photography: Deeana Kourtney // location: That’s Novel Books
I will be honest friends. I’ve been putting off sharing what I read in Q3 for a long time. Firstly, because they always take so long to write. But I guess I can blame myself for reading so much, haha. Second, I kind of wasn’t able to type. Seriously. My hands were locking up because of MS and the thought of attempting this was discouraging. I had a long gap where I didn’t have a book that I even truly wanted to share. It’s the entire reason I set out to create these blog posts in the first place! But thanks to modern medicine, modern technology, and a snaps-worthy ending from “The Hating Game,” I’m back. However next year, don’t be surprised if you only catch my thoughts on IG stories. 😉 Let’s get into it!
One of the books I read in Q3 that I did not. It had a lot of tropes where the main female character stated she was “not like other girls.” Which I kind of grew to hate reading after high school. There were also conservative undertones that were just not for me. So despite it being recommended a few times to me as a fan of romance novels, I would suggest leaving this one off your list!
I was first introduced to Kennedy Ryan, the talented author behind the All The King’s Men series while reading Queen Move in Q1. Immediately I was impressed with a romance novel storyline that featured career-focused women in a non-cheesy way. I didn’t realize it was a spin-off of The Kingmaker and The Rebel King! It’s a modern love story that features politics, handsome billionaires, and refreshing discussions about climate change. Plus, Kennedy does an amazing job of creating an inclusive cast without trying too hard. And yes, it’s just a little spicy. Don’t let the covers fool you- these novels were some of my favorite reads of the year! Note: Make sure to read these 2 books in order especially after what I read in Q3!
Hook Shot (TW: child assault)
After I finished 3 books by Kennedy Ryan, I realized I couldn’t get enough of her writing style. The Hoop Series centers on friends and family in the same book universe. Famous basketball players, NBA agents, and sports marketers are all on their quest to find love. Each story was an enjoyable read but my favorite was Hook Shot (5/5!!). If you’re looking for a romance novel with depth, these are a great place to start. You don’t need to read any of these in a particular order. I packed a couple of these books on my trip to Jamaica and I’m so glad I did!
I’ve been spoiled by quality love stories this year. It’s easy to see why Beach Read by Emily Henry is a favorite. In this light read, two rival authors (Augustus and January) agree to write a book by the end of the summer. Except they have to write the genre they’re least comfortable with- rom-com and thriller. It’s a little bit of an enemies-to-lovers trope with a hometown feel and grade-A banter. Just go ahead and add “Beach Read” to your reading list!
One thing I wish Emily Henry would fix for her next book is the title. They’re always so misleading! I feel like she creates them in mind for what will get more hits for SEO vs. what makes sense for the plot. (Like they don’t even meet anyone of note on their vacations after 10 years except for one time?!) Instead of the storyline focusing on a vacation romance, it’s about two longtime friends who take an annual summer trip together. Mild spoilers: I also felt like the conflict wasn’t resolved because there wasn’t a concrete plan at the end? Next!
The premise of this book by Rebecca Serle gripped my attention from the start. The FMC (female main character) has a boyfriend, a promising law career, and a nice apartment in Manhattan. Dannie, our protagonist, goes to sleep and dreams she is 5 years in the future with a life that looks completely different than what she thought it would be. When she wakes up, she’s right back where she started but she discovers her dream was more of a premonition. “In Five Years” takes you on a journey of what we would all be going through if we could see our futures. What would you change if you could? I wouldn’t necessarily call this book a romance novel but more of a story about friendship and adulthood.
By far her most popular book, The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren gets a lot of mixed feelings from me. After having such a “meh” reaction to the first book I read by her, I decided to give her another try. When I tell you this book was about to be in the top 3 of the year for me… And then I got to the last 20%. I promise I’m not trying to make this the most confusing review ever!
Of course, there is a climax to every story where even the most perfect plot goes awry. But the choice in conflict and quite frankly, the weak resolution, was not for me. In fact, I found it a little bit triggering? And I don’t want to spoil too much but it honestly makes me sad. I still suggest this book because I know not everyone has the same issues with the ending. I love the banter between the main characters and I’m a sucker for enemies to lovers. However, I’d just… proceed with caution.
