New Release Radar: Summer romance, darkly funny horror, twisty thrillers & more
Fable
Romance & Summer Reads
Romance is always popular at Everand and Fable, but June is the best month to pick up a summery love story. For your reading pleasure this first week in June, we’ve got everything from a sapphic enemies-to-lovers to a Midsummer Night's Dream romcom and a breezy sisters-at-the-beach drama.
"The Open Era" by Edward Schmit
Love evens the score between two tennis players in this stunning debut romance. Fable reader ali: "An absolutely outstanding debut from Edward Schmit! The Open Era is a queer tennis romance following Austin, a 20 year old player, who is the first openly gay professional tennis player. A beautiful romance that deals with grief, the pressure of professional sports, being loved for who you are, and the importance of having your support system!"
"For the Bride" by Becca Grischow
From the author of I'll Get Back To You, a sparkling sapphic romance about two nemeses who must put aside their animosity to plan the wedding of the summer. Fable reader Samantha: "On the surface, this looks like a cute sapphic romance, which it definitely is, but it is also so much more than that. I loved how the relationship between Alice and Renee grew throughout the book, and the addition of the grief Alice was dealing with made it more realistic. Overall I really enjoyed this book!”
"Puck" by Samantha Allen
In this A Midsummer Night's Dream-inspired romcom, Puck is a reality show producer and agent of chaos with a talent for bringing people together... and tearing them apart. Fable reader they.them.thatbook: "Puck has been one of my favorite books in a while! I love A Midsummer Night's Dream, and this retelling does it justice while being completely unique to itself. With commentary on reality teevee, the Queer experience, and friendships changing through time, this book feels timely and relevant. Samantha Allen has a unique sense of humor and characters who while flawed, are complex and redeemable. I really appreciate Allen's choice to divide the story into each day of the week. It encouraged a great pace for reading."
"Loving the Wicked" by Rebecca Johnpee
The next exciting novel in Rebecca Johnpee's Wicked trilogy where dark steamy mafia romance meets heist thriller. A slow-burn second-chance romance between Elio — a neurodivergent mob boss — and Zahra, a thief with years of cons behind her and one final endgame in sight. Features: second chance, revenge, morally gray MMCs, found family.Fable reader Synthia: "Girl knows how to write characters. ELIO — think Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory meets Scarface. Zahara — think Esmeralda from Notre Dame meets Black Widow. How do you love someone that lacks feeling and understanding... so you thought."
"Down with the Shipmans" by Meg Mitchell Moore
It's the week after Fourth of July, and the Shipman sisters are returning to their picturesque summer home on the New Hampshire coast for what they believe is a family reunion. A delicious summer read exploring the enduring power of family and sister connections.Fable reader Cameron: "This was such a fun read! I think I love the Shipmans. They were honestly more complex than I thought they would be. I also loved the dynamic between 3 sisters, especially because I have two sisters, and it felt very relatable. They dealt with some hard topics, but they were done so well. I'm so happy I read this book."
"The Chateau on Sunset" by Natasha Lester
A sheltered young woman living at the Chateau Marmont falls under the spell of a scandalous, secretive man — a stunning feminist reimagining of Jane Eyre.Fable reader Tabs: "I was hooked and was along for the journey with our FMC Aria Jones through 1950s and 1960s Hollywood while she came of age at the Chateau Marmont. I loved this more modern take on Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre. There were so many parallels between the sexism and oppression that occurred to the many female characters of this book and the Hollywood of today that was rocked by the MeToo movement."
