Hello friends!
As always, I hope you’re healthy and doing well! I’ve been really into reading lately as you’ll see in a bit, so I’m excited to show you all the books I’ve read in the past month.
I ended up reading 11 books this month – it has been a while since I’ve read this much! This month I was able to read most of the books I had for my monthly TBR, and I was also able to fit a few spontaneous reads here and there. I was really lucky with all the books this month because of all 11 books, I disliked only one of them! I don’t know about you, but I think it’s safe to say it was a really good reading month.
Ok, let’s take a look at the books, shall we?
This is the list I have to share with you today! Let’s take a closer look:
1. Heartstopper Vol. 5 by Alice Oseman: 4.25/5⭐
This was the first book I finished this month! To be honest, I didn’t even remember this series existed until I was browsing my books on my e-reader at the beginning of the month and found this beauty marked as “to read”. I was a huge fan of this series when it came out, so I was wondering how Charlie and Nick were doing! This book has a specific focus on them figuring out their sexual relationship together, Nick’s dilemma with picking a university and possibly moving far from Charlie, and also Charlie’s issues with body image. It was nice to revisit these characters that I love so much, just going through puberty and figuring life out! There’s still one more book coming, so I’m excited to see what it’s all about. Still love this series!
Synopsis
“Boy meets boy. Boys become friends. Boys fall in love. The bestselling LGBTQ+ graphic novel about life, love, and everything that happens in between: this is the fifth volume of the much-loved HEARTSTOPPER series.
Nick and Charlie are very much in love. They’ve finally said those three little words, and Charlie has almost persuaded his mum to let him sleep over at Nick’s house … But with Nick going off to university next year, is everything about to change?
By Alice Oseman, winner of the YA Book Prize, Heartstopper encompasses all the small moments of Nick and Charlie’s lives that together make up something larger, which speaks to all of us.
Contains discussions around mental health and eating disorders, and sexual references.”
2. Death Note, Vol. 4 by Tsugumi Ohba: 4/5⭐
One more “Death Note” volume read – and oh boy, the plot is thickening! This is getting so crazy, I had no idea the plot was going this way. So far I’m really enjoying this story!
Synopsis
“With two Kiras on the loose, L asks Light to join the task force and pose as the real Kira in order to catch the copycat. L still suspects Light and figures that this is the perfect excuse to get closer to his quarry. Light agrees to the plan in order to have free access to the task force resources. But when Light manages to contact the new Kira, he discovers that his rival is anything but as expected. Will Light escape from love unscathed?”
3. Death Note, Vol. 5 by Tsugumi Ohba: 3.5/5⭐
I was on a roll because I ended up reading one more “Death Note” volume! It’s starting to be difficult to put the books down!
Synopsis
“After a week locked up with no one but Ryuk for company, Light is ready to give up his Death Note and all memories of it. Freed from his past actions, Light is convinced he’s innocent. But L is ready to keep Light under lock and key forever, especially since the killings stopped once Light was incarcerated. Then a new wave of Kira crimes hits Japan. Someone else has gotten their hands on a Death Note, and these new deaths aren’t focused on making the world a better place, they’re focused on making money. Big business can be murder, and Kira has gone corporate!”
4. Letters to the Lost (Letters to the Lost #1) by Brigid Kemmerer: 5/5⭐
I had no idea I was going to love this as much reading it for the second time! If you don’t know, I read this book years ago, but since I never read the second book I decided to read this again to get into the sequel next. And I mean… this is such a perfect YA book! I don’t read a lot of sad YA books like this one anymore because I think I’ve outgrown them a little, but if I had to pick favorites this would definitely be one of them! Loved it like the first time I read it, and I would highly recommend it!
Synopsis
“Juliet Young always writes letters to her mother, a world-traveling photojournalist. Even after her mother’s death, she leaves letters at her grave. It’s the only way Juliet can cope.
