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My Favourite Books That I Read In January 2018

Feb 10, 2018

I managed to read 21 books last month and that’s pretty normal for January for me. It’s the month I’m not crazy busy with work, I’m still off from uni and I’m just taking a good break. I’ve noticed over the last couple of years that I read a whole heap of books in the first 2 months and then I slow down.

So today I thought would share some of my favourite books that I read in January this year. It’s been an up and down month for me. There were some that I loved and some that weren’t for me. I have yet to read a full 5-star book this year – which is a little disappointing, but some have come close.

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black: I really loved The Cruel Prince. It’s addicting, dark and messes with your emotions. It’s a world of court intrigue and the conflict between fae and humans. It explores the notion of being human and the emotions that come with it. It’s fast-paced with many twists and turns that throw you off. The Cruel Prince has set up a fantastic new series for Holly Black. This has to be one my favourite reads in January. Check out my full review.

Obsidian (Lux #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout: This was a re-read in January. I read it a couple of years ago, but then I heard that there was going to be a spin-off series, I knew I had to do a re-read. And it was so worth it. I love the character, the romance, the plot. It’s addicting and pulls me right in from the start. It’s aliens with a twist.

Say You’ll Remember Me by Katie McGarry: Say You’ll Remember Me by Katie McGarry is intense and takes you on a journey. It’s heartbreaking and uplifting. It explores family, social standards and second chances. With classic Katie McGarry romance Say You’ll Remember Me is an exploration of teen love and it’s ups and downs. You can check out my full review as well.

And there we go! It’s not a big batch especially with how many I read, but most of my reads from January were 3.5 Stars. Which in reality isn’t horrible.

21 of My Favourite Books | Discussion

Nov 23, 2017

I’ve been reading since I can remember growing up with Dr. Suess, Mem Fox, and Andy Griffiths. And then I slowly started moving to Harry Potter and choose your own adventure. When I was 12 I found young adult literature and fell in love. And recently I’ve started reading more new adult and adult romance. It’s been a reading journey and I’ve loved every step. It’s had it’s up’s and downs. There are times where I could read a book a month and others where I could read 15.

So to celebrate my 21st birthday – on the 18th of November- I thought I would share 21 of my favourite books of all time. Like always these are in no order; because hell that would be hard. Also, I may have cheated and grouped some series together (don’t hate me!)

Harry Potter Series by J.K Rowling: There would be no surprise that this series ends up on my list. I’ve thought about it a long time and I really can’t pick my favourite book. However, I am currently re-reading them through audio books so it might just chance soon.
Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead: I don’t think I need to talk about this series much either. It’s one of the series that started my love for the supernatural and it will always be up there.
The Conqueror’s Saga by Kiersten White: I am loving this series so far. It’s captivating and dropped you into a vivid and brutal world that you might not want to get out off. Check my review of And I Darken and Now I Rise.
Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry: One of the favourite contemporary books. I love the world that Katie McGarry has created. Which characters that are complex and interesting.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas: It’s heartbreaking, poignant and so so true. It’s a book that everyone should read, and understand. The Hate U Give explores family, friendship and what is right. I wanted to cry, scream and hurt. Don’t forget to check out my review.
Every Breath by Ellie Marney: I can’t get enough of these characters and world that Ellie Marney has created. These books are intense, addicting, and the characters grab me from the start. It’s also #LoveOzYA.
Him by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy: I’ve talked about this series before, but I simply adore the romance in US and Him. It’s heartbreaking, heartwarming and was one of the first m/m romance books that I read.
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare: I adore The Infernal Devices series so much! It’s set in a time where women weren’t a big role in society – but Clare tries to break that. The characters are amazing, the romance – holy. And just I cannot wait to see more.
Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare: This has to be my favourite Cassandra Clare book and that’s saying something. brings the magic of the shadow world into a new light, in a gripping first novel of a new series, Lady Midnight is dark, fun and full of ups and down, it is going to rip your heart apart. My review delves deeper into why I love to so much.
Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare: Okay, this one also made my list. But come on? Are you even surprised? I love this series way too much. It’s about standing up for what you believe in, being there for the ones that you love.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelly: The only classic on my list, but I had to mention it. I had to read this for English class in year 9 and every since then, I’ve tried to collect as many versions as I can. Seriously nearly every time I go to an op shop, I pick one up. It’s a brilliant gothic novel that I just love.
Magnus Chase and Gods of Asgard by Rick Riordan: This series just breaks my heart is such a good read. This series takes you on a journey of laughs, heartache, and fun. Rick Riordan doesn’t fail in his newest novel that any new and old fan will love. Series Review: The Sword of Summer, The Hammer of Thor, The Ship of the Dead.
Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan: This was one of the first series based on Greek Mythology that I read. I love mythology and to be able to read it in such an interesting why – yes, please. I really wish there were more books based on myths like this. This also have to one of my favourite middle grade series – ever.
Queens of Geek by Jen Wilde: Explores the notion of friendship and relationships. It’s about falling in love and letting yourself love. It’s about stepping out of that bubble and letting yourself be free. With beautiful friendships and romance, this book is one for everyone. Check out my full review for more.
The Girl From Everywhere by Heidi Heilig: Is about friendship, family, and love. It’s about what would you do for those that mean so much to you, and that sometimes you have to give up one thing for another. This duo is addicting and pulled me right in. Check out my reviews for book 1 and book 2.
A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab: It’s magical, entertaining and takes you on an adventure. I have no idea why I waited so long to pick this series up. The characters are intriguing, the world is fabulous and the writing keeps you in from the first chapter.
Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennet: From the first chapter, I was invested with the characters and I wanted to know their stories. I wanted them to fall in love, and make friendships. Alex, Approximately explores the notions of love, family and finding yourself. Full Review.
Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor: It explores the notion of family, friendship and finding out who you are. With a world that is built with layer upon layer, you will be begging to find out more. With its beautiful writing and characters that will take you by storm, it’s an adventure you want to be on. Strange the Dreamer is poignant, heart-stopping and you will not be able to put it down. Check out my review for more.
Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys: Beautiful, captivating, extraordinary. Salt to the Sea is a gorgeous novel that brings to light a catastrophe that seems to be forgotten. With stunning writing and intriguing characters, Ruta Sepetys brings a novel that tells a story that everyone needs to read. However if you want to read this, be prepared to cry.
The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski: An outstanding fantasy with relatable characters, beautiful romance, flawless world building and an enthralling storyline. Rutkoski started this trilogy with a mighty bang and it didn’t stop there.
Eyes Turned Skyward by Rebecca Yarros: One of the first romance books that I read, this book makes a punch. It’s emotional, hard-hitting, but also so beautiful. I love the romance and the hardship that these boys and their girls have to go through.

