Reading Round-Up: July/August 2023

Welcome to my latest reading round-up where you'll discover a collection of book recommendations based on my two-month reading journey throughout July and August. 

Explore the books I've read, the ones I've acquired, and those I'm eagerly anticipating. From heartwarming love stories to gripping page-turners and compelling nonfiction, there's a perfect addition to your TBR pile. So kick back, unwind, and prepare to unearth your next extraordinary read!

Book Review: Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six by Lisa Unger

AD* | Three couples rent a luxury cabin in the woods for a weekend getaway to die for in this chilling locked-room thriller.

What could be more restful than a weekend getaway with family and friends? An isolated luxury cabin in the woods, spectacular views, a hot tub and a personal chef. Hannah’s generous brother found the listing online. The reviews are stellar. It'll be three couples on this trip with good food, good company and lots of R&R.

But the dreamy weekend is about to turn into a nightmare.

A deadly storm is brewing. The rental host seems just a little too present. The personal chef reveals that their beautiful house has a spine-tingling history. And the friends have their own complicated past, with secrets that run blood deep.

How well does Hannah know her brother, her own husband? Can she trust her best friend? Meanwhile, someone is determined to ruin the weekend, looking to exact a payback for deeds long buried. Who is the stranger among them?

Book Review: Eva Mallory's Husband Hunt by Katherine Dyson

AD* | Eva Mallory is the unluckiest woman in the world, a fact which is attributed, in her family, to their name, and has subjected every member to a lifetime of misfortune. After accidentally burning down the venue of her twin Hanna’s anniversary party, Eva discovers that her sister’s luck has completely turned around since her wedding day. In that moment, Eva decides there’s only one thing for it. She needs to find herself a husband too, and fast. But with the distractions of her husband hunt, Eva completely forgets about the family curse. But the curse has not forgotten about her...

Book Review: The Thorns Remain by J.J.A. Harwood

AD* | A dance with the fae will change everything...

1919. In a highland village forgotten by the world, harvest season is over and the young who remain after war and flu have ravaged the village will soon head south to make something of themselves.

Moira Jean and her friends head to the forest for a last night of laughter before parting ways. Moira Jean is being left behind. She had plans to leave once – but her lover died in France and with him, her future. The friends light a fire, sing and dance. But with every twirl about the flames, strange new dancers thread between them, music streaming from the trees.

The fae are here.

Suddenly Moira Jean finds herself all alone, her friends spirited away. The iron medal of her lost love, pinned to her dress, protected her from magic.

For the Fae feel forgotten too. Led by the darkly handsome Lord of the Fae, they are out to make themselves known once more. Moira Jean must enter into a bargain with the Lord to save her friends – and fast, for the longer one spends with the Fae, the less like themselves they are upon return. If Moira Jean cannot save her friends before Beltane, they will be lost forever...