Goodreads

Release date: August 19, 2025

Publisher: Thomas & Mercer

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

The lengths neighbors will go to protect their secrets become downright frightening in a gripping novel of suspense by Minka Kent, the Edgar-nominated author of Unmissing.

Camille and Will Prescott have relocated from San Diego to Phoenix for a fresh start in a quiet gated community. After the traumas Camille’s marriage survived, it’s just the sanctuary she needs. As for her new neighbors, there’s Sozi, seemingly well intentioned if not for her invasive meddling and her desperate overtures to make a friend. And Mara and Oscar, an unstable couple around whom troubling rumors swirl.

Patiently listening to Sozi’s gossip and watching Mara and Oscar ever so closely has become something of a hobby for Camille. But while she obsesses about the cracks in everyone else’s lives, she begins to see the cracks in her own. And when a monster from her past reaches out to reconnect, it’s all Camille can do not to snap. Then one day she finds a dead body in her garage lying in a pool of blood.

Camille is about to discover what’s really going on behind the closed doors of this cozy cul-de-sac. And the worst is yet to come.

Review:

This is the second book in a twisty domestic suspense series, and you absolutely need to read book one first. This sequel picks up right where the first left off, dropping us back into Camille’s unsettling world. Both books are fast paced, bingeable reads that you can tear through in an afternoon, but this one takes the tension up a notch. The Arizona gated community setting adds a fresh layer of creepiness, with its manicured streets hiding shady neighbors, whispered secrets, and the constant sense that something is about to go very, very wrong.

What makes this installment stand out is how much deeper we get into Camille’s mind. She’s such a fascinating character, a sociopath who’s both unsettling and oddly compelling. Being inside her head again was an experience in itself, as she navigates family dynamics, neighborhood drama, and her own unpredictable impulses. The atmosphere is thick with dread, yet Kent’s pacing keeps you flipping pages without ever feeling weighed down.

As for the twists, most were unpredictable, which is always a win for me in this genre. The ending in particular took me by surprise and has me crossing my fingers for a third book. If you like domestic suspense with a smart, sharp edge, and you’re not afraid to spend some time in the mind of a morally complex character, this series is well worth starting from the beginning.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: August 5, 2025

Publisher: Sourcebooks

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

She has the recipe for the perfect murder…

Maria Capello is a celebrity chef like no other. A household name, an inspiration, an icon. Her dozens of cookbooks and weekly television show, broadcast from her beautiful Italian-style kitchen, not to mention her line of bestselling supermarket sauces. And of course there’s her history. Once just the timid wife of famous chef Damien Capello, she stepped into the spotlight after Damien’s mysterious disappearance twenty years before. An event she’s never spoken about publicly until now, when it is announced that she is looking for a publisher for her memoirs.

Why is Maria willing to finally break her silence? Why does she turn down seven-figure offers from large publishing houses and sign up with a small press? And why does she do so on the condition that it is edited by Thea Woods? Thea is a lifelong fan but has never met Maria and can’t figure it out, plus she had been planning to hand in her notice that very day. But when she is invited to Maria’s remote farm to work on the manuscript, she can’t resist. After all, she may finally learn whether the rumours are that Maria killed Damien for his recipes and the legendary ‘secret ingredient’…

A deliciously rich thriller, perfect for readers of Bella Mackie’s How To Kill Your Family and Alexia Casale’s The Best Way to Bury Your Husband

Review:

If you’re hungry for a thriller that’s equal parts delicious and disturbing, The Dead Husband Cookbook serves it up with flair. This addictive page turner blends a cold case mystery, a twisted psychological undercurrent, and mouthwatering culinary details into one unforgettable read. Maria, a celebrity chef with a glossy public persona and a past full of secrets, finally agrees to write the memoir her fans, and the public, have been desperate for. But she’ll only work with one editor, Thea, setting the stage for a tense collaboration that peels back layers of both women’s pasts.

At the heart of the novel is Damien, Maria’s husband who vanished years ago without a trace. As Thea digs into the memoir process, it becomes clear that Maria’s cookbook is far more than a collection of recipes, it’s a breadcrumb trail of clues. The “book within a book” structure is brilliantly executed, with excerpts from Maria’s writing adding depth, intrigue, and a creeping sense of dread. Every chapter is laced with recipes and food descriptions so vivid you’ll crave a snack, and possibly question what’s in it.

