September 2022 Reads

Happy fall, y’all!! Sweater szn is here. :D

September is a complete blur for me. I feel like between my new job and everything else kicking into high gear at the end of summer, my schedule was jam packed and all of the days bled into each other lol. I did spend the last night of September at a silent disco and, let me tell you, if you have never dabbled in a silent disco, you need to ASAP. It was the most fun I’ve had in a while!

My reading was kind of all over the place this month. However, my therapist knows I’m a big reader and has been asking me for MONTHS if I’ve read the second book in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. Which I had been putting off tbh. So I finally gave into the mild peer pressure lmao and dove head first back into the series, and holy hell I have zero regrets. You’ll see in my reviews later, but if it’s not on brand for me to inhale the next three books in the series within two weeks then I don’t know what is lol. 

Okie! With that said, let’s get into everything I read in September!

*All summaries are taken or paraphrased from Goodreads.

Blue Lily, Lily Blue by Maggie Stiefvater

BLUE LILY, LILY BLUE by Maggie Stiefvater

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: Blue Sargent has found things. For the first time in her life, she has friends she can trust, a group to which she can belong. The Raven Boys have taken her in as one of their own. Their problems have become hers, and her problems have become theirs. The trick with found things, though, is how easily they can be lost. Friends can betray. Mothers can disappear. Visions can mislead. Certainties can unravel.

My Thoughts: My name is Haley and I’m officially addicted to the Raven Cycle series and you cannot stop me. This book…sheesh. I adored it. Let’s get my first impulsive thought out of the way… Do I dare say Mr. Grey is a zaddy?? He’s definitely an antagonist turned protagonist and I am here for it. Now that we know what special powers Ronan and Adam have, we start to see them honing in on controlling what they do in relation to Cabe’s Water and the ley lines. I was obsessed with the mentor/mentee relationship between Adam and Persephone. Between her and Calla, I’ve grown extremely fond of their independent witchy spirits and contrasting personalities. You can tell they’re wise AF, but the whimsical and quiet Persephone always comes through with some comedic relief. We’re introduced to a few new characters and although some we’ve heard about in previous books, I was not prepared for the shit storm a couple of them caused. They made this plot THICKEN. It wouldn’t be in my heart to not mention how obsessed I’ve become with the Blue/Gansey dynamic. They’re such a cozy fit, I cannot help but swoon. Additionally, this book made me gasp and cry because it wanted to wreck me emotionally and I was NOT ready for it lol. Take that in stride while you pick up this book because I highly recommend it!

Truth or Beard by Penny Reid

TRUTH OR BEARD by Penny Reid

Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary: Beards, brothers, and bikers! Oh my! Identical twins Beau and Duane Winston might share the same devastatingly handsome face, but where Beau is outgoing and sociable, Duane is broody and reserved. This is why Jessica James, recent college graduate and perpetual level-headed good girl, has been in a naive and unhealthy infatuation with Beau Winston for most of her life. His friendly smiles make her tongue-tied and weak-kneed, and she’s never been able to move beyond her childhood crush. Whereas Duane and Jessica have always been adversaries. She can’t stand him, and she’s pretty sure he can’t stand the sight of her… But after a case of mistaken identity, Jessica finds herself in a massive confusion kerfuffle. Jessica James has spent her whole life paralyzed by the fantasy of Beau and her assumptions of Duane’s disdain, therefore, she’s unprepared for the reality that is Duane’s insatiable interest, as well as his hot hands and hot mouth and hotter looks. Not helping Jessica’s muddled mind and good girl sensibilities, Duane seems to have gotten himself in trouble with the local biker gang, the Iron Order. Certainly, Beau’s magic spell is broken. Yet when Jessica finds herself drawn to the man who was always her adversary, now more dangerous than ever, how much of her level-headed heart is she willing to risk?

My Thoughts: All right, y’all. This book was cute, but it was an incredibly inconsistent experience for me. I was hooked at the beginning of it and was completely sold on the sexual tension burning between Duane and Jessica. Plus, I love a good enemies-to-lovers/fake dating trope combo and this storyline had a little bit of both, so bonus points there. It was nice that we got a better understanding of who Jessica and Duane are as individual characters, what their relationship growing up looked like, and how much potential there is for them moving forward. So all of that was obviously enjoyable. Where I started to have a disconnect was later on in the story when disagreements and/or miscommunications were had. At some points, it felt like the author was spoon feeding me what I should be feeling during those scenes vs. letting the narrative play out naturally and allowing me to develop my own emotions about it. Some parts just seemed very calculated from a plot standpoint and that took away from the experience. Also, (I’m writing this review about a week or 2 after I read the book, so I don’t remember specifics) Duane said some really not nice things to Jessica at one point and I was like, “nope.” Absolutely not would I support any friend getting back together with a guy in real life if he said something like that to her. So yeah, I mean did I enjoy the book overall? Sure! Am I planning to continue the series? Probably not, honestly. If you like the whole “bearded mountain man” thing then this may be a better fit than it was for me lol. 

Heartstopper Vol. 3 by Alice Oseman

HEARTSTOPPER: Vol 3 by Alice Oseman 

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: In this volume, we’ll see the Heartstopper gang go on a school trip to Paris! Not only are Nick and Charlie navigating a new city, but also telling more people about their relationship AND learning more about the challenges each other are facing in private. Meanwhile, Tao and Elle will face their feelings for each other, Tara and Darcy share more about their relationship origin story, and the teachers supervising the trip seem… rather close…?

My Thoughts: EEK! This was so freaking cute. I love the comfortable rhythm Nick and Charlie have fallen into with their new relationship. Plus it was so sweet that Nick is tuned into Charlie’s behaviors and mannerisms enough to notice that he might be going through something and/or might have an eating disorder. It’s also a RELIEF that Tao and Darcy are finally starting to share their feelings because Tao has been a moody turd in the previous two books lol. So this is a good change of pace for his spirits. I don’t need to say it, but I might as well, READ THIS SERIES!

Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe

GENDER QUEER by Maia Kobabe

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: In 2014, Maia Kobabe, who uses e/em/eir pronouns, thought that a comic of reading statistics would be the last comic e would ever write. At the time, it was the only thing e felt comfortable with strangers knowing about em. Now, Gender Queer is here. Maia’s intensely cathartic autobiography charts eir journey to self-identity, which includes the mortification and confusion of adolescent crushes, grappling with how to come out to family and society, bonding with friends over erotic gay fanfiction, and facing the trauma of pap smears. Started as a way to explain to eir family what it means to be non-binary and asexual, Gender Queer is more than a personal story; it is a useful and touching guide on gender identity - what it means and how to think about it - for advocates, friends, and humans everywhere. 

My Thoughts: I’ve been loving graphic novels lately and this memoir was no exception. It was a raw look into the author’s life as e discovers eir gender identity and sexual orientation through vivid illustrations. As a cis woman, I feel it is so important for me to read these types of books because it helps give me perspective of what people in the LGBTQIA experience as they navigate to understand themselves better and how gender doesn’t have to be so defining to a person. It’s also important to remember that literally everyone’s experiences are different and our world as a whole needs to work on changing the way our thinking works when we’re trying to put people into “categories.” This graphic novel was incredibly eye-opening and I think everyone should read it. 

Act Your Age Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert

ACT YOUR AGE, EVE BROWN by Talia Hibbert

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Eve Brown is a certified hot mess. No matter how hard she strives to do right, her life always goes horribly wrong - so she’s given up trying. But when her personal brand of chaos ruins an expensive wedding (someone had to liberate those poor doves), her parents draw the line. It’s time for Eve to grow up and prove herself - even though she’s not entirely sure how… Jacob Wayne is in control. Always. The bed and breakfast owner’s on a mission to dominate the hospitality industry - and he expects nothing less than perfection. So when a purple-haired tornado of a woman turns up out of the blue to interview for his open chef position, he tells her the brutal truth: not a chance in hell. Then she hits him with her car - supposedly by accident. Yeah, right. Now his arm is broken, his B&B is understaffed, and the dangerously unpredictable Eve is fluttering around, trying to help. Before long, she’s infiltrated his work, his kitchen - and his spare bedroom. Jacob hates everything about it. Or rather, he should. Sunny, chaotic Eve is his natural-born nemesis, but the longer these two enemies spend in close quarters, the more their animosity turns into something else. Like Eve, the heat between them is impossible to ignore - and it’s melting Jacob’s frosty exterior.

My Thoughts: This was super cute! It’s been a while since I’ve read the previous two Brown Sisters books, but I had to wait for my turn at the library for this one. I’m glad I did wait though instead of buying the ebook because although I really enjoyed the experience of this book, I don’t know that it’s necessarily one I feel the need to have a copy of my own, yanno? Eve is just straight up chaos in most of the best ways. I loved that she really just owned her aesthetic and personality and if other people didn’t vibe with it, so be it. There were some behaviors she had at the beginning of the book that needed to change, but her overall character development worked those out by the end. Jacob is the perfect grump for this grumpy-sunshine trope. Not to mention, he literally ends up calling Eve “Sunshine” by the end of it :’). He’s got a process and plan in place for absolutely everything at his bed and breakfast and does not like to veer away from those. After Eve accidentally hits him with her car (lol), he’s forced to rely on others in a way he’s never been comfortable with. I adored these two main characters because their communication style was so transparent and the way they worked together was effortless. Was this my favorite Brown Sisters book? Not necessarily. Did I thoroughly enjoy it? For sure! Overall, if you’ve read the other two books in this series, I definitely say continue onto Eve’s story.

My Killer Vacation by Tessa Bailey

MY KILLER VACATION by Tessa Bailey

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Summary: It was supposed to be a relaxing vacation in sweet, sunny Cape Cod - just me and my beloved brother - but discovering a corpse in our rental house really throws a wrench into our tanning schedule. Now a rude, crude bounty hunter has arrived on the back of his motorcycle to catch the killer and refuses to believe I can be helpful, despite countless hours of true crime podcast listening. Not to mention a fulfilling teaching career of wrangling second graders. A brash bounty hunter and an energetic elementary schoolteacher: the murder-solving team no one asked for, but thanks to these pesky attempts on my life, we’re stuck together, come hell or high tide. | I’m just here to do a job, not babysit an amateur sleuth. Although… it is becoming less and less of a hardship to have her around. Sure, she’s stubborn, distracting, and can’t stay out of harm’s way. She’s also brave and beautiful and reminds me of the home I left behind three years ago. In other words, the painful hunger and protectiveness she is waking up in me is a threat to my peace of mind. Before I sink any deeper into this dangerous attraction, I need to solve this murder and get back on the road. But will fate take her from me before I realize the road has been leading to her all along?

