July Reading Wrap Up

Written By Allison Mowrey

July Reading Wrap-Up: 20 Romance Books Ranked (Yes, No, or Maybe)

July gave me some of my favorite books of the year... and a few of my biggest disappointments. I read 20 books across contemporary romance, romantic suspense, historical romance, dark romance, and a handful of ARCs. Here's my quick verdict on each one: yes, no, or maybe.

⭐ My Standout Reads

These are the books I can't stop thinking about.

Drive by Kate Stewart ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Infinity Stars)

Verdict: YES!

My favorite book of the month—and one of my favorite books of the year.

This completely wrecked me in the best way possible. It also features my favorite love triangle I've ever read. If you've somehow avoided this one, consider this your sign to pick it up immediately. Note: The special edition paperback just came out and it is GORGEOUS! Grab it before it’s gone.

Sunday Morning by Jewel E. Ann ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Verdict: YES!

My second five-star read of the month.

Emotional, beautifully written, and impossible to put down. Jewel E. Ann delivered another unforgettable story.

A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

Verdict: YES!

It's been weeks since I finished this one, and I'm still thinking about it. That's always a sign of a great book.

Mrs. Nash's Ashes by Sarah Adler ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

Verdict: YES!

One of the sweetest, most charming rom-coms I've read this year. Funny, heartfelt, and full of emotional depth.

Waking Olivia by Elizabeth O'Roark ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

Verdict: YES!

I finished this in less than 24 hours. Need I say more?

👍 Definitely Recommend

These weren't quite favorites, but I'd happily recommend them.

  • In Stormy Weather by Chelsea Curto — The perfect summer beach read. Cute, charming, and incredibly bingeable.

  • Honestly, I’m Totally Faking It by Amanda Gambill — Funny, heartwarming, and an excellent palate cleanser.

  • In the Likely Event by Rebecca Yarros — Gripping from beginning to end.

  • Kyland by Mia Sheridan — An emotional second-chance read that I enjoyed, even if it hasn't stayed with me quite as much.

  • Gentle Rogue by Johanna Lindsey (4⭐) — A fun nostalgic historical romance and another enjoyable installment in the series.

  • Thank You for Remembering by Emily Harding (3.5⭐ ARC) — A wholesome, feel-good rom-com that's perfect when you're looking for something light.

  • The Apple Tree by Jewel E. Ann (4⭐) — I didn't love it as much as Sunday Morning, but it's still emotional, bingeable, and well worth reading.

  • Reverse by Kate Stewart — Not as strong as Drive, but the second half absolutely won me over.

  • Bittersweet Melody by Kate Stewart — Entirely skippable... unless you're completely obsessed with the characters from Drive. In that case, it's a fun little bonus.

🤔 Maybe

These all had things I liked, but they also left me wanting more.

Rumors and Whiskey by Victoria Wilder ⭐⭐⭐¼

I enjoyed this romantic suspense, but I never fully connected with the characters. There were some plot holes, the pacing felt a little slow, and I wanted more depth from both Julia and the hero. I'll still read the sequel because I think the series has potential.

Whiskeyburn by Ava Hunter (ARC)

The writing was solid, but the plot and characters just didn't grab me the way I'd hoped. A decent palate cleanser, but not one I'll revisit.

Westbound by Maggie Rawdon

This one really depends on your reading plans. If you're planning to read the entire dark cowboy romance series, I'd recommend starting here. If you're only looking for a standalone, I'd probably skip it.

Pen Pal by J.T. Geissinger

If you love romantic suspense and massive plot twists, I think you'll have a great time with this one. If that's not your thing, it's an easy pass. It's good—but not my favorite J.T. Geissinger.

Does It Hurt? by H.D. Carlton

This one pushed the boundaries of what I personally enjoy in dark romance. It's incredibly addictive, suspenseful, and impossible to put down, but the darker elements and dub-con definitely won't be for everyone. If you enjoy morally gray heroes and darker romance, I'd recommend it. Otherwise, I'd skip it.

❌ Skip It

This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum

Unfortunately, this one didn't work for me. I was enjoying it until about the 85% mark, when everything seemed to fall apart. It's headed straight to my donate pile.

July Stats

Overall, July was an incredible reading month. Between Drive, Sunday Morning, Mrs. Nash's Ashes, and A Knight in Shining Armor, I found several books I'll be recommending for a long time.

Now I want to know—what was your favorite book you read in July?

Allison Mowrey
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