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I'm so excited to do this blog post for you guys. I don't do many book related posts but if you guys don't know me, know that I love to read. Unfortunately though (and it's not just me, maybe there's just a universal age where we all just don't read as much. It definitely has something to do with high school and college work loads and teenage/adult responsibilities but I won't go into that right now) anyways, I don't read as much as I used to and when I do, I'm much more selective. So this year I wanted to challenge myself to A. read more! (Duh). And B. To break out of my comfort zone and read books that I normally wouldn't pick up on my own. It's definitely going to be a challenge since I'm a binge reader (so I'll sit and finish a book in one sitting, no breaks in between) but it's good to break old habits. Besides, I learned that it's okay to read and have to come back to a book as long as I finish the book. So that's what this list is. It's a personal goal to read at least twenty books by the end of this year. Of course I want to read more but I feel like twenty is a good number to start with. I can't take all the credit for this list though. I have to give a shout out to this YouTuber I found named Katherine Cassidy who has the most amazing energy when doing book reviews. I love the amount of detail she gives to the books descriptions and how she doesn't just read the back of the cover. She talks personally about certain aspects that she loved throughout the novel without giving any spoilers and any apprehensions she had before reading (not to mention, she had many books on her own list that I've read and loved so I'd say she has good taste. lol). So, most of the books on my list are inspired by three of her videos which I will have linked below. Now, I will warn you, I'm a softy and so my favorite (and pretty much only) genre to read is romance. Contemporary and steamy are my go-to's so the videos down below and some of the books on this list fall under this category, so don't judge but you have been forewarned. Haha. However, since I'm challenging myself, I threw in a few surprises just to push myself (and you) into new territory. I have two poetry books, I have comic books, and I have one non-fiction. I don't think I have any fantasy but maybe if I can finish my twenty books before the year is over then I'll throw one in. It took me so long to finish this list because number 20 was going to be a mystery but I wanted to make sure these were books that I would be able to come back to during my busy schedule and I don't think I'll be able to do that right now for a mystery in order to remember what's happening. (But don't worry Rossena, I will eventually read and finish Gone Girl. I promise. lol). Okay, so now that all introductions are out of the way, let's jump into the list!
1. Shatter Me by Taherah Mafi
I've been trying to read this book for at least a year now. 2019 wasn't the year for it but hopefully in 2020 this book will finally have its time to shine. I have the physical copy of it too so I hope that'll inspire me to get to it faster since I love physical books opposed to reading online. (It's such a hassle, painful for my eyes, and if it's not free it's not for me. Lol.) Anyways, this book is a dystopian thriller which is way out of my comfort zone. Dystopian, for sure (loved The Giver) but thrillers are usually only for movies within my range of interests. I was mainly drawn to this book for its unique writing. One line is written, another has a line through it. I loved that because it's exactly how we think, how we write. We say one thing, cross it out, edit. It was interesting to me but it's something that I'm going to need to dedicate time to reading since this isn't purely romance. Although, for a girl with a fatal touch it must be a pretty interesting story to see how all her relationships work...especially while locked in a cell. Long story short, this'll be fun.
2. Collide by Gail McHugh
This book seems like your typical 'bad boy romance' and I'm totally here for it. I'm not one for love triangles (I hate them actually) but the plot didn't hint at the love triangle so much as having one person in Emily's life and then finding another who is determined to have her. (Cue eye roll) but I love second chance romances so we'll see how it goes.
3. Not So Nice Guy by R.S. Grey
Do some titles ever make you question "why"? I mean, covers, I'm not surprised. When it comes to romance it's no surprise if it's just a variation of a girl and a guy, but this title makes me wonder why Ian isn't as nice of a guy as he apparently is made out to be. In my head I'm wondering if this is hinting to some freaky stuff or maybe a troubled past...I don't know. What do ya'll think? Anyways, I've never read a teacher-teacher romance before. I've read teacher-and something else so I'm excited for this read. It's your typical best friend trope where they end up falling in love but I'm excited to read this one because of the new setting. I hope they keep it pg in front of the kids though because the description didn't say they were professors. I'm all for a good scandal but not with fifth graders in the next room. Lol.
