Book two on my June TBR reading list is complete. Below is a short book review.
Quicksilver by Callie Hart (Book series “Fae & Alchemy)
“He’s everything I should fear. But I’ve never felt safer than when he’s near.”
Book Started: 2 June 2025 / Book Completed: 9 June 2025
Total pages read: 6089 / Total Listening Time: 20 hours:42 minutes
Overall Star Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 / Format: Libby and I own the physical book
Goodreads Book Synopsis: In the land of the unforgiving desert, there isn’t much a girl wouldn’t do for a glass of water. Twenty-four-year-old Saeris Fane is good at keeping secrets. No one knows about her strange powers, or the fact that she has been picking pockets and stealing from the Undying Queen’s reservoirs for as long as she can remember. But a secret is like a knot. Sooner or later, it is bound to come undone. When Saeris comes face-to-face with Death himself, she inadvertently reopens a gateway between realms and is transported to a land of ice and snow. The Fae have always been the stuff of myth, legend, and nightmares… but it turns out they’re real, and Saeris has landed herself in the middle of a centuries-long conflict that might just get her killed. The first of her kind to tread the frozen mountains of Yvelia in over a thousand years, Saeris mistakenly binds herself to Kingfisher, a handsome Fae warrior with secrets and nefarious agendas of his own. He will use her Alchemist’s magic to protect his people, no matter what it costs him . . . or her. Death has a name. It is the Kingfisher of the Ajun Gate. His past is murky. His attitude stinks. And he’s the only way Saeris is going to make it home.
If you are a dark romance lover and if you’ve been craving a story that wraps danger in desire, blends raw chemistry with revenge-fueled secrets, and serves up an antihero who will ruin your standards forever, Quicksilver by Callie Hart is a must-add to your TBR. From page one, this slow-burn, morally gray SPICY romance sinks its claws in. Here’s my deep dive into the chaos, passion, and gritty brilliance that is Quicksilver.
“Do not touch the sword. Do not turn the key. Do not open the gate.”
Content Warning: The source material and this guide feature “madness” in a literary context, genocide, forced sterilization, discrimination against sex workers, fantasy violence, sexual violence, genocide, and suicide.
Spoiler-Free Summary
Saeris Fane is the reluctant heroine in this story. She is the main female protagonist, a thief, later discovering that she is an alchemist. She is fiercely independent, resourceful, and emotionally guarded. Saeris begins as a survivalist thief in a brutal desert society, shaped by trauma and secrecy. Her journey is self-discovery as she learns about her true heritage and powers as an alchemist. She evolves from a lone wolf into a reluctant leader, learning to trust others and embrace her destiny. She has many strengths. She is quick-thinking, brave, and morally complex. She is also flawed, distrustful, impulsive, and emotionally repressed. Through this story, you get to read how Saeris goes through this transformation, both literal (alchemy) and emotional. Her control over Quicksilver mirrors her struggle to master her identity and emotions.
Kingfisher is the fae warrior with secrets. He is the main male character who will be Saeris’s love interest. He is also a fae warrior and guardian of Yvelia. He is extremely stoic, enigmatic, and fiercely loyal. Kingfisher is initially cold and distant, bound by duty and haunted by past failures. His relationship with Saeris forces him to confront vulnerability and rediscover hope. He’s a classic “wounded protector” archetype with a slow-burn emotional thaw. He has so many strengths, mainly his strategicness, power, and emotional intelligence. Like Saeris, he is also flawed. He is overly secretive, emotionally withdrawn, and burdened by guilt. Kingfisher embodies the theme of death and rebirth—his icy realm and demeanor contrast with the warmth Saeris brings into his life.
Tropes & Themes
Enemies-to-Lovers: Saeris and Kingfisher begin with mutual distrust and hostility, but their relationship evolves into a slow-burn romance filled with tension and emotional depth.
Hidden Identity / Chosen One: Saeris is unaware of her true heritage and powers at the start. As the story unfolds, she discovers she is an Alchemist with a rare and powerful connection to Quicksilver.
Portal Fantasy: The protagonist is transported from one world (a desert realm) to another (a frozen Fae kingdom), introducing new rules, magic, and politics.
Fae Romance: The love interest is a powerful, immortal Fae warrior. This trope often includes themes of ancient magic, long lifespans, and emotional restraint.
Found Family: As Saeris navigates her new world, she begins to form bonds with unlikely allies, creating a surrogate family dynamic.
Reluctant Heroine: Saeris doesn’t seek power or glory. Despite her reluctance, she’s pulled into a larger conflict and must rise to the occasion.
Magical Training / Power Awakening: A classic trope where the protagonist must learn to control and understand her newfound abilities, often under pressure or threat.
Dark Royalty / Brooding Male Lead: Kingfisher fits the archetype of the emotionally distant, decisive male lead with a tragic past and a hidden soft side.
Political Intrigue: The story includes court politics, ancient rivalries, and power struggles between kingdoms and magical factions.
Spice Level: 4/5
The sexual tension is slow and loaded with restraint, but once it hits? FIREWORKS. The scenes are passionate, raw, and emotionally charged.
Final Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
If you like your romance intense, complex, and edged in shadows, Quicksilver delivers everything and more. It’s a haunting, seductive story about grief, vengeance, healing, and trust — told through two broken souls finding salvation in each other. I cannot wait for book two to come out this November (18 November 2025 – “Brimestone”)
The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling – A Bewitching Rom-Com with a Magical Twist
If you’re in the mood for a cozy, witchy romance with a dash of charm, The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling is the perfect escape. This witchy romantic comedy blends second-chance romance with magical mayhem.
