What I Read in May 2025
Careless People, colorful book covers, and classic children's lit.
Whew! Another month filled with books. It’s amazing that I made my way through 11 books during Maycember. If you’re curious how I read so much, It took me an average of 4 days to finish a book (mostly audiobooks). I listen to audiobooks during the day and read anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour before bed most nights!
Like usual, this newsletter is too long for email! You may have to open it in your browser to read the whole thing.
always shares his family’s favorite books of the month so I’m continuing to share ours here this month. Let me know if you’d like to see more of what we read aloud, outside of library hauls!
My husband started reading the first book in The Witcher series by the Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski. He’s been making slow progress since he works a full-time job, part part-time job, and is finishing up his Master’s degree, so I’m proud he’s made any time to read!
My 6-year-old daughter enjoyed the graphic novel adaptation of Kristy and the Walking Disaster by Ann M. Martin. There are allusions to a crush in this book, but I still felt like it was appropriate for first grade.
I read Family is a Superpower by Michael Dahl every other day to my 3-year-old son after we checked it out from the library this month.
Thank you so much for reading this newsletter and allowing me into your inbox to share so many great books with you. It’s a pleasure!
As promised, I owe you a book review of Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism by Sarah Wynn-Williams from the end of April.
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Non-Fiction
Listening Time: 13 h 16 m
Format Read: Audiobook (borrowed from the library)
My flaw as a reader is thinking every non-fiction book could have been a blog post. Just give me the Cliff Notes. That’s my personal preference. The fact that Meta tried to block the advertising of this book pushed me to read it. Sarah Wynn-Williams is an excellent storyteller. You get a sense of her talent from the first chapter. The only truly scathing thing to me in this book is exposing Sheryl for inviting her female coworkers to bed. The rest of the insider POV I feel like you know and see every day in the news. Facebook is trying to control global politics. Is Sarah Wynn-Williams not complicit for working there so long? She can’t possibly be that naive. If anything, this was a good reflection on toxic workplaces in general. I appreciated hearing about how she was treated while pregnant and breastfeeding. It’s always validating to know that women across the board are punished for being working parents. Nothing too groundbreaking here, but it’s still worth reading.
Before we dig into this month’s book reviews, tell me— What was your favorite book in May?
May Book Reviews
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
⭐⭐⭐
Genre: YA Thriller
Listening Time: 6 h 27 m
Format Read: Audiobook (borrowed from the library)
I listened to this book in anticipation of the TV series coming out on Prime Video this summer. It's short book so you can fit it in if you’re interested in a teen psychological thriller. All the summer vibes are there, especially in the coastal setting. The writing is poetic, with lots of rhyming and contrasting phrases. The chapters are short with an unreliable narrator. I’m in the minority that thought the “twist” was very predictable and underwhelming. It’s hard to say much more without giving the whole plot away.
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Middle Grade Classic
Pages: 159
Format Read: Physical Copy (borrowed from the library)
This was such an unexpected delight and I honestly can’t believe no one ever recommended it to me as a child. Twelve-year-old Claudia decides to run away with her younger brother Jamie and sets her sights on the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan. One day during their adventure, they notice an angel and set out to solve the mystery of the sculpture. I saw myself in Claudia's obsession with art and mystery, and Jamie's gambling made me laugh throughout the story. I think what struck me the most was how Mrs. Frankweiler recognized each child’s individuality. She showed them great respect as human beings, despite their age and poor decision to run away from home. They really are quite wise. I loved the framing of the story. It’s narrated by Mrs. Frankweiler and the revelation of what her “mixed-up files” are isn’t until the very end.
Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Contemporary Women’s Literature
Listening Time: 12 h 2 m
Format Read: Audiobook (courtesy of Libro.fm)
I gave up on my first attempt to listen to this audiobook and I can tell you honestly that I’m glad I decided to revisit it. This is not my favorite Emily Henry book, but I can appreciate what she tried to do with the story. In Great Big Beautiful Life, Margaret creates a friendly competition between Alice and Hayden to decide who will write her memoir. Having seen some bizarre marketing of this book as a mystery, it’ll make more sense when you get into the story and see quotes like, “There are all kinds of reasons for a woman to want to disappear, always have been.” Half the story is told through flashbacks in Margaret’s POV. Alice’s job as a journalist is fact-checking things Margaret is hiding. The interactions between Alice and Hayden are sultry. Their first touch is electric. It’s no surprise I was much more invested in the romance storyline than Margaret’s mysterious family history. As always, the setting in EmHen’s novel becomes its own character. This story is set on the fictional Little Crescent Island in Georgia. I noted the live oaks, colorful houses on stilts, bungalows, muggy atmosphere, and mom and pop restaurants. If you’re on the fence, I’d say give this one a try.
