Welcome to another TTT! This week’s topic is Books I Did Not Finish (DNFed), so I’m sharing my ten most recent DNFs because I think it would be hard for me to rank every books I’ve ever DNFed. Top Ten Books I Didn’t Finish? lol. If they were worthy of ranking, I would have finished them! I keep track of my DNFs on Goodreads, and that shelf has 424 books on it as of right now. WOW. Honestly, though, allowing myself to DNF has made me love reading more. Life’s too short for bad books! Excuse my overly-long thoughts on some of these. lol. All but one of these were review copies and I had to give more detailed reasons for DNFing for the sake of fulfilling my end of the deal.

1. A Very Bad Thing by J.T. Ellison

DNFed @ 12%

I don’t know what happened here. The high star average rating on Goodreads had me thinking I was the problem and I wanted to hang in there, but I have already rolled my eyes at so much of this already. It’s theatrical and Darian is ridiculous. Riley is annoying. I couldn’t stand Columbia in the beginning, so I really don’t care that she’s dead now and I really don’t care to find out why she’s dead or what “very bad thing” she did before she died. Also, this is narrated by my beloved Saskia Maarleveld, but even she can’t save it. Her tone is making everyone sound more annoying.

2. But He’s My Grumpy Neighbor by Annah Conwell

DNFed @ 23%

Oh how I wanted to love this book. The cover is cute, the reviews are great, and I love a closed-door romance. But, unfortunately, this was too sugary, drippy sweet and unrealistic for me. Juliette is incredibly sweet and sunshiney and acted like she was 7 years old. The hot flushes when his finger brushes hers or the stomach flips when the arms of their coats touch had me rolling my eyes. The gasping and hiding under a blanket when he looks her way, all while saying, “please don’t notice me, please don’t see me” is the kind of thing I did as a child. And yet, Juliette owns her own cottage on a lake. She owns her own business. She’s not a silly teen, she’s a fully grown adult who is out on her own. I couldn’t handle the immaturity. And then Adrian. He’s former CIA, and was written in such a stereotypical way. And he’s certainly not grumpy, as the title suggests. When comparing him to Juliette, I suppose maybe he could be considered grumpy. The writing wasn’t the best. Juliette walked outside and the cold bit (nipped?) at her cheekbones. Dear, your cheekbones are covered in skin. If the air nipped at your bones, you’re a skeleton. I tried to continue, but this just wasn’t for me in the end.

3. A Christmas Promise by Mary Balogh

DNFed @ 27%

After an absolutely horrific wedding night, this hero is irredeemable. I hate Ellie’s father, who blackmailed Randolph into marrying her and required that they consummate the marriage on the wedding night. What father would do this to his daughter? She’s his entire life and he loves her so much, and this is his final gift to her? Randolph hates her so much and is so upset that they’re married that he decides to hurt her and be as rough as possible. No foreplay, no slowness, no respect. And then when he feels bad after, he justifies his actions by thinking to himself that she brought it out in him. And then he runs to his mistress. I hate this book.

4. Baking It Merry by Samantha Chase (Audio)

DNFed @ 7%

I couldn’t listen to this narrator’s voice anymore. Too much vocal fry, over-enunciation, and a high-pitched, sharp, overly smiley tone. I felt like my preschool teacher was talking to me.

5. The Water Witch by Jessica Thorne

DNFed @ 15%

This was very poorly written and extremely boring. The characters are flat and dull, and I just did’t care. I went and looked up spoilers, and I’m so glad I didn’t spend more time reading this. I love archaeology and legends and treasure hunting, but it sounds like none of that actually matters in the end anyway.

6. The Unwedding by Ally Condie

DNFed @ 29%

Ellery acts both extremely immature and extremely old for her 40 years of age. She sounds like she’s 12 and then she sounds like she’s 70. And I know more about what these people are ate than about the supposed mystery.

7. Rebel Summer by Cindy Steel

DNFed @ 28%

I really didn’t like flashbacks to high school, and this happened every other chapter. Also, I didn’t like all of the mean things that people in the town were saying about the hero. It’s ok to have tattoos and be a loner, but they used those characteristics to typecast him. I also just didn’t like the narration style. Fake southern accents don’t do it for me.

