September Wrap Up: 30 Books Read

About: Dive into my September Wrap Up with 30 books, boasting a 4.08-star average, some new favourites, including Reckless by Elsie Silver, and a 2023 release disappointment.

Overview

Outline

September Reflection and Into October

Another wrap-up that I post at the end of the following month 🤦🏻‍♀️. One of these days, I’ll be on top of my reviews so that my wrap-ups get published in a timely manner! September was a successful month – I read 30 books and 10,947 pages! I’m really hoping that this is a sign that I’m getting back into a reading grove after my pace slowed so much during the summer. September was also a good month because my ratings averaged 4.08-stars, and it says a lot when the lowest rating I gave was 3-stars. I managed to read quite a few highly anticipated reads, including The Blonde Identity by Ally Carter and Tom Lake by Ann Patchett, and finally got around to Reckless by Elsie Silver.

Most notably, is that my predicated favourite book of the month, Disorientation by Elaine Hsieh Chou, turned out to be my favourite! Unfortunately, my most anticipated release for 2023 was a huge disappointment (although I still gave it 3-stars). While I re-read a good number of books, I really enjoyed digging into my backlist and finding a few new favourites. It’s a good reminder that the books I buy are books I think I’ll enjoy! While October is almost finished as I write this, I’m hoping to continue the trend of prioritizing my backlist.

Reading Challenges and Goals Update

To be honest, this section is more for my records since I’ve decided – as of August – I no longer want to be doubling books up on challenge prompts or reading goals. For instance, I want to read two nonfiction books outside of the ones that might fulfil the Buzzword Reading Challenge prompt for the month.

I go over each of my goals and discuss the books I read to fulfil the prompt or whether I didn’t complete it and why.

Monthly Goal #1: Read two books longer than 500 pages

While I’m happy I read at least one 500+ page book in September, I’m frustrated that it was an unintentional re-read of Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer. In October, I think I need to dedicate whole weekends to finishing my chunky books since most of the ones on my backlist are slow-paced. This means it’s kind of dangerous to put them down since I’ll be less inclined to pick them back up.

Monthly Goal #2: Read two nonfiction books

I only read one nonfiction book in September: The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America by Richard Rothstein. It took me the whole damn month to finish this book. Which isn’t in any way reflective of how much I enjoyed it – I gave it 5-stars. But, going into October, I think I need to prioritize the memoirs on my backlist if I want to hit my monthly goal since memoirs are typically less dense.

Series Finished/Caught Up

1. Unforgettable Love by Stacy Reid
2. WITSEC by Ashley N. Rostek
3. Chestnut Springs by Elsie Silver

Reading Challenges

Books I Read This Month

Did Not Finish

Key: 🔁 re-read | 🤓 reviewed on this blog | 📜 from Up Next Shelf | 🥳 from 2023 Backlist

Unladylike Lessons in Love (The Marleigh Sisters, #1) by Amita Murray
DNF @ 7% (on September 2)
I loved the premise of this book – the heroine owns a gaming hall in Regency England. But the few pages I read threw me off. For a woman during this period to have a successful business, especially one that caters to the ton, she would need to be very shrewd and not let much get to her. But, within the first few pages, everything was getting to her. So, this was more a DNF because it didn’t meet my expectations. ❃ Add on Goodreads or The StoryGraph ❃

Christmas at Silver Falls by Jenny Hale
DNF @ 8% (on September 30) 🥳
This was an unfortunate DNF because I thought it would be a cute holiday romance. But it was reading more like contemporary fiction, which I wasn’t in the mood for. I also didn’t love the characters or the set-up of the small town; I wanted more whimsy than the doom and gloom of the Heroine’s family inn falling apart. ❃ Add on Goodreads or The StoryGraph ❃

3-star Reads

Key: 🔁 re-read | 🤓 reviewed on this blog | 📜 from Up Next Shelf | 🥳 from 2023 Backlist

Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
3.5-stars (Read from August 15 to September 4) 📜
It feels kind of blasphemous to give Tom Lake a 3.5-star rating, even though this isn’t by any means a bad review. I will say that the atmosphere of this book was unparalleled – I felt like I was on the cherry farm picking cherries while reading it. But I didn’t understand how or why there was so much drama for her daughters over the protagonist dating a guy who eventually became famous years before she dated their father. And while the story was definitely the protagonist’s story, I felt like too much of the narrative revolved around this selfish famous asshole. ❃ Add on Goodreads or The StoryGraph ❃

An Earl to Remember (Unforgettable Love, #2) by Stacy Reid
3.25-stars (Read on September 7) 📜
So I totally forgot who the hero was in this historical romance, and had I known (he’s the guy hooking up with sex workers in book 1), I don’t think I’d have read it. There’s a lot of OW drama, and the Heroine is actually the OW at the beginning because the Hero is in a relationship with his mistress. The premise that the Hero has a case of amnesia and the Heroine ends up marrying him so that he can work off the money he owes her was actually executed really well. I even thought the reason she claimed they were married – he unintentionally revealed information in public that would’ve ruined her – made sense and wasn’t at all vindictive. So it’s a low 3 stars because I really loved the Heroine and the part of the book where the MCs are playing house. But when the Hero gets his memories back and how he treats her, it just grossed me out. The Hero’s characterization was also too realistic; the Hero was so privileged, and he acted that way with no consideration for how his behaviour impacted (or hurt) others. ❃ Add on Goodreads or The StoryGraph ❃

Little White Lies (Debutantes, #1) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
3.75-stars (Read on September 7) 📜
I picked up this book because of the buzz around Jennifer Lynn Barnes, hoping for an enjoyable summer read. It turned out to be a fast-paced, one-sitting read. The strong family and friendship bonds were a highlight, but I wasn’t a fan of the cousin’s ex-boyfriend drama and the undefined relationship between the protagonist and Nick (a potential love interest?). I enjoyed the mystery and the ending but found the twist about the protagonist’s birth father unsettling. It left me with mixed feelings and uncertainty about reading the sequel. ❃ Add on Goodreads or The StoryGraph ❃

Here with Me (Sugarland Creek, #2) by Brooke Montgomery
3-stars (Read from September 9 to September 10)
This age-gap romance takes off when it’s revealed that the Hero is the father of the Heroine’s ex-boyfriend after they hook up. The chemistry between the MCs felt realistic as they navigated their feelings (there’s a lot of pushing away) and the significant age gap (plus, the Hero works for her parents). But, the Heroine’s constant concern for her ex-boyfriend’s feelings over her own and the Hero’s refusal to challenge his son’s mistreatment of the Heroine was incredibly frustrating. Also, the supporting characters didn’t add much depth to the story, and the suspense plot lacked development, with a simplistic resolution. Plus, the Heroine’s brothers – who I’m assuming will get their own book – were gross, going on about how they’ve cheated on ex-girlfriends and causing actual mayhem. ❃ Add on Goodreads or The StoryGraph ❃

The Girls I’ve Been by Tess Sharpe
3.75-stars (Read on September 10) 🥳
This was a fun read with a well-developed protagonist and suspenseful plot of the bank heist. I thought the flashbacks to “The Girls Nora’s Been” were heartbreaking but effective in establishing Nora’s credibility as an accomplished con woman. However, I was disappointed by how Nora’s abilities to think fast under pressure and to lie were undermined completely during the bank heist. Worse, her girlfriend is framed as en par with her abilities because she can act. I understood that the author wanted Nora’s arc to be her finally trusting people and letting them in. But I thought the way it played out in the book was unrealistic. It’s okay that Nora’s friends can’t relate to her past and don’t have the skills to manipulate a career criminal. Their strengths don’t have to be the same as Nora’s, and to be honest, I would’ve preferred if they weren’t because it would’ve emphasized further how much Nora was betrayed by her mom to be raised and put in the position she was. Also, I didn’t understand why Nora and her ex-boyfriend broke up since “the big secret” was literally not a secret Nora was allowed to tell for her safety and hers? I would’ve preferred them to have just realized they were better off friends. ❃ Add on Goodreads or The StoryGraph ❃

Free Me (WITSEC, #4) by Ashley N. Rostek
3-stars (Read on September 10)
This book was my least favourite read in September. Read my full review here.

One Touch (The Sullivan Family, #2) by Lena Hendrix
3-stars (Read on September 11)
This is a hate-to-love romance where the Hero is the brother of the Heroine’s ex-boyfriend, who humiliated and betrayed her. It doesn’t help that the Hero always looked down on her, but you find out from his POV it’s because he didn’t understand how she could be into his brother. Alas, she didn’t know he was an ass, and no one told her! I thought the romance was sweet but underdeveloped. I didn’t really understand why they were into each other; they had nothing in common. Plus, the plot was kind of random – they’re fixing up the Heroine’s aunt’s house together despite the Heroine not having any experience. Overall, it was an okay read, but I took it as a sign that this series isn’t for me. ❃ Add on Goodreads or The StoryGraph ❃

Fractured Sky (Tattered & Torn, #5) by Catherine Cowles
3.75-stars (Read from September 20 to September 22) 🔁
This was my first re-read of Fractured Sky, and it was just the palette cleanser I needed. I love small-town romances, and I really enjoyed revisiting the main characters’ meeting and healing together. My favourite part of this book is that the Heroine is finally starting to live her life – she’s striking out on her own and growing out from underneath her parents’ bubble. But, I didn’t love the villain in this book, and I thought the secondary plot with the kids the Hero took under their wing was underdeveloped. Seeing as how the main characters eventually foster these kids, I thought it was weird how there’s no page time dedicated to the Heroine bonding with them. ❃ Add on Goodreads or The StoryGraph ❃

In a Jam by Kate Canterbary
3.5-stars (Read from September 23 to September 24)
So many people I follow adore this book, so I thought I’d finally take the plunge. It’s a small-town marriage of convenience and single dad/guardian romance. While I thought the romance was cute, and I adored the Hero’s niece – she was hilarious – I really didn’t like how the Hero held his unrequited crush from high school against the Heroine at all in the beginning. Also, I’m never a fan of Heroine’s who are commitmentphobic. ❃ Add on Goodreads or The StoryGraph ❃

The Inheritance Games (The Inheritance Games, #1) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
3-stars (Read from September 29 to September 30) 🥳
I’ve been putting off this book since I bought it last year because I knew the premise – poor girl inherits billions of dollars while the family gets (next to) nothing – would lead to some serious conflict. Also, the classism and elitism – for instance, Grayson’s condescending lecture about helping individual people isn’t as impactful as solving the world’s biggest problems. While The Inheritance Games was incredibly binge-able, I didn’t want the protagonist to get romantically involved with any of the brothers. It didn’t help that the big secret dividing the two potential love interests is a dead girlfriend – whom they both dated à la Katherine Pierce. ❃ Add on Goodreads or The StoryGraph ❃

Things Fall Apart (The African Trilogy, #1) by Chinua Achebe
3.75-stars (Read on September 30) 📜
This was such a fast read that had a lot to say about British colonialism but also sexism and hegemonic masculinity. The protagonist is not a likeable character, but the reader still sympathizes with him as his world becomes upended by Christian missionaries and then the occupation of colonial agents. I’m definitely going to continue the series! ❃ Add on Goodreads or The StoryGraph ❃

Xingu by Edith Wharton
3-stars (Read on September 30)
It was fun revisiting Edith Wharton outside of a grad seminar! While it took me a minute to get into this short story, I thought it was clever and had a really amusing ending. What I originally took for a commentary on elitism – the group of friends wants to seem so knowledgeable that they lie to their guest speaker about their familiarity with a topic they know nothing about – actually ended up being a realization that at one point in our lives or another, we all pretend to know something we don’t to fit in. So, while I think the lie started as an elitist flex, once they got going, they just wanted to fit in with the group. The characters’ reaction at the end once they discovered what they were actually talking about was funny. ❃ Add on Goodreads or The StoryGraph ❃

4-star Reads

Key: 🔁 re-read | 🤓 reviewed on this blog | 📜 from Up Next Shelf | 🥳 from 2023 Backlist

The Blonde Identity by Ally Carter
4.25-stars (Read on September 4) 📜
This was such a fun romantic suspense! The balance between the suspense and romance was perfect, and the amnesia trope didn’t even bother me, which is a huge accomplishment for this novel! I loved that there was so much character growth for the main characters. The mystery around the Heroine’s sister was compelling and really pushed the plot forward. Also, I thought it was funny how the author kinda made fun of romance tropes (e.g., there’s only one bed). I can’t wait for the sister’s book! ❃ Add on Goodreads or The StoryGraph ❃

The Night Swim (Rachel Krall, #1) by Megan Goldin
4.25-stars (Read on September 7) 🥳
This was such an engaging mystery/thriller that follows a rape trial reminiscent of the Brock Turner case. The case was both heartbreaking and frustrating because of how realistically the trial was depicted. I enjoyed how the primary case was interwoven with a cold case from the past. I guessed the reveal of who was the perpetrator from the secondary case, but I thought it demonstrated the prevalence of misogyny and r@pe culture. I didn’t rate this book a high 4-stars because I didn’t feel that connected to the protagonist; I wish more of the book was spent developing her character. ❃ Add on Goodreads or The StoryGraph ❃