Declan Murphy isn’t the sort of guy you want to cross. In the midst of his court-ordered community service at the local cemetery, he’s trying to escape the demons of his past.
When Declan reads a haunting letter left beside a grave, he can’t resist writing back. Soon, he’s opening up to a perfect stranger, and their connection is immediate. But neither Declan nor Juliet knows that they’re not actually strangers. When life at school interferes with their secret life of letters, sparks will fly as Juliet and Declan discover truths that might tear them apart.”
5. Places We’ve Never Been by Kasie West: 3.25/5⭐
An unplanned book I decided to read this month! I’m a huge Kasie West fan, and I’ve wanted to read her latest book “Places We’ve Never Been” – so I started it and read it in a couple of days. It was an okay read! It wasn’t my favorite book from Kasie West, but it also wasn’t bad. I still plan on reading her books!
Synopsis
“A contemporary Young Adult novel about a cross-country family road trip that puts one girl and her childhood best friend on an unexpected road to romance!
Norah hasn’t seen her childhood best friend, Skyler, in years. When he first moved away, they’d talk all the time, but lately their relationship has been reduced to liking each other’s Instagram posts. That’s why Norah can’t wait for the joint RV road trip their families have planned for the summer.
But when Skyler finally arrives, he seems…like he’d rather be anywhere else. Hurt and confused, Norah reacts in kind. Suddenly, her oldest friendship is on the rocks.
A summer spent driving across the country leads both Norah and Skyler down new roads and to new discoveries. Before long, they are, once again, seeing each other in a different light. Can their friendship-turned-rivalry turn into something more?”
6. The Big Bang Theory by Jessica Radloff: 5/5⭐
This is one of the best books I read this month – or should I say year? Initially, I was a little taken aback by its length. “Why is it so long? Can there really be that much to say?” The answer is a resounding: yes! This is a wonderfully put-together book, and the author did a lot of interviews and investigating to put this book together. This is a “The Big Bang Theory” bible! It uncovers an incredible array of behind-the-scenes details that most viewers never get to see. It’s amazing the amount of things that happen during the show that the viewers don’t know about. I came away with a much deeper appreciation for the show and its production. I learned so much! This is absolutely a must-read for all lovers of “The Big Bang Theory” like myself.
Synopsis
“The definitive, behind-the-scenes look at the most popular sitcom of the last decade, The Big Bang Theory, packed with all-new, exclusive interviews with the producers and the entire cast.
The Big Bang Theory is a television phenomenon. To the casual viewer, it’s a seemingly effortless comedy, with relatable characters tackling real-life issues, offering a kind of visual comfort food to its millions of dedicated fans. But the behind-the-scenes journey of the show from a failed pilot to a global sensation is a fascinating story that even the most die-hard fans don’t know in its entirety.
The Big Bang The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series is a riveting, entertaining look at the sitcom sensation, with the blessing and participation of co-creators Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, executive producers Steve Molaro and Steve Holland, as well as Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Melissa Rauch, Mayim Bialik, and more. Glamour senior editor Jessica Radloff, who has written over 150 articles on the series (and even had a cameo in the finale!), gives readers an all-access pass to its intrepid producing and writing team and beloved cast. It’s a story of on-and-off screen romance told in hilarious and emotional detail, of casting choices that nearly changed everything (which even some of the actors didn’t know until now), of cast members bravely powering through personal tragedies, and when it came time to announce the 12th season would be its last, the complicated reasons why it was more difficult than anyone ever led on. Through hundreds of hours of interviews with the sitcom’s major players, Radloff dives into all this and much more. The book is the ultimate celebration of this once-in-a-generation show and a must-have for all fans.”
7. The Hunger Habit by Dr. Judson Brewer: 4.5/5⭐
This book was amazing! It gave me a different perspective on my eating and binging habits and a new approach to changing them. I’ve started doing a few things the book suggests and I’m seeing a lot of differences! Definitely worth reading – but I’ll tell you more in my upcoming review.
