Don't miss my Nicola Yoon interview on Book Gang, where we discuss her adult debut that she penned in 2020 blending the worlds of Get Out with The Stepford Wives for readers.

A wealthy young family decides to relocate to a newly created utopian Black community, which offers comfort and safety for its residents that they cannot achieve in the real world.

As she settles into her new home, she discovers these new neighbors have a bizarre fixation on self-care and wellness.

The neighborhood's ideals clash with the mother's feeling of being removed from the conversations around social justice issues.

But, the truth that explores these intentions becomes the more troubling mystery as she uncovers the origin story of the neighborhood and its people.

Patrons can join me for a spoiler episode as we discuss the One of Our Kind ending, which many early readers are eager to uncover after finishing that final page.

Rob Hart is joining the Book Gang podcast for his new novel, Assassins Anonymous, but Patreon supporters are in for a treat because he discusses the inspiration for this book club book in his bonus spoiler episode.

In The Warehouse, Cloud dominates the American economy, providing everything from food to shelter to communication.

Through multiple perspectives, readers are immersed in the world of Cloud, from the founder's struggle with cancer to the experiences of those dependent on the company for survival.

But, when Zinnia goes undercover to uncover Cloud's secrets, she enlists the help of Paxton, a security worker, to expose the corporate greed and hidden agendas driving the company.

This gripping narrative explores themes of corporate dominance and the consequences of overreliance on a single entity, echoing the discomforting reality of our increasing dependence on corporate giants like Amazon and Walmart.

Narrated ingeniously on audiobook, this thought-provoking exploration of our future economy, sparked intense discussion in book club.

Related- 2024 Summer Reading Guide

I loved this novel so much that I selected it for our 2024 MomAdvice Book Club year.

In it, the horrors of corporate life and societal decay collide in a chilling tale that serves as a stark commentary on the dehumanizing effects of capitalism and consumer culture.

Candace Chen navigates her pre-pandemic role at a publishing house amidst the chaos of a devastating virus where readers are confronted with the unsettling parallels to our own reality.

Ma's portrayal of a world plagued by the Shen Fever virus exposes the insidious nature of societal norms and the relentless pursuit of productivity, even in the face of a pandemic.

Did this hit a little too close to home? It did- and I can't wait to discuss it.

Related- Books About Books

If you have ever been part of a tech start-up, this depiction of Silicon Valley will remind you of your time there.

In this literary fiction novel, Cassie feels like a Black Hole is hanging around as her corporate position demands more and more from her mentally and physically.

As a means of coping, she fractures herself into two beings- one who gives up her weekends and moral compass to get ahead and her real self battling depression and the reality that nothing she will ever sacrifice will be enough for this company.

I found it to be bleak, but so effective. You can practically feel the company logo on the Patagonia half-zip that each character wears and works toward.

Readers craving a modern gothic thriller that explores the dark side of wealth and privilege will love this Kit Mayquist debut.

Lena's family may face bankruptcy after her father is injured and laid off from his successful job.

But, when Lena uncovers that this family may have been to blame for her father's job loss, she decides to use her knowledge of botany and poisons to exact revenge at one of their infamous parties.

All doesn't go as planned, though, leading to a spiral of epic proportions.

If you loved "Boar on the Floor" in Succession, you'll appreciate the party scenes where rich people get exactly what's coming to them.

This translated work is one of the most impactful and horrifying reads I've ever read. However, these acts of violence rarely feel gratuitous, only presenting our complicated relationship with our food sources.

In this dystopian nightmare, a devastating virus renders animals unfit for consumption, leading the government to implement "Transition"—a dreadful solution where human flesh becomes the new meat source.

Marcos, a worker at one of these processing plants, wrestles with the horrors of his job until an unexpected gift sparks a forbidden relationship that challenges everything he knows.

Bazterrica's unsettling narrative forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about our food factories, meat consumption, and class divides.

It was a surprise to discover that this short dystopian novel is now being used in schools just as The Handmaid's Tale & Fahrenheit 451 are taught in many classrooms.

When Noemi receives an odd letter from her cousin, she visits the Mexican countryside to see what is troubling her cousin.

Upon arriving, she's baffled by the home's condition, the weird staff, the lack of electricity, and the odd family. What Noemi can't figure out, though, is why she's having such disturbing dreams and what powers this house holds over its people.

This atmospheric novel explores deeply rooted themes of colonialism, eugenics, and the patriarchy within a chilling gothic horror setting.

Noemi may be a spoiled debutante, but she is also one smart cookie! This remains my favorite Silvia Moreno-Garcia book.

This young adult debut novel offers a slow-burn mystery with a dark academia plot exposing the secrets of an elite private school.

As the story unravels and tensions rise, two students, Devon and Chiamaka, are targeted by an anonymous figure known as Aces, who threatens to reveal their darkest secrets.

With themes of power, privilege, and manipulation, readers can peek beneath the sinister forces within institutionalized environments and the lengths they go to protect themselves.

Related- New Fall Books

This dystopian novel is one of the rare cases where I thought the Netflix adaptation was even better than the book, but I am still glad I read it first.

A Brooklyn family's weekend getaway is disrupted when the wealthy Black owners of the rented house unexpectedly return during a city-wide power outage.

As tensions rise and societal expectations unravel, this Read With Jenna book club book explores the complexities of race and privilege.

Related- Top Celebrity Book Club Books

This science-fiction novel is an Edgar Award nominee, and best enjoyed in audiobook format. We had an incredible book club discussion on gentrification thanks to this clever horror novel.

Sydney Green was born and raised in Brooklyn, but her neighborhood seems to be changing before her very eyes.

Lifelong neighbors are now throwing up for sale signs, and the shops she has visited for years are replaced by hipster juice bars.

She decides to dive deep into the neighborhood's history and finds an unlikely assistant when taking a city walking tour.

What the two uncover can only be categorized as a nightmare, and they must band together to stop the evil forces at work.

This novel offers reflection on the exploitation and erasure of marginalized communities that is perfect for book clubs as starting conversations. I'm glad we read this together.

Related- 2021 Book Club Books

You'll love this book if you felt pulled to Jordan Peele's version of Candyman. But, the truth is, I've never met a Tiffany Jackson book that I didn't like- this is no exception.

In this young adult novel, Marigold, struggling with anxiety after a traumatic bedbug infestation. She is now moving with her newly blended family to a seemingly perfect home in a rundown neighborhood.

The house, offered rent-free through her mother's new job at the Sterling Foundation, harbors dark secrets that put Marigold's anxiety further on edge.

But as unsettling events unfold, the intricate story from the past haunts with the real modern social horrors of systemic racism and gentrification.

In this gory novel, four Indigenous men are pursued by a vengeful spirit, embodying a traumatic elk hunt from their youth.

As the supernatural elements unfold, Jones builds out broader social issues of cultural assimilation and the internal and external conflicts Indigenous people face in contemporary society.

This slow-burn mystery, inspired by Harris's real-life career in the publishing world, is best enjoyed on audiobook. The novel offers a cast narration with Aja Naomi King, Heather Alicia Simms, and Bahni Turpin.

In the cutthroat world of publishing, Nella Rogers stands out as the only Black woman at Wagner Books.

She endures a daily onslaught of microaggressions. When another Black woman, Hazel, joins the company, Nella sees hope for solidarity and understanding.

However, tensions rise as a bestselling author's racially charged manuscript divides the office, revealing deep-seated prejudices and power dynamics.

Harris deftly exposes the insidious nature of workplace discrimination and the toll it takes on marginalized individuals, culminating in a chilling revelation that challenges our notions of progress and equality.

We can't discuss all the writers who Jordan Peele inspired without including this new short story collection from the author and a slew of incredible writers.

As this is hard to summarize, here is the official pitch:

"A cop begins seeing huge, blinking eyes where the headlights of cars should be that tell him who to pull over. Two freedom riders take a bus ride that leaves them stranded on a lonely road in Alabama where several unsettling somethings await them. A young girl dives into the depths of the Earth in search of the demon that killed her parents."

These are just a few of the worlds of Out There Screaming, Jordan Peele’s anthology of all-new horror stories by Black writers.

When Nicola Yoon heard an episode on The Stepford Wives on "You're Wrong About," it inspired her so much that she penned her adult debut. It's a fascinating deep dive, worth your podcast time- I was riveted!

Joanna Eberhart moves to the seemingly idyllic town of Stepford, only to discover that the town's women, once vibrant and independent, have become eerily docile and obsessed with domestic perfection.

As she dives deeper, she uncovers a sinister plot by the town's men to replace their wives with obedient robots.

This novel is a sharp commentary on the societal pressure for women to conform to patriarchal standards and the horrifying lengths to which men will go to maintain control.

Levin's well-known work remains a powerful exploration of gender roles, autonomy, and the dark side of suburban life.

Women are now only allowed 100 words a day in this novel.

Dr. Jean Mcclellan could have never imagined that political officials would ever be able to pass such a law, but she now finds herself wearing an electronic bracelet where each word is counted, and each word overage is punished.

When the president needs her expertise to help his brother recover from an accident, where his brain speech center has suffered from disruption, she decides to leverage this to have her word count bracelet removed to help herself and her family.

The author's clever debut concept was crafted by using her background as a linguist in this uncomfortable exploration that questions our silence during political times.

Related- Best Psychological Thriller Books

While Mona Awad may be best known for her beloved Booktok book, Bunny, this novel resonated with me the most.

Miranda Fitch grapples with chronic pain, a fractured marriage, and the isolating struggle to be believed by medical professionals.

When Miranda encounters three mysterious men promising relief from her back pain, her newfound relief comes with a chilling cost—those who doubted her now experience her pain firsthand.

Awad's exploration of the ways the medical community gaslights women and the haunting consequences of seeking validation in a society that dismisses invisible illnesses makes this novel a gripping tale of social horror that I found angering and healing.

Related- The Best Tools for Cozy Reading With Chronic Pain

This novel is memorable for many reasons, but one was the publicity packaging sent to me, which included school supplies with haunting phrases from this story.

Frida Liu, a single mother, faces the consequences of a momentary lapse in her mothering duties and is required to endure a brutal re-education program designed to mold her into the "ideal" mother.

Through Frida's harrowing journey in the school, Chan exposes the societal pressures and vulnerabilities of maternal guilt, laying bare the impossible standards placed on mothers.

These robot baby scenes are seared in my memories forever.

Related- Best Page-Turners About Motherhood

This queer gothic horror novel had been recommended by so many of our Book Gang podcast guests that I dove in as soon as possible, but it is not a book for the faint of heart.

Jonah, a young, aspiring playwright, becomes entangled in a toxic relationship with Richard, a wealthy and influential older man.

As Jonah is drawn deeper into Richard's opulent world in the Hamptons, he begins to uncover his benefactor's dark and manipulative nature and the horrifying secrets that lie beneath the surface.

This novel initiated some critical contemplations on the #metoo movement that challenged me as a reader, although readers should prepare for a very provocative plot that takes disturbing turns.

Are you burned out on books about podcasts but looking for new ways to interact with a thriller?

This unique social horror novel uses a savvy narration tool— a Greek chorus-style narration whose voices are anonymous gamers from platforms like 4chan and Reddit.

Eliza Bright's journey as one of the few women in a male-dominated gaming company exposes the dark underbelly of online harassment and misogyny within the gaming community.

When she reports workplace harassment, her decision to seek justice through the media ignites a firestorm of demonization and dangerous harassment.

This novel offers a chilling commentary on the pervasive toxicity of misogyny and cyberbullying in male-dominated workplaces.

I can tell if a horror novel is compelling if I am still contemplating its themes like I have with this one, but readers should know that this novel has body horror themes- it will fit Grady Hendrix fans best!

Mars is away at a fancy summer camp, but navigating social situations at camp is challenging due to their genderfluidity.

But this year's camp visit is twofold as it is coupled with unraveling the mystery behind their sister's tragic death. Mars must befriend the queen bee girls to finally unlock the truth.

As they dive deep into camp traditions, they uncover some surprising truths.

I loved the razor-sharp wit as Mars challenges these fellow campers as they navigate life at camp with toxic boys, but the book's ending had me reeling.

I didn't initially consider this novel a social horror book. But, when we hosted the author to discuss his experience and research on dating apps, the story's roots are tied to the horrifying reality of algorithms in them.

As Gwen navigates the world of swiping left and right in search of love, she unwittingly becomes entangled in a nightmare when her dates start turning up dead in their coastal English town.

With each chapter dedicated to a doomed date, Chilton masterfully weaves red herrings and deliciously evil characters, keeping readers guessing until the shocking conclusion.

This murder mystery perfectly addresses the disposable nature of people in these apps but brings it all to life with a campy whodunit.

Related- L.M. Chilton Interview

Related- 30 Fictional Serial Killer Books

It was an honor to interview Josh Malerman and hear about his process with this novel before the incredible adaptation.

With creatures lurking outside that induce madness and death upon those who lay eyes on them, Malorie must navigate a treacherous journey with her two children blindfolded along a river in search of safety.

Alternating between the pre- and post-creature worlds, Malerman masterfully crafts a narrative that builds tension with every page turn.

Many theories exist about those creatures, but one of the biggest components is how social media can make people unaware of what's happening around them.

Other prominent themes include mental illness and the challenges of parenthood. These creatures, though, can represent our greatest fears and why we struggle to face them.

Related- Best Josh Malerman Books (My Interview)

Readers craving a clever modern whodunit will be thrilled with this campy, thriller.

In a world of swiping right or left, Gwen's dates start turning up dead, pulling her into a living nightmare where every romantic encounter becomes a murder scene.

With twisty, laugh-out-loud chapters and a Scream-like vibe, this novel keeps you guessing—and utterly hooked—until the last page.

Tune into the Book Gang podcast with L.M. Chilton, who shares his surprising dating history, which helped inspire this plot.

Patrons can dive into the Swiped ending, where the author discusses his favorite red herrings and savvy killer reveal.

I have my pre-order in for this cozy murder mystery, which explores San Francisco with Capri, a clever tour guide who uncovers the dark secrets of her alleged serial killer grandfather.

Using the city's rich, iconic landmarks as a backdrop, we follow along as she races against time to protect her family and solve a mystery that spans generations.

Release Date- 24 September 2024

A serial killer makes a surprise cameo in one of my favorite summer books, but to tell you more would ruin an incredible discovery.

This action-packed thriller features a world-famous assassin who has joined a support group to leave behind his peppered past. 

But many people out for revenge in this story force Mark (AKA Pale Horse) to find inventive new ways to pursue his redemption story.

Release Date- 11 June 2024

Related- The MomAdvice 2024 Summer Reading Guide

This novel came on my radar after seeing this review from the Bookwild podcast, and I can't wait to read it. 

In this chilling debut, Anna Koray, a decorated sheriff's lieutenant with a dark past, faces a nightmare when her suppressed memories begin resurfacing.

As she reckons with the realization that she is the daughter of a notorious serial killer, a copycat emerges, threatening her constructed world. 

Now, Anna must navigate the shadows of her past and confront the darkness within herself before it consumes her.

Related- Non-Thriller Books Thriller Readers Will Love Podcast (my picks shared on Bookwild)

The night after her father's funeral, Claire meets Luca in a bar. Unbeknownst to Luca, this encounter is no coincidence.

His thoughtless, mistyped email has made him a target of a woman who channels her impatience with murder.

Now coping with her grief, she joins a support group. However, when a fellow member becomes overly fixated on her, Claire must find ways to safeguard her secret life.

This book is for readers who appreciate a twisted sense of humor in serial killers like the beloved Dexter.

While this is a darkly funny story, Claire's grief is a core part of this novel's narrative.

Related- Books on Grief and Loss

This novel is my favorite Jessica Knoll book, which fictionally explores the Ted Bundy crimes, skillfully narrated through the perspectives of two women deeply affected by his reign of terror.

Knoll's narrative humanizes the victims, steering away from some of the more graphic details to focus on their aspirations, relationships, and the profound impact of their loss. 

While the pacing may falter at times, the multi-cast audiobook narration added depth to these intertwining storylines, ultimately leading to a satisfying conclusion.

Related- Meet The Author in this Jessica Knoll Interview

S.A. Cosby's novels are dark and challenging, and this novel is no exception.  

This latest novel plunges readers into the heart of a small town terrorized by a serial killer's gruesome acts. 

As Titus Crowne, the town's first Black sheriff, investigates a school shooting, he uncovers a chilling trail of deep-seated secrets and a lurking serial killer.

With religious zealots and racial tensions heightening the suspense, Cosby's narrative grips with relentless intensity, offering a dark and unforgettable exploration of the horrors that lurk beneath the surface of rural America.

This atmospheric thriller delves deep into the psyche of a serial killer facing his final hours on death row. 

Ansel Packer's intricate character is unveiled through the viewpoints of the women in his life: his mother, sister, and a homicide detective.

This revelation exposes the sinister origins of his violence and explores the unsettling aspects of human nature.

I promise, Kukafka's masterful storytelling captivates readers, prompting reflection on the nature of good and evil. This novel is PERFECT for book clubs!

Related- The Best Book Club Books to Discuss Now

As a seasoned thriller reader, it's rare to find a book that catches me off guard, but Samantha Downing's debut did just that when I read it.  

This chilling story reveals a picture-perfect couple who take up a new hobby: seducing and murdering together for a bit of excitement in their marriage.

The genuine suspense lies not in the killings but in the devastating ripple effects on their unsuspecting children and their increasingly fragile web of lies. 

Related- Best Psychological Thriller Books

Any child of the '80s remembers the stranger danger era and the missing kids on milk cartons. 

This intelligent and chilling thriller, inspired by the real-life case of three vanished paperboys, is a page-turner you won't be able to put down. 

Readers are offered multiple POVS from a dedicated officer, the sister of a fellow paperboy, and a haunted 12-year-old boy. 

The author's extensive research and interviews, tucked into the back of this novel, strengthen the story's authenticity.

It's meticulously crafted and gripping from start to finish.

I'm not sure why female serial killers are more memorable than their counterparts, but this guilty pleasure novel was unforgettable.

The book opens with Detective Archie Sheridan's torture by a serial killer he had been tracking for ten years. He knows everything about her and anticipates what she will do to him before she even does it.

But, unexpectedly, she turns herself in and lets him go. 

Gretchen, the cunningly beautiful and twisted serial killer, is now in prison, serving time for the deaths that she has caused, and Archie is unsuccessfully trying to rebuild his life. 

Yet, when another killer begins to snatch teenage girls in the city of Portland, he has to pull himself together to lead a new task force to investigate.

But this time, a newspaper reporter is documenting his every move, anxious to share the real scoop on his chilling time with the infamous Gretchen Lowell.

FYI- this is the first in a six book series with Archie Sheridan & Gretchen Lowell!

I loved discovering this year that Jeff Lindsay isn't just an author with staying power but also a phenomenal audiobook narrator. 

In this darkly humorous novel, Dexter is a blood-splatter expert who leads a double life as a serial killer. 

For sensitive readers, the meticulous and methodical ritual of Dexter's killings is described as sculpting projects, separating readers from the horrors at times. 

This novel was my first introduction to Hillier's writing, and I've been hooked on her dark storytelling ever since.  

But the truth is that she has known where Angela has been buried all along because the love of her high school life is now known as a serial killer. 

This book goes to some dark places and is one of those stories that keeps you up until the wee hours of the night. Hillier builds a story worthy of a Jar of Hearts sequel.

Will Patton was an Audie Award Finalist for Fiction and Solo Narration for his performance on this audiobook.

Retired detective Bill Hodges finds himself drawn back into the world of crime-solving when a chilling letter from a killer known as "Mr. Mercedes" reignites an unsolved case. 

With a deadly cat-and-mouse game unfolding, Hodges must stop the deranged killer before he strikes again. 

Stephen King's gripping police procedural was a departure from his horror writing at the time and explores a fun, high-stakes battle of wits between Hodges and his elusive adversary.

This is the first novel in The Bill Hodges Trilogy and readers can continue these adventures with Finders & Keepers & End of Watch.

Did you know that Caroline Kepnes worked for Tiger Beat? This writer's background is why Joe's obsession with pop culture is well-developed in this debut thriller.

You can read more in our exclusive Caroline Kepnes interview that I was so excited to snag before the series really took off.

A chilling narrative unfolds through the obsessive lens of Joe, our protagonist, as he spirals into a twisted love affair ignited by cyber-stalking a girl who patronizes his bookshop.

Joe's descent into madness exposes the stark disparity between his romantic fantasies and the harsh realities of love, leading to a gripping exploration in obsession.

Woven with dark humor, you'll love the audiobook experience in the You series with assured narration from Santino Fontana.

After you finish, dive into the Netflix TV series starring Penn Badgley.

I've forever cataloged this book as an excellent recommendation for my fellow Flowers in the Attic fans.

I see you, I am you.

In this twisted story, a troubled reporter confronts her demons while investigating the brutal murders of two young girls in her hometown.

Flynn's writing is raw and graphic, creating an uncomfortable tension.

As we uncover the roots of this family dysfunction and small-town secrets, the story delivers a shocking twist that left me reeling.

After you finish, you can watch the HBO Sharp Objects adaptation starring Amy Adams.

Slaughter's chilling story is as cinematic as a horror film and is not for sensitive readers. 

In 1991, Julia Carroll vanished without a trace, leaving her family shattered. 

Over two decades later, another girl's disappearance and murder draw her sisters, Claire and Lydia, back together.

Slaughter perfectly crafts each page skillfully so that I can recall many scenes years later.

Dark, psychologically twisted, evil, and graphic, the story kept me on the absolute edge of my seat from the opening page. 

Related- 19 Thrillers to Keep You Up All Night

If you love sinking your teeth into a new series, this time travel novel introduces FBI agent Kendra Donovan. I read this for my local library's read-along! 

Kendra's botched case leads her to seek revenge at a castle party, where she is transported to the 1800s.

Her modern sleuthing skills become crucial when a serial killer strikes.

However, solving the case without contemporary tools and respect as a low-level employee in a different era proves challenging.

Related- The Best Time Travel Books

Related- Best Time Travel TV and Movies to Watch

This impactful 240-page novel packed a punch that made it a memorable selection for our book club.

Korede is tired of cleaning up after her beautiful, sociopathic sister Ayoola, who turns every date into a murder scene. 

But, the tension skyrockets when Ayoola targets Korede's secret crush, putting the doctor's life—and her heart—at risk. 

This dark satire explores the complex dynamics of sibling relationships rather than focusing solely on the gruesome details of serial killings. 

Despite its slim profile, Braithwaite's storytelling is sharp and effective, creating a compelling backstory for Ayoola.

Related- 2019 Book Club Books

This YA historical mystery is perfect for K-Drama enthusiasts and a book that I'm screening for our book club this summer.

Baek-Hyeon, a determined young nurse, is determined to uncover the mystery behind a series of gruesome killings that have rocked the royal household.

Teaming up with Inspector Seo Eojin, they explore the dark secrets of the past, following the twisted trail of clues to unmask thekiller before more lives hang in the balance.

Take advantage of the author's enlightening afterword, which offers fascinating insights into the historical context behind the story.

Amber, a fiery 24-year-old college student with a checkered past, wakes up to a nightmare: bound and gagged in the clutches of a serial killer. 

Narrowly saved by a mysterious masked woman, Amber's life takes a surprising turn. But, instead of succumbing to fear, she's fueled by rage.

Now with the FBI on her trail and a need for a fresh start, she heads to the neon-lit streets of Las Vegas, where danger lurks around every corner.

Determined not to become another statistic, Amber teams up with some unlikely allies in this quirky thriller. 

Scarlett is a college professor with a deadly agenda: she eliminates men she deems deserving of punishment for their mistreatment of women. 

But when her latest act of vengeance spirals out of control, scrutiny intensifies, threatening to expose her deadly deeds.

Carly, a freshman at the same university, experiences a dark twist in her friendship with her outgoing roommate, Allison, after Allison is assaulted.

Fargo's narrative weaves these stories together in a propulsive story you won't be able to put down. 

The riveting hook for this legal thriller is "The serial killer isn't on trial: HE'S ON THE JURY!"

Eddie Flynn is a reformed conman turned criminal defense attorney whose latest case puts him in the spotlight like never before. 

When a reality TV star is accused of a gruesome murder, Eddie is faced with his most formidable challenge yet. 

But little does he know that lurking in the shadows is a cold-blooded killer who will stop at nothing to ensure Bobby's conviction—even if it means manipulating the very system designed to dispense justice. 

Thirteen months ago, former NYPD detective Shana Merchant barely survived being abducted by a serial killer.

Now haunted by her past trauma, Shana confronts her demons as she investigates a young man who has gone missing on a wealthy family's secluded island.

This novel offers readers a riveting locked-room mystery filled with unexpected twists and curently offers six novels in the Shana Merchant series!

Related- Enthralling Books Set on Islands

Travel back to the 1980s, when the FBI took an innovative research approach, recruiting teenagers to join their Behavioral Science Unit tasked with interviewing juvenile serial killers. 

As these teens navigate the murky waters of interviewing, their past traumas begin to resurface.

This backlist novel is over 600 pages, but it is worth the commitment for many readers, including my co-host!

In this gripping tale, Pilgrim is a former intelligence operative drawn back into the world of espionage to hunt down a deadly adversary known as the Saracen. 

This thrilling investigation sends him to Turkey, Afghanistan, Bulgaria, and even Saudi Arabia as he races against time to prevent a catastrophic terrorist attack. 

This novel is the first in the Major Crimes series, but readers should know Sam Holland delivers incredibly dark police procedural mysteries.

Detectives Cara Elliott and Noah Deakin face the challenge of solving a series of brutal murders. Each crime mimics the methods of famous serial killers, leaving the detectives puzzled and the public in fear.

As they race against time to uncover the truth, tensions rise, and each character's flaws are vividly displayed.

Prepare for adventure in this 1990s serial killer book set in the Bay Area.

Detective Caitlin Hendrix is caught in a terrifying game of cat and mouse with a notorious serial killer known as The Prophet. 

As much as her superiors, boyfriend, and even her father caution her not to lose herself in the Prophet's hellish mission, her carefully constructed barrier begins to crumble in this adrenaline-fueled book ride.

Gina Royal's life is turned upside down when she discovers her husband is a notorious serial killer, forcing her to flee with her children and adopt new identities.

But when bodies start turning up in her new hometown, bearing eerie similarities to her husband's past crimes, Gina must confront her worst fears and fight to protect her family at all costs.

This successful series now offers six novels to explore.

This impressive debut introduces us to the gritty world of Detective William Oliver Layton-Fawkes, better known as Wolf, a controversial figure haunted by his past triumphs and failures.

When a twisted killer resurfaces, leaving behind a grotesque display of dismembered victims, Wolf returns to the spotlight. 

As he races against time to unravel the mystery, he battles a cunning adversary and his own inner demons. 

This novel is the first in the Fawkes and Baxter Series, and readers can continue these wild adventures in Hangman & Endgame. 

In Ethan Joella's third novel, set in a picturesque Delaware beach town, restaurant owner Jack faces a midlife crossroads as he contemplates selling his family business while dealing with workplace drama, an old flame's return, and life-altering news from his past.

