What I Read in May 2024
May was a month that was packed full of plans and plenty of slow moments. I read 18 books, which felt great for my brain. This Summer, I’m really trying to limit my screen time and allow myself to be bored. Being bored is where creativity is born and I want to find my way back to creativity. I think my favorite reads of the month were This Summer Will Be Different, The Game Changer, and The Paradise Problem.
The world is truly such a scary, heavy place right now. I have been doing my best not to hide from the news while also still caring for my mental health. It is a privilege to escape into fiction and I am so lucky to have those pockets of time in order to do so.
I am ready for a fresh month, full creativity and warm weather and spending time outside with my books. What was your favorite read of the month?
Love on Deck by Kasey Stockton
A cute audiobook that I chose for the cruise ship setting (I’ve never been on a cruise but I’m craving vacation) and it was fine and enjoyable but a little forgettable.
This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune
I am a huge fan of Carley’s first book, Every Summer After and I had a special day reading her latest book on the beach. I really enjoyed this book, it was so fun and sexy and summery.
Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other by Bethany Turner
Sadly, I kind of hated this book. I did the audio and was annoyed most of the time.
A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston
I thought the concept of this was SO fun. It was like a contemporary romance version of Once Upon A Time and it was blast to read. I really liked it!
The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters
I had put off reading this until the weather started to warm up cause it seemed like a summer mystery and I loved it! It was challenging to read because the content was so heartbreaking but I thought it was well paced and had that “unputdownable” feeling I am always craving.
The Year of Cecily by Lisa Lin
This was cute and an enjoyable read on audio!
The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava
I really liked this book and I am so excited for this author! I always forget how much I love a workplace romance and thought it balanced the romance and character journeys well. It’s out in August!
Beach Read by Emily Henry (reread)
I read this back in 2020 and didn’t like it the way everyone else seemed to. I had the goal to reread it for years and finally did this year. I liked it more and could appreciate it more…but I still didn’t love it. I am a Happy Place girl!
Wild About You by Kaitlyn Hill
I love reality TV competition shows so I was so excited when I read the concept of this book! I thought it was fun and summery and great for a YA/New Adult summer reading list.
It Happened One Fight by Maureen Lee Lenker
I did this on audio and I liked it! The audio performance was really strong and compelling.
The Next Best Fling by Gabriella Gamez
I loved all the ingredients of this book but didn’t vibe with the execution. The pacing didn’t work for me but I do think it was a fun read overall.
The Dixon Rule by Elle Kennedy
I will forever be a fan of the Briar University universe. Sometimes while reading them I’m a little taken aback, but they are truly brain candy and that’s important. This book always dealt with domestic abuse and stalking, and I thought it was handled with care.
The Game Changer by Lana Ferguson
I am obsessed with this book and I can’t wait for it to come out in July because I need a physical copy for my shelves! It’s a brother’s best friend hockey romance that I flew through and giggled the whole time. The best feeling as a romance reader!
The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
I won’t lie, sometimes Christina Lauren’s books can be hit or miss for me…this was a HIT. Like, one of the best romance books I’ve read in a while! It was fun, transportive, romantic and steamy. I couldn’t put it down and finished it in a day!
One Summer on Mackinac by Alana Robins
This was super cute and very YA but I was a little surprised by the ending! The setting is the best part.
Triple Sec by TJ Alexander
Another book I flew through and really really loved. I love how this author crafts their banter and such loving, beautiful relationships. I haven’t read any trad published poly romances but I thought this was very beautiful and fun.
Colton Gentry’s Third Act by Jeff Zentner
I did the audio for this book and it was definitely the right choice. I think it would be a great mini series or movie!
Hearts Overboard by Becky Dean
I read this for the Alaskan setting, which was great! It’s been awhile since I read YA and I definitely enjoy it in the Summer.