Monthly Reading Wrap Up: What I Read in June

We are back with my monthly reading wrap up, which has become my favorite blog posts to write. And this month, I read quite a few amazing reads ( 8 to be exact), one that was almost a DNF & even a few self help ones along the way. This summer, I plan to challenge myself to read more than 5 books a month. I get a lot of questions asking how I read so much. And it’s a mix of being a very fast reader & the lack of control I have in putting a book down once I’m in the middle of it. This month, I spent lots of nights staying up until early morning just flipping through pages. I’ve also made the habit of replacing my screen time with reading. I’ve spent less time scrolling through social media & watching tv – which is a win win in my book.

Ugly Love – Colleen Hoover

I’m slowly reading more & more books from Colleen Hoover & this was one that has been on my TBR for quite some time. Not to mention, this one of her “hyped books” that’s all over social media. It’s a FWB story about Tate & Miles. Tate moves in with her brother while she saves money for her own place as she’s studying to become a CRNA. Neither Tate or Miles want a relationship for different reasons – Miles’ reasons being a bit more complicated than Tate’s. I give Ugly Love 4 / 5 stars & loved the way Hoover articulates Mile’s past relationship to his present situation. The reason this book doesn’t get 5 stars is because I found Tate to be a bit of a doormat at times. And Miles came off as a bit possessive IMO. The writing style of his POV was cringe. But the last few chapters saved my opinion because of that final scene of his past which explains the cover of the book. UGHH – Colleen Hoover never fails at ripping my heart out. I always leave feeling a love/ hate relationship with all her books – but I think the reason people love them is how captivating they make us feel.

A Court of Mist & Fury by Sarah J. Maas

As you know, last month I started the ever so popular fantasy series, A Court of Thorns & Roses. And I now have a new found love for the fantasy genre. I knew people loved the second book & consider it to be their favorite of the series – but I was still shocked at how much I loved this book. I wish I could give this more than 5 stars! The mix of romance, “enemies to lover” trope [ which, do we even consider Rhysand to be a villian?] & action is brilliant. When I read this series, I’m 1,000% in this world, the characters & everything in between. I’ve heard through the grape vine, this book series is becoming a tv series – & when that happens, my husband will finally understand why I’m obsessed with this series already. I just want to transport myself to the world of Velaris.

Wise as F*ck by Gary John Bishop

I decided to dive into more self help reads this month because I’ve had so many on my bookshelves untouched. This one, I honestly skimmed [ which I do most self help reads because they are so dry at times & repetitive ]. But the reason I picked this book up was for his section on grief. The way he describes grief & loss [ he talks about his own loss of his father ] are some of the best descriptions I’ve ever read about the healing process & how to feel. As you know, I lost my father in September & with Father’s Day weekend around the corner & this being the first father’s day without him, I knew I was in need of some extra healing. Not to mention, I’ve been distracted by planning my wedding these last few months, so the grief keeps trickling in. This summer, my motto is focusing on myself & taking care of me inside & out. I felt like the last few months, I’ve had to push those feelings to the side & I’m finally at the phase of putting myself first above anyone else & it feels rejuvenating.

All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover

You know when I said I’m convinced Colleen Hoover loves the idea of ripping our hearts out? Yea, she definitely had this goal with All Your Perfects. This book was so close to becoming a DNF for it’s triggering topics & depressing story line. I recommend you check the trigger warnings before you decide to read this book. It covers topics of infertility, divorce, miscarriages & the ups & downs of any relationship. I give it 4 stars because the story is captivating & well written, but I don’t think I will ever read this book again & need a full break from her novels after reading this one. I never cry while reading & during the last few chapters, I was bawling my eyes out. And I NEED to know what Quinn’s letter said!

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

I can’t get over how much I love this series. The 3rd installment was another amazing read. It was filled with so much action, character building & caused my emotions to do summersaults. Especially those last few chapters – jeez. I personally love how this one gave us a glimpse of so many characters – Nesta being a favorite. The banter all these books have is so entertaining & causes me to laugh out loud. I give this one a solid 4.5 stars only because there were some points where I felt the story dragged on. But it quickly redeemed itself during the final half. I think I personally tend to find descriptions of war to be rather dry – especially the anticipation of it coming. Overall, I can’t wait to read the rest of this series next month.

It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey

Boy was this book – spicy! Especially since I listened to the audiobook instead. I’ve been hesitant to read any of Tessa Bailey’s books because I thought they seemed rather overhyped. I’m a hard critique of book covers. I really enjoyed the storyline of this book. I picture Piper as the Alexis Rose type of character who goes through quite the journey from internet socialite to someone learning the truth of her family – while also falling for the local fisherman – Brendan. SHEESH. I’ll definitely be reading the sequel & can’t wait for the movie.

A Court of Frost & Starlight by Sarah J. Maas

Ugh, I hate to say this because I clearly adore this series. But what is the point of this one? There was just so much fluff & shopping for gifts. I totally understand why people on Goodreads call it the Christmas special. I give it 3 stars because if you enjoy the characters and series overall, I think it’s still one to read. I think SJM wanted a lighter novella after the war in the 3rd book.

Beach Read by Emily Henry

I know I said I would save this read for my July TBR, but I decided to pick it up at the end of this month. This was a disappointing read in my opinion. Although I did enjoy the relatable lines about loss & grief ( of a father to be exact) , the love story / plot fell completely flat for me. I found this book to have too much pointless detail & some of the dialogue was confusing with the mix of the stories they were writing & the plot itself. One part I did enjoy was the chapter on the letters. Like, I said, the thing that saved me & stopped me from DNFing this book was the relatable & self help like lines & chapters about how she went through the grieving process of her father. For that, I’m happy to have read this book. I give this book 2.5 stars unfortunately, & hope I enjoy other books by Emily Henry.

What did you read this month?

-B