This is take two of writing this post—I tried last week, but weebly ate it or it disappeared into the ether or something (fingers crossed it doesn't happen again). Anyway, it's a new month (I think...time is still strange), so I'm talking about books I read in May. Reading is still not great for me. I just can't focus to read the way I usually do, and it's so frustrating. But I've been rereading in audiobook format, and I did read a few books last month.

Slippery Creatures by KJ Charles: I fell into this book immediately and read it straight through in a day (it felt so good to do that!). In KJ Charles's newest, Will Darling returns from the Great War with no idea what to do and ends up inheriting his great-uncle's used book shop just when he was running out of options. When several people begin showing up at the shop to demand information Will knows nothing about, he's thrown into some intrigue he never expected. It's a fun take on 1920s pulp adventure stories. With some romance thrown in, though there isn't a HEA here or even much of a HFN—but it's the first book in a trilogy and it ended in a good spot. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book.

Snowspelled by Stephanie Burgis: This novella has been sitting on my Kindle for a while, part of my mountainous digital TBR pile, and I decided to read it on a whim. I'd heard good things about it, and they were all right. This is a fantasy romance set in an alt-historical world in which the women govern and the men use magic—until Cassandra became the first lady magician. And then lost her ability to use magic. Now she's snowed in at a house party and a dangerous elf lord is threatening everything. The novella was light and quick and enjoyable. I'll definitely continue with the series.

The Selection and The Elite by Kiera Cass: I grabbed these YA books from the library, and I have mixed feelings. Obviously I'm enjoying them enough to keep reading the series (I have the next sitting on my Kindle waiting for me, and I should read it because the digital loan expires in a week), but I'm also kind of torn. I will not lie—the gorgeous dresses on the covers attracted me to the books (I want those dresses) in the first place. And I love a royalty romance. But I'm not a huge fan of love triangles (and I don't trust one of the guys in this one for some reason), and the dystopian setting wasn't something I expected. This is set in a future when the US no longer exists. After a war with and occupation by China, the US became a monarchy with a strict caste system. In this world, when a prince needs to marry, young women from all over and all castes are chosen to basically compete to be the country's next princess.

​What have you been reading lately?

My attention span continues to be almost non-existent, so, much to my utter dismay (because I'm a reader! I'm always reading!), I didn't read very much again in April. I listened to some more favorites in audio—these comfort reads seem to be something I can do, and I'm thinking about doing a post about comfort reads soon—but I only read a few new (or new to me, anyway) books. 

How to Talk to Nice English Girls by Gretchen Evans: This is a 1920s set f/f romance between the daughter of a British earl and the daughter of a wealthy American industrialist. It's pretty inwardly focused on the English protagonist as she discovers who she is and what she wants and falls in love. I wanted there to be more to it—more of the time period, something from the American main character's point of view especially considering the title—but it's a lovely lighter read, low in conflict.

Spellbound by Allie Therin: Here's another book that makes me ask myself why it took me so long to read it because it was so good. Another 1920s set romance, this one a paranormal (I seem to be mostly able to get lost in paranormal/fantasy and/or historical books lately). The characters were wonderful, the romance adorable—so very grumpy one falls for the sunshine one—and the paranormal plot/world building interesting and engaging. I'm looking forward to the second book in the series.

A Vigil in the Mourning by Hailey Turner: Soulbound is one of those series that gets better with each book. I really enjoyed this installment. The overarching plot continues to moves forward in intriguing ways, and Patrick and Jonty's relationship continues to deepen. I am also constantly delighted by Wade, the teenage dragon shifter who is either eating, thinking about eating, or picking people's pockets. I'd say start at the beginning of the series instead of jumping in here.

Under Currents by Nora Roberts: I think this is last year's Nora single title, but I've gotten a bit behind in reading them, so I borrowed this one from the library through Libby. It's classic Nora, which is kind of a comfort. I think the first part of the book, set in the past, might have been the part I liked the most, but the whole thing was a good read. I loved the characters—both the main characters and the family surrounding them. (CW: lots of on-page child and spousal abuse.)

