2023 Summer Reading Guide (37 New Books)

LISTEN TO ASHLEY ON THE PODCAST

If you're a fan of Roy from Ted Lasso, you will swoon over Logan Arthur in this delightful romance by Ashley Winstead. Filled with humor and heart, this novel isn’t afraid to embrace the fake dating trope. 

The story follows Alexis, an introverted elementary school librarian, who gets caught in a media frenzy when she's photographed with Logan, a gubernatorial candidate. As they navigate the wild world of politics and pretend to be a couple, they discover inner strength, face personal insecurities, and find unexpected love. 

With just the right amount of steam and spice, this romance is a perfect addition to your summer reading list.

Note that this is the second book in the Fool Me Once series, but it could be read as a standalone if you are short on time.

MOOD: LIGHTHEARTED, RELAXING, ROMANTIC

PACE: FAST

LISTEN TO BYRON ON THE BOOK GANG PODCAST

Byron Lane skips the sophomore writing slump with this charming novel that Schitt's Creek fans will adore.

Chrissy runs a Louisiana farm that offers school tours on manners through animal encounters and has been enjoying her rather polite life.

So, when her son Barnett returns home and reveals he would love to throw a “big gay wedding” on her property,  Chrissy struggles to come to terms with the imagined future for her son with her reality.

With charming writing and quirky side characters, Lane weaves a tale of acceptance, love, and navigating small-town attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ experience.

This closed-door romance is perfect for fans of Dial A for Aunties with over-the-top wedding shenanigans, and will be a hit with Katherine Center fans. (on store shelves May 30th)

MOOD: HOPEFUL, LIGHTHEARTED, INSPIRING

PACE: FAST

Get swept away by the evocatively moving second-chance romance perfect for fans of Seven Days in June.

Yasmen and Josiah must navigate the complexities of co-parenting and the dissolution of their marriage partnership after a profound loss and discover a renewed passion for one another as they navigate the dating world. 

This steamy, rekindled romance is fraught with new urgency, secrecy, and steamy open-door moments.

Please check this novel's content warnings, as it has an emotional backstory that may be difficult for some readers.

Read this moving romance before watching the recently acquired series adaptation by Peacock.

MOOD: DARK, HOPEFUL, EMOTIONAL, REFLECTIVE

PACE: MEDIUM

Did I expect to laugh and cry, sometimes simultaneously, through this wedding rom-com book? No, but this surprisingly moving backlist selection is an under-the-radar gem that I don’t want you to miss.

Kris and D'Vaughn must plan their dream wedding in six weeks, but there's one catch: their entire relationship is staged for a reality TV show called Instant I Do.

So as these two navigate reality tv moments while working towards their cash prize, they are surprised to discover that their orchestrated chemistry has now become real.

With a Real World-inspired confessional cam and staged outings around dramatized wedding-related tasks, this is a fast page-turner with rewarding themes on family, identity, and faith.

Higgins smartly centers the plot on this couple's experience, deepening the reader's connection to this unlikely love story.

This romance offers spicy open-door scenes! Consider pairing this with Big Gay Wedding for a summer book flight that will leaving you grinning from ear-to-ear.

MOOD: FUNNY, LIGHTHEARTED, EMOTIONAL

PACE: FAST

Be sure to visit our book list of the Best Books About Weddings for even more great book ideas.

Would a summer reading guide be complete without an Emily Henry novel? This buzzy summer selection is a surprisingly emotional second-chance romance recommended for Henry’s Beach Read fans.

Harriet and Wyn, a couple who have been together since college, broke up five months ago for reasons they won't discuss but haven't told their best friends yet. This secret is why they can’t protest when they find themselves sharing a bedroom during their annual getaway with friends at a Maine cottage.

With this nostalgic cottage for sale, they're determined to fake it for one more week, but along the way, they begin to remember why they were together in the first place.

As all of Henry’s books except this one have adaptations in the works, I wouldn’t be surprised to see movie adaptation news soon.

