July flew by so quickly for me. There was a lot of stuff going on in my world, but I still managed to make plenty of time for my books. The reading vibes this month were about sheer escapism. I favored high-action, wild plotlines, and of course, lots of spice. And some thrilling mysteries are thrown in for good measure. Here’s my July reading rundown, in case you’re looking for what to read next.
Sherwood by Sierra Simone
Sherwood is a Robin Hood retelling, set in the same universe as Salt Kiss andNew Camelot. It didn’t quite hit the same note as these other books for me because it’s a novella, which is never my favorite story length, but it was a good way to satisfy my Sierra Simone cravings while I wait impatiently for the conclusion of the Lyonesse trilogy.
I am not normally overly fond of vampire romances, but this year has challenged that view several times. I was obsessed with this duology. It’s kinky, the world-building is excellent, and the characters are interesting and complex. It also explores trauma in a realistic and incredibly powerful way, especially when you consider that it’s dealing with vampires. 10/10 recommend.
The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell
I read this series in the wrong order, accidentally stumbling on The Family Remains a few months ago without realizing it was a sequel. Surprisingly, that didn’t ruin the first book for me. These mysteries are dark and moody, with lots of dangerous family secrets and a unique plot that I thoroughly enjoyed.
The final installment of the Prince’s era of The Royals of Forsyth University series was a little much, even for me. There are not many lines that these books did not cross. But I’ll be damned if it wasn’t entertaining as hell. The conclusion of this why choose trilogy was just as wild as the first two, maybe even more so in some ways. It’s over-the-top, campy, and so very sexually charged. Before you embark on this journey, read the trigger warnings because this series is not for the faint of heart,
The Bridge Kingdom series by Danielle L. Jensen
The Bridge Kingdom series is filled with suspense, intrigue, and passionate romance. The series is beautifully well-written with characters that will stay with you for long after you turn the last page. It is a must-read for fans of fantasy romance, cementing Danielle L. Jensen on the list of romantasy authors that cannot be missed. If you love Throne of Glass, you will love this series and its fierce female warriors.
Broken is the first in Sadie Kincaid’s latest series of standalones, the Manhattan Ruthless series, and it’s a fantastic combination of beloved romance tropes and a couple you are rooting for with every page. This story is so sweet, the perfect mix of drama, touching romance, and toe-curling spice. For fans of Sadie Kincaid’s previous works or any kind of contemporary romance, this book is a sure-fire winner.
The Wilds by Sarah Pearse is the final book in the Detective Elin Warner trilogy, a series of mysteries following one troubled detective and her quest for truth. The Wilds was my favorite book in this series. This case is deeply personal for everyone involved, and it makes the story feel meaningful and weighted. This book ties up loose ends in the series in a way that doesn’t feel rushed, and it ends with a sense of deep catharsis.
Dirty Hit by Heather Ashley
I read this book in a matter of hours. Dirty Hit is a hockey romance with a stalker element that is just such filthy fun. It’s fast-paced, outlandish, and a perfect way to spend an afternoon. If you like your male main characters intense and your female main characters feisty, with a page-turning plot and just general overall bad behavior, this book is for you.
Quicksilver by Callie Hart
If you’ve been anywhere on bookstagram in the last few weeks, then you’ve heard about Quicksilver. The rave reviews are everywhere. I couldn’t resist. And the reviewers were once again right on the money. I am obsessed with everything about this series. The characters are incredible, the world-building is crazy good, and the plot is intense. Another instant favorite in the books.
The Souls We Claim by S. Cole
This book made its way onto my TBR because I saw a random quote in a reel that sounded interesting. It wound up being a solid middle-of-the-road motorcycle club romance, and a refreshing palette cleanser between romantasies. The love story is fast, and the read is fast-paced. The storyline was fun and the Sons of Anarchy fan that lives in me does love a man on a motorcycle named Jax.
The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni
The Prison Healer is a rich, complex YA fantasy that I couldn’t get enough of. It has barely the slightest whisper of spice, but a marvelously captivating plot and characters you will find yourself immediately invested in. The stakes are high, and the action is heart-pounding. My best friend recommended this book to me, and I will pass on the love and recommend this book to anyone and everyone who reads fantasy for a long time.
Wild Wolf by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti
The final book in the Darkmore Penitentiary series, and the world of Solaria as a whole for a while, according to the authors, was a gripping conclusion to the series. The series as a whole was a campy, why choose, wild ride that is perfect for binge reading and escapism. Which is exactly what I needed leading into a very stressful-looking August.
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