This time last year I had read 63 books. This year, I'm at (consults goodreads) 23. Yikes! I'm honestly not completely sure why I've read so much less this year, but I think it just comes down to having less time in the evenings because of the van build and working so much! I have also almost completely given up on audiobooks too because sadly, they just aren't for me. 9 times out of 10 the narrator's voice annoys me and I end up disliking the book. Can anyone else relate?!
Either way, there's no shame in reading more or less than usual! The books will be there for us whenever we're ready! I'm going to go through all of the books that I finished this year and give my honest reviews. If you are interested in also seeing which books I DNF'ed (did not finish), those are on my instagram story highlights.
If you want to skip the reviews and just see the list of top-ranking books, click here.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
The Duke and I by Julia Quinn: 4/5 : Honestly. this is one of the only good books from the series in my opinion. It's just light and fun!
The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn (Bridgerton #2): 2.5/5 Another light easy read. I personally didn't like the Kate/ Anthony storyline in the show and it wasn't any better in the book.
An Offer from a Gentleman by Julia Quinn (Bridgerton #3) : 4.5 /5 : This one is probably my favorite in the series! It is a retelling of a classic fairy tale and I can't wait to see how the next season will be!
Curious Tides by Pascale Lacelle: 3/5: If you love fantasy and dark academia you will love this one! A really different and unusual magic system. My only complaint was that it was too long, she could have cut 200 pages and it would have been better!
Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn (Bridgerton #4) 3.5/5 : Colin and Pen are definitely my favorite couple of this series! The book and show are a bit different in this book and the book plot line is not great. The men in these books are extremely sexist! There, I said it!
House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J Maas (Crescent City #3) : 4.5 / 5 I think I'm not the only person who was a little let down by this book. SJM is a master story weaver and the intricacies of her stories are kind of mind-boggling. BUT this book should have been 2 books. No book needs to be 900 pages, okay?
To Sir Phillip, with Love by Julia Quinn (Bridgerton #5): 1/5 This might be my first ever 1-star ranking. It is just so bad I beg you to spare yourself. Sir Phillip is without a doubt the worst male main character to ever exist. It's not just me either, the top 7 reviews on Goodreads were also 1 or 2 stars.
Bride by Ali Hazelwood: 4.75/5 Has a bit of a slow start but is absolutely hilarious. If you've been around for any length of time you know of my love for AlHaz (that really doesn't roll off the tongue, does it?). Anyways, this is a bit of a departure from her norm. This is a paranormal romance about vampires and werewolves. A bit odd but still fantastic!
The Road to Roswell by Connie Willis 4.5/5 : Unexpectedly delightful. Best described as an alien invasion western. Unputdownable!
The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston: 5/5 My first 5 star read of 2024 and maybe my favorite romcom of all time? It does have a hint of paranormal in it, but is more romance than magical realism. Her writing is really beautiful and it handles death in a very touching way. Perfect for spooky season!
The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett: 4.5/5 Janice Hallett has become one of those if-she-writes-it-i-will-read-it type of authors for me. A brilliant writer, and her style is quite unusual, they are typically mixed media type books. This one is all notes and voice recordings of a journalist. I wish more authors did this style. One of the best mysteries I have ever read!
Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry: I listened to this one and it was quite heartbreaking, knowing what happened to him. He led a very difficult life. It will definitely help you to see addiction as a disease and have more empathy for people going through that struggle. I will add that it does not spend a ton of time on Friends, so if you want to read about that, it is probably 1/4th of the book.
A Home for Every Season by Steffy Degreff: 4/5 : Such a fun and cozy read. The perfect coffee table book, full of gorgeous photos, crafts, DIY inspo and great storytelling. It will make you want to buy an A-frame in the mountains!
Funny Story by Emily Henry: 5/5 : Might be Emily Henry's best yet! The perfect blend of funny, sweet, nostalgic, and heartwarming. Don't tell, but I read it 3 times in a row.
A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L Jensen: 4/5 : If you love fantasy but think they all sort of start to feel like the same story over and over, you'll like this one. Very unique world building and magic system. The main character, who by the way is named Freya (not at all similar to Feyre lol!) reminds me of Alva (the fish monger turned school teacher) from Klaus.
A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid 5/5: Don't let the title turn you off! It is fantasy/ dark academia with a little bit of mystery. It definitely will be a reread for me and completely unputdownable!
House Rules by Myquillin Smith 4.5/5: I am a religious Myquillin Smith reader. She is the ultimate teacher on home decor for the average non-interior designer. I've read all of her books and in this one she really breaks down the principles on decorating. If you want to know more tangible ways to improve your home's syle, this is a fabulous read.
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black: 2/5: I am not a huge fan of YA books where the main character feels really young, and in this one, she truly acts like she is a 7-year-old (she is 17). Would be a great read for younger age groups except that it is pretty dark.
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig: 3.5/5: I actually listened to this one last year too but didn't review it because I got too confused and didn't really understand the ending (I really shouldn't listen to audiobooks while working)! This was our book club's pick for August and was a great excuse to reread it. This is a fantasy novel with a magic system based on magic cards. Quite a complicated storyline, so you may want to take notes!
Forgiving What You Can't Forget by Lysa Terkheurst: 4.5/5: If you have gone through any kind of trauma, divorce, messy job loss, or church hurt, this is a life-changing book for working through the anger and resentment you have towards a person/people. I shared a bit here about what happened with our church earlier this year, and this book was what helped me finally get over that. I truly believe anger is the most toxic and harmful emotion we as humans can experience and this book really helped me process through my anger and find peace
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling: 4.5/5: I typically reread this series every fall/winter but I haven't the past couple. years, so starting the series again felt like meeting up with an old friend. The illustrated editions are absolutely stunning works of art!
And that's all for now! Let me know in the comments your favorite book you've read so far this year!
xoxo,
Melissa
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