A few years ago I got back into reading for pleasure. Up until then, the majority of the books I read during the year had to do with some form of growth and personal development. I still read to expand and stretching my rubber band to store more knowledge is great, but reading for play is even more rewarding. I find so much love and joy in the pages of my books. As soon as I get my hands on my next adventure I tend to leave the real world behind. Below are some books I have escaped to and will continue to submerge myself in.
*As an Amazon Associate I receive a commission for any qualifying purchases made through my affiliate links
Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas
Fantasy, Romance
“My name is Celaena Sardothien, and I will not be afraid.”
In book 1, a young assassin, Celaena Sardothien, is set to live the rest of her life in the slave mines of Endovier until she is given the opportunity to win her freedom by becoming the King’s Champion. In order to win the competition, she has to beat 23 other killers, warriors, and thieves.
This is the first book in the 8 book Series Throne of Glass. This series captivated me, broke me, and lifted me back up again. It is a great listen if you prefer audiobooks.
That’s Not My Name by Megan Lally
Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Dual POV
“Nobody should take anything else from her. Ever. She’s lost enough. Hell, we all have.”
I found this book by accident and I am happy I did. I listened to it in one sitting. I literally couldn’t stop. There were so many unexpected twists and turns that kept me asking for more. I definitely recommend the audiobook if you want to be fully immersed.
That’s Not My Name opens up with a young girl on the side of a road. She has no idea who she is or where she is. The police don’t have any answers either, until a man comes in the station looking for her.
The town has made up their minds that Drew is responsible for the disappearance of his girlfriend, Lola. After multiple attempts to get the locals and sherif to take their eyes off of him and look for her, Drew decides to take matters into his own hands. He realizes proving his innocence is a lost cause, but he won’t give up on Lola.
Long Shot (Hoops, 1) by Kennedy Ryan
Romance
“Desire starbursts her irises. We’ve barely acknowledged the current humming between our bodies. The electricity running under the surface of our easy conversation until just now…
I can’t remember ever wanting a woman the way I want her. I don’t just want to bury my hands in all that dark hair or to discover for myself how sweet her lips taste or to explore her body. I want more of her memories. Her secrets. To accept an invitation she hasn’t extended to anyone else.”
You ever met someone who alters the course of your life? The pull is there. The sparks are there. Imagine meeting this person but the timing is wrong. Long Shot is the beautifully written story of Iris and August who meet one night at a Sports bar. Iris is taken by another man and August is set to enter the NBA draft. Although they physically leave each other that night, their thoughts of this encounter remain.
Legendborn (Legendborn Cycle) by Tracy Deonn
Fantasy, Young Adult
“Typical anger can hinder or help. But the kind that burns in your gut? That’s fury. And fury is meant to be used.”
I found this one when I was searching for black Fantasy authors. Tracy Deonn did not disappoint. Legendborn explores Black Southern Traditions, Black Girl Magic, and Arthurian Legend. Sixteen-year-old, Bree Matthews is accepted into a program for exceptional high schoolers. She gladly moves to UNC-Chapel Hill to leave her home, her family, and everything else that is a reminder of her deceased mother. The plan was going well enough until her first night there when Bree witnesses a magical attack that shakes her life up in more ways than one.
Butcher & Blackbird (The Ruinous Love Trilogy) by Brynne Weaver
Dark Romantic Comedy
Quote from the trigger warnings: “I’m sorry about the cookies-and-cream ice cream (I’m not really)” Ps. Read the Trigger warnings if you’ve never read a dark romance before. This may not be your jam.
If you enjoy the T.V. series Dexter, dark romance, and/or comedy, you’ll love this one. (Bonus points if you don’t read trigger warnings because they give away the surprises in the book.) I’ll keep this short and not-so-sweet: Two rival serial killers who hunt other serial killers, form an unexpected bond that could lead to something more.
I thoroughly enjoyed the audio version of this book. The narrators’, Joe Arden and Lucy Rivers, performance was excellent. I loved it so much I had to purchase the physical copy of the Collector’s Edition with the pretty pink book edges (pictured).
Which books did you give 5 stars in 2024? What’s on your TBR for this year?
If you’re into self-development books check out my previous blog on my top 5 self-help books of 2024.
Happy reading!
♥Lana
