I know I left y'all hanging & I apologize 😅
Here are the rest of the books I got with the birthday giftcards my friends gave me:

A Man for Mrs. Claus by Rebekah Weatherspoon
I love her books & when I saw the cover of this 1 on her IG, I knew I had to get it!

New Worlds, Old Ways: Speculative Fiction Tales From The Caribbean edited by Karen Lord
I found this book when I was helping a student w/ research.

The Best of All Possible Worlds by Karen Lord
Another book inspired by that research appointment. I also love stories with a multiverse.

The Chainbreakers by Julian Randall
Julian Randall is one of my autobuy authors.

Blood Moon by Britney S. Lewis
I've been waiting to get this book for a while! I'm all in on Black vampire stories.

They Thought They Buried Us by Nonieqa Ramos
This book has been on my TBR for a while as I'm always trying to find more books by Puerto Rican & queer authors.

We Will Rise Again: Speculative Stories and Essays on Protest, Resistance, & Hope edited by Karen Lord, Annalee Newitz, & Malka Older
Okay, so I'm on a Karen Lord spree 😂 but y'all know I LOVE speculative fiction soo whatever!

This Is The Only Kingdom by Jaquira Díaz
More Puerto Rican Fiction 😍

Are any of these books on your TBR?

Happy Holidays lovelies! Last night was the first night of Hanukkah, and I figured what better to kick off the official start of the winter holidays than a round up of every single holiday romance book with disability representation that I know of? This is every book that has ever crossed my radar, whether that’s because I’ve read it, a friend of mine has, or even just that it’s been logged by participants in Disability December over the years. I did my best to double check, but I can’t guarantee that the info for each of these is 100% correct–only for those which I have myself read, which are denoted by my own ratings (out of 5 stars).

Without further ado–here are the books!

Title: Eight Bright Lights by Sara Gibbs*

Representation: autism

Holiday: Hanukkah

Title: A Little Magic by Lindsey Lanza*

Representation: lupus

Holiday: Hanukkah & Christmas

Title: To Touch the Light by E.M. Lindsey*

Representation: low vision, partial blindness

Holiday: Hanukkah

Title: The Remaking of Corbin Wale by Roan Parrish*

Representation: autism

Holiday: Hanukkah

Title: Mistletoe and Mishigas by M.A. Wardell*

Representation: PTSD, anxiety

Holiday: Hanukkah & Christmas

Title: Eight Kinky Nights by Xan West*

Representation: autism, cane user, chronic pain

Holiday: Hanukkah

Title: Eight Nights to Win Her Heart by Miri White*

Representation: hard of hearing

Holiday: Hanukkah

Title: Second Chances in New Port Stephen by T.J. Alexander

Representation: alcoholism

Holiday: Christmas

Title: Christmas by the Coast by Mandy Baggot

Representation: amputee

Holiday: Christmas

Title: Set the Record Straight by Hannah Bonam-Young

Representation: ADHD, autism

Holiday: Christmas

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Title: Kiss Her Once for Me by Alison Cochrun*

Representation: anxiety, ADHD

Holiday: Christmas

My Rating: 5 stars

Title: All I Want for Christmas is Them by Adora Crooks

Representation: kidney failure

Holiday: Christmas

Title: A Merry Murderous Midwinter by Dahlia Donovan*

Representation: autism

Holiday: Christmas

Title: Big Nick Energy by Morgan Elizabeth*

Representation: migraines

Holiday: Christmas

Title: My True Love by Melissa Foster

Representation: amputee, prosthesis

Holiday: Christmas

Title: A Handyman for the Holidays by Valerie Gomez

Representation: verbal apraxia, Deaf

Holiday: Christmas

Title: Meddling Under the Mistletoe by Melissa Grace*

Representation: fibromyalgia

Holiday: Christmas

Title: How the Duke Saved Christmas by Anna Harrington

Representation: physical disability due to leg injury

Holiday: Christmas

Title: Cruel Winter With You by Ali Hazelwood

Representation: anxiety, panic attacks

Holiday: Christmas

My Rating: 4.25 stars

Title: Wrapped Up in You by Talia Hibbert*

Representation: anxiety

Holiday: Christmas

My Rating: 3.5 stars

Title: Merry Inkmas by Talia Hibbert*

Representation: autism

Holiday: Christmas

Title: Merrily Ever After by Jenny Holiday

Representation: endometriosis

Holiday: Christmas

Title: Under the Mistletoe With You by Lizzie Huxley-Jones*

Representation: non-epileptic seizure disorder, anxiety

Holiday: Christmas

Title: Make You Mine This Christmas by Lizzie Huxley-Jones*

Representation: hEDS, autism (undiagnosed)

