Top Ten Of My Auto-buy Authors

Top Ten Tuesday is created by the Broke and the Bookish. Without further ado, here is my Top Ten of my auto-buy authors:

Sophie Kinsella
I've read almost everything she has written! I especially love her standalones. Although, I've read the first three books in her Shopaholic series, I actually own the first seven books in the series. I'm planning to finish them one day soon!

Janet Evanovich
I've bought the first 16 books in the Stephanie Plum series and I'm almost halfway through them. I also own all the books in the Fox and O'Hare series and the second book in the Lizzy and Diesel series, with plans to buy the first one.

Marissa Meyer
Although, Queen Levana's story did not really interest me, I couldn't help but buy Fairest. The Lunar Chronicles are amazing and I plan to buy all of Meyer's books in the future!

Richelle Mead
I'm currently reading the Bloodlines and the Georgina Kincaid series and I really want to read the Dark Swan series as well! I own most of her books on my e-reader though.

Rosamund Hodge
For the covers alone I would buy her books!

Isabel Allende
I love her writing! I have a long way to go, to collect and read all her books but whenever I'm in a bookstore and see one of her books I can't help myself, I need to buy them!

Jane Austen
Still need to read Mansfield Park but I do own it. If there ever is something new published by her, I would definitely buy it without question.

Shakespeare
Bought his whole collected works! Now I only need to read them.

Donna Tartt
Read The Goldfinch, and really want to read her other books! Starting by The Secret History.

Toni Morrison
Loved A Mercy and I'm planning to read all her books, next one on my list is A Song of Solomon, which I already own, so review coming soon!


Who are your auto-buy authors? Don't hesitate to leave a comment! I know some on my list might not be considered an auto-buy authors, in truth, Sophie Kinsella is probably the only one on here to be fully considered one of auto-buy authors but still.

Top Ten Tuesday: Authors I've Read The Most Books From

Okay, this one is easy, luckily there is a list on Goodreads to help me with this or otherwise I would probably be counting books the entire day. Since I only started Goodreads recently, I did not add most books I read during my childhood, that is why books like Harry Potter are not on this list. Top Ten Tuesday is created by the Broke and the Bookish.

Top Ten Authors I've Read the Most Books From

1. Bill Willingham

I just finished writing my paper on Fables. Therefore I had to read the first 20 volumes in the comic series Fables. I enjoyed it, but in the end, you have to read these comics for the story because the art is inconsistent and frankly not that great.

2. Richelle Mead

I was surprised to see her at number two, since I only started reading her books this year. So far I've read her Vampire Academy series, the first three books in her Bloodlines series and the first book in her Georgina Kincaid series. I highly enjoyed all of them, and I am definitely going to continue the series I haven't finished yet. At this moment, I probably prefer her adult Georgina Kincaid series, but that might change if the other books in the series aren't as good.

3. Janet Evanovich

For me it all started when I watched the trailer for the movie adaptation of One for the Money. I then decided to read the books. I've read seven of her Stephanie Plum books, they are very entertaining, Stephanie is funny, lucky and kick-ass! But there is also a love triangle involved, I know which one my favourite is, which one is yours?

Unfortunately, it has been a while since I've read a Stephanie Plum book, I do own the first sixteen books, but lately I prefer to read Evanovich's Fox and O'Hare series. Now these books are good but not as good as the Stephanie Plum series in my opinion. Still, I highly anticipate each new addition to the series and I always enjoy myself reading it. Just don't expect too much of them. The best thing about the series is the tension between the two main characters, Kate and Nick, and that's the main reason I read these books. They are an entertaining, light read. I love them anyway!

4. Colleen Gleason

After reading Twilight, which was years ago, I was looking for other vampire books. I read the description of Gleason's Gardella Vampire Chronicles and I was impressed: a mix of Jane Austen and Buffy the Vampire Slayer? I loved nothing more at the time. Since then this series has developed into one of my favourite series of all time. Especially the two last books in the series are fantastic! Now the Buffy part was quite true but I wouldn't necessarily compare it to Jane Austen just because it is set in the regency period. However, I highly recommend this series and I can't believe these books are not that well-known.

