July was not a month spent reading and it definitely wasn’t a month spent reading great books. I’ve had some very decent reads but nothing that made me think “man, I love reading books”. I’ve either spent the month not reading or feeling so tired in the evening that I’ve fallen asleep within ten minutes of picking up a book.
Unfortunately, August doesn’t look like it’s going to fare any better. I’m actually even busier during August, so let’s see what happens.
Anyway, I also read Heartstopper Volume Six (a huge five stars, big love) but I haven’t gotten around to taking a photo of it yet as I won’t be reviewing it for quite some time. Just know: I loved it and it was the highlight of the month.
The Break-Up Pact by Emma Lord
Read: 2/7/26 – 9/7/26
There wasn’t anything overtly wrong with this book, it just wasn’t for me. Looking back, my two star rating may be a little harsh, but I was feeling so down about reading at that point that I’m not surprised.
I was actually pretty excited to check out The Break-Up Pact. I love a fake dating book and I also love a book about food, but this one fell so flat. Maybe Emma Lord’s books aren’t for me? I didn’t hate her debut, but it definitely isn’t one of my favourite books.
Synopsis: Two viral break-ups. One fake relationship. Five sparkling, heart-pounding dates.
June and Levi were best friends as teenagers – until the day they weren’t. Now June is struggling to make rent on her beachside tea shop, Levi is living a New York cliché as a disillusioned hedge fund manager and failed novelist, and they’ve barely spoken in years.
But, after they both experience public, humiliating break-ups that spread like wildfire online, a photo of them together has the internet convinced they’re a couple. With so many people rooting for them, they decide to put aside their rocky past and make a pact to fuel the fire by pretending to date. After all, that will help June’s shop stay open and make Levi’s ex realize what a mistake she made.
All they have to do is convince the world they’re in love, one swoon-worthy photo opp at a time. Then they can happily go their separate ways with no regrets . . . right?
One of Us Is Next by Karen M. McManus
Read: 23/6/26 – 17/7/26
My read dates for this on Goodreads are definitely not right as I forgot to add it when I was actually reading it. I’ve guessed that it took me around three weeks to finish, but that was actually only around three or four listening sessions – they were just very spread out.
I thought this was a decent sequel but it didn’t add a whole lot to the original story. It was an entertaining read and I can happily recommend the audiobook. The production and narration were great.
The truth and dare game was fun and I really liked the three characters.
Synopsis: A ton of copycat gossip apps have popped up since Simon died, but in the year since the Bayview four were cleared of his shocking death, no one’s been able to fill the gossip void quite like he could. The problem is no one has the facts.
Until now.
This time it’s not an app, though—it’s a game.
Truth or Dare.
Phoebe’s the first target. If you choose not to play, it’s a truth. And hers is dark.
Then comes Maeve and she should know better—always choose the dare.
But by the time Knox is about to be tagged, things have gotten dangerous. The dares have become deadly, and if Maeve learned anything from Bronwyn last year, it’s that they can’t count on the police for help. Or protection.
Simon’s gone, but someone’s determined to keep his legacy at Bayview High alive. And this time, there’s a whole new set of rules.
Ride the Wave by Katherine Reilly
Read: 14/7/26 – 21/7/26
I just about finished this book in time for the end of July and wow what a journey I went on with it. At no point did I think “I’m not enjoying this, I should DNF it”, but I don’t think I quite realised just how long it was taking me to finish.
I loved the interview sections, it was a great way to build a connection between the main characters. And the cast of characters as a whole were really fun, but something about it felt very flat. I wouldn’t even say this was written as a disguise for smut as there wasn’t actually that much.
I’d be willing to try another book by this author, I actually already own Match Point, as I’d like to give her books another chance when I’m not so busy/in a slump. Also, I love a sports romance and that seems to be primarily what she writes.
Synopsis: In surfing, everyone’s chasing the perfect ride…
Twelve years ago, Leo Silva was a world champion surfer-until reckless partying and tabloid scandals ended his career. After a mysteriously sudden and early retirement, Leo retreated to a sleepy seaside village in Portugal, where he’s remained out of the spotlight ever since. But when he receives a surprise invitation to compete in Australia’s legendary Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach contest, the news of his comeback sends shockwaves through the surf world.
Enter Iris Gray, an ambitious sports journalist from London. Her editor wants her to make Leo and his comeback the topic of glossy Studio magazine’s next big feature, but there’s one small catch – he happens to be the son of TV star and media proprietor Michelle Martin, the owner of Studio. With a lot of pressure riding on this project and Iris’s career hanging in the balance, there’s simply no room for mistakes.
When Iris flies to Portugal, she expects to uncover the truth behind Leo’s infamous past, but she is unprepared for his stubbornness-or the undeniable chemistry that simmers between them. But as her interviewee and the boss’s son, Leo is strictly off-limits…
With a fierce rival threatening to derail Leo’s comeback and the competition fast approaching, can they stay focused on their goals, or will love pull them under?
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