2016 Reading Challenge Wrap Up

I participated 3 reading challenges this year:  Goodreads Reading Challenge,  Popsugar Reading Challenge and Around the Year in 52 Books. Out of these three, my Goodreads Reading Challenge is a success as I’ve read 184 books out of 150 books. Even though I wasn’t able to complete the other two challenges, it wasn’t that bad because I filled most of the categories and I enjoyed it. To wrap it up, here are the categories I’ve completed:

POPSUGAR READING CHALLENGE:

• Book based on a Fairy tale | The Bachelor Auction by Rachel Van Dyken (Cinderella)

• YA Bestseller |  Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
• Book you haven’t read since High School | Lenobia’s Vow by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast
• Book set in your Home State | Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours by Clara Mae Quiambao (set in the Philippines)
• Book Translated in English | Tekken: The Dark History of Mishima by Takashi Yano
• Romance set in the Future | The Crown by Kiera Cass
• Book set in Europe |The Shadow by Sylvain Reynard (Italy)
• Book Under 150 Pages |The Duterte Manifesto by Rodrigo Duterte (122 pages)
• Book that’s Becoming a Movie this Year | Me Before You by Jojo Moyes (reread)
• Book you can finish in a day |The Best Goodbye by Abbi Glines
• Book more than 600 Pages | The Host by Stephenie Meyer (864 pages)
• Sci-Fi Novel | The Martian by Andy Weir
• Book recommended by a family member | The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks (recommended by my aunt)
• Written by a comedian | Ruthless by Carolyn Lee Adams

• Graphic Novel |Saga vol. 1  by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples

• 2016 Book | The Goal by Elle Kennedy
• Book Takes Place on Summer | The Moment of Letting Go by J.A. Redmerski
• First Book You See in the Bookstore | Evernight by Claudia Gray
• Book from Library | True Believer by Nicholas Sparks (my aunt bought it on a Library sale)
• Book about a culture you’re unfamiliar with | Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
• Satirical Book | Zeke and Angelique by Holly Tierney Beddord
• Book that takes place on an island | Everafter by Elizabeth Chandler
• Book Guaranteed to Bring You Joy | The Score by Elle Kennedy

Categories I didn’t complete:

• National Book Award
• Book recommended by someone you just met
• Self-improvement book
• Book written by a celebrity
• Book at least 100 years older than me
• Book from Oprah’s Book Club
• Murder Mystery
• Classic from 20th century
• Autobiography

AROUND THE YEAR IN 52 BOOKS

• Book you meant to read in 2015 but didn’t | The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West
• Book set in a different Continent  | Into the Deep by Samantha Young (Europe)
• Book from Goodreads Choice Awards 2015 Winner or Nominated | The Last Time We Say Goodbye by Cynthia Hand
• Book by an Author You Discovered in 2015 | You Were Here by Cori McCarthy
• Book title beginning with the first letter of your name | Broken Prince by Erin Watt
• Highest rated on your TBR | Empire by Rachel Van Dyken (4.60 / 5 stars)
• Book that was mentioned in another book | Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracey Chevalier (mentioned in Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas)
• Book by an author you feel you should have read by now | One Week Girlfriend by Monica Murphy
• Book from Rory Gilmore Challenge | Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling (reread)
• Reader’s Choice | Raw by Belle Aurora
• Book with one of the 5W’s or H in the title (What, Who, When, Why, How) – What the Dead Want by Katie Olson
• Beautiful Cover | The Sun Is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon
• Summer / Beach Reading List | Ladies Man by Katy Evans
• Nonfiction | Words to Love by by Mother Theresa
• Book with first name in the title | Killing Sarai by J.A. Redmerski
• Goodreads Recommendation Page | One With You by Sylvia Day
• First Book in a New to You series | Changing Course by Aly Martinez
• Next book in a series you’re reading | Reviving Izabel by J.A. Redmerski
• Between the Numbers book of series | Declan + Coraline by J.J. McAvoy (Ruthless People, #0.5)
• Book whose MC is in a profession that interests you | Smut by Karina Halle (Writers/Authors)
• Book that everyone is talking about | It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
• Book with a Beautiful title (in my opinion) | Seeds of Iniquity by J.A. Redmerski
• Biography / Autobiography / Memoir | *same entry as Political Memoir in PopSugar Reading Challenge*
• Book by an author who writes under more than one name | Vision in White by Nora Roberts (she’s also J.D. Robb)
• Fairy tale from a culture other than your own | Grim by Christine Johnson
• Work of YA Fiction | Infinite in Between by Carolyn Mackler
• Historical Fiction | Diamonds in the Rough by Portia Da Costa
• 16th Book in your TBR | The Host by Stephenie Meyer
• Mental Illness | Real by Katy Evans (Bipolar)
• An Identity book – Different Culture, Religion or Sexual Orientation | The Suffering by Rin Chupeco (Japanese Culture)
• Book I’ve seen the movie but haven’t read the book | Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
• Book about an Anti-Hero | Hidden Bodies by Caroline Kepnes
• Book suggestion that didn’t make it on the list | The Baller by Vi Keeland (Indie Book)
• Novella from your favorite genre | Never Never part 3 by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher [New Adult]
• Book about a thing that goes bump in the night | The Girl in 6E by A.R. Torre
• Book you’re embarrassed to read in Public | Losing It by Cora Carmack
• Book related to hobby / passion you have | The Summer Games by R.S. Grey (Swimming)
• Book About a Major World Event | *same entry as Political Memoir in PopSugar Reading Challenge* Killing Lincoln – Civil War
• Dystopia Novel | Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard
• Book with a great opening line | The Star Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi
• Book originally written in a different language other than English | Flights of Love by Bernhard Schlink [Originally written in German]
• Short Story from a well known author | Beautiful Boss by Christina Lauren
• Book Published in 2016 | Wicked Heart by Leisa Rayven

