June ended up being a month of highs, lows, and more than a few emotional rollercoasters. I found myself bouncing between dark fantasy, horror, romance, and LitRPG, with some books completely stealing my heart while others left me wishing for just a little bit more.
One thing is certain: my reading tastes continue to be all over the place…and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
So let’s take a look at everything I finished this month before diving into the books waiting patiently (or not so patiently) on my July TBR.
📖 June Wrap-Up
✨ Gild by Raven Kennedy
⭐⭐⭐☆☆
An intriguing start to The Plated Prisoner series with a unique premise, but I struggled to connect with both the characters and the pacing. It was enough to make me curious about where the series was headed, even if I wasn’t completely sold yet.
🔪 How To Kill Your Best Friend by Lexie Elliott
⭐⭐⭐☆☆
This psychological thriller had an addictive premise and plenty of tension, but it didn’t quite deliver the payoff I was hoping for. It kept me guessing just enough to stay invested, even if the ending didn’t fully satisfy me.
👁️ The Echoes Beneath by J.M. Ammoun
⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5 Stars)
This one had a fascinating concept and some genuinely creepy moments, but I found myself wishing for more world-building and stronger atmosphere. There was a lot of potential here that I don’t think was fully realized.
💕 People Watching by Hannah Bonam-Young
⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.75 Stars)
An incredibly sweet romance that had me laughing one chapter and tearing up the next. While parts of the story dragged slightly for me, the emotional moments absolutely landed and made this a memorable read.
🎪 The Eye of the Bedlam Bride by Matt Dinniman
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Every time I think this series can’t possibly get more chaotic, Matt Dinniman proves me wrong. Equal parts hilarious, heartbreaking, and completely unhinged, this installment had me laughing while simultaneously making me dread where this story is headed. These books continue to play with my emotions in the best (and worst) ways.
👑 Glint by Raven Kennedy
⭐⭐✨☆☆ (2.75 Stars)
I kept hoping this would be the book that finally hooked me on The Plated Prisoner series, but I’m still waiting. While Auren’s personal growth remains compelling, I’m still not connecting with many of the characters, and the story continues to feel surprisingly familiar. The ending was also a bit too predictable for my taste. I’m not giving up just yet, though—I’m still hopeful the series will eventually win me over.
📚 Looking Ahead: My July TBR
July is shaping up to be another month packed with fantasy, monsters, morally gray characters, and at least one historical adventure. I’m especially excited to continue a couple of ongoing series while finally picking up a book that’s been sitting on my shelf for far too long.
⚔️ A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen
I’ve heard so many incredible things about this Norse-inspired fantasy, and I’m hoping it lives up to the hype. Give me mythology, political intrigue, and enemies-to-lovers tension, and I’m a happy reader.
✨ Gleam by Raven Kennedy
Despite my mixed feelings about the first two books, I’m committed to seeing where Auren’s journey goes next. Here’s hoping this is the installment where everything finally clicks for me.
💀 This Inevitable Ruin by Matt Dinniman
Am I emotionally prepared? Absolutely not.
Am I going to read it immediately anyway?
Also absolutely yes.
If this series has taught me anything, it’s to expect chaos, heartbreak, and at least one moment that leaves me staring blankly at the page wondering what I just experienced.
🤠 The Bullet Swallower by Elizabeth Gonzalez James
This has been sitting on my TBR for a while, and I’m excited to finally dive in. A gothic Western with magical realism, family curses, and historical fiction sounds like exactly the kind of genre mash-up I love.
Final Thoughts
June may not have been filled with five-star reads, but it was still a month that reminded me why I love reading so much. Even the books that didn’t completely work for me gave me something to think about, and every finished book brought me one step closer to discovering my next favorite.
Here’s hoping July brings a few new obsessions, at least one unexpected five-star read, and minimal emotional damage…though with my current TBR, I probably shouldn’t count on that.
What are you reading this month? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear what’s on your July TBR or if you’ve read any of these books yourself. Happy reading! 📚💙
literary gluttony 
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