Dusty Smelling Books You Will Love If You Love Libraries | Top Ten Tuesday

Libraries are one of my favorite things in this world. I live for libraries. I breathe for libraries. Nothing like opening that door and inhaling all that dust. Just, delicious and aesthetic af. So, here's ten books you are guaranteed to love if you love libraries. And really why wouldn't you love libraries? Libraries are one of the things humans have done right and we should all appreciate them more.

1.  Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine

Book One in The Great Library* is fantastic. Not only because it tells us the alternate history of what could have happened if the GREATEST AND MOST MAGNIFICENT LIBRARY HADN'T BURNED DOWN** and it does it so beautifully. Also, it's full of intrigue and magic-y stuff and it has great characters and plot and worldbuilding and all the description about knowledge is just #magnificent.

*it has the word library right there!

**I have a lot of feels about The Great Library of Alexandria

2. Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

This book features a library and it's gorgeous. ALL THOSE BOOKS AND SCHOLARLY PURSUITS AND LAZLO STRANGE COLLECTING KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE UNSEEN CITY! Just marvelous all around. However, once we're out of the library it still feels very library-ish just because once a librarian always a librarian and librarian brains are beautiful and magical and very whimsical. At least I imagine them to be so.

3. The Archived by Victoria Schwab

This book is literally about a library of dead people, which is,  swear it, way less creepy than it sounds. It still is kind of creepy, but not super creepy. Not man that follows you home creepy, but rather dead people telling their life stories creepy. Which is among the best kinds of creepy. However, it's also super atmospheric and ~library~ so be prepared to be wooed and lost in stories

4. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Safon

This book features a magic library of forgotten books and the book our young protagonist takes from the Graveyard of Forgotten books is central to the story, but much like Strange the Dreamer the book has a distinct library-like atmosphere and just features amazing prose all around. Great book. I don't know how good the translation is, but I've heard some good things. So, if you don't speak Spanish either go learn and then read or pick up the translation. Whichever suits your sensibilities.

5. Lirael by Garth Nix

I had to go look if this book did in fact feature a library and lo and behold, it does! So, rejoice, my dust smelling fiends. Lirael works at a library and I remember it being a safe place and second home to her, and if that doesn't describe my feelings towards libraries down to a T I don't know what will. I would really live at the school's library if it wasn't a) filled with sleep deprived and kind of loud students and b) closed at 1am. So, back to this book A+ library and dusty smells and all that.

What are some books you love that feature libraries and dusty smelling books? Do you prefer your books to smell dusty or new? 

Ten Series I Haven't Finished Because I'm an Expert Procrastinator

I love to procrastinate. I sometimes even procrastinate on my procrastination. So, it should really come as no surprise that I have a bunch of unfinished series just lying around unread, just because. This doesn't speak well of my character, at all, but hey, no one is perfect*. As such, I should really just get on with it and finish what I started**. So, in the spirit of accountability and whatnot here are 10 of the series I haven't finished because, well... I have no good reason tbh.

*Although I come pretty damn close
**It should be noted that this has never been my strong suit

1. Penryn and the End of Days by Susan Ee

This series is about angels and the end of the world and I remember it being deliciously dark with touches of humor. It even had a sexy angel guy named Raffe, which was incentive to read it but not enough. The real reason I loved this series is Penryn Young, badass and just over all good character. So, why haven't I finished it?* Aside from the fact that I am an expert procrastinator, I am also kind of reluctant to part with the world. That and I remember next to nothing of what happens in the second book and I would have to go reread it and that, my friends, is more work than I care to take on right now.

*excuse me, but did you read the title?

2. Monsters of Verity by V.E. Schawb 

In my defense the sequel and conclusion to this duology came out a little while ago and I haven't gotten around to buying it. So, really it's more an issue of me being broke and prioritizing other books because like I said I even procrastinate on my procrastination. So, there. I WILL GET TO IT, OKAY? I know it's probably so good I'm missing out and you're all having a jolly good time knowing what happens. In a similar vein, and though it won't be mentioned as a series I haven't finished yet* I still have to finish the Shades of Magic series.

*the shame of including more than 10 series would not have let me live with myself

3. Snow Like Ashes by Sarah Raasch

I have no good excuse to this other than I don't own the third book and that somehow everytime I buy books I forget to get it. That and the fact that I refuse to read a world in which Theron is anything but the great guy I know him to be. And honestly if Meira and that whatever his name is guy just end up saving the day and making Theron into a villian-esque figure I will just have wasted my time. So, I choose to live in a world where there is still hope.

