Top ten of my favorite books that came out in 2017

Today's post is going to be something different. I went through all of the books that I read this year and came up with the top ten of my favorites. I recommend you check them out. if you click on the title it will take you to the Goodreads page for the book.

1. Fallen Heir (Royals 4) by Erin Watt
2. Caraval by Stephanie Garber
3. Like a Memory By Abbi Glines
4. Warcross By Marie Lu
5. Because of Lila by Abbi Glines
6. The Society (spy girl 3) by Jillian Dodd
7. The Dark Prophecy (trials of Apollo 2) by Rick Riordan
8. Guardian of Secrets by Brenda Drake
9. Broken Shelves by Anne Malcom
10. Xander by Anne Mercier

My Christmas Break TBR Pile

I have about a week and half off from work and I finally have some quite time to catch up on some reading. I have five books I plan to get though.

1- Devils and Thieves by Jennifer Rush
I found this book at Barnes and Noble and after reading the first couple of chapters in the store I went from i'll borrow this from the library to I need to add this to my collection!

Goodreads Blurb: Power corrupts. Magic kills.
Eighteen-year-old Jemmie Carmichael is surrounded by magic in the quiet town of Hawthorne, New York. In her world, magic users are called “kindled,” and Jemmie would count herself among them if only she could cast a simple spell without completely falling apart. It doesn't help that she was also recently snubbed by Crowe—the dangerous and enigmatic leader of Hawthorne’s kindled motorcycle gang, the Devils’ League.

When the entire kindled community rolls into Hawthorne for an annual festival, a rumor spreads that someone is practicing forbidden magic. Then people start to go missing. With threats closing in from every side, no one can be trusted. Jemmie and Crowe will have to put aside their tumultuous history to find their loved ones, and the only thing that might save them is the very flaw that keeps Jemmie from fully harnessing her magic. For all her years of feeling useless, Jemmie may just be the most powerful kindled of all.

2. Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

After reading her Daughter of Smoke and Bones series I was excited when this book came out.  I saw this book at  y library and had to grab it.

Goodreads Blurb: The dream chooses the dreamer, not the other way around—and Lazlo Strange, war orphan and junior librarian, has always feared that his dream chose poorly. Since he was five years old he’s been obsessed with the mythic lost city of Weep, but it would take someone bolder than he to cross half the world in search of it. Then a stunning opportunity presents itself, in the person of a hero called the Godslayer and a band of legendary warriors, and he has to seize his chance or lose his dream forever.

What happened in Weep two hundred years ago to cut it off from the rest of the world? What exactly did the Godslayer slay that went by the name of god? And what is the mysterious problem he now seeks help in solving?

The answers await in Weep, but so do more mysteries—including the blue-skinned goddess who appears in Lazlo’s dreams. How did he dream her before he knew she existed? And if all the gods are dead, why does she seem so real?

Welcome to Weep. 

3. Top Ten by Katie Cotugno

I got the advanced readers copy at Book Con 2017 and I've been waiting for my library to get it ever since.

Goodreads Blurb: Ryan McCullough and Gabby Hart are the unlikeliest of friends. Introverted, anxious Gabby would rather do literally anything than go to a party. Ryan is a star hockey player who can get any girl he wants—and does, frequently. But against all odds, they became not only friends, but each other’s favorite person. Now, as they face high school graduation, they can’t help but take a moment to reminisce and, in their signature tradition, make a top ten list—counting down the top ten moments of their friendship: 

10. Where to begin? Maybe the night we met.
9. Then there was our awkward phase.
8. When you were in love with me but never told me…
7. Those five months we stopped talking were the hardest of my life.
6. Through terrible fights…
5. And emotional makeups.
4. You were there for me when I got my heart broken.
3. …but at times, you were also the one breaking it.
2. Above all, you helped me make sense of the world.
1. Now, as we head off to college—how am I possibly going to live without you?

4. Deadly Little Games by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Book three of the Touch Series that I've decided to reread for fun.

Goodreads Blurb: High school juniors Camelia and Ben have discovered a powerful bond: They both possess the power of psychometry, the ability to see the future through touch. For Ben, the gift is a frightening liability. When he senses a strong threat or betrayal, he risks losing control. Camelia's gift is more mysterious. When she works with clay, her hands sculpt messages her mind doesn't yet comprehend. 

