Upcoming Book Releases to Ignite Your Imagination During the Heart of Summer
- BirdieMama
- Jun 18
- 22 min read
Hello friends! I hope you're all enjoying your Summer break, whether you're off on a much needed vacation, relaxing at home, or partaking in one of a million other warm weather activities available. As we are quickly approaching July, the month dubbed as “the heart of Summer”, it feels like divine timing that we should get to celebrate the season in a special way. What could be more delightful than diving into the bookish world we all know and love to explore what new releases are on the horizon? This July, we can look forward to a diverse array of stories hitting shelves, whether you’re looking for a leisurely read, a heart-pounder, or a make you ugly cry heart breaker, I believe there’s a little something for everyone. Or, if those don’t sound enticing, maybe something enchanting, inspirational, or educational is more your speed, well I think I’ve got some of those too.
***Insert high-pitched squeal here!*** Hopefully, (fingers crossed!) I have unearthed some incredible books for you to indulge in while you find yourself lounging poolside, cruising to some exotic locale, or just taking a break from your daily routine. Let’s take a moment to reflect on the upcoming bookish treasures that are just around the corner. So, how about we dive in, start browsing, and start adding to our never-ending TBR (to be read) lists, whaddaya say?!? Adding some new must-reads is a sure fire way to keep you entertained throughout this July season. Whether you prefer to read on a sun soaked beach, in a cozy hammock, or curled up in your favorite air conditioned corner of your home, I’m sure there’s something here for you to get into. Hold on while we uncover hidden gems that you might not have already heard of and let’s get reading!
-Western / Small Town Romance-
Wrangled and Tangled by Taylor Wilson-West
Expected Release: July 1, 2025
Description
Spencer Tritt
I’ve always loved three things more than anything: Raven Peak Ranch, my daughter, and my garage.
I’ve never gone lookin’ outside my own hometown for bigger and better things.
So when the rodeo comes into town, and my sister drags me along with her, I’m not expecting to be thrown into the orbit of Buckin’ Bronco Champion, Heath Macabe.
His golden brown eyes draw me in, and I can’t help but fall.
Too bad, after an incredible night, I find out he’s engaged…
And he’s still naked, in my bed.
Heath Macabe
The rodeo has always been my home.
As the Buckin’ Bronco Champion I’ve always had plenty of attention from fans, and I’ve never been too picky about my partners.
Men, women, it doesn’t matter to me as long as it’s consensual, but the moment I meet Spencer Tritt, that all changes.
Because for the first time in my adult life… I find myself imagining a future with someone.
Too bad my PR manager decided to set up a fake engagement without askin’ me first…
And he kicks me to the curb.**Wrangled and Tangled is intended for a mature audience.**
Source Citation:
Amazon.com 2024, Wrangled and Tangled (Raven Peak Ranch Book 1), Amazon website, Accessed 16 June 2025, <https://a.co/d/eWUQL1L>.
-New Adult Romantic Fantasy-
When the Moon Met the Sun by Alaina Hope
Expected Release: July 1, 2025
Description
A princess turned pawn, an arranged marriage, and a discovery of secrets.
On a continent teeming with empowered fae, nineteen-year-old Princess Aviva Heartshire simply wants to live out her days in the North with her twin and her best friend, serving the people of her beloved kingdom the best she can with her elemental abilities. However, there’s a big difference between what she wants, and her reality.
To end the centuries-long war, Aviva’s father forces her into an arranged marriage with the King of the South — her people’s enemy. She’s been taught her entire life to despise the people of the South, and has a special sort of hatred for the Southern King and his lineage, as they’ve personally overseen her people’s slaughter in this war. A marriage to him is the last thing Aviva planned for — she never wanted to be used as a pawn in her father’s games.
As she learns more about the lush kingdom and its young king, she’s torn between two decisions: stand firm in what her father has taught her for her entire life — that the Southern King and his people truly are the enemy — or take the risk of trusting her soon-to-be husband, and embracing her role as his Queen.
