July 4th: The Dane of My Existence by Jessica Martin
Series: A Bard’s Rest Romance #2
Page Length: 352
Publisher: Berkley
Synopsis: Portia Barnes is the youngest Mergers & Acquisitions partner in her law firm’s history, and she and her stilettos are poised to step into the role of her dreams–managing the firm’s new Boston office. But first she’s taking a summer sabbatical in her hometown of Bard’s Rest, New Hampshire, where she discovers something’s rotten in the midst of the town’s annual Shakespeare festival.
Hotshot commercial developer Benjamin Dane is sniffing around Bard’s, and while Portia isn’t necessarily a Shakespeare fanatic like the rest of her family, she’s not about to let him bulldoze the town’s beloved outdoor theater. Yet to Portia’s dismay, Ben proves as skilled as she is when it comes to outworking, outmaneuvering, and one-upping the competition. While she’s never hesitated to wage war against hyper-successful alpha males, Portia is caught off guard by Ben’s openness and lack of arrogance. As her own long-constructed walls start to come down, Portia begins to wonder if he might be more than an archnemesis.
With her heart on the line and the future of the town hanging in the balance, Portia faces an impossible decision–Ben or Bard’s?–unless she finds a way to broker the merger of her life, and ensures the curtain falls on a happy ending for everyone.
July 8th: Love Quest by Camilla Isley
Page Length: 231
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Synopsis: As epic meet-cutes go, travel photographer, Winter Knowles thinks finding a gorgeous naked man outside her Thailand villa is pretty perfect. But then she discovers the naked heartthrob is none other than Dr Logan Spencer, her gruff standoffish (but sexy as hell) jungle expedition leader.
Dr Logan is on the mission of a lifetime. There’s a lost city of gold to discover and he doesn’t need any distractions – especially not the stubborn, sassy beautiful photographer type! His reputation is on the line.
These arch rivals get off on the wrong foot. But when the heat rises in the jungle, Winter and Logan are forced together in the face of danger. Is trusting someone with your life the best meet-cute of all?
A sassy, enemies-to-lovers rom-com perfect for fans of Ali Hazelwood!
July 11th: What’s a Duke Got to Do With It by Christina Britton
Series: Synneful Spinsters #2
Page Length: 368
Publication Date: July 11, 2023
Publisher: Forever
Synopsis: Four years ago, a scandal cost Miss Katrina Denby everything. Now, companion to the irascible Lady Tesh and in possession of wonderful friends, she believes her luck has finally changed. Until the man responsible for her ruination returns to England and promptly dies in a fall from her bedroom window. Now the life she had begun to build for herself is in shambles. And not only is she ostracized and vilified, but her friends are suffering as well because of their association with her. Katrina will do anything to gain respectability again and protect those she cares for. But her plans to marry one of the few men who will still have her despite the stain on her name and lack of fortune are thrown into turmoil with the arrival of the only man Katrina ever loved. A man who is now about to become engaged to another.
Sebastian Thorne, Duke of Ramsleigh, was a carefree rogue when he first met and began to fall in love with Katrina. But his father’s horrible actions forced him to give up on his dreams of a future with her. Now, after years of trying to save the dukedom, there is only one option left: to marry, and marry well. But though he has nearly secured the woman—and her fortune—necessary to protect the people who are counting on him, his future father-in-law sends him on one final errand to earn his blessing. What Sebastian doesn’t expect while seeing that job through, however, is Katrina—or that his feelings for her have not faded. In fact, they have only grown stronger, Katrina’s hold on his heart even more powerful than before. With both of their futures on the line and so many lives at stake, will their passion for one another lead to the ruin of them both—or give them a happiness they never dared to dream of?
July 11th: Forget Me Not by Julie Soto
Page Length: 352
Publisher: Forever
Synopsis: He loves me; he loves me not…
Ama Torres loves being a wedding planner. But with a mother who has been married more times than you can count on your fingers, Ama has decided that marriage is not the route for her. But weddings? Weddings are amazing. As a small business owner, she knows how to match her clients with the perfect vendor to give them the wedding of their dreams. Well, almost perfect…
Elliot hates being a florist, most of the time. When his father left him the flower shop, he considered it a burden, but he’s stuck with it. Just like how he’s stuck with the way he proposed to Ama, his main collaborator and girlfriend (or was she?) two years ago. But flowers have grown on him, just like Ama did. And flowers can’t run off and never speak to him again, like Ama did.
When Ama is hired to plan a celebrity wedding that will bring her business national exposure, there’s a catch: Elliot is already contracted to design the flowers. Things are not helped by the two brides, who see the obvious chemistry between Ama and Elliot and are determined to set them up, not knowing their complicated history. Add in a meddling ex-boss, and a reality TV film crew documenting every step of the wedding prep, and Ama and Elliot’s hearts are not only in jeopardy again, but this time, their livelihoods are too.
July 11th: In the Eyes of the Earl by Kristin Vayden
Series: The Cambridge Brotherhood #3
Page Length: 408
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Synopsis: Kristin Vayden takes you straight to the heart of Regency England in this sparking tale of an earl determined to clear his name and the lady who shows him exactly who he is… Collin Morgan, Earl of Penderdale, has a problem. Someone is committing crimes in his name, leaving him suspended from his work in the War office. Elizabeth Essex has a secret. She’s the daughter of a well-respected professor at Cambridge University―and a professor herself. If anyone other than the few women she teaches found out, it could ruin her family’s good name. Morgan’s travels to track his impersonator lead him to Cambridge, and to an old friend―Elizabeth’s father. Forced into close proximity with each other, Morgan and Elizabeth’s first impressions are less than friendly. But when Elizabeth’s secret comes to light and Morgan’s confrontation with his adversaries reaches a fever pitch, they must work together. Along the way, they might learn that what they needed most was each other.
July 11th: Say Yes to the Princess by Charis Michaels
Series: Hidden Royals #1
Page Length: 384
Publisher: Avon
Synopsis: A hidden princess…
Princess Regine Elise Adelaide d’Orleans is no longer a princess, but she’s also no commoner. She’s obscure French royalty, exiled to England in the aftermath of the revolution. She lives as a glorified houseguest of the British Royal family, guarded and gilded, but also trapped.
The cynical outcast…
Mr. Killian Crewes serves as the “Royal Fixer” in St. James’s Palace, making messy situations disappear. As the second son of an earl, cleaning up indiscretions was hardly Killian’s goal in life, but his mother’s notoriety makes him less of a peer, and more a member of staff.
A royal scandal…
When Princess Elise spots her long-lost brother in a crowded market, she’s determined to find him. But her search puts the palace in an uncomfortable position, and they hire Killian to seduce the princess to distract her from meddling. Except, no one anticipated that Killian would be the one seduced instead. Now he’s risking everything for the lonely princess–his job, her reputation, and both of their hearts.
July 11th: The Curse of Saints by Kate Dramis
Series: The Curse of Saints #1
Page Length: 480
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Synopsis: As an elite spy and the Queen’s Third-in-Command, Aya has dedicated herself to a life of discipline and duty, using her gods-given abilities to keep dark magic from ever returning to the realm. Her oath ensures she will always act to protect those she fights alongside—including Will, the Queen’s Enforcer and Aya’s bitter rival.
Forced by circumstance to work together, Aya and Will struggle to come to an uneasy truce. But when tragedy strikes, Aya instinctively reacts, unleashing a power that hasn’t been seen in over 500 years. Shaken, she’s confronted with an impossible truth: one that threatens the precious grip she keeps on her control. One that forces her to work with Will to discover who—or what—she really is. And one that could turn her into a weapon in a war she doesn’t know how to win.
With Will at her side and untold power at her fingertips, Aya will have to decide: Has she been sent to save the realm she loves…or destroy it?
July 11th: Hello Stranger by Katherine Center
Page Length: 336
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Synopsis: Sadie Montogmery has had good breaks and bad breaks in her life, but as a struggling artist, all she needs is one lucky break. Things seem to be going her way when she lands one of the coveted finalist spots in a portrait competition. It happens to coincide with a surgery she needs to have. Minor, they say. Less than a week in the hospital they say. Nothing about you will change, they say. Upon recovery, it begins to dawn on Sadie that she can see everything around her, but she can no longer see faces.
Temporary, they say. Lots of people deal with this, they say. As she struggles to cope―and hang onto her artistic dreams―she finds solace in her fourteen-year-old dog, Peanut. Thankfully, she can still see animal faces. When Peanut gets sick, she rushes him to the emergency vet nearby. That’s when she meets veterinarian Dr. Addison. And she’s pleasantly surprised when he asks her on a date. But she doesn’t want anyone to know about her face blindness. Least of all Joe, her obnoxious neighbor who always wears a bowling jacket and seems to know everyone in the building. He’s always there at the most embarrassing but convenient times, and soon, they develop a sort of friendship. But could it be something more?
As Sadie tries to save her career, confront her haunting past, and handle falling in love with two different guys she realizes that happiness can be found in the places―and people― you least expect.
