NOVEMBER 2025 BOOKS

November was a whirlwind of activity for me, leaving little room for the reading I so passionately crave. Alas, I found myself returning many books to my TBR list after starting them, as they simply didn’t resonate with my spirit at that moment. However, the few books I managed to complete were nothing short of extraordinary, igniting a fire within me that I can’t wait to explore further.

5-Star Reads⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

4-Star Reads⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

3-Star Reads⭐️⭐️⭐️

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RAIN OF SHADOWS AND ENDINGS

Just the series I was looking for. Melissa K. Roehrich knows how to write a fantasy book that captivates from the very first page. There are demi-gods, legacies, fae, mortals, dragon shifters, and so much more, all intricately woven together in a rich tapestry of adventure. Her descriptive writing is perfect; she creates vivid images in the reader’s mind without overwhelming them with unnecessary details. She gives you just enough descriptions while still leaving plenty of room for your imagination to fill in the blanks, creating a personalized experience for every reader. So many times the books are overfilled with explaining something, sometimes to the point of repetitive writing, but Melissa strikes the ideal balance. And the yearning throughout the narrative? OMG!!! Will they, won’t they? It’s the epitome of romantic tension and adds an irresistible layer to the plot. I absolutely love the storyline between Theon and Tessa, as it evolves in unexpected ways, pulling at your heartstrings. You’re kept in a state of suspense the entire novel, hanging onto each twist and turn. There are so many different elements at play, with an array of characters and subplots that enrich the main storyline. Each character feels fully developed, contributing their unique perspective and adding depth to the overarching narrative. I am telling you, this is a top-tier book, and I have a feeling it is only going to get better with each installment in the series. The anticipation for the next book is already building, and I can’t wait to dive back into this enchanting world. Thank gosh this is a completed series!!

BOOK 161 OF 2025📚

RAIN OF SHADOWS AND ENDINGS: THE LEGACY SERIES #1

BY: Melissa K. Roehrich

STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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PAINT IT ALL RED: MINDF*CK SERIES

Wow! I hated to see that series end. Just goes to show that you should never put off reading something because every time I do, I absolutely love the story and wish I had read it sooner. Logan and Lana, true love!! They overcame everything, from treacherous obstacles to heart-wrenching dilemmas, proving that love can conquer all, even if you are on different sides of the law. Their journey was not just about the sweet moments but also filled with heartache and sacrifice. Well, sure some things had to change, but still, those changes only deepened their bond and showcased their resilience in the face of adversity. This story was explosive, literally, with action-packed scenes that kept my heart racing and my mind yearning for more. It still has me questioning things about what truly is right and wrong, blurring the lines between heroes and villains. Lana overcame so many things and reinvented herself along the way with one singular goal in mind: revenge for everyone who did her and her family wrong. Yet, through it all, she never lost her humanity; she displayed incredible strength and compassion, reminding readers that even in the darkest of times, there is a light within us all. Such an amazing read!!!

BOOK 160 OF 2025📚

PAINT IT ALL RED: MINDF*CK SERIES #5

BY: S.T. Abby

STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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ALL THE LIES: MINDF*CK SERIES

This story sees Logan finally discovering who Lana really is, what she has done and why, an unveiling that leads to a whirlwind of emotions and revelations. Where will they go from here? Can the FBI Agent reconcile with what the boyfriend feels amidst the turmoil of betrayal and trust issues? Will Lana truly let him in, allowing him to see the deeper layers of her troubled past and the decisions that have shaped her life? These are just a few of the questions I have as this book ends and I can’t wait to read the final installment in this gripping saga. I’m hoping for a happy ending, but it’s questionable given the complex nature of their relationship and the obstacles they face. I absolutely love this series, as each twist and turn leaves me craving more. S.T. Abby has definitely roped me in with her masterful storytelling and intricate character development. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat, drawing you into a world filled with suspense, love, and the struggle for redemption.

BOOK 159 OF 2025📚

ALL THE LIES: MINDF*CK SERIES #4

BY: S.T. Abby

STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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SCARLET ANGEL: MINDF*CK SERIES

This story just gets better and better, pulling you deeper into its intricate web of suspense and emotion. It brings to mind profound questions about what is right and wrong as the story unfolds, challenging the reader’s moral compass with each twist and turn. Is Lana a vigilante or a monster, driven by her circumstances to take justice into her own hands, or does she embody a darker side of humanity? And how long can she continue to hide the truth from Logan as their feelings grow stronger and more complicated, especially now that her secret has been exposed to one of his team members? The tension is palpable, as both love and deception play a crucial role in their dynamic, leaving me on the edge of my seat, eager to see how their compelling story will resolve.

BOOK 158 OF 2025📚

SCARLET ANGEL: MINDF*CK SERIES #3

BY: S.T. Abby

STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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SIDETRACKED: MINDF*CK SERIES

With the second book in the series, the story is fervently heating up, pulling me in deeper than ever before. The narrator for Logan? They’re truly delivering a performance that captivates! As Lana and Logan’s relationship blossoms, thrilling details about the case passionately emerge. I’m being granted tantalizing glimpses into Lana’s enigmatic past, yet the heartbreaking truth about Delaney Grove remains frustratingly out of reach. And that cliffhanger at the end? A total jaw-dropper—I absolutely never saw it coming! I can hardly contain my excitement to dive into the third book; I must know how Lana confronts this gripping new challenge. This is utterly mesmerizing!

