A Cuppa Cosy Reads – August 2025

I feel like this year is just flying by and I can’t catch up! Before we know it, it will be time to be talking about the year as a whole and new reading goals- which is scary to think about. I would say August was a fairly average reading month for me; a couple of standouts, but on the whole nothing super special in any of the books. I read a total of 8 books and gave an average rating of 3.28. 

Loving a Vampire is Total Chaos by Aura Hayes 2 Stars – This book was total chaos…

Mean Moms by Emma Rosenblum 3.5 Stars – This book was so much fun in all good ways, but it was also just a standard thriller esque story. 

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna 4 Stars – I thoroughly enjoyed all the coziness this book brought, but I also felt a little let down (possibly because it was so built up after all the publishing delays). 

Rush Week by Michelle Brandon 3 Stars – Another average thriller, though this one was more boring in certain parts than Mean Moms. I don’t know if it was too much with reading it during Rush Week or if it was the book itself (probably the latter to be honest).

Automatic Noodle by Annalee Newitz 4 Stars – This was just a delightful novella- I could have read more about these robots trying to open a noodle spot. 

Sword Catcher by Cassandra Clare 3.75 Stars – While I enjoyed this immensely and am looking forward to picking up the second, I also felt like at times it was a bit…long winded and was repeating itself in ways that wasn’t necessary (the author does a great job at showing not telling, but then would tell us after). 

How to Make a Horror Movie and Survive by Craig DiLouie 3 Stars – This was solid in some parts and yet feel short in other parts. I felt like it was a little drawn out, so when we got to the punchy parts, it was already a little tiring to read. I enjoyed the last sections, but the lead up was a little overdone. 

To Have and To Heist by Sara Desai 3.5 Stars – This was cute and fun and a great comedy of errors, but I don’t think I need to read any further. 

And that’s it! A solid month if not as high a rating as I’d like. On to September and the start of all the autumnal reads. 

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A Cuppa Cosy Reads – June/July 2025

June & July were a couple of busy months- both personally and for reading! I somehow managed to read 15 books across both months and across one and a half countries. It was two months filled of high highs and some very memorable lows (at least reading wise). I gave an average rating of 3.75. 

So, let’s get into it…

Lights Out by Navessa Allen 4 Stars: This is marketed as a “dark romance”, but I found it to be rather charming (no, I’m not sure what that says about me). While it can have darker themes, these are quickly pushed to the side as you get to know the characters and the story unfolds. 

Bad Jews by Joshua Harmon 4 Stars: This was just a classic Jewish good time. 

The Will of the Many by James Islington 4 Stars: This is one of those books that I just loved the complex nature that I had zero understanding of. Do I find that some things needed further meaning and explanation? Sure. Did we get that? No. Did I love it anyway? Yes. Especially that ending- I need more information now. 

This Summer Will be Different by Carley Fortune 3.5 Stars: I picked this up because it takes place on one of my favorite places- Prince Edward Island, Canada. I really enjoyed it, the romance was endearing, even if I’m not a second chance type of person (if this could even be a second chance- maybe more of a physical to emotional romance. 

Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry 2.5 Stars: Look this was overhyped for me in the worst way. I found the female main character to be obnoxious, the story to be too obvious and predictable and I just was not a fan from start to finish. 

The Compound by Aisling Rawle 3.75 Stars: This came a bit out of a left field, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Big Brother meets Survivor (in a weird way)? Sign me up! My only big complaint about this book was that at times it was almost too complacent, then it would do something shocking to try and push the characters into the arc, but the timing was off. Highly recommend though. 

House of Bane and Blood by Alexis L. Menard 5 Stars: Sometimes a book comes at just the right time when you’re in the right place and that was what this duology was. An excellent steam punk urban fantasy story that I loved from start to finish. This first one is full of world building (but not overwhelmingly so), and the beginning of the tension. 

City of Mirth and Malice by Alexis L. Menard 5 Stars: This is the second book in this duology, and I found it to be the perfect concluding story, while still allowing the door to be open for any future spin off stories (which I think could easily happen). This was a good balance between the world and the fantasy with the romance- neither one crowding the other out. 

