My little blog has truly slipped into obscurity. The nail in her coffin was the end of the Show Us Your Books link up. (Honestly, still grieving that little monthly get together.) But now we’re floating in the water all alone, so I guess I will be attempting to do a little reading recap every so often.

The blog also got a little facelift. Let’s call a spade a spade. This is almost entirely a book blog now, in case you hadn’t noticed 😅 No use in pretending it’s not. Sometimes the kid makes an appearance, but I find myself becoming increasingly more private so… you likely won’t see her much.

And now on to the books…

Kulti by Mariana Zapata | Romance | ★★★★/5
Zapata’s Winnipeg was one of my favorites. She’s got a talent for the slow burn romance. Kulti was a good one, too, although he was a little more… possessive? protective? arrogant? than I prefer. There was also a dash of obsession/pathetic behavior? I don’t know. Overall it was entertaining and I enjoyed imaging Kulti in a Roy Kent kind of way (although I don’t think that actually matched his description).
BUY IT on BookShop

My Killer Vacation by Tessa Baily | Romance | ★★★★/5
Steamier than a sauna, y’all. I might’ve been generous with the 4 stars, but I needed a fun and fiery romance to keep me turning pages. This one delivered as far as that goes. It’ll make you blush, though.

Signal Moon by Kate Quinn | Historical Fiction, Short Story | ★★★★/5
This was very very short, and it was cute and I devoured it. It’s technically historical fiction/WWII fiction, but also modern day? There’s a bit of time travel- or time travel communication. I don’t know how to explain it, but it will take you 30 minutes maybe to read it so I think it’s worth it.

The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley | Thriller | ★★★/5
Mm… not my favorite Foley novel. I unraveled every twist before the big reveals. I hated all the characters except two (and they were minor). It was slow. The cliffhanger chapters got old quickly. I mean, it obviously had redeeming qualities since I gave it 3 stars, but it was not my favorite thriller and it didn’t hold water compared to the The Guest List or The Hunting Party.
BUY IT on BookShop

Red, White, & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston | Romance | ★★★★/5
The main characters and side characters were absolutely lovely and my biggest complaint is that they’re not my friends IRL. Alex and Henry are flawed, but their hearts are in the right places. I think it was a little longer than it needed to be. And there was something that just didn’t grab me- although I couldn’t tell you what that was. But that’s the reason for the 4 stars. I’m very glad I finally picked this one up, though!

Book Challenge by Erin 17.0 – Month 1 Check In

| 5 points | Freebie: The Paris Apartment (Foley)
| 10 points | A book that you predict will bring you joy and happiness: Looking for Lovely (Downs)
| 10 points | Set in Canada: Anne of Green Gables (Montgomery)
| 15 points | By an author of a different race: The Office of Historical Corrections(Danielle Evans)
| 20 points | A flower in the title or a on the cover: Island Affair (Priscilla Oliveras)
| 20 points | A book with book/books/bookstore/bookshop/library in the title: Book Lovers (Henry)
| 25 points | Published in year of significant event (2019/M was born): Red, White, & Royal Blue (McQuiston)
| 30 points | “Staff recommendations” shelf: The Book Thief (Zusak)
| 30 points | Includes a trip or a vacation/holiday: One Italian Summer (Serle)
| 35 points | A book a with earth, air, fire, water or space in title: Little Fires Everywhere (Ng)

Currently at 30 points and about 25% into Little Fires Everywhere.

What did you read in July?

-Audrey