May 2022 Reads
I don’t know about you, but May felt like it lasted forever while simultaneously flying by!
The biggest life update is I finally moved into a bigger apartment in the most charming house imaginable. It’s the first time in 5 years that I had to pack up all of my shit and move it to a new location - which was equal parts exciting and stressful. I’ve been in my new space for almost a month now, and am absolutely loving it, so I’m extremely happy with the change. :)
On the reading front, though I did read plenty of physical books and ebooks, I was relying heavily on audiobooks towards the last two weeks of May. I think mainly because I don’t have cable anymore which means I can’t watch the news in the morning or Jeopardy in the evening lol. So, I filled the silence with the lovely sound of an audiobook and found it incredibly relaxing.
Alrighty y’all. I think that’s it for the intro. Let’s get cracking on all of the books I read in May!
*All summaries are taken or paraphrased from Goodreads.
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
EVERYTHING I NEVER TOLD YOU by Celeste Ng
Rating: 4/5 stars
Summary: A Chinese American family living in 1970s small-town Ohio. Lydia is the favorite child of Marilyn and James Lee, and her parents are determined that she will fulfill the dreams they were unable to pursue. But when Lydia’s body is found in the local lake, the delicate balancing act that has been keeping the Lee family together is destroyed, tumbling them into chaos.
My Thoughts: This book was not what I expected, but I liked it all the same. For some reason, I thought this was going to be more of a mystery surrounding the untimely death of 16-year-old Lydia Lee, and while it serves as the catastrophe that kicks off the rest of the drama, it wasn’t the main focus. I’d say this story is more of a literary fiction about the Lee family dynamics, how each person deals with their grief and loss, and how the past can help them decipher the present and allow them to move on. Every character is perfectly flawed and fighting their own adversities. As the book goes on, you see how everyone’s individual battles affect those around them - specifically Lydia. Her parents honed in on her specifically, although they have two other kids, and tended to project their fears or insecurities onto how they raised her. So to appease them, Lydia went along with whatever they asked without stopping to ask herself if that’s what she really wanted. I won’t lie, this was a pretty melancholy story, but the pages turned extremely effortlessly at the same time. If you’re looking for something a little more serious with a touch of mystery sprinkled into it, this would be a great book to pick up.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
THE HATE U GIVE by Angie Thomas
Rating: 5/5 stars
Summary: Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed. Soon afterward, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil’s name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr. But what Starr does - or does not - say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life.
My Thoughts: It took me a while after I finished this book to sit down and write a review for it because I just don’t know the best way to articulate my thoughts and feelings about a story like this. I guess for starters, although I have a hardcover copy of this book, I decided to listen to it on audiobook instead, and I’m really glad I did. The amount of emotion the narrator puts into every voice of each character made the entire experience incredibly immersive and intensified my empathetic response as the reader. I’ve never seen the movie, so this was my first encounter with Starr’s story, and there were so many layers to uncover and sort through. Starting with how she felt she had to split her identity between life at her private school where classmates think she’s inherently cool due to the color of her skin, and life at home in a predominately-Black neighborhood where kids her age find her to not be Black enough because she goes to a nearly all-white school. It was heartbreaking that she felt she could never fully let go and be her entire self in front of her friends, family, and boyfriend. The exhaustion caused by fitting a specific role in either community was palpable. Aside from that, her childhood best friend, Khalil, is gunned down by a cop during a traffic stop right in front of her. This causes her two worlds to collide as she is the primary witness to Khalil’s murder and forces Starr to decide if she’s going to speak out to honor her best friend or stay anonymous in order to protect her safety. This book is about systematic racism, institutional racism, our nation’s broken criminal justice system, and more. It addresses how to be an effective ally and how to support movements such as Black Lives Matter. If you haven’t read this book yet, I definitely recommend jumping on it in any format.
The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren
THE SOULMATE EQUATION by Christina Lauren
Rating: 4/5 stars
Summary: Single mom Jess Davis is a data and statistics wizard, but no amount of number crunching can convince her to step back into the dating world. After all, her father was never around, her hard-partying mother disappeared when she was six, and her ex decided he wasn’t “father material” before her daughter was even born. Jess holds her loved ones close but working constantly to stay afloat is hard… and lonely. But then Jess hears about GeneticAlly, a buzzy new DNA-based matchmaking company that’s predicted to change dating forever. Finding a soulmate through DNA? The reliability of numbers: This Jess understands. At least she thought she did, until her test shows an unheard-of 98 percent compatibility with another subject in the database: GeneticAlly’s founder, Dr. River Pena. This is one number she can’t wrap her head around, because she already knows Dr. Pena. The stuck-up, stubborn man is without a doubt not her soulmate. But GeneticAlly has a proposition: Get to know him and we’ll pay you. Jess - who is barely making ends meet - is in no position to turn it down, despite her skepticism about the project and her dislike for River. As the pair are dragged from one event to the next as the “Diamond” pairing that could launch GeneticAlly’s valuation sky-high, Jess begins to realize that there might be more to the scientist - and the science behind a soulmate - than she thought.
