I’ve said it multiple times already, but it’s unbelieveable that we’re already halfway through the year. These past six months went by pretty fast, so did June. I’m in the middle of my first summer break and last week we finally had summer weather as well. However, it was way too hot on my balcony to read outside, that was only possible in the evenings. This month I read 11 books, but they were mostly mediocre when looking into my ratings. Most ended up getting around 3 stars. So, let’s take a look into this past month! Links lead to my reviews.

Books read

1. Rule of the Aurora King by Nisha J. Tuli – After finishing Trial of The Sun Queen, I really wanted to continue with this series. Although the storyline is quite predictable, I enjoyed Lor’s character growth. The writing style is just so addictive and it again ends on a cliffhanger. I’m planning on reading book 3 pretty soon. I just couldn’t finish it in May. Ebook, 4 stars
2. Betting On You by Lynn Painter – My first Lynn painter book and I was quite underwhelmed. Many readers seem really enthousiastic about this author’s work. I expected this to be a nice summer read, but this story doesn’t even take place in summer. Moreover, I thought main characters Bailey and Charlie had a summer job, which wasn’t actually true. Also, the hotel the story is set in, baerely plays a role. So, the wrong expectations were set and that definitely influenced my reading experience. This book is also way more YA than I’d initially thought. Ebook, 3 stars
3. Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli – I was utterly disappointed by this book since we barely get to know the characters and that’s actually the point of a coming of age novel. Audiobook, 2 stars
4. If You Still Recognise Me by Cynthia So – Just a fine and gentle queer YA contemporary which was a nice in-betweener for me. Audiobook, 3 stars
5. Powerless by Lauren Roberts – A second chance for this book and even though I finally finished it, I’m not 100% convinced. It’s quite predictable and too YA for me. The younger, less experienced reader will have a great time with this book. However, the ending still makes me curious for what’s to come next, so I’ll read the sequel at some point. Ebook, 3.5 stars
6. The Summer Daughter by Colleen French – Another book I accidentally stumbled on and I’d expected a bit more from. It’s not bad at all, but I wasn’t fully intrigued. Ebook, 3 stars
7. A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab – Since The Fragile Threads of Power got released this winter and it has been six years since I read the original trilogy, it was time to refresh my memory. It was good, but not the 5-star read I reted it before. Ebook, 4 stars
8. The Lost Daughters of Ukraine by Erin Litteken – As I was impressed by this author’s debut, my expectations for this one were high. Even though I was interested, I wasn’t fully captivated. The historical part was really interesting, but the characters felt very distant to me. Ebook, 3 stars
9. This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune – Again, not a bad book, but this author is writing formulaic as well. So, plot and characters can be put in her other books what makes them not that interesting. The most interesting character was not even the main one. However, it was still addictive, because I kept curious for what was to come next. Ebook, 3 stars
10. Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan – A new-to-me author, but my first impression is good. This book is character driven, with lots of character development. I find this really important in books, especially when it’s romance. I’m definitely curious for what’s to come. Ebook, 4 stars
11. Children of Anguish and Anarchy by Tomi Adeyemi – My review will be up shortly, but I have a lot to say and I’m not positive at all. In short and brutally honest, this is the worst book I’ve read so far in 2024. Audiobook, 1 star

Bookhaul

1. Not in love by Ali Hazelwood
2. Bad Girl Reputation by Elle Kennedy
3. Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan
4. Just Some Stupid Love Story by Katelyn Doyle
5. Under Your Spell by Laura Wood
6. Wildfire by Hannah Grace
7. Fate of the Sun King by Nisha J. Tuli
8. The Summer Daughter by Colleen French

In terms of the TBR, June was quite a good reading month. I’ve hauled less books than I’ve read. I hope that July will be better in terms of quality reads. How was June for you?