Follow Aviva's journey as she unravels her family's secret past, navigates the uncertain future, and finds unexpected love in the present.
Source Citation:
Amazon.com 2025, When the Moon Met the Sun: The Ashford Saga: Book One, Amazon website, Accessed 16 June 2025, <https://a.co/d/2h6z3vw>.
-Epic Romantic Fantasy-
Soul of Stars and Shadows by Elle Reese
Expected Release: July 1, 2025
Description
Twyla Theos, Primordial Princess of Astros, is destined to save the world, but the prophecy never mentioned the pain involved.
After the devastating events at the end of Becoming Starlight, Twyla awakens in the Creation Realm, coming face to face with the most powerful being in existence—the Great Creator. Twyla learns world-shattering news, and with the help of the Great Creator, she reshapes the astros by creating Celestia, a secret kingdom among the stars.
With her true mate by her side and the fate of the universe in her hands, Twyla must protect the people she loves, unveil the new magic wreaking havoc within her, and embark on dangerous missions to preserve the balance of the universe.
But the clock is ticking. Darkness is rising, and it runs deeper than anyone could have imagined.
Twyla must rise, not just as a princess, but as a queen forged from starlight and shadow.
TROPES:
Fated Mates
Magical Universe
Romantasy
Chosen One
Light and Dark
High Stakes
Shapeshifting
MC Mental Health
Source Citation:
Amazon.com 2025, Soul of Stars and Shadows: A Magical Fantasy Romance (The Starlight Series Book 2), Amazon website, Accessed 16 June 2025, <https://a.co/d/5NTaAVH>.
-Women's Action Adventure / Mystery Romance-
Queen of Vengeance by Jessica Jude
Expected Release: July 1, 2025
Description
“What are you going to do when you find him?”
I pause, unsure what my answer should be. But there’s only ever been one option. “Kill him,” I say.
Slate
Life’s taught me not to expect much. Handouts, fair treatment, a decent parking spot downtown. But dead last on that list? Lux Colombia-Clarke showing up at my door, looking like a damn fairytale with a score to settle.
Her proposal knocks me sideways: find the city’s most dangerous drug dealer, and she’ll make sure my sister gets what she needs. I’d be an idiot to refuse, but every time her eyes cut my way, something dark and electric stirs in me.
She’s trouble wrapped in silk, and I’d be wise to stay clear.
Good thing no one ever accused me of being wise.
Lux
Trust me, I can think of better things to do than begging a prime-parking-spot-stealing jerk for help. Like, a million better things. But this leather-clad biker may be the only way to help my brother. If I can endure the boulder-sized attitude he’s carrying around.
We had a deal. One that didn’t include feeling … safe. Protected. Happy. Like, wtf?
In no universe do we make sense together. He looks as out of place in a tuxedo as I do in anything other than vintage Chanel. But when we’re together, it’s like none of that matters.
Until, of course, it does. And then nothing will stand in the way of our epic mutual destruction.
Queen of Vengeance is perfect for readers looking for:
Contemporary romance books
Old money aesthetics
Small town biker + high class socialite vibes
Morally gray characters & darker themes
Enemies to lovers
Dual POVs
Opposites attract
Grumpy x sunshine tropes
Spicy love stories
Bad boy alpha heroes
Angsty and emotional stories
Queen of Vengeance is book 2 in the Hand of Revenge series. It is not necessary to read book 1, Ace of Betrayal, but it may enhance the reading experience.
This story may not be suitable for everyone. Please see preview for TWs.
Source Citation:
Amazon.com 2025, Queen of Vengeance: An Enemies to Lovers Bad Boy Romance (Hand of Revenge Book 2), Amazon website, Accessed 16 June 2025, <https://a.co/d/9PhIE3v>.
-LGBTQ+ Romance-
Dearly Unbeloved by Sophie Snow
Expected Release: July 1, 2025
Description
She needs a wife to secure a promotion. Her roommate needs a wife to claim her inheritance. A marriage of convenience is the perfect solution—if only they didn’t hate each other.
