What I Read in June 2023

Oh June, sweet June. The month I look forward to the most as it’s the start of Summer and when I feel like I “wake up” after the beginning of the year. I hate to be vague, but a lot of things in my personal life left me feeling like i was in a fog and I really struggled to find motivation. The beginning of June was tough, but i think I’m starting to find my way again.

This June was full of creativity, routine, rest, and lots of reading. I am so excited about the books I read this month!

The Daydreams by Laura Hankin

This book is paced so well and it’s such a fun read. It’s about a Disney-esque TV cast that reunites ten years after their show ended in a disastrous way and the sweet, virginal (think Britney Spears and Jessica Simpson) is perceived as a wild girl. It’s not a romance but there are romantic elements to it but it was such a fun read!

Bad Girl Reputation by Elle Kennedy

I read this on audio and thought it was fine. Elle Kennedy writes from the male gaze and I used to like that, but I don’t think I would have enjoyed this as much reading with my eyeballs.

Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli

One of my favs of the year! I LOVED this book. It’s about a high school senior who would describe herself as the world’s greatest ally. But after visiting her best friend at college for a weekend, finally starts to feel like she can be honest with herself and others.

Just a Boy and a Girl in a Little Canoe by Sarah Mylnowski

This book didn’t do it for me. It’s basically all cheating and while I know we make mistakes when were young, I couldn’t get over this aspect. And I didn’t feel like I got as much of the camp setting, which I was hoping for!

Pageboy by Elliot Page

A MUST READ memoir.

Summer Stage by Meg Mitchell Moore

I need to read a book set in New England once a Summer, I don’t make the rules, I’m just from Connecticut. This book takes place on Block Island and it’s about a famous actor who returns home to direct Much Ado About Nothing with his famous ex-wife. It’s told in multiple POV and is very much like an Elin Hilderbrand book if you like her stuff!

The Dane of My Existence by Jessica Martin

Continuing on with some more mentions of Shakespeare, I really liked book two in the Bard’s Rest universe. I thought it was reminiscent of Gilmore Girls and I liked it a lot more than book 1.

Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood

A delightful surprise this season! I won’t lie, I really didn’t like Love on the Brain so I wasn’t planning on reading this, but after seeing some trusted reviews, I gave it a shot and I am so glad I did! Thank you Libro.fm for the audiobook.

Powerless by Elsie Silver

The cowboy era continues and this is my favorite in the Chestnut Springs universe so far! It’s second chance/childhood friends AND a hockey romance 👀 but I gotta say that this book takes the spice to another level.

Mile High by Liz Tomforde

Another hockey romance! This book is on the long side and I considered DNF-ing but I got sucked in and I’m so glad I read it. Can’t wait to continue on in the series!

Mrs. Nash’s Ashes by Sarah Adler

Possibly my favorite romance of the year?? I love love LOVED this book. It totally surprised me with how funny (and spicy) it was mixed with some really incredible writing. I loved both love stories in this book.

The Celebrants by Steven Rowley

Another book that nearly made me weep, but in a cathartic way. It’s about a group of friends from college who reunite to throw “living funerals” for each other when they’re at their lowest point. It does deal with grief but I loved it so much.

Once More with Feeling by Elissa Sussman

More Broadway romances! The theatre kid in me was so happy to read this book. It was so readable and I couldn’t put it down.

Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage

Yee freakin haw, my friends I am in my full blown small down/ranch/cowboy era and I loveeeee it. This is a brother’s best friend romance and it is a quick, fun, spicy romp. Such a fun read if you like open door romances and maybe even the show Yellowstone!

Mixed Signals by B.K. Borison

More small down magic! I love this series so much and highly recommend the audio! In the Weeds is still my favorite so far, but I’m excited for book 4! And we were able to interview B.K. on Read It Or List It this month if you want to check it out!