Author: taylorhondos

Author of swoony, messy love stories with emotional depth and just enough chaos. NC-based. Coffee-fueled. Dog-obsessed. Romantasy reader, Lego builder, Funko Pop hoarder. Always writing. Always dreaming.
Posted on by — Leave a comment

Top 12 Books on My Shelf That Deserve a Hug (or a Reread)

There’s something deeply personal about the books you own. They’re not just stories—they’re memories, identities, decor, and, occasionally, emotional support paperbacks. So today I’m sharing my Top 12 Favorite Books From My Own Shelf. No library returns, no borrowing from besties—these are the ones I can physically reach out and hug (and maybe sob into again).

1. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Sometimes I’m a sunshine girlie. Sometimes I want to fake my death and ruin a man’s life. This book is unhinged perfection and I revisit it anytime I need a reminder that female rage is beautiful.

2. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

This book is pure dystopian mess and I love it. Mare is angry, powerful, and always making questionable decisions. It’s basically my Roman Empire. Bonus: betrayal hits so hard when lightning is involved.

3. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

This was my gateway drug into mythology, sass, and chosen-one plots. Percy had ADHD and trauma and still managed to be hilarious. Truly a foundational text. Any other Annabeth Chase Stans in the house?

4. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Rose Hathaway walked so all other sarcastic, stabby YA heroines could run. She taught me how to flirt and fight. Iconic behavior.

5. Dark Lover by J.R. Ward

If you’ve never dramatically whispered “Wrath” while holding this book to your chest, are you even a romance reader? It’s dark, emotional, and oh-so-2005 vampirecore.

6. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

This book is 85% mental breakdown, 10% poetic metaphors, and 5% Adam being wrong for her. I highlighted everything. Juliette is unwell and I support her. My book is very, very well loved.

7. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

I will never not be obsessed with Jude Duarte and her stabby ambitions. This book is pure dark fae girl fantasy. Also, Cardan. Enough said.

8. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Were the movie and TV series shit? Yes. Did this series raise me? Also yes. I wanted to be a Shadowhunter so bad, runes and all.

9. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Soft werewolves? Melancholy winters? This book is so quietly emotional it hurts. Reading it feels like standing in snow while holding hands with someone you’re scared to love.

11.Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead

This one’s criminally underrated. Hot demons. Tragic immortality. Bookstore setting. It’s giving cozy + cursed, which is basically my brand.

10. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

I’m keeping this one in the list because it just feels like me. STEM + love + grumpy man = the ultimate comfort reread. I eat this up like it’s a warm cookie and I haven’t eaten all day.

12. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Yes, I still think about Celaena. Yes, I still have trust issues because of this series. Yes, I’ll always be slightly in love with several men in this story. It’s dramatic, dangerous, and has that “main character moment” energy that makes you want to sword-fight in a ball gown.

What book on your shelf says “this is who I am”? And if you’ve read Shiver or Dark Lover, please message me immediately—we’re starting a very niche book club

Happy Reading!

Taylor

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Top 10 Books for the Conrad Girlies (aka The Emotionally Repressed Book-Lovers Who Crave Slow Burns)

If you’re a Team Conrad girly, you know what it’s like to love someone who pushes you away just to pull you back in again. You live for the longing glances, the unresolved tension, and the quiet boys with a thousand emotions behind their eyes. You want pain with your romance. Yearning. Vibes.

These books were made for you.

1. Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren

For the girls who fell in love at fifteen and never really fell out.
Second chances, childhood love, and a boy who never stopped loving her—even when it broke him to let her go? Conrad Fisher would cry.

2. Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

It’s giving: lake houses, old love, and bad timing.
If you miss Cousins Beach, this book is your soft, painful, perfect replacement. It’s practically the Canadian version of TSITP.

3. The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams

Because sometimes the boy best friend does get the girl.
This one’s for the girlies who always believed Conrad and Belly were endgame. Clean romance with SO much tension.

4. You’d Be Mine by Erin Hahn

Emotionally closed-off musician? Sign. Us. Up.
Think Johnny Cash meets Daisy Jones with a tortured country boy falling for the sunshine girl. Conrad with a guitar.

5. Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

Enemies-to-lovers, soundtrack-worthy, with a rom-com twist.
Because sometimes the broody boy next door is your leading man. And yes, he’s always been in love with you.

6. The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther

Weddings, summer games, secret crushes… and major Conrad energy.
This one takes place in Martha’s Vineyard. Need we say more?