Rose Cannon might not be thriving, but she’s doing her best. Her relationship with her family is rocky, she’s not great with people, and sometimes she can’t make herself get out of bed. Work is the one place she’s perfect—until she lies to her boss and pretends to be engaged to the messy roommate she loathes.
Sierra Hayashi has bigger problems than her stuck up roommate. The deadline for the inheritance she’s counting on is fast approaching, and she still hasn’t done the one thing she needs to do to claim it: get married. Easier said than done, considering she ends every relationship after three months.
When a drunk night in Vegas presents Rose and Sierra with an answer to their problems, they face a new challenge: can they survive staying married when they despise each other? Or will pretending to be in love unravel everything they think they hate about each other?
Dearly Unbeloved is a spicy sapphic romance. It contains explicit sexual content and sensitive topics. Thorough content warnings can be found on the author’s website.
Source Citation:
Amazon.com 2025, Dearly Unbeloved (Spicy in Seattle Book 3), Amazon website, Accessed 16 June 2025, <https://a.co/d/heFXBXe>.
-Science Fiction Adventure / Epic Fantasy-
The Pilot by Will Wight
Expected Release: July 1, 2025
Description
“Sheep, sheep, sheep…I have bad news for you. It’s finally my turn.”
Solstice, the secret organization running the Galactic Union, has made an enemy of The Last Horizon. Soon, they will regret it.
Varic and Omega have a plan to infiltrate and destroy Solstice’s leaders, removing another threat to the galaxy. Compared to the apocalyptic monsters the crew has faced in the past, this opponent should be simple.
Omega has waited decades for his chance at revenge before becoming the Pilot of The Last Horizon. He will do anything for vengeance…or so he believes.
Victory will demand more from Omega than he imagines, and it won’t be as easy as he hopes.
Solstice has Zenith Devices of their own.
Source Citation:
Amazon.com 2025, The Pilot (The Last Horizon Book 4), Amazon website, Accessed 16 June 2025, <https://a.co/d/fLr2YrT>.
-Workplace Romance / Erotic Suspense-
Haven by Wren Willoughby
Expected Release: July 1, 2025
Description
Willow Thornton is desperate to escape the clutches of her secrets, but when her options run out, the only person who can help is her boss, Jack Lambert. With nowhere else to turn, Willow moves in with him, seeking refuge from a life that’s become too dangerous to endure.
Jack has been quietly in love with Willow for years, but he’s never crossed the line—until now. When he opens his door to her, he has no idea of the dark secrets she’s hiding. But as the truth about her past begins to unfold, the tension between them grows, and Jack's protective instincts shift them into something deeper, more passionate.
While Willow is able to trust Jack with her heart, her past isn’t finished with her yet. Threats linger over them both, and even the safety she’s found in Jack’s arms may not be enough to protect her from the chaos.
Can Jack and Willow find happiness in each other, or will her past destroy the haven he’s offered?Haven is an open door age gap contemporary romance with content suitable for readers aged 18+. Please read the content warnings for a list of the triggers, your mental health matters too.
Source Citation:
Amazon.com 2025, Haven: A Love on the Tyne novel, Amazon website, Accessed 16 June 2025, <https://a.co/d/756W1Nm>.
-Women's Fiction / Psychological Fiction-
Woman on the Verge by Kim Hooper
Expected Release: July 1, 2025
Description
A sexy, propulsive meditation on modern motherhood, tracking the lives of three women as they struggle to define themselves in the face of new obligations and heightened expectations.
Some women, with their perfect children and pricey athleisure, make motherhood look easy. But not Nicole. She never wanted to be a stay-at-home parent―losing her job left her no choice. Now, between her toddlers’ demands, husband’s distance, and father’s deteriorating health, she’s pulled in every direction except her own.
Something has to give.
Katrina’s in the same dissatisfied boat. After flirting with a handsome stranger at a bar, she’s ready to choose pleasure over responsibility. But when her impulse goes surprisingly awry, she must reconcile her reawakened desires with the realities of home.
Housewife Rose battles the constraints of motherhood in the ’80s. Venting her growing restlessness into a diary of secret ambitions, she wonders whether it’s all worth it. Is an unhappy mother really better than a selfish one?
In a shocking twist, the women find their lives intertwined. But as they face their longings head-on, it’s unclear whether they’re destined for a breakthrough…or breakdown.
Source Citation:
Amazon.com 2025, Woman on the Verge: A Novel, Amazon website, Accessed 16 June 2025, <https://a.co/d/hCi7GHw>.
-YA LGBTQ+ Dark Fantasy / Paranormal ROmance-
Tenderly, I Am Devoured by Lyndall Clipstone
Expected Release: July 1, 2025
Description
Perfect for fans of Saltburn, A Study in Drowning, and Don't Let the Forest In, Tenderly, I Am Devoured is a moody, monstrously Gothic romantic folk horror in which a young woman must bind herself to a dangerous chthonic god with the help of the son of a rival family to save her family's legacy―and herself―from ruin.
Expelled from her prestigious boarding school following a violent incident, eighteen-year-old Lacrimosa Arriscane returns home in disgrace to discover her family on the point of financial ruin. Desperate to save them, she accepts a marriage of convenience… to Therion, the chthonic god worshipped by Lark’s isolated coastal hometown.
But when her betrothal goes horribly wrong, Lark begins to vanish from the mortal realm. Her only hope is to seek help from Alastair Felimath: the brilliant, arrogant boy who was her first heartbreak, and his alluring older sister, Camille. As the trio delve into the folklore of gods, Lark falls under the spell of both Felimath siblings.
Ensnared by a fervent romance, they perform a bacchanalia with hopes the hedonistic ritual will repair the connection between Lark and her bridegroom. Instead, they draw the ire of something much darker, which seeks to destroy Therion―and Lark as well.
Featuring a polyamorous bisexual romance, lush prose, and flower-threaded horror, Tenderly, I am Devoured is a romantic folk horror that is intoxicating as chthonic liquor, and as unstoppable as the haunted tides.
Source Citation:
Amazon.com 2025, Tenderly, I Am Devoured, Amazon website, Accessed 16 June 2025, <https://a.co/d/6yt0Mii>.
-Action Adventure / Romantasy-
Arcana Academy by Elise Kova
Expected Release: July 1, 2025
Description
“Magical from nail-biting beginning to shocking end!”—Danielle L. Jensen, #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Fate Inked in Blood
A woman who wields magical tarot cards lands herself in a false engagement with the headmaster of a mysterious academy in this first installment of an enthralling fantasy romance series from the bestselling author of A Deal with the Elf King.
The dazzling first edition hardcover of Arcana Academy will feature gold foil page edges, designed endpapers, two interior black-and-white maps, a custom-stamped case, and a premium dust jacket with foil—while supplies last!
Clara Graysword has survived the underworld of Eclipse City through thievery, luck, and a whole lot of illegal magic. After a job gone awry, Clara is sentenced to a lifetime in prison for inking tarot cards—a rare power reserved for practitioners at the elite Arcana Academy.
Just when it seems her luck has run dry, the academy’s enigmatic headmaster, Prince Kaelis, offers her an escape—for a price. Kaelis believes that Clara is the perfect tool to help him steal a tarot card from the king and use it to re-create an all-powerful card long lost to time.
In order to conceal her identity and keep her close, Kaelis brings Clara to Arcana Academy, introducing her as the newest first-year student and his bride-to-be.
Thrust into a world of arcane magic and royal intrigue, where one misstep will send her back to prison or worse, Clara finds that the prince she swore to hate may not be what he seems. But can she risk giving him power over the world—and her heart? Or will she take it for herself?
Book One of The Arcana Academy Series
Source Citation:
Amazon.com 2025, Arcana Academy, Amazon website, Accessed 16 June 2025, <https://a.co/d/59g1V9A>.
-Dark Fantasy Horror-
The Heart of Grim by Ashen Huston
Expected Release: July 2, 2025
Description
Mortals cower from the Blood Moon's gaze. Monsters thrive from it.
Korbyn awakens amongst a ruined battlefield of two warring nations as the lone survivor. With no memories of his identity or past, he joins a group of monster hunters called Kendra Dawn, all while attempting to silence the strange, dark powers that begin to manifest within him.
As the war continues, Korbyn and his allies must survive amongst the lands plagued by wild creatures, war, magic, and the Blood Moon that strengthens the monstrosities that lurk beneath it.
In the midst of the chaos, an eerie voice within his mind calls out to him, reminding him of the inevitable:
"You are not meant to save."
Source Citation:
Amazon.com 2025, The Heart of Grim, Amazon website, Accessed 18 June 2025, <https://a.co/d/inqbcVK>.
-Romantasy / Erotica-
Monsoon by Ellen B. O'Brien
Expected Release: July 3, 2025
Description
Lovers Until the Rains End…
Poppy’s life is a hot mess, with her car out of commission, her career in shambles, and a grieving mother to support—and to make it worse, now she’s been stranded by an unexpected storm. But at least she’s stranded with Rai, a Brazilian toilet paper salesman with a smile like sunshine, a voice like sin, and a body that begs to be painted. Especially soaking wet. (Or naked. Naked is good, too.) Not to mention, she could really use some free samples…
All Rai has ever cared about is finding the next storm to ride. But when the water fae toys with Poppy on a whim, their encounter leads him to crave more. He knows nothing of humans, but he desires her as his lover, and soon he’s got Google and an endless supply of motivational quotes to help him in his quest. But as things steam up, his fragile masquerade is threatened by his lies, damn lies, and semantics—not to mention his wings. Maybe he should have told her about the wings.
And their tempestuous affair has a deadline. When the monsoon rains end, Rai must leave the brutally dry Tucson desert…or die. That’s what he’s been told, by fae much wiser than he.
Too bad he never does what he’s told.
Monsoon was originally partially published on Kindle Vella. It has since been completed and revised for e-book & print.
Source Citation:
Amazon.com 2025, Monsoon (Elements of Faerie), Amazon website, Accessed 18 June 2025, <https://a.co/d/bl96YJi>.
-Dark Paranormal Romance-
Ringmaster by Des Sweet
Expected Release: July 3, 2025
Description
Welcome to the Demon King’s Circus. Where shadows dance, monsters roam, and the gateway to Hell is always open.
They call me the Prince of Shadows. Born to reclaim the realm my father stole—but to do that, I must do the unthinkable: Find my mortal bride.
Make her love me.
And convince her to die.
Only her willing soul can bind us in blood and shadow, tipping the balance of power and casting my father into the abyss.
Heaven wants her soul.
Hell wants her dead.
The monsters are closing in.
The reward for her capture? Immortality.
The cost of loving her? Damnation.
But I’d burn both realms to keep her.
She was mine long before they came for her.
The Fates gave her to me—and I don’t share.
She’s my fated bride.
The last light in a world of shadow.
To save Hell, she has to die.
To save me… she just might have to live.
Source Citation:
Amazon.com 2025, Ringmaster: A Dark Circus Romantasy, Amazon website, Accessed 18 June 2025, <https://a.co/d/5UeGr0F>.
-Children's / Education / Reference-
Maturing with Mimi: Life Lessons in Financial Literacy by Tara Jones (Author), Atiyya NaDirah (Illustrator)
Expected Release: July 4, 2025
Description
This fictional story is loosely based on the life of the first-time author, Tara Jones. This story aims to teach and invoke discussion around financial literacy through the use of storytelling. The story follows Amiya “Mimi” Jones along her journey towards financial literacy as she progresses through life, from the perspective of a young woman of color growing up in a military environment. Each chapter discusses significant events that Mimi experiences during each year of high school.
The story is designed to be an illustrated three-book series, discussing Mimi’s life experiences as a young teenager, through her college years, then post-college life. This series provides parents with initial tools to set the foundation of financial literacy; introducing simple concepts as it relates to typical daily activities a child may experience. The questions at the end of each chapter enable parents to discuss small acts of financial decision-making in real-world scenarios; and further encourages the whole family to remain actively money-minded.
Source Citation:
Amazon.com 2025, Maturing with Mimi: Life Lessons in Financial Literacy, Amazon website, Accessed 18 June 2025, <https://a.co/d/a57BaBi>.
-Omega-verse Romantasy-
Knot Useless by Lyric Storme
Expected Release: July 7, 2025
Description
She was never meant to bloom… but nature had other plans.
An orphan raised in a Beta-run home, Serena spent her life in the shadows, treated like property and constantly instilled with fear. For years, she believed she was one of them: ordinary, disregarded, unremarkable…useless.
Until the Change came late… and everything unraveled.
The Council was completely unprepared for someone like her. An Omega, newly awakened, alone, unprotected, and possessing a secret others would kill for. Desperate to survive, Serena goes on the run—but fate has a different path in mind. Drawn to a group of powerful, fractured men who call themselves Veil Bound, she finds herself ensnared in a bond that feels impossibly right… and terrifyingly dangerous.
But Serena is more than just an Omega. As her connection to the pack deepens, so does a strange new power awakening inside her—one the Council has hunted and sought to extinguish for generations.
They wanted her hidden.
They’ll regret letting her rise.
In a world built on hierarchy, hunger, and control, Serena is about to discover the strength of found family, the fire of true instinct, and the destiny of a Lumina who refuses to be broken.
Knot Useless is the first in a series of interconnected standalone books, each with a guaranteed HEA. Each heroine's traumatic past leads to a love sweeter than they could have ever imagined.
Source Citation:
Amazon.com 2025, Knot Useless: Sweet Omega-verse Standalone Series (Lunar Veil Chronicles Book 1), Amazon website, Accessed 18 June 2025, <https://a.co/d/1GzemGL>.
-Clean Romantic Comedy-
Elevate With Me by Victoria Liiv
Expected Release: July 7, 2025
Description
Mortified!
The day I met Mr Umbrella was one of my worst. Not quite my-tits-plastered-all-over-social-media humiliating, but a close second to that horrible mishap. I was soaking wet from the rain with my shirt nearly see-through, and I did trap him between lift doors.
Luckily, I wasn’t going to see him again, which made that situation only slightly better. Only, after that he seemed to be absolutely everywhere, and I was more humiliated each time.
Red Cheeks and Mr Umbrella. I’m not even joking. That’s how we called each other before we were formally introduced. Despite knowing my name for quite a while now, he’s pretty adamant on reminding me of the nickname.
Little Red-Cheeked Dancing Girl? That’s even worse!
Gorgeous? He has no reason to utter that one! Every single time he’s seen me, I’ve been a mess. Not even a hot mess, trust me. Yet he keeps up this charade.
I’m starting to think he’s not playing a game.
Source Citation:
Amazon.com 2025, Elevate With Me (Levels of You Book 1) , Amazon website, Accessed 18 June 2025, <https://a.co/d/awzNbEn>.
-Sports Romance-
The Boards Between Us by Cassandra Moll
Expected Release: July 8, 2025
Description
When a devastating injury ended Levi Montgomery’s hockey career, his life was turned upside down. Not only did he lose his roster spot, but he also lost his long-term girlfriend who seemed to want his fame and status more than him. When he got the call to join the coaching staff of the Golden City's hottest hockey team, his life—at least career-wise—finally turned around. Finally, the youngest coach in the NHL has love again—even if it's just his job.
Alex Bennett is no stranger to loss. When she got pregnant at twenty, her boyfriend—and the man who she thought was the love of her life—all but abandoned her and her son. He was out to chase a life of luxury, and she was left alone. Now, juggling two unfulfilling jobs and an even more disappointing love life, she’s sworn off men in suits—especially ones who remind her of her ex.
