Shon's Top Reads of 2019

Hello Bookworms! Today, I am sharing with you My Top Reads of 2019. I’m sure you’ve seen ton of other book bloggers post similar list. So, I wanted to mix it up a little bit and give you my top M/M Romance of 2019.

How to Shield an Assassin (Unholy Trifecta #1) by A.J. Sherwood

Ramen Assassin (Ramen Assassin #1) by Rhys Ford

Temptation Series by Ella Frank

Fallen Angel Series by Ella Frank (read Book 1-3)

Criminal Intentions: Season One Series by Cole McCade

Game Changers Series by Rachel Reid

Fake Boyfriend Series by Eden Finley (read book 1-4)

Have you read any of these books?  If so, which ones?  What are some of your top reads of 2019?




xoxo,

Shon

Shon Review: Top Secret

Top Secret
Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy
Website | Twitter | Website | Twitter

Publication Date: May 7th 2019
Publisher:  Tuxbury Publishing LLC and Elle Kennedy Inc
Pages: 319
Genre: M M Romance | New Adult | Contemporary
Source: Bought

Synopsis

Bestselling authors Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy return with their first Male / Male romance in 3 years.

LobsterShorts, 21. Jock. Secretly a science geek. Hot AF.

LobsterShorts: So. Here goes. For her birthday, my girlfriend wants…a threesome.

SinnerThree: Then you’ve come to the right hookup app.

LobsterShorts: Have you done this sort of thing before? With another guy?

SinnerThree: All the time. I’m an equal opportunity player. You?

LobsterShorts: [crickets!]

SinnerThree, 21. Finance major. Secretly a male dancer. Hot AF.

SinnerThree: Well, I’m down if you are. My life is kind of a mess right now. School, work, family stress. Oh, and I live next door to the most annoying dude in the world. I need the distraction. Are you sure you want this?

LobsterShorts: I might want it a little more than I’m willing to admit.

SinnerThree: Hey, nothing wrong with pushing your boundaries...

LobsterShorts: Tell that to my control-freak father. Anyway. What if this threesome is awkward?

SinnerThree: Then it’s awkward. It’s not like we’ll ever have to see each other again. Right? Just promise you won’t fall in love with me.

LobsterShorts: Now wouldn’t that be life-changing...

My Thoughts:

Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy just might be my favorite writing duo. I enjoy both of their separate work. But, when they get together it is pure magic.  I have loss how many time have read and re-read Him & Us. When I saw that they were back with an new Male / Male romance. I was all for it!

I'm a little disappointed. Don't get me wrong, I like the book but I didn't enjoy it. It felt like something was missing. The only part I enjoy was the texting between Luke and Keaton.

I don't see myself re-reading this book again.

Shon Review: Here and Now Series by Lexi Ryan

Here and Now Series
by Lexi Ryan
Website | Twitter | Instagram

Publication Date: April 6th 2014 | May 29th 2014 | August 2nd 2014
Publisher:  Ever After, LLC
Pages: 216 | 235 | 199
Genre: Romance | New Adult | Contemporary
Source: Bought

Synopsis

The last thing I remember is having drinks at Brady’s and trying to avoid eye-contact with my life-long crush—the gorgeous, unattainable Maximilian Hallowell. They tell me that was a year ago, but I have no memories of anything since then. What I do have is this ring on my finger that Max says he gave me, and this much-thinner body I’ve dreamed of most of my life. Aside from a case of retrograde amnesia, everything seems almost...perfect.

But the deeper I immerse myself into this new world of mine—planning a wedding to a man I don't remember dating, attempting to run a business I don't remember starting—the clearer it becomes that nothing is as it seems. Do I have the life I’ve always wanted or is it a façade propped up by secrets I don't even know I have?

I need answers before I marry Max, and the only person who seems to have them is the angry, tatted, sexy-as-sin rocker Nate Crane. And Nate wants me for himself.

My Thoughts:

Lost in Me Review:

What just happened? What I have done? How have I survived reading this? I am speechless and my mouth is still open after I finished this book! If you don’t like stories that leave you with more questions than answers, then don’t read this book.  I loved all the characters in this book but that didn’t stop me from suspecting some of them of being part of the mystery. And yes, it ends on a CLIFFHANGER!!

Fall to You Review:

Oh my gosh! With such a huge cliffhanger at the end of book one, I was so happy that I could grab book two immediately! And I was not disappointed. Not only did I get some answers to this mystery, I also was treated to some twists that made me doubt my conclusions about how this was going to end. And, of course, there are still several questions to be answered…including one very important one, one that has my heart racing!!