Rose in Chains by Julie Soto 3.75 Stars: I think this is the first “dark romance” that I’ve read that I’ve felt uncomfortable during. Granted I don’t read a lot, and I am very aware of what my triggers are when it comes to books, I found this to have some very uncomfortable moments (as it should given the world). Still, I enjoyed the overall story and I need the next book ASAP. While I know where the trope is going, I am appreciating the tension and slow build/burn of the characters. 

The Hunters Way by Craig Raleigh NR: To be honest, I don’t know if I could tell you anything about this book today. Zero. This was an audio book my husband picked while we were driving, and I think that’s about all there is to tell. 

Gloves Off by Stephanie Archer 4 Stars: Stephanie Archers is like Elsie Silver or Elle Kennedy; I can usually count on her for a solid (if maybe not memorable) romance that’s a good time. 

A Photo Finish by Elsie Silver 3 Stars: This was a solid romance that covered some more …mature (? Not sure the word, just haven’t seen some of the convo’s that exist in here in other books) themes and conversations that I enjoyed. I also enjoy the parallel to the first Elsie Silver series of books that I read (this follows the sister from the reckless series of books). 

Everyone is Lying to You by Jo Piazza 5 Stars: What an absolute delight of a book. From start to finish I loved this. Maybe it’s because it ties very much into the current themes of social media, with a mystery twist, or it just came at the right time, but boy do I recommend this one for a fun time. 

Call Me Hunter by Jim Shockey 3 Stars: Another audio book selection by my husband, but this one I have thoughts one. I enjoyed it, though I think it was almost too expansive- the through line between the two timelines/stories became lost and muddled as the story grew. 

The Fraud Squad by Kyle Zhao 2 Stars: I was hoping for something fun and instead I got an annoying main character (who I don’t know if she was naïve or dumb), a very loose predictable plot, but fun details. Basically, The Devil Wears Prada but not. 

And that wraps it up! We’re halfway through August now and I’ve already read 4 books…will August shape up to be as good as the rest of the months this year? 

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A Cuppa Cosy Reads – May 2025

Um hi- where did May go and why is June going just as fast? I’m literally writing this post on a late evening because quite honestly, I have no time, but I really want to keep up with all the things (this is definitely me and how I handle life). Somehow June is shaping up to be just as busy as May, coinciding with a move- which means things should be winding down, except I’m me and I keep saying yes! 

Anyways- you didn’t come here to read about that this week, that was last week (and maybe next week who knows). You came here today to hear about all the books I read in May- and boy did I read books in May. I read a total of 9 books and gave an average 3.54 rating. There were some real highs and some real lows there, and only one “this was fine” book in there. 

So, without further ado…

Wild by Cheryl Strayed NR This takes the cake as my least favorite of the month and honestly probably of the year. We picked this for our book club and honestly- hated every minute. I could write an entire thesis on it, but the wonderful people on good reads have already done it (I did give an entire essay verbally at book club though). 

The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose 4.5 Stars I actually loved this one- the set-up, the storyline, the ending- this was exactly what I wanted in a thriller…

The Perfect Divorce by Jeneva Rose 2 Stars However this was completely unnecessary and relied on the same plot devices as the first (which you spend the entire book going- surely, she wouldn’t). I did not need to read it and I will not continue if there are new books with this same character. 

Dream Girl Drama by Tessa Bailey 3.75 Stars This was a solid romance, HOWEVER it felt flat in terms of characters. I felt like I was being told all these anxious things and being told that the characters felt this way, but I didn’t feel that. I also felt like the wrap up was very convenient. 

The Royals Upstairs by Karina Halle 3 Stars This is my OK book of the month. It’s a sister book and I just didn’t really need it. Convenient and not enough of the couple from the first book. 

Lessons In Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus 4 Stars This was a good literary fiction read. I always enjoy when women make fields work for them, especially in era’s when it was harder, and this was one of those stories. This was just a really lovely read, hard at times, but overall, so good to read. 