My Thoughts: A cute AND steamy rom-com with a little bit of murder mixed in? Sounds like a great way to kick off spooky season! :) Seriously though, Tessa Bailey has a talent for writing Grade A banter between her MCs and this book is no exception. Taylor is a quirky school teacher who doesn’t think she’s a very brave person. Myles is a brutish bounty hunter who is a little rough around the edges, which also means he’s a softy at heart. I loved how this grumpy-sunshine trope played out between the two because they balanced each other so well. Although I’m not usually a fan of instant-love tropes, this one is probably more along the lines of instant-lust, and I could dig it lol. There are definitely some SPICY scenes in this book and the sexual tension is thick. On the other side of things, the murder mystery added just enough twists to keep the plot interesting while still giving room to the developing romance between Taylor and Myles. I wouldn’t say this is my favorite rom-com ever, but I really liked it!

Heartstopper Volume 4 by Alice Oseman

HEARTSTOPPER: Vol 4 by Alice Osmen

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: Charlie didn’t think Nick could ever like him back, but now they’re officially boyfriends. Charlie’s beginning to feel ready to say those three little words: I love you. Nick’s been feeling the same, but he’s got a lot on his mind - not least coming out to his dad, and the fact that Charlie might have an eating disorder. As summer turns to autumn and a new school year begins, Charlie and Nick are about to learn a lot about what love means. 

My Thoughts: Heartstopper just keeps getting more and more heartwarming with every volume and the fourth installment is no exception. This one had me getting a little more emotional than the other three because it touches on topics such as eating disorders and coming out for the first time to someone important to you. I still think it’s incredibly mature and self-aware for Nick to have noticed Charlie’s behaviors and moods related to food in social settings, at school, etc. He’s only 16, but he’s so in tune with Charlie (because love <3) and manages to approach it in a way that gives Charlie space to ask for help. So far, I’m absolutely obsessed with this graphic series and cannot wait for volume five to come out!

The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater

THE RAVEN KING by Maggie Stiefvater

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: All her life, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love’s death. She doesn’t believe in true love and never thought this would be a problem, but as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.

My Thoughts: Wow. For starters, I could have NEVER predicted how this series was going to end. Like this book kept me on my toes because nothing panned out the way I was assuming it would. We love multiple plot twists though, do we not? I was absolutely SWOONING over this new Ronan/Adam dynamic. Honestly, it makes sense to the overall storyline in general since they both have powers related to Cabe’s Water that they’d start gravitating towards each other. We saw a hint of those feelings starting to develop from Ronan’s point of view in the previous book, but I’m glad Adam went all in without hesitating. There was a new character introduced early on in this book, Henry Chen, who actually ends up playing a bigger role in the grand scheme of things than I was ever expecting. It turns out Ronan’s older brother has been elbow deep in some dangerous dealings which includes Henry’s mother and that whole situation is a giant plot twist in itself. Blue and Gansey are, of course, still the mf cutest couple to ever have paired. I will say, the climax of this book and basically the whole series happens pretty quickly, and not at all the way that I planned in my head, but I kind of appreciated that I didn’t get what was expected. Overall, I’m obsessed with the Raven Cycle series and the final book truly did the ending justice.

Mixed Signals by B.K. Borison

MIXED SIGNALS by B.K. Borison

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Summary: Layla Dupree has given up on love. She’s waded through all of the fish in the seas, each one more disappointing than the last. Apparently owning the bakery at Inglewild’s most romantic destination does not help one’s love life - despite her best efforts. All she wants is a partner who gives her butterflies, not someone who ghosts her at dinner and leaves her with the check. Good thing Caleb Alvarez has the perfect solution. After saving Layla from another date gone bad, he has a simple proposition: One month of no-strings dating. He’ll do his best to renew her faith in men while she rates his dating game. It’s a win-win situation. All the benefits of dating, without the added pressure of feelings and unmet expectations. But there’s one ingredient they haven’t considered. The chemistry between them is red hot and the urge to take things to the next level is more tempting than Layla’s double fudge mocha brownies. Will the heat between them boil over? Or will it be another case of mixed signals?

My Thoughts: The first thing absolutely everyone needs to know in regards to my feelings about this book is this: Caleb Alvarez has stolen my heart and for sure one of the top three spots on my book boyfriend list. Like wow. Leave me in a puddle of my own swoon because he is a gem that must be protected at all costs. Okay, now that that’s out of the way, this book is probably my favorite of the Lovelight series. It was the epitome of a sweet, steamy romance that makes you want to cherish every last page. The author’s writing really sucks you into the undeniable connection between Layla and Caleb in a way that feels like a slow burn, but really it’s just being present in the day to day nuances of learning someone else while unexpectedly falling in love. It truly got to the core of how a healthy relationship should feel and there were so many emotions radiating from this story. Especially through the simple things including the dates that didn’t go quite as planned, but ended up being even more memorable because of it, knowing immediately who they wanted to call when something was wrong, showing endless patience as they slowly opened up to one another, and learning to trust. This is one of those romance books that makes me realize I need to stop reading so much romance because it’s relationships like Layla and Caleb’s that give me unrealistic expectations of how things are going to be in real life lol. Needless to say, I highly recommend reading this if you’re looking for something swoony in the rom-com category. 

Woman on Fire by Lisa Barr

WOMAN ON FIRE by Lisa Barr

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Summary: After talking her way into a job with Dan Mansfield, the leading investigative reporter in Chicago, rising young journalist Jules Roth is given an unusual - and very secret - assignment. Dan needs her to locate a painting stolen by the Nazis more than 75 years earlier; legendary Expressionist artist Ernst Engel’s most famous work, Woman on Fire. World-renowned shoe designer Ellis Baum wants this portrait of a beautiful, mysterious woman for deeply personal reasons, and has enlisted Dan’s help to find it. But Jules doesn’t have much time; the famous designer is dying. Meanwhile, in Europe, provocative and powerful Margaux de Laurent also searches for the painting. Heir to her art collector family’s millions, Margaux is a cunning gallerist who gets everything she wants. The only thing standing in her way is Jules. Yet the passionate and determined Jules has unexpected resources of her own, including Adam Baum, Ellis’s grandson. A recovering addict and brilliant artist in his own right, Adam was once in Margaux’s clutches. He knows how ruthless she is, and he’ll do anything to help Jules locate the painting before Margaux gets to it first.

My Thoughts: Ooo WEE. This book had me SUCKED in right from the start. This book was fast-paced, twisty, and balanced the perfect combination of mystery, historical fiction, and contemporary fiction. Every character is so unique and addictive in their own right. Jules is a powerhouse investigative journalist who knows no boundaries when it comes to unraveling a story. Though she had a tendency to go rogue with some of her decisions, her confidence and strong will made her the perfect main character. Margaux was a fuckin menace and high key psychopath, but even her character had dynamic layers that made her so much more than just the antagonist. The plot twists were phenomenal and came at all of the right times in a way that affected all of the characters in this twisty race to find the Woman on Fire painting. I admired the amount of research that had to have gone into creating this story. The number of art references, and facts relating to WW2 really made me buy into everything this author was spinning for me. The timeline definitely kept me on my toes, and although the climax of this novel happens very quickly, I think the outcome of the hunt was so satisfactory. If you’re looking for something that’s cross-genre, a little thrilling, and will suck you in from page 1, you should definitely pick up this book!

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner

CRYING IN H MART by Michelle Zauner

Rating: 5/5 stars
Summary: In this exquisite story of family, food, grief, and endurance, Michelle, Zauner proves herself far more than a dazzling singer, songwriter, and guitarist. With humor and heart, she tells of growing up one of the few Asian American kids at her school in Eugene, Oregon; of struggling with her mother’s particular, high expectations of her; of a painful adolescence; of treasured months spent in her grandmother’s tiny apartment in Seoul, where she and her mother would bond, late at night, over heaping plates of food. As she grew up, moving to the East Coast for college, finding work in the restaurant industry, and performing gigs with her fledgling band - and meeting the man who would become her husband - her Koreanness began to feel ever more distant, even as she found the life she wanted to live. It was her mother’s diagnosis of terminal cancer, when Michelle was twenty-five, that forced a reckoning with her identity and brought her to reclaim the gifts of taste, language, and history her mother had given her. Vivacious and plainspoken, lyrical and honest, Zauner’s voice is as radiant alive on the page as it is on stage. Rich with intimate anecdotes that will resonate widely, and complete with family photos, Crying in H Mart is a book to cherish, share, and reread.

My Thoughts: I stand by my belief that memoirs are best read via audiobook if the author is the narrator. This was an incredible story about the relationship between a mother and daughter who don’t always understand the other, but continuously connect through their unconditional love. Michelle Zauner has a poetic way of writing that draws the rawest of emotions out of her readers. Specifically describing the grief she experienced throughout her mother’s diagnosis, chemotherapy, and life after her passing. The cultural references throughout this book truly put you in Zauner’s shoes as she walks you down the path of her life to the present. I am in awe at how much of her heart I felt through this audiobook and highly recommend it! Please check trigger warnings tho.

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Maas

A COURT OF MIST AND FURY by Sarah J. Maas

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Summary: Feyre has undergone more trials than one human woman can carry in her heart. Though she’s now been granted the powers and lifespan of the High Fae, she is haunted by her time Under the Mountain and the terrible deeds she performed to save the lives of Tamlin and his people. As her marriage to Tamlin approaches, Feyre’s hollowness and nightmares consume her. She finds herself split into two different people: one who upholds her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court, and one who lives out her life in the Spring Court with Tamlin. While Feyre navigates a dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms. She might just be the key to stopping it, but only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future - and the future of a world in turmoil. 

My Thoughts: LOL. Y’ALL. Okay I read A Court of Thorns and Roses back in early 2021, and although I immediately purchased this second book in the series after finishing the first one, I somehow managed to fight off the urge to jump right into it. So, here we are about a year and some change later, and I absolutely INHALED A Court of Mist and Fury. I think one of my favorite things about this book is Feyre’s character development. If I remember correctly, I thought she was kind of annoying in ACOTAR because she was pretty needy with Tamlin and not as strong of a main protagonist as I would’ve liked for that story. I think with her new Fae body and lifespan, and especially after everything she went through Under the Mountain, she just has so much more backbone in this book. Specifically, when she gets out of the Spring Court to fulfill her bargain with Rhysand. Although we were originally under the impression that his court is super scary, we quickly learn how much he has the rest of the world fooled. I absolutely loved the Night Court, the Court of Dreamers, and just everything that came with it. Also obsessed with Rhysand in general. Their relationship takes some turns as well - all for the better - that involve some real character development. There are some spicy scenes sprinkled into this book (chapter 55 IYKYK), but they were perfectly placed. I also love how much the plot thickens and all the twists it takes. TAMLIN CAN GTFO. He is such a turd. Otherwise, I really enjoyed the second book of this series and definitely recommend continuing onto it if you’ve read ACOTAR.

