March 2025 Reads

Did March last five years for anyone else?

Despite feeling like the longest month ever, my reading pace slowed down a lot. Part of that was because I was eye-ball reading a nonfiction book—those always take me forever. But honestly, I was just focused on other things this month.

For one, I’m considering entering the homebuyer market, which is… mildly terrifying lol. And yes, I know what you’re thinking: In this economy?? Yes. I’m hoping it’s a smart financial move, but we’ll see how this adulting adventure unfolds. I’ll report back!

On the sports front, my March Madness bracket went up in flames on day one thanks to Clemson losing by two points (lol, love that for me). But on a brighter note, I finally made it to my first Pistons game! I’d seen every other Detroit pro team play, so this had been on my bucket list for a hot minute—shoutout to Steph for coming with me!

Pistons Game!

I think that’s it for my March updates— let’s talk books!

**All summaries are taken or paraphrased from Goodreads.

Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli

REBEL WITCH by Kristen Ciccarelli (REREAD)

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: A WITCH... Rune Winters is on the run. Ever since the boy she loved, Gideon Sharpe, revealed who she was and delivered her into enemy hands, everyone wants her dead. If Rune hopes to survive, she must ally herself with the cruel and dangerous Cressida Roseblood, who’s planning to take back the Republic and reinstate a Reign of Witches—something Cressida needs Rune to accomplish. A WITCH HUNTER... Apparently it wasn’t enough for Rune to deceive Gideon; she’s now betrayed him by allying herself with the witch who made his life a living hell. Gideon won’t allow the Republic to fall to the witches and be plunged back into the nightmares of the past. In order to protect this new world he fought for, every last witch must die—especially Rune Winters. AN IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE... When Rune makes Gideon an offer he can’t refuse, the two must pair up to accomplish dangerous goals. The more they’re forced into each other’s company, the more Gideon realizes the feelings he had for Rune aren’t as dead and buried as he thought. Now he’s faced with a terrible choice: sacrifice the girl he loves to stop a monster taking back power, or let Rune live and watch the world he fought so hard for burn.

My Thoughts: Did I just eyeball read this book in February? Yes. Did I proceed to listen to the audiobook two weeks later? Also, yes lol. Honestly, no notes. You can read my review about it from last month here. This book is 10/10 for me and I am still so sad that it’s the end of the Crimson Moth duology. Best believe I’m keeping an eye out for any and all future books from KC now though! As I said in my review about the audiobook for Heartless Hunter, the narrator put her whole heart into this book and did it nothing but justice. You honestly can’t go wrong with whatever format you decide to read this in and I probably will not shut up about it for a while lol. 

The Princess Bride by William Goldman

THE PRINCESS BRIDE by William Goldman

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: What happens when the most beautiful girl in the world marries the handsomest prince of all time and he turns out to be...well...a lot less than the man of her dreams? As a boy, William Goldman claims, he loved to hear his father read the S. Morgenstern classic, The Princess Bride. But as a grown-up he discovered that the boring parts were left out of good old Dad's recitation, and only the "good parts" reached his ears. Now Goldman does Dad one better. He's reconstructed the "Good Parts Version" to delight wise kids and wide-eyed grownups everywhere. What's it about? Fencing. Fighting. True Love. Strong Hate. Harsh Revenge. A Few Giants. Lots of Bad Men. Lots of Good Men. Five or Six Beautiful Women. Beasties Monstrous and Gentle. Some Swell Escapes and Captures. Death, Lies, Truth, Miracles, and a Little Sex. In short, it's about everything.

My Thoughts: I only recently realized this book is considered a classic—and a children’s book at that. I remember watching the movie in after-school care in elementary (shoutout to Extended Day kids), but I hadn’t revisited the story since. Controversial take: the audiobook is better than the movie. Rob Reiner pours his whole fuckin heart into the narration, making the three-hour experience an absolute delight. The book is utterly ridiculous, a masterclass in satire with sharp wit, plenty of humor, and just the right amount of heart and romance. If you haven’t read it in a while or listened to the audiobook yet, I can’t recommend Reiner’s version enough!

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb

MAYBE YOU SHOULD TALK TO SOMEONE: A THERAPIST, HER THERAPIST, AND OUR LIVES REVEALED by Lori Gottlieb

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Summary: One day, Lori Gottlieb is a therapist who helps patients in her Los Angeles practice. The next, a crisis causes her world to come crashing down. Enter Wendell, the quirky but seasoned therapist in whose office she suddenly lands. With his balding head, cardigan, and khakis, he seems to have come straight from Therapist Central Casting. Yet he will turn out to be anything but. As Gottlieb explores the inner chambers of her patients' lives -- a self-absorbed Hollywood producer, a young newlywed diagnosed with a terminal illness, a senior citizen threatening to end her life on her birthday if nothing gets better, and a twenty-something who can't stop hooking up with the wrong guys -- she finds that the questions they are struggling with are the very ones she is now bringing to Wendell. With startling wisdom and humor, Gottlieb invites us into her world as both clinician and patient, examining the truths and fictions we tell ourselves and others as we teeter on the tightrope between love and desire, meaning and mortality, guilt and redemption, terror and courage, hope and change.

My Thoughts: I may be late to this book, but I’m so glad I finally picked it up. It reads like fiction, with well-developed characters and an engaging, immersive plot—I had to keep reminding myself it’s nonfiction. This book explores what it means to be human, diving into the complexities of our emotions, both conscious and unconscious. I loved how the format alternates between therapy sessions with her three clients and the author’s own experiences in therapy. Each person’s struggles and breakthroughs felt incredibly relatable. While I wished for a bit more resolution in the author’s personal story, her vulnerability throughout was truly admirable. She shares so many insightful, highlight-worthy moments from both sides of the therapy room. The pacing slowed a bit in the middle, which is why I’m docking a half star, but the mix of laughter, tears, and raw honesty made it well worth the read. If you haven’t picked this one up yet, I definitely recommend it!

Educated by Tara Westover

EDUCATED by Tara Westover (REREAD)

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: Tara Westover was 17 the first time she set foot in a classroom. Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, she prepared for the end of the world by stockpiling home-canned peaches and sleeping with her "head-for-the-hills bag". In the summer she stewed herbs for her mother, a midwife and healer, and in the winter she salvaged in her father's junkyard. Her father forbade hospitals, so Tara never saw a doctor or nurse. Gashes and concussions, even burns from explosions, were all treated at home with herbalism. The family was so isolated from mainstream society that there was no one to ensure the children received an education and no one to intervene when one of Tara's older brothers became violent. Then, lacking any formal education, Tara began to educate herself. She taught herself enough mathematics and grammar to be admitted to Brigham Young University, where she studied history, learning for the first time about important world events like the Holocaust and the Civil Rights Movement. Her quest for knowledge transformed her, taking her over oceans and across continents, to Harvard and to Cambridge. Only then would she wonder if she'd traveled too far, if there was still a way home.

My Thoughts: I first read this memoir during the 2020 lockdowns and even then I remember being FLOORED by Tara Westover’s story. I knew about the hyper-religious, anti-government communities out west, but this was my first detailed glimpse into what life within them is truly like. The jaw-dropping effect of this book has held true my second read through. Revisiting it on audiobook - read by Julia Whelan - gave the memoir an almost fictional quality which made the shocking stories even more immersive. It still blows my mind that Tara and some of her siblings managed to escape such a challenging and abusive upbringing. If you haven’t read this memoir yet, I can confidently say you are missing out. 

The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean

THE RETURN OF ELLIE BLACK by Emiko Jean

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Detective Chelsey Calhoun’s life is turned upside down when she gets the call Ellie Black, a girl who disappeared years earlier, has resurfaced in the woods of Washington state—but Ellie’s reappearance leaves Chelsey with more questions than answers. It’s been twenty years since Detective Chelsey Calhoun’s sister vanished when they were teenagers, and ever since she’s been searching: for signs, for closure, for other missing girls. But happy endings are rare in Chelsey’s line of work. Then a glimmer: local teenager Ellie Black, who disappeared without a trace two years earlier, has been found alive in the woods of Washington State. But something is not right with Ellie. She won’t say where she’s been, or who she’s protecting, and it’s up to Chelsey to find the answers. She needs to get to the bottom of what happened to Ellie: for herself, and for the memory of her sister, but mostly for the next girl who could be taken—and who, unlike Ellie, might never return.

My Thoughts: This book was dark, clever, and thoroughly gripping. What begins as a missing person case quickly unfolds into a multi-layered psychological thriller. The story shifts between multiple POVs and timelines, following Ellie Black—the abducted teen who returns forever changed—and Chelsey, the detective still haunted by her own sister’s disappearance. Some scenes are tough to stomach, as the emotional weight of Ellie’s trauma is palpable. After enduring captivity, she’s no longer the girl she once was—her identity is reshaped by survival, making her return home even more disorienting. This book doesn’t shy away from its darkness, but if you’re looking for a psychological thriller with unexpected turns and real emotional depth, it’s worth the read.

All This Twisted Glory by Tahereh Mafi

ALL THIS TWISTED GLORY by Tahereh Mafi (This Woven Kingdom #3)

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Summary: As the long-lost heir to the Jinn throne, Alizeh has finally found her people—and she might’ve found her crown. Cyrus, the mercurial ruler of Tulan, has offered her his kingdom in a twisted exchange: one that would begin with their marriage and end with his murder. Cyrus’s dark reputation precedes him; all the world knows of his blood-soaked past. Killing him should be easy—and accepting his offer might be the only way to fulfill her destiny and save her people. But the more Alizeh learns of him, the more she questions whether the terrible stories about him are true. Ensnared by secrets, Cyrus has ached for Alizeh since she first appeared in his dreams many months ago. Now that he knows those visions were planted by the devil, he can hardly bear to look at her—much less endure her company. But despite their best efforts to despise each other, Alizeh and Cyrus are drawn together over and over with an all-consuming thirst that threatens to destroy them both. Meanwhile, Prince Kamran has arrived in Tulan, ready to exact revenge. . . .

My Thoughts: LMAO, y’all—this book was more of the same as the second. Lots of telling, not much showing, but the vibes? Immaculate. Cyrus remains utterly gone for Alizeh, yearning for her on a visceral level. While she spends about a quarter of the book in a coma, I loved watching her perspective on him shift as she peels back the layers of his complicated character. We finally uncover the truth about his father’s rumored murder and why Cyrus defies every royal stereotype. Meanwhile, Prince Kamran and his ragtag crew have arrived in Tulan, determined to rescue Alizeh. But when their mission takes an unexpected turn, they’re forced to stay at their enemy’s palace much longer than planned. The growing tension between Kamran and Huda tho? Absolutely palpable—I cannot wait to see where that goes. This book didn’t blow me away, yet somehow, I need the next one ASAP.

Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister

FAMOUS LAST WORDS by Gillian McAllister

Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary: 13 hours, 5 minutes. It is June 21st, the longest day of the year, and new mother Camilla’s life is about to change forever. After months of maternity leave, she will drop her infant daughter off at daycare for the first time and return to her job as a literary agent. Finally. But, when she wakes, her husband Luke isn’t there, and in his place is a cryptic note. Then it starts. Breaking news: there's a hostage situation developing in London. The police arrive, and tell her Luke is involved. But he isn't a hostage. Her husband—doting father, eternal optimist—is the gunman. What she does next is crucial. Because only she knows what the note he left behind that morning says...

