Alright, at this point you should know the drill. Because I have already read so much this year I have decided to break my favorite annual post (my reading list) into a monthly series. You can also keep up with Hunkiedorië this year as I release more book content than I have in the past. Let me know what you think, do you have any suggestions on what I should read next?
Each month my books get progressively darker and or spicier. I am starting to recognize the need for rotation in my genres after this month. I need to find some more levity in my reading next month. More dark romance this month, meaning the spice level may be uncomfortably high for many readers, proceed to this post with caution.
WARNING: This post will contain graphic language. I have included the tags, trope and content warning directly from the authors website in order to give readers a clear understanding of what may be considered uncomfortable.upsetting content. Just because I loved it doesn’t mean that you will so read at your own discretion.
You can find my full 2022 reading list on my Amazon storefront by clicking here!
Disclaimer: there may be a few minor spoilers , if you read on you have been warned.
What I’ve read so far:
And now…may I present…
My June 2022 Reading List
Desperate Measures (Wicked Villains Book 1)
by Katee Robert
Once upon a time, I was a sheltered princess.
On the night Jafar takes everything from my father, he offers me a devil’s bargain—walk with my freedom and nothing else, or attempt to best him and regain my inheritance. In my arrogance, I play right into his hands. I foolishly assume I have a chance to come out on top. I’m wrong.
Now Jafar owns me, body and soul.
We fight during the day, but when night comes, we play out every fantasy I’ve never allowed myself to admit to having. I can’t hide them from Jafar, though. We know each other—and the dark desires we share—far too well. He sees to my every need, no matter how carnal or extravagant. It’s almost enough for me to be happy…
But a gilded cage is still a prison, and I’ll do anything to obtain my freedom—even betray the man I’m falling for.
*Tropes: Captive, Bargain
*Tags: captive heroine, villains do it better, BDSM, exhibitionism, role-play, safe words, daddy kink
*Content Warnings: Consensual non-consent, explicit sex, abusive parent (father), parental death (father, off-page), murder, assault, blood
Hunkiedorië Review: This book took me by surprise. I hadn’t read anything that really needed content warnings before and I was unsure of what to expect. Once I got passed the shock of it all I did enjoy this whole series, some books more than others obviously. In this story I did struggle with the FMC (female main character) Jasmin, in the end she finds her strength but the pouty helpless thing that we experience for the majority of the book wasn’t for me.
Click here to buy Desperate Measures on Amazon
Learn My Lesson (Wicked Villains Book 2)
by Katee Robert
Once upon a time, I was a prince.
A single night with Megaera and I’m willing to do anything to save her from Hades, the man holding her captive, victim to his every whim.A bargain with the devil himself seems a small price to pay in order for Megaera to go free… Until I learn that she’s exactly where she wants to be.
She’s Queen to Hades’s King.
And I’m the fool that walked right into their trap. The same fool who desires them both as much as I hate them. I can’t resist Megaera’s touch—or stop from being drawn to Hades’s dark desires. By the time I realize just how deep a game he’s playing, it may be too late…For all of us.
*Tropes: Enemies to lovers, Second Chance Romance
*Tags: MMF romance, sword cross guarantee, older man younger woman younger man, villains do it better, we used to be in love and look at us now, adding another person will definitely save our relationship, BDSM, seduce that stranger because I told you to, sex bargains, Hercules is a sub, exhibition, humiliation kink, HAWT sapphic sex scenes, pain play, pegging
*Content Warnings: Abusive father (off-page), kidnapping, assault, child/family death (off-page, historical), explicit sex
Hunkiedorië Review: As with Wicked Villains Book 1, I was a little shocked by this book and am still learning to navigate the world of books needing content warnings. With that in mind this book was one of my favorite of the series. I love the innocence of Hercules and the redemption arc of both Meg and Hades. This book did a great job of helping readers to understand the dynamic of the Underworld which serves as the main stage for many of these books.
Click here to buy Learn My Lesson on Amazon
A Worthy Opponent (Wicked Villains Book 3)
by Katee Robert
Once upon a time I was a girl who believed in love and happily ever afters.
