2025 Reading Challenges Conclusion

2025 is nearly over! 2026 is looming to be conquered next! I had a lot of challenges this year. Let's see how I did!!!

Goodreads -  140/140 books. Success.

Romance Reading Bingo - 25/25 boxes. Success. 

2025 Library Love Challenge - 36/36. Success. Bonus win....using the library I saved $423.88

➜ Winter Semester: Jan. 1st, 2025 – April 30th, 2025

Book	Type
Into the Wilderness by Sara Donati	ebook
Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson	audiobook
Lord Dashwood Missed Out by Tessa Dare	audiobook
Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh	ebook
Tangle of Need by Nalini Singh	ebook
King of Flesh and Bone by Liv Zander	audiobook
The Scandalous, Dissolute, No-Good Mr. Wright by Tessa Dare	audiobook
The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson	audiobook
Dungeons and Drama by Kristy Boyce	audiobook
The Charm School by Susan Wiggs	ebook

➜ Summer Semester: May 1st, 2025 – Aug. 31st, 2025

The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson	ebook
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez	audiobook
Highland Flame by Mary Wine	ebook
Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez	audiobook
Between a Highlander and a Hard Place by Mary Wine	ebook
The Key Ingredient by Susan Wiggs	ebook
The Inn at Blue Hollow Falls by Donna Kauffman	ebook
Just For the Summer by Abby Jimenez	audiobook
The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray	ebook
A House with Good Bones by T. Kingfisher	audiobook
Binding 13 by Chloe Walsh	ebook
The Situationship by Abby Jimenez	ebook
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie	ebook
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie	audiobook

➜ Autumn Semester: Sept. 1st, 2025 – Dec. 31st, 2025

Accomplice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer	audiobook
The Queen of Rot and Pain by Liv Zander	audiobook
Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli	ebook
Heart of Obsidian by Nalini Singh	ebook
The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch	ebook
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss	ebook
A Rip Through Time by Kelley Armstrong	audiobook
Dime Store Magic by Kelley Armstrong	ebook
The Poisoner's Ring by Kelley Armstrong	audiobook
The Lump of Coal by Lemony Snicket	audiobook
Happy and Merry by Lisa Scottoline, Francesca Serritella	audiobook
Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie	audiobook

2025 #Audiobook Challenge - .65/75+. Failure. 

Close but no cigar. I just can't beat this challenge. :/ 

Here is my first audio of the year vs. my last audio of the year

Cloak and Dagger Reading Challenge - 26/16-25 books. Success.

TECHNICALLY, I read well over 25. I just stopped counting them. I was on a mystery/thriller kick this year. I think (if I do this one again) I may up the number ;) 

2025 #TBRChallenge - 12/12. Success.

OVERALL:

I pretty much accomplished all my reading goals! I fell a little shy on the audiobook challenge, but it was close. I could try it again next year, but we'll see. 

Good year overall! 

Reading Challenges Update (July - end of September)

Happy October!!!

Let's do an update from July to today. Oct-Dec is our last push to finish our goals! 

Goodreads -  Read 100 out of 140 books. Fell a wee bit behind because of my vacations this summer/spring. But we'll catch up. The holidays are always great reading times!

Romance Reading Bingo - Only 4 boxes left to check! 

2025 Library Love Challenge - Summer Semester (May 1st - Aug 31st). 14/12 books. Went over! Yayy! Per the math we saved $140.40. 

- Autumn Semester (Sept. 1st – Dec. 31st). 2/12. Doing alright. 

2025 #Audiobook Challenge - 42/75+ books. Eeeee. Not sure if I'll be able to beat this goal. This was an ambitious goal for sure, but I wanted to try! Might have to shove in some short stories to help get to at least 75. 

Cloak and Dagger Reading Challenge - 26/16-25 books. Yayy! went over the total. Next year I may go up a level.

Here is the bonus book...#26 ;) 

2025 #TBRChallenge - Do the monthly prompts! So far 9 for 9. On track! 

