Best of the Best: 2015 Reads

2015 wasn't my best year reading wise.
I read a lot of one stars, two stars stories and that definitely took its toll on my concentration. I don't think I ever went through as many reading slumps as I did this year.
However I did read some pretty awesome books. Not many, but the ones I loved they managed to be unforgettable.
So, can I point a single book as my favourite this year?
I can. I can say without any doubt that every time I try to come out with a choice, that title has never changed. So without further delays, here's my 2015 favourite book:

Presenting author Sarah Macguire début novel, Valiant.

Valiant is a retelling of "The Brave Little Tailor" and it was my first contact with this fairy tale. Suffice to say that I loved it. I am only sorry that I don't have a bigger projection as a blogger, so that I could have a bigger audience to whom I could share with my love for this story.
When most of the arcs that I read this year _ the more known and acclaimed ones _ proven to be not  worth of my time, this is a story that deserved a greater spotlight.

From my review: "Full of adventure, heartbreak, and just the right dose of romance, this is a tale that will probably be better appreciated by the YA and adult readers... or so says the adult who loved it. :)"

Then in a complete different genre: Horror and Dystopia

"Please Remain Calm (This is Not a Test #2)" by author Courtney Summers


"This is Not a Test" has to be one of my all time favourite books: The characters, the feelings, the whole intensity of the story is pretty much embedded in my brain. So when the sequel came out, I was part excited, part scared, because let's be honest, sequels can be a tough cookie... unless we're talking about this author.

"Nerve wrecking and heartbreaking, this story won't leave you indifferent." (moi)

Most Promising Series (started in 2015)

Well hands out _ after going through a period in which I mostly only read UF _ I was won over by Laura Florand's "La Vie en Rose" series. One third of sweetness_ but never idiotic _, one third of unquestionable romance, with one third of humour, this contemporary series has me head over heels.
For feel good, smile on your lips kind of read, please try the following receipts I mean volumes ;)

   

"As you can see this was a sweet _with bits of insane to it _ romance with likeable characters and laughing out loud dialogues as only the author knows out to do." ( From my review of The Chocolate Rose- La Vie en Rose Prequel)



 
"She stole his roses" While I condemn rose theft _lol _ this actually sounds good! ( Once Upon a Rose)




"Yes, this a Grinch approved series! (Yes, I'm the Grinch. I'm the bookish Grinch -_-) -from A Wish Upon Jasmine 

Contemporary Romance (stand-alone...)

"The One in My Heart" by author Sherry Thomas 

Now, colour me surprised! It wasn't as if the author hasn't accustomed her
readers to occasional incursions in other literary genres, but, there is always a
big doubt hanging over our minds: Will she make it work? Will it be a disaster?
______ o_O
Of course that it was a success!

"I am so, so happy for you Bennett. I never felt like hitting you in the head with a heavy object!:D
So refreshing." ( From my arc review)


New Adult Category

Well, surprise, surprise, I loved two stories that fall into the New Adult category this year. One was released this year, the other a little longer, but who cares right?



"Bottom line, a wonderful coming of age story filled with heartbreak, but also filled with hope and love. 
What can I say?
It made bitter old me love it..." ( From my Review...)





"I loved the fact that the author didn't use the same old clichés to represent college life ( well, at least the college life that is mainly represented in YA books).
There's no slut shaming.
No over-abundance of angst.
We get a main character who feels real: someone that doesn't forget her friends, or her work just because she finds someone she likes.
There's a friendship relationship that is just as important as the romance.
The romance between Jack and Hadley was sweet, cute and hot. Their chemistry was off the charts." (Excerpt from my review)

Favourite Historical Romance

What can I say?
I didn't have much luck with historical romance  this year considering the sheer amount of stories I read.
However I did came across two stories (maybe three) that made it all worth while.

In the first position comes a story of a romance... and lobsters!