Now the only thing I believe in is revenge. Unfortunately for me, there’s only one man willing to help me. Hook. I should have known it wouldn’t be out of the goodness of his heart. He doesn’t have one.
No, Hook wants his ring on my finger and me on my knees before him—and he won’t take no for an answer. I’m willing to pay any price in order to bring our mutual enemy down…even if it means I lose my soul in the bargain.
*Tropes: Marriage of convenience
*Tags: I want to hate you but I really just want you, marry me and I’ll protect you, Hook is a cinnamon roll, how about a five-some for our wedding night?, villains do it better, banter, revenge is best served cold and bloody, plus-sized heroine, BDSM, bondage, sword cross guarantee
*Content Warnings:Abusive father (off-page, historical), abusive relationship (heroine, off-page, historical), assault, murder, guns, explicit sex
Hunkiedorië Review: I am starting to hit my stride in this series by book three. After coming off a high from book two I dove into this Peter Pan retelling. But I was a little disappointed. Even though I did enjoy this story there was a lot of off page backstory that felt a little breezed over. Smut took precedence over plot here, not that I always mind. But when we finally get to the point of our Hook vs. Pan face-off the whole thing felt rushed and completed without really getting started. I felt this book could have done more, it hinted at a exciting and adventurous plot but didn’t reach that full potential. By this point in the series I have noticed this is somewhat of a theme. I think Katee Robert has the ability to write longer more plot heavy stories and I am eager to read more of her work outside this series to see if she does.
Click here to buy A Worthy Opponent on Amazon
The Beast (Wicked Villains Book 4)
by Katee Robert
Once upon a time, I fell in love with two men.
Gaeton, with his brash charm and casual cruelty. Beast, his lust equal to his penchant for violence. Their feelings for me were matched only by their hatred for each other. Being with them was sinful and perfect in different ways.
In the end, I couldn’t choose, and I lost them both.
Now, my sisters have tasked me with securing our power base, no matter the cost. I will do anything for my family—even if it means agreeing to the terms set by Gaeton and Beast. The three of us. Together. But only for as long as it takes me to choose one of them once and for all. When playing games of power, happily ever after isn’t a priority. Not even for me. Especially not for me.
*Tropes: Enemies to lovers, Second Chance Romance
*Tags: Sex pact, revenge via orgasms, MMF, sword cross guarantee, all love triangles should end in poly relationships, villains do it better, BDSM, HAWT sapphic sex scenes, faux cheating, roleplay, pain play, exhibitionism, humiliation kink, murderous sisters, do it for science
*Content Warnings: Parental death (father, cancer, off-page, historical), grieving, assault, explicit sex
Hunkiedorië Review: THIS WAS MY FAVORITE, I have never read a book with many of these romance themes and I am decidedly here for it. But this comes as no surprise as I am a sucker for a mountain of a man being a total softie. I can not get enough of these three characters I want so much more! I loved reading this book so much, and following the navigation of forgiving their past and forming a new and supportive throuple! I loved getting to know the characters so much more deeply than when they made appearances in the first few books. I could read a whole series just about these three.
Click here to buy The Beast on Amazon
The Sea Witch (Wicked Villains Book 5)
by Katee Robert
Once upon a time, I met a man who stole my heart.
In my desperation to reunite with him, I have nowhere to turn but the Sea Witch. Ursa is as beautiful as she is dangerous, and the one person my father warned me never to let close. But she’s all crimson lips and pretty lies, and I’m convinced despite my fear.It’s a simple enough plan, if not for the faint of heart. An auction to sell the one thing I possess of any value—myself. The money will free Alaric and then we can finally be together.
Except nothing is simple at all. Ursa is playing at games I can only begin to comprehend. And Alaric? The man I thought I loved might be just as much a villain as the woman I can’t help but be drawn to.When playing in the darkest depths of love and lust, it will be everything I can do not to drown.
