Blog Tour: Seeker by Veronica Rossi

Rating: 3.5 stars

Release Date: May 16, 2017

Publisher: Tor Teen

Genre: young adult paranormal

Format/Source: hardcover, from the publisher

Status: Book 2 of the Riders series (I think it's just a duology?)

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review as part of the blog tour, which was organized & hosted by BookNerd Blog Tours. This does not affect the content of my review. The full tour schedule can be found HERE. Please go give my fellow tour hosts some love!

Summary:

When Daryn claimed she was seeing visions during her sophomore year of high school, no one believed the truth. She wasn't losing her mind, she was gaining the Sight the ability to see the future. If she just paid attention to the visions, they'd provide her with clues and show her how she could help people. Really help them. Daryn embraced her role as a Seeker. The work she did was important. She saved lives.

Until Sebastian.

Sebastian was her first and worst mistake.

Since the moment she inadvertently sealed him in a dark dimension with Samrael the last surviving demon in the Kindred guilt has plagued her. Daryn knows Sebastian is alive and waiting for help. It's up to her to rescue him. But now that she needs the Sight more than ever to guide her, the visions have stopped.

Daryn must rely on her instincts, her intelligence, and on blind faith to lead the riders who are counting on her in search of Sebastian. As they delve into a shadowy realm where nothing is as it seems and where Samrael is steadily amassing power, Daryn faces the ultimate test. Will she have to become evil to destroy evil? The very fate of humankind rests in the answer.

Review: Boomerang by Noelle August

Rating: 5 stars

Pub Date: July 8, 2014

Publisher: William Morrow (Harper Collins)

Genre: new adult contemporary romance

Format/Source: DRC, Edelweiss

Status: Book 1 of the Boomerang companion series

Summary:

The first book in a sensational New Adult trilogy from Noelle August.

Welcome to Boomerang.com, the dating site for the millennial gen with its no-fuss, no-commitments matchups, and where work is steamier than any random hook-up

Mia Galliano is an aspiring filmmaker. Ethan Vance has just played his last game as a collegiate soccer star. They’re sharp, hungry for success, and they share a secret.

Last night, Ethan and Mia met at a bar, and, well . . . one thing led to another, which led to them waking up the next morning—together. Things turned awkward in a hurry when they found themselves sharing a post hookup taxi . . . to the same place: Boomerang headquarters.

What began as a powerful connection between them is treated to a cold shower courtesy of two major complications. First, Boomerang has a strict policy against co-worker dating. And second, they’re now competitors for only one job at the end of summer.

As their internships come to an end, will they manage to keep their eyes on the future and their hands off each other, or will the pull of attraction put them right back where they started?

Dark Days of Winter 2014 Recap

Last fall, Aubry and Margot announced the Dark Days of Winter tour on a special Epic Reads Tea Time, and I was like, "Tennessee, huh? Time to visit the fam!" For the rest of the fall and winter, I planned and saved to get ready for my trip. On February 20, around 7 am, my sister, 4 month old niece, and I climbed into my car and began our 10 hour (not including stops, which were frequent because, hello, infant!) trek back to the homeland. Oh, and by the way, this happened:

For some context, this radar shot is from about 9:40 PM. The event started at...6:30? I think? That line of storms basically just sat around during the entire event, which was at the B&N just south of Nashville proper in Brentwood. The storms were so bad that the B&N employees asked us to stay inside. There was thunder. There was lightning. There were tornado watches. Kiersten joked that it was an ether storm, courtesy of Veronica.

This event will stand as one of my favorites because there were a lot of authors in the house, even more than the four actually on tour. I got to meet some of my favorites, and that just made my whole trip awesome! Although I wish I'd known in advance that they were coming because I totally own some of their books!

