Goodreads

Release date: May 12, 2026

Publisher: Avon

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

To make her ex jealous, an ambitious young surgeon recruits a charming star soccer player to be her date to a lavish Parisian wedding—but love might have a game plan of its own, in this stand-alone romance from the USA Today bestselling author of the Biotech Billionaires series.

Dr. Isabelle Mercado is this close to having it all. Top of her class at the country’s most competitive orthopedic surgery residency, a dream career within reach, and a golden ticket to the Paris wedding of the year.

There’s just one her ex—the one who got away—is going to be there… with his perfect new fiancée.

Desperate to save face (and maybe spark a little jealousy), Isa enlists soccer legend and global heartthrob Austin Cade to be her fake date. It’s the perfect after an injury and some unfortunate encounters with the press, he needs good PR and the kind of elite connections this wedding will attract. Plus, her ex just so happens to be his #1 fan. Win-win.

But between champagne toasts and stolen glances under Parisian stars, pretending starts to feel a lot like the real thing. Isa’s always been all-in on her career—love was never the goal.

But maybe, just maybe… this time, the heart has its own agenda.

Review:

Out of Her League by Ava Rani was such a fun, flirty fake dating romance with the perfect mix of swoon, humor, ambition, and emotional depth. From the moment Isa recruits famous soccer star Austin  to pose as her date at her ex’s wedding in Paris, I was completely hooked. The setup alone is incredible—fake dating your ex boyfriend’s favorite athlete is objectively hilarious—and the story leans into that tension and comedy in the best way. Between the glamorous Paris backdrop, champagne fueled wedding events, and nonstop chemistry, this book delivered exactly the kind of escapist romance I love sinking into.

What really made this one stand out for me, though, was Isa herself. She’s ambitious, intelligent, career driven, and deeply committed to becoming an orthopedic surgeon, and I loved that the romance never tried to diminish those parts of her. Austin never seemed intimidated by her passion or her success, instead, he genuinely admired her for it, which made their relationship feel incredibly supportive and refreshing. Their banter was sharp and playful, but there was also a believable emotional progression underneath all the flirting. The chemistry was strong from the start, yet the relationship still developed at a pace that felt natural and earned.

Beyond the romance, I also appreciated how the story explored the pressure Isa feels from her parents’ expectations and the constant struggle to balance career goals with personal happiness. That emotional weight added a lot of depth to her character arc and made her growth throughout the book feel meaningful. Combined with the charming Paris setting, sexy tension, and entertaining fake dating chaos, this ended up being such a satisfying contemporary romance. Cute, smart, romantic, and genuinely fun to read.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: May 12, 2026

Publisher: Berkley Romance

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

A football star and a diehard fan entangled in a PR stunt—that only one side knows is fake—might be the right play in this new romantic comedy by #1 New York Times bestselling author Lynn Painter.

Duffy Distefano loves three things: her dad, the family cat, and Minneapolis Coyotes football. So when she gets booed out of a game and becomes the internet’s villain, she is distraught—and disgruntled. All she did was shove Coyote Carl away when he made a move on her, but everyone else just saw a woman attacking their team’s beloved mascot. Eager to clear the air, Duffy agrees to an interview on a hit morning show. She doesn’t expect a co-guest to join her—especially not the Coyotes’ star tight end.

When MVP Connor Cunningham gets tasked with damage control to help his team out of their PR nightmare, he thought that meant saying a few words on the team’s behalf. Instead, he finds himself in a highly amusing verbal sparring match with a recently wronged fan on live TV. Duffy pelts him with fiery jabs but is also clearly diehard about the Coyotes—color him intrigued…and attracted.

The interview instantly goes viral, and the public is obsessed with them. A strong push from the Coyotes’ PR team to ride the wave results in Connor asking Duffy out. Despite his distaste for PR stunts, he’s surprised to discover being with Duffy is much easier than he thought, and somehow it doesn’t feel fake to him. Harboring this secret can only blow up, but all he knows is that if he messes things up with Duffy, it’ll be the greatest fumble of his life.

Review:

First and Forever is everything I’ve come to love (and expect) from Lynn Painter; sharp, hilarious banter, swoony chemistry, and characters that feel so real you swear you know them. Duffy and Connor are the definition of opposites who just work, and their dynamic absolutely shines. From their very first interaction, the verbal sparring is nonstop, playful, and genuinely funny. Duffy’s sarcastic, smart ass energy is unmatched (my personal love language), and Connor balances her perfectly with his charm, sweetness, and effortless swoon factor. Their chemistry felt natural, easy, and completely addictive.

What really elevated this beyond a light, breezy romcom was the emotional depth woven throughout. Duffy’s relationship with her dad was such a standout—he may come off as a gruff hard ass, but underneath is a total softie, and their bond added so much heart to the story. Her brothers and the overall family dynamic brought in even more humor and warmth, making those scenes some of my favorites. On the heavier side, the exploration of grief through Duffy’s mom’s death and Connor’s experience with his grandfather’s dementia gave the story a layer of emotional resonance that grounded all the fun and flirtation beautifully.

This is one of those romances that feels effortlessly enjoyable while still hitting you in the heart when it counts. Funny, flirty, heartfelt, and full of personality, First and Forever is the kind of read you fly through with a smile on your face—and maybe a few unexpected emotional moments along the way. If you love witty banter, fake dating with real feelings, and characters who give each other endless shit in the best way, this one absolutely delivers.

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: May 5, 2026

Publisher: Dutton

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

Nothing is as it seems—and no one is telling the truth—in this page-turning thriller about a young lawyer forced to defend a man on trial for murder against the mentor who taught her everything: her husband.

When Leila Reynolds is handed her first murder case, she’s shocked by the victim: a well-known, well-respected judge, whose death sent shockwaves through the legal community. She’s also incredulous—she’s nowhere near experienced enough to handle such a high-profile assignment—but the defendant is insistent: he wants her, and only her, to represent him.

Except he’s refusing to talk. And if that wasn’t complicated enough, Leila soon learns her opponent is the most ruthless prosecutor she’s ever known: her husband.

It’s an impossible situation, yet Leila is determined to sway the jury to her side—until she’s blindsided once again by a shadowy figure from her past. Suddenly, Leila finds herself fighting not only for her client and marriage, but also to keep her own secrets buried. And if she has to rewrite the rules to win, so be it.

Review:

Dissection of a Murder is one of those legal thrillers that immediately stands out for how sharp and confident it feels, especially as a debut! From the start, the premise hooks you: a young defense attorney taking on a high profile murder case against her own husband. It’s messy, high stakes, and full of tension before the trial even really begins.

What makes this one work so well is how layered the central case is. The mystery unfolds in a way that feels complex but never overwhelming, with each reveal adding another piece to a puzzle that’s constantly shifting. I did manage to guess one of the major twists early on, but it didn’t take away from the experience—in fact, watching how everything came together was just as satisfying. The pacing really shines, too,chapters are tight and fast moving, and the interspersed sections from the unknown witness add this eerie, almost unsettling edge that keeps you slightly off balance in the best way.

Courtroom dramas can sometimes drag, but that’s absolutely not the case here. The tension builds gradually and intentionally, pulling you deeper into both the legal battle and Leila’s personal unraveling. The characters feel fully realized, with complicated motivations and secrets that keep you questioning everyone’s version of the truth. It’s smart, it’s gripping, and it feels genuinely fresh in a genre that can sometimes feel formulaic.

Overall, this is a really impressive debut, it’s clever, engaging, and hard to put down. A solid 4.5 star read that proves courtroom thrillers can still surprise you.