MOOD: HOPEFUL, EMOTIONAL, REFLECTIVE

PACE: MEDIUM

If You've Got Mail was one of your favorite rom-com movies, you won't want to miss this endearing romance laced with charming correspondence. 

Dr. Briana Ortiz's life has been on a downward spiral. The new doctor at the hospital is a jerk, she's finalizing a divorce, and her brother desperately needs a kidney donation.

That's why a surprising letter from her new colleague turns her world upside down.

As Jacob and Briana begin a shared correspondence brimming with vulnerability through the hospital's corridors, the written letters evolve into intimate lunch dates and chemistry.

But the ultimate surprise isn't just the letters. It is when Jacob offers her brother a life-saving kidney.

With Jimenez's signature humor and charm, this heartwarming page-turner made me grin from ear to ear. 

MOOD: HOPEFUL, LIGHTHEARTED, FUNNY

PACE: FAST

LISTEN TO MOLLY ON BOOK GANG

This historical fiction page-turner is a gorgeous book you can finish in a single day. Inspired by her mother’s nursing career, Molly Fader weaves a heartwarming tale of friendship and family against the backdrop of the Vietnam War.

When a beloved nurse and mother die, it brings her daughters together for the service…and another unlikely guest. Famous Hollywood actress, Kitty Deveraux, appears at the funeral and reveals a secret past connection with their mother, leading her daughters on a journey of discovery about their mother's hidden past.

I have learned some of my best history lessons through books like these, and exploring what it would be like to be a frontline nurse and how women were treated in the early days of these nursing programs was both inspiring and eye-opening.

Love old Hollywood books? Visit my Best Books About Old Hollywood to Get Swept Away book list.

MOOD: HOPEFUL, LIGHTHEARTED, MYSTERIOUS

PACE: FAST

LISTEN TO CRYSTAL ON THE PODCAST

This captivating multigenerational saga takes readers on a sweeping journey through the glamour of old Hollywood in a stunning examination on race, perfect for fans of The Vanishing Half.

When Elise St. John, a wealthy Black woman, inherits Kitty Karr Tate's multimillion-dollar estate, she uncovers shocking secrets in Kitty's journals that threaten to unravel her own family's history and legacy.

Set against the backdrop of the Hollywood machine, this sprawling page-turner is a thought-provoking exploration of family, race, and the choices women make to break free.

Crystal Smith Paul’s debut novel “Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?” has been selected as the May Book of the Month and the May Reese Book Club pick! Don't miss my podcast interview to learn more about her decade-long writing process.

MOOD: MYSTERIOUS, EMOTIONAL, REFLECTIVE

PACE: MEDIUM

READ MY INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR

Patry Francis lost her battle with cancer in 2022, but her books live on, and in honor of her legacy, I wanted to include her phenomenal backlist debut.

Set in the tight-knit community of Provincetown, Massachusetts, Hallie and Gus form an unbreakable bond after a horrific tragedy that leaves Gus parentless. Their love is tested years later when Gus, now a priest, is charged with murder.

Told in alternating voices, this suspenseful page-turning saga explores the power of love and the quest for redemption. This book is stunning, with poetic prose and well-plotted twists.

Fans of William Kent Krueger will love these beautifully developed moral explorations.

MOOD: EMOTIONAL, CHALLENGING

PACE: MEDIUM

LISTEN TO MEAGAN ON THE PODCAST

Set in 1935 North Carolina, Meagan Church delivers a captivating coming-of-age story for readers craving character-driven novels.

When Leah, an orphaned and penniless young girl, is taken in by the wealthy Griffin family, she quickly realizes that her new life comes with its own challenges, including the vengeful Mrs. Griffin.

As Leah navigates the complexities of her new life, Church weaves in a dark history of the North Carolina's eugenics board, and the surprising discovery she made in her real-life family story.

Her vivid scene-setting and well-researched historical details make this a must-read for fans of Diane Chamberlain.

Don't miss Meagan's guest article that shares the 13 best book club books to discuss now.

