Six Captivating Reads Reviewed

May turned out to be an unexpectedly great month for reading. Although it started slowly, I ended up reading six books, largely thanks to a week-long focus on romance novels. Remarkably, the first three books I read were all five-star reads, a rare occurrence for me. Here’s a detailed wrap-up of my May reading journey:

### **The Ministry of Time by Kayanne Bradley**

The Ministry of Time was an unexpected delight. This book was sent to me by the author, and it's one of the most unique five-star reads I've ever encountered. The plot revolves around a woman who helps historical refugees acclimate to the 21st century, thanks to the British government's discovery of time travel. She assists a naval officer from the 1800s, while her colleagues handle individuals from various other periods.

The book is a blend of literary fiction and sci-fi, woven with themes of grief and the immigrant experience. The author, British-Cambodian herself, beautifully integrates her background into the narrative. The writing is poetic and profound, making this book stand out in its own category. The emotional depth and plot twists kept me hooked, and I highly recommend giving it at least 80 pages to fully appreciate its brilliance.

### **Iron Gold by Pierce Brown**

Next, I delved into Iron Gold by Pierce Brown, the fourth book in the Red Rising series. This installment marks a shift from the original trilogy, introducing multiple perspectives and a darker, more graphic tone. The series expands significantly in this book, making it a bit overwhelming at times, but also deeply engaging.

Reading this book as part of a buddy read was incredibly helpful, allowing me to navigate the complex world and characters more easily. Despite its challenges, Iron Gold was a five-star read for me, thanks to its nostalgic characters and immersive world-building. I recommend reading the series back-to-back to fully appreciate the continuity and depth of the story.

### **Happy Place by Emily Henry**

I also revisited Emily Henry's Happy Place. The paperback release prompted me to reread and annotate this book, and I found it even more compelling the second time around. Despite its summery and cheerful cover, Happy Place delves into some of the saddest themes Henry has written about.

Rereading this book allowed me to notice details I missed the first time, and solidified my appreciation for Henry's writing. Her descriptive and atmospheric style in this book contrasts with her newer work, Funny Story, but both styles have their unique charm. Happy Place remains a five-star read for me.

### **This Summer Will Be Different by Kly Fortune**

This Summer Will Be Different by Kly Fortune was a pleasant surprise. Set on Prince Edward Island, the story begins with an unexpected encounter at a bar, leading to a complex and dramatic narrative involving old friends and forbidden romance. Despite my initial hesitation, I enjoyed Fortune's writing and the book's summer vibes.

However, I struggled to connect with the main characters, which slightly affected my overall experience. I gave this book 3.5 stars, recognizing it as a solid summer read that others might enjoy more than I did.

### **Love Redesigned by Lauren Asher**

Love Redesigned by Lauren Asher was a bit of a letdown. Known for her popular billionaire romance series, Asher's latest book features a similar theme but failed to capture my interest. The plot involves two house renovators with a shared history, but I couldn't connect with the characters or the straightforward writing style.

Julian, the male lead, didn't appeal to me, and the book's lengthy 519 pages felt unnecessary. As a result, I rated it 2.5 stars. Fans of Asher's previous work might enjoy this book more, but it wasn't for me.

### **The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren**

Finally, I read The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren, a delightful and fun read perfect for summer. The plot involves a marriage of convenience between an artist struggling with bills and a professor who needs to appear married to secure his inheritance. Set on a private island, the story is filled with humor, romance, and entertaining scenarios.

I breezed through this book, finding it both engaging and lighthearted. It's a mostly happy book with just the right amount of drama and emotion. I gave it 4.5 stars and highly recommend it as a beach or poolside read.

### **Conclusion**

In summary, my May reading list was diverse and enriching. If I had to recommend just one book from this month, it would be **The Ministry of Time** for its unique blend of literary fiction and sci-fi. For a lighter, fun read, **The Paradise Problem** would be my top pick. Each book brought something different to the table, making May a memorable reading month.

Happy reading!