Why I’m Doing This: I have wanted to write a book for a long time, and it has been on my bucket list for years. In November 2025, I decided to take that goal seriously and started writing again with the aim of completing a novel of at least 50,000 words.

The Writing Process So Far: I wrote about 30,000 words, but my first draft felt boring. If I was not interested in my own story, I knew readers probably would not be either. So, I reworked the concept and started again, reusing some material while changing key events to make the story more engaging. That version, however, felt too melodramatic. After that, I tried combining elements from both versions to find a better balance, but I still was not satisfied. For now, I have decided to step back and give the project some breathing room before revisiting the concept.

Why I’m Writing These Reviews: One piece of advice writers hear often is to read widely in the genre they want to write. Another is simply to keep writing. These reviews are my way of doing both. They help me improve my writing, better understand what I like and do not like as a reader, and make note of the elements I may want to use—or avoid—in my own book.

Spoiler Policy: There will be some spoilers in my reviews, since I am looking at the books from a writers perspective. I will do my best to not reveals any major surprises or a summary of the entire book so I don’t ruin it for anyone who wants to read it themself. Most of these books are romance so we know that there is a happily ever after and it is more about enjoying the journey rather than the ending.