January 2023 Reads

Y’all. Welcome to 2023. 

I came into January full force and binge read almost all of the Shatter Me series within the first week and a half. After that, my reading slowed down a little bit as I took my time with literally every other book I read this month lol. 

Although I read more than 200 books last year, I’m sticking to my goal of being intentional with my time and energy this year. That includes reading and making sure I’m indulging in this hobby as something I enjoy and not turning it into a competition with myself because that would spoil the fun I get out of reading. 

Therefore, I’m starting this year with a reading goal of 100 books. If I read more than that, great. If I don’t hit that goal, that’s also totally fine. 

If you’ve stuck with me and my monthly book blog posts, then I am truly grateful and appreciate your support lol. 

Cheers to another year of reading, ratings, and reviews!

Now let’s get into everything I read in January.

*All summaries are taken or paraphrased from Goodreads.

Fracture Me by Tahereh Mafi

FRACTURE ME by Tahereh Mafi

Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary: As Omega Point prepares to launch an all-out assault on The Reestablishment soldiers stationed in Sector 45, Adam’s focus couldn’t be further from the upcoming battle. He’s reeling from his breakup with Juliette, scared for his best friend’s life, and as concerned as ever for his brother James’s safety. And just as Adam begins to wonder if this life is really for him, the alarms sound. It’s time for war. On the battlefield, it seems like odds are in their favor - but taking down Warner, Adam’s newly discovered half brother, won’t be that easy. The Reestablishment can’t tolerate a rebellion, and they’ll do anything to crush the resistance… including killing everyone Adam has ever cared about. 

My Thoughts: Okay so this was a very short novella from Adam’s POV between the second and third book in the Shatter Me series. Y’all, at this point, Adam has become to the story what Chaol became to the Throne of Glass series… lol. (If you know, you know). I do appreciate that he wasn’t obsessing over Juliette in this though because that’s what I was expecting. The group of rebels that he’s been fighting with go through a very traumatic event here which puts Adam’s priorities into perspective - with his 10-year-old brother James being number one. He still does his fair share of bitching about Warner, but I can’t fault him for that based on what he knows. I do think it’s necessary to read this novella because what happens here is extremely important information that doesn’t seem to be elaborated on in the next book. It’s a quick read though (like 70 pages?), so it won’t take up too much of your time.

Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi

IGNITE ME by Tahereh Mafi

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: With Omega Point destroyed, Juliette doesn’t know if the rebels, her friends, or even Adam are alive. But that won’t keep her from trying to take down The Reestablishment once and for all. Now she must rely on Warner, the handsome commander of Sector 45. The one person she never thought she could trust. The same person who saved her life. He promises to help Juliette master her powers and save their dying world… but that’s not all he wants with her. 

My Thoughts: EEK. This is the book I’ve been WAITING for - when Juliette and Warner finally start working together under the same roof. A LOT happened in this book that kept me on the edge of my seat as what’s left of the rebel group from Omega Point starts to plot how to take down the Reestablishment from the inside out. I was obsessed with the romance storyline between Warner and Juliette even though I got frustrated with her for a minute because she wasn’t being honest with herself. Later on, though, I understood why she was hesitant to give into her feelings and it felt super justified. We also learn some new abilities of Juliette’s powers which is a catalyst for how they proceed with their plans of action. When Warner’s dad, the current Supreme Commander of North America, shows up to take them down, all hell breaks loose. Needless to say, this was the shit that everything they’ve been through has been building up to and I am so satisfied with how it all played out.

Restore Me by Tahereh Mafi

RESTORE ME by Tahereh Mafi

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Summary: Juliette Ferrars thought she’d won. She took over Sector 45, was named new Supreme Commander, and now has Warner by her side. But she’s still the girl with the ability to kill with a single touch - and now she’s got the whole world in the palm of her hand. When tragedy hits, who will she become? Will she be able to control the power she wields and use it for good?

My Thoughts: Holy shit lol. I don’t know what I was expecting from this book, but I can tell you, what I got was beyond anything I could’ve guessed. The story picks up about 2 weeks after Juliette overthrows the last Supreme Commander, and the format flips between Juliette’s and Warner’s perspectives. Everyone is trying to get their footing with new responsibilities while keeping an ear to the ground to see how the rest of the world is going to react to a 17-year-old girl with supernatural abilities taking over an entire continent. Especially since she accomplished that in the matter of a few months when people have been trying to do that for decades. The first third of this book is a bit of a slow burn. Juliette is starting to realize she was ill-prepared for the job of Supreme Commander, but is trying her best to have everything under control. Warner (aka Aaron) is unexpectedly grieving the loss of his father even though that man never showed him any love. All of the chapters in this book from his point of view are SATURATED in emotion. Like just DRIPPING with heartache, heartbreak, anger, confusion, and more. The last time we got a glimpse of his character’s emotional vulnerability was in his novella, Destroy Me. I will say I was a tad frustrated with Warner in this book because although his emotions are completely justified, and he’s still supporting Juliette in ways he knows how, I felt like he needed to be communicating with her and guiding her so much more. Anytime someone would push him to tell her about his background and the secrets he knows, he didn’t understand why because he thought the knowledge would hurt her more than help her. It just made me so frustrated lol. We’re starting to learn a lot more about the international groups that make up The Reestablishment as the leaders of other nations send their teenage kids to North America to meet the new Supreme Commander. I loved how all of these new characters and pieces of information added such depth to the story. We also learn a HUUUUUUGE secret about Juliette that basically sets her on a downward spiral. To the point of where she learns a new deadly boundary to her powers that comes into play right at the very end of this book. When I tell you I was SHOOK at the last 15% of this book, I’m not exaggerating. What started as a 3-star book for me quickly became a 4.5-star. Like wow. 

Beneath the Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire

BENEATH THE SUGAR SKY by Seanan McGuire

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Summary: When Rini lands with a literal splash in the pond behind Eleanor West’s Home for Wayward Children, the last thing she expects to find is that her mother, Sumi, died years before Rini was even conceived. But Rini can’t let Reality get in the way of her quest - not when she has an entire world to save! (Much more common than one would suppose.) If she can’t find a way to restore her mother, Rini will have more than a world to save: she will never have been born in the first place. And in a world without magic, she doesn’t have long before Reality notices her existence and washes her away. Good thing the student body is well-acquainted with quests… 

My Thoughts: This book was chaos lol, but not chaos as in “I have no idea what’s going on.” Chaos as in “what the hell is happening and why does it also make so much sense?” We meet two new peculiar characters named Rini and Cora, but also get to interact with a few characters from the first book including Cade, Christopher, Sumi, and Nancy. Needless to say, it was quite the adventure for this oddball group of kids who are trying to bring Sumi back in order to save Rini’s existence. I liked that we got to see a couple of different worlds in this book including the land of the dead where Nancy resides and Confection where Sumi traveled and Rini is from. The best way to describe their time in Confection is like reconfiguring your brain to remember how you used to think as a child with a GIANT imagination (zero boundaries, world-is-your-oyster type of big). Once you’re in that mindset, imagine a world where literally everything is made of candy, baked goods, and sweets, but have it actually come to life as a possible reality. I freaking love Seanan McGuire’s mind and the way she says “Why the hell not?” when building worlds like this. This was a really well-structured plot and I obvi have a soft spot for the characters, but I think the world building and vivid descriptions of their surroundings is what did it for me here. 

Shadow Me by Tahereh Mafi

SHADOW ME by Tahereh Mafi

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Juliette is still reeling from Warner’s betrayal, and Kenji is trying to balance his friendship with her and his responsibilities as a leader of the resistance against the Reestablishment. Things get even more interesting when an unexpected person from Omega Point’s past surfaces. 

My Thoughts: YUUUS TO KENJI GETTING HIS OWN NOVELLA!! Although he rubbed me the wrong way when we first met him in this series, Kenji has quickly become one of my favorite characters. There’s so much depth to him that people underestimate just because he’s the goofball and everybody’s friend. He’s experiencing all of his own struggles, but people never remember to check on their seemingly happy friends. I loved that we got to see his interactions with Nazeera from his POV instead of third-party character’s. I ten thousand percent ship Kenji and Nazeera. <3 Our little invisible boy deserves someone to love with his giant heart. Although there weren’t any pivotal moments in this book as it parallels what we just experienced through Juliette’s and Warner’s eyes in Restore Me, there is a HUUUUUUUGE plot twist towards the end that we didn’t get to see from their POVs. I did a double take and had to reread the last few paragraphs because I was second guessing everrrrryyythingggg. Do not skip this novella in the Shatter Me series, PLEASE.

How High We Go in the Dark by Sequoia Nagamatsu

HOW HIGH WE GO IN THE DARK by Sequoia Nagamatsu

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Beginning in 2030, a grieving archeologist arrives in the Arctic Circle to continue the work of his recently deceased daughter at the Batagaika crater, where researchers are studying long-buried secrets now revealed in melting permafrost, including the perfectly preserved remains of a girl who appears to have died of an ancient virus. Once unleashed, the Arctic Plague will reshape life on earth for generations to come, quickly traversing the globe, forcing humanity to devise a myriad of moving and inventive ways to embrace possibility in the face of tragedy. In a theme park designed for terminally ill children, a cynical employee falls in love with a mother desperate to hold on to her infected son. A heartbroken scientist searching for a cure finds a second chance at fatherhood when one of his test subjects - a pig - develops the capacity for human speech. A widowed painter and her teenage granddaughter embark on a cosmic quest to locate a new home planet. From funerary skyscrapers to hotels for the dead to interstellar starships, Sequoia Nagamatsu takes readers on a wildly original and compassionate journey, spanning continents, centuries, and even celestial bodies to tell a story about the resiliency of the human spirit, our infinite capacity to dream, and the connective threads that tie us all together in the universe. 

My Thoughts: I went into this audiobook without reading the premise, and within the first two perspectives, my reaction was WTF lol. Although this book has an incredibly melancholy mood to it, I appreciated how imaginative it was. Basically, it’s set in the future where a pandemic has spread from an ancient virus that was unearthed from a girl they found in melting permafrost. From there, the book follows the perspectives of various people from around the world and how this viral outbreak is affecting each of their individual lives. Some people are being affected in more ways than others, but the main message is clear: everyone is looking for some type of connection especially in the face of adversity. Some of these stories are pretty dark, but there was something beautiful about the ugliness of it all that made every perspective easy to empathize with. I feel like I should also note that the author doesn’t really make any parallels between the pandemic we’ve been experiencing and this fictional one. So, personally, I didn't necessarily get any deja vu or whiplash which I appreciated. This book definitely isn’t going to be for everyone because of the content though, so just check trigger warnings before going into it. 

Neon Gods by Katee Robert

NEON GODS by Katee Robert (REREAD)

Rating: 4/5 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 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 of Persephone, and he’ll go to war with Olympus itself to keep her close…

My Thoughts: Okay so I originally read Neon Gods back in October of 2021 and was going to start the second book, Electric Idol. However, after maybe two pages into that book, I realized I didn’t remember who any of the characters were from the first book. I could definitely remember the bigger events that occurred in it but still decided to reread this one first before jumping into Psyche and Eros’s story. My friends, the second time through this was just as enjoyable as the first. I’ve read a couple of Hades/Persephone retellings over the last couple of years and this one remains my favorite. The main characters are magnetic in their own right, but the character development that happens throughout is everything I could have wanted. Hades and Persephone have an instant chemistry with some flirty banter that’s laced with some bite. Then their connection only grows stronger as the story goes on. It’s the perfect balance of swoony sweetness and HELLA SPICE. Honestly, if you’re trying to decide between this book and A Touch of Darkness, I’d recommend this one every time. As I said though, it has plenty of steamy scenes, so if that’s not your jam then you can probs keep it moving lol. 

Electric Idol by Katee Robert

ELECTRIC IDOL by Katee Robert

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: In the ultra-modern city of Olympus, there’s always a price to pay. Psyche knew she’d have to face Aphrodite’s ire eventually, but she never expected her literal heart to be at stake… or for Aphrodite’s gorgeous son to be the one order to strike the killing blow. Eros has no problem shedding blood. But when it comes time to take out his latest target, he can’t do it. Confused by his reaction to Psyche, he does the only thing he can think of to keep her safe: he marries her. Psyche vows to make Ero’s life a living hell until they find a way out of this mess. But as lines blur and loyalties shift, she realizes he might take her heart after all… and she’s not sure she can survive the loss. 

