Top Ten Tuesday: Summer TBRs

Happy Top Ten Tuesday (hosted by The Broke and the Bookish and created by The Perpetual Page Turner!) Welcome to this week's topic: Top Ten Books You'd Recommend As Good Beach Reads.

Released this Summer
1. Endlessly by Kiersten White I'm obsessed with Evie. I get super excited slash scared slash worried slash thirsty when I think about finishing this series.
2. Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols Have I rambled on enough about this one yet? No? Well I CANNOT WAIT. Jennifer Echols = the top of my author crush list.
3. The Treachery of Beautiful Things by Ruth Francis Long I love this title because it also applies to the book itself, which is super beautiful. Though I hope it's only treacherous in all the right ways, if you know what i mean....
4. Timepiece by Myra McEntire I'm going to need to reread Hourglass before I plunge in, but I definitely remember LOVING the Southern feel, the family aspect, and the Hottie McTottie boys. Anyone read this yet?
5. The Thing About the Truth by Lauren Barnholdt This may be a little TMI, but the blurb sounds kind of like a summary of my high school life. And her name is Kelsey, so I'm super worried/excited that this is my secret biography. (No joke)



Left on my List of Ten
1. Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore I'm saving this one until I can dedicate a full day to it. I don't want anyone interrupting me in the middle, lest they *accidentally* lose a limb from my wrath.
2. Don't You Wish by Roxanne St. Claire Yikes. I sooo need to get on this....
3. Dreamless by Josephine Angelini I'm really excited for this one, but the problem is I consumed Dreamless via audio. The second book is only out for reading, and I'm super reluctant to switch medias.
4. Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken Via a recommendation from the lovely Natalie at Mindful Musings. I promise I'm going to get to it soon so we can discuss!!
5. I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Larter I like her writing style, but I wanted way more romance from Heist Society. However, I hear the swoon factor is up in this one!

Happy Reading all!

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Beach Books!

Happy Top Ten Tuesday (hosted by The Broke and the Bookish and created by The Perpetual Page Turner!) Welcome to this week's topic: Top Ten Books You'd Recommend As Good Beach Reads.

I definitely fall prey to "holiday culture" in that I automatically associate summer with fun faster reads (probably because my brain shuts down a little in warm weather). With the sudden constant companionship of my AC and sunglasses, I am in full summer mode and looking for good contemporaries to go along with my Long Island iced tea and naps in Central Park (with SPF 60, of course!)

1. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han I am constantly waxing on about this series on the blog, but seriously, if you haven't met Conrad and Jeremy yet there is no hope for you!

2. Anything Sarah Dessen You really can't go wrong here, but my personal favorite is Along for the Ride, which is basically the fulfillment of every girl's dream summer away at the beach.

3. Anything Jennifer Echols Can my personal favorites be "everything she's ever written?" No? Well then, definitely check out Love Story and Forget You. I just swoon thinking about them!

4. The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith Also takes place in the summer. You can read my review or just take my word when I say that YOU WILL DIE of the cute.

5. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares If you've seen the movies, ignore them. As is always the case, the books are better. I'm a Bridget girl myself, but you'll have to tell me who you prefer.

6. My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick This one comes out this week, and I can't wait to have a finished copy as some shelf candy! Be sure to wish Huntley Fitzpatrick a happy book birthday this Thursday!!

7. The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella This is not YA, but it is extra sexy and extra, extra hilarious. Make sure you have a cold drink or magazine on hand because wooooahhh giiirrll, you are going to need to fan yourself after certain chapters!

8. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger Okay, there's really nothing summery about this, I just think summer because I happened to read it on a beach. This one's heavy, and it'll dehydrate you (read: many tears), so make sure you have some water on hand!

9. The Thing About the Truth by Lauren Barnholdt This doesn't come out until July 10th, but it's one of my most anticipated reads for the summer! Besides, it's a rule of the universe that when a Kelsey is involved (as with this protagonist) everything is spectacular. I speak from experience, of course.

10. Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols Also a July 10th release. Have I mentioned I have a talent crush on Jennifer Echols? Yes? Then you wont be surprised to hear that I am considering getting cryogenically frozen until this release because I might die--DIE I TELL YOU--from waiting.

If you have any good contemps you think I should try, let me know! Happy sunny Tuesday, all.

Spring Fever: Top Ten Books I'd Play Hooky With

Welcome, welcome, to this weeks edition of Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by The Broke and the Bookish! Today I bring you the Spring Fever Edition: which ten books I'd love to stay home and play hooky with.


1. Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
Childhood forever favorite. I never get tired of this story (there was one fateful road trip where I listened to it once through, finished it and started the book all over again. No joke). I think I've had a crush on Char since age 10. 12 years later, I still want to marry his freckly self. In fact, curling up with this book sounds like the perfect way to spend a day.

2. Love Story by Jennifer Echols
There are so many things I love about this book. The college aged protagonist, the raunchy short stories, the horse farm, the city life and the southern charm that all get wrapped up together in one wonderful story. I read this over Christmas and left it at my parents house in Colorado--big mistake. I have been dying, DYING I tell you, to escape back into Erin Blackwell's head ever since.

3. The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
A recent read of mine, but one that I wouldn't mind going back to. There was something so compelling about the chemistry between Hadley and Oliver that makes this read one of 100% girlish wish fulfillment. I want my own British hottie!

4. Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally
The best book I've read so far this year (look back later this week for my review!) I identified with Jordan so much that every little heartbreak and triumph felt deeply personal. Since there's no sequel coming out (though there is a companion novel!) I think this book is going to turn into one of my "read, rinse, repeat" staples.

5. Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
This book is so dang good. So is the sequel. I actually get a little fluttery whenever I think about this book, that's how much I love it. It also makes me want to move to Wyoming, that's how much I love it (which is crazy on multiple levels partially because, DUH, it's Wyoming and it only has one electoral vote, and also because I am a major Colorado enthusiast... ski Colorado, folks).

6. All seven Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling
I like the idea of spending an entire weekend in bed with nothing but snacks, the Harry Potter series, and a water bottle to pee in (just kidding... I'm not that intense... I would get out of bed to go to the restroom). Have any of you been on Pottermore? All this new, behind-the-scenes info on the characters and books has gotten me excited to go back and read them for the umptienth time.

7. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Like I said above with The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, I want a cute British boy all for myself!! Also, as someone with a serious travel bug, I love truly feeling transported to Paris in this one.

8. All six Vampire Academy books, followed by Bloodlines by Richelle Mead
Richelle Mead is a goddess of the written word. Also, Rose is my idol. 'Nuff said.

9. Heir Apparent by Vivian Vande Velde
This was one of my brother's and my favorites growing up. It's been a while since I read it, which means I've forgotten some of the plot details so reading it will almost be like reading it for the first time (bonus)! For those of you who aren't familiar, definitely check it out.

10. Where She Went by Gayle Foreman
This one is not even a hypothetical. I have been DYING to read the sequel to If I Stay and it's been staring at me for days, but I told myself I wasn't allowed to start it until I unpacked my apartment and wrote the review. Finishing those tonight, so I'm playing hooky with Gayle Foreman tomorrow!! Holla!

Sensing a theme here? For me, a happy, snuggly day in bed away from the worries of work usually means reading some kind of love story. Contemporary Chic-Lit isn't necessarily my favorite YA sub-genre, but reading it usually produces the same type of feeling as comfort food. Mac n' Cheese with a Stephanie Perkins novel (and maybe a bubble bath)? BOOM, perfect stress-free afternoon.

How 'bout y'all? Any genres that you most want to play hooky with? What's on your top ten list this week?

Top Ten Books on My Spring TBR List

Hey y'all! Bringing you more Top Ten Tuesday hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week features the top ten books that I want to read this spring (though not necessarily released this spring). So here it is... at least 10 books I'd like to plow through before the end of May.


1. Where She Went by Gayle Forman
I just finished If I Stay yesterday in one sitting and HOLY MONKEYS was it good. I am rushing to get through today's work so I can run to B&N and get a copy of the second one (which, if rumor is to be believed, is even better than the first).

2. The Selection by Kiera Cass
You've seen this one on some of my other lists, but I am still child-about-to-go-on-its-first-roller-coaster-pee-your-pants-excited (excuse the visual) for its release next month. Here's hoping it can live up to all the expectations I've given it.

3. Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin
Another April release. I'm starting to see ARC reviews and so far, so great. Besides, the cover copy had me at, "beautiful dresses, glittery make-up, and tantalizing..." WHAT? Glitter!! (insert Ke$ha here...) And how could I not love the title nod to Edgar Allen Poe?

4. Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
This was a random find for me in the bookstore the other day, which had somehow managed to escape my attention when it was released a couple of months ago. I've heard good things though, so I'm excited to read it!

5. Insurgent by Veronica Roth
I am happy to report that my grubby little hands got to hold and cradle a hard cover copy of this book. I am sad to report that I did not get to keep or read it (editors can be such teases). I recently reread Divergent in preparation, so I am all kinds of ready for the May release!

