Title: The Royals Next Door
Author: Karina Halle
Series: Royals #1
Genre: Romance
Format: Audio
Pages: 351
Length: 9h 35m
Narrator: Cassandra York
Source: Owned
Reason: Just Because
Rating:
My Thoughts
THE ROYALS NEXT DOOR was a really fun, sweet romance. I liked the nod to Prince Harry and Megan Markle. I thought the vilification of the paparazzi and media was really well done and made for an excellent plot device. I loved the characters, especially Piper, Harrison, and Piper’s mom. I loved how well Halle portrayed mental illness (especially Borderline Personality Disorder), the stigma surrounding both mental illness and BPD, and how much therapy can help.
Good Girl Complex
Author: Elle Kennedy
Series: Avalon Bay #1
Genre: Romance
Format: Audio
Pages: 362
Length: 10h 20m
Narrator: Ava Erickson, Joe Arden
Source: Owned
Reason: Just Because
Rating:
My Thoughts
I’ve wanted to read something written by Elle Kennedy for a while. I’m glad I did. I enjoyed the story and the characters. I thought both were well thought out and fun. Even though I can see where Heidi was coming from, I still didn’t like how she handled things between Cooper and Mackenzie. I’m glad Mackenzie was able to break away from her parents’ control. I’m also glad Cooper and Evan were able to banish their ghosts (figuratively and literally, iykyk).
Chase Me If You Can
Author: Heather Frances
Genre: Romance
Format: Audio
Pages: 400
Length: 9h 55m
Narrator: Brooke Bloomingdale
Source: Owned
Reason: Just Because
Rating:
My Thoughts
I loved CHASE ME IF YOU CAN so much! It reminded me of Twisters, especially since the MMC was inspired by Glen Powell’s character in the movie. I loved the romance, the adventure, and the suspense. The bantering and chemistry between Wes and Sloane was amazing. I loved their dynamic. The sexual tension was so delicious. I also loved that the CHASE ME IF YOU CAN felt realistic unlike Twister/s.
In Stormy Weather
Author: Chelsea Curto
Series: Oak Valley #1
Genre: Romance
Format: Audio
Pages: 400
Length: 12h 1m
Narrator: Stella Hunter, Alex Kydd
Source: Owned
Reason: Book of the Month
Rating:
My Thoughts
I loved IN STORMY WEATHER so much. The premise was so much fun. It reminded me of Twister/s but more believable. I loved Quincy and Sebastian so much! They had so much chemistry and their bantering was everything. I was grinning / chuckling every time they were on the page together.
August 2026 Wrap-Up
Books Read
Favorite: Our Perfect Storm
Least Favorite: Like Cats and Dogs
Stats
August
Books Read: 7
Rereads: 0
Pages Read: 3,048
Hours Listened: 84h 38m
Average Rating: 4.5
Average Pages Read Per Day: 98
Year-to-Date
Books Read: 65
Rereads: 12
Pages Read: 27,066
Hours Listened: 835h 12m
Average Rating: 4.4
Average Pages Read Per Day: 111
The Royals Next Door
Author: Karina Halle
Series: Royals #1
Genre: Romance
Format: Audio
Pages: 351
Length: 9h 35m
Narrator: Cassandra York
Source: Owned
Reason: Just Because
Rating:
My Thoughts
THE ROYALS NEXT DOOR was a really fun, sweet romance. I liked the nod to Prince Harry and Megan Markle. I thought the vilification of the paparazzi and media was really well done and made for an excellent plot device. I loved the characters, especially Piper, Harrison, and Piper’s mom. I loved how well Halle portrayed mental illness (especially Borderline Personality Disorder), the stigma surrounding both mental illness and BPD, and how much therapy can help.