January was a great start to my 2024 reading year!

Participating in the Icelands readathon this month was a fun but odd way to kick off a year where I hope to slow down my reading. It was a bit counterintuitive to the readathon goal but also a good reminder and test of my resolve.

I definitely read more than I expected – 16 books total.

That was also due to reading three books rather than one for my nonfiction goal. I took a deep dive into Sarah Ockwell-Smith’s gentle parenting books. As usual I will save my review of those nonfiction books for the in-depth spotlight. Look out for that next week.

In January, I read seven books off my winter TBR and DNF’d one title – Storm by Carian Cole if you’re curious. That leaves me with four more to go for February.

Here are some of the stats I’m tracking in my reading notebook:

• My average star rating for the month was 4.2 stars. This stood out to me because it was the same average as my entire 2023 reading year according to goodreads. When I originally saw that last year, I thought it was inflated because goodreads doesn’t allow half stars but I guess we’ll see what the future holds.
• Of the authors I read in January 78% were new to me and 22% were ones I had read before.
• I surpassed my new diverse reading goal! 37.5% of my reads were from a diverse author. This is mostly thanks to binging Alexandria House’s McClain Brothers series.
• Tandem reading seems to be my preferred style of reading this month – where I listen to the audiobook as I follow along in the ebook. I read seven of the titles this way. I was happy to see my ebook reading was almost tied with my audiobook intake by the end of the month.
• The vast majority of my books were borrowed – 56% came from the library with Hoopla coming in for the win over Libby and 35% came from Kindle Unlimited.

Now onto the books!

January Reading Wrap Up:

By the Season and Reason

*ebook available on Kindle Unlimited

Winter Reads

• Whiteout by Adriana Anders*
• Uncharted by Adriana Anders
• Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
• Last Light by Claire Kent*
• Here With Me by Samantha Young*
• The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune (also a diverse author)
• Everything I Know About Love I Learned from Romance Novels by Sarah Wendell

A Dose of Romance Book Club

• Tattered Stars by Catherine Cowles* (also a winter read)

Monthly NF Read

• Ready, Set, Go! by Sarah Ockwell-Smith
• How to Be a Calm Parent by Sarah Ockwell-Smith
• Gentle Discipline by Sarah Ockwell-Smith (my first physical book annotation!)

Diverse Authors

• Let Me Love You by Alexandria House*

Next in Series

• Let Me Hold You by Alexandria House*
• Let Me Show You by Alexandria House*
• Let Me Free You by Alexandria House*
• Let Me Please You by Alexandria House*

Recaps and Reviews

You can find my reviews for Whiteout (3.5 stars), Tattered Stars (4.5 stars), Legends & Lattes (3.5 stars), and Last Light (5 stars) plus ratings for further books in some of these series in my Mid January Reading Recap.

Let Me Love You by Alexandria House

Rating: 5 stars

Steam Level: 3

I first heard about this author from Heather at Hea Booktubes and had the book checked out for the January Edition of What’s in my Kindle Unlimited Library?

Alexandria House is a Black author who writes Black romance or Black love – meaning both main characters are Black.

The whole McClain Brothers series is available on Kindle Unlimited. I started reading the ebook. After discovering the audiobooks were on Hoopla I tandem read the rest of the series.

Book Blurb:

“Trying to put past hurts behind you is hard when your ex is a fool, but buoyed by child support and alimony, Jo Walker is moving forward with her life, pursuing a career, raising her little girl, and trying to live in peace. She believes she has all the bases covered in her world. But what about her heart?

Rap legend Everett “Big South” McClain is divorced, too, knows all about failed relationships, and has relegated his love life to casual connections rather than pursuing something real. That is, until he lays eyes on Jo.

She’s exactly what he never knew he needed.

He’s what’s been missing from her world.

Will she accept what he has to offer and let him love her?”

My Thoughts

The drama in this book was over the top especially when it came to crazy exes but for whatever reason it worked for me!

I was shocked by the level of toxicity both their exes got to but I also was highly entertained. I could not put the story down because I had to see how the characters would react next.

Both Everett and Jo are parents and I loved seeing how they each protected and put the kids first. The way Everett especially was with Jo’s toddler, Nat, was swoon worthy in itself.

Jo remained my favorite heroine of the series and I felt so much for her with everything she goes through in this book.

There were a couple plot twists that nearly threw me but Alexandria House resolved them in a way that left me delighted.

The flash forward chapter to ratchet up the stakes was jarring at first but very unique and I come to appreciate her style. It’s something she continues with the rest of the series. After this book, I knew to trust her and go with it.

I loved all the family scenes. Seeing how the McClain’s welcomed into the fold Jo and Nat right away was beautiful.

After this addictive start, I couldn’t wait to continue the series!

Other Books in the Series that I Read this Month:

• Let Me Hold You (5 stars and my favorite)
• Let Me Show You (3.5 stars)
• Let Me Free You (4 stars)
• Let Me Please You (4 stars)

General Thoughts on the Series

Over the course of the series the McClain brothers create their own found family with friends and employees too which was really sweet to follow.

