the books I read in July ☀️📖

Wow, what a month of reading July was! Beyond just sharing my list, I wanted to dive a little deeper into some of the books that truly stood out, especially for those curious about what makes a YA novel "YA" or what "spice" really means in a romance. First up, let's talk about Cassandra Clare's Infernal Devices series. I mentioned *Clockwork Angel*, *Clockwork Prince*, and Clockwork Princess in my wrap-up, and let me tell you, falling back into the Shadowhunter world was pure magic. This series, set in Victorian London, is a prequel to The Mortal Instruments and follows Tessa Gray, an orphan who discovers she's not entirely human and gets embroiled in the hidden world of Shadowhunters – demon-fighting warriors. While packed with action, mystery, and a truly epic love triangle (Team Jem or Team Will?!), these are definitely Young Adult reads, meaning they are no spice. If you're looking for passionate kisses and emotional depth without explicit scenes, this series is absolutely perfect. Clockwork Princess especially stole my heart; the emotional payoff and character development throughout the trilogy are just incredible. For anyone who loves rich world-building and compelling characters, even without the steam, you absolutely have to check out Cassandra Clare's work. Now, on the other end of the spectrum, we have books like The Au Pair Affair by Tessa Bailey and Elsie Silver's Off to the Races and A Photo Finish, which I marked as "very spicy" or "spicy." When I say 'spicy,' I'm talking about those open-door, explicit scenes that really turn up the heat in a romance novel. Tessa Bailey is a queen of this, delivering witty banter and undeniable chemistry with plenty of steam. Elsie Silver's books in this category are also fantastic if you're into cowboys and small-town charm with a high spice factor. Then there are "closed door" romances, like Is She Really Going Out With Him? by Sophie Cousens and The Enemy by Sarah Adams. These books focus on the emotional connection and build-up, with any intimate scenes implied or happening 'off-page.' They're perfect if you love romance but prefer to keep things less explicit, focusing more on the heartwarming journey of falling in love. Similarly, Last Time We Met by Emily Houghton, which I listed as 'no spice,' was a beautifully poignant read about second chances and healing. It might not have the steam, but it definitely delivers on emotional impact and character depth, proving that a book doesn't need 'spice' to be deeply moving. Finally, for those curious about books with "a few spicy scenes" like Where Happiness Begins by N. S. Perkins, these are often a lovely middle ground. They might have a couple of explicit moments that enhance the romance without dominating the entire story. It's a great option if you enjoy some heat but also want a strong plot and character development. I hope this deeper dive helps you discover your next great read, whether you're in the mood for an epic YA fantasy or a steamy romance! What were your favorite reads this month?