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J Maas

A COURT OF WINGS AND RUIN by Sarah J. Maas

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: Feyre has returned to Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin’s actions and learn what she can about the invading king threatening to bring her land to its knees. But to do so, she must play a deadly game of deceit. One slip could bring doom not only for Feyre, but for everything and everyone she holds dear. As war bears down upon them all, Feyre endeavors to take her place amongst the High Fae of the land, balancing her struggle to master powers - both magical and political - and her love for her court and family. Amidst these struggles, Feyre and Rhysand must decide whom to trust amongst the cunning and lethal High Lords, and hunt for allies in unexpected places.

My Thoughts: Wow. Yes. This book is exactly what I needed in this series. The plot was phenomenal and the unexpected twists made me the perfect amount of antsy. We had incredible character development across the board - even F Boy Tamlin had some upswing in this one. The scene setting and vivid atmosphere descriptions made picturing Prythian effortless. This. This is what I wanted from SJM at the beginning of the series and she made me patiently wait until the third installment to unleash her storytelling beast. Especially during the war scenes?? Y’all. I felt like I was in the middle of that battlefield trudging through mud and blood. I was the one wielding swords and daggers next to my Illyrian kin as I trained for combat. I was the one navigating politics between the High Courts. She has a talent for drawing you into the narrative in a way that feels so natural and all encompassing. A few fleeting thoughts: I am getting love triangle vibes from the whole Lucien-Elain-Azriel situation and cannot wait until that is addressed, Nesta and Cassian are the grumpy-sunshine fae duo I didn’t know I needed in my life, and last but not least, RHYSAND CAN STILL GET IT. Okay. So there it is. That’s my review. I literally devoured this book in two days, so idk what else to tell you besides definitely read this book if you’ve jumped onto the ACOTAR train.

A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas

A COURT OF FROST AND STARLIGHT by Sarah J. Maas

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Summary: Feyre, Rhysand, and their friends are still busy rebuilding the Night Court and the vastly altered world beyond, recovering from the war that changed everything. But Winter Solstice is finally approaching, and with it, the joy of a hard-earned reprieve. Yet even the festive atmosphere can’t keep the shadows of the past from looming. As Feyre navigates her first Winter Solstice as High Lady, her concern for those dearest to her deepens. They have more wounds than she anticipated-scars that will have a far-reaching impact on the future of their court.

My Thoughts: Okay so I was torn on whether to read this one or not because it’s technically a novella to this series and some people say it’s not worth it. However, I will say this: do I regret reading it? Not at all. Will I ever read it again? Probably not lol. It was a nice change of pace looking at the first holiday following the big war that happened in ACOWAR. We also had some chapters from various characters’ POVs instead of just Feyre's, which was refreshing. It really gave perspective as to how each individual character was dealing with everything that happened in the previous book. Some were obviously doing better with the emotional and mental aftermath of being through a destructive, bloody war. Others, however, (specifically Nesta), are still trying to figure out how to process all of the trauma experienced. I think there were a few nods/details to character dynamics in the next book (A Court of Silver Flames), so I wouldn’t discount this book as not worth reading entirely. However, if you absolutely do not want to read it, I guess it’s not going to wholly impact the series experience. The best way to describe how I felt about this book is, if you’ve read the Throne of Glass series, the attitude towards Tower of Dawn is pretty comparable to the attitude about this book lol. Like you don’t want to read it, but end up enjoying it once you do. So yeah. 

Alrighty, that’s September for ya!

I’m going to try to get a little spooky with the books I read in October, but I’m also one of the jumpiest people when it comes to mystery/thrillers/horror. So, no promises lol. 

2022 Book Count: 160

Add me on Goodreads if you haven’t already.

YOUR TURN! What’s the last series you dove head first into?

July 2022 Reads

The Dog Days of Summer really came in hot this year, huh?

Despite enduring multiple 90+ degree days in a row, July was a pretty good month!

On the non-bookish side of things, I feel like a lot happened in the last 31 days - some expected, some unexpected - but most of it was exciting nonetheless. 

On the bookish side of things, my reading was everywhere lol. I will say, a few of the books I read this month have some sort of TV or movie adaptation that were released recently (i.e. Along for the Ride, The Summer I Turned Pretty, Heartstopper, and Bird Box). So, if you’re the type who likes to read a book before watching the on-screen adaptation, this blog post might be helpful for vetting out what to watch!

All righty. I think that’s it for now. Let’s get into everything I read in July!

*All summaries taken or paraphrased from Goodreads. Wuthering Heights summary taken from IMDB.

The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins

THE WIFE UPSTAIRS by Rachel Hawkins

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Summary: Meet Jane. Newly arrived to Birmingham, Alabama, Jane is a broke dog-walker in Thornfield Estates - a gated community full of McMansions, shiny SUVs, and bored housewives. The kind of place where no one will notice if Jane lifts the discarded tchotchkes and jewelry off the side tables of her well-heeled clients. Where no one will think to ask if Jane is her real name. But her luck changes when she meets Eddie Rochester. Recently widowed, Eddie is Thornfield Estates’ most mysterious resident. His wife, Bea, drowned in a boating accident with her best friend, their bodies lost to the deep. Jane can’t help but see an opportunity in Eddie - not only is he rich, brooding, and handsome, he could also offer her the kind of protection she’s always yearned for. Yet as Jane and Eddie fall for each other, Jane is increasingly haunted by the legend of Bea, an ambitious beauty with a rags-to-riches origin story, who launched a wildly successful southern lifestyle brand. How can she, plain Jane, ever measure up? And can she win Eddie’s heart before her past - or his - catches up to her?

My thoughts: This is the first time I listened to a mystery/thriller on audiobook and I’m pleased to report it did not disappoint. I think hearing it read almost made me less nervy about anything twisty that was on the horizon because the narrator did such an awesome job with all of the character voices. This storyline had me hooked from the beginning because it’s clear we’re dealing with some morally gray characters, and I wasn’t sure who to trust - especially when we find out later that there has been an unreliable narrator of sorts. The main character, Jane, is running from something that happened in her past life in Arizona. She’s a likable character overall and I respected how clever, quick, and observant she was. She picked up these survival tactics along the way and had a habit of falling back on them - even when she felt completely safe. Eddie’s character was the biggest question mark for me. I wasn’t sure how to feel about him based on what we learn from side characters and was not easily convinced by his good behaviors. I don’t want to spoil anything, so I’ll just say the plot twist slapped me in the face and I liked that the author left me questioning what actually happened after everything was said and done. There were a couple of meh things for me like what we learn Jane did and is running from (it’s kind of anti-climactic and never goes anywhere?), the pace hits a lull towards the middle of the book which felt drawn out, and there’s an interaction between two characters towards the end I wish we had been able to witness. Overall, this was an entertaining and twisty mystery/thriller and I recommend the audiobook!

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY by Jenny Han

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Belly measures her life in summers. Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August. Winters are simply a time to count the weeks until the next summer, a place away from the beach house, away from Susannah, and most importantly, away from Jeremiah and Conrad. They are the boys that Belly has known since her very first summer - they have been her brother figures, her crushes, and everything in between. But one summer, one terrible and wonderful summer, the more everything changes, the more it all ends up just the way it should have been all along.  

My Thoughts: In most cases, YA stands for “young adult” genre. In this case, it should stand for “Y Am I so obsessed with coming of age romance stories?” I could not put this book down. The setting alone made this a perfect summer read and the plotline had me a little nostalgic in terms of its relatability. One of my favorite things about the format of this book is the short chapters. The timeline bounces between the present day, when Belly is 15, about to turn 16, and the few summers leading up to the present. So, the short chapters made it so easy to follow along and make the essential connections between the anecdotes of summers’ past. Belly was a likable main character for sure. She was a little intense whenever her friends and/or family were picking on her for fun, but what teenage girl isn’t hypersensitive when she’s being relentlessly roasted? I sure was lol. I liked that Jeremiah and Conrad had distinctly different personalities, but still had enough in common that you felt the brotherly relationship between them. It made seeing what each guy brought to the table for this love triangle and why either brother would be an appealing option for Belly to date. There are some really emotional subplots throughout this book including divorce, cheating, and cancer. So if you find any of those topics to be triggering, I’d proceed with caution. Otherwise, this was an insanely sweet, summery, and swoon-worthy YA romance. :)

The Alice Network by Kate Quinn

THE ALICE NETWORK by Kate Quinn

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: 1947. In the chaotic aftermath of World War II, American college girl Charlie St. Clair is pregnant, unmarried, and on the verge of being thrown out of her proper family. She’s also nursing a desperate hope that her beloved cousin Rose, who disappeared in Nazi-occupied France during the war, might still be alive. So when Charlie’s parents banish her to Europe to have her “little problem” taken care of, Charlie breaks free and heads to London, determined to find out what happened to the cousin she loves like a sister. 1915. A year into the Great War, Eve Gardiner burns to join the fight against the Germans and unexpectedly gets her chance when she’s recruited to work as a spy. Sent into enemy-occupied France, she’s trained by the mesmerizing Lili, code name Alice, the “queen of spies”, who manages a vast network of secret agents right under the enemy’s nose. Thirty years later, haunted by the betrayal that ultimately tore apart the Alice Network, Eve spends her days drunk and secluded in her crumbling London house. Until a young American barges in uttering a name Eve hasn’t heard in decades, and launches them both on a mission to find the truth… no matter where it leads. 

My Thoughts: Ugh. Ya girl loves a good historical fiction novel and Kate Quinn DELIVERED. I listened to this on audiobook and had an absolutely delightful time. This story bounces between two timelines - one where Charlie St. Clair is the narrator/focus as she searches for her lost cousin with the help of a hot Scot, Finn, and disgruntled drunkard, Eve. The other gives us a glimpse into who Eve Gardiner was when she was working as a spy in the first World War. Though each woman came from very different backgrounds, they both knew what it was like to defy the odds in the face of constant adversity. I loved their resilience and that neither one’s storyline panned out the way you hoped or expected, and yet they still came out stronger on the other side. The vivid visual descriptions made everything come to life, including the destructive aftermath of various cities following the war, the intricacies of the cafe where Eve worked as a spy, the nostalgic childhood memories Charlie had with her cousin, etc. There is one interrogation scene that had such detailed descriptions, my skin was crawling the entire time. Like that is the type of shit that intrusive thoughts are made of - yeesh. This book is a little bit longer than what I’m used to for audiobooks, but the pace made everything flow so well and really brought all of the storylines together. If you’re looking for an addicting historical fiction novel, I definitely recommend giving this audiobook a try!

Twisted Lies by Ana Huang

TWISTED LIES by Ana Huang

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: Charming, deadly, and smart enough to hide it, Christian Harper is a monster dressed in the perfectly tailored suits of a gentleman. He has little use for morals and even less use for love, but he can’t deny the strange pull he feels towards the woman living just one floor below him. She’s the object of his darkest desires, the only puzzle he can’t solve. And when the opportunity to get closer to her arises, he breaks his own rules to offer her a deal she can’t refuse. Every monster has their weakness. She’s his. His obsession. His addiction. His only exception. | Sweet, shy, and introverted despite her social media fame, Stella Alonso is a romantic who keeps her heart in a cage. Between her two jobs, she has little time or desire for a relationship. But when a threat from her past drives her into the arms - and the house - of the most dangerous man she’s ever met, she’s tempted to let herself feel something for the first time in a long time. Because despite Christian’s cold nature, he makes her feel everything when she’s with him. Passionate. Protected. Truly wanted. Theirs is a love twisted with secrets and tainted by lies… and when the truths are finally revealed, they could shatter everything. 

My Thoughts: WOW. Ana Huang really said, “this is the last book in the Twisted series, and I need to make it an absolute BANGER.” I was obsessed with Stella and Christian’s story. I think of all four girls from this series, Stella was the most relatable and down to earth. She has some insecurities that stem from the rhetoric she grew up hearing, but still follows her own path despite the expectations of her family. Her character arc was just so satisfying. Christian is your quintessential beautiful, dangerous, badass business boi with friends in high places. He’s incredibly protective and possessive of Stella, but in the most stomach flutters way. It’s one of those “she’s the one and the only one, and I’ll kill anyone who touches” type of scenarios that we swoon for lol. Also, the slow burn of their relationship was unreal. Like the anticipation and sexual tension was palpable and, personally, I was here for it lol. The plot was so solid and I was as invested in the unfolding of the storyline as I was in the developing romance between Stella and Christian. The entire Twisted series is phenomenal, but this final installment is just *satisfied sigh* and you MUST dabble in it.

Heartstopper Volume 2 by Alice Oseman

HEARTSTOPPER: Volume 2 by Alice Oseman

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: Nick and Charlie are best friends. Nick knows Charlie’s gay, and Charlie is sure that Nick isn’t. But love works in surprising ways, and Nick is discovering all kinds of things about his friends, his family… and himself. 

My Thoughts: Okay so I am officially obsessed with this graphic novel series, and cannot believe I didn’t pick these up sooner! This book felt like such a breakthrough for Nick and Charlie as individuals, and as a couple. I loved that Nick provides such an unexpected amount of warmth and comfort in Charlie’s life, and that Charlie’s friends got to see that in-person when their initial impression of Nick was that he’s just a dumb jock. It’s also endearing that Charlie is giving Nick patience and space to come out to everyone when he’s ready although they’re officially dating. Needless to say, I’ll be picking up Volume Three as soon as my library request comes through. :’)

Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare

LORD OF SHADOWS by Cassandra Clare

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: Would you trade your soul mate for your soul? A Shadowhunter’s life is bound by duty. Constrained by honor. The word of Shadowhunter is a solemn pledge, and no vow is more sacred than the vow that binds parabatai, warrior partners - sworn to fight together, die together, but never to fall in love. Emma Carstairs has learned that the love she shares with her parabatai, Julian Blackthorn, isn’t just forbidden - it could destroy them both. She knows she should run from Julian. But how can she when the Blackthorns are threatened by enemies on all sides? Their only hope is the Black Volume of the Dead, a spell book of terrible power. Everyone wants it. Only the Blackthorns can find it. Spurred on by a dark bargain with the Seelie Queen, Emma; her best friend Cristina; and Mark and Julian Blackthorn journey into the Courts of Faerie, where glittering revels hide bloody danger and no promise can be trusted. Meanwhile, rising tension between Shadowhunters and Downworlders has produced the Cohort, an extremist group of Shadowhunters dedicated to registering Downworlders and “unsuitable” Nephilim. They’ll do anything in their power to expose Julian’s secrets and take the Los Angeles Institute for their own. When Downworlders turn against the Clave, a new threat rises in the form of the Lord of Shadows - the Unseelie King, who sends his greatest warriors to slaughter those with Blackthorn blood and seize the Black Volume. As dangers close in, Julian devises a risky scheme that depends on the cooperation of an unpredictable enemy. But success may come with a price he and Emma cannot even imagine, one that will bring with it a reckoning of blood that could have repercussions for everyone and everything they hold dear. 

My Thoughts: WOW. I have no words and at the same time SO MANY THOUGHTS. “Raise your hand if you’ve ever been personally victimized by Cassandra Clare.” *Both hands to the sky.* Y’all. This book was a journey, and the last ~15 pages didn’t have to do me that dirty. Like wtf. I don’t think I’ve ever been emotionally body slammed this hard by a book before. So many things to get out here - where do I begin? I guess for starters, I loved that Livvy and Ty got their well-deserved amount of page time. The Blackthorn twins have been just that in this series thus far - like that was their whole personality - so I appreciated that we finally got to know each of them on a deeper level. Plus, I was LIVING for the threesome that was the twins and newcomer, Kit Herondale. We all love a charming Herondale boy and Kit was no exception. Julian and Emma are still out here making me swoon and I loved the direction that their parabatai storyline is headed. The TENSION, my friends. Also, Cristina, Mark, and Kieran were unexpected, but also such a vibe. I wasn’t sure about it at first, but their dynamics just felt right, yanno? There are a few storylines happening all at once in this book, but they kind of overlap each other - per usual of C. Clare’s writing - so, I liked that each “group” of characters helped the plot points flow without getting messy. We also got to see characters from other Shadowhunter series reappear with a helping hand in this mess (i.e. Magnus Bane, Alec Lightwood, etc.). This book definitely took a turn I was NOT expecting and the last bit of it absolutely wrecked me. So like, idk what you want me to say lol. Lord of Shadows will be living rent free in my brain for a while and I just need someone to talk to about it. :’)

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

FAHRENHEIT 451 by Ray Bradbury

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Guy Montag is a fireman. His job is to destroy the most illegal of commodities, the printed book, along with the houses in which they are hidden. Montag never questions the destruction and ruin his actions produce, returning each day to his bland life and wife, Mildred, who spends all day with her television “family.” But when he meets an eccentric young neighbor, Clarisse, who introduces him to a past where people didn’t live in fear and to a present where one sees the world through the ideas in books instead of the mindless chatter of television, Montag begins to question everything he has ever known. 

My Thoughts: The most important thing going into this book is to remember it was originally published in 1953, and set in a dystopian future. So the way technology is described and advancing in this book was a prediction of what it might look like from that point in time. I listened to the audiobook and was super glad I did because the writing has an extremely unique cadence to it. I think if I had been reading a physical copy, the writing would’ve gotten away from me a little bit, but the narrator did an excellent job with keeping everything in order - if that makes sense? The message of this book is undeniable and extremely relevant in terms of people falling victim to whatever they’re being told vs. doing the work to educate themselves so that they can form their own thoughts on various topics. It’s a pretty quick read, and I definitely think this book is worth picking up if you’ve never read it before.

The Stopover by TL Swan

THE STOPOVER by T.L. Swan

Rating: DNF (did not finish) @ 52%

Summary: I was upgraded to first class on a flight from London to New York. The food, champagne, and service were impeccable. The blue-eyed man sitting next to me, even better. He was suave and intelligent. We talked and laughed, and something clicked. Fate took over and the plane was grounded, and we had an unexpected stopover for the night. With no plans, we made our own. We danced and laughed our way around Boston and had a night of crazy passion that no woman would ever forget. That was twelve months ago, and I haven’t heard from him - until today. I started a new job and met the CEO. You can imagine my surprise to see those blue eyes dance with delight when he saw me across the mahogany desk. But I’m not a carefree girl anymore. My life has changed, I have responsibilities. 

My Thoughts: This book was recommended to me by my Kindle and because it’s rated pretty well on Goodreads (4.12 with 68,994 ratings), I decided to give it a go. *Side eye* This book was trash lol. Hence the DNF. Don’t get me wrong, the smut was great. The characters were not. They’re supposed to be in their 20s and 30s, and they acted like teenagers. There was no depth where there should be and the character development was basically nonexistent. Halfway through the book and these MCs were still so un-evolved?? On top of that, they basically kept fighting with one another over something petty, giving the silent treatment, and then making up in a lust-driven frenzy. Rinse and repeat with all the red flags. It just felt so repetitive, toxic, and frankly, not worth my time to continue on. There was plenty of eye rolling on my part lol. The plot was all right. There’s a mystery element to it that kept things interesting, but not enough that I’d willingly put myself through the second half of this book. Maybe I’ll try reading it again eventually, but I just cannot be bothered for now.  

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

THE FOUR WINDS by Kristin Hannah

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: Texas, 1934. Millions are out of work and a drought has broken the Great Plains. Farmers are fighting to keep their land and their livelihoods as the crops are failing, the water is drying up, and dust threatens to bury them all. One of the darkest periods of the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl era, has arrived with a vengeance. In this uncertain and dangerous time, Elisa Martinelli - like so many of her neighbors - must make an agonizing choice: fight for the land she loves or go west, to California, in search of a better life. The Four Winds is an indelible portrait of America and the American Dream, as seen through the eyes of one indomitable woman whose courage and sacrifice will come to define a generation.

My Thoughts: Holy hell. I completely understand why people are obsessed with Kristin Hannah now. This audiobook was unreal. I think that’s partly because Julia Wehlan is the narrator and she does an absolutely phenomenal job, but the writing alone was *chef’s kiss.* I loved that Elsa starts out as this unconfident, seemingly weak main character. Her family refuses to accept her as someone with a promising future and treats her like she’s a disappointment. As the book progresses though, it’s clear how much of a fighter she is and what she’s capable of. Her journey was one of pure courage and I cannot emphasize how much I admired her as she traveled across the country with her children, endured the adversities they encountered left and right, and ultimately fought for what she believed in. Loretta, her daughter, was a love/hate character for me. She was an absolute ball of fire fueled by anger, and though I definitely understand that she had to grow up fast and the reasoning behind her behaviors, I wished she would’ve given Elsa a little more credit. All of the other side characters (i.e. Ant, Elsa’s in-laws, Rafe, the family friends in California, etc.) were so dynamic and truly brought this story to life. The sensory descriptors of their environments in dusty Texas, the tent camps in California, picking cotton, and more were extremely vivid and pulled me right into the characters’ perspectives. I just loved this book so much and definitely recommend it! 

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

ALONG FOR THE RIDE by Sarah Dessen

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Summary: It’s been so long since Auden slept at night. Ever since her parents’ divorce - or since the fighting started. Now she has the chance to spend a carefree summer with her dad and his new family in the charming beach town where they live. A job in a clothes boutique introduces Auden to the world of girls: their talk, their friendship, their crushes. She missed out on all that, too busy being the perfect daughter to her demanding mother. Then she meets Eli, an intriguing loner and a fellow insomniac who becomes her guide to the nocturnal world of the town. Together they embark on parallel quests: for Auden, to experience the carefree teenage life she’s been denied; for Eli, to come to terms with the guilt he feels for the death of a friend. 

