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Scared Sexy Novella series

Over October to November I read the Scared Sexy Novella series, which featured a series of short stories by notable romance and romantasy authors: Ali Hazelwood, Christina Lauren, Katee Robert, Ruby Dixon, J.T. Geissinger and Kimberley Lemming.
November reading wrap up

So this month was a terrible month for reading, I couldn’t tell you why but it felt super busy and I really had no brain space for reading. I only read four books, three of which were short novellas from the Scared Sexy series.
House of Scarabs – Hazel Longuet

Indie spotlight: House of Scarabs – Hazel Longuet House of Scarabs is a supernatural suspense series steeped in the mythology of ancient Egypt: Where Gods, Betrayal, and Resurrection Collide.
The Rose trilogy – Jodie Louise Vail

Indie spotlight: The Rose trilogy – Jodie Louise Vail These books follow the story of Rose, a girl who is trying to navigate her last few months of college with her best friends and new love interest.
The Fallen and the kiss of dusk

The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk, Crowns of Nyaxia book 4, by Carissa Broadbent was the 58th book I read this year.
Love on the notes of destiny – Anna Penteras

Indie spotlight: Love on the notes of destiny – Anna Penteras This book is a partially autobiographical story, where a fortuitous meeting changes lives. Along the way they will have to face enemies…. Will they be able to defeat them with the strength of their love?
The Christmas Tree farm – Laurie Gilmore

My 56th read of the year was The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore, this is book three in the Dream Harbour series, and yes, if you have paid attention, I did review book 4 last week because I read them out of order by accident…
Built on Ruins – Kate S Toll

Indie spotlight:Built on Ruins – Kate S Toll Katie is a queer indie author who loves to write stories about queer people who go on adventures, fight the evil and fall in love.
The Strawberry Patch Pancake House – Laurie Gilmore

The 54th book I read this year was The Strawberry Patch Pancake House by Laurie Gilmore, book 4 in the Dream Harbour series. Yes, if you have been paying attention I read book 2 followed by book 4, I took the wrong one on holiday and ran with it alright!
October reading wrap up

So, technically I read six books in October but since I’ve been making my way through a novella series, I won’t say that I’ve done great this month for reading! Between some busy weekends, my birthday and just the general monotony of existence, I’ve not been making a lot of time for reading.
Psycho Hate – N.O. One

Indie spotlight:Psycho Hate – N.O. One Psycho Hate is a Dark MC Romance and is book 1 of the Psycho trilogy – all of which are available on KU.
The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore – Laurie Gilmore

Book number 53 for this year was The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore by Laurie Gilmore, the second book in the Dream Harbour series.
Problematic Summer Romance – Ali Hazelwood

Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood was the 52nd book I read this year. If you are regular reader of this blog you know that I looooove her books, so be prepared for a fairly biased review.
Paper Planes & Falling Stars – David Krulicki

Indie spotlight: Paper Planes & Falling Stars – David Krulicki David is plagued by an alien visitor throughout his life while navigating growing up in a small town, experiencing love found, lost and found again, marrying into an abusive wife situation, finding himself, and coming out on top.
Sunrise on the Reaping – Suzanne Collins

The 51st book I read this year was Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins, book 0.5 in the Hunger Game Series. We’re finally getting the story of Haymitch’s games and believe me when I say that I walked into this READY to be traumatised by this author again.
Lights Out – Navessa Allen

Lights Out by Navessa Allen was my 50th read of this year, this book was everywhere on booktok etc last year so I’m a little late to the hype. Booktok has let me down many times before, as has the dark romance genre, but let’s see if this one was different.
What We Deserve – Wishbone Trilogy – Lizzie Stanley

Indie spotlight: What We Deserve – Wishbone Trilogy – Lizzie Stanley Described as a a ‘who hurt you’ workplace romance, this book is the first in the completed Wishbone trilogy!
So my ex-boyfriend is a serial killer – Kylie Scott

So my ex-boyfriend is a serial killer by Kylie Scott was the 48th book I read this, I wanted a short listen that was in the Audible included library but this book exceeded my expectations.
Accomplice to the Villain – Hannah Nicole Maehrer

My 47th read of the year was Accomplice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer, this is the third book in the Assistant to the Villain series
The Battle Over Britain – Simon Brading

Indie spotlight: The Battle Over Britain – Simon Brading The “Misfit Squadron” series is an open-ended Steampunk series set in an alternate World War 2, chronicling the adventures of a squadron of elite British pilots flying purpose-built machines against the Prussian Empire.
Christina Lauren review compilation

Here is every review of the Christina Lauren books I have read so far, having recently discovered how deep their catalogue of books goes, this post will be added to over time for sure!
Reading, writing and life check in – 3/4 of 2025

Firstly, I can’t believe I am doing the 3/4 check-in, this is insanity and time isn’t real! To tell a long story short: Life is eh, writing is eh, reading is going alright.
Mary Immaculate Institution – DMR

Indie spotlight: Mary Immaculate Institution – DMR She knew nothing about her life, not even her name. Cabinet Eight had lived in the Mary Immaculate Institution for as long as she could remember. She was one of the better patients, never disobeying the nurses or breaking any rules That was until she met her -…
September reading wrap up

I read ten books in September! Thanks to a sunny holiday in the middle I finally got round to some books I’ve really been looking forward to reading.
Curses and Cold Brew – Maple Hollow book 2 – Ali.K.Mulford and K. Elle Morrison

My 45th read of the year was Curses and Cold Brew by Ali.K.Mulford and K. Elle Morrison. I was actually lucky enough to be sent an ARC copy for this book and I was very excited to read it!
The Absence of You – Bethany Rayne

Indie spotlight: The Absence of You – Bethany Rayne Enter the world of Heathley Academy: The Absence of You is book one in the Heathley Academy series but can be read as a complete standalone with a full HAE and dual POV.
Tempting Andie – Scarlet le Clair

Indie spotlight: Tempting Andie – Scarlet le Clair This book is a A steamy romance, with an older woman and friends-with-benefits vibes, this story is perfect for fans of sizzling chemistry and second chances!
Restless Stars – Zodiac Academy book 9 – Susanne Valenti & Caroline Peckham

My 44th read of the year was Restless Stars by Susanne Valenti & Caroline Peckham, which was the final book in the Zodiac Academy series! It’s done! I’ve finally finished it!
QuickSilver – Callie Hart

QuickSilver by Callie Hart was the 40th book I read this year. This book is the first in a series that took booktok by storm when it came out. I’m a bit late to the game because me and longer books weren’t playing until recently!
Sorrow and Starlight – Zodiac Academy book 8 – Susanne Valenti & Caroline Peckham

The 39th book I read this year was Sorrow and Starlight by Susanne Valenti & Caroline Peckham, this the 8th book in the Zodiac Academy series and it has taken me a billion years to finally read it.
And No Birds Sing – CT Klass

Indie spotlight: And No Birds Sing – CT Klass CT Klass is a Welsh speaking writer of creepy stories living in Yorkshire Their book And No Birds Sing is a sun-bleached, nostalgic, coming-of-age story in the tradition of British folk horror, perfect for 90’s kids, weird kids, and anyone who was ever scared to look…
Setanta and The Lady By The Water – J M Lane

Setanta and The Lady By The Water by J M Lane was the 37th book I read this year and another Indie book sent to me through the Indie spotlight post I did on Tiktok!
20 ‘He falls first’ book trope recs list

It’s time for another trope recommendation list and this time I turned to Booktok asking for inspiration on tropes I hadn’t made lists for yet. ‘He falls first’ is exactly as it sounds… it’s books where the male main character falls first! My rec lists don’t come with loads of chit chat, it’ll just be…
Current TBR – September

Interested in my upcoming reads? Here’s a little glimpse into what I plan to read soon and what you can expect to see on the blog shortly after! With a holiday coming up, I’m planning the books I’ll be taking away with me.
August reading wrap up

I read seven books in August and it’s a mix of some veryyy long ones and some short ones that bumped the total up. The biggest headline news is that I finally finished Zodiac Academy, so stand by for those reviews! Here’s a summary of everything I read in August. Take a look to find…
Call of the Black Wing – Tristan Gray

Indie spotlight: Call of the Black Wing – Tristan Gray In a treacherous world filled with deception and distrust, Fiadh the Crow had plied her trade ridding the people of the Seann Àite of spirits and monsters. Beneath it all lies whispers in the dark leading men astray, whispers from a world beyond her own….
Trapped – Sarah Gorman

Trapped by Sarah Gorman was the 36th book I read this year and my first review of an Indie book sent to me through the Indie spotlight post!
For Whom the Bell Tolls – Jaysea Lynn

My 33rd read of the year was For Whom the Bell Tolls by Jaysea Lynn, the first book in the Hell’s Belles series. I have followed this author for years on Tiktok and I was so excited when she announced the book, but slightly concerned because some skits for Tiktok definitely don’t translate well to…
Prove me wrong – Rebekah Bertram

Prove me Wrong by Rebekah Bertram was the 38th book I read this year, this book was sent to me by Twisted Tales PR and marketing as an ARC but the book is now officially out and available for you to read too!
The Paradise Problem

My 33rd read of the year was The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren. I’ve been making my way through a lot of their books lately and I really enjoy them, so be prepared for a wholly biased review.
Falling for Red – Elenor Pountain

Indie spotlight: Falling for Red – Elenor Pountain He’s a serial ladies’ man who can charm his way into any woman’s underwear. She’s a career focused woman who has no time for relationships. What happens when you meet someone, who you feel could be everything right, but you’re scared to invest? Could they have their…
Small Talk

Small Talk: 10 ADHD lies and how to stop believing them by Richard Pink and Roxanne Pink was my 32nd read of the year.
July reading wrap up

I read six books this month but a couple were a little longer, so I’m pretty pleased with that total! I’ve had a lot more time for reading lately so although that 100 books total might not happen, I think I’ll end up with a pretty respectable total! Here’s a summary of everything I read…
Reclaim Your Narrative – Morghan MacVillar

Indie spotlight: Reclaim Your Narrative – Morghan MacVillar Reclaim Your Narrative is a guided journaling book that blends science-backed writing methods with thoughtful prompts and spacious pages for self-expression
Slaying the vampire conqueror

My 31st read of the year was Slaying the Vampire Conqueror by Carissa Broadbent, book 2.5 in the Crowns of Nyaxia series.
Loud

The 30th book I read this year was Loud by Drew Afualo. Drew is a Tiktoker whose content is famous for dragging the not so nice men of the internet but she has since gone on to be involved in a few podcasts and bunch of other cool stuff. As someone who has enjoyed her…
My Cradle Your Grave – Sharon Jackson

Indie spotlight: My Cradle Your Grave – Sharon Jackson Sharon is an avid reader and a self proclaimed book bug, who took her nightmares and turn them into crime novels!
The Soulmate Equation

My 29th read of the year was The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren, I am a huge fan of this author duo and recently bought a whole bunch of their books to make my way through.
All my rage

All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir was the 27th book I read this year. This author also wrote The Ember in the Ashes series, which I absolutely loved so I just bought this book on faith, even though it’s a completely different genre.
Sun Blessed – Daisy Florence

Indie spotlight: TSun Blessed – Daisy Florence- Daisy Florence is a writer of dark fantasy and romance. She’s a sucker for powerful women, feminine rage, and the dark and mysterious. ‘It only takes one day to destroy a kingdom.’