Summer 2023 was busy for me – traveling, moving, and writing. These are the amazing books that got me through. I hope you can find your next read below! There’s some YA, some fantasy, and adult romance.
Someone You Loved by Robin Constantine
This YA romance is sad but not too devastating. (Your mileage may vary though!) I loved the tension and character growth and how they each mourned their friend.
Sarah’s boyfriend Alex died suddenly and tragically. She finds solace through Alex’s best friend, who’s also grieving, especially since he was there the night he died. Sarah is torn because she wonders if it’s disloyal to Alex and his sister (who is her best friend) to fall for Jake.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This Could Be So Good by Cat Sebastian
This gave me so many fuzzy feelings! I was worried it would be too depressing since this takes place in a pre-stonewall NYC. Since it’s the 1950s there is a real danger that the characters could be arrested for being gay.
However, Nick and Andy found so much happiness together in their little bubble, and found acceptance in unexpected places. They had great chemistry and adorable banter.
Thanks to Net Galley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Trials of Apollo series by Rick Riordan
on KU
This entire YA fantasy series is a joy. A bit wonky and strange at times, but always hilarious. And it will pull at your heartstrings.
Set in the world of Percy Jackson, this series follows Apollo as he tries to survive as a mortal in a teenage body as punishment from his father, Zeus.
The Sun and the Star by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro
I loved this! It doesn’t have quite as much action as other books in this universe, but I think it makes up for it with plenty of tender, emotionally vulnerable moments.
I loved that it explored Nico and Will’s relationship, going deeper and further than just “Sunshine and Grump,” because it is actually quite complex and interesting! I was also excited to learn more about how they got together, because a lot of that happened in the background of other books, out of sight.
Seeing Nico really in his element in the underworld was great!
Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon
This one is so sexy and so funny. And of course it pulled at my heartstrings too. I love a good celebrity/regular person romance.
They had such good chemistry and the forced proximity was so believable. He was the star of a teen drama, and she’s the ghost writer hired to help him write his memoir. They had a one-night stand, and it wasn’t good, so she agrees to give him lessons. (Yes, this one is steamy!)
Also loved the audiobook narrator.
Princess Academy by Shannon Hale
My kids and I loved the full-cast audio. As soon as it finished they were demanding we read the sequel next.
This middle grade fantasy was easy to follow, heartfelt, and intricate.
Girls from a mountain town are required to attend a school so one of them can be chosen to be the prince’s bride.
Flawless by Elsie Silver
on KU
I was worried about the extra length on this indie romance, but I shouldn’t have been. Didn’t even notice! I could not put this one down and had such a fun time.
It’s about a bull rider and the woman sent to help him polish his image.
This one is super steamy! And I think it’s going to kick off a string of cowboy romances for me.
Meg Loves Words 