You know, this year has felt like the equivalent of about five years. Like, what do you mean Onyx Storm came out in January?? But also, I am genuinely shocked that it’s already November. Time is a construct, truly. Not real. Anyway, setting aside my complete bewilderment over how time works, let’s talk about the fact that I read books in October! I also started a new job, moved to a new city (moved back to it, really), and flew to California to celebrate my best friend getting married (or renewing her vows, however you want to look at it). So it was a big month for me. Oh! And, arguably most importantly, Taylor Swift released The Life of a Showgirl and I loved it and can’t stop, won’t stop listening to it. Really hoping that inspiration will strike eventually and I’ll do a song/book post because I really do love those. Unfortunately for me, I am struggling on that front. Anyway, book time!
A Visual Representation of the Books I Read by Rating
5 Stars
My obsession with Ali Hazelwood is really going strong. I’m not sure how many books of hers I’ve read this year, but they’ve all hit and Mate is definitely not an exception. Loved it.
I was nervous about The Ever King because I kept seeing people describe it as a “dark” romantasy. It felt… not dark to me, really, minus the kidnapping at the beginning so I was totally fine and loved it a lot.
An Academic Affair was everything I was hoping it would be and more. It made me laugh, cry, and kick my feet. I read it as an ARC so you can expect a review eventually. It hits stores on November 11th, so not too long to wait to pick it up! (Shout out to the publisher/Netgalley for the e-ARC!)
4.5
I really enjoyed both of these books and they both feature characters who are trying to really figure out themselves. Interestingly, for People Watching, Milo is the one who really has to figure himself out, whereas Prue just needs to make other people accept that actually she does know exactly what she wants. It’s a Love Story though features Jane, who has a job that she loves… Maybe. And she really wants to make this move work, but she winds up going on such a journey of self-discovery and I really, really loved the character work in this one. I owe y’all a full review since this was an ARC (shout out to the publisher and Netgalley). It’s coming! Eventually.
4 Stars
Soul Searching by Lyla Sage was really good, but I wanted a little more in the character work aspect… There was just something slightly off for me about it. But overall, I had a great time.
How to Keep House While Drowning would have been more useful to me before I moved into a new place and I was actually drowning, but there’s something about being in that space that just makes everything impossible, including trying to figure out your way out of it. I’m grateful to take these coping strategies into my new place while I’m in a better headspace and try to maintain a space and cleaning strategy that works for me. I have definitely bought into the usefulness of baskets, I can tell you that.
Once Upon a Time in Dollywood is the angsty romance you may need if that’s what you’ve been craving. Although, much of the angst comes from the fact that our FMC is in a really bad place in the beginning. Overall, I really enjoyed this book, but I had sat it down for over a month and that’s why I landed on a 4 star.
Hat Trick by Chelsea Curto is great, but a slower start for me than the other books in the series. I am madly in love with this series though. I think Curto is doing amazing things in this space. I’m a big fan.
The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen took me a bunch of tries to really actually dive into, but once I finally did, I found myself really keen to know what was going to happen next. The end… I’m upset. I can’t wait to pick up The Traitor Queen.
3.5 – 3.0
Only on Gameday is shockingly an ARC I’ve already reviewed, so you may know that I just ultimately didn’t think it lived up to my expectations for a Kristen Callihan novel and I felt like the character work and motivations were inconsistent. At the same time, it’s still Callihan’s writing so it wasn’t a bad time.
Raiders of the Lost Heart was so much fun! I didn’t always love the romance, but I did have a great time with the plot. The Fake Out by Stephanie Archer was fun, but honestly, there was a period of time in the book where it felt like we were just having sex scene after sex scene and I got tired of listening to it. Nice Girls Don’t Win was fascinating, but overall not my favorite memoir. I think I would have done better if I actually knew the Survivor world, like at all. The Traitors part of the book was so short and I loved that part, but also would have liked more of it. I think it’s a great pick up though if Parvati’s journey is something you’ve already followed. She’s lived quite the life.
Closing Thoughts
I am going to be so intrigued to see how many fewer books I read this year than in the last couple because my reading has been consistently lower for much of the year on a month to month comparison. But I’m still reading books that I really enjoy, so at the end of the day, that is what matters!
xx
firewhiskeyreader 