Harlow's Hot Releases 10/19 - 10/25

 

Intro

Welcome to Harlow's Hot Releases! This is a weekly blog where we dive into indie books releasing that week! This blog covers books releasing 10/19 to 10/25 of 2026.

This Week's Releases

Release #1 out 10/20

Title: The Place We Collide (book 2 in The Place series)

Author: Vanessa Chase

Genres: contemporary, romance

Where to buy: link

Blurb:

She’s on the verge of getting everything she’s ever wanted… until he shows up at her office.

It wasn’t that long ago when Miranda Mackenzie was dreaming about ways to get revenge on Theo Harris. Their once-friendly competition in a university Spanish class spun out of control for reasons she still doesn’t fully understand. She was all too happy to leave Theo in the rearview mirror. But now he’s back, and Miranda has no choice but to deal with him when he shows up back in her life. Miranda already has enough on her plate trying to earn a promotion. The last thing she needs is Theo derailing it for her. But as it turns out, Theo is the least of her problems.

Theo has made a lot of mistakes in his life, but moving back to Vancouver to take care of his two younger brothers isn’t one of them. Ever since his mom died, his family has been turned upside down, and now his dad is selling their childhood home, dredging up their grief all over again. Theo has had his fair share of surprises since moving back, but running into Miranda is one of the better ones. While he may have imploded any chance he had with her in the past, he’s not that person anymore. This time, he’s determined to get it right.

Outro

Only one indie release on my radar this week but that does mean my TBR hasn't grown too much! If you are an indie author with a book coming out, help me feature you by filling out this form!

CWW: Dangerously Ours

 

This week's book is.... Dangerously Ours

 

Author: Krista & Becca Ritchie

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: May 12th

Series: Webs We Weave #3

Blurb:

In the thrilling conclusion to the Webs We Weave series, ex-con artist Phoebe Graves must pull off the biggest grift she’s ever devised to keep her friends and family safe.

Conning the rich and fleeing to new cities is all ex-grifter Phoebe Graves has ever known—until she started building real relationships in a small but wealthy Connecticut town. But she’s worried these new bonds won’t hold fast as more than one big bad wolf threatens to blow down those she loves most.

And now more than ever, she has a reason to stay in one place. Among them is Brayden “Rocky” Tinrock, her best friend’s older brother, who’s been a partner to Phoebe during every daring and exhilarating con. And then of course there’s Hailey Tinrock, her best friend, whose precious secret they’ll do anything to protect. . . .

As Phoebe and her family team up with the Tinrocks to fight for a chance at a home, they confront the demons of their pasts and must do the impossible . . . deceive the most cunning con artist they’ve ever known.

Explanation:

The first two books in this series are some of my favorites of all time. I love these characters so much and how they are all morally grey. I highly recommend it to everyone. I am hoping I get accepted for the ARC to this one as I was the prior two. Hands down most hyped release of the year!

CWW: Our Perfect Storm

 

This week's book is.... Our Perfect Storm

Author: Carley Fortune

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: May 5th

Series: n/a

Blurb:

Best friends have one week in paradise to fix their friendship or fall apart in this heart-stopping, utterly romantic new novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Every Summer After and One Golden Summer.

Frankie and George have been best friends since they were eight years old. Both passionate, impulsive, and headstrong—they’ve always clashed . . . and come back together. Until now. It’s the eve of Frankie’s wedding weekend, and she doesn’t know where they stand or even if George will show up as her best man.

Then, at the start of the festivities, in walks George. For one glorious evening, surrounded by her loved ones, Frankie’s life is finally perfect. But it all comes crashing down when her fiancé dumps her the next morning, leaving only a note as an explanation.

Crushed and confused, Frankie returns to her family’s home to wallow. But George has a different idea and a plan for healing Frankie’s broken heart. He wants her to go on her honeymoon. With him. For one week, to the lush rainforests and misty beaches of Tofino.

Frankie agrees, seeing the trip for what it really is: one last chance to repair their friendship. Even if it means unearthing secrets and long buried feelings neither knows how to handle. Even if it means falling apart for good.

Explanation:

I have loved each and every single one of her other books so far. They are true peak summery reads for me. As such, I have massive levels of hype for whatever she puts out next. Do you like her books too?

CWW: The Escape Game

 

This week's book is.... The Escape Game

Author: Marissa Meyer and Tamara Moss

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Release Date: April 7, 2026 

Series: n/a

Blurb:

It’s all fun and games until someone ends up dead.

