New Series I Love (AKA Big Regrets Before the First Week of Senior Year): A Darker Shade of Magic, The Raven Boys, Nevernight

Hey, guys!

This past week, I finished some really fantastic fantasy novels...all of them are the beginnings of a trilogy or quartet. They've all been on my TBR for a year + and I just didn't think through what I would do if I loved them. 

What are your bookish regrets?

I regret waiting to read these books (but I'm also really happy that I read them at the time that I did).

I also regret starting these books right before my senior year of college started. 


I'm sure you've noticed that I've sucked at posting frequently. Yes, I'm a failure...BUT!!! It's fine because I've done my best (or have I?). 

I've managed to start some really fantastic series, so here are my first impressions!

NEVERNIGHT BY JAY KRISTOFF (NEVERNIGHT TRILOGY #1)

Page Count: 448

Published On: July 5, 2016

Published By: HarperVoyager

Genre(s): Fantasy, Adult

Source: paperback - personally purchased
Where To Find It: Amazon // Book Depository

My Rating: 4.9 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

Destined to destroy empires, Mia Covere is only ten years old when she is given her first lesson in death.

Six years later, the child raised in shadows takes her first steps towards keeping the promise she made on the day that she lost everything.

But the chance to strike against such powerful enemies will be fleeting, so if she is to have her revenge, Mia must become a weapon without equal. She must prove herself against the deadliest of friends and enemies, and survive the tutelage of murderers, liars, and demons at the heart of a murder cult.

The Red Church is no Hogwarts, but Mia is no ordinary student.

The shadows love her. And they drink her fear.

~~~

trigger warnings for violence, murder, gore, slavery, child abuse, and intense subjects

This was a slow start, but once I got into this book I was HOOKED!

Nevernight follows sixteen-year-old Mia Corvere. Mia is on a mission to join the Red Church -- a religious, assassin cult/religion that worships the goddess of death and murder -- to learn their murderous ways to get revenge on the people that killed her family. Throughout the story, Mia also learns more and more about her power over the shadows. 

This book and the series seems to be fairly polarizing. You either love it or you hate it. I, for one, really loved it. The main character, Mia, is so morally grey and fascinating. 

Jay Kristoff is quickly becoming a new favorite author. Not only is he a really rad personality on his social media profiles, but he also has a fantastic writing style that I couldn't get enough of. The book has such a beautiful, dark, creepy vibe that I honestly needed in my life. This book was honestly so different from the fantasy novels that I've read before. The fact that the characters were so different and diverse, they're so sex-positive, and 

Mia's character is so wonderful and I loved to yell at her as I read. I loved how vocal she is about the things she struggles with, I love her journey to becoming a badass assassin, and her journey to get revenge on her enemies. She's just a really cool character and I cannot wait to see what she does in Godsgrave and Darkdawn. It will be a privilege to see her die (Not a spoiler. It's on the first page of NN).

~~~

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab (A Darker Shade of Magic #1)

Page Count: 400

Published On: February 24, 2015

Published By: Tor Books

Genre(s): Fantasy, Adult

Source: paperback - personally purchased
Where To Find It: Amazon // Book Depository

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

Kell is one of the last Antari—magicians with a rare, coveted ability to travel between parallel Londons; Red, Grey, White, and, once upon a time, Black.

Kell was raised in Arnes—Red London—and officially serves the Maresh Empire as an ambassador, traveling between the frequent bloody regime changes in White London and the court of George III in the dullest of Londons, the one without any magic left to see.

Unofficially, Kell is a smuggler, servicing people willing to pay for even the smallest glimpses of a world they'll never see. It's a defiant hobby with dangerous consequences, which Kell is now seeing firsthand.

After an exchange goes awry, Kell escapes to Grey London and runs into Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She first robs him, then saves him from a deadly enemy, and finally forces Kell to spirit her to another world for a proper adventure.

