June Reads

44.  Funny Story (Henry) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Romance

I liked the general storyline, but didn't find it to be anything special.  6-4-25

45.  All Rhodes Lead Here (Zapata) ~ 4/5 (very good), Audiobook, Romance, NetGalley

My first Zapata book was a success!  It felt more realistic than other romance novels I have read.  I enjoyed that.  It was a slow burn romance with some quirks (Buddy!?!) that I didn't care for, but I was interested in the character's lives.  6-11-25

46.  Annie Bot (Greer) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), Book, 

Sci-fi

I didn't know anything about this book when I picked it up.  It definitely was not what I was expecting.  Once I got past the beginning, I wanted to know how it would end.  6-17-25

47.  The Vacancy in Room 10 (Glass) ~ 2.5/5 (eh), eBook, Thriller, NetGalley

Some of this was okay, but it lacked something.  It was slow, and I had a hard time picking it up.  6-19-25

48.  Broken Country (Hall) ~ 3.75/5 (good +), Audiobook, Fiction

This was an emotional read.  I was chasing the answer to WHO? from the beginning.  Ultimately, I enjoyed the writing, but am still sorting out my feelings regarding the conclusion.  6-19-25

49.  Bunny (Awad) ~ 2/5 (not enjoyable), Audiobook, Fiction

Weird and wild.  And ... not for me.  Glad I now know what it's all about, though.  6-21-25

TO BE CONTINUED . . . 

 

May Reads

36.  The Favorites (Fargo) ~ 4/5 (very good), eBook, Fiction, NetGalley

This had a Taylor Jenkins Reid feel (writing and format), which was definitely a positive.  After just reading a book with an on again/off again relationship, the storyline was a tad bit wearing.  However, overall, I really enjoyed it.  5-2-25

37.  The Poppy Fields (Erlick) ~ 2.5/5 (eh), Audiobook, Speculative Fiction, NetGalley

Oh my.  I love The Measure.  Unfortunately, this one didn't have the same impact.  I made no connections and was bored for most of it.  I thought the concept was fascinating and bits and pieces were interesting, but overall I was sadly disappointed.

5-4-25

38.  Gray After Dark (Ihli) ~ 4/5 (very good), Audiobook, Thriller

I will definitely be picking up more by this new-to-me author.  This one kept my attention throughout due to the terrific writing.  There were a couple parts when I didn't feel like it was realistic, but other than that it was very good.  5-6-25

39.  The Perfect Divorce (Rose) #2 ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Thriller

I predicted a lot, but still enjoyed this popcorn thriller.  5-9-25

40.  I Must Betray You (Sepetys) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, YA Historical Fiction

Learning through Sepetys writing has always been a positive.  This one was no different.  5-13-25

41.  Pictures of You (Grey) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), Audiobook, Fiction

This story was okay.  I figured out some twists and when others were unveiled, they didn't surprise me.  I was interested enough to finish it.  5-18-25

42.  The Return of Ellie Black (Jean) ~ 3.5 (good), Audiobook, Thriller

I, once again, knew who was involved.  However, it kept me engaged.  5-23-25

DNF ~ Butcher & Blackbird (Weaver) 

Could barely even start it.  Trigger warnings were in abundance.  

43.  Tom Lake (Patchett) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Fiction

Throughout most of the book, I felt like it was a little mundane.  However, by the end, I was truly invested in the characters.

5-27-25

April Reads

26.  The Day the World Came to Town (DeFede) ~ 4.25/5 (very good +), Audiobook, Non-Fiction

The tragedy of 9/11 was told in the spirit of compassion by the people in Gander, Newfoundland.  I was choked up many times by the memory and by what I learned regarding the generosity and kindness of the Newfoundland communities.  4-1-25

27.  The Last Trip (Modglin) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), Audiobook, Thriller

This was a typical popcorn thriller.  It kept me entertained for a brief time.  4-3-25

28.  Home is Where the Bodies Are (Rose) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Thriller

I knew who it was from the start.  4-6-25

29.  The Kind Worth Saving (Swanson) #2 ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Thriller

  I thought it was good, but nothing that I'll remember in the near future.  4-10-25

30.  Dinner for Vampires (Lenz) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Memoir

I found the first half mundane.  The second half was much more interesting.  However, instead of feeling concern or sympathy towards her, I felt frustrated and surprised at many of her decisions.  A scene towards the end shed a little light on how people regard others that have been affiliated with cults.  I appreciated her view on that.  I still feel thoroughly annoyed with the outcome.  Also, a different narrator would have been preferable.  4-17-25

31.  I Will Ruin You (Barclay) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), Audiobook, Thriller

Started out strong, but as the story went along, it got convoluted.  I love the narrator Newbern.  4-20-25

32.  The Selection (Case) #1 Selection Trilogy ~ 3.75/5 (good +), Audiobook, YA Dystopian Romance

I enjoyed this YA Bachelor-type scenario.  4-23-25

33.  The Elite (Case) #2 Selection Trilogy ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, YA Dystopian Romance

The saga continued in this second book.  4-26-25

34.  Beautiful Ugly (Feeney) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), Book, Thriller

This one was a little too wacky for my liking.  I was always curious as to how it was going to end, but suspension of disbelief was definitely required.  4-28-25

35.  The One (Cass) #3 Section Trilogy ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Ya Dystopian Romance

It ended nicely.  I just got tired of the repetitive highs and lows of the relationships.  4-29-25

March Reads

17.  Check & Mate (Hazelwood) ~ 2.5/5 (eh), Audiobook, YA Romance

I liked all the chess talk, but the siblings of the main character ... I could do without!  The rest of the story was just whatever.  I just wasn't the right audience for this book.   3-4-25

18.  The Paradise Problem (Lauren) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Romance

I'm not sure if it was the narrator or not, but I didn't care for the MFC.  I, also, wasn't a fan of the open door scenes.  The storyline was just okay.  3-9-25

19.  Do Not Open (Modglin) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Thriller

This went a little too extreme (horror).  I wasn't expecting that.  3-10-25

20.  The Quiet Librarian (Eskens) ~ 2/5 (not enjoyable), eBook, Historical Fiction, NetGalley

I love Eskens' writing style, but this was my least favorite.  I didn't like the war plot.  Truly disappointed, but will definitely read more by him.  This was just a blip.  3-10-25

DNF - Intermezzo (Rooney)

21.  Things We Do in the Dark (Hillier) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Thriller

This was disappointing, as well.  It didn't feel like the Hillier I know.  It was very mundane and didn't have any twists that I didn't see coming.  3-18-25

22.  None of This is True (Jewell) ~ 3.5 (good), Audiobook, Thriller

I was invested in the story, but I also knew where the ending was going.  Ultimately, good for a time, but nothing great.  I do wish it were more.  3-21-25

23.  The Housemaid's Secret (McFadden) ~ 4/5 (very good), Book, Thriller

I wanted to pick this up frequently.  It was crazy, but entertaining.  3-24-25

24.  The Rom-Commers (Center) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Romance

Some of this love story was endearing and other parts, not so much.  3-24-25

25.  The Frozen River (Lawhon) ~ 4/5 (very good), Audiobook, Historical Fiction

When I discovered that this was actually based on a real women and her diary, it made me like it more.  Author's notes are gold to me.  I love reading/hearing their thoughts behind their book.  This one affected my rating.  3-30-25

February Reads

9.  Two Girls Down (Luna) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Thriller

I liked this for the most part.  It got a little slow when I was ready for it to pick up speed.  Also, the ending was sort of typical for this genre.  I did like the relationship between the two main characters and would read more in this series.  2-4-25

10.  The Switch (O'Leary) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Fiction

This wasn't anything special, but I continued.  It was an easy listen with several themes in a couple of age ranges. Didn't care for the narration.  2-11-25

11.  To All the Boys I've Loved Before (Han) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), Audiobook, YA Chick Lit

Perfect for YA!  2-15-25

12.  The Family Experiment (Marrs) ~ 4.5/5 (excellent), Book, Sci-fi

I took my time reading this, because I didn't want it to end.  I was fully engrossed in the entire book.  Love this author!!!

2-16-25

13.  Blacktop Wasteland (Cosby) ~ 4/5 (very good), Audiobook, Thriller

This contains very gritty content while a man explores who he wants to be.  2-18-25

14.  Milk and Honey (Kaur) ~ 2.5/5 (eh), Book, Poetry

Just curious.  What constitutes poetry?  Is it simply words on a page?  The sentiment of a passage?  A few lines of thought?  According to this book, it seems like any thought put on paper is a poem.  Hmmm.  I didn't dislike reading this collection, but I didn't like it either.  2-18-25

15.  Evvie Drake Starts Over (Holmes) ~ 3.75/5 (good +), Audiobook, Romance

I enjoyed this closed door romance.  It was cozy and realistic.  2-22-25

16.  The God of the Woods (Moore) ~ 2.5/5 (eh), Audiobook, Mystery

What a disappointment!  This was so long and so boring.  It would have been a DNF, if I had been physically reading it.

2-28-25

January Reads

 

1.  The Girl With the Louding Voice (Dare) ~ 3.75/5 (good +), Audiobook, Fiction

My first read of 2025 was better than good!  Yay!  I consider that a great start.  I appreciated the story and being in an environment/world that I have not experienced.  The main character spoke to my heart.  1-5-25

2.  She Started It (Gilbert) ~ 2.5/5 (eh), Audiobook, Thriller

This revenge story was so unrealistic, but I wanted to know what they did.  That's the only thing that propelled me.  1-9-25

3.  The Liar's Wife (Modglin) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Thriller

There were some very unrealistic scenes, but I was interested in what was really going on and why.  1-12-25

4.  House of Glass (Pekkanen) ~ 3.5/5 (good), eBook, Thriller, NetGalley

I wanted to read this, but it never compelled me to pick it up, so it was slow going.  I enjoyed the point of view from the attorney for children and the psychological aspects of the storyline.  1-17-25

5.  The Sequel (Korelitz) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Thriller

This was a little slow for me.  I would have liked more dialogue.  Sometimes it just droned on and on.  It was a good sequel, though.  1-17-25

6.  The House Across the Lake (Sager) ~ 1.5/5 (ugh), Audiobook, Thriller

Nope, nope and nope.  I'm giving it 1.5 because it was fine until 3/4 of the way through, then . . . UGH!  1-23-24

7.  Happiness Falls (Kim) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Mystery

There were parts that I enjoyed, but I had different expectations for this.  I thought the focus was a mystery.  It was not.  I didn't dislike it.  It was just an okay listen.  1-26-25

8.  Somewhere Beyond the Sea (Klune) ~ 2/5 (not enjoyable), Audiobook, Fantasy

Loved the first book in this duology.  Unfortunately, this one in audio didn't work for me.  It was dramatic (in general, not my preference) and didn't reflect the voices I had in my mind.  I didn't care for it at all.  However the Epilogue was important.

1-26-25

Best Reads of 2024

Most of my other hobbies were accompanied by a book this year.  Therefore, my reading consisted of 82% of audiobooks!  I'm fine with that, though.  I still read physical and/or ebooks everyday, but only for short periods of time.  My overall average rating went from 3.16 (2023) to a 3.17 (2024).  At least it's moving in the right trajectory!  😆  To be fair to myself, it was much higher until December.  I read many Christmas romance books and one big disappointment at the end.

In order of how I read 103 books, here are the Best Reads of 2024 that I rated 4/5 and up:

1.  The Heiress (Hawkins) ~ 4/5, Mystery

**2.  The Passengers (Marrs) ~ 4.25/5, Thriller

3.  My Lovely Wife (Downing) ~ 4/5, Thriller

4.  Strange Sally Diamond (Nugent) ~ 4.25/5, Thriller

5.  Kill for Me, Kill for You (Cavanagh) ~ 4/5, Thriller

6.  Forsaken Country (Esken) ~ 4.25/5, Thriller

7.  Good Morning, Monster (Gildiner) ~ 4.25/5, Non-Fiction

8.  Look Closer (Ellis) ~ 4.25/5, Thriller

**9.  My Husband (Ventura) ~ 4/5, Fiction

10.  Nightwatching (Sierra) ~ 4/5, Thriller

11.  Gone Tonight (Pekkanen) ~ 4/5, Thriller

12.  The Unraveling (Keeland) ~ 4.25/5, Thriller

13.  My Dark Vanessa (Russell) ~ 4.25/5, Fiction

14.  Razorblade Tears (Cosby) ~ 4/5, Thriller

15.  Zero Days (Ware) ~ 4/5, Thriller

** Think about these books OFTEN.

December Reads

93.  Home Before Dark (Sager) ~ 2/5 (not enjoyable), Audiobook, Thriller

Scooby-Do Caper.  That says it all.  12-3-24

 (soft) DNF ~ The Thursday Murder Club (Osman) 

I simply couldn't get into it.  I'll try again another time.

94.  Such a Fun Age (Reid) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Fiction

Whatever.  12-8-24

95.  The Maidens (Michaelides) ~ 2.75/5 (eh +), Audiobook, Mystery

This was slow and a bit boring.  12-11-24

(soft) DNF ~ Once There Were Wolves (McConaghy)

Not interested at the moment.  I'll try again later.

96.  A Cross-Country Christmas (Walsh) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), Audiobook, Christmas Romance

Pretty much what one would expect from a Christmas Romance book.  Very Hallmarky.  12-15-24

97.  My December Darling (Asher) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Christmas Romance

I enjoyed the story, but I could do without the open door scenes.  First time reading Asher, though.  I'll read more.

12-18-24

98.  Claus & Effect (Wayne) ~ 2.5/5 (eh), Audiobook, Christmas Romance

I didn't really care for either of the main characters.  Again, not a fan of open door scenes.  12-20-24    

99.  Holiday Wedding (Neeley) ~ 2/5 (not enjoyable), Audiobook, Christmas Romance

Yay for no open door, but the storyline was ridiculous!  12-22-24

100.  Cabin Crush (Stockton), 3.25/5 (just okay +), Audiobook, Christmas Romance

Clean, cute Christmasy romance.  12-24-24

***101.  The Clinic (Quinn) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Thriller

I don't remember much about this book, I even forgot to record it in May!  However, I do remember bits and pieces.  Didn't love it, didn't hate it.  5-20-24

102.  The Christmas Guest (Swanson) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Book, Thriller

I don't know what I was expecting, but I was surprised with this one.  It was good, but the darkness in this Christmas book was shocking to me - probably because I just read 4 Christmas romances.  😏  12-28-24

103.  The Reformatory (Due) ~ 2/5 (not enjoyable), Audiobook, Paranormal 

I saw this all over the place with raving reviews.  Not one person mentioned there was a paranormal element to it.  Had I known  . . . I don't think I would have picked it up.  This wasn't what I was expecting at all, and frankly, I should have DNF'd it.  I, also, should have done a little research beforehand.  Oops.  

12-29-24

*Edited a book

***Forgotten book from May.

November Reads

89.  Zero Days (Ware) ~ 4/5 (very good), Audiobook, Thriller

This is probably my favorite Ware book, so far.  I like the 'cat and mouse' trope.  Unfortunately, though, there were F-bombs galore.  11-5-24  

90.  Happiness for Beginners (Center) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), Audiobook, Chick Lit

This was a very predicable read, but fine.  11-10-24

91.  The Feud (Rogers) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Psychological Thriller

There were two big scenes that were beyond ridiculous that kept my rating at a 3.5/5, otherwise I would have rated it higher.  The storyline kept my interest.  11-18-24

92.  The Neighbour (Rogers) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Domestic Thriller

This was fine.  Not much to comment on.  11-24-24

*Edited a Book*

11-30-24

October Reads

80.  While You Were Out (Kissinger) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Memoir

I was missing something in this memoir.  It was filled with very important facts and issues surrounding mental illness, so maybe it was the personal touch that I was missing.  Not sure.  10-4-24

81.  Behind Her Eyes (Pinborough) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Thriller

Ugh.  I wasn't aware of this particular genre twist, which I haven't seen referred to anywhere.  Other than that, it was pretty good.  I'll still try another by her.  10-8-24

DNF (soft) ~ Unsub (Gardiner) ~ Audiobook, Thriller

I wasn't interested in the slightest.  Hopefully, it will have more appeal on another day.

82.   This is How it Always is (Frankel) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Fiction

This was a deep, thoughtful story.  There are many topics to discuss and/or ruminate over.  I didn't care for the fairytale story or just the basic story within a story.  10-14-24

83.  Maybe in Another Life (Reid) ~ 3.75/5 (good +), Audiobook, Chick Lit

I enjoyed the basic idea of this story, but didn't care for some the repetition - especially talk about cinnamon rolls.  I, also, didn't like the music in the background of the audiobook at all!  Beautiful instrumental music, but that's not for me when listening to a book.  Other than that, I really liked some the characters.  10-18-24

84.  Razorblade Tears (Cosby) ~ 4/5 (very good), Book, Fiction

The relationship between the two main characters was enjoyable.  I liked their snarky remarks.  The story was very gritty and had a street/biker vibe to it that I didn't expect.  10-18-24

85.  After I Do (Reid) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Chick Lit

This was good.  I liked the variety of relationships.  10-23-24

86.  Drowning (Newman) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Suspense

There wasn't anything special about this book.  Actually, some of it was easily predicted and other parts were very unrealistic.  10-27-24

87.  Same Time Next Summer (Monaghan) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Chick Lit

 

This was just a simple romance story on a beach.  10-30-24

*Proof Read a Book*

10-31-24

88.  The Haters (Harding) ~ 3/5 (just okay), eBook, Suspense, NetGalley

I think my expectations were too high, just by the title and general synopsis.  It felt more domestic than anything and not very suspenseful.  I do believe it's me, though.  10-31-24

September Reads

70.  Beach Read (Henry) ~ 2.5/5 (eh), Book, Chick Lit

There were slivers of scenes I enjoyed, but overall it was boring.  I liked Book Lovers more, but Henry simply may not be the author for me.  9-1-24

71.  Lessons in Chemistry (Garmus) ~ 2.5/5 (eh), Audiobook, Fiction

I appreciated the message in this book, so I can understand why people really like it, but there was more that I didn't like.  I didn't like any of the characters, I don't like personification, so I didn't like any of the dog scenes, and in general, it felt exaggerated.  Oh well.  9-6-24

72.  Tomorrow, Tomorrow and Tomorrow (Zevin) ~ 1.5/5 (ugh), Audiobook, Fiction

I should have marked this as a DNF, so 1.5/5 is generous.  Boring, Boring and Boring.  9-12-24

73.  Seven Days in June (Williams) ~ 2.75/5 (eh +), Audiobook, Fiction

Hmmm.  This would have been a 3/5 (just okay), but the tipping point was the daughter.  Had I read it with my eyes, maybe I would have a different opinion.  Also, there was an abundance of very important topics that made it difficult for me to buy into it all.  I did want to know the outcome, though.  9-15-24

74.  The Leftover Woman (Kwok) ~ 2.75/5 (eh), Audiobook, Fiction

I would not consider this a thriller.  The timeline seemed a bit jumbled, and there were some ridiculous aspects to the storyline.  9-18-24

75.  The Overnight Guest (Gudenkauf) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Thriller

This had two timelines and many more coincidences.  I didn't care for the main character, but was generally interested to know the conclusion.  Suspension of disbelief was required. 

9-19-24

76.  The Summer of Yes (Walsh) ~ 2.5/5 (eh), eBook, Chick Lit, NetGalley

This was so incredibly predictable.  It definitely was a typical, light chick-lit story regarding the romance.  The other storyline was very unrealistic, which others may enjoy for a summer read, but wasn't for me.  9-23-24

77.  The Fury (Michaelides) ~ 3.75/5 (good +), Audiobook, Mystery

I really enjoyed the unique way in which this was told.  It kept my interest.  9-24-24

78.  When the Stars Go Dark (McLain) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Mystery

This wasn't anything special.  I listened, but was never eager to continue.  9-27-24

79.  The Good Neighbors (Modglin) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), Audiobook, Fiction

While doing something else, this popcorn thriller kept me entertained.  9-30-24

August Reads

64.  Gone Tonight (Pekkanen) ~ 4/5 (very good), Audiobook, Thriller

I listened to about 50%, then had to put it on hold for a week.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to continue with the momentum I started with, but fortunately, I was able to get right back into it.  The plot kept me interested.  8-10-24

DNF ~ When No One is Watching (Cole) ~ Audiobook, Thriller

I listened up to 17% and wasn't interested in the least.  8-13-24

65.  Mr. Mercedes (King) ~ 3.75/5 (good +), Audiobook, Thriller

This kept me engaged the whole way through.  It was good.

8-16-24

66.  The Unraveling (Keeland) ~ 4.25/5 (very good +), eBook, Thriller, NetGalley

After reading this, I searched to see if Keeland had written any more books.  After seeing her extensive backlist, a few scenes made more sense!  She's a romance writer.  I will definitely pick up her books if she writes more in THIS (thriller) genre.  This was a very good read.  I didn't want to put it down.  8-16-24

67.  The Quiet Tenant (Michallon) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Thriller

It kept my interest, but there was nothing really unique done with the trope.  I didn't buy in 100%, but still enjoyed it.  8-20-24

68.  My Dark Vanessa (Russell) ~ 4.25/5 (very good +), Audiobook, Fiction

Oh my.  This was a difficult read.  It felt so real, which created many thoughts and feelings to decipher.  This is definitely a book that can spur deep conversations.  8-26-24

69.  The Collected Regrets of Clover (Brammer) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Fiction

I found this to be a bit boring.  It picked up in the last 1/4, so that helped my overall enjoyment.  I know it's not the book, though.  It's just a preference issue.  8-30-24

July Reads

55.  The Women (Hannah) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Historical Fiction

I almost DNF'd this book at 25%.  I just wasn't into it.  As I was working on something, I sped up the audio a little bit and let it keep playing.  Eventually, I became more invested and wanted to continue.  This ended up being a decent read/listen.  7-6-24

56.  Lovely War (Berry) ~ 2.5/5 (eh), Audiobook, Historical Fiction

This was slow moving, and even though the mythology spin made it uniquely told, that's what I disliked the most!  Overall, I didn't really care for it.  Maybe two war books in a row didn't help.  ???  7-9-24

57.  My Husband (Ventura) ~ 4/5 (very good), Book, Fiction

Wow.  This was very good.  However, I admit that there was a time when I was getting bored.  I had enough of the same rhetoric.  Thankfully, it did pick up, and I couldn't put it down.  The ending didn't disappoint!  7-10-24

58.  The Stranger (Modglin) ~ 2.75/5 (eh +), Audiobook, Thriller

I was interested and curious at first, then guessed a major part towards the end.  Other than that, not much else to say.

7-12-24  

59.  The Next Mrs. Parrish (Constantine) ~ 2.75/5 (eh +), Audiobook, Thriller

Too many ridiculous decisions made, and I had had enough of at least one character.  7-14-24

60.  The Roommate (Modglin) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Thriller

This was very predictable, but kept my mind occupied for a bit while doing mundane chores.  7-16-24

61.  The Maid's Diary (White) ~ 3.5/5 (good), eBook, Thriller

Once I became privy to one thing, then I knew the huge plot twist.  That was fine, but there was another plot twist that I simply didn't understand, which lowered my enjoyment/rating.  I may have missed something, I don't know.  I will definitely pick up another one of her books.  7-18-24

62.  The Good Wife (Rogers) ~ 3.75/5 (good +), Audiobook, Thriller

I have read many domestic thrillers with similar plots.  This one, though, was filled with a lot of bedroom scenes that I did not expect nor did I like.  I would have rated it higher if not for that.  The ending was no surprise.  I guessed it all, but still enjoyed it.  7-24-24

63.  Bright Young Women (Knoll) ~ 2.5/5 (eh), Audiobook, Thriller

My greatest complaint about this book was that it was a compilation of implied fact and fiction.  There were many times when I wanted to know the actual truth, so that made it frustrating to me.  7-30-24

18 Years and Counting

Another year has zoomed by, and while I've enjoyed my reading, I'm still not averaging higher than 3.3 in my ratings.  I haven't been too disappointed in my book choices, but I definitely haven't been able to rave about them either.  Hence, the "just okay" average.

The good news is that I have been reading so many of MY books.  At the beginning of the year, I made 3 stacks of 12 books each and one list of 12 books (total of 48 books).  The 3 stacks were made up of books from my shelves.  I categorized them as TBR Shelves (general picks), BOTM (from past years) and Buzzword Challenge.  The list was my NetGalley books.  I have read over half of the collective books!  This is the first year I have made such a dent in my actual shelves.  It's been great.  I imagine I will continue this personal challenge next year, as well.

I haven't made as many purchases this year, and I have continued to cull my unwanted books.  I still have a long way to go, but it's been good to remove some here and there.  Those unwanted books are the ones that continually get overlooked, because there is always something more enticing to pick up.

My hope for you is that whatever you pick up brings you much happiness!  😃

Thoughts of Joy

      

June Reads

46.  If He Had Been With Me (Nowlin) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, YA Romance

A little slow and not very gripping, but it seemed a little more realistic than some other YA books I have read.  6-2-24

47.  Five Survive (Jackson) ~ 2.5/5 (eh), Audiobook, YA Thriller

Unfortunately, I didn't care for this one.  I think YA books are wearing thin for me.  6-7-24

48.  City of Books (Meier) ~ 2.5/5 (eh), Audiobook, Fiction, NetGalley

This was bland and boring sprinkled with a couple serious topics.  It had one addition that felt like it was inserted just to add another bend to the story.  There was nothing special about the characters either.  Sadly, I didn't care for it.  6-9-24

49.  Nightwatching (Sierra) ~ 4/5 (very good), Audiobook, Literary Suspense

I almost gave up on this book, because it was slow going!  I decided to continue while I was doing something else.  It didn't feel like a traditional thriller, but turned out to be very good.  Go into it as a literary suspense novel versus a thriller, and you'll enjoy it more.  6-11-24

50.  The Seven Year Slip (Poston) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Book, Magical Realism Romance, Book Club

The magical realism was a different twist for me.  I'm not too interested in that genre, but this was okay.  It had deeper concepts/themes to think on versus a simple romance.  I did like picking it up once I reached half way through.  6-15-24

51.  The Girl Who Was Taken (Donlea) ~ 2.5/5 (eh), Audiobook, Thriller

I'm not exactly sure why, but I never got into this one.  The beginning was a little difficult to get into, and it was slow and boring.  I guess I do know why.  6-16-24

52.  The Missing (Modglin) ~ 2.5/5 (eh), Audiobook, Thriller

Too many ridiculous choices and misinformation that could have been researched.  6-19-24

53.  Do Not Disturb (McFadden) ~ 2.75/5 (eh +), Audiobook, Thriller

Too much repetition, but it worked out fine for a road trip.

6-29-24

54.  Wait for Dark (Modglin) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Thriller

I predicted much of it, but it was fine.  Nothing special, but not bad either.  6-29-24

 

May Reads

38.  The Hidden One (Castillo) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), Audiobook, Mystery, NetGalley

I really enjoyed the relationships, but the rest seemed very reminiscent of other books in this series.

5-2-24

39.  Good Morning, Monster (Gildiner) ~ 4.25/5 (very good +), Audiobook, Non-Fiction

This was very interesting.  Gildiner shares how she helped 5 individuals manage their tumultuous lives through therapy.  5-6-24

40.  Nowhere to Hide (Beevis) ~ 3.5 (good), Audiobook, Thriller

This didn't seem like a new concept, but still a compelling audio read despite some parts that were difficult to hear.  5-10-24

41.  Beartown (Backman) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Fiction, NetGalley

I didn't really enjoy this.  It wasn't suspenseful or intriguing.  The whole story had a gloomy cloud over it - just sorta blah.  I don't understand the hype of this series.  Just not for me, I guess.  5-15-24

42.  Look Closer (Ellis) ~ 4.25/5 (very good +), Suspense, eBook, NetGalley

I enjoyed this very much!  If there had only been one more thing included that I thought was missing, I would have rated it higher.  5-19-24

43.  Out on a Limb (Bonus-Young) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Romance

While the storyline was fine, I didn't care for all the spice.  I think rom-coms would be a better choice for me.  I just keep getting recs that I keep trying.  Same thing happens, imagine that!  5-24-24

44.  56 Days (Howard) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Thriller

If only it didn't have repetitive scenes (different pov), I would have enjoyed this more.  The covid lockdown setting was interesting to relive, because I have already forgotten some of the little nuances of that time.   5-29-24

45.  We Spread (Reid) ~ 3.75/5 (good +), eBook, Fiction, NetGalley

I didn't like how I felt at the close of this book.  It's a little discombobulating and sad.  However, it definitely was/is a very thought-provoking read.  5-31-24   

April Reads

 

DNF - The Whistler (Grisham) ~ Audiobook, Thriller

Eek!  Grisham is one of my favorite authors; however, this one just did not capture my attention.  4-1-24

28.  The Love Hypothesis (Hazelwood) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), Audiobook, Romance

The story was okay, and the romance wasn't so bad.  Everything was just okay.  Not sure what all the hype was about.  ???  4-3-24

29.  Sidetracked (Abby) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Thriller, #2 in Series 

It has been quite awhile since I read the first book in this 5 book series, so it took me a minute to catch up to the storyline.  I'll keep listening, but so far it's just been okay.  4-6-24 

30.  Counting the Cost (Duggar) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), Audiobook, Memoir

I didn't know what to expect from this book, but it turned out to be fine.  Nothing new.  I do think Jill did a good job in explaining her side.  4-7-24

31.  Scarlet Angel (Abby) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Thriller, #3 in Series

Eek!  This one had more background and graphic content.  I'm going to finish the series, but I'm not really enjoying it.  4-9-24

DNF - The 7 1/2 Lives of Evelyn Hardcastle (Turton) ~ Audiobook, Mystery

This was incredibly slow and boring.

32.  All the Lies (Abby) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), Audiobook, Thriller, #4 in Series

I can appreciate the revenge trope, but I didn't care for the graphic torture.  4-12-24

 33.  Paint it All Red (Abby) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Thriller, #5 in Series

It was a good wrap-up, but overall ... just an okay series.  I'm definitely an outlier.  4-15-24

34.  Forsaken Country (Eskens) ~ 4.25/5 (very good +), eBook, Mystery/Thriller, NetGalley

I am so glad that I have more books by Eskens on my TBR Shelves.  All three books I have read by him have all be in the 4s!  His writing grips me every time.  I feel like I'm there, I care for the characters, and I want to know what's going to happen.  So good.  4-17-24

35.  Alone With You in the Ether (Blake) ~ 2.5/5 (eh), Audiobook, Romance

I enjoyed the first half more than the second.  Read it only because of the hype.  4-19-24

36.  The Woman in Me (Spears) ~ 3.75/5 (good +), Audiobook, Memoir

I haven't followed Britney, other than what I have seen in the media, so this was an eye opener.  She did a good job telling her story.  4-24-24

DNF - The Book of Doors (Brown) ~ eBook, Fantasy, NetGalley

This sounded intriguing, but I just couldn't get into it.

37.  The Midwife (Cresswell) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), Audiobook, Historical Fiction

I think I would have appreciated this one more had I read it.  There were a lot of characters and their stories to keep track of that caused minor confusion at times via audio.  It is a slow moving saga, but interesting to learn about the time period.

4-28-24