The books I read in July

I spent a lot of July preparing for Match Made in the Maldives to release at the end of the month, but I still managed to get some good reading in. I find that when I’m in a good reading groove, my writing life thrives as well. Here are 3 books from my July reading that I want to share with you!

Bloody Sunset by Gwendolyn Harper

The conclusion to the zombie apocalypse romance that riveted me from page one! I loved this series (I read the two previous books in June). The novellas follow the same couple throughout, and they technically got their HFN, or Happy for Now ending, with Book One, Bloody Sunrise. I really liked following the relationship between Caitlin and Booker, though, despite the second book, Blood Moon, and this one being less focused on the romance and much more on their exciting survival story in this new world. The character dynamics in this series are *chef’s kiss.*

Just Like Magic by Sarah Hogle

This book was so weird in all the right ways. A socialite woman falls in love with the holiday spirit and fake dates him while visiting home for Christmas.

Yes, you read that right.

The writing in this book was so sharp and funny, and there were multiple moments that had me laughing out loud. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook for this one, since the narrator really brings the characters to life.

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

I’d had this book on my bookshelf for a while and it was such a pleasant surprise. Like, I knew I was going to enjoy it—that was never a question—but the plot genuinely took some turns that I did not see coming! Poston writes characters that feel so real and relatable, and I loved the cast of characters, especially Clementine’s best friends. The book also weaves in elements of grief that make it incredibly relatable, despite the fantastical element. Once I got into the story, I couldn’t put it down, and I finished it in a matter of a day or so!