So let’s talk about them. Which ones I loved, liked, and almost left behind.

Make sure to follow me on Goodreads so we can keep up together all month long (my reviews are also verrry sophisticated so take a look).

1. The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden — 3.5 Stars (Read August 24-26)

Sydney Shaw finally thinks she’s found the perfect boyfriend—a charming, handsome doctor—but her excitement fades when a string of murders reveals a killer who dates his victims before murdering them. As Sydney begins to suspect her seemingly perfect partner may be hiding a dark secret, she must uncover the truth before she becomes his next victim.

My review: Not my favorite from Freida, not my least favorite. Didn’t love the backstory here nor the twist.

2. The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez — 4.75 Stars (Read August 26-28)

Larissa and Chris have built a comfortable friendship filled with shared books, co-parenting a chaotic rescue Yorkie, and the kind of connection that feels effortless. But when Larissa chooses Chris’s best friend as her boyfriend instead, Chris must grapple with his growing feelings and the painful reality that the person who feels so right may be completely off-limits.

My review: My heart is still fluttering after reading this. Cute, beautiful, wonderful, I need a man like Chris in my life. One of my new favorite books, I have nothing bad to say.

3. The Divorce by Freida McFadden — 3.75 Stars (Read August 28-31)

Naomi’s perfect life falls apart when her husband abruptly kicks her out, drains their accounts, and leaves her for a younger woman. Refusing to accept her new reality, Naomi becomes obsessed with his girlfriend, uncovering dark secrets that put her own life in danger as she fights to reclaim her family.

My review: The runner-up for my favorite Freida book this month. I didn’t see the twist coming, but really enjoyed it. The epilogue left me with sooo many questions.

4. Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden — 4.25 Stars (Read August 31-September 2)

Debbie Mullen, an advice columnist who has spent years helping women navigate their troubled marriages, finds her own life unraveling after losing her job, dealing with her daughters, and suspecting her husband is keeping secrets. Finally done being the bigger person, Debbie decides to take her own advice—and seek payback against everyone who has wronged her.

My review: This one left me STUNNED. Debbie is very Bree Van de Kamp coded, and I’d like to think they’d be the best of friends. Twist after twist here, making it one of my favorite Freida books.

5. None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell — 3.5 Stars (Read September 4-5)

When podcaster Alix Summer meets her birthday twin Josie Fair, she becomes intrigued by the woman’s mysterious life and invites her into her podcast—and eventually her home. But when Josie suddenly disappears, Alix uncovers a terrifying trail of secrets and realizes she and her family have become the subjects of a real-life true crime story.

My review: I was expecting something bigger at the end, but I feel like the story never landed anywhere. The ending felt a bit rushed. I really enjoyed the first 75% of this book, but it felt like a bit of a letdown. Still good, and I would definitely read more from this author.

6. Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez — 2.25 Stars (Read August 31-September 12)

Samantha meets Xavier, a gorgeous veterinarian who seems almost perfect—until his mouth gets him into trouble and their undeniable chemistry turns complicated. When a family crisis forces Samantha to walk away, neither of them can forget their incredible night together, leaving them to wonder if one perfect moment could become something more.

My review: I love Abby’s books, but I just could not get on board with this book. Something in this just wasn’t clicking for me.

7. Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry — 3.25 Stars (Read September 12-15)

Alice Scott and Pulitzer Prize–winning writer Hayden Anderson compete for the chance to write the biography of Margaret Ives, a legendary heiress with a scandalous past who has vanished from public life. As Margaret reveals her story in fragments, Alice and Hayden find themselves caught between fierce competition, undeniable chemistry, and the possibility that their own story may be just as complicated as hers.

My review: I love old-Hollywood stories, so I really enjoyed that aspect, and overall I enjoyed the entire story, but the ending and twist felt really rushed. Overall, still worth the read, I’d say!

8. Phoebe Berman’s Gonna Lose It by Brooke Averick — 3 Stars (Read September 3-18)

Phoebe Berman, a hopeless romantic approaching thirty, has always dreamed of finding love but struggles with the anxiety that comes with dating and intimacy. Determined to finally push herself outside her comfort zone, she finds her quiet life turned upside down when she suddenly has three potential love interests to navigate.

My review: I thought this was a really cute, light-hearted book. I appreciate stories like that. Reading is an escape for me, so I rarely want to read anything depressing. This made me forget any stressors and allowed me to get lost in something easy. Highly recommend.

What should I read in October? Send me all of your spooky fall recommendations in the comments below.

