What I Read in January 2024

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Hello everyone! Happy New Year! I made my 2024 reading challenge goal on Goodreads when the year started and set it to 200 books. I got a pretty good headstart on it, reading 31 books in January. Let's talk about them!

The Gift by Freida McFadden: I rated this book 3/5 stars and finished it on January 1st. Her books tend to be hit or miss for me, but I thought since it was a short story (a novelette as she called it, only 50 pages), that it would pack a punch like a couple of her other books have. Unfortunately, this wasn't the case. I mean, it was fine, but nothing spectacular. I'd recommend this book if you're looking for a short Christmas thriller, but that's about it.

"It’s Christmas Eve and Stella Hansen is broke. She is so broke that despite working two jobs, she can’t even afford a present for her husband on their first Christmas as man and wife. But then a mysterious storekeeper at a pawn shop offers Stella an intriguing trade. Stella wants more than anything to buy her husband the Christmas gift of his dreams. But will it come at a terrible price?"

A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J Maas: I rated this book 6/5 stars and finished it on January 3rd. It is the fourth book in the ACOTAR series. This easily became my favorite in the series when I finished it which was nice. I loved Nesta's coming-of-age story because I could feel her transform into a totally different person at the end of the book. I liked her and Cassian's love story as well because there was a lot of tension between them most of the time. Overall, this is definitely my favorite in the series, and I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys the rivals-to-lovers trope or who enjoys light fantasy.

"Nesta Archeron has always been prickly-proud, swift to anger, and slow to forgive. And ever since being forced into the Cauldron and becoming High Fae against her will, she's struggled to find a place for herself within the strange, deadly world she inhabits. Worse, she can't seem to move past the horrors of the war with Hybern and all she lost in it. The one person who ignites her temper more than any other is Cassian, the battle-scarred warrior whose position in Rhysand and Feyre's Night Court keeps him constantly in Nesta's orbit. But her temper isn't the only thing Cassian ignites. The fire between them is undeniable and only burns hotter as they are forced into close quarters with each other. Meanwhile, the treacherous human queens who returned to the Continent during the last war have forged a dangerous new alliance, threatening the fragile peace that has settled over the realms. And the key to halting them might very well rely on Cassian and Nesta facing their haunting pasts. Against the sweeping backdrop of a world seared by war and plagued with uncertainty, Nesta and Cassian battle monsters from within and without as they search for acceptance and healing in each other's arms."

Look Out for the Little Guy by Scott Lang: I rated this book 3/5 stars and finished it on January 3rd. If you've seen the most recent Ant-Man movie, this is the book Paul Rudd's character is promoting. I think it's fine. Nothing too special other than maybe some nostalgic value if you enjoyed the movie it came from. I wouldn't recommend it, and it's not something I'd look for again if given the chance.

"In Look Out for the Little Guy, Scott Lang shares with the world a bracingly honest account of his struggles and triumphs, from serving time to being a divorced dad to becoming Ant-Man and joining The Avengers. These are stories of epic battles won and lost, as this everyman-turned-superhero finally tells all—from the official account of what really happened between The Avengers and Thanos to how shrinking down to ant-size really feels to the challenges of balancing the roles of hero and dad. Across his many adventures big and small, Scott has gathered the wisdom of countless amazing experiences into this, the first memoir from a real-life Avenger. Once you learn the unforgettable details of his epic journey, you won’t need to be reminded… to look out for the little guy."

Pucking Wild by Emily Rath: I rated this book 5/5 stars and finished it on January 4th. It is the second book in the Jacksonville Rays series. I loved Tess and Ryan so much! I thought they had excellent chemistry and their friendship was something I enjoyed reading about. However, my favorite part of the book overall was Tess and her overcoming her abusive marriage. Similarly to Nesta in A Court of Silver Flames, I could see Tess evolving into a stronger woman over the course of the story. She didn't take crap from Troy and she refused to stand for it. I loved that, and her overall as a character. I think there was a lot of positive representation in this book for all sorts of things. I'd recommend this to anyone who loves hockey romance.

"Tess Owens is a confident, 33-year-old plus-sized divorcee daring to start her life over in a new job in a new city. In the process, she meets Ryan Langley, starting forward for the NHL’s Jacksonville Rays. Sure, he’s cute, in a puppy at the beach kind of way. But he’s ten years younger than her, and they have nothing in common. But to Ryan, Tess is his dream girl. He’s ready to do anything to show her that age doesn’t matter, our pasts don’t define us, and just sometimes, two wrongs can make a right."

Brutal Obsession by S. Massery: I rated this book 4/5 stars and finished it on January 5th. It is the first of five in the Hockey Gods series. Honestly, reading this felt a little bizarre. It felt like if Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas and Haunting Adeline by HD Carlton had a baby, this would be that book. It's definitely a bully romance, and I think I enjoyed it overall, but reading it felt so weird. I'd recommend this to anyone, but keep in mind that it's pretty dark. It's not for the faint of heart, but if you can handle it then I say go for it.

