Everything I read in December
They told me all of my cages were mental, So I got wasted like all my potential
December was legendary. My hope for reaching 100 was momentary. My final push for 2024 books was necessary. While my 2024 reading goal may go down as the loml, I do think finishing 31 books in 31 days is iconic behavior.
I’m sure I’ll put together a 2024 recap post soon, but for now let’s focus on the December’s 31 books.
I’ll try and limit myself to 1 sentence for each book. I’ll link my StoryGraph review if you want more detailed thoughts.
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
A new obsession about a vampyre and werewolf who are fated mates.
Lights Out by Navessa Allen
So I’m a dark romance girlie now… (it’s dark rom com vibes)
The Christmas Orphans Club by Becca Freeman
What Happy Place aspired to be. #comeatme
The Orange and other poems by Wendy Cope
Squeezed one more [35 page] book in just before midnight and now it’s maybe my new favorite poetry collection!
Just Kids by Patti Smith
Listening to this while biking through their old Brooklyn neighborhood was such a vibe.
Keep Me by Sara Cate
Marriage of convenience with a bit of Beauty and the Beast theme, but like it’s contemporary, in Scotland, and kinky!
Set the Record Straight by Hannah Bonam-Young
Cutest little queer holiday novella ever! Does it count as insta-love if they U-Haul?
City Spies: Golden Gate by James Ponti
I love this series, and it’s the only one I hadn’t read. (Middle grade spy thriller)
The Last Twelve Miles by Erika Robuck
This was our book club book and it was easy to read but boring and pointless.
Once and Always by Julia Harper (Elizabeth Hoyt)
Wanted to be a fun romantic suspense but was really giving nothing. Good spice, but stick with her historical romances.
For the Love of Pete by Julia Harper (Elizabeth Hoyt)
This was a better romantic suspense but kind of pointless. Great spice though!
Santa Overboard by Carolyn McBride
I’d only recommend this to gen-x women looking for a cozy holiday novella.
The Vampire’s Vacation by Ron Roy
I’d read 80% while babysitting in October and realized I should finish it and count it late on December 31st.
The Official Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour Book by Taylor Swift
I read every word, and there were a lot of words; so it counts.
Sing Anyway by Anita Kelly
I listened to this novella in my New Year’s Eve sprint. It was refreshing to have a queer novella, but nothing to write home about. (NB & fat rep)
Why I Was Late by Charlie Petch
Listened to a book of poetry on 12/31 and it was strange. Would love this as a quirky, chaotic one man show.
Cruel Winter with You by Ali Hazelwood
The best but it’s because it’s by Ali Hazelwood, duh!
Only Santas in the Building by Alexis Daria
Super charming, spicy, and I want to go read her backlist ASAP!
Merriment and Mayhem by Alexandria Bellefleur
A fun and cute little holiday romance with a sexy fireman!
All by my Elf by Olivia Dade
Olivia Dade, queen of plus size love, did it again!
Merry Ever After by Tessa Bailey
The shortest, worst, and spiciest. Exactly what I expected from Tessa Bailey.
The Exception to the Rule by Christina Lauren
They knocked it out of the park with this ode to You’ve Got Mail. (Christina Lauren is one of my auto-buy romance authors.)
Rosie and the Dreamboat by Sally Thorne
Surprisingly charming and a really fun listen!
Royal Valentine by Sariah Wilson
Not my favorite tropes (under-cover royal / mistaken identity), but I love a little Roman Holiday story.
Worst Wingman Ever by Abby Jimenez
My second favorite, and a new favorite from AJ! I literally teared up in this one. SO GOOD!
With Any Luck by Ashley Poston
Most forgettable but still super fun! Think Good Luck Chuck crossed with a platonic My Best Friend’s Wedding.
Drop, Cover, and Hold On by Jasmine Guillory
My least favorite. (The only one with any spice.) I just think I’ve grown past Jasmine Guillory’s writing.
Once Upon a Maiden Lane by Elizabeth Hoyt
If you love the Maiden Lane series or just want a historical romance novella go for it, but it was somewhat unremarkable.
The Honeymoon Crashers by Christina Lauren
Fun! If you’re a fan of CLo or The Unhoneymooners, this is a can’t skip. But it made me realize I’m not a fan of duet narration (then Lights Out changed that assumption).
Crossed by Emily McIntire
Maybe my new favorite from The Never After series, but like idk. Glad I listened and didn’t read. Morally grey priest was something else.
The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite
My first queer historical romance which was fun! But otherwise somewhat boring.
I really want to know what your favorite book was in December!
Please leave a comment and let me know! (I’m desperate for more bibliophile friends)
If you want to purchase any of the books mentioned in this article, please consider using my affiliate link with my favorite independent book store, The Ripped Bodice, or using my referral link to libro.fm for an audiobook!
Hyper-fixation du jour: SUNGRUBBIES
Y’all I just found this site that sell chic as hell hats for BIG ASS HEADS! That’s me! I have a 24” circumference and can NEVER find cute hats that fit me. Well now I’m going to try and only buy one hat and not their entire inventory.
