May Reading Wrap-Up
A Snapshot of What I Read
May was pure reader chaos in the best way. I thought I would get a break after last month’s ARC marathon, and technically I did. It dropped from ten to six, but then Libby said “surprise” and dumped eight books on me in one month. Between that and a dark romance heavy reading mood, my month was full, fast, and emotionally intense. And somehow, in the middle of all that chaos, I ended up reading twenty two books, which is the most I have read in a single month since November before I started the blog. But honestly, my ratings were so much higher than April’s, and I finally got to read the Bargainer Series I bought on Audible forever ago, so I am calling that a win. And I cannot forget to mention that the Mindf*ck Series is now one of my absolute top favorites.
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Quick Stats
- Books read: 22
- Average rating: 3.95 ★
- Dominant emotional lane: Sapphire Angst
- Most common genre: Dark Romance
- Reading Format: 3 Audiobooks, 6 eBooks, 13 Audiobooks + eBooks
- Total Pages: 6,877
- ARC/ALC Books: 6
Note: I’m a hybrid reader, so many of my books count as both an audiobook and an eBook because I read and listen at the same time.
Curious how I rate books? My Rating System breaks down my emotional lanes and star scale, and you can also see my individual reviews for these reads on my Goodreads page.
Emotional Lane Breakdown
- ✨Golden Comfort: 2
- 💙Sapphire Angst: 13
- 💎Deep Sapphire: 4
- 🖤Onyx Chaos: 2
- ⚫Obsidian Edge: 1
Top Reads
Monster’s Claim (Monster’s Duet #2) – A.V. Blackmoor (5★ | KU)
This book was pure emotional chaos in the best way. Quill’s backstory, Piper’s danger, and the nonstop tension kept me glued to the pages. I am completely invested in this world, and Blackmoor continues to deliver cliffhangers that leave me reeling.
The Lion’s Den II: Unleashed (Lion’s Den #2) – Alina Hurtado (5★ |ARC – Available on KU)
This sequel obliterated every expectation I had. The pacing is faster, the danger is sharper, and the emotional stakes are sky‑high. I am completely invested in this world, and Alina proves once again that she is a master of the final twist that makes me rethink everything.
Sidetracked (Mindf*ck #2) – S.T. Abby (4.5★ | Libby Audiobook + KU)
Sidetracked was such a fun, intense binge. Lana’s personality shines, the tension with Logan hits harder, and the plot never slows down. The breadcrumbs about her past were so good, and that cliffhanger had me begging Libby to hurry up.
Scarlet Angel (Mindf*ck #3) – S.T. Abby (4.5★ | Libby Audiobook +KU)
Scarlet Angel was such a wild, intense ride. The corruption runs deeper, the stakes are higher, and Lana’s emotional struggle is the core of everything. This series stays binge worthy, and I loved watching her stay cool and lethal even as everything around her unravels.
All the Lies (Mindf*ck #4) – S.T. Abby (4.5★ | Libby Audiobook + KU)
Lana’s lies and secrets finally catch up to her in this book, and the emotional fallout is intense. The deeper look into her past and Jake’s history adds so much weight, and the moral dilemma hits its peak. The ending is heartbreaking and the cliffhanger is classic S.T. Abby.
The Roommate Rules (The Steele Brothers of Starlight Cove #4) – Brighton Walsh (4.5★ | ALC – Available on KU)
This romance balances heat with so much heart. Penelope’s contradictions and Declan’s steady presence make their connection feel real and tender. The small town chaos adds charm, and the duet narration elevates the whole experience.
Reflection & June Preview
May was a chaotic but incredibly rewarding reading month. My ratings were higher, my pace was faster, and Sapphire Angst dominated everything I picked up. Dark romance carried the month, the Bargainer Series was a long‑awaited binge, and the Mindf*ck Series became an instant top favorite.
June is looking like it will be a pretty tame ARC and ALC month unless I get wild and start taking on more. As of now, these are the books I already have scheduled, with the possibility of a few more landing later in the month:
- (ARC) Volik (Bonded Souls Book 1) by S.J. Tilly: So excited I get to read her first paranormal romance!
- (ALC) By Blade, I Protect by Penelope Sky: I’m currently reading a related series, so I can’t wait to find out more about the Skull King!
- (ALC) Rumors & Whiskey by Victoria Wilder: a small-town romantic suspense book and Connor Crais is a narrator
- (ARC) Sunshine and Razor Wire by Rae Knight : a grumpy/sunshine, friends to lovers book
I’ll have to see where the month takes me, but I am hoping to get to the books on my TBR that I missed out on last month.
- A Trial of Two Worlds and hopefully A Trial of War which it released on May 24
- And I’m still hoping to read, Tides of Secrets, the sequel to a Romantasy I rated 5 stars back in March.
If you want to explore more of the vibes I read this month, here are a few posts that pair well with April’s mix of Deep Sapphire emotion, Romantasy worlds, and darker romance edges:
- To Cage a Wild Bird – Deep Dive: a spoiler forward, deep dive into this popular Sapphire Angst read
- 6 Sapphire Angst Romance Books: continue the Sapphire Angst energy with more emotionally intense reads
- The Lion’s Den Book 1 by Alina Hurtado: if you are curious about the series, here is my review of book one
- 4 Complete Mafia Romance Series on KU: more danger driven romance with four bingeable KU series
The Emotional Borrow — A Little About My Approach
I read for the feeling a story leaves behind — the emotional borrow you carry with you after the last page. When I recommend something, it’s because the book delivered on what it promised: the tropes, the tone, the emotional payoff, and the overall experience.
I move through a lot of books across Kindle Unlimited and Audible, which means I’m always paying attention to what the genre is doing right now. I look for stories that land their beats, honor their setup, and make your time feel well spent.
Every pick I share comes from that lens: thoughtful, current, and focused on how the book actually reads, not just how it’s marketed.
Transparency is non-negotiable for me. You can read my full Review Policy for details on how I handle links and honest reviews.