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Find out what I’ve been reading and loving lately before you reach for your next book!
I feel really good about the start of my 2023 reading! I finished five books in February and finally had a couple of five star reads this year.
My goal in January was to read five books. I did not read every day in February, but I am okay with that. It’s not sustainable for me to read every single day in this season of life right now.
Three of the five books I read were on my shelves or Kindle. I think I am going to skip my March Book of the Month box and continue to make my way through my physical TBR.
Related: Is a Book of the Month Subscription Worth It?
Books I Read in February
These Twisted Bonds by Lexi Ryan
I regret not writing a review for this book immediately after finishing it, but I loved These Twisted Bonds.
This book reminded me of what I loved about the ACOTAR series before ruining it with ACOSF. I loved the slow burn romance and there was a unique twist on a romantasy trope that I usually hate.
The first book was a bit slow and too similar to ACOTAR for me, but the series really found it’s own path in the sequel. I with we had more time in this world with these characters.
Rating: ★★★★★
#readwithallison2023 Prompt: Book in a duology (1)
Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas
This series continues to be very middle of the road for me. I thought Heir of FIre was pretty boring and I didn’t care about the new POV with Manon at all.
I don’t think Queen of Shadows was as boring, but not much happens so I don’t think it needed to be so long. I still don’t care about Manon’s POV either.
I think my issue is so many people have said this is their favorite SJM series, so maybe my expectations were too high. Lots of people love Manon too and I just don’t get it. I highly doubt this becomes my favorite or even second favorite series. I don’t feel compelled to continue the series immediately and dread the sixth book bc I keep hearing it is very boring.
Rating: ★★★★☆
#readwithallison2023 Prompt: Award Winning book (Goodread Choice 2015)
The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz
This was my February Book of the Month pick, and I’m always super impressed with myself when I read my pick in the same month.
I’m really torn. The Writing Retreat was a 5 star thriller until the ending. It got very repetitive at the climax and then the tension and mystery just went downhill from there. The hype from earlier reviewers probably didn’t help my expectations either. I did overall enjoy the story and it was certainly unique. Just not a strong finish for me.
Rating:★★★★☆
#readwithallison2023 Prompt: Debut Author
Related: Is a Book of the Month Subscription Worth It?
A Quiet Retreat by Kiersten Modglin
This was the buddy read for the Booktrovert Weekend Readathon and my first by the author.
I definitely wish I had physically read this instead of listening to the audiobook because I kept getting the female characters mixed up. I thought the twist was pretty good and the length of the novel was perfect for this story. I do with there had been more creepy things happening in the house. I became more invested in the past timeline because the present was kind of boring at times. I’ll definitely read more from this author though!
Rating: ★★★☆☆
#readwithallison2023 Prompt: Book About REvenge
Stuck With You by Ali Hazelwood
This was the second book I read for the Booktrovert Weekend Readathon.
I liked this novella so much more than the first in the STEMinist Novellas series. Insta-love is not usually my thing, but I thought this was well done.
Rating: ★★★★★
#readwithallison2023 Prompt: Illustrated Cover
Carry Over TBR
Twice in a Lifetime by Melissa Baron
I was so excited to see this as an Aardvark Book Club pick in December. It is a bit heavier than I expected, but I am enjoying when I feel like I can handle picking it up again.
Related: Is An Aardvark Book Club Subscription Worth It?
The Ravens by Kass Morgan and Danielle Paige
I finally went for the audiobook for The Ravens after having it on my TBR cart for at least two years. I can’t say it’s going to be a new favorite as of right now, but I’m only halfway through the book. I do own the sequel but not sure if I’ll feel invested enough to continue.
What books did you read in February? Did you read any books for the 2023 Reading Challenge? Let me know in the comments!
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