Quarterly Favorites #1 / Jan-Mar 2020

Published on March 26, 2020March 22, 2020 by Jessica C Writes6 Comments

Hello everyone! Today I wanted to share the first installment of a new series on my blog- quarterly favorites. I’ve shared some favorites here in the past, but it’s something I haven’t done in a really long time.

I think it is a good way to incorporate more of my life on this blog, and I hope it allows you to get to know me more- and maybe you’ll find some of your own favorites, too!

As this is a quarterly favorites post, it is something I’m hoping to do every 3 months.

Books:

How to Make Friends with the Dark by Kathleen Glasgow
If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio
My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan
The Diviners by Libba Bray
The Vanishing Stair by Maureen Johnson

Movies/TV Shows:

The Circle: I haven’t watched or started really any new tv shows in a while, but I did binge this one and I LOVED it. It was super entertaining, and I am eagerly waiting for season 2.

As far as movies, I have been watching many because I am trying to watch all 100 movies on the American Film Institute’s “Best Movies of All Time” list! Here are some of my favorites:

Psycho
Singin’ in the Rain
Casablanca

Music:

To Die For by Sam Smith
Never Worn White by Katy Perry
What A Man Gotta Do by Jonas Brothers
I Love Me by Demi Lovato

Health/Fitness:

This banana pancake recipe
Greens powder by Nested (chocolate flavored)
My glute resistance bands
These vitamin C gummies

Other:

Notion for desktop- this productivity/task system is incredible
the Balance meditation app
Tik Tok whipped iced coffee- if you haven’t seen this trend, I recommend looking it up and trying it!

That is all for my favorites of the last three months! If you also like any of these things, let me know in the comments so we can chat about them :)

Five Star Predictions: The Results

Published on March 24, 2020March 22, 2020 by Jessica C Writes4 Comments

In April of 2018 (almost 2 whole years ago), I wrote my first 5-star predictions post. Since then, I have uploaded a second one. I decided it was finally time to look back on those predictions, as I have now read all of the books, and see if I was right!

My reading tastes have changed a lot, so I’m actually very nervous to see how I did (and I honestly don’t think I did great at all).

Let’s start with the very first one I did.

My Predictions:

My Ratings:

✏️ Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli: 3 stars

Not off to a great start here. Unfortunately, this one fell a little flat for me. I think the hype around it made me want to love it so much, but it just didn’t do much for me. It was a really important book, and the movie was phenomenal, but as far as enjoyment, it was just okay.

✏️ From a Low and Quiet Sea by Donal Ryan: 4 stars

Close, but not quite a 5 star read for me. I think the story was really beautiful, but I found myself skimming some of the long descriptions and getting a little bored throughout. The ending was PHENOMENAL, though, and I’m very happy I read it!

✏️ By Your Side by Kasie West: 3.5 stars

I am really not doing great here, oops. I enjoyed this one, and I know I’ll pick up more by Kasie West in the future, but it definitely wasn’t enough to give it a 5-star rating.

✏️ We’ll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han: 3 stars

I predicted I would enjoy this one because I loved the first two books in the trilogy. Unfortunately, this one ended up being my least favorite. The characters just felt very different to me in this book, and I couldn’t connect with them anymore.

✏️ Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett: 5 stars

Finally!!! A 5 star!! Jenn Bennett is incredible and I’ve raved about this book enough. You all get it already.

✏️ Beholding Bee by Kimberly Fusco: 2 stars

This book was completely not what I expected it to be AT ALL. I just wasn’t the right audience for this book, and I felt very confused and thrown off by the whole thing. It really wasn’t my thing.

How Did I Do?

I only got 1/6 right from the first post… yikes. The books weren’t bad, just not god-tier level for me, unfortunately.

Maybe post number two will be better…

My Predictions:

My Ratings:

✏️ The Diviners by Libba Bray: 5 stars

This time we are starting off on the right foot! The Diviners was incredible and everything I needed! I’m happy to say this was an incredible read.

✏️ Someday, Someday Maybe by Lauren Graham: 3 stars

This one wasn’t a 5 for me, but it wasn’t a bad story. It just didn’t feel like anything special to me. I still love Lauren Graham so much, though!

✏️ A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab: 4.5 stars

This one didn’t exactly get a 5 from me, but it was so close! I REALLY enjoyed it, and I can’t wait to finish the series.

✏️ If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio: 5 stars

Ladies and gentlemen, we have another winner! This was a phenomenal book, and I’m just mad it took me so long to get to.

