Top Ten Books I Hope Santa Brings Me

CHRISTMAS IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

Okay, sorry, I just really love Christmas. I'm calm now.

That said, I present to you the books I wish Santa would bring me (but like prolly not because I never get books for Christmas, as sad as that is).

1) Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley - Crowley's Graffiti Moon is one of my all-time favorite books and so I was pumped as heck when I saw she was releasing this one. It was one of my most anticipated releases for the year. It sounds so cute and yeah I just really wanna read it.

2) There's Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins - Another one of my most anticipated releases.

3) The Magicians by Lev Grossman - I'm obsessed with the TV series and it doesn't feel right to love it so much without having read the series.

4) Saga, Vol. 6 by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staple - This is the only book I actually asked for for Christmas because I am obsessed with this graphic novel series and graphic novels are v expensive.

5) Now I Rise by Kiersten White - Annnnd another of my most anticipated releases of the year (see a trend here?). I've made no secret of my love for And I Darken, the first book in the series and I cannot believe I haven't picked this one up yet.

6) Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli - I just finished Becky's most recent book and really enjoyed it, and with the movie coming out soon, I need to read this one!! (Plus, NICK ROBINSON my love)

7) Into the Black by Ava Jae - I adored the first book in the series and the sequel's release snuck up on me without me even realizing it.

8) The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee - I have heard nothing but fabulous things about this one! It seems like the kind of fun I've been craving since My Lady Jane.

9) Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire - Another book I've heard a ton of buzz about and it sounds incredibly interesting.

10) Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco - I'm going to be reading the first book in the series very soon so it would be nice to have the sequel on hand the moment I finish.

Top Ten Anticipated Reads In The Second Half Of 2017

WoWzA I can't believe it's already basically June!!!!!! It's kind of scary to realize that the older I get, the quicker time seems to go. And, of course, the more delicious books I want to read that come out. Here are 10 of the many I'm looking forward to during the latter half of the year (and a few from June because they're my most anticipated releases of the year).

Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley - I am in love with Crowley's Graffiti Moon. It is stunning and wonderful--even the second time I read it. And even if this weren't Cath Crowley, this novel sounds perfect for book lovers!

Warcross by Marie Lu - I've never actually read anything by Marie Lu yet, but I've heard she's great, and this one sounds heckin interesting. I just know it's going to be epic and intense and all sorts of good.

There's Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins - AHHHHHHH. STEPHANIE PERKINS. HORROR NOVEL. NOR WORDS!!!!

Before She Ignites by Jodi Meadows - I've only read one of Jodi Meadows's books, but I really enjoyed it. Well, two, if you include My Lady Jane which I loooooooooved. She always has some really interesting ideas and OH YEAH DRAGONS!!!!

Renegades by Marissa Meyer - Okay, I am VERY in love with Heartless. I'm a lil but behind on my Marissa Meyer reading, but eventually I will read EVERYTHING she has ever written. I will blindly trust the woman who brought Jest into my life.

Once and for All by Sarah Dessen - I'm so excited for this I could throw up. I might throw up. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell - I absolutely adored Maxwell's Unhooked so I'm 100% hyped for her next release. Also, look at dat cover. Also, New York. Also, magic and thievery.

The Glass Spare by Lauren DeStefano - Again, I've had good experiences with DeStefano in the past, so I'm really looking forward to whatever she's gonna give the world next. I also know she really wanted to incorporate her OCD and anxiety into this book, and I think it's wonderful.

Into the Black by Ava Jae - THIS IS THE SEQUEL TO BEYOND THE RED AND I AM V V V EXCITED. Aliens and steamy romance and princesses oh my!!

Now I Rise by Kiersten White - Well fuck a duck and call it Chuck because I CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS BOOK. If you read my blog/social media this time last year, you'd know I AM ACTUALLY OBSESSED WITH AND I DARKEN and I feel like I've been waiting for this sequel my entire life.

Top Ten Book Boyfriends of 2016

I love me some swoon-worthy fictional boys. Here are my favorites that I met in 2016. 

Levi from Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell - He is probably my #1 book boyfriend of the year. He is so sweet and nerdy and I'M IN COLLEGE AND HAVEN'T MET ANYONE LIKE HIM THIS IS UNFAIR.