Smart, suspenseful, and infused with shades of horror, this novel keeps the tension simmering until it boils over. Danielle Valentine delivers sharp twists, complex female leads, and a deliciously dark premise that’s both unsettling and impossible to look away from. The Dead Husband Cookbook is a feast for thriller lovers, just maybe don’t read it before dinner.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: August 5, 2025

Publisher: Berkley Romance

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

It’s the duet of a lifetime when a rock star and his backup singer find a new kind of harmony off stage in this sensational contemporary romance.

Clementine Clark isn’t looking for love. Growing up with a single mom who weeps over a new guy each week tends to have that effect on a girl. But Clementine doesn’t mind being the rational one—she’s even buried her musical dreams so deeply within herself that she hardly notices the hole it’s left in her life.

That is until her best friend calls her with a life-changing opportunity: to join Irish megastar Halloran on his first US tour as a backing vocalist. Clementine wants to reject the offer, but the pay is enough to change her and her mom’s life. Overnight, Clementine goes from serving enchiladas at the Happy Tortilla to belting high notes before a cheering crowd.

But the whiplash of trading small-town Texas for sold-out stadiums is nothing compared to the rush of performing with the enigmatic Thomas Patrick Halloran. Poet, introvert, and lyrical genius, Halloran quickly gets under Clementine’s skin. The two couldn’t see the world more differently. And yet, over the course of the next eight weeks on tour, the romantic rockstar might just strike an unforgettable chord in Clementine. But will it be enough for an encore?

Review:

Kate Golden delivers a moody, emotionally immersive romance in If Not for My Baby, a story that perfectly blends angst and intimacy with the raw allure of a rockstar romance. Tom, the brooding Irish lead singer of a popular band, is magnetic both onstage and off, but it’s Clem, she’s sharp, grounded, and unexpectedly vulnerable, who steals the spotlight. When Clem gets the chance to join the tour as a backup singer, she’s pulled into a world that’s equal parts glamorous and lonely, and her connection with Tom starts simmering from the very first harmony.

Golden’s writing shines with a lyrical, introspective quality that feels especially poignant in a story centered around music. The song lyrics scattered throughout aren’t just filler, they’re emotional anchors, offering insight into Tom and Clem’s inner lives. Their chemistry is undeniable, especially when they sing together, the kind of electricity that makes your chest ache. The tension is slow burn and packed with longing, Tom falls hard and early, but Clem has her reasons for keeping him at arm’s length. This push and pull creates a beautifully frustrating rhythm that keeps you fully invested.

Despite the emotional weight, the book also feels surprisingly soft at times, (cozy even)with quiet moments of connection that balance the yearning. It’s opposites attract done right, layered with vulnerability and that achey “what if” energy that lingers even after the final page. Whether you’re in it for the rockstar romance, the introspective character arcs, or simply the musical backdrop, this one delivers on all fronts.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: August 5, 2025

Publisher: Lake Union

Genre: Mystery/Thriller/Suspense

Synopsis:

Determined daughters. Controlling mothers. There’s no such thing as friendly competition in a twisty novel of suspense about ambition, revenge, and unrealized dreams.

Valerie Yarnell is a hardworking single mother who’d do anything for her daughter, Kate. Kate is a dancer with dreams of stardom, just like her talented best friend, Colette. Despite Valerie’s sacrifices, it’s Colette’s mother, former prima ballerina Elise, whom Kate adores. And Colette has become like the practically perfect sister Kate never had. How can Valerie not feel frustrated, ineffectual, and a little jealous of the queen bee of dance moms? Not only has she hijacked her daughter, but Elise is married to the man Valerie pines for.

Rivalries are forming. Tension is mounting. In preparation for an elite dance competition, Kate outshines the more promising Colette onstage, and the pressure is on for Colette to keep her position in the spotlight—and especially to keep her demanding mother happy. Who could have foreseen the violent attack that sabotages everything? Anyone who’s been watching closely.

As ruthless and sinister ambitions are exposed, a media firestorm and an explosive town scandal erupt. Before it’s over, two mothers and two daughters will learn just how fierce and dangerous a rivalry can still get.

Review:

What’s Yours is Mine is an emotionally layered domestic suspense that taps into every parent’s worst fear while delivering a compelling story of obsession, identity, and what it means to be truly seen. What makes this novel so effective is the way Jabaley explores the psychology of mothers and daughters. There’s an authenticity to these womens inner worlds, there’s vulnerability, guilt, and desperate need to protect their daughters and that grounds the more chilling elements of the plot. The suspense feels rooted in emotional truth rather than just plot mechanics. This is a slow burn with a payoff, perfect for fans of You by Caroline Kepnes or The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine.

With sharp writing, an escalating sense of dread, and a chilling exploration of rivalry, What’s Yours is Mine is a standout in the psych suspense genre as it explores how far mothers will go for their children.

Overall rating: 4/5

Goodreads

Release date: August 12, 2025

Publisher: Grand Central

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

A young mother haunted by war, determined to make a fresh start. But sometimes, the sins of the past aren’t so easy to escape. 

Recent Afghan refugee Sabera Ahmadi was last seen exiting her place of work three weeks ago. The local police have yet to open a case, while her older, domineering husband seems unconcerned. Sabera’s closest friend, however, is convinced Sabera would never willingly leave her three‑year old daughter. At her insistence, missing persons expert Frankie Elkin agrees to take up the search through the broiling streets of Tucson. Just in time for a video of the young mother to surface—showing her walking away from the scene of a brutal double murder. 

Frankie quickly realizes there’s much more to the Ahmadi family than meets the eye. The father Isaad is a brilliant mathematician, Sabera a gifted linguist, and their little girl Zahra—she has an uncanny ability to remember anything she sees. Which given everything that has happened during the girl’s short life, may be a terrible curse. When Isaad also disappears under mysterious circumstances and an attempt is made on Zahra’s life, Frankie realizes she must quickly crack the code of this family’s horrific past. 

Someone is coming for the Ahmadis. And violence is clearly an option. When everything is on the line, how far would you go to protect the ones you love? 

Frankie is about to find out.

Review:

Lisa Gardner continues to deliver with Kiss Her Goodbye, the fourth installment in the Frankie Elkin series—and honestly, I think I’m enjoying each book more than the last. This series is best read in order, as each installment builds beautifully on Frankie’s emotional and personal journey. Gardner has done such a fantastic job developing Frankie over time, and by this point, I’m fully invested in her. She’s a fascinating, complex character, she’s flawed, determined, and endlessly compelling.

In this installment, Frankie is in Tucson, Arizona (a fun detail for me as an AZ native!), searching for Sabera, a missing Afghan refugee. The narrative alternates between Frankie’s present day investigation and Sabera’s own story from the past, a structure that added a lot of depth and emotional weight. One of Gardner’s greatest strengths is creating fresh, original situations for Frankie to navigate, and this one is no exception. Each book feels distinct, and that keeps the series sharp and unpredictable.

The pacing here starts off more methodical, laying the groundwork for a case that grows more intense with each chapter. The final stretch is especially gripping, it’s full of emotional revelations, clever twists, and high stakes moments. It’s smart, layered, and packed with tension. If you’re already a fan of the series, you’ll be satisfied and maybe even surprised. If you’re new, I highly recommend starting from the beginning. Frankie Elkin is one of the most memorable characters I’ve followed in recent years, and her journey is absolutely worth taking.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: July 22, 2025

Publisher: Gallery

Genre: Historical Fiction

Synopsis:

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo meets The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel in this enchanting novel about estranged lovers reconnecting over mysterious tapes found in an attic and the old Hollywood secret hidden within them.

After her grandmother’s death, thirty-something Margot DuBois prepares to sell the house quickly so she can go back to her predictable life in Santa Barbara. There, no one knows she used to write and that her lack of success wrecked her confidence. But while cleaning out the attic, she comes across eight unlabeled cassette tapes. Unable to use the damaged tape player, she calls in a favor from Leo—her first love and first epic heartbreak—and they strike a deal: he’ll fix the player if he can hear what’s on the tapes. When they manage to listen, the two are shocked to hear the voice of comedic legend Vivian Stone. Why did she record these tapes and how did Margot’s grandmother get them?

Between listening to Vivian recount everything from her forbidden love for Hollywood’s leading actor, to working under a misogynistic exec, to her chemistry with her costar-turned-husband on TV, Margot and Leo fall down a memory lane of their own. Margot is inspired by Vivian’s tenacity and courage to keep fighting for the life she wants, but everything changes when Vivian reveals a secret from her past in this moving exploration of how it’s never too late to start over.

Review:

This was a dazzling and emotional dual timeline historical fiction that swept me away from the very first page. Set against the glittering backdrop of old Hollywood, the story explores the life of Vivian Stone, a fierce and groundbreaking actress who refuses to let the era’s limitations define her. Flashing forward to the present day, we follow Margot, a writer piecing together Vivian’s legacy, and in doing so, begins to find her own purpose and truth.

What sets this novel apart is its captivating character work. Vivian has the bold charisma and charm of a screen legend, with shades of Lucille Ball’s comedic brilliance and emotional depth. While the book is being compared to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, I found Vivian Stone to have its own unique sparkle. Margot’s journey intertwines beautifully with Vivian’s, and both women felt fully fleshed out, complex, and deeply relatable. The shifting timelines never felt disjointed—instead, they enriched each other, revealing secrets, strength, and resilience.

This story truly has it all: romance, family drama, historical richness, and an undercurrent of mystery that kept me emotionally hooked. I was thoroughly invested in both timelines and all the supporting characters. It’s a love letter to ambitious women, untold stories, and the golden age of film. Whether you’re here for the Hollywood glam, the heart tugging emotion, or the slow burn uncovering of a life well lived, you’ll find something to love in this unforgettable read.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: August 12, 2025

Publisher: Berkley

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

A retired serial killer’s quiet life is upended by an unexpected visitor. To protect her secret, there’s only one option left—what’s another murder? From bestselling author Samantha Downing.

Lottie Jones thought her crimes were behind her.

Decades earlier, she changed her identity and tucked herself away in a small town. Her most exciting nights are the weekly bingo games at the local church and gossiping with her friends. 

When investigative journalist Plum Dixon shows up on her doorstep asking questions about Lottie’s past and specifically her involvement with numerous unsolved cases, well, Lottie just can’t have that.

But getting away with murder is hard enough when you’re young. And when Lottie receives another annoying knock on the door, she realizes this crime might just be the death of her…

Review:

This is a fresh and whip smart thriller that stands out in a crowded genre. The concept alone, a retired serial killer pulled back into the game, feels like it shouldn’t work, but Downing pulls it off brilliantly. At the center of the story is Lottie, a sharp, cynical woman who’s equal parts terrifying and oddly relatable. Her internal monologue is razor edged and biting, but also full of the kind of real world frustrations that will have you nodding along (and maybe laughing inappropriately). Despite her dark past, she’s the kind of anti hero you can’t help but root for.

Lottie’s character is the real engine of this story, her observations on aging, invisibility, and how society treats older women are quietly powerful, layered beneath a slick and tightly plotted thriller. Downing doesn’t ask you to forgive Lottie, just to listen to her. And in doing so, the novel becomes more than just a clever cat and mouse game; it becomes a reflection on identity, reinvention, and the cost of disappearing from the world without ever actually dying.

With its addictive pacing, sly twists, and an unforgettable lead, this is a must read for thriller fans craving something truly original. It’s gripping, thought provoking, and unapologetically smart. Downing once again proves she knows exactly how to play with reader expectations—and win.

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: August 12, 2025

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Canary Street Press

Synopsis:

Blurring the line between fiction and reality…

Mia Brady never imagined her romance novels would become bestsellers, much less inspire a hit TV show. However, after signing a deal to write the final book of the series, she’s struck by a serious case of writer’s block. Her fans are clamoring for a passionate payoff, but Mia’s own experience with heartbreak—and current lack of real-life romance—is getting in the way. Do friends who become lovers ever truly have a happy ending?

Gavin Lane would like to think so. As Mia’s ride-or-die BFF, he’s been by her side through it all and convinced himself his crush on her is a thing of the past. He’s not about to let his feelings ruin their friendship, and never will. But that doesn’t stop him from pitching a bold idea to help save Mia’s testing out tried-and-true love story tropes…together.

From workplace romance to fish-out-of-water, Mia and Gavin embark on a series of “dates” to spark a little creativity—but are not prepared for the flame that ignites between them. Does their friendship even stand a chance when pure fantasy suddenly becomes a little too real?

Review:

If you’re in the mood for a charming, trope filled romance with a big heart and a cozy vibe, Love is an Open Book by Chandra Blumberg delivers. The story follows Mia, a romance author in a bit of a creative slump, and Gavin, her longtime best friend who’s been secretly pining for her. When a mix up forces them to pretend they’re dating, their already deep bond begins to shift into something more.

This is the kind of book that fully embraces the romance genre, poking fun at beloved tropes while celebrating them at the same time. Friends to lovers, fake dating, forced proximity, and the ever satisfying “he falls first” all come into play. Mia and Gavin’s mutual fear of ruining their friendship adds just enough tension to balance out the sweeter, sillier elements. It’s playful and self aware, with moments that had me smiling throughout.

I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the dual narration. Both narrators were new to me, but they brought fresh energy and distinct personality to Mia and Gavin. Their chemistry came through beautifully in audio, enhancing the cozy tone of the story. While I would’ve loved a bit more emotional depth in a few key moments, the overall vibe was heartfelt, fun, and flirty. A great pick for fans of soft romances that feel like comfort reads.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: August 12, 2025

Publisher: William Morrow

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

The first thrilling mystery in the new North Falls series from Karin Slaughter, New York Times bestselling author of Pretty Girls and the Will Trent series.

Welcome to North Falls—a small town where everyone knows everyone. Or so they think. 

Until the night of the fireworks. When two teenage girls vanish, and the town ignites.

For Officer Emmy Clifton, it’s personal. She turned away when her best friend’s daughter needed help—and now she must bring her home.

But as Emmy combs through the puzzle the girls left behind, she realizes she never really knew them. Nobody did.

Every teenage girl has secrets. But who would kill for them? And what else is the town hiding?

Review:

Karin Slaughter has once again delivered a gritty, gripping, and deeply unsettling thriller in We Were All Guilty Here. This first book in a new series is a masterclass in dark, character driven storytelling. Set in a small town simmering with grief and secrets, the novel follows Emmy Lou Clifton—a sharp, complex, and determined lead—through a harrowing journey of truth, trauma, and justice. Slaughter’s signature style is on full display: sharp prose, brutal honesty, and a slow burning plot that explodes with payoff after payoff.

At the heart of the novel is the Clifton family, whose history is tangled with pain, betrayal, and a past that won’t stay buried. The way Slaughter unpacks grief, both individual and communal, is both gut wrenching and powerful. Family dynamics are explored with nuance and raw intensity, and the justice system plays a crucial role, with police procedural elements woven seamlessly into the story. Emmy Lou is a standout lead, she’s resilient, smart, and flawed in ways that make her feel real and compelling.

This is not a book for the faint of heart, the author doesn’t shy away from violence or graphic detail, but it never feels gratuitous, but do keep in mind most of the violence is towards young teenage girls. Every disturbing moment serves a purpose. It’s emotionally intense, morally murky, and impossible to put down. If you’re a fan of dark thrillers that make you think and feel deeply, this is essential reading. As the first in a series, We Were All Guilty Here sets the stage for what promises to be another unforgettable ride, I’m already desperate for book two.

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: July 15, 2025

Publisher: Berkley Romance

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

Romance is the biggest scheme of them all in this laugh-out-loud romantic comedy from beloved author Alexa Martin.

Emerson Pierce loves everything about being a kindergarten teacher except the painfully low salary. It isn’t until she hears about Petunia Lemon—an opportunity to sell makeup products, make some extra money, and meet a group of skin-care aficionados—that she begins to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Sure, it sounds a little too good to be true, but what’s the worst that could happen?

Investigative reporter Lucas Miller didn’t always have a chip on his shoulder…until his wife joined Petunia Lemon, drained their savings, and filed for divorce. Now he’s a little bitter, a lot single, and determined to expose the company. After infiltrating their largest convention yet, the last thing he expects is to lose sight of his mission for one night with the gorgeous woman at the bar.

When Emerson and Lucas learn that she’s his daughter’s teacher, they decide to ignore their scorching chemistry. Until things with Petunia Lemon turn downright diabolical and Emerson turns to Lucas for help. They work together to bring the company down but can the two come out on top in this pyramid scheme of love?

Review:

This was a fun, spicy, and surprisingly insightful read that blends rom com charm with a sharp, timely critique of MLM culture. The story centers on Emerson, a kindergarten teacher with a heart of gold who’s navigating love, friendship, and her career. She’s a delightfully relatable heroine, she’s endearing, quirky, and easy to root for from the very first chapter.

Lucas, the romantic lead, brings the perfect amount of steadiness and swoon. He’s grounded, emotionally available, and a great match for Emerson’s big personality. Their chemistry is off the charts, making for some seriously steamy scenes, but the relationship also has heart and emotional depth that makes the romance feel earned. Watching them grow both together and individually adds a layer of richness that goes beyond your typical rom com.

One of the standout elements of the book is its MLM takedown subplot. It’s laugh out loud funny but also disturbingly realistic, highlighting how easily women, especially those looking for community or extra income, can get caught up in these exploitative schemes. Martin manages to keep things light and entertaining while still weaving in commentary that gives the story substance. This one strikes a perfect balance of humor, heat, and heart and was a total win for romance readers.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.