"Greyson Devereux is a menace–but only to me. To everyone else, he’s charismatic. He’s the son of a senator and the star of the university’s hockey team. When all I want is to be invisible, he drags me into the spotlight. He wants my blood, my fear, my attention. Resisting him only worsens his obsession. Fighting solidifies it. He’s brutal, and he draws out a sick darkness in me that enjoys it. But I’ll be damned if I let him become my downfall."

Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage: I rated this book 4/5 stars and finished it on January 5th. It is the first in the Rebel Blue Ranch series. Honestly, I loved this. It was short which made it easy to get through, I loved the characters, and I loved the romance. Emmy was written to have ADHD and I don't think I've felt more seen by a book before. Her entire inner monologue is how my brain is on the regular. It felt so refreshing to read about a fictional character dealing with the same things I deal with in my daily life. Honestly, the whole thing was great. I'd recommend this to everyone who loves a good romance.

"For the first time in her life, Clementine “Emmy” Ryder has no idea what she’s doing. She’s accomplished everything on her to-do list. She left her small hometown of Meadowlark, Wyoming; went to college; and made a career for herself by doing her favorite thing: riding horses. But after an accident makes it impossible for her to get back into the saddle, she has no choice but to return to the hometown she always wanted to escape. Luke Brooks is Meadowlark’s most notorious bad boy, bar owner, and bachelor. He’s also the unofficial fifth member of the Ryder family. As Emmy’s older brother’s best friend, Luke spent most of his childhood antagonizing her. It’s been years since he’s seen her, but when she walks into his bar and back into his life, he can’t take his eyes off her. Despite his better judgment, he wants to do a whole lot more than just look at her. Emmy’s got too much on her mind to think about romance. And Luke knows he should stay away from his best friend’s younger sister. But what if Luke is just what Emmy needs to get her spark back? Or will they both go up in flames?"

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren: I rated this book 2/5 stars and finished it on January 6th. I had initially given this book three stars, but I changed it last minute because it doesn't deserve three stars. I thought Olive and Ethan were fine, Ethan being much more tolerable than Olive. My least favorite part though, was when Olive tried to tell Ethan and Ami, multiple times, that Dane wasn't a good person. No one believed her until they saw the evidence for themselves, and it really just rubbed me the wrong way about this book altogether. I'm sure if most of you read this, you won't see it that way, but I did and I didn't like it at all. Because of that, I'm not gonna recommend this one.

"Olive is always unlucky: in her career, in love, in…well, everything. Her identical twin sister Ami, on the other hand, is probably the luckiest person in the world. Her meet-cute with her fiancé is something out of a romantic comedy (gag) and she’s managed to finance her entire wedding by winning a series of Internet contests (double gag). Worst of all, she’s forcing Olive to spend the day with her sworn enemy, Ethan, who just happens to be the best man. Olive braces herself to get through 24 hours of wedding hell before she can return to her comfortable, unlucky life. But when the entire wedding party gets food poisoning from eating bad shellfish, the only people who aren’t affected are Olive and Ethan. And now there’s an all-expenses-paid honeymoon in Hawaii up for grabs. Putting their mutual hatred aside for the sake of a free vacation, Olive and Ethan head for paradise, determined to avoid each other at all costs. But when Olive runs into her future boss, the little white lie she tells him is suddenly at risk to become a whole lot bigger. She and Ethan now have to pretend to be loving newlyweds, and her luck seems worse than ever. But the weird thing is that she doesn’t mind playing pretend. In fact, she feels kind of... lucky."

Tattered by Devney Perry: I rated this book 4/5 stars and finished it on January 9th. It is the first book in the Lark Cove series. As most of you know, I finished her Eden's series at the end of December and was eager to read the rest of her series. I started with this one because it had the most paperback books available in my library (the first three in the series). I thought Thea and Logan's story was great! Charlie, Thea's daughter, was adorable. I also liked the element of mystery/suspense in it, because it's different from the other series I'd read by her. I'm not sure who I'd recommend this for specifically, but I would recommend it.

"Thea Landry has always known her place in modern-day society. It’s somewhere just above the trash can her mother dumped her in as a newborn but below the class where much comes easy. With her tattered shoes and bargain-bin clothes, her life has never been full of glamour. So when a rich and charismatic man takes interest, she doesn’t fool herself into thinking their encounter is anything more than a one-night stand. Months later, she’s kicking herself for not getting his phone number. Or his last name. She’s given up hope of seeing him ever again. Until one day, years later, Logan Kendrick waltzes into her life once more and turns everything she’s built upside down. This time around, she won’t make the same mistake. She’s going to fight to keep him in her life—not for herself. But for their daughter."

