Shannon O'Connor's Blog, page 11

December 2020 Wrap-Up

5/5 Stars

So this book started off the way (in my opinion) most of Barelli’s books start; you think you know where it’s going and then it takes a complete opposite turn. I absolutely love Barelli’s work. I truly can’t describe this book without giving away everything but wow. Even if you think you know and you’re paying close attention- you’ll be shocked by this ending. I for sure thought several times I knew what would happen and I was wrong. The beginning did drag slightly thinking Anna was just psychotic, but then it picks up again. Keeping you on your toes to the very end, I absolutely recommend this book.

2/5 Stars

It wasn’t that this collection was bad, it just seemed un-unique. A lot of the poems read as something you’d find in a fortune cookie rather than poetry. It was very short and very cliche. This collection just wasn’t for me.

4/5 Stars

I’m not usually one for self help books but I throughly enjoyed the first book ‘Why Men Love Bitches’ so I decided to try the sequel. In my opinion this isn’t for the light hearted, I’ve shared this book with friends who have gotten offended, but the title isn’t what it seems. A bitch isn’t a negative thing here, it’s just someone who won’t get walked all over. As evident in my poetry, that’s definitely been an issue for me in the past. But this book reminded me and showed me how important it is to stand your ground. This book is of course catered to romantic relationships, but in my opinion it can be used in any type of relationship. Basically the overall theme is to stay true to yourself and not lose yourself in the relationship which can happen in friendships as well. The people who chose to be in your life like you for you, and when you lose yourself that’s when you have the chance to lose them. This book was a great reminder of that although a bit repetitious at the end I thought it could’ve been cut back a bit.

4/5 Stars

This collection of poetry reads as more of a memoir of sorts. There is poems, photography, and prose documenting Carloto’s life. She writes of the ups and downs she faced and about the people she loves most. There were several poems that resonated with me personally, having also spent some time in Paris. I fell in love with her poetry reading Flux and although this collection is completely different, I really enjoyed it. I feel like Carloto’s writing has grown and changed since her first collection and it was interesting to see her write about more than just love.

4/5 Stars

This is the first novel I’ve ever read by Savage but it won’t be my last. Her amazing poetry is what brought me in, and how amazing of a writer she is made me keep reading. I really enjoyed this book. I fell in love with Lyla and Gentry’s torrid romance. A will they-won’t they story that doesn’t drag on but keeps you hoping. I did wish I got to see more of Lyla and Harper’s story just considering that’s why she came back home in the first place but I get that wasn’t the main point of the story. This book made me lust for a man like Gentry and feel lucky for Lyla. I often found myself laughing out loud. I am about to get started reading and give book two a chance!

4/5 Stars

Since I couldn’t put down A Fighting Chance I had to get started on this book right away. This was truly a unique love story between Jensen and Harper. One that faces real life obstacles and honest emotions. Jensen and Harper meet at a wedding and fall quickly into a whirl-winded romance. As someone who has trust issues herself, Harpers fears and reasons to give up were all too familiar to me. After meeting Jensen, she learns to be and love herself authentically. It is a beautiful love story but also a beautiful self-love story. A bit cliche but also sexy at times, it is the perfect sequel but also stand alone novel by Kat Savage. I’m now off to take a chance on her next novel (Taking a Chance).

5/5 Stars

***I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review ***

“You breathe me in like morning coffee, Or a fresh rainfall. As if you can’t get enough of me. One cup, one storm, one taste could never be enough.”

This is one of the amazing poems found in this collection. Leigh’s poetry is raw and stays true to the theme of the earth. This collection is a short read but one not to miss!

5/5 Stars

Wow. What the heck did I just read? This book is everything I wanted and more. I love anything Hoover writes but wow. This book truly made you think outside of this world. It has you questioning so many things you don’t know what or who to trust. This book explores the idea that the universe is bigger than just you and I. And then the ending? I don’t want to spoil anything but wow. The twists and turns were so worth it. I absolutely devoured the second half of this book, staying up late just to find out what happened. I couldn’t put this book down and now I’m struggling with words of how much I loved it. Leeds love story is one like no other and although the theme can be a tad cliche, I loved it. Even if you’re not a Hoover fan, definitely give this one a shot.

4/5 Stars

***I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review***

If you're looking for a cute, short, romantic Christmas read this is the book for you! This book is unique in its own way but tells a good story. It has an unexpected happy ending that leaves you wanting to read more. It is my second read from this author and it won't be my last.

5/5 Stars

***A free ebook from J.R. Rogue’s Facebook Reader Group**

I was so happy to get a bonus of Sloane and Sophie! A wonderful happy ending for them both. Loved this little bonus from the Summer of Secrets Series.

5/5 Stars

This isn't the first thriller I've read by the amazing Ellis & Verdiramo duo, so I hoped it would be good. But I am in awe of how their brains work to write such amazing thrillers. I expected a good story and was left speechless. This story has you on the edge of your seat at every turn. The story splits into different point of views so you see the story from all sides yet you still can’t see how this story ends. You think you can predict what's happening and what will happen but there's no way you could ever see any of this coming. It is beyond amazing. It all tied together beautifully and although it leaves you wanting more I am more than satisfied.

5/5 Stars

So I was in a bit of a reading slump, and I was scrolling on tik tok to fill my time. This book was recommended by the author and it is free in Kindle Unlimited so I thought I’d give it a chance. I was warned- this is not for the faint hearted. Do not read this if you’re expecting a Nicholas Sparks type of romance story. This book pulls you in and holds on tight until the very end. It is sexy and surprising and romantic and forbidden. It surprised and amazed me how much I love this book. Definitely give this one a chance if you’re looking for something new.