"They All Fall in Love at the End" by Haili Blassingame
Cat St. Clair is ready for her messy love triangle era now that she's in an open relationship — but she didn't foresee a forbidden love triangle with the only two people who are off-limits.Fable reader Merisha: "This is a character-driven story told amidst the very real chaos of present-day DC. I was often reminded of how we are expected to move through the world despite the incredibly chaotic nature of what we experience on a daily basis. This is easily on the same level as a Sally Rooney or Lily King novel, but I can also say with full confidence, that this one is deserving of taking up its own space."Dark, funny & creepy books out June 2, 2026
Not everybody wants a happily-ever-after. For readers looking for something a bit scarier (and in some cases, funnier), try these books. We’ve got “Marion” with a feminist Psycho retelling, “Mister Magic” with cult-nostalgia dread, and “The Secret Attic” with a doll-haunted mansion!
"Marion" by Leah Rowan
A fiendishly clever feminist remix of Psycho. Marion is in deep: she's stolen money to help her sister escape an abusive marriage, but the bus breaks down at an old roadside motel. Fable reader BookishKB: "This was feminine rage perfection. That innate desire to protect other women, mixed with the wariness and rage that comes from living in a patriarchal society. A society that doesn't do enough to keep women safe and doesn't believe them when they come forward. But also, this story reflects the bonds of sisterhood and family, even if your family is imperfect. Because women protect women, always have and always will. The audiobook made this 10x better!"
"Mister Magic" by Kiersten White
Former child stars reunite to uncover the tragedy that ended their show and discover the secret of its enigmatic host in this skin-crawling story of pop culture fandom and '90s nostalgia.Fable reader Catmom: "After I had finished the final page I honestly felt like I had experienced a break through in therapy. For readers in the process of working through trauma from an extremely religious childhood — you will love this book. I hope Kiersten White knows how special this book is."
"Hunger and Thirst" by Claire Fuller
1987: Sixteen-year-old Ursula carries out a terrible dare. 36 years later, her past catches up. Part gothic horror, part coming-of-age, with a contemporary twist on the haunted-house story.Fable reader MichFlook: "This book is creepy in the best way, a horror story that gets under your skin and stays there. It starts a little slow, but kept me curious with interesting characters, and an unsettling vibe. I couldn't turn those pages quick enough, and loved the ending."
"The Secret Attic" by Chelsea Conradt
The past isn't just haunting her — it's hunting her. Addison Lowe inherits her despised mother-in-law's massive estate and begins unearthing secrets. Fable reader Jay: "This book creeped me out big time. For the first time since I was a kid I had to put a book down cause it was getting to me. On the scare-the-shit-out-of-me factor, this book gets a 10. Books don't do this to me. I loved this book. It was so well done."
"Backstabbers" by Eliza Jabore
When three friends lose their way in a serial killer's old hunting ground, they must fight to survive the threat in the woods — and each other — in this spiky, heart-pounding slasher.Fable reader Raven: "This is the kind of survival horror/thriller that grabs you early and doesn't let go. I was on edge the entire time, with every chapter tightening the screws just a little more. What really works here is how the external threat mirrors the internal one. The paranoia, the shifting alliances, the second-guessing of every decision and each friendship — it all feels immediate and claustrophobic in the best way."
"Muñeca" by Cynthia Gómez
A vivid, surreal Gothic about a queer, Latine, working class witch who sets out to rescue a bespelled heiress and loses control of her powers and her heart in the process. It is 1968 Oakland, and Natalia Fuentes is certain that the young heiress Violeta Miramontes has been left paralyzed by dark magic. Riveting and richly layered, Muñeca explores how far one will go to save the person they love.Fable reader Morgan: "Witchy, sapphic historical fiction with a vengeful HEA? Hell yes. What a surprise from Gomez's debut novel — at only 150 pages I wasn't sure what to expect, but Muñeca packed a punch. I loved the witchcraft elements and found the historical timeline fascinating, especially the discussions around colonization of Mexican lands as well as queer spaces in the 60s."Fantasy, speculative & wildly original
Fantasy and speculative fiction readers will have plenty of books this month as well!Follow these Everand links and Fable reviews to sample a medieval historical fantasy, a queer Sleeping Beauty retelling, and the story of a giant glowing jellyfish.