Losers Part Two by Harley Laroux: I rated this book 5/5 stars and finished it on January 10th. It is the second book in the Losers duo. I'm glad I was finally able to read the sequel! It was much spicier for sure, much darker in that sense too, but still good. I loved how the end turned out too, I thought it was cute. I'd recommend this to anyone who likes dark romance, leaning toward bully romance, but I recommend everyone to check the trigger and content warnings with both books in this series. They can be pretty dark, so I'd advise reading those before reading the book.

"Every action has consequences. I made one foolish mistake and ended up with a debt I had only one way to pay...by bowing my head and submitting to the men I swore I hated. But in their dominance I found catharsis. In the darkness we share, parts of myself were brought to the light. I've been wearing a mask for far too long. Now I'm torn between the future I thought I wanted, and a life I once believed was only fantasy. These feelings between us were never just a game. What am I willing to sacrifice? My pride and carefully laid plans, my determination that I can do it all alone? Or my new-found freedom to live without boundaries with the men who turned my world on its head? How much am I willing to give up? Who am I willing to lose?"

Timid by Devney Perry: I rated this book 4/5 stars and finished it on January 10th. It is the second book in the Lark Cove series. In my opinion, the first half of this book deserved three stars. I was hoping the second half would redeem the rest of the book, and thankfully it did. I'm not sure what exactly I didn't like about the first half, I think I just felt like Willa was being too immature and Jackson was being too self-deprecating. The second half felt like a five-star read to me though, so four stars was a compromise. I recommend this one to anyone who read the first one or anyone who likes Montana romances.

"Willa Doon has always been shy. Her quiet demeanor was something she’s always embraced. That is, until Jackson Page moves to town. The one man she desperately wants to take notice struggles to remember her name. Year after year, Willa stands by, watching as the bartender slash playboy drowns his demons in beer and sex. Then one night, he shows up at her door, suddenly aware that the girl he’s seen around Lark Cove is now a beautiful woman. Except what he doesn’t remember is that this visit isn’t his first. They spent a night together once before. A night he’s forgotten, thanks to a bottle of tequila. A night that crushed a timid girl’s heart, and set a broken man on the path to heal them both."

Blush by Helen Hardt: I rated this book 4/5 stars and finished it on January 11th. It is the first book in the Black Rose trilogy. I thought it was pretty good! I'd never read anything by this author before so I wanted to give her a try, and I ended up liking it a lot. I wish I'd had the second one on hand so I could've read it right away, but I'm hoping to read it soon. I recommend this one to anyone who likes romance.

"Amanda Thomas is hopelessly in love with Jackson Paris, but he will never see her as anything more than his sweet and innocent bestie. After being virgin-adjacent for too long, Mandy is officially ready to move on. She wants to learn about hot, dirty sex, so she joins an online dating app where the enigmatic Mr. Dark promises to fulfill all of her wicked fantasies...Jackson Paris has been keeping secrets from his stunning, too-innocent best friend―like forbidden sexual proclivities and his membership at the exclusive Black Rose Underground club. But Mandy has decided she needs an education―the filthy kind. As Mr. Dark, Jackson can safely give her a taste of what she wants―and deter her from pursuing more―without revealing his identity. But in the dim, provocative atmosphere of Black Rose Underground, there are no secrets. Here, every wicked appetite is satisfied. And for the first time, Mandy will discover who her best friend really is...just in time to shock him with a secret of her own."

Follow Me Darkly by Helen Hardt: I rated this book 4/5 stars and finished it on January 12th. It is the first book in the Follow Me trilogy. I'm surprised at how quickly I flew through this one. I'm not surprised I enjoyed it, but I am surprised how fast-paced it was. The characters were good, and I liked the cliffhanger at the end. I recommend this one to anyone who likes romance.

"Skye Manning knows what she wants. Her job as assistant and photographer for a major social media influencer isn’t perfect, but it’s a rung on the ladder to bigger and better things. She’s confident she’ll one day take feature photos for National Geographic . Self-made billionaire Braden Black didn’t get where he is by taking no for an answer. When a chance encounter with the refreshingly innocent and beautiful Skye piques his interest in more ways than one, he’s determined to make her submit. Dating a billionaire soon has Skye in the middle of a Cinderella story…until the clock strikes midnight and Braden reveals his dark side. Heat sizzles between them, and Skye finds herself falling hard. But Braden Black is no Prince Charming, and his dark desires are far from his only secret."

Misadventures with a Rock Star by Helen Hardt: I rated this book 4/5 stars and finished it on January 12th. It is the 12th book in the Misadventures series, but they all standalone so there's no need to read them in a specific order. I liked this one too! It might be my favorite of the books I've read by her so far, probably because of how short it was. It was pretty fast-paced but had enough character development and plot to make it enjoyable. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys fast-paced romance novels, and/or anyone who likes music romances.

