Series, Spice, and Everything Nice: Sixteen Books I Devoured in July
Featuring SIX five-star reads!
Hey there, romance readers!
Can you believe it’s already August? I don’t know about you, but July felt like a whirlwind, and I blame it all on the sixteen amazing romance books that I dove into. From swoon-worthy love interests to heart-stopping stories, last month was a rollercoaster of emotions. Whether you were basking in the summer sun or cozied up indoors, there’s nothing quite like getting lost in the pages of a good romance novel.
Get ready to hear about the sweet, the sizzling, and the utterly unforgettable tales that made my July oh-so-romantic. Trust me, your TBR list is about to get a whole lot longer!
But before getting started, this is a friendly reminder to be aware of your triggers and to check for any necessary trigger warnings associated with the titles below.
King of Wrath by Ana Huang
Ratings
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Dante Russo is a billionaire CEO who never planned to marry until the threat of blackmail forces him into an engagement with Vivian Lau, a jewelry heiress and daughter of his newest enemy. Dante is ruthless, meticulous, and arrogant, and he’ll do everything he can to destroy the evidence and their marriage. However, he cannot let her go once he has her.
The BWBH’s Thoughts
The minute I finished this book, I immediately preordered the next two in the series. I have yet to find an Ana Huang book I have not thoroughly enjoyed.
Get your copy of King of Wrath from Bookshop or check your local library! This book is also available with Kindle Unlimited.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Ratings
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail, the daughter of the commanding general, was initially destined for a quiet life in the Scribe Quadrant surrounded by books and history. However, her mother abruptly changes her plans and orders Violet to join the Riders Quadrant, where candidates strive to become elite dragon riders. This situation poses a significant challenge for Violet, as she is smaller and more fragile than the other candidates, and dragons typically do not bond with humans they perceive as “fragile.” With fewer dragons willing to bond than there are cadets, Violet’s life is constantly at risk. Many would kill her to improve their chances of success, while others would target her simply because she is her mother’s daughter, including Xaden Riorson, a powerful and ruthless wingleader. Violet must rely on her wits to survive each day and navigate the treacherous world of Basgiath War College.
The BWBH’s Thoughts
I’m still relatively new to fantasy, so Fourth Wing started a little slow for me. Once it picked up, I couldn’t put it down! I will recommend this book to every fantasy reader, especially fans of Sarah J. Maas.
Get your copy of Fourth Wing from Bookshop or check your local library! The audiobook is available through Libro.fm.
Death’s Obsession by Avina St. Graves
Ratings
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Death did not take her soul when she was meant to die. Death would not take her when she offered herself. But Death leaves behind reminders – Her soul belongs to him.
The BWBH’s Thoughts
I am not emotional, but there were a few moments when I had a tear or two. Death’s Obsession is definitely a book you’ll want to check the trigger warnings for before reading. I enjoyed the book but I don’t think it’s a reread.
Get your copy of Death’s Obsession from Bookshop or check your local library! This book is also available with Kindle Unlimited.
Vault by Tate James
Ratings
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Vault is a Madison Kate Novella. The book should be read after the Hades series as several events overlap, and this story DOES contain multiple spoilers for the Hades series.
The BWBH’s Thoughts
If I haven’t made it abundantly clear yet, I am a Tate James stan – If she writes it, I’ll read it. Vault follows up with Madison Kate, Archer, Steele, and Kody. And one of my favorite reverse harems brings the heat! This book should be read after the Hades series to avoid any spoilers.
Get your copy of Vault with Kindle Unlimited or check your local library! The audiobook is available through Libro.fm.
The Hades Series
7th Circle by Tate James
Hades orchestrated the deadly massacre of the Tri-state Timberwolves. The streets outside HQ were filled with blood as she eliminated all members loyal to her father. Hades and her recruits spread false news and covered their tracks, making the public believe that the Timberwolves were extinct. However, the gang changed, grew, and evolved, becoming stronger than ever. Hades is now fully dedicated to the Timberwolves, willing to do anything to protect her empire and the people who depend on her. However, when her weakness puts everyone in danger, she eliminates any distractions.
Get your copy of 7th Circle from Bookshop or check your local library! The audiobook is available through Libro.fm. This book is also available with Kindle Unlimited.
Anarchy by Tate James
Ratings
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Hades rules the Timberwolves with an iron fist. However, a ghost from her past threatens her power and targets Tiberwolf businesses. Hades will do whatever it takes to protect what’s hers and send a message that the worst is yet to come.
Get your copy of Anarchy from Bookshop or check your local library! The audiobook is available through Libro.fm. This book is also available with Kindle Unlimited.
Club 22 by Tate James
Ratings
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
There’s a fourth man in her life. He is a man who should have stayed dead, and he will stop at nothing to exact his revenge on Hades. Next time, there’s no coming back from the dead.
