I read eight books in August, and to be honest, there were some winners and some not-so-winners. Though I write reviews on all of the books I read, I thought it might be fun to start doing a short-review reading wrap up for each month.
For those of you that like to read recommendations but aren’t necessarily ready for a full review, here’s a compilation of all the things I’ve read this month and what star rating I’d give them.
The Unsinkable Greta James
Synopsis
The Unsinkable Great James is Genre Fiction that follows budding rock star, Greta James. Greta’s mom has always been her biggest fan–until one day, she’s not there anymore. With her mom gone, it’s no secret that her dad thinks she should have taken a different path. Yet, when it comes time for her parent’s anniversary, Greta finds out that her dad is planning on going on their anniversary cruise alone…so she buys a ticket. Stuck together for a week, the two will either get over their differences and learn to get along, or be stuck in the same path of resistance for forever.
Thoughts
I thought this book was good. I’ve read better, but it wasn’t bad. I think it’s a unique plot and I really liked the way that the book was set up. I enjoyed getting to see both Greta and her dad’s self-exploration. Overall, a solid 3.5 stars. Good, but missing that wow factor.
Good Girl Complex
Synopsis
Elle Kennedy’s Good Girl Complex is a perfect beach read–it’s got romance, a little bit of conflict, and a little bit of spice. Overall, the perfect recipe for a fun book to take on vacation. The story follows protagonist Mac, who is a “good girl.” You know the kind–plaid sweater vests and brunch on Sundays? Mac’s always been a people pleaser, but when she’s forced into attending a college that she doesn’t want to go to, she finds herself looking for an escape; that’s how she meets Cooper. Cooper is everything Mac knows she shouldn’t want. Yet, she keeps getting drawn in and she wonders whether it’s worth upsetting the tide (so to speak) to make herself happy for once.
Thoughts
Good Girl Complex is a cute romance, but I’m not sure I enjoyed it as much as some other romances I’ve read. While I easily got into the plot, it seemed to stall halfway through and then it just dragged a little too much. I liked the writing style, but overall, the characters had a few too many red flags (especially the love interest). I’d rate this one 4 stars.
Float Plan
Synopsis
Float Plan is a debut novel that follows Anna, who is heartbroken over her fiancé’s suicide. After months of grieving with no end in sight, Anna decides to try a new approach and take their sailboat out on the open sea (by herself) to complete the round-the-world trip the two of them had planned. Except, things don’t exactly go the way that Anna hoped and she doesn’t know as much about sailing as her fiancé did. So, she hires Keane, an Irish professional sailor who helps her chart a new course for herself.
Thoughts
I thought this book had SUCH a cute cover that I wasn’t expecting it to be more than cute romance. Usually books with little cartoon characters on the cover end up being the spiciest. But, this book was so unexpected in all the best ways. It’s very slow-burn, but also not–the book really isn’t about romance as much as it is about Anna overcoming her devastating grief. Overall, a fantastic read.
Killers of A Certain Age
Synopsis
In this Thriller meets Genre Fiction, four female friends have spent their lives as the deadliest assassins the world–and it’s time to retire. When their employer sends them on an all-expenses-paid cruise to celebrate, the friends are overjoyed. Though, it soon becomes clear that there’s no cause to celebrate–their employer is trying to kill them and the friends need to find out why in order to get out alive.
Thoughts
Killers of A Certain Age was SUCH a ride. seriously. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a book that resembles an action movie, but this one is IT. This book is fun, engaging, and unique. Overall, I really enjoyed it, but I did wish it had a little bit more depth. Solid 4 star read that I would recommend to others. You can read my full review here.
On Rotation
Synopsis
On Rotation is a coming-of-age novel with a romantic element. Protagonist Angie is the daughter of Ghanaian Immigrants and she strives to be the perfect Ghanaian American daughter. She’s in an elite medical program that puts her under a lot of pressure, but she’s determined to be happy while satisfying her parents. Yet, when she meets a man who is nothing like what her parents want for her, Angie has to choose between what she wants and who she believes she should be.
Thoughts
I was so excited to get my hands on this book…and I was so disappointed when it fell flat for me. I hated the male lead in this book–he was absolutely filled with red flags, and I don’t like how the book ended given that this was a coming-of-age novel. I think the main character has a lot to learn. 2 stars.
Would I recommend it? No. But, you can try it yourself on Amazon for just $24 here.
Just My Type
Synopsis
Just My Type is a second chance romance with exes turned enemies. Lana has always had a steady relationship, even with men she hasn’t exactly been in love with. Her love life has always been just…okay. Seth is a player that has a steady stream of hookups and that’s about it. When Lana’s four year relationship (with another man) blows up in her face, she comes into work to find none other than Seth. As it turns out, there’s a promotion up for grabs, Seth is a new hire, and the two will be competing for the new position by creating a relationship to-do list for each other.
Thoughts
A very typical romance, but a good one. This book is definitely a mindless read, but it does have some deeper themes to it that I wish were explored a bit more. Cute characters, really engaging plotline. Kind of still bummed this book took the title of Abby Jimenez’s new book, but overall I would still recommend it.
Note: This title isn’t going to be released for a little bit yet since I got it on ARC, but a full review will be posted in the future.
This book isn’t officially releasing until February, but you can pre-order it here!
The Sign For Home
Synopsis
Arlo Dilly is a young Deafblind man and a Jehovah’s Witness. His JW uncle, and guardian, has kept Arlo from communicating with much of anyone outside the JW community–until Arlo convinces his guardian to allow him to sign up for a writing class to help prepare him for an upcoming mission trip. The class requires an extra interpreter, and Arlo is presented with Cyril, a gay atheist who wouldn’t seem to have a lot in common with Arlo. Though, Cyril quickly learns that there’s much more to Arlo than meets the eye, and he’s determined to help Arlo find his way back to his old school friends, his past love, and the Deafblind community…even if it’s without Arlo’s uncle’s approval.
Thoughts
A stellar read. Six out of five stars, if you will.
I loved The Sign For Home–Not only was it such a great representation for the struggles the entire disabled community faces, it was also a fantastic story with a unique plotline and an even more creative protagonist lineup. Would highly recommend–the full review will be out later this week.
Click this link. Just click it. I promise you won’t regret it! The book is less than $14 right now!
The Book of Gothel
Synopsis
The Book of Gothel is a fairy-tale retelling of Mother Gothel, the with that “stole” Rapunzel from her mother. This book takes place in Germany in the 1100s and it follows Gothel’s story from a young age. The protagonist, Haelwise, faces unimaginable loss after the death of her mother, and the whole town believes she’s a witch, even though she’s not even sure if magic really exists. Left alone to a fate of stoning by the townspeople, Haelwise decides to leave the cottage she’s lived in her whole life and venture beyond the wall on her own, in hopes of finding a witch in a tower who might be able to save her life. This story is one of adventure, finding yourself, and even a sprinkle of romance.
Thoughts
This was a GOOD book. I wasn’t expecting to love this book–I’ve never been a huge fan of fantasy–but I really did. The plotline almost feels like an old storybook, but it’s crafted for adults. The Book of Gothel is incredibly well written and it has a lot of aspects readers will enjoy. I didn’t love the ending, which is why I didn’t give it a full five stars, but overall, I would re-read this book in a heartbeat.
You can check out this book on Amazon–it has great reviews, but it needs more hype!
For more reviews, be sure to visit my Book Reviews page, where I post every single weekend about the book that I read that week.
For more content, be sure to subscribe with your email address below!