"Heather Myles isn’t exactly thrilled to accompany her groupie roommate to an Emerald Phoenix concert. The aspiring screenwriter would rather be home with a good book. After Susie pleads with her, though, Heather relents. What the heck? Maybe a change of scenery is just what she needs to combat her desolation over getting turned down by yet another small production company. After the performance, Jett Draconis, lead singer, and guitarist for the band isn’t up for the party scene. He’s grown tired of being mauled by horny devotees… until an auburn-haired goddess catches his eye. Though she initially rebuffs his advances, he’s determined not to take no for an answer. Sparks erupt between him and Heather, but Jett knows better than to fall in love. A secret from his past could destroy him—and everyone close to him—if he does."

Tragic by Devney Perry: I rated this book 5/5 stars and finished it on January 13th. It is the third book in the Lark Cove series and it ended up being my favorite out of the three I've read so far. I loved Piper and Kaine's story and I found them to both be very enjoyable. Something else I noticed in this one that I hadn't in the first two was the mention of another town in Montana called Clifton Forge. I never would've thought her books could have crossover characters so I was pleasantly surprised when I saw that. I recommend this to anyone who loves small-town romances with a sprinkle of mystery/suspense.

"Kaine Reynolds wants nothing more than solitude. After an unthinkable tragedy destroys his family, he’s cut off all ties to his former life so he can battle his grief the only way he knows how. Alone. So when Piper Campbell knocks on his door, rambling on about being his new neighbor, he slams the door in her face. But Kaine’s gruff demeanor doesn’t scare her. She’s set on living in Montana and starting over after a terrible divorce. And she wouldn’t mind having a fling to chase away the pain of her husband’s betrayal. Her handsome, albeit rude, neighbor is the perfect candidate. Yet what neither of them suspect is that their no-strings affair will result in the surprise of Piper’s lifetime—and Kaine’s worst fear."

Steel King by Devney Perry: I rated this book 4/5 stars and finished it on January 14th. It is the first book in the Clifton Forge series and it got me so excited for the second one. I loved Bryce and Dash. I liked the mystery element in this one more than the Lark Cove series because the romance wasn't the primary focus. I also liked how neither of the characters made a big deal of saying "I love you" to each other since usually I see them making it a whole thing in other books I've read. I also liked how I recognized some of the names mentioned because they were in Lark Cove. I recommend this to anyone who loves romance or anyone who likes motorcycle gangs.

"The former Clifton Forge, Montana motorcycle club has everyone in town convinced they’ve locked their clubhouse doors and ripped off their patches. Everyone but Bryce Ryan. There’s more happening at the club’s garage than muscle car restorations and Harley rebuilds. Her instincts are screaming there’s a story—one she’s going to tell. As the new owner of the small town’s newspaper, Bryce is hungry for more than birth announcements and obituaries. When a woman is brutally killed and all signs point to the club, Bryce is determined to expose the members and their leader, Kingston “Dash” Slater, as murderers. Bryce bests Dash match after match, disappointed her rugged and handsome opponent turns out to be an underwhelming adversary. Secrets are exposed. Truths defeat lies. Bryce is poised to win this battle in a landslide. Then Dash breaks all the rules and tips the scales. One kiss, and she’s fighting to save more than just her story. She’s fighting to save her heart from the Steel King."

Bloom by Helen Hardt: I rated this book 3/5 stars and finished it on January 16th. It is the second book in the Black Rose trilogy. Unfortunately, I enjoyed the first one more than this one, which didn't entirely surprise me. I thought Frankie was incredibly whiney for no reason, and I didn't like her at all. I didn't see the point in her acting like a baby all the time, especially when Hunter was such a great character. I wouldn't recommend this one.

"Today is the day Francesca Thomas was supposed to get married. All she wants is a stiff drink and a whole lot of distraction…which is exactly when she meets him. Tall, dark, and deliciously disguised, the man known only as Phantom awakens her every sense. All Frankie really knows about him is the raw, untamed chemistry that makes her want to relinquish herself―body and soul―to his touch…Phantom has rules, all designed to protect his identity. No names. No personal information. But Frankie is a too-tempting ingenue who threatens all of his cautious, careful control. At the ultra-exclusive Black Rose Underground Club, he can explore each of her deepest, uncharted desires…so long as he keeps his public life―and his secrets―hidden. Frankie’s ready to explore what lies between them. The intensity, the darkness, and the unyielding pleasure of it all. But while the mystery of Phantom is thrilling, secrets are one game she won’t play. And if she’s going to explore the forbidden, she’ll begin with finding out exactly who’s under the mask…"

Misadventures of a City Girl by Meredith Wild and Chelle Bliss: I rated this book 4/5 stars and finished it on January 16th. It is the first book in the Misadventures series, which can all be read as standalones. I thought Madison and Luke were great characters. I thought Madison was a little annoying, but nothing like Frankie in Bloom. It was short and sweet, easy to fly through in an hour or two. I'd recommend this one, but I'm not sure who I'd recommend it to.

