May's Paperback Pick

I reserve the right to be late, especially when I'm traveling for 12 days of that month and fitting in time to read is a bit difficult. BUT I'm still 5 for 5 this year, so YAY!

May's Paperback Pick was chosen because I wanted to step into a different genre than usual and I've loved every book of Kristina McMorris's that I've read, so I knew The Edge of Lost was the perfect book.

I wasn't disappointed either. The first little bit of the book felt a little slow to me, but then the pace picked up and soon my heart was hammering in the midst of what was going on with Shan and I couldn't stop reading until I found out what happened to him!

If you haven't read a book by McMorris, do yourself a favor and read one.

On a cold night in October 1937, searchlights cut through the darkness around Alcatraz. A prison guard’s only daughter—one of the youngest civilians who lives on the island—has gone missing. Tending the warden’s greenhouse, convicted bank robber Tommy Capello waits anxiously. Only he knows the truth about the little girl’s whereabouts, and that both of their lives depend on the search’s outcome.

Almost two decades earlier and thousands of miles away, a young boy named Shanley Keagan ekes out a living as an aspiring vaudevillian in Dublin pubs. Talented and shrewd, Shan dreams of shedding his dingy existence and finding his real father in America. The chance finally comes to cross the Atlantic, but when tragedy strikes, Shan must summon all his ingenuity to forge a new life in a volatile and foreign world.

Skillfully weaving these two stories, Kristina McMorris delivers a compelling novel that moves from Ireland to New York to San Francisco Bay. As her finely crafted characters discover the true nature of loyalty, sacrifice, and betrayal, they are forced to confront the lies we tell—and believe—in order to survive.

April's Paperback Pick

This month's paperback pick was "forced" on me by Mary Smith. Once she found out I hadn't read this series, she insisted I start. So, last month when we were in Dallas in a bookstore, I saw Dark Lover by J.R. Ward and bought it. I deemed it my Paperback Pick of the Month.

It took some time to get used to how it's written, but once I did, I was hooked! So hooked that before I even finished the book, I bought books 2-13. I'm anxiously waiting for Tuesday when they will come in.

I just got sucked into the story and into the lives of all these characters. It was definitely a book that makes you want to read it all in one sitting. Forcing myself to go to bed and then spending most of the next day running errands while every other thought was of wanting to finish the book is not fun!

I can't wait to keep reading and find out what happens with everyone. Thanks for the rec, Mary!

The only purebred vampire left on the planet and the leader of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who killed his parents centuries ago. But when his most trusted fighter is killed — orphaning a half-breed daughter unaware of her heritage or her fate — Wrath must put down his dagger and usher the beautiful female into another world.

Racked by a restlessness in her body that wasn’t there before, Beth Randall is helpless against the dangerously sexy man who comes to her at night with shadows in his eyes. His tales of the Brotherhood and blood frighten her. Yet his touch ignites a dawning new hunger—one that threatens to consume them both....

March's Paperback Pick

Three for three, y'all! March's Paperback Pick was The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa. I've had this book for a few years and this month, I wanted to switch things up.

What better way than to read a vampire book?

And what it a book, it was! It sucked me in (haha!) right from the start. I just finished it and I plan to buy the next two books in the series.

I forgot how much I loved paranormals; it's been a long, long time since I've read any. This may just be the book that restarts my love for them.

With this book, I was instantly swept away and absorbed into a world I know nothing about with fantastic writing, great characters, and an ending that was a cliffhanger without being a cliffhanger.

It wraps this journey in its own way, but I definitely need to know what comes next and I want to continue following along the journey Allison is on. This is my first book by Julie Kagawa and it definitely won't be my last.

To survive in a ruined world, she must embrace the darkness...…

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a walled-in city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten. Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them—the vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself dies and becomes one of the monsters.

Forced to flee her city, Allie must pass for human as she joins a ragged group of pilgrims seeking a legend—a place that might have a cure for the disease that killed off most of civilization and created the rabids, the bloodthirsty creatures who threaten human and vampire alike. And soon Allie will have to decide what and who is worth dying for… again.

February's Paperback Pick

I'm two for two so far this year! Woot, woot! This month's paperback pick was Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon. It was gifted to me for Christmas and I chose it this month based solely on the cover.

I'm so happy that I read this book. It made me smile and I was turning the pages as fast as I could read them. I started getting worried about halfway through because I needed to know what was going to happen, and I was getting anxious.

The book was good, told in an interesting manner (with some IMs & images), but was told perfectly, I think. My heart being the way it is, I do wish for a little more from the ending, but I'm still completely happy with it. If I'm not clear though, I only keep physical copies of books I truly enjoyed, and I'll definitely be keeping this one.

Plus, that cover! I still love it.

That's it for this month's pick. I'm going to see if Nicola Yoon has written more books or if I get to wait for her next one. :)

My disease is as rare as it is famous. Basically, I’m allergic to the world. I don’t leave my house, have not left my house in seventeen years. The only people I ever see are my mom and my nurse, Carla.