"But then one day this Highlander dude appears at her door claiming to be her fiancée.
Her dead fiancée.
Maddie is obviously stressed about it, because, hello?
 DUDE, YOU DO NOT EXIST!
What follows next is just as crazy as you'd expect in a Tessa Dare novel."
 ( Excerpt Review from When a Scot Ties the Knot)




                                                                                                             



 A romance between characters with disabilities who make due with what they have... while falling in love:


"The guy isn't overbearing _much _ and he does take into account Phoebe's needs. Which makes him a decent and sweet human being.
Like Phoebe he also has a physical disability although of a very different nature: She is blind and he has a problem with one of his legs.
Neither of them dwell into fits of self pity: they make the best they can with what they've got." ( Excerpt from my Review of the arc)


 Comics

I normally don't read comics. Not because I don't like them, but mostly because the occasion doesn't appear. Reading/seeing this one made me realize what I have been missing.

  " The following images contain extreme doses of cuteness, wit and wisdom.

If you're on a strict regime of daily laughs, we warn you that it will most likely be destroyed. ;)

Contains:

Adorable animals;

Friendship;

Strong family bonds;

200% of your recommended daily dose of laughs."
(Excerpt from my Review..) 



                                                                 Urban Fantasy                             

That's right: my choice for favourite urban fantasy book is going to be the ya
story "Crossed". Why?
Because it has an amazing set of characters.
Because it has one amazing story.
And because the author managed to surprise the hell out of me!:D


"Meda continues to be her own self, which Is great. There's nothing I hate more than multiple personality issues in a series that I'm following. She's arrogant, borderline psychopath, except when it comes to her friends. And in this one, her friends are going be her Achilles heel. Ahaha, payback is a bitch."



 Historical Fiction Category


Released in 2014, but only read during this year
"The girls at the Kingfisher Club" is a haunting story that takes place during the depression, and one who is vaguely inspired in the "Twelve Dancing Princesses". Genevieve Valentine may have removed the dark magic that surrounds the girls in the original fairy tale, but instead she gives them a very dark real life among psychical and psychological violence.

Middle Grade Category





Released in 2011, and in my possession since last year _ too many books _ it was only during this year that I had a chance to start reading this book, and let me tell you that I loved it!
So, if you think that the cover is just too juvenile _ which I agree _ just ignore it, and get ready to read a great story.

"4.5 stars... that will turn into a five star rating, once I have the sequel in my hands...
That is not to say that this ends with a cliffhanger. No, the story in this book is mostly properly resolved, especially the part about "The twelve dancing Princesses" retelling.
As for "Beauty and the Beast"?
We only get about two thirds of it, and having loved this story _ and its characters _ of course I want something more."





And now to finish this post, there's this book. I read it as an arc provided by Egmont USA in January, and as you can see by the rating, this was pretty much a winner...
...Well, imagine my surprise when I found that that this book was no longer being published by the now extinct Egmont...
You, Idiots!

Well anyway, I do hope that the author manages to find another publisher, and that this story of a very resourceful ghost will end up getting a second chance.

"A delightful, fast paced and quirky adventure who happens to feature a sharp witted ghost as its main character." ( Excerpt from my review)



What about you guys? What were your favourite books of 2015?

2016 Upcoming Releases

2016 is upon us, and there's nothing better_ to bookworms_  than to start making lists of all the books _ and covers _ that have caught our attention.
These are some of the books that we here at Paperback Wonderland are considering reading.
What about you guys?

January:





 

 February:



 

Driven ( Otherworld Stories 13.6) by Kelley Armstrong and Xaviere Daumarie

                                     Arc provided by Subterranean Press through Netgalley

                                                    Release Date: January 31rt 2016

Continuing my Kelley Armstrong phase _ fifth book in a row but who is counting?_ I was more than willing to start reading this arc.
I don't know what I was expecting _ probably just another short that took place in the Otherworld series _, but I definitely got more than I was expecting...
Let me explain: I've read all the books in the "Women of the Otherworld" series and I've mourned its end, so I wasn't expecting to find out that "the thing"  has actually carried on since I've stopped reading it.
 This time directed at a more exclusive number of readers...
Yes, from the novels that I've read in the latest Armstrong anthology_some of them also previously edited by Subterranean Press_, it means that this story will probably ONE DAY also be edited in a more generalized way, but until then most Kelley Armstrong fans will probably be stuck waiting.

