Past. Present. Future - May 2018

This feature highlights the books I've read, the books I'm reading, and the books I'm going to read; just a fun little way to keep track of everything!

I'd love for you all to join in if you want! Leave me a comment to your post or just let me know in the comment what's your Past. Present. Future. in Books!

PAST:

Brightly Burning by Alexa Donne - I loved this book so much!  Full of romance, mystery, and space, Alexa Donne does an amazing job of re-imagining such a beloved classic as Jane Eyre.  Such a great job in fact that you do not have to know anything about Jane Eyre (or even like that book) to enjoy reading this one.  Interesting look at a possible future for the Earth, with a little The 100 vibe as well!  Check out my review for more info!

PRESENT:

All Out: The No-Longer-Secret Stories of Queer Teens Throughout the Ages edited by Saundra Mitchell - This is a short story collection about, as you can see from the title, queer teens.  M/M, F/M, trans males, trans females, gender queer, and more is all represented.  I'm loving it so far, especially that not only is the queer rep really expansive, but the cultural rep is as well.  It ain't all white up in this book, which is still rare in the book community here in the States.  One to add to your collection!

FUTURE:

Shadowhouse Fall by Daniel José Older - This is the second book in the Shadowshaper series. I loved Sierra and her friends as they discovered their gifts in the first book, Shadowshaper.  So getting to see them grow even more both in power and friendship will be great.  Of course nothing is ever that simple, so the danger will grow as well.  A great latinx rep, with all the flavors of Brooklyn too; definitely an urban fantasy series you need to read!

If  you've read any of these books, let me know what you thought (but NO spoilers) down below in the comments!

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Past. Present. Future. May Edition

This feature highlights the books I've read, the books I'm reading, and the books I'm going to read; just a fun little way to keep track of everything! 

I'd love for you all to join in if you want! Leave me a comment to your post or just let me know in the comment what's your Past. Present. Future. in Books!

PAST:

Riveted by Jay Crownover - I don't really talk about many adult books on this blog, but I do read them.  Specifically, I love romance -- probably my #1 fave adult genre.  And Jay Crownover does romance spectacularly.  Modern, hot, and with a satisfying happily-ever-after, she delivers each time.  Riveted is no exception; Book 3 in her Saints of Denver series, oh man do Church and Dixie sizzle.  Loved it for sure, but for older readers only!

When a Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare - Speaking of romance, here's another I read, well listened to, recently.  I thought getting an audiobook of a romance novel would be weird, but Tessa Dare's writing mixed with the amazing narrator, Carmen Rose, it was super enjoyable.  While I prefer modern romances, I do love to delve into a good historical romance, and this one had such charming leads in Maddie and Logan (Holy God Logan!).  Again, for older readers only!




PRESENT:

One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus - I'm typically not a big mystery fan, but when I read the summary of this book, I was intrigued!  I love The Breakfast Club, and this is inspired by that with a murdery twist.  I also had the opportunity to be a part of the blog tour with Rockstar Book Tours, and I am very excited to write my review!  If you're not typically a murder mystery fan, I suggest picking this one up because you'll still really enjoy it!




FUTURE:

More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera - I have only heard amazing things about this book (all of Adam Silvera's books actually).  This was one of my book club's picks for this year, but unfortunately I missed that month (argh family stuff).  So it is for sure on my TBR list!

If  you've read any of these books, let me know what you thought (but NO spoilers) down below in the comments!

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Past. Present. Future. April Edition

This feature hightlights the books I've read, the books I'm reading, and the books I'm going to read for each month! 

I'd love for you all to join in if you want! Leave me a comment to your post or just let me know in the comment what's your Past. Present. Furture. in books!

PAST:

These Vicious Masks by Tarun Shanker and Kelly Zekas - I read this as a part of my bookclub, The Prose Hoes for our March read.  It was a fun book set in Victorian times.  There are powers, kidnappings, and hijinks abound.  A fast read (read it in 3 hours), and while it is a little light in the plot, this is going to be a trilogy!  Wooh!







PRESENT:

The Great Hunt by Wendy Higgins - Another book for my bookclub, this is our April book pick.  So obviously April is almost over, therefore I need to get my butt in gear and finish it!  It is good so far; I love a good fantasy and I loved Wendy's other books, so high hopes for this one!

FUTURE:

The Museum of Intangible Things by Wendy Wunder - I want to change genres after so much fantasy lately.  I've heard mixed things about the book, but I'm a sucker for a beautiful cover.  So we'll see how it is.  I know that it's not a light read, so at least I won't be surprised by that.  But I try not to completely judge a book on other's opinions.

If  you've read any of these books, let me know what you thought (but NO spoilers) down below in the comments!

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Past. Present. Future. January Edition

This feature hightlights the books I've read, the books I'm reading, and the books I'm going to read for each month! 

I'd love for you all to join in if you want! Leave me a comment to your post or just let me know in the comment what's your Past. Present. Furture. in books!

PAST:

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas - Why did I wait so long to start this series?!  I LOVED IT SO SO SO MUCH!  Definitely one of my top books I've read so far, and I don't imagine that changing.  If you're looking for a great fantasy read with a strong female protagonist and an interesting mythos, then you have to go pick this one up!

Built by Jay Crownover - Oooooh this was a very sexy but sweet book!  I'm not one for romance novels, but Jay has a talent to ground her stories in the real world.  Of course each of her men are deliciously tall, dark (or light), and handsome!  Zeb is no exception to this; good with his hands, both with building and with seducing.  Not a book for kids/teens, but a nice romp for ladies (and gents) if you're so inclined!
PRESENT:

It's All Your Fault by Paul Rudnick - I am currently reading this for the blog tour for the book through Rockstar Book Tours (< Click for the tour schedule), and it is cute.  I'm a little on the fence on whether or not I really love it or just like it, but I haven't finished quite yet (gotta speed up!!!), so I'm waiting to formulate my complete opinion until then.

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater - I am currently listening to this on audiobook, and I adore it! Will Patton is the narrator, and his southern drawl just adds to the atmosphere of the story set in Henrietta, Virginia.  I love love love all the characters: Gansey, Noah, Ronan, Adam, and especially Blue, are my baes!  I don't know why I waited so long to dive into this series, but as you can see below, I am all ready for Book 2 when this one is done!

FUTURE:

The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater - Can't wait to start this audiobook as soon as I wrap up The Raven Boys!  I am really enjoying listening to this story on audio, and can't get enough of these Raven Boys!  They are my baes!  Also, this book goes more in depth on the mythos surrounding Ronan, supposedly, who is my favorite bad boy!

Leveled by Jay Crownover - This is the novella that connects Jay's two series, the Marked Men series and the Saints of Denver series.  It is also divergent in that it is a M/M romance, which I think need to be out there even more.  I'm excited to read this book and then start in on the MArked Men series.

If  you've read any of these books, let me know what you thought (but NO spoilers) down below in the comments!

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Past. Present. Future. (32)

There are a a lot of these "What're you reading?" features around; here's my take on one.  

Hightlighting the books I've read, the books I'm reading, and the books I'm going to read; I'd love for you all to join in if you want!

PAST:

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan - This was the pick for December's Inkwood Books YA Book Club (seriously come and hang out if you're in Tampa, FL!  There is a YA book club every second Monday of the month).  This is the 3rd time reading the book, and it's still so good!  I think that it is one to enjoy year round, but with the Christmas theme, it is particularly nice to enjoy snuggled up in December!





PRESENT:

The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan - I know, I know, what the heck have I been waiting for?  I sometimes have this issue with starting a series, but then never moving on to the second book.  It's a problem, and one that also confounds me because I typically love said series!  I'm so into the continuing saga of Percy Jackson, demigod extraordinaire.  Riordan's introduction of the Roman side of the demigods is so cool, and brings another aspect to two cultures that were so similar to each other.

Hellhole by Gina Damico - I am currently reading this in preparation for my spot on the book tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours (see the banner at the top of my blog!)  I LOVED Gina's Croak trilogy, and I was super excited to get a chance to read this for the book tour!  The book comes out on January 6th (that's tomorrow), so I HIGLY recommend you pick up a copy!  It's super funny and just this side of wicked! ; )

Winger by Andrew Smith - This is the pick for January's Inkwood Books YA Book Club (again seriously come and hang out if you're in Tampa, FL!  The YA book club meets every second Monday of the month).  I just started this (I realize that I need it read by next Monday STOP PRESSURING ME!) and so far it is laugh out loud funny.  Looking forward to finishing it, as I've heard really amazing things about all of Andrew's books!




FUTURE:

The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey -  YES this is STILL the pick for my future read....JEEZ guys, don't give me those judgey eyes!

If  you've read any of these books, let me know what you thought (but NO spoilers) down below in the comments!

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Past. Present. Future. (31)

There are a a lot of these "What're you reading?" features around; here's my take on one.  

Hightlighting the books I've read, the books I'm reading, and the books I'm going to read, I'd love for you all to join in if you want!

