Countdown to UtopYA Author Spotlight Series Day One: Meet Kallie Ross

Hello friends and welcome to an exciting week here at One Guy's Guide to Good Reads. Starting today, my beautiful bookish soul-mate, Christina Marie from LuLo Fangirl and I will be hosting an incredible new feature series to get everyone PUMPED for UtopYAcon in Nashville, TN next week!

After WEEKS of deliberation, Christina and I have hand-picked FIFTEEN of our favorite authors attending UtopYA and will be spotlighting one each day for the next 7 days. These posts will include an interview with 15 special guests, ranging from seasoned literary vets to first-time debut authors. Each post will also feature a quick spotlight of the authors latest or upcoming works. You are not going to want to miss out on this awesome series!

Each day Christina and I will feature a different author on one of our blogs and will be cross promoting between the two. We really want to get the word out to all of our readers. As a special incentive, we are offering an exclusive UtopYA giveaway for a signed book from ANY participating UtopYA author! How exciting! We can't wait to share this awesome series with you all and look forward to an awesome time in Nashville!

Happy Reading!

7 DAYS UNTIL UTOPYA

Day One: Meet Kallie Ross

Kallie Ross: 

Kallie Ross has a love for learning that has gravitated toward studying conspiracy theories and contradictions in our culture. Her creative conclusions have ignited a passion to write compelling young adult fiction that incorporates legend, conjecture, fantasy, and conviction. Kallie's first novel Descent: A Lost Tribe Book 1, was released last year.

Kallie Ross loves being a wife, mother, friend, writer, and teacher. She began teaching high school English in 2002 and started blogging and podcasting in 2008. She has a brilliant husband, two redheads, and never imagined her life would ever be this fun! 

KallieRoss.com ** Kallie Ross Facebook Page ** @KallieRoss Twitter ** Goodreads Page *

*

Intro to Kallie Ross:

I had the incredible pleasure of cyber meeting Kallie Ross a few weeks before UtopYA last year. I was a new blogger still getting my feet wet, and I was introduced to a new 'debut author' who was looking for reviewers. This debut blogger and that debut author collaborated and one amazing friendship was born. One year, two five-star reads, and a UtopYA later, Kallie Ross is one of my favorite people on planet Earth. She is one of the kindest, most supportive authors I have ever had the great pleasure to meet and has never had anything but amazing things to say! She's a class-act all the way around. There's aren't many people around as awesome as Mrs. Kallie, I'm so honored to call her a friend. Her debut novel, Descent, was one of my Top Reads of 2014, it was not to be missed. I actually got to meet Kallie at UtopYA 2014 during the public signing. I came into Nashville for the day to meet some friends and HAD to meet Kallie Ross while I was there. There were hugs and laughs shared all around. I absolutely cannot wait to see my awesome friend again in just ONE WEEK! I know that all of you will fall in love with her and her works. Don't hesitate to learn more about Kallie Ross, pick up a copy of her works and let's chat! She's always up for some bookish fun! If you see her around Nashville during UtopYA, be sure to say 'hey', tell her Ethan sent ya! 

Let's learn a bit more about Mrs. Kallie and her works:

Works by Kallie Ross

Seventeen year old Ollie Miller is ready to leave all of her hurt feelings behind, but moving on seems impossible while living next door to her ex-best friend, Mateo. When curious earthquakes begin to shake and rip open the foundation of her small town, the ground becomes as unsteady as her feelings for him. When they fall, they fall hard…

Ollie’s disastrous attempt to save Mateo’s brother from falling into a curious chasm results in their descent into a cavernous wonderland. Ollie, Mateo, Jesse, and Alexis search for a way back home, and encounter a mysterious tribe of natives. Gabriel, the next in line to lead his people, is granted permission to guide them to the surface. On their treacherous journey, an overzealous elder threatens all of their lives, because he can’t risk them exposing his people, or the power he wields. The group discovers ancient secrets, unexpected truths, and uncharted feelings. Ollie must find a way out or risk being stuck in the caves forever—or worse, dead.

**FREE FOR A LIMITED TIME**

          

After emerging from her Descent into an uncharted underground world, Ollie Miller is sure of three things. First, her feelings for her best friend, Mateo, are far from platonic. She can't even look at Mateo without blushing at the memory of his lips on hers. Second, an evil man named Zadok is plotting to destroy the civilization above the surface. Third, there is no way to save the earth without returning underground. At least this time, she will have her mother along with Mateo and her friends to help guide her.
On their journey, noor, a mystical blessing guides them, but only if they’re willing to follow. Ollie’s determined to save the tribe from their evil leader, even if it means facing off with her long-lost grandfather. As Zadok comes face to face with his runaway daughter and his granddaughter, his plan starts to unravel, but is it too late to stop the destruction that he put into motion? Can the tribe survive and the surface be saved? Will Ollie learn to trust her own heart before it is too late?

Defend is the conclusion to Ollie's discovery of a lost tribe in Descent. Don’t miss this adventure, brimming with ancient secrets and a thrilling underworld.

          

Both of these incredible novels received five-star reviews from me!

Exclusive UtopYA Interview with Kallie Ross

1. Tell us about your experience with UtopYA. What's your history with UtopYA and why do you attend?

I’ve been going to UtopYA since year one! I started as a blogger and podcaster with the crazy idea to write a novel, and I met some wonderful people that have encouraged and held me accountable. Each year I go back to see my writerly friends in person and moderate a few panels. I’m excited this year to go back to sign my YA novels for the first time!

2.What is your favorite Nashville attraction and why? If this is your first time attending UtopYA/visiting Nashville, what are you most excited to see?

I live in Nashville, and have plenty of recommendation! I love going to The Pharmacy for a delicious burger and Jeni’s Ice Cream for dessert. Checking out the Parthenon is always cool, as well as Nashville’s downtown library (it’s an inspiring place to write). If you love coffee, we have a number of eclectic shops; Crema, Frothy Monkey, Barrista Parlor, and Garage for starters. And, if you have an afternoon to go for a hike, there are nature trails all around Nashville.

3.What makes UtopYA different from any other book convention/signing?

UtopYA is all about banding together and lifting each other up. The community built each year makes us stronger. I’m constantly learning from my friends and making new friends.

4. When not attending the conference, where will you be spending your week in Nashville?

I’ll be with my writerly friends catching up! Whether it’s over lunch at Red Bicycle or dinner at Puckett’s, late nights in the lobby or stealing a few minutes between panels, I plan to get the low down on what everyone is up to!

5. What are you reading right now?

I have a few new YA novels on my shelf after BEA, and have recently read Soundless by Richelle Mead. I’ve also listened to the audiobook of Maggie Stiefvater’s Raven Cycle series.

6. What are some of your favorite summertime reads? What recs do you have for your readers to check out this summer?

If you love fantasy, you need to read anything by Rae Carson, Robin LaFevers, and Sarah J. Maas. If romance is more your style, check out Stephanie Perkins or Katie McGarry, and if you like paranormal and Sci-Fi, Chelsea Fine or Jennifer L Armentrout have some great series to get into.

7. What can we expect next from you?

Now that I’ve concluded Ollie’s story in Defend: A Lost Tribe (Book 2), I’m working on two novels that are very different. Building extravagant, new worlds and discovering the characters that live in them has been exhilarating, and now I’m working on putting words to those characters' stories.

Quick, don't think!

-Favorite summertime beverage? Sparkling Salty Lemonade

-Favorite Ice Cream flavor? It’s a vanilla ice cream with berry crumble mixed in, at Jeni’s.

-Favorite part about summer? Sunny days at the pool with my family!

-Lounging on the beach or summer road trip? Can it be a road trip to the beach? I guess the beach sounds a bit more appealing, minus the sandy nooks and crannies.

-Favorite 'song of the summer’? Golden by Parade of Lights

Click the image to Pre-Order Kallie's books for the public signing!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Alright readers, that's all I have for you today during our UtopYAcon Author Spotlight Series! I hope you've learned a lot about our featured author, Mrs. Kallie Ross! She's a dear friend of mine and I hope you all take this amazing opportunity to pick up DESCENT for free! Don't delay, download today! ;)

Don't forget that Christina is also hosting an amazing spotlight over on her blog today, her first guest was Mrs. Kelly Risser! Click the LuLo FanGirl banner below to check out Christina's post!

Be sure to enter the giveaway before you leave! You won't want to miss another surprise guest tomorrow! Until next time, Happy Reading!

