Why Do I Like This Book?
Sometimes when people ask me why I liked a book, the answer comes easily. I can talk about the banter, the world-building, or how funny the characters were. Those answers sound nice and logical. But honestly? A lot of the time, the question feels way more complicated than it should be.
Especially if it’s been a while since I read the book, I just… don’t know. The real answer I want to give is, “I don’t know why I liked it. I just did,” and move on with my life. But somehow that feels like the wrong answer. Like I’m supposed to have a well-thought-out explanation ready. And let’s be real sometimes it’s even more awkward when the book was spicy.
Yesterday at lunch, I was scrolling through a friend’s Goodreads and asked her about one of the books she had read. Her response caught me off guard. She shrugged and said, “I just do.” And in that moment, I felt seen. Someone like me. Maybe we’re not alone after all. Because that is exactly what I want to say 99% of the time when someone asks me why I liked a book.
And honestly? That should be a perfectly acceptable answer.
Reading is personal. What hits for one person won’t hit the same for someone else. Sometimes a book just finds you at the right time, in the right mood, and it works even if you can’t explain why. Heck, most people can’t even fully explain how they feel about the people they love, so why should we always be able to explain why we loved a book?
Maybe “I just did” is enough. And maybe I should start saying it more often.
What type of reader are you?
Today at the lunch table, a co-worker was telling me about her current read, Wicked & Wildfire by Sarah Bailey and how while she was reading it, her face literally turned red because of the spice. She knows my love for spicy romance books and knew I was the one person who would fully understand. Naturally, I added it to my TBR immediately. She mentioned that it’s the second book in the series and that she was NOT going to go back and read the first one. She was just… moving on. Like that was a totally normal thing to do?
And that’s when I realized: I am not that kind of reader. I am a finish the series kind of reader. Power through. No skipping. No abandoning characters halfway through their journeys.
Zodiac Academy is a prime example. I loved that series, but there were definitely moments when I needed a mini break (these books were PACKED and LONG) and had to squeeze in a short novella just to get a break. Still, once I’m in a groove and I like the characters and the story, I don’t want it to end. I want to see them again in the next book and find out where they are and what trouble and heartbreak they’ve gotten themselves into.
I am also one of those readers who, two books later, doesn’t always remember every detail from the last one.(topic to come back to) So when Onyx Storm came out, I was absolutely that reader who went back and reread or in my case, re-listened to the earlier books so it felt like one continuous journey instead of a confusing reunion tour. I am not saying I won’t read the book if it is not complete, but will I let it sit a little longer on my TBR sure will till I want to binge.
So now I have to ask… what type of reader are you? Do you read the whole series in order, or do you skip around and change direction?
Five Bookish & Five Personal Goals for 2026
January 20th, 2026
Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together. For the rules see her blog. This weeks topic is
Five Bookish & Five Personal Goals for 2026
Bookish Goals
- Read at least one book out of my normal genre
- Join or start a book club
- Keep up with my book website and grow it by adding links
- Make a mood board/postcard post of a book that has inspired me
- Pick up a physical book read, and tag along the way.
Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish and now hosted by Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl. For the rules see her blog. This weeks topic is
My Favorite Books I Read in 2025, here are my some of my choices. I’m choosing my favorite ten of those 16! I’m going to share in the order I read them because you can’t possibly make me rank these!
I read close to 70 books last year and many of them were 5 star reads for me. 16 were short novellas, 17 were audiobooks wow I did alot of driving/cooking and cleaning to listen to all of those. I DNF 3 books this year and reread 3. I’m choosing my favorite ten of the new books that were 5 star reads !
Zodiac Acadeny– At the beginning of 2025 I finished the last four books of this series and I must say WOW what a wild long ride these books were and a top 10 read for sure. I was hooked from the first page, e characters are compelling, with one customer noting how the bonds between side characters add depth, and the book features lots of banter that makes them laugh out loud. At times this series was utterly intense and at first I was unclear how this bully romance with friendship elements was going to change into epic love story. At times this series had me laughing out loud, fanning my face for the smut, to staying up way to late because I needed to know what was next for all the characters.
Pucking Sweet by Emily Rath. Pucking Sweet is the third novel in the Jacksonville Rays series by Emily Rath. This series was not for the faint of heart and at times made you look over your shoulder to make you to see if anyone was watching you read the amount of spicy in these books. The characters feel so real where all you could do was fall in love with them. You go through everything with them there on page at their own pace. Love tringles are not my go to stories line, but there was something special about these guys and Poppy I love their dynamics and how they compliment each other so completely.
