Ooof July was rough. I started approximately 12 different books, finished 5, and had my first month without a 5 star read.

Incidents Around the House by Josh Malermon (3.5/5)

I was promised scary and I feel absolutely lied to. There was one moment in this entire book that even gave me the creeps. I think this might be a sign that I have way too high of a horror tolerance, because I keep going into these books wanting to be scared and leaving disappointed. It was fine. I didn't love it. I didn't hate it. And, honestly, it's a sign of Malermon's craft that I read an entire book from the perspective of an 8 year old, so good on him... I guess.

Broiler by Eli Cranor (3.5/5)

I don't read thrillers, but when I do, they're going to be intense character studies. This is a book about motherhood and womanhood and small-town privilege. It wasn't perfect, but it was sincere and the author is such a kind-hearted individual that I can't help but enjoy his books a little bit more. Also, bonus points for taking place in my hometown.

Haunt Sweet Home by Sarah Pinsker (4/5)

Easily my favorite book of the month. Sarah Pinsker didn't have to go out and write a coming-of-age story disguised as a ghost-story but thank god she did. Haunt Sweet Home is perfect for horror-curious readers who want a story that's equal parts love and fear. This one reminds me so much of Hillary Leichter in the best ways possible. This one come's out September 3rd.

The Music of the Night by Angela Ford (3/5)

I just wanted this to be so much smuttier than it was. It was definitely on the cleaner side of romance, which disappointed me immensely. I really wanted to like this one more, but I didn't really understand the magic system enough to love it as a fantasy and I didn't fall hard enough for the characters for it stand out as a romance book. Very middle of the road for a middle of the road month.

Black Bird Oracle by Deborah Harkness (4/5)

I'm not entirely convinced that Deborah Harkness isn't also Diana Gabaldon, because All Souls and Outlander are the same series despite being nothing alike. They're all entirely too long for absolutely nothing to happen. You're going to spend 85% of the book having extremely-detailed conversations on a farm. I'm going to read every single word and leave the story feeling hungover. I feel like someone puts a spell on me everytime one of these books comes out. I become an entirely different person for weeks. Someone explain this to me.