November Books

Can you believe that reading wasn't my jam growing up?! Clif Notes were my best friends in high school - I'd "read enough" to get by, but other than that I did not enjoy the act of reading so never did it... like ever. Maybe I wasn't reading things that held my interest or maybe it was because it was "required" so I didn't find it enjoyable, but whatever the reason, I'm glad I challenged myself to add the goal of reading 17 books in 2017 (which turned into 88 books in 2017, 77 books in 2018, 67 books in 2019, 66 books in 2020, 67 books in 2021, 41 books in 2022 and 98 books in 2023). The majority of my "reading" has been listening to audiobooks since I don't have as much time to sit and read physical books once I started working full time (not to mention I walk to work and walk on my lunch break so have two-ish hours a day I can listen to something). Even still, holding a physical book is the bomb dot com and I hope to get back to adding more reading vs listening. Just like in years past, writing a monthly recap of the books I get through is a great way for me to both record what I'm reading and to stay accountable. So, here are the books I finished in the month of November:

• A Holly Jolly Ever After by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone - If you remember at the end of last month I had listened to the first two books (well, book number one and then the second installment which was more of a novella) in this "series" and although it was a little more scandalous than I was originally anticipating I started the month off by grabbing the final book available. Now that I knew what to expect from these books I wasn't caught off guard with all of the sexy scenes. I've gotta say, I think this one was actually my favorite of the three - maybe it was because the cast of characters from the first two also made appearances in this one, maybe because I had grown a fondness for the Christmas Notch 'family', maybe it was just written a bit better ;) I really liked the relationship between Winnie and Kallum, but not only that, I really liked the things that these two were struggling with and growing through (purity culture, asking for help, being a beginner at something, etc). I also really like how the epilogue in each of the books is about the same "relationship". Now I just have to wait for the final installment to become available on one of my audiobook apps. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta - Scrolling through my Libby app, waiting for one of my books to become available, I passed this one and it caught my attention (I may or may not have been watching flamingo videos on social media the previous week and even though I was pretty sure the book was not about the actual bird it was as good of a reason as any to check it out). I really enjoyed this coming-of-age story of Michael finding out who he was. The writing was beautiful (written in prose than in your run-of-the-mill dialog) and I appreciate that the queer characters were not only running into roadblocks with their friends and family (often what happens in this homophobic culture we live in), but also celebrating lots of queer joy too (because there is so much more than tragedy and heartbreak)! I actually would have liked it to be longer than it was. Honestly, I kept thinking this was a memoir, which is a great sign because it read so real and raw. I would give it an 8 out of 10. 

• The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood - After listening to another of this author's books, I went through and added them all to my "for later" list on my Libby app (oddly enough there weren't any on my Hoopla app) and this one finally became available. I'll be honest and say the premise is NOT original ('fake dating' and then a 'real' attraction blossoms), but I do love A. the strength the women have in this author's novels and B. that the women in the books are often in the STEM field (science, technology, engineering and mathematics. As most of us know, women tend to be few and far between in many of the stem jobs, so putting them front and center is always a plus in my book. [Did you know I entered college as a mathematics major {but switched to Economics once I found out I needed SIX semesters of calculus instead of the four I could get away with if doing econ ;)}?] As I mentioned, there wasn't anything too earth shattering about this storyline, but overall I found it cute and entertaining (and I was pulling for the couple), so I'll call it a win. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain - This popped up on my Libby app in the highly recommended section and I am so stoked I snagged it. Talk about too sweet! This is the story about Albert, a postman in the UK. He is coming up on retirement age and is being forced out of his position delivering mail. He has been 'playing it safe' all his life and now that he's being nudged thrust out of his comfort zone he decides to GO BIG and chase down some of his big regrets of his life. The main regret is letting the love of his life, George, go. Back when they were teens, it was illegal for the two boys to be together/ date and they had to hide away that part of their life. After almost fifty years apart, Albert decides to not only track down 'his' George, but also he comes out as gay to those around him. Let's just say the whole story is heartwarming. I loved seeing Albert open up his mind (realizing that others will love him even more if he is his authentic self because he is actually being himself) and his life (he had closed off so much of himself and lived a very lonely existence once George was ripped away as a young adult). This one made me smile and feel all the feels! I would give it a 9 out of 10.

• Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice by Elle Cosimano - If you remember a few months back, I read the first couple books in this series and enjoyed them. I had been waiting in line for the latest title to become available and after a few weeks I got my hands on a copy thanks to my Libby app. I've gotta say, I think this one was my favorite yet (I noticed there is another book coming in 2025, plus another 'novella' that I'm still in line for, but of the ones out and I've finished this one takes the cake). I'm not sure if it's because it was back to focusing on Fin and Vero (instead of some of the outside characters), if it was more about the flubbed 'murders' instead of things like mob entanglement or maybe it was just I preferred the writing more in this one. As with her previous books, this author does a great job waiting until the very end to wrap everything up (and in a nice, pretty bow might I add). I've never been to Atlantic City, but it made me think of a mini-Vegas and I could totally see this happen in a place like that ;) I'd be lying if I said I wasn't hoping for a bit more between Finlay and Nick (or even Javi and Vero), but maybe they'll be hot and heavy in the next installment. I would give it a 9 out of 10.

• Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? by Crystal Smith Paul - I saw the "Reese's Book Club" sticker on the cover of this book so added it to my "For Later" list on my Libby app, but when I was scrolling through Hoopla I saw it was available (there's no wait on my Hoopla app, but I only get five checkouts a month) and grabbed it. I didn't know anything about it, but actually really enjoyed it. This story flipped back and forth between two main characters (one in the past and one in the present). I always books written from multiple points of view. This is the story about a "passing" black woman in the 60s and the experiences she had (from growing up in the South to moving to Hollywood and eventually becoming an extremely famous actress). I'm actually surprised to say this, but I would say that this one could've done without the back and forth from past to present (I actually would've been totally fine with it just written in first person by "Kitty" and found it just as interesting and engaging). Overall I enjoyed the book and could see it turned into a motion picture, but I don't think I need to reread it again in the future and won't be adding it to my personal library. I would give it a 7 out of 10. 

• How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin - The title of this book caught my attention and apparently it is the first book in a series (although the next installment isn't released yet), so I got in line on my Libby app to check it out. Similar to the book I just finished, this switched back and forth between past and present, but I appreciated it more in this storyline. I found it to be a ingenious twist on a murder mystery. The main character of the story, Frances, had her fortune told to her as a young girl and became obsessed with it throughout her life. The fortune hints at a murder and that leads her on a lifelong spree of trying to figure out who would murder her. This might be a bit of a spoiler, but she eventually is murdered and in her will she charges some of her family members to find out whodunit before they can claim the inheritance. I won't give anything else away, but I'll say I was hooked and am thrilled there is another book coming in 2025. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• Seas and Greetings by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone - This is another 'novella' from the Christmas Notch series that I've been going through. Now that I know it is a scandalous series, I'm not as thrown with the plethora of sex scenes. I would say that this story seemed a little more about the sexy time than an overall story, but I did appreciate the fact that the main character is bisexual since there tend to be few bi characters, even if a storyline has a more diverse cast. Overall, if you're looking for a quick romance book, this could be your cup of tea, but there's not much depth to it (nor much of the main cast), but as a 'novella', I'm sure you know what you're getting into (a few hot and heavy scenes, then it's done). I would give it a 7 out of 10.

• More by Molly Roden Winter - I had been scrolling through the newly released (and actually available) list on my Libby app and saw this one. The subject matter of this book grabbed my attention so I thought I'd grab the book. I've never really thought much about an open marriage, but this was pretty eye-opening. I guess, I'd assume that in an open marriage there wouldn't be jealousy - that both partners are okay with their significant other going outside of the 'main' relationship. This was not necessarily the case when it came to this couple (obviously this is a memoir written by one wife, so I'm sure there are tons and tons of experiences that may be different to her's), which was a bit surprising but then not at the same time. I mean, let's be real, jealousy is a pretty animalistic emotion, so to think people can turn it off or just may not have it was a pretty big assumption on my part. Anywho, I am not planning on asking the hubby for an open marriage anytime soon (or ever, hehe), but it was still interesting to read about how other relationships function. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy - While I was still waiting on more of my Libby books to become available I went through and clicked on a few of the recent author's names to see if there were any more of their books available and noticed that there was another by this author and it was part of a series. The series was three books (at least currently shown in my Hoopla app) and they were all written by different authors. Since I still had three downloads on my Hoopla account for the month I grabbed them all. This was the first one and I should have known from looking at the covers and the titles, but I didn't put it together that these were modern tellings of fairy tales - this one being Cinderella. There are obviously many differences (the step mom and step siblings were amazingly kind in this one), but I sort of loved it! The main character, Cindy (golly gee, am I dense or what?! I am just now putting together her name!), is a fashion designer [specifically shoes] and goes on a season of a 'bachelor-type' reality show to get her name out there. Now I'm stoked to see how the remaining books in the series follow (and don't) the fairy tales they're written after! I would give it a 9 out of 10.