All for This review:

What a great ending! As the story was moving to the conclusion and more details were provided, I started to get anxious. The events that occurred when she had her fall, was surprising and I was really shocked when I found out the truth.

This series is so addictive that I could not put it down.

Shon Review: Verity by Colleen Hoover

Verity

by Colleen Hoover
Website | Twitter | Instagram

Publication Date: December 7, 2018
Publisher: Hoover Ink, Inc
Pages: 333
Genre: Romance | Thriller | Contemporary
Source: Kindle Ulimited

Synopsis

Lowen Ashleigh is a struggling writer on the brink of financial ruin when she accepts the job offer of a lifetime. Jeremy Crawford, husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford, has hired Lowen to complete the remaining books in a successful series his injured wife is unable to finish.

Lowen arrives at the Crawford home, ready to sort through years of Verity's notes and outlines, hoping to find enough material to get her started. What Lowen doesn't expect to uncover in the chaotic office is an unfinished autobiography Verity never intended for anyone to read. Page after page of bone-chilling admissions, including Verity's recollection of what really happened the day her daughter died.

Lowen decides to keep the manuscript hidden from Jeremy, knowing its contents would devastate the already grieving father. But as Lowen's feelings for Jeremy begin to intensify, she recognizes all the ways she could benefit if he were to read his wife's words. After all, no matter how devoted Jeremy is to his injured wife, a truth this horrifying would make it impossible for him to continue to love her.


Hello bookworms! I know it’s been awhile. Sorry for the very long absence there! I have been both busy and not busy. I just hope you’ll be happy to join me as I rediscover blogging and reading. You’ll be pleased to find out that I have a book review for you today.

My thoughts:

I don't even really know where to start with this one. Holy crap what did I just read!!!

The story is so twisted it’s hard to talk about the storyline without giving it all away. I will say at one point I was a little disturbed by some of the things, that were said and done in this book. That at time it was actually uncomfortable for me to read.

And that ending! That ending came out of nowhere! My mind was blown! That ending was magnificent and wicked at the same time.

It was an intense read, and I recommend reading it. Just be prepared for your mind to run with possibilities and heart to race.

Happy Reading!

First Read of the Year! | Wicked King by Holly Black

The Wicked King by Holly Black
Published January 8th 2019 by Little, Brown Books
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Magic, Fairies
Page: 336
Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Review by: Tina

Synopsis

The first lesson is to make yourself strong.

After the revelation that Oak is the heir to Faerie, Jude must keep her younger brother safe. She bound the wicked king, Cardan, to her, and made herself the power behind the throne. Navigating the constantly shifting political alliances of Faerie would be difficult enough if Cardan were easy to control. But he does everything in his power to humiliate and undermine her even as his fascination with her remains undiminished.

When it becomes all too clear that someone close to Jude means to betray her, threatening her own life and the lives of everyone she loves, Jude must uncover the traitor and fight her own complicated feelings for Cardan to maintain control as a mortal in a Faerie world.
 
Review

Holly Black is cruel. There's a level of frustration to being mortal: helpless, weak, powerless. By that I mean, without an army backing you are helpless, without the strength of the land you are weak, without the fae abilities of protection you are powerless.

Jude changed the game. She is now in a level of power, however, her power in the monarch still has its limitations. She has control of the game but for how long? The heavy weight of kingship is taking a toll on her body and spirit. 

I hate how she continues to be mistreated, disrespected, and not taken seriously. She bites her tongue and supresses all her hardships and those around her are too blind to take notice. I rejoice at her winning a small victory, I am shaken at her being outmaneuvered. Holly Black plays with my heartstrings time and time again. Just when I see the light at the end of the tunnel, she drops something and I'm left with my mouth hanging wide open.  

Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air #1) review can be found here.

The Empress by S.J. Kincaid

The Empress by S.J. Kincaid (The Diabolic #2)
Published October 31st 2017 by Simon & Schuster Books
Genres: Sci-Fic, Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Dystopia
Page: 378
Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Review by: Tina

Synopsis

It’s a new day in the Empire. Tyrus has ascended to the throne with Nemesis by his side and now they can find a new way forward. The ruling class, the Grandiloquy, has held control over planets and systems for centuries - and they are plotting to stop this teenage Emperor and Nemesis, who is considered nothing more than a creature and certainly not worthy of being Empress.

Nemesis will protect Tyrus at any cost. He is the love of her life. But she cannot protect him by being the killing machine she once was. She will have to prove the humanity that she’s found inside herself to the whole Empire - or she and Tyrus may lose more than just the throne. But if proving her humanity means that she and Tyrus must do inhuman things, is the fight worth the cost of winning it?