PAST:

The Carnival at Bray by Jessie Ann Foley - This was the pick for November's Inkwood Books YA Book Club (seriously come and hang out if you're in Tampa, FL!  There is a book club every second Monday of the month.).  It's set in Ireland in the 90s, and it is about a young teen who is trying to find out who she is, using music to discover her path in life.  This was a beautifully written, heartbreaking story of growing up and finding your place in the world and in your family.  I sincerely recommend you pick it up!

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins - I am probably the last one to finish up this series, and I am kicking myself for it (I still have one book to go)!  I adored Anna and the French Kiss, the first book in the "series" (it's more like companion books), and I bought the next two as soon as they were released, but I hadn't read them.  But that is going to change!  LOVED Lola; definitely recommend devouring all of Stephanie Perkins' books!





PRESENT:

The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan - I know, I know, what the heck have I been waiting for?  I sometimes have this issue with starting a series, but then never moving on to the second book.  It's a problem, and one that also confounds me because I typically love said series!  I'm so into the continuing saga of Percy Jackson, demigod extraordinaire.  Riordan's introduction of the Roman side of the demigods is so cool, and brings another aspect to two cultures that were so similar to each other.




FUTURE:

The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey -  I could NOT put down The 5th Wave, it was so good.  I, therefore, must read the next installment.  I have to see what happens to Cassie and all the rest!  I know it's probably going to get worst before it gets better and I can't wait to jump on the terror-filled, run-for-you-life, wagon!  And YES, I realize I still haven't started it, don't give me those judgey eyes!

If  you've read any of these books, let me know what you thought (but NO spoilers) down below in the comments!

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Past. Present. Future (30)

There are a a lot of these "What're you reading?" features around; here's my take on one.  

Hightlighting the books I've read, the books I'm reading, and the books I'm going to read, I'd love for you all to join in if you want!

PAST:

A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall - I read this for last month's Inkwood Books YA Book Club (if you live in Tampa, you should come join us for this month's pick, which is below).  It was a very cute book, with an interesting take on the perspectives.  This story revolves around two characters, but you never see the events of the story from their perspectives.  Instead their romance is relaid by their friends, by strangers, and, in some cases, inanimate objects.  A quick read, I think this is fun book to pick up between serious stories.

PRESENT:

The Carnival at Bray by Jessie Ann Foley - This is the pick for this month's Inkwood Books YA Book Club (seriously come and hang out if you're in Tampa, FL!).  IT's set in Ireland in the 90s, and it is about a young teen who is trying to find out who she is, using music to discover her path in life.  So far it's really good, and I recommend you pick it up!

PAST:

The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey -  I could NOT put down The 5th Wave, it was so good.  I, therefore, must read the next installment.  I have to see what happens to Cassie and all the rest!  I know it's probably going to get worst before it gets better and I can't wait to jump on the terror-filled, run-for-you-life, wagon!

If  you've read any of these books, let me know what you thought (but NO spoilers) down below in the comments!

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Past. Present. Future. (29)

There are a a lot of these "What're you reading?" features around, so I figured, hey why not start one too? Basically, here's where I highlight the books I've read, the books I'm reading, and the books I'm going to read. Fun, right? Please join in if you want!

PAST:

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo - Loved, loved, loved this book!  It was so different, and there were times when I sympathized with each character (Yes even the Darkling), and then I'd do a 180 and be disgusted with some of the choices made.  Argh, it's the best book when it's like that!  The mythology of this series (yep it's a series!) is amazing and sucks you right in.  Pick it up if you haven't already!





PRESENT:

Transparent by Natalie Whipple - Just started this book Sunday, and I'm halfway done with it!  It is SO good.  Full of action and an interesting mix of crime and sci-fi.  Fiona, the protagonist, is the invisible girl, the only one of her kind.  It is interesting to read how Whipple develops a character who can never be seen and can't see her own face. Can't wait to finish, and you all should add it to your TBR list!





FUTURE:

The Elite by Kiera Cass - Got to read this book.  I really liked the first book, The Selection, and it left off on such a cliffhanger.  This is one of my picks for cheesy, easy reads.  A popcorn book if you will.  Try the series for a fun last summer read!

If any of you've read any of these books, let me know what you thought (but NO spoilers) down below in the comments!

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Past. Present. Future. (29)

There are a a lot of these "What're you reading?" features around, so I figured, hey why not start one too? Basically, here's where I highlight the books I've read, the books I'm reading, and the books I'm going to read. Fun, right? Please join in if you want!

