COMPLETED READS
1. Crazy Stupid Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams (342 pages) (3.5 ⭐️)
This adult romance is a friends-to-lovers story of a former computer hacker (Noah) and a cat cafe owner (Alexis). This was my second book by Adams and the chemistry between the main couple was much improved compared to the other I read (The Bromance Book Club). The plot was too bloated, though, and there are far superior adult romances out there. If you're looking for another friends-to-lovers story that deals with the concept of grief then might I recommend Beach Read by Emily Henry.
Read if: You like stories that feature successful women and challenge toxic masculinity.
Full Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3820874825
2. All This Time by Mikki Daughtry and Rachael Lippincott (319 pages) (2 ⭐️)
This YA contemporary follows a recent high school graduate (Kyle) who gets into a car accident that kills his girlfriend. He begins to heal after meeting a girl (Marley) who has experienced her own loss. The first 200 pages of this novel were without a doubt 5 star worthy. However, there is a twist that takes place which spoiled the story and characters for me. Given this author duo wrote one of my all time favorite novels (Five Feet Apart) I fully expected this to end up on my year end favorites. I am so immensely disappointed.
Read if: Just read Five Feet Apart instead.
3. The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager (384 pages) (3.75 ⭐️)
This adult mystery novel follows a woman (Emma) who returns to her childhood summer camp fifteen years after her cabin mates mysteriously vanished. This was my second book by Sager after the trip that was Lock Every Door and I'm pleased to say this was a big improvement. The characters were more fleshed out and while it wasn't as creepy there were still unsettling moments. The twist was actually satisfying and not ridiculous like Lock Every Door's. I had mixed feelings about the mental health representation and there were random second person chapters whose purpose is a mystery to me.
Read if: You like mysteries with dual timelines.
Full Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3871545558
4. Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers (304 pages) (5 ⭐️)
This adult romance follows Grace who recently graduated with her doctorate. While celebrating in Vegas she gets drunk and marries a woman (Yuki) she doesn't know. This novel features a diverse cast, strong friendships, and amazing chemistry between Grace and Yuki. It has great mental health representation and is so much more than just a romance. It's about one character's journey to learning to take care of herself and readjust her ideas of success and happiness. It's one of my favorite books I've read so far this year.
Read if: You're seeking a millennial romance with equal parts fluff and edges.
Full Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/387469339
5. The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton (458 pages) (3.5 ⭐️)
This adult myfy scenario in which the protagonist relives the same day over and over again as he attempts to solve a murder. This novel made good use of its gimmick and the formula never becomes stale. The setting (a crumbling mansion) felt haunted which is perfect for a mystery. There's a wide cast of characters but not so many it becomes hard to keep track. Its characters and their relationships are unfortunately largely underdeveloped. The novel plays with fantasy and sci-fi, but I don't think fans of those genres will necessarily feel fulfilled.
Read if: Clue is your favorite board game and you want a book version of it.
Full Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3864853506
6. Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson (416 pages) (5 ⭐️)
This YA mystery follows a true crime aficionado who attends a remote boarding school where she attempts to solve the disappearance of a wealthy businessman's wife and daughter. This was one of my favorite books I read last year. It features a main character with an anxiety disorder (which I have) and a school full of hidden rooms and tunnels. I'm rereading the entire trilogy over the next 3 months to prepare for the release of the upcoming 4th Truly Devious book. These series will always have a special place in my heart as the first time that I saw accurate representation for anxiety as well as getting me into the mystery genre.
7. Good Girl, Bad Blood by Holly Jackson (397 pages) (5 ⭐️)
This YA mystery is a sequel to A Good Girl's Guide to Murder. This one is focused on a new case as the one from AGGGTM was solved in the first book. This one sees protagonist Pip investigating the disappearance of her friend Connor's elder brother Jamie. This book was even better than its predecessor. It keeps that engaging mixed media format of AGGGTM but refines it. There is excellently executed foreshadowing, a wholesome romance, and well written depictions of emotional trauma.
Read if: You're looking for a book à la Sadie by Courtney Summers.
Full Review: Coming soon to the blog!
TOTAL PAGES READ (MAR): 2,620 (avg. book length: 374.3 pages)
TOTAL PAGES READ (YTD): 8,402 (avg. book length: 365.3 pages)
AVERAGE STAR RATING (MAR): 27.75/35 ⭐️ (3.96 avg. rating)
AVERAGE STAR RATING (YTD): 94.5/115 ⭐️ (4.11 avg. rating)
GOAL CHECK-IN
1. Read at least 60 books
I read 7 books in March. This means that I have read a total of 23 books this year.
2. Have at least one book a month be a reread
I completed 1 reread in March: Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson. Thus I completed my monthly goal.
3. Read at least 1-2 adult books a month
I completed 4 adult books in March. They were: Crazy Stupid Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams, The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager, Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers, and The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton. This means I exceeded my goal for the month!
4. Read at least 10 nonfiction and/or poetry books
I did not read any nonfiction or poetry books this month. This means my total count is still 2 (20% of goal complete). However, I have both a nonfiction and poetry book planned for April!
5. Post a blog every weekend unless ill and/or recovering from surgery
I missed one weekend blog last month. While I wasn't physically ill I was dealing with an event that had a profound impact on the state of my mental health (which is just as important as physical health). I figured I would inevitably miss a few weeks throughout the year despite my best intentions so really this goal was motivation for me but not an excuse to berate myself for being human.
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