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If Not For My Baby

If Not For My BabyTitle: If Not For My Baby
Author: Kate Golden
Genre: Romance
Format: Audio
Pages: 448
Length: 11h 38m
Narrator: Ellie Gossage, Eric Nolan
Source: Library
Reason: Recommended
Rating:

My Thoughts

IF NOT FOR MY BABY is my second Kate Golden book. I liked the first one just a tad bit better because of its urban fantasy genre. However, this was a fun, heart-felt romance about love, loss, and moving forward despite the pain. I really loved both Clem and Tom, their sexual tension, and their chemistry. I loved all the supporting characters as well and I’m glad a certain someone got what was coming to them.

This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me

This Kingdom Will Not Kill MeTitle: This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me
Author: Ilona Andrews
Series: Maggie the Undying #1
Genre: Fantasy
Format: Audio
Pages: 470
Length: 21h 34m
Narrator: Kristen Sieh
Source: Library
Reason: Just Because
Rating:

My Thoughts

Oh, wow! THIS KINGDOM WILL NOT KILL ME gripped me from page 1. It was non-stop adventure and suspense. I adored this book so much! I need book 2 now!!! I’m so emotionally invested in this story and in these characters. I have so much anxiety wondering how this is going to play out! Everard is my new favorite literary crush! I hope Maggie realizes that he loves her sooner rather than later.

Emma M. Lion, Vol. 1

Emma M. Lion, Vol. 1Title: Emma M. Lion, Vol. 1
Author: Beth Brower
Series: Emma M. Lion #1
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: Audio
Pages: 107
Length: 3h 15m
Narrator: Genevieve Gaunt
Source: Library
Reason: Recommended
Rating:

My Thoughts

I’m glad I decided to follow my book club’s recommendation and start the Emma M. Lion series. I really enjoyed the format as it made for an interesting read. I also love the Victorian era England setting. The characters are so much. I especially love Emma’s feistiness and penchant to do what she wants in a time when it was frowned upon. I’m excited to see what happens in volume 2.

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How to Write a Love Story

How to Write a Love StoryTitle: How to Write a Love Story
Author: Catherine Walsh
Genre: Romance
Format: Audio
Pages: 336
Length: 9h 10m
Narrator: Jonathan Aarons, Róisín Rankin
Source: Owned
Reason: Book of the Month
Rating:

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed HOW TO WRITE A LOVE STORY. It was a fun premise. I loved the way Walsh wrote grief, its many forms, how it affects our lives, and people don’t grieve the same way. I loved the characters, especially Sam and Ciara. I love watching them get to know each other and learn to care for each other. I loved the setting in Ireland and getting to experience a little of Irish culture.

May 2026 Wrap-Up

Books Read

Favorite: Half City and The Stardust Thief

Least Favorite: Cross Her Heart

Stats
May

Books Read: 8

Rereads: 0

Pages Read: 2,894

Hours Listened: 91h 13m

Average Rating: 4.2

Average Pages Read Per Day: 93

Year-to-Date

Books Read: 41

Rereads: 11

Pages Read: 16,934

Hours Listened: 527h 51m

Average Rating: 4.3

Average Pages Read Per Day: 112