Twelve books this month — and what a great reading month it was! From twisty thrillers to emotional romances, sweet YA vibes to steamy Sons of Anarchy-style love stories, April delivered on all fronts.
Here’s a quick look at everything I read this month, complete with star ratings and brief thoughts pulled from my full reviews:
🌸 What I Read in April:
📖 Falling In The Blue Hour by Kristi Ayers – ★★★★★
The ultimate beachy YA read! If you loved The Summer I Turned Pretty, this one will hit the mark. It’s full of sun-soaked nostalgia, emotional growth, and just the right amount of love triangle drama. Kristi Ayers captures that bittersweet feeling of change and resilience so well—I couldn’t put it down!
📖 Icebreaker by Hannah Grace – ★★★☆☆
This one was okay—it had a solid storyline, but it just wasn’t for me. I think if there had been more emotional buildup and angst, I might have enjoyed it more. It kind of went 0-60 without warning, which made it tough to fully connect.
📖 Summer In The City by Alex Aster – ★★★★★
One of my most anticipated reads of the year—and it absolutely delivered. A dazzling, empowering story that made me feel seen, inspired, and proud. Alex Aster’s writing is golden, and this book has such a special place in my heart.
📖 Wolf.e by Paisley Hope – ★★★★★
Gabriel is the brooding leader of a motorcycle club, and Brinley is the strong, independent girl next door—not a damsel in distress. This one has all the Sons of Anarchy vibes with a steamy twist. I loved the story, the chemistry, the characters… just maybe not one scene (iykyk). Already counting down to book two!
📖 Infinite Fates by Laura Steven – ★★★★½
A hauntingly beautiful and original story of love, fate, and tragedy. Evelyn and Arden are soulmates doomed to repeat a heartbreaking cycle—until now. This book had me hooked with its layered timelines, strong emotional pull, and rich character development. The only thing keeping it from 5 stars? The ending just didn’t quite land for me.
📖 Nightbane by Alex Aster – ★★★★★
The follow-up to Lightlark, and it did not disappoint! I loved getting the backstory through time jumps and seeing everything that led up to the first book. It was such a wild ride, and I’m so glad I already have book three ready to go. Still not sure if I’m Team Oro or Team Grim!
📖 Phantom Limb by Lucinda Berry – ★★★★☆
Lucinda Berry always knows how to twist my brain in the best ways. This one was so unhinged—in a good way! I saw both big twists coming but still enjoyed the journey. If you love having your mind messed with, she’s your girl.
📖 Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt – ★★★★★
Heartwarming, unique, and just so special. This one took me by surprise in the best way. An unforgettable story about grief, connection, and healing—with a truly remarkable octopus. 🐙
📖 The Perfect Divorce by Jeneva Rose – ★★★★★
Such a binge-worthy legal thriller! The twists, the courtroom drama, the pacing—everything was so well executed. Jeneva Rose is quickly becoming one of my auto-buy authors.
📖 The Chain by Adrian McKinty – ★★★★★
Gripping and gut-wrenching from page one. The premise is absolutely terrifying, and it delivers nonstop suspense. One of the most intense thrillers I’ve read in a while.
📖 Lost and Lassoed by Lyla Sage – ★★★★★
Seriously, 5 is the cap?! Because this one deserves so many more. Gus and Teddy’s story was everything I hoped for and more. Enemies to lovers, single dad, best friend’s brother—it’s got it all. My favorite of the Rebel Blue series so far! Also: s’mores with Reese’s?! Doxie socks?! I’m obsessed.
📖 Heart Strings by Ivy Fairbanks – ★★★★☆
An emotional, heartfelt follow-up to Morbidly Yours, packed with healing, heart, and second chances. I loved revisiting old characters and diving deeper into this world. Aiden completely stole my heart, though Lo was a bit tough to connect with at times. Still, this was a touching, beautifully written story—and I’m already hoping for more from this series!
📖 Currently Reading:
✨ Red Gate by the Bridge by Desi Stowe (ARC) – Just getting started with this one, so it’s a little early to say how I feel, but I’m excited to see where it goes!
📚 On Deck:
- Just For The Summer by Abby Jimenez
- The Strawberry Patch Pancake House by Laurie Gilmore
- Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
(Mood reader problems: summer came and went last year before I got to Abby’s book, but I’m determined this time!)
🌟 April Highlights!
April wasn’t just a great month for reading—it was full of bookish magic and unforgettable moments:
📚 Joined a New Book Club!
I added another amazing club to my list—this one focuses on Dark Romance and Romantasy… and let me tell you, it kicked off with a bang. I already know I’m going to love this group.
📖 Met Allison Ashley!
Such a sweet, talented author—I’m officially obsessed and so excited to dive into her entire backlog. (Seriously, where has she been all my reading life?!)
🌤 Launch Team News!
Biggest pinch-me moment of the month: I was accepted onto Taylor Jenkins Reid’s launch team for her upcoming release, Atmosphere—one of my most anticipated reads of the year. I’m still freaking out!
🎶 Scored the RSD Taylor Swift Vinyl!
Not book related but definitely worth a mention. You know I had to grab that limited edition! 🪩💿
📚 Celebrated MJ Hughes’ New Release!
So honored to help celebrate another amazing book birthday at Love Stories—such a beautiful night of community, authors, and bookish joy.
🏬 Indie Store Book Crawl with My Mom and Daughter
Even though it was a gloomy, rainy day, nothing could dim our internal sunshine. We had the best time hopping from store to store, discovering hidden gems, and making memories together. One of my favorite days this year!
💬 New Friends, New Stories
Between book clubs, events, and social media—April brought so many new connections. I’m so grateful for this community and everyone I’ve met along the way.
📌 Final Thoughts
April was a whirlwind of great reads, new bookish adventures, and soul-filling moments. With 12 books, author meetups, special bookstore events, and so many new friends—I’m closing out this month with a full heart and a bursting TBR.
Here’s to an equally magical May! 💫
XOXO,
Jessica 💕
Brews, Books & BFFs 
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