Most of May, I spent my time reading cutesy contemporary (and 2 historical!) romances. There were so many amazing books that I couldn't stop reading, which is why I was shocked when I realized I read 8 romances in a row!!

It likely won't happen again, but it did help me fill in so many Romanceopoly prompts 😂


🏰 Beauty and the Baron by Joanna Barker ★★★

While this was very sweet, it got a severe case of insta...well, everything. Instead of the author trying to focus on maybe one plot point, she decided to cram as many events as possible into a 120-page book, which means everything was rushed, especially their "developing" emotions. Their "getting acquainted" phase lasted shorter than the batch of cookies on my desk. And I really love cookies...

Everything you'd get in a 23-episode-per-season regency romance TV series, you get in this book - a poor girl just trying to help her pa get out of jail and concocting a plan to ask the notoriously mean baron for money, working tirelessly to become the very best possible maid and pay off their debts, never working a day before in her life and now having *gasp* red, dry hands from all the scrubing WHILE also having to suffer isolation because none of the other servants want to talk to her because she's so special coming from a better background and catching the eye of their moody lord.

I couldn't help but hear this song in my mind the whole time I was reading about her perilous situation lol

Oh yeah, let's not forget a dramatic "her father turns for the worse" chapter and he has to help her, an obligatory rain scene where they end up together in a cabin alone somewhere, or the last-act shocking revelation of an old enemy trying to steal the duke's money...

But I still had my fun okay!!! I'm the first to admit that a girl sometimes needs a cringey book/TV show to relax and read about all the tropes


⚔ Twelfth Knight by Alexene Farol Follmuth ★★★★★!!

While I expected some nice banter, geekiness, and general cuteness, this book exceeded my expectations by far. The two protagonists were one of the most layered, realistic characters I have ever read about. I connected to them so much that at one point, I realized I was stressing about their upcoming events and uncomfortable conversations. I literally had to take a step back 😂😂

 It's definitely getting 5 stars from me, and I'm adding this author to my follow list 😄

What you'll also find in this book: ✨

• great family dynamics

• two excellent character developments

• sibling banter and shenanigans

• lots of gaming content

• crafts, conventions and fairs


🪁 Room to Breathe by Kasie West ★★★★★!!

Of course I binged this in one day because what else do you expect when it comes to Kasie West books??

Besides two very intriguing protagonists (who were complex, made mistakes, had some miscommunications but in the end tried their best) there were also 2 very amazing subplots: a) how a friendship group went from BFFs to enemies to BFFs again and b) some family drama, loss of trust, and financial issues.

I adored every aspect of this book and while it's a bit more angsty than Kasie's usual work, it still hit all the right spots with me. I definitely enjoyed seeing a more unlikable character as a protagonist (you can also check out Twelfth Knight for this same reason) because not everybody is super nice all the time. Some of us use sarcasm way too much and become mean when dealing with stressful situations. 😅 Also, making dumb mistakes is part of being human. The main thing is you recognize your stupidity and fix the shit you broke...which these characters did and it was super adorable 😂


💻 But He's My One Regret by Annah Conwell ★★★★

I definitely liked Levi and Dahlia as a couple; they were super sweet, but I will admit I liked the first book more. I felt like Adrian and Juliette had more unique personalities and a cosier setting + more interactions with people outside their families. It's still a solid 4-star rating from me! Bonus points for having a police detective as the main male protagonist 😏

 Even more bonus points for so much talk about books and visiting bookshops, Dahlia out there living the best life having a green flag boyfriend carrying and buying books for her 😂


🌺 Never Thought I'd End Up Here by Ann Liang ★★★

This was mostly sweet with wonderful friendships, but the romance itself felt lackluster, and I felt no distinct emotion toward it - aka not memorable at all.

I finished this book a month ago and I realized I remembered mostly sweet, friendship-bonding moments and literally zero romantic scenes. That tells you all about my feelings towards this book.

One other thing I really loved was all the scenery and places they visited during their trip to China's provinces. That, and I definitely appreciated the creativity behind the homework they got 😂 If we had that in school, I'd have definitely paid more attention lol


👒 A Noble Masquerade by Kristi Ann Hunter ★★★

This was actually not that bad. If I could, I'd give it 3.5 stars because it had some really sweet moments and because Miranda is such a great character - she literally punches a guy for lying 😂 She's also very resourceful and doesn't shy away from danger. A very light read, that's perfect if you're looking for a bit of North and South/ Pride and Prejudice vibes in a simpler form.

Besides the romance, this book also has a decent traitor/spy subplot that's both interesting and layered. I definitely hadn't guessed who the villain was, and that was a nice surprise.

💬 Have you read any of these books? I'd love to hear your thoughts! 💬