-Ethan

Defend (A Lost Tribe #2) by Kallie Ross Review

Hey Readers! Happy Thursday! Ethan here with a 5-star review that's sure to rock your socks off. Looking for your next favorite read? Stop looking! I've found it for you! What am I raving about today? Defend, by Kallie Ross! Before we get to my thoughts, here's a bit about the novel and out author!

After emerging from her Descent into an uncharted underground world, Ollie Miller is sure of three things. First, her feelings for her best friend, Mateo, are far from platonic. She can't even look at Mateo without blushing at the memory of his lips on hers. Second, an evil man named Zadok is plotting to destroy the civilization above the surface. Third, there is no way to save the earth without returning underground. At least this time, she will have her mother along with Mateo and her friends to help guide her.
On their journey, noor, a mystical blessing guides them, but only if they’re willing to follow. Ollie’s determined to save the tribe from their evil leader, even if it means facing off with her long-lost grandfather. As Zadok comes face to face with his runaway daughter and his granddaughter, his plan starts to unravel, but is it too late to stop the destruction that he put into motion? Can the tribe survive and the surface be saved? Will Ollie learn to trust her own heart before it is too late?

Defend is the conclusion to Ollie's discovery of a lost tribe in Descent. Don’t miss this adventure, brimming with ancient secrets and a thrilling underworld.

About Kallie Ross: 

Kallie Ross has a love for learning that has gravitated toward studying conspiracy theories and contradictions in our culture. Her creative conclusions have ignited a passion to write compelling young adult fiction that incorporates legend, conjecture, fantasy, and conviction. Kallie's first novel Descent: A Lost Tribe Book 1, was released last year.

Kallie Ross loves being a wife, mother, friend, writer, and teacher. She began teaching high school English in 2002 and started blogging and podcasting in 2008. She has a brilliant husband, two redheads, and never imagined her life would ever be this fun! 

KallieRoss.com ** Kallie Ross Facebook Page ** @KallieRoss Twitter ** Goodreads Page **

*****

My Thoughts:

A little over a year ago, I was introduced to a debut author with a big story to tell. A story of hope, fantasy, and exciting adventures into the unknown. At the time, I didn't have any work with debut authors under my belts. I'd heard enough horror stories to leave me a bit leery. Ever potential fear, however, was completely abated upon diving into Ollie's world in Ross' Descent. I quickly took the story and devoured its' contents as one of the most unique and original novels I read in 2014. This debut novel very quickly climbed the ranks and earned a spot on my 'Best of 2014' list.

From the day I closed the back cover to Descent, I've pondered what was next for Ollie, Mateo, and the gang. What adventures would await them in their next journey? After twelve long months of waiting, Kallie Ross has relieved us all of anxiety with the release of Defend. The thrilling, heart-stopping conclusion to the Lost Tribe duology.

Picking up shortly after the conclusion of the first novel, Kallie Ross hit the ground running and didn't stop for over two hundred pages. Unlike its' predecessor, Defend has nothing to lose. It's face paced, dark, gritty, and comes with more feels than you can ever hope to handle: Defend has it all.

When it comes to the plot, I won't say much. As this is such a quick-paced novel, I'd hate to give away any potential spoilers. While the story does end on a much happier ending, the 'getting there' sure isn't easy for our cast of characters. With Ross' clever use of some unique plot devices, she draws in the reader and leaves them hanging on, page after page. With so much happening, i even found myself having to reread passages to ensure I was following along. You have to keep up with this on folks, don't take it lightly. I will admit that I was a little shocked that a few things didn't happen, but I really loved the way Ross handled her story. She took the reins and steered it in the perfect direction for her audience.

I was worried the story would wrap itself up in a neat, glossy little package where every character got their happy ending. I was shocked to see that the ending really provided some surprising feelings. Character allegiances are tested and the plot twists will leave you rearing. There was a much darker theme to Defend than book one. As always, this is a risk in a YA novel, but in this case I really believe this played well into the favor of Ross. It's a true testament to her storytelling ability.

