off the shelf: what I read – April through June 2024

Disclaimer: the ratings are entirely subjective and just because a book wasn’t for me, doesn’t mean it might not be for you (or even me at a different time).

Currently reading

The Other Side of Disappearing by Kate Claybourn

How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams

Read

Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez – 🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰

Bought this on a rec from one of the hosts at the SteamyLit pop-up that I attended in June and I could not stop reading! This is my first Abby Jimenez book but it will not be the last! I read it in two days, which is something I haven’t done in years. I literally could not stop. It was a good thing I was on vacation because I stayed up way past my bedtime so I could keep reading. A sweet, second-chance-at-love romance with anxiety representation.

Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood – 🍰🍰🍰🍰

I’ve enjoyed every book I’ve read by Ali Hazelwood. She warns readers that this one is a bit different from her usual books when it comes to the tone of the story, but it’s not particularly dark. A few more kinks than her previous books, but not that subversive IMO. Not an academic setting like most of her previous works, but still set in the STEM field.

Bless Your Heart by Lyra Parish – 🍰🍰🍰

Lyra promises 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ and she delivers. If you want a small town, cowboy romance with plenty of heat, this one might be for you.

Hot Mess by Emily Goodwin – 🍰🍰🍰

I was in until I realized this is a two book duet and it left me on a cliffhanger. It was a cute read, but I didn’t feel invested enough to follow the pair to book two.

Then Came You by Lisa Kleypas – 🍰🍰🍰

This is an older romance, so check your content warnings. It probably has them all.

I had a slow start with this one, but the story picked up about a third of the way in and I was hooked. If you’ve read Dreaming of You, Then Came You is Lily’s story. She’s feisty and spirited and comes across a little reckless for the sake of drama until you learn her past. There’s a touch of mystery mixed in with the romance.

Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree – 🍰🍰🍰🍰

This sat on my TBR for about a year until my boyfriend decided to call me out for being so excited to read it and leaving it on the pile (this during a trip to B&N, when he should know better than to call me out for buying more books. the nerve). Anyhow, it was the kick I needed and it came at the perfect time. When work demands were particularly high this spring, this was the perfect cozy, before bed read. The stakes are low, but there is still a solid plot with plenty of character development and a sweet payoff.

After Hours on Milagro Street by Angelina M. Lopez – 🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰

Just perfect. This is one of the best romances I’ve read so far. Small town rivalries, a haunted bar, Mexican American history, and a steamy love story make this an instant rec from me. Also, this one is HOT 🥵.

Eclipse the Moon by Jessie Mihalik – 🍰🍰🍰🍰

In a charming twist, I enjoyed book 2 in this series more than book 1. The Consortium Rebellion series is still my favorite, but I love Jessie Mihalik’s brand of swoony sci-fi with a thread of suspense.

Audiobooks

When life is life-ing, I listen to a lot of audiobooks.

Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman – 🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰 (all the cake!)

Did this book give me an existential crisis while driving to work? Yes. Do I still recommend it? Most definitely. History, philosophy, productivity, Burkeman dives into all things related to the concept of time, and the many ways we try to wrangle our limited years on this earth. If you’re working to step away from hustle/productivity culture, this is an excellent read (or listen. Burkeman narrates it himself and he does a fabulous job).

The Viscount who Loved Me by Julia Quinn – 🍰🍰

I rewatched season 2 and decided to give the book a try… then I remembered why I never really liked the books. The show adds way more depth to these characters. Go with the show.

The League of Gentlewomen Witches by India Holton – 🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰

I saw this book recommended on a list of books that feel like Howl’s Moving Castle and that was all I needed to know. Howl is one of my favorite books and definitely one of my favorite movies. I am always looking for books that give me that feeling and that recommendation did not disappoint! I literally lol-ed listening to this book. It’s funny, sexy, imaginative… pirates, witches, flying houses, shenanigans. I loved it so much, I plan to get it in print and re-read it.

DNF

Loveboat, Taipei by Abigail Hing Wen

I gave it a good try, but I kind of gave up. I’m not resonating with YA at the moment and that’s on me.

There’s No Such Thing as an Easy Job by Kikuko Tsumura

It’s a slow read and I lost interest about 50% in. I renewed my loan twice, but when it lapsed for the third time, I decided to call it quits. Might pick it up some other time. I was in the Cracker Packet job chapter.

📖I track my reading habits on LibraryThing and Storygraph.