"The Unicorn Hunters" by Katherine Arden
In a desperate gamble to save her throne, a young monarch conceals a secret marriage in the shadows of an enchanted forest in this dazzling novel.Fable reader Vanessa: "I loved this! This is a historical fantasy based on Anne of Brittany and her real life, but mixed with the folklore of the time. I loved that the political schemes felt realistic and well planned. I also loved the incorporation of magic within the confines of the time period."
"The Secret World of Briar Rose" by Cindy Pham
A lush and immersive queer Sleeping Beauty retelling about escapism, grief, and dreaming of a better world, as imagined by YouTube star Cindy Pham. Fable reader Anda: "Existential crisis for one please. I am devastated. Staring at the wall questioning my entire existence. This was hauntingly beautiful and sad in equal turns. My first thoughts reading this book was that it had no right to be this good on the first page. Absolutely every single page after that topped itself. I was so wrapped in the world; in the sadness, in the bleakness, but also in the love, the beauty, the hope; I almost didn't want to wake up either.”
"The Jellyfish Problem" by Tessa Yang
A marine biologist makes the discovery of a lifetime when called to rescue the inhabitants of a small Maine island being menaced by a giant, glowing jellyfish.Fable reader Taylor Penn: "The Jellyfish Problem is already on my shortlist for BOTY! What surprised me the most was how quiet and tender the story felt. There's elements of mystery, horror, small-town conspiracy, and magical realism that all weave together with the tenderness to give the story depth."
"Valet" by J.P. Lacrampe
For fans of Kevin Wilson and Andrew Sean Greer, a helper robot and his thirty-five-year-old ward embark on a madcap adventure to save the fate of the family company..Fable reader Anda: "I am not crying over a fictional robot. I'm not. Really. Ok, maybe I am. A little. Part crazy caper (with corporate espionage, Luddite radicals, washed up friends, and a whole family drama thrown in) and part heartwarming tale of what it means to be human from a robot's eyes, you can see why I ended up bawling at the end of this incredible novel.”Mysteries & thrillers for summer reads
What would summer be without a great thriller? Our June 2026 thriller list includes a locked-room yacht murder and a Japanese puzzle mystery, as well as an FBI serial killer hunt. From cozy mystery to pulse-pounding drama, we have a book for you.
"The Heirs" by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
A mystery about five teen geniuses, their billionaire father, and the aftermath of his murder — perfect for fans of The Inheritance Games, Umbrella Academy, and Knives Out..Fable reader Laura: “They were raised to be prodigies. What would you do for genius? Part murder mystery, part family drama, all intriguing. I really enjoyed this book and found it to be entertaining and full of heart. The characters are so well put together, and the plot is a chef's kiss. Highly recommend this one."
"The Last Time We Drowned" by Saratoga Schaefer
Six influencers. One luxury yacht. When a hurricane traps the group at sea with their billionaire boss, the dream turns claustrophobic — then the first body drops.Fable reader Aaron: "A sharp, atmospheric, emotionally satisfying locked-yacht thriller that proves a book does not have to shock you with every twist to completely pull you under. Saratoga Schaefer balances tension, atmosphere, emotional fallout, and social commentary SO well."
"138 Main" by Gavin Bell
There's a killer on the loose — targeting one specific address: 138 Main Street. The problem? There are over 7,000 Main Streets in the USA. Fable reader Molly: "Wow! What a thriller! This book was so good. It had twists and turns and was well written. Kept me guessing until the end. Really made me think throughout. One of the best books I've read this year!"
"The Clock House Murders" by Yukito Ayatsuji, translated by Ho-Ling Wong
A deviously clever locked-room puzzle mystery as brilliant detective Shimada Kiyoshi must save a team of paranormal investigators who are trapped in an abandoned house.Fable reader Priyanka: "The Clock House Murders feels exactly like a nightmare escaping — not just from one person, but from everyone tied to the eerie Clock House itself. The pacing is steady, immersive, and deeply atmospheric. What fascinated me most was how time itself becomes an accomplice in the murders. The locked-room mystery elements are brilliantly executed, and the final reveal is both shocking and satisfying."
