December 2021 Reads

December 31, 2021 by Haley Burrill in Books

And that’s a wrap!

I read many more books this year than I anticipated and December was a huge contributor. Between losing myself in the Mortal Instruments series, holiday-themed books, and taking advantage of my new Kindle Paperwhite, ya girl read hella books this month.

Not all of them were winners, but most were enjoyable.

So, let’s dive into it!

*All summaries taken or paraphrased from Goodreads

IT HAPPENED ONE SUMMER by Tessa Bailey

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: Piper Bellinger is fashionable, influential, and her reputation as a wild child means the paparazzi are constantly on her heels. When an out-of-control party lands Piper in jail, her stepfather decides enough is enough. He cuts her off, and sends Piper and her sister to learn some responsibility running their late father’s dive bar in Washington. Piper hasn’t even been in Westport for five minutes when she meets big, bearded sea captain Brendan, who thinks she won’t last a week outside of Beverly Hills. She’s determined to show her stepfather and the hot, grumpy local that she’s more than a pretty face. Except it’s a small town and everywhere she turns, she bumps into Brendan. The fun-loving socialite and the gruff fisherman are polar opposites, but there’s an undeniable attraction simmering between them. Piper doesn’t want any distractions, especially feelings for a man who sails off into the sunset for weeks at a time. Yet as she reconnects with her past and begins to feel at home in Westport, Piper starts to wonder if the cold glamorous life she knew is what she truly wants. LA is calling her name, but Brendan - and this town full of memories - may have already caught her heart.

My Thoughts: UGH why did I not pick up this gem sooner?! I was absolutely SWOONING over this Schitt’s Creek-inspired romcom. THAT’S RIGHT. I’ll say it again - *clears throat* - SCHITT’S CREEK-INSPIRED ROMCOM. Now that we’ve got that covered, let me tell you about the heart bursting cuteness that is the budding romance between Piper and Brendan. The contrast between this ray of sunshine and burly grump was just enough to make them the perfect match, and I loved watching their relationship develop. It definitely started off a little rocky, but I almost preferred that because the pace was so satisfying. It never felt too slow or fast - just really organic and natural. I gotta give a shout out to a side character, Piper’s sister, Hannah. She was a grounding presence to Piper’s flightiness, but still adored Piper which honestly added much more depth to the sisters’ dynamic in general. Each scene of this book truly served a purpose to the overall storyline which was equally broken into fun events, emotional moments, steamy scenes, and heartwarming interactions. I just really loved this love story and highly recommend you pick it up before I keep asking if you’ve read it yet lol. :)

CITY OF BONES by Cassandra Clare

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Summary: When 15-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder - much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It’s hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy? This is Clary’s first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It’s also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within 24 hours Clary is pulled into Jace’s world with a vengeance when her mother disappears and Clary is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know...

My Thoughts: I really loved this book for the most part. There’s a twist at the end that’s a little strange and doesn’t sit right with me lol, but otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Between the quick quips between the main characters, the action-packed scenes, and heartbreaking flashbacks, my emotions were on a rollercoaster ride the entire time. It was very fun to see some of the characters from the Infernal Devices series either mentioned in conversation or included in this new adventure. Kind of felt like I knew a secret these characters didn’t yet lol. Overall, this book had the Cassandra Clare touch we all know and love, and that keeps me coming back for more. So basically, I definitely recommend picking up this YA fantasy if you’re looking to dive into a series anytime soon. :)

LUMBER SNACK by Mae Harden

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Millie Partridge is forced to be the maid of honor in the wedding of her former best friend. She hates the bride, groom, and her Bartlett green dress. When she decides she’s had enough, she laughs during the vows, flips the bird and walks out of the wedding. Knowing she doesn’t want to stay in Boston for Christmas, but not having anywhere else to go, she takes off to Maine and doesn’t look back. After a series of unfortunate events, Millie finds herself snowed in at the Barnes Orchard family farm in the house of a hot guy named Sam. She has no recollection of how she got there, but due to a freak snow storm she’s stuck there. Little does she know this could be a Christmas miracle.

My Thoughts: Okay, so this novella is part of a series called 12 Days of Kissmas and it was kind of like a bookstagram challenge that I saw and decided to try lol. In the spirit of the holidays, this was a really cute, quick read. Especially if you’re into the forced proximity and fast romance type of tropes. Millie and Sam are such down-to-earth characters and it was fun watching them make the best of this unforeseen situation. I appreciated that there was a balance of sweet and steamy scenes because it made their “falling fast” romance feel less forced. So, if you’re looking for a fun, festive, spicy read, I’d recommend giving this one a try! Also, on an unrelated but related note: This book is the first one in the 12 Days series because Sam finds Millie in a pear tree and her last name is Partridge lol.

STUCK AT CHRISTMAS by Georgia Coffman

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Summary: On the second day of Christmas, these two turtle doves are stuck together. As a doctor, Graham’s practice is his priority and leaves little time for dating. Until Isabel. To Graham’s surprise, one night is all it takes for him to fall for her, even though he knows next to nothing about her. He never thought he’d see his mystery woman again, but like a holiday miracle, she shows up at his clinic one night with her young daughter. Every minute Graham is with them only makes him fall harder, but their situation isn’t so simple. Getting stuck in a closet with Isabel just days before Christmas might be the gift they didn’t know they needed.

My Thoughts: This is the second installment of the 12 Days of Kissmass and what a sweet read it was. I liked that there was more to the characters than just their attraction for one another. Graham, for example, is trying to come to terms with his best friend dating his little sister and the frustrations that come with being the only single family member around the holidays. Isabel, on the other hand, is busy being a single mom whose whole world revolves around her daughter, Sasha. Which makes this whole story even sweeter when Graham ends up hitting it off with Sasha as he tends to her sprained wrist and wins Isabel over. Who doesn’t love a hot doctor that’s good with kids tho, yanno? The spice factor in this novella wasn’t turned up as high as the last book in this series, but it definitely sufficed. Plus, Stuck at Christmas is a short 92 pages, so if you’re looking for something cute around Christmas, this could do it for you!

A CHRISTMAS TART by Lola West

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: On the third day of Christmas these childhood rivals have perfect chemis-tree! Patrick Laroux and Maxine Redgrave hate each other. It’s palpable. The whole town knows it. They have been at each other’s throats since their sand castle building days. But what everyone doesn’t know is that there was a winter, a long time ago, when Max had a secret and Patrick was there for her. They forgot to be hateful and thought maybe, just maybe, they were in love… But you know, then it all fell apart. Until now. Get ready to watch tension fly and the three french biddies meddle when Max and Patrick reconnect at the Laurent Bakery in Martha’s Vineyard.

My Thoughts: This third novella of the 12 Days of Kissmass series was as naughty as it was nice lol. The nice: I loved the background story of how Patrick and Max connected when they were teenagers. The innocence and genuine adoration they shared for each other was incredibly endearing, and it was heartwarming that those feelings surfaced unapologetically as they reconnected as adults. The naughty: for being a novella, this book was full of steamy scenes, but they were scattered throughout the second half in a reasonable spacing. So, it’s not like the author was throwing them in there all willy nilly. If you like an enemies-to-lovers trope in a small town setting involving a hot guy who owns a bakery and smoking gal who runs the local bookstore all during Christmastime, then I recommend picking up this novella for sure! :)

GHOSTS by Dolly Alderton

Rating: 4.2/5 stars

Summary: Nina Dean has arrived at her early thirties as a successful food writer with loving friends and family, plus a new home and neighborhood. When she meets Max, a beguiling romantic hero who tells her on a date that he’s going to marry her, it feels like all is going to plan. A new relationship couldn’t have come at a better time - her thirties haven’t been the liberating, uncomplicated experience she was sold. Everywhere she turns, she is reminded of time passing and opportunities dwindling. Friendships are fading, ex-boyfriends are moving on, and worse, everyone’s moving to the suburbs. There’s no solace to be found in her family, with a mom who’s caught in a baffling midlife makeover and a beloved dad who is vanishing in slow-motion into dementia.

My Thoughts: I both loved and hated how relatable this book was in relation to Nina’s romantic and platonic relationships evolving. It was incredibly validating to see the struggles she goes through while trying to “get back out there” in the dating world because everything she’s experiencing is what, IMO, all women in their late 20s-early 30s go through. Especially when you’re surrounded by people who are in happy relationships, buying homes, doing the adulting couple-y things lol. Whereas, you’re still single (probs happily so), but starting to wonder, “when will it be my turn?” The pacing of this book is extremely steady throughout, and although it’s not full of super thrilling events, the pages truly turned effortlessly. Though it’s described as a rom-commy-type of book, I would say the funny/entertaining elements of this book are tucked into the dialogue between characters and in Nina’s head. Which I almost appreciated more because it wasn’t in-your-face comedy, yanno? Overall, I think if you’re someone like me who has been experiencing the struggle that is the current dating landscape, and/or have ever been ghosted, then you will definitely appreciate this book. Content Warning: If you have or are experiencing a loved one going through the stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s, the storyline with Nina’s dad may be hard/upsetting for you, so please proceed with caution.

THE HOLIDAY SWAP by Maggie Knox

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Summary: When chef Charlie Goodwin gets hit on the head on the L.A. set of her reality baking show, she loses a lot more than consciousness; she also loses her ability to taste and smell - both critical to her success as a show judge. Meanwhile, Charlie’s identical twin, Cass, is frantically trying to hold her own life together back in their quaint mountain hometown while running the family’s bustling bakery and dealing with her ex, who won’t get the memo that they’re over. With only days until Christmas, a desperate Charlie asks Cass to do something they haven’t done since they were kids: switch places. Looking for her own escape from reality, Cass agrees. But temporarily trading lives proves more complicated than they imagined, especially when rugged firefighter Jake Greenman and gorgeous physician’s assistant Miguel Rodriguez are throw into the mix. Will the twins’ identity swap be a recipe for disaster, or does it have all the right ingredients for getting their lives back on track?

My Thoughts: This book checks off everything you need in a feel-good, Christmas-themed story; including the swoony romances and mouth-watering descriptions of fresh baked goods. While Charlie and Cass are identical twins, they definitely have different personalities which made this experience very fulfilling. It was really satisfying to see each woman thrown out of her comfort zone into something they never thought they’d wanted: Charlie running her family’s bakery back home and Cass jumping into creating fresh new recipes for her sister’s show in the busy city of L.A. Sprinkle in their developing romances with the most heart throbbing guys we could ask for and I was in love with every page of this story. Plus, everything was tied up in the most immaculate bow by the end of it that there wasn’t any loose end to be seen. If you’re looking for something fun, a little different, with heartwarming growth across all relationships, and a little holiday theme tied in then I definitely recommend adding this to your reading list!

WINTER STREET by Elin Hilderbrand

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Kelley Quinn is the owner of Nantucket’s Winter Street Inn and the proud father of four, all of them grown and living in varying states of disarray. Patrick, the eldest, is a hedge fund manager with a guilty conscience. Kevin, a bartender, is secretly sleeping with a French housekeeper named Isabelle. Ava, a school teacher, is finally dating the perfect guy but can’t get him to commit. And Bart, the youngest and only child of Kelley’s second marriage to Mitzi, has recently shocked everyone by joining the Marines. As Christmas approaches, Kelley is looking forward to getting the family together for some quality time at the inn. But when he walks in on Mitzi kissing Santa Claus (or the guy who’s playing Santa at the inn’s annual party), utter chaos descends. With the three older children each reeling in their own dramas and Bart unreachable in Afghanistan, it might be up to Kelley’s ex-wife, nightly news anchor Margaret Quinn, to save Christmas at the Winter Street Inn.

