Have you done a mid-year reading check-in yet? πŸ“š
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What a wild year 2022 has been so far πŸ˜΅β€πŸ’« I've found new favorite authors, made progress on my original TBR, checked out some great backlist books, and hit some super exciting goals! πŸ™ŒπŸΌ I'm not going to *just* share my faves or least faves, but instead I'm going to share some of the fun stats from my reading year so far! 🀎
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- Out of the 30 books I just *HAD TO* read this year, I've read 24
- Out of my numerical goal of 120 for the whole year, I've read 119
- I've rated 44 books with 4.5/5 stars (hence my struggle when someone asks for a favorite from the year so far)
- I've read 16 ARCs from 12 different publishers (this makes me want to bawl with happiness because this was such a massive goal for me when I began book blogging!)
- I've participated in 10 buddy-reads
- I've added 38 books to my shelves (either purchased by me after I read and loved a book, given as a gift, or sent by a generous author/publisher)
- I've discovered that there's a chance I *might* like romance more than fantasy now and that's totally okay!
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What has your reading looked like in 2022? β˜•οΈ 
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#lightacademiaaesthetic #lightacademia #cozyaesthetic #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #cozybookstagram #bookaesthetic #booktography #bookphotography #vintagemood #bookseverywhere #hyggebookstyle #quietshadesofbrown #bookmoments #ofcosymoments #booksandcoffee #coffeeandbooks #fortheloveofreading #bookrecommendations #booksuggestions #booksonbooks #booknookstagram #midyearreadingchallenge #readinggoals #storygraph #readingstats #perfectespressopour
Which of your childhood favorites would you like t Which of your childhood favorites would you like to see reimagined? πŸ“–
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When I found out that GALLANT had The Secret Garden vibes, I was really excited because that was one of my favorites as a kid ⛲️ I think it would be really neat to see this story retold by a few other authors as well (looking at you, Marissa Meyer) πŸ™ŒπŸΌ
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Some of the other stories I loved as a kid that I'd like to see "adulted" are:
πŸ‘‘ A Little Princess
πŸ§žβ€β™‚οΈ Aladdin
 🐁 Stuart Little (it could be cute okay? like some kind of fantasy?)
πŸ‘’ Madeline
⚜️ Rumplestiltskin (I've only seen this done once and I wasn’t obsessed so I need more!)
β˜‚οΈ Mary Poppins
🐎 Misty of Chincoteague
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Did you enjoy any of those stories as a kid? 🀎 
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#veschwab #gallant #veschwabfeatures #schwabstagram #readersofinstagram #booksofig #bookgrammer #bookgram #instabooks #bookgasm #fantasybooks #bookishfeatures #booktography #booklover #bibliophilelife #readersofig #readersgonnaread #bookaesthetic #instareads #readerlife #bookishlove #bookstagram #thesecretgarden #retelling #90sbooks #childhoodbooks #childhoodbooksrevisited #bookflatlay
Why did you join bookstagram? πŸ“– β €β €β €β €β € Why did you join bookstagram? πŸ“–
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Long story short, I joined bookstagram in 2020 because I love books and I love talking about books, but I never had a space to do that πŸ€·πŸ»β€β™€οΈ After years of fashion blogging and feeling out of place because of my interests, I wound up on this side of IG and realized that it felt like home 🀎
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I schemed up a name (something to do with coffee and books that didn't have the words "coffee" or "books" in it), took a few photos, created a profile, and went to town πŸ™ŒπŸΌ It wasn't long before I completely FELL IN LOVE with the supportive community, safe space to find new books and talk about the ones I love, and really cultivate my photography skills (which had been lying dormant for far too long) πŸ™ˆ
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Now, I'm thrilled to have connected with favorite authors, created my own hashtag (hey there #perfectespressopour β˜•οΈ), reviewed incredible books, launched my own line of merch, and made tons of new friends 🫢🏼 When I begin to feel down about the numbers or the lack of inspiration, I remind myself of why I started in the first place and I find myself falling in love all over again πŸ₯Ή
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Thank you for being part of my bookstagram journey πŸ“š
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#cozyaesthetic #mybeigelife #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #bookstagram #booktography #bookflatlay #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations #booksta #bookphotography #bookswithmagic #booksaremagic #booknerdigan
Tell me your most recent "new-to-you" fave author Tell me your most recent "new-to-you" fave author and which book made you fall in love with their work πŸ“š
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A couple months back, I had the privilege of reading an advanced copy of The Wonderland Trials by @saraellawrites... and I immediately fell head over heels in love 😍 Needless to say, I instantly added her entire backlist to my TBR πŸ™ˆ
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Lately, I've been feeling a bit disappointed with fantasy (which has always been my favorite genre) πŸ˜• It seems like each time I pick one up, I'm either completely uninterested in the story or it just falls flat - but The Wonderland Trials absolutely blew me away! 🀯 If you're looking for something that really stands out amongst the rest, you certainly need to pick this one up! 🫢🏼
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Have you read any great Alice in Wonderland reimaginings? πŸ‡ 
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #thewonderlandtrials #aliceinwonderland #fantasybookrecs #yafantasybooks #fairytaleretellings
Recommend me an underrated queer book! πŸ³οΈβ€πŸŒˆ
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In my world, every month is #pridemonth and I always, always have queer books on my TBR (not just white mlm, but a wide range of lgbtqia+ stories) πŸ™ŒπŸΌ It's important to me to constantly be diversifying my shelves, learning more about the people around me, and continuing to create a safe environment for everyone in my little corner of the web 🀎
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My goal for June was to pack my TBR with as many queer books as I could in CELEBRATION of Pride Month, so I've already read 4 books with lgbtq rep:
πŸ¦‰ Wild is the Witch by Rachel Griffin
🌎 The Never Tilting World by Rin Chupeco
πŸ“Ί The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun
🌌 Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefluer
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I'm currently reading 3:
πŸ«– A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
🩸 Blood Like Magic by Liselle Sambury
πŸ–Œ Portrait of a Thief by Grace D Li
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 And I have 2 more on my immediate list:
πŸ₯€ Malice by Heather Walter
β˜€οΈ Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse
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Have you read any of these? πŸ“š 
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#lightacademiaaesthetic #lightacademia #cozyaesthetic #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #cozybookstagram #bookaesthetic #booktography #bookphotography #vintagemood #bookseverywhere #hyggebookstyle #quietshadesofbrown #bookmoments #ofcosymoments #booksandcoffee #coffeeandbooks #fortheloveofreading #bookrecommendations #booksuggestions #booksonbooks #booknookstagram #queerbooks #readqueerallyear #queerreads #lgbtbooks #queeryourshelves #flippingpages
Favorite Shadow and Bone character? 🦌 β €β €β € Favorite Shadow and Bone character? 🦌
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I'm officially considering this Shadow and Bone week, between celebrating the 10th anniversary of the book and finding out about Ben narrating the Demon in the Wood audiobook! πŸ₯‚ 
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Also, catch me counting down the days until when I get to see my babies on-screen again (can we get a season 2 premiere date, please?) πŸ“Ί
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To answer my own question, Genya is my very favorite Shadow and Bone character 🀍 In fact, I have plans for a Genya tattoo in the near future πŸ™ŒπŸΌ
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Are you as excited for the audiobook and season 2 of the show as I am? 🀩 
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#lightacademiaaesthetic #lightacademia #cozyaesthetic #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #cozybookstagram #bookaesthetic #booktography #bookphotography #vintagemood #bookseverywhere #hyggebookstyle #quietshadesofbrown #bookmoments #ofcosymoments #booksandcoffee #coffeeandbooks #fortheloveofreading #bookrecommendations #booksuggestions #booksonbooks #booknookstagram #shadowandbone #grishaverse #genyasafin #leighbardugo #grishaversary #binbons
Do you have a favorite book dedication? ✍🏼
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I've found a few recently that have definitely stood out to me πŸ‘€ Sometimes a dedication sets the mood for the book and that's something I really love! 🀎
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A few that have blown my mind recently are:
πŸͺž GALLANT (pictured) by VE Schwab
πŸ‘‘ FOR THE THRONE (actually, both of The Wilderwood books have fabulous dedications) by Hannah Whitten
πŸ›« EARLY DEPARTURES by Justin A. Reynolds
πŸ“– THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY by Matt Haig
πŸ’” ONCE UPON A BROKEN HEART by Stephanie Garber
πŸ₯˜ WITH THE FIRE ON HIGH by Elizabeth Acevedo
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Have you read any of these magnificent books? πŸ“š 
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#lightacademiaaesthetic #lightacademia #cozyaesthetic #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #cozybookstagram #bookaesthetic #booktography #bookphotography #vintagemood #bookseverywhere #hyggebookstyle #quietshadesofbrown #bookmoments #ofcosymoments #booksandcoffee #coffeeandbooks #fortheloveofreading #bookrecommendations #booksuggestions #booksonbooks #booknookstagram #bookdedications #gallant #veschwab #gallantbook #fantasybooks #fantasyreader
Is there a book you've read this year that is unli Is there a book you've read this year that is unlike anything else you've ever read? πŸ“–
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When I read THE ATLAS SIX in April, I was blown away by how unique it was! 🀯 I have never in my life read another book like it and that's part of why it got 5 stars from me ⭐️ Sure, it started at a slower pace but the further the story progressed, the more fascinating it was (and the pacing at the beginning made far more sense because it led to absolute BRILLIANCE) πŸ™ŒπŸΌ
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I don't read much dark academia, so recommend some titles to me (THAT AREN'T AS WELL KNOWN) that you've enjoyed! πŸ›
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #darkacademia #theatlassix #darkacademiabooks
Do you enjoy books that are less plot, more ✨vib Do you enjoy books that are less plot, more ✨vibes✨?
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I definitely do! 🫢🏼 In the past few years, I've read more and more books like this and they always leave me feeling utterly fascinated (and maybe a little confused?) πŸ€” I gotta say that writing reviews for them can be a bit tough, but reading them is a lot of fun πŸ™ˆ
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Books I enjoy that are no plot, just vibes:
🐝 The Starless Sea
πŸŽͺ The Night Circus
πŸ’ƒπŸ» Where Dreams Descend
πŸͺΆ The Raven Cycle
πŸšͺ The Ten Thousand Doors of January
πŸ§™πŸ»β€β™€οΈ The Once and Future Witches
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Have you read any of these? πŸ“– 
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #noplotjustvibes #turningpages #booktography #bookphotography
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Books, New Releases · May 5, 2021

May 2021 Book Releases

ornate embossed book sits next to two open books, a lit candle, and a mug of black coffee

I’m obsessing over these 27 phenomenal book releases in May 2021.

Each and every time I write one of these new release articles, my TBR grows exponentially. It’s so much fun to see which up-and-coming authors are launching their debut novels, how many diverse stories there are to fangirl over, and which ARCs I’ve read will finally be available to the public (especially stoked for everyone to get their hands on People We Meet On Vacation)!

I saw a lot of my favorite authors on this month’s list, which means that my summer reading is going to be incredible! Excuse me while I go borrow all of these from the library right away. See if there are any titles that pique your interest from my list below.


related posts
Book Review: People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry // Books to Read if You’re New to Fiction // How to Create a Planned Reading List
a hand pours black coffee from a french press into a mug sitting on an open book laying on top of rule of wolves while a candle burns next to it

27 Book Releases To Pick Up in May 2021

You can find a synopsis of each book below, along with a link to buy or preorder. Visit my StoryGraph account to read my reviews as they go live – and check out my bookstagram account for more aesthetic photos of books and coffee!

People We Meet On Vacation
The Soulmate Equation
Realm Breaker

People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry | <em>Release Date: May 11</em>

With one week to win back the best friend she might just be in love with, a travel writer plans the trip of a lifetime in this sparkling new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Beach Read.

Poppy and Alex. Alex and Poppy. They have nothing in common. She’s a wild child; he wears khakis. She has insatiable wanderlust; he prefers to stay home with a book. And somehow, ever since a fateful car share home from college many years ago, they are the very best of friends. For most of the year they live far apartβ€”she’s in New York City, and he’s in their small hometownβ€”but every summer, for a decade, they have taken one glorious week of vacation together.

Until two years ago, when they ruined everything. They haven’t spoken since.

Poppy has everything she should want, but she’s stuck in a rut. When someone asks when she was last truly happy, she knows, without a doubt, it was on that ill-fated, final trip with Alex. And so, she decides to convince her best friend to take one more vacation togetherβ€”lay everything on the table, make it all right. Miraculously, he agrees.

Now she has a week to fix everything. If only she can get around the one big truth that has always stood quietly in the middle of their seemingly perfect relationship. What could possibly go wrong?

Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop

The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren | <em>Release Date: May 18</em>

Single mom Jess Davis is a data and statistics wizard, but no amount of number crunching can convince her to step back into the dating world. Raised by her grandparentsβ€”who now help raise her seven-year-old daughter, Junoβ€”Jess has been left behind too often to feel comfortable letting anyone in. After all, her father’s never been around, her hard-partying mother disappeared when she was six, and her ex decided he wasn’t β€œfather material” before Juno was even born. Jess holds her loved ones close, but working constantly to stay afloat is hard…and lonely.

But then Jess hears about GeneticAlly, a buzzy new DNA-based matchmaking company that’s predicted to change dating forever. Finding a soulmate through DNA? The reliability of numbers: This Jess understands.

At least she thought she did, until her test shows an unheard-of 98% compatibility with another subject in the database: GeneticAlly’s founder, Dr. River Pena. This is one number she can’t wrap her head around, because she already knows Dr. Pena. The stuck-up, stubborn man is without a doubt not her soulmate. But GeneticAlly has a proposition: Get to know him and we’ll pay you. Jessβ€”who is barely making ends meetβ€”is in no position to turn it down, despite her skepticism about the project and her dislike for River. As the pair are dragged from one event to the next as the β€œDiamond” pairing that could make GeneticAlly a mint in stock prices, Jess begins to realize that there might be more to the scientistβ€”and the science behind a soulmateβ€”than she thought.

Funny, warm, and full of heart, The Soulmate Equation proves that the delicate balance between fate and choice can never be calculated.

Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop

Realm Breaker (<em>Realm Breaker #1</em>) by Victoria Aveyard | <em>Release Date: May 4</em>

A strange darkness grows in Allward.

Even Corayne an-Amarat can feel it, tucked away in her small town at the edge of the sea.

She soon discovers the truth: She is the last of an ancient lineageβ€”and the last hope to save the world from destruction. But she won’t be alone. Even as darkness falls, she is joined by a band of unlikely companions:
– A squire, forced to choose between home and honor.
– An immortal, avenging a broken promise.
– An assassin, exiled and bloodthirsty.
– An ancient sorceress, whose riddles hide an eerie foresight.
– A forger with a secret past.
– A bounty hunter with a score to settle.

Together they stand against a vicious opponent, invincible and determined to burn all kingdoms to ash, and an army unlike anything the realm has ever witnessed.

Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop

Mister Impossible
Where the Grass is Green and the Girls Are Pretty
The Anthropocene Reviewed

Mister Impossible (<em>Dreamer Trilogy #2</em>) by Maggie Stiefvater | <em>Release Date: May 18</em>

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Raven Boys, a mesmerizing story of dreams and desires, death and destiny.

The stakes have never been higher as it seems like either the end of the world or the end of dreamers approaches.

Do the dreamers need the ley lines to save the world . . . or will their actions end up dooming the world? As Ronan, Hennessy, and Bryde try to make dreamers more powerful, the Moderators are closing in, sure that this power will bring about disaster. In the remarkable second book of The Dreamer Trilogy, Maggie Stiefvater pushes her characters to their limits – and shows what happens to them and others when they start to break.

Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop

Where the Grass Is Green and the Girls Are Pretty by Lauren Weisberger | <em>Release Date: May 18</em>

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Devil Wears Prada and When Life Gives You Lululemons comes a highly entertaining, sharply observed novel about sisters, their perfect lives . . . and their perfect lies.

A seat at the anchor desk of the most-watched morning show. Recognized by millions across the country, thanks in part to her flawless blond highlights and Botox-smoothed skin. An adoring husband and a Princeton-bound daughter. Peyton is that woman. She has it all.

Until . . .

Skye, her sister, is a stay-at-home mom living in a glitzy suburb of New York. She has degrees from all the right schools and can helicopter-parent with the best of them. But Skye is different from the rest. She’s looking for something real and dreams of a life beyond the PTA and pickup.

Until . . .

Max, Peyton’s bright and quirky seventeen-year-old daughter, is poised to kiss her fancy private school goodbye and head off to pursue her dreams in film. She’s waited her entire life for this opportunity.

Until . . .

One little lie. That’s all it takes. For the illusions to crack. For resentments to surface. Suddenly the grass doesn’t look so green. And they’re left wondering: will they have what it takes to survive the truth?

Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop

The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green | <em>Release Date: May 18</em>

A deeply moving and insightful collection of personal essays from #1 bestselling author John Green.

The Anthropocene is the current geologic age, in which humans have profoundly reshaped the planet and its biodiversity. In this remarkable symphony of essays adapted and expanded from his groundbreaking podcast, bestselling author John Green reviews different facets of the human-centered planet on a five-star scaleβ€”from the QWERTY keyboard and sunsets to Canada geese and Penguins of Madagascar.

Funny, complex, and rich with detail, the reviews chart the contradictions of contemporary humanity. As a species, we are both far too powerful and not nearly powerful enough, a paradox that came into sharp focus as we faced a global pandemic that both separated us and bound us together.

John Green’s gift for storytelling shines throughout this masterful collection. The Anthropocene Reviewed is a open-hearted exploration of the paths we forge and an unironic celebration of falling in love with the world.

Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop

Sixteen Scandals
Malibu Rising - Taylor Jenkins Reid
One Last Stop

Sixteen Scandals by Sophie Jordan | <em>Release Date: May 25</em>

In this irreverent regency romp by New York Times best-selling author Sophie Jordan, newly minted sixteen-year-old Primrose Ainsworth finds herself on a wayward birthday adventure through London with a mysterious heroβ€”perfect for fans of My Lady Jane.

The youngest of four daughters, Primrose Ainsworth is used to getting lost in the shuffle. But when her parents decide to delay her debut into English society, Prim hatches a plan to go rogue on the night of her sixteenth birthday.

Donning a mask, Prim escapes to the infamous Vauxhall Gardens for one wild night. When her cover is nearly blown, a mysterious stranger intercedes, and Prim finds an unexpected partner in mischief . . . and romance. But when it’s revealed her new ally isn’t who he says he is, her one night of fun may last past dawn.

In this frothy regency romp perfect for fans of Austen-esque flirtation and Shakespearean hijinks, sometimes a little scandal can be a good thing.

Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid | <em>Release Date: May 27</em>

Malibu: August 1983. It’s the day of Nina Riva’s annual end-of-summer party, and anticipation is at a fever pitch. Everyone wants to be around the famous Rivas: Nina, the talented surfer and supermodel; brothers Jay and Hud, one a championship surfer, the other a renowned photographer; and their adored baby sister, Kit. Together the siblings are a source of fascination in Malibu and the world over–especially as the offspring of the legendary singer Mick Riva.

The only person not looking forward to the party of the year is Nina herself, who never wanted to be the center of attention, and who has also just been very publicly abandoned by her pro tennis player husband. Oh, and maybe Hud–because it is long past time for him to confess something to the brother from whom he’s been inseparable since birth.

Jay, on the other hand, is counting the minutes until nightfall, when the girl he can’t stop thinking about promised she’ll be there.

And Kit has a couple secrets of her own–including a guest she invited without consulting anyone.

By midnight the party will be completely out of control. By morning, the Riva mansion will have gone up in flames. But before that first spark in the early hours before dawn, the alcohol will flow, the music will play, and the loves and secrets that shaped this family’s generations will all come bubbling to the surface.

Malibu Rising is a story about one unforgettable night in the life of a family: the night they each have to choose what they will keep from the people who made them . . . and what they will leave behind.

Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston | <em>Release Date: May 6</em>

For cynical twenty-three-year-old August, moving to New York City is supposed to prove her right: that things like magic and cinematic love stories don’t exist, and the only smart way to go through life is alone. She can’t imagine how waiting tables at a 24-hour pancake diner and moving in with too many weird roommates could possibly change that. And there’s certainly no chance of her subway commute being anything more than a daily trudge through boredom and electrical failures.

But then, there’s this gorgeous girl on the train.

Jane. Dazzling, charming, mysterious, impossible Jane. Jane with her rough edges and swoopy hair and soft smile, showing up in a leather jacket to save August’s day when she needed it most. August’s subway crush becomes the best part of her day, but pretty soon, she discovers there’s one big problem: Jane doesn’t just look like an old school punk rocker. She’s literally displaced in time from the 1970s, and August is going to have to use everything she tried to leave in her own past to help her. Maybe it’s time to start believing in some things, after all.

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The Summer Cottage
Arsenic and Adobo
That Summer

The Summer Cottage (<em>Somerset Lake #1</em>) by Annie Rains | <em>Release Date: May 25</em>

One woman must keep her past — and her heart — hidden, but the man next door is just as determined to bring it to light in the first book in a new small-town series from USA Today bestselling author Annie Rains.

Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop

Arsenic and Adobo (<em>Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery #1</em>) by Mia P Manansala | <em>Release Date: May 4</em>

The first book in a new culinary cozy series full of sharp humor and delectable dishesβ€”one that might just be killer….

When Lila Macapagal moves back home to recover from a horrible breakup, her life seems to be following all the typical rom-com tropes. She’s tasked with saving her Tita Rosie’s failing restaurant, and she has to deal with a group of matchmaking aunties who shower her with love and judgment. But when a notoriously nasty food critic (who happens to be her ex-boyfriend) drops dead moments after a confrontation with Lila, her life quickly swerves from a Nora Ephron romp to an Agatha Christie case.

With the cops treating her like she’s the one and only suspect, and the shady landlord looking to finally kick the Macapagal family out and resell the storefront, Lila’s left with no choice but to conduct her own investigation. Armed with the nosy auntie network, her barista best bud, and her trusted Dachshund, Longanisa, Lila takes on this tasty, twisted case and soon finds her own neck on the chopping block…

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That Summer by Jennifer Weiner | <em>Release Date: May 11</em>

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Big Summer comes another timely and deliciously twisty novel of intrigue, secrets, and the transformative power of female friendship, set on beautiful Cape Cod.

Daisy Shoemaker can’t sleep. With a thriving cooking business, full schedule of volunteer work, and a beautiful home in the Philadelphia suburbs, she should be content. But her teenage daughter can be a handful; her husband can be distant, her work can feel trivial, and she has lots of acquaintances, but no real friends. Still, Daisy knows she’s got it good. So why is she up all night?

While Daisy tries to identify the root of her dissatisfaction, she’s also receiving misdirected emails meant for a woman named Diana Starling, whose email address is just one punctuation mark away from her own. While Daisy’s driving carpools, Diana is chairing meetings. While Daisy’s making dinner, Diana’s making plans to reorganize corporations. Diana’s glamorous, sophisticated, single-lady life is miles away from Daisy’s simpler existence. When an apology leads to an invitation, the two women meet and become friends. But, as they get closer, we learn that their connection was not completely accidental. Who IS this other woman, and what does she want with Daisy?

From the manicured Main Line of Philadelphia to the wild landscape of the Outer Cape, written with Jennifer Weiner’s signature wit and sharp observations, THAT SUMMER is a story about surviving our pasts, confronting our futures, and the sustaining bonds of friendship.

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Mary Jane
The Ones We're Meant to Find
A Touch of Malice

Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau | <em>Release Date: May 11</em>

“Almost Famous” meets Daisy Jones and the Six in this funny, wise, and tender novel about a fourteen-year-old girl’s coming of age in 1970s Baltimore, caught between her strait-laced family and the progressive family she nannies forβ€”who happen to be secretly hiding a famous rock star and his movie star wife for the summer.

In 1970s Baltimore, fourteen-year-old Mary Jane loves cooking with her mother, singing in her church choir, and enjoying her family’s subscription to the Broadway Show Tunes of the Month record club. Shy, quiet, and bookish, she’s glad when she lands a summer job as a nanny for the daughter of a local doctor. A respectable job, Mary Jane’s mother says. In a respectable house.

The house may look respectable on the outside, but inside it’s a literal and figurative mess: clutter on every surface, IMPEACHMENT: Now More Than Ever bumper stickers on the doors, cereal and takeout for dinner. And even more troublesome (were Mary Jane’s mother to know, which she does not): The doctor is a psychiatrist who has cleared his summer for one important jobβ€”helping a famous rock star dry out. A week after Mary Jane starts, the rock star and his movie star wife move in.

Over the course of the summer, Mary Jane introduces her new household to crisply ironed clothes and a family dinner schedule, and has a front-row seat to a liberal world of sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll (not to mention group therapy). Caught between the lifestyle she’s always known and the future she’s only just realized is possible, Mary Jane will arrive at September with a new idea about what she wants out of life, and what kind of person she’s going to be.

Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop

The Ones We’re Meant to Find by Joan He | <em>Release Date: May 4</em>

One of the most twisty, surprising, engaging page-turner YAs you’ll read this yearβ€”We Were Liars meets Black Mirror, with a dash of Studio Ghibli.

Cee has been trapped on an abandoned island for three years without any recollection of how she arrived, or memories from her life prior. All she knows is that somewhere out there, beyond the horizon, she has a sister named Kay. Determined to find her, Cee devotes her days to building a boat from junk parts scavenged inland, doing everything in her power to survive until the day she gets off the island and reunites with her sister.

In a world apart, 16-year-old STEM prodigy Kasey Mizuhara is also living a life of isolation. The eco-city she calls home is one of eight levitating around the world, built for people who protected the planet―and now need protecting from it. With natural disasters on the rise due to climate change, eco-cities provide clean air, water, and shelter. Their residents, in exchange, must spend at least a third of their time in stasis pods, conducting business virtually whenever possible to reduce their environmental footprint. While Kasey, an introvert and loner, doesn’t mind the lifestyle, her sister Celia hated it. Popular and lovable, Celia much preferred the outside world. But no one could have predicted that Celia would take a boat out to sea, never to return.

Now it’s been three months since Celia’s disappearance, and Kasey has given up hope. Logic says that her sister must be dead. But as the public decries her stance, she starts to second guess herself and decides to retrace Celia’s last steps. Where they’ll lead her, she does not know. Her sister was full of secrets. But Kasey has a secret of her own.

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A Touch of Malice (<em>Hades & Persephone #3</em>) by Scarlett St Clair |<em> Release Date: May 25</em>

Persephone and Hades are engaged. In retaliation, Demeter summons a snowstorm that cripples New Greece, and refuses to lift the blizzard unless her daughter calls off her engagement.

When the Olympians intervene, Persephone finds her future in the hands of ancient gods, and they are divided. Do they allow Persephone to marry Hades and go to war with Demeter or prohibit their union and take up arms against the God of the Dead?

Nothing is certain but the promise of war.

Buy the book: Amazon

Luck of the Titanic
Just Last Night
Tokyo Ever After

Luck of the Titanic by Stacey Lee | <em>Release Date: May 4</em>

From the critically acclaimed author of The Downstairs Girl comes the richly imagined story of Valora and Jamie Luck, twin British – Chinese acrobats traveling aboard the Titanic on its ill fated maiden voyage.

Southampton, 1912: Seventeen-year-old British-Chinese Valora Luck has quit her job and smuggled herself aboard the Titanic with two goals in mind: to reunite with her twin brother Jamie–her only family now that both their parents are dead–and to convince a part-owner of the Ringling Brothers Circus to take the twins on as acrobats. Quick-thinking Val talks her way into opulent firstclass accommodations and finds Jamie with a group of fellow Chinese laborers in third class. But in the rigidly stratified world of the luxury liner, Val’s ruse can only last so long, and after two long years apart, it’s unclear if Jamie even wants the life Val proposes. Then, one moonless night in the North Atlantic, the unthinkable happens–the supposedly unsinkable ship is dealt a fatal blow–and Val and her companions suddenly find themselves in a race to survive.

Stacey Lee, master of historical fiction, brings a fresh perspective to an infamous tragedy, loosely inspired by the recently uncovered account of six Titanic survivors of Chinese descent.

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Just Last Night by Mhairi McFarlane | <em>Release Date: May 4</em>

Eve, Justin, Susie, and Ed have been friends since they were teenagers. Now in their thirties, the four are as close as ever, Thursday night bar trivia is sacred, and Eve is still secretly in love with Ed. Maybe she should have moved on by now, but she can’t stop thinking about what could have been. And she knows Ed still thinks about it, too.

But then, in an instant, their lives are changed forever.

In the aftermath, Eve’s world is upended. As stunning secrets are revealed, she begins to wonder if she really knew her friends as well as she thought. And when someone from the past comes back into her life, Eve’s future veers in a surprising new direction…

They say every love story starts with a single moment. What if it was just last night?

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Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean | <em>Release Date: May 18</em>

Izumi Tanaka has never really felt like she fit inβ€”it isn’t easy being Japanese American in her small, mostly white, northern California town. Raised by a single mother, it’s always been Izumiβ€”or Izzy, because β€œIt’s easier this way”—and her mom against the world. But then Izzy discovers a clue to her previously unknown father’s identity… and he’s none other than the Crown Prince of Japan. Which means outspoken, irreverent Izzy is literally a princess.

In a whirlwind, Izzy travels to Japan to meet the father she never knew and discover the country she always dreamed of. But being a princess isn’t all ball gowns and tiaras. There are conniving cousins, a hungry press, a scowling but handsome bodyguard who just might be her soulmate, and thousands of years of tradition and customs to learn practically overnight.

Izzy soon finds herself caught between worlds, and between versions of herselfβ€”back home, she was never β€œAmerican” enough, and in Japan, she must prove she’s β€œJapanese” enough. Will Izumi crumble under the weight of the crown, or will she live out her fairytale, happily ever after?

Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop

The Secret Bridesmaid
The Summer of Lost and Found
Before I Saw You

The Secret Bridesmaid by Katy Birchall | <em>Release Date: May 4</em>

Matrimony meets mayhem in a modern British romcom about a young woman charged with pulling off the biggest aristocratic wedding of the year––and the misadventures that ensue.

Sophie Breeze is a brilliant bridesmaid. So brilliant, in fact, that she’s made it her full-time job.

As a professional bridesmaid, Sophie is hired by London brides to be their right-hand woman, posing as a friend but working behind the scenes to help plan the perfect wedding and ensure their big day goes off without a hitch. When she’s hired by Lady Victoria Swann––a former model and β€œIt Girl” of 1970’s London; now the Marchioness of Meade––for the society wedding of the year, it should be a chance for Sophie to prove just how talented she is.

Of course, it’s not ideal that the bride, Lady Victoria’s daughter, Cordelia, is an absolute diva and determined to make Sophie’s life a nightmare. It’s also a bit inconvenient that Sophie finds herself drawn to Cordelia’s posh older brother, who is absolutely off limits. But when a rival society wedding is announced for the very same day, things start to get…well, complicated.

Can Sophie pull off the biggest challenge of her career––execute a high-profile gala for four hundred and fifty guests in record time, win over a reluctant bride, and catch the eye of handsome Lord Swann––all while keeping her true identity a secret, and her dignity intact?

Heartwarming and hilarious, The Secret Bridesmaid celebrates the joys (and foibles) of weddings, the nuances of female friendship, and the redeeming power of love in its many unexpected forms.

Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop

The Summer of Lost and Found by Mary Alice Monroe | <em>Release Date: May 11</em>

The New York Times bestselling Beach House series returns with this tender and compassionate novel following the Rutledge family as they face a summer of upheaval and change with perseverance, unity, and a dose of humor, discovering unexpected joys and lessons that will endure long past the season.

The coming of Spring usually means renewal, but for Linnea Rutledge, Spring 2020 threatens stagnation. Linnea faces another layoff, this time from the aquarium she adores. For herβ€”and her familyβ€”finances, emotions, and health teeter at the brink. To complicate matters, her new love interest, Gordon, struggles to return to the Isle of Palms from England. Meanwhile, her old flame, John, turns up from California and is quarantining next door. She tries to ignore him, but when he sends her plaintive notes in the form of paper airplanes, old sparks ignite. When Gordon at last reaches the island, Linnea wondersβ€”is it possible to love two men at the same time?

Love in the time of the coronavirus proves challenging, at times humorous, and ever changing. Relationships are redefined, friendships made and broken, and marriages tested. As the weeks turn to months, and another sea turtle season comes to a close, Linnea learns there are more meaningful lessons learned during this summer than opportunities lost, that summer is a time of wonder, and that the exotic lives in our own back yards. In The Summer of Lost and Found, Linnea and the Rutledge family continue to face their challenges with the strength, faith, and commitment that has inspired fans for decades.

Mary Alice Monroe once again delves into the complexities of family relationships and brings her signature β€œsensitive and true” (Dorothea Benton Frank, New York Times bestselling author) storytelling to this poignant and timely novel of love, courage, and resilience.

Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop

Before I Saw You by Emily Houghton | <em>Release Date: May 4</em>

For fans of Close Enough to Touch and Me Before You comes a poignant and moving novel about two patients who fall in love as they recover from traumatic injuries in the same hospital ward…all without seeing each other.

Alice Gunnersley and Alfie Mack sleep just a few feet apart from one another. They talk for hours every day. And they’ve never seen each other face-to-face.

After being in terrible accidents, the two now share the same ward as long-term residents of St. Francis’s Hospital. Although they don’t get off to the best start, the close quarters (and Alfie’s persistence to befriend everyone he meets) brings them closer together. Pretty soon no one can make Alice laugh as hard as Alfie does, and Alfie feels like he’s finally found a true confidante in Alice. Between their late night talks and inside jokes, something more than friendship begins to slowly blossom between them.

But as their conditions improve and the end of their stay draws closer, Alfie and Alice are forced to decide whether it’s worth continuing a relationship with someone who’s seen all of the worst parts of you, but never seen your actual face.

A tender novel of healing and hope, Before I Saw You reminds us that connections can be found even in the most unexpected of placesβ€”and that love is almost always blind.

Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop

Last Chance Books
Talk Bookish to Me
Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake

Last Chance Books by Kelsey Rodkey | <em>Release Date: May 18</em>

Don’t you just love the smell of old books in the morning?

Madeline Moore does. Books & Moore, the musty bookstore her family has owned for generations, is where she feels most herself. Nothing is going to stop her from coming back after college to take over the store from her beloved aunt.

Nothing, that isβ€”until a chain bookstore called Prologue opens across the street and threatens to shut them down.

Madeline sets out to demolish the competition, but Jasper, the guy who works over at Prologue, seems intent on ruining her life. Not only is he taking her customers, he has the unbelievable audacity to be… extremely cute.

But that doesn’t matter. Jasper is the enemy and he will be destroyed. After allβ€”all’s fair in love and (book) wars.

Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop

Talk Bookish to Me by Kate Bromley | <em>Release Date: May 25</em>

Inspiration can come from the most unlikelyβ€”and inconvenientβ€”sources.

Kara Sullivan’s life is full of loveβ€”albeit fictional. As a bestselling romance novelist and influential bookstagrammer, she’s fine with getting her happily-ever-after fix between the covers of a book.

But right now? Not only is Kara’s best friend getting married next weekβ€”which means big wedding stressβ€”but the deadline for her next novel is looming, and she hasn’t written a single word. The last thing she needs is for her infuriating first love, Ryan Thompson, to suddenly appear in the wedding party. But Ryan’s unexpected arrival sparks a creative awakening in Kara that inspires the steamy historical romance she desperately needs to deliver.

With her wedding duties intensifying, her deadline getting closer by the second and her bills not paying themselves, Kara knows there’s only one way for her to finish her book and to give her characters the ever-after they deserve. But can she embrace the unlikely, ruggedly handsome museβ€”who pushes every one of her buttonsβ€”to save the wedding, her career and, just maybe, write her own happy ending?

Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop

Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake (<em>Winner Bakes All #1</em>) by Alexis Hall | <em>Release Date: May 18</em>

Following the recipe is the key to a successful bake. Rosaline Palmer has always lived by those rulesβ€”well, except for when she dropped out of college to raise her daughter, Amelie. Now, with a paycheck as useful as greaseproof paper and a house crumbling faster than biscuits in tea, she’s teetering on the edge of financial disaster. But where there’s a whisk there’s a way . . . and Rosaline has just landed a spot on the nation’s most beloved baking show.

Winning the prize money would give her daughter the life she deservesβ€”and Rosaline is determined to stick to the instructions. However, more than collapsing trifles stand between Rosaline and sweet, sweet victory.  Suave, well-educated, and parent-approved Alain Pope knows all the right moves to sweep her off her feet, but it’s shy electrician Harry Dobson who makes Rosaline question her long-held beliefsβ€”about herself, her family, and her desires.

Rosaline fears falling for Harry is a guaranteed recipe for disaster. Yet as the competitionβ€”and the ovensβ€”heat up, Rosaline starts to realize the most delicious bakes come from the heart.

Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop

The Break-Up Book Club
It Had to Be You
Take Me Home Tonight

The Break-Up Book Club by Wendy Wax | <em>Release Date: May 18</em>

Breakups, like book clubs, come in many shapes and sizes and can take us on unexpected journeys as four women discover in this funny and heartwarming exploration of friendship from the USA Today bestselling author of Ten Beach Road and My Ex-Best Friend’s Wedding.

On paper, Jazmine, Judith, Erin and Sara have little in common – they’re very different people leading very different lives. And yet at book club meetings in an historic carriage house turned bookstore, they bond over a shared love of reading (and more than a little wine) as well as the growing realization that their lives are not turning out like they expected.

Former tennis star Jazmine is a top sports agent balancing a career and single motherhood. Judith is an empty nester questioning her marriage and the supporting role she chose. Erin’s high school sweetheart and fiancΓ© develops a bad case of cold feet, and Sara’s husband takes a job out of town saddling Sara with a difficult mother-in-law who believes her son could have done better – not exactly the roommate most women dream of.

With the help of books, laughter, and the joy of ever evolving friendships, Jazmine, Judith, Erin and Sara find the courage to navigate new and surprising chapters of their lives as they seek their own versions of happily-ever-after.

Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop

It Had to Be You by Georgia Clark | <em>Release Date: May 4</em>

The author of the novel The Bucket List returns with a witty and heartfelt romantic comedy featuring a wedding planner, her unexpected business partner, and their coworkers in a series of linked love storiesβ€”perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Casey McQuiston.

For the past twenty years, Liv and Eliot Goldenhorn have run In Love in New York, Brooklyn’s beloved wedding-planning business. When Eliot dies unexpectedly, he even more unexpectedly leaves half of the business to his younger, blonder girlfriend, Savannah. Liv and Savannah are not a match made in heaven, to say the least. But what starts as a personal and professional nightmare transforms into something even savvy, cynical Liv Goldenhorn couldn’t begin to imagine.

It Had to Be You cleverly unites Liv, Savannah, and couples as diverse and unique as New York City itself, in a joyous Love-Actually-style braided narrative. The result is a smart, modern love story that truly speaks to our times. Second chances, secret romance, and steamy soul mates are front and center in this sexy, tender, and utterly charming rom-com.

Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop

Take Me Home Tonight by Morgan Matson | <em>Release Date: May 4</em>

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off meets Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist in this romp through the city that never sleeps from the New York Times bestselling author of Since You’ve Been Gone, Morgan Matson.

Two girls. One night. Zero phones.

Kat and Stevieβ€”best friends, theater kids, polar oppositesβ€”have snuck away from the suburbs to spend a night in New York City. They have it all planned out. They’ll see a play, eat at the city’s hottest restaurant, and have the best. Night. Ever. What could go wrong?

Well. Kind of a lot?

They’re barely off the train before they’re dealing with destroyed phones, family drama, and unexpected Pomeranians. Over the next few hours, they’ll have to grapple with old flames, terrible theater, and unhelpful cab drivers. But there are also cute boys to kiss, parties to crash, dry cleaning to deliver (don’t ask), and the world’s best museum to explore.

Over the course of a wild night in the city that never sleeps, both Kat and Stevie will get a wake-up call about their friendship, their choices…and finally discover what they really want for their future.

That is, assuming they can make it to Grand Central before the clock strikes midnight.

Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop

rule of wolves book without dust jacket next to open book, lit candle, and coffee mug

Are you excited about any of these book releases in May?


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In: Books, New Releases · Tagged: book releases, books, May book releases, May new book releases, May new books, new books

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Comments

  1. I'm All Booked Up says

    May 5, 2021 at 9:16 AM

    We didn’t know John Green had a new book release. So many great releases in May! We can’t wait to start Realm Breaker.

    Reply
    • Stephanie Whitman says

      May 5, 2021 at 12:00 PM

      I was really excited to hear about it. It’s non-fiction, but I think I’ll still wind up reading it because I just love everything that John Green writes. Realm Breaker is at the top of my reading list, for sure! I can’t wait to start it soon!

      Reply
  2. Anika says

    May 5, 2021 at 10:54 AM

    Malibu Rising, You and Me on Vacation and Last Night are some of my favourites! All great stories by such amazing authors πŸ™ŒπŸΎ

    Reply
    • Stephanie Whitman says

      May 5, 2021 at 12:01 PM

      It’s so nutty to me that the titles are different in the UK vs US. I honestly prefer the UK titles haha! I’m so excited to read Malibu Rising and Just Last Night (or Last Night) and I’m thrilled for others to read People We Meet On Vacation (or You and Me on Vacation) since that is definitely one of my favorite books EVER. I even pre-ordered a signed copy because I love it so much haha!

      Reply
  3. Sarah says

    May 5, 2021 at 12:22 PM

    Well, it looks like my TBR is going to get a little bit bigger this month because wow, so many of these books sound like they would be amazing! I’ve had my eye on The Ones We’re Meant To Find for a while, so I know that one I will be buying soon.

    Reply
    • Stephanie Whitman says

      May 5, 2021 at 12:45 PM

      Right?! That’s what happens to me every time I write one of these posts. Doing all the research and reading/writing the synopses always inspires me to add more books to my TBR. They just look spectacular!

      Reply
  4. K.J. Haakenson says

    May 5, 2021 at 12:55 PM

    Oooo these releases look so good! πŸ˜€ Thank you for pulling together this list <3 I really like the looks of Luck of the Titanic, Realm Breakers, and Tokyo Ever After!!

    Reply
    • Stephanie Whitman says

      May 5, 2021 at 4:35 PM

      Those are such good choices. I’m really excited about Realm Breaker since I absolutely loved the Red Queen series. I hope you enjoy it if you read it!

      Reply
  5. Alix Maza says

    May 5, 2021 at 1:25 PM

    ARSENIC AND ADOBO! I seriously can’t wait to read it. Food, Filipinos and murder? I’M SO IN! The new John Green sounds awesome also- didn’t know it was coming out till like yesterday haha.

    Reply
    • Stephanie Whitman says

      May 5, 2021 at 4:36 PM

      RIGHT?! I mean, you know I’m not a thriller person, but a murder mystery is totally my jam – especially this vibe. I can’t wait to read it! And YES! John Green is a forever favorite author and while this is non-fic, I’m still looking forward to picking it up.

      Reply
  6. Brooke Ressell says

    May 5, 2021 at 1:57 PM

    My reading list always gets too long when I visit your site. We have a lot of the same interests in books. Thanks for the great suggestions.

    Reply
    • Stephanie Whitman says

      May 5, 2021 at 4:36 PM

      Hehe, I can’t say I’m too sorry for that. I love expanding reading lists πŸ˜‰ It’s awesome that we have similar tastes!

      Reply
  7. Jessica Eishow says

    May 5, 2021 at 2:26 PM

    i love this book release post because it’s giving me so many great options to read! thank you for sharing!!

    jessica | http://www.overdressedblogger.com

    Reply
    • Stephanie Whitman says

      May 5, 2021 at 4:37 PM

      That’s so great to hear! It definitely makes my reading list grow like crazy every time I write an article like this!

      Reply
  8. Neely Moldovan says

    May 5, 2021 at 2:55 PM

    I love the soulmate equation and the people we met on vacation! Can’t wait to read some of the others!

    Reply
    • Stephanie Whitman says

      May 5, 2021 at 4:37 PM

      Ah, you already read them both? That’s so awesome! I truly can’t wait for everyone to finally get their hands on People We Meet On Vacation. It’s one of my forever favorites!

      Reply
  9. Kelly Diane says

    May 5, 2021 at 4:23 PM

    I can’t believe there are so many great sounding books coming out this month. My TBR list is definitely going to be expanding loads.

