I have a Netgalley problem, friends. Like, truly. Even when I tell myself I’m not going to request any more books, I still find myself looking through the newly posted books at least three times a week. Self-control, who is she? Anyway, because I have this Netgalley problem and because I think these try a chapter tags are fun (plus, I could always use the motivation!), I thought I would do a Try a Chapter Tag for my August ARCs and hopefully find some extra motivation to catch up!
Wild is the Witch by Rachel Griffin
Why I Requested This Book: Honestly, I think I mostly requested this one because of Books and Lala. Even though I had little to no idea what this book was about, Kayla liked Griffin’s debut so I was like, “Let’s give it a shot!” Plus, witches. I really like books about witches.
What Is It: Based on reading the prologue and first chapter, what I know is that Iris’s best friend Amy turned her boyfriend into a witch and then he died, so Amy got sent to jail(?) and Iris (since she was asleep when it happened) got let off. Now, Iris and her mom are living in the PNW and run an animal sanctuary, where an intern, Piers (who is a jerk) also works. I think there is going to be a romance between Piers and Iris and I’m ready to read about it.
First Impression: Okay, I’m very into this already. Like, wanted to sit down and devour the whole thing in one sitting. But that’s not what this tag is for so I guess I’ll move on. But it’s going to be a challenge for something to draw me in more than this book. I really want to know where we’re going.
Release Date: August 2, 2022
The Hook Up Plan by Farrah Rochon
Why I Requested This Book: The Hook Up Plan is the final book in Rochon’s trilogy about three women who were all dating the same man and discovered this by confronting him at a restaurant after one of them was live tweeting their date. The video went viral and the women became really good friends. I have been intrigued by London and her perfection and control issues from the get go so I have been looking forward to this one!
What Is It: Beyond what I’ve mentioned, this one in particular is about London, a pediatric surgeon, who gets into some sort of enemies with benefits type thing with her high school rival. Or something. Also, maybe he’s buying the hospital she works for? I think there’s something work related going on as well, at any rate.
First Impressions: The banter between Drew and London is fun and I’m already getting to see more of London’s control and perfectionism issues, so that’s been nice. It seems like it should be an easy read!
Release Date: August 2, 2022
Relentless by Katie Golding
Why I Requested This Book: I really, really adored Wreckless, the second book in the series, last year. And I’ve been anticipating Relentless for ages, but the release date got pushed back.
What Is It: Mason King is used to being in his brother’s shadow, but he’s going after Chiara Martes, even if he’s been warned away from her because she sees him. Or at least, she sees a nice opportunity to get over her best friend by getting under someone else. You know. Except it’s obviously not about to be just sex between them.
First Impressions: God bless Katie Golding for this Author’s Note with content warnings at the beginning of this book. To share with y’all, alcoholism, mentions of childhood physical abuse, and medical trauma. Mason… You’re a mess, sweetheart. Anyways, even just a mention of Massimo and Loralei has me ready to re-read Wreckless (on audio!!), but I’m also really excited about see Mason fall head first into Chiara. Mason deserves love, you know? And I want him to have it.
Release Date: August 2, 2022
Thank You for Listening by Julia Whelan
Why I Requested This Book: I mean, perhaps it’s illogical, but I love Julia Whelan’s narration (she’s an audiobook narrator) and while I didn’t read her debut (and don’t really plan to), I couldn’t resist this fully meta premise.
What Is It: From Goodreads – “Julia Whelan’s uplifting novel tells the story of a former actress turned successful audiobook narrator—who has lost sight of her dreams after a tragic accident—and her journey of self-discovery, love, and acceptance when she agrees to narrate one last romance novel.”
First Impressions: Oh, I’m cackling. The idea of your romance audiobook playing out loud on a plane definitely tops the discomfort of reading that scene in Lothaire in the middle seat. I’m very curious though how this is going to go. Because at the moment, Sewanee hates romance and, um, well, this is a romance. This is a romance, right?
Release Date: August 2, 2022
Bend Toward the Sun by Jen Devon
Why I Requested This Book: I think Aarya had already read and loved this one before I requested it, but it’s possible I requested it and then Aarya started raving about it. Now Nick is telling me I need to read it, so… There’s a lot of reason to give in to the angst fest I’ve been promised.
What Is It: Rowan is dealing with an academic set back, her mom was tragically awful, and her ex-fiancé sucks. She takes on the restoration of a vineyard and gets sucked in by Harrison Brady. Or something. I’ve been told this is a feelings book and I think I’m ready for that.
First Impressions: I am already obsessed. I’m sorry, but Rowan is so adorably awkward and fragile in ways I understand because when you’re the kind of over-achiever that bases your entire sense of self around academic achievement you can understand your fellow sufferers. Anyway, Aarya, Nick, you were both correct and now I need to devour this book ASAP.
Release Date: August 9, 2022
Mad About You by Mhairi McFarlane
Why I Requested This Book: I’ve really enjoyed McFarlane’s works in the past. I haven’t read her entire backlist, but I figure keeping up with her frontlist is at least half the battle.
What Is It: From the blurb, I’m getting that Harriet breaks up with her very rich boyfriend and then has to scramble to find a place to live and I’m guessing she winds up living with the man who jilted his would have been bride at the altar about a month ago. That part is just a guess though.
First Impressions: It is so easy to fall into a McFarlane book and sure enough, that’s what I did. It’s readily apparently already that Harriet isn’t exactly keen on this relationship and so I don’t think it’ll be long before she’s out of it.
Release Date: August 9, 2022
Hidden in the Mists by Christina Courtenay
Why I Requested This Book: Um, well, you see, I have a thing for time travel weirdness so it was a complete whim. So here we are!
What Is It: A book that plays with time and involves Vikings and Scotland. I think it’s a romance.
First Impressions: My goodness, what a brutal prologue. Óttarr was attacked back in 833, well, his whole family, keep? Anyway, lots of death and gore in just a few quick pages. Then we start Chapter One with Skye in 2022 somewhere in Scotland. She seems a woman dock her boat and then disappear into the woods, only the boat disappears. Then later she reads a newspaper article indicating a Viking settlement has been uncovered just a bit above where she is living. So far, I like it fine? The writing style isn’t necessarily my favorite, but I’m very intrigued by the story. So we’ll see where we wind up!
Release Date: August 18, 2022
The Hellion and the Hero by Emily Sullivan
Why I Requested This Book: Because I’ve really enjoyed the first two books in Sullivan’s series. I’m quite looking forward this this third installment!
What Is It: So basically, Georgiana is now widowed and the man that she used to have a thing for is back in her life and maybe now she needs his help for something.
First Impressions: Truly, Emily Sullivan is so good at writing a compelling hook. I’m already ready for this second chance romance. Give me all the feelings.
Release Date: August 23, 2022
Heartbreaker by Sarah MacLean
Why I Requested This Book: I mean, Sarah MacLean is a historical romance favorite, you know?
What Is It: This follows Adelaide and the Duke of Clayborn as they travel together to stop a wedding, I think. Whose wedding? Tbh, not sure.
First Impressions: What a prologue!! Adelaide is a gem and I’m into this already. That took literally zero time for me to get deeply invested.
Release Date: August 23, 2022
The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen
Why I Requested this Book: This is another Aarya influenced me to want to read this one. She actually sent me the physical ARC, though I was also approved for the audio ARC, which is delightful!
What Is It: Honestly, I am still confused about exactly what it is. But basically, it’s a fantasy and it’s going to be enemies to lovers? In a slow burn? I’m not sure, but I’m really looking forward to the ride.
First Impressions: I’m definitely intrigued and I want to read this letter! If this somehow winds up with a sort of You’ve Got Mail inspired plotline, I will not be upset about it.
Release Date: August 23, 2022
Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Why I Requested this Book: I love TJR’s books. I mean, Daisy Jones and the Six is genuinely my favorite book of all time.
What is It: Carrie Soto is a former pro tennis player who decides to make a comeback because someone else is about to surpass her record.
First Impressions: I am definitely intrigued at this first chapter, but I will withhold judgment until I have the audiobook and can devour the book to my heart’s content. Which, I mean, when I say that out loud it makes it extremely ridiculous that I requested the ARC. But I did.
Release Date: August 30, 2022
Aphrodite and the Duke by J. J. McAvoy
Why I Requested this Book: I mean, the cover of this one is really, really lovely, no?
What is It: A historical romance with a second chance sort of plot, with a bit of strong dislike to lovers thrown in for good measure.
First Impressions: I’m not sure the writing style is going to jive with me based on that brief bit I read, but I think I would enjoy it on audio. I’m looking forward to finding out what exactly it is that caused the Duke to jilt Aphrodite, honestly. I mean, apparently their mothers are best friends.
Release Date: August 23, 2022
So… In conclusion, there are a lot of books I’m anxious to keep reading. Wild is the Witch and Relentless are two that keep calling to me. I’m really looking forward to both of them! We’ll see what actually gets read first though. Are there any new releases in August that you’re particularly excited for? The two I’m super pumped about that aren’t included in this list are Ruby Fever by Ilona Andrews and Storm Echo by Nalini Singh. I’ve already read Ruby Fever, but I’m anxious to re-read it via audio. Storm Echo is one of my absolutely cannot wait for it to be in my ear holes so soon books! Anyway, let me know what you’re looking forward to down below!
xx
firewhiskeyreader 