Best In Books | May 2018

Best in Books is a monthly feature created by BookTuber Hope Ortego. 

A playlist of her Best In Books videos can be found HERE.

_________________________________________________

Best in Books was created by my friend Hope and she was kind enough to let me join in on her feature (because she's awesome that way). Her BookTube channel is linked above and I hope you'll check her out. Now on to all the best bookishness in May...

Sage from The Queen of Bright and Shiny Things
Sage was a character that I admired. This was a girl who fought hard to overcome her past. She wanted so much to be a better person and often subscribed to the "fake it until you make it" mentality. She didn't giver herself enough credit, though, because she was already strong and kind and loyal. As Shane said to her: "You really have no idea do you? How incredible you are?"

Mal from Play

For sheer enjoyment, this one has to go to Mal. This overgrown man-child drummer for Stage Dive was a force of nature. I adored Mal for both his humor and his heart. He went on these hilarious tangents, said outrageous things, drove Anne crazy, and yet at the same time he was sweet and lovable and had a huge heart. My favorite guy from the Stage Dive series and my favorite male character for May.

Love Scene, Take Two by Alex Evansley
A book this adorable needs a cover to match and looking at this one I'd say mission accomplished! From the gorgeous color, to the fun font, to the director's chairs (a nod to the movie set setting), this cover is a big hit.

Before and Again by Barbara Delinksky


“People don't cry because they're weak. They cry because they've been strong for too long."

Jimmy: Lead by Kylie Scott

I'll admit that I was torn over lead singer Jimmy for much of the book. To be honest, he was a total ass to Lena much of the time. But despite the hard-partying reputation, the sometimes nasty attitude, and his general moodiness, there was something about Jimmy that got to me. He was giving his all to being clean and sober, he was grieving the loss of an important person in his life, and dealing with the fall-out that his previous actions had on the band. And despite what he said, it was obvious he cared for Lena and he showed it in so many ways - big and small. 

Here So Far Away by Hadley Dyer

Admittedly, Here So Far Away was my least favorite book of the month, but it did manage to throw in a plot twist that I didn't see coming. I had a couple guesses about a particular character but when what really happened was revealed... yeah, didn't see that coming. 

it rode in on

The Queen of Bright and Shiny Things by Ann Aguirre

Sadly there were no 5 star reads in the month of May. And there wasn't a 4.5 star book, either. But I did have two 4 star reads: Love Scene, Take Two and The Queen of Bright and Shiny Things. While LSTT was ridiculously adorable, it was The Queen of Bright and Shiny Things that had the emotional impact. There was much to love. Both Sage and Shane were strong, well-developed characters who worked hard to overcome difficult pasts. Their connection felt genuine, starting with a friendship that grew into more. Sage's aunt, who she lived with, was an amazingly supportive force in Sage's life. This book covered so many topics seamlessly - grief, friendship, first love, family dynamics, bullying and more - and it all came together for a truly emotional journey.

 ______________________________________________________

Now it's your turn: 
What is the best book you read in May?