Here’s what I read in the final month of 2019!!

Stats

Total Books: 8
Total Pages: 2,556

Adult/NA: 4
YA: 3
Middle Grade: 1

Physical: 2
Ebook: 5
Audiobook: 1

5 Stars: 2
4 Stars: 1
3.5 Stars: 1
3 Stars: 3
2 Stars: 1

ARC: 3
Own: 1
Kindle/Hoopla: 3
Library:  1

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1. Reverie by Ryan La Sala ⭐⭐⭐

This was hands down one of the most confusing books I’ve ever read. It’s one of the few books I actually reviewed this month (oops 😅) so I won’t talk about this too much. My review is linked above. This was fine but far from perfect.

2. An Alaskan Christmas (Wild River #1) by Jennifer Snow ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is a semi-Christmas-y romance that takes place in Alaska (my favorite). This was really good!! It was way steamier than I was expecting which was such a pleasant surprise. It wasn’t my favorite romance of all time but I thought it was really cute. I do think I might continue on with the series.

3. 10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston ⭐⭐⭐.5

I read this for the TisTheSeasonAthon and it was so. dang. cute! This was a cotton-candy-sweet, fluffy YA romance that involves a teenage girl going on 10 blinds dates set up by her lovable but meddlesome family. I absolutely adored the family dynamics in this! The romance itself was super cliche but sweet nonetheless. Definitely take this one at face value if you pick it up. It’s a good Christmas time but nothing deep or life changing.

4. Regretting You by Colleen Hoover ⭐⭐⭐

Blah. This one definitely would have earned of spot on my most disappointing if I had finished it earlier in the month. I’ve never given Colleen Hoover anything under 5 stars but this book just didn’t do it for me. This is a YA(ish) contemporary following a mother/daughter relationship in the aftermath of the father and aunt’s unexpected death. The characters were unbearable, I didn’t like the quick, unrealistic resolution, I hated that there was an unaddressed and totally unnecessary sexual manipulation scene, and overall I felt like there were so many unnecessary aspects to this. It felt like things were introduced for no reason at all. This was a flop and honestly 3 stars in generous. But so many people love this that I can’t help but question if it’s me and not the book (but I think it might also be the book)

5. Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My favorite read of the month! I received this as an ARC via Netgalley and it is releasing tomorrow!! This is an adult romance following a calligraphy artist who hid a message in the wedding invitation for couple she didn’t believe would make it. A year later, the groom shows up demanding to know how she knew his marriage wouldn’t work. The two then go on a journey of creativity and fall in love. This book was everything I didn’t know I need. I rave about this in my review, linked above but it was just such a beautifully written and paced book. I love how this book took it’s time weaving such a beautiful and special romance. Highly, highly recommend!

6. The Matchmaker’s Mistletoe Mission (Books and Bouquets #0.5) by Jaci Burton ⭐⭐

This was the last Christmas-y ARC I had and it was easily my least favorite. This follows an LA native and career matchmaker who is in Oklahoma to get everything in order for her best friends wedding. She is stranded at the venue, a family owned vineyard, when a massive storm hits. And she is stranded with a super attractive rancher. This romance was SO insta-lovey… I just couldn’t get behind it. This had cute moments but overall this relationship just had no substance in my opinion. My full review is up above if you want to see my full thoughts.

7. Christmas in the City (Anthology) ⭐⭐⭐

This was my last Christmas read on the year! I won’t lie this rating is extremely skewed and not totally accurate to how many of the stories I enjoyed 😅 This is a collection 6 short stories, each cowritten by 2 romance authors. I picked this up because 1) there are some huge romance authors that I absolutely love in here and 2) because Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen’s story follows the main character from their Him duet which is my favorite m/m romance of all time.

I read the first 3 of these and did not enjoy them whatsoever (2 star, 2 star, and 3 star I believe). So I decided to skip the next 2 and jump straight to Elle Kennedy & Sarina Bowen’s story! And I’m really glad I did because that story alone made this worth it. All the stars for Wes and Jamie ♥♥

 8. Dead Voices (Small Spaces #2) by Katherine Arden ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

OMG – what a surprise!! This is the sequel to Small Spaces and I thought it was even better than book 1! I absolutely adored this middle grade horror story and am so anxious to get more in this series. This book had me legitimately scared (yes I’m a massive chicken 😅). It was so atmospheric and creepy and surprisingly heartwarming in the end.  I love the family and friendship dynamics in this series and just want more dang-it!

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What did you read this month? What was your favorite read?

♥♥♥♥