Book List

Daisy Jones & The Six

This book is all about sex, drugs and rock and roll. Set in the late ’60s and throughout the ’70s, it’s a story of a band, The Six and of Daisy Jones and how they become the band Daisy Jones and The Six. It’s a fictional story and honestly, I’m kinda pissed that these songs aren’t available for me to listen right now BUT don’t fret, this is going to be a series that Reese Witherspoon is producing!

So we know that Daisy Jones and The Six were a huge band and VERY popular and we also know that the band broke up, but we don’t know why. That’s something you learn later on in the book.

I love the style of how this book was written. It’s like Making the Band and a mix of Almost Famous. You have these snippets of an interview from numerous characters and at times, you have to remind yourself that this isn’t about an actual real-life band, but you want it to be.

I got major Fleetwood Mac vibes from this book and I loved it. This was an easy read that left me wanting to listen to the soundtrack that I hope one day exists because the songs are something I WANT TO HEAR. The characters were flawed, the music played a huge role in the book, almost as if another character. You’re rooting for so many of the characters and relationships and I promise you, this book does not disappoint.

PS I’ve heard the audiobook is incredible!

Malibu Rising

Four family members throw an epic party every year. Little did they know that this particular party will change their lives forever. Set in the 1980's, Malibu Rising introduces us to the Riva family: Nina, Kit, Jay, and Hud. We also meet June and Mick, the parents of the four siblings. Lots of family drama. Lots.

Forever Is The Worst Long Time

James, a struggling author, meets Louisa or "Lou" Bell, he's confident that he just met the woman of his dreams. Problem though is that she's engaged to his oldest, best friend! So he congratulates them and moves on....so he tries.

Years go by and James still continues to struggle with areas of his life. His career isn't going great, he hasn't finished his novel, he's afraid of commitment and there's always Lou...He can't get her out of his mind.

I don't want to ruin anything for anyone because this is a spoiler-free zone, but you guys, this book takes you on such a roller coaster ride. This book has a theme of love and loss and it will hit you with major feelings. It's an incredible read where you'll learn more about each of these characters and what happens when you make mistakes and when you also take chances.

Sea of Tranquility

Nastya is the type of girl that would really puzzle some. She's mute (but she can talk, she just doesn't) and she's having some issues with her identity. Who could blame her? She's been through hell and a victim of abuse. She's in a new town, trying to make it day-to-day. She's broken and barely surviving.

Josh's story is similar but different in its own way. He's lost everyone he loves (literally) and spends his days alone and people tend to just leave him alone. After all, he's the kid who lost everyone. He's broken as well, but he's also protective and sincere.

Nastya and Josh might not know it, but they really need each other. They don't start off as a romantic relationship at all. However, after they get to know each other, their lives dramatically change.

This is a story of heartbreak, violence, secrets and new beginnings. It's incredible.

THE GIRL HE USED TO KNOW

I received an advanced copy of this book to read and I REALLY enojoyed so much of this book. I gave it five stars because of the emotions this book put me through.

There is a beautiful love story, but not in the way that you would expect it to be. There are twist and turns and one HUGE plot twist I did not even see coming.

Without giving too much away, it involves two characters, Annika and Jonathan, who meet in college.

Annika is anxious and has some issues in certain social situations. She spends a lot of time to herself. However, she does play chass and this is where she meets Jonathan and their relationship starts.

Jonanthan and Annika have a relaionship in college, but things did not go as planned and it ended.

A decade later, thet run into each other and it provides an opportunity to rekindle what might have been.

Tell Me Lies

Have you ever been in a realtionship and thought to yourself that "I'm never going to be able to get this person out of my life" because you thougth they were the best thing ever, no matter how horribly they treated you. Yep, this is the entire story behind Tell Me Lies. I feel like every single human being should read this book. It should come with as a handbook for "Dating 1o1: What Not To Do" Lucy Albright is head over heels in love with Stephen DeMarco. They have a very up and down relationship. At first, she isn't interested in him, but it's like a game to Stephen and he knows how to "get" her. Their relationship is so, so bad and they both have secrets they don't share with each other. This is a story of love, heartbreak, douche guys who you shouldn't date or give a second chance to and women who know they deserve better but can't quite seem to quit the men that treat them the worst. Several times, I'd sigh out loud or tell myself "COME ON" but I had to remind myself that I've done the same thing and at that point, I couldn't wait to see how the book ended.        

