December 2022 was a good month for me on the reading front, so here is my monthly reading wrap up!
In December I explored several new to me authors and very much enjoyed some old favorites. This was definitely the month of novellas for me! I do need to read more of them, they’re the perfect little break between heavier books! I read all over the place on the romance genre front: historical, contemporary, erotica, sports, fantasy!
Here’s a mini review of each of the books from this month (in order read):
The Duke Who Knew Too Much by Grace Callaway
Historical Fiction | Explicit
This is a book I should have dnf’d. I did not. Instead I hate read this book. The mmc is only a dom when the consent is questionable. The fmc thinks WAY too highly of herself and her family’s morals. Seriously if I had a penny for each time she said “The Kents” I would be rich enough to buy a Time Machine and not read this book. I will say it gets better as you read it… And it does become entertaining with the sheer amount of plot Callaway threw in there. Don’t Recommend!!
Taking A Shot by Jaci Burton
Contemporary Romance/Erotica | Very Explicit
Oh my word was this a hot book. It’s the third in a series (I’ve only read books 2 & 3). There’s a lot of built up mental pieces in this book on the fmc’s side and the mmc is so supportive the entire time. It takes place in STL (which hello!!) and has a hockey mmc… this is a great, fast, SPICY read that I do recommend!
Built to Last by Erin Hahn
Contemporary Romance | Explicit
A second chance romance with a lot of left over family trauma that is worked through and all of the feelings. Plus it’s so midwestern. Both the main characters were child stars and the lasting affects of that are also a big part, which added some amazing depth. This book is SO GOOD and high underrated! Do Recommend!
Just One Tent by Jaqueline Snowe
Contemporary Romance | Explicit | NOVELLA (KU)
I love Jaqueline Snowe’s writing! Plus add a “one tent only” to two friends who have been tip toeing around each other?!? Yes!! The characters were fun and felt fully developed. The plot had enough of spice and actual events. This was a great read no matter what time of year it is!! Do Recommend!
Heartbreaker by Sarah MacLean
Historical Romance | Explicit
Holding Review
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Tis the Season for Revenge by Morgan Elizabeth
Contemporary Romance | Explicit (KU)
This book was all over bookstagram and booktwitter this December. I had some mixed feelings on it…. I loved how good at tackling abusive relationships. But communication in the bedroom and characterization (especially Damien) needed to be better. The revenge plot needed more development and involvement in the story, imo. But this cover is SO FREAKING CUTE! (cry over spilled milk–dying!). Do Recommend
Toasty Inside by Zoe Mona
Contemporary Romance/Erotica | Explicit | NOVELLA (KU)
A girl stuck on a mountain is saved by the recluse who makes adult toys. The plot is ridiculous, but it’s fun. Definitely a great read when you need something light! There were some strange moments, like when they played mermaids in a hot spring that he has in his basement? Made me take a step back. Overall, Do Recommend!
A Wicked Game by Kate Bateman
Historical Romance | Explicit | *Received an ARC from Publisher
If you’re wanting a low angst, decent steam historical romance with some pining and great banter: this is your book. It was so much fun to read that I couldn’t put it down! Do Recommend!
My Full Review: HERE
My Present This Year by Sierra Simone
Contemporary Romance/Erotica | Explicit | NOVELLA
This was it good for about the first 90%. Yes, they were step-siblings. BUT they became that as basically adults like he was and she was like 18? I have no issues there. Where I have issues is they wanted to be siblings and lovers!!! Nooooooooo!!! That last 10% killed me. Uhhh… recommend if you’re willing…
The Duke of Shadows by Meredith Duran
Historical Romance | Explicit
This was my first Meredith Duran novel after having seen them so many times compared to one of my favorite HR authors (Emily Sullivan). And wow does she brings the angst, pining, and emotional growth and toll. I loved the setting of 1857 India and the discussions around British colonialism. I cannot fully describe the excellence this book is beyond it is a must read for practically any reader! HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
Mistletoe by Kimberly Lemming
Fantasy Romance | Very Explicit | NOVELLA (KU)
OMG this novella was so spicy and the absolute JOY RIDE I needed after several heavy books. It has talking swords and demon foxes & so much more. Just sit back and enjoy the ride of this cute novella. I’m about to go read everything Lemming has written because of this novella. Plus it’s on KU–read it!!!! Do Recommend!!
