Friday Reflections: How Much Does Chapter One Really Matter?

My recent reads, June favorites (and disappointments), plus the cover reveals already filling up my future TBR.

Hey readers,

Sometimes the week back to reality after vacation can feel SO LONG, but at least I’ve been basking in my love for The Other Bennett Sister and Mary’s sweet love story. Have you watched it yet? I highly recommend!

But since it’s been two weeks since a Friday email, I have a long list of book recommendations to share, so let’s get to it…

Friday Reflections…

A few weeks ago I talked about how I’ve really embraced my DNF shelf because sometimes a book just doesn’t quite hit the mark you hoped it would. And with my TBR list overflowing and then some, there’s just no need to spend time on a book that isn’t meeting expectations when there are so many others calling for your attention.

Unfortunately, I had quite a few books land on my DNF pile this past month.

And that got me thinking, both as a reader and someone who spends a lot of time talking about books, about just how important Chapter 1 really is.

I don’t know about you, but when I start a romance, I want a quick hook. Or, at the very least, I want to feel a compelling connection to either the overall story or a specific character right from the start. That doesn’t mean a book has to throw everything at me immediately, but I do want a reason to keep turning the pages.

That’s why a strong Chapter 1 is so key.

I also applaud authors who share Chapter 1 teasers in their newsletters to encourage preorders because they clearly understand how powerful that first impression can be.

For example, Jewel E. Ann shared Chapter 1 of her latest release, and our July Book of the Month for the She Reads Romance Books Book Club, The Muse, in her newsletter, and I was immediately hooked.

I instantly preordered it because I had such a strong need to know what happened next and to learn more about the hero of the story. The banter was top-notch, and the chapter ended on such a “wow” moment that I couldn’t stop thinking about it.

She sparked that same feeling in me with the very first sentence of the previous book in the series, The Homemaker, which had me hooked and devouring the book in one sitting.

That is exactly what I want a first chapter to do.

Have you experienced a strong feeling for a book after reading Chapter 1 before? Do you agree that a strong opening chapter is vital for a book’s success and for it hopefully not to land in the DNF pile? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

📚 What Stood Out This Week (and What I’d Actually Recommend)

It’s been over a week since my last Friday email, so I have a stack of books to catch you up on. As always, I'm not here to tell you every book is amazing. I'm here to help you decide which ones deserve your reading time.

Ember by Naima Simone
Read My Full Review →
Naima Simone turns Cinderella into a dark, twisted retelling with an enemies-to-lovers romance between two deeply damaged characters whose chemistry is undeniably hot.

While I wanted more depth to the criminal underworld and the overall story, Asad and Ember’s obsessive push-and-pull kept me turning the pages. I’d recommend this one to dark romance readers who enjoy morally gray characters, modern fairy tale retellings, and don’t mind checking their morals at the door.

Forged in the Fire by A.L. Jackson
Read My Full Review →
It had been far too long since I’d read a motorcycle club romance, and A.L. Jackson reminded me exactly why I love this category of romance with a morally gray hero, a compelling brotherhood, and plenty of suspense.

While it took a little time to settle into the Crimson Crows’ world, Silas and Brinley’s romance worked because beneath all the danger were two wounded people finally finding peace in each other. If you’re looking for a new MC romance series with strong found family vibes, this is one I’d recommend.

In Stormy Weather by Chelsea Curto
Read My Full Review →
Chelsea Curto brings a fresh twist to STEM romance with two rival meteorologists whose passion for weather made me feel like I learned as much about hurricanes as I did their romance.

While some of the technical weather discussions slowed the pacing and the banter occasionally felt a bit immature, I really enjoyed Quincy’s ambition, Sebastian’s “he falls first” energy, and the authentic look at women in STEM. I’d recommend this one if you enjoy STEM romances and don’t mind your love stories coming with a healthy dose of meteorology.

Roped by Saffron A. Kent
Read My Full Review →
After loving Branded, I couldn’t wait for Rad and Peyton’s story, and Rad’s quiet, obsessive “touch her and die” energy did not disappoint.

I wanted a little more clarity around how this story fit into the larger timeline and family feud, but the forbidden pull between Rad and Peyton, especially with the painful history between their families, completely worked for me. If you love dark cowboy romances with protective heroes, rope play, primal play, and obsession-fueled chemistry, this one is worth picking up. Just read Branded first.

Everything We Couldn’t Say by Emma Scott
Emma Scott is usually my go-to author when I want an emotional romance that wrecks me, but this one never delivered the emotional connection I was looking for.

The pacing felt repetitive, with Harper’s and Orion’s struggles being explained more than developed, and I never fully believed the chemistry or growing romance between them. I’d skip this one unless you’re primarily looking for a young adult story focused more on personal issues than a deeply developed romance.

Axe Marks the Spot by Kayla Grosse
Read My Full Review →
Axe Marks the Spot completely exceeded my expectations. Instead of feeling heavy or like it was trying to teach a lesson, it delivered a surprisingly joyful, empowering romance with plenty of heat and a relationship I completely believed in.

If you’ve been curious about BDSM romance but want a story that prioritizes trust, communication, and emotional connection just as much as the spice, I’d absolutely recommend giving this one a try.

Looking for even more recommendations? Browse every romance book I’ve read this year, complete with my ratings, from five-star favorites to the books I’d skip.

→ Browse My 2026 Reading List

📋 My June Reading List: What to Read (and What I’d Skip)

I’m still processing the fact that we are already into July, but that means it’s time to share my full reading list from June because I love helping you figure out which books deserve a spot on your TBR, which ones didn’t meet expectations, and which I’d quite frankly skip.

I read 16 books in June, which included a few standouts, one disappointment, and several that unfortunately landed on my DNF pile.

If you want to know what’s truly worth your reading time and what I’d personally pass on, start here:

→ Read the List

📖 What I’m Currently Reading

Tuesday I shared some of my favorite chefs in romance, and I clearly still have chefs on the brain, so I’m diving into my advanced copy of Yes, Chef by Grace Reilly.

I’ve only watched Season 1 of The Bear, but it had me hooked, so I’m loving that the TV show was an inspiration for this novel. If you enjoy chef romances, workplace tension, or romances with that high-pressure kitchen atmosphere, this one should definitely be on your radar.

Stay tuned for my thoughts!

🎨 Cover Reveals I Can’t Stop Thinking About

We're only halfway through 2026, yet my future TBR is already overflowing thanks to all the incredible cover reveals that dropped over the last two weeks. Whether they're releasing later this year or next, these are the ones I'm most excited about.

Red, White & Royal Blue: The Royal Correspondence by Casey McQuiston
This brand-new novella is told through letters and notes, and I honestly can’t wait. The correspondence between Alex and Henry was one of my favorite parts of the original novel, so I have a feeling this one is going to be equal parts charming and emotional. A must-read if you loved Red, White & Royal Blue.

King of Lust by Ana Huang
The seventh and final book in the Kings of Sin series has finally been revealed! This will be Killian and Tate’s story, and while it can be read as a standalone, longtime fans have been waiting for this finale.

Seven and the Swift by Devney Perry
The final book in the Shield of Sparrows trilogy arrives next year. Even though book two wasn’t my favorite, I’m still eager to see how Perry wraps up this world and the fate of the crux. Recommended for anyone already invested in the series.

I’ve Got You by Cara Bastone
This is Ethan’s story, and I’m already emotionally preparing myself. Cara recently shared the deeply personal inspiration behind this book when she joined us in Book Club, and it honestly brought tears to my eyes. If you’ve fallen in love with Ethan over the last three books, I have a feeling this one is going to be special.

Come Away with Me by Falon Ballard
Talk about the ultimate staycation. This fated mates romance takes readers through Denmark, the Netherlands, Scotland, France, and Italy as two people are brought together by their grandparents. If you love romances that double as armchair travel, don’t miss this one.

Love Interest by Chloe Liese
I’m already obsessed with this setup: a kindhearted librarian who’s always played the supporting role is forced to work with a brooding writer and finally discovers she’s worthy of being the love interest. This sounds tailor-made for readers who love emotionally rich romances.

Kiss and Cry by Melanie Sweeney
One book was all it took to make me a Melanie Sweeney fan. A second chance romance between competitive ice dancers is already enough to sell me, but knowing skating is one of Melanie’s own passions makes me even more excited for this one.

Needless to say, my future TBR just got a whole lot longer. I'll be keeping a close eye on all of these, and I have a feeling several are going to become future SRRB favorites.

That’s all for this week 💕

Happy reading...because life is better with a love story!