Another Christina Lauren title, this book pretty much solidified she might not be the author for me. With a storyline that features a quirky, “not like other girls” main character and a confusing love story, I’m not sure why it’s a favorite. I didn’t end up finishing but peaked at the ending and I’m glad I stopped when I did. Keep it moving, folks! Nothing to see here.
Is there such thing as TOO many twists?! When I read in Q3 , it felt like I was watching an episode of Pretty Little Liars and I’m not talking about the early seasons either. If you’re into that sort of thing, this mystery/thriller might be up your alley. The suspense in “The Wife Between Us” is pretty low stakes and the writing is light enough to pack for a family road trip.
A governor’s wife is violently attacked and left for dead at the height of her husband’s career. Coupled with the recent neighborhood scandals featuring the elites of the bougie New England town, it was truly a page-turner. The Shadow Box is the kind of book that’s perfectly giftable, ya know? While I found it mostly predictable, I enjoyed having a break from my typical niche favorites!
“Amazing. Iconic. Showstopping. Never been done before.” Seriously. There’s modern fiction and then there’s the social commentary of this book about living as a black woman in America in 2021. Such a Fun Age was one of the first books that made me excited to write this blog post. I was hesitant to pick up this book initially because I thought it would be a bit heavier on the police brutality topics. While the issues discussed are still very serious, it found a way to introduce them without being too overwhelming. I have cable news and my own real-life experiences for that. I’d describe this book as a comedic version of Little Fires Everywhere. Like if I could cast the movie, Reese Witherspoon would 100% be in her bag. She’d be playing the white woman trying her hardest to be woke when her black babysitter is falsely confronted by police at the grocery store. I mean come on. Is that not her fave type of role right now?! Regardless, “Such a Fun Age” is a must-read. I promise you.
(Yes, I know this is technically Q4 books. But I’ve been promising to share my thoughts on a few of these for a while so here we go!)
When No One is Watching is like if someone watched Get Out and decided there weren’t enough ways to torture Black people in the film. It shouldn’t have been marketed as a thriller to me! I was intrigued at the beginning of the story by the history of old Harlem, NY, and the gentrification that devastated Black communities. But then nothing really spooky happened until the last 1/3 of the book. And then they went ALL in on the popular racist conspiracy theories (not really theories cause we know it happens). In fact, I told a friend, “It almost felt like it was written by a black woman who just learned about Tulsa last year lmao.” I’ve found this to be a controversial opinion, but I said what I said.
Please don’t come for me, 7 Husbands stans as this was one of the books I read in Q3. It was a solid read filled with mystery and romance as essentially a fictional retelling of the life of Elizabeth Taylor. However, I found myself racing to get to the end of the book because I needed to know what happens. Not necessarily because I enjoyed it. Does that make sense? I also won’t share spoilers but there was an undertone of racial dynamics that came into play here that I don’t think the author took the time to consider.
When it comes to romance novels, sometimes you have to suspend certain belief systems. For example, when the main character is staring at their love interest across their office with intensity, it can be seen as a budding romance. In the real world, you’d most likely get sent to HR or hit with a restraining order. I preface this to say that there are a lot of moments I found cringy while reading, “The Hating Game.” But it was overshadowed by the cackles and the many times I caught myself grinning while turning the pages.
2 rival executive assistants work in a publishing house and fight for a promotion to get to the top. A book that talks about their love of books?! Sign me up. I wanted to read it before the movie is (rumored) released this year! And now I’m doubtful it will ever compare. The Hating Game is definitely in my top 10 for the year!
I read this book immediately after The Hating Game. So it was no shock when I found myself in a post-book depression. Two great books back to back is a blessing and a curse! Regardless, I absolutely loved The Love Hypothesis. Nothing like a little fake dating between the grumpy professor and a Ph.D. student to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. As a hashtag *womaninstem* in college, I’m shocked they found a way to make biology research sexy. Not only would I recommend this to everyone I know, but I’ll also most likely read it again before the end of the year.
If you’ve read any of these books, I’d love to know your thoughts! My goal for the end of the year was 24 books and I’ve quickly surpassed that. My new goal is 52 and I’m only a few shy of reaching it. Feel free to share suggestions on what I should read next below!
Facebook | Twitter | TikTok | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube
You Might Also Like… HOME COFFEE CART IDEAS: MUST-HAVES FOR YOUR KITCHEN and AMAZON TRAVEL ESSENTIALS- 8 ITEMS TO PACK FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP
