You’ve heard the term before: book slump.

Ugh. That ugly, no-good fella that comes around even though he’s unwelcome, eats your food and sleeps on your couch, farts in his sleep, doesn’t shower, leaves the toilet seat up, and then takes his sweet time leaving the premises.

Yeah, that guy is NO FUN.

I spent the past few years primarily in a book slump. It was a frustrating season, my friends. Even when I mood-read (which is my favorite way to read), my reading enjoyment was epically hit-and-miss. And after so much trial and so much error, I went into this year afraid the same fate awaited me (I was covering my couch with a plastic cover and hiding the ice cream and chips, y’all.)

Buuuut…

I’m happy to report that I was pleasantly surprised by 2019! It turned out to be a year of (mostly) great reads, and in the spirit of celebration and year-end reflection, I want to share some of my favorites with you. They’re all 4- and 5-star reads, according to my reading experience — though, admittedly, none of them are absolutely perfect. Perfect is hard to find, y’all! It’s also subjective, so…yeah.

ANYWHO. Commence reading!

{ Did you participate in the Goodreads Reading Challenge this year? Let’s compare titles! }

Top Ten Reads of 2019

10.} The Bookshop On the Corner

by Jenny Colgan

 

My Rating

 

I recommend for fans of:

• Cozy reads that take place in Europe

• A plot that isn’t 100% predictable

• Entertaining characters

• Stories centered around books

• Unique narrative voice

• Slow-burn trope

Brief thoughts:

I “read” this book in a day over audio during a loooong car ride to Disney World. I was thoroughly captivated by the characters, and was amused and touched by the heroine’s characterization and arc. While the story ends well in a typical rom-com way, the plot kept me guessing. It takes place primarily in a small Scottish(?) town, and the townspeople are just so quirky and funny. And there’s a swoon-worthy male lead that catches you off guard, which I’m all for. 😉 Overall, this is a sweet story and a relatively quick read.

9.} Beartown

by Fredrik Backman

 

My Rating

 

I recommend for fans of:

• Large character casts

• Multi-POV

• Atmospheric and emotional writing

• Deep themes that make you think

• Hockey (or even just sports)

• Small-towns (and their politics)

• Drama and scandal

• Unpredictable plotting

Brief thoughts:

Gets a “Can’t Stop Thinking About It” Gold Star

This was recommended by a friend, so I just checked it out from the library without looking into it. Having never read this author’s work before, I was immediately taken in and surprised by the amount of depth and meaningful detail this author communicates on the page with impressive economy. That was the main reason I enjoyed this book: the monumental talent (read: skill) of the narration. It was so immersive, and frankly, raised the bar for what I consider capable writing. This isn’t your everyday fiction — it’s literary without being inaccessible for the average reader. I will warn that this book isn’t for the faint of heart; it handles some deeply tragic topics, and contains many others elements that are, at the very least, uncomfortable for most. I think I also remember it having strong language at times. So while this book is an amazing example of what a well-crafted novel looks like, it’s not for everyone.

8.} Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine

by Gail Honeyman

 

My Rating

 

I recommend for fans of:

• A colorful, truly unique MC

• Character-driven plots

• Scottish settings

• Contemporaries that take place in the city

• Romance that isn’t entirely at the forefront of the story

• Rich writing

• Stories that give you the whole gamut of feels

Brief thoughts:

This was another book that took me by surprise. It was also a recommendation from a friend I trusted, so I checked it out on audio without knowing anything about it. (Can you tell I played a lot of library roulette this year?) I know I’ve said this about every book so far, but I was instantly drawn in by Eleanor. She is the most unique of all the MCs in this book list. She’s probably one of the most unique MCs ever, actually. Because of her voice and just…her sheer weirdness, lol, I guarantee you there isn’t another book like this out there, and that alone would make it worth reading. It’s quirky, with an intricate blend of humor and hard-hitting topics, like loss, trauma, alcoholism, and more. It’s hard to believe this is a debut novel! It’ll make you laugh, and unless your heart is made of stone, probably make you shed a tear or two. The characters come to life on the page, and grab hold of your heart so you can’t stop thinking about them. Seriously, treat yourself to this one; it’s every bit worth the hype.

{ Interested in reading a full review from one of my most trusted sources? Check out Ashley’s review on this book at her blog Ashes Books and Bobs now! }

7.} The Coincidence of Coconut Cake

by AMY E. REICHERT

WARNING – This blurb contains spoilers for the book. Read at your own risk, or skip to rating.

 

My Rating

 

I recommend for fans of:

• You’ve Got Mail

• How to Eat a Cupcake

• Foodie or small-business reads

• Rom-coms involving mistaken identities

• Hate to love trope

• Milwaukee (or if you need a reason to fall in love with Milwaukee)

• Grumpy British characters

• Cute elderly mentor characters

• Satisfying character arcs

Brief thoughts:

Another one I read in one day! It was my first foray into Amy’s writing, and now I can’t wait to pick up her other work. It’s fluff, I admit it, but it gave me endless warm fuzzies, and since YOU’VE GOT MAIL is one of my ALL-TIME favorite rom-coms, it makes sense that I enjoyed this one as much as I did. It’s just a feel-good story, y’all. The writing is effortless to read, the characters are amusing but carry burdens and deal with struggles that, while perhaps a liiiiittle cliche, are still sure to pull at your heartstrings, and even though some simple communication could have resolved this book fairly quickly, the ride is a fun one. If you’re looking for something to enjoy with your girlfriends for a low-key book club, this book is a great option.

{ Interested in reading a full review from one of my most trusted sources? Check out Ashley’s review on this book at her blog Ashes Books and Bobs now! }

6.} Alex, Approximately

by Jenn Bennett

 

My Rating

 

I recommend for fans of:

• You’ve Got Mail, again (I did tell you it was one of my favorites)

• Hate to love trope

• Museums

• Settings near the beach

• Surfers

• Movies (particularly old ones, like classics in b&w)

• Plots that are familiar, and yet new

Brief thoughts:

I tried this one because I’d seen it alllll over bookstagram for forever. Was it worth the hype? To me, it was, but I know lots of people who would disagree. While this is a YA title, it’s definitely for older, more mature readers. PG-13 and stuff, you know what I’m saying? But for an adult, it was a fun, engaging read — though I personally wouldn’t call it fluff, as it discusses some unexpectedly heavy topics that do damage to the light, cotton-candy vibes I use as a fluff qualifier. But all in all, this is undoubtedly a cute story that reads easy and fast, is full of realistic teenage sass, summer nights, sweet-and-sour first jobs, trying new things, and adorable adventures in love. Also, I read the sample chapters to another book by this author, and proceeded to go online and buy it at the first opportunity because I’m convinced it will be just as good as this one.

5.} Folk of the Air Trilogy | The Cruel Prince, The Wicked King, & The Queen of Nothing

by Holly Black

 

  

My Rating

 

I recommend for fans of:

• Dark fantasy

• Fae

• Stories that travel between the human world and a fantasy world

• Anti-hero characters galore

• Unpredictable plotting with lots of excitement and “who the heck is trustworthy?!”

• Magiiiic

• Hate to love trope

• Awesome action scenes

• Crazy-intuitive political strategy

Brief thoughts:

I was scared of getting into Holly Black before these books. She’s been around for over a decade, but I remember picking up her book Tithe at Hastings (RIP, my love), reading the first few pages, and then putting it back on the shelf with bulging eyes as my little Prudie heart set to wondering if I’d ever be brave enough to try again. I don’t remember now what was so “EEGADS!” about it to baby 18-yo me, but whatev. THIS series is wholly impressive. The writing is lush, the world-building is dark and indulgent, the politics and plotting are so intricate and thorough and knowledgable and just absolutely INCREDIBLE, the characters are a total hot mess with their own brand of Viciousness™(but are also OH-so-intoxicatingly-fascinating), and the plot twists that go down in each book…just, wow. And those endings. Oh, the endings. They had me shooketh. (You’re all lucky the entire series is out now so you can binge read from one to the next without having to wait.) If you’re trash for unheroic heroes, dark fantasy, and the fey (and their traditional, trisksy lore), give this trilogy a try.

4.} 99 Percent Mine

by Sally Thorne

 

My Rating

 

I recommend for fans of:

• Boy next door trope

• Friends to lovers trope

• Secret flame for sibling’s best friend trope

• Killer character chemistry

• Quirky, stylized writing

• So much sass

• Feels — Lots and lots of feels

Brief thoughts:

Sally Thorne’s style is everything I aspire to be as a writer, and if THE HATING GAME wasn’t enough to prove that to me, this book was the official confirmation. Her prose is ALIVE, y’all! She has such a gift with words. It’s the perfect blend of whimsy, quirky, and heartfelt poetry. She taps into the well of human emotion on every page, and that is what makes reading magical for someone like me. Would it win any awards? Probably not. But does it fit the mold for an enjoyable love story? Absolutely and then some. And I LOVE the way Sally Thorne builds characterization. It’s nothing short of genius, IMHO. From the first page of her books, I’m immediately like, “YASSS. This is gonna be awesome!” Her characters are crafted so intricately, yet simply. She lets you into a small niche of their minds by focusing on tiny details that make them seem like real people with real heartbeats and real blood pumping through their veins. It’s addicting!

3.} Caraval Trilogy | Caraval, Legendary, & Finale

by Stephanie Garber

 

  

My Rating

 

I recommend for fans of:

• Magiiiiic

• Sister dynamics

• Unpredictable plotting

• Will-they-won’t-they romance

• Swoony, angsty dudes

• Carnivals and festivals

• Vibrant writing

• Fantasy realms with a historic Spanish flare

• Atmospheric vibes similar to Alice in Wonderland

Brief thoughts:

Gets a “Can’t Stop Thinking About It” Gold Star

I went into the first book expecting to feel “meh”; guess I’d read too many reviews laden with complaints. Which, coincidentally, the most common gibes from other readers wound up being some of the things I loved most! This series amounted to being one I could read over and over just because of the characters. They are flawed and constantly trying to find their way, but I felt so connected to them, and was devastated to say good-bye when the last book was over. While aspects of the series plotting were a little manic and tough to keep straight, the story was so rich and enticing overall, so it was easy to get wrapped up in the excitement and let myself be carried along. I still think about this series/these characters often!

2.} A Curse So Dark and Lonely

by Brigid Kemmerer

 

My Rating

 

I recommend for fans of:

• Hate to love trope

• Beauty and the Beast re-tellings

• Accessible fairytale fantasies

• Race against time trope

• Characters with individual purposes

• Unlikely teams

• Strong, authentic character arcs

• Stories where a modern character is thrown into a non-modern setting

Brief thoughts:

Gets a “Can’t Stop Thinking About It” Gold Star

My reaction when I finished this book was immediate, and it was, “This is a book I want to bury myself in and read over and over and OVER!” I can’t even articulate why I loved it so much, but it reached me. While it did have a few elements I could have done without, this story was just…gah, invigorating. I find that the stories I like the most I have fewer words for, so forgive me that my initial commentary is, “I LOVED IT! READ IT!” I know you need more than that to be convinced, so let me try to form helpful sentences…ahem. Okay, so, the plotting was brilliant, the characters are believable to the point you almost forget they aren’t real, the arcs give you all the feels, the MC has a physical disability but she still kicks BUTT, you get dual POV from both the prince AND the female MC which adds so much depth and understanding to the narrative, there are twists you won’t see coming, and the end will leave you begging for the next installment in the series. So get ready for a book hangover with this one if you read it before book 2 releases! Also, points to me for getting my stubborn bestie to read it (FYI: she loved it as much as I did).

1.} Aurora Rising

by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

 

My Rating

 

I recommend for fans of:

• Guardians of the Galaxy, Firefly, Star Wars, SG-1, and maybe even The Breakfast Club

• Excellent character dynamics (seriously, #squadgoals)

• Misfits and found family

• Perfect pace with tons of insightful information that stays relevant and is never dumped

• Gripping space adventures

• Impressive world-building that feels totally plausible

• Cool sci-fi tech galore

• So much well-timed humor and sass

• Creep-tastic villains

Brief thoughts:

Gets a “Can’t Stop Thinking About It” Gold Star

I read along to the audiobook with this one, which was an AMAZING full-cast performance. I read/listened for 12 hours straight, from start to finish, because I. Absolutely. Loved. It. Every single second of this book was a delight! I’m telling you, whether you’re a sci-fi fan or not, if you like exciting, action-packed plots centered around a rag-tag band of misfits, told in multiple voices, riddled with humor and tear-jerker moments alike, you won’t be disappointed. Ever since Harry Potter and The Hunger Games, I’ve been itching to find my next epic adventure series that I could utterly sink into, that would make me fall in love forever, and this is it. It hit every single storytelling mark for me, and I can’t sing its praises enough. I am literally GIDDY with each month that ends and gets closer to May, when book 2 comes out. This is another inevitable book hangover, so be warned if you read it prior to May.

Honorable Mentions

Five Feet Apart

by Rachael Lippincott

 

My Rating

 

I recommend for fans of:

• Diverse reads regarding MCs with chronic physical illness

• Sweet romances

• Open endings

• Fast, easy reads that still pack a punch

• Great dialogue

Brief thoughts:

This is the perfect read for when you just want to feel but don’t want to commit to anything long. It’s also an excellent choice for anyone who likes romance but doesn’t just want fluff. This story will tug on your heart strings again and again, and make you remember what it’s like to be a teenager in love. It had some of the emotional vibes of THE FAULT IN OUR STARS, but was less depressing. Haven’t watched the movie yet, but it looks good?? And also, HOLY MOLY, is that not the most beautiful cover ever??! I took special pains to find this specific cover rather than the movie tie-in edition when I bought this, and I’m proud of myself! XD

A Darker Shade of Magic

by V.E. Schwab

 

My Rating

 

I recommend for fans of:

• Magiiiic

• Snarky heroines and brooding heroes

• Super cool sword sparring and quick-witted fighters

• Thieving, street-savvy gals

• London and Old England

• Portal stories

• Parallel universes

• Found family

• Unlikely hero squads

• Slow-burn romance (that’s far on the backburner)

Brief thoughts:

I thoroughly enjoyed this read. It’s a unique world, you never know where the plot’s going, the writing is lush and accessible while still having a literary tilt, the characters are authentic and varied, and it’s just a fun, entertaining adventure. But forewarning…I was so excited to start the next book, then when I did, I had to force myself to finish it—which was, of course, a huge disappointment. I still haven’t started the last book in the series, but I plan to in 2020 just to finish out the overall story and see how everything ends up. So at the very least, I can recommend the first book as a stand-alone, although it would leave quite a few things open-ended. * Shrug * Up to you, reader!

How to Hack a Heartbreak

by Kristin Rockaway

 

My Rating

 

I recommend for fans of:

• Workplace romances

• Tech-based and startup plotlines

• Smart, spitfire heroines with biting wit and an unbreakable backbone

• Stories that tackle relevant social injustices

• Thought-provoking storylines that will stick with you

• Gal pal squads that show the heck up

Brief thoughts:

Gets a “Can’t Stop Thinking About It” Gold Star

This book had so much to say. Despite the cutesy bright pink cover, it is hardly fluff. It’s actually super intense, profound, and powerful. By the time I was done reading, as I sat mulling everything over for my Goodreads review, I saw this story as an unexpectedly insightful commentary on sexism in today’s day and age (and how it’s absolutely alive and well), specifically highlighting it within the more urban work landscape of the male-dominated field of technology. While femme-focused books these days tend to irk me due to politically-charged ranting set on verbally castrating men and putting women on the pedestal of a goddess, this one was an exception. I don’t care for angry, bitter diatribes against men OR women as a whole sex based on the behavior of a few, and was therefore impressed by the author’s ability to demand responsibility of both parties for how they acted as individuals. This book’s plot, however, does take special care to lay out some serious offenses against women committed by a particular breed of man: the moronic, entitled egomaniac who assumes he is better than any woman simply because of his manhood. And y’all…it. was. brutal. To see scene after scene play out with such blatant disregard for the most basic humanity of women just trying to go about their daily life was repulsive as it was baffling. While some negative instances may have been pumped up to enhance the story’s drama, it was still unnervingly easy to envision such ridiculous (and unfair) exchanges happening to women across the western world for no other reason than their being female. It was heartbreaking! But thankfully, there is a redemptive HEA here, and there are a few great character arcs to give you warm, fuzzy feels. It isn’t all politics! This was actually a very heartwarming read with sage insight about the search for love in a digital world. It’s a reminder to look up from the screen and engage with the world around you, to form new relationships with real people, and not get so caught up in the mindless swiping. And seriously, if you are a girl who’s ever suffered through a cruddy date with a jerk, or been treated with indignity simply because you’re not a dude, you will mentally and emotionally cheer as this book calls out the crude and indecent behaviors so many guys think they can get away with when they’re afforded the distance of hiding behind a screen.

