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Michelle’s adroit combination of office romance, enemies-to-lovers, and only-one-bed tropes will keep readers glued to the novel.
Blood Moon by Sandra Brown is the top holds title of the week. LibraryReads and Library Journal offer read-alikes for patrons waiting to read this buzziest book.
PREMIUM
First Love, Second Draft
This lighthearted and heartwarming Midwest romance is laugh-out-loud funny, especially during the text message exchanges, and the characters will feel like friends. Secular readers will also enjoy this chaste offering, similar to Famous for a Living by Melissa Ferguson and The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh.
PREMIUM
The Light on Horn Island
Based on a verse in the Book of Hebrews about entertaining angels unaware, Luesse’s (Letters from My Sister) latest brings the quintessential Southern novel to life with a touch of the supernatural and a ton of spunk. Fans of Rachel Hauck’s The Wedding Dress or the TV series Touched by an Angel will love the quirky characters and down-home wisdom in this book.
PREMIUM
The Voice We Find
Deese has penned another riveting novel, a sequel to The Roads We Follow, with swoony romance and anything-but-cookie-cutter Christian families. Audiobook fans will cheer at an insider’s glimpse into the industry, as will deaf readers, who get a thoughtful examination of the struggles and blessings of living in the quiet of a loud world.
Gohlke (Ladies of the Lake) delivers another heart-stopping family drama that reminds readers that everyone is a prodigal searching for the way home. Infused with wry humor and the beautiful language of flowers and plants, many will see themselves in the brokenness of the Pickering-Boyden clan. Read-alikes include The Heirloom Garden by Viola Shipman and Leota’s Garden by Francine Rivers.
PREMIUM
Ambush
Coble (Fragile Designs) capitalizes on her success with Rick Acker in the “Tupelo Grove” series to create a new spin-off in the same southern Alabama setting. Romantic suspense fans will be drooling over this new offering and eager for more installments.
This is even more chilling but just as highly recommended in 2025 as it was in 1985, as historical events have made its grim science-fiction seem all too plausible. Readers who love seeing just how bad things can get and are searching for books with similar, terrifying themes will also want to read C.J. Carey’s Widowland, Sherri S. Tepper’s classic The Gate to Women’s Country, and Emily Tesh’s award-winning novel Some Desperate Glory.
PREMIUM
The Fact Checker
Kelley’s debut it poignant, funny, and full of the quirky characters that make life interesting.
PREMIUM
The Lilac People
A well-written, engrossing story full of suspense; a good addition to literature on the history of LGBTQIA+ Germans during World War II.
PREMIUM
When We Were Real
This hilarious and heartfelt read that tackles big ideas will be popular with book clubs. Recommend Gregory’s (Revelator) latest to fans of How To Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley and The Big Door Prize by M.O. Walsh.
Inspired by true events, Kelly’s (The Golden Doves) new novel explores friendship, family dynamics, and the power of books to unite communities. Recommended for historical fiction readers who enjoy the work of Kristin Hannah, Marie Benedict, and Kate Quinn.
PREMIUM
The Pretender
Inspired by the true story of Simnel, Harkin (Tell Me an Ending) portrays a young man struggling to find himself in a world of intrigue, deception and danger. This novel would benefit from a foreword or afterword explaining the history of the York-Tudor conflict, but it may send readers on a hunt for more information about Simnel and the War of the Roses.
PREMIUM
Insignificant Others
Bestselling Jio (With Love from London) has created an entertaining and engaging tale of life choices and destiny in alternate realities, as in Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library.
Bostwick’s latest is ideal for fans of historical fiction and those who enjoyed Bonnie Garmus’s Lessons in Chemistry, Kristin Hannah’s The Women, or Kate Quinn’s The Briar Club, which explore the historical roles of women and the challenges they faced within a society structured to define and limit their roles in and out of the home.
PREMIUM
The Snares
Grewal-Kök’s wrenching first novel eventually morphs into Kafka redux: there’s no way out, no redemption. It features a startling ending.
A book that serves as a pivot across several important genres, a story that will capture readers’ imaginations, and a prompt for interrogating conversations. This is a novel that has held readers rapt for almost two centuries.
PREMIUM
Fun for the Whole Family
Smith’s novel, which moves back and forth in time, asks serious questions about chasing one’s dreams and how that may impinge upon family responsibilities.
PREMIUM
Bad Nature
Courage (editor at the literary magazine Agni) has created a compelling, nonstop reading experience that pulls readers relentlessly forward as Hester is slowly transformed. Written with dry humor, bilious sarcasm, and startlingly vivid imagery, this debut takes its place among American picaresque novels such as Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Jack Kerouac’s On the Road.
PREMIUM
A/S/L
The story increases in power and interest as it develops, leaving readers with many questions at the end.
PREMIUM
The Girls of Good Fortune
This poignant story of courage and defiance will please fans of Kristin Hannah and Lisa Wingate.
PREMIUM
Realistic Fiction
Readers with a love for messy, complicated characters will enjoy this collection. Suggest to readers of Brandon Taylor’s Filthy Animals or Torrey Peters’s Detransition, Baby.
PREMIUM
The Hounding
Purvis is a skillful writer, creating a story that is part historical fiction, part feminist cautionary tale, and wholly engaging. Recommended for fans of Ottessa Moshfegh and Rachel Yoder.
PREMIUM
The Night Trembles
Terranova skillfully and movingly interweaves the stories of Nicola and Barbara. She brings early 20th-century Italy to life, depicting the role of the Catholic Church, ineffective disaster relief, and the willingness of survivors to help each other.
In this unpredictable, introspective, but lighthearted slim novel, Millás merges reality and fantasy. This wonder of a book can be experienced in one or two sittings and encourages a second reading.
Monroe (“Beach House” series; The Summer Guests), a skillful writer, ends the novel in medias res and leaves readers anticipating part two of the saga. It is a thoughtful work that her fans and those who prize stories about preserving nature and heritage will enjoy.
PREMIUM
A Spell for Change
Jarvis (A Portrait in Shadow) offers a heftier version of Paul Cornell’s “Witches of Lychford” series, exploring witchcraft in the United States similarly to Ami McKay’s The Witches of New York or Alix E. Harrow’s The Once and Future Witches.
PREMIUM
A Line You Have Traced
Dunnett’s time-hopping novel, reminiscent of David Mitchell’s Cloud Atlas, is a good example of character-driven literary sci-fi.
PREMIUM
Strange New World
Quickly paced with engaging characters, the final volume of Shaw’s quartet (after Grave Importance) brings to close a unique supernatural series focused on medical care for otherworldly beings.
PREMIUM
The Vengeance
Readers who enjoyed Shawn Carpenter’s The Price of Redemption for its swashbuckling and Genevieve Cogman’s Scarlet for its sanguinary take on vampires meddling with history and politics will be fascinated by the latest from Newman (Atlas Alone).
Kelley’s debut might draw comparisons to Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water, but this powerfully queer story will stand tall in its own right on any shelf.
This must-buy novel from Langmead (Calypso) and Whiteley (Three Eight One) feels like a cousin to Trip Galey’s A Market of Dreams and Destiny and Aimee Pokwatka’s Self-Portrait with Nothing, offering readers a mug of cocoa from one hand and a cool glass of lemonade from the other.
The scope of Jackson’s debut is breathtaking, from gripping suspense to serene contemplation to the scientific presentation of articles of history and imagination. Highly recommended for those who seek to understand the past and reimagine the future.
The novel’s setting is reminiscent of the historical fantasy of P. Djèlí Clark, whose work, along with that of Nnedi Okorafor and Moses Ose Utomi, would be an excellent read-alike for Onyebuchi’s highly recommended hardboiled fantasy mystery.
PREMIUM
The Sword Triumphant
A powerful epic fantasy finale, perhaps the trilogy’s strongest installment.
This mixture of mystery, SF, and historical fiction is highly recommended for readers who love intricately blended genre stories that ask big questions. Those who fell hard for Rivers Solomon’s The Deep or Leslye Penelope’s Daughter of the Merciful Deep will find a kindred story here.
PREMIUM
The Memory Collectors
Those who love time travel stories will enjoy the way Meserve’s (The Space Between) novel dives deeply into the human factors behind grief, guilt, loss, and starting over.
PREMIUM
The Last Vigilant
With warmongering, political intrigue, and themes of standing up for the weak, this marks the start of a compelling fantasy series that is perfect for fans of David Dalglish and Justin Lee Anderson.
PREMIUM
Alchemy and a Cup of Tea
An excellent ending to a defining series of warmth-filled romantasy.
Full of humor and relatable parenting moments, this is a must-read for those who grew up loving stories of magical schools and are looking for a new fantasy world.
Herman’s (Bleeding Hearts) delightful secondary characters and humorous tone bring this subversive, queer fairy tale retelling to life.
PREMIUM
The Gentleman and His Vowsmith
Ide’s (Between the Dragons and Their Wrath, writing as Devin Madson) Regency-era fantasy is a perfect choice for readers who enjoy gothic settings, locked-room mysteries, and queer historical romance.
