book reviews – marginalia and such

off the shelf: books I enjoyed in Q1 2025

All the books I read in Q1 (January through March) 2025… romance reads, self-help, and non-fiction

Disclaimer: The cake rating is my totally subjective, entirely arbitrary rating system. If I finished it, you can assume I enjoyed it regardless of rating. 5 🍰‘s generally mean that I absolutely loved it and will/have purchased a copy for my personal collection.

Read

The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson 🍰🍰🍰.5

My first foray into anything omega verse related, and I’m sure it’s on the lighter side of things, but it was just what I needed after a truly emotional week. A tropey shifter romance with a fake dating subplot and plenty of spice. Lots of banter and cute, lighthearted romance moments. Very grumpy sunshine.

🌶️All the spice

Things We Hide From the Light by Lucy Score 🍰🍰🍰🍰

Lucy Score may be my new favorite read. I loved the first book in the Knockemout series and decided to jump back in. TWHFTL did not disappoint! Lucy Score writes a hefty book for contemporary romance, but I find myself loving all the details and character building. This one follows up on the suspense plot laid out in book 1 (watch me avoid spoilers), layering in plenty of emotional baggage, complicated feelings about relationships, and plenty of spice. Plus, there’s a dog rescue and I’m a sucker for a dog rescue. I already have book 3 lined up on the TRB shelf.

CW: gun violence, violence and threats against women

🌶️All the spice

A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair 🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰

Plucked from the TBR stack of doom… A Touch of Darkness hits all the marks I want from a modern Hades/Persephone retelling. And I love a Hades/Persephone retelling. Persephone is a young goddess with no powers, hiding her identity to live among mortals. Hades is a mysterious, misunderstood god who deals in deadly bargains. Persephone gets caught in a web more twisted than she expects…

Binged it over a couple of days and immediately bought the next book (and here I was, trying not to buy more books).

🫑/🌶️ Sweet and spicy

Be Your Best Self: Ten Life-changing Ideas to Reach Your Full Potential by Rebekah Ballagh 🍰🍰🍰🍰

I am a self-development book girlie and I have no qualms about admitting it. I first read a teaser from Ballagh’s book on her IG @journey_to_wellness. She is a counselor, coach, trainer, and speaker who often posts about self-care practices, mental health, fight or flight responses, etc. BYBS presents practical, gentle approaches to address issues like perfectionism, self-sabotage, imposter syndrome, inner child work, and more. I highly recommend if you’re working on a self-improvement journey or want to gain insight on how to be a better friend and ally to people dealing with these concerns.

The Stand-In by Lily Chu 🍰🍰🍰🍰

I’m vowed to read through my print TBR and this was one of the oldest titles that had been sitting on the pile (in terms of purchase, not print date).

Gracie’s life is turned upside down when her asshole boss harasses her out a job. Her mom is in a nursing facility and money is tight. Gracie is one catastrophe away from total disaster when she’s presented with a bargain she can’t refuse: serve as a stand-in for a famous Chinese and pretend to be her during social events in exchange for enough money to take care of her mom and pursue her dream of creating the perfect planning app. Of course, nothing is without it’s challenge, and when that challenge comes in the form of one of the hottest Chinese actors, Gracie knows she’s going to have to earn her keep.

🫑Low spice

On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century by Timothy Snyder 🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰

A tiny but mighty little book. I carried this around in my bag for the last few months, reading it when I needed a reminder of the ways we fight for democracy and protect our peace.

Audiobooks

The audiobooks were really hitting this quarter (and doing the heavy lifting during my long commute).

Surviving Autocracy by Masha Gessen 🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰

An important look at the rise of autocracy in America and a primer for our current condition. It’s a hard listen, though it did impart some hope. Highly recommend. The audiobook is narrated by the author.

Daydream by Hannah Grace 🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰

This may be my favorite in the Maple Hills series. I borrowed the audio from the library but I definitely plan to get a print copy for my collection. Plays on the “smart girl tutors jock who needs his pass his class” trope in the best way possible. Henry is a series favorite and he doesn’t disappoint as the caring artist hockey player who is more than willing to help Halle learn to love herself fully.

