A peek at the books I’m planning to read next. Join me for reviews, reflections, and new TBR ideas.

February has been a challenging month, in the most amazing way possible. Between signing up for a new editing course, collaborations, and my own reading lists, it has been full of diverse bookish-related activities. I’m slightly behind with posting all my reviews, but I’ll get there soon.

I expect March to be as intense, if not more. But let me tell you all about what I’ve been doing and what I plan next.

Last month’s reading wrap-up

The total book count for February is thirteen. I have read twelve books, and I cannot be happier! I’ve read Romance, Fantasy, Romantasy, and Non-Fiction, and I almost loved them all. It feels good seeing how my reading habit has evolved in the last year, and I love taking chances on books that are unpredictable. Anyway, here’s the list of those stories:

  • Going Deep by Sophie Andrews
  • It Could Only Be You by Lisa Shelby
  • Fablecastle Chronicles by Trina Spilman
  • The Oath of Blood and Roses by C. M. Hano
  • Beneath the Strokes by Amanda Courtney
  • Within the Sin Bin by Sofia Jade
  • Arcana Academy (Arcana Academy #1) by Elise Kova
  • The Bridge Kingdom (The Bridge Kingdom Series #1) by Danielle L. Jensen
  • The Traitor Queen (The Bridge Kingdom Series #2) by Danielle L. Jensen
  • Sutton by Samantha Skye
  • Ring of Truth (Astoria Royals #4) by Deborah Garland
  • #Girlboss by Sophia Amoruso
  • Better Than the Movies (Better Than the Movies #1) by Lynn Painter

February highlights

Out of all these books, I’d like to mention a few that have impressed me and my reasons why I think you should check them out as well. My final rating for these may not be 5 stars in all cases (I’m still writing my reviews), but they are interesting books nonetheless.

Arcana Academy (Arcana Academy #1) by Elise Kova

This has been such a refreshing book! Yes, I know I am late to the party, and most of you fantasy lovers are already familiar with the series, but if by any chance you have not had the opportunity to discover Arcana Academy, read it, PLEASE! The story follows Clara as she faces the world of Arcana Academy, a school where politics and magic create a refreshing and unique world.

Clara is one of the most skilled tarot card wielders. She must conceal her abilities during classes and work together with Prince Kaelis to achieve a common objective. Well, apparently common, at least. There is magic, there is a faker engagement, enemies to lovers, only good stuff.

What made me fall in love with the book is the magic system. The romantasy world is full of dragons, werewolves, and vampires. Elise Kova comes with magic cards and people who can wield them by drawing those tarot cards. Each one has a certain ability, and they can be combined to increase their power. I must admit, it was overwhelming at the beginning, since there are a lot of explanations on how the magic system works. But I find the book incredible, and I am excited to read the next book in the series.     

 The Bridge Kingdom (The Bridge Kingdom Series #1) by Danielle L. Jensen

Another book that left me wanting more is The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen. The story has no magic, but a lot of politics, and this is what I enjoyed the most. To see the moves each king/empress/princess makes, how they ally with other kingdoms, and how they defend their territory, it was all a great adventure!

Book one follows Lara, the princess of Maridrina, who infiltrates Ithicana, intending to find out everything about their defences and help her father destroy the kingdom. Using a treaty signed years ago, she is married to king Aren and slowly puts her plan in motion. She will soon find out things are not how she was told. Will it be too late to change the fate of her new people? Read it to find out! A friendly warning: get ready to read book two immediately. The cliffhanger is … painful!

As I mentioned, I love the political intrigue in this series. Everyone has an interest, and everyone has their own ideas of what the perfect world could look like. I’ve started the third book already, and I am savoring every chapter!

#Girlboss by Sophia Amoruso

Full disclosure: I had issues with this book, which I’ll detail in my full review, but it’s one of those stories that motivates the reader. If you’re not familiar with Sophia Amoruso, she has created a fashion business that followed rapid growth, and her business model has been the topic of many discussions. She has been praised and criticized, but one cannot contest her expertise in the field of business. Is she a role model? Maybe, from one or two perspectives.

#Girlboss is the author’s story of how she built her business called Nasty Gal, with the ups and downs she encountered. Amoruso speaks about how she faced negativity, poverty, and also success, which she may not have been ready for. She speaks about the importance of dedicated team members, 110% effort, and keeping a clear mind when facing challenges.

You may wonder why I’ve chosen this book to speak about, if I’m not fully convinced by it. Well, the feeling you get after finishing it is one of empowerment. It’s that gentle kick somewhere soft that we need to start doing and stop dissecting the bad things that may happen. Her model is one I would love to follow one day: start small, work hard, and grow. I’d extract passages and put them in my motivation board, because the book does not provide instructions; it provides encouragement. I guess I needed it.

And finally, March TBR

There is some catching up from January and February, but I cannot stay away from all the amazing titles coming out in March. The list below is comprised mostly of ARCs, books that are not yet released, but I do have titles that were gifted to me by authors, in exchange for a review. I am waiting on 2-3 more, so the list may grow. These are the ones I’m tracking for now:

  • The Trafficker: A Novel by Scott Douglas Gerber
  • The Alien House – A Story of Love, Hope and Alien Intervention by Owen Jones
  • Second Chances by K.M. Rodgers
  • Wild Roots by KA James
  • Road of Shadows and Crows by Viola Nichols
  • Perfectly Us by Samantha Brinn
  • When Blood Runs Red by Patricia Prior
  • A Bookish Story by Heatherly Bell
  • Sworn in Deceit by Victoria Lum
  • Tempting Boss by Lilian Monroe
  • Holding On by Liz Colbert
  • RiftBorn by Shannon Mayer
  • Protected From Evil by Gia Cobie
  • Nemesis In Love by Marie K. Savage
  • Over the Line by Hailey Rodger
  • The Inadequate Heir (The Bridge Kingdom Series #1) by Danielle L. Jensen
  • The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
  • The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
  • Red Rising by Pierce Brown
  • Empire of Flames and Thorns by Marion Blackwood
  • Smoke and Scar by Gretchen Powell

What I am prioritizing this month

I have 4 editing projects in progress, and one alpha read. These are my priorities for March, as well as my editing course. I expect this month to be full of challenges again, this time personal ones, on top of bookish ones. I always count on stories to keep me afloat 😊

 Join in on the fun

What are your reading plans for March, and what is that one book that makes you excited from your TBR? Follow my blog, my Instagram, and my Threads, as I post updates there as well.

Authors, check my contact page if you want to have your books reviewed or if you’d like a spotlight. I am always looking forward to discovering writers and stories.

I’m still offering free editing – probably until the end of June, so visit Words in Chapters for more on that.

Until next time, happy reading!