Books of 2024

It’s my favorite time of year — finding books to anxiously anticipate during the year and hoping my expectations are not too high by the time I read them! Without further ado, here’s my list of this year’s highly anticipated books releasing January through June.

JANUARY

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

Release Date: January 2nd, 2024
Genre: Thriller/Mystery
Elston wrote one of my favorite YA novels, This is Our Story, and I cannot wait to see what she does for Adult Thriller.

When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A Parker

Release Date: January 13th, 2024
Genre: Fantasy
This is apparently only available on Kindle Unlimited which makes me really sad. But it sounds like a beautiful fantasy book. I saw a TikTok about it and immediately knew I needed to read it – I mean, LOOK AT THAT COVER.

Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett

Release Date: January 16th, 2024
Genre: Fantasy
I adored the first in this series. It was slow but in the best way. I’m sure this will be the same and I’ll have to be in the right mood to read it.

The Fury by Alex Michaelides

Release Date: January 16th, 2024
Genre: Thriller/Mystery
I have tickets to see Michaelides at book signing in February and I absolutely can’t wait. The Silent Patient is one of my favorite thrillers EVER.

House of Flame and Shadow – Sarah J Maas

Release Date: January 30th 2024
Genre: Fantasy
I think Crescent City is my favorite SJM series. I’m very much looking forward to devouring this next installment.

Release Date:
Genre:

FEBRUARY

Bride by Ali Hazelwood

Release Date: February 6th, 2024
Genre: Romance/ Fantasy
Hazelwood is known for her women in STEM romance novels so I cannot wait to see her dive into the world of vampires & werewolves. I mean, talk about forbidden romance!

The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine Arden

Release Date: February 13th, 2024
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Arden wrote one of my favorite series of all time, The Winternight Trilogy. Arden can write a grocery list and I will read it.

A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal

Release Date: February 20th, 2024
Genre: Fantasy
I’ve heard a lot of good buzz around this book and I’m excited to hear more about it.

Lore of the Wilds by Analeigh Sbrana

Release Date: February 27th, 2024
Genre: Romantasy
A debut author writing a romantasy about humans & fae. SIGN ME UP.

MARCH

Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle

Release Date: March 5, 2024
Genre: Fiction/ Romance
Serle’s last book was a miss for me but I’m hoping this will be a better one for me. 

Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice by Elle Cosimano

Release Date: March 5th, 2024
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Finlay Finlay Finlay. These books are just SO FUN. I cannot get enough of this series.

Release Date:
Genre:

APRIL

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

Release Date: April 2nd, 2024
Genre: Romance
Jimenez is one of my favorite romance authors now. I absolutely cannot wait to read her novels, they have been firmly cemented into as an auto-buy author.

Funny Story by Emily Henry

Release Date: April 23, 2024
Genre: Romance
Emily Henry is another one of my favorite authors. Her romance novels are so full of heart and are completely relatable. They are also completely devourable. I don’t need to know what her books are about for me to add this to my “must-read” pile.

A Letter to the Luminous Deep by Sylvie Cathrall

Release Date: April 25th, 2024
Genre: Fantasy
A whimsical fantasy set in an underwater world filled with mystery & romance.

MAY

The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren

Release Date: May 14th, 2024
Genre: Romance
Christina(&)Lauren are powerhouses in the romance genre. I think there will come a time where I’ve read all their books (I am working on the backlog).

The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton

Release Date: May 21st, 2024
Genre: Thriller/Mystery
If you haven’t read the 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hugo by now, what are you doing? It’s absolutely one of my favorite novels so OF COURSE I’m picking this up blind.

Release Date:
Genre:

JUNE

Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood

Release Date: June 11th, 2024
Genre: Romance
Hazelwood is another one of my auto-read authors. I am thrilled to have two of books on my lists this year. 

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center

Release Date: June 11th, 2024
Genre: Romance
Hazelwood is another one of my auto-read authors. I am thrilled to have two of books I’ve enjoyed Center’s previous novels and this seems like it’ll be a grumpy x sunshine romance which is one of my favorite tropes. 

A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston

Release Date: June 25th, 2024
Genre: Romance
Poston is a recent auto-buy author for me and I’m so excited for this to be my birthday book this year. Her novels are woven with magic realism & the romance is just *chef’s kiss*.

Books of 2023, part 2

As promised, here’s the second half of my most anticipated books of the year post!

