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.

Goodreads

Release date: June 17, 2025

Publisher: Ballantine

Genre: Non fiction

Synopsis:

Low-rise jeans, butterfly clips, The Lizzie McGuire Movie, and Paris Hilton’s nights out. The early 2000s were a time of major moments in fashion, media, celebrity culture, and especially music. The aughts saw female artists, specifically pop stars, make up more than half of the highest-grossing musicians of the decade—the only time in the history of recorded music. Artists such as Britney Spears, Avril Lavigne, Taylor Swift, Rihanna, and Beyoncé were leading the charge—their success not only reflecting a new investment in female-led music, but also major cultural changes.

In Hit Girls, Nora Princiotti examines how these artists built the modern music industry by redefining its relationship to genre, technology, and celebrity. She unpacks when Brit wore pigtails and opened the bubblegum floodgates for Christina Aguilera and Jessica Simpson to run through them, leading to the emergence of Avril, P!nk, and Paramore as a (no-less-poppy) punk antidote to the first wave of pop. Innovations in technology lead to the rise of EDM, as artists like Rihanna experimented with sound while artists like Ke$ha and Katy Perry embraced the “party anthem.” Along the way, Princiotti explores how celebrity evolved alongside the shift in media from tabloids to MySpace to Instagram and how Taylor ultimately created one of the largest, most dedicated fandoms the world has ever seen.

With passion, energy, and a slew of fun facts, Hit Girls shows how this decade of pop became a major cultural signifier continues to have a lasting impact today.

Review:

From Beyoncé and Britney Spears to Kelly Clarkson, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, and more, Princiotti breaks down the major players and their impact with humor, heart, and a deep appreciation for the genre. While the book doesn’t necessarily unearth new information or shocking revelations, it’s not really trying to. Hit Girls thrives in its nostalgic glow, inviting readers to revisit the music, the moments, and the memories with fresh eyes.

I enjoyed the authors writing style, it feels like catching up with a pop savvy best friend; casual, funny, and full of enthusiasm. It’s as if you’re sitting on the couch together, reminiscing about middle school dances, CD booklets, and the MTV Video Music Awards. The tone is light, fun, and totally bingeable, perfect for anyone who wants a joyful, slightly sparkly break from heavier reads.

Hit Girls might not offer groundbreaking insight, but it doesn’t need to. It’s a celebration, not a thesis, and for fans of 2000s pop, it hits all the right notes.

Overall rating: 3.5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Release date: June 17, 2025

Publisher: Atria/Emily Bestler

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

An English professor’s deadly past comes back to haunt her in this chilling and sexy thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Vi Keeland.

As a college English professor, Elizabeth looks forward to the start of each new semester teaching her creative writing seminar. At least until she reads chapter one of The Reckoning, a tale about a high school senior who has an affair with her teacher. To anyone else it would be the beginning of a great page-turner, but to Elizabeth it is the beginning of the end.

She knows this story. It’s all familiar because she lived it. The girl in the story was her best friend Jocelyn, and Elizabeth knows exactly how the story will end—with the professor dead. Because she was the one who killed him.

Someone knows what Elizabeth did twenty years ago and her secret is about to be exposed, but who is the mystery student submitting the chapters? In an effort to find out, Elizabeth returns to her Louisiana hometown where it soon becomes clear that no matter how many years have gone by, she can’t escape her past.

Review:

Vi Keeland is best known for her contemporary romances, but in her latest, she takes a darker turn and absolutely nails it. This was a fast paced, cleverly plotted thriller that had me hooked from the very first chapter. It’s smart, gripping, and laced with just enough spice to raise your pulse between the twists. The final chapter? Absolutely jaw dropping.

Though there’s some spice woven in (mild for romance fans, potentially spicy for thriller readers), it’s never the focus. Instead, the emotional intensity and unsettling themes, particularly around abuse and grooming, take center stage. The author handles these darker elements with care, using them to deepen the story rather than shock.

If you’re in the mood for a thriller that blends emotional weight with page turning suspense, Someone Knows is a standout. Smart, addictive, and unexpectedly powerful, I’m a huge fan of the authors thriller journey! 

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: June 10, 2025

Publisher: Atria/Emily Bestler

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

The “absolutely hilarious” (Real Simple) Amy Poeppel delights once again with a charming new novel about a house swap gone wonderfully awry.

Perfect strangers Lucy and Greta have agreed to a house swap—and boy, are they going to regret it.

Lucy’s hometown of Dallas has gone from home sweet home to vicious snake pit in the blink of an eye after her son makes a mistake he can’t undo. And Greta’s beloved flat in Berlin is suddenly up for grabs when her husband Otto takes a dream job in Texas without even telling her. In their rush to leave town, Lucy and Greta make a deal, pack their bags, and—thanks to martinis, desperation, and some very rusty German—have absolutely no idea what they’re getting themselves into.

Trading Southern charm and barbecue for European sophistication and schnitzel, the two women get a lot more than a change of scenery as they move into each other’s houses, neighborhoods, and lives. Greta and Lucy’s husbands are no help: Otto is winning over his colleagues, swimming laps in the backyard pool, and rooting for the Rangers, while Lucy’s husband is doing a six-month stretch out west, either in a NASA biosphere or in jail, depending on who you ask. Meanwhile, Greta’s daughter Emmi and Lucy’s son Jack get tossed into each other’s orbits, where they both discover secrets they can’t ignore.

When Greta’s biggest career achievement—the buzzworthy purchase of a Vermeer at auction—is thrown into question and Lucy’s past with a hot Viking named Bjørn invades her present, the two women need each other in ways they never could have imagined. Through jet lag, culture shock, suspiciously nice neighbors, and scandals that refuse to be left behind, Lucy and Greta will have to decide if they can ever go home again.

Review:

Amy Poeppel has such a knack for writing smart, funny, and heartfelt novels, and Far and Away is no exception. I love her style, her humor always hits the mark for me, and this one had me laughing out loud while also tugging at my heart.

The premise of a house swap with a total stranger is both terrifying and fascinating, and the author uses it to set the stage for some hilarious, chaotic, and totally original moments. The story is packed with family drama, long buried secrets, and unexpected twists, but it never feels heavy. Instead, it’s the fun kind of chaos; messy, unpredictable, and full of heart.

If you love character driven stories with a strong emotional core, sharp humor, and a lot of heart, definitely add this one to your list. It’s the perfect blend of drama and comedy, I was genuinely sad to say goodbye to these characters. 

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: June 3, 2025

Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

Ghostwriter Olivia Dumont has spent her entire professional life hiding the fact that she is the only child of legendary horror author Vincent Taylor, famous not only for his novels but for being the prime suspect in the brutal slaying of his siblings. On the brink of financial ruin, Olivia reluctantly agrees to ghostwrite her father’s last book, not realising she will be forced to reckon with the ghosts that live at the centre of her family.

Review:

This book had such a compelling and unique premise, an estranged daughter reconnecting with her possibly murderous father after years apart to ghostwrite his final book? Talk about original and intriguing! I was immediately hooked by the setup. The cold case murders of Olivia’s aunt and uncle are shrouded in mystery, and the lingering questions kept me turning the pages, eager to uncover the truth.

While the story unfolds at a slower pace( it’s definitely a slow burn) I found myself invested enough to stick with it. There were a few moments where the plot dragged a bit, but overall, it maintained my interest. What really worked for me was the seamless blend of family drama and true crime style mystery. The emotional tension between Olivia and her father added a personal layer that complemented the investigative aspect of the plot. The writing itself was strong, with well drawn characters and a moody, suspenseful tone that suited the story perfectly.

If you enjoy slow building suspense with complicated family dynamics and a haunting cold case at its core, this one is worth picking up.

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: June 3, 2025

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

A hilarious and heartfelt novel about how loves and lives are never truly lost, for fans of Rebecca Serle and Taylor Jenkins Reid. 

With a leading role on a hit TV show and a relationship with Hollywood’s latest heartthrob, Meg Bryan appears to have everything she ever wanted. But underneath the layers of makeup and hairspray, her happiness is as fake as her stage name, Lana Lord. Following a small breakdown at her thirtieth birthday party, she books an impromptu trip where she knows the grass is greener: Ireland. Specifically, the quaint little village where she and her best friend Aimee always dreamt of moving—a dream that fell apart when an accident claimed Aimee’s life a decade ago.

When Meg arrives, the people in town are so nice, treating her not as a stranger, but a friend. Except for the (extremely hot) bartender giving her the cold shoulder. Meg writes it all off as jetlag until she looks in the mirror. Her hair is no longer bleached within an inch of its life, her skin has a few natural fine lines, and her nose looks like… well, her old nose. Her real nose.

Her phone reveals hundreds of pictures of her life in this little town: with an adorable dog she doesn’t know; with the bartender who might be her (ex?) boyfriend; and at a retail job unrelated to acting. Eventually, she comes to accept that she somehow made a quantum slide into an alternate version of her life. But the most shocking realization of all? In this life, her best friend Aimee is alive and well…but wants nothing to do with Meg.

Despite her bewilderment, Meg is clear-eyed about one thing: this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to reconnect with her friend and repair what she broke. She finagles an opportunity to act in the play Aimee is writing and directing and as the project unfolds, Meg realizes that events as she remembers them may not be the only truth, and that an impossible choice looms before her.

Synopsis:

I absolutely devoured this one, I’ve always been drawn to stories that explore the concept of alternate lives or “sliding doors” moments, and this one delivered in such a compelling and heartfelt way. The author takes the age old question—what if?—and spins it into a beautiful, emotional journey that really makes you pause and reflect.

I especially loved the main character, Meg, she felt so real and relatable. And I have to say, the version of Meg who lives in Ireland completely stole my heart. That storyline was so atmospheric and emotionally rich, it added an extra layer of depth that I didn’t expect but thoroughly enjoyed and her grief and vulnerability was raw and touching.

The premise felt fresh yet familiar in the best way, and I found myself completely immersed in the characters’ lives. It was equal parts emotional, thought provoking, and hopeful. A truly delightful read that lingers with you after you finish the last page and enough to make me add the author as an auto buy.

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: June 3, 2025

Publisher: Park Row

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

An American expat‘s startling discovery plunges her into the glamorous but deadly world of Amsterdam’s diamond industry. 

Following a nasty divorce, Rayna Dumont came to Amsterdam for a fresh start. She’s never been the type for a one-night stand, but this move is all about adventure, and Xander is handsome and successful and more than willing to go along for the ride. Until the morning after, when Rayna finds him dead on the shower floor and millions of dollars’ worth of diamonds missing from his safe.

From her lavish home in the heart of the city, Willow Prins is captivated by the news. Her husband is Xander’s former boss and heir to a diamond house, and the scandal strains their already-rocky marriage. As the house comes under scrutiny, Willow wonders if her life is about to implode—and how much of the blame she can place on Rayna. Soon, Willow and Rayna are dragged into the dark and dangerous underbelly of the diamond market, where they’ll have to uncover the truth to survive. Who killed Xander? Where are the missing diamonds? And who can you trust in a strange and unfamiliar city thousands of miles from home?

Review:

I love when an author can still come up with fresh and exciting premises after several books, and K. Belle manages to do this time and time again. In this story, two women are connected to the murder of Xander, so you get two POVs and I was equally invested in both. The Amsterdam setting was a nice change from my usual reads, and the storyline revolving around the diamond market brought an interesting perspective and added excitement. The plot itself was pretty twisty, some twists were predictable, while others were fun surprises. Grab this if you’re looking for a fast paced and addictive thriller with an exciting plot.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: June 24, 2025

Publisher: Thomas and Mercer

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

What holds a strong and loving marriage together? Lies and secrets in a novel of twisting psychological suspense by a New York Times bestselling author.

Los Angeles homicide detective Dinah Marino may have a complicated relationship with her family, but her psychiatrist husband, Joe, makes her feel safe, secure, and happy. She couldn’t want for a more loving or trusting man. But throughout their ten-year marriage, she’s been keeping a secret from him—a secret she’d take to the grave.

Dr. Joe Marino loves his wife more than anything in this world, but there are things he’s learned to keep close to the chest. When a missing woman tied to his wife’s latest case is admitted to his hospital, doctor-patient confidentiality lands their marriage on some new and uneven ground.

As Dinah digs deeper into her case, tension works its way inside their picture-perfect home. Now the carefully constructed lies between them don’t just simply threaten the delicate balance of their marriage—they could kill.

Review:

This was a wild ride and it went in directions I did not expect which is actually the best when I’m reading a thriller. The entire set up is a bit ridiculous and you def have to suspend disbelief to enjoy it, but if you want a read that is crazy in a fun way with a pretty unusual plot and unhinged characters this was fun and entertaining for me. I know I can count on the author when I want a dark thriller with lots of twists and this delivered.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.