Holiday: Christmas

My Rating: 3.5 stars

Title: A Pucking Wrong Christmas by C.R. Jane

Representation: depression

Holiday: Christmas

Title: You’re a Mean One, Matthew Prince by Timothy Janovsky

Representation: anxiety

Holiday: Christmas

Title: The Holidate Switch by Torie Jean*

Representation: endometriosis, adenomyosis, ADHD (undiagnosed)

Holiday: Christmas

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Title: A Lord’s Guide to Mutiny, Marriage, and Mistletoe by Anne Knight

Representation: chronic pain, amputee

Holiday: Christmas

Title: At Home With You This Christmas by Marie Landry*

Representation: anxiety, depression

Holiday: Christmas

Title: A White Lie Christmas by Suzy Langevin*

Representation: allergies, vision impairment, anxiety

Holiday: Christmas

Title: The Mistletoe Motive by Chloe Liese*

Representation: autism, type 1 diabetes

Holiday: Christmas

My Rating: 5 stars

Title: A Moonlit Christmas Kiss by Larissa Lyons*

Representation: physical disability due to leg injury, cane user

Holiday: Christmas

Title: Some Like It Cold by Elle McNicoll*

Representation: autism

Holiday: Christmas

Title: Wreck My Plans by Jillian Meadows

Representation: celiac disease, depression

Holiday: Christmas

My Rating: 3.75 stars

Title: The Christmas You Found Me by Sarah Morgenthaler

Representation: chronic kidney disease

Holiday: Christmas

Title: A Daddy for Kinkmas by Reese Morgan

Representation: ADHD, autism, stutter

Holiday: Christmas

Title: A Holly Jolly Ever After by Julie Murphy* and Sierra Simone

Representation: ADHD

Holiday: Christmas

Title: A Jingle Bell Mingle by Julie Murphy* and Sierra Simone

Representation: narcolepsy

Holiday: Christmas

Title: This Winter by Alice Oseman*

Representation: depression, anxiety, OCD, eating disorder

Holiday: Christmas

My Rating: 4.25 stars

Title: The Christmas Letters by Jenny Proctor

Representation: anxiety, panic attacks

Holiday: Christmas

Title: Christmas in the Cat Cafe by Jessica Redland

Representation: fibromyalgia

Holiday: Christmas

Title: Venice, Actually by Kelly Reynolds

Representation: PCOS

Holiday: Christmas

Title: A Case for Christmas by J.A. Rock and Lisa Henry

Representation: autism

Holiday: Christmas

Title: Hot Chocolate and Holiday Mishaps by Samantha Picaro*

Representation: autism

Holiday: Christmas

Title: Christmas by Design by Allie Samberts

Representation: anxiety, panic attacks

Holiday: Christmas

Title: Hook-Up to Holidate by Rose Santoriello*

Representation: anxiety

Holiday: Christmas

Title: Peppermint Bark, No Bite by Bailey Seaborn

Representation: PTSD

Holiday: Christmas

Title: Silent Night by Lily Seabrooke

Representation: auditory processing disorder

Holiday: Christmas

Title: You Make It Feel Like Christmas by Sophie Sullivan

Representation: anxiety, panic attacks

Holiday: Christmas

Title: Homestead for the Holidays by Wren Taylor

Representation: anxiety

Holiday: Christmas

Title: All Is Bright by RaeAnne Thayne

Representation: spinal cord injury

Holiday: Christmas

Title: Christmas in Snowflake Canyon by RaeAnne Thayne

Representation: amputee, PTSD

Holiday: Christmas

Title: Mistletoe Misconduct by Giuliana Victoria*

Representation: schizophrenia, chronic headaches

Holiday: Christmas

Title: There’s Always Next Year by Leah Johnson and George M. Johnson

Representation: anxiety

Holiday: New Year

Title: New Year Knew You by Evie Mitchell*

Representation: traumatic brain injury

Holiday: New Year

*representation is confirmed to be own voices and/or by an otherwise disabled author

Happy holidays and happy reading!