When Alex and Levi cross paths at a Flames game, neither expects the immediate spark between them. What starts as a simple attraction soon turns into a secret arrangement—but keeping things strictly physical proves harder than they imagined. As their walls begin to crumble, they’re forced to face the truth. Will they risk their hearts for something real, or will they be stuck with more than just the boards between them?
Source Citation:
Amazon.com 2025, The Boards Between Us (Golden City Series Book 1), Amazon website, Accessed 18 June 2025, <https://a.co/d/9Ujq5ia>.
-LGBTQ+ Romance-
Once Upon a Hike by Eliana West
Expected Release: July 8, 2025
Description
Benjamin Colton is struggling to keep his world from falling apart, trapped by the demands of his scheming stepmother and her high-maintenance twins. With his trust fund finally within reach, he must endure their chaos a little longer. The only thing keeping him going is Hyas House—his beloved childhood home and the last remaining link to his parents.
Max Huntington, dubbed "The Prince of the Wilderness" by the press, is tired of proving he's more than a nepo baby. He worked his way up from the warehouse to the boardroom of Huntington Outfitters, determined to earn his place. But his mother refuses to hand over the reins of their billion-dollar empire until he finds the "right" partner. Sent to Seattle for a business deal he doesn't believe in, Max expects nothing but frustration—until he meets Benjamin, the reserved stepson who seems immune to his charm. Suddenly, his trip is about more than business.
Under starry skies, sparks fly. Benjamin and Max must navigate family expectations, ambition, and an undeniable attraction. Can they rewrite their own fairy tale, or will reality tear them apart before their adventure begins?
A modern Cinderella story, Once Upon a Hike combines a sexy billionaire, found family, opposites attract with a dash of hurt/comfort, and of course the great outdoors. What's not to love?
Source Citation:
Amazon.com 2025, Once Upon a Hike, Amazon website, Accessed 18 June 2025, <https://a.co/d/6CWPwMl>.
-Gothic Ghost Thriller-
How to Survive a Horror Story by Mallory Arnold
Expected Release: July 8, 2025
Description
Seven authors enter the manor
Can they survive the story within?
When legendary horror author Mortimer Queen passes, a group of writers find themselves invited to his last will and testament reading expecting a piece of his massive fortune. Each have their own unique connection to the literary icon, some known, some soon to be discovered, and they've been waiting for their chance to step into the author's shoes for some time.
Instead, they arrive at his grand manor and are invited to play a game. The rules are simple, solve the riddle and progress to the next room. If they don't, the manor will take one of them for itself.
You see, the Queen estate was built on the bones of Mortimer's family, and like any true horror story, the house is still very, very hungry.
With the clever, locked-room thrills of Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone with the ghostly horror of The Fall of the House of Usher, How to Survive a Horror Story is a bright, biting, thrill-ride that begs us to contemplate how the best horror stories come to be.
Source Citation:
Amazon.com 2025, How to Survive a Horror Story, Amazon website, Accessed 18 June 2025, <https://a.co/d/bY6ygry>.
-Epic Romantic Fantasy-
A Vow of Embers by Sariah Wilson
Expected Release: July 8, 2025
Description
A princess’s forced marriage to a dangerously seductive prince becomes a life-and-death alliance in an exhilarating adventure by Sariah Wilson, the USA Today bestselling author of A Tribute of Fire.
Lia is always prepared for battle, but being blackmailed into marriage by Prince Alexandros is a challenge too far. She has no choice. He’s holding her sister hostage to force her hand. But with this union built on betrayal and rage comes a contract. By the goddess’s law, the marriage must not be consummated. A relief to Lia. She’d rather commit regicide than fall into bed with a man she loathes.
There is one other saving grace. Marriage gives Lia access to the palace and a chance to uncover the truth about the treasured eye of the goddess—and the magic it holds. But something inexplicable and impossible to ignore soon binds Lia and the prince. By night they walk in each other’s dreams, and by day they share each other’s pain.
As longing and trust grow between Lia and Alexandros and inhibited desires are set free, outside forces rise against them, posing an ever-present danger. Not only to the throne but to their very lives.