The Unhoneymooners

What happens when you're offered a trip to Hawaii with a person you despise? Would you turn down ten days in a tropical paradise or would you suck it up and go? This is exactly what Olive and Ethan must decide. Two people, who aren't exactly best friends and have a lot of issues between them. This book was full of humor and I found it really funny and caught myself laughing A LOT! I also found scenes that really caught me off guard emotionally and I shed a few tears. The ONE THING I had issues with this book was the way they talked about Olive and her body. I wasn't sure if she was supposed to be a plus-sized woman? They talked a lot about her body, yet later in the story, they only talked about her "large" boobs? I was confused as to how they compared her and her twin sister at the beginning of the book and it sort of changed later?!?! Not a huge deal, but if they wanted to feature a plus-size woman in the storyline, I wish the actual portrayal of her body made more sense. I considered giving this book five stars because it was so funny and I really loved the story. The thing with Olive's body just confused me and I felt like they could have done more with that part of the story (plus size women need representation in stories also)

Josh and Hazel's Guide To Not Dating

I enjoy this author's style of writing as her books tend to be very easy reads and make me laugh. This book was a good book, but I didn't love the ending. It felt somewhat rushed a bit, BUT it was a good book. I kept going back and forth about giving this three stars or four stars, but in the end, I went with four. Hazel knows Josh from college. He's the guy she's been obsessed with for years, but never thought she would ever stand a chance with him. She's a little crazy (in a good way) and he's kinda the opposite. Years after college they run into each other and it's a fun story from there. They set each other up, only to realize that there might be more to their friendship than they expected!

The Idea of You

"What if your teenager's fantasy was your reality?!?" Solène Marchand, who is thirty-nine, is an owner of an art gallery in Los Angeles. She is divorced and has a daughter, Isabelle. One weekend, she takes her daughter and her friends to meet their favorite boy-band, August Moon. Hayes Campbell is a twenty-year-old who happens to be a member of the band, August Moon. What starts off as a friendly conversation between him and Solène, ends up with so much more. This book was a five-star read for me. It was funny, it was exciting and I had no idea what was going to happen. I stressed me out a little bit, it made me think back to the time of me being obsessed with New Kids on the Block. This gives you a behind-the-scenes look at a member of a boy band. This book had me so anxious the entire read. It had me uncomfortable at times. It devastated me as well. However, I loved it so much. DO NOT READ about this book prior to reading this book because there are spoilers everywhere. I was lucky enough that I didn't have the story nor the ending spoiled an I think I loved the book that much more because of it. Just order the book and read it so we can talk about it! LOL!

The Parrot's Perch

This book was gifted to me as I'm a part of Bookspark and in a Spring Reading program they are doing. I wanted to love this book, I just couldn't get into the author's writing style. It just didn't draw me in as I wanted it to. Parrot's Perch is a novel based on actual true-life events of Catlin and her brutal rape and torture in a Brazilian Prison. Her story is heartbreaking, but I felt at times it focused on her families lavish lifestyle, rather than the political corruption I was more interested in. Not a horrible read, but I just couldn't get into this book at all.

One Day in December by Josie Silver

My MIL and about every other book club have mentined to me that I need to read this book. I've had it since December and never got around to it. Y'all, it was such a good read and a very fast read at that. Two people see each other. One is on the bus. One is at the bus stop. There are emotions, instant love-at-first-sight type feelings. However, they don't get to meet. The bus pulls away and the guy couldn't get on the bus in time. There goes that love story.....or does it? Laurie felt the magic when she saw him. Yet the bus pulled away. She searched for him. Hoping she'd find him again. She searched for an entire year. Life has a funny way of working out sometimes. I don't want to spoil the magic of this book, so I'm not posting anything else about it! It's fantastic and worth a read for sure!

