Top 5 Books I've Read So Far

It’s four months into the year, and I’m quite pleased with my reading habits.

I have read 11 books so far and just started an 8-book series, Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, which should keep me busy for a while.

Here are my Top 5 books from the first quarter and the other books I’ve read so far.

I want to kick things off with two books I read by Lauren Roberts. Lately, I find I’ve been turning to more fantasy/romantasy books, and this series is outstanding. I’ve already pre-ordered the third book, Fearless, which is coming out in April, and have the prequel, Powerful, sitting on my shelf, begging to be read.

1. Powerless by Lauren Roberts

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A thrilling mix of dystopian fantasy and romance, Powerless introduces us to a world where power determines status—and survival. The chemistry between Paedyn and Kai is electric, and the plot is full of betrayals and twists that keep the pages turning. The world-building is compelling, though some elements feel familiar to the genre. Still, it’s a gripping start to a promising series!

2. Reckless by Lauren Roberts

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An exhilarating sequel to Powerless! Roberts raises the stakes as Paedyn and Kai navigate shifting allegiances, deep betrayals, and a romance that sizzles even in the face of danger. The action is intense, and the emotional weight adds depth to the story. Reckless delivers everything you’d hope for—and more.

3. The Storyteller by Dave Grohl

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A heartfelt, humorous, and utterly engaging memoir from rock’s most down-to-earth legend. Grohl’s storytelling is as compelling as his music, with behind-the-scenes glimpses of Nirvana, Foo Fighters, and his life in general. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just love great memoirs, The Storyteller is a fantastic read.

4. The Way I Heard It by Mike Rowe

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Mike Rowe’s storytelling ability shines in this collection of short, surprising, and often humorous anecdotes about famous figures and everyday heroes. His voice is as engaging on the page as on his podcast, making this an easy and enjoyable read. Fans of Dirty Jobs will especially appreciate his insights and dry wit. Incidentally, we had the pleasure of meeting Mike a few years ago, where I admitted to him that he was a national treasure.

5. Every Last Secret by AR Torre

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A deliciously twisted domestic thriller! Cat and Neena’s rivalry is the perfect mix of psychological warfare and suburban scandal. Torre’s writing is sharp, and the mind games between the two women are engrossing. If you enjoy books about manipulative characters and dark secrets, this one is a must-read.

And as for the rest…

Tailspin by Sandra Brown

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A high-octane romantic thriller with nonstop action. Rye, a troublemaking pilot, and Brynn, a doctor on a desperate mission, make for an engaging duo. Sandra Brown is a master of suspense, and Tailspin is filled with intrigue, deception, and steamy chemistry. Some twists are predictable, but it’s an entertaining ride from start to finish.

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

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A clever and addictive thriller! First Lie Wins follows Evie, a con artist caught in a web of deceit that even she can’t fully untangle. The pacing is tight, the twists are unexpected, and the character development is superb. Ashley Elston delivers a psychological thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. Highly recommended!

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

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Rebecca Yarros never fails to deliver emotionally charged stories, and Onyx Storm is no exception. This book has it all—high-stakes action, deep emotional turmoil, and a romance that will leave you breathless. Fans of her Empyrean series will not be disappointed!

The Blonde Dies First by Joelle Wellington

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A fresh take on the slasher genre with sharp social commentary. Wellington mixes dark humor with gripping suspense, keeping the reader guessing. The self-aware nods to horror tropes are a treat for genre fans, making this a highly entertaining and eerie read.

Every Vow You Break by Peter Swanson

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This one starts with a strong premise—a woman on her honeymoon being stalked by a man from her past—but it takes some wild and implausible turns. Swanson knows how to craft suspense, but the second half leans heavily into thriller tropes that might divide readers. A fun, fast-paced read if you don’t mind suspending disbelief.

Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson

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A brilliant and accessible guide to the universe! Tyson has a talent for breaking down complex astrophysical concepts into bite-sized, engaging explanations. Perfect for anyone curious about space but short on time. Thought-provoking and fun, it’s a must-read for science lovers.

Life, Lately (February 2025)

You’ve seen all the meme…

Truth!

That couldn’t be a truer statement.

We started the year with a heartbreaking goodbye to our beloved Stella, but there have been silver linings—ones we’re clinging to with the same determination as Tom Cruise hanging off a plane in Mission: Impossible.

At the same time, life keeps moving…

January began with us saying goodbye to Stella, our little princess and baby girl—the scrappy poodle who showed up on our doorstep in 2011. If you don’t know the story, she wandered into our yard one day, looking like she’d been through the wringer (as you can see below). And from that moment on, she was family.

