What a big reading month it was! I’m so happy with how much (and what) I read this month. We have a lot of rom-com type books and some fun and frothy. Part of the extra reading is because my bookclub went on our annual retreat this month! Think beautiful lake house with your girls reading, drinking wine and chatting all night. Absolute perfection.
Always Only You by Chloe Liese
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3.5/5
I really wanted to like this book more than I did. And to be honest, I can’t put my finger on exactly what I didn’t like. It might have been the combo of a double diagnosed heroine? That’s a lot for my suspension of disbelief to handle. It’s not that someone who has autism and rheumatoid arthritis doesn’t deserve love or can’t have the kind of love written in typical romcoms, it’s just that something felt off about the way she was portrayed (someone please check my privilege here, I just haven’t experienced this type of person). It might have also been that the man in this one, Ren, was… dare I say… too cheesy? Like don’t get me wrong I am HERE for a Shakespeare nerdy boy but once again felt off, maybe even forced. I loved the first book of this series though and will probably read the rest still.
Off the Map by Trish Doller
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5/5
I kinda loved this one. Shocker right? International romance with a good amount of spice. Right up my alley. And as someone who’s had an international fling (another story for another time 😘), granted it didn’t last like this romance, I loved reading that instant attraction blossom from lust to love. I also love how Trish Doller deals with grief and the overall message of “don’t wait to live your life”. And I definitely found myself crying while reading, which, if you can evoke that outta me, I’m always impressed. I found out partway through reading this that this book is actually the third of the series- though totally can be a stand alone- I’m excited to read the other stories.
Float Plan by Trish Doller 📖
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
This was the book club pick for our retreat in Tennessee this year and it was awesome! The book and the trip of course! Serendipitous that I read the 3rd book of this series right before (Off the Map). Hey, we keep things funky around here and sometimes skip around. This book is pretty much perfect for me. I grew up in the daughter of a sailor so Ana’s journey and struggle sailing really hit home for me. Keane is also just the perfect guy in this book. He’s a gentleman with his one battles to fight and doesn’t try to swoop in and “save” Ana. We love that. Once again, Trish Doller is amazing at realistically describing grief and the guilt that so many people go through after loosing a partner. She also included a trigger warning at the beginning of the book which is always appreciated. I think this book is perfect for anyone who has lost a partner, looks for adventure, and loves a marg on the beach.
Mom Truths by Nat & Cat
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5
This is a fun and frothy book that any mother will giggle, roll her eyes and nod along at. It’s the perfect book for either during or right after you’re in the trenches of motherhood. Think newborn-toddler years. It’s also designed to be picked up and put down at any given moment- leaning into the busy mother vibes- which was perfect for super light reading.
The Suite Spot by Trish Doller
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Another one of the Beck Sister series! In this book, the characters were amazing. I loved the fact that Rachel is not a typical romcom lady. She is a single parent, struggles with body image, and comes from very humble upbringing. I am here for a plus size queen! I also loved the way Trish navigated divorce/ single parenthood (although I didn’t always agree with Rachel’s parenting choices lol). Mason was also written extremely well as he develops his relationship with Rachel’s daughter, Maisie. Once again, Trish Doller puts in a trigger warning in all her books so you’re a bit prepared for the trauma that the characters experience.