My Thoughts: This book was super cute and with such a fun premise! There is something about how the science behind the DNA compatibility matching was described that had me absolutely absorbed in this story. Plus, there’s the whole concept of finding your soulmate and if that doesn’t feed the romanticizing addict in me lol. I was completely sold on the chemistry between Jess and River! I loved that their connection was truly magnetic even though they took their time building the swoon-worthy relationship. River stepped up when Jess needed someone to rely on while simultaneously running away with my heart lol. Aside from the budding romance, I was obsessed with the supporting characters in Jess’s orbit. Her daughter, Juno, was the cutest kid you could ask for, her best friend added the perfect amount of comedic relief, and her grandparents added a pocket of warmth to the family’s dynamics. This book really is a well-rounded rom-com with an extremely unique storyline, and I definitely recommend picking it up!
A Blade So Black by L.L. McKinney
A BLADE SO BLACK by L.L. McKinney
Rating: No rating - DNF at 49%
Summary: The first time the Nightmares came, it nearly cost Alice her life. Now she’s trained to battle monstrous creatures in the dark dream realm known as Wonderland with magic weapons and hardcore fighting skills. Yet even warriors have a curfew. Life in real-world Atlanta isn’t always so simple, as Alice juggles an overprotective mom, a high-maintenance best friend, and a slipping GPA. Keeping the Nightmares at bay is turning into a full-time job. But when Alice’s handsome and mysterious mentor is poisoned, she has to find the antidote by venturing deeper into Wonderland than she’s ever gone before. And she’ll need to use everything she’s learned in both worlds to keep from losing her head… literally.
My Thoughts: I’m not rating this book because I did not finish (DNF) and set it aside around 49% of the way in. It’s basically an Alice in Wonderland retelling with touches of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Sailor Moon weaved throughout it. I was never really into either of those shows, so I wasn’t super invested in the nods towards those fandoms. The main character, Alice, definitely has spunk, but I just never really connected to her or any of the side characters. Though the book takes place between Atlanta and Wonderland, the world building wasn’t super descriptive, so you kind of had to fill in the blanks yourself. The pacing of the story is pretty fast and the plot line sounded like it was going to be adventurous had I continued on. However, I had to renew this book loan at the library twice just because I never wanted to pick it up, and after having it for a couple of months, I finally just decided to call it quits. I know other people have read and really liked this book, but it just didn’t give me enough to be interested in finishing it. Maybe if you’re a fan of Alice in Wonderland, Buffy, and Sailor Moon, you’d like it more. (Side note: I am not counting this book towards my 2022 Reading Goal.)
The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang
THE HEART PRINCIPLE by Helen Hoang
Rating: 3.8/5 stars
Summary: When violinist Anna Sun accidentally achieves career success with a viral YouTube video, she finds herself incapacitated and burned out from her attempts to replicate that moment. And when her longtime boyfriend announces he wants an open relationship before making a final commitment, a hurt and angry Anna decides that if he wants an open relationship, then she does too. Translation: She’s going to embark on a string of one-night stands. The more unacceptable men, the better. That’s where tattooed, motorcycle-riding Quan Diep comes in. Their first attempt at a one-night stand fails, as does their second, and their third, because being with Quan is more than sex - he accepts Anna on an unconditional level that she herself has just started to understand. However, when tragedy strikes Anna’s family, she takes on a role that she is ill-suited for, until the burden of expectations threatens to destroy her. Anna and Quan have to fight for their chance at love, but to do that, they also have to fight for themselves.
My Thoughts: Okay, so I read the first two books in The Kiss Quotient series last fall and really liked both. So I had some higher hopes going into this one, and although it definitely checked some boxes for me, it left me wanting more. We met Quan in The Kiss Quotient and The Bride Test and got to know him as a pretty easy going guy who acts as a sounding board for those close to him. So, I was really looking forward to reading about Quan finding love, but I felt like his story was mildly undercooked. We got a few bites of his character development and overall subplot, but neither felt complete by the end of the book. Most of the storyline focuses on Anna and all of the adversities she’s facing, and then Quan is basically there to help her get through it all. There were definitely some super cute moments, and the writing is emotion-provoking to say the least. However, don’t go into The Heart Principle expecting a light-hearted rom-com. This book definitely tackles some heavier topics such as mental illness (depression and anxiety), ableism, emotional abuse, infertility, death of a parent, and more. Overall, I’d say that if you’re not in a good mindset right now then you should hold off on reading this. It’s just a heavier read to dive into.