Off to the Races by Elsie Silver 3.5 Stars I think one of my favorite aspects of this was the horse racing and that we were following an owner/trainer- this wasn’t something I had read before, and I really enjoyed it. I am going to continue on in the series as I know Elsie Silver will always be a solid romance for me. 

Tentacle Kitty by John Merritt NR I picked this up at the book fair because it looked adorable- creatures sharing tales of adventure around an afternoon tea? Sign me up. And it delivered- just a fun short read! 

Little Heaven by Nick Cutter 4 Stars This was my final read of the month and what a way to go out. What Nick Cutter does so well is really setting the atmosphere, while you’re reading, you really get absorbed into his world and when you come out of it it takes a little bit of time. I always know his books are going to be dark, uncomfortable, and all encompassing. 

And that’s it for the month of May! It was a good reading month overall (I don’t know how I did it to be honest) and with summer coming, all the travel happening, and a break from saying yes to everything…well I’m looking forward to how many books I’ll be consuming!! 

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A Cuppa Cosy Reads – March and Q1 Stats

Where did March go and what even did, I read? Seriously- thinking back I don’t know what happened (aside from Spring Break- which those posts are coming!) and even less of an idea of what I read. I’m going to actually have to go back into my reading log to see what happened. 

Ok, now I’ve referenced back- I read a total of 9 books and gave an average rating of 3.43. Not terrible! We’ll just ignore the fact that I had to review things to remind myself of those reads haha. I’m not going to reread my reviews; I’m going to write from what I remember at this time. Sometimes I think that is actually better because then you get a more accurate review- what stood out at the end of it all. 

The Charlie Method by Elle Kennedy – 3.75 Stars – I really enjoyed this third book in this series. I’m not sure if there will be any more after this, but I did feel like this was a good conclusion. We saw some great character development across characters we knew and those that were introduced in this book, while still keeping with the fun-ness of a romance. 

The House of My Mother:  A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom by Shari Franke – NR – How do I feel about this book? I mean it was freeing for Shari to write, triggering at times to read, and provided an insight that I don’t think that we’ve gotten from the Franke family. I read this after watching the Hulu documentary (and very much remembering when everything went down with the family), and I found that it gave so much information and insight. 

The Employees: A Workplace Novel of the 22nd Century by Olga Ravn, Translated by Martin Aitken – 3 Stars – To this day, I still don’t know what to make of this short, strange, little story. Told in jumbled up entries, this is a futuristic novel that just makes you question everything from the story to your own reading of the words. But not in a good way (in my opinion). 

The Human Experiment: Two Years and Twenty Minutes Inside Biosphere 2 by Jane Poynter – NR – Spoiler Alert, during Spring Break we visited Biosphere 2, an experiment that took the early 90’s by storm. Folks trying to keep a second, fully enclosed atmosphere viable and regenerating to live and exist in. This book was written by one of the “Biospherians” who lived inside for 2 years- to encompass her early life to post Biosphere. I found it to be well done and very interesting, even if I found that she still throughout the book couldn’t call certain things out for what they were. 

Fake Empire by C.W. Farnsworth – 3 Stars- I remember writing in my review “The miscommunication trope is strong with this one” and I still stand by it. That is the singular thing I remember from this book – the miscommunication was way overboard and annoying and definitely took away from some things. And not just the miscommunication between the characters, but between the author and reader as well. 

Magnolia Parks Into the Dark by Jessa Hastings – 4.5 Stars – I don’t think this concluding novel (concluding for Magnolia at least) could have gotten any better. It was such a solid ending, filled with equal parts of joy and sadness. It felt like we left in a really strong, full circle moment and I loved it. 

You Killed Me First by John Marrs – 3.75 Stars – I think John Marrs is always just a solid easy buy and read for me. The thriller is thrilling, the book is fast paced, and there is always some fun level of banter somewhere. This one was no different and I loved seeing the suburbs of his brain and characters rather than the city life. 

