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Water Moon: Where Rain Puddles and Paper Cranes Hold the Key to Magic

📖: Water Moon II ✍️: Samatha Sotto Yambao II ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

Water Moon is a whimsical and magical adventure that feels like stepping into a Studio Ghibli film or a beautifully animated anime. From the very first page, the story plays out vividly in my mind—each scene unfolding with the same dreamlike wonder and emotional depth as Spirited Away or The Cat Returns. The novel carries me into a world where rain puddles lead to secret realms, paper cranes soar with hidden meaning, and a night market floats in the clouds. It’s a story that feels at once nostalgic and fresh, filled with quiet magic that lingers long after the final page.

One of the most captivating aspects of Water Moon is its writing. SSY prose is poetic in a way that makes the ordinary feel extraordinary. I found myself highlighting so many lines, not just for their beauty but for how they transformed mundane moments into something profound. There’s a lyrical quality to the way she describes simple things—the glow of lanterns, the scent of rain, the hush of a forgotten street—that I could never put into words myself. It’s the kind of writing that makes you pause just to soak in the imagery.

Beyond its enchanting world and prose, Water Moon is also a deeply introspective novel. At its heart, it explores themes of choice, regret, and destiny—what we leave behind, what we carry with us, and what it means to truly let go. Through Hana’s journey, we see how our past shapes us and how the weight of unspoken wishes can pull us back.

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I think I just found another favorite romance author 💖

Mile High ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

I get the hype with this book. It's a pretty solid hockey romance which also includes discussion about body shaming or just being confident about your body (which pretty much hit me home), setting boundaries even if they’re your family, self-doubt and dealing with insecurity. There are some scenes that are really relatable. I relate so much with Stevie. One of my biggest takeaways from her is that if the people around you make you feel less, and bring your self-confidence down and abuse you verbally no matter how unintentional it is, it is okay to distance yourself from them no matter how much we love them, even if they are your family. This banter in this book is top notch and there is undeniable chemistry between the two main characters. My only problem is that it is TOO LONG! Some things are repetitive and could have been cut shorter.

The Right Move ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I love this 2nd book in her Windy City series. It has one of the BEST and I mean top tier book boyfriend's of all time. Ryan Shay is the standard so far. He's so good. His quiet love for Indy is the loudest I've ever seen. Aside from romance it also has my favorite tropes of found family, forced proximity and fake dating & the spice? It's serving. This is definitely one of my favorite romance novels.

Caught Up 🌟🌟🌟🌟.75

 I love this. I think this is perfect. Kai and Monty are one of the best book dads ever. The only reason why this is not a five star read is because I'm still Team Ryan in this books’ universe, if he doesn’t exist there is no doubt I will sail on Kai’s ship. I think one of the reasons why LT's romance novels were very well liked is because aside from her relatable characters she added real issues and delivered and incorporated it into her characters in a very beautiful way. 

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That's a wrap for July 📚

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📖Throttled ✍Lauren Asher 3.5/5🌟 This book is okay. The storytelling is okay. Not so familiar with F1 but I enjoyed reading about the characters and this universe. It doesn't have the most exciting plot but it's entertaining nonetheless. 

📖By a Thread ✍Lucy Score 3/5🌟 An okay-ish read that has so many issues. The main characters who are supposed to be 39 and 44 years old who act as if they are in their 20’s. Why make your characters older if you’re just going to make them act like they are barely out of puberty. This is too long, has a lot of unnecessary details that should’ve been replaced with a little bit of backstory about our hero and heroine. Everything seems so convenient.

📖Love & Gelato ✍ Jenna Evans Welch 4.5/5🌟 This book is ideal for summer reading. Settings in Italy that provide sunlight and a fairytale-like atmosphere. This book is an invigorating breath of fresh air. It's simple, adorable, and enjoyable to read. The narrative was easy to understand and could be finished in one sitting. I also appreciate how this fantastic YA contemporary does not focus on romance, summer love, or cheesy lines, but instead tells the story of a 16-year-old girl dealing with the loss of a loved one, grief, adjusting to a new environment, meeting her father for the first time, making new friends, and finding love. I adore the twist at the climax, which adds another dimension to this incredible work. Everything in this book is captivating.