June

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

Release Date: June 27th, 2023
Romance
I adored The Dead Romantics which I read last year. I 100% do not care what this book is about but I will be buying it.

July

Hello Stranger by Katherine Center

Release Date: July 11, 2023
Romance
I devoured Center’s romance from 2022, I hoping this is the same. This book deals with face blindness which is something I’ve never read about before. I hope it does it well.

Release Date: July 20, 2023
Mystery/Thriller
Thrillers have been letting me down recently but they’re so fun to read when they’re good. I always find the less I know about it before going in, the more I tend to enjoy it. Here’s hoping this is a good one!

August

The Blonde Identity by Ally Carter

Release Date: August 8, 2023
Rom- Com Mystery
I loved Ally Carter’s YA books. This is first adult fiction book. I’m so looking forward to reading what her characters can get up to without the confines of young adult fiction. Whatever happens, it’s sure to be fast paced and quick witted.

Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Release Date: August something or September 5th – I’ve seen it differently
Romance
This is apparently a TIKTOK sensation but I don’t care about that – I just think it sounds good. Evie unexpectedly becomes the assistant to the most notorious villain Rennedawn has seen. Pitched as Once Upon a Time meets The Office AND it’s grumpy x sunshine. SAY NO MORE

September

Witch of Wild Things by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland

Release Date: September 12, 2023
Witchy Romance
Magic, ghosts, & second-chance romance. Sounds like a recipe for a wonderful witchy book.

The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic by Breanne Randall

Release Date: September 19, 2023
Witchy Romance
I love reading witchy books in the fall. Hoping this is a good one.

October

The Fragile Threads of Power – V. E. Schwab

Release Date: October 3, 2023
Fantasy
Set in the world of A Darker Shade of Magic, say less please. If you’ve been living under a rock and haven’t read that series, do yourself a favor and get caught up before this releases.

Release Date: October 3, 2023
Gothic Fantasy
Harrow’s writing is a hit or miss for me but I’m not giving up yet.

The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon

Release Date: October 3, 2023
Fantasy
This is a debut novel features enemies-to-lovers, magic, and war. I think there’s a theme for the books I’m reading/loving this year.

A Winter in New York by Josie Silver

Release Date: October 3, 2023
Romance
Silver’s book have a 50/50 track record for me. I’m hoping this will firmly put me back on track to being a Silver fan.

What the River Knows by Isabel Ibanez

Release Date: October 31, 2023
Fantasy
Pitched as The Mummy meets Death on the Nile. Say less.

A Holly Jolly Ever After by Julie Murphy and Sierre Simone

Release Date: October 10, 2023
Romance
In their follow-up to A Merry Little Meet Cute, we’re back in Christmas Notch

November

Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree

Release Date: November 7th, 2023
Cozy Fantasy
Legends & Lattes was absolutely adorable and I cannot wait to dive back into a cozy fantasy. I can just picture myself reading this while drinking a peppermint mocha and curling up under a blanket.

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

Release Date: November 7th, 2023
Fantasy
I’m not gonna lie, I just finished reading the first one, Fourth Wing, and I already pre-ordered the sequel. This is not an original fantasy by any means, but it’s FUN with great characters. The first one reminded me of an adult version of Divergent + Divine Rivals + The Poppy Wars. The first book left off on a cliffhanger (of course). I can’t wait to see what happens next.

December

Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross

Release Date: December 26, 2023
YA Fantasy
I enjoy Ross’ writing. One of my favorite books of last year was an Adult fantasy book of hers and I’m dying to read the sequel. While waiting for that to come out in paperback, I picked up the first of this duology – Divine Rivals. And it did not disappoint. It’s young adult fantasy with an enemies to lovers romance, magic typewriters, and set in a wartime of the gods. The first book left on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to find out what happens next!

What are you looking forward to reading in this half of the year? Anything I should add to my list?

Books of 2023

It’s my favorite time of year — finding books to anxiously anticipate during the year and hope my expectations are not too high by the time I read them! Without further ado, here’s my MUST READ books releasing January through June.

JANUARY

Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun (Finlay Donovan#3) by Elle Cosimano

Release Date: January 31st, 2023
Cozy Mystery
I love this series so much. There’s murder, mayhem, & more. It’s funny, it’s sexy, and Finlay is just relatable. If you haven’t read the first book, what are you waiting for?