My Thoughts: This book was fine! It’s definitely got a unique premise that I haven’t encountered before. The story starts with an intense hostage situation that immediately pulled me in. However, the pacing started to falter a bit towards the middle which made it hard to stay invested in everything going on. While the story eventually picked up again towards the end, a mildly predictable plot twist kept it from fully regaining its original momentum for me. Overall, it’s a decent mystery/thriller, but the uneven pacing definitely holds it back from being something better. 

Our Infinite Fates by Laura Steven

OUR INFINITE FATES by Laura Steven

Rating: 4.25/5 stars

Summary: They've loved each other in a thousand lifetimes. They've killed each other in every one. Evelyn remembers all her past lives. She also remembers that in every single one, she’s been murdered before her eighteenth birthday by Arden, a supernatural being whose soul―and survival―is tethered to hers. The problem is that she’s quite fond of the life she’s in now, and her little sister needs her for bone marrow transplants in order to stay alive. If Evelyn wants to save her sister, she’ll have to: 1. Find the centuries-old devil who hunts her through each life―before they find her first. 2. Figure out why she’s being hunted and finally break their curse. 3. Try not to fall in love.

My Thoughts: Okay, as soon as I started this book, I thought it was going to be one of my favorite fantasies for this year. The author’s poetic, almost whimsical writing completely immerses you in the intricate bond between Evelyn and Arden. The story alternates between the present and multiple past timelines, following the two across different eras, countries, and lifetimes. As their pattern of rebirth unfolds, the mystery of why they must die before turning 18 slowly comes to light - which kept me trying to piece together every clue. While the plot twist was admittedly a little lackluster, the journey itself was thoroughly enjoyable and put me through an emotional wringer. If you’re looking for a quick, unconventional fantasy with a unique premise, this one should be on your radar!

Dinner for Vampires by Bethany Joy Lenz

DINNER FOR VAMPIRES: LIFE ON A CULT TV SHOW by Bethany Joy Lenz

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: In the early 2000s, after years of hard work and determination to breakthrough as an actor, Bethany Joy Lenz was finally cast as one of the leads on the hit drama One Tree Hill. Her career was about to take off, but her personal life was slowly beginning to unravel. What none of the show’s millions of fans knew, hidden even from her costars, was her secret double life in a cult. An only child who often had to fend for herself and always wanted a place to belong, Lenz found the safe haven she’d been searching for in a Bible study group with other Hollywood creatives. However, the group soon morphed into something more sinister—a slowly woven web of manipulation, abuse, and fear under the guise of a church covenant called The Big House Family. Piece by piece, Lenz began to give away her autonomy, ultimately relocating to the Family’s Pacific Northwest compound, overseen by a domineering minister who would convince Lenz to marry one of his sons and steadily drained millions of her TV income without her knowledge. Family “minders” assigned to her on set, “Maoist struggle session”–inspired meetings in the basement of a filthy house, and regular counseling with “Leadership” were just part of the tactics used to keep her loyal. Only when she became a mother did Lenz find the courage to leave and spare her child from a similar fate. After nearly a decade (and with the unlikely help of a One Tree Hill superfan), she finally managed to escape the family’s grip and begin to heal from the deep trauma that forever altered her relationship with God and her understanding of faith.

My Thoughts: Yoooo. I never watched One Tree Hill, but after reading this memoir, I definitely want to. This story is wild and a stark reminder of why hyper-religious groups can be so unsettling (and quite frankly freak me out lol). Bethany Joy Lenz, new to the L.A. scene, was looking for community when she joined a Bible study led by fellow actors. What started as a casual weekly social group slowly evolved into years of grooming, emotional and mental abuse, financial manipulation, and more—all orchestrated by a controlling religious leader. I admire Lenz for recognizing the toxicity of this cult and finding the strength to escape with her daughter. Whether or not you watched the show that made her famous, this is a gripping, eye-opening memoir that deserves more attention. Highly recommend the audiobook!

Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn

BLOODMARKED by Tracy Deonn (The Legendborn Cycle, #2)

Rating: 4.25/5 stars

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

My Thoughts: I first read Bloodmarked in December 2022 after finishing Legendborn earlier that year, and my one regret was not rereading the first book beforehand. So, with Oathbound releasing in March, I knew I had to revisit the first two books before diving in. After relistening to Legendborn in January, I picked up Bloodmarked’s audiobook this month—and wow. This doesn’t feel like a typical second book in a series. Where many sequels act as a bridge with minimal development, Tracy Deonn completely defies that expectation. Bloodmarked is layered, diving deep into the origins of each aether group, magical constructs, and more, all while delivering nonstop action. Bree remains one of the most stubborn yet strongest protagonists I’ve ever read, staying true to her heart despite the pressures around her. And Selwyn Kane? STILL BAE. His character growth through the chaos of this book made me love him even more. Now, I’m beyond excited to tackle Oathbound (even if it does look like it’s gonna be a thicc gal). If you haven’t read this series yet or want a refreshing take on fantasy, I highly recommend giving it a shot!

Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari

MODERN ROMANCE by Aziz Ansari, Eric Klinenberg

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Summary: At some point, we all search for love—meeting people, dating, and hoping for a deep connection. But today’s romantic landscape is vastly different from the past. Technology has given us more options than ever, yet frustration runs high. While apps and texting have changed how we connect (and overanalyze pizza emojis), the shift in romance isn’t just about technology. Decades ago, people married young, often choosing partners from their immediate surroundings. Now, the quest for a "soul mate" extends for years, with marriage happening later than ever. In Modern Romance, comedian Aziz Ansari teams up with NYU sociologist Eric Klinenberg for a deep dive into modern dating. Through global interviews, surveys, and expert insights, they explore how love and relationships have evolved.

My Thoughts: This book may be a decade old, but it’s fascinating to see how many of the dating trends emerging in 2015 have now become the norm. Specifically online dating and the types of behaviors people tend to exhibit while looking for a partner. I appreciated the wealth of qualitative research, featuring interviews with people across generations, cultures, and genders. If you're currently navigating the dating world and feeling disheartened or uninspired, this book offers valuable perspective—reminding you that your experiences aren’t so uncommon. I’d love to see an updated edition exploring how the past decade, especially the pandemic and the polarizing political climate, has reshaped dating and relationships worldwide.

That’s it for March! Hopefully I’m feeling a little more reading inspiration going into April and cannot wait to see more sun soon!

2025 Book Count: 43

Add me on Goodreads if you haven’t already.

YOUR TURN! What was your favorite book in March?

February 2025 Reads

I know February is most people’s least favorite month of the year. It’s usually cold, gray, and provides more precipitation than anyone wants in the form of snow, sleet, or gross rain. The latter turning the two former into sheets of slick ice or dirty mounds of slush on the sidewalk. 

Personally, though, I don’t mind February. I’m probably a little biased as it is my birth month, but it’s also the shortest and one of the last sprints of true winter. 

This year, February was the beginning of a new chapter for me professionally. I recently transitioned into a new role at a supply chain design tech company and could not be happier! It’s definitely a different speed of marketing than what I’m used to, but that means there’s so much for me to learn and I am loving it so far. 

As for my birthday, I got a new tattoo (see below) and also went roller skating with some friends because if you can’t be childish and silly at 31, then what’s the point of your 30s?? P.S. Thank you for all of the birthday wishes!

It’s a monstera leaf!

On the book front, ya girl went pretty hard in the paint for the first half of February lol. I was riding out the fantasy wave I caught in January, followed that up with some cowboy romances and then slowed down substantially towards the last two weeks of the month. Which is how I somehow got through 18 books lol. 

So with that said, let’s get into everything I read in February. 

*All summaries are taken or paraphrased from Goodreads. 

All The Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby

Rating: 4.75/5 stars

Summary: A Black sheriff. A serial killer. A small town ready to combust. Titus Crown is the first Black sheriff in the history of Charon County, Virginia. In recent decades, Charon has had only two murders. After years of working as an FBI agent, Titus knows better than anyone that while his hometown might seem like a land of moonshine, cornbread, and honeysuckle, secrets always fester under the surface. Then a year to the day after Titus’s election, a school teacher is killed by a former student and the student is fatally shot by Titus’s deputies. Those festering secrets are now out in the open and ready to tear the town apart. As Titus investigates the shootings, he unearths terrible crimes and a serial killer who has been hiding in plain sight, haunting the dirt lanes and woodland clearings of Charon. With the killer’s possible connections to a local church and the town’s harrowing history weighing on him, Titus projects confidence about closing the case while concealing a painful secret from his own past. At the same time, he also has to contend with a far-right group that wants to hold a parade in celebration of the town’s Confederate history.

My Thoughts: I flew through almost this entire audiobook in one sitting thanks to a long cleaning day. Let me tell you—S.A. Cosby’s writing feels like witnessing a heated confrontation between strangers on the street. You don’t want to watch, but it’s impossible to look away. This book follows Titus Crown, the first Black sheriff of a small town in Virginia. When a school shooting leaves a beloved teacher and the teenage shooter dead, an investigation begins to uncover the motive behind the attack. But what they discover is far more disturbing than they ever expected—something that will haunt them for years to come. I was completely hooked as Titus and his team worked to solve the case while trying to avoid bringing in the state police. Despite his background as a former FBI agent and the fact that he was elected sheriff by the people of Charon County, the racism running through much of the white community made his authority constantly questioned. At the same time, some members of the Black community doubted his loyalty now that he wore the badge. He’s caught in an impossible balancing act—maintaining respect and authority while upholding the law. The only reason I docked 0.25 stars is that the culprit wasn’t really introduced or hinted at in a way that allowed for any real guessing. Instead, you’re left suspecting every character who enters the story. That said, S.A. Cosby is a phenomenal writer, and this book forces you to confront some of society’s ugliest realities. Just a heads-up—the plot is really dark, so be sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in.

Quicksilver by Callie Hart

QUICKSILVER by Callie Hart

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: Do not touch the sword. Do not turn the key. Do not open the gate. In the land of the unforgiving desert, there isn’t much a girl wouldn’t do for a glass of water. Twenty-four-year-old Saeris Fane is good at keeping secrets. No one knows about the strange powers she possesses, or the fact that she has been picking pockets and stealing from the Undying Queen’s reservoirs for as long as she can remember. But a secret is like a knot. Sooner or later, it is bound to come undone. When Saeris comes face-to-face with Death himself, she inadvertently reopens a gateway between realms and is transported to a land of ice and snow. The Fae have always been the stuff of myth, of legend, of nightmares… but it turns out they’re real, and Saeris has landed herself right in the middle of a centuries-long conflict that might just get her killed. The first of her kind to tread the frozen mountains of Yvelia in over a thousand years, Saeris mistakenly binds herself to Kingfisher, a handsome Fae warrior, who has secrets and nefarious agendas of his own. He will use her Alchemist’s magic to protect his people, no matter what it costs him… or her. Death has a name. It is Kingfisher of the Ajun Gate. His past is murky. His attitude stinks. And he’s the only way Saeris is going to make it home. Be careful of the deals you make, dear child. The devil is in the details...

My Thoughts: Listen, going off of vibes alone, this book is solidly a 5-star rating for me. If I was rating it more objectively, it’d probably be more like a 4.25 because this book was nowhere near perfect, but good LORT did I enjoy the ride. Saeris lives in the poorest section of her city. She basically keeps herself and brother alive by pick-pocketing and stealing water from the Undying Queen’s reservoirs. When she steals the wrong thing from a palace guard, she’s taken to the castle where the Queen sentences her to death. While that process is underway, she accidentally opens a portal between realms that has been closed for centuries and is transported to a winterland of Fae. Although they’re figures of lore back home, Saeris figures out they are very real and are in the middle of a huge war that she ends up being their key to winning. Cue Kingfisher, the hottest, mildly unhinged Fae who her survival in this new world depends on. Y’ALL. When I tell you I could not put this book down. It had me in a mf chokehold. I LOVED how scrappy and resilient Saeris is - almost to a fault. She’s never had to depend on anyone and was not inclined to start. Kingfisher has PLENTY of demons he’s dealing with from his past in addition to a few other magically-induced issues, but by god this man is GONE for her. The tension was thicc. The plot and pacing was spot on. I also appreciated the tenets surrounding Fae and their culture paralleled what you’d find in ACOTAR or Throne of Glass. So it’s easy to follow if you’ve read those. Also, imagine how upset I was to find out that the sequel to this book won’t be published until later this year… DISTRAUGHT, I TELL YOU. Anyway, if you’re looking for an absolutely fantastic escape or something to bring you out of a book hangover from a different fantasy series, you definitely need to pick this up!

Spiral by Bal Khabra

SPIRAL by Bal Khabra (Off the Ice #2)

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Elias Westbrook, a newly drafted hockey player for the Toronto Thunder, is facing the challenges of fame and media scrutiny. With a growing fan base and too many expectations on his shoulders, he’s struggling to make his first career goal. The tabloids are reporting on his every move, including which woman he was last seen with, but all he wants to do is escape the spotlight. Enter from stage left Sage Beaumont, an aspiring ballerina with dreams of joining the Aurora Ballet Theatre, but her lack of popularity online leaves her at a major disadvantage for securing the lead role. When Sage finds herself with the perfect opportunity to make her dreams come true by fake dating Elias, she takes her shot. Soon enough, the flimsy fake-dating rules they set in place fall away in the face of their sizzling connection. But before things spiral out of control, Sage and Elias will have to decide if they’re willing to take the leap together or if they'll call it quits.

My Thoughts: I read the first book in this series back in November (Collide review here) and absolutely loved it. So, of course, I preordered this one so that it’d hit my Kindle the moment it was published. This book was so freaking cute, fun, flirty, and had the perfect amount of spice. Elias Westbrook is a newer player to the professional hockey scene and the media has been following the new golden boy’s every move. With all of the pressure from them reporting that he’s an absolute player off the ice, Elias can’t seem to make any goals on it, and he cannot wait to get out of this spotlight. Sage Beaumont is an older ballerina who is still aspiring to make it big with a professional ballet company. However, she’s realizing dancers with bigger social media clout are making it farther in their career. Cue a convenient fake-dating agreement that is beneficial for both parties: Elias and Sage will act like they’re in a relationship which will put the playboy rumors to rest and boost Sage’s popularity online. Listen, this book has some of my favorite tropes: fake dating, forced proximity, he-falls-first, etc. Although I didn’t LOVE Sage’s character at first, she definitely grew on me as this romance started to build. I was an absolute SIMP for how protective and caring Elias was for her and her little brother, even when she never asked for it. In the grand world of the hockey romance subgenre, Bal Khabra knows how to write some quality characters and smut. I definitely recommend checking out this book if you haven’t already!

One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

ONE DARK WINDOW by Rachel Gillig (The Shepherd King #1)

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Elspeth needs a monster. The monster might be her. Elspeth Spindle needs more than luck to stay safe in the eerie, mist-locked kingdom of Blunder—she needs a monster. She calls him the Nightmare, an ancient, mercurial spirit trapped in her head. He protects her. He keeps her secrets. But nothing comes for free, especially magic. When Elspeth meets a mysterious highwayman on the forest road, her life takes a drastic turn. Thrust into a world of shadow and deception, she joins a dangerous quest to cure Blunder from the dark magic infecting it. And the highwayman? He just so happens to be the King’s nephew, Captain of the most dangerous men in Blunder…and guilty of high treason. Together they must gather twelve Providence Cards—the keys to the cure. But as the stakes heighten and their undeniable attraction intensifies, Elspeth is forced to face her darkest secret yet: the Nightmare is slowly taking over her mind. And she might not be able to stop him.

My Thoughts: We love a gothic fantasy! This premise was so refreshing. Not that I’m not as equally obsessed with all of the fantastical storylines involving hot fae men, but I do applaud authors who can break out of that trend. In the kingdom of Blunder, there is magic controlled by a deck of Providence Cards. As legend has it, anyone who collects all twelve cards has the ability to save Blunder from a deadly encroaching mist and heal those who caught a specific fever as a child. This sickness leaves the kids touched with a different kind of magic - one not controlled by the cards. Those found with infected blood are immediately sentenced to death. Which is why most people who have been infected try to hide their infection and the magical abilities it’s blessed them with. Elspeth Spindle has been hiding her magical abilities for almost a decade. After a chance encounter reveals her secret, she’s recruited into a group of rebels who are secretly trying to collect all 12 cards behind the King’s back in order to prevent him from gaining endless power. Listen, I was absolutely hooked throughout this entire story. The world-building was simple yet vivid, the plot was fast-paced and kept me on my toes, there was a touch of romance that had me SWOONING, and don’t get me started on that MAJOR cliffhanger… I’m incredibly interested in how the next book will pan out based on how this one ended but I can’t wait to dive into it. If you’re looking for a solid high fantasy that’s a little off the beaten path, I highly recommend giving this one a read!

The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johson

THE HOUSE OF EVE by Sadeqa Johnson

Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary: 1950s Philadelphia: fifteen-year-old Ruby Pearsall is on track to becoming the first in her family to attend college, in spite of having a mother more interested in keeping a man than raising a daughter. But a taboo love affair threatens to pull her back down into the poverty and desperation that has been passed on to her like a birthright. Eleanor Quarles arrives in Washington, DC, with ambition and secrets. When she meets the handsome William Pride at Howard University, they fall madly in love. But William hails from one of DC’s elite wealthy Black families, and his par­ents don’t let just anyone into their fold. Eleanor hopes that a baby will make her finally feel at home in William’s family and grant her the life she’s been searching for. But having a baby—and fitting in—is easier said than done.

My Thoughts: Where to start? This book was well written and I enjoyed it enough for the most part. The audiobook narrators were great, and I liked that the format of the story was split into three parts between two POVs. It’s the 1950s in Philadelphia and teenage Ruby is on her way to becoming the first person in her family to attend college despite her home life circumstances. That is, until a heated moment with a forbidden love interest leaves her pregnant and her dreams of becoming an optometrist in shambles. She has to decide if she wants to follow in her mother’s footsteps, keep the baby, and end up working low-paying jobs, or if she wants to give up her baby and keep pursuing that college diploma. Meanwhile in Washington DC, Eleanor is a college sophomore with the ambition of becoming a historian and archivist. When she falls for a soon-to-be doctor, she’s introduced to DC’s elite wealthy Black society. One thing the women in that world make clear: she is not welcome. This book does an exceptional job of portraying the types of discrimination and adversities that Black women, even well-educated, faced repeatedly in society. The colorism present in wealthy Black society was also a topic I don’t think I’ve come across often and thought was very interesting. Despite being empathetic to the struggles these women were facing, there was just something missing for me. It was clear how Ruby’s and Eleanor’s paths were going to cross eventually, but it wasn’t as impactful of a crossover as I was hoping for. I also felt like although some scenes touched on tenser, emotional situations, the story didn’t dive in as deep as I was expecting it to. I haven’t read this author’s other, more popular book, Yellow Wife. However, I did appreciate her writing style enough to want to read that soon too. Side note: do not sleep on the author’s note! She touches on her research for this book related to the Baby Scoop Era, limited resources for families dealing with infertility, and the dangerous situations young women faced looking for safe abortion services. 

Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli

REBEL WITCH by Kristen Ciccarelli (The Crimson Moth #2)

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: A WITCH… Rune Winters is on the run. Ever since the boy she loved, Gideon Sharpe, revealed who she was and delivered her into enemy hands, everyone wants her dead. If Rune hopes to survive, she must ally herself with the cruel and dangerous Cressida Roseblood, who’s planning to take back the Republic and reinstate a Reign of Witches—something Cressida needs Rune to accomplish. A WITCH HUNTER… Apparently it wasn’t enough for Rune to deceive Gideon; she’s now betrayed him by allying herself with the witch who made his life a living hell. Gideon won’t allow the Republic to fall to the witches and be plunged back into the nightmares of the past. In order to protect this new world he fought for, every last witch must die—especially Rune Winters. AN IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE… When Rune makes Gideon an offer he can’t refuse, the two must pair up to accomplish dangerous goals. The more they’re forced into each other’s company, the more Gideon realizes the feelings he had for Rune aren’t as dead and buried as he thought. Now he’s faced with a terrible choice: sacrifice the girl he loves to stop a monster taking back power, or let Rune live and watch the world he fought so hard for burn.

My Thoughts: THE WAY THIS BOOK HAD ME. I started it in the morning on a lowkey Saturday, realized quickly that if I wanted to be productive at all, that I needed to put it down and run some errands. (Which I somehow managed to do.) Then as soon as I got home, I settled in for about a 5-6 hour BINGE on the final book of The Crimson Moth duology. Where to even start?? The book’s format is split into three parts and bounces between Rune’s and Gideon’s POVs. Part one immediately reunites the Crimson Moth and the witch hunter on the mainland where the recently returned evil witch queen Cressida and her followers have taken refuge from the New Republic. Gideon has been dispatched to kill Rune and wreck an alliance between the crowned prince and the witches so that they can’t use the royal family’s army against the New Republic. To literally NOBODY’S surprise, Gideon chokes when it comes to actually pulling the trigger, and Rune has her own agenda outside of what Cressida has planned for her. Cue a whole mess of lying and deceiving between Rune and Gideon, neither knowing if they can trust the other and trying to suss out any alternative motives. I fucking loved this entire experience. I could not put this book down and I couldn’t have asked for better character arcs. ALSO GIDEON BE DROPPING LINES THAT MADE MY INSIDES MELT AND TOES CURL. I cannot express how much I was SWOONING over this man. Mildly proud to say I did guess one of the bigger plot twists earlier on, but did not see where this ending was going AT ALL. Needless to say, this is still one of my all time favorite fantasy duologies and you best expect me to recommend it to EVERYONE. If you read and liked Heartless Hunter, you MUST continue onto Rebel Witch. 

Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage

DOWN AND DUSTED by Lyla Sage (Rebel Blue Ranch #1)

Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary: She’s off-limits, but he’s never been good at following the rules. For the first time in her life, Clementine “Emmy” Ryder has no idea what she’s doing. She’s accomplished everything on her to-do list. She left her small hometown of Meadowlark, Wyoming; went to college; and made a career for herself by doing her favorite thing: riding horses. But after an accident makes it impossible for her to get back into the saddle, she has no choice but to return to the hometown she always wanted to escape. Luke Brooks is Meadowlark’s most notorious bad boy, bar owner, and bachelor. He’s also the unofficial fifth member of the Ryder family. As Emmy’s older brother’s best friend, Luke spent most of his childhood antagonizing her. It’s been years since he’s seen her, but when she walks into his bar and back into his life, he can’t take his eyes off her. Despite his better judgment, he wants to do a whole lot more than just look at her. Emmy’s got too much on her mind to think about romance. And Luke knows he should stay away from his best friend’s younger sister. But what if Luke is just what Emmy needs to get her spark back? Or will they both go up in flames?

My Thoughts: This book was super cute! I’ve heard great things about this series and since I was listening to a horror story audiobook, I figured a little cowboy romance on my Kindle would be a nice balance. I loved the premise of this book and the visuals the author provided painted such a beautiful picture of this family ranch surrounded by mountains in rural Wyoming. Emmy is the youngest of the Ryder kids and after living in Denver for the last decade, she surprises everyone by moving back home. She’s a professional barrel racer, but after a recent bad fall, she hasn’t been able to muster up the courage to get back on the horse (figuratively and literally). Luke Brooks is Emmy’s older brother’s best friend and the local bar owner. Growing up on Rebel Blue Ranch, he’s basically a part of the Ryder family. Although they used to butt heads when they were younger, Emmy and Luke quickly fall into an easy, comfortable rhythm as friends - which leads to Luke helping Emmy face her fears. As they spend more time together, this effortless connection turns into something more and the sexual tension grows THICC. I loved their dynamics and truly appreciated what the side characters added to this story, but now for the rust on my spurs lol. It just felt like there was SOMETHING missing. The pacing moves at a quicker clip which was great, but also made me wonder when we were going to get around to resolving a few obvious issues when there’s only 20% of the book left. There’s also a scene towards the end that feels kind of surface level, when its purpose is to reemphasize how strong Emmy’s and Luke’s connection is. So yeah idk. I definitely liked this book and will for sure be moving onto the next book in the series. It just didn’t have enough kick in its boots, yanno? ;)

The Changeling by Victor Lavalle

THE CHANGELING by Victor Lavalle

Rating: 2/5 stars

Summary: When Apollo Kagwa’s father disappeared, all he left his son were strange recurring dreams and a box of books stamped with the word IMPROBABILIA. Now Apollo is a father himself–and as he and his wife, Emma, are settling into their new lives as parents, exhaustion and anxiety start to take their toll. Apollo’s old dreams return and Emma begins acting odd. Irritable and disconnected from their new baby boy, at first Emma seems to be exhibiting signs of postpartum depression, but it quickly becomes clear that her troubles go even deeper. Before Apollo can do anything to help, Emma commits a horrific act–beyond any parent’s comprehension–and vanishes, seemingly into thin air. Thus begins Apollo’s odyssey through a world he only thought he understood, to find a wife and child who are nothing like he’d imagined. His quest, which begins when he meets a mysterious stranger who claims to have information about Emma’s whereabouts, takes him to a forgotten island, a graveyard full of secrets, a forest where immigrant legends still live, and finally back to a place he thought he had lost forever.

My Thoughts: I reeeeally wanted to like this book. I won it in a Goodreads giveaway a few years ago and just never picked it up. However, since it’s a genre outside of my comfort zone (horror), I decided to listen to it on audiobook instead. For starters, I must admit, I had no idea where any of this book was going for basically a majority of it. A lot of it felt extremely random and disjointed. I learned later that it’s based off of changeling folklore where fairies are stealing human babies and replacing them with fairy babies. However, even knowing that didn’t really clear up the parts of this book that felt a little out of left field. In addition to the jumbled plotline, the pacing of this story was sooooo slow. It absolutely DRAGGED. I don’t know if it’s because as soon as scenes felt like they were ramping up, they ended just as abruptly or if it’s because I was getting impatient to finish the book lol. Mind you, I was listening to it at 1.5x speed, then kicked it up to 1.75x speed, and then by the time I was about 70% in, I was ready for it to be DONE. So I hate-listened to the rest of the book at 2x lol. I also never felt super connected to any of the characters - even Apollo - which did not help my attention span. Thinking back, I don’t even remember there being that much foreshadowing or like plot connection points? It also wasn’t so much a horror book as it was magical realism mixed with mystery/thriller. I don’t know. I can tell the author is a talented writer, and there is great messaging about the potential dangers of sharing too much about yourself on the internet and social media, parental anxieties, etc. The bones for a great book were there, I just don’t think this was executed as well as it could’ve been. 

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

THE GOD OF THE WOODS by Liz Moore

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Early morning, August 1975: a camp counselor discovers an empty bunk. Its occupant, Barbara Van Laar, has gone missing. Barbara isn’t just any thirteen-year-old: she’s the daughter of the family that owns the summer camp and employs most of the region’s residents. And this isn’t the first time a Van Laar child has disappeared. Barbara’s older brother similarly vanished fourteen years ago, never to be found.

My Thoughts: Okay I 10,000% understand the hype behind this book now lol. It took a quick minute to get into it because I had to understand the format and cadence of the story before I could fully immerse myself. However, once I found my footing, everything took off at full speed. The book mainly takes place in the Adirondacks of upstate New York at a summer camp called Camp Emerson. It cycles through the POVs of different characters and on a few different timelines. So you slowly start collecting nuggets of information from every person’s perspective to try to figure out not only where 13-year-old Barbara Van Laar has disappeared to in the present day, but also what happened to her brother 14 years prior. When I tell you I was suspicious of literally every person at this camp lol. The wealthy Van Laar family that lived up on the hill above Camp Emerson were the most eyebrow raising. Especially during the flashbacks to the days when Bear Van Laar went missing. This book was full of flawed, complex characters, vivid details that brought this camp to life, and a twisty plot that had me second guessing every proclamation I made until literally the last 10%. If you’re looking for a rich people/summer camp vibe mystery that’s mixed with a dash of historical fiction, The God of the Woods is the perfect book to dive into! 

Interesting Facts About Space by Emily Austin

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SPACE by Emily R. Austin

Rating: 3.75/5 stars

Summary: Enid is obsessed with space. She can tell you all about black holes and their ability to spaghettify you without batting an eye in fear. Her one major phobia? Bald men. But she tries to keep that one under wraps. When she’s not listening to her favorite true crime podcasts on a loop, she’s serially dating a rotation of women from dating apps. At the same time, she’s trying to forge a new relationship with her estranged half-sisters after the death of her absent father. When she unwittingly plunges into her first serious romantic entanglement, Enid starts to believe that someone is following her. As her paranoia spirals out of control, Enid must contend with her mounting suspicion that something is seriously wrong with her. Because at the end of the day there’s only one person she can’t outrun—herself.

My Thoughts: This book won’t be for everybody but I thoroughly enjoyed it. It follows half-deaf  20-something Enid throughout her day-to-day life where she listens to true crime podcasts for comfort, navigates a new relationship with her previously estranged half-sisters, impulsively serial dates via apps, tries to figure out if she’s being followed, and struggles with an irrational phobia of bald men. There was something so endearing and relatable about this book. You get to see both Enid’s interactions with the world around her but also what her internal dialogue looks like. Although it’s clear from the beginning that Enid is neurodivergent (she talks a lot about masking and copying the behaviors of others in social situations), there are so many layers to her character the deeper you get into the book. It was impossible not to empathize with her, especially in the moments of high anxiety. I don’t know if I’d consider the content as dark humor necessarily, but there are plenty of situations Enid gets herself into that added comedic relief to this story. There are also some bigger topics covered such as PTSD behavior, parent-child relationships, depression, disabilities, etc. so please check trigger warnings before starting. However, I would totally recommend adding this book to your arsenal if you like extremely relatable characters. Also, all of the fun facts about space that she shares with her mom throughout the book were just a pleasant bonus to the rest of the experience. 

Swift and Saddled by Lyla Sage

SWIFT AND SADDLED by Lyla Sage (Rebel Blue Ranch #2)

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Summary: The last thing Ada Hart needs is a man to take care of her. Not anymore. After failing out of her interior design program and the disaster that was her short-lived marriage, Ada clawed her way up from her rock bottom. Now, the only person she trusts is herself, and that has gotten her further than ever before. She has her own business, and one of the largest ranches in Wyoming just hired her for the most important project of her career. When Ada arrives in Meadowlark, she finds herself in a dive bar where she can’t seem to shake the eyes of a handsome cowboy. When she leads him to the back of the bar, he leaves her with a kiss that most people can only fantasize about. She almost regrets that she’ll never see him again . . . except it turns out he’s her new boss. Weston Ryder is a happy guy. Even happier now that the mystery woman from the bar is the interior designer for his dream project on his family’s ranch. He feels like he hit the jackpot. It’s too bad she wants absolutely nothing to do with him outside of work. Ada is convinced the pull she feels toward Wes will go away, but Wes can’t stop thinking about her. Even though walls are coming down around Rebel Blue, Ada’s walls are firmly in place. Can they make it through this project without giving in? Or will they both put their dreams on the line for a chance at love?

My Thoughts: I have to say, I’m not usually the biggest fan of the golden retriever characters, but Wes Ryder has my heart. <3 Since he’s always been seen as the “nice guy” who can fit in anywhere, he’s having a bit of an identity crisis. He’s not sure where he fits into the dynamics of his family and wants to prove himself by creating a B&B by restoring the old farm house on Rebel Blue Ranch. That’s where Ada comes in. She’s an interior designer looking for a big break in her career and anything that will take her away from her current situation in California. Although the connection between Ada and Wes is instant, it isn’t until the next day that they realize who each other really is. I freaking loved how patient Wes was with Ada. She had much more trauma to work through than he did, but he never faltered in his feelings for her. They were also the perfect tag team for breathing new life into this dilapidated house. My only complaint about this book is that although Ada’s character arc felt complete, it didn’t feel like Wes’s inner turmoil was completely resolved. It just wasn’t addressed again, IMO. Otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed the second book of this series and say it is definitely worth the read!

Lost and Lassoed by Lyla Sage

LOST AND LASSOED by Lyla Sage (Rebel Blue Ranch #3)

Rating: 3.75/5 stars

Summary: Teddy Andersen doesn't have a plan. She's never needed one before. She's always been more of a go with the flow type of girl, but for some reason, the flow doesn't seem to be going her way this time. Her favorite vintage suede jacket has a hole in it, her sewing machine is broken, and her best friend just got engaged. Suddenly, everything feels like it's starting to change. Teddy's used to being a leader, but now she feels like she's getting left behind, wondering if the life she lives in the small town she loves is enough for her anymore. Gus Ryder has a lot on his plate. He doesn't know what's taking care of his family's 8,000 acre ranch, or parenting his spunky six-year-old daughter, who is staying with him for the summer. Gus has always been the dependable one, but when his workload starts to overwhelm him, he slips up, and he has to admit that he can't manage everything on his own. He needs help. His little sister's best friend, the woman he can't stand, is not who he had in mind. But when no one else can step in, Teddy's the only option he's got. Teddy decides to use the summer to try and figure out what she wants out of life. Gus, on the other hand, starts to worry that he'll never find what he needs. Tempers flare, tension builds, and for the first time ever, Gus and Teddy start to see each other in a different light. As new feelings start to simmer below the surface, they must decide whether or not to act on them. Can they keep things cool? Or will both of them get burned?

