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2026 Reading Recap
281
items I read a lot, but I don't post a lot. This is a list of every book I've read this year, including my honest reviews in every format available. No matter how you like to read, I have you covered. :)
Sections
4
Kindle
Audio
Hardcover
Paperback
Kindle
Seven Days in June completely wrecked me in the best way. It’s tender, messy, and deeply emotional—a story about two misfits who never quite stop loving, missing, or supporting each other, even when life pulls them apart. The chemistry is undeniable,...
Seven Days in June
The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory is fun, cozy, and exactly everything you expect from a feel-good romance—charming, witty, and full of heart.
The Proposal: Reese's Book Club (Wedding Date 2)
Bloodmarked absolutely wrecked me 😭🔥 Bree had me stressed the entire time—in the best way. This book kept me completely captivated from beginning to end, with nonstop action and emotional gut punches that hit just as hard as the first installment. ...
Bloodmarked (The Legendborn Cycle)
Without a Clue by Melissa Ferguson is a delightfully cute and lighthearted read that doesn’t take itself too seriously—in the best way. The humor is easygoing and genuinely funny, and the characters are instantly likable, making it effortless to sett...
Without a Clue: Rom-Com Cozy Mystery
Flirting Lessons was such an enjoyable read. I really loved this story—it’s cute, sweet, and wonderfully cozy, the kind of book that makes you want to curl up and read it in one sitting. The romance feels gentle and heartfelt, with moments that made ...
Flirting Lessons
Legendborn is a solid, engaging introduction to fantasy. As my first book in the genre, it struck a great balance between accessible world-building and emotional depth without feeling overwhelming. I especially loved how grounded the story is in real...
Legendborn (The Legendborn Cycle)
:Girl. What in the actual fuck? I thought I knew where this was going. I did not. The slow burn lulled me into false confidence, then the ending came out of nowhere and fully knocked me out. Genuinely surprised—rare for a thriller. If you like being ...
The Housemaid: Addictive Psychological Thriller
Crying in H Mart is beautifully written, deeply emotional, and unexpectedly hunger-inducing. Michelle Zauner weaves grief, identity, and food together in a way that feels raw, intimate, and unforgettable.
Crying in H Mart: A Memoir
Get a Life, Chloe Brown was such an enjoyable read for me. As my first “spicy” romance, it struck the perfect balance—just a touch of heat, but mostly heart. The romance is sweet, funny, and genuinely feel-good, with characters that are easy to root ...
Get a Life, Chloe Brown: The Brown Sisters 1
The Wedding People was funny, surprising, and far more delightful than I expected. With sharp humor and unexpected emotional depth, it turns an awkward premise into a warm, thoughtful story about connection. A genuinely enjoyable read that sneaks up ...
The Wedding People: A Novel
Betting on You is a total win for rom-com lovers. If you enjoy fun, feel-good romances, this book won’t disappoint. It has full-on Degrassi energy in the best way—dramatic, heartfelt, and charming. If you’re looking for a cute, cozy, and entertaining...
Betting on You
Beautiful Ugly is a slow-burn psychological thriller—moody, unsettling, and quietly addictive. Feeney’s deliberate pacing builds constant unease, and the tension feels purposeful rather than drawn out. By the final act, the payoff is both surprising ...
Beautiful Ugly: A Novel
Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby is high-octane and relentlessly action-packed—a full-throttle shock to the senses. The prose is jarringly vivid, every scene grinding with grit, speed, and consequence. Cosby’s characters are tough as nails, forged in...
Blacktop Wasteland: A Novel
Pretty world, decent concept—but overall slow and basic. The pacing drags, the plot feels familiar, and the romance takes too long to get interesting. It’s not bad, just safe. I can see why it works for new fantasy-romance readers, but it didn’t live...
A Court of Thorns and Roses
Heated Rivalry starts off spicy and gradually softens into something surprisingly sweet. While I personally prefer a bit more plot to balance out the steam, I still found it an enjoyable read. The chemistry is strong, the tension is fun, and watching...
Heated Rivalry: Streaming on Crave & HBO Max
How to Cheat Your Own Death by Kristen Perrin is a fast-paced, charming cozy mystery that kept me fully engaged from start to finish. The writing is sharp, the pacing is quick, and the mystery is layered with enough twists and misdirection to keep yo...
How to Cheat Your Own Death (Castle Knoll 3)
This was a tough read for me. Maybe if I’d picked it up in my early 20s, I would’ve connected with it more, but at this stage of my life, I just wasn’t fully feeling it. The emotional intensity and romantic fixation felt more nostalgic than relatable...
Hello, Limerence: A Novel
I picked up The Thursday Murder Club because I enjoyed the movie, and the book did not disappoint. It’s a cozy, clever mystery with plenty of charm and twists that kept me guessing right up until the very end. The characters are fun and endearing, an...
The Thursday Murder Club: A Novel (Book 1)
The Great Divide by Cristina Henríquez is a charming slice-of-life portrait of the building of the Panama Canal. Rather than focusing on the engineering feat alone, the novel shines by telling the story through a diverse cast of characters whose live...
The Great Divide: Historical Novel Panama Canal
This book was a wild ride, and I enjoyed every minute of it. From the very first page, it read like a movie unfolding in real time—gritty, fast-paced, and impossible to put down. The character growth is what really got me, though. Watching these deep...
Razorblade Tears: A Novel
I have never been so happy to finish a book in my life. The length is diabolical—this story had no business being that long. The plot itself is… exactly fine. Not groundbreaking, not offensive, just fine. A perfectly serviceable fantasy that desperat...
Fourth Wing (The Empyrean Book 1)
The Primrose Murder Society by Stacy Hackney is an absolute delight of a cozy mystery. It’s super cute, endlessly fun, and packed with charming amateur sleuthing that never takes itself too seriously. The eclectic cast of characters adds so much pers...
The Primrose Murder Society: A Novel
I really wanted to love Katabasis by R. F. Kuang, but I ended up admiring it more than enjoying it. The concept is compelling and intellectually ambitious, but the execution felt a bit long and overly referential. At times, the density of allusions a...
Katabasis: Fantastical Descent & Redemption by R. F. Kuang
Off the Charts by Zee Renee is the perfect blend of sweet and spicy romance. The chemistry between the characters feels natural and engaging, making it easy to get swept up in their love story. I listened to the audiobook, and the narration was excep...
Off The Charts
My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney is a twisty, winding story that kept me guessing from beginning to end. Every time I thought I had it figured out, I was completely wrong. The tension builds beautifully, and that ending had me absolutely shook. A gr...
My Husband's Wife: A Novel
:I loved Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert. It was sweet, funny, and deeply real in a way that snuck up on me. Zaf as the MMC? Top tier. His grief and anxiety made him feel so grounded and human. He wasn’t just the soft, romantic hero (though ...
Take a Hint, Dani Brown: The Brown Sisters 2
Cruelty Free by Cruelty Free is delightfully unhinged and completely deranged — and I mean that as the highest compliment. It threw me for a loop in the best way. I’ve genuinely never read anything like it. The relationship between Lila and Sylvie is...
Cruelty Free: A Novel
:By the Book by Jasmine Guillory is a ridiculously adorable, modern adaptation of Beauty and the Beast. Jasmine Guillory delivers a love story that feels fresh, funny, and completely charming. The clever, well-placed references to the classic fairyta...
By the Book (Meant To Be)
Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito is hands down the most twisted book I’ve ever read—in the best, most unsettling way. From the very first page, it had me in a chokehold. The narrator is deeply disturbing—calculated, eerie, and just unhinged enough ...
Victorian Psycho: A Novel
Fake Flame was such a super cute read! I genuinely enjoyed the chemistry between the characters and the playful tension that kept the story moving. The banter was fun, the romance felt light but heartfelt, and it was an easy, cozy listen that left me...
