Author: Zakiya N. Jamal

Zakiya N. Jamal was born in Queens, raised in Long Island, and currently resides in Brooklyn. In other words, she’s a New Yorker through and through. She holds a BA in English from Georgetown University and a MFA in Creative Writing with a concentration in Writing for Children and Young Adults from The New School. She has been published in Romper, BuzzFeed, People.com, Thought Catalog, and more. Her non-fiction essay about her "Cuban Impostor Syndrome" can be found in the Latinx anthology, Wild Tongues Can’t Be Tamed. You can find her on Twitter at @ZakiyaNJamal.

‘Stars Above,’ ‘All the Bright Places,’ And More Books On My March TBR

Posted on February 26, 2016February 25, 2016 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Blog

February is quickly coming to a close, which is crazy because where is this year going, and it’s time to share my to-be-read list for next month. Check out the list below and let me know if you’ve read or plan to read any of these books.

1. Multiple Listings by Tracy McMillan

I got a digital ARC of this book and I can’t wait to read it! Tracy McMillan is a screenwriter (she wrote for Mad Men!) and this novel is somewhat based on her real life. The main character Nicki Daniels is a real estate agent who’s ex-con father just got out of jail and is looking for place to stay. But Nicki is just getting her life on track and the last thing she needs is her father messing things up. I get a filling this book will be filled with family drama and I love it.

2. All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

I’ve hard so much about this book and it’s been sitting on my shelf for months now. I’m hoping this month will be the month I finally dive in. The novel follows Violet and Finch who meet on the ledge of a bell tower. Their friendship/relationship grows from there. Dealing with love, depression, and so much else this sounds like a great read.

3. After You by Jojo Moyes

After reading Me Before You (and crying for days!) I absolutely have to know what happens next. I loved Lou and I’m excited to know what happens to her. In this sequel, we see Lou back with her family struggling to figure out her next steps and hopefully, discovering love. I’m sure this book will make me cry just as much as the original but I’m going to read it anyway.

4. Playing Defense by Cate Cameron

I got a digital ARC copy of this book from Entangled teen and it sounds really interesting to me. Claudia has never been kissed but when she starts tutoring popular hockey player, Chris, she begins to fall for him. Honestly, I’m a sucker for the nerd gets with the popular person type of story. Haley and Nathan on One Tree Hill, anyone? This book is sure to make me swoon.

5. Stars Above by Marissa Meyer

I want this book so badly. Unfortunately I’m currently on an indefinite book buying ban but thank God for libraries. If you haven’t read the Lunar Chronicles yet definitely check it out because it’s amazing. Stars Above is a collection of short stories about the characters in the books plus a special epilogue to the last book.

6. Afterworlds by Scott Westerfield

This is another book that’s been on my shelf for months and I’m so ready to read it. This book is like two books in one. On one level we have the story of Darcy who got a book deal and moves to New York and then on another level we have the story she wrote about Lizzie. Also, I love that the main characters names are Darcy and Lizzie. Pride and Prejudice feels everywhere!

7. Prodigy by Marie Lu

I read Legend so long ago and I loved it. Now I need to know what happens next. June and Day are on the run to Vegas and there’s a new Elector in charge. June and Day have to figure out what’s right and what’s wrong as they’re forced to pick a side as a revolution begins.

8. The Haters by Jesse Andrews

I got this lovely ARC from Abrams and I’m supper excited to read it. I haven’t read Me and Earl and the Dying Girl yet but I will. Until then I really want to read this book because it sounds super good. Wes, Corey, and Ash decide to leave band camp and hit the road, leading to a music filled adventure that I’m sure I’ll love.

Book Review: Carry On

Posted on February 25, 2016 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Book Reviews, Books to Buy

Synopsis from Amazon:

Simon Snow is the worst Chosen One who’s ever been chosen.

That’s what his roommate, Baz, says. And Baz might be evil and a vampire and a complete git, but he’s probably right.

Half the time, Simon can’t even make his wand work, and the other half, he starts something on fire. His mentor’s avoiding him, his girlfriend broke up with him, and there’s a magic-eating monster running around, wearing Simon’s face. Baz would be having a field day with all this, if he were here–it’s their last year at the Watford School of Magicks, and Simon’s infuriating nemesis didn’t even bother to show up.