Goodreads Plot Overview
Nine years ago, Vivienne Jones nursed her broken heart like any young witch would: vodka, weepy music, bubble baths…and a curse on the horrible boyfriend. Sure, Vivi knows she shouldn’t use her magic this way, but with only an “orchard hayride” scented candle on hand, she isn’t worried it will cause him anything more than a bad hair day or two. That is, until Rhys Penhallow, descendant of the town’s ancestors, breaker of hearts, and annoyingly just as gorgeous as he always was, returns to Graves Glen, Georgia. What should be a quick trip to recharge the town’s ley lines and appear at the annual fall festival turns disastrously wrong. With one calamity after another striking Rhys, Vivi realizes her silly little Ex Hex may not have been so harmless. Suddenly, Graves Glen is under attack from murderous wind-up toys, a pissed off ghost, and a talking cat with some interesting things to say. Vivi and Rhys have to ignore their off-the-charts chemistry to work together to save the town and find a way to break the break-up curse before it’s too late.
Themes and Tone
The Ex Hex is a story about:
Second Chances: Vivi and Rhys must confront their past and decide if they will risk their hearts again.
Unintended Consequences: The novel explores how seemingly small actions, like a “harmless” hex, can have far-reaching effects.
Love and Friendship as Strength: Vivi’s relationships with her cousin Gwyn and Aunt Elaine provide emotional grounding and comic relief, emphasizing the importance of community and support
The tone is lighthearted and witty, with plenty of banter, magical mishaps, and romantic tension. Sterling’s writing is breezy and fun, making it a perfect weekend or vacation read.
Characters to Love
Vivienne Jones: A relatable, slightly chaotic witch trying to do the right thing—even if her spells sometimes go awry.
Rhys Penhallow: The charming, sarcastic Welsh heartthrob who’s more than just a pretty face. His return to Graves Glen forces him to reckon with his past and feelings for Vivi.
Gwyn and Aunt Elaine: Vivi’s magical support system offers wisdom and comic relief.
Why You Should Read It
If you enjoyed the movie “Practical Magic” with Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, then you will enjoy this supernatural twist. The Ex Hex will feel like a warm, magical hug. It’s a story about love, redemption, and chaos when you mix heartbreak with hexes. Whether you’re a fan of paranormal romance or just looking for a fun, feel-good short read with a Halloween vibe (any time of year), Erin Sterling’s The Ex Hex is a charming addition to your bookshelf.
Quote: “Worrying is expensive. It costs you the one thing you can’t get back. Time.”
Goodreads synopsis: A dark urban fantasy romance set in New Orleans; Cate Holloway knows the unspoken rule of New Orleans: avoid the powerful Gage crime family at all costs. Of course, that was before her brother got caught in their chaos. Now Cate has no choice but to confront the dark prince of New Orleans himself and beg for her brother’s life. But Lachlan Gage is as lethal as he is beautiful…and the only currency he’s interested in is her soul. Lachlan is not merely a ruthless criminal. He’s fae. And he has his secret reasons for binding her to him. Tricked and desperate, Cate is torn between the Realworld and the Otherworld. A place filled with shadows and secrets, with members of each fae court plotting against her, just as her captor’s motives for trapping her become more mysterious. And if she can’t break this sinister bargain in the next thirty days, she’ll be bound to the inscrutable yet infuriatingly tempting fae prince and his deadly world…forever.
My view: I have read the first three books of The Filthy Rich Vampire series and still need to read the final book. I enjoyed this palette cleanser. It was the month’s first book after completing “A Sky Beyond the Storm.” There is an attraction between the two characters, but I am unsure if I am as invested in the vampire series. I will decide after I read book two officially. Some areas seem rushed or forced. I am not sure that I fully feel their passion or connection to one another. Also, the story is set in New Orleans, and you get little to no New Orleans atmosphere. I feel like this is missing. New Orleans has that witchy…vampire…Fae vibe already as you stroll through the French Quarter. I still recommend the read and gave it four stars because I did not hate the story, and was still invested in it.
Book Started: 02 May 2025 / Book Completed: 12 May 2025
Total Pages Read: 353 pages / Format: Libby (own the physical book)
Mile High by Liz Tomforde
Quote: “Stevie,” Zanders says. “You following me?”
Quote: “You don’t have to love your body every single day. That’s unrealistic to expect, but I’ll be here loving it for the days you can’t.”
Goodreads synopsis:EVAN ZANDERS: The Chicago Raptors hockey squad isn’t complete without me – everyone’s favorite player to hate. I know my role, and I play it well. I thoroughly enjoy spending most of my game time in the penalty box before leaving the arena with a new girl on my arm each night. I don’t like the latest flight attendant on our team’s private plane. She works for me, not the other way around. But I’ll be sure to remind her of that, and I can guarantee that by the end of the season, she’ll be begging to quit her job. But every road trip blurs the lines, and I can’t quite figure out if I keep pushing that flight attendant call button to push her buttons, or if it’s more than that.
STEVIE SHAY: I’ve been a flight attendant for years. She has a twin brother named Ryan (he will be the MMC in book two). Ryan is a professional basketball player in Chicago. Stevie lives with her brother in his penthouse. I thought I’d seen it all, but when my new job lands me onboard working for the most egotistical and self-righteous diva in the NHL, I start to second-guess everything. Including my promise never to hook up with an athlete again, no matter how annoyingly tempting he may be. Evan Zanders is unfiltered, unapologetic, and too attractive for his good. He loves his image, but I hate everything about it. Everything but him.
