Unbelievably, I read 13 books in April. That averages out to 110 pages a day. I haven't read that much in one month in years. I specifically chose books under 300 pages that didn't require much brain power/focus and that didn't have heavy content. I truly believe that helped me. I also started a book notebook. It aided to my enjoyment of the read and my memory. I used colored markers, sticky notes and highlighters and kept it fresh and fun. Every morning I looked forward to spreading all my items out on the table and making a cup of joe or tea before starting my next read. I only read one book per day. Even if I had the time to read more, I didn't. I did not want to over extend or tire my brain.

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My only 5 star standout read for the month was Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo. I loved this book so much I sent a copy to my bestie. I highly recommend this book to everyone. To be only 176 pages it is packed with so much valuable information.

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I read 8 four star books. These books had to wow me or have something extra. Books that I rate 4 stars can't be books that I felt I've read before, meaning recycled plots and characters.

4 Stars

The Red Hot Earl by Darcey Burke

Luster: A novel by Raven Leilani

The Girl with The Loading Voice by Abi Daré

One House  Over (The Neighbors #1) by Mary Monroe

A Family Affair by Reshonda Tate Billingsley

It's Not All Downhill From Here by Terry McMillan

Secret Heir Seduction (Texas Cattlemen's Club: Inheritance #4) by Reese Ryan

Ethic by Ashley Antoinette

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I read three 3 star books. I rate books 3 stars that weren't bad, but weren't great either. They were all good reads. When reading romance books, I need great romance with a solid plot. I can tell if a 200 page romance was just thrown together. I feel many are recycled content with different character names.

3 Stars

Seduced by A Steele (Forged of Steele #12) by Brenda Jackson

Duty or Desire (The Westmoreland Legacy #5) by Brenda Jackson

His to Claim (The Westmoreland Legacy #4) by Brenda Jackson

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My only 2 star read was Red Carpet Redemption (The Stewart Heirs #3) by Yarah St. John. This book didn't capture my attention at all. I wasn't invested in any of the characters. Most Harlequin readers devour these books at record speeds and have read many. To stand out there needs to be great characters, plot and romance in a concise manner with the books being a little over 200 pages. Many of these authors crank out 3 books or more per year and if they're done quickly it shows. There's no room for fluff in a 200 page book.

How was your reading in April? I know these are difficult/stressful times. It's great to know we have somewhere to come to to share what we love to do.

There are many more August releases than the ones I've chosen to read. In choosing books that interest me, I'm trying to discern if the writing and plot are enough. I've listened to about 2-5% in each of these books and know, thus far, we will do well. 

I realize that it's best for me to get in with more than one book so, that I'm already interested to move on to the next. Reading one book at a time and then picking up another that doesn't hold my attention leaves me blank for days. I lose steam and dawdle. Already I have finished 6 books in July, with this method, and am so pleased. I could've read more if I would've adopted this way much sooner.

Here's the release dates for these books and others that aren't shown that I may read;

August 1

Gravel Heart by Abdulrazak Gurnah

The Address by Fiona Davis

Locked in Temptation by Brenda Jackson

Stay With Me by Ayobami Adebayo

Surrender to Me by Donna Hill

August 8

The Paris Spy by Susan Elia MacNeal

All is Beauty Now by Sarah Faber

To Wager Her Heart Tamera Alexander

A Promise of Ruin by Cuyler Overholt

August 15

Seeking Sarah by Roshanda Tate Billingsley

The Party by Elizabeth Day

The Wardrobe Mistress by Meghan Masterson

August 22

The Other Girl by Erica Spindler

August 29

Pretty, Nasty, Lovely by Rosalind Noonan

Breakfast in Bed by Rochelle Alers

I'm not meshing well with BOSS thus far to my utter disappointment. However, I read some reviews and this book is supposed to become riveting so, I will trudge forth and perhaps skim until I reach that point. I actually put it down and moved on to The Most Beautiful Woman in Florence: A Story about Botticelli by Alyssa Palombo. 

I hope I can get another book read in the next 3 days. April has definitely been a hell of a month for me. 

Finished another book by Jen Turano. I've enjoyed all the books I've read by her. Today I hope to immerse myself into the world of Boss. Tracy's books are usually emotional rollercoasters and I've been told Boss won't disappoint.