I can’t believe how fast this month flew by. It was an extremely spicy, romance-heavy reading month, complete with unhinged moments, unexpected romantasy favorites, and at least one book that made me whisper “omg the turtles” and stare into the distance afterward. I’m posting a little early because I’m taking a break over the holidays, but before I unplug, here’s my recap -13 books read, if you’re looking for a good read, here’s my past reviews and I mention favorite books of the year in this love list!
Cowboy Casual 5/5 (read on Kindle Unlimited)– God, I loved this one. The chemistry between them is immediate, especially when they run into each other at the bar after so much time apart. The banter alone sold me — the whole “that thing on your face” / “it’s a little slutty” exchange about his mustache?? I died. So funny, so flirty, so good. The names of June’s jams (cowboy edition!) were such a fun detail, and overall the character chemistry was really strong. Around the 60% mark it gets spicayyy — maybe a little heavy on the “tell me you’re mine” energy (okay Cole, we get it 😅), but still very enjoyable. I especially liked when he finally confessed the truth about her dad, and her middle-of-the-night conversation with Ruby was genuinely sweet and emotional. With all that shared history, I was fully expecting an epilogue proposal – but even without it, this was cute, satisfying, and absolutely made me want to read the second book when it comes out.
My Blade, Your Back 4.5/5 – (read on Kindle Unlimited) – Addicting, needed to know what happens after the first book. Such a crazy story line as she starts to remember. The braiding of hair is so cute. I love how sweet he is with her. All teeth and no bite as she thinks! “You don’t remember me, but I can never forget you” oh my gahhh. A little violent for me. “There could be endless versions of you, and I’d love each one as fervently and entirely” when she says “I’d fall in love with you over and over, should I forget! There was a lot of violence in this book, I just wanted more love, the two of them were so perfect for each other. I really loved the over the top love declarations towards the end – like 70-80% in. I’m all about that fantastical love between these two!
A Marriage at Sea 4.5/5 – (library book) – First of all, I loved the name of their boat, Auralyn – such a beautiful combination of their names. Little details like that really stood out to me. That said… the Christmas scene while they’re sailing?? When Maurice sees the two naked women and calls it “the most enjoyable Christmas treat he could remember” -ewwww. Immediate ick. The end of Part One, though? My jaw was on the floor. Truly a what would you even do moment. And the turtles… absolutely VOM. I’m dead. This book is completely unhinged, and the fact that it’s true makes it even more insane. This was so close to a five-star read for me, but Maurice really wasn’t my favorite, which held it back just a bit. Still, an unforgettable read. I also loved the name of their home, Lynaura – another beautiful, meaningful touch. BUT THE TURTLES!
For Wrath and Redemption 4/5- (kindle unlimited)- Conrad immediately seemed like a total d-bag from the get go… and then that early twist?? Oh my god. And Jonah’s dad – I did not see that coming. Some parts were genuinely hard to read, but I appreciated that both characters were deeply flawed and dealing with their own issues. What Jonah did to her was awful, no question. But the conversation they have in the gym – where he actually apologizes – was surprisingly sweet and felt so grown up. I loved that it wasn’t dragged out unnecessarily. And when Claire gets her moment to get back at him? You go, girl. This book is honestly so unhinged, in the best way. Definitely check the trigger warnings, but wow, it was a wild ride. It’s very spicy, very intense, and somehow still really emotional. When he says, “If equal affection cannot be, let the more loving one be me” – swoon. And “I love you endlessly”? Actual tears. Chaotic, spicy, and surprisingly heartfelt – I was fully rooting for him by the end.
Terror at the Gates 4/5 – (audible listen) –I loved Zahariev – he’s so masculine and protective, and the way he takes care of Lilith really worked for me. Their combative, tension-filled relationship was one of my favorite parts, and honestly, the voice actor was so good. His performance added so much to the character. Lilith’s mother, though? The worst. Truly awful. I also loved that Zahariev smokes – it felt very true to his character. And I really enjoyed watching Lilith come into her own as the story progressed. When he calls her “goddess”?? I mean… 🫠 And the ending gets spicy, which I appreciated – I just wish there had been more of them together overall. That said, the ending itself frustrated me. I hate when books end right in the middle of a scene. The payoff was good, but the abrupt stop left me wanting more.
Overruled 4/5- (Libby listen)- This book is dirty from the very beginning – but somehow in a cute way? Like spicy from page one, no warm-up needed. And honestly, I was into it. I loved when he finally tells her how he feels over the phone — unexpectedly sweet and emotional. And Ezra at the party?? “It’s good to meet you, Greg.” I absolutely die every time. “There’s never going to be a last time” – OMG, tears. The tension between these two was so good and so consistent throughout. A really fun, very spicy read that totally delivered.
