Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver

Absolutely captivated by Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver! An exhilarating blend of romance and darkness, this serial killer romcom breaks the mold with intense spice, a perfectly-paced romance, and well-rounded characters. Rowan and Sloan’s journey unfolds brilliantly, making it one of the healthiest dark romances. Highly recommend for fans of Mindf*ck series!

Middlegame by Seanan McGuire

Middlegame by Seanan McGuire is an amazing fantasy/magic realism novel with strong prose and exquisite characters. An absolute must read, just remember to have a box of tissues nearby!

December 2023 Book Bracket – Semis and Finals

Semifinals Middlegame by Seanan McGuire – vs – The Hunting Moon by Susan Dennard So wow, this feels so unfair because these were my two favorite books reviewed this month! BOTH made me emotional. BOTH made me want to immediately re-read them. Middlegame made me cry and almost cry multiple times while at work. The […]

December 2023 Book Bracket – Quarterfinals

Time for my December books to brawl for coveted position of best read of the month! Since there were nine books reviewed this month, I did not include The Woman in Me by Britney Spears, partly because it wouldn’t make for an even bracket but mostly because I didn’t think it was right to have […]

Hateful Heroes by Michelle Hercules

Honestly, I was disappointment with ‘Hateful Heroes’ by Michelle Hercules, the third book in the Gifted Academy series. While I enjoyed the first half of the book and its unraveling plot, the reverse harem began to feel unnecessary and devoid of relational depth compared to the leading duo, Bryce and Daisy.

The Sweetest Oblivion by Danielle Lori

I had mixed feelings about Danielle Lori’s “The Sweetest Oblivion.” There were some good elements, like the main characters’ unresolved attraction and Nico’s brutal action, but the mafia aspects and hasty love connection just didn’t do it for me.

A Holiday Lift by Corinne Michaels

A Holiday Lift by Corinne Michaels is a cute and quick Christmas romance. At only about 100 pages, I think this is definitely a good pick-up for anyone looking to start off the holiday season with a bang.

Faking Christmas by Kerry Winfrey

Faking Christmas by Kerry Winfrey delivers a delightful dose of fun and sweetness. Classic holiday romance tropes blend seamlessly in Laurel and Max’s story of forced proximity, fake marriage, and genuine connection. The slow-burning, genuine romance, devoid of spice, makes it a perfect, cozy holiday read. Highly recommended for a heartwarming experience!

Atomic Habits by James Clear

Intrigued by the popularity of James Clear’s Atomic Habits, I decided to give the book a try. Despite enjoying the early segments, the remainder was quite basic and common sense-oriented with advice already known.

The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

Though normally uninterested in nonfiction, I read Britney Spears’ memoir, ‘The Woman in Me’, for insight into her life. Despite finding the writing style simplistic and juvenile, the overview of Britney’s struggles, from childhood fame to the conservatorship, left a profound impact.

Tis the Season for Revenge by Morgan Elizabeth

Tis the Season for Revenge by Morgan Elizabeth is a super cute and fun read! Abbie’s revenge on the pretentious Richard is a blast. Amid the fluffy holiday romance, serious issues of mental abuse are tackled gracefully. Abbie and Damien’s sweet love story adds depth, though the spice might not be for everyone. Recommended for a solid, Christmas-filled TBR!

King of Wrath by Ana Huang

“King of Wrath” by Ava Huang is a quick, enjoyable dark romance featuring relatable characters, Dante and Vivian, who build a genuine relationship instead of suffering from instalove. The book progresses at a steady pace, introducing realistic obstacles.

The Hunting Moon by Susan Dennard

The Hunting Moon by Susan Dennard is a compelling sequel, exploring the protagonist Winnie’s physical and emotional journey, and her relationships. The book unfolds with a mix of slow-paced emotional introspection and fast-paced action. Its plot leaves the readers with more questions even as it reveals more about the world. Dennard’s portrayal of Winnie as a young, imperfect teenager, not all-knowing but growing, adds authenticity to the narrative. Highly recommended for those who enjoyed the first book in the series.

Good Elf Gone Wrong by Alina Jacobs

“Good Elf Gone Wrong” by Alina Jacobs mashes up romance genres in a surprising but disjointed manner. For three quarters of the book, Gracie endures cruel treatment from Hudson, her hired boyfriend. The ill-conceived rom-com transforms into a bully romance, leaving the reader confused. Suddenly, the final quarter takes a romantic turn, as Hudson grows a conscience and Gracie finds a backbone. This abrupt shift redeems the story slightly, but overall, it lacks consistency and logic.

Same Time Next Year by Tessa Bailey

Whenever the winter season starts, I just want cozy, happy, holiday romances. It’s just the perfect season for fluff with a side of spice and Same Time Next Year by Tessa Bailey definitely delivers! I picked this up as my monthly Amazon First Reads book, hoping it would be fluffy and excited that it was just as spicy.