May Wrap-Up: 17 Reads & My 4.47 Avg ⭐️

May was unhinged and I mean that lovingly. 17 books, 5,646 pages, and somehow I averaged 4.47 stars across the whole thing — apparently I was just handing out 5s like candy this month.

The vibes leaned ALL the way into romance (17 books deep, no notes) with a healthy side of fantasy and contemporary. My brain was 71% in the 300-499 page range and 100% in my feelings.

Standouts that altered me:

the Plum Valley series by Emmy Sanders had me in a chokehold — Courageous, Swan, and Unconventional all hit that perfect 5⭐️ “owning the hard copy as a trophy” tier. Game On and Puck Honey also lived rent-free in my head.

One DNF (The Butchering Art — the nonfiction streak did NOT survive me). Everything else? ATE.

Format split was basically a coin flip — 53% digital, 47% audio — because multitasking is a personality trait now. 🎧

Tell me which one I should make you read next. 💅

#Lemon8BookClub #BookWrapUp #RomanceReads #BookTokMadeMeReadIt #MonthlyReadingWrapUp

5/31 Edited to

... Read moreMay's reading marathon was truly a delightful deep dive into romance, with the added bonus of fantasy and contemporary genres keeping things fresh. As someone who balances busy days with a love for books, I found myself switching seamlessly between digital copies and audiobooks — multitasking while cooking or commuting made the experience feel even richer. What stood out most this month was how the Plum Valley series by Emmy Sanders captivated me so powerfully. It's rare for books to hit that trophy-worthy 5-star mark on every installment, but this series did just that, combining emotionally intense storytelling with relatable characters. I highly recommend checking it out if you love heartfelt romance. A notable pattern I noticed in my reading stats was that 71% of books fell into the 300-499 page range. This sweet spot feels just right—not too lengthy yet substantial enough to fully develop intricate character relationships and plot twists. For avid readers looking to build their TBR, targeting this page range can offer fulfilling yet manageable reading sessions. Interestingly, my nonfiction streak barely survived May; I had to DNF The Butchering Art. This confirmed my preference for immersive fiction when I want to unwind. Romance, fantasy, and contemporary fiction provide the emotional connection I crave, especially in hectic months. If you're curious about trying audiobooks but hesitant, know that almost half of my reads were audio this month, and it added a new dimension of enjoyment. Narrators can bring characters to life, and the format is ideal for multitasking. Coupling this with digital reading covers all bases, allowing for flexible reading experiences that fit any schedule. Overall, May was a month of emotional investment and joy through books. Whether you're looking for romance recommendations, tips on mixing formats, or motivation to tackle a diverse reading list, integrating insights from my wrap-up might inspire your next reading adventure. Let me know which books intrigue you, and we can dive deeper together!

4 comments

Emily Combs's images
Emily Combs

What app are you using?

See more(3)