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? Itâs 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.
đ Favorite read of the month: Grace & Henryâs Holiday Movie Marathon
Thank you Dell Romance, Random House, PRH audio for the free copy of Grace & Henryâs 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 & Henryâs 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 Graceâs 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! Iâm genuinely unsure if Iâll 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 canât wait to try other shades!
October flew by and I canât believe weâre already in the final month of fall! This month came with some truly stellar reads, but it was also when I had the most DNFs. Iâve learned that if Iâm not hooked within the first few chapters or first 30 pages, itâs best to move on, and it has made reading so much more enjoyable overall.
đ Favorite Reads of the Month
Instead of choosing just one, I wanted to highlight my three five-star reads from October. Full reviews can be found on Goodreads:
The Mating Game by Lana Ferguson – Thank you Berkley Romance for the free ARC, releases December 2.Mate by Ali Hazelwood – Target editionSecret Haven by Catherine Cowles
đ Favorite Manicure
Lights Lacquer The Restricted Section
Lights Lacquerâs The Restricted Section is a deep gray-green polish with a fine shimmer finish. I was surprised by how much I loved this one since shimmers are usually out of my comfort zone, but it perfectly captured the fall and spooky vibes this month.
The Sparrow Falls series by Catherine Cowles has become one of my all-time favorites. Each book blends small-town romance, healing, and just the right touch of suspense. While waiting for the final book, Secret Haven, to release later this month, I decided to create something special inspired by the series.
This is the first book-inspired Kindle insert and charm set Iâve created, and I loved every part of the process. It felt like the perfect way to say farewell to a series thatâs meant so much to me.
⨠The Charm Set
Each charm represents one of the books in the series:
đž Fragile Sanctuary ⢠Rhodesâ dog
đ¸ Delicate Escape ⢠Theaâs garden
đ§ Broken Harbor ⢠Suttonâs bakery and Coltâs love for her cupcakes
đĽ Beautiful Exile ⢠Arden and Lincâs boxing gloves
đ Chasing Shelter ⢠Keelyâs bow
đ Secret Haven ⢠Kyeâs tattoo machine pen
It was so fun choosing details from each story. I also added mountain and heart charms to represent the full series as a whole.
Here’s another photo including my favorite pop socket featuring my dog and dust plug (I purchased both of these):
Itâs officially spooky season! đ The first day of fall đ and my birthday đ both passed last week so it feels like the perfect time to share a few September favorites. Instead of spotlighting just one book, Iâm highlighting a whole series I devoured this month along with the mani I loved most.
đ 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 Iâm so glad I did. Honestly, Iâm kicking myself for waiting so long. Tattered & Torn might just be my favorite Catherine Cowles series yet, tied closely with Sparrow Falls.
Hereâs how Iâd rank the five books, from favorite to least favorite:
Tattered Stars (Book 1)
Fractured Sky (Book 5)
Shattered Sea (Book 4)
Hidden Waters (Book 3)
Falling Embers (Book 2)
If youâve enjoyed Catherine Cowlesâ 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 is Clueless and the tips are Cherry Wine. I used the Lights Lacquer nail stamper to get the look. The tips were created easily though cleanup was trickier since Cherry Wine 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 Septemberâs 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 couldnât wait to see her take a different direction with The Princess & the P.I. I didnât 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 didnât 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 canât 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 Iâve read by Ellen OâClover. 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 Louâs perspective. Her chemistry with Henry is nonexistent. Louâs 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 parentsâ 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 Bradyâs 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 Collinsâ twin sister, Clarke.
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, Iâll keep it simple and share two favorites: a book I loved and a manicure that stood out. Hereâs what made July special:
Favorite book I read: Chasing Shelter by Catherine Cowles
Chasing Shelter is the fifth book in the Sparrow Falls series. Itâs an interconnected standalone, which means you can start with this one, but itâs 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.
Ellieâs bond with Traceâs 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 Traceâs past and what shaped him into the man he is now. I loved that we still got the fun sibling group chat, Loliâs 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 Iâm counting down the days for Fallon and Kylerâs book. I know Catherine will wrap up the series in the best possible way and Iâm 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 itâs 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 Julyâs 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. Iâm already planning to reach for it again soon.
Itâs pub day and Iâve got three new releases to talk about. All three ended up being 3-star reads for me. Nothing terrible, but nothing Iâm rushing to recommend either. If youâre curious about what didnât quite hit, keep reading.