MOOD: EMOTIONAL, CHALLENGING

PACE: MEDIUM

LISTEN TO FIONA DAVIS ON THE PODCAST- COMING SOON!!

Fiona Davis delivers another captivating and intriguing portrait of historic NYC.

Set in 1956, Marion Brooks yearns for more than a conventional life as a wife and mother.

With an unwavering passion for dance, she defies societal expectations and auditions for the esteemed Rockettes, risking everything—her family's support and the love of her college sweetheart—to pursue her dreams.

Against the backdrop of the "Big Apple Bomber" wreaking havoc in 1940s New York City, targeting Radio City and Marion's family, a chance encounter with a young psychiatrist, sets in motion a thrilling journey of catching the bomber, seeking justice, and rewriting the past.

Davis skillfully blends historical facts and fiction, creating a riveting coming-of-age tale that will send you down a YouTube rabbit hole to discover more about those early Rockettes days. (on store shelves June 13th)

MOOD: EMOTIONAL, MYSTERIOUS

PACE: MEDIUM

LISTEN TO CESCA ON THE PODCAST

In this poignant and heartfelt debut novel, Emma finds herself trapped in a never-ending Monday, reliving the same day repeatedly.

In this Groundhog Day-like existence, Emma repeatedly wakes up on the same day, ending with her husband’s death.

As she desperately tries to alter her choices to change the fate that led to her husband's untimely death, readers are taken on a stunning journey with surprisingly mysterious layers.

With a moving plot twist and an important message about the value of time with loved ones, this novel is now one of my all-time favorite time travel stories.

MOOD: EMOTIONAL, REFLECTIVE, HOPEFUL

PACE: FAST

Prepare to laugh A LOT because Vera Wong might be my new favorite meddling older protagonist. Vera knows about all the TikTok trends and also profoundly desires to offer her unsolicited advice to everyone she meets.

She keeps busy running a financially-failing tea shop in San Francisco's Chinatown, hilariously named Vera Wang's World Famous Tea House because the brand name is so recognizable.

When she finds a dead man in her shop holding a flash drive, she takes the evidence and is determined to solve the murder herself, believing she can do a better job than the police.

However, Vera forms unexpected friendships with her customers, so she must balance her detective work with her newfound relationships.

If you need a cozy mystery audiobook this summer, many readers adored this format with this amateur sleuth.

MOOD: FUNNY, ADVENTUROUS, LIGHTHEARTED

PACE: FAST

LISTEN TO COLLEEN ON THE PODCAST

Rev your engines for this intergenerational road trip inspired by Thelma & Louise.

Tanner Quimby's life takes an unexpected turn when she becomes the live-in caregiver for Louise Wilt, an eighty-four-year-old woman with a mysterious past.

As Tanner gets to know Louise, she discovers she looks a lot like a jewelry heist suspect on the news. It’s why it might not be SO surprising that she might be on the run. 

With the promise of $10K for driving her, the two hit the road. On this adventure, they discover more about themselves and each other. 

Surprisingly moving, deeply funny, and a read guaranteed to satisfy any reader- consider it my universal selection of the summer.

MOOD: ADVENTUROUS, HOPEFUL, RELAXING

PACE: FAST

Don't be fooled by this frothy cover- this novel offers a deep exploration of the immigrant experience and the impacts of gentrification on a Vietnamese family-owned nail salon business that I could not put down.

The Tran family has run their nail salon business for many years, but when a nontoxic nail chain decides to move in across the street, the family must decide if this is a space worth fighting for.

Putting in impactful plot points like the added challenge of rising rent due to gentrification and a poorly timed New York Times exposé on Vietnamese salons and worker conditions, Nguyen offers a layered experience to the daily challenges and microaggressions that salons like these continually face.

This novel is an outstanding debut for any summer book club and will inspire you to think about these resilient shops in new ways.

Notably, the author's family also owned a nail salon, and she dedicates this book to immigrant nail techs, sharing, "I hope you enjoyed being the main characters for once."

For this reader, it was eye-opening and impactful. (on store July 4th)

MOOD: REFLECTIVE, HOPEFUL

PACE: MEDIUM

Prepare to be captivated from the very first page with Tracey Lange's latest masterpiece, a riveting family drama that hooks the reader instantly.

Tara Connelly emerges from an eighteen-month prison sentence, uncertain about her future and eager to reunite with her family. Struggling to rebuild her life, Tara returns home to her siblings, who grapple with messy and unexpected hardships.

As Tara unexpectedly encounters love in the most unlikely individual, she gradually unravels their long-held family secrets and finds comfort in her mother's beloved Irish tales.

This charming story is filled with multiple perspectives, genuine growth, and beautiful flaws that rival the beauty of Lange’s first book, We Are the Brennans. (on store August 1st)

MOOD: EMOTIONAL, REFLECTIVE

PACE: MEDIUM

Embark on a poignant journey spanning twenty-eight years, from 1995 to 2023, as you delve into the lives of a group of college friends reminiscent of The Big Chill.

In the aftermath of a friend's untimely passing, a close-knit group of college friends solemnly promise to host unique "living funerals" for one another. 

As the years unfold, these gatherings reveal the bittersweet reflection on missed chances and unexplored paths. However, when an unexpected diagnosis shakes their world, the significance of their pact is profoundly renewed. 

With a timely exploration of life's regrets and newfound perspectives, Rowley proves, once again, his storytelling chops.

MOOD: EMOTIONAL, REFLECTIVE

PACE: MEDIUM

Comparisons to Sally Rooney & Donny Alderton are warranted in this moody and relatable Irish coming-of-age story.

Rachel and James, inseparable friends navigating a looming financial crisis, devise an elaborate plan to help Rachel seduce her married professor, Dr. Byrne, using their roles at a local bookshop.

However, when Rachel discovers James kissing Dr. Byrne in the back of the shop, their friendship and the professor's marriage are set on a tumultuous path of secrets, deceit, and compromise that will span years.

A magnificent exploration of sexual identity between generations; my only regret is that I didn't have someone to buddy read this beautiful book with to discuss the themes.

Told from Rachel’s adult perspective, you will cringe along with her over their shenanigans. (on store shelves June 27th)

MOOD: EMOTIONAL, REFLECTIVE

PACE: MEDIUM

Discover a gentle and quiet Sapphic romance in Nina LaCour's debut adult novel, perfect for readers who love a foodie-themed experience.

Follow Sara, a sought-after bartender in Los Angeles who ran away from home at sixteen, and Emilie, a florist at a fancy restaurant where Sara works.

As they both struggle to find themselves, Emilie enters into an unfulfilling affair with the married owner while Sara takes us on a beautiful journey of self-discovery.

With evocative storytelling that will make you hungry for meals and cocktails, and a moodiness that transports you to the restaurant setting, this novel is a sensory experience that exquisitely captures the rich emotions of loneliness and longing.

MOOD: EMOTIONAL, REFLECTIVE

PACE: MEDIUM

Get ready to be immersed in the luxurious world of the ultra-rich with Jenny Jackson's character-driven debut novel.

Follow the lives of the Stockton siblings and their spouses as they navigate their privileged existence in their lavish family home, questioning the role of wealth in their own lives.

Inspired by a New York Times article called "The Rich Kids Who Want to Tear Down Capitalism," Jackson weaves a captivating story about the Stockton siblings and their spouses as they navigate their privileged lives in their opulent family home on Pineapple Street.

With sparkling prose and witty satire, Jackson offers a voyeuristic view into a world few of us will ever experience firsthand. Readers will appreciate the contrasts between old money and new.

MOOD: LIGHTHEARTED, FUNNY, REFLECTIVE

PACE: MEDIUM

LISTEN TO THAO ON BOOK GANG

Fans of Pachinko will be captivated by this richly imaginative mother-daughter story spanning decades, generations and the unique bonds of motherhood.

This stunning debut novel follows three generations of Vietnamese American women grappling with the death of their matriarch, Minh.

As her granddaughter, Ann, faces a crossroads in her seemingly perfect life, she returns to Florida to help her estranged mother clean the estate.

The two begin this daunting process while unraveling their own long-buried secrets in Minh's old manor, the Banyan House.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Vietnam and Florida, Banyan Moon will be one of your favorite reads this year- the prose left me breathless.

Don't miss our Best Debuts of 2023 to Not Miss list- it includes this incredible novel and some of Thao's favorite books of the year.

MOOD: EMOTIONAL, REFLECTIVE, MYSTERIOUS

PACE: SLOW FOR SAVORING

This gripping fictional debut comes from the author of the riveting memoir Wild Game.

Set in idyllic Cape Cod, follow a dysfunctional family on the eve of their father's seventieth birthday celebration in 2016.

With lyrical prose and an artistic lens, the father’s story is laced with vivid mania, mortality, and struggles with relevance.

Each of the other characters' stories builds around their father’s life and their deeply rooted secrets. This sprawling cast of characters each felt fully fleshed out with well-crafted viewpoints.

The Paper Palace fans will be captivated. (on store shelves June 28th)

MOOD: EMOTIONAL, REFLECTIVE

PACE: MEDIUM

In this captivating coming-of-age debut, a sixteen-year-old Pakistani exchange student arrives in rural Oregon to have the All-American experience, discovering more than she bargained for.

Set in 2010, Hira is welcomed by a single mother and daughter who opened their home to her for the school year. Readers will love the inside look at Hira’s darkly funny observations about American life providing humor and insight into her experience.

It’s when Hira falls ill, that her “All-American” journey takes a surprising twist as she discovers unexpected reactions from her community.

I haven't stopped thinking about this book since I read it. Don’t be surprised if you see this in your next MomAdvice Book Club stack.

MOOD: CHALLENGING, FUNNY, REFLECTIVE

PACE: MEDIUM

LISTEN TO MEG ON BOOK GANG

Paging Willy Wonka fans! This heartwarming and whimsical adventure combines magical realism with the nostalgia of childhood stories.

Follow Lucy Hart, a teacher in financial peril, as she embarks on a journey to win a rare copy of the newest book in a contest orchestrated by her favorite childhood author.

Winning this contest could allow her access to her greatest wish- to be the mother to a recently orphaned student.

This cozy fantasy novel will transport readers back to the magic of childhood books, filled with clever riddles, unexpected plot twists, and chapters from the imagined beloved Clock Island book series. (on store May 30th)

Craving more island adventures? Don't miss our 22 enthralling books set on islands to read now including some of Meg's favorite island escapes.

MOOD: ADVENTUROUS, HOPEFUL, RELAXING

PACE: FAST

LISTEN TO EMILY ON BOOK GANG (COMING SOON)

If you were a fan of The Dream podcast, get ready for another deep dive into the world of pyramid schemes.

Paulson shares her riveting journey into the world of MLMs (multi-level marketing companies), starting with loneliness and the need for belonging as a new mother.

Despite achieving millionaire status, she realizes the dark side of these #girlboss companies, including losing loved ones, sobriety, and her moral compass.

With biting commentary and factual insights into the cultural epidemic of isolation and cult-like ideologies, Paulson's memoir warns about the dangers of MLMs and the need for compassion towards those caught in their grasp. (on store May 30th)

MOOD: DARK, REFLECTIVE, INSPIRING

PACE: MEDIUM

Hilton admits this story might get a little chaotic because of her busy ADHD brain, but this eye-opening audiobook yields a more thought-provoking experience than pitched.

In this memoir, Paris uncovers the untold story behind her reality TV days, the complex history with paparazzi, and the partying that yielded consequences and horrifying moments beyond her wildest imagination.

With candid accounts of the traumatic abuse she experienced in the for-profit programs designed for troubled teens, Hilton is on a quest for justice, shedding light on this hidden world. It is a powerful message of resilience to her abusers.