But then one day, a moving truck arrives next door. I look out my window, and I see him. He’s tall, lean and wearing all black—black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly.

Maybe we can’t predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster.

January's Paperback Pick

Woohoo! I'm starting 2016 off well! The first Paperback Pick of the year has been read!

This month, the pick was This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith. I was so excited for this book because I read and adored The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight.

This is a fast-paced read, and for the most part, I enjoyed it. I expected it to be a fast love with a cute story, and it was. There was something missing though. I've been trying to put my finger on it, but can't quite grasp it. Maybe it was because I didn't really connect with the characters or maybe because I wanted more from the ending. Something was missing for me though, and the book kinda fell flat.

However, I'm glad I read it, and I'm looking forward to reading more of Smith's books. I think I have The Geography of You and Me, so maybe I'll read that one soon!

What about you? Have you read this book or a book by this author? How did you enjoy it?

If fate sent you an email, would you answer?

When teenage movie star Graham Larkin accidentally sends small town girl Ellie O'Neill an email about his pet pig, the two seventeen-year-olds strike up a witty and unforgettable correspondence, discussing everything under the sun, except for their names or backgrounds.

Then Graham finds out that Ellie's Maine hometown is the perfect location for his latest film, and he decides to take their relationship from online to in-person. But can a star as famous as Graham really start a relationship with an ordinary girl like Ellie? And why does Ellie want to avoid the media's spotlight at all costs?

September's Paperback Pick

Better late than never, y'all! Let's all pretend this is September and not December. The weather around here has been acting like it, so it won't be too hard for me haha.

Okay, so, Legend by Marie Lu was the paperback pick for September. It was an interesting book. This genre is usually a hit or miss for me because it's not a genre I love, but it's not a genre I avoid either. It's not my typical read, but I try to give them a chance, knowing there is a good chance I'll love the book.

This is a fast-paced read, but I didn't really connect to the characters. Well, scratch that. I did tear up at one part, so I connected somewhat. However, I haven't decided if I'll read the rest yet, but I can say I will read another book by Lu.

I was definitely intrigued with how Day's POV was in a different font and color than June's. It was different and I'm wondering about the reasoning behind it.

This is my last Paperback Pick of the year. Hopefully, I'll do better next year and not slack so much. We can only hope! :)

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths—until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

August's Paperback Pick

The ABC's of Dee by Danielle Bannister was the Paperback Pick of the Month for August. And what a pick it was!

Romance? Check.
Humor? Check.
Great story nestled within the pages? Check!

I can't tell you the number of times I laughed out loud while I was reading this book. There are a couple of lines that had me closing the book for a moment while I laughed it out.

Another thing I really liked was the chapter titles. It added to the story and was often the source of more laughter.

This book was definitely a piece of happiness in a crappy week. When I finished it, I called my mom and told her she needed to read it.

It's a really great book, so check it out!

It always starts out so innocent. A drink, a laugh, a bet. For 40-year-old Dee Harper, her hum-drum life is about to become...educated.

When Dee’s wealthy friend, Gail, makes her a ridiculous bet, she never dreams she'll actually go through with it. After all, dating 26 men in one year, from A-Z, is ludicrous. Right? Then Gail offers her fifty thousand dollars if she succeeds. Now that is an offer she can't refuse.

From Adam the cocky limo driver to Kevin the klepto Dee learns the hard way what sort of guy she doesn't want.

Filled to the brim with snark and sarcasm about the joys of dating 'later in life,' The ABC's of Dee reminds us that even though life sometimes sucks, there is always someone there to laugh with.

June's Paperback Pick

One Breath Away by Heather Gudenkauf was June's Paperback Pick, and yes, I know I'm a month late. Let's not focus on that, okay? ;)

I jumped into this book without knowing anything about it, except from those six white words on the cover.

While a bit slow-paced at times for me and while I wished I learned more at the ending about one of the families, I did enjoy the book and I was surprised when the identity of the gunman was revealed.

That's it for this paperback pick! Until next month, happy reading!

In her most emotionally charged novel to date, New York Times bestselling author Heather Gudenkauf explores the unspoken events that shape a community, the ties between parents and their children and how the fragile normalcy of our everyday life is so easily shattered.

In the midst of a sudden spring snowstorm, an unknown man armed with a gun walks into an elementary school classroom. Outside the school, the town of Broken Branch watches and waits.

Officer Meg Barrett holds the responsibility for the town's children in her hands. Will Thwaite, reluctantly entrusted with the care of his two grandchildren by the daughter who left home years earlier, stands by helplessly and wonders if he has failed his child again. Trapped in her classroom, Evelyn Oliver watches for an opportunity to rescue the children in her care. And thirteen-year-old Augie Baker, already struggling with the aftermath of a terrible accident that has brought her to Broken Branch, will risk her own safety to protect her little brother.

As tension mounts with each passing minute, the hidden fears and grudges of the small town are revealed as the people of Broken Branch race to uncover the identity of the stranger who holds their children hostage.

