If you peeked into my reading history, you would find a mix of psychological thrillers, memoirs, romances, and fantasies. One day riding dragons, another day locked into the mystery of who Josie Fair truly is? Let’s say I am not loyal to one single genre. I’ve always enjoyed diverse tastes in books for leisure and learning. So far, I have read 12 books. Let’s go through what I read and loved, and recommend.
My favorite reads of the year so far are The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest by Stieg Larsson, Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros, None of This is True by Lisa Jewell, The Deal by Elle Kennedy, and Start With Yourself by Emma Grede. I rated each of these four stars.
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest
This book is the third and final book in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series, which follows a troubled and eclectic Lisbeth Salander. In the previous two books, we learn about Salander’s shocking upbringing that left her with no choice but to survive. This last book helps bring justice to Salander as the fight to expose the corruption within the Swedish government ensues. Mikael Blomkvist, journalist and part-owner of Millennium Magazine, became friends with Salander through a previous assignment in the first book. He works tirelessly to uncover hidden truths and move one step ahead of those who are after him.
This entire series was really good, and I highly recommend it for your list. It touches on very real situations and has interesting characters that you cannot help but want to know what happens. Once I finished the series, I could not help but think that Salander is a badass.
Onyx Storm
This is the third book within the Fourth Wing series, continuing the saga of the riders of Basgiath. The enemies are closing in, and the wards are not getting any stronger. Violet, along with a group of riders, embarks on a journey to discover a missing truth that might be the key to ending the war. On top of the pressure to protect the land from raids, Violet holds onto a secret that will not only be devastating if found out, but deadly.
This book starts slower than the first two books; however, we are left with a big cliffhanger.
None of This is True
Alix is a podcaster; Josie is a bit of an oddball, and when they first met, they discovered they are “birthday twins.” Josie has a story she wants to share, and Alix can’t help but be intrigued by her, even if she feels she should trust her gut and not partake. As Josie’s story begins to unfold, some details seem unfathomable. Is she lying or is it all true?
The Deal
Set at Briar University, Hannah is a music student who passes her ethics class, and Garrett is not only a hockey player but is most likely to be drafted by the Bruins. He is in desperate need to pass ethics so he doesn’t get suspended from playing, and Hannah just might be the right person to help him. Hannah has a past traumatic experience she has been trying to work through, and Garrett has a secret of his own. Desperate for Hannah’s help, he makes a deal to help her get the guy she wants, but plans change.
I read this book so fast! I had not heard of the Off Campus series before the show was released, but I am now invested, and I also introduced it to one of the sisters-in-law. We will both be reading the rest of the series.
Start With Yourself
Have you ever wondered what it really takes to be a founder and run not only one successful brand but a few? Emma Grede is known for founding Good American, working with Kim Kardashian on Skims, and having a portfolio of investments. She shares insights into what it really means to grind from a young age and to bet on yourself over and over again. She shares what dynamic works for her family, having four kids.
I have always been curious about those who are “self-made” and what I can learn and apply for myself. Emma Grede offers action steps you can take to unlock your potential.
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