Top Ten OTP's

I'm back, after taking a lot of time of due to personal reasons I am coming back to the blog! I've read a lot of books with a lot of different relationships and storylines but I have to say I like some of the romances more than others. One of my favourite relationships in books are hate to love romances because to me they seem a bit more realistic than insta-love.

1) Clary and Jace - Shadowhunters

I know this one sounds like an obvious one but I can't help it Clary and Jace are adorable and yes their relationship was a bit weird at points but they are possibly one of my favourite couples from a book series.

2) Alec and Magnus - Shadowhunters

I mean why doesn't love Magnus and Alec they are perfect for each other and I don't think I can trust someone who doesn't love them together. Also its great seeing their relationship on a TV show as well as reading about it too.

3) Katy and Daemon - Lux

I only just read this series recently but I have to admit, like I said, I have a soft spot for a hate to love romances, they are a lot more realistic than insta-love relationships and this is a great hate-to-love romance.

4) Abigail and Charlie - Jackaby

This is another book that I only just read, and although their relationship isn't the key focus of the series, it was still adorable although it could have had a better ending than it did.

5) Alexia and Lord Maccon - Soulless

I've only read the first book in this series so far but I still think that their chemistry is great although I think Lord Maccon is a bit horrible to her at some points that I have seen in the manga books.

6) Anna and Kaidan - Sweet Evil

I only read this series last year and then reread it this year and one of my favourite parts of the book is their relationship and the development, they work well together despite what was going on in the book.

7) Androma and Dex - Zenith

Zenith is one of the books that I managed to get at Yalc and I honestly couldn't wait to read it and it definitely did not disappoint. The chemistry between the two characters was amazing.

8) Simon and Izzy - Shadowhunters

When Simon and Izzy first met in the book I was hoping they would end up together and as the series progressed their relationship developed and it was great.

9) Katniss and Peeta - The Hunger Games

This pairing isn't one of my favourites but I do still love them together both in the book and the film version. Their ending was definitely different but it was still a nice ending.

10) Penny and Noah - Girl Online

Girl Online is one of my favourite series and I really like how Penny and Noah's relationship develops through out the books, its a more realistic relationship in a more typical world which is a change from most books that I read.

Let me know some of your favourite couples in YA or whether you share my love for the ones I've chosen! Also, tell me what your favourite romance trope is because I'm super interested!

Top Ten Oldest Books On My TBR

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. You can find the list of future topics here! This was actually a perfect topic for me! When we moved I reorganised my TBR shelf by "date acquired" (which now I'm writing it down seems dorky af)! So these are the oldest books on my TBR shelf and next up on my to-read list (after review books). 

There are a lot on here that I am very excited for. I've forgotten, between buying them and now, what The Taxidermist's Daughter and The Amber Shadows are actually about but I love historical fiction at the moment. And I hear nothing but good things about The Final Empire and And I Darken which are probably the two I am most excited for! 

Top Ten (OK Twelve) Books of 2017!!!

Top Ten Tuesdays are hosted by The Broke and the Bookish and you can find a full list of past and future topics here. This was a really daunting topic to me! How am I supposed to pick just 10 favourites?? But I did my best and these are 12 books that really stood out to me in 2017!

Dating Sarah Cooper

Possibly one of my new favourite books ever. I've already read it three times this year and I'm pretty sure I'll be reading it again and again in the future. It's short and sweet and so, so good. I also made Vera @ Regal Critiques read it and you can check out her review of it here. 

The Smoke Hunter

My first favourite book of the year. I received an ARC of this and my review is up here. Ann also then kindly got me a finished copy for my birthday so again this is a book I've already re-read! Think, Lara Croft meets Suffragettes with a swoony romance.

The Comfort of Secrets 

Ever since reading Sweet Lake (earlier this year as well), I've been a huge fan of Christine Nolfi's writing. This is the second book in that series and I loved it even more than the first. You can check out my reviews of both books here and here.

Daughter of the Burning City 

This was on my TBR since it was first announced because anything to do with circuses or carnivals or anything remotely similar is right up my street! And this did not disappoint. My review of this is pretty gushy!

Crimson and Bone

Marina Fiorato is possibly my favourite historical fiction writer and this is definitely my favourite of her books. It was dark and creepy and the characters and locations felt so real! Actually writing about it now makes me want to experience it again so badly! Again - review here!

