
Go As a River by Shelley Read is a quiet, stirring novel that unfolds with the same patient beauty as its title suggests. Set against the rugged natural backdrop of Colorado, this story is at once heartbreaking and deeply hopeful, following a young woman’s journey through love, loss, and resilience.
At the heart of the novel is a strong, quietly determined protagonist who learns to navigate a world that often seems to take more than it gives. Her story is one of selfless strength — of caring for others while learning, in time, how to care for herself. The pacing is gentle, the prose lyrical, and each scene is saturated with a sense of place that will speak to nature lovers and fans of evocative storytelling.
Though comparisons to Where the Crawdads Sing or The Great Alone are easy to make, Go As a River ultimately stands on its own — a deeply emotional narrative that doesn’t rush, but lingers with the reader long after the final page. It’s a novel about survival in more ways than one, quietly powerful in its portrayal of human connection and the endurance of the natural world.
This is adult fiction with some moderate language (particularly early on), a tastefully handled intimate scene, and themes of prejudice, childbirth, and adoption. If you’re looking for a meaningful, reflective summer read, this is a story that invites you to slow down and listen — just like a river.
- Year 2025

Grumpy Darling by Alexandra Moody is the kind of book that reminds you why you fell in love with romance in the first place.
Following the unforgettable story of Reed and Violet, this second installment in the Darling Devils series turns the spotlight on Paige and Grayson, the two best friends standing on the edge of something more. Paige is determined to tick off her bucket list before leaving for college, and there’s just one thing left to do: get her first kiss. Her plan? Enlist her childhood best friend Grayson to help her learn how to flirt… so she can finally kiss her long-time crush, Damien.
But there’s a twist, Grayson has secretly loved Paige for years, and watching her chase someone else? Torture. Especially when that someone is Damien, a guy Grayson can’t stand.
This is a slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance that absolutely delivers on the swoon. With Paige’s bright, sunshiny optimism clashing deliciously with Grayson’s grumpy exterior, their chemistry is undeniable from the very first page. The dynamic is full of soft tension, laugh-out-loud moments, and just the right amount of angst to keep you turning the pages. And beyond the central romance, the supporting cast brings warmth, humor, and heart to every chapter.
Whether you’ve been waiting eagerly since Rival Darling or are just discovering this series now, Grumpy Darling is sweet, funny, and utterly irresistible. It’s a story about timing, honesty, and the quiet ache of unspoken love and it will absolutely leave you smiling.
- Year 2025

He’s to Die For by Erin Dunn is a witty and heartfelt MM romance that blends the thrill of a murder mystery with the swoon of an unlikely love story. At the center of it all is Detective Rav Trivedi, a sharp, stylish, and ambitious NYPD homicide detective. At just 29, he’s already earned his spot on the force with a solve rate that turns heads, even if his background as a gay, British, Ivy League grad makes him stand out in more ways than one.
When Rav is handed the high-stakes case of a murdered record executive, he knows it’s his big moment. Everything is on the line, and he’s determined to stay focused, until he meets Jack Vale, a rock star with no alibi, a mile-wide charm, and a potentially deadly motive. Jack is magnetic, maddening, and entirely too distracting, especially for a detective who can’t afford to let his guard down.
This book brings together the sharp humor of Brooklyn Nine-Nine with the emotional tug of Charm Offensive, creating a story that’s as laugh-out-loud funny as it is tender. The romance is full of chemistry and tension, especially as Rav tries to juggle duty with desire, and Jack brings both mystery and mischief to the page. The banter sparkles, the mystery keeps things moving, and the slow-burn attraction is deliciously complicated.
If you love a romance with a bit of crime-solving flair, plus a celebrity crush that becomes something more, He’s to Die For is a perfect pick. And yes, you’ll probably fall a little in love with Jack Vale too, just like Rav did.