July 11th: A Wager with an Earl by Tammy Andresen
Series: Lords of Temptation #5
Page Length: 170
Synopsis: He’s the most notorious rake in all of London…
Which is why every lord of the realm wants to be friends with the Earl of Somersworth. He’s the life of every ballroom and backroom gaming hell alike. The problem? When he needs a fiancée, not one of those so-called friends will let him anywhere near their sisters or daughters because everyone knows he can’t be trusted.
So when Viscount Northville practically tosses his niece in Somersworth’s path, he’s suspicious. There must be something wrong with the lady. Sure, she’s beautiful, and built for sin, but she can’t be right in the head to consider him for a husband.
Turns out, she isn’t. Considering him that is. The moment they’re alone, she tells him that she would rather die miserable and alone than marry him. But she does have a bargain in mind. She’ll help him clean up his reputation long enough to find a suitable lady and he’ll help her to secretly participate in all the fun that debutantes are denied. She’s got a list:
A masquerade ball.
A tryst in the library.
A moonlight kiss.
It’s his kind of deal.
The only other problem? Turns out, she’s his kind of lady…
July 11th: Star Bringer by Tracy Wolff
Page Length: 608
Publisher: Entangled
Synopsis: The sun is dying…and it’s happening way too damn fast.
With the clock ticking, the Nine Planets’ only hope of survival rests on a fancy space station and the alien artifact it’s carrying. Which is why it really sucks when some jackass doesn’t want the universe saved and blows that station up-while you’re still on it.
So if your only choices are flaming death or stealing a flying hunk of space junk-you pick that busted-ass spaceship. Even if it leaves seven strangers with deadly secrets trapped together: a princess, a prisoner, a con artist, a warrior, a priestess, a mercenary, and an asshole in charge of us all.
Now every faction in the galaxy is hunting this ship-from the Sisterhood to the Corporation, and the rebellion’s joining in on the fun, too. We just need to stop drinking, fighting, and screwing long enough to evade them all and save the freaking universe…somehow.
Because apparently the only thing standing between a dying sun and ultimate salvation is seven unlikely misfits…ahem, heroes.
July 16th: Songs of Loss by Nicole Bailey
Series: The Siren’s Call #3
Page Length: 331
Publication Date: July 16, 2023
Synopsis: Forbidden Love.
A prophecy to break the fairy courts.
And a journey that will change everything.
Compelled by the Map of Forgetting, Lira and Lennox travel with their Atallas to the formidable and mythical Kali’s caves.
As their group navigates the monster-filled cavern, internal conflict and unresolved desires simmer beneath the surface.
With the fate of the fae kingdoms resting on their shoulders, Lira knows the price of victory may demand losses they aren’t prepared to face.
July 18th: The Jasad Heir by Sara Hashem
Series: The Scorched Throne #1
Page Length: 529
Publisher: Orbit
Synopsis: In this Egyptian-inspired debut fantasy, a fugitive queen strikes a deadly bargain with her greatest enemy and finds herself embroiled in a complex game that could resurrect her scorched kingdom or leave it in ashes forever.
Ten years ago, the kingdom of Jasad burned. Its magic outlawed; its royal family murdered down to the last child. At least, that’s what Sylvia wants people to believe.
The lost Heir of Jasad, Sylvia never wants to be found. She can’t think about how Nizahl’s armies laid waste to her kingdom and continue to hunt its people—not if she wants to stay alive. But when Arin, the Nizahl Heir, tracks a group of Jasadi rebels to her village, staying one step ahead of death gets trickier.
In a moment of anger Sylvia’s magic is exposed, capturing Arin’s attention. Now, to save her life, Sylvia will have to make a deal with her greatest enemy. If she helps him lure the rebels, she’ll escape persecution.
A deadly game begins. Sylvia can’t let Arin discover her identity even as hatred shifts into something more. Soon, Sylvia will have to choose between the life she wants and the one she left behind. The scorched kingdom is rising, and it needs a queen.
July 18th: Immortal Longings by Chloe Gong
Series: Flesh and False Gods #1
Page Length: 384
Publisher: Gallery Books
Synopsis: Every year, thousands in the kingdom of Talin will flock to its capital twin cities, San-Er, where the palace hosts a set of games. For those confident enough in their ability to jump between bodies, competitors across San-Er fight to the death to win unimaginable riches.
Princess Calla Tuoleimi lurks in hiding. Five years ago, a massacre killed her parents and left the palace of Er empty…and she was the one who did it. Before King Kasa’s forces in San can catch her, she plans to finish the job and bring down the monarchy. Her reclusive uncle always greets the victor of the games, so if she wins, she gets her opportunity at last to kill him.
Enter Anton Makusa, an exiled aristocrat. His childhood love has lain in a coma since they were both ousted from the palace, and he’s deep in debt trying to keep her alive. Thankfully, he’s one of the best jumpers in the kingdom, flitting from body to body at will. His last chance at saving her is entering the games and winning.
Calla finds both an unexpected alliance with Anton and help from King Kasa’s adopted son, August, who wants to mend Talin’s ills. But the three of them have very different goals, even as Calla and Anton’s partnership spirals into something all-consuming. Before the games close, Calla must decide what she’s playing for—her lover or her kingdom.
July 25th: The Heiress Swap by Maddison Michaels
Page Length: 386
Publication Date: July 25, 2023
Publisher: Entangled
Synopsis: Evie Jenkins didn’t know what she was thinking by agreeing to switch places with her American heiress cousin. After all, she’s naught but a poor―and usually quite sensible ―companion. All she has to do is spend six weeks among London society, pretending to be an heiress…and ensure that absolutely under no circumstances does she accept any proposals of marriage.
When his cousin declares himself in love with a new woman visiting from the States, Alexander Trenton―the sixth Duke of Hargrave―is determined to prove that the young lady in question is just another American “Dollar Princess” desperate for an English title. She seems innocent enough, but Alex is determined to expose her…by thoroughly seducing the lovely and fiercely intelligent heiress himself .
What he assumed would be just one simple kiss erupts into something wild, uncontrollable, and much too public. Now the duke must save her reputation with a betrothal…little knowing that his charming Princess harbors a secret that would certainly ruin them both.
July 25th: The Sun and the Void by Gabriela Romero LaCruz
Series: The Warring Gods #1
Page Length: 511
Publisher: Orbit
Synopsis: In a lush world inspired by the history and folklore of South America, a sweeping epic fantasy of colonialism, ancient magic, and two young women’s quest for belonging unfolds.
Reina is desperate.
Stuck living on the edges of society, her only salvation lies in an invitation from a grandmother she’s never known. But the journey is dangerous, and prayer can’t always avert disaster.
Attacked by creatures that stalk the region, Reina is on the verge of death until her grandmother, a dark sorceress, intervenes. Now dependent on the Doña’s magic for her life, Reina will do anything to earn—and keep—her favor. Even the bidding of an ancient god who whispers to her at night.
Eva Kesare is unwanted.
Illegitimate and of mixed heritage, Eva is her family’s shame. She tries her best to be perfect and to hide her oddities. But Eva is hiding a secret: magic calls to her.
Eva knows she should fight the temptation. Magic is the sign of the dark god, and using it is punishable by death. Yet, it’s hard to deny power when it has always been denied to you. Eva is walking a dangerous path, one that gets stranger every day. And, in the end, she’ll become something she never imagined.
July 25th: The Rebel King by Gina L. Maxwell
Series: Deviant Kings #2
Page Length: 352
Publisher: Entangled
Synopsis: All work and no wicked play makes Tiernan a very unsatisfied king…
Of all the Verran brothers, Tiernan is the least suited to wear the Night Court crown. The Rebel Prince is happy with no responsibilities or accountability―just the freedom to pursue his own dark, lush pleasures in Sin City. Including his secret hunger for a certain smart-mouthed, fiery redhead.
Only, the possibility of having Fiona is stripped away when Tiernan is thrust into the one role he never king . As king of the Dark Fae, wanting―let alone pursuing―anything with a lower-caste fae like Fiona would shift from fun…to forbidden.
Now war is emerging from the shadows of Vegas, and Tiernan is caught between who he’s meant to be and who he wants . And somewhere in this maelstrom of lust, love, and rebellion is the key to the Dark Fae’s survival…even if the cost is more than he can imagine.
Great list! I’m especially excited about Hello Stranger and The Sun And The Void.
They both sound fantastic!
So many interesting books. Hello Stranger is a must for me but darn it The Dane of My Existence sounds amazing too! 😀
Right! I love the idea of a Shakespearean themed town!
I have the Curse of Saints from one of my book subs and the synopsis sounds right up my alley. Can’t wait to read it, likely after the August rush of ARCs.
I hope you enjoy it, Celeste! It sounds really good.
The cover for the sun and the void looks so gorgeous I am in love!!
Right! It’s stunning!
So many new books coming up. I read Love Quest when Isley published it herself. It wasn’t my favorite of hers, but it was still fun!
I just DNFed it. 🙁 I’m disappointed, but I didn’t like either of the MCs.
Yeah… it’s not her best. I’ve enjoyed her newer releases and her holiday books. I did enjoy Opposites Attract, which is one of her backlist books.
Maybe I’ll try one of those. Thanks for the recs!