7. The Secret History by Donna Tartt

For the darker Conrad girlies who want academia, obsession, and moral decay.
Maybe Conrad went to Brown and started spiraling. Maybe you like your love interests dangerous and damaged. We don’t judge.

8. Beach Read by Emily Henry

Sad boy author + sunshine girl + writer’s block = chef’s kiss.
Gus Everett is Conrad’s older, grumpier, writer cousin. And we love him for it.

9. Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

The messy, emotional chaos you crave.
Conrad would 1000% be in The Six. He’d be writing lyrics about Belly and pretending he didn’t care while staring longingly into the Pacific.

10. If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin

Warning: this one will break you.
This book is Conrad in literary form. Quiet love, painful timing, and an ending that will haunt you forever. Read it with tissues.

Bonus: A Playlist, Obviously 🌊

You can’t love Conrad Fisher without having a playlist full of sad, beachy, soul-crushing songs. Here are a few to throw on while reading:

  • “The Night We Met” – Lord Huron
  • “illicit affairs” – Taylor Swift
  • “505” – Arctic Monkeys
  • “This Is Me Trying” – Taylor Swift
  • “Exile” – Taylor Swift ft. Bon Iver
  • “Like Real People Do” – Hozier
  • “Daylight”- Taylor Swift
  • “Vienna” – Billy Joel (Conrad coded, don’t argue)
  • “Red”- Taylor Swift

Are you a true Team Conrad girlie?

And if you need me, I’ll be rewatching The Summer I Turned Pretty for the 17th time and sobbing into my hoodie.

#TeamConradForever
#BroodyBoysOnly
#SadHotLiteraryMen

Happy Reading,

Taylor

Posted on by

Ruthless Fae Review: Zodiac Academy

So, I dove into Zodiac Academy: Ruthless Fae expecting some epic fantasy drama — and wow, did it deliver… but in the most unexpected ways.

Picture this: a magical academy bursting with every mythical creature you can imagine, plus powers, secrets, and enough plot twists to keep you guessing. At first, I was a bit overwhelmed — like someone dumped a glittering, chaotic fantasy smoothie in my lap and said, “Drink up!” But stick with it, because the world-building grows on you in a way that’s both dazzling and addictive.

I have to say, my favorite characters quickly became Caleb, Darius, and Tory — they bring so much depth and fire to the story. And I absolutely loved the tension between Orion and Darcy. Forbidden romance is totally my guilty pleasure, and they delivered all the feels. Plus, the professor relationships? Yep, shame on me, but I’m hooked. There’s just something about a complicated teacher dynamic that I can’t resist. Don’t judge me.

It’s not perfect — expect some “Wait, what?” moments and a whirlwind of new concepts to catch up on — but the emotional punch and surprising depth make it worth the ride. Honestly, it felt like binge-watching a reality TV show where the drama keeps you glued to the screen, just like my sister says. If this book were a snack, it’d be one of those messy, overly salty chips you can’t stop eating even though your taste buds are screaming for mercy.

Three stars for a wild, magical adventure that’s a little bonkers but totally entertaining. If you’re ready to get lost in a fantasy world that’s equal parts chaotic and charming, this book has your name on it.

Bonus idea: Bake yourself a batch of salted caramel brownies while reading — because the sweet and salty chaos of the book pairs perfectly with the sweet and salty chaos of dessert. Trust me.

Cozy Twisted Salted Caramel Brownies

Because sometimes a little magic means adding coffee and chocolate chips to your caramel brownies — and honestly, what could be better? Perfect for baking on a day when you want to escape into a fantasy world (or just want a legit excuse to eat brownies for breakfast).

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp instant espresso powder (trust me on this)
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce (classic or salted bourbon caramel if you’re feeling fancy)
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (dark or semi-sweet)
  • Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
  • Optional: a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder for a sneaky warm kick

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper or grease it well.
  2. Melt the butter and stir in the sugar until shiny and smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla and espresso powder. (The espresso makes the chocolate pop in the best way.)
  3. Mix in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, baking powder, and optional cinnamon or chili powder until just combined.
  4. Fold in half the chocolate chips — because melty chocolate pockets are non-negotiable.
  5. Pour half the batter into your pan, drizzle half the caramel sauce over it, then dollop the rest of the batter on top. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over everything.
  6. Take a knife and swirl the caramel through the batter to make those gorgeous gooey ribbons.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips and flaky sea salt over the top for that perfect salty-sweet crunch.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs (no one likes dry brownies, am I right?). Let cool before slicing.

Pro tip: Serve warm with a cup of coffee or your favorite cozy drink, and maybe a good book — because life’s all about balance.

Happy Reading!

Taylor

Posted on by — Leave a comment

A Book, A Blanket, and Banana Bread: My Go-To Reading Day Recipe

(aka: the comfort food that pairs perfectly with fictional heartbreak)

There’s nothing better than a quiet reading day — especially when it involves a rainy window, a stack of books with morally gray love interests, and something warm baking in the oven.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve developed this habit of baking when I know a book is going to wreck me. It’s like I’m subconsciously trying to soften the blow with carbs. And honestly? It works.

So today, I’m sharing my favorite reading-day recipe — my emotional support banana bread — along with the book I paired it with last time (spoiler: it was Still Beating and yes, I cried into the batter).

The Recipe: Cozy Banana Bread With a Touch of Cinnamon

This recipe is:

  • Easy enough to throw together mid-chapter
  • Forgiving if you’re emotionally distracted
  • Delicious warm, cold, or with tears on top

Ingredients:

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon (trust me)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • Optional: chocolate chips, walnuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mash bananas and mix in melted butter.
  3. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla. Stir until it looks like mushy gold.
  4. Sprinkle in baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mix again.
  5. Add flour and fold until just combined — don’t overmix!
  6. Pour into a greased loaf pan. Add chocolate chips if you’re feeling extra.
  7. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Cool (a little) before slicing. Eat warm with a cozy drink and a book that will emotionally ruin you.

Book Pairing: Still Beating by Jennifer Hartmann

Dark. Gripping. Emotional chaos. This book pulled me in with its rawness and didn’t let go. I made this banana bread while reading it, and I swear the cinnamon helped absorb at least 10% of the emotional damage.
Warning: do not operate an oven while sobbing.

Other Book + Baked Good Pairings (Because I’m a Little Extra)

  • The Night Circus → lavender shortbread
  • Beach Read → lemon bars
  • Daughter of No Worlds → dark chocolate brownies
  • A Court of Mist and Fury → something with berries and rage

Honestly, part of me wants to make this a series. Books & Bakes? Chapter & Crumble? The possibilities are endless and delicious.

What Should I Bake Next?

Have a favorite book and cozy recipe I should try? Drop it in the comments or message me! I’m always looking for more fictional heartbreak and warm carbs to soften the blow.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have banana bread to eat and fictional men to obsess over.

With crumbs and love,
Taylor

Posted on by — Leave a comment

My Top 10 Romantasy Books That Completely Wrecked Me (In the Best Way)

You know that feeling when a book completely destroys your soul… but in a way that makes you feel alive? When the angst is delicious, the magic feels real, and the romance clutches your heart in a death grip?

Yeah. That’s what this list is.

These ten romantasy books broke me open and stitched me back together again. From gods and monsters to soulmates and sacrifices, these stories gave me butterflies, bruises, and everything in between.

Here are my top 10 romantasy reads that I still haven’t emotionally recovered from (and honestly? I don’t want to).

1. Terror at the Gates by Scarlett St. Clair

🔥 Tropes: gods & mortals, forced proximity, forbidden love

💭 Why I love it:
Scarlett St. Clair has this incredible way of weaving divine power, mortal vulnerability, and sizzling romantic tension — and Terror at the Gates delivers all of that. The chemistry between the characters is intense and complex, layered with betrayal, fate, and desire. It’s dark, mythological, and emotionally loaded in that signature Scarlett style. I couldn’t put it down — and I’m still thinking about those final chapters.

2. Bride by Ali Hazelwood

🔥 Tropes: vampire x werewolf, enemies-to-lovers, arranged marriage

💭 Why I love it:
Spicy, snarky, and surprisingly heartfelt. The enemies-to-lovers tension in Bride was chef’s kiss, and the world-building added a gritty, dark edge I wasn’t expecting. I came for the romance, stayed for the emotional complexity, and ended up re-reading the best scenes way too many times.

3. From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

🔥 Tropes: hidden identity, forbidden love, badass heroine

💭 Why I love it:
Yes, it’s popular for a reason. This book is like a shot of adrenaline with a side of steam. I couldn’t stop turning the pages — it’s that addictive. The chemistry between Poppy and Hawke? Dangerous. Explosive. Delicious. A great gateway for anyone new to romantasy.

