What I’m Reading ( & Loving)
Since I stopped writing for a while, I’ve been able to do something I’d almost forgotten how to do properly: read purely for fun.
When you’re deep in writing mode, reading can start to feel… analytical. You notice structure. Dialogue pacing. Plot mechanics. Instead of getting swept away by the story, you’re dissecting it.
Taking a break from writing allowed me to turn off that part of my brain again.
Now I’m reading the way I used to: following vibes, chasing tropes I love, and picking up books that make me think yes, this is exactly the kind of story I want right now.
Apparently, I’m in a very specific mood.
The Slightly Gothic, Slightly Unhinged Reads
Apparently this year I’ve been drawn to stories that feel a little haunted.
Books like Plain Bad Heroines by Emily M. Danforth and The Red Tree by Caitlin R. Kiernan lean hard into that eerie, atmospheric energy I love. Stories where the setting feels alive and slightly dangerous. Give me strange houses, creeping dread, complicated women, and a little bit of chaos and I’m happy.
Triad by Mary Leader, a book long since out of print (and the inspiration for the Fleetwood Mac song ‘Rhiannon’), also fits into that darker, more introspective mood. I’ve realized that when I’m reading lately, I tend to gravitate toward stories that feel a little unsettling but deeply immersive. The kind of books that pull you into their atmosphere and refuse to let go.
Romance With Teeth
On the opposite end of the spectrum, I’ve also been gravitating toward stories that are lighter but still sharp around the edges. Payback’s a Witch (Lana Harper) was a delight. Witchy chaos, revenge plots, and messy feelings all wrapped together with a humorous bow. And Alexandria Bellefleur’s Playing for Keeps scratched that “romance with big personalities and big emotions” itch.
I love romances where the characters feel a little dramatic, a little messy, and very real. Give me banter, tension, and people making questionable emotional decisions, and I’m completely on board.
Currently Reading
Right now I’m working my way through Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid, which has been interesting for a couple reasons. First, it’s just a compelling story on its own. But it also sits in a similar thematic space to my own book, so reading it feels a little like peeking into a neighboring creative universe.
It’s always fascinating to see how other authors approach similar emotional territory.
The Books Waiting Patiently on My TBR
My to-be-read list is… ambitious. Too many to talk about here, but I’ll cover a few.
High on that list is The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue, which I’ve heard incredible things about and which lives in a similar orbit to the kind of contemporary stories I’m drawn to lately.
I’m also hoping to finally read Carmilla, one of those classic gothic vampire stories that has influenced so much of the genre that came after it.
Then there’s Our Wives Under the Sea (Julia Armfield), which I’ve heard described as haunting, surreal, and emotionally devastating in the best possible way… which means I’m both excited and a little nervous to pick it up.
And finally, Máire Roche’s Bromantasy, which caught my attention purely because the premise sounds chaotic in the best way. Fantasy with humor and strong friendships is exactly the kind of energy I enjoy. And the cover made me giggle.
Why Reading Matters (Especially If You’re a Writer)
One of the side effects of stepping away from writing is that reading starts to feel magical again. Not because I forgot how stories work, but because I stopped trying to control them.
Instead of analyzing every twist (Virgos, that means you), I get to be surprised again.
And honestly, that might be the best way to refill the creative well. The more stories I fall in love with as a reader, the more excited I get to eventually return to the page as a writer.
So for now, I’m in my reader era. And who knows? Maybe one of those books will be the lightning strike that sends me back to my keyboard.
