The 2026 Summer Reading Guide (70 New Books)

LISTEN TO SARAH DAMOFF ON BOOK GANG- COMING SOON!

Damoff’s crowd-pleasing sophomore novel ignites with a stunning opener. A family home in flames, April clutching her baby and a book, fleeing as her marriage unravels. One forgotten burner sets off a chain reaction, sending April and Leo—married nearly a decade—back to April’s childhood home with their secrets and heartbreak in tow.

But April’s parents, Deb and Billy, are struggling to keep their own devastating secret: Billy’s battle with early-onset dementia. As past and present collide under one crowded roof, long-buried memories and hidden truths are forced into the open. Damoff’s social worker insight brings raw depth to to this family's backstory.

Through shifting timelines and perspectives, The Burning Side explores the fault lines of marriage, the sacrifices we make for those we love, and what it means to stay when leaving feels easier. Set against a vividly drawn Texas backdrop, this novel crackles with authenticity—touching on everything from the pandemic moments that shaped us to generational divides—while never losing sight of hope.

Perfect for fans of messy, heartfelt family sagas, this new story offers a moving, unflinching look at the ties that bind and the resilience it takes to keep the flame alive.

Release Date- 19 May 2026

Pace- Medium
Mood- Emotional, Tense, Sad, Hopeful

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LISTEN TO MOLLY FADER ON BOOK GANG- COMING SOON!

Fader’s latest soapy, compulsively readable novel is a summer treat—blending the sharp edge of The Change with the Hollywood intrigue of Husbands & Lovers.

When Margot’s Hollywood husband torpedoes his career (and her own ambitions) with a reckless sexting scandal, she retreats to her childhood home, only to stumble on a decades-old photograph tying her mother to the notorious 1970s vigilante group, Lady X.

With her mother’s memory slipping away, Margot and her daughter dive into an intergenerational investigation that soon becomes more than a distraction from heartbreak—it’s a quest for answers, closure, and justice. As the narrative shifts between Margot’s present and the gritty world of her mother’s youth, Fader unearths the rage and resilience of women forced to take matters into their own hands when the system fails them.

Newspaper clippings and sharp commentary punctuate the story, painting Lady X as both a hero and a threat—depending on who’s telling the tale. For fans of bold, feminist fiction, this novel is both escapist and revolutionary. It's a perfect summer page-turner that asks what we truly inherit when we stop apologizing.

Release Date- 14 July 2026

Pace-Fast
Mood-Adventurous, Emotional, Hopeful, Inspiring

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Rindo’s novel is a profoundly moving and highly original saga that stands out as one of the year’s most unforgettable audiobook listens.

It all begins with the jaw-dropping birth of Gabriel—an eighteen-pound, twenty-seven-inch-long baby delivered by the town’s veterinarian after his Amish mother, Rachel, dies in the novel’s opening pages.

From the care of his devout grandparents to the doctor who delivered him, Gabriel’s journey winds through heartbreak, hope, and a blossoming sports career. As he grows—literally and figuratively—Gabriel’s path takes on a mythical quality, with his size (eventually over five hundred pounds) both astonishing and challenging the community around him.

Told through the voices of his Amish grandmother, a town veterinarian, a coach, and a bar owner, this sweeping novel explores how faith and community bend—and sometimes break—under the weight of the extraordinary. Rindo’s nuanced storytelling reveals Gabriel not as a spectacle, but as a gentle soul searching for belonging in a world built on humility and quiet devotion.

As family secrets come to light and Gabriel’s grandmother, Hannah, struggles with her faith, solace is found in unexpected places—Emily Dickinson’s poetry, a friendship with an atheist doctor, and the ever-present hope of reconciliation.

Perfect for fans of John Irving, this magical, unforgettable epic is a must for your summer reading list. (on store shelves now)

Pace- Medium
Mood- Emotional, Tense, Sad, Hopeful

LISTEN TO AMY DUBOIS BARNETT ON BOOK GANG- COMING SOON!

Already set for a Hulu adaptation, Barnett offers a sharp, behind-the-scenes plunge into the cutthroat world of 1990s magazine publishing, seen through the eyes of Nikki—a thirtysomething woman learning to amplify her voice after being scapegoated for exposing workplace abuse and haunted by the man she turned in.

Barnett, a trailblazing editor herself, draws on her insider knowledge to pull readers straight into the chaos: splashy cover shoots, late-night parties, fierce rivalries, and the relentless hustle for the next big cultural moment. Nikki’s six-month trial at Sugar, a hip hop magazine on the brink, is a ticking clock—not just for her career, but for the future of the publication itself.

As Nikki navigates sexism, shifting alliances, and the unique challenges faced by Black women in media, she wrestles with her own messy coming-of-age—acknowledging impulsive decisions, self-doubt, and what it means to build something lasting in a world that’s always ready to tear you down. Through heartbreak, hustle, and moments of shining triumph, Nikki’s journey is as raw and real as it is addictive.

Perfect for fans of The Devil Wears Prada and Queenie, this is a page-turner about resilience, reinvention, and finding your place in the spotlight—no matter how high the stakes or how late the hour. (on store shelves now)

Pace-Medium
Mood-Emotional, Hopeful, Reflective

The Good Parts is an achingly romantic, emotionally resonant novel—perfect for readers who crave a therapeutic cry and a love story that lingers long after the last page. Told in an addictive then-and-now structure, Normandin crafts a speculative mystery about memory, longing, and the art of letting go, informed by her professional studies on traumatic memory.

When Rose chooses to erase her painful past with a Forgetting Pill, she leaves behind not only her grief but also Landon, the man she once imagined forever with. But Landon refuses to surrender hope. If Rose could fall in love with him once, surely fate can work its magic again.

He reenters her life in Edinburgh—this time as a stranger, embedding himself into her world through a support group for those who’ve taken the pill to see if his presence might remind Rose of what they once shared.

As Rose embraces new beginnings in her new world—creating art, building a romantic relationship with someone new, and reveling in her newfound freedom—Landon clings to their shared history, quietly nurturing a blossoming friendship that he hopes will reignite what was lost. But as Rose’s new life unfolds, mysterious symptoms and flashes of the past hint at a powerful truth: love and memory are never so easily erased, no matter how hard we may try.

Normandin’s story builds to a breathtaking, unforgettable conclusion about the true cost of forgetting, the courage to let go, and the enduring beauty of second chances. With an unforgettable cast of beautiful side characters, a hint of the speculative, and a gripping love story, this is a novel that will break your heart and remake it. It is destined to be on my favorite books of the year list!

Release Date- 28 July 2026

Pace- Fast
Mood- Sad, Emotional, Tense, Reflective

LISTEN TO LAURIE FRANKEL ON BOOK GANG NOW!

Laurie Frankel’s latest delivers the same heart and humor as This Is How It Always Is, throwing readers into the whirlwind of a bighearted Jewish family drama with a book club topic guaranteed to spark conversation.

Pepper Mills, a breast cancer survivor, finds her world upended after a fender-bender lands her in the Vista View Retirement Community, right alongside her ex-husband. Gone are the comforts of her century-old home—replaced by sterile halls, bland meals, and a constant reminder of everything she’s lost.

Just as Pepper starts to reclaim some joy, thanks to the charming Moth Holden and their assisted-living “Senior Prom”, an unexpected twist leaves everyone reeling: Pepper is pregnant at seventy-seven.

Frankel spins a one-of-a-kind premise, rooted in Pepper’s long-ago participation in a cancer drug trial, making this miracle pregnancy both plausible and deeply moving. With her family, doctors, and even the tabloids weighing in—and Texas’s restrictive abortion laws looming—Pepper’s fight for autonomy becomes the most talked-about drama.

Frankel’s fizzy, bighearted storytelling turns this wild premise into a summer blockbuster of a novel—equal parts hilarious, moving, and unforgettable. The author balances the pro-choice elements with a broader discussion of bodily autonomy in all its forms, including end-of-life care, which I found quite moving.  (on store shelves now)

Pace-Medium
Mood-Adventurous, Emotional, Funny, Hopeful, Inspiring

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Joella returns with another moving, life-affirming novel about loss, healing, and the quiet power of community, bringing his signature charm to every page, sure to satisfy his faithful fans.

In the summer of 1975, recent high school graduate Maggie Bishop is still reeling from her beloved brother Chip’s death. When she discovers clues about Chip’s mysterious final months, her search leads her to the Red Maple Inn—a mountaintop resort in the Poconos where Chip spent his last days.

Welcomed into the inn’s close-knit circle, Maggie begins to unravel the secrets of her brother’s experience, connecting with those he touched and finding unexpected comfort in new friendships. Over two transformative summers, readers are drawn into a heartfelt dual narrative of coming-of-age, sibling bonds, and the enduring hope that emerges even in the shadow of grief.

Perfect for fans of emotional storytelling and nostalgic summer settings that may remind you of a little film called Dirty Dancing, this story is a tender, timeless exploration of the second chances that can sometimes only be found at the intersection of heartbreak and hope.

Release Date- 30 June 2026

Pace-Medium
Mood- Emotional, Funny, Hopeful, Inspiring

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Just Watch Me is a darkly funny, wildly inventive, and unexpectedly moving debut that grabs you from page one and never lets go.

Told in seven relentless days of a livestream telethon, the novel follows Dell Danvers—a young woman drowning in debt, medical bills, and grief—as she launches a last-ditch online marathon to keep her comatose sister on private life support after the hospital refuses further care.

As the world tunes in, Dell’s raw, unfiltered persona becomes internet gold. The chat—equal parts supportive, chaotic, and troll-infested—quickly turns into the story’s beating heart. But every successful stream needs a hook, and Dell’s is as punishing as it is compelling: eating increasingly hot peppers on camera, despite her own chronic stomach issues. As the dares escalate and the stakes rise, Dell’s performance blurs the line between survival and self-destruction, especially when a viewer threatens to reveal the secret she’s been hiding.

Structured in seven breakneck chapters, Torenberg’s novel offers a sharp, timely look at the cost of performing your pain online—the pieces of yourself you sacrifice for an audience, and the razor-thin line between feast, famine, and exploitation in the gig economy.

Perfect for fans of Margot’s Got Money Troubles, this is a bold, unforgettable debut about the price of connection, the hunger for attention, and the desperate hope that someone, somewhere, is truly watching. (on store shelves now)

Pace-Medium
Mood-Adventurous, Emotional, Funny

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LISTEN TO BLAIR FELL ON BOOK GANG- COMING SOON!

