Top Five Books I've Read This Quarter | Jan/Feb/Mar 2018



I love books.
I love lists.
And combing the two? 
Well, my nerdy little heart can barely stand it.

I was just perusing my GoodReads shelf, looking over the books I've read this year, and there have been some real stand-outs. And I thought to myself, "Self? Seeing as how we just wrapped up the first quarter of the year, why not share your favorites? What a perfect excuse to make a list!" And then I congratulated myself mightily on having such a stellar idea. (I'm all about boosting the ol' ego, don't you know.) I'm not sure if I'll continue this with other Top Five lists (sounds fun now but who needs the commitment, amiright?) so for now let's just start with this.

top five books I read this quarter
January-February-March 2018

the cruel prince by holly black
read in january
It's rare that I feel led to pick up a fantasy novel, but the synopsis of The Cruel Prince caught my eye. I got the book from my library and when it was slow to start I thought I'd made mistake and was ready to run back to my stack of contemporary romance. But I decided to switch to the audio version and *bam* - that did the trick. The story came to life and the plot was off and running. I was hooked from that point on and completely caught up in the political intrigue and the realm of the Fae. And the twist at the end left me with total grabby hands for book two.


royally matched by emma chase
read in january
I feel like I talk about this series *a lot* but there's a reason for that: it's just that good. What I thought would be a light-hearted romance series full of laughs turned out to be so much more. And Royally Matched was no exception. It's hard to choose a favorite from the series but this one might just be it. I loved Henry and Sarah's story. Their opposites-attract relationship developed slowly and started as a friendship. Their banter was utterly priceless but was balanced perfectly with more serious issues. There was real growth in both characters and some turns at the end that added such depth and emotion. Yeah, I'll admit it... I shed a few tears.


autoboyography by christina lauren
read in february
Prepare for much gushing because seriously... this book is just everything. I'm reading less and less YA these days but this one is such a stand-out. There were so many elements that I loved: realistic characters that felt 100% genuine, great dialogue that felt true to life (never clunky or stilted), a wonderful, supportive family, friendships, romance, and above all, two main characters that were totally precious. I am ridiculously stingy with five star ratings but this one easily got those five stars and became an instant favorite of my heart.


the seven husbands of evelyn hugo by taylor jenkins reid
read in february
I read my first book by TJR last year and was so moved and impressed that I was immediately determined to read everything she has written. But for some reason, when The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo was released I wasn't exactly jumping on the bandwagon. I wasn't sure I wanted to read the story of a Hollywood starlet-turned-legend. Then I saw the audio version available on Overdrive, started listening, and was hooked. Evelyn is an unforgettable character and I was totally wrapped up in the story of her life. 


love and other words by christina lauren
read in march
Love and Other Words is another one that I feel like I've been talking about a lot lately - with good reason. It's no coincidence that two books on this list are from writing duo Christina Lauren. These ladies know how to create characters that feel like walking-talking human beings - ones that I can imagine out there in the world living their lives. Their motivations, their actions, their dialogue - all of it feels so realistic and it lends a believability factor that makes for an amazing reading experience. I totally fell for Macy and Elliot and their story - both past and present - captured my heart.

What book have you read so far this year that stands out above all the others?

41 comments

  1. Two books lately that stand out a LOT compared to other books. One YA Contemporary: The Exact Opposite of Okay and the other is a high fantasy: Children of Blood and Bone. I love those books to pieces - no doubt about it!

    Also loved The Cruel Prince & Autoboyography. <3 Although Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda is getting even more of my love compared to Autoboyography, haha.

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    1. I’ve seen some amazing reviews of Children of Blood and Bone. It’s always exciting when a book totally lives up to the hype! I’m not familiar with The Exact Opposite of Okay but I’ll definitely be looking it up.

      Oh my goodness, if I had to choose between Simon and Autoboyography I think my brain would short-circuit. LOL

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  2. Oh I loved the 4 of these books I read. The Cruel Prince surprised me! Autoboyography and Love and Other Words <3 Christina Lauren writes the best books! And well TJR is just awesome.

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    1. Christina Lauren has just impressed me so much! And TJR... wow. If she could just put out a book a month or something. LOL

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  3. I’m glad you found some amazing books! I kind of want to read The Cruel Prince. I don’t usually like fantasy, but a lot of my fellow fantasy skeptics have been loving it.

    Aj @ Read All The Things!

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    1. I am definitely not a fantasy reader but I’m so glad I took a chance on The Cruel Prince. I consider it perfect for non-fantasy readers like me. I call it “fantasy lite.” LOL

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  4. You've really got me curious about The Seven Husband's of Evelyn Hugo!

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    1. I was so into Evelyn’s story, Amber. It spans decades and decades and I loved Evelyn’s honesty. She was totally forthright and I loved how she was so unrepentant about most of her actions over the years.

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  5. I didn't love The Cruel Prince as much as everyone else yet it's one of those books that I can't stop thinking about.