🌶️All the spice

Only for the Summer by Abby Jimenez 🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰

The third in Abby Jimenez’s Part of Your World Series starts with an AITA post about a friend, a dog, a broken lease and a terrible billboard. Justin is cursed to watch his ex’s get married as soon as they break up. Emma suffers from the same affliction. They team up to break each other’s curses and go their separate ways. You can guess how that plays out.

I may almost like this one even more than Yours Truly. It certainly made me tear up more. The narrators were perfect and the story made me feel all the feels.

CW: child abandonment, child neglect

🫑/🌶️ Sweet and spicy

Twisted Games by Ana Huang 🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰

Grumpy bodyguard meets sunshiney princess romance with a palace intrigue side plot. The male narrator was the perfect amount of growly. Definitely inspires me to continue the series.

🌶️All the spice

Dear Roomie by Kate Meader

I am not a sporty girl, but I am a sporty book girl. Part of the Rookie Rebels series, Dear Roomie centers on a hockey player with a reputation for competitiveness and a desperate need to prove himself, the dog he rescues, and the woman he hires as a live-in dog nanny. It’s a fun listen and just what I needed when everything felt awful with the world.

🌶️All the spice

DNF

The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez

Didn’t quite connect with this one, though I’m waiting on a copy of the audiobook and plan to give it a second chance.

📖I track my reading on LibraryThing and Storygraph.

💜

For more, subscribe to the blog.

You can follow my “quiet days” on YouTube or follow for writing updates on Substack.

Visit my linktr.ee or learn more about my writing at emiliagracewrites.com.

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.

off the shelf: what I read Oct – Dec 2024

all the books I read and listened to between Oct and Dec 2024… a reading recap

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.

📖I track my reading habits on LibraryThing and Storygraph.

💜For more, subscribe to the blog. You can also follow my “quiet days” on YouTube. Visit my linktr.ee for socials, or learn more about my writing at emiliagracewrites.com.

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.

off the shelf: what I read July – Sept 2024

Currently reading

Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score

The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton

Sex and the Psychic Witch by Annette Blair (on hold, maybe to DNF)

Read

Part of your World by Abby Jimenez 🍰🍰🍰

The one with the baby goat lol. I love how every Abby Jimenez book seems to have a mascot or two. Somehow I fell into a weird pattern of picking books with heavy themes… this one deals with a character who is coming out of a messy divorce stemming from emotional abuse, gaslighting, and narcissism (oh, my!). The story was lighthearted enough to keep it from tipping too deep into emotional trauma, but check your triggers. A rich city girl meets hot and sweet country boy, age gap romance featuring animal sidekicks and living your truth.

The Other Side of Disappearing by Kate Claybourn 🍰🍰🍰🍰

Kate Claybourn excels at deep character development IMO. When a true crime podcast host comes knocking at Jess Greene’s door, family secrets are unearthed and long-buried emotions brought to the fore when a research trip forces Jess and her sister face their mother’s abandonment. If you like your romance heavy on plot and character psychology, this might be the book for you.

How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams 🍰🍰

This was a difficult read. I loved William’s The Fastest Way to Fall, which dealt with some of the challenges of living in a larger body, self-esteem, etc. The themes in How to Fail at Flirting are important but HEAVY topics. I wasn’t prepared for discussion of intimate partner violence and attempted r@pe on page, so if that’s a trigger for you, consider this fair warning. The romance was lovely, but I had to take a several breaks to read a lighter book before I could finish this one.

Wild Love by Elsie Silver 🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰

I wanted to read something a little lighter on the inner turmoil after the last two lol… That’s not to say that it doesn’t deal with difficult topics – sexual harassment is a major plot point in the FMC’s storyline, but it wasn’t as hard to read as the events in How to Fail at Flirting.

This was my first Elsie Silver and won’t be my last. I don’t usually do billionaires, but Ford is the sort of billionaire sweetheart I would love to meet IRL. This is a childhood rivals to lovers tale and I LOVE rivals to lovers in all its iterations. With a cozy, small town Canadian setting, a surprisingly sweet long lost child sub plot (not a kid person, but it worked for me), and a bunch of side characters that are clearly destined for their own books, this is a series that I’ll be instabuying. (Book 2 is on my TBR already)

Whiteout by Adriana Anders 🍰🍰

I’d heard good things about this romantic suspense thriller set in the arctic… the first 2/3rds kept me going, but that last bit lost me. I skimmed to the end. Romantic suspense isn’t my usual genre, so that’s on me.

