Top Ten Tuesday: Things That Make Me Pick Up a Book

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl

This week we're talking about things that make us pick up a book

1. Hate to Love Romances

If I know two characters hate each other but WANT each other, I am 100% there. It's my go-to romance trope and it always, always works for me. 

2. Vampires

I am what I am. I was 6 years old when I first watched Interview with the Vampire on VHS and I've been hooked ever since. It looks like vampires are making a comeback in YA this year and I am so pumped for it.

3. Witches

Witches of all kinds! Wicca practitioners, brujas, flying on brooms, eating babies, reading the stars, fantasy witches, real life witches, all witches all the time. They're my absolute favorite.

4. Lost Princesses

My favorite fantasy trope, whether it's the main character who is the princess herself or the main characters are searching for their monarch. I know so many people hate it but I love the romance of it all. Who didn't dream of actually being princess to a beautiful kingdom when they were little?

5. Bisexual Characters

Especially in SFF. If I find out the MC is bisexual I am like 99% more likely to pick it up, no matter the plot.

  6. Sisters

Especially twins. I guess it's that I'm a decade or more older than my siblings, so I didn't have that type of relationship growing up. Whatever it is, I find it fascinating. 

7. Retellings

Retell anything, I don't care, I'll probably want to read it. Especially Beauty and the Beast or Hades and Persephone. I also really love reading retellings of stories I don't know, so then I get to discover a new fairy tale or myth.

8. Alternative Formats

I love epistolary novels. Diary entries, files, emails, texts, pictures. I love it all. I am like a thousand times more likely to pick something up if I find out it's written in a different sort of format.

9. Fandom

I don't read a ton of contemporary anymore, but when I see that a contemporary novel has a fandom element to it, I get excited. I haven't read a ton of it though, so I definitely need more!

10. Written in Verse

I know it's not for everyone but I love it. If done right it can be so evocative and give such a sense of voice. I want mooooore. There's simply not enough.

Top Ten Tuesday: 2018 Releases We Missed

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl

This week we're discussing 2018 releases we missed

Bekka's Picks

 

 1. The Sisters of the Winter Wood by Rena Rossner. A running theme for this post is going to be "life got in the way." It's just that simple. I had been salivating over this since the cover reveal, I pre-ordered it, and then life got in the way. I do plan on reading this sometime soon, hopefully while it's still cold outside.

 

2. Bright We Burn by Kiersten White. This was on the top of my list for 2018 but I have a terrible time finishing series. Sometimes it's that I don't want them to end, and other times it's that I have so much hype built around it that I can't bring myself to burst my own bubble.

 

3. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang. So I was a little put off by this because I heard there was no romance. Well guess who's a bitter bitch right now about all things romantic? That's right. So this is happening soon. 

 

4. Rule by Ellen Goodlett. I just love the kind of fantasy that has sword fights and princesses and kingdoms. It's my favorite. I honestly just totally forgot about this book but I can't wait to read it.

 

5. The Foreseeable Future by Emily Adrian. I've been reading less and less YA contemporary these days, but this is about a girl who decides not to go to college. That doesn't sound remarkable, but I think it's incredibly important to show the validity in the many different paths our lives can take. You don't have to go to college immediately after high school, or at all honestly, in order to be successful and happy.

 

 

6. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi. This was The book of 2018. And that's pretty much why I didn't read it right away. I'm just so scared of overly hyped books. It took me so long to read Six of Crows, for instance. This is no different.

7. Contagion by Erin Bowman. I've been excited to read this for a while now, especially since my best friend loved it. I'm so intrigued by the concept. But of course, life got in the way...

8. The Spy in the Red Balloon by Katherine Locke. Just like every other sequel here, I'm just scared to read it! It has a lot to live up to with regards to the first book, which I loved to pieces.

9. Undead Girl Gang by Lily Anderson. This was at the very top of my most-anticipated reads, but I got caught up with ARCs and other books got pushed ahead of it and I just never ended up reading it. I hope to remedy this situation next Halloween.

10. The Caged Queen by Kristen Ciccarelli. So I listened to the first book on a whim and I really enjoyed it. My plan was to also get this one on audio. But my time for listening to audiobooks is pretty limited, so I haven't gotten to it yet. Of course.

What 2018 releases were you unable to get to last year?

Top Ten Tuesday: Bookish Merch

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl

This week we're talking about bookish merch on our wish lists!

Bekka's Picks

 

1. A Marauders Map book sleeve

I've wanted one of these since book sleeves started becoming a thing. I don't really know why I haven't gotten one except that I really can't bring myself to buy a book sleeve. I've gotten a few from subscription boxes and I haven't ever used them, so I think it'd be a waste of money. But I wants it.

 

2. Marauders Map blanket

Basically, give me all the Marauders Map things. This one I will probably get myself this year around Christmas if I get an Amazon gift card. I've been eyeing it for ages now and it's time to treat myself.