Are you reading a lot? What have you read and loved lately?

The decade that has been March 2020 is ending today (and I don't know about anyone else, but I'm completely losing track of days and wondering if it actually matters anyway). I didn't read as much as I thought I would, or at least, I didn't read many new books this month (I've been rereading favorites on audio mostly). I've been so anxious that I haven't been able to get into most books or concentrate on much of anything. There were a few I enjoyed, though:

Wolf in Sheep's Clothing by Charlie Adhara: I've been waiting for this next book in the Big Bad Wolf series for ages, and it did not disappoint. The mystery was great, but what I really loved was the continuing developments in Cooper and ​Oliver's relationship. You should probably read the series in order instead of jumping in here, but the whole series is wonderful and it seems to keep getting better.

Magpie by Piper Scott and Virginia Kelly: I'll admit this isn't my favorite book in the Forbidden Desires series, but it was still really enjoyable and I'm sure I'll reread it along with the rest of the series. I liked learning more about Reynard and Misha and having a few things explained from a previous book. I also liked the appearances by characters from other books and some appearances by characters we've only heard of before but maybe might learn more about in the future... Plus dragon shifters and baby dragons!

Lord of the White Hell, Book One by Ginn Hale: I've had this on my Kindle for ages and somehow hadn't read it despite so many people telling me how good it was. And it was really good. I enjoyed the world building in this romantic fantasy set at a boarding school, and I'm looking forward to reading book two (book one ends on a cliffhanger).

I hope you're all staying safe and healthy, and staying at home as much as you possibly can. If you've been reading and escaped into something you loved, let me know what it is. Love to you all.

February was another tough reading month for me. I've been in a book slump for far too long, and I was really busy with writing, edits, revising, and proofreading on three separate books. So not as much time to read as I wanted plus not being able to get into too many books or even decide what to try next. 

During January and February, I reread the Forbidden Desires series (including the spin-off, Swallow) by Piper Scott and Virginia Kelly in audio, which was fun as always (dragon shifters, romance, baby dragons, peacocks...), and I'm looking forward to the next book, which will be out soon. I also read and enjoyed a few other books this past month:

The Wallflower Wager by Tessa Dare: I can always rely on Tessa Dare for an enjoyable historical romance with delightful banter and romance and some funny situations. I loved the previous books in this series (though you don't have to pick them up before this one, you should anyway because they're very good), and this one was a great addition. I especially liked Penny and all her animals and all the hilarious moments involving those animals. (CW: past childhood sexual abuse) I'm looking forward to the next book.

That Could Be Enough by Alyssa Cole: A really lovely historical romance novella with two queer WOC main characters: Mercy, a maid/secretary who was hurt and gave up on putting her feelings into her writing or maybe even feeling much of anything at all, and Andromeda, a dressmaker who is passionate about her community. Their meeting is wonderful, their letters lovely. (First published in the Hamilton's Battalion anthology)

Infernal Affairs by Jordan L Hawk: Somehow I missed this novella when it first came out as part of an anthology, but I'm so glad I read it now because it was absolutely delightful. We have failed crossroads demon Ralgath trying to redeem himself and fabulous monster-hunting human Chess plus some romance, mystery, and an adorable hellhound named Fluffpaw. Seriously cute and I'd love more adventures for them all.

A Wedding One Christmas by Therese Beharrie: I bought this around Christmas but was a little late getting to it. It's an emotional, introspective romance that takes place (other than the epilogue) in only one day. Two people basically fall in love at almost first sight, but it isn't easy for them. Both are dealing with a lot of very real emotional issues and have been hurt in the past, and now also have to deal with all sorts of new feelings. Set in a small town in South Africa where the main characters meet by chance on their home at Christmas, the book also has lots of sort of wacky small town situations, including the heroine being mistaken repeatedly for a bridesmaid at a wedding. I haven't read the rest of the series yet, but I'm sure I will.

