Reading is not only a fun activity but also a healthy thing to do for both our physical and mental health. Most people add it as one of their New Year’s resolutions. I’m no different; each year, I try my best to read as much as possible. Sometimes it doesn’t go exactly as planned, but I’m still happy that reading is one of my favorite things to do. This year, I read 11 interesting books and wanted to share my thoughts with you.
*This post contains affiliate links, meaning I’ll earn a small commission if you purchase through these links.
2024 Reading Highlights
Book Lovers by Emily Henry:
While Book Lovers delivers all the quintessential elements of a summer romance—charming locales, witty banter, and undeniable chemistry—it takes its time unraveling the story. Initially, the pacing felt a tad slow, with moments where the narrative seemed to linger. That’s why it took me longer than I thought it would to finish this book. However, the momentum picks up in the final chapters, making it a nice read.
Once Upon a Marquess by Courtney Milan:
Once Upon a Marquess is one of those not-so-well-known books that, once you read it, you want more. If you are a fan of the Bridgerton series, then this might be a book you’ll love. This is a second-chance romance that has all the drama, chemistry, and mystery to make you want to read it in one go. The story follows Judith Worth and Christian Trent. The interactions between the two main characters are so well-written, and their banter feels natural.
The Fine Print by Lauren Asher:
This is the first Lauren Asher book I ever read, and I really enjoyed her writing style. From the very first page, I was drawn into the world she meticulously crafted, where every detail served to enrich the overall narrative without overwhelming the reader. I enjoyed the banter between the main characters and how their story evolved. The Fine Print is a book that made me fall in love with Lauren Ashers writing style.
Happy Place by Emily Henry:
Happy Place by Emily Henry was the most anticipated release of 2023, and romance book lovers are still talking about it in 2024. If you are a mood reader who likes romance books that have depth but are still easy to binge-read, then this is probably a book for you. Some say this is the coziest Emily Henry book she’s ever written.
The plot revolves around a friend group and their chemistry, but the main focus is on Harriet and Wyn. This is a past-and-present narrative, as they were engaged but are now broken up and haven’t told their friends. Happy Place places importance on friendships and how valuable they are at any stage in life. The connections between all the characters, not just the protagonists, are so well-written.
Terms and Conditions by Lauren Asher:
Terms and Conditions is a delightful romantic comedy that combines witty banter, engaging characters, and the classic enemies-to-lovers trope. The story follows Declan, a brooding billionaire, and Iris, his fiery assistant, as they navigate a marriage of convenience. The fast-paced plot and the gradual development of their relationship kept me hooked. I’d recommend this book to fans of romantic comedies and workplace romances.
Final Offer by Lauren Asher:
Final Offer was my favorite book from the Dreamland Billionaires series. Of the three brothers, I like Callahan’s personality the most. The chemistry and banter between him and Lana made this book a page-turner for me. I appreciate how this book explores the dynamic between the three brothers, as Rowan and Declan have already secured their inheritances. While it’s a longer read with over 500 pages, the additional interactions and background on Rowan and Declan made the length worthwhile.
Beach Read by Emily Henry:
Of all the Emily Henry books I’ve read, Beach Read has the most depth and layers in its characters. Both January and Gus open up as the plot progresses. While they are completely opposite in personality, family dynamics, and outlook on life, they manage to be there for each other and learn about themselves and each other.
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry:
People We Meet on Vacation was more lighthearted and easier to read. As with all Emily Henry books, there are deeper emotions and situations the characters navigate. This might be one of the few friends-to-lovers tropes I’ve read in a while. Poppy and Alex felt so real and relatable, with layered personalities and strong character development.
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber:
I’m glad this was the first fantasy book I picked up as an adult, but unfortunately, I felt like something was missing. It was a fun read, but in some places, it felt overly simplistic and cliché. Once Upon a Broken Heart is YA book, and you can feel that while reading, so it might not be for everyone.
That said, I did enjoy the character development and their interactions. Some twists were unexpected, making it a page-turner. Since this is the first book in a trilogy, I hope the next two installments provide more depth to the plot. I’ll keep reading with optimism.
The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams:
The Cheat Sheet is a delightful romantic comedy about two best friends secretly in love with each other. Bree and Nathan’s chemistry is undeniable, and their witty banter made me smile throughout. This fast-paced, lighthearted read is perfect for fans of friends-to-lovers romances and feel-good stories. It might not be the mos literary advanced book but it is a fun quick read.
Powerless by Lauren Roberts:
Powerless explores themes of resilience, love, and self-discovery. The story features a strong female protagonist navigating personal and societal challenges. The writing is engaging, with moments of humor and heartfelt emotion. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy thought-provoking contemporary romances with a touch of social commentary.
Reflecting on my reading journey in 2024, I’m thrilled with the diverse genres and stories I explored. Reading continues to be a source of joy and growth for me. I’d love to hear about your reading highlights—feel free to share them in the comments. Here’s to another year of amazing books and unforgettable stories!
Post a Comment