3. These Six of Crows candles

 

It's a pipe dream, it'll never happen, but I'd pay BIG bucks for them if Macmillan ever decided to sell these. I really have to wonder why publishers don't get in on the merchandise game a bit better. Officially licensed Six of Crows swag is all I need in my life.

4. This pin set

 

I don't even super ship Ron and Hermione but I am obsessed with this set. This shop has a bunch of other OTP level couples in this style and I want so many of them. They have a Leia and Han set that I absolutely need as well.

5. This art print

 

I am obsessed. I've been obsessing over this for months. Look how stunningly beautiful it is. I would absolutely buy a full tarot deck by this artist. This is another one I will probably bite the bullet on very soon because I can't stop staring at it. 

 

 

Top Ten Tuesday: Backlist Books We Want to Read

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl
This week we're talking about older books we want to read

Bekka's Picks

 1. The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden. This is really high up on my TBR right now because a few of my friends are reading the series and absolutely adore it. I've been waiting until I'm in the exact right mood for it, though, and I think that time is coming.

2. Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. I love historical fiction, particularly about the Tudors. I am what I am, and what I am is Tudor trash. But the thing is, this is supposed to be a trilogy, but only 2 of the 3 books are out! And it's been years. I want to read this but I'm scared! What if the final book never comes out.

3. Uprooted by Naomi Novik. Another one that comes highly recommended by all my friends and basically everyone in the world? I feel like winter is the perfect time to read it though, so it's coming soon for sure.

4. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. To be honest, I'm intimidated by a lot of adult fantasy. I'm obviously more in YA, where there are shippy feelings and everything is fast-paced. So being that this is adult fantasy and very, very long, I haven't read it yet. Even though it's supposed to be amazing.

5. Fortune's Pawn by Rachel Bach. If I'm intimidated by adult fantasy, it's nothing compared to adult sci-fi. I am not science brained and I have a hard time visualizing sci-fi concepts. So much of it flies over my head. But everyone loves this, especially one of my best friends, Jessie. So I want to read it! Sometime, I swear!

Top Ten Tuesday: Creepy Books on Our TBR

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl

This week we're sharing some creepy books that are sitting on our TBRs

Bekka's Picks

 1. The Creeping by Alexandra Sirowy. I love books about missing persons, especially missing under strange circumstances. This involves two girls who went missing when they were younger and only one of them coming back. Color me intrigued.

2. The Hearts We Sold by Emily Lloyd-Jones. So this is about a girl who makes a pact with the devil, and I think possibly, she goes back on it. I've literally never read anything like this before so obviously I'm quite excited about it.

3. The Dead House by Dawn Kurtagich. I have no idea why I haven't read this yet considering it's told in epistolary formatting with pictures and clippings and the works. That's my favorite thing ever in books, so add it to a haunted house style setting and I need this!

4. Devil in Ohio by Daria Polatin. I had an arc of this last year and somehow totally forgot about it! But it sounds sooo creepy. This girl starts taking over the main character's life? But also she has some kind of mark or tattoo or something? I believe there is also an evil cult. Sign me up!

5. Bird Box by Josh Malerman. I don't know too much about this except that it's supposed to be horrifying. In this book you can't go outside, or maybe you can't look at the sky, or you'll die or go crazy or something. That's so scary to me. I've been putting it off because honestly I think I'm too much of a baby to handle it.

 Alexia's Picks

1. Daughters Unto Devils by Amy Lukavics. I am a big horror fan, so I cannot believe that I haven't read this book yet. Pretty much all the YA horror fans I know, have read this one. Plus, I love this author's work, so I have no real excuses why I haven't read this one yet.

2. The Dead House by Dawn Kurtagich. I really enjoyed her second release, And the Trees Crept in, but for some reason, I haven't made her first book a priority. Hopefully, I'll get to it soon.

3. There's Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins. I've tried reading her other other series, but it's just too fluffy for me. When I heard she was coming out with a horror book, I made a promise to myself that I would at least TRY it. All this time later, I still haven't read it. It looks creepy & I'm in love with that cover.

4. The Waking Dark by Robin Wasserman. I've heard good & bad things about this one, yet it is still on my TBR. It does look creepy and even though I tried reading it once, I want to eventually give it another shot because it really didn't grab me the first time.

5. Blood and Salt by Kim Ligget. I just went back and reread the synopsis for this book, and holy crap, it looks AWESOME. I really need to get a copy of this super creepy sounding book and read it.

Have you read any of the books on our lists?

Top Ten Tuesday: Best Villains

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl

This week we're talking about our favorite villains

Bekka's Picks

I decided that I was going to narrow this list down to the best villains I've read about in 2018. I read a lot of fantasy, so villains are pretty abundant, and I didn't want to risk repeating answers that I've said before. 

