(Late Post) The 17 Books I read in 2019

So, the long awaited post is here! I’m so sorry it took this long. I don’t even have time right now as I’m writing this as I’ve got tons of assignment to be due Thursday but I figured if I didn’t do it now, I’d probably procrastinate it and never do it again. Oh and if you’re not a fan of VERY LONG posts, I think you might want to grab a drink or something and just relax. Well, the post is mostly long because of the synopsis’ of the books plus I don’t really have much to say about them. I’m not so good at reviews but I could try.

Last year, I put down a goal to read 20 or more books but I only ended up reading 17 which is a really big feat for me as the previous years in my reading life have been really dead. 2019 was great in the year of books for me. Really. Every book I read gave me emotions, by emotions I mean every emotion ever; happy, sad, angry, not angry, slightly angry, indifferent, in love, scared, hatred, you name it.

These books were sort of a distraction to me last year. Whenever I was stressed out, depressed or sad, I just opened up the Anybooks app and downloaded whatever book that caught my attention. I didn’t have any specific TBR (To Be Read) list until towards the end of the year. All in all, I don’t regret reading most of these books. Below is a list of them.

If I add up the books I started but didn’t finish, it will pass 20 but that’s going to be a topic for another day. Alright, and the book synopsis’ along with one or two words on what I think.

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Book Synopsis

A mysterious island. An abandoned orphanage. A strange collection of very curious photographs. It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow-impossible though it seems-they may still be alive. A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.

My Thoughts

Did you read that Synopsis? Did you fucking read that?! I’ve always been a sucker for adventure, in books and movies so when I came across this book on Anybooks, I couldn’t resist downloading it. It was totally worth it. 5/5 stars. Heck! 10/10 stars please. I wasn’t disappointed in anyway. There are two time frames in the book; the 20th and 21st century, I just love how the author was able to write about them so beautifully. Besides the time frame, following the main character, Jacob on his adventure with the Peculiar children was one of the best things I did last year. I started this book and couldn’t let it go, whenever I did, I had to pick it right up again. I was obsessed. I did not only want to know what next would come for them after all the trouble amidst love, laughter and joy they went through and shared, I also wanted to see if they’d finally have the good laugh cause God, these children went through alot. I felt their pain through every page as well as their laughter and wins. I loved how they connected with everyone they met along their journey and while I think I love Jacob, I’m totally smitten with Millard. I said I was going to say a few words so let me keep my word. Please, add this book to your reading list. You won’t regret it. I promise!

Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer

Book Synopsis

Juliet Young always writes letters to her mother, a world-traveling photojournalist. Even after her mother’s death, she leaves letters at her grave. It’s the only way Juliet can cope.

Declan Murphy isn’t the sort of guy you want to cross. In the midst of his court-ordered community service at the local cemetery, he’s trying to escape the demons of his past.

When Declan reads a haunting letter left beside a grave, he can’t resist writing back. Soon, he’s opening up to a perfect stranger, and their connection is immediate. But neither Declan nor Juliet knows that they’re not actually strangers. When life at school interferes with their secret life of letters, sparks will fly as Juliet and Declan discover truths that might tear them apart.

My Thoughts

Gah! Books that are about pain and depression tear me up and Letters to the Lost is/was definitely one of them. There was so much pain between the main characters in this book an the author no doubt did what she had to do with her words. If you’re very empathic, you’re going to connect with and feel for these characters. It also made me think alot about knowing someone your whole life and then finding out you never really knew them at all, after they died of course. I rate it 5/5. Check it out!

The Contract by Melanie Moreland

Book Synopsis

A tyrant by day, a playboy by night. That is the reputation that precedes Richard VanRyan. He lives life the way he wants, no concern for the opinion of others. He cares for no one, is completely unrepentant, and he has no desire to change his ways.

Katharine Elliott works under Richard as his PA. She despises him and his questionable ethics, but endures all the garbage he sends her way, because she needs the job. Her end goal is far more important than the daily abuse and demands she tolerates from her nasty tyrant of a boss.

Until the day, he asks her for something she never expected. A new role with a personal contract — fiancée instead of PA.

What happens when two people who loathe each other, have to live together and act as though they are madly in love?

Sparks.

That’s what happens.

Can the power of love really change a person?

Will they survive the contract?

What do you do when the one person you hate the most becomes the one person you can’t live without?

My Thoughts

Whew, imagine signing a contract to be a fake wife to a guy who’s unabashedly handsome but doesn’t treat you right every chance he gets, that’s like being in hell right? Yeah, totally. Anyway, as the book progresses, these fake couple find out they’re more than what each of them have ever thought about the other. I’m just going to drop that cliche “Read the book to find out“. Hehe, seriously, you should though. I rate it 4/5.

