Happy Wednesday!
One of my favorite hobbies is reading. There is nothing I love more than just getting lost in a book. Some weekends I get in bed early and then spend the next five or so hours reading through a good book. Earlier this year, I made a personal goal to read 100 books. And *drumroll please* I am nowhere near that number! Honestly, I blame it on my new commute because my reading time has been cut in half plus I read a few books at the beginning of the year that I was not crazy about so that slowed me down. But, enough excuses from me, today I wanted to share a few books that I’ve read lately and my thoughts on them.
You by Caroline Kepnes
“You” revolves around Joe Goldberg, who becomes obsessed with a girl who walks into his bookshop. He then goes through crazy lengths to stalk her and really push himself into her life.
Eddie & I binge watched this series when it came to Netflix earlier this year and were obsessed with it. So naturally, I needed to get the book. In case you’re not familiar, the show stars Penn Badgley from Gossip Girl and since he’s so attractive, he makes the character weirdly charming even though he’s not supposed to be but ugh those eyes! So reading the book really put everything into perspective and it was so much creepier although I love both the book and the show. I’m not a huge suspense/thriller gal, but I still enjoyed this so if you do love something a little darker, you will definitely enjoy this.
Hidden Bodies by Caroline Kepnes
“Hidden Bodies” is the continuation of Joe’s story in “You.” Joe falls for another girl who leaves him heartbroken so he sets off to L.A to find her and in a way, start a new beginning for himself. He meets a cast of characters while he’s on the West Coast and even falls for another girl who is not like anyone else he’s fallen for before.
I’m trying not to spoil anything so I’m trying to keep it really vague! But, I actually really enjoyed the second book more than the first. I found it to have more action, move a little faster and honestly be even creepier than the first. I had seen a few reviews that some people were disappointed in the second book and liked the first more. Again, I’m not a huge suspense/thriller gal so take my review with a grain of salt, but I really enjoyed this one.
Match Made in Manhattan by Amanda Stauffer
Remember when I mentioned that I had to work through a few books that I wasn’t crazy about… well this is one of them.
“Match Made in Manhattan” follows Alison who has just come out of a bad breakup. At a loss, she turns to dating apps and starts going on several dates a week to find the right one. You meet a cast of characters in her quest for love and I know the book surrounds her dating life, but it honestly became exhausting reading through every date and trying to keep track of everyone. There was no continuous storyline, just a mix of short stories about her dates and no real ending. I never put a book down once I start it even if I’m not crazy about it, but ugh this was a hard one to get through.
Meet Cute by Helena Hunting
“Meet Cute” follows Kailyn who meets her childhood celeb crush Daxton in a chance encounter when they start law school together. They become friends until he betrays her and they go their separate ways. Fast forward to today, a family tragedy reunites them and she has no choice but to become a part of his life again.
I adored every moment of this book and it’s definitely one of my favorite reads of 2019. The story sucks you in from page one and makes you want to keep flipping to find out what’s going to happen next. I loved the witty banter between the main two characters and I love that you were rooting for them every step of the way.
Good Luck Charm by Helena Hunting
I loved “Meet Cute” so much that I had to pick up more of Helena Hunting’s work. “Good Luck Charm” follows Lilah whose longtime best friend and high school sweetheart Ethan broke her heart when he got drafted to the NHL. Now he’s back and wants to reconnect with her, but she doesn’t know if she can trust him anymore.
I adored this book and it is definitely another one of my favorite reads of 2019. I actually found some parts so relatable since Eddie and I have known each other since we were 6 years old and have been dating for 10+ years. I especially loved Lilah because I found her to be so strong and independent. I love the rom/com genre, but find that some stories have the female character giving up so much for love and I liked that Lilah really listened to herself and paid attention to what she wanted and needed.
Love At First Like by Hannah Orenstein
“Love At First Like” follows Eliza who owns a jewelry shop in Brooklyn and manages their popular Instagram account and is the face of the brand. One night, she posts herself wearing an engagement ring leading her followers to believe she is engaged which leads to a massive spike in business. In order to save her business, she has to continue this show of being engaged. She meets a fellow entrepreneur who seems perfect, but is he the one and will he help her save her business?
I loved Hannah’s first book “Playing With Matches” so much. It was a top read of 2018 for me, plus she’s a fellow Seventeen magazine alumn so I’m obsessed with her. I enjoyed “Love At First Like” and really like Hannah’s writing style. It sucks you in and makes you want to keep reading. But, this one wasn’t my favorite. I found the leading lady to be unlikable at times and wish there was more character development, but it was still an enjoyable read overall.
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
“The Hating Game” follows Lucy, an executive assistant who works with Joshua, another executive assistant who is extremely handsome. The only problem is that he’s been nothing but rude to her and their relationship over time has developed into fighting and yelling and pretty much an HR nightmare. But, after one long workday, they share a kiss in an elevator that changes their entire relationship.
I adored every minute of this book. I stayed up past my bedtime more than once because I couldn’t put it down. I loved every second of Lucy & Joshua’s witty banter. I found myself rooting for Lucy and crying when she was upset (yes, actually crying) and cheering for her when she chased her goals. I would definitely re-read this one because it’s that good.
The Bride Test by Helen Hoang
“The Bride Test” follows Esme who lives in Vietnam and is less than well off. She meets a Vietnamese American woman who is looking for a wife for her son Khai who is autistic. So Esme travels to America to meet Khai and try to win his heart.
As someone who is half Vietnamese and was raised understanding the Vietnamese culture, this book was so special to me. I loved reading a rom/com but with characters who were minorites and with one of the leading characters struggling with autism. I found myself rooting for both of them. I especially loved Esme who came to a strange country without her family and was still so strong and brave and independent. Honestly, it reminded me of my mom and I just loved every second of this book and getting to know the author’s story as well. I would highly recommend.
American Royals by Katharine McGee
And I saved the very best for last!
Fun fact, my friend Emma works in publishing and she was a publicist on this book and even flew out to Texas to throw several launch parties for this book so I was already excited to get my hands on this.
“American Royals” follows the royal family of the United States. Yes, you read that right. The idea is that after the Revolutionary War, George Washington didn’t become President, he became king and America has a monarchy rather than democracy. When I tell you I was sucked in by page one, I am not lying. I loved the idea behind this book to begin with and it did not disappoint. It was so fun getting to know all the characters and seeing their character development and how they interact with one another. I made my way through this in one week because I couldn’t put it down. I don’t know what else to say, but you need to read it ASAP. The second book in the series releases next year, but I need it now!
And that’s what I’ve been reading lately! I’m always open to recommendations so please let me know if you have any. I hope you enjoyed today’s post and thank you so much for stopping by. Have a great rest of the week!
