New month who dis? I decided to implement a new and hopefully realistic approach to my monthly TBR. Hence why I’m doing a 2025 June Hopefuls TBR where I share some of the books I’m excited to get into this month minus the pressure to commit to a TBR that I may not follow. Thus, allowing for ultimate flexibility with my reading. We’ll see how this goes! Let’s yap about the books I’m psyched to get into and my reading goals and plans for the month.
June Reading Goals and Plans
I’m aiming to keep my reading goals for June chill as I prioritize diversifying the genres I’m reading from and exploring digital formats. I also included some fun and mindful goals to help me appreciate reading and enjoy as the seasons transition from spring to summer. Here’s an overview of my reading goals for the month.
- Monthly Reading Goal: 10 books
- Enjoy 1 Reread
- Read 1 Classic Novel
- Read 2 E-books
- Listen to 1 Audiobook
- Read 1 New June Release
- Have a Picnic Reading Date
- Solo Date at a new café
- Read slowly and savor my books
When it comes to art, music and media I’m looking for the perfect transition into the summer. When it comes to my personal style I’ve been drawn to bright colors, florals, and gold accessories. I’m also enjoying art pieces that feature bright colors, rich textures, and afro-themes.
Musically I’m in a Pop, Lofi, Dance, Tropical House, Hip Hop and creamy R&B/Soul kind of vibe. Other genres I’m interested in exploring over the summer include Afro-beats and Amapiano.
As far as movies I’m excited to explore more Horror movies as I’ve been enjoying horror novels for a video project I’m working on. I desperately need to catch up on shows such as Paradise, and watch the Netflix series Forever, and The Summer I Turned Pretty.
Books and Vinyl to Purchase
While last month I was a bit light on book shopping much to my wallet’s joy. However, this month? Hold on for your dear life because there are too many new releases that I’m eager to get my hands on this month.
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
I’m a big fan of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novels and I’m excited for this new release which I’m positive will feature her signature heartfelt storytelling with feminist overtones and a protagonist you can’t help but root for. This novel was released on June 3rd. Purchase on Bookshop.org
Caught Up by Navessa Allen
Next we have the second installment of the Into Darkness series following Nico and Lauren. I haven’t seen too much about this new book because I want to be pleasantly surprised when I finally get my hands on it and read it. However, I saw some bomb character art and I’m not ready! Can’t wait to pick up this new release as it is schedule to be released on June 10th. There will be a B&N Exclusive perfect for my Dark Romance girlies that enjoy sprayed edges and additional content. Pre-order B&N exclusive edition at Barnes & Noble
With A Vengeance by Riley Sager
I’m so excited for this new release! Not only because I’m a fan of Sager’s work with my favorite being The House Across the Lake. BUT, I managed to snag tickets to see him on his promotional tour and recieve a signed copy of his newest novel! I’m so stoked and eagerly counting down the days. This novel is set to be released on June 10th. Pre-order from Bookshop.org
Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston
Of all the new releases this month this is one that I’m probaly on the fence about. While I throughly enjoyed A Novel Love Story by this author she’s still a new to me author. And I feel a little queasy purchasing books from an author I’m still exploring their backlist. So, I may pull the trigger on this one or wait until I’ve explored her backlist a bit more before I commit to the full price of this novel. However, the premise sounds adorable and I’m looking forward to the magical realism twist she brings to all her romances. This book will be released on June 17th. Pre-order from Bookshop.org
The Poppy Fields by Nikki Erlick
Perhaps this makes me a hypocrite since I’ve only read one other novel by this author. But, I can’t wait to purchase her newest release. Her writing style is so poignat and thought provoking it instantly won me over. Hence why, I’m eager to delve into her artistry again and follow this new story that seems to center around grief and the ways in which we live with and deal with it. This novel will be released on June 17th. Pre-order from Bookshop.org
Black Salt Queen by Samantha Bansil
After learning about Bindery Bookshop from bookish content creators such as @thisstoryaintover I began to peruse and stumbled upon this gorgeous exclusive hardcover edition of this book. First off, I love everything that Bindery stands for and how they’re creating a different way for indie authorst to publish their works and for content creators to be a part of that. Second, this book sounds highly intriguing. I recommend you visit Bindery Books and see what they’re all about and peruse the books in their bookshop. Make sure you check out this book and it it sounds up your alley purchase it. This novel was released on June 3rd the hardcover exclusive edition is only available for purchase at Bindery Books.