Book Review: The Fourth Daughter by Lyn Liao Butler

Author: Lyn Liao Butler

Title: The Fourth Daughter

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Contemporary

Format: ebook

Pages: 280

Published: August 1, 2025

Where I got It: Amazon

Summary: 

In Taiwan, the bond between grandmother and granddaughter opens up a healing world for them both in an inspiring family saga about the comfort of food, untold histories, and indomitable mother love.

Chef Liv Kuo’s star is on the rise…until a traumatic incident leaves her emotionally unable to venture outside her Manhattan apartment. But an unexpected reason to break free comes from Ah-Ma, Liv’s beloved grandmother in Taiwan. Ah-Ma needs Liv’s help in finding her fourth daughter, taken from her when the girl was an infant. After all these years, it seems impossible. It’s also a Ah-Ma’s fourth daughter is an aunt Liv never even knew existed.

After landing in Taiwan, Liv hears the heartbreaking story of her grandmother’s plight in a country once under martial law, of choices made for her, and of the hopeful search for a lost girl that has endured for more than sixty years. Like the enriching food and traditions that bind Liv and Ah-Ma, their journey for answers brings them together.

And it’s a quest that turns up both a precious old cookbook and a tale of fatal betrayal that shakes everything Liv believed about her family—revelations that could also give her the courage to face the trauma she left behind.

Review:

A member of my Twitch community (if you're curious, my name on Twitch is Carole_Rae) picked this book for me to read. I was instantly curious when I read the summary because I love books like this!!

The story follows Liv and her grandmother. Liv went through a terrible tragedy and can't get out of her house because of the fear. However, everything changes when she speaks to her grandma who is convinced she seen her missing daughter at the store. It has been decades since grandma had last seen her daughter, but she believes it is her. Years previous, her fourth daughter was taken away from her because of a superstition that the number 4 is a bad luck number. To help her beloved grandma, Liv forces herself to fly out to help find this woman.

This hit me so hard especially near the end. I was in tears. Happy and sad tears. So many years wasted because of the mistakes of people in the past. 

I loved following along with the current POV and the past POVs. It made me sad seeing how people had good intentions and some not so good bring such sadness to everyone. Yes, there was happiness and joy, but so much could've been avoided. 

Gah! Grandma's husband was a rat bastard! *shakes fist* Bad man.

There was a sprinkle of romance between Liv and Simon. I didn't really think it was needed, but it was lovely seeing Liv finally find peace again and he helped her. It didn't overtake the story (thankfully) but the love was wildly quick.

The ending was lovely. I loved how it ended SO much. That letter? GAH! Beautiful. 

Such a good book. I for sure recommend it. The romance didn't seem needed, but it was fine overall. It was lovely seeing Liv find some peace after what she went through. I hope she finally gets the therapy she needs. I'll stamp this with 4 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): grandma and Liv

Least Favorite Character(s): Grandma's husband

 Challenge(s):

- Cloak and Dagger #26

Audiobook Review: Secrets, Lies, and Fireflies by Angie Fox

Author: Angie Fox

Narrator: Hollie Jackson

Title: Secrets, Lies, and Fireflies

Series: Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries #14

Genre: Paranormal, Cozy Mystery

Format: Audiobook 

Published: August 5, 2025

Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

Verity’s grandmother returns to help Verity and Frankie solve a mystery that reveals a shocking family secret, as well as the heartwarming history of Verity’s home. This is one family reunion you don’t want to miss!

Review:

I love, love, love this series. I'm sad I'm all caught up and now have to wait for the next one???? WHAT!?!?!?! EEE. 

We are back with Verity and the gang. Things have found a nice calmness. However, things are about to be shook up when a fire breaks out at the library and Verity's grandmother's ghost returns. She is back to help Verity and Frankie with this mystery that is tied to a family secret. 

First off..........where did my beloved narrator go?! She IS Verity and all the other characters. I am so bummed she did not read this one. I should look it up and see why we has to switch. Don't get me wrong.......I did warm up to this narrator but it just wasn't the same. 