My Thoughts: Listen, of all of the tropes I can get behind, age-gap and single-dad are the two that I am the pickiest about. If they’re not done well and within reason, you will not get my sign off. I’m pleased to share that this book passed the test, and I was obsessed with watching Teddy and Gus slowly fall in love. Especially after watching them bicker so much in the previous two books. This was an enemies-to-lovers story through and through. Teddy is a little firecracker whose light has been feeling a little dimmer lately after the boutique she’s been working at for years shuts down, and she starts realizing the dynamics with her best friend have started to change now that Emmy is engaged. Gus is the grumpiest cowboy you will ever meet and is trying to prove that he can be everything, everywhere, all at once. However, when the co-parenting arrangement with his baby momma goes temporarily awry, his family has to intervene to say he needs help. Unfortunately for Gus, the only person available to help out with his kid this summer is his arch nemesis, Teddy. I wasn’t sure how believable this story was going to feel because there was so much animosity between these two characters. However, once their softer sides came out and they became so much more vulnerable with each other, I couldn’t imagine them with anyone else. Not to mention, Gus’s 6-year-old daughter, Riley, adds an extra shot of sunshine into the story which makes the dynamics of this trio so much more believable. The fourth book of this series comes out in the spring and I cannot wait to get my hands on it! 

When I Think of You by Myah Ariel

WHEN I THINK OF YOU by Myah Ariel

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Summary: Kaliya Wilson has paid her dues. But all the years behind the reception desk at a flashy film studio have only pushed her movie-making dreams further out of reach. That is, until a surprise reunion presents an opportunity that could make her career, or break her heart…a second time. It’s been seven years since Kaliya’s whirlwind college romance with Danny Prescott went up in flames. While her passions have stalled, his career is taking off. So when the hot shot director reappears to offer her a job on his next production, it’s a shock to the system. Working with Danny may recapture the intensity of their film school days, but trusting him again won’t come as easily. As the pair allows themselves the openness and vulnerability to entrust their deepest truths to each other, the possibility of a true connection draws ever closer. But when Hollywood politics and scandal threaten to sink the production and her career, Kaliya may have to risk everything to do what’s right—even if it means letting go of the second chance love of a lifetime.

My Thoughts: The fact that this is a debut novel is beyond impressive. The story follows Kaliya, a 26-year-old hustling to break into the film industry. For now, that means paying her dues at the reception desk of one of L.A.’s biggest studios—where she’s been stuck for years, constantly undervalued and overlooked. She’s more than ready for her big break. What she doesn’t expect is for that opportunity to come from the man who shattered her heart seven years ago. Danny Prescott is the son of one of the most legendary film directors in recent history. Now that his father has passed, he’s determined to tell the story of his parents’ extraordinary romance—a love that defied all odds in the face of racial injustice between a white man and a Black woman. But this book is so much more than just a romance. It shines a light on the discrimination people of color face in the film industry, and the relentless challenges of making it in that world. That being said, the romance? You feel it in your gut. The tension between Kaliya and Danny is palpable in every interaction. With so much left unsaid from their past, I was itching for them to finally lay it all on the table. And without giving anything away, I loved that their happily-ever-after didn’t unfold in the typical, predictable way. If you’re looking for a romance with complex characters, raw emotions, and a powerful storyline, this book is a must-read!

Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi

TRANSCENDENT KINGDOM by Yaa Gyasi

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Summary: Gifty is a fifth-year candidate in neuroscience at Stanford School of Medicine studying reward-seeking behavior in mice and the neural circuits of depression and addiction. Her brother, Nana, was a gifted high school athlete who died of a heroin overdose after a knee injury left him hooked on OxyContin. Her suicidal mother is living in her bed. Gifty is determined to discover the scientific basis for the suffering she sees all around her. But even as she turns to the hard sciences to unlock the mystery of her family's loss, she finds herself hungering for her childhood faith and grappling with the evangelical church in which she was raised, whose promise of salvation remains as tantalizing as it is elusive. 

My Thoughts: I read Homegoing a few years ago and really enjoyed it, so I was excited to pick up Transcendent Kingdom. Even though I own a physical copy, I opted for the audiobook and I’m glad I did. This story took me by surprise. Religion played a much bigger role than I expected—so much so that I almost considered DNFing it. But I felt I wouldn’t be giving it a fair shot if I stopped, so I pushed through. This isn’t an uplifting story in the traditional sense, but it’s a deeply moving one. As a child, Gifty’s mother moved her and her brother, Nana, from Ghana to the U.S., settling in a white, rural town in Alabama. Religion became a cornerstone of their lives as her mother devoted herself to a Pentecostal church. The family struggles to fit in, and while Nana finds success in sports, an injury leads him to painkiller addiction, eventually resulting in his overdose. His death shatters the family—Gifty’s mother sinks into a deep depression, her father returns to Ghana to start a new life, and Gifty is left to pick up the pieces, trying to forge her own path in this so-called "land of opportunity." As an adult, Gifty is still grappling with her identity—not just as a Ghanaian-American, but as a Christian. Through her research at Stanford, she searches for answers, both scientific and personal, while also attempting to reconnect with her mother, who continues to battle grief and suicidal thoughts. This book is deeply poignant and thought-provoking. If you’re open to exploring themes of faith, loss, and identity, you’ll likely find it incredibly impactful. But if heavy religious themes aren’t your thing, this may not be the right read for you.

The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young

THE UNMAKING OF JUNE FARROW by Adrienne Young

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: In the small mountain town of Jasper, North Carolina, June Farrow is waiting for fate to find her. The Farrow women are known for their thriving flower farm—and the mysterious curse that has plagued their family line. The whole town remembers the madness that led to Susanna Farrow’s disappearance, leaving June to be raised by her grandmother and haunted by rumors. It’s been a year since June started seeing and hearing things that weren’t there. Faint wind chimes, a voice calling her name, and a mysterious door appearing out of nowhere—the signs of what June always knew was coming. But June is determined to end the curse once and for all, even if she must sacrifice finding love and having a family of her own. After her grandmother’s death, June discovers a series of cryptic clues regarding her mother’s decades-old disappearance, except they only lead to more questions. But could the door she once assumed was a hallucination be the answer she’s been searching for? The next time it appears, June realizes she can touch it and walk past the threshold. And when she does, she embarks on a journey that will not only change both the past and the future, but also uncover the lingering mysteries of her small town and entangle her heart in an epic star-crossed love.

My Thoughts: I tried to read this book at least three times, but the small print kept throwing me off, so I kept putting it down. Recently, though, I’ve been reading more physical books, and I think my eyes have finally adjusted—because this time, I was able to dive in without a hitch. The vibe of this book is a mix between The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger and Weyward by Emilia Hart. In Jasper, NC, the Farrow women are known for two things: their thriving flower farm and the mysterious curse that haunts them. June, raised by her grandmother, has always heard the rumors about her family and the madness that plagues its women. When she starts experiencing strange visions and voices, she fears the curse is catching up to her. Then, a year later, her grandmother dies—leaving behind more questions than answers. But just days after her passing, a letter arrives, revealing secrets about the curse and giving June a rare chance to break the cycle. This book was an absolute page-turner. With overlapping timelines, high-stakes choices, and small clues leading June closer to breaking the curse, I couldn’t put it down. And that final plot twist? I never saw it coming—I was floored by how well the author wove everything together. While it’s not exactly groundbreaking, I really enjoyed it. If you're looking for a book that’s not full-fledged fantasy but still has strong female leads and a touch of magical realism, this one’s worth picking up!

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

LITTLE WOMEN by Louisa May Alcott

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: The four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—navigate love, loss, and personal growth during the American Civil War. Raised by their strong and compassionate mother, Marmee, while their father is away serving as a chaplain, the sisters experience the challenges of womanhood, societal expectations, and their own dreams. Each sister has a distinct personality: Meg, the responsible and traditional eldest; Jo, the ambitious and rebellious writer; Beth, the gentle and selfless musician; and Amy, the artistic and sometimes vain youngest. Their close-knit family faces financial struggles, heartbreak, and personal triumphs, all while staying grounded in their love for each other. As the years pass, the sisters forge their own paths—Jo pursues a literary career, Meg embraces domestic life, Amy chases artistic success, and Beth’s quiet strength deeply impacts them all.

My Thoughts: Admittedly, the only interaction I’d had with Little Women in my life is seeing the 2019 adaptation in theaters because I am an absolute SIMP for any movie Saiorse Ronan is in lol. Although I had made it a goal a couple of years ago to integrate more classics into my reading list every year, last year I didn’t read any. So we’re going to try to incorporate more in 2025, starting with LW. I went the audiobook route and it was an absolute delight! It’s a sweet coming-of-age story following the four March sisters. Each one is so different, and yet they all just kind of make sense as a whole. It felt like Jo’s and Amy’s characters were a little more fleshed out than Beth and Meg, but I still appreciated the role the latter sisters played in the overall story. The format of the book is interesting as well. I’d say the first half is entirely character driven as you get to know not only the March sisters, but those in their close orbit as well such as Laurie, Laurie’s grandfather, Hannah, etc. Then the story jumps about 3-5 years into the future between the first and second half. Once we get into part two, a plot slowly starts to form. I’m sure this isn’t a new book to anyone, but if you haven’t read it, I highly recommend it. The writing read much more modern than I was expecting and it was just all around such a pleasant experience lol. 

Poverty, By America by Matthew Demond

POVERTY, BY AMERICA by Matthew Desmond

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: The United States, the richest country on earth, has more poverty than any other advanced democracy. Why? Why does this land of plenty allow one in every eight of its children to go without basic necessities, permit scores of its citizens to live and die on the streets, and authorize its corporations to pay poverty wages? In this landmark book, acclaimed sociologist Matthew Desmond draws on history, research, and original reporting to show how affluent Americans knowingly and unknowingly keep poor people poor. Those of us who are financially secure exploit the poor, driving down their wages while forcing them to overpay for housing and access to cash and credit. We prioritize the subsidization of our wealth over the alleviation of poverty, designing a welfare state that gives the most to those who need the least. And we stockpile opportunity in exclusive communities, creating zones of concentrated riches alongside those of concentrated despair. Some lives are made small so that others may grow.

My Thoughts: Wow—this book was a total mic drop. If Evicted by Matthew Desmond left my jaw on the floor, this one had it plunging straight into Middle-earth. Everyone should read this. It’s not a long book, but the insights are so eye-opening that the impact is huge. As usual with nonfiction, I went with the audiobook, and I’m so glad I did. The narrator’s delivery is both conversational and powerful, making the data-heavy content easier to digest. Compared to other countries, it’s clear that poverty in America isn’t just an unfortunate reality—it’s almost systematically designed. What I really appreciated about this book is that it doesn’t just blame the obvious culprits (the wealthy); it also examines how the middle class plays a role, especially in resisting changes that could genuinely help those most affected by poverty. With our current administration being completely unhinged, this book should be required reading. It left me absolutely floored, reflecting on just how much we’ve failed this nation’s poor. If you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend it.

