The Read-Cap: September 2025

As mentioned a few weeks ago, I broke one of my fingers so originally I was going to combine this Read-Cap with October, but my finger is starting to feel better. At least enough where I can type again without feeling like I’m in pain. And I’ve gotten used to avoiding use of that finger so it doesn’t get in the way as much. Plus, I found a feature in Google Docs that transcribes what I say which is a handy accessibility tool if you weren’t aware that existed. Still, I’m going to be so happy when my finger is done healing. Anyways, enough about my broken finger and onto the books! If you are new to the Read-Cap, this is a monthly post I’m doing where I share what I’ve been reading in the last month and what I plan on reading next. If I finish a book and decide not to do a full post reviewing the book, then I’ll just share my general thoughts in one paragraph here.

Before I get into everything that I’ve read and plan on reading, if there are any books available on Kindle Unlimited at the time of posting this, I will mark those books with a ♥ next to the title. So, if you have a subscription, you know what’s available to read on there.

What Did I Read?

  1. Cross Check Hearts (Love and Hockey, Book 5) by Nikki Lawson ♥
    • I was curious how Hannah and Declan’s story was going to play out. He’s the rookie for the Aces, while she’s the coach’s daughter. Apparently, they had a one night stand (filled of marathon sex at the sex club) and thought their paths would never cross again. Obviously, that doesn’t happen and the universe kept pushing them together. Including Hannah’s father instructing Declan to take private yoga lessons from his daughter. The first half of this book at a lot of repetition and slow to get going, but the second half had a better pace with more variations on what was happening. I wouldn’t say this is the strongest book in the series but I still enjoyed it and would recommend. I’m curious how the next book is going to go as it’s going to focus on Grant (the silent, grumpy goalie) and Margo’s sister Heather (a single mother).
  2. The Robin on the Oak Throne (The Oak & Holly Cycle, Book 2) by K.A. Linde
    • Check out my review for my full thoughts, but overall I would recommend this series.
  3. The Primal of Blood and Bone (Blood and Ash, Book 6) by Jennifer L. Armentrout
    • This was released on September 23rd and was supposed to be the last book, but apparently there’s now going to be a seventh. Not entirely sure how I feel about that as I was about ready to check out after the fifth book and this book is over 1200 pages. How is that not enough to wrap up the story? That being said, I’m currently reading this but so far my main complaint is the amount of repetition of certain phrases within the same chapter. Like I get it, they mean everything to you but I don’t need to read that fifty times in the span of a few chapters. Not to mention, Cas overreacts about a decision/request Poppy made with Kieran when Cas was captured. Cas literally wasn’t there, but he’s so mad he demands Kieran to never return. Like dude, what the fuck!? Kieran is a significant character and while he’s not one of the POV characters he has been a main character for the majority of the series. It feels so off based and out of character. Not to mention, they have been insanely close since birth and you’re going to kick him out because of something Poppy requested of him, out of fear?! Kieran was right for calling him out on why Poppy would request that of Kieran and not Cas. But that’s where the drama between them should’ve ended, but it didn’t. And then Cas dances around what happened when everyone asks him why Kieran is nowhere near Cas or Poppy all of the sudden. Also why the hell does Poppy go to New York City? What purpose does that serve? I’m only a fourth of the way in, so I don’t feel like any of that is too much of a spoiler. But I don’t know, so far this is not hitting it for me. We’ll see if my opinion changes.
  4. Sunrise on the Reaping (A Hunger Games Novel) by Suzanne Collins
    • I am almost done with 25% left to read. I swear I’ll finish this book before the year is over.

What I’m Planning on Reading Next?

This is what I’m currently planning on reading next, not including the books I’m in the middle of reading.

  • Fable for the End of the World by Ava Reid
  • The Twisted Throne (The Bridge Kingdom, Book 5) by Danielle L. Jensen
  • Broken Souls and Bones (The Broken Souls and Bones Series, Book 1) by LJ Andrews
  • Nevermore (The Never Sky Series, Book 2) by Miranda Lyn ♥
  • Oathbound (The Legendborn Cycle, Book 3) by Tracy Deonn
  • A Theory of Dreaming (A Study in Drowning, Book 2) by Ava Reid
  • The Songbird and the Heart of Stone (Crowns of Nyaxia, Book 3) by Carissa Broadbent ♥
  • The Poppy War (The Poppy War, Book 1) by R.F. Kuang
  • Accomplice to the Villain (Assistant to the Villain, Book 3) by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
  • Hazelthorn by C.G. Drews
    • Received early as ARC through NetGallery 🙌
  • The Lies that Summon the Night by Tessonja Odette
    • Received early as ARC through NetGallery 🙌

Of course, this is subject to change since I generally read based on mood. But right now, this is what I’m planning on reading. However, I might pull something off my ‘Reading Docket’ instead.

What’s on the docket:

Chain of Gold
The Priory of the Orange Tree
King of Scars
Children of Blood and Bone
A River Enchanted
Dark Night Golden Dawn
Accomplice to the Villain
All the Stars and Teeth
Long Live Evil

I try to keep this library on my GoodReads updated as I purchase books and download items from Kindle Unlimited. Only the next book in a series that I haven’t yet read appears in this list. This ensures the list doesn’t appear overwhelming to me. However, feel free to include all published books in addition to the one I’ve mentioned here, as I’ll typically read them right after. This is not the entire list, so if you would like to see the entire list, check out my reading docket.

Love ya,

Mae Polzine

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Hey Howl Pack!

Digital illustration of a character with short, wavy reddish-brown hair, green eyes, and pointed ears. The character features a subtle smile, a nose ring, and ear piercings. They are wearing a black top with a geometric pattern and a green hoodie.

I’m Mae Polzine. I started this blog in 2015 as a creative outlet to share the things I love—and it’s grown with me ever since. I share a mix of content including book reviews, video games, makeup, body painting, and life updates.

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