*This book is part of my POPSUGAR 2016 Reading Challenge.*

It took me way too long to finally read this book but I’m so glad I did. I absolutely loved it and even though I know Rainbow Rowell wrote the book it felt like Cath from Fangirl wrote it, which was great.

Told in multiple point of views, Carry On tells the story of Simon Snow, a less heroic Harry Potter in my opinion. He’s supposedly the greatest mage (wizard) there ever was and he’s meant to stop the Insidious Humdrum (kind of like Voldemort but way more ridiculous and way less evil).

Carry On was truly ridiculous in the best way. As long as you don’t expect a really deep story with life lessons in it and see it as the entertaining, laughable book it is you’ll love. Even the spells were a bit ridiculous. In the world of Simon Snow, words are the key to spells, therefore song lyrics and popular sayings were used as spells. Oddly, this became very funny to me. Also, I loved almost all the characters, especially Simon’s friend, Penelope, who reminded me of Hermione.

Side note: If you’re wondering why I’m comparing all these characters to Harry Potter you need to read Fangirl. If you don’t want to read Fangirl all you need to know is in the world of Fangirl, the Simon Snow books are on the level of Harry Potter. They’re a series of books about a British boy who’s an orphan and discovers he has magical powers. Sound familiar yet?

But like I said Carry On airs on the side of the ridiculous. It’s not as serious as HP and it’s ~~a bit~~ way more gay. And although there are some deaths it’s definitely not on the level of heartbreak that J.K. Rowling put fans through, mostly because you only have one book to get invested in these characters instead of seven.

Overall, Carry On made me laugh and swoon and even shed a tear, which is all I could ask for from this book. Fangirl is still my favorite book by Rowell but this is a close second.

Borrow or Buy: Buy!

Stars:

Favorite Line:

“I am going to die kissing Simon Snow. Aleister Crowley, I’m living a charmed life.”

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Blog Tour Review: How Willa Got Her Groove Back

Posted on February 23, 2016March 22, 2016 by Zakiya N. Jamal in ARC Reviews, Blog Tours, Book Reviews

How Willa Got Her Groove Back by Emily McKay

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary Romance

Series: Creative HeArts #2, companion series

Publication: February 25th, 2016

Synopsis:

When your life feels like a bad movie, rewrite the script.

When Willa Schofer’s father comes home from a business trip with an über-famous new fiancée, Willa’s senior year blows up in paparazzi-fueled flames. Overnight, she has a new house, a new car, and a new soon-to-be stepbrother–the unbelievably hot, unbelievably arrogant, Finn McCain. Thank god he’s constantly pushing her buttons, or she might do something irresponsible. Like fall for the jerk.

Just when Willa’s decided to avoid him for, oh, ever, Finn lands in the center of her senior project team. Seriously–how hard is it to shake a guy? At least her work on the project snagged the attention of the (second) hottest guy in school. He might only be into her because of her famous stepmom, and he’s not quite as exciting as a certain annoying housemate, but at least she’s allowed to crush on the guy.

Because crushing on your annoying stepbrother? So not cool.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo | Entangled

Click Here for the Giveaway

Review

*I received a free digital advanced reader’s copy of this book from Entangled: Crush. This did not influence my review of this book in anyway. This is an honest review of the novel as I saw it. This novel was released on February 22, 2016.*

This book had it’s ups and downs. I really liked the concept of Willa and Finn being forced together because of their parent’s impending marriage. Plus, Finn is really cute and I like that he keeps his emotions hidden, making him dark and brooding, my favorite kind of book boyfriend. And I loved Willa. She was funny, honest, and I sympathized with her greatly.

My biggest issue with this novel was I found Finn’s reasoning for pretending he was okay with his mom marrying Willa’s dad a bit unbelievable. Every time he thought about why he needed to pretend he was happy I got annoyed because it seemed so ridiculous to me. Also, I hated Willa’s dad and I don’t think I was supposed to. I just found his blatant disregard for his daughter’s feelings completely unacceptable and I also hated that he couldn’t understand why Willa was upset.

