September 2022 Reads

Happy fall, y’all!! Sweater szn is here. :D

September is a complete blur for me. I feel like between my new job and everything else kicking into high gear at the end of summer, my schedule was jam packed and all of the days bled into each other lol. I did spend the last night of September at a silent disco and, let me tell you, if you have never dabbled in a silent disco, you need to ASAP. It was the most fun I’ve had in a while!

My reading was kind of all over the place this month. However, my therapist knows I’m a big reader and has been asking me for MONTHS if I’ve read the second book in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. Which I had been putting off tbh. So I finally gave into the mild peer pressure lmao and dove head first back into the series, and holy hell I have zero regrets. You’ll see in my reviews later, but if it’s not on brand for me to inhale the next three books in the series within two weeks then I don’t know what is lol. 

Okie! With that said, let’s get into everything I read in September!

*All summaries are taken or paraphrased from Goodreads.

Blue Lily, Lily Blue by Maggie Stiefvater

BLUE LILY, LILY BLUE by Maggie Stiefvater

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: Blue Sargent has found things. For the first time in her life, she has friends she can trust, a group to which she can belong. The Raven Boys have taken her in as one of their own. Their problems have become hers, and her problems have become theirs. The trick with found things, though, is how easily they can be lost. Friends can betray. Mothers can disappear. Visions can mislead. Certainties can unravel.

My Thoughts: My name is Haley and I’m officially addicted to the Raven Cycle series and you cannot stop me. This book…sheesh. I adored it. Let’s get my first impulsive thought out of the way… Do I dare say Mr. Grey is a zaddy?? He’s definitely an antagonist turned protagonist and I am here for it. Now that we know what special powers Ronan and Adam have, we start to see them honing in on controlling what they do in relation to Cabe’s Water and the ley lines. I was obsessed with the mentor/mentee relationship between Adam and Persephone. Between her and Calla, I’ve grown extremely fond of their independent witchy spirits and contrasting personalities. You can tell they’re wise AF, but the whimsical and quiet Persephone always comes through with some comedic relief. We’re introduced to a few new characters and although some we’ve heard about in previous books, I was not prepared for the shit storm a couple of them caused. They made this plot THICKEN. It wouldn’t be in my heart to not mention how obsessed I’ve become with the Blue/Gansey dynamic. They’re such a cozy fit, I cannot help but swoon. Additionally, this book made me gasp and cry because it wanted to wreck me emotionally and I was NOT ready for it lol. Take that in stride while you pick up this book because I highly recommend it!

Truth or Beard by Penny Reid

TRUTH OR BEARD by Penny Reid

Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary: Beards, brothers, and bikers! Oh my! Identical twins Beau and Duane Winston might share the same devastatingly handsome face, but where Beau is outgoing and sociable, Duane is broody and reserved. This is why Jessica James, recent college graduate and perpetual level-headed good girl, has been in a naive and unhealthy infatuation with Beau Winston for most of her life. His friendly smiles make her tongue-tied and weak-kneed, and she’s never been able to move beyond her childhood crush. Whereas Duane and Jessica have always been adversaries. She can’t stand him, and she’s pretty sure he can’t stand the sight of her… But after a case of mistaken identity, Jessica finds herself in a massive confusion kerfuffle. Jessica James has spent her whole life paralyzed by the fantasy of Beau and her assumptions of Duane’s disdain, therefore, she’s unprepared for the reality that is Duane’s insatiable interest, as well as his hot hands and hot mouth and hotter looks. Not helping Jessica’s muddled mind and good girl sensibilities, Duane seems to have gotten himself in trouble with the local biker gang, the Iron Order. Certainly, Beau’s magic spell is broken. Yet when Jessica finds herself drawn to the man who was always her adversary, now more dangerous than ever, how much of her level-headed heart is she willing to risk?

My Thoughts: All right, y’all. This book was cute, but it was an incredibly inconsistent experience for me. I was hooked at the beginning of it and was completely sold on the sexual tension burning between Duane and Jessica. Plus, I love a good enemies-to-lovers/fake dating trope combo and this storyline had a little bit of both, so bonus points there. It was nice that we got a better understanding of who Jessica and Duane are as individual characters, what their relationship growing up looked like, and how much potential there is for them moving forward. So all of that was obviously enjoyable. Where I started to have a disconnect was later on in the story when disagreements and/or miscommunications were had. At some points, it felt like the author was spoon feeding me what I should be feeling during those scenes vs. letting the narrative play out naturally and allowing me to develop my own emotions about it. Some parts just seemed very calculated from a plot standpoint and that took away from the experience. Also, (I’m writing this review about a week or 2 after I read the book, so I don’t remember specifics) Duane said some really not nice things to Jessica at one point and I was like, “nope.” Absolutely not would I support any friend getting back together with a guy in real life if he said something like that to her. So yeah, I mean did I enjoy the book overall? Sure! Am I planning to continue the series? Probably not, honestly. If you like the whole “bearded mountain man” thing then this may be a better fit than it was for me lol. 

Heartstopper Vol. 3 by Alice Oseman

HEARTSTOPPER: Vol 3 by Alice Oseman 

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: In this volume, we’ll see the Heartstopper gang go on a school trip to Paris! Not only are Nick and Charlie navigating a new city, but also telling more people about their relationship AND learning more about the challenges each other are facing in private. Meanwhile, Tao and Elle will face their feelings for each other, Tara and Darcy share more about their relationship origin story, and the teachers supervising the trip seem… rather close…?

My Thoughts: EEK! This was so freaking cute. I love the comfortable rhythm Nick and Charlie have fallen into with their new relationship. Plus it was so sweet that Nick is tuned into Charlie’s behaviors and mannerisms enough to notice that he might be going through something and/or might have an eating disorder. It’s also a RELIEF that Tao and Darcy are finally starting to share their feelings because Tao has been a moody turd in the previous two books lol. So this is a good change of pace for his spirits. I don’t need to say it, but I might as well, READ THIS SERIES!

Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe

GENDER QUEER by Maia Kobabe

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: In 2014, Maia Kobabe, who uses e/em/eir pronouns, thought that a comic of reading statistics would be the last comic e would ever write. At the time, it was the only thing e felt comfortable with strangers knowing about em. Now, Gender Queer is here. Maia’s intensely cathartic autobiography charts eir journey to self-identity, which includes the mortification and confusion of adolescent crushes, grappling with how to come out to family and society, bonding with friends over erotic gay fanfiction, and facing the trauma of pap smears. Started as a way to explain to eir family what it means to be non-binary and asexual, Gender Queer is more than a personal story; it is a useful and touching guide on gender identity - what it means and how to think about it - for advocates, friends, and humans everywhere. 

My Thoughts: I’ve been loving graphic novels lately and this memoir was no exception. It was a raw look into the author’s life as e discovers eir gender identity and sexual orientation through vivid illustrations. As a cis woman, I feel it is so important for me to read these types of books because it helps give me perspective of what people in the LGBTQIA experience as they navigate to understand themselves better and how gender doesn’t have to be so defining to a person. It’s also important to remember that literally everyone’s experiences are different and our world as a whole needs to work on changing the way our thinking works when we’re trying to put people into “categories.” This graphic novel was incredibly eye-opening and I think everyone should read it. 

Act Your Age Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert

ACT YOUR AGE, EVE BROWN by Talia Hibbert

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Eve Brown is a certified hot mess. No matter how hard she strives to do right, her life always goes horribly wrong - so she’s given up trying. But when her personal brand of chaos ruins an expensive wedding (someone had to liberate those poor doves), her parents draw the line. It’s time for Eve to grow up and prove herself - even though she’s not entirely sure how… Jacob Wayne is in control. Always. The bed and breakfast owner’s on a mission to dominate the hospitality industry - and he expects nothing less than perfection. So when a purple-haired tornado of a woman turns up out of the blue to interview for his open chef position, he tells her the brutal truth: not a chance in hell. Then she hits him with her car - supposedly by accident. Yeah, right. Now his arm is broken, his B&B is understaffed, and the dangerously unpredictable Eve is fluttering around, trying to help. Before long, she’s infiltrated his work, his kitchen - and his spare bedroom. Jacob hates everything about it. Or rather, he should. Sunny, chaotic Eve is his natural-born nemesis, but the longer these two enemies spend in close quarters, the more their animosity turns into something else. Like Eve, the heat between them is impossible to ignore - and it’s melting Jacob’s frosty exterior.

My Thoughts: This was super cute! It’s been a while since I’ve read the previous two Brown Sisters books, but I had to wait for my turn at the library for this one. I’m glad I did wait though instead of buying the ebook because although I really enjoyed the experience of this book, I don’t know that it’s necessarily one I feel the need to have a copy of my own, yanno? Eve is just straight up chaos in most of the best ways. I loved that she really just owned her aesthetic and personality and if other people didn’t vibe with it, so be it. There were some behaviors she had at the beginning of the book that needed to change, but her overall character development worked those out by the end. Jacob is the perfect grump for this grumpy-sunshine trope. Not to mention, he literally ends up calling Eve “Sunshine” by the end of it :’). He’s got a process and plan in place for absolutely everything at his bed and breakfast and does not like to veer away from those. After Eve accidentally hits him with her car (lol), he’s forced to rely on others in a way he’s never been comfortable with. I adored these two main characters because their communication style was so transparent and the way they worked together was effortless. Was this my favorite Brown Sisters book? Not necessarily. Did I thoroughly enjoy it? For sure! Overall, if you’ve read the other two books in this series, I definitely say continue onto Eve’s story.

My Killer Vacation by Tessa Bailey

MY KILLER VACATION by Tessa Bailey

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Summary: It was supposed to be a relaxing vacation in sweet, sunny Cape Cod - just me and my beloved brother - but discovering a corpse in our rental house really throws a wrench into our tanning schedule. Now a rude, crude bounty hunter has arrived on the back of his motorcycle to catch the killer and refuses to believe I can be helpful, despite countless hours of true crime podcast listening. Not to mention a fulfilling teaching career of wrangling second graders. A brash bounty hunter and an energetic elementary schoolteacher: the murder-solving team no one asked for, but thanks to these pesky attempts on my life, we’re stuck together, come hell or high tide. | I’m just here to do a job, not babysit an amateur sleuth. Although… it is becoming less and less of a hardship to have her around. Sure, she’s stubborn, distracting, and can’t stay out of harm’s way. She’s also brave and beautiful and reminds me of the home I left behind three years ago. In other words, the painful hunger and protectiveness she is waking up in me is a threat to my peace of mind. Before I sink any deeper into this dangerous attraction, I need to solve this murder and get back on the road. But will fate take her from me before I realize the road has been leading to her all along?

