With June being Pride Month, I needed to read several LGBTQ-themed novels, which also happens to be my most-read genre this month. Three of the eight books I read during June were from the LGBTQ Genre. I also read 2,552 pages and novels from the Historical, Classics, and True Crime genres. I read a couple of emotionally heavy stories. I read a couple of books that I completely devoured. My reading has been all over the place; however, going back to work, I’ve had to prioritize reading and the novels I choose to invest my time in.
Betty – Tiffany McDaniel
How to describe Betty? Well, I thought that surviving A Little Life would mean I could handle any story dealing with trauma. This book has beautiful elements; however, it also has a few dark story points. I even had to put the novel down and walk around. Also, I need to mention that this novel involves animal cruelty, which completely broke my heart. Did I rate this novel a 5/5? Yes, yes, I did. Will I revisit the story? No, probably not.
Number 51
Leah on the Off Beat – Becky Albertalli
Leah on the Off Beat is a charming LBGTQ romance that is also a direct sequel to Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda. This was an incredible follow-up to Simon, and there are even a few plot points from this story in Love, Victor! Speaking of if you haven’t watched the series yet… You need to.
Number 52
Anne of Ingleside – Lucy Maud Montgomery
Anne of Ingleside felt like it lost some of that Anne magic, maybe because she is nonexistent throughout the novel, excluding a few chapters.
When Anne was around, she was unrecognizable, which was disheartening. I like the character of Susan, but is she necessary? I want to see Anne in the role of motherhood and housewife. I want to experience that segment of her life. And I felt we (the readers) are very much robbed of that fictional experience.
Now I did love the writing, and I’m curious if Lucy Maud Montgomery got burnt out from writing the Anne series.
Number 53
The Charm Offensive – Alison Cochrun
Okay. I’m not too fond of the cover. I’m not a fan of the title. But I wholeheartedly loved this novel. This one might have knocked Red, White, and Royal Blue out of the top position for LGBTQ Romance.
The Charm Offensive introduces the reader to hopeless romantic Dev Deshpande, a producer on the reality dating show called Ever After. Typically, Dev produces the contestants; however, this season, he’s been charged with producing Charlie Winshaw on the shows Prince Charming.
Dev has his work cut out for him as Charlie isn’t precisely prince charming. Sure, he is handsome; however, he’s also an anxious mess with no clue how to date. Not to mention he doesn’t believe in love. That is until both men realize there is more to their relationship than producer and talent.
Number 54
Everlast – by Chad Michael Murray
Everlast was a great pre-apocalyptic graphic novel to read. It’s about a soldier working on getting a child to Haven (before the end of the world). It leaves on a bit of a cliffhanger, so now we must wait and see how the story will conclude.
Number 55
Bloom – Kevin Panetta and Savanna Ganucheau
Bloom is an adorable book about Ari, whose family runs a bakery, and Hector, who begins working at the family’s bakery. It was easy to cheer these two characters on; however, I felt like the plot was paced weirdly, and the characters and their relationship had no actual development. Nor were there any fundamental developments with the supporting characters. Still… I enjoyed the reading and enjoyed the artwork.
Number 56
Book Lovers – Emily Henry
Book Lovers was another rom-com I got sucked into during June. Literary agent and native New Yorker, Nora Stephens, travels to the fictional small town of Sunshine Falls, North Carolina, with her pregnant sister Libby. Being a literary agent, Nora is used to the familiar romantic tropes. Girl goes to a small town, meets a handsome local, falls in love, and decides not to return to the city. While Book Lovers definitely follows the romantic comedy tropes timeline, this is not that book, which makes me love it all the more. Book Lovers is the absolutely perfect for me, checking all the boxes that I need in a great rom-com. Trust me when I say this is a must-read.
Number 57
The Babysitter: My Summers with a Serial Killer – Liza Rodman and Jennifer Jordan
The Babysitter: My Summers with a Serial Killer is a true crime novel by Liza Rodman regarding serial killer Tony Costa. I didn’t necessarily find this to be an exhilarating read. However, it did provide a unique perspective. Also… Costa has many similarities to Pee Wee Gaskins. Even a private cemetery for his victims.
Number 58
Books and Mischief 