4. The Remnant Chronicles by Mary E. Pearson

I... seriosuly as this post goes along I have less and less to say in my defense. LIFE IS BUSY AND NEW AND SHINY BOOKS ARE ALWAYS DISTRACTING ME! This is yet another case in which I don't own the third book (or the second one but I've read that one) and I have forgotten much of what happened in previous installments. Which wouldn't happen if I actually finished what I started, I know.

5. Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson

Please excuse the hideousness of my edition. It's dreadful, I know. Which is, in part, why I haven't finished this series. Bottom line being: I want the UK editions and have been too busy with things to buy them. That and the fact that fantasy series are perfect procrastination material. No one even guilt trips you because of it. You get understanding. So, yeah... I'll get to it, eventually.

6. The Lotus War by Jay Kristoff

I love this series for all its Japanese steampunk glory. I do. Buruu is the light of my life and Yukiko is my baby girl, who I will protect at all costs if she needs me to. BUT, and it's a big but, I was waiting for Endsinger to become available in paperback through BookOutlet (I have no idea if it has) and in this process I have just been putting off actually buying and reading the book. Maybe I should change the title of this list to: Ten Series I Haven't Finished Because I Haven't Bought The Last Book In The Series*.

*too long? I agree.

7. Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin

LOVE THIS BOOK. PRAISE THIS BOOK. FINISH THIS SERIES. I'm still working on that last one. It's just that the first one was so good, what if the second one isn't? Ah, but what if it's better? BUT WHAT IF IT'S NOT. So, I shall continue to procrastinate out of anxiety of a good thing going sour. That's just the way I roll.

8. Abhorsen by Garth Nix

I don't even know how many books there are in this series, I just know I haven't read them all and that the first one is as old as I am. AWESOME, RIGHT? Well, in the spirit of full disclosure I think this series is awesome and I just haven't picked up the rest because I'm lazy and get distracted by new and shiny books very easily. OH, LOOK A NEW AND SHINY BOOK! Um... where was I? Ah, yes, this series is definitely top priority in my must-finish-soon list.

9.  The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

Um... so I want all the books in paperback and the third one isn't out yet in that format and tbh the second one was kind of boring and that has just made all urgency to finish this series to flee my body. So, I'm still going to get to this because I am kind of invested in the fate of the Tearling*, but I can survive without knowing yet.

*holler if you got that reference

10. Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan

I don't even have anything to say, just that I will get to this soon. Not only because I really want to know what the hell happened to Leo Valdez for him to disappear like that or how Nico and Will got together, but also because well... I love Rick's books.

What are some of the books you have been procrastinating on?

Mid-Year Evaluation: The Very Best Books

The middle of the year is upon us! PROCEEDS TO FREAK OUT FOREVER AND EVER!!!! As a result we're halfway through the hell that has been 2017. I'm also a year older now *gasps* and I have read some good stuff during these past six months. Today we're going to talk all about my faves, because you've got to spread the book love, my dudes. On to the books!

1. Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine

In an exhilarating new series, "New York Times" bestselling author Rachel Caine rewrites history, creating a dangerous world where the Great Library of Alexandria has survived the test of time.

Ruthless and supremely powerful, the Great Library is now a presence in every major city, governing the flow of knowledge to the masses. Alchemy allows the Library to deliver the content of the greatest works of history instantly but the personal ownership of books is expressly forbidden.
Jess Brightwell believes in the value of the Library, but the majority of his knowledge comes from illegal books obtained by his family. Jess has been sent to be his family's spy, but his loyalties are tested in the final months of his training to enter the Library's service.

When his friend inadvertently commits heresy by creating a device that could change the world, Jess discovers that those who control the Great Library believe knowledge is more valuable than any human life and soon both heretics and books will burn.

I read Ink and Bone in January (it was actually the first book I read this year) and I LOVED IT! One of my obsessions is the Library of Alexandria and so when I heard this book explored what would have happened if it hadn't burned down I knew I had to read it. This book didn't disappoint for it had all I could ask for and though I haven't read the sequel, I'm sure it's just as awesome.