My Thoughts: Omg I loved this. I’ll admit I had to Google the OG story of Psyche and Eros to better understand the dynamics in this retelling, but I adored what Katee Robert did here. Starting with Psyche, she is my favorite type of main character - strong, intelligent, clever, and confident in herself. She’s a plus sized influencer and the author really did that narrative justice. I loved that Psyche’s self confidence never faltered and she didn’t need outside validation to know she was a bad B. Eros is the broody type everyone keeps at arms length because of his reputation for “taking care of issues” his mother has with other people. It made my heart melt how much he adored Psyche for the simple fact that she saw who he was and still accepted him as a good person. This dynamic duo could not be separated or turned against each other no matter how hard Aphrodite tried to ruin their relationship. Also, Psyche protecting Eros by putting herself in the line of fire while simultaneously taking down his sociopath mother?? Absolute SWOON. Honestly, if you enjoyed Neon Gods, pass go, collect $200 and continue on to Electric Idol. You will not regret it!

Defy Me by Tahereh Mafi

DEFY ME by Tahereh Mafi

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: Juliette’s short tenure as the supreme commander of North America has been an utter disaster. When the children of other world leaders show up on her doorstep, she wants nothing more than to turn to Warner for support and guidance. But he shatters her heart when he reveals that he’s been keeping secrets about her family and her identity from her - secrets that change everything. Juliette is devastated, and the darkness that’s always dwelled within her threatens to consume her. An explosive encounter with unexpected visitors might be enough to push her over the edge. 

My Thoughts: This book was fucking WILD. The number of plot twists that showed up and showed out was unreal. This book picks up where the catastrophe of the last book ended after Juliette’s speech at the North American Symposium went to absolute SHIT. She’s still reeling from learning a bucket load of secrets about her past that Warner knew, but wasn’t sharing with her. When she wakes up after being abducted in plain sight, she’s in New Zealand with her biological parents who are absolutely disgusting people that want to do more and more experiments on her. She also reunites with her sister, Emmaline, who she JUST learned about in the previous days and the current state she’s in is GROTESQUE to say the least. I liked that the format flipped between Warner, Kenji, and Juliette’s points of view since the group gets split up at various points. We get more insight into what The Reestablishment is planning to do with Juliette and what’s going down now that they’ve basically re-taken over Sector 45 back in the United States. This book is extremely intense in a multitude of ways including the tsunami of emotions, big moments and plot twists. I am truly addicted to the plotline and characters in this series and cannot wait to see what happens next.

Reveal Me by Tahereh Mafi

REVEAL ME by Tahereh Mafi

Rating: 2.5/5 stars

Summary: Kenji Kishimoto is still reeling from what happened in Defy Me. He and all the others are still at the Sanctuary, trying to heal and recover. As lies and betrayals stack up, Juliette feels her sister, Emmaline, grow stronger…

My Thoughts: Yeesh. It hurts me to rate this book so low, but like after reflecting on it, I was just kind of frustrated with how it panned out. It’s from Kenji’s point of view again and although he has quickly become one of my favorite characters in the book, this short story didn’t really shine the best light on him. I think the author might have intended this novella to add some depth to his character, but all I really felt from him was unhinged anger. We do get to see more of his interactions with Nazeera and we learn what’s happening to the kids who had to stay behind at the Sector 45 compound. The ending of this book also leads into the start of the next, but I don’t necessarily think you have to read this novella to keep up. I was just kind of waiting for Kenji to sit down, chill out, and drink a glass of water lol.

Imagine Me by Tahereh Mafi

IMAGINE ME by Tahereh Mafi

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Summary: Juliette Ferrars. Ella Sommers. Which is the truth and which is the lie? Now that Ella knows who Juliette is and what she was created for, things have only become more complicated. As she struggles to understand the past that haunts her and looks to a future more uncertain than ever, the lines between right and wrong - between Ella and Juliette - blur. And with old enemies looming, her destiny may not be her own to control. The day of reckoning for the Reestablishment is coming. But she may not get to choose what side she fights on. 

My Thoughts: Y’all. This is the type of ending that makes you want to high five someone nearby as you’re reading. The start of it threw me for a whirl because the Reestablishment gets a second wind and their plans start falling into place. Starting with successfully abducting Juliette back to New Zealand, wiping her memories and reprogramming her mind as to who she is as a person and her purpose in the greater scheme of things. Some of it was kind of cringey because she basically becomes a pet soldier to Anderson aka Warner’s psychotic father and the former Supreme Commander of North America. He keeps pushing the limits for her to prove he can trust her - including telling her to cut off her own finger. It gets INTENSE. Meanwhile, everyone else is back in the United States trying to figure out what to do because they’re not certain where Juliette is nor what purpose the Reestablishment has for her. There is no shortage of action-packed scenes in this final book. Especially during the rescue mission? Buckle in because my heart was racing for Aaron, Kenji and Nazeera as they infiltrate the compound where Juliette is being brainwashed. I will say, though I loved how this book/series ended, the epilogue left much to be desired. Like after going through ALL OF THAT, I just wanted a little bit more insight into their lives after the storm. I saw some reviews on Goodreads that said this series should have remained a trilogy, but I cannot disagree more. I highly recommend the Shatter Me series with all six of its main books. 

The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas

THE HACIENDA by Isabel Cañas

Rating: 3.75/5

Summary: In the overthrow of the Mexican government, Beatriz’s father is executed and her home destroyed. When handsome Don Rodolfo Solorzano proposes, Beatriz ignores the rumors surrounding his first wife’s sudden demise, choosing instead to seize the security his estate in the countryside provides. She will have her own home again, no matter the cost. But Hacienda San Isidro is not the sanctuary she imagined. When Rodolfo returns to work in the capital, visions and voices invade Beatriz’s sleep. The weight of invisible eyes follows her every move. Rodolfo’s sister, Juana, scoffs at Beatriz’s fears - but why does she refuse to enter the house at night? Why does the cook burn copal incense at the edge of the kitchen and mark its doorway with strange symbols? What really happened to the first Dona Solorzano? Beatriz only knows two things for certain: Something is wrong with the hacienda. And no one there will help her. Desperate for help, she clings to the young priest, Padre Andres, as an ally. No ordinary past, Andres will have to rely on his skills as a witch to fight off the malevolent presence haunting the hacienda and protect the woman for whom he feels a powerful, forbidden attraction. But even he might not be enough to battle the darkness. Far from a refuge, San Isidro may be Beatriz’s doom. 

My Thoughts: I realized after reading this book that if I’m going to read a mystery/thriller, I want it to be gothic. A few days before starting this, I listened to an NPR podcast interview with the author who said she was scared by the dark when she was younger and that was her inspiration while writing this book. Let me tell you, the terror I felt every time night fell in San Isidro was real. Beatriz running through this giant manor trying to make it to her room so she could light some candles and burn copal to ward away the evil had my heart racing. I absolutely adored her as a main character. She was a fighter from the very beginning of the book after her father was murdered and their family house burned down for political reasons. After marrying the wealthy Rodolfo and moving to his hacienda in Apan, she’s determined to create a home safe for her mother and that reflects her new societal stature. I was obsessed with the bond she formed with the local priest, Andres. In a world where they both felt like outsiders, they found peace and safety through willingness to understand and trust the other in such a trying situation. My small critiques are that the “whodunnit” realization happens SO QUICKLY after having been dragged out for so long and it made me feel like I should’ve seen it coming when I, in fact, had not lol. ALSO I cannot be the only person who flipped the last page back and forth at least six times to confirm my copy wasn’t missing any pages because WHY ARE WE ENDING IT WHERE WE ARE? Obviously, the author is intending to make this into a series and clearly I am going to pick up the second book once it’s published lol. If you liked Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno Garcia, then I think you’d really like this one as well!

Believe Me by Tahereh Mafi.

BELIEVE ME by Tahereh Mafi

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: Juliette and Warner fought hard to take down the Reestablishment once and for all. Life in the aftermath isn’t easy, as they and their friends at the Sanctuary work with their limited resources to stabilize the world. Warner has his sights set on more than just politics. Since he proposed to Juliette two weeks ago, he’s been eager to finally marry her, the person he loves more than anything and has endured so much to be with. But with so much chaos around them, it’s been nearly impossible for them to have a wedding. And even Juliette has been distracted by everything they need to do. At long last, Warner and Juliette’s future together is within reach but the world continues to try to pull them apart. Will they finally be able to be happily, officially together?

My Thoughts: THIS. This is the epilogue I wanted at the end of Imagine Me, but didn’t quite get. I adored this novella and seeing where the relationship Warner and Juliette have worked so hard for ended up. I will say, this book is a little spicier than I was expecting, but I also didn’t hate it lol. Like Warner is head over freaking HEELS for this girl and his emotions throughout this entire series always punched me right in the heart. So chapter 8, specifically, is something I think we’ve all been craving based on the intense chemistry between these two. I also loved that we got to see snippets of how the lives of various side characters have panned out since things calmed down and where society is headed. Honestly, if you read the entire Shatter Me series, this book is a must. It’s almost like getting a warm hug from all of the characters after going through an extreme book hangover. 

The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR by Nicola Yoon

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Summary: Natasha: I’m a girl who believes in science and facts. Not fate. Not destiny. Or dreams that will never come true. I’m definitely not the kind of girl who meets a cute boy on a crowded New York City street and falls in love with him. Not when my family is twelve hours away from being deported to Jamaica. Falling in love with him won’t be my story. Daniel: I’ve always been the good son, the good student, living up to my parents’ high expectations. Never the poet. Or the dreamer. But when I see her, I forget about all that. Something about Natasha makes me think that fate has something much more extraordinary in store - for both of us. The Universe: Every moment in our lives has brought us to this single moment. A million futures lie before us. Which one will come true?

My Thoughts: This book was super cute! Kind of cheesy - especially with an instant love trope - but nonetheless enjoyable. I will say, I was a little confused by the format at first and I think that’s mainly because I was listening to the audiobook instead of seeing the text on pages. It switches between Natasha’s and Daniel’s perspectives, as well as zooms out on occasion to the narrator who briefly focuses on the storyline of a side character within the orbit of the two MCs. Once I got my footing with the cadence of everything, it was much easier to follow. I really appreciated that we got to see how different the dynamics were for Natasha’s Jamaican family and Daniel’s Korean one. It showed how much pressure and expectations are put on first generation American teens and how their families navigate making a life for themselves here. I liked Natasha and Daniel as main characters - they balanced each other out perfectly with Daniel wanting to be a poet and having a more whimsical outlook on life and Natasha wanting to be a data scientist who focuses on the facts. The writing style really flowed and I liked how the story was paced. Will I ever read this book again? No. Do I recommend it if you’re interested? Sure.

You’re Not Listening by Kate Murphy

YOU’RE NOT LISTENING by Kate Murphy

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Who listens to you? New York Times contributor Kate Murphy asked people on five continents this question, and the response was typically a long, awkward pause. People struggled to come up with someone, anyone, who truly listened to them without glazing over, glancing down at a phone or jumping in to offer an opinion. Many admitted that they, themselves, weren’t very good listeners, and most couldn’t even describe what it meant to be a good listener. Despite living in a world where technology allows distant digital communication and opportunities to connect, it seems no one is really listening or even knows how. And it’s making us lonelier, more isolated, and less tolerant than ever before. A listener by trade, Murphy wanted to know how we got there. In this illuminating and often humorous deep dive, Murphy explains why we’re not listening, what it’s doing to us, and how we can reverse the trend. She makes accessible the psychology, neuroscience, and sociology of listening while also introducing us to some of the best listeners out there. While listening is often regarded as talking’s meek counterpart, Murphy discovered it’s actually the more powerful position in communication. We learn when we listen. It’s how we connect, cooperate, empathize, and fall in love. Listening is something we do or don’t do every day. While we might take listening for granted, how well we listen, to whom, and under what circumstances determines who we are and the paths we take in life. 

My Thoughts: This book was really interesting! It’s not so much a how-to book as it is an informational book full of various interviews, anecdotes, and summaries of what great listening looks like, why it’s important, why so many people aren’t able to do it effectively, etc. My goal this year is to be really intentional in all facets of my life and listening to this audiobook has made me much more self aware during my daily interactions with people. Am I listening to what the person is saying or just thinking about what I want to say next? Am I giving space for them to expand on what they said or am I cutting in as soon as I can to say my two cents? Am I pushing my input into the conversation in an unnatural way or is this maybe a time when I don’t share as much as I listen to what the other person has to say? Honestly, it was truly eye-opening as to how badly most people in the world listen, but also gave me a better understanding as to why that is. If you want to work on your listening skills and are trying to become a better communicator this year, I think everyone can get something from this book.