What have you read and loved lately?

January was a tough reading month for me, not because I read a bunch of books I turned out not to like but because I just couldn't decide what to read. Even with my TBR pile so high it could probably fall over and crush me, I had a difficult time finding books that I felt like reading. So I read a lot less last month than I usually do. No idea why it happened, and I really hate that it did, and I really hope the slump ends because I don't like it. I did read some books last month, though, and there were some I liked very much:

Rago by Kasia Bacon: An m/m fantasy romance short story with a dragon shifter and fated mates, and it was just lovely, like all of Kasia's books.

A Delicate Deception by Cat Sebastian: Cat Sebastian's latest historical romance came out in December, and though I bought it then, I put it off until January while I wallowed in holiday stories (actually I did that with a few of these...). It's an m/f with bisexual main characters. Amelia, dealing with anxiety, and Sydney, dealing with grief, keep meeting on their morning walks and slowly fall in love. I really enjoyed how they found their way to a HEA that worked uniquely for them. I also loved the family they built around them. 

When the Moon was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore: There is such beautiful writing in this young adult fantasy, which I've come to expect from this author. McLemore paints gorgeous pictures with words. I loved Miel and Sam, and I loved how the setting in the book came alive. If you're looking for YA fantasy/magical realism (and one with a trans main character), I definitely recommend this one.

I Buried a Witch by Josh Lanyon: I enjoyed this second mystery in the Bedknobs and Broomsticks series (you should probably read the first one before this one). Cosmo and John are back from their honeymoon, and John finds out Cosmo is a witch. There is a bit more angst in this one, and the mystery moves along, some things solved but some questions left. Looking forward to the last book.

Open House by Ruby Lang: I enjoyed first novella, Playing House, in the series very much, and this one didn't disappoint either. (The novellas are only tangentially connected, so jump in wherever.) It's a warm book centered around efforts to save a community garden in Harlem. Magda and Tyson are on opposite sides of the issue, but there isn't a lot of conflict over it. The story is more about finding a way to be together despite family trouble and personal issues.

​What have you been reading lately? (I hope your month did not include a book slump like mine did!)

Happy New Year, everyone! A whole new year of books is ahead of us. Yay! But it's also time to talk about what I read and loved in December and some of my favorites from 2019 (I know...I'm a bit late with the favorites list...). My December reading was basically all holiday books—I love the extra warm and fuzzy feelings of holiday romances. I reread a bunch of favorites and also found some new ones I loved.

Pattern for an Angel by CJane Elliot: I started the month with this charming short story filled with love and support and family. A father is so accepting and supportive of his little boy who likes to wear dresses. They meet Loren, a drag queen who also likes to wear skirts and dresses in real life, in a sewing shop. 

Let It Sew by Anna Martin: Another sweet short, this one about a teacher who needs help with costumes for the school Christmas pageant at the last moment and a tailor who decides to help.

Mr. Naughty List by Leta Blake: This was a sweet and hot Christmas novel between a teacher and his former student. I loved RJ and how much he adored Aaron in this tender story.

A Whole Latke Love by Jodi Payne: A hook up becomes something more and latkes become the way to their hearts. Such a cute, sweet short.

One More Yule Log by Julia Talbot: One More Yule Log was a sweet and adorable romance between a widower with a precocious daughter and a baker who gets talked into teaching the little girl how to make a Yule log for her dad.

Hometown Christmas by Garrett Leigh: Not the lightest Christmas story, but a lovely, sweet romance. I'd love more of these two guys.

One Bed for Christmas by Jackie Lau: If you enjoyed the snowed in and there's only one bed and friends to lovers tropes (plus an inflatable T Rex costume), you will probably enjoy One Bed for Christmas as much as I did.

