I intended to keep up with what books were read when, and honestly, that all fell to the wayside with sick animals and catastrophes. Will this year be better? Here’s hoping I can keep all the books read reviewed within the same month, but hey, in the end, they are reviewed and I enjoyed reading them–which is the most important thing.
This year I read 62 books on kindle and 24 in paper form for a grand total of: 86 books. We are up 8 books since last year read in total, though to be fair, one was quite short, and four were graphic novels/manga. Regardless, they were read!
I had challenged myself to read 2 paper books a month to start weeding through my library of randomly begotten books so I could instead have a library of intention. While I did manage to get 24 paper books read, they were not read 2 a month as I had originally intended, and many were not necessarily ones I already owned. 5 of the books had been purchased during the year and 2 were gifted to me (and read). All in all, this process certainly has made me appreciate what paper books I hold on to more, and I have gotten much better at letting go of books that no longer serve me. I intend to read at least 24 books this year, and hope that I can decide whether many stay or go. 6 books were set to depart the library from this challenge. Of course, I bought 5… but so it goes.
On to what you’re actually here for:
The Recommendations!
In the series category we have:
Beautiful Villain by Rebecca Kenney
The first book I read in 2025 was by far one of the best. Filled with pop culture but not enough to draw you away from the story, this book constantly had action, well developed characters, and breathtaking love. This is a retelling of The Great Gatsby and it was better than I could have ever imagined. Both Gatsby and Daisy are given depth, but the story shifts to fit in with our modern times, with a sprinkle of supernatural. I absolutely adored how the Gatsby/Nick/Myrtle/Daisy/Tom connection worked and that while Nick doesn’t remain the narrator, he is given more depth, backstory and love than the original story had. *Blurb taken from my original review posted on January 31, 2025.
Wishful Thinking by Helen Harper
Faery Godmothers have one of the best jobs; trying to make everyone’s life better by granting their deepest desires. Unfortunately, some of them have gone missing, so when Saffron Sawyer accepts a job opening to work there after so long dealing with a very different type of clientele that needs help, it seems like it was too good to be true. Enter the Devil’s Advocate, a dashingly charming faery who is looming around and you have a recipe for fae who are not going to let someone take their dreams (and dream jobs) away.
The Devil Made Me Brew It by Sarah Piper
It may break the third way by saying so itself, but this book is very much if Hallmark made Halloween movies. A witch down on her luck who is good at making teas that help with all sorts of things, and a demon who gets sucked into working with her, who have to find and grant her true desire in order to part ways. True desires aren’t always what they seem, because the outside view doesn’t always reveal what’s most important within. Warning: This book made making teas sound so good that I got a bunch of raw ingredients to infuse my own. It is not that simple. *As of right now, there is a lone book though it is listed as in a series online.
Enchanted to Meet You by Meg Cabot
Magic is the core of this book, and while there is certainly something dark and scary out there, Jessica wasn’t looking to become Merlin. Having been reprimanded from making a bad magical choice in her teen years, Jessica doesn’t usually associate with officials from the World Council of Witches (she was banned from the organization, after all). Imagine her shock when she learns that she has to be the one to save her town, whether or not all the other witches in it are good, all thanks to the handsome and so annoying Derrick. *As of right now, there is a lone book though it is listed as in a series online.
Enchantra by Kaylie Smith
Lured into a mysterious and dangerous game, Genevieve finds that if she’s to survive and try to get answers about her mother’s past, she’s going to have to pretend to be desperately in love with Rowin, who has offered to compete with her. A dazzling and thrilling follow up to Phantasma that I likely recommend for those who love Dark Fantasy/Dark Romantasy.
Waifs and Strays by Helen Harper
Kit is a purple haired cat lady who seems nice and perfectly harmless. Enter a teenage werewolf who wants to rent her upstairs flat, and suddenly she’s embroiled with all sorts of mystery and magic-caused mayhem. Luckily for Kit, she is more than she may appear. The worst thing you can do is underestimate a cat lady.
