Top Ten Tuesday: Books That Surprised Me

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

This week's Top Ten Tuesday topic: 

Books That Surprised Me 
Is there a book you thought you’d love, but ended up hating? Was there a book you thought you’d hate but really loved? Major plot twist? Main character ends up with someone you weren’t expecting? Were you expecting a certain something from a certain author and they went completely rogue?


THE GOOD SURPRISE

A Court of Thorns and Roses - Sarah J. Maas

Sooo not my usual kind of read, but the synopsis of this one appealed to me (and that cover!) so I took a chance. Paid off big time!

The Edge of Jupiter - Lora Richardson

I'm usually wary (i.e. run away screaming) of unsolicited ARCs but this one was the exception to the rule. I loved it!

The Way I Used to Be - Amber Smith

I downloaded this one on audio without knowing much about it - and was surprised by what an impact it made on me. Unforgettable.

Unraveling Oliver - Liz Nugent

Psychological suspense? Something I never pick up. But I was totally captivated by this audio book. 

Royally Screwed - Emma Chase

I was in the mood for light and fluffy and got more than I bargained for. Yes, it was a lot of fun but I was surprised at how emotional it was!

Written in Red - Anne Bishop

Urban fantasy + Me? That's something that had never happened before. But The Others is now one of my favorite series.

THE NOT-SO-GOOD SURPRISE

Wintersong - S. Jae Jones

Inspired by Labyrinth? Has a Goblin King? Count me in! Unfortunately there was little evidence of Labyrinth, the Goblin King fell flat (sob!), and the story moved at a snails pace.

Up in Flames - Abbi Glines

I loved the Rosemary Beach series. Hardcore. But this last book in the series that I was so excited for? It was like a bad soap opera with even less substance. A slap in the face to the rest of the series.

Reason to Breathe - Rebecca Donovan

It's not that I didn't like this one. It just wasn't (at all) what I was expecting. I anticipated a new adult novel with dark themes; what I got was a YA story filled with high school drama (in addition to some darker themes).

A Thousand Boy Kisses - Tillie Cole

I knew I was going to love this one. I just knew it! Oh, how very wrong I was. It was sooo sappy and sooo overly emotional, every word practically screaming This Is A Sad Book Meant To Make You Cry! So schmaltzy that I practically gagged. I truly disliked it. 

Have you read any of these books?

Top Ten Tuesday (on a Thursday): Authors I've Met (and The One I Want to Meet)

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme 

created by The Broke and the Bookish.

I was super excited for this week's Top Ten Tuesday topic but I was swamped all day and just didn't have the time to post. So, even though it's Thursday, and even though I'm two days late, I'm playing anyway. :)

I love having the opportunity to meet favorite authors. I mean, authors are my rock stars. So, being able to meet them, to have a few minutes of one on one conversation (about books or about anything at all), is pretty awesome and never gets old. Disclaimer: I'm not playing by the rules (again) this week. I couldn't narrow it down to 10 so I quit trying. 

Corinne Michaels | Harper Sloan | Alessandra Torre | T.M. Frazier

I met all of these lovely ladies at Sassy in Savannah in 2015. I actually went with the express purpose of seeing only two authors (Krista and Becca Ritchie) but because so many others would be in attendance I took advantage of the opportunity to get lots of books signed and meet many authors who were so kind and so friendly. (Not pictured but also met at that event: Natasha Boyd, Aurora Rose Reynolds, Leddy Harper, Seth King, and Aly Martinez.) 

Lauren Oliver | Gayle Forman

YallFest (2014) was the first *big* author event I went to and is still one of my favorites. There were a few signings happening the day before the real deal and that's when I was able to meet both Lauren Oliver and Gayle Forman. Gayle was so friendly and when I told her that my husband had also read If I Stay, she signed the book to both of us. :)

Diana Gabaldon | Tracey Garvis Graves

I can't be sure, but Diana Gabaldon might have been the first author I ever met. This was waaay back in 2001 or 2002 when she was touring to promote The Fiery Cross. I was still fairly obsessed with the series at that point so meeting her was pretty epic. Tracey Garvis Graves is still one of my favorite author meetings. She was having a signing at a small local independent bookstore (in 2013, I think) and my sister and I went together. The turnout wasn't huge so it was almost like hanging out with a friend. :) Tracey talked, answered questions, signed books... it was just such a fun, relaxed event. And what's most impressive, to this day she still remembers me, asks about my sister and we've actually talked/joked about meeting up for wine and dessert the next time she's in town. 

