Goodreads

Release date: June 18, 2024

Publisher: Atria

Genre: Thriller, Horror

Synopsis:

Get Out meets Parasite in this eerily haunting debut and Reddit hit—soon to be a Netflix original movie starring Blake Lively—about two homeowners whose lives are turned upside down when the house’s previous residents unexpectedly visit.

As a young, queer couple who flip houses, Charlie and Eve can’t believe the killer deal they’ve just gotten on an old house in a picturesque neighborhood. As they’re working in the house one day, there’s a knock on the door. A man stands there with his family, claiming to have lived there years before and asking if it would be alright if he showed his kids around. People pleaser to a fault, Eve lets them in.

As soon as the strangers enter their home, uncanny and inexplicable things start happening, including the family’s youngest child going missing and a ghostly presence materializing in the basement. Even more weird, the family can’t seem to take the hint that their visit should be over. And when Charlie suddenly vanishes, Eve slowly loses her grip on reality. Something is terribly wrong with the house and with the visiting family—or is Eve just imagining things?

Review:

This book is a total mindfuck, I really had no idea what was happening or where it was going the whole time but I kind of loved that aspect honestly. It kept me on my toes for sure! I think just knowing the setup is really all that’s important, a young couple answers their door to a family saying they used to live in the house, can they come inside for a few minutes? Things spiral from there in unexpected and unsettling directions, this was truly creepy with so many of my own personal fears being unlocked but somehow I still could not put it down. It’s fast paced, almost furiously so and combined with a mounting sense of dread and total uneasiness, it was pretty damn good in a what the fuck is going on kind of way. My rating would have been even higher but there were quite of few questions left unanswered and an ambiguous ending, but maybe I’m just stupid. Anyway, this was original and truly scary and I can’t wait to see the Netflix movie version.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: June 11, 2024

Publisher: William Morrow

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

As the child of a Hooters waitress and an ex-pro wrestler, Margo Millet’s always known she’d have to make it on her own. So she enrolls at her local junior college, even though she can’t imagine how she’ll ever make a living. She’s still figuring things out and never planned to have an affair with her English professor—and while the affair is brief, it isn’t brief enough to keep her from getting pregnant. Despite everyone’s advice, she decides to keep the baby, mostly out of naiveté and a yearning for something bigger.

Now, at twenty, Margo is alone with an infant, unemployed, and on the verge of eviction. She needs a cash infusion—fast. When her estranged father, Jinx, shows up on her doorstep and asks to move in with her, she agrees in exchange for help with childcare. Then Margo begins to form a plan: she’ll start an OnlyFans as an experiment, and soon finds herself adapting some of Jinx’s advice from the world of wrestling. Like how to craft a compelling character and make your audience fall in love with you. Before she knows it, she’s turned it into a runaway success. Could this be the answer to all of Margo’s problems, or does internet fame come with too high a price?

Blisteringly funny and filled with sharp insight, Margo’s Got Money Troubles is a tender tale starring an endearing young heroine who’s struggling to wrest money and power from a world that has little interest in giving it to her. It’s a playful and honest examination of the art of storytelling and controlling your own narrative, and an empowering portrait of coming into your own, both online and off.

Review:

Wow this one was unique and a totally unexpected win for me. I really didn’t have expectations going into this, I’ve never read the author before and I didn’t reread the synopsis before starting and I’m glad I didn’t honestly. I loved how quirky and fresh it was and I adored the authors writing style. There was such a great balance between Margo’s struggles as a new mom and some seriously great humor that was dark at times. Besides being a young and totally unprepared new mom Margo also had some of the most complicated and wacky relationships with basically everyone in her life. At its heart the plot is simple but somehow the author managed to infuse a world of depth and heart into the story. Margo was one of the best characters I’ve had the pleasure of reading about lately, I couldn’t help but root for her despite her sometimes beguiling naïveté, she just got to my heart. If you’re looking for something different and effortless this was excellent and will most certainly be one of my favorite reads this year.

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: June 11, 2024

Publisher: Park Row

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

A dream vacation turns deadly when secrets from the past catch up to a married couple in Paris in this new edge-of-your-seat thriller from USA Today bestselling author, Kimberly Belle.

When Stella met Adam, she thought she had finally found a nice, normal guy—a welcome change from her previous boyfriend and her precarious jetsetter lifestyle with him. But her secure world comes crashing down when Adam goes missing after an explosion in the city square. Unable to reach him, she panics.