Everyone on this Train is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson – 4 Stars – I enjoyed this mystery, the second “locked door” mystery from this author. The story is captivating and enjoyable with a…doesn’t know what he’s doing but has rules narrator. I don’t know how I felt about the ending- conflicted to say the least, but still a solid read overall. 

The Secrets & Lies of Military Wives by Jenna Lumb – 2 Stars (generously) – I picked this up to be supportive of a fellow military spouse in a book group I’m in and because the people reading it in the group were giving such rave reviews. What I found were stories I either already knew (because I either lived where they took place or knew of them through groups/friends) OR stories that didn’t strike far from the norm of any military spouse group. We won’t get into the stereotyping because that’s standard and I don’t care about that, but what I will say is that this doesn’t offer much beyond just retyping the stories you’ve probably already read or seen. 

So, that’s that for March. 

I wanted to take a quick moment and do a little check in on the reading year as we are now fully finished with Quarter 1 of 2025 (WILD!) and wanted to see kind of where I stand. Apps do wonderful things and tell you these things haha.

So, so far in 2025 I have read a total of 10,577 pages across 25 books. I’ve bounced around the genres, though not as widely as I’d hoped, so I will note that and see where/what I can adjust. My current average rating for the year is 3.55, which I’m hoping will improve as I read more throughout the year. Overall, I’m feeling really good about this reading year at this moment. 

Some standouts out of those 25 books are the Daisy Haites portion of the Magnolia Parks universe, The Favorites by Layne Fargo, and Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros. 

How is your reading going? Any goals? Favorites?

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A Cuppa Cosy Reads – February 2025

Wow…I mean when I said that I hoped January would set the bar for 2025 I think I might have jinxed myself. I went from reading 10 books in a month to barely making it through 5 books. To be fair, I had an incredibly busy February- that I couldn’t predict would have gone the way it did. Life really life-d this month, but I’m hopeful that it’s a one off and moving forward things will mellow and average out a bit more. As I said I read 5 books and gave an average 3.5 for the rating. Not terrible, but definitely not where we started. 

Let’s get into it, shall we?

The Striker by Ana Huang 2 Stars – This was just not for me- I think I enjoyed the concept more than the execution. It went on a bit too long, felt a bit recycled, and was boring for 2/3rds of the book. Once things happened, they seemed to happen all at once and were resolved a bit too quickly. 

Lore Olympus Volume Six by Rachel Smythe 3 Stars – This too was…fine. It continues the story on, but I think I’m going to pass on finishing the series. Not that I don’t enjoy the reading of them, but I think we need a bit more pushing the story along. It’s very stop and start and doesn’t feel as continuous as it should. 

Magnolia Parks The Long Way Home by Jessa Hastings 4.5 Stars My first win of the month came with the third book, and I should have known Magnolia would be that win for me! I LOVED this third book. We actually see some character growth and development, along with the conflict that we love to see. Where the first book of Magnolia’s story was toxic and you loved it for that feeling, this was matured, and you loved it for that. 

Daisy Haites and the Great Undoing by Jessa Hastings 4.5 Stars I loved this book. It was exactly what it needed to be, and I feel like, similarly to the Magnolia Parks I read this month, the character growth was top notch. While some of it feels very…” falling back into old habits”, I feel there was enough groundwork laid for Daisy that we could still see the growth there. As always though, the core of the book is toxicity and I eat it up. 

That’s S’more Like It by Justine F. Orun No Rating I think my online review for this (on the apps) says it all: “I read it and that’s all I can really contribute.”. I don’t really know what to say about this one except that I took smut to a new level, and I don’t need to continue haha. 

And that’s it! A much smaller month, but that’s ok- we’ll come back strong 🙂

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Reading Wrap Up – January 2025

If January is any indication of my 2025 year in reading (and in reading ONLY), it’s going to be a damn good year. And I Mean that in every bone of my body. Not only did I love everything I read, but I read a lot. To go along with that, I feel invigorated to share about it all- to talk through all the books and my thoughts in a way that I don’t think I did in 2024. I read a total of 10 books and gave out an average rating of 3.7. Not too shabby to start off the year!

