from the author!! Looking forward to hearing all about your cruise...you must be sooooo excited :):):) Sounds like some great reading time!!!
ReplyDeleteOh boo! Accidents suck, but I'm glad you have the right attitude about it. It sucks to deal with the aftermath but I will take that any day over a tragic accident. Anyway, the only one of your selections I've read this month was Vampire Academy. I read it years ago and I think I felt the same as you. Meh. Pretty interesting but nothing I'd tell people to rush out and read! So excited for you to have your trip and read ten million books in the process! Ha!
ReplyDeleteI'm adding One True Loves to my list for this summer! Do I need to read her books in order can I just start with OTL?
ReplyDeleteLinds @ Not A Mom
I loved Maybe IN another Life so I will 100% be reading One True Love!! Oh my gosh I just read the synopsis and I can't wait to get started on it! Also added Rumor Has It to my list - thanks girl! I'm so sorry you both were in a car accident but so happy you're okay - yay for your upcoming vacation!
ReplyDeleteOMG - are you guys okay?! My heart sank when I read your last paragraph. I hope you aren't too beat up or anything. Bet you're extra glad that your cruise is coming up! Thanks for all the book recommendations - One True Loves and Rumour Has It, and The Girl from Summer Hill are officially on my list. :)
ReplyDeleteSo many books I'm adding to my list!! Ugh a family friend just posted on Facebook one of those dumb quotes about how she's a real woman and not shaped like a little girl because she has curves. So rude. She can be who she is, but why do some people have to put others down to make themselves feel better? Not the best way to discourage discrimination. I can totally understand why you would be annoyed with the main character in Finding Fraser haha. I made a conscious effort to ignore how dumb her decisions were. I read Beauty a while back and I felt similarly. It was good, but it's not one of my favorites. I'm glad you guys are okay from the wreck!!
ReplyDeleteSo cool the author replied to your tweet, that is so totally amazing!
ReplyDeleteLots of great books here, will add Batter Up, Beauty and Rumor has it.
So many awesome books! I can't wait to read Finding Fraser, it's on my list for Erin's book challenge, but I'll definitely keep in mind that the main character is annoying. I'm always a huge fan of retellings, so Beauty and The Girl From Summer Hill are definitely going on my list. I'm always in the mood for a light read, so Rumour Has It and Just One Day are going on my list. I've never read The Vampire Academy books, but it seems like something I'd like. It's going on my list!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read TJR but One True Loves sounds right up my alley. Also adding Rumour Has It, and I would also squeal if an author commented on my tweet!
ReplyDeleteI read One True Loves last week and really loved it too! I need to read Rumour Has It-I have really liked Jill Mansell lately!
ReplyDeleteI read that version of Beauty and the Beast as a kid and I remember that I absolutely LOVED it! I'm not sure I want to read it again as an adult in case it's not as good as I remember.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of B&B, I am soooo excited for the live action remake next spring!
Bummer about the wreck! I'm glad you're both okay.
ReplyDeleteOne True Loves sounds really good to me! Added to my TBR...along with 79,000 other books today!
Dang girl you read a lot, the light and fluffy ones are totally getting added to my growing reading list! Bummer about the wreck, glad y'all are ok and yay for your cruise coming up!!!
ReplyDeleteI agree about TJR. I think she has quickly become one of those authors whose books I will automatically give a chance. I'm reading Something Blue right now and want to smack Darcy, so I think I will hold off on reading Finding Fraser for just a bit. It's funny, I don't enjoy Jane Austen, but I do really enjoy adaptations based off of her stories. I'll have to add The Girl From Summer Hill to my list. I've heard great things about Robin McKinley's books! I really loved Just One Day! I have yet to read Just One Year, so hopefully I'll enjoy that just as much. I love Chick lit, so Rumour Has It is also being added to my TBR.
ReplyDeletehaha I'm the same way with authors. I think it's because I admire the fact that they actually wrote a whole book. It's amazing! I think summer was made for lighter books! I ended up listening to Ready Player One and enjoyed that much more than the actual, physical book. I'm glad you all are okay!
Definitely getting Batter Up for an upcoming trip - looks cute!!
ReplyDeleteGod relaxing on a cruise and reading? Those were the days...