GNX by Kendrick Lamar
What can I say about this album? It’s masterful work with Kendrick’s signature lyricism that’s simultaneously catchy and thought-provoking. Definitely, my favorite rapper of all time. And, this album will be on repeat for the summer. Purchase from Barnes & Noble
So Close To What by Tate Mcrae
The newest pop darling with her breathy, sensual vocals and catchy tunes that make you sing and dance along. It’s the ultimate soundtrack for summer fun from the beach, to parties with friends. Purchase from Barnes & Noble
June Hopefuls
While there’s a ton of books on my radar there’s nine books I’m prioritizing reading this month. I made sure to select books that would help me accomplish my monthly reading goals so we’ll see how this goes!
Faux Feminism: Why We Fall for White Feminism and How We Can Stop by Serene Khader
I’m currenlty reading this title and it’s full of apt commentary and insightful observations. I’m enjoying it so much and it’s helping me to realize that I’m not alone with my critiques and observations about how feminism has become performative and exclusionary for many and we’ve lost the plot about what the feminist movement is truly about. A good read I highly recommend. Purchase from Bookshop.org
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
A classic that I read while in high school and that I’m eager to revisit as an adult. This novel is a complex family saga following the Joad family during The Great Depression as they begin the trek from Oklahoma to the promised land of California. Purchase from Bookshop.org
Tiny Daggers by Caroline Corcoran
An Amazon First Reads selection for June that’s a psychological thriller fueled by obsession and the lengths that one will go to for the ultimate payback. The premise gives me vibes of a toxic female friendship that’s gone south. Sounds like it will be an interesting time and can’t wait to get into it. Amazon First Reads June Picks
The Poppy Fields by Nikki Erlick
Have I mentioned how excited I am about this new release? This is one of my most anticipated releases of 2025. I’m planning to dive into it as soon as I get it into my hands. It features a rehabilitation center for the heartbroken and griefstruck in a remote location in California. Chornicialing four different strangers and the baggage and secrets they carry as the travel for this experimental treatment where healing is found through a prolonged sleep where upon waking they’re healed and cured. Yet, there’s those pesky side effects which has led to this being a controversial treatment. Will they achieve healing or fall apart at the seams? Pre-order from Bookshop.org
Filthy Rich Fae by Geneva Lee
I need to finish this fun urban romance which follows Cate Holloway and Lochlan Gage as she finds herself in a bargain with a Fae prince who’s the head of a criminal syndicate. Yet, despite all the reasons she should hate him Cate finds herself drawn to his “sexy magic”. She’s beginning to wonder if she really wants out of this bargain as muchs as she claims. Purchase from Bookshop.org
Oathbound by Tracy Deonn
After a brief hiatus from this series I’m ready to dive back in and see what happens next for my girlie Bri. The conclusion to Bloodmarked left me shook and in a state. I can only imagine how Deonn is going to mess with my emotions this go around but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Purchase from Bookshop.org
The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
Since I’m wanting to explore her backlist and see how I feel about her work and it I truly enjoy this author the way I think I do before commiting to a bunch of books I’ll hate. So, I’m hoping to read this and finish it in time for the release of her newest novel so I can make a better decision whether I’ll purchase it or not. This novel follows Clementine as she’s taking over her late aunt’s apartment and discovers a strange man in her kitchen. Come to find out this apartment has a time slip and he’s living in the apartment seven years in the past. She struggles to protect her heart from this mysterious man who checks all the boxes on her list as she can’t afford another heartbreak. Purchase from Bookshop.org
Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah
It’s time that I explore the world of Kristin Hannah. Everyone swears that if you’re looking for an emotional tearjerker of a read than she’s the author to read from. I selected this novel because there’s a Netflix series adaptation that I’d love to watch after finishing it. Plus, it’s giving the perfect summer vibes as we follow best friends Kate and Tully through the ups and downs of their lives and their friendship. After a shocking betrayal they’re working through the shambles putting their friendship to the test. Purchase from Bookshop.org
Alright friends these are the plans and the vibes for the month. I’m so excited about summer officially kicking off as it’s my favorite season and my birthday is in two months! So, this month is going to be all about preparing for the season and romanticizing it. What are your plans for June? What are you getting into this month? Let me know in the comments below. Until next time friends!!