FEBRUARY

The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi

Release Date: February 14th, 2023
Fantasy
This marks Chokshi’s adult debut. This is a gothic story about a marriage, dark secrets, friendship, tragedy, and fairytales. All ingredients for my perfect cup of tea.

A Day of Fallen Night (The Roots of Chaos #0) by Samantha Shannon

Release Date: February 28, 2023
High Fantasy
This is the standalone prequel to Shannon’s Priory of the Orange Tree which I loved to pieces. Priory was a BIG book and this is clocking in at over 800 pages, too. ADOFN takes place in the same world as Priory… just 5 centuries before. The entire series will be able to be read as standalone novels & you can theoretically read them in any order. I love this because with so long between books, it’s hard to remember characters.

MARCH

The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi (Amina al-Sirafi #1) by Shannon Chakraborty (S. A. Chakraborty)

Release Date: March 7th, 2023
Fantasy
I absolutely adored the Daevabad Trilogy so I cannot wait to see what Chakraborty has in store next. Just from the cover I tell this is going to be a swashbuckling adventure!

The Foxglove King (The Nightshade Kingdom #1) by Hannah Whitten

Release Date: March 7th, 2023
Fantasy
I’m on the fence about this one honestly. I enjoyed Whitten’s first book to a point but I wasn’t IN LOVE with it. I never even read its sequel. But this is a whole new series. It’ll be her 3rd book so I’m hoping what wasn’t clicking for me in the first one will be gone in this series. Because it DOES sound intriguing.

Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q Sutanto

Release Date: March 14th, 2023
Cozy Mystery
Vera Wong, little old lady, thinks she can solve a murder better than the police can. Oh, what hijinks will ensue in this book? I can’t wait to find out!

The London Seance Society by Sarah Penner

Release Date: March 21, 2023
Historical Mystery
I loved Penner’s The Lost Apothecary and am looking forward to this! There’s murder (two!), a spiritualist, an occult non-believer, an exclusive high society club, and crime-solving. All great elements of an entertaining book, if you ask me.

The Quarantine Princess Diaries (Princess Diaries #12) by Meg Cabot

Release Date: March 28th, 2023
Contemporary Romance
I LOVE PRINCESS MIA SO MUCH. She’s funny, she’s snarky, and she’s sexy. I loved the last installment Cabot came out with (Royal Wedding) and I cannot wait to see what Mia is up to now! I love that I started reading this series as a kid and have *grown up* with Mia who has aged gracefully from an awkward teen princess into an awkward ruling adult. *Please note, this is will have adult content & themes*

APRIL

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

Release Date: April 4, 2023
Historical Fantasy / YA
Ross wrote one my favorite books of 2022, A River Enchanted. This is another one of her YA books, but geared more towards older YA with “adult fantasy crossover.” Iris Winnow is a journalist during wartime, so naturally when she’s worrying over her brother at the front lines, she does what does best, she writes. She writes him letters and slips them under her wardrobe where they disappear… into Roman Kitt’s hands. Roman is Iris’ rival at the newspaper but soon they’re making a connection through their writing during the war of the gods. Includes enemies-to-lovers, fantasy, and magic.

Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez

Release Date: April 11th, 2023
Contemporary Romance
I read Part of Your World and was completely hooked. If you haven’t picked that up already, do so! It was in my favorites of 2022 list. If that’s not reason enough, then you should know that the main character in this book is the best friend from that one.

In the Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune

Release Date: April 25th, 2023
Fantasy
Don’t know what it’s about. Don’t care. Will read Klune’s grocery list. Just hand over the cinnamon roll gay protagonist and no one gets hurt. Klune’s books are magical and make your heart go all gooey (for various reasons).

Happy Place by Emily Henry

Release Date: April 25th, 2023
Contemporary Romance
I don’t know what this is about. If you want to find out, please click the link on the picture of the cover. I love Henry’s adult romance books and all I know is that I am buying this the day it comes out.

MAY

The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren

Release Date: May 16, 2023
Contemporary Romance
If you read CL’s The Soulmate Equation, you’re familiar with Fizzy (the main character’s best friend). Her personality jumped off the page and fans have been clamoring for her story. Well, it’s almost here! Fizzy Chen has never been in love, not head over heels soulmate kinda love. A chance encounter with Connor Prince, a filmmaker & single father, suddenly throws her into starring on a reality tv show but will her chemistry be with the contestants or someone behind the camera?

