I know today's not the actual end of July (the last day of July is on Sunday), but I thought it would be fun to do a Flashback Friday/New Release Recap post and highlight some of the new releases this month that I've read.
I'm writing this post because I'm trying to be more active on my blog, and with the limited time I have, when an idea sparks I need to write it right away or else I'm not going to write it. I am also writing this for anyone who might not know about these releases, and is looking for a book to read this weekend.
I am very disappointed I am not able to add the book covers to this post. WP makes it VERY difficult to add photos to blog posts without them looking over-sized and clunky. I tried messing around with the Block settings but no matter what I did, the picture stayed the same size. To see the book covers, click on the links below to be taken to my reviews, or click on the Amazon links.
Without a Hitch by Avery Maxwell
Release Date: July 27, 2022
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tropes: Fake Relationship, One Night Stand
Standalone/Series?: Standalone. WoaH contains appearances by the Westbrooks, but you do not need to read those books first to understand what is happening in this book.
Why Should I Read this Book?: You can read my review here, but to put it in a nutshell: Lochlan Blaine. Lochlan Blaine has ruined me for all other book boyfriends, and I want him to ruin you for all other book boyfriends too! This book is seriously amazing! Avery does a wonderful job of delivering the heat while also tugging at your heartstrings! Word of advice: make sure you have a fan and tissues on hand when you read this book!
Scene That Will Live Rent-Free in My Head?: The hammock scene!
Available in KU?: Yes
Blurb:
“A wedding is the beginning of the end.” —Lochlan Blaine
Look, I’ve seen firsthand what marriage does to a man. I’m not interested. You want to take the leap? Fine. But have the decency to elope. Leave me out of it.
And then I see her. The happily-ever-after-loving bridesmaid at the wedding I couldn’t get out of.
This flower-wielding bombshell is all wrong for me. But one night together is enough to convince me that she could be the answer to my problem. All I need is three weeks with her…
“Weddings are magic.” —Tilly Camden
I love love. And weddings. That’s how I land the best job in the world: professional bridesmaid. Brides hire me to make sure their big day goes off without a hitch…usually while dressed in taffeta.
I can’t wait until I find the one. The cranky, three-piece-suit-wearing Adonis who smirks at the idea of happily ever after is definitely not him. Lochlan Blaine has “heartbreaker” written all over him.
I should know better. But when a panty-melting one-night stand turns into an offer I can’t refuse, what’s a bridesmaid to do? It’s only three weeks. It’s just business.
I can’t possibly get my heart broken. Can I?
Link to Buy/Read on KU: https://amzn.to/3oBGPOC
One More Kiss by Loren Beeson
Release Date: July 14, 2022
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tropes: Fake Relationship, Forced Proximity, Vacation Fling, Age Gap Romance
Standalone/Series?: Standalone. This is the first book in Loren's Topica Bay series.
Why Should I Read this Book?: You can read my review here. I fell in love with Loren's storytelling while reading her Betting on Love series, so when I heard that she was releasing a steamy summer romance series, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it! She really delivers in this book! Super steamy and the chemistry between Damon and Kate jumped off the pages! The side characters, especially Chuck and Brandi, were memorable and I'm looking forward to reading the other books that will be in this series.
Scene That Will Live Rent-Free in My Head?: The tent scene!
Available in KU?: Yes
Blurb:
I’m homeless in paradise.
What’s a girl to do when her stepfather cuts her off from the family finances?
Accept an offer to room with a sexy—albeit grumpy—divorcé, of course. Damon Carlisle just might have it all. He’s a senior developer of one of the hottest dating apps in the country for starters, and he’s got that whole twelve-years-older-than-me, broody-loner thing going for him. But going through a breakup means I’m in need of a solo vacation, and I won’t be giving in to temptation where Damon’s concerned. This heart of mine is closed for the summer, and no amount of fake dating is going to fix it.
When it rains, it pours.
Not always a bad thing, right? I’m on a two-week beach vacation—away from my cheating ex-wife—and soaking up the sun. Bonus, I’m set to accept an award for the countless hours and dedication I’ve given to my team. But while I should be elated… I feel utterly empty.
When Kate dances her way into what’s supposed to be my chance at a little R & R, something dormant inside my soul awakens. Having fun with her isn’t part of our agreement, and kissing her certainly isn’t either. But I can’t help myself. I can’t get enough of Miss Katelynn Harris, and she just might ruin me.
An Age Gap Fake Dating Romance
One More Kiss is a full-length standalone summer romance and can be enjoyed in any reading order.
Link to Buy/Read on KU: https://amzn.to/3OHUUF0
Third Wheel by Noelle O'Ryan
Release Date: July 15, 2022
Genre: Small Town Romance
Tropes: Age Gap Romance, Slow Burn
Standalone/Series?: This is book 4 in Noelle's series, Accidentally Yours, but I don't think you have to read the previous books to understand this one.
Why Should I Read this Book? My favorite part about this story is the heroine! Life has a habit of beating her down, but she continues to get back up every single time! To read more about why I love this story, check out my review here.
Scene That Will Live Rent-Free in My Head?: Their first sex scene!
Available in KU?: Yes
Blurb:
Steve Perry really said it best: “Just a small town girl, living in a lonely world.”
Baby Payne is a woman on a mission to shake off the reputation she grew up with in Red River, Texas (population 762). Twenty-eight years old and still dragging around her V-card, there’s no time like the present to change how everyone sees her.
And how she sees herself.
Small town gossip, some childhood trauma, and old enemies try to get in the way as Baby works to become the woman she knows she’s meant to be.
Even if it means leaving her crush on Stone, the town's silver fox, in the dust.
Age-Gap Romance
A Journey of self-discovery
Small Town Romance
Sarge the Goodest Boy
Link to Buy/Read in KU: https://amzn.to/3OHClRl
I hope if you were looking for a book to read this weekend, that I enticed you to try one of the books above. They were all 5-star reads for me, and I think they will be for you too. If those aren't your cup of tea, the below releases are books I haven't read yet, but they are on my TBR. These landed on my TBR because they are authors I've either enjoyed reading before, or friends have raved about.
- The Trouble with Whiskey by Melissa Foster (July 20, 2022) - Genre: Small Town Romance
- Tease by Melanie Harlow (July 11, 2022) - Genre: Romantic Comedy
- Kiss Me Forever by Layla Hagen (July 22, 2022) - Genre: Contemporary Romance
- Reactivated: Cassian by Charissa Gracyk (July 28, 2022) - Genre: Romantic Suspense
Did you pick one of the above books to read? Let me know in the comments if you did!