It has gotten to the point where I have been so busy with work and trying to prioritize my time to enjoy those things I love. Because of that I have not been able to spend much time writing reviews for books that I am reading. I have a Novel Companion that I use to track my reading and there is a section for short reviews. I’m trying to be more intentional with my posting and figured I would put some of that together in a post, since I am already doing that. Its a goal that I want to be able to share more about the books I am reading other than just the new releases. So here goes month 3 for providing some mini reviews on the books I read throughout the month. I am really enjoying creating these posts as I am able to share my thoughts and start dialogue on the books I’ve read, but it doesn’t take a ton of my time. So here are some thoughts, first lines and mini reviews for the Books I Read in July 2020!
*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links*
BOOKS READ
The Stars and the Blackness Between Them by Junauda Petrus
“Within us is a universe that no one can touch.
This story was so beautiful and heartbreaking. I adored the sapphic romance and how character driven the story was. You really get an in-depth look into their lives and them figuring out their identities and life. There were also many fantastic side characters, Queenie being one of my favs! The prose and poetry were epically delicious!
Girls of Snow and Glass by Melissa Bashardous
“There are worse things in the world to be than delicate. If you’re delicate, it means no one has tried to break you.”
I was slightly disappointed with this book. I had heard it was a LGBTQ+ Snow White retelling. It overall was kind of boring and fell flat for me. I was hoping for more of the LGBTQ+ element but it just wasn’t a stand out point in the story. Which is not to say it should have, I was just hoping for it. The book was very character driven and slow paced. World building was interesting and I liked the magical aspects and the uniqueness of it.
Pledge by Kandi Steiner
Palm South University #3
“But love isn’t a pencil mark. It can’t be erased so easily.”
I loved being back in this story with these characters. The book was so fast paced, addictive and so reminiscent of the TV show Greek! My emotions were all over the place while reading it. I adore the majority of the characters ( I 100% hate Grayson) and we continue to see so much development as they navigate college life!
Legacy by Kandi Steiner
Palm South University #4
“He’s poison dressed as a delicious apple, and I’m powerless to resist temptation”
There was so much drama! This one was filled with tons of turmoil for the characters. I totally disliked Erin in this book. I understand she had gone through some things but I just could not get behind her actions. It was interesting to see how each character work through the issues thrown at them in this book. It was full of humor and made me laugh and reminded me of my time in college.
Black Number Four by Kandi Steiner
“Love is like the wind, someone once told me, because it’s felt and not seen.”
I have many feelings on this book. It was nice that we got to see more of Kip and have the dual POV of Kip and Skyler. I liked being able to get more into what Kip was thinking and what his motivations were from things that were happening in Legacy. I read it simultaneously with Legacy ( how the author recommended to read it) I got annoyed that there were scenes exactly the same (word for word basically with slight word changes) in the two books. I also had an issue with how in one it would say something like “pancakes” and the other book would say they were eating “waffles” I ended up having a lot of issues with that, that really impacted my enjoyability of the book. I tried to ignore that when rating the book so that it would be fair to what the story itself was and not how my reading experience was.
Catherine House by Elisabeth Thomas
“I don’t know. I’m scared that out there, someday I’ll look around and realize forty years have passed and no one can see me. That I’m gone.”
This was bizarre.
It was definitely creepy, a little cultish and had a gothic vibe that I enjoyed. I didn’t feel like there was much of a plot and the character were just not developed a whole lot for me. There were some surprising revelations that came about, which were strange and unexpected. I am still not sure I fully understand what was happening and the story just ended.
Deal With The Devil by Kit Roch
” Her kiss was as bold as she was, fearless and intense, hot enough to pull a man under and make him beg to keep drowning.”
Post Apocalyptic romance with tons of action, banter and unexpected twists!
Deal With The Devil is based in a post-apocalyptic world that is really run and controlled by biochemically enhanced individuals who work for a Tech company. A group of mercenary librarians and rogue soldiers come together for a mission full of secrets, lies, romance and rebellion!
Nadine’s Champion by Ruby Dixon
Icehome #8
This one was just okay for me. I love being back in this strange alien world with all of these characters. Not much happened in this book for me. Like there was one big scene, that in my opinion wasnt even very long and given much focus. I wish there was more action . The characters were a little annoying but overall cute together.
Ritual by Kandi Steiner
Palm South University #5
“It’s like a never-ending tornado, one that has lifted everything in my life up into the air- me included- and is just tossing me around, dropping me and picking me back up again, not sure where it wants to leave everything when it finally dissipates.”
This one was full of fun! Especially compared to book 4 that was all drama and issues. After so much turmoil in the last book it was nice to see so much joy! Of course it wasn’t without the drama and shocks! Erin redeemed herself for me in this. Kip and Kade are too cute and I am so happy to see the girls happy for the majority of this. I feel like there were a lot of situations left open ended and I am interested to see what happens with Erin and Bear, Jess and her shocking news and the recent events of Lei, as well as the fact that 3 of them graduated.
Have you read any of these books ? What books did you read this month?
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