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How to Start a Reading Journal in 2026

There is something so incredibly comforting about curling up with a warm drink and spending some time documenting your latest read. For me, book journaling has become one of my favorite cozy hobbies, allowing me to tune out all the noise and instead just focus on the stories I love. I'll be the first to admit that I completely neglected my 2025 reading journal for months, but getting back into the habit in 2026 has been a serious breath of fresh air. The best part? There is absolutely no "right" or "wrong" way to book journal. Whether you are into elaborate, artistic spreads, or just want a functional place to jot down all your thoughts, there are so many formats and styles to explore. Journaling is about reflecting and connecting to your books, however you choose to do so is entirely up to you. If you're ready to start documenting your own reading journey, here is everything you need to know to get started. Choose Your Medium: Finding Your Creative Flow The...

Book Review: Willing Prey by Allie Oleander

I received Willing Prey by Allie Oleander in a recent subscription box, and I have to admit, I didn't think it would be my cup of tea. The trope set up - a primal, high stakes hunter/prey dynamic seemed a little out there for me, and definitely pushed the boundaries of my usual spicy romance reads. But sometimes, the books you least expect are the ones that absolutely floor you. This book exceeded my expectations, and delivered one of the most unexpected spicy reads of the entire year. The question remains though: Did I survive the hunt? Let's get into the full spoiler-free review. Get the Book Here! Synopsis Newly divorced and deep in student loan debt, Claire Collins agrees to a high-stakes $30,000 agreement to become corporate lawyer Shane Underwood's private prey in a primal hunt. She sees it as a simple summer arrangement, but once they cross the tree line, Shane transforms into a feral stranger. Claire quickly discovers she can be just as wild, and the line between hu...

A Honest 2025 Reading Wrap-Up: My Top Reads of the Year & a 2026 Reading Goal Reset

I started 2025 with the best of intentions: tackling that massive TBR pile. But, as most book lovers know, the books kept coming in faster than I could read them! I quickly developed a habit of prioritizing my book subscription boxes and new releases immediately upon arrival in a desperate effort to keep them from sticking on my TBR to long. I was reading mostly new releases - many of which ended up falling in a 3 star range, while neglecting 5 star potential that has been collecting dust on my shelves for years now.  So, instead of forcing a "Top 10" list, I'm going to focus on giving you guys my honest year-end reflection. I'm putting the data on the table, sharing the books that truly stood out, and hitting the reset button for 2026. Keep reading to see my stats, see my top reads of the year, and to find out what Reading Goals will be following me into the new year. My 2025 Reading Stats Total Books Read:  42 Books  Average Rating:  3.5 Stars  Most Read Genre...

25 Must-Have Christmas Gifts For Book Lovers Under $50

When the holidays roll around, finding the perfect gift for the book lover in your life can feel like an impossible task. The biggest challenge? Knowing which books they already have read! You don't want to accidentally buy them a book they already own. The difficulty in shopping increases when you're shopping for the reader who truly already has everything - the one whose shelves are perfectly curated and whose Kindle is already fully stocked. But finding a present for them doesn't have to be a guessing game, and it certainly shouldn't have to break the bank. Forget spending hundreds on collector's editions that just collect dust. This year, the smartest gifts are the ones that upgrade your recipient's reading experience, celebrate their bookish aesthetic, and help to transform their reading time into the coziest oasis imaginable.  To help make shopping easier, I've curated the ultimate list of 25 must-have Christmas gifts for book lovers, covering everythi...

Top 10 Dark Romance Books on Kindle Unlimited Right Now

I genuinely love a good dark romance book! While sweet, predictable romances can be a comfort to read, sometimes you need a major change-up, and that's where this genre shines. Dark romances strip away all the fluff and instead dives right into raw, deep emotional connections, and high-stakes relationship dynamics. You often get truly unique (and sometimes intense) story lines, though of course we still enjoy running into some of those familiar tropes we love along the way! If you're ready to switch things up, check out my list below of the top 10 books that are currently available to read for free on Kindle Unlimited. Get those Kindles ready ladies! Join Kindle Unlimited Here (Free for 30 days) Leave Me Behind by K.M. Moronova Leave Me Behind follows Nell Gallows, who is the sole survivor of a dark forces squad called Riot. Two years after the attack that left her squad dead, Nell is the main candidate for Malum, a secret special ops team that goes where no one else will. Howe...

Book Review: Mate by Ali Hazelwood

You know those gray, rainy fall days when all you want to do is curl up indoors, sipping something warm, and devouring a good book? When that moment finally arrived, I knew I had to choose one of the most highly anticipated books on my shelf: Mate .  It's been almost a year since we closed the final pages on the first book in the series, Bride -  a book which I genuinely adored and couldn't get enough of, so I was thrilled to get to settle in with her newest release!  As a huge fan of paranormal romances, I'm always on the hunt for a story that can deliver high-stakes, phenomenal world-building, and of course some spice.  Did Koen and Serena's highly anticipated romance story live up to the hype? Let's dive into my spoiler-free review and find out! Get the book here Synopsis Meet Serena Paris: Orphaned, alone, and the world's only known Human-Were hybrid. She was supposed to be the bridge between two species, but instead, she's become prey in a ruthless poli...

Book Review: Pitcher Perfect by Tessa Bailey

After what felt like a lifetime of wedding planning, I finally tied the knot! While the last month has been a beautiful whirlwind, the most indulgent part of becoming a newlywed has been getting my free time back.  Free time which I immediately dedicated to reclaiming my favorite activity: reading smut.  So as I packed my bags for a sunny honeymoon in Mexico, I made sure to bring one crucial item: Tessa Bailey's Pitcher Perfect . I've been counting down the days for this release, and reading it poolside with a tropical drink in hand was the perfect way to decompress and reignite my inner bookworm. Pitcher Perfect is the latest in her line of deliciously spicy contemporary romances, this time giving us a playboy hockey player and a softball pitcher who is immune to his charms. Ready to know if it lives up to the Tessa Bailey hype? Keep reading for my spoiler-free thoughts and spice rating!  Get the Book Here Synopsis The new spicy sports romance from Tessa Bailey featurin...