Devil in Spring by Lisa Kleypas

Hands down my favourite romance writer, and this is my favourite of her books (to date - she keeps getting better). I love the tie-in to Devil in Winter which was my previous favourite of her books. And the characters were so lovable.

My Lady Jane

I'd heard mixed things so I was initially nervous but oh my god this was so funny! The characters were perfect, the fantasy was incredible and the humour and romance were so on point. I can't wait for the rest of the Jane books to come out!!

The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue

Another of my most anticipated releases of 2017 that definitely didn't let me down! Monty was fantastic, Percy was the absolute sweetest and Felicity - I am so looking forward to her book!!

Under Rose-Tainted Skies

Probably the best depiction of anxiety and agoraphobia I have ever read. I have both so was worried this would be triggering but actually felt super comforted reading about somebody in a similar situation to me!

We Have Always Lived in the Castle

I took one of those "what book should you read next" quizzes and got this. Out of sheer curiosity I ordered it and ended up adoring it! I am crazy about the sisters and their home and the ending was one of the best I have ever read!

After the Fire

I met Will Hill at YALC after reading this book (and fangirled a little). He was super lovely. And his book is incredible! I read this as it was part of the Zoella Book Club and it was my favourite of the books in that set!

Tiny Pretty Things

I describe this as the most Slytherin book I have ever read. And as a Slytherin that is a pretty high compliment. It was twisted and ambitious. All of the characters were somewhat unlikable which only made me like them more. 

Top Ten Books on My Winter TBR

Top Ten Tuesdays are hosted by The Broke and the Bookish and you can find a list of past and future topics here!

1) What Light by Jay Asher

I bought this last year but didn't get to read it in time for Christmas. Since I'm a seasonal reader, reading it after Christmas felt fundamentally wrong so I put it aside for this year!! I am really excited for it because I was a huge fan of Thirteen Reasons Why and whilst this looks, of course, very different, I'm hoping I still love Asher's writing. 

2) Chasing Christmas Eve by Jill Shalvis

I adore Jill Shalvis's books and her Heartbreaker Bay series is probably my favourite of hers. This is the fourth book in the series and looks super festive and lovely. 

3) The Mitford Murders by Jessica Fellowes

Because Christmas just isn't complete without a good murder? I got this recently because of the great reviews and because I do love murder mysteries - especially those set at Christmas!! 

4) The Fandom by Anna Day

I got an ARC of this at YALC and also met the author so I am very excited to read this! I should be reading it before the release since I do plan to post a review!

5) Zenith by Sasha Alsberg and Lindsay Cummings

Getting an ARC of this at YALC was an experience. There were so many people so determined to get a copy. And I get why. It is one of my most anticipated reads of the year because space pirates. Space. Pirates. I also love Sasha's videos. 

6) The Extinction Trials by S. M. Wilson

The Usborne team were super nice to me whilst I was waiting for the ARC of this at YALC so getting it was a great experience. Plus this is Jurassic Park meets Hunger Games and if that doesn't intrigue you then... I don't even know. It makes me very excited! 

7) The Dragon's Legacy by Deborah A. Wolf

I will be posting my review of this sometime in December so I need to read it very, very soon. It helps that I am crazy excited for it! I always get drawn towards dragon novels and this one sounds awesome and I've heard some good things. 

8) Cloaked in Shadow by Ben Alderson

Another Booktuber whose videos I enjoy! I've been curious about this book since he first mentioned it and now all details have been revealed and it sounds really, really good. I have this one pre-ordered and just hope I get to read it when it arrives!

9) Shadow Girl by Liana Liu

Paranormal YA Mystery was enough to get my interest. Also the blurb sounds vaguely Jane Eyre which is one of my favourite classics so of course I want to read this! 

10) High Rising by Angela Thirkell

I got this for Christmas last year and yes, it's taken me this long to read it. It's one of those classics that forever intrigues me and I don't know why I haven't picked it up sooner! But it's a nice symmetry, reading last years presents at Christmas. Or that's what I'll tell myself anyway! 