Left to right: Beth Revis, Victoria Schwab, Courtney C. Stevens, Ransom Riggs, me, Stephanie Perkins! Side note: Beth, Victoria, and Stephanie were kind enough to sign some extra books for me so...yeah. ;)

I was also really glad to see my college friend Aleesha at the event and blogger friend Jessica of Lovin' Los Libros. I may be a Texan now, but that doesn't mean that going back to Tennessee doesn't feel like coming home. <3

me with Jessica

Q1. All your books feature very strong heroines. Were you inspired by any other strong literary heroinces/
Sophie Jordan (SJ): There are soooo many in fiction. Anne of Green Gables. Also just what is fascinating, taking a character who is weak, put her through a difficult situation. She will gain strength and courage throughout.
Tahereh Mafi (TM): Matilda is my favorite heroine in fiction. She is one of the fiercest heroines, and she chose books over everything. I really admired her for her great inner strength.
Veronica Rossi (VR): Hermione. You can't get too much better than her, although I didn't actively model Aria after any character or even a real person.
Kiersten White (KW): I used to read a lot of high fantasy when I was younger, and it's always a lot of guys with powers saving the world with lots of girls who are their love interests. When I read the Wheel of Time series with not one, not two, but three love interests, I thought no. We need more strong girls. Boys are great; they make excellent kissing scene partners. I didnt have it growing up. My girls are not necessarily the strongest, but they do the best with what they have.

Veronica & Tahereh

Q2. Pantsers or plotters?
SJ: I have to sit down and plot to answer those questions. I think about things, make it plausible. I create a map and then don't always follow it at all.
TM: There's no one right way to write a book. One author may do it differently for each book. I say if you've got a finished book, you're doing it right. I like the first book to be organic. Then I'll have a loose outline. It changes book to book. I like that writing is a pants-optional lifestyle.
VR: I agree with that. The middle book is very different from the first or the last. Also, each genre may be different. I just wrote a manuscript which is 350 pages with little plot.
KW: I hate wearing pants... It varies book by book. Some I outline; some I didn't know I was going to write until I sat down to write it.

Q3. Do you feel self-conscious when writing? How do you break through when you don't feel good about what you're writing?
SJ: I can't call my mom because she tells me that's just stupid. So I tell my writer friends, and my husband asks who he needs to throat punch. I let it come in the first draft; I don't judge myself. I know it'll come with editing.
TM: Writers are so so weird, which is why this is fun. I have some days when I'm writing, and I'm in it, in the zone–Auto Zone–and then I go to bed and wake up and I'm like, "that was terrible! What am I doimg?!" In the span of twelve hours, I think I am a genius/I am the worst! There's no solution. It helps to talk about it. Ransom and my mom, anyone who will listen. The worst is when they agree with you, say, "you bring up a good point," and I'm like, "no stop! All I need is for you to agree with me!"
VR: Finding people who understand is key, but for me, it's a question whether I need to step away for a little bit. When you have those little crises, it's a fear thing. I like to go on a binge of things I find inspiring. We have such a great community, so many people you can lean on.
KW: I don't have that option. It's good to have author friends because they understand. Normal people don't understand like accountants...
[they asked their writer friends in the audience to share their thoughts, and this was the best answer]
Beth Revis: VODKA

Q4. Veronica and Tahereh, where are your books set in the modern world?
TM: I purposely did not want to clarify; I wanted it to feel like anywhere. But it was always in my mind as southern California.
VR: I also deliberately didn't say where, but I did a lot of research in central California.

Kiersten & Sophie

Q5. What was your favorite book to write?
KW: Mind Games. It was wonderful and obsessive and I totally lost myself to it. I wrote it in nine days and spent time editing it. Meanwhile The Chaos of Stars took a year and a half. It was the one that was least fun to write but means the most to me.
SJ: Firelight is special because it was my first ya. Now it is Uninvited because it's done. It's the near future, where I grew up, modeled after my school campus. There was a cage at my school that was the on-campus suspension room.
VR: It's not the one I finished, but the one I'm working on now because I'm so excited about it.
TM: Veronica and I are always seated next to each other because we're in love. We're getting married. Our husbands are attending. My answer is the same. I can't talk about what I'm working on now, but it is the best thing I've ever written.

Q6. If you could live in any book world, what would it be?
SJ: I don't know!
VR: Harry Potter.
KW: Harry Potter.
Audience member: Even if you were a Muggle?
KW: Of course I wouldnt be a Muggle!
TM: How dare you! I agree, but I'd also live in Stars Hollow with Lorelei and Rory Gilmore.

 ALL the authors!