Still, I thought this book was well written and I’m honestly intrigued to know what happens next, especially because dating and falling in love with your stepbrother is definitely taboo. I really want Willa and Finn to be together but does that mean their parents won’t be? Or will this be some weird family set up? Also, this is the second book I’ve read recently where step siblings have a romance. I don’t know how I feel about that or what that says about me.

Anyway, honestly this book was funny and cute and a pretty quick read. I liked that for the most part it’s told in Willa’s point of view but occasionally we got chapters about Finn in the third person. Those chapters are what made me really like Finn. And his motorcycle. I really liked his motorcycle.

Borrow or Buy: Buy! For only $2.99 on the Kindle, this book is definitely worth it.

Stars:

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About the Author

Emily McKay is a life-long fan of books, pop-culture and anything geeky. She has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and baking cookies. When she’s not kicking-ass and scooping cookie dough, she’s watching videos from Screen Junkies (her favorite Youtube channel) or Pemberly Digital or Classic Alice. Okay, she has a Youtube problem! She’s seeking help. Really. Though, she may also have a slight problem with procrastination.

When the internet is down and there are no chocolate chips in the house, she does write books – everything from Harlequin romance novels to post-apocalyptic YA. Though her interests may appear broad, the common denominators are swoony heroes and snarky humor.

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

9 Ways To Up Your Bookstagram Game

Posted on February 22, 2016February 22, 2016 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Blog

The more I dive into the bookstagram world, the more I realize how basic my book photography lifestyle is. It’s not just about having pretty books. It’s about having cute Funkos and a nice theme. Here’s just a few tricks of the trade I’ve picked up so far from some of my favorite accounts. Check them out and back sure to follow To Borrow or Buy on Instagram!

1. Have a solid theme.

I’m still kind of working on mine but basically all your pictures should have the same aesthetic. For example, I decided I’m going to use the wooden floors in my living room as my background for my pictures. That way when someone scrolls through your feed it doesn’t look like a bunch of random pics but instead a nice cohesive feed of pretty book pictures.

2. Participate in book photo challenges.

Photo challenges are a great way to meet other bookstagrammers and get your photos seen. Some hosts will posts their favorite photos of the week on their account so you get free promotion if they like your photo. Plus, usually the host and other participants scroll through the challenge hashtag just to see what everyone’s posting, so that’s any easy way to get exposure.

3. Make your own photo challenge.

A step up from just participating in a book photo challenge is creating your own. What’s really cool about this is you make your own hashtag, which people will use when they share their photos, and it’s a nice (and easy) way to get your brand out there. I haven’t done one yet because I don’t feel like I have a big enough following just yet but what’s really cool is you can also partner up with someone to do this.

4. Get some Funko dolls.

Screen Shot 2016-02-22 at 1.37.14 AM.png — Source: @january.embers

Truthfully I didn’t even know what Funko dolls (toys?) were until I started seriously bookstagramming. Then I realized I was seeing them everywhere on my feed. There’s one’s for all kinds of shows and movies. There’s a whole Marvel collection, Dr. Who, The Hunger Games, and of course, Harry Potter. They’re cute collectible dolls that make any book photo look even better.

5. Use any kind of book paraphernalia in your photos.

Screen Shot 2016-02-22 at 1.49.20 AM.png — Source: @books_and_ink

Funko dolls are cool and definitely popular but any items that prove you’re a book nerd you should use in your photos. T-shirts, posters, tattoos, jewelry, bookmarks, literally anything. Photos that include more than just your books tend to do better. It’s a fact.

6. Do booktags.

Booktags are a fun way to engage with the bookstagram community and get more followers. It’s pretty simple. Another bookstagrammer tags you in their photo with the hashtag in the caption and you then do your own photo that goes along with that hashtag and tag other people in your photo. Of course, the problem with this is you need someone to tag you. However, easy solution is to start your own tag. Who knows? It could even turn into something big.

7. Use popular hashtags.

Screen Shot 2016-02-22 at 1.57.42 AM.png — Source: @youngadultbookaddict

This is a similar concept. Take advantage of hashtags that a lot of people use. There’s the typical ones like #ThrowbackThursday and #ManCrushMonday but then there’s the ones specific to bookstagram. For example, #SockSunday is super popular. What’s great about these tags is people often like to scroll through and see what other people are posting so your photo will get even more exposure.