    Reply
    • Stephanie Whitman says

      May 5, 2021 at 4:38 PM

      Right? It’s honestly such an amazing YEAR for new releases. I can’t get over how many awesome books are coming out!

      Reply
  10. Cristina Rosano says

    May 6, 2021 at 5:20 AM

    Did I add another wagon of books to my reading list? yes indeed! I love the sounds of ‘The breakup book club’ and truly can’t wait to pick up ‘Arsenic and Adobo’ and ‘Just Last night’!! The ones we are meant to find was great! x

    Reply
  11. Megan Elliott says

    May 6, 2021 at 11:16 AM

    Ok, this list is seriously so good that I’m overwhelmed! Lol these all sound intriguing and like perfect summer reads. I’m most looking forward to Malibu Rising (big Taylor Jenkins Reid fan) and That Summer. I just read Big Summer and it was so good!

    Reply
  12. Raji says

    May 6, 2021 at 11:26 AM

    May is always a great month for new books! Both Realm Breaker and Sixteen Scandals were such fun reads, and I’m really looking forward to Luck of the Titanic. Great list!

    Reply
  13. Jennifer Prince says

    May 6, 2021 at 12:51 PM

    Ah! I’m so excited that John Green has another book coming out. I really like his style of writing – sounds like a fab read! πŸ™‚

    Reply
  14. Lizzie says

    May 6, 2021 at 12:56 PM

    Oooo These all sound so good! I’m going to put some of these on my list πŸ™‚

    Lizzie
    http://www.lizzieinlace.com

    Reply
  15. Deborah says

    May 7, 2021 at 10:16 AM

    I’m excited about a lot of these! I have Arsenic and Adobo bookmarked!

    Reply
  16. Laura Leigh says

    May 7, 2021 at 12:25 PM

    oh my goodness Just Last Night has been hooked already! definitely picking that one up right now. thank you so much for sharing all of these books! cannot wait to read by the water all month long!

    xo Laura Leigh
    https://louellareese.com

    Reply
  17. Lee says

    May 7, 2021 at 8:35 PM

    People we Meet on Vacation sounds so good!! I’m finally getting better with making time to read – I read 2 books in April and am on my 2nd one for May already! Once I finish that (We Begin at the End) I think I’ll pick up People we Meet on vacation!

    Reply
  18. Rach says

    May 9, 2021 at 8:50 PM

    A lot of the books coming out in May are on my TBR and I was fortunate to get an early release on some of them! Fun fact, Arsenic and Adobo has filipino characters and written by a Filipina author! This makes me excited bc more people will understand my culture!

    http://www.rdsobsessions.com

    Reply
  19. Jaimie Tucker says

    May 11, 2021 at 10:33 AM

    I’ve just placed an order for the Lauren Weisberger book and can’t wait to order several more from this post. Saving it as a reference for my summer reading, great job!
    xo Jaimie
    http://www.jaimietucker.com

    Reply
  20. Nailil says

    May 11, 2021 at 6:51 PM

    I see a few catchy titles and covers. I’m sure you will read a few and tell us more; and I can’t wait for your review. πŸ™‚

    Xx, Nailil
    thirtyminusone.com

    Reply
  21. Sophie | Love and Literature says

    May 12, 2021 at 9:59 AM

    Thank you so much for writing this post, I want to check out so many of these now hehe! I’m mostly looking forward to Malibu Rising after hearing lots of positive things about it x

    Reply

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April 2021 Reading Wrap-Up

Welcome to The Espresso Edition, a cozy lifestyle blog. Looking for book reviews, hygge home decor, or comfortable and classic outfit ideas? I've got you covered.