4/5 Stars

Short & sweet! I loved it.

4/5 Stars

2020 Favorites

20 books that I loved reading in 2020. Some were published in 2020, and some I finally got to reading in 2020. These books still sit with me and their stories or lines of poetry left an impact on me. I read over 250 books this year but these were the top 20 I recommend everyone read in 2021 if they haven’t already.

Gravity

Gravity by Sara Cate

5/5 Stars

So I was in a bit of a reading slump, and I was scrolling on tik tok to fill my time. This book was recommended by the author and it is free in Kindle Unlimited so I thought I’d give it a chance. I was warned- this is not for the faint hearted. Do not read this if you’re expecting a Nicholas Sparks type of romance story. This book pulls you in and holds on tight until the very end. It is sexy and surprising and romantic and forbidden. It surprised and amazed me how much I love this book. Definitely give this one a chance if you’re looking for something new.

Those We Trust

Those We Trust by Victoria Ellis & Cady Verdiramo

5/5 Stars

This isn't the first thriller I've read by the amazing Ellis & Verdiramo duo, so I hoped it would be good. But I am in awe of how their brains work to write such amazing thrillers. I expected a good story and was left speechless. This story has you on the edge of your seat at every turn. The story splits into different point of views so you see the story from all sides yet you still can’t see how this story ends. You think you can predict what's happening and what will happen but there's no way you could ever see any of this coming. It is beyond amazing. It all tied together beautifully and although it leaves you wanting more I am more than satisfied.

Layla

Layla by Colleen Hoover

5/5 Stars

Wow. What the heck did I just read? This book is everything I wanted and more. I love anything Hoover writes but wow. This book truly made you think outside of this world. It has you questioning so many things you don’t know what or who to trust. This book explores the idea that the universe is bigger than just you and I. And then the ending? I don’t want to spoil anything but wow. The twists and turns were so worth it. I absolutely devoured the second half of this book, staying up late just to find out what happened. I couldn’t put this book down and now I’m struggling with words of how much I loved it. Leeds love story is one like no other and although the theme can be a tad cliche, I loved it. Even if you’re not a Hoover fan, definitely give this one a shot.

One More Chance

One More Chance by Kat Savage

4/5 Stars

Since I couldn’t put down A Fighting Chance I had to get started on this book right away. This was truly a unique love story between Jensen and Harper. One that faces real life obstacles and honest emotions. Jensen and Harper meet at a wedding and fall quickly into a whirl-winded romance. As someone who has trust issues herself, Harpers fears and reasons to give up were all too familiar to me. After meeting Jensen, she learns to be and love herself authentically. It is a beautiful love story but also a beautiful self-love story. A bit cliche but also sexy at times, it is the perfect sequel but also stand alone novel by Kat Savage. I’m now off to take a chance on her next novel (Taking a Chance).

A Fighting Chance

A Fighting Chance by Kat Savage

4/5 Stars

This is the first novel I’ve ever read by Savage but it won’t be my last. Her amazing poetry is what brought me in, and how amazing of a writer she is made me keep reading. I really enjoyed this book. I fell in love with Lyla and Gentry’s torrid romance. A will they-won’t they story that doesn’t drag on but keeps you hoping. I did wish I got to see more of Lyla and Harper’s story just considering that’s why she came back home in the first place but I get that wasn’t the main point of the story. This book made me lust for a man like Gentry and feel lucky for Lyla. I often found myself laughing out loud. I am about to get started reading and give book two a chance!

Shine your icy crown

Shine your icy crown

by Amanda Lovelace

4/5 Stars

***I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

Lovelace’s conclusion to the 'you are your own fairy tale’ series does not disappoint. I really loved the overall theme of this collection; self-love. Lovelace makes many references in her metaphors to princesses and fairytales in a modern and realistic way. She encourages you to be your own person, your own role model & love yourself. She uses the overall theme of self love to remind the reader that you are more than what people think of you/tell you to be. She encourages the reader to stand up for themselves and not lose their voice. This was a strong collection that I would recommend to anyone who has fallen in love with any of her books. This is a strong ending to this series and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.

Film for Her

Film for Her by Orion Carloto

4/5 Stars

This collection of poetry reads as more of a memoir of sorts. There is poems, photography, and prose documenting Carloto’s life. She writes of the ups and downs she faced and about the people she loves most. There were several poems that resonated with me personally, having also spent some time in Paris. I fell in love with her poetry reading Flux and although this collection is completely different, I really enjoyed it. I feel like Carloto’s writing has grown and changed since her first collection and it was interesting to see her write about more than just love.

Why Men Marry Bitches

Why Men Marry Bitches

by Sherry Argov

4/5 Stars

I’m not usually one for self help books but I throughly enjoyed the first book ‘Why Men Love Bitches’ so I decided to try the sequel. In my opinion this isn’t for the light hearted, I’ve shared this book with friends who have gotten offended, but the title isn’t what it seems. A bitch isn’t a negative thing here, it’s just someone who won’t get walked all over. As evident in my poetry, that’s definitely been an issue for me in the past. But this book reminded me and showed me how important it is to stand your ground. This book is of course catered to romantic relationships, but in my opinion it can be used in any type of relationship. Basically the overall theme is to stay true to yourself and not lose yourself in the relationship which can happen in friendships as well. The people who chose to be in your life like you for you, and when you lose yourself that’s when you have the chance to lose them. This book was a great reminder of that although a bit repetitious at the end I thought it could’ve been cut back a bit.