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welcometothebookreport · 3 years

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In 2020, I read 40 books (with maybe a few more to be added after I post this) after discovering my love of reading all over again. I am not a very hard reader to please, so it will be rare for me to rate a book with a low score, so I doubt you’ll ever see any criticism from me. So, here we go!

A few things before I start: There are three series in this list (but technically only two, because I’ve only read Serpent & Dove so far) but I’ve limited myself to no repeat authors. That must have been the hardest part for me. Since Jessi went the extra mile and ranked them in order, I’ve decided to make myself suffer the same. And while most of these were not published in 2020, they were read in 2020.

I am (sometimes) a picky reader, but any book that is on this list, I have loved. I chose not to rate them because honestly, they would have all been high. I give ratings easily, and try not to pick things apart even for books I truly did not like.

Please keep in mind that I do my best to add trigger warnings, but you should always check for certain triggers before reading. Triggers vary for everyone.

10. Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

Warnings: There’s a male character that’s a creep and you’ll spot him as soon as you crack this one open. This tale deals with Peyton being sentenced to prison, and their mother practically glossing over what he’s done by victim blaming.

I have read Dessen’s books since I was 13 and I truly still enjoy her stories as much as I did then. While this was a re-read for me, it’s a tie for my favorite book of hers. It’s tied with Along For the Ride.

Sydney is left in the aftermath after her older brother, Peyton, is sentenced to prison after a drunk driving accident that paralyzes a boy. Formerly in his shadow, Sydney struggles to discover what it is she wants, and how she wants to be seen as her own mother seems to gloss right over her. It’s a YA read that always feels like more than the romance that originally interested me.

9. Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin

Warnings: Misogyny. The church and religion plays an extremely heavy part of this plot, which was hard for me to get into. It’s clear that some characters do not value women in their actions and words toward Lou. It made me uncomfortable in spots because I just wanted to get past it, but I plan to read this one again since I know that it won’t bother me this time! Still, there is: violence in parts, religious zealots (in case that’s something that makes you uncomfortable like it did me), derogatory slurs toward women, and again, misogyny.

I finished this one two days ago, and I sincerely cannot wait to dig into the sequel. Lou is a witty, snappy character that was such a breath of fresh air from the normal. You usually see the male lead that’s a bit crude, a bit quick to pull the trigger, and the one that’s harder to crack. Is that what happened here? Absolutely fucking not. Shelby Mahurin took something I loved, enemies to lovers, and kicked its ass. Forced marriage? UM YES. A witch and a witch-hunter? Mortal enemies? Characters that can never possibly love each other? DONE DONE DONE.

It’s hilarious in parts. Serious when it needs to be. A bit spicy too, while not a lot, which I certainly appreciate. Reid’s character development is a wonder to watch, at least for me, and by the end of the book, I am so in love with him that I don’t know what to do with myself. I have so many annotations for this novel.

8. The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller

Warnings: There’s a fair bout of murder. Women are expected not to take lovers before marriage while men are not held to the same standard. Gross. Allessandra is continually underestimated so let me say: let the women do the work.

It’s called the Slytherin romance we’ve been waiting for, and I agree. While this is a shorter read, and a standalone, I was pleased with it. Both characters are incredibly ambitious, but it’s Allessandra that steals the show. The plan? To enter the palace, woo the king, and then kill him in order to take his kingdom. She’s wicked in all the ways I love.

I loved this book, and each page, but this was the line that will make me return to it: “I’m not a trollop,” I announce to the empty room. “I’m a sexually empowered woman, and there’s nothing wrong with that.”

The Folk of the Air Series by Holly Black

Warnings: Aside from murder, there’s nothing that stands out to me as a trigger.

A series! The first! There’s something interesting about this series for me, and it’s that I didn’t fall in love altogether, all at once. It was gradual, like wading into water until it went right over my head. By the final fourth of The Cruel Prince, I was fully invested in this world and I absolutely needed to know how Jude and Cardan would become, well, Jude and Cardan.