Six months ago, season four of The Escape Game ended in horror when contestant Alicia Angelos was found murdered on set.

Now season five is underway, and new contestants are ready to put their skills to the test solving the show's trickiest escape rooms. There's Adi, the cryptographer; Carter, the math whiz; Beck, the wannabe game master, and... Sierra Angelos, the girl who got away with her sister’s murder. Or so everyone believes.

But Sierra’s not just here to win. She’s here for justice.

When the contestants begin uncovering clues that hint at the identity of Alicia’s true killer, it becomes clear that the stakes aren’t high in this competition, they’re deadly. If these teens want to win—and survive—the game, they must solve the biggest mystery of who killed Alicia Angelos?

Explanation:

I have always thought any books inspired by escape rooms or involving thriller games is totally up my alley. As such, I am very down to check this out. It sounds like the perfect level of both twisty and entertaining. That said, I have been burned before, so I will take it all with a grain of salt. 

CWW: Game On

 

This week's book is.... Game On

Author: Navessa Allen

Publisher: Slowburn

Release Date: March 31st

Series: Into Darkness

Blurb:

I hate that woman.

Tyler Neumann has spent years looking for his father, and not because he wants to meet the man. No, he wants to destroy him. And he'll manipulate whoever he can to exact his revenge.

Including Stella McCormick. She's everything Tyler hates. Her wealth and privilege have protected her for her entire life, and Tyler thinks it's time she finally paid the price. Whether she's ready to or not.

I hate that man.

Stella might not believe in love at first sight, but loathing at first sight - no question. From the moment she sets eyes on Tyler in her tattoo parlor, she knows he's the devil planning to make her life hell.

Forced to play the part of his girlfriend and invite him into her family's glittering circles, Stella quickly clocks Tyler's ulterior motives. But love and hate are two sides of the same coin, and soon she doesn't know which is being blackmailed by a man who wants to ruin her, or that they can't seem to keep their hands off each other.

Explanation:

I absolutely adored the audiobook of the first book in this series (Lights Out). I finally got my library hold for the second book (Caught Up) this week, so I will be up to date when this book comes out. I can handle a pretty dark romance if there is some humor included, which Allen excels at. I am also sure the audiobook will have great narration too so I am very excited!

CWW: Just Friends

 

This week's book is.... Just Friends

Author: Hayley Pham

Publisher: Atria Books

Release Date: March 3rd, 2026

Series: n/a

Blurb:

Blair and Declan were inseparable growing up—best friends who knew each other better than anyone else. But when an impulsive kiss took them from friends to something more, everything changed. Just as quickly as their romance started, one moment shattered it all, leaving them with nothing but heartbreak and silence.

Now, four years later, Blair is back in their coastal hometown of Seabrook to support her mom and care for her great-aunt Lottie as her health declines. To make ends meet, Blair applies to work at a coffee shop—only to discover it’s managed by none other than Declan. The boy she loved. The boy she lost. The boy who still makes her heart race.

As Blair’s path keeps crossing with Declan’s, old wounds resurface, secrets are revealed, and sparks reignite. But could their future ever be free of their past?

Told in dual timelines that unravel the magic and pain of first love, Just Friends is a moving, romantic story about second chances, the weight of dreams, and finding your way back to the people who feel like home.

Explanation:

I have watched Hayley's videos for a few years and followed along with her process of writing this book. While early reviews are mixed, I know it's a debut and I want to from my own opinions. I feel like I might actually like it.

Can't Wait Wednesday: Without a Clue

 

This week's book is.... Without a Clue

Author: Melissa Ferguson

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Release Date: February 17, 2026

Series: n/a

Blurb:

When a mystery writer mysteriously dies on a cruise filled with rabid fans, his protégé (and personal assistant) teams up with a rugged cowboy and fellow writer to crack the case. One part Only Murders in the Building, one part Book Lovers, and a whole lot of laughs, Without a Clue will keep readers guessing and swooning until the very end.

If there's one thing Penelope Mae Dupont prizes most, it's her composure--her ability to stay calm in the face of stress. It's a vital trait in her job as a personal assistant to renowned mystery author Hugh Griffin. But when Pip organizes a book cruise featuring The Fabulous Seven--seven celebrated authors from different genres who have supported each other through thick and thin--her famed composure is in danger of sailing away. One boat, hundreds of devoted readers, and seven Big Personalities. What could possibly go wrong?

