At the beginning of 2024 I set a goal to read 20 books this year.
When I hit 10 mid February I knew it was time to up the anty.
So I set a new goal. A BIG goal.
And I’m pushing hard to reach it.
Because I don’t set myself up to fail.
In January I read 7 books
This month I read 8.
My new goal for 2024…. 72
MY PERSONAL RULES OF READING
I used to live with the perspective that I didn’t have time to read. But in reality, I just wasn’t MAKING time. I came up with a few “rules” for myself and it has been a game changer for my reading habits.
- I changed my perspective of what a book is. Instead of exclusively wanting a physical book in my hand, I have started listening to audio books as well.
- Instead of mindless social scrolling while I drink my morning coffee, I journal then have 15-20 minutes of scheduled reading time as a part of my morning routine.
- Tommy bought me a new pair of EARBUDS for Christmas last year. They are so comfortable that I have no problem leaving them in my ears for a good portion of my day. So whether I’m driving, getting ready for the day or working on a project. I’m probably listening to a book!
- I implemented, a no screens after skincare rule. Which means when I get in bed at night, my phone is across the room and I am reading instead of checking DM’s.
- If I’m having trouble sleeping in the middle of the night, I grab my book instead of my phone. I find that I fall back asleep so much faster!
what i read in FEBRUARY
I stepped into the mystery/thriller genre at the end of January and now I cant get enough! This month 4 out of the 8 books I read fell in that category and one was even a psychological thriller! WOW! Im going to have to pace myself on those!
Take a peek at the books that shattered my heart, wasted my time and ranked as my favorite of the year so far!
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FIRST LIE WINS *****
This book was incredible! I listened to it on audible and it only took me 3 days to finish. It is a fast paced, cat and mouse thriller with a female con artist as the main character.
I especially loved how the end didn’t just end once the secrets were out but instead built the story further in to the characters lives.
I was on my toes the whole time and loved every second of it! My favorite read so far of 2024!!
daisy jones & the six ****
I had a really hard time getting into this book. It felt crazy slow after the thriller I had read before it.
I listened to it on audible and liked how each character had a voice, enjoyed the story and loved the reveal at the end that tied the whole book together.
Even though I wasn’t in the mood for this type of book, I kept listening and ultimately Im glad i did. I would recommend going into it prepared, knowing its more of a sleepy story.
the last thing he told me ***
A story of a husband who disappears and leaves a wife and daughter in search of him. I liked the book but it left me wanting more.
The story line was fine but it felt a little clunky as it revealed deep family secrets.
Worth the read but definitely not as suspenseful or captivating as other mystery/thrillers I’ve read this year.
little fires everywhere **
I feel like I wasted 9 hours of my life reading this book. It was slow and all over the place with perspectives changing so often it was sometimes hard to know who was who.
There was so much time spent on character development and so many story lines and it never felt like there was a conclusion that gave the book purpose.
Not my cup of tea.
ugly love *****
WOW!! This was the first word that slipped out of my mouth when I finished this book.
A story of an airline pilot and a nurse who find themselves in mutually “beneficial” arrangement. But it ends up being so much more than that.
My heart was in my throat the entire time. The emotional details were daunting and breathtaking. The characters were amazing. My heart was shattered so many times then slowly put back together. The end was beautiful. A full circle moment and I loved every heart tugging second.
WARNING — SPICY!!
the housemaid ***
A story of a housemaid who is sent threatning mysterious boxes and how her wealthy employer is intertwined into it all.
This book was free with my audible membership and for that it was just ok for me. The first half was pretty boring, definitely more mystery than suspense. There were a few unexpected moments about half way through but nothing truly captivating. I did like the mixed modern/goth setting of the book, but overall just an ok read.
things we hide from the light ****
This is the second book in a small town series that I started in January. The first book was about a runaway bride who finds romance while wrngling a lot of family drama.
This book is a continuation but from a different characters perspective. I really enjoyed the mix of mystery and romance and all of the underlying stories behind the characters.
It is really well written and was super easy to listen to on audible especially since I was familiar with the characters from the first book.
WARNING — Lots of language & SPICE!!
behind closed doors ****
A man who is essentially a psychopath. A woman held captive. But to everyone on the outside, their marriage seemed perfect.
I had to consume this one slowly as it shared so many violent and explicit details. But at the same time, it was SO HARD to put down!
It was my first true psychological thriller and now I may be kind of addicted!
TRIGGER WARNING — animal abuse, physical and emotional abuse.
Let me know in the comments if you have read any of these books and if your thoughts are the same or different from mine!
If you would like to keep up with what I’m reading in real time follow me on the GOODREADS APP!
ALSO, I would absolutely LOVE to hear any and all of your book recommendations so I can add them to my list!
Chat soon!!
The Comments
Tammy
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I’ve really liked most anything I’ve read by Elin Hildebrand, Jennifer Weiner, Colleen Hoover or Freida McCaffrey. Can’t go wrong with anything by them. I haven’t gotten into audio books….yet 😊
Robyn Vetter
I started listening to the killing series by Bill O”Reilly…. Killing Kennedy, Killing Jesus.. they’re very interesting