The Bookish Ashley

May was a month full of unexpected twists, tender moments, and books that completely pulled me in. From spooky romance to deep personal insight, my bookshelf got a little taste of everything. Here’s what I read and loved (or didn’t) this month:

🌙 Crazy Spooky Love by Josie Silver

A charming blend of ghostly whimsy and heartfelt romance, this book was such a delightful surprise. Set in a small village with a mysterious haunted house, it’s a cozy, witchy love story that had just the right balance of lightheartedness and emotional depth. Josie Silver really leaned into the magical realism here, and I was so here for it. Perfect for fans of sweet supernatural reads with a slow-burn love story.

🌅 Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry

Emily Henry proves again why she’s a go-to author for contemporary romance. This story felt like summer sunshine bottled up into a book—bittersweet, funny, and brimming with heart. The characters were beautifully flawed and real, and their emotional journey had me tearing up and laughing in the same chapter. If you love character-driven romances with depth, don’t skip this one.

🧠 How to Know a Person by David Brooks

A change of pace from my usual fiction-heavy reading, this book was thoughtful, eye-opening, and surprisingly moving. Brooks explores how we can better connect with the people around us and move beyond surface-level interactions. A must-read for anyone interested in meaningful relationships, empathy, or just being a better listener. I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time.

🌸 Destructively Mine by Krista & Becca Ritchie

Intense. Emotional. Addictive. This dark romance was messy in the best way, full of tension, heartbreak, and characters who are impossible to forget. The dynamic between the leads had me absolutely hooked, even when it hurt. If you enjoy morally grey characters and dramatic, slow-burn love stories, this is one to add to your TBR.

🕶️ The Summer She Went Missing by Chelsea Ichaso

A quick, twisty YA thriller that was pure popcorn-reading. Set in a small town with secrets bubbling just beneath the surface, this story had an eerie atmosphere and a strong lead character trying to piece together a mystery that hits too close to home. I read this one in a single sitting—it’s fast, fun, and a little creepy in the best way.

🔪 The Tenant by Freida McFadden

McFadden is becoming a queen of the psychological thriller, and this one delivered all the chills. Claustrophobic, suspenseful, and full of unreliable narrators, The Tenant had me questioning everything—and everyone. The ending? Chef’s kiss. If you love domestic thrillers with smart twists, you’ll fly through this one.

✨ Final Thoughts

May’s reading list was an emotional rollercoaster in the best possible way—romance, thrillers, heartbreak, and hope. I love when a month of reading leaves me feeling a little more connected to both myself and the stories we all carry.

📖 What did you read in May? Have you picked up any of these titles yet? Let’s talk books in the comments!