"Fresh off a divorce from a Hollywood hotshot, Madison Atwood needs an escape. With the paparazzi fresh on her heels and her love life splashed on every tabloid, she runs away to a swanky retreat in Northern California. Avalon Springs is the mountainside haven she needs to find herself again. Luke Dawson lives off the grid, preferring solitude to society. When he finds a beautiful woman soaking in the hot springs on his property, he can't stop himself from watching her. She captures his attention, but she's just a city girl—a beautiful distraction disturbing the peace he's settled here to find. When Madison discovers Luke's secluded cabin, he can't turn her away again. They make no promises. Madison needs to feel wanted again, and Luke misses the touch of a woman. But when mother nature has other plans, they're forced to spend more than a night of passion together. Can Luke say goodbye to the only woman who's made him feel anything in years, and can Madison leave behind the man who brought her back to life?"

Black Sheep by Rachel Harrison: I rated this book 2/5 stars and finished it on January 17th. For some reason, I was surprised when this turned into a cult book. I shouldn't have been though, since I kinda knew that going in. The best way I can describe the last 50ish pages of this book is that it felt like I was in a car crash simulation on a roller coaster while watching the world implode on itself...yeah. The first 2/3 of this book was really good, which is confusing to me. Vesper was written so well, I loved seeing her satire and sarcasm in the way she spoke. I definitely wasn't expecting Satanism to be the religion she ran away from, so that caught me off-guard. The only book I've read that's similar to this in the cult-like sense is Bunny by Mona Awad. It felt like I was in a fever dream reading that book, and I couldn't pick up anything for a couple of days after finishing it. With all of that said, I wouldn't recommend this book. The ending completely ruined it for me.

"Nobody has a “normal” family, but Vesper Wright’s is truly...something else. Vesper left home at eighteen and never looked back—mostly because she was told that leaving the staunchly religious community she grew up in meant she couldn’t return. But then an envelope arrives on her doorstep. Inside is an invitation to the wedding of Vesper’s beloved cousin Rosie. It’s to be hosted at the family farm. Have they made an exception to the rule? It wouldn’t be the first time Vesper’s been given special treatment. Is the invite a sweet gesture? An olive branch? A trap? Doesn’t matter. Something inside her insists she go to the wedding. Even if it means returning to the toxic environment she escaped. Even if it means reuniting with her mother, Constance, a former horror film star and forever ice queen. When Vesper’s homecoming exhumes a terrifying secret, she’s forced to reckon with her family’s beliefs and her own crisis of faith in this deliciously sinister novel that explores the way family ties can bind us as we struggle to find our place in the world."

Cross Checked Hearts by Cali Melle: I rated this book 3/5 stars and finished it on January 18th. It is the first book in the Wyncote Wolves series. I thought Logan and Isla were good together, aside from Isla acting like a child regarding her feelings for him. I also felt like I'd consider this to be young adult rather than adult, just based on the way the characters talked to each other. It was also just boring, which contributed to the rating. Despite it being a hockey romance, I don't think I'd recommend this one. It just fell flat for me.

"Logan: It’s been two years since I left for college and the last time I saw Isla, but when she shows up on my doorstep, the last thing I’m expecting is old feelings to resurface. Growing up, we were friends, until everything started to shift. Our friendship turned into stolen kisses and forbidden touches, but we agreed it could never be anything more. Not when her brother was my best friend. Leaving Clifton Falls meant leaving the past behind too. Hockey is my life now, more so than before, and Isla is a distraction. But what happens when the lines begin to blur and she becomes the only thing I can see?"

"Isla: Logan Knight– Star hockey player, my brother's best friend, and the first boy I ever loved. But we could never be more than friends. He broke my heart when he left for college and now, two years later, he's back in my life and my new roommate. Old feelings resurface and our friendship is put to the test. I've tried to resist him as long as I could, but Logan has a way of knocking down every wall I've built around my heart. It's only a matter of time before our secret comes to light and when it finally does, will Logan be the one to protect my heart?"

Midnight Kisses by Jeanine Bennedict: I rated this book 4/5 stars and finished it on January 19th. Honestly, I thought Otis and Greta were great. I usually don't go for sports romances that aren't hockey, so I was surprised to see I enjoyed a football romance. I was also surprised by how much football wasn't prevalent considering that was the sport mentioned the most. All in all, I loved this. Otis and Greta were fantastic and the sex was great; the only reason why this got four stars instead of five was the length. 530 pages is too long for a romance in my opinion. If it had been maybe 100 pages shorter, it would've gotten five stars. I'd totally recommend this though. I'd recommend it to anyone who likes sports romances.