 

 

K.A. Tucker | Cora Carmack | Rebecca Donovan | Molly McAdams

ApollyCon 2016 was an amazing event! So. Many. Authors. It was a book lover's dream. I loved getting to meet K.A. Tucker. I had the review I'd posted as part of the blog tour for He Will Be My Ruin and asked her to sign it. She took a look at it, said she remembered it and was able to quote part of it back to me. Um, wow. Cora Carmack... what an awesome person! I just adored her sparkling personality. She's the kind of person you just know you could be best friends with. :) Rebecca Donovan was sweet and kind and, it must be said, absolutely stunning in person! Molly McAdams was so great to talk to. I had just recently taken part in the blog tour for To the Stars and she was sweet enough to sign my review. And, as with K.A. Tucker, with a glance she remembered reading it and was able to talk about points I'd mentioned in the review. I was so taken aback (and excited!) by that.

Sarah J. Maas | Abbi Glines | Katie McGarry

Confession time: At the time I met SJM, I wasn't even really a fan. I had *just* started Throne of Glass (actually, my bookmark was in the book she signed and I told her not to lose my place LOL) so I wasn't even halfway through my first book by her. But I was like, oh cool, I'm reading her book and she's here, I'll get it signed. Little did I know what was to come a couple years later (hello ACOTAR and ACOMAF!). I've mentioned before that the Rosemary Beach series by Abbi Glines is my book crack. I inhale those books. And when I learned that she was attending a book event close by I couldn't miss it. I had something of a fangirl moment when she came and sat down next to me while waiting for the conference room she was using to open and we chatted until she went in to set up. Definitely an author meeting highlight! :) When it comes to YA contemporary, Katie McGarry is my #1. So I was thrilled to meet her at ApollyCon last year. She is so incredibly down to earth, so genuine and I felt like I could have pulled up a chair and talked to her all day. I would truly love to meet Katie again.

Krista & Becca Ritchie

I've had the pleasure of meeting these amazing, talented, funny, gifted young women twice now and I just adore them. They write my favorite NA contemporary series (you might have seen me mention the Addicted series a time or fifty?) and having the chance to spend some time with them is such a blast. I first met them in Savannah in 2015 and met them again last year when they were at an event right here in my city. Both times they met up with a few readers for dinner after the event and it was amazing to just sit back and chat about anything and everything (book related or not). I should also mention that their mom happened to be at both events and Gina is an incredible lady who is so supportive of their career.

 

Jennifer L. Armentrout

My love for Jennifer Armentrout has no end. I adore her and her incredible story telling. I mean, the woman created Daemon Black. LOL She has given me sooo many hours of entertainment and escape and enjoyment. Her books are so addictive and she is one of my *very few* auto-buy authors. She's also funny and friendly and so genuine. Each time I've met her she's taken the time for a bit of personal conversation, making a quick connection, and I love that about her. 

Now on to The One I Want to Meet...

I've been lucky to meet all of my favorite authors... except one. Colleen Hoover. It's just never worked out. But one day it will happen. I'm coming for you, Colleen! :)

Have you met your favorite author?  

Review: Reason to Breathe by Rebecca Donovan

Reason to Breathe by Rebecca Donovan

Series: Breathing #1

Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary Romance

Release Date: May 2011

Format: Trade Paperback

Source: Purchased

Find it here: GoodReads | Amazon

Synopsis

"No one tried to get involved with me, and I kept to myself. This was the place where everything was supposed to be safe and easy. How could Evan Mathews unravel my constant universe in just one day?"

In the affluent town of Weslyn, Connecticut, where most people worry about what to be seen in and who to be seen with, Emma Thomas would rather not be seen at all. She’s more concerned with feigning perfection while pulling down her sleeves to conceal the bruises - not wanting anyone to know how far from perfect her life truly is. Without expecting it, she finds love. It challenges her to recognize her own worth - but at the risk of revealing the terrible secret she’s desperate to hide.

Reason to Breathe is an electrifying page turner from start to finish, a unique tale of life-changing love, unspeakable cruelty, and one girl’s fragile grasp of hope.

My Thoughts

I'll start by saying that Reason to Breathe was not what I was expecting. And I'm sure I allowed that to somewhat color my feelings for the book. For some reason I had been convinced for years (ever since I first bought a copy and placed it on my bookshelf where it sat for at least two years) that this was a new adult book. So I was geared up for plenty of grown-up relationships and drama. However, Reason to Breathe is decidedly young adult and instead provided plenty of high school relationships and drama. Not a bad thing but, like I said, I was totally expecting something else and I spent the entire book trying to adjust.

Sixteen year old Emma lives a life of secrets. With her mother unable to care for her, she lives with her aunt and uncle. Instead of a stable home life, away from the chaos of life with her alcoholic mother, she endures constant verbal and physical abuse from her aunt who resents her very presence. Emma refuses to report the abuse for fear that her young cousins would suffer the consequences and lose a mother who, to them, is loving and caring.

