June 2024 Reads

TL, DR:

Engrossing Reads

Storm Child (Cyrus Haven #4) by Michael Robotham - Cyrus Haven novels do not disappoint, and that holds for this fourth that reads as a final? Even though I hope it's not. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

This Used to Be Us by Renee Carlino - It’s been a while since I read a Renee Carlino and this one shredded me. A good read, definite tears through the last 15%. Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review. Book publishes July 9

Sandwich by Catherine Newman - The way I sunk into this book. A great lit fiction family drama with some unexpectedly humorous parts. OCNJ hard cover

Swan Song (Natucket #4) by Elin Hilderbrand - A bang on solid beach read that moves at the speed of lightening and is as easy to digest. Blond Sharon, I'm rooting for you. OCNJ hard cover

A Happier Life by Kristy Woodson Harvey - I loved this story, Becks Saint James is so good she comes off the pages. The whole cast of supporting characters and the town of Beaufort are great too. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

The Burning (Kate Burkholder #16) by Linda Castillo -  very rarely have complaints about a Kate Burkholder, and #16 continues that streak. Man was I pissed off for her in this one though. Already can't wait for the next. Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review. Book publishes July 9

Joe Nuthin's Guide to Life by Helen Fisher - I adored this book and all of it's characters. These notebooks should be given out to all people. OCNJ paperback

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center - My favorite of hers by far, I loved this story and everyone in it from start to finish. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

The Same Bright Stars by Ethan Joella - Read this on the beach in a few hours - the perfect setting to read this in. I really liked the chosen family aspect of this as well as the Rehoboth setting. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Book publishes July 2

Passed the Time Just Fine

The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan - I was expecting a certain type of book (more along the line of the author's Maine) and got another one heavy on ghosts. Which is fine, but not my favorite by any means. The one in my mind was a better fit for me LOL. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Book publishes July 2

The Unraveling by Vi Keeland - There was some repetition that started to annoy me when it stopped about 40% through and picked up speed a bit. I did not see a lot a few significant pieces of this coming which is always nice. A quick read. Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review. Book publishes July 9

The Wilderness of Girls by Madeline Claire Franklin - Big love for this book, even though it overdoes some things as I find a lot of YA novels do. The themes and realities hit though, and I am surprised this is a debut. Very good. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley - I have a roller coaster relationship with Lucy Foley books and we're on an upswing with this one. It kept me reading and I liked the story idea even though some pieces did not connect. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

Bad Tourists by Caro Carver - Started with a bang, ended how I like, with some drags and inconsistencies in the middle. Passed the time just fine. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Book publishes July 4

Not For Me

Ladykiller by Katherine Wood - This one is a victim of my demand for a fast pace in these types of books - too long on the buildup for the turnout. If you enjoy a slow build, this is probably for you.

Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Book publishes July 9

The Next Mrs. Parrish (Mrs. Parrish #2) by Liv Constantine - This did not need to be a book. On top of all of the reasons why, there is also an insufferable 13 year old who is dictating adult behavior in a very hard to believe way based on what went down in the first book. OCNJ hard cover

The Murder Inn by James Patterson, Candice Fox - A big ol' mess and a lot of psychos, the latter of which I usually like but this was a circus. Used paperback, own, passed on to little free library

Like it Never Was by Faith Gardner - The main character made enjoyment prohibitive for me, to the point where I wasn't sure I would finish but did. But I think I'm an outlier here. Hope you enjoy! Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Book publishes July 2

Bright and Tender Dark by Joanna Pearson - The cogs of the wheel stop turning about a quarter of the way in, and it feels stuck in mud after that. There are several plotlines that don't seem connected to the main, which gives it a kitchen sink feeling. Likely a good for you, not for me scenario. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

Did Not Finish

n/a

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What have you been reading?