My Thoughts: Well good golly gosh. Now I understand why so many women my age were obsessed with Sarah Dessen books when we were in high school. This was an addicting little beach town coming of age romance. I loved that it touched on some deeper messages that commonly affect teenagers too such as dealing with parental divorce, accepting the new family dynamics, fearing you’re making too many mistakes, and knowing that sometimes people need second (and third) chances. Auden was such a great main character for this book. I actually identified with her a lot - fear of failure, can’t really ride a bike (lol), and an introvert. She kept to herself in Colby at first, but wasn’t stubborn about letting her walls down to people when the timing was right. I appreciated her maturity in stepping up to help her stepmom with her newborn sister when her avoidant father was showing repeated behavioral patterns towards parenting. Eli was also a really great main character, and it was so refreshing that the riff he and Auden experienced in their friendship/relationship was not blown out of angsty proportions. I was expecting more friction to happen once Auden was trying to make amends with him, but I was pleasantly surprised that they proved me wrong. All of the side characters really made this summertime story come to life and loved that the author incorporated a message about not judging someone before you get to know them. This was honestly a super cute book and I definitely recommend it if you're looking for an easy read. For anyone wondering, the Netflix adaptation was decently cringey lol and I think I liked the book a bit more.

It’s Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han

IT’S NOT SUMMER WITHOUT YOU by Jenny Han

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Can summer be truly summer without Cousins Beach? It used to be that Belly counted the days until summer, until she was back at Cousins Beach with Conrad and Jeremiah. But not after this year. Not after Susannah got sick again and Conrad stopped caring. Everything that was right and good has fallen apart, leaving Belly wishing summer would never come. But when Jeremiah calls saying Conrad has disappeared, Belly knows what she must do to make things right again. And it can only happen back at the beach house, the three of them together, the way things used to be. If this summer really and truly is the last summer, it should end the way it started - at Cousins Beach. 

My Thoughts: Okay, okay, okay. So I appreciated that this storyline did not pan out as I was anticipating it to. At first, I was frustrated and incredibly annoyed with Conrad because he was being incredibly stubborn and hard to communicate with. I completely understand that he is still grieving in this book, but it was a small letdown that we weren’t seeing much character development from him. That is until later when the reason behind his motives for disappearing to the beach house in Cousins come to light and I completely forgive him for being so secretive. It was nice that the timeline bounced back and forth between what happened after last summer ended and now because we got to see how Belly and Conrad’s dynamic changed and got a better understanding of what fell apart. We also got some chapters from Jeremiah’s perspective in this book which was a nice change of pace because the previous book was from Belly’s POV only. Taylor still annoys the living shit out of me and I don’t understand why she’s Belly’s BFF. The format of this book was short chapters again which made the whole experience a pretty quick read. If you read The Summer I Turned Pretty and are debating on reading the whole series, I’d recommend continuing onto this second book at least. It was worth the time and I don’t regret it at all. 

Below Zero by Ali Hazelwood

BELOW ZERO by Ali Hazelwood

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Hannah’s got a bad feeling about this. Not only has the NASA aerospace engineer found herself injured and stranded at a remote Arctic research station - but the one person willing to undertake the hazardous rescue mission is her longtime rival. Ian has been many things to Hannah: the villain who tried to veto her expedition and ruin her career, the man who stars in her most deliciously lurid dreams… but he’s never played the hero. So why is he risking everything to be here? And why does his presence seem just as dangerous to her heart as the coming snowstorm? 

My Thoughts: Yesss. The STEMinist novella series continues! If there’s one thing I love, it’s a gentle redheaded giant as the love interest and Ian was giving us just that. Not only was he a beaut, but he was intelligent, a gentleman, and didn’t even know how attractive Hannah thought he was! Speaking of our heroine, Hannah was giving us that scrappy, bad ass energy we all know and love. The amount of drive and passion this girl has about space was truly impressive. It was even better that she and Ian nerded out so hard about the same scientific ventures. Similar to the previous books in this series, the timeline bopped between the present where Hannah is trapped in a glacial crevasse and the past encounters she’s had with Ian over the last 5-6 years. The character development was pristine, the plot had just enough adventure to keep me on my toes, and y’all, the tension between these two scientists was THICK. If you read Mara and Sadie’s short stories, you definitely need to continue on with Hannah’s!

We’ll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han

WE’LL ALWAYS HAVE SUMMER by Jenny Han

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Summary: It’s been two years since Conrad told Belly to go with Jeremiah. She and Jeremiah have been inseparable ever since, even attending the same college - only, their relationship hasn’t exactly been the happily ever after Belly hoped it would be. And when Jeremiah makes the worst mistake a boy can make, Belly is forced to question what she thought was true love. Does she really have a future with Jeremiah? Has she ever gotten over Conrad? It’s time for Belly to decide, once and for all, who has her heart forever.

My Thoughts: Y’all. I have never been so irritated with some characters for legitimately 85% of the book only for the author to end up giving me what I wanted the entire time lol. This book takes place 2 years after It’s Not Summer Without You. So, Belly is finishing up her freshman year of college which puts her at 18 years old. Would I say I was expecting some more maturity from her in terms of the unseen character development? Yes. Absolutely. Did I feel like she was giving me the amount of maturity I desired? No. She’s definitely more mature than the previous two books, but I think she’s in such denial about the current situation that it makes her come off as impulsive and immature. Jeremiah is literally the worst lol. He’s turned into an un-self aware frat bro and I could not be more annoyed. I guess I should keep in mind that he’s like 20 in this book which means he is nowhere near his formative years, but nonetheless, he needed to be taken down a PEG. My sweet boy Conrad is the real MVP of maturity in this book. He’s communicative, selfless, and I just love what Jenny Han did with his character. Truly a personality glow-up. Do I recommend reading this book? If you’ve made it this far in the series then 1000% yes. Will you love every second of it? Absolutely not lol. BUT it’s definitely worth enduring for the ending. 

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

WUTHERING HEIGHTS by Emily Bronte

Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary: A man becomes obsessed with vengeance when his soul mate marries another man. Heathcliff is Cathy Earnshaw’s foster brother; more than that, he is her other half. When forces within and without tear them apart, Heathcliff wreaks vengeance on those he holds responsible, even into a second generation. (summary taken from IMDB).

My Thoughts: All right, y’all. Here we go. For starters, this is not a romance. If it is, it’s a romantic tragedy and there’s no other way to paint that. I know I would not have finished this book if I wasn’t listening to it on audiobook. There’s just no way it would’ve held my attention in the physical book form. There were times I was confused while listening to it, so I can only imagine how much I wouldn’t have comprehended visually reading it lol. This is the quintessential book of unlikeable characters. I literally was not fond of one single character. MAYBE Nelly Dean, but she also had her moments where I found her intolerable. If you’re down for the unlikeable/morally gray character trope, then by all means have at it. The main reason I gave this book three stars is because I can understand and appreciate why it’s considered a classic. If you have me analyze it at surface level, I would say Catherine is a narcissist who was upset she couldn’t control both men in her life. At a deeper level, I get that Heathcliff represented a life of wildness and freedom, and Edgar Linton represented a life of stability and status - which is why she went “into hysterics”: she couldn’t have her cake and eat it too. I totally missed that she was pregnant tho, so spoiler alert if you haven’t read it yet lol. Would I recommend this book? Not really. I’d say try Pride and Prejudice if you’re looking to dip your toe into the classics genre.

Bird Box by Josh Malerman

BIRD BOX by Josh Malerman

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Something is out there, something terrifying that must not be seen. One glimpse of it, and a person is driven to deadly violence. No one knows what it is or where it came from. Five years after it began, a handful of scattered survivors remains, including Malorie and her two young children. Living in an abandoned house near the river, she has dreamed of fleeing to a place where they might be safe. Now that the boy and girl are four, it’s time to go, but the journey ahead will be terrifying: twenty miles downriver in a rowboat - blindfolded - with nothing to rely on but her wits and the children’s trained ears. One wrong choice and they will die. Something is following them all the while, but is it man, animal, or monster? 

My Thoughts: I know that I’m late to this 2020 craze, but I am so glad I decided to read the book before watching the Netflix adaptation! This psychological thriller had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The way the writing sucked me into Malorie’s story and truly put me into her shoes had my skin crawling. I think anyone who isn’t visually impaired relies heavily on sight as one of our primary senses every day, and I cannot imagine having that taken away in order to survive. The dual timelines between the present as Malorie rows down the river with her two kids, and the past which shows the 9 months leading up to the night her kids were born was riveting. I couldn’t even guess what had happened in the refugee house where she found safety with a ragtag gang of strangers that brought her to being alone for 4 years. Her resilience and courage are truly unmatched and the way she trained her kids to hone in on hearing more than seeing was incredible. This book really touches on why what we can’t see tends to be more terrifying than what we can. It’s a super quick read - less than 300 pages - and I definitely recommend picking it up if you’re looking for something a little creepy and thrilling. 

Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison

LOVELIGHT FARMS by B.K. Borison

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Summary: A pasture of dead trees. A hostile takeover of the Santa barn by a family of raccoons. And shipments that have mysteriously gone missing. Lovelight Farms is not the magical winter wonderland of Stella Bloom’s dreams. In an effort to save the Christmas tree farm she’s loved since she was a kid, she enters a contest with instafamous influencer Evelyn St. James. With the added publicity and $100,000 cash prize, she might just be able to save the farm from its financial woes. There’s just one problem. To make the farm seem like a romantic destination for the holidays, she lied on the application and said she owns Lovelight Farms with her boyfriend. Only… there is no boyfriend. Enter best friend Luka Peters. He just came home for some hot chocolate, and somehow got a farm and a serious girlfriend in the process. 

My Thoughts: Yanno what? This was the perfect “Christmas in July” type of romance I was hoping for and am glad I picked up. It was a friends-to-lovers storyline and I just thoroughly enjoyed my time with it. Stella is such a down-to-earth main character and I loved that although she had a whimsical spirit about her, it didn’t come off as immature. Her personality struck the perfect balance between dreamer, strategic business woman, imperfect 30-something, and genuinely caring person. Similarly with Luka, he was just so freaking thoughtful all the time, but it felt natural - not forced. Which made it easy for me to fall fast and hard for this book boyfriend lol. The two together were GOALS. Not only as a couple but as best friends too. The way they knew each other on such a deep level and knew the perfect way to support the other in times of need had my heart melting. Not to mention, their strong emotional connection translated through to the sexual tension and spicier scenes sprinkled throughout this book too. The side characters - such as Beckett and Layla - made this story so much more fun and really brought Lovelight Farms to life. I wasn’t expecting a mystery subplot and although it’s pretty clear who the culprit is early on, it was still a creative way to add another dynamic to this Christmas-themed rom-com. The small thing that irked me is that one character doesn’t have their epiphany until the book is almost over and although it doesn’t last long, I wasn’t expecting them to be so un-self aware after everything that happened in this book. That said, I was glad everything was handled so maturely between the two characters because it truly reflected all of their growth. I honestly think this is a great read for people who go absolutely bonkers for Christmas and those who don’t mind a little touch of Christmas in a romance story. :)

That’s all I’ve got for July!

