Wooden bookshelf with row of colorful books at different angles, an pothos plant, turtle, and the RBF logo.

Alyssa’s July 5 Star Reads

I really lucked out with some amazing book choices in July. Not only did I rate four books as 5 Stars, but I had six 4 Star reads. I read three of the below books on vacation, so it was a pretty great week. Or maybe that helped me rate them higher. LOL, who knows. They were great books and I highly recommend them!

The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young. A July Five Star Read.
The Unmaking of June Farrow

By Adrienne Young

I have a few 5 star reads from Adrienne Young and this one did not disappoint. This is the book I was hoping Sophie Cousens’ new book, The Good Part would be. I know this one came out first, but I read them in the opposite order. The plots were surprisingly similar, but June made the choice I wish Lucy had made in The Good Part. I won’t give away the endings, but this one gave me those fantastic goose bumps along the way and a satisfying conclusion.

I wouldn’t change any of it. If I could walk through a door and undo all of this, I wouldn’t. Do you understand?

Adrienne Young – The Unmaking of June Farrow

The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren. A July Five Star Read.
The Paradise Problem

By Christina Lauren

This was a super fun vacation read. Anna and Liam have one of the cutest origin stories I can remember reading. While it’s the least favorite of the four listed here, and not even my favorite by Christina Lauren, it is a great romance and so much fun. Anna was quirky without being annoying. And Liam, or “West” was vulnerable without being weak.


This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune. A July Five Star Read.
This Summer Will Be Different

By Carley Fortune

If The Unmaking of June Farrow is The Good Part I wanted, then This Summer Will Be Different is the Every Summer After we deserved. I mean, she even warned us with the title! It has the same year after year blossoming relationship, without the unforgivable mistakes and lack of communication. Lucy and Felix have some serious chemistry. I absolutely adored him. This is a love story you can get behind.

Since the first day we met, I think a piece of my heart has belonged to you. Every year, it just got bigger and bigger.

Carley Fortune – This Summer Will be Different

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley. A July Five Star Read.
The Ministry of Time

By Kaliane Bradley

The story is so unique and the characters are so believable. Faults and all. I can actually imagine that’s how people would react to being forced into the future and the huge learning curve they must face. It approaches some important topics, such as racism, sexuality, and misogyny, in a way that enhances the story AND makes you think. Oh, and there’s just enough romance to entice most romance readers. I was left wanting more of Command Gore and his “bridge” to the future.

The Ministry of Time might just be my favorite of the four, but The Unmaking of June Farrow is a close runner up. What was your favorite book in July?