How Do You Read?
Libby's my best friend. Plus, a few recent life things.
My original plan was to send out a Romance Adjacent newsletter every week, but here we are, two weeks later! So, I’m amending my original goal to twice per month, more if I’m feeling particularly jazzed. I have so many things/ideas/notes I want to share, but my boss (Ollie, 1.5 years old) can be very demanding.
There is something that I’ve been really curious about. What’s your favorite way to read? For me, I’d definitely prefer a real book. There are few things I love more than a hardcover. But since I mostly read during Ollie’s naps and/or when I’m nursing him to sleep (real talk: yes, I still do this), I’ll use my Kindle. More specifically, the Kindle app on my phone. I do not recommend this method—the screens of my last two iPhones fried—but this is truly the easiest option for me, so broken phones be damned. (I also have a Kindle Paperwhite that I use occasionally.)
For both the Kindle and Kindle app, I use a black background with white writing. I find this to be easier on my eyes, plus it doesn’t emit too much light when I’m reading in Ollie’s dark room. I almost always use Libby, the library app that allows you to borrow digital books through your local library. In Libby, I currently have four books on loan and twenty on hold. I never borrow more than three or four at a time because I hate rushing through them, and if a book that I’m holding becomes available when I’m not ready for it, I just opt to have it delivered at a later date. This system works best for me.
To throw in another curve ball, I also have a Kindle Unlimited subscription (which is $11.99/month). It physically pains me to give Amazon money every month (on top of the ridiculous amount of Amazon packages we already receive), but if you’ve gone down a romance rabbit hole like I have, this subscription is unfortunately ideal. A huge selection of romance is on KU, even many new releases. Between Libby and KU, I’m able to read most romance in a digital format.
Because I’m averaging two books a week right now, this makes the most sense for me, both practically and financially. I’m not sure how my husband would feel about adding a hundred books every year to our already packed bookshelves (full disclosure: I’d be totally fine with it).
Even so, I still buy a ton of books at my local bookstore (or any independent bookstore I come across). In fact, I’ll rarely leave a bookstore without buying at least one book for me and one for Ollie. Not only do I do this to offset my digital consumption, but I also love physical books more than most things in life.
Let me know how you read in the below polls (view in browser or on the app to participate!):
Sorry audiobook listeners! I didn’t include anything on audiobooks because I don’t use them. Do you? Let me know if I’m missing out. And send me a note (or comment in the app) if you’d like to elaborate on your poll answers. I love talking about the minutiae of reading habits. What kind of bookmarks are we using? Do you use the highlighting function on the Kindle to save passages? Are we reading in airplane mode to extend our Libby loans? Preordering new releases?
And now, a few recent things:
LIFE UPDATE
Chloe Heath, the interior designer we worked with on our home renovation, stopped by the house to chat about some final items we need before our photoshoot (!!!) in a couple months. Once we have those photos, I’ll share all the fun details from the reno. I cannot wait!
IN MY SHOPPING CART
Old Navy kick flare pants: Ali LaBelle recommended these High Sport dupes and I trust anything she shares. The fact that they’re less than $20 is also extremely appealing.
Grenson fisherman sandals: I’m quite loyal to my Jenni Kayne fisherman sandals, but I’ve been looking for a brown leather pair to add to my repertoire. I’ve heard only good things about Brit brand, Grenson, and think these will be perfect for spring.
Dino crocs: One day you’re out at the bars with your friends, the next you’re buying toddler crocs with dinosaurs on them. Sigh.
Pottery Barn table lamp: I always have a hard time picking out lamps, but hopefully this one, with its USB port for easy phone charging, will work for our new desk in the office.
BEDTIME ROUTINE
I ordered this CurrentBody LED mask during Black Friday (when it was majorly discounted) and have been using it almost every night since then. While I still look tired as hell thanks to Ollie’s frequent night wakings, I feel like my skin appears a touch glowier and firmer. After the mask, I slather my face in Oak Essentials Moisture Rich Balm, which is a hero product for me.
