June & July were a couple of busy months- both personally and for reading! I somehow managed to read 15 books across both months and across one and a half countries. It was two months filled of high highs and some very memorable lows (at least reading wise). I gave an average rating of 3.75.
So, let’s get into it…
Lights Out by Navessa Allen 4 Stars: This is marketed as a “dark romance”, but I found it to be rather charming (no, I’m not sure what that says about me). While it can have darker themes, these are quickly pushed to the side as you get to know the characters and the story unfolds.
Bad Jews by Joshua Harmon 4 Stars: This was just a classic Jewish good time.
The Will of the Many by James Islington 4 Stars: This is one of those books that I just loved the complex nature that I had zero understanding of. Do I find that some things needed further meaning and explanation? Sure. Did we get that? No. Did I love it anyway? Yes. Especially that ending- I need more information now.
This Summer Will be Different by Carley Fortune 3.5 Stars: I picked this up because it takes place on one of my favorite places- Prince Edward Island, Canada. I really enjoyed it, the romance was endearing, even if I’m not a second chance type of person (if this could even be a second chance- maybe more of a physical to emotional romance.
Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry 2.5 Stars: Look this was overhyped for me in the worst way. I found the female main character to be obnoxious, the story to be too obvious and predictable and I just was not a fan from start to finish.
The Compound by Aisling Rawle 3.75 Stars: This came a bit out of a left field, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Big Brother meets Survivor (in a weird way)? Sign me up! My only big complaint about this book was that at times it was almost too complacent, then it would do something shocking to try and push the characters into the arc, but the timing was off. Highly recommend though.
House of Bane and Blood by Alexis L. Menard 5 Stars: Sometimes a book comes at just the right time when you’re in the right place and that was what this duology was. An excellent steam punk urban fantasy story that I loved from start to finish. This first one is full of world building (but not overwhelmingly so), and the beginning of the tension.
City of Mirth and Malice by Alexis L. Menard 5 Stars: This is the second book in this duology, and I found it to be the perfect concluding story, while still allowing the door to be open for any future spin off stories (which I think could easily happen). This was a good balance between the world and the fantasy with the romance- neither one crowding the other out.
Rose in Chains by Julie Soto 3.75 Stars: I think this is the first “dark romance” that I’ve read that I’ve felt uncomfortable during. Granted I don’t read a lot, and I am very aware of what my triggers are when it comes to books, I found this to have some very uncomfortable moments (as it should given the world). Still, I enjoyed the overall story and I need the next book ASAP. While I know where the trope is going, I am appreciating the tension and slow build/burn of the characters.
The Hunters Way by Craig Raleigh NR: To be honest, I don’t know if I could tell you anything about this book today. Zero. This was an audio book my husband picked while we were driving, and I think that’s about all there is to tell.
Gloves Off by Stephanie Archer 4 Stars: Stephanie Archers is like Elsie Silver or Elle Kennedy; I can usually count on her for a solid (if maybe not memorable) romance that’s a good time.
A Photo Finish by Elsie Silver 3 Stars: This was a solid romance that covered some more …mature (? Not sure the word, just haven’t seen some of the convo’s that exist in here in other books) themes and conversations that I enjoyed. I also enjoy the parallel to the first Elsie Silver series of books that I read (this follows the sister from the reckless series of books).
Everyone is Lying to You by Jo Piazza 5 Stars: What an absolute delight of a book. From start to finish I loved this. Maybe it’s because it ties very much into the current themes of social media, with a mystery twist, or it just came at the right time, but boy do I recommend this one for a fun time.
Call Me Hunter by Jim Shockey 3 Stars: Another audio book selection by my husband, but this one I have thoughts one. I enjoyed it, though I think it was almost too expansive- the through line between the two timelines/stories became lost and muddled as the story grew.
The Fraud Squad by Kyle Zhao 2 Stars: I was hoping for something fun and instead I got an annoying main character (who I don’t know if she was naïve or dumb), a very loose predictable plot, but fun details. Basically, The Devil Wears Prada but not.
And that wraps it up! We’re halfway through August now and I’ve already read 4 books…will August shape up to be as good as the rest of the months this year?
A Cuppa Cosy 