If June brought one thing in abundance, it was heat. The soaring temperatures quickly pushed every to-do list into the background, replacing ambitious plans with slow summer days instead. My days were spent with cool feet in the paddling pool, a watering can in hand, breezy linen dresses, and plenty of good books. Sometimes it’s the quieter months that leave the biggest impression. Here’s a little look back at a June that may have been sweltering, but was still filled with beautiful everyday moments and some truly fantastic reads.
What I did:
Mostly? I sweated. The June heat left me with very little energy for anything else. Aside from watering the vegetable garden, admiring the roses in bloom, searching for shady spots, and dipping my feet into my child’s paddling pool, it was an exceptionally peaceful month—and honestly, I didn’t mind it one bit.
What I wore
The heat didn’t exactly encourage elaborate outfits. My wardrobe mainly consisted of lightweight linen dresses, swimsuits, and straw hats. Tip: Until July 7, Son de Flor* is offering selected linen dresses at reduced prices. With my code SS26RETROCAT5, you’ll also receive an extra 5% off.
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What I read
When it’s too hot for just about any physical activity, it’s the perfect excuse to curl up with a good book. June brought me two wonderfully immersive reads.
The Poison Daughter
The Poison Daughter immediately captivated me with its dark, fairy-tale atmosphere and its compelling blend of magic, political intrigue, and long-buried secrets. The story unfolds at a measured pace while never losing its grip, brought to life by layered characters and a beautifully atmospheric world that lingered with me long after I finished reading. It was easily one of my favourite books of the month, and I’d wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys atmospheric dark romantasy featuring a refreshingly morally grey female protagonist.
The English edition is available via Amazon* and is also included with Kindle Unlimited (if you haven’t tried it yet, the free 30-day trial is well worth a look).
Nocticadia by Keri Lake
With Nocticadia, Keri Lake delivers an intensely atmospheric dark romance that effortlessly combines Gothic vibes, an academic setting, and a beautifully slow-burning romance. The haunting atmosphere, mysterious events, and emotional tension kept me completely hooked from the very first page to the last. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, even if the ending felt just a little over the top for my taste. If you’re looking for a dark, romantic story filled with mystery, Dark Academia aesthetics, and an unforgettable atmosphere, this is definitely worth picking up.
The English edition is also included with Kindle Unlimited*.
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My Moodboard for July:
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