We’re halfway through July, and I’m steadily making my way through my to-be-read stacks. Maybe I’ll finish them by July 2045. Or maybe I’ll keep adding to the collection. Who knows?

My latest reads have run the gamut of complicated family drama to a queer contemporary romance to a dystopian world and magical realism off the Mediterranean. You can’t go wrong with any of these picks!

Fun for the Whole Family by Jennifer E. Smith

A 5-Star Book

Fun for the Whole Family is an emotional story of powerful sibling bonds and shows the importance of making the most of life, in whatever way you can. I love a good family drama, and Jennifer E. Smith hits all the right notes with this one. Cheers for all the Endicott siblings.

Because Fat Girl by Lauren Marie Fleming

A Four-Star Book

Because Fat Girl delivers an empowering view of how dreaming big is necessary. Viana is both infuriating and inspiring with a fierce spirit. I really enjoyed the side characters, especially Jacqueline and Janelle. This story makes you want to believe in happy endings.

Silver Elite by Dani Francis

A Four-Star Book

Silver Elite hit bookstores with a lot of controversial hype and a mysterious pen name. Female lead Wren makes a lot of questionable decisions as she navigates her Mod powers while infiltrating her enemies most prestigious army. I liked Cross and Kaine the best. I enjoyed this fast-paced romantasy set in a dystopian universe, but it can’t compare to The Hunger Games or Divergent.

The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner

A Three-Star Book

I adore books that feature the Mediterranean, so I picked up The Amalfi Curse as part of my Book of the Month order. I liked the premise—sunken treasure, a daughter on a mission, and a historical sisterhood—and I generally devour a  dual timeline / dual PoV story. But, like with Penner’s The Lost Apothecary, these characters felt flat to me and I wanted more from them. It was still an entertaining read, though, mainly because of the atmospheric setting.

What have you been reading this summer? Any books that I need to add to my list?