Fellow readers – I’ve got another fiction reads roundup post for you today! Here are some of the books I’ve enjoyed the most over the past months.
They’re mostly fiction, from contemporary romance to historical fiction, YA dystopian and more. Below, I’m sharing my thoughts on them all so you can decide if you want to read them yourself. 🙂 Just a note I decided to not do the rating system that I’ve done in previous book posts, as in these blog posts I only share books I like/recommend anyway, so the ratings were basically all the same (really good).
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Best Books I’ve Read Lately
My reading tastes have been eclectic lately, and I’m not mad about it! I love being able to enjoy a wide range of genres depending on my reading mood. I find I tend to use Kindle Unlimited to read “romantasy” (romance + fantasy) series and sometimes other random books that pique my interest, and then in between I read more general fiction, historical fiction, romance, etc. via the Libby app from the library as books I’ve placed holds on come available!
Alright, let’s get to it!
The Terrestrials Series by Gretchen Fox (Terra – Book #1 and Underground – Book #2)
Genre: YA Dystopian/Science Fiction
Long after a terrible plague descends on the Earth, the world is divided into two factions: the rich, who live in towers in the sky, and everyone else trying to survive on the ground. Eighteen-year-old Terra lives as a scavenger, trying to find anything on the dying planet worth selling. But one day, she finds something that makes her question everything she thought she knew about her world.
My review: I loved this series! I’m admittedly a little biased because it’s written by a good friend of mine, but if you’re a fan of books like The Hunger Games and Divergent, you’ll love this two-book series. Gretchen wrote the first book 10 years ago, and (finally!!) came out with the sequel this year. Hooray!
By the way, if you’re a fellow romantasy fan, get on Gretchen’s email list or follow her on Instagram, because she’s currently working on an epic adult romantasy series. I’m going to be a beta reader for her and I’m sooo excited to get my hands on the first draft soon!
Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Professional organizer Ali Morris’ life is a hot mess. After her mom passed away, her husband left her, and she can’t bring herself to organize her own pantry (let alone put on actual pants). But then, one day – with the help of her dog – she suddenly meets someone, and he seems to think she’s perfectly fine just the way she is. A summer romance could be fun, but will it bring even more disaster to her life?
My review: Annabel Monaghan has become a “must read” author for me. I enjoy everything she writes! If you’re looking for a light and sweet romance, but one that still discusses real topics, and is super well written/not cheesy, highly recommend this book.
One in a Millennial by Kate Kennedy
Genre: Non-Fiction/Memoir/Essays
The host of the popular millennial-focused podcast show Be There In Five explores the pop culture of the 1990s, and how coming of age during that time has shaped the millennial generation.
My review: I wasn’t totally sure about reading this book because as a 1982 baby, I don’t necessarily totally identify myself as a Millennial (I’m an “Elder Millennial”, but I consider myself more the “Oregon Trail Generation”, the group of us who didn’t have internet until early high school, didn’t have cell phones until mid-college, and didn’t have social media until after college, all of which makes a big difference culturally).
That said – I’m SO glad I read this book and apparently I am completely a Millennial, because I was cracking up at so many of the things in this book and just generally found it incredibly relatable. The first half is delightful/hilarious nostalgia (the part about AIM screen-names had me literally in stitches), and the second half is still witty, but also a more serious discussion about how women from this generation were taught that what mattered about them was how they looked, talk about purity culture, etc.
It was so good. If you’re a Millennial woman, highly recommend this book. It is somehow simultaneously hilarious as well as poignant.
Such a Bad Influence by Olivia Muenter
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
When Hazel Davis was growing up, her family had a popular Youtube channel and her younger sister Evie – just five years old at the time – was the star. Now an adult, Hazel still wants nothing to do with that lifestyle. Evie, on the other hand, runs a multi-million dollar influencer business at just eighteen years old. But one day, during a lifestream, Evie suddenly goes missing. Hazel must dig into Evie’s life – including all the secrets she’s been keeping – to find her.
My review: I listen to Olivia Muenter and her co-host Becca Freeman’s book podcast, Bad on Paper, so when she came out with her debut novel I knew I had to read it!
I can’t recommend it enough. Olivia’s writing is poignant and really insightful, and that paired with a gripping mystery/thriller vibe was an awesome combo. It will have you questioning everything to do with social media and “influencing” (in case you weren’t already…).
