2022: January

JANUARY WRap Up

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Hey everyone! This month has gone by so fast and I got in a lot of good books and I’m excited to share them with you all!

The Age of Overwhelm by Laura Van Dernoot Lipsky
Genre: Non-Fiction, Psychology, & Self-Help
Review: Here

Rating: 4.5

The Crossing Gate by Asiel R. Lavie
Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Young Adult
Review: Here

Rating: 4.5

The Exiled Fleet by J.S. Dewes
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Review: Here

Rating: .4.5

Every Last Secret by A.R. Torre
Genre: Adult, Mystery, Thriller
Review: Here

Rating: 4.5

How To Stop Time by Matt Haig
Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Historical-Fiction
Review: Here

Rating: 4.5

King of Battle and Blood by Scarlett St. Clair
Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Romance
Review: Here

Rating: 3.5/5

The Last Watch by J.S. Dewes
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Review: Here

Rating: 4.5

Lore Olympus by Rachel Symthe
Genre: Adult, Graphic Novels, Mythology
Review: Here

Rating 5.5

Love, Lists, & Fancy Ships by Sarah Grunder Ruiz
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Review: Here

Rating: 4.5

Quiet In Her Bones by Nalini Singh
Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Thriller
Review: Here

Rating: 4.5

Read Between The Lines by Rachel Lacey
Genre: Adult, LGBT, Romance
Review: Here

Rating: 4.5

Risk by Fleur Ferris
Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Thriller
Review: Here

Rating: 4.5

The Good Lie by A.R. Torre
Genre: Adult, Mystery, Thriller
Review: Here

Rating: 5.5

The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Review: Here

Rating: 4.5

Take Me To Your Nerdy Leader by Hailey Gonzales
Genre: Contemporary, Fiction, YA
Review: Here

Rating: 5.5

What Happened To You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Dr. Bruce Perry & Oprah Winfrey
Genre: Mental Health, Non-Fiction, Self-Help
Review: Here

Rating: 5/5

When The Moon Was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, YA
Review: Here

Rating: 4.5

MYSTERY WRAP UP

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Excited to share my reads with you!

If you could describe Cat Winthrope in one word, it would be determined as she has worked hard to get the life that she’s always wanted. A handsome husband, gorgeous home, good social standing, and all the love she can get from those she is close with. But soon her dream is throw into a tailspin when a new couple moves into the neighborhood and threatens the very life she has worked hard to make come true.

This is one of the few books that I read in one sitting as I couldn’t put it down cause it had me on edge. In the last year or so, I’ve been reading more mysteries and thrillers. I think I may have found my new favorite author because Torre really knows how to reel you in and keep you guessing. The plot was very interesting and I did enjoy the dynamics between the characters especially Cat and Neera. The only thing I didn’t like is how short it was, I usually read books that are longer than 200 pages but even with that, I enjoyed it. Would highly recommend especially if you’re looking for a good thriller!

Dr. Gwen Moore is an expert on killers who has spent a decade treating California’s most deadly and depraved killers and unlocking their motives especially the killer known as the bloody heart serial killer who last victim escaped who later identified, high school teacher, Randall Thompson as his captor. The case against Thompson was an open and shut case or so everyone including Gwen thought until a new development throws everything into a tailspin making Gwen question everything she knows.

Wow! This was such a good thriller! I was on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. I’m glad that I started reading her books because I haven’t been disappointed yet. Torre knows how to reel you in and make you feel like you’re a part of the story and I love that. Her writing is something else that I really enjoy and she does a great job creating the dynamics between the characters and making it feel very real. This was such a enjoyable thriller so I highly recommend it to anyone even if you’re not super into them.

Taylor and Sierra thought they’d be best friends forever but things started to change between them when Taylor is caught kissing Sierra’s trust, things begin to change. Taylor is fed up with how Sierra treats her friends as she doesn’t seem to care when she hurts them. So when Sierra goes on a date with Jacob Jones who Sierra thinks is the one, everyone including Taylor laugh it off. Like her usual dates, everyone suspects she’ll be back the day next day but when she doesn’t show up, Taylor begins to worry as days keep passing with no word from her. Taylor begins to wonder if something sinister has happened to Sierra and she must find out before it’s too late.