As the French police investigate, it’s revealed that Adam was on their radar as a dealer of rare and stolen antiquities with a long roster of criminal clients. Reeling from this news, Stella is determined not to leave Paris until she has the full story. Was Adam a random victim or the target of the explosion? And why is someone following her through the streets of Paris?

An irresistible, fast-paced read set in some of Europe’s most inviting locales, The Paris Widowexplores how sinister secrets of the past stay with us—no matter how far we travel.

Review:

If you’re building your summer TBR this would be a fantastic addition! It’s fast paced and begs to be read in one sitting, it’s addictive and has some high stakes for the characters and its set in Paris, so if you can’t make the trip there for your own vacation you can at least see the sights from the pages of this one. The author does domestic suspense really well and I enjoyed her vacation spin this time around. The idea of a dream trip turned nightmare was fascinating and I felt for Stella as she tried to navigate the mess her husband created on foreign soil which added another layer of tension and anxiety. Not all of the surprises were true surprise for me but this was still really fun and enjoyable for me.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

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Release date: June 11, 2024

Publisher: Berkley

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

After the Jacobson siblings win a life-changing fortune in the lottery, they assume their messy lives will transform into sleek, storybook perfection—but they couldn’t be more wrong in the new laugh-out-loud novel from beloved author Elyssa Friedland.

The four Jacobson children were raised to respect the value of a dollar. Their mother reused tea bags and refused to pay retail; their father taught them to budget before he taught them to ride a bike. And yet, as adults, their financial lives—as well as their personal lives—are in complete disarray.

The siblings reunite when their newly widowed father puts their Jersey Shore home on the market. Packing up their childhood isn’t easy, especially when they’ve all got drama brewing back home. Matthew is miserable at his corporate law job and wishes he had more time with his son; Laura’s marriage is imploding in spectacular fashion; Sophie’s art career is stalled while her boyfriend’s is on the rise; and Noah’s total failure to launch has him doing tech repair for pennies.

So when Noah sees an ad for a Powerball drawing, he and his sisters go in on a ticket. Matthew passes but the ticket is a winner and all hell breaks loose as the infusion of cash causes sibling rivalries and family secrets to resurface. Without their mother, and with their father busy playing pickleball in a Florida retirement village, the once close-knit siblings search for comfort in shiny new toys instead of each other.

It’s not long before the Jacobson’s start to realize that they’ll never feel rich unless they can pull their family back together.

Review:

I really enjoy the authors style of writing books about messy families, she explores that dynamic in a really authentic and charming way that always works for me. I think we’ve all daydreamed about what we would do if we won the lottery and that’s the reality for the Jacobson family and the premise here. As exciting and life changing as it is for this family, it also opens up a host of issues and exposes some problems they weren’t ready to face. They’re all still reeling from the loss of their beloved mother and trying to navigate life without their matriarch and grief was discussed in such a relatable way. I enjoyed all four of the siblings and sometimes shook my head at some of their struggles and others were very universal. Their father, Leo was such a character and he was one of my favorites. This is such a perfect summer read, especially if you enjoy reading about other people’s problems and dramas in an endearing and entertaining way.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

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Release date: June 11, 2024

Publisher: Avon

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

Secrets are revealed and forbidden sparks ignited in this sizzling Sunrise Cove tale of enemies to lovers, redemption, missing treasures, and love—by romance superstar and New York Timesbestselling author Jill Shalvis.

Anna Moore didn’t just wake up one day and decide to go on a wild quest — especially since her life no longer lends itself to wild anything — so how in the world does she end up racing against the clock with Owen Harris, a sexy, enigmatic adventurist, to prove her beloved dad innocent of stealing a million-dollar necklace? 

It’s all Wendy’s fault. Her older, bossy sister, who’s seven months pregnant and on bed rest in their small Lake Tahoe hometown, is desperate to clear their dad’s name. Owen though is convinced he’s guilty as hell and wants to return the jewelry back to its rightful owner—his elderly great aunt. Together they go on a scavenger hunt for clues to the past (with Wendy remotely along for the ride via an ear bud, supplying a running wry commentary to boot).  

On opposing sides and suspicious of each other as they are, Anna and Owen still can’t deny the inexplicable and explosive chemistry between them on this heart-stopping adventure, the outcome of which will prove the necklace isn’t the only thing stolen — their hearts have been as well.