Defend did an incredible job of keeping with the characters and expanding on their personas for book two. The novel has a fairly large cast so it's easy to get confused with who is who and who may or may not be important. Thankfully, Ross did a fantastic job of keeping her main characters in focus. many times I see series with large casts where the author spends more time on secondary characters than focusing on where the story is heading. Ross' means of writing allowed for both character development and plot execution simultaneously. This is a big plus for any reader. The characters were complex. Ollie continues to channel her feelings towards Mateo (even if I was hoping she ended up with Gabriel, lol), while Alexis and Jesse really shine in their scenes. A handful of new characters added to the mix bring some much appreciated emotion to the storyline and really help to up the ante. Our sadistic villain, Zadok, was made to be much more human in this second installment. While we did see some truly evil moves from him, it was great to see his backstory and read about what really made him into a monster.

In true Kallie Ross spirit, the setting to this novel was spot-on. The noor filled underground caverns, ravaged by the effects of seismic activity have changed a lot since Ollie's first journey into the underground. Darkness, fear, confusion, freedom. Ross is able to display such a plethora of emotion and reflect upon numerous themes with her descriptive settings. I truly hope she pens the screenplay when this series is optioned for film!

With this timeless story of adventure and redemption, Kallie Ross has secured her spot on the bookshelf of our bookish pleasures. Fans young and old, and from all walks of life will be moved by Ross' gripping tale. This second installment proves that she is only beginning to hone her true talent. This reader cannot wait to see what the future hold for Ross and her career. I know I'll be first in line for all of her upcoming reads. What about you?

It should come as absolutely no surprise that I am granting Defend by Kallie Ross and incredible-well deserved, 5-star review. Ross wrote this story to near perfection and I am so proud to say that I loved it. I highly recommend this novel to any and all YA readers, fans of fantasy, adventure, and for those of you who are looking for a unique read you can share with your bookish friends. While I'm not sure if there are plans for more novels based in this world, I can tell you without hesitation that I would be downloading them if there were!

*****

Check out my thoughts on 

Descent (A Lost Tribe #1) 

by clicking the cover below!

Alright readers, that's all I have for you on the topic of Defend by the incredible Kallie Ross. Working with Mrs. Kallie has been one of the greatest highlights of my blogging experience. She's a class-A author and friend who lives a life full of faith and love, something I have massive amounts of respect for. If you're looking for an excellent friend and role model in the literary world, look no farther than Kallie Ross! If you get a chance, head over to her fan pages and give her a shout out, tag her on Twitter to say hey, go read her awesome blog, you won't be disappointed!

Until next time, Happy Reading!

-Ethan

Defend (A Lost Tribe #2) by Kallie Ross Release Day Launch

We are absolutely ecstatic about this Release Day Launch for Kallie Ross's DEFEND! DEFEND is a young adult fantasy adventure and the second title in the A Lost Tribe Series. Be sure to grab DESCENT, the first book in this awesome series!

 

Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** iBooks ** Smashwords

ABOUT DEFEND: After emerging from her Descent into an uncharted underground world, Ollie Miller is sure of three things. First, her feelings for her best friend, Mateo, are far from platonic. She can't even look at Mateo without blushing at the memory of his lips on hers. Second, an evil man named Zadok is plotting to destroy the civilization above the surface. Third, there is no way to save the earth without returning underground. At least this time, she will have her mother along with Mateo and her friends to help guide her. On their journey, noor, a mystical blessing guides them, but only if they’re willing to follow. Ollie’s determined to save the tribe from their evil leader, even if it means facing off with her long-lost grandfather. As Zadok comes face to face with his runaway daughter and his granddaughter, his plan starts to unravel, but is it too late to stop the destruction that he put into motion? Can the tribe survive and the surface be saved? Will Ollie learn to trust her own heart before it is too late? Defend is the conclusion to Ollie's discovery of a lost tribe in Descent. Don’t miss this adventure, brimming with ancient secrets and a thrilling underworld.

Read the First Chapter of DEFEND here!

   

And don’t miss the first book in the series, DESCENT!

 

Amazon ** Barnes and Noble

Praise for DESCENT: “Descent is a gripping debut that takes you on a roller coaster - a page turner that has you asking - what happens next. I loved every single word of it.” Fangirlish.com  

Add DEFEND on Goodreads and Facebook!

DEFEND Goodreads ** A Lost Tribe Facebook

About Kallie Ross: 

Kallie Ross has a love for learning that has gravitated toward studying conspiracy theories and contradictions in our culture. Her creative conclusions have ignited a passion to write compelling young adult fiction that incorporates legend, conjecture, fantasy, and conviction. Kallie's first novel Descent: A Lost Tribe Book 1, was released last year.

