August 2025 Reading Wrap-Up

August felt like a month of transition: part summer, part fall and even though I didn’t get as many days reading by the pool as I wanted, I still had some really great reading moments. My stack this month was full of romance, so much drama, and stories I’ll be thinking about for a long time.

Now, let’s get into the books I read!

The Conditions of Will by Jessa Hastings

Jessa did it yet again. I’m obsessed. Truly. I didn’t think I could love anything more than the Magnolia Parks series, BUT the writing in this one was flawless, and it completely swept me away. The story was emotional, layered, and full of family drama and complicated grief that felt so real. Georgia’s family was completely crazy (in the most fascinating, frustrating way), and through all the chaos, she was such a badass. She’s a professional lie-detector and body language expert. How cool is that?!?! And can we talk about Sam for a second?! From the very first moment he was mentioned, I knew I was going to love him. Their story had me hooked, and even though it touches on heavy topics like SA, addiction, and grief, it’s one of the best books I’ve read in a long time.

These Summer Storms by Sarah MacLean

This felt like Succession meets The Conditions of Will — but with Sarah MacLean’s signature romance at the core. We’re following an incredibly wealthy family (we’re talking major money) who returns to Rhode Island after their father, Franklin Storm, dies unexpectedly. Of course, nothing is ever simple with this family. Franklin was the kind of man who thrived on control, so in order to receive their inheritance, each of the siblings (and even his wife!) has to complete a series of challenges.

The result? Pure, delicious chaos. The family dynamics are messy, dramatic, and completely addictive. And then there’s the romance…whew. It was so hot and had me flipping the pages late into the night. I could not put this book down.

One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune

I always enjoy returning to another summer at the lake with Carley Fortune, and this time we are back at Barry’s Bay and finally get Charlie’s story. I’m so glad we got to learn more about his character as he first appeared in Every Summer After along with Sam and Percy (who make a return here, too!). My favorite character, though? Definitely Nan and her little reminder “Good things happen at the lake!” stuck with me.

This book has all the Carley Fortune magic: a love story tied up with bucket lists, second chances, and that nostalgic, bittersweet feeling of summer at the lake. It was such a sweet way to wrap up my August reading.

Binding 13 by Chloe Walsh

I can’t believe I waited so long to dive into the Boys of Tommen series. Yes, it’s set in high school, but don’t let that fool you because it’s very heavy. Between the family struggles, major abuse, and addiction-it was a lot. However, it does feature some incredible friendships and some seriously heart-racing romance. Johnny and Shannon were WOW. I laughed, I teared up several times and I just couldn’t stop reading. Honestly? I’m hooked.

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Keeping 13 by Chloe Walsh

The second book picks up right where Binding 13 left off, and oh my gosh, it gutted me in the best way. Shannon and Johnny’s story is so intense, emotional, and addictive. I couldn’t put it down. And let’s be honest… the romance? Absolute perfection. Plus, Gibsie still owns my whole heart — he’s hilarious and such a bright spot in the story that’s very heavy. Again, this book has major trigger warnings as it contains some incredibly heavy topics again. I’ve already started the next book in the series, Saving 6, which is Joey and Aoifes story.

Final Thoughts

August turned out to be such a mix of stories, and honestly, it was exactly what I needed. From the wildly dysfunctional family drama (hello, The Conditions of Will and the Storm clan!) to the swoony, messy romances in Binding 13 and Keeping 13, my emotions were all over the place! And of course, wrapping up the month lakeside with Carley Fortune’s One Golden Summer felt like the perfect bittersweet goodbye to summer.

It was a month of big feelings: grief, love, heartbreak, and second chances. I’m heading into September with a very full heart…and a very tall TBR stack.