DNF

Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning

Could not finish. Between the constant references to her breasts, her waist size, and her rotating shades of pink nail polish, I decided this series should stay in 2006.

Natural Born Charmer by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Coincidentally, another book that should stay in 2007. SEP is definitely a problematic author, no two-ways about it; however, I’ve managed to look past the glaring sexism in most of the other books I’ve read by her, attributing them to their time. This one couldn’t hold my interest long enough to look past the issues.

Audiobooks

The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood 🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰

It’s not every romance that makes me question my life, consider updating my afterlife plan, leaves me feeling like I just read (or listened to, in this case) the most inspirational of self-helps book.

This book opens with a death (the title kind of gives it away), so this may not be the best read if you’re dealing with loss, but it IS a happy, funny, upbeat read.

When Delphie dies, she gets a rare second chance to change her life for the better… shenanigans and unexpected romance ensue.

Happily Never After by Lynn Painter 🍰🍰🍰

When a professional wedding objector successfully breaks up Sophie Steinbeck’s wedding, she finds a new side gig and a new love interest. This was a fun story. Sometimes Painter’s characters feel more suited to YA, but it is an adult romance.

Accidentally Amy by Lynn Painter 🍰🍰🍰

This one was recently re-released. This review is based on the original version. Classic rom-com tropes, lots of mishaps and misunderstandings that lead to a forbidden office romance. Same comment re: characters as above.

📖I track my reading on LibraryThing and Storygraph.

off the shelf: what I read – April through June 2024

Disclaimer: the ratings are entirely subjective 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

The Other Side of Disappearing by Kate Claybourn

How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams

Read

Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez – 🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰

Bought this on a rec from one of the hosts at the SteamyLit pop-up that I attended in June and I could not stop reading! This is my first Abby Jimenez book but it will not be the last! I read it in two days, which is something I haven’t done in years. I literally could not stop. It was a good thing I was on vacation because I stayed up way past my bedtime so I could keep reading. A sweet, second-chance-at-love romance with anxiety representation.

Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood – 🍰🍰🍰🍰

I’ve enjoyed every book I’ve read by Ali Hazelwood. She warns readers that this one is a bit different from her usual books when it comes to the tone of the story, but it’s not particularly dark. A few more kinks than her previous books, but not that subversive IMO. Not an academic setting like most of her previous works, but still set in the STEM field.

Bless Your Heart by Lyra Parish – 🍰🍰🍰

Lyra promises 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ and she delivers. If you want a small town, cowboy romance with plenty of heat, this one might be for you.

Hot Mess by Emily Goodwin – 🍰🍰🍰

I was in until I realized this is a two book duet and it left me on a cliffhanger. It was a cute read, but I didn’t feel invested enough to follow the pair to book two.

Then Came You by Lisa Kleypas – 🍰🍰🍰

This is an older romance, so check your content warnings. It probably has them all.

I had a slow start with this one, but the story picked up about a third of the way in and I was hooked. If you’ve read Dreaming of You, Then Came You is Lily’s story. She’s feisty and spirited and comes across a little reckless for the sake of drama until you learn her past. There’s a touch of mystery mixed in with the romance.

Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree – 🍰🍰🍰🍰

This sat on my TBR for about a year until my boyfriend decided to call me out for being so excited to read it and leaving it on the pile (this during a trip to B&N, when he should know better than to call me out for buying more books. the nerve). Anyhow, it was the kick I needed and it came at the perfect time. When work demands were particularly high this spring, this was the perfect cozy, before bed read. The stakes are low, but there is still a solid plot with plenty of character development and a sweet payoff.

After Hours on Milagro Street by Angelina M. Lopez – 🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰

Just perfect. This is one of the best romances I’ve read so far. Small town rivalries, a haunted bar, Mexican American history, and a steamy love story make this an instant rec from me. Also, this one is HOT 🥵.

Eclipse the Moon by Jessie Mihalik – 🍰🍰🍰🍰

In a charming twist, I enjoyed book 2 in this series more than book 1. The Consortium Rebellion series is still my favorite, but I love Jessie Mihalik’s brand of swoony sci-fi with a thread of suspense.

