This meme is hosted by the lovely ladies at The Broke and the Bookish :)

1. The Invasion of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

2. The Raven Boys, The Dream Thieves, and Blue Lily, Lily Blue by Maggie Stievfater (so what I cheat? sue me)

3. Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

4. Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

5. Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

6. Amy & Rogers Epic Detour by Morgan Matson 

7. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

8. Nowhere But Here by Katie McGarry

9. Daughter of Deep Silence by Carrie Ryan

10. Graceling by Kristin Cashore

What books are on your TBR list? Any recommendations? :) 

Read more »

Happy Monday!

Hi all :) As some of you read this I'll be on a plane back to Chicago to pack up my house and visit some family and friends. This shouldn't affect my blogging or reading too much, except maybe when I'm with my friends. I'll still post my Happy Monday and TTT post, but I apologize in advance if I don't post anything besides that!

Read Last Week
The Elite and The One by Kiera Cass, and the two novellas, The Prince and The Queen
The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh

To Read
The Invasion of the Tearling by Erika Johansen
The Heir by Kiera Cass

What did you guys think of The Heir? I hear Eadlyn is kind of a brat, but I'm hoping she won't be as bad as her mother. At least she's independent and stands up for herself! I can handle that, but please... I BEG YOU, NO INDECISIVENESS.

Happy readings :)

Read more »

The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh

The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh
Publisher: Putnam
Publication Date: May 12th, 2015
Pages: 388
Song I Played While Reading: Queen of Peace by Florence + The Machine
Rating: 4 stars

In a land ruled by a murderous boy-king, each dawn brings heartache to a new family. Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, is a monster. Each night he takes a new bride only to have a silk cord wrapped around her throat come morning. When sixteen-year-old Shahrzad's dearest friend falls victim to Khalid, Shahrzad vows vengeance and volunteers to be his next bride. Shahrzad is determined not only to stay alive, but to end the caliph's reign of terror once and for all. 
Night after night, Shahrzad beguiles Khalid, weaving stories that enchant, ensuring her survival, though she knows each dawn could be her last. But something she never expected beings to happen: Khalid is nothing like what she'd imagined him to be. This monster is a boy with a tormented heart. Incredibly, Shahrzad finds herself falling in love. How is this possible? It's an unforgivable betrayal. Still, Shahrzad has come to understand all is not as it seems in this palace of marble and stone. She resolves to uncover whatever secrets lurk and, despite her love, be ready to take Khalid's life as retribution for the many lives he's stolen. Can their love survive this world of stories and secrets? 

Holy woah. This book was absolutely delicious. First of all, lets take a look at the cover. TAKE A MOMENT TO APPRECIATE IT. (Is it weird that I didn't notice Shahrzad being all sassy in the background? Took me a full day to notice it)
I don't even know where to start with this book. I have all of these things I want to say and they're getting crammed and knotted up and giving me a slight case of reviewers block.
Okay, okay, okay, LETS JUST GET TO THE BEST PART: the characters.
They were all perfect. Funny, mysterious, dark, sweet, strong, whimsical.. I could go on and on. Shahrzad was kick-ass and funny, but also down-to-earth and caring beyond belief. I adored her. And this is one of those rare moments when I really liked having a picture of the main character. She was gorgeous and sassy. Her expression screams, "I'll fuck you up and look amazing the entire time." She reminds me a little of Celaena Sardothien.
Khalid, Jalal, and Tariq are all bae. Seriously, I've only ever loved this many guys at once with ToG. CLEARLY THESE AUTHORS NEED TO MEET. Khalid is my sexy and mysterious man; both appealing while whipping his fancy sword around and confessing how emotionally tortured he is (Rowan). Jalal is arrogant and witty and a total shithead, but so hot that you can't be mad at him for too long (Dorian). And Tariq is fiercely loyal, willing to go to any lengths for the people he loves (Chaol). This sounds like I've thought a lot about this weird correlation between Throne of Glass and The Wrath and the Dawn but alas, no. This just smacked me in the face now.
And finally, I wanna give a special shout out to my home girl, Despina. Her and Shazi were a riot. Oh my god, I could not get over how funny they were! They constantly bickered and went back and fourth on any issue they could think of. They lived to contradict each other, and it actually worked for this story. Sometimes that can really piss me off, but it worked for these two beauty queens.

