If you know me, you know I spend a bit of my time (way too much of my time) reading unpublished fics. It’s basically my personality at this point. But somehow, despite constantly falling down AO3 rabbit holes, I managed to read a decent number of published books this fall. Growth… or something like it. Either way, here are a few of them, along with all my thoughts because I clearly don’t know how to keep those to myself.
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Alchemised – senlinyu
Could not have asked for more. Truly. The writing was perfect, the character development was perfect, the storyline was genius, and I cried myself to sleep more than once which honestly… felt therapeutic. It’s darker, it’s heavier, and the author gives clear trigger warnings so please pay attention to those. But as a reading experience, it was everything.
5 stars ALL. DAY. LONG.
Variation – Rebecca Yarros
Let me just say: the ballet of it all. When I say I wanted to be a ballerina as a kid, I don’t mean a cute Halloween costume situation. I mean dancing alone in my room all night, crying when I realized my body didn’t get the memo. So yes, the pointe work absolutely fed my inner child. The love story hit exactly the way a Yarros romance hits, and it gave me everything I wanted.
4.5 stars
Say You’ll Remember Me – Abby Jimenez
Abby Jimenez continues her undefeated streak. I don’t know how she does it but every book is layered with these soft heartbreaks that sneak up on you, plus the most comforting moments of family love that make you want to hug your own people a little tighter. Couldn’t get enough.
4.5 stars
Hot for Slayer – Ali Hazelwood
A quick, fun read that I didn’t expect to enjoy as much as I did. Hazelwood’s writing always hits that sweet spot of being smart and easy without feeling basic. This one was no exception.
4.5 stars
The Rom-Commers – Katherine Center
My first book by Katherine Center and definitely not my last. The story was funny, sweet, and somehow devastating in a way that didn’t feel aggressive about it. I wasn’t expecting to get emotional but here we are.
4.5 stars
Intermezzo – Sally Rooney
I made it about halfway before tapping out. The writing was beautiful, obviously, because Rooney is Rooney. But I didn’t feel a connection with the characters and eventually found myself picking it up less and less. If you’ve read it and think I missed something huge, tell me. If there’s a reason I must finish it, I will… but I need a compelling reason.
DNF
She’s Not Sorry – Mary Kubica
This one surprised me in the best way. I don’t get caught by twists very often anymore, but this book actually got me. I’m still trying to get myself more into the suspense/thriller world, and this one checked all the boxes. It kept me engaged, and that alone earns points.
4 stars
The Stopover – T.L. Swan
Okay, let’s be honest. I didn’t expect this book to change my life and it didn’t. It’s a spicy billionaire romance doing exactly what spicy billionaire romances do. One night stand that turns into more. You get it. This style of book isn’t really my thing, and I have no idea why I keep picking them up, but… here we are.
2.75 stars
That’s the Fall Lineup
Nothing groundbreaking about this list, but it’s a pretty fair representation of what my brain can handle between life, kids, a million projects, and reading fanfics until 1 a.m. If you’ve read any of these, feel free to let me know what your thoughts are.
And if you have recommendations for winter, send them my way because I’m clearly not slowing down anytime soon.
To see what else I’m reading, check out the link here.
Xoxo
Whitney
Ps. Some of these links may be affiliate links, therefore I may get a tiny commission if you purchase using them. Thanks!
