For today’s 3 for Thursday, I wanted to give you 3 mini reviews for my last (non-holiday) 3 books that I read for the #23for23 challenge.

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Tastes Like Shakkar 
By Nisha Sharma
🎧 Narrated by: Soneela Nankani, Vikas Adam 
If Shakespeare Was an Auntie, Book 2
Book 174 of 2023

This is the follow up book to Dating Dr. Dil, which I loved. I would encourage people to read the books in order, because you meet the side characters and get some set up for each book. (Speaking of which – I cannot WAIT for the next book!!)

My one small complaint is about the enemies to lovers trope. And truly, I don’t know if it’s this book in particular or if I’m burnt out on the trope after reading 10 in October & November. There’s a fine line between too much hate and too little, and this had too little for me. I say I like when she hates him but he likes her, but I needed a little more tension, the relationship seemed too easy. This might be because a lot of the drama centered around familial obligations, which hasn’t been something I’ve had to deal with much in my life. 

Perfect for: When you’re in the mood for something cozy and spicy. 

🎧 Narration was fantastic! 

A Lot Like Adios
By Alexis Daria 
🎧 Narrated by: Seraphine Valentine 
Primas of Power, Book 2
Book 164 of 2023

This could be read out of order, but I absolutely LOVED Book 1, so don’t skip it entirely! (I’m a sucker for a romance on a tv/film set.) Our couple is off in their own little bubble for most of the book, so while our FMC checks in with her cousins, we don’t have a lot of focus on the events of book 1. 

Gabriel is opening a new location of his incredibly successful LA gym. He finds out his dream marketing expert for his campaign is actually his ex-best friend, Michelle. When he reaches out, she agrees to work on his campaign – but only if he’s willing to stay with her in New York. You know, normal business stuff if you’re in a rom com. 

I adored the characters but the plot dragged a little. I almost enjoyed them more when they were working on their business project and actually talking to each other. Which might say more about myself as a reader than the book itself, but that’s where we really saw the character growth. 

🎧 Excellent on audio. 

Long Way Down
By Jason Reynolds
🎧 Narrated by: Jason Reynolds
Book 171 of 2023

Ok – something completely different! Lit fic, YA, and a novel in verse. I read this to complete the PopSugar Challenge, but it has been sitting on my shelf since it was published in 2017. 

After his brother is murdered, fifteen-year-old Will knows the rules: no crying, no snitching, revenge. The entire book takes place during his elevator ride down from his apartment. On the way down, he talks to the ghosts of victims of gun violence that he knew or knew of. It was beautiful, and powerful, and sad. 

🎧 I love listening to novels in verse by audio, and I loved listening to it read by the author so we got to hear how he wanted his work spoken. 

QotD: (pick one or both)
– Did you participate in the 23 for ‘23 challenge to read books by BIPOC authors with a BIPOC main character? If so, how did it go? 
– What was your most read genre last year?