Maybe Once, Maybe Twice by Alison Rose Greenberg
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Over the course of her life so far, Maggie Vine has made two marriage pacts: one with her childhood sweetheart, and one with a friend who she’s been in love with for years. On her 35th birthday, both men show up to see Maggie – and she must figure out what she wants her future to look like.
My review: I LOVED this romance, set in multiple back and forth timelines. Really well written, great banter/dialogue, deeper plot lines that aren’t fluff – it was everything I want in a romance. Highly recommend.
Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
After accidentally getting pregnant by her English professor, twenty-year-old Margo decides to keep the baby. But when she loses her job, she is forced to figure out a way to get enough money to keep from being evicted. With an unconventional plan – and her ex-wrestler father moving in to help with the baby – will Margo finally be able to take control of her own life?
My review: This book was one of the most unique books I’ve read in a long time. It was strange but also incredibly charming and so creative. It dealt with a lot of really hard topics but overall didn’t feel super heavy, but rather just very insightful. Definitely recommend it, but check the trigger warnings, and also it’s not one you want to listen to with young ears around.
The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods
Genre: Historical Fiction/Magical Realism
Three different people – each feeling beaten-down by the world – find their lives transformed by a magical bookshop in Dublin.
My review: I really enjoyed this book and it’s touch of magical realism. A nice escape, although it does deal with hard/heavy topics – check the trigger warnings.
The Pairing by Casey McQuiston
Genre: Contemporary Romance/LGBT
Four years after breaking up, two bisexual exes – Theo and Kit – accidentally book the same European travel tour, complete with romantic dining and delicious wine. To prove they’re over each other, they decide to embark on a friendly competition to see who can hook up with their Italian tour guide first. But will there be more to this trip than casual hookups for Kit and Theo?
My review: I love Casey McQuiston’s writing (Red, White and Royal Blue is delightful if you haven’t read it yet), and this book was no exception! It had all the same great romance, witty dialogue, slow burn/tension vibes (and spice!) as her other books, but with a side of foodie delight as the book follows their food tour through Europe. It made me want to book a culinary-focused trip to Europe ASAP!
The Summer Wives by Beatriz Williams
Genre: Historical Fiction
Set on an island off the coast of New England, this historical fiction novel follows a young woman named Miranda. She first arrives on the island in 1951 – after her mother marries a rich man – and is shoved into the expectations of high society. Years later, she returns, nursing heartbreak and seeking justice for a man she once loved.
My review: I love historical fiction, and this book is stunning. I loved the author’s writing so much I’m already planning to read more of her books! It has a back and forth timeline, which I always enjoy, with lots of overlapping characters and situations that you don’t realize are all going to come together in a specific way until the very end of the book. Heartbreaking but so good.
I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Young Adult
Quiet, artistic Noah and rebellious, adrenaline-fueled Jude are twins, but they couldn’t be more different. Despite that, they’re incredibly close – until something devastating happens that makes them stop speaking to each other. Will they ever be able to heal their relationship and get back the closeness they once had?
My review: I love a good YA coming of age novel, and this one was really well done. The writing is gorgeous and incredibly unique and creative, and it’s set in an interesting back-and-forth timeline as well as with different characters as the narrator/point of view. It was sad but really beautiful. Highly recommend for YA fans.
The Plated Prisoner Series by Raven Kennedy
Genre: Fantasy/Romance
This adult romantasy series is inspired by the legend of King Midas, whose touch turns everything into gold. It follows a young woman who is taken from the slums and brought under King Midas’ protection in his golden castle. But when war breaks out, she realizes Midas might not be the man she thought he was – and it may have been a mistake to give him her heart.
My review: Obviously I had to have a romantasy rec in here! This has been my Kindle Unlimited binge series of recent that I read in between my random other library book holds coming up.
If you liked A Court of Thorns and Roses series and From Blood and Ash series, you’ll love this one too. It’s action packed, has incredible slow burn, and of course is spicy. Book 3 is the best, but they are all good. I’m on the final book – book 6 – now!
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Did you read anything good recently? Let me know in the comments – I’m always looking for book recs! And if you want more fiction recs, check out the “related posts” I’ve added below – lots more ideas there!
