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Ah the first month of 2022 reading, and it started off so much better than I ever expected. I fell in love with the A Court of Thorns and Roses series at the very end of 2021, but I read the majority of the (already available) series this month. It’s not for everyone, but it’s become my newest series obsession- I seriously think I might be as obsessed as I am with the Twilight series.
Don’t worry, I am going to make sure the review of the ACOTAR books don’t have any spoilers! I don’t want to risk it if anyone hasn’t read them yet. Please, please message me on Instagram if you want to chat further about the ACOTAR books- I love talking about them in searing detail haha. Also, I’m omitting the descriptions for those books! I think I accidentally read the third book’s description before I started the second one, and it totally spoiled a huge part of the series.
Also, I promise I read more than just five ACOTAR books this month. Stick it through this entire post if you want to see everything I read and not just this wild fantasy series.
A Court of Mist and Fury, Sarah J. Maas: 5 Stars
Version: Physical Book
Description: Feyre has undergone more trials than one human woman can carry in her heart. Though she’s now been granted the powers and lifespan of the High Fae, she is haunted by her time Under the Mountain and the terrible deeds she performed to save the lives of Tamlin and his people.
As her marriage to Tamlin approaches, Feyre’s hollowness and nightmares consume her. She finds herself split into two different people: one who upholds her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court, and one who lives out her life in the Spring Court with Tamlin. While Feyre navigates a dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms. She might just be the key to stopping it, but only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future-and the future of a world in turmoil.
My thoughts: Wow, wow, wow. This book wrapped me up in a way that nothing else has in a very long time. It takes a lot for me to get totally enamored by something as I did on a Twilight, Harry Potter level, but this is definitely in that category for me now.
Although, this really did take me a good 100-150 pages to get totally consumed. At first I found myself not entirely caring about the fate of Feyre, but that quickly changed about a third way through the book when she starts settling into the Spring Court more. I don’t want to give any spoilers at all, so I won’t talk more about this one here.
Beach Read, Emily Henry: 3 Stars
Version: Physical Book
Description: Augustus Everett is an acclaimed author of literary fiction. January Andrews writes bestselling romance. When she pens a happily ever after, he kills off his entire cast.
They’re polar opposites.
In fact, the only thing they have in common is that for the next three months, they’re living in neighboring beach houses, broke, and bogged down with writer’s block.
Until, one hazy evening, one thing leads to another and they strike a deal designed to force them out of their creative ruts: Augustus will spend the summer writing something happy, and January will pen the next Great American Novel. She’ll take him on field trips worthy of any rom-com montage, and he’ll take her to interview surviving members of a backwoods death cult (obviously). Everyone will finish a book and no one will fall in love. Really.
My thoughts: I was expecting to like this just as much as I loved People We Meet on Vacation, but sadly I did not. It was fine, but I definitely think it could have been 50 pages shorter. The internal monologue of the main character is just a lot, and I think the end dragged on a little bit. A five star read for me is one that I wish would never end, and I was just very ready to be finished with this one.
A Court of Wings and Ruin, Sarah J. Maas: 5 Stars
Version: Physical Book
My thoughts: The last 200 pages of this book is literally stress personified, but I still loved it so much! I don’t want to say much more though…
A Court of Frost and Starlight, Sarah J. Maas: 5 Stars
Version: Physical Book
My thoughts: This is a teeny tiny book that’s more similar to a fanfiction than a novel. I actually found out after reading it that it’s not even counted as one of the ACOTAR books, and A Court of Silver Flames is actually counted as the fourth book instead of this one.
I think that makes sense, because this really is way too tiny to count. I also found the book a little lacking on actually furthering the plot- it just seemed like this book’s only purpose was to introduce the multiple viewpoints that become integral in the next book.
All that said, I did absolutely love that the book just spans the solstice (aka Christmas) celebration- I thought that was really creative and cozy after all the stress of the third book.
One Night, New York, Lara Thompson: 3 Stars
Version: Audiobook
Description: For the hundredth time since they’d made their promise, she wondered if she and Agnes were really going to go through with it, if she was brave and terrible enough . . .
A thrilling debut novel of corruption and murder set in the nightclubs, tenements, and skyscrapers of 1930s New York.
At the top of the Empire State Building on a freezing December night, two women hold their breath. Frances and Agnes are waiting for the man who has wronged them. They plan to seek the ultimate revenge.
Set over the course of a single night, One Night, New York is a detective story, a romance and a coming-of-age tale. It is also a story of old New York, of bohemian Greenwich Village between the wars, of floozies and artists and addicts—lighting up the world, while all around them America burned with the Great Depression.
My thoughts: This was an Advanced Reader Copy courteously gifted to me by Dreamscape Media and Net Galley! I did listen to it on audiobook as listed above, and I think that impacted my experience with the book.
I was really excited for this one because there aren’t many books that occur over just one night, and I thought the idea of that was really exciting. Well, this book does not take place over one night either, haha. At least 75% of the book is the months leading up to the “one night.” That was a little let down to me, but it would have been fine if the book had done justice to the one night as much as the months leading up to it. I thought the one night was a lot more rushed than the rest of the book was.
I did still like the imagery of 1930s NYC, and it was easy to feel like I was transported back into that time. I do recommend this book, but I would recommend reading it instead of listening to it.
A Court of Silver Flames, Sarah J. Maas: 5 Stars
Version: Physical Book
My thoughts: Ahhh this book is so different from the others. It’s entirely from the perspective of Nesta and Cassian, and the steamy scenes are written in an entirely different level of detail. I kind of wish there was a happy compromise between her original level of steam and this level of steam, because it’s certainly very descriptive haha.
I ended up liking it being from Nesta and Cassian’s perspective, but I really wish there had been the original two lovebirds’ perspectives woven throughout too. Make sure to read the Azriel and Feyre + Rhysand bonus chapters online if you haven’t! Those really help you guess what the next book will be about.
The Lion’s Den, Katherine St. John: 4 Stars
Version: Audiobook
Description: Belle likes to think herself immune to the dizzying effects of fabulous wealth. But when her best friend, Summer, invites her on a glamorous getaway to the Mediterranean aboard her billionaire boyfriend’s yacht, the only sensible answer is yes. Belle hopes the trip will be a much-needed break from her stalled acting career and uniquely humiliating waitressing job, but once she’s aboard the luxurious Lion’s Den, it soon becomes clear this jet-setting holiday is not as advertised.
Belle’s dream vacation quickly devolves into a nightmare as she and the handful of other girls Summer invited are treated more like prisoners than guests by their controlling host—and in one terrifying moment, Belle comes to see Summer for who she truly is: a vicious gold digger who will stop at nothing to get what she wants.
Belle realizes she’s going to have to keep her wits about her—and her own big secret closely hidden—if she wants to make it off the yacht alive.
My thoughts: This book came highly recommended to me by a friend, and I am so glad she introduced me to it! I listened to this one on audiobook, and while it was a little bit predictable in places, ultimately it did keep me on my toes and extremely intrigued.
I love anything with a life of the rich and famous angle, and throwing in a mystery/thriller angle guarantees I’ll like it. I did find myself infuriated with Belle’s friends for being so wimpy, but I am sure I don’t know how I would act if I was in this situation.
The audiobook performance of this was really good!
I’m definitely going to listen to The Siren by the same author, and I hope that one has even more glimpses into the lifestyle of the rich and famous- I just felt like Summer and John were so stupid in this one that it was hard to even be immersed in the glamour of their lifestyle since it was more crime ring than glamour.
A History of Wild Places, Shea Ernshaw: 3.5 Stars
Version: Hardback (BOTM)
Description: Travis Wren has an unusual talent for locating missing people. Hired by families as a last resort, he requires only a single object to find the person who has vanished. When he takes on the case of Maggie St. James—a well-known author of dark, macabre children’s books—he’s led to a place many believed to be only a legend.
Called “Pastoral,” this reclusive community was founded in the 1970s by like-minded people searching for a simpler way of life. By all accounts, the commune shouldn’t exist anymore and soon after Travis stumbles upon it… he disappears. Just like Maggie St. James.
Years later, Theo, a lifelong member of Pastoral, discovers Travis’s abandoned truck beyond the border of the community. No one is allowed in or out, not when there’s a risk of bringing a disease—rot—into Pastoral. Unraveling the mystery of what happened reveals secrets that Theo, his wife, Calla, and her sister, Bee, keep from one another. Secrets that prove their perfect, isolated world isn’t as safe as they believed—and that darkness takes many forms.
Hauntingly beautiful, hypnotic, and bewitching, A History of Wild Places is a story about fairy tales, our fear of the dark, and losing yourself within the wilderness of your mind.
My thoughts: *Spoiler alert review* This book was a slow start for me, but I really got invested once I realized how much the cult aspect was going to be explored. I love anything about a cult though for some reason!
I really started getting more interested when I realized Bee and Levi were involved. I did have a tiny feeling that the two main characters were really Travis and Maggie, but I didn’t guess how it all happened.
The element of Travis being able to read memories from objects seemed unnecessary to me? It wasn’t really relevant in 95% of the book, and Maggie’s mom could have just as easily told him how to find her? That’s one of my only complaints.
The Beantown Girls, Jane Healey: Stars
Version: Kindle e-book
Description: 1944: Fiona Denning has her entire future planned out. She’ll work in city hall, marry her fiancé when he returns from the war, and settle down in the Boston suburbs. But when her fiancé is reported missing after being shot down in Germany, Fiona’s long-held plans are shattered.
Determined to learn her fiancé’s fate, Fiona leaves Boston to volunteer overseas as a Red Cross Clubmobile girl, recruiting her two best friends to come along. There’s the outspoken Viviana, who is more than happy to quit her secretarial job for a taste of adventure. Then there’s Dottie, a shy music teacher whose melodious talents are sure to bring heart and hope to the boys on the front lines.
Chosen for their inner strength and outer charm, the trio isn’t prepared for the daunting challenges of war. But through it all come new friendships and romances, unforeseen dangers, and unexpected dreams. As the three friends begin to understand the real reasons they all came to the front, their courage and camaraderie will see them through some of the best and worst times of their lives.
My thoughts: This was the January book for the One More Page Book Club (you should join us by the way!), and I’m so glad it was because I don’t think I would have picked it up otherwise.
If you’re looking to dip your toes into historical fiction, I think this would be a great one to start with. The story follows three Boston native women as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime serving as Clubmobile girls for the Red Cross during WWII. I had never heard of that side of the red cross before, and it was really nice to learn something novel and new while reading about the fun characters.
This book is deeply sad in parts, and I had chills too many times to count because of the harrowing war stories. I will say though, the overall tone of this book is lighter and easier to digest than a lot of the historical fiction and war books I’ve read in the past (I’m talking about you, The Nightingale). Dottie, Viv, Fiona and there Clubmobile friends are just pure fun. The handful of romances weaved throughout the story don’t hurt either!
Btw, if you have a Kindle you can get this for free on Amazon.
The Siren, Katherine St. James: 5 Stars
Version: Audiobook
Description: In the midst of a sizzling hot summer, some of Hollywood’s most notorious faces are assembled on the idyllic Caribbean island of St. Genesius to film The Siren, starring dangerously handsome megastar Cole Power playing opposite his ex-wife, Stella Rivers. The surefire blockbuster promises to entice audiences with its sultry storyline and intimately connected cast.
Three very different women arrive on set, each with her own motive. Stella, an infamously unstable actress, is struggling to reclaim the career she lost in the wake of multiple, very public breakdowns. Taylor, a fledgling producer, is anxious to work on a film she hopes will turn her career around after her last job ended in scandal. And Felicity, Stella’s mysterious new assistant, harbors designs of her own that threaten to upend everyone’s plans.
With a hurricane brewing offshore, each woman finds herself trapped on the island, united against a common enemy. But as deceptions come to light, misplaced trust may prove more perilous than the storm itself..
My thoughts: Right after finishing The Lion’s Den, I immediately queued up The Siren, making it easier than ever to gush over and compare Katherine St. James’ two books. I do have to say, I enjoyed this one much, much more than The Lion’s Den (which I also thought was good).
This one had a lot more life of the rich and famous workings, and I enjoyed reading more about the glitz and glamour in these characters’ lives than those of Summer and John from The Lion’s Den. I also liked how the plot of this one twisted and turned in the best ways! It wasn’t very predictable, and the ending was really satisfying for me personally. I recommend picking up either of those books for your next beach vacation or when in need of a mindless, thrilling read.
The Maid, Nita Prose: 4 Stars
Version: Book of the Month (Join Now for $5)
Description: Molly Gray is not like everyone else. She struggles with social skills and misreads the intentions of others. Her gran used to interpret the world for her, codifying it into simple rules that Molly could live by.
Since Gran died a few months ago, twenty-five-year-old Molly has been navigating life’s complexities all by herself. No matter—she throws herself with gusto into her work as a hotel maid. Her unique character, along with her obsessive love of cleaning and proper etiquette, make her an ideal fit for the job. She delights in donning her crisp uniform each morning, stocking her cart with miniature soaps and bottles, and returning guest rooms at the Regency Grand Hotel to a state of perfection.
But Molly’s orderly life is upended the day she enters the suite of the infamous and wealthy Charles Black, only to find it in a state of disarray and Mr. Black himself dead in his bed. Before she knows what’s happening, Molly’s unusual demeanor has the police targeting her as their lead suspect. She quickly finds herself caught in a web of deception, one she has no idea how to untangle. Fortunately for Molly, friends she never knew she had unite with her in a search for clues to what really happened to Mr. Black—but will they be able to find the real killer before it’s too late?
A Clue-like, locked-room mystery and a heartwarming journey of the spirit, The Maid explores what it means to be the same as everyone else and yet entirely different—and reveals that all mysteries can be solved through connection to the human heart.
My thoughts: Ahh I was not expecting to love the Maid as much as I did. It was just the cozy, winter read I needed! It had mystery, heartwarming friendship, quirky humor and more.
This book is essentially Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine if it was a murder mystery set in a hotel – sign me up!
You cannot help but hopelessly root for Molly the Maid and laugh (with her, not at her) through all her sweet-spirited missteps. It was equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming to see her navigate life after losing the only person she could ever depend on in life, her beloved Gran.
Plus, I was so happy to find out this is becoming a movie, starring Florence Pugh! I knew this would make a perfect screen adaptation, but I never got my hopes up for Florence Pugh to play our main character. She’ll be so good in this role!
Sourdough, Robin Sloan: 4 Stars
Version: Audiobook
Description: Lois Clary is a software engineer at General Dexterity, a San Francisco robotics company with world-changing ambitions. She codes all day and collapses at night, her human contact limited to the two brothers who run the neighborhood hole-in-the-wall from which she orders dinner every evening. Then, disaster! Visa issues. The brothers close up shop, and fast. But they have one last delivery for Lois: their culture, the sourdough starter used to bake their bread. She must keep it alive, they tell her—feed it daily, play it music, and learn to bake with it.
Lois is no baker, but she could use a roommate, even if it is a needy colony of microorganisms. Soon, not only is she eating her own homemade bread, she’s providing loaves daily to the General Dexterity cafeteria. The company chef urges her to take her product to the farmer’s market, and a whole new world opens up.
When Lois comes before the jury that decides who sells what at Bay Area markets, she encounters a close-knit club with no appetite for new members. But then, an alternative emerges: a secret market that aims to fuse food and technology. But who are these people, exactly?
My thoughts: This was so quirky and cute! I saw this one recommended as “local interest” in my favorite San Francisco Bay Area bookstore, and I was able to get it easily from the library. This story was so unique from anything I’ve really ever read, which at first made me think I wouldn’t like it as much as I ended up.
Lois is just so likable. I felt for her so much in those early days of her tech job, and it was really funny to read the books’ perspective of the tech industry from the up close view I have to it.
I absolutely loved the journey our main character went on, and I thought the ending couldn’t have been cuter. The magical element of the sourdough was just the right touch to what could have been a boring plot! I’m not going to lie, this made me really want to make sourdough haha.
A Flicker in the Dark, Stacy Willingham: 4 Stars
Version: BOTM (Join now for $5)
Description: When Chloe Davis was twelve, six teenage girls went missing in her small Louisiana town. By the end of the summer, her own father had confessed to the crimes and was put away for life, leaving Chloe and the rest of her family to grapple with the truth and try to move forward while dealing with the aftermath.
Now twenty years later, Chloe is a psychologist in Baton Rouge and getting ready for her wedding. While she finally has a fragile grasp on the happiness she’s worked so hard to achieve, she sometimes feels as out of control of her own life as the troubled teens who are her patients. So when a local teenage girl goes missing, and then another, that terrifying summer comes crashing back. Is she paranoid, seeing parallels from her past that aren’t actually there, or for the second time in her life, is Chloe about to unmask a killer?
My thoughts: I originally picked this up for my husband to read, but I ended up getting to it before him. I actually liked it so much, and I thought the ending was really satisfying. This story had me changing my mind on who I thought the killer was countless times!
This was one of those can’t-put-down books for me. I just had to find out who the killer was!
Tiny spoiler warning *there end up being two people involved in the murders, and I thought it was kind of unnecessary. I really think the person closest to the story could have been it, but I can kind of see why the author didn’t do it that way! If you’ve read it and know what i’m talking about, I would love to discuss.
The Sundown Motel, Simone St. James: Stars
Version: Audiobook
Description: Upstate New York, 1982. Viv Delaney wants to move to New York City, and to help pay for it she takes a job as the night clerk at the Sun Down Motel in Fell, New York. But something isnʼt right at the motel, something haunting and scary.
Upstate New York, 2017. Carly Kirk has never been able to let go of the story of her aunt Viv, who mysteriously disappeared from the Sun Down before she was born. She decides to move to Fell and visit the motel, where she quickly learns that nothing has changed since 1982. And she soon finds herself ensnared in the same mysteries that claimed her aunt.
My thoughts:
A Discovery of Witches, Deborah Harkness: Stars
Version: ebook
Description: Deborah Harkness’s sparkling debut, A Discovery of Witches, has brought her into the spotlight and galvanized fans around the world. In this tale of passion and obsession, Diana Bishop, a young scholar and a descendant of witches, discovers a long-lost and enchanted alchemical manuscript, Ashmole 782, deep in Oxford’s Bodleian Library. Its reappearance summons a fantastical underworld, which she navigates with her leading man, vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont.
Harkness has created a universe to rival those of Anne Rice, Diana Gabaldon, and Elizabeth Kostova, and she adds a scholar’s depth to this riveting tale of magic and suspense. The story continues in book two, Shadow of Night, and concludes with The Book of Life.
My thoughts: Wow, this book does not receive the amount of attention it deserves! However, while I’m wholly obsessed with this book and the two main characters’ relationship, I don’t think it’s fair to say this series is for everyone.
This book is HEAVY on detail. I could have done without at least one of each of the many scenes on wine tasting, alchemical manuscript descriptions and Diana’s recovery from being brutally attacked… there was just a lot of that! You also definitely need to like the overprotective male trope, because that’s definitely one of the biggest pillars of Matthew and Diana’s relationship.
Honestly though, I still LOVED this book. I did skim over some of her readings of manuscripts and things because I just wasn’t needing to know to that level of detail. I’m excited for the next books in this series! If you like dark academia vibes, detailed fantasy world building, vampire romances, forbidden love, this series is for you. It’s also a TV series, and we finished the first season last night and loved it so much.
Before this post ends, I have to quickly shout out my new bookstagram @lorensbooknook! I started this account this month to share even more reads and book content than I have space for on my blog instagram.
Please consider following me on there for a fun environment to chat about books. I can’t wait to connect with more and more readers there.
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