Q7. What are your best tricks for getting past writers' block?
SJ: I skipped to a scene I was really excited about, and then I wrote the whole book out of sequence. Some people can do that; that's their process.
KW: have you ever heard of accountants block or plumbers block? Well, no, I did know of a plumber with plumbers block. I know what I need to do, but I'd rather watch 4seasons of dr. Who. Writers block happens when im writing the wrong story or I'm forcing the characters to do something they shouldnt. I messed something up. Getting started is the hardest part.
TM: I agree. That was beautiful. I have nothing to add.
VR: Yep. I agree.
KW: I wrote the hottest scene in book [Annie & ____ in Perfect Lies] for Stephanie Perkims and then knew I would have to format book to keep that scene. Sorry, I answered twice. That was so rude!

Q8. Where do you find your inspiration?
SJ: It's the little things that have happened in the course of our lives. The cage from my school stayed with me and when I needed it, I could pull it.
TM: I would just say writers are thieves. We steal anything from anyone and everyone. We are inspired from totally random things. When I'm thinking about a book, I put on headphones and go on tumblr and infinite scroll. So much talent. That's when I can't leave my house. I dive into a story. I surround myself with art and literature. If I can leave, I'll go on an adventure. You need input for output.
VR: There was an art teacher who looked down on a boy for creating a painting in four hours, but it didn't just take four hours. It really took nineteen years. You are culmination of your experience. It's hard for me to say this one particular thing is so inspiring.
KW: I draw my inspiration from Tahereh's life. People are so fascinating. I also get inspiration from consuming other forms of entertainment. Movies, music, travel to other landscapes.

Kiersten & Sophie, two of my favorites to hang out with

Q9. Do you get emotional while writing? How do you cope?
SJ: It's okay to cry. Better to be emotional because you want to evoke emotion in the reader.
TM: I write my books in bursts. When I am writing a character, I need to throw muself into their life, their emotions. I feel like I have a fever, hot, dizzy confused. I feel very deeply. If I can't feel it, you can't.
VR: I think I write for that reason. Otherwise it's boring. Who wants to read a book that doesn't illicit emotion?
KW: I have no emotions. I'm a robot.

Q10. Was it daunting to go into the last book of a series?
SJ: I thought knew how Firelight would end, but I wrote the ending, then wrote another. I had two equally viable endings. I wanted a chose your own ending, but my editor said no, I had to pick.
TM: I felt true fear when writing the third book because the third book is one big decision: choosing between this person or that person. She chooses to be awesome, I do whatever the hell I want. That was what I wanted to come across more than anything else. But yes, lots of threats. Emails and tweets. You guys have a lot of feelings! There's no way to satisfy everyone. Once you understand that, you have to go with your gut!
VR: I had more fear with the second book. We're usually writing a year behind. There was a whole host of things I was getting feedback on. By the time the third one rolled around, I found my true north again. I know what I want to do. I want my fans, my editor, my agent to be happy.
KW: Someone wrote a new last chapter to Endlessly. They changed everything. I found this amuaing, but I like how I ended it. It's an emotionally honest ending; there is a catharsis whether or not it ends how you wanted it to end. Young adult is about letting your characters grow through horrible experiences and leaving them at the gates of adulthod.

This is serious deja vu. I've seen Tahereh and Veronica on three Dark Days tours, Tahereh once at the Irving Library, Sophie about four times this year, and Kiersten at two different TLA conferences plust this tour. These ladies are awesome, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to see them so much. Let's do it again! (actually, we ARE doing it again. Veronica will be in Dallas in July and Sophie in October)

I already posted my recap for the 2014 Dark Days of Summer tour, and to celebrate all the Dark Days-ness going on, I'm holding a giveaway! Two winners will be chosen, and each will win a set of four signed books with each set representing either the summer or winter tour. First place will get to choose which set they want, and second place will receive the other. This giveaway is US only.

Winter prize pack: signed copies of Sophie Jordan's Uninvited, Kiersten White's Perfect Lies, Veronica Rossi's Into the Still Blue, and Tahereh Mafi's Shatter Me

Summer prize pack: signed copies of Kelley Armstrong's Sea of Shadows, Danielle Paige's Dorothy Must Die, Kimberly Derting's The Taking, and Kiera Cass's The One

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Top Ten Tuesday #48: BFF Books

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme created by The Broke and The Bookish. Each week the girls at B&B think up a fun theme, and participating bloggers post their favorite 10 books in that category. This week's theme is

Top Ten Books About Friendship

YA is known for primarily showcasing young love, first love, and all that good stuff. But there are also many incredible books filled with shining examples of true love among friends. These are my favorite books with frienships, whether the friends in them are boys, girls, boys and girls, contemporary, paranormal, have known each other forever or are kind of new. The relationships in these books make me want these characters for my own friends, and in many ways, they kinda are. Oftentimes, I'll cherish a good friendship just as much as a good ya romance, but if you give me friends who are disloyal and fickle, watch out. I am about 90% more likely to dislike that book. These books are my absolute favorite examples of amazing and real friendships. The friends in them aren't perfect; they fight and hurt one another's feelings, but their friendships are strong and lasting, even with all the crap these characters go through.

