June 2026 reading wrap up

I always suspected Lincoln’s story was going to be the one I connected with the least.

That isn’t to say this book wasn’t good, because it absolutely was. Victoria Wilder continues to write really engaging contemporary romance. And even though this one didn’t hook me immediately, once it did, I was thoroughly invested.

It actually took me nearly two weeks to finish, which is unusually slow for me, and a big part of reason that I only finished six books this month. But looking back, I don’t think that was because the book was lacking. It was more that it took a little longer to find its rhythm before everything clicked into place.

I am genuinely glad I stuck with it though. Not my favourite of the Bourbon Boys book, but still a really solid romance.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5 stars)

I knew before I even started this one that Ace and Hadley’s story was probably going to be my favourite of the series.The way he has reacted to her across this whole series has been the best thing to watch.

I was not expecting it to be quite so dark, though. Or such a slow burn.

Victoria Wilder goes to some unexpectedly emotional places here, and I really appreciated that the heavier themes never overshadowed the romance itself. Instead, they gave the relationship more depth and made the emotional payoff even stronger.

And that ending… absolute chef’s kiss.

It’s the kind of ending that makes you close the book with a huge smile on your face and immediately wonder what else the author has written.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)

Picking up Laura Ashley Gallagher this year has been one of my favourite reading discoveries.

Every book I’ve read so far has hit exactly the sweet spot I’m looking for. They’re emotional without becoming overwhelming, funny without feeling forced, and packed with genuinely lovable characters that make you want to keep turning the pages.

I also don’t usually enjoy the nanny/single dad trope. If I’m being completely honest, it often gives me a bit of an HR-induced eye twitch.

But this one completely won me over. This is how you do this trope.

The banter is excellent, the romance develops naturally, and Gallagher somehow made a trope I normally avoid into one I was happily rooting for. I’m also absolutely smashing through these books, which is always a good sign.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)

This wasn’t quite as strong as Gallagher’s other books for me, but “not my favourite Laura Ashley Gallagher” still turns out to be a pretty enjoyable romance.

The characters are still incredibly easy to like, the dialogue is sharp, and the relationship develops in a satisfying way. I just didn’t connect with this couple quite as much as I have with her others.

One thing I am noticing with Gallagher’s books is how consistently readable they are. Even when one doesn’t completely land for me, I still end up flying through it because her writing style is just so effortless.

That’s becoming a pretty impressive track record.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5 stars)

I honestly thought this would end up being one of my favourite books in the Game Changer series.

I’m usually a sucker for a good bi-awakening story, and Eric and Kyle are genuinely lovely together. Their relationship is sweet, supportive and easy to root for.

But once again, I think I ran into the same issue I’ve had with a couple of other books lately.

The combination of the age-gap romance and one character spending so much of the story hating himself just isn’t something I naturally gravitate towards. It’s a completely personal preference, but it stopped me from connecting with the romance as deeply as I wanted to.

Still a good book. Just not one that joined my list of Rachel Reid favourites.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)

(The Game Changer series is a monthly side quest for The Romance Revelry Society’s book club where we read one book per month.)

This was exactly the book I needed this month.

Madison and Beckett’s story was just pure fun from beginning to end. The whole “I’m going to torment my incredibly annoying neighbour” dynamic had me smiling constantly, especially as it slowly transformed into “…oh no, I’ve accidentally fallen in love with him.”

The banter is fantastic, the chemistry feels effortless, and the humour lands over and over again.

Also, I would just like to say that silly string is an entirely reasonable form of revenge. I don’t make the rules.

This was easily my favourite read of June and cemented Laura Ashley Gallagher as one of my best author discoveries of the year.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)