July 2022 Reads - It's too hot outside, read some books!

Hello again fellow readers!

It's time again for a monthly read review rundown.  I will say, I haven't typically gravitated towards romance books in the past, but Ali Hazelwood caught me off guard.  Do I like these now?  I think I might like these now.  Hmmmm... time to explore the options! Well anyway, you will notice that I devoured The Love Hypothesis followed by all three of her of her STEMinist Novellas.  Women in STEM as love interests and main characters?  Yes please! 

I also ventured in to Elle Wren Burke's third book in the Prickly Pear Psychic Mysteries series and I was absolutely not disappointed.  If you have not ventured in to the series do yourself a favor and do it.  These just keep getting better and who doesn't love a good cozy mystery?

The Love Hypothesis - Ali Hazelwood

I definitely picked this one up based on the hype I had seen online.  I jumped into this one not knowing the background about the Rey and Kyo Ren fanfiction, and I'm kind of glad I did.  This isn't something that I really picked up on when reading the book and I enjoyed the way the grumpy/sunshine romance trope was used here.

This booked focused on PhD candidate Olive and Professor Adam Carlsen doing the fake dating thing.  Her for her friend to feel comfortable dating Olive's ex and Adam to convince the faculty that he was not leaving the university.  Win/Win.  It was enjoyable watching these two characters interact and finally realize their relationship.  I was left wanting more story from them, but I'm glad this one gave them their chance at a happy ending.

 My GoodReads Rating: 5/5⭐

Under One Roof (The STEMinist Novellas, #1) - Ali Hazelwood

I read this one trying to fill the void left from Adam and Olive.  The STEMinist Novellas were a great way to get a little bit more of the fun storytelling that I got with the last book.

Mara's mentor leaves her half of the deed of the house and the other half is owned by the nephew Liam.  These two are pitted against each other from the start.  Mara moves in to the house where Liam is already living which lays the groundwork for some hi jinx.  Mara is an environmental engineer and Liam is a lawyer an oil company, which adds another level of contrast to the dichotomy.  Eventually they move past this and find that they have common ground and fall for each other!

Of the three STEMinist Novellas, I think this one was my favorite.  The relationship between Mara and Liam felt the most built up to me and felt like it had quite a bit of payoff in the end.     

 My GoodReads Rating: 5/5⭐

Stuck with You (The STEMinist Novelleas, #2) - Ali Hazelwood

I think Sadie's story was the least interesting to me of the three novellas.  This one focused on Sadie and Erik who are trapped in an elevator in the building where both their companies reside.  They have to navigate a miscommunication so they can be together.  While i still enjoyed their story, the issue between the two could have been easily avoided with quick conversation.

 My GoodReads Rating: 4/5⭐

Below Zero (The STEMinist Novellas, #3) - Ali Hazelwood

The final novella focused on Hannah and Ian.  They have a quick connection and then several years later they come back together at NASA.  Hannah thinks Ian is the reason one of her projects is denied, but her advisor finds a way for it to happen.  So this one is also based on miscommunication like Sadie's story, but I feel like Ian being available and prepared to help in the situation gives it a slight variation.  He knows the project is dangerous and just wants to protect her and ends up saving her life. I liked this pairing and the story that came with them.

Overall I feel like these novellas were a fun and quick read and I enjoyed them.  I would recommend them if you read and enjoyed Love Hypothesis or if you just need a quick nibble of romance.

 My GoodReads Rating: 5/5⭐

Canines & Cacti (Prickly Pear Psychic Mysteries No. 3) - Elle Wren Burke

This series just keeps getting better! I am so invested in Alara, her dogs, and the other characters. To say I devoured Canines and Cacti would be an understatement. Elle Wren Burke did a fantastic job of weaving storylines in her newest book. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book in the series!

 My GoodReads Rating: 5/5⭐

Book Lovers - Emily Henry

This is my first Emily Henry book and I picked it up based on recommendations I saw in a FB group.  I really enjoyed the slow burn relationship of Nora Stephens and Charlie Lastra.  Their connection was magnetic and palpable through the pages.  I also like that Nora had other priorities than just her relationship with Charlie.  She is focused on rebuilding her relationship with her sister Libby and is an incredibly focused literary agent who is always there for her clients.

I did pick up some other Emily Henry books in a recent Target bookhaul and based on how much I enjoyed Book Lovers, I'm really looking forward to checking them out.

 My GoodReads Rating: 5/5⭐

Starting in August, I would like to endeavor to post reviews as I am finishing a book.  I felt like month end summaries were the easiest way for me to start and begin collecting my thoughts for the posts.  I can't wait to be posting more posts a little more regularly.

Kattie