~Kaley

A reminder that our December Booksworn Bookclub choice is The Only Good Indians! Chats just for the Bright Stars and First Swords over on Discord and in these comments :).

I thought I was ready for a classic Mickey Haller ride, but this one felt different. This case digs into something so close to our present moment that I kept tightening my grip on the book like it might say something dangerous out loud.

The core of the story, an AI chatbot telling a teenager it was okay to murder his ex-girlfriend is unsettling in that bone-deep way that only a possible future can be. Following Mickey as he shifts into public interest litigation feels like watching him step onto unfamiliar terrain, but with that same fire he always brings to the courtroom. It’s not just strategy; it’s conscience.

The tension ramps up fast, especially when Jack McEvoy shows up and unearths the whistleblower who changes everything. When Mickey pulls his own version of a knight’s sacrifice I swear, I sat there blinking at the page like I’d just watched a grandmaster make a move that rewrites the whole game.

Connelly hasn’t just written another legal thriller; he's written a warning, a provocation, and a classic Haller victory rolled together.

As a book club pick? Absolutely juicy! We have read all The Lincoln Lawyer series together so we couldn't wait to read his one and it definitely didn't disappoint! It's full of ethical gray, so many what would you have done moments, and a courtroom showdown that practically begs for popcorn.

❔️If you had to build a legal dream team using only fictional characters, who are you putting on your side of the courtroom and who’s arguing your closing statement? Tell me below! 👇

❗️If you are in a book club and need a book club kit for this book then come join us on Bindery! A discussion guide, themed menu, activities and more then come join The First Editions!

A high-stakes legal thriller meets a terrifyingly plausible future, this is Mickey Haller at his most daring. Your book club is about to plunge into ethical gray zones, courtroom gambits, AI dread, and one whistleblower who tips the scales. Let’s make your meeting unforgettable.

⭐️BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION GUIDE

1. The Premise & Emotional Impact

The central case of an AI chatbot encouraging murder is chilling. How did the premise affect your reading experience? Did it feel too close to reality?

2. Mickey’s New Path

Mickey shifts into public interest litigation instead of his usual defense work. How does this change illuminate new sides of him? Did you like seeing him in this role?

3. Ethics & AI

The book directly interrogates how unregulated AI can impact real-world behavior. Who do you believe should be held accountable when AI causes harm? The company? The programmers? Someone else?

4. Jack McEvoy’s Role

Jack doesn’t just document; he becomes the key to unlocking the case. Did his involvement strengthen the narrative, or distract from the courtroom plot?

5. Whistleblowers

The whistleblower becomes the turning point of the entire lawsuit. Did you trust them from the start? Did their motivations feel believable?

6. The Knight’s Sacrifice

Mickey’s big gambit mirrors the chess strategy referenced in the book. What did you think of the move? Genius? Reckless? Both?

7. The Real-World Reflection

The book is a legal thriller, but also a warning. Do you see The Proving Ground as a prediction, an exaggeration, or a call for accountability?

8. Connelly’s Message

Connelly often uses his novels to highlight flaws in real systems. What do you think he’s telling readers about technology, justice, or humanity?

9. The Ending

Without spoiling details: Did the resolution satisfy you? Are there threads you think Connelly left open on purpose?

10. The Future of Mickey Haller

Mickey is changing professionally and morally. Where do you think he’s headed after this? Would you want more public-interest cases?

🍽️THEMED MENU: The Evidence Locker Spread: Simple, atmospheric, and courtroom-worthy.

🥤DRINK: The Knight’s Sacrifice Cold Brew: A sharp, bold drink that mirrors Mickey’s final courtroom move.

Perfect for fueling heated legal debates.

