Nov-Dec Reading Recap & Recommendations

 This is my last reading recap of the year! I can't believe it is almost 2023. I have a long list already of books to read next year, ha! 

Today I will be sharing what I read during November and December but later this week I will be sharing my favorite reads of 2022 overall! I can't hardly wait.

Let's start with November.

How to Fake it in Hollywood by: Ava Wilder

"A talented Hollywood starlet and a reclusive A-lister enter into a fake relationship . . . and discover that their feelings might be more than a PR stunt."

I loved this story. I often feel like the "fake dating" trope is a little to predictable for me, but I found this one to have enough twists to keep me guessing. I was very invested in these characters and their Hollywood love story.

Rate: 4 out of 5 Stars

It Starts With Us by: Colleen Hover

"Before It Ends with Us, it started with Atlas. Colleen Hoover tells fan favorite Atlas’s side of the story and shares what comes next in this long-anticipated sequel to the “glorious and touching” (USA TODAY) #1 New York Times bestseller It Ends with Us."

If you have seen any "booktok" videos on TikTok than you know very well how popular Colleen Hoover's book It Ends with Us has been. I enjoyed that book (and definitely shed a tear) but loved this sequel even more. I don't think they are overhyped and think this is a great (adult!!) read for anyone who wants a quick romance. Definitely read It Ends with Us before you read this one. 

Rate: 5 out of 5 Stars

The Family Across the Street by: Nicole Trope

"Sometimes, the most perfect families are hiding the most terrible secrets. How well do you know the people next door…?"

This is one of those thrillers that is just plain good. There aren't too many storylines to follow or plot twists that leave your head spinning. It is just a classic suspense story that will keep you on the edge of your seat cover to cover. I couldn't recommend this one enough!

Rate: 5 out of 5 Stars

I know December is not quite over, but I have given two books a fair shot and haven't really loved either.

Ugly Love by: Colleen Hoover

A nurse starts a friends with benefits arrangement with her brothers best friend, a hot airline pilot. He only has two rules: 

Never ask about the past.

Don’t expect a future.

They think they can handle it, but realize almost immediately they can’t handle it at all.

Wow this one was a LOT steamier than I thought it was going to be lol. Definitely an R rating for *spice*, wink wink. The storyline was pretty good but I didn't love the characters as much as I have in other CoHo books. She usually creates characters I feel I know in real life. I felt the character development of this one was lacking a touch for me. 

Rate: 3 out of 5 stars

Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance by: Alison Esbach

I am not going to bother telling you anything about this book because it bored me to tears. I felt like I was reading the most random recounting of events that really didn't have any connection and the ending was so lackluster. I don't recommend this one. 

Rate: 1 out of 5 Stars

I can't wait to share my favorite books of the entire year with you later this week. Have a lovely Christmas week.

Chat soon!