25 Books That Just Didn’t Make The Cut
My ‘Want to read’ TBR (not to be confused with my TBR, Must-read TBR, Kindle TBR, Physical TBR, or Manga TBR) sits at a whopping 1,972 at the moment.
Today that changes..
Spring cleaning has kicked in and lit a fire beneath my behind so we’re just going to make things a little less crowded by releasing a few of those ‘maybe.. kind of.. probably not’ reads back into the wild.
Realistically it’s understood that we’ll never be able to read them all, I get that, but *sigh* I’m so very terrible at letting books go.
Continue reading to find out which books got the boot!
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Publication date: November 2, 2021
Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Psychological thriller, Crime fiction
Pages: 352
Standalone
“The Surrogate is a thrilling, high-stakes debut centering on a vulnerable newborn and two women who will do almost anything to claim her as their daughter. With a collection of vividly rendered characters, this twisty tale will leave you thinking about the true meaning of motherhood long after you turn the last page. I loved it!”—Patry Francis, bestselling author of All the Children Are Home
Anne of Manhattan by Brina Starler
Publication date: June 1, 2021
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Humor, Coming of age story
Pages: 328
Standalone
L. M. Montgomery’s classic tale, Anne of Green Gables, gets a romantic, charming, and hilarious modern adaptation, set in New York City.
Black Sunshine by Karina Halle
I’m so over creepy, cheesy vampire stories right now..
Publication date: March 23, 2022
Genre: Romance novel, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal fiction
Pages: 366
Book 1 of 2: Dark Eyes
“Black Sunshine gives vampire romance Halle’s signature plot twists, anti-heroes, and incredible chemistry. I fell in love with Solon and this dark vampire romance!” – Giana Darling, USA Today Bestselling author
Six Weeks to Live by Catherine McKenzie
Publication date: May 4, 2021
Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Psychological Thriller
Pages: 382
Standalone
In this international bestseller, a “twisty tale of secrets and lies that reverberate across generations of a dysfunctional family” (Michele Campbell, author of The Wife Who Knew Too Much), a woman diagnosed with cancer sets out to discover if someone poisoned her before her time is up.
Publication date: June 30, 2018
Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Noir Crime
Pages: 249
Book 1 of 4: Sam Shephard
When the body of a young mother is found on the banks of New Zealand’s Mataura River, young female police constable Sam Shephard begins an investigation, with horrifying and very personal implications. Book one in an addictive, atmospheric new series.
The Sweeney Sisters by Lian Dolan
Publication date: April 28, 2020
Genre: New Adult, Domestic fiction, Science fiction
Pages: 312
Standalone
An accomplished storyteller returns with her biggest, boldest, most entertaining novel yet—a hilarious, heartfelt story about books, love, sisterhood, and the surprises we discover in our DNA.
Constellation of Scars by Melissa Eskue Ousley
Publication date: June 9, 2021
Genre: Thriller, Dark Fantasy, Paranormal fiction
Pages: 260
Standalone
“An indelible story of loving yourself in a world of dreadful realities.” – Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
An Unlikely Spy by Rebecca Starford
Publication date: June 1, 2021
Genre: Historical fiction, Spy fiction, Thriller
Pages: 352
Standalone
A twisting, sophisticated World War II novel following a spy who goes undercover as a part of MI5—in chasing the secrets of others, how much will she lose of herself?
The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi
I think I just heard the offended gasp of readers everywhere..
Publication date: January 15, 2019
Genre: Novel, Teen and Young adult, Fantasy fiction
Pages: 396
Book 1 of 3: The Gilded Wolves
First in a “wildly inventive and wildly representative” (The New York Times Book Review) historical fantasy series, Roshani Chokshi’s The Gilded Wolves follows the exploits of a found family—six societal outcasts tasked with stealing a powerful artifact that can alter their lives for the better, but at the cost of breaking the world.
Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
Publication date: October 10, 2017
Genre: 
Pages: 299
Standalone
John Green, the acclaimed author of Looking for Alaska and The Fault in Our Stars, returns with a story of shattering, unflinching clarity in this brilliant novel of love, resilience, and the power of lifelong friendship.
Mercury Boys by Chandra Prasad
Publication date: August 3, 2021
Genre: Teen and Young adult, Science fiction, Romance, Paranormal fiction
Pages: 360
Standalone
History and the speculative collide with the modern world when a group of high school girls form a secret society after discovering they can communicate with boys from the past, in this powerful look at female desire, jealousy, and the shifting lines between friendship and rivalry.
Call of the Storm Sorcerer by Susan Stradiotto
Publication date: April 19, 2021
Genre: Fantasy fiction, Epic Fantasy, Asian Myth and Legends
Pages: 143
Book 1 of 5: The Serpentine Throne
If you enjoy epic fantasy somewhere between N.K. Jemisin, Jacqueline Carey, and a little Sarah J. Maas, this is the series for you.
The Cave Dwellers by Christina McDowell
This one has me waffling a little.. It may make it’s way back onto the pile at some point.
Publication date: May 25, 2021
Genre: Thriller, Psychological fiction
Pages: 348
Standalone
This “delicious take on the one percent in our nation’s capital” (Town & Country) and clever combination of The Bonfire of the Vanities and The Nest explores what Washington, DC’s high society members do behind the closed doors of their stately homes.