Let’s get into them- if you want a quick just book by book, check out my IG or TikTok (acuppacosy). 

Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson 4.5 Brandon Sanderson is always going to be a win for me. I feel like I’m starting to get back into high fantasy, and what better place to start than one of my favorite authors? The world building, character development, and storytelling is masterful, and it was such an enjoyable read. 

Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings 4 Let me tell you- watching toxicity/reality tv is kind of a guilty pleasure of mine and this book was exactly that. Somehow you feel all of the feelings WITH and AT the characters in this book. The friend group and relationships in this book are all so toxic and you as the reader know they are, the characters know they are, but it’s all done a bit tongue and cheek that makes it bearable and have you fully invested in every moment. 

The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden 3 I think I’ve resigned myself to what I’ve known all along- I’m not really a Freida person. I’m not knocking anyone who is- I think she’s a solid writer and her books are super easy to read, I just am not feeling them to be honest. I don’t really have much more to say on this one- it was fine. 

Blood of Hercules by Jasmine Mas 3.75 I was a little worried about this one- it’s a “dark romance”, HOWEVER, it didn’t feel like it was all that dark. At least not to me. The setting itself is dark (and maybe that is the dark portion), so any potentially questionable acts were tame in comparison to what they experienced in the “college”. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this until the very end, where I questioned everything, I read and then needed the next book immediately. 

The Dixon Rule by Elle Kennedy 3.5 Elle Kennedy is quickly becoming my favorite “go-to” author for a sports romance. I know I’ll enjoy anything she puts out and it’ll be a nice chance to step back without feeling full on cheesy hallmark romance. She manages to bring in real world issues and events and things that happen every day, but in a way that feels real? I’m not sure how to say it- she brings in the real in a way that feels natural, not forced and not just a plot device. 

Daisy Haites by Jessa Hastings 3.75 Take it from me- this should be read either in tandem or directly after Magnolia Parks. You are in the same time period as Magnolia Parks, but from a different viewpoint and different friend group that loosely associates with Magnolia Parks’ group. There is crossover and I really enjoyed this alternate viewpoint. I actually prefer Daisy to Magnolia, BUT I wish I had read this sooner after Magnolia- it might have gotten a higher rating then. 

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros 4.5 I’ve somehow said a million words about this book AND STILL cannot manage to form coherent words. While I do have a complaint where the pacing of this book feels a bit off, I LOVED being back in this world. And we are in the world- we’ve gone further out and have learned so much in this book. And that ending?! Ready for the next one, please and thank you. 

The Favorites by Layne Fargo 4.5 Ok, I need to read this and that’s saying something given the content. I’m infamous for not liking figure skating books because, to be honest, they are unrealistic for the most part (looking at you Icebreaker). This one though? This was everything. It took my right back to my own skating days and all of the politics, melodrama, and…just life that is the figure skating world. I loved it. 

Heartless by Elsie Silver 3 I’ve been working my way through the Chestnut Springs books by Elsie Silver and overall enjoying them. My biggest complaint with this one is there is something that is used as a plot device that I despise. It brought the entire rating down for me (I had truly enjoyed it in so many ways up till that point). 

Hopeless by Elsie Silver 3.5 This book- so much good in this book. Similar to Elle Kennedy, Elsie Silver can wield real world issues in a way that feel real to both the story and the characters. She worked through PTSD, Alcoholism, abuse and so much more in this romance. 

And that’s it! February has gotten off to a bit of a slower start, and I don’t think it will be as large of a stack based on my calendar, but I’m hoping for the best and some more good reads!

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Reading in 2024 and 2025

I’m going to do a bit of a combo post- mostly because we are well past the whole “best books” season and I’m ready to focus on what is to come rather than what has already happened. So, 2024 was an OK reading year by rating. However, I found myself having more fun while reading, e.g. I despised something but I had a lot of fun reading it, or something was average but I was reading it with a friend so that made it better. 

In 2024 I read a total of 70 books and gave out an average rating of 3.3 (is that accurate? Maybe- this was calculated by Goodreads so it’s not precise). My goal for 2025 is to read 75 books (though I’d like to get closer to 100), but I also want to focus on quality of book- reading what I enjoy or enjoying the experience rather than just the number. 

Let’s talk about some of the standouts as I peruse my little Goodreads graphic for 2024…

First up, a genre…

I read a lot of hockey romance this past year. We could talk about that all day long, but I’d rather not lol. I found new favorite authors in Elle Kennedy (she’s an auto buy), and Stephanie Archer. I did have some misses, notably Pucked and Pucking Around. We will just conveniently ignore those. Hockey romance led me to dabble in other sports romances- baseball, racing, and rodeo-ing were also in the mix and it’s safe to say I enjoyed them as well (for the most part). For 2025 I do plan on continuing to dabble in this hyper specific genre (as in sports romance), but I want to be a bit pickier about it. 

Continuing along the genre trend and romance trend…

I read, as many people also probably shared for 2024, a lot of Fantasy Romance. A Lot. It still stands to be my favorite sub-genre of both the fantasy and romance genre’s. Sarah J Maas, Rebecca Yarros, Scarlett St. Claire, Penn Cole (a new favorite there), Abigail Owen, and Kaylie Smith all toped my list in 2024. Most of these authors have books coming in 2025 that I have pre ordered and will be reading once released. There were not too many misses in this category that can’t be explained by age or trope. 

Finally, just a couple honorable mentions for books I enjoyed that don’t fit into either category above, I enjoyed The Family Experiment by John Marrs (the third or fourth in an interconnected series), The Last One by Will Dean, and The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst (this is an all-time favorite and could fit into the fantasy romance but it’s much more cozy fantasy than anything else). 

Looking back, I do see some true standouts of 2024, books that will easily make a favorite of all time or re-read section and I also seem some real…not great books. In 2024 I joined a book club, which is continuing through part of 2025 and that has really been incredible. I’ve found such a wonderful group of women to come together and chat books (both the one read that month and beyond) and life once a month. It’s been such a blessing of our time here. I’m looking forward to continuing it on and then hoping to find another once we move. 

One other goal I have for 2025 is to actually stick to and complete a reading journal for the year. I’ve worked hard on creating one for 2025 and I want to desperately stick to it. I think it will really help when it comes down to doing lengthier reviews and posts (as I do plan on getting back to those here on the blog this year). I was heavily inspired by several users on TikTok and have created some really beautiful spreads and ideas for my reading. 

(Oh, and to harken back to my LAST post- I’ve backed up my computer through 2019…so that’s something at least)

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August 2024 Reading Wrap Up

I feel like posting a reading wrap up is a sure sign that we are back! Back in action! August was quite the reading month- I introduced a new series on my social media (IG, Facebook, Tik Tok all- @acuppacosy) where I pair a couple of books with a cocktail of a sort and then you get my thoughts on the cocktail, the books and if it worked out. I’ve filmed two episodes so far (posted one, another is coming very soon!) and I truly am enjoying it. I’ve also posted a “silent review” video to pair with this post. So, shameless plug if you’re not following me on social media, you’re possibly missing out haha! 

 Ok. Let’s get into books and thoughts and reviews, shall we? A little stat breakdown for you- I read a total of 7 books (and DNF’d 1), with an average rating of 3.12. My favorite was The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst, and my least favorite was Quicksilver by Callie Hart. See all my thoughts below! 

Tomorrow & Tomorrow & Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin 4 Stars I really enjoyed this story- it is simply a coming-of-age story, with a minor climatic event, but ultimately it is a story of friendship. It ambles around a little bit, but in a way that works, and the writing is wonderful. 

 Quicksilver by Callie Hart 1 Star This was not my jam…at all. I found the trope redundant; I wasn’t a fan of the characters. Not sure what else, but it just did not work for me.  

Born of Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout 4 Stars I really enjoyed this concluding novel to the series- and make no mistake, this is the superior series in the world that Jennifer Armentrout has created.  

The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst 5 Stars This was easily one of my favorite books of the month, maybe even of the year. This was just a wholesome cozy fantasy romance. Very low stakes, I would almost just consider this a cozy romance, but there are some fantasy elements within. 

 Kill for Me, Kill for You by Steve Cavanaugh 3.5/4 Stars I’m not sure where this falls on the rating scale. I enjoyed this book, and the twist was spot on (both of them), but I also didn’t feel super strongly about “loving” it. It is a solid thriller.  

Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay 2 Stars Boy was this a disappointment. I liked the script, that was where Tremblay really shined, but when we went into the narrative of the book it lost me. I can understand the reasoning and where the jarring can work for the story, but instead for me it just pulled me out in a different way.  

***Quick interjection- when it comes to romance, I don’t typically have a lot to say, so you might see the next two reviews (and future romance ones) being a bit shorter. And yes, I’m reading romance, I started sometime in the New Year, and it has stuck haha.  

Drive Me Crazy by Carley Robyn 3 Stars This was a solid romance- a racing romance that I quite enjoyed. The spice level wasn’t the highest I’ve ever read, but it was a cute one that I enjoyed.  

The Art of Catching Feelings by Alicia Thompson 3 Stars This was another solid romance- I might have preferred this one above Drive Me Crazy. A bit more spice and the third act was a bit more…a fight (?) rather than a miscommunication.   

That wraps up August! I will say- I am excited to get into the ‘Ber months, the more atmospheric reads, the darker novels. Happy Reading!

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A Cuppa Cosy Reads – May 2023

***Before I get into this post- I recognize that it’s been radio silent over here for the full month. I’m sorry- More info coming soon!!***

Another month has come to an end and boy was it a doozy. I saw a reel that talked about how May is busier than December and, to be honest, I wholeheartedly agree. It was incredibly busy, with changes and meetings and a whole lot of waiting around for documents. But it was also good- we got a taste of Spring, a taste of Summer, and I got a whole weekend to myself when the boys went camping. I didn’t think I was going to have the greatest reading month, but I am here to say- it wasn’t as bad as expected! I somehow managed to read 7 books and give an average rating of 3.1. I keep wondering- as life gets busier, when will my reading slow down a bit more, but I don’t know that it will. I’ve found myself trying to be better about turning to books (rather than my phone) to wind down and decompress (aka disassociate after being around people so much). It’s a slow, over time goal, but it’s happening. 

So, the books…

Paper Cuts by Ellery Adams 4 Stars As always, I really enjoy stepping back into this town, into these characters and the stakes stay low but not too low. It’s more lifechanging stakes rather than death stakes and I really appreciate that in a cozy mystery. This book was unique to the series as we learned a bit more of our main characters backstory and history prior to present day. 

Authentically Izzy by Pepper Basham 3 Stars So…I enjoyed this- it’s written 60% in emails and such between our characters and while I felt like that added to the story, it then made the “in person” interactions feel different. It was a fine romance and one I enjoyed but I found the main character to be a bit too much of a pushover at times and it took her a bit to figure herself out (which I get is normal and human, but for me was a bit…much).

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros 5 Stars Welcome to my new obsession. I’m in love. I’m going to push this book on to everyone that I can. Picture- dragons, dragons that actually play a prominent and important role, picture a school where all the kids are above age, picture a rivals to lover’s slow burn, and then picture a twist at the end that leaves you wrenched out of yourself. Enjoy!

The Marriage Act by John Marrs 3.5 Stars I feel like John Marrs is one of those authors I will always buy because I know the books will be good, even if they start to get a bit…tried and true and old at times. This is the third of his (I think) in this futuristic world- post The One. I would say this was probably my least favorite of the bunch, mostly because I think something needs to change in these novels. It’s becoming a bit – same plot, different characters/story. 

One of Us is Dead by Jeneva Rose 3.5 Stars I was hesitant to pick this one up after the disaster that was The Hunting Wives, but I’m glad I did. It’s fast paced, well written, and the small rich community politics is…accurate. The twist was…not shocking, but it didn’t ruin the vibe the book was going for and I enjoyed it. 