Disaster strikes when, on the second day of the cruise, Hugh is found murdered. And, in the face of gross incompetence by the on-board security force, Pip realizes she'll need to be the one to discover who did it. With the ship stranded in the middle of the Atlantic and no help on the horizon, it's up to her to unravel the mystery. Along with her friend Nash--a dreamy Western author who's just as rugged as the cowboys he writes about. As Pip's composure starts to sink faster than a leaky dinghy, Nash becomes her anchor in a storm of clues and red herrings.

With Nash at her side, Penelope dives into the murky depths of the mystery, navigating treacherous waters filled with unexpected twists and turns. No one, not even a desperately hopeful mystery sleuth named Pip, could anticipate the wild ride ahead. Whether she likes it or not, she is on the adventure of a lifetime . . . and maybe, just maybe, she'll find love along the way.

In this laugh-out-loud funny Clue-meets-Emily-Henry rom-com, Penelope Mae Dupont is about to find out that in the world of mystery and romance, you have to risk going overboard to find the truth.

Explanation:

I am a sucker for a cruise setting honestly. I have been on a lot of cruises myself and can attest that the dynamics in the middle of the sea are unique and never cease to be entertaining. I have also read her other work Meet Me in the Margins and thought it was quite cute. I'm definitely down to give this one a shot. 

Can't Wait Wednesday: My Husband's Wife

 

This week's book is.... My Husband's Wife

Author: Alice Feeney

Publisher: Flatiron Books: Pine & Cedar

Release Date: January 20th, 2026

Series: n/a

Blurb:

Eden Fox, an artist on the brink of her big break, sets off for a run before her first exhibition. When she returns to the home she recently moved into, Spyglass, an enchanting old house in Hope Falls, nothing is as it should be. Her key doesn’t fit. A woman, eerily similar to her, answers the door. And her husband insists that the stranger is his wife.

One house. One husband. Two women. Someone is lying.

Six months earlier, a reclusive Londoner called Birdy, reeling from a life-changing diagnosis, inherits Spyglass. This unexpected gift from a long-lost grandmother brings her to the pretty seaside village of Hope Falls. But then Birdy stumbles upon a shadowy London clinic that claims to be able to predict a person's date of death, including her own. Secrets start to unravel, and as the line between truth and lies blurs, Birdy feels compelled to right some old wrongs.

My Husband’s Wife is a tangled web of deception, obsession, and mystery that will keep you guessing until the last page. Prepare yourself for the ultimate mind-bending marriage thriller and step inside Spyglass – if you dare – to experience a story where nothing is as it seems.

Explanation:

I am trying to be more in the loop with thriller releases in 2026. Will that work out? We shall see. Truly  no guarantees. Given that, this book is one on my radar. It seems like it would be a twisty read that I would fly though.

I have read two of her other books, Rock Paper Scissors and Beautiful Ugly. While neither were a total favorite of mine, I want to give her another chance to see if this an author I want to dive into the backlist of, or one I can note to only read if available with no wait at the library.

Top Five Tuesday: Most Anticipated Books Releasing in the First Half of 2026

 Top 5 Tuesday: Most Anticipated Books Releasing in the First Half of 2026

Welcome back to Top 5 Tuesday, now following the list from That Artsy Reader Girl! As always, I do a top 5 instead of a top 10 because I tend to struggle to find 10 books for prompts.

This week's prompt is..... most anticipated books releasing in the first half of 2026

These are in no particular order

1. All the Little Houses by May Cobb
2. Just Friends by Hayley Pham
3. In Her Own League by Liz Tomforde
4. Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune
5. It's Not Her by Mary Kubica

Unfortunately this does sort of spoil a but of my upcoming Can't Wait Wednesday posts, so try not to mind that. We can all pretend to be surprised when they come up! Other than Hayley, I have read and enjoyed at least one other book by these authors. Hopefully all of these will be great. Do we have any in common?

Here it all is in a pretty lil' graphic as always

What are some you are looking forward to this year? I would love to gush together! See you next week!

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Storm by Rachel Hawkins

Can't Wait Wednesday

This week's book is.... The Storm

Author: Rachel Hawkins

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Release Date: January 6, 2026

Series: n/a

Blurb:

St. Medard’s Bay, Alabama is famous for three things: the deadly hurricanes that regularly sweep into town, the Rosalie Inn, a century-old hotel that’s survived every one of those storms, and Lo Bailey, the local girl infamously accused of the murder of her lover, political scion Landon Fitzroy, during Hurricane Marie in 1984.

When Geneva Corliss, the current owner of the Rosalie Inn, hears a writer is coming to town to research the crime that put St. Medard’s Bay on the map, she’s less interested in solving a whodunnit than in how a successful true crime book might help the struggling inn’s bottom line. But to her surprise, August Fletcher doesn’t come to St. Medard’s Bay alone. With him is none other than Lo Bailey herself. Lo says she’s returned to her hometown to clear her name once and for all, but the closer Geneva gets to both Lo and August, the more she wonders if Lo is actually back to settle old scores.

As the summer heats up and another monster storm begins twisting its way towards St. Medard’s Bay, Geneva learns that some people can be just as destructive—and as deadly—as any hurricane, and that the truth of what happened to Landon Fitzroy may not be the only secret Lo is keeping…

Explanation:

I really enjoyed her other book The Villa. I have not read any other thrillers where I think there would actually be some value to read it again in the future knowing the ending. That alone has solidified her as an author I am happy to give another try. 

It has the book writing element that The Villa has as well. I know she has mastered that concept so seeing it in another context is fascinating. It also provides me with another opportunity to read a book set in the past which is pretty rare for me.

I received this book as an ALC so I should be reviewing it pretty soon!

Can't Wait Wednesday: Better Not Pout by Maren Moore

Can't Wait Wednesday

This week's book is.... Better Not Pout

Author: Maren Moore

Publisher: self-published

Release Date: November 14th

Series: n/a

Blurb:

She’s the vintage candy store owner who writes a letter to Santa asking for her dream man for Christmas...

He's the grump, retired hockey player who moves in next door and opens a bar.

Explanation:

I am a HUGE fan of Maren's writing so admittedly I am hyped every single time she releases something. She also has aesthetics on lock. Being on her street team is such a fun time.

Her holiday novella from last year, The Christmas List (you can find my review here) was such a fun time. Maren is a pro at mixing sugar and spice, quite literally. Having another one to dive into has me tremendously excited! I have just started it and am already so so in love!

Can't Wait Wednesday: Get Over It, April Evans

Can't Wait Wednesday

This week's book is.... Get Over It, April Evans

Author: Ashley Herring Blake

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: February 3rd, 2026

Series: Clover Lake #2

Blurb:

April Evans’ life is in shambles. She’s had to close her tattoo shop in Clover Lake and she’s subletting her house just to make rent. And her love life? Nonexistent ever since Elena, her ex-fiancée, left her for a younger woman three years ago. When she is asked to teach a summer art class at the town’s new resort called Cloverwild, April jumps at the opportunity, especially since the job comes with boarding. She’s sure that this is the silver lining she needs . . . until she meets her Daphne Love, the woman who stole her ex-fiancée. And even worse, it’s clear Daphne has no idea who April is.

Daphne Love is cursed in, well, love. She thought she’d found the unconditional love she craved in her girlfriend, Elena, but now she’s single again and utterly brokenhearted. When her friend hooks her up with a summer gig as an art instructor at a swanky resort in New Hampshire, Daphne feels optimistic for once. If only she had a roommate and coworker who didn’t seem to hate her on sight.

Their already-tense relationship gets even shakier when April and Daphne find themselves competing for a rare opportunity to showcase their art in a London museum. But slowly, barriers begin to fall, and an inexplicable allure keeps drawing them closer, leaving them to wonder if the perfect picture they’re looking for can only be painted with each other.

Explanation:

I am always down for a queer romance, and honestly need to read more of them! Seeing this kind of representation is so essential, especially with all of the attempts at censoring. The summery vibe is also totally up my alley. The most fun part of me is that I am actually doing a blog tour for this book! When it releases, it will get a lovely feature here on my blog! I am hoping to crack open this one soon to have a lovely time with it. 

Have you read a book with queer rep recently? I would love to hear all about it. What book are you hyped up for today?

Can't Wait Wednesday: Half-Light Harbor

 Can't Wait Wednesday

This week's book is.... Half-Light Harbor

Author: Samantha Young

Publisher: Samantha Young

Release Date: October 23rd, 2025

Series: Scottish Isles

Blurb:

I went to Scotland looking for answers about my past. The last thing I expected was getting trapped on a private island with my stoic, brooding, gorgeous contractor.