Kallie Ross loves being a wife, mother, friend, writer, and teacher. She began teaching high school English in 2002 and started blogging and podcasting in 2008. She has a brilliant husband, two redheads, and never imagined her life would ever be this fun! 

KallieRoss.com ** Kallie Ross Facebook Page ** @KallieRoss Twitter ** KallieRossWrites Tumblr ** Descent: A Lost Tribe Facebook Page ** Goodreads Page ** Read more about DESCENT ** DEFEND: Read Chapter 1

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting on Wednesday {30}

Hey everyone and welcome to my weekly Waiting on Wednesday meme post! This is just a once a week deal where each Wednesday I post about one book I am looking forward to reading and then link it up to the host blog, Breaking the Spine, where I can be connected to over 200 other readers and bloggers who are looking for a new read! My friend Kim from kimberlyfayereads participates in this meme each week and it has always looked like a great time. Below you will find the book cover, synopsis, Goodreads link and my reasons for waiting on this read! Enjoy!

This week's WOW is... Descent by Kallie Ross!

Title: Descent (The Lost Tribe #2)

Author: Kallie Ross

Genre: Young Adult/Adventure/Fantasy
Release Date: May 21, 2015

After emerging from her Descent into an uncharted underground world, Ollie Miller is sure of three things. First, her feelings for her best friend, Mateo, are far from platonic. She can't even look at Mateo without blushing at the memory of his lips on hers. Second, an evil man named Zadok is plotting to destroy the civilization above the surface. Third, there is no way to save the earth without returning underground. At least this time, she will have her mother along with Mateo and her friends to help guide her.

On their journey, noor, a mystical blessing guides them, but only if they’re willing to follow. Ollie’s determined to save the tribe from their evil leader, even if it means facing off with her long-lost grandfather. As Zadok comes face to face with his runaway daughter and his granddaughter, his plan starts to unravel, but is it too late to stop the destruction that he put into motion? Can the tribe survive and the surface be saved? Will Ollie learn to trust her own heart before it is too late?
Defend is the conclusion to Ollie's discovery of a lost tribe in Descent. Don’t miss this adventure, brimming with ancient secrets and a thrilling underworld.

*********************************************************************************
Why am I waiting?

Some of you may remember last summer when I was introduced to a debut author with a big story to tell. I took the plunge into the unknown and fell in love with Descent, making it my favorite debut novel of 2014. Kallie Ross' incredible talent, perfect infused with a story full of fantasy and suspense was more than enough to make me one of her biggest fans and supporters! We need more authors like Kallie Ross on the market, folks! To say that I'm pumped for this one would be an understatement! Defend is going to pick up right after the big reveal in the finale of Descent and will find our heroes, once again, on a journey beneath the Earth's surface. This time there's so much more at stake than their own futures! Ross announced that Defend will be the conclusion to this exciting duology, leaving me both sad and excited for what she could possibly have up her sleeve next! Do yourself a favor and add this series to your TBR, you won't be disappointed!
*********************************************************************************

What are YOU waiting on this week?

Check out this week's host post at Breaking the Spine by clicking here!

Thanks for stopping by, Happy Reading! 

-Ethan

Hey friends! In case you missed my big announcement last week, I have some absolutely incredible news! I am honored to announce that One Guy's Guide to Good Reads was nominated for Best Blog of the Year at UtopYA! The UtopYA Awards honor the best of the best within the literary world and I am beyond blessed to be up for consideration. Nobody is quite sure how my name got thrown up in there, so.... I encourage everyone to go vote before they realize the error ;)

Also, while you are there, cast your votes for some of my all-time favorite authors! If you have questions, please don't hesitate to shoot me a message! Voting is open until Thursday 5/21! Don't forget to vote! Share with your friends and get the word out! There are some incredible nominees this year and I cannot wait to see who walks home with an award!

I cannot thank you all enough for your constant support over the past year! God Bless and Happy Reading (and Voting)!

**Follow the link below to cast your vote**

http://bit.ly/voteutopyaawards2015

Defend (A Lost Tribe Novel #2) by Kallie Ross Cover Reveal

We are absolutely thrilled to bring you the Cover Reveal for Kallie Ross's DEFEND! DEFEND is a Young Adult Fantasy Adventure and the second book in her A Lost Tribe Series. DEFEND releases on May 21st!! Add DEFEND to your TBR pile now and be sure to (re)read DESCENT while you wait!

