I like to give some recognition to the books I have loved when half way through the year. There are still so many days left in the year and that means so many more books to read. The books that are the best of the year so far have the possibility of losing that spot by the end of the year. The books I tend to read at the beginning of the year always seem to get lost. As I go to write my end of the year best books post, it always ends up being those I read toward the end of the year. Probably because they are most recent on my mind. So out of the 54 books I have read to date, these are the top 5! With a few honorable mentions. In no particular order here are the Top 5 Books I’ve Read in 2020 (so far)!
Crave by Tracy Wolff
Such a throw back feel with a unique and modern twist that we have all been needing. Crave has a Jennifer L Armentrout type writing feel including the fun pop culture references. A Bella/Edward vibe if Bella had the snarky humor of Rose from Vampire Academy. All set it a boarding school reminiscent of Legacies ! I think YA Vampire romances are making a comeback!
Overall this is exactly the book I needed this year ! It gave me hope for YA paranormal romance books again! It may have been over 500 pages but the hilarious chapter headers, short chapters and humorous/fun and youthful writing had my flying through the book. It was packed with pop culture reference and was poking jokes at vampire romance that were just too perfect! It had fierce female characters, swoony male characters and some great relationships and not to mention the unique twists on some paranormal characters.
Full Review of Crave by Tracy Wolff
A Short History of the Girl Next Door by Jared Reck
This book completely surprised me, it was humorous, heartbreaking, but also hopeful. The writing and inner monologue was too perfect and had me laughing out loud. I enjoyed the family elements and seeing Matt’s different relationships grow and develop. I was riddled with emotions the whole way through this short read. No one warned me I would be a sobbing mess.
Belle Révolte by Linsey Miller
Two girls fighting for what they want and to prove they are enough. Set in the backdrop of a french revolutionary style fantasy sprinkled with magic and queer representation.
The character development was so great! Miller spent so much time on the characters, their backstory and how they fit into the situation at hand. The girls are so true to themselves throughout everything and do not apologize for it. They stand up for what they believe in and make sacrifices that could change their lives. Miller was able to weave together many different elements to make it a stand out fantasy. With the unique magic system, a revolution, queer representation, the class differences in their roles in society and the subplot romances!
Full Review of Belle Révolte by Linsey Miller
The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones by Daven McQueen
An incredibly moving, heartbreaking, hopeful and timely YA #OwnVoices Summer Read! I understand that I do not understand. Reading this book was exremely eye opening to the fact of how little things have actually changed in our society regarding oppression and racism. It was heartbreaking to read this book that was based in 1955 and see that so much Ethan went through, is still happening to black children and all black individuals today.
Although heartbreaking this book filled me with emotions. I was angry, frustrated, but also filled with joy and hope. McQueen weaves together a unforgettable story about a young boy discovering a part of himself, finding a beautiful friendship and having the bravery to ask some tough questions when faced with racism and discrimination.
Full Review of The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones by Daven McQueen
The Simple Wild by K.A Tucker
This is a book that completely caught me by surprise. I always struggle with contemporary romance, but the relationships really sold me in this story. I adored the second chance father daughter relationship as well as the enemies to lovers romance. There was banter and sass which is a win for me! I really enjoyed the Alaskan setting and learning some more about bush pilots. This story was a rollercoaster and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.
The Winter Duke by Claire Eliza Bartlett
The School For Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
Come Tumbling Down by Seanan McGuire
What are some of the top books you have read so far in 2020?
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