Hello, friends, and happy May!
April was a bit of a slow month for books. There were some book slumps, some crazy reactions, and a lot of words read. I read some pretty great books this month. I don't think there's one I didn't like. So, let's jump in, shall we?
April Wrap-Up
Marked by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
The first book I read in April was Marked by P.C. and Kristin Cast, a mother-daughter duo. This book is the first in the House of Night series, which follows a high school girl named Zoey Redbird. In this world, vampires have always existed and everyone knows vampires exist. Humans are afraid of them, but try to keep their distance. And when a friend or loved one is marked, meaning they have been chosen to become a vampire and transfer to the House of Night, they're treated as if they no longer exist. In the minds of their friends and family, they are dead.
One day at school, Zoey Redbird is marked. The mark consists of a blue crescent moon on the forehead, signifying that you are a vampire. But they don't become a vampire quickly. They have to survive the change, a four-year process. In order to make sure you are safe during the change, you go to the House of Night, a school for vampire fledglings. Here, the vampires-to-be are educated about their history and encouraged to discover their powers. If you don't survive the change, which is possible and not guaranteed, you die indefinitely. Not even vampires are safe.
Zoey finds herself catapulted into this new world, feeling alone and confused. Until she meets her amazing friends...and finds herself against some of the most popular vampires-to-be. Zoey, however, is different. And after she attends, things start to change. And no one really knows why.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a little slow at first and thought some of the teenage-esque qualities were a little cliche. However, this book was published in 2007. After I got through the first third of the book, I was hooked. And I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
I gave this book ⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you're looking for a good vampire book that is also a quick read, I would recommend this book!
Where the Road Leads Us by Robin Reul
My second read of April was Where the Road Leads Us by Robin Reul. I was scrolling through Amazon one day, thinking about buying one specific book...and then I didn't get it because I saw this one and knew I needed it.
This YA contemporary novel follows the stories of Jack and Hallie, two high shool graduates who are trying to find themselves. When fate puts them in the same ride share to the bus station--Hallie to meet an online friend and Jack to visit his estranged brother--they realize they know each other, if only slightly. After the buses are delayed because of the raging California fires, Jack has the idea to ask their ride share driver, Owen, to take them to San Francisco. The three embark on a journey none of them will forget. And find themselves learning more about who they are and who they want to be.
I rated this book ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. I absolutely loved the summer-y aspects of this book and the connections between the characters. Reul did a really good job of explaining trauma and healing and describing healing as not being linear, which is always a good reminder.
If you're looking for a good book based on summer, sun, and blooming friendships, I highly recommend this one. Not only was it a quick read, but it has tons of laughs. Trust me, you'll want to read this book.
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
I bought Ali Hazelwood's book The Love Hypothesis back in December for my birthday. I've heard so many good things about this book, so I got it. But it has been sitting on my shelf, unopened, and if I didn't read it now, I didn't think I ever would. So I picked it up.
And, seriously, why did it take me so long to read this book?! I basically read it in a day. I was obsessed. Adam Carlsen is probably one of my favorite book boyfriends and that is like highest honors because I have a lot of book boyfriends whom I love dearly.
Basically, Olive Smith is trying to convince her friend Anh to date her ex-boyfriend because they both like each other. And in order to persuade her, she lies and says she's dating someone when she really isn't and when she's supposed to be on a date with her so-called boyfriend, Anh sees her in the lab working on her thesis so she does what anyone would: kiss the person closest to her, which happens to be notoriously rude and arrogant and makes his students cry (even men) Professor Adam Carlsen. Totally normal.
But, seriously. This book. It stole my heart. And then put me in a bit of a book slump because it took me a couple of days to get into the next book I was reading.
So, obviously, I rated this book ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you are thinking of reading this book, do it. Really, please do. And share it with your friends. It will definitely be a reread for me.
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
My mom kept asking me to read this book. When we were in Target, she told me to get it, so I did. And then she told me I needed to read it. So I did. And. You. Guys.
I already bought another Lucy Foley book because this one was just so perfect. Lucy Foley threw in some twists and turns that I didn't expect. And then when I talked to my mom about it, she laughed at my reaction because she was like same. Then proceeded to tell me she knew I would like this book. I did. Because mothers know best.
This book revolves around the narratives of five characters. There's a wedding on a deserted island. Secrets. Chaos. Drama. And, naturally, a murder. I was hooked.
Another ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ read. Which means you need to read this. Like, now.
Possession by Andrea Hagan (started April 30, finished May 1)
Andrea Hagan asked me to read this book before the second releases and I was more than happy to. I have to admit, I don't read many Adult fantasy books. But this one was pretty good.
This book focuses on a young witch who is possessed by a half-demon half-human named Damion. As they try to figure out how to separate themselves, Aubry finds herself trying to solve the year-long murder case of her best friend. There are demons, angels, witty banter, a reality-tv-obsessed grandmother and tons of humor. If this sounds like a book you'd enjoy, I recommend it.
I gave this book a ⭐⭐⭐.75. I enjoyed it and I think you should read it too. Especially for the witty banter. I live for witty banter.
May Hopefuls
This month I'm hoping to read at least 7 books (not in this order):
Regretting You by Colleen Hoover
The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley
The Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare
Two Can Keep a Secret by Karen M. McManus
Go the Distance by Jen Calonita
Chaos Forged a Fable by Kate Craft
Betrayed by P.C. and Kristin Cast
That's about all I have for you, friends! What's on your May tbr? And have you read any of the books above? Let me know. Let's start a conversation!