Heir of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murray is a addictive YA romantasy that sweeps readers into a world of elemental magic, political intrigue, and personal transformation. At its heart is Blaze, a young woman born into a fire-wielding family but destined for a different path, one marked by powers she doesn’t yet understand and a future she never expected.
From the very first page, the story pulls you in with its compelling blend of adventure, mystery, suspense, and romance. Blaze begins as a protagonist who often finds herself overwhelmed by the forces around her, but her journey is one of growth and resilience. As the story unfolds, she learns to trust herself and the unique magic within her, stepping into her power with increasing confidence and fire, both literal and figurative.
The supporting cast is just as memorable. Flint and Hal, along with a loyal circle of allies, help shape Blaze’s identity as a fierce and determined heroine. Fox, in particular, stands out as a mysterious and captivating figure, whose role in Blaze’s life promises even more intrigue in future installments. The relationships between characters feel real and well-developed, adding depth to an already rich narrative.
What makes this book stand out is its fresh take on elemental magic and its trial-based political system, where competing courts vie for the crown through merit rather than bloodline. It brings tension, rivalries, and high stakes into every chapter, making it nearly impossible to put down.
The plot twist midway through the book is genuinely shocking, and the ending delivers a satisfying yet tantalizing cliffhanger that sets up the rest of the trilogy perfectly. While Blaze’s character arc follows a familiar path for fantasy heroines, Lauryn Hamilton Murray gives her a depth of emotion and edge that makes her story feel both grounded and exciting.
Heir of Storms is a must-read for fans of YA fantasy looking for a story with elemental powers, layered characters, slow-burn romance, and courtly schemes. It’s fast-paced, addictive, and leaves you eager for the next book in the series.
- Year 2025

How to Lose Your Mother by Molly Jong-Fast is a memoir that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever stood at the complicated crossroads of caring for aging parents while still navigating their own life. At its core, this is a story about stepping into a role you’re not quite ready for—becoming the parent to your parents, while still trying to be a daughter, a partner, a mother, and a whole person.
With sharp wit and emotional clarity, Jong-Fast chronicles the stretch of time when her mother, the iconic feminist author Erica Jong, and her stepfather could no longer manage on their own. Suddenly, she is in charge of their finances, their belongings, their choices. It’s a logistical nightmare—but more than that, it’s an emotional reckoning. As she unpacks their lives, she’s also unpacking her own childhood, shaped by a mother whose fierce love was as overwhelming as it was unpredictable.
Erica Jong was magnetic, wildly creative, and often absent—larger than life and yet, at times, out of reach. This memoir doesn’t just explore the difficulty of elder care; it dives into the legacy of growing up with a parent who was both an icon and a mystery. All the while, Molly is juggling her own family: her husband is diagnosed with cancer, her kids still need her, and she’s constantly questioning how she became who she is.
What makes this book so compelling isn’t just the story itself—it’s Molly Jong-Fast’s voice. She’s warm, self-aware, bitingly funny, and unflinchingly honest. Reading her feels like holding the hand of a friend who knows exactly what it means to laugh through tears.
This is more than a memoir about caregiving or family dynamics—it’s a book for anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by love, loss, or responsibility. It’s for anyone who has ever tried to make sense of a parent’s legacy while creating a life of their own. It’s tender, brilliant, and utterly unforgettable. You won’t want it to end.

In the Absence of Men is a hilarious and heartwarming romantic comedy about one woman’s desperate lie that spirals into the most unexpected summer of her life.
Scottie Price has just landed a new job, and she’s bracing herself for locker room banter and solo lunch breaks. She’s the only woman on a team full of Brads and Chads, after all. But to her surprise, every one of her new coworkers turns out to be happily married. Wanting to blend in and win her boss’s favor, Scottie casually drops that she too has a husband. There’s just one problem—she doesn’t.
When someone notices the absence of a wedding ring, Scottie panics and digs herself deeper by pretending her marriage is going through a rough patch. Her boss, concerned and well-meaning, suggests a private session with a top-tier marriage counselor. And just her luck, that counselor happens to be her boss’s husband.
With no way to untangle the lie, Scottie calls her best friend for help. He sends in backup: his brother, Wilder Wells, a handsome millionaire with a love for improv and a mischievous streak. Wilder is all in on the charade and follows his personal rule of always saying yes. But things get even more complicated when their fake counseling session leads to an invitation to an eight-day summer marriage retreat—with all of Scottie’s coworkers in attendance. And one very cozy cabin.
Filled with humor, chemistry, and a whole lot of heart, In the Absence of Men is the perfect feel-good story for anyone who loves a romcom with high stakes, ridiculous twists, and a whole lot of swoon.

