June Wrap Up & Book Haul

*Books Read in June*

The Summer of Chasing Mermaids by Sarah Ockler

Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella
The Devil You Know by Trish Doller
Last Year's Mistake by Gina Ciocca
Extraordinary Means by Robyn Schneider
Get Dirty by Gretchen McNeil
The Night We Said Yes by Lauren Gibaldi
Emmy & Oliver by Robin Benway
After Hours byClaire Kennedy
The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle*
*not pictured

*June Book Haul*

Paperweight by Meg Haston
Between Us and the Moon by Rebecca Maizel
The Good Girls by Sara Shepard
Emmy & Oliver by Robin Benway
Deadfall by Anna Carey
The Leveller by Julia Durango
Talker 25: Invisible Monsters by Joshua McCune
Firewalker by Josephine Angelini
Tonight The Streets Are Ours by Leila Sales
First & Then by Emma Mills

*Bought*
Beautiful Sacrifice by Jamie McGuire


June has been a bit of a busy month for me, but I still managed to read 9 books.
Not too shabby!!
I've read a few of the books from my book haul already,

and I really can't wait to dive into the rest of them!!

Now I'm ready to bring on the JULY BOOKS!!

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books I've Read So Far In 2015

June 30: Top Ten Books I've Read So Far In 2015

 
1. The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord - This was the very first book I read in 2015, and it's definitely one of my most favorites of the year. Emery Lord is the best!
(Add to Goodreads)
2. To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han - I got to the party a little late when reading this book and just read it a few months ago. I really, really enjoy the story, and I love Peter K!
(Add to Goodreads)
 
3. Me Before You by JoJo Moyes - I read this book with my book club ladies and I am SO glad I did. It's definitely not only one of my faves of 2015 so far, but it's one of my faves of all time as well. I love this book so much, and I can't wait for the movie!
(Add to Goodreads)
4. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas -This was my first experience with Sarah J. Maas, and I enjoyed the story and her writing style SO much. I can't wait to read her Throne of Glass series next!
(Add to Goodreads)
 
5. Nowhere But Here by Katie McGarry - I LOVE KATIE MCGARRY!! And I was super excited to start her new series. I loved it SO much!
(Add to Goodreads)
6. I'll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios - This book was another first for me! I'd never read a book by Demetrios before, but I absolutely loved I'll Meet You There, and I'm dying to read more by her!
(Add to Goodreads)
 
7. Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen - I knew I was going to love Saint Anything, because let's face it, Sarah Dessen is full of awesomeness! Not only is it a fave so far this year, but it's also one of my favorite Dessen books as well!
(Add to Goodreads)
8. Revenge, Ice Cream, and Other Things Best Served Cold by Katie Finn - So, I just started the Broken Hearts & Revenge series this year, but O-M-G this series is great! I love the drama. I didn't know if the this sequel would top the first book in the series, but it totally did, and I'm hooked!
(Add to Goodreads)
 
9. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard - I'm sure Red Queen is going to be on a lot of lists today, and it totally deserves to be! This book was freaking amazing, and I'm dying for the sequel!
(Add to Goodreads)
10. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir -I didn't know what to expect when I first started this book, but the story I got totally blew me away. This book was so unique and creative, I loved every minute of it!!
(Add to Goodreads)


That's my Top Ten list this week!
Leave a link in the comments so I can check out your list as well!!

Review: Emmy & Oliver by Robin Benway

Emmy & Oliver
by Robin Benway
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: June 23rd 2015
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 352
ISBN: 9780062330598
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary
Source: Publisher

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Available for Purchase:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Emmy’s best friend, Oliver, reappears after being kidnapped by his father ten years ago. Emmy hopes to pick up their relationship right where it left off. Are they destined to be together? Or has fate irreparably driven them apart?

Emmy just wants to be in charge of her own life.

She wants to stay out late, surf her favorite beach—go anywhere without her parents’ relentless worrying. But Emmy’s parents can’t seem to let her grow up—not since the day Oliver disappeared.

Oliver needs a moment to figure out his heart.

He’d thought, all these years, that his dad was the good guy. He never knew that it was his father who kidnapped him and kept him on the run. Discovering it, and finding himself returned to his old hometown, all at once, has his heart racing and his thoughts swirling.

