My August 2026 Reads
I am so glad that I have this post shared in a more timely manner! I look forward to sharing my monthly reads moving forward and getting into a good rhythm!! August was a different month compared to the last few months of my 2026 reading journey.
Here’s everything I read in August.
📚 By the Numbers
Books Read: 7 completed books but at the very beginning stages of reading book #8 this month.
Average Rating: 3.7 Stars
Favorite Book of the Month: I could not pick just one book! Keeping it Local and Peckers: By Design (Book #2) were my favorite books for the month!
📖 Keeping it Local (Port St. Clair #1) by Christie Piper
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why I Picked It Up:
I applied to be an ARC reader. I am grateful to Christie Piper for selecting me to join her ARC team for this book!
My Quick Thoughts:
I wanted to escape to Port. St. Clair! From how the town was described to the weather and more, it made me want to travel! It has a great small town vibe. I enjoyed both the main characters (lead male and lead female) and the supporting characters were incredible in this storyline. It was relatable and yet a fun read!
Would I Recommend It?
Definitely yes for any of my rom-com fans who enjoy a Midwestern small-town vibe!
📖 Against the Boards (North Lake University #1) by Caitlyn Best
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Why I Picked It Up:
I applied to be an ARC reader for one of the books in the series (this book was already published). Thank you to author Caitlyn Best for selecting me but also giving me the opportunity to read the first book as well.
My Quick Thoughts:
Books should absolutely be read in order. The storyline took me awhile as a lot of details and life is packed into this 800+ page book. I did notice a far amount of scenes being repeated and some inconsistency when it came to characters and what they were doing. I was hoping to enjoy this book more, knowing that it was taking place at a university and with my love of hockey, I figured this would be a great book to read.
Would I Recommend It?
It depends. If you have a lot of time on your hands and are looking for a new series to read, then go for it! I did have to really skim some parts when things were getting confusing and/or the inconsistent parts got to me.
📖 Off The Ice (North Lake University #2) by Caitlyn Best
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Why I Picked It Up:
I believe that this was the book that I initially applied to be an ARC reader for. With that said, it did absolutely help to have the context of Book #1 and still recommend reading the books in order. Thank you to Caitlyn Best, author of this series, for selecting me.
My Quick Thoughts:
This story followed another set of main characters (male and female) at North Lake University. However, this story was a little easier to follow; still a lot of details (but a few less unnecessary details) and a little shorter than Book #1. Personally, I thought that there were more plot twists and hooks in this book than Book #1, which also made it easier for me to read and stay engaged with.
Would I Recommend It?
Yes, as you definitely will want to read Book #2.5 which is the best book in the series….see below for my review on this book!
📖 Against the Boards 2: Wedding Season (North Lake University #2.5) by Caitlyn Best
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why I Picked It Up:
This is part of the North Lake University series. Thanks to author Caitlyn Best for selecting me to read this book along with the rest of the series.
My Quick Thoughts:
I enjoyed this book as I was able to follow the entire storyline and it included some plot twists which kept me engaged in the story. This is definitely shorter than Book #1 and I was able to read this book in an entire day. Several characters from Book #1 made an appearance in this story which I appreciated as well; knowing that there were more books in the series and I like to see how relationships (friends and committed) develop over time.
Would I Recommend It?
Yes, but only if you read Books #1 and 2 first.
📖 The Captain’s Girl (Eros University #1) by Ella Rose Roussel
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why I Picked It Up:
I applied to be an ARC reader for this first book in the series based on a short description! Thank you to author Ella Roussel for selecting me to read this story!
My Quick Thoughts:
This book was a little different than what I was expecting. I am grateful that the author put a content warning immediately at the beginning of the book. However, this did impact my rating slightly as I am not sure if I would have picked up the book (or maybe would have skimmed past certain details of the book). The book does have a great storyline overall with a lot of hooks and some plot twists for sure. Due to some of the material in the book, I personally was not a fan that it felt like only half the book was focused on hockey and the university.
Would I Recommend It?
It depends. If you are comfortable and okay with reading what could be sensitive subject material and sports, then this book is for you! Check out the summary / blurb of the book first or feel free to ask me for more details.
📖 Peckers: By Design (Book #2) by H.R. Burkett
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why I Picked It Up:
This book is part of the 4 book series and I applied to be an ARC reader. Thanks to H.R. Burkett for the opportunity to read this book.
My Quick Thoughts:
It is a close call, but I think I like Book #1 the best so far, but this is a close second. I appreciate that this book focuses on another one of the friend’s in the friend group and her overall specialist. I did appreciate that I was able to relate to different aspects of the main character and a few situations throughout the book. This was a short read and it could easily be read over the course of a weekend or within a few days, at max!
Would I Recommend It?
Yes but you definitely should read Book #1 first to learn about characters that make appearances throughout this book and to have overall context to the storyline for where Book #2 picks up!
📖 Peckers: Standard Operating Procedure (Book #3) by H.R. Burkett (Coming December 1st, 2026)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why I Picked It Up:
For this book in the series, I had the opportunity to be a Beta Reader and provide feedback to the author! Thank you to H.R. Burkett for allowing me to do so.
My Quick Thoughts:
This is another short book and easily can be read in the course of a few days or a weekend. This book (as you hopefully can guess by now) focuses on another friend in the group. While there was enough material that I was not able to relate to on a few levels, I still enjoyed this book. I appreciate different perspectives on life and also in this case, the business, Peckers. You will not want to miss out on this book, especially if you have enjoyed the series so far!
Would I Recommend It?
Yes! Another great and easy to follow short read in this series!
📖 Second Shot (North Lake University #4) by Caitlyn Best
Rating: No rating for this month as the book was not finished in the month of August.
Why I Picked It Up:
This is the next book in the North Lake University series. I am grateful to author, Caitlyn Best, for selecting me to be one of her readers for the entire series!
My Quick Thoughts:
I have just barely started this book. Due to other commitments and goals that I have for the month, I am not as far as I would like to be at this time. I am hoping that I will be able to finish this book (it’s another long one) sometime in September!
Would I Recommend It?
Stay tuned for a future review!!
📚🗒️What’s Going on Your TBR?
Which of these books are you adding to your TBR (To Be Read) list?
Or if you have already read one of them, let me know what you thought!
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