My view: This is book one in a five-book series (Windy City). I know some people have differing opinions on book one. I love this book because Stevie (Vee) is like me. Not tiny, small, and not all too confident. Outwardly she exudes confidence but internally she is very self-conscious of her body due to an ex-boyfriend and her mom and her shitty so-called friends. Stevie’s relationship with Zanders helps her to embrace her true self and to reclaim her voice. With Zanders, Stevie doesn’t feel insecure or unworthy, as Zanders values Stevie for her gentle heart and her fierce spirit. His belief in her and his investment in her life helped her to believe in herself again. Stevie also proves capable of change even when Zanders isn’t around.
Zander (Zee) to the outside world is the bad boy on the ice. But his best friends (Eli and Logan Maddison) know better. Their daughter, Ella, thinks Zanders walks on water, and she is 6 years old. Eli and Zander co-founded “Active Minds of Chicago: but people only see that to Eli. While Stevie deals with her trauma, so does Zander. His mom abandoned him, his Dad, and his sister to go off and marry a rich guy. This forced Zander’s dad to work a lot to pay for everything, including Zander’s hockey. This left Zander home alone a lot, which caused a rift between him and his Dad. Zander’s relationship with Stevie gradually teaches him that he is worthy of love and capable of embracing his true self. Stevie sees, understands, and respects Zanders for the first time. Stevie isn’t interested in Zanders’s money or professional success; instead, she devotes herself to Zanders because she sees his heart.
I was invested in their love story, and I felt the characters had instant chemistry. I love how they helped each other with their emotional and personal baggage, both knowingly and unknowingly. I am looking forward to completing the series.
Book Started: 13 May 2025 / Book Completed: 21 May 2025
Total Pages Read: 473 pages / Format: Libby (own the physical book)
The Deal by Elle Kennedy
Quote: “Just out of curiosity,” she says, “after you wake up in the morning, do you admire yourself in the mirror for one hour or two?”
“Two,” I reply cheerfully.
“Do you high-five yourself?”
“Of course not,” I smirk. “I kiss each of my biceps and then point to the ceiling and thank the big man upstairs for creating such a perfect male specimen.”
Goodreads synopsis: (Trigger Warnings) She’s about to make a deal with the college bad boy… Hannah Wells has finally found someone who turns her on. But while she might be confident in every other area of her life, she’s carrying around a complete set of baggage when it comes to sex and seduction. If she wants to get her crush’s attention, she’ll have to step out of her comfort zone and make him take notice…even if it means tutoring the annoying, childish, cocky captain of the hockey team in exchange for a pretend date. …and it’s going to be oh so good!
All Garrett Graham has ever wanted is to play professional hockey after graduation, but his plummeting GPA threatens everything he’s worked so hard for. If helping a sarcastic brunette make another guy jealous will help him secure his position on the team, he’s all for it. But when one unexpected kiss leads to the wildest sex of both their lives, it doesn’t take long for Garrett to realize that pretending isn’t going to cut it. Now he just must convince Hannah that the man she wants looks a lot like him.
A college sports hockey romance where Hannah Wells tutors hockey player Garrett Graham in exchange for a fake date. Their relationship evolves into something real, with humor, emotional depth, and sizzling chemistry. The book is widely loved for its engaging characters and intense romance. A modern classic in college romance! Garrett Graham is the charismatic hockey player who needs tutoring, and Hannah Wells is the no-nonsense student helping him. Their fake dating trope quickly turns into real feelings, featuring humorous interactions and genuine emotional depth.
My view: I was reading this book at the same time I was listening to “Onyx Storm”. I laughed quite a few times reading their story. I also loved how, even though they were both broken, they could help each other heal. This book reminded me a little of “Mile High.” There are several trigger warnings for this book, so look it up before reading. This is book one in a five-book series. The Off-Campus series by Elle Kennedy is a popular new adult romance series that follows the romantic and personal lives of a group of college students at Briar University. The series primarily focuses on male members of a fictional hockey team at the university as they develop romances with female love interests. Each installment alternates between the first-person perspectives of the male and female love interests. Known for its humor, emotional depth, and steamy romance, the series features four standalone stories with interconnected characters and a final novel with a plot that encompasses all four couples. This book features some hockey but not much. It skips ahead at the end, so I felt rushed, especially since this series has five books. The last book, Legacy, covers all four couples. I own the entire series, so I will continue it. You must read the books in order since items from this book will appear in the other couple’s story.
Book Started: 15 May 2025 / Book Completed: 31 May 2025
Rating: 4.0 Stars / Total Listening Time: N/A
Total Pages Read: 360 pages / Format: Read the physical book I own
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
Quote: “To the ones who don’t run with the popular crowd, the ones who get caught reading under their desks, the ones who feel like they never get invited, included, or represented. Get your leathers. We have dragons to ride.”
Goodreads synopsis: (Trigger Warnings) The third installment in The Empyrean series follows Violet Sorrengail as she navigates war, alliances, and secrets. This book expands the world significantly, offering adventure, political intrigue, and deep character development. Many readers consider it the best in the series so far. After nearly eighteen months at Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail knows there’s no more time for lessons. No more time for uncertainty. Because the battle has truly begun, and with enemies closing in from outside their walls and within their ranks, it’s impossible to know who to trust. Now, Violet must journey beyond the failing Aretian wards to seek allies from unfamiliar lands to stand with Navarre. The trip will test every bit of her wit, luck, and strength, but she will do anything to save what she loves—her dragons, her family, her home, and him. It could destroy everything, even if it means keeping a secret so big. They need an army. They need power. They need magic. And they need the one thing only Violet can find—the truth. But a storm is coming…and not everyone can survive its wrath.