8. A Fire in the Sky by Sophie Jordan

DNFed @ 21%

I’m honestly surprised that this was written by Sophie Jordan. I’ve read many of her books and have always really liked them, so I have no idea what’s happened here. The writing is cumbersome and repetitive. There’s a lot of inner monologues from different characters, all recounting the same events with no additional information. Many passages are overly dramatic, with short, blunt sentences that I’m sure were written to try and add emphasis and drama, but they all came across as annoying “mic-drop” moments where the characters keep trying to illicit a gasp from the reader. Examples:

“It was a good day for a whipping. I’d had my share. Too many to count. But today was special. Today the border lords arrived.”

“Ever since we were little girls, we had done everything together. Played together. Ate together. Took lessons together. There was no distinction between us. We were sisters. No difference except one. A very important distinction. I was the only one to bear any punishment.”

“I shook my head. It was not even a request. Not even a proposition. It was a statement of fact. A forgone conclusion.”

“He had taught me to fight. He had taught me the meaning of honor. That you bled for the things that mattered. Your homeland. Your people. A worthless and feeble king. I inhaled.”

“I let my words hang in the air. Not a threat. Precisely.”

“My boyhood was gone. The time for childish things was over. I had things to do. Important things. Adult things. And yet there was something about her. Something that had me lingering over her.”

“She was going to be free. Free to be. Free to choose.” (This one made me roll my eyes the most.)

“When I was ten years old, I learned that there would be no grand state wedding for me. No multitude of guests. No weeklong festivities. No royal hunts for the wedding party. No lavish feast with all manner of entertainment. No bells tolling throughout the land. No marriage rites…”

“Especially not at ten. Not yet. I was a little girl. I didn’t worry about such things. I lived in the moment.”

“I spent my mornings learning with tutors and our governess. In music lessons. Dance. Art. Comportment.”

This is not all of them, and this is only up to 16%. Is the author’s period key broken on her keyboard? What happened to commas and flowing sentences? Reading this was like driving on a bumpy road.

9. Adam & Evie’s Matchmaking Tour by Nora Nguyen

DNFed @ 24%

The 3rd person POV prevented me from really sinking into this story and connecting with the characters. I loved the scenery and the entire idea of a matchmaking tour, but the story never grabbed me and I found my mind wandering as I read.

10. Caribbean Crush by R.S. Grey

DNFed @ 18%

I had a really hard time understanding why an adult man would harbor such feelings of anger and betrayal so many years after a middle school prank. I just really do not like arguments between children being the source of tension between adults in an enemies to lovers romance. I’m too old for this.

I always used to love this author’s books, but I’m starting to think we’re heading in different directions. This just seemed so wordy, and filled with details that weren’t necessary. Flashbacks to middle school took forever. Explanations and descriptions took forever. There was hardly any actual dialogue, it was all just telling. I appreciated the dual point of view, but they are both telling the reader the same thing. I didn’t care to read all the he said she said stuff. I also really didn’t care about all the technological workings of a cruise ship. I wanted fun and romance, not science. I loved the foundation of the friendship developing between the main girl and her neighbor, but I couldn’t hang in there long enough to see that through.

It’s not often I get to see all my negative thoughts about books smushed together like this! It’s like sitting in a room full of exes. Awkward!

Have you read any of these books?

Welcome to another TTT! I cannot believe we’ve already made it to Spring, but here we are! This Thursday marks the first day of Spring, and the weather here doesn’t agree with that one bit. But I love cold weather, so I’m happy to hold onto it as long as it stays! Spring does bring things I love, though, like flowers (RIP my allergies) and sunshine. Here’s a list of books I hope to read over the next three months. Some of them are coming out during this time, but I’m also doing my best to tackle backlist titles this year. But… I’ve also got review books coming out later in the year, so there’s some of everything!

1. Spring Fling by Annie England Noblin

Rekindle your belief in the magic of first love and the charm of small towns with Annie England Noblin’s delightful friends-to-lovers romantic comedy, perfect for readers of Jill Shalvis and Sarah Adams.

Spring is in the air and Mylie has everything she could ever want: her tackle shop is thriving and employs a third of Clay Creek, Arkansas, and she lives with her beloved Granny and little sister Cassie, who both keep her on her toes. As tourists pour into town for the annual fishing tournament, Mylie is in her element and ready to bring her all-women team to victory.

