February was a short but extremely busy month. I was honestly surprised that I got any reading done at all. Between everything going on, I leaned even harder into picking up whatever sounded comforting or exciting in the moment.
One of my biggest highlights was receiving an eARC of one of my most anticipated March releases, Across the Vanishing Sky (thank you Bloom Books for the free ARC). As the first book in the Starlight Grove series, it completely delivered! It had everything I was hoping for and more! I loved spotting the Easter eggs and getting to know a new cast of characters. There is something special about diving into the start of a series and knowing you have an entire world ahead of you.
I also finally caved and started the Game Changers series. I am genuinely kicking myself for waiting this long! I am usually hesitant to pick up books or shows that are heavily hyped because they tend to be hit or miss for me. But this series turned out to be a comfort I did not know I needed! The characters, the emotional arcs, and the sense of found family made it such an immersive reading experience.
I am about halfway through The Long Game, but here are my rankings so far:
Heated Rivalry
Role Model
Common Goal
Tough Guy
Game Changer
I am not sure whether The Long Game will top Heated Rivalry or bump Role Model out of its second spot, but I am excited to find out.
Overall, February reminded me that even during busy seasons, reading can still carve out space for comfort and connection. I did not read as much as I might have in a quieter month, but what I did read truly worked for me. And at this point, that matters more than the number.
How did November go by in the blink of an eye? Itās wild that we are already in December. This year has somehow felt both impossibly long and unbelievably fast. For reading and nails, November was a great month. I had one standout holiday read that earned a full five stars and I also discovered a new nail brand that has me questioning if I ever want to go back to anything else.
š Favorite read of the month: Grace & Henryās Holiday Movie Marathon
Thank you Dell Romance, Random House, PRH audio for the free copy of Grace & Henryās Holiday Movie Marathon by Matthew Norman.
After losing their spouses, Grace and Henry are pushed together by their well-meaning mothers but neither is ready to date. Instead, they form a gentle friendship through a Christmas movie marathon that helps them heal and wonder if love might be possible again.
Grace & Henryās Holiday Movie Marathon deserves all the stars! I absolutely loved how Matthew integrated beloved holiday movies into the storyline. Grace and Henry were wonderful characters and I appreciated that we got to see both of their perspectives. It was moving to watch how each of them navigated grief and began finding their way forward. Their banter and growing friendship were so sweet and tender. I especially loved how Henry connected with Graceās children, Ian and Bella which was truly touching. The moments when Henry reminisced about his late wife, Brynn, and when Grace spoke to her late husband were both heartbreaking and beautifully written. The story flowed seamlessly. The supporting characters, including both families, added so much warmth. I also definitely recommend listening to the audiobook! The narrators did a fantastic job bring Grace and Henry to life. I highly recommend picking this one up, but keep a tissue nearby while reading!
I discovered Dazzle Dry in mid-November and wow it is a total game changer! Iām genuinely unsure if Iāll go back to my other brands anytime soon. It is easy to apply, everything you need comes in the kit, and the top coat dries in under five minutes. Once it is dry, you can literally go on with your day. It lasts a full week on me which means I can switch colors when I want to instead of when my manicure chips. It also helps my nails grow without any strengthening treatments and leaves them feeling strong overall. It looks like gel but applies and removes like regular polish. I quit gel back in May and finally found a regular polish system that lasts beyond 4-5 days. This one has been a great find and canāt wait to try other shades!
Itās officially spooky season! š The first day of fall š and my birthday š both passed last week so it feels like the perfect time to share a few September favorites. Instead of spotlighting just one book, Iām highlighting a whole series I devoured this month along with the mani I loved most.
š Favorite Series I Read: Tattered & Torn by Catherine Cowles
This series has been sitting on my TBR for ages. I finally dove in after realizing I already owned the first two books (one of them signed!), and Iām so glad I did. Honestly, Iām kicking myself for waiting so long. Tattered & Torn might just be my favorite Catherine Cowles series yet, tied closely with Sparrow Falls.
