July Recap

Life lately

When it comes to July, all I think of are birthdays. Most of my family members are summer babies and we had SIX to celebrate this month alone. Not that I'm complaining. Some of my favorite memories have been going to my parents' house for a BBQ and just relaxing with the fam. But that also meant most of my weekends were packed. And you know me, I can't help filling my after work hours with plans to make the most of this warm weather while it lasts. So it's been a lot of go-go-go while making sure to squeeze in my necessary introvert time.

There were multiple ice cream outings (naturally), I saw Wicked with DJ and Alexa, caught up with old coworkers (I've never really stayed in touch with coworkers before and it's been really nice), outlet shopping with my bestie, reading and TV binges, and taking a much-needed personal day to explore the city on my own. It's months and days like these that make me wish summer would just go on and on and on.

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On the blog

Book Reviews The Traitor's Ruin (The Traitor's Circle #2) by Erin Beaty Grace and Fury by Tracy Banghart Sea Witch by Sarah Henning Features Links + Loves Stacking the Shelves (60) What I've Been Listening To | July Table for Two #19: Pizza Loves Emily

Bookish I'd Rather Be Reading: Lists & Questions Personal Summer Essentials Life Lately Happy Bastille Day Happy Thoughts

Read but not reviewed

• The Darkest Minds series by Alexandra Bracken - 5 stars; In preparation for the movie and the new book, I decided to reread the series for the first time since 2012. Unsurprisingly, I love it just as much as I did, if not more. 
• The Beast (Black Dagger Brotherhood #14) by J.R. Ward - 4 stars; I'd fallen behind with Black Dagger Brotherhood so when I found myself in the mood for paranormal fiction, I decided to pick it up again. I love this brotherhood and their shellan so much! Plus as someone who didn't care much for the Mary/Rhage ship, this book had me singing a different tune. 
• The Chosen (Black Dagger Brotherhood #15) by J.R. Ward - 3.5 stars; Ok, once I got started on the BDB road, it was hard to stop! This one wasn't as good in my opinion and certain behaviors/actions of previously well-developed characters felt completely out of turn. Also, this is a ship I was never into and unfortunately, this book didn't change my mind. (But again, most appearances by the brothers and shellans were A+).
• Getaway Girl by Tessa Bailey - 3.5 stars; It's been a while since I read any Tessa Bailey and this was a good one to pick up. It's all about the romance and chemistry between the two leads with surprisingly minimal angst and conflict. I mean there's some but it's not too heavy so if you're in the mood for a light romance, I'd recommend checking this out. 

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How's your month been?