"I'm not going anywhere until you tell me where my bodyguard is.
"By Zeus, you are a nuisance, Shahrzad al- Khayzuran!" Despina cried.
"It's good you know that. It will save you time. Now, answer my question."
"No."
"Answer me, you wretched Theban!"
"No, you horse's ass!" 

The plot was written out beautifully. There was always something going on that kept me on my toes; adventures, political intrigue, hilarious conversations, or Shahrzad kinda doing whatever the hell she wanted and getting yelled at. Though it was pretty obvious what the main cause of the issue was in this book, I still really enjoyed the way Ahdieh wove it together. It was heartbreaking and just made me want to snuggle up to Khalid and croon sweet nothings into his ear.
The writing was beautiful. It reeled you in and sunk it's claws deep. It was both simple and dreamy, making even the slower parts seem dangerous and sexy, as if a character was either going to stab someone or seduce them. Is that weird? Probably. If I think of a better way to describe that then I'll fix it later, but I'm still stuck on THE DAMN ENDING *cries*
Overall, this was a stunning debut novel and I HIGHLY recommend you get your hands on this!

Quotes
"Rahim hedged. "It sounds dangerous."
"It's worth speaking to them. The worst that can happen is a refusal."
"Actually, the worst that can happen is that they slit your throat."
"Yes." A series of vertical lines formed along the bridge of Tariq's nose. "There is that. But it was not on my agenda to insult them, in the process."
"Well, if anyone can talk their way out of a beheading, it's you."
"I thank you, Rahim. As always, your abiding confidence in me casts any possibility of doubt astray."

""What're you doing to me, you plague of a girl?" he whispered.
"If I'm a plague, then you should keep your distance, unless you plan on being destroyed." The weapon still in her grasp, she shoved against his chest.
"No." His hands dropped to her waist. "Destroy me."

"Despina kicked off her sandals and sat cross-legged on the bed. "We woman are a sad lot, aren't we?"
"What do you mean?"
"Strong enough to take on the world with our bare hands, yet we permit ridiculous boys to make fools of us."
"I am not a fool."
No, you're not. Not yet." Despina grinned. "But it's inevitable. When you meet the one who makes you smile as you've ever smiled before, cry as you've never cried before... there is nothing to do but fall."

Read more »

The One by Kiera Cass

The One by Kiera Cass
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: May 6th, 2014
Pages: 323
Song I Played While Reading: Jealous by Nick Jonas
Rating: 4 stars

The time has come for one winner to be crowned.

When she was chosen to compete in the Selection, America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown- or to Prince Maxon's heart. But as the end of the competition approaches, and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose- and how hard she'll have to fight for the future she wants. 

The only thing I was expecting from this book was a happy ending. I was wary of America, hoping she would grow and mature, but not betting too much on it. So imagine my surprise when, overall, I really enjoyed this book. There were the usual ups and downs, but this story progressed with much more ease; America really hunkered down and tried to work on her temper. She tried, and failed, but I still applauded her effort. There were some surprises thrown in here, with lots of enjoyable moments, but by far the best part of this book was the ending. Talk about an ending that explodes in your face! If you've gotten through the first two books and like America and the story, then you'll absolutely love this. If you struggled with America, as did I, push through. The first 70 pages will be a struggle, but it's so worth it in the end.

