I read a lot this month because I fell head first into the deep end of the Young Adult pool two weekends in a row. I am constantly on the look-out for the book or series that will take over my life and for a couple of weekends this month I found them. I got completely engrossed in a couple of series that helped me escape and relax after hard weeks.  For me that is what reading is all about… escaping from the world so much so I will even dedicate my top five to it:

1. The Selection Series by Kiera Cass
2. Vampire, Interrupted by Lynsay Sands
3. The Better to Eat You With by Lena Matthews
4. Gnome on the Range by Jennifer Zane
5. V for Virgin by Kelly Oram

Fairest by Marissa Meyer – (YA) This was just a short story in the Lunar Chronicles series but it was an intense insight into crazy ass Levana. I like these short stories/anthologies that give us a glimpse into the past and what makes characters who they are.

Vampire, Interrupted by Lynsay Sands – (Paranormal) I thought I had read all of these books but now that I am listening to them audibly I realize that I haven’t.  This has got to be one of my favorites in this series and I LOVE this series. Yes in many ways it’s your typical vampire romance series but it’s more than typical to me. I like the characters, how they get together and the pesky match maker, Marguerite.  It’s her turn to find her Life Mate!

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard – (YA) This is the book that started my decline into YA land for the weekend and I can’t wait for the next book! This is a story about the have and the have-nots and how sometimes someone  changes everything. This someone is a strong independent women with unexpected powers.  It’s also a story about love, betrayal and survival.

The Selection Series by Kiera Cass – (YA) I read four of these books in two days! This series was actually similar to the Red Queen in the sense of searching for a new Queen and the classes – the haves, the have-nots and everyone in between. The love triangle and the on again off again was irritating but in reality that is the life of a teenager. Having said that…I couldn’t put these books down!  If you love young adult books and the angst that is their drama…you will LOVE this series. After spending all weekend reading this series I had a void in my life that needed to be filled by talking about these books…that none of my friends had read yet 😦

Bad Karma by Theresa Weir – (Chic Lit) I have always wanted to be psychic or a witch but books like this one remind me that even though they have super cool powers they lead a tough life.  I found this book randomly on Kindle and LOVED it. Murder mystery with a touch of romance, paranormal and drama. Fun fast read…perfect for spring break and beach reads.

Gnome on the Range by Jennifer Zane – (Light Mystery) If you love Stephanie Plum you will love this random, zany and funny book.  The characters are real, fun and entertaining with a little bit of murder and mayhem wrapped up in it.

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins – (Fiction) This was our book club book this month. We chose it because it was so popular and highly rated. I enjoyed it but I was a little annoyed with all the self defeating woman characters. I didn’t like any of them and at times it was hard to get through it. I guess the book was realistic though because it made me want to give up drinking! Is it worth reading? Yes! Is it worth the hype? Maybe but I would prefer to be a little nicer to woman but then again it’s not what sells.

Love Letters From the Duke by Elizabeth Boyle – (Historical Romance) This was a random choice that sounded like fun and it was. I remember the days of love letters and even in the days of online dating there is always the anticipation of the next text or email. It’s fun to fall in love with words but it’s hard to find it in real life. Fun fast read.

The Better to Eat You With by Lena Matthews – (Retelling Fairy Tales) The title speaks for it’s self. A yummy, sexy read that leaves you wanting your own wolf.

Seductive Secrets by Lynne Connolly – (Historical Romance) Wow what a secret! I really liked this book.  Fun read!

V for Virgin by Kelly Oram – (YA) Not sure how I encountered this book but I am glad I did. This is a great book for young women who are dealing with their sexuality. It’s not a super in your face don’t have sex book, instead its a love story and it tackles all of the stress and temptation that young women deal with. Very inspiring and emotional but in a way that leaves you refreshed afterwards. Like a hug.

A is for Abstinence by Kelly Oram  – (YA) Part two and the closure. There is something to be said about timing and this book proves that. I am the least patient person I know but even I know that time heals and sometimes even brings people back together. Again a great love story for young people!

The Accidental Movie Star by Emily Evans – (YA) Since I was in the world of random young love…I stayed with it. This was a super cute story of being in the right place at the time and being yourself. Who doesn’t want to find love that way?

The Accidental TV Star by Emily Evans – (YA) Part 2 of the accidental series and love that happens when you be yourself. The moral of the story…be yourself!

Zero Day by David Baldacci – (Mystery) I can’t live in the world of young love for long. I needed a little (or maybe a lot) of action and murder. Months ago I started this series with the 3rd book and fell in love with Puller so I went back to the beginning. If you love Reacher or Bosch you will love Puller! Action packed book with great characters!