6. Incarnate by Jodi Meadows
I don't know what it is about this book... I was wearing down the floorboards with all my excited pacing and waiting for its release, then when my ARC finally came I didn't pick it up. It's since been released and I still haven't picked it up. I'm really hoping to put on my serious pants and actually get to it soon.

7. Getting Over Garrett Delany by Abby McDonald
Just another in a series of recent Contemporary YA binges. Besides, I can empathize with the crushing on the blue-eyed best friend bit (poor Sadie).

8. Forget You by Jennifer Echols
Jennifer Echols is like a favorite little dessert for me. I discovered her when I read Love Story last Christmas, and now I am painstakingly portioning my way through her other works so I don't run out of them too quickly! Next up: Forget You.

*9. Contemporary Recommendation?
I obviously have lots of other books to read this spring, but I wanted to ask for a recommendation. I plowed through so many Contemporary YAs in the last few weeks that I'm running low on ideas. Does anyone have a favorite they could suggest (you can check my Goodreads to see which ones I've already conquered)? I would appreciate it!!

*10. Sarah Dessen Recommendation?
I'm also looking for a Sarah Dessen Recommendation. I read The Truth About Forever a few months ago and really enjoyed it. I want to listen to another one of her titles, but don't know where to start (Just Listen, This Lullaby, Along for the Ride, something else??). Let me know if there was one you really enjoyed!

Will any of you be reading the same spring titles? Leave a comment below; I'd love to check out your lists. Happy Vernal Equinox all, and enjoy your spring reading!

The One That I Want by Jennifer Echols

The One That I Want by Jennifer Echols

Release Date: February 7, 2012
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 320
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased
Challenges: N/A

Gemma can’t believe her luck when the star football player starts flirting with her. Max is totally swoon-worthy, and even gets her quirky sense of humor. So when he asks out her so-called best friend Addison, Gemma’s heartbroken.

Then Addison pressures Gemma to join the date with one of Max’s friends. But the more time they all spend together, the harder Gemma falls for Max. She can’t help thinking that Max likes her back—it’s just too bad he’s already dating Addison. How can Gemma get the guy she wants without going after her best friend’s boyfriend?

When best friends Gemma and Addison go to majorette camp at a nearby college campus, they meet Max and Carter, the cute kicker and quarterback from the rival high school. Though both girlfriends are immediately smitten with Max, Addison is quick to lay claim on him, pushing Gemma to fill her regular doormat role and back off. Thanks to more manipulation via Addison, an awkward double date ensues, Gemma with Carter and Addison with Max. Over the course of the story, we get to see the way each relationship builds and functions in this unlikely foursome, I can guarantee that it is replete with angst, drama, crushing, and unrequited love.

This is a Jennifer Echols novel, so obviously there is a lot of good happening in these pages. Despite her cluelessness about guys (but lets be honest, weren't we all at one point or another? Some of us are probably even still...), Gemma is a centered and surprisingly confident character. She has recently lost 50 pounds, and I was worried that she would be the kind of character who never stopped talking about weight. It certainly remains forefront in her mind, but she attempts to take a healthy approach to her loss and maintenance. She also has a distinct sense of personal style and the bravery to try out things she knows people will make fun of her for. If someone says something nasty about what she's doing, she knows that it's their issue, and can acknowledge them for the bad friend that they are. Also, the relationship between her and Max is very sweet. The two of them have a comfortable teasing relationship, but are also sensitive and in tune enough with each other to feel out awkward moments or tricky conversations. I felt like they had the tools as friends/couple to really work.

The things that bugged me? Well to start off, Addison. She is absolutely AWFUL. I lost so much respect for Gemma for being her friend. Every time she was mentioned in the book I would become angry to the point of near nausea because I disliked her so vigorously. It seemed like Jennifer Echols intentionally made Addison so terrible that we wouldn't feel bad if Gemma did something to hurt her. But listen y'all, one wrong does not equal another. I hated Addison, but I also disliked Gemma when she used Addison's nasty behavior to justify her own, and when she let Addison walk all over her. Lets try for a little ASSERTIVE COMMUNICATION, please.

This book is cute and fast and if you are looking for a quick easy read with a lot of teenage brooding, look no further. On that particular day, I think I was hoping for something a little more mature, along the lines of my last Echols read, Love Story. 16-year-old Gemma felt so much younger to me than 18-year-old Erin. She tried so hard at playing love "games" that she created her own problems, and sometimes I became impatient with her cluelessness. However, there are a lot of great messages to get from this book. I really enjoyed the way that the relationship was crafted between mother and daughter, the development of something between Gemma and Max, and generally watching Gemma grow fully into her smaller, more-confident self. I give The One That I Want 3 out of 5 Stars.

Slush Sleuth's Rating: