November 2023 Reading List

Sharing my November 2023 Reading List today!

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros was one of my most anticipated books that came out in November and I can’t say that I loved it as much as her previous book, Fourth Wing. It left me with a lot of questions and most importantly, it felt about two hundred pages too long. Sadly, most of the books that I read in November were just ok. I’m hoping that I can get another couple of five star reads in December! Fingers crossed.

Everything I Read in November

Iron Flame

Buy on: Amazon/Bookshop.org

3.5 ⭐️ (I think. I keep going back and forth)

I need you to understand that I was beyond excited to read this book. I started it as soon as I drove to a Barnes and Noble (as my pre-order was delayed and I freaked out) an bought the book. I hate saying this, but it slightly let me down, but also left me with so many questions. So my review is still up in the air.

I enjoyed it, but found it way too long. I kept asking myself how much longer more times than I can count. I had both the physical book and I also purchased the audiobook.

I felt like the miscommunication trope was so heavy in this one. Mostly annoying. Pretty much Violet…..

The throne scene. My gosh. IYKYK.

I’ll have a review coming to my bookshelf soon!

Corrupt by Penelope Douglas

Buy on: Amazon/Bookshop.org

2.5/5 ⭐️

This was a Kindle Unlimited read and I’m not new to Penelope Douglas, but I didn’t really know a lot about this book. I saw Beach Reads and Bubby recommend it and jumped on it. This was DARK and at times, I was so confused as to what was going on. Yes, it’s steamy but the storyline is kinda deep and a bit confusing?!?

I didn’t hate the book, but it wasn’t one I’d ever read again. However, I have downloaded the next book in the series because I can’t leave a series unfinished. Will report back.

The trigger warnings on this one are so many to list. Please read about this book before reading.

Yellowface

3.75/5⭐️

I really enjoyed this book and struggled with how to rate this. I’d say probably a 3.75. POSSIBLY a 4. I might revisit the rating later on after i think more about it. (I’m still leaning towards a 3.75)

Athena Lui and June are friendly. Best friends? No, but friends. They attended Yale together. Athena becomes a popular author. June, not so much. One night, Athena and June were hanging out, and Athena suddenly dies. Long story short, but June steals a piece of work that Athena was working on.

I couldn’t stop listening to this audiobook and I really loved the narration. I’ve read that some people didn’t enjoy the narrator, but I truly enjoyed it. I found it a great way to experience this story.

This book has so many topics: Race. Cultural appropriation. Entitlement. The behind the scenes of publishing (which seems toxic as hell) Social Media (which we know is toxic as hell) and life of an author.

I felt some parts dragged on a bit? The ending felt a tiny bit rushed, but I still really enjoyed this story. It had so many parts that really made me think. Who deserves to tell a story?

Overall, I’d recommend this book and I can see why it was so popular.

Buy on: Amazon/Bookshop.org

Check & Mate

3.5/5⭐️

Check & Mate was Ali Hazelwoods first YA novel. I wanted to read it because I genuinely love her style of writing. I was a bit nervous about it being YA because part of what I love so much about her books are the open door scenes. They’re so good. After reading Check & Mate, I can confirm that this has a great storyline, even if you don’t know a thing about chess and if there aren’t explicit scenes.

Mallory is really having a shitty time with life. She works to support her family (her mom and her two sisters) and there are more than a few bills running past due. She was a former chess player, but things changed. That is, until she’s invited to play and someone gets sat at a table with “The King Killer.” Her life is not the same after that game.

Nolan is known as “The King Killer” in the world of chess. He’s labeled as the bad boy who is (of course) incredibly sexy. He has his own set of problems. He’s also nothing like what people say about him.

This has a good plot. It’s a really easy read and the audiobook was great as well! Even though there were no explicit scenes, there was definitely some major chemistry. Also, this book had me laughing several times.

I can’t wait to read her next novel, Bride, which is a paranormal romance. Vampires. Shifters. Debuts February 6th, 2024.

Buy on: Amazon/Bookshop.org