The Bookish Ashley

June flew by in a blur of beach days, iced coffee, and some seriously addictive books. This month’s reading list was all about balance—romantic escapism, twisty thrillers, and a touch of the unexpected. Here’s a look at what I read and loved (or not-so-loved) this past month:

📘 One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune

Carley Fortune delivers another nostalgic, emotional beach read, perfect for fans of bittersweet love stories. Set against a picturesque lakeside backdrop, this story dives deep into lost chances, summer magic, and the ache of what-ifs.

Rating: 5/5

📖 An Unlikely Story by Ali Rosen

A charming enemies-to-lovers tale with a clever bookish twist! This one caught me by surprise. The banter was fresh, the setting was vibrant, and the characters were quirky in all the right ways. It’s the kind of read that made me want to pack a suitcase and move to a small town bookstore.

Rating: 4/5

💼 The Passion Project by London Sperry

Sharp, funny, and unexpectedly moving. This book captures the confusion of your twenties with heart and humor. I rooted for Bennet the whole way through—even when she was a mess. If you’re into character-driven contemporary fiction that doesn’t sugarcoat the struggle, this is a gem.

Rating: 4/5

💋 Next to Heaven by James Frey

This one was… a wild ride. It reads like a fever dream dipped in darkness. Not for the faint of heart or the easily disturbed. The premise intrigued me, but the execution left me unsettled more than anything. Still, I admire Frey’s boldness.

Rating: 3/5

🌺 Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood

Ali Hazelwood in Italy? Say less. This age-gap romance was full of tension, humor, and emotional honesty. Maya and Conor’s dynamic is deliciously complicated, and Hazelwood brings her signature science-girl-meets-broody-guy energy with an extra shot of wanderlust.

Rating: 4/5

⚖️ Death Row by Freida McFadden

Quick, gritty, and oh-so-twisty. This novella packs a punch in just a few pages. If you’re in the mood for a fast-paced psychological thriller with McFadden’s trademark shock factor, this one’s worth the ride.

Rating: 4/5

🌿 Dead Girls Can’t Tell Secrets by Chelsea Ichaso

A suspenseful YA thriller with dark academia energy and a plot that kept me flipping pages late into the night. Twists, secrets, and sisterhood—what more could I ask for? Definitely one of the stronger YA thrillers I’ve picked up lately.

Rating: 4/5

Final Thoughts

June’s reading list was a satisfying mix of sweet, steamy, strange, and suspenseful. I loved bouncing between genres—it kept things fresh and made each book feel like its own little escape. If you’ve read any of these, I’d love to hear your thoughts. And if not—consider this your summer TBR starter pack. 🌞📚