 

 

 

 

What do you think of my picks? Are any of these friendships your favorites too? Share your own picks and your links in the comments!

Review: Into the Still Blue by Veronica Rossi

Rating:  3 1/2 stars
Pub Date: January 28, 2013
Publisher: Harper Collins
Genre: young adult science fiction, futuristic dystopian fantasy
Format/Source: DRC, Edelweiss
Status: Final book in the Under the Never Sky trilogy

Summary:
The earth-shattering conclusion to Veronica Rossi's "masterpiece" Under the Never Sky trilogy and sequel to the New York Times bestselling Through the Ever Night (Examiner.com).

Their love and their leadership have been tested. Now it's time for Perry and Aria to unite the Dwellers and the Outsiders in one last desperate attempt to bring balance to their world.

The race to the Still Blue has reached a stalemate. Aria and Perry are determined to find this last safe-haven from the Aether storms before Sable and Hess do-and they are just as determined to stay together.

Meanwhile, time is running out to rescue Cinder, who was abducted by Hess and Sable for his unique abilities. And when Roar returns to camp, he is so furious with Perry that he won't even look at him, and Perry begins to feel like they have already lost.

Out of options, Perry and Aria assemble a team to mount an impossible rescue mission-because Cinder isn't just the key to unlocking the Still Blue and their only hope for survival, he's also their friend. And in a dying world, the bonds between people are what matter most.

In this final book in her stunning Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi raises the stakes to their absolute limit and brings her epic love story to an unforgettable close.

Top Ten Tuesday #23: Covers I Want to Redesign

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme created by The Broke and The Bookish. Each week the girls at B&B think up a fun theme, and participating bloggers post their favorite 10 books in that category. This week's theme is

Top Ten Covers I Want to Redesign

Sooooo....I know some of my picks this week are going to be shredded by fellow fans. Please know that just because a book is on here doesn't mean I don't like the series or even the cover. I just don't think it's a perfect fit for the story. Because of the shocking nature of my picks, I'm going to ease you into it with my less-disputed choices first and the ones that are likely to have me murdered will be at the bottom of the post. Please don't kill me. *hides*

1. Shades of Earth by Beth Revis. I have a feeling I am NOT alone in posting this cover today. After the absolute GORGEOUSNESS that was Across the Universe and A Million Suns, this was a major disappointment. I get wanting to masculine-ize a series to interest a different audience than the typical ya-loving teenage (or teenage-at-heart) fangirl, but the redesign could have come with the release of the paperback. Now, it's like Shades of Earth is the runt of the litter, the unloved proverbial redheaded stepchild (no offense to Amy!). THIS was pretty much my reaction when I saw it, especially at 0:14. Just substitue "this cover" for "shunshine."

2. Synchrony by Cindy Ray Hale. I think the cover of Destiny is really lovely and very well done for a self-published novel. However, this has the look of a self-pub. It's amateur, and I cannot abide by the male models posture/shirt. He looks oddly slumped. I think this pose is forced and awkward. If this were a photo of a real couple, I might put it on Awkward Family Photos. The distance between them fits the chaste nature of Destiny and Isaac's relationship, but I don't feel the passion between these two models. I really think Cindy should have attempted to use the same cover designer as the first book because it was sweet and definitely presented a more professional look.

3. Fins Are Forever by Tera Lynn Childs. I like Forgive My Fins and Just for Fins, but this one doesn't fit. If you start off with the cover model looking away from the camera, you should stick with that. FMF and JFF are ethereal and mysterious, but this one just falls flat for me. I'm not opposed to the punk look, but I don't think that feel gels with the story or the other two covers.

4. The Grass Is Always Greener by Jen Calonita. Um, who is this supposed to be? Zoe, maybe? Because Izzy is on the cover of Belles, and Mira is on Winter White...but there are only two girls so WHO IS THIS?! I think it should have been a cover with both girls on it. Also, there should be a fourth book in the series because three just didn't do it for me.