After moving to Chicago, Ben never thought he would return to Clay Creek. But with both his grandfather and mother gone, he’s left to deal with their estate. His plan is simple: come in quietly, fix up his lakeside childhood home, sell it quickly, and get out. He underestimates how quickly his arrival will stir up the local gossip, and how intensely his unresolved feelings for Mylie, his childhood best friend, will resurface.

Amid the buzz of competition and the rhythm of small-town life, Mylie and Ben find themselves unable to ignore their shared history. They tentatively explore a future together, despite the impending sale of Ben’s house and Mylie’s insistence on staying put in Clay Creek. Flings are easier said than done, and Mylie and Ben will have to address their clashing lifestyles before their feelings get away from them.

Told with Annie England Noblin’s signature wit, cozy charm, and a dash of spice, Spring Fling is the perfect friends-to-lovers read.

2. The Duke and Lady Scandal by Christy Carlyle

In the swoon-worthy opener of her Princes of London series, Christy Carlyle takes readers on a breathless chase through Victorian London as a wild bluestocking from a family of treasure hunters and a handsome, serious gentleman from the Scotland Yard butt heads while attempting to thwart a plot to steal the Crown Jewels, inspired by National Treasure.

Alexandra Prince is clever, outspoken, and, yes, perhaps a bit impulsive. Yet she’s always been overshadowed by her siblings. While they are off on adventurous expeditions, she’s the one left to keep the family’s antique shop going while she works on a book about lady pirates—and longs for an adventure of her own. When she overhears a group of suspicious customers whispering about a plan to steal the Crown Jewels, she knows it’s her opportunity to shine. But she needs a little help.

Detective Inspector Benedict Drake takes his duties at Scotland Yard seriously. In fact, he takes almost everything seriously. Except for the breathless beauty who crashes into his office to tell him about a ludicrous scheme to steal the Crown Jewels. Despite his turning her away, she keeps popping up wherever he goes, and he’s not sure whether she’s determined to cause a scandal or is trying to drive him to distraction. Just when he thinks he’s rid of her, an event compels him to believe her account, and he begrudgingly enlists her aid to thwart the theft of the century.

But while thieves seek the Crown Jewels, the troublesome bluestocking he can’t seem to keep away from might just steal his heart…

3. The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst

New York Times bestselling author Sarah Beth Durst invites you to her new standalone novel nestled on a far-away island brimming with singing flowers, honey cakes, and honeyed love. The hardcover edition features beautiful sprayed edges.

Terlu Perna broke the law because she was lonely. She cast a spell and created a magically sentient spider plant. As punishment, she was turned into a wooden statue and tucked away into an alcove in the North Reading Room of the Great Library of Alyssium.

This should have been the end of her story . . . Yet one day, Terlu wakes in the cold of winter on a nearly-deserted island full of hundreds of magical greenhouses. She’s starving and freezing, and the only other human on the island is a grumpy gardener. To her surprise, he offers Terlu a place to sleep, clean clothes, and freshly baked honey cakes—at least until she’s ready to sail home.

But Terlu can’t return home and doesn’t want to—the greenhouses are a dream come true, each more wondrous than the next. When she learns that the magic that sustains them is failing—causing the death of everything within them—Terlu knows she must help. Even if that means breaking the law again.

This time, though, she isn’t alone. Assisted by the gardener and a sentient rose, Terlu must unravel the secrets of a long-dead sorcerer if she wants to save the island—and have a fresh chance at happiness and love.

Funny, kind, and forgiving, The Enchanted Greenhouse is a story about giving second chances—to others and to yourself.

4. Soulgazer by Maggie Rapier

Every legend has a beginning.

With their freedom on the line, a young woman and a rakish pirate take their fate into their own hands as they attempt to find a lost mythical isle with the power to save their entire world.

Saoirse yearns to be powerless. Cursed from childhood with a volatile magic, she’s managed to imprison it within, living under constant terror that one day it will break free. And it does, changing everything.

Horrified at her loss of control, Saoirse’s parents offer her hand to the cold and ruthless Stone King. Knowing she’ll never survive such a cruel man, Saoirse realizes there is only one path forward…she must break her curse.

On the eve of her wedding, Saoirse seeks out the legendary Wolf of the Wild—Faolan, a feral, silver-tongued pirate. He swears to help rid her of the deadly magic, if she’ll use it to locate a lost mythical isle first. Crafted by the slaughtered gods, it’s the only land that could absorb her power.

