New release radar: Sarah A. Parker's long-awaited sequel, summer romance, darkly funny horror & more
Fable
Romance
We've got a cruise-ship second-chance rom-com, a steamy Scottish Highlands enemies-to-lovers, and a billionaire romance with something new to say. What book are you most excited about?
"The Shippers" by Katherine Center
One of the hottest, fastest-rising rom-com stars delivers her latest swoon-worthy novel about a destination wedding on a cruise ship. Shipboard antics ensue in this witty, heart-tugging, childhood-friends-to-lovers romance. It’s a story awash with romantic longing, top-notch banter, long-held secrets . . . and true love rediscovered.Fable reader Cozypuppyreads: “After diving deep into some heavy, psychologically intense reads lately, The Shippers was the exact breath of fresh air I desperately needed. I love second-chance romance stories and STEM representation, so this was a great match of tropes for me. The banter was easily the highlight for me. I was cracking up while driving, trying not to hit the cars around me because the dialogue is just that sharp.”
"The Calum: 10th anniversary edition" by Xio Axelrod
Twenty-six is too old to believe in fairytales, but tell that to Lovie’s roommate. Convinced she’ll find a real-life version of her ultimate book boyfriend, Calum MacKenzie, Jo drags Lovie to the Scottish Highlands. Lovie’s no cynic *ahem* but she knows The Calum is a myth. A construct. A freaking unicorn! And there are warmer places to spend winter vacation.Fable reader Korrie: “I love an enemies-to-lovers trope. You know the ones where they are constantly fighting, trying to resist their attraction to each other. This was the perfect slow burn that gave perfect tension, building up to some smoking hot, steamy scenes.”
"Pot Shot" by Laura Piper Lee
To open her cannabis dispensary, a chronically ill woman must defeat the surly doctor next door in this hilarious and steamy romantic comedy.Fable reader Laura: “Man, I really loved this one. The chronic illness representation is amazing as is the healthcare worker representation. The characters grew and blossomed as the story progressed. It was also LOL funny. The spice is sparse but there.”
"Spies, Lies, and Alibis" by Natalie Walters
They were each other’s first love. Now they might be each other’s last hope. Perfect for fans of Ally Carter, Spies, Lies, and Alibis is an unputdownable binge-fest, full of laughs, heart, and mischief.Fable reader J D: “This was such a fun read (listen) that I did it all in one sitting. This isn’t my normal go-to genre, but I couldn’t be happier or have more fun with this. If you’re into fast-paced, enemies, the lovers, soft romance, and light espionage, don’t give this a second thought, just pick it up. This is perfect for a slump buster or a beach read.”
"The One Day You Were My Husband" by Rosie Walsh
An up-all-night, page-turning love story with a very dark secret at its heart. A book that asks readers what—and whom—they would give up to return to a first love and to the people they once were.Fable reader Nicole: “I really enjoyed this book! It starts right off with a major event that leaves you wonder ‘what just happened?!’ The story has a lot of mystery and twists and turns that keep you wondering how it all ties together. Overall, it kept me hooked, and I finished it in one day. An easy read that will keep you guessing!”
"We Could Be So Good" by Cat Sebastian
A mid-century romdram about a scrappy reporter and a newspaper mogul’s son. Two people have to decide if, for the first time, they’re willing to fight.Fable reader Grace Blea: “Excuse me while I bawl over this perfect queer romance! How did this fly so far under the radar last year??? It’s so good!! How Nick and Andy pine over one another! Do yourselves a favor and read this.”
"Major Gift" by Tiffany Ezuma
The widow of a tech mogul is determined to give her wealth away—and keep one secret from the journalist tasked with telling her story. A hot new take on the billionaire romance.Fable reader Kristina: “While the love story between our MCs was the main plot, there was so much narrative around wealth disparity, being a woman of color in a patriarchal society, and the expectations of keeping up with the Joneses. While Ndidi and Geoffrey’s relationship was the main focus, I spent so much of the book thinking about Ndidi’s position of power and her willingness to part with her wealth for the benefit of the greater good and how ideal it would be if the billionaires of reality behaved the same way.”