Any Trope But You 4/5- (Libby listen)-I loved how she really lets him have it after the almost-kiss – no brushing it off, no pretending it didn’t happen. It was so satisfying. The constant calling out of romance tropes was genuinely fun and very self-aware, and I loved her relationship with her sister too. This book was unapologetically romance-novel cheesy, and I mean that as a compliment. It fully leaned into the genre and owned it. That said, the narration was a little hit-or-miss for me. The female narrator was great when voicing female characters, but… not so great with the male voices, which pulled me out of the story at times.
My Favorite Holidate 4/5– (Spotify audiobook)- omg this was so cheesy in the best possible way! Such a great cast, guy was Rhys from Wild Side (one of my fave books of 2025)! The fake kiss is hot “it was the finest.” Felt like it was a little longer than it should be, but very cute overall.
Beyond the Thistles 3.5/5- (kindle unlimited)-This is a spicccy book, but it also had genuinely sweet moments. OMG, Mr. Hoffman is the worst. Truly awful. This book made me feel even more deeply for single moms -there was a lot of emotional weight there. I really loved Walker’s extensive background. He’s protective, steady, and undeniably sexy. When Sloan says he reminds her of the Scottish flower – the thistle – total swoon. I also appreciated how the book handled consent without overcomplicating things. No chaotic safe-word discussions -just a simple, respectful “tell me if you want me to untie you at any point.” It felt grounded and mature. When Walker prices her baked goods at the bake sale? So sweet. Major swoon. I loved that everything ultimately worked out for her -it felt earned and satisfying.
Daddy Issues 3.5/5 – (Spotify listen)-I finished this right after I published my November reading recap, so technically this gets to count as a November Spotify listen – which felt like a little win, honestly. There were parts I really liked. Her hoarding her dad’s comics was sad but interesting, and when he teaches her how to drive? Swoon. The car scene was very spicy. I also loved the line, “When you hold me it makes me feel so held” – that was genuinely sweet. And Perry’s airport conversation really worked for me, especially “Sometimes it’s nice to have seconds with someone,” because maybe you didn’t get it right the first time. That said, I really didn’t like the narrator, which made it harder to stay immersed. And while the story had cute moments, I was ultimately left wanting more. Her daddy issues never really felt resolved or even addressed, and by the end it kind of seemed like the characters’ stories just… stalled. It wrapped up, but in a way that felt a little blah rather than satisfying.
Not Another Christmas Rom Com 3/5- (Audible Original, free)-I really dislike when narrators interrupt the story to talk directly to the reader – it pulls me right out of the experience, and this one did it a lot. Overall, everything felt very predictable, which made it hard to stay invested. That said, Teddy was a great narrator, as always. He’s consistently solid and definitely the highlight for me. Molly, though… why was she so bent out of shape about her sister and her fiancé’s relationship? It felt overblown and exhausting. Like – okay, we get it. Give it a rest already. But it was free and holiday themed and I didn’t hate it so I’m giving it a 3 lol.
Once Upon a Demon’s Heart 3/5 (Spotify -started listening at the end of November) –The blood drinking and scent marking was… gross but also hot? Confusing, but oddly effective. And Alira -what a beautiful name. The voice narrators were really good, which helped pull me into the story. That said, I didn’t love how often they repeated the exact same reason they were mad at each other. Like – okay, we get it. It started to feel very repetitive and dragged a bit because of that. The ending also felt kind of abrupt, which was disappointing after the buildup. Overall, interesting concept and strong narration, but it didn’t fully stick the landing for me.
One Is a Promise 2/5- (kindle unlimited) – No offense, but Cole sounded like a total nut-bag from the get-go. And Trace? Mean. Just… mean. Also, what a d-bag thing for him to do. There is so much yearning in this book, and it takes until around 70% for him to finally admit he wants her. I really hated that he asked her to choose between the two of them – it felt unfair and manipulative. And how did he even know what was behind that door? How did he know to bring it up at all?? And then what he does after that? OMG. And his whole admission of love paired with his behavior – I genuinely do not understand how she could forgive him. The entire story about Marlo… give me a break. Truly gag-worthy. And what she did as a retaliation? Ew. And I absolutely cannot wrap my head around his wild U-turn: going from forcing her to choose to suddenly including him in conversations?? What?? And the jump from “I will never date you” to “I love you and we’ll be together forever” was so abrupt and unbelievable. Yes, I saw the twist coming from a mile away – but still, WHAT?! Very spicy, I’ll give it that. But then that ending… cutting off right in the middle of a scene?? I know it’s meant to push you into book two, but I was just too annoyed. A 2 is generous. Honestly, I regret reading this one lol.
Have you read anything good? LMK
How I read and listen – I love Libby, Audible listens, and Spotify audiobooks (you get 15 free hrs if you have a prime membership), and my beloved Kindle Paperwhite and the library! I got a 3-month free Kindle Unlimited trial when I bought it (dangerous), and if you’re an Amazon Prime member you can snag a free Kindle First Reads book every month (https://www.amazon.com/firstreads)-which I always do – if you don’t have a kindle there’s an app so you can read on your phone. A reminder-Spotify gives you 15 free audiobook listening hours.
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