March 2024 Wrap-Up
Happy April!
Did you play any fun pranks yesterday? I didn’t get a chance to, but the one Edo pulled with their new line of toothpaste was pretty funny. Anyhoo, March was hella busy and I accidentally double-booked myself, so I was mainly reading graphic novels which are super quick to read. I ended up finishing 6 books and 1 audiobook. I’m hoping to read more of my physical TBR this month, so we’ll see how that goes. I ended up buying 60 new books for my birthday book haul, so I have an endless amount to choose from 😅
In regards to editing, I am fully booked until May, and I have an editing conference to attend that I'm super excited for. I finished editing a dark romance in March, and if you like dark romance, I highly recommend you check it out! The title is Fiery Little Thing by Avina St. Graves. She’s currently looking for ARC readers, so be sure to sign up! And even if you’re not a dark romance author, I also edit other genres, so check out my About Me page and my Editing Services page for more info on my rates.
My Library
Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands by Kate Beaton
Review:
*Content Warning: Sexual harassment, sexual assault, and drug use.*
I’ve always wondered what life was like for people who work in the oil sands, especially being from Alberta, so I was really excited to read this. It did not disappoint. This story is from the perspective of a woman working in a male-dominated industry, so there is a lot of misogyny and sexual harassment going on. It was interesting because her experience wasn’t black and white, like if it’s all bad or good. Even with the men in the story, it was nice to see how people end up the way they do in situations of loneliness and isolation. I also related to the part about how it was a struggle to find a job in the degree you graduate with. Overall, it was a really fascinating story and I learned a lot. I’d highly recommend this.
5/5⭐
The Fae Queen’s Captive by Sierra Simone
Review:
I love the trope of mortals being kidnapped to Faerie, so I was super excited to read this novella. Especially since it’s by Sierra Simone, and I loved her book Priest. This book was every bit as magical as I expected it to be. The world building was beautiful, and I loved the imagery of the Stag Court’s castle, and the feasts and the outfits, and just . . . everything. I wanted to experience all of that. I loved Janneth and Morgana’s relationship. Everything about it was just so heady and intoxicating. The only reason this book isn’t 5 stars is because the ending was very abrupt and all the running was annoying. I had more faith in Janneth and wished she took matters into her own hands, instead of being led to the finale by different people. I understand why it happened that way, but still 😅 Overall, this was just a really great story, and i’d probably read it again for an escape.
4.5/5⭐
Princess Princess Ever After by Kay O’Neill
Review:
WTH. This was so short. I was not expecting this to be this short of a story. The “There’s a cookie on the other side of the tower” part was hilarious. The princesses go through a fun little adventure with lots of life lessons sprinkled in along the way. However this story was way to short to establish any feelings for the MC’s relationship. I think kids and teens would definitely enjoy this since it’s such a short read and can hold their attention span, but I just thought there would be more. Also, they basically just use fat as an insult quite repeatedly, so they could’ve had a bit more variety. The fat dragon is absolutely adorable though. Overall, great messages within the story, but I wish there was more story.
4.5/5⭐
Our Dining Table by Mita Ori
Review:
This was ADORABLE. I loved this story so much. Tane was such a precious child, and it was so funny to see him essentially c*ckblocking Minoru and Yutaka. That main couple was so cute, and I’m so happy with how everything worked out for them. They deserve all the good things! Being a foodie, I loved the food aspect of the story so much, especially with how food can bring people together and create happy experiences. The story moves hella fast though, since it’s a standalone, so there’s not much time for their relationship to develop. I was also devastated to find out it’s a standalone (possibly), because I need more of their cuteness.
5/5⭐
Pilu of the Woods by Mai K. Nguyen
Review:
This was such an adorable story. I absolutely loved the art style. This would be a great story for kids as it has great lessons about listening to your feelings, not bottling them up, and learning to cope with grief. There are also some fun nature activities at the end of the book that you can do with your kids, and a delicious-looking recipe for mushroom rice. I totally want to try making that! Overall, it’s a cute story and I’d recommend it.
4.5/5⭐
Netgalley eARCs
I’ve been reading way more books from the library this month. I have a few galleys lined up, so I’m very excited to read them!
Other (e)ARCs
From Frenzy Books
If I Have to be Haunted by Miranda Sun
Review:
Loved all the Chinese culture integrated in the story. A lot of the family dynamics were relatable. This take on someone who sees ghosts was interesting because she doesn’t want the ghosts to see her. The beginning of the story kind of sets the scene for the ending of the book and the sequel. There is a little bit of foreshadowing about what happens in the next book regarding the backstory of certain characters. I think this could have been read as a standalone though, because the main conflict of Zach being a ghost does get resolved. I liked the description of the liminal world. The different places they explore are creative, and I especially liked the idea of an extinction area. Brittany was super sassy and I loved her. I wish we got a little bit more banter from her, but we probably will in the next book. Zach and Cara’s relationship wasn’t too great though because I didn’t really feel any chemistry from them and it felt a little forced. I’m happy with how this story turned out, but I don’t think I’ll be reading the sequel.
3/5⭐
Audiobooks
Princess of Souls by Alexandra Christo
Review:
It took me FOREVER to finish this audiobook 😅 I would listen to it very sporadically when I couldn’t fall asleep. I liked the concept of the story , mainly about how souls worked and how the emperor stayed immortal. The plot was decent, but I wasn’t too sure how they managed to defeat the emperor. I’d probably have to reread it, but that’s highly unlikely. I really liked the side characters and was devastated by what happens to one of them at the end. The ending felt very Game of Thrones with all the dying going on. Prepare yourself lol. Regarding the romance, I didn’t really feel anything for that couple and wasn’t really rooting for them. I thought Knox was a very impulsive dodo by the end, and I was not a fan. I really loved the world building though! I didn’t realize this was a companion book for Christo’s other story To Kill a Kingdom, so that was a fun discovery. Overall, it’s a decent story with creative world building, but an ok romantic couple. The FMC was a bit of a badass though, I’ll give her that.
3/5⭐
If you’ve read any of these, let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Happy reading 😊