"Nemesis Mine" by Amy Archer
A not-so-evil villain strikes a deal with a not-quite-perfect hero to fake a feud, boost their reputations . . . and try not to fall in love in the process—in this hilarious, tender, sexy, and outrageously fun romp that blends the humor of Assistant to the Villain with the unforgettable romance of Heated Rivalry and the cozy fantasy vibes of Legends & Lattes.Fable reader Beth: “This was so good! I loved Cyrus and Max’s dynamic and relationship growth. I ate up every single word! Great action, funny, and a lovely slow burn. I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a great time.”Fantasy & Romantasy
It's a big week for fantasy readers, with the long-awaited sequel to When the Moon Hatched, a dark academic necromancy, D&D-meets-sports-romance, and a witch stuck in corporate hell. Keep reading to find fantasy and romantasy stories brimming with intricate magic systems, slow-burn tension, and cliffhangers.
"The Ballad of Falling Dragons" by Sarah A. Parker
The Ballad of Falling Dragons is the much-anticipated sequel to the bestselling phenomenon When the Moon Hatched, featuring an immersive, vibrant world with mysterious creatures, a unique magic system, and a love that blazes through the ages.Fable reader pnwbookhound: “This book was masterfully written, and an excellent installment in this epic fantasy. You will be heartbroken more than once, and the twist at the end was DEFINITELY unexpected.”
"Deathbringer" by Sonia Tagliareni
For fans of Naomi Novik and Kerri Maniscalco, a dark academia romantasy steeped in necromancy, forbidden love, and a twisty murder mystery set within the perilous halls of a magical institute, as a death mage who hates her magic and a poison mage who hates her are forced to work together to stop a killer before one of them is next.Fable reader Jessica Holy: “Oh. My. Gosh. This was such a fantastic read. Especially the magic system that’s so deeply unique and unlike anything I’ve read before. Sonia does a magnificent job of building the world, the mystery behind the deaths at the school, and the background and development of all the characters.”
"Canon" by Paige Lewis
Two unlikely heroes embark on quests to win God’s favor in this outrageously entertaining, profoundly heartfelt novel that announces an ingenious new voice in the tradition of Chain-Gang All-Stars, No One Is Talking About This, and Martyr!Fable reader Rachel: “The originality of this book is something to be celebrated. “A nonbinary epic” that playfully skewers time, divinity, and the concept of goodness. I flew through these short, inventive chapters and overall just had a lovely time.”
"Strange Familiars" by Keshe Chow
All’s fair in love and magic. Gwendolynne Chan just needs to get through her final year. At Seamere College of Magical Veterinary Sciences, she spends her days using her powers to heal companion animals while her nights are spent studying for exams. As the top student in the magical familiars stream, she is on track to be awarded Dux of the entire school - as long as the pretentious twat Harrisford Briggs doesn’t beat her to it.Fable reader Gracie: “I really enjoyed the overall concept for this book, and the plot was interesting and fast-paced. I love a book with a STEM focus, and these two main characters are vet students at a magical vet college in their final year, competing for the top spot that comes with a good job and high pay. This rivalry was very realistic to me; they both had legit reasons for wanting the top spot and the benefits that come with it.”
"The Kings' List" by Jade Presley
A woman’s search for her missing sister instead brings her four powerful princes of chaos in this steamy, why-choose romantasy perfect for fans of Bonded by Thorns, Gild, and The Serpent and the Wings of Night.Fable reader Giulz: “I still really enjoyed the character development and the progression of the overall plot. And that ending… absolutely brutal in the best way possible. That cliffhanger was so well executed, and now I desperately need the next book.”
"Startup Hell" by Caitlin Rozakis
A hilarious contemporary fantasy about a junior sales witch stuck in corporate hell, who has to evade devilish pacts and her kickass, world-saving, demon-slaying mum to save a (surprisingly hot) demon, and work out how to hit her quarterly target.Fable reader Dave: “I loved this. I couldn’t stop laughing. The banter was excellent. I’d recommend listening to this because it moves fast. I could see this being a series on Netflix.”
