I was very proud of myself. I listened to seven books this month. My monthly reading goal is 5 books. I know not every month I will be able to read this many books; but its a great start to a new year. I added the book synopsis for each book read. This video is not sponsored and it was created in Canva. Enjoy!
1. “The Answer is No”: 68 pages / 1.5 hours / 4 Stars
Occasionally, a book grabs you by the heart, takes you on a wild ride, or lingers in your mind long after the last page. But when six such books vie for your attention at once? That’s a problem every bibliophile wants to have. Here’s a roundup of six reads from my TBR of 2025 that crosses different genres, each promising a unique experience:
1. Renegades by Marissa Meyer
Format: Libby (Own the series) / Pages: 552 / Listening Time: 17 Hours / Star Rating: 4.5 / Started: 3 Feb and Completed: 9 Feb 25
Dive into a world of superheroes and villains where the line between good and evil blurs in the most intriguing ways. Marissa Meyer’s Renegades pits a resistance group of extraordinary people against a ruling superhero regime. Packed with action, questions of morality, and a budding romance, this one is for fans of imaginative world-building and fast-paced storytelling.
2. Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Format: Libby (Own) / Pages: 309 / Listening Time: 10Hrs: 21Min / Star Rating: 3.25 / Started: 10 Feb and Completed: 12 Feb 25
Hilarious, heartwarming, and utterly chaotic, Dial A for Aunties is a rom-com-meets-murder-mystery you didn’t know you needed. When Meddy accidentally kills her blind date, her over-the-top but lovable aunties help cover it up during a wedding they’re working on. Throw in mistaken identities, romance, and humor that hits every note, and you have a book that’ll leave you grinning from ear to ear.
3. The Bodyguard by Katherine Center
Format: Libby (Own) / Pages: 326 / Listening Time: 9Hrs: 49Min / Star Rating: 5 / Started: 13 Feb and Completed: 13 Feb 25
What happens when a strong, independent female bodyguard is hired to protect a swoon-worthy Hollywood star? Katherine Center’s The Bodyguard flips conventional romance tropes with charm and humor. It’s not just about the sparks flying between the leads—it’s also about healing, family, and learning to open up.
4. The Candy House by Jennifer Egan
Format: Libby (Own) / Pages: 352 / Listening Time: 11Hrs: 11Min / Star Rating: 4 / Started: 14 Feb and Completed: 16 Feb 25
From the author of A Visit from the Goon Squad comes this dazzling and intricate web of interconnected lives. The Candy House explores a near-future world where memories can be shared and accessed like social media posts. This thought-provoking novel dives into questions of privacy, technology, and human connection, challenging readers to think deeply while enjoying Egan’s masterful storytelling.
5. A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair
Format: Libby (Own the series) / Pages: 379 / Listening Time: 11Hrs: 07Min / Star Rating: 3.5 / Started: 16 Feb and Completed: 26 Feb 25
Hades and Persephone’s love story gets a steamy, modern-day retelling in A Touch of Darkness. Scarlett St. Clair brings Greek mythology into a gritty, urban fantasy world filled with magic, intrigue, and forbidden romance. If you’re a fan of dark and intense love stories, this one’s bound to cast its spell on you.
6. Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco
Format: Libby (Own the series) / Pages: 372 / Listening Time: 12Hrs / Star Rating: 5 / Started: 26 Feb and Completed: 28 Feb 25
Welcome to a gothic world of witches, demons, and murder mysteries. Kingdom of the Wicked follows Emilia, a witch seeking revenge for her twin sister’s death. As she summons a Prince of Hell, sparks fly—both literally and romantically. With its atmospheric setting and unexpected twists, this is perfect for fans of dark fantasy.
FEBRUARY READING STATS
Total Books Read This Month: 6
Average Star Rating For This Month: 4.21
Total Pages Read This Month: 2,290
Total Listening Time This Month: 71 Hours: 28 Minutes
I just completed The Red Queen written by Victoria Aveyard. I listened to this book on Libby, and I own the book as well. The listening time was 10 hours and 56 minutes. I read along with the book, and there are 388 pages. It took me a while to complete the book because I mostly listened to it at work. I started the book on 10 March 2025 and completed it on 16 March 2025. This is the first book in the Red Queen series. The debut book plunges you into a richly imagined world of power, deep betrayal, and revolution. The book combines dystopian intrigue with fantasy elements, creating a story that is both fast-paced and emotionally gripping.