Categories I didn’t complete:

• Books about books
• Classic book less than 200 pages
• Childhood classic
• Book set in the past (>100 years)
• Book from the top 100 mystery novels
• Top 100 Fantasy novels

 

Most Disappointing Books of 2016

This year I have read many good books and listed my favorite Books / Series of 2016, I also have books that disappointed me. Most of these books I’m going to mention have a rating of 3 stars and below and give a brief description why I didn’t like it. No hard feelings just in case I’ve mentioned your favorite book. 😉 This list is in no particular order.

• Madame X by Jasinda Wilder | This is an erotica-suspense book.  I’m not a fan of the writing style as it switches from second person to first person. Often times it’s confusing. The romance in this book seems off and quite disturbing.

• Hush by E.K. Blair | The conclusion to the Black Lotus series pissed me off. Fucking shit caterpillars and Carnegie my ass. The first two books are promising and mind blowing.

• Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard | Honestly, this could have been a good sequel if only some parts didn’t dragged on and repetitive. Plus, the action scenes were rushed and I didn’t notice the battle was over.

• Blow by Heidi McLaughlin | Insta-love, toxic relationship, lack of development and unrealistic portrayal of addiction. Recovery process takes time and doesn’t disappear with a snap. Romance isn’t a cure to addiction.

• Dirty by Belle Aurora | I find Julius Carter’s story a filler and a tease. I don’t hate him, I just want a continuation to Twitch and Lexi’s story. TWITCH. NOW. JULIUS. LATER.

• The Crown by Kiera Cass | My ship fucking doomed. That is all. Eadlyn and the person she ended up with have no chemistry. It was forced.

• Never Never Part 3 by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher | I have waited MONTHS for this conclusion and I’m dying to know the answers with all the craziness. Knowing these two authors can pull off crazy plot twists? In the end, it’s a lackluster when I thought this is going to be a mindfuck ending. Na-da.

• Evernight by Claudia Gray | Boring vampire story with an over-dramatic and clingy heroine.

Have you read any of these books? Let me know what your think of it.  What is your most disappointing reads of 2016? Feel free to share on the comments. 🙂

My Most Anticipated Books of 2017

There are only days to go before 2016 ends! Here are some of the books I look forward on 2017. I’ll be categorizing it according to: Young Adult, New Adult / Adult. Note: Some of the books don’t have official covers and publication dates are TBA (To Be Announced). I will be updating this list if there are any changes.