"The Arcane Arts" by S. D. Coverly
In this thrilling and sexy dark romance, a graduate student and her adviser dive into a taboo branch of magic, igniting a dangerous passion. Can two people who are masters of manipulation ever trust each other?Fable reader thebookandwineclub: “Oh wow! This was the perfect blend of dark academia and kink, and it’s the first age-gap book I’ve actually loved! I liked the ending. It was dark, poignant, and imperfect, which often is the way of dark academia, and left me with lots of thoughts about what happened next. Ultimately, I would love it if the authors did more with the world. There’s definitely a character with loose ends in the book that they could build on, so it will be interesting to see if they return to this world.”
"The Fake Divination Offense" by Sara Raasch
Sports romance gets a Dungeons & Dragons makeover with the next book in the Magic and Romance series that follows half-giant Orok, forced into a PR relationship with a feisty, fan-favorite cheerleader.Fable reader Laura: “I just absolutely adored this one. It was a one-day read. It’s D&D meets sports mixed with religious culture. It’s definitely an interesting combination. I liked both MMCs, and while they were insta-lust, I still enjoyed their journey.”
"The Neon Sky" by Alyssa Villaire
For fans of Stephanie Garber and Maggie Stiefvater comes the bewitching sequel to The Glittering Edge, where magic is real, witches make irresistible boyfriends, and keeping secrets is dangerous—but not as dangerous as the truth.
"Of Wind and Fate" by Robyn Abbott
Lover. Soothsayer. Harbinger. On an island where dreaming is forbidden, and prophecy is punishable by death, Mira is a Goldkeeper—trained from a young age to guard a nobleman’s wealth, bear his heirs, and surrender any daughters she might have to the ruthless order that raised her. But when a chance encounter with a raider from across the sea means Mira is mistaken for a prisoner in need of rescue, she’s spirited away to a floating city.Fable reader Neurotic.BookDragon: “Thank you so much Robyn Abbott for obliterating my heart and soul. I can’t find the words for that ending. Devastating doesn’t even begin to even touch it... It has been a while since a book has made me sob this hard. I will go back to crying myself to sleep now and come back in a day or two to write a proper review when I am more coherent.”
"A Den of Howls & Discontent" by Alex Frost
Dive into the second trilogy of the why choose romantasy series, Lunaria Realms. Perfect for fans of forced proximity and rivals/enemies-to-lovers, with fast-burning spice and slow-burning romance.Fable reader Cassandra: “I devoured this. I really enjoyed the first three books in this series, and somehow this fourth book was even better! Our possessive, sort of feral, touch her & ☠️, wolf shifter MMC, Ryker, is ✨perfection✨!!! And that ending?? Fantastic! Alex always leaves us desperate for the next book and I am on the edge of my seat waiting for this next installment!!”Horror & Thrillers
May's horror and thriller releases range from a darkly funny wedding horror and a body-count corporate retreat gone violently wrong to a high-tech spy thriller and a vampire novel steeped in anti-colonial fury. If you can't sleep anyway, these will give you a reason.
"Decomposition Book" by Sara van Os
An emotional, electrifying, and darkly hilarious debut about a woman who finds a dead body and can’t give up its ghost, for fans of Mona Awad, Yellowjackets, and weird girl fiction. Spiraling from a disastrous falling-out with her best friend, Savannah retreats to her parents’ empty lake house in upstate New York to tend her wounds. Isolated and reeling from rejection, she spends her days in a fog, drinking and overthinking in equal worrisome measure. Until she wakes up one morning in the woods behind the house—next to a dead body.Fable reader morbidcourtosities: “Sara has claimed another victim with this emotionally engrossing and morbidly enticing story that stitches together layers of love, loneliness, and grief with two heartbreaking FMCs and their natural instincts to persevere through unspeakable traumas. I felt so many feelings while reading this found footage style, non-linear written, multiple POV twisty LGBTQ+ horror!!!”