"Despite being the football coach’s daughter, Greta Sahnoun resents the sport and is furious when her best friend mistakes a football house party for a frat kegger. Instead of mingling inside, Greta seeks solitude in the backyard and, not surprising to anyone that knows her, winds up kissing the jaded stranger outside with her. A little dry humping and a brief exchange about cats later, the two wind up in her apartment for a night of casual, raunchy fun. Otis Morgan is a Heisman-winning quarterback with a bad knee and a penchant for being in love. He’s a little full of himself and craves recognition, but that’s expected of a collegiate NFL recruit. When Greta refuses to see him again after their night together, it’s no surprise that he takes it hard and says things he shouldn’t, and because the universe is out to get him, Greta overhears. Always one to put people in their place, she wagers a bet with Otis, one that ends with the good kind of choking. Suddenly, what’s supposed to be a just-one-more-time lapse in judgment turns into a recurring mistake, one they both enjoy immensely. But like all relationships, the two hit an impasse. Greta has never been good with emotions—feeling them, dealing with them, and most of all, surrendering herself to them. They say love hurts, so maybe it’s a good thing Greta enjoys a little pain."

Shattered by Helen Hardt: I rated this book 4/5 stars and finished it on January 21st. It's the 7th book in the Steel Brothers saga. This was my first book by her in a series this big, and after finishing it, I want to read the entire series. I thought Ryan and Ruby were great main characters, and I liked them together. Ryan was kind of annoying in the beginning, just with his attitude toward Ruby (since she was a virgin), but other than that it was great. I'd easily recommend this to anyone, but especially people who enjoy an element of mystery in their romance novels.

"Ryan Steel is known in Snow Creek as the handsomest Steel brother with the most jovial personality. Now that his busy grape harvest and winemaking season is over, he's happy to spend time with his family and help his brothers, Talon and Jonah, celebrate their impending nuptials. The Steels are taking a well-deserved break from the conspiracy surrounding them...until an unlikely woman and a long-buried secret shatter Ryan's world. Detective Ruby Lee has been on her own since she was fifteen. When her past collides with the Steel family's mysteries, she's determined to find the truth. She has her own issues, and she's not looking for a relationship, despite her all-consuming attraction to Ryan Steel. The gorgeous dark-haired man gets under her skin anyway...and he needs her. Together they explore both of their histories, but those pasts could cost them a future."

Twisted by Helen Hardt: I rated this book 4/5 stars and finished it on January 21st. It's the 8th book in the Steel Brothers saga and somehow was better than the last one. There was more suspense in it for sure, which I enjoyed. Again, I'd recommend this to anyone.

"Ryan Steel, his world recently upended by an earth-shattering secret, now faces yet another potential revelation surrounding the Steel family mystery. He no longer fully trusts his siblings or the woman he loves. He’s alone—alone and terrified and immersed in a conundrum that becomes more twisted each day. Ruby Lee loves Ryan and desperately wants to help him. She’ll do whatever she must to see him through this troubling time, but her own shrouded past still haunts her, and she’s determined to put an end to both of their mysteries once and for all. But the more she uncovers, the more danger she’s in…and she may lose Ryan forever."

Unraveled by Helen Hardt: I rated this book 5/5 stars and finished it on January 22nd. It's the 9th book in the Steel Brothers saga. Somehow, this was better than the first two. I think the mystery/suspense element of these books is what makes them so addicting and easy to fly through. I loved it though, and I can't wait to continue through the rest of the series.

"Ryan Steel and Ruby Lee are in love, but before they can move forward with a life together, they’re determined to bring resolution to the many unanswered questions they still face. To complicate matters, new threats arise with the arrival of two startling figures from their pasts. As they race against time to find answers, unexpected forces pull them apart. Ryan's brothers, Talon and Jonah, rally to help, wanting to end the struggle and finally bring the last perpetrators to justice. But another riddle surfaces, deepening the rift between Ruby and Ryan. Will they salvage their relationship and finally unravel the mysteries surrounding them?"

Breathless by Helen Hardt: I rated this book 3/5 stars and finished it on January 22nd. It's the 10th book in the Steel Brothers saga. This is the first book in the trilogy of Marjorie and Bryce's story, and I was disappointed by it. Bryce as an MMC in this first book was just so disappointing and aggravating. I couldn't understand why he felt the need to drag Marjorie along for so long when he couldn't decide on his feelings, and whenever he acted on his attraction to her, he seemed to regret it very soon after. Now finishing it, I can kind of see why, but it was still annoying. I wish I didn't recommend this one, but you have to read the series to understand every character's love story, so I'd say just push through it. The next couple of books do get better.