Now perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, they'll first need to stay alive.

~~~

trigger warning for self-harm (The Antari magic system is based around blood magic. The person will cut themselves to make portals and call upon their magic.)

By the recommendation of so many book bloggers, bookstagrammers, book lovers, and readers --- I finally picked up this book. I originally picked this up some time last summer, but I really wasn't in the mood for it. To be honest, I think I've just been in a looong contemporary/romance mood for the past year. 

When I first read this book, I read the first 25% and I really liked it... I just wasn't in the mood. Picking this back up and starting over, I adored this book. It's a bit slower compared to the contemporary/romance books that I've been picking up (obviously), but that wasn't an issue. It was such a pleasure to dive into this world and get to know the characters and learn more and more about the magic that connects the four Londons. 

Kell was such a fun character, but Lila, Holland, and Rhy were such wonderful characters too. I cannot wait to learn more about them in A Gathering of Shadows & A Conjuring of Light. 

While reading this book, you will be constantly infuriated and yelling at the characters. I loved every moment of this reading experience.

I definitely will be continuing this series and I absolutely recommend it.

~~

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater (The Raven Boys #1)

Page Count: 409

Published On: September 18, 2012

Published By: Scholastic Press

Genre(s): Fantasy, Adult

Source: paperback - personally purchased
Where To Find It: Amazon // Book Depository

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

“There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said. “Either you’re his true love . . . or you killed him.”

It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive.

Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them —not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.

His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.

But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little.

For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore

~~~

trigger/content warning for physical abuse, PTSD, depression

Picking this up was a really random decision. I saw that Lala from BooksAndLala on YouTube was hosting a month-long readathon for the whole series, the books quickly became another batch of books on my radar. Granted, they've been on my radar for a hot minute, but not on my immediate TBR. I decided to listen to The Raven Boys via audio since I didn't like the book when I first read it. (I didn't read all of it... I DNF'd it.) However, I tried to read TRB right after I finished A Court of Mist & Fury (aka my #1 book of all time). It just wasn't the right time and it wasn't giving the book a fair shot. 

I'm really glad that I gave this book a second chance. It's been a hot minute since I enjoyed a paranormal fantasy book, and this really took the cake. I don't think I've read a book this beautifully atmospheric, mysterious, and sarcastic. It's so dark, so engaging, and so addicting. 

Back in the day (middle school/early high school), I read Stiefvater's Shiver series -- werewolves? Yes, please! --hand really enjoyed them. I've never really read any of her other work, but now I'm really eager to. Her writing is so clever, so nicely layered, and her characters are morally grey, snarky, and fun. 

I think that my favorite parts of this book are the witchy, spooky vibes, the amazing cast of characters, the layered magical system, and the snark. 