The Christmas Deal by Keira Andrews: This holiday romance novel is one I'm destined to reread in years to come. It made me so happy. 

Better Not Pout by Annabeth Albert: A grumpy Santa (who does not want to play Santa) and a bubbly elf make for a warm and fuzzy Christmas read.

Blessing and Light by Kasia Bacon: I read this holiday fantasy short in ebook when it first came out, and I listened to the ebook this holiday season. The story was as lovely as I remembered, and the narration was so good. 

Mangos & Mistletoe by Adriana Herrera: This was a delightful f/f holiday romance between two bakers competing on a Great British Baking type show. It made me want baked goods and want to bake, so be warned—you'll probably want cake while reading this.


I always try to limit my yearly favorite books list to ten or so, and it never works, so this year I didn't even try. Here are some of my favorite reads of 2019 in random order:
​

Hexhunter by Jordan L. Hawk
The Governess Game by Tessa Dare
Mate by Piper Scott and Virginia Kelly
A Crown of Iron & Silver by Hailey Turner
Mastering the Flames by SJ Himes
Reluctant Royals series by Alyssa Cole (I read the first book in 2018)
Thrown to the Wolves by Charlie Adhara
Proper English by KJ Charles
Midnight Flit by Elin Gregory
Red, White, & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Wolves in the World series by Dessa Lux
Mercy Hills Pack series by Ann-Katrin Byrde
Lilywhite Boys series by KJ Charles
Not Dead Yet series by Jenn Burke
Hither, Page by Cat Sebastian 
The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite
Playing House by Ruby Lang
Deosil by Jordan L. Hawk

​What are some of your favorite books from last year?

I'm going to admit right now that I meant to have this post up days ago, but between day job work, editing, and holiday prep (including baking...so much baking...see below), it didn't happen. But I usually try to do a holiday book rec post, so I wanted to do it anyway. Anyone else like me, and reading holiday books starting at the beginning of the month and reading all through New Year's? If so, maybe you'll enjoy some recs. And if you have some for me, please share!

I love holiday romances because they take all the joy and hope of other romances to a whole other level. They just give me a warm, cozy feeling I want to wallow in all month. Some of these books are old favorites I return to year after year, and some are new books I read for the first time this month...and are destined to become favorites to reread in years to come:

The Christmas Deal by Keira Andrews (and a bunch of her other holiday books too!)
One More Yule Log by Julia Talbot
Hometown Christmas by Garrett Leigh
The Winter Spirit by Indra Vaughn
Holiday Outing by Astrid Amara
Lone Star by Josh Lanyon (also Icecapade)
Merry Christmas, Mr Miggles by Eli Easton
North Pole City Tales series by Charlie Cochet
Love Around the Corner by Sally Malcolm
Holly and Oak by R Cooper
Wrapped Together by Annabeth Albert

​

​I'm absolutely positive I'm going to start kicking myself for not listing so many other books as soon as I post this (because there are so many good ones!), but that's a few anyway.

I haven't written a holiday romance yet, but if you're looking for a warm and cozy fantasy romance set during fall/winter/winter holidays, try The Merchant's Love. It's a warm hug of a book in which a bookish royal and the merchant awkwardly, endearingly besotted with him fall in love over books and baked goods.

​Happy reading, all!

November sped by and December arrived when I wasn't looking (or, more likely, when I was frantically editing two books at once...). I threw myself into Christmas decorating this week and reading holiday books and listening to Christmas music, and I maybe have figured out Christmas is in a few weeks. Or maybe it hasn't sunk in yet. Either way, it's time to talk about what I read last month.

Graveyard Shift by Jenn Burke: This latest book (hopefully not last? please?) in the Not Dead Yet series was fantastic. I also cried a ridiculous amount. This book killed me. I mean, don't be scared, there's a happily ever after here, but so many tears before we get there. I loved the three books in this series. If you like paranormal romance, go get Not Dead Yet and start reading these.