PREMIUM
The Incandescent
Recommended for readers of dark academia, Tesh’s sophomore novel (after Some Desperate Glory) is an intriguing contemporary fantasy.
PREMIUM
One Way Witch
A coming-into-power story that will be highly appreciated by She Who Knows readers or anyone looking for more set in the world of Who Fears Death, recently optioned by HBO. Also a good pick for fans of Tobi Ogundiran and Suyi Davies Okungbowa.
Yang’s (The Genesis of Misery) emotion-laden novella will be a hit with fans of dragons and slow-burn romantasy. Readers of Aliette de Bodard and the “Singing Hills Cycle” series by Nghi Vo will especially enjoy Yang’s prose.
This is a wild adventure through history, art, and literature for Moore’s many fans and those who enjoy historical fiction with a side of fantasy and wry humor. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
The Baby Dragon Cafe
Qureshi (If I Loved You Less) launches a cozy romantasy series that will have readers wanting to curl up with their own warm drink while they enjoy this heartwarming story.
PREMIUM
The Secret of the Three Fates
A nuanced period mystery that incorporates themes about consent and women’s rights. Recommended for libraries where paranormal and historical mystery titles circulate well.
PREMIUM
Dominoes, Danzón, and Death
A delicious and fun cozy mystery. Listeners will want to take their own foodie adventures in southern Florida, feeling sure Miriam will have put away the crooks.
PREMIUM
The Way
Though Groner describes a gritty world ravaged by disease, he nonetheless offers plenty of hope and recognizes the potential for healing. A beautifully woven tale of survival and humanity at its best.
Armitage’s ability to manifest Clarke’s (Piranesi) subtle ridicule of her characters makes this faux-scholarly fantasy a joyful and comforting listen.
This intricate romantic suspense, filled with anguish, doubt, hope, and love, is a winner for fans of Emily Giffin and Colleen Hoover.
An equine Charlotte’s Web, albeit with a corpse and a bloody rock, this novel will satisfy anyone seeking a quirky mystery wrapped in love. Lynch’s (Sally Brady’s Italian Adventure) latest doesn’t miss a beat.
PREMIUM
Brooklyn
A beautifully performed rendition of Tóibín’s acclaimed novel. Listeners will hang on every word.
Yun’s English-language debut is an absolutely lovely, lightly magical novel that may resonate with listeners navigating loss or regret.
PREMIUM
Bunker Mentality
Not quite five stars, but this is recommended for military base libraries and public libraries in military communities.
PREMIUM
Murder Takes the Stage
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a cozy historical mystery with a witty woman amateur detective. Recommended for fans of Rhys Bowen, Tom Mead, and Nicola Upson.
PREMIUM
The Teller of Small Fortunes
Leong’s novel is a gentle, comforting listen, enhanced with endearing characters and well-tailored narration. Share with fans of Travis Baldree’s Legends and Lattes.
PREMIUM
This World Is Not Yours
A potent blend of sci-fi, horror, and thriller, where the planetary danger is but a garnish for a love so strong it hurts.
PREMIUM
Death at Gills Rock
Listeners, and especially Wisconsinites, will enjoy pondering the complexities of the problem and its final, rather open-ended solution.
PREMIUM
Bad Land
This Scotiabank Giller Prize–nominated book is an integral addition to the Canadian literary canon.
A strong entry from Clarke with a superb narrator in Ortiz makes this a highly recommended choice for any audiobook collection, especially where high-octane fantasy tales are popular.
PREMIUM
The Shiver Tree
Fans craving a sweeping fantasy heavily inspired by classic Dungeons & Dragons will feel right at home in Searcy’s debut novel, which is reminiscent of Sariah Wilson’s A Tribute of Fire and A Dark and Secret Magic by Wallis Kinney.
PREMIUM
The Brothers Kenney
Part murder mystery, part family drama, Mitzner’s (Love Betrayal Murder) latest features compelling narration, with distinctly resonant voices and top-notch pacing.
This book will find a listenership anywhere fantasy is popular and, of course, anywhere the rest of the series has connected with its audience.
Sure to have listeners fervently hope every volume of Kashiwai’s long-running series receives an English translation.
PREMIUM
The Sapling Cage
The renewed interest in Tamora Pierce’s “Alanna” series will have fans old and new flocking to this adventure-filled, emotionally rich fantasy.
