Hi everyone! Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season! December was a big reading month for me! I ended up reading 10 books! I remembered that I could listen to audiobooks on Spotify and that I get audiobooks on Hoopla, through my library. Most mornings I listened to audiobooks while I was getting ready for work. Also, I finished the Book of the Month challenge and won a hat that says “Reading is Sexy”! I can’t wait to start wearing it! I hope you enjoy my December Mini Review!

Synopsis: “As boys, best friends Jeremy Cox and Rafe Howell went missing in a vast West Virginia state forest, only to mysteriously reappear six months later with no explanation for where they’d gone or how they’d survived. Fifteen years after their miraculous homecoming, Rafe is a reclusive artist who still bears scars inside and out but has no memory of what happened during those months. Meanwhile, Jeremy has become a famed missing persons’ investigator. With his uncanny abilities, he is the one person who can help vet tech Emilie Wendell find her sister, who vanished in the very same forest as Rafe and Jeremy. Jeremy alone knows the fantastical truth about the disappearances, for while the rest of the world was searching for them, the two missing boys were in a magical realm filled with impossible beauty and terrible danger. He believes it is there that they will find Emilie’s sister. However, Jeremy has kept Rafe in the dark since their return for his own inscrutable reasons. But the time for burying secrets comes to an end as the quest for Emilie’s sister begins. The former lost boys must confront their shared past, no matter how traumatic the memories. Alongside the headstrong Emilie, Rafe and Jeremy must return to the enchanted world they called home for six months—for only then can they get back everything and everyone they’ve lost.” (goodreads.com)

This was a delightful story!! I loved following Jeremy and Rafe and everything they ensued in the enchanted world! I really enjoyed that there was a storyteller guiding the book, so it felt like a true fairy tale. This story is inspired by C.S Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia, so if you enjoyed those books, I highly recommend reading this “fairy tale for grown-ups”. Now, I’ve never read those books, but I very much felt the fairy tale vibes of this story!

Playlist listened to on Spotify: we’re a fantasy book with a good romance plot

Synopsis: “Featuring personal reflections written by Taylor Swift. Over 500 images, including never-before-seen performance photos from every era. In addition, exclusive rehearsal photos and behind-the-scenes images of instruments, costumes, set pieces and designer sketches.” (goodreads.com)

I loved this so much! It is the perfect book to remember The Eras Tour!

I didn’t end up listening to a playlist with this book.

Synopsis: “It’s the middle of the night in the middle of Paris and a woman just woke up with no memory. She only knows three things for certain: 1. She has a splitting headache. 2. The hottest guy she has (probably) ever seen is standing over her, telling her to run. And oh yeah… 3. People keep trying to kill her. She doesn’t know who. Or why. But when she sees footage of herself fighting off a dozen men there’s only one explanation: obviously. . . she’s a spy! Except, according to Mr. Hot Guy, she’s not. She’s a spy’s identical twin sister. Too bad the only person who knows she’s not the woman they’re looking for is this very grouchy, very sexy, very secret agent who (reluctantly) agrees to help her disappear. That’s easier said than done when a criminal organization wants you dead and every intelligence service in the world wants you caught. Luckily, no one is looking for a pair of lovesick newlyweds on their honeymoon. And soon they’re lying their way across Europe–dodging bullets and faking kisses as they race to unravel a deadly conspiracy and clear her sister’s name. But with every secret they uncover, the truth shifts, until she no longer knows who to trust: the twin she can’t remember or the mysterious man she can’t let herself forget…” (goodreads.com)

This was such a fun read!! I loved the banter and chemistry of the main characters and how their relationship evolved! The only thing was I feel like the romance evolved super quickly considering the book took place over like a week, but at the same time, I feel like it fits with the high intensity stakes of the story. I highly recommend if you’re looking for a spy romance. Also, I have decided that I need to read more spy romances! So please let me know if you have any recommendations!

