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June Storm
Tessa joins a mysterious dating app. Soon after, every time it rains in London, she bumps into an eccentric cocaine addict, who drags her into his world ruled by the Law of Attraction. He guides her through various dates, until the two cross a fine line between his imagination and Tessa's reality.
224 pages, Paperback
First published February 7, 2023
2474 people want to read
About the author
Ramona Lee Soo-Jun
13 books69 followersRamona Lee Soo-Jun is a German–Romanian novelist based in London, United Kingdom.
She began publishing in 2012 and, by nineteen, had established a notable early career with eleven books. Lee originally published under the pen name “Lee Soo-Jun,” a response to racial bias within the publishing industry; she formally adopted the name at eighteen.
Her career began in Romania, where she first built her readership. In 2019, she expanded into the English-language market by translating her work and eventually transitioning to writing primarily in English.
In 2015, the first volume of her AGENT 00 series earned her recognition as Romania’s first martial-arts action author.
Her work ranges from action and crime fiction to psychological drama and literary or contemporary fiction, often infused with touches of magical realism and dark comedy.
She began publishing in 2012 and, by nineteen, had established a notable early career with eleven books. Lee originally published under the pen name “Lee Soo-Jun,” a response to racial bias within the publishing industry; she formally adopted the name at eighteen.
Her career began in Romania, where she first built her readership. In 2019, she expanded into the English-language market by translating her work and eventually transitioning to writing primarily in English.
In 2015, the first volume of her AGENT 00 series earned her recognition as Romania’s first martial-arts action author.
Her work ranges from action and crime fiction to psychological drama and literary or contemporary fiction, often infused with touches of magical realism and dark comedy.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 7, 2023
Thank you NetGalley, Ramona Lee Soo-Jun and publishers for early access to June Storm for my honest review.
June Storm is release February 7th, 2023
June Storm is story about a female, Tessa, whose life is in disarray, and also tends to overthink on her love life. This book follows Tessa as she is serial dating, and updating her colleagues on said dates. At first, its fun and adventurous, but after a while, almost all dates end up the same and become repetitive.
I really enjoyed the little glimpse we got of Ruby, one of Tessa’s colleagues. I wish there was more on her private life. Ruby’s story was more interesting to me than the main characters. All Tessa did was feel sorry for herself, when Ruby was actually facing some issues that mattered more.
The conversations Tessa has with anyone, whether it's a new encounter with someone or someone she is close with, almost always felt forced and/or awkward. The dialogue just wasn’t consistent with each scene of the book, and had me quite confused at times.
June Storm started out strong, I was really interested in the first chapter. But as the story progressed, it started to get repetitive and not enjoyable. What originally drew me in to read this book was the cover. The art is unique and the color palette was a great choice.
June Storm is release February 7th, 2023
June Storm is story about a female, Tessa, whose life is in disarray, and also tends to overthink on her love life. This book follows Tessa as she is serial dating, and updating her colleagues on said dates. At first, its fun and adventurous, but after a while, almost all dates end up the same and become repetitive.
I really enjoyed the little glimpse we got of Ruby, one of Tessa’s colleagues. I wish there was more on her private life. Ruby’s story was more interesting to me than the main characters. All Tessa did was feel sorry for herself, when Ruby was actually facing some issues that mattered more.
The conversations Tessa has with anyone, whether it's a new encounter with someone or someone she is close with, almost always felt forced and/or awkward. The dialogue just wasn’t consistent with each scene of the book, and had me quite confused at times.
June Storm started out strong, I was really interested in the first chapter. But as the story progressed, it started to get repetitive and not enjoyable. What originally drew me in to read this book was the cover. The art is unique and the color palette was a great choice.
April 17, 2023
we're all somehow messed up and that's okay 🤍
February 7, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and publishers for the e-arc!
Truth be told, this book was just ok in my opinion. But considering it’s only 150-ish pages it did accomplish what it set out to do. The plot was kind of all over the place but I did really like the character dynamics.
Truth be told, this book was just ok in my opinion. But considering it’s only 150-ish pages it did accomplish what it set out to do. The plot was kind of all over the place but I did really like the character dynamics.
February 1, 2023
4⭐
I liked Tessa's story, I learned something from it and the action was interesting. Unfortunately, I didn't like the fact that the plot wasn't well developed and the fact that the characters took part in several scenes that kind of repeated themselves throughout the book, but the online dating theme was extremely interesting and kept me hooked to the end of the book.
If it weren't for those repetitive sequences and the plot was more developed than it was in the book, this book would have deserved 5⭐.
I have nothing more to say! Congratulations to the author for her new book!🤗
I liked Tessa's story, I learned something from it and the action was interesting. Unfortunately, I didn't like the fact that the plot wasn't well developed and the fact that the characters took part in several scenes that kind of repeated themselves throughout the book, but the online dating theme was extremely interesting and kept me hooked to the end of the book.
If it weren't for those repetitive sequences and the plot was more developed than it was in the book, this book would have deserved 5⭐.
I have nothing more to say! Congratulations to the author for her new book!🤗
February 27, 2023
2.5/5
Tessa works in a call center in London, her love life is facing a big crisis and she decides to start massive dating using a mysterious new dating app called June Storm. In the meantime, she meets Nev, a peculiar guy with a drug addiction that turns her life upside-down. We follow her journey in the strange world of weirdos and friend zone, cocktails and dinners, with the nagging sensation that something's going on here.
This book put me in a weird place, let me explain why. The writing style is very good, Ramona isn't using her mother tongue and despite that it sounds pretty native to me. It's funny, fluid and easy to read. I really liked the dialogues, but also the introspective sequences. The story is modern, relatable and catchy, I was really interested in knowing what was going to happen next and find out the developing dynamics between the characters. Ruby's story was pretty interesting as well, the hint to domestic violence made it a bit deeper and rooted in the present. Also the mention of drug addiction and the more serious scene with Nev were highly appreciated.
BUT. I feel like some passages were not entirely clear. Some scene felt a bit "hasty", like they could be developed further. The office dynamics could be analyzed a bit more, Nev could be more central to the plot, the part with Dean and his family could be better explained, maybe. Overall, in my opinion this book could have been stronger if it had been longer! I would have definitely read more than 200 pages!
Tessa works in a call center in London, her love life is facing a big crisis and she decides to start massive dating using a mysterious new dating app called June Storm. In the meantime, she meets Nev, a peculiar guy with a drug addiction that turns her life upside-down. We follow her journey in the strange world of weirdos and friend zone, cocktails and dinners, with the nagging sensation that something's going on here.
This book put me in a weird place, let me explain why. The writing style is very good, Ramona isn't using her mother tongue and despite that it sounds pretty native to me. It's funny, fluid and easy to read. I really liked the dialogues, but also the introspective sequences. The story is modern, relatable and catchy, I was really interested in knowing what was going to happen next and find out the developing dynamics between the characters. Ruby's story was pretty interesting as well, the hint to domestic violence made it a bit deeper and rooted in the present. Also the mention of drug addiction and the more serious scene with Nev were highly appreciated.
BUT. I feel like some passages were not entirely clear. Some scene felt a bit "hasty", like they could be developed further. The office dynamics could be analyzed a bit more, Nev could be more central to the plot, the part with Dean and his family could be better explained, maybe. Overall, in my opinion this book could have been stronger if it had been longer! I would have definitely read more than 200 pages!
January 13, 2023
the cover is what drew me in to want to read this book. This was a cute read i want to buy the physical copy of it
February 9, 2023
I appreciate that this wasn't written by someone who speaks English as first language and fine by me,neither do I.
I'd like to focus on other aspects that did stand out to me instead. I liked the idea of following a character's dating experience around a big city,like London. What maybe needed a trigger warning,is the mention of drug use and addiction. I felt deeply connected with the character, Nev and his struggle though. Myself,I almost lost someone because of drugs use so I understand. Sometime it was hard to tell if Nev is just an optimist or if he is under the influence.I think this was intentional by the author and I love the touch of mystery. Good link between beginning and end of story.