Get your copy of Club 22 from Bookshop or check your local library! The audiobook is available through Libro.fm. This book is also available with Kindle Unlimited.
Timber by Tate James
Ratings
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Hades has been betrayed, abducted, and abandoned. Can she fight to stay alive long enough to destroy her captor?
Get your copy of Timber from Kindle Unlimited or check your local library! The audiobook is available through Libro.fm.
The BWBH’s Thoughts: Hades
Spice, spice, and more spice. Also, I’m in love with a thirty-something gang member – That’s normal, right? I cannot recommend this series enough. If you are interested in the Hades series, I recommend reading the Madison Kate series since some characters and events intertwine.
What Book was your favorite Last month? Give me your book recs in the comments below!
Barbarian Lover by Ruby Dixon
Ratings
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Barbarian Lover is a science fiction romance novel by Ruby Dixon and is the third book in the Ice Planet Barbarians series. Kira is a human woman stranded on an alien planet. Aehako, an alien, wants to pursue a relationship with Kira. Kira is afraid to tell Aehako that she is infertile due to a childhood illness, as she fears it will prevent them from being true mates.
The BWBH’s Thoughts
The Ice Planet Barbarians series is such a great read. I ten to read one after an intense dark romance as a palette cleanser. I recommend this series for readers looking for a fun and easy read.
Get your copy of Barbarian Lover from Bookshop or check your local library! The audiobook is available through Libro.fm. This book is also available with Kindle Unlimited.
The Dark Side Series
Three Trials by Kristy Cunning
Ratings
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Three Trials continues the story of Keyla and her men, who are stuck in hell and about to participate in a series of trials. The book reveals more about Keyla’s connection to the heroes and her past.
Get your copy of Three Trials from Kindle Unlimited or check your local library! The audiobook is available through Libro.fm.
Two Kingdoms by Kristy Cunning
Ratings
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Two Kingdoms is the third book in The Dark Side series by Kristy Cunning]. The book follows Paca and the four horsemen as they try to uncover the truth about their past and their connection to each other.
The BWBH’s Thoughts: Dark Side
After the first book, I was slightly disappointed in books two and three. The story has an interesting premise, but I’m struggling to find the motivation to finish the series.
Get your copy of Two Kingdoms from Kindle Unlimited or check your local library! The audiobook is available through Libro.fm.
Knot So Lucky by Trilina Pucci
Ratings
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
What happens when you get married in Vegas? Eleanor and Crew, who get married after a crazy night together, are ordered by a judge to stay married for 30 days. Why not make the best of a bad situation?
The BWBH’s Thoughts
Knot So Lucky was a fun and easy read. However, I am giving three stars because some of the writing was a little cringe for my tastes. If you want some heat with your story, this book might be for you.
Get your copy of Knot So Lucky from Bookshop or check your local library! This book is also available with Kindle Unlimited.
The State of Grace series
Run Riot by Colette Rhodes
Ratings
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
There are certain expectations of an agathos woman by age 25. Grace has not met these expectations. Feeling like a black sheep, Grace reaches out to the dark only to be led to Riot.
Get your copy of Run Riot from Bookshop or check your local library! The audiobook is available through Libro.fm. This book is also available with Kindle Unlimited.
Silver Bullet by Colette Rhodes
Ratings
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Bullet and Grace have known each other their entire lives, but Grace doesn’t remember. Knowing he’s on borrowed time, Bullet tries to strengthen their bond before the agathos come calling.
Get your copy of Silver Bullet from Bookshop or check your local library! The audiobook is available through Libro.fm. This book is also available with Kindle Unlimited.
Wild Game by Colette Rhodes
Ratings
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Wild was cursed five years ago and has lived with the consequences ever since. When Wild becomes aware of his connection to Grace, he fights to keep his distance and avoid her rejection.
Get your copy of Wild Game from Bookshop or check your local library! The audiobook is available through Libro.fm. This book is also available with Kindle Unlimited.
Dare Not by Colette Rhodes
Dare Not by Colette Rhodes
Ratings
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
His friends and soul bond fought for their lives before Dare arrived in Greece. As Grace’s final soul bond, he hesitates to build their relationship. Is it love, or is it just fate?
Get your copy of Dare Not from Bookshop or check your local library! This book is also available with Kindle Unlimited.
The BWBH’s Thoughts: State of Grace
I adore this series! You can’t help but become invested in the story between Grace and her four bonded men. There is one book left in the series, and I look forward to reading it soon. Keep your eye out for my thoughts on Saving Grace.
Thirsty for more book recommendations? Check out My August 2023 TBR.
Don’t forget to share which book was your favorite July read. Comment below!
Stay spicy,
AJ 💋
