April Wrap Up

 All the books I read in April 2025

***Please note that reviews may contain spoilers***

Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez - 5⭐

Abby Jimenez is quickly becoming one of my favourite romance authors. How she writes these amazing love stories while also highlighting heavy and at times devastating topics is masterful. This is one that hit a little close to home for me, having watched dementia ravage a family member and see the anguish it causes to not only the person but to those closest to them. Abby Jimenez done a fantastic job of capturing this and the guilt the family feel as they struggle to cope as the disease progresses. It hurt my heart to read at times. My heart really went out to Samantha’s character navigating this loss and also trying to navigate a long distance relationship. Xavier was such a lovely MMC and I loved how the realities of life and their financial strain played a big part of their obstacles. Too often romance novels don’t have these realistic boundaries, but this is real life struggles and I really appreciated this element. To have them focus on overcoming these constraints and focus on what is important in life was refreshing. At the end of the day those we love and the memories we make with them is what life is all about.

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanna Collins - 4⭐

I am shocked at my rating if I’m honest, which is crazy as 4 stars is a great rating. I just expected this to be a 5 star read. I’m not sure what I was expecting to be honest, but I expected to enjoy it more. I think my biggest issue is the underlying love story. I know that young love can be all consuming but I just felt the way Haymitch was so focused on her was grating. That being said, it was really enjoyable seeing his games and learning what happened to not only him but also other characters that we know (Beetee, Mags, Wiress etc). I’m glad we got to read the book and I hope she delves more into the other stories in the future.

The Fall Risk by Abby Jimenez - 3⭐

Short stories are not usually my thing, I personally prefer to have more time with my characters. I made an exception for this one since Abby Jimenez is one of my favourite authors. I really enjoyed this story but I do feel the length let it down. I liked the characters and the plot was really engaging. I’d have loved if this was a full length novel. This felt very insta-love but that is understandable. It left me wanting more but in this case I’m taking that as a positive.

Phantasma by Kaylie Smith - 4⭐

This was such a unique reading experience. I’ve read fantasy about trials and games before but this setting was so unusual. It was quite a spooky and gothic setting which I haven’t really read before. I also got the audiobook to do immersive reading and it really enhanced the experience. I loved the banter between Ophelia and Blackwell and while the twist at the end was somewhat predictable, I enjoyed where the story went and the journey to get there. 

Off to the Races by Elsie Silver - 3⭐

As a lover of Elsie Silver I decided to embark on her backlist. I’ve heard good things about this series. This one though was not my favourite. This is the worst MMC so far (fair since it was her first). However, entitled trust fund babies don’t do anything for me. I found Vaughan to be off putting. Billie however, I loved her, she was a fantastic character to read from. She definitely made the MMC better. As her debut this was enjoyable but I am so happy to already know her books get better as they go. I hope that’s the case with the rest of this series.

On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn - 4.5⭐

This is a book club read, which I am really happy I participated in since I had never heard of this book. The start of this had me hooked from the beginning. I loved the setting and the interactions between the characters. I thought the enemies to lovers was done fantastically. I feel we were left with questions surrounding Medra’s past that I really hope we dive more into with future instalments. I’m not really sold on the bully romance advertised. The bullying didn’t really come from Blake but from Regan who is obviously not the love interest. I loved the slow burn and the tension between the characters. This one also ignited some strong feelings too when the sexism and classist behaviours were on page. The way Medra is treated as less, and an object to control and possess. This really ignites my feminist side. It was well done, so bravo to the author for this.

Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings - 4⭐

I have heard so many good things about this series that I had to try it for myself. I am really glad I did, this was really entertaining. It was like watching an episode of Gossip Girl but in London. Magnolia and BJ are so toxic but somehow I still find myself rooting for them, yet also wishing I could smack their heads together. I listened to the audiobook while reading this which really helped my enjoyment as well. I would recommend this and look forward to continuing the series.

Fave Quote - “How many loves do you get in a lifetime? I remember wondering that. How many people will look at me like he does, not just like I’m the sun but like I’m the whole god damn universe” - Magnolia - Page 62

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House by Laurie Gilmore - 3.5⭐

This is book 4 of the Dream Harbour series. It was enjoyable to read, just a silly fun time. I like the small town aspect of the book and the further we get into it, the more characters we get to know. I think this the a perfect palette cleanser book to read between heavier topics or bigger fantasy books. Also, its a side note but the covers on this whole series are so cute. I love them.

City of Gods and Monsters by Kayla Edwards - 4⭐

Yet another series that I have heard a lot about. I couldn’t wait to start my journey with it. I have seen some comments around similarities with Crescent City and while there are some in terms of the setting and the creatures I feel this story stands on its own and is unique in its own way. I really enjoyed reading this. Darien is a really interesting MMC and I can see his potential to make the book boyfriend list. Loren our FMC I am not quite sold on. I prefer my FMC’s to be a bit more kick ass than damsel and while yes, humans in this world are at the bottom of the chain, she doesn’t need to be quite such a push over. Throughout the story it was nice to see her push back (especially with Dallas) and I hope that continues to happen as the books progress. I think this was really a good entry into the world and introduction to the characters and I am excited to continue on and see where it goes.

February & March Reading Wrap Up

 February Reads

All the books I read in February 2025 - ***Please note that reviews may contain spoilers***

Caught Up by Liz Tomforde - 5 ⭐

I really enjoyed this instalment of this series. I was really invested in the relationship between Kai and Miller. The dynamic with Max was also an added bonus. There were some issues with the characters more specifically with Miller. At times her insistence that she has to be successful to repay her dad is misguided. I feel the story went a little too hard on it, but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment. I loved the relationships within this more than just Miller and Kai. I loved that the others made an appearance in the form of the Sunday dinners and also being able to see Ryan and Indy’s wedding was a real treat. I am especially excited to read the next instalment since this one set up Isiah and Kennedy’s story so well.