But Saoirse knows better than to trust a pirate’s word. With the wrath of her disgraced father and scorned betrothed chasing them, Saoirse adds one last condition to protect if Faolan wants her on his ship, he’ll have to marry her first.

5. Silver Elite by Dani Francis

In the first book of a searing new dystopian trilogy, a young woman must conceal her psychic powers—and her attraction to her handsome, infuriating commanding officer—as she works undercover to take down a brutal government from within.

The world is divided. On the Continent, you’re either a Prime—immune to the biotoxin that nearly wiped out the Earth’s population 150 years ago—or a Modified, one who was enhanced by the toxin, developing powerful psychic gifts.

As conflict rages between the two sides, Wren Darlington lives in hiding. Occasionally running the odd op for the rebel Uprising against the Primes’ oppressive rule, she must keep a low profile. After all, if the enemy finds out that she is a Mod with a staggering four psychic abilities, she won’t just be sent to the labor camps. She’ll be executed—immediately and without trial.

When a careless mistake puts Wren in the crosshairs of the Continent’s military, she is taken captive and forced to join their most elite Silver Block. Unwittingly, they’ve handed her the perfect opportunity for the Uprising to strike a devastating blow from inside their ranks. That is, if she can keep her powers hidden, survive training, and prove herself to Cross Redden, her maddeningly cocky commanding officer.

Despite the explosive chemistry between them, Cross doesn’t trust her—even as he seems determined to destroy the remaining shreds of Wren’s self-control. Yet as the war between Primes and Mods escalates, and as Wren and Cross find themselves unable to stay away from each other, they must decide how far they’re willing to go for their secrets—and how much of the Continent is worth saving.

6. Swept Away by Beth O’Leary

Lost at sea . . . with your one-night stand

Lexi is looking for no-strings-attached fun with a stranger. She deserves one night for herself, doesn’t she?

Zeke is looking for love. But for one night with a woman like Lexi, he’ll break his rules . . .

Sparks fly at the pub, one passionate kiss leads to another and they end up stumbling home to the marina together.

The next morning, hungover and shaken by an amazing night together, Lexi is more than ready for Zeke to leave. There’s just one small problem . . . the houseboat they stayed on has been swept out to sea.

As their supplies start to run dangerously low, and the waves pick up, Zeke and Lexi soon realise there’s much more on the line than their new relationship.

How long can they really survive on a drifting houseboat in the North Sea? Will search and rescue find them? And who will they be if they both make it back to dry land?

Swept Away is the epic new romance from the million-copy bestselling author of The Flatshare and The No-Show about your one-night stand becoming your one and only lifeline. Sharp, funny and breathtakingly intense, this standout novel is set to capture readers’ hearts next spring.

7. A Very Bad Thing by J.T. Ellison

From New York Times bestselling author J.T. Ellison comes a taut thriller about one author at the pinnacle of her career, whose past threatens to destroy everything she has—and everyone she knows.

A great writer knows when to deliver a juicy plot twist. But for one author, the biggest twist of all is her own murder.

With a number of hit titles and a highly anticipated movie tie-in, celebrated novelist Columbia Jones is at the top of her game. Fans around the world adore her. But on the final night of her latest book tour, one face in the crowd makes the author collapse. And by the next morning, she’s lying dead in a pool of blood.

Columbia’s death shocks the world and leaves Darian, her daughter and publicist, reeling. The police have nothing to go on—at first. But then details emerge, pointing to the author’s illicit past. Turns out many people had motive to kill Columbia. And with a hungry reporter and frustrated cop on the trail, her secrets won’t stay buried long. But how many lives will they shatter as the truth comes out?

8. My Lucky Charm by Courtney Walsh

Note: This is a closed-door romance. I try to point them out since they can be harder to find!

A humiliating break-up leads to an impulsive New Year’s Kiss with a complete stranger.
What could possibly go wrong?

It’s no secret that I love life. And Dr Pepper. But also, I love a challenge. . .

So when the coach of the Chicago Comets gives me the opportunity to help their star player, newly traded to their team, acclimate to life in Chicago, I’m all in.

I have to be. After my last job went up in flames, I have something to prove.

It turns out that the player, Grayson Hawke, is the rudest, most off-putting, reclusive guy I’ve ever met.

It also turns out that he is the beautiful stranger I kissed on New Year’s Eve.

I can do this job. I can do this job. I can do this job.

And I can. Really well.