2.  A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

When four classmates from a small Massachusetts college move to New York to make their way, they're broke, adrift, and buoyed only by their friendship and ambition. There is kind, handsome Willem, an aspiring actor; JB, a quick-witted, sometimes cruel Brooklyn-born painter seeking entry to the art world; Malcolm, a frustrated architect at a prominent firm; and withdrawn, brilliant, enigmatic Jude, who serves as their center of gravity. Over the decades, their relationships deepen and darken, tinged by addiction, success, and pride. Yet their greatest challenge, each comes to realize, is Jude himself, by midlife a terrifyingly talented litigator yet an increasingly broken man, his mind and body scarred by an unspeakable childhood, and haunted by what he fears is a degree of trauma that he’ll not only be unable to overcome—but that will define his life forever.

I was utterly destroyed by this book.

I kid you not, this book was the sort of book that just gets you. The delivery of the story was brilliant, the characters so fleshed out you couldn't help but feel for them. The plot perhaps a bit commonplace but emotional. It was a great book and I loved it so much I still think about it. It's definitely a mature read, but one that's so enriching I would think anyone who hasn't read this is missing out.

3. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Barcelona, 1945: A city slowly heals in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War, and Daniel, an antiquarian book dealer’s son who mourns the loss of his mother, finds solace in a mysterious book entitled The Shadow of the Wind, by one Julián Carax. But when he sets out to find the author’s other works, he makes a shocking discovery: someone has been systematically destroying every copy of every book Carax has written. In fact, Daniel may have the last of Carax’s books in existence. Soon Daniel’s seemingly innocent quest opens a door into one of Barcelona’s darkest secrets--an epic story of murder, madness, and doomed love.

This book I read in Spanish and I loved it. It's again a more mature book, not YA at all, although it does follow a young-ish protagonist. Still, it wormed its way into my favorites for the year. It's just that the story was so compelling and the delivery very interesting and it's one of those novels that just hooks you and holds you and doesn't let you go until you're through with it.

4. Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch

“I made the wrong choice.”
Lina is spending the summer in Tuscany, but she isn’t in the mood for Italy’s famous sunshine and fairy-tale landscape. She’s only there because it was her mother’s dying wish that she get to know her father. But what kind of father isn’t around for sixteen years? All Lina wants to do is get back home.
But then she is given a journal that her mom had kept when she lived in Italy. Suddenly Lina’s uncovering a magical world of secret romances, art, and hidden bakeries. A world that inspires Lina, along with the ever-so-charming Ren, to follow in her mother’s footsteps and unearth a secret that has been kept for far too long. It’s a secret that will change everything she knew about her mother, her father—and even herself.
People come to Italy for love and gelato, someone tells her, but sometimes they discover much more.

This is a cute contemporary set in Italy. I don't know about your reading preferences but in mine this is pretty much a guaranteed read.  I'm a sucker for romances set in Italy. Something about it seems so magical and while this book is by no means a great literary masterpiece like say, A Little Life, it's a book that is unapologetic and it's just what it is and I love it for that. This is a book about a girl finding herself and falling in love and it's honest about that. Besides, it's just so adorable you can't help but love it.

5. North of Beautiful by Justina Chen

As he continued to stare, I wanted to point to my cheek and remind him, But you were the one who wanted this, remember? You're the one who asked-and I repeat-Why not fix your face?

It's hard not to notice Terra Cooper.
She's tall, blond, and has an enviable body. But with one turn of her cheek, all people notice is her unmistakably "flawed" face. Terra secretly plans to leave her stifling small town in the Northwest and escape to an East Coast college, but gets pushed off-course by her controlling father. When an unexpected collision puts Terra directly in Jacob's path, the handsome but quirky Goth boy immediately challenges her assumptions about herself and her life, and she is forced in yet another direction. With her carefully laid plans disrupted, will Terra be able to find her true path?
Written in lively, artful prose, award-winning author Justina Chen Headley has woven together a powerful novel about a fractured family, falling in love, travel, and the meaning of true beauty.

I have made it my life's mission to tell the world about this magnificent book. I have loved it since I was very young and I just so happened to reread it this year. I love it as much (if not more) as I did when I read it at 14. It's just so precious and a book about self-love and I cry every single time I read it. It's also about family and being yourself and finding someone who loves you for you and there are parts of it that are so close to my heart. This book sort of feels like coming home and I love that about it.

6.  The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

MY NAME IS KVOTHE

I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep.

You may have heard of me.

So begins a tale unequaled in fantasy literature--the story of a hero told in his own voice. It is a tale of sorrow, a tale of survival, a tale of one man's search for meaning in his universe, and how that search, and the indomitable will that drove it, gave birth to a legend.

This book is high fantasy and it's excellent. As a matter of fact, I think it's a great place to start for people who want to get into high fantasy because it's not multiple POV nor does it have a super complex world or set of characters. That and the fact that the writing is great and you are getting a first person POV makes it very readable compared to other fantasy books. It's also just a great book.

7. Long Way Down by Krista & Becca Ritchie

With a seven-year age difference, Ryke & Daisy have faced an uphill battle in the eyes of the world and their families. Known as the most adventurous, fast-paced couple — their next step has always been elusive to the rabid media.
Behind the scenes, heartbreaking troubles continue to test Ryke & Daisy’s resilience and shape their future together.

They promise:
To never slow down.
To never compromise who they are.
To never abandon their love for each other.

But preserving their happiness also means adding more risks. Ones that Connor Cobalt wouldn’t even take. As a professional free-solo climber, Ryke is no stranger to risk, but his next step with Daisy wagers more than just his health.

With their lives on the line, Ryke & Daisy head towards the vast, wild unknown in this epic final conclusion to the Addicted series.

Dudes, I love the Addicted series/Calloway Sisters Series so damn much, but Ryke and Daisy are my faves. #RaisyIsReal. So, after pretty much binge reading the second half of the series I fell even more in love with these dorks. All of the dorks, I just happen to love Ryke and Daisy most. This series is just so addicting*. So, if you're into New Adult and don't mind mature content these books are such a ride. You won't regret it and by now Damaged Like Us (series following the kids of all of my dorks) will be out and you can binge read all of the Addicted series first and then make your way to Damaged Like Us. I mean, what a great way to spend a Tuesday, tbh.

*I find it supremely ironic that it's titled Addicted series because damn, the accuracy

8. Some Kind of Perfect by Krista & Becca Ritchie

Epilogue Novel of the Addicted / Calloway Sisters series

Falling in love was just the beginning

The conclusion to the epic ten-book series about the unbreakable strength of family, friendship, and love.

Lily & Lo are back one final time. Childhood best friends and soul mates.

Ryke & Daisy are back one final time. Wild risk-takers and flirty adventurers.

Connor & Rose are back one final time. Genius rivals and intellectual teammates.

Ten years of laughter. Of heartache. And love.

I could read a novel about the Addicted gang eating cereal. I kid you not. I would. I would beg Krista and Becca to take my money. That's the kind of love I have for this series. So, really the epilogue novel had to make its way into this list because IT WAS SUCH A BOOK AND I CRIED AND I LAUGHED AND I LOVED ALL OF IT. I loved seeing my babies grow and their shenanigans and their kids and them being parents. Did I mention I cried and squealed like every five pages or so? Because I did. It was beautiful.

actually me when i read this book. half-sad, half-happy. On a side note, I really miss Siwon

9. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.
Soon afterward, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil's name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.
But what Starr does or does not say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life.

This book had me shook. It's based on the Black Lives Matter movement and it's also a #ownvoices book. Quite frankly, it was one of the most insightful books I've read so far this year because it deals with something we're living today. As such, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about the reality of black youth in The United States. As a matter of fact, I would recommend it to anyone because it's just that good.

10. I Believe in a Thing Called Love by Maureen Goo

Desi Lee believes anything is possible if you have a plan. That’s how she became student body president. Varsity soccer star. And it’s how she’ll get into Stanford. But—she’s never had a boyfriend. In fact, she’s a disaster in romance, a clumsy, stammering humiliation magnet whose botched attempts at flirting have become legendary with her friends. So when the hottest human specimen to have ever lived walks into her life one day, Desi decides to tackle her flirting failures with the same zest she’s applied to everything else in her life. She finds guidance in the Korean dramas her father has been obsessively watching for years—where the hapless heroine always seems to end up in the arms of her true love by episode ten. It’s a simple formula, and Desi is a quick study. Armed with her “K Drama Steps to True Love,” Desi goes after the moody, elusive artist Luca Drakos—and boat rescues, love triangles, and staged car crashes ensue. But when the fun and games turn to true feels, Desi finds out that real love is about way more than just drama.