As a YA series, I was not expecting the sheer amount of mystery, political intrigue, and plot twists that came with this series. However, I never knew what was going to happen, and if I did guess what was coming, Black had at least two more twists to send me for a loop. The Queen of Nothing was likely my favorite book of the series, with The Wicked King as a close second.

6. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Warnings: Discussion of attempted non-con assault, forced disclosure of sexuality

I laughed until my eyes watered and I nearly cried in this book. Delightfully funny, and snappy, RW&B delivers on everything I didn’t know that I needed. I had never read a book where LGBTQ was represented in such a positive light. As someone raised in a more conservative household, I’ve known my own sexual orientation for a long time, but this book made me feel like I could relax in my skin because this story was stunning.

Alex and Henry left me with so much hope that it’s impossible to ever put the lid back on. I’m so happy I read this.

(oh, god, we’re in the final five.)

5. The Caraval Series by Stephanie Garber

Warnings: Physical and emotional child abuse.

I could dedicate multiple posts to this series. Maybe I still will. While this is at number five, it’s my favorite series I’ve ever read. If I could only have one series to read for the rest of my life, I would choose this one. Hands down. Full stop. These characters live in my head constantly and I would give an obscene amount of things to read it all over again for the first time. I actually read this with two of my closest friends in our many book club, and we all loved it.

Doused in magic, this world is unveiled to us with excellent descriptions. Truly, Garber owned my heart within a few chapters. Scarlett is the elder sister, Tella the younger, and if you don’t love Tella by the end of Caraval, I promise you will. I know because I was skeptical, but here I am. I’ve said it to my friends, but Scarlett is the one who holds my hair while I have a hangover. Tella is the one that helps me start the bar fight.

With non-stop turns, and magic, everything comes to life on these pages. And the romance, the romance. Please, please give me my great love in this style. It’s not too much to ask for, is it?

4. Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer

Warnings: loss of sibling, loss of parent, alcoholism, mention of infidelity, mentions of previous physical and emotional child abuse.

Mae sent this recommendation to me, and I devoured all of Kemmer’s books post-haste. Declan and Juliet fall in love without knowing who the other is, while also not liking the real version of their penpal. Juliet has lost her mother, and she’s treading water, but not well. Declan has suffered in the years that follow a family tragedy, and he’s not adapting to life with his new step-father.

But he opens with CemetaryGirl (Juliet) and it’s raw in the best of ways, and the openness between them that eventually moves from their bubble to reality is one of the most pleasing things to read. I’ve read it twice this year. I will read it again next year too.

I also read this twice this year and will for sure be reading it again in 2021.

3. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Warnings: Child abuse.

This was another novel that I fell in love with as I went, and that’s definitely because of the non-linear narrative. It was a little confusing, but I’m going to read it again someday since I know everything now! I read this to follow-up to Caraval with my book club pals, and it’s just what I needed to leave Caraval behind. Marco and Celia are incredible and I absolutely believe that the ending of this novel is one of the best endings I’ve ever read.

My book club has not finished this book entirely this so I’m not sharing any spoilers, but I would like to share one of my favorite quotes. “What did you wish for?” “I wished for her.”

2. Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton

Warnings: Cuba is in the middle of a revolution, and it’s tense in parts. There are some bittersweet elements and I think the parts of the ending are like the punch in the gut you need in order to wake you up and remember to live.

This was my first read once I really dug back into this hobby in August. It was picked by Reese Witherspoon for her book club, and she always picks good books. This is a dual timeline romance, and mystery. It’s an absolute stunner of a book. It’s a dear favorite to me now. I’ve never been to Cubs, or heard stories, but Cleeton manages to make you feel like you’re right there feeling saltwater spray across your face.

The romance made me feel breathless, but truly it’s the strong familial ties that make this such a beautiful gem. It leaves you with hope even in the dark and with love in the absence of it. I could scream about this book for the rest of my life, which I absolutely intend to do.

Favorite line? “You’re going to be difficult to walk away from, aren’t you?” “I hope so.”

1 In A Holidaze by Christina Lauren

Warnings? There are none that strike me. This is a lighthearted read that pulls at the heartstrings, but it’s by no means short on the laughs. And, I’m sorry for the long wall of text below.