My Thoughts: A cute AND steamy rom-com with a little bit of murder mixed in? Sounds like a great way to kick off spooky season! :) Seriously though, Tessa Bailey has a talent for writing Grade A banter between her MCs and this book is no exception. Taylor is a quirky school teacher who doesn’t think she’s a very brave person. Myles is a brutish bounty hunter who is a little rough around the edges, which also means he’s a softy at heart. I loved how this grumpy-sunshine trope played out between the two because they balanced each other so well. Although I’m not usually a fan of instant-love tropes, this one is probably more along the lines of instant-lust, and I could dig it lol. There are definitely some SPICY scenes in this book and the sexual tension is thick. On the other side of things, the murder mystery added just enough twists to keep the plot interesting while still giving room to the developing romance between Taylor and Myles. I wouldn’t say this is my favorite rom-com ever, but I really liked it!

Heartstopper Volume 4 by Alice Oseman

HEARTSTOPPER: Vol 4 by Alice Osmen

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: Charlie didn’t think Nick could ever like him back, but now they’re officially boyfriends. Charlie’s beginning to feel ready to say those three little words: I love you. Nick’s been feeling the same, but he’s got a lot on his mind - not least coming out to his dad, and the fact that Charlie might have an eating disorder. As summer turns to autumn and a new school year begins, Charlie and Nick are about to learn a lot about what love means. 

My Thoughts: Heartstopper just keeps getting more and more heartwarming with every volume and the fourth installment is no exception. This one had me getting a little more emotional than the other three because it touches on topics such as eating disorders and coming out for the first time to someone important to you. I still think it’s incredibly mature and self-aware for Nick to have noticed Charlie’s behaviors and moods related to food in social settings, at school, etc. He’s only 16, but he’s so in tune with Charlie (because love <3) and manages to approach it in a way that gives Charlie space to ask for help. So far, I’m absolutely obsessed with this graphic series and cannot wait for volume five to come out!

The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater

THE RAVEN KING by Maggie Stiefvater

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: All her life, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love’s death. She doesn’t believe in true love and never thought this would be a problem, but as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.

My Thoughts: Wow. For starters, I could have NEVER predicted how this series was going to end. Like this book kept me on my toes because nothing panned out the way I was assuming it would. We love multiple plot twists though, do we not? I was absolutely SWOONING over this new Ronan/Adam dynamic. Honestly, it makes sense to the overall storyline in general since they both have powers related to Cabe’s Water that they’d start gravitating towards each other. We saw a hint of those feelings starting to develop from Ronan’s point of view in the previous book, but I’m glad Adam went all in without hesitating. There was a new character introduced early on in this book, Henry Chen, who actually ends up playing a bigger role in the grand scheme of things than I was ever expecting. It turns out Ronan’s older brother has been elbow deep in some dangerous dealings which includes Henry’s mother and that whole situation is a giant plot twist in itself. Blue and Gansey are, of course, still the mf cutest couple to ever have paired. I will say, the climax of this book and basically the whole series happens pretty quickly, and not at all the way that I planned in my head, but I kind of appreciated that I didn’t get what was expected. Overall, I’m obsessed with the Raven Cycle series and the final book truly did the ending justice.

Mixed Signals by B.K. Borison

MIXED SIGNALS by B.K. Borison

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Summary: Layla Dupree has given up on love. She’s waded through all of the fish in the seas, each one more disappointing than the last. Apparently owning the bakery at Inglewild’s most romantic destination does not help one’s love life - despite her best efforts. All she wants is a partner who gives her butterflies, not someone who ghosts her at dinner and leaves her with the check. Good thing Caleb Alvarez has the perfect solution. After saving Layla from another date gone bad, he has a simple proposition: One month of no-strings dating. He’ll do his best to renew her faith in men while she rates his dating game. It’s a win-win situation. All the benefits of dating, without the added pressure of feelings and unmet expectations. But there’s one ingredient they haven’t considered. The chemistry between them is red hot and the urge to take things to the next level is more tempting than Layla’s double fudge mocha brownies. Will the heat between them boil over? Or will it be another case of mixed signals?

My Thoughts: The first thing absolutely everyone needs to know in regards to my feelings about this book is this: Caleb Alvarez has stolen my heart and for sure one of the top three spots on my book boyfriend list. Like wow. Leave me in a puddle of my own swoon because he is a gem that must be protected at all costs. Okay, now that that’s out of the way, this book is probably my favorite of the Lovelight series. It was the epitome of a sweet, steamy romance that makes you want to cherish every last page. The author’s writing really sucks you into the undeniable connection between Layla and Caleb in a way that feels like a slow burn, but really it’s just being present in the day to day nuances of learning someone else while unexpectedly falling in love. It truly got to the core of how a healthy relationship should feel and there were so many emotions radiating from this story. Especially through the simple things including the dates that didn’t go quite as planned, but ended up being even more memorable because of it, knowing immediately who they wanted to call when something was wrong, showing endless patience as they slowly opened up to one another, and learning to trust. This is one of those romance books that makes me realize I need to stop reading so much romance because it’s relationships like Layla and Caleb’s that give me unrealistic expectations of how things are going to be in real life lol. Needless to say, I highly recommend reading this if you’re looking for something swoony in the rom-com category. 

Woman on Fire by Lisa Barr

WOMAN ON FIRE by Lisa Barr

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Summary: After talking her way into a job with Dan Mansfield, the leading investigative reporter in Chicago, rising young journalist Jules Roth is given an unusual - and very secret - assignment. Dan needs her to locate a painting stolen by the Nazis more than 75 years earlier; legendary Expressionist artist Ernst Engel’s most famous work, Woman on Fire. World-renowned shoe designer Ellis Baum wants this portrait of a beautiful, mysterious woman for deeply personal reasons, and has enlisted Dan’s help to find it. But Jules doesn’t have much time; the famous designer is dying. Meanwhile, in Europe, provocative and powerful Margaux de Laurent also searches for the painting. Heir to her art collector family’s millions, Margaux is a cunning gallerist who gets everything she wants. The only thing standing in her way is Jules. Yet the passionate and determined Jules has unexpected resources of her own, including Adam Baum, Ellis’s grandson. A recovering addict and brilliant artist in his own right, Adam was once in Margaux’s clutches. He knows how ruthless she is, and he’ll do anything to help Jules locate the painting before Margaux gets to it first.

My Thoughts: Ooo WEE. This book had me SUCKED in right from the start. This book was fast-paced, twisty, and balanced the perfect combination of mystery, historical fiction, and contemporary fiction. Every character is so unique and addictive in their own right. Jules is a powerhouse investigative journalist who knows no boundaries when it comes to unraveling a story. Though she had a tendency to go rogue with some of her decisions, her confidence and strong will made her the perfect main character. Margaux was a fuckin menace and high key psychopath, but even her character had dynamic layers that made her so much more than just the antagonist. The plot twists were phenomenal and came at all of the right times in a way that affected all of the characters in this twisty race to find the Woman on Fire painting. I admired the amount of research that had to have gone into creating this story. The number of art references, and facts relating to WW2 really made me buy into everything this author was spinning for me. The timeline definitely kept me on my toes, and although the climax of this novel happens very quickly, I think the outcome of the hunt was so satisfactory. If you’re looking for something that’s cross-genre, a little thrilling, and will suck you in from page 1, you should definitely pick up this book!

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner

CRYING IN H MART by Michelle Zauner

Rating: 5/5 stars
Summary: In this exquisite story of family, food, grief, and endurance, Michelle, Zauner proves herself far more than a dazzling singer, songwriter, and guitarist. With humor and heart, she tells of growing up one of the few Asian American kids at her school in Eugene, Oregon; of struggling with her mother’s particular, high expectations of her; of a painful adolescence; of treasured months spent in her grandmother’s tiny apartment in Seoul, where she and her mother would bond, late at night, over heaping plates of food. As she grew up, moving to the East Coast for college, finding work in the restaurant industry, and performing gigs with her fledgling band - and meeting the man who would become her husband - her Koreanness began to feel ever more distant, even as she found the life she wanted to live. It was her mother’s diagnosis of terminal cancer, when Michelle was twenty-five, that forced a reckoning with her identity and brought her to reclaim the gifts of taste, language, and history her mother had given her. Vivacious and plainspoken, lyrical and honest, Zauner’s voice is as radiant alive on the page as it is on stage. Rich with intimate anecdotes that will resonate widely, and complete with family photos, Crying in H Mart is a book to cherish, share, and reread.

My Thoughts: I stand by my belief that memoirs are best read via audiobook if the author is the narrator. This was an incredible story about the relationship between a mother and daughter who don’t always understand the other, but continuously connect through their unconditional love. Michelle Zauner has a poetic way of writing that draws the rawest of emotions out of her readers. Specifically describing the grief she experienced throughout her mother’s diagnosis, chemotherapy, and life after her passing. The cultural references throughout this book truly put you in Zauner’s shoes as she walks you down the path of her life to the present. I am in awe at how much of her heart I felt through this audiobook and highly recommend it! Please check trigger warnings tho.

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Maas

A COURT OF MIST AND FURY by Sarah J. Maas

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Summary: Feyre has undergone more trials than one human woman can carry in her heart. Though she’s now been granted the powers and lifespan of the High Fae, she is haunted by her time Under the Mountain and the terrible deeds she performed to save the lives of Tamlin and his people. As her marriage to Tamlin approaches, Feyre’s hollowness and nightmares consume her. She finds herself split into two different people: one who upholds her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court, and one who lives out her life in the Spring Court with Tamlin. While Feyre navigates a dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms. She might just be the key to stopping it, but only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future - and the future of a world in turmoil. 

My Thoughts: LOL. Y’ALL. Okay I read A Court of Thorns and Roses back in early 2021, and although I immediately purchased this second book in the series after finishing the first one, I somehow managed to fight off the urge to jump right into it. So, here we are about a year and some change later, and I absolutely INHALED A Court of Mist and Fury. I think one of my favorite things about this book is Feyre’s character development. If I remember correctly, I thought she was kind of annoying in ACOTAR because she was pretty needy with Tamlin and not as strong of a main protagonist as I would’ve liked for that story. I think with her new Fae body and lifespan, and especially after everything she went through Under the Mountain, she just has so much more backbone in this book. Specifically, when she gets out of the Spring Court to fulfill her bargain with Rhysand. Although we were originally under the impression that his court is super scary, we quickly learn how much he has the rest of the world fooled. I absolutely loved the Night Court, the Court of Dreamers, and just everything that came with it. Also obsessed with Rhysand in general. Their relationship takes some turns as well - all for the better - that involve some real character development. There are some spicy scenes sprinkled into this book (chapter 55 IYKYK), but they were perfectly placed. I also love how much the plot thickens and all the twists it takes. TAMLIN CAN GTFO. He is such a turd. Otherwise, I really enjoyed the second book of this series and definitely recommend continuing onto it if you’ve read ACOTAR.

