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.

Goodreads

Release date: June 3, 2025

Publisher: Minotaur

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

Jane and Colin are soulmates. He just doesn’t know it yet.

For twenty-four-year-old Jane, finding love in New York City is even harder than making it as a playwright—especially when all her swiping through the apps leads to one meaningless connection after another. 

So when Jane meets Colin, a sweet software engineer, she can’t believe her luck: they’re perfect for each other. Even when Colin breaks off their blooming relationship after six dates, Jane is certain this is just a stumbling block. She’ll get him back. She knows she will.

That is, until Colin starts dating Zoe—perfect, luminous, up-and-coming Brooklyn artist Zoe. Even worse, she’s actually kind of nice. But Zoe doesn’t have what it takes to love Colin. She’d never stay with him through thick and thin. All Jane has to do is prove it, and they’ll be so happy together.

But when Jane sneaks into Colin’s apartment, she makes a shocking discovery—one that will ensnare them all in a dark and complicated web of lies, secrets, and murder.

Unrelentingly twisty and utterly compelling, So Happy Together is an unputdownable, shattering read for fans of You, Riley Sager, and Promising Young Woman.

Review:

As soon as I read the tagline I was in, nothing else was needed for me. Look at it 👉🏻 Jane and Colin are soulmates. He just doesn’t know it yet. Knowing Jane is unhinged already set the tone for me and by tone I mean I knew she was bananas and would take me along on a wild ride. She delivered, girl was nuts and I enjoyed every second with her. I never quite knew what would happen next, Jane’s behavior was unpredictable even if the storyline wasn’t totally surprising and I had a lot of fun trying to figure her out. I’ll stop with details here because half of the fun of this one was seeing everything play out. This was addicting and fast paced and would be a perfect summer poolside read when you want a popcorn thriller with a little bit of an edge.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: May 20, 2025

Publisher: Ballantine

Genre: Mystery/Suspense

Synopsis:

On a trip to the tropical paradise where her fiancée died, a young woman begins to suspect the death was no accident—and the killer’s still on the island—in this twisty thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of Reese’s Book Club pick We Were Never Here.

When Abby decided to come to Isla Colel, she wasn’t sure what—if anything—she’d find. She only knew that she needed to see the place where her fiancée, Eszter, died, to try and make sense of everything that happened. 

The island is nothing like Abby expected; though it was once a bustling tourist hub, a hurricane a few years earlier left it a shell of its former self, with only a few locals and expats remaining. Even the once-daily ferry to the mainland now only runs every week or so.

There, Abby befriends an alluring group of expats, but her sense of unease surges when one of them says he knows the truth about Eszter’s last days.  Before she can see him, though, he vanishes from the island. Hours turn to days with no sign of him, and the other expats are chillingly cavalier about his disappearance.

As her quest for the truth unearths dark secrets, shady pasts, and a web of lies, Abby grows more determined than ever to find out what happened to the love of her life. And the deeper she gets in the close-knit expat community, the more she suspects one of them is Eszter’s killer—and will do anything to keep the truth buried. But will she discover who it is before she becomes the island’s next victim?

Review:

I really wanted to love this one—it sounded so good and exactly like the type of read that usually works for me. An island setting and a woman looking into the death of her fiancé? Sounds right up my alley. But I think this was a case of me not having the right expectations.

It’s being billed as a twisty thriller, and I just don’t see that. At best, it’s a slower-paced suspense novel, but it lacked the fast pacing and intensity I expect from a true thriller.

I did enjoy the setting and thought the author did a great job crafting a beautiful and somewhat creepy atmosphere. She’s also a strong writer, and certain parts really drew me in. Unfortunately, many other parts pulled me out of the story. I normally enjoy multiple timelines, but there wasn’t a clear switch between past and present here, the transitions felt abrupt and disorienting.

If you like slow-burn suspense with a heavy side of grief, you may enjoy this more than I did.

Overall rating: 3/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: May 27, 2025

Publisher: William Morrow

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

It’s the beginning of the summer, and Nicola Carr has just arrived on Block Island, RI, eager for a fresh start and some R&R. But her plans for a tranquil summer are derailed as the extravagant parties from the grand home next door pique her curiosity. She soon discovers the home belongs to Juliana George, an enigmatic entrepreneur with a past shrouded in mystery.

Juliana George, CEO and founder of a hot fashion-tech company, is at the top of her game. She’s spending the summer on Block Island preparing for a major IPO. But she’s chasing her dreams in more ways than one. This summer she hopes to rekindle a flame with a man from her past—a man who has a surprising connection to her neighbor Nicola.

Taylor Buchanan, the wife of Nicola’s cousin, is second-in-command of a real estate empire. Her life is exactly the way she planned it: she has the wealth, the family, the prestige, and the power. And there’s nothing she’ll let get in her way of Having It All. But when everything suddenly verges on the edge of collapse, she has no choice but to take matters into her own hands.

As Nicola, Juliana, and Taylor’s summers unfold, the three women are set on a collision course that leads to inevitable self-discovery, unforgivable betrayal, an unavoidable love triangle—and, most unexpectedly, a dead body.

A sophisticated escapist novel filled with light humor and surprising observations, Mansion Beach explores the depth of human relationships, our cruelly classist society, and the price of secrets that refuse to stay buried.

Review:

This is a great pick for a summer beach read—it has a little something for everyone. The setting is ideal, there’s romance, complicated family dynamics, complex friendship dynamics, and even a light mystery surrounding the death of a resident. What more could you want? For me, in a summer read, nothing honestly.

There are three women at the center of the story—Juliana, Taylor, and Nicola—and I thought all three were fairly well-developed and interesting in their own right. I’ve seen a couple of people say this one is wordy, and maybe it is a little bit, but I got strong Elin Hilderbrand vibes from all the detailed descriptions—not just of the current setting and events, but also of the women’s pasts.

I enjoyed how their storylines intertwined and loved the sometimes dramatic twists the story took. All in all, this was an easy summer read with some depth and smarts that I really enjoyed.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: May 20, 2025

Publisher: Scarlet Suspense

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

Living a double life always comes with a cost.

A down-on-her-luck waitress at a posh New Jersey country club, Kim Valva couldn’t be living a more different life from the carefree socialites she serves. Her live-in boyfriend recently cheated on her, her social life is in shambles, and her dog needs a life-saving surgery that she can’t afford. Then her luck seems to change when a mysterious figure identifying themself only as The Stranger contacts her with an offer she can’t refuse: Put a pill in the new member’s drink and, when he dies, she’ll have enough money to fix her dog and her life. 

Her target turns out to be Tony Fiore—Kim’s bad boy ex-boyfriend from high school. Fifteen years have passed, and he now goes by Anthony Fuller. He’s cleaned up, made tens of millions, and his gorgeous fiancée, twenty-two-year-old PJ Walsh, is on his arm. 

PJ had her own agenda from the second she met Anthony. Find him, trick him, marry him, kill him. It was supposed to be easy, but she finds that while living her double life, the lines blur between who she is and who she’s pretending to be. 

Stunned to see Tony again, Kim can’t bring herself to go through with spiking his drink. Instead, it is PJ who dies horrifically at the table just as dinner ends. Was someone else at the club—member or worker—tasked with poisoning PJ just as she had been instructed to do to Tony? Who would want both of them dead? With no one to trust and The Stranger to answer to, Kim must peel back the layers of deceit to reveal a deeply buried truth, more shocking than she could ever imagine…

Review:

Despite the over the top premise this was such a fun popcorn thriller! Yes, you have to suspend all the disbelief but for sheer entertainment value? Perfect for a summer poolside read. I loved the drama surrounding the entire plot line here, it was juicy and delicious and kept me flipping the pages. The pacing was fast and furious and the multiple POVs kept me on my toes, I really had no idea which direction things would go and it was a wild ride. If you like addictive and twisty thrillers with drama and intrigue try this, such a fun one!

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.