Highlights: July 2026

Well, it’s summer in Minnesota once again, which means Kate is waiting it out in appropriately air conditioned spaces/poolside while Serena has fled back home to the West Coast where it may be hot, but at least it’s a dry heat! But, of course, we have tons of great ARCs from ALA to check out and some new titles this month to look forward to!

Serena’s Picks

Book: “The Eye of Leviathan” by M. A. Carrick

Publication Date: July 14, 2026

Why I’m Interested: I really loved the “Rook and Rose” trilogy, so I was trilled when I heard the writing duo known as M. A. Carrick were going to be back with a new fantasy duology! This time, the story follows a changeling and his counterpart in an alternative Spain set during the Inquisition. After their last trilogy that was so full of unique world-building and character work, I can’t wait to see what they do when merging real historical events with fantasy elements. It’s a hefty read, coming in at nearly 500 pages, but I can’t wait!

Book: “The Exquisite Torment of Loving Your Enemy” by Brigitte Knightley

Publication Date: July 7, 2026

Why I’m Interested: On paper, I shouldn’t have enjoyed the first book in this series. In many ways, it sounded like yet another overly familiar “enemies to lovers” romantasy title, full of quipping characters and lackluster worldbuilding. But it just goes to show that you never know, and even tired tropes can be enjoyable in the right hands! Mostly, I enjoyed the humor of the first book, something that I think is almost the determining factor for enjoyment of these books for many readers. But it worked for me, for whatever reason, and I’m excited to see how it all wraps up here in the second half of the duology.

Book: “The Witch Below the Dreaming Wood” by H.G. Parry

Publication Date: June 21, 2026

Why I’m Interested: I’ve enjoyed all the books I’ve read by this author, so I’m always excited when she puts out a new title. This one was particularly of interest, however, as it’s been a while since I’ve found an Arthurian fantasy novel that really works for me. I don’t know why I struggle with these sorts of fantasy novels so much, but Parry is a strong author, so if anyone could make it work for me, she might just pull it off!

Kate’s Picks

Book: “Fabulous Bodies” by Chuck Tingle

Publication Date: July 7, 2026

Why I’m Interested: Chuck Tingle is a must read author for me, as he’s had a streak of really creative and engaging horror novels. And his newest “Fabulous Bodies” sounds just as creative and outlandish as I’ve come to expect from him, this time following a fashion influencer who is also a grave robber, and who robs the grave of a famous rock star….. Who refuses to stay dead. The description is a bit vague (are we talking zombie? Vampire? Something else?), but that just adds to the interest on my end! Tingle always comes up with wild stories and I’m very stoked for this one.

Book: “The Intrigue” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Publication Date: July 14, 2026

Why I’m Interested: Another must read author for me!!! Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a genre hopping chameleon to be sure, though in “The Intrigue” she is returning to the Noir scene, with sex, lies, manipulation, and a 1940s Mexican backdrop. Ulises is a con artist who woos women and then steals their money, and while this has worked for awhile, the funds are starting to dwindle as the world grapples with war and a financial depression. But he thinks that maybe he can have one last big con on a lonely boarding house owner named Perla, who has a crafty niece named Inés. What Ulises doesn’t realize is that Perla isn’t as easily fooled as he thinks. I quite enjoy Moreno-Garcia’s works and I’m happy we have a new one this year!

Book: “Hot Girl Murder Club” by Ashley Winstead

Publication Date: July 14, 2026

Why I’m Interested: Boy do I love an addicted and soapy thriller and Ashley Winstead almost always delivers on those fronts. And in her newest book “Hot Girl Murder Club” we have a singer songwriter named Scout who accused of a murder she didn’t commit, and how her new notoriety must be overcome to not only clear her name, but also find some justice for her sister, who was murdered years before. I have found Winstead’s previous books very difficult to put down and this one just sounds like perfect summer reading!

What books are you reading this month? Let us know in the comments!