Spoiler-y Section

I have to admit; I almost threw this book at a wall. It started off good, with America trying too hard to seduce Maxon (which I thought was hilarious but still really enjoyed because hey, at least she was trying) and I was excited. All her focus was going to be on winning Maxon over again and I had high hopes. But then it all came crashing down. And down. And down. It was almost worse then The Elite because... there was literally NO reason for them to be fighting. I was actually confused on what they were even arguing about. And, once again, they didn't speak. Even though they both knew they had feelings for each other, they refused to say I love you. They were like two stubborn siblings, refusing to give until they other one submitted first. They danced around those words for almost the entire book, EVEN THOUGH THEY BLATANTLY HAD FEELINGS FOR EACH OTHER AND BASICALLY SAID IT ALREADY, and I thought I was going to scream. The only reason why I didn't was because they stopped fighting. They talked some things out finally and were doing pretty good.
But of course shit had to hit the fan. It was too early in the story for Maxon to tell America he was going to propose to her. There was always something with these two, and it obviously had to be Aspen. But I didnt think Maxon would take it so hard. He's always so calm and collected and actually thinks his actions through, so wasn't it the mother of all surprises when he turned into this father. I mean he was cruel. It was shocking!
I'm not going to blather on about America and her stupidity because its the same shit from The Elite, so lets talk about the things I actually enjoyed. Celeste.
Yes, I just said that.
Bitch ass Celeste actually became one of my favorite characters in this book. I liked her waaaaay more then Marlee. She's my favorite type of character; gorgeous, sassy, smart, and driven. Theres a fine line between being self-centered and parading around like you're the shit, to knowing your pretty but not talking about it, and she moved all the way down that line for me. She wasn't that egoistical brat who wanted the crown; she became that kick-ass friend that always had your back and would murder any person that broke your heart. So to say I was heartbroken WHEN SHE WAS SHOT IN THE HEAD IS A SLIGHT UNDERSTATEMENT.
Actually I was heartbroken over the whole ending in general. I was wondering if Cass would go out with a bang since no one really had died yet from a rebel attack, and boy was I right. Celeste, Anne, The King and Queen... I don't even remember who else but those are the ones that stood out the most to me. I especially mourned over the Queen. She threw herself in front of the King and I'm still getting goosebumps over it. She was amazing and I'm seriously so sad that she had to go, but I think it almost would have been worse for her to live her life without Clarkson. She loved him so much (though I really don't understand why). And even though I knew Maxon lived, I started tearing up when he was shot. That whole scene with him telling America how stupid he was and then telling Aspen to take her away first got to me. The tears were real. But you wanna know what made me cry the hardest? Aspen walking America down the aisle. I LOVED them as friends. I have no idea why, but they were just so awesome together, so when he appeared... holy shit I had to close my door cause I was straight up sobbing. I LOVE ME SOME BEAUTIFUL FRIENDSHIPS, I REALLY DO.
Overall, this was an acceptable end for America and Maxon. It was rough at times, but they both stayed true to themselves and strung it out as long as possible.
I also read the sneak peak for The Heir that was in the back of the book andddddddd I ordered it on Amazon right away. NO ONE TOLD ME SHE WAS A BOSSY AND SARCASTIC FEMINIST. From what I saw and read, yes she was a little spoiled but who wouldn't when they grew up as royalty? I also wanna see how America and Maxon are, and the next political issue they'll have to deal with. The castes are out, so lets what they people have to complain about now!

Quotes
"Celeste had been raised to be a specific kind of pretty. That beauty depended on covering things up, shifting the light, and seeking to be perfect at all times. But there is a different kind of beauty that comes with humility and honesty, and she was glowing with it now." *cries*

""Break my heart. Break it a thousand times if you like. It was only ever yours to break anyway."

"You are not the world, but you are everything that makes the world good. Without you, my life would still exist, but that's all it would manage to do."

"Celeste walked up, as strong as I'd ever seen her, and whispered something into Maxon's ear.
When she was done, he smiled "I don't think that will be necessary."
"Good." She left, closing the door behind her, and I stood to take whatever was coming.
"What was that about?" I asked, nodding toward the door."
"Oh, Celeste was making it clear that if I hurt you, she'd make me cry," he said with a smile.
I laughed. "I've been on the receiving end of those nails, so be careful there."
"Yes ma'am."

