June Book Recap

It's still a little hard for some of y'all to believe, but I didn't really grow up reading. Clif Notes were a lifesaver in high school. I'd read 'enough' to get by, but I didn't enjoy the act of reading so never did it. Maybe I wasn't reading things that held my interest or maybe it was because it was "required", but whatever the reason, I'm glad I took the challenge to add the goal of reading 17 books in 2017 (which became 88 books in 2017, 77 books in 2018, 67 books in 2019, 66 books in 2020, 67 books in 2021, 41 books in 2022, 98 books in 2023, 224 books in 2024 and 136 books in 2025). The majority of my reading recently has been listening to audiobooks, but it still counts! Even still, holding a physical book is my JAM and I hope I can add that back into my routine on a more regular basis. Just like in years past, writing a monthly recap of the books I finish is a great way for me to both record what I'm reading (so I don't forget and in case anyone is curious) and to stay accountable. So, without further ado, here are the books I completed in the month of June:

• Meet Cute by Helena Hunting - Nothing that I had saved for later in my Libby app was catching my eye, so I went scrolling through to romcom section and saw this book. The cover looked cute so I figured I'd give it a try. This was a story told from alternating perspectives - Kailyn and Dax (and narrated by two different actors - my fave!). The pair originally met in law school where they were often sparring partners at the to top the class (but Kailyn actually had a HUGE crush on him because he was an actor in one of her favorite teen shows growing up). The story picks up five years later when Dax's parents unknowingly walk into Kailyn's law office for help on their daughter's trust. After a tragic accident the two are thrown together in a much closer role where they need to suss out their feelings, past betrayals and career aspirations. I thought it was a cute, quick read (that was surprisingly fairly emotional). I'd say it was a slow burn that had me hooked thanks to the witty banter and the heartwarming relationships that each seemed to contain a lot of personal growth. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman - I had seen the little 'Reese's Book Club' sticker on this book cover while scrolling through my Libby app, so thought I'd give it a try. I didn't know anything about this one prior to checking it out (not a huge shocker there, right?!). It ended up being a thriller about a couple who found 'something in the water' while they were scuba diving in Bora Bora on their honeymoon. I'll say, for me, the beginning felt slow. There seemed to be a lot of build-up, but nothing much really happened. And then the end was a major disappointment. You know those books you read that feel like they've left a lot unanswered or up in the air so there can obviously be a second book... well, that's how I felt, but there is no series. It all felt a bit too tame and predictable. Don't get me wrong, I stuck with it and was intrigued with where the story was going, but I guess it just didn't live up to what I thought it could be. The book ends with the main character saying that she can be patient... yet, the entire book showed she was anything but! I would give it a 6 out of 10.

• Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover - I have read a few books by this author and have tended to enjoy them, so when I saw this book in the 'trending' section of my Hoopla app I was excited to check it out (especially because it mentioned it had recently been adapted into a movie). This story was told in alternating perspectives (read by two different narrators - my fave!) - Kenna and Ledger. Kenna was recently released from prison after serving five years for manslaughter after her boyfriend at the time was tragically killed in a car accident. Ledger turns out to be the best friend of Kenna's boyfriend who died. While Kenna was in prison she gave birth to a baby girl, the daughter of her and her boyfriend. Her boyfriend's parents got custody of the baby and were able to get her parental rights terminated. After her release, she returns to the town where her daughter is being raised in hopes of connecting. In the process, she encounters Ledger and the two become intertwined. It's a story of forgiveness, grief, redemption and much more. It was a quick (yet emotional) and captivating read, that I honestly didn't want to end. I know the movie won't be as good, but I'll definitely watch it when I have the chance because I want to be back in their story again. I would give it a 9 out of 10.

