I started the year off strong and then sickness led me to not read a single page for over a week. I’m not sure if that has ever happened to me before but I was so miserable and in pain that even books could not bring me any comfort. This month was heavy on fantasy and romance but I hope you find a story in my book ratings below that you are excited to read.

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Slow Dance

Published Date: July 2024

Genre: Fiction

How I Read: Kindle

This is the second book I have read by this author and I am just not a fan. We don’t click.

A man and a woman get a second chance at love. But long distance, kids, careers, etc might stand in the way. Not to mention their communication isn’t the greatest. The main character drove me crazy.

Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books

Published Date: June 2024

Genre: Fiction

How I Read: Audio

I want to give a copy of this book to so many people! This story is full of amazing characters, I absolutely loved it.

A small southern town is changed when a white woman’s book ban bender leads her to put a little free library in her yard full of “wholesome and appropriate” books. Unbeknownst to her one night someone switches all of her books with the banned books by sneaking them under the “appropriate” book jackets.

Chapters focus on how these banned books affect different people throughout the town and their personal stories. The book concludes with a mayoral race, a community fight about the local confederate statue, and many personal secrets come out publicly.

Elizabeth of East Hampton

Published Date: August 2024

Genre: Romance

How I Read: Paper

In a modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice, you’ll recognize all the elements of the original story with a few small changes. It’s a very enjoyable, easy read – perfect for the beach or a vacation.

Five sisters live in East Hampton and help their father run Bennett Bakery after his recent health issues. Will Darcy and Charlie Pierce come out on the weekends this summer to an enormous rented home on the water and Charlie falls for the oldest daughter Jane. You know the rest.

House of Earth and Blood

Published Date: March 2021

Genre: Fantasy

How I Read: Audio

This is a fantasy series I will be sticking with but it felt long and I wouldn’t recommend it as a starter fantasy book. There are a lot of characters and it would be good to have a base knowledge of world-building.

Bryce’s best friend is murdered and she is tasked with helping uncover the demon who killed her along with her many of her pack. Hunt, a fallen angel, is to be her partner in this mission.

There are secrets to uncover, sexy chemistry, powers, friendships, etc. Once you think you’ve solved the mystery another twist occurs.

Heartless Hunter

Published Date: February 2024

Genre: YA Fantasy

How I Read: Paper

Two years ago there was a revolution where the ruling witches were overthrown and all witches and witch sympathizers were killed. Rune turned in her grandmother as a witch to save herself (upon her grandmother’s request).

Living with the guilt and now the realization that she is also a witch, Rune has become the Crimson Moth – a witch vigilante rescuing other witches from being purged.

Gideon is a witch hunter and the older brother of Rune’s best friend. Gideon needs to find the Crimson Moth and fears the person is hiding in plain sight.

There’s magic, romance, plot twists, and more. I’m excited for book two.

Accidentally Amy

Published Date: January 2025

Genre: Romance

How I Read: Audio

I usually love this author but this book felt amateur. The story was supposed to be spicy but I was actively turned off by numerous things throughout the book (i.e. talking about micropenises during foreplay). The female main character was beyond annoying, I would pass on this book.

A woman takes a stranger’s coffee when running late to her first day of a new job. The coffee spills all over a sexy stranger who ends up being her boss’s boss. Obviously, the two can’t date so they decide to form a friendship with rules in order to not cross any lines. I’m sure you catch where this predictable plotline is going.

Mr. Heartbreaker

Published Date: October 2024

Genre: Romance

How I Read: Audio

A one-night stand with a very famous hockey player who used to play with your brother spirals into something more and now she has to juggle a lot of secrets but the sex is worth it. In my opinion, there are better hockey romances out there – try the Campus Diaries books by Elle Kennedy.

Fall of Ruin and Wrath

Published Date: September 2023

Genre: Fantasy

How I Read: Paper

I don’t think I’ll be reading the next book in this series. The story didn’t draw me in like other fantasy books nor am I wrapped up in the romance which is a necessity in a book like this.

Calista was born with intuition that she uses to her advantage to stay safe at a local baron’s great home. She becomes the companion of a Hyhborn prince at the request of the baron. She’s confused by her feelings and what she knows about the Hyhborn.

War is near, alliances are unclear, and her abilities are both a danger and a help to her.

Matrix

Published Date: September 2022

Genre: Historical Fiction

How I Read: Paper

This was too weird and religious for me. The story is fiction about a relative of Eleanor of Aquitaine who is sent to a destitute abbey.

Over time Marie uses strategy, her forceful presence, and divine visions to turn the abbey into a wealthy, prospering place.

The themes of feminism, homosexuality, and power permeate throughout the story.

Onyx Storm

Published Date: January 2025

Genre: Fantasy

How I Read: Kindle

I saved the best for last! This is the third book in this series. Do not read it as a stand-alone, you definitely need to read the first two books to fully grasp the characters and what is going on.

The story picks up where the second leaves off (a huge cliffhanger!). There’s war, many secrets, dragons, travel, love, family, friendship, and a lot that goes on in this book. I don’t want to give away any spoilers but I’m a huge fan.

Want to check out more of my favorite books? Take a look at my Best Reads of 2024!