Don’t be fooled by this cover- this novel delivers an emotional punch and is a bit spicier than Joella’s past books while offering that cozy storytelling you expect. I'll read anything this man writes! (on store shelves July 2nd)

MOOD: EMOTIONAL, HOPEFUL, REFLECTIVE
PACE: MEDIUM

Since her husband's death, librarian Sylvie struggles to connect with her sisters, Emma and Cleo. However, a whirlwind marriage proposal from a match on a reading app leads her to invite them to her fiancé's family castle for the wedding nuptials.

Get ready for zany period piece moments with more than a few requests for Starbucks.

This juicy family drama layers many romance romps in the castle- a great reading accompaniment to this season’s Bridgerton. (on store shelves now)

MOOD: LIGHTHEARTED, RELAXING, ROMANTIC
PACE: FAST

My favorite book of the year is Rufi Thorpe's latest showstopper, a gripping page-turner that lays bare America's broken childcare system.

19-year-old Margo, pregnant by her married professor and lacking support, turns to OnlyFans to survive while navigating new motherhood and rekindling a touching father-daughter bond with her newly sober wrestler dad.

If you have forgotten how hard the early years of motherhood are or just need someone to commiserate with, Margo is your girl!

I laughed and cried through almost every page. The recent Margo's Got Money Troubles series announcement makes me excited for what's to come on screen. (on store shelves June 11th)

MOOD: HOPEFUL, LIGHTHEARTED, INSPIRING
PACE: FAST

Related- Best Books on Addiction and Recovery

In a small Southern town, Lula's mission to promote southern charm and "good family values" through her quaint lending library takes an unexpected turn when banned books are secretly swapped into those carefully curated book covers.

This leads to transformative self-discoveries for the town's residents in Miller's provocative new novel.

But, I do wish this didn’t completely alienate conservative readers from book club discussions with some of its narrative. If you are left-leaning, this book will be a sheer delight. (on store shelves June 18th)

MOOD: FUNNY, REFLECTIVE
PACE: MEDIUM

LISTEN TO ROB HART ON THE BOOK GANG PODCAST- COMING SOON

Hart’s cinematic thriller blends the intensity of John Wick with the dark comedy of Barry.

Pale Horse, the world's deadliest assassin, has turned over a new leaf and has joined the Assassins Anonymous support group, vowing to never kill again.

But what happens when he’s pursuing his redemption story and so many are still out for revenge?

This adventure tale delivers the BEST gasp-worthy plot twists and features one of the most memorable kitty sidekicks, making it a perfect summer blockbuster book for any reader.

It is the first in a planned series and has been optioned for film by Steven Spielberg’s team. (on store shelves June 11th)

MOOD: ADVENTUROUS, FUNNY, LIGHTHEARTED
PACE: FAST

LISTEN TO EMIKO JEAN ON THE BOOK GANG PODCAST- COMING SOON

In a desperate attempt to fund getting a new phone, Ellie Black hosts a teen motel party, only to vanish that fateful night, setting off a harrowing two-year search.

When Detective Chelsea Calhoun receives a call that Ellie may be in custody, readers are off on a heart-stopping, page-turning experience as forensics reveals chilling details that unravel a dark mystery of missing girls.

This novel is sometimes graphic but done with so much love and care by the author.

You’ll be thrilled to hear that this is the first in a series with Detective Calhoun! (on store shelves now)

MOOD: DARK, CHALLENGING, TENSE,
MYSTERIOUS PACE: MEDIUM

When Zara's father leaves his entire estate to his university instead of her, she dives into ghostwriting to rebuild her finances, landing a gig with celebrity chef Jane Bailey.

But Jane’s cozy allure hides a few unsettling secrets.

As Zara falls asleep on the first night of her new gig, she hears the unsettling clicking of a security camera, and the reader discovers a surprising tale of obsession perfect for Verity fans. (on store shelves May 21st)

MOOD: DARK, TENSE, MYSTERIOUS
PACE: MEDIUM

LISTEN TO NICOLA YOON ON THE BOOK GANG PODCAST- COMING SOON

It’s Stepford Wives meets Get Out in this unsettling social horror story.

In a newly created utopian neighborhood designed for the Black community, Jasmyn embraces the promise of safety for her children but grows uneasy as she discovers her neighbors' detachment from real-world issues.

Jasmyn’s simmering rage will be yours as you uncover unsettling truths about the neighborhood's origins.

I'm eager to understand Yoon's provocative One of Our Kind ending in our spoiler-filled series this summer for patrons. (on store shelves June 11th)

MOOD: DARK, CHALLENGING, TENSE
PACE: MEDIUM

Related- These Social Horror Books Will Make You Think

LISTEN TO L.M. CHILTON ON THE BOOK GANG PODCAST

In this millennial murder mystery, Gwen's disastrous dating life takes a deadly turn as each of her failed dates becomes a victim of a serial killer in their coastal English town, leading her to question whether she's being set up by the dating app's algorithm or if something more sinister is at play.

This campy narrative is packed with red herrings and deliciously evil characters, ensuring readers keep guessing until the end.

It is as fun and addictive as buttery movie theater popcorn but doesn’t mind being a little silly for pure escapism purposes. (on store shelves May 21st)

MOOD: FUNNY, LIGHTHEARTED, ADVENTUROUS
PACE: FAST

Related- 30 Fictional Serial Killer Books

A missing persons case grips a community when a teenage girl disappears after a hike with her boyfriend, but what surprises the reader is the swift revelation of what happened to Nina.

This novel’s title may be misleading, as readers are taken on a richly developed family drama and a gripping exploration of the aftermath within the context of this riveting tragedy.

This is the ideal summer book club thriller pick. (on store shelves now)

MOOD: DARK, CHALLENGING, TENSE, MYSTERIOUS
PACE: MEDIUM

LISTEN TO MARY KUBICA ON THE BOOK GANG PODCAST

In Kubica's latest thriller, readers are treated to slow-burn suspense as ICU nurse Meghan navigates single parenthood and traumatic memories stirred by a patient's mysterious accident.

As she cares for a patient with a traumatic brain injury, surprising revelations, connections, and clever twists will keep you guessing until the final pages.

I loved the cinematic Chicago backdrop in this novel. (on store shelves now)

MOOD: DARK, CHALLENGING, MYSTERIOUS
PACE: MEDIUM

Related- Best Mary Kubica Books

In honor of my 20th birthday as a content creator, I read this backlist novel published the year I started my business as a fun way to commemorate the occasion.

Jeff Lindsay's gripping audiobook performance is iconic in this darkly funny story as Dexter navigates his dual life as a blood splatter expert and vigilante serial killer.

You’ll be mesmerized by the voices Lindsay crafts for the two people existing inside himself.

While you are likely quite familiar with this pop culture icon, did you know Jeff Lindsay also boasts a background as a playwright, an actor, and is married to Ernest Hemingway's niece?

Don't miss today's show to learn the surprising details behind this 8-book series. (on store shelves now)

MOOD: DARK, FUNNY,
PACE: FAST

LISTEN TO MEG SHAFFER ON THE BOOK GANG PODCAST. MEG WILL BE RETURNING TO SHARE HER STORY BEHIND THIS BOOK SOON!

Two boys mysteriously vanish during a school field trip in this captivating novel reminiscent of the Chronicles of Narnia.

Their prolonged absence leads locals to consider them not just missing but lost.

So when they suddenly reappear again, one could say their return feels like a fairy tale, but as the book’s narrator coyly sets up, "They didn't have fairy tales in West Virginia. They were lucky to have a Target." Readers will discover an enchanted portal to another world.

Despite exploring darker themes of childhood trauma, the novel maintains a thoughtful and warm tone throughout. It’s even better than Shaffer’s debut! (on store shelves July 16th)

MOOD: EMOTIONAL, HOPEFUL, MYSTERIOUS
PACE: MEDIUM

Related- Found Family Trope Books

Make sure to snag the audiobook for this novel!

Darkly funny and ingeniously crafted, this fantasy novel blends Office Space with Suicide Squad. Anna uses her data analyst skills to take down villains after being harmed as an innocent bystander in a superhero’s heroic efforts to save the Mayor’s son.

From a pure number-crunching perspective, why shouldn't she join the villain team if superheroes are as bad for the world as a natural disaster and people like her are always injured?

It's a thrilling read with impressive world-building, even weaving in a hilarious nursing home setting for villains. This novel is the first in a series- Right Hand will hit store shelves in October. (on store shelves now)

MOOD: ADVENTUROUS, FUNNY, DARK, LIGHTHEARTED
PACE: MEDIUM

Lynn Buchanan, mentored by Brandon Sanderson and currently working as an art director at Dragonsteel Entertainment, crafts a richly imagined cozy fantasy world perfect for Studio Ghibli enthusiasts.

In the country called One, dollmakers are vital members of the community, and being a doll artisan is the highest accomplishment in society.

Shean, an ambitious and short-tempered prodigy in her early twenties, doesn’t receive the news she expected when her dolls are deemed too beautiful to be used for fighting the monsters of Shod.

Her determination to prove everyone wrong will lead to a fruitful coming-of-age journey and a fantastic female mentorship.

With thoughtful world-building and unique magic systems, this novel is worth the splurge for the gorgeous paper copy illustrations that took my breath away. (on store shelves August 24th)

MOOD: DARK, MYSTERIOUS, ADVENTUROUS, TENSE
PACE: MEDIUM

LISTEN TO JEFF ZENTNER ON THE BOOK GANG PODCAST

When a country music star's life spirals out of control after a drunken outburst against gun violence, he seeks refuge back home and lands back into the orbit of his high school sweetheart.

Readers are pulled into a Southern restaurant setting as he navigates sobriety and second chances in his new role as a sous chef.

A dual timeline with his high school love story anchors the plot- familiar waters for Zentner as a seasoned YA novelist.

Readers who shy away from romance will still gravitate towards this one, as its romance elements are lighter. Recovery and redemption are this novel’s central themes. (on store shelves now)

MOOD: EMOTIONAL, HOPEFUL, REFLECTIVE
PACE: MEDIUM

Related- Second Chance Romance Novels

Related- Best Jeff Zentner Books

LISTEN TO DANICA NAVA ON THE BOOK GANG PODCAST- COMING SOON

In the FIRST-EVER Native American rom-com, Ember navigates financial struggles and numerous job rejections in her twenties.

When she tells a few half-truths on a job application, she lands a job interview where an awkward coffee shop encounter on route leads her to the same company doors as the swoon-worthy Danuwoa, who works in IT.

As she tries to figure out the weird corporate acronyms and how to do her role at the company, you’ll be in for plenty of laughs.

But, the chemistry between this couple is palatable. I loved that they are from different tribes, and navigating their language differences offered an extra layer of charm that I had not considered until reading this book.

The spice is skimmable if you prefer closed-door romance! (on store shelves August 6th)

MOOD: FUNNY, HOPEFUL, LIGHTHEARTED, OPEN-DOOR ROMANCE (MEDIUM HEAT)
PACE: FAST

LISTEN TO LAURA HANKIN ON THE BOOK GANG PODCAST- COMING SOON

When Harry Met Sally meets Happy Place in my favorite enemies-to-lovers romance novel of the year.

Natalie, a struggling writer, discovers that Rob, the best man in her friend's wedding, left a one-star review on her debut novel.

Their hilarious and awkward interactions at every event offered in seven sections let us follow them on vacation together, celebrate the birth of their friend's child, attend a housewarming party, and witness other pivotal moments in this friend's marriage.

The fact that this is loosely based upon a real encounter that Hankin had been through heightens the hilarity.

Laura has recorded a spoiler-filled chat for our Patreon to discuss the funny twists in this story- don't miss it!  (on store shelves June 18th)

MOOD: FUNNY, EMOTIONAL, HOPEFUL, LIGHTHEARTED
PACE: MEDIUM

Related- Books About Books

In this sapphic romance, Rosemary and Logan were childhood best friends until an incident fractured this friendship and turned them into bitter rivals.

Now in their thirties and working as teachers at their alma mater, they are asked to help their beloved English teacher fulfill the road trip of a lifetime as he faces the final months of his life.

Somehow, Chocrun brings lightness and, yes, even humor to every moment, down to the unusual van they secure to lug all the equipment he needs.

You'll be rolling! It's a heartwarming multigenerational story that brings beautiful surprises, especially as you discover more about Joe's past. (on store shelves now)

MOOD: FUNNY, EMOTIONAL, HOPEFUL, LIGHTHEARTED, OPEN-DOOR ROMANCE (MEDIUM HEAT)
PACE: MEDIUM

Related- Best Books About Road Trips

LISTEN TO SARAH ADLER ON THE BOOK GANG PODCAST

I knew Sarah Adler was MY people when she described a M*A*S*H fanfiction high school phase complete with fatigues, but she sealed my adoration for her with one of the most memorable one-bed trope moments in this quirky romance. You’ll be seeing paint-by-numbers projects in a whole new light.

Millie is on a heartfelt mission to reunite her elderly neighbor, Mrs. Nash, with a long-lost love from eighty years ago. Sadly, this reunion is with her ashes instead of the moment they deserve.

But her trip faces hilarious hurdles and an unexpected road trip to a Schitt’s Creek town with another handsome traveler headed in the same direction.

A dual timeline set in 1944 Key West enhances the story with a sapphic storyline where we learn of Mrs. Nash's lost love. (on store shelves now)

MOOD: FUNNY, EMOTIONAL, HOPEFUL, LIGHTHEARTED, MEDIUM-SPICED OPEN-DOOR ROMANCE
PACE: MEDIUM

Related- Best One-Trope Bed Books

In Jimenez's clever romance novel, two cursed individuals meet on a subreddit titled r/AmItheAsshole, discovering they're not alone in their haunting dating issue of exes finding their soulmates after breaking up.

Told in dual perspectives, Justin approaches the dating negotiations with adorkable charm, from sending Emma evites to conducting exit surveys on each of their planned dates.