 

Add DEFEND on Goodreads!

After emerging from her Descent into an uncharted underground world, Ollie Miller is sure of three things. First, her feelings for her best friend, Mateo, are far from platonic. She can't even look at Mateo without blushing at the memory of his lips on hers. Second, an evil man named Zadok is plotting to destroy the civilization above the surface. Third, there is no way to save the earth without returning underground. At least this time, she will have her mother along with Mateo and her friends to help guide her.

On their journey, noor, a mystical blessing guides them, but only if they’re willing to follow. Ollie’s determined to save the tribe from their evil leader, even if it means facing off with her long-lost grandfather. As Zadok comes face to face with his runaway daughter and his granddaughter, his plan starts to unravel, but is it too late to stop the destruction that he put into motion? Can the tribe survive and the surface be saved? Will Ollie learn to trust her own heart before it is too late?

Defend is the conclusion to Ollie's discovery of a lost tribe in Descent. Don’t miss this adventure, brimming with ancient secrets and a thrilling underworld.

Don't forget to grab the first book in this amazing series, DESCENT...

 

Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** iTunes ** Kobo

Seventeen year old Ollie Miller is ready to leave all of her hurt feelings behind, but moving on seems impossible while living next door to her ex-best friend, Mateo. When curious earthquakes begin to shake and rip open the foundation of her small town, the ground becomes as unsteady as her feelings for him. When they fall, they fall hard…
Ollie’s disastrous attempt to save Mateo’s brother from falling into a curious chasm results in their descent into a cavernous wonderland. Ollie, Mateo, Jesse, and Alexis search for a way back home, and encounter a mysterious tribe of natives. Gabriel, the next in line to lead his people, is granted permission to guide them to the surface. On their treacherous journey, an overzealous elder threatens all of their lives, because he can’t risk them exposing his people, or the power he wields. The group discovers ancient secrets, unexpected truths, and uncharted feelings. Ollie must find a way out or risk being stuck in the caves forever—or worse, dead.



About Kallie Ross:

Kallie Ross has a love for learning that has gravitated toward studying conspiracy theories and contradictions in our culture. Her creative conclusions have ignited a passion to write compelling young adult fiction that incorporates legend, conjecture, fantasy, and conviction. Kallie's first novel Descent: A Lost Tribe Book 1, was released last year.

Kallie Ross loves being a wife, mother, friend, writer, and teacher. She began teaching high school English in 2002 and started blogging and podcasting in 2008. She has a brilliant husband, two redheads, and never imagined her life would ever be this fun!

KallieRoss.com ** Kallie Ross Facebook Page ** @KallieRoss Twitter ** KallieRossWrites Tumblr ** Descent: A Lost Tribe Facebook Page ** Goodreads Page ** Read more about DESCENT ** DEFEND: Read Chapter 1

You guys may remember that Descent was one of my favorite reads of 2014. I am beyond excited to check out what comes next for Ollie and the gang! Also, Kallie Ross is one of the best bookish friends I have made on this blogging journey, seriously folks, she's a Grade-A level of amazingness! Don't hesitate to give her a holler, tell her Ethan sent ya!

Add this one to your TBR and stick around, I'll be posting some awesome stuff about Defend closer to release day! Until next time, Happy Reading!

-Ethan

Top 5 Reads of 2014 (so far)!

Hello and Happy Tuesday readers! Welcome one and all to a very special edition of OneGuysGuideToGoodReads. Instead of a review today I am going to celebrate with a super awesome post with a twist today!

Today is the first day of July meaning that the year of 2014 is halfway over! We are six months gone guys! Where has it disappeared to!? Wow! Well, to celebrate passing the halfway point I am going to count down my Top 5 Reads of 2014! You read right, my top 5 favorite reads of 2014 thus far! This list has been chosen from books I have read that were released in 2014. While I have read many, many amazing books in 2014, unfortunately many of them were older reads so this has been rather difficult to come up with 5 (sorry JLA). This list also covers all genres I enjoy. I plan on doing a top 10 list in December with my list for the entire year so be on the watch for that. Not only will I be sharing my top 5 of 2014 so far list, I have gather a handful of other bloggers, authors, and readers who may be familiar to you guys to share with me their Top 5 of 2014 (so far) list as well! Without farther adieu, here we go!