8. Engage with other users

Be friendly! Don’t be afraid to comment on other people’s pictures and always respond when people comment on yours. One of the best ways to grow a following is to get to know other users. The friends you make in the bookstagram community are the ones that’ll give you a random shoutout or do photo challenges with you. Plus, what’s the point of having a bookstagram account if you’re not going to interact with other people? That’s half the fun!

9. Use popular books.

As much as I wish you could just take pictures of any book you’re reading and it’d do just as well as if you took a picture of all the Harry Potter books, the truth is it won’t. If you can, try to take pictures of books that are popular or trendy right now. For example, I took a lot of pictures of Me Before You recently because the trailer came out and everyone was talking about it. Don’t be afraid to hop on the train of a trending topic. That’ll make your photo pop up even more in people’s searches, getting you more likes and followers.

Book Review: Me Before You

Posted on February 18, 2016May 10, 2016 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Book Reviews, Books to Buy

Synopsis from Amazon:

They had nothing in common until love gave them everything to lose . . .

Louisa Clark is an ordinary girl living an exceedingly ordinary life—steady boyfriend, close family—who has barely been farther afield than their tiny village. She takes a badly needed job working for ex–Master of the Universe Will Traynor, who is wheelchair bound after an accident. Will has always lived a huge life—big deals, extreme sports, worldwide travel—and now he’s pretty sure he cannot live the way he is.

Will is acerbic, moody, bossy—but Lou refuses to treat him with kid gloves, and soon his happiness means more to her than she expected. When she learns that Will has shocking plans of his own, she sets out to show him that life is still worth living.

A Love Story for this generation, Me Before You brings to life two people who couldn’t have less in common—a heartbreakingly romantic novel that asks, What do you do when making the person you love happy also means breaking your own heart?

*This book is part of my POPSUGAR 2016 Reading Challenge.*

After watching the trailer for Me Before You I knew I had to read the book. The trailer alone made me tear up so I went into this book knowing I wasn’t emotionally ready. But this book still tore me to pieces.

Louisa Clark is happy with her regular life. She lives at home with her parents, Grandad, sister, and nephew, and she’s dating her boyfriend, Patrick, as she has been for the last seven years. She lives in a small town and doesn’t travel. She plays it safe and is okay with that.

Until she loses her job. After trying a multitude of jobs she finally settles for being the non-medical caregiver for a quadriplegic patient. The patient, Will, is not what Louisa was expecting. He’s young and handsome but also moody and difficult to work with. That doesn’t stop Louisa from being her naturally talkative and cheerful self, doing her best to make him happy.

However, Louisa soon realizes the truth behind why Will’s family hired her to spend time with him and it makes Louisa question everything she thought she knew about Will and about life and death in general. Choosing to stick it out, Louisa does her best to make Will’s life better and in return Will opens Louisa up to new experiences, making her a tad more fearless than she was before.

This novel is beautifully written, told mostly in Louisa’s point of view although there are a few chapters that are in different characters’ point of view. What I find interesting is besides the prologue, which admittedly was still in the third person, we never get Will’s point of view. I’m not sure if Jojo Moyes did this intentionally but the fact that Will has almost no control over his life is clear in that even in this novel he’s not really given a voice.

Overall, I truly loved this book. It made me cry (a lot) but it also made me laugh and smile. Louisa and Will’s relationship is heartwarming and I love that they made each other better. Even if you haven’t read it yet definitely do. The film, starring Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin (two of my faves) comes out this June and the sequel, After You, came out last year.

Borrow or Buy: Buy!

Stars:

Favorite Line:

“You only get one life. It’s actually your duty to live it as fully as possible.”

Other Reviews

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Author Spotlight: Cate Cameron

Posted on February 17, 2016 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Author Spotlights

This week I had the chance to interview undercover author, Cate Cameron, who’s new book, Playing Defense (Corrigan Falls Raiders Series), will be released on March 7. Check out her amazing writing history and her tips for aspiring writers below.

When did you first start writing?

I started writing about… wow, probably seven years ago? It doesn’t seem that long, but we’re coming up on the six-year anniversary of my first book being published, (Dark Horse, under my Kate Sherwood pen name), and I think I started writing about a year before that.