"The Dorians" by Nick Cutter
On a remote island in the Canadian wilderness, five elderly volunteers from different walks of life are given a tantalizing offer: to stall their biological clocks or even reverse them, restoring their lost youth. The chance to put death on pause—forever, perhaps.Fable reader Chelsea: “Whoa 🤯 This book was seriously really good! The ending made up for some of the plot holes I was experiencing throughout the story. I really love Nick Cutter’s intricate details and layered writing. I would not consider this a dark horror, but it does have some horror-style elements.”
"Until Death" by Mary Berman
A fresh, darkly funny horror novel in which a woman finally agrees to marry the man of her mother’s dreams. . . only to discover that wedding planning will eat you alive. A deliciously dark and funny send-up of the wedding industrial complex—and a mother-daughter story unlike any you’ve read before.Fable reader Jeanette: “This book had me hooked from beginning to end. A dark gothic horror with a bit of humor in it. It did have me laughing out loud a few times. Really had me saying ‘Ophelia, girl…cmon…’ or ‘Ophelia, are you good?’ a few times! I loved every minute of it! I’m looking forward to more books from this author!”
"Safari Murder Party" by Rachel Moore
In this darkly funny, slightly unhinged, heart-pounding thriller, two office rivals must team up to escape wild animals and even wilder coworkers on a corporate retreat gone wrong. Everyone knows the media industry is cutthroat, but in this safari party, it’s never been truer.Fable reader Ali: “To put it succinctly, Safari Murder Party was completely bonkers in the best way possible. I wholeheartedly recommend reading this novel anytime you are in a slump, or reading a book that has done little to keep your attention. It will take you far less time than you expect.”
"Where the Axe Is Buried" by Ray Nayler
A high-tech thriller about a crew of rebel spies and scientists on a mission to thwart a tyrannical autocrat. The axe is buried in the forest, and only a select few know where to dig. Where the Axe Is Buried depicts a world where the boundaries between human and machine are porous, and computer programs determine the value of a life, or of millions. As exciting as it is philosophical, it melds a near-impossible revolutionary operation with a blistering indictment of authoritarianism, making a lyrical and potent case for human freedom.Fable reader Jeffrey: “Some of the most elegant and poignant language I’ve ever read. An extremely relevant pondering on why things are the way they are and what we might do about them.”
"Filth Eaters" by Ito Romo
A high-strung and inventive literary horror that will delight fans of Stephen Graham Jones and Mariana Enriquez, Ito Romo’s debut novel traces the thousand-year lineage of a new kind of vampire—the mestizo Filth Eater. Granada, 1849.Fable reader Luke: “Vampirism as a sort of subversive/inverted anti-colonialism through domination by the marginalized. The prose is spare, and the book is short. Worth a read!”Literary Fiction
If you prefer literary fiction, try these books about a marriage tested by fire, estranged sisters pulled back together by a mother's disappearance, a trans man's healing summer on Cape Cod, and a man who suddenly discovers he can understand animals. You'll have plenty of books to pack for the long weekend!
"The Burning Side" by Sarah Damoff
When their house goes up in flames, family secrets and thorny histories emerge as a couple is forced to decide what is worth salvaging. As the family reckons with the aftermath—grief, guilt, logistics, and memories scorched and intact—the fire exposes the cracks already forming in their marriage.Fable reader Lottie: “5 beautiful aching speechless stars! Get your tissues ready! This book hurt in the best way. It broke my heart, stitched it back together, and ripped it up again. Just a really beautiful reminder that the human experience is both devastating and remarkable.”
"Both Can Be True" by Jessica Guerrieri
When a local mother goes missing, two estranged sisters are pulled back into each other’s lives and forced to confront old wounds, fractured trust, and the many ways a woman can disappear in plain sight. Told with raw honesty and wry compassion, Jessica Guerrieri’s sophomore novel is a story of sisterhood, acceptance, the unspoken truths we carry, and the redemptive power of bridging pain into connection.Fable reader Sheila “Jessica Guerrieri has become an auto-read author for me. Her debut, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, was one of my favorite reads last year, so I went into Both Can Be True with high expectations, and she met me right where I expected she would. This is a heavy but beautifully written story that explores motherhood, sisterhood, addiction, recovery, trauma, and the emotional weight women often carry for the people they love. I also really appreciated how much this story explores complicated female relationships in all forms, from mothers and daughters to sisters and friendships.
