Spell the Month in Books: April 2026

Intro

This is a fun challenge that I am going to try for 2026. This is inspired by Mehsi-Hime! You can check out their picks here!

This month I decided to pull from my shelves to spell the month

The Books

A - Addicted to You by Krista & Becca Ritchie

P- Papercut by Rachel Taff

R - Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

I - I Thought My Father Was God by Paul Auster (borrowed from my roommates' shelf, as I have no I books)

L - Lineups & Lyrics by Tina Gallagher

Outro

Well, I was almost able to do it. I am truly shocked I have no books that start with I on my shelves. Clearly I need to fix that at some point. If you have any recs with books that start with the letter I, let me know! See ya next month where I will probably go back to books I've read.

T10T: April Showers

       

Welcome back to Top 10 Tuesday, following the list from That Artsy Reader Girl! I love when the prompt is open to interpretation like this week! I am taking it to mean blue book covers

This week's prompt is..... April showers

These are in no particular order

1. Until We Meet Again by Lily Kim Qian
2. All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson
3. The Comfort Book by Matt Haig
4. Common Goal by Rachel Reid
5. The Trouble with Love and Exposure by Harriet Ashford
6. Cambria by A.R. Tyler
7. The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club by Gloria Chao
8. Let Me Count the Ways by Laurel Osterkamp
9. It Seemed Like a Good Idea by Lauren Blakely
10. Hurt Me Not by Davidson King

These all compliment each other so well! I love the blue vibes.

Here it all is in a pretty lil' graphic as always

I enjoyed taking a peek at all of the covers of books I've read so far this year to find some blue ones. I truly love how they all look together so much. What's your favorite color of book cover?

CWW: They Want Us Dead

 

This week's book is.... They Want Us Dead

Author: CL Montblanc

Publisher: Wednesday books

Release Date: April 28th, 2026

Series: n/a

Blurb:

Seventeen-year-old Sam Tombs hopes to get more eyes on the videos they make to raise awareness of crimes against LGBTQ+ teens. A true crime content creator event seems like the perfect opportunity to grow their channel—until the group becomes stranded at an eerie Victorian mansion, and one of them is killed in the night.

Sam’s alibi, and the only person they can trust, happens to be their mean, dorky internet nemesis Dylan. But the two must now put aside their rivalry and use their investigative skills to figure out who among the remaining teens is the killer, before their own deaths become tomorrow’s trending content.

Explanation:

I am quite excited for this one and even have an ARC for it! It has the LGBTQ+ rep I want to see way more in mystery thrillers. As such, it is a hyped release for me. Stay tuned for my thoughts soon

T10T: Books Titles That Describe Me/My Life

      

Welcome back to Top 10 Tuesday, following the list from That Artsy Reader Girl! I've been pretty busy lately, so I am happy for an easy prompt

This week's prompt is..... books titles that describe me/my life

These are in no particular order

1. Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera
2. Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow
3. The Good Girl Exception by Maren Moore
4. The Gender Binary is a Big Lie by Lee Wind
5. Thinky Thoughts: All Grown Up and Still Just as Confused by Gwenna Laithland
6. It Seemed Like a Good Idea by Lauren Blakely
7. Everything is Spiritual by Rob Bell
8. Just Us by Evie Sterling
9. Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston
10. Back to December by Laurel Osterkamp

I will not be diving into how all of these apply as it can get rather personal and dark depending on the book, but they all do in different ways. In many cases, the actual plot of the book would not apply at all, but title alone would which is interesting.

Here it all is in a pretty lil' graphic as always

This prompt was an interesting thought experiment. What's a book title that would apply to your life? See ya next week!

Bok Mail Monday #7

      

Intro

Welcome back to Book Mail Monday! It's been a minute because I've been away  from my mailbox for a few weeks, but I'm back! Some very cute book mail to share!

The Book Mail

Books Included

-  The Analyst and the All-Star by Mel Walker

- Missing in Soho by Holly Stars

Discussion

The Analyst and the All-Star is a recently released sports romance I can already attest I liked a lot! It is signed by the author and came with a bunch of goodies! These goodies include a book mark, a business card, a postcard with a free book download, a sticker, and coolest of all some fake baseball cards featuring both of the MCs.

Missing is Soho was sent to me directly from Berkley! It is my first ever physical galley and it feels like I'm moving up in the world. I just know I will love it!

The last book mail is not actually a book but just a bunch of fun goodies! It is from the author Maren Moore. It includes some character art and a bunch of stickers relating to the book The Good Girl Exception which I already finished and enjoyed. 

Outro

Thank you to Marne, Mel, and Berkley publishing for all of this delightful book mail. I wish I could share these sooner but at least I am back now. Have you had any fun book mail recently?

