May was a very interesting month for me. I only read two books and didn't really love either. I was very busy this month and tended to turn to watching my favorite shows to relax rather than read. Oh well! I did haul eight books as well, which was quite exciting. I can only hope that June will involve more reading and less stress.
1.
Title: Stealing Their Harley
Authors: Amanda Perry & AJ Anders
Rating: 2 // 5 stars
2.
Title: Unwritten Rules
Author: Eliah Greenwood
Rating: 3 // 5 stars
Rating: 3 // 5 stars
The first book I picked up this month was my preorder of Book of Night by Holly Black. This is the signed Waterstones edition with the gorgeous stenciled edges. I've heard good things about Holly Black's adult fantasy so I'm hoping that I'll enjoy it. Additionally, the edges on this one are stunning. I think most importantly, though, I used a gift card that got thrown away to preorder this so I couldn't cancel for a different edition without losing the money.
Speaking of, I also got the Illumicrate edition of Book of Night this month as well. This edition has an exclusive cover, sprayed edges, fancy endpages, embossing on the naked hardcover, and bonus content. It's a beautiful edition, though I do think I prefer the edges on the Waterstones one. I do really like the cover change to a lighter cover as I think it was a bold choice that differentiates this edition from others.
I picked up a copy of Payback's A Witch by Lana Harper. This one was on my wishlist and TBR from last fall (specifically around Halloween time). I didn't pick it up then, though, as I wanted to read it from the library first and I just never got to it. However, when I saw it go on sale for 1/4 the original price, I snatched it up. I adore the premise of this witchy, sapphic romance and the cover is stunning. I probably will wait to read it, though, until we're closer to spooky season.
Up next I got Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li. This is the Illumicrate edition from the April box and I'm so excited about it. I wanted a copy of this book and finding out Illumicrate were doing a special edition was so exciting. I had to wait a while, though, for this edition to come in after release. This edition has an exclusive cover, sprayed edges, artwork on the dust jacket, embossing, and is signed. I love it and I can't wait to read it this summer.
Then I picked up the new UK paperback of Illusionary by Zoraida Córdova. I love the UK covers for this duology and I had picked up the paperback of the first book last fall when it was on sale. My plan right now is to read the duology from these paperbacks and annotate and tab them. I just want a set of this duology that is annotated and looks well-loved.
Up next I got my preorder of the Waterstones paperback of A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas. This is the paperback edition that has recently published with a bonus story at the back (that was originally included in the hardcovers). I am looking at getting the new paperbacks of this series and annotating them in the near future. However, I'm even more excited for the Barnes & Noble paperback later this year that has an exclusive cover change.
I also grabbed Alone With You in the Ether by Olivie Blake. This book was recently picked up for traditional publication but I knew that I wanted the indie version as well before that happened. AWYITE has also been blowing up recently online and I've heard nothing but good things. It's a bit intimidating but I'm also very intrigued to read it.
The last book I got in May was The Stardust Thief by Chelsea Abdullah. This is the Fairyloot edition that came in the May YA box. I knew this was the book in advance and I was excited for it as I've heard good things and it was on my wishlist. I'm also quite happy with the customizations on this one. It has an exclusive cover, sprayed edges, artwork on the endpages, embossing, and is signed. I love the purple changes as purple is my favorite color. However, my copy did come a bit damaged so I'm waiting to hear back from Fairyloot on if I qualify for an exchange/replacement.