Ethan's Top 5 Reads of 2014 (so far):

Check out each book below by clicking on the title to be taken to my review of the novel!

Click the link below each cover/synopsis to be taken to the official Goodreads page for each novel!

5. Dangerous Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

 

A new series returns to the world of Beautiful Creatures. Some loves are cursed...others are dangerous.

Ridley Duchannes will be the first to tell you that she's a bad girl. She's Dark. She's a Siren. You can never trust her, or even yourself when she's around. Lucky for her, Wesley "Link" Lincoln can never seem to remember that; quarter Incubus or not, his heart is Mortal when it comes to Ridley. When Link heads to New York City to start a music career, Ridley goes along for the ride-and she has her own reasons. As if leaving small-town Gatlin for the big city, trying to form a band, and surviving life with a partially reformed Siren isn't hard enough already, Link soon learns he has a price on his head that no Caster or Mortal can ever pay.

Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, the #1 New York Times bestselling coauthors of Beautiful Creatures, are back and casting another magical spell. Their signature mixture of mystery, suspense, and romance, along with a dash of fun and danger, will pull fans in and leave them begging for more.

*Add Dangerous Creatures to Goodreads*

4.  All Lined Up by Cora Carmack

In Texas, two things are cherished above all else—football and gossip. My life has always been ruled by both.

Dallas Cole loathes football. That's what happens when you spend your whole childhood coming in second to a sport. College is her time to step out of the bleachers, and put the playing field (and the players) in her past.

But life doesn't always go as planned. As if going to the same college as her football star ex wasn’t bad enough, her father, a Texas high school coaching phenom, has decided to make the jump to college ball… as the new head coach at Rusk University. Dallas finds herself in the shadows of her father and football all over again.

Carson McClain is determined to go from second-string quarterback to the starting line-up. He needs the scholarship and the future that football provides. But when a beautiful redhead literally falls into his life, his focus is more than tested. It's obliterated.

Dallas doesn't know Carson is on the team. Carson doesn't know that Dallas is his new coach's daughter.

And neither of them know how to walk away from the attraction they feel.

*Add All Lined Up to Goodreads*

 3. Best Kind of Broken by Chelsea Fine

Pixie and Levi haven't spoken in nearly a year when they find themselves working―and living―at the same inn in the middle of nowhere. Once upon a time, they were childhood friends. But that was before everything went to hell. And now things are... awkward.

All they want to do is avoid each other, and their past, for as long as possible. But now that they're forced to share a bathroom, and therefore a shower, keeping their distance from one another becomes less difficult than keeping their hands off each other. Welcome to the hallway of awkward tension and sexual frustration, folks. Get comfy. It’s going to be a long summer.

 *Add Best Kind of Broken to Goodreads* 

2. Descent by Kallie Ross

Seventeen year old Ollie Miller is ready to leave all of her hurt feelings behind, but moving on seems impossible while living next door to her ex-best friend, Mateo. When curious earthquakes begin to shake and rip open the foundation of her small town, the ground becomes as unsteady as her feelings for him. When they fall, they fall hard…

 

Ollie’s disastrous attempt to save Mateo’s brother from falling into a curious chasm results in their descent into a cavernous wonderland. Ollie, Mateo, Jesse, and Alexis search for a way back home, and encounter a mysterious tribe of natives. Gabriel, the next in line to lead his people, is granted permission to guide them to the surface. On their treacherous journey, an overzealous elder threatens all of their lives, because he can’t risk them exposing his people, or the power he wields. The group discovers ancient secrets, unexpected truths, and uncharted feelings. Ollie must find a way out or risk being stuck in the caves forever—or worse, dead.

 *Add Descent to Goodreads* 

  

*I'd also like to point out that this was the debut novel by Mrs. Kallie Ross and it was absolutely amazing. PLEASE check out the review, you will NOT regret this read!*

 

Finally, the moment of truth. My TOP read of 2014 thus far; the book I had to read over and over again and STILL couldn't get enough, AND the debut novel from one of the most promising and upcoming authors I've read:

1. Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige 

I didn't ask for any of this. I didn't ask to be some kind of hero.