4. One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

🔥 Tropes: dark magic, mysterious love interest, gothic fantasy

💭 Why I love it:
This book was haunting in the best way. The atmosphere, the lyrical writing, the shadowy magic system — it pulled me into this eerie, enchanting world and refused to let go. Plus, the romance was subtly intense, with just enough mystery to keep you on edge.

5. Quicksilver by Callie Hart

🔥 Tropes: found family, enemies-to-lovers, twisted redemption

💭 Why I love it:
This one broke me in all the best ways. Quicksilver is gritty, raw, and laced with heartbreak and healing. Callie Hart crafts characters who feel utterly real — damaged, dangerous, and still so deserving of love. The romance builds through pain and passion, and the emotional payoff? Devastatingly satisfying.

6. The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

🔥 Tropes: vampire trials, enemies-to-lovers, found family

💭 Why I love it:
It’s Hunger Games meets Throne of Glass but make it deadly and seductive. The stakes are brutal, the action relentless, and the romance? Tense. Angsty. So satisfying. Oraya is a heroine you root for with your whole soul, and the tension with Raihn is addictive.

7. Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas

🔥 Tropes: urban fantasy, trauma + healing, found family

💭 Why I love it:
It’s not just the steamy romance or the high-stakes action — it’s the grief and healing arc that hits you right in the chest. Bryce is such a layered, messy, and lovable main character, and her relationship with Hunt builds slowly but beautifully. Be warned: the ending hurts.

8. The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen

🔥 Tropes: political marriage, enemies-to-lovers, spy heroine

💭 Why I love it:
A slow-burn romance wrapped in political intrigue? Yes, please. I loved watching Lara wrestle with loyalty, identity, and that forbidden attraction. The world-building is sharp and strategic, and the romance is just the kind of morally gray, tension-filled drama that romantasy does best.

9. Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry

🔥 Tropes: enemies to lovers (my fav), slow burn with secrets

💭 Why I love it:
This book gave me everything I crave — tension, resentment, slow-burn redemption, and one of the broodiest men Devney Perry has ever written (and that’s saying something). The enemies-to-lovers arc is so layered, with emotional history, simmering attraction, and so much unsaid between the lines. I devoured every angsty moment. If you love a strong, silent type who’s secretly soft for one person only, this one will ruin you — in the best way.

10. Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent

🔥 Tropes: trauma healing, grumpy x sunshine, forbidden magic

💭 Why I love it:
If you’re into emotionally intelligent world-building with characters who earn their growth, this one is for you. Tisaanah and Max are one of my favorite couples — their dynamic is quiet, respectful, intense. The magic system is unique, and the story just unfolds beautifully. A slow-burn masterpiece.

These are the books that made me feel everything — love, heartbreak, magic, hope. Whether you’re a seasoned romantasy reader or just dipping your toes into the genre, I hope you found at least one new favorite on this list.

Now tell me yours.
What’s your romantasy obsession? Drop your recs in the comments or DM me — I’m always looking for the next book to ruin me in the best way.

Honorable Mentions:

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
The blueprint for romantasy obsession. Trauma, healing, wingspan. Enough said.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
More atmospheric than romantic, but the slow-burn magical love story lives rent-free in my soul.

The Plated Prisoner Series by Raven Kennedy
Gold-touch reimagining with toxic obsession, inner strength, and one of the best slow-burn arcs.

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Enemies to lovers with extra knives. Jude + Cardan are chaotic icons.

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
If dragons + romance + training school = your jam, this is a must.

On My Romantasy TBR: Books I Need to Emotionally Unravel Me Next:

Jade City by Fonda Lee
Magic mafia family drama with complex characters and high stakes — YES PLEASE.

Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Workplace comedy + morally gray boss + stabby flirting? Already obsessed.

The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon
Enemies-to-lovers fantasy with angst, rebellion, and the kind of banter I live for.

These Twisted Bonds by Lexi Ryan
Sequel to These Hollow Vows, promising more betrayal, fae politics, and steamy entanglements.

The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni
Healing magic, deadly trials, and a girl just trying to survive — this is so my thing.

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
Cozy romantasy with academic chaos and slow-burn grump/sunshine in a snow-covered forest.

The Foxglove King by Hannah Whitten
Necromancy, poison, court politics, and one brooding priest. Sold.

Until Next time!! Happy Reading,

Taylor Hondos