In A Holidaze is the story of a woman stuck in her ways of never going after what she truly wants until a stray wish lands her in a time loop over the holidays. It's only after repeating the same day a few times that she quite literally says "fuck this," and starts living for HER. I really expected this to just be a Hallmark kind of read, but it was SO MUCH MORE. You should read it, even if it's after the holidays.

It's witty, and heart-wrenching, and it's just everything I didn't know I needed. Mae is snarky, and brave when she figures out that there is nothing stopping her, and the romance is - GODDAMN. Andrew. I need an Andrew and a fan.

It's not quite a love triangle, which was what I expected and I was so pleasantly surprised. I have grinned like a goddamn fool all day. I have giggled all day in front of customers, and my co-workers. I have nearly CRIED in my bedroom when my heart fell out of my ass and landed somewhere near my ankles, because hello, it's gonna get you.

This is going on my yearly re-read list for the holidays.

In the two days since I’ve finished, I’ve convinced my two friends in book club to read it, convinced Jessi to order it from Book of the Month Club, convinced another friend to read it, and bought it for Mae on Christmas day because her library had a six month hold and that was simply unacceptable.

#kelseyreads #2020 Top 10 Reads

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haleyfury · 4 years

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2019, you were filled with so many books- 124 books as of today to be exact. Having read so many great reads this year, it was really hard to narrow down my favorites. The first draft of this post originally had over 40 books,! I decided to be on trend and narrow it down to my top 19 favorite books.

I read the most books in a year that I ever had in 2019. A lot of this was in thanks to my summer reading, basically reading (and yes, watching Netflix) during any free time that I had in between working two summer jobs and catching up with my best friends. While my school life was supremely busy both in the spring and fall, I’m very content with the fact that I was able to read at least four books each month- sometimes five to seven depending on how many papers I procrastinated on. In between the holidays, work, and Netflix, I’ve also spent time eating up some romantic contemporaries this December as well.

Despite the amount of books I’ve read, and the amount of favorites & honorable mentions on this list, I feel like I’ve become a more critical reader and ‘favorite book’ evaluator in 2019. Earning 5 stars was pretty hard in the Fangirl Fury book this year. At the same time, there are some 5 star books that I’ve read that aren’t exactly favorites of mine, and there are books that I didn’t give 5 stars that still stole my heart and became favorites.

American Royals by Katharine McGee

Katharine McGee’s American Royals was the Princess Diaries 2-like book I didn’t know I needed until upon reading. I’ve seriously fallen in love even more with this book in the months after I’ve finished. Set in a United States with a monarchy instead of a democracy, American Royals was the perfect blend of romance, politics, and family drama with such an addicting writing style.

Serious Moonlight by Jenn Bennett

If there’s one book on this list where I absolutely loved every element within, its Jenn Bennett’s Serious Moonlight. I definitely need to do a reread of all of Jenn Bennett’s YA books, but Serious Moonlight may just be my favorite book of hers! I related so much to the protagonist, Birdie, and I loved this book’s atmosphere and premise so much.

Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

Ninth House instantly become one of my favorite reads of 2019 as soon as I read its final sentence. I read and love a lot of books, but something about that ending made me realize that it had been such a long time that I had ‘this feeling’ of loving a book so much immediately right after finishing it. Ninth House is such an incredible blend of fantasy and literary fiction. I’m so excited to see where this series goes.

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

The crowd favorite of the year, I loved Red, White & Royal Blue even before the hype really began. Like many of the books on this list, RWRB perfectly balanced all its elements, from political drama, family, friendship, and of course, the romance.

The Goal (Off Campus #4) by Elle Kennedy

New adult (and adult) romance is for sure one way to label my 2019 reading year, much in part to Elle Kennedy’s Off-Campus series. I particularly fell hard for the last book in the series, The Goal. I read The Goal over the course of two sittings, in love with the two main character’s chemistry and overall story. And yes, my fictional crush on Tucker likely has something to do with my love for this installment.