Synopsis
“A program proven to heal our relationship with food and our bodies from New York Times bestselling author of Unwinding Anxiety.
Sometimes it feels as if there are as many ways to struggle with food as there are foods to eat. Craving, habit, emotions, boredom, stress, anxiety, or just the simple fact that a box of donuts seems to be omnipresent in the breakroom (free food!) can lead to feeling out of control around food. While anxiety feels like something that happens to us, the pull of food feels like something we should be able to handle. After all, we have to eat! But it’s not that simple. The result of this constant struggle—and then giving in or giving up—is a toxic cocktail of shame and self-judgment that makes it feel like it is impossible to change our behavior.
The Hunger Habit is based on Judson Brewer’s deeply researched plan proven to help us understand what is going on in our brains so that we can heal the guilt and frustration we experience around eating. This is not a diet book pretending not to be a diet book. The step-by-step program focuses on the training out brains to tap into awareness to change our relationship with food and eating—shifting it from fighting with ourselves to befriending our minds and bodies. There is no willpower, calorie-counting, or restricted eating. Setbacks are a good thing! The key is to learn how to work with our brains rather than resisting our impulses, and to adopt an attitude of self-kindness rather than self-judgment.
Grounded in cutting-edge neuroscience and several decades of clinical practice as a psychiatrist, The Hunger Habit is both accessible and compassionate. It will finally help you break out of food jail and reclaim your life.”
8. An Offer From a Gentleman (Bridgertons #3) by Julia Quinn: 4.25/5⭐
Also finished one more book from the “Bridgertons” series! This book is focused on Benedict and Sophie’s romance – which I knew nothing about -, and I ended up really liking it! I had no idea this was a Cinderella retelling, so I was surprised to see Julia Quinn adding a retelling story in the middle of the series. I’m very happy the series is getting interesting! After Daphne’s book I wasn’t very excited to keep going, but now I’m glad I did because Anthony’s story and Benedict’s story were way better. Colin and Penelope are next!
Synopsis
“Sophie Beckett never dreamed she’d be able to sneak into Lady Bridgerton’s famed masquerade ball—or that “Prince Charming” would be waiting there for her! Though the daughter of an earl, Sophie has been relegated to the role of servant by her disdainful stepmother. But now, spinning in the strong arms of the debonair and devastatingly handsome Benedict Bridgerton, she feels like royalty. Alas, she knows all enchantments must end when the clock strikes midnight.
Who was that extraordinary woman? Ever since that magical night, a radiant vision in silver has blinded Benedict to the attractions of any other—except, perhaps, this alluring and oddly familiar beauty dressed in housemaid’s garb whom he feels compelled to rescue from a most disagreeable situation. He has sworn to find and wed his mystery miss, but this breathtaking maid makes him weak with wanting her. Yet, if he offers her his heart, will Benedict sacrifice his only chance for a fairy tale love?”
9. Terms and Conditions (Dreamland Billionaires #2) by Lauren Asher: 4/5⭐
At the beginning of this book, I was convinced it would top the first book: I personally love the fake dating trope and the boss/secretary trope, so I was expecting it to be better than the first book in the series. Their relationship reminded me a lot of a darker version of Harvey and Donna (they’re from a TV show named Suits), and they seemed to have a very interesting dynamic. But to be honest, I wasn’t too fond of the last third of the book for a few different reasons. At this point, the books are practically in the same tier, rating-wise. There’s only one book left, but I’m not sure what to expect because Cal (the remaining brother) seems a little different from his brothers. We’ll see!
Synopsis
“Declan
I’m destined to become the next CEO of my family’s media empire.
The only problem? My grandfather’s inheritance clause.
Fulfilling his dying wish of getting married and having an heir seemed impossible until my assistant volunteers for the job.
Our marriage was supposed to be the perfect solution to my biggest problem.
But the more we act in love for the public, the more unsure I feel about our contract.