After (The After Series) by Anna Todd

This series. It has consumed my life for the past couple of weeks or so. I started it because I had remembered the movie trailer and thinking that I wanted to read the book BEFORE I saw the movie. Well, I read the book. I still haven't seen the movie, ha! This series is a fanfiction inspired by One Direction (the band) and the main character, Hardin, is based on Harry Styles. The series has over 1.5 billion reads on Wattpad. ONE BILLION! If I'm being honest, when I read that it was inspired by One Direction and such I was like this will be total shit. HA. I was really wrong. Tessa is a good girl. Great grades, smart, beautiful and loving. She's just starting college when she runs into Hardin at her dorm. He's the bad boy you don't want to fall in love with. He's got a British accent, lots of tattoos and a bad attitude. But hey, opposites attract, right? I won't ruin the book for you. I do want to address that the relationship in this book is almost abusive at times. Hardin is the shittiest boyfriend at times. However, Tessa pushes him buttons just as much. Neither of them is perfect. They're young, trying to learn from their mistakes. BUT is that enough for a relationship? I devoured this book series. It consumed me. Read it. Trust me. There are sex scenes. There is a bad boy with a British accent. There is a young girl who is trying to find her way in life and what makes her happy. There is a lot of sadness, alcohol, and drugs. Do yourself a favor and order it now.

After We Collided by Anna Todd

This is book two in the After Series by Anna Todd. The question I had in the back of my mind when reading this book was can you change for someone you love? Like really change?!? Loved it. Read it in a day.

After We Fell By Anna Todd

So at this point, you're hooked in reading this series. Right?!?! Sure they fight all of the time. They seem like very selfish people, BUT you're hooked on this story. So keep reading. Young love can be intoxicating but it can also be really hard. I think that sums up this book perfectly! READ IT!

After Ever Happy

So we've come to the last book in the series. At times I wanted to throw my Kindle across the room. I laughed, I cried, I felt like I needed to see a British bad boy ASAP! At times I felt like this book dragged. In other parts, I felt like it was a tad rushed. However, I loved it. I won't ruin the book for you. I had a difficult time with certain parts of this book as they were a little triggering for me. I'll just leave it at that. I loved this entire story and I will probably read again later down the road. Now I can finally see the movie! I've also now read that there is another book after this one in Hardin's point of view!

Lock Every Door by Riley

This book was sent to me as an advanced copy to read and I was so creeped out by it, but can't recommend it enough. I'm not sure why I don't read thrillers and mysteries more, BUT after reading this book I made a mental note to add more to my TBR pile! This was my first book by Riley Sagen that I've read and I really enjoyed her writing style. A LOT! The main character, Jules, begins a new job apartment sitting in one of New York's oldest and super fab buildings, the Bartholomew. The thing is, it just seems too good to be true. There are a lot of rules like no visitors, no nights spent away from the apartment, no pestering the other residents, It's all kind of odd, but she still takes the job anyway. Jules is broke and heartbroken as well. So why not?! What seems like the perfect job, something just isn't right. Things begin to frighten her. Something just isn't right with this building and the residents. People begin disappearing and her curiosity gets the best of her as she starts looking into things more and more. I loved this book. It honestly creeped me out and I didn't see the ending coming. I was really into the writing style and will for sure read more from this author soon! Great book!

Things You Save in a Fire

Columbine

This book was incredibly intense and sometimes I simply had to walk away from it. I knew it would be a hard read, but parts of it really got to me even more than I expected.

Dave Cullen's style of writing and the way he told this story really made all of the difference. I felt like he didn't include too much of the details, but he told just enough of the story to get his point across.

You'll learn about the boys behind the shootings and what could have possibly caused all of this to happen. Surprise, there wasn't just one thing. If you're into mental health and what can go wrong if left untreated, this book is for you.

I especially enjoyed learning about the people who died that day and also the survivors and their stories. They were so powerful. Overall, I think you'll really love this book and I know it's a hard read, but there is a lot to learn from reading about this story!

My Oxford Year

I think that I will always love the story of Ella and Jamie. This book made me fall in love with Oxford, without even have been there to see it myself. The author really stole my heart with this story and I laughed, I cried and I really sat down and thought a lot about life after reading this book. It's charming and it's thought-provoking. Ella has always had one dream and that's to make it to Oxford. She's an American who has her eyes set on her future and her career. However, we all know how life has a funny way of throwing a curveball to our plans. Jamie Davenport is what I envision a charming English man, who has an impeccable sense of style to be. He's educated, he's classy and he knows how to woo the women. These to meet and their lives are both changed. I promise you there isn't anything normal and expected with this book. It will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions so be prepared!

In Five Years

This is a story about love, but not in the way that you expect it. We first meet Dannie, a hard-working lawyer who seems to have her life planned out. She knows that her boyfriend is about to propose and when he does, they celebrate a bit too much and they come home and she falls asleep....only to wake up five years in the future and her life looks a bit different. The other main character in this story is Bella, Dannie's best friend. Bella is very free-spirited and much different than Dannie. They're best friends who are there for each other no matter what. This book wrecked me. I loved it so much. It's one of those magical stories that when you read it for the first time, you instantly know that you read something special.

Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren

This is a story of friendship, love and loss. All told in past and present moments. Elliott is the only person who really helped Macy snap out of her depression from when her mother passed away. They were friends who, as they grow up, develop feelings for one another. Then something happens... Years later, they run into each other when they least expect it. Some parts felt cliche, but I still really enjoyed learning more about the characters and their past.

Matchmaking for Beginners by Maddie Dawson

One of my favorite book bloggers suggested this book and I'm so glad that I took her advice and read the book! It was a fantastic read and a total 5 star rating! Marnie is a person, like many of us, who has a lot to learn about what makes her happy. She "thinks" she's engaged to the man of her dreams, but Blix, her fiance's great aunt, thinks otherwise! Blix is a character you will fall 100% in love with. She's kinda the star of the show in my opinion. Marnie goes through a lot in this book. She also learns, thanks to Blix, who really loves her and who is worthy of her love.

It Ends With us by Colleen Hoover

I don't want to give anything away when it comes to this book, but trust me when I say that you must read this book. I'm pretty sure they're even making this a movie! The story features love, abuse, and past relationships. One minute you'll be feeling so happy and reading about love and the next minute you're sobbing your eyes out. This book touches on a lot of sensitive topics including abuse. So please keep this in mind before you start reading it. I feel like a lot of us could learn a lot about abusive relationships when reading this.

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

Stella has high functioning autism. One day, she decides to hire an escort, yes you read that right, to teach her more about relationships and sex. She has issues in social situations and has major pressure from her mother. This book touches on a lot, especially about someone with autism. The one thing I didn't expect was consent! This is a major part of this book that I appreciated. This won't be the book you're probably expecting it to be and that's the best part of it!

The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory

Imagine being stuck in an elevator with an extremely attractive man and agreeing to be in a fake relationship with him and attending a wedding with him. Drew and Alexa are two characters who thrown together into a situation that changes their lives. This was such a fun read and while it's slightly predictable, there are still moments that left me guessing! Yes this book features an interracial couple and there were some criticism around the book. What I loved is that the story had two accomplished leading characters. Yes, there wasn't a lot of conflict beside themselves not just opening their eyes. However, I still loved it.

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

I can't say enough good things about this series and book two did not disappoint. You've got complicated relationships, isolation and a lot of self-reflection. This is a heavy book for being YA, but it's so beautifully written. We learn so much more about Feyre and her life with Tamlin. Rhysand, Lord of Night Court, might be my favorite character of the series so far. Again, Sarah J. Maas has done nothing but perfection with this book and I can't suggest this series more!

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

The third book in the series and it's still amazing. Feyre has changed so much since we first read about her and I am so loving her character and the woman she's become. We also got to see more of Lucian, who's another favorite character for sure. Rhys is still as incredible and ever and I have nothing but good things to say about him. This book was a four star read for me. It lacked a bit of the pizazz the other books have held, but I still loved it. I think you get to know a lot of the characters better as the story continues.

On The Way To You by Kandi Steiner

"What makes you happy?" This is a question that Emery asks Cooper while she was working at a diner. Cooper, a small-town girl, has dreams of leaving the life she's living behind. Emery is a mysterious guy. It took awhile to fully understand his personality. As the book continues, we learn that Emery has depression. He has good days and very bad days. We also learn he's on a "journey." I won't spoil anything.... This book takes you on a roller coaster of emotions. I highly suggest reading it. Just keep in mind that this does deal with depression.

