July 1 brings a sunshine-soaked lineup of books filled with secret tournaments, graphic romance, alchemical rebellion, and elite private school tension.
Whether you’re lounging poolside or curled up with your favorite drink, these five stories are perfect for diving into another world.
Den of Liars by Jessica S. Olson
YA Fantasy • Ages 13–18
Lola “Astra” St. James is a master thief thrust into the deadly Liar’s Dice Tournament, where secrets are weapons and lies cut deeper than blades. Caught between two rival brothers and her own haunted past, Lola must play to survive, and maybe even love. Think Six of Crows meets The Hunger Games.
A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan
Romantasy • Adult Fantasy Romance
From BookTok sensation Stacey McEwan comes a sweeping romantasy debut filled with forbidden love, a rising revolution, and magnetic chemistry. With lush prose and real political stakes, this star-crossed romance between alchemists on opposing sides of a conflict will ignite your summer reading list.
Float Vol. 1 by Kate Marchant, illustrated by CJ Joaquin
YA Graphic Romance • Ages 12+
Waverly spends her summer by the sea after a falling-out with her parents, only to nearly drown and get rescued by a swoony local lifeguard. This Wattpad and Webtoon favorite, now in graphic novel form, is a perfect blush-filled romance for fans of Pumpkinheads and The Summer I Turned Pretty.
Save Me by Mona Kasten
Contemporary Romance • YA/NA
Crossover Ruby Bell is a scholarship student focused on one thing: Oxford. James Beaufort is the heir to a scandal and the boy who suddenly won’t leave Ruby alone. When forced to work together, they uncover secrets, challenge each other, and cross lines neither expected. Now a hit series on Prime Video.
Stay tuned for next week’s roundup, where we’ll dive into even more fresh releases to keep your summer reading stacked and sizzling.