The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride

THE HEAVEN & EARTH GROCERY STORE by James McBride

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: In 1972, when workers in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, were digging the foundations for a new housing development, the last thing they expected to uncover was a human skeleton. Who the skeleton was and how it got buried there were just two of the long-held secrets that had been kept for decades by the residents of Chicken Hill, the dilapidated neighborhood where immigrant Jews and African Americans lived side by side, sharing ambitions and sorrows. Chicken Hill was where Moshe and Chona Ludlow lived when Chona ran the Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, which served the neighborhood's quirky collection of blacks and European immigrants, helped by her husband, Moshe, a Romanian-born theater owner who integrated the town's first dance hall. When the state came looking for a deaf black child, claiming that the boy needed to be institutionalized, Chicken Hill's residents—roused by Chona's kindness and the courage of a local black worker named Nate Timblin—banded together to keep the boy safe.

My Thoughts: I absolutely loved this book! I went in knowing nothing about it, but after seeing it everywhere, I decided to dive in—and I’m so glad I did. If you enjoy audiobooks, this one is a must. The narrator’s performance is pure art—he flawlessly delivers different accents, dialects, and even reads dialogue in multiple languages, making the experience incredibly immersive. The book’s structure is complex, and the first part may feel a bit aimless at first, but that’s because it’s so deeply character-driven. And trust me—there are a lot of characters. What impressed me most about the author’s writing is how distinct and well-developed each one feels. Every character plays a unique role in the tight-knit Chicken Hill community, making it easy to keep track of who’s who. The story begins with a Jewish couple, Moshe and Chona Ludlow. Moshe, a Romanian-born theater owner, and Chona, the outspoken owner of the Heaven & Earth grocery store, live in a predominantly Black and Jewish neighborhood. Chona is a bold, unconventional woman who often clashes with the local white Christian community that looks down on Chicken Hill’s residents. But her unwavering dedication to those she cares about earns her fierce loyalty from her neighbors. Things take a dramatic turn when word spreads that the state is searching for an orphaned deaf Black boy, Dodo, to place in a “special school.” Under Chona’s leadership, the community comes together to hide him for months—until tragedy strikes, leading to his capture. Now institutionalized, it’s up to the people of Chicken Hill to figure out a way to break him out. Y’all. This book is so compelling. It tackles heavy themes like racism, religious discrimination, and ableism, yet still manages to weave in humor and hope. If you’re looking for an unconventional historical fiction novel that will make you laugh and cry, I highly recommend this one!

That’s it for February!

I have a feeling I’m going to be reading a little bit slower in March because most of my weekends are already jam-packed with various plans. However, I have my eye on a few books already, so I’m sure by this time next month I’ll have some decent recs for y’all. 

2025 Book Count: 32

Add me on Goodreads if you haven’t already.

YOUR TURN! What’s a book that’s been on your radar lately?

January 2025 Reads

January. January. January.

Somehow you manage to make one month feel like a full year lol. 

Given everything happening in the world right now, it’s probably no surprise that my go-to escape this month was reading. Not that I totally disassociated from knowing the main headlines every day, but based on the chaotic nature of the atrocious man leading our country right now, it was always a toss up as to what I was muttering “what the actual fuck?” about while I sipped my morning coffee. 

So I had a tendency to go immediately from NPR’s Up First Podcast to an audiobook everyday for a little bit of fictional reprieve. 

With so many series releasing new installments in the coming months, I mainly stuck to fantasy/romantasy, but I also squeezed in a few historical fiction reads and one mystery thriller.  

ALSO, I finally signed up for Storygraph! It’s a Black woman-owned platform that not only helps you track your reading, but gives you some solid insights and data related to the books you’ve been reading. (See a couple of examples below for my January reading!)

Storygraph Stats for January 2025

You have to do some manual entry to find the correct book format and what not, but I’m thoroughly enjoying it so far and recommend you check it out!

Anyway, let’s get into everything I read in January.

**All summaries are taken or paraphrased from Goodreads.

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES by Shelby Van Pelt

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: After Tova Sullivan's husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she's been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago. Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn't dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors--until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova. Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova's son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it's too late.

My Thoughts: It is absolutely BONKERS to me that this book is a debut novel. It is so beautifully written and really explores the human connection in a way that reminds me of Fredrik Backman’s style - where everyone’s lives end up perfectly intertwined. This book primarily follows two characters: Tova, a retired widow who works the night shift as a cleaning lady at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, and Cameron Cassmore, a bit of a burnout who blames everything that goes wrong in life on anything but his own actions. While working at the aquarium, Tova forms an unlikely friendship with a wily octopus named Marcellus, who manages to escape his tank every night. Meanwhile, after losing his job, Cameron decides to track down the father he’s never met and ends up in Sowell Bay, living in an RV parked in the driveway of the local grocer’s house. The book mainly switches POVs between Tova and Cameron, but you also get brief chapters from Marcellus’s perspective as he watches these two navigate their current season of life. He sees the obvious connection between them long before they do. This book was so freaking endearing and I totally get the hype behind it. Not to mention, Marin Ireland is the audiobook narrator, and I honestly couldn’t ask for a better voice to bring this story to life. If you haven’t experienced the magic of this book yet, it’s the perfect pick to uplift your spirit during these drab winter days. 

Draco Malfoy & the Mortifying Ordeal of Being in Love by Brigitte Knightley

DRACO MALFOY AND THE MORTIFYING ORDEAL OF BEING IN LOVE by Brigitte Knightley

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: Hermione straddles the magical and non-magical worlds as a medical researcher and Healer about to make a Big Discovery. Draco is an Auror assigned to protect her from forces unknown -- to both of their displeasure.

My Thoughts: I am a 30-year-old woman officially in her Dramoine era and I don’t care who knows it! There is something inexplicably alluring about reading alternative storylines involving romance between Hermoine Granger and Draco Malfoy. Does it make sense why I’m so invested in this niche genre? Absolutely not. Did that stop me from finding a whole curated list of Dramoine fanfictions on Goodreads? Absolutely not. After getting emotionally wrecked by Manacled in December, one of my best friends recommended this title as my next venture into Draco/Hermoine fanfiction. Y’all. The banter alone was a work of art. In this Dramoine tale, Hermione is a highly successful medical researcher and doctor in the Muggle world, while in the wizarding world, she is a renowned healer. Draco, an incredibly talented Auror, is assigned to protect Hermione while she works on a top-secret project for the Ministry of Magic. Though they initially begrudge their forced partnership, subtle shifts in their dynamic begin to happen as emerging threats to Hermione and her work grow more dangerous. I was such a SIMP for this slow burn romance. It was so much fun watching them evolve from reluctant allies to friends—and then into something more. If you’re looking for a cure to your Manacled hangover and want a more lighthearted take on these characters, this is the perfect “book.” The writing was lovely, the plot solid, and the character development spot on. Honestly, you wouldn’t even know it’s fanfiction—especially when you’re giggling like a fool at their quick quips lol. 

The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand

THE PERFECT COUPLE by Elin Hilderbrand

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: It's Nantucket wedding season, also known as summer - the sight of a bride racing down Main Street is as common as the sun setting at Madaket Beach. The Otis-Winbury wedding promises to be an event to remember: the groom's wealthy parents have spared no expense to host a lavish ceremony at their oceanfront estate. But it's going to be memorable for all the wrong reasons after tragedy strikes: a body is discovered in Nantucket Harbor just hours before the ceremony-and everyone in the wedding party is suddenly a suspect. As Chief of Police Ed Kapenash interviews the bride, the groom, the groom's famous mystery-novelist mother, and even a member of his own family, he discovers that every wedding is a minefield-and no couple is perfect.

My Thoughts: The only Elin Hilderbrand books I’ve read were part of her Winter series and, to me, those exuded more of a romance genre feeling than anything else. I also never looked into what the Netflix adaptation of this book was about, I just knew I wanted to read it before watching that. So imagine my surprise when, within the first few minutes of this audiobook, I realize it’s more of a murder mystery than anything else lol. This book had a slow start, but once I got into it, I was hooked. In the early morning hours of a lavish Nantucket wedding, the maid of honor is found floating facedown in the harbor. Cue an ongoing investigation into how she died. The story alternates between multiple POVs, shifting between the present—where police are interviewing everyone involved in the wedding—and the months leading up to the big event. All of these characters are a little morally gray, if you ask me. So it was hard to pinpoint who had the strongest motive for killing the maid of honor. On the surface, they seem polished and put together, but as the story progresses, you quickly realize their lives are anything but perfect. This wasn’t a mind-blowing premise, but I did thoroughly appreciate how seamlessly everyone’s stories wove together leading up to this tragedy. If you’re looking for a beachy murder mystery with a touch of romance and a heavy helping of family dysfunction, this book is a must!

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

IRON FLAME by Rebecca Yarros (The Empyrean, #2) (REREAD)

Rating: 5/5 stars (but objectively 4/5 stars)

Summary: Everyone expected Violet Sorrengail to die during her first year at Basgiath War College—Violet included. But Threshing was only the first impossible test meant to weed out the weak-willed, the unworthy, and the unlucky. Now the real training begins, and Violet’s already wondering how she’ll get through. It’s not just that it’s grueling and maliciously brutal, or even that it’s designed to stretch the riders’ capacity for pain beyond endurance. It’s the new vice commandant, who’s made it his personal mission to teach Violet exactly how powerless she is–unless she betrays the man she loves. Although Violet’s body might be weaker and frailer than everyone else’s, she still has her wits—and a will of iron. And leadership is forgetting the most important lesson Basgiath has taught her: Dragon riders make their own rules. But a determination to survive won’t be enough this year. Because Violet knows the real secret hidden for centuries at Basgiath War College—and nothing, not even dragon fire, may be enough to save them in the end.

My Thoughts: Listen, listen, listen, listen lol. I eyeball read this book the first time through last year and wanted to reread it again before Onyx Storm dropped on January 21st. However, I wanted to listen to it this time around and one of my friends recommended the dramatized audiobook… Y’ALL LOL. I wish you could see the fucking CHEESE dripping from my smile right now as I type. This version of this audiobook was soooo dRAmaTiC and I fucking loved every minute of it lmfao. It felt as though I was watching one of my mom’s weekday 12:30PM soap operas (Young & the Restless, anyone? IYKYK). It’s also FULL CAST *chef’s kiss*. Anyway, if I thought I couldn’t be anymore OBSESSED with the dragons in this series, give those scaly suckers an actual voice. Adolescent Andarna still served a full helping of sass while Tairn’s voice was lowkey giving James Earl Jones (RIP) Darth Vader. I have to say, reading this through a second time, I definitely picked up on a few things a little bit quicker than I did my first time through. Even some parts of the plot that I originally thought were a little messy were definitely brought up earlier in the book than I realized. That being said, knowledge is power, so I’m not sure if I found it easier to see those things because I already knew they were coming or if I was paying better attention to the details instead of INHALING the book as a whole. My biggest recommendation if you’ve never read this book and are a visual learner is to eyeball-read it first. Then try out the graphic audiobook afterwards. If you’re more of an auditory learner, then starting with the audiobook will be perf. As a side note, more so that you don’t judge me than anything I actually need to point out, some of the sounds the voice actor of Xaden makes during the salacious scenes are SO FUCKING CRINGE OMG LOL. So just be aware that you may want to tap that “skip forward 15 seconds” button until you’re on the other side of it lmao. At one point he literally sounded like he was chowing down on some hella good food but they were supposed to be making out and I simply could not. Otherwise, I’m ready to make Onyx Storm my entire personality once that book comes out. 🙂

The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters

THE BERRY PICKERS by Amanda Peters

Rating: 3.25/5 stars

Summary: July 1962. A Mi’kmaq family from Nova Scotia arrives in Maine to pick blueberries for the summer. Weeks later, four-year-old Ruthie, the family’s youngest child, vanishes. She is last seen by her six-year-old brother, Joe, sitting on a favorite rock at the edge of a berry field. Joe will remain distraught by his sister’s disappearance for years to come. In Maine, a young girl named Norma grows up as the only child of an affluent family. Her father is emotionally distant, her mother frustratingly overprotective. Norma is often troubled by recurring dreams and visions that seem more like memories than imagination. As she grows older, Norma slowly comes to realize there is something her parents aren’t telling her. Unwilling to abandon her intuition, she will spend decades trying to uncover this family secret.