Fake Flame: Spicy Fake Dating Firefighter Romance
This book almost lost me at “hoo ha,” but I’m so glad I gave it a second chance. A lot happens in this story—almost too much at times—but the complex and fully realized worldbuilding truly impressed me. I didn’t expect the depth, the detail, or the s...
The Second World
200 Monas by Jan Saenz is an absolute adrenaline rush. Fast-paced, chaotic in the best way, and packed with nonstop action, this book does not let up. The characters were CHARACTERING — bold, messy, and unforgettable. Every twist caught me off guard,...
200 Monas: A Novel
I’ve read some wild stories lately, but Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver might be the wildest of them all. Twisty, dark, and unexpectedly funny, it kept me on edge the entire time. Just when I thought I had it figured out, another turn pulled...
Butcher & Blackbird: The Ruinous Love Trilogy
I wasn’t sure about Divine Rivals at first—historical fantasy isn’t usually my go-to genre—but I found myself pulled into the story surprisingly fast. The characters were compelling, layered, and easy to root for, and the unfolding romance against th...
Divine Rivals: A Novel (Letters of Enchantment 1)
A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal was just okay for me. The pacing felt pretty slow, and the ending was a little disappointing. I expected a heist story to be more action-packed, but this one leaned more into the buildup than the payoff. The story it...
A Tempest of Tea (Blood and Tea Book 1)
I truly have no words for that ending. The nonstop adventures, twists, and turns finally left me completely speechless. This book is packed with action and tension from beginning to end. I never knew where the story was headed, and it managed to surp...
Oathbound (The Legendborn Cycle)
The Sippers by Katherine Center was an absolute delight—full of hijinks, heart, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. The friends-to-lovers romance was adorable, and the characters felt both relatable and genuinely likable, which made it easy to root...
The Shippers: A Novel
Revisiting this classic was just as entertaining the second time around. Austen’s writing is as sharp and witty as ever, filled with clever observations and unforgettable characters. Beneath the humor is a sweet, romantic story that still feels timel...
Pride and Prejudice
First Time Caller by B.K. Horizon was cuter than I expected. It starts off as a bit of a slow burn, and I wasn’t totally sure about it at first. It definitely takes the main characters a while to get their shit together, and the MMC spends a good chu...
First-Time Caller (Heartstrings Book 1)
I, Medusa by Alana Gray was a fascinating retelling of the myth of Medusa. I really enjoyed seeing her story explored from a more personal perspective. Her early life and the experiences she endured clearly shaped the woman she became, and the book d...
I, Medusa: A Novel
How to Date a Prince by Hayden Stone — GIRL. This book had me hooked from the very beginning. I secretly love when a story turns into a reality TV–style situation, even though I don’t actually like watching reality TV. I spent the entire time rooting...
How to Date a Prince: Enemies to Lovers MM
Lindsey Cheng Dates a White Boy was spot on. The white boy assumptions were dead-on and the unearned confidence was hilariously accurate. I wouldn’t have thought such a short story could say so much, but I was pleasantly surprised. Sharp, funny, and ...
Lindsey Cheng Dates a White Boy!!! Graphic Novel
Honey Bee & Lemon Balm was my first ever manga, and I’m happy to say it was a really enjoyable introduction to the format. The story was sweet and easy to fall into, with charming characters that were hard not to root for. The tone felt light and...
Honey Bee & Lemon Balm 1
Two Can Play by Ali Hazelwood was a fun, sweet, and lightly spicy novella. It was my first Hazelwood book and a great introduction to her writing style. At first, I wasn’t sure how she planned to fit a full romance into such a short story, but I was ...
Two Can Play
This book was super cute. I expected a lot more reality-TV-style drama, but I was pleasantly surprised when the story focused more on the interpersonal relationship between the two main characters. I wasn’t sure how the author would fit an entire rom...
Desire and the Deep Blue Sea (Love Unscripted 1)
Sky Full of Elephants by Cebo Campbell caught me off guard in the best way. I wasn’t sure about it at first, but the deeper I got, the more it pulled me in—I ended up flying through it with a veracity I didn’t expect. The prose is beautiful without b...
Sky Full of Elephants: A Novel
Another banger in The Housemaid series. Freida McFadden knows exactly how to keep the tension high and the pages turning. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, never quite sure where the story was headed—and that ending? Completely caught me ...
The Housemaid's Secret: Gripping Thriller
A Novel Crime by Deborah Levison is easily the most chaotic story I’ve ever read. It’s nonstop ridiculousness from beginning to end, and Summer/Marcy Jo is a fully delusional, unhinged main character. I genuinely could not understand how she thought ...
A Novel Crime
This was a cute, well-written YA mystery that kept me entertained from start to finish. The references to Edgar Allan Poe were clearly well-researched and added an informative layer to the story without taking away from the fun. I’d never really thou...
Ellen Poe: The Forgotten Lore
This book features a well-crafted and clearly explained magic system that really anchors the world. The story itself is compelling, though not without its challenges—the themes of patriarchy and racism are deeply woven into the narrative and often fe...
Blood Over Bright Haven: A Novel
I had a bit of a tough time with this one. I didn’t always agree with the choices the main characters made, which made it harder to fully connect with the story. That said, the ending did win me over, and I appreciated how everything came together. T...
Kiss, Marry, Kill: A Novel
Well damn—this was a good book. James is packed with adventure and misadventure, pulling you along in a way that feels both sharp and deeply human. I’ve never actually read Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, but if it’s even half as compelling as this r...
James (Pulitzer Prize Winner): A Novel
This was a fun, surprisingly heartfelt story about female friendship in the face of tragedy. I really loved how the women consistently showed up for each other, creating a strong sense of loyalty and support throughout the book. The mystery kept thin...
The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club: A Hu Done It
This book was…interesting. The structure felt chaotic—possibly intentionally so—but it made the story harder to follow at times. Since it’s a translation, the writing came across a bit clunky, which didn’t help the flow. Honestly, if I hadn’t been li...
Holy Boy: A Novel
Gigs is an earnest reflection of what the world could become if we grow too dependent on technology and AI. It paints a believable, and at times unsettling, picture of that future while grounding it in human experience. I especially appreciated how i...
Gigs
I, Spy by L. M. Kemp is a fast-paced romantic suspense novel about a woman drawn into a dangerous world of espionage. When she becomes entangled with a mysterious operative, she’s pulled into a high-stakes mission involving secrets, deception, and po...
I, Spy: A Novel
TBR
The Land and Its People: Essays
TBR
The Mortal Enemy Murder Club: A Hu Done It 2
Current Read
Honey: A Novel
I wasn’t sure about this one at first since I’m not usually a paranormal romance reader, but I was pleasantly surprised. It leaned more into romance than the paranormal elements, which made it feel more grounded than expected. The story was sweetly w...
Love at First Bite: Hilarious Paranormal Romance 2026
This was a vibrant and engaging slice-of-life story that really captures a specific time and place. The energy of the book mirrors the pulse of Brooklyn itself—it feels alive in a way that pulls you right into the setting. I appreciated how much insi...
Last Night in Brooklyn: A Novel
I thoroughly enjoyed this book—it was sweet, spicy, and heartbreaking all at once. The tragedy woven into the story really grounded the plot and gave it emotional depth. I found myself both laughing and crying, which made the overall experience feel ...
Big Girl Blitz (Curve Book 3)
If you're a fan of The Golden Girls and cozy mysteries, this book is for you. The at-home banter of our favorite roommates is all there, and the way the mystery unfolds is well done. This book was cute, funny, and definitely worth the read.