My view: Damn…. I cried. I screamed…and now I am pissed. That ending was INSANE and now I must wait…it’s SO unfair. The best series so far. It’s up there with The Ember in the Ashes series and ACOTAR. As the third book in The Empyrean series, it takes readers deeper into war-torn alliances, political intrigue, and the evolving magic system. Violet Sorrengail faces new dangers, unexpected betrayals, and heartbreaking twists that thrillingly expand the world. Fans of epic fantasy and strong-willed heroes will find this installment riveting. The third installment in the Empyrean series continues Violet Sorrengail’s journey as she navigates alliances and battles against the venin threat. It’s like Hunger Games meets Game of Thrones (plus sex but not too much sex),” highlighting its blend of fantasy and romance. Yes, there will be a book four and I am so pissed that I have to wait over a year for the conclusion to Xaden, Violet, Imogen, Aaric, Brennan, etc… This book was emotional for me and the writing had me fully engaged. Rebecca Yarros’ writing is intense. Because of it, I had to start my June TBR with a romance palate cleanser. After completing the story, I had to sit in it for a few hours before making my June TBR reading list. This is a top series for me, and I highly recommend it. This is why Onyx Storm was my best read of the month of May.
Book Started: 21 May 2025 / Book Completed: 31 May 2025
If you’re a romance lover with a taste for some serious spice, The Filthy Rich Fae by Geneva Lee is the escape you’ve been waiting for. Known for her steamy, emotionally intense love stories, Geneva Lee turns her signature brand of romantic tension and power play up to eleven in this fantasy-rich, fae-fueled world of scandal and seduction. This book isn’t just romance with some serious Fae magic; it’s full of fantasy, love affairs, and passion that collides into danger, and secrets lurk behind every perfectly carved jawline.
Premise and Worldbuilding
The Filthy Rich Fae introduces readers to an underworld of power, seduction, and deadly secrets in a contemporary world where the Fae elite coexist alongside unsuspecting humans. The central conceit is as decadent as it sounds: immortal fae nobles with unimaginable wealth and influence, who play by their own rules and live far removed from the moral standards of humans. Towards the end, I thought about the first book in the ACOTAR series.
Lee does an admirable job of setting up a dual world that mirrors our own with recognizable glamor and wealth, but with a twist of ancient magic and courtly intrigue. The power structures among the fae are deeply hierarchical and politically charged, creating tension between characters and within the broader realm they inhabit. Fans of Sarah J. Maas and Holly Black will recognize some of the tropes—ruthless fae males, mortal-fae tension, dangerous bargains—but Lee infuses her signature style, focusing more on sensuality and emotional manipulation than epic battles or traditional fantasy heroism.
Characters
The MMC: Fantasy Meets Billionaire Romance
Imagine an addictive drama of a billionaire romance—power imbalances, luxury, forbidden attraction—only now add fae magic, ancient court politics, and a love interest who could destroy kingdoms with a whisper. The story centers on a strong, whip-smart human woman who gets pulled into Fae nobility’s exclusive and ruthless world. From the moment she meets the enigmatic male lead, sparks fly—and not the gentle kind. We’re talking full-on enemies-to-lovers tension that smolders and explodes with every line of dialogue and heated stares across a ballroom full of deadly supernatural beings.
The MFC: A Fighter You Can Root For
You will love the FMC because she’s not a pushover. She’s not wide-eyed or naïve—she knows when she’s being manipulated and pushes back. She is sharp, her walls are high for a good reason (please check the trigger warning for this book), and her vulnerability is earned, not given away for free. She never loses her voice even when she’s clearly outmatched in a world filled with ancient beings and brutal fae rules. That determination to hold her own makes every romantic interaction even more satisfying, especially when it drives the love interest crazy.
Themes and Tone
This series is going to be a very dark romance. Themes of control, temptation, power imbalance, and obsession are explored unapologetically. Consent, while present, is often complicated by fae magic and intoxicating lust—a deliberate move by the author to blur the lines and heighten the stakes. There’s a strong erotic undercurrent throughout the book, and sex scenes—when they come—are vividly described, emotionally fraught, and undeniably steamy.
Tropes Romance Readers Will Love:
✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Powerful, emotionally unavailable hero
✨ Forbidden romance
✨ Touch her and die
✨ Slow burn with explosive chemistry
✨ “You’re mine” energy without instant forgiveness
If you loved A Court of Thorns and Roses, King of Battle and Blood, or even the Twisted series but wanted more heat and less fluff, this book hits the sweet spot.
Pacing and Plot
The pacing is quick and addictive. It ends with a serious cliffhanger, which I will have to wait till 25 May 2025 for book 2. While some fantasy purists may wish for more in-depth worldbuilding, fans of dark romance and paranormal intrigue will be more than satisfied with the balance struck. It gives a dark DC comic world. The romantic tension and court politics primarily drive the plot itself. There’s enough mystery to keep readers guessing, especially regarding the hero’s past and the heroine’s true origins, but the narrative focus is always rooted in emotional stakes.
My Final Thoughts
The Filthy Rich Fae is a guilty pleasure, just like The Filthy Rich Vampire series. It’s sexy, addictive, and wonderfully over-the-top. Geneva Lee doesn’t pretend this is a subtle book—she leans into every trope and dares her characters fall hard, hurt often, and love dangerously. I recommend this series. It’s not high fantasy and not trying to be—it’s glam-fantasy romance at its finest, meant to entertain, enthrall, and enflame. I already have book 2 in the “HOLD” pool of Libby for when it is released. Of course, there is a wait…ugh!!!
Rating: 4.0/5 Steamy, sharp, and unapologetically indulgent—The Filthy Rich Fae is a fantasy romance you won’t want to put down.