 1. The villain from The Loneliest Girl in the Universe by Lauren James. So telling you much about this villain would be a pretty big spoiler. But I have to say, they were very scary and it was a lot of fun watching it all go down. I wish the motive could have been a little better but that's fine.

2. AIDAN from the Illuminae Files by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman. Aidan, the AI, is the perfect... antihero I guess. He does particularly awful things, villainous things, in the name of saving our main characters. His voice is absolutely CHILLING, all the way to the bone. "Am I not merciful?" will never stop being terrifying to me.

3. The Swans from Blanca y Roja by Anna-Marie McLemore. First of all, birds terrify me, so let's get that out in the open lol. But I think the way they were so cold and unfeeling and knew they were going to win in the end really made them scary to me, even though I don't think they were supposed to be haha.

4. Legend from the Caraval series by Stephanie Garber. He's not scary or anything, but he's a great villain. He's a master of disguise, a master manipulator, and always has something up his sleeve.

5. Nurse Joya and all the medical staff from Nightingale by Amy Lukavics. Usually in asylum horror, the patients are supposed to be the scary ones. But in this, it was the medical staff. They were abusive and terrifying and there was that horrible feeling of knowing there was no escape. So, so scary.

 

Top Ten Tuesday: Longest Books I've Ever Read

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl

Today we're talking about the longest books we've ever read

Bekka's Picks

 If you've been around here a while, you've seen me complain about never reading long books. I want to, but I just don't have the stamina for it, I think. And I get incredibly intimidated. And I also feel like I'm constantly racing the clock with my Goodreads challenge. So, I have a ton of excuses, basically. What I'm getting at is this: my numbers are super weak compared to some. What are you gonna do? 

Les Mis: 1200

The Autobiography of Henry VIII: 993

Order of the Phoenix: 870

Goblet of Fire: 734

Empire of Storms: 693

Top Ten Tuesday: Authors We'd Love to Meet

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl

This week we're talking about authors we'd like to meet

Bekka's Picks

I'm lucky enough to live near a city that has seen a ton of YA author tours. I also used to live right outside of Philadelphia, too. And a train ride from NYC. And I've been to a good number of BEAs. Which means I'm lucky enough to say I've met a ton of my favorite authors. Truth be told, though, I have social anxiety and meeting authors is always a very draining task for me; it always ends with my over-analyzing every word I said that night and then wanting to disappear into the floor forever and never, ever see them again. But anyway, here is a small list of authors I'd really, really like to meet.

1. Amy Lukavics. Not only do I love her books, but she seems like the coolest person? I follow her across social media and she's always posting about horror stuff, her kids, roller derby, and making creepy art. I want to meet her and do all these things lol.

2. JK Rowling. I know she's pretty much awful these days, but getting her to sign my books is baby Bekka's dream. Getting her to sign my first editions will pay for Rosie's education. 

3. Robin LaFevers. Her series, His Fair Assassin, is what inspired me to start writing. I mean, I always wrote fanfiction before, but reading Grave Mercy kind of cracked open my writing world and it was the book that made me think that maybe there was a place for the kinds of characters I like to write. Would I actually say all of this to her? Probably not because I'm the most awkward person on earth, but I'd think it!

4. Louise Rennison. I know that this is impossible now and I find it completely heartbreaking. I basically grew up with Georgia and Rennison's trademark style and sense of humor were seminal to the personality I have today. I talk the way I talk because of Louise Rennison, I am the way I am about a lot of things because of her.

5. Jay Kristoff. This one is silly, but I've met Amie Kaufman twice now when she was touring with Meagan Spooner. This means that my Illuminae series is half-signed. So please, Jay, come to NC and sign my books so I can stop feeling off-kilter about them lol.

Alexia's Picks

Unlike Bekka, I have not been lucky enough to meet any of my favorite authors. Usually I love living in Northern California, but I do fantasize about moving to Southern California mostly because of all the book events. Granted, the cost of living there would be INSANE and I'd be eating ramen noodles 24/7, but sometimes I think it would be worth it.

1. Robin Talley. I think by now, you all know I am such a ginormous fan of hers. I would absolutely love to meet her and talk/gush about all the books she's written and how much I adore all of them. In reality though, I'd probably get massively tongue-tied, and not say anything to her.

2. Suzanne Young. Yet another author whose books I'm obsessed with. Her Program series is still one of my all time favorite series. I would love to just sit with her and talk about it. Well let's be honest, I'd probably ramble on and on about it and then totally embarrass myself in front of her.

3. Stephanie Garber. Now, I've actually had the chance to meet her TWICE, but both times my heart health wasn't the greatest and I lacked any kind of energy to go see her. I would love to meet her and get copies of Caraval & Legendary signed. I'd probably have her sign my Caraval ARC that Bekka sent me as well.