Imprison the Sky (The Elementae #2) by A.C. Gaughen

Imprison the Sky is such a fantastic follow-up novel to A.C. Gaughen’s Reign the Earth. I’m usually not a fan of pirate books or books set-at-sea, but Imprison the Sky completely changed that for me. I loved how it interwove elements and charatcers from book #1 while introducing us to a new cast. The world-building and twists constantly kept me on the edge of my seat. Although I’m so sad that there are currently no plans for books #3 and #4, I highly recommend picking up these books!

Lovely War by Julie Berry

Julie Berry’s Lovely War is hands-down my favorite historical fiction read of the eyar. I didn’t read as much in the genre as I would have liked, but Lovely War easily made up for itself. Julie Berry’s writing style is absolutely beautiful. The book is narrated by Aphrodite and other Greek Gods, following four characters whose lives are interwoven with one another over the course of World War I.

The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys

Keeping the historical fiction love going, my favorite historical fiction author, Ruta Septetys, came out with my and everyone else’s much anticipated book, The Fountains of Silence. Taking on a different time period and setting than her other books, Ruta Sepetys immerses readers in 1950s Spain and again tells an often uncovered and untold story set in that setting.

Catwoman: Soulstealer by Sarah J. Maas

It’s not a Fangirl Fury reading year without reading at least one Sarah J. Mass book. I was a little hesitant going into Catwoman:Soulstealer because I really don’t have much knowledge about Catwoman or the DC world outside Wonder Woman and the other DC Icons books. However, much to her style, SJM completely blew me away with her take on Catwoman. Although I highly doubt it will ever happen, I would so love a follow-up sequel.

The Other’s Gold by Elizabeth Ames

I want to shove Elizabeth Ames’ The Other’s Gold into all of my bookish friends’ hands, particularly the ones who adore contemporary and literary fiction. The Other’s Gold deserves so much more hype, in thanks to Elizabeth Ames’ addicting storytelling. The book follows four college best friends and roommates throughout their college years and early adulthood, with a few mysteries and odd happenings involved.

There’s Something About Sweetie by Sandhya Menon

Sandhya Menon’s There’s Something About Sweetie is easily my new favorite book of hers! While set in the Rishi and Dimple universe, There’s Something About Sweetie is a story of its own, especially with a protagonist as strong as Sweetie. I really fell in love with third perspective narration this year, and Sandhya Menon completely owns the style with Ashish and Sweetie’s narration.

If I’m Being Honest by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka

Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka’s If I’m Being Honest is the definition of fun YA contemporary. This book completely nails the unlikeable protagonist category, along with the Shakespeare retelling one, but the main protagonist, Cameron, also experiences so much growth and change.

Comics Will Break Your Heart by Faith Erin Hicks

Faith Erin Hicks’ Comics Will Break Your Heart really spoke to my love for fandom and books that incorporate fandom. Comics Will Break Your Heart deserves so much hype and love, as it blends fandom with all the elements I love in YA contemporary.

Crier’s War by Nina Varela

Contemporary once again defined my reading year, but the fantasy books that I did pick up completely blew me away, Nina Varela’s Crier’s War included. One of the best 2019 YA debuts, Crier’s War is perfect for fans of Marissa Meyer’s The Lunar Chronicles.

Renegades by Marissa Meyer

And speaking of Marissa Meyer, I also fell in love with the first book in her superhero inspired series, Renegades. Renegades features such a unique world and spin on the superhero genre. I still have the final book in the trilogy, Supernova, to enjoy for myself in 2020.

A Heart in a Body in the World by Deb Caletti

One of the most heart-breaking reads of my reading year, A Heart in a Body in the World features such beautiful writing and an even more important story. This book repeatedly bought tears to my eyes.

Small Town Hearts by Lillie Vale

Another amazing 2019 debut, Lillie Vale’s Small Town Hearts was another fun read of mine in 2019. I love all the baking and food within this one, its beachy setting, and emphasis on relationship and character growth.