• You with the Sad Eyes by Christina Applegate - I always enjoy a good memoir and this was no different. This is a deep dive into the life behind the legendary actress. I'll be honest and say I didn't watch a lot of her early stuff, but have enjoyed her ever since Anchorman and Bad Moms (and LOVED the Dead To Me series). This is not an easy read (heartbreaking at times), but most people who write memoirs haven't had the easiest road to walk. The book goes into Christina's MS and breast cancer diagnosis, growing up in abusive relationships, living with body dysmorphia and an eating disorder, etc. I so appreciate her openness and candor. She's funny, but serious, real and raw. This definitely didn't feel like a typical celebrity memoir - it is more of a look behind the curtain, showing the battles that most people never know about. I sort of wish I would have listened to the audiobook, since she narrates it, but the physical book was great as well. I would give it a 9 out of 10.

• The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton - I learned about this book a couple months ago when I read the memoir of Lara Love Hardin (a book I would totally recommend as well). She helped this author tell his story. This is the memoir of a man who was wrongfully convicted and spent THIRTY YEARS on death row in Alabama for crimes he did not commit. Don't get me wrong, I know there are a lot of folks 'out there' who claim to be innocent, but this man had the evidence to back it up and yet it still took THREE DECADES for a court to finally look at everything and overturn the original ruling. This is a book about injustice and racism, but also one filled with hope and resilience. This man is special. His circumstances could have led to (justified) anger and hatred, but instead he became a light to those around him (even starting a book club in prison). This is a heart-wrenchingly powerful story that I believe everyone should know. I would give it a 10 out of 10.

• One & Only by Maurene Goo - I had seen this book mentioned a few times on new release lists, so got in line for it at my local library. It is a story about Cassia, an LA-based matchmaker. Her family's matchmaking business isn't the same as others in the field, because her family has the ability to 'read faces' and see someone's 'fated' love - and they have a 100% success rate in finding their client's soulmate (linked to their past lives). The women of Cassia's family have been doing this work for centuries, but when Cassia finds out that there might be more to love than someone's fated match her life gets flipped upside down. I normally am not one into the magical type genre of books, but overall I was immersed in the story. This was all about fate vs finding your own path. For a book I usually wouldn't have picked up, I enjoyed it. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple - I had seen this book mentioned a couple times and it finally became available on my Libby app so I snagged it. I found it fast paced and fun. It was read by a super awesome actress too, which made me smile to listen to. The story is told in the format of different letters, memos, emails, faxes, standard narration, etc. (It sort of reminded me of The Correspondent that I read last month - although the stories are much different ;)) It is about an eccentric architect, her gifted daughter and intelligent husband. Bernadette keeps you on your toes and always has you guessing about what she might do or say next. I kept wanting to steal time away to listen to the book and see where it would lead next. I would have given it a higher rating, but I did not like/ appreciate the way that the book spoke about the unhoused population (otherwise I would have been singing it's praise from the rooftops). I do have more of this author's books on my 'for later' list, so hopefully I enjoy those just as much (and here's hoping she'll treat marginalized populations with more respect or maybe I won't stick with her as a writer). I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• Bound by Ali Hazelwood - I was surprised when I saw this one pop up in my recommended list on my Hoopla list. Not because I don't enjoy this author, which I do, but because I hadn't seen it before and I feel like I scroll through Ali's catalog on a somewhat regular basis. Come to find out, this book was originally only released on audiobook, which is probably why I hadn't heard of it before. It is a story about a grad student who gets wrapped up in a forging scheme with a vampire-esk professor. Most of this author's books can be spicy with a capital S, but I was pleasantly surprised that this one was pretty tame (I'll be honest and say that I would prefer to leave the sex scenes out of books, but that's probably why I tend to prefer the YA genre to the strictly romance books). I liked Vero as a character, but couldn't completely buy in with Viktor (which may have more to do with the fact that the revenant/ vampire world is a little out of my wheelhouse and not my go-to type book than the character himself). It was a slow burn and had all of the witty banter that you come to expect with this author, but I wouldn't say it would be in my list of top books of hers. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• The Divorce by Freida McFadden - I needed a book to listen to on the drive up to Mammoth so I snagged this one. It was on the new release list on my Hoopla app and I tend to enjoy the books I read by this author so thought I'd give it a shot. As I've come to expect from this author, nothing is exactly as it seems. This was told from two different perspectives - the first of which was Naomi (the seemingly 'perfect' wife), followed up by Veronica (the 'other woman'). This was fast paced (which normally means you don't have enough time to figure out what is truly happening or what might be around the next corner) and full of twists. I am not sure if it's because I've read a couple of this author's books already or maybe this one just wasn't the best that I've read, but it seemed a little predictable. I may not have guessed some of the big plot points, but once they were revealed I got a sense of where the story was going. I'll be honest and say I wasn't on the edge of my seat, holding my breath or anything, but I was entertained enough to keep listening. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash - I had seen a few people mention this book recently, so I got in line for it at my local library and it was finally my turn to check it out. I took it up to Mammoth with us for a long weekend and read it while we were relaxing at Lake Mary. I've been on a bit of a rom-com and thriller kick recently, so I have to say, when I read 'just' a novel, it can feel a bit slow at times, but I know sticking with the story will be worth it. This was about a family going through life (but, let's be real, it was all sort of crumbling around them). Each chapter seemed to focus on a different character, which was an interesting way to go about storytelling. The family was definitely dysfunctional, but (and I don't want to ruin anything) I think the last chapter of the book made it all worth it for me. There was a lot going on throughout this book, but the stories all seemed to intertwine and mesh together so well. I saw someone mention Royal Tenenbaums in a review of this one and it was spot on (the hubby LOVES Wes Anderson, so I knew exactly what they meant when the comparison was referenced). This book was filled with dark humor, quirky characters and a bit of unhinge thrown in for good measure. I can see why people are really enjoying it. It may not have been one I would've normally picked, but I'm glad I listened to those friends who knew what they were talking about. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff - This is another one that I had seen mentioned on quite a few lists recently. It wasn't on either of my audiobook apps, so I grabbed the physical copy from the library and took it with us to Mammoth. This was a similar book to the one I just finished, in that it was a novel about a family (again, with real life crashing down around them). It was told in three parts - each by a different member of the family (the first was by Lillian, the mother, the next by Jet, the daughter, and the final by Ryan, the father). It was about family dynamics, generational trauma, addiction, loss, secrets, love and much more. I saw the phrase 'family saga' thrown around a bit when discussing this book and it makes sense (I guess you'd consider the genre contemporary fiction). The characters felt relatable and their lives felt real. This is the debut novel from a social worker and I imagine we'll see many more books from this author in the future. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• Do Not Disturb by Freida McFadden - I needed a book to listen to on the drive home from Mammoth so I grabbed this one. I had originally been in line for it on my Libby app, but saw that it was available on Hoopla (you don't have to wait for books on Hoopla, but you only get a limited amount of check-outs per month, so there are definitely trade-offs with the two audiobook apps) so I downloaded it. Now that I've read a couple of this author's books I would say I enjoy them, but they definitely seem to all follow a similar pattern (and now that I've read a few, I'm not sure I'll continue since I've sort of figured out the pattern). This was a story about a woman who killed her husband in self defence and then goes on the run so she isn't caught. Circumstances are against her and she ends up getting stuck in a creepy hotel during a snowstorm. As with most of this author's books, it's told from a couple different perspectives (the woman who killed her husband, that woman's sister and then one of the hotel owners). This one seemed more predictable than others I have read and a bit too obvious (and two fortune tellers in one story... that seems to be a bit much, right?!). Maybe I need to take a break from thrillers for a bit... or maybe just from this author for a while. I would give it a 6 out of 10.

• Conversion Therapy Dropout by Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez - I saw this book pop up in the featured section of my Hoopla app and it caught my eye. I'm always a sucker for a good memoir and I expected this one to be nothing but impactful. This author grew up in the Evangelical movement of the early 2000s, working for churches while struggling with his sexuality. He shares his story of spending eight years in conversion therapy - going to conferences, trying to 'pray the gay away'. This isn't just about his coming out, it's about how much hurt a non-affirming space can have on a person. I so appreciate his willingness to share (and was beyond relieved when he finally found some spaces that welcomed him with open arms and loving hearts). Timothy struggled for years to find somewhere he could be fully known and accepted, so he forged his own path and created the community he craved. This is an important book that I hope gets the attention it deserves - I truly believe it has the power to change people and potentially save lives. I would give it a 10 out of 10.