Audiobooks

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

Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman – 🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰 (all the cake!)

Did this book give me an existential crisis while driving to work? Yes. Do I still recommend it? Most definitely. History, philosophy, productivity, Burkeman dives into all things related to the concept of time, and the many ways we try to wrangle our limited years on this earth. If you’re working to step away from hustle/productivity culture, this is an excellent read (or listen. Burkeman narrates it himself and he does a fabulous job).

The Viscount who Loved Me by Julia Quinn – 🍰🍰

I rewatched season 2 and decided to give the book a try… then I remembered why I never really liked the books. The show adds way more depth to these characters. Go with the show.

The League of Gentlewomen Witches by India Holton – 🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰

I saw this book recommended on a list of books that feel like Howl’s Moving Castle and that was all I needed to know. Howl is one of my favorite books and definitely one of my favorite movies. I am always looking for books that give me that feeling and that recommendation did not disappoint! I literally lol-ed listening to this book. It’s funny, sexy, imaginative… pirates, witches, flying houses, shenanigans. I loved it so much, I plan to get it in print and re-read it.

DNF

Loveboat, Taipei by Abigail Hing Wen

I gave it a good try, but I kind of gave up. I’m not resonating with YA at the moment and that’s on me.

There’s No Such Thing as an Easy Job by Kikuko Tsumura

It’s a slow read and I lost interest about 50% in. I renewed my loan twice, but when it lapsed for the third time, I decided to call it quits. Might pick it up some other time. I was in the Cracker Packet job chapter.

📖I track my reading habits on LibraryThing and Storygraph.

off the shelf: what I read Jan-March 2024

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

off the shelf: what I’ve read so far – 2023 reads

Once again, I didn’t mean to take 5 months to post a reading update, but here we are. Some of these are briefer than others because I failed to write my notes as I read, but the ratings are as arbitrarily cakey as ever.

Currently reading

I Didn’t Do the Thing Today: Letting Go of Productivity Guilt by Madeleine Dore

Ironically, I set this one aside for a month or so because I couldn’t do the thing… I’m almost done and it’s been a great read so far and a solid reminder to let go of what isn’t serving.

Read

The Masterful Cat is Depressed Again Today, vol. 1 by 🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰

If you’re looking for a sweet, slice-of-life manga about a somewhat hopeless mess of a 20-something and her human-sized cat, this is the one for you. Randomly picked it based on the title and it became an insta-fave. It’s only 5 volumes long, so worth a read if you’re looking for a short manga series.

Sweat and Soap, vol. 1-6 by Kintetsu Yamada 🍰🍰🍰🍰

One of my coworkers recommended this series after I mentioned that I like the more adult romance manga. It’s the story of a girl who suffers from excess sweating and a perfume expert who is captivated by her scent. Shenanigans ensue. It’s 11 volumes long, so I’m working my way through it.

Partners in Crime by Alisha Rai 🍰🍰🍰

I had mixed feelings about this one at first. Thought about DNF-ing at first, but I was stuck at the Dr.’s office and it was on my Kindle so I kept going and am happy I did. I prefer Alisha Rai’s earlier books (pre illustrated cover era), but this was a fun change and I enjoyed the heist element.

Rowankind by Jacey Bedford 🍰🍰🍰

I started reading this one in December 2021 and I kept setting it aside, distracted by new books and library holds, until I considered DNF-ing it. But I persisted and here we are. Book 2 is the strongest in the series IMHO, but if you’re into alternate British history with a fantasy element, and want to read something that isn’t set in Medieval England, give it a try.

The Fastest Way to Fall by Denise Williams 🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰

Britta and Wes were just what I needed to get out of a reading slump. Jess Owens mentioned this book in one of her reading vlogs and I was curious so I ordered it from the library and set my other books aside. It was perfect. A sweet but spicy slow burn romance between a writer embarking on a body positivity-inspired wellness journey and the CEO/fitness coach who takes her on as his client. You can feel the tension rolling off the page as they fall for each other.