"The House of Now and Then" by Edward Underhill
The sweet, unforgettable story of a trans man in his thirties who books a Cape Cod cottage for one lonely summer—only to have its magic bring him visitors from the past and romance where he least expects it.Fable reader Karson: “This was one of the most wholesome and heartfelt books I’ve ever read. After his breakup, Harlowe tries to escape the city and moves to Cape Cod for the summer. Leaving behind friends & making new ones. He rents a small beach cottage and is greeted by a few familiar faces. I loved that this book truly shows the importance of moving on in your own time, allowing yourself space to grieve, and being okay with not being okay. Harlowe’s journey through this book was a reminder of the importance of community and connection, and that it takes a village!”
"It's Hard to Be an Animal" by Robert Isaacs
A funny, magical, and tender novel following a lonely, conflict-averse man whose sudden ability to understand animals sends him on a wild romp around NYC, and ultimately helps him discover his own voice.Fable reader RavenReads: “This was an absolute delight to read. Heartwarming, charming, and just plain fun. There is something here for just about everyone. I especially loved how the mystery element was incorporated. It adds tension and intrigue, layering the story in a way that keeps it engaging while still maintaining that cozy, feel-good atmosphere. This is one of those books that leaves you smiling with its sweet, thoughtful, and a little magical in the storytelling.”Nonfiction & Memoir
From Hayden Panettiere's unflinching Hollywood memoir to Jesmyn Ward's collected essays and Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz's account of Malcolm X's spiritual transformation in Mecca. This is the kind of nonfiction that can change your whole perspective on our modern world.
"Love, Me" by Tiffany D. Cross
A timely affirmation for Black women in a world that has undervalued them for centuries. Will we ever get back the love we give? With a blend of humor, pathos, and hard-hitting cultural analysis, Cross tackles issues like race, relationships, sex, family, economics, health, labor, and love. By bringing Black women to the forefront, she honors not just her story, but our story.Fable reader Robin: “This book was written not just by but also FOR Black women. It reminds us to stay strong while still keeping our softness. It’s precious when we remember that the strongest among us also needs encouragement.”
"On Witness and Respair" by Jesmyn Ward
The collected creative nonfiction of a singular American writer, Jesmyn Ward, including widely shared classics, three never-before-published speeches, and an introductory essay. Respair (noun, obsolete), fresh hope after despair.Fable reader Andi loves Books: “Jesmyn Ward is my favorite kind of writer - honest, deep, curious. She writes so the past is not forgotten and repeated. She keeps her ancestors alive by sharing their stories. This book is a collection of essays that reads, to me, like a memoir. I recommend this book to everyone.”
"This Is Me" by Hayden Panettiere
Heroes and Nashville star Hayden Panettiere reclaims her story in a remarkably candid memoir. Hayden Panettiere’s career in entertainment began before she was old enough to walk. From early commercials to film and television roles in hits like Remember the Titans, her career unfolded in the public eye, resulting in tremendous success by her early teens. She had become a fixture of early-2000s pop culture, earning acclaim for performances in Heroes, Nashville (which earned her two Golden Globe nominations), and beyond—while quietly carrying the weight of expectations that came with being Hollywood’s “It girl.”Fable reader Stephanie: “This book is emotional and gives you an in-depth insight into what Hayden went through, and I loved the fact she was completely honest about her struggles. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who love memoirs!”
"Malcolm in the Desert" by Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz
When Malcolm X left the Nation of Islam and set out on a pilgrimage to Mecca in 1964, he did more than cross geographic borders–he transformed his vision of faith, justice, and freedom. In Malcolm in the Desert, Ilyasah Shabazz invites us to walk beside him on that journey of spiritual transformation, reframing pilgrimage as a modern practice.Keep reading on Fable
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