See you next time I have some exciting book mail to share!

FFAF: The Quarter Year Crisis Book Tag

     

Intro

Can you believe we are already into quarter two of the year? That is absolutely nuts to me. As such, this is the perfect bookish tag! I found it from Dini Panda Reads. It originated from Roisin's Reading over on YouTube.

The Prompts and My Picks

How many books have you read so far?

40

This is only counting books read in quarter 1, not any read so far in April. This feels just fine to me honestly. That said, I am focusing on having fun with reading, not the total number so I'd be happy if it was only 3 so far.

Have you already found a book you think might be a 2026 favorite?

Cambria by A.R. Tyler

Something about this one just totally sucked me in when reading. I truly devoured it in only 2 days which is super fast for me and a physical read. 

Any 1-star books / least favorite book of the year?

No 1-star reads yet, but my last favorite so far for sure is Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow

I am getting significantly better and DNFing books I am not loving. I have DNFed at least 1 book a month in quarter 1 which I am honestly proud of. This book, I generously gave 2.5 stars, as I really did not love the content. I only finished it to help with my 50 states challenge this year.

Most read genre so far?

Romance

If you have been around here at all, this should not at all be a surprise. It is a favorite for a good reason for me. I get great delight from it and it is what I primarily get ARCs for. That said, it's lead is starting to dwindle.

A book that surprised you?

Hurt Me Not by Davidson King

I have not previously been a fantasy enby (I still would not say I am). That said, I enjoyed buddy reading this with my aunt-in-law a good bit. I will try some now.

A book that’s come out in 2026 already that you want to read but haven’t yet?

And Now, Back to You by B.K. Borison

I still have not read the first book in this series either. It is on my TBR and I hope to get to them both at some point this year. I have not read any of her books yet.

One goal you made that you’re succeeding at

Read at least 10% non-fiction

At the moment it is at 22%, which is fantastic for me! I am so glad to be getting to know what I like in this category!

One goal you made that you need to focus on

Host an amazing WPS for 2026

June is absolutely sneaking up sooner and sooner. I am about to start working on stuff to pull it off now, with the hope of as simple of a June as possible. Wish me luck and be sure to let me know if you'd like to be involved!

Outro

As always, if you'd like to do the challenge, consider yourself tagged. How did your first quarter of reading go? I hope it went well!

CWW: The Price of Vengeance

 

This week's book is.... The Price of Vengeance

Author: Erin FitzGerald

Publisher: Erin FitzGerald

Release Date: April 14th, 2026

Series: Colson Creek #5

Blurb:

I followed her even though I knew better. Distance has never been enough to save me from the things I want—or the damage I leave behind.

I spared a life I was ordered to end, something that only buys time with the ruthless crime family that shares my blood. There is no debt they fail to collect.

Relocating to Colson Creek wasn’t an accident. I came to watch over the woman I swore to protect years ago, the life I spared. Hiding in a quiet Minnesota town was never part of the plan, but it gave me something I never expected: A sense of belonging. My best friend’s family welcomed me as one of their own, and for the first time, I started to believe I could be more than what I was raised to be.

I tell myself I’m here out of duty, though I know it’s also out of guilt. The truth is darker and far more dangerous, because I’ve always wanted more than her safety. I’ve wanted her.

When she learns the truth, she’ll never forgive me. But I would give up everything I am, everything I’ve ever known, to see her safe… and happy.

After a lifetime of bloodshed and vengeance, the real question isn’t whether I deserve redemption.

It’s whether love can survive the truth.

Explanation:

I have the ARC for this one and I am SO hyped! I have ADORED every book I've read that Erin has written. I also have the privilege of considering her a friend. This series feels like coming home. I am enthused to feel like I'm going home again. Sadly, this is likely the last book in this series. That is the only part I'm not looking forward to regarding reading it.

T10T: Books Set in Places on my Bucket List

     

Welcome back to Top 10 Tuesday, following the list from That Artsy Reader Girl! I've been pretty busy lately, so I am happy for an easy prompt

This week's prompt is..... books set in places on my bucket list

These are in no particular order

1. Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood (Toronto, Canada)
2. The Unhoneymooners by Chirstina Lauren (Cancun, Mexico)
3. Someday in Paris by Olivia Lara (Paris, France)
4. The Map of Love by Ahdaf Soueif (Cairo, Egypt)
5. The Sword And The Scimitar by David Ball (Malta)
6. Garnethill by Denise Mina (Glasgow, Scotland)
7. Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides (Detroit, USA)
8. Heidi by Johanna Spyri (Switzerland)
9. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty (Sydney, Australia)
10. Omeros by Derek Walcott (St. Lucia)

There are so many gorgeous and fascinating places I hope to experience someday. Do we have any in common?