"And there we were, in the background of it all, holding on to one another. The Perfectionist, the Sweetheart, the Diva . . . and me."

Read more »

The Elite by Kiera Cass

The Elite by Kiera Cass
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: April 23rd, 2013
Pages: 323
Song I Played While Reading: Jealous by Nick Jonas
Rating: 3 stars

The Selection began with thirty-five girls.
Now with the group narrowed down to the six Elite, the competition to win Prince Maxon's heart is fiercer than ever—and America is still struggling to decide where her heart truly lies. Is it with Maxon, who could make her life a fairy tale? Or with her first love, Aspen?
America is desperate for more time. But the rest of the Elite know exactly what they want—and America's chance to choose is about to slip away.

Good God this book. I can't even write a non-spoilery section because America was so damn frustrating  This was a struggle to get through. I honestly thought I was going to have to put this down and just start The One. Maybe try and find a summary of it because I wanted to know what happened, like the smaller things and where we were with the rebels. It got a little better as the book progressed but I was disappointed overall with how it was done. Some people really like these books and like America, and other people don't. I happen to be in the latter group, but I definitely plan on getting through The One. 
Now, will I read The Heir? Debatable. 

Spoiler-y Section 

Where do I even begin? I'm looking back through my notes and laughing because theres so many swear words and scribbles. To give you a little inside look at what I was feeling for the first 100 pages: "I'm going to hit America. I have so many issues with her that I can't even focus on just one." And then I ended it with huge letters at the bottom yelling at her.
Let's talk about the Marlee incident. First of all, I can't even imagine what that must have been like. I DONT what to imagine what that must have been like. I didn't hate her immediate reaction; the screaming and running and all around freak out. What I hated was her actions later on. It was bad enough that she blamed Maxon for something that was complexly out of his control. America didn't even once feel grateful that Marlee wasn't put to death. She didn't even consider that she COULD have died, and Maxon probably fought hard just to have her caned. No, what really set me off was when she hung out with Aspen afterwards.
Did she not just watch her best friend get caned because she was found hooking up with a guard? Did she not think to herself how grateful she was that it wasn't her, and that her and Aspen run that risk? I mean what the actual hell?! Of ALL the times to hang out with Aspen, and not even ONCE consider that maybe it was a bad idea? I couldn't tell who I was more pissed at, America or Aspen! Aspen claims he loves her, yet is constantly putting both of them at risk to be possibly killed. If he loved her that much he would never put her in danger like that. It absolutely blows my mind. And for America to not have a single doubt about going to meet him?
"It seemed Aspen and I had a date tonight."
Do you never want to be able to play the violin again? Or the piano? What the hell is wrong with this girl? I literally questioned her intelligence. Who the hell is this America and where did the first book version of her go?
I liked her in The Selection. She was a little rash but not over the top. She was smart and thoughtful and honest. But its like some of those rebel attacks crushed some of her brain cells; she was acting so stupid! Her stupidity literally left me speechless. I feel like I'm saying stupid a lot BUT SERIOUSLY WHAT THE HECK.
And the shit she puts Maxon through... I would have kicked her ass out a long time ago. She acts like a complete brat, getting pissed at Maxon for things he can't control or heaven forbid, talking to the other girls and not showing her enough attention. Here she is, making out with Aaspen, COMMITTING TREASON, completely cheating on Maxon, and yet gets furious at him when she catches him making out with Celeste. Or even spending more time with Kriss. He has a right too! YOU'RE IN A SELECTION. What the hell was she expecting when she told him she was done with him? For him to never talk to another girl? Selfish, selfish, selfish.
I'm definitely not saying Maxon isn't guilty either. The boy needs to speak up. I understand its hard to do that with his father, but for America? Really? So many issues could have been cleared up sooner if they had just talked it out. You guys know how I feel about unneccesary drama. I want Aspen out too. Now. Kill him off or send him to war. I've never liked him. And on that note, maybe kill the King off too. Or at least cripple him enough where he can't run the country. I know for a fact he isn't going to be giving up his throne any time soon.
And finally, the caste system. Her whole spiel at the end with the removal of the caste system as her philanthropy project (which isn't even a proper philanthropy subject to begin with) was horrendous. It was wrong on so many levels. America, yet again, fails to realize or even think that becoming a princess could, in turn, LEAD HER TO MAKING THAT CHANGE. If she's so passionate about this subject (which I don't see at all) then why has never considered that in her decision? She gets Maxon AND can help her family and all the lower castes! Another thing she doesn't even think about is that she's going to have to please all the higher ups first. She has to get to the top before she can start warming people up to the idea of removing this system. Everyones going to see her as a joke now, especially with how unprepared she was. She didn't even think about how she was going to remove this caste system, only why she should. I personally liked when the King called her out on it. I almost wish they had gotten that on tape and aired it.
As you can see, I had some strong feelings on this. I enjoy the overall concept of this and at times did enjoy the book, but it was overshadowed by America's indecisive and idiotic attitude. I really hope she matures more in The One and owns up to all of her mistakes. She can do so many great things for Illea if only she stopped acting like the world had shit on her only roll of toilet paper.
I'll leave a link here to Christine's booktube video. Its definitely one of her best and she makes some kick ass points.

