My Goodreads Yearly Reading Challenge: Surpassing 52 Books and Counting!

Have you ever heard of the Goodreads.com yearly reading challenge? It's a fun and motivating way to set a personal reading goal and track your progress throughout the year. This year, I pledged to read 52 books, but to my delight, I've already surpassed that mark! As I reflect on my reading journey so far, I'd love to share some of the books I've read and my thoughts on them. Keep in mind, some books from series may not appear in order. 🤷🏾

Falls Boys by Penelope Douglas – ⭐⭐⭐ (3 Stars)

Falls Boys by Penelope Douglas blends elements of romance, drama, and intrigue. The story introduces us to new characters while weaving in connections to the author's previous works. The plot is engaging, featuring a mix of romance and conflict that keeps the reader’s interest. However, it does adhere closely to genre conventions, making it somewhat predictable. Despite these flaws, it remains an enjoyable read for fans of contemporary romance.

Kicking Financial Ass: Punch Debt in the Face, Invest for the Future, and Retire Early! by Paul Christopher Dumont – ⭐⭐ (2 Stars)

Kicking Financial Ass aims to provide a comprehensive guide to managing finances, tackling debt, and planning for early retirement. While it offers practical advice, much of the content feels basic and may not offer new insights for those already familiar with personal finance. The writing style is somewhat bland, and the structure can be disorganized, making it challenging to follow at times. Overall, it’s a decent starting point for beginners but lacks depth for more seasoned readers.

Worse Than Enemies by J.L. Beck – ⭐⭐⭐ (3 Stars)

Worse Than Enemies by J.L. Beck is a good read that offers a mix of romance, tension, and drama. The enemies-to-lovers trope provides plenty of sparks and conflict between the main characters. While the plot is engaging and the chemistry palpable, some elements feel predictable. The writing is clear and straightforward, though it lacks the polish that could make it truly stand out. It’s an entertaining read for fans of the trope, even if it doesn’t break new ground. Buy on Amazon

Bitten by Noelle Marie – ⭐⭐⭐ (3 Stars)

Bitten by Noelle Marie provides a fresh take on the paranormal romance genre. The story follows a young protagonist thrust into a world of supernatural beings. The world-building is well-crafted, and the chemistry between characters is strong. However, some plot twists are predictable, and the writing occasionally lacks polish. Despite these shortcomings, it’s a solid choice for fans of paranormal romance looking for an enjoyable escape. Buy on Amazon

The Truth About Heartbreak by B. Celeste – ⭐⭐⭐ (3 Stars)

The Truth About Heartbreak delves into the complexities of love, loss, and emotional healing. The plot is engaging, with heartfelt moments and dramatic twists that keep the reader invested. The characters are well-developed, though some secondary characters could have been fleshed out more. B. Celeste’s writing style is emotive, capturing the nuances of love and heartbreak. While pacing issues and familiar tropes are present, it remains an enjoyable and worthwhile read for those seeking a heartfelt story about love and resilience. Buy on Amazon

The Truth About Tomorrow by B. Celeste – ⭐⭐ (2 Stars)

The Truth About Tomorrow follows the emotional and romantic turmoil of its characters, similar to its predecessor. While the storyline is touching, it feels somewhat repetitive and lacks the freshness needed to truly captivate. The emotional depth is present, but the plot pacing and development leave something to be desired. It’s a decent follow-up but doesn’t quite reach the heights of The Truth About Heartbreak. Buy on Amazon

Infernal Desires by Kel Carpenter – ⭐⭐⭐ (3 Stars)

Infernal Desires offers a good mix of fantasy, romance, and action. The plot is engaging, with strong world-building and intriguing characters. However, some plot elements are predictable, and the pacing can be uneven. The main characters are well-developed, and their interactions are compelling. Overall, it’s a solid read for fans of fantasy romance, though it doesn’t break new ground. Buy on Amazon

Tell Me Pretty Lies by Charleigh Rose – ⭐⭐⭐ (3 Stars)

Tell Me Pretty Lies is a good read that delves into themes of love, secrets, and redemption. The chemistry between the characters is strong, and the plot keeps the reader engaged with its twists and emotional moments. However, some plot points feel predictable, and certain character actions can be frustrating. The writing is clear and emotive, making it an enjoyable read for fans of contemporary romance, even if it doesn’t stand out as exceptional. Buy on Amazon

Chase Me (Dragons Love Curves 1) by Aidy Award – ⭐⭐⭐ (3 Stars)

Chase Me is the first book in the Dragons Love Curves series by Aidy Award. It offers an engaging mix of romance and fantasy, centered around a curvy heroine and her dragon shifter love interest. The chemistry between the characters is strong, and the story is fun and entertaining. However, some plot points feel predictable, and the world-building could have been more detailed. It’s an enjoyable read for fans of paranormal romance, even if it doesn’t stand out as particularly unique. Buy on Amazon

The Dare (Stepbrother Romance 2) by Ava Grace – ⭐⭐⭐ (3 Stars)

The Dare is the second book in the Stepbrother Romance series by Ava Grace. This story provides an engaging blend of romance and drama, centering on the complicated and forbidden relationship between step-siblings. The characters have good chemistry, and the plot is compelling enough to keep readers interested. However, the storyline can be somewhat predictable, and the writing could use more depth and polish. Overall, it’s a decent read for fans of the stepbrother romance trope. Buy on Amazon

Pretty Little Savage (Sick Boys 1) by Lucy Smoke – ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 Stars)

Pretty Little Savage is the first book in the Sick Boys series by Lucy Smoke. This book offers a dark and intense romance with strong characters and an engaging plot. The story is full of twists and turns that keep the reader hooked from start to finish. The characters are well-developed, and their complex relationships add depth to the narrative. While it has dark themes, the book is compelling and well-written, making it a standout in the dark romance genre. Buy on Amazon

Bad Habit (Bad Love 1) by Charleigh Rose – ⭐⭐⭐ (3 Stars)

Bad Habit is the first book in the Bad Love series by Charleigh Rose. This story explores themes of love, loss, and redemption, centering on the tumultuous relationship between the protagonists. The chemistry between the characters is strong, and the plot is engaging with emotional highs and lows. However, some plot points are predictable, and certain character actions can be frustrating. Despite these flaws, it remains an enjoyable read for fans of contemporary romance. Buy on Amazon

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Surpassing my Goodreads challenge has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Each book, regardless of its rating, has contributed to my growth as a reader and a person. Whether you're a seasoned reader or just starting your journey, I hope my reviews inspire you to pick up a new book and dive into the world of literature. Happy reading!