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Thanks the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: May 5, 2026

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

“Pretty much the platonic-ideal beach read.” —Ada Calhoun, New York Times bestselling author of Crush

Hello Beautiful meets Miranda July in this sexy, darkly comedic literary novel set in San Diego about an obsessive love affair that ends in a murder

For Perdita Jungfrau, a social worker who thought she was going to be married to her husband forever, falling in love with her anarcho-Marxist roofer Nando is a crisis. Every possible obstacle is in their Nando is fifteen years younger and has a girlfriend. Perdita is pregnant and terrified to mess up her children. None of that hinders her from being drawn to this magnetic man who entrusts her with his deepest secret. 

Three years later, Perdita’s lover has been murdered. As her bewildered husband tries to make sense of the wildly unpredictable person his wife has become, Perdita has other things on her mind. For starters, who is the mysterious woman sitting outside her house in a parked car all day? How can she stop her adored baby brother from being pulled under by his opioid addiction? Can someone with a childhood like theirs ever be the mother her children deserve?

And most of all, what should she do with the searing memories of the affair, which turned her life upside down?

Review:

A Little Bit Bad by Cassandra Neyenesch is one of those novels that sets up a fascinating premise and then deliberately refuses to stay in a single lane. At its core, it follows Perdita Jungfrau, a married mother whose life unravels after an affair with her much younger, politically radical neighbor, Nando. Years later, his murder forces her into a present that feels just as unstable as her past, where grief, guilt, and lingering obsession collide with everyday pressures like parenting, marriage, and family crisis. The setup promises intensity, and it delivers that, but not always in a steady or cohesive way.

What stands out most is Perdita herself. She’s deeply flawed, often frustrating, and consistently makes questionable decisions, but she’s also compelling in a messy, human way. The sardonic, dark humor threaded through her perspective helps keep the story from sinking under its heavier themes, and there are moments where her voice really cuts through. At the same time, the pacing feels uneven, and the narrative tone shifts between domestic mundanity and heightened drama in a way that doesn’t always fully settle. It leans into a genre blending structure—part literary drama, part psychological unraveling, part domestic suspense—but it occasionally feels like it hasn’t quite decided what it wants to be.

Ultimately, this is a book that intrigues more than it fully satisfies. The emotional threads; motherhood, addiction, memory, and the long tail of an affair are all interesting in isolation, but they don’t always come together in a fully cohesive way. Still, there’s something oddly absorbing about it, especially if you don’t mind an unpolished narrative that mirrors its protagonist’s own instability. For me, it lands in that middle of the road space: ambitious, occasionally gripping, but ultimately uneven. A solid 3-star read.

Overall rating: 3/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: May 5, 2026

Publisher: Harper Perennial

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

From the #1 bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz comes a heartbreaking contemporary novel full of the author’s characteristic empathy and understanding of the human  a dying teenager with a final wish, a lonely young man on a journey towards connection, and the unexpected friendship they find together, this is an irresistible and unforgettable read for fans of Jojo Moyes, Jodi Picoult, and John Green.

Jesse is fifteen. She loves her friends, her little brother and her parents, even when they’re arguing, which feels constant these days. But most of all, she loves playing video games. Even from her hospital bed.

Alex is twenty-nine. He doesn’t love a lot of things and isn’t really sure he knows how to. A virtual reality games designer, his work desk is empty except for his computer, much like his life sometimes feels.

Then Jesse makes a wish. A simple a video experience made of her life, something to be there, just in case she isn’t.

One loving teenager.

One lonely adult.

Which one will get the happy ending?

Review:

The Wish by Heather Morris is a deeply emotional, quietly powerful story that leans into grief, love, and the fragile beauty of human connection. Centered around Jesse, a teenager battling cancer, and Alex, a withdrawn game designer tasked with bringing her final wish to life, the novel explores what it means to truly be seen, especially in life’s most devastating moments. Morris captures the intimacy of Jesse’s world with tenderness, balancing the heaviness of her circumstances with moments of warmth, humor, and unexpected light.

At times, the premise teeters on the edge of sentimentality, and there are moments where it feels like it could slip into something overly polished or predictable, but for the most part, it holds steady in its sincerity. The emotional weight lands, often quietly, building into something that feels heartfelt rather than manipulative. This is undeniably a sad, bittersweet read—one that lingers and asks you to sit with it. If you’re in the right mood for something poignant and reflective, The Wish delivers a moving story about courage, resilience, and the lasting imprint we leave on the people we love but it is super sad so be forewarned. 

Overall rating: 3.5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: May 5, 2026

Publisher: William Morrow

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

How far would you go to rescue your child? A mother races against the clock—and finds herself on the wrong side of the law—in a desperate fight to save her teenage daughter in this pulse-pounding thriller from the author of Reese’s Book Club Pick and New York Times bestseller Wrong Place Wrong Time.

There is nothing that Simone won’t do for her daughter, Lucy. The two have always been close, and with Lucy about to leave home for university, they depart the UK for a vacation to Texas to spend some quality time together. But when Simone awakens on their first morning in the desert, Lucy is gone, missing from their rental cabin. In her place is a cell phone, and a voice on the other line issues a shocking ransom demand. Don’t tell the police. Come to this location. And be prepared to do a deal…

Though Simone’s husband urges her to bring in the authorities for help, she knows she can’t take any chances. The kidnappers might kill Lucy if she tells anyone. No mother would take that risk. Instead, that night, she drives to the isolated meet-up.

What she finds there changes everything. The mysterious kidnapper doesn’t want money. They want Simone to do something. The unthinkable.

A catastrophic chain of events is set in motion, with chilling consequences that extend beyond Simone and her family. What follows is a heart-pounding journey through the small towns and punishing deserts of remote Texas, in which Simone’s courage—and morality—is pushed to the brink as she discovers what it truly means to be a mother.

Review:

Caller Unknown by Gillian McAllister is the kind of high stakes, emotionally charged thriller that pulls you in immediately and refuses to let go. From the very first chapter, the tension is relentless as Simone is thrust into every parent’s worst nightmare, her daughter missing, and she receives a chilling set of instructions that force her into impossible choices. The pacing keeps you on edge, constantly shifting direction in ways that make it nearly impossible to predict what’s coming next. It’s twisty, gripping, and deeply rooted in that central question: what would you do?

What really elevates this story is how character driven it is. This isn’t just about the race against time—it’s about Simone’s unraveling sense of morality as she’s pushed further and further beyond her limits. McAllister leans hard into the emotional stakes, exploring just how far a parent will go to protect their child, and it makes every decision feel weighty and personal. Even when the plot veers into far fetched territory, it’s easy to go along for the ride because the intensity and emotional core are so compelling. Honestly, when a thriller is this action packed, you kind of want it to go there.

There are a few moments in the middle where the pacing slows down, but even then, the story never lost my attention. Those quieter sections give space to process the moral dilemmas and deepen the character work, which ultimately makes the high intensity moments hit even harder. Tense, emotional, and full of unexpected turns, Caller Unknown is a gripping reminder that sometimes the most terrifying question isn’t what’s happening, but what you might be capable of when everything is on the line.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: May 5, 2026

Publisher: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers

Genre: YA Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

An investigation turns into an obsession when the younger sister of a slain pop starlet is determined to uncover her sister’s killer, no matter what it costs.

When superstar Blair Baker is murdered moments before her triumphant homecoming concert, her younger sister, Stevie, knows she has one chance to find out who’s responsible.

The thing is, Stevie’s been here before, desperately searching for clues that might reveal who hurt someone she loves…but Stevie was younger then, just a kid. This time, she won’t let the truth slip through her fingers.

What begins as a search for answers about Blair’s death turns into a dangerous journey through the darker side of global fame. Soon, Stevie begins to uncover dark secrets closer to home—secrets that someone wants desperately to keep hidden. Is Stevie ready to confront what the truth reveals?

Review:

Drop Dead Famous by Jennifer Pearson wastes absolutely no time pulling you in opening with the shocking onstage death of a global pop star and immediately setting the tone for a fast paced, high stakes mystery. From the very first chapter, the story moves with urgency, and it never really lets up. If you’re someone who gets frustrated with predictable YA thrillers, this one is a refreshing change. The twists land, the red herrings actually misdirect, and the reveals feel earned rather than obvious.