Murder by Cheesecake: A Golden Girls Cozy Mystery
TBR
Red Flags: A Novel
TBR
Jane Austen's The Watsons
This was a cute and sweet short love story that perfectly captures the feeling of a first crush. I really enjoyed the characters and the dynamic between them—it felt genuine and heartfelt. As an all-ages story, it absolutely delivered: wholesome, app...
Our Aimless Nights, Volume 1
This was a short and sweet love story told through the language of food. I loved how their affection for each other grew naturally over time, and how their connection deepened through the sharing of beautiful, thoughtfully prepared meals. The storyte...
Fish and Water (Pantheon Graphic Library)
This was a 5-star read. Going into this one, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but once I got into it, I was completely enthralled. The characters are well-developed and sympathetic, the action is sharp and engaging, and the snippets from the documentary...
Operation Bounce House
I picked up Quicksilver because of all the hype and was really hoping for a romantasy I’d love—but it didn’t quite work for me. The biggest issue was the tone. The amount of swearing felt excessive and pulled me out of the story rather than adding to...
Quicksilver (Fae & Alchemy Book 1)
This book was not what I expected. I went into it thinking it would be more of a romance, but it turned out to be more of a coming-of-age story about people in their fifties. I enjoyed the story and even liked the multiple points of view. The ending ...
American Fantasy: A Novel
I expected this book to be all about academics, but it turned out to be so much more. It weaves together romance, intrigue, and even a bit of a treasure hunt, which made it a really engaging read. The story kept surprising me in the best ways—I defin...
The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton: A Novel
This was a delightful and refreshing read. Like most romances, it was a little predictable at times, but overall it was an enjoyable story. The chemistry between the characters was charming, and we love an MM romance.
How to Fake It in Society
TBR
Marion: A Novel
TBR
Road Trip: A Novel
TBR
A Daddy For Christmas: Choose Your Daddy
TBR
Spies, Lies, and Alibis: Thrilling Spy Romance
Current Read
The Miseducation of Caroline Bingley: Sapphic Regency Romance
A review for Murder Mindfully by Karsten Dusse. I picked up this book because I enjoyed the TV show, and the book did not disappoint. It was every bit as wild and funny as I hoped. The main character is completely deranged, and the way he justifies h...
Murder Mindfully
TBR
Shards of Silence
TBR
The Missed Connection
And Now, Back to You by B.K. Borison was such a cute, fun romance. The family drama helped ground the story and gave it a more realistic emotional core. It felt more like opposites attract than enemies to lovers, which worked really well for this cou...
And Now, Back to You (Heartstrings Book 2)
Audio
Seven Days in June completely wrecked me in the best way. It’s tender, messy, and deeply emotional—a story about two misfits who never quite stop loving, missing, or supporting each other, even when life pulls them apart. The chemistry is undeniable,...
Seven Days in June
The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory is fun, cozy, and exactly everything you expect from a feel-good romance—charming, witty, and full of heart.
The Proposal
Bloodmarked absolutely wrecked me 😭🔥 Bree had me stressed the entire time—in the best way. This book kept me completely captivated from beginning to end, with nonstop action and emotional gut punches that hit just as hard as the first installment. ...
Bloodmarked
Without a Clue by Melissa Ferguson is a delightfully cute and lighthearted read that doesn’t take itself too seriously—in the best way. The humor is easygoing and genuinely funny, and the characters are instantly likable, making it effortless to sett...
Without a Clue: Rom-Com Cozy Mystery
Flirting Lessons was such an enjoyable read. I really loved this story—it’s cute, sweet, and wonderfully cozy, the kind of book that makes you want to curl up and read it in one sitting. The romance feels gentle and heartfelt, with moments that made ...
Flirting Lessons
Legendborn is a solid, engaging introduction to fantasy. As my first book in the genre, it struck a great balance between accessible world-building and emotional depth without feeling overwhelming. I especially loved how grounded the story is in real...
Legendborn
:Girl. What in the actual fuck? I thought I knew where this was going. I did not. The slow burn lulled me into false confidence, then the ending came out of nowhere and fully knocked me out. Genuinely surprised—rare for a thriller. If you like being ...
The Housemaid
Crying in H Mart is beautifully written, deeply emotional, and unexpectedly hunger-inducing. Michelle Zauner weaves grief, identity, and food together in a way that feels raw, intimate, and unforgettable.
Crying in H Mart: A Memoir
Get a Life, Chloe Brown was such an enjoyable read for me. As my first “spicy” romance, it struck the perfect balance—just a touch of heat, but mostly heart. The romance is sweet, funny, and genuinely feel-good, with characters that are easy to root ...
Get a Life, Chloe Brown: A Novel
The Wedding People was funny, surprising, and far more delightful than I expected. With sharp humor and unexpected emotional depth, it turns an awkward premise into a warm, thoughtful story about connection. A genuinely enjoyable read that sneaks up ...
The Wedding People: A Novel
Betting on You is a total win for rom-com lovers. If you enjoy fun, feel-good romances, this book won’t disappoint. It has full-on Degrassi energy in the best way—dramatic, heartfelt, and charming. If you’re looking for a cute, cozy, and entertaining...
Betting on You
Beautiful Ugly is a slow-burn psychological thriller—moody, unsettling, and quietly addictive. Feeney’s deliberate pacing builds constant unease, and the tension feels purposeful rather than drawn out. By the final act, the payoff is both surprising ...
Beautiful Ugly: A Novel
Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby is high-octane and relentlessly action-packed—a full-throttle shock to the senses. The prose is jarringly vivid, every scene grinding with grit, speed, and consequence. Cosby’s characters are tough as nails, forged in...
Blacktop Wasteland: A Novel
Pretty world, decent concept—but overall slow and basic. The pacing drags, the plot feels familiar, and the romance takes too long to get interesting. It’s not bad, just safe. I can see why it works for new fantasy-romance readers, but it didn’t live...
A Court of Thorns and Roses (10th Anniv)
Heated Rivalry starts off spicy and gradually softens into something surprisingly sweet. While I personally prefer a bit more plot to balance out the steam, I still found it an enjoyable read. The chemistry is strong, the tension is fun, and watching...
Heated Rivalry
How to Cheat Your Own Death by Kristen Perrin is a fast-paced, charming cozy mystery that kept me fully engaged from start to finish. The writing is sharp, the pacing is quick, and the mystery is layered with enough twists and misdirection to keep yo...
How to Cheat Your Own Death: A Novel
This was a tough read for me. Maybe if I’d picked it up in my early 20s, I would’ve connected with it more, but at this stage of my life, I just wasn’t fully feeling it. The emotional intensity and romantic fixation felt more nostalgic than relatable...
Hello, Limerence: A Novel
I picked up The Thursday Murder Club because I enjoyed the movie, and the book did not disappoint. It’s a cozy, clever mystery with plenty of charm and twists that kept me guessing right up until the very end. The characters are fun and endearing, an...
The Thursday Murder Club: A Novel
The Great Divide by Cristina Henríquez is a charming slice-of-life portrait of the building of the Panama Canal. Rather than focusing on the engineering feat alone, the novel shines by telling the story through a diverse cast of characters whose live...
The Great Divide: A Novel
This book was a wild ride, and I enjoyed every minute of it. From the very first page, it read like a movie unfolding in real time—gritty, fast-paced, and impossible to put down. The character growth is what really got me, though. Watching these deep...
Razorblade Tears: A Novel
I have never been so happy to finish a book in my life. The length is diabolical—this story had no business being that long. The plot itself is… exactly fine. Not groundbreaking, not offensive, just fine. A perfectly serviceable fantasy that desperat...
Fourth Wing: Empyrean, Book 1
The Primrose Murder Society by Stacy Hackney is an absolute delight of a cozy mystery. It’s super cute, endlessly fun, and packed with charming amateur sleuthing that never takes itself too seriously. The eclectic cast of characters adds so much pers...
The Primrose Murder Society: A Novel
I really wanted to love Katabasis by R. F. Kuang, but I ended up admiring it more than enjoying it. The concept is compelling and intellectually ambitious, but the execution felt a bit long and overly referential. At times, the density of allusions a...
Katabasis: A Novel
Off the Charts by Zee Renee is the perfect blend of sweet and spicy romance. The chemistry between the characters feels natural and engaging, making it easy to get swept up in their love story. I listened to the audiobook, and the narration was excep...
Off the Charts
My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney is a twisty, winding story that kept me guessing from beginning to end. Every time I thought I had it figured out, I was completely wrong. The tension builds beautifully, and that ending had me absolutely shook. A gr...
My Husband's Wife: A Novel
:I loved Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert. It was sweet, funny, and deeply real in a way that snuck up on me. Zaf as the MMC? Top tier. His grief and anxiety made him feel so grounded and human. He wasn’t just the soft, romantic hero (though ...
Take a Hint, Dani Brown: A Novel
Cruelty Free by Cruelty Free is delightfully unhinged and completely deranged — and I mean that as the highest compliment. It threw me for a loop in the best way. I’ve genuinely never read anything like it. The relationship between Lila and Sylvie is...
Cruelty Free: A Novel
:By the Book by Jasmine Guillory is a ridiculously adorable, modern adaptation of Beauty and the Beast. Jasmine Guillory delivers a love story that feels fresh, funny, and completely charming. The clever, well-placed references to the classic fairyta...
By the Book
Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito is hands down the most twisted book I’ve ever read—in the best, most unsettling way. From the very first page, it had me in a chokehold. The narrator is deeply disturbing—calculated, eerie, and just unhinged enough ...
Victorian Psycho
Fake Flame was such a super cute read! I genuinely enjoyed the chemistry between the characters and the playful tension that kept the story moving. The banter was fun, the romance felt light but heartfelt, and it was an easy, cozy listen that left me...
Fake Flame
This book almost lost me at “hoo ha,” but I’m so glad I gave it a second chance. A lot happens in this story—almost too much at times—but the complex and fully realized worldbuilding truly impressed me. I didn’t expect the depth, the detail, or the s...
The Second World
200 Monas by Jan Saenz is an absolute adrenaline rush. Fast-paced, chaotic in the best way, and packed with nonstop action, this book does not let up. The characters were CHARACTERING — bold, messy, and unforgettable. Every twist caught me off guard,...
200 Monas: A Novel
I’ve read some wild stories lately, but Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver might be the wildest of them all. Twisty, dark, and unexpectedly funny, it kept me on edge the entire time. Just when I thought I had it figured out, another turn pulled...
Butcher & Blackbird: The Ruinous Love #1
I wasn’t sure about Divine Rivals at first—historical fantasy isn’t usually my go-to genre—but I found myself pulled into the story surprisingly fast. The characters were compelling, layered, and easy to root for, and the unfolding romance against th...
Divine Rivals: A Novel
A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal was just okay for me. The pacing felt pretty slow, and the ending was a little disappointing. I expected a heist story to be more action-packed, but this one leaned more into the buildup than the payoff. The story it...
A Tempest of Tea
I truly have no words for that ending. The nonstop adventures, twists, and turns finally left me completely speechless. This book is packed with action and tension from beginning to end. I never knew where the story was headed, and it managed to surp...
Oathbound
The Sippers by Katherine Center was an absolute delight—full of hijinks, heart, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. The friends-to-lovers romance was adorable, and the characters felt both relatable and genuinely likable, which made it easy to root...
The Shippers: A Novel
Revisiting this classic was just as entertaining the second time around. Austen’s writing is as sharp and witty as ever, filled with clever observations and unforgettable characters. Beneath the humor is a sweet, romantic story that still feels timel...
Pride and Prejudice
First Time Caller by B.K. Horizon was cuter than I expected. It starts off as a bit of a slow burn, and I wasn’t totally sure about it at first. It definitely takes the main characters a while to get their shit together, and the MMC spends a good chu...
First-Time Caller
I, Medusa by Alana Gray was a fascinating retelling of the myth of Medusa. I really enjoyed seeing her story explored from a more personal perspective. Her early life and the experiences she endured clearly shaped the woman she became, and the book d...
I, Medusa: A Novel
How to Date a Prince by Hayden Stone — GIRL. This book had me hooked from the very beginning. I secretly love when a story turns into a reality TV–style situation, even though I don’t actually like watching reality TV. I spent the entire time rooting...
How to Date a Prince: Enemies to Lovers MM
Two Can Play by Ali Hazelwood was a fun, sweet, and lightly spicy novella. It was my first Hazelwood book and a great introduction to her writing style. At first, I wasn’t sure how she planned to fit a full romance into such a short story, but I was ...
Two Can Play
This book was super cute. I expected a lot more reality-TV-style drama, but I was pleasantly surprised when the story focused more on the interpersonal relationship between the two main characters. I wasn’t sure how the author would fit an entire rom...
Desire and the Deep Blue Sea: Love Unscripted 1
Sky Full of Elephants by Cebo Campbell caught me off guard in the best way. I wasn’t sure about it at first, but the deeper I got, the more it pulled me in—I ended up flying through it with a veracity I didn’t expect. The prose is beautiful without b...
Sky Full of Elephants
Another banger in The Housemaid series. Freida McFadden knows exactly how to keep the tension high and the pages turning. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, never quite sure where the story was headed—and that ending? Completely caught me ...
The Housemaid's Secret
A Novel Crime by Deborah Levison is easily the most chaotic story I’ve ever read. It’s nonstop ridiculousness from beginning to end, and Summer/Marcy Jo is a fully delusional, unhinged main character. I genuinely could not understand how she thought ...
A Novel Crime
This was a cute, well-written YA mystery that kept me entertained from start to finish. The references to Edgar Allan Poe were clearly well-researched and added an informative layer to the story without taking away from the fun. I’d never really thou...
Ellen Poe: The Forgotten Lore
This book features a well-crafted and clearly explained magic system that really anchors the world. The story itself is compelling, though not without its challenges—the themes of patriarchy and racism are deeply woven into the narrative and often fe...
Blood Over Bright Haven: A Novel
I had a bit of a tough time with this one. I didn’t always agree with the choices the main characters made, which made it harder to fully connect with the story. That said, the ending did win me over, and I appreciated how everything came together. T...
Kiss, Marry, Kill
Well damn—this was a good book. James is packed with adventure and misadventure, pulling you along in a way that feels both sharp and deeply human. I’ve never actually read Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, but if it’s even half as compelling as this r...
James: A Novel
This was a fun, surprisingly heartfelt story about female friendship in the face of tragedy. I really loved how the women consistently showed up for each other, creating a strong sense of loyalty and support throughout the book. The mystery kept thin...
The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club
This book was…interesting. The structure felt chaotic—possibly intentionally so—but it made the story harder to follow at times. Since it’s a translation, the writing came across a bit clunky, which didn’t help the flow. Honestly, if I hadn’t been li...
Holy Boy: A Novel
I, Spy by L. M. Kemp is a fast-paced romantic suspense novel about a woman drawn into a dangerous world of espionage. When she becomes entangled with a mysterious operative, she’s pulled into a high-stakes mission involving secrets, deception, and po...
I, Spy: A Novel
TBR
The Land and Its People: Essays
TBR
The Mortal Enemy Murder Club
Current Read
Honey: A Novel
I wasn’t sure about this one at first since I’m not usually a paranormal romance reader, but I was pleasantly surprised. It leaned more into romance than the paranormal elements, which made it feel more grounded than expected. The story was sweetly w...