Playlist listened to on Spotify: The Blonde Identity

Synopsis: “Gwyn Jones is perfectly happy with her life in Graves Glen. She, her mom, and her cousin have formed a new and powerful coven; she’s running a successful witchcraft shop, Something Wicked; and she’s started mentoring some of the younger witches in town. As Halloween approaches, there’s only one problem—Llewellyn “Wells” Penhallow. Wells has come to Graves Glen to re-establish his family’s connection to the town they founded as well as to make a new life for himself after years of being the dutiful son in Wales. When he opens up a shop of his own, Penhallow’s, just across the street from Something Wicked, he quickly learns he’s gotten more than he bargained for in going up against Gwyn. When their professional competition leads to a very personal—and very hot—kiss, both Wells and Gwyn are determined to stay away from each other, convinced the kiss was just a magical fluke. But when a mysterious new coven of witches come to town and Gwyn’s powers begin fading, she and Wells must work together to figure out just what these new witches want and how to restore Gwyn’s magic before it’s too late.” (goodreads.com)

This is the follow-up story to The Ex Hex following Gwyn Jones, Vivienne’s cousin. Overall, I enjoyed this storyline more than The Ex Hex. I loved the enemies to lovers and witchy vibes! Plus Wells and Gwen’s banter was fun! I didn’t expect the ending with how everything was connected, but just like The Ex Hex, I feel like it was a bit anticlimactic. However, I liked how this ending was resolved more than in the first book.

I mostly read this by audiobook, so I didn’t end up listening to a playlist.

Synopsis: “After a lifetime of bounties and bloodshed, Viv is hanging up her sword for the last time. The battle-weary orc aims to start fresh, opening the first ever coffee shop in the city of Thune. But old and new rivals stand in the way of success — not to mention the fact that no one has the faintest idea what coffee actually is. If Viv wants to put the blade behind her and make her plans a reality, she won’t be able to go it alone. But the true rewards of the uncharted path are the travelers you meet along the way. And whether drawn together by ancient magic, flaky pastry, or a freshly brewed cup, they may become partners, family, and something deeper than she ever could have dreamed.” (goodreads.com)

This was a feel-good, cozy read! I enjoyed all of the characters and how the story progressed. I loved how the overall storyline was about how it’s never too late to pursue your passion and to not give up on it in the face of adversity!

Playlist listened to on Spotify: pov: you’re writing a fantasy novel

Synopsis: “With her signature sense of humor and down-to-earth storytelling, Lauren Graham opens up about her years working in the entertainment business—from the sublime to the ridiculous—and shares personal stories about everything from family and friendship to the challenges of aging gracefully in Hollywood. In “RIP Barneys New York,” she writes about an early job as a salesperson at the legendary department store — and the time she inadvertently shoplifted; in “Ne Oublie” she warns us about the perils of coming from an extremely forgetful family; and in “Actor-y Factory” she recounts what a day in the life of an actor looks like (unless you’re Brad Pitt). Filled with surprising anecdotes, sage advice, and laugh-out-loud observations, Graham’s latest collection of all-new, original essays showcases the winning charm and wit that she’s known for.” (goodreads.com)

I enjoyed this! It’s a collection of stories/essays that Lauren Graham doesn’t want to forget to remember with a different topic in each chapter. It was interesting to learn more about how her career started and what Hollywood is like for her. I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes stories and the advice she gave!

I didn’t end up listening to a playlist with this book.

Synopsis: “If he had been with me everything would have been different… I wasn’t with Finn on that August night. But I should’ve been. It was raining, of course. And he and Sylvie were arguing as he drove down the slick road. No one ever says what they were arguing about. Other people think it’s not important. They do not know there is another story. The story that lurks between the facts. What they do not know-the cause of the argument-is crucial. So let me tell you…” (goodreads.com)

I just knew how this was going to end, but I didn’t want to believe it! I’m so mad!! Overall, this was a great coming-of-age story. I really enjoyed Autumn’s flashbacks and inner dialogue. Even though I knew the ending, I was not prepared once the story came together!!

I mostly read this by audiobook, so I didn’t end up listening to a playlist.