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J Maas

A COURT OF WINGS AND RUIN by Sarah J. Maas

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: Feyre has returned to Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin’s actions and learn what she can about the invading king threatening to bring her land to its knees. But to do so, she must play a deadly game of deceit. One slip could bring doom not only for Feyre, but for everything and everyone she holds dear. As war bears down upon them all, Feyre endeavors to take her place amongst the High Fae of the land, balancing her struggle to master powers - both magical and political - and her love for her court and family. Amidst these struggles, Feyre and Rhysand must decide whom to trust amongst the cunning and lethal High Lords, and hunt for allies in unexpected places.

My Thoughts: Wow. Yes. This book is exactly what I needed in this series. The plot was phenomenal and the unexpected twists made me the perfect amount of antsy. We had incredible character development across the board - even F Boy Tamlin had some upswing in this one. The scene setting and vivid atmosphere descriptions made picturing Prythian effortless. This. This is what I wanted from SJM at the beginning of the series and she made me patiently wait until the third installment to unleash her storytelling beast. Especially during the war scenes?? Y’all. I felt like I was in the middle of that battlefield trudging through mud and blood. I was the one wielding swords and daggers next to my Illyrian kin as I trained for combat. I was the one navigating politics between the High Courts. She has a talent for drawing you into the narrative in a way that feels so natural and all encompassing. A few fleeting thoughts: I am getting love triangle vibes from the whole Lucien-Elain-Azriel situation and cannot wait until that is addressed, Nesta and Cassian are the grumpy-sunshine fae duo I didn’t know I needed in my life, and last but not least, RHYSAND CAN STILL GET IT. Okay. So there it is. That’s my review. I literally devoured this book in two days, so idk what else to tell you besides definitely read this book if you’ve jumped onto the ACOTAR train.

A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas

A COURT OF FROST AND STARLIGHT by Sarah J. Maas

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Summary: Feyre, Rhysand, and their friends are still busy rebuilding the Night Court and the vastly altered world beyond, recovering from the war that changed everything. But Winter Solstice is finally approaching, and with it, the joy of a hard-earned reprieve. Yet even the festive atmosphere can’t keep the shadows of the past from looming. As Feyre navigates her first Winter Solstice as High Lady, her concern for those dearest to her deepens. They have more wounds than she anticipated-scars that will have a far-reaching impact on the future of their court.

My Thoughts: Okay so I was torn on whether to read this one or not because it’s technically a novella to this series and some people say it’s not worth it. However, I will say this: do I regret reading it? Not at all. Will I ever read it again? Probably not lol. It was a nice change of pace looking at the first holiday following the big war that happened in ACOWAR. We also had some chapters from various characters’ POVs instead of just Feyre's, which was refreshing. It really gave perspective as to how each individual character was dealing with everything that happened in the previous book. Some were obviously doing better with the emotional and mental aftermath of being through a destructive, bloody war. Others, however, (specifically Nesta), are still trying to figure out how to process all of the trauma experienced. I think there were a few nods/details to character dynamics in the next book (A Court of Silver Flames), so I wouldn’t discount this book as not worth reading entirely. However, if you absolutely do not want to read it, I guess it’s not going to wholly impact the series experience. The best way to describe how I felt about this book is, if you’ve read the Throne of Glass series, the attitude towards Tower of Dawn is pretty comparable to the attitude about this book lol. Like you don’t want to read it, but end up enjoying it once you do. So yeah. 

Alrighty, that’s September for ya!

I’m going to try to get a little spooky with the books I read in October, but I’m also one of the jumpiest people when it comes to mystery/thrillers/horror. So, no promises lol. 

2022 Book Count: 160

Add me on Goodreads if you haven’t already.

YOUR TURN! What’s the last series you dove head first into?

March 2022 Reads

Okay, y’all. Remember last month when I said I was going to try to rotate a wider variety of genres into my reading list for March?

Well, lol. That is the last time I’ll be making any promises. 

Ya girl went through a really weird reading funk this month, and the only thing that sounded enticing to me when I wasn’t feeling any genre was a raunchy romance novel. That said, I did manage to squeeze in a few non-fiction books and a couple of mystery/thrillers.

So, I didn’t totally miss the mark. I just went hard in the paint and doubled down on the romance books lol. 

Welp, let’s get to it! Buckle up for this very lengthy March reading wrap-up!

*All summaries are taken or paraphrased from Goodreads

Dating You Hating You by Christina Lauren

DATING YOU HATING YOU by Christina Lauren

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Despite the odds against them from an embarrassing meet-awkward at a mutual friend’s Halloween party, Carter and Evie immediately hit it off. Even the realization that they’re both high-powered agents at competing firms in Hollywood isn’t enough to squash the fire. But when their two agencies merge - causing the pair to vie for the same position - all bets are off. What could have been a beautiful, blossoming romance turns into an all-out war of sabotage. Carter and Evie are both thirtysomething professionals - so why can’t they act like it? Can Carter stop trying to please everyone and see how their mutual boss is really playing the game? Can Evie put aside her competitive nature long enough to figure out what she really wants in life? Can their actor clients just be something close to human? Will these two Hollywood love/hatebirds get the storybook Hollywood ending or just a dramedy of epic proportions?

My Thoughts: LOL this book was so much fun! I listened to it on audiobook which made all of the office place shenanigans in this rom-com even more entertaining and animated thanks to the awesome narrators. I loved that this story didn’t start with your typical enemies-to-lovers trope where the characters despise one another before falling for each other. Evie and Carter actually genuinely liked each other at the beginning of this book and had hope in the relationship that was blossoming between them. It was only when they realized they’d be competing for the same job that the claws came out and it was every person for themselves. Some of the pranks they pulled on each other were laugh-out-loud funny, you could cut the sexual tension with a knife, and when their walls came down momentarily, I swooned over the heartwarming exchanges. Evie and Carter were both incredibly likable characters in their own respect and it was really fulfilling to watch them band together to fight the misogyny radiating from their asshole boss. Overall, this book was an absolute delight and I definitely recommend it!

The Friend Zone by Abby Jiminez

THE FRIEND ZONE by Abby Jimenez

Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary: Kristen Petersen doesn’t do drama, will fight to the death for her friends, and has no room in her life for guys who just don’t get her. She’s also keeping a big secret: facing a medically necessary procedure that will make it impossible for her to have children. Planning her best friend’s wedding is bittersweet for Kristen - especially when she meets the best man, Josh Copeland. He’s funny, sexy, never offended by her mile-wide streak of sarcasm, and always one chicken enchilada ahead of her hangry. Even her dog, Stuntman Mike, adores him. The only catch: Josh wants a big family someday. Kristen knows he’d be better off with someone else, but as their attraction grows, it’s harder and harder to keep him at arm’s length.

My Thoughts: There was a lot that happened in this book, and I was going back and forth on my feelings about it the entire time. For the most part, it was fun to watch Kristen and Josh’s relationship grow from enemies to friends to lovers. There’s a forbidden love aspect to it that adds even more anticipation to the sexual tension building for a large portion of the book. They’re both decently likable characters, but I think I liked them more together than as individuals because their dynamics gave depth to the story. Aside from the romance, there are some subplots that provide some intense tear jerking moments - including a huge plot twist, so grab your tissues. Overall, this was a pretty decent read, but I probably won’t read it again nor use it as an immediate recommendation. As a side note, please check the trigger and content warnings before picking this up if you plan to.

Knot My Type by Evie Mitchell

KNOT MY TYPE by Evie Mitchell

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Summary: Frankie - when you say you’re a sexologist, people imagine Marilyn Monroe. They don’t expect a woman who uses a wheelchair. As the host of the All Access Podcast, I’m breaking down barriers, crushing stigmas, and creating sexual connections that are fulfilling for my fans. Only I’ve hit a snag. A lovely listener wants some advice about accessible rope play and I’m drawing a blank. Which leaves me with no option but to get out there and give it a go. Which is how I meet Jay Wood - rigger, carpenter, and all-round hottie. I’d be open to letting him wine and dine me - only Jay isn’t my type. He’s not a one-girl kind of guy and I’m not a woman who’ll settle for being second choice. But the closer we get, the more Jay has me tied up in knots. And it’s making me think maybe I could compromise. Jay - Frankie’s funny, intelligent, and ridiculously sexy. This should be a no-brainer. A little fun in the sheets - simple. Only the infuriating woman is asking for more and I’m not that kind of guy. I wouldn’t even know how to be that kind of guy. I’m the definition of easy. It’ll be fine. We’ll be friends. Just friends. So, why does my heart feel frayed? And why is it I can’t help but consider taking the ultimate leap of faith - tying myself to Frankie. Permanently.

My Thoughts: I went into this book not knowing anything about it, but I can tell you that accessible BDSM is not what I was expecting at all! Though I’m not a huge fan of instant-love tropes, it worked well for this story and made the connection between Frankie and Jay feel much more swoony in an “oh they found their person” type of way. I loved how strong Frankie’s character was. She was unapologetically herself and radiated confidence through everything from her incredibly successful podcast, to her brightly-colored wardrobe, and even to the risque self portrait she proudly displays above her bed. Her personality just jumped off the pages. Jay was a little less confident, but the sweetest guy you could ask for and was incredibly attentive to Frankie’s wants and needs (both in and outside of the bedroom lol). This is definitely an open-door romance with some rope play sprinkled in, so if that sort of thing makes you feel uncomfy, this may not be for you. Although this book was a little saccharine for me, I do think it’s a great read outside of the regular rom-com template.  

Normal People by Sally Rooney

NORMAL PEOPLE by Sally Rooney

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: At school, Connell and Marianne pretend not to know each other. He’s popular and well-adjusted, star of the school soccer team while she is lonely, proud, and intensely private. But when Connell comes to pick his mother up from her housekeeping job at Marianne’s house, a strange and indelible connection grows between the two teenagers - one they are determined to conceal. A year later, they’re both studying at Trinity College in Dublin. Marianne has found her feet in a new social world while Connell hangs at the sidelines, shy and uncertain. Throughout their years in college, Marianne and Connell circle one another, straying towards other people and possibilities but always magnetically, irresistibly drawn back together. Then, as she veers into self-destruction and he begins to search for meaning elsewhere, each must confront how far they are willing to go to save each other. 

