January Check In: What Have You Been Reading?

We are almost a month into the new year and I've been steadily reading through my books. How's it going in your corner of the world? Have you come across anything that's completely wow'ed you? Or have you unfortunately encountered a dud or two? I've read everything from a 5-star read down to barely a 3-star read. I thought it would be a good time to check in and share with you all what I've been reading and what I thought about those books.

Famous in a Small Town by Emma Mills was the first full length novel I read in 2019 and I REALLY enjoyed it! This was my first Emma Mills book to read and definitely won't be my last. There is a soft poetic sense of familiarity as I read this YA novel, the kind I'd been missing and didn't even realize it. The strong friendships in this novel and how those friendships evolve and change as we grow older, really stood out to me. I love stories being told through the teenage eye, right on the cusp of their futures, deciding which path to take and how those decisions can change so much of your life ahead. I highly recommend this novel for fans of strong contemporary YA that definitely delivers with all the feels.

The Bride Test by Helen Hoang was one of my most anticipated reads of 2019. I cannot properly explain my joy and excitement when this galley showed up in my mailbox (thank you Berkley Romance team!!!). If you're a fan of her debut novel The Kiss Quotient from last year, then get ready, because here comes another book to fall in love with all over again. It's hard to really compare the two because they are very different, at least for me. Hoang truly shines with this sophomore novel, taking adult romance to such a heightened level of emotional growth and stability. There is a deeper story written here, one that is very close to Hoang's personal life, and as the reader you can definitely feel it through the pages. Dare I say I love this novel even more??

I decided to try something new this year, to help broaden my romance books that I read. Over on my instgram (@GReadsBooks), I asked my followers to recommend a romance to me. I decided each month to read a new-to-me romance recommended by you all. It is a great way to discover new books and authors I have never heard of, and/or finally sit down and read those romance books people keep gushing about, yet I never found time to read them. I plan to read one or two from this list each month. If you have a favorite romance you'd like to recommend to me, please do so in the comments below and I'll be sure to add it to my list.

The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker was one of the first books I decided to read after I initiated my "Recommend a Romance" feature on Instagram. To be honest, I was blown away by how many people told me it was either their favorite read of 2018, or their most recommended book for others to read. So naturally I went into it with very high expectations. That might have been part of the problem. Unfortunately, this novel did not wow me like it has for so many others. Immediately I was not a fan of the main character. I struggled to connect with her, and that made my struggle to connect with the story as a whole even more difficult. I found myself putting the book down and not excited to be picking it back up. The romance itself did not spark the chemistry I had hoped for, either. I'm glad I gave this one a try though.

I Knew You were Trouble by Lauren Layne was just the palette cleanser I needed! She has become a contemporary romance author that I know I can count on. All of her books that I've read so far have been sexy, flirty, and just enough emotional depth to keep me tied to the story. I've been slowly making my way through her backlist titles and that's why I picked this one up. This NYC advertising agency is packed full of sexy tension and irresistible charm. Each book in the Oxford series has definitely entertained me. I am also a super fan of her latest series, 21 Wall Street, and have preordered the next book in that series which is due out in February. Her writing style reminds me of old school Christina Lauren (I'm looking at you, Wild Seasons series) & I can never get enough of that!

Overnight Sensation by Sarina Bowen is currently on my kindle app. As you're reading this blog post, I'll probably be finished with it. I came into this series late, starting with book four (Brooklynaire) which I devoured last year and loved. So when book five came out, I immediately wanted to jump back in to this professional hockey adult romance world. These books are the perfect antidote when you're looking for an escape from reality. The sexy banter is great and the steamy scenes are, well, STEAMY! I don't know much about hockey, but when I read these books, I feel like the Brooklyn Bruisers number one fan! Ha! I definitely recommend this series and hope to go back and read them from the beginning.



These are the books I've been reading this month (with the exception of a few short stories, and others not pictured). I'm planning to make a stop at the bookstore on Tuesday to buy my copy of 99 Percent Mine by Sally Thorne, another 2019 release I am highly anticipating. I have a gift card to spend, so I think I'll also pick up Becoming by Michelle Obama since it's been on my wish list for quite some time. What books have you read? What are you planning to read next? Let's keep the book chat going in the comments!

What Did You Read This Month? || January Edition

In which I share the books I read (or attempted to read) this month + other bookish ramblings...

The Last Boy and Girl in the World by Siobhan Vivian [review coming soon! 5 stars!]

Heart-Shaped Hack by Tracey Garvis-Graves [read my review]

The Score by Elle Kennedy [no review -- 2 stars]

Wicked Sexy Liar by Christina Lauren [read my reivew -- LOVED!]

I finished four books in January, two of which I gave 5-stars to (really, really loved)... while the other two didn't quite do it for me.  The definite stand out this month for me was WICKED SEXY LIAR.  If you know me, then you're already aware of my love for this series by Christina Lauren.  I was super excited to receive a copy early from the publisher and immediately dove in to it.  There's just something so addicting about their writing, and these characters, that hits me right in the spot.  I can't get enough -- and I refuse to believe this is the end to that series. I want more!!!