The protagonist of the story, Mare Barrow, is a relatable and determined heroine whose journey is from a humble “Red” commoner (this is a two-caste system) to a key player in a dangerous royal (Silver) court. The plot is brimming with unexpected twists, political machinations, and a touch of romance, which keeps the pages turning.
What truly sets The Red Queen apart is its unique world-building. The dichotomy between the “Reds,” ordinary people, and the “Silvers,” elite beings with extraordinary abilities, is vividly depicted. The writing is engaging; however, at times, the pacing can feel slightly uneven, and some characters lack development. Even listening to the story on Libby was sometimes a struggle because I felt like it moved too slowly. I know that in a series of books that are set in a dystopian world, the first book ends up laying the foundation for others. So, I continued knowing that this is sometimes a common circumstance.
Overall, The Red Queen is a thrilling start to a series that promises even more intrigue and excitement. A must-read for fans of dystopian and fantasy fiction!
What can I compare this book to?
Similarities to The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: Both books explore class struggles, oppression, and rebellion, with a strong and resourceful female protagonist at the center. Like Katniss, Mare is thrust into a role she never asked for and must navigate a world of betrayal and political manipulation.
Resonance with Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (this is my next read for March. Starting with Assassins Blade): Fans of Sarah J. Maas may enjoy court politics and power plays in The Red Queen. The focus on a heroine with hidden strength is also a shared theme, though Aveyard’s approach leans more toward societal commentary.
Parallels to Red Queen‘s dystopian-fantasy blend: It mirrors books like Divergent by Veronica Roth and Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo, which also blend genres and introduce protagonists discovering their unique abilities in tumultuous worlds.
Unique Aspects: Aveyard’s world-building is a strong point—it creates a clear division between Reds and Silvers, a societal structure that’s both intriguing and visually striking. While some YA fantasies focus heavily on romantic subplots, The Red Queen balances romance with a sharper emphasis on political intrigue and social dynamics.
The Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard explores several compelling themes that resonate throughout the story:
Class Struggle and Inequality: A central theme is the stark division between the “Reds” and “Silvers.” This societal divide, based on blood color and power, reflects themes of oppression, privilege, and the fight for equality.
Power and Corruption: The novel examines how power can corrupt individuals and systems. The Silvers’ dominance over the Reds, coupled with their internal scheming for control, underscores how unchecked power can lead to exploitation and moral decay.
Identity and Self-Discovery: Mare’s journey of self-discovery—coming to terms with her powers and her place in a world where she doesn’t fully belong—is a key narrative arc. It touches on themes of personal growth and finding one’s voice.
Betrayal and Loyalty: Trust is a fragile thread in the book, with betrayal lurking at every turn. The constant questioning of allegiances adds emotional depth and highlights the complexity of human relationships.
Rebellion and Resistance: The spark of rebellion ignited by the Reds reflects broader themes of standing up against injustice and the desire for freedom. It also explores the sacrifices and moral ambiguities involved in revolutionary movements.
Survival and Sacrifice: Characters frequently face life-threatening situations and must weigh their survival against the greater good. This theme adds tension and emotional weight to their choices.
If you read the book, tell me some of your thoughts. If you have not read the book, would you read it?
Sorry so late on uploading my March TBR reads> March was stacked with emotionally intense reads, unforgettable characters, and plot twists that had me questioning everything. Here’s a full breakdown of each book I devoured last month.
1. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Welcome to a dystopian world where Juliette Ferrars has been locked away because her touch is deadly. But everything changes when she’s brought out as a potential weapon for the Reestablishment. Her voice is fractured, poetic, and raw—and the emotional journey she takes is as much about surviving as it is about reclaiming her identity.
What I loved: The lyrical writing, the slow-burn romance with Warner (hello, morally grey!), and Juliette’s transformation from broken to powerful.
I am going to read the next book in the series to see if I will read the entire series. I liked the story, but I don’t know if I am invested enough to read all of the books. Long series read, but not as long as Zodiac Academy.
Quote: “I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.”