Young Adult:

• Bad Romance by Heather Demetrios | January 13th | Standalone
• Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth | January 17th | Series position: 1st
• Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson | January 24th | Standalone – Debut
• City of Saints and Thieves by Natalie C. Anderson | January 24th | Standalone -Debut
• By Your Side by Kasie West |  January 31st| Standalone
• Long Way Home by Katie McGarry | January 31st | Series position: 3rd
• King’s Cage by Victoria Aveyard | February 7th | Series position: 3rd
• The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas | February 28th| Standalone – Debut
• The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco | March 7th| Series position: 1st
• You’re Welcome, Universe by Whitney Gardner | March 7th | Standalone- Debut
• A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi |  March 28th | Series position: 2nd
• Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han | May 2nd | Series position: 3rd
• Seeker by Veronica Rossi | May 16th | Series position: 2nd
• Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia | May 30th | Standalone
• When It’s Real by Erin Watt | May 30th | Standalone
• Once and for All by Sarah Dessen | June 6th| Standalone
• Trusting You & Other Lies by Nicole Williams | June 20th | Standalone
• The Impossible Vastness of Us by Samantha Young| June 27th | Standalone
• What to Say Next by Julie Buxbaum | July 11th | Standalone
• Lucky in Love by Kasie West |  July 25th | Standalone
• The Secret History of Us by Jessi Kirby | August 1st  | Standalone
• After the Game by Abbi Glines | August 22nd  | Series position: 3rd
• Warcross by Marie Lu | TBA | Series position: 1st
• Untitled (The Shaw Confessions) by Michelle Hodkin | TBA | Series position: 1st
• The Book of Ezra by Carolyn Lee Adams | TBA | Standalone
• Untitled by Stephanie Perkins | TBA

New Adult / Adult:

• Infini by Kristina & Becca Ritchie | January 2017| Standalone
• Commander in Chief by Katy Evans | January 5th  | Series position: 2nd
• Egomaniac by Vi Keeland | January 16th | Standalone
• Menace by J.M. Darhower | January 16th | Series Position: 1st
• Next to Never by Penelope Douglas | January 17th | Series position: 4.5
• Becoming Mrs. Lockwood by K.I. Lynn | January 30th | Standalone
• Crown of Lies by Pepper Winters | January 31st | Standalone
• Love in Lingerie by Alessandra Torre | January 31st  | Standalone
• Royally Matched by Emma Chase | February 21st | Series position: 2nd
• The Bastard Billionaire by Jessica Lemmon | February 28th | Series position: 3rd
• Every Little Thing by Samantha Young | March 7th  | Series Position: 2nd
• Keep Her Safe by K.A. Tucker | March 7th | Standalone
• We Sold Our Souls by K.A. Tucker | March 7th  | Standalone
• Dirty Filthy Rich Men by Laurelin Paige | March 27th | Standalone
• Until It Fades by K.A. Tucker | May 2nd  | Standalone
• Dating You/Hating You by Christina Lauren | June 6th | Standalone
• Royally Endowed by Emma Chase | June 15th | Series position: 3rd
• Without Merit by Colleen Hoover  | August 1st | Standalone
• Children of Vice by J.J. McAvoy | December | Series positon: 1st
• Autoboyography by Christina Lauren | TBA | Standalone
• Everything Under the Sun by J.A. Redmerski | TBA | Standalone
• Spiders in the Grove by J.A. Redmerski | *No date but I’m hoping it’s 2017, this might be a surprise release.*  | Series postion: 7th
• Hideaway by Penelope Douglas | TBA | Series position: 2nd
• The Comfort Zone by Sally Thorne | TBA | Standalone
• The Edge of ? by J.A. Redmerski | TBA | Series position: 3rd
• SALT by E.K. Blair | TBA | Standalone
• 9 Crimes by E.K. Blair | TBA | Standalone
• Secret Lucidity by E.K. Blair | TBA | Standalone
• Damage Like Us by Krista & Becca Ritchie | TBA | Series position: 1st
• Anything You Can Do by R.S. Grey | TBA | Standalone

Graphic Novels / Nonfiction:

• Saga, Volume 7 by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples | March 28th | Series position: 7th

• Crazy Is My Superpower: How I Triumphed by Breaking Bones, Breaking Hearts, and Breaking the Rules by A.J. Mendez Brooks | April 4th

For more books to be released on 2017, you can check out these lists:

• Can’t Wait Best New Romances for 2017
• YA Novels of 2017
• YA Debuts of 2017
• HarperTeen Books 2017
• 2017 YA Contemporary
• 2017 YA Historical Fiction
• Realistic YA Novels 2017
• Upcoming Book Releases via Aestas Book Blog

What are your most anticipated books of 2017? Feel free to share your thoughts or links (if you have a post) on the comments below. Happy Holidays everyone! 🙂

 

Cover Reveal + Teaser: The Man Who Won the World by O.E. Boroni

Hello everyone! I want to share with you guys that O.E. Boroni, author of The Never trilogy (The Beginning of Never, The Way to Never and The Truth of Never), has an upcoming novel titled: The Man Who Won the World. It’s expected to be released on January 31st, 2017!

Summary [Goodreads]:

When you refuse to conform to the world you were born into, do you then create your own?

This is a story about a man who founded his own kingdom.

All Choi Jiyong knows is his carefree days hawking vegetables at the Namdong market, and his service as a jolly hand at a river-side tavern

But one day, it all changes when he saves the life of a mysterious girl.

Suddenly, he is plunged into a world of political rivalry, deadly turmoil, and incomprehensible tragedy. However, what he thinks is just an end to life as he has known it, becomes the start of his journey towards a destiny that has been ordained in his name: his hand will bring to its knees, dynasties that have been since the beginning of time.

This is a tale of supernatural forces, of love and of guilt, of revenge and of truth. Wars will arise and kingdoms will fall, kings will become victims, and slaves will become gods.

Author’s note: This is a historical/period romance novel set in Korea in the 900’s.

Teaser:

About the Author:

O. E. Boroni currently lives in the United Kingdom. Her days are spent in the Project Management field while her nights are spent with books. She’s either reading them or writing the ones that she wants to read.

Social media sites: Website | Goodreads | Twitter

My 20 Favorite Books / Series of 2016

It’s time to wrap up with my favorite books or series (I binge) read this year. This is probably the most challenging year to rank my favorite books / series so far because they’re amazing and it overwhelmed me. I will count series as one because I just can’t separate them. Haha! Some authors have multiple entries on this list.  😉

• #20 – Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow | An eye opening debut novel about self-harm. The character’s emotions are raw and it feels real. It’s a must read.

• #19 – The Girl in 6E by A.R. Torre | Deanna Madden is one fascinating anti-heroine. She is a creepy character because of her urge to kill someone and I still find her badass in some ways.. Alessandra Torre is really good at writing suspense/thrillers.

• #18 – Ladies Man by Katy Evans | This is such a guilty pleasure read. Tahoe and Gina’s story is so cute. Of course, Katy Evans’s knows how to make her readers swoon over her male leads 😉

• #17 – Misconduct by Penelope Douglas | Penelope Douglas is great at writing love stories with angst and steamy romance. Aside from these, it has family drama and issues, modern education, politics etc.. It’s really entertaining and complex.

•  #16 – Mr. President by Katy Evans | Damn, this political romance is so sexy and Matthew Hamilton is …. *fan yourself* I just want Commander in Chief. ASAP.

• #15 – The Host by Stephenie Meyer | Honestly, Stephenie Meyer should continue writing sequels for The Host. The love triangle here is well done, it’s not annoying and I love the slow burn romance in this book. It has so much potential and I find it better than the Twilight Saga.

• #14 – The Last Time We Say Goodbye by Cynthia Hand | An emotional story about grief. It’s well-written and my goodness, tears are shed in this book. Cythia Hand’s writing style is really good and I’m looking forward to read more of her books.

• #13 – The Suffering by Rin Chupeco | A fantastic horror sequel and conclusion! I swear, it didn’t put me to sleep. It really scared the heck out of me. This is like The Grudge / The Ring book version. Okiku is my favorite ghost.

• #12 – Saga Series by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples | I don’t usually read graphic novels but Saga series captivated me. I love the story, characters and artwork. Hazel is my favorite character, she’s so cute and brilliant!

• #11 – Sempre Duology by J.M. Darhower | If you want to dive in to Mafia-themed books, I recommend this duology. This is a love story between a slave and a mafia prince. Unlike the other mafia books I’ve read, this is less violent and all the characters played their role in the story. The sequel focuses more on the mafia aspect than romance.

• #10 – Monster in His Eyes trilogy by J.M. Darhower | Another entry for J.M. Darhower. She’s so good at writing mafia books (this is my obsession along with sports romance. haha) and Monsters in His Eyes trilogy takes on a darker turn about love, lies, revenge, betrayal and grief.  Ignazio Vitale and Karissa Reed have an awesome chemistry and the romance between them is HOT. Goodbye Ovaries!