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My night routine is entirely non-negotiable. Even on the nights when I’m exhausted, busy, or just lacking motivation, I still show up for it. I’ve simply learned the hard way that skipping it means a miserable tomorrow. Want to know what helps me wake up hydrated, glowy, and happy? Here’s how I end every night—

A night shower/washing my hair every day

Night showers win over morning showers every time. I love to do both on any days where time permits, but if I’m choosing one, it’s the one that takes off all of the day’s germs before getting into my nice, clean bed. Plus, it’s super relaxing to shower before bed. Part of my nightly shower is washing my hair. Yes, I was my hair every single day. I don’t feel clean unless I do, and I couldn’t imagine submerging myself in the shower without getting my hair wet. I feel like I’d just be cold? I actually have noticed my hair grows quicker and looks better when I wash it every day, and I don’t mind doing it, so it’s a must every night for me.

Skincare routine

My skincare routine is the most consistent thing in my life. I could get home super late or be half-asleep, and I will still be doing my skincare routine immediately after my shower. I enjoy my routine and find it really relaxing, so I don’t ever see it as a chore. While I believe skin is mostly genetic, I owe the remaining credit to being so consistent with my routine.

The Routine: I wash my face in the shower with my Rhode Pineapple Cleanser, then once I get out, it’s the Rhode Glazing Mist, Rhode Glazing Milk, Caudalie Vinoperfect Serum, YTTP Superfood Skin Drip, Rhode Barrier Restore Cream, the Biossance Eye Serum, and lastly, the Rhode Peptide Lip Mask. There was a short period of time when I tried mixing it up, but I quickly realized it wasn’t for me, and back to my staples I went.

Drinking tons of water

All I drink is water (not a fan of the taste of anything else), but I make sure to drink even more water at night. I feel like it sets up my skin to be extra hydrated and fresh in the morning, and it stops me from snacking late at night. I feel a difference in the way my body feels in the morning when I drink more water at night vs when I don’t.

Ten-minute clean-up

Before I shower, I always do a quick room cleanup. Even if it’s just ten minutes to pick up whatever I didn’t have a chance to put away during the day. I love coming back to a perfectly clean room after my shower, and I wake up in such a better mood when I’m waking up in a clean space rather than a disorganized one.

A sweet treat & something to watch

I’m doubling down here because they’re a package deal. I have an insane sweet tooth. A small percentage of my overall happiness comes from indulging in something sweet every day. Some days I try to be healthy about it; some days I don’t. Either way, I need something every night before bed. I’m aging myself so badly here (I’m 27), but there’s nothing more relaxing than being freshly showered, skincare done, with a full water bottle, a sweet treat, and a TV show to end your night. I prefer a show or a movie over scrolling on my phone, so I always have something to watch.

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If you’re looking for your next read, you’ve come to the perfect place. I’ve searched for the best beach reads and have compiled them into a list below. Download them on your kindle, or head to your nearest Barnes & Noble—we’re reading this summer ladies!

Our Perfect Storm By Carley Fortune

When Frankie is unexpectedly left at the altar, her estranged best friend George convinces her to take the honeymoon anyway—with him. Set against the dreamy backdrop of Tofino, this friends-to-lovers romance follows two lifelong friends as they navigate heartbreak, buried feelings, and a chance to rebuild what they've lost. Warm, emotional, and full of longing, it's a story about friendship, healing, and finding love where you least expect it.

The Night We Met By Abby Jimenez

After a single decision at a concert changes everything, Chris finds himself on the sidelines of the life he wishes he was living. As Larissa builds a relationship with his best friend, he’s forced to navigate loyalty, longing, and the cost of staying silent in this emotionally charged romance about timing and impossible choices.

Rules For The Summer By Meghan Quinn

A summer rom-com about a fake engagement gone wrong, a failing candy shop, and two unexpected neighbors who find themselves thrown together in a chaotic small-town summer. As Renley tries to rebuild her life and Theo escapes his own mess, forced proximity turns irritation into something neither of them planned for—raising the question of whether their summer escape can become something real.

Just For The Summer By Abby Jimenez

My favorite read from last summer

Justin has a “curse” that went viral online—every woman he dates ends up finding her soulmate right after they break up. When he connects with Emma, who has her own strange romantic streak, the two agree to date each other with a simple plan: break up quickly and cancel out their bad luck. A summer fling on a private island in Minnesota was supposed to solve everything, but between unexpected family responsibilities, personal complications, and growing closeness, their carefully planned arrangement starts to feel a lot more complicated than either of them expected.

The Off-Campus Series By Elle Kennedy

Recently watched this on Prime, and now I want to read the entire series!

A college rom-com about a fake dating arrangement between a focused student trying to get her crush’s attention and a cocky hockey captain desperate to save his GPA. What starts as a mutually beneficial deal—tutoring in exchange for a pretend relationship—quickly becomes complicated after an unexpected kiss changes everything.

There’s something about contemporary romance that always feels grounding in the best way—easy to sink into, quietly comforting, and deeply transporting. In the midst of summer, these stories become their own kind of escape. Happy reading!

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