Goodreads

Release date: May 19, 2026 (reissue)

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

He’s a tattooed shirtless bad boy. My best friend’s brother. And the jerk on the other side of my bed.

I didn’t know bridesmaid was code for babysitter for the bride’s brother , but if that’s what my best friend needs of me for her dream wedding to go off without a hitch, that’s what I’ll do.

Even if Theo Monroe has been a pain in my rear since third grade.

Even if he should be responsible enough to not wreak havoc at his sister’s destination wedding.

Even if it means we have to share a hotel room in Hawaii, which might be the final duty that breaks me.

Not only does Theo know exactly how to push my buttons, but he never wears clothes, he’s hiding a litter of kittens in his room, and he keeps showing up with fresh-baked cookies that seemingly come from nowhere.

Also?

I have no idea what’s up with the tension between him and the groom.

Or why he’s so proud of the world’s strangest wedding gift.

Or why I suddenly want to know what makes him tick. The story behind his tattoos. How he can afford to rent a convertible in Hawaii. And if maybe all of that utter frustration and irritation I’ve felt for him for years is suppressed attraction that a good girl like me isn’t supposed to feel for the biggest bad boy of Snaggletooth Creek.

But I do know one thing.

When I find out his biggest secret and the answer to all of my questions, it will change everything .

The Worst Wedding Date is a frolicking good time of a destination wedding enemies-to-lovers romcom, complete with a good girl bridesmaid, her best friend’s troublemaking but secretly big-hearted brother, and more than one hitch on the way to happily ever after. It stands alone, has no cheating, and comes complete with ooey gooey goodness.

Review:

The Worst Wedding Date by Pippa Grant is exactly the kind of lighthearted destination romance that works perfectly as a summer escape read. Set against a dreamy Hawaiian wedding backdrop, this enemies to lovers romcom leans fully into the chaotic, quirky fun that makes beach reads so addictive. Between forced proximity, shared hotel rooms, kittens, cookies, and nonstop banter, Theo and Laney were genuinely entertaining together from the start. I especially loved how their relationship pushed both of them outside their comfort zones in different ways — Laney slowly learning to loosen up and embrace spontaneity while Theo confronted deeper insecurities about his own worth beneath the “tattooed bad boy” exterior.

One thing I appreciated was that the story attempted to balance its humor and romcom antics with a more emotional layer involving Theo’s secret. While I absolutely understand what the author was going for emotionally, I’ll admit my immature side occasionally giggled because the reveal itself felt a little over the top and unintentionally silly at times. Still, it added intrigue throughout the story and gave the romance more emotional weight beyond the tropical vacation vibes and comedic chaos. The cat subplot was also ridiculously cute and honestly one of my favorite recurring details in the book.

At times the story felt a bit longer and more drawn out than necessary, especially in the middle, but overall this was still a sweet, quirky, feel good romance that delivers exactly the kind of breezy escapism many readers look for during summer reading season. If you love destination wedding romances, opposites attract dynamics, playful humor, and emotionally guarded characters helping each other heal and grow, this is definitely worth tossing into your beach bag. Overall, this was a solid 3.5 star read for me, it’s fun, charming, and easy to recommend if you’re in the mood for something cute and summery.

Overall rating: 3.5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: June 2, 2026

Publisher: Little Brown

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Suspense

Synopsis:

Stepford Wives meets Big Little Lies in this twisty thriller that uncovers the untruths, petty grievances, and local school politics underneath a seemingly quaint small town.

Hamilton, Massachusetts is one of those suburban towns that appears untouched by the outside world where stay-at-home moms wear 2ct diamond studs to the playground, where a million-dollar property is “affordable,” and where the Parent Teacher Organization is a hotbed of controversy. Sure, some people struggle to make ends meet, but residents would say discussing such ugly matters is impolite. Hamilton has been like this forever, and everyone likes it that way. almost everyone.

It’s not that Anna Plummer doesn’t like Hamilton, but she never thought she’d be married with two young kids, comfortable, complacent…and growing more bored by the minute. So, when she realizes her second grader won’t be able to attend the “Ziti with Your Sweetie” school dance because she didn’t pay for a “Premium” membership, she snaps. She sends an email to the terrifying president of the PTO—and all hell breaks loose.

One year later, Anna is found dead in the frozen Ipswich River. Left to pick up the pieces, her husband, Denny, is shaken to his core. He’s no expert, but he’s seen enough Dateline to know that the police think he’s the main suspect. If they aren’t going to get justice for Anna, he will. Told through the alternating perspectives of Anna and Denny exactly one year apart, and with a shocking concluding twist, Valley of the Moms is a gripping look at the underpinnings of grief, the social structures of wealth, and the secrets people keep—even among friends and loved ones.

Review:

Valley of the Moms ended up being much quieter and more emotionally layered than I expected in the best way. While it’s being pitched with flashy thriller comparisons, this feels far more like a simmering domestic suspense story centered on grief, wealth, social politics, and the quiet unraveling of a marriage and community. The dual timelines worked especially well for me: Anna’s chapters slowly build this creeping sense of dread as her frustrations with Hamilton’s performative perfection and vicious PTO culture escalate, while Denny’s sections after her death are steeped in grief, confusion, and loneliness. There’s a heaviness to his perspective that gives the story far more emotional depth than a typical suburban mystery.

What I appreciated most was how subtle the suspense was. This isn’t a fast paced, twist every ten pages kind of thriller, and I think readers expecting that may come away disappointed. But I never really viewed it as that type of book going in. Instead, the tension comes from anticipation; watching Anna spiral further into this wealthy, image obsessed community while knowing from page one that tragedy is coming. Hannah Selinger captures the ugliness beneath polished suburban motherhood so well, and “rich mean moms behaving badly” will forever be a trope I eat up. The social dynamics, passive aggression, and school politics felt painfully believable.

Even though the ending didn’t fully land for me emotionally, I still really enjoyed the ride getting there. Some of the twists genuinely surprised me because they weren’t overly dramatic or telegraphed in an obvious way. Overall, this is less of a traditional thriller and more of an atmospheric, emotionally driven domestic suspense novel with sharp commentary about privilege, appearances, and the stories people tell themselves to survive.

Overall rating: 3.75/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: May 19, 2026

Publisher: Berkley

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

A tantalizing novel about a struggling chocolatier who is granted a magical vision of the future of her dreams, only to realize that her heart may desire something else entirely, from the bestselling author of The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie.

Paris trained chocolatier and single mother Emmie Wynne gave up her own dreams six years ago when she returned to her Pacific Northwest coastal tourist town to run her family’s struggling candy store. Now on her thirty-fourth birthday, Emmie has only one wish, to be granted the vision that every Wynne woman is given once in her lifetime—a shimmering glimpse of her true destiny. This year, when she blows out her candles, it finally comes true.

Her vision is more delectable than she could’ve imagined—her very own artisanal chocolate shop filled with decadent truffles and caramels, and her celebrity crush, Henry Summers, down on one knee. And when Henry suddenly arrives in town for the summer, offering Emmie the opportunity of a lifetime, the future in her vision suddenly seems possible.

But a rekindled connection with Jakob, her former high school best friend turned hunky, brooding tattooed baker, forces Emmie to grapple with the bittersweet realization that her destiny may not be what her heart truly longs for. As the culmination of her vision draws nearer, can Emmie find the courage to create a happiness of her own making?

Review:

Rachel Linden really has such a gift for writing stories that feel warm, whimsical, and comforting while still carrying emotional depth, and A Sprinkle of Sweet Serendipity was another delightful escape. Set against the dreamy backdrop of a Pacific Northwest coastal town, this story blends magical realism, family bonds, romance, and mouthwatering foodie details into something that feels equal parts cozy and enchanting. I absolutely loved the magical vision element and how it pushed Emmie to question whether the life she thought she wanted was truly the one that would make her happiest. The whimsical touches never overwhelmed the emotional core of the story, and that balance worked so well for me.

One of my favorite parts was simply immersing myself in Emmie’s world. Rachel Linden describes food in such a vivid, sensory way that I could practically taste every chocolate truffle and fudge creation along the way. The candy shop atmosphere and small town charm made this feel incredibly cozy, and the strong sense of community added so much heart to the story. I especially adored Emmie’s relationship with her son Gus, who brought so much sweetness and warmth to the book, and the bond between Emmie and her mother was equally tender and meaningful.

Beyond the romance and magical elements, this was ultimately a story about choosing your own happiness and rediscovering the dreams that truly matter. Between the charming coastal setting, lovable characters, whimsical magic, and delicious foodie vibes, this felt like the perfect comforting escape. If you love magical realism mixed with romance, family, and small town charm, this one is such a fun and heartfelt read.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: May 19, 2026

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

From the author of The Bright Years, the story of April and Leo, a couple on the brink of collapse. When their house goes up in flames, family secrets and thorny histories emerge as they are forced to decide what is worth salvaging.

When April and Leo’s house burns in the middle of the night, they escape with their two young children and the quiet knowledge that the fire is not the only thing threatening their family. They retreat to April’s childhood home in Dallas, where her spirited parents and siblings provide both comfort and complication.

As the family reckons with the aftermath—grief, guilt, logistics, and memories scorched and intact—the fire exposes the cracks already forming in April and Leo’s marriage. The novel unfolds in alternating perspectives: from April, who feels the crushing weight of motherhood, marriage, and self-blame; from Leo, a high school history teacher shaped by a lonely, fractured childhood; from Deb, April’s generous and no-nonsense mother who has to contend with her husband’s recent Alzheimer’s diagnosis; and from flashbacks that trace April and Leo’s relationship from its earliest days of connection to the devastating decisions that led them here.

A family saga suffused with humor, longing, and heartbreak, The Burning Side is about what we inherit and what we choose, about forgiveness and the ache of being known. It is, above all, about the meaning of home and the costs of long love.

Review:

Sarah Damoff’s The Burning Side is the kind of family drama that slowly works its way under your skin, building an emotional portrait of love, marriage, parenthood, and grief that feels deeply authentic from beginning to end. After loving The Bright Years, I went into this one with incredibly high expectations, and it absolutely lived up to them. Damoff has such a talent for rich, layered storytelling that captures both the tenderness and strain within families, exploring how people can love each other fiercely while still struggling to truly understand one another. This is a heavily character driven novel, the kind that prioritizes emotional depth and relationship dynamics over fast moving plot, and it completely pulled me in.

The aftermath of the house fire becomes less about the physical loss and more about everything simmering beneath the surface of April and Leo’s marriage and family life. Through alternating perspectives and glimpses into the past, the novel carefully unpacks resentment, guilt, exhaustion, longing, and the complicated realities of long term relationships. I especially appreciated how nuanced every character felt — no one is simplified into being fully right or wrong, which made the emotional conflicts feel all the more real. Deb’s storyline involving her husband’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis added another layer of heartbreak and reflection about aging, memory, and the shifting roles within a family.

Despite the heavier themes, The Burning Side never feels emotionally bleak for the sake of it. There’s warmth, humor, tenderness, and genuine love woven throughout the story, balancing the sadness beautifully. It’s ultimately a novel about what remains after loss, what we inherit from the people closest to us, and the ways families continue trying to rebuild even after damage has already been done. This feels like the perfect book club read because there is truly so much to unpack and discuss, especially for middle aged readers and parents, though honestly anyone could find pieces of themselves somewhere within these relationships and experiences.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: May 19, 2026

Publisher: St. Martins Press

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Narrator: Patti Murin

Synopsis:

After a whole lifetime of being bad at love, JoJo Burton decides to solve her intimacy issues once and for all at her sister’s destination wedding on a cruise ship. With the help of a little pop psychology, she diagnoses herself with a fixation on the neighborhood guy who was her her first crush and first kiss (and who just happens to be a newly-divorced wedding guest ), and she decides to woo him during the cruise for some long-delayed closure. Only problem is, her sister’s a little busy being a bride at the moment—so JoJo ropes in her childhood bestie, Cooper Watts, to be her wing man. Cooper: who RSVPed no, but then showed up, anyway. Cooper: who left town without a word four years earlier and moved to London. Cooper: who was, if she’s honest, the worst heartbreak of JoJo’s life. It’s bliss for her to see him again, and it’s agony, too—and the more they team up for Project Conquest, the more she obsesses over questions she can’t bring herself to ask.

Shipboard antics ensue in this witty, heart-tugging, childhood-friends-to-lovers romance—as JoJo and Cooper fake flirt, slow dance, share a cabin, sing duets, treat sunburns, get jealous, rescue each other over and over, and finally, at last, figure it all out in the most blissful, swoony, romantic way.

No one does summer romance quite like Katherine Center. THE SHIPPERS will take readers on the cruise of a lifetime in a story awash with romantic longing, top-notch banter, long-held secrets . . . and true love rediscovered.

Review:

Katherine Center really does write books that feel like bottled sunshine, and The Shippers was exactly the kind of charming, funny, summery escape I wanted on audio. The cruise ship setting gave the entire story such a light, vacation like energy, and while the premise is definitely a little silly in the best rom com way, it completely works because of the warmth and heart underneath it all. From fake flirting and slow dancing to shared cabins and years of unresolved feelings, this is the kind of friends to lovers romance that leans fully into swoony comfort while still delivering emotional payoff.

The true standout of the audiobook, though, is Patti Murin’s narration. She is insanely talented, and listening to her perform this story genuinely feels like being treated to something special. Her delivery is so animated, expressive, and full of personality that every scene feels elevated. She nails the humor, the awkwardness, the longing, and all the little emotional moments that make Katherine Center’s stories shine. Even when JoJo occasionally tested my patience early on, Patti’s performance kept me fully invested, and thankfully JoJo really grew on me by the end. Her character arc felt authentic, and watching her slowly work through her insecurities made the romance even sweeter.

And Cooper? Absolute dream hero material. Soft, supportive, patient, and quietly romantic in a way that made him impossible not to adore. He’s such a cinnamon roll of a hero, and the chemistry between him and JoJo felt effortless once the story settled into their dynamic again. The Shippers is cute, heartfelt, funny, and incredibly easy to binge—basically the perfect audiobook to throw on when you want something comforting, summery, and full of romantic tension with a satisfying emotional core.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

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.