In an effort to continue to bring down my screen time, reading has found its way into my day-to-day once again. In the past month and a half (kinda), I’ve read books. Hi, yes, I’m waiting for my applause, because that is a brag.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
With Love,
Adding some of these to the ever growing list.