April 2022 Wrap Up and TBR

I have to say, this month sure passed by pretty quickly. I have been wrapped up with work (got my first lead project which is both exciting and terrifying) and also getting to hang out with friends on the weekends again. The allergies are getting to me! I half wonder if it’s the combination of outdoor pollen and my dog’s shedding that’s making it super hard to go without anti-histamines most days.

That being said, I am thankful for many things this month including health and well-being of myself and those I love dearly, and the simple pleasures of getting to be outdoors to breathe in the wondrous rebirth of nature.

I also had a good reading month with a diverse selection of books, so I will dive into that with you all! That’s what you’re here for, am I right? 😉

What did I read this month?

Best read: This definitely goes to Breathless! It literally blew me away (pun intended). I loved the setting on Manaslu, alongside the tense journey looking over our shoulders as the team tried to reach the summit of the mountain. There was never a dull moment with this one! A definite must-read.

All about family: Who else would this go to but the Messina family featured in 10 Truths and a Dare? It’s always fun to read about a big family who may annoy one another but will always be there in the messes. The romance was cute but definitely secondary in this contemporary.

Beloved best friends to lovers trope: I’ve been digging for more books in my favourite romance trope and both The Cheat Sheet and Rule #3 You Can’t Kiss Your Best friend feature it. I loved them both although the latter felt more like a guilty pleasure since the writing was akin to an amateur Wattpad writer. I love the tension and messy angst that comes with falling for your best friend!

Back into memoirs: Kick starting my dive back into memoirs (I have a few lined up for next month), The Bachelorette star Hannah Brown gives us deep insight into her life from childhood to the present day post-fame experience in God Bless This Mess. I had preconceived notions about her prior to reading, and I’m honestly glad I picked this one up because I have completely changed my mind about judging someone by their exterior.

Sequels that fell from expectations: Steelstriker was a bit of a disappointment with the slow pace and lack of romantic chemistry. What hurt more was The Iron Sword, featuring my favourite fey, Ash, who could not pull up the rating that was hit by perhaps a series that should have ended 2 books ago.

Impressive author: Ali Hazelwood continues to dominate with her second novella that was even better than the first! I couldn’t put Stuck With You down, and the chemistry between the leads made me feel all sorts of things while I was listening to this audiobook and doing mundane chores.

Most surprising read: The Song That Moves the Sun couldn’t leave my mind since the first moment I read its synopsis months ago. The story was not at all what I expected but carried a lot of intriguing world building that made it impossible to put down. The two main romances were also the perfect icing on top of this magical contemporary story. I’m almost sad that it’s a standalone because I want to re-visit the world again!

5 Drink Me Potions

• Stuck With You by Ali Hazelwood (review)
• Rule #3: You Can’t Kiss Your Best Friend by Anne-Marie Meyer
• Breathless by Amy McCulloch (review)

4.5 Drink Me Potions

• The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams (review)
• The Song That Moves the Sun by Anna Bright

4 Drink Me Potions

• God Bless This Mess by Hannah Brown
• 10 Truths and a Dare by Ashley Elston

3 Drink Me Potions

• The Iron Sword by Julie Kagawa

2.5 Drink Me Potions

• Steelstriker by Marie Lu (review)

Current Reading List

I’m currently reading a diverse list of books, from more memoirs to poetry and my usual YA fiction. One of my goals for 2022 reading was to challenge myself to read outside of my comfort zone and I’m so happy to be exploring different things.

• Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
• Rise of the Vicious Princess by C.J. Redwine
• I Hope This Finds You Well by Kate Baer

TBR List

Lots of ARCs and a buddy read coming up soon on Down the Rabbit Hole, so stay tuned! Also, doesn’t that cover of Our Crooked Hearts just look like a gruesome version of our rabbit logo? I LOVE it.

• A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross
• The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh
• Our Crooked Hearts by Melissa Albert
• This Place is Still Beautiful by XiXi Tian

So that’s my April, friends! I hope you had a wonderful month. Please continue to stay safe and well. I hope May brings joy and wonder to your lives.