I've also read her Regency Draculia series which I didn't like that much, but are still good, my favourite was The Vampire Dimitri. Recently, she started a spinoff series of The Gardella Vampire Chronicles called The Gardella Vampire Hunters: Macey, which takes place during the reign of Al Capone. It combines new characters with old characters from the other two series mentioned above. I would recommend to read at least the Gardella Vampire Chronicles if you want to read her latest series. The second book in said series comes out this August! Can't wait! Colleen Gleason is a highly underrated author and more people should read her vampire series! I cannot recommend her enough!

5. Sophie Kinsella

I have a special place in my heart for Sophie Kinsella, the queen of chick lit. The first books I ever read in English were: Confessions of a Shopaholic and The Undomestic Goddess and now I only read books in English. The second one remains one of my favourite books. Her standalone books are absolutely amazing! If you haven't read any of them, you have been missing out!

6. Jeaniene Frost

After reading Colleen Gleason's books, I discovered The Night Huntress series by Jeaniene Frost, I quite enjoyed them at the time, but I do not see myself finishing the published books in the series quite soon.

7. William Shakespeare

My favourite course last year was Shakespeare, I absolutely loved to study his plays. I mostly read his comedies, and of them, Twelfth Night is probably my favourite. I've only read about 6 of his plays but I would love to read Much Ado About Nothing and The Taming of the Shrew quite soon. 

8. Cassandra Clare

I've read her Mortal Instruments series and did not like them. I've heard The Infernal Devices are much better so I'm planning to give them a shot. 

9. Shanna Swendson

This is the author of the Enchanted, Inc. series. I read the first 5 books in the series and I absolutely loved them! Like Colleen Gleason this is a very underrated author. You should definitely check her out!

10. Jane Austen

The only Jane Austen book I haven't read is Mansfield Park. I do own all of her books and I plan to rectify this very soon. Pride and Prejudice is my favourite, closely followed by Emma. Like Shakespeare, Austen does not need a long description, their names speak for themselves.

Top Ten Tuesday: Fairy Tale Retellings I've Read or Want to Read

There is a first time for everything and this is my first top ten Tuesday, which is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Each week bloggers share their lists on the given topics. Upon reading today's list on the blog of Peace Love Books, I couldn't resist and I joined for the first time. I'm so excited, so let's start!

Fairy Tale Retellings I've Read (in no particular order):

1. Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

2. Gilded Ashes by Rosamund Hodge

3. Cinder by Marissa Meyer

4. Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

5. Cress by Marissa Meyer

6. Uprooted by Naomi Novik

7. Fables Volumes 1-20 by Bill Willingham

8. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

9. Ember by Bettie Sharpe

10. Beauty by Robin McKinley

My favourite books are by Rosamund Hodge, Marissa Meyer and of course, Naomi Novik!

Fairy Tale Retellings I Want to Read:

1. Winter by Marissa Meyer

2. The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh

3. Crimson Bound by Rosamund Hodge

4. Of Beast and Beauty by Stacey Jay

5. Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

6. Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson

7. Splintered by A.G. Howard

8. Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George

9. Entwined by Heather Dixon

10. The Little Android by Marissa Meyer

As you can probably already tell, I'm a huge fan of fairy tale retellings, in fact, it's my favourite genre at the moment. The books highest on my tbr-list are all fairy tale retellings: Winter, Crimson Bound and the Wrath and the Dawn and I absolutely can't wait to start reading them!

I really enjoyed my first Top Ten Tuesday and I hope to join the following Tuesdays as well, so look out for that!

What are your favourite fairy tale retellings? I'd love to know, so don't hesitate to leave a comment!