Here it all is in a pretty lil' graphic as always

While I may not be able to physically travel to any of these any time soon, I can at least go there through books.

FFAF: The Easter Book Tag

    

Intro

Can you believe Easter is in 2 days? Tomorrow I'm hosting a community Easter party so it is the perfect time to do the Easter Book Tag! I found this tag from the Alli the Book Giraffe blog. It originated from the YouTube channel Rosie the Reader.

The Prompts and My Picks

Rabbits: a book that you wish would multiply (become a series)

Cambria by A.R. Tyler

I found something about this book incredibly addictive. I feel like you could follow a side character or two and make an interesting series out of it.

Egg: a book that surprised you

Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow

This book was a lot darker and triggering than I was lead to believe. It is truly depraved and a difficult read. I barely finished it. 

Hunt: a book that was hard for you to get your hands on

Addicted by Krista & Becca Ritche

As I am on a permanent book-buying ban (I make very low income), I very rarely get the chance to buy books. I got this one with a gift card.

Lambs: a children's book you still enjoy

The Geronimo Stilton series

It is simply lighthearted goofy fun with lovely illustrations. This series has been near and dear to my heart since I was a kid. 

Spring: a book with a cover that makes you think of spring

It Seemed Like a Good Idea by Lauren Blakely

The pretty lavender storefront is totally giving a spring vibe. Gorgeous flowers automatically makes me think of spring.

Jesus: a religous or spiritual book you love

Everything is Spiritual by Rob Bell

I am not a religious or spiritual person at all. It simply does not interest me. This is the only book I've read that would count.

Rising from the dead: a book from a deceased author

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

This one is one of my favorite classic books. I did a project about it in English class which made me connect to it even more.

Baskets: a book that is on your wish list right now

Addicted for Now by Krista & Becca Ritchie

As I discussed a bit ago, I am working on collecting this series. This is the next one I need to obtain.

Candy: a book that is sweet

So Not My Mr. Wright by Evie Sterling

Evie is my go-to author for sweeter reads. They are all lovely and lighthearted. This is my favorite of hers.

Outro

Well... this challenge leaned a bit more religious than I am comfortable with. Just remember, I do not support Christianity and the great falsification of what The Bible actually says. This was just meant to be lighthearted fun. As always, if you'd like to do the challenge, consider yourself tagged.

March 2026 Reads

 March 2026 Reads 

This month I read 13 books 

I DNFed 2 books

These books were 77% fiction

They were 8% physical, 23% digital, and 69% audio

The most popular genres were romance, contemporary, and LGBTQ+

My average rating was 4.19 stars

My longest reading day was March 2nd

The Books

➽ Thinky Thoughts: All Grown Up and Still Just as Confused by Gwenna Laithland

➽ Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden

➽ The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club by Gloria Chao

➽ Cambria by A.R. Tyler

➽ Caught Up by Navessa Allen

➽ The Trouble with Love and Exposure by Harriet Ashford

➽ Bottom of the Pyramid by Nia Sioux

➽ Blind Ride by B.A. Tortuga

➽ Common Goal by Rachel Reid

➽ The Gender Binary Is a Big Lie: Infinite Identities Around the World by Lee Wind

➽ The Good Girl Exception by Maren Moore

➽ Sacked by Surprise by Beatrice Bradshaw

➽ Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow

CWW: Dangerously Ours

 

This week's book is.... Dangerously Ours

 

Author: Krista & Becca Ritchie

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: May 12th

Series: Webs We Weave #3

Blurb:

In the thrilling conclusion to the Webs We Weave series, ex-con artist Phoebe Graves must pull off the biggest grift she’s ever devised to keep her friends and family safe.

Conning the rich and fleeing to new cities is all ex-grifter Phoebe Graves has ever known—until she started building real relationships in a small but wealthy Connecticut town. But she’s worried these new bonds won’t hold fast as more than one big bad wolf threatens to blow down those she loves most.

And now more than ever, she has a reason to stay in one place. Among them is Brayden “Rocky” Tinrock, her best friend’s older brother, who’s been a partner to Phoebe during every daring and exhilarating con. And then of course there’s Hailey Tinrock, her best friend, whose precious secret they’ll do anything to protect. . . .

As Phoebe and her family team up with the Tinrocks to fight for a chance at a home, they confront the demons of their pasts and must do the impossible . . . deceive the most cunning con artist they’ve ever known.

Explanation:

The first two books in this series are some of my favorites of all time. I love these characters so much and how they are all morally grey. I highly recommend it to everyone. I am hoping I get accepted for the ARC to this one as I was the prior two. Hands down most hyped release of the year!