4. Dahlia Adler. Now she is not only one of my favorite authors, but also one of my favorite people. I still really need to read her NA series and I cannot believe that I haven't yet. I read 3 of her books and one of them in particular really helped me. In fact I have a magnet version of that book cover on my refrigerator.

5. Jessica Verdi. I have paperbacks of all of her books, except one of them and that one is an ARC that she signed and sent me about 3 years ago. I've been a diehard fan of hers from the first time I read one of her books. Plus she just seems like the COOLEST person ever.

Do we have any authors in common?

Top Ten Tuesday: Books By My Favorite Authors That I Still Haven't Read

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl
Today's topic is  Books By My Favorite Authors That I Still Haven't Read

Alexia's Picks

1. Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys. I've read Sepetys' previous books and just recently bought this one on Book Outlet. Historical fiction is not usually my thing, but I make an exception for Sepetys' books because they are brilliant and make me cry.

2. What We Left Behind by Robin Talley. I think I've mentioned before that I am a diehard Robin Talley fan and yet, I still haven't read this book. I actually don't even own it, but I clearly need to rectify that as soon as possible.

3. Fall for Anything by Courtney Summers. I could have listed a few of her other books, but this one is the only one I actually have a copy of. I've read both Cracked Up to Be and All the Rage and am currently reading Sadie, but I've been extremely curious about Fall for Anything for awhile.

4. Everything All at Once by Katrina Leno. I could have listed Summer of Salt instead, but Everything All at Once is older and I'm mortified that I still haven't read it despite having a review copy of it. Leno's books have been so amazing and I am eager to catch up on her work.

5. Dress Codes for Small Towns by Courtney C. Stevens. Stevens' first two books were so amazing, and in fact her debut, Faking Normal is still one of my favorite books of all time. And somehow, despite having a review copy of this one, I still haven't read it. I have that one to read as well as her newest release to read. Again, I need to catch up on my review pile.

6. Down With the Shine by Kate Karyus Quinn. Quinn's first two books were unlike anything I had ever read before. She quickly earned herself a spot on my favorite authors list. I have both a review copy and a finished copy of this book. Hopefully this fall I can get to it.

7. Behold the Bones by Natalie C. Parker. Beware the Wild was one of my favorite books when it first came out and I cannot believe I still haven't read this one, the follow up/companion story, whatever you want to call it. Maybe I can get to this one soon as well.

8. When the Moon Was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore. After reading Wild Beauty, McLemore jumped into my list of authors who I loved and whose earlier books I needed to read. When the Moon Was Ours is one of her previous releases and it's one I hope I can get to before the end of the year.

9. Daughters Unto Devils by Amy Lukavics. Okay, so I've only read one of Lukavics books, but it was so good, so creepy and spellbinding that she jumped into my list of favorite authors. I know Daughters Unto Devils is a lot of people's favorites, so I am going to have to get to it soon.

10. Ramona Blue by Julie Murphy. I was one of he few who absolutely adored Murphy's debut, Side Effects May Vary and after reading the body-positive greatness that was Dumplin' she got herself on my list. I remember when Ramona Blue was first announced and I was stoked. Yet, I still haven't read it. I keep meaning to, but I just never get around to it. I definitely need to make it a priority.

Have you read all of your favorite authors books?

Top Ten Tuesday: Our Fall TBRs

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl

Today we're sharing our Fall TBRs

Bekka's Picks

So, I have a large and spooky fall to-be-read pile, books that I'll definitely be talking about over the next six weeks or so. I didn't want to get repetitive, so I decided to share the top 5 not-so-spooky books I plan to read over the next three months.

 

1. Uprooted by Naomi Novik. I am very much a mood reader, and I just haven't been in the specific mood for a book like this. Yes, it's been years, and yes, I have waited that long to finally pick it up. It's a fairy tale retelling of Beauty and the Beast, mixed with some Russian folklore. Exactly what I'm craving right about now.

2. His Fair Assassin series by Robin LaFevers. I've been talking about a reread for so long now, and dammit, I am dying to get to it. I need to set aside time and stop caring about ARCs or what my blog readers think. Reading should be for pleasure, and this is an all-time favorite series of mine that I need to revisit.

3. I Am Still Alive by Kate Marshall. Not my typical read for sure, but I think you can sense a theme going on in this TBR: historical and/or cold. This is a survival story that looks like it's set during the winter months, and it seems to have a hint of a revenge plot, too. I have this out from the library and I'm very excited to read it.

4. The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden. I'm actually reading this one right now. I'm writing this post ahead of time, so hopefully I will have finished this book by the time this list goes live. And I hope to love it. I can tell you right now that the opening chapters are exquisite. 

5. The Sisters of the Winter Wood by Rena Rossner. More Jewish and Russian folklore with a smattering of winter weather and a GLORIOUS cover. I've been dying for this for months now and it's almost here! I hope it lives up to what I believe it will be because it sounds absolutely amazing.


Alexia's Picks
Holy moly, I cannot believe it's already fall time! YAAAAAY! Anyway, 5 of these are review books and 5 of them are books I own. So it's following the usual seasonal TBR post format.

1. The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton. No this book isn't spooky or creepy at all, it's one that I started MONTHS ago and am very excited to go back to. I might read this one first so I can dive into the others right after.

2. The Fade by Demitria Lunetta. I was obsessed with Lunetta's zombie duology, In the After several years ago. Although she has put out more books since then, I haven't gotten to read them. As luck would have it, I now have a review copy of her upcoming release.

3. The Hanging Girl by Eileen Cook. I've enjoyed Cook's previous books, and for some reason just haven't gotten to this one yet. I would say October would be the perfect month for it.

4. The Hollow Girl by Hilary Monahan. I don't think I've read any of Monahan's work before, but this book has been on my TBR for quite awhile. The cover still gives me the creeps, so I'd say it's perfect for October.

5. Nightingale by Amy Lukavics. Lukavics won me over with The Women in the Walls, and ever since, I've been dying to read all of her books. I was thrilled to recently get a review copy of her upcoming release, and just looking at that cover gives me the creeps. I hope I'll be impressed with this book like I was with The Women in the Walls.

6. The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black. I actually started this book 2 years ago (I think) and only recently have I wanted to pick it back up again. I remember it starting off really interesting, so I'm excited to return to it and hopefully finish it.

7. Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco. I bought this book and book 2 a couple of months ago, specifically for the month of October. I had been super curious about this series for awhile and I look forward to diving into it soon.

8. Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco. I needed to buy the 2nd book in case I loved the first book, so I could binge-read the beginning of the series. Super stoked to dive into the series and hopefully love the first two books.

9. Drowning Instinct by Ilsa J. Bick. I had totally forgotten about this book until I saw it on Bekka's recent Top Ten Tuesday list, and I think it was Bekka herself who had actually bought me a copy of this book. That gave me the jump-start I needed to put this book on my list for fall.

10. Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake. I have not read any of Blake's books, though I have on several occasions started Three Dark Crowns. I honestly don't know much about this book, but I am very eager to start it.

What books are on your Fall TBR?

Top Ten Tuesday: Books We Don't Mention Enough

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl

This week we're talking about books we don't mention enough on our blog

Bekka's Picks

 1. Underneath Everything by Marcy Beller Paul. I was absolutely in love with this book when I read it a few years ago. It still stands out as a favorite. It has everything I love in a contemporary, from the darkness and tension to the biiiiiiiiiiii characters. I love this to pieces and I need to recommend it more often.

2. Drowning Instinct by Ilsa J. Bick.  Another story about a tragic, toxic, bad girl. Those are my favorite stories, after all. If you want intense, heartbreaking, headspinning drama, this is the book for you. I could not put it down when I read it a few years ago. I think it's time for a reread.

3. The Archived by Victoria Schwab. I know most of V's fame comes from her adult SFF (Shades of Magic, Vicious/Vengeful) but I fell in love with her work through her YA paranormal series, The Archived. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend that you do. It's so creative and clever, and I love Mackenzie. 

4. Tides by Betsy Cornwell. This is one of my all-time favorite paranormal stories. It takes some of my favorite creatures, the selkies, and blends it with a beautiful sense of setting. The writing is vivid and gorgeous and the characters are all too real. There's just so much going on, so much packed into every word. If you want a spin on your average YA paranormal creature story, you should really try this.

5. Glory O'Brien's History of the Future by AS King. So AS King is known for writing some really weird books, and this is no exception. How many authors have thought about their characters drinking a petrified bat? Exactly. But if you give weird a chance, you'll find this to be an incredibly engaging, poignant novel about mental illness, feminism, and being an active participant in the world around you.

Alexia's Picks

1. Relative Strangers by Paula Garner. I think I'm gonna be the only person talking about Paula Garner's books. I think I featured her first book on a previous post similar to this one and now I get to talk about this book. I read this book earlier this year and it gutted me in a way I didn't expect. I spent nearly the entire book wanting to hug everyone in it (and I don't hug people) It was a stunning book that I wish more people were aware of.

2. And She Was by Jessica Verdi. Like I've said before, I am a diehard Jessica Verdi fan and I couldn't wait to read this book. It features a mother/daughter relationship that is seemingly stable until the daughter learns the truth about her mother. I had never read a book featuring a transgender character, and I was really hoping it would be done well, and Verdi did an amazing job with this book.

3. Wild Beauty by Anna-Marie McLemore. Beautiful, flowery writing is not normally my thing, but oh man, Wild Beauty exceeded my expectations in the best possible way. It made me realize that I need to read my review copies of McLemore's previous books. 

