I’m pretty sure I said this in my December haul from last year, but none of these books were Christmas presents. My family never buy me books because no one knows what I’ve already read or bought for myself. Which is fair enough, I forget myself sometimes.
I was actually pretty reserved with how many books I bought last month, especially considering the millions of sales that happen around this time.
Heartstopper: Volume Five by Alice Oseman
I got Heartstopper Volume Five the day it came out and because of only posting festive content in December, I still haven’t read it yet. Also, I’ve never reviewed any of the Heartstopper volumes so I didn’t want to start with this one. I think I’ll do re-read reviews of them throughout the year because let’s be honest, I’ll be reading them multiple times throughout the year.
Synopsis: Nick and Charlie are very much in love. They’ve finally said those three little words, and Charlie has almost persuaded his mum to let him sleep over at Nick’s house … But with Nick going off to university next year, is everything about to change?
A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow by Laura Taylor Namey
I’ve been wanting to read this book for literal years and it was finally 99p on Kindle. After loving A British Girl’s Guide to Hurricanes and Heartbreak, it was obvious I had to buy this. I’m hoping I’ll love it just as much or even more.
Synopsis: For Lila Reyes, a summer in England was never part of the plan. The plan was 1) take over her abuela’s role as head baker at their panadería, 2) move in with her best friend after graduation, and 3) live happily ever after with her boyfriend. But then the Trifecta happened, and everything—including Lila herself—fell apart.
Worried about Lila’s mental health, her parents make a new plan for her: spend three months with family friends in Winchester, England, to relax and reset. But with the lack of sun, a grumpy inn cook, and a small town lacking Miami flavor (both in food and otherwise), what would be a dream trip for some feels more like a nightmare to Lila…until she meets Orion Maxwell.
A teashop clerk with troubles of his own, Orion is determined to help Lila out of her funk, and appoints himself as her personal tour guide. From Winchester’s drama-filled music scene to the sweeping English countryside, it isn’t long before Lila is not only charmed by Orion, but England itself. Soon a new future is beginning to form in Lila’s mind—one that would mean leaving everything she ever planned behind.
Foxglove by Adalyn Grace
I really enjoyed Belladonna, it was one of my favourite reads of 2022. However, I wasn’t into the romance element at the time. I’m hoping that changes with this instalment. I’m super excited to continue Signa’s story and see where the mystery takes me.
Synopsis: A duke has been murdered. The lord of Thorn Grove has been framed. And Fate, the elusive brother of Death, has taken up residence in a sumptuous estate nearby. He’s hellbent on revenge after Death took the life of the woman he loved many years ago…and now he’s determined to have Signa for himself, no matter the cost.
Signa and her cousin Blythe are certain that Fate can save Elijah Hawthorne from prison if they will entertain his presence. But the more time the girls spend with Fate, the more frightening their reality becomes as Signa exhibits dramatic new powers that link her to Fate’s past. With mysteries and danger around every corner, the cousins must decide if they can trust one another as they navigate their futures in high society, unravel the murders that haunt their family, and play Fate’s unexpected games–all with their destinies hanging in the balance.
Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
I know absolutely nothing about this book other than the fact that the title intrigues me. I think I saw someone talk about buying it on a YouTube video and I’m apparently very susceptible to influencers, which I had no idea about. Anyway, this was only 99p so if I don’t like it, I haven’t really wasted any money.
Synopsis: ASSISTANT WANTED: Notorious, high-ranking villain seeks loyal, levelheaded assistant for unspecified office duties, supporting staff for random mayhem, terror, and other Dark Things In General. Discretion a must. Excellent benefits.
With ailing family to support, Evie Sage’s employment status isn’t just important, it’s vital. So when a mishap with Rennedawn’s most infamous Villain results in a job offer―naturally, she says yes. No job is perfect, of course, but even less so when you develop a teeny crush on your terrifying, temperamental, and undeniably hot boss. Don’t find evil so attractive, Evie.
But just when she’s getting used to severed heads suspended from the ceiling and the odd squish of an errant eyeball beneath her heel, Evie suspects this dungeon has a huge rat…and not just the literal kind. Because something rotten is growing in the kingdom of Rennedawn, and someone wants to take the Villain―and his entire nefarious empire―out.
Now Evie must not only resist drooling over her boss but also figure out exactly who is sabotaging his work…and ensure he makes them pay.
After all, a good job is hard to find.
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