June 2024
I’ve been reading so much, but I don’t always feel like writing a full review for everything. I was inspired by Modern Mrs. Darcy’s Quick Lit posts, as well as Hannah at So Obsessed With‘s monthly Quick Lit posts, and decided to do something similar as a way to briefly discuss the books I read in a month but don’t write full reviews for.
I read nine books in June and mostly liked them, which is great! I’m hoping to read more in July but at least now I’m catching up on reviews!
I’ve already reviewed one of my June reads on the blog (Funny Story by Emily Henry). Here are my thoughts on the rest of what I read last month:
I Only Read Murder, Ian Ferguson and Will Ferguson (e-ARC) – 3⭐
I don’t read many cozy mysteries, and for the first few chapters this seemed like one that wasn’t for me. I considered DNFing, but ended up sticking with and liking it. Although the protagonist was over the top and annoying at times, I liked the mystery itself and the quirky townsfolk. I think this book managed to be a cozy mystery while also lovingly sending them up, which is a fine line to walk. There is a sequel coming and I will probably check that out!
(Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.)
Prime Time Romance, Kate Robb (e-ARC) – 3.5⭐
I loved the premise of this book. I definitely got Dawson’s Creek vibes from Carson’s Cove, which was fun. I liked the romance between Brynn and Josh. This was a pleasant, sweet read.
(Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.)
Malibu Rising, Taylor Jenkins Reid (purchased) – 3.5⭐
This was a book club read that I enjoyed more than I thought I would. I like every TJR book I read, and this was a good family saga set against a party that looks to spiral out of control.
Gone To Hot Pot, Vivien Chien (purchased) – 3⭐
This is a novella that takes place during the events of Misfortune Cookie, while Lana is out of town. Her roommate Megan is watching Lana’s pug, Kikko. I liked seeing Megan and Kimmy team up in story! This was very short but it turns out a little of this world without Lana goes a long way.
The Watchers, A.M. Shine (purchased) – 3.5⭐
I admit, I was drawn to this book because I heard about the film adaptation and was curious. I didn’t know what to expect from this, but I liked it, although it dragged in the middle. But I thought the end was pretty strong, and I’m definitely going to see the movie!
The House That Horror Built, Christina Henry (library) – 3.5⭐
I loved this premise, and I thought there were some good creepy moments. I liked Harry and her son, but I think this fell just a bit short of what I was hoping for. The pacing felt a bit slow but then the end felt rushed. I have liked both Christina Henry books I’ve read and will definitely check out more of her books.
A Haunting on the Hill, Elizabeth Hand (purchased) – 3⭐
I was interested in this partly because I enjoyed Wylding Hall, and partly because it is apparently the first book authorized by Shirley Jackson’s estate as a sequel of sorts to The Haunting of Hill House. The elements were all there for a great spooky story: the house; the weather; a group of performers and a playwright working on a play about witches with eerie folk music. But this was just so meh for me. The characters were all so annoying and I struggled to maintain my interest in the story.
Horror Story, Paul Tremblay (purchased) – 3.5⭐
This premise really drew me in, and I thought it was a pretty fast-paced and entertaining story. It didn’t knock my socks off, but it was a fun read and I love the cursed film concept.