4. Just Visiting by Dahlia Adler. Dahlia Adler has yet to disappoint me and this book based around two best friends did not disappoint either. It's one of Adler's lesser known books for reasons I cannot even begin to understand. Friendship needs to be featured even more in YA, and Just Visiting does that, but with a smattering of romance too.

5. How to Make A Wish by Ashley Herring Blake. I read all three of Blake's YA books this year, actually back to back (I did not plan it that way) and as much as I loved this year's release, I wanted to feature last year's release for this post. It was a story about family, about friendship and about love. It had probably my favorite couple of the year in it.

Have you read any of these?

Top Ten Tuesday: Binge-Worthy TV

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl
This week we're talking about binge-worthy TV.

Alexia's Picks
1. How to Get Away With Murder. I've been full on obsessed with this show from the very beginning. I missed a bunch of episodes when my health was in the crapper starting last September, but I have since caught up. I could watch this show morning, noon & night and be totally happy. The complex storytelling, the timelines, the characters are all so compelling.

2. Criminal Minds. I love getting into the minds of criminals and it would be a dream job for me to be a criminal profiler. This show focuses much more on cases than on the characters personal lives, which I am fine with. Sometimes in the course of an episode, we see bits & pieces of the FBI agents personal lives, but it's generally not the focus of the episodes.

3. Bones. Another show that focuses on criminal cases rather than the characters personal lives. I was totally in love with this show and I gobbled up the episodes and then went back and binge-watched all of them again. This show is one of the few shows where I like all the main characters. That's such a rare feeling for me.

4. Lost. Yeaaah, like I could really leave one of my all time faves off this list. Really, did you think I was going to forget this brilliant show? I don't rewatch a lot of shows, but this one I rewatch as much as I possibly can. Usually once every 3-4 months. Yes, I know I'm obsessed with this show. I love the different ways they chose to tell the stories: Present, past, future, time travel. So freaking brilliant and complex.

5. New Girl. I cannot believe this is the only comedy I'm listing. I could have picked several other comedies that I love, but right now, this one is my favorite. I've binge watched it 3 times already and am currently binge-watching it for a 4th time. It's absolutely hysterical and I absolutely love it. Only thing is, I wish they had more Lord of the Rings references in it. There's only 2 and there should be more.

What shows do you binge-watch?

Top Ten Tuesday: Books Set at School

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl

This week I'm talking about books set at/during school

Alexia's Picks

1. The Similars by Rebecca Hanover. Clones + a mystery + boarding school = an Alexia favorite. Oh my goodness, I was completely OBSESSED with this book. I personally cannot wait for other people to read it.

2. People Like Us by Dana Mele. Mystery + blackmail? Gimmie it. This book was one of my most anticipated books of the year and I am thrilled to say that it did not disappoint me.

3. Heretics Anonymous by Katie Henry. A group of high school students at a fancy Catholic high school take on many of the school's teachings that they disagree with. It was hysterically funny for me. I loved reading it.

4. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. A brutal book about the shooting of an unarmed black teen and how his best friend copes with the tragedy. Ugh, this book just broke my heart. Watching Starr attempt to cope at school and at home was incredibly hard. Add to that the fact that her school was mostly white and it just takes it to a whole different level.

5. Monday's Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson. Another book about a black teen, only this time her best friend is missing and no one at school seems to notice or even care. Gut wrenching.

Have you read any of my picks?

Top Ten Tuesday: Books to Beat a Slump

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl
Today's topic is books to beat a reading slump

Bekka's Picks

 1. A Heart in the Body of the World by Deb Caletti. I knew when I sat down to write this post that I'd for sure be including this book. All July and August and have been pretty slow for me reading-wise. I couldn't get through anything, even a reread of my favorites. But then I randomly picked up my arc of this and I'm breezing through it! It's a fast-paced contemporary unlike any book I've ever read before.

2. Illuminae by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman. I'm sure we'll be seeing this one on a lot of lists this week. Due to its unique format, this is an easy, and fast, read. Just what you're looking for when you're in a slump.

3. The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wong. I don't necessarily always think graphic novels are the way to go when breaking out of a reading slump. I've been known to take days just to get through one comic volume. But this? Oh my goodness. It's lighthearted, it's sweet, it makes you cry happy tears. And the artwork is positively stunning. The dresses! There is not one fault within this book.

4. Ash Princess by Laura Sebastian. So one thing I like to do when slumping is read something tropey. Ash Princess is great because it hits on a lot of my favorite YA fantasy tropes while simultaneously subverting them and being surprising. It's also refreshingly socially conscious! I can't wait for the next book.

 5. Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds. I think this works because it's yet another fast-paced contemporary. I also thinks this works because of the format it's written in. Finally, by the end of the book I think it will spark your brain so much that you absolutely need to keep reading.

6. One by Sarah Crossnan. This is another book written in verse that is deeply emotional and very quick to get through. For me, reading books in verse is always a good way to feel like I'm making headway on my reading challenges. I just wish there were more!

7. Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton. This is the kind of book that dumps you into relentless action and it doesn't stop until the last page. It's so exciting and fun and the world is so different! I also loved the plot twists and surprises that happen later in the book. The best is that the whole trilogy is out so you can binge read it all in one go.

8. I Hate Everyone But You by Gaby Dunn and Allison Raskin. This is about two new college students, and it's all written in texts and emails. It's quick and snappy and a really easy read!

Alexia's Picks

1. The Similars by Rebecca Hanover. Oh my goodness, this book was unlike anything I'd ever read before. It involves boarding school and clones. Throw in a mystery and this is definitely a book that will pull you out of a slump.
2. Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma. I could have picked any of Suma's books for this because she is really good at pulling me out of a reading slump. Her atmospheric, spooky stories are slump busters in the best way.
3. Wild Beauty by Anna-Marie McLemore. Oh man, this book was unlike anything I've read before, but in a completely different way than The Similars. It took me awhile to get used to the flowery language, but once I did, this book blew me away.
4. People Like Us by Dana Mele. This book told the story in a very unique way. Clues to the mystery are written in recipe format, which is something I've never seen. I was fascinated by it.

5. Monday's Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson. I could have put her debut, Allegedly, on here instead, but I decided to talk up this one since I don't think I've done that yet. This one had an ending that shattered my slump in a very unexpected way.
6. Dreamfall by Amy Plum. I love science fiction and this book delivered on the science fiction stuff in a really big way. I think I was in a mild slump when I picked this book up, but the slump was gone by the time I finished this book.
7. Hidden Pieces by Paula Stokes. I just recently read this one, but it was after 2 back to back terrible books, so I could feel a slump hitting me. The mystery that surrounded this book was definitely enough to pull me out of the slump.
8. Phantom Limbs by Paula Garner. This book shattered my heart, but also jump-started my reading again. It involved one of my favorite things to see in YA: opposite sex friendships.

Have any of our picks pulled you out of a slump?

Top Ten Tuesday: Series We'd Like to Catch Up On

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Artsy Reader Girl.
This week's topic: Series We'd Like to Catch Up On.

Alexia's Picks

1. Frostblood by Elly Blake. I started this series about a year ago, but only recently got the second book in the series. I cannot wait to read it and then read the conclusion when that comes out.

2. Splintered by A. G. Howard. I eagerly devoured the first two books in this series, but have had the 3rd book for WAY too long. In fact, I think I'm going to have to reread the first two books to remember what happened.

3. The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson. Another series that I am probably going to have to reread the first book before I continue on with the series. At least I have the other books in the series already.

4. The Jewel by Amy Ewing. I was downright OBSESSED with this series when it first started, but for some reason, I never finished it. I need to read the final book in the series to see how it ends.

5. A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess. Oh my god, this book exceeded my expectations. It was my favorite fantasy book of the year when I read it. I've gotten books 2 & 3 as review copies, but they still sit on my Netgalley shelf, unread.

6. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas. This series was the first big name series that I got an ARC of. I loved the first book and even pre-ordered the second book, but I still haven't caught up on the series.

7. The Young Elites by Marie Lu. Adelina was one of my favorite characters the year the first book in this series came out. I devoured the first book, and eagerly awaited the rest of the series. Guess who STILL hasn't finished the series?

8. NIL by Lynne Matson. Yet another series I was full on obsessed with. I even traded with someone to get the ARC of book 2. I did read book 2, but I still haven't read book 3, despite LOVING this series.

9. The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh. Okay, so technically, this is a duology, but I still haven't read the conclusion to this series yet. I think I might have to reread the first book to remember everything that happens.

10. Cinder by Marissa Meyer. Just as I've said before, this series deserves all the hype. This is coming from someone who hasn't even FINISHED the series yet. I know I need to catch up because Cinder blew my mind in the best way possible.

Bekka's Picks

 1. The Frostblood Saga by Elly Blake. I absolutely loved the first book; I devoured it like the crack it is. But then I never read Fireblood, and now Nightblood is about to come out! I am definitely planning a binge sometime soon.

2. The Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo. I, like everyone else on the planet, really loved Six of Crows. But because I am who I am, I still haven't finished Crooked Kingdom. I definitely will before King of Scars comes out!

3. The Remnant Chronicles by Mary E. Pearson. I've read The Kiss of Deception twice already. I obviously am a huge fan. But I am guilty of letting series go unread if my ship doesn't sail and that's sadly the case here.

4. The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer. I never read Winter because it was so long, and then came Stars Above and the graphic novels and oh man, I got overwhelmed. 

5. The Song of the Lioness quarted by Tamora Pierce. I only just read the first book this year, like 30 years after it was actually released. Better late than never, right?

6. Shades of Magic by V.E. Schwab. Another one I really enjoyed! A lot of these had sequels come out when I was in major reading slumps or when I had a newborn, so unfortunately I fell behind. There's going to be a lot more in this series soon, so I really need to catch up on the last two books before I lose all control.

