I made a decision to try and reach 100 books this YEAR. I was hesitant. I thought it was a reach goal. I haven’t read that much in over a decade. I spent college not getting to read much for pleasure. And then that whole becoming a mom thing happened. Truthfully, it had been a long time since I had really been a reader. But in the last year, I had gotten into listening to audio books while I did chores. I started picking up more books. Then I took the plunge and signed up for Kindle Unlimited. The next thing I knew, I was crossing 140 books. I’m averaging about 1.35 books a day. I read 70-80pgs an hour. I pump out a 400pg book between 8pm-1am most nights. I’m reading like I’m in middle school again. And I’m not mad about it. I upped my goal to 365 books this year. If I keep the pace I’m at, I *should* actually read about 493 books. But we’ll see how close my math is at the end of the year.
I’m so excited that bookstagram has EXPLODED. This is a positive to social media. I have found most of my books through some awesome accounts. I spend most of my life reading about dead people, or reading works by people that are dead. It’s kind of my running joke. So when I’m not, I like to read fluff. Yup. I like a good old fashion, Hallmark-movie worthy, cheesy romance. I’ll own those golden retriever MMCs and feisty FMC all day long. Rachel Parker has been one of my most favorite accounts, @ClosedDoorRomance, because she is SO organized! Have a favorite trope? She’s got a list! Have a favorite genre? She’s got a list! She’s also super sweet to chat with!
I started reading so much, I’ve been trying to track my reading progress, and highlighting some of my favs on my own reading account @nurturedbeereads.
So what have I actually been reading? Well, here are a few of my favorite highlights.
Annah Conwell- IRL-so kind! I love getting to chat with authors on the interwebs, and she’s one of my favs. I’ve also been reading through her books with a friend which has made them extra fun! She provides playlists that go with most of the books. I think Grayson’s is my favorite so far. I mean, honestly, the karaoke scene. MELTING.
One Last Play This is actually part of her first series, Sweet Peach, but is the sister of the Carter Brother’s whose books are below here.
But He’s My Grumpy Neighbor
But He’s My One Regret
And then SPRINT to get her new release But He’s My Fake Fiancé.
I also read The Golden Goal, and am absolutely wiggling for the rest of the More Than A Game series to release!
Annah’s INSTAGRAM
Kate Watson– Kate easily has some of the most relatable characters I’ve read. The Janes are funny, quirky, and perfectly flawed. For me, good books are when you can relate to the characters, see parts of yourself in them, but still have that feeling of escapism. Which is a strong word, but that’s what I’m going with. Sweet As Sugar Maple is worth the sweetness!
Strawberry Fields For Never
Baby Llama Drama
It’s Always Sonny
Don’t Go Faking My Heart (coming November 2024)
Emma St. Clair- I think it’s so fun that this is actually her pen name!
I started with Just Don’t Fall which is part of the Sweater Weather series, with a collection of authors. They’re all independent reads, perfect for cozy fall days. But this led me down the rabbit trail. She continued on with the Appies and pulled in friend Jenny Proctor (below). The second book being A Groom of One’s Own. Eli is the epitome of Golden Retriever MMC. The way he takes care of his mama- oh my goodness. I absolutely can not wait for the next Appies books to come out! And to read more St. Clair.
Jenny Proctor- As I mentioned above, she has tag teamed with Emma writing the Appies books and I’ve been crawling through her repertoire too.
Absolutely Not in Love- another Appies book & part of Sweater Weather series.
Romancing the Grump- Appies, coming May 2024
Ok, so here’s a few non-romance books that I’ve been reading:
Dan Jones- Dan has been one of my favorite historians for a few years now. He’s right in my niche and his narrative style of writing makes it come alive. “Elinor of Aquitaine both captivated and terrified her new husband.” Seriously, cackled and snorted. He writes absolute GOLD, but more than that it’s organized, he sticks to the facts, but better than any text book.
Powers and Thrones
The Plantagenets
Dr. Joanne Paul– a fabulous historian, I’ve actually listened to her chat on a few history podcasts; to the surprise of no one.
The House Of Dudley
Laurie & Chet Williamson– if we’re friends, you likely know that my neighbors are authors. Among all of the other bajillion super cool things they do. Seriously, they are the most interesting people, and so very kind and dear. And bonus: they’re actually INCREDIBLE authors. Gosh it was so hard not to just run next door and give live reactions.
Murder Old and New
A Step Across
Do you have a favorite trope? Genre? Who’s your favorite author? Reading goals!? Let me know! Leave a comment here or reach out on the socials:
@TheNurturedBee or @NurturedBeeReads
The Nurtured Bee 
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