The Ether Witch by Delemhach
Of the Ashowan children, Tamlin was the one who never needed to be worried about. Appearing anti-social, shy, and unapproachable he’s always lived in the shadow of his famous parents, and his loud and rambunctious sister. When he is saddled with a new assistant he definitely didn’t ask for, and the need to check on the stability of Zinfera, his own personalities and abilities finally get a chance to shine. *This book is in the same world/series as The House Witch and The Burning Witch. While they aren’t completely necessary to read this series, they are amazingly fun and addictive and I’d recommend all three trilogies.
Swordheart by T. Kingfisher
A very capable blonde widow ends up trapped by relatives who want to steal her inheritance, and ends up on a long adventure with a warrior who appeared out of a sword she unsheathed in her room. They must evade capture and gain help of those who upkeep the law while also traveling together without causing too much suspicion from anyone.
Thorn Season by Kiera Azar
Imagine a world in which you were born with a specific gift that the King would annihilate you for. Now imagine that you have to go to court for your rose season in which you’re supposed to find a husband, and that same King has declared this year he will find a wife–and his eyes appear to be on you. Political intrigue, magic, fantasy–you won’t be able to put this book down, and will wish the next installment was immediately available.
Season’s Schemings by Katie Bailey
A jilted on television nutritionist and the head hockey player of the team she ends up working for end up having a marriage of convenience to fix both their problems, but what if they fall in love? A holiday romance that is addictive, well written, and with clear knowledge of both hockey and nutrition. A fun, quick read that will have you immediately grabbing the second book in the series.
How to Survive a Fairy Bargain by Laura J. Mayo
Enter the world of the fae and so many hidden secrets, outspoken faerie familiars (here’s looking at you, Theo), and the sudden need to find who tried to stage a thousand year old assassination attempt. Mix in with the melancholy of missing a former familiar and the need for great haste in uncovering the mystery. An awesome follow up to How to Summon a Fairy Godmother.
The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith
A lost sister in hiding, a fallen family, and a fae queen who requires that all females who come of age make a bargain with her. Bargains can better the lives of the families, and secure better matches, but with the fae something is often given in return. Enter the crown prince looking for a wife, and suddenly what was just a ceremony for a bargain becomes a series of tests to find the new princess–something that could save Ivy’s family’s social standing. Victorian style fairy tale esque, highly recommended for those who love romantasy.
And for standalone books I’d recommend:
Grimm Curiosities by Sharon Lynn Fisher
Lizzy is a strong and independent girl, who has to be, because her father has passed and her mother is stricken unresponsive after speaking with ghosts. She comes across Antony Carlisle while managing her parents floundering antique shop, whose sister is facing the same ailment as her mother. Together, they navigate the past, including that of a Yuletide story from long ago. They are both compelled to solve the mystery–no matter what it may bring to light.
Nocticadia by Keri Lake
Lilia watches her mother succumb to an unknown illness and knows that someday she wants to do two things: leave the city she is stuck in, and find out what killed her mother. Enter admission to a college she knows can help in her search, and Professor Bramwell, who is searching for something else entirely. Through research and forbidden relations, perhaps Lilia and Bramwell could find the answers they are searching for together. Dark Academia Dark Romance has never been written better.
Uprooted by Naomi Novik
Every ten years the Dragon comes to take a girl from the village as a companion. Agnieszka isn’t graceful, poised, or the most beautiful, yet she gets chosen. Agnieszka is not a maiden to be locked away in a tower forever when she can do something to help those she loves, even if the Dragon, a master wizard, has told her to sit tight. Fairy tale esque with lots of magic and interesting flora and fauna.
Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
Everyone is willing to take when they don’t think they will have to repay anything, but Miryem is done living in squalor with all the money they had lent away. Good at her job, she soon has her own house sorted, and takes in another from the village to help as well. Words have a way of traveling, and when they reach the Staryk king from a winter land of snow, a fae of sorts, that she can change silver to gold, her future fate becomes entwined with his as they fight to do the impossible and save both of their homes from ruin.