"She Walks at Night" by Seishi Yokomizo, translated by Jesse Kirkwood
Yokomizo's iconic detective Kosuke Kindaichi returns in a stand-alone murder mystery featuring a luxurious family estate beset by madness, scandal, and a terrifying curse.Fable reader Daal: "I really enjoyed this book. It starts a bit slow, but once they allude to the start of the whole mystery, I was hooked. The pacing of the book is pretty good. There's enough time for you to ponder on the mystery of the killing and the killer, but there's also enough of the buildup for you to feel the suspense before the killing is discovered.”Literary Fiction & Nonfiction
June 2026 is also a huge month for literary fiction and nonfiction readers. We’ve found a Maggie O'Farrell novel set in post-Famine Ireland, a Booker Prize finalist's short story collection, and a string of debut novels earning early comparisons to Sally Rooney and Lily King. If nonfiction is your genre, we also have a travel memoir, a feminist-lens history of American resistance, and a wellness book on autoimmunity.
Whistler by Ann Patchett
A moving, luminous novel that reminds us of the sweetness and impermanence of life and the power of connection to defy time.Fable reader Janie: “Ann Pachett just really knows how to write the honest, emotional, messy and hopeful parts of family dynamics and she knocks it out of the park in Whistler. The stories we tell ourselves, how we interpret other's actions, how we cope with our own actions. We have to face the past to live in the present, untangling the perceptions and being open to re framing stories that haunt us.”
"Land" by Maggie O'Farrell
The award-winning, bestselling author of Hamnet and The Marriage Portrait returns with a soaring historical novel set in Ireland in the years before and after the Great Hunger. Fable reader Shannon: "After Hamnet, I knew anything written by Maggie O'Farrell was going to be an automatic read, but this exceeded my high expectations. Absolutely beautiful and devastating storytelling. The weaving of time, family, and land was magnificent. I fear I may never stop sobbing."
"Girl's Girl" by Sonia Feldman
A hypnotic debut about the pivotal summer that shatters the delicate balance between three best friends. Fable reader Dr. Bookworm: “The author captures teenage female friendship with such a sharp, observant understanding of what it actually felt like to be fifteen — the insecurity, obsession, loyalty, jealousy, longing to belong, and the way friendships could feel all-consuming. It reminded me of late summer nights, group chats, sleepovers, changing friendships, and that weird in-between stage of adolescence where everything feels monumental."
"The Ocean Would Paint Me Blue" by Zoulfa Katouh
A poignant novel about a Syrian American girl who uses a magical sketchbook to turn her grief into art, painting miraculous murals of her mother's life in Syria. Fable reader Sarah: "This book absolutely wrecked me in the quietest, most devastating way. The Ocean Would Paint Me Blue explores grief, identity, Islamophobia, and healing with so much tenderness that it genuinely felt impossible not to become emotionally attached to Jihad. What stayed with me most was how patient the story is with her pain."
"The Typing Lady" by Ruth Ozeki
A spellbinding story collection from Booker Prize finalist Ruth Ozeki, about the lives we almost lived, the people we can't quite forget, and the stories that shape us long after the last page is turned. Eleven richly imagined stories spanning eras and geographies — from a New England college town in the 1970s to a moss-covered Pacific Northwest island during the early pandemic.
"My Year in Paris with Gertrude Stein" by Deborah Levy
In contemporary Paris, a narrator and two companions explore the life and work of Gertrude Stein: a subversive imagining of a truly subversive female artist. Fable reader Ellen: "Gertrude Stein is fascinating (I can see a rabbit hole for me in the near distance!), and Deborah Levy is exhilarating. Loved this!"