✏️ Starfish by Akemi Dawn Bowman: 5 stars

And we’re ending it off with another 5-star read!! I loved Summer Bird Blue by Akemi, so I knew I would love anything else she wrote. I am excited to read her 2020 release, Harley in the Sky, very soon.

How Did I Do?

I obviously knew my tastes a little better this time around. I got 3/5 correct, which isn’t bad!

My total, though, is 4/11, which is embarrassing. I will say, however, that I read a majority of these books more recently, and my tastes have changed a lot over those 2 years, and I’ve become a much more critical reader.

I feel like now that I know what I like and don’t like, I would be better at predicting this.

Do you want to see a new predictions post? I have so many books on my TBR that I think could be contenders for this!

What are some of your 5-star predictions?

24 Hour Read-a-thon to Ease My Mind

Published on March 19, 2020March 17, 2020 by Jessica C Writes4 Comments

Hello loves! If you follow me on Twitter, you know that I hosted a 24-hour read-a-thon this past Monday as a way to distract us all from the current crisis. As I’m writing this, it is Sunday night, and I am preparing for a long night of reading.

My TBR for the day:

hearts, strings, and other breakable things

Docile by K.M. Szpara- 20% in

Hearts, Strings, and Other Breakable Things by Jacqueline Firkins- 46% in

And I Darken by Kiersten White- 0% in

As you can see, my plans aren’t too ambitious, and I’ve already started two of the books. I don’t plan on fully finishing Docile, but I would like to get at least to the 40% mark.

I want to definitely finish Hearts, String, and Other Breakable Things because it’s the shortest of the three and I’m already halfway through it!

And I Darken is the only one I have on audio, so I’m hoping I can get a really decent amount of that one done, if not fully finish it.

I will be back after I start reading to update you all on my progress!

Midnight to 1 a.m.

I started off with the e-book of “Hearts, Strings, & Other Breakable Things” at midnight. I was exhausted so I didn’t want to stay up too late (and ruin my sleeping schedule completely).

I was able to get to about 60% before heading off to bed, though!

9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

I woke up around 8:30, and then I started reading from 9 (still reading the same book). At 10, I stopped so I could get out of bed and get my day started.

I worked out from about 10 to 11, and the entire time I did that, I listened to “And I Darken” on audio. I got about 11% into it!

11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

At 11, I always eat my breakfast, and while I was doing this today, I listened to my audiobook a little bit, too.

I was able to get just a few more minutes in, nothing significant!

12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

A little after 12, my dad and sister wanted to go for a hike, so I decided to join them! I listened to a bit more of the audiobook, but mostly I was just taking in the outdoors for a bit.

After this, we went grocery shopping for a couple of necessities.

2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

When we got back, I locked myself in my room to finish my e-book! I managed to get a good amount done (around 85%).

I also made myself a little lunch, and around 4 in the afternoon, I facetimed Olivia from StoriesForCoffee! We chatted about school, our social distancing plans, as well as some other things. This was also the same time that I held a little reading sprint on Twitter, so we read together over the chat for a little bit!

I ate dinner around 5:30, and then I caught up on sending some emails.

7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

I decided to also make brownies because I had been craving them.

In this time, I managed to listen to my audiobook more concretely, coming to a total of 4.5 hours.

9 p.m. to 11 p.m.

I watched the movie “Singin in the Rain” because I am trying to watch more movies this year, and you guys were able to pick the movies I watched on Instagram (so be sure to follow me on there).

11 p.m. to 12 a.m.

To finish off this read-a-thon, I read a little bit of Docile while playing some music in the background. It was a nice way to end the day, but I didn’t get through this book as much as I had hoped for!

The Final Stats:

Docile: I only read one chapter of this oops.
Hearts, Strings, and Other Breakable Things: completed
And I Darken: 32%

Overall, I’m very happy with how I did with this read-a-thon. I have been finding it hard to read recently, especially for longer periods of time, but this allowed me to get so much more reading in than I normally would!

I hope you guys enjoyed, and be sure to check out my Instagram and Twitter in case if I do more of these soon :)

Signed Book Collection: Updated

Published on March 17, 2020March 14, 2020 by Jessica C Writes2 Comments

A few years back, I uploaded a post where I showed you all my signed book collection. Since then, my collection has at least tripled in size. This is not something I am making to brag, but I just love seeing what books others get signed because it shows that the books are important to them or have more meaning to them.

So, here’s my collection!

First up, I have books that I got at signings. These were mainly from Bookcon over the last couple of years, but also from individual signings that I attended. I am so grateful to have been able to meet these authors, it was truly such an honor.

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern: This is my baby and I love it with my whole heart.
A Curse so Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo: I only got WTFOH signed in person, and I asked Elizabeth to sign a sticker for me to put inside of my copy of TPX.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han: Meeting Jenny Han was like a dream come true. It was an amazing experience and she was so sweet.
P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han: Still regret not buying all 3 books to have her sign, but I had to save space since I was traveling to and from Bookcon!
A Work in Progress by Connor Franta: My friend and I waited from like 5 a.m. for this signing in high school and it was such a memorable experience!
The Last Summer of the Garrett Girls by Jessica Spotswood
Queen of the Conquered by Kacen Callendar

Next up are the books that I purchased or received already signed! I have not met any of these authors, unfortunately, but I am still so grateful to own these books.

Deposing Nathan by Zack Smedley: I actually won this book from Zack himself in a Twitter giveaway! He is so nice and I really loved this book!
Save the Date by Morgan Matson
Turtles All the Way Down by John Green: This is another one of my all-time favorite books; definitely a prized possession of mine.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas: I got the physical copy for Christmas and IT WAS SIGNED!
Bright we Burn by Kiersten White
Dive Smack by Demetra Brodsky
Furyborn by Claire Legrand
Losing Hope by Colleen Hoover
Point of Retreat by Colleen Hoover: Fun fact- both of my CoHo books are signed to “Ashley” because I won them in a Twitter giveaway and they were signed to the user!

Finally, we have my poetry collections. Some are from poets I’ve met, others were sent to me/purchased signed! As you can see, the majority of them are by Amanda Lovelace because I have attended multiple of her signings in the past!

Pillow Thoughts by Courtney Peppernell
The Witch Doesn’t Burn in This One by Amanda Lovelace
The Princess Saves Herself in This One by Amanda Lovelace (x’s 3): I have the hardcover, the paperback, and the self-published version
Temporary Storms by McKayla Debonis: She is a really good friend of mine now but this was her first collection!!
Bright Minds, Empty Souls by Jennae Cecelia
What We Buried by Caitlyn Siehl: I desperately need to do a re-read of this book because it was so beautiful! I had the chance to meet Caitlyn and she was the nicest human ever.
Morning Air, Morning Light by Regan Smith
The Universe of Us by Lang Leav

There we have it: all of my signed books! Again, I am truly so thankful that I have been able to acquire so many of these, and I cherish them every single day.

What is your favorite signed book you have, or what is one you are dying to own?

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren / Review

Published on March 12, 2020March 11, 2020 by Jessica C Writes4 Comments

I have finally read my first ever Christina Lauren book. It took me forever, but we’re here!

I read The Unhoneymooners and actually just finished it a couple of days ago. Let’s just jump straight into the review!

Goodreads Synopsis:

Olive is always unlucky: in her career, in love, in…well, everything. Her identical twin sister Ami, on the other hand, is probably the luckiest person in the world. Her meet-cute with her fiancé is something out of a romantic comedy (gag) and she’s managed to finance her entire wedding by winning a series of Internet contests (double gag). Worst of all, she’s forcing Olive to spend the day with her sworn enemy, Ethan, who just happens to be the best man.

Olive braces herself to get through 24 hours of wedding hell before she can return to her comfortable, unlucky life. But when the entire wedding party gets food poisoning from eating bad shellfish, the only people who aren’t affected are Olive and Ethan. And now there’s an all-expenses-paid honeymoon in Hawaii up for grabs.

Putting their mutual hatred aside for the sake of a free vacation, Olive and Ethan head for paradise, determined to avoid each other at all costs. But when Olive runs into her future boss, the little white lie she tells him is suddenly at risk to become a whole lot bigger. She and Ethan now have to pretend to be loving newlyweds, and her luck seems worse than ever. But the weird thing is that she doesn’t mind playing pretend. In fact, she feels kind of… lucky.

My Review:

I will say, I went into this book with relatively high expectations. Everyone is constantly praising this author-duo for their work, and I was excited to see what this hype was about and whether I could find a new favorite.

Fortunately, my expectations were met, and I really did enjoy this book!

I will say, in the beginning, I wasn’t immediately into this book. The writing wasn’t my favorite at first. It was hard to get into, and it felt a little off. However, that may have just been due to the fact that I had recently finished a book with a very different writing style. Either way, I did get used to it.

I also thought that the hate aspect of the “hate to love” was a bit too strong and unwarranted. I could not understand why the characters hated each other so much because nothing really happened between them.

However, as the story progressed, I could see both sides and how it evolved. Their characters weren’t SUPER developed, but I do think you could see their chemistry together.

I was gripped within 50-75 pages, and from there, the rest was a really quick read because I was having so much fun with the story.

This book was funny, witty, romantic, and more. Some of the aspects of the plot were a bit unrealistic and over-the-top, but it made for a very interesting story. So many things just kept going wrong, but the characters were able to work their way through them, even while still hating each other many times.

Also, there was a travel aspect to the story (duh, honeymoon), but I loved reading about it and all of their adventures.

On top of this, the main character is biracial (Mexican, I believe, and white), which is a big plus!

One thing that knocked it down a star for me, though, was some of the conversations with Olive’s family members. There was one line where someone had said they wished they were born lesbian, and there were some other comments being made where the family believed someone was gay because

There was also plus-size rep, but it wasn’t 100% defined, and as someone who can not speak for this representation, I can not say whether this was a good or bad portrayal.

Overall, I did enjoy this story, and I am very likely to pick up more books by Christina Lauren.

Rating:

Have you read this or any other Christina Lauren books? Let me know what your thoughts were of them so I can add more to my TBR (or take them off).

Thanks for reading and see you soon!

How I Organize My Goodreads

Published on March 10, 2020March 9, 2020 by Jessica C Writes6 Comments

Look, I know Goodreads has its flaws, but if the search feature was improved and the mobile app didn’t glitch so much, it would be the best app ever for me.

I’ve had my current account since 2015, but I had another one even earlier than that. It is great for keeping track of all of the books I’ve read, and I can see myself using it for a very long time.

One feature that I find especially useful is the ability to create shelves. Today I want to show you what my shelves look like and how I used them all! This is critical to my experience on Goodreads because it truly keeps me sane.

If we take a look at my profile, it looks like I have so much going on. I have a LOT of shelves, but I really do use them all and they all serve a purpose!

Exclusive Shelves:

First and foremost are my exclusive shelves. I have five them- three being the generic ones that Goodreads automatically gives you- “want to read,” “currently reading,” and “read.” These are fairly self-explanatory, and if you’ve ever used the site before, I’m sure you’re familiar with them.

However, I created two of my own exclusive bookshelves, and it’s very easy to do! First is my “DNF” shelf, which stands for “did not finish.” I do not like counting books that I haven’t finished as “read,” so I put them in this category instead.

I also have a shelf called “on my radar.” I got this idea from Kayla (booksandlala), and the idea is basically to put books that you’re sort of interested in but don’t fully want to add to your TBR yet until you hear more reviews, information, etc. Typically, I put books by my favorite authors that haven’t been released yet in this category until a synopsis is released, or I hear early buzz about it!

If you want to create one of these shelves, all you have to do is hit the “edit” button next to “Bookshelves” when you’re looking at your books (on the desktop version, not mobile). Then, just change whichever shelves you want to “exclusive” and you’re all set!

Favorites:

I also have a favorites shelf, which is also self-explanatory. I believe that Goodreads automatically gives you this one as well, but I could be wrong. This shelf changes constantly for me.

Genres:

Aside from those shelves, I also have shelves for every genre and age group: YA fantasy, Adult mystery/thriller, middle grade, poetry, etc. After I finish reading a book, I add it to one of these shelves depending on which one it falls under. I do this so that when I’m writing specific review posts I can easily find books I’m looking for in specific categories.

It’s also just useful to see what books I read the most of, and which ones I should try to pick up more often! It’s a great visual representation because I don’t really keep track of this anywhere else.

Owned TBR:

I have a TBR shelf, which I mentioned earlier. Any and every book I want to read goes on there. BUT, this shelf if specifically for books that I already own. This is how I keep track of the number of unread books I own without having to constantly count them.

ARCs:

Next, I have two shelves for Netgalley and Edelweiss ARCs. I keep books that I have to read for those platforms on shelves so I can easily see how many books I need to review. I go on Goodreads more often that those two sites, so this is just an easier way to see the books. Also, when I’m picking my TBR for the month, I go here to see what books I should prioritize.

Others:

Neet to Read ASAP- This is a shelf I made a long time ago and I honestly don’t use it that frequently. I do occasionally add books I’m really excited about to this shelf, but for the most part, I don’t use it.

