Books I read this summer!

Okay, so we've all been there, right? Scrolling through BookTok, seeing all the hype, and wondering: is Colleen Hoover smut? Well, as someone who's devoured a fair share of her books, I can definitely weigh in! What one person considers 'smut' might just be 'spicy' to another. For me, books like 'Ugly Love' and even 'Icebreaker' (which I also reviewed) definitely have those intense, steamy scenes that add to the raw emotion of the story. It's not just gratuitous; it usually serves to deepen the connection between characters. If you're looking for books that don't shy away from intimacy, then yes, many of her titles fit the bill. But here's the thing about Colleen Hoover: to label her purely as 'smut' would be missing so much of what makes her stories impactful. Take 'It Ends With Us,' for example. While it has its romantic moments, its real power lies in its unflinching look at domestic violence awareness. It’s a gut-wrenching read that stays with you long after you've turned the last page. Similarly, 'Maybe Someday' beautifully integrates the deaf community into its narrative, offering a unique perspective on communication and connection through music. These aren't just steamy romances; they're stories with heart, depth, and often, important social messages. If you loved the emotional rollercoaster of 'Ugly Love' or the 'enemies to lovers' trope in 'Icebreaker,' and you're craving more, I've got a few suggestions. For more emotional depth with a touch of spice, Christina Lauren's 'Love & Other Words' is a fantastic choice – I rated it 8.5/10 for a reason! Their storytelling is just beautiful, and the alternating past and present is so well done. If you're looking for something with a similar 'spicy' level but maybe a different author, check out Emily Henry's books like 'Beach Read' or 'Book Lovers' – they often have that perfect blend of romance and wit. On the flip side, if you're like me and found 'Lost Girls: An American Mystery' a bit confusing or lacking a strong narrative flow, and you're craving a mystery that truly hooks you, I'd recommend looking into authors like Freida McFadden for page-turning psychological thrillers, or Tana French for atmospheric literary mysteries. Sometimes, documentary-style true crime just isn't what you need for a relaxing read! Ultimately, whether a book is 'smut' or not comes down to personal preference. What matters most is finding stories that resonate with you, make you feel something, and perhaps even introduce you to new perspectives. Happy reading, and let me know what you pick up next!