Happy fall!!! I was getting kind of sick of summer so I’m glad the seasons are changing. This was my first full month of college and it was a lot to get used to, but I think I’m getting the hang of it. I actually have quite a bit of time to read. Ever since I started reading in the Books app on my phone, I read whenever I have a few spare minutes. I read a few minutes when I’m eating at the dining hall, in between classes, or at the library. I miss physical books but they’re much harder to read on the go.

Stats:

• Read: 5 books
• One 2 star, four 4 stars
• Favorite book of September: Captive Prince

Happy Place by Emily Henry

I really liked how Emily Henry combined themes of both friendship and romance in this book. The romance aspect was cute but a little frustrating how the characters could not learn how to communicate with each other even though it was so clear that they loved each other the whole time. I adored all the friends and their personalities as well as the Maine beach house setting. There was a lot of commentary on growing up, family expectations, and trying to find your purpose/”thing” in life. It was all deeply relatable but I just wasn’t so much in the mood for such serious topics, so I wish the story was more rom-com than literary fiction (which seems to be a running theme with Henry’s books). Rating: 4 stars

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

I really thought this thriller/suspense novel would go in crazier directions than it actually did. Maybe I’m used to completely unhinged plots, but this one was almost tame. The plot twist wasn’t that twisty and I could see it coming. However, the plot was fast paced and still super interesting to read. I was engaged throughout the whole book. This is a really good thriller to read if you’re just starting to dip your toes into the genre! Rating: 4 stars

Captive Prince by C.S. Pacat

I’m not usually one for political intrigue, but I was really invested in the court/kingdom politics in this book! Damen and Laurent were super interesting characters with an even more interesting dynamic.The enemies-to-lovers between them was slow-moving yet complex. I also really enjoyed Pacat’s writing style and the setting. Definitely look up trigger warnings for this book! Rating: 4 stars

Mr. Wrong Number by Lynn Painter

This is the second Lynn Painter book I’ve read and also the second I’ve rated 2 stars. Definitely a sign that her writing is not my cup of tea. I forgot why I hated the very popular Better Than the Movies, but this book reminded me. The writing style was so irritating and cringey. You’re telling me full grown ADULTS speak like this? If I had a dime for every cheesy, unfunny line that I read in this book, I would be rich. The characters acted ten years younger than their actual age, and don’t even get me started on the protagonist. She was literally the ultimate clumsy, quirky, not like other girls girl. I’ve never met a more idiotic character. The romance was terrible as well. I couldn’t understand at all why the two characters loved each other; in fact, the love interest spent ¾ of the book questioning why he even liked this girl. The third act conflict was so unnecessary and I literally cheered when I finally finished the book. Rating: 2 stars

In the Weeds by B.K. Borison

In classic B.K. Borison fashion, this romance was so sweet and genuinely romantic. The mutual pining was through the roof and I just loved Beckett as a love interest. The small town vibes were immaculate as always, and the side characters were lovable and funny. I got such a cozy feeling while reading this book. My only issue was the miscommunication that created the third act conflict, creating unnecessary drama. Also, the one-night stand trope isn’t my favorite, but this book did it pretty tastefully and made it romantic as opposed to sleazy. Rating: 4 stars