Book Boos: May

I slowed down a bit in May, unfortunately. I had such a great time on vacation in California that I only read one book (not complaining, it was a great trip!) and I also haven't hit upon a great audio book in a few weeks. Nothing that leaves me waiting for more. Meh.

6. Seating Arrangements by Maggie Shipstead. (Audio/Print) This was one of those audio choices that just didn't do it for me, but I had already dedicated so much time to it that I tried to sludge through. My library copy expired before I could finish and I ended up making it to the end via the print version. This just didn't connect with me. At all. 

5. Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr. (Audio) Pleasant book about a teen girl dealing with family issues in the midst of a missing child case in her town. I was more into the potential love story with the brother of the missing girl than the family issues, but that's to be expected with me. 

4. Fell of Dark by Patrick Downes (ARC) A very 'literary' book that is written in a style that is very different for YA. My ARC expired while I was reading and I finished it from the print version several weeks later so I think a little was lost on me, but I appreciated the style and prose a lot. 

3. Vampires in the Lemon Grove by Karen Russell (Audio) I loved some of the stories and then felt very meh on some others. I want to be a short story lover, but I'm not sure if I am. 

2. Drowning is Inevitable by Shalanda Stanley (ARC). This book is incredible and I can't wait for it to come out so I can recommend it to everyone! It's the type of book where anything could happen plot-wise because it's about relationships first and foremost. I truly loved this book.

1. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir. This is the type of book that both inspires me and makes me think I'll never create something even half as good. I loved this story and the characters oh so much and the writing was top-notch in my opinion. I highlighted so many lines because I want to go back and use them as guides to writing well.

Have you read anything good lately? Let me know on twitter!

Book Boos: April

I've read/listened to 36 books in 2015, which I'm super excited about and I hope I can keep up this rate until December! I finished seven books in April. Let's review:

7. Virals by Kathy Reichs. (Audio) I chose this book because I'm always being asked at work to recommend mysteries. I wasn't expecting the supernatural element of the story, but I did like the main character who is the relative of Temperance Brennan from the Bones series. This read a little young for me.

6. Sweet by Emmy Laybourne (ARC) I haven't read this author's other series, but having heard good things, I was excited to read this advanced reader copy (ARC). This is a weird story. The premise is that two best friends go on a luxury cruise that is introducing a new weight-loss sweetener. Of course, things go horribly wrong. Some of the plot moved a little too quickly for me, but I loved how insane things got on the ship.

5. The Young Elites by Marie Lu (Audio). I really liked Legend so I was excited for this new series with the awesome cover. Parts of the story felt super long to me, but to be fair, I was on a long drive so that may have made the difference. I will pick up the next book because I did like the story that was set up at the end. Gonna need more romance in book two, Lu!

4. Anatomy of a Misfit by Andrea Portes (Audio). This was a special book. I started it, enjoying the main character's voice and the story that kept my drive feeling light and fun. But man, without giving away anything, this is one of those books I want everyone to read.

3. Hotel Ruby by Suzanne Young (ARC). I lovvvvve Suzanne Young's writing. If you haven't read The Program, you need to! This book doesn't come out until later this year, but I was lucky enough to get an ARC. It's deliciously creepy, romantic, and mysterious. 

2. Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen (ARC). I was so pleasantly surprised by this book. Not that I didn't think it would be good (Sarah Dessen isn't incredibly popular for writing crappy books!), but I was worried it would be too juvenile for me. And yeah, there were times when I, as a woman in her 30s, really wanted this get a lil more romantic, but overall, I really liked this book. The characters are wonderful and really set this book apart from others. I think it's going to be a huge hit. (Duh.)

1. The Royal We by Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan (ARC). And my #1 book I read in April! This was such a joy to read. It's long in the best way because once you start reading about Bex's life in London, you don't want it to end. Of course, having been inspired by Wills and Kate, some of the story sounds incredibly familiar, but with a wonderful cast of side characters, the entire story still feels fresh. And, as a personal plea: buy this book because I need a sequel!!!!!

What have YOU been reading? Let me know in the comments or on twitter!