Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.
The topic today is “Most Recent Books I Did Not Finish,” but I decided to change it up and do ten recent reads I couldn’t put down. I’ve been lucky to read some amazing books lately – let’s check them out!
1. Belladonna
Title: Belladonna
Author: Adalyn Grace
Series: Belladonna #1
Page Length: 403
Publication Date: Aug. 20, 2022
Synopsis:New York Times bestselling author Adalyn Grace brings to life a highly romantic, Gothic-infused world of wealth, desire, and betrayal.
Orphaned as a baby, nineteen-year-old Signa has been raised by a string of guardians, each more interested in her wealth than her well-being—and each has met an untimely end. Her remaining relatives are the elusive Hawthornes, an eccentric family living at Thorn Grove, an estate both glittering and gloomy. Its patriarch mourns his late wife through wild parties, while his son grapples for control of the family’s waning reputation and his daughter suffers from a mysterious illness. But when their mother’s restless spirit appears claiming she was poisoned, Signa realizes that the family she depends on could be in grave danger and enlists the help of a surly stable boy to hunt down the killer.
However, Signa’s best chance of uncovering the murderer is an alliance with Death himself, a fascinating, dangerous shadow who has never been far from her side. Though he’s made her life a living hell, Death shows Signa that their growing connection may be more powerful—and more irresistible—than she ever dared imagine.
2. Say Yes To the Princess
Author: Charis Michaels
Series: Hidden Royals #1
Page Length: 384
Publication Date: July 11, 2023
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.
LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Review
3. Fence Vol. 5
Author: C.S. Pacat, Joanna the Mad (illustrator)
Series: Fence #5
Page Length: 112
Publication Date: Aug. 10, 2022
Publisher: BOOM! Box
Synopsis: USA Today best-selling author C. S. Pacat (Captive Prince) and popular web cartoonist Johanna the Mad along with colorist Joana LaFuente (Transformers) and letterer Jim Campbell (Giant Days) reunite for the highly-anticipated next chapter in this fierce and heartfelt GLAAD Media Award-nominated series. Excitement is in the air as Nicholas and his friends celebrate their prestigious invitation to the Halverton Training Camp. They immediately come face-to-face with the best teams in the country, and Nicholas struggles as he suffers defeat after defeat by an old enemy. Will a new addition to the team bring Nicholas closer to the rest of the team and awaken the resilience within he needs to prevail? But Seiji, in contrast to Nicholas, remains unchallenged and let down by the camp. With Seiji’s goal to learn (instead of win) stuck in his head, will Nicholas step up to pose a real challenge to Seiji, even growing their friendship as a result?. Get ready to say “En Garde” to the next installment of Fence!
4. Star Bringer
Author: Tracy Wolff & Nina Croft
Page Length: 608
Publication Date: July 11, 2023
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.
LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Review
5. Love, Theoretically
Author: Ali Hazelwood
Page Length: 368
Publication Date: July 13, 2023
Publisher: Little Brown BooksS
ynopsis: The many lives of theoretical physicist Elsie Hannaway have finally caught up with her. By day, she’s an adjunct professor, toiling away at grading labs and teaching thermodynamics in the hopes of landing tenure. By other day, Elsie makes up for her non-existent paycheck by offering her services as a fake girlfriend, tapping into her expertly honed people pleasing skills to embody whichever version of herself the client needs.
Honestly, it’s a pretty sweet gig—until her carefully constructed Elsie-verse comes crashing down. Because Jack Smith, the annoyingly attractive and broody older brother of her favorite client, turns out to be the cold-hearted experimental physicist who ruined her mentor’s career and undermined the reputation of theorists everywhere. And that same Jack who now sits on the hiring committee at MIT, right between Elsie and her dream job.
Elsie is prepared for an all-out war of scholarly sabotage but…those long, penetrating looks? Not having to be anything other than her true self when she’s with him? Will falling into an experimentalist’s orbit finally tempt her to put her most guarded theories on love into practice?
LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Review
6. Immortal Longings
Author: Chloe Gong
Series: Flesh and False Gods #1
Page Length: 384
Publication Date: July 18, 2023
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.
LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Review
7. Beginning of Forever
Author: Catherine Bybee
Series: The D’Angelos #3
Page Length: 360
Publication Date: June 27, 2023
Publisher: Montlake
Synopsis: Tasting wine is not enough: sommelier Giovanni D’Angelo wants to create it. To put his family first, he’s always deferred his dreams—a vineyard to run, a woman to marry. But a three-week vineyard tour in Italy could set him back on track.
For Emma Rutledge, wine is in her blood. Intent to run the family wine business one day, she finds that the men in her family are only intent to push her out of it. But that’s fine—she’s got a plan.
When Gio and Emma meet on a wine tour in Tuscany, their shared aspirations fuel an undeniable chemistry. Returning home to California, they work toward setting up Emma’s vineyard and a label of their own. But when Emma receives a life-altering diagnosis, she worries it’s all been for nothing.
As Emma works to cement her family legacy while dealing with this unexpected challenge, Gio tries to convince her that their future isn’t just wine.
LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Review
7. The Viking She Loves to Hate
Author: Lucy Morris
Page Length: 288
Publication Date: July 25, 2023
Publisher: Harlequin Historical
Synopsis: Her rivalIs her most dangerous temptation!
Astrid Viggosdottir’s father has ordered a competition between her and new arrival Viking Ulrik to prove who is the better boat builder! If she loses, Princess Astrid will be duty-bound to marry a jarl. If Ulrik loses, he will be banished, leaving his motherless daughter homeless. With the stakes so high, Astrid should hate this man, but during the long hot summer, their rivalry turns to a heated passion that neither can ignore!
LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Review
8. The Jasad Heir
Author: Sara Hashem
Series: The Scorched Throne #1
Page Length: 529
Publication Date: July 18, 2023
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.
LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Review
9. Change of Plans
Author: Dylan Newton
Page Length: 368
Publication Date: Aug. 1, 2023
Publisher: Forever
Synopsis: When disaster strikes and chef Bryce Weatherford is given guardianship of her three young nieces, her life goes from cooking with fire…to controlling a dumpster fire. Five‑year‑old Addison refuses to remove her fairy wings, eight‑year‑old Cecily won’t bathe, and tween June is majoring in belligerence. With all this chaos, Bryce jettisons hope for a life outside of managing her family and her new job.
It’s been years since Ryker Matthews had his below‑the‑knee amputation, yet the phantom pain for his lost limb and Marine career haunts him. To cope, he focuses on his vehicle restoration business. He knows he’s lucky to be alive. Yet, “lucky” feels more like “cursed” to his lonely heart.
When Ryker literally sweeps Bryce off her feet in the grocery store’s baby aisle, they both feel sparks. But falling in love would be one more curveball neither is ready to deal with… or is it exactly the change of plans they need?
10. Garden of the Cursed
Author: Katy Rose Pool
Series: Garden of the Cursed #1
Publication Date: June 20, 2023
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Synopsis: In this thrilling YA fantasy/mystery duology from award-winning author Katy Pool, cursebreaker Marlow Briggs reluctantly pretends to be in love with one of the most powerful nobles in Caraza City to gain entry into an illustrious—and deadly—society that holds clues to her mother’s disappearance. Perfect for fans of Veronica Mars, These Violent Delights, and Chain of Iron.
Since fleeing the gilded halls of Evergarden for the muck-filled canals of the Marshes, Marlow Briggs has made a name for herself as the best godsdamn cursebreaker in Caraza City. But no matter how many cases she solves, she is still haunted by the mystery of her mother’s disappearance.
When Adrius Falcrest, Marlow’s old friend and scion of one of Caraza’s most affluent spell-making families, asks her to help break a life-threatening curse, Marlow wants nothing to do with the boy who spurned her a year ago. But a new lead in her mother’s case makes Marlow realize that the only way to get the answers she desperately seeks is to help Adrius and return to Evergarden society—even if it means suffering through a fake love affair with him to avoid drawing suspicion from the conniving Five Families.
As the investigation draws Marlow into a web of deadly secrets and powerful enemies, a shocking truth emerges: Adrius’s curse and her mother’s disappearance may just be clues to an even larger mystery, one that could unravel the very foundations of Caraza and magic itself.
LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Review
Have you read any of these? What are some recent reads you couldn’t put down? Comment below!
I haven’t read any of these. I love the cover of Star Bringer.
Belladonna was one I couldn’t put down either! It was so good.
Yes! It was soo good. I can’t wait for Foxglove!
Omg yes Garden of the Cursed was amazing and I also had my face glued to it the entire time!
lol – me too! I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
I have only read one of these, The Beginning of Forever, but with your recommendation, I might pick some of the others up. Great list, Julie.
Thanks, Carla! I loved Beginning of Forever! I definitely want to read more by the author.
Have you read the previous books in the series, Julie? They were all good ones.
I haven’t. I have them on my TBR though.
I couldn’t put down Hazelwood’s book either! I hope her next one is just as good.
Me too! I’ve loved all of her books, so I have high hopes for the next one.
Belladonna and Garden of the Cursed were the same for me – couldn’t put them down. I have Immortal Longings waiting.
Ooooh, I hope you love it, Teri! I’m a big fan of the author.
I DNF’d Belladonna too but I did like Love, Theoretically. Interesting list – many unexpected choices.
I switched it up and did books I couldn’t put down instead of books I DNF. I loved Love theoretically!
Oh, I guess I read what I expected to read 😂. That’s kind of funny. Well, I’m definitely glad you enjoyed Love, Theoretically and now your choices are much more in keeping with what I’ve heard from others 😊
I’m glad to see you enjoyed Star Bringer. I bought it but haven’t had a chance to get to it yet.
It was sooo good! i hope you enjoy it!
Fun list! My request for Love Theoretically looks like it might finally be available at the library in the next week or so!
Yay! I hope you love it, Lisa!
Aah, I’m so excited to read The Jasad Heir cos I’ve been seeing great things about it. And I’m so glad to see you enjoyed Belladonna—I loved it too! 😍 Great twist to the prompt this week!
Thanks, Dini! Belladonna was fabulous, and I’m really looking forward to Foxglove! I hope you love The Jasad Heir when you get to it!
I love the spin that you put on this week’s topic. It sounds like you’ve had some really amazing reads lately, and I’m thrilled to see more than a few on my upcoming reads TBR on your list! It’s also nice to see that you loved Belladonna like I did, because I’m so excited about Foxglove coming out soon.
Thanks, Leah! I have had a lot of great reads lately. And I can’t wait for Foxglove either. It sounds so good!