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.