COME-UP
I’ve been searching for a pair of brown corduroys for several months. I even ordered the Levi’s ones during BF and *stupidly* returned them because I wanted the longer inseam. My size, of course, has been out of stock ever since. The other day, I spotted a pair of brown cords in a pile of my husband’s old clothes that he planned to sell on eBay. Kyle is obviously larger than me, but he said they were too small on him (after they’d been poorly tailored), so I tried them on…and fell in love?? They’re loose in the waist, but almost in a perfect, effortless way that’s easily remedied with a belt. FREE PANTS! The brand is BEAMS (here they are!) and, believe it or not, the size is Men’s XL. More cords here, here, here, and, of course, the Levi’s. Shoot, I might have to order these ones, too.
READS
You, With a View by Jessica Joyce: Remember my smutty hangover cure from the last newsletter? I’ve since finished and I’m surprised how much I enjoyed it. The story has so much heart, with an underlying emotional journey about grief and healing that really resonated with me. The chemistry between the main characters is downright electric, too. Rating: 4.5/5; Spice: 3/5
The Long Game by Elena Armas: After reading You, With a View, I tried The Long Game, but quit about 75% through. I’m usually a huge fan of Armas’s novels, but this one was tough to get in to. The main characters had zero redeeming qualities and no chemistry. The storyline was a bit confusing, too (which I don’t think was intentional). Are you curious to know my DNF (did not finish) reads? I’m pretty cut-throat when it comes to reading and will quit with zero remorse! Rating: 1/5; Spice: 0.5/5
The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory: I needed a palate cleanser after The Long Game and can always count on Jasmine Guillory to deliver something really sweet. The Wedding Date thankfully fit the bill perfectly. Plus, it started with one of my favorite tropes: fake dating. I paused this about 50% in because one of my library loans was almost due (The Fake Mate, below), but now that I’ve finished that loan, I can’t wait to get back into this.
The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson: Y’all *fans oneself*—I really loved this book. This is not for new readers of the romance genre, though. Not only is it steamy as heck, it’s also paranormal, so there are some details that are better suited for romance veterans (like an alpha/omega dynamic). But! It also has everything you’d want in a romance: multiple, well-executed tropes (grumpy-sunshine! fake dating!); super cute banter; a villain threatening to expose said fake dating; and dramatic third act adversity. I’d consider it un-put-down-able. Rating: 4/5; Spice: 4.5/5
In case you missed it:
In the last newsletter, we had our first lesson in Romance 101: smut! Plus, I included a few recs if you’re new to spice.
I love screenshotting cute outfits I see. Here’s my take on those outfits in my new column I’ll Have What She’s Having.
Why do I read so many romance novels? I wrote an essay on my love for HEAs (note the TW before reading).
As always, thanks for reading. It means so much to get notes from you about the newsletter! I’m often asked, “But, what should I read if I’m totally new to the romance genre?” I don’t think this is a one-size-fits-all answer, so we’re going to explore some different scenarios and subgenres in the next newsletter and hopefully you’ll find something that suits your fancy. See you then!
*I occasionally use affiliate links and will receive a small percentage of a sale linked through this newsletter. For books, I always advocate to borrow from the library (Libby!) or buy in your local bookstore. If you’d like to buy online, consider bookshop.org.
Just discovered your newsletter - obsessed with your style! Bought a kindle in November and it’s life changing. As for audiobooks, I’ve realized I like them specifically for thrillers and nonfiction/ memoir.
I've been reading a non-romance book for a few weeks and have NOT been able to get into it. I decided to read a romance book to get back into things, and it was such a delight and really scratched that itch I think you've mentioned in past newsletters. And now I'm onto Mrs. Nash's Ashes! Only about 20 pages in, but enjoying it so far.
I'm mostly a Kindle reader (I love being able to read a few pages on my phone's Kindle app when I'm waiting in line or on the subway), but sometimes, I get a real urge for a physical book. I try to stick to "you can either purchase it in one format or the other," but I'll admit I've bought both the e-book and physical book before (sometimes, I can't wait 34,234 weeks for a book from Libby!). My latest bedtime routine is to put my phone to charge and read on my Kindle in the dark for a few minutes before closing my eyes.
Also, those cords look amazing on you! What a great hand-me-across find.