Top Ten Tuesday: I Love You Just the Way You Are (aka Cover Redesigns Gone Bad)

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl.

This week's Top Ten Tuesday topic: 

Cover Redesigns Gone Bad

When given the choice with Top Ten Tuesday topics, I typically go for the more positive option. Something I love over something I dislike. A good change over a bad change. You get the idea. But when it comes to cover redesigns, I tend to want them to leave well enough alone. New isn't always better. And 99% of the time I prefer the original cover over the redesign. So I'm not going with the positive option this time... I'm sharing the cover redesigns that I really dislike. The ones that got worse instead of better. The ones that make me want to sing (à la Billy Joel) "don't go changing to try to please me... I love you just the way you are!" 

THE LUX SERIES - JENNIFER L. ARMENTROUT

I'll admit that I'm extra picky about these covers because the Lux series is an all-time favorite. I LOVE this series. And I know that plenty of people consider these covers cheesy but I'm all for them. When I think of the Lux series (which happens a lot, actually LOL) I think of these covers. They ARE the Lux series. 

But the publisher has changed these covers not one, not twice, but many times. *sigh* First they decided to do bind-ups and came out with these covers that were sparkly for no apparent reason (did they confuse the aliens with the Twilight vampires??) and added a girl with very bad makeup.

The latest covers are even worse, if that's possible, and we've moved on from Bad Makeup Girl to Silhouette People. They should have just left them alone. For me nothing will ever beat the original covers with Pepe Toth.♥

THE OFF-CAMPUS SERIES - ELLE KENNEDY

So, I've mentioned before about how I'm not a huge fan of the whole shirtless-guy-on the-cover thing. I mean, I love a six-pack as much as the next girl, but even so... they're a little cringey. However, I make an exception for the Off-Campus series. When it comes to new adult/college romance these are practically iconic. Romance readers know these covers. So when there was a cover redesign a while back there was quite the scramble to quickly add the original covers to collections before they were nowhere to be found. (I currently have two and am still trying to track down the other two in the original covers.) The new covers aren't bad... but to me they just don't represent the series well. 

THE DARK ELEMENTS SERIES - JENNIFER L. ARMENTROUT

Here's a cover redesign that happened mid-series. The worst! Books one and two came out and I liked them well enough. Layla + Roth, Layla + Zayne, both in muted tones. Then as the third book was being released... *bam*... cover redesign. Muted tones are gone and we get half a girl's face. The new covers stayed with the partial-face theme and I can't say I was a fan. The new covers are totally generic and boring. Boo.

THE CALLOWAY SISTERS SERIES - KRISTA & BECCA RITCHIE

These original covers represented each character so well. Rose's elegance, blonde wild-child Daisy, Connor's cool sophistication, and Ryke's extreme lifestyle. I'm not sure what prompted the cover change (Krista & Becca are self-published so it's not like a publishing house made the call), but I don't feel like it adds anything. And instead of reflecting four distinctive characters it's just four random shirtless guys. Thumbs down.

BITTERSWEET - SARINA BOWEN

   

Maybe it's just me, but the guy on the original cover of Bittersweet is Griffin Shipley. And apparently it really is just me because I recently saw Sarina Bowen talking about the cover change and saying that the original cover didn't capture the tone of the story. But I think the old cover is perfect... and way better than the couple on the new cover. (I'll be standing over here alone in my feelings for the original cover. *looks around forlornly*)

ARCHER'S VOICE - MIA SHERIDAN

   

I love the original cover for Archer's Voice. It's one of those books I would recognize instantly by the cover art, no title or author needed. The newer cover? Just... why? It says nothing about the story. It looks like some generic stock photography that could be used for anything. Why do that? I am confused.

MAKING FACES - AMY HARMON

     

This is another case like Archer's Voice. The black and white cover with Ambrose pictured is what I think of every time I picture Making Faces. I get that the newer cover is supposed to be Fern, but for me the original cover is the one that fits the story best. The photo of a tortured Ambrose, the black and white photography, the font(s) used for the title... it all fits the story best.

