I think I speak for everyone when I say I hope that there is an actual Fall season this year. And by that I mean I don’t want to go from unbearably hot to unbearably cold in the span of 24 hours. I want a noticeable decline into cooler weather, with the leaves changing and all the autumnal, cottagecore, witchy vibes that go along with that.
On another note, and to harken back to this piece that I wrote last year, I legit almost typed “cottagegore” once again. One day I’ll get it right.
Anyway, please join me in sending out those vibes to get an actual fall this year for everyone because I’m sure we could all use the break from the heat.
With that said, on to the rest of the newsletter.
Bookish Goods
So Many Books, So Little Time by thependantemporium
Oh, if there ever was a theme song for all book dragons, this would certainly be it. I know no one who has a TBR that they actually plan on finishing anytime soon. Because we all know as soon as you get it whittled down, then you hear all about the new releases. Starts at $12.50
New Releases
To Catch a Raven by Beverly Jenkins
When a former Confederate solider is suspected of stealing the Declaration of Independence, grifter Raven is forced by the government to infiltrate his house posing as a maid and see if she can locate it. Her partner for this act of espionage is Braxton who, in addition to acting as a valet/driver, is also posing as her husband. As they work to find the missing document, they must also try to combat their rising desire for one another.
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna *
Mika lives a solitary life, as do most of the witches of the world. After all, if too many witches gather in one area, then their magic becomes even more noticeable. However, when she is hired to help tutor three young witches in a mysterious place called Nowhere House she can’t pass up the opportunity to check it out. There she meets three wonderfully mischievous girls, and a hodgepodge of caretakers for them including a very handsome and grumpy librarian and wonders if this is the family for her.
* I read this eARC and thoroughly loved it so much so that I told my romance reading bestie to preorder it straight away. Which she did.
And don’t forget that for a more comprehensive list of new releases, you can always check out our New Books newsletter!
Riot Recommendations
My recommendations today both feature kind of a niche situation. They’re high school friends to lovers, with an added tweak of opposites attract and a dash of possible second chance. I know, sounds wild, but you’ll see what I mean when you check out the books below.
Gouda Friends by Cathy Yardley
I’ve mentioned the first in this series, Love, Comment, Subscribe a lot but this one shouldn’t be overlooked. It is about Tam and Josh, high school BFFs who are always there for one another through the challenges of their life, the latest being Tam reaching out after a recent break up and Josh being all too happy to come visit and help get her back on track. However, this time, it is harder to ignore the passion that may or may not have been simmering there over the years of their friendship. This is sure to be a winner for others who enjoy this trope. Plus, it is all about cheese! Who doesn’t love cheese?
Experimental Marine Biology by Susannah Nix
With the exception of that one time in high school that they don’t talk about, Brooke and Dylan’s relationship has been purely platonic. When he crashes on her couch during a stay for a few days in exchange for being her date to a wedding, they are both looking forward to catching up. Until she accidentally sees him naked and then all platonic intentions go out the door. I admit I’m also a sucker of the “just the one time” trope since we all know good and gosh darn well it’s like a potato chip and there will never be just one.
Did you know there was a series of Poe-inspired romance novels written by a Black woman? I didn’t know so I’m sharing the knowledge. Just in time for Fall and associated reading vibes.
I feel this type of consideration is an unsung love language.
Love’s Sweet Arrow’s latest Trope Tuesday Recs are all about that Himbo Energy.
I missed posting this earlier, but Frolic’s Monthly Book Crush for August is none other than The Hookup Plan by Farrah Rochon.
I already knew I was a silver fox chaser but this poll solidified that.
And here’s a quiz about which fictional girls you may or may not be tempted to smooch.
And that’s all I have for you today. I’ll be back on Thursday with a fresh edition as well as a follow-up from my haul from Bookstore Romance Day. That is if you didn’t already see it over on my Twitter handle, @PScribe801. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated!