What I Read in June 2025
After a puppy-fueled April filled with training guides and dog behavior books, May hit the brakes on my reading life. The moment my head touched the pillow, I was out cold—no late-night page turning for this gal. I was honestly shocked at how exhausted I felt each day, sleeping hard every night. Puppies require 100% of your attention! But after a few weeks (and maybe a few longer naps), I found my groove again and eased back into my TBR list. This month’s lineup was a fun mix of genres—from a shadowy fantasy by Leigh Bardugo to a charming book about food, a twisty debut about mysterious husbands from the attic, and a rebellious book club showing the power of female friendship and feminism. Let’s dive into what I read in June.
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The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
I wanted to love this book, but it was just OK. I’ve been a fan of Leigh Bardugo’s Ninth House series, so I had high hopes going in. The Familiar takes place during the Spanish Inquisition, where the King is looking for anything that can help him beat England and recover from the defeat of his armada. The book focuses on Luzia, a kitchen maid who uses house magic to help her get things done. When her mistress catches her doing a bit of magic, she sees this as her chance to elevate her standings in society and starts showing her off.
Luzia is a Jew pretending to be Catholic, and drawing attention is the last thing she should be doing. But when she catches the eye of a man who will do anything to win favor with the King, things spiral fast. Soon, she’s caught in a dangerous quest to prove her magic is real and that she might be the key to Spain’s salvation. Along the way, she enlists help from Santángel—an immortal with secrets of his own.
While I enjoyed the story and the writing, I felt that the characters weren’t undeveloped. We get snippets of who they are, but I really wanted more. And with the title being The Familiar, I was surprised so little was actually about him. His role was secondary to Luzia. This was a book I didn’t connect with, but really wanted to.
Food Person by Adam Roberts
Bought this on a whim and LOVED it from the start. Isabella loves all things food - writing about it, cooking it, eating it. When she gets fired from her food writing job, she reluctantly agrees to ghost write a cookbook for Molly Babcock, a scandal-prone actress/influencer who doesn’t even eat. How can she even being to make this partnership work.
This book was funny, filled with drama, and the characters were relatable. While Isabella can come off a bit of a food snob and somewhat self centered, I found her to be real and endearing. She’s young, trying to make her way as a behind-the-scenes kind of person who suddenly finds herself in the spotlight, chasing a version of success she’s not even sure she wants. I especially loved how even the most unlikeable characters—like Molly—became layered and likable over time. A fast, feel-good read for foodies, writers, and anyone who’s ever had a terrible boss.
The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
This one had been on my radar for a while, and a friend’s recommendation finally pushed me to pick it up. The premise? Bonkers—in the best way. Lauren comes home one night to find a husband she doesn’t recognize in her apartment, acting like they’ve been married for years. She’s single. Totally confused. But the real twist? When he goes into the attic, a different husband comes down—and her whole life changes again. And again. And again.
The book plays with time, identity, and the what-ifs of every relationship choice. It’s like online dating meets magical realism: a swipe-right where you can trade in your husband with a quick trip to the attic. At first, I was completely in—it’s witty, weird, and addictive. But it does start to feel a little repetitive, and Lauren’s constant need to “see what else is out there” gets frustrating. That said, it’s perfect for book club discussion. It’s a sharp take on modern dating culture, the myth of the perfect partner, and the endless pursuit of something better. Lots to unpack.
The Bookclub for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick
If you loved Lessons in Chemistry, this one’s for you. When a new neighbor moves into Margaret’s 1960s suburban development just outside DC, she’s intrigued. Charlotte doesn’t seem like the coffee-klatch type, so Margaret invites her to join a book club she’s just dreamed up. What starts as casual curiosity turns into so much more.
Margaret begins to question the life they’ve all been taught to strive for—one centered on raising a family, keeping house, and putting everyone else first. But what if a woman wants something more? Charlotte, Viv, and Bitsy feel it too. Together, the group begins to push back, seeking purpose, fulfillment, and something often overlooked: meaningful friendship.
I was hooked from the start. The characters are relatable and engaging, and the themes couldn’t feel more relevant—especially with the recent resurgence of “trad wife” content. Women fought hard for independence and opportunity. This book is a powerful reminder that those rights shouldn’t be taken for granted, and the story offers both warmth and a quiet call to action.
