Disclaimer: The cake rating is my totally subjective, entirely arbitrary rating system. If I finished it, you can assume I enjoyed it regardless of the rating. 5 🍰‘s generally mean that I absolutely loved it and will/have purchased a copy for my personal collection.
Read
Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey 🍰🍰🍰
See Rebel Yule for my sudden desire for holiday reads. A sweet, Christmas-themed workplace romance with a grumpy sunshine pairing. If you like a second-chance-at-life-after-serving-time arc (her), this one might be for you.
The Masterful Cat is Depressed Again, Vol. 5 by Hitsuzi Yamada 🍰🍰🍰
This series continues to be adorable. I’m taking my time reading the volumes I’ve collected (and have the last two releases on my wish list). If you’re looking for a cozy read about an anthropomorphic cat who takes care of his human, look no further.
Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-reum 🍰🍰🍰🍰
A cozy read set in a Korean bookshop. This book has been on all the lists and for good reason. As I usually find with Korean (and Japanese) lit, lessons on life and philosophy are woven within the cozy vibes. Highly recommend if you want a quiet, meditative read.
The Wedding Witch by Erin Sterling 🍰🍰🍰
An unexpected Christmas book from a series I associate with Halloween shenanigans. The Ex Hex is one of my feel good faves and this was a sweet winter addition to the series.
Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score 🍰🍰🍰🍰
Picked this one up on a whim after seeing it at the library. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was sucked in from the start. One thing I’ve learned over the last year: I’m definitely a small town romance girl. If you like a found family, second chance at romance, somewhat enemies to lovers, with a side plot of intrigue, TWNGO might be for you. It’s on the long-side of contemporary, which might be a plus if you ever found yourself wishing your romance was longer.
The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton 🍰🍰🍰
I started this series with book 2, which may have ruined the experience of book 1. It was fun, but the charm of book 2 stole the show for me. Flying houses, secret witch societies, pirates… dastardly deeds. It’s a silly romp.
Audiobooks
Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present by Ruth Ben-Ghiat 🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰
This book has been recommended on all the anti-fascist reading lists and for good reason. It’s an incredible piece of historical analysis and a reflection current affairs. Not a light read but an excellent work if you want to understand the strongman playbook that we’re seeing in action.
Trigger warning for all kinds of abuses. If you can think of it, the people referenced in this book probably did it. You will need to read/listen to something lighthearted after this one.
Rebel Yule by Kate Meader 🍰🍰🍰
I’m not usually a holiday book girlie, but the times called for some holiday cheer this year. This was my second Kate Meader books this year and it was a nice little treat. The narrator did a Norwegian accent for the MMC that was pretty endearing. A sweet little story that was just what I needed this year.
The Dragon’s Bride by Katee Robert 🍰🍰🍰
So… I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m not a monster romance person, but I was intrigued by the demon that strikes the series of bargains that serve as the catalyst for this series. I’m adding that one to by TBR (it’s The Demon’s Queen, in case you’re wondering).
DNF
Sex and the Psychic Witch by Annette Blair
It was a little too of its time… maybe I’ll try it again at a later date. Just wasn’t hitting for me.
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Note to longtime readers: In case you missed the last year’s update, I changed my name to Emilia Grace on most of my socials to align with my penname.
marginalia and such 