January’s books finished on the To-Be-Read list!
I feel like I’m doing much better on the reading front. I am making time and oddly enough, going to be earlier definitely helps. I’m trying just to read for a couple of minutes every night so I’m not on my phone right before bed.
I read 2 hard copies and 2 e-books which I think is a pretty decent balance. Pros and cons. Books are better for the eyes before bed, but I definitely read faster on an e-reader.
So, without much further ado, onto the books that I finished this month!
Belladonna – Adalyn Grace
This was a Fairyloot book and oooh it was so good. I’ve never read anything by Adalyn Grace but this has made me want to find ALL her other books. I loved the characters, especially Death. There were a couple of predictable plotlines; I actually guessed some things! That never happens. But I definitely was blindsided by the actual plot twist. I enjoyed the fact that she was immortal because Death couldn’t take her. I always forget that I love a good “they can see and talk to ghosts” trope.
Signa is an interesting character. I’m not sure how I feel about her. I enjoy her and she has a hard life. I find her struggle with her relationship with Death trying to be slow-burn/enemies but I feel like she would have accepted it a little quicker than she did.
This is the first in a duology with the sequel slated to be published later this year. I am very excited because the murder mystery is getting more intense!
From Lukov, With Love – Mariana Zapata
My obsession with Kindle Unlimited romance authors hasn’t let up (even though I no longer subscribe to Kindle). Mariana Zapata is a great author and this was definitely an impulse buy when I was running errands. I love that Indigo is publishing her stuff and I can’t wait until more are available. She’s definitely got the goods – slow burn, enemies to lovers, sports romance, with a side of best friend’s older brother. I’m not sure why I didn’t read this one before – I read The Wall of Winnipeg and absolutely loved it. And it was pretty much what started my obsession with sports romances. I’m super excited to add this to my shelf and this will definitely be a re-read.
Jasmine Santos is a hard character. She’s rough and abrasive, but with the best of intentions. She doesn’t take anything from anyone and she works so hard. What an inspiration for work ethic, that’s for sure. Ivan is the Golden child of the ice rink and seems to have it all. Too bad they fight like cats and dogs. But while he snipes back at her, she’s oblivious to the fact that he’s definitely into her. I think it’s cute that she is so out of touch and that he’s the one who’s invested first and waits her out.
This one made me laugh, made me cry, and made me so happy when the happily ever after.
The Chemistry of Love – Sariah Wilson
This was really cute. Can I have a Marco? I want a hot-ass CEO businessman with a nerdy side that he tries to hide. Anna was cute and quirky and definitely delusional but in a relatable way. I mean, who hasn’t wished that the guy you thought was ideal for you projected onto him?
I’ve never read anything by Sariah Wilson, but I definitely will be checking it out. PLUS it’s the fake-dating trope and I am a huge sucker for that one. I will read anything and everything with that one.
The Darkening – Sunya Mara
Another Fairyloot book off my list! I’m still currently reading it. And I’m enjoying it but it is taking me a bit longer to read than I’d like. I’m into it when I’m reading it but find it’s easily put aside and harder to pick up again.
The world is interesting and it’s a bit like Mortal Instruments with the runes, except they’re called Ikons (I think as I’ve never read Mortal Instruments). Everyone seems to have some kind of daddy issue and I’m not sure if I’m invested in the main characters.
Vesper wants to save the world but she really doesn’t know who to trust. But she’s impulsive and doesn’t seem to really think about anything. She’s pretty one-track mind about saving her dad, who has clearly told her that he doesn’t want or need to be saved. Her dad isn’t likeable at all so I’m not sure why she’s so invested in saving him. She’s willing to use anyone and anything she can to save him, but also takes the blame for not being able to do more about what the Storm is doing to people. Dalca is the obvious love interest but I don’t want to jump the gun with that. There are side characters who could become something or betray someone. I shouldn’t even try to guess.
I keep feeling that the Storm (a deadly cloud that is taking over more and more of the city) has way more to it and that Vesper can do something with it. Or that it wants something to do with her. I’ll update this when I finish it. I’ll most likely be finished before the end of the month (still have a couple more days). I can say that I probably won’t be finishing the series because I’m not a huge fan of this one.
What are your thoughts on these books?
Have you read them? Are they on your list? I’m not quite sure what I should read next. I have couple new romance novels to try (hello, The Love Hypothesis) but I want to crack at a couple of the Fairyloot books as well.
I’ll do a poll on social media, so check me out over there! I’m back on Twitter again (@JasmineFlower1) and as always, Instagram.
I think that this will help keep me more accountable to reading and I’m truly enjoying going to bed earlier and reading for a couple of minutes to detox and relax the brain. I’ve noticed I get a better night’s sleep when I do this instead of being on my phone. Another thing I’ve changed is no caffeinated tea after 3 pm. Just little things. I’m trying to gear myself up to get up at 6.15 but so far – no dice. One day it’ll work!
Anyways. Here’s to a new month of new books!
Jx