What made you decide to write romance novels?

I started writing with fanfiction, and romance is a BIG part of that style of writing, so–it just seemed natural, I guess. I don’t remember ever really deciding. I just wrote, and–romance!

Do you think you’ll switch genres or stick with romance?

I’ve tried to switch – actually, the first version of Center Ice [the first book in the Corrigan Falls Raiders series] wasn’t really a romance – it was Karen’s story about coming to the new town and dealing with her family and all that, and there was no Tyler at all, as I recall. And a couple years ago people were saying that the [New Adult] genre was about to bust out of its erotic romance boundaries and I got all excited about that and wrote a NA kind of urban adventure about this girl who is lured into the world of jewel thievery and has her loyalties tested, etc… but as soon as it was done, people backed off from NA being non-romance, so now it’s really hard to sell without building up the romance elements!

So, yes, I’d love to switch genres a bit – but nobody else seems to want me to!

Who are some of your favorite writers?

As a kid, I loved SE Hinton and Anne McCaffrey [for] distraction, and I still have a soft spot in my heart for both of them, although I’m aware that McCaffrey, especially, can be a bit problematic.

As an adult, I have a tendency to overdose on authors when I find one I like. The first book is good, so I read more and more and then I hit one I don’t like as much and my expectations have gotten so high that “don’t like as much” feels like “absolutely hate” and then I give up on the author. I’m not saying I’m proud of this pattern, but… you asked! So I don’t really have a favorite author, these days, and I’m trying to keep it that way so I won’t start the whole stupid cycle over again.

What is your new novel, Playing Defense about?

Playing Defense is about Claudia, a shy, serious student, whose life is turned upside down when she’s assigned to tutor Chris Winslow, a hockey player who doesn’t really care about school. Claudia finds herself swept up into his hockey player life, and she also finds herself swept off her feet. But for someone like Claudia, that’s more frightening than exciting, so she has to really struggle to accept the relationship. Chris, on the other hand, isn’t sure he has much to offer someone like Claudia–and Claudia’s parents really don’t help make him feel any more secure about that!

Will Karen and Tyler from Center Ice play a big role in this novel?

Karen has a bigger role than Tyler. They’re both there, but Claudia and Karen really bond, and form a sort of club [that] they call the Sisterhood of Awesomeness, dedicated to trying to challenge members to live their most awesome lives and get over their fears. It’s a bit hokey, but I like it anyway!

Are there any other projects you’re working on right now? Will there be another Corrigan Falls book?

There’s a third Corrigan Falls book, this one [is] (hopefully) just about done with editing – there’s been talk of it coming out as early as May, but I’m not really sure if that’s going to happen.

It’s a fun one because this time the female lead is a hockey player, one who grew up playing with the boys (including the male lead) and kind of resents them for having their NHL dreams, leaving her behind.

Do you have any advice for young/aspiring writers?

Mostly I’d just suggest that writers focus on having fun and on telling the kinds of stories they want to read. Enthusiasm goes a long way, and as a reader, I feel like I can tell when a writer is just phoning it in because [they’ve] heard that something sells. Writing is fun – enjoy yourselves!

Book Review: Confess

Posted on February 16, 2016February 15, 2016 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Book Reviews

Synopsis from Amazon:

At age twenty-one, Auburn Reed has already lost everything important to her. In her fight to rebuild her shattered life, she has her goals in sight and there is no room for mistakes. But when she walks into a Dallas art studio in search of a job, she doesn’t expect to find a deep attraction to the enigmatic artist who works there, Owen Gentry.

For once, Auburn takes a chance and puts her heart in control, only to discover that Owen is keeping a major secret from coming out. The magnitude of his past threatens to destroy everything important to Auburn, and the only way to get her life back on track is to cut Owen out of it.

To save their relationship, all Owen needs to do is confess. But in this case, the confession could be much more destructive than the actual sin.

Even though I’ve only read two books by her so far, I feel confident in saying Confess is my favorite Colleen Hoover novel. It’s just so incredibly complex, filled with twists and turns that kept me on my toes the whole time.

The novel is told in alternating point of views between Auburn and Owen. Auburn’s first love, Adam, died when she was only 15 and Auburn hasn’t had the best life since then. Meanwhile, Owen has his own struggles. His relationship with his father is strained at best as they’re both still reeling from the car accident that killed Owen’s mother and brother years ago.