• #9 – Wicked Heart by Leisa Rayven |  One of my favorite book covers this year. Leisa Rayven once again made me swoon with Liam Quinn and Elissa Holt’s story. MY GODDAMN FEELS. I WANT MORE LEISA RAYVEN BOOKS.

• #8 – One Day Soon by A. Meredith Walters | If there’s another author who writes beautiful and emotional stories, it’s definitely A. Meredith Walters. Last year, one of her books made it to my favorites and it’s no wonder this is a win. One Day Soon is one of the best emotional stories I’ve read this year. I WEPT!

• #7 – November 9 by Colleen Hoover | I find the concept in this book unique and I enjoy its plot twist. Also, it was an emotional roller coaster. Ben Kessler ❤ ❤ ❤

• #6 – The Score by Elle Kennedy | For the love of Hockey players, Elle Kennedy knows how to do it. Of course Dean Heyward Di Laurentis is included here…and Winston. ;)) HAHAHAHA! PINK WINSTON.

• #5 – The Sun Is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon | This is my first Nicola Yoon book and I love it! The story is heartwarming, cute and compelling. It also tackles about immigrants, racism and culture.

• #4 – Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas | This book gave me a bad book hangover. I am speechless on how amazing this book is. The characters are flawed and they did things that will make you hate them. However, both have an amazing character and relationship development. In the end, they learned their mistakes and redeem themselves by doing what’s right. Also, sexual tension = Off-the-Freaking-Charts!

• #3 – The Royals trilogy by Erin Watt | This debut trilogy has the craziest cliffhangers EVER. I don’t know how many times I cursed while reading and the plot twists… . Jaw droppers. I almost drop my e-reader. Hands down to Erin Watt a.k.a Elle Kennedy and Jen Frederick! I can’t wait for them to write more books.

• #2 – It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover | I really enjoyed most of Colleen Hoover’s books because of the romance and the emotions it bring to her readers. However, It Ends With Us is different among her books. It’s not a romance novel but women’s fiction. It’s thought provoking and it tests your decision making as this book lets you step in a difficult situation. Life has no trigger warnings and there are some things you don’t expect. With its realistic ending, it’s a win for me.

• #1 – In the Company of Killers series by J.A. Redmerski | Without any doubt, this series reigned supreme for me this year and automatically became my all time favorites. It’s a mafia/assassin themed and romantic suspense series. Each book keeps getting better, the plot twists are intense, unpredictable and mind blowing and the characters are ALL freaking BADASS. It’s action packed, and thrilling. It never failed to put me on the edge of my seat and hold on to dear life. 😉 #AssassinSquadGoals

These are my top reads of 2016. Have you read any of these?  Let me know your top reads this year and if you have a post, feel free to share your links 🙂 Happy Holidays lovely bookworms! 🙂

Becoming A Legend by Sarah Robinson

Pages: 224

Goodreads Rating: 4.35 / 5 stars

My Rating: 5 / 5 stars

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Sports Romance

Publication Date: December 13th 2016

Publisher: Loveswept

Summary (Goodreads):

From the author of Saving a Legend (“A deep and moving story about family, acceptance, and love.”—Katy Evans) comes another smoldering MMA romance featuring the Kavanagh brothers, the chiseled alpha males whose real legacy is love.

Kane Kavanagh has always had one goal: being the best mixed martial arts fighter alive. With the MMA National Championships in Las Vegas fast approaching, the man they call “Killer” has no intention of letting anyone or anything get in his way. Somehow, though, a feisty opponent has slipped beneath his guard—and stolen his heart. Fiery and passionate, Nora Hannigan is harder to pin down than any rival Kane has faced in the ring. And she isn’t afraid to tell Kane that she wants nothing to do with him.

With her best friend about to marry into the Kavanagh family, Nora has been resisting Kane’s shameless attempts at flirting for months. But after their undeniable chemistry finally takes over, leading to the hottest night of Nora’s life, she’s running scared. There’s a lot about her life Kane doesn’t know, and she won’t be responsible for ending his career. Now Kane’s out to prove that he’s ready for commitment by winning her heart—and he’s never lost a fight.

The Roman by Sylvain Reynard

Pages:  275

Goodreads Rating: 4.54 / 5 stars

My Rating: 4 / 5 stars

Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy

Publication Date: December 6th 2016

Publisher: Everafter Romance

Summary (Goodreads):

Raven and her sister, Cara, are at the mercy of a small detachment of Florentine vampyres, who are delivering them as a peace offering to the feared Curia in Rome.
Though she s unsure William survived the coup that toppled his principality, Raven is determined to protect her sister at all costs, even if it means challenging Borek, the commander of the detachment.
In an effort to keep Raven from falling into the hands of his enemies, William puts himself at the mercy of the Roman, the dangerous and mysterious vampyre king of Italy. But the Roman is not what he expects
Alliances and enmities will shift and merge as William struggles to save the woman he loves and his principality, without plunging the vampyre population into a world war.
This stunning conclusion to the Florentine series will take readers across Italy and beyond as the lovers fight to remain together. Forever.”

Sempre: Redemption by J.M. Darhower

Pages: 416

Goodreads Rating: 4.38 / 5 stars

My Rating: 4 / 5 stars

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Dark

Publication Date: December 16, 2013

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Summary (Goodreads):

In this thrilling and sexy follow-up to Sempre, two young lovers struggle to keep their relationship intact after they become deeply enmeshed in the dangerous mafia-run crime ring they once tried to overthrow.

Haven Antonelli and Carmine DeMarco have been through a lot. Haven was taken in by Carmine’s father, and with his family’s help, she escaped a gruesome fate. However, saving Haven from the dark intentions of a mafia family cost Carmine a steep price: he was forced to swear loyalty to them.

Now, still passionately in love, Carmine and Haven must face the fall-out of Carmine’s forced service, as Haven discovers terrifying secrets about the family that enslaved both her and her mother—and why she matters so much in this intricate web of lies.

Hooked by Brenda Rothert

Pages: 225

Goodreads Rating: 4.27 / 5 stars

My Rating: 4 / 5 stars

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance

Publication Date: December 6th 2016

Publisher: Loveswept

Summary (Goodreads):

From the author of the On the Line and Fire on Ice hockey romance series comes a sultry novel featuring a brooding NHL player who’s hell on skates—and the no-nonsense woman who forces him to clean up his act.

Miranda: Even though I’m broke, putting myself through college, and working two jobs, I’m trying to make the best of it. Meanwhile, Jake Birch, hockey’s hottest bad boy, lives in a luxury hotel in downtown Chicago—and still complains about every little thing in his penthouse. But after I tell him off, instead of getting me fired, Jake requests me as his personal housekeeper. Then he starts flirting with me. Only I’m not flirting back . . . at least, I’m trying not to. Did I mention that he’s hockey’s hottest bad boy?

Jake: I’ve met the best woman at the worst possible time. Miranda is the fire to my ice—a sexy, charmingly candid spark who breaks down my walls and reminds me what it’s like to feel again. But I’m being forced to date my team owner’s daughter to keep my job, so I can’t be caught with Miranda. Still, we’re getting closer—until Miranda finds out about my “girlfriend.” And that’s not the only secret I’ve been keeping. But Miranda’s the one I want . . . even if she doesn’t believe me.

Lessons in Letting Go by Jessica Peterson

Pages: 400

My Rating:  2 / 5 stars

Goodreads Rating: 4.31 / 5 stars

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance

Publication Date: December 12th 2016

Publisher: Peterson Paperbacks

Summary (Goodreads):

“Ten minutes ago, I was just an American student studying abroad in Spain. But now? Now I’m a professional soccer player’s muse. His good luck charm…”

Soccer star Rhys Maddox’s recovery from an injury isn’t going well—until one night with a beautiful American and a few terrible pick-up lines changes everything. With Laura at his side, he plays smarter, runs faster, and fights harder than he ever has on the pitch. She’s just the good luck charm he needs to turn his flailing career around.

Laura Bennet begins her semester in Madrid with plans to ditch bad habits and worse boyfriends. But when she unexpectedly gets caught up in Rhys’s A-list life, her plans are put on hold. Who wouldn’t skip class to fly on a private jet with a studly Welsh footballer? It’s a no brainer, or so she thinks. Turns out Rhys’s glamorous lifestyle hides an obsession with appearances—an obsession that makes her totally miserable. Determined to take back her happiness, Laura decides to dump Rhys and tackle a “Spain Bucket List” on her own.

But Rhys isn’t letting his good luck charm go without a fight. He’s spent his entire life trying to earn his way into the big leagues, and he’ll do anything to win—even risk his carefully crafted image to help Laura with her bucket list. Will he be able to let go of his ego? Or will he and Laura ultimately let go of each other?