Edenbrooke (Edenrbooke, #1) by Julianne Donaldson
4.5-stars (Read on September 8) 🔁
Normally, I’m not a fan of single POV romance novels, but I think it worked really well for Edenbrooke since much of the plot is about the Heroine learning to stand up for herself and her desires in the face of her beloved and self-centred twin sister. I love the friends-to-lovers romance between the protagonist and the love interest. There was also just the right amount of angst since by the time the Heroine realized she was in love with the Hero, she didn’t want to risk their friendship. This is definitely a historical romance I’ll continue to re-read in the future. ❃ Add on Goodreads or The StoryGraph ❃

My Darling Duke (Sinful Wallflowers, #1) by Stacy Reid
4.25-stars (Read from September 8 to September 9) 🔁
I love this historical romance so much that I’ve read it four times! I’m such a fan of really bold Heroines in this genre, and nothing is more bold than pretending to be engaged to a Duke to save her family. I loved the emotional development between the main characters – the development from them being strangers to friends to more was the best. ❃ Add on Goodreads or The StoryGraph ❃

Midnight Sun (Twilight Saga, #5) by Stephenie Meyer
4.75-stars (Read from September 2 to September 11) 🔁 🤓
I reviewed this book on my blog back when it was released in 2020 – read my full review here!

Twilight (Twilight Saga, #1) by Stephenie Meyer
4-stars (Read from September 2 to September 11) 🔁 🤓
Read my critical exploration of Twilight (and the rest of the saga) here.

Legends & Lattes (Legends & Lattes, #1) by Travis Baldree
4-stars (Read from September 16 to September 17) 🥳
I finally got around to reading the hyped Legends & Lattes! It was the perfect cozy read to jump-start my mood after a gloomy week. I love that the focus of this book is the protagonist’s appreciation for the quieter things in life, her learning to integrate into a new community, making friends and reinvesting in her community. The book’s charm comes from the friendships Viv makes and the community she builds. There’s also a sweet sapphic romance, but it takes a backseat to Viv’s journey. ❃ Add on Goodreads or The StoryGraph ❃

Aria’s Awakening (Taken, #1) by Stacy Jones
4.5-stars (Read from September 17 to September 18) 🔁
This series is a staple reverse harem sci-fi romance. I love how badass the Heroine is in this book and the twist about the alien abduction. We also get two of the Heros’ perspectives, and they are simps, which is always so fun to read. This book does end on a cliffhanger, though! ❃ Add on Goodreads or The StoryGraph ❃

Victoria’s Discovery (Taken, #3) by Stacy Jones
4.25-stars (Read on September 18) 🔁
This is a spin-off series following one of the human women who crash-landed with a bunch of other abducted people on the planet Aria just liberated. I like how the author highlights the different types of leadership, particularly how important empathy is when building a government. The reverse harem romance is also really sweet, and I thought the choice to not have the main characters able to understand each other right off the bat made for some funny scenes but also created interesting conflict. ❃ Add on Goodreads or The StoryGraph ❃

Victoria’s Embrace (Taken, #4) by Stacy Jones
4.5-stars (Read on September 18) 🔁
After the cliffhanger to the previous book, I always quickly jump into Victoria’s Embrace. I love how this book sees the Heroine strengthening her leadership capabilities and realizing she’s stronger than she thinks. Also, her harem expands since one of the guys finally stops pushing her away. The Heroine’s story ends on a more traditional note – or as traditional as it can be for a reverse harem alien romance – which was cute and wasn’t something we got to see with Aria’s books. ❃ Add on Goodreads or The StoryGraph ❃

The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
4.5-stars (Read on September 23) 🥳
I’m so happy that I finally got around to reading this book! I loved the spooky small-town atmosphere and especially enjoyed the character development of the protagonist as she learns to accept herself and rediscover her passion for writing after her ex-boyfriend betrayed her. I thought the romance between her and her ghost editor was really sweet. The fact that he was a ghost allowed both of them to be really vulnerable with each other. It wasn’t 5-stars, though, because I wish the protagonist had been more confrontational. Even towards the end of the book, she’d rather avoid (possibly) difficult situations than acknowledge her feelings/get closure. I thought the exploration of grief was also really well done. ❃ Add on Goodreads or The StoryGraph ❃

Furia by Yamile Saied Méndez
4.25-stars (Read on September 26) 🥳
I can’t believe how long I put off reading this book, but I’m so glad I finally read it (in one sitting, too)! I loved all the commentary on sexism and gender roles and how that intersects with sports. I wasn’t expecting to like the romance, but I actually really enjoyed it since the protagonist had her priorities straight. I just wish the book had focused a bit more on her playing and training for soccer (similar to Kulti by Mariana Zapata). Also, I low-key wish she had kicked Diego to the curb permanently. ❃ Add on Goodreads or The StoryGraph ❃

5-star Reads

Key: 🔁 re-read | 🤓 reviewed on this blog | 📜 from Up Next Shelf | 🥳 from 2023 Backlist

Reckless (Chestnut Springs, #4) by Elsie Silver
5-stars (Read on September 11)
I was concerned when I found out that Reckless had a secret baby trope – it’s so rare for this trope to end well for either main character, but it really worked in this romance. This small-town romance also had a “Hero falls first” vibe, which was great for their second chance arc. I loved that the Heroine finally had someone in her corner. ❃ Add on Goodreads or The StoryGraph ❃

Disorientation by Elaine Hsieh Chou
5-stars (Read from September 11 to September 13) 🥳
This book was my favourite read in September! Read my full review here.

Aria’s Ascension (Taken, #2) by Stacy Jones
5-stars (Read on September 18) 🔁
The action in this book is so fun, which is probably why I keep re-reading it! I love how the author expanded the scope of this sci-fi reverse harem romance to include a rebellion and the difficulties of taking over the compound on a planet that doesn’t give any of the gladiators rights. The men are totally supportive of the all-around badass that is the Heroine. Overall, this is such a fun read, and I love the promise of two other men eventually joining her harem. ❃ Add on Goodreads or The StoryGraph ❃

Aria’s Desire (Taken, #5) by Stacy Jones
5-stars (Read from September 18 to September 19) 🔁
I think this is my favourite book in the Taken series because we get introduced to a new setting (a matriarchal monarchy), and the Heroine is firmly established in her leadership position and her two husbands. Of course, tension between her and her two other love interests has finally reached a boiling point. Now that shit is no longer hitting the fan, the Heroine finally has time to acknowledge and explores these two other relationships. I loved the emphasis on found family in this book and finally seeing the Heroine happy with all her mates! The scenes where she bonds with her men and affirms how important they are to her are so heartfelt. Such a great conclusion to the series! ❃ Add on Goodreads or The StoryGraph ❃

The Best Thing by Mariana Zapata
5-stars (Read on September 26) 🔁
This slow-burn romance is one of the very few second-chance romances I’ve enjoyed, and perhaps the only one I’ve given 5-stars. I thought Mariana Zapata’s staple 500+ page slow-burn romance – where the main characters don’t kiss till 80% – helped solidify the love interest’s regret and re-establish their relationship after so long. I also adored the supporting characters, and while I wanted more of the Heroine’s best friend (the protagonist from Luna and the Lie), the scenes with the protagonist’s Grandpa/guardian were HILARIOUS and so heartfelt. ❃ Add on Goodreads or The StoryGraph ❃

The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein
5-stars (Read from September 1 to September 29) 🥳
This book was incredibly informative – I genuinely think it should be mandatory reading for everyone in North America. Through an extensive exploration of redlining, urban planning decisions, mortgage lending practices, and residential development grants, the author demonstrates how government-created laws actively discriminated against Black people. These discriminatory practices have led to the enduring deprivation of generational wealth, shedding light on the systemic roots of segregation. ❃ Add on Goodreads or The StoryGraph ❃

September Stats

Favourite and Least Favourite Reads

Most Favourite: Disorientation by Elain Hsieh Chou. See why here.

Least Favourite: Free Me by Ashley N. Rostek. See why here.

Quick Facts

• Most books (11) were from Kindle Unlimited.
• Most books (12 each) were either 4-star or 3-star reads.
• Most books (5) were reverse harem romances.
• My most-read author was Stacy Jones, with 5 books.

Longest and Shortest Reads

Longest Book: Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer ~ 658 pages

Shortest Book: Xingu by Edith Wharton ~ 34 pages

Top of My Want-to-Read

October To-Be-Read

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