Rebel Witch – by Kristen Ciccarelli is the second book of these series, and was masterfully wrapped up Rune and Gideon’s story. Watching Rue finally face her inner battles and choose love, bravery, and her own power was beautiful. Gideon continues to be the loyal, soft-hearted but deadly protector we fell for in Heartless Hunter, and their dynamic in this book felt so earned and real, with a HEA
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros- There were many haters on this book, that it was hard to follow. For all the hype around this book it sat on my TBR list for almost the whole summer before I decided it was time, plus it gave me a chance to reread Iron Flame and remember the story line in detail. In my opinion I must say I really, really liked it and was a top read for me this year. Any time Xaden and Violet have scenes together and explore their relationship I enjoy.
Binding 13 THE WHOLE SERIES!!! AMAZING AMAZING!! – Shannon and Johnny story was amazing but, Joeys story was even better. Lets just say Binding 13 completely took me by surprise. I went into it expecting a cute romance, but the story is so much deeper. The characters feel real, their emotions hit hard, and the slow-burn chemistry is perfect. Johnny and Shannon’s connection is soft, innocent, protective, and honestly addictive.
Saving/Redeeming 6 centers around Joey Lynch & Aoife Molloy. After reading Binding 13 and Keeping 13, I knew Joey and Aoife have been through the wringer but I had no idea how long they’ve actually loved each other. I enjoyed the different point of views from Joey and Aoife, especially to see how each of them felt at specific moments. Their books had me smiling, laughing, on the verge of tears & feeling every single horrible thing that they both experienced & went through alone & together. There is so much more to say about the other books in the series but these four will always have a special place on my shelf.
Credence by Penelope Douglas. This book was all over my TikTok feed as a must read for most of 2025. I would read the amazon summery and every time say to myself this book does not seem like something I would like. I have old read one other book by Penelope Douglas “Birthday Girl” which has been one of my top recommendations for a few years now.
I was in a reading slump before I started this book and it was late one night and I thought I would just give it a try. WOW oh WOW I am glad I did because this book was not what I thought it was going to be. It was so much better! There are two scene in this book that will live rent fee for many years to come. This is proof you can’t always judge a book by its cover.
The Wolf Hotel Series by K.A. Tucker This is a four book series Tempt me, Break Me, Teach Me, and Surrender to Me. This whole series from start to finish was so much fun. The characters were well developed with great chemistry. It was well written, steamy hot. and their interactions actually made me smile in real life a few times. I think the storyline had a good flow. I didn’t get bored or taken out of the storyline. This was one of the most over-the-top spicy series I have ever read. Descriptive sex scenes, multiple partners at once. One thing I didn’t like, I wish there was an epilogue to tie up all the loose ends….her mother’s reaction to her and Henry’s engagement , the start of her soap business, their wedding, Jed’s future, Ronan and Connor…..so many unfinished answers. I would highly recommend this books.
Older by Jennifer Hartmann I absolutely adored this book! It’s a slow-burning age-gap romance that tugs at your heartstrings. Halley and Reed are both broken in their own ways and while it’s hard to see how they could possibly heal each other in an acceptable way, it happens but only after causing more pain. The writing is beautiful, and the character development is exceptional. I genuinely liked both characters and felt invested in their journey.
The Chestnut Spring Series (5 Books) by Elsie Silver (Flawless, Heartless, Powerless, Reckless, Hopeless) This book collection was easy to read, and each can be read as standalones. Silvers MMCs are swoon worthy, and her FMCs are lovable. They’re slowburn to spicy. If you’ve ever wished Hallmark movies were spicy, these books are for you!
The Women by Kristin Hannah is a powerful and emotional novel about courage, sacrifice, and the often-overlooked role of women in history. The story follows Frankie McGrath, a young woman who leaves her comfortable life to serve as a nurse during the Vietnam War. She brings the characters to life and makes the reader feel their pain, love, and hope. The story is heartbreaking at times, but also inspiring. It is a great choice for anyone who enjoys historical fiction. A book that will keep you turning the pages in this meaningful and unforgettable book.
Honnorable mention The Housemaid by Frida McFadden The Housemaid is one of those books that pulls you in fast and doesn’t let go. The pacing is quick, the tension builds steadily, and every chapter makes you want to keep reading “just one more chapter after midnight.” The twists were smart and genuinely surprising, especially because the story keeps shifting your assumptions. I loved how the psychological suspense builds I truly enjoyed the twists and turns, and being surprised when things turned out to be the opposite of what I was led to believe. The ending was satisfying, and I enjoyed the book so much more then I thought I would. A must read!