Eros from Beyond the Red by Ava Jae - He is loyalty and bravery and stubborness and flaws and I can't wait for the sequel when I get to see more of himmmmmm.

Jack from Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven - He is misguided, but overall caring and sweet. It was adorable to read his thoughts about Libby and the dates he took her on. Jealous, honestly.

G from My Lady Jane by Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand, and Jodi Meadows - OH LORD I LOVE G. He is so freaking funny and clever and when he gets really worried about Jane it is the most precious thing my heart has ever felt.

Frank from Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson - He's such a sweet lil cinnamon roll. He cares about the environment and being a good guy and I never thought I'd find anyone named Frank appealing, that's for sure.

Will Traynor from Me Before You by Jojo Moyes - I CAN'T TALK ABOUT HIM. Except I adore him. As problematic as his story may be, I found Will himself to be utterly charming and, even in his sassiest moment, an absolute delight.

Henry Tilney from Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen - I liked him more than the beloved Mr. Darcy, I think. So do with that information what you will.

Clark from The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson - He's a WRITER!!!! And a precious little bean who never had friends growing up and it's impossible, if you ask me, not to fall in love with him over the course of the novel.

Captain from Unhooked by Lisa Maxwell - Naughty? Nice? Who knows. All I can say is that he is a HANDSOME PIRATE WHO HAS STOLEN MY HEART.

Dimitri Belikov from Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead - Okay, okay, I know this is cheating because this is, like, my trillionth time reading this book, BUT in the 10th anniversary edition we got new stories with him in them, so I'd say it counts. I can't leave out my all-time bae, okay?

Top Seven Underrated Books I've Read In The Past Year Or So

One of my favorite things to do is push underrated books, so I got really excited about this topic. However, much to my dismay, I could only find seven lesser-known gems taht I've read within the past year to recommend to y'all today.

We Own the Night by Ashley Poston - (my review)
This novel is so sweet. It also has bi representation, and deals with Alzheimer's, body image, and death of a loved one. Very cute and touching. I have been singing this book's praises since the second I finished it, and I wish more people would read it.

Unhooked by Lisa Maxwell - (my review)
This book is good as shit, I tell you what. A peter pan retelling of sorts that is vastly different from the tale you probably heard as a kid. With a dark Neverland, a lush romance, and PIRATESSSS, this is not a book you want to sit out.

Thicker Than Water by Brigid Kemmerer - (my review)
Literally nobody talks about this book, but I thoroughly enjoyed it! The voices of the two protagonists are incredible and funny and HELLO NEW SHIP.

Little Black Dresses, Little White Lies by Laura Stampler - (my review)
This was a fantastic light, fluffy read with a New York City backdrop.

Beyond the Red by Ava Jae - (my review)
THIS BOOK IS FANTASTIC. Please, just...more people read it, please. Aliens and romance and non-stop action!!!! The writing is incredible. This deserves way more attention than it has gotten and I can;t wait for the sequel.

Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman - (my review)
Oh my oh my do I love this book. I am HIGHLY anticipating the sequel because that ending left me in pieces. And I know the next book is going to be full of all the swashbuckling I crave in YA.

Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley - (my review)
This was actually a recent re-read but it was SO AMAZING and in the entire time it has been out (since 2010 in Aussie and 2012 in the U.S.) I've rarely heard people talking about it, but IT'S BEAUTIFUL and deserves all the love forever and ever.

Top Ten Books I Read In 2016

I'm pretty sure I read a lot more books this year than I did last year, and some of them were real winners! It was hard for me to decide on my ten favorites, but these really take the cake! Though, the year is not over yet, so hopefully I still have a few winners left to read. These are in no particular order.

Saga by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples - I read the first two volumes of this graphic novel series, and it is so interesting, and so fun!

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson - This was my first Matson book and she quickly became one of my favorite authors! The story was fun and the friendship aspect was incredible. Also, I related to the protagonist, like, A SHIT TON. My review.

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard - This book got me really interested in fantasy! I loved the premise and I found this book to be incredibly addicting! My review.

