letters to five star reads in 2024

I read 55 books this year. These are the ones I rated five stars.

Butcher & Blackbird

This book combined my favorite genres! It was laugh-out-loud funny, gruesome, and strangely so deeply romantic. I LOVED the audiobook, it was hands down the best narration I’ve ever consumed, but having heard about the sexual harassment allegations of the male narrator, I do not recommend purchasing, as the author is no longer promoting the audiobook. However, if you can borrow the audiobook from a friend, it’s worth it!

Leather & Lark

I think some of the negative reviews were because they wanted a B and B retelling, but this is a new story with two new main characters with different personalities, interests, lives, etc. The romance, gore, violence, and plot are different than the first book - and I think that’s a good thing. That means this story is original and true to the characters in it.

And oh my goodness! I fell in love even more with both of them. I loved Lark’s character arc, and I loved finding out how sweet and gentle Lochlan is. I loved the romance in this. It made my heart flutter! I usually really dislike the whole fake dating trope thing, but I LOVED this. This is how realistic fake relationships should be!!

Just like with the first book, do yourself a favor and listen to the audiobook. You will not regret it. If you like husky Irish accents whispering in your ear… you’ll like the audio.

The Atlas Six

This is my second time reading this book, in preparation for reading the final one. I enjoyed it SO much more this time around. I don’t know if I have just had more experience with similar genres, or if I knew what to expect, or just was in a different headspace this time, but I loved it, whereas before I just liked it okay.

Blake does such a phenomenal job at weaving a story rich with clues and Easter eggs, while also making you think. I also very much enjoy that she writes Nico and Libby as if they will fall into the “enemies to lovers” trope, but she instead leads us to realize that they are just meant to be in each other’s lives, only platonically. I really enjoy that freshness.

My only complaint is that Reina seems like a very poorly fleshed-out character - I don’t really care much about her at all, and it feels like most of her chapters are more just setting her up for the second book (which is where she shines a little more). In book 1, she is forgettable, and when you remember her, she’s unlikable (in my opinion).

Alone With You in the Ether

This is a story between two characters and the worlds they live in, and create together, inside their minds. Aldo has previously suffered from substance abuse and is heavily autistic coded. Regan is diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This is a story of two people finding love that is messy, and imperfect, and a good chunk of the story is written as if you are also in a manic episode.

To the reviews who didn’t like the sudden style change - this happened as Regan came off her medication and started experiencing her bipolar disorder without her medication, which is why her POV suddenly starts to read as manic. It’s not pretentious, it’s deeply character-based and immersive.

Lady Macbeth

I wish I could give this hauntingly beautiful story by Ava Reid six stars. Note: this is a re-imagining of Macbeth, not a re-telling. Come in with an open mind of where this story will take you – if you do, you will thrilled, enraptured, haunted, disturbed, and on the edge of your seat. This book explores questions like, what is true power, what is love, what is desire, what is the purpose of pain, who are we versus who are we perceived as, and community.

Bone Rites

Why don’t more people talk about this book!! This was a spooky, historical gothic novel with a sapphic main character. What’s not to love!! It’s absolutely haunting, well-written, and greatly developed!

The Unmaking of June Farrow

I.. am.. speechless. What an absolutely delicious mindf*ck of a story. Magical realism meets mystery meets tender romance. I didn’t know much about this book going in, and I’m glad about that. I was able to predict a few things along the way, but most of it absolutely surprised me (especially the ending). Speaking of the ending… what a bittersweet and perfect way to end. My heart exploded from sweetness and also broke. Unfortunately, now I am deeply sad because I fear no book will be so perfect. Also, I listened to the audiobook, and it was wonderful!

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

I loved this book!! I listened to the audiobook and loved it. The story of Evelyn was inspired by so many celebrities, and it made me see celebrity culture differently. I also loved the queer representation, and it was incredible and interesting to be reminded that, not that long ago, being openly queer was not only not acceptable but illegal. I thought this was incredible! Worth the hype.

Daisy Jones & The Six

I absolutely devoured this book in one day. I loved the characters and the story - and the mention of a character we have seen in Malibu Rising and Evelyn Hugo! I listened to this on audio - which I HIGHLY recommend. The cast of characters is absolutely amazing. I don’t know if I would have enjoyed the “documentary” style of talking heads as much if I hadn’t listened.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

This book made me cry and ache. It is truly just a story of a girl who wants so incredibly badly to belong somewhere. This story was pure poetry and beauty.

Here We Go Again

Queer joy, chosen family, learning how to love, recovering from addiction, family trauma, road trip, second chance (kind of?) romance, neurodivergence, wit and banter, tender and beautiful romance, a spicy scene that is unique and so sweet…. I’m in awe. I was laughing out loud, sobbing, and “awww”ing. One of the best romance books ever.

Just for the Summer

OH MY GOD. Have you ever read a book SO good and perfect, you question how you ever could have given another book 5 stars?? This book did that to me. It was beautiful, SOOO relatable to me, heartbreaking, and swoon-worthy. I LIVE for how Jimenez tied in the characters from the last two books and the plot twist… oh my… I was SCREAMING. This has to be one of the best contemporary romance books I’ve ever consumed. Also, the audiobook was perfect.

The Seven Year Slip

This was a delightful and fun audiobook. I didn’t read the description, so I didn’t know this book was about a literal seven-year slip in time, and I was so pleasantly surprised. I thought it was going to be totally different and more predictable (which I wasn’t mad at).

I love when a heterosexual romance novel still includes queer representation, and this story did it well. I loved the main character’s relationship with her two best friends, and I loved that there was a plot outside of romance.

This was more lit fic than classic, dual POV, just romance, which I really enjoy.

This book was also written from the perspective of a woman who is grieving a loss, and the author did an incredible job of describing this.

The Dead Romantics

I love that Poston tells classic romantic comedy tales with a supernatural twist. She has such an original voice, and makes a predictable genre fresh and new! I devoured this audiobook, the narrator was charming, the writing was wonderful, and the plot was perfect! The character development was lovely - I love a story filled with rich and full characters. This book also stands completely separate from the romance plot. There is a whole plot outside the relationship arc, which is a must for me in romance novels.

Funny Story

This was such a delightful read and listen, because DUH, it was Julia Whelan reading Emily Henry. I dislike the fake dating trope in general, but this is how it’s done well! Henry is such a genius at character creation and development. This book stands alone without romance. The plot is strong and also character-driven, and it’s rare to have both. I’m in love with Miles… and Daphne… and Ashley too.

Happy Place

This is the only book to date in my adult life that I have consumed twice in one year - the first via audio with Julia Whelan narrating, and the second on my Kindle. Henry is a truly beautiful author and this love story is also combined with a friend's love story and highlights the theme of belonging.

Part of Your World

A beautiful love story! Believable and well-developed characters, realistic story, amazing! On par with Emily Henry, who I have crowned the romance queen. Julia Whelan also narrated the audiobook!

Beach Read

I had physically read this years ago and recently listened to it again. What an amazing book, even on the second read! I love how Henry develops such amazing characters and settings.

People We Meet on Vacation

I LOVE how Henry executed the friends-to-lovers trope - and I love that her books never feel “tropey.” I’m convinced she’ll never write a book I don’t absolutely adore.

Thank You For Listening

Julia Whelan met and exceeded my expectations in this romantic comedy!

Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date

Every book in this series, I wondered if I could possibly like the book as much as the last… and dare I say it, I liked this one the most! It was funny, sweet, charming, spicy, and just such a delight!

It’s OK Not to Be OK

This book was the most helpful I’ve read so far about dealing with grief. In a season of feeling so alone and misunderstood and craving being understood, this book gave me that. I highly recommend to anyone who has lost someone, as well as friends and family of someone who is grieving.

I’m Glad My Mom Died

I read this before my mom died, and the amount of comfort and solace (and pain) that the first part of the book gave me actually changed my life. Jennette’s raw honesty, mixed with her absolute genius and witty sense of humor made me realize that I deserve more compassion than I had given myself previously. Besides the child acting and Mormonism, this could have easily been taken straight from my journal.

I read it again, or rather listened this time, a couple of weeks after my mom died. Jennette writes pain so well. She has given so many of us a gift by putting her pain into words for those of us who need it so badly.

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