TRUST - KYLIE SCOTT

     

Okay, this last one is another I feel strongly about. I received an e-arc of Trust and loved it. I knew I wanted to buy a physical copy but in the blink of an eye they changed the cover. Like, within the first month of release! I have no idea why (I heard that the original cover looked too new adult instead of YA... but who knows.) So all of a sudden, even though it was a new release, I couldn't order a physical copy with the original cover. I was on a mission! I ended up finding a copy on eBay and paid a ridiculous sum of money to get it. While the redesigned cover is okay (I can totally see that being Edie and John), I much prefer the first cover.

So, I know I've only shared eight, and Top Eight Tuesday just isn't a thing, but I can't think of any other cover redesigns that I feel particularly strongly about. I'll let you fill in the last two spots... which cover redesigns do you think got it all wrong?

Series Review: The Stage Dive series by Kylie Scott

I downloaded the first book in the Stage Dive series (back in April) on little more than a whim. I'd only read one other by Kylie Scott (a YA contemporary that I loved) so I was equal parts curious + looking for something to pass the time during my commute. The first book was fine but thank goodness I decided to continue on because I ended up becoming so invested in these crazy bandmates and the women they loved. So here's a little breakdown - mini-review style - of my feelings about each book in the series.

LICK (Stage Dive #1)
3.5 STARS
Narrator: Andi Arndt
8 hr 49 min


Evelyn celebrates her 21st birthday in Vegas and wakes up next to a stranger. With a big rock on her finger. And the tattooed rock star next to her telling her they're married. Too bad the severely hungover Evelyn doesn't remember any of it.

What follows is the story of two people getting to know each other... after getting married. There's a big element of suspension of disbelief here because instead of getting a quickie annulment as you would expect, Evelyn and David decide to live together and stay married. (Then again, if they got the annulment there wouldn't be much of a story, would there?) There are misunderstandings, communication issues, trust issues... and plenty of sexytimes (that part they've got down with no problem). Evelyn has family issues and David has his own demons, but despite their differences they seem to be each other's anchor. There were times I wanted to smack them both because, despite their promises of total honesty, they still held back and kept secrets - which naturally led to problems. And David could be a jerk when he reverted to diva rock star mode. But even so, I couldn't help but fall for the rock star fantasy element and get carried away with their story.

PLAY (Stage Dive #2)
4 STARS
Narrator: Andi Arndt
8 hr 48 min


Anne had a crush on Stage Dive drummer Mal since she was a teenager. So meeting him through a friend of a friend was pretty mind-blowing. Even more mind-blowing? Mal suddenly becoming her shadow and proposing a fake dating arrangement - complete with living in her apartment.

This was easily my favorite in the series. I adored Mal! The overgrown man-child was hilarious and unpredictable and a peacekeeper within the band. But there was more to Mal than met the eye. And his reason for wanting a fake girlfriend was as sweet as it was heartbreaking. Anne was in a financial pinch after being taken advantage of by someone she trusted. Mal's offer, unorthodox though it was, came at the perfect time. Let me tell you, I *loved* these two together. Their banter was off the charts funny but they also formed a real emotional bond and had such genuine care and concern for each other. Anne was such a hardworking, down to earth girl and I really appreciated the way she (tried to) set boundaries with Mal. And yeah, sometimes he blew right through those boundaries, but he really respected Anne and did so much to make her life better. I loved Mal's craziness because underneath was a guy who was such a sweetheart. I listened to so much of this one with a big smile on my face. Play was sweet, super-sexy, and totally worthy of listening to again and again.

LEAD (Stage Dive #3)
3.5 STARS
Narrator: Andi Arndt
9 hr 42 min


Jimmy has been on a downward spiral and his latest bender was a PR disaster. Now fresh out of rehab, he has to clean up his act or he's out of the band. It's decided he needs an assistant (read: sober companion). Lena doesn't relish the thought of spending 24/7 with the bad-tempered lead singer, but she is anxious to escape her own life for a while. She's determined to keep things professional but she and Jimmy clash in a major way - and professionalism crumbles when feelings get involved.