Sweetest Regret by Meredith Duran
Historical Romance | Explicit | NOVELLA
Another Meredith Duran novel! There are foreign diplomats, second chance romance, all of the angst! All of which are favorites of mine. Duran is going to be a favorite author and this novella felt like reading a full length book with how much is packed into it. To be honest I wish it had been a full length book because I wanted more, but that’s simply because it was a delight to read. Do Recommend
Orchids & Mistletoe by Kate Bateman
Historical Romance | Kiss Only | NOVELLA
This is a nice little brother’s best-friend who was also a spy sorta romance. The MMC was there when the FMC’s brother died in captivity. And he wants to make sure she’s fine. Oh and the FMC is a botanist. I loved the tension built up in the novella! However, for all of the little peeping they did towards each other and such, there was a complete let down in them sharing one little kiss at the end of the book. Ma’am. Please. They were watching each other nude… Overall, do recommend.
Hotel of Secrets by Diana Biller
Historical Romance | Explicit | *Received ARC from Publisher
Pre order this book. This was my FAVORITE read of the month hands down. Inside there is most competent hero, Eli Whittaker. Maria, the fmc, is also to independent and fresh and modern and I want to be her friend. The character growth and development along with the plot, communication, and endearing relationship this book is a MUST READ. Do Recommend! Pre-Order Now!!!
The Stand-Up Groomsman by Jackie Lau
Contemporary Romance | Explicit
Warning: this is the second in a series, which I completely overlooked and chaos read. It’s doable and I did enjoy it but be aware… Ok, I loved that we had a shorter fat MMC who was a comedian and a FMC who was more standoff-ish. There were great comments on family and generational trauma there. Both of the characters are bi, which loved. And the communication in the steamy scenes was top tier!! Do recommend!
Love in the Time of Serial Killers by Alicia Thompson
Contemporary Romance | Explicit
This was a great book with a lovely cast of characters. The FMC, Phoebe, is refreshingly weird and not sunshine-y. The MMC, Sam, has major golden retriever energy, I mean he is a elementary music teacher!!! Come on. I really enjoyed the discussions around family and growing up and the implicit trauma from hurtful parents. I quickly found myself reading through this novel; couldn’t put it down! Do Recommend!
Miracle on Ladies’ Mile by Joanna Shupe
Historical Romance | A Little Handsy | Novella
This one was cute. Had a single dad whose daughter reminds him of his deceased wife, a young girl from the country that brings back joy. It wasn’t my favorite Shupe I’ve read but a cute novella! I somehow expected more steam/spice in this novella than what there was solely based on that it was written by Shupe. Do Recommend!
A Christmas Spark by Diana Biller
Historical Romance | Kiss Only | NOVELLA
This is an adorable short story (like 60 pages). It had wonderful STEM characters! I loved it. The FMC was so lively and MMC so freaking cute. I really wish it had been full length novel! And I know that this is going to become a yearly reread in the Christmas time because it’s soooo cute not to! Do Recommend!
My Dirty Duke by Joanna Shupe
Historical Romance | Explicit | NOVELLA (KU)
This is not my normal read, but I do love Shupe and her novellas are always so well done. It has father’s friend age-gap trope that was done fairly well? It’s a decently spicy read, although I very much was expecting *more*. The biggest hold up I have on this book is that she is 18. I know, I know, it’s taking place in the late 1800s, but still that is where my hesitation is for this novella. Do Recommend.
Overall it was a great month of reading and I’m only a few days late in my wrap up! I read more novellas than I ever have before, which is really exciting for me. I think that they’re going to continue to be more in my reading than before.
Here’s to hoping that 2023 has tons of great books in store for us to read!