Source Citation:
Amazon.com 2025, A Vow of Embers (The Eye of the Goddess Book 2), Amazon website, Accessed 18 June 2025, <https://a.co/d/9pZ1xjV>.
-Romantic Fantasy-
The Moon Prince by Emilia Mondragón
Expected Release: July 10, 2025
Description
“Change, like death, is inevitable. And if you fight it, it will fight harder.”
The country of Avilonía is a land ruled by warriors who were blessed by elemental gods during a time of colonization and war. In the coastal city of Coáraluna, the capital of the Moon Kingdom, lives Esmé Vespertín—a shy refugee who takes a potion for her migraines that cause her to see strange shadows. On the outside, she is a normal girl trying to get by in a world that could crumble at any moment. Yet she harbors one of the biggest secrets in all of Coáraluna: she’s been entertaining a secret relationship with none other than Río Markaél, Avilonía’s Moon Prince.
Principe Río is a tide bender who is trying to prove himself by going on secret missions to help his father on the war front. His latest quest was the most ambitious yet, leaving him half-alive with a cursed object that could change the course of the ongoing war forever. However, when Esmé finds it by accident one evening, things take a turn, and on the night of the yearly Winter Solstice Ball, an attack on the palace reveals that she may be more special—or terrifying—than anyone could have imagined.
Source Citation:
Payhip.com 2025, The Moon Prince Preorder, Payhip website, Accessed 18 June 2025, <https://payhip.com/b/Yc9he>.
-LGBTQ+ Romantic Fantasy-
The Ballad of Baby Blue by Celeste Sutton
Expected Release: July 11, 2025
Description
Some songs are warnings.Some girls are remembered in whispers.And some stories refuse to fade—because they were never truly finished.
In Hemridge, fae and mortals once lived side by side.Then came the famine. The sickness. The fear.The fae became strange. Dangerous. Unwelcome.
Seventeen-year-old Blue couldn’t care less.
Raised by Margie, a woman who once loved a faerie and paid the price, Blue has spent her life barefoot and fearless in the Appalachian mountains—and that suits her just fine.The townsfolk want nothing to do with her? Perfect. The feeling is mutual.
But when Margie is called back to town to care for her aging mother, Blue sets her jaw and insists on going with her.She’ll have to hide her magic. Cover her pointed ears.Letting Margie go down the mountain alone would be cowardly—and Blue is no coward.
Most of Hemridge is exactly as awful as she expected.Especially her next-door neighbor, Evie.
Awkward, observant, soft-spoken Evie—who watches too closely, asks too many questions, and scrunches her nose whenever Blue does something strange…a maddening habit Blue tries not to find endearing.
What begins as irritation shifts into something softer. Then deeper. Then forbidden.Because in Hemridge, girls like Blue aren’t allowed to love openly.
As summer deepens and secrets unravel, Blue faces an impossible choice:Stay and vanish into a life of pretending.Run, and become a cautionary tale.Or follow a legend only half-believed—one that speaks of bridges between worlds, and magic that remembers its own.
Source Citation:
Amazon.com 2025, The Ballad of Baby Blue: The Origin Story of Her Dark Inheritance, Amazon website, Accessed 18 June 2025, <https://a.co/d/hbRXemY>.
Now that we've reached the end of the Upcoming Book Releases to Ignite Your Imagination During the Heart of Summer part one, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on the exciting titles shown and consider what you'd like to add to your own TBR (To Be Read) list. As the summer sun shines brightly, it’s begging you to dive into adventure and perhaps explore something new through the pages of these upcoming and anticipated releases. What are your thoughts on the selection that I have compiled so far? Did any particular titles stand out to you personally? I, myself, always find it thrilling to discover new voices in literature or to see familiar authors returning with fresh material. With that, I hope you found something to inspire and or explore. Keep an eye out for part two of this article which will be dropping soon. Also, thanks for reading! If you're interested in purchasing any of these books for yourself, simply click on any of the links provided and you'll be brought directly to the book named.
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