As disclosed, please check the content warnings and tread lightly. Fans of Open Book will appreciate another hidden story behind this reality tv sensation.

MOOD: DARK, REFLECTIVE

PACE: MEDIUM

On the hunt for an essay collection? Try this candid and powerful collection that is a compelling addition to the "quit lit" genre.

Levy chronicles her journey with alcohol addiction and sobriety, sharing vivid memories and journal entries, partially documented by those witnessing the spiral around her. With raw and honest self-discovery, her story includes experiences of blackout drinking.

More importantly, it illuminates the surprising social repercussions of quitting alcohol in a culture that glorifies drinking, particularly for those in the millennial age group.

Offering a relatable and thought-provoking perspective on addiction and recovery, I found myself thinking about this collection many days after finishing this book.

MOOD: DARK, REFLECTIVE, INSPIRING

PACE: MEDIUM

Did I dust off my favorite chambray shirt for a revival reading this? You bet I did! This fascinating exploration might be my most highlighted book of the year!

Discover the captivating rise and fall of J.Crew, the original "lifestyle brand." Through colorful characters and extensive interviews with insiders, Bullock traces J.Crew's epic story, from its origins as a Ralph Lauren-inspired brand to its heyday as a temple of '90s minimalism and its eventual decline during the "retail apocalypse."

With humor, insight, and compulsively readable storytelling, this fashion narrative offers a nostalgic and intriguing exploration of American style, finance, and culture, making it a must-read for fashion enthusiasts or those feeling a little nostalgic for their rolled-neck sweater days.

MOOD: INFORMATIVE, REFLECTIVE

PACE: MEDIUM

LISTEN TO WENDY ON BOOK GANG

Step into the thrilling world of grifting and deception with this popcorn thriller, perfect for fans who crave more of Lucia and Mia's perspectives in season 2 of White Lotus!

Best friends Summer and Leo, skilled grifters with a plan to con a billionaire, find themselves in danger when their mark isn't who he seems to be.

Told from alternating perspectives, this page-turning story weaves in smart backstories and motives, building tension and suspense as Summer infiltrates a private island to find her missing friend, leading to a feminist-forward narrative that challenges traditional notions of victimhood.

Don't miss the best con artist books to check out book list with some of Wendy's favorite con artist queens.

MOOD: MYSTERIOUS, TENSE
PACE: FAST

In this captivating novel, a former mean girl from a popular teen show The Daydreams, reunites with her castmates for a special after thirteen years of navigating the challenges of fame.

Through shifting viewpoints, memories, media articles, forums, and journal entries, the story delves into the moral complexities of Hollywood's impact on young celebrities, the power of secrets, and the unexpected twists that come with the reunion.

Fans of Daisy Jones & the Six or The Reunion will be hooked by this unique take on the 2000s celebrity culture. Read this with the Paris Hilton memoir for a perfect nonfiction meets fiction pairing this summer.

MOOD: MYSTERIOUS, TENSE

PACE: FAST

This enthralling and emotional YA psychological thriller is a captivating audiobook experience that I found as gripping as any suspenseful film.

With phenomenal narration by Andrew J. Andersen, this gripping novel follows the story of Sayer, a wealthy and popular high school student whose life is thrown into turmoil when kidnapped by a man who claims to be his father.

As Sayer grapples with his past, his time in captivity, and the aftermath, Roe's masterful storytelling and compelling characters will keep you on edge.

This is a must-read for fans of Room and those who appreciate a strong redemption arc in their YA literature.

MOOD: CHALLENGING, DARK, TENSE, EMOTIONAL

PACE: FAST

This thriller would have missed my stack entirely if it wasn't for Larry, my co-host on our Patreon Fully Booked show, who brought this as the only thriller on his Best Books of the Year list.

Discover the irresistible allure of this gripping thriller where secrets unravel, and a seemingly ordinary couple's lives take a dark and twisted turn.