Synopsis: “All her life, Annie has played it nice and safe. After being unceremoniously dumped by her longtime boyfriend, Annie seeks a fresh start. She accepts a teaching position that moves her from Manhattan to a small village upstate. She’s stunned by how perfect and picturesque the town is. The people are all friendly and warm. Her new apartment is dreamy too, minus the oddly persistent spider infestation. Then Annie meets Sophie. Beautiful, charming, magnetic Sophie, who takes a special interest in Annie, who wants to be her friend. More importantly, she wants Annie to stop apologizing and start living for herself. That’s how Sophie lives. Annie can’t help but gravitate toward the self-possessed Sophie, wanting to spend more and more time with her, despite the fact that the rest of the townsfolk seem…a little afraid of her. And like, okay. There are some things. Sophie’s appearance is uncanny and ageless, her mansion in the middle of the woods feels a little unearthly, and she does seem to wield a certain power…but she couldn’t be…could she?” (goodreads.com)

This was a fun unique witchy read! I really enjoyed following Annie’s story and rediscovery of herself. Plus her friendship with Sophie! It was an interesting enjoyable read, but it was neutral if that makes sense. I didn’t love it, but there was nothing I didn’t dislike.

I mostly read this by audiobook, so I didn’t end up listening to a playlist.

Synopsis: “The bridge is out. The phones are down. And the most famous mystery writer in the world just disappeared out of a locked room three days before Christmas. Meet Maggie Chase and Ethan Wyatt: She’s the new Queen of the Cozy Mystery. He’s Mr. Big-time Thriller Guy. She hates his guts. He thinks her name is Marcie (no matter how many times she’s told him otherwise.) But when they both accept a cryptic invitation to attend a Christmas house party at the English estate of a reclusive fan, neither is expecting their host to be the most powerful author in the world: Eleanor Ashley, the Duchess of Death herself. That night, the weather turns, and the next morning Eleanor is gone. She vanished from a locked room, and Maggie has to wonder: Is Eleanor in danger? Or is it all some kind of test? Is Ethan the competition? Or is he the only person in that snowbound mansion she can trust? As the snow gets deeper and the stakes get higher, every clue will bring Maggie and Ethan closer to the truth—and each other. Because, this Christmas, these two rivals are going to have to become allies (and maybe more) if they have any hope of saving Eleanor. Assuming they don’t kill each other first.” (goodreads.com)

This was such a fun read! It really did feel like Knives Out with a holiday rom-com twist! I loved trying to figure out how everything tied together and I honestly did not connect all of the dots, so the end was surprising!! So glad I picked this as my December Book of the Month pick!

I mostly read this by audiobook, so I didn’t end up listening to a playlist.

Synopsis: “When a late season hurricane hits Merry, Connecticut, city manager and single dad Noah Yates has to inform the already devastated residents that there won’t be a Christmas Festival this year. No festival means no tourism dollars. A disaster of epic proportions for his hometown. But when home renovation expert slash smoking hot reality TV star Catalina King shows up with a camera crew and a budget big enough to put the town back together again, Noah balks. Hard. The last time Cat was in town she stirred up trouble everywhere she went. (Residents are still talking about the town’s first and only bar fight.) Noah doesn’t need a TV diva capitalizing on his town’s tragedy or filling his daughter’s head with glitz and glam. Cat is ready and willing to put Merry back in Christmas mode with a holiday special that will leave everyone believing in miracles and get her friends back in the home they love. But there’s one big problem standing in her way. And his name is Noah Yates. He’s wrong about her and she can’t wait to prove it. Ring those jingle bells because it’s on.” (goodreads.com)

This was a great holiday spicy romance!! As always, I loved the enemies-to-lovers storyline! Cat and Noah’s banter was fun and I loved how their relationship progressed. I enjoyed how the story came together in the end, plus the two epilogues were nice!

Playlist listened to on Spotify: The Christmas Fix

I hope you enjoyed my December Mini Review! I had such a great book month to end 2024! What was your favorite read of 2024? Check out the Books category on my home page for more book reviews and recommendations. Please give me a follow on Instagram or Facebook to stay updated about when I post! I’ve loved engaging with the Bookstagram community, so it would be great to have you join! As always, thank you for your continued support!

Take care and stay safe,

Renée