I cannot wait to read more. 

~~~

Overall, I'm not sorry that I read these books. They're fantastic, addicting, atmospheric, and I couldn't put them down. I cannot wait to continue the series and consume more from these authors. New favorites? Probably! Stay tuned for my "19 Favorite Books from 2019" blog post coming in December!

What are some of your favorite atmospheric fantasy reads? Let's chat in the comments!

Happy reading!

Olivia

~ Liv the Book Nerd ~

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{Review: Series Reread}: The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

Hey, guys!

I had already decided that for 2019 I would splurge and reread more books -- especially my favorite series. The past six months have been really rough. I have to be honest. Going back to some of my favorite series has been so therapeutic. Visiting The Lunar Chronicles, especially, has been like visiting a good friend. I absolutely adore this series. It has one of the best cast of characters and being with them again is so nice. 

Here are my thoughts when it comes to rereading the series!

First things first, I decided to pick these up via audio and I definitely do not regret it. I love these audiobooks! Sometimes I'll be a little iffy about the audio and pick the book up physically, but I've only picked up the physical books to see if I've hit the halfway mark and check out name spellings.

Cinder (#1)

This is the third time that I have read Cinder. Back when it first came out in 2012, I quickly picked it up from the library and loved it. I gave it five stars. Three years later, in 2015, I picked it up again and gave it 5 stars. This year is no different and I gave it 5 stars. I originally picked the audiobook up on a whim and I definitely do not regret it. I absolutely adore every part of this book. Marissa Meyer's method of creating characters is so much fun and I love how she develops them throughout the book. She's such a fantastic storyteller. You can just tell that she put so much work into the world building and the character building. She's so wonderful. 

Scarlet (#2)

I've also read this 3 times:

March 2013: 5 stars

February 2015: 4 stars

May 2019: 4 stars

I honestly do not remember rereading this book in 2015 and giving it 4 stars. I vaguely remember rereading the series to continue the series, but I don't remember docking the book a star. 2015-me had the right idea, however. Scarlet did not stand the test of time. The characters, Scarlet and Wolf, were just not as compelling as Kai and Cinder. They were dynamic and really well fleshed out, but their behaviors are just kind of annoying sometimes. 

Scarlet has this persona that she's really tough and brave, but she was just constantly screaming, sulking, and crying. Granted, she goes through a lot of crap that no one should have to go through, but sometimes it was just so repetitively tragic. I wish she had been more complex than what she portrayed. Also, the voice that the audiobook narrator gave her is annoying as hell. Fake French accents just grate on my nerves. It wasn't fun. 

Wolf, however, I understand. I think I enjoy him more than I have in the past. I think this reread really cemented the demented-ness of the mutation experiments that occurred on Luna. It's really messed up! I don't think it had fully sunk in how terrible Luna's actions were until now. Let's chalk that up to the lack of development and understanding in 15/17-year-old Olivia. 

Also! Carswell Thorn is amazing and I adore him. He's so flawed, but I can't help but root for him. He's just so fun.

Cress (#3)

2016: 5 stars

{Original 2016 Review}

2019: 4.8 stars

Cress never disappoints. I absolutely adore the character Cress and I especially love the interactions between Cress and Thorn. I love their romance and I love how they help each other grow as people. They're precious beans and need to be protected. 

I loved how there were so many perspectives throughout the book. It really added the extra depth and dark vibes that the series is so well known for. Each character goes through so much, but they always grow into themselves and learn from their mistakes. I love these characters.

Wolf and Jacin really annoyed me in this addition, however. Wolf was being a mopey asshole and was putting the team in jeopardy. He just wasn't acting like himself and it was annoying. Jacin is just a grump, but I appreciate that he doesn't change himself for others. He's a bit dense, but he's fun.

This book is so action packed and fast paced. I really didn't want to stop listening to it. There's a reason that it's one of my favorites of the series. (However, we will see which one is my new favorite after I finish the series.)

Fairest (#3.5)

This was actually my first read of Fairest! 

4.5 stars

Back when this first came out, lots of people were telling me to just skip it because it didn't really add to the story....WHAT WERE THEY THINKING? I love it when authors include additions that develop other characters -- especially the villains! This was so good! 

This didn't make me sympathize with Levana's cause, but I definitely understand her more now. I hate that she had to go through what she did, but she could have done something to make her life better and make the lives of others better because of what she experienced. Instead, she consistently made terrible choices, didn't learn from them, and then made even worse choices. 

She's so self-centered and self-absorbed. She's a narcissistic asshole and she's straight up evil. Her character is so frustrating and it just made me feel sad for her because she didn't want to change and she didn't want to make an effort to be kind. 

She's evil. 

You definitely should read this if you're going to read the series.  

Winter (#4)

2016: 5 stars

2019: 4. stars

{Original 2016 Review}