7. Starbound by Meagan Spooner and Amie Kaufman. So I have a mental block when it comes to companion series. It's why it took me so long to read Gemina, for instance, because I get attached to the main characters and I don't like change. But I loved Undying and I love Kaufman's work with Jay Kristoff, so I know I'll love the last two in this trilogy.

8. The Witchlands by Susan Dennard. Another case of bad timing, I'm afraid. I read this like six months before it came out and knew I had to reread before continuing, and I just never got around to it.

9. The Conquerors' Saga by Kiersten White. This one pains me the most because it's my favorite ongoing series--or it was before the last book came out. It was high on my most-anticipated 2018 list, but I haven't read it yet! Mostly I'm afraid, I know it will take a while, and I don't want it to be over. 

10. Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton. This was a wild, fun adventure. But I wasn't in love with it the way I was with the rest of the books in this series. However, I am still on board with the world building and upcoming shippy conflicts, so I don't have any excuses. 

What series do you need to catch up on?

TTT Books That Are Worth the Hype

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Artsy Reader Girl.
This week's topic is Books That Are Worth the Hype.

Alexia's Picks

1. Caraval by Stephanie Garber. This book was one of the most beautiful books I've ever read in my life. Totally worth the hype.

2. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. I just read this one last month and it hit me like a ton of bricks. So beautiful, heartbreaking and just so damn good.

3. Girl Made of Stars by Ashley Herring Blake. This book really messed with my head, but it was Blake's best book yet, I'd say.

4. Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson. This book messed my brain up so badly, I didn't know what was what.

5. The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis. A captivating & delicious book that has a very distinct ending that I can still remember with absolute precision.

6. Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys. Ugh, this book was so good, so heartbreaking and so beautiful. Of the two books of Sepetys that I've read, I'd say this one is the strongest one.

7. The Nowhere Girls by Amy Reed. This book WRECKED me. I mean, holy cow this book exceeded my expectations and cemented itself as one of my all time faves.

8. When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon. This book was a lot fluffier than I normally read, but it was so good and totally worth all the hype.

9. Cinder by Marissa Meyer. I was a bit late to the game, but this book impressed me in a big way and I finally understood the hype with this one.

10. The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh. Gorgeous writing, great romance and gorgeous setting. This book was well worth ALL THE HYPE.

Bekka's Picks

 1. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo. I know this is going to be on a lot of lists today, but I couldn't leave it off. It was the very first book that popped into my head when I saw today's topic. 

2. Caraval by Stephanie Garber. I have to laugh because of all the overlap in mine and Alexia's lists. I had no idea she was including so many of the same books I planned to include. But anyway, I love this book. I know it's divisive, but the people who love it, LOVE IT, and it's so well deserved.

3. The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh. I love this book so much. People went nuts over it when it first came out and I was skeptical, but still thirsty for it. And when I read it, I fell in love. Beautiful writing, amazing romance, fearsome queen main character, and omg the food scenes.

4. Illuminae by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman. Illuminae really is all the things people tell you it is: creative, exciting, scary, action packed, engaging, twisty, and fun. There's no other series out there like it.

5. Cinder by Marissa Meyer. This series was one I never really planned to read. But then I won it in a giveaway and decided, why the hell not? I'm so glad I did! I love Cinder herself, Iko, the world, the villain, the action, the fun. And there are some darker elements, but these books are just SO FUN.

6. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead. I know, I know, vampires. How 2009. But really, this series is almost perfect. Rose is and incredible heroine, the very definition of snarky and kick-ass. The friendships in this book are so strong, and I love the mythology and culture of the vampires. This is one vampire series I think stands the test of time.

7. Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia. Contemporary doesn't get a ton of hype, but I'm really glad this one did. It's a story about overcoming anxiety and depression and mental illness, of being proud of who you are, of art and fandom and creativity and expression. It's also simply beautiful, aesthetcially. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll be so invested in these characters.

8. The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee. People went bananas about this book when it was first releasing and with good reason! It's a wild ride across Europe but it's gay! Well, actually, it's bisexual which is even better. You'll love Monty, with his self-deprecating humor and his hilariously poor decisions. You'll love the ship and Felicity and the adventure.

9. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. Even if this story wasn't relevant and powerful and timely, this would still be the perfect contemporary. Not only does it give a voice to the growing issues in this country, it's also full of believable and lovable characters, especially the family. Seriously, I want Starr's family to adopt me.

10. Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman. I love this book! It completely swept me away and I swear it felt like I was in Italy alongside these characters, melting by the pool, in heaven, swimming in the waves, riding my bike around town and grabbing some gelato. The writing is immersive and beautiful and perfectly captures the feelings of adolescent longing.

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What books do you think are worthy of the hype?