May's Paperback Pick

With the weather heating up, The Summer I Learned to Dive by Shannon McCrimmon seemed like the perfect pick for this month.

I love summer reads and this is definitely something you should check out! I picked it up, intending only to read part of it, to get started reading it.

I read it all in one sitting.

I loved the setting of the book. It's set in South Carolina in the summer and there was just a cozy feeling to it. Kind of odd because I didn't know books could feel cozy, but this one does.

I enjoyed reading about Finn, seeing some similarities between us, and watching her break out of the shell she was in. This book makes you settle in, get comfortable, and enjoy the journey. I swear, it's cozy.

All the characters were great and I have to say, it was Grandpa who made it click for me. I was enjoying the story, still learning the characters, but wondering how I would feel about it in the end. Grandpa gets introduced and he made me smile. I loved his interactions with Finn. That was when I started settling in and getting lost in the book.

I can't wait to read the next book, The Year I Almost Drowned! Paperback picks continues being a success! Until next month, happy reading!

Since the time she was a little girl, eighteen-year-old Finley “Finn” Hemmings has always lived her life according to a plan, focused and driven with no time for the average young adult’s carefree experiences. On the night of her high school graduation, things take a dramatic turn when she discovers that her mother has been keeping a secret from her—a secret that causes Finn to do something she had never done before—veer off her plan. In the middle of the night, Finn packs her bags and travels by bus to Graceville, SC seeking the truth. In Graceville, Finn has experiences that change her life forever; a summer of love, forgiveness and revelations. She learns to take chances, to take the plunge and to dive right in to what life has to offer.

April's Paperback Pick

I've been wanting to read Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine for a long time because the main character, Caitlin, has Asperger's. So when I was scanning my shelves for the next paperback pick, this one practically called my name!

It was a good quick read packed with emotions. (I cried a lot.) It was so interesting to get a look inside the mind of Caitlin and see how she dealt with the events happening around her. It's a book worth checking out.

Here's more about it:

In Caitlin’s world, everything is black or white. Things are good or bad. Anything in between is confusing. That’s the stuff Caitlin’s older brother, Devon, has always explained. But now Devon’s dead and Dad is no help at all. Caitlin wants to get over it, but as an eleven-year-old girl with Asperger’s, she doesn’t know how. When she reads the definition of closure, she realizes that is what she needs. In her search for it, Caitlin discovers that not everything is black and white—the world is full of colors—messy and beautiful.Kathryn Erskine has written a must-read gem, one of the most moving novels of the year.

March's Paperback Pick

A lot of you were pretty excited for me when I shared that March's Paperback Pick was Bared to You by Sylvia Day. You all said I would enjoy it.

And I did!

I enjoyed it so much that I started reading it around 10-11p.m. one night and stayed up until 5:30a.m. to finish it.

I instantly enjoyed Day's writing and got swept up into Eva's and Gideon's story. Of course, I had to keep reading their story, so over the following days, I read books 2-4.

I will definitely be reading more by Sylvia Day.

That's all for this month's paperback pick. Until next month...

February's Paperback Pick

Last month, I counted all my paperbacks and discovered that I had 165 unread in comparison to only my 75 read.

I decided that I needed to make the effort to read more of those books. (Plus, it'll make room for more. ;) ) I would read at least one paperback a month.

This month, I scanned my shelves to see which book would catch my eye, would become my paperback pick of the month.

I figured I would do a little blog post, much like my Monday Book Spotlights, for these paperbacks. If you follow me on Instagram, then there's a good chance you've already seen the picture of this month's paperback, Bridge of Scarlet Leaves by Kristina McMorris.

From the bestselling author of Letters from Home comes a poignant novel of love and courage, set against one of the most controversial episodes in American history: the aftermath of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. 

Los Angeles, 1941. Violinist Maddie Kern's life seemed destined to unfold with the predictable elegance of a Bach concerto. Then she fell in love with Lane Moritomo. Her brother's best friend, Lane is the handsome, ambitious son of Japanese immigrants. Maddie was prepared for disapproval from their families, but when Pearl Harbor is bombed the day after she and Lane elope, the full force of their decision becomes apparent. In the eyes of a fearful nation, Lane is no longer just an outsider, but an enemy. 

When her husband is interned at a war relocation camp, Maddie follows, sacrificing her Juilliard ambitions. Behind barbed wire, tension simmers and the line between patriot and traitor blurs. As Maddie strives for the hard-won acceptance of her new family, Lane risks everything to prove his allegiance to America, at tremendous cost.

It was just as good as it sounds! Here's what I said on Goodreads about it:

Loved! It's been like five years since I last read a book by McMorris and over that time, I often thought about that book, knowing she was a must-read author for me. Finally,  finally, I took the time to read this book. From the first page, I was able to remember why I love her writing so much. Such a fantastic book that'll break your heart a few times. Undoubtedly looking forward to reading more of her work!

Be sure to check out all of her books, especially Letters from Home, which is the first book I read by her. That's my paperback pick for this month! I don't know what I'll choose for March, but I'll keep ya post!

Happy Reading!