September Reading Wrap-Up
A Snapshot of What I Read
Here’s my September Reading Wrap-Up, and this month felt completely different from August in the best possible way. Life was still full and busy, but it finally felt steady and manageable, and I was much more on top of everything. I kept up with my responsibilities, stayed consistent with my blog, and even started this wrap-up early instead of waiting until the last minute (like last month). My reading pace slowed again to nine books, but that had more to do with a full plate than a lack of interest, because every book I picked up this month was one I was truly excited to read.
Golden Comfort and Deep Sapphire shaped most of my reading this month, and that mix gave me grounding and emotional depth without slipping back into the heaviness of August. I had fewer ARC and ALC obligations, and even the books with deadlines were ones I genuinely wanted to reach for. I ended up binging Lauren Rowe’s Morgan Brothers series before it left Audible Plus on the 17th, which made the deadline feel more fun than stressful. It was a smaller reading month overall, but a really satisfying one, and I feel good about the balance I found.
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Quick Stats
- Books read: 9
- Average rating: 3.83★
- Dominant emotional lane: Golden Comfort & Deep Sapphire
- Most common genre: Contemporary Romance
- Reading Format: 2 Audiobooks, 2 eBooks, 5 Audiobooks + eBooks
- Total Pages: 4092
- ARC/ALC Books: 1 ARC/ 4 ALC
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: 3
- 💙Sapphire Angst: 1
- 💎Deep Sapphire: 3
- 🖤Onyx Chaos: 2
- ⚫Obsidian Edge: 0
Top Reads
Dance of Defiance (Darkest Dance #4) – Jagger Cole (4.5★ | ALC | KU + Audible)
This MM romance was dark, smoking hot, and packed with tension. I don’t usually reach for MM, but the spice here was intense, especially with the forbidden aspect and the danger surrounding Roman and Val. I loved finally getting their full stories after only seeing glimpses of them before. Roman’s identity crisis and need to constantly prove himself made his softer moments hit hard, and Val’s mix of strength, trauma, and talent made him such an interesting character. Their dominant personalities clashing and then shifting into something sweet toward the end gave the story so much depth. The narration was incredible and made me even more invested in both of them.
The One-Night Secret (Steele Brothers of Twilight Cove #5) – Brighton Walsh (4.5★ | ALC | KU + Audible)
Available on KU and Audible 10/1/26
James Cassidy and Rose Dioro were incredible in this duet, and their range made the whole cast feel real. Rowan and Maverick stole my heart from the start. Their chemistry is instant, but it’s their growth that really pulled me in, especially watching Rowan learn she doesn’t have to carry everything alone and seeing Maverick quietly show up for her in all the right ways. I loved the slightly older characters, the single‑mom storyline, and how the tension built even with a spicy opening. The Wilder boys added so much personality and emotion, and Maverick’s steady kindness tied everything together. This was sweet, spicy, and full of small‑town charm, and I absolutely loved it.
Stealing Blinds (The Noire Brothers #4) – Brandy Hynes (4.25★ | ALC | KU + Audible)
One of my favorite parts of this book was the mystery. I could never fully pin down the villains or their motives, and the high‑stakes heists kept everything tense. Sylvie was such a standout FMC with her gymnast background, sass, and skill, and her fear of opening up made her feel real. Cash was the morally grey MMC who fell hard and fast, and his obsession, card trick, and massage‑room revenge scene were unforgettable. The Noire family’s chaotic loyalty added so much charm, and the duet narration made the whole story even more immersive. It was fun, dangerous, and full of chemistry, and I loved it.
Ball Peen Hammer (The Morgan Brothers #3) – Lauren Rowe (4★ | KU + Audible)
Keane surprised me in the best way. He starts off immature and very much a player, but he slowly grows into someone who really shows up. His connection with Maddie builds so naturally, and their banter and silly jokes made their friendship feel fun and easy. The slow burn kept me hooked, and the spice hit hard once it finally landed. The angst toward the end even made me teary, and I loved watching Maddie hold her ground while Keane stepped up. The narration added so much charm, and the whole story was sweet, tense, and full of heat.
Reflection & October Preview
September ended up being a quality‑over‑quantity reading month. I finished nine books, but several of them were four stars or higher, and that made the smaller count feel worthwhile. Golden Comfort and Deep Sapphire shaped most of my emotional reading experience, giving me joy and depth. With fewer obligations and a couple of binge reads, the month felt balanced, and I enjoyed having the space to reach for books I had been genuinely excited about.
October is shaping up to be a really fun ARC and ALC month. I have several potential titles lined up, and I’m excited about all of them. With my reading pace continuing to slow down a bit, I’m expecting these to take center stage next month, and I’m looking forward to diving into each one.
- (ALC Request) Dance of Thorns by Jagger Cole: I read Dance of Defiance and now I’m fully invested. I need to know what happens with Bane and Dove.
- (ALC Request) Once Upon a Lie by Max Monroe: I loved Call Me Anytime, and this book is the second in that series. I really hope I get approved for this one.
- (ALC Request) Crash Course by Piper Lawson: This is a spicy, slow-burn Formula 1 romance.
- (ALC request) Carved in the Shadows by A.L. Jackson: This is book two in the Crimson Crows series. I loved the Closer to You series, so I’m looking forward to this one.
- (ARC) Power Play by Amy Briggs: I’m thoroughly invested in the Phoenix Sidewinders players. This book is Eli Kovak’s story and features an older woman and nanny x hockey player trope.
Since October is already looking busy with ARC and ALC reads, I’m keeping my TBR list short. If I end up having extra time, these are the two books I would love to reach for first, but I’m keeping things flexible and seeing how the month unfolds.
- Seven Year Itch by Amy Daws: This is a Libby borrow that has been suspended. I didn’t get to it last month, and I’m hoping to pick it up in October if I have the time.
- Forged in Fire by A.L. Jackson: This KU title is book one in the Crimson Crows series, and it has several tropes I love.
If you want to explore more of the vibes I read this month, here are a few posts that pair well with September’s Deep Sapphire and Golden Comfort emotion and highlight the books I binged or plan to pick up next.
- 6 Deep Sapphire Romance Books: A guide to the fear‑shaped, healing‑heavy lane that defined part of this month’s emotional mood.
- Finding Home by Lauren Rowe Book Review: A Deep Sapphire look at grief, guardedness, and slow emotional healing.
- 10 Cozy Romance Books on KU & Audible: A guide to the feel-good, low‑stress Golden Comfort lane that shaped part of this month’s reading mood.
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.
You can read my full Review Policy for details on how I handle links and honest reviews.
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