Not Yet Released- This is the shelf where I keep books that have not come out yet. I’m awful at new releases, so I made this shelf a few months ago in the hopes that I would get better at tracking them. Unfortunately, I don’t update this shelf as much as I should.

Series to Finish- Again, this is an easy shelf to interpret. I keep track of the series I need to finish on Goodreads or else I will never get to them. This is actually a very useful shelf to have!

To Buy- Finally, I have this shelf to refer to whenever I’m in the mood to buy books. Because I am trying to cut down on the number of books I buy, I try to only add books I’ve already read and loved to this.

What do you think of my current setup? Are there any shelves you think I should add? Let me know by leaving a comment down below :)

Books I Want to Re-read

Published on March 5, 2020March 4, 2020 by Jessica C Writes6 Comments

In 2018, I made this same post and gave 5 books I wanted to re-read that year. Since then, I’ve only re-read 2 of the books. I am not a big re-reader because I have so many other books that I want to read. But, I do want to work on it!

I think I am going to dedicate a full month to re-reads this year, possibly in December, so that I can re-visit some of my favorite stories.

Anyways, here is a list of another 5 books I want to re-read, and maybe finally will this year!

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Real talk- I read this book twice in 2019 because I loved it so much. But both times that I read it, it was via audiobook. The narrators were INCREDIBLE, but this time, I want to read the book physically and annotate it! I now own two copies of the book, so it is obviously very important to me, so having an annotated copy would be even more special.

Summer Bird Blue by Akemi Dawn Bowman

I absolutely adored this book. I thought it was so beautifully written, and it is high on my all-time favorites list. I read the e-book, but I want to own it physically. I’m hoping to buy it at some point this year because I need to have a physical copy to re-read. If you haven’t read this one, I highly recommend it!

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han

This book is part of one of my favorite series ever, yet I’ve only read it once. And truthfully, I don’t remember much about it aside from the basics. I’ve watched the movie multiple times, and I adore it, so I really need to re-read the book. I would like to re-read the entire series, though I don’t know if I’ll get around to that.

Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett

This is another one of my favorite books, and again, I’ve never re-read it. I think I’m afraid of re-reading books because I feel like I won’t have the same love for them as I did the first time around. But, truthfully, it’s been so long since I’ve read it, that it will almost feel like I’m reading it for the first time again.

Everything Leads to You by Nina LaCour

Last up is Everything Leads to You. I distinctly remember reading this one and being in awe of film production. I wanted to learn anything and everything there is to it. I really enjoyed the storyline and the characters as well. I want to re-read this one to get those same feelings as it gave me the first time- feeling inspired and passionate about something!

Do you often re-read books? Let me know by leaving a comment below!

Talk to you soon!

March TBR 2020

Published on March 3, 2020March 3, 2020 by Jessica C Writes8 Comments

March is going to be a long month. I can feel it. This semester hasn’t been too bad as of now, but it is finally starting to pick up now that I’m at that halfway mark. I have a lot of work piling up, so I’m definitely a little worried about getting my reading in.

But, I also have spring break this month, so I’ll be home for a week without any obligations! Hopefully, I’ll be able to get a lot of reading done then!

Wicked As You Wish by Rin Chupeco

First up is Wicked As You Wish because I was actually a part of the “street team” that promoted this book! I was able to get an ARC because of this, and I am really looking forward to reading it.

I’ve seen many great reviews for this one, and even though I’m not a big fantasy reader, it caught my attention!

Docile by K.M. Szpara

Next up is another ARC that I am so happy to have received! This is a science fiction novel, which isn’t usually my thing, but this one sounds incredible. I have heard mixed reviews, though, which worries me a bit. I do want to get to it this month either way, as it comes out today actually!

Hearts, Strings, and Other Breakable Things by Jacqueline Firkins

This is my e-book pick from my TBR jar for the month of March! I love contemporaries, so I’m very happy I picked this one to read. It’s been on my Netgalley review list for a while now, so I am probably going to start off with this one so I can get it reviewed ASAP!

It’s about a girl’s last summer before going to college, which is one of my favorite times to read about! I feel like it’ll be a quick read.

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

This month I am finally getting to The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren! This will be my first book from this author duo, and I am so excited! This one has received glowing reviews, and I really feel like I will enjoy it.

Also, please appreciate this cover: It is stunning!

My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan

Finally, I had to make sure I included an audiobook to listen to as well. I chose My Oxford Year because it is fairly short (the audiobook is only about 10 hours long), and I can listen to it while I’m at the gym!

I’ve started this one already, and I’m really enjoying it so far! Hopefully the book continues down this direction :)

That is it for my March TBR! Sticking to a TBR has actually made my life a lot easier, so I’m excited to see if I will be 3/3 this month!

What are you hoping to read in March?

February Wrap-Up 2020

Published on February 27, 2020February 26, 2020 by Jessica C Writes15 Comments

Another month, another wrap-up! This month I only read 5 books so far (with a hopeful 6th almost done). This wrap-up may not be as long as previous ones, but I am proud of myself for reading anything regardless. I’m also trying to focus less on quantity this year, and spend more time with each book and actually enjoy it.

Anyways, let’s look at what I read!

Current Read: The Diviners by Libba Bray

Okay, so I know I haven’t finished this book yet, but I’m 1/2 way through it and I still have until Saturday to finish it, so I think I’ll be able to finish it! Either way, I wanted to include it here anyway because the majority of it will be read this month!

As of now, I’m really enjoying this one, and I can see it becoming a favorite read for me for sure!

5 Stars

My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell- Beautiful read. It was heartbreaking but it touched on such a dark topic in a good way. I think it’s an important read for sure.
How to Make Friends with the Dark by Kathleen Glasgow- I wasn’t planning on reading this one this month but I needed an audiobook to listen to, and this one was incredible. Another one that is a bit on the darker side, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

3 Stars

Someday, Someday Maybe by Lauren Graham- Disappointing one for sure because I hyped it up so much in my head. I still really recommend Lauren Graham’s memoir though!
A Girl Like Her by Talia Hibbert- This book fell a little flat for me, which I was sad about because I loved two of her other novels so much. Unfortunately, the characters and their chemistry felt a little forced to me.

2 Stars

Beholding Bee by Kimberly Newton Fusco- This one was on my TBR for so long so I’m happy to have finally checked it off. BUT, I definitely did not connect with the story or the writing style at all.

That’s all for today’s post! I am happy to say I have successfully followed a TBR for two months now. Maybe I’ll be able to do this every month…

Let’s Talk Underrated Books

Published on February 25, 2020February 24, 2020 by Jessica C Writes8 Comments

I’ve read a lot of books throughout my twenty years. While many of those books are considered “popular,” there are about just as many underrated ones that I haven’t seen many people talk about.

I am someone who will definitely succumb to the hype, but I want to get better at picking books up just because they interest me, not because everyone is talking about them.

Today, I thought I would talk to you all about my favorite underrated books, so maybe you can add some to your TBR!

Tweet Cute by Emma Lord

This is the only book on the list that has over 3,000 ratings on Goodreads (but not by much), and it did receive a bit of hype, but not to the extent that it deserves. This was such an adorable read. It was quirky, it was cute, it was fun. It was one of the best YA romances I’ve read in a while.

On top of its fluffy-ness, it also tackles many serious topics as well. I think that more people should pick this one up; it is definitely worth it!

100 Days of Sunlight by Abbie Emmons

This a self-published book that came out last year that I had the chance to read and review an ARC of. Most people are hesitant when it comes to picking up indie books, but there are so many great ones out there that you can be missing out on!

Abbie Emmons is also a Youtuber, and I have been watching her videos for a couple of years now. She has such a great, bubbly personality, and she really does understand the craft of writing. Plus, the cover of this book is stunning.

You Asked for Perfect by Laura Silverman

This book spoke to me in so many ways. It deals with the stress of senior year, of keeping up your grades, of applying to colleges, etc. It was so relatable, and I truly did connect with it.

I have not seen many people talking about this one, though. I do wish that more people would read it because I think it’s such an important read, especially for those who are in their senior year of high school or are about to be.

The Lady Rogue by Jenn Bennett

Hi, my name is Jess and I am part of the Jenn Bennett fan club. I know I talk about Jenn Bennet in like 98% of my posts, but it’s because her books are just. that. good. Look, I would not be recommending them so often if I didn’t wholeheartedly believe that everyone should read them.

The Lady Rogue is her latest release, and it is actually a historical fiction book (with a bit of a paranormal twist). I am not usually a fan of this genre, but Jenn Bennett did it so well. Her characters were so fun and well-developed, the romance was adorable, and the story did not drag on in any way. No one on my timeline has talked about this book, so I am bringing it to you!

What are some books you think deserve more love and attention? I want to add them to my TBR, so please leave a comment :)