But this romance is layered with A LOT of family drama, so readers should be in the mood for that.

Jimenez weaves in Easter eggs from past novels, but Just for the Summer can easily be read as a standalone. (on store shelves now)

MOOD: FUNNY, EMOTIONAL, HOPEFUL, LIGHTHEARTED, MOSTLY CLOSED-DOOR ROMANCE
PACE: MEDIUM

Delvina has been preoccupied with her life and has lost touch with her grandmother over the last year, but when she loses her job, apartment, and boyfriend all in one fell swoop, the only place she knows she can afford is to go home again to her Nana.

Shockingly, Nana has formed a funny friendship with her old high school flame, Eddie Rodriguez, a boy who simultaneously tortured her as a kid and broke her heart in her teens.

He picks her up daily for water aerobics classes with a hot coffee and even teaches her Nana Spanish on the way to classes.

It's... disgusting. Or is it?

But when Delvina decides to do a stand-up comedy routine at her local dive bar, she is floored to discover that Eddie owns that place, too. Eddie has become the Jersey Shore’s beloved mayor (it seems) and is as magnetic as she remembered. (on store May 21st)

MOOD: FUNNY, EMOTIONAL, HOPEFUL, LIGHTHEARTED
PACE: FAST

This Gen-X romance is my new under-the-radar favorite.

Maggie is a freelance writer who has slipped comfortably into her work-at-home life, only leaving her house for the rare grocery outing every three weeks when she no longer has shelf-stable food.

Her son, Kit, has flown the coop to start college, and she's a little worried that her introverted routines might have rubbed off on him.

So the two decide to strike a deal: if she becomes more social, he will, too.

This leads to Maggie joining an online gaming club where she plays with community college “kids,” but discovers a man her age is part of the group, and they have incredible chemistry.

Get ready for the swoon-worthy cozy midlife companionship of having someone to share a meal with, binge-watch shows with, and run the minutiae parade of errands together.

This was everything I needed it to be. (on store shelves now)

LISTEN TO MY JULIA WHELAN INTERVIEW ON THE BOOK GANG PODCAST

For an enhanced experience, I highly recommend the audiobook of this romance novel, as Julia Whelan's performance truly brings to life Emily Henry's delightful Midwestern details, from farmer's markets to Michigan's chilly beaches.

In Henry's new novel Daphne, a jilted children's librarian, and Miles, equally bruised from a recent heartbreak, find themselves in a fake dating arrangement that evolves into genuine feelings.

Henry weaves layers of family drama, cozy library scenes, and an unlikely friendship. Honestly, those details outshined the romance for me! (on store shelves now)

MOOD: FUNNY, EMOTIONAL, HOPEFUL, LIGHTHEARTED
PACE: MEDIUM

LISTEN TO MY KENNEDY RYAN INTERVIEW ON THE BOOK GANG PODCAST

This indie-published book, recently picked up by Forever, is the spiciest romance on the list—consider yourself warned!

Relatively unknown actress Neevah lands the lead in a Broadway play and catches the eye of Hollywood producer Canon, who casts her in his biopic, but she faces the challenge of managing lupus on set.

Ryan's novel feels cinematic, honoring Black artists with nods to Harlem, jazz, and historic theater moments.

It won the 2022 Audie Award for Romance, was one of AudioFile Magazine’s Best Audiobooks of 2021, and earned an Earphones Award with Broadway narrator leads and a musical score.

Kennedy’s research for this one is highly detailed in our episode.  (on store shelves now on audio and Kindle; this will get a fresh cover release in February!)

MOOD: EMOTIONAL, REFLECTIVE, OPEN-DOOR ROMANCE (HIGH HEAT!!)
PACE: MEDIUM

Related- Books About Old Hollywood

Readers who love historical fiction with magical premises will adore this story's vivid Harlem setting.

Ricki Wilde, heir to the Wilde Funeral Dynasty, shocks her elitist family by abandoning the business to pursue her dream of opening a flower shop in Harlem.

On an evening walk, she meets a mysterious man in an unseasonably blooming garden, sparking an instant connection that unexpectedly changes her life. The novel shines with an intergenerational friendship that supports and mentors Ricki as she navigates her new path.

The ending was a delightful reward, and fans will enjoy a fun cameo from the authors of Seven Days in June at a book signing.

But, one of the best rewards was learning that Stevie Wonder crafted music for a plant documentary that has now become one of my new favorite albums. Who knew? (on store shelves now)

MOOD: EMOTIONAL, REFLECTIVE, OPEN-DOOR ROMANCE (MEDIUM HEAT!)
PACE: MEDIUM

Related- Best Magical Realism Books

This heart-aching debut novel chronicles the complex relationship between Bao Mei and Old Second, who begin their married life in rural China without being truly in love.

Old Second finds male companionship in a rundown cinema, where Bao guards the ticket booth, keeping the secrets of each patron.

When Old Second finds love, Tang's searing description of the affair nearly took my breath away.

But, when tragedy strikes, the characters are haunted by their actions and inactions, altering their lives forever.

This debut doesn’t shy away from depicting the harsh realities of homophobia in the past. It skillfully brings the story full circle during the pandemic in New York, highlighting the racism prevalent during this time.

Make sure you have some tissues for tears! (on store shelves now)

MOOD: EMOTIONAL, REFLECTIVE, SAD
PACE: MEDIUM

Related- Best Books by AAPI Authors

Related- Best Books for LGBT History Month

LISTEN TO EMILY HABECK ON THE BOOK GANG PODCAST

This novel was my favorite book of 2023, and its paperback release is the perfect excuse to celebrate it again.

Lewis and Wren’s newlywed status is overshadowed by Lewis’s rare genetic mutation that will gradually turn him into a shark.

As he struggles with his transformation, Wren rises to meet these daily challenges, revealing her own stunning backstory.

But don't be swayed by the fantastical plot- this novel is a beautiful celebration for anyone who has navigated a tough medical diagnosis and the caretakers who support them.

I encourage you to get the paper copy so you can see the white space on the page. Patrons can access a spoiler chat with the author as we explore this novel’s magical end together. (on store shelves now)

MOOD: EMOTIONAL, REFLECTIVE, ADVENTUROUS
PACE: MEDIUM

This slow novel is a family saga in which not much happens, but the characters take you on a beautiful journey. I recommend reading it while you await Lombardo's next novel, Same As It Ever Was.

David and Marilyn's enduring love story takes center stage. But, their world is rocked by the arrival of Jonah, a child secretly given up for adoption by one of the daughters fifteen years earlier.

As the family uncovers more about this secret, they must discover new roles as grandparents, aunts, and mothers. With seven distinct perspectives, you'll be pulled into a heartfelt drama reminiscent of Parenthood.

This novel is a must-read, but be ready for some sizzling moments that showcase that a sex drive doesn't have to die out in your midlife years. David and Marilyn still have the hots for each other! (on store shelves now)

MOOD: EMOTIONAL, REFLECTIVE, HOPEFUL
PACE: SLOWLY SAVORED

LISTEN TO RESHONDA TATE ON THE BOOK GANG PODCAST- COMING SOON

If Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? was your favorite historical fiction book from last summer, ReShonda Tate's historical fiction debut is your next best bet—be sure to give Lynette R. Freeman's phenomenal audiobook performance a spin.

The story swiftly starts with Hattie McDaniel's historic supporting actress win at the Academy Awards for her portrayal of Mammy in Gone With the Wind.

It follows her tumultuous journey through Hollywood's unbelievable limitations as a Black actress forever typecast as a housekeeper.

Whether she was butting heads with the NAACP, fighting racial segregation in her neighborhood, falling madly in love with four different men, or finding an unusually steadfast friendship with Clark Gable- this juicy tell-all reads like a Ryan Murphy flick in a book. (on store shelves now)

MOOD: EMOTIONAL, INFORMATIVE, REFLECTIVE
PACE: MEDIUM

Related- New Historical Fiction to Read in 2024

If The Women was your favorite historical fiction book this year, you will enjoy this post-WWII story.

It's 1919, and Constance is one of many women without a paid position after the war. This job loss has led to her unexpected position as a companion to an old family friend staying at a seaside resort.

She is quickly pulled into the orbit of Poppy and Harris, siblings whose mother also resides there.

Poppy's progressive schemes offer creative skills to support local women. It begins with purchasing a beaten-up airplane to teach the ladies in her motorcycle club how to fly and convincing her pilot brother to be an instructor who has been navigating a devastating war injury.

But, as Poppy, Harris, and Constance all find a new purpose after the war, the town's residents clutch their pearls and want to reverse time. I devoured this lovely book in a single day.  (on store shelves now)

MOOD: EMOTIONAL, LIGHTHEARTED, FUNNY, REFLECTIVE
PACE: MEDIUM

LISTEN TO MY MEAGAN CHURCH INTERVIEW ON THE BOOK GANG PODCAST

A girl struggles in the water at a community pool, her arms flailing as she fights to stay afloat. Despite her distress, no one notices her desperate plight, especially her father, whose eye is pulled to the attractive lifeguard.

This haunting opening scene is a powerful symbol: girls must save themselves in this town.

Lorraine, a bright and ambitious seventeen-year-old in the early 1960s, sees her dreams of becoming a valedictorian and astronaut shattered when a single encounter with her boyfriend, Clint, leaves her pregnant and abandoned.

Sent to a maternity home to avoid bringing shame to her family, this well-researched, page-turning novel offers an intimate look at the Baby Scoop era. It’s a great historical fiction book club pick! (on store shelves now)

MOOD: EMOTIONAL, REFLECTIVE, TENSE
PACE: MEDIUM

At the height of the civil rights movement, Lydia Abarca was a well-renowned ballerina whose credentials boasted performing for queens and kings, dancing in the movie production of The Wiz, and dancing for Bob Fosse on Broadway.

Half a century later, during Black History Month, Abarca's granddaughter wanted to share about her ground-breaking grandmother at school.

However, when their family searched for information about the first Black ballerina, only one ballerina's name appeared- Misty Copeland.

Karen Valby, whose New York Times article about the Legacy Council ignited public interest in creating a book about these dancers, meticulously documents five prolific Harlem dancers and their fearless founder, Arthur Mitchell, in this riveting page-turner.

I suggest obtaining a physical copy of the book to fully appreciate the stunning images of their performances and better understand the plot with this large cast of characters. (on store shelves now)

MOOD: EMOTIONAL, REFLECTIVE, INFORMATIVE
PACE: MEDIUM

In this audiobook, Mark Chiusano dives deep into the bizarre life story of emerging political figure George Santos, whom he originally intended to cover through a series of articles for Newsday.

From Santos's early years to his rise as a US Representative, Chiusano's balanced reporting explores the trajectory of falsehoods, hustling, grifting, and theft while finding childhood details to create the tiniest glimmers of compassion to understand an unsettling persona.

If you enjoyed the cons in My Friend Anna, this offers a similar binge-able reading experience.  (on store shelves now)

MOOD: INFORMATIVE, MYSTERIOUS, REFLECTIVE
PACE: FAST

Related- Best Books on Con Artists

This is my favorite memoir of the year.

Brady became a breakout comedian on the Taskmaster TV show with her deadpan reactions and impeccable comedic timing.

But this story processes her autism diagnosis as an adult, documenting her childhood in hilariously witty and heartbreaking ways.

Fern's life as she gets older grows harrowing at times as she navigates risky sexual situations, abuse, homelessness, and stripping to stay off the streets.

She later discovers that this might have ties to her real and valid struggles as an Autistic woman.

What this memoir brings to the table is something that I don't see often addressed: the challenges when processing anger and emotions when you are an Autistic adult. I would recommend the print copy for this selection. (on store shelves now)

MOOD: EMOTIONAL, REFLECTIVE, TENSE, FUNNY
PACE: FAST

Related- Books With Autistic Characters

Jeff Zentner, best known for his young adult novels, pens a slow-burn second chance romance between high school sweethearts whose lives spin out in two directions.

Colton Gentry is a country music star banished from the music scene due to a controversial statement he drunkenly made on the microphone, promptly canceled by the industry.

Returning home becomes fruitful when he stumbles upon his high school sweetheart's farm-to-table restaurant.

As Colton navigates sobriety and rejection, he finds a new life at the restaurant and a rekindled love affair with Luann.

Tune in to the Book Gang podcast, where we discuss Zentner's debut romance writing and the surprising influences in his life that helped shape his beautiful foodie romance novel.

Readers who love an angsty romance will find this novel delivers in emotional spades. 

Related- The Best Books on Addiction and Recovery

Pitched as HBO's Hacks meets Carley Fortune's Every Summer After, this love story brings a comedian back home to the Jersey Shore to confront all she lost ten years ago, including her old flame.

The author of this debut novel is also a stand-up comedian. Her comedic skills are on full display in this story, which features a dual timeline structure that promises readers a glimpse of the relationship in both past and present.

Release Date-  21 May 2024

After four years apart, Theo and Kit decide to use the European food and wine tour voucher, which they have yet to use together as the expiration date for their vacation investment looms. 

However, things get complicated when they are trapped together for three weeks.

The two decide to keep their floundering relationship fresh with a friendly wager on who can sleep with their hot Italian tour guide first. 

But will this competition reignite their love, or will it tear them apart? I can't wait to find out!

Release Date- 6 August 2024

Early readers profess this new Carley Fortune book to be her best book yet, and I can't wait to dig in. 

Lucy vacations at a beach house on Prince Edward Island, unaware that her irresistible fling, Felix, is her best friend's younger brother. 

Despite vowing to avoid each other, their chemistry reignites each year. 

Years later, Lucy returns to PEI to support her friend, Bridget, and she must finally confront her lingering feelings for Fleix, risking her heart and friendship.

Release Date- 7 May 2024

Related- Enthralling Books Set on Islands

My new favorite romance from Cochran delivered an unexpected second-chance romance twist that reminded me of The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle.