Two Wrongs Make a Right by Chloe Liese

TWO WRONGS MAKE A RIGHT by Chloe Liese

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Jamie Westenberg and Bea Wilmot have nothing in common except a meet-disaster and the mutual understanding that they couldn’t be more wrong for each other. But when the people closest to them play Cupid and trick them into going on a date, Jamie and Bea realize they have something else in common after all - an undeniable need for revenge. Soon their plan is in place: Fake date obnoxiously and convince the meddlers they’re madly in love. Then break up spectacularly and dash their hopes, putting an end to the matchmaking madness once and for all. To convince everyone that they’ve fallen for each other, Jamie and Bea will have to nail the performance of their lives. But as their final act nears and playing lovers becomes easier than not, they begin to wonder, what if Cupid’s arrow wasn’t so far off the mark? And what if two wrongs do make a right?

My Thoughts: Ugh. If there is one thing Chloe Liese really knows how to write about, it’s neurodivergent characters. I adored Jamie and Bea and could not get enough of their enemies-to-lovers storyline. Although I didn’t totally buy into the “let’s fake a happy relationship to get back at our friends” situation, I was completely sold on their chemistry. Especially in vulnerable moments when being a supportive, happy couple came incredibly naturally to Jamie and Bea. My heart did backflips every time Jamie or Bea realized they were actually falling pretty hard for the other. Although there’s KIND OF a third-act break-up, I felt the resolution came at exactly the right time and in the perfect way. I think the storyline about noticing the signs of a toxic, manipulative, emotionally abusive relationship was handled with such care, and really added another dimension to this romance plot. The only other thing I wish would have been emphasized a little bit more is Jamie’s anxiety disorder. It gets mentioned here and there and is present enough, but I felt like the story focused more on Bea’s autism, so there wasn’t a complete balance there. Overall, I really enjoyed my time with this book and definitely recommend it. However, please check trigger warnings before diving in!

Welp that’s that on that. 

2023 Book Count: 16

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YOUR TURN! What’s your reading goal for this year?

December 2022 Reads

I cannot believe we are done with 2022 already.

It was actually a great year for me. I moved into a new apartment, which has been a game changer for my quality of life. It’s not just having a friend that lives below me that’s been great, but it has felt like pressing “reset” on things by being in a brand new space. I also got a new job and am extremely grateful for the opportunity. It’s only been four months, but I do not regret the decision to take the next step in my career at all. Which is all you can really ask for in your professional life, right?

On the reading front, well, if you’ve been following along month after month, you know I didn’t do too shabby in this category. I ended up surpassing my original 2022 reading goal of 100 books. Actually, I more than doubled it lol. 

I read 206 books this year. I know that sounds insane, but when reading is my favorite form of escape and way to relax, I do it a lot. I intentionally make time for it. It’s as ingrained in my routine at this point as brushing my teeth twice a day is.

That’s my best piece of advice if you want to read more in 2023. Just intentionally make time for it. It makes a huge difference. 

Anywho, let me step down from my soapbox and get into everything I read in December!

*All summaries are taken or paraphrased from Goodreads.

Faking Under the Mistletoe by Ashley Sheperd

FAKING UNDER THE MISTLETOE by Ashley Shepherd

Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary: Olivia Langley is the human embodiment of Christmas cheer, and she has absolutely no problem spreading it around for all to hear. Christmas sweaters? She has twenty. Christmas cookies? She’ll take three dozen. Christmas movies? Yeah, she’s seen them all. So it’s no surprise when she’s put in charge of Loveridge & McGowan’s holiday festivities. Secret Santas? Yep. Ice skating? Of course. Holiday trivia? Duh. Christmas-themed bar crawl? That’s one big jingle bell hell yes. Kissing her boss at a Christmas tree lighting in front of his ex-girlfriend? Well… it is the season of giving. And Olivia does not come with a gift receipt. No exchanges. No refunds. No returns. All sales are final. In an effort to un-grinch the grinchiest man she’s ever met, Olivia enlists herself, Santa’s Executive Helper, to scheme up a plan that includes sleigh rides, snow days, and one too many mistletoe kisses, which certainly gets Ashe’s tinsel in a tangle. She’s pretty sure that she sleighed this whole fake dating thing. Well…until she realizes there’s nothing fake about her feelings for Asher. But tangled tinsel, unsolicited Christmas trees, and pajama parties are suddenly the least of her worries. When a celebrity client’s predatory behavior goes public, Olivia quickly learns that presents wrapped up in the prettiest bows can still be hiding coal.

My Thoughts: This book was cute. It’s a little obnoxious lol, but I enjoyed my time with it overall. The one thing I will start off by saying is that the author wastes NO time diving into the fake-dating trope. I think within the first like 10-15 pages, the two main characters are already in a fake-dating agreement in an attempt to make Asher’s ex-girlfriend jealous. It was so quick, I almost had to do a double take to make sure I didn’t miss any pages lol. We’re also dealing with a grumpy-sunshine trope, and the emphasis on which of the MCs were assigned those two roles was crystal clear. As the summary of this book says, Olivia is the human embodiment of Christmas cheer. She THRIVES on holiday spirit. Whereas Asher is one of those guys you wonder if he’s constipated or something because he’s always so grumpy. I really liked how their relationship developed and the obviousness of the feelings being felt. As a content warning, this book also touches on sexual harassment within the workplace, but I felt for a Christmassy rom-com, the topic was handled with extreme care and respect. It was actually pretty surprising to me how much depth that plot line added to the overall story because I definitely wasn’t expecting it. If you’re looking for a fun holiday read that has a serious note to it as well, this is a good book for that.

Tis the Season for Revenge by Morgan Elizabeth

TIS THE SEASON FOR REVENGE by Morgan Elizabeth

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Abbie Keller thought that Richard Bartholomew Benson the Third would be her forever. In their four years of dating, she never doubted that she wouldn’t end up with his grandmother’s engagement ring on her finger. Sure, she had to change a few things about herself to fit that mold, like dying her hair, dressing more conservatively, and finding golf enjoyable (honestly the most difficult of the changes), but she was sure that at the end of it all, it would be worth it. That is, until he leaves her crying outside her apartment wearing a Halloween costume, having broken it off with her because she’s just not serious enough. She was just fun, he tells her - and now that Richard has becoming a partner at his law firm in his sights, he needs to focus on work. So she does what every girl does when she’s broken up with: she calls her friends, gets drunk, dyes her hair, and formulates her plan for revenge. It just so happens that the universe supports her efforts and gives her the perfect match to prove to her ex that he made a huge mistake: his boss. Abbie starts dating the founding partner of Richard’s law firm, Damien Martinez, with one thing in mind: convincing him to invite her to the huge annual Christmas party as his date. But when the relationship starts to become something more than casual dating and Abbie sees that the tough New York lawyer has a soft side, will she be able to follow through with her plan of deceit? 

My Thoughts: This book was so silly and stupid and I really enjoyed my time with it lol. It’s a nod to Legally Blonde, so you have to take that in stride with the main character, Abbie. She means well and was treated like trash by an f-boy named Richard aka Dick. I loved that what started as a revenge plan by dating Damien, Richard’s boss, actually turned into something real. He treated her like a freaking princess and soothed the insecurities Dick had deeply rooted in her through verbal and emotional abuses. It was heartwarming to watch them fall all a little more for each other with literally every conversation they had - especially with scenes that touched on more sensitive subjects such as domestic abuse. Even with Abbie being a character I wouldn’t expect to vibe with, I couldn’t help but root for her as she regained confidence in her self image, ambitions, and overall life. Honestly? I wasn’t expecting much out of this book, but it pleasantly surprised me. There’s even a mild age-trope involved that I really didn’t mind - and I usually do not like age tropes lol. Overall, if you’re looking for a fun, a little mindless holiday rom-com, this would be a good one to pick up! Please check trigger warnings before heading in though.

Resting Scrooge Face by Meghan Quinn

RESTING SCROOGE FACE by Meghan Quinn

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: After a bad breakup, Nola wants nothing to do with Christmas, especially in her quaint hometown of Bright Harbor, Maine. Infuriatingly charming and cheery, Nola’s surroundings only worsen her sour mood. To make matters worse, Caleb, the boy who broke her heart years ago, is all grown up and still living in town. While doing her best to avoid him, Nola bumps into the local mailman, who gives her a mysterious letter. And when she finds that the writer is a fellow Scrooge, she can’t help but feel her spirit lifting. Nola writes back to her new pen pal - who, unbeknownst to Nola, is none other than Caleb. When Caleb gets a response hand delivered by the mailman, he’s intrigued by the mystery sender. A friendly correspondence develops - and quickly turns flirtatious. Although Nola and Caleb claim they can’t stand each other, they can’t deny the simmering attraction that brought them together in the first place. Can these nameless pen pals write their own love story - or will they be too caught up with the ghosts of their Christmases past to find a future together?

My Thoughts: Meghan Quinn does it again with this fun holiday novella! I think this book is literally less than 100 pages which is the perfect amount for its story. Nola and Caleb have a history. They were dating seriously years ago, but when Nola wanted to leave for the big city, Caleb didn’t want to go with her because he was scared. Per usual with men, that was poorly communicated on his part, and instead he broke her heart. Now that she’s back in Bright Harbor, she’s been avoiding Caleb like the plague lol. However, thanks to her grandma and the town’s old mailman’s meddling, they become pen pals - unbeknownst to them. The banter within their letters was phenomenal and the connection they shared was undeniable even when they didn’t know who they were corresponding with. I was obsessed with the scene where they truly reconnected in-person and fell into the groove they had so many years ago. You could feel their joy radiating off the pages. It was electric. Overall, if you’re looking for a quick read that involves Christmas feels and lighthearted, I definitely recommend giving this novella a try. 

Us by Sarina Bowen

US by Sarina Bowen

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Five months in, NHL forward Ryan Wesley is having a record-breaking rookie season. He’s living his dream of playing pro hockey and coming home every night to the man he loves - Jamie Canning, his longtime best friend turned boyfriend. There’s just one problem: the most important relationship of his life is one he needs to keep hidden, or else face a media storm that will eclipse his success on the ice. Jamie loves Wes. He really, truly does. But hiding sucks. It’s not the life Jamie envisioned for himself, and the strain of keeping their secret is taking its toll. It doesn’t help that his new job isn’t going as smoothly as he’d hoped, but he knows he can power through it as long as he has Wes. At least apartment 10B is their retreat, where they can always be themselves. Or can they? When Wes’s nosiest teammate moves in upstairs, the threads of their carefully woven lie begin to unravel. With the outside world determined to take its best shot at them, can Wes and Jamie develop major-league relationship skills on the fly?

My Thoughts: Okay okay okay. I read Him back in June and absolutely fell in love with Jamie and Wes’s story, but wanted to pace myself with the series. So it wasn’t until this month that I allowed myself to read the follow-up book, Us. UGH THE AMOUNT OF SWOON, I TELL YOU. These guys have the sweetest relationship and you can feel the tension it's causing that they have to keep it a secret for a little while longer until Wes’s rookie season is over. It definitely put me on edge when a new neighbor (and one of Wes’s teammates) kept dropping in unannounced to their apartment and required them to act like they’re just roommates. When something happens to Jamie that puts him in the hospital, all reservations are tossed out the window. Although now that Wes is out to the world, their relationship still goes through some challenges as Jamie physically and mentally recovers and they both navigate this new experience of having their love life put on blast. I just loved every bit of this book and it truly sucked me into every emotion the characters were feeling. If you read and enjoyed Him, I definitely stand by continuing onto Us. 

Epic by Sarina Bowen

EPIC by Sarina Bowen

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: They’re back! Epic is a novella about your favorite hockey duo! Jamie and Wes are having a blast living and working in Toronto. Until a scout for another team swoops in to make one of them an offer that might complicate the life they’ve built together. 

My Thoughts: I loved this novella! This book is almost like an extended epilogue that takes place a little while after the ending of Us. Per usual, Jamie and Wes are the cutest couple ever and are willing to make sacrifices for the other’s happiness. I loved the way the story panned out as Jamie figured out what direction he wanted his career to go after receiving news he didn’t receive the promotion he was expecting. Honestly? If you’ve read Him and Us, you might as well pick up Epic because if you’re like me, you’ll have a Jamie and Wes hangover lol. So this short novella pacifies the want for more of their story.

Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn

BLOODMARKED by Tracy Deonn

Rating: 4.75/5 stars

Summary: The shadows have risen, and the line is law. All Bree wanted was to uncover the truth behind her mother’s death. So she infiltrated the Legendborn Order, a secret society descended from King Aurthur’s knights - only to discover her own ancestral power. Now Bree has become someone new: A Medium. A Bloodcrafter. A Scion. But the ancient war between demons and the Order is rising to a deadly peak. And Nick, the Legendborn boy Bree fell in love with, has been kidnapped. Bree wants to fight, but the Regents who rule the Order won’t let her. To them, she is an unknown girl with unheard-of power, and as the living anchor for the spell that preserves the Legendborn cycle, she must be protected. When the Regents reveal they will do whatever it takes to hide the war, Bree and her friends must go on the run to rescue Nick themselves. But enemies are everywhere, Bree’s powers are unpredictable and dangerous, and she can’t escape her growing attraction to Selwyn, the mage sworn to protect Nick until death. If Bree has any hope of saving herself and the people she loves, she must learn to control her powers from the ancestors who wielded them first - without losing herself in the process. 

My Thoughts: Y’ALLLLLLLLL. When I read Legendborn earlier this year, it IMMEDIATELY jumped to the number one spot on my list of favorite urban fantasies. So, I was ECSTATIC for the sequel to come out in November. This book was incredible. Tracy Deonn really gets into the magical constructs of the different aether-using communities, our girl Bree goes through the RINGER with some character development, and the number of action-packed events that occur in this book are endless. That being said, I REALLY wish I would have reread Legendborn before diving into Bloodmarked because when I say you’re going to be getting into the nitty gritty of bloodlines, magical constructs, the history of Root-users, etc. I am not exaggerating. Like there were a few sections in this book that I had to go back and reread because it kind of felt like solving a math equation. Not that any of that took away from the phenomenal experience of this world at all, but bless my brain’s heart, she was trying her best to flip from her creative side to the logical/mathematical side without skipping a beat. All of that aside, Bree is still the most stubborn character I’ve ever come across and also one of the strongest. I love her character arc and this wild journey she’s on. Also, SELWYN? Aka BAE. He hath stolen me heart and needs to be protected at ALL TIMES. I swear to you, Nick who? Anyway, Tracy Deonn does it again and has produced a stunning sequel to an already remarkable series. I cannot wait for the third book, but will definitely need to reread the first two before diving in.

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE by Celeste Ng

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Summary: Everyone in Shaker Heights was talking about it that summer: how Isabelle, the last of the Richardson children, had finally gone around the bend and burned the house down. In Shaker Heights, a placid, progressive suburb of Cleveland, everything is meticulously planned - from the layout of the winding roads, to the colors of the houses, to the successful lives its residents will go on to lead. And no one embodies this spirit more than Elena Richardson, whose guiding principle is playing by the rules. Enter Mia Warren - an enigmatic artist and single mother - who arrives in this idyllic bubble with her teenage daughter Pearl, and rents a house from the Richardsons. Soon Mia and Pearl become more than just tenants: all four Richardson children are drawn to the mother-daughter pair. But Mia carries with her a mysterious past, and a disregard for the rules that threatens to upend this carefully ordered community. When old family friends attempt to adopt a Chinese-American baby, a custody battle erupts that dramatically divides the town - and puts Mia and Elena on opposing sides. Suspicious of Mia and her motives, Elena is determined to uncover the secrets in Mia’s past. But her obsession will come at an unexpected and devastating cost…?

My Thoughts: All right, y’all. I’m a little late to this party but completely understand why this book blew up a few years ago and was adapted into a television series. There are so many layers to this small town of Shaker and it intertwines so many people’s stories that it’s inevitable they’d get tangled up in something messy. Mia has been on the run with her daughter Pearl for years. She really keeps to herself except when she’s trying to do the right thing for people who don’t deserve the treatment they’re experiencing. Elena is your typical Stepford Wife type of character. Like, if there was a “Nosey Neighbors of Shaker” Facebook group, she’d be its admin. Ya dig? She tries to put on a facade for the world when really, her life is anything but perfect. This book takes so many turns and goes down some unexpected, dark paths. I was INVESTED to say the least. If you haven’t read this book yet, I definitely recommend picking it up or giving the audiobook a try. It’s addicting. 

The Deal of a Lifetime by Fredrik Backman

THE DEAL OF A LIFETIME by Fredrik Backman

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Summary: A father and a son are seeing each other for the first time in years. The father has a story to share before it’s too late. He tells his son about a courageous little girl lying in a hospital bed a few miles away. She’s a smart kid - smart enough to know that she won’t beat cancer by drawing with crayons all day, but it seems to make the adults happy, so she keeps doing it. As he talks about this plucky little girl, the father also reveals more about himself: his triumphs in business, his failures as a parent, his past regrets, his hopes for the future. Now, on a cold winter’s night, the father has been given an unexpected chance to do something remarkable that could change the destiny of a little girl he hardly knows. But before he can make the deal of a lifetime, he must find out what his own life has actually been worth, and only his son can reveal that answer.

My Thoughts: Fredrik Backman does it again with an incredibly melancholy short story that hits you right in the feels. This was a super quick audiobook about a guy who is dying in a hospital and he’s given the chance to save someone’s life who he doesn’t believe is meant to go yet. It almost gives Ghost of Christmas Past vibes because there’s a lady dressed in gray with a clipboard who shows up when it’s someone’s time to die. After he begs her not to take the life of this other person, she makes the guy understand she will need to take a different life in order to save the other. He then takes time to reflect on his life and whether he’s willing to be erased. Fredrick Backman does a phenomenal job at getting at the vulnerable core of who we are as people and this short story is no exception. 

Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center

THINGS YOU SAVE IN A FIRE by Katherine Center

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Cassie Hanwell was born for emergencies. As one of the only female firefighters in her Texas firehouse, she’s seen her fair share of them, and she’s excellent at dealing with other people’s tragedies. But when her estranged and ailing mother asks her to uproot her life and move to Boston, it’s an emergency of a kind Cassie never anticipated. The tough, old-school Boston firehouse is as different from Cassie’s old job as it could possibly be. Hazing, a lack of funding, and poor facilities means that the firemen aren’t exactly thrilled to have a “lady” on the crew, even one as competent and smart as Cassie. Except for the handsome rookie, who doesn’t seem to mind having Cassie around. But she can’t think about that. Because she doesn’t fall in love. And because of the advice her old captain gave her: don’t date firefighters. Cassie can feel her resolve slipping… but will she jeopardize her place in a career where she’s worked so hard to be taken seriously?

My Thoughts: This book has been on my radar for a few months now, but because I visually read so much romance, I don’t tend to lean that direction when it comes to audiobooks. I’m here to say though, I’m glad I finally listened to this! Per usual, I went into it not knowing what it’s about and was pleasantly surprised with the direction. Cassie is an incredibly relatable character in the sense that she is incredibly guarded when it comes to her heart based on a terrible experience from her past. She’s solely focused on the career she loves as a firefighter and her drive to help people is what fuels her. Until an unfortunate situation forces her to leave her beloved station in Texas and move in with her sick mother in Boston. Her new firehouse is not used to having women on their team and, therefore, they’re not super welcoming. There’s even someone who ends up terrorizing Cassie in an attempt to get her to quit. I loved all of the different personalities of the supporting characters because it made Cassie’s new life so much more fun - as much as she tries to resist enjoying it. Owen aka Rookie is bae. I don’t know what else to say other than I was SWOONING as Cassie’s relationship with him grew. This was my first Katherine Center book, but it definitely won’t be my last!

Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells

ROGUE PROTOCOL by Martha Wells

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: SciFi’s favorite antisocial A.I. is again on a mission. The case against the too-big-to-fail GrayCris Corporation is floundering, and more importantly, authorities are beginning to ask more questions about where Dr. Mensah’s SecUnit is. And Murderbot would rather those questions went away for good.

My Thoughts: LISTEN. I freaking love Murderbot and how sassy they’ve gotten in this series. They’re still on the run after Dr. Mensah tried taking them back to her planet where SecUnits aren’t owned by anyone. They’re also still trying to figure out what’s going on with murder attempts on various research teams. In this book, Murderbot befriends a “pet robot” named Mickey who they assume isn’t very smart because of the life she’s had so far. There are some assassins involved along the way and Mickey ends up REALLY surprising Murderbot. I just love this rogue SecUnit so much and cannot wait to start the next book in this series. 

This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar

THIS IS HOW YOU LOSE THE TIME WAR by Amal El-Mohtar

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Summary: Among the ashes of a dying world, an agent of the Commandant finds a letter. It reads: Burn before reading. Thus begins an unlikely correspondence between two rival agents hellbent on securing the best possible future for their warring factions. Now, what began as a taunt, a battlefield boast, grows into something more. Something epic. Something romantic. Something that could change the past and future. Except the discovery of their bond would mean earth for each of them. There’s still a war going on, after all. And someone has to win that war. 

My Thoughts: Okay I tried reading the physical book earlier this year and it just wasn’t sticking for me, so I returned it to the library. However, I’ve heard good things and since I was trying to make it to my 2022 reading goal via shorter books this month, I decided to give it another try as an audiobook. Luckily, it was much easier to follow with someone else reading it to me lol. This book is pretty different from anything else I’ve read and is the epitome of “enemies to lovers.” Two time-traveling/dimension-crossing agents are on opposite sides of the Time War. The encrypted letters they leave each other at the various disaster zones start as competitive banter, but slowly transition to love letters over the years. Obviously their love is forbidden, and either agent could be killed by her own faction if they found out she was in love with the enemy. What I admired most in this book is the lyrical quality to the writing. It’s almost like small poetry nestled into the dialogue and descriptions. I don’t think this storyline will be interesting to everyone, but it’s a great option if you’re looking for a quick read with a flowy writing style.

Tangled in Tinsel by Trilina Pucci

TANGLED IN TINSEL by Trilina Pucci

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Imagine being snowed in with four successful men. P.S. they’ve all played the hero in too many of your naughtiest dreams. Problem is, you work for them, and that makes them off-limits. Except now they’re looking at you like you’re Santa’s cookies. And they definitely want to take a bite. Talk about making you reconsider your life choices. These four are aiming for Santa’s naughty list, and I’m pretty sure I’m getting: Jace, Reed, Alec, and Cole for Christmas. It might’ve started as a decorating job, but it ended up tangled in tinsel. 

My Thoughts: Y’all. This book was NAUGHTY. I was looking for some quick holiday romance novellas to read and this one came up in my search. Obvi I was expecting it to have some spicy elements to it, but this book was just one steamy scene after another. And, to the author’s credit, I genuinely enjoyed all of the characters. Like this wasn’t just a raunchy romance without any storyline depth to it. There was definitely a small plot with overarching character development lol. However, if you’re not into open door romances and/or tend to be more on the “pearl clutching” side of the smut consuming spectrum, then I’d say it’s not for you. Anyone else who enjoys some quality smut would probably find this lil Christmassy tale enjoyable lol. And that’s all I have to say about that.

Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire

EVERY HEART A DOORWAY by Seanan McGuire

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Eleanor West’s Home for Wayward Children. No Solicitations. No Visitors. No Quests. Children have always disappeared under the right conditions; slipping through the shadows under a bed or at the back of a wardrobe, tumbling down rabbit holes and into old wells, and emerging somewhere… else. But magical lands have little need for used-up miracle children. Nancy tumbled once, but now she’s back. The things she’s experienced… they change a person. The children under Miss West’s care understand all too well. And each of them is seeking a way back into their own fantasy world. 

My Thoughts: This audiobook was such a whimsical, transportive experience. It was as creepy as it was comforting and I found absolute peace with the oddest of this misfit gang of characters. I loved that although you’re being introduced to a completely new structure of worlds between the nonsensical and logical, it makes total sense through the eyes of these quirky characters. The mystery element added an addictive quality to this peculiar story and although it becomes clear who the killer is at a very specific part, it didn’t take away from waiting for the realization to hit everyone else. Seanan McGuire really has a way of tossing you into these bizarre worlds while making the experience an absolute delight. I will definitely be continuing on with the Wayward Children series. 

Down Among the Sticks and Bones by Seanan McGuire

DOWN AMONG THE STICKS AND BONES by Seanan McGuire

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Twin sisters Jack and Jill were seventeen when they found their way home and were packed off to Eleanor West’s Home for Wayward Children. This is the story of what happened first… Jacqueline was her mother’s perfect daughter - polite and quiet, always dressed as a princess. If her mother was sometimes a little strict, it’s because crafting the perfect daughter takes discipline. Jillian was her father’s perfect daughter - adventurous, thrill-seeking, and a bit of a tom-boy. He really would have preferred a son, but you work with what you’ve got. They were five when they learned that grown-ups can’t be trusted. They were twelve when they walked down the impossible staircase and discovered that the pretense of love can never be enough to prepare you for a life filled with magic in a land filled with mad scientists and death and choices.