This was a huge reading month for me. Below are the books I read that challenged and inspired me.
A Sky Beyond the Storm by Sabaa Tahir
In A Sky Beyond the Storm, Sabaa Tahir brings her An Ember in the Ashes series to an emotional and gut-wrenching conclusion. Picking up just months after A Reaper at the Gates, the fourth and final installment throws Laia, Elias, and Helene into a storm of escalating violence, supernatural threats, and soul-shattering choices. The long-imprisoned Jinn, led by the Nightbringer, wreaks havoc across the empire, and as Commandant Keris Veturia crowns herself Empress, the stakes for the Blood Shrike (Helene) and her family reach deadly heights. Laia, still grieving personal losses, becomes a fierce force against the Nightbringer, awakening ancient powers and risking everything. Meanwhile, Elias, now the Soul Catcher, wrestles with his fading humanity as he’s drawn back into a battle he swore to leave behind.
Tahir’s world-building remains dark, and the emotional stakes soar as the characters face betrayal and a lot of sacrifice. Laia’s resilience, Helene’s unyielding loyalty, and Elias’s heartbreaking journey toward (and away from) love make for deeply compelling arcs. The way Tahir writes her action sequences is intense, the twists are brutal, and the moments of tenderness are few but devastatingly impactful. As I listened to the book, the voice actors put all their emotions into their voices. I was hooked throughout the whole story…heck, through the entire series. Tahir’s prose captures the brutal cost of war and the fragile hope that keeps people fighting.
Final Verdict: A Sky Beyond the Storm is a bittersweet, action-packed finale that delivers both heartbreak and catharsis. I was truly sad when this series came to an end. I went through all the different emotions, and when the last word was spoken, I was sad. This quote was loudest for me: “The world had ended, but it hadn’t ended for me.” That is how I feel about this entire series.
Started: 25 April 2025
Completed: 30 April 2025
Total Pages Read: 516
Total Listening Time: 17 Hours:09 Minutes
Format: Libby (own the series)
Rating: 5 stars
2. The Spy in 3B by Nana Malone – Book 1
In The Spy in 3B, Nana Malone combines sexy romance and espionage in a story that’s as full of tension as it is of heat. Lyra, an undercover operative pretending to be a marketing consultant, is on the hunt for a dangerous double agent. But she’s not the only one — Marcus, a spy posing as a videogame designer, is also closing in on the same target. Neither knows the other’s true identity, but when their paths collide, the sparks fly. What begins as a game of cat and mouse soon turns into a tangled web of chemistry, secrets, and high-stakes deception. The attraction between Lyra and Marcus is undeniable, but Lyra’s deep-rooted trust issues and Marcus’s internal struggle between duty and desire are evident. Both characters are strong, flawed, and human, raising the stakes as the mission heats up and their walls crack. Each falling for each other, but hiding who they are from one another, they did not realize it till later. While it can technically stand alone, readers will get the most out of it if they’ve followed the series from the start, as there are character dynamics and plot threads that build on previous installments.
Final Verdict: This book contains espionage, sharp banter, sizzling chemistry, and pulse-pounding twists. The Spy in 3B is a fun, sexy, high-stakes romance perfect for readers who love their love stories with a side of danger. Malone continues to deliver romantic suspense with characters you can’t help but root for. This and book two were a palate cleanser for me. Many of the books I read this month were pretty heavy and long. I wanted to add some mindless, easy, ready, no world-building books.
Started: 01 April 2025
Completed: 13 April 2025
Total Pages Read: 200
Total Listening Time:
Format: Kobo (own the eBook series) Rating: 3.5 stars
3. The Assassin in 5F by Nana Malone – Book 2
The Assassin in 5F picks up where The Spy in 3B leaves off. Lyra has never been known for her impulse control, but shooting her boyfriend is an all-time low. Marcus isn’t the type of agent to disobey orders, but he can’t seem to keep his eyes–or hands off Lyra. Lyra learns that there is more to her life and her parents, which throws her for a loop, including the possibility of a double agent within her Firm. Danger is closing in from all sides, forcing them to team up to solve their mutual problem… but the enemy is already closer than either of them knows.
Malone’s signature style is in full force: fast pacing, sharp dialogue, and a romance that simmers with tension and vulnerability. What makes this book shine is the emotional depth layered beneath the action. For readers familiar with Malone’s Spies series, The Assassin in 5F offers satisfying connections and expansions, but it’s also an engaging entry point for newcomers. The mix of romantic suspense, steamy encounters, and high stakes plotting makes this a page-turner from start to finish.
Final Verdict: The Assassin in 5F blends romance and espionage, with a heroine you’ll cheer for and a brooding spy hero you won’t resist. Malone knows how to keep the heat and tension rising, making this a must-read for fans of romantic suspense. I will say that I did enjoy reading this book. The only issue I had was how quickly it abruptly ended or wrapped up. I sorta felt cheated. I do feel like some of these palette cleansers are meant to be wrapped up in under 300 pages.
Love Surfaced is a three-book series. Book 1 dives into the emotional depths of love, friendship, betrayal, and second chances, all set against the backdrop of competitive swimming. Piper Ashby and Tanner McCain have known each other since childhood. They are bound by their connection to Piper’s twin brother, Brad, and by an unspoken rule that kept their attraction off-limits. But once that invisible boundary was crossed, everything changed. Piper and Tanner abided by their brother Brad’s rules well until college. There was an incident that happened at the end of Tanner’s senior college year that pushed him and Piper apart.