On The Island by Tracey Garvis Graves

This book has been one that has been suggested for me to read since I read The Idea of You and I'm so glad I finally did. Anna is an English teacher who is tutoring in the Summer in the Maldives. T.J has recently recovered from cancer and is way behind on work, spending the summer with a tutor is probably not what he would like to be doing. This book grabbed my attention from the very beginning. I don't want to spoil anything at all so I won't go into more detail. There's action, times where I was freaking out over what might happen, and I wasn't exactly sure what would happen. Read the book. It was a really quick read for me and very enjoyable.

Coldhearted Boss by R.S. Grey

This wasn't my first R.S. Grey book that I've read and it won't be my last. However, this read was just so so to me. I can't pinpoint what it was for me, but it took me a bit to get into. Taylor and Ethan meet in a bar. She draws him into the bathroom and he follows. I was expecting intense chemistry and steam. Instead, the scene left with us wondering how these two were going to connect later and when they did, what would Ethan think of Taylor now?

Swear On This Life by Renée Carlino

This book involves abuse, addiction and loss. It's a tough book to read, but it's very well done. As this book takes place in Ohio during different times, this really hit home for me. I'm from Ohio. A very small town. I could see this happening where I lived. I could imagine that long dirt road the author mentions. This story involves to people who had to grow up in horrible conditions. Alcoholic and drug addicted parents. Parents who left. Siblings that died leaving them alone. They grew up in households that had no money. They grew up feeling lost and alone. Thankfully they had each other to turn to. I loved this story because it shows that life can be so tough, but that if you're strong enough, you can make it through anything with love. That it's ok to ask for help. That it's ok to stand up for yourself and what you believe in. Emiline and Jase were characters I was rooting for. Their story, their love and their friendship. I had issues with this book that I don't want to give away as I don't want to spoil the storyline, but let's just say that I felt sometimes the reunion wasn't as intense as I had expected. It lacked emotion and sometimes it felt the sexual chemistry was just wrong at that time. Great story. Hard to read, but worth it.

These Witches Don't Burn

I really enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would! It involves magic and I didn't guess the ending too easily. This is a cliffhanger, so don't' expect this to be wrapped up quickly in one book. I can't wait for the next one!

If you're looking for a book that features a lesbian romance as the main love story of the book, then this is your book! If you're into magic as well, you'll love this even more! I finished this book pretty quickly but found that I enjoyed the author's style of writing.

Such a Fun Age

I listened to this book as an audiobook and I really enjoyed that format. This book is heavy and deals with race and privilege. I really enjoyed the story and it's one of those books where I really did a lot of thinking after I finished it. I was shocked a couple of times when listening to the audiobook, but I kinda saw some of the outcomes before they happened. I didn't love the ending, but I didn't hate it either. I think that I just wanted more and the ending was rushed a bit. I would for sure recommend this book. Its heavy, but worth a read for sure!

Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren

This was the first book by Christina Lauren (a combined pen-name) that I've read and I loved it. This book was funny, super sexy and a lot of fun to sit down and read. I finished this book within a day. Bennett is not the most likeable character when the story starts, but that does change. He, as well as Chloe, are also both funny and snarky. They have such intense chemistry that they just work. Or do they? This book is told in alternating point of view and is a part of a series!

Roomies by Christina Lauren

I think this might be my favorite book by Christina Lauren. Their books are all incredible, but there was something about this one that I loved so much. Holland is VERY much into subway performer Calvin. She basically stalks him, but never has the courage to talk to him. One night, she has a drunken encounter and he helps her, but disappears from the scene. In order to help him, she does something pretty incredible for his career. What will happen to their "relationship?"

All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover

If I could give this book more than a five star rating, I would. It's emotional, but probably one of my favorite books that I've ever read. Trigger Warning, this book deals with infertility and loss. Heads up if that is something you can't read at the moment. Quinn and Graham meet under very unusual circumstances, but I won't spoil anything for you. Their relationship was perfect at first.... What happens when infertility is thrown into the mix of a relationship? How do two people who love each other so incredibly much, keep their love strong for one another? As someone who has personally dealt with infertility, this book gutted me in the best way possible. It explained so much. It opened my eyes to my own relationship. I'd love for everyone to read this book and experience it. Whether you've dealt with infertility or not, this book explains so much.