My Lady Jane by Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand, and Jodi Meadows - This is my most recent read, and it is utterly delightful!!!! Cute and magical and SO MUCH FUN.

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness - I read this in anticipation for the movie, and it was AMAZING. It was poignant and beautiful and memorable. I think everyone should read this! My review.

The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson - This is another winner by Matson! Dogs and a hot writer boy and a nice lil father-daughter relationship. This is officially my second favorite Matson novel. My review.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes - This is no doubt in my top three of the year. I loved the movie and I loved the book and I cried the ugliest cry anyone ever done did cry. This story and these characters hold a very special place in my heart. My review.

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell - This is the first audiobook I ever listened to, as I lounged by the pool in summer. So I was bound to love it no matter what. That notwithstanding, though, this book was absolutely lovely. I don't know that I've ever related more to a character than I related with Cath. Now where's my Levi????

Beyond the Red by Ava Jae - This book was such a pleasant surprise! I did not expect to love it as much as I did. It was action-packed and steamy and I NEED MORE PEOPLE TO READ THIS BOOK. My review.

And I Darken by Kiersten White - I AM OBSESSED WITH THIS BOOK omg omg omg omg omg omg!!!! My review

What are your favorite books of 2016?

Christmasing Book Titles

Christmas is tomorrow!!!!! Holy crap!!!!!! In an effort to get you as utterly excited as I am (and if you're already excited, at least fuel the fire a little bit), I've taken the liberty of Christmasifying some book titles (and adjusting the covers accordingly)!

Some of these are better than others, I know.

ME BEFORE YULETIDE BY JOJO MOYES

in which a twenty-something woman transforms from unemployed and overly cautious to unemployed and a little adventurous thanks to Christmas magic. 

AMY AND ROGER'S EGGNOG DETOUR BY MORGAN MATSON

in which two teens on their way to Grandma's house go out of their way to find a grocery store and get some eggnog. 

BEYOND THE RED NOSE REINDEER BY AVA JAE

in which Rudolph struggles to be more than what the media portrays

NORTHANGEL ABBEY BY JANE AUSTEN

in which an English girl is convinced there is an angel lurking the halls of her friend's mansion

A COURT OF TINSEL AND RIBBONS BY SARAH J. MAAS

in which a malicious Christmas elf is very protective of his pretty decorations

LITTLE BLACK DRESSES, LITTLE WHITE LIGHTS BY LAURA STAMPLER

in which a trendy teenager struggles for hours to untangle a strand of Christmas lights

MISS PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR PRETTY CAROLS BY RANSOM RIGGS

in which only the best singers are privy to this strange home as they use their angelic voices to defeat grinches everywhere

A MISTLETOE CALLS BY PATRICK NESS

in which a young boy fights the urge to kiss meet his first crush under the mistletoe for his first kiss

ALL THE BRIGHT POINSETTIAS BY JENNIFER NIVEN

in which readers will learn everything there is to know about poinsettias. 

THE FRUITCAKE IN OUR STOCKING BY JOHN GREEN

in which two teenagers receive fruitcake so horrible they both fall ill

WE OWN THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS BY ASHLEY POSTON

in which all through the house, not a creature was stirring...except a group of mischievous teens desperate to find out what presents await for them under the tree. 

Just a note: this post was not meant to be making fun of these books in any way whatsoever. These are all books I really enjoyed reading and I had a lot of fun thinking about what their Christmased version would be. 

I want to hear your Christmased book titles. 
Bonus points if you tell me what the book would be about! 

Jingle All the Way Book Tag (Original)

IT IS THE WEEK OF CHRISTMAS. I REPEAT: IT IS NOW THE WEEK OF CHRISTMAS. 

In case anyone was wondering, Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday in the entire world. It is my favorite time of year and I just feel so good and happy around Christmas time. To honor my love of Christmas, I'll be having fun, Christmas-themed posts for ya all week, and I've never been more excited for anything ever. 

For today's post, I've created a book tag, and it revolves around Christmas music! I know there are similar book tags floating around the internet, but I wanted to create my own because I adore Christmas music very mucho. Okay, here we go!! I've really tried not to give the most cliche answers imaginable and I was marginally successful! 

JINGLE BELLS

A fun, light-hearted book/series 

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

This novel is always the very first thing that pops in my head when I think "light-hearted and fun." The characters are so cute and quirky and the story just gives ya good feels all around.

I SAW MOMMY KISSING SANTA CLAUSE

A book/series with a scandalous romance

Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman

Now, I want to be clear that I, by no means whatsoever, think that their relationship is scandalous. However, the people in the book do because of the time period and social customs. So basically, these two characters come from very different backgrounds. Teach has money and power. Anne, on the other hand, is a servant. She has no real home or fortune. Also (and this actually is scandalous to me) Teach is betrothed to another woman. So basically, everybody in their world would be stunned by their relationship but I just think it's really cute and sweet. (Here's my review, in case you were wondering)

I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

A book/series you are determined to re-read

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

If I'm being completely honest, I have so so so many things I want to re-read, and I feel like this is such a contrived answer, but I definitely think this series is calling my name the most at the moment (but City of Bones is the only book in the series I don't own--Hooray!!!). I never completed the final book in the series, so I want to do that and then re-read The Infernal Devices and maybe I'll have that all done by the time the third Dark Artifices releases and I can just binge the whole series. 

SANTA CLAUSE IS COMING TO TOWN 

Your most anticipated release of 2017

Once and For All by Sarah Dessen

Just so we're all clear, I most likely won't stop talking about this book until it is in my hands in June 2017. As I mentioned in a previous post (like, yesterday) I 100% cried when this book was announced. Happy tears, of course. Sarah Dessen has been sleighing (*ba dum tsss*) me for YEARS and I just know she's not about to stop now.

SILENT NIGHT

A beautiful book/series that everyone knows

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Okay, this question can certainly be interpreted in many ways (beautiful cover, beautiful writing, beautiful story, etc.) but I chose to go with beautiful writing. And while not EVERYONE may know about this book, I'd say it's fairly well-known. This book has the most stunning writing I've ever come across in a novel, I'd say. For more insights into my thoughts you can check out the 61 (Non-Spoilery) Thoughts I Had While Re-Reading Delirium.

WINTER WONDERLAND

A book/series with great worldbuilding

And I Darken by Kiersten White

Hahahaha we all know I love this book because I don't shut up about it (here is my review if you want to know just how much I love it and why). One reason it is so fantastic is that Kiersten White literally puts you in the Ottoman Empire. Like, here I am knowing basically nothing about history (and even less about the history specific to this book) but I felt like I was living there. White's writing is so lush and detailed.

GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN

An underhyped book/series that is so great you want to tell everyone about it

Beyond the Red by Ava Jae

This book was a very pleasant surprise and it helped me get out of a reading slump. It is very exciting and well written, not to mention the ALIENS and SOCIAL ISSUES and SLOW-BURN ROMANCE. I really wish more people would read this gem. (My review)

I SAW THREE SHIPS

Favorite trilogy

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

So, fun thing I've realized doing this tag: I've not completed a ton of trilogies. I've started several, I've added several to my TBR, but I've only read a handful of trilogies in their entirety. The ones I have finished were all excellent, which is why I've completed them, I'm sure, but Tahereh Mafi's Shatter Me trilogy is one that continues to stick in my head and heart after several years. The beautiful writing and steamy romance have won me over for life, probably.

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER

A book/series with an underdog protagonist who rises up

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I was trying to come up with a less obvious answer, but the truth is that Katniss Everdeen is the very definition of the underdog who rises up. She rises up in the arena, and she rises up in the rebellion. She is the girl on fire, after all.

HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS

A book/series that helped you get through troubling times

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

I could write an entire post about this. In fact, I have! Check out the guest post I did over at Book Nerds Across America if you're curious how deeply significant this book is in my life.

Well, there you have it, friends. That's the Jingle All the Way Book Tag! Now to tag people!!

I challenge the following people to do this tag before the year is up!

Kat @ Perks of Being a Book Nerd
Anna @ Adventures with a Book Nerd
Angel Erin @ Angel Erin's Book Obsession
Alyxandria @ The Book's Buzz
Briana @ Pages Unbound

and of course I'd love for anyone else interested to participate as well! Make sure to comment with a link to your post so I can check it out! 