• Nobody in Particular by Sophie Gonzales - I had this book on my 'for later' list on my Libby app for quite a while, but it always seemed to be checked out. I noticed that it was available the other day so I nabbed it. This is a coming-of-age story about two girls, Rose and Danni. The book follows their secret romance - between a princess (literal) and the new girl at boarding school. It's a cute, quick read with all the YA feels. I appreciate that it touches on serious themes, like grief and mental health, while also being an easy-breezy teen romance. And you know I always love a book with dual perspectives (especially when the audiobook is read by two narrators). It felt lighthearted and deep at the same time, if that's even possible. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum - I didn't know anything about this book when I got in line for it at the library, but I had seen it mentioned multiple times so was hoping it'd be good. It ended up being a bit of a mystery/ thriller with a romance aspect (which, if you couldn't tell by my reviews recently, was right up my alley). It was told in dual timelines and dual narration (and done wonderfully, in my opinion). This was a story about two friends, Benny and Joy. The pair created a (now super famous) podcast where they would chat about life threatening scenarios and how they would potentially get out of them. Benny wakes up one morning to find that Joy and her husband, Xander, are missing and Benny becomes one of the prime suspects in their disappearance. I found the story engaging and fast-paced, the characters felt well developed and complex. There may have been some parts that felt a little predictable or convoluted, but overall I was all in on this book. I could totally see this being turned into a movie (one that I'd totally watch!). I would give it a 9 out of 10.

• Josh & Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren - Every few months I will check my audiobook apps and the library catalog for some of my top authors to see if any of their other books have been added. A few weeks ago I noticed that one of my top author teams had added a previous book to my Libby app, so obviously I got in line to wait it out. This one was all about the friends to lovers lovers troupe. Hazel had met Josh in college, but then life happened and the two disappeared from each others lives. A handful of years later (close to ten), the two are reintroduced at Hazel's best friend's house when she finds out that Josh is her best friend's brother. They strike up a friendship that becomes so much more. The two start going on dates together (but not dating each other - setting the other person up with someone else and then going on a double date), eventually realizing that they are perfect for one another. It's a cute little rom-com that had me smiling and rooting for the pair - which is to be expected with this author duo (let's be real, I will probably always read whatever they put out... it's always swoonworthy ;)). I would give it an 8 out of 10. 

• The Guncle by Steven Rowley - I have had this book on my 'to be read' list for quite a while, but my audiobook apps only have the second book available and my library's copy seemed to be getting repairs done on it for months (I had been in line at my library, but there was zero movement, so I doubt they were actually fixing it). Thankfully I noticed that my library had the large print version of the book on its shelves, so I was able to finally get it in my paws :) This is a sweet story about Patrick, who has become somewhat of a recluse after he stopped acting, and his nephew, Grant, and niece Maisie, who come to live with him one summer. Patrick was best friends with the kiddos' mom, Sara, back in college, but then she married Patrick's brother, Greg. Years went by and Sara got sick and unfortunately passed away. At the funeral, Greg tells Patrick that he is an addict and needs to go away to rehab and needs Patrick to take the kids for 90 days. Let's just say that Patrick is reluctant, but eventually offers to help. It's a story about grief, growing up and  family. I enjoyed it immensely and am excited that I can now grab the follow-up book on my Libby app. I would give it a 9 out of 10.

• We Burned So Bright by TJ Klune - When I saw this author had released a new book I was stoked. I love everything he writes and couldn't wait to get in line for the next book at my library. This was a short novella about two husbands, Rodney and Don, at the end of the world. Yep, a black hole was headed towards earth and everyone had about a month left to live. The pair got in their ricketty RV and was making a journey from Maine to Washington in order to put something right before it all ended. I don't want to give anything away, but let's just say that for how short the book was, it truly packed a punch. I was struggling with wanting to continue reading because I wanted to know what would happen next and not wanting to continue reading because I didn't want the story to end. It was heart-wrenching and hopeful, cozy and complex. It felt huge (the world ending), yet so small and personal at the same time. You will feel all the feels, so be ready! I loved the relationship between Rodney and Don (the tenderness, the fully knowing someone else), I loved all of the characters they met along on their journey (from the best of people to the worst of people and how they are all dealing with the end differently). And, just like the rest of TJ's books, I loved it. I would give it a 10 out of 10.

• Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella - I needed an audiobook to listen to while I did some chores around the house and went for a couple runs, so I thought I'd give this one a try (I think I had come across it when I was scrolling through the YA section of my Libby app, but I don't really remember how it ended up in my 'for later' list). This was a story about Audrey, a fourteen year old girl struggling with her mental health. She had gone through an event (she doesn't want to talk about it, so we will respect her privacy) and is dealing with the aftermath. Audrey is having a difficult time connecting with others outside of her safe bubble, so stays inside and wears dark glasses so she doesn't have to interact with the outside world. One of her brothers' friends, Linus, eventually breaks through to her and you see her make some strides towards getting back to who she once was. I appreciate the way this author approached mental health (specifically severe social anxiety and depression), especially in a book written for the younger generation - hopefully it helps folks realize that mental health shouldn't be a taboo subject. I also liked that the focus was on recovery and not necessarily the cause of the main character's anxiety. It felt serious but sweet. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• Something Like Possible by Miel Moreland - I noticed this book in the YA section of my Libby app and thought I'd give it a try. It centers around a high school election - focusing on Madison, a bisexual student trying to run a winning campaign so she can get into a prestigious internship for the summer. Days before the junior election process is set to begin, Madison is dumped by her girlfriend and fired as her campaign manager. Madison rushes to find another candidate she can support and ends up finding more than she bargained for (a new crush, a skeptical group of friends, a 'club' she never would have chosen to join, etc). Although this is a book for a younger crowd, it definitely has some serious topics discussed - such as sexual assault and harassment, bullying, power imbalances, anxiety/ depression/ PTSD, self-harm, etc. While it isn't all sunshine and rainbows, it is empowering and endearing - a book I'd vote for any day. I would give it an 8 out of 10. 

• The Shippers by Katherine Center - I enjoy everything this author writes, so when her newest release was finally available at my library I snagged it right away (I actually got in line for it while they were still processing it and adding it to their inventory :)). As I suspected, this was another swoon-worthy rom-com. It is told from the perspective of JoJo, a woman who seems to be constantly unlucky in love. The story starts as she is getting ready to walk down the aisle when her childhood best friend busts in and nudges her to fake faint at the altar. Six weeks later she is going on a cruise to celebrate her sister's wedding when said best friend, Cooper, shows up again. JoJo recruits Cooper to help her trick her childhood crush into falling in love with her while on the boat. Loandbehold Cooper has other motives and is working behind the scenes to try and get JoJo to realize that HE is the one for her. Let's be real, it was predictable in the way that most rom-coms are, but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy every second of it. (I am already in line for more of this author's books on my audiobook apps ;)) Random, but I also really enjoyed the author's note at the beginning. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• Life's Too Short by Anny Jimenez - When I saw that my Libby app had another book by this author listed, I got in line right away. I may have had to wait for a couple months, but I knew it'd be worth it. I usually love everything this author writes and this book is no different. It is technically the third book in The Friend Zone series, but they are all standalone stories, so you're good if you haven't read the prior books (or if it's been a while, as it was for me). This is a rom-com centered around Vanessa, a travel vlogger, and Adrian, a successful lawyer. The two meet one early morning when Adrian knocks on Vanessa's door after being unable to sleep due to a constantly crying baby. Vanessa is fostering her sister's daughter and Adrian steps in to help when and where he can. The two strike up a friendship, but nothing more because Vanessa 'doesn't date' and Adrian is seemingly married to his job. It's a super sweet romance, friends-to-lovers trope, but with some pretty serious topics thrown in (living with a terminal disease, addiction, parental abandonment, etc). This author's books always weave humor and heartache together so well (you always feel all the feels with her stories). It's a reminder to live every day to the fullest, no matter how many days are left. I would give it a 9 out of 10.

With that, June is done-zo. If you have suggestions, let me know! I'm always looking to add to my "must read" list! 

What's the best book you've read lately?