The quote above is very appropriate for this month not only because I read an Alexandre Dumas book but because once again I went down a black hole of fairy tales and royals. I blame secret algorithms in Book Bub, Kindle and Nook and how they know exactly what book to offer me to suck me into that world. In general I don’t mind. They are fun, fast reads perfect for taking your mind off real life.

I also read more YA than I have in a while. I started listening to Throne of Glass and made it all the way through the first half before I had to stop listening to it and start reading it. It was intense and had all my favorites; a woman who kicks ass, a love triangle and magic!

1. Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas
2. The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
3. Royal Romances by Molly Jameson
4. Agathe von Trapp: Memories Before and After The Sound of Music by Agathe von Trapp
5. The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon

 The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

I listened to this book audibly and loved it! It was a BBC production of the book and it was really well done with several different actors. I had a hard time following all the characters at first even with the different voices but once the story developed it was easier. This book was full of suspense, treachery, twists and great characters. If you love modern mysteries especially ones where the good guy finally gets his revenge then you will love this book!

 The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

This a mystery but different than most. Instead of one main mystery, the main character solves several mysteries during the book.  She also weaves in stories of Botswana, her family and more. The book really examines the culture of Botswana and the love that the main character has for Africa. This is one of those books that make you want to visit and see it for yourself. You can tell the author lived there and loved it but I would be interested in talking to a local person to see if it was represented well.

The Big O by HJ Bellus – (Chic Lit) Funny fast read. Perfect for the beach. 

The Curse of Lord Stanstead by Mia Marlowe – (Historical Paranormal)  This book was a fun mix of genres – regency romance with paranormal magical twist. Fun read!

Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard – (YA) I was slightly disappointed in this book. I liked The Red Queen so I was anxious to read this one but before I did I listened to the Red Queen audibly to catch back up. This book was just as action packed, if not more, but it seemed a little much is some places and I got tired of Mare and all the self doubt. It ended with a cliffhanger so of course I will read the next one!

Special Offers by ML Ryan – (Chic Lit) OMG! I was  disappointed in this book. I didn’t read the description well enough because it didn’t turn out to be the book I thought it would be. I thought it would be more romance and less crazy alien mystery. In general it was fun and I loved the concept of a man coming out of my Kindle.

The Dartmouth Diaries by Beverley Watts – (Romance) Super funny series that makes you laugh, cringe and cheer along the way! 

Temporary Bliss by BJ Harvey – (Romance) Hot and steamy but I get tired of the on again off again.

Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas – (YA Fantasy) Loved it! If you are looking for your next YA series that will keep you reading into the night this it!

Agathe von Trapp: Memories Before and After The Sound of Music by Agathe von Trapp – (NF) If you love the Sound of Music you may or may not like this book. Agathe tells the readers what her family was really like before it became a musical. I loved her stories and knowing what it was really like doesn’t take away from the movie. It was really interesting to read about how life was back then in Austria and then their lives in America.

Cinderella May Sage – (Re-telling fairy tales) I think this book tried too hard. It tried to be uber sexy and 50 shades-ish but it couldn’t quite pull it off. It would mostly hint at it and then fail. Disappointing.

My Fair Lily by Meara Platt – (Historical Romance) Super cute! If you aren’t into historical romances this might be a fun one to try. Not so in your face with defiant and rebellious women but they are strong and capable. Fun characters with none of that one again off again nonsense (but yes a little miscommunication)

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J Maas – (YA Fantasy) I listened to this one while driving all around town during a trip to AZ. I would be so into it I would drive a few blocks out of my way or wait in the car until the chapter was over. Great continuation of the story and some of the suspensions I had in the first book were confirmed in this one.

Operation Date Escape by Lindsey Brookes – (Chic Lit) Another funny dating book with great characters that you can’t help but cheer for. 

Royal Romances by Molly Jameson – (Romance) Great fun series! 

Reveal by Brina Courtney – (YA Paranormal) I  love a woman with powers and she has more than she knows. Great for YA and paranormal lovers.

Dirty Prince Vanessa Waltz  – (Romance) Super sexy story with a great ending and not just because they hooked up.

Royal Secrets by Kristin Fraiser – (Romance)  I loved this book! More serious than funny with great characters.

Reinventing Mona by Jennifer Coburn – (Chic Lit) Super cute with fun characters!  

The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon – (YA Fantasy) I want to say this is a very different book than I normally read but it isn’t. Strong woman character with magic that kicks ass and has magic… yeah not all that different but it felt different as I was reading it. I am reading the second book now but I almost wish I would have waited since the third one isn’t coming out until next year!

The Billionaire’s Deal by Crystal Kaswell – (Romance) Yes, another billionaire that sees what he wants and takes it. Pretty typical book but still a fun read.