5. Iron Legends by Julie Kagawa. I like the covers for The Iron Fey and Call of the Forgotten okay, but I can't STAND this cover. It's SO amateur. I saw all of the pictures from this photoshoot, and I honestly hate them all. 1. I can't stand Puck. He's not mischievous-looking enough for me, and, to be extraordinarily shallow, his eyebrows freak me out. 2. Ash is too human. I could have used more photoshop for him to look more fey-like. 3. I just don't feel the intensity from these models. Zero chemistry and zero emotion at all, really. My apologies to Julie and Harlequin Teen, but I really think you guys can do much better.

6. Evertrue by Brodi Ashton. I love this series, and the covers are lovely. Everneath is definitely a favorite of mine because of the dress (Elie Saab 2011, which is the same line of that lovely purple gown that Mila Kunis wore to the Oscars). I like Evertrue, especially the way the skirt swirls into the mist, but I don't care for the dress. I'm just not wild about the red rushing around the middle. *shrugs* Call me shallow, but if there was a different dress on this cover, I'd adore it 100%.

7. Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor. This is a cool cover, but it's a bit creepy. Also, I'm not wild about the photograph. It looks somewhat fake, particularly the mask, which seems stuck on. I prefer the vibe of Days of Blood & Starlight with the intense paint/makeup. It's easier to see the model's emotions in her eyes. However, I do like that on this one, the title doesn't obscure the model's face.

8. Earthbound by Aprilynne Pike. Don't get me wrong. I think both covers are lovely. However, the first is a too photoshop-heavy for my liking, what with the boys faces in the bubbles and the kaleidoscope effect. LOVE the font, though. I'm really sad that won't carry over. As for the second, it's not...pretty enough. I mean, I like it, but I think it should be, I don't know, just prettier, like the first. Also, I can't tell you the utter RAGE I feel when covers change mid-series. STAHP IT!

9. Through the Ever Night & Into the Still Blue by Veronica Rossi. I actually really like the cover of Under the Never Sky because Aria looks like a BAMF. However, I actually think TTEN and ITSB look a bit cheap as far as the photoshop goes. C'mon, HC, I know you guys have better artists than putting out a vague background with people plopped right in front. Perry is hot, of course, but I think the models lack any chemistry on ITSB. These aren't bad, but they aren't great. I kind of prefer the British covers.

10. Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi. Ah, yes, the one that's most likely to get me shot by rabid fans. Although both covers are lovely, I don't feel like either one really showcases this series the way a spectacular cover can. I love the effect behind Juliette on the first and the way the words are broken, but please. Pretty girl in a prom dress has NOTHING to do with the story. And as for the second, despite being lovely and despite Tahereh's AH-MAZING explanation behind the open/shut cover treatments for the full-length novels vs novellas, I feel like eyes are overdone. And again, don't have a lot to do with the series as a whole.

So that's my list. What are your picks for your less-than-favorite covers? Share your TTT links if you've got 'em!

And, because I started participating in TTT after this topic was done and I love finding loopholes that allow me to do WAY more than ten books a week, I will present you with some of my favorite book covers.

I do like covers with people on them, but I generally (not always) like it when the face is cropped out a little. I think it gives readers the opportunity to use the image of the characters in their own minds. Burning is just stunning. The Gallagher Girls have great covers as an entire series, each book unique but a great overall theme. Wither has lovely details that are oh-so-helpfully pointed out, but there's still so much to look for on these covers, and the model has a lovely broken pose that perfectly embodies the despair and hopelessness most of the characters portray in the series. The Art of Lainey is totally adorable and darling. LOVE the tear on The Immortal Rules. I was so sad when this cover got redone for the paperback.

LOVE the photoshoot S&S used for the Mara Dyer series. So much passion and chemistry between the models. Dare You To also exhibits a steamy couple with amazing chemistry. I spent so much time staring at the actual cover of the book as well (under the dust jacket), which shows another picture from this photoshoot. My sister and I were in fits over Ryan's arm muscles. Biggest Flirts is so fun and flirty. Love how it shows off an actual senior superlative shoot. Just Like Fate's cover perfectly matches the split plot of the novel. Winger cracks me up, and I love how the model looks like (to me) Neil Patrick Harris.

Matched may have been disappointing plot-wise, but these covers are amazing and fit the series so well. The photographer/model did a lovely job. Fangirl is darling. I love the cartoony feel. The Grisha series covers are pretty simple upon first glance, but I realized they tell quite the story with those few details. Can't wait to see Ruin and Rising's cover! Love and Other Uses for Duct Tape is perfect for the story. Love the duct tape rose. I want to cry every time I look at the cover for Twenty Boy Summer. The heart made out of sea glass...with the one red piece...I just can't!

Chaos of Stars is one of my favorite covers EVER. Love the emphasis on the title, but the background is so lovely too! Revenge also focuses on the title, and I love the added detail of the lipstick font. The broken pearl necklace is a great metaphor for the drama in She's So Dead to Us. LOVE Side Effects May Vary's cover. I love this new trend of really emphasizing the title while simultaneously giving little details about the plot. I love models and all, but there are only so many poses available to real people. Text and font can be limitless. And finally, I love how the Secrets of My Hollywood Life series has different diary covers that portray Kaitlin's, well, life in Hollywood. Princess Diaries and Artemis Fowl also used this successfully, but I love how SOMHL changes the pattern every time.

Top Ten Tuesday #12: Most Memorable Secondary Characters

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme created by The Broke and The Bookish. Each week the girls at B&B think up a fun theme, and participating bloggers post their favorite 10 books in that category. This week's theme is

Top Ten Most Memorable Secondary Characters

Guys, I have a type. I am well aware of this, and no, I don't have a problem with it.

Can you guess what it is?

1. Emmett from Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. Words can't express how much I adore Emmett. I mean, he's big, tall, and ridiculously handsome. He's also hilarious and from the mountains of East Tennessee, just like me. The fact that Emmett was played by Kellen Lutz, who I fell in love with when he was the seemingly-stupid skateboarder from Accepted just made me swoon even more. You may hate the end of Breaking Dawn (or the entire book), but I think that had the field confrontation gone down differently, my poor Emmett would have been a goner. I can only be grateful that Steph spared him and, in the process, me. Oh, and Rose, I guess. Psh.

2. Eddie from Vampire Academy/Bloodlines by Richelle Mead. Poor Eddie hasn't had it easy. He was a pretty happy-go-lucky guy. Talented, but kind of a goofball and then WHAM! The guy gets kidnapped and used as a dhampir vending machine for the feeding pleasure of a sadistic douchenozzle of a vampire. Also, his best friend dies at the hands of the same douchenozzle vamp. He has major guilt issues and Gets Serious about his education and life in general. The guy is majorly loyal and incredibly masochistic. By the time Bloodlines rolls around, he's fallen in Like-with-a-capital-L with his charge...who is dating his closest friend. Talk about rough. I adore Eddie, and I only hope Richelle gives him his Happily Ever After. He deserves it! Can't wait to see how Eddie is played in the movies!

3. Henry from My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick. I mean, how could I not? I'm in love with Henry. I just want to cuddle him all the time. The kid is adorable and a certifiable genius. I still maintain hope that one day Huntley will write a spin-off about him all grown up. The kid is destined to be a total heartbreaker for sure.

4. Genya from Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo. I just really liked Genya. You could tell she'd been through some major crap in her life. I hope things turn out well for her. Her short story "The Tailor" shed a little light, which made me both more sympathetic and a little angry at her, but I have hope that she'll Do the Right Thing in the end.

5. Kenji from Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi. Such a prankster. He totally cracks me up. I love hearing Tahereh's stories about how she uses her brothers as inspiration as Kenji. I've heard her tell the "I can't hear myself talk" story like three times now and it never gets old.

6. Roar from Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi. Oh, Roar. I love you so. Big, loyal, kind, funny, but also surprisingly vulnerable. I love his and Perry's relationship, but I love him with Aria just as much. He's a total bro, in the best way. My heart breaks for him all the time, but it amazes me how he can just pick himself up and keep going.

7. Joey Cosentino from Winger by Andrew Smith. It never failed to make me laugh when Ryan Dean West would make some stupid comment or choice and Joey would always be there to keep him in check with a "grow up" or an eyeroll. Everybody needs someone with as much sense as Joey.

8. Ambrose from Die For Me by Amy Plum. Whenever there was trouble, Ambrose was there with a smile and some really big muscles as he ran around saying Katie-Lou. I wanted to smack him sometimes for being so blind, but he eventually got my not-so-telepathic message.