"Summerland Cove" by Ellen Baker
A captivating novel of family secrets, summer celebrations, and putting things back together after they've all fallen apart. Fable reader Rosi: "I honestly didn't expect to like this book as much as I did. It completely snuck up on me. I've been craving summery books lately and this one delivered the perfect coastal Maine atmosphere. I listened to the audiobook and it genuinely transported me there."
"Meeting New People" by Daniel M. Lavery
Fiftysomething, twice-divorced Barbara is at a crossroads, looking back on the dissolution of the nine best friendships of her life. Fable reader Supertalya: "Meeting New People follows Barbara, a 58-year-old, twice-divorced woman reeling from a painful and abrupt breakup with her best friend, Susan. At first, Barbara is unlikeable. The novel immerses the reader into her stream of consciousness, revealing her sharp, often snobbish judgments about others alongside reflections on her failed marriages, fractured friendships, and distant relationship with her son. What begins as a search for companionship evolves into a journey of self-examination. She discovers that meaningful connection starts with her own self-awareness."
"The Wilder Way" by Eva zu Beck
From a beloved YouTube adventurer and National Geographic TV host, a singular and fearless new travel memoir packed with inspiration for leading a more vibrant, wild, and authentic life. Fable reader Jen: "An adventurous memoir of a woman listening to what her spirit wants and seeking happiness and freedom in unconventional ways. I loved this, even though it made me feel envious throughout! But it was refreshing to follow the story of a woman who has so intentionally decentred men."
"Unreasonable Women" by Justine van der Leun
A groundbreaking account of how the legal system punishes those it purports to protect, told through the stories of three unforgettable women.Fable reader Raven: "Unreasonable Women is a difficult read, but an essential one. It's the kind of book that sits heavy in your chest, not because it's sensational, but because it's unflinchingly real. Van der Leun digs far beyond the headlines, tracing each woman's history of abuse, neglect, systemic failures, and the long chain of moments where intervention could have changed everything but didn't. What hits the hardest is how recognizable these stories feel. It's heavy, yes. But it's also clarifying, compassionate, and necessary."
"A Resistance History of the United States" by Tad Stoermer
Revisit the Salem Witch Trials, the Underground Railroad, and other resistance movements of American history to get a bold new understanding of how resistance shaped our past — and how its principles can change our future. Fable reader Beth: "I first followed Tad Stoermer on TikTok a year or so ago and found what he shared really informative. His book comes across in that exact same manner. From the first chapter I was hooked and couldn't stop sharing information with my family. Each chapter takes on a different event in history that he then spends time shedding a new light on how it actually happened and why it happened but also why we were told or taught a different narrative of the event. "
"Autoimmunity and the Good Girls" by Sara Hirsh Bordo
The inspirational, deeply researched wellness journey by the award-winning filmmaker, activist, and founder of Women Rising, shining a light on how too many girls are trained to self-silence and serve others — and how we can heal. It includes groundbreaking research: women raised in caretaker roles are disproportionately likely to develop autoimmune diseases. "This illuminating volume will liberate many women from self-suppression." —Gabor Maté
"A Committee of One" by Opal Lee
An inspirational memoir/self-help book from the Grandmother of Juneteenth, Opal Lee. In 2016, then-90-year-old Opal Lee began her Opal Walks 2 DC campaign — walking 1,400 miles from Fort Worth, Texas to Washington, DC to bring awareness to making Juneteenth a federally recognized holiday.
"Big Baby" by Kevin James Thornton
From comedian and viral sensation Kevin James Thornton comes a hilarious and heartfelt story of growing up in a Christian fundamentalist church, turning trauma into comedy, and finding your own way. Growing up in the 90s in a small town in Indiana, Thornton's free time revolved around his church community — until he started to question his sexuality. Told in his unique brand of brash but emotionally honest humor, filled with '90s nostalgia.Keep reading on Everand!
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