My Thoughts: This was my first Elin Hilderbrand book, and it won’t be my last! I absolutely adored the Quinn family in this novel about returning home for the holidays and the mishaps, traditions, clumsy conversations, and endless love that ensues. The POV format of this story was absolutely perfect for really developing a deeper connection to each character, and it was impossible not to get wholly invested in all of the chaos and dramatics surrounding this specific holiday reunion. I loved each character through their flaws and was rooting for all of them to make it through the shit storm each was experiencing. Margaret was by far my favorite character, as she brought a warmth to the Winter Street Inn where so much was dampening the normally vibrant holiday celebrations. Hilderbrand even made it hard to entirely dismiss Mitzi, who kicked off the dark clouds this year, which was a feat in itself. Honestly, this book felt like being invited to someone’s family Christmas where dysfunction is almost expected to occur, and you’re left sitting in a comfy chair watching it all go down while sipping on a warm mulled cider. All in all, I’d definitely recommend this!

MERRY CHRIST-MESS by Dee Ellis

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Mila Masters has her life figured out. Writing splashy stories by day while she writes dirty ditties at night, she knows better to want for more. Unless it’s the love and adoration it seems everyone else is finding. Sweet, forever after love is for romance books, not real life. Or maybe she has had the best book boyfriend right in front of her. Micah Townes busted his ass to get his life right. A troubled youth means he takes nothing for granted. Especially the most important person in his life, Mila. Even if he wants more from her, he knows not to ask at the risk of losing her. A double date raises the stakes of their friendship - which maybe is not just a friendship after all.

My Thoughts: What a great friends-to-lovers romance novel! It was quite a passionate story between Mila and Micah, but there was definitely an undeniable connection between them. I will say, I’m surprised they hadn’t acted on their feelings sooner, but this spicy little Christmastime romance novella was an eventful love story that I really enjoyed. Definitely recommend continuing onto this fourth book in the 12 Days of Kissmas series!

A VERY PIERCED CHRISTMAS by Ember Davis

Rating: 2/5 stars

Summary: After years of traveling for her blog, Rowan is seeing more of the world than she ever thought. There’s something tugging her home for more than just the holidays and she has no idea what it is until she meets Levi Michaels. They’ve been talking via text about a custom motorcycle, but she had no idea how sexy Levi would be until she goes to pick up the bike. Maybe he’s not a reason to stay. Maybe he’s a reason to keep traveling.

My Thoughts: This is the fifth installment of the 12 Days of Kissmass, and has been my least favorite so far. While I was reading this novella, it just felt like so much of the storyline was forced or overdone. It didn’t feel like a natural progression with their relationship, and the connection they share goes from 0 to 60 then back to 0 then to 100 all of a sudden. I didn’t necessarily love Levi and Rowan as main characters either. They just seemed very melodramatic to me, and when the storyline hit a point of resolving issues, it felt like the author was handholding me through the process - which was very unnecessary. I don’t know. There was some sort of disconnect I had with this book and I never managed to fully recover enough to like it all that much. I guess if you have a huge love for motorcycles, tattoos, piercings, etc., then this would be more up your alley? Maybe? I don’t know. I’m just never going to read it again lol.

CITY OF ASHES by Cassandra Clare

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Summary: Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what’s normal when you’re a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who’s becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn’t ready to let her go - especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary’s only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter, Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil - and also her father. To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings - and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?

My Thoughts: IMO, this was a solid second book in The Mortal Instruments series. I still can’t get behind the weird plot twist that continued as an element of the storyline from the first book into this one. I felt like the author was dropping more hints this time around, though, that there is falsehood to what we know, so I’m banking on that a bit. There was a generous mix of action-packed events and slower, more dialogue-focused scenes that were perfectly paced throughout the book which I appreciated because there were a lot of new details to take in. Although I still cannot stand Simon most of the time, it was cool that his character development took a completely different turn than what I was expecting. It’s like he finally has more to his personality other than being in love with Clary who keeps saying, “I might love you back… eventually. Maybe.” lol. Poor sap. Most of the characters showed some sort of growth in this book -specifically, Jace and Clary - but it wasn’t necessarily in their behavior or maturity as much as it was their abilities. Overall, I really enjoyed City of Ashes and absolutely devoured the pages. So, needless to say, I’ll be continuing on this fun lil YA fantasy journey. :)

BARBARIAN’S LADY by Ruby Dixon

Rating: 3.8/5 stars

Summary: You’d think a tall woman would fit in on a planet of 7-foot-tall aliens, but even on the ice planet, Kate is still an oddity. She’s everything all the other cute, dainty human women aren’t. One guy in particular - the alien Harrec - is determined to embarrass Kate by pretending he’s interested. He’s a jokester that flirts like mad and hits on her constantly just to make her feel foolish. He gets under her skin and makes her so frustrated she wants to scream. When a side-trip to a glacier turns into a nightmare and the two are forced to survive alone, Kate sees another side to the enticing blue alien. Even with no one else around, his compliments keep coming and she starts wondering if the attraction between them is real.

My Thoughts: This storyline went a different direction than I was expecting it to, but I really enjoyed it! There’s been a pattern in the previous books where, basically, the two people at hand find some way to do a couple’s retreat until they resonate with each other. This time around, Harrec is a big dummy and thinks he will take the same approach to get Kate alone, but his plan goes quite awry in a life threatening way and leaves them fighting to survive. I didn’t love either character, but I definitely liked them and was rooting for them to bridge the communication gap they initially had. It was refreshing too that Kate was a different body type from what the previous women had been illustrated as in previous books. Overall, this was cute and I liked it.

BARBARIAN’s RESCUE by Ruby Dixon

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Rogue slavers have landed on the ice planet and captured the tribe. The only ones not snatched? Summer, a walking human motormouth with no skill except that of incoherent babbling, and Warrek, who’s as silent as he is attractive. Two more unlikely people have never been paired together. And now they’re supposed to form a rescue team. Saving the others is either going to bring them closer together - or drive them completely apart. Summer is pretty sure the feelings she’s having for her alien companion are as unrequited as they are inappropriate, but since they aren’t going to make it out alive, what harm is one teeny, tiny kiss?

My Thoughts: We loved this opposites attract sci-fi romance! The POV format was absolutely perfect for this book because Warrek is a very quiet boi and understanding his internal dialogue was essential for buying into this developing relationship with Summer. Even though Summer never shuts up, it was also really helpful to have her thoughts as well because she didn’t externally process everything as you’d expect. The change up in plot was very refreshing as they help the rest of the tribe escape this stalled spaceship that’s holding them hostage. This book is quite spicy as we’ve come to expect with the IPB series, and I definitely think it’s worth the read!

BARBARIAN’S TEASE by Ruby Dixon

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Summary: It should have been a one-night stand. Brooke never intended to seduce Taushen, but things happened. She doesn’t dwell on the past and while it was great, she’s not looking for a relationship. Of course, try telling that to Taushen. The big blue alien’s in love after one night, and making things darn awkward. They’ve got bigger problems than whether or not Brooke is his woman, like the ‘cargo’ of the spaceship that landed there. But Taushen’s not giving up. He thinks Brooke is his mate and will do anything to keep her.

My Thoughts: WHEW! Let’s start by talking about the pacing of the spice in this book because it comes in HOT. Right from the start, Dixon was serving up some STEAM. It definitely teeters off towards the middle, but I kind of appreciated that because it lined up perfectly with the storyline. Additionally, I loved that Brooke was not trying to fall into the same pattern as many of the other women did where she runs off with Taushen to be in close proximity until they resonate. She was like “nah, but you can teach me how to hunt, build fire, and survive on my own.” Her approach just allowed their relationship to develop much more organically. This was definitely one of my favorite books in this series, and probably the last I’ll read this year, but all in all, I highly recommend this one!

CITY OF GLASS by Cassandra Clare

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: To save her mother’s life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters - never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace doesn’t want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight. As Clary uncovers more about her family’s past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he’s willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City - whatever the cost?

My Thoughts: Y’ALL. This book finally gave me the much needed peace of mind that I’ve been WAITING for in this series as it solves the mystery we’ve all had to endure the last two books. Let me just say though, a few plot twists had to happen in order to make that resolution available, but BOY, was it worth it. This book is packed to the brim with action-packed events, “oh shit” discoveries, and all the feels you can imagine. I loved that this book took place in a new environment - Alicante - because it gave this ongoing experience a fresh perspective. I will say, I definitely like Clary more in this book, but I’m so glad someone finally called her on her shit which is being incredibly impulsive and not considering how her actions will affect other people. The antagonist, Valentine, is evil as ever, and because he gives off the vibes of being a guy who mansplains and gaslights, the big scene of this story is incredibly fulfilling. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the third installment of the Mortal Instruments series. To be honest, this book felt like it was wrapped up perfectly, so I’m not really sure where the series goes from here, but I plan to continue on. Definitely recommend pushing through to this book if you started the series and are unsure whether to continue on.

HOLIDAY HOME RUN by Priscilla Oliveras

Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary: Event planner Julia Fernandez is in Chicago for an internship that she hopes to turn into a full-time job. She’s ready to live on her own, out from under her family's expectations that she take over their catering business in Puerto Rico and away from their year-round baseball fever thanks to her three brothers. Ex-MLB pitcher Ben Thomas knows what it’s like to have different dreams than your family intends for you, but since his injury-caused early retirement, he’s been struggling to find the sense of family baseball once brought him. When he volunteers as the emcee for Julia’s big holiday fundraiser for a local youth center, he finally begins to find a sense of purpose working with the kids and alongside Julia. She’s focused on organizing the best holiday event the youth center has ever seen, not on romance. But Ben… he’s got a game plan that includes both.

My Thoughts: This novella was really cute. It was very sweet, both of the main characters were likable, and definitely had you rooting for them by the end of the story. However, there wasn’t any real “wow factor” here. Nor was it OTT holiday themed. Just simply cute. Did I enjoy it? Sure! Would I recommend it to people? Maybe if they’re super into baseball, but it probably wouldn’t be my first choice. I’ve heard great things about this author’s full books though, so I may give one of those a try since her writing was easy to sink into.

THE MATZAH BALL by Jean Meltzer

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Summary: Rachel Rubenstein-Goldblatt is a nice Jewish girl with a shameful secret: she loves Christmas. For a decade, she’s hidden her career as a Christmas romance novelist from her family. Her talent has made her a bestseller even as her chronic illness has always kept the kind of love she writes about out of reach. But when her diversity-curious publisher insists she writes a Hanukkah romance, her well of inspiration suddenly runs dry. Hanukkah’s not magical. It’s not merry. It’s not Christmas. Desperate not to lose her contract, Rachel’s determined to find her muse at the Matzah Ball, a Jewish music celebration on the last night of Hanukkah, even if it means working with her summer camp archenemy - Jacob Greenberg. Though Rachel and Jacob haven’t seen each other since they were kids, their grudge still glows brighter than a menorah. But as they spend more time together, Rachel finds herself drawn to Hanukkah - and Jacob - in a way she neer expected. Maybe this holiday of lights will be the spark she needed to set her heart ablaze.

My Thoughts: I got mildly burned out on the Christmas-themed books I was devouring this month, but still wanted something holiday-themed. I saw this book come up on my bookstagram feed a few times and figured I’d give it a go. The premise of this book was unlike anything I’ve seen before which was really refreshing. It was interesting learning more about the Jewish traditions during Hanukkah and what usually goes into the eight nights. I think I had a soft spot for the side storyline involving Rachel’s chronic illness because it has to do with exhaustion and sleep (which I definitely have experience with lol), so watching her having to calculate daily what she has energy for and planning ahead to make sure she doesn’t overload herself was all too relatable. What I wasn’t a huge fan of is all of the misunderstandings/miscommunications between Rachel and Jacob, but it was fun to watch them slowly trust each other. If you’re looking for something to read around the holidays that is a little different, this might be a good book to try.

THE MISTLETOE PACT by Jo Lovett

Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary: On Christmas Eve eight years ago, Evie and Dan made a pact: if they weren’t married by thirty, they were going to marry each other. Of course, neither of them took it seriously, even if Dan has always been mesmerized by Evie’s beautiful smile, and Evie has always fancied Dan, her best friend’s brother. But then “it” happens. They wake up on Christmas Eve, the night before Evie’s 30th birthday in Vegas… married. Surely if they just get a quick divorce, they can go back to the way things used to be, right? If it wasn’t for the alcohol none of this would’ve happened. They can just go back to being friends. Except moving on is easier said than done when you’ve secretly loved each other forever… but if one of them doesn’t admit that, what happens to their friendship? If they don’t get together this time, what happens to the pact? Are they really ready to let go of it for good?
My Thoughts: This book had no business being as long as it was. It truly could’ve wrapped it up at least 50-70 pages sooner than it did. While it was entertaining for the most part and definitely had me rooting for Dan and Evie, I felt like it was just sooo dragged out. Also, The Mistletoe Pact they made when they were younger felt so irrelevant to the bigger picture since they got a divorce literally right after they fulfilled it. Evie had me banging my head against a wall on multiple occasions because she kept trying to convince herself that the current “nice guy” she was dating surely is “the one” simply because he’s nice when she’s clearly incredibly indifferent towards him. Whereas, Dan kept inching towards that “leap of faith” with Evie, but never actually committed, and I truly wanted to shove him off that ledge the entire book. Overall, this was a cute book and enjoyable for the most part. It was just much longer than it needed to be, so I can’t say this would be at the top of my holiday book recommendations.

A CROSS-COUNTRY CHRISTMAS by Courtney Walsh

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: Lauren Richmond isn’t a fan of Christmas. Which is why she rarely makes the trip home to the Midwest for the holidays. After all, she has plenty to keep her busy- namely, her duties as a set decorator on a TV sitcom. But this December, Lauren’s brother and his wife are expecting a baby, so her brother arranges a ride home for her with his good friend, Will. Unfortunately for Lauren, she’s been trying to forget college baseball coach and childhood crush Will Sinclair for more than ten years. Now, thanks to her fear of flying, she’s stuck in a car with him from California to Illinois. She’s circumspect and organized. He’s flirty and spontaneous. She’s convinced people don’t change. He’s trying to prove to her and himself that he has. On this cross-country road trip, they’ll both discover that history doesn’t exactly repeat itself… but like any good Christmas carol, it does have a second verse.

My Thoughts: What a fun enemies-to-lovers rom-com! From the moment Will and Lauren hit the road all the way to reaching home, this book gave me all the feels. Will was likable for me right off the bat - and not just because he’s described as a Chris Evans look alike lol. He just provides a gentler, relaxing presence in this story which perfectly compliments Lauren by contrasting her prickly, closed-off behavior. That said though, as Lauren’s walls started to slowly melt on this cross-country roadtrip, it was so easy to warm up to her. Since their history was through Lauren’s older brother, it was fun watching them re-learn each other in this new context as adults. Honestly, I really enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down. If you’re looking for a book to read around the holidays that isn’t “Christmas in your face” then definitely give this one a try!

ONLY WHEN IT’S US by Chole Liese

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: Ryder - Ever since she sat next to me in class and gave me death eyes, Willa Sutter’s been on my shit list. Why she hates me, I don’t know. What I do know is that Willa is the kind of chaos I don’t need in my tidy life. She’s the next generation of women’s soccer. Wild hair, wilder eyes. Bee-stung lips that should be illegal. And a temper that makes the devil seem friendly. Willa - Rather than give me the lecture notes I’ve missed like every other instructor I’ve had, my asshole professor tells me to get them from the silent, surly flannel-wearing mountain man sitting next to me in class. Well, I tried. And what did I get from Ryder Bergman? Ignored. What a complete lumbersexual neanderthal. Mangy beard and mangier hair. Frayed ball cap that hides his eyes. And a stubborn refusal to acknowledge my existence.

My Thoughts: Why aren’t more people talking about this book? It was so good! In addition to loving both characters, the backstory laid out for each of them was so detailed, it was impossible not to get emotionally invested in Ryder and Willa. In addition to the perfect pacing of their relationship, I appreciated that Ryder and Willa’s individual character development happened on a realistic timeline because it made buying into the “frenemies” even easier. This book was full of quick quips, heart wrenching moments, sweeter than sweet interactions, steamy scenes, and more. Honestly, what more could you ask for in a romance novel? Seriously, put this on your “TBR” list as soon as you can!

ALWAYS ONLY YOU by Chloe Liese

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: Ren - The moment I met her, I knew Frankie Zeferino was someone worth waiting for. Deadpan delivery, secret heart of gold, and a rare one-dimpled smile that makes my knees weak, Frankie has been forbidden since the day she and I became coworkers, meaning waiting has been the name of my game - besides, hockey, that is. I’m a player on the team, she’s on staff, and as long as we work together, dating is off-limits. But patience has always been my virtue. Frankie won’t be here forever - she’s headed for bigger, better things. I just hope that when she leaves the team and I tell her how I feel, she won’t want to leave me behind. Frankie - I’ve had a problem at work since the day Ren Bergman joined the team: a six foot three hunk of happy with a sunshine smile. I’m a grump and his ridiculously good nature drives me nuts, but even I can’t entirely ignore that hot tamale of a ginger with icy eyes, the perfect playoff beard, and a body built for sin that he’s annoyingly modest. Before I got wise, I would have tripped over myself to get a guy like Ren, but with my diagnosis, I’ve learned what I am to most people in my life - a problem, not a person. Now, opening my heart to anyone, no matter how sweet, is the last thing I’m prepared to do.

My Thoughts: Y’all. My heart <3. I loved this tale of Ren and Frankie, and was absolutely smitten with both of them. Ren is a giant ginger hockey player who has a soft spot for Shakespeare plays and has been SWOONING for our girl Frankie for 3 years. Frankie is a badass woman who has faced adversity others cannot imagine and is still living her life as a boss. This slow burn romance was so easy to get lost in and vicariously experience all the feels the MCs were going through. Not only was this book endearing as it was entertaining, but it also contained the perfect amount of spice that really tied a bow on everything. In short, I’m loving this Bergman Brothers series and highly recommend you pick up this second installment!

Welp that’s that on that.

2021 Book Count (FINAL): 125!

Add me on Goodreads if you haven’t already, so that we can be friends for 2022!

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy New Year! Let me know what books you’ve got on deck for January in the comments.

November 2021 Reads

December 01, 2021 by Haley Burrill in Books

November, where did you go?!

Seriously though. How are we almost done with 2021?

Anywho, I read a lot of books in November and I credit that to quick smutty reads that cost like $2 on Kindle and to the long weekend I took around Thanksgiving to binge read five books.

I tried to incorporate at least a few holiday-themed reads for y’all since, yanno, tis the season and all of that. Figured there’d be a few of you out there looking for some Christmassy recs to curl up with under a cozy blanket and sipping a mug of cocoa while you listen to Mariah Carey on repeat.

Okie. Let’s dive into it!

*All summaries taken or paraphrased from Goodreads.

VICIOUS by L.J. Shen

Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary: Emilia - They say love and hate are the same feelings experienced under different circumstances, and it’s true. The man who comes to me in my dreams also haunts my nightmares. He is a brilliant lawyer, a skilled criminal, a beautiful liar. A bully and a savior, a monster and a lover. Ten years ago, he made me run away from the small town where we lived. Now he came for me in New York, and he isn’t leaving until he takes me with him. Vicious - She’s a starving artist. Pretty and evasive like cherry blossoms. Ten years ago, she barged into my life unannounced and turned everything upside down. She paid the price. Emilia LeBlanc is completely off-limits, my best friend’s ex-girlfriend. The woman who knows my darkest secret, and the daughter of the cheap Help we hired to take care of our estate. That should deter me from chasing her, but it doesn’t. So she hates me. Big deal. She better get used to me.

My Thoughts: Okay, so this is going to be a mixed review because this book was definitely a page turner for me, but some elements of the story were just hard for me to get past - even after they resolved themselves. Starting with our leading man, Vicious. It’s a nickname, don’t worry (or do because that nickname screamed YIKES to me). He was such an ass like holy shit. We learn eventually that he has experienced some SUPER f’ed up things in his lifetime which contributes to his behavior, but my brain just kept waving a GIANT red flag. Emilia, the leading lady, was super sweet and courageous, but if she were one of my gal pals, I’d be sitting her down for a lil chit chat. Some portions of the relationship between them made me cringe, but that level of toxicity was obviously the point because it gave justifications later as to why their connection was so strong. The steamy parts of this book were definitely built up with extreme sexual tension, so all of that was fulfilling lol. Y’all. Idk. Did I enjoy it? For the most part, yeah I did. Do I recommend it? It’s definitely not for everyone, but please look up the trigger warnings beforehand if you do move forward with reading it.

CLOCKWORK PRINCE by Cassandra Clare

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Summary: In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street - and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa’s powers for his own dark ends. With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister’s war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize the Magister himself knows their every move - and that one of their own has betrayed them. As the dangerous search for the Magister and truth continues the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.

My Thoughts: Diving back into the Infernal Devices series was like grabbing my coziest blanket, curling up next to a fire, and shutting the world away - all within a Victorian-style home lol. The level of dedication I have to each of the characters and how enthralled I am in this storyline is unreal sometimes. Watching my boy, Will, befriend a warlock in order to remedy a problem from his past that’s affecting the present, only to learn he’s been living by a lie was absolutely heartbreaking. Then to see Jem (basically Will’s brother) start swooning over Tessa who is still trying to figure out what she is while she battles the confusion of where her heart lies between the two boys was gut wrenching. The villain of this series, Mortmain, basically only got page time by people talking about him, but I kind of appreciated that because there were so many side storylines going on already. The plot still moved forward with new discoveries that impacted the overall issue at hand as well as mysteries from some characters’ pasts, while incorporating fast-paced, action-packed scenes and slower heartwarming moments. The last 20 pages of this book caused an emotional reaction that I physically felt in my stomach hours after finishing it. So, if it wasn’t clear already, I’m thoroughly invested in this series.

IN A HOLIDAZE by Christina Lauren

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but not for Maelyn Jones. She’s living with her parents, hates her going-nowhere job, and has just made a romantic error of epic proportions. But perhaps worst of all, this is the last Christmas Mae will be at her favorite place in the world - the snowy Utah cabin where she and her family have spent every holiday since she was born, along with two other beloved families. Mentally melting down as she drives away from the cabin for the final time, Mae throws out what she thinks is a simple plea to the universe: Please. Show me what will make me happy. The next thing she knows, tires screech and metal collides, everything goes black. But when Mae gasps awake, she’s on an airplane bound for Utah, where she begins the same holiday all over again. With one hilarious disaster after another sending her back to the plane, Mae must figure out how to break free of the strange time loop - and finally get her true love under the mistletoe.

My Thoughts: This book was so much fun! It wandered a little bit outside of the normal CL lines, but it was the perfect holiday-themed rom-com. Emphasis on the comedy part. Between Mae trying to figure out her Groundhog’s Day predicament, the colorful imagery of various mishaps, and the endless playful dialogue, I was laughing out loud on more than one occasion. The romance plotline was fast-paced and fun for the most part with just the right touch of drama sprinkled in which was perfect for this book. All of the side characters deserve a shout out for making this reading experience so enjoyable though. They’re such an eclectic group of personalities that both mesh and contrast in the best ways possible, but never muddied up the overall story. Honestly, I know I’m late on the Holidaze train since it came out last year, but if you’re looking for something super fun during the holidays and a little swoony to boot, I highly recommend picking this one up!

A hand is holding up a paperback copy of The Kiss Quotient . The cover is teal with yellow lettering. There is an illustrated couple on the front standing on a square root sign as well. — The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

THE KISS QUOTIENT by Helen Hoang

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Summary: Stella Lane thinks math is the only thing that unites the universe. She comes up with algorithms to predict customer purchases - a job that has given her more money than she knows what to do with, and way less experience in the dating department than the average thirty-year-old. It doesn’t help that Stella has Asperger’s and French kissing reminds her of a shark getting its teeth cleaned by pilot fish. Her conclusion: she needs practice - with a professional. Which is why she hires escort Michael Phan. The Vietnamese and Swedish stunner can’t afford to turn down Stella’s offer, and agrees to help her check off all the boxes on her lesson plan. Before long, Stella not only learns to appreciate his kisses, but to crave all the other things he’s making her feel. Soon, their no-nonsense relationship starts making a strange kind of sense. And the pattern that emerges will convince Stella that love is the best kind of logic...

My Thoughts: Wow I loved this book. I binge-read it on a Saturday, and had to keep convincing myself to get up and move around because my nose was GLUED to the pages. The format of this story alternates character POV and that was a huge part of what made this experience so enjoyable. I loved hearing what’s going on inside of Stella and Michael’s heads that they weren’t saying out loud to each other. Especially, when it came to misunderstandings due to how each of them was processing the situation. The raw and undeniable connection between these two characters was addicting. It had the “falling slowly and all at once” type of vibes that made me absolutely giddy. As a compliment to all of the sweet moments we get between Stella and Michael, the steamier parts of this plotline were phenomenal and the nature of how those coital-related experiences started was unique to say the least. I’ve never read any romance novel like this before and absolutely loved it! Highly recommend you pick this one up!

A hand is holding up a paperback copy of Dash and Lily's Book of Dares. On the cover, there are two teenagers standing back to back in the snow. One is wearing all black and holding a red notebook. The other is wearing red converse, and a dress. — Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

DASH AND LILY’S BOOK OF DARES by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Rating: 2.5/5 stars

Summary: Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash the right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?

My Thoughts: I watched the Netflix adaptation of this book last December and thought it was super cute. This is a quick read and right for the season if you’re trying to get into the Christmas spirit, but it was a little underwhelming. Lily and Dash are supposed to be 16, and while I definitely felt Dash’s personality and behavior fit the age appropriate criteria, Lily felt more like a 13 year old than a sophomore or junior in high school. I get that she’s supposed to have this childlike wonder towards the magic of Christmas cheer, but instead of that energy coming off as whimsical, it came off as extremely immature. Especially when she got into her “Shrilly” mode and would scream or pout when she was upset… Not a cute look, Lily. On a more positive note, the banter throughout this book is phenomenal - especially between Dash and Lily’s great-aunt, Miss Basil E - and basically saved this book from receiving only 2 stars. They had some dialogue at one point in the book that was quick-wit goals. If you’ve seen the Netflix adaptation already, then I don’t think it’s worth picking up this book. If you haven’t seen the series yet and want to read the book beforehand, I’d say skip it lol and just go straight to Netflix.

THE BRIDE TEST by Helen Hoang

Rating: 3.75/5 stars

Summary: Khai Diep has no feelings. Well, he feels irritation when people move his things or contentment when he ledgers balance down to the penny, but not big, important emotions - like grief. And love. He thinks he’s defective. His family knows better - that his autism means he just processes emotions differently. When he steadfastly avoids relationships, his mother takes matters into her own hands and returns to Vietnam to find him the perfect bride. As a mixed-race girl living in the slums of Ho Chi Minh City, Esme Tran has always felt out of place. When the opportunity arises to come to America and meet a potential husband, she can’t turn it down, thinking this could be the break her family needs. Seducing Khai, however, doesn’t go as planned. Esme’s lessons in love seem to be working… but only on herself. She’s hopelessly smitten with a man who’s convinced he can never return her affection. With Esme’s time in the U.S. dwindling, Khai is forced to understand he’s been wrong all along. And there’s more than one way to love.

My Thoughts: Helen Hoang is a newer author for me, and I absolutely love her writing style and storylines. After such a great experience with The Kiss Quotient, I had decently high expectations for The Bride Test, and although I did enjoy it, it didn’t do as much for me as I wanted it to. Khai and Esme were such true-to-themselves characters which made understanding their perspectives and empathizing with them effortless. It was especially emotional watching some key moments of their blooming relationship help grow them closer. That said, both main characters were mildly too passive for the plotline to move forward at a good pace. Like some of the side characters had to take matters into their own hands to get Khai and Esme where we all wanted them to go, so it caused a little bit of a disconnect. However, it was refreshing for a romance novel to follow a strong character like Esme who was determined, knew her self-worth, and wouldn’t settle for any less than she deserved. Khai was a big sweetie and though he processes emotions differently, it’s undeniable he has the biggest heart for those he loves. Overall, I liked this book and encourage you to pick it up if you’ve become invested in this series too, but I definitely liked the first book a bit more.

THE SHAADI SET-UP by Lillie Vale

Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary: High school sweethearts Rita Chitniss and Milan Rao were the golden couple, until the day he broke her heart. Now, six years later, Rita has turned her passion for furniture restoration into a career and has an almost-perfect boyfriend, eil. The last thing she needs is for Milan to re-enter her life, but that’s exactly what happens when her mother, an unfailing believer in second chances, sets them up. Milan is just as charming, cocky, and confident as he was back in school. Only this time, he actually needs her business expertise, not her heart, to flip a hard-to-sell house for his realty agency. While Rita begrudgingly agrees to help, she’s not taking any risks. To prove she’s definitely over him, she signs herself and Neil up on MyShaadi.com a Desi matchmaking site famous for its success stories and trustworthy enough to convince everyone that she and Niel are the new and improved couple. Instead, she’s shocked when MyShaadi’s perfect match for her isn’t Neil… it’s Milan. Ignoring the website and her mother is one thing, but ignoring Milan proves much more difficult, especially when she promises to help him renovate the beach house of her dreams. And as the two of them dive deeper into work - and their pasts - Rita begins to wonder if maybe her match wasn’t so wrong after all...

My Thoughts: Okay so this was a cute rom-com, but I kind of felt meh about it afterwards. It took me a minute to get into this book, and I think that’s because the main character, Rita, isn’t necessarily all that likeable. She had redeeming qualities, but it had nothing to do with the romance storyline and everything to do with her learning more about the dynamics of her family, taking on projects she never thought she was capable of, and finally processing the breakup from six years ago. Her boyfriend, Neil, is annoying as shit, and I felt like the whole storyline of her trying to match with him on MyShaadi was a waste of time because, although I think we were supposed to feel like she really did want to be with Neil, it was PLAINLY obvious that she was so indifferent as to whether they stayed together or not. I was hoping Milan would be a more likeable main character to make up for what was missing with Rita, but he also let me down in a couple of parts and never quite fully recovered. The book’s plot line was a cute concept, but I just think the characters made it hard for me to fully buy into it. Overall, if someone asked me for a romcom recommendation, this wouldn’t be my first choice. However, if you’re looking for something that specifically includes online dating in its storyline then this could be for you.

BARBARIAN’S HEART by Ruby Dixon

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Stacy has never spent a day without her mate since arriving on the ice planet. She’s happy and in love, and they have a beautiful child together. All of that changed when the world shook and her mate nearly died. Pashov wakes up from his coma and can’t remember Stacy or their son. Every memory of the past two years is gone, and that changes everything between them. How can Stacy love someone that doesn’t remember her? How can she not, when she knows he is still her mate underneath it all?

My Thoughts: Y’all. When I say these books get more complex the farther you get into them, I do not lie. This story of Stacy and Pashov trying to find their way back to each other after his near-death experience was an emotional rollercoaster. The author did an amazing job at really making you feel the heartbreak, frustration, joyful moments, and unconditional love these characters shared. We also got to see more of the new village the tribe is calling home now, and learn more about the Metlaks - who are slowly gaining more depth with each book. Also, to my smut lovers, do not fret! There was a fair share to be had of that in this 10th installment of IPB. :) Overall, if you’ve started the series and aren’t sure how far you should go, I’m here to say book 10 did not disappoint lol.

BARBARIAN’S REDEMPTION by Ruby Dixon

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: For seasons, Bek has waited for her. His perfect mate. In a tribe full of happy couples, Bek is alone. But he is not content to remain this way. There are no eligible unmated females left, so he will do whatever it takes to bring females back to the tribe… even if it means doing something wrong. Even if it means he must purchase his mate on the intergalactic black market. But will his ruthless move turn his mate against him before they ever meet? Can she ever forgive Bek for buying her freedom?

My Thoughts: Bek has been a big ole broody boy and kind of a dick throughout this series, so I’m glad we finally got to see inside his head in this book. After purchasing the five women from the intergalactic black market, he is shunned from the tribe for being a Rule Breaker. Although Bek resonated with one of the women right away, Elly, she is the most traumatized of the group and protects herself under years of accumulated dirt and grime. It was really heartwarming watching Bek gain Elly’s trust throughout this book. I think since he’s been painted as such a hard person to be around, it was assumed his mate would end up being someone just as hard. However, Elly was sweet and scared, and instead we saw a new side to Bek that was protective and patient, and he absolutely adored Elly. Overall, I really loved their story. I have to say though, there was one part at the beginning of the book where Elly tries to escape and gets injured, and the description of said injury lives rent free in my mind and I hate it lol. Other than that, I’m still loving this IPB series!