    I want Autoboyography!!!!

    Karen @ For What It's Worth

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    1. Now that's interesting. I guess there was something about it that clicked with you - even if it wasn't necessarily a favorite.

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  6. I'm reading Autoboyography next week because of your review! I even featured your review on my last Sunday Post :) I cannot wait! I have tonsa tissue ready! :)

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    1. Oh my goodness, that's so awesome! I hope you'll find it easier to get into than Simon. :) And I totally missed everyone's Sunday Posts because of having company... what a week to miss! Now I have to go take a look. But allow me to say thank you in advance at your awesomeness. :)

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  7. Love and Other Words is definitely one of my faves this year. I would add: The Upside of Falling Down, Far From the Tree, Flipped, Flight Season, Where I Live, In Search of Us, Going Places, The Secrets We Bury, Starry Eyes, I Have Lost My Way, Obsidio. I feel all the feels just thinking about them.

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    1. My husband just started Obsidio yesterday. :) Now that I've *finally* read Alex, Approximately I'm excited for Starry Eyes. And Far From the Tree... oh my heart. That was one of my 2017 top faves. Loved that one!

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  8. I like the sound of Autoboyography :)

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    1. Autoboyography was such a wonderful story. I highly recommend it.

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  9. One of the reads that stood out to me this year was The English Wife by Lauren Willig. I still want to read the Reid book.

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    1. The English Wife sounds like an interesting story. I don't think I've read anything from the time period. Taylor Jenkins Reid writes amazing stories and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo was excellent.

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  10. Lists are fantastic. You should totally congratulate yourself for such a great idea. Glad to see Cruel Prince on your list since I want to read that one! I'll stay on the lookout to see if my library gets the audio if it's that good!

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    1. Why thank you, I thought so, too. :) I very rarely pick up fantasy but The Cruel Prince was a rare exception that turned out to be a hit. And the audio totally made it work for me.

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  11. From Lukov With Love is probably my favourite book this year so far. :)

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    1. That's the second time I've seen that book mentioned this week - and before this week I'd never heard of it! Maybe the universe is telling me I need to read it. :)

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  12. I loved The Final Six by Alexandra Monir, Snowbound with an Heiress-Jennifer Faye, Death in the Stacks-Jenn Mckinlay, It Happened One Autumn-Lisa Kleypas, and Beneath the Texas Sky by Jodi Thomas!!

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  13. This is a great idea! I need to read both Christina Lauren books- you've sold me on Love and Other Words, and I already really wanted to read Autoboyography! I don't actually know which book has been my favorite so far! Maybe Thunderhead? Fatal Throne? This is a good question, I shall now peruse my own Goodreads!!

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    1. I feel like Scythe was absolutely everywhere but I've seen very little about Scythe. Glad it was such a hit for you!

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  14. Ah Emma Chase. She's so good. I need to start those for sure.

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    1. I'd never read anything by Emma before I listened to the first Royally book but now I'm hooked and want to read everything she's written. :)

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  15. I DID buy Autoboyography so I need to finally read that one. I've also been meaning to read something by TJR.

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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    1. I highly recommend both, Lauren! (Obviously.) I can’t wait to see what you think of Autoboyography.

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  16. Great idea to break your favorites up into a quarterly post. I read and also enjoyed The Cruel Prince. I am so excited for The Wicked King.

    I have that Christina Lauren book on my TBR. Glad to see you enjoyed it.

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    1. Totally excited for The Wicked King! Next January seems sooo far away!
      Love and Other Words was so, so good. I hope you’ll enjoy it if/when you read it.

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  17. I definitely want to check out Christina Lauren, and Holly Black's book. One of these days, I will. I hope. Lol. Glad you enjoyed these!

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    1. Christina Lauren are going to turn me into a total fangirl. Between Autoboyography and Love and Other Words they’ve impressed me like crazy!

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  18. Lauren's book is on my pile, I adore Emma Chase but sadly she is reminds me of my father's passing. I was reading her at the time and eck, I just can't. Not yet anyway. So silly how the mind works. Great list!

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    1. Aw, I’m sorry to hear that, Kim. But I know what you mean. I definitely attach certain books to particular events or times in my life. And that can be a good thing or a not so good thing. :(

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  19. I really need to try Emma Chase series soon. Seems like my kindle of read. opposites attract, becomes friends before lovers with good banter.

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    1. The Royally series by Emma Chase was a big surprise to me. I thought it would be some mindless fun but it ended up being so much more! I hope you’ll enjoy it if you decide to give it a go.

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  20. The Cruel Prince was a standout book for me as well. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in that series.

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    1. Me too, Suzanne! The Wicked is bound to be great but January seems sooo far away!

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  21. I loved Royally Matched!! Such a great book!! I can't wait to read The Cruel Prince and the seven husbands of evelyn hugo by taylor jenkins reid. Maybe one day soon!! I hope! Great post <3

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    1. Wasn’t Royally Matched great?! I just love the whole series.

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