From five star romances and twisty thrillers to cozy mystery audiobooks, here are my favorite June reads, summer book recommendations, and a peek at what I’m reading, listening to, and watching now.
June absolutely flew by, and somehow I managed to pack in a little bit of everything. Summer reading season is officially in full swing, which means plenty of beachy romances, addictive thrillers, and a continued obsession with cozy mysteries on audio. I’ve also realized I’m firmly in my audiobook era lately, if I’m doing chores, driving, or walking, chances are I have one playing.
If you missed anything this month, here’s a quick catch up, along with a look at what I’m currently reading, listening to, and loving.
ICYMI: JUNE HIGHLIGHTS
June Book Recommendations
A little bit of everything—from swoony romances to twisty thrillers and the books I couldn’t stop thinking about.
→ Read the full list here
June Reading Wrap-Up
→ Read the full list here
Audiobooks for Every Summer Mood
Whether you’re heading to the beach, taking a road trip, or just escaping the heat, I matched audiobooks to every kind of summer reading vibe.
→ Read the full list here
June’s Standout Reads
Chase Me If You Can — Heather Frances
One of my biggest surprises of the month. Storm chasing, road trip adventures, sharp banter, and chemistry that practically jumps off the page made this impossible to put down. Wes absolutely stole my heart, and the emotional family dynamics added so much depth to an already fantastic romance. An incredibly impressive debut that somehow feels both exciting and deeply heartfelt.
→ Read the full review here
West of Forever — Corinne Michaels
Completely obsessed doesn’t even begin to cover it. Rival families, a secret romance, a grumpy cowboy, and one of my favorite audiobook performances of the year? I listened in a single day because I couldn’t stop. Connor Crais and Vanessa Vasquez absolutely elevated an already phenomenal story, and I’m already desperate for the next book in this series.
→ Read the full review here
Romantic Hero — Kirsty Greenwood
Whimsical, emotional, and completely enchanting. Kirsty Greenwood somehow made a magical premise feel incredibly grounded through unforgettable characters and so much heart. I laughed, teared up, and finished with the biggest smile on my face. One of those romances that reminds you exactly why the genre is so magical.
→ Read the full review here
Nine Lives — Catherine Steadman
The premise alone sold me—a neighborhood mystery told through footage captured by a wandering cat? Immediately yes. This combines suburban secrets, neighborhood gossip, multiple suspects, and psychological suspense into a thriller that felt completely original. Even with a few small plausibility hiccups, I had an absolute blast reading it.
→ Read the full review here
CURRENTLY READING / LISTENING / WATCHING
Reading: Yes, Chef by Grace Reilly, and I am already hooked. A grumpy chef, a social media influencer, restaurant drama, and major The Bear meets It Happened One Summer vibes? Exactly what I’m in the mood for.
Listening: I’m still happily living in Bree Baker’s Seaside Café Mystery world and just started A Call for Kelp. At this point these books feel like a vacation for my brain—coastal setting, lovable characters, plenty of food, and cozy mysteries that are endlessly comforting.
Watching: Love Island USA. Am I a little bored this season? Yes. Am I still watching every episode because I’m too invested to quit now? Also yes. It may not be giving like past seasons, but apparently I’m committed.
WHAT’S NEXT
The second July 5 hits, my brain immediately shifts into fall mode (if you know, you know 😂), so expect summer content mixed with the earliest hints of spooky season.
Coming soon:
• my favorite summer reads roundup
• a popcorn thriller guide for late summer binge reading
• more cozy mystery recommendations because apparently this is who I am now
• a look at the Grilled Cheese Mysteries now that I’m fully embracing my cozy mystery obsession
• plenty more romance, thrillers, and whatever else my mood reading heart decides to pick up next
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Thanks so much for following along each month. Whether you’ve been here for years or just recently found Novelgossip, I’m so grateful you’re part of this little book loving corner of the internet. I can’t wait to see what the second half of the year brings, and yes, I’m already thinking about fall reading. 🍂
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