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Thank you to everyone who got me to 2500 likes!

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love this series so much it made me want to read novels set in this era. Book 1 is my favorite followed by 2 & 3.

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romance dump 💏

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📖: You Had Me at Hola ✍: Alexis Daria 4/5🌟 I liked this more than I thought I should. The story and premise are not unique and I was worried at first that it would be too cheesy or dramatic or over the top like the telenovelas that I know but this is surprisingly adorable. I like how the relationship between Jasmine and Ashton wasn’t instant and it really took some time for their attraction with each other to grow. The side characters are also very likable. I also like the emphasis on family. Overall, this is entertaining , cute and sweet. The book cover would’ve earned 5 stars though

📖: So We Meet Again ✍: Suzanne Park 3/5🌟 This is a passable reading experience. I didn't love it, but I didn't dislike it either. Though, I enjoy how the Korean-American depiction highlights the cuisine and culture and how it plays a significant role in the plot. The romance between Jessie and Daniel, I believe, is simply a subplot of the story, which concentrates on discovering yourself, pursuing your passion, and the challenge of beginning your own business. I almost DNF this because I found it difficult to connect with the tale and the characters; while some features and events are quite real, it didn't hit all of my soft spots completely for me to be truly committed. I really enjoyed how the narrative handled sexism and misogyny in the workplace. The pacing was a bit slow but it's still a decent and enjoyable reading experience.

📖: The Trouble with Hating You ✍: Sajni Patel 3.75/5🌟 This book has a very nice Indian culture representation. It has a heroine that pushes against the norms of her cultural upbringing despite all the hate and criticisms that she received, judging her because she doesn’t suit the standard of her community’s view of a “proper and respectable” woman. Which is sad and maddening because it is a perfect representation of what women have to experience and endure just because she chooses the path of being a successful unmarried woman, with a stable career and chasing a husband was not the topmost priority. It is actually good, a bit lacking in resolving the conflict and the issues brought up in the beginning weren't properly addressed in the end. But overall this is okay. TW: death of a love one, abuse and sexual assault

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📖: The Dachshund Wears Prada ✍: Stefanie London 4.5/5🌟 This is so adorable. How the backstories of the main characters were told and their character development is something that I really love. The ending was perfect for the story. The writing style and way of storytelling is something that I really like, it's so easy to get through you will feel like you are part of their universe and you are with them. Camilla, my fur diva, your stubbornness and saltiness is adorable. I really enjoyed reading this, it's fun and it feels like you’ve been transported toNew York City. 

📖: Pets of Park Avenue ✍: Stefanie London 4.5/5🌟 Finally found the time to finish this cute and moving story about second chance romance between estranged spouses with a very adorable Bichon Frise in the mix. There’s a lot of aspects in this story.  Scout is a very relatable character that will make you root for her. She's intuitive and great with people. I love how Lane values and loves his family. I also enjoyed seeing the characters that I loved in the first book. Overall this book is great with searing chemistry and hot open door sequences, this book has the ideal amount of emotional depth. With complicated family dynamics and the most entertaining canine antics, these novels are pure entertainment.

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Holiday romance novels I binge read before the year 2022 ended

📖: Tis the Season for Revenge ✍: Morgan Elizabeth 3/5🌟 This book is like Legally Blonde if Elle Woods has mom and daddy issues. This isn’t so bad. I just doesnt find the christmassy vibe that I'm looking for in a holiday romance. Some lines and scenes are too cheesy. I hate that I'm already at the 18% of the story until they meet. And Christmas was mentioned just 50 times and this book is way too steamy for a holiday romance. This aint bad. Just not my cup of tea.

