Well, hello there! Can you believe it’s July already? I set my reading goal at 60 and have read 32 so far, which puts me at 2 ahead of schedule. Not bad. I usually do a post to share my mid-year top reads, but then I saw Rowena’s Mid-Year Book Freak Out post and decided to mix it up. So I’m doing that and my top five reads so far this year. As usual, I’m only including books that were published in 2018. The links will go to my reviews if there is one.
Best book you’ve read
This was an easy choice. I loved Starry Eyes to pieces! Jenn has easily made my list three years in a row. ♥
Best sequel you’ve read
I’ve read quite a few books that are part of a series & series finales, but only two that are technically sequels. Hideaway is definitely the winner.
New release you haven’t read yet but want to
Iron Magic! It’s waiting on my Kindle for me. Soon, my precious. Soon.
Most anticipated release for the 2nd half of the year
The Andrews are blessing us this year with so many new books! Magic Triumphs is the Kate Daniel series finale, and Dimond Fire is from A Hidden Legacy series.,
Biggest disappointment
I had high hopes, but Bane was meh.
Biggest surprise
I shouldn’t have been surprised by how good Lifelike was, but I’m so glad I was.
Favorite new author (Debut or new to you)
Ahhh The Kiss Quotient was so good! I can’t wait to read Hoang’s next book.
Newest fictional crush
Okay, there are three or four I could easily choose from, all of them are different types of characters, but I went with Kai from Hideaway because he’s what I’m in the mood for right now. 😉
Newest favorite character
There are several great characters to choose from, but Lemon Fresh from Lifelike has a special place in my heart.
Book that made you cry
It’s a CoHo book, so it shouldn’t be any surprise that All Your Perfects caused some waterworks.
Book that made you happy
Alright, I’m putting two. Starry Eyes is a given, but Dear Dwayne, With Love deserves to be acknowledged here because it made me very happy. 🙂
Favorite book to film adaptation you saw this year
Most beautiful book you’ve bought so far this year (or received)
All my books are digital and I haven’t been overly impressed with the covers, but I do really like Birthday Girl.
What books do you need to read by the end of the year?
Ha! This could go on forever. But two that I’m super eager to read soon is Words in Deep Blue and Birthday Girl.
Top Reads (so far)
I’m keeping this to five, and like I said, only books published this year.
Have you read any of these?
What are some of your picks?
Ooh this tag is fun. Starry Eyes has climbed onto my TBR and won’t leave, so I guess I gotta read it. 🙂 All those good reviews! I keep seeing good stuff about Kiss Quotient too.
I agree, Birthday Girl does have a nice cover.
Yay for being ahead in reading. Loved Starry Eyes and Kiss Quotient too. I just bought Dear Dwayne! Words in Deep Blue is one I have to get to too.
Oh fun! I did this one, too, though I’m not sure when Shari will be posting it. I think I picked Iron and Magic for the same answer. Oh, you remind me, I still need to read Starry Eyes! Loved it, Christy!
Ooh, I loved your list! The Kiss Quotient and Diamond Fire and Starry Eyes? Love it!
I haven’t read any of your top books outside of The Kiss Quotient so I’m going to have to add those to my lists. Thanks for sharing, Christy!
Looks like you have had a pretty good year with your books. I am curious about The Kiss Quotient as I have heard really good things about it. I am also curious about Lifelike but not sure if it’s to syfy for me also heard it has a heck of a cliffy at the end! 🙂
I need to read the Eliza Gordon and I have the new Ilona Andrews waiting on my Kindle as well. I am so behind. I also have Lifelike audiobook checked out from the library. Too many good books so little time these days. Summer is so crazy busy.
I love that Words In Deep Blue cover. Very eyecatching!
I’ve read good reviews of The Kiss Quotient so might give that a try myself.
YOU MUST READ IRON AND MAGIC NOW!!!! O.O !!!!! I love this post! I might endeavor to try it O.O And holy crap, Diamond has a cover finally! Beautiful!! And yes, Lemon Fresh… where will Jay take us next?
Awesome list. I have Iron and Magic on my kindle, but I am holding out for the audio..lol
I haven’t read of these but I’ve good things about some of them.
I read Iron and Magic last week and love it! Magic Triumphs is beyond amazing. I can’t wait to see what you think of the new and upcoming Ilona Andrews books. I really need to get to The Kiss Quotient. I have a copy sitting on my bookshelf and everyone seems to love it!
I really really want to read Hideaway, I have really enjoyed reading Penelope Douglas in the past. Her writing is so deep and really tears through your emotions.
Looks like you’re doing great on the reading challenge. I sooo want to read The Kiss Quotient!
Yes to so many of these too Christy! I also have the new Andrews book waiting on my kindle. It’s been crazy here and I’ve been waiting for the right time to start it, soon! I can’t wait to get more Hugh.
I haven’t read any of these but there are many that I am curious to check out such as Lifelike, Starry Eyes, and Dear Dwayne.
-Lauren
I agree with a lot up there! Especially with how good Starry Eyes was and of course The Kiss Quotient! I cannot wait to read more from Helen Hoang. 🙂
I’ve heard great things about Lifelike. It’s on my TBR list! I already need to read the Red Rising books!
You have some great books on here! I love, love, loved Starry Eyes (Jenn Bennett is my JAM), The Kiss Quotient, and Words in Deep Blue (hope you get to read this one soon)! They’ve been three of my favorite books this year. <3
I also really enjoyed Ilona Andrews' Hidden Legacy series, so I'm excited to read what else she has out (especially the new Iron and Magic). You really channeled my brainwaves for this post. 😉
L @ Do You Dog-ear?
Sounds like you’ve read a lot of great books so far! I have not read any of them lol, but I’ve heard good things about some of them! I keep seeing Lifelike everywhere!
Oh good list! I think you added a few to my curiosity pile! 🙂 Oh and I can’t believe it is July either!
Awesome book collection. There have many interesting book to read. There have lot of book .What ever i like to read book and writing book. There you share countries book and some love history. I am so love that to read. There some interesting think .Thanks for sharing your great information.
I’ve heard such great things about Life L1k3 and Words in Deep Blue! I can’t wait to read both! Glad you loved Life L1k3!
Lemon Fresh was spectacular wasn’t she! I absolutely loved her and I’m hoping we see alternating points of view from her in the sequel. Jenn Bennett can honestly do no wrong! I’ve actually just purchased her Spirits adult series to see me through until her next young adult release. I think this is what it might mean to be a fangirl. Words in Deep Blue is such a lovely read. Cath Crowley’s writing is a lot like Jenn Bennett too, lots of snark and banter with big hearts. Can’t wait to see what you think of it Christy! ♡♡♡
I have not read any of these books. You are rocking the reading challenge. Good job.
I haven’t read any of these yet, but there is quite a few on my TBR!