Disovering New Reads: Summer & Fall Pt 1
Reading has always been my escape from reality. Over the past few months, I’ve been diving into a wide range of books across genres, from thrillers and memoirs to romance and fantasy. Each one offered something different, and I’m excited to share some quick reviews to hopefully help you find your next favorite read.
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Psychological Thriller/Mystery
The Truth about the Devlins: Lisa Scottoline
The Truth About the Devlins is my first read by Lisa Scottoline. I’ve seen many mixed reviews and I’ve learned that it’s truly about timing when you read a book. After reading back-to-back fantasy, this was a great palate cleanser with a different change of pace and scenery.
The plot follows a respectable family of lawyers except for the “black sheep” brother, TJ. TJ is just as smart and capable of becoming a lawyer but life events have set him on a different path. His brother John confesses to him about accidentally murdering one of their clients because of embezzlement. TJ does everything he can to protect the family and prove his worth fighting through the twists and turns. How far will family loyalty go with unraveling secrets?
Gabby, TJ’s sister, is a pro bono lawyer working on a case involving the abuse of prison inmates in Philadelphia. Her investigation into the Holmesburg Prison experiments led me down a rabbit hole learning as much as possible about the prison experiment.
If you’re looking for a quick suspenseful read, I’d recommend it.
Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers: Jesse Sutanto
I enjoyed every moment of this book laughing and smiling from beginning to end.
If you’re looking for a cozy, fun mystery with a twist, this one’s for you! Vera Wong is not your average 60-year-old widow. She follows a strict routine every day until everything changes when she discovers a dead man in her tea shop one morning.
Convinced she’s the perfect detective for the job, Vera takes the investigation into her own hands, armed with her unsolicited advice and endless curiosity
I highly recommend the audiobook version—it truly brings Vera’s vibrant personality to life!
In the Air Tonight: Marie Force
In the Air Tonight was an emotional read but so so good! 14 years later, Blaise found the courage to stand up and fight when she couldn’t do so at 17. Even when we know the right thing to do, peer pressure and fear of others can hold us back from standing up for what we believe in. I read this book in a few days and I was glued the entire time filled with many emotions. I loved the multiple POVs because it allowed me to see the connections and bonds formed visually in my head. This was my first read by Marie Force, but it certainly won’t be my last!
Note: Be mindful of trigger warnings (sexual assault, rape) before diving into this one.
Memoirs
I’m Glad My Mom Died: Jennette McCurdy
I don’t traditionally review memoirs because it’s someone’s true story. I listened to the audiobook and it hurt to hear what child stars go through but I’m glad Jennette McCurdy found the strength to be vulnerable to share her story with us. I’m happy that she can now live the life she wants and no longer the life her mom expected from her.
Paris the Memoir: Paris Hilton
The second memoir I’ve read over the summer and I’m slowly starting to love them more and more because we get to see a person unfiltered compared to what we may see in the media. I learned so much about Paris, her struggles, and her family history far beyond what the media’s portrayal. It’s a reminder that we rarely know the whole story. My heart goes out to Paris for sharing her traumatic story.
Romance
If you know me, then you know romance is not my usual genre so don’t come for me.
Just for the Summer: Abby Jimenez
I can’t believe I actually finished this book but the third time is a charm! My book club read Just for the Summer back in July. I gave a few chapters a listen on Audible and said nope when Emma chose Minnesota over Hawaii for a boy she met online on Reddit to break a dating curse.. Talk about a delusional mess! Towards the end of the month, I tried again but I just couldn’t get into it. After finishing 2 fantasy books and a psychological thriller, I needed something quick and different so I came back and pushed my way through it. I can truly say I didn’t hate it!
-Everyone needs therapy and it’s ok
-Emma’s upbringing with her mom played a huge part in how she treated relationships with others.
-Justin wants to love her but Emma is scared to let anyone in.
-And Maddy!! She’s a real one. We all need a friend like her.
-It’s “romance” but it’s also real life and I appreciated that.
Fantasy
Finally, I wrapped up the A Court of Thrones and Roses (ACOTAR) series by Sarah J Mass. Its been a wild journey through this fantasy world.
A Court of Wings and Ruin: Sarah J Mass
A Court of Frost and Starlight
A Court of Silver Flames
I feel it’s difficult to review the series without giving the plot away so here are just a few details below.
ACOWAR- I felt like it took me 40 days and 40 nights to get through this one but there’s a lot of action going on between the courts to keep up with but it’s worth the character and plot development. Unlike the first 2 books in the series, this one did not end on a cliffhanger so it left me wondering what could the next books in the series be about.
ACOFAS- Ehhh.. Didn’t hate it. Didn’t love it. It felt like an extended epilogue that I could’ve done without.
ACOSF- 784 pages later…Talk about bittersweet. I’m a bit sad that I’ve reached the end of the ACOTAR series (for now!), but I’m patiently waiting for SJM to give us an update on the next book. This one is easily my second favorite of the series. Unlike the previous books, we finally get to understand Nesta’s story from her own POV, and I loved seeing her emotional and strength journey unfold.
Whether you’re a fan of thrillers that keep you guessing, cozy mysteries with a twist, fantasy world-building, or deep dives into personal stories, I hope my recent reads inspire you to try something new. If you’ve read any of these or have your own must-reads, I’d love to hear from you. I’m always looking to add more to my TBR.