9. Hector from Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini. This guy. Like Emmett, he had the big brother role down. His complete devotion to his family, even when they literally all wanted to kill one another, is extraordinarily touching and inspirational. He never thought of himself, only of his loved ones, and he let his heart be open to new people to love. I don't want to give everything away, but Hector in Goddess made me sob uncontrollably.

10. Jack Dandy from the Steampunk Chronicles by Kady Cross. Oh, my. The accent. It's all about the accent. I actually have to say his dialogue aloud to get the almost-full experience. I have enjoyed every minute Jack has spent on the page. His relationship with Finley just cracks me up. "The Dark Discovery of Jack Dandy" was certainly intriguing. I haven't read Girl with the Iron Touch yet so I'm hoping the novella leads right in, and that Jack will be around for the remainder of the series.

11. I was remiss in forgetting another favorite so you'll have to forgive me for the late addition: Neville Longbottom from Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling. I was Neville fangirl way back in SS. I love that he always stood for the right, even when it meant standing against his friends. Neville is a boss. That is all.

And my all-time favorite secondary character:

Fred Weasley from Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling. I can't even. You guys know why. I don't have to tell you.

Honorable mention aka favorite secondaries who were upgraded to MCs: Adrian Ivashkov from VA/Bloodlines, Orion from Starcrossed, Jules from Revenants

I'm also REALLY loving the boys in the Medusa Girls (Sweet Venom) trilogy right now: Thane, Milo, & Nick. Also Sillus. Not quite favorites yet, but I adore them!

Well? Have you figured it out yet? Yes, I like the (often) big guys with big senses of humor. What can I say? Humor is sexy! Also, muscles, of course. Who is your favorite secondary? Have a TTT? Share in the comments!

Top Ten Tuesday #3: Best of 2013

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme created by The Broke and The Bookish. Each week the girls at B&B think up a fun theme, and participating bloggers post their favorite 10 books in that category. This week's theme is

Best Books of 2013 (so far)

A note: I've read some pretty wonderful novels this year. Like amazing, gorgeous, well-written, thought-provoking, sob-inducing pieces of literary genius. Sadly, I had to cap this list at ten. All are rated 5 stars, but I had to leave some 5 stars out and also some amazing 4 star books. So these are the books that made me think the most. That made me feel the most. That broke my heart the most. That healed me the most. That taught me the most. That made me fall in love the most. These books are...the most. At least of 2013. Well, the beginning of 2013. Consider this my fervent recommendation that you read them immediately. Also, these are in order from earliest read to most recent, not in order of ranking. I'd rather flog myself with a copy of of the OED than rank them any more than I already have. Speaking of, since these all garnered 5 stars from me, I decided to give a silly rating based on what is noticable about each book.

1. Just One Day by Gayle Forman. WHERE was this novel when I was a freshman in college?! Seriously, this is like the most true rendition of college, ever. If you haven't read One Day yet, prepare yourself for ALL TEH FEELS. Love, heartbreak, depression, sorrow, joy, loneliness, self-realization... I mean, this is the woman who brought us If I Stay so that should tell you something right there. I absolutely can't wait for Just One Year.
Rating: 5 out of 5 vacation romances with European actors

2. Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi. There's a well-known and loathed phenomenon known as the curse of the second book, meaning when the first book is awesome, the second is expected to be awesome and often falls prey to those high expectations. Well, clearly Veronica said, "Screw that," and wrote herself another fantastic story. More Perria! More drama! More romance! More danger! More everything! Mostly more Roar! *fangirls go wild* Even when I was mad at Veronica (unfortunately I read a really ridiculously sad part 5 minutes before meeting her and felt utterly betrayed and could only ask her WHY [she laughed at/with me]), I loved her. PS Cover for Into the Still Blue and 3 chapters were just released!
Rating: 5 out of 5 boys wearing tight leather pants

3. The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead. Richelle laughs in the face of the second book curse because clearly, it's never happened to her. As brilliant as her first books are, her second books never disappoint and TIS is no exception. All I can say is, "ADRIAAAAAAN!" :P And Sydney. Seriously, Sydrian makes me so happy, I can't even say. Fiery Heart is going to be friggin awesome. Nover 19, get here fast!
Rating: 5 out of 5 steamy tabletop make-out scenes