Awakening The Zodiac Academy (1) 0 Stars I despised this book, and I don’t know how much of that is the author’s fault- because had I been fully aware of the trope this book follows (and it’s a bully romance so there you go), I would have never picked it up. I spent the entire time beyond uncomfortable and I got rid of the book almost immediately. 

One for My Enemy by Olivie Blake 3 Stars So this would be my second Olivie Blake book. I read 75% of Atlas Six, which I ended up having to put down as it just went…too far and too overcomplicated in the plot, and I am not sure if she is the author for me. I LIKED this book; HOWEVER, I feel like in the last two acts it became to wrapped in making this grand plot work, this large overarching scheme to the story, which then led to the actual story becoming tedious and…not boring but boring. And I think this was a similar problem that I had with Atlas Six. So, I’m not sure where I stand with Olivie Blake. 

And that wraps up my May! I’ve kicked off June with a reread and a whole bunch of new books! 

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A Cuppa Cosy Reads – April 2022

How is it already May??? Just how? April has completely flown by, and I don’t even know where it went. It’s been a wild time over here- a life update is coming your way very soon, but I still somehow managed to read several books and they were almost all wins! I read a total of 9 books with an average rating of 4.22. A win indeed!

Severance by Ling Ma 4 Stars – I enjoyed this though I recognize that this will definitely not be for everyone. In fact, I don’t know many that I would recommend this to. There is a pandemic which leads to a commentary (which is what I would say this book is) on capitalist society and its’ downfall. It looks at the downside and maybe leads the reader to what maybe we could do differently, though it’s not a full condemnation of capitalist society. There isn’t much plot propelling the story forward, which is why I think it leans more towards commentary. 

Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson 4 Stars I just really enjoyed this murder mystery. It’s a fun one from start to finish and even though the twist wasn’t really my favorite thing ever, it’s one that I didn’t see coming and one that I don’t feel like detracted from my feelings about the book as a whole. The only reason it’s a 4 is I feel like the narration got a bit…much at times. 

The Reunion by Kayla Olson 4 Stars Oy- it’s a romance. I’m reading romance from time to time, mostly because I don’t think I’m finding what I really want in my fantasy romance areas- it’s either too much for me, or it’s just not capturing me. So, I’m leaning more into traditional romance that meets some of the niche things that I like (multimedia, royal, celebrity). And this one I really enjoyed! The multimedia is…slim but added to the story and the romance was sweet. 

The Savior’s Book Café Story in Another World Vol 3 & 4 by Kyouka Izumi 5 stars each I’ve read the next two volumes in what is easily my favorite manga at the present. I mean this woman is living my dream life (except I already have the husband and kids’ part). 

Counterfeit by Kirstin Chen 4 Stars This one is the one I’m not sure that it’s really worth the 4 stars that I gave it. I enjoyed it well enough, loved the twists it presented, loved the whole conversation around counterfeit merchandise, but I also recognize that this didn’t really do anything super groundbreaking. It was a fun ride when I read it and then it was over. 

Royal Blood by Aimee Carter 4 Stars Ok, this filled all my niche Royal needs, and I loved it every step of the way. It is a YA and definitely reads it, but I enjoyed it none the less. And it’s a series so looking forward to the next one.

The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz 4 Stars This is a mystery, almost a thriller but not quite, that I don’t think will be for everyone. It’s a slice of life meets secluded cabin mystery, and I really enjoyed it. If it could do anything better it would be the balance of the book- it felt a bit…off in the pacing, but again didn’t entirely detract from my enjoyment. 

Several People Are Typing by Calvin Kasulke 4 Stars Ok, I haven’t read a book in that IM format in a long time, and I really think it’s a great format for storytelling. It certainly adds something to the storytelling and makes the reader feel a certain way. I might be looking for more of these…but anyways- this is a book following a short period of time and a person who has “fallen into” a computer. Talking, again, about what’s important, how you can have feelings about people through the office lens you view them in, and remote work. 

And that was it! A really solid reading month. I’m hoping to keep the same upward ratings for May, though we will have to see how that goes.

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