Mini Book Reviews – August 2026
Mini Book Reviews – August 2026: What To Read & What To Skip
Welcome to my regular round up of mini book reviews of what I’ve read this past month! There is one series that is taking the book world by storm that COMPLETELY lives up to the hype, plus a few solid romance books and a thriller I’m excited to recommend.
I’ve also added a little section at the end with small things I’ve been loving lately in my life, so don’t forget to check that out!
In my list of mini book reviews, I include everything I’ve read recently that I finished. I like to share both my five star reads and any misses to help you get a better idea of what you should read or might want to skip.
As always, I love to hear if you agree or disagree with my ratings! Let me know in the comments what you thought of my August 2026 mini book reviews.
*Disclosure – I earn a small commission for any items purchased through the links below at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my book blog!!
Mini Book Reviews – August 2026
Physical Books:
The MASH Up by Laura Marie Meyers
If you were born in the 80s or 90s, you may remember playing M.A.S.H in school and this book is a total love letter to that era! It was a really fun return to growing up in the 90s and imagining what the life we “dreamed” up would actually look like. I really had a lot of fun with this one!
Ruby makes a wish on her birthday and winds up in an alternate reality where she grew up living the exact life from a M.A.S.H game her friend saved from their childhood. She has a wildly colorful mansion, a tie-dye Jeep, runs a disco roller rink restaurant and is….dating her brother’s best friend??
Penn has been a part of Ruby’s life for ages and they’ve always constantly picked on each other. No one annoys her more than Penn. Now in this weird reality she’s not only enjoying the fun but also dealing with the problems. The restaurant is failing, Penn is surprisingly not as annoying as usual, and she is struggling with being away from her perfectly ordered life she left behind…Maybe the secret to getting back is fixing all the problems and winning over Penn? 4 Stars | Buy From Amazon
Flickerstate by F.A. Davidson
Flickerstate is a university setting fantasy book with a unique take on the typical magical powers. In this world, some people have the ability to enter Flickerstate, a glimpse into the future where they can see different outcomes and manipulate what happens. However, there are beasts within this state that can sometimes break through and enter the human world – and if you are bitten, a quicker death is guaranteed.
Norah’s Dad was bitten and she’s desperate to find a cure so she enrolls at the elite Academy to learn more. I liked this but didn’t love it. It definitely reads as YA and the concept of Flickerstate was a bit strange to grasp but it was fun to read something different than the typical romantasy book. Ultimately it got 3 stars because I didn’t connect easily with the “magic” system. 3 Stars | Buy From Amazon
AudioBooks:
** Audible Deal – Check Your Discount!– If you don’t feel like waiting on hold for audiobooks through Libby or Hoopla, Audible is offering some members $.99 / month for 3 months! Sign up here and start listening immediately!! **
Just For The Plot by Meghan Quinn
The dual narration in the audiobook was perfection! Just For the Plot picks up with a character that was introduced in Just For The Cameras – with baseball player Bennett and his decade long crush on his older sisters best friend.
Bower has known Bennett for years, ever since his sister made her promise to always keep an eye on him and make sure he was doing ok. When she moved to Bennett’s town for her job, he recommends an apartment in his building and she figures this is the perfect opportunity to make sure he’s not sacrificing too much for his baseball career.
Except despite being years older than him, Bower can’t help but notice that he’s all grown up now. And not only is he funny, thoughtful, and dedicated, he’s crazy hot. Bennett is determined that now is finally his chance to show her that he’s exactly the man she needs! With some help from my favorite group chat – the Gladdy Daddies, he sets his plan in motion.
Full of antics, spice, and a lot of heartwarming moments, this is another hit from Meghan! 4 Stars | Buy From Amazon
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower
It seems like everyone is reading these books lately and they ABSOLUTELY live up to the hype!! They’re basically Gilmore Girls meets historical fiction. I’m up to Vol 4 already and have been totally devouring them. Full of charm, quirky characters and all the weird rituals of a small town. The first volume was admittedly a little slow, but by about 2/3 through I was all in and I’ve loved each one even more since!
Emma M. Lion is a young lady who’s returned to the house she inherited in the London neighborhood of St Crispin’s, but her horrible cousin has gambled away her money and refuses to leave the house. As she attempts to earn enough to keep her house, she takes on a tenant and wrangles her cousin under control. Along the way we meet a full cast of enchanting side characters, a few love interests, and encounter a whole lot of charming albeit quirky situations. | 5 Stars | Buy From Amazon
The Housewife by Natalie Barelli
I can’t get enough of the “housewife” type thrillers lately! This one is a bit unique because you know right off the bat that the wife is a tiny bit crazy and she’s out to get her current husband. It was such a fun ride! 4 Stars | Buy From Amazon
eBooks:
Powerless by Lauren Roberts
This romantasy is a few years old but I finally got around to reading it and it was a well written, although trope filled, addition to the genre. It has plenty of familiar scenarios from the YA fantasy/romantasy playbook, but they’re woven together in a manner that is completely addicting! I adored the two main characters and they’re ever changing relationship and can’t wait to keep going with Book 2. 5 Stars | Buy From Amazon
Things I’m Loving Lately:
Kindle Page Turner Ring – Whether you read while you workout, while you eat or just under a blanket or in bed, this page turner ring makes it super easy to turn the pages and keep your hands free! It’s on sale for less than $16!
Olive & June Nail Polish Set – All 3 of their bestsellers PLUS the chip-proof top coat in one bundle for less than $22. This is a crazy good price for my go-to nail polish. It truly lasts way longer than other brands I’ve tried. This would make a great gift for someone too!
Aloha Protein Bars – I have tried SO many different protein bars, but these are the only ones without any artificial sweeteners / ingredients and no gritty texture! The flavors actually taste really good and the texture is so soft and chewy. I’m obsessed!
Basketball Laundry Basket – Both my kid and I are having a blast with this basketball hoop that’s connected to a laundry basket! It’s been incredibly effective for keeping his laundry off the floor!
For more mini book reviews, check out What I Read in July 2026!