Before either one has a chance to fully grasp their abilities, a new danger surfaces, but this time, Camelia is not the target. Adam, a familiar face from Ben's past, is drawn into a puzzle he can't solve...and his life is on the line. As the clues pile up, Camelia must decide whether to help him and risk losing Ben or do nothing and suffer the consequences. But in these games, who can be trusted?

Packed with the suspense and romance that made Deadly Little Secret and Deadly Little Lies breakout hits, Deadly Little Games is sure to be a bestseller.

5. Harry Potter: A Journey Through a History of Magic

This is a book I picked up on Black Friday. I love books that give extra content and behind-the-scenes info.

Goodreads Blurb: An irresistible romp through the history of magic, from alchemy to unicorns, ancient witchcraft to Harry's Hogwarts – packed with unseen sketches and manuscript pages from J.K. Rowling, magical illustrations from Jim Kay and weird, wonderful and inspiring artefacts that have been magically released from the archives at the British Library. 

This spellbinding book takes readers on a journey through the Hogwarts curriculum, including Herbology, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Astronomy, Divination and more. Discover the truth behind making the Philosopher's Stone, create your very own potion and uncover the secret of invisible ink. Learn all about the history of mandrake roots and dragons, discover what witches really used their brooms for, pore over incredible images of actual mermaids and read about real-life potions, astronomers and alchemists. 

The perfect gift for aspiring witches and wizards and any Harry Potter fan. Celebrating twenty years of Harry Potter magic, and produced in association with the British Library to support their major exhibition, Harry Potter: A History of Magic.

Contents:
The magical world of Harry Potter --
The journey --
Potions and alchemy --
Herbology --
Charms --
Astronomy --
Divination --
Defence against the dark arts --
Care of magical creatures --
Past, present, future --
The British Library --

Rough and Rich (notorious devils 6) by Hayley Fairman

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Blurb:

Imogen Caroline Stewart-Huntington hasn’t always been a rich bitch, her sunshine blotted out by her husband’s need to soar.

Sloane McKinley Huntington III hasn’t always been a Devil, but the brotherhood was his ride to the next best high—a vice he couldn’t shake, until he didn’t have a choice.

Now, three years sober, he sees with clear eyes. Free from the shackles of prison, all he wants is a second chance, his sights set on one woman—his wife.

Imogen knows that money can’t buy love—but when the rough man who stole her heart barges back into her life, she can’t help but question if perhaps forgiveness will.

My thoughts:

My favorite book in the whole series so far! there is action, drama, and romance. I honestly don't know where to start with this review everyone. there is so much to say. First, this couple is super cute and I love that they were together so long. this couple will have there ups and downs but they are stronger when they face it together. I also love the fact they are both rich but they don't showboat. on the club side of things, we get to find out who the rat is. you will be so shocked.I honestly read that page like three time before I believed it. I am warning you now that you will die. I did not see it coming. the family will play a huge role in this. I believe that there will be one more in the series but I could be wrong. overall you must read this book.

Gun Moll (gun moll1) by Bethany- Kris and Erin Tanner

Blurb:

James “Mac” Maccari’s career in the mafia is at a standstill. As the best solider in his Capo’s crew, all he wants is to be noticed enough to get Made in the Pivetti Crime Family. But instead, his Capo’s interests seem more focused on keeping his solider hidden from the boss, and every other Made man he can. Seemingly stuck right where he is with no chance of going up, Mac doesn’t know what will finally get him the attention he needs to earn his button.

Until she shows up and all eyes are on them …

Melina Morgan survives—that’s just what she does. She’s never been able to depend on anyone but herself to keep her safe and get things done. When a chance encounter puts her in a bad situation with the cops and the mafia, Melina has no choice but to put her faith in the hands of a man that not only infuriates her with his cocky arrogance, but catches her interest, too. Playing pretend in a fake relationship with Mac doesn’t seem all that terrible, until pretend turns real and bullets start to fly.

A man is nothing without his woman …

When the attention on Mac and Melina turns from bad to worse, and someone in the Pivetti Crime Family decides the couple needs to go, they know they’re fighting an uphill battle alone. But making it to the end alive means Mac could get what he’s always wanted, and Melina might find what she didn’t even know she needed.

Together, they’ll make waves the mafia has no choice but to notice …

My thoughts:

this book was so good. Bethany kris has another hit on her hands. if you have never read one of her books before, I recommend looking into them that are really good. they are fun and entertaining. the opening scene get you hooked as soon as you start reading. this book will play with your emotions. there is never a dull moment in this book. I love Melina sass level. you never know what she is going to say and that alone makes the book amazing. this is a very steamy book and you will not be able to put it down. I will warn you now that the ending will make you scream. I can't wait to read the next one.

Rough and Ready (notorious devils 5) by Hayley Fairman

Blurb:

Cleo Hill is a married woman, in love with a man she's never really known—her husband, whom she hasn't seen in eleven years.

Paxton "Torch" Hill is a Notorious Devil, a man who's been wrestling with his personal demons since before he knew the horrors of war.

When a threat against his club means danger could be lurking around his estranged wife's door, Paxton is determined to protect her. Yet, one look at the woman he left behind, and he knows his plans are about to change. 

The past is not an easy thing to forget, especially not for a woman scorned. While Cleo isn't the innocent catch he once knew, there's something about that rough and ready man she's not sure she can deny.

After all—they promised each other forever. 

My thoughts:

this book was super sweet. I was so shocked when I found out how long they were separated for from each other. the fact that there was still a connection for so long is crazy to me. the deeper we go in the series, the more we are finding out who the rat could be .the only thing that I missed was not being able to see the other characters from the other books. since this book takes place in a different state it is a little harder for them to see each other. I can not wait to read the next one.

Always (a Legacy 1) by Bethany-Kris

Blurb:

A wild boy.
A sly girl.

Cross Donati defines trouble. He does what he wants because he’s never known anything different. He’s unapologetic, and he owns it.

Catherine Marcello is every bit a good girl … on the outside. Her entire world is a legacy, and she lives it. She’s curious, and she’s exploring it.

She chases bad things.
He never learned to be good.

They’re late nights, stolen cars, first times, fist fights, leather jackets, beaches, bloody smiles, and life.
They’re vicious and precious, dangerous and harmless, innocence and sin. They are love.

Love is killing for someone.
Love is living for someone.

Sometimes, you can’t keep saving your heart when it means sacrificing it, too.
Sometimes, you have to learn to save yourself.
Sometimes, love has to fall, crash, and burn.

This is what love is like when you’re a principe and principessa della mafia.
This is what love is like when you’re Cross Donati and Catherine Marcello.

***

Always is a Legacy Novel, and while it is standalone, it can also act as a prequel for Revere. Each Legacy Novel stands alone from any other book, series, or collection. (less)

My thoughts:

So this book was amazing. i have been waiting for this book to come out.  this book is part of another trilogy that the author has. you don't have to read those but i recommend it because you will see the old characters come back.  this book starts out when the coupe meet which was high school. you will fall in love even more with the characters  while you read there story. this relationship is a big NO NO in the mob world but the kids don't care they go after it anyway.  this will play a big factor in there relationship. I personally feel bad for them. there relationship is a very up and down. it is very steamy and romantic at the same time.  you will go on the emotional roller coaster your self. the ending will make you scream and cry alone. I truly recommend this book.

Rough and Ruthless (notorious devils 4) by Hayley Fairman

Blurb:

Mary-Anne Lukin has never had it easy. Having survived the torments of abuse for far too long, it's a miracle that life somehow managed to leave her with a little bit of hope—hope of a future filled with happiness. 

Max "MadDog" Duhart has lived more than one lifetime, earning the respect he's due as the president of the Original Charter of Notorious Devils. Nevertheless, with life still yet to live, he wants more than the regret that's tarnished his past. 

Their connection is instant, though they know they shouldn't act on it—not with more than thirty years between them. Not with their families tied together by the club's brotherhood. 

Yet, there's something about the sweet, broken woman that whispers of a fresh start for an old man. And while he may be rough and ruthless, she cannot deny the way she feels when she looks into his haunted blue eyes.

One phone call. One cry for help. One motorcycle ride, and life as they know it is never the same. 

** Recommended for readers 18+ due to language, violence, and sexual content

My thoughts:

this book has a very interesting dynamic.  the male character is 30 years older that the female character. this makes the story different than the other books in the series. there story was not my favorite but it was a good one. I just felt that the age thing was to big of a gap for me to grasp. it was still sexy and dirty but i just wish that the age gap was a little smaller. overall the plot was good and  i am going to read the next book but i am a little nervous.

Aiden (the Keatyn Chronicals 6.25) by Jillian Dodd

Blurb:

The God of all Hotties, with his dreamy green eyes and abs to die for. 

When Keatyn goes to Eastbrooke, their attraction is intense. 
He gives her a four-leaf clover, kisses her atop the Ferris wheel, and turns her brain to cotton candy.
But . . . there’s always a but in love stories, right?

Discover when and how Aiden learned who Keatyn really was, and why he didn’t confront her with his knowledge in pivotal new scenes from his point of view. 

**NOTE: This book contains series spoilers

My thoughts:

This is a short story from Aidens point of view. I personal love when authors do this because there is always more than one side to any story. That is exactly what this book is it is fun and different. i love all of the little comment that Aiden makes in his head about Keatyn. they are super cute. while reading Aiden point of view i felt that i could connect better with the character after reading this. you don't have to read this if you don't want to but if you are a fan of Aiden than i would recommend reading it.

Deadly Little Secret (a Touch Novel) by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Deadly Little Secret (a Touch Novel) by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Goodreads Blurb: Some secrets shouldn't be kept...

Up until three months ago, everything in sixteen-year-old Camelia's life had been fairly ordinary: decent grades; an okay relationship with her parents; and a pretty cool part-time job at the art studio downtown. But when Ben, the mysterious new guy, starts junior year at her high school, Camelia's life becomes anything but ordinary.

Rumored to be somehow responsible for his ex-girlfriend's accidental death, Ben is immediately ostracized by everyone on campus. Except for Camelia. She's reluctant to believe the rumors, even when her friends try to convince her otherwise. She's inexplicably drawn to Ben and to his touch. But soon, Camelia is receiving eerie phone calls and strange packages with threatening notes. Ben insists she is in danger, and that he can help-but can he be trusted? She knows he's hiding something... but he's not the only one with a secret.

From the best-selling author of Blue is for Nightmares comes a story of paranormal romance that's sure to be a thrilling and chilling teen favorite.

My thoughts: It has been awhile since I have re-read this series. I first discovered this series while browsing my library shelves for something new to read. This was my first introduction to her writing and I immediately fell in love.  I read this book before I discovered Twilight and now that I’m re-reading it I get major Edward/Bella vibes. 

One of my favorite things about this series is that it’s only 5 books and they are all short, quick reads. You can read a book a day, finish the entire series in a week. I also love the mystery, the story keeps you guessing until the end. Though that fact that it’s a fast read is a “pro” for me it is also a “con”. I wish the book was a little bit longer but then I worry it will be extended with nonsense that doesn’t add much to the story.

Something I would change about the story is the friendship between Camelia, Kimmie and Wes. To me their friendship is super relatable and each character has their own unique personality that readers will either relate themselves or have a friend in their social circle that is similar to the character.

Links to Purchase:

Amazon

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Thriftbooks

Half Price Books

Upcoming release

SUMMARY:

A sexy standalone novel from New York Times and international bestselling author Elle Kennedy! Special pre-order and release week SALE price $0.99!

In tight quarters, anything can happen…

Fresh off a six-month deployment, Navy SEAL Cash McCoy is determined to end his celibacy streak with a night of down and dirty sex. Instead, he gets an interrupted hook-up with a hot blonde who vanishes without a way for him to contact her. When he’s asked to keep an eye on—and hands off—his CO’s sister for a few weeks to guard her from a psycho-stalker ex, Cash accepts the assignment as a distraction…and gets the surprise of his life.

Jen Scott knows she needs protection, but she’s not looking forward to being babysat by some straight-laced yes-man her overprotective brother can boss around. Finding out her new roomie is none other than the sexy stranger who was seconds away from shaking her world apart changes everything. Orders be damned, Cash is the one man capable of helping her explore her sexuality, and she’s even willing to break her own rule—never date military men—to get the gorgeous SEAL into her bed.

Only, Cash makes it clear he wants much more than she bargained for. Not just her body, but the one thing Jen promised herself she’d never give to a man in uniform. Her heart.

Warning: Sexy SEAL? Check. Sassy heroine determined to seduce him? Check. Scorching hot sex bound to make you blush? Double check. A threesome and some man-on-man action? Triple check. You've been warned.

LINKS:

http://geni.us/FHAmz

http://geni.us/FHiB

http://geni.us/FHKobo

http://geni.us/FHNook