BOOK 157 OF 2025📚

SIDETRACKED: MINDF*CK SERIES #2

BY: S.T. Abby

STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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THE RISK: MINDF*CK SERIES

I’ve been sitting on this series for ages, paralyzed by indecision, then a friend practically shoved it down my throat to drag me out of my reading slump. So here I am, diving into it. The series is split into smaller books, but honestly, I think it would pack a bigger punch as one cohesive novel. The first installment left me hanging, bursting with more questions than answers. The plot centers on Lana, a serial killer with just fleeting glimpses of her troubled psyche, and Logan, an FBI Agent who is totally oblivious to her dark side. Talk about a forbidden love story that practically crackles with tension. And guess what? In this book, he has no clue who she truly is. I’m on the edge of my seat, dying to see how this drama unfolds. A little side note: I’m juggling the eBook and the audiobook, and let me tell you, the narrators can either elevate or tank a story. Right now, Logan’s narrator is falling flat—so underwhelming. Fingers crossed he steps it up soon!

BOOK 156 OF 2025📚

THE RISK: MINDF*CK SERIES #1

By: S.T. Abby

STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

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HONEYMOON PHASE

Amy Daws is rapidly climbing the ranks as one of my most tantalizing author obsessions. Honeymoon Phase is undeniably the standout gem of her works that I’ve devoured. The sizzling chemistry between Luke and Roe had me hooked! It’s an irresistible feel-good read that’ll have you fervently cheering for their love story. A true friends-to-lovers narrative where he fell first? Yes, please! And can we talk about the allure of a rugged mountain man turned lumberjack? Absolutely irresistible!

BOOK 155 OF 2025📚

Honeymoon Phase

By: Amy Daws

STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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READING SLUMP

I’ve found myself in a bit of a reading slump. It all kicked off after I finished the trilogy The Edge of Darkness, which I absolutely loved—like, it totally deserves a 5-star rating from me. But then, I picked up Psychotic Obsession, the prequel to The Edge of Darkness, and just couldn’t bring myself to start it. Days passed and I had no idea why I was avoiding it. Then it hit me—it’s about Tobias and Aria! I know what you’re thinking, “So what?” But if you’ve read the trilogy, you know even though it’s Kade and Stacey’s journey, Tobias, Aria, and Ewan play huge roles as Kade’s parents. They’re really great parents, too, despite their huge issues. And since it’s a Leigh Rivers book, I expected some spicy scenes, which honestly kinda grossed me out! I’m not saying I won’t read it someday; I’ve tossed it back on my TBR pile, just way at the bottom. I think I just need to take a breather from them for a bit before I dive in again. Maybe that’ll help? And for anyone who hasn’t read the series yet, I’d say start with Psychotic Obsession, then move on to Insatiable, Voracious, and Restitution. Oh man, and to top it all off, the dude who does Tobias’s voice totally sounds like Pedro Pascal as the Mandalorian, especially when he calls Stacey “Little One.” It’s awesome!!!!

So, I decided to dive into another book and grabbed Call Me Daddy by Jade West, mainly because a friend wouldn’t stop pushing me to read it. Now I’m starting to wonder if she’s really a friend. Anyway, I gave it a shot – read a few paragraphs here and there – and let me tell you, it totally creeped me out. Just picture this: major role play with one being the “little girl” and the other the “daddy.” I just couldn’t handle it. I honestly felt like I needed to hit up confessional after just the little I read. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for some steamy reads, but I need a decent plot to go with the smut. But hey, maybe it’s your thing. No judgment here; I just had to put the book down.

So I just started reading The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen and I’m only 10% in, fingers crossed it gets better! But I’ve got a couple of issues. First off, I really like to listen to the audiobook while reading along, it helps me focus. But with this one, the Audible audiobook doesn’t match up with the Kindle eBook. So I’m playing the audio in one app and reading in another. Plus, the audio isn’t even word-for-word, so trying to follow along is annoying because the words don’t always match up. And don’t get me started on the narrators—definitely not feeling their vibe, they aren’t anywhere close to my favorites, Teddy Hamilton and Erin Mallon. Ugh! What’s going on with me lately? Should I give another book a shot, or just stick with this one?

REVISITING PAST BOOKS

As I eagerly rummaged through my collection of books in search of recommendations for my dear cousin, I felt an irresistible urge to dive back into many beloved titles, especially the timeless classics like The Hunger Games and The Gender Game. Additionally, there are several captivating novels I’ve devoured in the last year or two that are beckoning me for a second chance. Do you ever experience that longing? I’m contemplating designating 2026 as my personal “Revisit Year,” though I also have some series eagerly waiting to be completed. If you had the chance to relive the magic of a book or series, which ones would you choose to experience once more? 

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