Best I Read in 2017

As the year comes to end it is once again time to reflect on what I've read this year and attempt to pick out my favourites. It's hard every year, and this year is no exception.

I am going to do a Top Fifteen because narrowing it any further was just too hard. I've linked to my reviews where possible (except for books that have not been reviewed yet on the blog). These are in no particular order because that would also be impossible.

1. The Names They Gave Us by Emery Lord

This is the type of book that makes you cry but in a cathartic way. It makes you cry the kind of cry you didn't know you needed. This is a book filled with so much hope. It's a must read for YA contemporary fans.

2. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

A fun, sexy, and enjoyable romance novel that was a delight to read. It's a banter filled escape that should be on your list for 2018 if you haven't read it already.

3. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

I feel no list of this nature would be complete with this title on it. If you only read one book published in 2017 I would recommend this one. It's an important, well written read. It's an impressive debut that ensures people will want to read whatever Angie Thomas writes next.

4. Becoming Bonnie by Jenni L Walsh

I was immediately excited when this book was announced and even more delighted when I got to read the novel and loved it. This well crafted story of how a girl like Bonnelyn Parker becomes half of the infamous Bonnie and Clyde duo. You'll instantly be awaiting the follow up novel, Side By Side, after devouring this one.

5. Midnight At The Electric by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Jodi Lynn Anderson's writing always blows me away. It's magical and captivating. This story of three very different women in three different time periods interconnects in beautiful ways and leaves a lasting impression.

6. Roomies by Christina Lauren

This charming romance read has as smoking hot Irish musician as the love interest, and plenty of witty banter to spare. Christina Lauren's novels are always a delight to read, but this one felt special to me. I felt the story more, and it's a great read for those looking for something lighter in tone.

7. The Becoming Of Noah Shaw by Michelle Hodkin

I was so excited when Michelle announced that she would be writing a companion series to her Mara Dyer trilogy and that it would be from Noah's point of view. The first book in this series is dark, and Noah's head is not the more comfortable place to be, but Michelle's writing brings this broken character to life in a way that is breathtaking.

8. Lizzie by Dawn Ius

This doesn't come out until 2018, and I am going to review it closer to release, but I had to include it on this life. This novel follows Lizzie as she spirals into madness and ultimately ends with the death of her parents (it is, after all, inspired by the infamous Lizzie Borden). The twists and turns it takes to get there make the story feel new.

9. The Gentleman's Guide To Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

Mackenzi Lee gives us both the ridiculously fun romp through Europe that you are expecting going into this novel and so much more. This book has a depth that you may not expect, and a wonderful cast of characters that will remain with you long after the book is finished.

10. The Afterlife Of Holly Chase by Cynthia Hand

This book surprised me with how much I ended up loving it. The heart and emotion that A Christmas Carol has within it is definitely found within this modern take. It's one that I feel will become part of my Christmas tradition as I continue to read it again every December.

11. Renegades by Marissa Meyer

A fun superhero story that follows some recognizable tropes, but uses them to their best advantage. It's a book that is simply fun to read, and the ending sets up what is sure to be an explosive sequel.

12. There's Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins

Stephanie Perkins writing horror may seem like a surprising combination but only if you haven't followed on her any of her social media. She's a horror movie fan and this is her love letter to the genre. It's also got the classic Stephanie Perkins romance to satisfy fans of her other books.

13. The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli

Becky Albertalli is two for two when it comes to writing books I adore. This book is a joy to read and only cements my desire to read anything she writes. This is a book for all the late bloomers out there, and I loved every minute of reading this one.

14. Ramona Blue by Julie Murphy

This novel features a bisexual main character discovering her bisexuality. I cannot speak to the depiction of bisexuality within it's pages, but others have praised the representation. I can speak to the emotions I felt while reading it, and the way in which I felt this story while reading it. Julie Murphy creates these amazing characters and Ramona is no exception.

15. The Love Interest by Cale Dietrich

This book defies and twists all the tropes you would expect from this genre. It's an action packed novel that also has a wonderful love story within it.

What books made your own end of year list? Anything I missed reading this year that I should make a priority in 2018? Let me know in the comments.

Waiting On Wednesday ..... Royals

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pick is Royals by Rachel Hawkins

Here is the Goodreads synopsis 

Meet Daisy Winters. She’s an offbeat sixteen-year-old Floridian with mermaid-red hair; a part time job at a bootleg Walmart, and a perfect older sister who’s nearly engaged to the Crown Prince of Scotland. Daisy has no desire to live in the spotlight, but relentless tabloid attention forces her join Ellie at the relative seclusion of the castle across the pond. 

While the dashing young Miles has been appointed to teach Daisy the ropes of being regal, the prince’s roguish younger brother kicks up scandal wherever he goes, and tries his best to take Daisy along for the ride. The crown–and the intriguing Miles–might be trying to make Daisy into a lady . . . but Daisy may just rewrite the royal rulebook to suit herself. 

With the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle set to happen in 2018 this book could not be more timely. I have always loved books about  royalty and this one sounds especially perfect. I anticipate a bunch of cuteness and at least one swoon worthy romance from this book.

This one comes with a bit of a wait as it doesn't release until May of next year, but it'll be a perfect fit with the nicer weather, and some delicious ice cream. 

Expected release date - May 1, 2018

Three Sides of a Heart: Stories about Love Triangles by Various

Three Sides of a Heart: Stories about Love Triangles by Various
Release Date - December 19, 2017

Publisher Website - Harper Collins Canada
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages -  448 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

You may think you know the love triangle, but you've never seen love triangles like these.

These top YA authors tackle the much-debated trope of the love triangle, and the result is sixteen fresh, diverse, and romantic stories you don’t want to miss.

This collection, edited by Natalie C. Parker, contains stories written by Renee Ahdieh, Rae Carson, Brandy Colbert, Katie Cotugno, Lamar Giles, Tessa Gratton, Bethany Hagan, Justina Ireland, Alaya Dawn Johnson, EK Johnston, Julie Murphy, Garth Nix, Natalie C. Parker, Veronica Roth, Sabaa Tahir, and Brenna Yovanoff.

A teen girl who offers kissing lessons. Zombies in the Civil War South. The girl next door, the boy who loves her, and the girl who loves them both. Vampires at a boarding school. Three teens fighting monsters in an abandoned video rental store. Literally the last three people on the planet.

What do all these stories have in common?

The love triangle.

Triangles are one of those tropes that ignite strong reactions no matter what side you fall on. Those who love the idea of a good love triangle are just as passionate as those who think a love triangle is the quickest way to destroy a series (or standalone).

This short story collection offers different types of love triangles than readers have experienced before. It offers different ways of looking what love triangles are, and how varied and unique they can be. It's an anthology designed to make love triangle supporters rejoice and turn even the most jaded skeptic into someone who can see the potential in a well crafted love triangle.

I liked all of the stories to varying degrees. I appreciated that each of them had a different tone and feel. They all examined love triangles in their own way, and none of them felt repetitious. They all felt distinctly their own, and even the spin the author put on the triangle felt fresh.

I am going to highlight a few of my personal favourites from the collection, but I think everyone will find something they love within this collection.

Riddles in Mathematics by Katie Cotugno

I was apprehensive at first when I discovered that this triangle features a brother and a sister in love with the same girl. Trust me and stick with it because it is not at all what you first think it is. There are different kinds of love triangles portrayed and this one is anything but typical. Fans of Katie Cotugno will, perhaps, find this one a little lighter in tone than her other works, but it really works.

Dread South by Justina Ireland 

This one defies a lot of the expected tropes of love triangles in so many ways. It also made me very curious about Justina's Dread Nation. The setting is imaginative and the zombies are this looming background presence that are a catalyst for a lot of the decisions characters are making. The action scenes were well done, and I appreciated the slower burn of one of the romances (as slow as a short story allows).