Emmy and Oliver were going to be best friends forever, or maybe even more, before their futures were ripped apart. In Emmy’s soul, despite the space and time between them, their connection has never been severed. But is their story still written in the stars? Or are their hearts like the pieces of two different puzzles—impossible to fit together?

Readers who love Sarah Dessen will tear through these pages with hearts in throats as Emmy and Oliver struggle to face the messy, confusing consequences of Oliver’s father’s crime. Full of romance, coming-of-age emotion, and heartache, these two equally compelling characters create an unforgettable story. (Goodreads)

I was really, really excited to finally start Emmy & Oliver by Robin Benway. I had heard many great things about the novel, and I couldn’t wait to dive in an experience it for myself. Having read the book I can say it is definitely worth the read!

Emmy’s life changes the moment Oliver is kidnapped by his dad. Her whole world is completely crushed by the loss of her best friend, and through the pages we get to see what it was like for Emmy to have to grow up in that environment, and see how it affected not only her, but everyone around her. I can’t even being to imagine how her parent’s felt in the situation, but I can see how they would want to put her in a plastic bubble and keep her safe from all the bad things in the world. But you just can’t do that, because in the end it will end up pushing kids away. Fortunately Emmy was such a great kid, so very strong, especially considering everything that she had been through in her young life. She takes everything in stride the best she can, especially when Oliver reappears in her life 10 years later. Oliver is a really great kid as well. The poor guy has so many conflicting emotions throughout the story, and you can’t help but sympathize for all that he has been through. Together, Emmy and Oliver make a really great team, and I can totally see why they were such great best friends from the start.

There are a lot of great secondary characters in the story as well. I adored Emmy’s best friends Caro and Drew, they were both really awesome and I really loved them. As I mentioned before, the parents in the novel were a bit over-the-top, which was understandable considering all they went through just seeing how Oliver’s kidnapping affected everyone around them. While they drove me crazy at times, I couldn’t help but appreciate them anyways.

One thing that I really loved about the book is that given the storyline, you will go into this book expecting it to be an emotional read, but you won’t expect to feel such a wide range of emotions as you turn the pages. Yes, the book deals with a lot of sensitive issues, ones that will make your heart hurt in many ways, but there are also parts that will make you feel so many happy emotions as well. Also, there is romance in the story, and it was cute and sweet and totally swoon-worthy.

Overall; I found Emmy & Oliver to a really great read. I went into the story expecting to feel completely overwhelmed by the storyline, but instead I ended up really enjoying the story and the characters as well.  I’m really, really looking forward to reading more by Benway in the future!!

Waiting on Wednesday #204 - Reign of Shadows by Sophie Jordan

Reign of Shadows
by Sophie Jordan
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: February 9th 2016
Publisher: HarperTeen
ISBN: 9780062377647



Available for Pre-Order:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Seventeen years ago, an eclipse cloaked the kingdom of Relhok in perpetual darkness. In the chaos, an evil chancellor murdered the king and queen and seized their throne. Luna, Relhok’s lost princess, has been hiding in a tower ever since. Luna’s survival depends on the world believing she is dead.

But that doesn’t stop Luna from wanting more. When she meets Fowler, a mysterious archer braving the woods outside her tower, Luna is drawn to him despite the risk. When the tower is attacked, Luna and Fowler escape together. But this world of darkness is more treacherous than Luna ever realized.

With every threat stacked against them, Luna and Fowler find solace in each other. But with secrets still unspoken between them, falling in love might be their most dangerous journey yet.

With lush writing and a star–crossed romance, Reign of Shadows is Sophie Jordan at her best. (Goodreads)

Whoot!
Sophie Jordan's upcoming release has a cover!!
I've been waiting six months to see this baby, and it's absolutely gorgeous!!
I am so super excited to get lost in this new world Sophie created.
Judging by the summary, it sounds like it's going to be a really awesome read.
I can't wait to check it out!!

**"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine,
that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.**

Review: The Night We Said Yes by Lauren Gibaldi

The Night We Said Yes
by Lauren Gibaldi
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: June 16th 2015
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 304
ISBN: 9780062302199
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary
Source: Edelweiss

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Available for Purchase:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

A fun, romantic read, perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen and Susane Colasanti!

Before Matt, Ella had a plan. Get over a no-good ex-boyfriend. Graduate from high school without any more distractions. Move away from Orlando, Florida, where she’s lived her entire life.