Themes: Trauma, power, love vs control, identity
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Start: 3 March 2025
Completed: 6 March 2025
Total time: 8 hours and 56 minutes
Total pages: 388 pages
Format: Libby (I own the entire series)
2. The Heartbreaker by Piper Rayne
Back in small-town Alaska, the last person she expected to run into was the guy who broke her heart. But heartbreak can be complicated—and so can second chances. This book had me laughing, swooning, and sometimes tearing up. The side characters and family dynamics added so much depth.
What I loved: The real, relatable emotional baggage; the soft, stubborn love interest; and the sizzling tension.
Quote: “Some people walk into your life to teach you a lesson. Others walk in to stay.”
Themes: Forgiveness, vulnerability, second chances, hometown roots
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Start: 7 March 2025
Completed: 9 March 2025
Total time: 7 hours and 13 minutes
Total pages: 310 pages
Format: Libby (borrowed – do not own)
3. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard Imagine a world divided by the color of your blood—red means commoner, silver means superhuman. But Mare, a Red girl with a deadly power of her own, threatens to upend everything. This book is full of betrayal, power games, and one of the best betrayals I’ve ever read.
What I loved: Court drama, the revolution brewing, the untrustworthy love interests, and that wild ending.
Quote: “Rise, red as the dawn.”
Themes: Social injustice, rebellion, identity, survival
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Start: 10 March 2025
Completed: 16 March 2025
Total time: 10 hours and 56 minutes
Total pages: 388 pages
Format: Libby (own the book but not the series)
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4. The Assassin’s Blade by Sarah J. Maas These novellas are a prequel to the Throne of Glass series, and honestly? They wrecked me. Celaena Sardothien is fierce, proud, and heartbreakingly human. Each story builds on her legend—and shows the scars that shaped her. If you love morally grey heroines, you’re in for a ride.
What I loved: Celaena’s relationship with Sam 😭, the assassin guild drama, and the aching sense of tragedy.
5. Legendborn by Tracy Deonn When Bree Matthews loses her mother, she’s swept into a secret society linked to the legend of King Arthur—and her own buried magic. This book explores generational trauma, grief, and Black girl power in a way that feels so personal and powerful.
What I loved: Bree’s anger and strength, the unique magic system, the rich Southern gothic vibes, and the chemistry between Bree and Selwyn Kane.
Quote: “The pain will always be there. So will the love.”
Themes: Grief, legacy, ancestry, chosen family, power
Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Start: 25 March 2025
Completed: 31 March 2025
Total time: 19 hours and 02 minutes
Total pages: 544 pages
Format: Libby (own the series)
Have you read any of these? Which one are you adding to your TBR?
Abby Jimenez has carved out a special place in my heart. I am love reading Romance but mostly I like Sci-Fi with a touch of romance. Ms. Jimemez has given me a newfound love of romance books. Her books offer a blend of warmth, humor, and emotional depth, and Yours Truly only strengthens my position on her books. This novel is a follow-up to Part of Your World, featuring characters who are relatable, deeply human, charming and slightly flawed. Let’s face it who isn’t flawed or carrying baggage. With its laugh-out-loud moments, swoon-worthy romance, and heart-wrenching honesty, Yours Truly.
Plot Overview
Yours Truly main characters are Dr. Briana Ortiz, an ER physician who is going through an incredibly rough patch—her divorce is fresh from Nick (what a true dog), her brother, Benny, is in desperate need of a kidney transplant, and her trust in men is at an all-time low. Enter Dr. Jacob Maddox (so hot and swoon worthy…so need a guy like this in my life), the new doctor at her hospital, who initially makes a less-than-stellar first impression. Briana thinks he’s arrogant, standoffish, and possibly trying to steal her job as ER Chief.
But then a letter arrives—Jacob’s sincere, awkward, and heartfelt apology for the misunderstanding. It turns out he isn’t arrogant; he’s just socially anxious and struggles to connect with people. From that letter blossoms a friendship, and eventually, a fake-dating arrangement to help Jacob navigate a family wedding (that of his brother about to marry his ex-girlfriend). As their bond grows stronger, so do the feelings between them.
What unfolds is a tender and often hilarious slow-burn romance that beautifully captures the complexity of love, vulnerability, trust, and healing.
“Love shows up” (page 148, used quite a few times throughout the book)
Briana is a fierce, loyal, and emotionally intelligent heroine. She’s the kind of woman readers root for instantly—she’s competent, sarcastic, and fiercely protective of those she loves. Her emotional exhaustion is palpable, and her journey toward vulnerability and hope is deeply moving. However, she deals with childhood trauma and insecurities.