My Thoughts: EEEEK! I am loving this quirky little series with creepy children and their magical doors! We met Jack and Jill in Every Heart a Doorway and were introduced to snippets of their background story, but I’m so glad they got their own book. Basically, their parents wanted to have kids for strictly aesthetic reasons. Not that they actually wanted kids to be parents. Yanno? The last thing they expected was twins and, as another kick to the nuts, they had two girls. Once Jack and Jill were born, their parents immediately deemed one their sweet princess (Jack) and the other their tomboy (Jill). Growing up with parents who tried to fit them into molds only messed up the girls even more and they never truly developed a sisterly relationship because they were always pitted against each other. When they finally find the door to the Moors, they’re offered to either stay with the Master, who also happens to be a vampire, or they can work for an oddball scientist down the hill as an apprentice. Staying with the master meant they’d be treated with luxuries in exchange for being the Master’s source of feeding. Being the scientist’s apprentice meant getting their hands extremely dirty while learning a plethora of information about the world as they worked on projects with him. The sisters essentially trade roles they’ve had so far in life and Jack becomes the tomboy scientist while Jill becomes the prim, proper princess. I loved this story so much - specifically Jack’s character. This book was just as fun as the last and I’m going to continue with this series. The only reason I couldn’t give this book five stars is because, and no shade to her, the author narrates this one. Whereas she was not the narrator for the last one? So, I’m not sure if she just really wanted to tell Jack and Jill’s story or if there were budget cuts when the audiobook went to production lol, but I preferred the narrator of the last book. She doesn’t do a terrible job by any means, but the other narrator sucked me into the story more. 

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

TOMORROW AND TOMORROW AND TOMORROW by Gabrielle Zevin

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Summary: On a bitter-cold day, in the December of his junior year at Harvard, Sam Masur exits a subway car and sees, amid the hordes of people waiting on the platform, Sadie Green. He calls her name. For a moment, she pretends she hasn’t heard him, but then, she turns, and a game begins: a legendary collaboration that will launch them into stardom. These friends, intimates since childhood, borrow money, beg favors, and before even graduating college, they have created their first blockbuster, Ichigo. Overnight, the world is theirs. Not even twenty-five years old, Sam and Sadie are brilliant, successful, and rich, but these qualities won’t protect them from their own creative ambitions or the betrayals of their hearts. Spanning thirty years, from Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Venice Beach, California, and lands in between and far beyond, Gabrielle Zevin’s Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow is a dazzling and intricately imagined novel that examines the multifarious nature of identity, disability, failure, the redemptive possibilities in play, and above all, our need to connect: to be loved and to love. Yes, it is a love story, but it is not one you have read before. 

My Thoughts: Where to start with this book? Going into it, I was nervous it was going to be a victim of its own hype as it was voted Goodreads 2022 Book of the Year as well as BOTY for the Book of the Month subscription box. Now that I’m finished with it, I can see clear as day why so many people fell in love with it. The writing is absolutely stunning and this author has one of the deepest vocabularies I think I’ve ever come across. I had to keep looking up the definitions of words because there were so many I had never encountered before. I actually kept a running list in my notes app and ended up with 21 words. As for the main characters, I honestly didn’t love Sadie and Sam. They were so incredibly flawed and terrible at communicating, and yet I could not stop rooting for them - both individually and as friends, business partners, etc. Especially when you throw Marx into the mix, the threesome had the oddest relationship, but it also made complete sense. The number of emotions this storyline puts you through as the years go on are unreal. I don’t want to say it was exhausting to read but I definitely needed to take recovery time from some of the grief-saturated pages. The overall theme of this book is about how all people at their core need to connect to others and I loved that video games were the vessel for that here. Do I think it’s the greatest book I’ve read all year? No. Do I think it’s worth picking up? Absolutely.

Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman

FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK by Elissa Sussman

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Then. Twentysomething writer Chani Horowitz is stuck. While her former MFA classmates are nabbing book deals, she’s in the trenches writing puff pieces. Then she’s hired to write a profile of movie star Gabe Parker. The Gabe Parker - her forever celebrity crush, the object of her fantasies, the background photo on her phone - who’s also just been cast as the new James Bond. It’s terrifying and thrilling all at once… yet if she can keep her cool and nail the piece, it could be a huge win. Gabe will get good press, and her career will skyrocket. But what comes next proves to be life-changing in ways Chani never saw coming, as the interview turns into a whirlwind weekend that has tabloids buzzing. Now. Ten years later, after a brutal divorce and a heavy dose of therapy, Chani is back in Los Angeles, laser-focused on one thing: her work. But she’s still spent the better part of the last decade getting asked about her deeply personal Gabe Parker profile at every turn. No matter what new essay collection or viral editorial she’s promoting, it always comes back to Gabe. So when his PR team requests that they reunite for a second interview, she wants to say no. She wants to pretend that she’s forgotten about the time they spent together, years ago. But the truth is that those seventy-two hours are still crystal clear, etched in her memory. And so… she says yes. Chani knows that facing Gabe again also means facing feelings she’s tried so hard to push away. Alternating between their first meeting and their reunion a decade later, this deliciously irresistible novel will have you hanging on until the last word. 

My Thoughts: Ooo this book was so charming! I loved how the format was a mix between blog posts, magazine and news articles, and character dialogue. The timeline jumps between the past - what happened ten years ago during the initial interview - and the present where Chani is interviewing Gabe for the second time. I was obsessed with the banter and sexual tension that naturally occurred between these two characters. What starts as a formal interview quickly transitions them into a gray area where Chani isn’t sure if everything Gabe is sharing with her is still interview eligible or if he genuinely wants to get to know her. Whereas Gabe keeps forgetting the reason Chani entered his life that weekend is because she’s doing an interview and instinctively slides a “media mask” on anytime she tries to get clarification. This story was a wild ride and although there’s a lot of unprocessed emotions between the two of them, I was on the edge of my seat hoping the book would end the way I wanted. This was a super cute rom-com with a really unique format, so if you’re looking for something a little different, I’d recommend giving this a try!

After I Do by Taylor Jenkins Reid

AFTER I DO by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: When Lauren and Ryan’s marriage reaches the breaking point, they come up with an unconventional plan. They decide to take a year off in the hopes of finding a way to fall in love again. One year apart, and only one rule: they cannot contact each other. Aside from that, anything goes. Lauren embarks on a journey of self-discovery, quickly finding that her friends and family have their own ideas about the meaning of marriage. These influences, as well as her own healing process and the challenges of living apart from Ryan, begin to change Lauren’s ideas about monogamy and marriage. She starts to question: When you can have romance without loyalty and commitment without marriage, when love and lust are no longer tied together, what do you value? What are you willing to fight for?

My Thoughts: This book was a tough read because the heartbreak of Lauren and Ryan was palpable as they separated for a year to figure out what they wanted from their marriage. I think everyone has felt the irritable animosity towards a partner at one point in life, and the way this book sucked you into the trials this marriage was facing felt almost nostalgic. Although the pain they experienced during the separation felt similar to grief and mourning, I absolutely LOVED that Lauren was figuring out who she is without Ryan. They started dating when she was 19 and married young, so she never truly had the time to figure out who she is as a standalone person without Ryan somehow intertwined with that identity. It’s clear throughout the entirety of this book that the love they share is something not everyone experiences. Even during the rough spots when they’re seeing other people, Lauren is still entirely unsure as to how she feels about her marriage. I’m not sure it’d be possible to not speak to someone for an entire year that you literally have not spent more than a few days apart during your marriage, but I commended the strength they showed in staying true to their one rule of this separation. The most refreshing part of this book is Lauren does something morally questionable and I thought that was going to cause a big blow up later on, but it actually did the opposite. This story is a little different from the historical fiction novels I’ve read by TJR, but I enjoyed it all the same!

Evidence of the Affair by Taylor Jenkins Reid

EVIDENCE OF THE AFFAIR by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Rating: 4/5stars

Summary: A desperate woman in Southern California sits down to write a letter to a man she’s never met - a choice that will forever change both their lives. The correspondence between Carrie Allsop and David Mayer reveals, piece by piece, the painful details of a devastating affair between their spouses. With each commiserating scratch of the pen, they confess their fears and bare their souls. They share the bewilderment over how things went so wrong and come to wonder where to go from here. 

My Thoughts: This is my first TJR novella and I absolutely loved the creativity of how the story unfolded using the unique format of letter correspondence. It’s a collection of letters between Carrie and David - who realized their spouses are cheating on them - and between Janet and Ken - their spouses and the lovers. At first, the letters exchanged between Carrie and David are solely to feel not alone in this betraying situation. They find solace in knowing the other is going through the same feelings and thoughts as they navigate their spouses’ indiscretion. As the letters go on, the sentiments transition into something more of a friendship and become more frequent with time. Although I wanted to predict the ending, there was a small unexpected plot twist towards the end that I appreciated. Honestly, if you’re looking for something quick and unique, this book was a pleasant surprise!

There Are No Saints by Sophie Lark

THERE ARE NO SAINTS by Sophie Lark

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Summary: I loathe Alastor Shaw. The city of San Francisco thinks we’re rival artists. In truth, we’re predators battling for hunting ground. We never chased the same prey. Until the night we both laid eyes on Mara Eldritch. Shaw wants to use her as a pawn in his twisted game. I’m fixated on her for a different reason… She makes me feel things I never thought I could feel. Want things I never wanted. Only she can make me lose control. I don’t know if I should protect her at all costs… or destroy her before she ruins me.

My Thoughts: Sophie Lark QUICKLY became one of my new favorite authors this year after I read the Brutal Birthright series. She has a way of sucking you into her writing that feels like you can’t put the book down or else you’ll miss something. This book is no exception. I wasn’t expecting the premise but it kind of gives a You (aka a book but also a Netflix show) vibe. Cole is an extremely wealthy, talented artist who is also a serial killer from time to time. He becomes obsessed with Mara, an artist who is trying to make a name for herself, after she escapes an attempted murder by his rival. The story then progresses into your expected trope of Cole being whole heartedly CONSUMED by Mara and the things she makes him feel. I didn’t love Cole nor Mara, but I think it’s because I wasn’t sure if I could get behind this dynamic since he IS a serial killer lol. However, the story still had my nose glued to the pages as I devoured it. I appreciated that the ending leaves us on a cliffhanger because now I obviously am going to continue onto the second book in this duology.

There Is No Devil by Sophie Lark

THERE IS NO DEVIL by Sophie Lark

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: I couldn’t kill Mara… but that doesn’t mean Shaw won’t. She’s living in my house, always with me, always under my control. The more I push her, the more she pushes back. She’s peeling away my secrets, one by one. And I’m tempting her to do things she never thought she’d do… Shaw won’t stop hunting her. When the time comes to act, will Mara be ready?

My Thoughts: Okay, okay, okay the second book came in hot and I loved where the story went here based on the first book. Mara’s character really finds her stride not only as an artist, but also as a woman recovering from previous trauma. Cole, our sweet little psychopath, is the more patient, validating boyfriend to Mara and truly supports her in all aspects of life. I also loved that Mara opened up sides to Cole he didn’t realize he had. He’s been so closed off and cold his whole life that finding joy with another person and truly loving them is an arsenal of new emotions for him. They’re still on high alert about the other serial killer/artist, Shaw, who has set his sights on Mara as a way to assert his dominance over Cole. My adrenaline was PUMPING during some of these creepier scenes - especially what happens at the end lol. I had to put the book down and really prepare myself for the gruesome event that was foreshadowed literally the entire time. We still got the steamy scenes we wanted out of this, but I think the plot was built so well that I was more itching to see what happened than I was focused on the spice. As I’ve mentioned, Sophie Lark has become one of my favorite dark romance authors and she really got vulnerable in this book. There’s an author’s note at the beginning of the story that explains how she decided to use her real life experiences/traumas in Mara’s narrative specifically. I just really love her writing and cannot say enough good things!