Rosemary & Logan were childhood best friends until an incident fractured this friendship and turned them into bitter rivals.

Now in their thirties and working as teachers at their alma mater, they are asked to help their beloved English teacher fulfill the road trip of a lifetime as he faces the final months of his life.

However, readers discover that Joe has a surprising reason for wanting to pull these two together, bringing them on a side excursion with an old flame.

Get ready for a stunning second-chance romance with some ties to a pivotal moment in LGBT History.

Related- Best Books About Road Trips

My go-to recommendation from Hogle would be You Deserve Each Other, a hilarious romp of a book that is also a second-chance romance. But I wanted to offer some fresh recommendations for your summer, too, and Hogle's new book timed perfectly with today's list!

Readers should note that early reviews are split on this book regarding a plot twist detail, but you can be assured this one offers the witty banter you've come to expect from her other novels with a cozy, magical spin.

Romina Tempest runs a magical flower shop in the small town of Moonville, Ohio, where she helps people find love. She gave up on her own big romance eleven years ago, but at least she can bask in the promise of others.

But things get complicated when Romina discovers that Trevor's soon-to-be stepbrother is Alex, her high school sweetheart.

Fake dating shenanigans ensue, but she must decide whether to give Alex another chance or finally let go of the past.

Related-Best Magical Realism Books

In this marriage of convenience romance, high school sweethearts get their second chance at love.

Violet is now a successful celebrity stylist who has navigated a public breakup with her ex-fiancé.

On a birthday trip to Vegas, she runs into her old high school sweetheart, Xavier, and the two impulsively tie the knot.

Yet, when their passion reignites, they realize their feelings are just as real as when they were teenagers.

If you loved Forest's The Neighbor Favor, this BIPOC romance might be your new favorite!

Related- Books About Weddings

Sage Flores returns to her hometown after eight years of avoiding her family's "gifts" since her younger sister's death.

Her special gift is that she can communicate with plants, which allows her to discover rare heritage specimens on the land.

Now working together, new feelings began to take hold between these high school sweethearts.

Related- New Fall Books to Read

Eva struggles to balance her writing career, chronic pain, and single motherhood in this steamy, open-door romance.

But her world is rocked when prize-winning author Shane Hall reenters her life, reigniting their past love affair in glorious detail.

In a legendary plot twist, these authors spent only one week together as teens, but those seven days left such an impact that they still include references to each other in their books 15 years later.

This emotional romance book chronicles their difficult childhoods and grown-up challenges as successful Black authors.

It gives readers a peek behind the curtain at the romance writing process and the creative challenges of creation. It is one of my all-time favorites.

Related- Books About Books

This childhood friends-to-lovers story is offered on audiobook and narrated by the legendary Julia Whelan.

Best known for her incredible reporting on NPR, Linda Holmes has drawn readers who don't typically gravitate toward cozy stories in this sophomore effort.

Laurie inherits her Great-Aunt Dot's house, prompting her to confront her past choices, including a decision to be unmarried and child-free.

As she navigates the complexities of the estate, she rekindles connections with old friends and flames.

Laurie's romance is a bit secondary to a fun caper involving an old wooden duck in her aunt's belongings, as readers discover a Nancy Drew-esque mystery within this curious chain of events.

But, readers should be aware that this novel offers a twist on the traditional rom-com ending. In this case, a happily ever after is undoubtedly in the eye of the beholder. 

Related- Evvie Drake Starts Over Review

I'm new to the Christina Lauren fan club and only read this backlist gem last year, but it was so incredible that it made my Best Fiction Books of 2023 list.

It's a slow-burn second-chance romance story about Macy and Elliot, whose childhood friendship developed into a romantic relationship.

The book has a unique blend of heartwarming adolescent bookish elements reminiscent of Judy Blume's writing as they discover more about themselves and each other in a cozy little reading nook seemingly made for two.

I couldn't put this down.

I can't share a list without acknowledging this classic, which was Austen's last completed work before her death.

Anne Elliot and Captain Frederick Wentworth reunite years after being separated in this tale of yearning and longing.

As they navigate their emotions and society's complexities, the couple get a second chance at love in Regency England.

If you have Spotify Premium, you can choose from various audiobook narrator options, including Yolanda Kettle, Cynthia, Erivo, Rosalyn Landor, or PJ Roscoe to immerse yourself in this story. Be sure to try the sample before using your monthly credit to find a voice that matches your listening style.

This slow-burn small-town romance brings together Sandy and Hank, whose high school dreams of escaping their small town for artistic pursuits were put on hold when circumstances intervened.

Now, fifteen years later, they find themselves at a crossroads as their paths intersect again.

Sandy is thriving at her local business and must confront her lingering feelings for Hank when he returns home, both as a successful country singer and a single dad.

Readers who like a vibrant supporting cast of characters weren't disappointed with Kerry Winfrey's sweet townspeople who were reminiscent of Gilmore Girls.

It looks like the perfect book pairing for readers who loved Colton Gentry's Third Act.

Fortune's debut romance offers a captivating story set in Ontario's cottage country, following the evolving relationship of Percy and Sam over two decades.

The novel alternates between past and present, exploring their friendship from awkward teenage years to adulthood as they are reunited after years of being estranged.

I appreciated how Fortune's retelling of what could feel like a YA book feels so sophisticated and steamy. It's a grown-up coming-of-age story that any reader can immerse themselves in. 

Related- Coming-of-Age Books to Read Now

Who needs second chances when you can have three, four, or even a hundred? Time loop stories rarely work for me, but one of my favorites this year has been this romance that offered readers a quick 24-hour cycle to fall in love.

Jack finds himself stuck in a time loop that progresses only when Gemma falls for him. Unfortunately, she has no memory of any of their previous encounters.

When the story starts, we discover that this is loop 147, so thankfully, the repetitive nature that these stories traditionally explore are skipped, making the plot progress quickly.

Now, Jack has begun unlocking the key to the time loop and Gemma's heart. I loved every minute of this sweet story, including the nods to iconic rom-com films like When Harry Met Sally & Love Actually.

Related- Time Loop Books

If you have yet to dive into this delightful series, the first book delivers a fun second-chance romance and introduces you to a memorable book club concept.

A group of men form a book club to read romance novels to find new ways to connect with the women in their lives.

The first character to apply this romance knowledge is Gavin Scott, a man navigating a troubled marriage.

Readers will swoon over his shenanigans as he puts those romance book moments into practice.

Lana navigates a rough workplace dynamic when her high school ex-boyfriend, Seth, takes an assignment at her company.

But things escalate when Lana's boss pits the pair against each other in a competition. Assigned an article series, they must compete to win a highly coveted columnist spot.

But, their relationship history and undeniable chemistry make the competition challenging in more ways than one.

If a little rom-com film called How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days was your favorite, this novel will sit in your wheelhouse.

Yasmen and Josiah faced devastating emotional losses in their marriage, but both are now ready to find happiness again by beginning a new chapter of dating and first love.

But they can't deny their intense connection, which always draws them back to each other's orbit.

As the two begin a steamy, illicit affair, readers will have no choice but to root for this couple to find a more profound love the second time, especially as their backstory comes together for the reader.

Related- Listen to this Kennedy Ryan interview discussing Reel and This Could Be Us!

Jeff Zenter brought this Emily Henry story to our show as one of his favorite second-chance romances. 

This forced proximity romance has Harriet and Wyn hiding a secret breakup during a week-long vacation in Maine with their friend group. 

Emily Henry always brings a fresh perspective to all her love stories.

She offers readers an emotional escape as old sparks reignite slowly, bringing the reader to an emotional conclusion about why the two broke up in the first place. 

Related- Best One-Bed Trope Books

Amy Lin's deeply meditative memoir offers a nonlinear perspective on the sudden loss of her husband, who passed away at the age of thirty-two when he heads out for a half-marathon.

Just ten days later, she begins to have abdominal pain that Amy attributes to weeping- feeling indescribable pain in her rib.

But what develops is a harrowing medical crisis that leaves her body in a weakened state as she navigates funeral planning while emerging from the ICU.

More than that, the novel offers an instruction manual on misconceptions about what is helpful or harmful to someone grieving.

Lin processes the loss in a contemplative way to understand the grieving brain, why grief doesn't fit abstract timeliness, and what we should say to those newly processing loss.

It was a joy to share an hour with Amy Lin on the Book Gang Podcast and discuss how to support the grieving without shying away from this universal experience.

You can listen in the player embedded at the top of the list.

Sloane Crosley experienced a traumatic loss when her apartment was burglarized, and she turned to her best friend, Russell Perreault, for support.

What she never expected was that Russell would suddenly be gone just a few days later when he took his own life, compounding her grief.

In this new memoir, she faces issues such as PTSD, guilt, and the complicated nature of grief itself.

With her characteristic humor and openness, Crosley challenges traditional beliefs about mourning and shares her personal experience of love and loss.

Related- Best Memoirs to Read

Rob Delaney's raw and poignant memoir chronicles the devastating loss of his two-year-old son, Henry, to a brain tumor.

With unflinching honesty and moments of fierce humor, Delaney navigates the harrowing journey of Henry's illness, the profound impact of his grief, and the search for meaning in the aftermath of tragedy.

Rob Delaney's audiobook narration greatly enhanced this memoir for many readers. Readers should note the comedian, best known for his work on Catastrophe, uses lots of colorful language to tell their heartbreaking story.

Zauner was only in her twenties when she wrote this beautiful book, but she recounts a journey beyond her years as a storyteller.

She tenderly shares her moving journey of loss and self-discovery as she cares for her mother during her battle with cancer. 

What makes this memoir compelling is the honesty in portraying a complicated mother-daughter relationship in which the two find solace in Korean cuisine both during this journey and in its resolution.

The lush food descriptions enhance this story and are layered throughout the complexities Michelle faced as a Korean-American. 

Related: The Best Page-Turner Books About Motherhood

Greta Greene was two years old when a freak accident took her life. Sitting on a park bench with her grandmother, a brick crumbled from a windowsill overhead, knocking her unconscious. Her parents navigate the unimaginable.

Four years after her death, her father began documenting this journey through his poetic, heart-wrenching exploration.

But, the novel's second half takes surprising turns as the couple seeks comfort and answers through unlikely sources to their grief.

In Bloom's moving memoir, she candidly shares the heart-wrenching journey she and her husband Brian embarked on after his diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.

With grace and courage, they confront the devastating reality of his illness and make the difficult decision to seek assistance from Dignitas in Switzerland.

Despite the weighty subject matter, Bloom's narrative offers readers comfort to those facing similar struggles.

Renkl's essay collection weaves observations on her backyard wildlife with more profound reflections on life, loss, and the passage of time. 

From childhood memories to the complexities of caregiving, Renkl's storytelling captures the beauty and fragility of our existence. 

This memoir is unique because it offers readers over two dozen full-page collages created by the author's brother to provide readers with an immersive reading experience.

You can peek at examples of Billy Renkl's illustrations on his website, where he blends the rural world into each image. 

Related- My Top Celebrity Book Club Picks

This stunning memoir explores the fragility of life and death through Paul's experiences as a neurosurgeon and a patient facing his own mortality.

Despite being diagnosed with cancer, Paul continued to work tirelessly in the operating room and put his own needs aside. His ability to do so is nothing short of miraculous, and his words reflect the poetic strength of a life well-lived.

His wife's closing to the book brings it all together in a beautiful and memorable way, reminding us that the most important thing we should strive for in life is to give and receive unconditional love.

In her memoir, Joan Didion writes about the year that followed the unexpected death of her husband, John Gregory Dunne, and the serious illness of their daughter.

Through stream of consciousness writing, Didion explores the depths of grief and how the mind copes with tragedy. This book has become a go-to read for many who are coping with loss.

Klebold painfully writes about her son Dylan and his involvement in the Columbine shooting in this memoir that we read as a book club.

A family similar to ours offered love and support to their son but became part of one of the biggest tragedies in history. In part, this was because his parents were unaware of their son's depression and mental health challenges.

While this was one of the most challenging books I have ever read, it reminds us that our job as parents is to keep our children's mental health in check just as we would their physical health.

This book changed my dialogue with my children in life-altering ways.

Related- JOIN THE 2024 BOOK CLUB WITH ME

Ethan Joella's novel was selected as a 2023 MomAdvice Book Club selection, and readers loved this cozy winter setting with three interconnected stories.

In this novel, each of the characters face loss but discover themselves and each other in their winter seasons of life.

Joella's masterful storytelling and keen eye for detail bring the characters and their small-town world to life, evoking a sense of warmth and familiarity that resonates with readers. 

Of course, they discover the beauty in their unexpected found family- my favorite kind of trope!

Related- Found Family Trope Books

This magical realism novel is narrated from the unique perspective of a dog named Lily, and explores the deep bond between her and her owner, Ted.

The two face unbelievable challenges together, and their relationship is put to the test in unexpected ways. To say more would rob you of a unique reading experience.

The story is filled with laughter, love, and moments of heartfelt connection, but also touches on the painful realities of losing a cherished pet.

Related- Best Magical Realism Books

While the premise may sound bleak—a mother's suicide and its impact on her family—this backlist book unfolds in a way that is unexpectedly uplifting. 

Maddy's continued presence and influence on her family from beyond the grave add a unique and compelling layer to the narrative, offering insights and guidance as they navigate their grief and rebuild their lives. 

This 5-star read will be one you never forget.

Related- Abby Fabiaschi Interview 

In this novel from Monica Wood, 104-year-old Ona develops an unexpected friendship with a young Scout who is fascinated by the Guinness Book of World Records. 

When tragedy strikes and the boy passes away, his father Quinn steps in to fulfill his son's obligations, leading him to discover the special bond between his son and Ona.