Review:

This one reminded me exactly why I adore Jill Shalvis. I can always count on her to write a heartwarming story that will make me laugh, make me swoon and make me want to befriend her characters. Besides those must haves this one also had a dash of mystery which is something new and it was such a fun addition. Anna and Owen have an immediate connection but their push and pull relationship kept me wanting more and the author delivered the perfect amount of angst to keep me invested. Anna’s sister, Wendy and her husband, Hayden are serious goals. Their relationship was adorable and Wendy and Anna’s sisterly bond was so sweet. Some of my favorite scenes were when Wendy was on the phone eavesdropping since she was on bed rest, too funny! No one does witty dialogue better than JS and not only did Anna and Owen have great banter, the sisters did as well. If you like cozy romances with a side of spice, all the good vibes and humor and a beautiful setting this was excellent.

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

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Release date: June 4, 2024

Publisher: Berkley

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

A woman inherits a beach house, along with a series of weekend guests, while butting heads with the irritable (and irritatingly handsome) man next door, in this sparkling new escape from Jane L. Rosen.

When a Zoom disaster upends Addison Irwin’s decade-long career at a posh Manhattan advertising agency, things look bleak for the thirty-something mid-western transplant. But an unexpected inheritance from an aunt she barely remembers—a property on Fire Island, complete with guest house and artist’s studio—changes everything.

While debating whether to stay or sell, Addison learns that she’s also inherited her aunt’s list of eclectic guests, tying her to the island for seven summer weekends. Eager to convince Addison to keep the house rather than let a new buyer build a monstrosity in its place, the neighbors welcome her to their laid-back community. Well, all except the moody guy next door, who seems intent on glowering his way through life.

Steadfast in her path since college, Addison is determined not to let this detour on Fire Island throw her off track. But soon, between the revolving door of weekend visitors and the up-and-down relationship with her neighbor (and his adorable dog), she finds herself in unfamiliar territory. Should she try to pick up where she left off—or embrace entirely new possibilities?

Review:

If you’ve read the authors previous release, On Fire Island you will recognize some of the characters here which was a pleasant surprise for me! Though connected you can still read this one on its own too though just fyi. I loved the setup with each section of this following Addison over seven summer weeks as a lively and colorful cast of characters rents out the guesthouse her aunt left her in her will. The estrangement added a level of depth and complexity to the otherwise fluffy beach read and opened up a bunch of emotional issues for Addison. The characters, both and main and secondary were all such a delight and charmed me almost as much as the setting did. This is ideal summertime reading, it has basically everything you would want in a seasonal read, there’s romance, drama, laughs and a dreamy setting.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: June 4, 2024

Publisher: Lake Union

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

The murder of Elise Rockwood’s sister shattered her family. Their mother’s anxiety kept her housebound. Elise’s paranoid brother, Kyle, saw conspiracies everywhere. Elise numbed her grief in an aimless lifestyle that left her emotionally broken. All of them victims. A local boy eventually confessed, but the damage was already done.

Years later, Elise is reinventing herself. She’s bought a mountain lodge to be close to home again and to find stability. Not even an email from her ex tempts her into revisiting the past. But Kyle won’t let it go. He still believes there’s more to their sister’s murder—and the confession—than meets the eye. When Elise’s ex is found dead in the same forest where her sister went missing decades before, Elise is finally willing to listen.

The traumas of the past are reemerging. So is the truth. Elise’s greatest fear now is who will survive it.

Review:

I’ve really enjoyed several of the authors books but this one just didn’t work for me. I was disappointed because I had high hopes but I had too many issues with it. The premise had potential but the execution was lacking, the pacing was very slow and the payoff wasn’t there for me in the end. I failed to connect with any of the characters, I didn’t feel like they were well developed and in turn I just didn’t care what was happening. Then there were still some unanswered questions at the end and I hate when things are unresolved. Overall a flop for me.

Overall rating: 2.5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

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Release date: May 28, 2024

Publisher: Lake Union

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

For three sisters, this Memorial Day weekend is a much-anticipated reunion—and a sizzling escape—where secrets, lovers, and betrayals collide in a small coastal town.

It’s Memorial Day weekend, the annual kickoff to summer for the Lancaster sisters. But the festivities take a deep dive when a mysterious boating accident occurs off their seaside town, sparking questions about how well the sisters know their neighbors—and each other.

Kate, whip smart and rich, lives a charmed life—if only her lawyer husband wasn’t always disappearing for his next big case. Older sister Shelby, when not selling houses, is falling hard for an on-again, off-again lover. He’s perfect for Shelby in many ways, and so wrong in others. And Bree, the youngest, is reeling from a recent breakup and in desperate need of her sisters. They’ve always been there for each other, but as secrets arise and gossip spreads like wildfire, the idyllic weekend takes a dramatic tailspin. Will this summer’s troubles change their bond before their sisterhood is righted again?

Review:

Looking at this you already know it’s a perfect summer read but I have to say, it would be absolutely ideal to bring on your summer vacation. It’s light and gossipy, plenty of drama and intrigue and has a pretty summer setting that makes you feel like you’re already on vacation anyway. This is a family drama that follows three sisters who are all at pivotal moments in their lives. I love a story about sisters and Kate, Bree and Shelby were entertaining and relatable at times. Besides an interesting family dynamic there is also a mystery sub plot that was a pleasant surprise. If you want an escapist read with all the summertime vibes this was really enjoyable.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

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Release date: June 18, 2024

Publisher: Bantam

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

Daphne and Amber Parrish are thrust back into each other’s lives upon the resurgence of a long-forgotten threat, forcing a vicious game of cat and mouse where everything is on the line, in this thrilling sequel to the million-copy-bestselling Reese’s Book Club pick The Last Mrs. Parrish.

Amber Patterson Parrish has come a long way from being an invisible wallflower. Her hard work and immaculate planning have paid off now that she’s a prominent socialite, but that doesn’t mean there haven’t been bumps along the way. Less than a year since her husband Jackson’s tax-evasion scandal, Amber is still at the top of the Bishops Harbor community pecking order, free to do as she wishes while Jackson sits in prison. But that freedom is quickly coming to an end. With Jackson getting released from prison, Amber’s time—and money—is vanishing.

Meanwhile, Daphne Parrish left Bishops Harbor after her divorce from Jackson Parrish, swearing she would never go back. But when one of her daughters runs away from home, desperate to see her father, Daphne agrees to return for the summer to allow him supervised visits. Once out of prison, Jackson swears he’s a changed man, but Daphne knows all too well that he can’t be trusted.

When a ghost from Amber’s past emerges looking for revenge, the three of them find unlikely allies in one another, but who is playing who? When all is said and done, they’ll have to fight tooth and nail for everything they have left in this zero-sum game.

With shocking turns and entertaining characters, The Next Mrs. Parrish will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about duplicity and betrayal.

Review:

As much I was excited about getting an early copy of this I did wonder, do we really need a sequel? Things were fairly wrapped up in the first book but yes, we did need a sequel because this was just as wickedly fun and outrageous as the first book. Besides perspectives from Amber and Daphne there was a third one from Daisy Ann and I wondered how she fit in. When all came to light it totally made sense and she was an excellent addition to this group of messy characters. If you enjoy domestic suspense with characters you’ll love to hate, twisty stories and plenty of delicious drama this was so fun and I predict will be in many beach bags this summer.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

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Release date: May 21, 2024

Publisher: Putnam

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

From the nationally bestselling author of The Guncle comes the much-anticipated sequel, in which Patrick O’Hara is called back to his guncle duties…at a big, family wedding in Lake Como, Italy.

Patrick O’Hara is finally in a league of his own…professionally. Inspired by his stint as Grant and Maisie’s caretaker after their mother’s passing, Patrick has “un-stalled” his acting career with sit-com, Guncle Knows Best . Still, some things have had to take a back seat. Looking down both barrels at fifty, Patrick is single and lonely after breaking things off with Emory. But at least he has family, right?
When his brother Greg announces his big, second wedding in Lake Como, Italy, Patrick feels pulled toward Grant and Maisie and flies to Europe to attend the lavish event, only to butt heads with a newfound Launt (Lesbian Aunt), curb his sister Clara from flirting with guests, and desperately restore himself to the favored relative status in the eyes of the kids, as they struggle to adjust to a new normal. But is it Patrick’s job to save the day? Or is simply celebrating love enough to quell the family chaos?
Gracing the page with his signature blend of humor and heart, Steven Rowley delivers the long-awaited sequel to a beloved story, all about the complicated bonds of family, love, and what it takes to rediscover yourself, even at the ripe age of fifty.

Review:

I didn’t realize how much I needed to be reunited with these characters until I actually was, I missed them so much 🥹 If you somehow haven’t read The Guncle yet, first off what are you waiting for?! Secondly, these really do need to be read in order to get the full picture. Patrick just really speaks my language, he’s so witty and sarcastic and I can’t get enough of his humor. Maisie and Grant are five years older than they were in the first book so that was both delightful to see and also sad because they’re SO grown. Patrick having a rivalry with the kids new Launt was hysterical and it was Patrick at his petty best. The setting takes you on a journey as Patrick and the kids do their own jaunt before settling in Italy for Greg’s wedding and nothing says summer read louder than an idyllic setting. I was just as charmed with this one as I was with the previous book, the characters are entertaining and endearing, the plot was cute and the entire thing was a blast from start to finish.

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.