It’s time to switch over and start a new yearly book list! As I finish each book, I share it and a mini review in real-time on my Instagram Stories and I also keep an updated list here.
If you’re interested in my previous lists, you can find them here: 2020 Book List, 2021 Book List, 2022 Book List, and 2023 Book List. Feel free to bookmark this page, as I will keep it updated as I finish each book. I’ll also stick a link to this post over on the right sidebar for easy access.
Here are the books I’ve read so far in 2024:
| Book #, Information & Link | Mini Book Review |
| Book #1 of 2024: Freaks, Gleeks & Dawson’s Creek: How 7 Teen Shows Transformed Television by Thea Glassman | The untold stories of seven teen shows (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, My So-Called Life, Dawson’s Creek, Freaks and Geeks, The O.C., Friday Night Lights, and Glee) that shaped the course of modern television and our pop cultural landscape forever. A really interesting look into the behind the scenes creation and cultural significance of the shows. However, I did think that it would be a bit more gossipy, rather than a review of the production, casting and story boarding for each show. My favorite chapters were the ones on My So-Called Life, The O.C. and Glee. |
| Book #2 of 2024: Between Us by Mhairi McFarlane | A novel about a woman whose life unravels spectacularly after her screenwriter boyfriend uses their relationship as inspiration for his new television show. I usually love Mhairi McFarlane books, but this one just didn’t hit the spot for me. It was messy and sad and I felt like I was living through a long and drawn out breakup. It wasn’t witty or laugh out loud funny or even romantic like I’ve enjoyed from this author previously. And I wasn’t really invested in the new love at the end. |
| Book #3 of 2024: Magical Midlife Flowers (Leveling Up Series 7.5) by KF Breene | The author sent out an email that a kickstarter bonus story just became available and I snapped it up! I love the Magical Midlife series and this little side adventure was super fun. There’s a flower show with murderous flowers, some group bonding, Jessie’s terrible ex and some romance too. If you’re a fan of the series, grab this one ASAP! |
| Book #4 of 2024: The Christmas Fix by Lucy Score | A hurricane puts Merry, Connecticut under water and it will take a Christmas miracle to get it put back together. Hot damn. This is like a smutty, sexy Hallmark Christmas movie meets HGTV. A kickass take no crap leading lady and some very steamy scenes that Lucy Score is known for. So, so good and I even teared up a little at the end! |
| Book #5 of 2024: All it Takes is a Goal by Jon Acuff | This book shows you how to plan goals that you’re guaranteed to reach by focusing on your best moments, navigating the three zones of performance, and finding ways to fuel your passions, all while actually enjoying the ride. Yeah. I totally lost interest about halfway though. HOWEVER, I did very much enjoy the idea of building a ‘best moments’ list. The idea is that you make a list of your best moments and then try to make more of them. It helps you have a positive focus and also enhances gratitude. |
| Book #6 of 2024: Thank You For Listening by Julie Whelan | The story of a former actress turned successful audiobook narrator—who has lost sight of her dreams after a tragic accident—and her journey of self-discovery, love, and acceptance when she agrees to narrate one last romance novel. A fun take on romance novels and their tropes with a more serious side of overcoming trauma and figuring out what life will look like now. I enjoyed the best friendship and also the quick and then slow burn romance. Free on Kindle Unlimited! |
| Book #7 of 2024: What Became of Magic by Paige Crutcher | Living a solitary life until the age of thirty, Aline’s life takes an unexpected turn when she is invited to a town that doesn’t exist on any map. Arriving in Matchstick, Aline learns of a lost magic that desperately needs to be found and only her unique powers can do it. This entire book was like talking to the Mad Hatter and the Cheshire Cat. Everything was a damn riddle and nobody made any sense. I finished it because I thought maybe it would make sense at the end. And when I finished the last sentence, I said out loud “wow, I hate this book’ |
| Book #8 of 2024: Funny Feelings by Tarah Dewitt | Farley Jones is a standup comedian and the only thing she loves more than the rush of telling jokes is her hot older manager Meyer, though he doesn’t have a clue. When the biggest opportunity of Farley’s career comes along and forces the pair to fake-date in order to stir up publicity, it doesn’t take long for their act to bring all those other funny feelings out into the open. A super fun, entertaining and truly sweet romance! If you love friends to lovers and pretending to date turning into romance, you’ll love this book. I enjoyed it so much that I’m planning to hunt down more to read from this awesome author! |
| Book #9 of 2024: The Co-Op by Tarah DeWitt | Still on my Tarah DeWitt obsession! The Co-op is a steamy second chance romance about the never-ending construction project that partnership is, and finding enjoyment at every stage. With that being said, I really disliked LaRynn for the first half of the book. Look, I know she had issues but she was just so mean for no reason. Honestly, they both needed therapy. I did like the last third of the book much more when they both let down their guard. And I totally squealed when a character from Funny Feelings showed up for the perfect moment! |
| Book #10 of 2024: Rootbound by Tarah DeWitt | Another romance from Tarah DeWitt? Don’t mind if I do! Rootbound is set on a rustic ranch in Idaho and centers on family, heartbreak and whether the potential for disaster is worth the risk that accompanies love. Loved Tait and Henry so much. Even if I do hate her name. Their friendship. The family dynamics. The romance. So, so good. |
| Book #11 of 2024: | In Rootbound, Funny Feelings, and in The Co-op, we get to see pieces of these characters’ pasts, along with glimpses of their futures. This is a book about their Christmas presents; each taking place the year following “The End.” After reading the authors three books back-to-back, of course I had to finish out the series with this holiday bonus! |
| Book #12 of 2024: Same Time Next Year by Tessa Bailey | With a half brother on the team, Britta has a strict no-dating policy for hockey boys. But she does have a soft spot for one particular player. With his work visa about to expire, Sumner’s only chance to stay in Bridgeport is to marry an American—and get a green card. Oooh this one is sweet and spicy! Tessa Bailey is always awesome and this fun little novella is totally worth the read. |
| Book #13 of 2024: Dear Evan Hansen: The Novel by Val Emmich, Steven Levenson, Benjamin Pasek and Justin Paul | This novel was inspired by the Broadway show, Dear Evan Hansen, and written by the shows creators. While I am a musical theater nerd, I haven’t seen this show (or the movie), so I thought this would be good pre-reading. After reading the first half, I watched a few of the shows performances, so I’m excited to now watch the movie version and see how they line up. With that being said, the book was a heartbreaking coming-of-age novel about mental health and suicide. I’m not sure I’m ready to watch it again, but with singing quite yet. |
| Book #14 of 2024: Hypnotized by Love by Sariah Wilson | Hypnotist Savannah Sinclair is known for helping clients overcome their deep-rooted issues, from anxiety to addiction. But her nontraditional approach also attracts plenty of skeptics―including her high school nemesis and rival, Mason Beckett, who just so happens to be the boy who broke her heart. I really liked the authors other book (Lessons in Chemistry) but this one was a miss for me. I found Savannah so selfish and it drives me crazy how she would so loudly and dramatically jump to the worst conclusions. Every. Single. Time. And Mason was apparently perfect at everything. And forgiving every time. Glad this was a free February read, because I hated it. |
| Book #15 of 2024: No Time Like the Future by Michael J Fox | In this memoir, Michael shares personal stories and observations about illness and health, aging, the strength of family and friends, and how our perceptions about time affect the way we approach mortality. Apparently he has 3 other memoirs, so this book is really more of a snippet of his life and some of the ups and downs he’s seen over the past few years. He’s optimistic and clever and I enjoyed this look into his life. |
| Book #16 of 2024: The Exception to the Rule (The Improbable Meet-Cute Collection) by Christina Lauren | On February 14, an accidental email to a stranger opens the door to an unexpected relationship in a captivating short story that is part of the Improbable Meet-Cute Collection. Oh my gosh, this penpal meet cute was absolutely adorable and I was rooting for them the whole way! (Collection free right now for Kindle Unlimited!) |
| Book #17 of 2024: Worst Wingman Ever (The Improbable Meet-Cute Collection) by Abby Jimenez | A valentines note on the wrong car leads to this meet cute and OHMYGOD I liked this one even more than the last one. A total swoon from me. Download this one asap! (Collection free right now for Kindle Unlimited!) |
| Book #18 of 2024: Rosie and the Dreamboat (The Improbable Meet-Cute Collection) by Sally Thorne | Rosie and her sister are up for some Galentine’s pampering at a day spa — until she gets locked inside a flotation tank. Enter a firefighter hero determined to pry this luckless pearl out of her high-tech shell. Blegh. Nope. Not this one. Skip it. (Collection free right now for Kindle Unlimited!) |
| Book #19 of 2024: Drop, Cover and Hold On (The Improbable Meet-Cute Collection) by Jasmine Guillory | A Valentine’s Day earthquake traps Daisy and the handsome bakery owner in his shop. I usually love this author, but this short story is another blegh for me. Skip this one too. (Collection free right now for Kindle Unlimited!) |
| Book #20 of 2024: | Audrey Love is cursed to be the person before you find your soulmate, the girl you dump for your true love. So when her best friend disappears hours before his Valentine’s Day wedding, Audrey fears that she did the unthinkable and kissed him at last night’s bachelor party. A cute ‘missing groom’ story but this short story really needed more time to turn into something. It was abrupt and kinda meh. (Collection free right now for Kindle Unlimited!) |
| Book #21 of 2024: Royal Valentine (The Improbable Meet-Cute Collection) by Sariah Wilson | Valentine’s Day becomes a Roman holiday for a princess in disguise in the last of the short stories. While the collection started out strong with two winners, the rest — including this one — was rather lackluster. Moving on. (Collection free right now for Kindle Unlimited!) |
| Book #22 of 2024: Keeper of Enchanted Rooms (Whimbrel House Book 1) by Charlie Holmberg | Set in a magical version of 1856, writer Merritt Fernsby is surprised to inherit a remote property that has been uninhabited for more than a century. Oh, and it’s haunted and won’t let him leave. Hulda Larkin has been trained in taming such structures in order to preserve their historical and magical significance. To do that, she’ll need to move in, too. Such a fun start to a new series with some wonderful world building and a very, very bad guy. It reminded me a bit of the Paper Magician series, which made much more sense when I realized it was by the same author. Can’t wait to continue the series with the next book. |
| Book #23 of 2024: Heir of Uncertain Magic (Whimbrel House Book 2) by Charlie Holmberg | Another adventure for Hulda and Merritt and the gang. Merritt’s powers are growing, Hulda’s boss is missing, and somebody has been manipulating their emotions. Loved the mystery and the new adventure, as well as some of the core group’s shenanigans. Loving this series and I’m looking forward to book 3. |
| Book #24 of 2024: Boy of Chaotic Making (Whimbrel House Book 3) by Charlie Holmberg | The third and last(?) in the series and it was so much fun! Merritt and Hulda have another adventure, this one in England where they have the opportunity to get Owein his own body. He was previously haunting a house and then shoved into a dog body. It was a whole thing. But he has the chance to become a human again and life the life that was cut so short. A wonderful end to the series, but honestly I’d love some more stories with them! |
| Book #25 of 2024: Amazing Adventures of a Nobody by Leon Logothetis | Tired of his disconnected life and uninspiring job, Leon Logothetis leaves it all behind and hits the road, deciding to go from New York’s Times Square to the Hollywood sign on nothing but $5 a day and the kindness of strangers. You guys. This dude is an idiot. He almost gets murdered like a dozen times. He has no street smarts. And if he were a woman… I mean. Come on. Also, I was really annoyed that he mentions in passing ‘oh yeah, I have a television team recording me the whole time’, but basically nothing else about that. Like. Really? You’re jumping in a car with a woman obviously having a mental break? And where is your camera crew. This book just made me mad. |
| Book #26 of 2024: Plot Twist by Erin La Rosa | Romance author Sophie Lyon’s ironic secret just went viral: she’s never been in love—and it’s ruining her reputation. With a manuscript deadline looming, Sophie makes an ambitious plan to overcome her writer’s block: reunite with her exes to learn why she’s never fallen in love, and document it all for her millions of new online followers. Luckily, Sophie’s reclusive landlord, Dash Montrose—a former teen heartthrob—has social media all figured out and is willing to help. This one was quite a surprise. Yes, it was a romance. But the way it also focused on Dash’s sobriety journey and his fears in starting a new relationship were really good. There were some spicy scenes and the ending felt well earned and real. |
| Book #27 of 2023: Face: One Square Foot of Skin by Justine Bateman | Face is a book of fictional vignettes that examines the fear and vestigial evolutionary habits that have caused women and men to cultivate the imagined reality that older women’s faces are unattractive, undesirable, and something to be “fixed.” I was hoping for an empowering look at the bullshit idea that women are of less value as they age. Instead, it was a slightly depressing group of short stories of the reality of being judged for getting older. |
| Book #28 of 2024: You, Again by Kate Goldbeck | This book is described as a When Harry Met Sally retelling for romance lovers who like realistic and flawed characters. And there are aspects of it that I enjoyed — like catching up with the characters after a series of time jumps. However, both Ari and Josh are really unlikable. They both had so much baggage and frankly need therapy before getting into a relationship. Especially with each other. |
| Book #29 of 2024: Magical Midlife Awakening (Leveling Up Book 10) by K.F. Breene | Oh this series. I will NEVER tire of this series and the absolutely hilarious characters. If you like a fun fantasy series with quirky characters, this one is an absolute winner. Start at the beginning because the story is epic and the kind where I literally laugh out loud with my kindle. I kind of hope it never ends! |
| Book #30 of 2024: Fourth Wing (The Empyrean 1) by Rebecca Yarros | Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general―also known as her tough-as-talons mother―has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders. After EVERYONE has recommended this book, I finally read it and YES THEY WERE RIGHT! This book is like a more grown up version of Harry Potter but with riding dragons, killing each other and a liberal helping of spicy relationships. I was absolutely glued to it and couldn’t wait to get back to my reading each day. Loved it. Yelled at the end. Immediately downloaded the second one in the series. |
| Book #31 of 2024: Iron Flame (The Empyrean 2) by Rebecca Yarros | Okay I’m pissed off now. I READ this series because I thought it was 2 books. I avoided spoilers purposefully, but Amazon shows “Book 2 of 2.” They were both published. I was good to go. AND then it ends on a damn cliffhanger and I find out that the series is actually going to be 5 books and only 2 are out and I have to wait?!?! With that being said this book was awesome and even better than the first and I’m so dang annoyed that I have to wait for more.  |
| Book #32 of 2024: Fodor’s Travel: Best Weekend Road Trips | Back in the old days before we used the Internet for everything, the Fodor’s Travel books were exactly what you needed to plan your trip. I haven’t looked though one in decades, so this 2021 version was nostalgic in all the right ways. A great resource and it gave me some fun ideas for our upcoming Tucson trip and also some spots close to home. |
| Book #33 of 2024: Skip to the End by Molly James | Amy Daniels has the power that as soon as she kisses someone, she knows, in intimate, vivid detail, how their relationship will finish. And there seems to be no end to the unhappy endings. At her best friend’s wedding, Amy drunkenly kisses three men and sees three possible endings: two painful, one perfect. The problem is, Amy can’t really remember who she kissed, and worse, what ending belongs to which person. A super cute romance with strong friendships and a fun ‘who is its mystery. I guessed the mystery love at the beginning, but the journey was a fun one. |
| Book #34 of 2024: Role Playing by Cathy Yardley | A cute rom-com about two middle age gamers who meet online, become IRL friends and then fall in love. I enjoyed the fully fleshed out characters and the slow burn of the friendship. However there were a couple just horrible characters that I wish would have gotten what was coming to them. |
| Book #35 of 2024: Hanging By a Thread (Cricket Crosby Caper Book 3) by Liz Talley | Part-time private investigator/antiques store owner Cricket Crosby finds herself eyeballs deep investigating the attempted murder of a wealthy matriarch. Another fun visit to our friends in this mystery series. I wasn’t expecting a third book, so it was a nice surprise when this popped up in my kindle unlimited books! |
| Book #36 of 2024: A Grave Robbery (Veronica Speedwell 9) | I love the Veronica Speedwell mystery series and I requested a library hold as soon as the latest book was published! In this adventure, Veronica and Stoker are trying to solve the mystery of a wax form, which turns out to actually be an oddly preserved actual human body. One of the best adventures yet and Veronica and Stoker’s ongoing love story makes me swoon. |
| Book #37 of 2024: Marie Kondo’s Kurashi at Home | The entire book basically comes down to” live a joyful life with what you have now.” There are some good chapters on purging what you don’t need and keeping what brings you joy. As well as some exercises on visualizing your ideal day/life. However, for me it felt quite repetitive with her other Kondo method book. |
| Book #38 of 2024: Before I’m Gone by Heidi McLaighlin | This one is absolutely a DNF for me. I only made it to chapter 9 and it was awful. The writing felt really immature — like it would tell you everything and not show you anything. Just very stilted and painful to read. With that being said, people on Amazon seem to like this book. So…  |
| Book #39 of 2024: Pretend You’re Mine (Benevolence Book 1) by Lucy Score | I love Lucy Score as a writer so I downloaded this older book on my kindle a while ago. Military man who likes his solitude and is mourning a loss meets a manic pixie dream girl. It’s fun, but honestly I really loved the rest of the town even more than the main character drama. So I’m happy to see there are two more books set in the same world that are free on Kindle Unlimited! |
| Book #40 of 2024: Finally Mine (Benevolence Book 2) By Lucy Score | The second in this Lucy Score series and this one tells the story of Gloria and Aldo. Best friends with the characters from the first book. While this one focuses on their love story, it covers the same time period — so a lot of events and conversations are word for word repeats. Still a good book, but a little repetitive. Of course, that’s not keeping me from moving on to the last book in the series. |
| Book #41 of 2024: Protecting What’s Mine (Benevolence Book 3) By Lucy Score | The third and last in this Lucy Score series. I really liked this one — it was set about 5 years after the last two in the series, so it was nice to revisit the previous characters. This one focused on Fire Chief Lincoln Reed and Flight trauma surgeon Mackenzie O’Neil. I found parts of this one really funny and a great slow burn romance too! Great end to the series. |
| Book #42 of 2024: Murder by the Book (Lucy Little 1) by Gina LaManna | A cute mystery with Lucy Little, a romance writer than falls into the middle of a murder. This book serves as a pretty great set up to a series. But, it looks like there is no series considering this was published in 2021, there are no other books and the author doesn’t even have it listed on her website with the rest of her books. So odd. A fun one-off though, but seeing as there are no more I would have liked some more closure on her relationships. |
| Book 43 of 2024: This Crimson Debt by Rose Sinister | I had a whole phase of vampire stories when I was much younger, so this one had a nostalgic factor for me. Basically millennial girl gets turned into a vampire with no warning and wakes up confused and hungry. A fun story and I enjoyed many parts of it. However, it really needs to go though another round of editing as typos and broken sentences were really frustrating and took me right out of the story. A second novel in the series was planned… but doesn’t look like it happened. Bummer. I would be open minded to reading more (as long as it’s proofread!) |
| Book #44 of 2024: I See You Made An Effort by Annabelle Gurwitch | Actor and humorist Annabelle Gurwitch confronts middle age with candor, wit, and a healthy dose of self-deprecation. This is a DNF for me. I understand she’s being self-deprecating. But honestly it just comes across as depressing and not funny to me. |
| Book #45 of 2024: Mile High (Windy City book 1) by Liz Tomforde | A Chicago hockey player with a bad reputation and his team’s personal airplane’s flight attendant — we’ve got a bit of enemies to lovers here, with some forbidden love and misunderstandings tropes. However, this medium spicy romance is so much more because it brings in a mental health angle that I found really fantastic. I really liked this one and it convinced me that I need to read the next one in the series with high expectations! |
| Book #46 of 2024: The Right Move (Windy City book 2) by Liz Tomforde | The second in the Windy City series, and this one follows Ryan and Indy — the twin brother and best friend of Stevie from the first book. This one is a ‘faking a relationship’ trope with lots of misunderstandings. Super cute love story with some spicy scenes. Loved the slow burn of the relationship and the continued look at Stevie and Zander’s life too (from Mile High). |
| Book #47 of 2024: The Dead Guy Next Store (Riley Thorn 1) by Lucy Score | I love Lucy Score and this book is one of the strongest starts to a series I’ve read in a long time. It’s a who-done-it/comedy/romance. And literally laugh out loud hilarious. Like I snort laughed alone while reading it and then would re-read the paragraph because it was so funny. Can’t wait to check out the next in the series. |
| Book #48 of 2024: The Corpse in the Closet (Riley Thorn 2) by Lucy Score | Book 2 picks up right where book 1 leaves off and another case has come to Riley and Nick to solve. Lots and lots of fun and a little romance too. At this point I pretty much love all the characters and will be sad when I run out of books. If you like a kooky who-done-it that makes you laugh out loud, you absolutely need to try this series! |
| Book #49 of 2024: The Blast from the Past (Riley Thorn 3) by Lucy Score | A truly chaotic third book in this super fun series. It’s like an I Love Lucy episode x1000 and I love the whole group so much. Some great comeuppance for a bully, a main convoluted mystery to solve and some sweet romance too. Love this series and can’t wait until the next one comes out in July! |
| Book #50 of 2024: The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes by Xio Axelrod | This book was described as A Star is Born meets Daisy Jones and the Six and follows an all-female rock band on the brink of breaking out. And honestly, I didn’t really enjoy this one. I found many of the characters unlikable and just all-around immature for being adults. And I hated the two ‘love interests’ together so much I had to skip past their spicy scenes because they were just blegh. I did finish it, but will not be reading any more in this series. I actually saw that the second book is out when I was recently at the library and I passed on it. |
| Book #51 of 2024: Caught Up (Windy City Book 3) by Liz Tomforde | I took a little break from this series, but I’m back with single dad Kai, his adorable kid Max and the love interest, Miller. It was an opposites attract trope and a ‘summer fling’ that was always going to be more. A fun addition to the series. However, I have a HUGE pet peeve for this author — she uses the phrase “pops her shoulders” so many, many, many times in EVERY book. I hate it. It drives me nuts and I want to email her about the word shrug. Sigh. And yes, I’ll be reading the last book in the series when it comes out next month. |
| Book #52 of 2024: My Ride or Die by Leslie Cohen | Two best friends decide to give up their search for the perfect man and buy a house together. They form an alliance — to rely on each other and give men the secondary role that they deserve. This premise had so much promise. But unfortunately both main characters were pretty unlikable and it went exactly as I expected it to go. And the last third or so was just so disappointing. |
| Book #53 of 2024: Bless Your Heart by Lindy Ryan | It’s 1999 in Southeast Texas and the Evans women, owners of the only funeral parlor in town, are keeping steady with normal business when the past comes back to haunt them in the form of the Strigoli — the original vampires. I started this book before the weekend and then just couldn’t get into it when I tried to revisit it. It was just too convoluted and is a DNF for me. |
| Book #54 of 2024: Savor It by Tarah Dewitt | I love Tarah Dewitt and her latest romantic comedy is so good. Sage Byrd is sick of being pitied when her 5 year relationship with the town golden boy ends and he gets engaged to her friend. A friendship with the new guy in town for the summer turns into something more and it’s just the right about of silliness, sweetness and romance. A really good realistic slow burn romance and I loved it. |
| Book #55 of 2024: Begin Again by Helly Acton | Frankie McKenzie dies in a freak kebab-related accident after what she sees as yet another dud of a first date. But life isn’t over for Frankie. Instead, she is miraculously offered a second chance: Frankie can revisit key moments from her past to see if different choices will lead her to the fulfilling life she’s always dreamt of. This one had a slow start but I really enjoyed looking at all the ‘what if’ lives. The ending was a bit abrupt though |
| Book #56 of 2024: A Cage of Crimson (Deliciously Dark Fairytales) by K.F. Breene | A new book from K.F. Breene is an instant download from me! This new tale is in her world from a Ruin of Roses and it’s quite a spicy retelling with a Red Riding Hood spin. You don’t have to read the other books in this series to enjoy it, but I do recommend reading them first because some characters we know and love are heavily featured. Also, be prepared to hide the pages from kiddo eyes because this one is extra spicy! |
| Book #57 of 2024: Petty Betty by Ruby Smoke | During their weekly, drunken, girls’ night, Betsey and her friends fantasize about revenge for all who have been scorned. Then, after six too many shots…Petty Betty is born as a way to get back at the men who deserve it. But things get complicated when Petty Betty’s first target, Nathan, turns out to be the man of her dreams. This book reads like the first 90% was written by a high school girl and the last 10% was written by a teen boy who has never seen actual boobs before. So, so stupid. |
| Book #58 of 2024: Bride or Die by Madison Score | Proposal planner Claire Hartley thought calling off her own wedding would be the most traumatic event of her year. But when her ex-college roommate vanishes without a trace and Claire begins receiving mysterious threats, she realizes she has bigger problems. Could she be the next victim of West Haven’s suspected serial killer? I love Lucy Score, so when she talked up her sister’s book I figured I’d add it to my list. This one was a fun murder mystery with some pretty funny parts. Pretty good promise and I’m looking forward to the second in the series. |
| Book #59 of 2024: Say Yes to the Death by Madison Score | After putting her would-be-murderer behind bars, Claire Hartley is determined to get back to planning elaborate marriage proposals and exploring her undefined relationship with grumpy filmmaker Luke. Unfortunately, perfect isn’t in the cards for Claire when she becomes the target of mysterious threats that feel oddly familiar. The second in this series and another good mystery with some very funny parts. While I didn’t love the relationship stuff, I did laugh out loud at her snacking sleepwalking shenanigans. |
| Book #60 of 2024: Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score (Knocklemout Book 1) | Okay so I somehow read book 2 and book 3 in the Knockemout series without reading book 1. And then, I wasn’t sure it was worth it considering that I knew where the story was going. Anyways, I decided to start at the beginning with Knox and Naomi’s story and it was totally worth it. And now, dang it, I may have to re-read the other 2 in the series. |
| Book #61 of 2024: Things We Hide from the Light by Lucy Score (Knocklemout Book 2) | After I finished book 1 of this series, I had to re-read book 2 again. Just as good as the first time and even better with the nuance from reading the first book. If you haven’t read this series yet, it’s on Kindle Unlimited for free! On to a re-read of book 3. |
| Book #62 of 2024: Things We Left Behind by Lucy Score (Knocklemout Book 3) | Book 3 and my last re-read of this series and all the happy tears. Love this series even more upon the second reading. And I especially love that Lucy Score has ALL the bonus epilogue scenes on her website checking back in on all our favorite characters. |
| Book #63 of 2024: The Body In the Backyard (Riley Thorn 4) by Lucy Score | Yay, a new book in the Riley Thorn series came out this week! In this murder mystery, someone is trying to kill Riley’s absolutely awesome self-absorbed news anchor ex-husband. They need some money, so Riley and her hot PI boyfriend take the case. Another super fun and hilarious who-done-it and a great addition to the series! |
| Book #64 of 2024: Play Along (Windy City Book 4) by Liz Tomforde | Book 4 in the Windy City series and I love revisiting all the previous characters for this new story. This one centers on Kennedy and Isaiah — another sweet romance with some low stakes drama. There will be just one more in the series (April 2025) before the author wraps it all up and I’m sure it will be another fun re-visit next spring. |
| Book #65 of 2024: The Menopause Manifesto by Dr Jen Gunter | This should be required reading for women age 40 and up. Everything you’ll want to know about perimenopause and menopause with scientific studies, lots of fantastic information and humor. Knowing the what, why, and what you can do about it is helpful and reassuring. Free on Kindle Unlimited. |
| Book #66 of 2024: Divorce Towers by Ellen Meister | Addison Torres leaves NYC to be the new concierge at a luxury condo building, nicknamed “Divorce Towers” due to the constant influx of the newly single. It’s basically like a version of Melrose Place where everyone is sleeping with everyone else. However, somehow boring? This was the free Kindle read this month and I could only get 1/3 though because it was just so stupid. |
| Book #67 of 2024: One Last Shot by Betty Cayouette | A debut romance about a supermodel and a photographer with a past marriage pact who meet again ten years later on a photoshoot. There were certainly some very sweet parts in this one, but I feel like this book really needed a better editor. During the ‘big reveal’ there were full on spelling errors (ex, instead of ‘I can’t live my life without you’ it was ‘I can’t live me life without you’. Sigh) The back and forth from high school to 10 years later was also more tedious than interesting. Finally, one good conversation would have solved like 90% of the characters issues. |
| Book #68 of 2024: Funny Story by Emily Henry | Daphne and Peter are about to get married, until he dumps her for his best gal pal. With nowhere to live, Daphne moves in with her ex fiancé’s new fiancée’s ex boyfriend. And accidentally tells Peter that they are dating. It’s a little messy but in the best way. And a wonderful and funny book of growth, finding new friends and a found-family, and opening up a broken heart for love again. A great beach read! |
| Book #69 of 2024: Assassins Anonymous by Rob Hart | Mark was the most dangerous killer-for-hire in the world. But he left all of that behind, and joined a twelve-step group for reformed killers. Until he is attacked by an unknown assailant, is forced to run and try to solve the puzzle of who’s after him. All without killing anyone. I read this in one day — super suspenseful story with some really fun characters. Saw one twist from the beginning, but a super enjoyable read with lots of twists and turns! Highly recommend for suspense readers. |
| Book #70 of 2024: The Five Year Lie by Sarina Bowen | A shocking text 5 years after her lover disappeared is the start of this thriller. And oh my gosh, so so suspenseful! I read it all in one day because I couldn’t put it down. Lots of twists and turns and a very satisfying conclusion too. |
| Book #71 of 2024: Becoming Ted by Matt Cain | At forty-three, Ted is convinced there’s nothing remotely remarkable about him, except perhaps his luck in having landed handsome, charismatic Giles as a husband. Then Giles suddenly leaves him for another man, and Ted must reimagine the future he has happily taken for granted. A really fantastic book of figuring out what you really want in life and doing the uncomfortable work of going after it. There’s some great friendship, a new love, family expectations and breaking free of the daily routine. I loved it! |
| Book #72 of 2024: Whisky Chaser (Bootleg Springs Book 1) by Lucy Score and Claire Kingsley | Raised by her three overbearing brothers, Scarlett is a hell-raising tomboy with a tool belt. Devlin is a man at rock bottom. Marriage, political career, five-year plan to Washington, D.C. All destroyed with one well-placed jab. Oooohhh another series by Lucy Score and I’m HOOKED! Scarlett is super sassy and I love her so much. The entire Bodine family is awesome and I CAN NOT WAIT to start on the rest of the series! (Currently free on Kindle Unlimited) |
| Book #73 of 2024: Sidecar Crush (Bootleg Springs Book 2) by Lucy Score and Claire Kingsley | In the second book in the Bootleg Springs series, we have a childhood friends to second chance lovers romance. In addition to an absolutely adorable story, we have the wild and crazy Bodine clan with fistfights and a laugh out loud food fight. Not much happening in the overarching who-done-it mystery, but some great family growth and of course a HEA! Can’t wait for the next book! (Currently free on Kindle Unlimited) |
| Book #74 of 2024: Moonshine Kiss (Bootleg Springs Book 3) by Lucy Score and Claire Kingsley | I tore through the third book in the Bootleg Springs book, this time focusing on Deputy Cassidy Tucker and Bowie Bodine. You guys, I am obsessed with this series. This book alone had me laughing out loud more than once AND I full-on teared up at one point. Loved it and can’t wait to start the next one in the series! (Currently free on Kindle Unlimited) |
| Book #75 of 2024: Bourbon Bliss (Bootleg Springs Book 4) by Lucy Score and Claire Kingsley | Yup, still working on the Bootleg Springs series and at this point I’m about to start calling people y’all and drink moonshine! This book focused on June Tucker’s love story and oh my was it the absolute sweetest. A little more movement on the overarching mystery added to the book in a very natural way. Still love the series and excited for the next book! |
| Book #76 of 2024: Gin Fling (Bootleg Springs Book 5) by Lucy Score and Claire Kingsley | Ooh book 5 of the Bootleg Springs series was a page turner! Yes, there was romance. Yes, there was the fantastic Bodine family. But the mystery that has built though the series got real crazy and I can’t wait to see how it all ends up in the next book. Another fun and sexy romance — this time between Jonah Bodine and Shelby Thompson. Summer fling to true love, with an adorable puppy on top. On to the last book in the series! |
| Book #77 of 2024: Highball Rush (Bootleg Springs Book 6) by Lucy Score and Claire Kingsley | The GRAND FINALE of the Bootleg Springs series! This one has the story of the last Bodine brother, Gibson AND the conclusion of the overarching mystery that has run through all 6 books. A very satisfying ending and as always Lucy Score writes phenomenal follow up stories for an extra epilogue (on her website) and this one was Christmas with the Bodine clan a decade into the future and it was *chefs kiss* perfection. If you like romance with a little spice, strong willed heroines and sexy men with a mystery that needs to be solved, this series is a winner. And free on Kindle Unlimited! |
| Book #78 of 2024: A Cage of Kingdoms (Deliciously Dark Fairytales 2) by K.F. Breene | The second and final book in this series, which is a spin-off of the Ruin of Roses series. Look, I usually love KF Breene and have read a few of her series and LOVED them… including the Ruin of Roses series. But this one just fell flat for me. The first book was okay and I really hoped I’d love the second book more, but I just didn’t love it. The side characters I loved. The main couple, meh. Also, after a two book build up the ending was pretty lame. |
| Book #79 of 2024: Unleashed: a Sydney Rye Mystery (Sydney Rye 1) by Emily Kimelman | Basically a vigilante origin story. Reading the synopsis, I was excited to get into this series, but honestly the first book was kind of hit and miss for me. With that being said, the ending was strong enough that I purchased the next book in the series because I want to see our girl turn into a pro. |
| Book #80 of 2024: Death in the Dark (Sydney Rye 2) by Emily Kimelman | This was a novella that takes place after the first book in the series and this was basically the ‘training montage’ of turning Sydney into a kick-butt machine. With that being said, this would have been better had it been the end of the first book. It does set up some characters for the future and turns Joy into her new alter ego. I’m invested now and looking forward to continuing the series. |
| Book #81 of 2024: Insatiable (Sydney Rye 3) by Emily Kimelman | Three years after the last book, this one jumps right into a suspenseful murder mystery with lots of twists and turns. Sydney is right in the middle of it and on the run, so she needs to build a dream team to help her take the bad guy down. A great addition to the series and a mostly stand alone story! |
| Book 82 of 2024: Strings of Glass (Sydney Rye 4) by Emily Kimelman | Another Sydney Rye mystery and this one brings us to India for another bad guy take-down. Sydney is quite the complex hero(?) and this time our vigilante takes on an absolutely horrible bad guy and tries to bring him to justice for the harm he’s done to so many children. Very suspenseful and believable chaos. I really enjoy this series and the growth of our main character over the last few books. |
| Book #83 of 2024: Wild Love by Elsie Silver | A friend recommended I try this book and I’m glad I did. Super fun romance with low stakes (not the vigilante revenge killer series I’ve been reading lately). Childhood friends + crush on best friends sister + take no crap love interest. And good spice level too. Will absolutely be reading more in this series. And bonus: currently free on kindle unlimited. |
| Book #84 of 2024: Wild Eyes by Elsie Silver | The second book in the series and this one centers on West (the brother of the leading lady from the last book) and a country star that comes into town. Another satisfying love story and this one has a bit higher stakes. A bit spicier too. I’m sad the last book in the series doesn’t come out until next spring, and I’ll add it to my list to read! |
| Book #85 of 2024: Business Casual by B.K. Borison | I loved the Lovelight Farms series, so when this book (book 4 and the last in the series) came out, I was super excited to read it. Nova Porter isn’t looking for love, and she certainly has no explanation for her attraction to buttoned-up, three-piece-suit-wearing investment banker Charlie Milford. In an effort to get him out of her system once and for all, Nova offers a proposition. One night. No strings. They’ll kick their uncomfortable attraction to the curb and return to their respective responsibilities. Yes, there is the steamy romance aspect of it, but the feeling of loneliness and community and not feeling good enough elevate this to a must read. A wonderful end to the series and I highly recommend it. |
| Book #86 of 2024: Your Dark Secrets by Elle Marr | An LA PR exec and her private investigator ex uncover a dangerous conspiracy led by Hollywood’s most powerful people, whose deadly sights are now set on them. A who-done-it thriller that twists and turns. It was okay, and tied up with a bow at the end. But one of the main characters was just so unlikable that I just couldn’t bother to care about her. I’ll give this one a ‘meh’ |
| Book #87 of 202: Finding Mr Write by Kelley Armstrong | A romantic comedy about a woman writing under a male pseudonym and the man she hires to play the role in public. Ugh. I hated this book. It was so bad and I made it 2/3 though and then had to skip around to get to the end. Ugh. So. So bad. |
| Book #88 of 2025: Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell | This one is a lost love/second chance romance and is described as being super romantic. Not only is it a Reese’s Book Club pick, but Amazon says it is one of the best books of 2024. However, I just couldn’t get into it. I don’t like either of the characters and it just made me feel sad and annoyed so I had to give up on it. Sorry Rainbow! |
| Book #89 of 2024: No More Secrets (Blue Moon 1) by Lucy Score | The first book in the Blue Moon series and a fun introduction to the people and town. An overall good romance with some low stakes problems. Sometimes an easy happily ever after is all you really need. I’ll be checking out more from this series because Lucy Score can do no wrong. |
| Book #90 of 2024: Fall into Temptation (Blue Moon 2) by Lucy Score | Book 2 of the Blue Moon series and this one focuses on Beckett (the mayor and middle brother) and Gia. It’s got single mom, neighborly romance and adorable kids. I’m enjoying the series, just not as much as I like the author’s other works. With that being said a Lucy Score book is still pretty great, so I’ll be continuing with the series, at least until we finish with the ‘core’ brothers (after book 3 it focuses on other people in town). |
| Book #91 of 2024: The Last Second Chance (Blue Moon 3) by Lucy Score | Book 3 of the Blue Moon series and this one finally gets to Jax and Joey’s story. I was honestly planning to give up on this series, but this book was the best so far. I loved Joey and the rekindled relationship between her and Jax. Finally we had the drama and the humor that had fallen a little flat in the first two books. I really enjoyed this story and will be keeping with the series, at least for one more book. |
| Book #92 of 2024: Not Part of the Plan (Blue Moon 4) by Lucy Score | Still chipping away at the Blue Moon series and this one centers on bad-boy photographer Nikolai and high strung brewery manager, Emma. Things I love about this series: the strong family ties and hilarious shenanigans and the romantic but spicy live stories. I enjoyed this one — not as much as book 3, but enough to keep going with the series. |
| Book #93 of 2024: Holding on to Chaos (Blue Moon 5) by Lucy Score | Book 5 in the Blue Moon series and still going strong. Unfortunately I didn’t love this coupling as much as I loved what was going on with the other characters. In that way, it’s great to see their stories continuing on, even if they are not the main focus. However, this couples story was just kind of ‘eh’ for me. I really hope the series didn’t peak at book 3… |
| Book #94 of 2024: The Fine Art of Faking it (Blue Moon 6) by Lucy Score | Book 6 in the Blue Moon series — this one was an enemies to lovers trope with the addition of some fake dating. Once again, I enjoyed the side characters stories more than the main couple. The next book is a ‘prequel’ book and I’m going to skip over it to the end of the series. |
| Book #95 of 2024: The Mistletoe Kisser (Blue Moon 8) by Lucy Score | The last book in the Blue Moon series was the perfect read for the holidays! This one was very Christmas themed and did some mistaken love trope mixed with grumpy hottie man. I actually really enjoyed this last story and the end of the Blue Moon series. I also enjoyed the extra short story tacked on (Third Times the Charm) with a Covid-era romance. Great finale to the series! |
| Book 96 of 2024: Holiday Hideaway by Mary Kay Andrews | I think this was a free download from Amazon for November or December and it’s a holiday themed story of a woman living in a vacation rental when the owner unexpectedly shows up. It’s like a Hallmark movie as a short story, complete with the mean almost-fiancé from the city. It was cute and a quick read. |
| Book #97 of 2024: | …Coming soon… |
Most of my books are borrowed using Kindle Unlimited (you can read my full review from 2015 here). If you don’t have Kindle Unlimited yet, it’s like an all-you-can-read for books and I’ve been using it for the last few years: Kindle Unlimited Membership Plans.
I also regularly use my local library for physical books and both Overdrive and Hoopla through my local library website for online books (you can download them straight to your Kindle or read them on your web browser). If you have a library card, be sure to check your library’s website to see if they work with an online partner. I mean, FREE BOOKS!
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