Where did June go? While I’m not a fan of the blazing hot temperatures, I love summertime and the extra time with my family. And of course I love summer reading. In June 2024 I read 28 books,11 of those were audiobooks. Here are my favorite reads of the month: 

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center – Emma Wheeler has been the caretaker for her loving dad for years and she’s good at it. She has color coded sticker charts to manage all aspects of his health and care. She has put her dreams of screenwriting off so she could support both her dad and younger sister. And now she gets the chance to re-write a script for famous screenwriter Charlie Yates–her absolute favorite writer ever. Her family comes together to support her and gives her the push she needs to head out of LA to tackle this opportunity. When she arrives let’s just say it’s not exactly as she thought … .What follows is such a wonderful story – an amazing combination of humor and romance, without being afraid to tackle themes of grief and healing, family bonds and expectations. I smiled and sighed and held my hand to my chest as I listened, loving the characters through their hurts and joys. The feelings were all so real and I loved it. I felt like I was reading a movie. And the audiobook features a bonus scene and an author’s note that were chef’s kiss.

Kill or Bee Killed (A Bee Keeping Mystery #2) by Jennie Marts – This is the second in Jennie’s Bee Keeping mystery series and is seriously so much fun. I loved book one so much and I think I loved this book even more! Jennie has this amazing ability to combine a solid mystery with some seriously laugh out loud moments. I think I actually guffawed several times, and my kids were asking what was so funny! Check out the full post as part of a Great Escapes Blog Tour HERE. 

Locked in Pursuit (Electra McDonnell Book 4) by Ashley Weaver –the newest entry in one of my favorite historical mystery series, following safecracker Electra McDonnell fighting Nazis at every turn as World War II looms over London. The mysteries are solid and keep me turning the pages. I love that there are over-arching mysteries that carry throughout the series. The characters are outstanding and the romance between Electra and Ramsey is perfect. My only complaint is omg what a cliff-hanger ending…it’s going to be tough to wait a year! If you’re a fan of historical mystery series like Maggie Hope and Maisie Dobbs, you must add this to your TBR. Excellent on audio too. 

The Summer Escape (Sunrise Cove #6) by Jill Shalvis – this book truly is the perfect summer escape. It’s a swoony romance with a solid mystery at its core. Mix in some wonderful characters, hilarious dialogue, wonderful dog and cat pets, and some heart-pounding suspenseful moments, and I had a smile on my face the entire time I was reading. Here’s another story that also isn’t afraid to tackle tough topics like grief and loss, but does so in such a beautiful way. I was so sorry when it ended and so appreciated the epilogue at the end. 

Clean Kill by Anne Laughlin – Excellent mystery! See my full review for Kings River Life! 

Riley Thorn and the Blast from the Past (Riley Thorn #3) by Lucy Score – I cannot get enough of this hilarious and steamy mystery series. I’m sorry when I finish a book because I’m not ready to leave that world and all those characters. It’s the perfect mixture of family and found family and totally ridiculous in the best possible way. Again, reader, know thyself – it’s open door and has some language so if that’s not your thing, go ahead and pass. I, though, cannot wait until book 4 comes out on July 16th. My copy is preordered and I plan to drop everything and read it when it arrives.