I was a little surprised when I looked back on the series and realized Let Me Hold You was my favorite. Kim started out really unlikable to me but Leland is definitely my favorite hero.

Content warnings for domestic abuse (not by the hero) in that one. Also it ends in an HEA but I’m not sure it will work for everyone. I personally adored it. It felt earned to me but I can see where others would be bothered by the direction things took.

I was really anticipating Bridgette’s story in Let Me Show You but Nolan never redeemed himself for some of the choices he made in the beginning of that one. I did appreciate that they had an HEA fitting their passions and goals in life.

With Let Me Free You, I had a hard time getting into the instalove of the first half of the book but I wound up loving Neil and Sage’s spiritual connection. Some of the intense issues that felt glossed over in the first half were explored deeper in the second which I liked.

I think I learned the most from that book. While some of the commentary on white people made me feel uncomfortable at times, I tried to remember that my life experience is completely different than that of these characters and this author. This is fiction but I’m sure House’s experiences inform how she writes her characters and creates their views and histories. I was googling all kinds of things while reading this series and I loved that!

Let Me Please You was a novella and while I enjoyed it, I do wish it was longer so we could get to know Kat and Tommy more. I would also consider reading it right after book 3 since it takes place at the same time and the endings of those two books crossover.

Questions to Consider for Your Own Reading Life: When you love the first book in a series, do you immediately continue or prefer to space them out? Do you binge or savor? 

Here with Me by Samantha Young

Rating: 4 stars

Steam Level: 2.5

This is the final book from the romantic suspense category of my winter TBR.

Samantha Young is another new to me author. Her home country is Scotland and I was intrigued by the Scottish setting of this series.

I tandem read this book in a day listening to the audio through Hoopla while I read the ebook on Kindle Unlimited.

Book Blurb:

“Settled in the tranquil remoteness of the Scottish Highlands, Ardnoch Estate caters to the rich and famous. It is as unattainable and as mysterious as its owner —ex-Hollywood leading man Lachlan Adair—and it’s poised on the edge of a dark scandal.

After narrowly escaping death, police officer Robyn Penhaligon leaves behind her life in Boston in search of some answers. Starting with Mac Galbraith, the Scottish father who abandoned her to pursue his career in private security. To re-connect with Mac, Robyn will finally meet a man she’s long resented. Lachlan Adair. Hostility instantly brews between Robyn and Lachlan. She thinks the head of the Adair family is high-handed and self-important. And finding closure with Mac is proving more difficult than she ever imagined. Robyn would sooner leave Ardnoch, but when she discovers Mac is embroiled in a threat against the Adairs and the exclusive members of the estate, she finds she’s not yet ready to give up on her father.

Determined to ensure Mac’s safety, Robyn investigates the disturbing crimes at Ardnoch, forcing her and Lachlan to spend time together. Soon it becomes clear a searing attraction exists beneath their animosity, and temptation leads them down a perilous path.

While they discover they are connected by something far more addictive than passion, Lachlan cannot let go of his grip on a painful past: a past that will destroy his future … if the insidious presence of an enemy lurking in the shadows of Ardnoch doesn’t do the job first.”

My Thoughts

I have such mixed feelings on this book.

I loved the set up – Robyn’s history as a cop, her family baggage, Lachlan’s past as a Hollywood star, the town and the estate, and all of the Adair siblings. Between the family dynamics and the intense stalker situation I was hooked immediately.

The build up of chemistry between Lachlan and Robyn was amazing.

Robyn and Mac’s complicated father daughter relationship had me feeling all the feels for them both!

But eventually the story started to drag. I think it was a bit too long.

When Lachlan and Robyn finally get together the pay off wasn’t what I hoped. The sparks between them were so intense and the steamy scenes didn’t match that intensity. There were many of them – possibly part of what made the story drag a bit – but they were all brief and lackluster.

I’m still wondering about the author’s choice to tell Robyn’s POV in first person and Lachlan’s in third.

The end of this one also really didn’t work for me. The reveal of the stalker left me feeling just as betrayed as the characters and not in a good way. On top of that there were far too many “we love one another but just can’t be together” breakups.

I wasn’t going to continue the series because honestly Robyn’s sister sounded awful and she’s the next heroine. But I did love this family, location, and some of the build up. I also looked up the rest of the series and the books get a lot shorter. Hoopla has all of the audios and the whole series is on KU so I might continue. Stay tuned.

Questions to Consider for Your Own Reading Life: What was the last setting you read where you felt completely immersed? Depending on the books you read, was that a pleasant experience or a frightening one? What are some of your favorite locations to read about?

The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune

Rating: 4 stars

Who hasn’t seen the hype and love for this book? I added it to my winter TBR for its cozy fantasy vibes.

This was my first book from T.J. Klune. I listened to the audiobook on Libby.