Ramsay McRae is a man with secrets. He prefers the company of his dog to people and silence to any semblance of politeness. He says I’m too young, too sweet, too innocent.

Only he doesn’t know the truth. That I’m haunted by a crime that tore my life apart two years ago. I’ve come to Half-Light Harbor not just to start over, but to bring the monster who killed my parents to justice.

The last thing I need is a tortured Scot distracting me from my mission. But when his restraint snaps and my walls crumble, the results are explosive.

We say it’s only a no-strings-attached affair. A temporary moment to burn out this fire between us.

However, when my search for the truth brings danger to my door, it’s Ramsay stepping in to protect me. But it might be the secrets from his past that tear us apart forever…

Explanation:

I am a huge fan of Young's books. Her blend of romance and comedy is practically perfect and oh-so-entertaining. No joke, her banter is my absolute favorite. Now that she is starting a new series, I am so hyped for it! It should be a fantastic read. I have the ARC, so stay tuned to see my review for it!

Can't Wait Wednesday: Big Nick Energy

Can't Wait Wednesday

This week's book is.... Big Nick Energy

Author: Kristen Bailey

Publisher: Storm Publishing

Release Date: October 21st, 2025

Series: n/a

Blurb:

When librarian Kay bumps into her ex-boyfriend Nick at a Christmas market, she thinks fate is finally giving her a second chance with her first big love. But then she gets spectacularly tangled in a Christmas tree-netting machine and meets another Nick entirely. One who cuts her free, dresses her wounds, and makes her pulse race in ways that thoroughly confuse her.

Finance Nick is successful, settled, and ready to talk five-year plans. Farmer Nick makes handcrafted furniture, supports local charities, and sees the creative spirit Kay has kept hidden behind her library desk. But how is a girl to choose?

Soon she’s spending her days delivering books to children’s hospitals and care homes with farmer Nick, before dashing home to whip off her reindeer onesie and glam up for romantic dates at the ballet with finance Nick.

But the countdown to Christmas is on, and Kay can’t keep this up forever. Somehow she must navigate London’s most complicated love triangle, avoid getting any more pine needles stuck in her hair – and work out once and for all which Nick has her heart.

Explanation:

I have the ARC for this one and am oh-so-ready for the holiday book vibes. Perhaps it is that the weather is still so warm, but seriously, I want to feel genuinely cozy. 

Both of the MCs in this one seem like the sweetest people, which only makes me more excited for it!

Can't Wait Wednesday: In Your Dreams

 Can't Wait Wednesday

This week's book is.... In Your Dreams

Author: Sarah Adams

Publisher: Dell

Release Date: January 6th

Series: When in Rome #4

Blurb:

A homecoming to Rome, Kentucky, sparks a new romance—and lots of drama—between two old family friends, from the New York Times bestselling author of When in Rome, Practice Makes Perfect, and Beg, Borrow, or Steal

Madison Walker left Rome, Kentucky, determined to prove she could make it in the culinary world. But after years of chasing success in New York, all she has to show for it is a shattered confidence and a desperate need for a fresh start. Coming home isn’t part of the plan—until an unexpected job offer lands in her lap, giving her a chance to rebuild everything she’s lost: the head chef position at a new farm-to-table restaurant in her hometown. The only catch? It comes from James Huxley, owner of Huxley Farm, her brother’s best friend... and the last person she wants to work for.

James has always played it safe, keeping his head down and doing what’s expected of him in the family business and never contemplating anything different—until now, when Madison’s happiness is on the line. He’s loved her quietly for years, knowing she’s never seen him as more than an annoyance. Now that she’s back, he’s determined to change that–even if it means he can only ever be her friend. The one problem? His charming, wildly successful younger brother, Tommy, seems determined to win her over first.

Then Tommy is called away on business, and Madison and James are tasked with launching the dreamy farm-to-table restaurant on their own. But as the town starts meddling in their relationship, Tommy’s pursuit of Madison grows more relentless, and Madison’s fears threaten to hold her back, keeping things strictly professional becomes impossible. And when an unexpected disaster on opening night collides with a long-simmering sibling feud, both Madison and James will have to face their biggest insecurities—and decide if love is worth the risk or if some dreams are safer left untouched.

Explanation:

I have absolutely adored the When in Rome series. It has a wonderfully meddling town that honestly reminds me of Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls. (Let alone that James looks like Luke on this cover.) As such, it has such a special place in my heart. Any excuse to go back again is a win in my book. So sad that this release is so far away 😢

See you all again next week to give even more love to upcoming releases!