*Tropes: Enemies to lovers
*Tags: FFM romance, viriginity auction, what will you bargain, seduction in the name of revenge, villains do it better, tentacle pegging, soft-cruel domination, BDSM, pain play, angry sex, exhibition, roleplay, plus-sized heroine, interracial romance
*Content Warnings: Abusive father (mostly off page, financial and emotional), assault, explicit sex
Hunkiedorië Review: One of my least favorite of the series. The manipulation and deceit was so prevalent in this that it was difficult for me to really invest in the relationship. I like my characters to posess much more confidence/strength and both Alaric and Zurielle were both too weak for my taste. It was much too teenage angsty whiny-ness for me to even care about the relationships in this story. I read it because it was part of the series and I wanted to read them all but I could take or leave this one.
Click here to buy The Sea Witch on Amazon
Queen Takes Rose (Wicked Villains Book 6)
by Katee Robert
Once upon a time I made a deal with the devil.
It turns out I like playing in the dark. Over the years, I’ve become someone I’m proud of, someone dangerous.I’ll never be as dangerous as Malone, though. She’s one of the most feared leaders in Carver City, and her reputation is more than earned. Years ago, we had a single night together and she’s ignored me ever since.Imagine my surprise to discover she’s scheduled me for the final two weeks of my contract. Maybe I should be afraid. Everyone else fears Malone. Instead, all I feel is anticipation. It’s time to balance the scales, once and for all.
The villains aren’t the only ones in Carver City a person should be wary of crossing.
Sometimes the prettiest flower hides the deadliest poison…
*Tropes: Enemies to lovers
*Tags: Ice queen and bratty princess, sex is the best revenge right?, sex pact, HAWT sapphic sex, BDSM, villains do it better, pain play, orgasm deprivation, semi-public sex, fighting/sparring to fucking, interracial romance
*Content Warnings: Parental death (mother, comatose for long period of time and heroine makes the call to end life support), assault, explicit sex
Hunkiedorië Review: This was my least favorite of the series. Just wasn’t my flavor of spice and the whole thing just felt like a big fight that no one really seemed to be enjoying. It seemed to drag on forever, I was sad that this was the book the series ended on, but I understand that it was unlikely that I would love them all.
Click here to buy Queen Takes Rose on Amazon
Wicked Villain Shorts (Wicked Villains Book 7)
by Katee Robert
Return to the world of Carver City a series of check-ins with your favorite characters as they navigate their hard-earned happily-ever-afters and enjoy their lives together.
Join Jasmine for her first winter solstice with Jafar. Attend the public scene that announces Hades and Meg’s relationship with Hercules. Play Seven Minutes in Heaven with Isabelle, her men…and Aurora.
This book contains sixteen check-ins with various characters, previously available only to either newsletter subscribers or Patreon subscribers.
*Tropes: Slice of life, happily ever after, check-ins with established characters
*Tags:
*Content Warnings:
Hunkiedorië Review: This was a cute way to check in on some characters I loved. Not really a required reading but a fun follow up.
Click here to buy The Wicked Villain Shorts on Amazon
Abel (Sabine Valley Book 1)
by Katee Robert
Seven Brothers. Seven Brides. A revenge seven years in the making.
Eight years ago, my family was betrayed by those closest to us. Now we’re back in Sabine Valley, staging our return during the feast of Lammas, where I step into the ring and ensure we’re given what we’re owed. Who we’re owed. Our enemies send their seven best warriors against me.
With each victory, I win a Bride for each of my brothers. And for me? I’m saving the best for last. My Bride is Harlow, the woman claimed by the man I used to call friend—the one responsible for our exile. Eli. And if Eli has a problem with it? Well, then I’ll take him as my Bride, too. All the better to enact my revenge…and bring Sabine Valley to its knees.
The Paine brothers are back, and we’re here to stay.
*Tropes: Friends to Enemies to Lovers, Second Chance Romance
*Tags: Revenge, MMF romance, sword cross guarantee, hate sex, forced proximity, forced marriage of convenience, ritual combat, orgasms as revenge, we used to be best friends and then you betrayed me and now I’m going to take everything from you, vaguely dystopian, we used to be in love but then you stopped seeing me and now I kind of hate you
*Content Warnings: Abusive parent (historical, off-page), guns, blood, explicit sex
Hunkiedorië Review: I got a little peek into the goings on of Sabine Valley in the Wicked Villains books, mainly with Beast and Malone, so it was fun to find out that there is a whole series around what has been happening in that city. I loved the friends to enemies to lovers dynamic between Abel and Eli—and the enemies to lovers arc for Abel and Harlow. This was a great set up for what I think will be an amazing series!