Meg Cabot
Review of Royal Wedding: A Princess Diaries Novel by Meg Cabot
Synopsis:
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Princess Diaries series, comes the very first adult installment, which follows Princess Mia and her Prince Charming as they plan their fairy tale wedding—but a few poisoned apples could turn this happily-ever-after into a royal nightmare.
For Princess Mia, the past five years since college graduation have been a whirlwind of activity, what with living in New York City, running her new teen community center, being madly in love, and attending royal engagements. And speaking of engagements. Mia’s gorgeous longtime boyfriend Michael managed to clear both their schedules just long enough for an exotic (and very private) Caribbean island interlude where he popped the question! Of course Mia didn’t need to consult her diary to know that her answer was a royal oui.
But now Mia has a scandal of majestic proportions to contend with: Her grandmother’s leaked “fake” wedding plans to the press that could cause even normally calm Michael to become a runaway groom. Worse, a scheming politico is trying to force Mia’s father from the throne, all because of a royal secret that could leave Genovia without a monarch. Can Mia prove to everyone—especially herself—that she’s not only ready to wed, but ready to rule as well?
Review:
This book was in many ways vastly different from the original series, mostly because of all of the twists and turns, and most notably that it is NOT a Young Adult novel. Throughout the later books in the series Cabot contended with their being movies made of Mia’s life that were “inaccurate” so it was an interesting twist to bring in oh so many paparazzi for this one. There were some very interesting developments in this book, and I loved how true to herself and her ideals Mia stayed, no matter what the circumstance was.
All in all, this book was alright, and was more of a set up for future books. I was glad there was a happy ending, but there was plenty that left me wanting more/something different.
Star rating: ✯✯✯
Review of The Princess Diaries, Volume X: Forever Princess by Meg Cabot
Synopsis:
It’s Mia’s senior year, and things seem great. She aced her senior project, got accepted to her dream college(s), and has her eighteenth birthday gala coming up . . . not to mention prom, graduation, and Genovia’s first-ever elections. What’s not to love about her life? Well . . . everyone adores her dreamy boyfriend, J.P., but Mia is not sure he’s the one. Her first love, Michael, is back from Japan . . . and back in her life. That senior project? It’s a romance novel she secretly wrote, and no one wants to publish it. And her father is losing in the Genovian polls—to Mia’s loathsome cousin René!
With not just Genovia’s but her own future hanging in the balance, Mia’s got some choices to make. And what she decides might determine not just the next four years but . . . forever!
Review:
“No one has ever died of embarrassment–never, not once in the whole history of time.” (Page 116)
Mia is growing up, and learning more and more about how just because things look nice, doesn’t mean they are the right thing for you. Mia has to face her own self desires for her future, both with her relationships and her career. It’s great seeing her grow and blossom and make educated choices.
Mia herself believes: “Life isn’t a romance novel. The truth is, the reason romance novels sell so well–the reason why everyone loves them–is because no one’s life is actually like that. Everyone wants their life to be like that.” (Page 214)
Everyone goes through turmoil and strife in their day to day life, and even as a princess, Mia still has issues with self doubt, self worth, and the certainty of what she has and wants for her future.
Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯
Review of The Princess Diaries, Volume IX: Princess Mia by Meg Cabot
Synopsis:
Mia has been invited to speak at a gala for Domina Rei, an elite society of powerful businesswomen. But what could she possibly have to say? Michael has broken up with her, her bff Lilly won’t speak to her, and her parents are forcing her to see a therapist. Even J.P.’s efforts to cheer Mia up (he’s being really sweet!) aren’t helping.
Just when things couldn’t get worse, Mia discovers a long—forgotten diary of a teenage princess of Genovia. It could be just the inspiration Mia needs to write her speech—but what it reveals might change everything.
