Top 5 Wednesday: Paranormal Creatures

Top 5 Wednesday was created by Lainey at GingerReadsLainey.

Click HERE for a complete list of participants and future topics.

This week's Top 5 Wednesday topic:  Books Featuring {Paranormal Creature of Your Choice}

I don't read a whole lot of fantasy or paranormal; therefore I don't read a lot about any one creature. So instead of focusing on one type, I'm just going with my favorite books that feature some kind of paranormal being.

Fae: Rhysand | A Court of Thorns and Roses Series

I’ve read books where Fae are the “good guys” and books where Fae are the “bad guys.” Either way, I enjoy reading about the different types, their different abilities, and the various lore about them. Rhysand will always be at the top of the list, though.

Brownie: Tink | The Wicked Saga

 

I’m not sure I’ve ever encountered another Brownie before Tink. Maybe that’s because he is one of a kind. Equal parts snarky and sympathetic, Tink steals every scene he’s in.

Demon: Roth | The Dark Elements Trilogy

Who would’ve thought that when it came to who main character Layla would end up with I was firmly on the side of the Crown Prince of Hell? Yeah, maybe his title is a little off-putting, but Roth was seriously the total package. Demon FTW!

Vampire: Vladimir Sanguinati | The Others Series

I absolutely love the vampire contingent in The Others series. Vlad is always so calm and collected and the brief glimpses of his sense of humor are priceless. And Grandfather Erebus likes to watch old movies and has a soft spot for main character Meg, while still being the most powerful vampire in their world.

Alien: Daemon Black | The Lux Series

Did anyone really doubt that Daemon would be making an appearance on this list? You know me, I’ll find a way to work Daemon and/or the Lux series into any list. My favorite paranormal series and my favorite book boyfriend. ‘Nuff said.

Do you have a reading preference when it comes to paranormal creatures? Are vampires your thing? Werewolves? Let's chat about it!

Top 5 Wednesday: Favorite Sci-Fi / Fantasy Books

Top 5 Wednesday was created by Lainey at GingerReadsLainey.

Click HERE for a complete list of participants and future topics.

This week's Top 5 Wednesday theme is about all time favorite science fiction and fantasy books. Since I never read sci-fi (I can't think of any that I would consider sci-fi, anyway) and I very rarely reach for fantasy, this is going to be tough. I'm going to be a little lax when it comes to the definition of fantasy because I'm throwing in some paranormal as well. Because I'm a rebel like that.

A COURT OF MIST AND FURY
(A Court of Thorns and Roses series)

Sarah J. Maas

Just as ACOTAR was a favorite in 2015, ACOMAF was a stand-out in 2016. For someone who isn't typically drawn to fantasy, I am 100% hooked on these characters and this world.

CITY OF HEAVENLY FIRE
(The Mortal Instruments series)

Cassandra Clare

I clearly remember the first time I saw City of Bones in a bookstore. I was intrigued by the cover, and the synopsis was so different from what I usually read. Over the next several years I gobbled up each new release and was so invested in how it would all play out in the final book.

THE CROWN'S GAME
(The Crown's Game series)

Evelyn Skye

Discovering this book last year was super exciting. A historical Russian setting mixed with magic? I was so on board for that. It was just as good as I had hoped. 

OBSIDIAN
(The Lux series)

Jennifer L. Armentrout

Is anyone surprised at me throwing in the Lux series any chance I get? I've always considered this a paranormal series but it's aliens so... that's sci-fi, right? No matter what you call it, it's one of my favorite series ever and one of the few that I've ever re-read. Love the story, love the characters, love the dialogue. I never get tired of this one.  

WHITE HOT KISS
(The Dark Elements trilogy)

Jennifer L. Armentrout

This is another that I've always considered paranormal but with gargoyles and demons... sounds fantastical to me. Sure, this one is heavy on the romance (probably why I like it so much) but there's so much more. Including an irresistible Crown Prince of Hell with protectors/tattoos that he names after Disney characters. Gotta love that.

Have you read any of these?
What's your favorite sci-fi/fantasy book?

Totally Should've Book Tag

This is such a fun tag! I've seen it around a lot (especially on BookTube) and never got around to doing it myself. But the lovely Jazmen at This Girl Reads a Lot recently tagged me so here we go.

This was an easy pick. I neeeed an Eleanor & Park sequel. I mean, surely I'm not the only one who wants confirmation of what Eleanor's postcard to Park said (I can guess, but I really want to *know*). And I just want to check in on these two wonderful people and make sure they're okay.

The Thunder Road series is still new itself, with only two books released, but just those are enough to make me wish for a spin-off series featuring the adults - Eli, Cyrus, Olivia, Pigpen and the other members of the Reign of Terror motorcycle club. Whether it be present-day or back when they were teens/young adults, I'd be so on board for it. Did you hear that, Katie? I'll be waiting.

I would looove to see this on the big screen! Seeing the world of the Fae come to life - I think it would be visually stunning. Then there are the relationships, the romance, the friendships, the intrigue, the villian(s)... it could be epic! 

I'm hesitant to even give thought to this one but, in a perfect world, this would be so, so good. I don't watch television but for the Addicted series I would make an exception. There are so many ways this could go wrong, but let's just say that everything was done right - perfect casting (luckily Krista and Becca already have their dream cast picked out), completely true to the books, on HBO or similar so none of the edginess is lost. I'd go from forgetting I own a TV to watching this show obsessively. :)

I don't have an answer for this one. Because I love dual/multiple points of view and I can't think of a single one that I would have changed to just one POV.

 

I loved The Hook Up. Big time. But I find both editions to be positively cringe-worthy. This book deserves a much better cover.

This dystopian trilogy is... not so good. The first book was meh, the second book made me cringe and the third book - I wouldn't know because I *did* stop reading.

 

Unpopular opinion here: I've always loved the original Lux series covers. Hello, cover model Pepe Toth! (If under duress I would admit to possibly stalking Pepe's social media because that face.) The cover change with the girl's half-face... not a fan. 

I admit it - I totally judged this series before I ever started it. I adore JLA but when I first picked up this prequel to the Dark Elements series I was like, "Gargoyles? Seriously? Yeah, I don't know about that." Naturally I was sucked right in, loved the trilogy, and was firmly Team Roth.

Have you read any of these books? How would your answers differ?

I tag:

Brittany @ This is the Story of My (Reading) Life

Sarah @ Words With Sarah

Emily @ Rabbit Hole Reviews

Eva @ All Books Considered

and any one else who wants to join in!

February #ShelfLove Challenge: Book Boyfriends

February’s topic: Who is your book boyfriend (or girlfriend or best friend)? What qualities does this character have that makes him/her the best?

Asking me to chose one book boyfriend is like trying to eat one potato chip, or one cookie. Impossible! Absurd! And, really, why would I stop at just one? Sure, in real life that would be kinda skeezy, but we're talking fiction, people. So no judgment when I share the guys who bring on the serious swoonage. 

D A E M O N  B L A C K

Lux series - Jennifer L. Armentout

First and foremost, there is Daemon Black. Forever and always my #1.♥ Yeah, he's cocky and and doesn't know the meaning of the word modest, but he doesn't need to... he's Daemon Black. The hottest alien in this galaxy (or any other). And he would do absolutely anything to protect and save those he loves. Now that's attractive.

Hey, Kitten... want a cookie? Come and get it.

M I L E S  A R C H E R

Ugly Love - Colleen Hoover

I admit it - I'm a sucker for the damaged guy who is aloof and obviously harboring a painful past. But you know he is capable of loving and being loved - once his heart is healed by the right woman, of course. LOL Miles Archer fits this bill perfectly. A past that he cannot let go, weighed down by guilt, he's closed himself off. But, oh is he ever capable of so much more.

J A M I E  F R A S E R

Outlander series - Diana Gabaldon

We're going way back to one of my original book boyfriends - before I even knew book boyfriends were a thing. It's been 15 years or more since I first read Outlander and I remember being positively smitten with the young Scottish Highlander. Brave, well-educated, stubborn, protective, and a warrior. What more could you want?

R O T H

Dark Elements series - Jennifer L. Armentrout

So yeah, Roth is a smoking hot demon. Actually a Crown Prince of Hell. I can work around that. There's also nobody I'd want on my side more than Roth. 

 HONORABLE MENTIONS

No book boyfriend list would be complete without these two guys. First, Will Cooper from Colleen Hoover's Slammed series. I fell for this guy - hard. He tries to always do the right thing (even when it ends up not being the right thing... his heart is in the right place), he is kind and respectful, and totally down for grand romantic gestures.

And then there's Cam Hamilton from Jennifer L. Armentrout's Wait For You. He's "gorgeous in all the ways that made girls do stupid things." He's an absolute sweetheart and... wait for it... he bakes cookies. Seriously, a sweet, sexy guy who bakes cookies? Does it get better than that?

 Who is your favorite book boyfriend? 

The #ShelfLove Challenge is hosted by Julie and Lynn at Chapter Break, Terri at Second Run Reviews, and Brandee at BookwormBrandee. 

Review: Every Last Breath by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Every Last Breath by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: Dark Elements #3
Genres: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Release Date: July 28, 2015 by Harlequin Teen
Format: Trade Paperback
Source: Purchased
Find it here: GoodReads | Amazon

Synopsis

Some loves will last ’til your dying breath.

Every choice has consequences—but seventeen-year-old Layla faces tougher choices than most. Light or darkness. Wickedly sexy demon prince Roth, or Zayne, the gorgeous, protective Warden she never thought could be hers. Hardest of all, Layla has to decide which side of herself to trust.

Layla has a new problem, too. A Lilin—the deadliest of demons—has been unleashed, wreaking havoc on those around her…including her best friend. To keep Sam from a fate much, much worse than death, Layla must strike a deal with the enemy while saving her city—and her race—from destruction.

Torn between two worlds and two different boys, Layla has no certainties, least of all survival, especially when an old bargain comes back to haunt them all. But sometimes, when secrets are everywhere and the truth seems unknowable, you have to listen to your heart, pick a side—and then fight like hell.

My Thoughts

Now *THIS* is how to end a series!

I'm sure we've all read some truly disappointing series enders (*cough Allegiant *cough*) and it's always a little worrisome when a series you love comes to an end. Will there be a satisfying conclusion? Will everyone get a happily ever after? Will all loose ends be tied up? Or will you want to throw the book across the room and be left with a massive book hangover?

Never fear, fans of the Dark Elements trilogy. 

Jennifer Armentrout does not disappoint!

I could easily gush nonstop about Every Last Breath but there's really not a lot I can say without major spoilers. I will say that I got everything I wanted from Every Last Breath... and then some. Plenty of action, plenty of romance, plenty of snarky comments and one-liners and JLA's signature humor. There was so much happening that I did *not* see coming, all the while building to a decision that was inevitable. Heartbreaking, but inevitable. 

Every Last Breath is about much more than "who will Layla choose." The Lilin is at large and must be stopped. The consequences of failure are apocalyptic. There are also changes in Layla as she comes to terms with the betrayal of those she considered family and with her own abilities. This is a stronger, more confident Layla than we first met in White Hot Kiss.

There were so many surprises in Every Last Breath. A plot twist I never saw coming. A surprising character that still has me questioning... everything. (Morris??!!) There were laugh out loud lines, appearances of side characters that I've grown to love (Cayman is the best!), and even some surprisingly emotional moments that caught me off guard.

Armentrout has done it again - created characters that I fall in love with, a story that keeps me turning the pages, and infuses it all with humor and emotion. I couldn't be happier with the conclusion to this trilogy.

Favorite laugh-out-loud line: 

"Whoa. Simmer down, crouching demon, hidden Warden."

Have you read Every Last Breath? 

Or have a favorite paranormal romance book/author you want to share? 

Tell me about it below!
(***Please be aware of possible SPOILERS left in the comments.***)

That's What *HE* Said Thursday #06

That's What He Said Thursday is a weekly meme created 

and hosted by Chapter Break. It's a fun way to share a quote 

from a favorite book boyfriend (aka male protagonist) to his girl.

For more info, visit Chapter Break here.

This week's quote is from my current read - Every Last Breath by 
Jennifer L. Armentrout. It's the final book in the Dark Elements trilogy 
and is full of great lines to choose from. Here's one of my favorites 
from Roth - the snarky, badass, totally hot Crown Prince of Hell. :)

Do you participate in That's What He Said Thursday? 

Or just have a favorite quote you want to share? Tell me below!