May felt like the real start of summer reading season — the kind where I start gravitating toward anything light, bingeable, and a little bit escapist. I leaned heavily into beachy settings, summer vibes, and comfort reads, while also sneaking in a few thrillers and romance favorites that totally delivered.

If you missed anything this month, here’s your catch up, plus what I’ve been reading, listening to, and loving lately.

May Book Recommendations

A mix of summer romance, thrillers, and easy binge reads perfect for the start of the season.

→ Read the full list here

May Reading Wrap Up

→ Read the full list here

I also shared:

• My full Summer Reading Guide — officially kicking off the season

→ Read the full list here

A roundup of books with “summer” in the title (peak seasonal fun)

→ Read the full list here

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE MAY READS

The Final Target — Nora Roberts

A classic Nora Roberts blend of romantic tension, suspense, and page turning pacing. This one had all the familiar strengths fans love — strong character dynamics, high stakes, and a storyline that keeps you fully engaged from start to finish.

→ Read the full review here

My Forever Girl — Laura Pavlov

A heartfelt, small town romance full of emotion, loyalty, and that signature Laura Pavlov warmth. This felt like such a satisfying, comfort driven read with strong chemistry and a deeply rooted sense of family and connection.

→ Read the full review here

Reality Bites — Amy Mass

A fun, engaging romance with plenty of charm and tension. Easy to fly through, emotionally satisfying, and perfect for that early summer reading mood when you just want something addictive and enjoyable.

→ Read the full review here

CURRENTLY READING / LISTENING / WATCHING

• Reading: Fully in my summer reading era — bouncing between beachy romcoms and popcorn thrillers as I build out upcoming content.

• Listening: The Seaside Café Mysteries by Bree Baker — narrated by Therese Plummer, who will forever be my comfort narrator. Cozy, coastal mystery perfection.

• Watching: The Off Campus adaptation on Prime — and I have feelings. I adore Elle Kennedy, so I was nervous going in, but I’m honestly so happy with it. Gimme season two immediately (Allie and Dean when??).

• Listening (music): “The Cure” by Olivia Rodrigo — impatiently waiting for the next album drop and fully in my feelings about it. Sad girl summer indeed.

WHAT’S NEXT

Summer reading season is officially here, and I’m leaning all the way into it.

Coming soon:

• a popcorn thriller roundup (fast, twisty, bingeable reads only)

• beach read recommendations + seasonal stacks

• “books for vacation” guide

• cozy mystery spotlight (because I am still fully in that era)

• more romance recs inspired by TV adaptations and book-to-screen moments

May felt like a really good bridge into summer reading — fun, fast, and full of comfort reads that made it easy to fall into new stories. I’m fully embracing the slower, sunnier reading rhythm ahead and excited for all the seasonal content coming next.

Thanks for being here — whether you’re reading every post or just stopping by when something catches your eye, I appreciate it more than you know 🤍