The Witness by Nora Roberts

Book Synopsis

Daughter of a controlling mother, Elizabeth finally let loose one night, drinking at a nightclub and allowing a strange man’s seductive Russian accent lure her to a house on Lake Shore Drive. The events that followed changed her life forever.

Twelve years later, the woman known as Abigail Lowery lives on the outskirts of a small town in the Ozarks. A freelance programmer, she designs sophisticated security systems — and supplements her own security with a fierce dog and an assortment of firearms. She keeps to herself, saying little, revealing nothing. But Abigail’s reserve only intrigues police chief Brooks Gleason. Her logical mind, her secretive nature, and her unromantic viewpoints leave him fascinated but frustrated. He suspects that Abigail needs protection from something — and that her elaborate defenses hide a story that must be revealed.

With a quirky, unforgettable heroine and a pulse-pounding plotline, Nora Roberts presents a riveting new read that cements her place as today’s most reliably entertaining thriller — and will leave people hungering for more.

My Thoughts

I have been a sucker for Nora Roberts since I was 15! And anytime I pick up her book, I never leave it. unless I got school but you know what I mean. Her books are always so captivating to me, beautifully written characters with all their flaws and perfections. How does she do it? The Heroine in this book is one out of the many of hers I couldn’t help falling in love with. Nora tries to show us here like in any other of her books that no matter how strong we are, it’s okay to be weak sometimes or have a hand. Great read for me! 5/5. Don’t fail to check it out while and if you can!

Mean Streak by Sandra Brown

Book Synopsis

Dr. Emory Charbonneau, a pediatrician and marathon runner, disappears on a mountain road in North Carolina. By the time her husband Jeff, miffed over a recent argument, reports her missing, the trail has grown cold. Literally. Fog and ice encapsulate the mountainous wilderness and paralyze the search for her.

While police suspect Jeff of “instant divorce,” Emory, suffering from an unexplained head injury, regains consciousness and finds herself the captive of a man whose violent past is so dark that he won’t even tell her his name. She’s determined to escape him, and willing to take any risks necessary to survive.

Unexpectedly, however, the two have a dangerous encounter with people who adhere to a code of justice all their own. At the center of the dispute is a desperate young woman whom Emory can’t turn her back on, even if it means breaking the law. Wrong becomes right at the hands of the man who strikes fear, but also sparks passion.

As her husband’s deception is revealed, and the FBI closes in on her captor, Emory begins to wonder if the man with no name is, in fact, her rescuer from those who wish her dead – and from heartbreak.

Combining the nail-biting suspense and potent storytelling that has made Sandra Brown one of the world’s best loved authors, MEAN STREAK is a wildly compelling novel about love, deceit, and the choices we must make in order to survive.

My Thoughts

The synopsis pretty much sums it up in a way. Reading this book was like walking through a dark alley for me, scared but curious to know what was in front and at the back of me. I start a new page and I want to know more and more but then, I found myself going back sometimes because yo, did I just miss something? The mystery and suspense was definitely worth it and I love how the characters showed what’s like to be human. There is a very tricky plot twist at the end, it blew my mind away. Check it out! I rate it 5/5.

The Obsession by Nora Roberts

Book Synopsis

Naomi Bowes lost her innocence the night she followed her father into the woods. In freeing the girl trapped in the root cellar, Naomi revealed the horrible extent of her father’s crimes and made him infamous. No matter how close she gets to happiness, she can’t outrun the sins of Thomas David Bowes.

Now a successful photographer living under the name Naomi Carson, she has found a place that calls to her, a rambling old house in need of repair, thousands of miles away from everything she’s ever known. Naomi wants to embrace the solitude, but the kindly residents of Sunrise Cove keep forcing her to open up—especially the determined Xander Keaton.

Naomi can feel her defenses failing, and knows that the connection her new life offers is something she’s always secretly craved. But the sins of her father can become an obsession, and, as she’s learned time and again, her past is never more than a nightmare away.

My Thoughts

Another Nora Roberts’ book I enjoyed! I read this right after the first one I mentioned above because that’s how much I’m in love with Nora and her characters. Another beautifully flawed but perfect in a sense heroine who I couldn’t help falling in love with and she had a dog! I’m a sucker for them. There was so much she had to do to get rid of her past, when it returned to hunt her again, she had to choose between running and what she believed in. Love and family. You should check it out! I give it 5/5.

The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson

Book Synopsis

In December 1975, the Lutz family moved into their dream home, the same home where Ronald DeFeo had murdered his parents, brothers and sisters just one year earlier.

the psychic phenomena that followed created the most terrifying experience the Lutz family had ever encountered, forcing them to flee the house in 28 days, convinced that it was possessed by evil spirits.