CLOCKWORK PRINCESS by Cassandra Clare

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: A net of shadows begins to tighten around the Shadowhunters of the London Institute. Mortmain plans to use his Infernal Devices, an army of pitiless automatons, to destroy the Shadowhunters. He needs only one last item to complete his plan: he needs Tessa Gray. Charlotte Branwell, head of the London Institute, is desperate to find Mortmain before he strikes. But when Mortmain abducts Tessa, the boys who lay equal claim to her heart, Jem and Will, will do anything to save her. For though Tessa and Jem are now engaged, Will is as much in love with her as ever. As those who love Tessa rally to rescue her from Mortmain’s clutches, Tessa realizes that the only person who can save her is herself. But can a single girl, even one who can command the power of angels, face down an entire army?

My Thoughts: This book was the end of a series for me (literally lol), and I wanted to savor the experience because I am a sap for YA fantasy and we all know it. Without giving anything away, the connection between Tessa, Will, and Jem is a love triangle for the ages, and I loved that it was a have your cake and eat it too type of scenario. Like I am SQUEALING with fulfillment of how this triangle was handled and that’s all I’m going to say about that. Honestly, all of the characters hold a place in my heart. Even characters I thought were lost causes ended up weaseling their way into my bookish embrace. The book’s pace was phenomenal as it walked us through the perfect mix of high-action scenes and absolutely necessary slower moments. Idk what to say, y’all. I just really loved this book and how it tied the most immaculate bow on the gift that is the Infernal Devices series. If you ask me in a couple of months what fantasy series I recommend, I can guarantee this will be on the list I ramble off to you.

DESPERATE MEASURES by Katee Robert

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Summary: One night, and Jasmine’s entire life went up in flames. All because of him. Jafar. As her world burned down around her, he offered her a choice. Walk away with nothing but her freedom or rise to his challenge and win her fortune back. She bargained and lost. Now Jafar owns her, and even as her mind rails against his rules, her body loves the punishments he deals out when she breaks them. But a gilded cage is still a prison, Jasmine will do anything to obtain her freedom. Even betray the man she’s falling for.

My Thoughts: LOLOLOL. Okay, so this is a DISNEY retelling of sorts. Yes, Disney. So if you’d like to keep the story of Jasmine in your brain as the innocent, animated version, then I recommend you keep it moving. This book was not just steamy. Steamy doesn’t begin to cover it. Twas KINKY. I loved that this relationship between Jasmine and Jafar had been considered “forbidden fruit” for the last five years while Jafar was working under her father. It was interesting to watch them navigate this new dynamic that both of them have dreamed about, but never discussed. They weren’t sure if or how they could trust each other, but the chemistry was undeniable as was the longing for this new reality. Since Jasmine was locked away for most of her life, her character development was both slow and rushed, but it was cute that Jafar served as a grounding mechanism for her as she found herself. This is the same author who wrote Neon Gods, and although I enjoyed this book, I prefer NG more. It just had a bit more plot and character development, and was also a single-bed trope - which this one is definitely not lol, so take that in stride. If you do want to pick this one up, I recommend checking the content warnings prior to!

HOW TO FAIL AT FLIRTING by Denise Williams

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: When her flailing department lands on the university’s chopping block, Professor Naya Turner’s friends convince her to shed her frumpy cardigan for an evening on the town. For one night her focus will stray from her demanding job and she’ll tackle a new kind of to-do list. When she meets a charming stranger in town on business, he presents the perfect opportunity to check off the items on her list. Let the guy buy her a drink. Check. Try something new. Check. A no-strings-attached hookup. Almost check. Jake makes her laugh and challenges Naya to rebuild her confidence, which was left toppled by her abusive ex-boyfriend. Soon she’s flirting with the chance at a more serious romantic relationship - except nothing can be that easy. The complicated strings around her dating Jake might destroy her career. Naya has two options. She can protect her professional reputation and return to her old life so she can flirt with the unknown and stay with the person who makes her feel like she’s finally living again.

My Thoughts: To put it plainly, this was a really solid book. First off, the “meetcute” between the main characters was so much fun and I loved the genuine connection between Naya and Jake. It just made following this budding romance an enjoyable experience through the highs and the lows. This isn’t your run of the mill feel-good romance though. The story takes place three years after Naya gets out of an abusive relationship, and I appreciated how the author handled this sensitive topic and wove it into her development arc and the story overall. Jake’s character was definitely likeable and provided some light-hearted relief to counter the heavier parts of this book, but there were some communication barriers between the two MCs that mildly discredited them for me a little bit. It didn’t ruin anything for me by any means, but made me give a side eye, yanno? Anyway, if you’re looking for a well-rounded romance that touches on a heavier topic, then I’d recommend picking this up!

THE BEAST by Katee Robert

Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary: Once upon a time, Isabelle fell in love with two men. Their feelings for her were matched only by their hatred for each other. Gaeton, with his brash charm and casual cruelty. Beast, his lust equal to his penchant for violence. Being with them was sinful and perfect in different ways. In the end, she couldn’t choose and lost them both. Now, Isabelle’s sisters have tasked her with securing their power base, no matter the cost. She will do anything for her family - even if it means agreeing to the terms set by Gaeton and Beast. The three of them, together. But only for as long as it takes her to choose one of them once and for all. When playing games of power, happily ever after isn’t a priority. Not even for Isabelle.

My Thoughts: So, if you haven’t already guessed it, this is a smutty Beauty and the Beast retelling. Basically, we have a lovely throuple, second chance romance storyline composed of Isabelle, Gaeton, and Beast. She had dated each of them separately a while ago, and broke their hearts by not being able to decide between them. However, now that she needs their help with protecting her family’s territory, the boys are calling the shots. Okay, so clearly a large purpose of this book is to provide some hella steamy kink which it definitely did, but I felt like it didn’t have much of a plot outside of the developing romance. So take that as you will. That said, I loved the unapologetic connection between the three characters. You could really feel the heartbreak and adoration radiating for one another. Also, I must add that I appreciate the author goes out of her way to truly emphasize that all of the spicy scenes are completely consensual. That’s very important and we love to see it. All in all, this retelling was entertaining and will definitely make you blush lol.

THE EX TALK by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Shay Goldstein has been a producer at her Seattle public radio station for nearly a decade, and she can’t imagine working anywhere else. But lately it’s been a constant clash between her and her newest colleague, Dominic Yun, who’s fresh off a journalism master’s program and convinced he knows everything about public radio. When the struggling station needs a new concept, Shay proposes a show that her boss green-lights with excitement. On The Ex Talk, two exes will deliver relationship advice live, on air. Their boss decides Shay and Dominic are the perfect co-hosts, given how much they already despise each other. Neither loves the idea of lying to listeners, but it’s this or unemployment. Their audience gets invested fast, and it’s not long before The Ex Talk becomes a must-listen in Seattle and climbs podcast charts. As the show gets bigger, so does their deception, especially when Shay and Dominic start to fall for each other. In an industry that values truth, getting caught could mean the end of more than just their careers.

My Thoughts: What a freaking cute book! Especially as a podcast fan IRL, I loved the premise of Shay and Dominic’s story. Neither character was necessarily a stand-out for me, but, as a pair, their chemistry and connection was so much fun. Especially during the podcast dialogue chapters when their banter was on point the entire time. That said, a lot of the story takes place outside of the podcast recording, which I understand helped with the setting and getting into each character’s head, but I just wish there were more pages dedicated to the podcast listeners’ point of view. The build up was enjoyable to watch, but I wish there would have been a few more elements to their attraction before their undeniable chemistry was evident to both characters. Overall, this rom com is a really fun take on the enemies to lovers trope, and perfect for anyone looking for a light-hearted, quirky read!

THE TROUBLE WITH HATING YOU by Sajni Patel

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Summary: Liya Thakkar is a successful biochemical engineer, takeout enthusiast, and happily single woman. The moment she realizes her parents’ last dinner party is a setup with the man they want her to marry, she’s out the back door in a flash. Imagine her surprise when the same guy shows up at her office a week later -- the new lawyer hired to save her struggling company. What’s not surprising: he’s not too thrilled to see her either after that humiliating fiasco. Jay Shah looks good on paper and off. Especially if you like that whole gorgeous, charming lawyer-in-a-good-suit thing. He’s also arrogant and infuriating. As their witty office banter turns into late night chats, Liya starts to think he might be the one man who truly accepts her. But falling for each other means exposing their painful pasts. Will Liya keep running, or will she finally give love a real chance?

My Thoughts: What a great enemies-to-lovers romance novel! I went on a little binge with this specific trope this month, and The Trouble With Hating You was one of my favorites by far! It definitely took a minute to get my footing with the dynamics between Liya and Jay because their relationship started off very rocky and a little immature. However, as the softness started settling into their interactions and the cute scenes were trickling in, I was rooting for them completely. The cultural component of arranged marriages was interesting to learn about and added another dimension to Jay and Liya’s evolving love story. Also, a refreshing part of their character and relationship development for me was that both characters were dealing with some traumatic experiences, but their new romance didn’t serve as the fix-all for processing their pasts. Though most of this love story was a slower burn, there was just a touch of sexual tension to keep things a little interesting throughout. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a quality enemies-to-lovers trope! Content Warnings: sexual assault, victim blaming, loss of a loved one, domestic violence.

WINDOW SHOPPING by Tessa Bailey

Rating: 3.8/5 stars

Summary: Two weeks before Christmas and all through Manhattan, shop windows are decorated in red and green satin. I’m standing alone in front of the famous Vivant department store, when a charming man named Aiden asks my opinion of the decor. It’s a tragedy in tinsel, I say, unable to lie. He asks for a better idea with a twinkle in his eye. Did I know he owned the place? No. He put me on the spot. Now I’m working for that man, trying to ignore that he’s hot. But as a down on her luck girl with a difficult past, I know an opportunity when I see one - and I have to make it last. I’ll put my heart and soul into dressing his holiday windows. I’ll work without stopping. And when we lose the battle with temptation, I’ll try and remember I’m just window shopping.

My Thoughts: This quick holiday read was the ideal mix of romance, cheese, spice, and Christmas! The “opposites attract” trope worked perfectly between our grumpy goth, Stella, and the chipper, quirky Aiden. I loved how each was experiencing their own inner struggles and instead of one character “saving” the other, they worked through the issues together by providing support and encouragement. It made the dynamics of the relationship feel much more balanced which I think some romances (especially steamier ones) tend to lack. The timeline of the growing infatuation with each other seemed a little too fast for me, but at least that kept the pace of the story moving forward. Overall, I think if you’re looking for something quick, steamy, and holiday-themed, this is a great book to scratch that itch!

2021 Book Count: 104

Add me on Goodreads if you haven’t already!

YOUR TURN! Let me know in the comments what books you’re trying to read before the end of the year.

October 2021 Reads

November 01, 2021 by Haley Burrill in Books

Ah yes. October. The Harvest Month. Spooky szn, if you will.

Besides being in a wedding, my October was pretty lowkey. I ate my weight in pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, broke out all of my cozy sweaters, drank some Witches Brew wine, broke out all over my face, and read quite a few books. :)

So let’s get into these reviews!

*All summaries taken or paraphrased from Goodreads.

DUNE by Frank Herbert

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Summary: Set on the desert planet Arrakis, Dune is the story of the boy Paul Atreides, heir to a noble family tasked with ruling an inhospitable world where the only thing of value is the “spice” melange, a drug capable of extending life and enhancing consciousness. Coveted across the known universe, melange is a prize worth killing for… When House Atreides is betrayed, the destruction of Paul’s family will set the boy on a journey toward a destiny greater than he could ever have imagined. And as he evolves into the mysterious man known as Muad’Dib, he will bring to fruition humankind’s most ancient and unattainable dream.

My Thoughts: Oo-wee. Where to even start with this book? Dune was a DOOZY to say the least, and pretty complex right from the get-go. The first 100 pages are an information dumpage to the extreme and I had to keep rereading pages because it was hard to get my footing with the storyline until probably 25% into the book. In general, this book definitely serves a foundation-building purpose for the rest of the series, so take that in stride. The other aspect of Dune that made getting thoroughly invested a little tough was the style of writing. I’m not saying I didn’t appreciate it, but I’ve never read anything else like it. I realized after finishing the book that it was written in 1965, and was basically patient zero for books of the science fiction genre. So, I have mad respect for it in that regard, but whether it was the pacing, the characters, or overall storyline, I was never 100% enthralled. Like so much shit happens and so many characters are introduced throughout, there was no point in trying to hypothesize any plot twists. Am I going to go see the movie? Hell yes. Am I going to continue on with this series? I honestly haven’t decided yet. If science fiction is usually your jam, then I say go for it! If sci-fi isn’t your cuppa tea then I’d say to let this one sit until you’re in the m00d for it.

CEMETERY BOYS by Aiden Thomas

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: When his traditional Latinx family has problems accepting his gender, Yadriel becomes determined to prove himself a real brujo. With the help of his cousin and best friend Maritza, he performs the ritual himself, and then sets out to find the ghost of his murdered cousin and set it free. However, the ghost he summons is actually Julian Diaz, the school’s resident bad boy, and Julian is not about to go quietly into death. He’s determined to find out what happened and tie up some loose ends before he leaves. Left with no choice, Yadriel agrees to help Julian, so that they can both get what they want. But the longer Yadriel spends with Julian, the less he wants him to leave.

My Thoughts: All the feels, my friends. All the feels. This was the perfect book for me to kick off my sp00ky season reading list with, and absolutely stole my heart in the process. Starting with the main characters, Yadriel and Julian. Each was vibrant and complex in his own unique way, but never overpowered the other. If anything, they were the perfect serving of chaos, comfort, bravery, understanding, and selflessness. I also loved Yadriel’s cousin, Maritza, because she was Yadriel’s O.G. confidant and companion, and added sass where there needed to be. The overall storyline was beautifully written, and although the plot twist probably should’ve been more evident to me, I did not see it coming right away. Just learning so much about the brujx community and traditions was interesting enough to keep me invested. My favorite takeaway from this book, though, was learning more about the experience of a person who is transitioning, but not taking hormones. It was incredibly eye-opening about the daily adversities trans-people encounter - both in their personal and public lives - and the author wrote Yadriel’s experience in a way that made it easy to understand how to be a better ally to those in the trans community. Cemetery Boys is an empowering story that you really shouldn’t sleep on.

ISN’T IT BROMANTIC by Lyssa Kay Adams

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Elena Konnikova has lived her entire adult life in the shadows. As the daughter of a Russian journalist who mysteriously disappeared, she escaped danger the only way she knew how: She married her childhood friend, Vladimir, and moved to the United States, where he is a professional hockey player in Nashville. Vlad, aka the Russian, thought he could be content with his marriage of convenience. But it’s become too difficult to continue in a one-sided relationship. He joined the Bromance Book Club to learn how to make his wife love him, but all he’s learned is that he deserves more. He’s ready to create his own sweeping romance. The bros are unwilling to let Vlad forgo true love - and this time they’re not operating solo. They join forces with Vlad’s neighbors, a group of meddling widows who call themselves the Loners. But just when things finally look promising, Elena’s past life intrudes and their happily ever after is cast into doubt.

My Thoughts: The Bromance Book Club series has become somewhat of a guilty pleasure read for me, and the fourth installment was no exception! I loved the different approach the author took in this one with the relationship stemming from childhood best friends who married out of convenience. We’ve seen Vlad, aka The Russian, in previous books, but all we knew about him from those was that he has stomach issues all the time. So, I really enjoyed getting to see some depth added to his character through this storyline. It gave me all the feels to watch Vlad and Elena work to be vulnerable with each other in order to save their marriage. That said, it mildly irks me when poor communication skills are the main issue in a book between two characters, and that was basically the case here. Like they never just said what they were thinking, which was so irritating because so much could’ve been addressed by having a frank conversation lol. I also wish the swoony romance parts would have been either longer or more frequent. It kind of felt like Elena’s side storyline over-shadowed that a bit when it didn’t really need to. Overall though, this was a cute read if you’re looking for something along the lines of a rom-com!

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS by Agatha Christie

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: Just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks. The luxurious train is surprisingly full for the time of the year, but by the morning it is one passenger fewer. An American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, stabbed a dozen times, his door locked from the inside. Isolated with a killer in their midst, detective Hercule Poirot must identify the murderer - in case he or she decides to strike again.

My Thoughts: This was my first Agatha Christie book, and I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised in different ways than I anticipated. Firstly, I liked how she immerses you into the story at the start of the book by setting the scene, introducing you to some of the characters, etc. Then once the investigation actually begins, everything is broken down in an organized format where the chapters are titled by interviews and evidence. With twelve different characters you have to remember specific details about, I found this setup to be incredibly helpful for keeping track of everything. Especially as I was reading chunks of this book every night and not in one sitting. Overall, I really enjoyed this murder mystery and never suspected the outcome. So, if you’re looking for something quick, this would be a good book to pick up!

ONE OF US IS LYING by Karen M. McManus

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: Pay close attention and you might solve this. On Monday afternoon, five students at Bayview High walk into detention. Bronwyn, the brain, is Yale-bound and never breaks a rule. Addy, the beauty, is the picture-perfect homecoming princess. Nate, the criminal, is already on probation for dealing. Cooper, the athlete, is the all-star baseball pitcher. And Simon, the outcast, is the creator of Bayview High’s notorious gossip app. Only Simon never makes it out of that classroom. Before the end of detention, Simon’s Dead. And according to investigators, his death wasn’t an accident. On Monday, he died. But on Tuesday, he’d planned to post juicy reveals about all four of his high-profile classmates, which makes all four of them suspects in his murder. Or are they the perfect patsies for a killer who’s still on the loose? Everyone has secrets, right? What really matters is how far you would go to protect them.

My Thoughts: Remix The Breakfast Club to include a murder mystery and those are the vibes this book is serving. I literally could not put it down - it’s a certified page-turner to say the least. No surprise to anyone, the characters are what did it for me in this book. I basically loved every single one of them AND they ALL (clap) HAD (clap) SOLID (clap) CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT (clap x2). We love to see it, y’all. Besides, Nate and Cooper have both officially been inducted into the “Book Boyfriend Hall of Fame” for me, so lol. Bronwyn and Addy were absolute badasses though, so don’t underestimate them! The plot in general was thick and twisty, and although the solution to this mystery wasn’t necessarily the strongest, I definitely didn’t see it coming. So, I loved all of it nonetheless. If you’re looking for a great YA mystery/thriller, I definitely recommend getting your hands on a copy of this book!

A SPECIAL PLACE FOR WOMEN by Laura Hankin

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Summary: For years, rumors have swirled about an exclusive, women-only social club where the elite tastemakers of NYC meet. People in the know whisper all sorts of claims: Membership dues cost $1K a month. The women even handpicked the city’s first female mayor, but no one knows for sure. That is, until journalist Jillian Beckly decides she’s going to break into the club. With her career in freefall, Jillian needs a juicy scoop, and she has personal interest in bringing these women down. But the deeper she gets into this new world - where billionaire “girlbosses” mingle with the astrology-obsessed - the more Jillian learns that bad things happen to those who dare question the club’s motives or giggle at its outlandish rituals. The select group of women who populate the club may be far more powerful than she ever imagined. And far more dangerous too.

My Thoughts: Honestly? This book was as enjoyable as it was strange lol. Jillian is experiencing some tough times after losing her mom and her job within just a few months of each other. So although Nevertheless keeps getting weirder as the story goes on, she doesn’t have much else going on in life, so I understood why she was drawn back to this secret women’s club time and time again. I will say, it’s only mildly odd until about 60% and then you hit a freaking bizarre plot twist that takes everything in a wild direction lol. There’s a friends-to-lovers side plot in this that was super cute and kept everything grounded as things got v strange with Jillian’s involvement with the club. Even though the conclusion to this odd ride wasn’t as groundbreaking or juicy as I had hoped, it was still satisfying.

SHARP OBJECTS by Gillian Flynn

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: Fresh from a brief stay at a psych hospital, reporter Camille Preaker faes a troubling assignment: she must return to her tiny hometown to cover the unsolved murder of a preteen girl and the disappearance of another. For years, Camille has hardly spoken to her neurotic, hypochondriac mother or to the half-sister she barely knows: a beautiful 13-year-old with an eerie grip on the town. Now, installed in her old bedroom in her family’s Victorian mansion, Camille finds herself identifying with the young victims - a bit too strongly. Dogged by her own demons, she must unravel the psychological puzzle of her own past if she wants to get the story - and survive this homecoming.

My Thoughts: This book was dark and twisted and THRILLING. I’m going to start by saying this quick read is not for the faint of heart. There were portions of the story that literally made my skin crawl and I had to stop reading to get out of that mindset for a little bit. The main character, Camille, was the perfect unlikeable protagonist for this. She’s got a dark past and comes off as morally gray, but as you start seeing into her psyche, it’s clear why. The plot itself was creepy to say the least, and the side characters were all sorts of interesting, so I was constantly second guessing my prediction for “whodunnit” because everyone was looking a little sus. Like I said, it’s not for the faint of heart, but if you want a short book that will make your teeth clench a little bit, this is a good one. Please see the content/trigger warnings beforehand though. CW/TW: murder, self harm, alcholism, verbal and emotional abuse, gore/corpse descriptions, drug abuse, and rape.

BARBARIAN’S MATE by Ruby Dixon

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: ‘Renosance’ is supposed to be a dream - that’s when your soulmate is chosen for you. And everyone on the ice planet has hooked up with a hunky soulmate of their own except for Josie. Does she want a mate? Heck yeah. More than anything, all she’s ever wanted is to be loved by someone. Expect the soulmate chosen for her? Her least favorite person on that darn ice planet. Haedan’s the most cranky, disapproving, unpleasant, overbearing male alien. So why is it her khui sings when he gets close? Why is he working so hard to prove to her that he’s not as awful as she thinks he is? Josie hates him... doesn’t she?

My Thoughts: This book took a different direction than other books, and I found the mini adventure of it incredibly enjoyable! We follow an enemies-to-lovers trope between Josie, a talkative ball of sunshine, and Haeden, the biggest grumpy alien around. This pairing is the last two anyone ever expected to resonate with each other because they’re complete opposites. That said, I really enjoyed both going through their character developments and watching them slowly open up to each other about their pasts. It made Josie and Haeden much more empathetic and understanding of each other’s behaviors better, which in turn made their relationship so much stronger. The plot twist of Josie finding another portion of the spaceship Kira crashed was a really exciting development in the series because we’ve been following each of the human women thus far, so I was wondering what would happen to keep the series going. Overall, I sincerely liked following Josie’s and Haeden’s story - it had spice, adventure, and all the things we love to see in a sci-fi romance.

BARBARIAN’S TOUCH by Ruby Dixon

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Summary: When Lilah wakes up on the ice planet, she’s scared of everything: this place is cold, silent, and the locals look more like blue devils than aliens. To make matters worse, one of the strangers decides she’s going to be his girlfriend and kidnaps her away from her sister. Lilah is completely and utterly alone. What’s a girl to do? Well, this girl escapes. Of course, that means she goes from the frying pan into the fire, and her situation gets even more dangerous. Just when Lilah has no hope left, a new hero appears. Sure, he’s blue, horned, and has a tail. He’s also fierce, protective and thinks Lilah is perfect. But is what they have real or just a mating instinct.

My Thoughts: Y’all, this one may just be my favorite of the series thus far. Lilah is deaf and everyone, including her sister Maddie, is hoping that once her khui kicks in, it will fix the hearing issue. Everyone except the very sweet Rokan who thinks Lilah is pure perfection and views the fact that others can’t communicate with her using ASL as a flaw on their end. I loved watching their relationship grow and it was incredibly heartwarming to see Rokan trying everything he can to communicate with Lilah to build her trust. One of the cooler parts of this book was the glimpses we get to see of the Metlaks - aka Yetis. Throughout all of the other books, they’ve been described as incredibly dumb and aggressive animals. During this adventure with Lilah, she has a few encounters with one specific Metlak who uses hand signs to communicate as well, and ends up helping her during a crisis. So, it was interesting to see a new side of these creatures. For y’all who want the lowdown on the smut, there was plentyyy of spice to be had in this book lol, and I definitely recommend reading it if you’ve made it this far in the series!

THE HAWTHORNE LEGACY by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: The Inheritance Games ended with a bombshell, and now heiress Avery Grambs has to pick up the pieces and find the man who might hold the answers to all of her questions - including why Tobias Hawthorne left his entire fortune to Avery, a virtual stranger, rather than to his own daughters or grandsons. Thanks to a DNA test, Avery knows she’s not a Hawthorne by blood, but clues pile up hinting at a deeper connection to the family than she had every imagined. As the mystery grows and the plot thickens, Grayson and Jameson, the enigmatic and magnetic Hawthorne grandsons, continue to pull Avery in different directions. And there are threats lurking around every corner, as adversaries emerge who will stop at nothing to see Avery out of the picture - by any means necessary.

My Thoughts: Why do I love this YA mystery series so much? My friends, I cannot put my finger on it, but I’m invested and I don’t care who knows it. Between the teenage love triangle, the clues left by Gramps Tobias, and the insight we finally get into the missing Hawthorne’s disappearance - I was INVESTED. This book was just as fun as the first one and smoothly transitioned the story into a new puzzle Avery and the Hawthorne boys are left trying to solve. There were plot twists GALORE that left me feeling some type of way, and I was absolutely TORN between being Team Grayson and Team Jameson lol. Though this book is the second installment of what is supposed to be a trilogy by next year, I thought the ending wrapped up pretty nicely, so I’m not sure where the next book will go, but you best believe I plan to pick it up!

A TOUCH OF DARKNESS by Scarlett St. Clair

Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary: Persephone is the Goddess of Spring by title only. The truth is, since she was a little girl, flowers have shriveled at her touch. After moving to New Athens, she hopes to lead an unassuming life disguised as a mortal journalist. Hades, God of the Dead, has built a gambling empire in the mortal world and his favorite bets are rumored to be impossible. After a chance encounter with Hades, Persephone finds herself in a contract with the God of the Dead and the terms are impossible. She must create life in the Underworld or lose her freedom forever. The bet does more than expose Persephone’s failure as a Goddess, however. As she struggles to sow the seeds of her freedom, love for the God of the Dead grows - and it’s forbidden.

My Thoughts: Love us a modern day Greek Mythology retelling, do we not? Admittedly, I had to Google what the OG tea was on Persephone and Hades as I started reading this because I had no prior knowledge of them lol. Having some context helped me understand the dynamics between the characters better, but I wasn’t blown away by either of them. I wish Persephone’s development arc happened a little quicker. She was just so insecure and naive for most of the book, which led to poor decision making. Hades’ character had more depth that was slowly revealed as the plot went on, but I wish he didn’t have to keep saving our girl P. Also, this book is supposed to be spicy - which it definitely is at various times - but that doesn’t happen until almost more than 50% into the storyline. Overall, it didn’t blow me away but it’s an enjoyable quick read if you’re looking for a romance that’s a little different!

NEON GODS by Katee Robert

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Summary: Society darling Persephone Dimitriou plans to flee the ultra-modern city of Olympus and start over far from the backstabbing politics of the Thirteen Houses. But all that’s ripped away when her mother ambushes her with an engagement to Zeus, the dangerous power behind their glittering city’s dark facade. With no options left, Persephone flees to the forbidden undercity and makes a devil’s bargain with a man she once believed a myth - a man who awakens her to a world she never knew existed. Hades has spent his life in the shadows, and he has no intention of stepping into the light. But when he finds that Persephone can offer a little slice of the revenge he’s spent years craving, it’s all the excuse he needs to help her - for a price. Yet every breathless night spent tangled together has given Hades a taste for Persephone, and he’ll go to war with Olympus itself to keep her.

My Thoughts: So, I admit, I was on a Hades/Persephone retelling kick by the end of the month lol, and this book did NOT disappoint. It was the perfect balance of sweet and FREAKING SPICY. I liked that it gave a nod to the real tale of Hades “kidnapping” Persephones, but didn’t overdo the fantasy elements beyond an invisible barrier to the “Underworld” aka southside of the city. The main characters were absolutely magnetic and their development throughout the book was *chef’s kiss*. The chemistry between Hades and Persephone was utterly undeniable even an hour after they crossed paths, and that connection only grows stronger (and steamier) as the plot goes on. Personally, this was quite the page turner, but if you’re not into books that have a 50 Shades of Gray flavor to them, then this probs isn’t for you. Otherwise, enjoyyyy! :)

2021 Book Count: 88

Add me on Goodreads if you haven’t already!

YOUR TURN! Let me know in the comments what books you love to cuddle up with.

September 2021 Reads

October 01, 2021 by Haley Burrill in Books

September felt like both the longest and shortest month of the year so far.

I had a weird reading mood this month and wasn’t necessarily super motivated to get through a bunch of new books. Like obviously, as you will see, I got caught up in the Ice Planet Barbarians series lol, but I ended up rereading some of those books towards the end of the month because I was just too tired to start something new and they’re legit maybe 200-250 pages max.

Personally, I blame the fact that I’ve been so busy socially lol. I know, I know. *Eye roll* Like what a problem to have, right? But, as your resident introvert, ya girl’s gas tank was running on fumes for most of September. That said, all of my plans were loads of fun. I even made a trip out to Chicago to visit one of my best friends and found a cute little indie bookstore called Sandmeyer’s Bookstore. So, if you’re in Chitown, definitely check it out!

Okay let’s move on with this, shall we?

*All summaries are taken or paraphrased from Goodreads.

THE PUSH by Ashley Audrain

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Blythe Connor is determined that she will be the warm, comforting mother to her new baby Violet that she herself never had. But in the thick of motherhood’s exhausting early days, Blythe becomes convinced that something is wrong with her daughter - she doesn’t behave like most children do. Or is it all in Blythe’s head? Her husband, Fox, says she’s imagining things. The more Fox dismisses her fears, the more Blythe begins to question her own sanity, and the more we begin to question what Blythe is telling us about her life as well. Then their son Sam is born - and with him, Blythe has the blissful connection she’d always imagined with her child. Even Violet seems to love her little brother. But when life as they know it changed in an instant, the devastating fall-out forces Blythe to face the truth.

My Thoughts: Yeesh. This book put me on EDGE. I wouldn’t categorize this as a thriller by any means, but it was definitely a psychological work of fiction that will make your heart race a little bit. I loved how easy it was to fall into the mindset of this morally gray character yet still question whether or not she actually is a couple fries short of a Happy Meal. The author truly makes you feel all of Blythe’s anxieties, moments of bliss, grief, frustrations, and more to your core. The pace of the plot was extremely steady, but with everything going on it was absolutely effortless to keep the pages turning. I’d say the ending provided much-needed validation for not only some of the characters, but also the reader - who has been along for this mind-twisty ride from the start. Highly recommend this book if you’re looking for something a little psychological but not necessarily scary.

ICE PLANET BARBARIANS by Ruby Nixon

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Summary: You’d think being abducted by aliens would be the worst thing that could happen to Georgie. And you’d be wrong. Because now, the aliens are having ship trouble and they’ve left their cargo of human women on an ice planet. The only native inhabitant Georgie has met is big, blue, has horns and has taken a liking to her.

My Thoughts: LOL. Okay, I’m going to be frank with you here. This book is straight up sci-fi smut. It’s a very quick, very steamy, intergalactic read. The plot isn’t super strong by any means, but I did end up really liking the main character, Georgie, and her ice planet boii toy, Vektal. All of the barbarians are actually super sweet gentlemen once you get to know them, so that was nice. There’s a potentially triggering scene in the beginning of the book that doesn’t involve any main characters, but is still pretty graphic, so please be aware. I can’t sit here with a straight face, and in good conscience, and honestly recommend this book to anyone lmao, but I also can’t say this hasn’t become a guilty pleasure series for me. So yeah. That’s my review lol. :)

BARBARIAN ALIEN by Ruby Dixon

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Twelve humans are left stranded on a wintry alien planet, and Liz is one of them. In order to survive, they have to take on a symbiont that wants to rewire their bodies to live in this brutal place. Liz likes to call it the cootie. And, she thinks her cootie is a jerk because it also thinks she’s the mate to the biggest, surliest alien of the group.

My Thoughts: What a quick, cosmic, smutty read this was! Lucky for us, this book actually had a plotline! Not a super strong one, don’t get too excited, but it was definitely there! I loved the enemies-to-lovers trope between Liz and Raahosh. They were the cutest little match - where one was quiet, the other wouldn’t shut up. Where one was a burly alien, the other was a rambunctious blonde. Both were stubborn as hell though which provided some fun banter. This book was also SPICY, but we love some out-of-this-world smut, do we not?! Again, I can’t sit here and recommend this book to anyone. Mostly out of fear of mild judgement once you do pick it up to read. HOWEVER, these are such fast reads, that I can sit here and say, I will probably keep moving through this sci-fi smut series. Will I read all 22 books? Probs not (this year), but who’s to say? Yanno?

THE MAGIC OF FOUND OBJECTS by Maddie Dawson

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Phronsie Linnelle was conceived at Woodstock in a serendipitous liaison between a free-spirited hippie and a farmer’s son and was born with a magical wonder flickering in her DNA and rationality knit into her bones. All her life she’s been torn between the two. But now that she’s been betrayed by both love and the mother she once idolized, her rational side is winning. So when her best friend from childhood proposes that they give up on romance and marry each other, Phronsie agrees. Who better to spend your life with than your best friend? Maybe the connection they already have is love. Maybe there’s no falling to be done. But immediately after they announce their engagement, she encounters someone who makes a very charming and compelling argument for revisiting romance. While her even-keeled stepmother argues for the safety that comes with her new engagement and her mother relays messages from the universe to hold out for true love, Phronsie must look to her own heart to find the answers that have been there all along.