Lessons for Beginners by Julie Murphy

A cute read about a girl who gives kissing lessons for people who are bad kissers and the couple she attempts to help. It is typical Julie Murphy in that you're going to have a ton of fun reading it, and it'll pack more emotions into it than you might expect from the light subject matter. It's also a love triangle that features a girl and boy who are interested in the same girl.

Vega by Brenna Yovanoff 

This is one of the most unique triangles I've ever had the pleasure to read. It's between a girl, the boy she's loved for as long as she can remember, and the city that she loves just as fiercely. It left me in awe that an author could create a triangle that pushed your emotions even where the third point wasn't a person. It's a gritty look at some of the darker sides of Las Vegas, and one I definitely recommend reading.

Unus, Duo, Tres by Bethany Hagen 

This is perhaps my favourite story out of all those included in this collection. It's a vampire story set in a boarding school with a polyamorous relationship at its core. It's beautifully written, the characters are impressively fleshed out in the short time we spend with them. If I could have a full length series featuring these characters I would happily read it and still beg for more. It's an achingly beautiful story that had me sobbing by the time I finished. I immediately went back and read it again which is a huge testament to how much I loved it.

A collection that proves the love triangle still has a lot left to explore as a trope. This anthology only scratched the surface of what authors could do to rejuvenate and redefine what the term 'love triangle' means.

Merry Christmas!

Wishing all of you who celebrate a Merry Christmas! I hope you found some bookish gifts under the tree and that you're spending it with family and loved ones.

I am off celebrating with my family, but the blog will be back with a review tomorrow!

Happy Holidays everyone! 

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Happy Christmas Weekend everyone! A few fun things to share, but mostly everything is winding down

BOOK

Stalking Jack The Ripper #3 Title Reveal (goodreads)

This series is a delight to read and I am thrilled that we get TWO more books to flesh out the series. The title for the third book was just recently revealed and I am VERY excited about the storyline possibilities that this hints at.

It's a little different than the Jack The Ripper and Dracula focus of the first two novels but still super exciting! 

TV/MOVIE 

Ocean's 8 Trailer

The Ocean's 8 trailer is here! I was so happy while watching this trailer. This looks like a fun movie filled with a bunch of bad ass ladies! I love that Sarah Paulson is in this because I am such a fan of hers.  

Obviously, the comment section for this trailer is a bit of a garbage fire but I refuse to let that lessen my excitement for this movie.

What are you obsessed with this week?

Bonfire by Krysten Ritter

Bonfire by Krysten Ritter
Release Date - November 7, 2017

Publisher Website - Penguin Random House Canada
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  288 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Should you ever go back?

It has been ten years since Abby Williams left home and scrubbed away all visible evidence of her small town roots. Now working as an environmental lawyer in Chicago, she has a thriving career, a modern apartment, and her pick of meaningless one-night stands.

But when a new case takes her back home to Barrens, Indiana, the life Abby painstakingly created begins to crack. Tasked with investigating Optimal Plastics, the town's most high-profile company and economic heart, Abby begins to find strange connections to Barrens’ biggest scandal from more than a decade ago involving the popular Kaycee Mitchell and her closest friends—just before Kaycee disappeared for good.

Abby knows the key to solving any case lies in the weak spots, the unanswered questions. But as Abby tries to find out what really happened to Kaycee, she unearths an even more disturbing secret—a ritual called “The Game,” which will threaten the reputations, and lives, of the community and risk exposing a darkness that may consume her.

With tantalizing twists, slow-burning suspense, and a remote, rural town of just five claustrophobic miles, Bonfire is a dark exploration of the question: can you ever outrun your past?

There's something about your home town that always pulls you back. Its hold is inexplicable. Bonfire looks at what bonds us to our home towns, and the memories that colour the perceptions we hold. Krysten Ritter has crafted a dark, atmospheric mystery that is entirely engrossing.

