This thriller had EVERYTHING going for it: eye-catching cover art, killer marketing, and a topic that screamed for attention from this film buff!

And while it's insanely readable, FG didn't start delivering its semi-predictable twists until 3/4ths of the way in! And the big reveal? The reason we're all here? Well to say it was a major cop out would be putting it mildly.

The author shows talent but the book just didn't live up to its potential.

"Monsters are monsters...it doesn't make a difference if they're from space or your mind."

Covering everything from depression and assault to friendship and healing, this YA debut seems to have it all. And while I enjoyed the fantastic paternal presence and carefree friendships, the dual POV wound up feeling repetitive and downright preachy at times, which reduced the overall emotional impact.

"Someone needs to tell those tales...There's magic in that. It's in the listener, and for each and every ear it will be different, and it will affect them in ways they can never predict. From the mundane to the profound. You may tell a tale that takes up residence in someone's soul, becomes their blood and self and purpose. That tale will move them and drive them and who knows what they might do because of it, because of your words."

The MC in my current read is studying romance films for a school project. A big part of her project is breaking down the BEST MOVIE KISS EVER. The examples used throughout the book are making me smile and prompted me to ask:

In YOUR opinion what is the BEST MOVIE KISS EVER??

Literally the story of my life. #SharingTwitterThoughts #bookproblems #readerproblems #neverendingTBR

First read of April! Let's do this!

I'm not certain this quote is from this, but I am certain it is King and this was the only way to properly accredit him for this inspiring quote.

As we head into a new month, I hope you spend time devoted to something you love.

Full disclosure: my seat was firmly secured aboard the hype train prior to reading this. I saw glowing reviews, great cover art & a smirk-inducing fan print of Cardan that made me turn the dial to 11. Within 5 pages the action was barging in & I was convinced the rest would be fae-freaking-tastic. I was introduced to a world of flawed characters, a GoT like plot & a huge hook ending that left me hungry for more!

"Ugh. I'm embarrassed that I'm so easily wooed by this..."

Except, I'm not at all.

I don't know if there was any one thing (read: there was -- his name is Porter Roth) that made me swoon so hard for this read, but it happened. This had everything I was looking for in a YA contemporary and a perfect way to spend the weekend!

"Life will be hard and painful as long as I cling to it, but there's beauty in it, too."

Even though this is set in the fantasy realm of Karthia -- a world full of necromancers, zombie-like Shades, and genetically predisposed mages -- this diverse novel still manages to remind you of home. Full of love, loss, grief, coups, and magic, it reminds us that "every monster can be beaten" as long as we try.

Falling for the mean fey 30 pages in...

3.5 out of 5 Stars! Don't let the 3.5 fool you, this is a charming -- and sometimes foul mouthed -- glimpse into the busy world of mg spirit animal: Amy Poehler. There's wonderful anecdotes, entertaining photos, and plenty of great quotes that I'll be using throughout the year! If you're a fan, I'd definitely give this a read.

Things I FINALLY understand by inhaling book 1 in the SoC duology:
1) "No Mourners. No Funerals."
2) The Dregs
3) Dirtyhands
4) Who the hell Joost is
5) "The heart is an arrow. It demands aim to land true."
6) KAZ MF BREKKER.

I'm ready for book 2! Please do not spoil. And if you haven't read this yet, join us! We have waffles.

"Watching great people do what you love is a good way to start learning how to do it yourself."

"She wore her loss is an armor of ink, just as I did."

This was a seductive read for a multitude of reasons (read: I wouldn't read this in public if you're prone to blushing). ?

And, although I think the story should have been condensed to one novel, I enjoyed spending time with the tatted crew at Inked Armor and am happy to see how Tenley and Hayden were able to finally heal.

So this is honestly a means to an end. I really liked this book, but I didn't love it. However, you need to read it to get to book 2, which IS worthy of your time.

This is fresh -- and often steamy -- addition to the contemporary genre and focuses on two shielded and seemingly broken characters. Make sure you have book 2 on hand because you'll want to know where Hayden and Tenley end up.

"I was playing Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz...Next to Annie and Sandy, it is the dream role of every 10 year old. Annie taught me that orphanages were a blast and being rich is the only thing that matters. Grease taught me being in a gang is nonstop fun and you need to dress sexier to have any chance of keeping a guy interested. But The Wizard of Oz was the ultimate. It dealt with friendship and fear and death and rainbows and sparkly red shoes."

I went into this story completely blind. I was expecting a lighthearted contemporary (why, I don't know) and discovered almost immediately how very wrong I was. This is a dark tale that delivers powerful and gut wrenching reveals which often left me in tears. It's captivating, lyrical, and unlike anything I've ever encountered.

This was one of my favorite contemporaries of 2017! As a former professional journalist who is obsessed with musical theater and snarky male leads this book was everything I needed and more! There were multiple moments that made me laugh out loud and I definitely recommend this for anyone seeking a coquettishly charming read!

I was hooked from that vivid opening line! Kemmerer's writing style and crafty word play really elevated this YA contemporary and I'll definitely be picking up her next novel!

Has anyone else read this emotional tale??

They say to never judge a cook by its' cover, but for this one it's probably safe to do so. There's a lot of steam yet not so much story. But hey if you're slumping and want a speedy contemporary I wouldn't kick this one of out the bed.

"Every year, six Medievals leave and a new pack is forged..."

This book centers around traditions, and ever-changing world, and (obviously) murder. There are a few make-you-think moments, but too many details are given in advance and that robbed me of the thrill. It is, however, a quick read and perfect for anyone that loves secret society/boarding school themes.

Finally jumped into the world of Warcross, and now I wished somebody had warned me!! Don't get me wrong it was an enjoyable read, but now I'm stuck in the sequel waiting game craving answers!

"I don't know what the point of all this is...there are times where there can't possibly be a point. Others, it's like the stars have lined themselves up just for you...I decided, however long I get, if I can spend time with the people I love, I don't really care what the point is."

This book sucked-punched me in the feels and is worthy of your time.