The writing style,very easily to read,but the message is reasonably deep. I liked the idea of thinking positive about your life to bring more positivity into it. With this said, I appreciate that the story follows a more tragic ending for some of the character. Life is not always predictable and neither is this book.
I'd like to focus on other aspects that did stand out to me instead. I liked the idea of following a character's dating experience around a big city,like London. What maybe needed a trigger warning,is the mention of drug use and addiction. I felt deeply connected with the character, Nev and his struggle though. Myself,I almost lost someone because of drugs use so I understand. Sometime it was hard to tell if Nev is just an optimist or if he is under the influence.I think this was intentional by the author and I love the touch of mystery. Good link between beginning and end of story.
The writing style,very easily to read,but the message is reasonably deep. I liked the idea of thinking positive about your life to bring more positivity into it. With this said, I appreciate that the story follows a more tragic ending for some of the character. Life is not always predictable and neither is this book.
June 17, 2025
I got this book at Comic Con in October of last year. Thank you so much to Lee Soo-Jun for signing it for me.
And I have to say, the tag line of 'If overthinking was a book' is honestly quite accurate. Despite the simpleness of the plot, "girl gets dump by a guy who she thought she'd have kids with; sets out to finding the ideal guy before she's 30 with the unexpected help of a dating app" - the plot was kind of all over the place, kind of like an overthinker - though Tessa did eventually get to where she wanted to be by the end. The side plot involving Ruby and her husband/ love life was an odd addition, but I was still invested. I was a little taken aback by the June Storm twist and was saddened by the ending.
There were a few repetitive sequences, but that made the book realistic. Life is repetitive at the worst and best of times.
I also really loved the London setting. Also, the cover art is gorgeous, so a star for Paul Harrison's work. Overall, a 3.5 -rounded up to a 4.
And I have to say, the tag line of 'If overthinking was a book' is honestly quite accurate. Despite the simpleness of the plot, "girl gets dump by a guy who she thought she'd have kids with; sets out to finding the ideal guy before she's 30 with the unexpected help of a dating app" - the plot was kind of all over the place, kind of like an overthinker - though Tessa did eventually get to where she wanted to be by the end. The side plot involving Ruby and her husband/ love life was an odd addition, but I was still invested. I was a little taken aback by the June Storm twist and was saddened by the ending.
There were a few repetitive sequences, but that made the book realistic. Life is repetitive at the worst and best of times.
I also really loved the London setting. Also, the cover art is gorgeous, so a star for Paul Harrison's work. Overall, a 3.5 -rounded up to a 4.
February 15, 2023
This is probably one of the most realistic books I’ve ever come across. It shows that life is not as easy or as sweet as it appears in movies. Life is not a rom-com. It has its ups and so many downs.
And this book, we see the world through the eyes of our protagonist, Tessa, whose struggles to find a decent man for her. Tessa goes on countless futile dates to find the right one. It’s also about Ruby, Tessa’s friend, in an abusive relationship.
June Storm is about 2 women navigating life, love and friendship. At various points, I rolled my eyes because I felt it all felt ‘unrealistic’, but until I finished this book, I didn't realise I’d been looking at it from the perspective of someone used to meet-cutes and cliche love story.
There were scenes that were off and a bit unnecessary, there were also parts where I got bored but I guess this book really is real life.
And this book, we see the world through the eyes of our protagonist, Tessa, whose struggles to find a decent man for her. Tessa goes on countless futile dates to find the right one. It’s also about Ruby, Tessa’s friend, in an abusive relationship.
June Storm is about 2 women navigating life, love and friendship. At various points, I rolled my eyes because I felt it all felt ‘unrealistic’, but until I finished this book, I didn't realise I’d been looking at it from the perspective of someone used to meet-cutes and cliche love story.
There were scenes that were off and a bit unnecessary, there were also parts where I got bored but I guess this book really is real life.
April 9, 2023
June Storm is a one of a kind book! Tessa is a chronic overthinker who is dissatisfied with her life. At the start of the book she joins a dating app. She flits from man to man exhilarating by the thrill of dating and online dating. Sometimes you read about these experiences directly and other times you hear about them as she recounts them to her colleuges. Eventually she becomes dissatisfied with this too. There is also a strange addict who repeatedly mysteriously shows up in the book. As someone who works with tweens and teens I can definitely see many of them relating to Tessa's struggle to find fulfillment. She looks for a quick fix in all the wrong places and got extremely lost. It is my hope that young people who read this book take Tessa's life as an example.
January 24, 2023
Always grateful towards Netgalley and the publisher for this eArc 🤍
I wanted to love this book so bad, especially with that first chapter being so casual and raw and relatable. But unfortunately the rest of the book is a miss for me.
The plot is pretty aimless in my opinion, with multiple repetitive scenes. Characters are sometimes funny, sometimes super predictable. Tessa as a main character is pretty vanilla.
All the stuffs with Nev is weird and confusing and lame at the same time. I struggled so much to understand to point of this book. The thing is I could see potentials in the writing style, but plot-wise it's everywhere.
I wanted to love this book so bad, especially with that first chapter being so casual and raw and relatable. But unfortunately the rest of the book is a miss for me.
The plot is pretty aimless in my opinion, with multiple repetitive scenes. Characters are sometimes funny, sometimes super predictable. Tessa as a main character is pretty vanilla.
All the stuffs with Nev is weird and confusing and lame at the same time. I struggled so much to understand to point of this book. The thing is I could see potentials in the writing style, but plot-wise it's everywhere.
February 6, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and publishers for an eArc
The beginning of this book really caught my interest because I loved the friends/coworker dynamic that Tessa had at her call center job in London. Unfortunately, the rest of the book fell short for me. While I did find some parts of the book to be entertaining and funny, the storyline felt a bit redundant and all over the place. It was hard to connect with the characters and keep track of the story when the sequence of events would abruptly jump back and forth.
Nevertheless, I do see potential in this book and very much enjoyed the writing style of this author.
The beginning of this book really caught my interest because I loved the friends/coworker dynamic that Tessa had at her call center job in London. Unfortunately, the rest of the book fell short for me. While I did find some parts of the book to be entertaining and funny, the storyline felt a bit redundant and all over the place. It was hard to connect with the characters and keep track of the story when the sequence of events would abruptly jump back and forth.
Nevertheless, I do see potential in this book and very much enjoyed the writing style of this author.
February 7, 2023
Tessa works in a call centre in London; her love life
is in shambles, so she decides to embark on a massive dating spree with
the help of a mysterious new dating app called June Storm. Meanwhile,
she meets Nev, a strange guy with a drug addiction who turns her life
upside down. We follow her through the strange world of weirdos and
friend zone, cocktails and dinners, with the nagging feeling that
something weird is happening.
Let me explain why this book put me in a strange position. The writing
style is excellent; Ramona is not using her native language, but it
sounds very naive. It's amusing, fluid, and simple to read. I enjoyed
the dialogue as well as the reflective sequences."
is in shambles, so she decides to embark on a massive dating spree with
the help of a mysterious new dating app called June Storm. Meanwhile,
she meets Nev, a strange guy with a drug addiction who turns her life
upside down. We follow her through the strange world of weirdos and
friend zone, cocktails and dinners, with the nagging feeling that
something weird is happening.
Let me explain why this book put me in a strange position. The writing
style is excellent; Ramona is not using her native language, but it
sounds very naive. It's amusing, fluid, and simple to read. I enjoyed
the dialogue as well as the reflective sequences."
February 7, 2023
Was anyone else having trouble keeping this story and conversations straight? I unfortunately found myself reading parts over again just to set myself on the right track but after a while was getting frustrated and just wanted to finish it, hoping it would get better.
I felt Tessa wasn't fully relatable and that a good chunk of the story could have been edited more. Maybe a novella?Sorry to say but this was a pass from me.
Thanks Netgalley for the chance to read this book and give my honest opinion.
I felt Tessa wasn't fully relatable and that a good chunk of the story could have been edited more. Maybe a novella?Sorry to say but this was a pass from me.
Thanks Netgalley for the chance to read this book and give my honest opinion.
January 9, 2023
A relatable journey of online dating where you experience the weird and wonderful from all walks of life.
It manages to capture the spirit of London life alongside the difficult choices and situations we might find ourselves contending with in search of companionship. The dating moments are amusing yet believable, and we undergo a journey with the main character to discover what deeper meanings we might find beneath it all.
A great modern tale.
It manages to capture the spirit of London life alongside the difficult choices and situations we might find ourselves contending with in search of companionship. The dating moments are amusing yet believable, and we undergo a journey with the main character to discover what deeper meanings we might find beneath it all.
A great modern tale.
February 9, 2023
Managed to read this just as it came out.
What I enjoyed: The office energy, the strange people on the June Storm app, the idea of a mystical dating app, the slight transition into a magical world, the ending (no spoilers, but it was just what the story needed... that touch of melancholy)
What I liked less: The lack of background; some characters needed maybe a little more description.
Would definitely recommend.
What I enjoyed: The office energy, the strange people on the June Storm app, the idea of a mystical dating app, the slight transition into a magical world, the ending (no spoilers, but it was just what the story needed... that touch of melancholy)
What I liked less: The lack of background; some characters needed maybe a little more description.
Would definitely recommend.
February 20, 2023
So much more happening in this story than you expect. I was drawn in by the parade of characters, but then left turning over events in my head long after I closed the cover. This book is clever and funny and is a soft poke to open your eyes to see more. Ramona is a clever author who sends you labyrinthine passages to take somewhere you didn’t expect to be going, while deftly distracted with chuckles along the way. I would definitely recommend this book.
February 9, 2023
Mi-a placut.
February 9, 2023
Solid 4.5/5
Man, whatever that actor Nev's smoking I want some too! Whatever the author smoked to come up with this dating app---Universe challenge idea ... idk but I subscribe.
Man, whatever that actor Nev's smoking I want some too! Whatever the author smoked to come up with this dating app---Universe challenge idea ... idk but I subscribe.
February 9, 2023
WHY is this CRAP a book ? ... She's annoying and should stop writing !! Nobody wants to buy these jeez
June 14, 2023
Relatable online dating app experience. Colourful characters. Interesting plot twists.
June 19, 2023
Picked it up as a recommendation and read it in one go. I liked the author's writing style. keep up the good work.
February 28, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for the approval on this book!
This book was interesting for me, because I liked a lot of elements-some of the people, the concept of the dating app/pub combo, the setting....but it lacked a lot of sense. It was all over the place with the storyline, switching back and forth within the same page, so it was hard to keep track of what was going on.
I've never read a book by a Romanian author, so there could be just a natural language understanding. Ramona's did do a wonderful job of highlighting the women of this book, which I always love to see! I sometimes even felt like it Tessa/Ruby were dual female main characters with how much we followed Ruby's journey as well.
Overall, the intention behind the book is wonderful and I did complete it so it was not a bad book by any means.
This book was interesting for me, because I liked a lot of elements-some of the people, the concept of the dating app/pub combo, the setting....but it lacked a lot of sense. It was all over the place with the storyline, switching back and forth within the same page, so it was hard to keep track of what was going on.
I've never read a book by a Romanian author, so there could be just a natural language understanding. Ramona's did do a wonderful job of highlighting the women of this book, which I always love to see! I sometimes even felt like it Tessa/Ruby were dual female main characters with how much we followed Ruby's journey as well.
Overall, the intention behind the book is wonderful and I did complete it so it was not a bad book by any means.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews