It’s hard to believe it’s already May. If you’re like us, it’s probably time to update your reading list. We have some recs for you!
Over the last few weeks of social distancing, I’ve been reading more and more. It’s definitely been a nice escape from the day-to-day. The five novels that I’ve chosen to spotlight are fun, sometimes steamy. One that borders on the edge of what is real and what could be, and one that dives headfirst into the unknown.
I’ve included the links to Indiebound so if you’d like to support your local bookshops during this time, please take a look there! Also, I mention the Overdrive app during this post. Check and see if your local library uses Overdrive or another application to check out ebooks and audiobooks. It’s been a lifesaver for me!
The Honey-Don’t List by Christina Lauren
Carey and James have a difficult task ahead of them. Keep their bosses from killing each other while on their book tour. The catch is, their bosses are supposed to be the happiest, most in love couple on television and that couldn’t be farther from the truth. The way the novel is structured with social media speculation and interviews propels the story along in a way I’ve never read before. It’s so compelling to watch their boss’s marriage implode while seeing the love blossom between to the two main characters. It’s perfectly freaking balanced.
I adored how, throughout the novel, Carey found her voice again. The dynamic between her and the Tripp’s was heavy. You could feel the tension and baggage there. The novel is also doing a lot of emotional heavy lifting, too. How do we grapple with our loyalty to someone when they’re toxic? Especially when we feel like we owe them something. I feel like this will hit home for a lot of people.
Some Like It Scandalous by Maya Rodale
Gilded Age New York has never been so fun!
Daisy desperately wants freedom and to start her own cosmetics company. Theo Prescott wants out of his father’s shadow. When their parents conspire to have them married against their wishes, they realize maybe the best way to get their parents to leave them alone is to play along.
If you love the “fake relationship” trope, this one’s for you! It’s also a dash of childhood enemies-to adult enemies-to lovers. There are a lot of wonderful things going on in this novel, including how the author gives focus to Theo’s character growth. Daisy is very independent and knows exactly what she wants. It was interesting to see Theo be the hero of the story, and also the one who isn’t really sure of his place in the world. Daisy helps him find his calling.
These two are true partners!
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
I know I’m extremely late to the party with this novel, but it’s fantastic! Gaiman’s an expert are making you believe exactly what’s happening in his world. This one leaves a bittersweet feeling in your chest, and it makes you question your childhood and how you remember things. I suggest listening to the audiobook with Neil Gaiman narrating his own novel. It was outstanding! I know Audible can be a pricey. I checked out this audiobook from my local library through their Overdrive app. Maybe your local library has an awesome setup like this, too!
Reborn Yesterday by Tessa Bailey
This is a quick, fun, sexy read! It pulled me in from the first page, and I couldn’t put it down. If you love Twilight, but wanted it a bit steamier, read this. If you love supernatural romances with some past life mystery, read this!
If you have an eternal appreciation for covers that are freaking gorgeous, one-click this one now!
Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn
This is one of my favorite novels this year. It moves in such a quiet, subtle way and draws you into the world Clayborn’s created.
Meg’s super creative and introverted. Making friends isn’t easy, and over the course of the last year, she and her best friend are in the midst of a falling out. Career wise, she’s at the top of her game as the “Planner of Park Slope”. She makes personalized planners for very well to-do individuals.
When Reid pops back into her life, it’s unexpected. She created his wedding invitations the year before, but always felt things weren’t right between him and his fiancé. Turns out, she was right. The wedding never happened, but Reid found a pattern in the invite that led him to believe that Meg knew the wedding was a mistake the whole time.
After he confronts her, the two form a friendship that grows into something more. It will leave you smiling and you’ll have a whole new word for romances that make you happy…
Swoonsh.
Even better, this one’s on sale for $2.99 right now!