Fell’s acclaimed 2022 debut is a heartfelt, quietly radical coming-of-age novel that immerses readers in the lived reality of the DeafBlind community.

Drawing from his experience as an ASL interpreter, Fell gives us Arlo—a young DeafBlind man raised in a strict Jehovah’s Witness household.

Arlo, living with Usher syndrome, has always had his life circumscribed by religious rules, but everything shifts when Cyril, a gay interpreter in his forties, enters the picture. Cyril’s presence brings a gentle challenge to Arlo’s insular world, offering glimpses of new freedoms and possibilities. The dynamic encourages Arlo to assert his autonomy, explore questions of desire, and envision a future beyond the boundaries others impose with someone he once loved.

Fell’s careful, immersive prose—echoing the rhythms of ASL—renders the sensory reality of Arlo’s life with rare intimacy, from the tactile nuances of communication to the longing for independence and connection. The relationships between Arlo, Cyril, and their interpreting team are layered, sometimes fraught, but always deeply human, as the novel explores what it means to break away and claim your own path.

Reminiscent of Sara Nović’s True Biz, this debut is touching, funny, and quietly subversive, offering a fresh, authentic window into DeafBlind culture. It's a true backlist standout for readers seeking a summer escape that will also teach you so much about the Disability community. (on store shelves now)

Pace-Fast
Mood- Emotional, Informative, Reflective, Sad

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Guerrieri’s sophomore novel treads familiar themes to her debut but with a fresh take on a moving, delicately wrought story about sisterhood and the messy beauty of reinventing yourself.

Mare and Frankie—two sisters in their late thirties, each shouldering unique burdens—reconnect on a long-overdue girls’ trip to Mexico, hoping for a break from motherhood, marriage, and the weight of old wounds. Mare brings her eldest daughter energy to their sister dynamic, navigating the demands of raising a neurodivergent preschooler and a marriage gone quiet. Frankie, a recovering alcoholic and charismatic bookstore owner, is marking ten years of sobriety while raising two opinionated teenagers and trying to keep her boundaries intact.

While the story kicks off with the disappearance of a local woman discovered during the sisters' husbands' camping trip, readers should know that the true heartbeat of this novel isn’t the mystery—it’s the raw, honest portrayal of complicated female relationships and the layers that lurk underneath. Guerrieri’s writing is magnetic, deftly weaving together heavy themes like addiction and past trauma.

Both Can Be True is a beautifully observed, deeply compassionate novel about the cracks that form in even our strongest support systems—and the unexpected grace that can emerge when we dare to confront them. The care offered in the challenges and joys of parenting a neurodivergent child mimics so many scenarios that I’ve navigated as a mother, documented with deep compassion.

Pace-Medium
Mood- Emotional, Reflective, Tense, Inspiring

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If you’ve ever longed for another round of The Golden Girls, Rouse delivers all the wit, warmth, and razor-sharp banter you could hope for, which will have you pulling up this cozy show for your next sitcom binge.

Teddy Copeland and his three outrageous housemates—each with a flair for drama and an endless supply of one-liners—deliver equal parts cattiness and warmth that radiate through every moment of these friendship scenes.

When Teddy’s estranged sister and her whirlwind granddaughter crash into their carefully curated lives, secrets unravel, and bonds are tested, reminding everyone that chosen family truly lasts. Brimming with rapid-fire dialogue and comedic timing, this novel sings on the page—and truly comes alive in audiobook form, where the over-the-top narrators bring each zinger and heartfelt moment to life with irresistible flair.

Choose your own adventure, but I found myself pulled to the page as the dialogue-rich scenes come fast and furious.

That’s What Friends Are For is an emotional celebration of aging with style, friendship that endures, and the joy of living life out loud, much like the author writing about his lived experience for the first time in his fiction life. (on store shelves now)

Pace-Fast
Mood- Emotional, Reflective, Sad

Simon dazzled slow-burn mystery fans with her charming debut, Mother-Daughter Murder Night, and now she offers her readers another irresistible family-centered mystery—this time set against the breathtaking, perilous backdrop of the Grand Canyon.

Sisters Liv and Mandy Chisolm couldn’t be more different: Liv, the practical planner, never travels without her color-coded itineraries, while Mandy, a whirlwind of glitter and spontaneity, brings the fun wherever she goes. Their annual sister trip—a sacred tradition—takes a wild turn when they join a group of strangers for a rafting adventure down the Colorado River.

But what begins as a chance to reconnect soon becomes a fight for survival when a fellow rafter is found dead, and another body surfaces in the water. Suddenly, Liv and Mandy are swept into a high-stakes game of secrets and suspicion, where every traveler is a suspect, and the river’s twists and turns hide more than just natural dangers. As clues mount and trust wavers, the sisters must navigate not only treacherous rapids but also the delicate currents of their own relationship.

With wit, heart, and a pulse-pounding pace, this whodunnit delivers the perfect mix of family drama and twisty mystery. It’s a page-turning adventure about sisterhood, survival, and the courage to face what lurks beneath the surface. Perfect for fans of clever, character-driven mysteries with a dash of humor and a whole lot of heart.

Release Date- 18 August 2026

Pace- Medium
Mood- Mysterious, Tense, Funny

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Legal thriller fans rejoice because Murray’s story will grab you from the first page and refuse to let go.

When young attorney Leila Reynolds is handed her first murder case—a prominent judge whose death shakes the legal world—she’s stunned not just by the assignment, but by her client’s insistence that she, and only she, defend him. There’s just one problem: her client won’t talk, leaving Leila to dig for answers in the dark.

Things get even more complicated when Leila discovers her adversary in court is her own husband, the most ruthless prosecutor she’s ever faced. What follows is a taut, high-stakes battle: sharp courtroom tension, a layered mystery, and emotional stakes that escalate with every twist. As the trial unfolds, Leila is haunted by a shadowy figure from her past whose presence turns every page.

This is the kind of story packed with masterful cross-examinations, secrets that unravel in real time, and a heroine forced to question where her loyalties truly lie.

Dissection of a Murder is not just a whodunnit, but a dissection of ambition and the high-wire act of justice. For readers who want all the tension, twists, and layered dilemmas that permeate the best courtroom dramas, this is the book you’ll be pressing into friends’ hands this summer. (on store shelves now)

Pace- Medium
Mood- Dark, Mysterious, Tense

Hepworth changes lanes in her newest suspense novel and delivers a rich character study that you won’t be able to put down with the author’s signature charm.

Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick is an eighty-one-year-old woman who is stubbornly independent and well-acquainted with Melbourne’s best tea and juiciest gossip. For years, she’s lived under the shadow of her infamous nickname, “Mad Mabel,” the neighbor everyone whispers about—especially now that someone on her quiet street has turned up dead.

It turns out that decades ago, she was at the center of a national scandal as Australia’s youngest convicted murderer. The truth of what happened then—and what’s happening now—unfurls in layered chapters that move between past and present, revealing secrets, betrayals, and the cost of a community’s bias.

But Elsie isn’t alone in this new storm. Persephone, her precocious seven-year-old neighbor with endless questions and zero boundaries, bursts into her life with sticker sheets and a determination to see the real woman behind the rumors. As the police close in and old wounds resurface, Elsie finds herself forced to confront both her own past and her neighbors’ judgments.

Told in alternating points of view, this is more than a whodunnit—it’s a razor-sharp exploration of truth, reputation, and the fragile ties that hold a neighborhood together. With unforgettable characters, this novel will have you questioning every alibi, shedding a tear for misunderstood souls, and cheering for a heroine who refuses to be written off.

Don’t miss the outstanding audiobook performances from narrators Hannah Fredericksen and Jenny Seedsman, who turn up the tension and warmth in every scene of this special story.

Pace-Fast
Mood- Funny, Emotional, Mysterious

LISTEN TO AMY CHOZICK ON BOOK GANG- COMING SOON!

Chozick’s fiction debut, With Friends Like You, is a razor-sharp, propulsive thriller perfect for summer reading and mom’s book clubs who want to finally talk about the real issues women face in early motherhood.

Still reeling from a traumatic birth and the overwhelming demands of new motherhood, Emily finds herself raw—physically, emotionally, and financially—navigating the exhaustion of newborn care in Manhattan without the help she desperately needs.

Longing for a lifeline, Emily is drawn back into the orbit of Daisy, her magnetic college roommate and once-in-a-lifetime friend, whose glamorous life has always held an irresistible pull. When Daisy reappears with plans to launch a luxe wellness center—complete with IV drips, Botox, and communal child care—Emily steps into a partnership that promises to fill the gaps in her new life. But as the pair build their business and recruit fellow moms, old wounds and secrets resurface, threatening to unravel everything.

Chozick peels back the layers of female friendship, ambition, and reinvention with grit and confessional candor. Full of mind-blowing twists and moments that will have you gasping, this novel delivers suspense worthy of a comparison to Gone Girl (and I never say that!). For readers who crave provocative thrillers with unforgettable endings, this book is the ultimate summer page-turner.

Release Date- 21 July 2026

Pace- Fast
Mood- Dark, Mysterious, Tense

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Walsh turns up the heat in this  twisty, page-turning domestic thriller that’s pure popcorn.

Former surgeon Carrie Cole is living a quiet life in Devon with her second husband and young twins, until searching for a vacation rental brings up an unusual listing from someone from her past: Johan Kullberg, her first husband, arrested for drug trafficking on their wedding day in Thailand twelve years prior.

Carrie’s curiosity pulls her into a whirlwind of secrets, lies, and long-buried truths. As she reconnects with Johan in Sweden, shocking revelations force her to question everything she thought she knew about her first marriage and the choices that shaped her life.

Walsh delivers irresistible pacing, sizzling romantic tension, and jaw-dropping twists at every turn, making this a standout for fans of domestic thrillers. The One Day You Were My Husband is a raucously entertaining, binge-worthy novel that will keep you up all night—and leave you hungry for more.

Release Date- 19 May 2026

Pace-Fast
Mood- Dark, Tense, Mysterious

Sabit’s debut is a gripping, slow-burning novel that breathes new life into the immigrant family saga.

Drawing from her own history as an Afghan refugee, Sabit crafts a mixed-media narrative that centers the court of public opinion after a Muslim teen, Zorah Sharaf, goes missing—and everyone has something to say about it except her own family.

Through a chorus of voices—neighbors, teachers, attorneys, investigators, even a gas station attendant—the story unfolds like a judgmental Greek chorus, exposing the complex web of assumptions and prejudices that immigrant families face when their private struggles become public spectacle. Sabit’s inventive structure, brought to vivid life in a full-cast audiobook of over twenty voices, immerses readers in both the intimacy and chaos of the Sharaf family’s American experience.

