January wrap up ❄️
I read 7 books this month, so happy about it.
Book name: Santan’s Affair
Author: H.D Carlton
Genre: Dark Romance
My rating: ⭐️⭐️
My review: I honestly did not like this one, at some point it was to much going on with Sibby and her mental health consequences from her dad cult how dark it was and her need to eliminate people, I did enjoy this one too much.
Book name: One of Us is Back
Author: Karen M. McManus
Genre: Thriller
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
My review: I enjoyed this book, it was easy to understand, now so many questions that I have from the first one was responded on this one, I like it.
Book name: Haunting Adeline
Author: H.D Carlton
Genre: Dark Romance
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My review: I love this book, I know can be controversial about the stalking and how Zade behave, I love that his job is rescued kids and women from s3x trafficking. I love it
Book name: Light Out
Author: Navessa Allen
Genre: Dark Romance
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My review: I read this book in a short period of time and enjoyed the plot twist, it was unexpected, Josh stalked Ally who dated his roommate for a couple times, she is a ER nurse, Josh is a hacker. I love it so much.
Book name: Caught Up
Author: Navessa Allen
Genre: Dark Romance
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
My review: Lauren is a online s3x worker and Nico is Ally cousin who works for his father and they are in the Italian mafia, honestly this book compares to the first was not it.
Book name: The Quarry Girls
Author: Jess Lourey
Genre: Thriller
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My review: I like this book is about three friends and how one by one disappears and show the reality of the small town. It also tells the truth about serial killers.
Book name: If He Had Been With Me
Author: Laura Nowlin
Genre: Young Adult
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My review: I love this book, the end was so sad I cry so much, for me was so good.
Reflecting on my January reading journey, I also found that dark romance novels like those by H.D. Carlton and Navessa Allen offer an intense yet compelling dive into complex emotional and psychological terrains. The blend of suspense with controversial themes—such as stalking behaviors mixed with heroic motives—challenges the reader to grapple with moral ambiguities. These stories often explore trauma and redemption, which makes them appealing despite their darker tones. The thriller genre, represented here by Karen M. McManus and Jess Lourey, provides a sharp contrast with fast-paced plots and mystery-driven narratives. The tension built around disappearances and serial killers highlights the darker undercurrents of small-town life, which can be both chilling and engrossing. I found that these books keep me turning pages, not just for the storyline but also to analyze the characters’ motivations and the social commentary hidden within. Young adult fiction like Laura Nowlin’s "If He Had Been With Me" delivers emotional depth and relatable coming-of-age experiences, often leaving a lingering impact. The heartfelt storytelling and poignant endings resonate strongly, reminding me of the power of youth stories that tackle themes of love, loss, and identity. Overall, these genres together provide a rich palette of emotions and ideas, whether it’s the dark complexity of romance, the edge-of-your-seat thrill of suspense, or the bittersweet journey of youth. Sharing these reads with fellow book lovers has sparked some great discussions, especially around the portrayal of mental health, trauma recovery, and the fine line between obsession and protection. For anyone looking to explore these genres, my advice is to approach these books with an open mind and readiness to engage with both the beauty and the discomfort that some narratives bring. They offer not only entertainment but also an opportunity to reflect on difficult topics that are part of real life, making the reading experience all the more rewarding.