Swift and Saddled by Lyla Sage - 3.5 ⭐

This is book 2 of the Rebel Blue Ranch series. This one centres around Weston and Ada. I’ve not seen much about this one, but the few opinions I have seen are a little negative. I can see why to be honest. For me personally, I loved Weston, but wasn’t a big fan of Ada. Being in her head helped me see why she was acting certain ways, but I sadly can’t relate. The fact she responded to situations by being mean really bothered me. It made her unlikeable and at times difficult to root for. However, I must say that the third act breakup was one of the better ones I’ve read. Everyone has lapses in their life, so the fact that Ada came to her realisation so quickly and turned around instantly was so refreshing. It felt more realistic and not just done as a plot point. Overall a fun and enjoyable read which fills my need for cowboy romances.

Take a Hint Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert - 3.5 ⭐

This was a bit of fun. I definitely enjoyed it more than the first book in the series. These characters and their interactions were just more enjoyable. Watching them both help each other both face and work to overcome their past trauma was endearing. I really enjoyed their dynamic with each other. Dani’s inner monologue of denial/refusal to acknowledge or accept her feelings for Zafir was really funny at times. She was definitely an interesting character and I enjoyed her growth along the way. It was a good time.

The Problem with Dating by Brittany Cherry - 3.5 ⭐

I feel conflicted with this one. Overall, I enjoyed the reading experience but I can’t help but feel something is missing which prevents me from giving it a higher rating. The problem is I don’t know what that something is. It was a cute and fluffy fun time. It wasn’t insta-love by any means, but I do feel in some ways we got to the love part really quickly. It felt sort of surface level which is also a little crazy since I feel both characters had quite deep development arcs. Despite this feeling though I did enjoy this book. The match-making plot line was a bit much but the characters are likeable and I found myself invested in their journey. I also loved that there was no 3rd act break up drama. The characters approach the fake relationship in a great way, even communicating with each other and admitted when they realised their feelings were real. It was really refreshing. A good solid, small town romance.

Lost and Lassoed by Lyla Sage - 5 ⭐

Oh this book! This is the one I have been waiting for since we first met Teddy and Gus in book one and it definitely didn’t disappoint. I had such a good time reading this one that I couldn’t put it down. From start to finish I loved the reading experience. Gus is now one of my favourite fictional cowboys. This is also another romance that doesn’t have som dramatic 3rd act breakup. Both characters are refreshing and they know what they want. Yes, it takes them a day or two to sort it out, but the reason why is sweet. I really liked Riley’s character, and I feel she added so much to the story. Reading it made me feel genuinely happy. The care that Gus shows for Teddy is so endearing , especially since she is the one who usually taking care of everyone else. It is lovely to see him do things for her, to show he cares. I will absolutely be re-reading this one in the future. 

Favourite Quote - “Men who are that good looking should not be allowed to be such assholes. It was false advertising’ Teddy, page 5.

March Reads

All the books I read in March 2025 - ***Please note that reviews may contain spoilers***

Play Along by Liz Tomforde - 5 ⭐

This series! One of the few where I have loved every book. This one may be my favourite so far. How Isiah feels about Kennedy is so lovely. We got a hint of this in the previous book, but it was nice to get his POV. Kennedy’s story was also nice, especially learning her backstory. I haven’t read many marriage of convenience before. I like the way this one played out. The emotions this book sparked in me were really interesting. Any time there is sexism in books I get annoyed, but this one was so well dine that I found it rage inducing. What I love about this series is the maturity of the characters. I love that they know they are flawed and they work through it. They help each other with their trauma and they actually communicate. I look forward to Rio’s book next. 

Wild Side by Elsie Silver - 5 ⭐

At this point I no longer know what to say about Elsie Silver. Every book she comes out with is just as good as the last. I love the crossovers she includes in her books. How some scenes are in multiple books but are a little different since you get other perspectives. It is really well done. I wouldn’t say I liked this one better than Wild Eyes, but they are definitely equals. I was an enjoyable read and Rhys was an interesting character. I don’t know much about the world of wrestling so I learned a few things. I wasn’t expecting that element to be honest. I also didn’t expect the next trope to be revealed in this one. I am not a fan of ex-boyfriends dad, so I am intrigued to see if Elsie Silver can change my mind.

My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell - 5 ⭐

I have been putting this one off for a while. I’ve heard it’s fantastic but a difficult read. I would absolutely agree with that. This is a brilliantly written book which left me in a state of disbelief. The levels of manipulation Vanessa went through at the hands of her teacher were truly horrifying. The dual timeline made this book work so well. To see the abuse play out while also seeing the long term effects on the character really made her situation understandable. I’ve heard criticisms of this character, that she’s unlikable and annoying. While this is true, I feel it’s clear it’s the result of the grooming and just how far he got inside of her head. It’s a difficult read, but definitely worth it.

The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson - 4 ⭐

So this is my second Sanderson book and it took me a long time to read it, just like the first one did. I really don’t know what’s wrong with me. His writing is really good and his characters are interesting but it takes a while to get invested. I think it’s possibly that his books are big and I feel they could be smaller. I got the audiobook which I feel helped a lot with my enjoyment reading this. When I eventually got into it the reading experience went much quicker. Ultimately, I really enjoyed this first instalment and I look forward to reading the next one.