As Rahmat, a self-made millionaire, and his daughter Zorah clash over expectations, identity, and belonging, Sabit delivers a provocative, empathetic, and deeply human portrait of what it means to be caught between cultures—and in the glare of relentless scrutiny.

Perfect for summer book clubs and fans of experimental fiction, Good People is a standout debut that will spark conversation, challenge assumptions, and linger long after the last page. (on store shelves now)

Pace- Medium
Mood- Dark, Mysterious, Tense

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Mullen’s haunting, slow-burning mystery is perfect for fans of God of the Woods and crafted for a true mystery enthusiast.

When Callie, her town’s first female Chief of Police, makes a deeply personal arrest, she inadvertently cracks open a decades-old cold case: the death of Baby Doe, abandoned in the woods in the 1990s.

The story weaves together timelines and perspectives, plunging readers into the lives of identical twins Annabelle and Sabrina—a pair marked by poverty, neglect, and the cutting judgments of their small town. Their fraught bond is tested by jealousy and secrets, especially after Sabrina’s entanglement with a mysterious older man known only as the Coyote. When both sisters vanish, the truth behind their disappearance—and the cold case—becomes a decades-spanning puzzle.

Mullen’s unconventional use of shifting points of view, including rare second-person narration, creates a disorienting yet immersive reading experience. While the novel’s pacing is deliberately glacial, patient readers are rewarded with a smart, atmospheric payoff and complex character work best experienced in the full-cast audiobook.

For those who crave character-driven mysteries that demand close attention, Heather is a chilling, ambitious page-turner that lingers long after the final reveal.

Release Date- 9 June 2026

Pace- Slow
Mood- Dark, Mysterious, Tense

This feverishly original, wildly chaotic ride is for fans of offbeat, darkly comic fiction like Hurricane Girl and Big Swiss.

Nineteen-year-old Celia Dent—freshly orphaned and newly married to the older, controlling Drew in 1974—finds her world spiraling as her marriage curdles into claustrophobic abuse and her mind begins to churn with electrifying, dangerous compulsions.

By day, Celia fields calls as a phone company billing operator—absorbing harassment, abuse, and the confessions of strangers, all while her husband keeps a suffocating eye on her every move. When a coworker is accused of murder, Celia’s thoughts turn sharp and dark, and her fantasies of escape become urgent, visceral, and even murderous.

Amidst a cast of razor-tongued female coworkers and a parade of oddball callers, Celia’s journey barrels toward a wild, unpredictable adventure full of danger and self-discovery.

Oshetsky’s darkly satirical voice dares you to laugh at the absurdity, then makes you question why you did, all while rooting for Celia as she claws her way toward autonomy and unexpected love.

Short, sharp, and impossible to put down, this novel is as audacious as it is unforgettable—a messy summer read sure to land on best-of-the-year lists for anyone who loves their fiction incredibly weird, gutsy, and gloriously unhinged. (on store shelves now)

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Pace-Fast
Mood- Dark, Funny, Adventurous

With a murder nearly on page one, Kubica delivers a breathless, high-stakes thriller that never lets up. In this chilling, character-driven thriller, a woman must untangle the motive behind a gruesome double murder to save her niece—or confront the possibility that her niece is involved.

When Courtney Gray stumbles upon the bodies of her sister-in-law Emily and her own brother Nolan at a remote Wisconsin resort, the family’s forced vacation unravels into a nightmare. With her niece, Reese, missing, and her nephew Wyatt’s erratic behavior raising questions, suspicion falls on everyone—including Courtney’s own husband, who has blood on his shoes from his fishing trip…or so he says.

Reese’s voice crackles with teenage attitude—she f*cking swears without apology, daring her mother to call her out, her language as sharp as her anger. Her chapters are especially poignant, capturing the volatility and vulnerability of adolescence—the longing for acceptance, her simmering rage, and the dangerous choices that follow.

Like Culpability, this novel explores the fraught terrain of family secrets, offers smart misdirection, and higlights the ever-present tension of raising kids in the age of social media. Bingeable on audiobook and packed with genuine suspense, Kubica’s latest is impossible to put down. This gifted author is as reliable as a Honda Civic. (on store shelves now)

Pace- Medium
Mood- Dark, Mysterious, Tense

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LISTEN TO CHARLEEN HURTUBISE ON BOOK GANG- COMING SOON!

Hurtubise’s U.S. debut is a quietly dazzling journey of self-invention and artistic discovery, best experienced as an immersive audiobook, with Róisín Rankin’s evocative narration bringing 1990s Ireland to life.

When Saoirse Byrne, an enigmatic artist on the wild Donegal coast, unexpectedly wins the prestigious Margaret Dowling Art Prize, her carefully rebuilt world is thrown into the spotlight.

Fame brings admirers and relentless questions about Saoirse’s past—a Michigan childhood she’s tried to outrun, and the secrets threaded through her haunting, layered artwork. As she balances motherhood, partnership, and a creative life by the sea, Saoirse must decide what she’s willing to reveal, and what she can’t leave behind.

Hurtubise seamlessly blends Irish culture, faith, and questions of autonomy into a story that lingers with slow-burning suspense. The 90s setting offers the perfect backdrop for (what would now be) a mythical reinvention, and the novel’s immersive details will transport readers straight to the rugged, windswept coast.

Recommended for fans of Claire Keegan and anyone longing for a story about starting over, Saoirse is a moving, atmospheric summer read about art, identity, and the quiet freedom to choose your own path. (on store shelves now)

Pace- Medium
Mood- Dark, Mysterious, Tense, Hopeful

If you have been craving another assassin adventure this summer, Payne delivers a frothy thriller that’s perfect for a poolside read and a perfect fit for fans of Finlay Donovan.

Nadia Davis is the typical loving wife, devoted mom, and successful event planner, with one giant twist: she’s a damn good secret assassin. No one suspects that beneath her picture-perfect San Antonio life, Nadia moonlights as a hired killer with a penchant for eliminating the world’s worst villains. But when her agency “mommy tracks” her and doles out only the dullest jobs, Nadia demands a high-profile mark—someone truly worthy of her talents.

She never expects her next assignment to land so close to home because her next mark is her husband, Brian. Mild-mannered, dad-joke-slinging Brian can’t possibly be evil…can he? Torn between her family and the career that keeps her sane, Nadia launches a twisty, hilarious investigation to uncover the truth—before time runs out.

Rapid-fire, darkly funny, and full of jaw-dropping surprises, this page-turner delivers both heart and suspense. This book is a wild, laugh-out-loud thrill ride with enough sass, suspense, and kitchen-table wisdom to keep you highly entertained.

Release Date- 16 June 2026

Pace- Fast
Mood-Tense, Dark, Adventurous, Funny

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Bohjalian pulls readers into the close-first-person point of view with a seasoned novelist who has navigated her fair share of modern hardships as the #MeToo movement gets legs, reflecting on her carefree 1970s youth, when her life veered off course in a single, shattering instant.

It’s the summer of 1978, and Mira Winston is an eighteen-year-old golf prodigy whose talent has always set her apart. One blistering August afternoon, a swing at the driving range turns into a nightmare when her ball tears through a faulty net and kills a teenage caddy, Kenny Foster, with devastating speed.

As the country club crowd closes ranks and the small Westchester community reels, suspicion and blame settle on Mira. Her own past—marked by impulsive choices and a secret, illicit affair with a much older man—becomes evidence against her. Meanwhile, the tragedy exposes fractures in both Mira’s family and the Fosters’, and the search for comfort leads Mira down increasingly desperate paths.

Bohjalian’s signature slow-burn storytelling is on full display, unraveling the emotional and legal fallout with unflinching empathy. The Amateur pulses with the tension of a courtroom drama and the ache of coming-of-age regret, offering a deeply compassionate look at a teen girl forced to grow up—fast—under the harshest spotlight.

Set against the evocative backdrop of late-1970s suburbia, the author plunges readers into an immersive story that captures both the nostalgia and the undercurrents of an era that resonates. The result is a compulsively readable, suspenseful exploration of guilt, innocence, and the split-second moments that can change everything.

Pace- Medium
Mood- Dark, Mysterious, Tense, Challenging

LISTEN TO KRISTEN L. BERRY ON BOOK GANG- COMING SOON!

Berry’s smartly crafted modern gothic pulls readers into a character-driven crime story that brings both suspense and heart to the summer reading stack.

After her grandmother’s death, publicist Sydney Singleton uncovers a family secret: an aunt she never knew went missing in 1960s Raleigh, one of six young Black women whose disappearances were ignored by law enforcement.

As Sydney navigates her struggles with infertility, she finds a welcome distraction in digging into her aunt’s disappearance and how it, potentially, could be tied to the other women who were never found.

Drawing on her skills as a former reporter and her rich history as a true crime connoisseur, she digs into the cold case—unearthing old news clippings, posting to true crime sites, and eventually drawing the attention of both the police and a popular podcast.

As the search for answers reignites hope and heartbreak for her family, Berry deftly explores racial disparities in crime solving and the power of community to demand justice. While the central mystery keeps the pages turning, it’s the well-plotted ending that wows the reader, and the careful restraint required to get the reader to its fruitful conclusion.

Balancing suspense with emotional depth, We Don’t Talk About Carol is a moving, thought-provoking debut perfect for fans of literary mysteries and family sagas alike. (on store shelves now)

Pace- Medium
Mood- Dark, Mysterious, Tense, Reflective

Related- 30 Modern Gothic Books That Keep the Candles Lit

LISTEN TO KIA ABDULLAH ON BOOK GANG- COMING SOON!

This backlist sister story is a blistering, emotionally charged story that completely blew me away this year.

London smolders under a record-breaking heatwave as architect Leila Syed makes a split-second decision that changes everything: in her frantic rush to save her partner’s big project, she forgets her sleeping three-year-old nephew, Max, in the back seat. Hours later, tragedy strikes—and Leila’s life unravels in the aftermath.

Abdullah masterfully explores the fallout, plunging readers into a gripping courtroom drama where family loyalty, guilt, and sisterhood are tested to their breaking point. The bond between Leila and her sister Yasmin—complex, co-dependent, and haunted by a difficult past—takes center stage, making this not just a high-stakes legal thriller, but an intimate study of how families fracture and endure.

Told in alternating perspectives and brought to life in the immersive audiobook by Tania Rodrigues and Avita Jay, Next of Kin is as thought-provoking as it is page-turning. Abdullah weaves in themes of fertility, child loss, and the invisible burdens women carry, delivering a story that lingers long after the last chapter.

An impeccable selection for fans of Jodi Picoult’s old-school courtroom novels, this is a smart, devastating summer read with twists that will keep you guessing—and thinking—until the very end. (on store shelves now)

Pace- Medium
Mood- Dark, Mysterious, Tense

Arden returns with a spellbinding tale of destiny, defiance, and magic in this intriguing fantasy story.

Orphaned and alone, Anne of Brittany stands on the brink of losing everything—her home invaded, her treasury empty, and her future dictated by the enemies who demand she become the Queen of France and surrender her beloved country.

Bound by a promise to her father that Brittany would never fall, Anne secretly pledges herself to France’s greatest enemy. To seal their forbidden union beyond the reach of magical spies, she leads her court deep into a legendary forest under the guise of a unicorn hunt. But when myth becomes reality—a unicorn appears, and a stranger from legend stumbles into her path—Anne is swept into a world of enchantment and peril.

As ancient magic awakens and the lines between fate and free will blur, she must discover whether the power she finds in the shadows will save her homeland—or consume her entirely.

Rich with court intrigue, folklore, and unforgettable characters, this novel is a luminous journey through the heart of myth and the courage it takes to change your destiny.

Release Date- 2 June 2026

Pace- Medium
Mood- Adventurous, Inspiring

Villain, the electrifying sequel to Natalie Zina Walschots’s acclaimed Hench, is a razor-sharp, riotously funny, and utterly original supervillain saga that I can’t wait to get my hands on.

Anna, known in the superhuman world as the Auditor, has made her mark as the ultimate nemesis: armed with ruthless data analysis and a knack for chaos, she’s toppled heroes and carved out a powerful place among the world’s most dangerous evildoers.

But Anna’s biggest battle is just beginning. With her boss, the terrifying Leviathan, spiraling after losing his archenemy, and her closest ally missing, Anna sets her sights on her most ambitious target yet: the Draft, the shadowy organization pulling the strings behind every so-called superhero.

As Anna plunges into a battle of wits against the Draft’s cunning Chief Marketing Officer, she finds herself in the midst of all-out guerrilla ad warfare—where the weapons are ideas, reputation, and narrative spin.

Promising biting satire, high-octane action, and wicked humor, Villain offers readers a wild, subversive romp for anyone who’s ever wondered what happens when the sidekick becomes the mastermind.

Release Date- 19 May 2026

Pace- Medium
Mood- Adventurous, Dark, Funny

From the bestselling author of Kaikeyi comes a galvanizing, genre-blending urban fantasy set at the intersection of myth, activism, and survival.

Nisha is a reproductive health care worker in Chicago, pushed to the brink by endless policy changes, hostile protestors, and her own exhaustion. Seeking solace in her favorite museum, she’s pulled into a supernatural mystery after a chance encounter with an enigmatic statue in an Indian art exhibit leaves her with terrifying new powers.

As Nisha’s life unravels, she finds herself hunted by both human and otherworldly adversaries—demons hiding among protestors, mysterious strangers with cryptic warnings, and a relentless force demanding she return what she’s stolen. Drawing on Hindu mythology, Patel crafts a magic system that feels both ancient and urgent, weaving the supernatural seamlessly into the everyday dangers of modern reproductive rights battles.

Urgent, visceral, and fiercely imaginative, We Dance Upon Demons is as much a battle cry as it is a page-turner. Nisha’s journey—through burnout, resistance, and the fight for bodily autonomy—will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt both powerless and unstoppable.

Release Date- 12 May 2026

Pace- Medium
Mood- Tense, Emotional, Reflective

Fans of Elizabeth DeLozier should know that her latest is a gentle departure from her debut, but her confident storytelling ensures that The Whitechapel Full Moon Society will satisfy any reader who loves Sarah Penner’s blend of historical suspense and gothic intrigue.

When Caroline Foster steps into the mysterious Whitechapel Full Moon Society in search of her missing brother, she finds a crumbling façade hiding a world of secrets and creeping danger. Hired as the Society’s maid, Caroline is given three unyielding rules: ask no personal questions, avoid the iron-barred room upstairs, and remain locked away during the full moon.

As Caroline’s quest to find more about her brother deepens, she uncovers that the previous maid—one of Jack the Ripper’s earliest victims—may not be the only casualty tied to the Society. With each chilling discovery, she realizes her brother’s disappearance is woven into a web of monstrous secrets, ancient curses, and a darkness that grows as the moon rises.

DeLozier masterfully infuses supernatural twists into the infamous Jack the Ripper legend, delivering a story that starts as a historical thriller and crescendos into a full-blown gothic fantasy. The Whitechapel Full Moon Society is a mesmerizing, genre-blending tale that will transport readers who love fantastical mysteries with teeth.

Release Date- 25 August 2026

Pace- Medium
Mood- Dark, Mysterious, Tense

Related- Elizabeth DeLozier Interview (Book Gang Podcast)

Hochhauser’s hypnotic debut, Lady Tremaine, casts a spellbinding new light on the Cinderella myth, recasting the infamous stepmother as a woman of grit, heart, and quiet desperation.

Told with timeless, evocative prose, the novel traces Ethelreda’s journey from a love match with Henry—chosen over her glamorous rival Sigrid—to navigating widowhood, poverty, and the fierce drive to protect her daughters in a world that offers them little safety.

When Ethelreda’s second marriage makes her stepmother to young Elin, she’s swept into a household tangled with grief and financial ruin. With no inheritance, crumbling walls, and Sigrid—now queen—wielding all the power, Ethelreda must steer her family toward the fateful ball that promises a glimmer of hope. But behind palace doors, nothing is as it seems.

As rivalries simmer and alliances shift, Ethelreda’s maternal devotion takes center stage. Balancing soapy intrigue with emotional depth, this gripping story explores the cost of survival, the true meaning of happily ever after, and the fierce, imperfect love that binds mothers to their children. It is unforgettable! (on store shelves now)

Pace- Medium
Mood- Dark, Mysterious, Tense, Hopeful

Related- Rachel Hochhauser Interview (Book Gang Podcast)

Related- Fairy Tale Retellings to Enchant Your Reading Life

Lehmann’s debut is a haunting, poetic reimagining of Anne Boleyn’s fate—one that defies expectations and delivers a literary journey full of magic, symbolism, and fierce maternal love.

The novel opens in Anne’s coffin, where she awakens to discover her head separated from her body. With wry determination, she sews herself back together, covers the seam with a collar, and sets out—head wobbly but voice intact—on a quest to reunite with her daughter, Elizabeth, and confront the losses that shaped her life.

The author's fresh spin is steeped in magical realism delivered with a poet’s touch, and focuses less on revenge and more on reckoning: Anne’s walk through Tudor England is filled with revelations about class, identity, and the true cost of ambition. Alongside Alice, a savvy companion with secrets of her own, Anne encounters commoners, learns their opinions of the Queen, and awakens to her own desires beyond royal legacy.

The Beheading Game is a story of grief, rage, and longing—of a mother’s unwavering devotion, and the fantastical means she’ll take to right history’s wrongs. If you loved Hamnet for its focus on motherhood, you’ll find similar depths here. Prepare for a mesmerizing, character-driven “long walk” story that lingers long after the final page. (on store shelves now)

Pace- Medium
Mood- Dark, Mysterious, Tense, Reflective

Phantasma is the kind of gothic, spicy romantasy that’s perfect for readers who want their fantasy to be both plot-driven and emotionally nuanced, beautifully delivered by Laura Horowitz’s atmospheric audiobook narration.

The story follows sisters Ophelia and Genevieve, whose lives unravel after their mother’s death leaves them with crushing debt on an unexpected loan on their family home.

When Genevieve vanishes, Ophelia is forced to enter the perilous supernatural competition of Phantasma—a house of decadent, deadly trials where each contestant risks everything for a single wish that could relieve them of all their financial peril. Smith’s world is immersive and high-stakes, each level testing not just survival but also the depths of fear, grief, and longing they represent.

Ophelia’s struggle with obsessive-compulsive disorder adds a raw, psychological edge to the story—her intrusive Shadow Voice blurring the lines between reality and madness. As she forges a dangerous alliance with the enigmatic Blackwell, their chemistry is electric. The open-door scenes are sensual but always rooted in communication and mutual respect, making this novel both thoughtful and steamy.

This book offers readers pure escapist fun, with sensory-rich worldbuilding, and a love story you’ll root for. It’s a bingeable, joy-filled ride—ideal for fans of Addie LaRue who crave something faster-paced and more plot-driven. Once you finish, you’ll want to dive straight into Enchantra for more twisted games and romantic sparks with her sister taking the lead! (on store shelves now)

Pace- Fast
Mood- Dark, Romantic, Mysterious, Tense

Daughter of No Worlds offers a bingeable backlist romantasy experience that delivers on those trainer-trainee relationship goals that fans of Fourth Wing will flip for.

Tisaanah, a former slave fighting for her freedom and those she left behind, finds herself apprenticed to Maxantarius Farlione, a fire-wielding mage scarred by war and loss. Their slow-burn romance is built on trust, shared wounds, and a refusal to surrender hope, even when the world conspires against them.

Broadbent excels at layering brutal survival with a romance that’s as much about healing and respect as it is about passion. The tension simmers—not just between Tisaanah and Max, but within the dark, morally tangled Orders that hold their fates. As the story unfolds, both characters must decide what they’re willing to risk for love, power, and the possibility of a better world.

With sweeping fantasy stakes and easy-to-follow world-building, this story delivers on audiobook for readers who want their fantasy with grit, heart, and a grumpy-sunshine connection you can root for long after the last page. (on store shelves now)

Pace- Fast
Mood- Dark, Romantic, Mysterious, Tense

My Lady Jane is irreverent, romantic, and gleefully ahistorical, offering readers an alternate Tudor adventure that transforms one of England’s most tragic reigns into a romp filled with shapeshifting, sharp banter, and second chances.

Lady Jane Grey, England’s infamous nine-day queen, is reimagined as a bookish, clever heroine forced into an arranged marriage with Gifford Dudley, a husband who inconveniently spends his days as a horse thanks to a magical curse (say what?).

Their slow-burn romance is the heart of the novel, growing from mutual exasperation to a true partnership built on wit, respect, and playful defiance. Against a backdrop of political intrigue and magical persecution (Verities vs. non-animals), Jane and Gifford’s love story offers a refreshing, hopeful twist on history—buoyed by a cheeky, omniscient narrator who gleefully rewrites the rules.

The audiobook experience is positively laugh-out-loud funny, and perfect for readers who love their historical fiction with humor and heart. This is a backlist gem for anyone craving a feel-good, smartly subversive adventure.

Pace- Fast
Mood- Funny, Adventurous, Romantic, Mysterious

Related- Best Magical Realism Books

Monaghan’s latest crowd-pleasing rom-com delivers a sparkling, heartwarming romance perfect for fans of cozy coastal escapes, second chances, and a delightfully quirky cast of characters.

Dolly Brick, a determined single mom, is used to handling life’s messes—whether it’s her mother’s early departure or struggling to keep her family’s Rhode Island home afloat. When she lends a hand to Stewart Whitfield, the charming local heir in the midst of a humiliating breakup, she’s swept into a Pretty Woman-style arrangement that quickly blurs the line between pretense and possibility.

As they fake date their way through charity galas, which later give way to sunset sails and porch swings, Dolly begins to wonder if she can finally let someone in. Monaghan offers readers an authentic, grown-up character, a genuinely touching mother-son bond, and a sun-soaked coastal setting brought vividly to life by Julia Whelan’s beloved narration.

Dolly All the Time is a surefire reading win with a heroine you’d love to call your friend.

Release Date- 26 May 2026

Pace- Medium
Mood- Funny, Lighthearted, Reflective

Poston returns with another magical and heartwarming novel, now set on the lush coast of Maine, that sounds perfect for readers who pored over The Secret Garden as children.

When Sophie Drear takes a summer job restoring the gardens of Lilymoor House, she expects a peaceful escape, but instead finds enchantment at every turn. She falls in love with the fragrant flowers, the winding hedge maze, and the estate’s quirky crew. Then, she discovers a hidden, ever-shifting door that leads to a secret, unfinished garden—and a mysterious, brooding man trapped inside.

As Sophie tends to Lilymoor’s unruly grounds and navigates the eccentric manor owner’s wild succession plans—including her inconveniently charming nephew—she realizes the future of Lilymoor is as tangled as its vines.

With help from both a man inside the magical garden and one outside, Sophie must unravel the secrets of Lilymoor and discover what it truly needs to bloom again.

Brimming with whimsy, romance, and the healing magic of nature, The Someday Garden is the perfect escape for anyone who believes in second chances that can unfold in otherworldly ways.

Release Date- 16 June 2026

Pace- Medium
Mood- Emotional, Hopeful, Reflective

Kirsty Greenwood returns with another laugh-out-loud rom-com with a magical twist that I can't wait to read.

Gertie Bickerstaff, a romance novelist nursing a broken heart, is struggling to finish her latest book—and her own happily ever after seems out of reach. Everything changes when River Oakley, the swaggering cowboy villain from her unfinished novel, inexplicably turns up in her London flat—confused, very real, and very shirtless.

Eager to return to his own world, River proposes a deal: he’ll help Gertie win back her ex if she finishes writing his story, which just might be a bit more layered than she originally wrote.

As Gertie, River, and her neighbor’s dog Squish team up, sparks fly, and Gertie begins to question what makes a true romantic hero. Is it the happily ever after she always thought she wanted—or a plot twist she never expected?

With witty banter, a wink at romance tropes, and just the right touch of interdimensional magic, Romantic Hero is both heartfelt and hilarious—a fresh, feel-good summer read for anyone who believes love stories can still surprise us.

Release Date- 16 June 2026

Pace- Medium
Mood- Emotional, Funny, Lighthearted

For romance fans craving something fresh, this smart, genre-bending novel is a true standout—cleverly weaving classic tropes into a thoughtful, literary story.

Childhood acquaintances Danny and Eve reconnect as adults, both burned out on modern dating and searching for lasting love.

When Danny joins Eve’s brother to launch a matchmaking app, he’s soon more interested in learning how to keep Eve than in finding the “perfect” partner elsewhere. With the help of his witty AI coach, embedded in the app and nicknamed Bug, he explores his own relationship insecurities, striving to unlock a perfect match score to keep them together forever.

Eve, meanwhile, is caught between her ambitions as an indie musician and the creeping influence of AI in her creative process. As her music career takes off—with a little algorithmic help—she’s forced to question what’s driving her success: talent, technology, or something in between? As Danny and Eve’s choices ripple through their friends and families, the line between authentic connection and digital intervention blurs in unexpected ways.

Robson’s lively pacing, sparkling humor, and genuine warmth make this a joy to read (or listen to on audio). Both savvy and heartfelt, it’s a perfectly modern romance for anyone curious about love, creativity, and the role of technology in both. One of my favorite romance reads in ages! (on store shelves now)

Pace-Fast
Mood- Hopeful, Funny, Adventurous

LISTEN TO ELISA FAISON ON BOOK GANG- COMING SOON!

Faison’s mesmerizing debut is a bold, emotionally nuanced exploration of an open marriage and the ripple effects it sends through every relationship in its orbit.

Frances, a freelance ghostwriter, is already reeling from grief and professional betrayal when she and her husband Ben—a professor—decide to open their marriage, hoping to reignite the spark dimmed by pandemic isolation and the losses she’s been feeling.

As Frances leaps into new connections with abandon and Ben studies the idea with academic rigor, their experiment in non-monogamy seems to work—until Ben finds a deep, unexpected bond at work, just as Frances contemplates motherhood. The novel’s alternating chapters widen the lens to the friends, lovers, and family members swept up in the couple’s choices, revealing how every relationship is transformed in subtle, surprising ways.

Faison deftly balances literary depth with the satisfying arcs of romance, crafting a kaleidoscopic narrative that’s as emotionally rich as it is compelling. For readers who crave smart, boundary-pushing love stories, this is an unforgettable summer read that lingers long after the final page.

Release Date- 23 June 2026

Pace- Medium
Mood- Hopeful, Funny, Adventurous, Reflective

Wood’s debut brings witty humor and genuine warmth to the world of workplace romance that’s sure to satisfy readers who want to sink into another Pam & Jim moment.

After Annie is laid off from her tech job at Taskio, her best friend and HR extraordinaire performs a little résumé magic to land her in a new role in data strategy at the same place—despite her lack of coding skills.

Her new boss, Connor Reid, is skeptical, especially after she fails a coding game built for children on her first workplace test, but Annie strikes a deal. If she can convince the team to embrace a new task dashboard, she can stay.

As sparks fly between Annie and her handsome, uptight boss, she’s torn between loyalty to her new colleagues and justice for her old team. Meanwhile, Annie’s personal life is no less complicated. She’s determined to stop her sister from marrying the wrong man—even if it means facing her own mistakes about what’s best for the people she loves. As the book's title implies, Annie's true reckoning is admitting to what she does not yet know.

Wood’s storytelling is warm and balances the sister story's moments with deeper emotional undercurrents without slipping into overwrought territory. With crisp dialogue, laugh-out-loud moments, and a heartwarming journey of self-discovery, Annie Knows Everything is the perfect feel-good pick from a new writing talent for readers who crave low-stakes fun. (on store shelves now)

Pace- Medium
Mood- Hopeful, Funny, Reflective

Related- Funny Books Because We Need Them More Than Ever

More than a decade after their college romance ended in heartbreak, Verity Hill and Wright “Monk” Bellamy are unexpectedly reunited on the set of a Harlem Renaissance biopic in Los Angeles. Once college sweethearts at a Georgia HBCU, their brief but life-changing relationship was derailed by a manic episode Verity experienced before her bipolar diagnosis—something she never fully explained to Monk.

The couple's undeniable chemistry reignites, but Verity faces the ultimate risk: trusting Monk with her truth and opening herself to the possibility of a love that is both passionate and lasting.

Told with Ryan’s signature yearning and emotional depth, this spicy novel delivers heartbreak and healing in equal measures, unapologetically exploring a trifecta of experiences: being Black, bipolar, and bisexual. Incredibly romantic, deeply human, and unforgettable—it's a perfect summer read for anyone who craves a solid second-chance romance for their summer stack.

Release Date- 19 May 2026

Pace- Medium
Mood- Reflective, Emotional, Hopeful

Related- Best Second-Chance Romance Novels

Related- Kennedy Ryan Interview (Book Gang Podcast)

Julia Whelan brings her whole self to this assured audiobook narration where she can exercise her acting chops through Brodie’s immersive world.

A sweeping, decade-spanning spicy love story that aches with longing, missed chances, and the magnetic pull of fate. Brodie begins her story in 2000 with AJ Graves, a small-town dreamer with ambitions to write for SNL, and Noah Drew, the brooding heir to a Hollywood dynasty. Their creative partnership quickly becomes something deeper—only to be shattered by Noah’s sudden disappearance and a mystery for the reader to solve alongside AJ.

Years later, reunited as co-stars in a sci-fi production that mirrors their own complicated history, AJ and Noah find themselves caught between performance and reality. As their on-screen romance reignites old sparks, they’re forced to confront the unresolved pain, secrets, and unanswered questions that have kept them apart.

This is a love story built on timing—on first love, second chances, and the bittersweet truth that sometimes the right person arrives at the wrong time. Brodie stretches familiar tropes across years of separation, ambition, and growth, creating a relationship that feels both fated and endlessly fragile.

While the novel’s emotional push-pull may divide readers, it’s also what makes the story so immersive. Prepare for a slower start to this novel that grows expansive, nostalgic, and deeply romantic. (on store shelves now)

Pace- Slow
Mood- Reflective, Emotional, Hopeful

Related- Julia Whelan Interview (Book Gang Podcast)

Almost Life is a breathtaking, decades-spanning novel that captures the thrill and ache of first love, the bittersweet ache of missed chances, and the indelible marks we leave on each other’s lives.

On the steps of Sacré-Coeur in 1978 Paris—at once luminous and raw—Erica and Laure meet by chance, two young women on the cusp of adulthood and history. That first electric spark between them is undeniable, but life, love, and the world’s expectations keep pulling them apart and drawing them back together.

Over the years, Erica and Laure’s connection weaves through marriages, careers, betrayals, and seismic shifts in the world around them: the fight for gay rights, the devastation of the AIDS crisis, the evolution of what love can look like in public and private. Paris, in all its splendor and grit, is as much a character as the women themselves—a city that holds their secrets, heartbreaks, and joy.

This is not just a romance, though the love story at its center is unforgettable. Every character is fully realized, every page suffused with longing, regret, and hope. The writing is so immersive and precise that you’ll find yourself rereading passages, lingering over sentences, and carrying Erica and Laure with you long after the final page.

Perfect for readers who crave stories that feel lived-in, for anyone who has ever wondered about the roads not taken, and for those who believe that some loves are too powerful to ever truly fade. (on store shelves now)

Pace- Medium
Mood- Emotional, Reflective, Sad, Hopeful

Related- Best Second Chance Romance Novels

How the Story Goes is a gentle, heartfelt romance that will delight book lovers and fans of closed-door love stories.

Whit, a widowed mystery writer and devoted father, is tasked with finishing the final book in his late wife’s beloved fantasy series—a story that has touched readers everywhere, even if it never quite captured his own heart. As the pressure mounts, Whit turns to Merritt, a passionate Greenwood Castle superfan and bookseller with a few secrets of her own.

Together, Whit and Merritt explore a writing journey to complete Helen’s magical world, discovering new beginnings and unexpected feelings along the way. Set in a charming small town, their partnership draws a bit of gossip, but also plenty of support as two bookish souls find comfort, hope, and healing in each other.

With sweet, slow-building chemistry, thoughtful reflections on grief and creativity, and a cozy literary backdrop, How the Story Goes is a lovely pick for readers who enjoy tender, uplifting romances where love blooms in the quietest moments. (on store shelves now)

Pace- Medium
Mood- Reflective, Emotional, Hopeful

Sebastian brings a simmering backdrop of 1968 New York City to life in this tender, slow-burning slice-of-life romance about found family and the longing for belonging that feels especially timely in this season of war and resistance.

Patrick spends his days selling books in the heart of the city’s gayest neighborhood and his nights drifting through the rare book scene—until a drifter with secrets and his best friend (plus her colicky baby) upend his carefully arranged life.

For Nathaniel, Dooryard Books should be the perfect spot to lay low—except the shop is a magnet for political radicals, anti-war activists, and teenagers who challenge everything. What begins as a temporary refuge becomes something more as Nathaniel is drawn into the orbit of Patrick’s chaotic, warm-hearted community—a place where even a haunted drifter might find solace, purpose, and maybe even love.

Sebastian’s well-researched, atmospheric novel is rich with the melancholy and hope of an era on the brink, suffused with gentle humor, authentic characters, and the slow discovery of chosen family. A quietly revolutionary story about the risks we take this story is best served in a physical copy rather than an audiobook on this one...trust me! (on store shelves now)

Pace- Medium
Mood- Reflective, Emotional, Hopeful

Long Island Girls transports readers to the pulsing backdrop of New York’s indie music scene in the early 2000s, offering an unforgettable novel about love, longing, and finding your place.

When Susan first meets Eliza in 2005, sparks fly—but so do complications. A brief, intense connection is shattered by secrets and shame, and the two go their separate ways. As Susan forges a career in Brooklyn’s music industry, she struggles with toxic workplaces and the realities of making art under late-stage capitalism. Eliza lingers in her thoughts as the ultimate “what if.”

Years later, a chance encounter on a dating app gives Susan and Eliza another shot at love, but old wounds and shared pasts threaten to unravel them once again. As Susan builds a life, finds new love, and learns to claim her own space, she must finally ask: what would it take to let go of Eliza—and who might she become if she did?

By turns hilarious and heartbreaking, steamy and sincere, Long Island Girls is a coming-of-age romance and a celebration of queer joy that I can’t wait to read this summer.

Release Date- 23 June 2026

Pace- Medium
Mood- Reflective, Emotional, Hopeful

Related- Books About Music That Hit All the Right Notes

Sanders’s ambitious debut is a vibrant, multigenerational family saga that sweeps from Reconstruction-era Tennessee to the present day, captivating fans of family sagas like The Love Song of W.E.B. Du Bois.

When thirty-two-year-old Aubrey Lamb, untethered and grieving, inherits a share of her family’s historic farm, she sees a shot at a fresh start—and maybe a way out of her mounting debts.

But returning to rural Lanyer County reveals more than she bargained for: the land’s legacy is tangled with family feuds, lost dreams, and the enduring struggle to keep Black land in Black hands.

As Aubrey connects with her living relatives and learns the remarkable story of her great-grandfather Thomas—one of the first Black landowners in the area—she’s also visited by the wise, wry voices of ancestors past, who offer their own commentary on the family’s triumphs and heartbreaks. Across decades marked by love, loss, and a catastrophic tragedy that still echoes, The Great Wherever explores how land can bind us, divide us, and shape our sense of who we are.

Sanders delivers an intimate yet sweeping story about inheritance, identity, and the ghosts—literal and figurative—within us all. Perfect for readers who love epic family stories laced with intriguing Southern history that offer a satisfying ghostly reflection.

Release Date- 7 July 2026

Pace- Medium
Mood- Reflective, Emotional, Adventurous

Related- Black History Month Books To Read All Year Long

LISTEN TO KAYLA RAE WHITAKER ON BOOK GANG- COMING SOON!

Whitaker offers readers a richly immersive, sharply observed family drama set against the heyday of the 1980s department store boom. A decade after her inventive debut, The Animators, she pivots her storytelling powers to the world of Fred and Fran, a couple whose cozy retail chain—stocked with Rockwell dish sets, Isotoner gloves, and Atari systems—becomes both their legacy and the center of their family’s chaos.

As Fran’s charisma makes her the face of the brand and Fred obsesses over acquisitions and status, their marriage is tested by secrets—Fran’s affair with a female employee and Fred’s deepening ties to a powerful, old-guard brotherhood. Their four children, meanwhile, navigate their own struggles in the shadow of the store that consumes their parents’ lives.

Every page brims with immersive period detail and Whitaker’s signature wit, making the 1980s setting feel both nostalgic and relevant to today’s conversations about ambition, belonging, and the price of success. This is a novel to savor—layered, specific, and full of messy, unforgettable characters. It’s a perfect fit for anyone drawn to stories about class and who loves a sharply drawn family saga.

Release Date- 19 May 2026

Pace- Medium
Mood- Reflective, Emotional, Hopeful

Buntin’s new story is a sharp, unflinching #MeToo-era novel perfect for fans of The Rachel Incident.

The story orbits Will, a young woman whose turbulent teen years—marked by betrayal and violation in her own home—leave her searching for identity and belonging elsewhere When a cryptic inscription in a book sends her from her small town into the rotation of celebrated poet Nathaniel Fellow, a man forty years her senior, Will is swept into a world of literary intrigue, blurred boundaries, and dangerous power dynamics.

As Nathaniel’s assistant, Will is both nurtured and exploited—reading to him, catering to his ego, and navigating the fallout of his attention, all while struggling with her own health struggles and ambition. Buntin brilliantly explores the nuances of consent, manipulation, and what it means to claim your own story, refusing to shy away from the aftermath and the slow process of reckoning and self-empowerment.

Told with wit, honesty, and a fresh perspective, Famous Men is a mesmerizing, character-driven page-turner about the costs of intimacy, the hunger for validation, and the courage it takes to break free.

Release Date- 14 July 2026

Pace- Medium
Mood- Dark, Emotional, Reflective

Thao Thai returns with The Seekers of Deer Creek, a lush, transporting family saga that sweeps you away from the first page.

When two estranged sisters—artistic, restless Calla and steadfast, cautious Vivi—reunite after their father’s death and the promise of an intriguing inheritance, an enigmatic sketch unlocks a trail of secrets tied to a Vietnamese French Surrealist painter and the mysteries of their own family history.

As the sisters follow clues from Wisconsin to sun-soaked France and finally Việt Nam, they unravel not only the story behind a haunting painting but also the tangled threads of their own relationship. Thai masterfully balances character and plot, drawing vivid emotional lines between longing, addiction, art, and the desire to be understood across generations.

I am avoiding comparisons to keep this story's mysterious themes alive. Perfect for readers new to literary fiction or anyone eager for a gorgeously written, emotionally resonant journey with a strong artistic theme, The Seekers of Deer Creek is a riveting novel about the art of seeing—and truly knowing—the people we love, and the healing that comes from daring to seek the truth together.

Pace- Medium
Mood- Reflective, Emotional, Reflective, Mysterious

Dear Monica Lewinsky made my favorite books of the year list and offers readers a whip-smart, wholly original #MeToo novel that dazzles with its inventive premise and sharp wit.

When Jean, now in her forties, is invited to a professor’s retirement party, she’s forced to confront a secret summer affair from her youth—an experience that echoes the Monica Lewinsky scandal unfolding in the headlines at the same time. As Jean humorously “prays” to Monica as her patron saint, her wishes conjure a visit from Saint Monica herself, launching a journey through memory that is as cringeworthy as it is cathartic.

Langbein layers the novel with satirical “saintly” interludes, lush food writing, and an unflinching look at sexual awakening, self-discovery, and the complicated legacy of public scrutiny. Rather than dwelling on lurid details, the story builds emotional and romantic tension with nuance, culminating in a satisfying, socially astute conclusion.

Full of biting humor, poignant reflections, and irresistible food scenes, Dear Monica Lewinsky is a standout pick for readers who crave imaginative, timely fiction with heart and brains. This is one of the most surprising and rewarding books of the year. (on store shelves now)

Pace- Medium
Mood- Adventurous, Reflective, Funny, Emotional

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Amna offers readers a surprisingly new direction with her writing, offering a sharp, compulsive literary thriller that pulls readers in from the very first page.

Tara grows up in poverty in rural Pakistan, haunted by family favoritism and a brother whose power often comes at her expense. When Tara marries into a city family with a husband lacking his own ambition, she quickly realizes she’ll need to take her future into her own hands—trading dowry items for braces, secretly getting her tubes tied, and ruthlessly climbing the social ladder, no matter the personal cost.

This novel is unsparing in its exploration of class, ambition, and the lengths one woman will go to survive and thrive in a society stacked against her. The story’s voice is both confessional and provocative, inviting readers to empathize with an “unrelatable” character whose hunger for more is unsettling yet understandable.

Drawing worthy comparisons to Elena Ferrante, Amna’s crisp prose and fearless plotting deliver delicious twists and a finale that will have you turning back to page one with new eyes.

Dark, thrilling, and deeply immersive, this short book is the perfect read for anyone ready to be pulled out of a reading slump by a story that’s as fiercely ambitious as its unforgettable heroine. There is a reason this under-the-radar gem landed on my best books of the year list! (on store shelves now)

Pace- Medium
Mood- Adventurous, Tense

O’Farrell envelopes readers in an epic, atmospheric page-turner that explores the heartbreak and resilience of another family while adding light layers of magical realism, following her commercial success with Hamnet.

Set in 1860s Ireland, the story follows Liam and his father Tomás, a mapmaker tasked with charting the countryside for the Redcoats. When Tomás has a life-altering encounter at a mystical well—rumored to be inhabited by ancient spirits—he is transformed, and the responsibility of completing the maps, essential to the family’s survival, shifts to young Liam.

As Tomás’s transformation ripples through the household, Liam and his siblings—Enda, Rose, and Eugene—navigate journeys that test their relationships and reshape their futures. O’Farrell masterfully moves the family across oceans and through personal trials, all while exploring the weight of history, the power of family, and the ghosts—both literal and figurative—that linger in the Irish landscape.

The novel’s rich, evocative scene-setting and lyrical reflections on nature immerse the reader in the intimate drama of a family wrestling with the haunting realities of the Irish Potato Famine and the complexities of colonization and resistance.

Dialogue is spare, but the lush prose draws you deeply into a world where the land remembers—and where the choices of one generation echo through the next. Land is a wise, moving meditation on home, heritage, and the enduring bonds that shape us that will more than satisfy fans of her work.

Release Date- 2 June 2026

Pace- Slow
Mood- Emotional, Reflective, Sad

Little Movements is a smart, sharply observed debut that pirouettes through the politics of the dance world with wit and clarity.

Drawing on her background in dance and the arts, Morrow brings authenticity and humor to the story of Layla, a choreographer whose marriage and creative ambitions are tested when she’s hired to create a new work for Briar House in a predominantly white community.

As Layla navigates coded expectations—pressured to create “protest art” and confronted with the complexities of race and representation in her cast—she’s also facing changes at home, including a long-hoped-for pregnancy and the growing distance from her screenwriter husband. Morrow brilliantly probes what it means to choose your own vision over others’ expectations, both in art and life.

With keenly rendered movement, sly humor, and a revelatory grown-up coming-of-age arc, this debut is perfect for readers drawn to stories about the arts, identity, and the hard-won joy of choosing yourself. (on store shelves now)

Pace- Medium
Mood- Funny, Reflective, Hopeful

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When the Fireflies Dance is a stunning, heart-wrenching debut that transports readers to modern-day Lahore, where a family’s struggle for survival is woven into a gripping drama inspired by true events.

The story follows Lalloo, a devoted son and brother, whose desperate efforts to save his family from the crushing cycle of bonded labor—a system where families, trapped by impossible debts, are forced to work long hours in hazardous brick kilns generation after generation—lead him into a web of secrets, betrayal, and impossible choices.

As Lalloo risks everything to help his parents and secure his sister’s future, the truth behind his brother’s mysterious death slowly unspools, revealing twists that will leave readers breathless. Hassan’s evocative prose shines a light on the harsh realities faced by millions in Pakistan’s brick kilns, blending urgent social commentary with themes of sacrifice, brotherhood, and romance.

With echoes of The Kite Runner, this novel is both a powerful exposé and a sweeping family saga—one that will have you rooting for its characters and reflecting on their world long after the final page, but fits best for readers who appreciate soapy twists to their storytelling as the story gains its momentum in the back half of the story. (on store shelves now)

Pace- Medium
Mood- Mysterious, Reflective, Tense

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I was drawn to Chung’s storytelling through her incredible debut, Daughters of Shandong, and am anxious to dig into this sophomore release, which offers readers another sweeping, unforgettable historical fiction novel to sink your teeth into.

When Chinese American journalist Ellie Chang’s plane is shot down over North Korea in the brutal winter of 1950, her chances for survival seem impossibly slim—until a stranger steps forward, claiming Ellie as her long-lost daughter.

Taken in by “Emma” and the compassionate Pak family, Ellie—who doesn’t speak a word of Korean—must rely on the kindness and courage of these unlikely allies. As bombs fall and the war draws closer, the women trek off on a harrowing journey south, clinging to hope and the desperate promise of reunion.

Moving and triumphant, The Young Will Remember illuminates the forgotten history of the Korean War, the enduring bonds of chosen family, and the fierce determination of mothers to protect their children at all costs. (on store shelves now)

Pace- Medium
Mood- Emotional, Reflective, Sad, Dark

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I have always been drawn to Newson’s historical clips on his social media account that bring pop culture history to life, and can’t wait to dig into this razor-sharp, cinematic novel set against the dazzling—and dangerous—backdrop of 1950s Hollywood.

Xavier C. Barlow, a magnetic young Black actor groomed to rival Sidney Poitier, quickly rises to stardom at Skyline Studios. But when Xavier dies at the peak of his fame, his death is shrouded in secrecy and suspicion.

Years later, Aaron Touissant, the studio’s expert fixer tasked with keeping stars’ secrets buried, decides it’s time to expose the powerful forces that led to Xavier’s untimely end. Blending confessional intimacy with a sweeping view of queer Los Angeles, There’s Only One Sin in Hollywood promises both a gripping mystery and a searing portrait of an industry built on both glamour and peril.

This historical fiction pick sounds perfect for readers drawn to noir and old-Hollywood tales, which is sure to surprise you at every turn.

Release Date- 2 June 2026

Pace- Fast
Mood- Dark, Emotional, Reflective

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LISTEN TO RACHEL BEANLAND ON BOOK GANG- COMING SOON!

Beanland’s third novel,  The Half Life, is a rare combination: a steamy, escapist beach read layered with rich historical detail and a piercing exploration of Cold War secrets. Inspired by her father’s experience as a supply officer on the Mediterranean island of La Maddalena, Beanland transports readers to a 1970s setting pulsing with desire, secrecy, and protest.

At the center is Eileen, still reeling from her brother’s death in Vietnam, whose whirlwind romance with Paul—a charming naval officer—carries her from heartbreak in the States to the sun-soaked, tense world of military life abroad.

As Paul disappears for long stretches under a cloud of classified submarine work, Eileen must build a life for herself, navigating the challenges of finding housing, the shifting alliances of navy wives, and a rising tide of Italian resistance to the American military presence. Banners, protests, and rumors of nuclear contamination make it clear: an idyllic island paradise is never as simple as it seems.

Told in 161 brisk chapters, the novel’s voice is intimate and direct as Beanland masterfully explores themes of grief, sexual awakening, and the cost of American exceptionalism, fleshed out by a vibrant supporting cast.

Perfect for readers who want their summer fiction with substance, this novel delivers an atmospheric, intelligent, and deeply absorbing story that lingers long after the final page.

Release Date- 14 July 2026

Pace- Medium
Mood- Adventurous, Reflective, Emotional, Informative

LISTEN TO CHRSTINA BAKER KLINE ON BOOK GANG- COMING SOON!

Kline’s The Foursome is a mesmerizing, wholly original novel that lingers long after the final page.

Inspired by real events and her own family history, Kline tells the extraordinary story of Chang and Eng Bunker—Siamese-American conjoined twins who, after years of exploitation on the international circus circuit, settle in 19th-century North Carolina in search of love and family.

Their fates intertwine with Adelaide and Sarah, two sisters whose own lives are shaped by the rigid expectations of their small town. Addie’s immediate connection with Chang is complicated by the prospect of bigamy and social scandal, and Sarah, herself already marked by scandal, reluctantly marries Eng to protect her sister. The resulting foursome forms a claustrophobic, unconventional household—one that Kline renders with unflinching honesty, from the awkward choreography of intimacy to the sisters’ clashing beliefs about war, religion, and slavery.

Told solely from Sarah’s perspective, the novel’s linear structure keeps the pace taut as it explores themes of love, autonomy, exploitation, and the capacity for change. The Bunkers’ farm, their 21 children, and the shocking alignments with the Confederacy (despite their own exploitation as children) add layers of complexity and contradiction that will spark rich book club discussions.

Kline’s meticulous research and compassionate storytelling make The Foursome a page-turning, thought-provoking read—one that’s both eye-opening and deeply human. It will be on my best books of the year list!

Pace- Medium
Mood- Reflective, Emotional, Tense, Informative

Release Date- 12 May 2026

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Where the Girls Were is a luminous, deeply compassionate coming-of-age novel rooted in a hidden chapter of American history. Inspired by her own mother’s experience of being sent to a maternity home and forced into adoption in the 1950s and ’60s, Schatz uncovers the stories of more than 1.5 million young women who endured similar fates.

The novel follows teenage prodigy Baker, whose life is upended by an unplanned pregnancy just before her high school graduation. With her future at Stanford on the line, Baker is swept away to a secretive maternity home, where strict rules, stifling routines, and the weight of silence shape her summer. Through Baker’s eyes, readers witness the heartbreak, camaraderie, and resilience of girls forced to disappear—and the quiet revolution that unfolds as they seek understanding and autonomy in a world intent on erasing their stories.

Schatz’s meticulous research and evocative prose bring the 1960s to life, exploring both the personal and political awakenings that shaped a generation.

Perfect for book clubs and older teens, this exceptional novel is not only a moving tale of body autonomy and choice, but also an invitation to vital conversations about history, motherhood, and the revolutions—big and small—that shape our lives. (on store shelves now)

Pace- Medium
Mood- Tense, Emotional, Reflective, Hopeful, Informative

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Tate’s dazzling, high-drama tribute to the extraordinary Hazel Scott brings the musician to vivid life. A child prodigy who moved from Trinidad to Harlem, wowed Juilliard at eight, and became a jazz sensation, Tate’s focus is on her life as an adult and the love affair that changed her world.

Hazel’s passionate, tumultuous relationship with charismatic preacher and politician Adam Clayton Powell Jr. unfolds against the vibrant backdrop of Harlem’s jazz scene and the early Civil Rights movement. While their romance is magnetic, it’s Hazel’s professional triumphs that truly shine: breaking barriers as the first Black woman to host a nationally syndicated TV show, refusing to perform for segregated audiences, and fearlessly defending herself during the Red Scare.

Tate doesn’t shy away from the public battles and personal costs Hazel faces, weaving in soapy, addictive drama and moments that challenge both her career and reputation. Yet, the real heart of the novel lies in the deep sisterhood between Hazel and Billie Holiday—a friendship that crackles with more electricity than even the central romance.

Written in a style reminiscent of Taylor Jenkins Reid but centered on real, groundbreaking women, With Love From Harlem is both illuminating and binge-worthy. (on store shelves now)

Pace- Medium
Mood- Tense, Emotional, Reflective, Hopeful, Informative

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Scandalous Women is a deliciously soapy, compulsively readable novel that whisks readers behind the scenes of 1960s publishing, where literary legends Jacqueline Susann and Jackie Collins break all the rules—and blaze new trails. With a sparkling dual-timeline narrative, this is the ultimate summer listen, perfectly performed by Lisa Flanagan.

At the heart of the novel is a fictionalized Nancy White, a young editorial assistant eager to make her mark in a Manhattan publishing world rife with sexism. As she navigates the challenges of the industry, Nancy finds herself caught between Susann—on the cusp of Valley of the Dolls fame—and Collins, launching her career with The World Is Full of Married Men. Their rivalry and eventual friendship unfold against a backdrop of scandalous themes, industry backlash, and the relentless scrutiny of both the public and the literary elite.

Paul brings the era to life with juicy details: Susann’s meticulous drafting process, her heartbreak over her son’s autism diagnosis, and the shrewd strategy behind her legendary book tours. Both women face personal and professional battles, but their drive, innovation, and willingness to defy expectations cement their place in literary history.

Fast-paced, frothy, and filled with insider gossip, Scandalous Women is a page-turner for anyone who loves stories about trailblazing women, literary intrigue, and the friendships that change everything. Every reader I have recommended this to has messaged me how much they enjoyed their time with Paul’s story. It doesn’t disappoint! (on store shelves now)

Pace- Fast
Mood- Emotional, Hopeful, Reflective, Informative

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Rowan brings a fresh spin to the character of Marion on screen, flipping Hitchcock's Psycho on its head in this electrifying feminist horror, where the would-be victim becomes the heroine.

When Marion, desperate and on the run after stealing from her Manhattan ad agency to help her sister escape abuse, finds herself stranded at a remote motel, she’s expecting nothing more than a night’s rest. But when the infamous shower curtain is yanked back and Norm, the charming innkeeper, attacks, Marion fights back, turning the knife, and her fate is sealed in a heartbeat.

Now, with blood on her hands and the law at her heels, Marion is no longer prey—she’s a woman on the run, determined to save herself and her sister by any means necessary. As she navigates a twisting path through secrets, danger, and unexpected allies, Marion transforms from silver screen victim to a bold, complex antiheroine rewriting her own story.

Gritty, suspenseful, and utterly original, prepare for a thrilling reinvention of a classic, perfect for readers who love their crime stories with a fierce, modern edge and a heroine who refuses to be anyone’s victim.

Release Date- 2 June 2026

Pace- Fast
Mood- Dark, Tense, Mysterious

Set in a vividly imagined Russia during the height of the pogroms, Odessa is a haunting tale of loss and the powerful ancient magic that could change it all.

Yetta, a spirited and restless teenager, longs for freedom beyond the tightly drawn boundaries of her family’s cautious life. But in a shtetl shadowed by fear—where neighbors vanish and violence looms—her yearning for more proves tragically dangerous.

When Yetta is killed during an attack, her father’s grief drives him to desperate measures, turning to forbidden rituals in hopes of bringing her back.

Miraculously, Yetta returns from the grave. Yet something fundamental has changed. She senses secrets swirling in her home, and in the woods beyond, rumors grow of a monstrous being—a creation tied to her father’s grief and old magic, with intentions all its own.

Lyrical, suspenseful, and deeply atmospheric, this novel weaves Jewish folklore and historical fiction into a story that will linger long after the last page. Perfect for readers drawn to the magic and heartbreak of The Golem and the Jinni and The Bear and the Nightingale. (on store shelves now)

Pace- Medium
Mood- Dark, Tense, Emotional

If The Change was a favorite in your stack, you’ll love Invasive Species—a darkly funny, horror-tinged romp where Ellery Adams brilliantly lampoons 1980s suburban life in Cold Harbor, Long Island. The audiobook, brought to life by Courtney Patterson’s pitch-perfect narration, is the best way to experience this wickedly entertaining tale.

Looming over the neighborhood is the mysterious Mrs. Smith, whose crumbling mansion and unsettling presence threaten to unravel the ambitions of the town’s women. Natalie Scott, an aspiring real estate agent, finds her dreams derailed by Mrs. Smith’s eyesore of a home, while neighbor Elaine Bernstein is determined to throw the bar mitzvah of the decade—if only she can get Mrs. Smith’s blessing for fireworks. What's a girl to do?

But as the women jockey for position, they have no idea that Mrs. Smith’s true motives are far more sinister: she needs to devour nine children to step fully into her powers. Only Natalie’s savvy daughter, Jill, and their Icelandic housekeeper, Una—who’s not new to battling monsters—stand in her way.

With a fast-paced plot, razor-sharp satire, and a satisfyingly punchy ending, Invasive Species is a clever homage to suburban drama and a chilling, nostalgic monster tale you’ll want to devour in one sitting. Here’s hoping Adams has more Cold Harbor shenanigans up her sleeve—because one visit just isn’t enough for this reader. (on store shelves now)

Pace- Medium
Mood- Dark, Tense, Funny,

Baker’s newest novel is a haunting, time-bending tale that blurs the line between the living and the dead.

The story follows two young people tethered across centuries by a single, impossible door in a haunted Japanese house. In 2026, Lee Turner, a heavily medicated, unreliable narrator, flees to Japan after a blackout leaves him convinced he’s committed murder. As he unravels in his father’s isolated home, a window appears—and through it, Lee meets Sen, a sword-bearing girl from 1877, living under the iron grip of her exiled samurai father.

As Lee and Sen’s worlds collide, their haunting connection draws them toward truths more monstrous than any ghost. Baker creates a gothic longing as the house itself becomes its own character—its walls alive with memory, its history bleeding into the present. Deftly using samurai culture and colonial history, the author probes questions of power, myth, and erasure, giving this horror pick a literary heft that lingers.

The ending is likely to leave readers disoriented—but I strongly believe that’s by design, echoing the novel’s core exploration of how the past refuses to stay buried —and I had so much fun looking up reader interpretations of these final scenes pages. (on store shelves now)

Pace- Medium
Mood- Tense, Emotional, Reflective

Tingle’s signature blend of campy horror with heart persists in Fabulous Bodies, offering readers a page-turning 240-page story you can complete in an afternoon.

By day, Poppy is a wannabe fashion influencer hustling in Palm Springs as a single mother; by night, she pays the bills as a grave robber, moving corpses for cash. When she’s hired to collect the flamboyant, larger-than-life rockstar Eddie Michaels’ body—for a sum that could change her life—she thinks she’s finally caught her big break.

But nothing in Poppy’s wildest dreams prepares her for what comes next: Eddie isn’t quite as dead as advertised. Suddenly, Poppy finds herself on a blood-soaked, breakneck joyride through the neon-lit desert, dodging danger at every turn as music, mayhem, and carnage explode around her.

As Poppy fights to survive the wildest night of her life, Tingle delivers a zombie story that’s as audacious as it is entertaining, weaving in generational trauma in thought-provoking ways that had me thinking about this story long after I shut the pages. As readers, you will always get something unexpectedly layered with this novelist.

Release Date- 7 July 2026

Pace-Fast
Mood- Dark, Funny, Adventurous, Gory

Don’t Buy What I’m Selling is a sharp, witty, and unflinchingly honest memoir-manifesto from Lu Chekowsky, a powerhouse creative director who spent fourteen years conjuring emotional ad campaigns and making America want things it didn’t need.

Known as “Mary Manifesto” in the boardroom, Chekowsky was a master at convincing consumers—and herself—that happiness could be bought, even as she hustled cross-country to satisfy CEOs and celebrities while ignoring her own needs.

But behind the glitzy curtain of the billion-dollar ad world, Chekowsky struggled with the very images and ideals she helped sell—images designed to make women feel less than, and a culture that demanded she shrink herself at every turn. Growing up in a body that never measured up, Chekowsky learned to write the very memos that diminished her—until she couldn’t do it anymore.

This is more than just a juicy peek inside advertising’s wildest pitch meetings (though there are plenty of those!). It’s also the deeply personal story of a woman reckoning with her own worth, her complicated relationship with her larger-than-life mother, and the contradictions of living in a world obsessed with image and profit.

Pitched as perfect for fans of Roxane Gay, Aubrey Gordon, and Lori Gottlieb, Don’t Buy What I’m Selling is a must-read for anyone who’s ever wondered how the stories we sell—and the ones we buy—shape who we become.

Release Date- 9 June 2026

Pace- Medium
Mood- Informative, Funny, Reflective

You don’t need to be familiar with Lena Dunham’s career to be deeply moved by Famesick—a raw, unflinching memoir about living with chronic illness while navigating the relentless highs and lows of fame.

Dunham’s candid account of her life with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a condition I share with my own children, required me to pause at times, but ultimately left me grateful for such honest representation on the daily challenges endured.

With her trademark wit and fearlessness, Dunham takes readers behind the scenes: from years spent in doctors’ offices and red carpet events to the pressures of leading a hit TV show and enduring public scrutiny.

Told in three acts, her story traces her evolution from breakout success to cultural lightning rod and asks the searing question: Was all the fame worth the cost? Along the way, revelations about her relationships, including her romantic one with Jack Antonoff and prickly show dynamics with Adam Driver, offer fresh, eye-opening perspectives on young leadership, love, and ambition.

Honest, provocative, and narrated by Dunham herself, the audiobook in particular makes the experience feel personal and immediate, even if readers may be disappointed by the ownership Dunham takes on her journey. Famesick is a must-read for anyone curious about the price of celebrity, the reality of invisible illness, and what it truly means to find yourself again. (on store shelves now)

Pace- Medium
Mood- Dark, Tense, Sad, Funny, Reflective

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You with the Sad Eyes draws readers into the vivid sweep of Christina Applegate’s life—from her sunlit childhood memories in South Bend, Indiana, to the dizzying heights and painful lows of Hollywood stardom. Applegate’s journey is rendered with unflinching honesty and laced with dark humor, especially in her heartwrenching audiobook narration that makes every moment feel personal.

Catapulted into fame as a child actress, Applegate spent five decades navigating the bright lights of Hollywood, turbulent family dynamics, and the invisible weight of self-doubt and relentless scrutiny.

But everything changed with her MS diagnosis, forcing her to reckon with the memories she’s tried to outrun—joy, pain, complicated family ties, and the private struggles behind every public laugh.

Applegate doesn’t hold back: her story goes to raw, sometimes harrowing places, offering no false comfort or toxic positivity. In fact, she’d balk at it. Instead, she gives us the real, messy truth—a portrait of survival, humor, and the fierce determination to find meaning in every chapter.

For readers and listeners alike, You with the Sad Eyes is a gripping testament to the power of vulnerability, and a reminder that even in darkness, there’s something worth holding on to. I admire this woman more after hearing her story.

Pace- Medium
Mood- Dark, Tense, Sad, Funny, Reflective