It had been two years since Piper and Tanner had seen each other. Brad’s wedding brings them face-to-face, bringing immediate tension, undeniable chemistry, and emotional wounds. Lynn portrays the layered feelings of betrayal, regret, and longing that make Piper and Tanner’s reunion so compelling.
The competitive swimming element adds authenticity and stakes to their world, capturing both elite athletes’ physical intensity and emotional pressures. However, some readers may feel that the pacing occasionally wavers, lingering too long on specific internal conflicts while leaving some secondary characters underdeveloped. Still, Piper and Tanner’s push-pull dynamic keeps the story moving, and their journey toward forgiveness and healing feels genuine.
Final Verdict: In Love Surfaced, Piper and Tanner’s emotional journey is about overcoming past hurts and believing in love again. Fans of emotional, character-driven stories with an athletic twist will find plenty to enjoy here. Love Surfaced offers a blend of heartfelt romance, redemption, and the painful yet necessary healing of old wounds. Their arcs are a testament to the importance of second chances and the complexity of love in the face of betrayal. This book will resonate with sports romance fans looking for something more intimate and personal.
Started: 20 April 2025
Completed: 27 April 2025
Total Pages Read: 292
Total Listening Time: N/A
Format: Apple Books (own the eBook) Rating: 3.5 stars
5. Powerless by Lauren Roberts – Book 1
Content Warning: The source text and this guide refer to physical and psychological abuse, graphic violence, murder, genocide, discrimination, and panic attacks.
Powerless by Lauren Roberts is a dystopian world where power is everything, and the helpless are nothing. Set in the kingdom of Ilya, the story centers around Paedyn Gray, an “Ordinary” forced to blend in with the “Elites,” a class of individuals gifted with powers bestowed upon them by a deadly plague. Paedyn, however, is just like the millions of other ordinary citizens with no abilities — a crime in a society that prizes exceptionalism above all.
The plot begins with a twist of fate as Paedyn saves one of Ilya’s princes (Malakai “Kai” Azer, the Enforcer), and, as a result, is thrown into the dangerous Purging Trials — a brutal competition designed to showcase the powers of the Elites. Here, Paedyn’s survival depends on keeping her secret: she’s powerless in a world where power means everything. Kai, one of the princes of a kingdom where people without supernatural powers are hunted and killed, and Paedyn, a young woman without powers who hides her secret by pretending to be psychic. Despite their opposite upbringings, the two protagonists develop a relationship that challenges their worldviews.
The political landscape of Ilya is well-developed, highlighting the stark divide between the Elites and the Ordinaries, a divide that fuels both personal and societal conflict. Paedyn is a gritty, resourceful protagonist, and her struggle to survive in a world stacked against her will resonate with fans of dystopian fiction. Her courage, wit, and vulnerability make her a complex, relatable character as she navigates the deadly Trials and her growing feelings for the prince, all while facing the constant threat of exposure.
While Paedyn is a strong heroine, the romance between her and the prince, while steamy and emotionally charged, does fall into some familiar tropes. The forbidden love angle, with the prince unaware of Paedyn’s true identity, is a compelling aspect of the plot, but might feel a bit predictable to those familiar with similar dystopian romances like The Hunger Games.
The Trials are well-executed, full of tension and high-risk action, but the plot can sometimes lean too heavily into genre clichés. The divide between the oppressed “Ordinaries” and the privileged “Elites” is familiar, as is the idea of a young woman rising to challenge an unjust system. While reading this book, I often thought of Hunger Games and the Divergent series. Besides all of that, I still enjoyed listening to the book. The voice actor who voices Kai was incredible and intense, and had me in every moment.
Final Verdict: Powerless delivers a gritty, action-packed dystopian adventure with a morally complex romance and a strong-willed heroine. While the plot borrows elements from other dystopian favorites, it’s an engaging and emotional ride, especially for readers who enjoy forbidden love and political intrigue.
Started: 19 April 2025
Completed: 25 April 2025
Total Pages Read: 497
Total Listening Time: 17 Hours:56 minutes
Format: Libby (own the series) Rating: 4.0 stars
6. Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez – Book 2
Yours Truly is a heartwarming romance that best blends humor, vulnerability, and emotional healing. Abby Jimenez crafts a slow-burn love story between two flawed but lovable doctors — Briana Ortiz and Jacob Maddox — who start as workplace rivals and evolve into something much deeper through a series of funny, tender, and quietly powerful moments.
Briana’s life is in crisis: her marriage is ending, her brother desperately needs a kidney donor, and her shot at a long-awaited promotion seems threatened by the arrival of the awkward, seemingly standoffish Jacob. But just when she’s ready to write him off, Jacob surprises her with a heartfelt letter that sparks an unexpected connection. What follows is a charming exchange of notes, stolen lunch breaks in the hospital “sob closet,” and quirky conversations that include tiny horses.
How Jacob handled the portrayal he suffered and how he overcame his anxiety and fear to let Briana in fully, but also to be there fully for Briana, she walked her emotional journey.
Many quotes in this book had me in my feelings, head, and heart…
“Sometimes the best things in life come when you stop expecting them and start letting them in.”
“When I’m with you, the world quiets down — like you’re the one place I can finally breathe.”
“We’re all a little broken, Briana. 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. And I love every piece of you. Even the ones you wish didn’t exist.”
“Love me. Just love me instead. I’d take care of you. I’d protect you and shield you and be anything you needed. I’d be harmless to you…”
“I agree to be harmless to you.”