This was the longest audiobook that I've ever read, but it was also so freaking fun. By the end of it, I was making the most ungodly noises as things were happening and I managed to wake up my dog as he sat in my lap while I listened. This book was just a fantastic roller coaster of emotion and character development. I am so freaking happy that I reread this series. 

Of all of the Lunar Chronicles books that I've read, this was the book that I had read only one time. Because of that, I hardly remembered it. This was as close to first-read do-over that I could get and I'm so glad. 

I love these characters and I love how the series ended. I'm eager to see what I think of Stars Above.

*written as soon as I finished this book June 25*

 Stars Above (#0.5, 0.6, 3.1, 4.5)

Rating: 4 stars

The Little Android: This was so sweet. I was quite confused at first because I thought it was an Iko story, but I really love how Meyer tied in the story of the Little Mermaid. It was tragic, but still hopeful and heartwarming. I really liked how we got to get a glimpse into the world of the Lunar Chronicles before Cinder was even introduced. 

Glitches: Oh my goodness. This was so sad, but so cute. I loved seeing how Cinder's life began after the surgeries. It was so fascinating to see the family dynamic of the Linh family before the plague struck.

The Queen's Army: Wow. This was one of my favorites. It was so fascinating to see who Wolf was before his transformation and after he was transformed. It's sick how Levana treated her people. This was just so good.

Carswell's Guide to Being Lucky: Oh my goodness. This was really fun too. It's so interesting to get the chance to see such a pivotal moment in Captain's life. I love him still.

The Keeper: Scarlet is probably one of my least favorite characters, but reading this novella gives me a new perspective to why she is like she is. I like her a little more, but I still don't like her as much as I like the other characters. 

After Sunshine Passes By: Oh. My. Gosh. I love Cress. A precious bean who doesn't deserve any bad in her life. A literal sunshine.

The Princess and the Guard: Winter is such a strong character, but she's so misunderstood by the end of the book. Winter goes through so much, but she still remains so wholesome and good. She deserves the world.  It was also really nice to see Jacin before he became the hard guard- dude that he is. I loved his interactions and adoration for Winter. A wholesome duo. 

The Mechanic: This was honestly probably my least favorite of the novellas. I understand why so many enjoy this novella - Kai is beautiful and lovely and deserves the world - but I wish that this had been a retelling from his perspective and a different scene. It just didn't feel so different from the actual scene. 

Something Old, Something New: This was my favorite by far. AAAAH it almost made me cry. I am so happy with this ending. I wish that there was another wedding novella to follow this one, but I'm so happy with this novella! I want more!

Favorite of the series: Cinder or Winter
Favorite romantic pairing: either Cress and Thorne or Cinder and Kai
Favorite character: Cinder or Cress
Favorite non-romantic relationship: Thorne and Iko

What's your favorite of the series? Let's discuss in the comments!

Happy reading!
Olivia
~ Liv the Book Nerd ~

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June 2019 Reading Wrap Up + Mini Reviews

Okay, guys!

I've read so many freaking books this month. It's honestly so bizarre that I've done so much reading the past two months. Perks of working part-time and having the summer off from school I suppose. I really really love the books that I read this month. It was just such a fun reading month. Let's jump into it! 

Reading Stats:

Total Number of Books/Things Read: 20

Number of Novellas:2 

Number of Rereads: 6

Number of Graphic Novels: 6

Adult: 3

YA: 9

Middle Grade: 5

DNFs: 1

Circe by Madeline Miller

4.75 stars 

read physically and through Audible

This was such a fantastic book. It's definitely going to be one of my favorites of the year. This is the sort of feminist novel that I didn't know that I needed. Circe is such a fascinating, strong, and powerful character. Her development throughout the book was so addicting to watch and I just love her so much. The focus on her growth, her story, and her power was just so fabulous. When she first had her child, the focus and narration surrounding her first two years of motherhood were just so spot on. I'm not a mother -- full disclosure. However, I'm the eldest sibling (kind of, my sister is 1 minute older -- so whatever), so I understand how hard being a mother is. When my mom first started working full time, I had to pick up the slack of helping with the kiddos. 

This book is just so phenomenal. Click {here} for my review!

Fangirl & Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

5 stars

read physically

Two of my all time favorites! These books are just automatic five stars. I was honestly so scared that I wouldn't enjoy these as much, but they absolutely lived up to the hype. 

I'll have a re-read review up soon!

Here are my original reviews!

{Fangirl}

{Carry On}

Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

4.9 stars

read physically

Another new favorite! Margaret Rogerson did not disappoint! This was so freaking magical and beautiful. I honestly want to reread it and tab it up. It was honestly just so phenomenal and well done. I love Margaret Rogerson's books so much!

Full review to come!

Made You Up by Francesca Zappia

4 stars

read physically

This was the only book that I managed to read for the Buzzword-A-Thon, but I'm really happy that I read it. Francesca Zappia is such a wonderful writer and I absolutely adore this story. The main character, Alex, struggles with schizophrenia and the hallucinations that result from her disorder. With her schizophrenia, Alex's perception causes her to be an unreliable narrator. I really loved that perspective. She's so scattered and confused and scared -- while I feel terrible that she has to deal with those experiences, it allows me to learn something new and empathize with her more easily. This book was so good. I cannot wait to read more from Zappia. 

