Goodreads

Release date: July 8, 2025

Publisher: Atria

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

From Christine Pride, the beloved coauthor of the Good Morning America Book Club Pick We Are Not Like Them, comes a dazzling solo debut novel about a woman who finds herself in the impossible situation of being in love with the same two men who won her heart in her early twenties again as she nears forty.

It’s 1999, TLC’s “No Scrubs” is topping the charts, y2k is looming on everyone’s mind, and Cora Belle has arrived at college ready to change her life. She’s determined to grow out of the shy, sheltered girl who attended an all-white prep in her all-white suburb. Cora is ready to conquer her fears and find her people, her place in the world, and herself.

What she’s totally unprepared for is Lincoln, with his dark skin, charming southern drawl, and that smile. Because how can you ever prepare yourself for the rollercoaster of first love with all its glorious, bewildering contradictions? Just when Cora thinks she’s got things figured out, a series of surprises and secrets threaten to upend everything she thought she understood about love and loyalty.

In the wake of these developments and a shocking tragedy, a new man enters Cora’s life—Aaron—further complicating everything. He’s the only one who seems to get her, and the letters she writes to him when the two are separated reveal the truth of their inescapable connection. There’s only one problem—how can she fall in love with one man when her heart belongs to another?

Twenty years later, and Cora is all grown up, or mostly, and has cloaked herself in loneliness like a warm blanket. It’s the safest choice. But then an unexpected reconnection and a chance encounter puts her right back where she started. The same two men, the same agonizing decision.

Finding herself in this position—again—will test everything Cora thought she knew about fate, love, and most importantly, herself. All The Men I’ve Loved Again is a big-hearted coming-of-age story for anyone who’s thought what if about a past love and what it would be like to have a second chance.

Review:

  

This one started off strong for me—I really enjoyed the nostalgic vibe and early 2000s setting in the first half. There was something charming about stepping back into that era through Cora’s perspective, and I was initially drawn into the setup of her reconnecting with past loves. The idea of exploring “what ifs” in a love triangle sounded original enough to pull me in, even though that trope isn’t usually my go to.

Unfortunately, the second half didn’t quite deliver on the promise of the premise. The story is marketed as a love triangle, but we spend so much time building the connection between Cora and Lincoln that the abrupt pivot to Aaron felt jarring and underdeveloped. It threw off the balance of the story, and for me, the emotional investment never quite recovered. Love triangles can be tricky, and while I appreciated the attempt to do something different here, it didn’t fully land.

Cora herself was also a tough character to connect with at times. She came off as pretty self centered, which made it harder to root for her or get fully immersed in her journey. That said, there were bright spots—Cora’s relationship with her dad was genuinely sweet and heartfelt, and her friendships with her girlfriends added some much needed warmth and depth. Those moments felt grounded and real.

Overall, this was a middle of the road read for me. I appreciated the unique concept and some of the emotional beats, but the story lost momentum halfway through and never quite found its footing again. If you’re drawn to nostalgic second chance stories with a side of emotional drama, it might be worth checking out, but go in knowing it’s a bit uneven.

Overall rating: 3/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: July 1, 2025

Publisher: Berkley

Genre: Contemporary Romance, NA

Synopsis:

The first book in the international bestselling Maxton Hall series—now an Amazon Prime streaming series—in English for the first time.

They come from different worlds, and yet they are meant for each other.

Money, glamour, luxury, power—Ruby Bell couldn’t be less interested in these things if she tried. After being awarded a scholarship to one of England’s most prestigious and expensive private schools, Maxton Hall, all she wants is to keep her head down, work hard, and get accepted to Oxford. She keeps her distance from everyone, especially the arrogant, rich, and extremely handsome James Beaufort, ringleader of the school’s party boys.

When Ruby discovers a scandalous secret about the Beauforts, she is suddenly on James’s radar. It only gets worse when James is forced to work with her to plan the school’s annual gala. Yet the more time they spend together, the more they realize they share much more than they thought.

Falling for James Beaufort was never part of her plan, yet Ruby can’t help but let her feelings sweep her away. But James must make a decision for will he choose what’s expected of him, or what he feels for her?

Review:

I’ve been curious about the Save Me series ever since I heard it was being adapted for TV, and as someone who always reads the book before watching the screen version, I dove in with high expectations. Right from the start, it gave me major Gossip Girl vibes, there’s prep school drama, juicy secrets, and rich kids behaving badly, and honestly, that nostalgic energy totally worked for me.

The writing is simple and direct, which may be partly due to the translation, but it made for a quick and easy page turner. This one is high on angst and tension, with that delicious enemies to lovers dynamic between Ruby and James. I really liked them both on their own, and their chemistry was undeniable. The opposites attract setup and forced proximity moments were exactly the kind of drama I was hoping for.

Is it a little juvenile in parts? Sure. But I’m also not exactly the target age group and that didn’t stop me from enjoying the ride. If you’re in the mood for a fun, drama filled escape that feels like a guilty pleasure, Save Me delivers. Just beware: it ends on a cliffhanger. Normally that would frustrate me, but in this case, it just made me desperate to pick up the next book.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: July 15, 2025

Publisher: Berkley Romance

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

A millionaire and a house cleaner are a match maid in heaven in this sparkling new romantic comedy by Lynn Painter, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Happily Never After.

As a professional cleaner, Abi Mariano never thought her apartment would have any sort of infestation, but because of a building-wide outbreak, she now needs somewhere to stay for a week. As a part-time student with two jobs, she doesn’t have many options. Then the solution presents itself: the owner of the penthouse she cleans is out of town for the week. She normally wouldn’t consider it, but he’s literally never around (she hasn’t even met him). It goes great…until one morning she finds two strangers in the kitchen. They’re the parents of the penthouse owner and they seem to think they’ve heard all about Abi—not as their son’s maid, but as his girlfriend.

Declan Powell has always put his career first, working his way up to become an executive at his company, but he still has his sights set on the next level. When his parents mention that they met his girlfriend, “Abby,” he all but chokes on his escargot. As wonderful as it sounds that she was just darling, he doesn’t actually have a girlfriend—he made her up to get everyone off his back. When Dex finds out who Abi really is, he makes her a proposition: pretend to date him, and he’ll provide everything she needs during their little arrangement. What harm would it do? It’s purely business, no pleasure…right?

Review:

Lynn Painter has done it again, Maid For Each Other is an utterly delightful rom com filled with sharp banter, laugh out loud moments, and a heroine you can’t help but root for. Abi is the kind of main character you instantly click with: relatable, sassy, and unfiltered in the best way. She’s working hard, cleaning houses to make ends meet, when she crosses paths with Declan, a rich, stoic workaholic who’s all buttoned up business… until Abi throws his world slightly off kilter.

Their opposites attract dynamic is charming from the start, and when fake dating enters the mix, the chemistry between them absolutely crackles. Abi isn’t afraid to call Declan out or push his buttons, which makes for some fantastic back and forth—and surprisingly tender moments, too. While the heat level stays on the low side, the romantic tension is strong enough to keep you grinning the whole way through.

This book gave me major Maid in Manhattan vibes in the best way, it’s heartfelt, funny, and just the right amount of fairy tale romance grounded in real emotional connection. It’s a feel good escape that balances humor and heart with Painter’s signature wit and charm. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, smart, and satisfying, this one absolutely delivers.

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: July 8, 2025

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

Nola Strate, a late night call-in radio host in Portland, Oregon, listens to stories of hauntings and cryptic sightings for a living. But one foggy, wet evening, when a caller describes an eerie scene that triggers memories of Nola’s escape from a serial killer years before, she becomes fearfully aware that he’s back to finish what he started.

Nola Strate is being watched, again.

After an encounter with a notorious serial killer in the Pacific Northwest as a child, Nola has grown up and tried her best to forget her traumatizing night with The Hiding Man. She installed security cameras outside her Oregon home, never spoke of her experience, and now hosts Night Watch, a popular radio call-in show her semi‑famous father used to run. When coincidences lead Nola to believe that she is being stalked, and a caller on Night Watch has a live incident with an intruder in the caller’s home—the description of whom is chillingly familiar—Nola is convinced that The Hiding Man has resurfaced and is coming for her.

With a mysterious next‑door neighbor lurking in the shadows, more people getting hurt, the police not taking her concerns seriously, and evidence pointing towards her own father, Nola decides to become, like her listeners, a Night Watcher herself, and uncover the monster behind The Hiding Man’s mask.

Review:

If you’re looking for a listen that will leave you checking your locks Night Watcher might be your next obsession. This was a chilling, emotionally charged thriller that had me completely hooked. From the very first chapter, there’s a creeping sense of dread that never lets up, and I found myself holding my breath more than once.

The story centers on Nola, a woman haunted by a terrifying event from her childhood. She’s tired of living in fear, and her inner strength really shines through as the story progresses. What made her especially compelling was how real she felt, flawed, anxious, but determined. I was rooting for her the whole way.