Abby will inevitably draw comparisons to Jessica Jones. At first glance it is easy to see why. The similarities between the two are, I feel, only surface deep. They both are kick ass women who have to put their own problems aside to fight for what is right. They both speak their mind, and have a variety of flaws that would immediately get them classified as 'unlikable'. Abby, however, is much more willing to stand up for people. She takes pride in her job, and that speaks volumes about who her character is. She's not someone who reluctantly gets involved, she's eager and willing. I am thankful for female characters like Abby  (and Jessica for that matter). They show complex women who make mistakes and are messy. They show imperfect women who are still worthy and capable. I want to see a wide range of female characters of all backgrounds and characters like Abby make me feel like progress is possible and happening.

The book offers up another flawed female character in Kaycee who is a friend - slash - enemy of Abby's from her school days. Much of the novel is spent looking at her Abby's past and Kaycee is a large part of that. She's the 'mean girl' from every high school movie you have seen, but Ritter manages to infuse some depth into her character, and hammers in the point that perhaps Abby didn't know everything about Kaycee. We get a picture of a girl who is more complex than she appears, and I loved seeing that unravel.

This novel sets itself up as a thriller, but it is really a character driven novel at its heart. It boasts elements of a legal thriller, and the atmosphere of a good mystery but I would hesitate to call it either. I find this novel works best when it allows itself to dig into Abby's past. It shines when it lets her be the reason we care about the plot. Krysten Ritter is really good at making the readers connect with the characters and everything else falls into place as a result.

I often find myself disappointed in the endings of these mystery novels. They rarely live up to the hype that precedes them, and often feel predictable. The ending to Bonfire surpassed what I expected. The reveals were darker than I anticipated, and the mystery ended with a satisfying conclusion. It's a perfect match for the gritty tone of the novel, and tied the novel together nicely.

I knew that Krysten Ritter was a talented actress but after finishing Bonfire I can now say that she's also a talented writer. Bonfire is a solid debut that boasts a gritty feel, and a page turning plot. I eagerly await whatever Krysten writes next, and highly recommend this book to mystery fans.

Waiting On Wednesday ... My Oxford Year

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pick is My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan

Here is the Goodreads synopsis 

Set amidst the breathtaking beauty of Oxford, this sparkling debut novel tells the unforgettable story about a determined young woman eager to make her mark in the world and the handsome man who introduces her to an incredible love that will irrevocably alter her future—perfect for fans of JoJo Moyes and Nicholas Sparks.

American Ella Durran has had the same plan for her life since she was thirteen: Study at Oxford. At 24, she’s finally made it to England on a Rhodes Scholarship when she’s offered an unbelievable position in a rising political star’s presidential campaign. With the promise that she’ll work remotely and return to DC at the end of her Oxford year, she’s free to enjoy her Once in a Lifetime Experience. That is, until a smart-mouthed local who is too quick with his tongue and his car ruins her shirt and her first day.

When Ella discovers that her English literature course will be taught by none other than that same local, Jamie Davenport, she thinks for the first time that Oxford might not be all she’s envisioned. But a late-night drink reveals a connection she wasn’t anticipating finding and what begins as a casual fling soon develops into something much more when Ella learns Jamie has a life-changing secret.

Immediately, Ella is faced with a seemingly impossible decision: turn her back on the man she’s falling in love with to follow her political dreams or be there for him during a trial neither are truly prepared for. As the end of her year in Oxford rapidly approaches, Ella must decide if the dreams she’s always wanted are the same ones she’s now yearning for.

I came across this book randomly on my Twitter feed and immediately wanted to read it. I anticipate it might be the type of book that makes you cry with the comparissons to JoJo Moyes and Nicholas Sparks. 

Movie rights have already been snapped up for this one and I cannot wait to see if it is as good as I am anticipating it being.

Expected release date - April 24, 2018