PAST:

Refresh Refresh by Danica Novgorodoff, James Ponsoldt, and Benjamin Percy - This graphic novel is really interesting as it explores the families left behind after deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.  Set in a small town in Oregon, 3 best friends are left behind as their fathers go to war.  Each boy experiences this differently, and uses back-yard ring fighting as a method of escape.  This is a very unsettling and intense look into the effects that war has on families.

The P.L.A.I.N. Janes by Cecil Castellucci and Jim Rugg - I read this graphic novel series out of order, but it was still enjoyable!  The premise feels very real, and I love the artwork, which is an interesting mix of Eastern and Western influence.  Really cool urban art installations and the idea of neighborhood art collectives.  Overall, a really fun graphic novell one of my favorites in fact.

PRESENT:

The Magicians by Lev Grossman - This has been on my TBR list for a while! I saw so many endorsements and comparisons to Harry Potter that I had to pick up. Now that I'm reading it, I don't really see the connection to Harry Potter except that there are schools of magic in both. But it is still super good! A lot darker and more adult; I can't wait to finish it and move on to the second book.

Death, Dickinson, and the Demented Life of Frenchie Garcia by Jenny Torres Sanchez - I am reading this as part of a blog tour through Book Nerd Tours that's going to be starting in June (keep an eye out for it)!  I met Jenny Torres Sanchez at the Sunshine Book Tour this year, and loved her first book!  This one sounds super awesome with the mix of Dickinson and death (read the summary) and while I'm just getting into it, it's really good so far!




PAST:

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey - I love this book!!!!!!  One of my favorites of 2013; EVERY ONE should read this book!  The hype is well-deserved, and Yancey delivers an amazing tale! It is so engaging and heart-stopping   The idea of these waves meant to decimate us is terrifying.  Aliens are moving up on my fears list for sure!!  They've already optioned the movie rights to this book, so that will be fun and there are two more books to look forward to! Wooh!

If any of you've read any of these books, let me know what you thought (but NO spoilers) down below in the comments!

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Past. Present. Future. (28)

There are a a lot of these "What're you reading?" features around, so I figured, hey why not start one too? Basically, here's where I highlight the books I've read, the books I'm reading, and the books I'm going to read. Fun, right? Please join in if you want!

PAST:
Requiem by Lauren Oliver - OH MY GOD!  THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING!  I AM NOT CAPABLE OF TALKING ABOUT IT ANY FURTHER THAN THAT!!!  Seriously though, if you haven't read the Delirium series (of which Requiem is Book 3) then you need to do so ASAP!  It is an amazing set of books, and just very good!

Peanut by Ayun Halliday & Paul Hoppe - I wanted to read this solely based on the cover, but then I found out it was a graphic novel, and that upped my interest a lot!  I've been on a graphic novel kick lately and this is a great contemporary one!  The idea of making up a peanut allergy to fit in at school or to make friends is hysterical.  Really well written and illustrated, I loved it!

Chiggers by Hope Larson - Another edition to my graphic novel obsession, this book also focuses on the need to fit in.  Taking place at summer camp, the girls in the book are all trying out new things and growing up.  The story isn't super serious, but is funny and filled with emotion.  The illustrations were sometimes a little unclear, as I had a hard time differentiating between characters.  But it was very cute, and worth a read!




PRESENT:

The Magicians by Lev Grossman - This has been on my TBR list for a while! I saw so many endorsements and comparisons to Harry Potter that I had to pick up. Now that I'm reading it, I don't really see the connection to Harry Potter except that there are schools of magic in both. But it is still super good! A lot darker and more adult; I can't wait to finish it and move on to the second book.

Death, Dickinson, and the Demented Life of Frenchie Garcia by Jenny Torres Sanchez - I am reading this as part of a blog tour through Book Nerd Tours that's going to be starting in June (keep an eye out for it)!  I met Jenny Torres Sanchez at the Sunshine Book Tour this year, and loved her first book!  This one sounds super awesome with the mix of Dickinson and death (read the summary) and while I'm just getting into it, it's really good so far!

FUTURE:

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey - I have seen the praises being sung for this book all over the place!  A sci-fi/dystopia, as soon as I heard of it I needed to get a copy.  The best part is that Rick Yancey is coming to my local indie bookstore this Saturday!  I need to get on this book ASAP (it may be replacing The Magicians for a little while), so I can have it read in time.  So excited!

If any of you've read any of these books, let me know what you thought (but NO spoilers) down below in the comments!

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