July was a busy month for me. I had a lot going on with my birthday and the trip to Austin. That’s why it was so surprising to me that I had read 3 books, 3 short novellas, and 3 graphic novels this month. I’m confident that this past month was the most successful reading month I have ever had! Instead of writing separate reviews of everything I read, I wanted to create this huge post that includes everything I read last month.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Everyone knows Evelyn Hugo. A film star who made her break in the 1950s and built her career in Old Hollywood. In the present day, Evelyn picks Monique Grant to interview her. Evelyn will not let anyone else interview her but Monique. Monique is stunned. Why her? As Monique sits and listens to Evelyn’s story, she realizes so many things about her own life and how Evelyn’s life is imperfect and tragic.

This book captured me right away. The imagery of Hollywood in the 1950s, Evelyn’s story along with how it’s played out in the press, and the truth behind all of Evelyn’s marriages. Evelyn reveals her one true love and there was a purpose behind each marriage. Evelyn’s story is tragic, and devastating and provides clarity as to how corrupt Hollywood was during her time period of being an actress. I rated The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo five stars on Goodreads.

In My Dreams I Hold a Knife by Ashley Winstead

Five friends make their way back to the illustrious Duquette University for the 10-year Homecoming tradition. As they socialize at the gathering, they are lured by an acquaintance who wants justice for Heather Shelby, a friend in their group who was murdered during their senior year. Secrets are unearthed and they slowly realize that they clearly do not know each other as well as they thought.

Each character in this book is so conniving. I think it’s easy to hate them all, yet I do find myself understanding why they are the way they are. I loved the setting! I kept picturing Asheville, North Carolina as I read through the book. When the final reveal happened, I kept thinking back to Scream 2 as that slasher film takes place on a college campus. In My Dreams I Hold a Knife is the dark academic thriller I have always wanted. I rated this book five stars on Goodreads.

Revolver Road by Christi Daugherty

Harper McClain is investigating the disappearance of Xavier Rayne, a local musician who has made it big. Harper buys her trust with Xavier’s three friends: Cara, Allegra, and Hunter to figure out if they had a motive to want Xavier gone. As Harper begins her story, she’s being hunted by an unknown person who might have something to do with her mother’s death. Revolver Road builds up to a terrifying conclusion and finally, Harper gets the answers she’s looking for.

This is the third book in the Harper McClain series. Throughout the books, Harper has been investigating her mother’s murder. Revolver Road finally reveals answers to what happened to her mom. Part of the appeal of this series is reading about Harper’s life in Savannah, Georgia. I went to Savannah in March on my first road trip this year and it made reading this book so much more enjoyable since I could truly picture Harper’s life. I rated Revolver Road five stars on Goodreads.

The STEMinist Novellas #1 – #3 by Ali Hazelwood

The STEMinist Novellas are written by Ali Hazelwood who wrote The Love Hypothesis, a book I adored when I read it last year. While Ali is writing her second novel, she released these three short novellas centered around three friends: Mara, Sadie, and Hannah. Each novella centers on one of the three friends and finding romance while excelling in science. On average, I rated each novella three stars. I liked them, they were short and perfect to read while on vacation.

The Ice Cream Man Volume #1 Rainbow Sprinkles by W. Maxwell Prince and Martín Morazzo

The Ice Cream Man is a horror graphic novel that takes place in a typical suburban town. Each issue tells a different story, yet somehow the Ice Cream Man is at the center of it. It’s unclear as to where Ice Cream Man comes from. Does he come from a different planet? Is he a demon? I’m not sure if this will ever be answered.

The whole time I was reading this, the artwork kept reminding me of Beavis & Butthead. It’s not a bad thing, I just couldn’t get it out of my head that this was what the art was reminding me of. Some of the stories I liked more than others. I’m not sure if I plan on continuing this series, but I’m glad I read it. I rated The Ice Cream Man three stars on Goodreads.

For Goodness Sake Volume #2 and Volume #3

For Goodness Sake centers around Rayne as she travels in her makeshift bus with her dog, Copilot. She meets Thatcher and sees that he has a curse placed upon him. Rayne decides to help and a friendship forms between Rayne and Thatcher. In Volumes #2 and #3, Rayne learns more about Thatcher and Thatcher realizes why the curse was placed upon him, to begin with.

I LOVE this series. It’s easily one of my favorite graphic novel series of all time. I love Rayne and Thatcher’s friendship. I think it would be easy to pair these as a romantic pairing, but I think at the heart of this, is their friendship. I’m a big fan of K Lynn Smith’s art. I have said this before, but I like her style. I can pick out her art from everywhere because it’s so unique. I rated For Goodness Sake Volumes #2 and #3 five stars on Goodreads.

I’m impressed if you made it to the end of this post. I had to take multiple breaks as I wrote this because of how much content I had to write. As for August, I’m focusing more on Fantasy novels, but my TBR is a lot smaller since I have a few weekends booked up as it is.