Just Beachy by Wendy Wax is a delightful and breezy summer read that blends humor, heart, and a bit of mystery. It’s a fast-paced story with plenty going on, yet it never feels overwhelming. With a mix of romance, generational friendships, and a dash of crime-solving, this book feels like a warm, sunlit getaway wrapped in the pages of a novel.
The story follows Sydney Ryan, an actress who finds herself unexpectedly out of a job after her long-running TV show, Murder 101, comes to an end. Craving a break from Hollywood and all its politics, she heads to Treasure Island, Florida, to visit her grandmother. What was meant to be a temporary escape quickly turns into something more complicated. Her grandmother has bought a house in the vibrant community of Casas de Flores and is deeply involved in helping a neighbor open a bookstore. And then the break-ins start.
As Sydney begins to suspect that her grandmother isn’t telling her the full story, she teams up with the beloved Ten Beach Road crew and Luke, a local police officer who just so happens to be her high school crush. With a little help from her TV crime-solving background and some undeniable chemistry with Luke, Sydney finds herself drawn into both a mystery and the possibility of a new life she never expected.
This book is perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with a romantic twist. It’s quick, engaging, and full of heart. The witty dialogue and beach-town charm make it a great choice for reading by the pool, on a rainy afternoon, or during a sunny weekend escape. If you’ve missed Wendy Wax’s storytelling, this one will remind you why her books feel like a conversation with a good friend.
Just Beachy releases on June 3, and it’s definitely worth adding to your summer reading list.
- Year 2025

Lady’s Knight by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner is a joyful, fast-paced fantasy about two young women rewriting the rules of their world with swords, sass, and a secret plan.
Gwen has been quietly running her father’s blacksmith shop for years, a poorly kept secret in her small village. But what no one knows is that she’s also trained herself in the art of swordplay. When a jousting tournament rolls into town, Gwen seizes the chance to live out her dream of knighthood by disguising herself as a male competitor named Sir Gawain.
Meanwhile, Lady Isobelle of Avington has her own dreams, and none of them involve being handed off in marriage to the winner of said tournament. When she sees Gwen fight, she puts two and two together and comes up with a plan. If Gwen can win, Isobelle might finally escape the life that’s been chosen for her.
The story that follows is filled with witty banter, budding romance, and a narrator who breaks the fourth wall with hilarious commentary. There are plenty of surprises along the way, including noble backstabbers, daring escapes, cheesecake on a stick, and one very angry dragon.
This book has all the fun and flair of a medieval fairy tale with a modern heart. Gwen and Isobelle’s chemistry is charming, their courage is inspiring, and their journey is full of laughter, sword fights, and sweet moments that will stay with you.
If you love stories with queer romance, clever heroines, a bit of chaos, and a lot of heart, Lady’s Knight is one to add to your list. It’s bold, funny, and full of joy from start to finish.
- Year 2025

Meet Me at the Crossroads by Megan Giddings is a powerful and imaginative novel that explores the bond between two sisters when their world is forever altered. Known for her vivid storytelling and ability to blend the surreal with the deeply personal, Giddings offers a tale that is both otherworldly and emotionally grounded.
The story begins when seven mysterious doors appear across the world, inviting people to enter what seems like a beautiful, resource-rich new dimension. It feels like a miracle, an escape, a chance for something greater. But as the doors begin to draw people in, the darker truths about this new world start to surface.
At the center of it all are Ayanna and Olivia, twin sisters growing up in the Midwest. They are close, but different in their perspectives and desires. When one of them decides to step through the unknown and then goes missing, the other is left behind to grapple with the absence. What follows is a journey filled with questions about trust, identity, faith, and the powerful pull of family love.
This novel is not just a sci-fi exploration of alternate dimensions. It is a deeply human story about connection, loss, and the choices we make when confronted with the impossible. Giddings writes with clarity and care, creating a world that is as enchanting as it is unsettling.
Meet Me at the Crossroads is a moving, richly layered novel that will stay with readers long after the final page. It is a celebration of sisterhood, a meditation on belief, and a reminder of the courage it takes to find your way when everything you know begins to shift.
- Year 2025

More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera is a powerful and deeply emotional novel that dives into the complexities of identity, love, and self-acceptance. The story follows Aaron Soto, a young man grappling with his past and his sexuality in a world that often feels hostile and unforgiving. After a personal tragedy and his own attempt to end his life, Aaron faces the difficult journey of uncovering painful truths about himself and learning how to embrace who he really is.
Set against a backdrop of friendship, societal pressure, and the struggle to belong, Aaron’s story is raw and heart-wrenching. The book explores how difficult it can be to live authentically when surrounded by people who don’t understand or accept you. The introduction of the Leteo procedure, a fictional treatment that could erase memories, adds a haunting layer to Aaron’s battle with his identity and past trauma, forcing readers to question what it really means to forget pain and whether true happiness comes from denial or acceptance.
What makes this book unforgettable is how it captures the messy, real experience of growing up and figuring out who you are, especially when the world around you seems determined to push you down. More Happy Than Not is a story about pain, resilience, and hope. It will stay with you long after the last page, reminding you that it’s okay to struggle and that sometimes, being “more happy than not” is enough.
Adam Silvera’s storytelling is compelling and honest, making Aaron’s journey feel incredibly personal and relatable. This is a novel that doesn’t shy away from the hard questions and the heartbreaking moments, but it also offers a glimmer of light in the form of acceptance and self-love. If you’re ready for a book that will move you and make you think, this is one you won’t want to miss.
- Year 2025

Never Thought I’d End Up Here by Ann Liang is a captivating story that takes readers on a vivid journey through a two-week travel adventure in China. If you can’t make it out for a trip this summer, this book is the perfect armchair escape. You’ll get to explore breathtaking sights, experience rich culture, savor delicious food, and dive into the ups and downs of a romance that fans of enemies-to-lovers and forced proximity tropes will especially enjoy.
The story follows Leah and Cyrus as they navigate their complicated pasts and the challenges they face while trekking across China. What truly stood out is how the book shines a light on insecurities and low self-esteem, issues that affect everyone, no matter how polished their outward appearance seems. Leah, a model who appears to have it all, reveals a much deeper and vulnerable side that readers come to understand as her story unfolds. This honest portrayal is a reminder that many of us carry hidden struggles beneath the surface, making the book relatable across all ages.
Another thoughtful aspect is the frustration Leah feels about not speaking the language of her cultural heritage. This resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced the disconnect of not fully connecting with their roots, often due to family decisions or circumstances. It’s a reflection on identity and the longing to bridge that gap.
Ann Liang’s writing makes this book much more than a typical romance. It’s a heartfelt exploration of personal growth, cultural identity, and human connection. If you’re looking for a story that mixes travel, emotion, and romance in a refreshing way, this is definitely one to pick up.
- Year 2025

No Lie Lasts Forever by Mark Stevens is a heart-pounding thriller that dives deep into the mind of a reformed killer and a disgraced journalist chasing redemption. When a new murder mimics the infamous PDQ Killer’s methods, Denver is gripped with fear, and Harry Kugel knows he didn’t do it this time. But to protect his quiet life, he must unmask the copycat before the trail leads back to him.
Enter Flynn Martin, a once-renowned reporter desperate to claw her way back to relevance. Together, they plunge into a world of dark secrets, dangerous twists, and moral gray zones.
With a sharp, unconventional writing style, this police procedural-meets-psychological thriller will keep you hooked through every heart-pounding page. Expect tension, unexpected turns, and an ending that leaves you reeling.
Perfect for fans of twisted suspense, character-driven thrillers, and morally complex antiheroes.
Release Date: June 1, 2025
- Year 2025