No tags, no collar, three pounds (March 2011)

I took her straight to our local vet, who confirmed what I feared—without a collar or tags, she had likely been abandoned (the horror!), and judging by her condition, she had been fending for herself for quite some time (cue my heart breaking). We had the option of bringing her to the local shelter, but when I asked if I could take her home for a meal, a bath, and a good night’s sleep with the intent to ultimately keep her, they simply said, “You can do that too.”

So, I did. The moment we walked through the door, she curled up next to Buster, our pitbull, as if she had always belonged there. And just like that, she burrowed her way into our hearts forever.

She knew what she was doing when she showed up in our yard and lived her best life for 14 years.

Two years ago, we learned that Stella had an enlarged heart. She even had her own cardiologist and spent nearly two years on medication as we did everything we could to manage her symptoms. But in the last few months, as her coughing episodes worsened, we knew the time was coming. On January 2nd, we made the heartbreaking decision to say goodbye, holding her close and loving on her until she took her last breath.

The grief was heavy—it took me about two weeks to emerge from the fog. We were gutted. Even now, I still catch myself looking for her, and when the realization hits, the loss feels just as raw. She was that dog—the one who sets the standard, the one who leaves a permanent mark on your heart.

Over the hill and through the woods…

Next month, I’ll speak on a panel at the Top Workplaces USA Summit in Las Vegas (Vegas, baby!). It’s been a while since I’ve been onstage, and for those who know me well, they might have to wrestle the mic out of my hands. The hubby is coming along, and for the second half of the trip, we’re going back to the Sphere to see Dead & Co. Do I follow them religiously? No. Do I know their music? Kind of. Am I going for the experience? Absolutely. We’ll be staying at Resorts World and The Linq, keeping our streak alive—fun fact: we’ve never stayed at the same hotel in Vegas twice.

Then in mid-summer, we’re off to London! I’ve been deep in research mode, planning what to see and mapping out our routes. We’re checking off a major bucket list item—seeing Oasis at Wembley! We’re also hitting up the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour, exploring landmarks, and diving into the museums.

We also hope to squeeze in a trip to Universal Florida for Halloween Horror Nights. By far, it's my favorite theme park destination, even though I’m not a rollercoaster kinda gal. With the opening of Epic Universe, I can’t wait to see the new Mario World and more.

But “weight,” there’s more…

Back in November, I wrote about Taking My Shot, and here’s the update: We’re still using GLP medication for weight loss, and I’m officially down 30 pounds since June 2024! Even better, I’m 40 pounds down from my first GLP experience in 2023 and a full 60 pounds from my highest weight ever. I feel alive again! I’ve also started going back to the gym—time to get my joints moving with cardio and strength training. We have those trips I mentioned, and I want to build both muscle and stamina for all the walking ahead.

2025 is shaping up to be quite a ride.

Top 5 - Recent Shows We Binged

Over the last month, we’ve powered through some great shows. Here are my Top 5!

Skeleton Crew

"Star Wars: Skeleton Crew" is a Disney+ series that follows four children who make a mysterious discovery on their home planet, leading them to become lost in a strange and dangerous galaxy. Think Goonies in space. It was thoroughly enjoyable and, dare I say, the best series they’ve created yet.

The Day of the Jackal

"The Day of the Jackal" is a British spy thriller television series based on Frederick Forsyth's novel. It stars Eddie Redmayne as the elusive assassin who carries out high-profile hits for substantial fees. The series delves into a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase across Europe. The music in this series is fantastic. I found myself adding many of the songs to my “favorites” playlist. I always say the sign of a good show is when you find yourself rooting for the villian.

Silo Season Two

In the second season of Apple TV+'s "Silo," the post-apocalyptic thriller continues to explore the mysteries of a subterranean community. The season finale, titled "Into the Fire," delivers intense action and major plot twists. I’m considering reading the books!

Only Murders in the Building Season Four & Five

I’m the first to admit that I’ve never been a fan of Martin Short, but after watching this last season, his acting skills outside of comedy are terrific. The relationships between Short, Steve Martin, and Selena Gomez are adorable and the show is funny and sweet. Highly recommend!

What We Do in the Shadows Season Six

The sixth and final season of "What We Do in the Shadows" offers a muted yet enjoyable farewell to the beloved Staten Island vampires. While introducing new characters and storylines, the season maintains the chemistry among the main cast. I’m sad to see this show end, because it’s laugh-out-loud funny and Matt Berry is a national treasure.

A Tribute to Our Baby Girl