Review:
“It’s funny how this can happen when you’re in a hole. You forget about the people who would do anything–anything in the world, probably–to help you out of it.” (Page 72)
“It just.. it so blows, you know? I don’t WANT to be that girl. The crying emo girl. Next thing you know, I’ll start wearing skinny jeans and too much black eyeliner and nail polish and reading vampire romance novels.” (Page 210)
I love that this series uses real life tragedies and problems that people experience and shows healthy ways of tackling them, all while maintaining a level of realistic comedy. I loved how Mia really worked to understand herself and find herself and the answer to what she should be doing in this novel, especially with the forgotten diary. As an avid horsewoman I also really appreciate the therapist and all of his stories; very accurate to real life! J. P. is certainly being greatly attentive, and it’s great that Mia has a friend who will keep pushing her. I cannot say anything more on J. P. as I’ve read the entire series and… you should too!
Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯
Review of The Princess Diaries, Volume VIII: Princess on the Brink by Meg Cabot
Synopsis:
At last, Mia is a junior. An upperclassperson. So why is it that everything is going so terribly wrong? What is she doing in Intro to Creative Writing? When she has made it through Algebra and Geometry, why must she be faced with Precalculus? All this is nothing compared to the news Michael springs on her, however. Her beloved boyfriend could be leaving for Japan for a year—or more! Precalc has nothing on preparing for the worst separation ever!
Turns out there is one way she might convince Michael to stay. But will she? Or won’t she? No matter what, Mia seems headed for disaster.
Review:
“And what about the fact that once you DO IT, that’s ALL you want to do when you get together?” (Page 48)
Lana seems like a serious jerk in this book, but, at the same time, she is also one of the only people who tells Mia something straight. There are so many times that Mia really needed to be able to talk to her mom, but she was so preoccupied with Rocky that she really had to try to figure things out on her own. This book really pulled at the heartstrings of having been a teenage girl, and while some may think the subject matter is “too mature”, it’s something most girls that age are experiencing in some way or another. Great job on another awesome teen book, Meg Cabot!
Star rating: ✯✯✯✯
Review of The Princess Diaries, Volume VII: Party Princess by Meg Cabot
Synopsis:
Princesses just want to have fun. . . . And Mia does too, despite the fact that the student government over which she presides is suddenly broke. But Grandmère’s got a wacky scheme to raise the money, catapult Mia to theatrical fame, and link her romantically with an eligible teen bachelor who’s not her boyfriend. No wonder Michael seems to think she’s not much fun. Is it possible that Mia, soon-to-be star of the stage, president of the student body, and future ruler of Genovia, doesn’t know how to party?
Review:
“A feeling of calm has descended over me. Oh, wait, that’s just Fat Louie, sleeping on my feet.” (Page 249)
Not only does Mia have to keep on her toes due to Grandmère but she also begins to worry about not being cool enough for her older boyfriend. While Mia doesn’t have any problems writing things down, it’s obvious she needs to actually share her feelings with someone instead of acting so different and trying to be someone she isn’t. All in all, this series continues to be a great homage to a teenager growing up, in a bit more spotlight than the average person faces.
Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯
Review of The Princess Diaries, Volume VI: Princess in Training by Meg Cabot
Synopsis:
Student body president, that is—nominated by her power-mad best friend, Lilly. This is not how Mia imagined kicking off her sophomore year, but as usual, she has bigger problems to worry about, like Geometry. And now that Mia’s one true love, Michael, is uptown at college, what’s the point of even getting up for school in the morning? But the last straw is what Lana whispers to her on the lunch line about what college boys expect of their girlfriends. . . . Really, it’s almost more than a princess in training can bear!
Review:
In this book, Mia finally starts to find her voice, and what is worth standing up for. While it is both sad and frustrating what Lana whispers to Mia, and how her relationship seems to go after that conversation, it is unfortunately a very real problem that many relationships are affected by. While Mia didn’t really want to run for student government, it’s great to see her speak about things she finds truly important without getting ill from nerves! Lilly, unfortunately, is continuing to show that when she wants something, she doesn’t care what she has to do to try to get it. While some may think it all in fun, it isn’t cool that Lilly consistently insists on referring to Mia by a title/nickname she doesn’t like and has asked her not to use. All in all, this was a great book, and I can’t wait to read on!