Stevie is such a strong lead, she’s tenacious, sharp, and completely unwilling to let things go (in the best way). She has that “dog with a bone” energy that makes her investigation compelling to follow, and her dynamic with Colby adds a layer of humor and warmth that balances the darker themes. Their friendship feels natural and gives the story some breathing room between the tension. And tension there is—this book leans into the messy, toxic side of fame, exploring how image, pressure, and secrets can spiral into something much darker.

There’s a clear A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder style vibe here, from the large cast of suspicious characters to the constant sense that literally no one can be trusted. At some point, you’ll side eye everyone, and that’s half the fun. With so many moving pieces, it becomes nearly impossible to confidently guess the outcome, which makes the final reveals all the more satisfying. Dramatic, twisty, and genuinely entertaining, this is a YA thriller that actually delivers on the mystery.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

April felt like the unofficial start of summer reading season for me — lighter reads, bingeable thrillers, and early dips into all the beachy, escapist vibes I love this time of year. I’ve been deep in planning mode for my summer reading guide, which means lots of romcoms, popcorn thrillers, and books that are just fun to fly through.

If you missed anything this month, here’s a quick catch up, plus what I’ve been reading, listening to, and loving lately.

ICYMI: April Highlights

April Book Recommendations

→ Read the full list here

Full April Reading Wrap Up

→ Read the full list here

My Quarter 1 favorites — the best of the best so far this year

→ Read the full list here

My picks for the 5 star book challenge

→ Read the full list here

 A full spring reading list to match the season

→ Read the full list here

A Few of My Favorite April Reads

Five Star Summer — Sarah Morgan

A perfect early summer read with strong friendship dynamics, emotional growth, and that signature Sarah Morgan warmth. This one balances heart and escapism really well, making it ideal for easing into summer reading mode.

→ Read the full review here

Mad Mabel — Sally Hepworth

Sharp, character driven, and quietly unsettling in the way Sally Hepworth does best. This dives into family dynamics, secrets, and perception versus reality, and kept me fully invested the entire time.

→ Read the full review here

The Anniversary — Alex Finlay

Fast paced, twisty, and incredibly bingeable. This is one of those thrillers that keeps you flipping pages with multiple threads unfolding and just enough misdirection to keep you guessing.

→ Read the full review here

Currently Reading / Listening / Watching

• Reading: Deep in summer reading guide prep, so I’ve been bouncing between summery romcoms and popcorn thrillers. Also currently reading Caller Unknown by Gillian McAllister and omg… it is TENSE. Total page turner energy and I cannot wait to see where it goes.

Listening (audiobook): Fever Dream by Elsie Silver narrated in live duet by Julia Goldani-Telles and Teddy Hamilton and wow this is a true epic listening experience.

• Listening (music): The Great Divide by Noah Kahan — and I cannot stop thinking about the take that “Folklore is for sad girls and Noah Kahan is for sad boys.” Not a boy, still deeply relate. Fully leaning into a sad girl summer moment.

What’s Next

Very much shifting fully into summer mode over here and I’m leaning all the way in.

Coming soon:

• my full summer reading guide (!!!)

• beach read recommendations + themed stacks

• “books to read on vacation” style recs

• more cozy mystery spotlights because I’m still in my era

And probably:

• a summer thrillers list (because I clearly cannot stop)

• quick hit carousel recs when I find a new favorite

• chaotic mood reader energy as always

⸻

Thank you for being here — whether you’re reading every post or just popping in when something catches your eye. I appreciate it more than you know 🤍

Release date: May 19, 2026

Publisher: Pamela Dorman

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

From the New York Times -bestselling author of Ghosted and The Love of My Life comes another love story wrapped in a an up-all-night thriller with a dark secret at its core

2010. Carrie and Johan, madly in love, marry on the beach in Thailand, five months into their whirlwind romance. Carrie, a British surgical intern, knows she’s being uncharacteristically impulsive but is too happy to care. But as the wedding festivities stretch into the night, armed men swarm the beach and arrest Johan for crimes unknown. In police custody, Johan refuses to see or speak to Carrie. She never sees him again.

2022. Carrie is settled in the English countryside with her husband, Robin, and their six-year-old twins. After a difficult entry into motherhood, Carrie has given up her career as a physician and has convinced herself that life as a mother and wife is enough. Until she stumbles across an online post that makes her realize Johan is out of prison—has been out for years. As the memories of their intense, passionate relationship return to her, she becomes obsessed with discovering the truth about what happened on that beach all those years ago—even if that means putting her marriage and family in jeopardy.

And just when Carrie thinks she knows what she must do, a shocking twist confirms the truth found in every Rosie Walsh Everyone has something to hide. The One Day You Were My Husband asks listeners what—and whom—they would give up to return to a first love, and to the people they once were.

Review:

Rosie Walsh delivers a truly original premise in The One Day You Were My Husband; a love story that lasts only hours before it fractures into a mystery that spans years. Carrie and Johan’s beach wedding in Thailand ends in unimaginable tragedy, and what follows is less about the event itself and more about the long shadow it casts. Told through a dual timeline, the story carefully unravels their past while grounding us in Carrie’s present day life, one she’s rebuilt, but never fully repaired.

What makes this stand out is how layered and emotionally complex it feels. This isn’t a high octane thriller; it leans more into slow burn suspense, where tension builds through secrets, shifting perspectives, and lingering questions. Walsh explores grief, memory, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive, all while threading in sharp twists that reframe everything you thought you understood. The reveals are measured but impactful, rewarding patience rather than rushing for shock value.

There’s also a strong sense of place that adds to the immersive experience, from the vivid beaches of Thailand to the quieter, more introspective settings in England and Sweden, it all contributes to a story that feels expansive yet intimate. With its morally gray questions, relationship dynamics, and plenty to unpack, this would make an excellent book club pick, the kind that sparks conversation long after the final page.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: April 28, 2026

Publisher: Brillance Audio

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Proby returns to Triple Creek Ranch with a sizzling romance between a brooding ex–Secret Service agent and the president’s daughter he’s sworn to protect.

Five years ago, Secret Service Agent Gideon James took a bullet to protect me.

It haunts me every single day.

As the president’s daughter, my life has never truly been my own. But when a traitor in my security detail tries to kidnap me, Mom sends me to Montana—to the one man who’s never failed to keep me safe.

These days, Gideon runs an elite security training facility on his family ranch. He’s not exactly thrilled to see me, and his family trusts me even less. But during our intense self-defense sessions, something electric ignites between us. Those steel-gray eyes see past my title to who I really am. For the first time, I’m discovering my own strength—and a desire I can’t deny.

Just as I’m falling hard, betrayal strikes again, threatening everything Gideon and I have built. Now I must choose between protecting my heart and fighting for the man who’s always protected me—and the only place I’ve ever truly belonged.

Review:

The audiobook for Safe Keeping by Kristen Proby was such a fun mix of romance and suspense, with a bodyguard trope that immediately pulls you in. The stakes are high from the start, and the tension never really lets up—between the danger surrounding Lena and the unresolved history between her and Gideon, there’s always something simmering. I loved watching Lena step into her strength throughout the story; she starts off already fierce, but her growth into someone even more confident and capable was so satisfying. And Gideon? Fully in his protective, slightly grumpy, completely down bad era and it works so well.

On audio, Avery Caris and Sean Masters absolutely deliver. They complement each other perfectly, bringing out the pining, the tension, and the emotional undercurrent of the story in a way that makes it hard to stop listening. The chemistry translates effortlessly, and the banter and flirtation feel natural and engaging. It’s fast paced, a little suspenseful, and very easy to binge—definitely a standout for anyone who loves romantic suspense with strong character dynamics and a solid emotional core.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher and MustLoveAudio for my review copy.