FFAF: Romance Reader Book Tag

  

Intro

As Valentine's Day is tomorrow, it is definitely the perfect time to talk all about romance books. It is my favorite genre after all! I got the prompts from Alli the Book Giraffe whose list can be found here. Let's dive into it!

The Prompts and My Picks

What age did you start reading romance novels? I do not exactly remember, but I think I read a romance or two in middle school. Since then, my consumption of the genre has skyrocketed.

If you could pick one hero to meet from your favorite romance novels who would it be and why? Oh gosh, this is a tough one. Maybe Mark from Something Lost by Erin Fitzgerald. I feel like he has a pretty similar personality and mannerisms to my fiancée, so I feel like we would get along well. 

Who is your favorite romance authors and why? I enjoy Erin FitzGerald, Dani Galliaro, Maren Moore, and Harriet Ashford because they write incredible indie romance stories that feel like home.

What is a favorite romance novel to re-read? Soooooo, I don't actually reread almost at all. So uh, the only romance I have considered rereading is Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood so I can annotate it.

What book would you recommend to a non romance reader? I would recommend any books in the Colson Creek series by Erin FitzGerald because they are fantastic stories with such loveable characters. But more importantly, all of the books also have strong suspense storylines which adds a bit beyond the romance to get a good start.

Which is your favorite, contemporary, suspense, or historical and why? In the past, I would wholeheartedly say contemporary because that is what most of my favorite authors write. As of late, it is honestly romantic suspense. It makes me wanna keep reading endlessly. I will always kinda hate historical because all I can focus on is how it is inaccurate. 

Outro

I feel like this was the perfect tag to celebrate Valentine's Day. Are you a fellow romance lover? I would love to hear your recs!

CWW: Unread: A Memoir of Learning (and Loving) to Read on TikTok

 

This week's book is.... Unread: A Memoir of Learning (and Loving) to Read on TikTok

Author: Oliver Games

Publisher: Union Square & Co.

Release Date: February 24th, 2026

Series: n/a

Blurb:

As a result of childhood learning disabilities and educational neglect, Oliver James graduated from high school and became one of over eight million functionally illiterate Americans. However, at age 34, with big dreams and few tools to actualize them, he dedicated himself to learning the key skill that had evaded him his entire reading.

Oliver become a TikTok/BookTok sensation for the way he’s candidly documented his decision to learn to read as an adult, and his struggles and triumphs along the way. Here, he tells the full story behind his journey for the first time through the 21 key books that shaped and informed his experience. His story reveals the ways in which reading can teach each of us how to be better, more empathetic people. In just 365 days, Oliver went from barely being able to read a restaurant menu to closing in on his goal of finishing 100 books in a year.

Explanation:

This sounds like a fascinating and unique perspective for a memoir. I do not know a lot of the upcoming non-fiction releases to be honest, so now that I found one, I am quite excited. As someone who makes a bit of money on social media, this also intrigues me. While I am new to BookTok, I have been a watcher for a long time.

T10T: Red and Pink Covers

 

Welcome back to Top 10 Tuesday, following the list from That Artsy Reader Girl!

This week's prompt is..... Valentine's freebie (so I am doing red and pink covers!)

These are in no particular order

1. Just for the Cameras by Meghan Quinn
2. Superfan by Jenny Tinghui Zhang
3. Dear Red, Be Mine by Bella Greene
4. Most Eligible by Isabelle Engel
5. Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston
6. Writing Mr. Wrong by Kelley Armstrong
7. Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
8. Hockey Girl Loves Drama Boy by Faith Erin Hicks
9. Better Not Pout by Maren Moore
10. Once Upon a Holidate by Susan Mallery

  

  

   

I wanted to share the covers so we can admire the color palette. They all look so cute together! Have you read any of these?

Here it all is in a pretty lil' graphic as always

I hope you enjoyed my freebie Valentine's Day Top 10 Tuesday! I really enjoyed putting it together. I'm excited to see what everyone else does with the freebie! See you next week.

Book Mail Monday #3

  

Intro

Welcome back to Book Mail Monday! This week I've got 4 fun pieces of book mail to gush about. Ready to see what I've got?

The Book Mail

Books Included

- Here Lie All the Boys Who Broke My Heart by Emma Simmerman

- Missing Sister by Joshilyn Jackson

- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever by Jeff Kinney

- Murder at the CDC by Jon Land (continuing Margaret Truman's work).

Discussion

Here Lie All the Boys Who Broke My Heart was sent to me by the publisher Harper Collins. It is a first printing. I have actually already enjoyed the ALC of this one as part of the Epic Tastemakers program. You can read my review here. This one was actually a great debut book that I recommend. (Stay tuned to get your hands on a copy of this one as I may be selling 👀).