Final Thoughts:
I really enjoyed (and cried) listening to Yours Truly. This book leaned more toward emotional and introspective. Both deliver Jimenez’s signature blend of heart, humor, and romance, making them standout reads in contemporary romance. Yours Truly is a funny, touching, and beautifully crafted romance about second chances, kindness, and finding love when you least expect it. Jimenez’s writing shines with wit and heart, and her characters feel so real you’ll root for them every step of the way. This is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance that mixes humor with emotional depth.
Started: 16 April 2025
Completed: 17 April 2025
Total Pages Read: 387
Total Listening Time: 11 Hours:23 minutes
Format: Libby (own the series) Rating: 4.5 stars
7. The Woman in Me by Britney Spears
The Woman in Me is a raw, courageous, and profoundly emotional memoir that lays bare the highs and devastating lows of Britney Spears’s life in the spotlight. From her meteoric rise as a teen pop sensation to her painful legal battles and eventual fight for freedom, Spears delivers her story with striking honesty and vulnerability.
The memoir traces Spears’s early years, shaped by ambition and talent, but also by family pressures and an entertainment industry quick to exploit. As she becomes a global superstar, Spears faces intense public scrutiny, particularly around her image, relationships, and motherhood, all while privately struggling with mental health and the suffocating control of her now-infamous conservatorship.
Spears’s writing voice is unfiltered and sometimes uneven, but that’s part of what gives the memoir its power: it feels like she is speaking directly, and finally, for herself. Her recounting of the conservatorship, which she describes as a loss of personal freedom and dignity, is both heartbreaking and enraging. Yet, alongside the pain, Spears’s resilience shines through. There are moments of humor, love, and fierce determination, particularly when she reflects on motherhood, music, and her hard-won journey back to personal agency.
Final Verdict: The Woman in Me is more than a celebrity memoir: a reclamation of voice and identity. Spears’s account of fame, family betrayal, survival, and healing offers readers a searing look behind the pop-culture headlines and into the heart of a woman who has endured extraordinary challenges. Fans will find it essential, but even those only casually familiar with her story will be moved by its emotional honesty and cultural significance.
Started: 12 April 2025
Completed: 15 April 2025
Total Pages Read: 288
Total Listening Time: 5 Hours:32 Minutes
Format: Libby (do not own the book – borrowed) Rating: 5 stars
8. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo – Book 1
Shadow and Bone marks the atmospheric beginning of Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse, pulling readers into a darkly enchanting world of magic, war, and dangerous ambition. Set in the divided land of Ravka, where the monstrous Shadow Fold cuts the nation in two, the novel follows Alina Starkov, a seemingly unremarkable mapmaker who discovers an extraordinary hidden power — one that might be the key to saving her homeland.
When Alina’s latent magic emerges during a deadly attack, she’s swept into the glittering and treacherous world of the Grisha, the kingdom’s magical elite led by the powerful and enigmatic Darkling. Suddenly, Alina goes from a nameless orphan to the most crucial figure in Ravka’s political and military struggles — but power comes with a price, and nothing in the Grisha’s world is as simple as it seems.
Bardugo’s strength lies in her lush world-building. Ravka feels fully realized, shaped by Eastern European influences, layered with political tension, war-torn borders, and a sharp divide between the magical and non-magical classes. The Shadow Fold is a haunting and original creation, a landscape of creeping darkness and nightmare creatures.
Alina is a classic reluctant heroine, grappling with self-doubt, loneliness, and the burden of sudden responsibility. Her journey of self-discovery is compelling, though some readers may find the romantic dynamics, particularly the love triangle involving Alina, her childhood friend Mal, and the magnetic Darkling, underdeveloped in this first installment. The Darkling is one of the book’s standout characters: a charismatic, morally complex villain who adds tension and intrigue to every scene.
Final Verdict: Shadow and Bone is a strong, engaging start to the Grishaverse series, offering atmospheric fantasy, political intrigue, and a coming-of-age journey centered on power and identity. While the pacing and romance may feel uneven at times, Bardugo’s immersive world and memorable characters make it easy to see why this series has become a fan favorite. Readers looking for a fantasy adventure with dark twists and rich magic will find plenty to enjoy here — and the later books only deepen and expand the stakes.
Started: 01 April 2025
Completed: 14 April 2025
Total Pages Read: 358
Total Listening Time: 9 Hours: 21 Minutes
Format: Kobo (own the eBook series) Rating: 3.5 stars
9. I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
Jennette McCurdy’s I’m Glad My Mom Died is not your typical celebrity memoir — it’s a raw, sharp, and emotionally charged account of a former child star’s journey through trauma, fame, and ultimately, self-liberation.
McCurdy takes readers behind the scenes of her early life, beginning with her mother’s obsession with making Jennette a star. From as young as six, Jennette was pushed into acting, enduring invasive “makeovers,” extreme calorie restrictions, and suffocating control, including being showered by her mother into her teens. Her prose doesn’t shy away from the grim details, capturing her intense pressure and isolation, even as she rose to fame on Nickelodeon’s iCarly and later Sam & Cat.
McCurdy’s striking balance of heartbreak and biting humor makes this memoir so powerful. She recounts moments of deep pain — eating disorders, addiction, anxiety, and toxic relationships — with a wry, darkly funny voice that pulls no punches. The memoir doesn’t glorify or sugarcoat; instead, it exposes the harsh realities of child stardom and the devastating impact of an overbearing, controlling parent.
Perhaps most moving is the story’s second act, when Jennette’s mother dies of cancer. Rather than bringing peace, the loss forces Jennette to confront years of emotional damage and face the hard work of recovery. Through therapy and ultimately walking away from acting, she reclaims her identity, not as the girl her mother molded, but as the woman she chooses to become.