Book Blurb:

“A magical island. A dangerous task. A burning secret.

Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his old records. As a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, he spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in government-sanctioned orphanages.

When Linus is unexpectedly summoned by Extremely Upper Management he’s given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage, where six dangerous children reside: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. Linus must set aside his fears and determine whether or not they’re likely to bring about the end of days.

But the children aren’t the only secret the island keeps. Their caretaker is the charming and enigmatic Arthur Parnassus, who will do anything to keep his wards safe. As Arthur and Linus grow closer, long-held secrets are exposed, and Linus must make a choice: destroy a home or watch the world burn.

An enchanting story, masterfully told, The House in the Cerulean Sea is about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place—and realizing that family is yours.”

My Thoughts

I really loved Daniel Henning’s narration of this audiobook especially the different voices he gave each child. I don’t think I would have enjoyed the story as much without his performance.

This was my kind of cozy fantasy. I loved the quirky characters, the found family aspect, and the beautiful but not overly lyrical descriptions of nature and magic.

Any scene that involved the children was a wonderful mix of sweet and funny!

I enjoyed watching Linus grow as he falls in love with the children and questions his role with DICOMY. It’s a story of gradually finding courage – of both found family and found bravery.

I would have enjoyed a little more world building or background into how we got here with magic becoming public knowledge and creating a department to manage those beings.

I think it’s a stretch to call this a romantic love story. There’s definitely a love story when it comes to becoming an adoptive parent but there was very little seen on page to build Arthur and Linus’s relationship.

It was sweet and entertaining, but I’m fine closing the door here. I have no desire to continue the series.

Reading Life Insight

Another new thing I’m trying with my reading life is keeping a ranking list for my fiction books over the year.

I have a phone note for this. Whenever I finish a book, I add it to the list. I decide where the book falls based on how much I enjoyed my reading experience compared to past reads.

In the case of this book, that actually helped me decide on my rating. I was originally considering rating it higher than 4 stars but when it came to where to put it on the ranking list it was below other 4-star books, so a 4 seemed the most appropriate star rating.

As I shared most recently in my updated star rating system, my ratings are really subjective. But this is another fun way for me to consider how my star ratings line up with my reading experience. Or in some cases don’t.

I plan to save the ranking list at the end of each month so I can see how titles move around through the year.

Questions to Consider for Your Own Reading Life: Are you a lover of cozy fantasy? What are your favorite titles and what elements do they have in common? 

Everything I Know About Love I Learned From Romance Novels by Sarah Wendell

Rating: 3.5 stars

This is another book from my winter TBR. I want to explore more content (whether it’s books, podcasts, or discussion panels) that studies the romance genre.

This book has been on my radar to try for a long time so it seemed like the ideal starting place for my books about romance books category.

I’m familiar with the Smart Bitches, Trashy Books Podcast and website but not a regular listener or reader.

Book Blurb:

“Take a dashing hero with a heart of gold and a mullet of awesome. Add a heroine with a bustle and the will to kick major butt. Then include enough contrivances to keep them fighting while getting them alone and possibly without key pieces of clothing, and what do you have? A romance novel. What else? Enough lessons about life, love, and everything in between to help you with your own happily-ever-after.

Lessons like…

– Romance means believing you are worthy of a happy ending

– Learning to tell the prince from the frog

– Real-life romance is still alive and kicking

– No matter how bad it is, at least you haven’t been kidnapped by a Scottish duke (probably)”

My Thoughts

This book actually reminded of why I don’t listen to Smart Bitches, Trashy Books. Unfortunately Sarah Wendell’s humor just does not work for me. That is ok. I’m glad it works for many others and thankfully now there is no shortage of romance podcasts to listen to.

Wendell’s writing style with run on sentences and inserts for laughs felt just as chaotic and distracting as the podcast conversations.

Still when I pulled out her points about romance, I loved them.

Wendell touches a lot on how romance has changed from the bodice rippers of the 80s and even 90s to now focusing on both main characters doing the work to earn their HEA. After reading how glad she was that romance got away from toxic heroes and heroines who had no agency, I would be curious to hear her take on the current trends of dark romance.

The best part of this book was reading the author responses she collected from interviews and exchanges. It was a huge range of popular authors like Nora Roberts, Sarah MacLean, Robyn Carr, Jennifer Crusie, Loretta Chase, Eloisa James, Teresa Medeiros, Christina Dodd, and many many more. I added quite a few titles and authors to my list to try.

There were also some great insights from tons of fellow romance readers. It was fascinating to see different views and takeaways from so many readers.

Wendell shares things like when they started reading romance, why they read romance, what they’ve learned about communication, how reading romance has helped or supported them during difficult times, and how reading romance has affected their own love lives – Hint, it’s almost always for the better.

Questions to Consider for Your Own Reading Life: What topic would you like to dive deeper into and learn more about? Is this something you already intentionally do in your reading life? If so how do you incorporate it? If not how would you go about giving it a try?

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What was your favorite read in January?