4. Walk of Shame by Lauren Layne
This is a book that I've already crossed off my list (I started out pretty strong this January so a few of the books I'm listing here are crossed off so I'll just tell you what I thought before reading it and then how I felt after reading it). When I started reading it, I was so intrigued. I love cliche romance stories with (mainly) interesting lead characters, that way it gives things a twist. Otherwise, there needs to be a dramatic twist somewhere along the story line in order to keep me hooked. That being said, this book sounded so good! Especially in the way Cassidy described it in her review. It's about this guy and a girl who live in the same building and they each meet each other at five am-him on his way to work and her on her way back from a night out- I was like oh yeah. Opposites attract, here we go. Because usually when I hear this story line starting out with the leads having a common interest, I thought-so maybe the guy and the girl both workout at this same time-but from right off the bat my attention is drawn to the differences. I loved it! Anyways, I have the book linked up above (click the picture!) so that you can get a better feel of the actual description but I must say I was very disappointed after reading this book. It started off so good but in the end it was all just...fluff. Although I didn't expect much from the description but I did expect a whole lot more. Though, as much as I'd really like to go into the details about this book and how I felt about it, I think I'll do full book reviews on each of these after I complete the list. (I know, I totally suck for keeping you hanging like this). But trust me. It'll be worth it. Besides, maybe you'll read this book by then and have an opinion to share about it instead. I'd love to hear what you guys think.
5. Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas
I'm going to be honest, I'm putting off reading a lot of the books on this list until the last possible moment, even though I really shouldn't. It's the stubbornness in me to read what I think, I know I like (because you never really know until you try) but even though this books falls under romance, for me, it's a little risky. There's a huge age gap and listen, I'm all for a little scandal between 25 and 37 but hot damn, 19 and 38 had my heart stopping just for a second. THAT BEING SAID...Cassidy said that it wasn't freaky or weird and so I'm going to try it out. Besides, the description on Goodreads was enticing so I'm going to try to go into it with an open mind. I'll let you know how it goes.
6. Getting Lucky Number Seven by Cindi Madsen
I looove me a good girl/guy bestfriend-turned-lover-relationship. I love them even more if 1. They're in college (Like Me!) 2. The guy is in sports (which he is) and 3. There's always the nerdy girl with determination and a bucket list. And Number seven, of course, is to have mind-blowing sex. HULLO! Right up my alley. You know, people really are missing out when they say romance novels don't have that much thrill. Because I'll tell you right now that I'm so thrilled to read this book. I hope it's good.
7. The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros
This was the book I was most excited for on this list and so it was the first book I read after I learned about it. And it was sooo good. It's romance, but for me it felt like more than that. It felt like a story about family and the strengths love can have to build relationships. I don't know how to explain it but it was just a beautiful story, not just a great romance story. It's about a single mother who writes to her brother's best friend who's in the military. (And fun fact about me but I love a good soldier. Count. me. In.) Anyways, They're pen pals for awhile until Beckett comes home and lies to Ella about who he is in order to help her raise her children after something happens to one of them. It's soo good guys. Usually I don't read single mom stories either because not all the times are the kids easily integrated into the story or, sorry to say, but the stories are too mature in the sense that they're really boring. lol. But this one was perfect. Highly recommend.
8. Brooklynaire by Sarina Bowen
I'm not sure why I'm more hesitant to read this one. It's definitely within my usual genre and I actually like hocky romances (despite my disinterest in the actual sport). I think it's because it's not hinting to the buildup of their romance as being the main plot of the story, but rather what happens after they have their one night (and that can either go really good or really bad depending on how the story is written). But I promised myself that I'd go into each story with an open mind and I'm determined to do so. Besides, I like the name Brooklynaire. It reminds me of the city. Haha.
9. The Unhoneynmooners by Christina Lauren
I love Christina Lauren! (From the one other book I've read by them. lol.) This best friend duo of authors has really changed my perspective on female main characters in the best possible way. That being said, highly recommend Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating because that was just spectacular. Best female lead award goes to that book. Hands down. Anyways...The Unhoneymooners. I was intrigued! Perfect plot and perfect setup and given my great experience before, I was expecting ten out of ten reviews for this one too...and to be honest I don't know yet. I haven't finished it, I'm almost done but a bulk of the novel is almost done and I'm not completely satisfied. I'll let you know what I really think when I'm finished with it but for now I've put the novel on pause since I'm worried about how it's going to end (or rather, how I'll feel once it does. Can you tell I don't do well with conflict? lol).
