I read a lot of books in March. This was such a great reading month for me, mostly because of the readathon I took part in. This is a pretty long post so hope you enjoy!
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
Misery Lark, the only daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman of the Southwest, is an outcast—again. Her days of living in anonymity among the Humans are over: she has been called upon to uphold a historic peacekeeping alliance between the Vampyres and their mortal enemies, the Weres, and she sees little choice but to surrender herself in the exchange—again… Weres are ruthless and unpredictable, and their Alpha, Lowe Moreland, is no exception. He rules his pack with absolute authority, but not without justice. And, unlike the Vampyre Council, not without feeling. It’s clear from the way he tracks Misery’s every movement that he doesn’t trust her. If only he knew how right he was…. Because Misery has her own reasons to agree to this marriage of convenience, reasons that have nothing to do with politics or alliances, and everything to do with the only thing she’s ever cared about. And she is willing to do whatever it takes to get back what’s hers, even if it means a life alone in Were territory…alone with the wolf.
I loved this! Amazing storyline, plot, and romance. I want more! By far my new favorite Ali Hazelwood.
The Businesswoman and the Bartender by Brianna Bancroft
April Markham might be jet-lagged beyond belief, but at least the bartender at her hotel is easy on the eyes. After years of throwing herself into work to combat the pain of a failed relationship, a bit of innocent flirtation is exactly what she needs to get her groove back. Nick is the full package—charming, handsome, age appropriate, single. Plus, he makes a fantastic gin gimlet. One night of conversation turns into two, and his company quickly becomes as irresistible as the cocktails he crafts. Although April never intended to mix business with pleasure while traveling for work, things are destined to move from the bar to the bedroom. But as the red-hot flame of attraction burns bright, reality threatens to douse their heat. She’s a businesswoman from New York; he’s a bartender in Seattle. And as her flight home looms, April must decide whether to risk her heart on a cross-country affair or announce “last call” on what could be the romance of a lifetime.
I loved this. Even though it was super short I really felt the connection and the romance.
Vanished Hearts by Jenna Rose
Three years ago, Iris Turner’s life fell apart when her father left, destroying her family along with her dreams of becoming a doctor. Now, on her 18th birthday, Iris is considering a questionable career – one that will bring her and her alcoholic mother the money they desperately need – but one she’s not sure she’s ready for. That’s when Jameson Gray, the older boy who lived next door and used to look out for her and vanished without a trace when she needed him most, shows up again. But he’s no longer the boy he used to be. He’s a man now, and he’s offered to provide for Iris. But years of taking care of herself and not trusting anyone, especially men, has Iris suspicious of this ghost from her past. But Jameson is assertive, strong, and stubborn in his intent, and the way he’s blossomed into a ruggedly handsome man doesn’t hurt either. And Iris quickly finds herself wondering if there is a reason this man showed up at this critical time in her life.
I enjoyed this. I really liked the characters and the romance.
Say Yes by Elle Kennedy
Maid-of-honor Emilia is looking for some stress-busting fun the night before her best friend’s wedding. And what’s more fun than a no-strings hook-up? Good thing there’s an app for that, and she’s in luck—the sexy stud she swipes right on is more than happy to fulfill all her sexual needs. Her hot night with “Dirk” is everything she knew it would be. But this morning? He looks a hell of a lot like the groom.
This was cute and funny. There was something in there that I thought was going to happen and luckily it wasn’t what I thought. I do wish this was longer though.
On The Rocks by Kandi Steiner
Noah Becker is nothing but trouble. That’s what Mama told me when I was a kid, kicking his pew in church and giggling at the games we’d play. It’s what the town said when his father died and the Becker brothers went wild. And it’s on repeat in my mind the day I walk into the whiskey distillery where he works to buy a wedding gift for my fiancé. He’s trouble. Dirty, sweaty, rude trouble. No matter how many times I repeat it, I can’t escape Noah in our small Tennessee town. And the more I run into him, the more he infuriates me. Because he sees what no one else does. He sees me—the real me. The me I’m not sure I’m allowed to be. I’m Ruby Grace Barnett, the mayor’s daughter. Soon to be a politician’s wife, just like Mama and Daddy always wanted. Soon to fulfill my family’s legacy, just like I always knew I would. Until the boy everyone warned me about makes me question everything, like whether the wedding I’m planning is one I even want. Everyone says Noah Becker is nothing but trouble. If only I had listened.
I started this last year and ended up putting it down for a long time. I finally finished picked it back up and ended up reading the rest of the book in a day. Really enjoyed it.