Witchblood by Lissa Kasey: I've been meaning to read this book for a while, and I'm so glad I finally did. It's another paranormal romance with witches and magic and shifters and kitsune lore. I'm definitely hoping for more from this world.

Gilded Cage by KJ Charles: This book was wonderful. Let's start there. A Victorian era romance/mystery with Susan Lazarus, lady detective, and Templeton Lane, jewel thief...who have major history. This book brings together three of the author's series, and as someone who's read all of them, that was so much fun (I'm still quite disappointed in Dickie Vane, though. What would his uncle Richard think of how he turned out?). I loved seeing how everything entwined and finding out more about favorite characters...and for Susan to get a book! And she is just as fantastic as I'd hoped when first meeting her as a almost-feral child in An Unnatural Vice. She's grown up into a strong, determined woman (she's also bisexual, if you're looking for bi rep in m/f books). You don't have to read all of those other books, nor even the other books in this series--Any Old Diamonds and The Ratcatcher's Daughter—to understand this book, but they're all so good, you should think about doing it anyway.

Vendetta in Death by JD Robb: This is the 49th book in the In Death series, a series of futuristic/sci-fi/mystery romances, and I'm still happily reading all of them, enjoying my time with Eve, Roarke, and their family. I got who the murderer was pretty quickly in this one, but I still enjoyed the ride.

The Takeover Effect by Nisha Sharma: Nisha is a fellow NJRW member, and I've been really excited to read this book. It's a desi contemporary romance by a South Asian author that includes a tense corporate/tech espionage and legal thriller type plot as well. Really good (I especially loved heroine Mina, who is a badass lawyer), and I'm looking forward to the next two books about the other Singh brothers.

A Prince on Paper by Alyssa Cole: It took me far too long to get to this last book in the Reluctant Royals series, which is sad because it was so much fun. I'd been waiting for Nya's book after meeting her in the previous books in the series, and Johan intrigued me in the previous book as well. They're fun together in their fake relationship that turns into more. I also loved Johan as the protective big brother. Also, bisexual hero in an m/f book is great to see.

Bitter Heat by Leta Blake: I really enjoyed this latest book in the Heat of Love series. It's the story of Kerry, trying to escape an abusive relationship and heal, and Janus, trying to redeem himself for his past behavior. Their relationship is a lovely, slow burn build from friends to lovers. I also really enjoyed learning about what's happened to the characters from the previous book, especially Caleb, who I adored in that one.

​What have you read and loved lately?

It's November (somehow...???) and time to talk about books we read and enjoyed in October. I decided to try to stick to books that were either paranormal or felt otherwise seasonal for my reading last month, so that's what you'll find on this list. I reread a few favorites too, which I'm pretty sure I listed when I wrote about Halloween book recs, so I'm going to list the ones I read for the first time here:

Mastering the Flames by SJ Himes: This fourth book in the Beacon Hill Sorcerer series has a slightly different feel than the first three, which makes sense because we're seeing the world through Isaac and Constantine's eyes this time around. And it was really good. I loved their romance and seeing more of favorite characters and the paranormal world set in modern day Boston. I went back and did a reread of the first three books after and now I can't wait for more!

Defender by Claire Cullen: Defender is the first book in a new shifter series, The Lost Pack. I was intrigued by the world building and characters, and I'm looking forward to seeing where this goes.

Beating the Bounds by Parker Foye: Beating the Bounds is a short novella set around Halloween and involving the fae. I could've wished for more (I almost always want more and longer stories!), but the setting and atmosphere were wonderful and the f/f romance was lovely.

Deosil by Jordan L Hawk: This is the 11th and final book in the Whyborne & Griffin historical fantasy romance series, and I can't believe it's over. It's been one of my favorite series and one of my most reread (I'd been doing an audio reread in the lead up to this book too). Though I'm sad it's the last book with these characters, it was a lovely and satisfying conclusion. The paranormal threat that had been building over the series is dealt with well, and the relationships are all handled beautifully, so we remember that family is one of the big themes of the series. I can only be grateful to the author for creating these characters and the horrible murder town that I would move to in a heartbeat. If you haven't read it, start with Widdershins and binge your way through it. I'm a little jealous of you getting to discover it for the first time.