The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas
THE SPANISH LOVE DECEPTION by Elena Armas
Rating: 5/5 stars
Summary: Catalina Martin, finally, not single. Her family is happy to announce that she will bring her American boyfriend to her sister’s wedding. Everyone is invited to come and witness the most magical event of the year. That would certainly be tomorrow’s headline in the local newspaper of the small Spanish town I came from. Or the epitaph on my tombstone, seeing the turn my life had taken in the span of a phone call. Four weeks wasn’t a lot of time to find someone willing to cross the Atlantic- from NYC and all the way to Spain - for a wedding. Let alone, someone eager to play along my charade. But that didn’t mean I was desperate enough to bring the 6’4” blue eyed pain in my ass standing before me. Aaron Blackford. The man whose main occupation was making my blood boil had just offered himself to be my date. Right after inserting his nose in my business, calling me delusional, and calling himself my best option. See? Outrageous. Aggravating. Blood boiling. And much to my total despair, also right. Which left me with a surly and extra large dilemma in my hands. Was it worth the suffering to bring my colleague and bane of my existence as my fake boyfriend to my sister’s wedding? Or was I better off coming clean and facing the consequences of my panic-induced lie?
My Thoughts: Well, my friends. This book 100% lives up to its hype! Like this is hands-down a book you could binge in a day or two. I was enthralled in Lina and Aaron’s story. You couldn’t pry my Kindle from my hands while I absolutely inhaled this rom-com. For starters, it had two of my favorite tropes: enemies-to-lovers and fake-dating, and both were so well done. The animosity Lina felt towards Aaron at the beginning of the book sizzled off the pages, and it was addicting to watch the fire fueled by dislike transition into a steamy romance. Although I tend to gravitate towards romance novels that are dual perspectives, this story is completely through the eyes of Lina and it was perfect. It gave Aaron’s character a mysterious edge which made me tentative to root for him at first until we started understanding the motive behind his behaviors. He also doled out endless swoon-worthy moments that had me absolutely squealing! The vivid imagery of their trip to Spain made everything that happened even more immersive and the developing romance between Lina and Aaron sucked me in like a vacuum. This book was everything I could’ve asked for and I definitely recommend picking it up as a summer read!
Throttled by Lauren Asher
THROTTLED by Lauren Asher
Rating: 4/5 stars
Summary: Noah Slade is a Formula 1 legend in the making. Focused. Unapproachable. Ruthless on and off the track. A man with walls higher than the Grand Canyon. And my brother’s new teammate. I want more of the prince who disguises himself as the villain. But while I crave a happy ending, he wants to destroy his. | Maya Alatorre is a forbidden temptation. An ambitious post-grad I should stay away from. And chaos wrapped with a bow. We’re a ticking time bomb, about one wrong move away from exploding. I want to trip the wire, detonating together in passion and pain. Because in the end, all’s fair in lust and war.
My Thoughts: My name is Haley and I’m addicted to sports-themed romance novels. Yes, even the type of sports where people drive fast cars. I was absolutely HOOKED on this sweet and steamy story, and was in it for the long haul. You’ve got Noah, a lone wolf and tall, broody boy, who grew up in the F1 world thanks to his legendary dad. As the prodigal son, he’s solely focused on his career as a world champion racer in an attempt to earn love from his parents who never show him any. Maya is the blanket of sunshine in this story. I loved that she took a chance to travel the world with her brother because she needed to do some soul searching to figure out who she wanted to be. Her positive energy and warm demeanor was absolutely infectious, and it’s no wonder Noah falls for her once he’s sucked into her upbeat orbit. One of my favorite parts of this book is that Noah actually goes to therapy on his own accord to work through some things, so that he can be a better man and partner for Maya. It is always so refreshing to see characters do some work on themselves without being prompted, and my respect for his character immensely improved because of it. Honestly, this book is definitely swoon-worthy, and I recommend giving it a try if you’re looking for something a little different.
