9 Books in January

January wasn't filled with 5-star reads but it was okay nonetheless. I read a total of 9 books. 2 were 5 stars. So let's get into it.

1. What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma by Stephanie Foo was so well written. This book was so amazing. I didn't want to put it down each time I picked it up. I learned so much reading this. Stephanie has a way with words. While her story was heartbreaking, I felt she found her way through for young Stephanie. This book gives great insight into complex trauma and how it manifests. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

2. Brutal Vows (Queens & Monsters #4) by JT Geissinger was another great book. They were meant to be. I loved the depth of both characters. Learning about their pasts and what made them into who they are now. The mom was HILARIOUS. I loved the powerhouse Reyna was.A wonderfully paired couple that just made sense. There was no damsel in distress. No woman needs saving. Reyna was a badass and Spider loved it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

3. Carnal Urges (Queens & Monsters, #2) & Savage Hearts (Queens & Monsters, #3) also by J.T. Geissinger both were ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Book 2 THE END! WOW. I LOVED Declan & Sloane together. The back and forth. The banter. They complement each other so well. And they both see right through the other one. All I could think about was Spider when I read book 3. I felt for him cause I KNOW he was hurting. But it was a good book. I loved how the MMC thought the FMC needed saving at first. very funny

4. Lakewood by Megan Gidding was a very interesting read. It gave off trying to be a psychological thriller but felt more like just a mystery to me. It played off of how this country has a way of experimenting on and using Black & Brown people. The end did make me sad because it also brought up generational abuse of Black women. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

5. Take a Chance by Miyeko May was a very cute and short read. I love that they knew each other from before and how she had no clue he liked her back in the day. It was a nice and refreshing read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

6. Come as You Are: The Surprising New Science that Will Transform Your Sex Life by Emily Nagoski, Ph. D. was a more professional read. I am hoping to become sex therapy trained so this book was essential. It gave great insight. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

7. Black Candle Women by Diane Marie Brown was a bit of a disappointment. I really wanted to love this book, hell even like it and that was not at all the case. This book didn't start to get good until 50% in. In the end, there was still very minimal character growth. None of the characters were likable. There wasn't even a lot of hoodoo discussed. I had high hopes. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (i'm being very generous)

8. The Art of Communicating by Thich Nhat Hanh was an overall good book. I did feel like it was a bit repetitive/redundant but overall good. ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

What did y'all read in January? Are you gonna check out any of these books? Let me know!

Love Always,

VanessaClair