Book Recommendations For Your Christmas Wish List
I’ve wanted to share this forever! Ever since I got back into reading, I’ve wanted others to feel the way I do about books.
Did I ever think that smut, fantasy, adventure and romance would be it after years of self-help?
No.
But it does seem like that is the natural way people tend to go when finding reading again or wanting some change in their life. And I’m happy to help with it too!
So here’s my recommendations for a Christmas wish list!
They’re a mix of genres, but they’re my all time favorites as of right now, and what I would love others to experience too.
As I started writing this blog post, I realized that I can’t write a review at all. I only really remember vibes or my favorite parts or how it was written. So hopefully I can still persuade you to add these to your list of books to read, if not add them to your cart. These are in no particular order either.
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1.The Scarlet Princess
Ok, so this one is a bit of a lie, because I recommend the entire series as well as Rowans’ mothers’ story and her cousins’ by the same authors. But it was the first one that I read and it literally has changed me! I have been on the hunt for books that have the same vibe, but my search is still going.
The first line made me want to read it, “Death was a hefty price to pay for vodka.”
But I can only ever picture a fiery red-headed girl, who doesn’t take no for an answer, speaks her mind, and fears no one when I see the name Rowan. No other character has measured up.
This book makes me feel like I can do anything, that I have a lot more love to give, and I need to spend more time with the family I enjoy. This is a world I would love to escape too, even though I couldn’t fight in a battle, or even try to hold my own.
I’ve read all the books from this world, and still want more. Luckily the authors just put out a duology of Evanders’ point of view, the man that is Rowans enemy, captor, protector and later lover.
This is a doors-closed book so no smut, but the tension is high and the kisses are involved.
I honestly want everyone to read it and it bothers me to know that others haven’t.
2.A Dowry of Blood
Now honestly, this one surprised me. It was a random pick from Barnes and Noble when I had some extra cash from Christmas. But OH, was I happy I picked it up!
It’s a Dracula retelling from the point of view of his first wife. Or at least his first wife in this timeline. The writing is so poetic and very much a diary entry, where you’re sharing your whole heart and feelings.
Other people get brought into the marriage and there is a bit of spice involved, but again, it’s so much emotion.
It’s dark and gothic and travels through time. It’s so interesting to hear them navigate it, and the intense emotion tied to it. Of wanting to live but also no longer wanting to, of being so in love that it’s your whole existence but also hating the person that holds your heart.
This was the first book of the new year for me, well at least it was supposed to be. I read it in 2 days and before 2024 even started. So much for that.
But if vampires and really good writing/story is your vibe, I’d highly recommend getting this.
3.The Pumpkin Spice Cafe
This is the only non-fantasy book I’ve honestly read up to this point. And why, I’m not sure, but I’m so glad I did!
It's an incredibly cute, small town fall feel. She’s opening a cafe and trying to start over and, go figure, this absolute sweetheart country boy is there to help her. They both have had tough past relationships and are trying to navigate it, but when the communication finally happens…YES!
Happy ending here we come!
Some compare it to Gilmore Girls, I’ve never watched it or thought it was my vibe, but maybe it is. This is totally a palette cleanser if you read some heavier books. It is still spicy, but it’s more focused on the relationship building, and the scenes feel that much better.
I’ve realized it’s not all spice for me when it comes to books. But story-line, banter, and character build is something I need to draw me in. And this is it!
She also has at least 2 more other books out as of now in the series, I’m still needing to read them right now. But if they’re anything like the first, this author will be another repeat buy for sure!
4.One Dark Window
This was a book I saw going around online, and it totally lives up to the hype! It’s such a fun take and so different than any of the other darker fantasies I’ve read.
There’s a deck of cards that hold certain magic for each. And the most rare, highest power card just so happened to find a little girl and the demon lives in her mind.
The story that unfolds from it all is honestly so incredible. It’s dark and full of great characters, the political intrigue guides everything, there’s some spice but not as much as I feel some people say. I feel like it was only in the second book, also recommend! But the romance and depth of wanting to help is huge!
If you’re looking for something different in a fantasy world, I would highly recommend reading this duology.
5.Ice Planet Barbarians
Ok, hear me out! This is on Kindle unlimited, and I can’t remember how it got to me. But honestly, I’m not mad!
These blue aliens on an ice planet where a spaceship of women crash landed after being kidnapped by another alien race, is SO good! Why I got sucked into a smutty alien series I’ll never know, but when I see this book on my bookshelf, I can only smile.
The spice is heavy and there throughout the book. But honestly, I feel like the storyline and plot holds enough weight that it doesn’t feel like it’s overkill or just adding in spice because you can. I also feel like the blue alien men actually try to connect with the women they “vibe” for, and that just makes me happy! There’s a language barrier, and they eventually get through it, but still.
Did I say I’d stop after one book? Yes.
Did I continue on through the next 4? Of course!
Would I recommend this to anyone? Well, my mother for sure NOT, my sister I might get to, but if you’re into spice, fantasy and you’re open to how one with aliens would go, you have to read at least the first one.
Also, I’m going to throw this out there as these books would be my dream Christmas wishlist if I was reading this all for the first time.
It’s to say a Kindle would be on the list too. It has been a GAME CHANGER in my want to read. I’ve gone through so many more books because of it, and actually bought it as a gift to myself. So I’d hate to not add it if you’re on the edge of joining the club.
Either way, I hope this was helpful if you’re looking for gift ideas for your bookworm. Hope they love it as much as I have, or you do if this is a gift for yourself.
Which you should totally do anyways!
Happy reading!