Dear Girls by Ali Wong
DEAR GIRLS by Ali Wong
Rating: 3/5 stars
Summary: In her hit Netflix comedy special Baby Cobra, an eight-month pregnant Ali Wong resonated so heavily that she became a popular Halloween costume. Wong told the world her remarkably unfiltered thoughts on marriage, sex, Asian culture, working women, and why you never see new mom comics on stage but you sure see plenty of new dads. The sharp insights and humor are even more personal in this completely original collection. She shares the wisdom learned from a life in comedy and reveals stories from her life off stage, including the brutal singles life in New York (i.e. the inevitable confrontation with erectile dysfunction), reconnecting with her roots (and drinking snake blood) in Vietnam, tales of being a wild child growing up in San Francisco, and parenting war stories. Though addressed to her daughters, Ali Wong’s letters are absurdly funny, surprisingly moving, and enlightening (and disgusting) for all.
My Thoughts: Okay, so I’ve watched part of Ali Wong’s newest comedy special on Netflix, but haven’t seen Baby Cobra yet. So listening to this on audiobook was nice because it gave me more background on her life as a comic leading up to her first Netflix special. If you’ve seen or heard any of Ali Wong’s stand-up, you know how raunchy her jokes can be, and this book is no exception. As she reads you these letters written to her daughters, she unapologetically recalls awkward situations, describes various sexual experiences, explains hilarious family anecdotes, and more. I loved that she normalized embarrassing and gross things everyone experiences in life, but nobody wants to talk about. Her stories, while definitely funny, also touched on more serious topics including her family’s mixed Asian culture, being a woman comic in a male-saturated field, and the constant fears and failures she had to learn to embrace. I guess my concluding thought is that if you watched and enjoyed any of Ali Wong’s stand-up then I think you’d appreciate her audiobook as well!
Collided by Lauren Asher
COLLIDED by Lauren Asher
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Summary: Sophie Mitchel: Liam is Formula 1’s golden boy. But he’s nothing but a fraud. Charming. Devious. Seductive. And someone who promises to fulfill all of my naughty bucket list items. I force him behind the safe lines of the friend zone. Instead of accepting our friendship, he strikes a deal. One season. One list. One dirty secret. | Liam Zander: Sophie is my greatest fantasy brought to life. And a major threat to my contract renewal. She’s a part of the rival team and someone I should resist at all costs. Everyone is against our friendship. My boss. Her dad. Me. Yet, I’m captivated by her and the naughty list she created. Screw platonic, I want catastrophic.
My Thoughts: Oh sweet, Liam and Sophie. We met these two blonde-haired cuties in Throttled, and got a whiff of something brewing between them in that book. So, I was extremely excited to get all the tea and insight from their perspectives in this book. Sophie was such a fun main character. She’s a 5-foot tall spitfire who wants more out of life and creates a “Fuck It” bucket list which she’s determined to achieve while on tour with her dad’s company in the F1 series. Though Sophie is clearly a strong, sarcastic, and stubborn gal, it’s impossible not to see she has the biggest heart for those important to her. Liam is an F1 racer with a playboy reputation he’s trying to smooth over this season in order to get a contract renewed with his racing company. When he finds Sophie’s bucket list, he offers to be of assistance. The friendship that develops between them is so much fun and exactly what they needed to shake things up a bit. Although Sophie set clear boundaries to avoid getting hurt, the chemistry between them and the relationship that was building were absolutely undeniable. Which is where I got annoyed with Liam. Like he’s an intelligent guy. So how he doesn’t see that what they have is a real relationship was incredibly irritating to me. That said, something happens to him at the beginning of the book that mildly scars him (and made my jaw drop because I didn’t expect it), so I was understanding in that regard at least. This book was really fun and a great change of pace from the dynamics in Throttled. I definitely recommend giving it a try if you’ve started the Dirty Air series!
Wrecked by Lauren Asher
WRECKED by Lauren Asher
Rating: 4/5 stars
Summary: Jax: Pills. Alcohol. Adrenaline. I’m addicted to destructive decisions that numb my pain. Until one night when I make a catastrophic mistake. To repair my broken reputation, my team hires Elena - an overpaid babysitter set on ruining my plans. She’s my damnation disguised as my salvation. And my newest addiction. | Elena: I begged the universe to save me from my financial disaster. It answered my call with a Formula 1 team desperate for a PR miracle. One season. One job. One broody British racer. Except that Jax turns our hotel room into a battleground. To beat the enemy, I need to find his weaknesses. What I learn threatens to ruin everything. Him. Me. Us. Love is a war zone, and neither of us plans to surrender.