This the first book by Ferris that I’ve read and it won’t be the last as I was absolutely entranced from beginning. Thrillers and mysteries have become my new favorite genre after I got burned out reading fantasies. Some thrillers have been predicable but this was a true thriller as I was on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. The plot was super interesting and not done like it usually is so I did like that Ferris changed things and made it unique. This isn’t like the usual YA thrillers that I read, this felt more adult than anything and I feel as thought the topics in the book were handled with care while also making it real. Highly recommend this book!

Fiction WRAP UP

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Hey everyone! I can’t wait to share my fictions reads with you so let’s get started.

Having just moved back to his old home in London to settle down and take up work as a school teacher. But, Tom has a very dark secret as he’s not who people think he is as he might look a young forty one year old high school teacher but in reality, he’s been alive for centuries as a result of a rate condition. He has lived through some of the most important dates in history but now he just wants a normal life. Unfortunately, that doesn’t happen as shortly after the beginning of the school year, he breaks a rule that could potentially ruin everything that he’s ever wanted.

I wasn’t quite sure if I would like this book as sometimes historical fiction is hit or miss with me but I ended up liking it more than I thought. The plot was what got me interested as it something unique yet interesting.While I did like the plot, I wasn’t crazy about Tom as their were parts in the story where he really annoyed me and I feel like he wasn’t as compelling as I thought he would be. But, the other parts of the book helped make up for that so if you’re into fantasy and time travel stories, you would like this book!

Paige has always been scared to be herself. The real Paige who is proud to be a nerd and stick out in the crowd, who has no problem making friends, talking about books, and losing her virginity. But, no one knows who the Paige as only quiet Paige exists. But, with a new opportunities arriving as Paige will be starting at a new school, it could be the perfect time to embrace who really is and stop hiding behind a mask.

Absolutely loved this book and not only because the lead was asexual but because it was a super cute and fun book to read through. I found Paige very relatable as she struggled to embrace her real self and not hide. That’s something that still sticks with me even as an adult who has now accepted her flaws and all and I felt like it was written very well. Not only did I love Paige but the other characters especially the friendship between Paige and Shawn, the boy she becomes very close with. The asexuality aspect of the book made me very happy because it’s super hard to find asexual characters written well so I was happy that I found this book. I will reading the second book for February so stay tuned!

Romance WRAP Up

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A little change up as I feel like is more easy to do, I’m going to combine all my genre reads into one post so I don’t feel like it’s a chore to make separate posts for them.

Rosie Taft and Jane Breslin couldn’t be more different as books are Rosie’s life as she owns a bookstore that was originally her mother’s. With living in Manhattan, the young girl seems to have it all except for one thing: a love life. While Rosie is wishing her love life to take shape, Jane Breslin operates as a real estate owner by day and a streamer by night where she uses the alias of Brie and spends her time flirting with a mysterious person who happens to be Rosie. When Rosie finds out that Jane’s family business has terminated the lease to her beloved bookstore, romance is on the back burner but there is no denying the sparks between them, will the two find a way to meet in the middle or is it another heartbreak for the young women?”

What a super cute book with a fun and engaging plot! I loved the relationship between Rosie and Jane as it developed throughout the book. It had everything you could want and I found myself relating to both characters as they had their own quirks and flaws that made them feel so real. The plot was cute and although I’ve read books with this similar plot, the author does of a good job of changing up a few things so it’s not so familiar. Overall, a super cute and fun book and I can’t wait fro the second installment of this series.

For the last year, Jo Stewart has been working on a bucket list while working as a yacht stewardess and she’s been excelling with her list while enjoying her time before her birthday. Jo is feeling good and on track with her bucket list when tragedy strikes and Jo”s world comes crashing down as she’s forced to confront painful memories from her past and process through difficult emotions. While trying to stay on track with her list, she finds herself developing feelings for a young man, Alex Hayes and this further complicates her relationships and she must make a choice to stop playing it safe and embrace her past or she will lose what matters the most.