Simon, a law professor haunted by his past, and Vicky, with her dark secrets, have become entangled in a murder case tied to a multi-million dollar trust fund and a decades-long grudge. But, to say more would spoil the intrigue- you'll have to trust us on this one!

With shifting POVs, diary entries, and quick-paced storytelling, this popcorn thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat, proving to be a must-read for fans of compelling and quirky protagonists like Joe from You.

MOOD: DARK, MYSTERIOUS, FUNNY

PACE: FAST

This popcorn thriller's podcast plot is best served in audiobook format.

When popular podcaster Alix Summers meets Josie, her birthday twin, she agrees to feature her on her podcast.

However, as Alix delves deeper into Josie's world, she realizes that there is more to her than meets the eye, and she may be hiding some very dark secrets that put Alix and her family's lives in danger.

Jewell's latest thriller delivers on a fast-paced, page-turner that will, certainly, satisfy her fanbase. Be warned, this is very, very dark. While not my personal favorite from the author, I still found it to be an intriguing story that would have been better if I tried it on audiobook.

MOOD: DARK, MYSTERIOUS, TENSE

PACE: FAST

This gentle mystery delves into the complicated world of motherhood and social media fame.

Follow Charlie and Eva, a mother-daughter travel influencer duo, whose lives take a dark turn when Eva goes missing just before her graduation. The prime suspect? Charlie.

The story is told through shifting POVs and incorporating various media elements, raising thought-provoking questions about navigating the challenges of our digital age.

The ending takes a surprising turn that readers won't expect, leading to an impactful moral message. Stick around for the Author's Note on this one! Fans of William Kent Krueger will resonate with Baart's meaningful mysteries. (on store shelves June 13th)

MOOD: MYSTERIOUS, REFLECTIVE

PACE: MEDIUM

Prepare to be captivated by this electrifying and addictive debut novel that delves into the thrilling world of a calculating con artist and her twisted journey toward self-discovery.

As Bea learns the art of being a con artist from her mother, their small-scale swindling takes them from one place to another.

However, when genuinely good people come into Bea's life, her mother pushes the boundaries of loyalty, and things get complicated.

Croft explores the layers beneath wealth's glossy veneers and delivers a mesmerizing tale filled with competitive women, dangerous games, and unexpected revelations.

MOOD: DARK, FUNNY, TENSE

PACE: FAST

Meet the domestic thriller that has taken the bookstagram and booktok community by storm- as I finally join the enthusiastic chorus for this wild ride of a book.

This well-written novel introduces two compelling narrators: Millie, a parolee who becomes a live-in maid for the wealthy Winchester family, and Nina Winchester, the enigmatic wife who hires her.

As their relationship becomes increasingly fraught with tension and secrets, readers are treated to a captivating tale of jealousy, mystery, and unreliable narrators. To say more would spoil the fun developments between these two.

As captured by the cover, this is perfect for locked-room mystery fans. Although a sequel has recently become available, I found it a satisfying standalone for fans of The Last Mrs. Parrish.

MOOD: DARK, MYSTERIOUS, TENSE

PACE: FAST

This heart-pounding suspense selection is a summer blockbuster movie packaged within a book. As for the perfect reader? Kirkus Reviews described it best: "not for the weak-kneed."

T. J. Newman, a former airline attendant, added intensive research and interviews with industry experts to weave a harrowing fictional plane crash off the coast of Hawaii, where a desperate rescue operation takes place to save the twelve passengers trapped inside.

In a desperate struggle for survival, engineer Will Kent and his daughter Shannon find themselves trapped underwater, waist-deep in water. Their only hope lies with an elite rescue team led by professional diver Chris Kent, Shannon's mother, and Will's soon-to-be ex-wife.

The question is if they will rescue them in time as the airplane teeters on the edge of an undersea cliff.

Early readers praised the audiobook performance, although I found it as gripping as the print version. (on store shelves May 30th)

MOOD: TENSE, EMOTIONAL, ADVENTUROUS

PACE: FAST