Welcome to my August 2021 book review roundup! August was a busy month, but I found time to read a few summer books! Most of them are summer vacation related romances, but one is a popular fiction book. Keep reading to check out my August 2021 book review roundup!
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The Layover by Lacie Waldon
Nothing could be better than a 24 hour layover in Belize, unless you’re stuck with your sworn enemy. Flight attendant Ava Greene is giving up her wings for a life of stability after 10 years of flying, and she’s making her last flight count. Well, that is until she discovers she’s flying with the utterly gorgeous and cocky Jack Stone. He is everything she hates in a man, but will an extended layover change everything?
It’s hard to pick which romance trope is my favourite, but enemies to lovers comes close to winning. The Layover has it all – wanderlust-worthy adventures, steamy summer romance, and surprises. The characters also have strong backstories that develop throughout the book, which I appreciate. It’s an easy read, but it has depth.
I give this book 5/5 stars. I enjoyed every moment of it and it’s a light, breezy summer read perfect for sitting by the pool or killing time on your own layover.
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Fire is a powerful element. Once it ignites, there’s no telling what it will destroy. The people of Malibu know fire all too well. There’s no “if” Malibu burns, but “when.” The Riva’s have lived in Malibu their whole lives, and are used to the burn that not only is caused by fire, but also people. You never know what could be destroyed or healed in just one night, but the Riva kids are going to find out as they throw their annual Riva house party. Will it all go up in flames? You’ll have to read Malibu Rising to find out.
Taylor Jenkins Reid has become my newest favourite author and I was so excited to read Malibu Rising after recently reading her other book, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. The books take place in the same universe and time period, so they share characters. You don’t need to read all her books to know what’s going on, but it’s exciting catching those details when reading each book. Malibu Rising is thrilling from start to finish as it goes back and forth between the current day and the past. I couldn’t put it down.
I highly recommend Malibu Rising if you’re looking for an in-depth, intense yet fun summer read. I give this book 5/5 stars.
Shipped by Angie Hockman
Two workers, one promotion, and a cruise combine to make the perfect summer romance. Henley Evans has worked her hard whole life to achieve her goal of getting a director job position by the time she’s 30. She’s given up her social life, and even unknowingly distanced herself from her sister Walsh. When a promotion comes up at work, she wants it. She wants it bad. Until she realizes her boss is championing for the remote social media director, Graeme, her sworn enemy. When the two are forced to go on a company cruise together, the two get closer than they’ve ever been before. Who will get the promotion? And who’s heart will get broken?
Shipped was everything I wanted it to be and more. First of all, it’s set on a cruise ship that docks at picturesque islands. Second, the characters have so much depth. There’s no surface level characters at all. Each character is clearly defined and written with a backstory that attracts you to them, even if they only appear a handful of times in the book. Everyone is memorable. The last thing is that the book handles some heavy topics in a realistic way like abusive relationships and work inequality. It was extremely well written and is the perfect combination of substance and easiness.
Overall, I’d give this book 4/5 stars.
Check out the rest of my book reviews here and stay tuned for more monthly book review roundups!
Thank you so much for posting a review of Malibu Rising! I’ve been eye-balling it for a while now. I can’t wait to buy it now. Your review convinced me to get it!
It’s really good! A must-read!
I am intrigued by the “The Layover” novel synopsis. Would like to read it. Your reviews are really informative and insightful to pick a novel.
Thank you so much!