Mainly by Moonlight by Josh Lanyon: This little paranormal mystery was definitely a fun romp—it also absolutely reminded me of the television show Bewitched, which was possibly deliberate, as we have a witch who doesn't seem to use his powers much marrying a human with no magic who doesn't believe/know about it. Here, the witch is accused of murder and the fiancee is the police commissioner, to add a bit of a wrinkle. I'll be reading the next to see what happens between these two. (As an aside, I never understood why Samantha was so willing to not use her magic in that show. I would never!)

Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Cordova: This young adult fantasy is about a bisexual Latina teenager who is also a powerful bruja refusing to use her powers. The world building is fantastic, especially the world of Los Lagos, where Alex has to journey to save her family. I'm definitely going to pick up the next book in the series.

Monster Till Midnight by EJ Russell: This short is so much fun! Set at Halloween, it has aspects of magic and time travel, and also a sweet romance. And while I would love to know more about what happens to these two guys, this story was so well done and well-realized, it didn't feel at all incomplete.

Love Spells (For the End of the World) by Alys Murray: This was a cute, quick read about a witch and the witch hunter who vowed to kill her when they were teenagers having to team up to save the world—and fall in love.

What did you read and love in October?

October begins my favorite time of year—autumn is my favorite season, but really, I love the whole time straight through Christmas. It's definitely not time to think about Christmas, though, not with Halloween a day away and lots more fall still on the horizon. I love watching the leaves change color and smelling woodsmoke on the crisp air. I love pulling out my boots and cozy sweaters and walking with the leaves crunching under foot. I love baking pumpkin muffins and cookies and all sorts of autumn treats. I love dressing up for Halloween, though I don't always have the opportunity anymore. And I love reading books that put me into the feel of the season.

I thought I'd share some books recs for this time of year with you. Just so you know, I am not a horror fan at all. I'm good with spooky and eerie and a little scary at times, but horror and I don't get along. Most of the recs I'm sharing aren't super scary, but most are paranormal and because of that or because of a seasonal feel, they seem appropriate for this time of year and Halloween.

A Little Familiar and Nothing More Certain by R Cooper: I love these little gems. They're paranormal, and they feel so autumnal and warm and cozy, just the perfect mood for this time of year. The romances are lovely and sweet too. I probably read them every year.

Once Upon a Haunted Moor by Harper Fox: This book has all of the atmospheric and lyrical writing I expect from Harper Fox. It's seasonal and a bit scary and the beginning of a wonderful romance and series centered on Gideon and Lee.

Hainted by Jordan L Hawk: Actually lots of Jordan L Hawk's books would be good for this post, maybe all of them. I'm actually doing an audio reread of the Whyborne & Griffin series right now, which lined up well with October, though I've been doing it because the last book was just released. They're all paranormal romance, some contemporary, some historical, all really good.

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness: Vampires, witches, daemons and a mix of romance, mystery, and history that is really compelling. This first book in the series is set around this time of year, so it feels even more appropriate to me. There's also a television show of the book now, which I really enjoyed even though it's a bit different from the book.

Vespers by Liv Rancourt and Irene Preston: I really enjoyed this vampire romance (which is the beginning of a series!), and I love the atmospheric setting of New Orleans.

Spindrift by Amy Rae Durresson: A really lovely romance and a seriously creepy ghost story all in one book.

Trick or Treat by Sydney Blackburn: This is such a sweet, adorable Halloween-themed short. Not a paranormal, but a meet cute romance set at Halloween.

I'll stop there, or I'll go on forever! Do you have any favorite books for autumn or Halloween?