10. The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dane
This is one of those risky novels again. Haha. I love period films but if the cover of a novel has a woman wearing a corset, a poofy dress, and is in the arms of a man in a billowing linen shirt I'll always say pass. (Sorry, but I most definitely judge books by their covers. Oops). Anyways, I'm usually apprehensive about historical romances too because I've read some pretty...offensive plot lines and I'm sorry but no amount of open mindedness will ever allow me to read a romance story based around no consent. Period. On that note, this plot line doesn't seem too bad. I'm hoping the book is better than described on Amazon, especially since I'm going off of Cassidy's energy solely for this one. I'm very interested in writing this book review though, especially for the more risky ones. I want to see how much my perspective has changed either for the book or that sub-theme in general.
11. Never Have I Ever by Lauren Blakely
This book said single sexy dad? Here. And boy am I there. I'm actually really excited to read this book. I had to look up the description again to give you guys my full thought process behind it but I'm 100 percent here for this book. (Which is such a relief after talking so much about my apprehension on the other one's on this list. lol). It's an opposite's attract trope (which sometimes I love and sometimes I'm 'eh' about to be honest). But for me it's the kid that's making me swoon because oof. I'm really excited to see where this goes actually. Plus wedding planners are so cool to read about. I just hope the lawyer has more depth to him than the stereotypes write them out to be.
12. The Risk by Elle Kennedy
Elle Kennedy! Ugh. I love her and have loved her but you know, now I'm not so sure...Anyways, let me jump right in here to say that I've loved Elle Kennedy for a minute. I read her entire Off-Campus series which I absolutely adored and highly recommend. (The Score and The Goal are my two favorite, in that order). So, when I heard that she was doing a second series with FITZY? Ah! I nearly died. I've been waiting on that book for a minute. But not gonna lie, wasn't too thrilled (which is why it's not on this list. Also because I already read it in 2019. Let me know if you guys want me to add a review to that book when I do these since that book is technically the first book in the series. The Risk is the second.) However, This book is a standalone! Other characters are mentioned from her Off-Campus series and from the first book but you don't need to read them in order to understand this one. Anyways, despite my initial disappointment with the start of this series, second chances and all that so I'm here, back again. I was very interested in Brenna as a character from the first book though. I'll get back to you on how I actually felt about the book but it was all good vibes. It's another college hocky romance which I enjoyed and they're rivals. OOOh. So yeah, I was hype.
13. The Play by Elle Kennedy
Okay, so I know I keep mentioning this book review that I'm going to do. Blah Blah Blah BUT even though this may be considered a spoiler on my thoughts to this book, it needs to be said. I liked...some of this book. The ending was pretty awesome not gonna lie HOWEVER the main character is mixed. She's black and latina and before we get too excited about "ooh diversity! Ethnicity! Melanin!" I lowkey felt the stereotypes here. Listen, I'm not saying people can't write diverse characters and perhaps a lot of research was put into this book but to me, I felt like there were a few things that seemed way too surface level to be considered well thought out. This is my one opinion though and I'm really so interested on what you guys think about this. To be honest, this all stirred from one scene (guys, no actually, please read this just so we can talk about this one scene. It's the dance scene. You'll know when you know). But anyways, from there on I started nitpicking every little thing in the entire book about the character and even one reference made about a black guy made in The Score (even though I loved that book but it was just one line that made my brow go up). That being said, I still hope you guys will read it and given the ending you guys will hopefully understand that yes, romance has it's fair share of cheese but damn it's those plot twists we really live for! Okay, enough about this book. Onto the next.
14. Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur
Oh. M. Gee. You guys, I'm not going to lie. It's really hard not to rant and rave about these books after having read them but can we just talk about it. Can we just talk about this PLEASE? Because girl, I nearly died. Yes, I know I'm late to the gravy train but I really am one of those people who just doesn't do things when they're popular. I don't even know why! I swear it's not a thing I force myself to do but it's really just a turn off for me. But anyways, you guys probably already know about this book because HULLO who hasn't? Rupi Kaur really killed y'all in 2014 because she really slayed my ass in January 2020. I can't even lie. This is literally the next book I'm buying on my Amazon wishlist. Anyways, read it again if you haven'tread it awhile. Read it again if you read it yesterday. And tag me with your favorite poem from the book on Instagram because I have plenty. And if you haven't heard of or read this book yet, prepared to be slayed and laid by one true poetry queen. And that's all I have to say about that. Look to Amazon for the boring description because I can't even muster one up without excitement. It doesn't do this woman justice.
15. A Warning by Anynomous: A Senior Trump Administration Official
Guys, I don't know what I was thinking when I picked up this book and said "this will be a great idea not only to read but to add to my list". I had really hoped I wouldn't lie to myself and you this year but this book is mighty hefty and a little dense and I don't know. I may or may not be finishing this book this year. lol. But I sure as hell am going to try! And I really want to, simply because I want to try to be more proactive about my learning, especially keeping up to date with politics. I don't want this book to feel like homework (because the only other nonfiction I've read for fun were magazines and a lifestyle book. I own four and even out of those four I've only finished one. Sadly.) but I feel like this could be something worth pushing through my boredom if it gets to that. But I never know, I could actually love the style of writing and learn something at the same time. There's no pictures though and my lifestyle book had pictures so we're definitely competing for captivity here. lol. Anyways, it's basically a book about the behind the scene's of Trump's presidency and the first words of a senior official who's words of warning "rocked the nation's capitol". Yup, totally copied that from the description but I'm pretty sure the billions of other websites before Goodreads explains this book a whole lot better.
16. Permenant Record by Mary H.K Choi
Mary H.K. Choi! Her name was the first thing I recognized after reading the back of this book. But first, let's talk about how cool the outside cover is. I first picked this book up in Target and it was a hardcover. All I have to say is, if you can find the hardcover, do it just to look at it in person because I personally think it's so freaking cool. Anyways, I recognized the author because she was interviewed by Teen Vogue (I think. I'm pretty sure it was Teen Vogue) about a new book and I just really loved what she had to say to fellow writers. I think I saved the quote from her or at least wrote it down in my notes. She said, "If you want to be a writer, just write. Don't wait for permission...it's really ugly, it's really intolerable but just do it." And you know, it was nice to read that quote again to motivate me. Anyways, I saw her name on this book (and luckily for me, I loved the story behind it first) and so now it's on my list. This book is about a guy who's a year out of college and a internet famous girl who cross paths in Brooklyn (we really need a Bronx love story out here guys. We have so much to offer!) but it's so beautifully modern that I'm so excited to read this story. It's also pretty thick so I feel like there's going to be a beautiful story told on these pages. And then based off of the cool cover, I don't know why but I just feel like this is going to be a good book.
17. The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur
And of course, after reading her first book I looked up her others. And this one is a thick queen and I'm so excited to read it. I read Milk and Honey literally in an hour. (I swear, I was like a bee slurping up honey. It was that good. Wow, the analogies man!) That being said, I want to be able to dedicate that much time to this book as well because I have another poetry book that I've been "in the process" of reading for over a year now and I really fear it's never going to get done. lol. So I want to do this book justice and dedicate a spring break vacation day just to this book. (And hopefully to my other books as well) but at least one day to this book specifically. (Now let me look up what this one is about because I honestly don't know, forgot and didn't care simply because it was another poetry book by her). Okay, The sun and her flowers has five chapters about growth and journey and...hell. Amazon guys. Amazon has all the answers.
