I haven’t read nearly as much as I would like to have the last few months. But lets do a quick recap on what I read in August, and see what is on my next up list this September. This is the fair warning to all two of you who may read this, but please note that there are spoilers ahead.

First up on the list of books I read in August was Ruthless Fae, Zodiac Academy Book 2, by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti. I listened to the dramatized audio version of the book, which made it all the more enjoyable for me. I love the movie in your mind style of narration with a full cast, background sounds, and music.
The writing in this series can be a touch *cheesy* from time to time, but one thing about me is that a good tropy cheesy romance novel is going to have me kicking my feet, giggling, and telling all my friends to make sure they add it to the TBR. The Vega twins are such badass heroines and the Celestial Heirs are so oddly lovable, even when you know you aren’t supposed to like them and they’re actually kind of the worst? (Don’t show my therapist this post, I’m not ready to unpack that).
This book is full of quick wit, excellent banter, and amazing relationships between different characters, from bromance, to romance, to besties, and a little bit of everything in between.
Overall I gave this book a 4.25 and I knew that I had to keep reading the next book because that cliff hanger? Diabolical.

I suppose that brings us to book two/three! I listened to the dramatized audio version of The Reckoning, Zodiac Academy Book 3, by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti. The dramatized audio version splits the single book into two parts, so while its only one book, my tracker shows extra progress.
At the end of book two I was still successfully in camp ‘heck you Darius Acrux’ but by book three I am leaning in to this excellent slowburn enemies to lovers trope and rooting for him and Tory! I could go for a few more racing scenes in future books.
The beginning of the series had me questioning Geraldine and by book three I was so sold. She is hilarious and bad ass and I can’t get enough of her banter.
Darcy and Lance’s relationship? “In Solaria blue means royal. And to me, blue means you.” *chef’s kiss*, no notes.
Learning more about the Celestial Heirs has me even more confused about being both in their corner and hoping the Vega twins beat them all up. I would love for a little more Max? I’m not sure why he is featured so little and hoping that we will get to know more about him.
This is easily the best book in the series (so far) and is jam packed with action.
5 stars. Will read again, and again, and again..

Book 4 (I know its book three but stay with me here) was The Dragon Ranch of Dawn Ridge by Juliette Caruso. I came across this book on TikTok and it was described as a cowboy romance with dragons. I didn’t need to know anything else, I was already sold. I read this book on my Kindle and I ate it up in no time flat. I would refer to this as a very cozy romance, with a great group of lovable characters and a little angst. Cassia and Aeverin are such a cute little couple that I want more of! If Juliette chose to expand the world with a few more books as some of the siblings find love I certainly would not be sad. Now I did only give this book 3 stars, but in comparison to the other books I read this month that earned 4 stars or higher, it only felt appropriate that this book be a bit lower. It was adorable, but it didn’t catch my heart quite like others have.

And last but not least on the August list, Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas.
Reading ACOTAR was what got me back into reading as an adult (like most of you, come on now I know I am not alone). But I have been intimidated by TOG ever since. It seems to have a lot of love, but for VERY different reasons.
A great assassin brought from prison to compete to become the ‘Kings Champion’ and along the way makes some odd friends and maybe even a touch of a romantic interest love triangle blossoming? While I felt like the book was a bit slow paced and I wasn’t completely sucked in I did enjoy the story! The banter was fun and the world was interesting. I will likely read the next book in the series another time, but I wasn’t quite in the right mood for this series.

What is up next on the TBR for September? Excellent question, thank you so much for asking.
Currently I am listening to From Blood and Ash, by Jennifer L. Armentrout. I have had a friend been trying to get me to read this book for so incredibly long and now its on deck.
I haven’t been doing as good in the reading on my kindle (or physical book) front lately. So my September goal includes reading more books that way! I have Dark Fae, Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac #1 queued up, since I didn’t love the narration of the audiobook.

If you happened to make it this far, thank you! If you too are a reader, what’s on your TBR for this month? What have you read recently that is a must read?