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

SHATTER ME by Tahereh Mafi

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Summary: Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days. The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color. The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war - and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now. Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

My Thoughts: OH MY GOD Y’ALL. I DO NOT KNOW WHY IT TOOK ME SO LONG TO READ THIS BOOK. It is so freaking good, I cannot. So we’ve got Juliette, who you cannot have skin-to-skin contact with because her touch is lethal and will kill you. She’s been locked up in an asylum for a majority of a year when The Reestablishment decides they want to use her as a weapon. She’s such a complex character with so many layers of emotions and the trauma she’s experienced throughout her life due to her “gift” is unreal. I loved her as a main character and could not get enough of her story. There’s also Adam, a boy next door type who, it turns out, Juliette knew from school back in the day and ends up being assigned to guard her. The other star player in this book is Warren - a 19-year-old BOSS of Sector 45 and the reason Juliette is leaving the asylum. There is a romantic storyline woven throughout this book, however, I didn’t feel like it was the main focus and it definitely helped move the plot forward. There is no shortage of action scenes and carnage to this story, and my heart was beating FAST. The writing style is freaking phenomenal. It’s just unlike anything else I’ve ever read. It’s written from Juliette's point of view, but also her stream of consciousness. So it has you searching for answers and normality along with Juliette. Just the way her mind works, how she describes things, and more was just *chef’s kiss.* I saw some reviews that said they felt like some characters are melodramatic which, I can understand to an extent, but I was just so sucked into this story that all of the emotions and reactions felt incredibly justified. I am absolutely UNAPOLOGETICALLY diving into this series and you cannot stop me now.

Destroy Me by Tahereh Mafi

DESTROY ME by Tahereh Mafi

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: Back at the base and recovering from his near-fatal wound, Warner must do everything in his power to keep his soldiers in check and suppress any mention of a rebellion in the sector. Still as obsessed with Juliette as ever, his first priority is to find her, bring her back, and dispose of Adam and Kenji, the other two traitors who helped her escape. But when Warner’s father, The Supreme Commander of The Reestablishment, arrives to correct his son’s mistakes, it’s clear that he has much different plans for Juliette. Plans Warner simply cannot allow.

My Thoughts: UGH. This novella is EXACTLY what I needed after that first book. An entire book from Warren’s perspective???? Ma’am. Yes. Gimme. This boy. Good LORT. I was on the fence in the first book as to whether I wanted to dislike him. He’s definitely giving off unforgivable antagonist vibes, but I also felt like he might just be lonely. Sure enough, we get to know Warren’s mind so much better in this lil treasure. He is head over heels for our girl Juliette and feels like he’s never met someone who he can relate to on such a deep level. He was dealt a shit hand in the father department and hasn’t really had the smoothest ride. At one point in this book, he finds the journal Juliette kept while she was in the asylum and the emotions he feels while reading her entries sucker punched me right in the heart. Like I instantly had that stomach drop, throbbing chest feeling as he reacted to some of the beautifully sad thoughts she confessed via pen. Honestly? By the end of this book, I am officially rooting for Warren. Whatever direction that takes him. I want good things for him because he has no one else to protect him. You must must must read this novella after finishing Shatter Me. I promise, you won’t regret it. 

Exit Strategy by Martha Wells

EXIT STRATEGY by Martha Wells

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Murderbot wasn’t programmed to care. So, its decision to help the only human who ever showed it respect must be a system glitch, right? Having traveled the width of the galaxy to unearth details of its own murderous transgressions, as well as those of the GrayCris Corporation, Murderbot is heading home to help Dr. Mensah - its former owner (protector? friend?) - submit evidence that could prevent GrayCris from destroying more colonists in its never-ending quest for profit. But who’s going to believe a SecUnit gone rogue? And, what will become of it when it’s caught?

My Thoughts: YUS. Murderbot is finally reunited with Dr. Mensah and the OG research team it was assigned to protect. I absolutely love how much more humanized Murderbot has become over the last three books. It makes no sense because it’s a SecUnit that shouldn’t know how to empathize and yet, when someone threatens to kill Dr. Mensah and her team again, Murderbot is there to throw down. It is simultaneously trying to save Dr. Mensah while also exposing GrayCris for its crooked operations and how deep those schemes go. Per usual, I was hooked from the start with this audiobook and cannot wait to continue on my Murderbot journey lol.

Unravel by Tahereh Mafi

UNRAVEL ME by Tahereh Mafi

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: It should have taken Juliette a single touch to kill Warner. But his mysterious immunity to her deadly power has left her shaken, wondering why her ultimate defense mechanism failed against the person she most needs protection from. She and Adam were able to escape Warner’s clutches and join up with a group of rebels, many of whom have powers of their own. Juliette will finally be able to actively fight against The Reestablishment and try to fix her broken world. And perhaps these new allies can help her shed light on the secret behind Adam’s - and Warner’s - immunity to her killer skin. 

My Thoughts: Okay okay okay, so this book mostly takes place with the rebel group fifty feet underground in their top secret compound. We meet a few other people who also have special abilities like Juliette’s and start to learn where these people came from and more information about how The Reestablishment is running civilization. I liked that the writing makes you just as skeptical as Juliette about whether you can trust this rebel group. Their leader, Castle, is pretty intense and the way he carries himself made me feel like she needed to be on high alert with him. What transpired between Juliette and Adam was absolutely heartbreaking. Not that I was super invested in their developing romance only because it felt like they were clinging onto each other for the first form of comfort they’ve experienced basically ever. That said, the grief that ripped through Juliette was palpable and I definitely shed a few tears lol. For 17 years she’s never been able to have skin-to-skin contact with anyone. She didn’t think it was possible. Then Adam comes along and all of a sudden having hope doesn’t seem out of reach for her. However, once they started testing Adam’s abilities to understand why he can touch Juliette, the rug gets pulled out from underneath her and she’s back to an isolated loneliness that I can’t even fathom. Warner is my boy in this series and we got to see so much more vulnerability from him in this book. Especially after learning who his father is (and how his father is connected to Adam!!!) and what he tries to do to Juliette, not once, but TWICE. I’m rooting for Warner babe, not only in this love triangle, but also as the person who can help take down his father. Y’all already know I’m addicted to this series and cannot wait to start the novella in between this book and the third. 

Well that’s that on that. Thanks for following along if you’ve made it this far lol. 

I hope everyone has an awesome start to 2023 and cannot wait to jump into a fresh year of books!

2022 Book Count: 206

Add me on Goodreads if you haven’t already.

YOUR TURN! What was your favorite book of 2022?

June 2022 Reads

Happy Pride Month!

My goal for June was to primarily focus on books by and about the LGBTQIA community because this month is about celebrating them - including in our reading goals! 

I mean, you should celebrate and support this beautiful community all year long tbh. So, this is just a friendly reminder that reading books by and about people who are different from you can help you better understand their unique experiences and is a great exercise in empathy. That could be through fictional characters, real life situations described in memoirs, and more.

All righty, with that in mind, let’s get into everything I read in June!

*All summaries are taken or paraphrased from Goodreads.

Everything for You by Chloe Liese

EVERYTHING FOR YOU by Chloe Liese

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Gavin - We’ve been teammates for two years, but it feels like a lifetime that Oliver Bergman’s been on my last nerve. A demanding captain and veteran player, I’m feared and friendless, while he’s the beloved rising star, all sunshine smiles and upbeat team spirit. To make matters worse, he’s obscenely attractive. In short: he’s genetically designed to get under my skin. Avoiding Oliver has been my survival tactic on and off the field. But when Coach drops the bomb that we’re now co-captains, avoiding him becomes impossible, and keeping the truth from him - let alone my distance - is harder than ever. | Oliver - Life was great until soccer legend Gavin Hayes joined the team and proved he’s nothing like the guy I grew up idolizing. Instead, he’s a giant - albeit gorgeous - grump who lives to rain on my parade. I’ve sworn off pranks since entering the public eye, so rather than settle our differences the Bergman way, I’ve had to settle for killing Gavin with kindness. There’s just one problem: killing him with kindness is killing me. To make matters worse, Coach gives us an ultimatum: put an end to our enmity or say goodbye to being captains. I’m prepared to be miserable while we meet her demands and make nice, but the last thing I expect to discover is an explosive attraction we can’t help but act on, and worse yet, to realize the man hiding beneath Gavin’s gruff exterior is all I’ve ever wanted. 

My Thoughts: Mark the date. I think this is the first time in recent history that I was not turned off by an age gap trope in a romance novel. It’s mixed in with some enemies-to-lovers which we all know I’m a simp for, but the nine-year difference between Oliver (25) and Gavin (34) was absolutely perfect for this story. They’ve had an unspoken war going on since Gavin joined the Galaxy men’s soccer team two years prior. Gavin is more open with his grumpy demeanor whereas Oliver tries to get under Gavin’s skin by killing him with kindness. A battle of wills, if I might say. Things get interesting when they’re forced to co-captain the team which throws them into each other’s proximity more than either would like. Y’all. The first breakthrough scene showing a little vulnerability between these two guys is on a plane and BE STILL MY HEART IT WAS SO CUTE. I was obsessed with watching Gavin and Oliver navigate their individual feelings for the other and figuring out what they could be together if they just gave into it. Also, all of the side characters - specifically our fave brother, Viggo - brought such life to this rom-com. The familiar taste of Chloe Liese’s writing for the Bergman Brothers was present in this fifth book and I definitely recommend it if you've been making your way through this fantastic series.

Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers

HONEY GIRL by Morgan Rogers

Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary: With her newly completed PhD in astronomy in hand, twenty-eight-year-old Grace Porter goes on a girls’ trip to Vegas to celebrate. She is not the kind of person who goes to Vegas and gets drunkenly married to a woman whose name she doesn’t know… until she does exactly that. This one moment of departure from her stern ex-military father’s plans for her life has Grace wondering why she doesn’t feel more fulfilled from completing her degree. Staggering under the weight of her father’s expectations, a struggling job market and feelings of burnout, Grace flees her home in Portland for a summer in New York with the wife she barely knows. When reality comes crashing in, Grace must face what she’s been running from all along - the fears that make us human, the family scars that need to heal and the longing for connection, especially when navigating the messiness of adulthood.

My Thoughts: Umm not knowing what you’re doing with your life in your late 20’s when you feel like you should have everything figured out..? RELATABLE. This audiobook was ideal for cozying up with a cup of coffee in the morning or settling in after a long day. The writing is very lyrical and the narrator’s warm voice gave it a poetic energy, but it sometimes felt a little forced. As a coming of age story, this book is very character driven. There’s a little bit of plot, but it mostly ebbed and flowed based on how Grace was feeling at any given time. As the MC, I both liked and disliked her. She was definitely focused on herself for a majority of this book and how those around her could help her through the crises she was experiencing. This character flaw is realized later on in the book, but that meant I found her mildly selfish for a while. That said, everything she was going through was extremely valid including the discrimination and racism she experienced from fellow scientists in the astronomy field for being a Black queer woman. The side characters each added their own color to Grace’s bigger picture, and I especially appreciated the ones that added a lightness to the mix because a lot of this story felt pretty heavy. Some of them I could do without, but they definitely all served their purpose. The only other thing I didn’t love is how long each of the chapters are for an audiobook. Some were almost 40 minutes, and I prefer chapters to be slightly shorter if I’m listening to a book. Overall, I think a lot of people would find this book relatable, but its indie aesthetic isn’t going to be for everyone.

Heartstopper: Volume 1 by Alice Oseman

HEARTSTOPPER: Volume One by Alice Oseman

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: Charlie Spring is in Year 10 at Truham Grammar School for Boys. The past year hasn’t been too great, but at least he’s not being bullied anymore. Nick Nelson is in Year 11 and on the school rugby team. He’s heard about little Charlie - the kid who was outed last year and bullied for a few months - but he’s never had the opportunity to talk to him. They quickly become friends, and soon Charlie is falling hard for Nick, even though he doesn’t think he has a chance. But love works in surprising ways, and sometimes good things are waiting just around the corner.

My Thoughts: This is my first graphic novel and I am in love! Charlie and Nick’s friendship is so freaking cute, and the pages turned absolutely effortlessly as I learned the origin story of their budding relationship. This is honestly a really quick read (like I think I finished this in maybe 25 minutes?) and I cannot wait to get my hands on Volume 2. :)

What If It’s Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera

WHAT IF IT’S US by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Arthur is only in New York for the summer, but if Broadway has taught him anything, it’s that the universe can deliver a show-stopping romance when you least expect it. Ben thinks the universe needs to mind its business. If the universe had his back, he wouldn’t be on his way to the post office carrying a box of his ex-boyfriend’s things. But when Arthur and Ben meet-cute at the post office, what exactly does the universe have in store for them? Maybe nothing. After all, they get separated. Maybe everything. After all, they get reunited. But what if they can’t quite nail a first date… or second first date… or third? What if Arthur tries too hard to make it work… and Ben doesn’t try hard enough? What if life really isn’t like a Broadway play? What if it is?