Thoughts

 

My heart is breaking. What an emotional journey.

 

The scheming, the manipulating, the agony. I was going through a rush of emotions chapters after chapters.

 

Frustration at the hopelessness, heartbreak at Tyrus and Nemesis' torn love. I wanted to grieve with them, scream at the indignity, wish for things to ultimately set right. But this isn't that kind of story.

 

S.J. Kincaid is a mastermind at breaking into the complex human psyche. What drives us, rages us, makes us break. This brutal story won't give me a satisfying happy conclusion. I'm left feeling raw and quaking.

Full review can be found on goodreads (Here)

April Reviews: The Belles and To Kill a Kingdom

 

 

Hello lovelies~ I want to share some YA fantasy novels

I read in the month of April.

The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton

Published February 6th 2018 by Disney-Hyperion
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
Page: 440 pages

Synopsis

Camellia Beauregard is a Belle. In the opulent world of Orléans, Belles are revered, for they control Beauty, and Beauty is a commodity coveted above all else. In Orléans, the people are born gray, they are born damned, and only with the help of a Belle and her talents can they transform and be made beautiful. 
 
Review

The story thrust you into an intriguing mysterious world of color and beauty. The story opens with the Belles' placement in society. And the society's constant need for beauty and perfection. The concept of beauty varies in colors, shapes, and sizes. No one truly look like how they were born. People are modified so much that they do not resemble their family members. However, those with money, can modify and color themselves, within limits, as much as they desire. The cases vary in extremes but there is a dark side to this world.

This story has such a fresh take on the need for perfection. In many cases, the body modifications are plain unnecessary but society calls for newness, and the families of wealth full into the trends. The constant need to be unique takes away the qualities and values of being human.
Have you read this fantasy novel? I'd love to hear your thoughts. 

 

 

 

To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo
Published March 6th 2018 by Feiwel Friends
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
Page: 342 pages

Synopsis

Princess Lira is siren royalty and the most lethal of them all. With the hearts of seventeen princes in her collection, she is revered across the sea. Until a twist of fate forces her to kill one of her own. To punish her daughter, the Sea Queen transforms Lira into the one thing they loathe most - a human. Robbed of her song, Lira has until the winter solstice to deliver Prince Elian’s heart to the Sea Queen or remain a human forever

Review

It had me at the intro of mermaids depicted as brainless wannabe humans whereas the sirens are much more deadly, mysterious, and superior.

This superior race has been at war with the humans since their ocean goddess Keto died many generations ago. They live to eliminate the humans and to find the missing stone of Keto to restore the Siren's full powers to dominate the world. The desirable qualities of sirens are emotionless, obedience, deadly, and merciless. When the princess of the Sea Queen was forced to live among the humans, she learned to feel and she admired the desires of humans to be more than their nature. She saw their ability to make their own choices.

I enjoy the different view of the two races. I haven't read stories about the sirens so the world is just fascinating. A great team of supporting characters and the mystery surrounding their world makes a perfect story.  

 

  

Monday Reviews: Cruel Prince by Holly Black

Highly anticipated January release from a popular YA fantasy author.
I have to say despite desperately wanting this book for its cover alone, the story is even better! It is unlike any plot I could ever imagine.
It is that good!

Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Published January 2nd 2018 by Little, Brown Books
Genres: Fantasy, Magic, Fairies, Romance, Paranormal, Young Adult
Page: 384 pages
Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Review by: Tina



Synopsis

I want to be like them. They’re beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever.
 And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe.

Jude was seven years old when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King.

To win a place at the Court, she must defy the odds and work at being better than all the fey.

Review

To start off, I wasn't prepared for how quickly the story transitioned from childhood to young adult. All the events that played in Jude's young life unraveled beautifully.

Stolen out of the human world to be raised by a Fae general, Jude is forced to adapt and find her place in the Fae world. Humans are lowly mistreated creatures and Jude will never be one of them but she can always best them, be better than them.

One after another, Jude's dreams are crushed but she continues to hold her head high. Somehow she finds herself playing in a game of political war. From her daily battles with her school bullies to outwitting her foster father, Jude never has a moment of peace. She must prevail, she must outsmart all; she must grow up fast. 

Thoughts

The fae world is indeed a land of misleads and betrayals. Loved the masterful way of blossoming this story into a complicated world of intrigue and mistrusts; oh the scheming. The last page has me gasping for more. And I combed through Holly Black's pages searching for signs of the next book. Sigh, I need more...