Winter Bloodlust by Miranda Thorn
Stumbled upon Winter Bloodlust by Miranda Thorn, a short winter billionaire romance that ticked all my boxes. While entertaining, its short length left me wanting more. The Bloodstone Institute’s world intrigued me, and the characters, Holly and Nick, had a captivating dynamic. Despite the tease, I craved a fuller story. Exciting and promising, but the anticipation for Secret Bloodlust’s release might be worth it.
Read Me by Lauren Connolly
Read Me by Lauren Connolly is another BookTok rec that I picked up. It absolutely is not what I typically pick up for romances but it was super cute and I really enjoyed it! The relationship made sense, the MMC literally so good and the FMC, though way over the top, was still fun.
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!
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.
Twisted Love by Ana Huang
Twisted Love by Ana Huang, is a satisfying dark romance exceeding my previous experience with the author’s work. Ava’s character grows impressively, displaying strength and determination that endears her to readers. Alex’s single-minded pursuit of his desires enhances the romance. Although the pacing fluctuates, a surprise third act ramps up the story, making the book a commendable dark romance and a likely read for fans of the genre.
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!
Bloody Broken Fate by Hazel Jonas
Desperately needing a break from holiday romance, I dove into Bloody Broken Fate by Hazel Jonas—a dark vampire romance. Initial skepticism aside, the book hooked me fast. Raquel and Zeno’s patient and refreshing dynamic sets it apart from typical dark romances. The worldbuilding, with vampire mafiosos, witches, and Greek gods, captivated me. While some technical issues existed, it didn’t detract from the engaging plot. A must-read for dark paranormal fans!
Dear Santa by Kristen Granata
Dear Santa by Kristen Granata is such a sweet and short holiday romance. Jake and Christina let the sparks fly as they play pretend for her family Christmas. It’s a cute and spicy read that I definitely want more of!
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.