A Dark, Messy, Beautiful Read I picked up Beautiful Ruins on a whim—yes, partly because of the hot guy on the cover—and hoped for the best. Sometimes, those impulsive picks turn into the best reading experiences. Bonus: it’s on Kindle Unlimited. Mae and Damon are easily one of the most compelling enemies-to-lovers couples I’ve read in a while. Don’t worry, that’s not a spoiler—their story runs much deeper than the trope. From the first page, this book pulls you in with its dark undercurrents and emotional depth. The connection between Mae and Damon is immediate and intense. Sure, it leans into insta-love, but their relationship evolves in a way that feels earned and emotionally real. Mae’s journey is filled with pain and hardship that genuinely broke my heart—but she never comes across as broken. Her resilience is what makes her story so powerful. Damon’s arrival in her life shifts everything. Their dynamic is intense but balanced, and even through all the chaos and heartache, their bond only grows stronger. Their chemistry? Off the charts. The emotional layers? Even better. MJ Lucy nails the blend of gritty emotion, solid storytelling, and the perfect amount of spice. Beautiful Ruins is a must-read if you're into angsty romance with depth, heat, and characters who feel real. I loved every page. And to the author—please keep going with this series. Every side character deserves their own dark, messy, beautiful story. Easily a solid four stars.

Confusion I’m someone who wants to love everything I pick up. I go in hoping to be hooked, to feel something. I even wanted to love this book. I would’ve settled for liking it. But when I finished, all I could think was: What did I just read? If you loved this book, I respect that. I just couldn’t connect with it. I loved the cover — that’s where the love ends. Honestly, I don’t even know how to review this. I'm not going to attempt to break down the plot because... well, I still don't know what the plot was. Bizarre, strange, peculiar, unusual — all words that come to mind. This book is a complete head trip. Total slipstream territory. I had no clue what was happening the entire time, and I still don’t. Not a damn clue. Did I like it? Kind of. I can’t deny the author is talented — her writing is sharp. She’s a wordsmith, no question. The book’s been compared to Heathers, and I get that. But this? It’s way weirder. Samantha, the narrator, has some hilarious, biting observations, and I was into it for a while. But then it went completely off the rails. Just too far out, even for someone like me who normally enjoys the weird stuff. I don’t have the words to explain it, and I won’t be posting this on Amazon — I’m pretty sure they’d flag it for sheer confusion. But I would still read something else by this author, especially if it leans horror. She’s got something. I just hope next time it hits me differently.

A Beautiful Story I set a goal to read 20 pages a day as a way to bring more joy into my routine. Well, that plan backfired—in the best way. I tore through this book way past the daily page count because I simply couldn’t stop. It’s that good. Charming from start to finish, with a story that feels both timely and timeless, this one easily earns a five-star spot on my shelf. Also, any book that puts girls who code front and center absolutely deserves the spotlight. With California wildfires raging once again, this novel couldn’t be more relevant. Yes, it touches on the destruction and trauma these disasters cause—but it’s ultimately about resilience. It threads together climate change, sustainability, and the urgent need to live with the land rather than dominate it. But at its core, it’s a coming-of-age story about love, family, and navigating uncertainty. Caprice, seventeen, is trying to keep the peace as her brother Beckett—newly out of rehab—returns home. Their relationship is strained and complicated, full of buried tension and unspoken truths. Caprice swings between anger and care, resentment and loyalty. It’s messy and real. As a wildfire creeps toward their small town, the chaos forces everything into sharp focus. Some characters, like Beckett, can come off as self-absorbed, but it’s believable. He’s surviving day by day. The emotional distance between him and Caprice is heartbreaking, especially when you sense how much they still care about each other. Addiction doesn’t just affect one person—it radiates outward—and the story captures that ripple effect in a painfully honest way. I wished we had Beckett’s point of view. I wanted insight into his choices, his guilt, his grief. But maybe that’s intentional—we don’t always get answers, and we have to learn to live with that. I appreciated how Caprice’s anxiety was written with care, and how the romance subplot added texture without overpowering the narrative. River and Ali were both strong supporting characters with depth and goals of their own. In the end, this is a story about healing—personal, familial, and environmental. It’s emotionally heavy at times, but never hopeless. It strikes a beautiful balance between hard truths and the quiet hope that things can change. Also? Big bonus points for weaving STEM themes into a heartfelt narrative. A standout read for both teens and adults.

No Prince Needed This week has been all about discovering new-to-me authors, and The Wildest Things by Andrea Hannah was my first read from her. I’m giving it a solid 3.5 stars—and honestly, I wish I’d picked it up sooner. I fell for this book the moment I saw the cover, and luckily, the story inside had plenty of charm too. If you enjoy fairytale retellings (especially the darker, moodier kind), this reimagined Snow White might be right up your alley. There’s no prince, no seven dwarves—just a powerful, flawed girl who saves herself, and I loved that. One of my favorite parts was how magic was so deeply tied to nature. The world is built around territories that represent the seasons—Roanfrost being the wintry one—and it made for a setting that felt alive and immersive. Snow’s connection with nature gave the story a grounded, almost primal feel. Watching her interact with the land, the animals, and the spirit of the world around her added a lot of depth—and made the damage caused by the villains feel especially cruel. Snow as a character felt fully human. The decree naming her the next Seasonkeeper talks about being “fair,” but she no longer sees herself that way—physically scarred, emotionally conflicted, and prone to mistakes. And yet, she’s still chosen. That contradiction made her feel real and relatable. She didn’t need saving—she did the saving. Now, about the romance... It’s complicated. There’s a sort-of love triangle between Snow and a set of twins—a brother and sister—who are technically her step-siblings. It’s a little murky (they’re strangers, raised apart, etc.), but it still made me raise an eyebrow, especially with the age gap (Snow is technically 20 years older, though you could argue magic timelines blur things). It didn’t ruin the story for me, but it was the one thing that felt a bit off. Still, the world-building won me over. The Blight, the politics of the land, the way nature was portrayed as both beautiful and brutal—it all kept me intrigued. And with how the book ended? There has to be more coming. No way we’re done here. I’d love to see this turn into a duology or a full trilogy. Honestly, it would make a fantastic show. Overall, The Wildest Things was a dark, lush fairytale with a complex lead and a beautifully imagined world. It surprised me in the best way, and I’ll definitely be picking up more from Andrea Hannah in the future.

Cupcakes, Kidnapping, and a Grumpy Hero I’ve been on a streak of reading without reviewing, but I’m changing that—starting with My Favorite Kidnapper by Melanie Moreland. This book was completely over-the-top, full of clichés, and honestly? I loved every bit of it. We follow Brianna, a struggling bakery worker just trying to get by, when she crosses paths with a grumpy stranger at her friend’s wedding—who, naturally, steals some of her cupcakes. That man turns out to be Dante, her friend’s extremely rich (and broody) uncle. Fast forward a few chapters and she’s been kidnapped—yes, literally—to his villa in Italy so she can bake for him. Wild? 100%. But somehow, it works. What made this book shine for me was the dynamic between Brianna and Dante. I have fully accepted that I am a sucker for the grumpy/sunshine trope. Their banter was sharp, their chemistry was instant, and watching Dante go soft for her had me smiling like an idiot. She brought light, humor, and a no-nonsense attitude that balanced him perfectly. Also, the baking. I love sweets, and this book basically fed my dessert-loving soul. Every cake, cookie, and sugary moment felt warm and intimate. Baking was more than a plot point—it was connection, comfort, and romance all rolled into one. The scenery was another highlight. The Italian villa, the countryside, the cozy kitchens—it was all written in such a vivid, dreamy way. It felt like a Hallmark movie meets fantasy vacation, and I was all in. That said, the story isn’t without its flaws. The third-act breakup felt forced and too easily resolved. Dante, being his usual stubborn self, didn't really give us the grovel we deserved. Brianna carried the emotional weight, and while I appreciated her strength, I wanted him to meet her halfway. Still, this book was fun, fast, and gave me exactly the kind of joy I needed. It’s light on realism, heavy on charm, and full of heart. If you’re in the mood for a sweet, trope-heavy romance with cupcakes, countryside views, and a grumpy man falling head over heels, this one’s for you.

Murder, Moms, and Mayhem This was my first time diving into the world of Finlay Donovan, and let me just say—it is such a vibe! I was barely a few chapters in before I knew I needed more, so book two is already sitting on my Kindle, ready to go. Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan Is Killing It is a delightful blend of humor, suspense, and heart that had me hooked from the very first page. Finlay, a struggling novelist and single mom, stumbles into chaos when she’s mistaken for a contract killer, leading to a wild, laugh-out-loud adventure filled with unexpected twists and ridiculous (yet somehow relatable) moments. One of the highlights of this book is Finlay’s dynamic with her live-in nanny, Vero. Their witty banter and ride-or-die energy bring so much charm to the story, making them an unforgettable duo. The plot is fast-paced, packed with suspense, and keeps you on your toes while still delivering plenty of humor and heart. While the premise is wonderfully absurd, Cosimano’s execution makes it work effortlessly. The struggles of motherhood, career pressures, and personal growth all weave seamlessly into the mystery, adding an authentic and relatable layer to the humor. If you love mysteries with a comedic twist, strong female friendships, and a main character you can’t help but root for, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It is a must-read. I’m officially hooked on this series, and I can’t wait to see what kind of trouble Finlay gets into next!

Shaking Off the Slump: Finding Chills and Thrills with The Twisted Tree I have been in such a slump, and it’s only the second month of the year—but you know what? I got this. To shake things up, I joined a readathon with a goal to dive into award winners. Thank you, Kindle Unlimited, for helping me find this gem! The Twisted Tree by Rachel Burge is a moody, atmospheric read that blends Norse mythology with a chilling ghost story. The story follows Martha, a girl who gains an eerie ability to sense emotions by touching clothing after a traumatic accident. When she travels to Norway to visit her grandmother, she stumbles into a world filled with secrets, spirits, and an ancient curse. Burge does a fantastic job of setting the scene. The icy, isolated Norwegian landscape is so vivid, I felt the chill in my bones. The infusion of Norse mythology is refreshing and adds a layer of intrigue that kept me turning the pages. The story’s blend of supernatural elements with a coming-of-age twist worked well, and I found myself genuinely invested in Martha’s journey. However, while the book had some solid strengths, it didn’t fully pull me out of my slump. The pacing wavered at times, and certain plot points felt a bit rushed, especially toward the end. I also wanted a deeper dive into some of the supporting characters, who often felt like missed opportunities. Overall, The Twisted Tree is an enjoyable read with a unique premise and a beautifully eerie setting. It might not have completely snapped me out of my reading funk, but it was a worthy pick for my readathon. If you’re in the mood for a story with mythological twists and a good dose of suspense, this one might just hit the spot.

Collins Captivates Again The frigid weather we’ve been experiencing lately has been good for one thing: curling up with a great book. And "Cross My Heart" by Megan Collins was exactly that—a thrilling and thought-provoking read that I couldn’t put down. This is my third Megan Collins book, and while it didn’t quite reach the five-star heights of her previous works for me, it’s still a solid four-star read that captivated me from the very first page to the final twist. "Cross My Heart" is a dark, twisted tale of love, loss, and obsession. The story follows Rosie Lachlan, a woman recovering from both a heart transplant and the heartbreak of being left at the altar a year earlier. As she adjusts to her new life, Rosie begins to suspect her heart donor was Daphne Thorne, the wife of local celebrity author Morgan Thorne. Compelled by this connection, Rosie reaches out to Morgan through an anonymous platform called Donor Connect, hoping to uncover more about Daphne—and herself. What follows is a suspenseful journey filled with unexpected twists and shocking revelations. Rosie’s need for answers pulls her deeper into Morgan’s world, where truths blur with lies, and nothing is as it seems. The novel expertly keeps readers guessing, unraveling the layers of both Rosie’s and Morgan’s lives until a jaw-dropping conclusion. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with a romantic edge, "Cross My Heart" is a must-read. Megan Collins once again proves her talent for crafting gripping, emotionally charged stories that linger long after the final page.

A Riveting Legal Drama I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been urged to read Defending Jacob. It sat on my Kindle for nearly a year before I finally picked it up—and I couldn’t put it down. William Landay’s novel is a captivating mix of legal drama and family turmoil that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. And the ending? Absolutely unforgettable. The story follows Andy Barber, a respected assistant district attorney in an affluent Boston suburb, whose life takes a dramatic turn when a local teenager is murdered. As Andy works the case, his own family is drawn into the investigation, threatening everything he holds dear. I’ve intentionally kept this review vague because I think this is a book best experienced with as little prior knowledge as possible. Part of the thrill lies in uncovering its twists and turns for yourself. I want to share how much I enjoyed it without spoiling anything—trust me, going into this one blind makes it even more rewarding. Landay masterfully explores themes of parental love, loyalty, and the lengths we go to protect those we care about. The story also raises compelling questions about how well we really know the people closest to us and how far we’re willing to go to defend them. What makes the book especially gripping is the way it balances the emotional weight of family relationships with the intricacies of the legal system. Landay, a former prosecutor, brings authenticity to the courtroom scenes, providing a fascinating glimpse into the strategies and tactics of both the defense and prosecution. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking and suspenseful read, Defending Jacob is a must. Go in blind, and you won’t regret it.

First 5-Star Read of 2025 This is my fourth book of the year, and wow—what a game-changer. Lightlark by Alex Aster is officially my first 5-star read of 2025, and I am utterly blown away. Thank you, Audible Plus catalog, for introducing me to this incredible story! I can’t believe it took me so long to pick it up, especially since my nephew read it first. Now that I have, I’ve already bought the second book because I NEED more of this world. Set in a vivid and dangerous world, Lightlark follows Isla Crown, the ruler of Wildling, as she competes in the deadly Centennial—a series of trials designed to break curses that plague the rulers of the six realms. These trials are brutal, full of secrets and betrayals, and Isla’s survival hinges on her ability to outwit her rivals while protecting her heart. Along the way, she grapples with trust, loyalty, and the weight of her destiny. The stakes are sky-high, and every twist left me breathless. Alex Aster’s writing is dark, poetic, and absolutely immersive. Her world-building is rich and layered, and I loved how the details of this magical universe unfolded naturally, without overwhelming info-dumps. Lightlark felt like a fresh take on YA Fantasy, reminiscent of The Hunger Games with its high-stakes competition, but entirely original in its execution. I also have to commend the audiobook narration by Suzy Jackson. Her voice is soothing and dynamic, perfectly capturing the story’s emotional depth. While I wished the male voices were a bit deeper, it didn’t detract from the overall experience. This book captivated me from start to finish. The characters, the tension, the twists—I can’t stop thinking about it. If you’re looking for a story that will completely sweep you away, Lightlark is a must-read. And trust me, you’ll want to have the sequel ready because once you finish, you won’t want to leave this world. 2025 is off to an amazing start, and I’m so excited to see what’s next for Isla and this unforgettable series!