Audiobooks

Get a Life, Chloe Brown 🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰 and Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert 🍰🍰🍰🍰

Lumping these two together because I binged them one after the other. Why only books 1 and 3? Because I read book 2 when it came out and had these on my TBR for-ever! Talia Hibbert can do no wrong. She gets the humor just right and hits all the marks with the romance. I loved Chloe and could relate to her struggles with chronic pain and really enjoyed Eve’s journey of discovery.

Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood 🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰

Is Ali Hazelwood my new fave? Yes. Yes, she is. Tropey and familiar, but just what I needed when I was going through a rough time and desperately wanted something light and fluffy. I also love the side characters that Ali Hazelwood creates. They’re just a fleshed out as the mains and it makes for a good side plot.

A Sinister Revenge by Deanna Raybourn 🍰🍰🍰

YES! After DNF-ing the last installment, I’m happy to find that this one reignited my love for the mix of mystery and sexual tension that Deanna Raybourn does best. However, I kind of wish I read the book, rather than listened to the audio because the narrator’s rendition of male voices really messed with the one in my head. I’m not sure I would’ve gotten behind Stoker if the narrator’s rendition had been my first experience of the character.

Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren 🍰🍰🍰

I did it. I finally found the Christina Lauren series that checks my box. I don’t know if it’s a reflection of the current trends in romance publishing or a sign of my penchant for high heat reads, but I’ve never been able to get into any of the other books I’ve tried by Christina Lauren. This being their first published series, I can finally see why they got so popular within the romance reader community. Boss billionaire romance isn’t my usual trope, but this one does it for me.

Beautiful Stranger by Christina Lauren 🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰

This. This is the one that ticks all my boxes. If I had to recommend just one in this series, this would be it. Genuinely spicy with well-developed characters.

Beautiful Player by Christina Lauren 🍰🍰🍰

Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it. I’m not into the “I knew her as a kid” trope, so this one didn’t quite land for me.

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood 🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰

I was ambivalent about this one for a while, but I finally gave in to the hype and have 0 regrets! This was just the fun sort of campy romance I think of when I think of true RomCom, with the perfect amount of angst to balance it out. So glad I gave it a try.

DNF

The Christmas One Night Stand by L. Steele

Got about a third of the way through this one but the plot dragged a bit and too much was tied to other couples in what I figure was an earlier part of the series or a related, sister series. 🤷‍♀️ I lost interest in the story.

The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang

I DNF-ed her second book and now her third. I think it’s safe to say Helen Hoang’s series isn’t for me.

On Hold

Chase Wilde Comes Home by Jennifer Ryan

Follow me on

twitter | instagram | youtube | pinterest | goodreads

off the shelf: what I read – November 2021 through March 2022

A long overdue reading round-up. Everything I’ve read from November through March (with arbitrary cake ratings).

Currently reading

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

Listening as a re-read 😊

From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata

My experience with Mariana Zapata has been hit or miss, but I was hooked from the start and glad I’m finally giving it a shot after nearly 2 years on my book wish list.

Rowankind by Jacey Bedford

This is the last book in the Rowankind series, a Georgian era fantasy series. Currently on hold while I read through a recent rush of arrivals from the library…

Read

Any Duchess Will Do by Tessa Dare 🍰🍰🍰

Part of the Spindle Cove series. Really wished the heroine had been a little older given her knowledge of emotion etc. fun read. The kind of tasty morsel I needed in February. The sexy bits were extra spicy for Tessa dare imho and ( ˘ ³˘)♥

Baby Mine by Kennedy Fox 🍰🍰🍰

I had this one in my Kindle collection for well over a year or two. What I’m learning is that the Kennedy Fox duo love a baby story. I am not a bebe person. It takes a while to get to the heart of the story and leaves you on a cliffhanger. However, they didn’t lose me, so I’ll be reading the second part sometime soon.

Neon Gods by Katee Robert 🍰🍰

A modern Hades/Persephone? I was sold.

My expectations were high. Sadly, I found it kind of boring and skimmed most of the last two-thirds. Katee Robert is supposed to be super steamy, but I found the story (and the “steam” scenes) pretty meh. Tempted to read Electric Idol because I love the Cupid/Psych myth, but my expectations are low.

The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling – 🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰

Such a treat! I absolutely loved this smalltown witchy romance with a Welsh hero who almost meets my constant search for a Howl type wizard. This is technically a Halloween-themed book, but I think it’s perfect any time you need a magic-filled read.

A Lot Like Adios by Alexis Daria – 🍰🍰🍰🍰

I ordered this from the author’s local book co-op because it included a signed copy and a really cute illustrated keychain. No regrets! The book was a great blend of rom-com antics (hero sneaking around to avoid his parents, runs into father in a compromising situation), and a realistic take on complicated family and friend dynamics. The romance was also 👌 chefs kiss

DNF

The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod – 🤷🏻‍♀️

It didn’t transform my life… also, nothing I hadn’t heard or tried before.

Audiobooks

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen 🍰🍰🍰

Re-read for the last episode of the Podcast. For my thoughts, check out the episode.

Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones 🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰

A “re-read” listen. Every time I read this book, I love it more. If you’re a fan of the movie, but haven’t read the book, you’re really missing out (and I say this as a huge fan of the movie). The narrator was perfect and even gave Howl a slight Welsh accent to be true to the book. 🥰 Howl and Sophie forever!

Demon from the Dark by Kresley Cole 🍰🍰🍰🍰

If you’re into dark fantasy romance, this series is dark and getting darker by the book (just 7? books to catch up to the latest). The first book is my least favorite, but I’m hooked to the audiobooks. The narrator always does a fabulous job at making this steamy paranormal sound extra steamy.

Follow me on

off the shelf: what I read – May through October [a summer to fall round-up]

I debated posting these, but I DID read a lot of books during the interim and I wanted to get back on track, so why not. These are micro reviews because it’s been months… Mostly impressions and an impromptu rating system of 🍰

Read (listed from most recent)

The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters – 🍰🍰🍰

A long delayed read, but worth it. She’s creepy y’all. More so than Affinity and definitely a spooky read if that’s what you’re into.

The Raven Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt – 🍰🍰🍰

My first Hoyt and likely not my last. This was fun. I think it’s her first novel, if I recall correctly, so it’s a little dated and some phrases made me giggle-snort, but fun time had by all. (The “prince” has the same name as the Boy so that made me giggle-snort 10xs more)

And then it became my summer of Sarah MacLean…

Never Judge a Lady by Her Cover by Sarah MacLean – 🍰🍰🍰

Lady in pants! I love a lady in pants. I was super excited to get to this one (the big twist in the Scoundrels series), but I think I hyped myself up to hard and I felt a little meh about the heroine after seeing her character in the earlier books.

No Good Duke Goes Unpunished by Sarah MacLean – 🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰

Oh, this was a good one! More angst (gah! I love it!). Lots of groveling. A woman with a past who is skilled at knocking men out, and a man with a reputation for doing the same. Also, see adorable troupe of meddling boys.

Bombshell by Sarah MacLean – 🍰🍰🍰🍰

We’ve reached the Victorians and it’s a hell of a ride. Girl gangs, secret identities, and a spot of explosives.

The Day of the Duchess by Sarah MacLean – 🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰

This is the most “controversial” of Sarah MacLean’s books, but I ate it with a spoon! Complex second chance romance (because he done f*cked up) with a LOT of angst. This is my catnip.

TW: miscarriage and cheating.

A Scot in the Dark by Sarah MacLean – 🍰🍰🍰🍰

Ward/Guardian romance with a ward who knows her mind.

Broke Millennial Takes on Investing by Erin Lowry – 🍰🍰🍰🍰

The Broke Millennial series is great if you’re interested in upping your finance game without Business Bro speak or convoluted finance jargon. The different “tracks” make it easy to learn what you need without reading material you know.

The Rogue Not Taken by Sarah MacLean – 🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰

The book that started me on this binge… The first in the Scandal & Scoundrel series. Sophie is everything that I love in a “wallflower” heroine – takes charge and isn’t afraid to handle a man (too often, writers use the “I’m a virgin and don’t know what a man is” trope and I HATE it – this book does not do that). Runaway adventure with a touch of second chance.

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner – 🍰🍰🍰🍰

I started reading this and within days I learned that my mom and gran had covid… had to go on a hiatus until they recovered because reading about a dying mother and having a mother in peril was a little too hard.

Nobody’s Baby But Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips – 🍰🍰🍰

One of those SEP classics that gets name-dropped on Fated Mates on a regular basis, so I finally had to read it. SEP does not shy away from weird, questionable plots. There’s some serious consent re: secret baby (and how she gets it), but it is what it is. You also get a trio of mountain women eschewing men with a firm hand (and maybe a shotgun).

Flirting with Forever by Cara Bastone – 🍰🍰🍰🍰

A sweet, sort of enemies-to-lovers because of a silly misunderstanding love story between a slightly older woman and an adorable lawyer who wants to help everyone. See also, man with cat 💖

The Queen’s Triumph by Jessie Mihalik – 🍰🍰🍰

The third in the Rogue Queen series. Space opera romance FTW! Also, one of my insta-buy authors 😉.

Kiss an Angel by Susan Elizabeth Phillips – 🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰

This book is bonkers in the best way. It’s older, so beware dynamics and situations that wouldn’t fly today, but it’s such a random, fun read. Broke rich girl forced to marry circus performer by her Russian royalty obsessed father (I told you it’s bonkers).

TW: It came out in the mid-90s, you’re in for some dubious consent moments.

Strange Weather in Tokyo by Hiromi Kawakami – 🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰

Vignettes and a very slow, unexpected romance between a salary woman and her former sensei.

First Comes Like by Alisha Rai – 🍰🍰🍰🍰

This may be my favorite in the Modern Love series. Influencer gets catfished by her celebrity crush (or does she?).

Taming Him by Kennedy Fox – 🍰🍰

This one’s on me. I wasn’t expecting a baby plot, so I kind of meh-ed on the latter half of the book. Want to read more of the series though, as cowboys are a thing I didn’t know I needed.

DNF

Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin – 🤷🏻‍♀️ I liked the concept, but it wasn’t for me. Give me this book with adult characters and less Magisterium style churchiness and I’m in.

Audiobooks

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson – 🍰🍰

One of those canonical horror stories you have to read. Read it for the podcast, so you can hear my thoughts here

Follow me on

off the shelf: what I read in March and April 2021

Currently reading

Taming Him by Kennedy Fox

Read

Devil in Spring by Lisa Kleypas – My third Kleypas read and my second of the 2021. There’s a lot of debate in Romancelandia about Derek Crave vs. St. Vincent and, friends, I am a St. Vincent girl, so I read this one purely for the cameo. It’s nice to see the series transition to the Victorian era, but Pandora is that class of independent-naive-quirky-rich-girl (dare I say manic pixie dream girl?) that gets on my nerves in a historical romance. The plot also falls flat in the third act… Kleypas loves an injured hero/heroine, but it didn’t work for me this time.

Take a hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert – SO MUCH LOVE! I can’t believe I slept this long on Talia Hibbert (partly because I know she’s prolific and I wasn’t ready for a rabbit hole of new books…). There is a lot of me in Dani and I loved how the way her character grows from someone who only cares about academics to someone who is emotionally competent. Also, Zaf’s protein bars 🥰

Take the Lead by Alexis Daria – This one was partly research because one of Alexis Daria’s books is a comp title for my future queries, but it’s also just good fun. It’s not something I ever really talk about but I LOVE dance. I always wished we could’ve afforded dance lessons, because I love dancing, even though I’ve always been too shy and awkward to dance in public 😅. Alexis Daria has a way of making TV celebrity romance something that I actually care about and this one was no exception. If you enjoy reality dance competitions and sexy, contemporary romance, this one’s for you.

The Rakehell of Roth by Amalie Howard – Normally, I’m a sucker for second chance romance, but sometimes even I get tired of a hero who thinks he isn’t good enough for his wife.

An Unexpected Peril by Deanna Raybourn – Can it be that I miss the slow burn of Veronica and Stoker’s will they/won’t they romance? I kind of think I do… Another fun Victorian mystery, but it fell a little flat. Will, of course, continue to read the series.

Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin – on hold. Hmmm… I’m not sure if I’m not in the right place for this one or it’s not for me. Will revisit.

Dare to Lead by Brene Brown – DNFed against my will! Lol 😅 it took me too long to get to it and I had to return it to the library. I’m on the hold list until it circles back to me.