The Bone Spindle by Leslie Vedder
Fi is a bookish treasure hunter with a knack for ruins and riddles, who definitely doesn’t believe in true love. Shane is a tough-as-dirt girl warrior from the north who likes cracking skulls, pretty girls, and doing things her own way. Briar Rose is a prince under a sleeping curse, who’s been waiting a hundred years for the kiss that will wake him. Cursed princes are nothing but ancient history to Fi–until she pricks her finger on a bone spindle while exploring a long-lost ruin. Now she’s stuck with the spirit of Briar Rose until she and Shane can break the century-old curse on his kingdom. Dark magic, Witch Hunters, and bad exes all stand in her way–not to mention a mysterious witch who might wind up stealing Shane’s heart, along with whatever else she’s after. But nothing scares Fi more than the possibility of falling in love with Briar Rose.
This was pretty good. I mainly just kept reading for Fi and Briar’s relationship. I won’t be continuing this series though.
Smile by Raina Telgemeier
Raina just wants to be a normal sixth grader. But one night after Girl Scouts she trips and falls, severely injuring her two front teeth, and what follows is a long and frustrating journey with on-again, off-again braces, surgery, embarrassing headgear, and even a retainer with fake teeth attached. And on top of all that, there’s still more to deal with: a major earthquake, boy confusion, and friends who turn out to be not so friendly. This coming-of-age true story is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever been in middle school, and especially those who have ever had a bit of their own dental drama.
This was good. I would have loved this when I had to get braces when I was younger.
The Librarian and the Mechanic by Brianna Bancroft
After ending an emotionally abusive marriage, Mallory Moran has worked hard to rebuild her life in a peaceful small town upstate. Her new job at the library has helped her heal, but it hasn’t alleviated her loneliness—although the handsome mechanic who frequently roams the bookstacks might. Of course, she’d have to build up the courage to talk to him first. Joel Foster is the epitome of stoic when he checks out his weekly book, but his impassive behavior keeps Mallory’s secret crush at bay. Until she finds herself on the side of a remote country road with a broken-down car. Suddenly thrust into each other’s orbits, the librarian and the mechanic realize they might be more on the same page than they once thought. But when news spreads that Joel’s ex-wife is back in town, Mallory is forced to confront her emotional scars and decide if she’s ready for a new chapter—or if it’s time to close the book on her second chance at love.
I loved this! Such a sweet, quick read with the perfect amount of spice.
My Killer Vacation by Tessa Bailey
It was supposed to be a relaxing vacation in sweet, sunny Cape Cod—just me and my beloved brother—but discovering a corpse in our rental house really throws a wrench into our tanning schedule. Now a rude, crude bounty hunter has arrived on the back of his motorcycle to catch the killer and refuses to believe I can be helpful, despite countless hours of true crime podcast listening. Not to mention a fulfilling teaching career of wrangling second graders. A brash bounty hunter and an energetic elementary schoolteacher: the murder-solving team no one asked for, but thanks to these pesky attempts on my life, we’re stuck together, come hell or high tide. I’m just here to do a job, not babysit an amateur sleuth. Although… it is becoming less and less of a hardship to have her around. Sure, she’s stubborn, distracting and can’t stay out of harm’s way. She’s also brave and beautiful and reminds me of the home I left behind three years ago. In other words, the painful hunger and protectiveness she is waking up in me is a threat to my peace of mind. Before I sink any deeper into this dangerous attraction, I need to solve this murder and get back on the road. But will fate take her from me before I realize the road has been leading to her all along?
I loved this! So much fun and I adored the characters. Very smutty and a great mystery.
Love & Luck by Jenna Evans Welch
Addie is visiting Ireland for her aunt’s over-the-top destination wedding and hoping she can stop thinking about the one horrible thing that left her miserable and heartbroken—and threatens her future. But her brother, Ian, isn’t about to let her forget, and his constant needling leads to arguments and even a fistfight between the two once-inseparable siblings. But when Addie discovers an unusual guidebook, Ireland for the Heartbroken, hidden in the dusty shelves of the hotel library, she’s finally able to escape her anxious mind—and Ian’s criticism. And then their travel plans change. Suddenly Addie finds herself on a whirlwind tour of the Emerald Isle, trapped in the world’s smallest vehicle with Ian and his admittedly cute Irish-accented friend Rowan. As the trio journeys over breathtaking green hills, past countless castles, and through a number of fairy-tale forests, Addie hopes her guidebook will heal not only her broken heart, but also her shattered relationship with her brother. That is, if they don’t get completely lost along the way.
