Summer (Holidays) TBR 

The first book on my TBR is a dark and atmospheric fantasy novel that follows the story of Effy Sayre, a young architecture student with a troubled past. Effy is invited to restore the once-majestic house of the famous author Emrys Myrddin, whose works have captivated her since childhood. However, as she delves deeper into the house’s secrets, she discovers unsettling truths about the author’s legacy and the blurred lines between reality and fiction. Alongside a literature student named Preston, Effy uncovers a haunting mystery that forces her to confront her own traumatic memories and the very nature of storytelling and truth. Reid’s novel blends gothic elements with a rich exploration of identity, trauma, and the power of stories. I’m particularly excited to read this book because not only does it have brilliant reviews, but it also utilises Welsh myths, legends and ancient magic which I rarely see. I can’t wait to read it!

This is a witty and charming historical romantic comedy set in a mediaeval world. The story follows Gwen, a princess who is betrothed to Arthur, a prince. Both Gwen and Arthur are not in love with each other and are harbouring secrets: Gwen is in love with her maid, while Arthur is in love with a knight. As they navigate their fake engagement, they must also contend with their own desires, societal expectations, and a series of humorous and romantic misadventures. Croucher’s novel is a delightful blend of historical setting, LGBTQ+ themes, and sharp, modern wit, making it a fresh and engaging read. It’s not like many other books I’ve read and as a history nerd and hopeless romantic, I’m happy to see history entwined with romance. This has been on my “want to read” list for ages and now I get to read it!

Kendall Holiday spends her Friday nights exactly where she wants to be: with her head buried in a spicy romance novel while she works the graveyard shift at her university’s library. She knows she could join her friends for a weekend of drunken debauchery and college parties, but she likes her alone time, so she tells herself she isn’t hiding when she gets lost in the pages of fictional love stories. But that all changes when Vincent Knight, captain of the basketball team, turns up with an injured wrist, a sour mood, and a pressing need for poetry recommendations for a class he hates. Vincent is tall, smart-mouthed, and challenges Kendall like no one has before. Suddenly, she’s falling headfirst into her very own romance novel—but it takes a lot more truth than tropes to get to a happy ever after in real life. This book is just over 300 pages long and I’ve been searching for a college romance for some time now. I’m excited for what seems to be a short and sweet read.

Legendary is the second book in the Caraval series, continuing the enchanting and suspenseful tale introduced in Caraval. The story follows Donatella “Tella” Dragna, who must navigate the mysterious and magical game of Caraval to uncover secrets about her mother and protect her sister, Scarlett. Unlike the first book, this time Tella is the main player, and the stakes are higher as she faces a series of increasingly dangerous challenges. The game master, Legend, remains shrouded in secrecy, and Tella’s journey is filled with twists, romance, and dark magic. Legendary explores themes of destiny, sacrifice, and the power of choice, all set within a vividly imagined world of fantasy and intrigue. I finished Caraval a while ago and thought it ok, but didn’t feel the need to reach for the second book. However, after talking to my history teacher, I’ve decided to continue as she says it only gets better. I’m intrigued to see what happens next and hope it lives up to my expectations.

Five Survive by Holly Jackson is a gripping thriller that follows the harrowing journey of six friends on a spring break road trip that turns into a fight for survival. When their RV breaks down in the middle of nowhere, they quickly realise that they are not alone and are being targeted by an unseen sniper. With tensions rising and no way to escape, the friends must uncover the sniper’s identity and motives before it’s too late. As secrets are revealed and trust is tested, the group must navigate their fears and suspicions to survive the night. Holly Jackson crafts a suspenseful and intense narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, exploring themes of friendship, trust, and survival under extreme circumstances. I am a huge fan of Holly Jackson and loved A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and The Reappearance of Rachel Price. Both 6 star books (yes, I’m aware there are only 5). I also recently had the pleasure of meeting her at the Hay Festival (full article coming later!) and she was absolutely lovely and hilarious. That has made me even more excited to read more of her work

Circe is a captivating retelling of the myth of Circe, the enchantress from Homer’s Odyssey. The novel reimagines Circe’s life, starting from her childhood as an outcast among the gods of Mount Olympus to her solitary existence on the island of Aiaia. Circe, born to the sun god Helios and a nymph, possesses the power of witchcraft, which she hones over centuries. Throughout the story, she encounters many famous figures from Greek mythology, including Odysseus, Hermes, and the Minotaur. As Circe grapples with her identity, power, and place in the world, she transforms from a meek daughter into a formidable and independent woman. Miller’s Circe is a richly woven tale that explores themes of strength, transformation, and the enduring quest for self-discovery. I’ve heard very good things about her books and the cover is absolutely beautiful. I love retellings of Greek mythology and am very excited to read it in the summer sun. 

Love Redesigned is a steamy, small-town romance novel by Lauren Asher about two childhood rivals and family friends who become involved in a temporary truce to renovate a historic house together. The book is the first in the standalone Lakefront Billionaires series, which is connected to Asher’s Dreamland Billionaires series. The story follows Julian Lopez, a billionaire who makes an offer to Renova to triple their profits if they renovate the house together while she’s recovering from a broken engagement. The two face years of denied attraction and mixed emotions, and giving into their desire becomes inevitable. However, falling in love is not part of the plan. Some say the book is cute, fantastic, and worth the wait, and that Asher does an excellent job of developing the plot, characters, and story. Others mention that the homes are incorporated into the storyline. This book intrigued me mostly thanks to the cover (I love the design and the colour purple) and the characters had professions that I personally hadn’t seen in a romance book before. I’m excited to read it as I know this is by the same author who wrote the Dreamland Billionaires series which I’ve yet to read but have heard some very good things about.