• By the Book by Jasmine Guillory - This is the second book in the 'Meant to Be' series (the contemporary telling of old school Disney princess stories). This was a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Just like the previous one I really enjoyed it (and may even add this series to my personal library since it's just that cute!). Instead of the traditional book lover stuck in an enchanted castle, this is an assistant book editor who ends up moving in with a moody celebrity who is working on his personal memoir. If you know the original story, then you probably can guess what happens in this one, but it still made me smile. I love all the little nods and Easter eggs throughout the book (the house manager's nickname being Kettle, the publishing firm named 'Tale As Old As Time", a yellow sundress for a big dinner, etc). It's a sweet, romcom I'd totally recommend. I would give it a 9 out of 10.

• Kiss the Girl by Zoraida Cordova - I was stoked for the third book in this series (apparently they are up to five, but neither of my audiobook apps have either the fourth or fifth book) - a contemporary retelling of The Little Mermaid. Instead of actual mermaids, this was about a group of sisters (Ariel being the youngest) who were part of a seven girl pop band. Of course there were hints of the traditional story (even a mini trident drink squiwer), but think more children star trying to run away from the spotlight and running into the arms of an un-and-coming band. Just like the first two books, it's super cute and entertaining. I would give it a 9 out of 10.

• Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison - I was scrolling through my Hoopla app (yes, I know, I had already used my monthly allotment... I was logged in under the hubby's name ;)) and saw this cute series pop up. Think of a Hallmark-y Gilmore Girls Christmas story. A thirty-something owns a tree farm, enters a social media contest to win money to keep the farm afloat, fibs and says she owns the farm with her boyfriend, asks her best friend to fake date her and the couple falls in love (or realizes they've been in love for years is more like it). It was sweet, made me go 'awwww' a few times, brought little smiles to my face and had me downloading the rest of the series because it was putting me in the Christmas mood. There's nothing too new with the plot, but cute nonetheless. You know exactly what you're getting with this one - and I'm all in! I would give it an 8 out of 10. 

• Yerba Buena by Nina LaCour - I had seen this novel on a lot of 'must read' lists, but it wasn't on either of my audiobook apps. My Libby app allowed me to select 'notify me' when it became available and low and behold it popped up. Even though I was in the middle of a series I stopped what I was listening to and downloaded it. This has very little to do with the book itself, but the actor reading the audiobook is one of my faves (and I don't think I've listened to a book she's done and not loved it), so I thought I was in good hands. And my deductive reasoning did NOT let me down! This is the story of two teenage girls from very different backgrounds that encountered tragedy and eventually it led them to one another. As per usual, I loved that it was told from the two different perspectives (and even though it was a single actor reading the parts the voices were different enough that I could easily keep the two plots separate). A coming-of-age story with the complexities of modern love. I can totally see why this is on so many different lists - I didn't want it to end! I would give it a 9 out of 10.

• In the Weeds by B.K. Borison - This is the second book in the Lovelight series. Similar to the first, it reminds me of Gilmore Girls (but this one wasn't set during Christmastime so it didn't screen Hallmark movie to me as much ;)). In the first book we meet Beckett, the grumpy farmer, and find out about a one night stand he had with Evie, the social media influencer who came to town to feature the tree farm on her blog. We knew there was chemistry (seeing there was a fling that already happened) and I'm sure I wasn't the only one who wanted to get a little more deets on the two of them. Well, ask and you shall receive. This is the story of those two and how they were able to 'find their happy' (both in life and in one another). Beckett absolutely reminded me of young Luke from Gilmore Girls (a brooding, handsome man with a big soft spot for others). This one was a little steamier than the first book, more as an FYI. I did appreciate that discussing one's STD testing status is not seen as taboo or a topic to veer away from. That's NOT something to ignore. I would give it an 8 out of 10. 

• Mixed Signals by B.K. Borison - The third book in the series and it was exactly what I expected (even though I didn't know who the characters would the focus). Similar to the second book, this one had a bit more sexy time in it vs the first book, but still not overtly x-rated ;) This story was about Layla, the farm's baker, and Caleb, the town's deputy turned high school Spanish teacher. This plot is similar to the first book, in that the two were sort of 'fake' dating - but this was more to figure out what they were doing wrong in their dating life. Both were having problems with their love lives, so they decided to date for a month and grade on another so that hopefully afterwards they could date better in the future. Well, as luck would have it, they fall for each other - SURPRISE (says NO ONE)! It was cute and kept me entertained, so it did its job. The fourth book isn't on my Hoopla app, so I will have to wait in line on my Libby app for it to become available (once I have a hold to use), which means it'll probably be a few weeks before I can close out the series. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• When Haru was Here by Dustin Thao - While waiting for other books to become available I scrolled through the YA section on my Libby app and saw this one. The cover caught my eye (I have a cherry blossom tree covering about half of my back) so I thought I'd give it a try. This story is about grief, loneliness and has some magic mixed in. I wanted to love it more than I did, but it was still good. The main character is suffering through losing some very important people in his life (a best friend, a sister, a potential romantic partner). To get him through his grief his mind (or maybe magic) plays tricks on him and sees some of those people still in his life. Apparently this author is a best seller thanks to TikTok and I can see why with his relatable characters. Like I mentioned, I really wanted to like it but felt left like I was hoping it'd have more depth to it, so I can't rate it too high. Maybe it's worth trying again and checking out this author's first book. I would give it a 7 out of 10. 

• Business Casual by B.K. Borison - I found the final installment of the Lovelight series on my Hoopla app (okay, okay, it was technically under the hubby's login since I had already used all of my downloads for the month). It was actually not linked properly in the app, but I found it when I clicked on the author instead of the series. Anywho, I was stoked it was available, but also a little sad because I knew our time at the Lovelight Farms was coming to a close. As with the first three books, this one was super cute (reminding me of a more mature version [yes, I mean it has sex scenes] of Gilmore Girls). I liked these two characters a lot, just like the rest of small town. I love how all of the stories meld together - definitely something I could see turning into a show series. And, tattoos as a love language, I mean, how could it get any better?! I would give it a 9 out of 10.

• Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad - Of course the VW on the cover caught my eye when I was scrolling through the memoir section of my Libby app, but the subtitle had me check it out. This is a memoir from a woman who was diagnosed with Leukemia in her twenties and shares her story. Suleika's journey is not one of just positivity, platitudes and promises, but it's full of diagnosis, despair and death. Her story not only includes the toll it took on her body, but also her relationships, her mental health, etc. After she is 'in the clear' (if you read the book you can see that her health never seems to be completely 'healthy'), she goes on a 100 day road trip so not only do you get to see her through her cancer 'journey', but you also get to see her go through reacclimating (or trying) to the "normal" world. PS I saw when I was grabbing the link that she's the subject of a Netflix documentary (it looks like it's more about her husband and a symphony he is trying to write), so if we get that streaming service I'll have to remember to watch it. I would give it a 9 out of 10. 

• Spare and Found Parts by Sarah Maria Griffin - While I was waiting for more of my books to become available on my Libby app I was scrolling through the teen section and this title caught my eye. I was really hoping I'd love it, but I didn't. I think I wanted more - more of the backstory of the "pandemic", more of the friendship between the two girls, more of what happened after the story sort of just ended. I thought there were some great ideas that could've been fleshed out, but I was just left wanting... I never really understood Nell or where the story was going or what would happen (but not necessarily in a good way). Maybe I just wasn't in the right headspace, maybe I wasn't the intended audience, maybe it just wasn't the book for me. I guess I am actually surprised I stuck with it and finished the book, since it never really grabbed me. I would give it a 4 out of 10.  

• Book Lovers by Emily Henry - WHOOO HOOO! I had been 'in line' for this book on my Libby app for months and it finally became available. There are a few authors who I tend to love all of their books and this is one of them. Sure, all of the books follow a pretty similar layout, but even still I gobble them up (not to mention one of my favorite readers does this author's audiobooks so you know they've gotta be good ;)). After reading a series this month that was a contemporary retelling of classic fairytales, this book made me smile because they were sort of playing off the classic troupes (the ice queen, going to a small town to fall in love, etc). I will say that I spent the final few chapters with leaking eyes (but maybe I can blame that on my menstrual cycle, hehe). As expected, I give this two huge thumbs up and wish it was twice as long because I didn't want it to end. Now I have to wait my turn for more of this author's books to become available - BOO! I would give it a 9 out of 10.

With that, November is done-zo. If you have suggestions, let me know! I'm always looking to add to my "must read" list! 

What's the best book you've read lately?