Top Ten Books Of 2017 (So Far)

Top Ten Tuesdays are hosted at The Broke and the Bookish and you can find a list of past and future topics here. I'm not limiting myself to books published in 2017 although I think most of the books I've read this year have been new releases so it may well work out that way anyway. These are in no particular order. 

1) The Smoke Hunter by Jacquelyn Benson

If Lara Croft meets Indiana Jones hasn't already hooked you then I don't even know what I could say. Honestly this book was like all my favourite things rolled into one and I just adore it!

2) My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Jodi Meados and Brodi Ashton

This was hilarious. I studied the Tudors-Stuarts in college so I was fairly familiar with the story of Lady Jane Grey but OMG this was such a funny and cute take on it (not words I ever thought I'd use in reference to Jane Grey). I cannot wait for the other Jane books!

3) Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit by Jaye Robin Brown

I loved how positive and interesting this book was. The romance made me swoon and then cry and then smile so much.

4) Dreamfall by Amy Plum

Definitely better than I was expecting. The nightmares in this were super creative and genuinely scary in places plus the whole concept actually felt way more real to me (and therefore more frightening) than I was expecting. 

5) This Is Not a Test by Courtney Summers

One of the best zombie books I have ever read. And there weren't even that many zombies in it. Mostly this focused on the human tensions and problems during the zombie apocalypse with plenty of in fighting and drama and tension over supplies and mistrust and it was just so great.

6) The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid

Nemesis was badass. All the characters were compelling and unique and I actually kinda loved the romance. The whole concept of this was great and I am excited/nervous for the second book because I don't know where Kincaid will take the story from here!

7) Holiday in the Hamptons by Sarah Morgan

Sarah Morgan's books are always a delight. This was super romantic and sweet and funny and sad. The characters were realistic and awesome. 

8) Done Dirt Cheap by Sarah Nicole Lemon

AMAZING girl friendship and two very different but totally awesome romances. Just writing this makes me want to re-read the book. It was also really tense and exciting.

9) Devil in Spring by Lisa Kleypas

My favourite Lisa Kleypas book so far (which is saying something). I loved the tie-ins with the Wallflower series and the romance itself was just the sweetest. 

10) Dating Sarah Cooper by Siera Maley 

I've already re-read this book. Twice. And am planning to re-read it again in the next couple of months. I'm obsessed. Just. Everything about this book. I loved it so much.

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Top Ten Series I've Been Meaning to Start

Top Ten Tuesdays are hosted at The Broke and the Bookish and you can find a full list of past and future topics here. 

1) Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

I've had this recommended to me by practically everyone. I even own the books. But I never seem to get around to actually reading them! Someday. Someday it will happen.

2) The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch

This is my brother's all time favourite series. He rates it just above Six of Crows. So obviously I'm desperate to read them... but the series isn't complete and that scares me. 

3) Truthwitch by Susan Dennard

I pre-ordered the first book then never read it. I pre-ordered the second book telling myself that now I WOULD read them. But nope. Here I am in June still not having read them. I am the worst.

4) Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch

I love fantasy so I was initially super excited for this series but since buying the first book I've seen such mixed reviews that I keep putting it off. Her next series sounds incredible and it's entirely possible I'll wind up skipping this one and then maybe coming back to it later?

5) The Glittering Court by Richelle Mead

Another one with mixed reviews. I love Mead's other books (or the ones that I've read which is basically just Vampire Academy and Bloodlines) and these sound awesome. I'm just.... so many mixed reviews. What if I dont like it?

6) The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

I'm unsure on these just because I don't know how mind bending/scary they are? I'm a lot better with scares and thrillers than I was when this series originally came out but I'm still nervous.

7) The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

Hades and Persephone retellings will get me every time. Hades is my favourite. Persephone is badass and kind. I just seriously need to read these.

8) The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

See when these first came out I hated zombies. I thought they were boring. Since then I've developed an obsession with zombie books and movies (almost entirely down to my youngest brother honestly) and so now really want to read these.

9) Enclave by Ann Aguirre

Please see above for zombie obsession! I read some of Aguirre's new adult recently and loved them and whilst this is obviously a very different genre it still looks great!

10) The Winner's Trilogy by Marie Rutkoski

Just heard all the good about this series. I need to read it. I can't quite understand why I haven't already.

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You can also find us on Goodreads (Ann and Clare), Facebook and Instagram to keep up with what we are reading.