My Thoughts: I listened to this on audiobook and really liked it. I’m not sure if it was the actual story or the narrator’s voice or a combination, but this book was both peaceful and upsetting. Marianne and Connell were such complicated characters who found solace in each other. The moments when their communication and feelings were aligned provided a pocket of calm in a storm of melancholy. When they weren’t on the same wavelength, though, it was physically frustrating - like my gut was tight because I was so irritated by how stubborn they were. Both of them were trying to figure out who they were out in the world, and nothing felt right except for when they were together. Their relationship had such potential to be healthy, but I think it was just so lowkey codependent that it never reached that level of balance. Especially when Connell suffered from anxiety, and Marianne was dealing with her own demons that manifested in deep depressive episodes and self harming behaviors. That said, this was a really beautiful book about how impactful people can be in each other’s lives and what it takes to nurture those relationships as you continue to work on yourself. Please check all the trigger warnings though before you go into it. 

Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey

HOOK, LINE, AND SINKER by Tessa Bailey

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Summary: King crab fisherman Fox Thornton has a reputation as a sexy, carefree flirt. Everyone knows he’s a guaranteed good time - in bed and out - and that’s exactly how he prefers it. Until he meets Hannah Bellinger. She’s immune to his charm and looks, but she seems to enjoy his… personality? And wants to be friends? Bizarre. But he likes her too much to risk a fling, so platonic pals it is. Now, Hannah’s in town for work, crashing in Fox’s spare bedroom. She knows he’s a notorious ladies’ man, but they’re definitely just friends. In fact, she’s nursing a hopeless crush on a colleague and Fox is just the person to help with her lackluster love life. Armed with a few tips from Westport’s resident Casanova, Hannah sets out to catch her coworker’s eye… yet the more time she spends with Fox, the more she wants him instead. Hannah can’t deny she loves everything about Fox, but she refuses to be another notch on his bedpost. Living with his best friend should have been easy. Except now she’s walking around in a towel, sleeping right across the hall, and Fox is fantasizing about waking up next to her for the rest of his life and… man overboard. He’s fallen for her, hook, line, and sinker. Helping her flirt with another guy is pure torture, but maybe if Fox can tackle his inner demons and show Hannah he’s all in, she’ll choose him instead?

My Thoughts: I loved Hannah in It Happened One Summer and was so excited she got her own story! This may be a bold statement, but I think I may have liked Hannah and Fox’s story better than Piper and Brendan’s? The friends-to-lovers trope made sinking into this developing romance feel like snuggling into a cozy blanket. Their chemistry as friends was undeniable and I loved that Hannah wanted to emphasize to Fox that a friendship between them is just as, if not more, important to her than acting on any sexual impulses they had. Hannah in general is a really down-to-earth character which makes her incredibly easy to like, but she also has this unique drive and strength to her that kicks her likeability up to 100. Fox has officially been added to my list of “book boyfriends” lol. He definitely had a lot to work through before he could give Hannah what she truly deserved, and we love a guy with some self-awareness, do we not? Though you technically could read this book without having read It Happened One Summer first, I don’t recommend it. I think the experience will be so much more enjoyable if you read the books in order. So, quickly go pick the first one up, so you can dive into this absolute gem! :)

The Guest List by Lucy Foley

THE GUEST LIST by Lucy Foley

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Summary: The bride. The plus one. The best man. The wedding planner. The bridesmaid. The body. On an island off the coast of Ireland, guests gather to celebrate two people joining their lives together as one. The groom: handsome and charming, a rising television star. The bride: smart and ambitious, a magazine publisher. It’s a wedding for a magazine, or for a celebrity: the designer dress, the remote location, the luxe party favors, the boutique whiskey. The cell phone service may be spotty and the waves may be rough, but every detail has been expertly planned and will be expertly executed. But perfection is for plans, and people are all too human. As the champagne is popped and the festivities begin, resentments and petty jealousies begin to mingle with the reminiscences and well wishes. The groomsmen begin the drinking game from their school days. The bridesmaid not-so-accidentally ruins her dress. The bride’s oldest (male) friend gives an uncomfortably caring toast. And then someone turns up dead. Who didn’t wish the happy couple well? And perhaps more important, why?

My Thoughts: I have to start by saying, though I’m usually a grade A scaredy cat with mystery/thriller books, I really enjoyed this one! The first chunk of the book is a little slower paced, but I think it was essential for setting a solid background on the characters and the history of the island where the story takes place. Although there are a handful of characters, each chapter is from the perspective of a different person, so it was easy to keep track of everyone and how they played into the bigger picture. Hannah was probably my favorite because she felt the most down-to-earth amongst this gang of incredibly eccentric, sometimes wicked, wedding goers. There were plot twists on plot twists in this book, and I did not see any of them coming. Once a couple of the plot twists revealed themselves, I was like oh okay, looking back, I probably could have predicted that. However, there were other plot twists that made my jaw drop lol. This wasn’t necessarily a ~scary~ book as much as it was a little creepy. Don’t get me wrong, my heart was pumping a couple of times, but if you’re not usually great with thrillers, I still think you’d be fine with this one. Needless to say, this was my first Lucy Foley book, but it won’t be my last! 

Yes & I Love You by Roni Loren

YES & I LOVE YOU by Roni Loren

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Everyone knows Miz Poppy, the vibrant reviewer whose commentary brightens the New Orleans nightlife. But no one knows Hollyn, the real face behind the media star… or the fear that keeps her isolated. When her boss tells her she needs to add video to her blog or lose her job, she’s forced to rely on an unexpected source to help her face her fears. When aspiring actor Jasper Deares finds out the shy woman who orders coffee every day is actually Miz Poppy, he realizes he has a golden opportunity to get the media attention his acting career needs. All he has to do is help Hollyn come out of her shell… and through their growing connection, finally find her voice.

My Thoughts: Eek! I really enjoyed this book! Hollyn and Jasper had such bright and unique personalities that absolutely jumped off the page. The amount of vulnerability and trust they showed each other made my heart melt, and I absolutely adored them as a team. Both of them were working through some insecurities stemming from adversities they’d faced, so the character development was really satisfactory alongside the romance that was blooming. Not to mention, they gave us the wittiest of banter, the thickest of sexual tension, and so many swoon-worthy moments. There’s even a small love triangle plotline involved that really throws a wrench in things. This is definitely an open door romance, so if you’re more into the “fade to black” type of scenes, this might not be your jam. Otherwise, I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to read the next one in this series!

The Honey-Don’t List by Christina Lauren

THE HONEY-DON’T LIST by Christina Lauren

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Summary: Carey Douglas has worked for home remodeling and design gurus Melissa and Rusty Tripp for nearly a decade. A country girl at heart, Carey started in their first store at 16, and - more than anyone would suspect - has helped them build an empire. With a new show and a book about to launch, the Tripps are on the verge of superstardom. There’s only one problem: America’s favorite couple can’t stand each other. James McCann, MIT graduate and engineering genius, was originally hired as a structural engineer, but the job isn’t all he thought it’d be. The last straw? Both he and Carey must go on a book tour with the Tripps and keep the wheels from falling off the proverbial bus. Unfortunately, neither of them is in any position to quit. Carey needs health insurance, and James has been promised the role of a lifetime if he can just keep the couple on track for a few more weeks. While road-tripping with the Tripps up the West Coast, Carey and James vow to work together to keep their bosses’ secrets hidden, and their own jobs secure. But if they stop playing along - and start playing for keeps - they may have the chance to build something beautiful together.

My Thoughts: Ummm, HGTV show meets rom-com novel? Yes please! This was such a fun audiobook and the narrators did a great job pulling you into the story with their various voices. Carey and James were great main characters for this story. They each had to put up with the Tripps to ensure they didn’t lose something important to them. And, let me tell you, the Tripps were a TRIP. You could feel the toxicity of their relationship radiating from this story, and the tension it caused in multiple scenes. That said, I feel like the book focused a little too much on the Tripps and I wish it zoomed in a little more on the relationship developing between Carey and James. I totally understand that suffering as the Tripps’ assistants was what ultimately brought them together, but by paying attention to that subplot more than their romance made it feel a little rushed. Did I love this book? No. Did I like it and enjoy it? Definitely! It’s not as spicy as other Christina Lauren books tend to be, but if that’s more your vibe anyway, then I’d say this book might be up your alley! 

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson

THE SUBTLE ART OF NOT GIVING A F*CK by Mark Manson

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: For decades, we’ve been told that positive thinking is the key to a happy, rich life. In his wildly popular internet blog, Mark Manson doesn’t sugarcoat or equivocate. He tells it like it is - a dose of raw, refreshing, honest truth that is sorely lacking today. This book is his antidote to the coddling, let’s-all-feel-good mindset that has infected American society and spoiled a generation, rewarding them with gold medals just for showing up. There are only so many things we can give an f about, so we need to figure out which ones really matter, Manson makes clear. While money is nice, caring about what you do with your life is better, because true wealth is about experience. Once we embrace our fears, faults, and uncertainties, once we stop running and avoiding and start confronting painful truths, we can begin to find the courage, perseverance, honesty, responsibility, curiosity, and forgiveness we seek.

My Thoughts: I listened to this on audiobook and definitely enjoyed it, but feel like everything would have stuck with me more if I had the physical book to make notes in too. I’m just such a visual learner that it’s hard for my brain to really soak in all of the advice, listicles, tidbits, etc. that the author provides if I’m not visually reading them. So, keep that in mind if you’re a visual learner too! Overall though, Mark Manson is definitely a blunt author to say the least. I appreciated that he didn’t make this feel like a “hand holding” book as he takes us through the subtle art of not giving a fuck. My main takeaway was that we need to get out of our heads and take a different approach to how we view life and what’s in front of us. One thing that really resonated with me was the lesson about success. I think I’ve spent the last 4-5 years unlearning what it means to be successful. As an overachiever for most of my life, the fear of failure has always been that nagging entity in the back of my brain, but Manson tore apart the idea that you have to be the best at everything to be successful. And, I just really appreciated that lol. Anywho, I definitely liked this one! 

Earn Your Extra Credit by Meghan Quinn

EARN YOUR EXTRA CREDIT by Meghan Quinn

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Summary: “She went home with someone else that night?” Hearing the disbelief in my best friend’s mouth makes the events of my failed date sting that much more. I would like to make it known, I have a lot more swagger than what it seems. I don’t normally ask a girl out, have her fail to recognize it’s a date, and then give me a high five - as if I’m her wingman - and take off with someone else. No. Normally, I’m the one taking the girl home but with Stella, it’s been one failed attempt after another and frankly, I’m done trying. But thanks to my best friend getting married in Hawaii right before the school year starts, I’m stuck on a tropical island, watching Stella parade around in what she claims is a bathing suit. Unfortunately, that’s not the worst of it, just the tip of the iceberg. Because what I think is going to be a relaxing vacation, avoiding the one girl I can’t seem to make it work with, has turned into a spectacle of being reunited as Stella’s doting fake fiance, so she can save face with an old “friend” from high school. Now I’m navigating through purgatory while trying not to get turned on by the way she holds my hand or kisses my jaw. It’s fake, that’s what I keep telling myself, even though it feels entirely too real. 

My Thoughts: Preface - I have Kindle Unlimited for free through April. So, I was trying to get some KU books mixed into my reading line-up before I don’t have it anymore. Meghan Quinn has made her way onto my radar over the last few months and I’ve liked what I’ve read of hers thus far. So, I DJ Khaled with anotha one. This book was super cute, but it was also so much longer than it needed to be. The first 65-70% of it takes place on a Hawaiian vacation, and then the last chunk is in Chicago after they return home. So there was a mild disconnect for me because I had to quickly transition the settings after having envisioned a tropical paradise for a majority of the experience. The storyline rotated through a few different tropes: enemies-to-lovers, fake-dating, friends-to-lovers, and coworkers-to-lovers - which caused quite the whirlwind for this developing romance. Stella and Brock (Romeo) definitely had an undeniable connection, but because they each were working on themselves and were awful communicators, it took a hot minute for their desired relationship to come to fruition. Overall, I for sure liked this book and plan to read more of Meghan Quinn’s books, but I don’t think this will end up in my top favorites of hers. 

Put Me in Detention by Meghan Quinn

PUT ME IN DETENTION by Meghan Quinn

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: I was hanging with the girls, celebrating my divorce when I saw him, my crush, sitting in the corner at the bar all alone. Being single and looking for a wild night, I asked him if he wanted to join me. To my delight, he said yes. Drinks were consumed, fun was had and then… one drunken conversation with a cranky gondolier in Las Vegas led to an Uber lift through a drive-thru wedding chapel with the incredibly hot, British bad boy, Pike Greyson. On paper, it seemed like I hit the jackpot. And if I wasn’t fresh from a toxic marriage, I would have absolutely noticed the finer things about him. But I wanted nothing to do with being married, so when I arrived back home from my eventful weekend in Vegas, the last thing I expected to see was a doting husband already moved in. I asked for an annulment, he pulled a Ross Geller and said no. That’s right, he said NO! Instead, he asked for three months to prove we could be good together. Insanity clearly knocked him in the head and the only way I could convince him to give up on our sham of a marriage was to show him just how wrong we were for each other. Only problem with that was, he saw right through every prank, every trick, and every yearning emotion I attempted to mask. 

My Thoughts: All righty, y’all! This book is the follow up to Earn Your Extra Credit and let me tell you, I thoroughly enjoyed it! Cora and Pike were such fun characters individually, so when they were thrown together, their energy absolutely shined through the pages. Cora was spunky and scrappy in the best possible way. She was determined to show Pike that she was a less-than-desirable wifey to convince him to get their Vegas marriage annulled. So, she kicked it into high gear with pranks, unappetizing homemade meals, and telling him bizarre lies - all of which provided some LOL-worthy moments. Although he had an ulterior motive for staying married, I really loved Pike. He treated Cora so well, was protective of her, and provided a safe space that allowed her to let her guard down. It was swoon city to say the least. On a side note, this rom-com story is packed with sexual tension and steam, so reserved readers beware! Overall though, I’m glad I impulsively picked up this book. :)

We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

WE SHOULD ALL BE FEMINISTS by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary: What does “feminism” mean today? That is the question at the heart of this book, a personal, eloquently-argued essay - adapted from her much viewed TEDx talk of the same name - by Chimanda Ngozi Adichie, the award-winning author of Americanah and Half of a Yellow Sun. With humor and levity, here Adichie offers readers a unique definition of feminism for the 21st century - one rooted in inclusion and awareness. She shines a light not only on blatant discrimination, but also the more insidious, institutional behaviors that maginalize women around the world, in order to help readers of all walks of life better understand the masked realities of sexual politics. Throughout, she draws extensively on her own experiences - in the U.S., in her native Nigeria, and abroad - offering an artfully nuanced explanation of why the gender divide is harmful for women and men alike. 

My Thoughts: I listened to this on audiobook and it took maybe 30 minutes, so if you’re interested in this book, the audio version is quick! It’s read by the author which makes it easier to be sucked into the anecdotes and explanations due to the inflections in her voice. As for the actual content, I liked that she took a different approach to the topic of feminism by pivoting our brains to look at things from a new angle. The other aspect I really appreciated is that she covered the topic of toxic masculinity. Instead of focusing solely on the cultural/societal expectations of a woman, she zeroes in on how these expectations need to be changed for men too. The only thing that really rubbed me the wrong way is that she definitely has a heteronormative/cisnormative approach to this essay which excludes most of the LGBTQ+ community, and I don’t agree with that. So, yeah. Do with that what you will, but overall I think this book makes some good points.

Twisted Love by Ana Huang

TWISTED LOVE by Ana Huang

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Alex Volkov is a devil blessed with the face of an angel and cursed with a past he can’t escape. Driven by a tragedy that has haunted him for most of his life, his ruthless pursuits for success and vengeance leave little room for matters of the heart. But when he’s forced to look after his best friend’s sister, he starts to feel something in his chest: a crack, a melt, a fire that could end his world as he knew it. Ava Chen is a free spirit trapped by nightmares of a childhood she can’t remember. But despite her broken past, she’s never stopped seeing the beauty in the world… including the heart beneath the icy exterior of a man she shouldn’t want. Her brother’s best friend, her neighbor, her savior, and her downfall. Theirs is a love that was never supposed to happen - but when it does, it unleashes secrets that could destroy them both… and everything they hold dear.

My Thoughts: My goodness this was an experience. What we have here folks is a romance novel driven by sunshine/grumpy and forbidden love tropes - both of which are done impeccably well. I wasn’t sure about this story at first. Sometimes, with a grumpy-sunshine trope, the Negative Nance of the two can be such an asshole that when their redeeming moments/qualities finally happen, they just can’t save enough face for me to like them. Alex, however, is a broody boy with an incredibly dark past who has never experienced unconditional love. So when his icy heart started thawing and we got to see how protective, vulnerable, and intentional he was with Ava, he definitely found a place in my heart. The subplots revolving around Ava's storyline were WILD and also pretty dark. Which is such a stark contrast to the warm, open-hearted person she is. I didn’t see some of the plot twists coming, but I was thoroughly invested in this developing romance and the chemistry between them. It’s a pretty steamy book, but I melted from the cuteness just as much. There are two more books in this series that I will definitely be adding to my TBR. Please check trigger warnings before you jump in!

Uncomfortable Conversations With A Black Man by Emmanuel Acho

UNCOMFORTABLE CONVERSATIONS WITH A BLACK MAN by Emmanuel Acho

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Summary: In Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man, Acho takes on all the questions, large and small, insensitive and taboo, many white Americans are afraid to ask - yet which all Americans need to know the answers to, now more than ever. With the same open-hearted generosity that has made his video series a phenomenon, Acho explains the vital core of such fraught concepts as white privilege, cultural appropriation, and “reverse racism.” In his own words, he provides a space of compassion and understanding in a discussion that can lack both. He asks only for the reader’s curiosity - but along the way, he will galvanize all of us to join the antiracist fight. 

My Thoughts: I listened to this on audiobook and really liked it! The author is also the narrator and, for lack of a better word, it was incredibly conversational which made it a lot easier to absorb the book’s information. I appreciated how he had the same format for each chapter and provided not only background stories based on historical events, but gave personal anecdotes as well as clear actionable items. At the end of each chapter, he also directs you to other pieces of literature or media that is directly related to the topic he just addressed, so that you can dive more deeply into it. Though not a lot of information was new to me, the delivery of this book was like talking to a friend. I think it’d be a great read for anyone (specifically white people) looking for some answers about race or those who are new to the topics he covers. If you’re a visual learner, I’d say pick up the physical or e-book, but I enjoyed the audiobook just the same. 

Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas

BIRTHDAY GIRL by Penelope Douglas

Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary: Jordan - He took me in when I had nowhere else to go. He doesn’t use me, hurt me, or forget about me. He listens to me, protects me, and sees me. I can feel his eyes on me over the breakfast table, and my heart pumps so hard when I hear him pull in the driveway. I have to stop this. It can’t happen. My sister once told me there are no good men, and if you find one, he’s probably unavailable. Only Pike Lawson isn’t the unavailable one. I am. Pike - I took her in, because I thought I was helping. As the days go by, though, it’s becoming anything but easy. I have to stop my mind from drifting to her and stop holding my breath every time I bump into her in the house. I can’t touch her, and I shouldn’t want to. But we’re not free to give into this. She’s 19 and I’m 38. And her boyfriend’s father. Unfortunately, they both just moved into my house. 

My Thoughts: Ugh. Okay. I really wanted to love this book, but I just liked it. I can’t decide if that’s because I read Credence by Penelope Douglas first and that set a VERY high bar, or if it’s because I just don’t like an age-gap trope all that much. It’s probably a combination of the two, but I digress. Jordan and Pike are both pretty complex characters at their core. Jordan has grown up feeling lonely in any room of people who are supposed to love her. She’s hardworking, making her own way in the world, and incredibly resilient. Pike’s life didn’t pan out the way he expected after a one-night-stand when he was 19 turned him into a father. He’s diligent in creating a life he can be proud of, selfless (humbly at that), and has been fighting an uphill battle trying to form a relationship with his son for years. I felt the mix of fear and rush these MCs had when they realized they found someone who felt like home. That said, I just wasn’t as invested in this story as I expected to be. The one thing I adored about this book though is Jordan’s character arc. I “whooped!” when she was on the upswing of her personal development which involved knowing (clap) her (clap) WORTH (clap). That’s often something missing in stories like this. A lot of people love this book, so if you’re down for an age-gap/forbidden love trope combo, this could be for you! Fair warning though, it’s definitely an open door, explicit romance, so don’t bother if that’s not your jam. 