So, this story, was it worth the read?
Most definitely yes.
Elena and Clay's twins are now nine years old. Karl and Hope are on kid number two. Jeremy and Jaime continue together...
...oh and Malcolm is back. -_-

Okay, and this is where things get tricky, because most events in this book would make much more sense if I had read the previous Subterranean Press volume untitled Brazen _ which I didn't, because TIME is scarce, also because I didn't know that the time-line in these stories was that strict!
So reading this, I found out that a certain womaniser character has actually settled down, and that Malcolm _ yes, the big Bad Wolf _ is trying to get back in the Pack.

The story?
Gruesome as it can get: this time a certain clan of werewolf's is being targeted, and Elena faces one of her biggest challenges as alpha.
It was also nice to see that fatherhood has been good to Clayton: he definitely feels more humane that he did in the initial volumes of the series.
The writing is fluid and to the point as ever, so if you're a fan of the series you're probably going to love this as well.

Author's Official Site

Subterranean Press ebook

Subterranean Press physical book

Bookdepository.com ( currently not available)

Deceptions ( Cainsville # 3) by Kelley Armstrong

Actual rating.... 2,75 -_-

Okay, there isn't much more I can say about this series without going into full spoiler mode.
I've already mentioned more than once how I love the story: the mystery of it, the creepiness in it, both of them are winners.

The characters as per usual KA are also extremely well developed: as such, if I could, I would goble the entire series _ five volumes? _ in a row. Unfortunately, the last volumes have not yet been released. Bummer. -__-

So why this rating?
The romance thing, you guys!! It is frustrating and it should be irrelevant to the story, but it isn't, because of course the whole thing is completely entangled!
As such, we have two amazing guys: Gabriel who most times ends up being a twat but whose background has made it impossible for us not to root for him, and Rick (y), who despite the juvenile name is everything Olivia could ask for and more.
As if that wasn't already problematic, there's also the small issue of a pre-ordained fate for those three.
Yes, this means PARANORMAL ROMANCE ISSUES, you guys.
So on one side there's this creepy mystery related with Olivia's parent's, aka the mass murder killers... maybe... and then on the other side we have elements of the Great Hunt. The way they're intertwined is pretty great, but the love triangle, or better yet, the possibility for a love triangle is just tainting everything!

p.s- Yes, I may be a little dramatic
p.s1- Deal with it.
p.s2- This cover. This cover. Argh!! My eyes.

Author's Official Site

Bookdepository.com (I am directing you to the paperback edition, but there's a couple more you guy's might want to check out.)

Visions (Cainsville #2) by Kelley Armstrong

Okay, here's the thing: I'll probably read anything that the author writes.

Kelley Armstrong definitely knows how to tell a tale, and the mystery behind this series is addictive as hell.
~FYI, I had forgotten what it felt to want to binge read a series this much. Cainsville brought that feeling back.~

Then I freaking love the characters...
Okay, I may have a soft spot for Gabriel, due to the shorts stories that I read in Led Astray

I loved Olivia in the first book: she was resourceful and just a strong character all around. Now, I am not saying that that changes in this book.
It doesn't.
What does change, is that, while Omens is a thriller with bits of paranormal in it, Visions enters the paranormal romance department and I kind of hated that. -_-
While it can be debatable the presence or not of a love triangle we know that the thing is there!
Sure, Olivia should go on with her live. It isn't as if she's cheating on anyone since that person has a lot of intimacy issues and may need a bat to the head to figure out what is happening with his own heart, but it still felt strange especially due to the paranormal aspect of the relationship.
Was I the only one who felt that they were behaving like a pair of werewolf's?
________

What can I say?
Maybe I am biased because I really couldn't care less about those two as as couple, and as such the whole thing was just boring for me to read.
I would have liked more focus on the mystery and less frolicking by the end of the road with Rick.
Even if Rick is a great guy. He is. He really is. 
The thing is that the author has made it impossible to not prefer Gabriel over Rick!
So annoying.

p.s- You know what is also extremely anoying?
The change in the covers design. -_-
The third one seems like it belongs in a completely different "family". o_O


Author's Official Site

Bookdepository.com ( be aware however that this cover, is just one of many others...)

Omens ( Cainsville #1) by Kelley Armstrong

As sure as the sun eventually rises, I knew that I would read this book one of these days.
When?
Not sure, but I would get to it. After all, it was written by one of my favourite authors.