Indelible by Laurie Buchanan
Publication date: April 6, 2021
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Crime fiction
Pages: 305
Book 1 of 2: A Sean McPherson Novel
“Fast-paced and with plenty of plot twists, you’re sure to be swept up into the story.”
―Debiie Herbert, USA Today best-selling author of southern suspense
Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors by Sonali Dev
Publication date: May 7, 2019
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Domestic fiction
Pages: 499
Book 1 of 4: The Rajes
Award-winning author Sonali Dev launches a new series about the Rajes, an immigrant Indian family descended from royalty, who have built their lives in San Francisco…
Publication date: May 18, 2021
Genre: Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Suspense
Pages: 362
Standalone
“Gossipy, scandalous housewives behaving badly might make this the juiciest read of the season.”–Library Journal (starred review)
Ruby Falls by Deborah Goodrich Royce
Publication date: May 4, 2021
Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Psychological fiction, Suspense
Pages: 240
Standalone
Like the chilling psychological thriller The Silent Patient, Deborah Goodrich Royce’s Ruby Falls is a nail-biting tale of a fragile young actress, the new husband she barely knows, and her growing suspicion that the secrets he harbors may eclipse her own.
Publication date: September 28, 2021
Genre: Romance novel, Contemporary fiction, Domestic fiction
Pages: 401
Standalone
From the author of The Longest Ride and The Return comes a novel about the enduring legacy of first love, and the decisions that haunt us forever.
A Place Like Home: Short Stories by Rosamunde Pilcher
Publication date: July 27, 2021
Genre: Fiction, Romance novel, Contemporary Short Stories
Pages: 282
Standalone
Celebrate life’s journeys with the beloved author whose stories of life and love touched the world.
The People We Choose by Katelyn Detweiler
Publication date: May 4, 2021
Genre: Young adult fiction, LGBTQ+ Romance
Pages: 304
Standalone
When 17-year-old Calliope meets her new neighbor Max, their connection is instantaneous, but the revelation of her sperm donor’s identity changes everything.
Imposter Syndrome by Kathy Wang
Publication date: May 25, 2021
Genre: Thriller, Suspense, Satire, Literary fiction
Pages: 365
Standalone
A sharp and prescient novel about women in the workplace, the power of Big Tech, and the looming threat of foreign espionage from Kathy Wang, “a skilled satirist of the northern California dream” (Harper’s Bazaar)
Publication date: June 15, 2021
Genre: Young adult fiction, Thriller
Pages: 396
Standalone
A hilarious Agatha Christie-inspired YA thriller-comedy about three best friends who sneak into an influencers-only festival event (gone wrong), only to discover a killer is in their midst–and they have to uncover the truth and solve the mystery before it’s too late. Perfect for fans of One of Us Is Lying and Truly Devious.
Publication date: May 22, 2021
Genre: Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Suspense
Pages: 378
Book 1 of 2: A Rhett Swinson Mystery
The first installment in the Rett Swinson Mystery Series, Soft Hearts explores how the fragile vulnerability of human beings can become their greatest strength.
Publication date: August 3, 2021
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Psychological fiction
Pages: 351
Standalone
New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Megan Abbott’s exquisite and disquieting new novel, “dark and juicy and tinged with horror” (The New York Times Books Review), set against the hothouse of a family-run ballet studio.
The Export by J.K. Kelly
Publication date: May 20, 2021
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense
Pages: 383
Book 1 of 2: The Export Series
“The plot is tight and twisty and the story reminds me of why I fell in love with the likes of Lee Child and James Patterson. This is a rip-roaring ride for anyone who enjoys action-packed thrillers with memorable characters and an exquisitely written international setting.” READER’S FAVORITE
And with how many books get added to my TBR each day.. it’s not only possible, but likely, that I’ll need to be doing posts like this for a very long time. Good thing I have no plans on going anywhere. 😅
How many books are on your TBR at the moment?
Do you keep it organized or have a tendency to let them pile up?
I have to admit, one of the gasps on The Gilded Wolves came from me! I loved that book so much. lol
Really? I was very strongly warned away from it.. “The characters were flat and childish, the storyline was an afterthought, and something about the diversity of the characters seemed contrived..” Don’t quote me on that, though.
I would love to know what you thought!
I’m always willing to have my mind changed.. especially for one with such a pretty cover. 😋
I have a review somewhere on my blog. I really enjoyed it
I found it and I have to admit that it does definitely sound worth reading!
It’s always refreshing to declutter! With that said, I love the way You’re So Dead sounded so I grabbed a copy from my library app haha
It really is.. It’s almost like a weight has lifted. 😋
And I would love to hear your thoughts on You’re So Dead when you get a chance to read it!
The Gilded wolves was hard but definitely had its moments, the next two books are absolutely phenomenal though
Huh. That’s something I didn’t consider (the next books..) Now I’m curious.
You guys are killing me here! These were supposed to come OFF my TBR not get put back on. 😅🤭
Wow, that was a lot of books to get the boot, good for you. I need to do this, I have so many books on my TBR.
I’d probably feel a little more accomplished if I hadn’t already added twice as many as I got rid of. 😅
And best of luck, Carla, these TBRs are something else!