What I Read October

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Hey loves. This post is long over due. I am playing catch up from what I read back in October. 

Total physical/kindle books: 4

Total audible: 5

Total books for 2023:  110

Goal: 100 books 20 audiobooks





Title: The Little Book of Pumpkin Spice

Author: Orange Hippo

Genre: random

How I Read It: borrowed physical copy from library

My Rating: 3 out of 5

Amazon Description: Pumpkin spice is more than a flavor, it's a feeling. Like hygge, it is nostalgically evocative of family, comfort food, home and hearth.

Relax into the harvest season with this celebratory book full of sugar and pumpkin spice and all things nice. With the smell and taste of autumn itself, it is no wonder that pumpkin spice has become the must- have treat when the leaves start to fall. The spice blend may have had a traditional culinary origin as an ingredient in pumpkin pie and then popularized in latte, but it's more than a flavor, it's a feeling. Like an old familiar friend, it is evocatively nostalgic, warm and inviting, and here you will find ways to celebrate pumpkin spice in life, from fun facts and food and drink recipes to home fragrance and lifestyle hacks.

My Review: If you know me I love all things pumpkin spice. Someone on social media recommended this book and I immediately found it at my local library. It was not what I expected, but was still interesting. I expected the mostly recipes and different kind of pumpkin spice recipes. Compared to the history and randomness. 



Title: Mad About Matt

Author: Theresa Paolo 

Genre: romance

How I Read It:  audiobook

My Rating:  5 out of 5

Amazon Description: A hot cop and a sweet baker get a second chance at love in this small-town romance.

Seventeen years after Shay Michaels said goodbye to summers in Red Maple Falls and the only boy she ever truly loved, she's back and the proud owner of Sweet Dreams Bakery. Life is good until someone breaks into her shop, making her question if the life she left behind in New York followed her. 

As the local sheriff, Matt is keeping a close eye on the place and an even closer eye on the beautiful owner who refuses to take the break-in seriously. Two conflicting personalities that burn bright on their own become down right explosive when thrown together. But in order to move toward a future together, they will have to let go of their past and accept the mistakes they made. 

Welcome to Red Maple Falls, a small town filled with big personalities. Nestled in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, it is home to the Hayes siblings, three brothers and three sisters, all awaiting their happily-ever-after.

My Review: I listened to the audiobook and loved the chemistry you could feel better the narrators. A second chance romance between a cop and a baker in a small town. Yes your typical Hallmark movie storyline but I love them. 



Title: Witches Get Stuff Done 

Author: Molly Harper

Genre: paranormal romance

How I Read It: audiobook

My Rating: 4 out of 5

Amazon Description: Reigning queen of paranormal romantic comedy Molly Harper is back with the first book in a spellbinding new series!

Riley Denton-Everett always felt like something was missing in her life—and her numerous odd jobs and short-lived relationships haven’t brought her any closer to finding it. Everything changes when she receives a mysterious message: You’re a Denton. You belong on Starfall Point. Once you’re here, I’ll tell you everything you need to know.

When Riley arrives on the island, she learns her aunt has left her a historic mansion brimming with haunted antiques. Turns out, that’s not the only thing she’s inherited. Riley also hails from a long line of witches whose magic is critical to protecting the living.

Edison Held, the town’s frustratingly hot librarian, is completely unaware of the ghosts in Riley’s ancestral home and is determined to convince her to open it up to the public. Riley starts to wonder if Edison’s knowledge of the island’s history can help her get a handle on her new powers—but can she trust him with her secrets? And can she trust herself with the simmering attraction brewing between them?

My Review: I listened to the audiobook. I have not found a book that Teddy narrators that I don't love. The story was a cute paranormal romance perfect for Halloween. 




Title: Untamed Vixen

Author: Luna Pierce 

Genre: reverse harlem dark romance

How I Read It: kindle unlimited

My Rating: 5 out of 5

Amazon Description: 

I am wild. I am free. And I will not be tamed.


I don’t do relationships. I stick around long enough to have a little fun, and then leave before I can be left.

It’s not like anyone has ever held my interest very long anyway.

Not until three delectable, mysterious, and frustratingly persistent men show up in my life and completely throw it off course.

It was only supposed to be a one-time thing with each of them, but no matter how hard I try to stay away, we keep getting thrown together.

Before them, everything was mundane. The typical college, work, party, occasional random hookup experience—rinse, repeat. But now, I’m unwillingly thrown into a world of chaos and danger. And if I’m being honest, I love the thrill of it.

The second their rivals catch wind of me, I become a pawn in the twisted war they’re in and if I’m not careful, I will end up being just another of the many casualties in this battle of claiming the throne.

Untamed Vixen is a part of a gritty mafia why choose romance duet in the Sinners and Angels universe that can be read at any time. Broken Like You can be read first, but is not necessary. Meant for mature audiences.

I am wild. I am free. And I will not be tamed.


I don’t do relationships. I stick around long enough to have a little fun, and then leave before I can be left.

It’s not like anyone has ever held my interest very long anyway.

Not until three delectable, mysterious, and frustratingly persistent men show up in my life and completely throw it off course.

It was only supposed to be a one-time thing with each of them, but no matter how hard I try to stay away, we keep getting thrown together.

Before them, everything was mundane. The typical college, work, party, occasional random hookup experience—rinse, repeat. But now, I’m unwillingly thrown into a world of chaos and danger. And if I’m being honest, I love the thrill of it.

The second their rivals catch wind of me, I become a pawn in the twisted war they’re in and if I’m not careful, I will end up being just another of the many casualties in this battle of claiming the throne.

Untamed Vixen is a part of a gritty mafia why choose romance duet in the Sinners and Angels universe that can be read at any time. Broken Like You can be read first, but is not necessary. Meant for mature audiences.

My Review: This was a count not put down read (I still need to read the next book). The thrill, the lust, the mystery... I love that June isn't afraid, stands her own ground, and doesn't mess around. Three bad boys who you would never expect to be working together and falling for the same girl. 



Title: I'm No Philosopher, But I Got Thoughts

Author: Kristin Chenoweth 

Genre: memoir

How I Read It: physical book from library

My Rating: 3 out of 5

Amazon Description: Aristotle. Socrates. Descartes. And now, Chenoweth. (How about some women, am I right?)

From television actress, Broadway star, and New York Times bestselling author Kristin Chenoweth comes I'm No Philosopher, But I Got Thoughts, an inspiring high-design, colorful book featuring philosophical-ish musings on connection, creativity, loss, love, faith, and closure. Just like Kristin’s grandmother inspired her to trust her heart and develop her own belief system, you'll be inspired to develop your own life philosophies, as you journey through some of Kristin's most vulnerable and humorous personal stories, in her constant pursuit to make the most out of life.

In each chapter, you'll find:

  • Behind-the-scenes stories from Kristin's personal life
  • High-design, colorful pages of inspirational quotes
  • Engaging prompts, prayers, and inspiring quotes


Oh, and a warning: There will be Bible verses. There will be f-bombs. Read responsibly.

I'm No Philosopher, But I Got Thoughts is the perfect book to pick up on days when you need an extra shot of encouragement, a little laughter, and a gentle reminder that kindness can take you a long way. This is a great gift to give for birthdays, holidays, graduations, Mother's Day, or for fans of Kristin Chenoweth, known for her Emmy Award–winning role in the ABC hit series Pushing Daisies and Broadway's Wicked.

My Review: I loved learning more about Kristin and her perspective and thoughts. The book is very inspiring and uplifting with some comedy mixed in. 



Title: Love of the Witch

Author: Deanna Chase

Genre: paranormal romance

How I Read It: kindle 

My Rating: 4 out of 5

Amazon Description: Welcome to Keating Hollow, the enchanted village full of love, magic, and second chances.


Hope “Luna” Scott just wants a new life. After growing up in a round robin of foster homes, she has no family or ties to anyone… until she moves to Keating Hollow and starts to get close to the Townsend sisters. But Luna has secrets that could ruin everything, and when the man who broke her heart three years ago shows up, there’s a whole lot more than just her heart that’s on the line.

Chad Garber has lost everything that was ever important to him. Now he’s back in Keating Hollow, trying to start over. But when he finds the girl he couldn’t save three years ago, he needs to confront his past and make a few things right… if she’ll let him.

My Review: A sweet heart felt with romance and witches mixed in. The main characters were very likeable and relatable. The author did a great job of making you feel all the emotions. 



Title: Death by Pumpkin Spice

Author: Alex Erickson

Genre: cozy mystery

How I Read It:  audiobook

My Rating: 2 out of 5

Amazon Description: A fancy Halloween party turns fatal in this mystery that’s “so much fun to read” (Suspense Magazine).

 
Bookstore café owner Krissy Hancock would rather spend Halloween serving pumpkin goodies than wearing costumes with Pine Hills’ wealthiest, especially when the soiree at a local mansion shapes up to be more trick than treat.
 
As if a run-in with an old flame and a failed marriage proposal weren’t enough to horrify Krissy for one night, a woman is found strangled to death in a room filled with ominous jack-o’-lanterns. All signs suggest a crime of passion—but when the hostess’s jewelry disappears, malevolent intentions seem way more likely.
 
With the estate on lockdown and a killer roaming the halls, Krissy must help Officer Paul Dalton investigate each nook, cranny, and guest for answers—while also confronting a few demons of her own. Someone has lots of skeletons in the closet, and Krissy better tread lightly to expose them…

My Review: I listened to the audiobook and felt like I kept getting lost with who was talking and couldn't keep up with the storyline. The main character annoyed me and acted in childish ways. 


Title: Love Spells Disaster

Author: Allyson Charles

Genre: romance

How I Read It:  audiobook

My Rating: 4 out of 5

Amazon Description: Every autumn, Moonbright, Maine, is the picture of charm with its piles of crisp leaves, flickering jack-o'-lanterns...and a touch of the sweetest kind of enchantment.

Cassie knows what she wants, and right at the top of her list is a date with her boss. Armed with two cookies from Bellaluna's, she has the perfect plan. However, she's thwarted when Chip, perhaps the complete opposite of her boss, helps himself to one of the treats. But it's hard to stay angry at him when he agrees to help her build her dream haunted house.

My Review: A sweet little cozy quick listen. Perfect for a fall day. 



Title: Sweet Magic

Author: Donna Kauffman

Genre: romance

How I Read It:  audiobook

My Rating: 4 out of 5

Amazon Description: Every autumn, Moonbright, Maine, is the picture of charm with its piles of crisp leaves, flickering jack-o'-lanterns...and a touch of the sweetest kind of enchantment.

Bree works in her family's bakery, Bellaluna's, where the secret ingredient is magic. Among all the mouthwatering treats that they regularly dish out rests a special cookie that can nudge would-be couples together. Though Bree has tried to perfect the recipe, her attempts have always come up short...but then Caleb, a visiting restaurateur, steps in and gets a taste of her latest creation.

My Review: This was a quick listen. Cozy, small town, romance with some Halloween magic rolled into one. Love that there was just a dance of magic. 


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