My Most-Anticipated Releases for 2020

Second First Impressions

by Sally Thorne

Release Date: May 19, 2020

Blurb:

Distraction (n): an extreme agitation of the mind or emotions. Ruthie Midona has worked the front desk at the Providence Luxury Retirement Villa for six years, dedicating her entire adult life to caring for the Villa’s residents, maintaining the property (with an assist from DIY YouTube tutorials), and guarding the endangered tortoises that live in the Villa’s gardens. Somewhere along the way, she’s forgotten that she’s young and beautiful, and that there’s a world outside of work—until she meets the son of the property developer who just acquired the retirement center. Teddy Prescott has spent the last few years partying, sleeping in late, tattooing himself when bored, and generally not taking life too seriously—something his father, who dreams of grooming Teddy into his successor, can’t understand. When Teddy needs a place to crash, his father seizes the chance to get him to grow up. He’ll let Teddy stay in one of the on-site cottages at the retirement home, but only if he works to earn his keep. Teddy agrees—he can change a few lightbulbs and clip some hedges, no sweat. But Ruthie has plans for Teddy too. Her two wealthiest and most eccentric residents have just placed an ad (yet another!) seeking a new personal assistant to torment. The women are ninety-year-old, four-foot-tall menaces, and not one of their assistants has lasted a full week. Offering up Teddy seems like a surefire way to get rid of the tall, handsome, unnerving man who won’t stop getting under her skin. Ruthie doesn’t count on the fact that in Teddy Prescott, the Biddies may have finally met their match. He’ll pick up Chanel gowns from the dry cleaner and cut Big Macs into bite-sized bits. He’ll do repairs around the property, make the residents laugh, and charm the entire villa. He might even remind Ruthie what it’s like to be young and fun again. But when she finds out Teddy’s father’s only fixing up the retirement home to sell it, putting everything she cares about in jeopardy, she’s left wondering if Teddy’s magic was all just a façade. Hilarious, warm, and romantic, Sally Thorne’s novel delivers an irrepressibly joyous celebration of love and community for fans of 99% Mine and The Hating Game.

A Heart So Fierce and Broken

by BRIGID KEMMERER

Release Date: January 7, 2020

Blurb:

WARNING – This blurb does contain spoilers for the first book. Read at your own risk.

In the sequel to New York Times bestselling A Curse So Dark and Lonely, Brigid Kemmerer returns to the world of Emberfall in a lush fantasy where friends become foes and love blooms in the darkest of places. Find the heir, win the crown. The curse is finally broken, but Prince Rhen of Emberfall faces darker troubles still. Rumors circulate that he is not the true heir and that forbidden magic has been unleashed in Emberfall. Although Rhen has Harper by his side, his guardsman Grey is missing, leaving more questions than answers. Win the crown, save the kingdom. Rumored to be the heir, Grey has been on the run since he destroyed Lilith. He has no desire to challenge Rhen–until Karis Luran once again threatens to take Emberfall by force. Her own daughter Lia Mara sees the flaws in her mother’s violent plan, but can she convince Grey to stand against Rhen, even for the good of Emberfall? The heart-pounding, compulsively readable saga continues as loyalties are tested and new love blooms in a kingdom on the brink of war.

Aurora Burning

by AMIE KAUFMAN & Jay Kristoff

Release Date: May 5, 2020

Blurb:

WARNING – This blurb does contain spoilers for the first book. Read at your own risk.

Our heroes are back… kind of. From the bestselling co-authors of the Illuminae Files comes the second book in the epic series about a squad of misfits, losers, and discipline cases who just might be the galaxy’s best hope for survival. First, the bad news: an ancient evil—you know, your standard consume-all-life-in-the-galaxy deal—is about to be unleashed. The good news? Squad 312 is standing by to save the day. They’ve just got to take care of a few small distractions first. Like the clan of gremps who’d like to rearrange their favorite faces. And the cadre of illegit GIA agents with creepy flowers where their eyes used to be, who’ll stop at nothing to get their hands on Auri. Then there’s Kal’s long-lost sister, who’s not exactly happy to see her baby brother, and has a Syldrathi army at her back. With half the known galaxy on their tails, Squad 312 has never felt so wanted. When they learn the Hadfield has been found, it’s time to come out of hiding. Two centuries ago, the colony ship vanished, leaving Auri as its sole survivor. Now, its black box might be what saves them. But time is short, and if Auri can’t learn to master her powers as a Trigger, the squad and all their admirers are going to be deader than the Great Ultrasaur of Abraaxis IV. Shocking revelations, bank heists, mysterious gifts, inappropriately tight bodysuits, and an epic firefight will determine the fate of the Aurora Legion’s most unforgettable heroes—and maybe the rest of the galaxy as well.

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What were some of your favorite reads of 2019? What books are you most looking forward to in 2020? Did you read any of the ones on my list? Tell me in the comments!

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