I don’t have any plans on the types of books I’m going to read in August. We’re truly just going to be reading on vibes only lol. 

2022 Book Count: 133

Add me on Goodreads if you haven’t already.

YOUR TURN! What has been your favorite summer read thus far?

June 2022 Reads

Happy Pride Month!

My goal for June was to primarily focus on books by and about the LGBTQIA community because this month is about celebrating them - including in our reading goals! 

I mean, you should celebrate and support this beautiful community all year long tbh. So, this is just a friendly reminder that reading books by and about people who are different from you can help you better understand their unique experiences and is a great exercise in empathy. That could be through fictional characters, real life situations described in memoirs, and more.

All righty, with that in mind, let’s get into everything I read in June!

*All summaries are taken or paraphrased from Goodreads.

Everything for You by Chloe Liese

EVERYTHING FOR YOU by Chloe Liese

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Gavin - We’ve been teammates for two years, but it feels like a lifetime that Oliver Bergman’s been on my last nerve. A demanding captain and veteran player, I’m feared and friendless, while he’s the beloved rising star, all sunshine smiles and upbeat team spirit. To make matters worse, he’s obscenely attractive. In short: he’s genetically designed to get under my skin. Avoiding Oliver has been my survival tactic on and off the field. But when Coach drops the bomb that we’re now co-captains, avoiding him becomes impossible, and keeping the truth from him - let alone my distance - is harder than ever. | Oliver - Life was great until soccer legend Gavin Hayes joined the team and proved he’s nothing like the guy I grew up idolizing. Instead, he’s a giant - albeit gorgeous - grump who lives to rain on my parade. I’ve sworn off pranks since entering the public eye, so rather than settle our differences the Bergman way, I’ve had to settle for killing Gavin with kindness. There’s just one problem: killing him with kindness is killing me. To make matters worse, Coach gives us an ultimatum: put an end to our enmity or say goodbye to being captains. I’m prepared to be miserable while we meet her demands and make nice, but the last thing I expect to discover is an explosive attraction we can’t help but act on, and worse yet, to realize the man hiding beneath Gavin’s gruff exterior is all I’ve ever wanted. 

My Thoughts: Mark the date. I think this is the first time in recent history that I was not turned off by an age gap trope in a romance novel. It’s mixed in with some enemies-to-lovers which we all know I’m a simp for, but the nine-year difference between Oliver (25) and Gavin (34) was absolutely perfect for this story. They’ve had an unspoken war going on since Gavin joined the Galaxy men’s soccer team two years prior. Gavin is more open with his grumpy demeanor whereas Oliver tries to get under Gavin’s skin by killing him with kindness. A battle of wills, if I might say. Things get interesting when they’re forced to co-captain the team which throws them into each other’s proximity more than either would like. Y’all. The first breakthrough scene showing a little vulnerability between these two guys is on a plane and BE STILL MY HEART IT WAS SO CUTE. I was obsessed with watching Gavin and Oliver navigate their individual feelings for the other and figuring out what they could be together if they just gave into it. Also, all of the side characters - specifically our fave brother, Viggo - brought such life to this rom-com. The familiar taste of Chloe Liese’s writing for the Bergman Brothers was present in this fifth book and I definitely recommend it if you've been making your way through this fantastic series.

Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers

HONEY GIRL by Morgan Rogers

Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary: With her newly completed PhD in astronomy in hand, twenty-eight-year-old Grace Porter goes on a girls’ trip to Vegas to celebrate. She is not the kind of person who goes to Vegas and gets drunkenly married to a woman whose name she doesn’t know… until she does exactly that. This one moment of departure from her stern ex-military father’s plans for her life has Grace wondering why she doesn’t feel more fulfilled from completing her degree. Staggering under the weight of her father’s expectations, a struggling job market and feelings of burnout, Grace flees her home in Portland for a summer in New York with the wife she barely knows. When reality comes crashing in, Grace must face what she’s been running from all along - the fears that make us human, the family scars that need to heal and the longing for connection, especially when navigating the messiness of adulthood.

My Thoughts: Umm not knowing what you’re doing with your life in your late 20’s when you feel like you should have everything figured out..? RELATABLE. This audiobook was ideal for cozying up with a cup of coffee in the morning or settling in after a long day. The writing is very lyrical and the narrator’s warm voice gave it a poetic energy, but it sometimes felt a little forced. As a coming of age story, this book is very character driven. There’s a little bit of plot, but it mostly ebbed and flowed based on how Grace was feeling at any given time. As the MC, I both liked and disliked her. She was definitely focused on herself for a majority of this book and how those around her could help her through the crises she was experiencing. This character flaw is realized later on in the book, but that meant I found her mildly selfish for a while. That said, everything she was going through was extremely valid including the discrimination and racism she experienced from fellow scientists in the astronomy field for being a Black queer woman. The side characters each added their own color to Grace’s bigger picture, and I especially appreciated the ones that added a lightness to the mix because a lot of this story felt pretty heavy. Some of them I could do without, but they definitely all served their purpose. The only other thing I didn’t love is how long each of the chapters are for an audiobook. Some were almost 40 minutes, and I prefer chapters to be slightly shorter if I’m listening to a book. Overall, I think a lot of people would find this book relatable, but its indie aesthetic isn’t going to be for everyone.

Heartstopper: Volume 1 by Alice Oseman

HEARTSTOPPER: Volume One by Alice Oseman

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: Charlie Spring is in Year 10 at Truham Grammar School for Boys. The past year hasn’t been too great, but at least he’s not being bullied anymore. Nick Nelson is in Year 11 and on the school rugby team. He’s heard about little Charlie - the kid who was outed last year and bullied for a few months - but he’s never had the opportunity to talk to him. They quickly become friends, and soon Charlie is falling hard for Nick, even though he doesn’t think he has a chance. But love works in surprising ways, and sometimes good things are waiting just around the corner.

My Thoughts: This is my first graphic novel and I am in love! Charlie and Nick’s friendship is so freaking cute, and the pages turned absolutely effortlessly as I learned the origin story of their budding relationship. This is honestly a really quick read (like I think I finished this in maybe 25 minutes?) and I cannot wait to get my hands on Volume 2. :)

What If It’s Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera

WHAT IF IT’S US by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Arthur is only in New York for the summer, but if Broadway has taught him anything, it’s that the universe can deliver a show-stopping romance when you least expect it. Ben thinks the universe needs to mind its business. If the universe had his back, he wouldn’t be on his way to the post office carrying a box of his ex-boyfriend’s things. But when Arthur and Ben meet-cute at the post office, what exactly does the universe have in store for them? Maybe nothing. After all, they get separated. Maybe everything. After all, they get reunited. But what if they can’t quite nail a first date… or second first date… or third? What if Arthur tries too hard to make it work… and Ben doesn’t try hard enough? What if life really isn’t like a Broadway play? What if it is?

My Thoughts: Oh em gee. This was one of the most quick-witted, adorably cute YA rom-coms I’ve read in a while! Starting from their meet-cute in the post office, Arthur and Ben had a uniquely magnetic energy that I couldn’t get enough of. The clever quips generously exchanged between them made me audibly chuckle and, though sometimes cheesy, the do-over dates were insanely sweet. I think I liked Arthur a little bit more than Ben because he has literally zero filter. Whatever comes to his mind is what is coming out of his mouth whether he realizes it or not. Even his inner dialogue had me LOLing throughout the book. Ben is a little more reserved, but he’s still such a likable character. I appreciated that he could roll with the playfulness of Arthur’s verbal vomit, and had a few dry-humored lines himself. The issues that bubble up between these two lads felt a little blown out of proportion to me, but I also had to keep reminding myself this is a YA romance and these characters are only 17. That aside, I absolutely loved that the ending didn’t go the way I expected, yet it was still so incredibly satisfying. If you’re looking for a punchy YA romance with a little snark and a lot of cuteness to it, I definitely recommend picking this book up!

Satisfaction Guaranteed by Karelia Stetz-Waters

SATISFACTION GUARANTEED by Karelia Stetz-Waters

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: When it comes to her career, Cade Elgin has it all figured out. Only “professional talk” has become her default mode, relationships are nonexistent, and don’t even mention the word “orgasm.” All work and no play makes Cade a dull human. But when she inherits a sex toy store, Cade is caught between business and a store filled with every imaginable kind of pleasure - including her own infuriatingly irresponsible and deliciously sexy new co-owner. Selena Mathis learned the hard way that she can have too much of a good thing. Which is precisely why she’s taken an oath of celibacy and is focusing on how to make Satisfaction Guaranteed a success. She won’t mess this up. Not this time. But once again, Selena’s emotions are getting in the way, and tempting her with a serious attraction to buttoned-up Cade. But the shop isn’t exactly vibe-ing, and Cade and Selena are on the verge of losing both their income and the possibility of love. Can they find a way to work together… before Satisfaction Guaranteed runs out of batteries?

My Thoughts: This F|F romance was cute, steamy, emotional, and playful! The premise was so unique and I loved all of the sex positivity! At the start of the book, I was nervous the main characters, Cade and Selena, were going to be pretty one-toned. It felt like there was an emphasis on Selena being the flighty, free-spirit in the equation, whereas Cade is the buttoned-up, accountant-type - which was just unnecessary. Luckily, as the book went on, both characters developed more depth and made this pairing even more perfect. This sweet couple was so supportive and really understood what one another needed without having to ask. I appreciated that the author leaned into the sex toy storyline and introduced them into the steamier scenes because most hetero romances don’t communicate that type of sex positivity message. It was refreshing to see the depiction of elevating that kind of experience  with your partner using toys depicted so flawlessly. Overall, this was a really quick, fun, and emotional read and I definitely recommend it!

