Book 2, 2025. The Valley by Chris Hammer. I love Hammer's multi-timeline mysteries and this was no different. Nel and Ivan are my faves and the story really kept me guessing! "The Valley" being a fictional town surrounded by towns I know was a real bonus. 4.5 stars

Book 3, 2025: The Waiting by Michael Connelly. The latest in the Ballard/Bosch series and it was a win for me. Fast paced, multiple mysteries, crazy twists, and Renee is a boss. 4.5 stars

Book 4, 2025: Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan. This was more than a romance, it was an exploration or grief, middle age, and self discovery. I loved the growth of Ali. 4 stars

Book 5, 2025: Circe by Madeline Miller. This was not for me. It seemed as though the author wanted to squeeze all Greek Mythology knowledge into one book, I was overwhelmed with characters and relationships but I found Circe herself a bit boring. 3 stars

Book6, 2025: happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez. I was hesitant for this as I didn't love the Friend Zone but this was fabulous. Loved Sloan more than I thought I would, loved Jason and the whole whimsical premise of the story. 4 stars.

Book 7, 2025. The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren. Perfect mash up of science and romance. I loved this just like I loved the equal I accidentally read first. 4 stars

Book 8, 2025: Never Never by James Patterson and Candice Fox. This was not believable and that is how I like a crime thriller. I think I never cared to know how it was going to end, yet I picked the killer. 3 stars

Book 9 2025: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. This reread was spurred on by the Jan challenge for the 250 years of Jane Austen. Perfection as always

Book 10, 2025: The People We Meet on Vacation (but the Australian title?) by Emily Henry. This was drawn out and by the end I couldn't care about Poppy and Alex at all. Not EmHen's best work. 3.5 stars

Book 11, 2025: Sandwich by Catherine Newman. I adored this short novel. Completely empathised with the all-consuming love Rocky felt for her family. Loved the setting, loved the self discovery, will 100% reread. 5 stars.

Book 12, 2025: my Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante. #1 on the The New York Times books of the 21st century but it was not for me. Too many characters and ones with multiple names, no real plot other than an adolescent girl obsessed with her, possibly undeserving, friend. 4ish stars

Book 13, 2025: The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan. A Reecs's bookclub pick, I enjoyed several aspects of this (fictional memoir, multi-POV) but it fell a little flat in the end for me. 4 stars

Book 14, 2025: Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren. I didn't read the blurb and went in for romcom vibes but got a sweet, emotional love story. I enjoyed the coming of age journey. 4 stars.

Book 15, 2025: Downstream by Annika Johansson. Following a couple in their 60s after losing their home in the Lismore flood, this is a story of trauma told with humour and self-discovery later in life. I loved Rob but Lenny is my fave ole mate character. 3.5 stars

Book 16, 2025: The Ledge by Christian White. This was edge of your seat stuff. Without spoilers Christian White is king of the twist. 4 stars

Book 17, 2025: Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen. As part of the 250 years of Jane Austen challenge this was the March read. The Dashwood ladies are out of place in a world where marriage is a currency. Not my fave Austen but 4 stars all the same!

Book 18, 2025: A Good Girls Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson. My first YA in ages and it was gripping, edge-of-your-seat stuff. Loved the passion and methodical nature of Pip and the twists and turns. 4.5 stars

Book 19, 2025: Stuck with You by Aimee Brown. This was true rubbish romance. Tried to read something simple and short because my brain is full but every character was an idiot and the plot was nothing. 2.5 stars because I actually finished it.

Book 20, 2025: Say you'll remember me by Abby Jimenez. A romcom with heart, Xavier and Samantha have such deep emotional baggage. I enjoyed this story, Abby really knows how to make characters seem real. 4 stars

I'm so far behind on books here and I actually hate Twitter now so follow me on goodreads (even though its also owned by a ridic billionaire) if you care :) goodreads.com/user/show/1429…