Every month I think I didn’t read that much and then I tally up all of the books I’ve read and realize I didn’t do too bad. I actually had an amazing reading month and discovered some new favorites while also revisiting some of my all-time faves.
The first two weeks were primarily devoted to A-spec April which involved reading some ace and aro books. I’m so so happy I decided to participate because I ended up reading some amazing books and found even more I want to read in the future. I found an all-time favorite author this month, read probably my favorite romance of all time and reread one of my favorite series. Pretty successful I’d say
Don’t Date Rosa Santos | Nina Moreno
★★★★★
Oh my god this book. I loved it so much and if you’re into contemporaries it’s a must-read. I wrote a full review that you can check out here.
Things I liked:
- Food descriptions
- Latinx diaspora rep
- Complicated family
- Sunny Florida setting
Sailor Moon #4 | Naoko Takeuchi
★★★☆☆
Another month another Sailor Moon manga read. I’m really enjoying reading these especially as someone who’s never watched the anime (I know I’m sorry don’t kill me!)
Things I liked:
- Magical girls (duh)
- Chibi-usa (duh)
- Black! Moon! arc!
Dare Mighty Things | Heather Kaczynski
★★★★☆
This was an amazing audiobook! As I’m trash for any plot involving some sort of competition, you know this was my shit.
Things I liked:
- Mysterious space mission
- Near future sci-fi
- A-spec mc
- A competition!
Blanca & Roja | Anna Marie McLemore
★★★★★
I know people always talk about about amazing Anna-Marie McLemore’s writing is, but damn was it good. Can’t wait to read literally everything she has ever/will ever publish asap
Things I liked:
- The writing (helloooooo?)
- Evil swans
- Story about sisterhood
- Amazing trans rep
- I am trash for magical realism
The Spy With the Red Balloon | Katherine Locke
★★★★☆
Another book read for A-spec April! I’ve never really read much historical fantasy before, and I think this was done sooo welll.
Things I liked:
- queer jewish siblings fighting nazis (!!!!)
- demisexual rep
- balloons! with magic!
The Hating Game | Sally Thorne
★★★★★
*SIGH* This book is so so good. If you like hate to love romance even a tiny bit, you need to read this asap
Things I liked:
- Hate to love romance (duh)
- Set in a publishing house
- The tension is real
- I want more
Summer Bird Blue | Akemi Dawn Bowman
★★★★☆
I found this while searching for books to read during A-spec April, and I’m so happy I did! It’s emotional and hard hitting while also throwing in jokes. Def recommend
Things I liked:
- Multi-racial Asian and A-spec mc
- Grumpy old man who is actually soft
- Will make you cry
- Depiction of grief, trauma and mental health
Tw: death of a loved one
Saga Vol. 5 | Brian K Vaughn
★★★★☆
Still loving this series and can’t wait to get to the next one!
Record of a Spaceborn Few | Becky Chambers
★★★★☆
Although this was my least favorite in this series, it was still amazing and I will 100% be rereading it along with the previous two.
Things I liked:
- Ugh her writing is just *chefs kiss* amazing
- Quiet sci-fi
- Wholesome characters
Illuminae | Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
★★★★★
I love this series so much UGh
Things I liked:
- The straight up GENIUS storytelling
- Murder AI
- The audiobook with full cast
- Strong af characters
Gemina | Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
★★★★★
My favorite in this series. If you have no read it, I will not spoil you but ugh so good. Full review can be found here.
Things I liked:
- Bad ass Hanna Donnelly
- ELLA!
- The second half of the book *GENIUS*
- Plot TWISTS