Full review to come.

Click {here} for my review for Eliza and Her Monsters.

Courtney's review for Made You Up {click}

Saga #54 by Fiona Staples and Brian K. Vaughan

5 stars

read through Hoopla 

One day during the middle of the month, I decided that I wanted to torture myself and read the last bit of the Saga series because I missed the series. Instead, I made myself cry and I almost threw my phone across the room. This series is phenomenal and I cannot wait for more to come out. I need it.

Volume 1

Volume 2

Volume 3

Volumes 4-9 

Cress (The Lunar Chronicles #3) by Marissa Meyer

4.8 stars

read via audio through Hoopla 

Aaaaah! Cress is probably one of my favorite additions to the Lunar Chronicles series. Before I did this series reread, it was my favorite. I'll discuss more of that once my series review is up. 

Fairest (The Lunar Chronicles #3.5) by Marissa Meyer

4.5 stars

read via audio through Hoopla 

Of all of the Lunar Chronicles books, this was one that I hadn't read. I'm really glad that I read it though. It was awesome to get some back story on Levana, Winter, and Selene. It definitely added to the story and gave it an extra layer of depth. 

How To Read by Kwame Alexander and Melissa Sweet

 3 stars

e-ARC provided via publisher

This was such a lovely picture book. I loved the poetry and how the art contributed to the story that the poem told. This is going to be a favorite amongst the young children of the world. This is so great for kids.

{DNF} The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory

no rating

read physically

I just really could not get into this book. I didn't like the characters, the plot, the conflict. I just wasn't a fan at all. I DNF'd this around 145 pages in.

99 Percent Mine by Sally Thorne

3 stars

read physically 

This just wasn't it. I've been anticipating Sally Thorne's sophomore novel ever since I read The Hating Game. I even pre-ordered it. However, this story was just so bland and boring. I was semi-entertained for the majority of the time, but I hardly liked Darcy, Tom was just bleh, and their romance was just so forced and annoying. I liked the concept and the themes surrounding family, change, and sibling relationships -- but it just wasn't done well. This was just so scattered. I feel like the pressure was too intense for Thorne. This was kind of a flop.

Winter (The Lunar Chronicles #4) by Marissa Meyer

4.8

read via audio through Hoopla

Another Lunar Chronicles reread. This was so much fun to listen to. I loved being with these characters and seeing the story wrap up. Marissa Meyer is so wondeful.

Steven Universe and the Crystal Gems #1-4 by Josceline Fenton, Rebecca Sugar, and Chrystin Garland

4.5 stars

read digitally through Hoopla

I loved this little volume. Steven Universe is one of my favorite shows and reading these graphic novels brings me so much joy. 

Wundersmith the Trials of Morrigan Crowe (Nevermoor #2) by Jessica Townsend

4.8 stars

AAAAH THIS BOOK! I'm still recovering from the wonderfulness of this story. I cannot wait for book 3. I need it! I'll have more cohesive thoughts in a review. Stay tuned!

Memento by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman 

5 stars

This was perfect and everything I needed from an Illuminae Files and AIDEN back story. I cannot wait to get back to Obsideo.

Steven Universe: The Ultimate Dough Down by Talya Perpa, Rebecca Sugar, Meg Omac, and Lorena Alvarez Gomez

4.75 stars

read digitally through Hoopla

This was so cute. I love Steven Universe so much and this was just so wholesome and wonderful. I love the focus on Sadie's character and her feelings surrounding Lars' absence. 

Steven Universe: Camp Pining Play by Rebecca Sugar

5 stars

read digitally through Hoopla

This was so much fun. This volume focused on Peridot and Lapis and their relationship. I just need more wholesome stories about them. I love them so much.

Steven Universe and the Crystal Gems (#1-4) by Josceline Fenton, Rebecca Sugar, and Chrystin Garland

4 stars

read digitally through Hoopla

I'm such a massive fan of SU and this volume was just so wholesome and great. I honestly don't know what order to read these comics (thank you Goodreads). If you love the show, you'll love the comics.

The Tea Dragon Festival by Katie O'Neill

5 stars

e-ARC provided via NetGalley

This was such a lovely and perfect little story. I absolutely adore everything about this story, the art style, the plot, and the characters. The representation in this book was so freaking wonderful! Wonderfully done! I loved learning more and more about the world of dragons and tea dragons. I'm so in love with this world. I hardcore recommend this book to anyone who loves whimsical, lovely, soft stories. Everything by Katie O'Neill is perfect so far.

Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer

4.5 stars

More Than We Can Tell by Brigid Kemmerer

4.75 stars

Letters to the Lost was such a freaking fantastic contemporary romance. Declan and Juliet are such fascinating characters and I loved their love story and I couldn't put this book down. Kemmerer has a way of creating a cast of characters that you absolutely root for and hope for. This book was so addicting and I wish that I had more from these characters. I'm so freaking glad that Brigid wrote More Than We Can Tell. SO GOOD!

More Than We Can Tell is one of the best contemporaries I've read all year. I didn't think it could live up to the awesomeness that was Letters To the Lost, but oh my gosh it did. Rev is such a wonderful, complex, soft boy. His story was so compelling and I couldn't put it down. Emma was just wow. So realistic, so smart, so complex...I love her. As their stories intertwined, I just fell in love. I have so many feelings that aren't fully manageable. This book was so emotional and perfect. 

Go the Fuck to Sleep by Adam Mansbach (narrated by Samuel L. Jackson)

