Top Ten Tuesday #32
Happy Tuesday, book nerds!
I’m testing a new drop time with this post, so I hope it doesn’t throw too many of you off! If you don’t like the late-night posting, please let me know below! I want to make sure my content is always convenient for my loyal readers! Beyond that, it’s looking like I officially WON my first game of fantasy football!! I suppose it could technically change, but we’re in the final quarter and I’m up by 50+ points, so I’m starting the victory dance! Here’s hoping it won’t be my only W of the season! Are there any other fantasy footballers out there? If so, comment with your team name below! Extra points if it’s punny, because those are my favorite!
It’s just barely Tuesday, but it’s time for a super early edition of TOP TEN TUESDAY!Hosted by Jana at ThatArtsyReaderGirl, this week’s topic was “Hidden Gems” or the books that didn’t get the marketing they deserved. Due to the fact that I’ve been spending the year catching up on ARCs, super hyped books, and series I’ve never read, I wasn’t sure I would be able to do this topic. However, while scrolling through my Goodreads list I was SHOCKED to see how many beloved books I’ve read over the past year and a half that had ridiculously low levels of ratings and reviews. Whether they were 5, 4, or 3 Star reads, I feel every title on this list deserves MORE LOVE than it’s currently received. So scroll on and check out my list of TOP TEN UNDERRATED AND UNDER REVIEWED HIDDEN GEMS.
Truly Underrated And Under Reviewed:
1) Here Lies Daniel Tate by Cristin Terrill – Ratings: 1,796 Reviews: 444
I’ve recently shared my love of this twisted thriller, but somehow in all that gushing I missed the shockingly-low level of reviews and ratings. When I saw these stats today I knew I needed to get the word out. Read this short & sweet review and tell me you’re not chomping at the bit to dive in!
2) Reign of the Fallen by Sarah Glenn Marsh – Ratings: 1,908 Reviews: 724
Lured in by the cover art, I quickly fell under the spell of this necromancer-centered fantasy. Full of love, loss, grief, coups, and magic this diverse story deserves more attention than it’s received thus far. Plus, book 2 drops in 4 months so it’s a perfect time to get your Shades in a row.
3) Undead Girl Gang by Lily Anderson – Ratings: 2,649 Reviews: 889
Another necromance-themed title hits my list this week, but this one has an entirely different — and sassy — vibe. This ownvoice standalone made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion and showed some impressive character growth in its 300-page span. If you’re a fan of Heathers and can handle some dark humor, I’d add this witchy read to your Halloween TBRs pronto!
4) Bad Romance by Heather Demetrios – Ratings: 2,703 Reviews: 700
This book gives readers a “lusciously crass” and intimately personal insight into the good, the bad, and the ugly of relationships gone wrong and I can’t recommend it enough! I’m not delving into the plot because I think it’s better to go in blind, but this book opened my eyes to a mentality I never fully understood and had a terrific balance of light vs. dark. Even though it sounds grim, there’s a lot of laughs along the way, an exit strategy, and a confidence-boosting ending that gives you a cathartic charge. Pick this up! Trust me! Check out my quote-filled review here!
5) Nyxia by Scott Reintgen – Ratings: 2,978 Reviews: 1,045
If you’ve been following me for awhile, you know how much I LOVED the first installment of this sci-fi triad. Even if you ditched the nostalgia, this was one of my favorite 5-Star reads of 2017! So you can imagine my outrage upon discovering the minimal ratings devoted to this saga! Do yourselves a favor and pick this up sooner than later. Fathom?
Slightly Underrated And Under Reviewed:
6) Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson – Ratings: 8,446 Reviews: 1,943
“Some children are just born bad, plain and simple.” While that might be true, there’s nothing plain or simple about this emotional thriller centered on a 9-year-old girl who murdered a 3-month-old baby. Allegedly. This debut, which has received more love than the previous 5 entries, has a strong voice, addictive pacing, and an ending that’s worthy of a therapy session. Seriously, there’s one scene in this story that still haunts me to this day. Mary just wants to be loved, so add her story to your TBRs today!
7) Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer – Ratings: 10,424 Reviews: 1,951
This YA drama had me hooked from its opening line and falling for our pair of angsty MCs faster than I could physically turn the pages. Between the writing style, crafty word play, and love developed via correspondence there wasn’t much I didn’t adore about this emotional contemporary. If you’re looking for a non-spooky addition to your fall TBR, consider getting lost in Kemmerer’s novel.
8) Roomies by Christina Lauren – Ratings: 12,833 Reviews: 2,052
This silly story served as my introduction to the Christina Lauren duo. And while it might be on my mind because I recently inhaled Josh and Hazel, I honestly think it’s just because I really enjoyed this music-based marriage of convenience tale. They say you never forget your first, and I’m certain it’ll be years before I manage to withhold chuckles while thinking about this sweet contemporary. No matter your situation, this is one Roomie I’m certain can fit into any household — or TBR list.
9) Corrupt by Penelope Douglas – Ratings: 20,949 Reviews: 3,010
This might be the most controversial selection on this list, and not just because of all the potential trigger warnings. This dark romance is unlike anything I’ve ever read before and despite it’s troubling elements I couldn’t put it down. I reread it earlier this year to prep for a buddy read, and enjoyed it even more the second time around. If you can keep an open mind and are interested in this genre, I’d give Douglas the opportunity to corrupt you.
10) Bright Side by Kim Holden – Ratings: 26,949 Reviews: 4,940
Y’all are straight up kidding yourselves if you think for one minute I wouldn’t put this emotional contemporary on a promotional post. I blog about this duology ALL THE TIME and I’ll continue to do so until more of you have experienced this tear-inducing story. It’s got cheese, uplifting messages, and not enough attention so be epic 😉 and add this title today!
And there you have my treasure trove of hidden gems! Have you read any of these under appreciated reads? Do you agree they deserve more love? Did any of these make your TBR because of this list??? Let me know below!
And, as always: Happy Reading!
The only one I’ve heard of is Reign of the Fallen—guess I should look into it more!!
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Haha! No worries! That’s what this whole week is about! I’m hoping my TBR doesn’t take too big of a hit! =D
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Hey, my twin. I’m not posting mine until morning, you’re the only person I’ve seen do it like me with the ratings and reviews number. Again, love having you as my twin, forever and ever! Hahaha! Also, you know I’m swooning over a few of your choices! ❤ xx
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Aww, twin! You’d think I’d stop being surprised by our similarities and coincidences, but nope it gets me every time! ❤️Love you and I’m glad you liked the list — especially since you inspired like a third of them! 😊Look forward to seeing your selection today!
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I had no idea that’s what Allegedly was about. Unfortunately I think the subject kind of puts me off although maybe someday.
Roomies is actually on my want to read really soon list. Josh and Hazel is on my want to read right this very second list but it’s too expensive 😭
Some of your other choices I haven’t heard of so will definitely be checking them out.
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Yeah, Allegedly does center around some intense plot lines and some graphic scenes of violence, but there’s a raw beauty to the story and the prejudice Mary faces that makes this a super powerful read. I totally get that it’s not for everyone though so if it sounds triggering avoid it!
As for CL, both books are a fun read, but I’d get your hands on Roomies first! It’s one of my favorites from the duo thus far!
If you read any of these please let me know! I’d love to discuss them with you!
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LETTERS TO THE LOST IS SO UNDERRATED!! JFLKJALFJ I want everyone to read it bc that book ruined me
im really looking forward to starting undead girl gang soon and youre making me more excited about it! great post!
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Yes, May!!! Just yes! I’m so glad someone else gets the power of that book! I know it’s higher rated than some of the other titles in this list, but it’s not discussed enough so thank you for helping spread the love!!
Also I hope you enjoy UGG! I know it doesn’t work for everyone, but I appreciated the snark and show choir digs lol!
Keep me posted! Happy reading, love!
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Undead Girl Gang has been on my TBR for so long and I’ve heard great reviews about that book! I think I’m gonna pick it up real soon! Great list love!
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Yay! I think Lily is such an under appreciated author so I’m glad to hear that! Whether you end up loving it or hating it let me know! I’d love to discuss it in the future! Happy reading, Carolina!
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I’m gonna get back at you soon, love!!
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I read Roomies last week and really enjoyed it. I also just bought Josh & Hazel and I’m so excited to read it. I think Christina Lauren’s going to become one of my new favorite authors 🙂
My team name is Smile for the Kamara 😝
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Aw, yay so glad to have another CL fan in the house! You’ll have to let me know what you think about J&H!
And I LOVE your team name! Alvin was on my team last year, but the order didn’t work in my favor to snag him this season!
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I’m going to try to read J&H this month but we’ll see 😁
Thank you! He ended up falling into my lap but my league is very small compared to others
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Wow, what a player to have fall into your lap! Good luck on your season and your reading!
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Thank you! Same to you ❤
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Great list! I love Undead Girl Gang and Nyxia, they both deserve more love. I haven’t read anything by Christina Lauren yet, but I’m so excited for Josh and Hazel. If I love that one as much I’m expecting to, I’ll definitley check out Roomies next 😊
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J&H is a super quick read that actually made me laugh out loud. I had a few issues with it, but hope you enjoy it!! Let me know if you check out Roomies!
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I love your list!
I’ve been meaning to read Reign of the Fallen. It looks fantastic, and I love the premise of it too.
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Reign was such a surprising read for me. The synopsis (while interesting) wasn’t totally my thing, but I ended up falling into the world so quickly. I was deeply invested and didn’t even realize it until the first shocking reveal. I hope you get to this one soon!
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I’m excited to give Reign of the Fallen a try! Ive been eyeing the cover 🙂
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The cover is what put me on alert for this one! If you get to it let me know what you think!
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i feel like there were moments where i heard about Here Lies Daniel Tate and Undead Girl Gang and thought about picking them up…and then i just never really heard about them again and totally spaced on it! i’ll have to check them out again. great post!
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I heard a lot about UGG when it first dropped, but haven’t heard much sense, but I feel like outside of like 4 reviews I didn’t know anything about HLDT and that’s upsetting to me because I personally enjoy unreliable narrators, but that’s just me! I hope you get around to these! Let me know if you do! Thanks for the love!
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I love your list! I need to read Undead Girl Gang so much!
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Thanks, Meg! I’m so glad UGG has such interest! Can’t wait to see it get more reviewed love! Keep me posted if you read it!
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I will do!
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With the amount of buzz Reign of the Fallen seemed to receive I’m kind of surprised by the number of ratings and reviews. I didn’t realize they were so ‘low’. Nyxia I should be getting in the mail next week and one I want to add to my sci-fi month tbr.
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I was SHOCKED! That was one of the ones that truly got me because I remember seeing that EVERYWHERE and the stats were just startling. Oh my gosh I LOVE Nyxia! I hope you do too!
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