What We’re Reading in June 2025
CURRENTLY READING
Seven Days in June
by Tia Williams
Sometimes love isn’t enough. Sometimes it comes down to the right place, the right time, the right version of oneself for a relationship to work out. But when it all comes together, then seven days might be all it takes to fall in love.
Get your copy of Seven Days in June (Amazon) and read with us!
What Victoria Loved
VICTORIA’S RATING: 3.5/5
I know how hard it is to deal with invisible chronic pain, how your body can just shut down on you without warning. And I think Tia brings that experience to life in Eva’s migraine attacks. The crumpling pain and the anxiety of not being able to escape a public space and retreat in privacy. The fear and guilt in bringing someone else into that experience — the fear of imposition when your health feels like a burden.
The relationship dynamic between Eva and her daughter, Audrey, is so sweet. I love reading about witty kids! And this one is so imaginative and a little trouble maker — it’s so entertaining. The dialogue is just as quick as with the adults, the quips lobbing from the top of her tongue. But Audrey’s love for her mom really comes to life in how she cares for her — in her astute observations and the advice she gives Shane about how to care for her mom and how to be patient for her as well as Audrey’s willingness to open her family and extend invitations to Shade.
Complex relationship dynamics unravel alongside Shane and Eva’s history in alternating chapters. Their dark, deep and complicated pasts intertwine with their fresh beginnings, but it’s an imminent reckoning they need to move forward. Shane sees the best in Eva, even having seen her at her worst. Their pain, their history, their fear and anger are intermingled — hurt they’ve held onto for years… seven days changed their lives, and they had to learn how to live without each other.
This is somehow inspiring, while heart wrenching. A right person, wrong time revisited. A missed opportunity, corrected. My heart was squeezed and held… and with each chapter it was slowly released, heavy pumps of blood racing through and reinvigorating my belief in true love — that it has the power to traverse hardships simply because it’s meant to be.
Set the mood with our Seven Days in June playlist (Spotify).
What the Book Club Loved
FIREWORKS & STEAM: 2.75/5
We loved the Dream Room scene and were holding our breath for that almost-caught moment (especially given all the fans sneaking photos of them). But overall the sex was “hard and fast” but not a big part of the story. We didn’t like them because the characters didn’t seem like they were having fun, rather desperate for intimacy. We dub thee, “trauma-spice.”
WRITING STYLE: 3.25/5
We didn’t love the structure of the book. We wee especially mixed between loving the beginning and being disappointed by the end (hello, Hallmark ending for a non-Hallmark book) or vice versa — the prologue and the epilogue stood out but they were peaks. The POV-jumping through us off, especially for those who listened to the book. That said, For a book that explored so much trauma, this was so funny. And the world-building around NYC felt accurate and it was refreshing to read current pop cultural references. But what Was so drawn into the world that I want the books that the characters were writing. She wrote from the YA POV so well - the trauma and the comedic relief.
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 4.5/5
Tia’s characters felt rich and had depth, bringing to life complex characters whose diversity were repesented beyond the color of their skin. She also beautifully juxtaposed "why black stories are steeped in trauma” against her characters’ concerted effort to stop the generational trauma. Eve made to make sure that her daughter didn’t carry on that weight. Tia reconciled the stereotypical trauma. Yes, Shane and Eva both had trauma, but it was good that they knew they had to step away for themselves to find the stability for a relationship. Audre was one of our favorite characters. She was so accurately written — no filter and woke AF — and her relationship with Eva was so touching. We’re so excited for Audre’s book!
THE LOVE STORY: 4/5
was not as predictable as other romances we’ve read — it was non-traditional. And we felt that Tia captured the pain and the weight of the loss of first love. Knowing they get their HEA, we want a sequel! You want the good stuff for them and we’re still rooting for them — we want more! They deserve some fun.
“For a book that explored so much trauma, I laughed so much. This was so funny… it balanced the heaviness with humor, and that elevates the story for me.”
- LISA
If You Loved Seven Days in June, You’ll Love These
DISABILITY REPRESENTATION: Not Safe for Work by Nisha J Tuli (Amazon)
Unfortunately, Tris also suffers from terrible migraine attacks. Fortunately, she’s in Maui. This workplace romance that reads more like a vacation romance. And it’s a great read for June to kick-off your summer reading. Read my full Sneak Peek!
VICTORIA’S RATING: 3/5
THE NUMBER 7: Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston (Amazon)
An HoH Book Club pick! Things I love: books, food, friends, painting, twists, and a happily ever after. Things this book has: all of the above and more! Ashley Poston breathed life into two amazing main characters whose emotions I felt in every inch of my body. From the flutters of new love to the crumple of heartache, I lived every second of this story as much as Clementine and Iwan. The Seven Year Slip is a reminder that love is messy, intense, and complicated. But it also confirms that this complexity is what makes love beautiful.
VICTORIA’S RATING: 4/5
RIGHT PERSON, WRONG TIME: Every Summer After by Carley Fortune (Amazon)
Every Summer After is a beautifully written nostalgic love story that spans six years and one weekend when Sam and Percy are forced to face how their big young love fell devastatingly apart.
VICTORIA’S RATING: 4/5
BY THIS AUTHOR: A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams (Amazon)
Dive into the complexities of Tia’s character development with a magical realism twist. This book is perfect for music-lovers, wanna-be florists, and romantics.
VICTORIA’S RATING: 4/5
Until the next chapter!
xo, Victoria
P.S. Craving more books featuring these sub-genres, tropes, and themes? Tap the links below.
