It’s the last release week of the month and I feel like we’re rounding out May with some really great books. I think there are some obvious choices on our list, but I hope you all find some hidden gems as well!
What books are on your list this week?
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An Island Princess Starts a Scandal
Author: Adriana Herrera
Released: May 30, 2023 by Canary Street Press
Genre: Historical: European, LGBTQIA, Romance
Series: Las Leonas #2One last summer.
For Manuela del Carmen Caceres Galvan, the invitation to show her paintings at the 1889 Exposition Universelle came at the perfect time. Soon to be trapped in a loveless marriage, Manuela has given herself one last summer of freedom—in Paris, with her two best friends.
One scandalous encounter.
Cora Kempf Bristol, Duchess of Sundridge, is known for her ruthlessness in business. It’s not money she chases, but power. When she sees the opportunity to secure her position among her rivals, she does not hesitate. How difficult could it be to convince the mercurial Miss Caceres Galvan to part with a parcel of land she’s sworn never to sell?
One life-changing bargain.
Tempted by Cora’s offer, Manuela proposes a trade: her beloved land for a summer with the duchess in her corner of Paris. A taste of the wild, carefree world that will soon be out of her reach. What follows thrills and terrifies Cora, igniting desires the duchess long thought dead. As they fill their days indulging in a shared passion for the arts and their nights with dark and delicious deeds, the happiness that seemed impossible moves within reach…though claiming it would cause the greatest scandal Paris has seen in decades.
Shana: I’m excited to read the next book in the series, especially since it’s a f/f romance .
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The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies
Author: Alison Goodman
Released: May 30, 2023 by Berkley
Genre: Historical: European, Mystery/Thriller, Romance
Series: The Ill-Mannered Ladies #1A high society amateur detective at the heart of Regency London uses her wits and invisibility as an ‘old maid’ to protect other women in a new and fiercely feminist historical mystery series from New York Times bestselling author Alison Goodman.
Lady Augusta Colebrook, “Gus,” is determinedly unmarried, bored by society life, and tired of being dismissed at the age of forty-two. She and her twin sister, Julia, who is grieving her dead betrothed, need a distraction. One soon presents itself: to rescue their friend’s goddaughter, Caroline, from her violent husband.
The sisters set out to Caroline’s country estate with a plan, but their carriage is accosted by a highwayman. In the scuffle, Gus accidentally shoots and injures the ruffian, only to discover he is Lord Evan Belford, an acquaintance from their past who was charged with murder and exiled to Australia twenty years ago. What follows is a high adventure full of danger, clever improvisation, heart-racing near misses, and a little help from a revived and rather charming Lord Evan.
Back in London, Gus can’t stop thinking about her unlikely (not to mention handsome) comrade-in-arms. She is convinced Lord Evan was falsely accused of murder, and she is going to prove it. She persuades Julia to join her in a quest to help Lord Evan, and others in need—society be damned! And so begins the beguiling secret life and adventures of the Colebrook twins.
A rollicking and joyous adventure, with a beautiful love story at its heart, about two rebellious sisters forging their own path in Regency London
Sarah: I have it on very good authority that this book is absolutely delightful and I’m very excited to read it.
Lara: The best book I have read this year. Possibly the best book of the last several years. A truly original piece.
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Her Good Side
Author: Rebekah Weatherspoon
Released: May 30, 2023 by Razorbill
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romance, Young AdultA swoony, heart-melting YA romance from beloved author Rebekah Weatherspoon about two awkward teens who decide to practice dating in order to be good at the real thing. Perfect for fans of Nicola Yoon and Jenny Han.
Sixteen-year-old Bethany Greene, though confident and self-assured, is what they call a late-bloomer. She’s never had a boyfriend, date, or first kiss. She’s determined to change that but after her crush turns her down cold for Homecoming—declaring her too inexperienced—and all her back-up ideas fall through, she cautiously agrees to go with her best friend’s boyfriend Jacob. A platonic date is better than no date, right? Until Saylor breaks up with said boyfriend.
Dumped twice in just two months, Jacob Yeun wonders if he’s the problem. After years hiding behind his camera and a shocking summer glow up, he wasn’t quite ready for all the attention or to be someone’s boyfriend. There are no guides for his particular circumstances, or for taking your ex’s best friend to the dance.
Why not make the best of an awkward situation? Bethany and Jacob decide to fake date for practice, building their confidence in matters of the heart.
And it works—guys are finally noticing Bethany. But things get complicated as their kissing sessions—for research of course!—start to feel real. This arrangement was supposed to help them in dating other people, but what if their perfect match is right in front of them?