Can't Wait Wednesday: A Killer Wedding

 Can't Wait Wednesday

This week's book is.... A Killer Wedding

Author: Joan O'Leary

Publisher: William Morrow

Release Date: September 23rd, 2025

Series: n/a

Blurb:

Christine can’t believe her luck. The iconic Gloria Beaufort, founder of the billion-dollar beauty empire Glo, has personally chosen her to cover her grandson’s wedding for Bespoke, the cult fashion magazine that every A-list bride dreams of being featured in. A career-making scoop and a free trip to a castle turned five-star hotel on the Emerald Isle? It feels too good to be true…

Because it is.

Gloria is found dead on the very first morning of the celebratory weekend, and her entire family wants to keep her death a secret and for the wedding to march on. When Gloria’s heirs issue a chilling warning to Christine to keep things quiet, she can’t help but wonder if one of them is guilty. There’s the son who’s hiding a damaging lawsuit; the resentful daughter-in-law; the grandson who’s had a few too many run-ins with the law; the ambitious granddaughter who’s hiding more than one secret; and Gloria’s favorite grandchild, the too-good-to-be-true groom. As Christine navigates a world where glamour masks grimy secrets and everyone she meets is a suspect, she realizes that among this glitzy elite, nothing is as it seems.

Set against the dazzling backdrop of ultimate luxury and an endless reveal of surprises, A Killer Wedding is a fast-paced, humorous mystery that proves you’ll never forget your wedding day…especially if it starts with a murder.

Explanation:

I actually just got a last-minute ARC for this one, so of course I am excited for it! I have been hoping for more thriller ARCs, which makes this additionally exciting. I highly enjoy thrillers, but feel like I do not have the time for them lately. This forces me to make time.

This book, in particular, excites me because it has a wedding setting. Weddings are great at propelling plots and keeping things exciting. The twisted family connections are additionally appealing to me. I just know its fast-paced nature will keep me effectively hooked. Stay tuned for my review!

Can't Wait Wednesday: Tourist Season

Can't Wait Wednesday

This week's book is.... Tourist Season

Author: Brynne Weaver

Publisher: Slowburn

Release Date: September 23rd, 2025

Series: The Season of Carnage

Blurb:

Welcome to Cape Carnage! Visit Once, Stay Forever.

Cape Carnage is a seaside town of colorful houses, quirky shops, and an unusually high body count. But with tourists comes trouble, and Harper Starling won’t let anyone ruin her picture-perfect home. A skilled gardener with killer instincts, Harper protects her sanctuary at any cost—especially for her aging mentor with a fading memory.

Troublesome tourists don’t check out of Carnage. They compost beneath Harper’s award-winning flowerbeds. But Nolan Rhodes isn’t your average tourist. Devilishly handsome, disarmingly charming, and skilled with a blade, Nolan is relentless in the pursuit of revenge. On every anniversary of the hit-and-run accident that fractured his life, Nolan slays another target. And he’s saved the best for last: the undeniably beautiful Harper Starling.

The problem? Harper isn’t the monster he expected. And she won’t go down without a fight. When an amateur true crime investigator comes to Cape Carnage on the trail of a long-lost serial killer, Harper and Nolan strike an uneasy truce. If Nolan helps Harper protect her town, she’ll keep quiet about his hunting habits . . . for now. But their alliance soon spirals into obsession, one that threatens to shatter every secret in Carnage—including their fragile love.

Tourist Season is a darkly funny, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance where destruction and desire are balanced on the edge of a blade—and where love is the most dangerous battleground of all.

Explanation:

This is the start of Brynne Weaver's new series. I loved the Ruinous Love trilogy, so I am excited to see what else she has in store. This one has a bit more of a thriller vibe than the other books, which I am additionally excited for as a romance and thriller lover. 

This is one of those moments I am intrigued to see how a writer can expand beyond their series of renown. I hope we all end up loving it!

See you again next week for more excitement! 

Can't Wait Wednesday: Merry Little Kissmas

 

Can't Wait Wednesday

This week's book is.... Merry Little Kissmas

Author: Lauren Blakely

Publisher: Lauren Blakely Books

Release Date: October 28th, 2025

Blurb:

Wanted: A fresh shot at love for the holidays. But fake dating my brother’s grumpy best friend? He’s my new client, for Santa’s sake!

