Five Word Reviews

Ok, I am VERY late with these mini reviews for October, but in my defense…I have no defense. Time is somehow both moving painfully slowly and incredibly fast. Do you ever have that feeling?

October was a busy month for me with audiobooks and sequels. Check out what I’ve been reading and see if anything strikes your fancy! 

Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar: When Hani’s friends refuse to believe she is bisexual, she invents a fake relationship with academic overachiever Ishu who agrees to the ruse in order to improve her chances of being elected head girl. 

Review: cute, moving, slow-burn romance

An Offer from a Gentleman by Julia Quinn: Benedict Bridgerton meets Sophie Beckett, a servant in need of his help, and as passion flares between them, secrets from the past are revealed. 

Review: Engaging, witty banter, Cinderella-esque story

Redemptor by Jordan Ifueko: Tarisai must anoint her own court if she has any chance of surviving in the Underworld and freeing her kingdom from a dangerous contract with the demons of the Underworld. 

Review: Diverse, court intrigue, fast-paced

Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors by Sonali Dev: A neurosurgeon from a politically ambitious family clashes with a talented chef in this Pride and Prejudice inspired romance. 

Review: Lush, funny, sweeping, likable characters

Red Tigress by Amelie Wen Zhao: Exiled princess and Affinite, Ana, partners with conman Ransom Quicktongue to take back the throne and stop an evil empress. 

Review: dramatic, thoughtful, compelling, action-packed

Simmer Down by Sarah Smith: Two rival food truck chefs compete for a premiere parking spot in Maui, but find their competition turning into very real feelings for each other. 

Review: Steamy, contemporary, enemies-to-lovers

The Hawthorne Legacy by Jennifer Lynn Barnes: Avery Grambs attempts to learn why Tobias Hawthorne left his entire fortune to her instead of her family and uncover the secret of her birth. 

Review: Twisting, suspenseful, fast-paced, intrigue 

Recipe for Persuasion by Sonali Dev: A chef is unexpectedly partnered with her celebrity first love during a reality cooking competition that she hopes will save her struggling restaurant. 

Review: Engaging, dramatic, funny, multilayered, candid 

Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn: Penelope Featherington has harbored an unrequited love for Colin Bridgerton all her life, but when he finally notices her as a potential suitor, her secrets threaten their future together. 

Review: Banter-filled, likable characters, fun

The Last Graduate by Naomi Novik: El struggles to survive and find a way to save her friends from death in their last year at The Scholomance, a school for wizards that is overrun with malicious monsters.  

Review: Dark, compelling, action-packed, MAJOR CLIFFHANGER

A Holly Jolly Diwali by Sonya Lalli: After being laid off from her job, Niki takes an impulsive trip to Mumbai for her friend’s wedding and finds herself quickly falling for a handsome musician. 

Review: Heartwarming, upbeat, romantic, lush setting

I read and listened to some really wonderful books this month! If I had to choose favorites, I’d go with Hani & Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating and The Last Graduate. Two very different but highly entertaining novels! Have you read any of these books? Tell me what you thought!