Besides my world being tilted because of the change of the narrator.......I enjoyed this one a lot. Verity will be face-to-face with her grandma who she loved so much. However, she has been scared that she disappointed her since the family house had to be stripped away when Verity had zero money years and years ago. Some things have been replaced but she has had a lot of guilt on her shoulders losing some of her grandma's things. I loved that Verity got this chance to finally get a chance to talk to her grandma and let go of this guilt.

I also loved watching Verity grow more. There were times she was acting so selfish in this book, but I get it. If my grandma came back from the light....I wouldn't want her to go back either. However, grandma staying wasn't going to help anyone. 

Frankie!!! I love him. My heart broke when he was all, "This is the only home I've ever had!" OMG. Some nice growth and emotional break throughs for this boy. 

And Lucy. They true MVP!!!!!

I love them all!!!!

Ooo and the mystery was so good. I don't want to spoil anything! 

All-in-all, I enjoyed this one and the series is still as good as book 1. Some ups and some less ups (hehe), but all good overall. I can't wait for the next book! I hope and pray our old narrator comes back, but this new one did okay overall. 4 stars from me. 

Favorite Character(s): Lucy!!! And I do love Ellis a lot

Least Favorite Character(s): Our baddie and that lawyer fella!

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #40

- Cloak & Dagger #25

Book Review: Wicked Mafia Prince by Annika Martin

Author: Annika Martin

Title: Wicked Mafia Prince

Series: Dangerous Royals #2

Genre: Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, 

Format: ebook

Pages: 317

Published: July 26, 2016

Where I got It: Kindle Unlimited

Summary: 

Who is the nun who never shows her face?

Ever since killing the love of his life, the beautiful and fierce mafia assassin named Tanechka, Viktor has lived in utter torment.

Now, years later, he comes upon a nun who will never show her face.

Viktor is sure this is Tanechka herself — that she has improbably, impossibly survived. Is it obsession? A figment of a guilty conscience? Or is this their second chance?

Review:

Read book 1 a long time ago and I remember really liking it. I honestly forgot about this series. Life man....always getting in the way and my old lady brain just forgets. 

Here we have Viktor and Tanechka. They were in love and happy, but Viktor had to do the unthinkable when it came out that she was an assassin and traitor. After killing her, he lived his life in misery until years later,  there is a nun who never shows her face. Is this her? It has to be so he will do what he can to get her back and help her remember who she is. 

I struggled with this especially with the amnesia parts and Viktor trying to make her turn away from her religion. Plus I couldn't forgive him for trying to kill her years ago. I don't think, if I was Tanechka, would trust him again. I can get he did what he did, but as her....no. Sorry. If there is a seed of doubt again would you try and kill me again?

Nah fam. 

This one just wasn't for me. I didn't buy the romance at all. 

The mystery and suspense was fun. But yeah. No. 

I'll give this 2 stars. Like I said there were a couple of bits that were good. 

Favorite Character(s): no one

Least Favorite Character(s): Viktor and our main baddie

 Challenge(s):

- Cloak & Dagger #24

Audiobook Review: And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

Author: Agatha Christie

Narrator: Dan Stevens

Title: And Then There Were None

Genre: Mystery, Thriller

Format: Audiobook 

Published: November 6, 1939

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

 Ten people, each with something to hide and something to fear, are invited to an isolated mansion on Indian Island by a host who, surprisingly, fails to appear. On the island they are cut off from everything but each other and the inescapable shadows of their own past lives. One by one, the guests share the darkest secrets of their wicked pasts. And one by one, they die… Which among them is the killer and will any of them survive?

Review:

Not sure how I didn't know about this one. I guess this is one of her popular ones? 

Ten people are brought together by a host who fails to appear. They are stranded on on this island in an isolated mansion. There is no escape. They are stranded with each other and with their wicked pasts. One by one...they die. Who among them is the killer? Will anyone survive to tell the tale?