August Recap

Well, summer has come and gone, and now I'm back at school. kicking off my junior year of college. I'm about a week in and I'm already dead. College is so non-stop. I feel like I have very few moments to myself, and very few moments to myself in which I am not working on homework. Now, my best friend and I live in an on-campus apartment so everyone wants to come over all the time and our other roommate (who we didn't know) hate us because we're so loud.

ALSO ALSO ALSO I ALMOST FORGOT!! I went to a Twenty One Pilots concert and my oh my was that glorious. Twenty One Pilots is my favorite band in the whole wide world and now that I've seen them live, I will never be the same.

My blog got a makeover!!! I did it a few weeks ago, but I'm still obsessed with it. I loved my old design when I first created it, several years ago. But I've changed and my blog has developed, and it was time for something new. I was scared to change it at first, but I'm extremely pleased now that I have. 

As far as reading goes, August was not the best month. Not the worst month, either. But not the best. Blogging is a different story. In August, I blogged more than I have any other month since I started my blog. I did my best to have a post go up every day, but there were a few days in which that just didn't happen. 

Reviews:

Top Ten Tuesdays:  Top Ten Books I'd Buy Right This Second If Someone Handed Me A Fully Loaded Gift Card Top Ten Books I Want To Re-Read Top Ten Books With A Memorable Setting Top Ten Books On My TBR From Before I Started Blogging Top Ten Books I'd Keep In My Classroom
Summer Blog Promo Tour:  Valerie from He Said Books Or Me: Memoirs Krystianna from Downright Dystopian: Doctor Who Soundtrack Wrap Up!
Misc. Posts:  The Eclectic Corner #4: Scary Movies Book Blogger Creativity Project: Bookish Yearbook Discussion: Taking Notes While Reading Playlist Book Tag The Authors I Own The Most Books From Book Aesthetics #1: Summer Books Help me save my blog!!!

I love thinking of new features for this blog, and it has been a while since I implemented any of the new ideas I've had, but in August I started doing...

I've seen people around twitter doing aesthetics for basically everything, including books, and I wanted to give it a try! If you don't know, a book aesthetic is basically putting together pictures that remind you of the book (the colors on the cover, the vibe it gives off, events from the book). I'm not great at it now, but I think I'll get better! 
HERE IS MY FIRST BOOK AESTHETICS POST
I decided to compile an aesthetic for 3 books that take place in summer, as I'm back at school and lamenting the loss of my laziness. 

Followers: 

Bloglovin - 74 (gained 7)

GFC - 16 (gained 0) 

Twitter - 203 (gained 22)

Instagram - 55 (gained 6)

Facebook - 4 likes (gained 0)

YouTube - 81 (gained 8)

Total pageviews - 11,835 (gained 1,925)

Books read: 3

1 paperback, 2 eARCs

Book with the most pages: Beyond the Red by Ava Jae (360 pages)

Books with the least pages: A Monster Calls (216 pages)

Total Pages read: 904

Books reviewed: 6

1 star reviews: 0

2 star reviews: 0

3 star reviews: 2

3.5 star reviews: 1

4 star reviews: 2

4.5 star reviews: 1

5 star reviews: 0

Average rating: 3.67 stars

Most popular review:

by pageviews and comments- 

BookTube: 

Here is my most popular video this month! I'll be (ideally) posting twice a week. Make sure to subscribe to me if you want to stay updated on when and what I post! If you have a YouTube channel, send me your link because I wanna see whatchya got!

Music: 

As I mentioned earlier, I went to a Twenty One Pilots concert this month, and so I kind of don't want to listen to anything else at the moment. 

TV: 

I finished Glee and I've been so emotionally torn apart by it that I'm left to re-binge watch Gossip Girl. Also, I'v started re-watching American Horror Story in preparation for season 6. I'M SO EXCITED HOLY CRAP ON A CRAP CONE. 

Movies: 

So, I watched Sausage Party this month. Uh, well. I'm not sure what to say about it. I thought it was clever and hilarious and utterly disturbing (but what else do you expect from a Seth Rogen movie???). If you're into really abrasive & inappropriate humor, this is the movie for you!!! Just be warned, there is a reason this movie is rated R.