Their fantastic story, never before disclosed in full detail, makes for an unforgettable book with all the shocks and gripping suspense of The Exorcist, The Omen or Rosemary’s Baby, but with one vital difference…the story is true

My Thoughts

So, this is a book-turned movie and I’d seen about three adaptations of the book before I read it. The movies are horror by the way, just like the book but they didn’t scare me, I had a feeling the book would do a better job at it and whoa, it didn’t disappoint me. I was scared to the point of having a heart attack. *Makes the sign of the cross* I read this at night so I felt every chill and fright at every of a page. I couldn’t sleep later but here’s the funny part, I want to read it again. Books like this actually fascinate me. Please check it out, if it helps, you could read it with a torch or the lights on. Don’t be scared. I give it 5/5. Oh! It’s a true story. Enjoy 🙂

The Kissing Booth by Beth Reekles

Book Synopsis

Meet Rochelle Evans: pretty, popular–and never been kissed. Meet Noah Flynn: badass, volatile–and a total player. And also Elle’s best friend’s older brother…

When Elle decides to run a kissing booth for the school’s Spring Carnival, she locks lips with Noah and her life is turned upside down. Her head says to keep away, but her heart wants to draw closer–this romance seems far from fairy tale and headed for heartbreak.

But will Elle get her happily ever after?

My Thoughts

Another book turned movie! I haven’t seen the movie yet though but it’s been on my list since my early wattpad days (hey! if you use wattpad) and I just found the time to read it last year. I love Shelly so much not as much as *coughs*. Exploring her relationship with her best-friend and crush/lover/secret boyfriend with her was exciting. I hadn’t read a wattpad book in ages so feeling everything my love crazed teenage self used to feel was a very precious moment to me. I rate it 4/5 though. Check it out if you haven’t.

The Devil Inside by Jenna Black

Book Synopsis

Exorcism isn’t a job, it’s a calling—and a curse. Just ask Morgan Kingsley, a woman who has a stronger aura than any Demon. Or so she thought. Now, in a pair of black leather pants and a kick-ass tattoo, Morgan is heading back to Philadelphia after a nasty little exorcism—and her life is about to be turned upside down… by the Demon that’s gotten inside her.

Not just any Demon. Six foot five inches of dark, delicious temptation, this one is to die for—that is, if he doesn’t get Morgan killed first. Because while some humans vilify Demons and others idolize them, Morgan’s Demon is leading a war of succession no human has ever imagined. For a woman trying to live a life, and hold on to the almost-perfect man, being possessed by a gorgeous rebel Demon will mean a wild ride of uninhibited thrills, shocking surprises, and pure, unadulterated terror.…

My Thoughts

Just because you read demon doesn’t mean it’s horror. Hehe. This is a fantasy sort of book, where demons live among humans, well, the good kind of demons. Our heroine is strong-headed and tough, caring and funny, sassy and sexy. Reading this book opened my mind to a whole new world of fantasy and I didn’t regret it. You should check it out too. I rate it 3/5. I didn’t really connect with the chracters much.

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Book Synopsis

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn’t want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she’s made for herself—and realizes that the life she’s always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

My Thoughts

This book was mostly about Politics asides love, romance and being human. It made me realize that there were certain things I thought I knew but had no idea about. I give it 4/5.

The Elite by Kiera Cass

Book Synopsis

The Selection began with thirty-five girls. Now with the group narrowed down to the six Elite, the competition to win Prince Maxon’s heart is fiercer than ever—and America is still struggling to decide where her heart truly lies. Is it with Maxon, who could make her life a fairy tale? Or with her first love, Aspen?

America is desperate for more time. But the rest of the Elite know exactly what they want—and America’s chance to choose is about to slip away.

My Thoughts

Sequel to the book above. This one annoyed me in some ways, on the love part I mean. Our heroine was okay politically, she handed whatever task she was given nicely, not in the sense of the word but her love life made me scream most times. I barely enjoyed this one. I give it 3/5.

The One by Kiera Cass

Book Synopsis

The time has come for one winner to be crowned.

When she was chosen to compete in the Selection, America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown—or to Prince Maxon’s heart. But as the end of the competition approaches, and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose—and how hard she’ll have to fight for the future she wants.

Overdose by Raven St. Pierre

Book Synopsis

Insomniac.
Narcissist.
Sex addict.

…the only description sex therapist, Vanessa Ferris, was given of her newest patient, a fellow psychologist, Dr. Zander Hale.

From the moment he entered her office, she knew he’d be trouble—possibly the good kind. What she wasn’t prepared for was how he’d blindside her; how he would challenge everything she thought she knew about her profession, about herself.

