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? 

20 comments

  1. The best book I read in May was I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That one sounds fascinating... but so sad that she died before she could see it to the end.

      Delete
  2. Love Scene, Take Two has a great cover for sure! Need to get to The Queen of Bright and Shiny Things soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Those were my two 4 star books in May and I enjoyed them so much!

      Delete
  3. This is a cool idea! I like that it highlights the positive aspects of a bunch of different books. The best book I read in May was A Clash of Kings by George RR Martin. My Game of Thrones obsession is intense.

    Aj @ Read All The Things!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Best In Books is my favorite post all month. :)
      I'm impressed with anyone who tackles the GoT series in print!

      Delete
  4. I'm so curious about the Here SO Far Away plot twist! I ended up DNF that one because I just couldn't get into it at the time but I am curious so perhaps I'll pick it up again someday.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I almost DNF'd Here So Far Away so many times, Sara. I'm not sure if the twist is worth picking it up again. If you really want to know, I'll spoil you. LOL

      Delete
  5. Oh, I'm loving that favorite quote!! Hmm...I don't know what my favorite book in May was. I really need to look back at Goodreads more often. LOL I had some goodies though.

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

    ReplyDelete
  6. I really liked the Stage Dive series. I think I have one book left to read, but at this point, Mal is by far my favorite. I think Scott wrote a Mal short story for the Cocky anthology. I totally want to read his story.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was really surprised at home much I enjoyed the Stage Dive series. For something I just picked up on a whim, I was so hooked. :)

      Delete
  7. Nice quote from Before & Again. And The Queen of Bright and Shiny things does sound really good!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I really need to read The Queen of Bright and Shiny Things! I've literally had it on my TBR for YEARS. And Love Scene, Take Two looks super adorable, which you know I'm all for. ;) I hope you find some 5-star reads in June, though!

    - Aimee @ Aimee, Always

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Aimee! I'm so glad I finally picked up The Queen of Bright and Shiny Things. All this time I'd been missing out! Love Scene, Take Two was sooo adorable - and my review goes up tomorrow. :)

      Delete
  9. You have me really wanting to read The Queen of Bright and Shiny Things now. It sounds so good. I think my best read in May was either Far from the Tree or The Death of Mrs. Westaway. Loved them both so much!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Love Scene, Take Two has such a cute cover!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm really happy you loved The Queen of Bright and Shiny Things, because that is a novel I have owned for the looongest time, and because I won it on a giveaway HOSTED BY THE AUTHOR, I'm so so SO ashamed I haven't gotten to it yet. *cries* I plan to, though!! Soon... hopefully. Anyhow, I'm sad you didn't have any 5 star reads in May, but glad you still found quite a few 4-star-novels. :D Hope your June is even better. :)

    Veronika @ The Regal Critiques

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm seeing Kylie Scott EVERYWHERE!!!! Which book do you recommend I try of hers first? GREAT post!! I love this setup <3

    ReplyDelete