September was a busy reading month for me. This past month I incorporated a new (to me) system for reading. I usually only read one book at a time, which ends up averaging around 6-7 books read a month. The problem I was having with reading only one book at a time is that I would get bored or burnt out from a story and put the book down and not read for a couple of days. So, for September, I decided to try reading up to 3 books at a time: one physical copy, one ebook (digital ARC’s), and one audiobook. It turns out this was a fantastic idea, and it worked nicely for me. When I got tired of a story, I would switch books. I initially thought my brain would struggle to keep each storyline straight, but I didn’t have any issues; it kept me constantly reading, hence the 14 books in one month (my personal best).

Physical Books:

The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri

I started the month with The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri. A South Asian inspired adult fantasy, strong female MC, and a sapphic romance. YES PLEASE! Just a few of my favorite things. This book was 4/5 stars for me. I knocked down a star due to how slow the pace was. It’s a slow burn, which I understand due to the worldbuilding, but it sometimes felt like I was reading a book long prologue. However, even after that, the story was good, and I can’t wait for the sequel.

Guarding Temptation by Talia Hibbert

Guarding Temptation by Talia Hibbert was 5/5 stars. My Goodreads review of this novella was one word, “Goddamn.” Talia Hibbert introduced me to spicy books, and I’ll never go back. I read three books by her this month alone. Anything she writes, I am buying and reading.

Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman

Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman was such a lovely read, hands down 5/5 stars. I have been obsessed with the movie Practical Magic for as long as I can remember, and when I found out there were books about it, I had to get them. It’s a total of four books, I believe, and Magic Lessons is the prequel to the story and how the Owens curse came to be.

Carmilla by J. Sheridan Le Fanu

In honor of spooky season, I wanted to read a classic, and the inspiration for Dracula, Carmilla, was another 5/5 star read. This novel was beautifully written, it was progressive especially considering the period it was published. I think might do a blog just for Carmilla alone.

White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson

White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson was another read in honor of spooky season and one of my most anticipated book releases of fall 2021. I initially rated it 3/5 stars, but the more I think about it, the more creeped out I get, so I’m bumping it to a 4/5. That’s all I’m going to say about it. Get it!

Of Women and Salt by Gabriela Garcia

I picked this novel up for my local independent bookshop’s book club (which I didn’t end up attending *eye roll*). Of Women and Salt was such a beautifully written, poignant novel, but so heart-wrenching. I honestly recommend everyone to read this book.

Audiobooks:

Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert

Another book by my queen Talia Hibbert! I genuinely love her romance novels; they are diverse, mature, and overall well-rounded. Take A Hint, Dani Brown is the second book from the Brown Sisters Trilogy. 5/5 stars!

Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert

Act Your Age, Eve Brown is the third and final installment of the Brown Sisters trilogy , and it’s my absolute favorite. They are all 5/5 stars, but there’s something about Eve Brown that just hit differently.

The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang

The Heart Principle has been getting so much hype I had to check it out, and it left me underwhelmed. I gave it a 3/5, and I was gracious.

You Had Me At Hola by Alexis Daria

You Had Me at Hola was so cute, and it gave me Jane the Virgin vibes. 5/5 stars, and I can’t wait to read her newest book, A Lot Like Adios.

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

Clap When You Land hit me straight in the chest. It was beautiful and sad and so poetic. I am glad I chose to go with the audiobook. 5/5 stars.

An Emotion of Great Delight by Tahereh Mafi

Ugh! Tahereh Mafi ripped my heart out with this novel. Don’t be fooled by the title. An Emotion of Great Delight is a sad book, but it is worth it. 5/5 stars all the way.

Advance Review Copies (ARC’s):

House of Glass Hearts by Leila Siddiqui

I had the pleasure of getting an advance copy of Leila Siddiqui’s debut novel. House of Glass Hearts is rich in Pakistani history & myth. An atmospheric, soul-stirring tale filled with family secrets, love & loss. 5/5 stars.

Duke, Actually by Jenny Holiday

Lastly, another advance copy. Duke, Actually is a romance novel filled with witty banter, friends-to-lovers trope, and some spice! I love it, and I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy when it comes out on October 26th.