My Thoughts: This book was a lot slower and darker than I anticipated. When they were kids, Norma (then Ruthie) went missing, and her brother, Joe, was the last person to see her. The story follows each sibling, showing how their lives unfold after that tragic event, with both facing their own types of adversity. Joe struggles with deep self-loathing rooted in the trauma of his sister’s disappearance. That pain manifests in self-destructive behavior—alcoholism, domestic violence, decades of estrangement from his family, and more. I have to be honest, I didn’t really like Joe’s character. I understood that he had a lot of healing to do after everything he’d been through, but he had a frustrating habit of telling others what they needed from him instead of actually listening to what they were saying. Norma, on the other hand, was a much more likable character, though her life ended up being incredibly sheltered and saturated in secondhand grief from her mother’s struggles with infertility. She eventually managed to break free from her overprotective parents, but I hated that they gaslit her her entire life—especially in childhood. It was no surprise that she developed a habit of second-guessing herself. This book was definitely impactful and explores how the bonds of family can remain strong, even after unimaginable tragedy.Overall, it was a good book, but it may have been a victim of its own hype for me.

West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge

WEST WITH GIRAFFES by Lynda Rutledge

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Woodrow Wilson Nickel, age 105, feels his life ebbing away. But when he learns giraffes are going extinct, he finds himself recalling the unforgettable experience he cannot take to his grave. It’s 1938. The Great Depression lingers. Hitler is threatening Europe, and world-weary Americans long for wonder. They find it in two giraffes who miraculously survive a hurricane while crossing the Atlantic. What follows is a twelve-day road trip in a custom truck to deliver Southern California’s first giraffes to the San Diego Zoo. Behind the wheel is the young Dust Bowl rowdy Woodrow. Inspired by true events, the tale weaves real-life figures with fictional ones, including the world’s first female zoo director, a crusty old man with a past, a young female photographer with a secret, and assorted reprobates as spotty as the giraffes.

My Thoughts: I originally heard about this book through my mom and although I was intrigued when she told me about it last summer, I didn’t have a desire to pick it up right away. However, now that this gem is on Kindle Unlimited, I couldn’t help myself. There was something so endearing about it that made it easy to return to each night. Woody Nickel is currently 105, living his last years in a nursing home. He knows his days are numbered when he starts seeing a giraffe at his window—a sign that it’s time to finally write down a story he hasn’t told anyone in full for decades. Switch to 1938 and Woody has just made his way to New York from rural Texas after losing his family in the Dust Bowl. During his first week there, a hurricane hits, destroying most of the harbor and tragically killing his cousin—his last known relative. As he struggles to figure out where to go next, a freighter glides into the harbor carrying two giraffes. Woody has never seen anything like them and, on impulse, decides to follow them on their cross-country journey to the San Diego Zoo. Through a series of unexpected events, he ends up driving the truck carrying these majestic animals, forming a bond not just with the giraffes but also with a few unforgettable characters along the way.  Between Woody’s innocence and naivety, the Old Man’s deep love for animals, and Red’s whimsical appearances, my empathy cup had runneth over. This crew of misfits had me hanging on every mile of their once-in-a-lifetime voyage across the country. I haven’t felt this cozy with a book in a while, and I highly recommend it as your next historical fiction read!

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

LEGENDBORN by Tracy Deonn (REREAD) (The Legendborn Cycle, #1)

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Summary: After her mother dies in an accident, sixteen-year-old Bree Matthews wants nothing to do with her family memories or childhood home. A residential program for bright high schoolers at UNC–Chapel Hill seems like the perfect escape—until Bree witnesses a magical attack her very first night on campus. A flying demon feeding on human energies. A secret society of so called “Legendborn” students that hunt the creatures down. And a mysterious teenage mage who calls himself a “Merlin” and who attempts—and fails—to wipe Bree’s memory of everything she saw. The mage’s failure unlocks Bree’s own unique magic and a buried memory with a hidden connection: the night her mother died, another Merlin was at the hospital. Now that Bree knows there’s more to her mother’s death than what’s on the police report, she’ll do whatever it takes to find out the truth, even if that means infiltrating the Legendborn as one of their initiates. She recruits Nick, a self-exiled Legendborn with his own grudge against the group, and their reluctant partnership pulls them deeper into the society’s secrets—and closer to each other. But when the Legendborn reveal themselves as the descendants of King Arthur’s knights and explain that a magical war is coming, Bree has to decide how far she’ll go for the truth and whether she should use her magic to take the society down—or join the fight.

My Thoughts: The third book in this series, Oathbound, comes out in March. When the second book was released, I made the mistake of not rereading the first one and felt absolutely fucking LOST while trying to keep up. So, I promised myself I’d reread both Legendborn and Bloodmarked before the third book drops—and what better way to do that than with the audiobook? :) I didn’t LOVE this narrator tho. She kept pronouncing it “King AUTHOR” instead of “ARTHUR,” and it drove me up a wall—but I liked her enough to stick with it. It’s been a few years since I eyeball-read this book back in 2022 (OG review here). However, its excellence stood the test of time and I am still gobsmacked at how amazing this story is. SO MUCH HAPPENS. As an urban fantasy set at UNC, there isn’t a ton of time needed for world-building. Instead, Tracy Deonn puts all her energy into crafting a full roster of incredibly well-developed characters and a multi-layered plot, which results in nothing less than an all-consuming book. Between the secret society recruitment process, the mystery of who keeps opening gates to let demons through, and Bree uncovering more about her magic, this story straps you in and does not let go. If you’re looking for a fantasy series that will not disappoint, I highly recommend getting your hands on this one! 

Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli

HEARTLESS HUNTER by Kristen Ciccarelli (The Crimson Moth, #1) (REREAD)

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: On the night Rune’s life changed forever, blood ran in the streets. Now, in the aftermath of a devastating revolution, witches have been diminished from powerful rulers to outcasts ruthlessly hunted due to their waning magic, and Rune must hide what she is. Spending her days pretending to be nothing more than a vapid young socialite, Rune spends her nights as the Crimson Moth, a witch vigilante who rescues her kind from being purged. When a rescue goes wrong, she decides to throw the witch hunters off her scent and gain the intel she desperately needs by courting the handsome Gideon Sharpe – a notorious and unforgiving witch hunter loyal to the revolution – who she can't help but find herself falling for. Gideon loathes the decadence and superficiality Rune represents, but when he learns the Crimson Moth has been using Rune’s merchant ships to smuggle renegade witches out of the republic, he inserts himself into her social circles by pretending to court her right back. He soon realizes that beneath her beauty and shallow façade, is someone fiercely intelligent and tender who feels like his perfect match. Except, what if she’s the very villain he’s been hunting?

My Thoughts: I realized in mid-January that the second book in this duology comes out on February 18th and when I tell you I gasped because HOW DID I NOT KNOW THAT?? This was one of my absolute favorite fantasies from last year and I think about it all the time because it now lives rent free in my brain (see the OG review here). So, per my usual move, I decided to listen to the audiobook this time around for my reread, and y’all, it did not disappoint. The narrator’s voice was PERFECT for this book—it completely engrossed me in the story. I still love how the format switches between Rune and Gideon as they play this high-stakes cat-and-mouse game with each other. Rune is a vigilante known as the Crimson Moth, smuggling witches to the mainland—where magic is still accepted—before the Red Guard can capture and kill them. Gideon, captain of the Red Guard, has one priority: figuring out who the Crimson Moth is. Cue Rune and Gideon courting each other with ulterior motives—Rune, to rescue a recently captured, highly powerful witch; Gideon, to unmask the Crimson Moth. Watching them dance around each other as their dynamics shift was everything. As I said in my original review, the tension between them is THICC, and that DEFINITELY translated through the audiobook, too. If you’re looking for a fantasy that’s fast paced and has a jaw-dropping plot twist, I cannot recommend this book enough!

Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney

BEAUTIFUL UGLY by Alice Feeney

Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary: Author Grady Green is having the worst best day of his life. Grady calls his wife to share some exciting news as she is driving home. He hears Abby slam on the brakes, get out of the car, then nothing. When he eventually finds her car by the cliff edge the headlights are on, the driver door is open, her phone is still there. . . but his wife has disappeared. A year later, Grady is still overcome with grief and desperate to know what happened to Abby. He can’t sleep, and he can’t write, so he travels to a tiny Scottish island to try to get his life back on track. Then he sees the impossible – a woman who looks exactly like his missing wife.

My Thoughts: This book started off strong and had me hooked for the most part. There was a creepy undertone to everything happening to Grady on this remote Scottish island that had me second-guessing everything. But around the middle, things started to feel repetitive—to the point where I kept hoping there was still a purpose behind all these so-called "new" developments. So, I stuck it out. There’s a strong unreliable narrator element here, as Grady begins losing his sanity due to intense insomnia and the way the island’s residents treat him. You feel like they’re gaslighting him, but at the same time, you’re not sure if those passive fronts are real or just in his head. One thing Alice Feeney does exceptionally well? Slapping you in the face with a plot twist—and holy hell, if I didn’t have a metaphorical handprint on my face after this one hit. I literally went, WAIT, WHAT?? Despite that banger of a twist, though, the book as a whole was just fine. You don’t really get to build a connection with any of the other characters enough to form an opinion on who’s the lesser of two evils. The premise is clever, but I think it could’ve been fleshed out a little more.

These Infinite Threads by Tahereh Mafi

THESE INFINITE THREADS by Tahereh Mafi (This Woven Kingdom #2)

Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary: With the heat of a kiss, the walls between Alizeh, the long-lost heir to an ancient Jinn kingdom, and Kamran, the crown prince of the Ardunian empire, have crumbled. And so have both of their lives. Alizeh, the heir to the Jinn throne, is destined to free her people from the half-lives they’ve been forced to live under human rule. When Kamran, the heir to the human throne, falls in love with her, he’s forced to question everything he’s been taught about Jinn. Kamran’s grandfather lays dead at the hand of Cyrus, ruler of the neighboring kingdom of Tulan. Cyrus has stolen Alizeh away to his homeland and plans to marry her there, giving her everything she needs to become the Jinn queen—and when she assumes the throne he will have fulfilled his own bargain with the devil. Alizeh wants nothing to do with Cyrus’s deal or the devil. But without a way to escape Tulan, and with the fulfillment of her own destiny tantalizingly close, she’ll have to decide whether she can set aside her emotions to become the queen her people need. Kamran, meanwhile, is picking up the pieces in Ardunia. Facing betrayal at every turn, all he knows is that he must go to Tulan to avenge his grandfather. He can only hope that Alizeh will be waiting for him there—and that she hasn’t yet become the queen of Tulan.