"Marjorie Steel is still healing from the events of the past year, and she’s happy to put her plans to study culinary arts on hold to help her best friend deal with a difficult pregnancy and two recently adopted troubled boys. The fact that Bryce Simpson spends a lot of time at the Steel Ranch is a benefit, and she’s ready to see if her attraction to him might be something more. Bryce wants to do a hard day’s work on the ranch. Once his muscles give out and he collapses from exhaustion, maybe he’ll stop torturing himself over his late father’s horrific double life. The Steels have a different idea. They ask Bryce to take an executive position complete with a profit share. As he has a young son and widowed mother to support, it’s an offer he can’t refuse. The only catch is Marjorie. She’s beautiful, smart, feisty, and her kisses set him on fire. But he’s an empty shell with nothing to offer her, and she deserves the world. As the sins of his father continue to haunt him, Bryce learns the horrors of the past may not yet be buried."

Ravenous by Helen Hardt: I rated this book 5/5 stars and finished it on January 23rd. It's the 11th book in the Steel Brothers saga and the 2nd in the trilogy of Marjorie's story. I was hoping this one would be better than the first one and thankfully it was. It was so suspenseful, there were so many twists and turns. I'd recommend this series to anyone who likes suspense in their romance.

"Bryce Simpson did the only thing he could. He spurned Marjorie Steel. Even though he’ll be living on her ranch, he is determined to stay away from her. She’s worthy of more than he can even think about giving, especially now that long-buried memories are surfacing and he’s learning that his father’s sins may go even deeper than he imagined. Bryce’s rejection destroys Marjorie, and she descends to a dark place she thought she’d abandoned forever. She emerges stronger, though, and is determined not to let heartbreak rule her life. Change is the answer, she’s sure, so she makes plans—plans that include a handsome personal trainer she meets at the gym. When Bryce and Marjorie are thrown together, though, their ravenous hunger for each other takes over, leaving both of them more vulnerable than they realize."

Insatiable by Helen Hardt: I rated this book 5/5 stars and finished it on January 23rd. It's the 12th book in the Steel Brothers saga and the third in Marjorie's story. Out of the three about Marjorie's story, this one was my favorite. The twists and turns were even better than they were in Ravenous, and the romance was great too. It also set up pretty well for the next few books in the series which I like a lot. I'm looking forward to finishing the rest of this series this year!

"Marjorie Steel and Bryce Simpson have finally declared their love for each other, but their chance for happiness is once again yanked out from under them. As Marjorie is forced to confront her demons and find an inner strength to save herself and another, Bryce rushes to solve the puzzles his dead father left behind. An ominous lawyer, twins with a secret, and a premature birth present new obstacles as the two lovers scramble to escape the conundrum and leave their families in peace, all while their desire for each other becomes more and more insatiable. When an unexpected figure from the past emerges, leaving them both thunderstruck, the mystery deepens even further. It’s a race for healing. It’s a race for love. And Marjorie and Bryce are determined to have their happy ending."

Rebel by Helen Hardt: I rated this book 4/5 stars and finished it on January 24th. It's the first book in the Wolfes of Manhattan series. Honestly, I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy this one as much as I did. I thought it was going to be boring, and while it was in the beginning, it became fast-paced pretty quickly. I really liked Rock and Lacey's "Bad Boy Meets Good Girl" relationship, and Lacey became my favorite FMC in the entire series. It was around 270ish pages so it was easy to get through, and the mystery element was great. I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys mystery in their romance.

"When Rock Wolfe was fourteen, he tried to kill his father. Twenty years later, someone else finished the job. Now Rock is returning to New York for the reading of the billionaire's will. No way did Derek Wolfe leave anything to his oldest son, but according to Rock's brother, his presence is required. Estate attorney Lacey Ward isn't looking forward to the reading. None of Derek Wolfe's children will be happy, least of all his oldest. When Rock enters the conference room, Lacey is stunned. He's a rebel--a biker all muscled and gorgeous in black leather. This won't be easy, especially since she can't stop staring at him. Rock pays no attention to the reading. He's lost in a fantasy of bending his father's hot attorney over a desk. He's not a commitment kind of guy, though, and she screams white picket fence. Sparks fly between them, but the murder lurks in the back of their minds. Rock knows all his family's secrets...or so he thinks. Mysteries seem to hide everywhere--mysteries that threaten not only his and Lacey's future but their lives as well."

Recluse by Helen Hardt: I rated this book 5/5 stars and finished it on January 24th. It's the second book in the Wolfes of Manhattan series. I loved this one! I'm not sure what stuck out to me more about Roy's story that made me enjoy it more, but I thought it was great. I loved being inside his mind half the time (it's dual POV), especially when he talked about Charlie. I liked her a lot too; I loved her character and how much she cared for Roy. I'd definitely recommend this one.