Caring about Iris was never part of the deal.
Especially not when breaking her heart is inevitable.
Iris
My plan to marry Declan was simple in theory.
Move in together. Throw a wedding. Have a baby.
We set rules to prevent any kind of issues.
Ones that were never meant to be broken, no matter how much Declan tempts me.
But what happens when our fake relationship bleeds into our real one?
Falling in love was never an option.
At least not for me.”
10. The Guncle Abroad (The Guncle #2) by Steve Rowley: 4.25/5⭐
Once again, I loved reading about the Guncle adventures with Maisie and Grant! This was a really fun read and I loved the European background for the story. I think it’s a really good option to read for the Summer, but my advice is for you to read the first book first because you won’t understand most of what they’re talking about. But it’s worth it, I promise!
Synopsis
“Patrick O’Hara is called back to his guncle duties… This time for a big family wedding in Italy.
Patrick O’Hara is back. It’s been five years since his summer as his niece Maisie and nephew Grant’s caretaker after their mother’s passing. The kids are back in Connecticut with their dad, and Patrick has relocated to New York to remain close by and relaunch his dormant acting career. After the run of his second successful sit-com comes to a close, Patrick feels on top of the world… professionally. But some things have had to take a back seat. Looking down both barrels at fifty, Patrick is single again after breaking things off with Emory. But at least he has a family to lean on. Until that family needs to again lean on him.
When Patrick’s brother, Greg, announces he’s getting remarried in Italy, Maisie and Grant are not thrilled. Patrick feels drawn to take the two back under his wing. As they travel through Europe on their way to the wedding, Patrick tries his best to help them understand love, much as he once helped them comprehend grief. But when they arrive in Italy, Patrick is overextended managing a groom with cold feet; his sister, Clara, flirting with guests left and right; a growing rivalry with the kids’ charming soon-to-be-launt (lesbian aunt), and two moody young teens trying to adjust to a new normal, all culminating in a disastrous rehearsal dinner.
Can Patrick save the day? Will teaching the kids about love help him repair his own love life? Can the change of scenery help Patrick come to terms with finally growing up?
Gracing the work with his signature blend of humor and heart, Steven Rowley charms with a beloved story about the complicated bonds of family, love, and what it takes to rediscover yourself, even at the ripe age of fifty.”
11. Wake Up, Sleeping Beauty, Vol. 1 by Megume Morino: 2.5/5⭐
This was the only book I read this month that I didn’t like. I felt like starting a shorter, quick manga in August to keep things fresh and escape a little from my current manga, so I found this series – which I thought was a contemporary, romantic, 6-volume series by the way -, and decided to go ahead and start it. I don’t know exactly what I expected when I started reading it, but it wasn’t what I read. This is such a weird story! It’s way darker than it appears to be, and I think it’s a paranormal story? I’m not entirely sure yet. I’m going to continue, in hopes that it will get better, but I kind of regret starting it if I’m being honest. If only I knew!
Synopsis
“This funny and heartrending romantic manga set in modern Tokyo is not the fairy tale you remember! This time, Prince Charming is a teenage janitor, and Sleeping Beauty’s curse is a supernatural, gender-bending dream that threatens to pull them both into a deeper and deeper slumber…
THE AWAKENING
High schooler Tetsu Misato is hardworking, frugal, and easily scared, but he commits to a part-time job at the mansion on the hill—the one that’s rumored to be haunted. As he toils away, he notices a building separate from the estate, and the mysterious girl who lives within it: Shizu Karasawa. Tetsu slowly becomes enchanted by Shizu’s lonely smile, but by their second encounter, he quickly finds himself in over his head. There’s an unsettling feeling he can’t quite shake, but there’s love there, too.”
As usual, I’ll be posting the reviews for these books soon.
What about you guys? How was your reading month? Let me know in the comments! Thank you for reading friends, I’ll catch you guys later!
Sprayed Edges 