But Matt—the cute, shy, bespectacled bass player who just moved to town—was never part of that plan.

And neither was attending a party that was crashed by the cops just minutes after they arrived. Or spending an entire night saying “yes” to every crazy, fun thing they could think of.

Then Matt abruptly left town, and he broke not only Ella’s heart but those of their best friends, too. So when he shows up a year later with a plan of his own—to relive the night that brought them together—Ella isn’t sure whether Matt’s worth a second chance. Or if re-creating the past can help them create a different future.

In alternating then and now chapters, debut author Lauren Gibaldi crafts a charming, romantic story of first loves, lifelong friendships, uncovered secrets, and, ultimately, finding out how to be brave. (Goodreads)

The Night We Said Yes was one of those books that instantly had me curious. Especially since it was described for fans of Sarah Dessen, whose stories I absolutely love. Really, I love all kinds of contemporary love stories, and I was super curious to meet Ella and Matt and explore their story.

The main characters in the story were so very likeable. Ella was headstrong and knew what she wanted for her future, but she also had some issues that she needed to work through in her life. I found her to be a very relatable character, although she was definitely braver than I would ever be. Matt was SO insanely sweet, and pretty close to perfection. Yes, he’s in a rock band, which makes him awesome, but he’s also kind and nerdy and shy as well. I loved these two characters as a couple. They were so cute together, and I really enjoyed watching the relationship blossom that first night.

The storyline for the book was really interesting and also a lot of fun. I like the idea of having to say ‘yes’ to everything for a whole night. The book was told in alternate time periods, the night Ella and Matt first met, and then the night a year later when they are reunited. I thought it was really interesting how the author made the night they made so much fun and special. It felt completely different than the night when they were reunited, when they had so much between them.  I was definitely hooked on both parts of the story, and flew through the pages wanting to know more. I love stories that are able to keep my interests, and this story definitely did.

Overall; The Night We Said Yes was such a fun read. I really liked the characters, and the storyline with the alternate time periods. I thought it was all very well done, and I absolutely can’t wait to read more by Gibaldi in the near future!!

Review: Get Dirty by Gretchen McNeil

Get Dirty
(Don't Get Mad #2)
by Gretchen McNeil
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: June 16th 2015
Publisher: Balzer & Bray
Pages: 384
ISBN: 9780062260871
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary | Mystery
Source: Edelweiss

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Available for Purchase:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

The members of Don’t Get Mad aren’t just mad anymore . . . they’re afraid. And with Margot in a coma and Bree stuck in juvie, it’s up to Olivia and Kitty to try to catch their deadly tormentor. But just as the girls are about to go on the offensive, Ed the Head reveals a shocking secret that turns all their theories upside down. The killer could be anyone, and this time he—or she—is out for more than just revenge.

The girls desperately try to discover the killer’s identity as their personal lives are falling apart: Donté is pulling away from Kitty and seems to be hiding a secret of his own, Bree is under house arrest, and Olivia’s mother is on an emotional downward spiral. The killer is closing in, the threats are becoming more personal, and when the police refuse to listen, the girls have no choice but to confront their anonymous friend . . . or die trying. (Goodreads)

Get Dirty by Gretchen McNeil was one of my Most Anticipated Reads of 2015! I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book. I read Get Even last year and really enjoyed it, and the cliffhanger ending really had me wondering what was going to happen next. I was definitely not disappointed after reading the book, and at the end, it totally left me wanting even more!

The book picks up right where Get Even leaves off. Margot is in the hospital in a coma, Bree is juvie, and Olivia and Kitty are still trying to figure out who is threatening to ruin DGM before anyone else ends up hurt, or worse.

Can I tell you how much I absolutely love the four main characters in the novel?? Margot, Bree, Olivia and Kitty have only the club in common, but through that they have formed such a strong bond with each other. While the girls had their issues with each other in the first book, they were tight knit this time around, and determined to stop what was happening. And even though there was so much going on in the novel for the girls, McNeil still took the time to give us more information about each one, and I enjoyed getting to know these girls even more.

The thing I really love about this book is that you have NO IDEA who the bad guy is. You can guess and speculate all you want, but you’re going to be wondering right up until the very end. Since there are SO many characters in the book, and half of them are acting suspicious, everyone is a suspect. I had my suspicions, but I hadn’t nailed it down to one particular person. I really love that McNeil kept me guessing right until the very end.

I was curious to see how many books were going to be in the series, but I’m assuming that it’s just going to be a duology. I’m totally fine with that, as Get Dirty wrapped up really nicely to where you can have closure after you close the book, but if McNeil wanted to add another book in the future, she totally could. I actually really hate to see this series end, so if she wanted to keep writing books for it, I’d totally read them.

Also, this series would make a really awesome TV show. Just sayin’!

Overall; Get Dirty was a fantastic follow-up to Get Even. These books are super addictive, and I really enjoyed reading them. Besides these two books, I’ve only read one other book by McNeil, Ten, which I also really enjoyed, and now I’m super excited to read the rest of her books!

Waiting on Wednesday #203 - Chasing Impossible by Katie McGarry

Chasing Impossible
(Pushing the Limits #5)
by Katie McGarry
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: July 1st 2015



Available for Pre-Order: N/A
Bonus e-book for registering your pre-order of Nowhere But Here.

Tough and independent, 17-year-old Abby lets very few people into her inner circle. It’s common knowledge in her Kentucky town that she deals drugs, but not even her closest friends know why. But when a deal goes south and Abby’s suddenly in danger, she finds herself reluctantly forced to lean on daredevil Logan—a boy whose restless spirit matches her own.

Logan has his own reasons for wanting to keep Abby at arms’ length. But he never expected to find in her the one person who might help him face the demons he’s tried so hard to run from.

Together, Abby and Logan will have to make a decision: let their current circumstances weigh them down forever…or fight for the future they both thought was impossible. (Goodreads)

It's Abby's story, you guys!!
As soon as I heard you could get this ebook when you
register your pre-order of Nowhere But Here, I knew I had to have it.
I am so fascinated with Abby, and I really, really, really want to know her story.
I can't wait to finally have this ebook!!

Also, you still have time to get this ebook!
Check out THIS post for more information.

And if you're still curious, check out my reviews for the books in this series!!


Pushing the Limits  |  Dare You To  |  Crash Into You  |  Take Me On

**"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine,
that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.**

Top Ten Tuesday: Books On My TBR For Summer 2015

June 16: Top Ten Books On My TBR For Summer 2015

1. Me and Earl and The Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews - I've had this book on my to-read list for a while now. I especially want to read the book before I see the movie. My teen has already read it and said it was really interesting. I'm hoping I can squeeze it in this summer.

2. Paper Towns by John Green - This is another book I want to read before the movie comes out. I've been working on it for a few weeks now, and I'm hoping I can finish it soon!

3. The Heart of Betrayal by Mary E. Pearsons - I've been saving this book for a moment when I actually have time to read the books with minimal interruptions. I'M SO EXCITED TO FINALLY START IT!!!

4. Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson - This book sounds so awesome! The storyline and the time period... I know it's going to make for a really great read.

5. Emmy & Oliver by Robin Benway - I've had this one on my to-read list since last year, and now I'm finally starting it! I imagine it's going to be awesommmmmme!

6. The Good Girls by Sara Shepard - This is one of my most anticipated books of 2015! The lovely people at Harper Collins sent me a copy a few weeks ago, and I've been working as quickly as possible to get to it. I can't wait to read it!!

7. Hello, Goodbye and Everything in Between by Jennifer E. Smith - First, I adore the cover of this book. There are not enough books with pink on them in my collection. I really enjoyed The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, and I'm even more excited for this new book!

8. Until Friday Night by Abbi Glines - Believe it or not, this is my very first read by Abbi Glines! The storyline for the book sounds really interesting. I hope it's great!

9. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins - I've wanted to read this book for a really long while now, and I've had the audiobook on hold at the library for what seems like FOREVER!! I'm finally down to only 3 people ahead of me, and I can't wait to finally have it!

10. One Plus One by JoJo Moyes - I absolutely adored Me Before You, and I've really been wanting to read more by JoJo Moyes. I'm hoping to work in One Plus One before After You comes out in September!

I have SO many books on my TBR for this summer.
I've been trying to get through my review books as quickly as I can
so that I will have time to read all the books I want to read this summer.
I'm super excited to read all the books listed above,
as well as the Top Ten Books in my Beach Bag and a few more I posted on Instagram!!

So many books, so little time!!