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Children’s Classic
Pages: 248
Format Read: Physical Copy (borrowed from the library)
When a tollbooth mysteriously appears in Milo’s room, he drives through only because he’s bored with his life and has nothing better to do. But on the other side, things seem different.
I don’t know how I missed reading this book as a kid. I’m certain that I did, though because I would have remembered this uniquely written story. It’s filled with word play, puns, metaphors, and idioms that make it a delight to read. I enjoyed the author’s wit. It’s always such a pleasure to read a book that shows a writer’s mastery over the English language. There are a lot of messages in Milo’s adventures that would have gone over my head as a child, so I’m almost grateful that I experienced this book for the first time as an adult. A must-read! I highly recommend reading this book aloud to your kids.
Mr. Charming by Piper Rayne (The Nest #4)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Hockey Romance
Listening Time: 9 h 16 m
Format Read: Audiobook (borrowed from the library)
Mr. Charming by Piper Rayne is a second-chance romance between Tedi, a social media manager, and Tweetie Sorenson, a pro hockey player. The two dated in the past, but now, after so many years, they’re forced to work together when Tedi is sent to Chicago to manage the social media for the team Tweetie plays on. They’re forced to confront their unresolved feelings and past mistakes as they try to navigate their professional and personal lives, and decide if they can rebuild their relationship. The story is told through flashbacks in journal entries so you get both Tedi and Tweetie’s POVs. I was surprised by how deeply the writing explores themes of regret and reconciliation. Tedi and Tweetie’s relationship is complex, and it’s easy to understand why Tedi is hesitant to forgive and forget. It’s a slow-burn romance but Tweetie is willing to fight for Teddi as they resolve past issues. Read if you love men who declare “it’s always been you”.
Save Me by Mona Kasten (Maxton Hall #1)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Romance
Pages: 368
Format Read: Kindle (courtesy of NetGalley)
This book is expected to be published on July 1, 2025.
Ruby is a relatable protagonist, her quiet determination and academic focus are the perfect contrast to the extravagant lifestyle of Maxton Hall. James, while initially fitting the typical "rich bad boy" mold, shows Ruby his vulnerable side, making his character arc genuinely compelling. The chemistry between them sizzled with every interaction, keeping me eagerly turning the page. I really enjoyed seeing more of James’ internal dialogue. Their journey is filled with moments that are equally heartwarming and heart-wrenching. The novel did an excellent job of exploring themes of wealth and ambition, and the Maxton Hall setting serves as a backdrop to both the opulence and the pressures faced by its students. Friends and family (especially Ember and Lydia) play pivotal roles in pushing Ruby and James toward their realization that they might be more alike than they initially thought. The dramatic ending left me feeling satisfied but yearning for more of Ruby and James's world! I’m so glad I read this before the Season 2 premiere. I’m looking forward to more of the English translations from Mona Kasten!
Lights Out by Navessa Allen (Into Darkness #1)
⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Dark Romance
Listening Time: 13 h 38 m
Format Read: Audiobook (owned)
I finally gave into the TikTok hype. Lights Out is a dark romance about a nurse with a mask kink. It was a good time, especially on audio. Aly and Josh both find someone who understands them despite their past in their unconventional relationship. I feel like the author tried to force a bit of plot with the whole mafia storyline in the second half of the book and honestly, I could have done without. That was my only hiccup with the book, though. I did not expect this book to be so funny. I’m excited for the next one!
Pick-Up by Nora Dahlia
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Contemporary Women’s Literature
Listening Time: 12 h 28 m
Format Read: Audiobook (borrowed from the library)
My Secret Santa gifted me a copy of this book, but when I saw my library had the audiobook, I couldn't wait to dive in. The marketing describes it as a swoon-worthy rom-com and enemies-to-lovers romp that whisks readers from city stress to Caribbean beaches. They got it all wrong. It's actually a down-to-earth peek into romance blossoming amidst NYC's school drop-off drama. The story unfolds through three divorcees' perspectives: Sasha, Ethan, and Kaitlin—another school mom with a childhood link to Sasha. Kaitlin's commentary about Sasha comes across as stalkerish and obsessive, adding an almost comical thriller element to Sasha and Ethan's budding romance. The book thoughtfully explores divorce and the challenges of single motherhood while taking a chance on new adventures. It also explores how society’s view of motherhood transforms and defines women's identity. It’s always refreshing to read about older characters living full lives beyond just parenting! I recommend this on audio because I loved Kaitlin’s performance.