I love this book so much. I wrote a review about it, which you can read here. I'm a big kdrama watcher (?????) so when I heard about this book I was over the moon. KDRAMAS AND A CUTE YA ROMANCE? I was on board faster than the main lead denying his feelings for the girl in a kdrama. I was just so excited and the book didn't disappoint and I JUST NEED EVERYONE TO READ IT AND COME TALK TO ME ABOUT IT BECAUSE I LOVED IT.

What are your picks for best books so far?

There Can Never Be Enough Cuteness! | Top Ten Tuesday

It's no secret I'm a lover of all things cute and cheesy and whatnot. I blame all those child telenovelas I used to watch* when I was like five. So, for today's Top Ten Tuesday I'm going to talk all about the delightful cute contemporaries I've added to my TBR recently BECAUSE THERE CAN NEVER BE ENOUGH CUTENESS!

*If you're still not over Daniela Lujan replacing Belinda in Complices al Rescate hmu

1. I Believe in a Thing Called Love by Maureen Goo

This book is about an awkward Korean-American girl who decides to use kdrama tropes to get the boy. It sounds super hella cute and it has kdramas and those are two of my favorite things on this Earth. Not only that, but the main character is Korean-American, so it gets points for diversity. It's also a book written by an author of color. This book is just winning all around and if doesn't sound like something you would want to read WHY DO YOU HATE ALL THINGS CUTE IN THE WORLD LIKE PUPPIES AND KDRAMA TROPES AND CHEESY ONE LINERS? WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU????*

*was that one too many caps? NO SUCH THING!

2. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

This book is about two people who hate each other. Like really hate each other, and when they're up for the same promotion the sexual tension JUST IMPLODES LIKE THE BIG BANG. Or at least, that's what I think happens. Or should I say, hope happens. To be completely honest I added it to my TBR because it just sounds like the perfect summer read. Not too complicated, just enough witty banter to go around and of course, the sexual tension. I'm all for people who hate each other slowly discovering it really was all just INSANE ATTRACTION AND ALL THAT WITTY BANTER WAS JUST FLIRTING and god, I'm game!

3. I Hate Everyone But You by Gaby Dunn and Allison Raskin

I'm a big Just Between Us fan, so when I heard Gaby and Allison were going to publish a YA book I jumped into the bandwagon. I'm super excited for it because it is at its core a story about two best friends and I'm all about those friendships. A great friendship is just hard to find, OKAY? Not only that, but the book talks about self-discovery and coming out and mental illness. It just sounds like it's going to be a great ride and I can't wait to read about Ava and Gen and all their shenanigans.

4. Queens of Geek by Jen Wilde

Queens of Geek follows a group of friends* as they travel to a Comic-Con-esque convention and that's about as much I know about that. I've heard it's absolutely adorable and that it has great bisexual representation and that it's just a delightful read all around. So, sign me up for all of it. The nerd convention, the best-friends turning to lovers, the bisexual representation, ALL OF IT!

*huge nerds, these ones

5. The Education of Margot Sanchez by Lilliam Rivera

This book is about Margot Sanchez, a Latina girl living in the Bronx. The first line of the description is "Pretty in Pink comes to the South Bronx in this bold and romantic coming-of-age novel about dysfunctional families, good and bad choices, and finding the courage to question everything you ever thought you wanted—from debut author Lilliam Rivera." 

That sold it to me. That and the fact that it also has a diverse cast of characters.

6. Damaged Like Us by Krista and Becca Ritchie

It's no secret I'm trash for the Addicted and Calloway Sisters series. When I say trash, I mean it. We ride or die. As such, I'm super excited for the follow up series following the Addicted kids. There's a bunch of them and they're precious and I can't wait for them to grow and develop and GOD I'M SO HERE FOR MOFFY HALE FALLING IN LOVE WITH HIS BODYGUARD. Not to mention Jane and Sulli and the rest of the gang. I also can't wait to know what the parental units are up to now that they're all grown up and mature and whatnot.

However, be warned since this is New Adult it does contain some explicit sex scenes. So, keep that in mind BUT ALSO READ THE ADDICTED SERIES AND THEN READ THE LIKE US SERIES.

Those are all the cute books I've added to my TBR. Can you recommend some more? Because I'm always on the hunt for some cuteness.