PREMIUM
Run
Listeners will not be able to stop until the end, needing to know if Jack’s run will be worth it. A fast-paced, exciting audio enhanced by excellent narration.
Aber’s gritty debut traces a young woman’s existential search for agency and identity in a world where the “good girls” might be those who discard self-reproach and shame.
This menacing story about art, adultery, and obsession is recommended for fans of Ana Reyes, Sally Hepworth, and Shari Lapena.
PREMIUM
This Cursed House
Enhanced by excellent narration, this stunning, atmospheric debut is as twisty as the family described within.
PREMIUM
A Legend in the Baking
A solid second-chance romance that juggles the social and the emotional equally well.
PREMIUM
Good Dogs
An eclectic werewolf pack leaves the city for freedom to roam in the countryside, only to encounter a monster more vicious than themselves in this quirky ensemble horror. Recommended for large collections.
PREMIUM
Sycamore
Rogers’s (Shards) latest is a win for fans yearning for the heyday of Jim Butcher’s “Dresden Files” series.
PREMIUM
Earl Crush
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a fun, fast-paced Regency romance full of spies and secrets. Recommended for fans of Julia Quinn, Grace Burrowes, and Sabrina Jeffries.
Mysterious and intoxicating, this is a delightful retelling that expands on one of horror’s classics. Even the biggest scaredy-cat will love it.
PREMIUM
The Darkest Night
A gruesome, spine-tingling collection of holiday horror. Though not for the faint of heart, this is a lot of fun.
Listeners will fall head over heels for this quick, flirty, and fun audiobook in which dreams really do come true and love shows up when it’s least expected.
PREMIUM
Hot Hex Boyfriend
A charming story with “Sleeping Beauty” undertones that will make a great addition to contemporary paranormal romance collections. This novel may also appeal to fans of Erin Sterling and Hazel Beck.
PREMIUM
Model Home
A troubling story limning the effects of childhood trauma, grooming, and abuse, this is recommended for fans of Tananarive Due, who also writes strong Black characters encountering supernatural and societal horrors.
A scrumptious romance from YA author Khorram (The Breakup Lists). Billings and Sardar’s dual narration creates a cozy and intimate listening experience, with characters who are just as delectable as the food and wine.
A suspenseful, unputdownable folk horror. Listeners will undoubtedly hope Stein plans to narrate the rest of the “Anomalous Phenomena” cases.
PREMIUM
Curdle Creek
Fans of dystopian fiction, especially those who love the Southern gothic tradition, should visit Curdle Creek (but don’t stay too long!).
The cinematic locales and Maddie’s reestablished relationship with the Perrys are fleshed out this slow-burn romance beyond the enemies (in Maddie’s mind)-to-lovers trope. Great for all collections.
PREMIUM
Temple of Swoon
This action-packed romance adventure is sure to delight fans of Lara Croft and those seeking an Indiana Jones–inspired romance with both action and steam. Fans of M.C. Vaughan’s Romancing Miss Stone or Kerry Rea’s The Jewel of the Isle won’t want to miss this one.
PREMIUM
The Beast Takes a Bride
Eyre’s crisp voice helps another of Long’s couples find their happily ever after. Suggested for listeners seeking a sparkling new series after Bridgerton.
PREMIUM
Confounding Oaths
A well-narrated yet uninspiring fantasy dive into the Regency era that fails to let any one arc shine. Best for Hall’s diehard fans.
This is a tense and creepy gothic horror. Fans of Andy Davidson and Cherie Priest will willingly strap in for Knight’s harrowing ride.
PREMIUM
Not in My Book
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a steamy, opposites-attract rom-com about authors, enemies, and honesty. Recommended for fans of Ali Hazelwood, Emily Henry, and Chloe Liese.
A shocking but wholly satisfying fairy-tale retelling. Though Gorman’s debut will appeal to fans of visceral body horror, it is recommended for intrepid non-horror readers as well.
With a bittersweet ending that explores the joys and fears of old age, this story, much like the work of Nick Cutter and Grady Hendrix, is a pitch-perfect blend of horror and heart.
PREMIUM
The No-End House
Not just a book about a haunted house, Bates’s tale is also likely to attract fans of horror video games such as Resident Evil, eager to see if Joe and Helen can beat the game.
PREMIUM
Another Fine Mess
Fans of Jacqueline Carey’s “Agent of Hel” trilogy and other small-town fantasy series or those who loved the Southern charm of Grady Hendrix’s Southern Book Club Guide to Slaying Vampires will love this series that’s full of heart and charm. Readers will look forward to returning to the world of the Evans women and their strange Texas town.
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