My Thoughts: Oh em gee. This was one of the most quick-witted, adorably cute YA rom-coms I’ve read in a while! Starting from their meet-cute in the post office, Arthur and Ben had a uniquely magnetic energy that I couldn’t get enough of. The clever quips generously exchanged between them made me audibly chuckle and, though sometimes cheesy, the do-over dates were insanely sweet. I think I liked Arthur a little bit more than Ben because he has literally zero filter. Whatever comes to his mind is what is coming out of his mouth whether he realizes it or not. Even his inner dialogue had me LOLing throughout the book. Ben is a little more reserved, but he’s still such a likable character. I appreciated that he could roll with the playfulness of Arthur’s verbal vomit, and had a few dry-humored lines himself. The issues that bubble up between these two lads felt a little blown out of proportion to me, but I also had to keep reminding myself this is a YA romance and these characters are only 17. That aside, I absolutely loved that the ending didn’t go the way I expected, yet it was still so incredibly satisfying. If you’re looking for a punchy YA romance with a little snark and a lot of cuteness to it, I definitely recommend picking this book up!

Satisfaction Guaranteed by Karelia Stetz-Waters

SATISFACTION GUARANTEED by Karelia Stetz-Waters

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: When it comes to her career, Cade Elgin has it all figured out. Only “professional talk” has become her default mode, relationships are nonexistent, and don’t even mention the word “orgasm.” All work and no play makes Cade a dull human. But when she inherits a sex toy store, Cade is caught between business and a store filled with every imaginable kind of pleasure - including her own infuriatingly irresponsible and deliciously sexy new co-owner. Selena Mathis learned the hard way that she can have too much of a good thing. Which is precisely why she’s taken an oath of celibacy and is focusing on how to make Satisfaction Guaranteed a success. She won’t mess this up. Not this time. But once again, Selena’s emotions are getting in the way, and tempting her with a serious attraction to buttoned-up Cade. But the shop isn’t exactly vibe-ing, and Cade and Selena are on the verge of losing both their income and the possibility of love. Can they find a way to work together… before Satisfaction Guaranteed runs out of batteries?

My Thoughts: This F|F romance was cute, steamy, emotional, and playful! The premise was so unique and I loved all of the sex positivity! At the start of the book, I was nervous the main characters, Cade and Selena, were going to be pretty one-toned. It felt like there was an emphasis on Selena being the flighty, free-spirit in the equation, whereas Cade is the buttoned-up, accountant-type - which was just unnecessary. Luckily, as the book went on, both characters developed more depth and made this pairing even more perfect. This sweet couple was so supportive and really understood what one another needed without having to ask. I appreciated that the author leaned into the sex toy storyline and introduced them into the steamier scenes because most hetero romances don’t communicate that type of sex positivity message. It was refreshing to see the depiction of elevating that kind of experience  with your partner using toys depicted so flawlessly. Overall, this was a really quick, fun, and emotional read and I definitely recommend it!

Less by Andrew Sean Greer

LESS by Andrew Sean Greer

Rating: 3.25/5 stars

Summary: PROBLEM - You are a failed novelist about to turn fifty. A wedding invitation arrives in the mail: your boyfriend of the past nine years is now engaged to someone else. You can’t say yes - it would be all too awkward - and you can’t say no - it would look like defeat. On your desk are a series of half-baked literary invitations you've received from around the world. QUESTION - How do you arrange to skip town? ANSWER - You accept them all. If you are Arthur Less. Thus begins an around-the-world-in-eighty-days fantasia that will take Aurthur to Mexico, Italy, Germany, Morocco, India, and Japan and put thousands of miles between him and the problems he refuses to face. What could possibly go wrong? Well: Arthur will almost fall in love in Paris, almost fall to his death in Berlin, barely escape to a Moroccan ski chalet from a Sahara sandstorm, accidentally book himself as the (only) writer-in-residence at a Christian Retreat Center in Southern India, and arrive in Japan too late for the cherry blossoms. In between: science fiction fans, crazed academics, emergency rooms, starlets, doctors, exes and, on a desert island in the Arabian Sea, the last person on Earth he wants to see. Somewhere in there: he will turn fifty. The second phase of life, as he thinks of it, falling behind him like the second phase of a rocket. There will be his first love. And there will be his last.

My Thoughts: Okay okay, let me start by saying I really loved the narrator for this audiobook. He was engaging, did a spectacular job at all of the different character voices, and kept a dry humored tone which was perfect for this storytelling. I hate that I can’t give this book a 3.5, but honestly? I found myself not caring towards the middle of it. Like the author’s writing is phenomenal, don’t get me wrong. I just kept having to rewind the audiobook while listening to it because my mind would wander and I’d realize I hadn’t been paying attention for like the last 10+ minutes. Now, I’m not sure if that’s because of the audiobook itself or simply because I’ve had a lot of things on my mind lately lol. So, take all of that with a grain of salt because I know this is an entertaining story. Arthur Less is a quirky character who plans a trip around the world to avoid attending his ex-boyfriend’s wedding. He’s also on the cusp of turning 50 which is something he’d like to forget. Cue a distraction trip guided by Murphy’s Law because if anything could go wrong for Arthur Less, it did. Most of the unfortunate events of his little adventure were incredibly comedic and endearing, but geez, he had some bad luck. Overall, I think this book definitely holds water and that a lot of people would enjoy it. It just didn’t hold my interest as much as I hoped it would, which is why I’m giving it a 3.25.

The Queer Principles of Kit Webb by Cat Sebastian

THE QUEER PRINCIPLES OF KIT WEBB by Cat Sebastian 

Rating: 3.8/5 stars

Summary: Kit Webb has left his stand-and-deliver days behind him. But dreary days at his coffee shop have begun to make him pine for the heady rush of thievery. When a handsome yet arrogant aristocrat storms into his shop, Kit quickly realizes he may be unable to deny whatever this highborn man desires. In order to save himself and a beloved friend, Percy, Lord Holland must go against every gentlemanly behavior he holds dear to gain what he needs most: a book that once belonged to his mother, a book his father never lets out of his sight and could be Percy’s savior. More comfortable in silk-filled ballrooms than coffee shops frequented by criminals, his attempts to hire the roughly hewn highwayman, formerly known as Gladhand Jack, proves equal parts frustrating and electrifying. Kit refuses to participate in the robbery but agrees to teach Percy how to do the deed. Percy knows he has little choice but to submit and as the lessons in thievery begin, he discovers thievery isn’t the only crime he’s desperate to commit with Kit. But when their careful plan goes dangerously wrong and shocking revelations threaten to tear them apart, can these stolen hearts withstand the impediments in their path?

My Thoughts: Y’ALL. You should read this book for the top-shelf-quality banter alone. I mean WOW. I was living for the verbal artistry that Percy was serving us throughout this entire story. Kit also had his fair share of quick quips as well and the chemistry between these two lads made everything that much more rich and fulfilling. I loved all of the tension and build up to Kit and Percy actually acting on their feelings for each other, but appreciated that the author didn’t make us wait too long for that moment to happen. It was incredibly satisfying too that although both main characters were stubborn to their core, they gave into trusting one another when the timing was right. I feel like romance novels often draw out the “trust timeline,” and this one happened so naturally. Though the plot was definitely interesting, I have to say the pacing felt a bit stagnant towards the middle. It’s not that the story wasn’t moving forward, but there was a point where I hit a bit of a lull. That said, it definitely picked up shortly after and the momentum hooked me back into this carriage heist. All of the side characters were fun, distinctive, and definitely gave us a bigger picture of Percy and Kit’s lives. I think the next book is about their best friends Marian and Rob, so I’ll probably be picking that one up later this year. Honestly, this book was entertaining, steamy, and a little different from your usual romance, so I recommend giving it a try!

Gender Explorers by Juno Roche

GENDER EXPLORERS by Juno Roche

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: Life-affirming interviews with young trans people who share their empowering experiences of questioning and exploring gender. “I believe that children who are questioning and exploring their gender are the gender bosses that we all so desperately need. I believe that they are our future.” In this life-affirming, heartening and refreshing collection of interviews, young trans people offer valuable insight and advice into what has helped them to flourish and feel happy in their experience of growing up trans.

My Thoughts: Wow absolutely everyone needs to read this book!!! It's a series of interviews with trans youth and teens about their experiences transitioning and becoming their true selves. There are also interviews with parents of the trans youth to understand what their experience was like having their child come out as trans or gender fluid. The vulnerability and openness these people demonstrated while sharing their experiences was extremely emotional. In our traditionally binary gendered world, people feel a need to categorize other people and put them into “buckets.”  These gender explorers are challenging that mindset and showing everyone that gender is not important to who you are as a human being. I just can’t say enough good things about this book. It was so eye-opening and informative, and I URGE you to go pick it up. 

Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

LADY MIDNIGHT by Cassandra Clare

Rating: 4.5/5 stars 

Summary: It’s been five years since the events of City of Heavenly Fire that brought the Shadowhunters to the brink of oblivion. Emma Carstairs is no longer a child in mourning, but a young woman bent on discovering what killed her parents and avenging her losses. Together with her parabatai Julian Blackthorn, Emma must learn to trust her head and her heart as she investigates a demonic plot that stretches across Los Angeles, from the Sunset Strip to the enchanted sea that pounds the beaches of Santa Monica. If only her heart didn’t lead her in treacherous directions… Making things more complicated, Julian’s brother Mark - who was captured by the faeries five years ago - has been returned as a bargaining chip. The faeries are desperate to find out who is murdering their kind - and they need the Shadowhunters’ help to do it. But time works differently in faerie, so Mark has barely aged and doesn’t recognize his family. Can he ever truly return to them? Will the faeries really allow it?

My Thoughts: Yanno, when it was teased in Mortal Instruments that Emma, Julian, and this new generation of Shadowhunters were going to get their own series, I was PUMPED. Let me tell you, this first book does NOT disappoint. We didn’t just have the addicting magical world Cassadra Clare has beautifully crafted for us. This book delivered familial drama, murder, secrets, action, and OFC forbidden love. Not to mention, all of our favorite classic characters made an appearance including Clary, Jace, Magnus, JEM, TESSA, to name a few lol. After experiencing some traumatic events during the Dark War, I appreciated that Emma and Julian’s characters reflected the results of that five years later. They obviously went through further character development in this book, but where they start is clearly the outcome of how they’ve processed everything. Emma is a wild and incredibly talented Shadowhunter who is looking for trouble. Julian is more tame than his parabatai, and has turned into the backbone of the Blackthorn family as he raises his younger siblings. OBVI I ship these two even if the feelings they have are forbidden. I gotta give all of the side characters some mad credit too for bringing so much depth to the storyline and to all of the emotions that radiated off of the pages. Their personalities are so distinct that it’s incredibly easy to build a connection with each one even though you’re not spending as much page time with them. My one small issue is that this story started out quickly paced and then hit a slow spot for a minute that kind of stunted the momentum I’d been gathering since page 1. Once it picked up again though, I was right back in it. Needless to say, if you’ve read the Mortal Instruments and Infernal Devices, you have GOT to continue onto the Dark Artifices. 

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry by Fredrik Backman

MY GRANDMOTHER ASKED ME TO TELL YOU SHE’S SORRY by Fredrik Backman

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: Elsa is seven years old and different. Her grandmother is seventy-seven years old and crazy, standing-on-the-balcony-firing-paintball-guns-at-men-who-want-to-talk-about-Jesus-crazy. She is also Elsa’s best, and only, friend. At night, Elsa takes refuge in her grandmother’s stories, in the Land-of-Almost-Awake and the Kingdom of Miamas where everybody is different and nobody needs to be normal. When Elsa’s grandmother dies and leaves behind a series of letters apologizing to people she has wronged, Elsa’s greatest adventure begins. Her grandmother’s letters lead her to an apartment building full of drunks, monsters, attack dogs, and totally ordinary old crones, but also to the truth about fairytale and kingdoms and a grandmother like no other. 