Quotes
"How was it that Dad always knew what to say? I kind of wanted someone to rearrange the stars so they spelled out his words. I needed them big and bright, and somewhere I could see them when things felt dark. I love you. And I'm so, so proud."

"He chuckled. "She is less of an instigator. Lord knows what would happen to the country with you at the helm."
I laughed along because he was right. "I'd probably ruin it."
Maxon continued to smile when he spoke. "But maybe it needs ruining."

(Summary from Goodreads)

Read more »

Top Ten Most Anticipated Releases For the Rest of 2015

This meme is hosted by the lovely ladies at The Broke and the Bookish :)

I'm not even going to bother writing anything under these titles because I'm so excited for them. Just know I was really, REALLY unstable typing this and my family was giving me weird looks because I kept making noises. 

1. Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

2. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

3. Passenger by Alexandra Bracken

4. Ice Like Fire by Sara Raasch

5. The Invasion of the Tearling by Erika Johansen 

6. The Map of Fates by Maggie Hall

7. Illuminae by Amie Kaufman & Jay Krisoff

8. The Last Star by Rick Yancey

9. A Madness So Discreet by Mindy McGinnis

10. The Boy Most Likely To by Huntley Fitzpatrick 

This is the most beautiful list in the world. I NEED THEM NOW.

What's on your list? Do we have anything in common? :)

Read more »

Happy Monday!

Hi all! How was your weekend? I hope you read some amazing books! I have work from 12-6 today and its going to be a 102 degrees. I can't tell who I feel more bad for, the golfers in this tournament or myself. I'm already sweating just thinking about how hot its going to be.

Read Last Week
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
The Selection by Kiera Cass
The Queen (novella) by Kiera Cass

Currently Reading
The Elite by Kiera Cass (dont evEN GET ME STARTED ON AMERICA)

To Read
The One by Kiera Cass and the rest of the novellas
The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh

I need some help here. If America bothers me now, will I want to tear my hair our over Eadlyn? That's the biggest complaint I've heard about The Heir, and seriously I cant handle spoiled brats. But I'm also obviously interested in seeing all the guys and what happens with the rebels. I saw something happened to America in it and I REALLY WANNA KNOW WHAT IT IS. Okay, I think I just answered my own question. Sigh. The things I do for books.
And SPEAKING of books... Quality Fangirls is throwing a major giveaway from their time at BookCon! It's crazy big and so beautiful. As more and more people join the giveaway levels of it are unlocked. The final two levels are a Throne of Glass and ARC pack. THE PICTURES MAKE ME DROOL. I'm so excited for this giveaway and hope you'll join it!

Happy readings :)

Read more »