Next up is Missing Sister. This one is also first printing from Harper Collins and also expected. I have not had the chance to read it yet but the blurb has me intrigued. 

Another fun piece of book mail is Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever. This one is one I ordered from Little Free Bookshop for my sister. She loves this series and I saw I could get her a copy for free, so I can't complain. Maybe we will see a future review from her?

Last, but not least is Murder at the CDC This is one is also from the Little Free Bookshop! This one is a continuation of a book series from last week, so I am happy I can read more than one if I enjoy it. 

Outro

This was a nice and pretty calm week for book mail! I am grateful to Harper Collins for the books! Did you get any fun mail this week?

See you next time I have some exciting book mail to share!

FFAF: My Life in Books 2025

Intro

This is a fun bookish challenge that involves a number of life-milestone related prompts. I will see how many of these make sense versus are a bit of a stretch. I got the prompts from Secret Library Book Blog whose list can be found here. I also referenced Dini Panda Read's prompts which can be found here. Let's see how I do.

The Prompts and My Picks

In high school I was: Most Eligible by Isabelle Engel

People might be surprised by: Lessons from Cats for Surviving Fascism by Stewart "Brittlestar" Reynolds

I will never be: Secretly Yours by Stephanie Rose

My fantasy job is: Writing Mr. Wrong by Kelley Armstrong

At the end of a long day I need: Summer Reading by Jenn McKinlay

I hate: The Flirting Game by Lauren Blakely

I wish I had: A Tour to Die For by Michelle Chouinard

My family reunions always make me wonder about: The Wages of Silence by Erin FitzGerald

At a party you'd find me with: Annie, Juliet, and the Great-Tailed Grackle by Sandra LJ

I've never been to: Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk

A happy day includes: Nights with Him by Lauren Blakely

A motto I live by: The Bad Boy Rule by Maren Moore

On my bucket list is: One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune

2025 was the year of: Don't You Cry by Mary Kubica

In 2025 I wanted to be: Unapologetically ADHD by Pete D. Wright and Nikki Kinzer

In 2025 I was the: The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center

In 2025 I gained: Good Lookin' Cookin' by Dolly Parton and Rachel Parton-George

In 2025 I lost: The Girlfriend Zone by Lauren Blakely (this one is because I got engaged, not due to a break-up).

In 2025 I loved: Recommended Reading by Paul Coccia

In 2025 I learned: Everything is Spiritual by Rob Bell

In 2025 I missed out on: The Fiancé Dilemma by Elena Armas

In 2025 my family were: Will the Drama Ever End? by Karyl McBride

In 2026 I hope it will be: Runnin' No More by G.T. Dípè

Outro

This was a lot of fun! While most of the answers to these prompts are pretty truthful, there are a few that I just had to pick a book to fit the prompt and call it a day. I highly recommend giving challenges like this a go! I hope to do many more in 2026 as they are honestly my favorite kind of blog post. 

The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff Review

 

* This review is spoiler-free *

4.75/5 ⭐

Blurb

Winnie-the-Pooh has a certain way about him, a way of doing things that has made him the world's most beloved bear, and Pooh's Way, as Benjamin Hoff brilliantly demonstrates, seems strangely close to the ancient Chinese principles of Taoism.

Best Quote From the Book

“From the states of the Uncarved Block comes the ability to enjoy the simple and the quiet, the natural and the plain."

My Thoughts

I of course have a major warm feeling for this one due to the inclusion of Winnie the Pooh (which always adds a quarter star for me lol). But I have to give it a lot of credit for how thoughtful of a comparison it makes. I never would've thought that a willy, nilly, silly, old bear would make a fantastic mascot for an ancient method of thought, but here we are. 

This one took me a longgggg time to get through because the moments of reflection and many concepts I was previously unaware of required me to put the book down a few times for long intervals just to really wrap my head around it. I enjoyed my time with it, and how it expanded my mind. While I will be first to admit that I do no agree with every aspect of Taoism, I feel like I could still incorporate a few pillars from it into my life.

I also have to applaud the pacing of this one. It did not feel rushed nor drawn out and took the time to properly explain all concepts the average reader is unlikely previously familiar with. A memorable and worthwhile read for sure!

CWW: And Now, Back to You

 

This week's book is.... And Now, Back to You

Author: B.K. Borison

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: February 24th, 2026

Series: Heartstrings #2

Blurb:

Jackson Clark and Delilah Stewart have had their fair share of run-ins over the years, often ending in disaster. While Jackson thrives on routine and organization from the comfort of his radio booth, Delilah loves the spontaneity and adventure out in the field. When they’re partnered against their will to cover the snowstorm of the century, they find themselves scrambling to figure out how to work together.