The Deal by Elle Kennedy

THE DEAL by Elle Kennedy

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: Hannah Wells has finally found someone who turns her on. But while she might be confident in every other area of her life, she’s carting around a full set of baggage when it comes to sex and seduction. If she wants to get her crush’s attention, she’ll have to step out of her comfort zone and make him take notice… even if it means tutoring the annoying, childish, cocky captain of the hockey team in exchange for a pretend date. All Garrett Graham has ever wanted is to play professional hockey after graduation, but his plummeting GPA is threatening everything he’s worked so hard for. If helping a sarcastic brunette make another guy jealous will help him secure his position on the team, he’s all for it. But when one expected kiss leads to the wildest sex of both their lives, it doesn’t take long for Garrett to realize that pretend isn’t going to cut it. Now he just has to convince Hannah that the man she wants looks a lot like him.

My Thoughts: Okay, okay, okay. One of my BFFs slid this book onto my radar a few months ago, and by golly does it live up to its hype! Hannah and Garrett are such fun characters - I have friend crushes on both of them. This book gave me everything I could’ve hoped for: quick-witted banter, heart-wrenching moments, S-P-I-C-Y scenes, and some hot hockey players lol. Seriously though, Hannah and Garrett’s chemistry was absolutely undeniable. I loved that they organically developed a genuine friendship with each other first, because it made the trust between them feel so much more authentic later on when things get rocky. Honestly, I just loved this book, and will definitely be picking up the next one in the series! NOTE: there are some subplots involving sensitive topics including sexual assault, domestic violence, victim-blaming, etc., so PLEASE look up the trigger warnings before diving into this one.

Twisted Games by Ana Huang

TWISTED GAMES by Ana Huang

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Stoic, broody, and arrogant, elite bodyguard Rhys Larsen has two rules: 1) Protect his clients at all costs, 2) Do not become emotionally involved. Ever. He has never once been tempted to break those rules… until her. Bridget von Ascheberg. A princess with a stubborn streak that matches his own and a hidden fire that reduces his rules to ash. She’s nothing he expected and everything he never knew he needed. Day by day, inch by inch, she breaks down his defenses until he’s faced with a truth he can no longer deny: he swore an oath to protect her, but all he wants is to ruin her. Take her. Because she’s his. His princess. His forbidden fruit. His every depraved fantasy. Regal, strong-willed, and bound by the chains of duty, Princess Bridget dreams of the freedom to live and love as she chooses. But when her brother abdicates, she’s suddenly faced with the prospect of a loveless, politically expedient marriage and a throne she never wanted. And as she navigates the intricacies - and treacheries - of her new role, she must also hide her desire for a man she can’t have. Her bodyguard. Her protector. Her ultimate ruin. Unexpected and forbidden, theirs is a love that could destroy a kingdom… and doom them both.

My Thoughts: This is the second book in the Twisted series and by golly we love a slow burn romance, do we not? Throw in some royalty of an imaginary country and a super hot bodyguard and I was SOLD. Starting with my new book boyfriend, Rhys. Not only is he an attractive young lad, but he’s such a hard ass with the sweetest/softest core. Like when Bridget can’t go to the music festival because it’s not safe, so he surprises her with an indoor, at-home music festival replica?? Be still my heart. Besides that, his undying dedication, unconditional love, and protectiveness for Bridget made me swoon on multiple occasions. Bridget is an absolute QUEEN (both literally and figuratively). She had such composure and  compassion which made some people underestimate her. However, that was a big mistake because she was headstrong AF and had a ruthless side when she needed to. The romance between this princess and royal bodyguard was unstoppable. They drew towards each other like magnets in every situation and their love radiated off the pages. This is a pretty steamy book as well, just so ya know. Needless to say, I’m going to continue on with the Twisted series because I am HOOKED. :) 

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

THE SILENT PATIENT by Alex Michaelides

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Summary: Alicia Bereson’s life is seemingly perfect. A famous painter married to an in-demand fashion photographer, she lives in a grand house with big windows overlooking a park in one of London’s most desirable areas. One evening her husband Gabriel returns home late from a fashion shoot, and Alicia shoots him five times in the face, and then never speaks another word. Alicia’s refusal to talk, or give any kind of explanation, turns a domestic tragedy into something far grander, a mystery that captures the public imagination and casts Alicia into notoriety. The price of her art skyrockets, and she, the silent patient, is hidden away from the tabloids and spotlight at the Grove, a secure forensic unit in North London. Theo Faber is a criminal psychotherapist who has waited a long time for the opportunity to work with Alicia. His determination to get her to talk and unravel the mystery of why she shot her husband takes him down a twisting path into his own motivations - a search for the truth that threatens to consume him. 

My Thoughts: WTF lol. I literally made it 88% of the way through this book and STILL didn’t know what the big reveal/”oh shit” moment was going to be. This book was sooo good! The characters were phenomenal, the writing was stunning, and there were just enough creepy moments sprinkled throughout to keep me on my toes. Once some of the bigger plot twists occurred towards the end, I literally had to read those pages twice because my brain couldn’t comprehend what just happened. They were just so unexpected lol. This book was definitely a slow burn at the start, but quickly picks up the deeper you get into it. Did it live up to its hype? At face value, I’m going to say not exactly. Am I going to be thinking about it months from now? Yeah lol. I definitely will. If you’re looking for a twisty mystery/thriller that is impossible to predict what happens, grab this book for sure!

The Fine Print by Lauren Asher

THE FINE PRINT by Lauren Asher

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: Rowan - I’m in the business of creating fairy tales. Theme parks. Production companies. Five-star hotels. Everything could be all mine if I renovated Dreamland. My initial idea of hiring Zahra was good in theory, but then I kissed her. Things spiraled out of control once I texted her using an alias. By the time I realized where I went wrong, it was too late. People like me don’t get happy endings. Not when we’re destined to ruin them. Zahra - After submitting a drunk proposal criticizing Dreamland’s most expensive ride, I should have been fired. Instead, Rowan Kane offered me my dream job. The catch? I had to work for the most difficult boss I’d ever met. Rowan was rude and completely off-limits, but my heart didn’t care. At least not until I discovered his secret. It was time to teach the billionaire that money couldn’t fix everything. Especially not us. 

My Thoughts: *Taps mic* Is this thing on? Because the people in the BACK need to hear how freaking amazing this book was! I was obsessed. Up reading it late at night just to see how things panned out. You couldn’t pry my Kindle from my hands. Now, although this story takes place in a fictional Florida theme park, it does NOT give you the “Disney adult” vibes. IYKYK. Zahra has got to be one of my top 5 favorite characters in a sunshine/grump trope. She’s confident, quirky, creative, bright, and has so much depth to her. Even the side characters within her orbit added so many layers and definition to who this gem was at her core. It was incredible. Rowan was the perfect contrast to Zahra’s ray of sunshine. He had layers that needed to be peeled back and evaluated, but one thing is for certain, his true self only came out when he was around Zahra. I kind of loved that although she developed strong feels for him first, he fell HARD. Like an all-consuming love that makes you wonder how he ever existed without her. This book was the *chef’s kiss* balance of romance, smut, and a BEAUTIFUL plotline. There’s a portion towards the end that addresses ableism in our society, and I just wasn’t expecting to cry from this book, but here we are. So yeah, I can’t find a reason why you shouldn’t pick up this book lol.

The Mistake by Elle Kennedy

THE MISTAKE by Elle Kennedy

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: College junior John Logan can get any girl he wants. For this hockey star, life is a parade of parties and hook-ups, but behind his killer grins and easygoing charm, he hides growing despair about the dead-end road he’ll be forced to walk after graduation. A sexy encounter with freshman Grace Ivers is just the distraction he needs, but when a thoughtless mistake pushes her away, Logan plans to spend his final year proving to her that he’s worth a second chance. After a less than stellar freshman year, Grace is back at Briar University, older, wiser, and so over the arrogant hockey player she nearly handed her V-card to. She’s not a charity case, and she’s not the quiet butterfly she was when they first hooked up. If Logan expects her to roll over and beg like all his other puck bunnies, he can think again. He wants her back? He’ll have to work for it. This time around, she’ll be the one in the driver’s seat and she plans on driving him wild. 

My Thoughts: I know I’ve only read the first two books, but I’m calling it now: the Off-Campus series by Elle Kennedy is going to be one of my favorite romance series this year. How can I not be obsessed with it when you’re giving me a couple as cute as Logan and Grace?? I loved that although Grace’s character was meant to have a “girl next door” vibe, she didn’t feel naive or innocent. She held her own, especially during her sophomore year, and we love a down-to-earth main character who knows what she wants. After meeting Logan in The Deal, I knew he was going to get his own story and I was invested from the start. All he wants is a relationship similar to what his best buddy, Garrett has with Hannah, and that type of longing is really relatable. He makes a few mistakes with Grace, and I’m so glad she made him WERK for her forgiveness and attention. Not only is that some queen shit right there, but it also provided some hysterical moments involving a list of things he has to do to prove he’s worthy of a second chance. The subplots in this book really showed how phenomenal their connection was and emphasized the authenticity of their relationship. Needless to say, I’ve already got the third book in this series on my radar and there’s no turning back now lol.

Over the Top by Jonathan Van Ness

OVER THE TOP by Jonathan Van Ness

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Summary: Before he stole our hearts as the grooming and self-care expert on Netflix’s hit show Queer Eye, Jonathan Van Ness was growing up in a small Midwestern town that didn’t understand why he was so… over the top. From choreographed carpet figure skating routines to the unavoidable fact that he was Just. So. Gay., Jonathan was an easy target and endured years of judgment, ridicule and trauma - yet none of it crushed his uniquely effervescent spirit. Over the Top uncovers the pain and passion it took to end up becoming the model of self-love and acceptance that Jonathan is today. In this revelatory, raw, and rambunctious memoir, Jonathan shares never-before-told secrets, and reveals sides of himself that the public has never seen. JVN fans may think they know the man behind the stiletto heels, the crop tops, and the iconic saying, but there’s so much more to him than meets the Queer Eye.