But when your whole life gets swept up by a tornado—taking you with it—you have no choice but to go along, you know?

Sure, I've read the books. I've seen the movies. I know the song about the rainbow and the happy little blue birds. But I never expected Oz to look like this. To be a place where Good Witches can't be trusted, Wicked Witches may just be the good guys, and winged monkeys can be executed for acts of rebellion. There's still the yellow brick road, though—but even that's crumbling.

What happened? Dorothy.

They say she found a way to come back to Oz. They say she seized power and the power went to her head. And now no one is safe.

My name is Amy Gumm—and I'm the other girl from Kansas.

I've been recruited by the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked.

I've been trained to fight.

And I have a mission.

*Add Dorothy Must Die to Goodreads*  

So there's my list! Here's a graphic I made to recap it for you guys!

After I made my own list, I really wanted to hear the input of my fellow bloggers, readers, and authors! I invited everyone to tweet me some their favorites using the hashtag #TopReads2014 and here are some of the amazing responses I got! Some even submitted graphics for me! Here we go!

Revolution, Best Kind of Broken, Sentinel, Dorothy Must Die! Not actually all released in 2014 but oh well lol #TopReads2014
— Megan West (@meg_west) June 30, 2014

Liz Long, author of Gifted and Burned (The Donovan Circus Series) and Witch Hearts, and one of my current favorite people joined in with her favorites:

@egrgry Hokay: Nature of Grace series, SR Johannes; One Tiny Secret, TA Kunz; Don't Look Back, J Armentrout. I have a thing for mysteries.
— Liz Long (@LizCLong) June 30, 2014

The absolutely amazing Chelsea Fine, author of The Archers of Avalon and Finding Fate series wanted to give a shoutout to her newest favorite series of 2014 with this graphic she sent in:

Chelsea speaks VERY highly of this series so I WILL be adding it to my TBR! Can't wait to check it out! Learn more about Chelsea Fine and her many amazing works at http://www.chelseafinebooks.com/

Another one of my top 5 authors also participated with us! Here are a couple of tweets from Mrs. Kallie Ross about her favorites of 2014 so far:

@egrgry ok, so I'm cheating by including @RLLaFevers' Mortal Heart... I got an ARC at BEA, & it's not out yet! I'm in love with this book!!!
— Kallie Ross (@Kallieross) July 1, 2014

@egrgry I'll also say it's the year of conclusions to series, & I love me some happy endings! #TheSelection #MortalInstruments #Bloodlines
— Kallie Ross (@Kallieross) July 1, 2014

Here's some graphics from some of the other awesome bloggers who wanted to put in THIER top 5 reads of 2014 so far! Click each graphic to be taken to that blogger's page!

Amber, Christina, Ursula, and Carmen from GrownupFangirl had this to say:

Kaitlan from Between Order and Randomness picked these for her top 5:

Yesi from Literati Book Reviews chimed in with her top 5 and a message:

Betsy from Book Drunk Blog gave me these for her top 5:

One of my favorite people ever, the awesome Christine from i*Heart*BigBooks (and i cannot lie...) sent in her amazing graphic with her top 6 reads (she couldn't pick just 5!):

 
And last, but certainly not least, the absolutely amazing Stephanie from Smart & Savvy with Stephanie sent in her top 5 graphic:

 

**Anyone wanting to add their Top 5 graphic, please contact me ASAP and I will happily put it on, this will be a work in progress. Don't hesitate to holler if you want to be added!**

Alright readers, this has been one of THE most fun posts I have ever done and I have loved sharing all these Top 5 Reads of 2014 (so far) with you. Here are 14 different bloggers, authors, and readers opinions. I would love to hear what some of yours are! Feel free to create a graphic or a list and hit me up either via twitter with the hashtag #TopReads2014 and I'll grab them and add them to the list or via email at oneguysguidetogoodreads@gmail.com! I would absolutely love to hear YOUR top 5 reads for 2014 (so far)! The year is only half over and we still have TONS of exciting upcoming releases! I plan on checking back with everyone here come December and we will see how the year rounded out for everyone. I am anxiously awaiting all the fun comments and suggestions from you guys! Feel free to share this post, tag the authors mentioned and add them all to your TBR! Until next time, Happy Reading!

-Ethan