📖: A Cross-country Christmas ✍: Courtney Walsh 4.5/5🌟 This book is so wholesome. I enjoyed the banters and the lightness of some scenes. I don't like how rude our heroine is at our hero in the beginning but she kind of redeems herself in the middle. There is a particular scene in the last part that got me teary eyed because it felt so raw and emotional for Lauren. Overall, this book is a perfect holiday read. It's light, funny, heartwarming and has a guaranteed happy ending. 

📖: Faking Under the Mistletoe ✍: Ashley Shepherd 4/5🌟 This book is like Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not dating meets The Hating Game on a Christmas setting. Olivia’s enthusiastic love for Christmas and everything cheery is something that I really like. Asher is your classic grump hero with a soft side reserved for our heroine and his niece which is adorable. The first half of the book is so funny and some of the scenes are a bit exaggerated and unrealistic for me but I'm all for it because it's fun to read. The second half though was a bit of a downer. It mentions heavy and realistic topics like sexual assault, the #metoo movement, and familial pain and loss. The amount of misunderstanding and miscommunication in the second half was also frustrating and a bit repetitive but overall I still thoroughly enjoyed this book and still a perfect read for the holidays. 

📖: Lovelight Farms ✍: B.K. Borison 4/5🌟 Just finished this on Christmas day. I wasn't really expecting much. I just randomly picked this up because I just feel like I want to read something that is fitting for the holidays. Love how scenic the description of the place is, it's like a lovechild of the North Pole and Hogwarts. The buildup of the story was a little slow. Stella's dilemma frustrates me at times. Luka is a cinnamon roll hero. This is pure tender, friends-to-lovers holiday magic. Adored it.  

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Dear Aaron

4.25/5🌟

I love Mariana Zapata’s stories and this epistolary of hers is something that I really enjoy. I love her signature slow burn romance with a swoon worthy hero and kindhearted heroine. I love the emails/letter exchange and I just wish that the other half of the book is in a narrative style because I really love these two. I've been rooting for them from the very beginning because of their light and heartwarming story.

Under Locke

3.75/5🌟

The hero in this story was I think my least favorite among Mariana Zapata’s heroes. Something in him just doesn’t sit well with me from the very beginning. I saw him as a j*rk and red flag. He’s rude and doesn’t think before he speaks and he shows a lot of insulting behavior.   Iris on the other hand is too good. I think Locke didn’t deserve her at first but as I went along with the story he started to grow on me but it took a long while. And I think this book is the spiciest among MZ’s books.  Overall, this is nice. Not my favorite Mariana Zapata’s book but still nice. 

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📖: Indigo Ridge ✍: Devney Perry 4.5/5🌟

This book was just randomly picked and I didn't expect it to be that good but I find myself really enjoying this. The storytelling is great. The balance between the romance and the mystery is interesting. How the  author describes the small town of Montana is so good I can picture it perfectly in my head and the side characters are interesting too. Aside from Winslow and Griffin, my biggest takeaway from this story has to be how the people we've known our entire lives or those closest to us can also be the ones who betray and hurt us. 

📖: Archer's Voice ✍: Mia Sheridan 5/5🌟

One of the best books that I've read this year. It feels so raw and natural. The storytelling is beautiful and the world building is amazing. Bree and Archer's character developments is one of the best that I've read. This book gives me a 'Nicholas Sparks Romance vibe' from the story, the small town setting and the conflict. This book is super worth reading.

📖: A Not So Meet Cute ✍: Meghan Quinn 5/5🌟

This is one of the books that I really enjoyed the beginning and not so happy with the happenings in the middle to end. Huxley is not my favorite romance hero though I liked him in the beginning when he was trying to convince Lottie into their ‘fake dating/engagement’ arrangement. And then suddenly he became a totally different person. I was a little excited when I picked up this book because it has one of my favorite tropes but then it started to drag and drag and just keep on dragging.