Love at First Bite
This was a vibrant and engaging slice-of-life story that really captures a specific time and place. The energy of the book mirrors the pulse of Brooklyn itself—it feels alive in a way that pulls you right into the setting. I appreciated how much insi...
Last Night in Brooklyn: A Novel
I thoroughly enjoyed this book—it was sweet, spicy, and heartbreaking all at once. The tragedy woven into the story really grounded the plot and gave it emotional depth. I found myself both laughing and crying, which made the overall experience feel ...
Big Girl Blitz
If you're a fan of The Golden Girls and cozy mysteries, this book is for you. The at-home banter of our favorite roommates is all there, and the way the mystery unfolds is well done. This book was cute, funny, and definitely worth the read.
Murder by Cheesecake: A Golden Girls Cozy Mystery
This was a 5-star read. Going into this one, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but once I got into it, I was completely enthralled. The characters are well-developed and sympathetic, the action is sharp and engaging, and the snippets from the documentary...
Operation Bounce House
I picked up Quicksilver because of all the hype and was really hoping for a romantasy I’d love—but it didn’t quite work for me. The biggest issue was the tone. The amount of swearing felt excessive and pulled me out of the story rather than adding to...
Quicksilver: The Fae & Alchemy Series, Book 1
This book was not what I expected. I went into it thinking it would be more of a romance, but it turned out to be more of a coming-of-age story about people in their fifties. I enjoyed the story and even liked the multiple points of view. The ending ...
American Fantasy: A Novel
I expected this book to be all about academics, but it turned out to be so much more. It weaves together romance, intrigue, and even a bit of a treasure hunt, which made it a really engaging read. The story kept surprising me in the best ways—I defin...
The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton: A Novel
This was a delightful and refreshing read. Like most romances, it was a little predictable at times, but overall it was an enjoyable story. The chemistry between the characters was charming, and we love an MM romance.
How to Fake It in Society
TBR
Marion: A Novel
TBR
Road Trip: A Novel
TBR
Spies, Lies, and Alibis: Thrilling Spy Romance
Current Read
The Miseducation of Caroline Bingley
A review for Murder Mindfully by Karsten Dusse. I picked up this book because I enjoyed the TV show, and the book did not disappoint. It was every bit as wild and funny as I hoped. The main character is completely deranged, and the way he justifies h...
Murder Mindfully: Murder Mindfully, Book 1
TBR
Shards of Silence
TBR
The Missed Connection
And Now, Back to You by B.K. Borison was such a cute, fun romance. The family drama helped ground the story and gave it a more realistic emotional core. It felt more like opposites attract than enemies to lovers, which worked really well for this cou...
And Now, Back to You
DNF
The Trad Wife
Current Read
A Novel Love Story
I enjoyed this story more than I expected. The exploration of grief grounded the rest of the success and ambition in the story, giving it emotional depth. I do wish we had gotten a bit more closure when it came to the two main characters, but overall...
The Future Saints: A Novel
Hardcover
Seven Days in June completely wrecked me in the best way. It’s tender, messy, and deeply emotional—a story about two misfits who never quite stop loving, missing, or supporting each other, even when life pulls them apart. The chemistry is undeniable,...
Seven Days in June
The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory is fun, cozy, and exactly everything you expect from a feel-good romance—charming, witty, and full of heart.
The Proposal
Bloodmarked absolutely wrecked me 😭🔥 Bree had me stressed the entire time—in the best way. This book kept me completely captivated from beginning to end, with nonstop action and emotional gut punches that hit just as hard as the first installment. ...
Bloodmarked (The Legendborn Cycle)
Flirting Lessons was such an enjoyable read. I really loved this story—it’s cute, sweet, and wonderfully cozy, the kind of book that makes you want to curl up and read it in one sitting. The romance feels gentle and heartfelt, with moments that made ...
Flirting Lessons
Legendborn is a solid, engaging introduction to fantasy. As my first book in the genre, it struck a great balance between accessible world-building and emotional depth without feeling overwhelming. I especially loved how grounded the story is in real...
Legendborn (The Legendborn Cycle)
:Girl. What in the actual fuck? I thought I knew where this was going. I did not. The slow burn lulled me into false confidence, then the ending came out of nowhere and fully knocked me out. Genuinely surprised—rare for a thriller. If you like being ...
The Housemaid: Addictive Psychological Thriller
Crying in H Mart is beautifully written, deeply emotional, and unexpectedly hunger-inducing. Michelle Zauner weaves grief, identity, and food together in a way that feels raw, intimate, and unforgettable.
Crying in H Mart: A Memoir
Get a Life, Chloe Brown was such an enjoyable read for me. As my first “spicy” romance, it struck the perfect balance—just a touch of heat, but mostly heart. The romance is sweet, funny, and genuinely feel-good, with characters that are easy to root ...
Get A Life Chloe Brown - Book Club Ed.
The Wedding People was funny, surprising, and far more delightful than I expected. With sharp humor and unexpected emotional depth, it turns an awkward premise into a warm, thoughtful story about connection. A genuinely enjoyable read that sneaks up ...
The Wedding People: A Novel
Betting on You is a total win for rom-com lovers. If you enjoy fun, feel-good romances, this book won’t disappoint. It has full-on Degrassi energy in the best way—dramatic, heartfelt, and charming. If you’re looking for a cute, cozy, and entertaining...
Betting on You
Beautiful Ugly is a slow-burn psychological thriller—moody, unsettling, and quietly addictive. Feeney’s deliberate pacing builds constant unease, and the tension feels purposeful rather than drawn out. By the final act, the payoff is both surprising ...
Beautiful Ugly: A Novel
Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby is high-octane and relentlessly action-packed—a full-throttle shock to the senses. The prose is jarringly vivid, every scene grinding with grit, speed, and consequence. Cosby’s characters are tough as nails, forged in...
Blacktop Wasteland: A Novel
Pretty world, decent concept—but overall slow and basic. The pacing drags, the plot feels familiar, and the romance takes too long to get interesting. It’s not bad, just safe. I can see why it works for new fantasy-romance readers, but it didn’t live...
A Court of Thorns and Roses
Heated Rivalry starts off spicy and gradually softens into something surprisingly sweet. While I personally prefer a bit more plot to balance out the steam, I still found it an enjoyable read. The chemistry is strong, the tension is fun, and watching...
Heated Rivalry: Now Streaming on Crave & HBO Max
How to Cheat Your Own Death by Kristen Perrin is a fast-paced, charming cozy mystery that kept me fully engaged from start to finish. The writing is sharp, the pacing is quick, and the mystery is layered with enough twists and misdirection to keep yo...
How to Cheat Your Own Death: A Novel
This was a tough read for me. Maybe if I’d picked it up in my early 20s, I would’ve connected with it more, but at this stage of my life, I just wasn’t fully feeling it. The emotional intensity and romantic fixation felt more nostalgic than relatable...
Hello, Limerence: A Novel
I picked up The Thursday Murder Club because I enjoyed the movie, and the book did not disappoint. It’s a cozy, clever mystery with plenty of charm and twists that kept me guessing right up until the very end. The characters are fun and endearing, an...
The Thursday Murder Club: A Novel
The Great Divide by Cristina Henríquez is a charming slice-of-life portrait of the building of the Panama Canal. Rather than focusing on the engineering feat alone, the novel shines by telling the story through a diverse cast of characters whose live...
The Great Divide: Historical Novel Panama Canal
This book was a wild ride, and I enjoyed every minute of it. From the very first page, it read like a movie unfolding in real time—gritty, fast-paced, and impossible to put down. The character growth is what really got me, though. Watching these deep...