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Have you done a mid-year reading check-in yet? πŸ“š
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What a wild year 2022 has been so far πŸ˜΅β€πŸ’« I've found new favorite authors, made progress on my original TBR, checked out some great backlist books, and hit some super exciting goals! πŸ™ŒπŸΌ I'm not going to *just* share my faves or least faves, but instead I'm going to share some of the fun stats from my reading year so far! 🀎
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- Out of the 30 books I just *HAD TO* read this year, I've read 24
- Out of my numerical goal of 120 for the whole year, I've read 119
- I've rated 44 books with 4.5/5 stars (hence my struggle when someone asks for a favorite from the year so far)
- I've read 16 ARCs from 12 different publishers (this makes me want to bawl with happiness because this was such a massive goal for me when I began book blogging!)
- I've participated in 10 buddy-reads
- I've added 38 books to my shelves (either purchased by me after I read and loved a book, given as a gift, or sent by a generous author/publisher)
- I've discovered that there's a chance I *might* like romance more than fantasy now and that's totally okay!
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What has your reading looked like in 2022? β˜•οΈ 
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#lightacademiaaesthetic #lightacademia #cozyaesthetic #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #cozybookstagram #bookaesthetic #booktography #bookphotography #vintagemood #bookseverywhere #hyggebookstyle #quietshadesofbrown #bookmoments #ofcosymoments #booksandcoffee #coffeeandbooks #fortheloveofreading #bookrecommendations #booksuggestions #booksonbooks #booknookstagram #midyearreadingchallenge #readinggoals #storygraph #readingstats #perfectespressopour
Which of your childhood favorites would you like t Which of your childhood favorites would you like to see reimagined? πŸ“–
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When I found out that GALLANT had The Secret Garden vibes, I was really excited because that was one of my favorites as a kid ⛲️ I think it would be really neat to see this story retold by a few other authors as well (looking at you, Marissa Meyer) πŸ™ŒπŸΌ
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Some of the other stories I loved as a kid that I'd like to see "adulted" are:
πŸ‘‘ A Little Princess
πŸ§žβ€β™‚οΈ Aladdin
 🐁 Stuart Little (it could be cute okay? like some kind of fantasy?)
πŸ‘’ Madeline
⚜️ Rumplestiltskin (I've only seen this done once and I wasn’t obsessed so I need more!)
β˜‚οΈ Mary Poppins
🐎 Misty of Chincoteague
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Did you enjoy any of those stories as a kid? 🀎 
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#veschwab #gallant #veschwabfeatures #schwabstagram #readersofinstagram #booksofig #bookgrammer #bookgram #instabooks #bookgasm #fantasybooks #bookishfeatures #booktography #booklover #bibliophilelife #readersofig #readersgonnaread #bookaesthetic #instareads #readerlife #bookishlove #bookstagram #thesecretgarden #retelling #90sbooks #childhoodbooks #childhoodbooksrevisited #bookflatlay
Why did you join bookstagram? πŸ“– β €β €β €β €β € Why did you join bookstagram? πŸ“–
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Long story short, I joined bookstagram in 2020 because I love books and I love talking about books, but I never had a space to do that πŸ€·πŸ»β€β™€οΈ After years of fashion blogging and feeling out of place because of my interests, I wound up on this side of IG and realized that it felt like home 🀎
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I schemed up a name (something to do with coffee and books that didn't have the words "coffee" or "books" in it), took a few photos, created a profile, and went to town πŸ™ŒπŸΌ It wasn't long before I completely FELL IN LOVE with the supportive community, safe space to find new books and talk about the ones I love, and really cultivate my photography skills (which had been lying dormant for far too long) πŸ™ˆ
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Now, I'm thrilled to have connected with favorite authors, created my own hashtag (hey there #perfectespressopour β˜•οΈ), reviewed incredible books, launched my own line of merch, and made tons of new friends 🫢🏼 When I begin to feel down about the numbers or the lack of inspiration, I remind myself of why I started in the first place and I find myself falling in love all over again πŸ₯Ή
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Thank you for being part of my bookstagram journey πŸ“š
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#cozyaesthetic #mybeigelife #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #bookstagram #booktography #bookflatlay #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations #booksta #bookphotography #bookswithmagic #booksaremagic #booknerdigan
Tell me your most recent "new-to-you" fave author Tell me your most recent "new-to-you" fave author and which book made you fall in love with their work πŸ“š
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A couple months back, I had the privilege of reading an advanced copy of The Wonderland Trials by @saraellawrites... and I immediately fell head over heels in love 😍 Needless to say, I instantly added her entire backlist to my TBR πŸ™ˆ
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Lately, I've been feeling a bit disappointed with fantasy (which has always been my favorite genre) πŸ˜• It seems like each time I pick one up, I'm either completely uninterested in the story or it just falls flat - but The Wonderland Trials absolutely blew me away! 🀯 If you're looking for something that really stands out amongst the rest, you certainly need to pick this one up! 🫢🏼
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Have you read any great Alice in Wonderland reimaginings? πŸ‡ 
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #thewonderlandtrials #aliceinwonderland #fantasybookrecs #yafantasybooks #fairytaleretellings
Recommend me an underrated queer book! πŸ³οΈβ€πŸŒˆ
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In my world, every month is #pridemonth and I always, always have queer books on my TBR (not just white mlm, but a wide range of lgbtqia+ stories) πŸ™ŒπŸΌ It's important to me to constantly be diversifying my shelves, learning more about the people around me, and continuing to create a safe environment for everyone in my little corner of the web 🀎
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My goal for June was to pack my TBR with as many queer books as I could in CELEBRATION of Pride Month, so I've already read 4 books with lgbtq rep:
πŸ¦‰ Wild is the Witch by Rachel Griffin
🌎 The Never Tilting World by Rin Chupeco
πŸ“Ί The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun
🌌 Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefluer
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I'm currently reading 3:
πŸ«– A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
🩸 Blood Like Magic by Liselle Sambury
πŸ–Œ Portrait of a Thief by Grace D Li
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 And I have 2 more on my immediate list:
πŸ₯€ Malice by Heather Walter
β˜€οΈ Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse
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Have you read any of these? πŸ“š 
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#lightacademiaaesthetic #lightacademia #cozyaesthetic #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #cozybookstagram #bookaesthetic #booktography #bookphotography #vintagemood #bookseverywhere #hyggebookstyle #quietshadesofbrown #bookmoments #ofcosymoments #booksandcoffee #coffeeandbooks #fortheloveofreading #bookrecommendations #booksuggestions #booksonbooks #booknookstagram #queerbooks #readqueerallyear #queerreads #lgbtbooks #queeryourshelves #flippingpages
Favorite Shadow and Bone character? 🦌 β €β €β € Favorite Shadow and Bone character? 🦌
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I'm officially considering this Shadow and Bone week, between celebrating the 10th anniversary of the book and finding out about Ben narrating the Demon in the Wood audiobook! πŸ₯‚ 
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Also, catch me counting down the days until when I get to see my babies on-screen again (can we get a season 2 premiere date, please?) πŸ“Ί
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To answer my own question, Genya is my very favorite Shadow and Bone character 🀍 In fact, I have plans for a Genya tattoo in the near future πŸ™ŒπŸΌ
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Are you as excited for the audiobook and season 2 of the show as I am? 🀩 
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#lightacademiaaesthetic #lightacademia #cozyaesthetic #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #cozybookstagram #bookaesthetic #booktography #bookphotography #vintagemood #bookseverywhere #hyggebookstyle #quietshadesofbrown #bookmoments #ofcosymoments #booksandcoffee #coffeeandbooks #fortheloveofreading #bookrecommendations #booksuggestions #booksonbooks #booknookstagram #shadowandbone #grishaverse #genyasafin #leighbardugo #grishaversary #binbons
Do you have a favorite book dedication? ✍🏼
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I've found a few recently that have definitely stood out to me πŸ‘€ Sometimes a dedication sets the mood for the book and that's something I really love! 🀎
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A few that have blown my mind recently are:
πŸͺž GALLANT (pictured) by VE Schwab
πŸ‘‘ FOR THE THRONE (actually, both of The Wilderwood books have fabulous dedications) by Hannah Whitten
πŸ›« EARLY DEPARTURES by Justin A. Reynolds
πŸ“– THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY by Matt Haig
πŸ’” ONCE UPON A BROKEN HEART by Stephanie Garber
πŸ₯˜ WITH THE FIRE ON HIGH by Elizabeth Acevedo
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Have you read any of these magnificent books? πŸ“š 
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#lightacademiaaesthetic #lightacademia #cozyaesthetic #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #cozybookstagram #bookaesthetic #booktography #bookphotography #vintagemood #bookseverywhere #hyggebookstyle #quietshadesofbrown #bookmoments #ofcosymoments #booksandcoffee #coffeeandbooks #fortheloveofreading #bookrecommendations #booksuggestions #booksonbooks #booknookstagram #bookdedications #gallant #veschwab #gallantbook #fantasybooks #fantasyreader
Is there a book you've read this year that is unli Is there a book you've read this year that is unlike anything else you've ever read? πŸ“–
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When I read THE ATLAS SIX in April, I was blown away by how unique it was! 🀯 I have never in my life read another book like it and that's part of why it got 5 stars from me ⭐️ Sure, it started at a slower pace but the further the story progressed, the more fascinating it was (and the pacing at the beginning made far more sense because it led to absolute BRILLIANCE) πŸ™ŒπŸΌ
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I don't read much dark academia, so recommend some titles to me (THAT AREN'T AS WELL KNOWN) that you've enjoyed! πŸ›
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #darkacademia #theatlassix #darkacademiabooks
Do you enjoy books that are less plot, more ✨vib Do you enjoy books that are less plot, more ✨vibes✨?
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I definitely do! 🫢🏼 In the past few years, I've read more and more books like this and they always leave me feeling utterly fascinated (and maybe a little confused?) πŸ€” I gotta say that writing reviews for them can be a bit tough, but reading them is a lot of fun πŸ™ˆ
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Books I enjoy that are no plot, just vibes:
🐝 The Starless Sea
πŸŽͺ The Night Circus
πŸ’ƒπŸ» Where Dreams Descend
πŸͺΆ The Raven Cycle
πŸšͺ The Ten Thousand Doors of January
πŸ§™πŸ»β€β™€οΈ The Once and Future Witches
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Have you read any of these? πŸ“– 
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #noplotjustvibes #turningpages #booktography #bookphotography
Do you enjoy books with illustrations? πŸ–Œ β €β € Do you enjoy books with illustrations? πŸ–Œ
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I definitely do! πŸ™‹πŸ»β€β™€οΈ One of the most pleasant surprises when I opened up GALLANT was seeing the hauntingly beautiful pieces of art inside πŸ–€ It made the story feel more alive and helped me understand the way the character's mind worked 🧠
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There was a similar feeling when I first read THE ATLAS SIX and saw the character art 🎨 It gave the cast so much more depth and it made me wish that more books included pieces like this πŸ“–
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Other additions that make books stand out to me:
πŸ“° Unique chapter breaks (I read a basketball book that was divided into 4 quarters, and a book about an actor divided into acts, things like that)
πŸ’¬ Text messages
πŸ—Ί Maps
✍🏼 Handwriting (especially in the form of letters or lists)
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What are some unique things you like seeing in books? πŸ“š 
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#cozyaesthetic #mybeigelife #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #autumnvibes #fallvibes #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksuggestions #readersofinstagram #bookrecs #gallant #gallantbook #veschwab #bookillustrations #bookart #characterart #booktography

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