My Thoughts: Ooo wee. This was MESSY, but in all the best ways. Jax and Elena were the perfect characters for this book. Jax is one of the best racers in F1, but he’s known for getting into trouble which lands his photo in the tabloids and his reputation in the trash. He also suffers from crippling anxiety due to something going on in his personal life, and he self medicates which leads to some piss poor choices. Elena is an entrepreneurial PR agent who has slowly built up her business and name in the athletic world. She’s hired to remedy Jax’s reputation to ensure he doesn’t lose his F1 contract. This, of course, requires her to basically shadow him wherever he goes. They’re even roommates for this season of the F1 tour because he can’t act out if Elena is there to stop him. Jax is a super complicated character and though most of his demeanor is driven by anger, I couldn’t help but have a soft spot for him. Especially after seeing the relationship he shares with his parents. Elena is a ball of calm in this story, but she is also working on some inner demons due to a traumatic childhood experience. I absolutely loved how much they found peace in each other’s presence and how that serenity led to something more. Compared to the first two books in the Dirty Air series, I felt like this one dealt with some more serious topics and that just added a bit more depth overall. Definitely recommend continuing onto the third book if you’ve started the series!
A Lot Like Adios by Alexis Daria
A LOT LIKE ADIOS by Alexis Daria
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Summary: After burning out in her corporate marketing career, Michelle Amato has built a thriving freelance business as a graphic designer. So what if her love life is non-existent? She’s perfectly fine being the black sheep of her marriage-obsessed Puerto Rican-Italian family. Besides, the only guy who ever made her want a happily-ever-after disappeared thirteen years ago. Gabriel Aguilar left the Bronx at eighteen to escape his parents’ demanding expectations, but it also meant saying goodbye to Michelle, his best friend and longtime crush. Now, he’s the successful co-owner of LA’s hottest celebrity gym, with an investor who insists on opening a New York location. It’s the last place Gabe wants to go, but when Michelle is unexpectedly brought on board to spearhead the new marketing campaign, everything Gabe’s been running from catches up with him. Michelle is torn between holding Gabe at arm’s length or picking up right where they left off - in her bed. As they work on the campaign, old feelings resurface, and their reunion takes a sexy turn. Facing mounting pressure from their families - who think they’re dating - and growing uncertainty about their futures, can they resolve their past mistakes, or is it only a matter of time before Gabe says adios again?
My Thoughts: Okay, so I love that this book took a completely different approach from You Had Me at Hola. Gabe and Michelle were best friends growing up and practically inseparable until Gabe drops a bomb that he’s leaving for California to get away from his parents. This catches Michelle off guard because he never mentioned it which leaves her feeling betrayed and abandoned. Fast forward 13 years after Gabe left and completely cut off communication from basically everyone back home, and Michelle is commissioned to work on a marketing campaign for Gabe’s company. So he flies back to New York to start this project which rekindles the fire burning between them. I will say this is the first time I wasn’t annoyed by an instant-love trope, but it’s because they had been friends first. The pacing was much quicker than I expected, though, between him arriving in New York and them canoodling after repressing their sexual inhibitions towards each other for so long. That said, the easy rhythm they fell into as they became an actual couple felt so natural and comfortable. I was definitely sold on their chemistry. Both Michelle and Gabe had their own character flaws and although Michelle works through hers quicker, I felt like Gabe kept hitting a wall he should’ve already broken through by now. The one thing I absolutely loved about this book is that the endgame for both Gabe and Michelle was not marriage and children. Although it’s grown much more common in our current culture for women to not want kids, I don’t feel like that group is represented enough in romance novels. So, I loved that their goal was simply a fulfilling relationship/partnership and they were more than satisfied with spoiling their nieces, nephews, and godchildren. Overall, I definitely think this book is worth picking up!
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
A MAN CALLED OVE by Fredrik Backman
Rating: 5/5 stars
Summary: A grumpy yet lovable man finds his solitary world turned on its head when a boisterous young family moves in next door. Meet Ove. He’s a curmudgeon, the kind of man who points at people he dislikes as if they were burglars caught outside his bedroom window. He has staunch principles, strict routines, and a short fuse. People call him the bitter neighbor from hell, but must Ove be bitter just because he doesn’t walk around with a smile plastered on his face all the time? Behind the cranky exterior there is a story and a sadness. So when one November morning a chatty young couple with two chatty young daughters move in next door and accidentally flatten Ove’s mailbox, it is the lead-in to a comical and heartwarming tale of unkempt cats, unexpected friendship, and the ancient art of backing up a U-Haul. All of which will change one cranky man and local residents’ association to their very foundations.