I really enjoyed this book as it touched upon serious issues like grief, mental health, emotions, and family issues in a way that wasn’t over the top but still very real. I loved Jo, I thought she was a very relatable character and I felt for her throughout the book as she struggled to come to terms with her past in order to embrace the present and choose what matters most to her rather than playing it safe. That struck a cord with me as I went through similar changes so I was rooting for her the entire time. The romance was very cute and I did enjoy the plot! I would totally recommend this book to others! A fun, interesting, and heartwarming read about embracing the past so you can live the life you’ve always wanted for yourself.

If there was one person Catalina Martin couldn’t stand, it was Aaron Blackford and the feeling is mutual. But, desperate times call for desperate measures as she needs to bring someone to her sister’s wedding or else she’ll never live it down. It’s just a simple trip with the most obnoxious, aggravating, and nosiest man she’s ever met. Or is it?

Ahhhhh, this book was so much fun!! I loved it from beginning to end. The enemies to lovers trope is my favorite and it was so well done and felt very real! I love their relationship and how it developed through the book. The plot, characters, and how the story developed were fleshed out together so that it made a very fun read.

To everyone who knows them, best friends Meil and Sam as are strange as they are inseparable.The pair has magical abilities that are on opposites sides of the spectrum as roses grow out of Miel’s wrist and Sam is known for the moons he paints and hangs out in tree’s and while not much is know about him or his mother before they moved here, even they know to stay away from the Bonner girls, who are witches. But, when Miel and Sam discover that the witches want Miel’s roses that grow out her skin as they believe the scent can make anyone fall in love, the two must do what they can to not only protect Meil and every secret she’s sworn to protect but their loved ones.

Oh Anna-Marie McLemore, you really have a way with words. This was such a heartwarming and beautiful read as I was hooked from beginning to end. I’ve been a huge fan of her writing and she never fails to disappoint with how she develops her characters and I always feel like I know them. The struggles of the characters are what drive this particular story as it follows, Latina Miel and Samir, an Italian-Pakistani trans boy and McLemore does an excellent job with tackling these serious issues in a way that feels real. A truly beautiful tale of friendship, belonging, and finding your inner voice.

Non-Fiction Wrap up

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I’m trying out something new with my book reviews so we’ll see how this works out!

For many of us, navigating the stress that comes with the pressure of our daily lives can force us to take on patterns that aren’t healthy which can impact our lives in the future. While it can be difficult to develop healthy patterns or strategies, they are crucial for our own well-being. The Age of Overwhelm provides readers with techniques, skills, and strategies to help improve our well-being while still being present in our every day lives.

I don’t normally read self-help that much those kind of books are hit and miss with me but I enjoyed this one quite a bit. I found it relevant for the times especially with learning to be more present, learning to say no without feeling guilty, and cutting people out your life who drain your energy. All of the issues that were discussed in this book struck a cord with me especially being more present. I think these are all things that most people struggle with in their daily lives as many of us come from home environments where we learned unhealthy strategies and coping skills. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking to better themselves as I found this very helpful.

Have you ever wondered why you can’t control some of your emotions at times or why people do the things that they do? If so, you’re not alone and it’s nothing that has anything to do you as a person but the events that occurred in your life that altered your ability to deal with them in a healthy way.

This book has been on my tbr for a long time so I was glad to finally have a chance to read it. I have read a lot of books having to do with trauma and this was the first one I read where I got clarity on the experiences I went through as a child. Before reading this book, I had watched a few interviews with Oprah and Dr. Bruce Perry and I was hoping that I would enjoy the book and I did. It’s very difficult to navigate through life when you have a messed up childhood and when you can finally make sense of the events that happened to you and that last part is so important. It’s not what’s wrong with you but what happened to you? It’s such a simple yet profound statement. I would highly recommend this book to anyone!

Best Books of 2021

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This is a little late but oh well! I had planned to do this but got distracted and busy but I waned to share my favorite reads of the year with y’all so I hope you enjoy!