I’d love your thoughts on Mia’s relationship with Lilly!
Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯
Review of The Princess Diaries, Volume V: Princess in Pink by Meg Cabot
Synopsis:
In her heart of hearts, Mia has but one wish: an evening spent with Michael in a tux and a corsage on her wrist—in other words, the prom. Michael, however, does not seem to share the dream that is the prom. Worse still, a service workers’ strike (with Grandmère and Lilly at the heart of it and on opposite sides) threatens the very existence of this year’s prom.
Will the strike end in time? Can Mia talk Michael out of his anti-prom views? Most importantly, will Mia get to wear her pink prom dress?
Review:
This book shows that Mia really doesn’t want to say what she thinks to Michael, as much as she loves him, because she’s worried he’ll think she’s stupid or hate her. It was quite frustrating how Mia wants something so bad she has even told her Grandmere about it, but won’t confront Michael directly. It also shows that Lilly is quite the opportunist, and perhaps not the best friend Mia has. All in all, it was interesting to see how the characters are continuing to grow and develop–perhaps further apart than together.
Star rating: ✯✯✯✯
Review of The Princess Diaries, Volume IV: Princess in Waiting by Meg Cabot
Synopsis:
Never before has the world seen such a princess. Nor have her own subjects, for that matter. But Genovian politics are nothing next to Mia’s real troubles.
Between canceled dates with her long-sought-after royal consort, a second semester of the dreaded Algebra, more princess lessons from Grandmère, and the inability to stop gnawing on her fingernails, isn’t there anything Mia is good at besides inheriting an unwanted royal title?
Review:
“But I will never love anyone or anything as much as I love Fat Louie.” (Page 88)
Mia has everything she wanted, more or less, but also a position as a princess that makes everything so much harder on her; but she knows one truth–Fat Louie will always come first(to anyone with a pet they adore, it’s so true). It’s fun seeing how she interacts with her cousin Rene, and very amusing as she is thrust into spending so much time with Grandmere that she decides to take her advice. It does get a bit frustrating how Mia won’t come out and tell anyone what is actually bothering her, however, one can understand she doesn’t want to make anything be a problem or seem overly important; after all, to her, being a princess if very uncool. I do love how when given the full understanding of why people have pushed for certain things, she does what would be considered morally right, or, what she would have wanted someone to do for her. For someone who worries so much about not being self-actualized, she is far more insightful than I think I was at her age. Mia spends a lot of time uncertain about what makes her unique, or if she has any talent at all, and while the reveal may not be as surprising as one could expect, imposter syndrome is something that everyone faces, so it was great to see how she tried to cope with a feeling of less-than without becoming fully self-destructive.
All in all, I still would highly recommend this series. I’m in love and only wish I’d read it sooner!
Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯
Review of The Princess Diaries, Volume III: Princess in Love by Meg Cabot
Synopsis:
Princess Mia may seem like the luckiest girl ever. But lately she spends all her time doing one of three things: preparing for her nerve-racking entrée into Genovian society, slogging through Manhattan in December, and avoiding further smooches from her hapless boyfriend, Kenny.
For Mia, being a princess in love is not the fairy tale it’s supposed to be…or is it?
Review:
“A princess… does not shirk her responsibilities. Nor does she run at the first sign of adversity.” (Page 219)
Poor Mia avoids confrontation a lot, and with that means getting stuck in situations you don’t want to be in, because you didn’t want to hurt people’s feelings. This book reads just like a journal of a teenage girl would, and I absolutely adore every bit of it. While Mia is stuck trying to figure out her social life, Grandmere is trying to launch Mia into stardom, and with that, comes the unfortunate situation of constantly being criticized, both for being too honest at times and not understanding what’s going on at other points. Regardless, Mia will find her way, and it’s a great story to follow along with.
Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯
Amy S. Brown 