Slow to start, but it was worth it. By the end you didn't want to stop. 

There are 10 people who all did something bad in the past. Some not so bad, but all bad pasts and it seems they are being punished by someone on the island. 

I had zero idea who and why. Is it one of them? Is there someone hiding and striking? I had no idea. 

The ending was really good and I actually gasped. 

The narrator did a good job. The voices all sounded very similar so I had to really pay attention. I think if I was to read this again one day (and I might) I may try an ebook or physical book. 

Overall, I'll give this 4 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): no one...they all were bad

Least Favorite Character(s): All 10 of them. 

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #37

- Cloak & Dagger #23

- Library Love #24

Book Review: Once Removed by Margaret Watson

Author: Margaret Watson

Title: Once Removed

Series: Blackhawk Security #2

Genre: Romantic suspense, Western

Format: ebook

Pages: 271 

Published: January 15, 2021

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

When Lainey becomes trapped in a burning building with her almost-divorced husband’s body, Brody rescues her just in time. And when she realizes the killer is now after her, she takes refuge at Brody’s Montana ranch.

Lainey and Brody have been fighting their attraction for years. But as the barriers between them fall, Lainey rescues Phoebe, a runaway teen, from the compound where her husband died. Now they’re forced to focus on Phoebe and an invisible threat.

Whoever murdered her husband has eyes on Lainey. Will their fragile new family survive a desperate predator? Can they protect Phoebe, identify the killer and find their happily ever after?

Review:

Picked this up as a freebie since it fit for a couple of reading challenges. I didn't realize it was part of a series, but it was fine without reading the first one. 

Here we follow Lainey and Brody. Lainey is trapped in a burning building with her almost-divorced husband's body. Brody rescues her just in time. They realize that there is a killer after her so Brody lets Lainey take refuge at his ranch until they can find the killer. They have been friends for a very long time. There has been an attraction over the years, but they never acted on them. But as the barriers start falling between them, they rescue a runaway teen that came from the same compund her husband died. Now they have more at stake to find the threat. 

This started out SO strong. I was enjoying the chemistry and the mystery. So suspensful all around. How will they cross that line into love AND who is this killer? It was so good. 

However....things fell apart about halfway. 

It just lost all steam for me. I literally felt myself trying to skim. I was over it. I can't even fully point at what made me start feeling meh about everything. Lainey and Brody were fine enough. Phoebe was okay. The romance sizzled out for me. I didn't feel their chemistry anymore. I just wanted the killer to be caught so I could be done. 

Eh.

Great start. Meh finish. 

2 stars from me. 

Favorite Character(s): No one

Least Favorite Character(s): The killer I guess?

 Challenge(s):

- Cloak & Dagger #21

- Romance Reading #20 (Romantic suspense)

Book Review: Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

Author: Agatha Christie

Title: Murder on the Orient Express

Series: Hercule Poirot #10

Genre: Mystery, Classics

Format: ebook

Pages: 256

Published: January 1, 1934

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

A luxurious journey aboard the Orient Express turns into a race against time when a murder is committed. Detective Hercule Poirot interrogates the suspects during a long stop in the mountains of Yugoslavia.

Review:

I read this gem many, many, MANY years ago. I watched the movie when it came out, but again...my brain barely remembers the details. I remember the big reveal (because how could you not) but the details or so forth? Nope. 

Hercule Poirot finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation while aboard the Orient Express. It is a race against time before they reach their final destination. Lots of suspects, lots of motives...

This one is just so clever. I loved the way each chapter played out and seeing Hercule interview each of the suspects was so entertaining. 

I may remember the conclusion, but it is so so so thrilling watching Hercule pull it all together. So many little hints and tips that I caught on knowing the conclusion. 

I enjoy Hercule and his stories so much. They are entertaining and Hercule may not be the most humble of creatures, but he deserves his arrogance. 

What else to say? You don't have to read these books in order and you could read this one and enjoy it. But going back to some older books have made me appreciate Hercule a little more. 

5 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Bouc

Least Favorite Character(s): Ratchett

 Challenge(s):

- Library Love #23

- Cloak & Dagger #20

Audiobook Review: A House With Good Bones by T. Kingfisher

Author: T. Kingfisher

Narrator: Mary Robinette Kowal

Title: A House With Good Bones

Genre: Horror, Fantasy, Paranormal, Mystery

Format: Audiobook 

Published: March 28, 2023

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

"Mom seems off."

Her brother's words echo in Sam Montgomery's ear as she turns onto the quiet North Carolina street where their mother lives alone.

She brushes the thought away as she climbs the front steps. Sam's excited for this rare extended visit, and looking forward to nights with just the two of them, drinking boxed wine, watching murder mystery shows, and guessing who the killer is long before the characters figure it out.

But stepping inside, she quickly realizes home isn’t what it used to be. Gone is the warm, cluttered charm her mom is known for; now the walls are painted a sterile white. Her mom jumps at the smallest noises and looks over her shoulder even when she’s the only person in the room. And when Sam steps out back to clear her head, she finds a jar of teeth hidden beneath the magazine-worthy rose bushes, and vultures are circling the garden from above.

To find out what’s got her mom so frightened in her own home, Sam will go digging for the truth. But some secrets are better left buried.

Review:

I picked this for book club! I've really been meaning to read more by this author. So far I've only read one a while back, so it was time. Seen this and it seemed like a nice pick. 

Sam is temporarily moving back in with her mother. Her brother's words scare her a bit, but it just can't be true that their mother is "off". Or is her brother being overdramatic? She'll have to see for herself. When she steps in, the house seems to be transported back in time. The once vibrant house, is now back to the sterile white walls and questionable decor that her grandmother used to have. Her mother is jumpy and way too skinny. Something is wrong and Sam will figure it out. 

Creepy. SOOO creepy. The last...quarter of the book had me glued! I couldn't stop listening and I kept mumbling, "WHAT THE F?" Wild. Loved it.

The "answer" seemed so simple. The answer was literally written on the wall, but the further you go the more complex and weird it gets. It was awesome. One scene? A thing of absolute nightmares and I loved every second of it.

I do wish we had more of a solid ending. Like....what? Sure, the unknown is scary and we are supposed to be a little scared for them, but I wanted to see more. Maybe a future book? 

The narrator was alright. Sometimes she was a little jovial for Sam. Sure, Sam is kind of jovial, but it seemed too much. Her guy voices were...eh. Poor Phil sounded so weird. 

Overall, I did like this. It makes me want more from the author. Wild story that got crazy good. I wanted more from the end and the narrator was just alright, but I ate up every second of this. I'll give this 4 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Gail (spell?) and our vulture buddy

Least Favorite Character(s): The grandmother

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #34

- Cloak & Dagger #19

- Library Love #20

Book Review: The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray

Author: Claudia Gray

Title: The Murder of Mr. Wickham

Series: Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney #1

Genre: Mystery, Retelling, Historical Fiction, Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 387

Published: May 3, 2022

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

A summer house party turns into a whodunit when Mr. Wickham, one of literature’s most notorious villains, meets a sudden and suspicious end in this mystery featuring Jane Austen’s leading literary characters.

The happily married Mr. Knightley and Emma are throwing a house party, bringing together distant relatives and new acquaintances—characters beloved by Jane Austen fans. Definitely not invited is Mr. Wickham, whose latest financial scheme has netted him an even broader array of enemies. As tempers flare and secrets are revealed, it’s clear that everyone would be happier if Mr. Wickham got his comeuppance. Yet they’re all shocked when Wickham turns up murdered—except, of course, for the killer hidden in their midst.

Nearly everyone at the house party is a suspect, so it falls to the party’s two youngest guests to solve the mystery: Juliet Tilney, the smart and resourceful daughter of Catherine and Henry, eager for adventure beyond Northanger Abbey; and Jonathan Darcy, the Darcys’ eldest son, whose adherence to propriety makes his father seem almost relaxed. The unlikely pair must put aside their own poor first impressions and uncover the guilty party—before an innocent person is sentenced to hang.