Key Themes
✅ Mother-Daughter Trauma At the heart of the memoir is Jennette’s complicated, often toxic relationship with her mother. Her mom’s obsessive control over Jennette’s appearance, diet, career, and even personal thoughts leaves deep emotional scars. The memoir explores how love and abuse can tragically coexist — how Jennette, as a child, both craved her mother’s approval and felt crushed by her demands.
✅ The Cost of Child Stardom Jennette pulls back the curtain on what it’s like to grow up on camera. Beneath the glitter of iCarly and Sam & Cat lies a world of exhaustion, exploitation, and the constant fear of disappointing producers, fans, or her mother. The industry’s pressures magnify her personal struggles, showing the hidden cost of fame, especially for children.
✅ Eating Disorders and Addiction McCurdy writes candidly about the eating disorders she developed under her mother’s influence and how they spiraled into self-destruction after her mother’s death. These raw sections stand out for their honesty, tracing how pain and self-loathing often translate into harmful behaviors — and how recovery is neither easy nor linear.
✅ Humor as a Survival Mechanism Despite the heavy subject matter, Jennette’s voice is laced with dark humor. She uses wit and sharp observations to survive and retell her story, making even the bleakest moments readable. It’s a testament to resilience — that humor can be both a defense mechanism and a path toward healing.
✅ Identity and Autonomy The memoir ultimately becomes a story of reclaiming identity. Jennette’s journey away from acting and toward self-discovery is about learning to live for herself, not for others. Her title — provocative and blunt — is a powerful symbol of breaking free from years of control.
💬 Powerful Quotes
“I’m glad my mom died. It was a relief.” This stark opening sets the tone. It’s not said lightly — it’s the raw truth of someone who spent years trapped and finally feels free, though the freedom comes with guilt and grief.
“Mom didn’t get better. She just got worse.” Jennette doesn’t romanticize her mother’s decline; instead, she shows how the abusive patterns only intensified, even under the shadow of illness.
“I want my own life.” A pivotal realization: she no longer wants to perform — not on stage, not for TV, not for her family.
“My entire identity — all I knew, all I was — revolved around Mom.” This underscores the heart of the memoir: losing her mother forces Jennette to confront how much she’s lost herself.
Final Verdict: I’m Glad My Mom Died is a fearless and unflinchingly honest exploration of trauma, grief, and survival. It’s funny, heartbreaking, and deeply human. Whether or not you’re familiar with McCurdy’s work on screen, her memoir stands out as one of the most candid and compelling celebrity accounts in recent years — a story of breaking free and learning to live for oneself.
Started: 10 April 2025
Completed: 12 April 2025
Total Pages Read: 320
Total Listening Time: 6 Hours: 26 Minutes
Format: Audible (own the eBook) Rating: 5 stars
10. From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout – Book 1
A Maiden… Poppy has been chosen from birth to fulfill a sacred, restrictive role as the Maiden — set apart from the world, unseen, untouched, and expected to uphold the kingdom’s future. But Poppy’s spirit is anything but submissive. Behind the veil of duty, she yearns for freedom, for experience, and a life of her choosing. Her longing to fight the evil that tore apart her family makes her question everything the gods and her people expect of her.
A Duty… As Poppy approaches her Ascension, the weight of her kingdom’s hopes grows heavier. She struggles with the role forced upon her, torn between obligation and her desires. Enter Hawke, a golden-eyed guard whose presence ignites her fury and longing. He challenges her beliefs, tempts her to cross forbidden lines, and awakens desires she’s never allowed herself to feel. Their chemistry crackles on the page, making every interaction a deliciously slow-burning temptation.
A Kingdom… Meanwhile, a fallen kingdom rises in the shadows, hungry to reclaim what it believes has been stolen. Poppy’s carefully controlled world starts to crumble as violence and vengeance sweep closer. Her heart, duty, and life hang in the balance as she faces betrayals, unravels dangerous truths, and discovers her own buried strength.
Jennifer L. Armentrout crafts a steamy fantasy romance full of political intrigue, action, and sharp banter. The story leans into familiar genre elements — the fierce heroine, the forbidden love, the looming war — but Armentrout’s addictive writing makes the pages fly. While some readers might find the pacing uneven in spots, the plot twists and betrayals keep the tension high. Poppy is a heroine you root for, and Hawke’s magnetic presence ensures their romance is unforgettable.
Final Verdict: If you’re a fan of slow-burn fantasy romance with sizzling chemistry, court intrigue, and a heroine pushing against the chains of her fate, From Blood and Ash will pull you in and keep you hooked.
Started: 5 April 2025
Completed: 9 April 2025
Total Pages Read: 622
Total Listening Time: 15 Hours: 28 Minutes
Format: Libby (own the series)
Rating: 4 stars
The Chosen Book of May…..
It was such a good but and I was so sad to end this series. I think that is why I took so long to read the last book.
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, profound betrayal, and revolution. The book combines dystopian intrigue with fantasy elements, creating a fast-paced and emotionally gripping story.
The protagonist, 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, the pacing can sometimes feel slightly uneven, and some characters lack development. Listening to the story on Libby was sometimes a struggle because I thought it moved too slowly. I know that in a series of books set in a dystopian world, the first book lays the foundation for others. So, I continued knowing that this is sometimes an ordinary circumstance.
Overall, The Red Queen is a thrilling start to a series that promises even more intrigue and excitement. It is a must-read for fans of dystopian and fantasy fiction!
What can I compare this book to?
The Red Queen compares to a few notable works:
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, an intriguing and visually striking societal structure. 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:
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.
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 and 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.
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?
The Red Queen compares to a few notable works:
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.
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?
TechieScrapper’s Story & Scrap 