It must be said: Jimmy was a total ass. No two ways about it. He was short-tempered, moody as hell, and his words could cut like a knife. But he also had a past that he reused to deal with - one that had left its mark on him. I loved that Lena didn't take any of Jimmy's crap and had zero issue calling him on his bad behavior. And even when she knew she was developing feelings for him, she always kept his well-being at the forefront. She didn't let her feelings get in the way of doing right by Jimmy and I respected her so much for that. The moments when Jimmy would let down his walls and drop the nasty attitude were my favorites. He really was a decent guy under all the broodiness and the times when he would watch TV with Lena (and carry her up to bed when she fell asleep) were pretty sweet. I wished that he had come around a little sooner than he did (because man, he was an ass right up till practically the end) but I still pulled for he and Lena.

DEEP (Stage Dive #4)
3.5 STARS
Narrator: Andi Arndt
8 hr 26 min


Lizzy's sister Anne is head over heels in love with Stage Dive's drummer, Mal. Because of that Lizzy is friendly with the band members - and she especially feels friendly toward bass player Ben. Despite being warned off him by her sister, Lizzie can't resist. Ben is gorgeous, talented, and their flirty texts have her wanting more. Ben been told in no uncertain terms that Lizzy is off-limits. But their text messages are just harmless fun and she's easy to talk to. But one crazy night in Vegas changes everything because - surprise! - Lizzy is pregnant.

My feelings for Deep were pretty split because as much as I loved plucky, independent Lizzy, Ben disappointed me time and time again and had me wanting to smack some sense into him. It's almost always the guy that steals my heart in a romance novel, but in this case it was strong, resilient Lizzy who had me hooked. These two had a tough road toward a happy ending and there were plenty of times I was pretty disgusted with Ben's actions. Lizzy was doing her absolute best to do the right thing, keep the peace, and make the best of the situation. And Ben, despite his financial support, often just wasn't there for her. He ran hot and cold with Lizzy and basically just needed to man up already. There were times I wondered if Lizzy wouldn't be better off without his sorry butt, but my heart hurt for the girl and I couldn't help but pull for them to finally get on the same page and find some happiness together. Despite my lackluster feelings for Ben, Kylie Scott still managed to make me enjoy their story and get behind their future together.

OVERALL

The Stage Dive series is one that I picked up randomly just to give it a try. I didn't even know if I would stick around for the whole series. But it was easy to get pulled into this world and these characters. These bandmates and the women in their lives formed a family and I loved the unwavering support they had for each other. Even though each book focused on a different couple, the entire cast was still very much in the picture and played supporting roles. I felt like I got to know these people and their unique personalities and it was great to watch as relationships formed, marriages took place, families grew. Andi Arndt's narration was a big draw (she's one of my favorites) and her performance made every character come to life. This is a series that had it all - with drama and sexytimes and laughs - and one that I'll definitely revisit.

HAVE YOU READ THE STAGE DIVE SERIES?

TOP 10 BOOKS OF 2017

I love all the Top 10/Best-Of lists that come with the end of each year. Whether it’s done in categories or just best overall, reading posts with everyone’s favorites makes me positively giddy. But when it comes to choosing my own favorites… gah! I actually love going through everything I read in the past year (thank you, GoodReads, for making that so easy to do!), but narrowing it down to the Top 10, the cream of the crop… it’s tough. There are so many in the “you almost made it” category. And for that reason I’ll be starting with a few (okay, nine) Honorable Mentions. And it’s not cheating because it’s my list and I can make the rules. :)

A List of Cages – Robin Roe

Tell Me Three Things – Julie Buxbaum

Goodnight, Nic – Marley Jacobs

The Sea of Tranquility – Katja Millay

Letters to the Lost – Brigid Kemmerer

Making Faces – Amy Harmon

Bossman – Vi Keeland

We Now Return to Regular Life – Martin Wilson

Unraveling Oliver – Liz Nugent

And now to my Top 10 of 2017. To be honest, 2017 was not the most stellar reading year for me. I started off strong – January alone had two books that made it into my Top 10 – but a most unwelcome reading slump hit in October and decided to make itself at home and stay a while. (To give you an idea, I read only four books in October, just three in November, and have managed only one this month.) Here’s hoping for a much better 2018!

Note: These aren’t necessarily 2017 releases (only six were released in 2017), just my top picks from what I read in 2017.

#10 SUGAR & GOLD – EMMA SCOTT

This beautiful romance with a slight paranormal twist captured my heart. I fell in love with Nikolai and Fiona from the very beginning and wished and hoped for their happy ending. Emma Scott delivered some twists I never saw coming, managed to elicit both smiles and tears, and had me not wanting to put the book down. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author.