My Thoughts: This was such a whimsical and charming audiobook! It was definitely a little confusing at first as you’re introduced to all of the different Kingdoms within Land of Almost Awake, but once you get your footing with that, it was so entrancing. I was obsessed with the relationship Elsa shared with her grandma. They were thick as THIEVES and absolutely inseparable. I loved their dynamics - a 7-year-old and 77-year-old. Elsa was too smart for her own good and kept her granny in check. There is definitely some sadness in this book after Elsa’s grandma passed away and left her with an adventure of sorts. I would be amiss to not give all of the side characters in this magical tale the biggest shout out. This experience would not be the same without this schmorgesborg of people who literally could not be any more different. All of their personalities enhanced the colorfulness of this book tenfold. I loved getting to know each of them better, their personal backgrounds, and how Elsa’s granny played a role in their lives. One scene involving some violence against one of Elsa’s new best friends brought me to TEARS, but I appreciated the overall themes of dealing with grief, establishing a found family of sorts, embracing your differences and more. Needless to say, I highly recommend this audiobook!

Hunted by the Sky by Tanaz Bhathena

HUNTED BY THE SKY by Tanaz Bhathena

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Summary: Gul has spent her life running. She has a star-shaped birthmark on her arm, and in the kingdom of Ambar, girls with such birthmarks have been disappearing for years. Gul’s mark is what caused her parents’ murder at the hand of King Lohar’s ruthless soldiers and forced her into hiding to protect her own life. So when a group of rebel women called the Sisters of the Golden Lotus rescue her, take her in, and train her in warrior magic, Gul only wants one thing: revenge. Cavas lives in the tenements, and he’s just about ready to sign his life over to the king’s army. His father is terminally ill, and Cavas will do anything to save him. But sparks fly when he meets a mysterious girl - Gul - in the capital's bazaar, and as the chemistry between them undeniably grows, he becomes entangled in a mission of vengeance - and discovers a magic he never expected to find. Dangerous circumstances have brought Gul and Cavas together at the king’s domain in Ambar Fort… a world with secrets deadlier than their own. Exploring identity, class struggles, and high-stakes romance, Hunted by the Sky is a gripping adventure set in a world inspired by medieval India. 

My Thoughts: I’ve read YA fantasy inspired by African folklore, ancient Arabia, and ancient Rome, but this was my first experience reading something inspired by ancient India. I am pleased to report it was quite enjoyable! It definitely gave me some mild An Ember in the Ashes vibes, but with slightly more magic. The beginning of this book has a slower start. That’s mostly due to the world building, character introductions, and understanding how the societal hierarchy works. After all of that is established, the plot’s pace definitely picked up and made it easier for me to get sucked into. Gul’s character has a wild yet contained air to her. I loved that she wouldn’t allow herself to be confined to other people’s views or expectations of her. That being said, her stubbornness was definitely a fatal flaw. Like there were times where her “me” mindset hindered her likability - especially during some tense decision-making moments. Cavas was a good character for the most part. I liked that he wasn’t too meek, but he also had some proud/stubborn behaviors that left me so frustrated with him. Did I love them as a couple? Yes and no. I can definitely tell there’s something stronger there than they realize and they could be a really great team. However, they don’t make it to that point in this book. All that said though, I would definitely be interested in reading the second book in this duology based on where the story leaves off. 

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE by Jane Austen

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: Since its immediate success in 1813, Pride and Prejudice has remained one of the most popular novels in the English language. Jane Austen called this brilliant work “her own darling child” and its vivacious heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, “as delightful a creature as ever appeared in print.” The romantic clash between the opinionated Elizabeth and her proud beau, Mr. Darcy, is a splendid performance of civilized sparring. And Jane Austen’s radiant wit sparkles as her characters dance a delicate quadrille of flirtation and intrigue, making this book the most superb comedy of manners in Regency England.

My Thoughts: I know I’m SO late to this game, but I completely understand what the hype is all about! I absolutely loved listening to the audiobook of the OG enemies-to-lovers romance novel. Not to mention, this gem is the feminist anthem of its time! To be fair, I must say, I had never seen the 2005 movie before reading this. So, about 30% into the audiobook, I decided to watch the movie since I had no previous knowledge of how everything was going to pan out. That decision helped so much because it gave me a visual template of where the audiobook was going as I finished listening to it. Elizabeth Bennett is the best kind of person to have around. She’s outspoken, sarcastic, and loyal af. A friend-crush was brewing, needless to say lol. I feel like Mr. Darcy is like the first tall, dark, and broody boy to walk in the romance genre, so that all of the book boyfriends we know and love nowadays could run. Yanno what I mean? Although a lot of the dialogue and the way this book reads is obvi a bit dated (which is why I’ve avoided trying to read it for so long), it’s easy to keep up with. If you’re curious to know what the big deal is with this classic, I definitely recommend giving the audiobook a try! British narrators make everything more fun anyway lol. :)

Middlegame by Seanan McGuire

MIDDLEGAME by Seanan McGuire

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: Meet Roger. Skilled with words, languages come easily to him. He instinctively understands how the world works through the power of story. Meet Dodger, his twin. Numbers are her world, her obsession, her everything. All she understands, she does through the power of math. Roger and Dodger aren’t exactly human, though they don’t realize it. They aren’t exactly gods, either. Not entirely. Not yet. Meet Reed, skilled in alchemical arts like his progenitor before him. Reed created Dodger and her brother. He’s not their father. Not quite. But he has a plan: to raise the twins to the highest power, to ascend with them and claim their authority as his own. Godhood is attainable. Pray it isn’t attained. 

My Thoughts: Y’all. I did NOT expect to be all up in my feels over a SCIENCE FICTION novel. Like what did Roger and Dodger do to me??? I will not lie, at the start of this book, I wasn’t sure I was going to be smart enough to comprehend what was going on lmao. I don’t read a ton of sci-fi, so understanding the ins and outs of alchemy on the fly was a learning curve, but it definitely got easier the further you got into it. This book was just an intellectual exercise of trying to piece together everything before it’s revealed. It’s one big puzzle of time traveling, alchemy experiments gone wrong (and right?), and figuring out how each component is related to the next. I absolutely adored the main characters - Roger and Dodger. This sibling duo are two parts of a whole and literally balance each other out in personality and unique powers. Though their relationship could get a little complicated on more occasions than one, the draw they felt to one another and the serenity that came with being in each other’s presence made me feel so protective of this pair. There are some anxiety provoking scenes in this book - specifically, towards the end - that kept my heart racing as Roger and Dodger tried to beat the odds with the help of a morally gray character. To say I was giddily rooting for them to win is an understatement lol. I definitely recommend this book if you’re looking for something to absolutely suck you in within the science fiction genre. I believe there is a sequel to it as well with some companion series on the side, so there’s plenty to dive into here.

No Hard Feelings by Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy

NO HARD FEELINGS: The Secret Power of Embracing Emotions at Work by Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: The modern workplace can be an emotional minefield, filled with confusing power structures and unwritten rules. We’re expected to be authentic but not too authentic. Professional but not stiff. Friendly but not an over-sharer. As organization consultants and regular people, we know what it’s like to experience uncomfortable emotions at work - everything from mild jealousy to insecurity to panic and rage. Ignoring or suppressing what you feel hurts your health and productivity but so does letting your emotions run wild. In this book, we’ll help you figure out which emotions to toss, which to keep to yourself, and which to express in order to be both happier and more effective. We’ll share the latest research and helpful tips, and reveal the surprising reason why you’ll actually be healthier and more focused if you’re less passionate about your job. Drawing on what we’ve learned from behavioral economics, psychology and our own experiences at countless organizations, we’ll show you how to bring your best self to work every day. 

My thoughts: Someone on my team at work read this book and really liked it, so a few more of us ordered it, and I have to say, it was really helpful! If you’re familiar with the account LizClimo on Instagram, she’s one of the authors and provides all of the illustrations included throughout. The drawings and little cartoons were one of my favorite parts because it broke down the monotony that non-fiction/self help books usually give me, and made everything they talked about more visual. Aside from the illustrations, the content was extremely well researched and easy to understand. I loved all of the actionable items they provided after walking us through a specific concept because it made understanding what “X, Y, Z” can look like and how it can be applied in a work environment. As someone who is not a big fan of non-fiction self help books, and is also continuously working on how I present myself in a work setting, I definitely think No Hard Feelings is something everyone would find helpful.

Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid

MAYBE IN ANOTHER LIFE by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: At the age of twenty-nine, Hannah Martin still has no idea what she wants to do with her life. She has lived in six different cities and held countless meaningless jobs since graduating college. On the heels of yet another city, Hannah moves back to her hometown of Los Angeles and takes up residence in her best friend Gabby’s guest room. Shortly after getting back to town, Hannah goes out to a bar one night with Gabby and meets up with her high school boyfriend, Ethan. Just after midnight, Gabby asks Hannah if she’s ready to go. A moment later, Ethan offers to give her a ride later if she wants to stay. Hannah hesitates. What happens if she leaves with Gabby? What happens if she leaves with Ethan? In concurrent storylines, Hannah lives out the effects of each decision. Quickly, these parallel universes develop into radically different stories with large-scale consequences for Hannah, as well as the people around her. As the two alternate realities run their course, Maybe in Another Life raises questions about fate and true love: Is anything meant to be? How much in our life is determined by chance? And perhaps, most compellingly: Is there such a thing as a soul mate? Hannah believes there is. And, in both worlds, she believes she’s found him.

My Thoughts: I listened to this on audiobook and really enjoyed it! It’s definitely a little different taste than other Taylor Jenkins Reid books I’ve read (i.e. Malibu Rising, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and Daisy Jones and the Six), but great nonetheless! Hannah was the perfect main character for this story. She’s definitely likeable, but also so imperfect that you can’t trust her right away. Learning more about her in the dual timelines really made me more empathetic to who she is as a person, despite her situations, and I loved that though her two “universes” had different plots, the storyline still related to the other. This premise was incredibly unique and it worked so well that there wasn’t a definitive answer. Overall, I definitely think this audiobook is worth the listen!

Under One Roof by Ali Hazelwood

UNDER ONE ROOF by Ali Hazelwood

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: As an environmental engineer, Mara knows all about the delicate nature of ecosystems. They require balance. And leaving the thermostat alone. And not stealing someone else’s food. And other rules Liam, her detestable big-oil lawyer of a roommate, knows nothing about. Okay, sure, technically she’s the interloper. Liam was already entrenched in his Aunt Helena’s house like some glowering grumpy giant when Mara moved in, with his big muscles and kissable respectable scientists to the dark side… but Helena was her mentor and Mara’s not about to move out and give up her inheritance without a fight. The problem is living with someone means getting to know them. And the more Mara finds out Liam, the harder it is to loathe him… and the easier it is to love him. 

My Thoughts: Oh em gee. A STEMinist novella series?? Yes please!! I loved this enemies-to-lovers, environmentally friendly rom-com. Mara and Liam were such strong characters and the small roommate squabbles were so freaking relatable. This book was driven by various types of tension including angry friction, sexual tension, and a “will they, won’t they” suspense. After they declared truce, it was so cute how they fell into a comfortable platonic routine only to realize they both had stronger feelings for one another than they intended. If you’re looking for something fun and spicy with a little bit of climate change sprinkled in, this novella is definitely worth picking up!

Stuck With You by Ali Hazelwood

STUCK WITH YOU by Ali Hazelwood

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Summary: Logically, Sadie knows that civil engineers are supposed to build bridges. However, as a woman of STEM she also understands that variables can change, and when you are stuck for hours in a tiny New York elevator with the man who broke your heart, you earn the right to burn that brawny, blond bridge to the ground. Erik can apologize all he wants, but to quote her rebel leader - she’d just as soon kiss a Wookiee. Not even the most sophisticated of Sadie’s superstitious rituals could have predicted such a disastrous reunion. But while she refuses to acknowledge the siren call of Erik’s steely forearms or the way his voice softens when he offers her his sweater, Sadie can’t help but wonder if there might be more layers to her cold-hearted nemesis than meet the eye. Maybe, possibly, even burned bridges can still be crossed… 

My Thoughts: Ugh. Y’all. You know how I feel about instant-love tropes, and although this one wasn’t necessarily unbelievable I just can’t get fully behind it. Besides that little plot hiccup though, this was such an entertaining, steamy novella! Experiencing their first date through Sadie’s memories was cute and swoony. You could clearly see how well these two built a connection. I liked that the book’s format flipped between the past and present, so that we could see what led up to their current feelings and actions. It was like a small puzzle and left me trying to predict what would become of this unlikely pairing. Sadie’s character was a little more quirky and dynamic than Erik’s character, but I appreciated that they balanced each other out. Though I didn’t like this second installation of the STEMinist series, it was still a cute and quick read. 

That’s it for June! 

Just a few tidbits to leave you with:

• Trans rights are human rights

• It’s absolutely none of your business who people love 

• Love wins - always

2022 Book Count: 118

Add me on Goodreads if you haven’t already.

YOUR TURN! What books do you have on your summer reading list?