I survived by keeping my emotions in check - by maintaining my composure and tucking it all away. - Emma

Then the handsome and persistent Evan enters her life and suddenly Emma is willing to risk the delicate balance she maintains in order to experience the headiness of a new relationship. Evan was a sweetheart and it felt completely realistic that Emma would be willing to risk so much for a chance at some normalcy and excitement. Her friend Sara, initially the only one who knew the secret of Emma's home life and having been sworn to secrecy, was a good friend and did what she could to help Emma. However, there did come a point where I wished Sara would ignore Emma's demands and just tell someone. As the abuse at home escalated, and Emma remained resolute to keep the peace and just bide her time until she could leave, I was desperate for her situation to change by any means necessary.

My world was delicately balanced, but the scales never hung even. When something improved, something else had to crumble. Accepting this would be the hardest thing I'd ever had to learn, and even when I came to know it as true, it still crushed me. - Emma

My issue with Reason to Breathe is that often it seemed the relationship drama took center stage over the very serious abuse happening behind closed doors at home. I loved that Emma was getting a small taste of freedom, spending time with Evan, going to parties with her friends - but chapter after chapter would go by with her home life being glossed over and all the focus on time spent with Evan, jealousies over other girls, and other drama that seemed petty in comparison to what Emma was dealing with at home. This may be a by-product of my initial thoughts that this was a new adult novel and so the high-drama of the high school set felt more pronounced, but it's something I noticed again and again.

I enjoyed Emma as a character and admired her strength and self-sacrifice (even though she took the self-sacrifice to dangerous lengths). And Evan was such a wonderful addition to Emma's life. Once he started to suspect/know what was happening to Emma he was desperate to protect her. This wasn't a case of knight-in-shining-armor or boy-saves-the-day but just a boyfriend horribly worried about his girlfriend and feeling helpless to make her safe. There was a definite push and pull to their relationship. Emma was determined to keep Evan at arm’s length in order to keep her home life a secret, but at the same time she was craving the closeness and the genuine care and love that Evan had for her.

"I love that picture," he admitted softly. "I think it's because I love the girl in that picture." - Evan

I grew frustrated with Emma when things ended with Evan and she started seeing Drew. She felt the need to break up with Evan because she could not afford to have anyone close to her and learn her secret. So why didn't the same hold true for Drew? It made no sense and had me wanting to throttle Emma for being so capricious. Thankfully Evan was as patient as he was sweet and loving. 

"I don’t know how to fit you into my world without hurting you too.” The truth in my words revealed more than he’d ever know.

“Don’t worry about hurting me,” he said calmly. “I like being a part of your world, and I understand that it’s more complicated than you’re willing to share with me. But I’ll respect that for now.”

And then that ending, oh my goodness. I was so hopeful… and then that cliffhanger. I definitely want to pick up the second book in this trilogy soon and learn what becomes of Emma. It helps that Donovan’s writing flows so easily and pulls you into the story from the beginning. She has a way of eliciting an emotional response without falling into mawkishness. And I’m sure there’s plenty more emotion to come as the series continues. I can only hope there’s a happy ending at the finish.

3.75/5 Stars 

Have your expectations of a book ever changed how you felt about it? 

ApollyCon 2016

Last weekend I took a little drive up I-95 to Savannah for the awesomeness that was ApollyCon 2016. Officially... the release party for Jennifer L. Armentrout's latest book in the Titan series, The Power. But even more than that... an incredible gathering of authors in one space, interacting with readers/fans, signing books, taking photos - basically a bookish girl's dream. I had several must-see authors that I was excited about (Katie McGarry and K.A. Tucker were two big ones) but the biggest draw? Jennifer L. Armentrout, of course (you know I adore her), and Pepe Toth. If you've known me for any length of time you know that Daemon Black is my #1 book boyfriend. And, in my mind,cover model Pepe Toth *is* Daemon Black. (I might even admit to following him on virtually every social media platform. LOL I seriously have a thing for Pepe/Daemon.)

Drew Leighty ("Seth" - cover model for Titan series) and Pepe Toth ("Daemon Black" - cover model for Lux series)

My sweetie/best friend/book event buddy (aka my husband Robert) and I drove up on Friday so I could hit up registration and nab my tickets for the "ticketed authors" (which they ended up doing away with *sigh*).  

The next morning we got to the event just after 9 AM to line up outside. Like the genius I am, I hadn't purchased the tickets that allowed (among other things) entrance to the event one hour earlier than the general admission. (Note to self: *always* get the VIP tickets, it's worth it!). Supposedly VIP got in at 11 AM and everyone else at noon. Then the event staff announced that had been published in error and it was actually 12 and 1 PM. So there was roughly 4 hours of standing in line before I ever stepped inside. 