The audio version absolutely heightened the experience. Helen Laser’s narration was phenomenal as always and she nailed Nola’s vulnerability and quiet strength, and her delivery added a visceral layer to the fear simmering beneath the surface. It felt like I was living inside the story, which only made the tension that much harder to shake.

Woolsoncroft’s background as a true crime podcaster clearly shows, she understands the anatomy of fear and builds suspense in a way that feels unnervingly plausible. Fast paced, addictively eerie, and deeply unsettling, I flew through this in a single day, because once I hit play, I couldn’t stop.

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: June 24, 2025

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

Thirty-five year old Edie Pepper, a rosé loving, reality TV obsessed copywriter from Chicago, dreams of plucking her soulmate from the depths of Hinge (or Tinder or Bumble). Following yet another dumpster fire of a date, Edie is consoling herself with boxed wine and E! Newswhen Ryan Seacrest drops a bomb: Edie’s high school sweetheart has been cast as the lead in America’s most beloved reality dating show, The Key, and wow, does he look different. Charlie Bennett, Edie’s chubby cheeked, cosplay loving high school boyfriend has had a serious glow up, and is now a world traveling, extreme sports hunk.  

Desperate to reclaim her One True Love, Edie DMs the show’s conniving producers, who are more than happy to shove Edie headfirst into the competition. But Charlie isn’t quite who she remembers, and he’s as desperate to hide his past as Edie is to reveal it. Further complicating matters is Peter Kennedy, The Key‘s cranky showrunner, who, despite his best efforts, finds himself drawn to Edie’s everywoman charm. 

Navigating increasingly absurd dates, Edie starts to rethink everything she thought she knew about love. Is the biggest risk she’s ever taken about to culminate in disaster? Or is Edie about to secure the Happily Ever After she’s always wanted?  

Find out this season on The Key.

Review:

The setup is pure entertainment, but what sets this rom com apart is its sly commentary on dating culture, media manipulation, and the pressure women feel to “perform” for love. It’s a sharp, funny, and delightfully messy behind the scenes peek at the world of reality dating shows, and it’s an absolute treat on audio thanks to the incredible narration by Patti Murin.

The authors writing is sharp and full of wit and exactly my style. The humor is spot on and strikes a great balance between laugh out loud funny and emotionally grounded. Edie is such a relatable protagonist, she’s funny, self aware, and just trying to make sense of what she wants in a world that rewards spectacle over sincerity.

And then there’s the audio narration. Patti Murin is one of my all time favorite narrators, and she proves once again why she’s in a league of her own. Her animated, engaging delivery breathes even more life into Edie and the entire cast of characters. She captures the humor, heart, and occasional heartbreak so perfectly that you can’t help but hang on every word. This book was made for her voice.

If you’re a fan of The Bachelor, Love Island, or anything with a bit of romantic chaos and insider drama, Fan Favorite should be at the top of your TBR, especially on audio.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: June 24, 2025

Publisher: Atria

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

rom #1 New York Times bestseller Lisa Jewell, an author “at the very top of her game” (Lucy Foley)—three women are connected by one man in this kaleidoscopic thriller.

“Who are you? Who are you really?”

Nick Radcliffe is a man of substance and good taste. He has a smile that could melt the coldest heart and a knack for putting others at ease. He’s just what Nina Swann needed in her life after her husband’s unexpected death. But to Nina’s adult daughter, Ash, Nick seems too slick, too polished, too good to be true. Without telling her mother, Ash begins digging into Nick’s past. What she finds is more than unsettling…

“Because there are things that don’t make sense, and I’ve been so patient, so very patient…”

Martha is a florist living in a neighboring town with her infant daughter and her devoted husband Alistair. But lately, Alistair has been traveling more and more frequently for work, disappearing for days at a time. When Martha questions him about his frequent absences, he always has a legitimate explanation, but Martha can’t share the feeling that something isn’t right.

“You know that’s mad, don’t you? I’m your husband. We know everything there is to know about each other.”

Nina, Martha, and Ash are on a collision course with a shocking truth that is far darker than anyone could have imagined. And all three are about to wish they had heeded the same warning: Don’t let him in. But the past won’t stay buried forever.

Review:

From the jump, there’s a sense of unease that lingers over every chapter. You’re dropped into multiple perspectives, each one intriguing in its own right, and at first you might find yourself wondering how it’s all going to come together. But trust Jewell, she’s playing the long game. Slowly, methodically, she weaves the threads until the full picture starts to emerge. It’s incredibly satisfying to watch the layers unfold.

And let’s talk characters. There’s one in particular (no spoilers!) who you will absolutely love to hate(or maybe you’ll skip the “love” part and go straight to pure loathing) He’s the kind of vile, magnetic presence that keeps you glued to the page, just to see what he’ll do next.

While this one leans more into obsession and psychological control than some of her previous novels, fans of The Family Upstairs or Watching You will definitely feel at home here. The plot is complex without being confusing, and the payoff is worth the ride. It’s not the kind of book you casually read with half your attention, there are details, connections, and moving pieces that deserve to be followed closely.

Overall, Don’t Let Him In is tense, darkly entertaining, and just twisted enough to keep you flipping pages late into the night. If you enjoy thrillers that don’t hand you easy answers and aren’t afraid to dive into the messiness of human behavior, this one should be high on your list.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: June 24, 2025

Publisher: Putnam

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

The USA Today bestselling author of The Worst Best Man is back with a fun and flirty rom-com about a pact between friends that goes awry when one of them unexpectedly announces they’re getting married.

On the eve of their college graduation, best friends Javier Báez and Marisol Campos swore never to date someone the other doesn’t approve of. Now, ten years later, Javi has a problem. Mari, the woman he’s secretly pined for since sophomore year, is planning to marry—and Javi didn’t even get the chance to vet the Pedro Pascal knockoff.

Mari, a successful entertainment lawyer in Los Angeles, is no longer seeking Javi’s dating advice or waiting for him to declare his love for her. Instead, she’s made a different pact—with herself. And to succeed, she’ll need to build a future with someone else.

With his life and theater career finally on track, Javi’s ready to confess his feelings. Except Mari’s changed the script and moved on without him. Which means he has eight weeks to convince her this marriage is a flop. And if Javi has to ruffle some feathers to help Mari avert a disaster, well, he’s up for the challenge. After all, isn’t that what best friends are for?

Review:

This was a heartfelt, witty, and layered friends-to-lovers romance that nails the tricky balance between swoony slow burn and emotional depth. Told in a dual timeline, the story alternates between Mari’s present day wedding planning (to another man) and flashbacks to her college years when she first met Javi. This structure really works here, it lets readers witness the long standing bond between them while also slowly unpacking what went wrong and why they still can’t seem to let go.

Mari and Javi are both incredibly likable characters, with personalities that leap off the page. Their dynamic is effortless and real, with banter and vulnerability in equal measure, I def just wanted them to figure it out and be together already! 

The supporting characters are also a highlight. From quirky friends to well meaning family members, the cast adds both levity and depth without ever overshadowing the main couple.

While it’s not a fast paced romance, the slow burn absolutely pays off. The chemistry simmers, the emotional tension builds beautifully, and the payoff is satisfying and earned. If you’re a fan of friends to lovers stories with history, heartache, and second chances, this one will hit the spot.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: June 17, 2025

Publisher: Bantam

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

In this twisted psychological thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of the Reese’s Book Club Pick The Last Mrs. Parrish, a woman is tormented by nightmarish visions of her future—and then they start to come true.

Annabelle has everything she’s ever wanted. A devoted husband, two wonderful daughters, and a career she loves. She couldn’t be happier. So why is she suddenly plagued by disturbing dreams of a future where she hates her husband and her daughters’ lives are at risk? At first, she chalks the dreams up to an overactive imagination. But when details from her dreams, details she couldn’t possibly have predicted, begin to materialize, she realizes these aren’t just dreams but rather premonitions of a terrifying future. They all point to a singular choice, an unknown moment that holds Annabelle’s life in the balance.

Then Annabelle has a dream that her daughter, Scarlett, is in immediate danger. Someone wants Scarlett dead and Annabelle has no idea who or why. Suddenly, every choice she makes is fraught with peril, with no inkling of which move could bring this terrifying vision to life. As her present life starts to collide with the future in her dreams, she wrestles with how much control she really has over her destiny and whether or not she can change what is meant to be.

Review:

What happens when you see everything coming, but can’t stop watching anyway? 

This is a twisty psychological thriller told through multiple POVs and timelines, and while it didn’t totally blow me away, it still delivered a fast-paced, bingeable read.

The book thrives on its structure: the shifting perspectives, including one from a mysterious unknown figure, helped create tension and kept the pages turning. I also appreciated how the timeline jumps built suspense, slowly revealing layers of backstory while propelling the present-day narrative forward. It’s the kind of story you can fly through in a weekend without even realizing how much time has passed.

Where it faltered for me was in the execution of its twists. While plentiful, many of the reveals felt overly dramatic and more at home in a daytime soap than a grounded thriller. And unfortunately, most of the “shocks” were fairly easy to predict, so if you’re looking to be blindsided, this might not be it. That said, there’s still something undeniably fun about a thriller that leans into the melodrama.

You do need to suspend disbelief to fully enjoy it, but if you’re in the mood for a popcorn thriller this one fits the bill. Just don’t expect it to break any new ground.

Overall rating: 3.5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: June 17, 2015

Publisher: William Morrow

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

What if there were a cure for the broken-hearted?

Welcome to the Poppy Fields, where there’s hope for even the most battered hearts to heal.

Here, in a remote stretch of the California desert, lies an experimental and controversial treatment center that allows those suffering from the heartache of loss to sleep through their pain…and keep on sleeping. After patients awaken from this prolonged state of slumber, they will finally be healed. But only if they’re willing to accept the potential shadowy side effects.

On a journey to this mystical destination are four very different strangers and one little dog: Ava, a book illustrator; Ray, a fireman; Sasha, an occupational therapist; Sky, a free spirit; and a friendly pup named PJ. As they attempt to make their way from the Midwest all the way to the Poppy Fields—where they hope to find Ellis, its brilliant, enigmatic founder—each of their past secrets and mysterious motivations threaten to derail their voyage.

A high-concept speculative novel about heartache, hope, and human resilience, The Poppy Fields explores the path of grief and healing, a journey at once profoundly universal and unique to every person, posing the questions: How do we heal in the wake of great loss? And how far are we willing to go in order to be healed?

Review:

This is a stunning, thought provoking exploration of grief, healing, and the emotional cost of forgetting. The concept is instantly compelling: in this world, grief can be “slept off” in a place called the poppy fields, a dreamlike landscape where mourners go to rest and, ideally, heal. But there’s a catch. Some people wake up having lost not just their pain, but their emotional connection to the person they’ve lost. The question the book quietly, but powerfully asks is; what is the price of peace, and is it worth it?

This would make an incredible book club pick. Every character feels vivid and distinct, with layered backstories and rich emotional arcs that invite conversation. Erlick handles heavy themes (grief, love, memory, and identity) with remarkable care, and there are some beautifully crafted twists that add depth without ever feeling manipulative.

While the story revolves around loss, it’s not a bleak book, it’s deeply human, and ultimately hopeful. It speaks to the universality of mourning and asks what it really means to move on. If you’ve ever struggled with grief, or simply want a novel that will move and challenge you, this one was fantastic. 

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: June 10, 2025

Publisher: William Morrow

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Kind Worth Killing and Eight Perfect Murders comes an inventive, utterly propulsive murder-mystery in reverse, tracing a marriage back in time to uncover the dark secret at its heart.

Thom and Wendy Graves have been married for over twenty-five years. They live in a beautiful Victorian on the north shore of Massachusetts. Wendy is a published poet and Thom teaches English literature at a nearby university. Their son, Jason, is all grown up. All is well…except that Wendy wants to murder her husband.

What happens next has everything to do with what happened before. The story of Wendy and Thom’s marriage is told in reverse, moving backward through time to witness key moments from the couple’s lives—their fiftieth birthday party, buying their home, Jason’s birth, the mysterious death of a work colleague—all painting a portrait of a marriage defined by a single terrible act they plotted together many years ago.

Eventually we learn the details of what Thom and Wendy did in their early twenties, a secret that has kept them bound together through the length of their marriage. But its power over them is fraying, and each of them begins to wonder if they would be better off making sure their spouse carries their secrets to the grave.

Review:

When I first heard this book was being described as a “marriage gone wrong” story told in reverse, I was immediately intrigued. I always appreciate when an author takes a risk and tries something different, especially in the thriller genre, where fresh structure and pacing can breathe new life into familiar tropes. Unfortunately, this particular narrative structure didn’t work for me.

The reverse chronology had potential, and I was initially invested, thinking each chapter would layer in key clues about how Thom and Wendy’s marriage unraveled. And while there were moments that gave glimpses into the deterioration of their relationship, these were too few and far between. Much of the novel felt repetitive and slow, with chapters that didn’t build enough tension or momentum to sustain my interest.

Adding to that, both Thom and Wendy were difficult characters to connect with. Their lack of likability made it even harder to care about the early days of their romance or understand the emotional weight behind their eventual downfall. When characters are unlikable and the pacing is off, it’s hard to stay engaged.

I had high hopes that the final chapter would deliver a twist or payoff that would tie everything together and give the story the impact it needed. Sadly, the ending felt underwhelming and didn’t bring the clarity or punch I was looking for. In the end I was just disappointed.

Overall rating: 2/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.