"When Charlene Waters’s boss married the new CEO of Wolfe Enterprises after a whirlwind romance, she brought her assistant along for the ride. Charlie now has a cushy new job at the billion dollar company, and she’s excited to begin her new venture. Roy Wolfe is a recluse. He’s never taken an active role in his family’s business, and he has no desire to now. He’s only in the office to deal with the fallout from his father’s murder. He, along with the rest of his siblings, have all been implicated. Meeting Charlie Waters with the gorgeous silver eyes complicates things. Their chemistry is immediate and passionate, but he can’t be what she deserves. Roy knows his father was hiding something even more sinister than his brothers and sister can imagine—something he witnessed years ago that he can’t bring to his conscious mind. But he must—for Charlie, and for his family. Or they may all pay the ultimate price."

Runaway by Helen Hardt: I rated this book 4/5 stars and finished it on January 25th. It's the third in the Wolfes of Manhattan series. When I started this one, I had a strong feeling that I wasn't going to like it, and it would probably end up being my least favorite. Right off the bat, I didn't like how she was lying to Matt. I know she needed to, but it was difficult to get past that. Aside from that though, it was pretty good. I'm not sure I'd recommend this one, but you do need to read the series in order, so maybe see it through.

"Riley Wolfe is finally free from her past. So why is she still running? Coming to terms with her father’s death and her own implication in his murder has sent Riley reeling, so she does what she does best. She runs. Not only from her home but from herself, ending up in a small town in Montana. Matteo Rossi lives a modest life, doing construction, making silver jewelry, and renting out the cabin he inherited from his uncle. He’s happy and has no wish for anything else, until a beautiful renter from the east comes hurtling into his life. Passion erupts between Matt and Riley, but Matt soon discovers his lovely renter isn’t who she claims to be. When she disappears, he’s determined to find her, even if it means walking through fire."

Rake by Helen Hardt: I rated this book 4/5 stars and finished it on January 25th. It's the fourth book in the Wolfes of Manhattan series. Reid's story was pretty good. It didn't really stick out like Roy's did, but the majority of the mysterious element happened in this one. It's pretty good, and I'd recommend it. For this one and Runaway, you need to check your trigger warnings. There's a warning at the beginning of the book, but I wanted to mention it anyway.

"Reid Wolfe is a master of seducing women. This time, his life may depend on it. He’s known as the Wolfe of Manhattan. Reid Wolfe sees women as playthings, and most are happy to be arm candy and bed warmers for the handsome billionaire rake. He knows the art of seduction like no other, so surely he can get a Las Vegas showgirl into his bed in record time. He must, because she has information he and his family need to prove their innocence in their father's murder. And Reid is at his most persuasive between the sheets. Zinnia Rehnquist, now known as Zara Jones or simply Zee, lives her life under the radar. Chorus line girls are supposed to be invisible. The audience sees the big picture, not a single dancer, and that suits Zee just fine…until Reid Wolfe shows up and turns her life upside down. He needs her to talk—to tell the story of what his father did to her—but she’s finally put that part of her life to bed. Reid is ready to pull out all the stops to get Zee under the covers and talking, but when new evidence comes to light, the game changes for everyone…and Reid finds he may feel more for the beautiful Zee than he ever meant to."

Reckoning by Helen Hardt: I rated this book 5/5 stars and finished it on January 25th. It's the final book in the Wolfes of Manhattan series. I thought this was the perfect conclusion to this series. Everything was resolved, and the twists and turns kept me on my toes. I'd recommend this entire series, honestly.

"One Wolfe wife is forced into a marriage of convenience to the man she loves desperately. Another is about to take the fall for a murder she didn’t commit. Time is running out for the Wolfes. Lacey is under arrest for the murder of patriarch Derek Wolfe, and the four Wolfe siblings—Rock, Roy, Reid, and Riley—are still considered suspects. Rock is determined to save his wife, even if it means committing murder himself, while Reid resolves to discover the truth and avenge his love, Zee, for what she’s suffered at his father’s hand. A court order not to leave the state of New York doesn’t stop Rock and Reid. Using aliases, they venture out to find the key to this mystery once and for all. Several others are implicated, and an abduction, a death, and a long-lost relative complicate matters and bring new evidence to light. Rock and Reid will do anything to save the women they love—even if it means neither of them come out alive."

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So, that's it! 31 books is a lot, and honestly, I'm surprised I was able to pull it off this month. I've also had people ask me recently how I'm able to read so much while I'm doing my online classes, and here's what I tell them: I make the time! Reading to me is like a reward. I know if I do schoolwork for a certain number of hours and/or feel accomplished in what I've done, I reward myself with reading; It's also the thing I'd choose to do over anything else, which is also why I'm able to do it so often.

But yeah, that's it! I'm glad I got a good headstart on my goal this year, and I'll see y'all again next month!