Eager to be taken seriously as a journalist, Delilah offers Jackson a deal. If he can help her ace this assignment, she’ll help him rediscover his long-lost fun side. With an undiscovered chemistry burning beneath their clashes, the unlikely partnership quickly tumbles into an easy and surprising friendship.

But when other feelings start to enter the equation, can Jackson and Delilah withstand the storm? Or does what happens in the mountains, stay in the mountains?

Explanation:

While I have not yet had the chance to dive into the first book in this series, I have heard amazing things about it. The concept of a radio show driving a narrative sounds fantastic! I also find both of the covers to me amazing and would love the excuse to include them in my reading journal!

T10T: Books with Appealing Typography

 

Welcome back to Top 10 Tuesday, following the list from That Artsy Reader Girl! (Yes I am now going to try to pull 10 for every week).

This week's prompt is..... books with appealing typography

These are in no particular order

1. Superfan by Jenny Tinghui Zhang
2. Here Lie All the Boys Who Broke My Heart by Emma Simmerman
3. Oxford Blood by Rachael Davis-Featherstone
4. The Weight Of Ashes by Erin FitzGerald
5. Untangled by Mallory Thomas
6. The Rival Upgrade by Lauren Blakely
7. Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston
8. Back to December by Laurel Osterkamp
9. Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
10. Better Not Pout by Maren Moore

              

All of these are such nice titles. As you can probably tell, I do have a bit of a go-to style. What can I say, pretty is my vibe. 

Here it all is in a pretty lil' graphic as always

This one was such a fun prompt to do. It made me realize I should spend a bit more time appreciating nice typography on book covers. Do you have any favorites?

What's in a Name? 2026 Challenge Sign- Up

 

Intro

This is my official sign-up/announcement for my participation of the What's in a Name challenge. It is hosted by Carolina Book Nook. It has a variety of fun prompts based on the titles of books you read.

To participate, check out their blog for the linky!

The Prompts

• Six/6
• Cold weather
• Peace
• Pathways
• Terrain
• Flower

Outro

I am so looking forward to giving this challenge a try. Y'all will have to help keep me accountable for completing it! I would love to participate in this challenge with all of my blogger friends!

Book Mail Monday #2

 

Intro

Welcome back to Book Mail Monday! This week I've got 4 fun pieces of book mail to share from a variety of sources. Ready to see what I've got?

The Book Mail

Books Included

- Risky Business by Annabelle Slator

- Cambria by A.R. Tyler

- Switch by Beth Christopher

- Murder on the Metro by Jon Land (continuing Margaret Truman's work).

Discussion

Risky Business was sent to me unexpectedly by the publisher Harper Collins. I am on a few of their mailing lists so it is not super surprising. This one is releasing February 3rd so it is a little less than a week in advance, but is only a first printing.

Next up is Cambria. This one is also first printing, but was sent to me by the author to read and review. It also includes a short and sweet note from the author. This book releases February 17th. 

Another fun piece of book mail is Unspoken Rules. It is signed in light purple. Included is a piece of NSFW art (no I will not be sharing a full picture of it as absolutely nothing is left to the imagination.) The package also includes a Penny Fox bookmark and business card. 

Last, but not least is Murder on the Metro. This is one I technically ordered myself. That said, it was completely free. That's because it came from Little Free Bookshop! I am fascinated by this one as I have been to DC before and used their metro. I feel like it could certainly be a fascinating read.

Outro

This was a really fun week for book mail! It will forever be the best kind of mail out there. Did you get any fun mail this week?

See you next time I have some exciting book mail to share!

January 2026 Reads

This month I read 11 books 

I DNFed 2 books

These books were 100% fiction

They were 0% physical, 36% digital, and 64% audio

The most popular genres were romance, contemporary, and LGBTQ+

My average rating was 4.09 stars

My longest reading day was the 24th

The Books

➽ The Weight of Ashes by Erin FitzGerald

➽ The Sweetheart Shortcut by Evie Sterling

➽ Oxford Blood by Rachael Davis-Featherstone

➽ Game Changer by Rachel Reid

➽ Just Breaking the Rules by Lauren Blakely

➽ Cross Your Heart and Hope He Dies by Jenny Elder Moke

➽ Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid

➽ Dear Red, Be Mine by Bella Greene

➽ Here Lie All the Boys Who Broke My Heart by Emma Simmerman

➽ Just For the Cameras by Meghan Quinn

➽ Superfan: A Novel by Jenny Tinghui Zhang

FFAF: Did I Read My 10 Before the End

Intro

Now that 2026 is here, my time has expired to finish my "10 before the end" books of last year. I will tell you now, not all of these were finished and we will get into that. That said, progress did happen, so we are gonna celebrate the wins regardless of completion.