Shana: I must buy all Weatherspoon’s books, and I’m curious to see how she’ll handle a YA.
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Hey, Hun
Author: Emily Lynn Paulson
Released: May 30, 2023 by Row House Publishing
Genre: NonfictionShe signed up for the sisterhood, free cars, and the promise of a successful business of her own. Instead, she ended up with an addiction, broken friendships, and the rubble of a toppled pyramid . . . scheme.
Hey, Hun: Sales, Sisterhood, Supremacy, and the Other Lies Behind Multilevel Marketing is the eye-opening, funny, and dangerous personal story of author Emily Lynn Paulson rising to the top of the pyramid in the multilevel marketing (MLM) world only to realize that its culture and business practices went beyond a trendy marketing scheme and into the heart of white supremacy in America. A significant polemic on how MLMs operate, Hey, Hun expertly lays out their role in the cultural epidemic of isolation and the cult-like ideologies that course through their trainings, marketing, and one-on-one interactions. Equally entertaining and smart, Paulson’s first-person accounts, acerbic wit, and biting commentary will leave you with a new perspective on those “Hey Hun” messages flooding your inbox.
Susan: Can’t lie: Hey, Hun sounds like a true crime novel! And as MLMs are morbidly fascinating to me anyway, I’m intrigued by a deep dive into how they work.
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Ink Blood Sister Scribe
Author: Emma Törzs
Released: May 30, 2023 by William Morrow
Genre: Science Fiction/FantasyIn this spellbinding debut novel, two estranged half-sisters tasked with guarding their family’s library of magical books must work together to unravel a deadly secret at the heart of their collection–a tale of familial loyalty and betrayal, and the pursuit of magic and power.
For generations, the Kalotay family has guarded a collection of ancient and rare books. Books that let a person walk through walls or manipulate the elements–books of magic that half-sisters Joanna and Esther have been raised to revere and protect.
All magic comes with a price, though, and for years the sisters have been separated. Esther has fled to a remote base in Antarctica to escape the fate that killed her own mother, and Joanna’s isolated herself in their family home in Vermont, devoting her life to the study of these cherished volumes. But after their father dies suddenly while reading a book Joanna has never seen before, the sisters must reunite to preserve their family legacy. In the process, they’ll uncover a world of magic far bigger and more dangerous than they ever imagined, and all the secrets their parents kept hidden; secrets that span centuries, continents, and even other libraries . . .
In the great tradition of Ninth House, The Magicians, and Practical Magic, this is a suspenseful and richly atmospheric novel that draws readers into a vast world filled with mystery and magic, romance, and intrigue–and marks the debut of an extraordinary new voice in speculative fiction.
Amanda: I’m a sucker for books about magical books.
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Once More with Feeling
Author: Elissa Sussman
Released: May 30, 2023 by Dell
Genre: Contemporary Romance, RomanceA former pop star finds herself back in the spotlight–along with an old flame from her past–in this “friends to lovers” meets “enemies to lovers” romance from the bestselling author of Funny You Should Ask.
Then. Katee Rose is living the dream as America’s number one pop star, caught in a whirlwind of sold-out concerts, screaming fans, and constant tabloid coverage. Everyone wants to know everything about her and her boyfriend, Ryan LaNeve, the hottest member of adored boy band CrushZone. Katee loves to perform but hates the impossible demands of stardom. Maybe that’s why she finds herself in the arms of another CrushZone member, Cal Kirby. Quiet, serious Cal, who’s always been a good friend to Katee, is suddenly Cal with the smoldering eyes and very good hands. One unforgettable night is all it takes to blow up Katee’s relationship with Ryan, her career, her whole life…
Now. Kathleen Rosenberg is okay with her ordinary existence, and leaving her pop star image in the past. That is, until Cal Kirby shows up with the opportunity of her dreams–a starring role in the Broadway show he’s directing and a chance to perform the way she’s always wanted. The two haven’t spoken since the joint destruction of their careers, and each of them blames the other, making their reunion a tense battle of wits and egos. Katee reluctantly agrees to the musical, as long as she keeps her guard up around Cal. But rehearsals are long, those eyes still smolder, and those hands are still very good. Despite everything, Katee can’t deny the chemistry between them. Is it ever a good idea to reignite old flames? Especially if you’ve been burned in the past?
Elyse: I loved Sussman’s previous book Funny You Should Ask.
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The Wishing Game
Author: Meg Shaffer
Released: May 30, 2023 by Ballantine Books
Genre: Literary Fiction, Science Fiction/FantasyYears ago, a reclusive mega-bestselling children’s author quit writing under mysterious circumstances. Suddenly he resurfaces with a brand-new book and a one-of-a-kind competition, offering a prize that will change the winner’s life in this absorbing and whimsical novel.