Through flashbacks to their conversations and a road trip adventure to help Ona achieve her own world record, the story renders touching moments and heartfelt revelations. 

Related- Best Road Trip Books

Isaac and Lorrie are neighbors bound by grief over the loss of their teenage sons, Daniel and Jonah.

When pregnant teenager Evangeline seeks refuge with Isaac, their lives become intertwined in unexpected ways, revealing secrets that connect them to their shared tragedy.

This domestic drama unfolds through multiple viewpoints and timelines, offering a rich and atmospheric exploration of loss amidst hope.

But, what I remember most about this novel is a story of Quaker faith, a religion I hadn't explored through a contemporary lens before.

Twelve-year-old Edward Adler is the lone survivor of a devastating plane crash. Taken in by his aunt and uncle, he struggles to navigate life without his family while grappling with the trauma of his experience.

With the support of his new friend Shay, Edward discovers a bag of letters addressed to him from the families of the crash victims, leading him on a journey of healing and self-discovery.

Through alternating perspectives, the novel provides insight into the passengers' final moments and the aftermath of the tragedy.

This novel was a 2022 MomAdvice Book Club Book that celebrated the power of literature and the healing magic of libraries. 

Mukesh, still mourning the loss of his beloved wife Naina, discovers solace within the pages of his wife's favorite novel.

This forgotten novel later leads him to the local library, where 17-year-old Aleisha works as a librarian. Aleisha isn't much of a reader, but she discovers a crumpled reading list on the library shelves as she struggles to make book recommendations for the widower.

This reading list benefits both their reading lives and brings an unexpected connection with other town residents that readers will delight in. 

Related- Books About Books

This short, haunting novel brings a mother's grief to life in such memorable detail that I haven't forgotten it. Set in Nigeria, Vivek's life is shrouded in mystery and tragedy.

Through a series of interconnected narratives and flashbacks, Emezi unravels his identity as a gender-nonconforming individual. The author handles this aspect of the narrative with such beauty and care in poetic detail.

But, as Vivek grapples with societal expectations and family pressures, readers discover the beauty and pain of his journey to embrace his true self.

Related- Best Books for LGBTQ History Month

This novel made The Best Fiction Books of 2023 list as a backlist addition. I highly recommend it as an audiobook experience with narrator Bahni Turpin, whose narration enhanced this story beautifully. 

Gifty, a neuroscience Ph.D. candidate, is haunted by her brother Nana's tragic descent into heroin addiction.

As she navigates the clash between science and faith, Gifty's journey explores the complexities of her identity and her search for meaning.

Related- Best Books on Addiction and Recovery

Ove has lost his wife and has decided to give up on his life.

However, when new neighbors move in next door and disrupt his daily routine, Ove gradually finds new purpose through their gentle interventions.

Through humor and tenderness, Backman explores themes of loss, loneliness, and the power of human connection to heal even the most broken hearts.

This novel has been a hit even with readers who don't gravitate towards romance novels.

After the loss of her husband to early-onset Alzheimer's, Kate struggles to balance single motherhood and her work life.

Stranded on a business trip with her boss, Hugh, due to bad weather, she confronts her grief and discovers clarity on her future for herself and her son.

Emma Grey, the author, is also a midlife widow, who wrote this novel after her personal experience with loss.

In this steamy second chance romance, Yasmen and Josiah face the challenges of co-parenting after ending their marriage upon the challenges of a significant parental loss. 

However, amidst navigating the dating world separately, they begin to renew their passion for each other.

Don't miss my Kennedy Ryan interview as we celebrate the second book in the Skyland series, This Could Be Us. 

Related- Books With Autistic Characters for Autism Acceptance Month

Lydia and Freddie were inseparable for over a decade, but Freddie unexpectedly dies in a car accident on Lydia's twenty-eighth birthday. 

Devastated, Lydia begins to take sleeping pills prescribed by her doctor and discovers an alternate reality where Freddie's life continues in her dreams. 

But, as Lydia begins the slow healing process of grieving, she rediscovers the bittersweet beauty in her real life with the help of Freddie's best friend and her sister.

Related- Books About Alternate Realities or Parallel Lives

It is hard to choose which John Green book to feature, but I adore this novel about Miles "Pudge" Halter's experiences at Culver Creek Boarding School, where he befriends Alaska Young. 

Together, they engage in pranks and adventures, creating a deep bond. But, as the plot unfolds, Pudge wrestles with the complexities of friendship, love, and loss, ultimately undergoing a deep internal shift. 

John Green's writing offers a beautiful exploration of adolescence and the search for meaning in this novel.

Related- John Green Books (full book list & interview)

Zentner is no stranger to books about grief and his new adult debut novel, Colton Gentry's Third Act explores this same subject. I'm excited to host Jeff in conversation next week on the Book Gang podcast.

But, in this young adult novel, Carver loses his three best friends in a car accident caused by texting and driving.

The families investigate whether to press charges, and Carver is consumed with guilt and grief. 

He organizes a "Goodbye Day" to help the families find closure, but it doesn't go as planned.

Carver faces feelings of anger and blame for his role in the accident and must work through these difficult emotions with the help of his therapist.

Related- Best Jeff Zentner Books

Jessie's mother has passed away, and the teenager is still grieving her loss. However, she now she finds herself unexpectedly moving to Los Angeles with her dad after he married a woman from his support group.

As she struggles to fit in at her new school, she's surprised to receive supportive emails from someone named SN.

Jessie wants to meet this mysterious person as their online relationship grows, bringing the reader to a beautiful conclusion.

Related- Julie Buxbaum Interview (Tell Me Three Things)

I wasn't expecting a book about grief in this sweet little YA rom-com, but this delivers some beautiful mother-daughter scenes as a teenage daughter navigates her senior milestones without her mom. 

As Liz delays some of her most exciting milestones, like prom dress shopping, the reader discovers she is still processing her grief as she finds an unlikely accomplice to complete her senior checklist. 

Check out our free printable Better Than the Movies Movie PDF Printable that gives you an immersive experience with a checklist of all the films featured in this sweet read that were among the shared favorites of Liz & her mother. 

Related- Best Lynn Painter Books

Mazzy Eddings is a neurodivergent author who crafted this sweet YA debut love story between two neurodivergent teens.

In an interview for Nerd Daily, she shared her motivation for writing this story:

"Growing up, I didn't see a lot of media with autistic and/or ADHD characters, and what was out there often villainized and infantilized those characters.

I wanted to create a story of unfettered neurodivergent joy. I wanted to show special interests, hyperfocus, inattention, and stimming on the page in a beautiful light. "

Eddings achieved what she was after as so many teens have found Tilly, a girl with ADHD, and Oliver, a boy on the autism spectrum, relatable in this young adult romance story.

If you want to share this with your teen reader, the recommended reading age for this novel is 13-18 years old.

Schillace shared her autism diagnosis with the world in 2021 and penned an article for Scientific America about the process she went through to explain the unexpected coming out process to readers.

After writing nonfiction, the writer moved into cozy mystery featuring an autistic editor who unexpectedly inherits a dilapidated English estate. 

When a valuable family portrait goes missing and a body is discovered, she finds herself propelled into a murder investigation, unraveling secrets and deception hidden within the estate's walls.

The author has shared in past interviews that being on the spectrum gives her main character, Jo Jones, an edge in solving the book's mystery. 

She feels like many of our favorite mystery solvers are on the spectrum because they notice the details others don't. 

Related- The Remarkable Murder Mystery That Changed Everything

Helen Hoang received her autism diagnosis in 2016, and her journey inspired this steamy romance book.

A surprising detail I uncovered is that this novel's depiction inspired other published romance novelists to begin writing romances with autistic characters, including another book featured on today's list.

In this reverse Pretty Woman story, Stella is autistic and feels pressured by her parents to get married. Lacking knowledge about dating, she prefers to dedicate her free time to her work developing algorithms rather than love.

So she hires Michael Phan, a professional escort who can guide her through a lesson plan that teaches her everything from kissing to beyond in this open-door romance.

Before long, Stella has overcome her intimacy issues, but the professional relationship starts blurring into a real one as they catch feelings for each other.

This novel won the GoodReads Choice Romance Award for 2018.

If you fall in love with this book, you can continue the Kiss Quotient Series with The Bride Test (Book #2) and The Heart Principle (Book #3).

The author of this popular time travel book, Holly Smale, did not receive her autism diagnosis until the age of 39.

This revelation led her to create the character of Cassie—an undiagnosed autistic woman who uses time travel to navigate her struggles with connection and self-acceptance. 

After a breakup, a job loss, and a banana muffin shortage, Cassandra discovers an extraordinary power—to rewind time on this frustrating day.

As she embraces the chance to rewrite her fate, she learns that altering the past doesn't guarantee a smooth future in this charming blend of romance, time travel, and mythos.

Related- Best Time Loop Books

As someone who is part of the autistic community, Hibbert shared in past interviews that "autism informs everything I write."

The third book in the Brown Sisters series offers a unique slow-burn romance plot while hitting the romance beats readers have come to love and expect.

In this steamy story, Jacob is a white man who has an autism diagnosis, and Eve, a Black woman without one, both navigate a world that fails to understand them.

Eve Brown, the youngest in her family, drifts between jobs, living off her family trust fund until her parents issue a harsh ultimatum: hold down a job for a year and find a place, or lose financial support.

Landing at a charming B&B with a vacancy, she encounters a boss who's both attractive and exasperatingly grumpy. As you can imagine, shenanigans do ensue.

Hibbert has shared that she wanted to explore the contrast between these characters where Jacob's struggles are acknowledged, but Eve's can be overlooked.

Readers may be surprised that Liese pursued her autism diagnosis after reading Helen Hoang's #OwnVoices romance The Kiss Quotient.

In a statement posted on Instagram, she described the experience of writing and publishing her first autistic characters as "a pride & a vulnerability—it's not just gazing at my bandaged place but inviting you to gaze there, too."

In this second book in the Bergman Brothers series, a love story develops between an autistic woman battling arthritis and chronic pain and a man navigating the challenges of toxic masculinity in professional sports.

As they embrace who they are, they discover the power of found family and healing in finally being seen.

The Bergman Brothers series consists of interconnected standalone novels, allowing readers to enjoy them in any order.

However, reading out of sequence may reveal minor spoilers about previous couples' stories.

While this is the third book in the Dangerous Damsels series, it can be read as a standalone, with some small overlapping characters.

I chose book 3 for you because Alice Dearlove is one of India Holton's most beloved characters.

In a statement on Instagram, she shared, "I am exceedingly fond of Alice Dearlove. Although she and I experience autism in different ways, I can relate to her on some levels - primary amongst them being an appreciation of books and Daniel Bixby!

For me, it's a joke about how language can mean anything or nothing, and about how perception changes reality - which is a running theme of all the books."

Alice, known as Agent A, is a top spy in a secret government agency.

When rumors of an assassination plot arise, she's paired with her rival, Agent B (Daniel), to go undercover as a married couple.

As she infiltrates a pirate party to stop the threat, they must also navigate their growing attraction while keeping their mission on track.

Will they succeed in saving the day, or will their feelings get in the way? You must read to find out!

Today's book list is inspired by our incredible Book Gang podcast guest, Kennedy Ryan.

She is the proud mother of an autistic child. Ryan hosts the Lift 4 Autism fundraiser, which brings the romance community together to raise funds for support therapy, services, and medical expenses for the community every year.

While she is a seasoned author, this is the first time she has encompassed her parenting journey through her second book in the Skyland series.

To showcase how different this experience can look even between families, she crafted identical teenage twins who face different challenges.

Although she had much personal experience to garner from, she interviewed the autism community to encompass other's experiences. She also included an autistic editor in the process to read her story line by line to ensure that she captured this experience as authentically as possible.

This story is a slow-burn friends-to-lovers romance, but I marveled at her authentic depiction of our daily lives, which I had never seen in my literature before.

Rimmer embeds an autism story in the modern timeline of this moving historical fiction novel that made my best books of the year list. 

The author has two autistic nephews and wanted to enhance this viewpoint with more research for her book. She spent a week with a friend who had undertaken her postgrad degree in autism studies to craft a well-developed viewpoint from the mother. 

In this dual timeline story, Alina has known she would marry her best friend Tomaz since the tender age of nine.

At fifteen, she is engaged as planned and unconcerned about the reports of Nazi soldiers at the Polish border, believing that they are her neighbors and not a threat. 

She could never know, though, how the Nazi occupation would take over her rural village and how it had the power to destroy her relationship with her one true love.

Presently, Alice is navigating the daily challenges of parenting with an autistic child, a husband who doesn't get the work that goes into keeping their family floating, and a grandmother in the hospital. 

When her grandmother begs her to return to her childhood hometown, Alice begins to realize there is more to her grandmother's story than meets the eye.  

Related- 53 Historical Fiction Books to Check Out

Katherine Heiny is a consistently quirky storyteller who brings together a hilarious family raising their autistic son together.

Graham divorced his first wife to marry his girlfriend, Audra. Audra is a hilarious, chatty busybody whom Graham has found challenging as a more private introvert. 

He is often forced to be social because of unusual gatherings between Audra's mismatched circles—neighbors, friends, and his son's origami club participants. 

When Audra decides to befriend his ex-wife, Graham's world is rocked. This relationship brings to the forefront the contrasts between the two women he has loved as he contemplates why he let his first wife go.

While there isn't much plot in this story, you'll feel pulled into the dinner table with this family, mainly as Audra builds an unlikely family among everyone in her life.

Their son's origami club is one you'll want to be part of.

Related- Found Family Trope Books

Benjamin Ludgwig's debut novel was inspired by his role as a foster parent of an autistic teenager and enhanced through the stories of fellow parents of autistic children.

Ginny's removal from her home stemmed from her neglectful mother, but she now feels she has found her forever family.