Click here to buy Abel on Amazon
Broderick (Sabine Valley Book 2)
by Katee Robert
Seven Brothers. Seven Brides. A revenge seven years in the making.
I never wanted any part of my family’s revenge, but no one asked my opinion when my oldest brother handed out the Brides during Lammas. Now I’m saddled with Monroe, heir to the Amazon faction. She’s as deadly as she is wild, and the opposite of the woman I really want. Shiloh. My best friend.
The night Monroe and I consummate our hand-fasting is like nothing I’ve experienced before. It’s dark and brutal and intoxicating in a way I’m not prepared for. Which means it can never happen again. But now, every time I turn around, I find Monroe and Shiloh together. She’s spitefully seducing my best friend, the woman I love, and there’s not a damn thing I can do about it.
I can’t have one without the other, but letting Monroe close means I might lose myself completely.
*Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Friends to Lovers
*Tags: MFF romance, HAWT sapphic sex scenes, Imma steal your girl as revenge for you marrying me, don’t want to ruin the friendship but DO want to bang, secrets that could bring everything down, orgasms in public bathrooms, orgasms as revenge, slow burn Katee Robert style
*Content Warnings: Abusive parents (off-page, historical), assault, guns, blood, explicit sex
Hunkiedorië Review: I adored and devoured Abel, so eagerly dove into Broderick. While Abel remains my favorite of the series so far, I was very aware that Broderick would be held to a pretty high standard that most likely couldn’t compare. MFF doesn’t quite hit the way MMF does for me, but that’s no fault of Katee Robert, just my preference. However, I will say that Katee Robert has lost all of my trust by starting up and hooking me on what was sure to be a great series only to call it quits on brother number two of seven!!!! I spent a good few weeks reading through posts that listed a past release date for book three yet I couldn’t find a way to purchase it anywhere only to find out that after announcing the book Robert changed her mind and decided to move in a different direction and focus on her other books, leaving me and other dedicated readers hanging! I am holding out hope that she will change her mind but this was the turning point in my reading journey where I decided that I will not start a series unless all the books are published (moving forward). My little book-wormy heart can’t take the cliffhangers or disappointing cancelation of books and pushed release dates anymore-I need closure!
Click here to buy Broderick on Amazon
Pestilence (The Four Horsemen Book 1)
by Laura Thalassa
They came to earth—Pestilence, War, Famine, Death—four horsemen riding their screaming steeds, racing to the corners of the world. Four horsemen with the power to destroy all of humanity. They came to earth, and they came to end us all.
When Pestilence comes for Sara Burn’s town, one thing is certain: everyone she knows and loves is marked for death. Unless, of course, the angelic-looking horseman is stopped, which is exactly what Sara has in mind when she shoots the unholy beast off his steed.
Too bad no one told her Pestilence can’t be killed.
Now the horseman, very much alive and very pissed off, has taken her prisoner, and he’s eager to make her suffer. Only, the longer she’s with him, the more uncertain she is about his true feelings towards her … and hers towards him.
And now, well, Sara might still be able to save the world, but in order to do so, she’ll have to sacrifice her heart in the process.
Hunkiedorië Review: I had heard a lot about this series and it sat on my Amazon wishlist for a while. After the devastating encounter with the Sabine Valley books I was pleased to see that this series was complete and ready for me to tear through it. It was interesting reading apocalyptic themed books in a world that has lived through COVID and all the other terrors of the past few years. But, with that in mind it made these books feel almost more relatable and in a way more exciting because I felt as though I could really visualize some of situations presented in the books. On top of that Pestilence was a great character to start off with his anger in constant battle with his innocence made for a sweet little cinnamon role of a character that I was absolutely rooting for by the end of the book.
Click here to buy Pestilence on Amazon
War (The Four Horsemen Book 2)
by Laura Thalassa
They came to earth—Pestilence, War, Famine, Death—four horsemen riding their screaming steeds, racing to the corners of the world. Four horsemen with the power to destroy all of humanity. They came to earth, and they came to end us all.