Make a wish. . . .
Lucy Hart knows better than anyone what it’s like to grow up without parents who loved her. In a childhood marked by neglect and loneliness, Lucy found her solace in books, namely the Clock Island series by Jack Masterson. Now a twenty-six-year-old teacher’s aide, she is able to share her love of reading with bright, young students, especially seven-year-old Christopher Lamb, who was left orphaned after the tragic death of his parents. Lucy would give anything to adopt Christopher, but even the idea of becoming a family seems like an impossible dream without proper funds and stability.
But be careful what you wish for. . . .
Just when Lucy is about to give up, Jack Masterson announces he’s finally written a new book. Even better, he’s holding a contest at his home on the real Clock Island, and Lucy is one of the four lucky contestants chosen to compete to win the one and only copy.
For Lucy, the chance of winning the most sought-after book in the world means everything to her and Christopher. But first she must contend with ruthless book collectors, wily opponents, and the distractingly handsome (and grumpy) Hugo Reese, the illustrator of the Clock Island books. Meanwhile, Jack “the Mastermind” Masterson is plotting the ultimate twist ending that could change all their lives forever.
. . . You might just get it.
More magical realism that be of interest to the Bitchery!
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Witch King
Author: Martha Wells
Released: May 30, 2023 by Tor.com
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy“I didn’t know you were a… demon.”
“You idiot. I’m the demon.”
Kai’s having a long day in Martha Wells’ WITCH KING….After being murdered, his consciousness dormant and unaware of the passing of time while confined in an elaborate water trap, Kai wakes to find a lesser mage attempting to harness Kai’s magic to his own advantage. That was never going to go well.
But why was Kai imprisoned in the first place? What has changed in the world since his assassination? And why does the Rising World Coalition appear to be growing in influence?
Kai will need to pull his allies close and draw on all his pain magic if he is to answer even the least of these questions.
He’s not going to like the answers.
Sarah: It says “Martha,” and then it says “Wells.” I’m in.
Elyse: I will buy anything Wells writes.
Aarya: I’ve been struggling with new fantasy worlds lately, but hopefully Wells can be the exception.
Susan: The blurb hits a lot of the same buttons The Untamed did for me!
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Just two books on my tbr this week:
WHAT WE BROKE (June 1) by Marley Valentine doesn’t have much of a blurb except that it’s an emotional m/m romance. I’m not sure if this is the second book in Valentine’s Unlucky Ones series (if so, it’s had a title change because that book was originally to be titled UNLOVED) or if this is a completely new book unaffiliated with the series. Either way, Valentine’s books are usually full of angst and complications…and I’m there for them!
GOOD AS GOLD (June 1) by Sarina Bowen is a second-chance romance set in the Vermont world of her True North series.
Witch King has been my most anticipated read for, like, two years. I keep refreshing the shipping page to see when it’s going to arrive and that’s not speeding things up at all.
It’s weird but Martha Wells is my favorite writer even though I’m primarily a Romance reader. Her books strike exactly the right chord in my reader’s brain.
I cannot waaait for Her Good Side, Once More With Feeling and An Island Princess Starts a Scandal.
@DiscoDollyDeb Marley Valentine announced in her newsletter that she decided to push Unloved to the second half of the year due to audio delays. She didn’t give a date but Amazon is currently saying Oct 12th, though who knows how accurate that is. What We Broke is a completely new standalone.
Witch King is AMAZING.
Lisa Henry’s Full Throttle came out today and I’m enjoying it so far. M/M Formula 1 racing romance, between a driver who went viral for the wrong reasons and the PR guy called in to rehab his (and his team’s) reputation.
@cleo, I really liked Full Throttle too! I don’t know much about F1 racing at all, but loved what Lisa Henry did with the characters and the setting.
@Susan, I have the same weird fascination for MLMs! I feel like I need this book too!
so many good ones
@Layla: thank you for the clarification. UNLOVED stays in my Upcoming Dates folder.
@Stephanie Burgis I keep flinching from the mention of “pain magic,” can you give a non-spoilery hint as to how that works? I’m very leery of torture in books, and absolutely do not read any BDSM or Dom/sub type books. I love Murderbot, but bounced off some of her other fantasy books.
Thanks much!
I’m a huge MURDERBOT fan but this will be the first Martha Wells fantasy I’ve read. I’m really looking forward to diving into it this weekend!
@Wait, what? From what I’ve read the pain the magic utilizes is self inflicted. Because of the author and the fact I’ve read her entire back catalog and have some trust, I’m going to give it a go and see where she goes with this. But I could totally see it not being for everyone.