#9 WRITTEN IN RED – ANNE BISHOP

I downloaded the audio version of Written in Red on a whim and was instantly transported into another world, where The Others – shapeshifters, vampires and more – rule. I was hooked from the very start and proceeded to enjoy all five books in the series. Bishop created characters that managed to feel real, despite this being urban fantasy, and I am completely invested in their story. A perfect example that taking a chance of something outside your reading comfort zone can deliver a new favorite.

#8 TRUST – KYLIE SCOTT

Having never read any of Kylie Scott’s adult/new adult novels, I had no idea what to expect when I picked up an ARC of her young adult release. I was totally onboard with Trust from the explosive beginning. With Edie as a main character that was 100% realistic and John as an anti-hero turned hero, a gripping storyline, and truly positive portrayal of a mother-daughter relationship, Trust seemed to contain everything I love in a YA contemporary and delivered it with a cherry on top.

#7 WHO DO YOU LOVE – JENNIFER WEINER

Jennifer Weiner delivered a story that spanned 30 years and still managed to have me wanting more. This was so much more than a second chance romance, but more a tale of two people who overcome their own pasts and oh-so-relatable flaws. Who Do You Love showed in heartbreaking detail what happens when love isn’t always enough. Rachel and Andy’s story was absolutely precious and pulled at every heartstring.

#6 THE UPSIDE OF UNREQUITED – BECKY ALBERTALLI
After the sheer epic-ness of Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda, I admit I was nervous about what Becky Albertalli would serve up next. I shouldn't have worried because in Molly Peskin-Suso Alberrtalli created a protagonist so relatable that I felt like I was seventeen all over again. Add in a precious little cupcake of a love interest ( I ♥ Reid) and it was obvious that Albertalli had struck gold again.

#5 UNTIL IT FADES – K.A. TUCKER
K.A. Tucker took a foray into straight-up romance this year and all I can say is: I want more. Filled with a strong but vulnerable heroine, a swoony and sweet hockey star, an adorable five year old little girl (who wasn't overly precocious and actually sounded like a five year old), and a rich cast of secondary characters, I let myself drown in the feel-good romance and loved every minute.

#4 A COURT OF WINGS AND RUIN – SARAH J MAAS
For someone who isn't a fantasy reader, I fell hard and fast for the ACOTAR series and have anxiously waited for each new release. And A Court of Wings and Ruin did not disappoint. Maybe it didn't quite reach the perfection of ACOMAF, but it still delivered the characters I love, the villains I love to hate, the action and adventure, the surprises, the laughs, the emotion. It was an incredible ride and I loved it.

#3 FAR FROM THE TREE – ROBIN BENWAY
I should have kept track of how many times I was moved to tears while reading Far from the Tree (hint: it was a lot) because Robin Benway probably owes me a box of Kleenex. This story of three teenagers who discover they are biological siblings and the relationships that follow grabbed me by the heart and didn't let go. Grace and Maya and Joaquin came alive for me and I finished their story feeling so happy I'd met them.

#2 ALL THE UGLY AND WONDERFUL THINGS – BRYN GREENWOOD
Equal parts fascinating, disturbing, thought-provoking and heartbreaking, this novel delved into the hearts and minds of characters unlike any I'd read about before. Following Wavy Quinn, the daughter of a meth dealer father and an unstable addict mother, All the Ugly and Wonderful things tells the story of a lonely girl and a lonely man. It tells a story of creating family where there is none. And it tells a story of love, of human agency, and of ultimate acceptance. Truly unforgettable.

#1 FROM SAND AND ASH – AMY HARMON
My first read of 2017 is my favorite read of 2017. I was already a fan of Amy Harmon when I picked this one up but she outdid herself with this novel set in WW II-era Italy. Her writing was so immersive that I felt as if I was living the story. Eva (an Italian Jew) and Angelo (an American Catholic) were lifelong friends whose differences, which seemed not to matter as children, suddenly meant everything now that war was on their doorstep. From Sand and Ash was often difficult to read, showcasing a cruelty that was beyond belief, but it was also a beautiful depiction of love, faith, endurance and hope. This book is the perfect example of why I read.

Have you read any of these?

What's your favorite book of 2017?