As their family expands with a new baby, she begins to worry that she has placed too much strain on her foster parents.

So, when Ginny's birth mother starts creeping back into her life, she will stop at nothing to get back to where she believes she belongs. But the reader will uncover a rather surprising reason why.

Ludwig's novel beautifully showcases the challenges of finding teen adoptive families while taking readers on a heartwarming turn with an unforgettable character. I adored Ginny!

Graves created a tagline for her novels describing them as "contemporary fiction with a happily-ever-after."

This 5-star neurodiverse love story follows Annika, an English major at the University of Illinois. She struggles to make sense of social situations, so navigating her early college days is an incredibly challenging time.

When she joins the chess club, she immediately beats Jonathan, who can't help but adore Annika.

They begin a beautiful relationship, but an unforeseen tragedy forces them apart and ends their relationship.

Annika and Jonathan reunite one decade later when they discover they live in the same town. The two begin rekindling what was lost but must also address why they lost each other in the first place.

I loved the supportive characters that helped Anika navigate the world. As Kirkus Reviews aptly describes, "Graves creates a believable love affair in which Annika is not infantilized..."

In past interviews, Graves expressed her commitment to highlighting Annika's strengths and challenges, emphasizing the importance of giving her character a voice and conveying the complexities of autism.

Greenwood's novel might take a minute to sink your teeth into her character Gentry's magical voice, but I promise that your efforts will pay off in this unlikely love story.

Zee is navigating life with chronic pain after a motorcycle accident. She is immediately intrigued when she encounters Gentry at her physical therapist's office- a man fascinated with medieval culture, which shapes how he engages with his world.

A 24-year-old autistic man, he is guided by the voices of Gawen, Hildegard, and the Witch, whom he affectionately dubs "Hag, Nag, and Douchebag" on what to do in life.

As he feels called to all things knightly, he quickly realizes all his chivalrous training might be to champion and protect Zee from harm.

As the two navigate life's challenges, including Zee's sister's abduction, Gentry's unique perspective and unwavering loyalty are brought to life through pitch-perfect narration.

Somehow, Greenwood effortlessly navigates nine different narrators with their distinctive voices. In past interviews, she described sharing the same fascinations as Gentry and said she shares space with many in the autistic community. Gentry's voice, in that way, came quite naturally.

The Middle English brings unique charm and a fairytale quality to this grit-lit selection that I wish more people would read.

This debut novel follows a scientist named Raffi as they travel into the multiverse to search for the woman they love. 

Raffi can't stop thinking about Britt and the unique connection they shared many years ago. 

Driven by the possibility of a multiverse, they quit their jobs to study parallel worlds, hoping to find themselves at 13 and finally tell Britt how they feel. 

Each chapter offers a different parallel world as the characters encounter different versions of themselves, which adds speculative fiction elements to enhance the story.

For readers seeking an LGBT time travel story, this will fit the bill perfectly.

Release Date- 30 April 2024

Related- The Best Books for LGBTQ History Month

This novel is set during the pandemic, although you can quickly escape from the sadness through a parallel universe thanks to Scalzi’s imaginative science-fiction plot.

Jamie is stuck in the rat race of trying to make ends meet through his job as a gig worker delivering food.

During one delivery to a regular, the man extends a job opportunity at an "animal rights organization."

Intrigued, Jamie accepts, only to discover that KPS, the "animal rights group," operates clandestinely to safeguard the secrets of an alternate Earth populated by monstrous kaiju.

If you're unfamiliar with the term, these are giant Godzilla monsters.

It is a hilarious adventure novel filled with boy humor that I quickly passed on to my husband, who adored it as much as I did in this blockbuster movie of a book that offers a light reading escape.

All horror novels offer a parallel universe, don't they?

But I wanted to highlight one so evocative in detail that I now read it annually and get something out of it each time.

Hamill embraces Lovecraftian details, and hearing him discuss them was one of my most memorable experiences as a book club host.

At its root, the story is about a family haunted house visited by a monster.

No family member has let it in until Noah, and it follows a story reminiscent of The Shape of Water in scope as the two attempt to live in each other’s worlds throughout Noah’s life.

But speaking to the parallel universe, readers are pulled into the City depicted in the book, where reality takes on a surreal and dream-like quality.

In this world, buildings constantly shift and relocate, creating a disorienting landscape where nothing stays the same for long.

Scenes from the familiar "normal world" become distorted and altered as dimensions warp and ordinary objects take on strange new qualities.

It was our first dip into weird fiction as a book club, and I loved every minute.

Related- 2023 Book Club Books

Jason is heading home on a cold Chicago night, anticipating a peaceful evening with his wife, Daniela, and their son, Charlie.

But he is abducted on his way to the grocery store and awakens to a disturbing discovery.

His wife is not his wife, his house is not his house, and nothing in his life is how it seems.

You are then led through adventure after adventure as Jason tries to find his old life in this beautiful mix of science fiction and love story.

The reader can’t help but root for Jason to be reunited with his family, and there is never a dull moment with Crouch’s savvy plot twists.

Related- Best Books of 2016

This novel, the first in The Space Between Worlds series, was a GoodReads Choice nominee for Best Science Fiction in 2020.

In this world, people can travel between universes, but there's a rule: no one can go to a world where they're still alive.

Luckily (or unluckily), Cara is an exception—her other selves have all died in various ways on 372 different worlds. 

However, Cara's journey reveals her hidden truths and the secrets of those around her, leading readers on a gripping exploration of identity and consequence across the multiverse. 

Among the novels on this list, this novel has the most polarizing reviews among readers, but most science fiction fans fell in love with this creative multiverse concept. 

Micaiah Johnson recently published her second book in The Space Between Worlds series called Those Beyond the Wall.

Book two is set a decade after the first novel's events in Wiley City and Ashtown.

I love books that seem orchestrated just for the pleasure of reading. If you haven’t read this novel yet, I’m jealous! 

January Scaller grows up in a beautiful mansion filled with odd treasures.

Her father travels a lot for work, and January is the ward of a wealthy man named Mr. Locke, but is often left to her own devices. 

She has been carrying a secret she has never shared with anyone. When she was seven, she found a magical door leading her to a beautiful city. 

When she discloses this information to Mr. Locke in a moment of bravery, she is grounded for sharing such ridiculous tales.

That is when January stumbles upon a book hidden in a chest, immediately connecting with the story.

You see, it is about a young woman named Adelaide, who has also found doors.

As January begins to read this story, she stumbles again upon more and more doors that help her understand her own story and the story of her parents. 

Harrow builds incredible worlds, taking readers on adventure after adventure into beautiful parallel universes. 

When I read this novel in 2016, I gave it five stars! Described as Cloud Atlas meets Orphan Black, it filled the void in my Hunger Games era. 

Marguerite is the daughter of two scientists who have found a way to unlock different dimensions through a high-tech necklace called the Firebird.

This necklace allows you to step into alternate worlds, both past and present.

When her father is murdered, the murderer turns out to be a trusted lab assistant who has used the Firebird to leave and hop in another parallel dimension. 

Hot on his heels, though, are Marguerite and Theo, another research assistant on the team, to try to avenge his death.

Time travel magic unfolds as Marguerite plays a game of cat and mouse from one dimension to another.

What she doesn’t expect is the awaiting love triangle or the truth behind her father’s death in a surprising little plot twist.

You can continue the Firebird series with Ten Thousand Skies Above You and A Million Worlds With You in this trilogy from Claudia Gray!

We are excited to be reading our second V.E. Schwab novel for book club next month and discuss Schwab’s extensive backlist. Please join us for our Vicious discussion in April! 

In A Darker Shade of Magic, readers escape into this fantasy story of parallel universes, the first novel in the Shades of Magic series.

Kell is a rare and powerful magician capable of traveling between the four distinct Londons: Grey, Red, White, and the perilous Black. 

As he navigates the intricate web of magic that binds these realms together, he finds himself entangled in a deadly conspiracy that threatens these worlds.

If you fall in love with this story, you can continue the journey in the Shades of Magic series with A Gathering of Shadows and A Conjuring of Night—both highly rated and adored by fans of the author.

JOIN THE 2024 BOOK CLUB CHATS

Crouch creatively explores the concept of living multiple timelines in this gripping science fiction selection. 

NYPD detective Barry finds himself drawn into a world of False Memory Syndrome when he encounters a woman on the brink of tragedy. 

Meanwhile, researcher Helena's quest to preserve memories takes a dangerous turn when her work falls into the hands of a sinister billionaire. 

As the boundaries of reality blur, the novel explores the repercussions of altering the past and the unsettling consequences of manipulating memories.

This novel also appeared on our book list for alternate realities because of the False Memory Syndrome concept, highlighting the explored worlds that these characters thought they lived.

Alix Harrow describes her novella as "the spider-verse but with sleeping beauties." This short 119-page book offers readers a quick escape between heavier books.

On Zinnia Gray's twenty-first birthday, she faces the bittersweet reality of her rare condition called General Roseville Malady that will end her life.

When her best friend throws her an elaborate Sleeping Beauty-themed celebration, Zinnia anticipates a memorable farewell.

Yet, through a twist of fate involving a spinning wheel, Zinnia is thrown into a whirlwind of parallel worlds, where she encounters another Sleeping Beauty in dire need of salvation.

This first novel in the Fractured Fables series offers readers a refreshing feminist approach to familiar fairy tales.

If you love this novella, you can continue with book two, A Mirror Mended.

Described as Dark Matter meets The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, this suspenseful multiverse novel offers a serial killer book with a mind-bending twist. 

Clay is fixated on killing multiple versions of the same woman across parallel universes. 

As political reporter Felicity Stapler becomes involved in the investigation, she navigates a labyrinth of clues and dangers, racing against time to save the unsuspecting victims. 

With each universe holding its secrets, Felicity must outwit Clay before he strikes again,

With echoes of You, you'll be captivated by Barry's clever multiverse concept. 

Related- Caroline Kepnes Interview (You Series)

If Everything Everywhere All At Once was your favorite film, this novel will launch you back into a multiverse motherhood story.

Hannah has been struggling since her son’s traumatic birth, and she can't shake the feeling that it could have gone the other way.

As this new mom develops a fixation on the "what if," the storyline takes a science-fiction bend when her worst nightmares do come true.

Her child, at random, seemingly disappears into thin air, and through this element, readers are left holding their breath in some of the most unlikely places.

As Hannah isn't in great shape mentally or physically after, she is shaken when people begin to tell her that Jack never made it to this birthday and that the memories she harbors of him not surviving are real.

But what if Hannah could stop this from happening and save her son in another dimension?

I recommend this riveting novel on audiobook!!

Readers might not know that Emily St. James Mandel created her own multiverse through her novels. In honor of the time travel theme, I wanted to spotlight one of these books.

Sea of Tranquility chronicles a 500-year journey through time, where far-future time travelers uncover a potential 'file corruption' that challenges their simulation hypothesis.

As the author's characters grapple with the blurred lines between reality and simulation, echoes from previous works resurface, and the author herself becomes part of the narrative.

She explores her story through autofiction in an avatar named Olive Llewellyn, who happens to be embarking on a book tour in the year 2203 amidst a pandemic.

You can read a compelling interview with the author about the multiverse she created for her readers- Emily St. John Steps Into Her Own Multiverse.

Related- A Meet the Author Road Trip To Meet Emily St. John Mandel

If you have been craving a cozy rom-com like Love Actually for your book stack, this is the new time loop story for you. 

The novel opens in a bar with Gemma's favorite song playing and a guy ordering a distinctly Gemma drink for her.

It's strangely familiar, and at the end of that first night together, Jack simply pleads, "Please remember me, Gemma."

The reader discovers that Jack has been trapped in a 24-hour time loop that only seems to progress when Gemma begins to fall in love with him.

The problem is that she has no recollection of the encounter each time they wake up.

And so you, as the reader, will hope that 147-time loops will undoubtedly have been enough to finally get to that happily ever after for Jack and Gemma.

I loved every moment of this journey, especially the nods to films like When Harry Met Sally and Love Actually, which are embedded in this book.

Related- The Better Than the Movies Movie List Printable

This story offers a dual point of view in an imagined future in 2090. 

Carter Cho, a technician at a scientific lab, and Neuroscientist Mariana Pineda find themselves trapped in a never-ending time loop.

The initiation of this incident occurs when Mariana, newly grieving the loss of someone in her life,  finds herself on an unexpected tour of Carter's secretive facility, where he's tinkering with the Hawke Particle Accelerator. 

But their excursion takes a dramatic turn when the reactor unexpectedly detonates, hurling them into a bewildering time loop that spans four days.

As they are the only ones retaining memories from each cycle, they embark on a journey to unravel the mystery behind the loops while discovering some unexpected feelings for each other. 

This book is for readers who like thorough explanations of the reason behind the why of the time loop rather than for readers who crave light time travel descriptions.

This novel has great crossover appeal for teen readers who love science fiction. 

In this time loop thriller,  Jen anxiously waits for her son Todd on a chilling Halloween night, where she witnesses him committing a horrifying act of violence. 

But when she wakes up the following day, she's back in time with the opportunity to prevent the murder from happening. 

With each new day, Jen finds herself further back in the past, determined to unravel the events leading up to the crime to save her son from a devastating fate.

Related- The Best Psychological Thrillers

This backlist book from 1986 is a favorite among many readers and some of their earliest memories of a time loop book. 

Jeff Winston mysteriously dies at 43, only to wake up in his 18-year-old body with all his memories intact. 

Forced to relive his life again and again, he struggles with the consequences of his choices and uncovers a captivating world of second chances.

On the first Monday of our story, Emma is wrapping up another harried day of obligations and comes home to an angry husband.

Dan has lovingly prepared an anniversary dinner and wrote the annual letter they will give each other on this special day.

The problem is that Emma has entirely forgotten the day's celebration along with this symbolic letter of their year together.

After this fight, Dan takes the dog for a walk and gets hit by a car.

When Emma goes to bed, Dan is dead and gone.

But when she wakes up, he is alive.

This cycle repeats as Emma tries to keep Dan alive or tune into what the Universe is trying to tell her on this never-ending Monday.

This book's ending offers a savvy plot twist that made me audibly gasp out loud—it is so, so good!

Take advantage of my Cesca Major interview on the Book Gang podcast, discussing the challenges of writing a great time travel story.

Following our conversation, this novel was selected as a Reese's Book Club book and a Maybe Next Time movie adaptation was announced.

Related- Best Celebrity Book Club Books

Agatha Christie mystery fans will adore this fun debut.

One of our book club members shared that this is the first book like Agatha Christi that delivered on these rich comparisons.

There are three rules of Blackheath House:

Evelyn Hardcastle will be murdered at 11:00 p.m.

There are eight days and eight witnesses for you to inhabit.

We will only let you escape once you tell us the killer's name.

Readers know that Evelyn Hardcastle will die.

She will die daily until Aiden Bishop can identify her killer and break the cycle.

Aiden wakes up in a different body and repeats the day, armed with new information each time he awakens.

Some of his hosts help him, while others make his job very hard.

Leaving clues for himself to find, he must win the game to leave the property, but it won't be easy.

Turton crafts some unlikeable characters and creates beautiful tension when Aiden has to fight the impulses of the body he inhabits.

Keep in mind his confusion is the reader's confusion, too, so the story keeps the reader on their toes. We recommend reading this as a paper copy to ensure you can access the map and cast of characters to help you solve the case.

If you choose to do the audiobook or a digital copy, take a screenshot of the sample pages for these crucial details that you’ll need to help you solve the crime.

In this Groundhog Day story, Dom's day is going wrong, and there is no escaping it.

After bumping into his ex-fiancée, Mia, whom he hasn't seen in years, he believes they have been given a second chance and asks her out.

Unfortunately, tragedy strikes on their date, and Mia dies.

In a desperate move, Dom makes a wish to save her life, and to his surprise, wakes up the following day to find her alive.

However, no matter how much he changes their time together, Mia still meets a tragic end every day.

Dom frantically searches for answers to save Mia and rekindle their love, but the more he digs, the more obsessed he becomes.

As he confronts the truth about himself and those closest to him, he realizes that slowing down time may be the only way to see things.

This novel is a great romance with a touch of magic.

Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke are a wonderful writing duo that I have come to appreciate over the years.

Related- Best Magical Realism Books

This novel is currently FREE with Prime. Be sure to check out our Best Prime Reading Guide to check out up to TEN books as a Prime benefit.

This Women's Fiction selection centers on a physical therapist who is reliving the same day - December 4 - over and over again.

On this day, her fiancée, Linus, was seriously injured in an accident, and every day she desperately tries to prevent the accident from occurring.

As Linus is eager to set a date for their wedding, the reader discovers why Diana is reluctant to take their relationship to the next level.

And as she confronts her past she begins to discover the true power in vulnerability.

In this Christmas romance from the writing duo Christina Lauren, Mae spends Christmas every year in a beloved Utah cabin with her family and close friends. 

But this year, everything feels off: Mae's life is in turmoil, and the cabin is about to be sold. 

After a car crash, she repeatedly relives the holiday week, determined to break out of the time loop and find true happiness.

This novel is among the first I’ve seen with the new Reese’s Writer Fellowship LitUp Exists sticker. The writer’s fellowship is offered to unpublished, diverse women and nonbinary individuals.

This young adult story is a celebration of two queer, disabled, Jewish teens who find themselves ensnared in an endless time loop--and unexpectedly falling in love.

For Phoebe Mendel, each day is the same, trapped in an endless time loop cycle.
However, Phoebe's routine is shattered when her childhood crush, Jess, becomes entangled in the loop after a car crash.

With Jess by her side, they embrace self-discovery and adventure through these consequence-free days.

But as their bond deepens, Phoebe begins to worry about their future beyond this loop.

This novel is recommended for readers ages 13 and older.

Release Date- 23 July 2024

Barrett Bloom is living a nightmare. Her time loop is forces her to relive her disastrous first day of college.

As she grapples with her nemesis-turned-roommate and a series of humiliating mishaps, she discovers she's not alone in this time loop.

Miles, the very person she can't stand, is also trapped there.

Together, they try to break free from the loop as they navigate growing feelings for each other.

Related- Best One-Bed Trope Books (featuring Rachel Lynn Solomon’s adult romance novel)

This young adult time travel escape is one of my favorite Lynn Painter books.

This time loop story follows a teenage girl having the worst Valentine’s Day imaginable.

Emilie is a straight-A student and a meticulous planner.

She has carefully chosen her boyfriend, Josh, because he ticks all the right boxes.

But on Valentine's Day, Emilie's carefully constructed life faces as serious of disheartening turns.

Seeking a break, Emilie escapes to her grandmother's house, hoping this dreadful day will end soon.

However, she soon realizes she is trapped in a never-ending time loop, repeatedly reliving this horrible holiday over and over again.

Related- Better Than the Movies Movie Checklist (FREE Printable With 16 Rom-Com Films)

My co-host, Jessica Bearak, shared that this novel is perfect for readers who struggle with time loop stories.

We are pulled into the story 310 days after Clark's first time loop experience.

Clark has been reliving the same mundane day repeatedly, becoming increasingly frustrated with the experience.

When he meets the carefree Beau, his world is turned upside down as the two embark on a whirlwind adventure through Chicago.

As Clark works through assignments from his therapist to help him feel less lonely, he finds Beau might be the perfect connection to help him mentally move forward.

This is more than a YA romance and proves why Robbie Couch is a favorite on our show.

I became a fan of Pessl's writing after reading Night Film and recommend this selection for fans of We Were Liars.

Beatrice and her group of friends all have been devastated by the death of Beatrice's boyfriend, Jim.

She has been estranged from her friends but is invited to celebrate a birthday celebration with the old gang.

After a strained night and a near-miss car crash, they receive a visitor who calls himself "The Keeper."

He says they are now stuck between the worlds of life and death. For them to move on, they must all vote and unanimously choose one of themselves to save.

Given the dynamics of these strained relationships, the reader knows they will be in for a long and bumpy ride.

Stuck in time, they live the same day over and over again until they can come to a decision.

As more secrets come to light surrounding Jim's death, choosing who should be saved becomes a complex plot point.

In this delightful novel of second chances, Frankie McKenzie gets the opportunity to rewrite her story after a freak accident ends her life prematurely.

Like The Midnight Library, Frankie can revisit pivotal moments from her past and explore the endless possibilities of different choices.

From romantic escapades to career pursuits, she navigates the what-ifs of her life.

This feel-good romance novel is being marketed as The Good Place meets Sliding Doors, and early readers loved the witty banter and relatable characters in this story.

Release Date- 2 April 2024

Sadie Thatcher's life hits rock bottom, prompting her to wish for a do-over year from a fortune teller.

But when nothing changes, and she wakes up to relive the previous year, Sadie faces familiar challenges.

As she navigates old relationships and new opportunities, Sadie begins to question if her wish was truly a mistake.

For readers that like closed-door romance, this is a great PG-romance to add to your book stack.

In Timothy Janovsky's latest LGBTQ romance, Nolan dreams of making it big in stand-up comedy, but his aspirations aren't matching his reality.

Struggling to make ends meet and hiding his feelings for his best friend, Drew, Nolan's life takes a dramatic turn when he asks Drew to be his date for his sister's wedding.

However, when Drew makes a wish on magical crystals to skip to the good part of his life, he wakes up seven years later as a successful comedian who despises Nolan.

As Nolan grapples with the consequences of his actions and the true meaning of success, he must find a way to win back Drew's affection.

Related- The Best Books For LGBTQ History Month

In this charming debut, Gemma attempts to mend her broken heart by casting a spell to erase her ex from her past.

But when she wakes up in an alternate reality where she's lost more than she bargained for, she must navigate a world where her once-best friend, Dax, doesn't even recognize her.

She must convince Dax to kiss her to undo the spell, but as she spends time with him, she starts to question if he might be "The One" after all.

The story's intriguing concept of nine lives came from the timeline of nine months in a pregnancy.

Rose is an academic who loves her career, but her husband's one request is that she give that up to pursue having a child with him.

The opening sequence begins with a fight about prenatal vitamins, and in each variation, Rose approaches this life challenge with a different answer or outcome.

Her story unfolds in nine different ways as she navigates love, loss, betrayal, divorce, death, and her career through these different paths.

It was a treat to have the author participate in our book club discussion and share the motive behind her beautiful story.

This is perfect for book clubs that want page-turners on motherhood.

Related- 2022 Book Club Books

I’ve been a Taylor Jenkins Reid fan since her first book and remember how satisfyingly sweet this story was.

This novel illustrates how one decision can entirely alter our lives in two different directions.

Hannah reunites with her best friend and unexpectedly encounters her high school sweetheart at a bar.

As midnight approaches, she faces a seemingly small decision that could unexpectedly alter her life and relationships.

Reid splits her novel into alternate realities, exploring the paths that unfold based on Hannah's decision to stay or go.

Related- Best Taylor Jenkins Reid Books

Kate never thought she would find love again after the sudden death of her husband over a decade ago, but now she's preparing to walk down the aisle with a kind man.

However, she feels less than excited about the impending nuptials, initially attributing it to stress and lack of sleep.

When her past husband visits her in her dreams, she begins to fall into an alternate universe where the lines between reality and imagination are blurred.

Kate's journey takes her on a path of self-discovery as she balances the line between her reality and dreams.

This, ultimately, leads her to a sign language class and the New York City foster system, where she discovers unexpected rewards.

Fans of Sliding Doors books will be swept away in this novel that is as heartwarming as it is heart-wrenching.

Clare Mackintosh is best known for her thrillers like I Let You Go. But, the writer also wrote this heartstring-pulling contemporary book about a difficult decision she faced in her motherhood journey.

In this emotionally charged novel, the lives of Pip and Max Adams are forever altered when they find themselves in a courtroom, battling over the fate of their son, Dylan.

They are facing a difficult decision on whether to continue life support for their three-year-old child after he's suffered brain damage with no hope for improvement.

As the judge's verdict hangs in the balance, the narrative splits into two alternate realities, exploring the profound consequences of each possible outcome.

Mackintosh weaves in this heartbreaking motherhood story based on her experience going through this trial with one of her twins.

Related- Clare Mackintosh Interview (I Let You Go)

A library exists beyond the edge of the universe, where unlimited books recount the stories of alternate realities.

One describes your present life, while others narrate the paths you could have taken if you had made different choices.

As we often ponder what might have been, what if we could visit this library and see for ourselves?

This is the intriguing premise of this captivating, award-winning bestseller we read together for our book club.

With the option of pursuing a different career, undoing past heartbreaks, or even pursuing her dream of studying glaciers, Nora embarks on a journey through the Midnight Library to discover what truly brings fulfillment to her life.

She can also live out some of her biggest regrets that help her realize the consequences of those choices, for better or worse.

As many of us struggle with the mental health consequences of our busy world, the encouragement to go on and how we can unexpectedly impact others was a beautifully bittersweet reminder that life is tough, but so are we.

Related- The Best Books About Books, Bookstores, and Libraries

Lydia and Freddie had been inseparable for over a decade, and Lydia believed their love was unbreakable.

However, when Freddie dies in a car accident on Lydia's twenty-eighth birthday, her world is shattered.

Emotionally devastated, Lydia's doctor prescribes sleeping pills to help her through this difficult time.

When sleeping, Lydia discovers that Freddie's life continues in her dreams.

In this sleeping world, she is still preparing for her wedding and savoring every continued moment with Freddie.

Lydia's life quickly begins to fracture into two lives- her awake life and her sleeping life.

Silver builds such a beautiful love story in the fissures of these cracks. After all, we do have the ability to immortalize people and erase faults when they pass away.

As Lydia heals, her time in her sleeping life begins to separate, and Lydia discovers that her waking life might be just as beautiful.

So, with the aid of Freddie's best friend Jonah and her sister Elle, Lydia begins to take tentative steps into a new world, prepared to embrace life, and perhaps even love once more.

Related- Books About Addiction and Recovery

In Tom Barren's version of 2016, the future that people dreamed of in the 1950s has become a reality.

It's a dazzling, idealistic place with flying cars and moving sidewalks.

Hilariously, avocados never spoil, and punk rock never existed because it wasn't necessary!

Despite this utopian paradise, Tom struggles to find his place in the world, and things only get worse when a time travel mishap turns his life upside down.

Tom is stranded in OUR 2016, the real world that we know, which he sees as a dystopian wasteland.

As Tom adjusts to this new reality, he discovers unexpected versions of his family, career, and even a potential soulmate.

But he faces a difficult choice: should he try to fix the flow of history and restore his utopian world or embrace this messy and unpredictable reality as his new home?

To be transparent, this novel has polarizing reviews on GoodReads, but I loved its execution, and so did my husband.

Even if you don't initially think you'll love this one, stick around for the surprising twist in the second half that makes the time travel journey worth it.

All Our Wrong Todays TV series is coming to Peacock so read the book before you watch the show.

I can't do this book list without including this science fiction novel’s alternate reality concept that introduces a syndrome called “False Memory Syndrome," in which individuals experience false memories.

In these imagined worlds, they believe they have lived entirely different lives.

These false memories can be so convincing that they disrupt the individuals' sense of reality and identity, blurring the lines between real and imagined.

My husband and I highly rated all of Blake Crouch's novels, giving them five beautiful stars for their clever science fiction concepts. This book is no exception!