Welcome to my weekly reading log, where I’ll give you the full receipts of how my reading week actually went. Everything from what I finished, what I started and paused, any DNFs, and sometimes a gem I can’t wait until the monthly wrap-up to talk about. Think of it like a reading vlog, just written. You’ll get my honest, unfiltered thoughts as they happen. Fair warning: if a book is spicy, I make no promises about staying sane.
my supposed tbr for the first few days of january
My plan for the first few days of January was simple: finally make a dent in In Your Dreams by Sarah Adams and read up to 70%. For my Fable book clubs, I planned to read through chapter 3 of The Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarros and up to chapter 4 of Servant of Earth by Sarah Hawley.
While I’ve been a mood reader for most of my life, last year I made a conscious effort to stick to a monthly TBR—and it worked! But as I mentioned in my December wrap-up, I think my Heated Rivalry psychosis permanently altered my brain chemistry, because I’ve officially reverted back to mood reading. While researching book recommendations that include the “spitting in mouth” kink for a Pagebound list, one title kept popping up. Eventually, I gave in… The TBR was derailed, plans were abandoned, and now I’m fully in my spicy-book era again.
what i haven’t finished
In Your Dreams by Sarah Adams: The When In Rome series by Sarah Adams is a wonderful, closed-door romance series—and one I can actually remember the plot of each book from, which is an accomplishment in itself. Every character is genuinely precious and deserving of a warm hug!
PLOT: Madison has a habit of starting things and never quite finishing them. Her latest attempt at reinvention took her to NYC to pursue life as a chef, but when her confidence and her dreams are shattered, she finds herself in need of a fresh start. Unfortunately, that fresh start comes in the form of a chef position at a brand-new farm-to-table restaurant in her hometown, a place she didn’t want to return to until her life looked better. Reluctantly, she agrees because now she’ll be working for James Huxley, owner of Huxley Farm, her brother’s best friend . . . and the last person she wants to work for.
Ever since I read Beg, Borrow, or Steal, I’ve been highly anticipating Madison and James’ story, fully expecting to devour it. And honestly, there’s nothing wrong with this book. Every time I pick it up, I enjoy the banter, the sibling dynamics, and the slow burn romance. I’m just in a strange reading headspace right now, so I’ve decided to softly pause this one for now and come back to it when I can actually enjoy it.
what i’m obsessed with
Dead of Summer by AJ Merlin: I had never heard of this book or author before, but a Reddit thread about the spitting kink in romance books kept bringing it up, claiming it had changed readers’ minds about the kink entirely. As someone who already loves this kink both in real life and in books, I knew I had to check it out immediately. And let me tell you… my life has changed. Okay, maybe that’s an exaggeration, but… maybe not.
Usually, when spitting shows up in romance, it’s limited to a single scene. This book, however, makes spitting its entire personality, foreplay, main course, and dessert! Kayde spits into Summer’s mouth like it’s his sole mission in life, and I am 100% here for it on my knees with mouth wide open.
PLOT: Summer is a counselor at a summer camp when a new counselor arrives. During a night round, she stumbles upon Kayde—armed with knives, ropes, and everything he’d need to kill an entire camp full of kids. To keep her quiet, he promises not to hurt anyone if she plays nice with him—basically become his toy. With no better option and desperate to protect the campers and her fellow counselors, Summer agrees. But soon, it becomes clear that there’s someone even more sinister much closer to them—and they’re also out for blood.
Normally, if a book is 500+ pages of mostly smut, I get put off. Yes, even I—a devoted lover of filthy smut—have my limits. This book does have an interesting plot, but it definitely takes a backseat to just how good the spice is, especially the dirty talk. It thrives on praise, and not just your typical “good girl”. The author really leans into the praise kink, exploring it in creative, varied ways that never feel repetitive.
The dirty talk alone deserves all the stars. Kayde left me in shock with the things he’d say and do. He’s getting added to my favorite book boyfriends, right up there with Carter from Untouchable by Sam Mariano, Killian and Niko from Legacy of Gods series by Rina Kent, and Nathan from Lawless God by Lola King.
mood/vibe check
Apparently, spitting was the vibe I went with this week, and I have zero complaints.
Which book did you kick off January with? Let me know below!
From my cozy little corner,
Love that you’re calling it a reading receipt! So clever!