What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown Publisher: Random House
Thank you PRH Audio and Random House for the free advanced copy.
What Kind of Paradise is about Jane, who grows up in an isolated Montana cabin, believing her father is her whole world. But when she uncovers a terrible truth, she runs to San Francisco searching for answers and starts to question everything she thought she knew about her past, her parents, and herself.
I loved Janelleâs previous books so I was really looking forward to What Kind of Paradise. I had mixed feelings about this one. The premise was interesting, but the execution felt meh. Itâs not really a thriller as it leans more toward general fiction with a hint of suspense. The pacing was uneven where the beginning drew me in, but the second half dragged and felt way too slow. All the tech talk made me lose interest. I just couldnât connect with Jane as she felt too emotionally distant for me to feel much empathy toward her. The ending also wrapped up a little too neatly. Overall, this one just didnât work for me the way I hoped.
Worth Fighting For by Jesse Q. Sutanto Publisher: Hyperion Ave
Thank you Leo PR & Hyperion Ave for the free advanced copy.
To save her fatherâs hedge fund deal, Mulan pretends to be him and heads to a whiskey ranch run by Shang and his old-school, misogynistic family. Sheâs determined to close the deal, but falling for Shang was never part of the plan.
Worth Fighting For is the fifth book in the Meant To Be series and a modern Mulan retelling. I had mixed feelings about this one. I loved the sentiment behind the story and what it clearly meant to the author. The way iconic scenes from the movie were seamlessly integrated into a contemporary setting was one of the highlights. Mulanâs personality was what I expected. It didnât surprise me that she altered her name for the Lis, but it did stretch believability that they fell for it considering her dad is the managing partner and owner of the firm. Also with how involved Shang was in social media, it was hard to believe he didnât know who she was.
The part I struggled with most was Shangâs character. He was really underdeveloped. While I appreciated that he wasnât as blatantly misogynistic as the rest of his family, we never got to see his leadership in action or feel his passion for Wutai Gold, his familyâs high-end whiskey company. Mushu was a firecracker and I had mixed feelings about her. I loved how loyal and supportive she was to Mulan, but she could be a bit too out there at times. The ranch portion of the story was easily my favorite. It brought out everyoneâs personalities and felt the most engaging. Unfortunately, the ending didnât work for me. Too much happened too fast, it felt rushed and anticlimactic, and then it just abruptly stopped. Iâm curious to see what the next retelling in this series will be!
The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Thank you Sourcebooks Landmark for the free advanced copy.
Olivia Dumont is a ghostwriter hiding her identity as the daughter of infamous horror author and murder suspect Vincent Taylor. When she agrees to ghostwrite his final book, long-buried family secrets and haunting truths resurface.
I loved The Last Flight, but found The Lies I Tell to be just okay so I wasnât sure what to expect from The Ghostwriter. The premise was intriguing and felt unique which is what drew me in. However, I wasnât a fan of the writing style or execution. The first half of the book is an extremely slow build while the second half picks up slightly with more flashbacks that help move the story along. I found Olivia to be a dull and unengaging protagonist with no real character growth. Of all the perspectives, Poppyâs was the most compelling. Vinceâs chapters, on the other hand, read more like a teenage girl than a boy which pulled me out of the story. It was frustrating how often information was repeated as if the reader couldnât connect the dots on their own. Many side characters seemed to appear out of nowhere and felt underdeveloped. The last 15% of the book is where the action finally kicks in and the ending was decent. Overall, I donât think Julie Clarkâs writing style is for me.
Iâve read all of Neely Tubati Alexanderâs books and each one brings something unique to the table whether itâs slow-burn romance, self-discovery or forced proximity that reignites old feelings. If youâre wondering where to start or curious about my thoughts, hereâs my ranking based on personal vibes, favorite tropes, and the emotional ride each story took me on:
Love Buzz (#3 in my ranking)
Pub Date: 5/2/23
Quick Summary: Serena meets a mysterious, charming stranger during a chaotic New Orleans bachelorette trip and becomes determined to find him once she’s back in Seattle. As she searches with only a few clues, she starts to question whether the carefully planned life she built is truly what she wants or if love might be worth the risk.
Thoughts: I had mixed feelings about it. The plot was intriguing and I didnât mind that the romance took a backseat. I actually appreciated that the story focused more on Serenaâs journey which was letting go of a job that no longer fulfilled her and ending a relationship she had clearly outgrown. It was empowering to watch her find a career she felt passionate about and even when she stumbled, she learned and moved forward. The part that didnât work for me was the romance. I was fine with the insta-love setup between Serena and Julian, but her obsession with finding him after a brief encounter felt a bit unrealistic and hard to buy into. While the story centers on self-discovery and we do eventually learn how great Julian is, I wish they had reconnected earlier so we could actually see their relationship develop. The ending felt too rushed to fully enjoy the spark between them.
Rating: âď¸âď¸âď¸
Courtroom Drama (#2 in my ranking)
Thank you to the author for the free ARC and to LibroFM & Harper Audio for the free ALC.
Pub Date: 5/20/25
Quick Summary: Sydney Parks thinks jury duty might finally bring some excitement to her life, especially when it involves a reality TV star on trial for murder. But things get messy fast when she realizes her long-lost childhood best friend is also on the jury, and old feelings start bubbling up at the worst possible time.
Thoughts: The plot felt original and intriguing. I loved how Neely balanced two subplots: Margotâs trial and the slow-building connection between Sydney and Damon. The character development was exceptionally well done. I donât usually love single POV stories, but it worked perfectly here where each character felt deeply flawed yet relatable. The banter between Sydney and Damon was top-notch. The trial scenes were surprisingly engaging and kept me hooked all the way through. I also appreciated that the book included content warnings at the beginning of both the print and audio versions and the sensitive topics were handled with care. My only gripe was the pacing. I adored the slow burn and the pining between Sydney and Damon, but I wish we got to see more of their relationship after the trial wrapped up. Overall, I highly recommend picking this one up!
Rating: âď¸âď¸âď¸âď¸
In a Not So Perfect World (#1 in my ranking)
Pub Date: 3/19/24
Quick Summary: Sloane Cooper, a video game designer focused on landing her dream job, agrees to pose as her neighbor Charlieâs fake girlfriend on a trip to Turks and Caicos. As sparks fly between them, Sloane struggles to stick to her career-first plan and avoid falling for someone whoâs supposed to be winning back his ex.
Thoughts: I really enjoyed it! Some readers might not like how discriminatory the company Sloane interviews for is portrayed and while it may feel extreme, there is definitely some truth to it in the gaming world. I had a lot of empathy for Sloane and I could tell she was trying to prove something to herself. Charlie was a fun character although I thought he could have used more time to recover from his breakup before getting involved with Sloane. The banter between Charlie and Sloane was off the charts and the slow burn was perfect for their story. I loved all the activities they did during their vacation and how their connection gradually deepened. I appreciated that Sloane stayed focused on landing her dream job and that we got to see justice served at the end regarding the company. What did not work for me was the ending where everything felt tied up a little too neatly especially in terms of their work situations and how the third-act breakup was resolved.
The Love Haters by Katherine Center Publisher: St. Martinâs Press Pub Date: 5/20/2025
Thank you St. Martinâs Press for the free advanced copy.
Rating: âď¸âď¸âď¸âď¸
Katie Vaughn takes a job profiling Coast Guard rescue swimmer Hutch Hutcheson, even though she canât swim. As she spends time with Hutch and his family, she faces her fears, gets caught in a few lies, and starts to fall for him.
The Love Haters had such an intriguing plot. I ended up really enjoying it! The real standout in this book was the amount of research and thought Katherine Center put into the Coast Guard details. I enjoyed the slow burn, the banter, and the quirky side characters as well. Rue, George Bailey, and The Gals were a hoot! Beanie was an interesting best friend and cousin to Katie. Though I didnât agree with all of her advice and some of it felt harsh, I appreciated that Katie had someone in her corner. The character dynamics in the book were interesting. I loved how Katherine built the connection between Katie and Hutch while also focusing on Katieâs journey of self-healing and self-love. For Hutch, the story centered on healing his relationships. Katie was an interesting main character and I can see how readers might either connect with her or find her frustrating. She tends to overthink and get stuck in her head, but considering her journey, her struggles made sense. Hutch occasionally felt a little too perfect or seemed to act hot and cold, but by the end, I understood why he was the way he was. I really wish we had gotten Hutchâs perspective because it would have been fascinating to see some of the resolutions from his point of view. The last half of the book took some unexpected twists which made things even more compelling. Overall, this was a solid four-star read.
Asha Reads 