I can make Gray’s life easier, show him all the reasons to fall in love with this city, and in the process, hopefully completely forget that the amazing kiss ever happened.

How hard can it be? We’re total opposites anyway.

I love people . . . and all their stories. Gray loves hockey . . . and nothing else.

I love to talk. Gray only stares.

I’m happy-go-lucky. Gray’s all work and no play.

There’s just one problem. The more time I spend with Grayson Hawke, the more I start to see that underneath his bristly, standoffish exterior, he’s nothing like the man everyone thinks he is.

And suddenly, all the reasons for keeping my distance, staying professional, and not falling for someone again. . . are impossible to remember.

9. The Garden of Lost Secrets by Kelly Bowen

Two sisters discover the fairy tales written by their great-grandmother during WWII in this riveting tale of one woman’s secrets lost in the chaos of war—perfect for fans of Julia Kelly and Natasha Lester.

1940 – Stasia always found comfort in the idyllic French countryside where she spent her childhood summers, roaming the gardens of an old chateau and finding inspiration for fairy tales full of bravery and adventure. But these days are much darker, and with Nazis storming across Europe, she soon finds herself one of the most hunted agents of the Resistance. The only safe haven she can think of is Chateau de Montissaire. But she’s about to discover that it just may be the center of her biggest mission yet.

Present day – When Isabelle purchases a crumbling chateau in Rouen, it’s not just a renovation project—it’s a chance to reconnect with her sister, Emilie, the only family she has left. What she uncovers instead is an intriguing mystery… As the siblings piece together the incredible truth behind the books written by their great-grandmother Stasia, they discover an exciting story of courage in the face of treachery and an explosive secret that will change everything they believed about their family.

10. Battle Royal by Lucy Parker

Ready…

Four years ago, Sylvie Fairchild charmed the world as a contestant on the hit baking show, Operation Cake. Her ingenious, colorful creations captivated viewers and intrigued all but one of the judges, Dominic De Vere, the hottest pastry chef in London. When her glittery unicorn cake went spectacularly sideways, Dominic was quick to vote her off the show. Since then, Sylvie has managed to use her fame to help fulfill her dream of opening a bakery, Sugar Fair. The toast of Instagram, Sugar Fair has captured the attention of the Operation Cake producers…and a princess.

Set…

Dominic is His Majesty the King’s favorite baker, the go-to for sweet-toothed A-List celebrities, and a veritable British institution. He’s brilliant, talented, hard-working. And an icy, starchy grouch. Learning that the irksome Sylvie will be joining him on the Operation Cake judging panel is enough to make the famously dour baker even more grim. Her fantastical baking is only slightly more troublesome than the fact that he can’t stop thinking about her pink-streaked hair and irrepressible dimple.

Match…

When Dominic and Sylvie learn they will be fighting for the once in a lifetime opportunity to bake a cake for the upcoming wedding of Princess Rose, the flour begins to fly as they’re both determined to come out on top.

The bride adores Sylvie’s quirky style. The palace wants Dominic’s classic perfection.

In this royal battle, can there be room for two?

Have you read any of these? Any I should prioritize?
Are you excited about any of the ones coming out soon?
Also. I still haven’t recovered from the time change yet. Anyone else having this problem? I’m exhausted!

Welcome to another TTT! This week’s topic was submitted by Alice @ The Wallflower Digest and is: Books that Include/Feature [insert your favorite theme or plot device here]. Examples include unreliable narrators, coming of age, darkness vs. light, time travel, metafiction, a specific romantic trope, good vs. evil. cliffhangers, flashbacks, plot twists, red herrings, loose ends, stories within stories, meet cutes, symbolism, etc. You know me, I love romance novels! I’ve decided to share ten of my favorite romance novels featuring my favorite trope: the fauxmance. What’s a fauxmance, you say? Fake romance! This means fake dating, fake engagement/courtship, and fake marriage. You’ll probably notice that some of these titles are frequently mentioned in my TTT lists, but that’s because they’re some of my favorite books of all time! Books with asterisks after them indicate that the romances are closed-door. Here we go!

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
A Week to be Wicked by Tessa Dare
I Temporarily Do by Ellie Cahill
Date Me Like You Mean It by R.S. Grey
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison
The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams*
Faking Christmas by Cindy Steel*
My Phony Valentine by Courtney Walsh*
First to Fall by Jenny B. Jones*