marginalia and such

Disclaimer: the ratings are entirely arbitrary and just because a book wasn’t for me, doesn’t mean it might not be for you (or even me at a different time).

Currently reading

After Hours on Milagro Street by Angelina M. Lopez – nearly finished and loving

Eclipse the Moon by Jessie Mihalik – currently listening

Loveboat, Taipei by Abigail Hing Wen – currently on hold

Read

The Earl Next Door by Charis Michaels – 🍰🍰🍰

An American heiress on the run and the grumpy, Earl that lives next door and refuses to get involved in her schemes… of course, they end up embroiled in a whole lot of mess and more. It’s been a while since I read a proper historical and this one was a pleasant change from the tropes I usually go for.

The Masterful Cat is Depressed Again, Today #2-4 by Hitsuji Yamada 🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰

This series continues to be the perfect amount of silliness and slice of life that I need between big projects. Highly recommend.

Molly Molloy and the Angel of Death by Maria Vale – 🍰🍰🍰🍰

This is (so far) the best book I’ve read this year. It’s a weird little love story involving Death and all that might entail. I won’t say too much, but if you like a quirky love story that delves into an intriguing take on life, death, and spirituality, this might be for you.

One for My Enemy by Olivie Blake- 🍰🍰🍰

I was hooked by the idea of a magical Romeo and Juliet retelling. It was… interesting. I liked the magical mafia vibes, but I found myself losing interest in some of the threads. There is a lot happening in this book – lots of intrigue, lots of description. The revenge plot was intricately plotted, but the ending left me deflated. I liked it, but I wanted something else.

Audiobooks

When life is life-ing, I listen to a lot of audiobooks.

Twisted Love by Ana Huang 🍰🍰🍰

I know this series is popular but had no idea what to expect. Romantic suspense isn’t usually my thing, but this one kept me entertained on my long commutes and I’m curious to continue the rest of the series.

Better Hate than Never – Chloe Liese 🍰🍰🍰

A modern take on Taming of the Shrew and 10 things I hate about you? Of course, I had to read this! This is a hard one to review because I enjoyed the story but there were aspects of the romance that took me out of the story (primarily the “I knew you when you were a baby” thing… I have a hard time with that trope in general). However, if you’re looking for a demi heroine with neuro-spicy traits and some childhood rivals to lovers action, this might be the read for you.

Puck Me Secretly – Odette Stone 🍰🍰🍰

I am not a sports person, but I enjoy a sporty romance. I picked this one up after hearing it described on the Fated Mates podcast and was not disappointed. There is a particular near-plane crash scene that had me on the edge of my (car) seat and added a new twist on the old classic of fated to meet. Also, surprise thriller elements for some added spice.

DNF

Pride and Protest by Nikki Payne

I think I would prefer to read this one (was listening to the audiobook).

The Deal by Elle Kennedy

Conversely, I think I might prefer this one in audio lol.

Extreme Honor by Piper J. Drake

I tried reading it twice and got about 60 pages in on the second try, but I just couldn’t get into the story.

Follow me on twitter | instagram | youtube | pinterest