February 2025 Reads

TL, DR above

My links are all going to The StoryGraph now, since that's what I'm using instead of GoodReads for tracking (I still have some updates on GoodReads for Netgalley purposes). 

StoryGraph is Black-woman owned. GoodReads is Amazon owned. 

Please for the millionth time I beg of you, do not buy physical books on Amazon unless they are available literally nowhere else.  

You can find me on StoryGraph here: 

Engrossing Reads

Nobody's Fool by Harlan Coben - The second Sami Kierce novel. I love the Sami Kierce universe, and this book did not disappoint. I think I love the cast of supporting characters more than Sami himself. Can't wait for the next. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, book publishes March 25

The Song of the Blue Bottle Tree by India Hayford - A recommendation from Shelby - thank you, my friend (follow her on IG to get links to Shelby's own writing) - I loved Genevieve and her whole story. Women of strength and magic vs. cruel men hits right now. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, book publishes March 25

Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley - I loved The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise by this author, and this next did not disappoint. I like how Oakley tells a story, and I loved the quirks of the characters in this one. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, book publishes March 11.

The Favorites by Layne Fargo - Obsessed with this book, I couldn't put it down. Loved the way it was told, through alternating accounts and interviews, and the characters and wild actions. All the good figure skating drama stories rolled into one. OCNJ library hardcover

Passed the Time Just Fine

This Book Will Bury Me by Ashley Winstead - I was compelled to finish this, although several things bothered the shit out of me. True crime folks might dig this more. An interesting premise, entirely unrealistic in its unfolding, but that's reading, am I right? Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, book publishes March 25

The Antidote by Karen Russell - This one is a little outside of my preferred reading genres, but felt like a timely read right now despite being set in the Dust Bowl era. Well written and I loved the Prairie Witch angle. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, book publishes March 11. I also won this in a giveaway so I read the paperback version instead of the digital then passed it on to a Little Free Library

Black Woods, Blue Sky by Eowyn Ivey - Loved the writing. Ivey does a fantastic job of incorporating the setting of Alaska almost like it's a character itself, which is what I loved about Kristin Hannah's The Great Alone. A lonely novel. Thanks to Netgalley for the free after publication copy in exchange for an honest review

When You Are Mine by Michael Robotham - I always enjoy a Michael Robotham book, particularly his Evie Cormac books. This is the first in a series I am delving into and I look forward to the others. OCNJ library hardcover

Killer Potential by Hannah Deitch - This was a ride - and a well written one with a solid pace that only lagged in a few spots. Thanks to the publisher via Netgalley invite for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, book publishes March 18

A Hired Kill (Garrett Mann #2) by Steven Konkoly - I'm pretty sure the first in this series made my top reads of last year. I didn't like the follow up as much, as you can see. I felt like the first one was more focused on the characters and this one...too much government intrigue shit in a time when man I fucking hate hearing about the government and I'm up to my neck in its lying intrigue shit. So this is definitely an it's not you, it's me moment. Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review, book publishes May 27

Not Another Rockstar by Kate Callaghan - Is this a mystery? A romance? A mymance? Whatever it was, it was a quick read and passed the time just fine. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

Not For Me

The Wildelings by Lisa Harding - I am probably an outlier on this one, but it didn't do it for me. The story was not strong enough to overcome my extreme annoyance with Jessica through most of the book - difficult to take a ride alongside a character like that in a character-driven story even when it serves a purpose. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, book publishes April 15.

Did Not Finish

 n/a

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What have you been reading?