I really enjoyed this. Loved the family and adventure vibes. Rowan is the sweetest.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a terrifying creature arrives to demand retribution. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she knows about only from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not truly a beast, but one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled her world. At least, he’s not a beast all the time. As she adapts to her new home, her feelings for the faerie, Tamlin, transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie she’s been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But something is not right in the faerie lands. An ancient, wicked shadow is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it, or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.
I’m so sad it took me so long to read this. I loved it so much and can’t wait to continue on in this series.
The Nanny Tenure by Sophie Andrews
Wanted: Nanny for preschooler. Must love dinosaurs, silly songs, hand puppets, and will definitely not fall for his single dad. After my three-year-old terror on two feet turns my live interview into a viral joke, I’m crowned the internet’s favorite “zaddy.” Whatever that means. But when my newfound fame threatens my shot at tenure, I know I need help to keep my academic career on track. In saunters Kennedy Novak, an effervescent ray of sunshine. With her megawatt smile and endless patience, she is a godsend, exactly what my son, Finn, needs. Exactly what I need to stabilize my home life. Which makes my attraction to her all the more problematic. Even though she’s twelve years my junior, I can’t ignore her lush body, the playful way she calls me “professor,” or how she moans my name when we almost kiss. Yet I know I can’t cross that line and risk losing the best thing that has ever happened to Finn and me. Until her ex comes back. Then all bets are off. Because there is no way I’ll give up Kennedy, internet fame or tenured position be damned.
I loved this! I adored these characters and the romance. I can’t wait for Jude’s book.
Blood, Lies, and Vampwriters by Ash Rivera
Abigail Braden is the world-famous author of the Sanguinem Chronicles and she has a secret.The main character of her novel is real and he’s actually a vampire. After a chance meeting on a backroad one night, she finds herself stuck with Charlemagne DiBaptiste, a five-hundred year old vampire and utter brat. While trying to write their second book, Abigail has started to notice a shift in her friendship with Charlemagne, a bloom of something new and dangerous. She knows Charlemagne has a reputation for breaking hearts and she’s always been worried hers might end up one of them, but she can’t seem to resist their growing attraction.With her heart in her hands, she gives in to Charlemagne’s seduction and their world is turned upside down. Girls are being murdered. Girls who look strikingly like Abigail. Something with fangs is hunting in Bonne Chance. Is it coincidence, or has the Vampwriter royally pissed someone off?
So much fun! I could not put this book down. I loved the romance and the mystery element.
Check and Mate by Ali Hazelwood
Mallory Greenleaf is done with chess. Every move counts nowadays; after the sport led to the destruction of her family four years earlier, Mallory’s focus is on her mom, her sisters, and the dead-end job that keeps the lights on. That is, until she begrudgingly agrees to play in one last charity tournament and inadvertently wipes the board with notorious “Kingkiller” Nolan Sawyer: current world champion and reigning Bad Boy of chess. Nolan’s loss to an unknown rook-ie shocks everyone. What’s even more confusing? His desire to cross pawns again. What kind of gambit is Nolan playing? The smart move would be to walk away. Resign. Game over. But Mallory’s victory opens the door to sorely needed cash-prizes and despite everything, she can’t help feeling drawn to the enigmatic strategist…. As she rockets up the ranks, Mallory struggles to keep her family safely separated from the game that wrecked it in the first place. And as her love for the sport she so desperately wanted to hate begins to rekindle, Mallory quickly realizes that the games aren’t only on the board, the spotlight is brighter than she imagined, and the competition can be fierce (-ly attractive. And intelligent…and infuriating…)
I ended up really enjoying this. It took me a bit to get into it but I ended up reading most of the book in a day. Nolan was my favorite.
Ryan’s Bed by Tijan
I crawled into Ryan Jensen’s bed that first night by accident. I barely knew him. I thought it was his sister’s bed—her room. It took seconds to realize my error, and I should’ve left… I didn’t. I didn’t jump out. I didn’t get embarrassed. I relaxed. And that night, in that moment, it was the only thing I craved. I asked to stay. He let me, and I slept. The truth? I never wanted to leave his bed. If I could’ve stayed forever, I would have. He became my sanctuary. Because—four hours earlier—my twin sister killed herself.
This book hurt so much. The epilogue destroyed me. I loved this though and Ryan is the best.
Swordheart by T. Kingfisher
Halla is a housekeeper who has suddenly inherited her great-uncle’s estate… and, unfortunately, his relatives. Sarkis is an immortal swordsman trapped in a prison of enchanted steel. When Halla draws the sword that imprisons him, Sarkis finds himself attempting to defend his new wielder against everything from bandits and roving inquisitors to her own in-laws… and the sword itself may prove to be the greatest threat of all.
I really enjoyed this. It was so funny and cozy. I loved the romance.
Blue Moon by Laurell K. Hamilton
When she chose master vampire Jean-Claude over her ex-fiancé, alpha werewolf Richard Zeeman, Anita learned that sometimes love is not enough. But though she and Richard won’t be walking down any aisles, she can’t turn her back on him when he’s arrested on a rape charge in Tennessee. Anita knows firsthand that Richard has the morals of a saint—or at least a boy scout. But his guilt or innocence is not the issue. He’s behind bars, and in five days a full moon will rise…
I forgot how much I like this series. So addicting and hard to put down. I can’t wait to see where it goes next.
Fake Date by Monica Murphy
Working at Bliss, Sarah Harrison deals with all sorts of—interesting clientele. Yet no one sparks her interest more than Jared Gaines, the ultra-rich, ultra-sexy businessman who frequents her shop, buying delicate little “gifts” for the women in his life. But one day, Jared sends her a gift from Bliss. Then another—and another. So when Sarah walks into his office demanding to know why he can’t stop sending her gifts, he makes her an offer she somehow can’t refuse: be his fake girlfriend for the weekend while attending his brother’s engagement party. Next thing Sarah knows, she’s in San Francisco, pretending to be in love with Jared. Not that it’s a hardship. Once you get the man away from the office, he’s much more relaxed. Sweet. Funny. Even…thoughtful? Oh, and sexier than ever, of course. Their pretend relationship feels very real, very quickly. Soon Sarah’s in over her head. Could what she and Jared share turn into something real? Or is it all actually…fake?
I really enjoyed this. Very funny and I loved the characters.
Take A Hike by Sophie-Leigh Robbins
Renting a small attic room from an eccentric family of six and having a curfew isn’t exactly the glamorous life I’d envisioned when moving to L.A., but then Caleb Miller shows up and turns my life around in one unforgettable day. Time spent with him is perfect, until he tells me to take a hike…
This was a fun, quick read. Not my favorite by this author but it was a good time.
A Mother’s Way by Lisa Cach, Susan Grant, Julie Kenner, and Lynsay Sands
MOTHER KNOWS BEST Was it the king who commanded Lord Jonathan to wed, or was it the diabolical scheme of his marriage-minded mama? After escaping her convent schooling, Miss Evelina Johnson wanted to sow her wild oats. Mrs. Johnson was planting different ideas. Andie never expected the man of her dreams to fall from the sky-but when he did, her mother would make sure the earth moved! Jennifer Martin always wanted to marry the man she loved, but her mom knew the only ones worth having were superheroes. UM, DOESN’T SHE? Well, those things Mom doesn’t know, she can learn. Right? And whether you’re a medieval lord or marketing liaison, whether you’re from Bath or Betelgeuse, it never hurts to have some help with your love life. Come see why a little meddling can be a wonderful thing – and why every day should be…
This was fun and quite funny. I enjoyed all the stories but did enjoy some more than others.
His Darkness by Angel Rayne
I’m not a villain. I’m something much, much worse… People have called me many things over the years. Cold. Violent. Monster. Psychopath. Only the last one is incorrect. I’m actually a sociopath. But my lack of feelings never hurt me. In fact, it helped me survive the brutal torture of my upbringing. Made me one of the best mafia enforcers in the business. So, I’m…content with my life. Or I was, at least. Until I saw her. Luna Wilde is the property of one of my boss’s men. Untouchable. Forbidden. I’ve been ordered to keep my distance. But for the first time, I don’t give a single fu*k about my orders. I’m obsessed. Ready to stalk her to the ends of the earth and destroy anyone who stands between us. I hope she likes the dark. Because that’s where she’ll stay now that she’s mine…
This was such an addicting book. Very dark and at times hard to read. I’m excited to see where this goes next.
Dragonar Academy Vol. 1 and 2 by RAN (art) and Shiki Mizuchi (story)
Welcome to Ansullivan Dragonar Academy, a school with a the students are dragon riders, each contracted with their own personal dragon. Ash Blake has the unique ability to ride anyone’s dragon, but he’s been waiting for what feels like forever for his own dragon to be born. He’s thrilled when his dragon, Eco, finally appears–but she inexplicably takes the form of a beautiful human girl. Eco’s peculiar appearance is only the first unusual thing Ash faces. His life is about to become a whirwind of spies, dragon races, and unexpected attention from both the proud Princess Sylvia and the beautiful president of the student council, Rebecca. All Ash wants is to acclimate Eco to the world, but someone out there wants his strange dragon on the dissecting table!
I really enjoyed the story and plot, but the amount of nakedness in this manga was a bit too much for me.
The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom
Eddie is a wounded war veteran, an old man who has lived, in his mind, an uninspired life. His job is fixing rides at a seaside amusement park. On his 83rd birthday, a tragic accident kills him as he tries to save a little girl from a falling cart. He awakes in the afterlife, where he learns that heaven is not a destination. It’s a place where your life is explained to you by five people, some of whom you knew, others who may have been strangers. One by one, from childhood to soldier to old age, Eddie’s five people revisit their connections to him on earth, illuminating the mysteries of his “meaningless” life, and revealing the haunting secret behind the eternal question: “Why was I here?”
I loved this! Such a great story and I cried so much in here.
Spell on Wheels by Kate Leth, Megan Levens, and Marissa Louise
Andy, Jolene, and Claire aren’t your average twenty-somethings. They’re legacy witches making their way through a modern world. When a jealous nonmagical ex breaks into their home and steals a spell that could awaken potentials with magical powers, the witches plan their revenge. Traveling down the East Coast, they must retrieve their powerful stolen artifacts and strengthen their friendship… the big bad is even worse than they imagined.
I liked the art and plot in here but didn’t connect with the characters all that much.
Bite by Rachel H. Drake
A love to die for. I was working a complicated spell when a magical explosion hit me. The accident left unintended consequences, tethering my soul to the person I least expected. That someone? My ex…who I just found out is a vampire. He didn’t even have the decency to call and tell me when he was turned, that prick. Now we can’t be more than ten feet apart or our bodies fly back together like a boomerang. As the strongest witch in the area, I can find a way to unravel the spell, but will it be in time? The connection between us is slowly killing me. And it doesn’t help that he looks at me like I’m the heaven he was denied. He is a vampire, I am a witch. He can live forever, but there is no undead life for me. This second chance may be my last days on earth. Will I take it?
This was a great, quick read. Loved the plot and the characters. Very smutty.
Rosario + Vampire Season 2 Volume 5 by Akihisa Ikeda
Yuokai Gakuen has been repaired and the new semester is underway. Tsukune and gang are back, and more powerful then ever. Anti-Thesis’s true identity is relieved. With new adversaries looming on the horizon, and something much more sinister then the gang has ever faced before.
I loved this volume so much. So far my favorite from season 2.
Seeing Stars by W.B. White
A small primer on astronomy.
This was interesting but made me feel kinda dumb at times.
Haunt by Rachel H. Drake
I don’t fear him, I crave him. My ghost has been my protector and friend for as long as I can remember. But recently, our relationship has changed. He grows stronger each time he touches me and feeds off of our physical chemistry. I want him, but he is a ghost, and I am very much alive. How can this work? Now I’m finding out there is more to our relationship. Something has connected him to me and my family in the afterlife. Can I use this connection to bring him back? Though he has never scared me, this does. I’m afraid of how I feel and even more fearful of what I’d do to keep him with me, forever.
This was so not what I expected but I really enjoyed it. Super smutty!
The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren
Felicity “Fizzy” Chen is lost. Sure, she’s got an incredible career as a beloved romance novelist with a slew of bestsellers under her belt, but when she’s asked to give a commencement address, it hits her: she hasn’t been practicing what she’s preached. Fizzy hasn’t ever really been in love. Lust? Definitely. But that swoon-worthy, can’t-stop-thinking-about-him, all-encompassing feeling? Nope. Nothing. What happens when the optimism she’s spent her career encouraging in readers starts to feel like a lie? Connor Prince, documentary filmmaker and single father, loves his work in large part because it allows him to live near his daughter. But when his profit-minded boss orders him to create a reality TV show, putting his job on the line, Connor is out of his element. Desperate to find his romantic lead, a chance run-in with an exasperated Fizzy offers Connor the perfect solution. What if he could show the queen of romance herself falling head-over-heels for all the world to see? Fizzy gives him a hard pass—unless he agrees to her list of demands. When he says yes, and production on The True Love Experiment begins, Connor wonders if that perfect match will ever be in the cue cards for him, too.
I really enjoyed this. I adored Connor and Fizzy so much. Their romance was sweet and the ending was perfect.
Those are all the books I read in March! Thank you for reading. Until next time.