Hey, all. I know this is a pretty hefty reading update. I had some personal things that came up toward the tail-end of March, which made it impossible for me to give my usual reading updates. So, in lieu of not updating at all, I decided to lump it all together. Hold on to your backside because you’re in for one heck of a ride!
WHAT I’VE READ!
The Many Daughters of Afong Moy by Jamie Ford
An enjoyable read with more than a few heart-throbbing moments. I found it a bit confusing in places and ultimately was left scratching my head at the end. My personal rating of this book is different from my objective rating. All in all, I think this book will be perfect for some people. For me, I felt like a lot was left unexplained or unresolved, and what was felt a bit… well, lackluster. Being someone who loves open endings, I didn’t expect this one to irk me as much as it did, but here we are!
As You Wish by Kimberly Ann
At this point, just call my blog a Kimberly Ann Stan blog. I had the privilege of reading this beauty while it was in beta and again in its final, beautiful form. I enjoyed this immensely and cannot wait to share the entire review with you guys!
Thistlefoot by GennaRose Nethercott
You know, I went into this one with high expectations. There was a brief moment in the beginning when I was worried I wouldn’t vibe well with the book, but after a bit of reading, I realized that the book actually surpassed my expectations. It was witty, it was dark, it made me feel my feelings. It’s a five-star from me! I can’t wait to share my review with you guys!
Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen
Well, it happened. Sarah Addison Allen finally wrote a book that I wasn’t entirely enamored with. Something about this world and these characters didn’t quite grab me. The romance — while sweet — felt too secondary. To the point that I really almost didn’t care. Despite being an alleged quick read, it took me a bit to slog through it. I was satisfied by the ending, but I think, generally, this book was a miss for me.
Hester by Laurie Lico Albanese
I will start by saying that I felt so much rage while reading this book. And, for once, that’s not a bad thing. This book made me feel my feelings, lifting me to hopeful, dizzying heights, only to send me crashing painfully back down on my derriere. I suppose it doesn’t hurt that one of my favorite books just happens to be The Scarlet Letter. I can’t wait to share my more in-depth thoughts on this book in a later review. For now… don’t walk. Run. Add this to your TBR as soon as you are able!
Misrule by Heather Walter
Book #2 in the Malice Duology
This book has been sitting on my shelf, taunting me for months. After a thoroughly enjoyable buddy read with one of my best bookstagram friends, I was desperate to dive head-first into this dark fairy tale. The TBR got far too big, and I was unable to get to this book. Until now. And boy, was it worth the wait. This is another instance where hurting was a good thing. I thoroughly enjoyed this duology and cannot recommend it highly enough for anyone who enjoys sapphic romances with a dark twist.
Glow by Raven Kennedy
Book #4 of The Plated Prisoner Series
I want to start by saying that I actually really did enjoy this book. That being said, there were persistent technical issues that I imagine most people would struggle to look past. I’ve critiqued Kennedy before for over-writing (too much fat, not enough meat). This book was truly no exception. There were a whole lot of pages where not a lot got done. Again, Kennedy sucks me back in with a cliffhanger ending, so I will certainly be reading the next book.
Someday, Maybe by Addison Clarke
Book #2 of Moonflower Cove Series
This book has been sitting on my Kindle for what feels like a century. I started reading Someday, Maybe before I read the first book in the Moonflower Cove series (on accident) and was desperate to return to it. I finally had the time to dive right in, and I’m so glad I did. I’ve loved Clarke’s writing from the moment I cracked the first page, and I love the romances even more. The only reason this book isn’t a five-star is for “authorly growing pains.” There were a lot of names floating around, and often, I felt a bit confused about who was who and how they were all intertwined. Someday, Maybe relies really heavily on you knowing everyone from its predecessor State of Grace. It has been nine months since I last read this series, so I found it to be a bit overwhelming. There were also a few places where the language felt almost immature, and it took me out of the moment (re: “hella” during the steamy scenes). Though that may be a personal preference, I’m sure other people won’t mind. Regardless, I think this was a beautiful follow-up to State of Grace, and I can’t wait to read more! I definitely can’t wait to share the full review!
Small Angels by Lauren Owen
I wanted to love this one. I really, truly, honest to goodness did. But, boy, was it a slog for me. I had issues with a few things, but nothing grinds my gears more than when a writer relies on a seemingly endless soliloquy at the beginning of their book to info-dump all background information they deem pertinent. Beyond that, the story had a gaping plot hole that I could not get over—like, no one talked about the weird shit? It made no sense to me and, ultimately, left me feeling pretty frustrated and unfulfilled. I’ll be sharing my thoughts at a later date, but, for now, know that it was a grumpy note for me to end off on in March.
WHAT I’LL BE REVIEWING!
- The Many Daughters of Afong Moy by Jamie Ford
- As You Wish by Kimberly Ann
- Thistlefoot by GennaRose Nethercott
- Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen
- Hester by Laurie Lico Albanese
- Misrule by Heather Walter
- Glow by Raven Kennedy
- Someday, Maybe by Addison Clarke
- Small Angels by Lauren Owen
WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO READ NEXT MONTH
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Ivy Whitaker 