Earthlings by Sayaka Murata – Taking a few book layovers because this is a HEAVY little tome. Currently on hold, maybe future DNF? Not sure if I’m in the right place for this one either. It’s clearly leading to a recurring sexual abuse plot.

TW for verbal and physical abuse and sexual assault.

A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas – If you thought ACOTAR was too sexy, this is not for you… This book SIZZLES. It spicy, y’all. Also, so much angst. I wasn’t sure I would care for Nesta’s story, but this hit all the marks for me: high stakes fantasy, angry heroine, female friendship, and a fated mates love story.

TW for ALL the violence, threat of/assault on the page, depression, self-hatred, and mention of self-harm.

Lore by Alexandra Bracken – I LOVED this book. It’s the perfect blend of mythology and urban fantasy that destroys me as a reader AND a writer because it is the kind of story I yearn to publish one day. If you love Greek mythology, high stakes, and violent urban fantasy, this book is for you. It’s technically YA, but reads like an adult novel.

DNF

The Awakening by Nora Roberts – I like Nora Roberts. I like slip fantasy. I just couldn’t get into this book and was thrown out of the story the minute the heroine mentioned sharing an iPod with her roommate. This was published in 2020, y’all. Who has an iPod?

Audiobooks

n/a! Mostly because I’ve been binging youtube on my downtime.

Follow me on

off the shelf: what I read – January + February 2021

Apparently, I never got around to posting January’s books amid all the new year excitement (and health drama), so here they are along with February’s reads.

Still Reading

Lore by Alexandra Bracken – Of course, all my holds came in at the same time… Loving this urban fantasy take on a Greek-mythology inspired Olympic murder fest. Basically, every 7 years the remaining gods battle it out, but the stakes are higher than ever.

The Art of Flaneuring: How to Wander with Intention and Discover a Better Life by Erika Owen – I’ve been reading this book on and off for the last year. It’s not fault of the book, it’s actually quite enjoyable, I’m just not in the frame of mind to read a book about exploring your city on foot when I can’t explore my city…

Finished

The Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas – I never care about spoilers, but when I saw that this was the latest book on Heaving Bosoms, I paused and picked up my Kindle. I LOVED this book. St. Vincent is my surly hero. It hit all the marks for me–enemies to lovers, alpha hero who wants to make you comfortable, mildly high stakes. Just a win on all counts.

Naughty Brits by Sarah MacLean, Sophie Jordan, Louisa Edwards, Tessa Gratton, and Sierra Simone – I really enjoyed these stories, particularly Tessa Graton’s, but I couldn’t finish Sierra Simone’s. It hit a few too many hard limits for me and I couldn’t get behind the story. Especially loved the way the novellas evoked various parts of Britain and the British Museum. Really makes me want to put London at the top of my list after the pandemic (I visited in 2005 and have been meaning to go back since).

Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo – This book made me mad in the best way possible. Highly recommend! The opening is a little quirky, but so powerful by the time you get to the end. I can’t stop recommending it.

American Girl, Molly Collection by Valerie Tripp – Molly and Felicity are the two original AG’s I never got around to reading. I was feeling the need for a WWII story to remind me that the world has survived some pretty grim times… Is it just me or is Molly a little mean? There’s the usual didactic element to each volume, but Molly is a bit of a spoiled bully, something I didn’t get from the other girls in the original collection. Am I just being nostalgic?

Awakening Your Ikigai: How the Japanese Wake Up to Joy and Purpose Every Day by Ken Mogi – I love starting the year with a self-improvement title. This came out during the wave of books about culturally inspired habits for happy lives… think Hygge and Lagom. Ikigai is a Japanese philosophy that encourages a balanced state of mind. It’s a quick, educational little book with lots of insight into the Japanese way of life.

Audiobooks

Dreams of a Dark Warrior by Kresley Cole – this is the one that Sarah Maclean calls “Torture Island”. There’s definitely torture, not that this series is particularly light in general. I still enjoyed it. The reincarnation plot makes for some interesting stakes on top of the paranormal hunter/vivisection subplot.

DNF

None!

Well, not strictly true but the one book I DNFed ended up being number insert double digit here in a series and completely impenetrable, so I returned it to the library.

Follow me on