My Thoughts: Okay, so to start, I’m a JVN fan - I love Queer Eye and JVN’s Getting Curious podcast. That said, listening to this on audiobook was the way to go because I’m not sure their writing would’ve made the same impact on paper. Like having JVN chattering away in my ear for this entire experience was everything because their “voice” is so unique in general that hearing them recall various stories, summing up life lessons, and all of the random banter sprinkled within made it much more enjoyable. JVN makes it as easy to laugh with them as it was to feel sympathetic towards the dark times in their life. This book won’t be for everyone. Especially if you’re not very familiar with JVN going into the memoir. So, I would recommend it more to people who already have a taste of this “non-binary fairy’s” personality AND I’d say make sure you listen to it on audiobook.

Twisted Hate by Ana Huang

TWISTED HATE by Ann Huang

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Summary: Gorgeous, cocky, and fast on his way to becoming a hotshot doctor, Josh Chen has never met a woman he couldn’t charm - except for Jules Ambrose. The beautiful redhead has been a thorn in his side since they met, but she also consumes his thoughts in a way no woman ever has. When their animosity explodes into one unforgettable night, he proposes a solution that'll get her out of his system once and for all: an enemies with benefits arrangement with simple rules. No jealousy. No strings attached. And absolutely no falling in love. Outgoing and ambitious, Jules Ambrose is a former party girl who’s focused on one thing: passing the attorney’s bar exam. The last thing she needs is to get involved with a doctor who puts the SUFFER in insufferable… no matter how good-looking he is. But the more she gets to know him, the more she realizes there’s more than meets the eye to the man she’s hated for so long. Her best friend’s brother. Her nemesis. And her only salvation. Theirs is a match made in hell, and when the demons from their past catch up with them, they’re faced with truths that could either save them or destroy everything they’ve worked for.

My Thoughts: My friends, this was much longer than I anticipated, and while I definitely ship Jules and Josh after finishing the book, I could not decide if I liked them while I was reading it. There’s a lot of anger and animosity that is experienced between the two main characters, as well as within their inner dialogue. Jules is an absolute firecracker who has been through some SHIT in her life, but doesn’t let the past define her. She’s resilient, clever, and fierce. Josh is struggling with huge trust issues as a result of some adversity he experienced just two years prior. Dealing with all of that has caused him to become an ounce of the adventurous, luminous energy he used to be. Jules and Josh have always had a rocky relationship, but the truce they call allows them to put away the claws and actually get to know each other. I definitely think this friendship and developing romance happens exactly when they both needed it most which is mainly what sold me on this unexpected coupling. The writing was great, but there were a couple of spots that felt incomplete or spotty. For example, Jules experiences an episode of paralysis towards the beginning of the book and the author doesn’t dive into it right away. So, I was waiting for the explanation behind the paralysis, but it never happened. Overall though, I’m glad I read Jules and Josh’s story, and will definitely be moving onto Twisted Lies when that comes out later this year. Please check trigger warnings for this book before you dive in tho.

Terms and Conditions by Lauren Asher

TERMS AND CONDITIONS by Lauren Asher

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Summary: Declan - I’m destined to become the next CEO of my family’s media empire. The only problem? My grandfather’s inheritance clause. Fulfilling his dying wish of getting married and having an heir seemed impossible until my assistant volunteers for the job. Our marriage was supposed to be the perfect solution to my biggest problem. But the more we act in love for the public, the more unsure I feel about our contract. Caring about Iris was never part of the deal. Especially not when breaking her heart is inevitable. Iris - My plan to marry Declan was simple in theory. Move in together. Throw a wedding. Have a baby. We set rules to prevent any kind of issues. Ones that were never meant to be broken, no matter how much Declan tempts me. But what happens when our fake relationship bleeds into our real one? Falling in love was never an option. At least not for me. 

My Thoughts: Let’s talk about how great Lauren Asher is at writing a grumpy sunshine trope! Iris is such a strong character. She’s driven, extremely loyal, takes no shit, and a fellow plant lady. :) Though I didn’t like Declan as much as I hoped, he was the perfect match for Iris. This story is definitely a slow burn with a series of events that force this couple to reflect on what they mean to each other, reevaluate what they want for the future, and face their biggest inner fears. It wasn’t as ~whimsical~ as The Fine Print, but it generated an emotional response from me all the same. I loved how straightforward Declan was about communicating to Iris what she meant to him once he realized where his heart was at. It was incredibly refreshing that there wasn’t some unnecessary hesitation about declaring those feelings. I do feel like the first part of this book was a little flat which is why I can’t give it a full 4 stars, but by the time it wrapped up, I was satisfied. Not to mention, I was giddy that Iris’s best friend is Cal, Declan’s little brother, which makes me even more excited for his book to come out!

The Score by Elle Kennedy

THE SCORE by Elle Kennedy

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: Allie Hayes is in crisis mode. With graduation looming, she still doesn’t have the first clue about what she’s going to do after college. To make matters worse, she’s nursing a broken heart thanks to the end of her longtime relationship. Wild rebound sex is deifnitely not the solution to her problems, but gorgeous hockey star Dean Di Laurentis is impossible to resist. Just once though, because even if her future is uncertain, it sure as heck won’t include the king of one-night stands. Dean always gets what he wants. Girls, grades, girls, recognition, girls… he’s a ladies man, all right, and he’s yet to meet a woman who’s immune to his charms. Until Allie. For one night, the feisty blonde rocked his entire world - and now she wants to be friends? Nope. It’s not over until he says it’s over. Dean is in full-on pursuit, but when the life-rocking changes strike, he starts to wonder if maybe it’s time to stop focusing on scoring… and shoot for love.

My Thoughts: Dean and Allie are hands down my favorite couple of the Off-Campus series thus far! They were so much fun and such direct communicators, the entire experience was refreshing to say the least. For starters, I loved how sex positive this relationship was. As a serial relationship person, Allie battles uncertainty whether she should embrace the casual enjoyment of their initial hook-up. Dean tells her to forget what society finds taboo because they both enjoyed the consensual experience and that’s all that matters. He also has a reputation for his active sex life, but Allie doesn’t think any differently of him because of that. Dean’s character had so much more depth to him that I assumed wasn’t there based on how he was described in the other two books, so I thoroughly enjoyed peeling back those layers. Though this storyline was pretty predictable, it was no less swoon-worthy. Especially as their feelings grow stronger and they start getting ingrained in all areas of each other’s lives - I was giddy at every turn. Allie’s ex-boyfriend, Sean, can go sit on a cactus. He’s an absolute shit and says some extremely nasty things to her in a drunken rage. We do not like Sean. We do love this book though and read it in one sitting. So, I definitely recommend picking this one up after you read The Deal and The Mistake!

Brutal Prince by Sophie Lark

BRUTAL PRINCE by Sophie Lark

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Summary: Callum Griffin is the heir to the Irish Mafia. He’s ruthless, arrogant, and he wants to kill me. We got off on the wrong foot when I set a (very small) fire in his house. Our families believe a marriage pact is the only thing that will prevent all-out warfare. I think I might need to murder him while he sleeps. This would all be a lot easier if Callum wasn’t so damned good-looking. But I’ve got a lockbox around my heart. Because even if I’m forced to marry him… I could never love a brutal prince. 

My Thoughts: As a BIG fan of shows like Peaky Blinders, I was obsessed with this mafia-style dark romance. Plus, with grumpy/sunshine AND fake-dating tropes, I basically inhaled this book in one sitting on a casual Wednesday evening lol. Starting with the characters, Aida is the youngest and only girl in the Gallo family. She has four older brothers which meant, while growing up, she was the smallest dog in every fight and had to learn how to hit hard, fast, and first. That was in addition to figuring out how to strategically navigate the politics of Chicago’s different gangs and people in power to benefit her family’s motives. Aida takes ZERO shit from anybody and although she’s a smaller gal, her character’s energy and personality is larger than life. Callum is the oldest of the Griffin fam and the grumpiest guy we could ask for. He’s cold, borderline unapproachable, and protective af. The only person who can wind him up enough to drop his cool politician facade is Aida - luckily, they’ve been forced into an arranged marriage to keep the peace between the Italian and Irish gangs. The plot was absolutely lovely, the spice was muy caliente, and you can BET I’m continuing onto the next book in this series ASAP. :)

Stolen Heir by Sophie Lark

STOLEN HEIR by Sophie Lark

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: They murdered my father, so I stole their daughter. She’s my captive, my little ballerina who dances only for me. Nessa is sweet and innocent. She doesn’t deserve any of this. But that’s how our world works - the wolves eat the lambs, no matter how gentle they may be. I’ll use her to get my revenge. Unless I give into my hunger first…

My Thoughts: Listen, going into this book, I didn’t have high expectations because Nessa was such a BORING character in Brutal Prince. She’s the youngest kid in the Griffin family and has always been sheltered from the Irish mafia’s business and lifestyle. Her character just felt naive and saccharine, so I wasn’t super invested in her at the start, but definitely ended up with a change of heart. Miko is the new boss of the Polish mafia after his father was killed by the Italian mafia who is allied with the Griffins. He is extremely cold, pretty ruthless, and emotionally withdrawn from the world around him. His main focus is on the mafia’s businesses and the success of The Brotherhood. Miko’s initial perspective of Nessa was similar to mine - innocent, young, naive, too emotional, etc. - which he considered a weakness. However, as they fell into each other’s orbit and connected on a deeper level, his icy heart melted and saw that Nessa is just genuinely a good-hearted person and her ability to feel so deeply is anything but a shortcoming. The surrounding plotline perfectly accents their growing relationship and though there’s still some spicy scenes in this book, they’re lined with a touch of sweetness. Overall, I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did and will definitely be continuing on with this Brutal Birthright series. 

Savage Lover by Sophie Lark

SAVAGE LOVER by Sophie Lark

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Summary: There’s a reason I never go to parties. I saw him in a cloud of smoke, like sin made flesh. Even bruised and battered, I’ve never seen anything more beautiful. Unless I hate myself, I should stay far away from Nero. He’s a heartbreaker. A mess-maker. A walking disaster. Here’s the problem: I’m in deep trouble with a dirty cop. The only person who can save me is Nero. We’re not friends. If he saw me drowning, he’d throw me an anchor. But he’s the only chance I’ve got. He’s no hero, he’s a savage lover. 

My Thoughts: This book was probably the calmest in the Brutal Birthright series so far despite the bank heist/car chases. I think I enjoyed the slower burn and smooth pace of it though because it made experiencing the relationship between Camille and Nero feel much more organic and realistic. I loved that both of these characters had an underdog air to them. Although people had an infatuation with Nero for his chaotic/unstable reputation, they underestimated how intelligent and strategic he actually is. Camille was an absolute BOSS, but was overlooked because she spent more time keeping her family’s auto shop running than she did anything else people her age were doing. However, a deep appreciation and love for cars is what these two MCs bonded over initially, and got them on the road to being vulnerable with one another. If you already started the series then I definitely recommend continuing to this third installment because I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Nero and Camille.

