August Reading Wrap-Up

I read 6 awesome books last month so let's get into it.

Love Spells Trouble by Nia Davenport

Love Spells Trouble is a sweet YA Romantasy! I love how tight Cayden is with her family. Her parents are loving and understanding but firm which isn’t always the case in magical stories.

Although Cayden and Khy’s budding romance is directly impacted by their family’s connection (or lack there of) to the local coven, magic seems to be a secondary element. The characters have magical inclinations but don’t really use them very often throughout the book. It’s more like the basis for the society in which the main characters live.

Love Spells Trouble was a cute read and I think I’d definitely recommend it to teens!

Temple of Swoon by Jo Segura

Similar to Raiders of the Lost Heart, Temple of Swoon was a fun, steamy, and adventurous read. I loved the emotional and sexual connection between Miri and Rafa. They were sweet, understanding, and silly together. Rafa's familial connection to the Lost City made this feel personal. The story, as a whole, walked the line between concerns of preservation and a yearning to learn the truth behind the mystery of an isolated civilization. I also like the way it called out the misogyny embedded in the Archaeology field.

The pacing was pretty good and I enjoyed the creativity if the spicier moments. The only thing that wasn't a fan of was Miri's obsession with looking like/being a "badass." That felt repetitive. Aside from that, Temple of Swoon is a bold romance novel that I think genre-lovers would enjoy!

Beasts of Carnaval by Rosália Rodrigo

This novel made me feel curious, confused, outraged, conflicted, and vindicated. Beasts of Carnaval is an all-consuming historical fantasy novel teeming with themes of anti-colonialist revenge and the power of nature.

The first quarter of the book is exciting, as we explore the wonders of Isla Bestia, a secret island for rich elites, alongside a mestiza freedwoman named Sofía. Then, the days start to bleed into one another. Just like our MC, I felt confused at times because I couldn't tell which experiences were dreams and which took place in the real world. All of which help me feel immersed in the story, as if I was Sofía. I love her tenacity and inquisitive nature! She also seems to be ace and possibly neurodivergent.

Although this novel is a bit long, I didn't really mind because the story kept me coming back. I listened to it on audiobook, which was fantastic! The only thing I think is missing is more inclusion of Black islanders, as our stories and those of the Taínos are connected. I recommend this novel to all fantasy and historical fiction lovers, but especially those connected to Caribbean islands with Taíno history.

Only Lovers in the Building by Nadine Gonzalez

I feel like I picked up Only Lovers in the Building by Nadine Gonzalez at just the right time. After ditching a business retreat gone sour, Lily books a summer rental at a colorful Miami building. She has no idea what she wants to do with her life anymore until she meets her neighbors and somehow ropes them into creating a Romance book club. Benedicto aka Ben, a guest lecturer and poet spots Lily & is hooked from the start.

This was such an amusing, charming, and surprisingly spicy story! There’s a ton of pining, thanks to the slow burn, but there’s also time for Lily to refresh what she’s capable of and adjust her relationship with her family. Ben also has some space to reflect on his complicated history with his famous, deceased father.

I loved reading this book and may even read it again in the near future. Gonzalez gave us a Haitian FMC and Cuban MMC so that made me hype! Suffice it to say, Cozy Romance lovers, this one’s for you!

The Possession of Alba Díaz by Isabel Cañas

Isabel Cañas brought the heat with The Possession of Alba Díaz! As a young woman from a wealthy family living in 1765 Zacatecas, Alba yearns to gain control of her own life. Just as she sees a way forward through her engagement to her best friend, a plague forces both of their families to flee to his family’s isolated mine for refuge. This place rouses something strange within Alba. Something that Elías, her fiancé’s troubled cousin, can see.

Once again, Cañas brings us an Historical Horror Romance with feminist and anti-colonial themes. This time, I was extra excited about the diverse cast. Throughout this story, we see the Indigenous peoples of Zacatecas, Criollos, & a character who’s mother was a Moor (Muslim peoples of Northern Africa).

I loved listening to this book on audio! The tension was fantastic, as was the entire book. I felt like I was immersed in the storyline which made me want more, even when it ended well. Y’all need to read this!!!

Ms. V's Hot Girl Summer by A.H. Cunningham

Reading Ms. V’s Hot Girl Summer by A.H. Cunningham was the perfect way to end the season!

As a mother of twin 16-year-old boys, Trinidad Velasquez hasn’t let her freak flag fly in a minute. She’s too busy working hard to build a stable life for her family, as a single mother. Trinidad has been dating a man who has all the qualities she wants on paper but something is missing. To her surprise, Ms. V feels some type of way about Orlando Wiggins, the man who mentors her sons. The boys sense the tension and decide to trick their mom into going on a Caribbean Carnival vacation in the same town that Orlando has a reservation.

As you may have guessed, this book is extra steamy!!! One thing I love is that Trinidad’s version of motherhood doesn’t stop her from having a life and finding love again. Her kids are sweet and respectful, too! Orlando is a genuine guy who isn’t afraid of his own feelings. He falls hard!

This is an age-gap romance that will have you sitting in front of a fan. It’s not too late for y’all to dive into Ms. V’s Hot Girl Summer!

❗Please read the content warnings for these books in The StoryGraph❗