So I kicked off January with some great reads. I set a pretty lofty goal for myself of 50 books this year – which, assuming I keep this pace, I’ll meet or exceed. Here’s a short review of my January reads. I’ve really tried to prioritize reading because doing so helps me disconnect at the end of the day, and also, it sparks my creativity. I used to LOVE writing – and while less creative writing these days, I’d love to some day get back to that and writing stories, using my life as a backdrop to dream up creative rom-coms to share with the world.
Someday. When I have more time, or something. In the meantime, I’ll keep reading and maybe I’ll get inspired to write more than a blog post. Here’s what inspired me this month:
Dear Haiti, Love Alaine by Maika Moulite | 4/5
So at times, this felt slow to read. I enjoyed it, I enjoyed the history aspect of it but at times, Alaine (the MC) was a little too snarky for me. For a YA book though, the plot was fantastic, the setting was described beautifully – as if I was taken away straight to Haiti, and I loved the various components of letters, texts, and emails. Highly recommend!
That’s What Frenemies Are For by Sophie Littlefield | 3.5 / 5
Okay, this book – while I devoured in a day – was GOOD, but also kind of not. The characters were straight-up vapid and every stereotype of the Park Avenue SAHM that you could imagine. BUT it was well written, and a light-hearted read so if you want something light and an easy read – this fits the bill.
Faking Under the Mistletoe by Ashley Shepherd | 4/5
So this was a Kindle Unlimited book and since earlier this month I was heavy on the holiday rom-coms, I read this in about a day. Fake relationships with your boss that turn into true love. There is nothing I love more than an adorable rom-com that ends with a happily ever after. I give it a 4/5 because the plot was adorable, the characters weren’t completely terrible, and tying in the #MeToo line was good awareness (though at times, seemed like an afterthought). All in all, a good, easy read.
Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan | 3/5
So i wanted to LOVE this book. I really did. I loved his other books, but this one just didn’t do it for me. It was all the Asian money of Crazy Rich Asians, but without the fantastic characters. Like, Cecil (the fiancee) was just… so unlikeable and Lucie the main protagonist was so… “this is my life. this is what they all want for me.” It skimmed the surface of her psyche and her WHY (why did she do all the garbage things). The book definitely seemed too long and too drawn out with only partially developed characters and name dropping pretty much every overpriced designer in the world. It just didn’t do much for me.
Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren | 4/5
I LOVE pretty much anything Christina Lauren puts out and that went for this one too. There were a few questions left unanswered, but in general it was another delightful rom-com that i devoured in about a day. The fact that the main love interested (Sam) was from VT didn’t hurt either (I love me some New England connections!)
Currently reading: Admission by Julie Buxbaum – which I’m only about 10% into so i can’t give it a review yet but I’m enjoying it (I believe it LOOSELY follows the whole college admission scandal with Lori Laughlin/Felicity Huffman which is piquing my interest even more.)
What are you reading lately?