Would Like to Meet by Rachel Winters

WOULD LIKE TO MEET by Rachel Winters

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Summary: After seven years as an assistant, 29-year-old Evie Summers is ready to finally get the promotion she deserves. But now the TV and film agency she’s been running behind the scenes is in trouble, and Evie will lose her job unless she can convince the agency’s biggest and most arrogant client, Ezra Chester, to finish writing the script for a Hollywood romantic comedy. The catch? Ezra is suffering from writer’s block - and he’ll only put pen to paper if singleton Evie can prove to him that you can fall in love like they do in the movies. With the future of the agency in jeopardy, Evie embarks on a mission to meet a man the way Sally met Harry or Hugh Grant met Julia Roberts. But in the course of testing out the meet-cute scenes from classic romantic comedies IRL, not only will Evie encounter one humiliating situation after another, but she’ll have to confront the romantic past that soured her on love.

My Thoughts: AH! Okay this was the cutest premise I’ve seen for a rom-com in a while. We’ve all seen the swoon-worthy meet cutes in our favorite movies over the years and Evie has to convince Ezra that those fictional kismet moments really can find you love in real life. Evie having to force a reenactment of these meet-cutes provides unending comedic moments throughout the entire book. She gets into some absolutely absurd situations that had me laughing out loud because it’s so relatable to the concept of trying to meet someone “out in the wild” (aka randomly in public) nowadays. Aside from that, I appreciated Evie’s willingness to push outside of her comfort zone in the meet-cute situations, and loved that it helped her find enjoyment in screenwriting again. That said, there’s a love triangle of sorts in this book that drove me up a wall. All of the signs were in front of Evie that a different character was interested in her and she was completely oblivious to it all which made a part towards the end of the book a little anticlimactic. It was like she suddenly was catching up to what we’ve known the ENTIRE book, so it didn’t feel as impactful as I would’ve hoped. That said, the other character also annoyed me by not saying anything until the very end, so it’s not all on her. Overall though, I genuinely enjoyed this light-hearted romantic comedy and think it’s worth picking up!

Bloody Heart by Sophie Lark

BLOODY HEART by Sophie Lark

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Summary: I only meant to steal a car. I didn’t know I was stealing a girl too. Until the most gorgeous face I'd ever seen popped up in the rear-view mirror. I fell hard, fast, and forever… but she tore out my heart - left me alone and bleeding. How can I forget her when I have to see that damned perfect face on billboards and magazines? It’s torture. 9 long years. I thought I moved on. Then I saw her in the flesh and my heart started bleeding all over again. 

My Thoughts: Okay although this wasn’t my favorite book of the Brutal Birthright series, I’m glad we finally got Dante’s story! He’s the oldest of the Gallo kids and the manpower for many mafia jobs that need a little extra muscle behind it. We’ve gotten glimpses of him in other books and it’s clear he’s a no nonsense type of guy, but in this book we finally get to know why. I felt the uncontrollable, unstoppable love he and Simone had for each other when they were younger. It was unexpected and torn away very abruptly, so it was understandable how heartbroken they both were even 9 years later. That said, I never fully vibed with Simone’s character. It just seemed like any time there was even a WHIFF of a disagreement in the air, she would dip out. She took “avoiding conflict like the plague” to a whole new level which just got really frustrating. Dante also didn’t blow me away necessarily, but I think since I’ve gotten to know him through other books, I had a soft spot for him going into this story. All of that aside, the last portion of the book was WILD. Like I did NOT expect all of that craziness to happen. So anyway, don’t skip this book, but it wasn’t my favorite of the series.

Broken Vow by Sophie Lark

BROKEN VOW by Sophie Lark

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: Riona Griffin is gorgeous, intelligent, and iron-willed. My perfect woman, except she hates my guts. She thinks she doesn’t need anybody. But she needs me. She’s being hunted by an assassin who never misses his mark. I’m going to stay by her side, day and night, keeping her safe. Riona thinks that’s a fate worse than death but I know she’ll learn to love me. If this hitman wants to kill her, he’ll have to go through me first. 

My Thoughts: YEE FREAKING HAW! Not only are we continuing on the mafia romance train in the Brutal Birthright series, but Sophie Lark said, “Hold my beer.” Then gave us everything we could have asked for in a “Save a horse ride a cowboy” themed mashup. This book follows Riona who we’ve come to know as the most fiery daughter in the Irish mafia as well as a badass lawyer, no-shit-taker, and an extremely driven lass. As the lawyer for the family’s business, she always felt she had to prove herself and worth, so she developed a need to control everything around her and never let anyone in. So I loved getting to know Riona on a deeper level past the icy exterior she presents to everyone. Raylan is a newer character to the series and an absolute GEM. I loved how rough around the edges he was with some country boy roots that mixed with a well-traveled spirit after doing post-military contract missions for the government. Riona and Raylan could not be more opposite at face value, but once this inevitable connection starts coming to a head, it’s clear they’re more similar in all the ways that count. I absolutely loved their story and appreciated that part of it takes place outside of Chicago. Plus, there is a plot twist that I did NOT see coming until it was almost revealed. Needless to say I definitely recommend reading this one! :)

If you made it this far (a.k.a. The end), THANK YOU!

I know this was a longer monthly wrap-up than usual, but I won’t always dive into a weird seasonal depression with the only desired escape being books, so do not fret lol. 

Hopefully you got something out of it tho. :’)

2022 Book Count: 61

Add me on Goodreads if you haven’t already.

YOUR TURN! What was the last book you rated five stars?

December 2021 Reads

And that’s a wrap!

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

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

So, let’s dive into it!

*All summaries taken or paraphrased from Goodreads

It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey

IT HAPPENED ONE SUMMER by Tessa Bailey

Rating: 5/5 stars

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

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

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

CITY OF BONES by Cassandra Clare

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

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

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

Lumber Snack by Mae Harden

LUMBER SNACK by Mae Harden

Rating: 4/5 stars

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

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

Stuck at Christmas by Georgia Coffman

STUCK AT CHRISTMAS by Georgia Coffman

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

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

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

A Christmas Tart by Lola West

A CHRISTMAS TART by Lola West

Rating: 4/5 stars

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

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

Ghosts by Dolly Alderton

GHOSTS by Dolly Alderton

Rating: 4.2/5 stars

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

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

The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox

THE HOLIDAY SWAP by Maggie Knox

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

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

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

Winter Street by Elin Hilderbrand

WINTER STREET by Elin Hilderbrand

Rating: 4/5 stars

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

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

Merry Christ-Mess by Dee Ellis

MERRY CHRIST-MESS by Dee Ellis

Rating: 4/5 stars

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

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

A Very Pierced Christmas by Ember Davis

A VERY PIERCED CHRISTMAS by Ember Davis

Rating: 2/5 stars

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

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

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

CITY OF ASHES by Cassandra Clare

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

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

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

Barbarian’s Lady by Ruby Dixon

BARBARIAN’S LADY by Ruby Dixon

Rating: 3.8/5 stars

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

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

Barbarian’s Rescue by Ruby Dixon

BARBARIAN’s RESCUE by Ruby Dixon 

Rating: 4/5 stars

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

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

Barbarian’s Tease by Ruby Dixon

BARBARIAN’S TEASE by Ruby Dixon

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

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

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

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

CITY OF GLASS by Cassandra Clare

Rating: 5/5 stars

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

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

Holiday Home Run by Priscilla Oliveras

HOLIDAY HOME RUN by Priscilla Oliveras

Rating: 3/5 stars

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

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

The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer

THE MATZAH BALL by Jean Meltzer

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

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

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

The Mistletoe Pact by Jo Lovett

THE MISTLETOE PACT by Jo Lovett

Rating: 3/5 stars

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

A Cross-Country Christmas by Courtney Walsh

A CROSS-COUNTRY CHRISTMAS by Courtney Walsh

Rating: 5/5 stars

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

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

Only When It’s Us by Chloe Liese

ONLY WHEN IT’S US by Chole Liese

Rating: 5/5 stars

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

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

Always Only You by Chloe Liese

ALWAYS ONLY YOU by Chloe Liese

Rating: 5/5 stars

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

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

Welp that’s that on that. 

2021 Book Count (FINAL): 125!

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

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

November 2021 Reads

November, where did you go?!

Seriously though. How are we almost done with 2021? 

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

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

Okie. Let’s dive into it!

*All summaries taken or paraphrased from Goodreads. 

Vicious by L.J. Shen

VICIOUS by L.J. Shen

Rating: 3/5 stars

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

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

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

CLOCKWORK PRINCE by Cassandra Clare 

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

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

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

In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

IN A HOLIDAZE by Christina Lauren

Rating: 4/5 stars

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

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

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

THE KISS QUOTIENT by Helen Hoang

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

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

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

Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

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

Rating: 2.5/5 stars

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

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

The Bride Test by Helen Hoang

THE BRIDE TEST by Helen Hoang

Rating: 3.75/5 stars

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

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

The Shaadi Set-Up by Lillie Vale

THE SHAADI SET-UP by Lillie Vale

Rating: 3/5 stars

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

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

Barbarian’s Heart by Ruby Dixon

BARBARIAN’S HEART by Ruby Dixon

Rating: 4/5 stars

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

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

Barbarian’s Redemption by Ruby Dixon

BARBARIAN’S REDEMPTION by Ruby Dixon

Rating: 4/5 stars

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

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

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

CLOCKWORK PRINCESS by Cassandra Clare

Rating: 5/5 stars 

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

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

Desperate Measures by Katee Robert

DESPERATE MEASURES by Katee Robert

Rating: 3.5/5 stars 

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

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

How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams

HOW TO FAIL AT FLIRTING by Denise Williams

Rating: 4/5 stars

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

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

The Beast by Katee Robert

THE BEAST by Katee Robert

Rating: 3/5 stars

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

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

The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon

THE EX TALK by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Rating: 4/5 stars 

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

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

The Trouble with Hating You by Sajni Patel

THE TROUBLE WITH HATING YOU by Sajni Patel

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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

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

Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey

WINDOW SHOPPING by Tessa Bailey 

Rating: 3.8/5 stars

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

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

2021 Book Count: 104

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