Razorblade Tears: A Novel
I have never been so happy to finish a book in my life. The length is diabolical—this story had no business being that long. The plot itself is… exactly fine. Not groundbreaking, not offensive, just fine. A perfectly serviceable fantasy that desperat...
Fourth Wing (Standard Edition) (The Empyrean, 1)
I really wanted to love Katabasis by R. F. Kuang, but I ended up admiring it more than enjoying it. The concept is compelling and intellectually ambitious, but the execution felt a bit long and overly referential. At times, the density of allusions a...
Katabasis: Fantastical Descent by R. F. Kuang
My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney is a twisty, winding story that kept me guessing from beginning to end. Every time I thought I had it figured out, I was completely wrong. The tension builds beautifully, and that ending had me absolutely shook. A gr...
My Husband's Wife: A Novel
Cruelty Free by Cruelty Free is delightfully unhinged and completely deranged — and I mean that as the highest compliment. It threw me for a loop in the best way. I’ve genuinely never read anything like it. The relationship between Lila and Sylvie is...
Cruelty Free: A Novel
:By the Book by Jasmine Guillory is a ridiculously adorable, modern adaptation of Beauty and the Beast. Jasmine Guillory delivers a love story that feels fresh, funny, and completely charming. The clever, well-placed references to the classic fairyta...
By the Book - A Meant To Be Novel
Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito is hands down the most twisted book I’ve ever read—in the best, most unsettling way. From the very first page, it had me in a chokehold. The narrator is deeply disturbing—calculated, eerie, and just unhinged enough ...
Victorian Psycho: A Novel
This book almost lost me at “hoo ha,” but I’m so glad I gave it a second chance. A lot happens in this story—almost too much at times—but the complex and fully realized worldbuilding truly impressed me. I didn’t expect the depth, the detail, or the s...
The Second World
200 Monas by Jan Saenz is an absolute adrenaline rush. Fast-paced, chaotic in the best way, and packed with nonstop action, this book does not let up. The characters were CHARACTERING — bold, messy, and unforgettable. Every twist caught me off guard,...
200 Monas: A Novel
I’ve read some wild stories lately, but Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver might be the wildest of them all. Twisty, dark, and unexpectedly funny, it kept me on edge the entire time. Just when I thought I had it figured out, another turn pulled...
Butcher & Blackbird Collector's Edition Trilogy
I wasn’t sure about Divine Rivals at first—historical fantasy isn’t usually my go-to genre—but I found myself pulled into the story surprisingly fast. The characters were compelling, layered, and easy to root for, and the unfolding romance against th...
Divine Rivals: A Novel (Letters of Enchantment, 1)
A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal was just okay for me. The pacing felt pretty slow, and the ending was a little disappointing. I expected a heist story to be more action-packed, but this one leaned more into the buildup than the payoff. The story it...
A Tempest of Tea (Blood and Tea, 1)
I truly have no words for that ending. The nonstop adventures, twists, and turns finally left me completely speechless. This book is packed with action and tension from beginning to end. I never knew where the story was headed, and it managed to surp...
Oathbound (The Legendborn Cycle)
The Sippers by Katherine Center was an absolute delight—full of hijinks, heart, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. The friends-to-lovers romance was adorable, and the characters felt both relatable and genuinely likable, which made it easy to root...
The Shippers: A Novel
Revisiting this classic was just as entertaining the second time around. Austen’s writing is as sharp and witty as ever, filled with clever observations and unforgettable characters. Beneath the humor is a sweet, romantic story that still feels timel...
Pride and Prejudice (Puffin in Bloom)
First Time Caller by B.K. Horizon was cuter than I expected. It starts off as a bit of a slow burn, and I wasn’t totally sure about it at first. It definitely takes the main characters a while to get their shit together, and the MMC spends a good chu...
First-Time Caller (Heartstrings, 1)
I, Medusa by Alana Gray was a fascinating retelling of the myth of Medusa. I really enjoyed seeing her story explored from a more personal perspective. Her early life and the experiences she endured clearly shaped the woman she became, and the book d...
I, Medusa: A Novel
Two Can Play by Ali Hazelwood was a fun, sweet, and lightly spicy novella. It was my first Hazelwood book and a great introduction to her writing style. At first, I wasn’t sure how she planned to fit a full romance into such a short story, but I was ...
Two Can Play
Sky Full of Elephants by Cebo Campbell caught me off guard in the best way. I wasn’t sure about it at first, but the deeper I got, the more it pulled me in—I ended up flying through it with a veracity I didn’t expect. The prose is beautiful without b...
Sky Full of Elephants: A Novel
This book features a well-crafted and clearly explained magic system that really anchors the world. The story itself is compelling, though not without its challenges—the themes of patriarchy and racism are deeply woven into the narrative and often fe...
Blood Over Bright Haven: A Novel
Well damn—this was a good book. James is packed with adventure and misadventure, pulling you along in a way that feels both sharp and deeply human. I’ve never actually read Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, but if it’s even half as compelling as this r...
James (Pulitzer Prize Winner): A Novel
This was a fun, surprisingly heartfelt story about female friendship in the face of tragedy. I really loved how the women consistently showed up for each other, creating a strong sense of loyalty and support throughout the book. The mystery kept thin...
The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club (Hu Done It 1)
This book was…interesting. The structure felt chaotic—possibly intentionally so—but it made the story harder to follow at times. Since it’s a translation, the writing came across a bit clunky, which didn’t help the flow. Honestly, if I hadn’t been li...
Holy Boy: A Novel
I, Spy by L. M. Kemp is a fast-paced romantic suspense novel about a woman drawn into a dangerous world of espionage. When she becomes entangled with a mysterious operative, she’s pulled into a high-stakes mission involving secrets, deception, and po...
I, Spy: A Novel
TBR
The Land and Its People: Essays
Current Read
Honey: A Novel
This was a vibrant and engaging slice-of-life story that really captures a specific time and place. The energy of the book mirrors the pulse of Brooklyn itself—it feels alive in a way that pulls you right into the setting. I appreciated how much insi...
Last Night in Brooklyn: A Novel
TBR
Red Flags: A Novel
This was a short and sweet love story told through the language of food. I loved how their affection for each other grew naturally over time, and how their connection deepened through the sharing of beautiful, thoughtfully prepared meals. The storyte...
Fish and Water (Pantheon Graphic Library)
This was a 5-star read. Going into this one, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but once I got into it, I was completely enthralled. The characters are well-developed and sympathetic, the action is sharp and engaging, and the snippets from the documentary...
Operation Bounce House
I picked up Quicksilver because of all the hype and was really hoping for a romantasy I’d love—but it didn’t quite work for me. The biggest issue was the tone. The amount of swearing felt excessive and pulled me out of the story rather than adding to...
Quicksilver (Standard Edition)
This book was not what I expected. I went into it thinking it would be more of a romance, but it turned out to be more of a coming-of-age story about people in their fifties. I enjoyed the story and even liked the multiple points of view. The ending ...
American Fantasy: A Novel
I expected this book to be all about academics, but it turned out to be so much more. It weaves together romance, intrigue, and even a bit of a treasure hunt, which made it a really engaging read. The story kept surprising me in the best ways—I defin...
The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton: A Novel
TBR
Marion: A Novel
TBR
Road Trip: A Novel
A review for Murder Mindfully by Karsten Dusse. I picked up this book because I enjoyed the TV show, and the book did not disappoint. It was every bit as wild and funny as I hoped. The main character is completely deranged, and the way he justifies h...
Murder Mindfully
TBR
Shards of Silence
TBR
The Missed Connection
And Now, Back to You by B.K. Borison was such a cute, fun romance. The family drama helped ground the story and gave it a more realistic emotional core. It felt more like opposites attract than enemies to lovers, which worked really well for this cou...
And Now, Back to You (Heartstrings)
Paperback
Seven Days in June completely wrecked me in the best way. It’s tender, messy, and deeply emotional—a story about two misfits who never quite stop loving, missing, or supporting each other, even when life pulls them apart. The chemistry is undeniable,...
Seven Days in June
The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory is fun, cozy, and exactly everything you expect from a feel-good romance—charming, witty, and full of heart.
The Proposal: Reese's Book Club
Bloodmarked absolutely wrecked me 😭🔥 Bree had me stressed the entire time—in the best way. This book kept me completely captivated from beginning to end, with nonstop action and emotional gut punches that hit just as hard as the first installment. ...
Bloodmarked (The Legendborn Cycle)
Without a Clue by Melissa Ferguson is a delightfully cute and lighthearted read that doesn’t take itself too seriously—in the best way. The humor is easygoing and genuinely funny, and the characters are instantly likable, making it effortless to sett...
Without a Clue: Rom-Com Cozy Mystery
Flirting Lessons was such an enjoyable read. I really loved this story—it’s cute, sweet, and wonderfully cozy, the kind of book that makes you want to curl up and read it in one sitting. The romance feels gentle and heartfelt, with moments that made ...
Flirting Lessons
Legendborn is a solid, engaging introduction to fantasy. As my first book in the genre, it struck a great balance between accessible world-building and emotional depth without feeling overwhelming. I especially loved how grounded the story is in real...
Legendborn (The Legendborn Cycle)
:Girl. What in the actual fuck? I thought I knew where this was going. I did not. The slow burn lulled me into false confidence, then the ending came out of nowhere and fully knocked me out. Genuinely surprised—rare for a thriller. If you like being ...
The Housemaid
Crying in H Mart is beautifully written, deeply emotional, and unexpectedly hunger-inducing. Michelle Zauner weaves grief, identity, and food together in a way that feels raw, intimate, and unforgettable.
Crying in H Mart: A Memoir
Get a Life, Chloe Brown was such an enjoyable read for me. As my first “spicy” romance, it struck the perfect balance—just a touch of heat, but mostly heart. The romance is sweet, funny, and genuinely feel-good, with characters that are easy to root ...
Get a Life, Chloe Brown: A Novel (Brown Sisters 1)
The Wedding People was funny, surprising, and far more delightful than I expected. With sharp humor and unexpected emotional depth, it turns an awkward premise into a warm, thoughtful story about connection. A genuinely enjoyable read that sneaks up ...
The Wedding People: A Novel
Betting on You is a total win for rom-com lovers. If you enjoy fun, feel-good romances, this book won’t disappoint. It has full-on Degrassi energy in the best way—dramatic, heartfelt, and charming. If you’re looking for a cute, cozy, and entertaining...
Betting on You
Beautiful Ugly is a slow-burn psychological thriller—moody, unsettling, and quietly addictive. Feeney’s deliberate pacing builds constant unease, and the tension feels purposeful rather than drawn out. By the final act, the payoff is both surprising ...
Beautiful Ugly: A Novel
Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby is high-octane and relentlessly action-packed—a full-throttle shock to the senses. The prose is jarringly vivid, every scene grinding with grit, speed, and consequence. Cosby’s characters are tough as nails, forged in...
Blacktop Wasteland
Pretty world, decent concept—but overall slow and basic. The pacing drags, the plot feels familiar, and the romance takes too long to get interesting. It’s not bad, just safe. I can see why it works for new fantasy-romance readers, but it didn’t live...
A Court of Thorns and Roses
Heated Rivalry starts off spicy and gradually softens into something surprisingly sweet. While I personally prefer a bit more plot to balance out the steam, I still found it an enjoyable read. The chemistry is strong, the tension is fun, and watching...
Heated Rivalry: Now Streaming on Crave & HBO Max
How to Cheat Your Own Death by Kristen Perrin is a fast-paced, charming cozy mystery that kept me fully engaged from start to finish. The writing is sharp, the pacing is quick, and the mystery is layered with enough twists and misdirection to keep yo...
How to Cheat Your Own Death: A Novel
I picked up The Thursday Murder Club because I enjoyed the movie, and the book did not disappoint. It’s a cozy, clever mystery with plenty of charm and twists that kept me guessing right up until the very end. The characters are fun and endearing, an...
The Thursday Murder Club: A Novel
The Great Divide by Cristina Henríquez is a charming slice-of-life portrait of the building of the Panama Canal. Rather than focusing on the engineering feat alone, the novel shines by telling the story through a diverse cast of characters whose live...
The Great Divide: Historical Novel Panama Canal
This book was a wild ride, and I enjoyed every minute of it. From the very first page, it read like a movie unfolding in real time—gritty, fast-paced, and impossible to put down. The character growth is what really got me, though. Watching these deep...
Razorblade Tears
I have never been so happy to finish a book in my life. The length is diabolical—this story had no business being that long. The plot itself is… exactly fine. Not groundbreaking, not offensive, just fine. A perfectly serviceable fantasy that desperat...
Fourth Wing
The Primrose Murder Society by Stacy Hackney is an absolute delight of a cozy mystery. It’s super cute, endlessly fun, and packed with charming amateur sleuthing that never takes itself too seriously. The eclectic cast of characters adds so much pers...
The Primrose Murder Society: A Novel
I really wanted to love Katabasis by R. F. Kuang, but I ended up admiring it more than enjoying it. The concept is compelling and intellectually ambitious, but the execution felt a bit long and overly referential. At times, the density of allusions a...
Katabasis: A Novel
Off the Charts by Zee Renee is the perfect blend of sweet and spicy romance. The chemistry between the characters feels natural and engaging, making it easy to get swept up in their love story. I listened to the audiobook, and the narration was excep...
Off The Charts
My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney is a twisty, winding story that kept me guessing from beginning to end. Every time I thought I had it figured out, I was completely wrong. The tension builds beautifully, and that ending had me absolutely shook. A gr...
My Husband's Wife: A Novel
:I loved Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert. It was sweet, funny, and deeply real in a way that snuck up on me. Zaf as the MMC? Top tier. His grief and anxiety made him feel so grounded and human. He wasn’t just the soft, romantic hero (though ...
Take a Hint, Dani Brown: A Novel (Brown Sisters 2)
:By the Book by Jasmine Guillory is a ridiculously adorable, modern adaptation of Beauty and the Beast. Jasmine Guillory delivers a love story that feels fresh, funny, and completely charming. The clever, well-placed references to the classic fairyta...
By the Book: A Meant To Be Novel
Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito is hands down the most twisted book I’ve ever read—in the best, most unsettling way. From the very first page, it had me in a chokehold. The narrator is deeply disturbing—calculated, eerie, and just unhinged enough ...
Victorian Psycho: A Novel
Fake Flame was such a super cute read! I genuinely enjoyed the chemistry between the characters and the playful tension that kept the story moving. The banter was fun, the romance felt light but heartfelt, and it was an easy, cozy listen that left me...
Fake Flame: Spicy Fake Dating Firefighter Romance
This book almost lost me at “hoo ha,” but I’m so glad I gave it a second chance. A lot happens in this story—almost too much at times—but the complex and fully realized worldbuilding truly impressed me. I didn’t expect the depth, the detail, or the s...
The Second World
200 Monas by Jan Saenz is an absolute adrenaline rush. Fast-paced, chaotic in the best way, and packed with nonstop action, this book does not let up. The characters were CHARACTERING — bold, messy, and unforgettable. Every twist caught me off guard,...
200 Monas
I’ve read some wild stories lately, but Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver might be the wildest of them all. Twisty, dark, and unexpectedly funny, it kept me on edge the entire time. Just when I thought I had it figured out, another turn pulled...
Butcher & Blackbird: The Ruinous Love Trilogy
I wasn’t sure about Divine Rivals at first—historical fantasy isn’t usually my go-to genre—but I found myself pulled into the story surprisingly fast. The characters were compelling, layered, and easy to root for, and the unfolding romance against th...
Divine Rivals (Letters of Enchantment)
A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal was just okay for me. The pacing felt pretty slow, and the ending was a little disappointing. I expected a heist story to be more action-packed, but this one leaned more into the buildup than the payoff. The story it...
A Tempest of Tea (Blood and Tea, 1)
I truly have no words for that ending. The nonstop adventures, twists, and turns finally left me completely speechless. This book is packed with action and tension from beginning to end. I never knew where the story was headed, and it managed to surp...
Oathbound (The Legendborn Cycle)
Revisiting this classic was just as entertaining the second time around. Austen’s writing is as sharp and witty as ever, filled with clever observations and unforgettable characters. Beneath the humor is a sweet, romantic story that still feels timel...
Pride and Prejudice
First Time Caller by B.K. Horizon was cuter than I expected. It starts off as a bit of a slow burn, and I wasn’t totally sure about it at first. It definitely takes the main characters a while to get their shit together, and the MMC spends a good chu...
First-Time Caller (Paperback or Softback)
I, Medusa by Alana Gray was a fascinating retelling of the myth of Medusa. I really enjoyed seeing her story explored from a more personal perspective. Her early life and the experiences she endured clearly shaped the woman she became, and the book d...
I, Medusa: A Novel
How to Date a Prince by Hayden Stone — GIRL. This book had me hooked from the very beginning. I secretly love when a story turns into a reality TV–style situation, even though I don’t actually like watching reality TV. I spent the entire time rooting...
How to Date a Prince: Enemies to Lovers MM
Lindsey Cheng Dates a White Boy was spot on. The white boy assumptions were dead-on and the unearned confidence was hilariously accurate. I wouldn’t have thought such a short story could say so much, but I was pleasantly surprised. Sharp, funny, and ...
Lindsey Cheng Dates a White Boy!!! Graphic Novel
Honey Bee & Lemon Balm was my first ever manga, and I’m happy to say it was a really enjoyable introduction to the format. The story was sweet and easy to fall into, with charming characters that were hard not to root for. The tone felt light and...
Honey Bee & Lemon Balm 1
Two Can Play by Ali Hazelwood was a fun, sweet, and lightly spicy novella. It was my first Hazelwood book and a great introduction to her writing style. At first, I wasn’t sure how she planned to fit a full romance into such a short story, but I was ...
Two Can Play
This book was super cute. I expected a lot more reality-TV-style drama, but I was pleasantly surprised when the story focused more on the interpersonal relationship between the two main characters. I wasn’t sure how the author would fit an entire rom...
Desire and the Deep Blue Sea (Love Unscripted)
Sky Full of Elephants by Cebo Campbell caught me off guard in the best way. I wasn’t sure about it at first, but the deeper I got, the more it pulled me in—I ended up flying through it with a veracity I didn’t expect. The prose is beautiful without b...
Sky Full of Elephants: A Novel
Another banger in The Housemaid series. Freida McFadden knows exactly how to keep the tension high and the pages turning. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, never quite sure where the story was headed—and that ending? Completely caught me ...
The Housemaid's Secret
A Novel Crime by Deborah Levison is easily the most chaotic story I’ve ever read. It’s nonstop ridiculousness from beginning to end, and Summer/Marcy Jo is a fully delusional, unhinged main character. I genuinely could not understand how she thought ...
A Novel Crime
This was a cute, well-written YA mystery that kept me entertained from start to finish. The references to Edgar Allan Poe were clearly well-researched and added an informative layer to the story without taking away from the fun. I’d never really thou...
Ellen Poe: The Forgotten Lore
This book features a well-crafted and clearly explained magic system that really anchors the world. The story itself is compelling, though not without its challenges—the themes of patriarchy and racism are deeply woven into the narrative and often fe...
Blood Over Bright Haven: A Novel
I had a bit of a tough time with this one. I didn’t always agree with the choices the main characters made, which made it harder to fully connect with the story. That said, the ending did win me over, and I appreciated how everything came together. T...
Kiss, Marry, Kill: A Novel
Well damn—this was a good book. James is packed with adventure and misadventure, pulling you along in a way that feels both sharp and deeply human. I’ve never actually read Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, but if it’s even half as compelling as this r...
James (Pulitzer Prize Winner): A Novel
This was a fun, surprisingly heartfelt story about female friendship in the face of tragedy. I really loved how the women consistently showed up for each other, creating a strong sense of loyalty and support throughout the book. The mystery kept thin...
The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club: A Hu Done It Mystery
This book was…interesting. The structure felt chaotic—possibly intentionally so—but it made the story harder to follow at times. Since it’s a translation, the writing came across a bit clunky, which didn’t help the flow. Honestly, if I hadn’t been li...
Holy Boy: A Novel
Gigs is an earnest reflection of what the world could become if we grow too dependent on technology and AI. It paints a believable, and at times unsettling, picture of that future while grounding it in human experience. I especially appreciated how i...
Gigs
TBR
The Mortal Enemy Murder Club: A Hu Done It 2
I thoroughly enjoyed this book—it was sweet, spicy, and heartbreaking all at once. The tragedy woven into the story really grounded the plot and gave it emotional depth. I found myself both laughing and crying, which made the overall experience feel ...
Big Girl Blitz (Curve, 3)
If you're a fan of The Golden Girls and cozy mysteries, this book is for you. The at-home banter of our favorite roommates is all there, and the way the mystery unfolds is well done. This book was cute, funny, and definitely worth the read.
Murder by Cheesecake: A Golden Girls Cozy Mystery
TBR
Red Flags
TBR
Jane Austen's The Watsons
This was a cute and sweet short love story that perfectly captures the feeling of a first crush. I really enjoyed the characters and the dynamic between them—it felt genuine and heartfelt. As an all-ages story, it absolutely delivered: wholesome, app...
Our Aimless Nights, Volume 1
This was a 5-star read. Going into this one, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but once I got into it, I was completely enthralled. The characters are well-developed and sympathetic, the action is sharp and engaging, and the snippets from the documentary...
Operation Bounce House
I picked up Quicksilver because of all the hype and was really hoping for a romantasy I’d love—but it didn’t quite work for me. The biggest issue was the tone. The amount of swearing felt excessive and pulled me out of the story rather than adding to...
Quicksilver (Fae & Alchemy, 1)
This book was not what I expected. I went into it thinking it would be more of a romance, but it turned out to be more of a coming-of-age story about people in their fifties. I enjoyed the story and even liked the multiple points of view. The ending ...
American Fantasy: A Novel
This was a delightful and refreshing read. Like most romances, it was a little predictable at times, but overall it was an enjoyable story. The chemistry between the characters was charming, and we love an MM romance.
How to Fake It in Society
TBR
Spies, Lies, and Alibis: Thrilling Spy Romance
Current Read
The Miseducation of Caroline Bingley: Sapphic Regency Romance
A review for Murder Mindfully by Karsten Dusse. I picked up this book because I enjoyed the TV show, and the book did not disappoint. It was every bit as wild and funny as I hoped. The main character is completely deranged, and the way he justifies h...
Murder Mindfully
TBR
The Missed Connection
And Now, Back to You by B.K. Borison was such a cute, fun romance. The family drama helped ground the story and gave it a more realistic emotional core. It felt more like opposites attract than enemies to lovers, which worked really well for this cou...
And Now, Back to You (Heartstrings)