Whether you believe in fate or not this book will at least make you question the idea. Auburn and Owen are brought together when Owen needs help running his art gallery for the night and that spurs a chain reaction of events that ultimately change Auburn and Owen’s lives forever.

Honestly, I highly recommend this book. I cried, laughed, and I just really need this book on my shelf so I can read it again and again. If Auburn and Owen’s story doesn’t tug at your heart strings I don’t know what will. Seriously, this is a must read.

Borrow or Buy: Buy!!

Stars:

Favorite Line:

“I’ll love you forever. Even when I can’t.”

Other Reviews

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#LoveBooks

8 Books That’ll Have You Reaching For A Tissue Box

Posted on February 15, 2016February 15, 2016 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Blog, Books

I recently finished reading a total tear jerker and even though it made me cry I loved it anyway. Honestly, sometimes it’s great to have a great cry over a book. So here’s some of my favorite tear jerkers. Don’t see yours on the list? Let me know what book has made you cry in the comments below.

1. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

When Louisa Clark accepts a job helping Will, a quadriplegic, she’s not really sure what to expect. Will is sulky, moody, and a bit difficult to deal with but Louisa pushes forward anyway, determined to make him happy. But what Louisa soon realizes is by giving Will a happier life she may end up breaking her own heart in the process.

2. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

John Green is a master story teller and holds back no punches in this story of two teens with cancer who discover their own little infinity. Despite their illnesses Hazel and Augustus are determined to love each other no matter the cost.

3. The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

This trilogy about the girl on fire who starts a revolution is now a worldwide phenomenon and with good reason. From the moment Katniss Everdeen volunteers for the Hunger Games her life is changed as are the lives of those closest to her, and no one is save from the fallout of Katniss’ revolution.

4. The Pact by Jodi Picoult

Chris and Emily were two teens in love who otherwise seemed happy, until Chris shoots Emily to death as part of their shared suicide pact. Told in multiple point of views Jodi Picoult shows us everything isn’t always black and white and lots can be revealed in those shades of gray.

5. If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Mia’s whole world is changed one day when her family gets into a terrible car accident. Stuck in a coma but aware of everything that’s happening around her Mia is forced to choose to let go or fight for her life and stay.

6. Rumble by Ellen Hopkins

After being mercilessly bullied because of his sexuality, Matthew’s younger brother, Luke, committed suicide. Matthew is then left questioning how to forgive all those he holds responsible for Luke’s death, including himself.

7. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

After calling the cops and having the end-of-the-summer party busted up, Melinda is an outcast in her high school and the more alone she feels the less she speaks. Her only source of comfort is her art class. Through working on an art project Melinda is finally able to face what really happened at that party and learns how to speak.

8. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Two weeks after his crush and classmate, Hannah Baker, committed suicide Clay Jensen comes home to find a package with his name on it. Inside are thirteen cassette tapes from Hannah explaining her reasons for ending her life—and Clay is one of them.

12 Book Boyfriends To Spice Up Your Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 12, 2016February 12, 2016 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Blog

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and for those of us who don’t have plans, the best way to spend the holiday is with a good book. And why not a book with the man of your dreams? Here’s who I plan on spending my V-Day with. Who’s your favorite book boyfriend? Let me know in the comments below!

1. Owen Gentry (Confess)

I just finished this book and I’m still not over it. Owen is amazing. He’s cute, funny, and so incredibly sweet. This book was incredible and so is Owen.

2. Will Herondale (The Infernal Devices)

I love Will. Not only does he love books but he quotes them with ease. He’s a man after my own heart.

3. Etienne St. Clair (Anna and the French Kiss)

St. Clair is a Brit who grew up in America who can speak French. Talk about multicultural. Besides that he’s also hot, sweet, and an all around good guy.

4. Josh Wasserstein (Isla and the Happily Ever After)

Oh Josh. He’s got some issues that he needs to work through but despite his struggles he still mentions to be so incredibly loving towards Isla and it’s wonderful.

5. Prince Kai (The Lunar Chronicles)

Almost every guy in The Lunar Chronicles is one of my book boyfriends but Kai has a special place in my heart. The way he falls so hard for Cinder is so endearing and cute.

6. Levi (Fangirl)

Levi is such a cute, tall dork. I love how he just gets Cath and her fangirl ways. Any guy that willingly listens to a girl read her fanfiction is a great guy in my book.

7. Prince Maxon Schreave (The Selection)

Maxon and America are my OTP. The way Maxon falls head over heels for America and loves everything about her is too cute for words. He treats her like she’s already his queen.

8. Tobias “Four” Eaton (Divergent)

Four is the definition of having a hard shell but being such a softy on the inside. He’s so protective of Tris and just loves her so much. It’s unbelievable.

9. Daemon Black (The Lux Series)

Daemon has such a bad boy persona and although I hate to admit it I’m a sucker for a bad boy with a nice center. And Daemon is just that and more.

10. Raffe (Angelfall)

Raffe is literally an angel. With wings! Well, kind of. But Raffe isn’t a sweet angel with a halo. He’s got an edge but protagonist Penryn is able to wear him down.

11. Liam Stewart (The Darkest Minds)

If Liam’s good looks don’t immediately suck you in his Southern charm and drawl definitely will. He’s so genuine and kind, and he’ll instantly tug at your heart strings.

12. Adrian Ivashkov (Bloodlines)

Adrian is the rich, bad boy you know you shouldn’t want but you just can’t resist his charm. Honestly, though, Adrian has a big heart and he treats his ladies right.

Book Review: Pushing the Limits

Posted on February 11, 2016February 10, 2016 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Book Reviews, Books to Buy

Synopsis from Amazon:

He’s my art professor.
I’m his student.
With an electric connection and undeniable chemistry, I know it won’t be long until one of us cracks.

When the opportunity arises to pose naked for the entire art class, I can’t help the thrill of knowing he’ll be watching me.
While they all look past me with their eyes narrowed and concentrated, drawing only the lines and angles of my body, he sees right through me down to my vulnerability.
He sees more than just the physical aspects—he sees me.
That’s when I see the struggle in his features as he tries to stay in control.

How do we keep our distance when everything seems to be pulling us together?
What feels so right can only go wrong if we keep pushing the limits.

Based on the synopsis you’d think this novel starts with the protagonist, Aspen, posing nude in front of her class and professor, Morgan. But that’s not the case.

Told in alternating point of views, between Aspen and Morgan, there’s a lot of build up before readers even get to that scene and there’s way more to this story than just a student/teacher relationship, which I liked.

Both Aspen and Morgan are suffering depression due to similar circumstances but they handle it in very different ways. Aspen’s identical twin sister, Ariel, passed away six years ago and Aspen’s still dealing with the guilt about what happened the night her sister died. Morgan’s brother, Ryan, died a few months ago and Morgan has his own guilt to deal with while also being the guardian for Ryan’s daughter, Natalia.

Both Aspen and Morgan are hurting and they discover solace and more importantly, understanding, with each other. Also, Aspen’s a 21-year-old adult, which makes me feel way more comfortable with her relationship with Morgan. I will say I thought Morgan pushed his boundaries as a teacher way too early and I would’ve liked it more if Aspen initiated the relationship more. Still, I fell in love with Morgan just as much as Aspen did.

He’s smart, funny, artistic, and an all around good guy (besides the fact that he dates one of his students of course). I also really liked Aspen and felt so bad for her. I hate her parents and I wish we could’ve seen more of her brother, Aaron, who seemed like an okay guy.

I also really liked Aspen’s friends, Kendall and Zoe. Especially Kendall. She’s hilarious and added much needed comic relief to this novel. As did Aspen’s classmate, Ellie, who’s so blunt it’s a bit unbelievable but also very funny.

And of course the erotic scenes were very steamy. At some points the sex scenes got a little too repetitive for me so I started skimming them but eventually the author, Brooke Cumberland, skipped over them, which was good. I actually really liked the plot of this novel and at some points just wanted to get back to that so I was glad when she did.

Overall, BookBub once again gave me a great deal on a book I probably would’ve never discovered on my own. This is definitely a good read.

Borrow or Buy: Buy! It’s literally only 99 cents on the Kindle. Just buy it. You won’t regret it!

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