WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE? I still can't believe September wrapped up so quickly and that we're just a few short months away from 2018. One of the biggest symptoms of getting older is the fact that the passage of time seems much shorter than it did when we were kids. You blink one day and suddenly it's five years later and you're staring into your cup of coffee with a completely baffled expression.

Everything seems to pass by in a blur! September was one of those months. It feels like it was just the start of August and one of my very best friend's finally came for a visit after nearly three years of not seeing each other. Shout out to Becca, I love and miss you. Please come back. Further, it feels like it is still 2007 and Gossip Girl just premiered but the reality is that was ten years ago and I'm feeling very, very old. That also means that Booked J is bordering on its tenth anniversary and wow, I can't believe it!

To be perfectly honest, this year has been hit or miss for me. There have been a lot of events that made the year less than desirable but for the most part, I've had a pretty great time with literature and social events. The year isn't over yet, fortunately, so it still has some time to either make or break itself at least a dozen more times. September, as it happens, was one of my busiest months here at Booked J and I've been super satisfied with the paths I have taken as of late.

I've finally gotten around to participating in more BOOK BLITZ and COVER REVEALS. I've been trying very hard to expand my horizon when it comes to content and genres and while I've only just begun, it has definitely revitalized my love for blogging which is something I desperately needed for a few years.

Which leads us to this--I reviewed a lot this month. I surprised myself!

Kissed by the Rain by Claudia Winters | Rating: ★★★☆☆

A copy of this novel was provided through NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

Despite the concept and general speed, I wasn't all that impressed by Kissed by the Rain. I thought it was a solid release but also very, very standard in terms of plots and characters--almost feeling familiar in the wrong sort of way. You know the type, right? It's a decent enough book (and the writing is quite velvety and smooth) and all, but I had this feeling the entire time that I'd already read it several times before. For me, that makes reading the novel itself very tedious and because of it, I almost put the story down on more than one occasion. 

This isn't to say that it didn't have its good parts--I did find myself enjoying a few scenes and characters, which is why it's right in the middle in terms of my own rating. You've got to remember while reading my thoughts on it that they are mine and mine alone; it doesn't determine your taste or the overall quality of the novel. I did like the twist of mystery in it--the whole idea that a ring was something that would determine the fate of our main character. Something about this superstition lifted the quality higher and put the plot in a direction that gave it a much-needed boost. 

Dark Parties by Sara Grant | Rating: ★★☆☆☆

I can't change what happened. If I'm honest, I don't want to. I won't regret it. I'll keep those memories trapped in a bubble away from labels of good and bad and right and wrong. 

I've been trying to put together my thoughts on the good, the bad and the in betweens in Sara Grant's novel Dark Parties for at least a week now. But, I can't. There was something so disappointing about it--and a bit patchy in terms of how things tied together--but I am having difficulty putting it into words. I think I expected something else entirely when it came to this novel due to its intriguing blurb. There's something about the description that holds a promise for a dystopian novel that is unique in a sea of similarities.

But Dark Parties seems to trip over itself on more than one occasion and it is what ultimately makes this read to be so tedious. It just felt like at every damn turn, the concept could have really worked but didn't quite make the mark. The entire time you felt like you knew what would happen--that you'd read it in some other variation before. Like literature deja vu. Except you hadn't, not really. Dark Parties isn't a bad novel, it's just not terribly good and hits so many speed bumps on the way.

Which kind of makes no sense because Sara Grant isn't an awful writer.

The Thousandth Floor by Katharine McGee | Rating: ★★★★★

As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via Edelweiss by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

There's something sparkly and new yet oddly undeniably familiar about The Thousandth Floor. Think of it as Gossip Girl set in the not so far future. I need to stress that this novel is one of those stories that the only way to read it wrongly is to expect it to be more than it is. It's a light but entirely vivid and delectable read that keeps you on your toes from start to finish. I liked the theme that 'the more things change, the more they stay the same'--the futuristic New York City that McGee paints us is incredibly different from our own, in terms of appearance, but is still filled with the same social climbing, reckless teens we've come to expect.

In place of the city that we love, stands a tower that goes up and up and up and up. And the tag line THE HIGHER YOU ARE, THE FARTHER YOU FALL, is perhaps one of the best descriptions of what is to come. We start off with a bang right away--a girl has fallen from the very top of the tower. This sets the stage wonderfully for a backdrop of luxury, technology and scandal. Katharine McGee's writing is similar to Cecily von Ziegesar and Sara Shepard except her words feel a bit more polished and eye-catching, which is a huge compliment coming from me considering I've been fans of the other two for the better part of a decade. Indeed, McGee's writing is delicious and fast paced; simple and an incredible ride for fans of the genre.