3 stars

the reading is 4 stars

read via audio through YouTube

Alex pulled this up on his phone on a quick little car ride and I was completely shook. The audiobook is narrated by Samuel L. Jackson and he just hit every line perfectly. This book is definitely not for kids, but it's a satirical play on the classic bed time stories that they love so much. This is a really fun book for parents and siblings of younger siblings.

What's your favorite book that you read in June?
Happy reading!
Olivia

~Liv the Book Nerd~

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{Mini-Reviews} Young Adult & New Adult Romance Novels!

Hey, guys!

For the past few months, I've been on such a romance kick --especially new adult and adult romance. I've just really enjoyed reading older protagonists. When it comes to new adult, I've really enjoyed reading romance stories about people in their twenties. Sometimes YA romance is just too young and cringy for my taste. Here are some of the lovely romance novels that I've read lately! 

Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren 

4.9 stars 

Roomies by Christina Lauren

4.8 stars

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

4.75 stars

If you've been following my recent reads, you'll know that I'm becoming trash for Christina Lauren's books. They're so engaging and addicting. I always love the characters, the story, the romance -- everything. Those ladies just have the best writing style and the best characters. I'm so glad that I've been reading their work. I cannot wait to read more from them. They're my romance crack books.

If you enjoy slow burn, hate to love, and fake relationships turned real, you'll really love these books. They use such bleh tropes, but really make them fantastic. I particularly enjoy all of them, so they just take all of my money.

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

5 stars

Another all-time favorite! Ugh! This book is just perfection! This is the perfect example of the hate-to-love trope. I can only praise this book because it's just so freaking wonderful. 

I definitely will be reading this again because I can't get it out of my head.

Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett

3 stars

I quite enjoyed this little contemporary, however, I really didn't enjoy the "talking on the internet, meeting irl, having crushes on each other, and allowing confusion to ensue because of the lack of communication" trope. I think that the confusion from that executed trope just added an extra element that wasn't needed. It would have been a much better fluffy romance without it. Overall, it was really cute and I liked the characters. The way that the author handled trauma, teen drug use, and safe and consensual sexual escapades was really nicely done. I love how sex-positive and healthy this romance was. It was also nice to read a hate-to-love romance that was written for teens. I'll definitely have to check out more of Jenn Bennett's work. 

One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid

4.8 stars

I loved this book! Taylor Jenkins Reid did not disappoint! I've read two of her works now and I'm just so freaking impressed with how wonderful they are. They're cheesy in the best way, but so original too. I didn't find myself guessing what would happen next and I really enjoyed the pacing. I also really loved the characters in this book. They were so realistic and so raw. Their emotions are so well done and I cannot believe that Reid did that...SHE DID THAT! I definitely recommend this book. I love it so much. 

Daisy Jones + The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

5 stars

Trigger/Content Warnings for: substance abuse/addiction and abortion

Guys! This book! It was so freaking wonderful. I absolutely love love love everything about this book. It's so iconic and memorable. I can't stop thinking about it, and it's almost been a full month and a half since I've finished it. The formatting of the story was so fascinating and the way that Reid connected each character's voice through their perspectives was so masterful. I do not think anyone could write a book like this again. Fantastic! I cannot wait to read more from Taylor Jenkins Reid and I cannot wait to get my hands on the audiobook and reread this book. I need to read it again.

Fight or Flight by Samantha Young

3.5-3.75 stars

Trigger/content warnings for: misogynistic comments about physical appearance, parental abuse, attempted sexual assault, abuse, domestic violence, cheating, talk of miscarriages and abortion, and slut shaming

I'm sort of on the fence when it comes to this book. It was fluffy, it was steamy, it was a bit mindless...but there are an equal amount of pros and cons to this story. I really enjoyed the enemies-to-lovers trope and the FWB aspect, but it was absolutely infuriating at times. I was so annoyed with these characters, but so completely invested in their story. I had to finish. This book could be read as questionable, but I did really enjoy it. 

Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal

4 stars

Last year, my boyfriend Alex and I went on a trip to Seattle where I got to present my academic work to a bunch of academic professionals. During our free time, we visited the Amazon Book Store and this was one of the books that we picked up. Alex read it right away and loved it. It took me a bit longer (who's surprised) and I also enjoyed it, though I read it via audiobook.

I really enjoyed the multicultural aspects of this story and I really loved the characters that developed throughout the story. The stories that the widows wrote were so hilarious and so steamy. Some of them were really shocking.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone. It touches on some important issues and concepts. I cannot wait to read more from Balli Kaur Jaswal.

What are your favorite romance reads? Let's discuss in the comments!

Happy reading!
Olivia

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