Strangely _or maybe nor_, it was while I was reading Kelley Armstrong's anthology "Led Astray" that I saw what I was missing out on not having started this series way sooner...although, now, I have the benefit of being able to read three books all in one row. Ahah! :D

So, let's start by calling things by their actual names. Is this an urban fantasy dash paranormal romance novel?
Humm, not really. In fact, if I hadn't read Led Astray that shone some light on what is happening in Cainsville, I would probably be suffering from "what the hell is going in here, people?"
This means that in the end I read this as your "basic" psychological suspense thriller with bits of the odd thrown in, once in awhile.

I love it that the author knows how to keep a story flowing. You don't have to give the reader an info dump once every minute, if you just knew how to do things. And the author sure knows how to.
That way, I was finally able to finish a story in a little over one day: huge thing for me, guys.

Also, I remember that I went to sleep thinking about what was going to happen in the story.
It got me invested in it. What more can I ask?

The characters, as usual, are well developed and interesting. I liked how in this one, they feel more raw. I liked how there wasn't the typical and immediate romance... between certain characters...

Having read "Led Astray" I was really curious about Gabriel and Patrick, so it was "nice" to seem them once again. As well as all the other folks in Cainville.
Definitely recommended to all of you who like a good mystery and who like to be kept on the edge of their seat.

On to the second one! :D

Author Official Site

Bookdepository.com

The Seventh Bride by T. Kingfisher

Another day, another retelling. This one vaguely based on the Bluebeard tale...
It has a miller's daughter as the main character and a resourceful hedgehog as the cute sidekick.

Thing is, despite my attempt at lightness, this story couldn't be further away from it.
The writing may feel a little too plain at times _ for which reason I took a star from the final rating _ and the character may feel a little too young, but once again _ read my review of Bryony and Roses _ I feel that this book should be directed at an older crowd.

There's scenes in this that could make it a home in a horror tale.

However despite praising the story's worth, I just couldn't connect with the characters.
Yes, at first glance everything seems to be there: the main characters are a group of very different women. Yes, they form a friendship of a kind to escape their captor, but, I don't know... I guess they felt very one dimensional.
The focus of the tale, it is on the story, and as such, I was left feeling as if any character could represent the roles that needed to be played.
The characters are not that memorable.

On the positive side, I liked how there wasn't any stupid new adult vibe of "oh, let's try to romanticize to bastard who has all of us captives".
 -____________-
Unfortunately it bears saying, since there appears to be a current trend to brainwash girls/woman's brains into seeing abusive jackasses as romantic types.

Bottom line, it was a good story, but if I had to chose between this one and T. Kingfisher's other book that I've recently read, I would still go with "Bryony and Roses".

Author's Official Site

BookDepository.com

The Legend of Lyon Redmond ( Pennyroyal Green #11) by Julie Anne Long

Warning: Some mild spoilers ahead.

Although I've read almost all the books in this series _ that's right, I still haven't read the famous book about Violet _, only a small number of them are actually favourites.
Normally the more recent ones... but as you can see it isn't a done deal.

My indisputable favourite still is, What I did For a Duke. Compared with Genevieve and Falconbridge's romance, Lyon and Olivia are just forgettable secondary characters.

As much as I wanted, I just couldn't care about them.
Their insta love and all that follows felt very immature, so I really couldn't understand what all the fuss was about. But I am a grumpy old cat lady ;)

I didn't like the format in which the story was told, because in the first half we get to see Lyon and Olivia falling in love, and like I already mentioned it was very insta...everything. I didn't get that sense of... FATE.
Then they fight as couples do, and he decides to go away, and she to pine over him... until she agrees to marry someone else, in which moment Lyon decides to come back.
Frankly my favourite character ended up the jilted groom.
So Lyon comes back and he decides to put Olivia to a test...
Thing is still couldn't feel their connection. There wasn't enough romance for it.

I know which test I would put him through, but that wouldn't be polite to write in here. o_O

So, sorry, but this definitely didn't work out for me... unless we're talking about "are you fuc***g kidding me?" moments, in which case I experienced a lot of those.
Oh, well, maybe the next book will be of the poor guy who was _______ __ __A____.
Really mature of you, ___. *eye roll*

Author's Official Site

Bookdepository.com