I have successfully completed my book goal of 104 books for the year. I have actually surpassed it because I love books and I am still finding books to read. My favorite genre of books was romance novels for as long as I can remember. I don’t know when it changed. Well, it didn’t exactly. I still like a romance novel, but I need it to have something else going on. And I need it to have mild sex scenes. As I have said before, we know how it is done, we don’t need a blow by blow, literally 😆. To reach my goal, I opened myself up to a few other genres that I don’t normally read. I am glad I did because I found some heartfelt books, books that made me laugh out loud, and some duds. I am not usually a quitter, but the duds let me know that my time is precious, and it is okay to walk away from something that doesn’t suit me.
I was asked to pick my top ten books out of what I have read this year. I am tempted to cheat a little. I read some good books last year too. I kinda want to throw a couple in here. I won’t 😕. I mean, I should be able to pick 10 books out of 104. I think the struggle is that I read a few series. It is hard to pick just one book out of the series. Especially if it is the second book, then I have to tell you to read the first one too. I’m probably overthinking this.
Well, these are my first 5 picks, in no particular order. I don’t know if I have a favorite.
Lulu Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller
You know what’s strange, I really enjoyed this book, but I don’t remember looking for other books by this author. Maybe because this was early in my book journey and I wasn’t hurting for books to read. This novel is a little political, but definitely worth the read. It has some funny moments as well.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
This is a book of what ifs. I know we have all thought about how different our life would be if we just did this one thing differently. Or this other thing. In this book, the main character was given an opportunity to see. This book was so good, I went and found other books by Matt Haig. Let’s just say, don’t do it. I actually did finish the other two books, but I couldn’t tell you what either of them were about.
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
Vampires, werewolves, and humans. This is kind of a romance novel, but with a bunch of other elements. I remember I loved the vampire and werewolf movies, Underworld, with Kate Beckinsdale. I love a strong female character especially when she is kicking ass. This book covers the marriage of a female vampire to a werewolf for the good of the world. We women are always being sacrificed, and yet, we are always being devalued. Weird, when obviously we are the glue that holds the world together. Now, I don’t recommend the second book in the series, Mate. It was a DNF for me.
Spellbound by Phil Hanley
Phil Hanley is a comedian I found on YouTube. His crowd work is phenomenal. He did release a special, but most of what he shows is YouTube shorts. He is dyslexic and in Spellbound he shares his journey with dyslexia, modeling, and becoming a comedian. I recommend the audiobook for this one. He actually read it! Once you hear his story, you will be proud of him for narrating his book.
The Seven O’clock Club by Amelia Ireland
This book was one that did not fall under my usual genre, but drew me in and I enjoyed it. You know something is going on, but when the twist happens, you are totally unprepared. And anyone who says they figured it out before it happened, is a damn lie. I don’t want to say much, just read it! It does get a little cheesy in the end though.
If you have already read any of these books, I would love to know what you think about them. If not, check them out! Happy reading or listening, whichever one works for you. Be well and whole. Much Love 🧡 💚