There are certain lines a doctor is warned never to cross with their patients, but she didn’t listen.

Now, they’re both addicted.

One hit was all it took.

Stolen Angel by Lucy Leroux

Book Synopsis

Sergei has pined for months, waiting for his assistant to turn around and see he’s the perfect man for her. But Ada only sees him as her boss. Until one night when they both have to work late and the office is deserted…

It doesn’t happen right away, but soon Sergei has Ada right where he wants her—in his bed. Then demons from his past resurface, and he brutally pushes her away before the darkness inside him can consume them both.

But Ada isn’t about to let herself be used. Soon she turns the tables on him and disappears, leaving a mystery in her wake. Why was Ada working under an assumed name? Not just with him, but at every job she ever held?

Using every resource at his disposal, Sergei desperately searches for her, before the danger she’s running from catches up with her…and to try and heal the heart he shattered.

Hooker by J.L Perry

Book Synopsis

Jade

Jade’s young life was tough. After her mother died during childbirth and her father could no longer look after her, she was placed in foster care where she stayed for the next ten years. She grew up feeling unloved and unwanted as she was passed around from one screwed up home to the next.

Things began to look up for her when she was adopted by a wealthy socialite at the age of eleven. Sometimes though, things aren’t always what they seem. Jade didn’t know it at the time, but her new adoptive mother had big plans for her, and spent the next seven years grooming Jade for that role.

Jade learnt early in life that she couldn’t rely on anyone but herself. Instead of letting her circumstances beat her, she took all the negatives she’d been dealt, and used them to her advantage. She grew up to be a strong, successful, determined and independent woman. She was a loner by choice.

The only thing lacking in her life was companionship and love. She’d never experienced it, so she didn’t know what she was missing, until she had a one-night-stand with a handsome stranger. One night, that would change everything.

Brock

Brock grew up privileged. He had everything going for him. Money, looks, charm, success and an endless array of beautiful women. He wasn’t interested in commitment. To him women were easy. They practically threw themselves at his feet. All they wanted was to do something nobody had ever managed before. Snare the hot, rich bachelor.

Then he met Jade. She was like a breath of fresh air. A challenge. Nothing like the women he was used too. Their one night together ignited something within him. A burning desire to own her, possess her, but Jade had other plans. Nobody says no to Brock Weston, nobody.

He’s left wondering about a woman he knows he can never have. But, when fate brings them together again, will he get what he wants? Will he be able to claim the unattainable? Or will her secrets crush him, and destroy any chance they have of being together?

Playing the Millionaire by Sandi Lynn

Book Synopsis

I had six rules I lived by:

1. Know your mark.
2. Listen and never look bored.
3. Never reveal your true self.
4. Never stay in one place too long.
5. Exit as smoothly as you entered.
6. Never fall in love.

I was a charmer, a seducer, and the woman that men were hungry to get their hands on. Rich men never should have trusted me, but they did. It was stupidity on their part. Things were going well and I was doing what I was supposed to do, until I ripped off the wrong millionaire. A millionaire who came after me with a vengeance. My name is Kate Harper and this is my story.

I was the CEO of Quinn Hotels, one of the largest hotel chains in the world. I met Kate Harper on an airplane back from Seattle to New York. She was captivating and had my attention the moment I laid eyes on her. But she was far from the person she said she was. After parting ways at JFK airport, I discovered she ripped me off. I never thought I’d see her again, but fate stepped in and we crossed paths. This time I wasn’t letting her go until her debt to me was paid. She was every kind of wrong, but that didn’t stop the feelings that emerged while I kept her in my possession. My name is Gabriel Quinn and this is my story.

---

And this one wraps it up. These are the 17 books I read last year. Like I said, I don’t regret reading any of them. i hope this year would be better for me in reading books. I’ve only read 3 so far. I can’t wait to tell you guys about it at the end of the year or before or after, doesn’t matter. I just can’t wait. yes, if you noticed, I didn’t give any thoughts on the remaining books, I’m so sorry. You can check out the synopsis’s and see if it’s going to be worth reading which by the way, you should take my word for, it is worth reading.

Hey, if you read this far, thank you so much! I hope you read any of these books I’ve listed, they’re really good, it would mean so much if you checked one of them out. I recommend Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children above all. It was my and is my favourite from last year and did I mention it’s actually a series. There are six of them in the franchise and I read them all so that’s a total of 23 books! Oh. My. God. I’m so happy. I hope I can pass this mark this year.

If you have any questions, I’d be willing to answer them in the comment section. I’d also like to know what books you read last year or have read this year, let me keep my list piling.

Thank You! ❤