Hereās how Iād rank the five books, from favorite to least favorite:
Tattered StarsĀ (Book 1)
Fractured SkyĀ (Book 5)
Shattered SeaĀ (Book 4)
Hidden WatersĀ (Book 3)
Falling EmbersĀ (Book 2)
If youāve enjoyed Catherine Cowlesā Sparrow Falls series or like romantic suspense that balances swoony romance with page-turning tension, the Tattered & Torn series is a must-read.
This month I was all about deep red manis. For my birthday, I decided to go with a red French tip using Lights Lacquer polishes. The base isĀ CluelessĀ and the tips areĀ Cherry Wine. I used the Lights Lacquer nail stamper to get the look. The tips were created easily though cleanup was trickier sinceĀ Cherry WineĀ is a bit more liquid than expected. Still, I love how it turned out and it felt so fitting for a birthday mani.
Fall is less than a week a way, spooky season is starting to creep in, and it’s my birthday month! With so much happening, it feels like the perfect time to dive into Septemberās popular Berkley romance releases. Thank you to Berkley Romance for the free books!
The Princess and the P.I. by Nikki Payne Pub Date: 9/16/25
Fiona Addai, a famed Reddit detective, finds herself accused of murder when her attempt to expose a ruthless corporation goes wrong. With P.I. Maurice Bennett reluctantly by her side, she has to clear her name while picking up some real detective skills and maybe catching unexpected sparks along the way.
When I heard that Nikki Payne had a new book coming out, I was so excited! I loved her modern Jane Austen retellings and couldnāt wait to see her take a different direction with The Princess & the P.I. I didnāt realize until after finishing the book that Maurice was the younger Bennett brother which made the cameo appearances from the Bennett family even more fun. Fiona was such a great FMC. I really enjoyed watching her character grow as she navigated her strained family relationships. The audiobook narration by Arissa Evans and Jaime Lincoln Smith was fantastic and they truly brought the story to life. The only part that didnāt quite work for me was the chemistry between Fiona and Maurice, but I still thought they made a great team as partners in solving the mystery. As for the mystery itself, Nikki Payne did a terrific job tying everything together with a satisfying ending. I canāt wait to see what she comes up with next!
The Heartbreak Hotel by Ellen O’Clover Pub Date: 9/23/25
Reeling from heartbreak and unable to afford her Colorado home after a breakup, Louisa Walsh convinces her landlord Henry to let her stay by turning it into a bed-and-breakfast for the heartbroken. As the Comeback Inn opens its doors, Lou and Henry are drawn together even as secrets threaten their fragile new beginning.
The Heartbreak Hotel is the first book Iāve read by Ellen OāClover. Unfortunately, this was a miss for me. The story started off strong, but by the midpoint the pacing slowed and the plot took an odd turn. I did enjoy the vivid Colorado setting and the cozy details of the house which gave the book some charm. The story is told entirely from Louās perspective. Her chemistry with Henry is nonexistent. Louās character growth is nonexistent which was frustrating. I wanted much more depth from Henry. The supporting characters and their personal journeys were the only aspects that held my interest. This book should also come with clear content warnings which were noticeably absent. Overall, this one is skippable.
Soul Searching by Lyla Sage Pub Date: 9/30/25
Collins Cartwright returns to Sweetwater Peak to help save her parentsā antique shop, but the ghosts she has always relied on have suddenly gone quiet. When she rents a room from newcomer Brady Cooper, their growing connection and a little push from the spirits make her wonder if home might be exactly where she belongs.
Soul Searching is the first book in the Sweetwater Peak series. When Lyla mentioned that this would take place in a neighboring town to Rebel Blue Ranch and include paranormal elements, I was super excited. I loved how she kept the familiar charm of a western small town while also expanding her writing style in new ways. The duet narration by Jason Clarke and Samantha Brentmoor was fantastic and really brought the story to life. Collins and her family were fascinating. I enjoyed seeing the world through her perspective. I just wish there had been more interaction with the ghosts and more depth in that aspect. It was also fun to see cameo appearances from some of the Wilder family. I was glad to get Bradyās perspective, but his character felt underdeveloped and his chapters did not land as strongly for me. I was craving more insight into his personality. While the natural chemistry between Collins and Brady was sweet, the tension I was hoping for was missing. Overall, I would rate this 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars on Goodreads. I am excited for the next book in the series and really hope it features Collinsā twin sister, Clarke.
As August slips away, weāre still in the middle of a heatwave as September begins, which comes as no surprise. Iāve already got fall on my mind and just need the weather to catch up. Here are two standouts from the past month that brought me joy: a gripping first book in a brand new series by thriller queen Karin Slaughter, and a dazzling Lights Lacquer polish that has me craving fall more than ever.
š Favorite book I read: We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter
Thank you William Morrow for the free advanced copy of We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter.
In the small town of North Falls, the disappearance of two teenage girls during the fireworks proves that no one truly knows each other. Officer Emmy Clifton, burdened by guilt, is determined to find them and uncover the secrets the town has been hiding.
Karin Slaughter is an auto-read author for me so it was no surprise that her latest book, We Are All Guilty Here (the first in the North Falls series), is a 5-star read! This is one of those books you should go into without knowing too many details so you can experience every surprise. This slow-burn police procedural had me on my toes until the very end. I thought I had it all figured out, but twist after twist kept me guessing and I could not put it down. The emotional, deeply flawed characters hit me to my core. Slaughter did an incredible job weaving together two timelines with enough clarity to keep me fully invested. There were moments that felt heavy where I truly sympathized with Emmy or Jude and moments that left me completely shell-shocked. Highly recommend picking this one up. Now I canāt wait for the next book in the series!
š Favorite Manicure: Lights Lacquer Saddle Up
Saddle Up is part of the Lights Lacquer Headed West fall collection. Iām actually surprised that I chose another red as my favorite given that I donāt really wear red manis that much. Iām obsessed with how this specific shade reminds me of fall. I love how opaque and creamy it is. This will definitely be a repeat mani this upcoming season!
Fall may not be here yet, but my TBR and polish picks are already there.
This is my first time doing a monthly wrap-up here. On Instagram, I used to share book wrap-ups, but I wanted to go in a different direction this time. Each month, Iāll keep it simple and share two favorites: a book I loved and a manicure that stood out. Hereās what made July special:
Favorite book I read: Chasing Shelter by Catherine Cowles
Chasing Shelter is the fifth book in the Sparrow Falls series. Itās an interconnected standalone, which means you can start with this one, but itās best enjoyed in order since there are spoilers for couples from the previous books. I was so excited to see Trace finally get his love story with Ellie. These two are perfectly matched, and this book deserves all the stars.
Ellieās bond with Traceās daughter, Keely, was one of the sweetest parts of the story. Watching their relationship grow made every scene with them even more heartwarming. It was also great to learn more about Traceās past and what shaped him into the man he is now. I loved that we still got the fun sibling group chat, Loliās antics, and the warmth of the found family dynamic. The suspense element was a nice touch too. I predicted one part but not the other and it definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. The epilogue was absolute perfection. Now Iām counting down the days for Fallon and Kylerās book. I know Catherine will wrap up the series in the best possible way and Iām thrilled that Dex will get his spotlight in the new series!
I also read the sneak peek of Secret Haven and that prologue had me in tears. I can already tell itās going to be incredible. Plus, I was so happy to see a preview of Across the Vanishing Sky in the KU version. From what I read, it sounds amazing!
Favorite manicure: Lights Lacquer Cherry Wine
Part of Julyās Cherry Coated Trio launch, this vampy red shade was the perfect color to transition from summer to fall vibes. I loved wearing it and know it will stay in my regular rotation. Iām already planning to reach for it again soon.
Today Iām highlighting 3 new romance releases today and my thoughts on each of them:
š§¹ A Witchās Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna
š Thank you Berkley Romance & PRH Audio for the free copy.
š¬: If you loved The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, this charming cozy book is for you! Seraās journey of healing, found family, and rediscovering confidence really shines. I adored the cast of supporting characters. The ending was satisfying. Iād recommend this to anyone craving magic with heart.
š¾ Pugs & Kisses by Farrah Rochon
š Thank you Forever & Hachette Audio for the free copy.
š¬: I was so happy to see Evie take center stage in this follow-up to Pardon My Frenchie. Her emotional arc is tender and relatable. Bryson brings just enough tension to make their chemistry sizzle even if I wanted to shake him a few times. Pet loss is mentioned here, however, the author handled with care and not for shock value which I appreciated. This oneās for fans of heartwarming friendships and slow-burn healing. I canāt wait for Ridley and Von next!
š§¼ Maid for Each Other by Lynn Painter
š Thank you Berkley Romance & PRH Audio for the free copy.
š¬: This one had Pretty Woman vibes and Painterās signature banter. This one wasnāt quite my cup of tea. However, if you love billionaire tropes or insta-love, it might be up your alley.
Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson Publisher: Ecco Books Pub Date: 5/13/2025
Thank you Ecco Books for the free advanced copy.
Rating: āļøāļøāļøāļø
Madeline Hillās quiet life on a Tennessee farm is upended when a man named Reuben shows up claiming to be her half brother. Together, they embark on a wild road trip to track down their elusive father and a string of other siblings, discovering unexpected family and connection along the way.
I was excited to hear that Kevin Wilson was releasing a new book this year since I really enjoyed Nothing to See Here and Now Is Not the Time to Panic. The plot was intriguing and I loved the characters that were introduced. Most of the book is told through Madās perspective in third person, but I appreciated how we still got a sense of the supporting charactersā experiences as well. I liked learning about Madās complicated relationship with her dad. The vignettes showing his life with her half-siblings added depth to the story. The storyline was heartfelt and Kevin did an incredible job portraying strained family dynamics with tenderness. A few twists caught me by surprise in the best way and made the story even more enjoyable. I had to sit with the ending for a bit because at first it felt disappointing, but the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. Definitely recommend picking this up if youāre a Kevin Wilson fan!
Donāt Open Your Eyes by Liv Constantine Publisher: Random House Pub Date: 6/17/2025
Thank you PRH Audio for the free copy.
Rating: āļøāļøāļøāļø
Annabelle has a perfect life until she starts having vivid dreams that feel more like warnings of a dangerous future. When parts of the dreams begin coming true, sheās forced to question her reality and how far sheāll go to protect her daughter.
Donāt Open Your Eyes was one of my most anticipated June reads. Liv Constantine is an auto-read author for me so I was really excited for this one! I liked the storyline and found the multiple perspectives engaging. Each voice felt distinct and the audiobook narrators were a great fit. Scarlett was my favorite character. I enjoyed seeing how she navigated being a teen. The dream sequences from Annabelleās point of view were intriguing and I liked the use of premonitions throughout. The ending wasnāt my favorite, but it was decent. Overall, Iād rate this 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 on Goodreads.
King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby Publisher: Flatiron Pub Date: 6/10/2025
Thank you Flatiron & Macmillan Audio for the free advanced copies.
Rating: āļøāļøāļøāļø
When Roman Carruthers returns home after his fatherās suspicious car accident, he finds his family drowning in debt and danger from violent criminals. As his sister Neveah fights to hold the family together, Roman uses his sharp financial skills, a ruthless side the gangsters didnāt expect, to protect the people he loves at any cost.
S.A. Cosby is an auto-read author for me and I can always count on his books to pull me out of a slump. I was especially excited to hear that Adam Lazarre-White would be narrating this one because I love his performances in Cosbyās other books. King of Ashes is another hit! Cosby has a way of creating characters you genuinely empathize with. They make tough choices and suddenly youāre wrapped up in their complexity and moral grayness. Roman was such a layered character and heās truly put through the wringer. The book raises hard questions about how far you would go to protect your family while also exploring strained family dynamics and complicated ties within a close-knit community. Cosbyās story is gritty and includes some graphic elements, but it feels purposeful and drive both the plot and character growth. I loved the slow burn, the high stakes for every character, and that epic ending! I was driving while listening to the last part and literally had to pull over just to relisten. Overall, I highly recommend picking this one up on audio!
Asha Reads 