Less by Andrew Sean Greer

LESS by Andrew Sean Greer

Rating: 3.25/5 stars

Summary: PROBLEM - You are a failed novelist about to turn fifty. A wedding invitation arrives in the mail: your boyfriend of the past nine years is now engaged to someone else. You can’t say yes - it would be all too awkward - and you can’t say no - it would look like defeat. On your desk are a series of half-baked literary invitations you've received from around the world. QUESTION - How do you arrange to skip town? ANSWER - You accept them all. If you are Arthur Less. Thus begins an around-the-world-in-eighty-days fantasia that will take Aurthur to Mexico, Italy, Germany, Morocco, India, and Japan and put thousands of miles between him and the problems he refuses to face. What could possibly go wrong? Well: Arthur will almost fall in love in Paris, almost fall to his death in Berlin, barely escape to a Moroccan ski chalet from a Sahara sandstorm, accidentally book himself as the (only) writer-in-residence at a Christian Retreat Center in Southern India, and arrive in Japan too late for the cherry blossoms. In between: science fiction fans, crazed academics, emergency rooms, starlets, doctors, exes and, on a desert island in the Arabian Sea, the last person on Earth he wants to see. Somewhere in there: he will turn fifty. The second phase of life, as he thinks of it, falling behind him like the second phase of a rocket. There will be his first love. And there will be his last.

My Thoughts: Okay okay, let me start by saying I really loved the narrator for this audiobook. He was engaging, did a spectacular job at all of the different character voices, and kept a dry humored tone which was perfect for this storytelling. I hate that I can’t give this book a 3.5, but honestly? I found myself not caring towards the middle of it. Like the author’s writing is phenomenal, don’t get me wrong. I just kept having to rewind the audiobook while listening to it because my mind would wander and I’d realize I hadn’t been paying attention for like the last 10+ minutes. Now, I’m not sure if that’s because of the audiobook itself or simply because I’ve had a lot of things on my mind lately lol. So, take all of that with a grain of salt because I know this is an entertaining story. Arthur Less is a quirky character who plans a trip around the world to avoid attending his ex-boyfriend’s wedding. He’s also on the cusp of turning 50 which is something he’d like to forget. Cue a distraction trip guided by Murphy’s Law because if anything could go wrong for Arthur Less, it did. Most of the unfortunate events of his little adventure were incredibly comedic and endearing, but geez, he had some bad luck. Overall, I think this book definitely holds water and that a lot of people would enjoy it. It just didn’t hold my interest as much as I hoped it would, which is why I’m giving it a 3.25.

The Queer Principles of Kit Webb by Cat Sebastian

THE QUEER PRINCIPLES OF KIT WEBB by Cat Sebastian 

Rating: 3.8/5 stars

Summary: Kit Webb has left his stand-and-deliver days behind him. But dreary days at his coffee shop have begun to make him pine for the heady rush of thievery. When a handsome yet arrogant aristocrat storms into his shop, Kit quickly realizes he may be unable to deny whatever this highborn man desires. In order to save himself and a beloved friend, Percy, Lord Holland must go against every gentlemanly behavior he holds dear to gain what he needs most: a book that once belonged to his mother, a book his father never lets out of his sight and could be Percy’s savior. More comfortable in silk-filled ballrooms than coffee shops frequented by criminals, his attempts to hire the roughly hewn highwayman, formerly known as Gladhand Jack, proves equal parts frustrating and electrifying. Kit refuses to participate in the robbery but agrees to teach Percy how to do the deed. Percy knows he has little choice but to submit and as the lessons in thievery begin, he discovers thievery isn’t the only crime he’s desperate to commit with Kit. But when their careful plan goes dangerously wrong and shocking revelations threaten to tear them apart, can these stolen hearts withstand the impediments in their path?

My Thoughts: Y’ALL. You should read this book for the top-shelf-quality banter alone. I mean WOW. I was living for the verbal artistry that Percy was serving us throughout this entire story. Kit also had his fair share of quick quips as well and the chemistry between these two lads made everything that much more rich and fulfilling. I loved all of the tension and build up to Kit and Percy actually acting on their feelings for each other, but appreciated that the author didn’t make us wait too long for that moment to happen. It was incredibly satisfying too that although both main characters were stubborn to their core, they gave into trusting one another when the timing was right. I feel like romance novels often draw out the “trust timeline,” and this one happened so naturally. Though the plot was definitely interesting, I have to say the pacing felt a bit stagnant towards the middle. It’s not that the story wasn’t moving forward, but there was a point where I hit a bit of a lull. That said, it definitely picked up shortly after and the momentum hooked me back into this carriage heist. All of the side characters were fun, distinctive, and definitely gave us a bigger picture of Percy and Kit’s lives. I think the next book is about their best friends Marian and Rob, so I’ll probably be picking that one up later this year. Honestly, this book was entertaining, steamy, and a little different from your usual romance, so I recommend giving it a try!

Gender Explorers by Juno Roche

GENDER EXPLORERS by Juno Roche

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: Life-affirming interviews with young trans people who share their empowering experiences of questioning and exploring gender. “I believe that children who are questioning and exploring their gender are the gender bosses that we all so desperately need. I believe that they are our future.” In this life-affirming, heartening and refreshing collection of interviews, young trans people offer valuable insight and advice into what has helped them to flourish and feel happy in their experience of growing up trans.

My Thoughts: Wow absolutely everyone needs to read this book!!! It's a series of interviews with trans youth and teens about their experiences transitioning and becoming their true selves. There are also interviews with parents of the trans youth to understand what their experience was like having their child come out as trans or gender fluid. The vulnerability and openness these people demonstrated while sharing their experiences was extremely emotional. In our traditionally binary gendered world, people feel a need to categorize other people and put them into “buckets.”  These gender explorers are challenging that mindset and showing everyone that gender is not important to who you are as a human being. I just can’t say enough good things about this book. It was so eye-opening and informative, and I URGE you to go pick it up. 

Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

LADY MIDNIGHT by Cassandra Clare

Rating: 4.5/5 stars 

Summary: It’s been five years since the events of City of Heavenly Fire that brought the Shadowhunters to the brink of oblivion. Emma Carstairs is no longer a child in mourning, but a young woman bent on discovering what killed her parents and avenging her losses. Together with her parabatai Julian Blackthorn, Emma must learn to trust her head and her heart as she investigates a demonic plot that stretches across Los Angeles, from the Sunset Strip to the enchanted sea that pounds the beaches of Santa Monica. If only her heart didn’t lead her in treacherous directions… Making things more complicated, Julian’s brother Mark - who was captured by the faeries five years ago - has been returned as a bargaining chip. The faeries are desperate to find out who is murdering their kind - and they need the Shadowhunters’ help to do it. But time works differently in faerie, so Mark has barely aged and doesn’t recognize his family. Can he ever truly return to them? Will the faeries really allow it?

My Thoughts: Yanno, when it was teased in Mortal Instruments that Emma, Julian, and this new generation of Shadowhunters were going to get their own series, I was PUMPED. Let me tell you, this first book does NOT disappoint. We didn’t just have the addicting magical world Cassadra Clare has beautifully crafted for us. This book delivered familial drama, murder, secrets, action, and OFC forbidden love. Not to mention, all of our favorite classic characters made an appearance including Clary, Jace, Magnus, JEM, TESSA, to name a few lol. After experiencing some traumatic events during the Dark War, I appreciated that Emma and Julian’s characters reflected the results of that five years later. They obviously went through further character development in this book, but where they start is clearly the outcome of how they’ve processed everything. Emma is a wild and incredibly talented Shadowhunter who is looking for trouble. Julian is more tame than his parabatai, and has turned into the backbone of the Blackthorn family as he raises his younger siblings. OBVI I ship these two even if the feelings they have are forbidden. I gotta give all of the side characters some mad credit too for bringing so much depth to the storyline and to all of the emotions that radiated off of the pages. Their personalities are so distinct that it’s incredibly easy to build a connection with each one even though you’re not spending as much page time with them. My one small issue is that this story started out quickly paced and then hit a slow spot for a minute that kind of stunted the momentum I’d been gathering since page 1. Once it picked up again though, I was right back in it. Needless to say, if you’ve read the Mortal Instruments and Infernal Devices, you have GOT to continue onto the Dark Artifices. 

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry by Fredrik Backman

MY GRANDMOTHER ASKED ME TO TELL YOU SHE’S SORRY by Fredrik Backman

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: Elsa is seven years old and different. Her grandmother is seventy-seven years old and crazy, standing-on-the-balcony-firing-paintball-guns-at-men-who-want-to-talk-about-Jesus-crazy. She is also Elsa’s best, and only, friend. At night, Elsa takes refuge in her grandmother’s stories, in the Land-of-Almost-Awake and the Kingdom of Miamas where everybody is different and nobody needs to be normal. When Elsa’s grandmother dies and leaves behind a series of letters apologizing to people she has wronged, Elsa’s greatest adventure begins. Her grandmother’s letters lead her to an apartment building full of drunks, monsters, attack dogs, and totally ordinary old crones, but also to the truth about fairytale and kingdoms and a grandmother like no other. 

My Thoughts: This was such a whimsical and charming audiobook! It was definitely a little confusing at first as you’re introduced to all of the different Kingdoms within Land of Almost Awake, but once you get your footing with that, it was so entrancing. I was obsessed with the relationship Elsa shared with her grandma. They were thick as THIEVES and absolutely inseparable. I loved their dynamics - a 7-year-old and 77-year-old. Elsa was too smart for her own good and kept her granny in check. There is definitely some sadness in this book after Elsa’s grandma passed away and left her with an adventure of sorts. I would be amiss to not give all of the side characters in this magical tale the biggest shout out. This experience would not be the same without this schmorgesborg of people who literally could not be any more different. All of their personalities enhanced the colorfulness of this book tenfold. I loved getting to know each of them better, their personal backgrounds, and how Elsa’s granny played a role in their lives. One scene involving some violence against one of Elsa’s new best friends brought me to TEARS, but I appreciated the overall themes of dealing with grief, establishing a found family of sorts, embracing your differences and more. Needless to say, I highly recommend this audiobook!

Hunted by the Sky by Tanaz Bhathena

HUNTED BY THE SKY by Tanaz Bhathena

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Summary: Gul has spent her life running. She has a star-shaped birthmark on her arm, and in the kingdom of Ambar, girls with such birthmarks have been disappearing for years. Gul’s mark is what caused her parents’ murder at the hand of King Lohar’s ruthless soldiers and forced her into hiding to protect her own life. So when a group of rebel women called the Sisters of the Golden Lotus rescue her, take her in, and train her in warrior magic, Gul only wants one thing: revenge. Cavas lives in the tenements, and he’s just about ready to sign his life over to the king’s army. His father is terminally ill, and Cavas will do anything to save him. But sparks fly when he meets a mysterious girl - Gul - in the capital's bazaar, and as the chemistry between them undeniably grows, he becomes entangled in a mission of vengeance - and discovers a magic he never expected to find. Dangerous circumstances have brought Gul and Cavas together at the king’s domain in Ambar Fort… a world with secrets deadlier than their own. Exploring identity, class struggles, and high-stakes romance, Hunted by the Sky is a gripping adventure set in a world inspired by medieval India. 