JUNE

Kiss the Girl (Meant to Be #3) by Zoraida Cordova

Release Date: June 6th, 2023
Contemporary Romance
This is the third installment in the fairytale retelling series. After wrapping up her final tour with her band Siren Seven, Ariel is excited to have a normal summer to figure out herself. But when her father (and head of Atlantica Records) wants to launch her solo career sooner than expected, Ariel decides to explore the world with a boy she just met. Enter Eric – lead singer of an up & coming band who spontaneously invites Ariel on the road for the summer. Will Ariel be able to find her own voice & fall in love in one summer? I loved the first book of this series (written by different authors) but the second was a letdown. I’m hoping this Little Mermaid retelling helps redeem this series.

Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood

Release Date: June 13th, 2023
Contemporary Romance
After reading 2 Hazelwood books + 3 novellas in 2022, you bet her next novel in my list! Following her STEMinist trend, Hazelwood is back with a romance novel involving fake dating & academia. Hazelwood’s books are lighthearted, funny, and filled with pop culture references. I can’t wait to see what the main characters get up to this time!

TV Shows of 2022

To absolutely no one’s shock, I haven’t watched a ton of TV this year. Aaron and I watched what we could when baby was sleeping but there’s also wasn’t a ton I was interested in.

Here’s what I did manage to see this year:

The Witcher (Netflix) season 2
The Wheel of Time (Amazon Prime) season 1 — didn’t finish
Hawkeye (Disney +)
The Book of Boba Fett (Disney +)
Stranger Things (Netflix) season 4
First Bite (Netflix)
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Prime) season 4
The Umbrella Academy (Netflix) season 2
The Sandman (Netflix) season 1
Grey’s Anatomy (Hulu) season 18
Bluey (Disney +) season 1
She-Hulk (Disney +) season 1
Rings of Power (Prime) season 1
House of the Dragon (HBO) season 1
Only Murders in the Building (Hulu) season 2

I’m going to say Fantasy shows were my favorite this year. I loved The Witcher (duh!), The Sandman, Rings of Power, and House of the Dragon. The latter which I wasn’t even planning on watching but the online peer pressure got to us.

I was disappointed in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel because it’s absolutely one of my favorite shows and I just felt like they could have done more. And I understand there were some constraints because of COVID shooting schedules/locations, etc. But the storylines were just not there for me this season. I really hope they turn it around for the final season.

Hawkeye was definitely awesome (THAT CAST) and She-Hulk was fun, too, but left a little to be desired.

What did you love this year? Anything I should put on my list for next year?

Podcasts > Music/Audiobooks: Am I Old Now?

I love books (duh, are you new?) but I cannot listen to audiobooks. I’ve tried on various occasions but my mind either wanders or I fall asleep. I can’t focus. But when I had a 45 minute commute to work, I started to love listening to morning radio. I began to dread hearing the same 4 songs over and over again so I relished listening to the talk show hosts.

My very first foray into podcasts was not really a podcast at all. It was Deadly Manners, a dark comedy murder mystery with some big name actors. I first heard about it from Kristen Bell (and I’ll watch or listen to anything she’s in). But this was different because it sounded like theatre without the visuals. It wasn’t a conversation or a story, it was a show. But I couldn’t find anything like it again.

I didn’t think I’d be able to listen to traditional podcasts. So, I made more music playlists. Then I found that music was getting too complicated. It was hard to decide what to listen to, I found myself not in the mood for certain songs so I was skipping around too much, my playlists never felt right, and I didn’t want to use Spotify but I wanted different music than I had, etc etc. I ignored the feeling of wanting to try something new because it seemed too daunting to try to figure it out. I pushed it off until I couldn’t anymore.

I came back to work from maternity leave in November of 2021. I found myself needing something to listen to that would distract my mind just enough so I could focus on my job. Otherwise, I was just going to miss my baby all day. Don’t get me wrong, I still wished I was at home with her instead of working but it kept my mind from spiraling. I was desperate for something that wasn’t music and wasn’t audiobooks. I remembered Deadly Manners & the podcast I listened to that went along with a book I had read. I had enjoyed those two experiences so starting to listen to podcasts truly seemed like the perfect solution.

The only problem? I didn’t know where to start. I decided to crowdsource by posting on Facebook asking friends for their podcast recommendations. They did not disappoint! I immediately dived in and saved the first episode of (almost) every podcast my friends recommended. I’m not going to lie, I didn’t listen to all the recommendations. I began to spiral into podcasts sporadically and find new ones to listen to before I could go back to the ones originally recommended to me.