Review:

Who doesn't love a good Jane Austen retelling mixed with a murder of Mr. Wickham???

Mr. Knightley and Emma are throwing a party and bringing together distant relatives, old friends, and new acquaintances. We see faces from all over Jane Austen books. Everyone is having a good time until Wickham shows up and crashes the party. He is desperate and his latest financial scheme has netted him an even broader array of enemies. No one is happy to see him and obviously someone is mad enough for murder. Everyone is a suspect and it will be up to Juliet Tilney and Jonathan Darcy to team up and figure out the truth before the constable takes away an innocent person. 

I enjoyed this quite a bit. I liked meeting our old characters and new characters. I loved seeing them interact. However, there were SOOO many characters I had to really concentrate to keep who was who. I've read the books but I still struggled sometimes and had to stop and re-read. 

Jonathan and Juliet are for sure opposites and it was fun watching them work together. Jonathan is so rigged he makes Mr Darcy look like a carefree hippie. Juliet is clever and sweet. 

The mystery was nicely done. I had zero idea who did it, because EVERYONE wanted the swine dead. *spits* 

All-in-all, this is a wonderful book for those that like Jane Austen and mysteries! It was lovely seeing so many faces. It was a little much sometimes and I had issues here and there remembering who was who and how everyone was connected, but I was able to stay with the story and find my footing eventually. I am curious about book 2, but we shall see. Maybe if my library has it. Now a rating??? Mhmmmmm........4 stars. It would be 3, but I feel that the ending twists and turns gave it a little bit of a boost. 

Favorite Character(s): Juliet

Least Favorite Character(s): Wickham of course.  

 Challenge(s):

- Cloak & Dagger #18

- Library Love #19

Audiobook Review: Death at the Drive-In by Angie Fox

Author: Angie Fox

Narrator: Tavia Gilbert

Title: Death at the Drive-In

Series: Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries #13

Genre: Mystery, Fantasy, Romance

Format: Audiobook 

Published: March 19, 2024

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

Verity's quest to save her friend takes her to a long-abandoned part of Sugarland where rockabilly ghosts rule.

Review:

I'm in love with this series and these characters. I'm pretty much caught up now. There is just one more book already published and then after that....I'll have to wait! Gasp!

Verity and her gang are up for a big challenge. They will need to figure out how to save Frankie's girlfriend who was possessed by another ghost. Yes, ghosts can possess other ghost. This will lead them to a long-abandoned part of Sugarland where rockabilly ghosts rule the roost. Trying to save their friend will lead to a cold case that will have to be solved. 

I would recommend reading the other books before this one. Lots and lots of references. 

Lots of mysteries afoot in this one! Between saving a friend and solving a cold case and defeating corrupt cops and the Irish Mob....Verity and the gang have a lot on their hands!!! It was all fun and all connected and done really, really well. 

Spoiler, not spoiler, I loved seeing Verity and her MIL team up. That was unexpected but mama Virginia doesn't have much going on and I think a part of her heart wants to be loved. Honestly, I think that is why I love this series so much. Not only does Verity and Frankie have character developments, but our sides do too. It feels all so real. 

I was sad that Ellis wasn't really involved here. We get to see him for a few moments before he takes off. Bummer. I missed his lil face. BUT I think this was done on purpose because we got to see more of Frankie and Molly fighting for each other and their love. That was nice to see more of that. I GUESS I can kind of forgive not seeing swoon-worthy Ellis as much. 

OOO. The twist was nice. Seen part of it coming, but the whole thing?? Got me there. 

The narrator was fabulous as per normal. 

All-in-all, I am in love with this series. Love our mains and our sides. I am eager to read the next one! Super fun. Lots of mysteries and ghosties afoot. I'll give this 4 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Verity 

Least Favorite Character(s): Seamus

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #33

- Cloak & Dagger #17