My Thoughts: The way this book was no plot, just vibes… lol. Like actually, the meter barely moved in terms of progressing the story or giving us a clear idea of what’s next. The book mainly focused on Alizeh and Cyrus now that they’re in the kingdom of Tulan. He kidnapped her with the intent of convincing her to marry him and use his kingdom as a launch point to reclaim her throne. She knows she can’t trust him, but the tension between them? THICC. After witnessing him in an extremely vulnerable situation, Alizeh finds herself battling some serious inner turmoil—because this morally gray boy is absolutely GONE for her. While these two dance around each other in Tulan, Kamran is dealing with the aftermath of his grandfather’s death and the appearance of Cyrus back in Ardunia. This side of the story was a mess lol. He’s apparently disfigured from some bad kickback from magic, there are people doubting he’s the true heir to the throne, and he doesn’t know who he can trust anymore after everything that went down with Alizeh. All the while, the most random rag-tag group of misfit toys including a former street urchin, the local apothecarist, an air-headed debutante, and his best friend are all determined to help him find Alizeh and bring her back. Y’all. There really wasn’t any clear purpose to this book lmao, but I did enjoy it overall - if only for the Cyrus content. <3

The Girls We Sent Away by Meagan Church

THE GIRLS WE SENT AWAY by Meagan Church

Rating: 3.75/5 stars

Summary: It's the 1960s and Lorraine Delford has it all – an upstanding family, a perfect boyfriend, and a white picket fence home in North Carolina. Yet every time she looks through her father's telescope, she dreams of the stars. It's ambitious, but Lorraine has always been exceptional. But when this darling girl-next-door gets pregnant, she's forced to learn firsthand the realities that keep women grounded. To hide their daughter's secret shame, the Delfords send Lorraine to a maternity home for wayward girls. But this is no safe haven – it's a house with dark secrets and suffocating rules. And as Lorraine begins to piece together a new vision for her life, she must decide if she can fight against the powers that aim to take her child or submit to the rules of a society she once admired.

My Thoughts: This book was truly beautiful, heart-breaking, and thought-provoking. Through a fictional lens, it sheds light on the Baby Scoop Era when young, unwed women were coerced or gaslit into giving their babies up for adoption. This story follows Lorraine, a high school senior on her way to becoming valedictorian with dreams of going to college. However, all of that comes crashing down when she gets pregnant from her boyfriend. He decides he “just can’t deal” with all of it because he’s a freshman in college and “has more important things to focus on”, which leaves her picking up the pieces. It was gut-wrenching to watch the challenges faced by the young women at the home Lorraine was sent to. They were alone with no guidance or emotional support, and their choices were ripped away from them by people they should have been able to trust. The amount of character development we witnessed Lorraine experience within those nine months is heartbreaking as she goes from that innocent girl next door to a young woman forced to face the reality of her situation. It would be a missed opportunity not to mention that the Baby Scoop Era began to decline in the 1970s with the rise of the women’s rights movement, better access to contraception, and the legalization of abortion… Just some important issues our society still feels the need to debate these days…???? Anyway, if you’re looking for a historical fiction novel that will light your fire as a woman or put yourself in a woman’s shoes as a man, this one will do it lol.

Sword Catcher by Cassandra Clare

SWORD CATCHER by Cassandra Clare

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: In the vibrant city-state of Castellane, the richest of nobles and the most debauched of criminals have one thing in common: the constant search for wealth, power, and the next hedonistic thrill. Kel is an orphan, stolen from the life he knew to become the Sword Catcher—the body double of a royal heir, Prince Conor Aurelian. He has been raised alongside the prince, trained in every aspect of combat and statecraft. He and Conor are as close as brothers, but Kel knows that his destiny is to die for Conor. No other future is possible. Lin Caster is one of the Ashkar, a small community whose members still possess magical abilities. By law, they must live behind walls within the city, but Lin, a physician, ventures out to tend to the sick and dying of Castellane. Despite her skills, she cannot heal her best friend without access to forbidden knowledge. After a failed assassination attempt brings Lin and Kel together, they are drawn into the web of the mysterious Ragpicker King, the criminal ruler of Castellane’s underworld. He offers them each what they want most; but as they descend into his world of intrigue and shadow, they discover a conspiracy of corruption that reaches from the darkest gutters of Castellane to the highest tower of its palaces. As long-kept secrets begin to unravel, they must ask themselves: Is knowledge worth the price of betrayal? Can forbidden love bring down a kingdom? And will their discoveries plunge their nation into war—and the world into chaos?

My Thoughts: Who am I and why did I not realize Cassandra Clare wrote a brand new regency-era fantasy series?? I devoured every inch of her Shadow Hunters world and could not wait to see what this one is about. The first thing I have to say about this book is, Cassie Clare woke up and chose chaos the day she sat down to write a 70-page prologue lol. I listened to the audiobook and saw that the prologue was NINETY minutes long and when I tell you I did a double take. Everything explained in the prologue is definitely necessary, but I’ve just never run into one as long as that. The story itself was nothing groundbreaking but still managed to suck me in. Kel was plucked from an orphanage when he was just 10-years-old to become the Sword Catcher for Prince Conor Aurelian. The Sword Catcher’s life purpose is to be a body double and protect the prince at all costs. Which means he can’t really plan for any sort of future. Lin Caster is an Ashkari physician which is the only community left able to do lesser magic. Her best friend is very sick and Lin’s main focus is to find a cure. Kel and Lin are both given offers they can’t refuse from the city’s main criminal lord. However, once they start getting deeper into his underworld of crooks and liars, things start going sideways. This book was definitely a little slower than I anticipated, but I can’t say I wasn’t invested in each and every scene. It helped that the format switched between Lin’s and Kel’s POVs and that they aren’t each other’s love interest. At first, I was hoping they would be, but their lack of romance actually gave the plot more room to breathe and allowed for additional subplots and side characters. The second book in this series comes out in February and I’ve already set a notification in Libby to alert me when the audiobook is available lol. If you’re a fan of Cassandra Clare’s writing, I definitely recommend giving her new venture a try!

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

ONYX STORM by Rebecca Yarros (The Empyrean, #3)

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: After nearly eighteen months at Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail knows there’s no more time for lessons. No more time for uncertainty. Because the battle has truly begun, and with enemies closing in from outside their walls and within their ranks, it’s impossible to know who to trust. Now Violet must journey beyond the failing Aretian wards to seek allies from unfamiliar lands to stand with Navarre. The trip will test every bit of her wit, luck, and strength, but she will do anything to save what she loves—her dragons, her family, her home, and him. Even if it means keeping a secret so big, it could destroy everything. They need an army. They need power. They need magic. And they need the one thing only Violet can find—the truth. But a storm is coming...and not everyone can survive its wrath.

My Thoughts: Y’ALLLLLLLL. I gave it all of exactly one hour before I sat down to write this review because OH MY GOD. I’d like to start by making a bold statement that this is my favorite book of the series by far. Onyx Storm makes Iron Flame look like a MESSY 2-star read, okay? Rebecca Yarros said, “give me time to write,” and my friends, she WROTE. You had a well developed, complex plot that served to answer multiple questions we’ve all been asking. You had some refreshing, vivid world building as the quest squad traveled from isle to isle looking for Andarna’s kind. The character arcs were a thing of beauty and quenched the thirst we were all feeling after Iron Flame. Although complicated politics were still prevalent in this book, I appreciated that there wasn’t SUCH a frustrating focus on it. Similarly, the angsty romance line that plagued our ever-waking thoughts throughout the last book was finally put to rest in this one, and I honestly couldn’t have asked for anything else. Romance definitely maintained a presence, but instead of driving the car, it took somewhat of a back seat to the endless action and adventure we experienced in this war-simmering world. I already know I’m going to have to reread it again later this year because THAT ENDING? Left me with more questions than I can even begin to express which is just RUDE. Anyway, if you need me, I’ll be chest deep in some Onyx Storm theories and threads lol. Closing thoughts: the boys whose names end with c’s need awards for being absolute scene stealers in this one - aka Aaric and Ridoc. <3

The Briar Club by Kate Quinn

THE BRIAR CLUB by Kate Quinn

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary:  Washington, D.C., 1950. Everyone keeps to themselves at Briarwood House, a down-at-the-heels all-female boarding house in the heart of the nation’s capital, where secrets hide behind white picket fences. But when the lovely, mysterious widow Grace March moves into the attic, she draws her oddball collection of neighbors into unlikely friendship: poised English beauty Fliss whose facade of perfect wife and mother covers gaping inner wounds; police officer’s daughter Nora, who is entangled with a shadowy gangster; frustrated baseball star Bea, whose career has ended along with the women’s baseball league of WWII; and poisonous, gung-ho Arlene, who has thrown herself into McCarthy’s Red Scare. Grace’s weekly attic-room dinner parties and window-brewed sun tea become a healing balm on all their lives, but she hides a terrible secret of her own. When a shocking act of violence tears apart the house, the Briar Club women must decide once and for all: Who is the true enemy in their midst?

My Thoughts: Kate Quinn is an “auto-read” author for me. I cannot say enough good things about her historical fiction books, and when I heard there was a mystery/thriller twist to this story, I couldn’t wait to dive in. The beginning takes place on Thanksgiving in 1954 at the Briarwood House - an all-female boarding house in Washington D.C. There’s been a murder and the cops are trying to figure out what’s happened while the tenants and their guests quietly try to process the events of the day. From there, the book’s chapters focus on each individual tenant. I absolutely loved this format. It was impossible not to develop a connection with each character, and you really get a clear sense of the role they play in the house’s dynamics. One woman, in particular, acted as the glue holding everyone together and started what they called "The Briar Club"—a weekly Thursday dinner gathering. After their nosy and overbearing landlady left to play bridge each week, the tenants would crowd into the fourth-floor apartment, taking turns cooking dinner. A few of their recipes are sprinkled throughout the book, which was such a fun touch. The theme of found family was felt so viscerally throughout this group. Even the landlady’s kids were a part of this hodge podge bunch where they all looked out for each other. Although I definitely should have seen the plot twist coming lol, I appreciated that it didn’t quite give everything away that happened on Thanksgiving in 1954. It gave room for the last few chapters to suss out the mystery and what came after. This novel will probably live rent free (pun not intended) in my brain for a while and I highly recommend it if you’re looking for an unconventional historical fiction book.

That’s it for January! 

I’ve already got a few books on my radar for February, but we shall see what my mood pushes me towards. 

2025 Book Count: 14

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YOUR TURN! What was your favorite book in January? OR if you read Onyx Storm, what are some of the best theories you’ve encountered?