My Thoughts: I’ve read YA fantasy inspired by African folklore, ancient Arabia, and ancient Rome, but this was my first experience reading something inspired by ancient India. I am pleased to report it was quite enjoyable! It definitely gave me some mild An Ember in the Ashes vibes, but with slightly more magic. The beginning of this book has a slower start. That’s mostly due to the world building, character introductions, and understanding how the societal hierarchy works. After all of that is established, the plot’s pace definitely picked up and made it easier for me to get sucked into. Gul’s character has a wild yet contained air to her. I loved that she wouldn’t allow herself to be confined to other people’s views or expectations of her. That being said, her stubbornness was definitely a fatal flaw. Like there were times where her “me” mindset hindered her likability - especially during some tense decision-making moments. Cavas was a good character for the most part. I liked that he wasn’t too meek, but he also had some proud/stubborn behaviors that left me so frustrated with him. Did I love them as a couple? Yes and no. I can definitely tell there’s something stronger there than they realize and they could be a really great team. However, they don’t make it to that point in this book. All that said though, I would definitely be interested in reading the second book in this duology based on where the story leaves off. 

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE by Jane Austen

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: Since its immediate success in 1813, Pride and Prejudice has remained one of the most popular novels in the English language. Jane Austen called this brilliant work “her own darling child” and its vivacious heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, “as delightful a creature as ever appeared in print.” The romantic clash between the opinionated Elizabeth and her proud beau, Mr. Darcy, is a splendid performance of civilized sparring. And Jane Austen’s radiant wit sparkles as her characters dance a delicate quadrille of flirtation and intrigue, making this book the most superb comedy of manners in Regency England.

My Thoughts: I know I’m SO late to this game, but I completely understand what the hype is all about! I absolutely loved listening to the audiobook of the OG enemies-to-lovers romance novel. Not to mention, this gem is the feminist anthem of its time! To be fair, I must say, I had never seen the 2005 movie before reading this. So, about 30% into the audiobook, I decided to watch the movie since I had no previous knowledge of how everything was going to pan out. That decision helped so much because it gave me a visual template of where the audiobook was going as I finished listening to it. Elizabeth Bennett is the best kind of person to have around. She’s outspoken, sarcastic, and loyal af. A friend-crush was brewing, needless to say lol. I feel like Mr. Darcy is like the first tall, dark, and broody boy to walk in the romance genre, so that all of the book boyfriends we know and love nowadays could run. Yanno what I mean? Although a lot of the dialogue and the way this book reads is obvi a bit dated (which is why I’ve avoided trying to read it for so long), it’s easy to keep up with. If you’re curious to know what the big deal is with this classic, I definitely recommend giving the audiobook a try! British narrators make everything more fun anyway lol. :)

Middlegame by Seanan McGuire

MIDDLEGAME by Seanan McGuire

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary: Meet Roger. Skilled with words, languages come easily to him. He instinctively understands how the world works through the power of story. Meet Dodger, his twin. Numbers are her world, her obsession, her everything. All she understands, she does through the power of math. Roger and Dodger aren’t exactly human, though they don’t realize it. They aren’t exactly gods, either. Not entirely. Not yet. Meet Reed, skilled in alchemical arts like his progenitor before him. Reed created Dodger and her brother. He’s not their father. Not quite. But he has a plan: to raise the twins to the highest power, to ascend with them and claim their authority as his own. Godhood is attainable. Pray it isn’t attained. 

My Thoughts: Y’all. I did NOT expect to be all up in my feels over a SCIENCE FICTION novel. Like what did Roger and Dodger do to me??? I will not lie, at the start of this book, I wasn’t sure I was going to be smart enough to comprehend what was going on lmao. I don’t read a ton of sci-fi, so understanding the ins and outs of alchemy on the fly was a learning curve, but it definitely got easier the further you got into it. This book was just an intellectual exercise of trying to piece together everything before it’s revealed. It’s one big puzzle of time traveling, alchemy experiments gone wrong (and right?), and figuring out how each component is related to the next. I absolutely adored the main characters - Roger and Dodger. This sibling duo are two parts of a whole and literally balance each other out in personality and unique powers. Though their relationship could get a little complicated on more occasions than one, the draw they felt to one another and the serenity that came with being in each other’s presence made me feel so protective of this pair. There are some anxiety provoking scenes in this book - specifically, towards the end - that kept my heart racing as Roger and Dodger tried to beat the odds with the help of a morally gray character. To say I was giddily rooting for them to win is an understatement lol. I definitely recommend this book if you’re looking for something to absolutely suck you in within the science fiction genre. I believe there is a sequel to it as well with some companion series on the side, so there’s plenty to dive into here.

No Hard Feelings by Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy

NO HARD FEELINGS: The Secret Power of Embracing Emotions at Work by Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: The modern workplace can be an emotional minefield, filled with confusing power structures and unwritten rules. We’re expected to be authentic but not too authentic. Professional but not stiff. Friendly but not an over-sharer. As organization consultants and regular people, we know what it’s like to experience uncomfortable emotions at work - everything from mild jealousy to insecurity to panic and rage. Ignoring or suppressing what you feel hurts your health and productivity but so does letting your emotions run wild. In this book, we’ll help you figure out which emotions to toss, which to keep to yourself, and which to express in order to be both happier and more effective. We’ll share the latest research and helpful tips, and reveal the surprising reason why you’ll actually be healthier and more focused if you’re less passionate about your job. Drawing on what we’ve learned from behavioral economics, psychology and our own experiences at countless organizations, we’ll show you how to bring your best self to work every day. 

My thoughts: Someone on my team at work read this book and really liked it, so a few more of us ordered it, and I have to say, it was really helpful! If you’re familiar with the account LizClimo on Instagram, she’s one of the authors and provides all of the illustrations included throughout. The drawings and little cartoons were one of my favorite parts because it broke down the monotony that non-fiction/self help books usually give me, and made everything they talked about more visual. Aside from the illustrations, the content was extremely well researched and easy to understand. I loved all of the actionable items they provided after walking us through a specific concept because it made understanding what “X, Y, Z” can look like and how it can be applied in a work environment. As someone who is not a big fan of non-fiction self help books, and is also continuously working on how I present myself in a work setting, I definitely think No Hard Feelings is something everyone would find helpful.

Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid

MAYBE IN ANOTHER LIFE by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: At the age of twenty-nine, Hannah Martin still has no idea what she wants to do with her life. She has lived in six different cities and held countless meaningless jobs since graduating college. On the heels of yet another city, Hannah moves back to her hometown of Los Angeles and takes up residence in her best friend Gabby’s guest room. Shortly after getting back to town, Hannah goes out to a bar one night with Gabby and meets up with her high school boyfriend, Ethan. Just after midnight, Gabby asks Hannah if she’s ready to go. A moment later, Ethan offers to give her a ride later if she wants to stay. Hannah hesitates. What happens if she leaves with Gabby? What happens if she leaves with Ethan? In concurrent storylines, Hannah lives out the effects of each decision. Quickly, these parallel universes develop into radically different stories with large-scale consequences for Hannah, as well as the people around her. As the two alternate realities run their course, Maybe in Another Life raises questions about fate and true love: Is anything meant to be? How much in our life is determined by chance? And perhaps, most compellingly: Is there such a thing as a soul mate? Hannah believes there is. And, in both worlds, she believes she’s found him.

My Thoughts: I listened to this on audiobook and really enjoyed it! It’s definitely a little different taste than other Taylor Jenkins Reid books I’ve read (i.e. Malibu Rising, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and Daisy Jones and the Six), but great nonetheless! Hannah was the perfect main character for this story. She’s definitely likeable, but also so imperfect that you can’t trust her right away. Learning more about her in the dual timelines really made me more empathetic to who she is as a person, despite her situations, and I loved that though her two “universes” had different plots, the storyline still related to the other. This premise was incredibly unique and it worked so well that there wasn’t a definitive answer. Overall, I definitely think this audiobook is worth the listen!

Under One Roof by Ali Hazelwood

UNDER ONE ROOF by Ali Hazelwood

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: As an environmental engineer, Mara knows all about the delicate nature of ecosystems. They require balance. And leaving the thermostat alone. And not stealing someone else’s food. And other rules Liam, her detestable big-oil lawyer of a roommate, knows nothing about. Okay, sure, technically she’s the interloper. Liam was already entrenched in his Aunt Helena’s house like some glowering grumpy giant when Mara moved in, with his big muscles and kissable respectable scientists to the dark side… but Helena was her mentor and Mara’s not about to move out and give up her inheritance without a fight. The problem is living with someone means getting to know them. And the more Mara finds out Liam, the harder it is to loathe him… and the easier it is to love him. 

My Thoughts: Oh em gee. A STEMinist novella series?? Yes please!! I loved this enemies-to-lovers, environmentally friendly rom-com. Mara and Liam were such strong characters and the small roommate squabbles were so freaking relatable. This book was driven by various types of tension including angry friction, sexual tension, and a “will they, won’t they” suspense. After they declared truce, it was so cute how they fell into a comfortable platonic routine only to realize they both had stronger feelings for one another than they intended. If you’re looking for something fun and spicy with a little bit of climate change sprinkled in, this novella is definitely worth picking up!

Stuck With You by Ali Hazelwood

STUCK WITH YOU by Ali Hazelwood

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Summary: Logically, Sadie knows that civil engineers are supposed to build bridges. However, as a woman of STEM she also understands that variables can change, and when you are stuck for hours in a tiny New York elevator with the man who broke your heart, you earn the right to burn that brawny, blond bridge to the ground. Erik can apologize all he wants, but to quote her rebel leader - she’d just as soon kiss a Wookiee. Not even the most sophisticated of Sadie’s superstitious rituals could have predicted such a disastrous reunion. But while she refuses to acknowledge the siren call of Erik’s steely forearms or the way his voice softens when he offers her his sweater, Sadie can’t help but wonder if there might be more layers to her cold-hearted nemesis than meet the eye. Maybe, possibly, even burned bridges can still be crossed… 

My Thoughts: Ugh. Y’all. You know how I feel about instant-love tropes, and although this one wasn’t necessarily unbelievable I just can’t get fully behind it. Besides that little plot hiccup though, this was such an entertaining, steamy novella! Experiencing their first date through Sadie’s memories was cute and swoony. You could clearly see how well these two built a connection. I liked that the book’s format flipped between the past and present, so that we could see what led up to their current feelings and actions. It was like a small puzzle and left me trying to predict what would become of this unlikely pairing. Sadie’s character was a little more quirky and dynamic than Erik’s character, but I appreciated that they balanced each other out. Though I didn’t like this second installation of the STEMinist series, it was still a cute and quick read. 

That’s it for June! 

Just a few tidbits to leave you with:

• Trans rights are human rights

• It’s absolutely none of your business who people love 

• Love wins - always

2022 Book Count: 118

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YOUR TURN! What books do you have on your summer reading list?