And that is it! Wow. That was tough. I probably missed so many other books that I have fallen in love with. What are some of your favourite books? Nevertheless, do we share any that is the same? Let’s Chat!

Reading More Romance Books | Discussion

Nov 16, 2017

I’ve always been a young adult book kind of girl. It’s what I have been reading since I was at least 12-years-old. And in reality, I thought I wouldn’t ever read anything else. But, over the last year or so I’ve been reading more and more new adult and adult romance – and I love it.

As I’ve been in the blogging and online community for nearly 7 years now – I’ve seen a lot of discussions about romance books, especially from the YA community. And most of the time it wasn’t great. It didn’t paint new adult and adult romance books with a great eye, and it put me off. I felt that it wasn’t good to read them, that if you love YA, that you should not read romance. Obviously, that is a really stupid way of thinking and don’t know exactly where it came from. And it wasn’t until the middle of last year that I started to let those worries go, that I fell in love with romance books and now I don’t want to put them down.

Now romance books for me are a great way to just let myself go for a while and not worry about anything else. And because a lot of the time they are contemporary, I don’t need to worry about world building or new languages. I just fall into the book without a care in the world.

There are many misconceptions about romance books that I feel the prey of for many years. And I still think that there are many other readers that feel the same way.

It’s not all about the sex

I think this was my main misconception about romance books. It’s one of the first things that I thought it was about. Sex, Sex and more Sex. Maybe it’s because some of the biggest romance books that are highlighted in the media did include that. Fifty Shades of Grey and Mills and Boon books were what immediately came to my mind.

But in reality, it isn’t like that at all. Of course, there are the romances that do sway more to the erotic fiction side – and that is totally okay. They aren’t for me, but I don’t give a crap if you do read them. But then you can also get series like Laura Kaye’s Hard Ink and Raven Riders, where some are sexier than others. It’s not just the story, but different characters like people behaviour different. Check out my reviews of Ride Hard, Ride Rough and Ride Wild.

There are many romance books that have maybe 1 or 2 sex scenes and that’s it. Some of them aren’t even that graphic. Some romance books don’t even have sex scenes. So to say that romance books = sex. Is such a major misconception, that I know I fell for and hope others now, don’t feel the same way.

Romance books have substance

Along the same lines that romance books = sex. There is also the impression that there is no substance to romance novels, that it’s all about the romance and sex. And nothing else. But do you know how many romance books have made me bawl my eyes out?

Okay yes, I am a cry baby. But there is something about romance books that make me more emotional. I have learnt so much from them. About sports, the army, health. Romance authors do there research just as much as anyone. If you want some Ice Hockey romance recommendations, check out a post I did a couple of months ago.

The Flight & Glory series by Rebecca Yarros has taught me so much about the army life in the US. If you didn’t know I’m a massive fan of fighter jets and army plans so getting to see these in books was so cool.

And while many romance books explore relationships, they also explore life. It’s not all sunshine and daisies. It’s grief, hurt and finding love. And that is what I really love about romance books – that I can feel so many emotions in 300 pages.

It’s good writing

Another aspect of romance books that I’ve been around is that the writing is bad. Just because these books focus more on romance doesn’t mean it’s shit writing. Obvious there are many that aren’t great writing wise – but that is with every readership and genre. It’s isn’t just romance books.

Over the last year, I’ve probably read 40 or so romance books. I’ve had ones that I loved and ones that aren’t that great. But that is like everything else. You don’t know what you are getting into until you pick up and read.

Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy have become two of my favourite romance authors. I love their writing and while there are clique storylines. I still have so much fun reading them. From Ice Hockey to ex-army. They are so much fun. And you know what bets these two authors on their own? When they collab, the Him and Wags series are some of my favourite romance books. That deals with different aspects of life on many different levels.

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There are a couple of people that I need to mention quickly that really changed my outlook on romance novels. Firstly, Danielle Binks – she loves YA just as much as any of us do, but she also loves romance. Danielle was one of the first people that I saw that read both young adult and romance books – and I loved it.

I can’t write a post about romance books without mentioning Tash. I’ve known her for many years, we started blogging at similar times and have become great friends. I use to read her romance reviews and think ‘I need to read this book’. Now we talk for ages about romance books, I am also getting recs from her – and it’s great.

Overall, if you want to read young adult and romance books then do it! Don’t be scared or worried about being judged. Read what you want to read, don’t let others dictate what you can’t. Or convince you that reading romance is bad. Because people I love romance books now. I won’t get enough of them, I will continue to read them – and there are so many interesting ones coming out soon.

Do you read romance books? How much do you love them? What are some of your favourites? Have you been pushed away from reading new adult and adult romance? Let’s Chat!