Loren Paige

Barnes & Noble dropped their summer reading picks, so naturally I went scrolling. Here’s a curated lineup of what caught my attention — from swoony romances and twisty thrillers to nonfiction deep-dives and underrated gems. I added my quick thoughts on each title so you can skip the duds and head straight for your next beach read.

Romantasy is where epic fantasy meets swoon-worthy romance, and this list is your gateway to the most enchanting tales out there. From dragon riders and magical realms to forbidden love, fierce heroines, and morally gray love interests, these books will transport you to worlds where adventure and desire collide. Whether you're chasing slow-burn romantasy, found family, or books that broke you in the best way, this curated list is filled with the ones I actually recommend. Not every BookTok pick lives up to the hype — but these? These are the real gems.

Your ultimate summer reading list is here—curated by your bookish bestie so you never miss a hot new release. From swoony romances and edge-of-your-seat thrillers to magical fantasy escapes, these are the must-read books dropping this season. Whether you're beach reading or binge-reading, there's something new here you need to add to your TBR.

Reading is my favorite form of self-care, and these cozy essentials make every reading session feel like a warm hug. From soft blankets and ambient lighting to my go-to snacks and beverages, this list includes everything that transforms my reading time into a comforting ritual. Whether you're curling up with a fantasy novel or diving into a thriller, these items help set the perfect mood.

There are tons of BookTubers out there — but these are the ones I actually watch. Whether I’m looking for cozy vibes, honest recs, deep convos, or someone to hype up my next romantasy read, these creators make me feel seen and inspired. If you're building your bookish YouTube feed, these are the channels I think are 100% worth your sub.

Pre-orders don’t count against your book-buying ban (right?), so here’s your excuse to stock up for August. I’ve rounded up the most exciting new releases hitting shelves this month — from spicy romantasy to twisty thrillers to cozy reads perfect for your end-of-summer vibe. This list is broken down by genre, so scroll to your fav and get that TBR ready.

Cookbooks are my cozy little obsession… I love collecting them almost as much as I love flipping through them with a cup of coffee in hand. This list features the tried-and-true cookbooks I actually use in my real life kitchen, from foolproof baking staples to dinner party favorites and weekday lifesavers. If you're looking for beautifully designed books with reliable, repeat-worthy recipes, these are the ones that have earned a permanent spot on my counter.

I have this weird little obsession with salt and pepper shakers, and honestly, I’m not sorry. Whether they’re vintage, animal-shaped, or completely unhinged, these sets add charm to your kitchen and personality to your shelves without taking up much space. This list is for the collector, the cozy maximalist, or anyone who loves a touch of whimsy in their everyday life. Bonus: They make amazing gifts.

My apartment feels like a grown-up fairy treehouse — part coastal retreat, part whimsical dream, and totally me. This list features all the furniture and pieces that bring that magic to life: bold colors, cozy textures, and just the right mix of playful and peaceful. If you're looking to create a space that feels vibrant, intentional, and a little enchanted, you’ll find inspiration (and links!) right here.

Frankie is the true star of my content, and this list showcases his absolute favorite things. From high-tech gadgets to cozy essentials, these are the items that keep him purring with joy. Whether you're a fellow cat parent or just looking to spoil your feline friend, explore Frankie's top picks that blend functionality with a touch of whimsy.

These are the exact tools I use to film my content — from TikToks to YouTube videos and cozy bookish vlogs. Whether I’m recording talking-head recs, product demos, or aesthetic B-roll, this setup keeps things simple, affordable, and creator-friendly. If you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade, here’s what’s helped me stay consistent, confident, and creative.

I've been planning a trip for my nephew and he really wants to go to Hersey PA (because it's every kids dream vacay). Here are some fun things to do and my budget tips I've found along the way!

I love Nasty Gal for bold basics, standout pieces, and affordable outfits that still feel like me. Whether I’m filming, running errands, or pretending I’m starring in a coming-of-age movie montage, these are the items that caught my eye — and made it to my cart. I’ve organized them by vibe so you can scroll your mood: soft, structured, sassy, or somewhere in between.

I love Cider because their pieces are cute, affordable, and ship fast — which is ideal when I’m building an outfit last minute. This list is full of summer outfit inspo organized by where I’d actually wear them: from dinner with friends and casual church days to date nights, beach trips, and everything in between. Scroll through, find a vibe, and don’t be surprised if a few of these looks pop up in my TikToks.

I'm typically a basic girl, but this summer, I'm determined to find my style! If you see me wearing any of these outfits, just know I'm trying to live my cutest summer yet.

Planning a dreamy summer gathering? This list is your go-to guide for hosting a dinner party that feels like it bloomed right out of a garden fairytale. Inspired by the Lenox Butterfly Meadow dinnerware set, these Wayfair finds bring soft charm, golden light, and effortless elegance to any backyard soirée. From whimsical table settings to twinkly lights and thoughtful little touches, everything here is meant to help you create a night your guests will never forget.

May was a whirlwind of stories — cozy romances, edge-of-your-seat thrillers, and fantasy escapes that made me forget to check my screen time. This list includes every book I picked up this month (the hits and the DNFs), with honest thoughts and recs for whatever kind of reader you are.

All the books I read in April *sigh* they were lovely! Here are my honest, at-a-glance book reviews!