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Engrossing Reads
Holy Island (DCI Ryan Mysteries 1) by LJ Ross - I've read a few of the Alexander Gregory series books, but these have me. And there are 24, so I'll be happy to have this series to fall back on. The only thing is LJ Ross books aren't super easy to get in the U.S. paperback, own
Sycamore Gap (DCI Ryan 2) by LJ Ross - Had to stay up until 2 am on a schoolnight to finish 1, destroying my sleep rhythm for the rest of the week, and also start 2 immediately at 2 am because I'm insane. paperback, own
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke - Apparently the readers are very divided on this one, but I couldn't put this down, and that is what receives the highest mark from me these days. This was wild. OCNJ library hardcover
Some People by Parini Schroff - I loved these characters. This was a much deeper character dive than I've gotten from a lot of books recently, and I didn't realize how much I missed it. I liked how it was told in days also. Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review, book publishes July 7
The Season of Sinking by Daphne Woolsoncroft - I spent a lot of time screaming DON'T DO IT, IMOGEN internally throughout this book, and of course she did it, always, so I had to keep reading. This was a ride. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, book publishes July 7
Three Reasons for Revenge by Dervla McTiernan - If Dervla puts it out, I'm reading it, and I have not regretted that yet, this book included. This one was clever AF. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, book publishes July 21
Thrilling Tales of Modern Men by Danny McBride - This was fun, and it absolutely reads Danny McBride - funny and smart. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Country People by Daniel Mason - With appreciation for the Russian lit lines, the family pets, New England scenes and characters. The actual telling of the story was a little hard for me to settle in with, but a good read. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, book publishes July 7
Passed the Time Just Fine
Long Island Girls by Gabrielle Korn - My hot take is I don’t think Eliza adds to this book in any way. I very much enjoyed the queer woman coming of age in New York City and the pop culture references (although a little young for me), but I think the summary does this book a disservice selling it as something it is not when what it is is just fine. Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review
Night Songs by Alli Dyer - Loved the parts set in the past, and every time I came back to the present I was pulled out a bit. Rhea was my least favorite character, so that probably explains it. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
When You Loved Me by Beatriz Williams - It took me a while to get into the present day, maybe halfway through? Still a solid summer read, Beatriz Williams-style. I loved Punkin. Also loved the inclusion of old characters from a previous book. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
Killer Vibes (Peter Key 1) by Jack Friday - A queer, stoner, lackadaisical PI reminding me fondly of Archy McNally - solid start to a series. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
Road Trip by Mary Kay Andrews - It’s been a while since I’ve read a Mary Kay Andrews book. I enjoyed the story and nearly all the characters in it, but it drug in the middle. Cut out 50-75 pages and it would be golden. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
Strangers Behind Closed Doors by Catherine Adel West - Always love a book that highlights the inequities when certain (read: non-white) women go missing, and this book does that. I liked the story and characters. Pacing slowed too much for me from about 1/4 to 3/4, but it was good enough to keep going. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
Not For Me
Summer State of Mind by Kristy Woodson Harvey - This was…a miss for me. I’ve come to rely on a release from her around May or June to be a lighter read and this was a drama llama and an entire pot of ethical shit stew. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
June Baby by Shannon Garvey - Strong start but the pacing was a little slow in this, and it could stand to lose about 75 pages. Still a decent summer story. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
Did Not Finish
Liar's Dice by Juliet Faithfull - free copy from Netgalley
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What have you been reading?