Hothouse Flower by Krista & Becca Ritchie | Rating: ★★★★★

“You’re a hothouse flower,” I tell her. “You can’t grow under natural conditions. You need adventure. And security and love in order to stay alive.”

Is anyone completely addicted to Addicted and The Calloway Sisters? It's relatively new territory to me because I find it so difficult to get attached to most new adult releases. I guess it's something of a rule for me but if one series were to be the biggest exception, it's Addicted. I can't remember the last time I was so attached to the characters and their mental health and relationships, but I'm very invested in how things end up for all the characters we meet.

There’s something about Krista and Becca Ritchie’s world of characters that draws you in from the get-go. Perhaps this is because, unlike a lot of novels in its genre, the characters are fully fleshed out and flawed to high degree but still remain as something to be admired. In Hothouse Flower, the second of The Calloway Sisters spin-off series, we follow the lives of fan-favorites Daisy Calloway and Ryke Meadows; their feelings for one another is at the forefront of the plotline as these two wild cards remain entangled in the lives of Lily, Lo, Connor and Rose. Elements of love, addiction, mental illness, pregnancy, family and risk fill the pages in a way that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Homecoming (The 100 #3) by Kass Morgan | Rating: ★★★★☆ (3.5)

Endings and beginnings are inseparable, like the moment before dawn and the moment after.

I waited so long to get my hands on this bad boy and now that I have it, and have read it, I can't decide what I'm feeling. On one hand, I am glad to see how the series has improved in terms of... well, everything. 

Kass Morgan's writing is so smooth and fast paced, and remains delightful and action packed with every chapter. Everything that was flawed about the series' first two novels has vastly improved and I have really, quite a lot more than I'd expected, enjoyed watching it grow. While many may argue that the show is better than this series (I disagree--with the exception of the grounder plots, Clarke's sexuality and Commander Lexa, which FYI, I'm still in denial about her death but that's nether here nor there) I think that both are on even footing in terms of good vs. bad. 

That being said, Homecoming was originally intended to be the finale of the trilogy that was the books and I'm glad to say that it isn't. Morgan will be returning with a fourth installment--hooray! It would have been a mistake to end the book series so quickly because in terms of endings and closure, this book was pretty lackluster. Many fans disagree with me heartily on that note, that it was a solid end to the books, but hear me out: I just don't feel it as an ending and think Morgan can, and will, do better. It's been such a joy reading and seeing her work grow and come to life. As I've already said, the growth and improvement has been far more pleasurable than I'd ever anticipated. 

What the Dead Want by Norah Olson | Rating: ★★★☆☆ (2.5-ish)

As a note, a printed galley of this novel was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.  

With a premise as unique and chilling as What the Dead Want, it's easy to see why I was so excited to receive a copy to review. But overall, there were a lot of problems with the novel--for me--that felt like every page and promise lacked something. It felt like a world of wasted potential because there were so many things that could have made this spooky tale, well, sparkle.

Firstly, the summary was so eye-catching that it just felt like this was going to be it. Do you know what I mean? I went into What the Dead Want with a world of expectations that just weren't met--and maybe that was my problem, but the pacing was slow and lackluster and felt like it could have been so much more than what it was. I didn't necessarily hate the novel, but I certainly didn't love it and felt that there was so much that could have been improved. There was so much potential for a richly drawn world upon first glance but there was a lot that just didn't fit.

You see, there was this unique tone to its description that felt like it would be in a similar vein to Ransom Riggs' work and maybe--to an extent--improve on it. I liked the idea of fantasy and ghost stories in this one and went into it thinking, hey, this is going to be the perfect read for autumn. But all my hopes were brushed aside within the first quarter of the book. I don't think it was that the writing was bad--indeed, Norah Olson has a solid prose that could be built on and it had its moments of greatness.

Sherlock Sam and the Ghostly Moans in Fort Canning by A.J. Low |
Rating: ★★★★☆

As a note, a printed galley of this novel was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.   

There's something delightful about Sherlock Sam and his detective work. Bringing a new generation into the problem-solving world that is a retelling of Sherlock Holmes, the highly anticipated second installment is just as fun and mysterious as the first. The Ghostly Moans in Fort Canning, is full of fun and will engage children and adults of all ages.

Back in action, my friend and her daughter positively adored Sherlock Sam and his adventures. I think they enjoyed The Ghostly Moans in Fort Canning more than the last in the series! And I have to admit, so did I. A.J. Low bring so much to the table in this novel targeted at younger kids that it's impossible to put down and you will be sporting a grin from start to finish.