Ingredients

▫️1 cup cold brew

▫️1 tbsp simple syrup

▫️1–2 drops almond extract

▫️Splash of heavy cream optional, white as a legal brief

▫️Ice

▫️Pinch of cinnamon for dramatic flair

Instructions

1. Fill a glass with ice.

2. Pour in cold brew.

3. Stir in simple syrup and almond extract.

4. Add cream if desired.

5. Sprinkle cinnamon on top.

6. Raise your glass and say, “Your honor, let the caffeine speak.”

🍪SNACK: Whistleblower White Chocolate Crunch Bites: Crisp, sweet, and just a little messy like uncovering the truth.

Ingredients

▫️2 cups Rice Krispies or similar puffed cereal

▫️1 cup white chocolate chips

▫️½ cup crushed pretzels

▫️¼ tsp sea salt

▫️Optional: red sprinkles to mimic sealed evidence envelopes

Instructions

1. Melt white chocolate in the microwave in 20-second intervals.

2. In a bowl, gently fold together cereal, crushed pretzels, and melted chocolate.

3. Drop spoonfuls onto parchment paper.

4. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt and red sprinkles.

5. Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes.

6. Serve as classified snacks during discussion.

🎯THEMED ACTIVITIES

1. Case File Debate

Divide the group into: The AI Company’s Defense Team and Mickey Haller’s Public Interest Team

Give each side 5 minutes to prepare short arguments. Let the rest of the group act as jury members. Vote on the verdict!

2. Knight’s Sacrifice Strategy Challenge

Give members a chessboard(physical or app.

Challenge them to recreate or invent:

▫️A sacrifice move

▫️A bold risk

▫️A game-changing strategy

Tie it back to Haller’s courtroom gambit: What would you sacrifice to win your case?

3. Build Your Fictional Legal Dream Team

Have each member pick:

▫️Their fictional lawyer

▫️Their investigator

▫️Their wild card witness

▫️Their courtroom closer

Let everyone present their dream lineup.

Bonus: Vote on Best Nightmare Opponent Team.

🎁THEMED DOOR PRIZES: These are easy, affordable, and fun!

1. Lawyer Fuel Mini Coffee Kits

Small bottles of cold brew + a tag reading:

For long nights in the evidence room.

2. Case Closed Notebooks

Tiny lined notebooks for taking deposition notes.

3. Evidence Bag Snack Packs

Clear zip pouches filled with:

▫️Hershey Kisses sealed exhibits

▫️Gummy bears jury members

▫️Mini cookies moral support

  Label each pouch Evidence Do Not Eat, knowing full well they will!

4. AI Misprint Bookmarks

Bookmarks printed with glitchy pixel-style art and quotes from Mickey Haller.

5. Blackout Redaction Pens

Thick black markers with a tag: For redacting your own questionable decisions.

⚖️💬Bonus Icebreaker Question: If Mickey Haller defended you in a major case, what outrageous courtroom stunt do you think he’d pull to win?

➡️Tap the link to download your book club kit!

https://tinyurl.com/mtu55sf2

Hi folks!

It’s almost the end of the year! I’m not doing my full wrap up until the very end of December though. You never know, my best read may still be yet to come!

In the meantime though, here’s what I’ve been loving recently:

Drink Up, Darling by Harvey Oliver Baxter

LOVED this MMM poly vampire novella!

A bi vampire fashion designer and a trans vampire goth are invited to a secluded mansion for dinner by a hot older human. He claims he just wants them to refresh his style, but they suspect he wants more…

This is SO sweet. And hot. Very hot!

Marigold Mind Laundry by Jungeun Yun

An immortal woman who’s trying to find her lost parents decides to slow down and open a laundry where she can wash away people’s bad memories. But not everyone wants the same thing. Gorgeous, melancholic but hopeful fantasy with a lovely found family. And a gorgeous cover!

The Lawrence Browne Affair by Cat Sebastian.

This absolutely hooked me. Love story between a con man and the neurodivergent Earl he wants to con. I love them both so so much. Second book in a trilogy but you can read it as a standalone, it’s about a different brother.

Also, reminder that we have a book club run through the Discotopia Discord, this month is The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava!

Love,

Disco x