Hello! We’re going to call this my Q1 book review ☀️ My goal this year is 26 (in 2026) and right now I’ve finished 11. That said, 6 of those are short Amazon novellas 😉

But enough chit chat- let’s talk about books.

I had one DNF this month 🫣 I was over 50% through it when I finally decided I just didn’t care about … any of it. Sorry Raiders of the Lost Heart: good for others, not for me

Ok… back to our programming…

Mean Moms by Emma Rosenblum
★★★★/5 | Fiction

Why I Read It: This author has written 3 novels & this is the third one I’ve read 🙃 She writes deliciously unlikeable characters and I’m all-in on the drama.

What I Thought: I don’t often do fiction, but Rosenblum has a way with drama. Her wealthy, pretentious PTA-moms are a fabulous departure from the kind and supportive ones I actually have in real life- so reading about the fictional mom-drama was relatable but not triggering, lol.

Buy it HERE

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Betrayal at Blackthorn Park [Evelyne Redfern #2] by Julia Kelly
★★★★/5 | Mystery, Historical Fiction

Why I Read It: The first book in the series sucked me in. I had a WWII spy-size hole in my heart after Ashley Weaver’s series wrapped up.

What I Thought: I really enjoy Evelyne & I love the relationship brewing between her and David. I feel like I can’t say much since it’s a sequel AND a mystery, but it’s a slightly-daring, cozy, WWII mystery novel.

Buy it HERE

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Scared Sexy Collection (Amazon Prime Original Stories)
If you’ve ever been curious about creature romance… maybe these novellas are for you?

• Hot for Slayer by Ali Hazelwood ★★★★★/5 [vampire/vampire hunter romance]
• Falling by Christina Lauren ★★★★/5 [fallen angel]
• Spicy Little Curses by J.T. Geissinger ★★/5 [curses + voodoo]
• Space Vampire by Ruby Dixon ★★★/5 [human & genetically engineered alien vampire… I know, I know]
• Beautiful Nightmare by Katee Robert ★★/5 [weird shape shifting night demon]
• My Boyfriends are All Monsters by Kimberly Lemming ★★/5 [also weird shape shifting demon… and incredibly 🌶️)

Find them HERE

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The Compound by Aisling Rawle
★★★/5 | Dystopian Fiction

Why I Read It: I’m not sure why this ended up on my TBR list, but the premise sounds sooo good: locked room, bachelorette-vibes, Love Island rules…

What I Thought: I was very hooked at the beginning. This story was Love Island meets Survivor? Big Brother? I don’t know. I was feeling it for the first 2/3. And then the last third gave me the ick. And by the end it felt pointless… So I’m not sure what to say. Lol

Buy it HERE

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A Dark and Deadly Journey [Evelyne Redfern #3] by Julia Kelly
★★★★★/5 | Mystery, Historical Fiction

Why I Read It: It was next in the series ☺️ Also, big thank you to NetGalley for the *ARC*!

What I Thought: Friends. The shook-ness that I was at the end of this damn novel. UGH. I am so mad the next story isn’t out yet. It’s truly rude. I am dying to see what Evelyne does in book 4. The mystery in this one was a little weak, but I think it’s because the set up for the next book in the series is so strong.

Buy it HERE

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The Deal [Off-Campus #1] by Elle Kennedy
★★★★/5 | Romance

Why I Read It: I saw it was being made into a TV series and read the bio. It sounded intriguing so I put in a borrow request to the library. And now I have #2 on hold 😁

What I Thought: I mean, turns out I’m a sucker for hockey players. Also, the MC was a smart, confident, musically inclined female. The tension was spicy and the banter was great. I didn’t love the predictable conflict, but I love a good HEA.

Buy it HERE

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Right now I’m finishing up The Small & The Mighty as well as The Book of Longing, so I will review those next time!

What are you reading?

-Aud