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📖: Twisted Games 4.25/5🌟

 I enjoyed this book. It has the best conflict in the entire twisted series and the resolution (though a bit cliche) is oddly satisfying. There's a particular scene that I don't like, it's degrading and I'm not a really huge fan of that 'kind' of act but overall this book is a fine read. It took me a while to feel the chemistry between Rhys and Bridgette. I don't really see/feel them becoming a couple in the first few chapters because the build-up is too slow but as I go on I started to root for them. 

📖: Twisted Hate 4/5 🌟

This book screams 'enemies to lovers' and the spiciest in the series. I'm not big on the friends-with-benefits trope. That's why I'm a bit skeptical while reading this because I didn't think that I would like it enough to actually finish this story. But surprisingly I enjoyed it enough to stay until the end. Josh is unlike the first 2 heroes in this series. He's not grumpy and broody which is nice. I wish I had Jules' spirit. There's a scene after the confrontation that doesn't sit well with me. I think the author did it a little bit dirty. And the way Jules forgave Josh that easily is head scratching. I wish he would grovel a little bit more. 

📖: Twisted Lies 5/5 🌟

This is my absolute favorite in the twisted series. I finished this in one sitting because I can't put it down. The way this author writes new adult novels is impeccable. It's spicy,yes but it actually has a plot. I love the slow build up of Christian and Stella's relationship. This is amazing! From the dedication, the storytelling and plot. 

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📖: Heroes of Olympus Series ✍: Rick Riordan Rating: 4.75/5🌟

Overall I love this series though I love books 2,3&4 more than the others. Mark of Athena and House of Hades (rated them 5🌟) is my absolute favorite followed by the Son of Neptune(4.75🌟). Percy & Annabeth will always be my original favorite demigods. Though the new characters are also fun and entertaining to read. Leo is a breakthrough for me. Frank is a nice soft boy character that is hard not to like. The first book is kind of okay(4.25🌟). The last book though(4.5🌟),  I'm one of the only people who genuinely likes that book.  I know the ending and overall plot weren’t great, but the parts with Nico, Reyna and Hedge were fantastic. The characters themselves were all great.

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📖: Percy Jackson & the Olympians Series ✍: Rick Riordan Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I’m so excited when the teaser for the PJ series finally came out. I'm really excited because it made me want to re-read the entire series. Which I did, eventually. I still love the series after all these years. It’s like meeting an old friend. 

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📖: Lease on Love ✍: Falon Ballard Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

I honestly enjoyed reading this book. I remember smiling at some scenes that are witty, sweet and heartwarming. It was a little slow but  I didn't mind because I'm a sucker for slow burn and that is one of the strengths of this book. Sadie's circle of friends also earned brownie points on how they support each other. Harley, Gemma and Nick are one of the best fictional friends that I’ve ever read. Their group chat was chaotic and I loved it. Sadie and Jack’s struggle with giving each other nickname is so cute. My only issue why I have not given this 5 stars is the conflict at the end. The way Sadie reacted to it was not the type of reaction I was hoping and the way it was tied up was a little rushed.

📖: By Any Other Name ✍: Lauren Kate Rating: 🌟🌟🌟.75

I was skeptical when I picked up this book because I didn't really enjoy the Fallen series (though I only read the first book and didn’t bother to read the succeeding books). This book started so slow and to be honest i think there are parts in the beginning of the book that are unnecessary, the story will still go through without them. I’m almost halfway through when I started to officially like and enjoy this book. I just wish Lanie and Noah’s story started a few chapters early so that they will have more page time together. 

📖: The Royals Next Door ✍: Karina Halle Rating: 🌟🌟🌟.5

I love how the main characters of this novel are the side characters that we see in a romance with a royal trope. I enjoyed the storytelling, though I'm not a huge fan of how the royals in this novel are heavily influenced by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s story. I laughed at some of the hilarious banters and some of Piper’s dilemma. If i’m going to rank this i would put this on my “I didn’t love it but I also didn’t hate it” pile.