Unpregnant by Jenni Hendriks and Ted Caplan

Another unique and important read of 2019, Unpregnant is the funny YA abortion story (yes, I know what I just wrote) that every YA contemporary fan needs. Jenni Hendriks and Ted Caplan completely nail the humor in the right places in this book while also handling heavy and mature subject matter.

The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams

I’ve been on a small new adult and adult contemporary kick -sports romance included- towards the end of 2019. My favorite has hands-down been Lyssa Kay Adams’ The Bromance Book Club! The Bromance Book Club completely delivers on its unique premise, falling in love with its story, romance, characters, and writing style.

I think my 2019 favorites list is a new blend of YA, new adult, and adult fiction. Since I leaned more towards new adult and adult towards the end of the year, I think I’ll be delving into these genres a lot more in 2020.

Honorable Mentions

Being the reader that I am, here are 14 more books in no particular order again that I absolutely loved and more in 2019:

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins (reread)

Girls With Sharp Sticks by Suzanne Young

The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker

Night Music by Jenn Marie Thorne

The Wrong Side of Right by Jenn Marie Throne

The Rest of the Story by Sarah Dessen

The Library of Lost Things by Laura Taylor Namey

The Grace Year by Kim Liggett

Lady Rogue by Jenn Bennett

Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell & Faith Erin Hicks

A Heart So Fierce and Broken (Cursebreakers #2)by Brigid Kemmerer

Intercepted by Alexa Martin

Maybe This Time by Kasie West

All American Muslim Girl by Nadine Jolie Courtney

As the year comes to a close, thank you so much for supporting Fangirl Fury in 2019. I hope you have a relaxing & joyful holiday season and a happy & healthy New Year. Here’s to reading ALL the amazing books in 2020!

What were some of your favorite 2019 reads? Any of the above? Share in the comments!

ARE THERE MORE THAN 19?: 19 Favorite 2019 Reads 2019, you were filled with so many books- 124 books as of today to be exact. Having read so many great reads this year, it was really hard to narrow down my favorites.

#2019 Favorites #Best Books #Favorites

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haleyfury · 5 years

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The unofficial start of summer has treated me so well! Fangirl-wise, I read 16 books and binge-watched Netflix shows and movies. IRL-wise, with school over for the year, I’ve had more time to relax, catch up with friends, exercise, GO TO THE BEACH, and start my summer job. At the time of this post’s publication, I am currently attending the most exciting event of May, Book Expo! I’m really excited for my June content overall, but especially because I’ll be doing wrap-ups for each day of the convention.

Tell Me No Lies by Adele Griffin | 4/5 Stars

This was my first book by Adele Griffin. I really enjoyed her writing style and this book’s atmospheric setting.

Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston |5/5 Stars

Like everyone and their mother, I freaking loved RW&RB. It’s definitely my all-time favorite new adult book and a 2019 favorite read.

Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid | 4/5 Stars

Although I still enjoyed this book, unlike everyone and their mother, I didn’t necessarily love Daisy Jones and the Six.

The Princess and the Fangirl by Ashley Poston| 4.25/5 Stars

It was so much fun jumping back into the Once Upon a Con series and I’m really looking forward to the third installment that will be based on Beauty and the Beast.

The Off-Campus Series (The Deal, The Mistake, The Score & The Goal) by Elle Kennedy | 4.5/5 Stars

I have a full series review coming for these books, but for right now, I’ll share that my favorite was The Goal (another 2019 favorite read)

Field Notes on Love by Jennifer E. Smith | 4/5 Stars

This book is tempting me to book a cross-country train trip.

The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker | 4.5/5

I loved jumping into the new adult genre this month, including The Simple Wild. Also catch me planning a trip to the Alaskan wilderness.

The Anatomical Shape of a Heart by Jenn Bennett | 4.5/5 Stars

Once again, Jenn Bennett has been solidified as one of my favorite YA contemporary authors.

If I’m Being Honest by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka | 5/5 Stars

I loved If I’m Being Honest even more than Always Never Yours, and I’m more than ready for more books by this author duo

Girls on the Verge by Sharon Biggs Waller | 4.5/5 Stars

Girls on the Verge had been on my TBR for a few months, but after the infuriating abortion laws passed in Alabama, I was very inspired to pick it up.