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The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner [still reading]

Suffer Love by Ashley Herring Blake [still reading]

Right now I am currently in the middle of reading these two books.  Both are holding my interest and I hope to finish in the next week or so.  THE SERPENT KING came highly recommended, with a lot of glowing reviews.  The expectations were set high, and they are definitely delivering so far.  But it's the type of story I have to let digest a bit as I read, and that's probably why I am taking my time with it.  SUFFER LOVE is hitting me in my "love for contemporary YA" spot.  It reminds me a bit of Jessi Kirby's writing, mixed in with Heather Demetrios -- which is a definite win for me!  Stay tuned for my final thoughts on these two books.

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Earlier this month I went to Boston for ALA-Midwinter.  It was such an awesome experience!!  I had the best time finally meeting a lot of my bookish friends face to face.  We spent two days surrounded by books and endless laughs... what could be better?!  Below are the books I picked up, as well as a "blustery" cold pic of Jess and me as we explored the historic city of Boston, and the infamous lobster roll I devoured!

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I can never stick to a reading scheduled, so it's hard for me to say what I'll definitely be reading in February.  I do know that a highly anticipated pre-order of SUMMER SKIN by Kirsty Eagar will be making its way to me all the way from Australia.  As soon as that book arrives in my hands, you bet I'll be stopping everything to start it!  Be sure to check my instagram feed for the latest on what I am reading.

Contemporary Romance Reading Challenge || January: Ten Most Anticipated Romances For First Half of 2016

When I first heard about the Contemporary Romance Reading Challenge, I knew this was something I could (& should!) definitely sign up for.  Not only is it being hosted by two of my friends (Jess at Gone with the Words & Danielle at Love at First Page), it's also a great way to connect with other romance readers to gain more reading recommendations.  This girl can never read too many romances!

I'll be sharing my book reviews, as I always do, on the romances I read, but also linking them up for the reading challenge over at Jess & Danielle's blogs.  Along with the reviews, each month there will be a topic to discuss and share.  Below you'll find January's topic.  I hope to share some romance reads with you all, and discover some new ones myself.

1. Summer Skin by Kirsty Eagar

2. Wicked Sexy Liar by Christina Lauren

3. In Real Life by Jessica Love

4. The Last Boy and Girl in the World by Siobhan Vivian

5. The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson

6. Suffer Love by Ashley Herring Blake

7. Even if the Sky Falls by Mia Garcia

8. Summer of Supernovas by Darcy Woods

9. Summer Days and Summer Nights edited by Stephanie Perkins

10. Summer in the Invisible City by Juliana Romano

2015 Reading Challenge Roundup: Part One

Since the year is coming to a close in just a month, I thought I'd share a feature on my blog that highlights the books I've read toward my reading challenge goal through goodreads.  It's so easy to get caught up in my forever growing to-be-read pile and what's on tap next, that sometimes I lose sight of the books that I did finish and how I felt about them.  Let me know in the comments if you've read any of these, or are planning to.  I've also provided links to reviews if you want a more detailed look at my thoughts on each book.

For this week, I have selected the first five books I read at the beginning of the year.  Oh my, I'd forgotten about a few of these...

THINGS WE KNOW BY HEART by Jessi Kirby
Read my review || Add to goodreads

This was one of my most anticipated reads for 2015.  It not only met my expectations, but it far surpassed them.  Jessi Kirby is a favorite YA contemporary writer of mine, one I feel deserves way more attention.  Her stories weave such beautiful, emotional paths.  This particular novel does not shy away from reaching those feelings, either.  Things We Know By Heart was the best place to begin my reading challenge for 2015.

ALL LINED UP || ALL BROKE DOWN
by Cora Carmack
Read my review || Add to goodreads

I had almost given up on the New Adult territory, thinking I just didn't like the stories this genre had to offer.  But then I decided to give it another shot, beginning with Cora Carmack's Rusk University series.  The first book was not my favorite, but by the second book, I was definitely addicted.  It's safe to say this opened my mind up to a lot more NAs I probably would not have given a chance to otherwise, and I am so glad I did.

BLUE-EYED DEVIL by Lisa Kleypas
Read my review || Add to goodreads

Sometimes you need to pick up a past love and re-read it.  That's exactly what I did with Blue-Eyed Devil.  It's one of my most favorite adult contemporary novels and I was lusting after a re-read.  So glad I finally did it.  I might need to make this an annual re-read and begin 2016 with another go.  I do love me some Hardy Cates.

THE TRAGIC AGE by Stephen Metcalfe
Read my review || Add to goodreads

I remember enjoying this novel as I was reading it, but sadly it became forgotten once I moved on.  To be honest, I had to re-read my review to even remember what it was about.  In the moment, I was pleased with its story, I do remember that, but unfortunately it didn't have a lasting impression on me.

ISN'T SHE LOVELY by Lauren Layne
Read my review || Add to goodreads

As I'm formatting this post, I realize I never wrote a review for this e-novella.  Which I was hoping to find in order to jog my memory on how I felt on this one.  I gave it three stars, so I am thinking I found it to be an "okay" read for me -- satisfying enough to finish, but didn't hold a very lasting impact.  Sadly, I wish I could remember more.

Stay tuned for Part Two of my 2015 Reading Challenge Roundup to find out more on the books I've read this year and how I feel about them now.