✅ means completed

💔 means untouched

🔆 means progress was made on it

The Books

1. Merry Little Kissmas by Lauren Blakely ✅
2. The Hawthorne Legacy by Jennifer Lynn Barnes 🔆
3. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton 🔆
4. The Autist's Guide to the Galaxy by Clara Törnvall 🔆
5. Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth 💔
6. The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff 🔆
7. My Roommate from Hell by Cale Dietrich ✅
8. Most Eligible by Isabelle Engel ✅
9. Dolls of Our Lives by Mary Mahoney and Allison Horrocks 🔆
10. Yule be Mine by Piper Rayne ✅

Discussion

See, it's not thattttt bad, I only entirely neglected 1 book. You can also blame my fiancée for two of these being unfinished (The Outsiders and The Autist's Guide to the Galaxy) as we are reading those together and they are way less inclined to reading than I am.

I enjoyed the books I finished and honestly did not read all that much time in December so it is unsurprising I am still in the middle of many of these. 4/10 is pretty good for prioritizing ARCs over anything and otherwise being a mood reader.

Outro

How did you do if you had a 10 before the end? Please tell me I am not the only one who did not finish half of it. I am still proud of kind of committing to a TBR that I considered no stakes. Let's just say, any other TBRs I make in the future of a similar nature are just for funsises.

January 2026 Birthstone Book Covers

January 2026 Birthstone Book Covers

Intro

This is a fun challenge where I match book covers to each month's birthstone based on their colors. It is a fun way to look back at a rainbow of reads by the end of the year! I got this idea from Books Are the New Black so thanks to them for the fun challenge! Let's hope I can keep up with this for the whole year! If you would like to tackle this challenge yourself, consider yourself tagged!

For each month I will find 5 books that match that month's birthstone. January's birthstone is garnet which is a pretty red color that looks like this:

Book Covers

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

Once Upon a Holidate by Susan Mallery

Vera Wong's Guide to Snooping (On a Dead Man) by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk

Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs? by Caitlin Doughty

Outro

While I did have to dive into my early reads of last year to find enough red covers, it was really fun. It brought back a lot of memories of me giving these books a try. Have you read any of these? Tomorrow I'll be here for a fascinating Free For All Friday!

Can't Wait Wednesday: Without a Clue

 

This week's book is.... Without a Clue

Author: Melissa Ferguson

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Release Date: February 17, 2026

Series: n/a

Blurb:

When a mystery writer mysteriously dies on a cruise filled with rabid fans, his protégé (and personal assistant) teams up with a rugged cowboy and fellow writer to crack the case. One part Only Murders in the Building, one part Book Lovers, and a whole lot of laughs, Without a Clue will keep readers guessing and swooning until the very end.

If there's one thing Penelope Mae Dupont prizes most, it's her composure--her ability to stay calm in the face of stress. It's a vital trait in her job as a personal assistant to renowned mystery author Hugh Griffin. But when Pip organizes a book cruise featuring The Fabulous Seven--seven celebrated authors from different genres who have supported each other through thick and thin--her famed composure is in danger of sailing away. One boat, hundreds of devoted readers, and seven Big Personalities. What could possibly go wrong?

Disaster strikes when, on the second day of the cruise, Hugh is found murdered. And, in the face of gross incompetence by the on-board security force, Pip realizes she'll need to be the one to discover who did it. With the ship stranded in the middle of the Atlantic and no help on the horizon, it's up to her to unravel the mystery. Along with her friend Nash--a dreamy Western author who's just as rugged as the cowboys he writes about. As Pip's composure starts to sink faster than a leaky dinghy, Nash becomes her anchor in a storm of clues and red herrings.

With Nash at her side, Penelope dives into the murky depths of the mystery, navigating treacherous waters filled with unexpected twists and turns. No one, not even a desperately hopeful mystery sleuth named Pip, could anticipate the wild ride ahead. Whether she likes it or not, she is on the adventure of a lifetime . . . and maybe, just maybe, she'll find love along the way.

In this laugh-out-loud funny Clue-meets-Emily-Henry rom-com, Penelope Mae Dupont is about to find out that in the world of mystery and romance, you have to risk going overboard to find the truth.

Explanation:

I am a sucker for a cruise setting honestly. I have been on a lot of cruises myself and can attest that the dynamics in the middle of the sea are unique and never cease to be entertaining. I have also read her other work Meet Me in the Margins and thought it was quite cute. I'm definitely down to give this one a shot.