Monthly Wrap Up | June 2023 -

Happy July, friends!

in real life

I can’t say I accomplished much (or anything) this month. However, I have started to plan for a couple trips later this year and I’m working on some new craft projects so maybe I’ll have a more entertaining life update next month. I make no promises.

in books

Forever Never by Lucy Score – By far my favorite of the month and probably in the top 5 of the Lucy Score books that I’ve already read. Super cute small-town romance with a bit of suspense/thriller aspect to it.

Lover Awakened, Lover Revealed, and Lover Unbound by J.R. Ward – I’m working through a re-read of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. I originally read these about 10 years ago and I still love them as much now as I did then.

The Inmate by Freida McFadden – I listened to this one on audio and it did not work for me, at all. I’m disappointed since I’ve heard really good things about Freida McFadden’s books and I’m hoping this one was just a dud. I’ll give her another chance before moving on.

The Arrangement by Kiersten Modglin – This was a really fun thriller. I can safely say that I never knew what was coming next, right up until the very last twist. I’m not sure I’ll continue with the other two books in the trilogy as I feel like this one wrapped things up pretty neatly without needing a continuation.

Seven Faceless Saints by M.K. Lobb – This YA fantasy wasn’t bad but I can’t say that I was really invested in the story until almost the very end. I was just a little bored for most of the book and I didn’t feel connected to any of the characters.

Stars and Smoke by Marie Lu – I wanted to love this one, I really did. I normally adore Marie Lu’s books and this one should have been no exception. I just didn’t connect with the characters and the story was completely out there. I don’t think I’ll be checking out the sequel to this one.

Nocticadia by Keri Lake – This one had a lot of potential and it wasn’t bad but I felt like it was too long. I was a little bored at times and by the end I just felt like I was forcing myself to finish it. The writing was solid, the characters were okay, and the story was fascinating but it wasn’t anything special.

The Foxglove King by Hannah Whitten – This was a very solid start to Hannah Whitten’s newest fantasy trilogy. I loved the characters, the prose, and the atmosphere. The ending wasn’t a cliffhanger but still has me dying for the next book.

Forever After All by Catharina Maura – This was a bit of a guilty pleasure read. It was thoroughly enjoyable while not offering anything unique or fresh. If you enjoy romances featuring fake relationships, bossy males, and sassy females, you’ll probably enjoy this one as much as I did.

Brutal Obsession by S. Massery – This one was close to being a 5 star read for me but I do feel like the story dragged on a little too long. I loved the characters, the spice was extremely hot, and the story was captivating from start to finish. (Check trigger warnings before reading!)

Winterkeep (Graceling Realm #4) by Kristin Cashore – I’m finally continuing with the Graceling Realm series and it’s still as good now as it was when I read the first 3 books years ago. Kristin Cashore is an amazing author and at this point, it’s safe to say that I’ll read anything she writes. If you’ve read the first 3 books in the Graceling Realm series, you need to read this one. And if you haven’t read the first 3, get on that.

The Last Word by Taylor Adams – Reviews for this one are quite mixed but I’m on the positive side. If you can suspend your disbelief, you’ll enjoy this one. It’s completely out there and pretty ridiculous at times but I was hooked and loved every minute of it.

Dark Notes by Pam Godwin – This is my first Pam Godwin novel but not my last. Great forbidden romance between a student and her teacher. The spice was done so well. I adored the characters and Pam Godwin’s writing was solid. (Check trigger warnings before reading!)

There Is No Devil by Sophie Lark – I quite enjoyed this conclusion to Cole and Mara’s story. I enjoyed the first book but I feel like everything was better in this second book, from the characters to the spice. I have a feeling it won’t be long before I read more of Sophie Lark’s books. (Check trigger warnings before reading!)

*links are Amazon affiliate links and I may get a small commission*

in film

I never quite got around to finishing the Supernatural series so I decided to start over and binge the whole thing. I’m 6 seasons in now and hopefully I’ll make some more progress with the series in July.