What I Read in June 2024

I had a great month of reading! I traveled quite a bit this month, so I wasn’t able to read as much, but I am happy about the books I read. I had the pleasure of diving into one of my favorite books of the year, experienced a letdown from one of my favorite authors, and discovered a local author who writes amazing mystery novels.

God of War by Reina Kent – 2/5
I am so disappointed by this book. Reina Kent, one of my favorite dark romance authors, let me down with “God of War.” I had high hopes since I’ve read every single one of her books and eagerly anticipated this one due to its couple. Unfortunately, it was filled with plot holes, repetitive storylines, and a plot too similar to her previous novels. Dare I say, it was boring. The book felt rushed and unoriginal, with the main character lacking depth and too many unresolved issues. I expected more after all the hype, but it turned out to be a letdown. Close all the loops, from start to end. Honestly, I don’t even think I would have finished the book if it wasn’t for the fact that I have read every single one of her other ones and I just wanted to end the series knowing what happened. Sigh.

Watch it Burn by Kristen Bird – 3.5/5
I am not usually a fan of mystery and suspense thrillers, but “Watch It Burn” by Kristen Bird was surprisingly good. I met Kristen at a book club meet-up, and she is absolutely lovely! The book, set in Texas Hill Country (a must-visit if you’re in Texas), was fun to read because I knew the locations, the small-town vibes, and the charm of Galveston. It’s an easy read and perfect for book clubs.

Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano – 5/5
“Hello Beautiful” by Ann Napolitano was a rollercoaster ride of emotions. This book had me feeling anger, sadness, excitement, anxiety, heartache, and more. It’s a beautiful family saga that grips you and makes you question what you would do in similar situations. How would you react if your sister did this? What if your husband had this “darkness”?

The themes of the book revolve around family, ambition, and mental health. It’s written from multiple perspectives, providing deep insights into what the sisters and William were thinking, feeling, and living through. I won’t give anything away, but it’s a gripping story that I highly recommend!