My Thoughts: This was the book of the month for one of my favorite podcasts, Bad on Paper, and I absolutely loved Maddie Dawson’s book, Matchmaking for Beginners. So, I was very excited to read this one! First off, this book is extremely relatable in regards to being tired of dating lol. You know the saying “finding a job is a job”? Same concept. Dating is WORK, so I completely related to Phronsie being fed up with the whole process. Her character was hard to pin down in terms of who she felt she was. You never knew if she was going to be practical “Frances” or free spirit “Phronsie” which made it hard to root for her at times. After getting more back story about previous relationships (both romantic and familial) that shaped her though, I had more empathy. This book was the perfect balance of fun and seriousness, and every flashback to Phronsie’s past served a significant purpose to the present story. The only thing that didn’t satiate me enough was a romantic element that we only got to see during a handful of pages. Overall though, this book was funny, quirky, and an extremely easy read! If you’re looking for something quick and a little lighter, I definitely recommend this one!

BARBARIAN LOVER by Ruby Dixon

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: As one of the few humans stranded on the ice planet, Kira should be happy that she has a new home. Human women are treasured there, and one alien in particular has made it clear that he wants her. It’s hard for Kira to push away the sexy, flirtatious Aehako, when all he wants to do is take her to his furs. But she’s got a terrible secret - the aliens who abducted her are back, and thanks to the translator in her ear, they can find her. Kira fears her presence with the new tribe endangers everyone, but can she give up her new life and the man she wants more than anything?

My Thoughts: We have a plotline, y’all! Honestly, this series is actually developing into something quite interesting with a continuous and branching storyline. This book follows Kira who has a translator implanted in her ear by the aliens who originally abducted the twelve women. In addition to the intimate romance blooming between her and the very sweet Aehako, we get to see a lot of Kira’s character development. She goes from being the cautious Eeyore of the group to a confident badass who doesn’t let her fears hold her back for the sake of her new tribe. It was also cool to see the setting branch off from the main tribe’s cave to a secondary cave where more storylines are sure to blossom. There’s a scene towards the end of this book that follows a side character, Harlow, that is clearly a cliffhanger for a future book. So needless to say, I will be continuing on lol.

BARBARIAN MINE by Ruby Dixon

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: The ice planet has given Harlow a second lease on life, so she’s thrilled to be here. Sure there’s no cheeseburgers, but she’s healthy and ready to be a productive member of the small tribe. What she didn’t anticipate is that there’d be a savage stranger waiting nearby, watching her. And when he takes her captive, the unthinkable happens - Harlow resonates to him. Resonance means mating, and children, but she doesn’t know if this guy has ever been around anyone before. He’s truly a barbarian in all the ways, right down to clubbing her over the head and claiming her as his own. So why is that she can’t get enough of him?

My Thoughts: I feel like this has been my favorite book of this sci-fi alien smut series by far. It picks up with Harlow being held captive by Rukh, who is basically the planet’s equivalent to Tarzan (living off the grid and out of society). Due to a misunderstanding, Harlow feels like she can’t go back to the tribe. Not to mention, she’s also resonated with him which basically means their lives are bound together from here on out. There have been language barriers in previous books between characters, but since Rukh literally hasn’t talked to anyone in YEARS, it was really heartwarming to see him and Harlow learning how to communicate with each other in order to survive in one of the most remote areas of this icy planet. I appreciated that the plotline in this one fast forwards about a 1.5 years from the time where the first three books take place as well because we get to see how more characters are developing. Y’all I can honestly say this series has been gaining some depth the farther we get into it, and I am hooked lol.

WE FREE THE STARS by Hafsah Faizal

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Summary: The battle on Sharr is over. The dark forest has fallen. Altair may be captive, but Zafira, Nasir and Kifah are bound for Sultan’s Keep, determined to finish the plan he set in motion: restoring the hearts of the Sisters of Old to the minarets of each caliphate, and finally returning magic to all of Arawiya. But they are low on resources and allies alike, and the kingdom teems with fear of the Lion of the Night’s return. As the zumra plots to overthrow the kingdom’s darkest threat, Nasir fights to command the magic in his blood. He must learn to hone his power into a weapon to wield not only against the Lion but against his father, trapped under the Lion’s control. Zafira battles a very different darkness festering in her through her bond with the Jarawat pushing her to the brink of her sanity and to the edge of a chaos she dare not unleash. In spite of the darkness enclosing ever faster, Nasir and Zafira find themselves falling into a love they can’t stand to lose, but time is running out to achieve their ends, and if order is to be restored, drastic sacrifices will have to be made.

My Thoughts: Yaaaaassss! This book gave us everything we wanted, but didn’t quite get from the first, and I am just squealing with reader’s fulfillment lol. For starters, the world building and scene descriptors were phenomenal and made following this adventurous plot seamless. The setting transitions were my main pain point about the first book because they were touch and go in this category. We had character development arcs across the board - Zafria and Nasir, specifically. The author didn’t make Zafira the naive, do-gooder Huntress that everyone came to know and love in the first book. Instead there was a question of whether our protagonist was going to succumb to a darker power which has the potential to change the entire trajectory of her mission to restore magic. Nasir, our lil bad murder assassin boi, was going through some shit involving his dad that, overall, made him the vulnerable prince we’ve been wanting to see. I loved the romance and sexual tension that was strung between our two MCs the entire book. Honestly, the only v small complaint I have is that it was a little longer than I thought it needed to be, but my friends, this book sure did free those stars! For sure recommend continuing onto the second installment of this series if you made it through We Hunt the Flame.

THE WORST BEST MAN by Mia Sosa

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Summary: A wedding planner left at the altar. Yeah, the irony isn’t lost on Carolina Santos, either. But despite the embarrassing blip from her past, Lina has managed to make other people’s dreams come true as a top-tier wedding coordinator in DC. After impressing an influential guest, she’s offered an opportunity that could change her life. There’s just one hitch… she has to collaborate with the best (make that worst) man from her own failed nuptials. Marketing expert Max Hartley is tired of living in his older brother’s shadows and is determined to make his mark with a coveted hotel client looking to expand its brand. Then he learns he will be working with his brother’s whip-smart, stunning, absolutely off limits, ex fiancee. If they can survive the next few weeks and nail their presentation without killing each other, they’ll both come out ahead. But even the best laid plans can go awry, and soon Lina and Max discover animosity may not be the only emotion creating sparks between them.

My Thoughts: This book was so much fun! With an enemies-to-lovers plotline, the banter between Lina and Max is quick, witty, and everything I wanted from this newly formed partnership. Plus, there were a few revenge-seeking ventures from both characters involving hot peppers, a workout class, and loads of wedding cake that made me laugh out loud. It was absolutely adorable watching Max and Lina fall for each other, and getting each of their perspectives on the situation. Don’t get me wrong though, there were definitely some spicy scenes woven into the cuteness of this storyline that gave us the perfect balance of everything we want in a romance. So, if you’re looking for a fun rom-com to brighten your reading list, I definitely recommend adding this book to it!

JULIET TAKES A BREATH by Gabby Rivera

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Juliet Milagros Palante is leaving the Bronx and headed to Portland, Oregon. She just came out to her family and isn’t sure if her mom will ever speak to her again. But Juliet has a plan, sort of, one that’s going to help her figure out this whole “Puerto Rican lesbian” thing. She’s interning with the author of her favorite book: Harlowe Brisbane, the ultimate authority on feminism, women’s bodies, and other gay-sounding stuff. Will Juliet be able to figure out her life over the course of one magical summer? Is that even possible? Or is she running away from all the problems that seem too big to handle? With more questions than answers, Juliet takes on Portland, Harlowe, and most importantly, herself.

My Thoughts: This was a great read that touched on very relevant topics affecting our culture and society everyday. In this YA book, we follow Juliet through her summer internship where she explores coming into her own identity, understanding her self-worth, and finding her voice. She’s only 19 and has never experienced the type of community she’s surrounded by while in Portland - very liberal, pretty hippy-dippy, etc. So, the whole summer is a culture shock for her which lays the foundation of the path she takes to finding herself. She’s not my favorite main character ever, but Juliet definitely was the best protagonist for this book. The examples the author used throughout the storyline to depict lessons of intersectional feminism, LGBTQ+ issues, racism, and more were crystal clear, and I never felt like they were being forced through the characters’ interactions. It did take me a minute to get into this book, but I think that was mostly because I wasn’t always in the mood to pick it up. Overall though, if you’re looking for a quicker read that provides some impactful lessons (especially if you’re a white woman), I definitely encourage you to pick this up!

ICE PLANET HOLIDAY by Ruby Dixon

Rating: 2.5/5 stars

Summary: All this snow and no holidays? What’s a stranded human to do? Create a new holiday of course. Georgie and the other women decide to bring some new traditions and cheer to the sa-khui. More babies are born, presents are exchanged, and a new romance blossoms between a human woman desperate for a change, and the alien determined to protect her.

My Thoughts: I believe this book is technically a novella to the series, but I’d have to say it was my least favorite thus far. It splits the focus between Gerogie’s pregnancy and Claire’s love story. The pregnancy storyline was just alright. We haven’t seen a lot of Georgie since she was the MC in the first book. Basically, women on the ice planet can have a gestation period anywhere between 1-3 years (yikes), and a lot of Georgie’s friends already popped out their kits (aka kiddos), so getting her perspective on all of it was interesting since she was one of the first ladies pregnant. Claire’s storyline was a little intense as she tries separating herself from a very possessive f-buddy who is borderline problematic. So, the shy guy, Everen, swooping in to help defend her was very sweet. Other than that, not a lot happens that I can remember tbh. You honestly could probably skip this book in the series if you wanted to.

BARBARIAN’S PRIZE by Ruby Dixon

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: It’s hard being the most popular girl on the ice planet. The alien men are falling all over themselves to impress Tiffany in hopes that she will take them to her furs. But they don’t know her secrets - none of them do. And they don’t realize behind her smile, she just wishes all of them would go away. She doesn’t want any of them. She wants someone else. He’s the only one that knows the truth, and maybe with him, she can work through her fears of the past. But, she’s pretty sure he wants more than just a friendship. He wants forever, and Tiffany isn’t sure she can give it.

My Thoughts: Okay, so I loved that the author took a different approach to this book with a friends-to-lovers trope. That aspect softened part of the storyline that dealt with (trigger warning) sexual assault, and how the main characters approached their relationship. Watching Salukh be so incredibly patient with a really delicate situation, and Tiffany allowing herself to be vulnerable with him was sincerely heartwarming. There were still some spicy moments throughout this book as well, do not worry there lol. I also appreciated that we got to see more of a side character, Josie, who up until this point, has been described as a loud and obnoxious girl. However, she’s Tiffany’s best friend and seeing how protective they are and how much they care about each other made me like Josie a lot more. Overall, I really liked the sixth installment of this series!

2021 Book Count: 76

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YOUR TURN! Let me know in the comments what books you’re planning to read during spooky szn.