Here’s what I loved:

CRIME JUNKIE
Hooked from the very first episode! I can’t remember if this was the first one I listed to or not but it was the one I stuck with. I started listening to what they were currently producing but then decided just to go back to the beginning since there was too much history I had missed. I finally caught up in the spring of this year. If you don’t know, Crime Junkie is a hit true crime podcast with hosts Ashley Flowers & Brit. They are best friends so they have a great rapport.

OLOGIES WITH ALIE WARD
Honestly, I listed to one episode with guest Hank Green and then I forgot about it. But when I had caught up on all the backlog of episodes from Crime Junkie, I gave it another go and was completely hooked. These episodes are fascinating and funny! There’s so much to learn about random niche topics. I love that there are child friendly episodes, too (SMOLOGIES). I cannot wait to listen to this with my kid.

Ones I found on my own:

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIE
The perfect holiday podcast which explores the dreaded Christmas Letter/Newsletter. It’s hilarious and filled with drama. I love it so much. It’s truly a joy to listen to (especially when drinking a peppermint mocha!)

COUNTERCLOCK (with host, Delia D’Ambra)
Each season is a detailed looked into a murder. I don’t LOVE it. But I don’t hate it. Delia’s voice reminds me of Ashley Flowers’ but with a southern twang. Which is to say, that I like listening to it.

THE DECK (host Ashley Flowers)
It doesn’t have the same vibe as Crime Junkie because there’s no Brit. But it’s still good to listen to & get your true crime fix in.

GILMORE GUYS
This is what it sounds like. Guys talking about every episode of Gilmore Girls in detail. It really works when you watch an episode of Gilmore Girls then listen to the corresponding podcast episode. Since I haven’t given GG a re-watch in some time, this got put on the back-burner for me until I realized they covered Amy Sherman-Palladino’s new show, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. I started listening to the recent episodes that covered season 4 of Mrs. Maisel and loved hearing people discuss one of my favorite shows!

GUILTY PLEASURES
This is hilarious. It’s just a great way to kill time and laugh. Each member of the show picks a movie they love that they feel is a guilty pleasure & they all have to watch it then talk about it for an episode. I love it. Obviously, it’s better if you know the movie they’re referring to but you’re not too lost if you haven’t seen it.

FUNNY CUZ IT’S TRUE with Elyse Myers
As with the rest of the world, I’m obsessed with Elyse Myers (of TikTok). She is a gem and I was so excited for her podcast. If you don’t know who she is, get yourself on TikTok and look her up.

I’m happy to report I listen to podcasts almost every work day now. If my daughter didn’t love music so much, I’d even listen to them in the car but she’d start screaming so that’s a non-starter. i honesty never thought I’d be at this point where I’m actively seeking out new material. It’s fun finding enjoyment in something that I previously thought was so foreign and hard to break into.

Do you listen to podcasts? What are you favorites? Have I enticed you to start listening if you haven’t already?

Perfect October Reads

I love reading books that correspond with the season. It makes everything feel like it’s coming together. If you love that too, grab your Pumpkin Spice Latte and cozy up with one of these perfect autumn books.

Feeling Witchy?
The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling (romance)
Payback’s A Witch by Lana Harper (romance)
The Physick Book of Delieverance Dane by Katherine Howe (historical fiction)

Full Body Chills:
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson (YA)
The Death of Mrs. Westaway – Ruth Ware
Home Before Dark by Riley Sager

Frankenstein retelling anyone?
The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White (YA)

Atmospheric Autumn Vibes
Spells for Forgetting- Adrienne Young
Pumpkin Heads by Rainbow Rowell (YA Graphic Novel)
Sign Here by Claudia Lux
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

And as a bonus, some children’s books:
Pig the Monster by Aaron Blabey
Gustavo the Shy Ghost by Flavia Z Drago
The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt by Riel Nason

What’s your favorite spooky season read? I know there’s a bunch I missed but I wasn’t too inspired this year. My October picks were Spells for Forgetting, Sign Here, & Payback’s A Witch (and all three children’s books because of my daughter).

Most Anticipated of 2022 (Summer Edition)

It’s there’s one thing I’m consistent about on this blog, it’s writing lists about books I’m eagerly anticipating. As always, the books are sorted by release date and if you click on the book cover, it will bring you to the GoodReads page for the book.

I have read a lot of Sheep in a Jeep the past 6 months but I’m hoping I can catch up on some of the books I didn’t get a chance to read since January and of course, there’s the rest of this year’s most anticipated books, too. For some reason, I’m only finding books through September so I think I’ll have to make another post in a couple months…

My last list didn’t include any books released in June. So, I’ll add them now.

The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill

Release Date: June 7th, 2022
Mystery
There’s murder in Boston Library and one of the 4 people sitting in the Reading Room is the murderer. This is told as a story within a story.

Flying Solo by Linda Holmes

Release Date: June 14th, 2022
Contemporary Fiction
I adored Evvie Drake Starts Over and was thrilled when I heard about this Maine set story. The main character, Laurie, is back in hometown after her wedding was called off to settle the estate of her great-aunt Dot. When she finds a wooden duck in her belongings with a cryptic message, Laurie is swept into a journey of self-discovery and family secrets.

The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston

Release Date: June 28th, 2022
Fiction
I read some of Poston’s YA novels when they were first released and immensely enjoyed them. I’m exciting she’s making her adult fiction debut and this sounds like a perfect novel! Florence is a ghostwriter with literal GHOSTS of her own! WHAT. I don’t know why I’m obsessed with this concept but I need to get my hands on this book.

Acts of Violet by Margarita Montimore

Release Date: July 5th, 2022
Adult Fiction
I really adored Montimore’s Oona Out of Order. Violet Volk, iconic magician, disappeared mid-act and hasn’t been seen since. Cameron Frank is hoping to get his big break by centering his podcast around Violet but it all hinges on getting Violet’s sister Sasha to grant him an exclusive interview. Told in altering forms of narration and podcast transcripts, and interspersed with media, this new installment sounds like it won’t disappoint.

All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers

Release Date: August 16th, 2022
Mystery/Thriller

Ashley Flowers is the voice of the hit podcast, Crime Junkie. I’ve been listening to it for the past year and I love her voice & her storytelling skills. When I heard her promote her book, I was thrilled I’d get to read her writing. I can’t wait to have this book to read on my end of summer vacation. After researching so much true crime, I really hope she knows how to write a fictional murder thriller.

Babel, or The Necessity of Violence by RF Kuang

Release Date: August 23rd, 2022
Urban Fantasy
Kuang’s The Poppy War was brilliant so picking this one up, despite its vast differences, is a no-brainer. I honestly haven’t read too much about this because I want the least amount of information before going into it. What I do know is that it’s an urban fantasy set in Oxford. The rest I’ll simply have to find out.

Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood

Release Date: August 23rd, 2022
Romance
I don’t think Hazelwood’s stories are groundbreaking or anything. But it’s refreshing to see female characters working in STEM. I loved Hazelwood’s STEMinist novellas & The Love Hypothesis. They’re fun and a bit nerdy (and steamy!).

Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Release Date: August 30th, 2022
Fiction
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is one of my absolute favorite books and anything Jenkins Reid writes will be an insta-buy for me. I’m assuming by the cover this is about tennis. And from the title, maybe it’s about a comeback? Unsure but I’m actively clicking “Add to Cart”.

Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen

Release Date: August 30th, 2022
Magical Realism

When I was in college, I picked up Garden Spells at a thrift shop and fell in love with Allen’s writing. I’m so excited to pick this up and be transported.

A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone

Release Date: September 20th, 2022
Romance

I have loved Murphy’s writing for over 10 years now. She’s now getting into romance novels and I AM HERE FOR IT. This is a holiday rom com and that’s all I really need to know about it. I did spy some other phrases like “plus-sized adult film star” and “bad boy pop star” that sound awfully intriguing. I’m not going to lie though, I haven’t read any of Simone’s books so I’m curious how they’ll write together but I’m optimistic.

The Golden Enclaves (The Scholomance #3) by Naomi Novik

Release Date: September 27th, 2022
Young Adult Fantasy
In the conclusion to Novik’s Scholomance series, after saving the entire school El is on a mission to save the boy she loves and navigate the real world for the first time. I’m interested in seeing where this goes after that cliffhanger in the last book.

Well, that’s all for now! I hope I’ll be back with another list for fall since I couldn’t find books that release in October I want to read.

Happy Reading!

What books are you looking forward to this summer?

Most Anticipated Books of 2022 (Winter/Spring Edition)

It’s there’s one thing I’m consistent about on this blog, it’s writing my yearly round-ups & lists about books I’m eagerly anticipating. As always, the books are sorted by release date and if you click on the book cover, it will bring you to the GoodReads page for the book. This list only covers the first half of the year and I’ll be back with another update in July.

I’m going to be honest. I have no idea how many of these books I’ll actually be able to read. I’m hoping for at least 1 or 2. But I foresee a lot of Sheep in a Jeep in my future.

Romance novels are much easier since they are such a quick read and that’s the level I’m currently on with my growing baby in tow. Which is why you’ll see so many on my list. I am optimistic, however, because I did get a Kindle for Christmas (and Kindles are easier to tote around than actual books) & one of my New Year’s Resolutions is to buy less physical copies of books unless I really really really need to have it for my collection. Reading + Book Collecting are two different hobbies that sometimes, not always, coincide. In my case, I am definitely a book collection reading enthusiastic with lofty dreams of Beast’s library.

The Maid by Nita Prose

Release Date: January 4, 2022
Cozy Mystery
Murder mystery in a hotel with the dead body found by someone you always overlook, the maid. Debut novel with neurodivergent lead and already in production to film with Florence Pugh as Molly the Maid, this is one book you shouldn’t miss.

Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead by Elle Cosimano

Release Date: February 1, 2022
Comedic Murder Mystery
The first in the Finlay Donovan series was one of my favorite books last year. I found it as I was browsing the bookstore and I actually picked it up without previously hearing about it. I cannot wait to see what shenanigans Finlay gets up to this time.

A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross

Release Date: February 15, 2022
Fantasy
Enemies to lovers. Mystery. Missing Girls. Scotland.

Homicide and Halo-Halo by Mia P. Manansala

Release Date: February 8, 2022
Cozy Mystery
I read the first in the Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery series last year, Arsenic and Adobo. It was actually one of my Book of the Month books and I thought it was really fun! Definitely looking forward to the next installment. Gotta love murder & cooking!

One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle

Release Date: March 1, 2022
Fiction / Magical Realism
I have immensely enjoyed Serle’s previous (adult) novels and I don’t even need to know what this is about to be excited for it. But I have a feeling I’m going to cry.

Four Aunties and a Wedding by Jesse Q. Sutano

Release Date: March 29, 2022
Comedic Murder Mystery/ Romance
The first book, Dial A for Aunties, was so fun. I am definitely more driven towards fun lighthearted romps than anything else recently. They’re just so easy to digest. I cannot wait to see what these meddling aunties get up to this time.

The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn

Release Date: March 29, 2022
Historical Fiction
I love WWII books. I love historical fiction in general, too. I look forward to Quinn’s novels and I am always intrigued by their premise. But I have a confession. I haven’t read a single one. Maybe 2022 will be the year to change that because this is based on the true story of the deadliest female sniper.

Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li

Release Date: April 5, 2022
Mystery/Thriller
Debut novel. Heist plot. Diverse rep of the Chinese American experience. Let’s go.

Book Lovers by Emily Henry

Release Date: May 3, 2022
Contemporary Romance
I wasn’t a fan of Henry’s when she was writing YA but I will gladly read all of her Adult Romances. And this? A romance set in the literary world? Gimme gimme gimme.

By the Book (Meant to Be#2) by Jasmine Guillory

Release Date: May 3, 2022
Romance
If you’ve read any of Guillory’s novels, you know she’s a romance pro. A fairytale retelling and a romance? Sign me up. I love that the Meant to Be series is different authors writing fairytale retellings. This is so great. I can’t wait to see what else comes out in this series.

Book of Night by Holly Black

Release Date: May 3, 2022
Fantasy
There’s always one day a year that has multiple releases I NEED and apparently in 2022, it’s May 3rd. And for this to be the adult debut of one of my favorite YA authors? Perfection. Dark fantasy. Shadow Thieves. Secret Societies. Compared to The Night Circus? Tell me no more just give me the novel and no one gets hurt.

Something Wilder by Christina Lauren

Release Date: May 17, 2022
Contemporary Romance
Treasure hunters. Second-chance romance. Will this book make me want to visit the desert?

Hide by Kiersten White

Release Date: May 24, 2022
Dark Thriller/ Horror
White’s debut adult novel? YES. A THOUSAND TIMES YES. I don’t care that it’s being shelved as horror and I don’t read horror. I. DON’T. CARE. White is one of my absolute favorite YA authors who wrote THE MOST kickass gender-bent Vlad the Impaler retelling trilogy (The Conqueror’s Saga). Hide is about a high stakes competition. Think Hunger Games meets Minotaur Labyrinth. Deadly consequences, high rewards.

What books are you looking forward to this year? Should I add any to my list?

Superheroes & Musicals: Movies of 2021

Let me preface this by saying, I watched a lot of just okay movies this year. We’re still in a pandemic and my standards are low right now, okay? I’ll watch anything that holds my attention for more than 5 minutes. Like cheesy Christmas movies. One of these days, I’ll do a round-up of the best cheesy Christmas romance movies.

I clearly have a type. Superheroes & musicals seem to be the theme, with the exception of the 2020 movie I watched in January–Palm Springs. The following movies are listed in order of when I watched them.

Palm Springs

Black Widow

In The Heights

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

tick, tick… BOOM!

Spider-Man: No Way Home

I watched far more good tv shows than movies this year. Don’t worry, there’ll be a post about that, too.

What were your favorite movies this year?

Top Ten Books of 2021

Alright folks, here’s my annual round up of my favorite books of the year! I’m not going to lie, a 1/6 of the books I read this year were books read aloud to my baby. But before she was born, I got some good reads under my belt. Most of these books were published in 2021 and some I just finally was able to read.

As always, in no particular order…

Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano

Comedic Murder Mystery
Are you ready to laugh out loud with the hijinks Finlay Donovan, single mom & struggling author, gets into when someone misinterprets a conversation plotting out her next mystery/thriller novel and thinks she’s an assassin for hire? And I just found out it’s been optioned as a TV show which would be incredible & I hope it happens!

Anxious People – Fredrik Backman

Contemporary Fiction
Backman has done it again. His books have so much heart. I didn’t know much about this book going into it and I’m glad. It was simply lovely. And it’s a movie on Netflix, now. Just need to find the time to watch it.

People We Meet On Vacation – Emily Henry

Romance
I will now look forward to every book Henry writes. I didn’t love it as much as Beach Read but it was still a great romance.

Dial A for Aunties (Aunties #1)- Jesse Q. Sutanto

Comedic Murder Mystery
Speaking of hijinks & murder, this one has a lot of that as well. Add in some meddling aunties, a wedding, and the one that got away and well, this book has it all.

Broken (in the best possible way)- Jenny Lawson

Non-Fiction
Laugh out loud funny, with a lot of heart and some heartbreak, Lawson truly knows how to tell a story. She has some ridiculous tales & heartbreaking experiences and knows how to convey both with wit.

Under the Whispering Door- T. J. Klune

Speculative Fiction/ Fantasy
Klune just has a way of writing that’s so enthralling. He’s one of those authors that could write a grocery list and I’d buy it. (I’m envisioning items like kumquats, persimmons, and speculoos cookie butter.) His characters have so much heart. Even if you don’t particularly like them at first, he makes them redeemable.

If the Fates Allow- Rainbow Rowell

Adult Short Story
I love Rowell’s writing. And I love this pandemic set short story with adult characters. Rowell writes great YA but I miss her adult fiction and this was a nice glimpse into it once again.

The Guncle – Steven Rowley

Contemporary Fiction
Who doesn’t love a gay uncle? Well this one is set to watch his niece & nephew for the summer and he has no idea what to do with kids, especially after becoming somewhat of a hermit. Filled with pop culture references & great writing, this novel is perfect for summer. I would 1000% want to watch this as a TV show.

One Last Stop – Casey McQuiston

Time- Traveling Romance
One of my most anticipated novels of the year, I greatly enjoyed it but hit a slump near the middle. This was a fun read & perfect for Pride month (though, I read it in June because that’s when it was released anyway).

If the Shoe Fits (Meant to Be #1) – Julie Murphy

Romance
Did you read or watch Dumplin’? Did you love it? Well, you’ll probably love Murphy’s first adult romance novel, too. This was fun and a different take on Cinderella. Give me all those modern fairy tale vibes, especially ones with plus sized main characters and some spice.

Violet’s Favorite Books:

These are the books my 4 month old seemed most amused with:

The Napping House by Audrey Wood

Sheep in a Jeep by Nancy E. Shaw

What did you read this year that you loved? Anything I should check out?