Marvelous Things that Will Automatically Make Me Want to Pick Up a Book | Top Ten Tuesday

Hello friends. I know I've been MIA, but to be honest life has just been a whole lot of balancing and in that balancing I just chose to neglect blogging. So, here I am back at it again. Hopefully I find a way to organize myself to, you know actually do all of the things I want to do. Enough catching up, though, you're here because you want to hear about books and books you shall be given!

Today we're going to talk about all the marvelous and glorious things that will make this girl pick up a book.

1. Fake dating

I'm registered fake dating trash. It doesn't matter that the plot is pretty much the same all the time. Y'all know the drill. The whole don't fall in love with me thing, this is just to make my ex jealous/just need a date for this one thing/just need you to pretend to get my family off my case/inherit a major fortune that requires me to be married/engaged. Yet, they end up falling in love totally and completely and they're all heart eyes emoji but refuse to say anything because the other person might not feel the same, until one of them cracks and they kiss for real and it's all good and wonderful in the world. Total sucker for that. It's all the same and yet I will go to it like a moth drawn towards the flame.

2. Healthy female friendships

Girl, I will show up for female friendships faster than I will show up for some ice cream*. There's something about watching two girls genuinely and truly support each other that I love. I love it and there needs to be more of it. All around me. Like, to be real with you I don't think we get enough of girls who genuinely support each other and uplift each other and are just great female friends. We need more of that and I will show up for it, always. 

**

*and I love ice cream only second to books

**great movie, you should all watch it. The name of the movie is Now and Then. You're welcome.

3. Best friends falling in love

Another one of those sometimes formulaic things. Another one of those things I'm always there for. I mean, what's cuter than someone you've known forever and who knows you inside out suddenly realizing that they're in love with you? I mean, like seriously. It's like an Ed Sheeran freaking song. I just go all soft in the knees and swoony when it happens. 

Did you hear that? Well, that was me swooning and I don't even know what movie is that from. I would still watch it. Also, I just realized this whole list so far pretty much applies to movies too.

4. Well done diversity

I mean not that this should even be a point that needs to be made, but apparently it does. So, yes I'm all for diverse books, but what's more I'm all for books with diversity done right or diverse books that are #ownvoices. As a Mexican girl juggling identity in a border city (one featured in Ari and Dante, mind you) with friends that live in the Mexican side and ones that live in the American side and the way the two cultures and languages and whatnot mix I'm all for diversity. All. For. It. However, I'm not all for diversity done wrong or accessorizing or any of those other things that just plain suck.

5. Magical realism

I'm such a magical realism fan. Like, I adore the crap out of that. A teacher of mine once owned it up to me being Latina and I was like "Hmmh... okay, but what does that have to do with anything?" Anyway, I just love magical realism. I don't know how it happened, but I'm all for it. It's like if you have hints of magical realism thrown in there I will take a peek and be generally intrigued.

and much less creepy about it too.

6. Deserts

I'm a desert dweller and I cannot for the life of me fathom why would anyone want to rot away in humidity and sweat and ugh. They might be scorching hot but I just ugh... Gross. Also they make for pretty sunsets and exciting adventures and pretty costumes and bonding and I just will show up for deserts (and desserts, too) because they need more appreciation. Beaches get all the love. #justicefordeserts2k17

i lie to you not, i only had to add the text.

don't look at my poetry, that's rude
look at the pretty sunset
can you tell i chose this image because I was too lazy to look for a pretty sunset photo on my phone?

7. #SquadGoals

There's nothing I love more than a group of characters that are squad goals. I talked about female friendship, but like I will literally go crazy over any sort of friendship or partnership or whatever. Some of my fave books just have a tight knit group of characters I wish I could be friends with. 

8. Worlds

This is only relevant in the case of fantasy and the such, but there's nothing I love more than some great world building. It's why I flock to certain authors all the time, because I just know that they will deliver. So, if your book has awesome world building, sign me up.

That's all I've got. What about you? What are some things you love to see in books?

Romances That Made Me Wish For One of My Own | Top Ten Tuesay

I know what you're thinking: Laura can you make up your mind and decide if you like stabbings or romance more? The answer to that is, why can't we have both? If you read my past Top Ten Tuesday you read all about how I wished some books had more head rolling an less romance. Well, today in honor of the chocolate holiday* we're going to talk all about my favorite bookish romances.

*what to you mean that is not what today is? 

1. Peter Kavinsky and Lara Jean

These two are so disgustingly cute I feel like vomiting or hurling myself on to oncoming traffic or grabbing the first stranger I see and kissing him. My head is a mess, okay? Not only is Peter a sweetheart to Lara's family but he has that trademark smile. I'm a sucker for trademark smiles. In return, Lara Jean bakes him cookies and CAN YOU SAY RELATIONSHIP GOALS?

# same

2. Rhys and Feyre

I'm trash. This is a known fact, but I'm not just any kind of trash. I'm Rhys trash and honestly how could you ever not? Dude's big on respect and he treats his lady as an equal* and he is over all super heart eyes emoji over Feyre. Which is to be honest what I crave. I just want to rule the world with someone, even us evil queens get lonely sometimes. Also that wingspan tho**.

*which you would expect would be the standard everywhere but hence, this is not the case and it's really getting super ridiculous

**

3. Fire and Brigan

The again a couple based on mutual respect and adoration. Also, they are married and happy into the future and as a Cancer that is pretty much all I ask of a relationship right there*. Also, I just love relationships when at first people didn't really like each other but grew to love and admire and respect each other. I feel like the underlying tension of not liking them at first remains and makes for great storytelling.

*we Cancers know no chill when it comes to love

4. Jacob Fremont and Terra Cooper

As a young girl of fourteen I thought that these two were the best couple ever. Again, they're based on mutual repsect and pushing themselves to be the very best version they can be. Along with teasing and exchanged secret smiles and a fervor that would make the sun jealous. There's also the matter of them knowing each other's dreams and all that good stuff. Like can I please have this?

5. Owen Armstrong and Annabel Greene

Again one of those relationships that were so slowburn I wanted to set myself on fire. I cannot express to you how much I've always (and always will) loved Annabel and Owen. They're supportive of each other and they're both flawed but embrace those flaws and love each other because of them. They're all about listening and they have a radio program and they're opposites but they work so perfectly. Also, I'm a sucker for anyone who even reminds me of Patrick Verona.

What do you mean this isn't actually Owen?

6. Lola and Cricket

I love Cricket Bell and he deserves the world. This cutie patootie is just so pure and innocent, but at the same time he can get it. I'm still recovering from that kiss. Like, damn boy. Also he's tol and Lola is smol and I appreciate those aesthetics to no end. So I want to get me one Mr. Cricket Bell.

7. Cress and Thorne

Have I mentioned how trash I am for a good smile? You know the kind, just a bit mischievous while at the same time kind of boyish but incredibly sexy? Well, that's Captain Thorne for you. He and Cress are so adorable and they both admire each other so much* and want to be a better person for the other person. It's like wow, can you please not do that in front of me? SO RUDE, GUYS! Us single folk are just trying to survive today without you rubbing your cute all over the place. Still, they're golden and so very #goals.

*woop there I go again with the admiration. I just want someone to admire me, okay

8. Percy Jackson and Annabeth Chase

I don't have to speak about respect and admiration and occasionally calling the other person idiot, do I? Because I feel like that's all I've been doing this whole post. But, yes, the same applies to these two. Also, they're just too cute for words.

Actual footage of Percy Jackson when Annabeth tells him idiot (he's Bok Joo in this scenario)

9. Willem and Allyson

Willem and Allyson were together but for one night, but it was a magical night. I've always wanted to have something like that myself. Besides that, they just seemed to belong together and I was rooting for them so hard. The fact that they kept missing each other was so thrilling and sad, but I just wanted them to work out. You know that feeling when two people seem to belong together? They had it and now I want it.

10. Nikolai and Me

Before you get all high and mighty with me and say, "Laura, you aren't part of the Grisha trilogy and Nikolai is mine," I want you to stop and check yourself because Nikolai is clearly mine and we are, clearly, as fictional as the other couples. So, let me have this small thing, OKAY??  We would be perfect for each other. I mean, I'm crazy, but have my feet on the ground and I respond well to responsibility. He makes jokes and is just overall a great person. Together we could rule Ravka and have beautiful children. This is not up for discussion. End of story.

actual footage of our wedding

What are some of the fictional couples that make you want to set yourself on fire/scream into the void/squeal with joy/all of the above?