What I read In November

I read 9 books in November. Since I ran a marathon, then it was Thanksgiving break, I had some down time.

I started a new fantasy series, starting reading Christmas romances and finished an arc that I had been reading for MONTHS because my book bestie was reading it.

1.Thank You For Listening By Julia Whelan

Sewanee, a former actress, now finds peace in her role as an audiobook narrator. While attending a book convention in Vegas, she unexpectedly spends a night with a charming stranger. Back home, she’s offered a dream job: narrating a romance novel with the industry’s hottest voice, Brock McNight. Despite her past and skepticism about romance novels, she takes the job. As they work together, Sewanee and Brock develop a real connection, hidden behind their public personas. But as secrets are revealed and life’s challenges arise, Sewanee must decide if she’s ready to risk everything for love and dreams she thought were lost.

My Review:

I listened to the audio version of this book because DUH! I think it’s one of those book that you really should LISTEN to fist on audio. I laughed out loud and enjoyed myself so much!

Buy on Bookshop.org or Buy on Amazon

2. Obsession Falls By Claire Kingsley ( Haven Brothers #1)

Audrey, a small-town girl, is trying to rebuild her life after a rough patch. She’s got a new job, a quirky dog, and a mysterious stalker. To make matters more complicated, she’s developing feelings for her grumpy, protective neighbor, Josiah. As the danger escalates, Josiah finds himself drawn into Audrey’s life, determined to keep her safe, even if it means risking his own heart. It’s a small-town romance with a touch of suspense and a whole lot of heart.

My Review

This was cute. I love the grumpy sunshine troupe and I also like something other than romance going on in my romance novels. This book is a part of a series, but its’ the first and can be read as a standalone. Full disclosure, I tried to read the second one and it was a DNF about a quarter of the way through.

Get on Bookshop.org or Buy on Amazon ( i read it on Kindle Unlimited)

3. Window Shopping By Tessa Bailey

A struggling girl, desperate for work, stumbles into a job decorating the windows of a famous department store. Her charming boss, Aiden, challenges her to create something truly magical. As she pours her heart and soul into the project, she can’t help but feel a growing attraction to him. It’s a holiday romance filled with festive cheer, unexpected connections, and the power of second chances.

My Review

I love a good Tessa Bailey Book. Especially a good Christmas one.
This was so so cute and I adored this book, but do’t let the cute cover fool you! It’s also hot! soooo hot.

Its the perfect grumpy sunshine with him being the sunshine. The fact that our couple had such incredible chemistry and this was also such a feel good Christmas themed romance was just chef’s kiss.

I give it 3.5/5 stars.

Buy on Bookshop.org or Buy on Amazon.com

4. From Air By Jewel E. Ann

Jamie, a psychiatric nurse, moves in with a group of firefighters in rural Montana. She’s particularly intrigued by the grumpy, enigmatic smoke jumper, Calvin. As their playful banter turns into something more, Jamie starts to uncover Calvin’s hidden secrets. When life throws them a curveball, they must decide if their love can withstand the flames of the past and the uncertainty of the future

My Review

I went into this blind thinking it was just a firefighter romance forbidden because they were roommates.
And it was so much more.

Jaymes and Calvin’s story started off your typical romance but then everyone’s issues kicked in and i was sucked in deep.

It was forbidden but according to a big plot twist, more forbidden than we know .
And i really can’t even discuss more about the plot without giving it all away.

Let’s just say that the heart wrenching twists and turns in the book were just torture! Every time i thought there would be a breakthrough…BAM. nope.

But it was a good read. I appreciate the growth of both characters, but more so Jaymes. It did feel like maybe some editing choices robbed us of Calvin’s growth arc but…I still enjoyed it.

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc

Buy on Bookreads or Buy on Amazon

5. Broken Harbor (Sparrow Fall #3) Catherine Cowles

A single mom, focused on providing a safe and happy life for her son, unexpectedly finds herself falling for a famous, yet gentle, hockey player, Cope Colson. As their bond deepens, they face challenges from their pasts that threaten to tear them apart. It’s a story of love, resilience, and the power of second chances.

My review

I love Catherine Cowles. Nothing like a good romance suspense . So I was excited when this third book in the series was released. As usual, I loved the romance and the suspense and this couple and the whole cast of characters we’ve come to know and love the last few books. I cant wait for the next one.

Buy on Bookshop.org or Buy on Amazon.com

6.The Trial of the Sun Queen By Nisha Tuli

Lor, a prisoner of the cruel Aurora King, is unexpectedly freed and thrown into a deadly competition for the heart of the rival Sun King. To survive and exact revenge, she must outwit her rivals, win the king’s favor, and hope to escape the clutches of her former captor.

My Review

This is the first installment of a complete ( as of the Tuesday before I’m writing this review series.