4. Perfect Scoundrels by Ally Carter. I won't call it the curse, but I wasn't as into Uncommon Criminals. Scoundrels, though, is a fantastic book 3 for the series with no end in sight. I think it's because Ally really mixed it up this time since Hale was a mark. Ally is a great writer with a wonderful imagination. I have no idea where she gets these crazy schemes, but I love reading about them. Clearly she's at the top of the NSA watch list because her novels are like the how-to on pulling off the perfect crime. Good thing her other series is the how-to on catching criminals! :D
Rating: 5 out of 5 adorable billionaires

5. Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare. GUH. If your heart wasn't ripped out of your chest several times while reading this, I'm just not sure about you as a person. I mean the feels, there were so many! First the.....and then the......and then the EPILOGUE. *dies* Also, chapter 19: Chicka. Chicka. YEAH!!!! That is all.
Rating: 5 out of 5 hottest love triangle action ever (No, not THAT. Pervs)

6. Revenge of the Girl with the Great Personality by Elizabeth Eulberg. I was shocked when i read some less-than-thrilled reviews, but I guess some people just have vastly different taste than I do. I thought Revenge made a great point about judging people by their looks, whether they're not so attractive or whether they're good-looking, and by the tag "great personality". Seriously, I had a coversation with Real Guys about that phrase and it wasn't pretty. More in depth review here.
Rating: 5 out of 5 references to pageant reality shows

7. I Now Pronounce You Someone Else by Erin McCahan. This is not a well-known book, and none of my friends on any platform have read it so I wasn't sure what to expect reading this one; I only did because its setting matched a challenge I'm doing. Certainly the blurb doesn't do it justice. That whole pretending-to-be-someone-else nonsense is NOT the plot. Pronounce is about love and growing up and how sometimes, you do outgrow love if it happens early in your life. Also, a breakup doesn't always happen because the guy is a jerk. Sometimes, he's really nice, but it just doesn't work out. It's sad, but it's a powerful message. You may not like it as much as I did, but I do recommend giving it a try.
Rating: 5 out of 5 wishes for a Happily Ever After after the end

8. Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi. another writer who laughs in the face of the dreaded second book and instead uses the book to torture the ever-living crap out of her fans, especially those who have already declared allegiance to one love interest. DARN YOU, TAHEREH! IT's a really good thing I didn't read Unravel right before meeting Tahereh because I may have tried to kill her if I had. #TeamAdam, all the way, baby! FYI, Veronica is on our team, while Team Warner has a psychopath. I think we all know how this is going to end: Battle Royale, with the boys shirtless. I'm so okay with this, it isn't funny. Warner is a maniac, but at least he IS gorgeous! I am so going to the bad place for that....
Rating: 5 out of 5 swearwords (in a good way)

9. Burning by Elana K. Arnold. I came across Burning on Netgalley and fell in love with the cover. Then I fell in love with the blurb. I tossed out a request and was shocked when I was granted a digital review copy. I can't say enough good things about Burning. This book is gorgeous all the way through. Like Pronounce, this is a lesser-known book and the ratings are just not a good indication of how lovely it truly is. Just give it a shot. There was something in Burning that really resonated with me so I want to tell everybody abuot it! Full review here.
Rating: 5 out of 5 insane summer hippie festivals

10. Winger by Andrew Smith. Like with Burning, I can't say enough good things! Winger was touted as this hilarious coming-of-age novel about an underage high school junior who is this genius delinquent of a rugby player. However, I really wasn't expecting so much substance. Call me happily surprised! This will not be my last Andrew Smith novel because his writing is superb. Full review here.
Rating: 5 out of 5 empty tissue boxes because this book actually made me cry more than Clockwork Princess did. I know, RIGHT?!

11. The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa. Okay, so I'm cheating by adding a bonus book. HOWEVER, I made this list before I read The Eternity Cure, and after I read it, I couldn't not have it on this list. But I couldn't kick off any of the other books either so here we are. I'm really impressed with how well Julie pulls off her dystopian-vampire world in an industry flooded with vampire and dystopian novels. I definitely called a few of the bigger twists, but I don't think utter secrecy is Kagawa's goal.  I think her mastery of writing and characters and especially character relationships has only increased since The Immortal Rules. You'll be begging for #3 by the end.
Rating: 5 out of 5 blow-your-mind fight scenes