Contemporary:

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

The Lucky Ones by Liz Lawson

Reality Check by Kirpa Signh

What I Carry by Jennifer Longo

Fantasy:

Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhouse

Lyrics & Curses by Candace Robinson

Medusa by Jessie Burton

Neon Gods by Katee Robert

Once Upon A Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber

Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim

Skyward by Brandon Sanderson

Steelstriker by Marie Lu

LGBT:

Late To The Party by Kelly Quindlen

Loveless by Alice Oseman

The Mirror Season by Anne-Marie McLemore

Mystery:

A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder by Holly Jackson

Truly, Devious by Maureen Johnson

The Guest List by Lucy Foley

KIng of Battle and Blood

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“All of the stars in the sky are not as bright as my love for you.”

While many brides find their wedding day to be their happiest day but not Isolde De Lara, she expected to wed the vampire king Adrian Alexksandr Vasiliev in order to end a decades long war. She is planning to kill him on their wedding night but things don’t go as planned as he catches her in the act and threatens to raise her as the undead, which is the thing that she hates the most. Isolde isn’t going to go down without a fight as she finds other ways to defy him and survive the brutal vampire court. But, the court isn’t what she fears most. It’s Adrian himself and despite their obvious electrifying chemistry, she wants to know why he would chose her as his consort.

Well, here have another predictable enemies to lovers vampire story that I found myself engrossed in even if the writing was choppy in some parts. From the reviews on this book, people either loved it or hated and I’m one of those people who is in the middle. I didn’t exactly love it as much as I wanted to love it but it was entertaining and I did like the smut. The second book isn’t coming out for awhile and I don’t even know if I’m gonna read it but let’s get started on the good with this book. As I mentioned, the smut was pretty good and I did enjoy that because sometimes either the smut is written poorly or there’s not enough. While I did find Isolde annoying, I did buy the chemistry between herself and Adrian so that’s one of the pluses. One reason why I didn’t completely like Isolde is because I got I’m not like most girls vibe and I hate that type of character because it’s over done so it made me enjoy the book even less.

But, overall I enjoyed it and maybe I’ll check out the second book when it comes out!

The Exiled Fleet

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“What’s our motto, friends?”
“Get it done fast and don’t die, sir.”

The crew of sentinels, led by courageous Adequin Drake are making a desperate preparations to return to the galaxy that abandoned them all before they all starve. Having stabilized the situation at the Divide, the immediate threat, the crew is now low on supplies and their is a impending mutiny brewing. With tensions building, the team must find a way to get through this or they may not make it out alive.

A thrilling and entertaining follow up to The Last Watch and I am so happy that I didn’t have to wait a long time to read this follow up or else I would’ve been unhappy. I was engrossed from beginning to end and while I did find the novel very entertaining there were a few things that didn’t make me love it as much as the first one. One plus was the continued developed fo the characters as I felt like it was very real and and relatable especially with Rake and her own self-doubt about whether she’s fit to be a leader. Out of all the characters, she’s probably my favorite. It’s hard not to root for her and the other members. I felt like this novel was a bit overcrowded with new characters, plot details, and a bit too much information that made me confused at times. I think I would’ve enjoyed it more it there wasn’t so much going on as it was hard to keep track of who was who especially with new characters being introduced in this book. But even with all of that, Dewes crafted a entertaining and fun follow up to the first book and I am excited for the third to come out even though it won’t be for a long time!

The Last Watch

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“One act doesn’t define someone, good or bad. I hate what you did. Not you.”

The Last Watch follows a band of criminal misfits who have been banished to the edge of space that have to their petty grievances aside to save the universe from certain destruction. Each character has their own agenda but if they want to save earth and find a way to redeem themselves, they must work together before it’s too late.

Wow! This book was truly enjoyable and I’m glad that I don’t have to wait for the second book. I’ve been reading a lot of Sci-Fi lately and I’m really glad that I have because I haven’t had a miss yet and will probably be my new favorite Sci-Fi series. The plot wasn’t something that I’d seen before with a band of misfits coming together to save the world but the way it was done here made it more unique and interesting and I believe the writing had a lot to do with that. It honestly felt like I was there and I could feel the tension between the characters in stressful situation. Another great aspect of the book were the characters as they each had their own flaws that made them very relatable and I felt invested not only with their personal journey but how they fit in with the rest of the group. Overall, this was a really good suspenseful Sci-Fi space opera filled with everything you would hope for a Sci-Fi series to have.