I didn’t read through the summary. I heard one of my favorite bookstagrammers talk about it and i needed something new to read and here we are.
Since didn’t quite know what to expect, i was pleasantly surprised when it seemed that I was going to read a grown-up version of The Selection By Kiera Cass.

It turned out to be more than I expected and I happily went with it.
Its been a long time since a romantasy book has surprised me. I mean, sure the same elements are there and some parts remind me of other stories and books.

I love a feisty main character who isn’t feisty just to be feisty. Who literally has to be that way to survive?
And I love unraveling her background little by little.

The male interest…let’s just say..I was happy it turned out to be him…even though technically we don’t know that but if you read enough of these books then…you know.

The world-building was a bit unique and I’m glad that one of the characters who I wasn’t sure about turned out to be…more. ( trying not to give spoilers).

There was just a few smutty times…but nothing hardcore. I give it 3 chili peppers.

There is also mention of sexual assault, but it doesn’t happen on the page.

Anyway, by the end, I was intrigued enough to continue on with the next book

3.5/5 stars.

Buy on Bookshop.org or Buy on Amazon

7. Rule of the Aurora King By Nisha J. Tuli

Lor, recently freed from the Sun King, is now in the custody of the mysterious Aurora Prince, Nadir. As they embark on a dangerous quest to uncover the secrets of her past, Lor must learn to trust Nadir while also protecting herself from the Sun King’s relentless pursuit. With the fate of the realm hanging in the balance, Lor must choose between revenge and a future she never thought possible.

My Reivew

While the pacing was much slower in this book than in the last, I kind of expected that for a middle book.

This book is focused on a quest to find an ancient artifact and we finally get some background on Lor’s family.

This book had more spicy scenes than I expected but MY GOODNESS IT’S STILL A SLOW BURN. But the angst and how neither of them sees the obvious…but I digress. LOL.

Anyway, I’m invested now.

3.5/5 stars

Buy on Bookshop.org or Buy on Amazon.com

8. Phantasma By Kaylie Smith

Ophelia enters a deadly contest called Phantasma to save her sister. She must navigate a haunted mansion, face terrifying challenges, and outsmart her rivals. A mysterious stranger, Blackwell, offers to help her, but at a dangerous cost. As Ophelia delves deeper into the game, she must decide if she can trust him and if the prize is worth the ultimate sacrifice.

My Review

I wanted to love this so much. I was intrigued. But in the end…it didn’t really work for me. The relationship was…fine. But I just didn’t like Ophelia and no matter how much I tried, I couldn’t change my opinion. I lost interest about 50% through but soldiered on.

I still gave it a 3. For effort. Because..it was a good idea.

Buy on Bookshop.org or Buy on Amazon

9. Variation by Rebecca Yarrors

Allie, a talented ballerina, is forced to return home after an injury. Haunted by her past and the lingering feelings for Hudson, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer, she finds herself entangled in a new challenge: helping Hudson’s niece find her birth mother. As Allie and Hudson navigate the complexities of their past and present, they must confront their secrets and decide if love can truly conquer all.

My Review

While I LOVE Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing and will love the rest of the series when I get to it, I must admit that I love her contemporary romances more.

This is a second chance romance with Allie and Hudson and I loved it.

One thing the author does well is pull your emotional heart strings and this book did not disappoint. There were two plot twists. ONE that I didn’t see coming and was confused as hell about and one that kind of sort of made sense and explained a few things but…still had me scratching my head just a bit.

But in a romance novel, you always need a third act drama so ..i get it but still.

Those plot twists were the only thing that kept this from being a full 5 stars for me.
But otherwise, the love story, the angst, the side story of ballet, and the spice were perfect. ( que the barre scene just saying) .

Buy on Bookshop.org or Buy on Amazon.com

Ok that’s what I read In November! For December, I’m reading a few Christmas romances , finishing up the Artefacts of Ouranos Series and as for the rest… we shall see. Audible is having a really good sale and well..i may have over committed LOL.

A Word On My Rating System

5/5 stars: Couldn’t put it down, loved it. Will re-read. Will recommend to any and everyone. Will have a place on my bookshelf

4/5 Stars: A Solid book. I really really liked it. Or it or it made me think. I would recommend.

3/5 Stars:Not the best thing I’ve ever read but I finished it and most likely it was enjoyable. If someone asked, my response would be, yeah it was ok. Or, it was cute. Probably wouldn’t read it again.

2/5 stars: This is usually the lowest rating I will give. Means I didn’t really like it, but finished it because I felt I had to. Usually a book that disappoints me in some way. If someone asked I am quick to say: don’t do it.

1/5 Star: true WTH moment in reading. I usually list out the reasons why. Could be a DNF