August was a great month for reading! I finished relistening to my favorite comfort books, the Big Bad Wolf series, and picked up a few I’ve had stashed away for awhile.

I love Lily Mayne’s work, and was a little nervous about starting Mortal Skin for some reason. But it was as fantastic as the rest of her books, and I can’t wait to start the next one.

I’ve been holding off on the Hazard and Somserset books because while they are wildly good, they are also incredibly dark and relevant. This is the first book in their second trilogy, and it kicks off with a severely depressed character trying to find his footing in life. One thing I love about these books is they are unflinchingly honest, and it was really cathartic. But that ending was probably the most messed up thing I’ve ever read, which means I need the next book so I can find out who the evil Moriarty-like villain is.

Mr. Collins in Love was given to me by the author as an ARC, and I really enjoyed this story! It was sweet, tender, and historically immersive. I do wish it was longer, and that I could’ve seen the aftermath of Collin’s decisions.

And the epic, romantic tale of Goldheart. Flowers growing out of the skin, loyal bodyguards, and a fantasy world built of layers upon layers of beauty, lore, and tricksy gods. Also, shout out to the cast of characters that are flawed, growing, and each as vital as the last.

September hopefuls are books that have been staring at me longingly from my shelf for far too long. I’ve already started The Devourers and Dudes Rock, but I had to take a break because the mood wasn’t right. Phantom and Rook may wait until October, but I want to start my reread soon in preparation for writing book three.