The best part? Kids of all ages will learn a great deal from it--including, ahem, let's say: detective skills and better understanding the world he lives in (that handy section of information at the back of the books? Perfect!) and it's all in good fun. Sherlock Sam proves once again to be a hit waiting to happen and I expect to hear a lot more from this little guy with a healthy appetite and a knack for problem solving.

If you are a teacher or a parent, this series is just what you're looking for. Fast paced, simple, intelligent, thrilling and just flat out fun, Sherlock Sam has something for everyone.

The Memory of Us by Camille Di Maio | Rating: ★★★★☆

As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via Net Galley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

Although tales of star crossed lovers are common in all forms of entertainment, the forbidden romance trope is very much so a go-to when writing a love story. Many would argue that it is overdone and perhaps that is true, but in some cases the "I want what I can't have" element adds a little spice to a story and propels us into a world of romance and envy. The Memory of Us sports this trope and gives it a true, solid, heart that will have readers intrigued from the get-go.

There are quite a few things I should state, first, before tackling my review of this novel. First, is that it it is Di Maio's debut novel--a damn good one, at that, and I expect we shall be hearing more from her in the future. What's most striking about The Memory of Us is its delightful, realistic and heartfelt prose. Camille's words breathe life into the story and reader and will leave the audience feeling quite pleased throughout. Indeed, it is most easy to lose yourself in it. There's so much heart and warmth to the story that I promise you, readers, you will come out of it feeling something.

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon | Rating: ★★★★★

"I can bear pain myself," he said softly, "but I couldna bear yours. That would take more strength than I have.”

Diana Gabaldon's wildly popular Outlander series began in 1991 (as old as myself!) with its opener, also titled Outlander, and took us on a delectable tale of time travel, romance and strength. Its loyal fanbase has never wavered in its support towards the now-classic novels, and with that sort of love, curiosity is constantly sparked. Gabaldon is deserving of all the praise and interest and then some, and proves so within the first few chapters of this love story.

Due to renewed popularity through its Starz adaptation in late 2014, Outlander is just as popular as ever and quickly gaining new fans even now in the decades since is original publication. Which is fantastic and every bit of deserving. You see, if you haven't had the chance to pick up Outlander, you should know this: Gabaldon's writing is delicious, thrilling, sexy--captivating to the highest degree, therefore, it is quite easy to see why it is so beloved and continues to stand the test of time.

Its premise is simple: Claire Randall, a nurse from the 1940s, has just settled back into life with her husband after the war. Life seems to be back on the track to becoming ordinary again as the two lovers travel and embrace married life once more after being apart for so long.

Stormy Cove by Bernadette Calonego | Rating: ★★★☆☆

As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via Net Galley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

"People trim their truth the way they want it, my love." 

Navigating a thriller can be an incredibly difficult thing to do for both writer and reader. You have so much you have to work with when it comes down to treading those waters: likable characters, suspicious ones, high stakes and suspense, and of course conclusions as you wrap up the mystery of it all. Stormy Cove, although not my favorite read this year, manages to hit all those marks and then some.

This, entirely, has to do with the vivid setting and the sparks of mystery within. Bernadette Calonego creates a delightfully unique thriller for us to get lost in and I can guarantee many moments in which the reader will be on the edge of their seats wondering what's next and who the bad guy really is. Toss in the complexities of a small town and the way its residence entwine with one another, as well the gossip that comes in tow of such.

The Art of Not Breathing by Sarah Alexander | Rating: ★★★☆☆

As a note, a printed galley of this novel was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way. 

When I first heard about The Art of Not Breathing I knew that I had to read it. There was something I enjoyed about the vibe of the summary and I coveted it from the get go. I felt it had the potential to be all its own but also hit a similar vein like Sarah Dessen, Lurlene McDaniel and Gayle Forman. And who can resist such a promising plot? I felt right away I would need a tissue box on hand and I wasn't wrong.

But. Huge but. The Art of Not Breathing wasn't exactly what I expected it to be and while it was still solid, and I'd definitely recommend it, I couldn't help but to be a little uncertain about it. As a whole, I can't say if I'm going to ever be inclined to pick it up and read it again. But I will say that it is undeniably heartfelt and a breeze to finish. All you young adult lovers out there will devour this one quickly and it's readily on the list of summer reads.

Sarah Alexander hits a lot of good notes in her portrayal of loss--the loss of a twin, five years prior, no less--and mental illness. There are many trigger warns applicable to The Art of Not Breathing but not always in an overly graphic way. I daresay that Alexander knew what she was doing and did a solid when it came down to accuracy.