Easy by Tammara Webber

When Jacqueline follows her longtime boyfriend to the college of his choice, the last thing she expects is a breakup two months into sophomore year. After two weeks in shock, she wakes up to her new reality: she's single, attending a state university instead of a music conservatory, ignored by her former circle of friends, and failing a class for the first time in her life.

Leaving a party alone, Jacqueline is assaulted by her ex's frat brother. Rescued by a stranger who seems to be in the right place at the right time, she wants nothing more than to forget the attack and that night - but her savior, Lucas, sits on the back row of her econ class, sketching in a notebook and staring at her. Her friends nominate him to be the perfect rebound.

When her attacker turns stalker, Jacqueline has a choice: crumple in defeat or learn to fight back. Lucas remains protective, but he's hiding secrets of his own. Suddenly appearances are everything, and knowing who to trust is anything but easy. 

-- Goodreads.com description --

Warning! This review contains a minor spoiler of the first half of the book (nothing to worry about really, but still... now you are warned)!

I heard and read a lot of positive reviews of Tammara Webber's Easy. However, I wasn't all that impressed with them. I doubted that I would like this book, but let me tell you: I was wrong! In fact, I was completely blown away with this book!

I love the fact that it deals with rape in a realistic and positive way. The rape elements are not used in this book to create temporary suspense and then never mentions it. Jacqueline deals with it a very relatable way even though I have never experienced anything like that, it gave me it really made me think how I would deal with it if I were in that situation. 

To me, Jacqueline is a perfect role model, even though she at first makes a lot of mistakes, like not telling her best friend or refusing to call the police, those choices are understandable. If I were in that situation, I might not want to call attention to it as well. However, Webber has shown that those were the wrong decisions by having Jacqueline reflect on her decisions and making her realize that if you don't report it, someone else might share your fate or worse.

Jacqueline's best friend, Erin, was also an amazing character. Though, when first introduced, I thought she didn't have anything on her mind besides looking gorgeous and boys, my opinion of her quickly changed. She was incredible supportive of Jacqueline, when the latter finally found the confidence to tell her best friend. Erin was quick to take her friend's side, never doubting her story and always standing up for Jacqueline when she needed it. Ultimately, she convinced and accompanied Jacqueline to go to some self-defence classes.

And then there is Lucas. He is an incredibly interesting character! And of course a fantastic love interest. I'm not going to say much more about him, except that he is a swoon-worthy guy and one of the best love interests I've read in a while!

So if by now I still haven't convinced you to read this book, I will have to not recommend but actually command you to! I was so hesitant to read this book that I actually read it online, but I will definitely buy the book soon! It was incredible! A very well deserving 5 out of 5 stars!

Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg

From the much-buzzed-about author of THE LONELY HEARTS CLUB (already blurbed by Stephenie Meyer, Lauren Myracle, and Jen Calonita), a prom-season delight of Jane Austen proportions.

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single girl of high standing at Longbourn Academy must be in want of a prom date.
After winter break, the girls at the very prestigious Longbourn Academy become obsessed with the prom. Lizzie Bennet, who attends Longbourn on a scholarship, isn't interested in designer dresses and expensive shoes, but her best friend, Jane, might be - especially now that Charles Bingley is back from a semester in London.
Lizzie is happy about her friend's burgeoning romance but less than impressed by Charles's friend, Will Darcy, who's snobby and pretentious. Darcy doesn't seem to like Lizzie either, but she assumes it's because her family doesn't have money. Clearly, Will Darcy is a pompous jerk - so why does Lizzie find herself drawn to him anyway?

-- Goodreads.com description --

Prom and Prejudice is a modern teenage retelling of Jane Austen's classic, Pride and Prejudice. I've seen various modern film adaptation of P & P but I've never read one. I liked the description of Prom and Prejudice but I didn't really want to spend money on it, luckily I've found a way to read it online.

I don't need to tell you that Pride and Prejudice is my favourite Jane Austen novel. I've written a blog post on the various movie adaptations in existence, and found that my list still lacks a lot of adaptations that are inspired by the original. I've always felt a bit curious of fanfiction and ultimately I decided to just read it.

There is no question that no fanfiction no matter how good can ever be better than the original story. However, Elizabeth Eulberg made a good attempt. I liked the story, but I didn't love it.

In itself, Prom and Prejudice is a cute story and you will probably enjoy it if you are interested in reading it but if you haven't read the original you shouldn't go anywhere near it. My advice? Read the original first and if you can't get enough of it, read the fanfiction later.

3 out of 5 stars.

Soulless (Parasol Protectorate #1) by Gail Carriger

Alexia Tarabotti is laboring under a great many social tribulations. 

First, she has no soul. Second, she's a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead. Third, she was rudely attacked by a vampire, breaking all standards of social etiquette.

Where to go from there? From bad to worse apparently, for Alexia accidentally kills the vampire--and then the appalling Lord Maccon (loud, messy, gorgeous, and werewolf) is sent by Queen Victoria to investigate.

With unexpected vampires appearing and expected vampires disappearing, everyone seems to believe Alexia responsible. Can she figure out what is actually happening to London's high society? Will her soulless ability to negate supernatural powers prove useful or just plain embarrassing? Finally, who is the real enemy, and do they have treacle tart?

-- Goodreads.com description --

This book is all over Booktube, so I decided to buy the entire series, which wasn't an easy thing to do, I might add. I have mixed feelings about this book, at first, I had to get used to the writing style and then I had some trouble getting invested in the book. It definitely wasn't bad, but I somehow expected way more of it. I'm writing this review after finishing the second and third book in the series as well. I'm going to continue the series but I wouldn't necessarily recommend it. If you want to read it, you should borrow it from the library or from a friend rather than buying the entire series. 3 stars.

Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

When Tate Collins meets airline pilot Miles Archer, she knows it isn’t love at first sight. They wouldn’t even go so far as to consider themselves friends. The only thing Tate and Miles have in common is an undeniable mutual attraction. Once their desires are out in the open, they realize they have the perfect set-up. He doesn’t want love, she doesn’t have time for love, so that just leaves the sex. Their arrangement could be surprisingly seamless, as long as Tate can stick to the only two rules Miles has for her.

Never ask about the past.
Don’t expect a future.

They think they can handle it, but realize almost immediately they can’t handle it at all.

Hearts get infiltrated.
Promises get broken.
Rules get shattered.
Love gets ugly.

-- Goodreads.com description --

Colleen Hoover is a very popular author at the moment. I wanted to understand the popularity but most books didn't really catch my attention; except Ugly Love. Now, most people recommend starting with other Colleen Hoover books but I decided if I'm ever going to read one, it will be Ugly Love. After searching the internet for a cheap copy or e-book, I gave up on it for a while, because they were all priced more than 12 euros and in my opinion that is a lot of money for a book that has been released for a while. Finally, my curiosity for Ugly Love won out, and I bought my copy on the bookdepository.com.

Once again with a popular author, I had to adapt to the writing style. The book is divided into two perspectives: Tate's in the present day, and Miles' in the past. The perspective of Miles was written in a kind a verse that I really hated. Not because of the content but because the way it was written felt immature and stupid to me. It even made me feel stupid for reading the book. 

However, I liked Tate's parts and since the majority of the book is composed of her perspective, I continued reading it. Slowly I got over my issues and started to like the book. And by the end, I fell in love with it. 

One warning, though, this is a very sexy book and definitely not for younger readers. But if you are an adult, I would say, you would not have any problems starting to read Colleen Hoover with Ugly Love.

The last thing that added to my rating is the gorgeous cover, until you have seen and felt it in real life, you simply cannot understand the beauty of it! All in all, I give Ugly Love 4 out of 5 stars!