What I Read In March 2023 + My April TBR
I read seven books in March. (!!!) As I write that, if you’re reading this and wondering, how in the world can I read that many books in a month? Just know that it doesn’t matter how many books you pick up a month—if you pick up one book (and maybe haven’t finished it yet), you’re a reader. Believe me, I compare myself to the readers who read 20+ books a month. We’re all just out here having a good time reading our favorite books—and talking about them.
I hate writing long intros so let’s get into the books I read this month. (And my exciting April TBR!)
Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn
This is one of those times where the second book in the series is equally as good as the first. I’m talking about how HSM2 is just as good as the first HSM. This book was excellent. I’m not typically a fantasy reader, but I loved the magic and mystery, the storytelling, and the retelling of King Arthur lore with a young adult fantasy twist. The book continued with Bree, the strong female character we all know and love, and Selwyn Kane, the brooding mysterious demon that Bree (and all of us) can’t stop thinking about. I think a large part of why I love this book so much is because of Sel, and if there is going to be a third book, I hope that he’s okay and thriving. I also really liked how Tracy Deonn (the author) included William and Alice in more scenes as major supporting characters for Bree. I loved William and Alice!
Rating: 5/5
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Take The Lead by Alexis Daria
I loved this Dancing with the Stars fan fiction—yes, that’s what I’m calling it. Alexis Daria is the author of You Had Me At Hola and A Lot Like Adios, both books of which I loved, and when I found out she has a new book coming out, I hit pre-order real quick. Actually—this book initially came out in 2017 but her publisher re-released this book with this cover in 2023. When I say it is slightly a DWTS fan fiction, I mean that it had an opposites attract romance, manipulating producers, secret romances, and behind the scenes of reality TV. It was a bit steamy, so warning for that, and the plot fell through at a couple parts, but overall, I loved the story and the main characters, Stone and Gina.
Rating: 4/5
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Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
Overall, I did love it. However, that being said, this book does not need to be 799 pages. One can easily sneak at least 100 pages (if not 150) out of this book and I’m pretty sure no one would notice. The book hooked me until page 350. Actually—I was very much enjoying it up until that page and it was on track to being a five star read (much like ACOMAF). I found myself slipping from understanding the plot. I felt like the book kept throwing us different plot points and characters to remember. I loved Bryce’s character. I think SJM does a fantastic job of writing strong female main characters—I only know of Bryce and Feyre as I have not read the ToG series (but will quickly do so). Bryce was a character I found myself rooting for until the very end, and in the very end, found myself cheering her on and crying when she was crying. I very much wanted Hunt to be just like Rhysand, but with SJM, the two characters needed to be different. I definitely think Bryce and Hunt are fated mates, and they’re endgame to me, but Feyre and Rhys will always be the best couple in the SJM universe.
Overall, I liked it. I think the general story and plot was intriguing and it led up to the one point that decided everyone’s fate, however, I do think the plot structure could be edited. I did not need to read about several visits to this one place or several of the same conversations repeated and coming to the same conclusions. That all being said, I probably wouldn’t change a thing. I want to throw this book across the room, but I also low key want to go out and buy the second book and cherish these characters. Honestly, I think that’s what you get with SJM books.
Rating: 4/5
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Secretly Yours by Tessa Bailey
This book wasn’t my favorite Tessa Bailey novel. The plot was kinda all over the place and I couldn’t really root for the main characters. I wanted to like the part about her having a crush on him since high school, but he never knew, but I guess the main characters weren’t intriguing enough. The plot about writing secret love letters from a secret was kinda weird to me—I guess I don’t really like the whole secret admirer stuff. Tessa Bailey is one of my favorite romance authors and I always buy her books, so this won’t stop me from picking up her other books (that are coming out soon!), but this one wasn’t for me.
Rating: 3/5
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Twisted Love by Ana Huang
I wanted to love this book. I thought I would love this book. The main characters and story was giving Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele vibes with the whole billionaire romance thing, and it was giving dominant/submissive vibes, however, with the whole plan devised by Alex was distracting. It wasn’t bad, but I wouldn’t say it was worth the hype for me. I downloaded the second book, Twisted Games, in the series on my Kindle and it’s fine so far, but not standing out for me. I gave four stars, but that’s generous.
Rating: 4/5
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In The Weeds by B.K. Borison
PERFECTION. No notes. This book is a dual POV, but when I found out that this was from Beckett’s POV, and his story of finding (and keeping) love, I just knew I had to get the next book in the Lovelight Farms series. Beckett is the reserved, quiet, and strong farmer that keeps to himself and his routine, and maintains close friendships with his coworkers and friends, Layla and Stella and Luca. But he kept a secret: he spent a weekend with Evie, the girl he couldn’t stop thinking about and now arrived on the farm’s doorsteps as the social media influencer that would revitalize the farm business. Now that the Christmas season is over, and Evie, or Evelyn St. James to the rest of the world, is back in Lovelight Farms to catch a break after an intense period of burnout. She comes to Lovelight Farms because it’s the last place that made her happy … and she reunites with Beckett. However, will Lovelight Farms be enough for Evelyn? I loved Evie and Beckett so much and so excited to read the third book, Mixed Signals, in the series!
Rating: 5/5
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Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn
This small town romance features Georgie Mulcachy. I loved this book! This was technically a small town romance but so much more. I absolutely was obsessed with Georgie and her character development, obviously, but I think my favorite character would have to be Levi—just such a complex character with an interesting story and how he opened up. Seriously, this was so worth the read and the hype it’s getting. I’d definitely say that Levi Fanning is making my top five book boyfriends list.
Rating: 4.5/5
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