The day Jerusalem falls, Miriam Elmahdy knows her life is over. Houses are burning, the streets run red with blood, and a traitorous army is massacring every last resident. There is no surviving this, especially not once Miriam catches the eye of War himself. But when the massive and terrifying horseman corners Miriam, he calls her his wife, and instead of killing her, he takes her back to his camp.
Now Miriam faces a terrifying future, one where she watches her world burn town by town, and the one man responsible for it all is her seemingly indestructible “husband”. But there’s another side to him, one that’s gentle and loving and dead set on winning her over, and she might not be strong enough to resist.
However, if there’s one thing Miriam has learned, it’s that love and war cannot coexist. And so she must make the ultimate choice: surrender to War and watch humankind fall, or sacrifice everything and stop him.
Hunkiedorië Review: I loved the first book, Pestilence so I had a feeling I would like this one even better and that feeling was so right! At the beginning I wasn’t quite sure where this story was going to go, since it started out so different than Pestilence. However, I couldn’t turn away and I loved every minute. For one thing I love the fact that these heroines are so strong and capable. It is hard to say if I love Pestilence or War more….but I think when all is said and done I lean towards more towards the boisterous, confident, alpha-male that is War. War, the second of the Four Horsemen, was deliciously dark, dangerous, swoony in a warlord kind of way, and very much everything I wanted him to be! War took me from the highest highs to the lowest lows. I never thought I would end this story with a goofy smile on my face, but I did. It’s ugly, dark and sinful but it’s also about bravery, determination and dedication.
Click here to buy War on Amazon
Famine (The Four Horsemen Book 3)
by Laura Thalassa
They came to earth—Pestilence, War, Famine, Death—four horsemen riding their screaming steeds, racing to the corners of the world. Four horsemen with the power to destroy all of humanity. They came to earth, and they came to end us all.
Ana da Silva always assumed she’d die young, she just never expected it to be at the hands of Famine, the haunting immortal who once spared her life so many years ago. But if the horseman remembers her at all, he must not care, for when she comes face to face with him for the second time in her life, she’s stabbed and left for dead.
Only, she doesn’t quite die.
If there’s one thing Famine is good at, it’s cruelty. And how these blighted bastards deserve it. Try as he might, he can’t forget what they once did to him. But when Ana, a ghost from his past, corners him and promises pain for what he so recently did to her, she and her empty threats captivate him, and he decides to keep her around.
In spite of themselves, Ana and Famine are drawn to each other. But at the end of the day, the two are enemies. Nothing changes that. Not one kind act, not two. And definitely not a few steamy nights. But enemies or reluctant lovers, if they don’t stop themselves soon, heaven will.
Hunkiedorië Review: Laura Thalassa does a wonderful job writing such unique and intriguing characters. Famine’s previous experiences completely breaks my heart in the same way our first encounter with Pestilence did. It just goes to show that perceptions aren’t always aligned with reality. It is easier to believe that the Four Horsemen are evil and blame lies with them but it is the actions of humanity that equally upsetting. This book takes readers for a truly wild adventure that has you flipping through the pages and reaching the end of the story way before you are ready.
Click here to buy Famine on Amazon
Death (The Four Horsemen Book 4)
by Laura Thalassa
He’s known by many names: Thanatos. Horseman. God’s last angel. And then, of course, there’s the one I’m all too familiar with—
Death.
The day Death comes to Lazarus Gaumond’s town and kills everyone in one fell swoop, the last thing he expects to see is a woman left alive and standing. But Lazarus has her own extraordinary gift: she cannot be killed—not by humans, not by the elements, not by Death himself.
She is the one soul Death doesn’t recognize. The one soul he cannot pry free from her flesh. Nor can he ignore the unsettling desire he has for her. Take her. He wants to, desperately. And the longer she tries to stop him from his killing spree, the stronger the desire becomes.
When Lazarus crosses paths with the three other horsemen, an unthinkable situation leads to a terrible deal: seduce Death, save the world. A hopeless task, made all the worse by the bad blood between her and Thanatos. But Death’s attraction to her is undeniable, and try though she might, Lazarus cannot stay away from that ancient, beautiful being and his dark embrace.
The end is here. Humankind is set to perish, and not even the horsemen can stop Death from fulfilling his final task.
Only Lazarus can.
Hunkiedorië Review: This book although great wasn’t my favorite. The past books were all about learning from one another and building relationships, love winning out in the end. Not the case in this book Thanatos was a frustrating character. With that in mind this book was great, I was emotionally invested if not exasperated most of the time, wanting Thanatos to remove his head from his rectum and learn from Lazarus and the world around him. The previous three books made it fairly clear that the horsemen were sent to learn and then pass judgement. Thanatos was not willing to listen or learn which made for a rough road.
The series overall was wonderful and although book four wasn’t my favorite it still was a great read that I did love overall. I haven’t read more from Thalassa, I can’t wait to see what else she has published.
Click here to buy Death on Amazon
Daisy’s Decision (Icehome Book 16)
by Ruby Dixon
I fear I’ve made a mistake.
I left a pampered life and a loveless relationship to live on an icy, primeval world, all for the promise of a soulmate and children. But three years have passed, and my hopes and dreams have become dashed. I haven’t resonated. Without resonance, there will be no children for me, and no loving mate.
So I keep waiting, and waiting…
But then I come up with a brilliant plan to get me everything I want. And my plan needs a volunteer, one that would be happy to be my mate in all ways. Luckily, I know just who to approach…
Hunkiedorië Review: Another dive back into Ruby Dixon, who may be my comfort author. Whenever I need a pick-me-up whether it is after a particularly dark or emotionally draining book, or a frustrating time in my personal life I can always count on Ruby to perk me right back up.
After Sam’s book I was really excited to get to this one, because for so long Daisy has been teased as a sort of frivolous character and I wanted to see the hidden depths to her and give her some character development. I had been waiting for someone to smack some sense into her ass and tell her to get to work. With that being said, I love how O’jek had been there for Daisy helping her when she didn’t even realize it, but I felt like-in typical Not-Hoth resident fashion- both parties weren’t communicating correctly/effectively and problems got way out of hand and the emotional responses got away from the pair before the truth of their feelings cleared the air. Another standard Ruby read which I loved. I can’t wait to see what Daisy can do as part of a fully functioning and contributing part of the tribe.
Click here to buy Daisy’s Decision on Amazon
The Cruel Prince (The Folk of Air Book 1)
by Holly Black
Of course I want to be like them. They’re beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever.
And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe.
Jude was seven years old when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King.
To win a place at the Court, she must defy him–and face the consequences.
In doing so, she becomes embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, discovering her own capacity for bloodshed. But as civil war threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters, and Faerie itself.
Hunkiedorië Review: This is a series that blew up my social media. Readers and artist alike seem to go bananas for this series and to be honest I just don’t feel it. I read this whole book and I am still at a complete loss for something, anything, to really care about. Not a plot point, not a character trait, not a single line of quirky banter I could get myself emotionally invested in. I believe this book had huge potential, the world of fairy built by Black is absolutely enchanting, but the characters are frustrating and uninspiring which doesn’t do the world building any justice.
Click here to buy The Cruel Prince on Amazon
The Lost Sisters (The Folk of Air Novella)
by Holly Black
Sometimes the difference between a love story and a horror story is where the ending comes
While Jude fought for power in the Court of Elfhame against the cruel Prince Cardan, her sister Taryn began to fall in love with the trickster, Locke.
Half-apology and half-explanation, it turns out that Taryn has some secrets of her own to reveal.
Hunkiedorië Review: I read this because it was part of the series and although it does go to answer some questions and is nice to read another point of view, it isn’t really a required reading, nor does it shine a light on anything that you couldn’t infer from reading the other books.
Click here to buy The Lost Sisters on Amazon
The Wicked King (The Folk of Air Book 2)
by Holly Black
I have heard that for mortals, the feeling of falling in love is very like the feeling of fear.
Jude has tricked Cardan onto the throne, binding him to her for a year and a day. But the new High King does everything in his power to humiliate and undermine her, even as his fascination with her remains undimmed. Meanwhile, a traitor in the court is scheming against her. Jude must fight for her life and the lives of those she loves, all while battling her own complicated feelings for Cardan. Now a year and a day seems like no time at all . . .
Hunkiedorië Review: Again, Black is clearly a talented writer. I enjoyed the world, I enjoyed the plot, but I am so uninterested in the characters. Let me make this easy: Jude, do you like Cardan? Cardan, do you like Jude? Great get together and kick ass and stop torturing yourselves for no reason. This book could be 1000 times better if the whole relationship between what could be two interesting characters wasn’t so angsty and miserable. I need more strength and drive out of my characters, I think their emotional weaknesses really brought the whole series down.
Click here to buy The Wicked King on Amazon
The Queen of Nothing (The Folk of Air Book 3)
by Holly Black
After being pronounced Queen of Faerie and then abruptly exiled by the Wicked King Cardan, Jude finds herself unmoored, the queen of nothing. She spends her time with Vivi and Oak, watching reality television, and doing odd jobs, including squaring up to a cannibalistic faerie.
When her twin sister Taryn shows up asking a favour, Jude jumps at the chance to return to the Faerie world, even if it means facing Cardan, who she loves despite his betrayal. When a dark curse is unveiled, Jude must become the first mortal Queen of Faerie and break the curse, or risk upsetting the balance of the whole Faerie world.
Hunkiedorië Review: Yup, I’ll say it again. Could have been great, but we got hung up on the wrong things. Glad I read it, my sister loved it but I was so bored with the teenage angst vibes that I couldn’t get more invested in what had the makings of an epic trilogy. I really wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone unless I knew this type of writing was their thing. Lovers of Cassandra Clares writing would probably like this…I used to love her books but also got easily fed up with her approach to romantic entanglements that I gave up on her writing early on (something I rarely do).
Click here to buy The Queen of Nothing on Amazon
How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories (The Folk of Air Novella)
by Holly Black
Once upon a time, there was a boy with a wicked tongue.
Before Cardan was a cruel prince or a wicked king, he was a faerie child with a heart of stone. #1 New York Times bestselling author, Holly Black reveals a deeper look into the dramatic life of Elfhame’s enigmatic high king, Cardan. This tale includes delicious details of life before The Cruel Prince, an adventure beyond The Queen of Nothing, and familiar moments from The Folk of the Air trilogy, told wholly from Cardan’s perspective.
This new installment in the Folk of the Air series is a return to the heart-racing romance, danger, humor, and drama that enchanted readers everywhere. Each chapter is paired with lavish and luminous full-color art, making this the perfect collector’s item to be enjoyed by both new audiences and old.
Hunkiedorië Review: This may have been my favorite of the Folk of Air & related books series. Again not a required reading for the series, but an after the fact check in. At least the two main characters are now kind of working as a team which is refreshing, although they still don’t have it down. The look back into Cardan’s life again is nice for a different point of view, something I have found I really enjoy in my stories.
Click here to buy How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories on Amazon
I have absolutely loved all that BookTok is throwing my way and I can not wait to share my monthly reading list with you all as we move through 2022. If you have any suggestions please let me know!
My Top 5 Reads of 2022 (thus far)-Counting series as one because it is getting too hard to choose just one (or five) book(s)
- Bonds That Tie (series)
- The Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac (series)
- Ice Planet Barbarians/Ice Home (series)
- ACOTAR (series)
- Crescent City (series)
My Top 5 Reads of 2021
- The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter (Theodoa Goss)
- The Viscount Who Loved Me (Julia Quinn)
- The Toll (Neal Shusterman)
- The Midnight Library (Matt Haig)
- The Immortals (Jordanna Max Brodsky)
My Top 5 Reads of 2020
- Mr. Dickens and His Carol (Samantha Silva)
- Scythe (Neal Shusterman)
- Thunderhead (Neal Shusterman)
- The Vine Witch (Luanne G. Smith)
- Ready Player One (Ernest Cline)
My Top 5 Reads of 2019
- The Graveyard Book (Neil Gaiman)
- Strange Practice (Vivian Shaw)
- Dreadful Company (Vivian Shaw)
- Grave Importance (Vivian Shaw)
- Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)
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My 2022 Reading List: December – Hunkiedorië
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