Finally it was 1:00 and... welcome to the madhouse. :) I made a beeline for Katie McGarry's table and had the best time talking with her. She is incredibly down to earth and humble and I felt like I was chatting with my next door neighbor. Next up was Abbi Glines, who I met before in 2014 and she was lovely then, but I have to be honest and say that she seemed to be going through the motions here. Maybe it was just me, but there was little interaction (even though the line wasn't overly long) and even Adam ("Cage York") seemed bored. Hm. On the opposite end of the spectrum was Cora Carmack. I wanna hang with this lady! She seems like so much fun, she was super bubbly and I loved meeting her. I was so happy to get my books signed by Rebecca Donovan but a little embarrassed because I've yet to read them. She was super sweet about it though and made me promise to let her know what I thought when I read them. (Side note: Rebecca is sooo pretty and her outfit was *on point*! It was very gothic/steampunk and 100% gorgeous.)

Earlier this year I received ARC's for He Will Be My Ruin by K.A. Tucker and To The Stars by Molly McAdams and participated in their blog tours. I had the idea to print those blog posts and ask the authors to sign those as well. I saw Molly first and she actually stopped to read the review before she signed. And then stunned me into silence when she said, "I remember this one!" Once I was able to speak again (ack!) I said I didn't think authors ever read reviews (most authors I've met said they avoid them like the plague). Molly said she never reads reviews at Amazon or GoodReads but always reads reviews on her blog tours, good or bad. She made a few comments on my review and then she started to get choked up which meant I started to get choked up... just, wow. I had a similar experience with Kathleen (K.A. Tucker) - although less emotional. LOL She also said she remembered the review and even quoted a particular phrase from it that she remembered (!). Those two experience were definitely highlights of the day and truly memorable. 

I had bought a tee shirt for Robert earlier in the year to wear to future book events and it made its debut at ApollyCon. The amount of attention it received was almost comical. People commented on it all day long and even took pictures of it. (And that shirt played a part in getting my books signed by Sarah J. Maas after she had already closed up her table!). Pepe Toth even fist-bumped Robert when he saw it and said "Great shirt" so that kinda made my day. LOL

I knew I had to get in line for JLA even though there were several authors I had yet to see. Robert to the rescue! I stayed in line for JLA while he managed to get through several lines, including: Alexandra Bracken, Jay Crownover, Wendy Higgins and Jen McLaughlin. Unfortunately, by that time Sarah J. Maas had closed her table but... Alexandra Bracken and The Shirt saved the day! Robert was in another line when Alexandra came walking over with Sarah to show her Robert's shirt. Robert had already met Alexandra and they had talked about the Never Fade trilogy since he's read the books (I haven't - ha!). She was showing Sarah the shirt and saying hi to Robert and that gave him the perfect opportunity to meet Sarah and mention that I had given him books to have signed. So Sarah signed them right then and there, even though she was done for the day. Way to go, Robert!

Meanwhile, I was still in the mile-long, barely moving JLA line. The event was supposed to end at 4 PM and most authors packed up and left but Jennifer (plus Pepe Toth and Drew Leighty) stayed until everyone got their books signed. They finally had to move us to another location down the street because the hotel needed the room for another event. But, after just shy of 3 hours in line, I made it! Standing in front of JLA and Pepe Toth. Jennifer was as kind as always and remembered me and Robert from previous signings. Drew signed all my Covenant series books (along with Jennifer) and Pepe signed my copy of Oblivion, my favorite signed book of the entire day. (He wrote: "Let me know if you need another bodyguard." Uh, YES please! LOL)

CAN WE JUST TAKE A MOMENT AND APPRECIATE HOW GORGEOUS HE IS? ♥

By then it was just after 6 PM and we'd been basically standing in lines for 9 hours straight. We were both exhausted but it was so worth it. With Robert's help I was able to get every single book I took with me signed. He is such a trooper! 

Another highlight of the day was meeting my fabulous friend Sarah from Words With Sarah. (If you don't follow her blog you totally should.) Sarah is my best blogger friend and I simply adore her.♥  She finished up way before I did (because she's smart and bought the VIP ticket!) but she came down to visit while I was still in JLA's line. It was so great getting to meet face to face and I wish we'd had more time to hang out. But hopefully we'll meet up again this summer at Sassy in Jacksonville!

Me and Sarah... isn't she gorgeous? :)

 It was a fantastic weekend in Savannah, an amazing time at ApollyCon, and if it's ever anywhere close by again I'll definitely be there! I met some of my favorite authors, got 40+ books signed, met some great people, and made some memories I'll cherish.

ALL MY SIGNED PRETTIES

Do you attend book events? What has been your favorite?