I had a remarkable month of reading. There was a great variety and I loved many of the books I read (which is unusual). If you can’t find a book that sparks your interest from the book reviews and ratings below then I might not be the book blogger for you. Happy spring reading!
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Published Date: July 2023
Genre: Fantasy
How I Read: Paper
Book two picks up where book one in the series left off. I am not going to give anything away but know this is soooo good! It’s a slow burn, not spicy. This story is less about romance and more about a woman coming into her power and getting everyone else to accept her reign. I can’t wait to devour book three. You’ll like this series if you enjoyed The Hunger Games, Fourth Wing, and Blood & Ash.
Published Date: June 2024
Genre: Fantasy
How I Read: Kindle
This is a much different kind of fantasy compared to the one I just wrote about. This is a quick read. It’s a more contemporary timeline with little world-building. It’s not overly complicated for fantasy. I couldn’t put it down.
The Gages rule New Orleans. Cate has always made her foster brother promise to stay away from the Gages and their dealings throughout the city. He didn’t listen and now he’s been shot. She offers herself in exchange for her brother not realizing what she is truly agreeing to.
There’s the Fae world (with four royal houses) and the human world. It’s sexy (enemies to lovers) and violent. This is the first book in a series. I will probably read the other books eventually.
Published Date: March 2024
Genre: Historical Fiction
How I Read: Paper
An excellent read with super short chapters. It’s an interesting and thought-provoking retelling of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer from the perspective of James, the runaway slave.
The story takes you on the journey James goes on after escaping slavery with the end goal of getting his wife and daughter out of slavery too. Along the way James gets into multiple situations that could ultimately spell his doom. Sometimes he is with Huck and sometimes he is not.
I did find it challenging in the beginning to read the text when James is using his “slave speech” – the improper English James uses around White people. It does get easier as you keep reading. But if it would drive you crazy you might want to try the audio version.
Published Date: February 2017
Genre: YA
How I Read: Audio
I would definitely recommend the audio version because it’s fantastic. This book is extremely well written. I was engaged throughout the entire story. I think this should be required high school reading.
Starr is a 16-year-old girl, a master at code switching. She lives in Garden Heights, a poor black neighborhood with gangs and drugs. But Starr goes to school in the suburbs where she is one of only a handful of black students. She switches how she talks, her friend group, etc depending on where she is.
Then her world comes crashing down when a (black) friend gets shot by a (white) police officer while she is the only passenger (and witness) in the car. The story follows the court proceedings, her emotions at home/school, plus her relationships with her siblings, her (white) boyfriend, and her black/white/other minority friends.
Published Date: January 2025
Genre: Fiction
How I Read: Paper
I couldn’t put it down! I’m still thinking about this book. I became so emotionally invested that I was irate at times while reading this story. The twists are crazy.
In this book, two poor kids from Illinois become ice dancing partners. They get the opportunity to train with an Olympic medalist in California alongside her twins. The drama that ensues is beyond. There is changing of partners, relationship blowups, backstabbing, injuries, and some want Olympic gold more than others.
Thoughout the story the chapters are split up with documentary interviews by other skaters, judges, etc. If you liked Daisy Jones & The Six you’ll like this.
Published Date: October 2023
Genre: Fantasy
How I Read: Paper
I believe I am in the minority when I say that I liked the first book better. This second book was not a page-turner for me. I’m glad I read it and finished the duology but the couple in this book didn’t hook me like Elspeth and Rayvn.
The characters are still trying to reunite the deck of cards. It’s very bloody and characters are continuing to use the cards against one another. The Nightmare is using his magic to help get the last card.
The ending is great but overall just a slow read for me.
Published Date: July 2024
Genre: Mystery
How I Read: Kindle
This book has two mysteries in one. It’s not frightening, you can read it before bed. This too was not a page-turner for me but I liked the summer camp aspect. Also, I didn’t predict the ending which I always appreciate.
A wealthy family owns a large home and a camp on a preserve in the Adirondacks. When their 8-year-old son goes missing on a hike with his grandpa, there is a large search and he is eventually presumed dead.
Years later, his teenage sister attends the summer camp on the family’s land and goes missing as well. Has she run away? Did the escaped convict take her? Was she seeing someone secretly? The mother is on a bunch of pills, the dad is stoic. Is the family hiding something?
The young, female investigator is the best character as you try to solve these mysteries alongside her. There are a lot of characters introduced and background given before you get to the juice of the story.
Published Date: April 2024
Genre: Romance
How I Read: Kindle
This author is a hit or miss for me. Unfortunately, this is the second book in the series I’ve read and I’m not super into it. The plot is over the top. The female main character has quirks that super irritated me.
A newly promoted sports agent gets her first client, a major NFL player. He happens to be her ex-boyfriend from college. He puts her through the ringer with silly demands, trying to get her to quit but eventually he fires her after a commercial shoot in Vegas.
That night they get drunk together and end up getting married. Now her career is in jeopardy. The couple must stay married and fake it. But are true feelings still there?
Published Date: February 2012
Genre: YA
How I Read: Paper
The writing is excellent, but you know me, I can’t take all the crying and whining. It’s a quick read but all the sadness and melancholy was too much of a downer for me.
Ari is a lonely teen boy with parents who keep secrets about his imprisoned brother. One day Ari meets Dante at the community swimming pool and they become fast friends. Neither boy has ever had a close friend before. Ari still finds it hard to open up sometimes but Dante loves art, poetry, and his parents are warm and loving. Big events happen that show how much the boys care for one another and over time Ari might finally discover some secrets.
Published Date: March 2025
Genre: Dystopian
How I Read: Kindle
This book was disappointing. I love The Hunger Games series but this prequel added no value for me. It seemed like the same story repeated and I wasn’t invested in Haymitch’s arc at all.
The story explains Haymitch’s reaping day, his family, and love. Then it covers Haymitch’s time in the Games plus his plot to blow up the arena.
Published Date: February 2025
Genre: Fiction
How I Read: Paper
It’s my fault for never reading book descriptions before placing holds for books by authors I tend to enjoy. I didn’t realize this was a collection of short stories.
The stories don’t relate to each other and seem to have zero point. It wasn’t for me.
Want to check out more of my favorite books? Take a look at my March book reviews and ratings!
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