My thoughts on books I’ve read and things I've seen
A unique theatre inspired fantasy with an ambitious premise. A Stage Set for Villains impressed me with its creative magic system, Act structure and likeable protagonists – Riven and Jude. While the originality shone through, confusing plot progression and uneven pacing made it difficult to stay fully invested, resulting in a solid but ultimately average three star read.
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In “Arcana Academy,” Clara Graysword survives Eclipse City through thievery and magic but faces imprisonment for a forbidden power. Offered an escape by Prince Kaelis, she must steal a tarot card from the king while navigating a world of intrigue. As trust builds, Clara confronts her past and potential love amidst growing tension and mystery.
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In this romantic comedy, Eva, a literature professor, reluctantly agrees to fake date firefighter Sean to deal with her manipulative ex. Despite the intriguing reverse age gap and the potential of the fake dating trope, the story lacks emotional depth and memorable characters, resulting in a mixed reading experience that falls flat.
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Katniss Everdeen, the reluctant symbol of rebellion, grapples with her role in a revolution against the Capitol while dealing with personal losses, including Peeta’s capture. Suzanne Collins’ “Mockingjay” explores the grim realities of war, though the pacing and predictability affected emotional engagement. It wraps up the trilogy with a mature, honest conclusion.
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Continuing my way through Emily Henry’s backlist, Beach Read reminded me exactly why she’s become one of my favourite contemporary romance authors. January and Gus’s enemies-to-lovers story was heartfelt, witty, and full of emotional depth, with relatable characters and beautifully effortless writing that kept me turning the pages.
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Six authors converge on a private Scottish island to write the ending of a deceased novelist’s last book in seventy-two hours. Despite initial slow pacing, the story escalates into a captivating mystery with unexpected twists, making it a gripping read.
Read MoreIn my 2026 Mid-Year Reading Wrap-Up, I reflect on my progress, having read 44 books, surpassing my goal of 30. I emphasise the dominance of romance in my selections, with audiobooks being my preferred format. Highlighting memorable reads, I look forward to more discoveries and hopes for a five-star book by year’s end.
Read MoreA unique theatre inspired fantasy with an ambitious premise. A Stage Set for Villains impressed me with its creative magic system, Act structure and likeable protagonists – Riven and Jude. While the originality shone through, confusing plot progression and uneven pacing made it difficult to stay fully invested, resulting in a solid but ultimately average three star read.
Read MoreIn “Arcana Academy,” Clara Graysword survives Eclipse City through thievery and magic but faces imprisonment for a forbidden power. Offered an escape by Prince Kaelis, she must steal a tarot card from the king while navigating a world of intrigue. As trust builds, Clara confronts her past and potential love amidst growing tension and mystery.
Read MoreIn this romantic comedy, Eva, a literature professor, reluctantly agrees to fake date firefighter Sean to deal with her manipulative ex. Despite the intriguing reverse age gap and the potential of the fake dating trope, the story lacks emotional depth and memorable characters, resulting in a mixed reading experience that falls flat.
Read MoreKatniss Everdeen, the reluctant symbol of rebellion, grapples with her role in a revolution against the Capitol while dealing with personal losses, including Peeta’s capture. Suzanne Collins’ “Mockingjay” explores the grim realities of war, though the pacing and predictability affected emotional engagement. It wraps up the trilogy with a mature, honest conclusion.
Read MoreContinuing my way through Emily Henry’s backlist, Beach Read reminded me exactly why she’s become one of my favourite contemporary romance authors. January and Gus’s enemies-to-lovers story was heartfelt, witty, and full of emotional depth, with relatable characters and beautifully effortless writing that kept me turning the pages.
Read MoreSix authors converge on a private Scottish island to write the ending of a deceased novelist’s last book in seventy-two hours. Despite initial slow pacing, the story escalates into a captivating mystery with unexpected twists, making it a gripping read.
Read MoreIn “Catching Fire,” Katniss Everdeen faces new challenges after surviving the Hunger Games. Despite returning home, she grapples with distance from Gale and Peeta amid rising rebellion against the Capitol. While the story expands the world of Panem, the review notes predictability and pacing issues that hinder full engagement, yet it retains compelling characters.
Read MoreHow to End a Love Story follows two writers, Helen and Grant, whose complicated past resurfaces as they work together on a TV show. While initially appearing as a light-hearted romance, the narrative delves deeply into themes of grief, guilt, and healing, intertwining personal struggles with their evolving relationship.
Read MoreConsider Me follows the tumultuous romance between Carter, a charismatic NHL star, and Olivia, a strong-willed woman determined not to fall for his charms. While their chemistry and banter are engaging, the story suffers from pacing issues and the miscommunication trope, impacting the overall enjoyment despite its appeal in the genre.
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In my 2026 Mid-Year Reading Wrap-Up, I reflect on my progress, having read 44 books, surpassing my goal of 30. I emphasise the dominance of romance in my selections, with audiobooks being my preferred format. Highlighting memorable reads, I look forward to more discoveries and hopes for a five-star book by year’s end.
Read More
In March 2026, I embarked on a long-awaited expedition to Antarctica, an extraordinary and surreal destination. The journey included navigating the tumultuous Drake Passage and experiencing stunning wildlife, including abundant penguins and curious whales. The trip transformed my perspective on nature, leaving me with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for the untouched beauty of Antarctica.
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In 2026, the author sets realistic reading goals to manage potential slumps, aiming to read 30 books, borrow more from libraries, read daily, enjoy audiobooks, catch up on series, and tackle physical TBR books. Plans include using a TBR jar and assessing progress mid-year to adjust goals.
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Hopeless Romantic with a never ending TBR. Book Hoarder. Dog Lover. Coffee Addict.
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