WHAT HAPPENED IN JUNE
- Is it just me or did June seem to pass in the blink of an eye?
- I was over the moon when the St. Louis Blues went all the way to game seven to win the 2019 Stanley Cup. If someone told me a year ago that I would be a total hockey fan I would have thought they were crazy. But around the first of the year I got caught up in the excitement and here we are... with me already excited for the next season! :)
- Between car maintenance and the master bedroom makeover I felt as if we were hemorrhaging money throughout June.
- June 23rd marked one year since the loss of my father. Had a rough few days.
- The heat continues. It was so bad for a week or two period (daily temps hovering at close to 100 degrees) that I am actually thankful right now that it's only 91. How pitiful is that? Is it too soon to be totally over summer??
WHAT I READ IN JUNE
I read/listened to eight books in June which is about my average. Two books per week - reading one and listening to one. No 5-star ratings in June but still plenty of good reads!
Hook Shot* by Kennedy Ryan | 4.25/5 stars
I Wish You All the Best* by Mason Deaver | 4.25/5 stars
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston | 4.25/5 stars
Superfan by Sarina Bowen | 4/5 stars
Birthday by Meredith Russo | 4.25/5 stars
Fumbled by Alexa Martin | 4.25/5 stars
Getting Played* by Emma Chase | 4/5 stars
Raze by Roan Parrish | 3.75/5 stars
* denotes audiobook
FORMATS
Total Read: 8
3 physical books
2 e-books
3 audio books
2 ARCs
TOP OF THE HEAP
Fumbled | Red, White & Royal Blue
For the sheer enjoyment factor, these two were total stand-outs.
THE ONE THAT MADE ME SAD
Birthday
While it did end on a hopeful note, it was a hard time getting there. Morgan, in particular, suffered so much and following his journey over the 5-6 years the book covered was often painful. This one seriously hurt my heart.
THE ONE WITH THE CINNAMON ROLL
Raze
I had no idea what to expect with this one. I requested it on a whim, having zero knowledge of the author or the series. But I flew through the story of Felix and Dane as they faced their own issues and found strength and acceptance in each other. And Felix was The Most Precious Character. So vulnerable and yet so willing to ask for the love he craved. Loved him!
THE ONE WITH ALL THE FEELS
Hook Shot
I loved getting Lotus and Kenan's story in Hook Shot. Kennedy Ryan writes with such emotion and I was pulled right in to their fledgling relationship. So much happens, they go through so much - both together and separately - and my emotions ran the gamut. I laughed, I cried, I was angry, I swooned...Hook Shot delivered it all.
WHAT HAPPENED ON THE BLOG
I had 18 blog posts in June which included 4 reviews: Storm and Fury, Mrs. Everything, I Wish You All the Best, and Superfan. I really need to step up my review game (and yes I'm aware I say that every month). I also shared my new favorite authors, the best books I read in the spring, and did the Mid-Year Book Freak Out tag.
WHAT I'M CURRENTLY READING
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE READ IN JUNE?
Oh my gosh, it has been SO HOT here! I'm sorry you're melting too. I've seen so many good things about Red, White & Royal Blue! I'm not surprised to see that you loved it too. Have a great July!
ReplyDeleteCan we declare summer over now and move on to Fall? :)
DeleteRed, White & Royal Blue was a great read. It didn't *quite* live up to all the insane hype, but I still totally enjoyed it.
We've had it hot too but compared to your temperatures I need to stop complaining, lol.
ReplyDeleteSome months really do feel like you're bleeding money but it could be worse! At least you know it'll stop once your room is finished and you'll be able to enjoy the lovely new room. Plus, with luck, the car won't need anything else for a while.
You've had so many good books this month! I really like the sound of Superfan.
So true... and it's not like the room makeover is a must. LOL I could stop anytime. And yes, hopefully the car will be happy for a long while now. :)
DeleteSuperfan was a good time. Not necessarily by favorite by Bowen but she always delivers a good read.
I’ve been a hockey fan since I was a little kid, but I was also surprised by the Blues. They weren’t a great team at the beginning of the season. I hope you’re having a good July and reading tons of books!
ReplyDeleteAj @ Read All The Things!
They were like the comeback of all comebacks! From the bottom of the league to Stanley Cup champs! So impressive.
DeleteThis entire year is flying by in my opinion. I need it to slow down!!! You did great in June!! I only read 3 books womp womp lol!! I so want to get into hockey. I hate I just missed the season. Any tips for me? I swear they have 9000000 rules lol. I'm so sorry for your loss. I understand your struggle and it's never easy. Praying for you <3 I cannot wait to read Getting Played. Getting Schooled was one of my top favorite reads last year.
ReplyDeleteAt least you got *some* reading done! :) I never would have thought I'd be a hockey fan but here we are. LOL No real tips... I just started picking up on things by watching games. And Googling when necessary. LOL There are still plenty of rules I don't fully get (there are so many rules - esp about overtime) but it really is fairly easy to pick up the basics just by watching and paying attention. I hope you'll love Getting Played! I loved it just as much as Getting Schooled!
DeleteIt always seems like all the big money items need to be taken care of at the same time. Makes me nuts! It's summers like this, that I am grateful I don't work outdoors or like to be outdoors or do things outdoors. XD
ReplyDeleteIsn't that the truth? Things always seem to happen in batches. It'd be so nice if the universe could spread these expenses out for us. LOL I don't know how people work outside through the summer. Construction workers, landscapers... it has to be so very miserable.
DeleteIt's been so hot lately...and I think it's high 90's all this week, but I don't know for sure. I am ready for the Fall. LOL
ReplyDelete-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
You and me both! I am so over summer already. It's high 90's here all week, too, and the humidity is off the charts. Ugh!
DeleteI freaking adored I Wish You All the Best, and I can't wait for what's next by the author. I hope this book opens doors for other nonbinary authors, as well. I'm super excited for Birthday, as I loved the author's debut, so I'm glad you liked it so much! Although it definitely sounds like something I have to be in the mood for - I'm not good with sad books.
ReplyDeleteI'm really interested to see what Mason Deaver releases next. I'll certainly read it! Birthday was good and I'm glad I read it... but it truly weighed on me. Very emotional.
DeleteDamn, hope it cools down for you soon. I think it's the humidity killing me, I just wish there was some actual sun but I just have heat and no sunshine! And Red, White & Royal Blue! Glad you enjoyed it, I feel like celebrating every time I see someone else saying good things about it.
ReplyDeleteUgh, the humidity is the worst. I'm already so over summer.
DeleteRW&RB was just so much fun. And how could you not love Alex + Henry? :)
You had an amazing reading month all really good books!! My favorite book of June was probably The Unhoneymooners!! =)
ReplyDelete~Kendra @ Kendra Loves Books
Loved that one, Kendra! So many laughs - and that grand gesture at the end had me grinning like an idiot. LOL
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