My Thoughts: I know I’m late to the game on this book, but I can confirm it lives up to the hype! I actually tried starting it a few years ago and just never took off with it, so I opted for the audiobook this time around and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The narrator did a phenomenal job not only giving unique voices to all of the different characters, but also delivering the story in a way that felt like we were seeing it from a lens in Ove’s world the entire time. The way he read inner dialogue perfectly matched the dry, matter-of-fact humor laced throughout Ove’s thoughts. I have to say, I was not expecting the sad side of this book to take such a turn. However, on the other side of that coin, I was laughing out loud or grinning to myself on multiple occasions due to interactions between this lovable curmudgeon and the people forcing their way into his orbit. The storytelling was absolutely beautiful as it flipped between the past and present, and gave us more insight into who Ove is as a person. Parvana, her girls, and the cat were by far my favorite supporting characters because their unpredictability kept Ove on his toes and forced him to open up. Overall, I definitely recommend checking out this audiobook! Please be aware of trigger warnings going into it though, including suicide attempts and pregnancy loss.
The Downstairs Girl by Stacy Lee
THE DOWNSTAIRS GIRL by Stacey Lee
Rating: 4/5 stars
Summary: By day, seventeen-year-old Jo Kuan works as a lady’s maid for the cruel daughter of one of the wealthiest men in Atlanta. But by night, Jo moonlights as the pseudonymous author of a newspaper advice column for the genteel Southern lady, “Dear Miss Sweetie.” When her column becomes widely popular, she uses the power of the pen to address some of society’s ills, but she’s not prepared for the backlash that follows when her column challenges fixed ideas about race and gender. While her opponents clamor to uncover the secret identity of Miss Sweetie, a mysterious letter sets Jo off on a search for her own past and the parents who abandoned her as a baby. But when her efforts put her in the crosshairs of Atlanta’s most notorious criminal, Jo must decide whether she, a girl used to living in the shadows, is ready to step into the light. With prose that is witty, insightful, and at times heartbreaking, Stacey Lee masterfully crafts an extraordinary social drama set in the New South.
My Thoughts: I went into this audiobook on an impulsive whim knowing nothing about it and came out on the other side delightfully entertained and satisfied. Jo Kuan may seem like a quiet young gal on the outside, but she has some fight to her. After being fired from her job as a hat maker (because there was no way her boss would promote an Asian girl), she finds herself fed up with how she’s treated. At her new job as a lady’s maid, she hears women talking about how absurd it is for a woman to ask a man to a popular upcoming event. So she goes home and gets her thoughts out in writing as an outspoken Miss Sweetie then submits the article anonymously to the printed publication whose house she has secretly lived under for a majority of her life. I absolutely loved this storyline. It gave me Miss Whistledown vibes but more feminist material than petty gossip. In addition to the weekly column, there are a couple of other plot lines that drive this story to perfection. I loved how unexpected Jo’s character was. She kept me on my toes, and although she did some pretty risky, naive things, I was constantly rooting for her. Her story really snuck up on me and I definitely didn’t see any of the plot twists coming. This book also touches on incredibly important topics such as challenging gender, racial and injustice issues, the failure that is white feminism, and more. This was such a delightful historical fiction novel and I definitely recommend picking it up if you get the chance!
Redeemed by Lauren Asher
REDEEMED by Lauren Asher
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Summary: Santiago Alatorre: One mistake destroys my career. I go from most eligible bachelor to monster, hiding from the world. At least until Chloe breaks into my home. My new fake girlfriend is a temporary fix to my biggest problem. But as our game changes, so do my feelings. There’s only one issue stopping me from claiming her. Me. | Chloe Carter: It all started with a birthday wish, some vodka, and an ancestry kit. That’s how I end up in Italy, finding my long-lost father. But one decision lands me a fake boyfriend I don’t want. The more we pretend, the easier our ruse becomes. I told myself not to fall in love with a liar like Santiago. I should have listened.
My Thoughts: We met Santiago earlier in the Dirty Air series and know him as Maya’s older brother, Noah’s teammate, and one of the youngest racers to sign with an F1 company. So, I was extremely excited we finally got to see him falling in love. That’s not without a tragic incident that happened three years prior that kicked off this book. There was a lump in my throat the entire time I was reading the prologue, and the chapters that follow made my heart hurt for Santiago. Chloe is a new character to the series, and definitely brought some fun and flair. Growing up in the foster care system, she’s made a wish every year to finally receive some sort of hint from the universe about who her real dad is. This year’s wish leads her to the property of Santiago who is not in the best mental space. One thing leads to another and the two start fake dating to save face in front of Maya and Noah. I was obsessed with how much light Chloe brought into Santiago’s life and forced him to view his self-worth and abilities through a new lens. Reciprocating that gentleness, Santiago worked endlessly to prove to Chloe that not everyone who cares about her will disappear from her life. This was an emotional ride where the highs definitely made the lows worth enduring. I confidently recommend continuing onto the fourth book of the Dirty Air series if you’ve made it this far!
Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon
WEATHER GIRL by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Summary: Ari Abrams has always been fascinated by the weather, and she loves almost everything about her job as a TV meteorologist. Her boss, legendary Seattle weatherwoman Torrance Hale, is too distracted by her tempestuous relationship with her ex-husband, the station’s news director, to give Ari the mentorship she wants. Ari, who runs on sunshine and optimism, is at her wits’ end. The only person who seems to understand how she feels is sweet but reserved sports reporter Russel Barringer. In the aftermath of a disastrous holiday party, Ari and Russell decide to team up to solve their bosses’ relationship issues. Between secret gifts and double dates, they start nudging their bosses back together. But their well-meaning meddling backfires when the real chemistry builds between Ari and Russell. Working closely with Russell means allowing him to get to know parts of herself that Ari keeps hidden from everyone. Will he be able to embrace her dark clouds as well as her clear skies?
My Thoughts: Okay, I have to say, I simply liked this book and was only going to rate it 3 stars. However, I realized I just had not been in the mood for it while I was reading. Had I been in the mood for it, I’m sure I would have liked the book more, which is why I rated it 3.5 stars instead. So take that in stride lol. This storyline was cute. It kind of reminded me of The Honey Don’t List by Christina Lauren because the main characters are trying to get their bosses to fall back in love with each other. However, they unintentionally fell for one another in the process. I loved that Ari and Russell were incredibly imperfect protagonists. Depression has impacted Ari’s life since she was a kid, watching her mother go through cycles of episodes. As an adult, Ari is now dealing with her own depression and has a tendency to hide that part of herself from those closest to her. It was incredibly refreshing that Russell’s physical descriptors challenge the typical romance novel hero physique as he’s an overweight single dad with thick-rimmed glasses. This slow burn romance was heartwarming, spicy, and handled some sensitive subjects with nothing but compassion and patience. Please check trigger warnings before going into it, but I do think this rom-com is worth the read overall.
House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
HOUSE OF EARTH AND BLOOD by Sarah J. Maas
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Summary: Bryce Quinlan had the perfect life - working hard all day and partying all night - until a demon murdered her closest friends, leaving her bereft, wounded, and alone. When the accused is behind bars but the crimes start up again, Bryce finds herself at the heart of the investigation. She’ll do whatever it takes to avenge their deaths. Hunt Athalar is a notorious Fallen angel, now enslaved to the Archangels he once attempted to overthrow. His brutal skills and incredible strength have been set to one purpose - to assassinate his boss’s enemies, no questions asked. But with a demon wreaking havoc in the city, he’s offered an irresistible deal: help Bryce find the murderer, and his freedom will be within reach. As Bryce and Hunt dig deep into Crescent City’s underbelly, they discover a dark power that threatens everything and everyone they hold dear, and they find, in each other, a blazing passion - one that could set them both free, if they’d only let it.
My Thoughts: Y’AALLL. I have not been this emotionally wrecked by SJM since I finished the Throne of Glass series at the beginning of 2021. She really wrote this thicc high fantasy and said “yanno what? let me just crank your feels into high gear for the last 150 pages.” The amount of love and friendship enduring all brought such warmth to my heart. :’) I literally melted into a puddle of emotions (not *literally,* but we love the dramatics). Now, let’s get down to business. The first good chunk of this book is clearly dedicated to world-building, plot planning, and character introductions. So it’s a little slower moving since there’s a lot of details to work through, but tucked into that information are a lot of heart-racing scenes, action-packed moments, mystery-laced nuggets, and more. I absolutely adored Bryce and her strength and resilience. She is experiencing stages of grief throughout this book and it was absolutely perfect the way her character development aligned with those emotional transitions. I wasn’t sure how to feel about Hunt for a good portion of this book. In my heart, I wanted to trust him, but I didn’t let myself fully swoon until his character proved himself. Ruhn also didn’t blow me away at first, but I adored the Fae Prince by the end of it. Aside from them, there are a myriad of side characters who add so much depth to this tale. Most were an absolute delight despite the pot stirrers and assholes. My friends, would I recommend this book? Solidly yes. Though it still sings to the magical tune SJM usually brings to her fantasy novels, this story is unique in itself and definitely worth picking up. :)
America for Beginners by Leah Franqui
AMERICA FOR BEGINNERS by Leah Franqui
Rating: 4/5 stars
Summary: Pival Sengupta has done something she never expected: She has booked a trip with the First Class India USA Destination Vacation Tour Company. But unlike other upper-class Indians on a foreign holiday, the recently widowed Pival is not interested in sightseeing. She’s traveling thousands of miles from Kolkota to New York on a cross-country journey to California, where she hopes to uncover the truth about her beloved son, Rahi. A year ago, Rahi devastated his traditional parents when he told them he was gay. Then Pival’s husband, Ram, told her that their son had died suddenly - heartbreaking news she still refuses to accept. Now, with Ram gone, she’s going to America to find Rahi, alive and whole or dead and gone, and come to terms with her own life. Arriving in New York, the tour proves to be more complicated than anticipated. Planned by the company’s indefatigable owner, Ronnie Munshi - a hardworking immigrant and entrepreneur hungry for his one taste of the American dream - it is a work of haphazard improvisation. Pavil’s guide is the company’s new hire, the guileless and wonderfully resourceful Satya, who has been in America for one year - and has never actually left the five boroughs. For modesty’s sake, Pival and Satya will be accompanied by Rebecca Elliot, an aspiring young actress. Eager for a paying gig she’s along for the ride, because how hard can a two-week “working” vacation traveling across America be? Slowly making her way from coast to coast with her unlikely companions, Pival finds that her understanding of her son - and her hopes of a reunion with him - are challenged by her growing knowledge of his adoptive country. As the bonds between this odd trio deepens, Pival, Satya, and Rebecca learn to see America - and themselves - in different and profound new ways.
My Thoughts: Wow I was not expecting to like this audiobook as much as I did! It’s a beautiful story about three people from very different backgrounds coming together for a cross-country trip. The book’s format flips between different perspectives, so you truly get to know each character from a personal standpoint as well as through the eyes of the other characters. Though the trip itself mainly focuses on Pavil, Rebecca, and Satya, we also get to see Pavil’s son’s experience in the United States through the eyes of his partner. I loved that this allowed me to try to piece together where her son ended up based on the information Pavil provides and comparing it to Rahi’s partner’s anecdotes. This book was as entertaining as it was heartwarming and heartbreaking. It’s a story about hope and forgiveness, and the writing is incredibly charming. I admire that it’s the author’s debut novel because it was so beautifully crafted. I will definitely be picking up more books by Leah Franqui and wholeheartedly recommend giving this one a try!
Him by Sabrina Bowen and Elle Kennedy
HIM by Sabrina Bowen and Elle Kennedy
Rating: 4/5 stars
Summary: Jamie Canning has never been able to figure out how he lost his closest friend. Four years ago, his tattooed, wise-cracking, rule-breaking roommate cut him off without an explanation. So what if things got a little weird on the last night of hockey camp the summer they were eighteen? It was just a little drunken foolishness. Nobody died. Ryan Wesley’s biggest regret is coaxing his very straight friend into a bet that pushed the boundaries of their relationship. Now with their college teams set to face off at the national championship, he’ll finally get a chance to apologize. But all it takes is one look at his longtime crush, and the ache is stronger than ever. Jamie has waited a long time for answers, but walks away with only more questions - can one night of sex ruin a friendship? If not, how about six more weeks of it? When Wesley turns up to coach alongside Jamie for one more hot summer at camp, Jamie has a few things to discover about his old friend… and a big one to learn about himself.
My Thoughts: I fell in love with Elle Kennedy’s writing after reading her Off Campus series and although I hadn’t read anything by Sabrina Bowen, that will be rectified soon because this book was such a delight! It was sweet watching these two hockey studs go from summer camp pals to unforgiving lovers. The foundation of their relationship felt so genuine and natural because their friendship was so solid. It had lighter aspects like inside jokes, healthy competition, and mischievous pranks, but was perfectly balanced with deeper aspects such as vulnerable conversations, emotional support, and undying trust and loyalty. I also appreciated that it never felt like one character stood out or dominated the developing relationship more than the other. Wes and Jamie both wanted this relationship to work as badly as the other, and I could not help but root for them. There wasn’t much angst to this romance novel - just a small snag that happens between them - but I think any further drama would’ve been overkill anyway. To all of you self proclaimed pearl-clutchers, there are some explicitly steamy scenes in this book, so it’s probs not for you. To anyone else who loves a sweet and sexy romance (with the perfect dose of smut), I highly recommend! :)
Well that wraps up May!
Hopefully, you can appreciate that I didn’t read as much romance this month as I usually do. :) Unless that’s your jam then please let me know if you’d like me to vet any books for you!
2022 Book Count: 101
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YOUR TURN! What’s the longest book you’ve read so far this year?