18. Teen Titans: Beast Boy (Comic) (Coming September 8, 2020) by Kami Garcia Illustrated by Gabriel Picolo
You know, I found this comic (series? Right now this book will make it a duology but I'm not sure what the contract is on this. Anyways!) because I had followed Gabriel Picolo on Instagram. I had found his artwork five years ago randomly on Pinterest and now years later I'm following him and Kami Garcia and they come out with a whole comic book! I was stoked. Now listen, I can't say I'm a hardcore DC fan (because come on. Those movies really be slacking. Endgame? DC could never) but aside from that, their TV shows are pretty cool and I loove the Teen Titans. And I'm not talking just the Cartoon Network cartoon but the actual cartoon movie. (The Judas Contract was so great.) Anyways, my newfound obsession came with the cartoon artwork of Raven I had been recently seeing and so of course I wanted to write her story with her and Beastboy because HULLO power couple anyone? But yeah, we won't talk about that. Haha. Long story short, I read the Raven comic in a flash (I totally planned that joke. I can'r even lie about my corniness at this point. Lol) and now I've been waiting impatiently for the Beastboy comic WHICH COMES OUT IN SEPTEMBER! So I'm super hype for this to be my summer read. I think I'm going to buy it hardcopy too just because Beastboy really is such a king, man. Highly recommend reading Raven first though. Not because it's not a standalone but because why not? lol. The beastboy comic is a standalone though and the story actually looks so great. It's talking about our lovely teenage years and friendship and growing into our identities...really a good read. I love comics!
19. Grimm Fairy Tales Volume 2 by Joe Tyler and Ralph Tedesco (Sorry no pic for you guys on this one but click on the link and you can see it.)
I must admit, I have not talked about this comic series as often as I probably should considering how much love I have for it. Shout out to my dad for introducing me to this (and comic books in general, I guess. lol) because this series is AMAZING! Let me give a little context though. If you didn't already know (because Disney deceived me during my childhood as it probably has most of us and to be honest, I'm still not mad at it) but anyways, the grimm fairytales are actually quite...grimm. Lol. I'm pretty sure these comics have taken the original stories and modernized them for us 21 century folk but my goodness, my dad gave me volume 1 and all I want to do now is read more about the twisted tales of Cinderella and Red Riding Hood (because honey, humanity really is twisted. lol). Anyways, this is volume two and each comic is a standalone full of 5 short stories (at least in this one). They're all of stories we probably know and love so I personally recommend volume 1 as well but read volume 2 with me just so we can talk about it because whew. I'm excited for this one. I'm definitely buying a hard copy of this because just to own one will make my entire year.
20. Maybe Now by Colleen Hoover
I love Colleen Hoover. As in, if her brain were a walking talking human I would marry it and just listen to the stories it creates for hours. That's how in love I am with Colleen Hoover. Her other book, It Ends With Us, is perfect and I cannot recommend it enough. I read Maybe Someday years ago when it first came out and I fell in love. (I was still into my nook back then and realized-sadly- how much I still hate reading online unless it's free) and then she started posting the beginning chapters to this book on Wattpad. I followed them like an addict until she just stopped and I forgot all about it. But thanks to the power of social media (and her giveaway at the time) I was reminded of it again and instantly decided this would be the perfect ending to my list. Granted, after I finish The Unhoneymooners I'll probably read this one next but I'll try to hold out for as long as I can to at least give the other books a chance. Maybe Now is the third book ending this duology (with one novella in between) so it is highly recommended that you read Maybe Someday first but you don't need to read Maybe Not (the novella) to understand this one (from what I remember) unless you want to, which, trust me, you'll want to. I know this list took so long to get through. I really was just ranting and raving by the end because I couldn't help it. Some of these books have history even if I haven't read them yet. But I'm really excited to complete this list. I'm proud of myself for even starting so soon though so yay me in 2020 for starting off the new year right. I know it's February though but better late than never. Also, HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH! Celebrate black authors and writers in spirit of this month and this post. Comment down below your favorites. Also comment any books you think I should add to my list whether you think I'll like it or not. Really staying on trend here with versatility. Lol. Overall, I really hope this list gave you guys some ideas for some things to read for this year. If not, I hope it challenges you to go out of your comfort zone to read outside of your genre or maybe it'll push you to simply read more this year. Either way, I hope you enjoyed. Until Next Time! With love, Arianna Katherine Cassidy's Videos: Steamy Romance Book Recommendations Episode 1 Steamy Book Recommendations Episode 2 Steamy Book Recommendations 3
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AuthorI'm an 21 year old girl who lives in NY. I love to read and write and fashion is my life. Follow me to find out more! Archives
January 2023
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