Verity by Colleen Hoover

This book was a damn rollercoaster. I gave this book four stars and not five, only because of the ending. I'm still not sure if I loved it or hated it. Lowen is offered the job of her dreams when Jeremy Crawford, wife of famous author Verity Crawford, offers her a job to finish writing his injured wifes books. She moves into the family home and shit gets real from that point on. I don't want to ruin anything for you but it's a wild ride. This is a romantic thriller that will really have you shaking your head the entire book! Trigger warning, there are some graphic moments detailing a pregnancy and child endangerment.

The Hating Game

This was a debut novel from Sally Thorne and I LOVED IT! This is the ultimate hate turned to romance relationship. It's funny, sweet and very, very romantic. Lucy and Josh are co-workers who at first really hate each other. They're up against each other for a promotion and the story goes on from there. You'll laugh and feel all giddy. This is soon to be a movie as well!

Three Women by Lisa Taddeo

This book was hyped so much, so I was worried when I read it if it would live up to everything that had been said about it. Keep an open mind when you read it and know that I had a lot of questions as well when I read it. Three Women explores the lives of three women and their sexual desires. THe author of the book took years of her life to research and write this book. Things to keep in mind: The women mentioned in the book were all white. I'd also wished that some of the sexual desires were actually healthy desires. Also, this book deals with depression and sexual assault. I found this book extremely eye opening and very, very sad. It's a book unlike anything I've ever read before. I just want you to keep what I mentioned in mind when you read it.

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Well this series certainly took me by surprise. This isn't what I'd say is my go-to type of book. It's fantasy, but I LOVED IT! This is the first book in the series and I read the first couple of books so quickly. I actually think this series gets better as the books continue. Feyre kills a wolf in the woods and one night a beast-like creature returns and demands retribution for it. Dragged to a "magical" land she has only known about from legends, Feyre discovers that her capture isn't what she thought he was and everything changes from that moment on. Don't let this book fool you because it's a Young Adult Fantasy, it's incredible. I highly suggest this series and I swear you'll be addicted as I was.

A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas

So this book was written to bridge the series with the author's newest series. I sadly didn't love it. It felt completely unnecessary. It felt like an unnecessary prologue. While my love for Sarah J. Maas is real, I just didn't love this book.

The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez

I loved this book so much. I also listened to the audiobook and I actually think I loved the audiobook even more. This story was the perfect read for right now. I needed something that really pulled at my heartstrings, but also made me laugh! Sloan Monroe lost her fiance two years ago to an accident. One day, a dog (Tucker) caused quite a stir in her life. She hadn't been happier in a long time. Weeks later, Tucker's owner finally returned her calls about his dog. He's a musician and had been on tour in Australia. He wants his dog back, obviously. Neither of them would have guessed how this moment was going to change their life. This is funny, romantic and sexy. It's so good.

The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez

Kristen and Josh meet after a traffic accident. It wasn't exactly love at first sight. However, after they realize that they are going to be in each other's lives (they're best friends are getting married to each other) whether they want to or not, they begin a friendship that they never saw coming. This book is heavy with Infertility issues. Please keep this in mind. It really hit home for me. I don't want to give away any spoilers but this was a good read, however I had some issues with the way the story went. It's a good romance story. It's funny and I laughed a lot!

Before We Were Strangers: A Love Story by Renée Carlino

This story involves a Craigslist lost connection between two people who knew each other fifteen years ago in NYC. This book was mentioned to me when I was asking for suggestions and I'm so glad to have this author on my radar. I devoured this book. It's short, but it's an incredible read. I found myself laughing, crying and not wanting the story to end. This book will take you back to first loves and will take you back to when you felt like you had your whole life ahead of you. It will remind you of the heartbreak of losing friendship and love. I HIGHLY suggest reading this book. It was beautiful.

Sweet Thing by Renée Carlino