Night Music by Jenn Marie Thorne | 4.5/5 Stars

Night Music had such an incredible writing style- it reminded me so much of a Morgan Matson book- but in Jenn Marie Thorne’s own way!

Her Royal Highness by Rachel Hawkins | 4/5 Stars

Her Royal Highness was my first Book Expo train ride read. This book is perfect for a 3 to 4 hour binge read. I enjoyed it more than Prince Charming. I definitely see potential for a third installment.

Stargazing by Jen Wang (ARC) | 4.5/5 Stars

I ate up this adorable graphic novel from the author of my favorite graphic novel, aka Jen Wang’s The Princess and the Dressmaker.

The Bold Type S3 (Freeform)- Although I’ve been watching The Bold Type every Tuesday, I haven’t been the biggest fan of this season. I love how this show addresses current and important issues, but the show has felt a bit more cheesy this season. I’m definitely the most invested in Sutton and Richard’s storyline.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine S6 (NBC)- After loving the two-episode season finale, I’m so sad that Season 6 is over, but obviously so happy that this show will be returning for a seventh season. Season 6 wasn’t my absolute favorite season, but it included some of my all-time favorite episodes.

Netflix definitely took over my watching this month:

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile– Loved Zac Efron and Lilly Collins, but I was expecting more action or suspense.

QB1 S2- As much as I love college football, I enjoyed this show’s inside glimpse at high school quarterbacks and college recruitment. Also not-so patiently waiting for the next season of Last Chance U and when I give into my need for a Friday Night Lights rewatch.

Knock Down the House– I’m not really a politics person, but this documentary about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortex and three other women’s 2018 primary campaigns was so interesting.

Workin’ Moms S1- I’ve been in the mood for shorter TV shows lately, and Workin’ Moms completely delivered in that department and in the humor! Netflix, I know there are two more seasons of this show, please give them to us US-watchers NOW.

Wine Country– There were a few laugh-out-loud moments for me in this comedy starring Amy Poehler and other comedy leading ladies, but I wasn’t completely in love with this one.

Jailbirds S1- I am a fan of both documentaries and reality TV, and Jailbirds was the perfect combination of the two. While it had a very much reality TV spin between its drama and editing style, this show provides a very interesting and inside look at female detention centers.

Dead to Me S1- This month was all about binge-watching seasons of Netflix shows over one week, which included Dead to Me. Dead to Me comes off as Netflix’s lighter and almost satirical take on Big Little Lies. It was a fun, yet predictable binge-watch and I think the season could have ended differently to build more suspense.

Girls Incarcerated S1- While there are some reality TV elements, Girls Incarcerated takes a more documentary-based and emotional look at juvenile detention centers in the US. I really enjoyed this one and happily found out that S2 will premiere on June 21.

Reviews

NEW ADULT FAVORITE: Red, White and Royal Blue Review

CALLING ALL CONVENTION LOVERS: The Princess and the Fangirl Review

ANOTHER SJM FAVE: Catwoman: Soulstealer Review

REVISITING PARIS: Anna and the French Kiss Series Reread

WITCHLANDS RETURN: Bloodwitch Review

LOVE ON A TRAIN: Field Notes on Love Review

Bookish Fun

I had so much fun writing all of these posts!

The First Books I Reviewed

BOOKS FOR THE BEACH & BACKYARD: Summer 2019 Anticipated Releases

Cozy Read Recommendations

My Mom’s Favorite Books

Book Bait: Things That Make Me Pick Up Books

EATING ALL THE CONTEMPORARY: May 2019 TBR

Top Five Wednesday: Bookish Things I’ve Changed My Mind About

What did you read and watch in May? Did you attend any bookish events? Share in the comments!

SUMMER READING & NETFLIX BINGEING: May 2019 Wrap Up The unofficial start of summer has treated me so well! Fangirl-wise, I read 16 books and binge-watched Netflix shows and movies.

#May 2019 #May Wrap Up #Netflix

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