ReplyDeleteI have another of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books on my “To Read” list, and I think I’ll add this one as well. You know I’m not normally a huge fan of chick lit/romance books (which is what I think her books are, but I could be wrong about that), but the plots always sound interesting and it seems like a lot of people enjoy them … So maybe I will too? And, you know, sometimes even I like to step away from the dark and twisted stuff to pick up something a little lighter! Haha.
ReplyDeleteI’m also going to check out This Sky. When I read a review that says something like “I kept thinking about this book when I wasn’t reading it,” it makes me want to check out that book.
I think that Strangely, Incredibly Good book sounds like the kind of thing that would upset me/piss me off too.
Oh, and that Instagram comment from the author is awesome! I would be freaking out and super excited about that too. :-)
Love your book posts! I'm really in the mood for retellings right now, so I might have to check out Beauty :)
ReplyDeleteWell okay! I need to add Rumour Has It to my list, I think. I need something cute :) So fun the author replied back to you!
ReplyDeleteJill Mansell is always one of my go-to's for a light/vacation read! I want to check out One True Love now!
ReplyDeleteDon't worry about getting excited over author comments. I once wrote a blog post about Kim Noble's book as I was totally intrigued by her story - and she left a comment on my blog and I totally geeked out and then had no idea which of her "alters" commented on my blog and I was then totally confused haha!
I haven't read ANY of these! I might have to steal a few for Summer (laying out) reading!
ReplyDeleteAnd how fun that you got a line from the author.. I totally would have been excited, too!!
When authors interact on social media, I love them even more.
ReplyDeleteI added This Sky. I'm going to sound all "flowery" now, but I just feel drawn to it...and I can't even say exactly why.
This has added so many books to my wishlist, woops
ReplyDeleteCharlotteSamantha // www.charlottesamantha.co.uk
Minus Vampire Academy, I've not heard of these. I love the mix of books here--you def gotta have some fluff/beachy reads in there, so glad to see that! Always good this time of year.
ReplyDeleteI want to add so many of these to my TBR list! You killed it this month!
ReplyDeleteI love Sarah MacLean! I'm reading a book from her right now! Jess at Just Jess
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this, I need some summer beach reads. I love that the author tweeted you! I would be so excited too.
ReplyDeleteLOOOOVE these posts! I always add so many to my to-read list! Rumor has it sounds right up my alley!
ReplyDeleteGosh girl you read A LOT, I love that about you!! Your review about Strangely Incredibly Good intrigues me - I'm so confused, what was the book even about?! I am with you though, body shaming makes me so angry. I will be adding that one to my DO NOT READ list ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're okay after getting into an accident! It's so exciting that your cruise is coming up, that will be the perfect time to relax and do even more reading :) I've been the opposite and trying to read more classics and things like that, but I really need to have some "beach" reads this summer too.
ReplyDeleteWow! Again, except for the Billionaire book (which I'm trying to forget), I haven't read most of these but have quite a few to add to my Goodreads list. Have fun on the cruise!
ReplyDeleteWhile I always enjoy romance I have been drawn to lighter reads the last few months. Glad you're both okay!
ReplyDeleteRumour Has It and Batter Up both seem like books I'd enjoy reading. I'm just now starting Gone Girl. I know most everyone else has read it but I'm just now getting in to it. I definitely enjoyed the movie so I'm excited to see how the book pans out.
ReplyDeleteOoh I just added a couple of these to my list! Have you read A Man Named Ove? I just finished it and LOVED it!!!
ReplyDeleteOoh I just added a couple of these to my list! Have you read A Man Called Ove? I just finished it and LOVED it!!!
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of any of these! Oh man, that skinny-shaming book makes me mad and I haven't even read it. You know I totally agree with you there—it's not okay to body shame anyone, of any size, at any time, for any reason. Gross.
ReplyDeleteAlright super late to this, but just catching up after my holiday and omg you were in a car crash?! I really hope you and KC are ok. I mean I know you made it on your cruise but those things can seriously shake you up! Hope you're getting in some quality reading + cocktails time on the cruise :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy you loved Just One Day!!! And I'm starting One True Loves today so I'm glad to see you enjoyed that! I love her books so much!
ReplyDeleteAlso, got around to checking out your blog (bc I am the worst) and I LOVE it! Literally just added it to my feedly now! :)
Looks like you're more than back on track with your reading! Saving this for once I'm able to get through what's currently sitting on my shelf!
ReplyDelete