I’m excited to share my first monthly wrap-up for the year. I read eight books in total this month: four romance books, two historical fictions, and two mystery/suspense novels. Usually, I don’t enjoy romance books unless I’m in a reading slump, but I enjoyed almost all the romance books I read this month.

Here are the books I read in January.

Until the End by London Miller

Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I wasn’t sure if I should add this book as a 2024 read because I started reading it last year. But since I finished the book in the early hours of the first day of this year, I figured it qualified as a January read.

Until the End is the second book in London Miller’s Volkov Bratva series. The novel continues with Lauren Thompson and Mishca Volkov. As Lauren struggles to come to terms with the truth surrounding her father’s death, she has to decides where her relationship with Mischa stands. At first, she decides to end her relationship with Mischa and cut all ties with him; however, matters of the hearts proves too strong too resist. As Mishca and Lauren fight to salvage their relationship, new obstacles present themselves, forcing the pair to make drastic choices that either tear them apart or bring them closer together.

I read the part one of the series in the last days of 2023 and quickly breeze through part two. The book is a captivating blend of romance, suspense, and mob crime. I loved the chemistry between Lauren and Mishca. Their characters are well-developed, and the plot is engaging. The author also does a great job of portraying the internal conflict of the characters and the external challenges they face.

Overall, I loved the book and I will be reading the next book in the series soon.

Nanny’s Baby For The Italian Mafia Boss by Rosalie Rose

Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐

Nanny’s Baby For The Italian Mafia Boss by Rosalie Rose is the third book in the Possessive Mafia Kings series. It’s a steamy romance novel set in the world of the Italian mafia.

The story revolves around Sophie, who becomes a nanny for Matias Milazzo, the most feared don in the city. Matias wants Sophie to be his daughter’s nanny. Sophie is supposed to keep things professional, but she finds herself drawn to Matias’s dark charm. Their lust builds to a climax, and Sophie ends up carrying Matias’s baby. However, Sophie can tell Matias is hiding a secret, and they’re both going to find out the shocking truth.

I don’t have much to say on this book. It didn’t make any impression on me. The book was a semi-okay read with lots of cliches. So, I wouldn’t recommend reading if mafia romance cliches annoys you.

Not Many Options by Jillian West

Ratings: ⭐⭐.5

I honestly didn’t know what I was getting myself into when I picked up this book to read. I can’t even remember how I came across this book at all.

Not Many Options is a contemporary reverse harem omegaverse novel. I have never read a harem novel before, much less the reverse of it. So, immediately I realized what it was about, I was quickly put off the novel. But it wasn’t all bad, hence the 2.5 stars.

The protagonist, Riley Thomas, has made some mistakes in life and taken a few wrong turns. She finds herself alone with two kids under the age of four, with a blizzard bearing down on the island. Exhausted and overwhelmed, she sees no other choice but to accept an invitation to ride out the storm with one of the locals. Little does Riley know, everything is about to change.

Again, if reverse harem is your thing, then you will probably enjoy this book more than I did. Riley was an okay character— a little naive and perhaps not the brightest, but nevertheless, an okay character. r. One thing I appreciated about her was her dedication as a good mother to her kids. Even as a young parent herself, she always wanted the best for them.

However, I must say I wasn’t a fan of the omegaverse at all. It just didn’t make much sense to me. I love a good full-on werewolf book with all the werewolf heirachy. This just seem all over the place.

Overall, the book was a mistaken and semi-decent read. I will not be reading another of its type anytime soon. The book contains a substantial amount of mature content, so reader discretion is advised.

Daughter of Green Mountain Gap by Teri M. Brown

Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This historical fiction is my first five stars for the year, and I couldn’t be happier. Teri M. Brown is one of my favorite historical fiction writers. I fell in love with her writing style right from her debut novel, Sunflowers Beneath the Snow, and I haven’t looked back ever since.

Teri always introduces us to strong, resilient, and well-rounded characters that are easy to relate with. Daughters of the Green Mountain Gap is no different. The novel follows three generations of women who have to navigate challenges and forge their paths through a changing time, from the eighteenth to nineteenth centuries, in North Carolina.

In the spotlight are Maggie McCoury, an Appalachian granny woman deeply rooted in family traditions and Cherokee wisdom; her daughter, Carrie Ann, a university-educated woman grappling with clashes of belief between modern medicine and mountain magic; and Josie Mae, caught between the traditional ways of her grandmother and the modern perspective of her mother.

As the story unfolds, Teri M. Brown skillfully explores themes of racism, fear of change, the struggle to preserve traditions, and the delicate balance between science and faith. The intricate dynamics within this family paint a compelling picture of tradition, change, and love, showcasing the complexities of each character’s journey.

A five-star novel that is well worth reading this year. You can read my full review here.

Machiavellian (Gangsters of New York, Book 1) by Bella Di Corte

Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐

Machiavellian by Bella Di Corte is the first book in the Gangsters of New York series. It’s a thrilling tale of love and loyalty set against the backdrop of the New York mafia.

The story revolves around Capo Macchiavello and Mariposa Flores. Capo, considered one of New York’s most savage animals, is a reclusive and gorgeous man who wants Mariposa as his wife. Mariposa, by the age of twenty-one, is parentless, jobless, and homeless. She has come to learn the hard way that nothing is ever free, even kindness comes with strings. Despite her vow to never owe anyone anything, she finds herself owing everything to Capo.

Actually, I would rate Machiavellian 3.5 stars. The novel had a solid plotline at the beginning, but, unfortunately, it fell short along the way. Mariposa was such a strong and resilient character at the start of the novel. Even though most things didn’t work well for her, she still kept on trying her hardest to make things work and be something more for herself.

However, it’s like that went determination away after she married Capo. I had hoped she would have pursued more for herself, now that she had the whole world at her fingertips and endless opportunities. Instead, she just kept going on and on about her newly acquired rich girl problems. It was sad and a little frustrating to read, especially since I initially liked her character.

The author has an engaging and clear writing style. However, there are sentences and phrases such as Fucka Me and Oonie that just make you cringe so bad.

Overall, the book was a decent read. I’m not sure I would be picking the second book in the series though.

Endnotes

That’s it for the month of January. I have two ARCs I read this month that I didn’t add to the post because I wasn’t sure if it was okay to do so. Either way, the year is off to a pretty good start if you’d ask me. With eight books down in the first month, I’m right on track with my reading challenge this year.

Happy reading!