Jacob, on the other hand, is perhaps one of Jimenez’s most endearing male leads. He has social anxiety and selective mutism under extreme stress—something rarely portrayed in romance novels with such authenticity and compassion. His communication style, from his heartfelt letters to his small, thoughtful gestures, makes him an unforgettable romantic interest. Watching him fall for Briana is nothing short of heart-melting.
The chemistry between Briana and Jacob isn’t electric in the conventional sense—it’s quiet, warm, and slow-building, like falling in love with your best friend. Their text messages and letters are packed with humor, honesty, and real emotion, and their physical intimacy, when it arrives, feels like the natural culmination of emotional closeness rather than mere lust. Abby had me feeling like I should try writing letters or journaling by hand again. It’s something to be said about something as simple as a letter or journal living on long after we leave this world that represents a small piece of us for our loved one to have as a cherished memory. Jacob uses his journals as a means of easing his anxiety. One of his journals makes a huge impact on Briana in the end.
“I agree to be to be harmless to you”
At its core, Yours Truly is about healing and the power of love to soothe the deepest wounds. Jimenez doesn’t shy away from difficult topics—divorce, mental health, organ donation, chronic illness, and the trauma of being misunderstood. But she handles each with grace, balancing the heaviness with light-hearted banter and warm romantic beats.
One of the most striking aspects of the novel is its portrayal of anxiety. Jacob’s mental health challenges are not a subplot—they are central to his character and are treated with empathy and nuance. His coping strategies, therapy, and struggles feel authentic, not dramatized. This kind of representation is refreshing and necessary in modern romance.
Family also plays a significant role. Briana’s love for her brother is one of the book’s emotional backbones, and the subplot involving his health crisis adds tension and stakes that elevate the narrative beyond just romantic entanglement.
I love how Briana gives Jacob these crazy catchphrases to use. Theses catchphrases are their secrets that allows Jacob to quietly leave overstimulated social situations without arousing anyone’s suspicion’s. It’s their love-language without even knowing it. Briana never sees this as a chore or a labor. Even when she is mad at Jacob, she still takes the careful time to ensure any situation is comfortable for Jacob before he enter it. This is what really got me about this book.
“Someone told me once that even a perfect match isn’t perfect”
Jimenez’s writing is effortlessly readable, but it’s also layered and smart. She has a knack for creating voices that feel distinct, natural, and often laugh-out-loud funny. Her dialogue shines—especially the witty exchanges between Briana and Jacob. There’s a rhythm to their conversations that feels both spontaneous and deeply personal.
The narrative switches between Briana and Jacob’s perspectives, and each voice is unique, authentic, and emotionally resonant. Jacob’s POV, in particular, stands out for its vulnerability. His introspection offers readers an honest look into the mind of someone living with anxiety, and it’s a powerful contrast to the outward calm he tries to project.
Story Structure
Though the novel leans on familiar tropes—fake dating, opposites attract, workplace romance—Jimenez makes them feel fresh. The pacing is steady, and the story unfolds organically. The romance simmers gently before boiling over, and each milestone in their relationship feels earned.
The middle portion of the book takes its time to explore the characters’ internal struggles, which may feel a bit slow to readers looking for rapid plot development. However, those who savor emotional complexity and character-driven stories will find this pacing satisfying.
More Quotes:
Briana: “I want to be brave enough to love him with my eyes closed. I just don’t think I can.” (page 357)
Jacob to Briana: We’re all a little broken. We are a mosaic. We’re made up of all those we’ve met and all the things we’ve been through. There are parts of us that are colorful and dark and jagged and beautiful” (page 364)
Joy (Matriarch)to Jacob: “You move slowly. Be consistent. Give her reassurance. Make her feel loved and safe. Show Up” (page 368)
Final Thoughts
Yours Truly is not just about falling in love—it’s about choosing to love again, even when it feels risky or impossible. Abby Jimenez has once again created a world you won’t want to leave, with characters who will linger in your heart long after the final page. This is a book for anyone who believes that love, in its truest form, is patient, kind, a little messy, and absolutely worth fighting for.
TechieScrapper’s Story & Scrap 