August Reading Wrap Up: The Best Books, The Worst Regrets
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August always feels like a turning point — the last golden stretch of summer before fall sweeps in with its promise of cozy nights, spooky releases, and stories made for cooler weather. But if I’m being honest, this month was one of my toughest monthly reading wrap-ups yet. My stack of books didn’t all deliver, and I found myself in one of my worst reading months of the year. Still, there was one weekend in August that reminded me why I love sinking into a story — the kind of weekend where I read nonstop and rediscovered the joy of a book I couldn’t put down. In this book wrap, I’m sharing every book I read, the ones I loved, the ones I didn’t, and whether they deserve a spot on your own reading list. Let’s start with the stats.
Reading Stats: August at a Glance
- Total Books Read: 15
- Total Pages: 3,873
- Genres Explored: 8 Fantasy, 1 Contemporary, 2 Self-Help, 1 Science, 2 Dark Romance, 1 Poetry
- Formats: 4 Audiobooks, 3 eARCs, 7 eBooks, 1 Physical
- Where I Sourced Them: 1 NetGalley, 4 Kindle Unlimited, 1 Kindle, 2 Sent by Author, 2 Greys Promotions, 1 Street Team, 2 Everand, 1 Hoopla, 1 Libro.fm
August Book Reviews: Would I Recommend Them?
Queen of Legends and Lies by Nina Frost
- Genre: Fantasy
- Format: eARC
- Source: Street Team for author Nina Frost
Quick Thoughts:
I won’t say too much here since Queen of Legends and Lies is the fourth book in Nina Frost’s Dragons of Tirene series, but I definitely have thoughts. The story opens with a heavy recap that felt more like a summary than a natural continuation. I loved the use of dreams — they added a magical, immersive layer that blurred memory and reality, making the story richer. Court politics were another strong thread, though the council’s constant interference left me as frustrated as Lark. Themes of betrayal and power run deep here, keeping the tension high.
The romance was hit-or-miss. While the chemistry was undeniable, the timing of certain spicy scenes didn’t always fit the moment. And the ending? The second-to-last chapter wrapped everything beautifully, but the final chapter felt like the start of a new arc. I’m curious, but also conflicted.
Would I Recommend?
Yes, but with caveats. The first book in the Dragons of Tirene series is tough to get into, and this installment’s ending left me unsettled. Still, Nina Frost has created an addictive fantasy world full of dark secrets, betrayals, and powerful monarchs. If you’re craving a fantasy book with dragons and romance, this series is worth adding to your reading list. I’ll be continuing with the fifth and final book to see how it all wraps up.
Read my review of Book One in the Dragons of Tirene series
Read my full review of Queen of Legends and Lies
Rosarita by Anita Desai
- Genre: Literary Fiction, Magical Realism
- Format: Audiobook
- Source: Libro.fm
Quick Thoughts:
Rosarita by Anita Desai reads like a fever dream — slow-moving, plotless, and drenched in atmosphere. Through Bonita’s fragmented memories and Vicky’s perspective, the novel explores identity, family, and the lingering echoes of the Mexican Revolution in San Miguel, Mexico. It’s haunting, introspective, and fable-like, but the story’s ambiguity makes it as unsettling as it is beautiful.
Would I Recommend?
Maybe. The audiobook was difficult to grasp, and I believe this literary fiction novel would work better as an immersive physical read. For readers who enjoy quiet, introspective stories about women, memory, and return, Rosarita may linger long after the last page.
Learn My Lesson by Katee Robert
- Genre: Contemporary, Erotica
- Format: eARC
- Source: NetGalley
Quick Thoughts:
The version I read of Learn My Lesson came with author annotations in every chapter, and I loved seeing Katee Robert’s behind-the-scenes commentary. This installment in the Wicked Villains series reimagines characters tied to Greek mythology — technically set before the Dark Olympus series — and it’s just as fun, smutty, and addictive. While I’m curious what changed in this rewrite, the heart of the story feels the same: a bold, sexy take on familiar myths.
Would I Recommend?
Absolutely yes. I’ll read anything Katee Robert writes. These books aren’t meant to be anything more than what they are: fun, spicy, and wildly entertaining. If you loved Desperate Measures or her Dark Olympus books, Learn My Lesson is a must-read for your romance reading list.
Manifestation Mastery by Christina Rice
- Genre: Self-Help
- Format: Audiobook
- Source: Hoopla
Quick Thoughts:
Manifestation Mastery is the kind of self-help book you can return to daily. Christina Rice layers each chapter with tangible tools and practical wisdom, making it easy to apply in real life. I loved opening to a random page each morning and finding the exact insight I needed. The writing style has an energetic quality that helps you envision shifts in perspective, mindset, and life itself.
Would I Recommend?
Yes. This book is packed with wisdom, practical exercises, and unexpected insights. Even if you’re familiar with manifestation, this audiobook will inspire you to see it through a new lens. A must for anyone looking to expand their energy, perspective, and daily practices.
Help Me, I’m Stuck by Vaughn Carter
- Genre: Self-Help
- Format: Audiobook
- Source: Everand
Quick Thoughts:
Help Me, I’m Stuck by Vaughn Carter was a frustrating listen. It’s marketed as a self-help book for women, yet written from a male perspective that misses the mark entirely. The content leans on outdated stereotypes (think fitting into a dress or leaving your boyfriend), alongside fatphobic language, heteronormative assumptions, and shallow, Google-level advice. Poor editing and questionable citations only added to my disappointment.
Would I Recommend?
No. This book feels irrelevant and unhelpful, and there are far better, more inclusive self-help reads available. A self-help book written for women by a man…ummm no. It wouldn’t have done much better, since it is targeted at women to have someone with a woman’s perspective. But that’s just me.
Cycled: Rebirth by Alekz Wokal
- Genre: Epic Fantasy
- Format: eARC
- Source: Author
Quick Thoughts:
Cycled: Rebirth is a beautifully written epic fantasy novel that reimagines familiar tropes, such as the chosen one, prophecy, and gods. Ember’s journey with the soul shards — crystals that grant supernatural power — is captivating and atmospheric, even if a side quest or two pulled me slightly off track. The worldbuilding, shaped by faith, fate, and survival under the shadow of the Destraadians, is haunting and magnetic, with prose that flows like a river.
Would I Recommend?
Yes. It’s a fun and engaging fantasy read with fresh twists, layered worldbuilding, and a battle that leaves you curious for what book two will bring. If you’re searching for fantasy book recommendations that center on faith, power, and rebellion, Cycled: Rebirth deserves a spot on your list.
The Field by Lynne McTaggart
- Genre: Self-Help, Science
- Format: Audiobook
- Source: Everand
Quick Thoughts:
The Field by Lynne McTaggart dives into the idea of a connected quantum field, where intention, consciousness, and energy shape outcomes. Many of the core concepts aligned with beliefs I already hold, so I found myself swept up in this well-paced, research-backed exploration. At times dense, but written in a clear, compelling way, this self-help book blends science and spirituality into something both thought-provoking and readable.
Would I Recommend?
Yes. If you’re interested in the unseen aspects of life — from karma and consciousness to energy and intention — this book is worth picking up. The audiobook makes the complex science more digestible, and it’s a fascinating read for anyone curious about how we can shape our own reality.
Dragon Crown Series by G. Bailey
(Court of Dragons and Crowns, Court of Dragons and Vows, Court of Dragons and Twilight, Court of Dragons and Ruin, Court of Dragons and Ashes)
- Genre: Fantasy, Reverse Harem
- Format: eBook
- Source: Kindle Unlimited
Quick Thoughts:
The Dragon Crown series was pure binge-reading fun. I picked the first book, Court of Dragons and Crowns, from my Kindle jar and immediately dove into the rest — finishing three books in under 12 hours. The writing could use another round of edits, but the nonstop drama, romance, and reverse harem dynamics more than made up for it. I wasn’t expecting to be hooked this hard, but the twists kept me turning pages.
Would I Recommend?
Absolutely. If you’re looking for a fantasy reverse harem series full of drama and addictive pacing, this is one to grab on Kindle Unlimited. But if grammatical errors are a dealbreaker for you, it may not be the best fit.
Glass and Gravel by Nick Calder
- Genre: Poetry
- Format: Physical Copy
- Source: Author
Quick Thoughts:
Glass and Gravel is a poetry collection that feels like a storm — the thunder of clouds, the heavy beat of rain, and the soft comfort that follows. I don’t often read poetry, but this collection was beautiful. I especially loved the interactive format, where the words expand not just vertically but outward, pulling the reader into a layered experience.
Would I Recommend?
Absolutely. Even if poetry isn’t usually your go-to, this collection is worth sitting with for its beauty, rhythm, and immersive design.
Right Number, Wrong Man by I.M. Wraith
- Genre: Dark Romance
- Format: eARC
- Source: PR Company
Quick Thoughts:
As a die-hard dark romance fan, I went into Right Number, Wrong Man with high hopes, but it just didn’t connect with me. The setup had potential, yet the characters felt flat, and I couldn’t bring myself to care about their journey. For a genre that usually keeps me hooked, this one left me cold.
Would I Recommend?
Maybe. If you’re curious, it might be worth a try, but even for a seasoned dark romance reader, it didn’t land.
Unholy Union by Lana Sinclair
- Genre: Dark Romance
- Format: eARC
- Source: Grey’s Promotions
Quick Thoughts:
Unholy Union is a fairly average mafia dark romance. The story felt repetitive, as if it didn’t trust the reader to remember key details, and I spent most of the time disconnected from the characters. I almost DNF’d, but curiosity kept me going, especially when the main plot reveal surprised me. The one bright spot was the dynamic between Sabrina and Cato. She takes no crap from him, and their enemies-to-lovers tension gave the book its strongest moments.
Would I Recommend?
Maybe. If you enjoy mafia romance with a strong FMC and don’t mind some repetitiveness, this one might work for you. Otherwise, there are stronger dark romance reads out there.