Scotch on the Rocks by Elliot Fletcher (Macabe Brothers #2)
⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Romance
Pages: 384
Format Read: Kindle (courtesy of NetGalley)
This book is expected to be published on July 8, 2025.
Synopsis: After a chance meeting on a train, Callum realizes that the woman he feels an instant connection with is his brother’s fiancée, Juniper. Years later, long after Alistair and Juniper’s engagement has ended, they all find themselves reunited in their hometown. When Cal offers to help Juniper in renovating her family’s inn, they are reluctantly thrown together for a second chance at romance.
Thoughts: This story starts out with a bang but the tension is quickly dialed back, partly because of their black-cat/golden-retriever dynamic. The first few chapters were slightly jarring to me for that reason, but I quickly found a rhythm and felt the rest of the book to be more evenly paced. There’s plenty of open-door spice in this book! The witty banter keeps the tone of the story playful and light, but Cal and Juniper's backstories give a lot of added depth to the narrative. Callum, a war veteran turned veterinarian who has to support his ailing parents, and Juniper, an adoptee grappling with abandonment issues, were both engaging and well-developed characters. Just like in Whiskey Business, I thoroughly enjoyed all the Scottish culture and geography scattered throughout the story, along with the return of April and Mal from the first book! My biggest pet peeve is that the Macabe brothers are Mal, Cal, and Al... and I hope the author skips Alastair’s story because he seems like the worst. I’m not sure that the complicated history or ex-fiancées older brother trope is for me, but I still really enjoyed the writing! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy.
Cross the Line by Simone Soltani
⭐⭐
Genre: F1 Racing Romance
Listening Time: 12 h 13 m
Format Read: Audiobook (owned)
After a social media misstep leaves Dev with a frustrated team and sponsors threatening to withdraw their support, he finds himself in need of someone to help restore his reputation. At a party in Monaco, he unexpectedly encounters Willow, his best friend’s sister and a recent college graduate who could assist him in saving face. I saw a lot of hype about this brother's best friend / forbidden romance set in the F1 Racing world on TikTok and the cute cover sucked me in. Apart from them feeling like they shouldn’t be together because of her brother and their working relationship, there wasn’t much tension to speak of between them. The way the romance developed was a weak spot in the storyline. The spice in this book felt jarring and out of character. The only part of the book I genuinely enjoyed was the diverse representation. Dev's culture and Willow's experience with chronic illness were seamlessly woven throughout the book.
Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Romance
Pages: 416
Format Read: Kindle (owned)
My last book of the month was, by far, my favorite. I devoured Ali Hazelwood’s newest book on my Kindle in just two sittings. I couldn’t stop reading this age-gap romance. It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Ali Hazelwood. As biased as I may be, I can objectively say this is her strongest writing to date. It’s witty, and the forbidden older brother’s best friend/age-gap romance is emotionally charged. You’ll recognize many characters from the Ali Hazelwood universe as they make cameo appearances in Maya and Conor’s whirlwind summer vacation for Eli and Rue’s wedding in Italy. The scenery was refreshing. I appreciated that there was still a career aspect to Maya’s story, but it was set outside of a lab for a change. It redeemed Not in Love for me!
What’s up next in June
Who’s ready for summer reading?! Here are just a few books publishing in June that I’m looking forward to:
Slow Burn Summer by Josie Silver 6/10
Bury Our Bones in Midnight Soil by VE Schwab 6/10
Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston 6/17
Total Dreamboat by Katelyn Doyle 6/24
I got a little carried away requesting DRCs from NetGalley again, so they’ll be keeping me busy as we head into summer. I hope you’re ready for some reviews of upcoming books!
I’m still reading Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt for book club, and I got wrapped up in Binding 13 by Chloe Walsh. I’m going to pick up my library hold for One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune, so that should keep me busy while we’re at the beach!
You can keep up with my reading journey in real time on Goodreads or The Storygraph!
Happy reading,
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I really liked Great Big Beautiful Life. It had me in tears at the very end. And I just picked up Careless on audio!
Yay Phantom T!! I’m so glad you liked it