As a professional matchmaker, my biggest job this holiday season should be simple: find a date for the sexy single dad hockey player—aka my brother’s best friend—for his team’s fancy Christmas Eve gala.

Sure, Rowan’s hot as a crackling fire and spicier than a gingerbread man, but he hasn’t just sworn off romance. The Christmas hater has made a bet that I can’t find him a holidate.

What’s a matchmaker to do?

Win, of course. Even if it means fake-dating the Grinch myself to get him ready for the real thing.

Only…these fake dates at Christmas tree farms and hot cocoa competitions in the snowy small town of Evergreen Falls start to feel a little too real as I get to know the man behind the scowl. Somewhere between kisses under the mistletoe and a snowed-in night in his cabin curled up by the fire (where the stockings aren’t the only thing hung), I realize I’m in over my elf-loving head.

And when Rowan opens up to me at last about his painful past, I’m determined to give my brother’s best friend the holiday he deserves.

But what if the only gift I want him to unwrap this season is… me?

Explanation:

I am a big fan of Lauren Blakely's books as of late. Also, this cover alone would totally sell me on this book! Isn't it totally adorable?

As summer is winding down, I am totally getting geared up for colder weather. As such, I am hyped for holiday reads! I just know Lauren's funny banter is going to play in perfectly to a book like this!

Come back next week to discover another book I am excited for!

Can't Wait Wednesday: Till Summer Do Us Part

 

Can't Wait Wednesday

This week's book is.... Till Summer Do Us Part

Author: Meghan Quinn

Publisher: Bloom

Release Date: June 3rd

Blurb:

Scottie Price just started a new job, and it's a real sausage fest. She's the only woman on a team filled with Brads and Chads. Expecting a bachelor pad atmosphere, she is quickly corrected when she finds out everyone is happily married.

In an effort to impress her boss, Scottie mentions her nonexistent husband in a company meeting. But eagle-eyed Chad points out her lack of wedding ring. Panicked, Scottie creates a story about her unhappy marriage. Unfortunately for Scottie, her boss has a solution—a one-on-one session with the best marriage counselor in the Northeast, who happens to be her boss’s husband.

With no way out of her lie, Scottie agrees to see him. Frantic, she calls in help from her best friend, who sets her up with his brother, an improv-obsessed millionaire.

Enter Wilder Wells. More than happy to take on the job, he teaches Scottie the main rule of improv: always say yes. But the rule backfires during the session when Wilder signs them up for an eight-day summer marriage camp with all of Scottie’s co-workers, where she’ll have to share a cabin with her way-too-handsome fake husband.

Explanation:

I loved her book, Bridesmaid by Chance. You can see my thoughts on it here. I am so incredibly in the mood for a summery romance book. They are all such a vibe, and I am here for it! With the dreary weather I've had lately, I have to read about sunshine to make up for it.  Luckily for me, I have the ALC and so far I'm really loving it! Stay tuned for my thoughts on it.

Can't Wait Wednesday: Problematic Summer Romance

 

 Can't Wait Wednesday

This week's book is.... Problematic Summer Romance

Author: Ali Hazelwood

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: May 27th

Series: Not in Love

Blurb:

Maya Killgore is twenty-three and still in the process of figuring out her life.

Conor Harkness is thirty-eight, and Maya cannot stop thinking about him.

It’s such a cliché, it almost makes her heart implode: older man and younger woman; successful biotech guy and struggling grad student; brother’s best friend and the girl he never even knew existed. As Conor loves to remind her, the power dynamic is too imbalanced. Any relationship between them would be problematic in too many ways to count, and Maya should just get over him. After all, he has made it clear that he wants her gone from his life.

But not everything is as it seems—and clichés sometimes become plot twists.

When Maya’s brother decides to get married in Taormina, she and Conor end up stuck together in a romantic Sicilian villa for over a week. There, on the beautiful Ionian coast, between ancient ruins, delicious foods, and natural caves, Maya realizes that Conor might be hiding something from her. And as the destination wedding begins to erupt out of control, she decides that a summer fling might be just what she needs—even if it’s a problematic one.

Explanation:

I have enjoyed all of Ali Hazelwood's releases to date, excluding Bride (I will not be reading that one because I know it is not at all for me). I am so incredibly ready for a summery romance story, and I know this one will fill that craving. I am also super excited to go back to the characters of Not in Love. It should be a fantastic read for me!

What new release are you hyped for?