We made it through July! (I almost said August, so you clearly can see where my mind is at right now.)
A quick little quartet of releases this week. I’ve noticed that historical romances have a habit of releasing during the last week of the month. You’ll be shocked to know that this list has three historical romances and one historical fiction.
What new releases are on your list week? Let us know in the comments!
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Bad Luck Bride
Author: Laura Lee Guhrke
Released: July 29, 2025 by Forever
Genre: Historical: European, Romance
Series: Scandal at the Savoy #3In this dazzling Victorian romance from a New York Times bestselling author, one unlucky lady believes her fate is finally changing until the rake that broke her heart returns to town.
Third time’s a charm? For Lady Kay Matheson, it had better be. Her first engagement was a failed elopement; the second ruined by gossip about the first. Resigned to be a disgraced spinster, no one is more surprised than Kay when an American millionaire offers for her hand. Just when she’s convinced she will finally make it down the aisle, the scoundrel who broke her heart arrives with his own fiancée.
Devlin Sharpe has finally become a success. He has wealth, connections, and a lovely bride-to-be—and he won’t let an old flame derail all his hard work. But it turns out time has not dampened his grudge toward Kay—or the desire sparking between them. And one searing kiss threatens to ruin their wedding plans and their futures, and make Kay the bad-luck bride all over again.
The third book in the Scandal at the Savoy series.
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The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey
Author:
Released: July 29, 2025 by Kensington Books
Genre: Historical: European, Literary Fiction, Science Fiction/FantasyAs spiritualism reaches its fevered pitch at the dawn of the 20th century, a Scottish girl crosses the veil to unlock a powerful connection within an infamous asylum in this thrillingly atmospheric, exquisitely evocative exploration of feminine rage and agency for readers of Sarah Penner, Alice Hoffman, and Hester Fox.
Leaving behind a quiet life of simple comforts, Nairna Liath traverses the Scottish countryside with her charlatan father, Tavish. From remote cottages to rural fairs, the duo scrapes by on paltry coins as Tavish orchestrates “encounters” with the departed, while Nairna interprets tarot cards for those willing to pay for what they wish to hear.
But beyond her father’s trickery, Nairna possesses a genuine gift for communicating with the spirit world, one that could get an impoverished country girl branded a witch. A talent inherited from her grandmother, Lottie Liath, widow of a Welsh coalminer, whose story of imprisonment and exploitation in a notorious asylum is calling out to Nairna from four decades past—a warning to break free from the manipulations, greed, and betrayals of others.
What do the cards hold for Nairna’s future?
Rescued from homelessness by a well-connected stranger, Nairna is whisked into a new life among Edinburgh’s elite Spiritualist circle, including visiting American star Dorothy Kellings. Researchers, doctors, psychics, and thrill-seekers clamor for the rising young medium. But after a séance with blood-chilling results, a shocking scandal ensues, and Nairna flees to a secluded community near Boston, where she assumes a new Nora Grey.
But Nora can’t stay hidden when Dorothy Kellings offers her the chance to face all comers and silence skeptics at a spectacular séance at Boston’s Old South Meeting Hall, where Nora will come face to face at last with her spiritual guide: the courageous Lottie Liath, whose heart-wrenching story and profound messages are indelibly tied to Nora’s destiny.
This definitely seems like something the Bitchery may want on their radar.
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The Fortune Hunter’s Guide to Love
Author: Emma-Claire Sunday
Released: July 17, 2025 by Harlequin Historical
Genre: Historical: European, LGBTQIA, RomanceWill this cynical fortune hunter find her true match? Find out in this enchanting sapphic historical romance
How can Lady Sylvia save herself from financial ruin?
Step 1: Move to the seaside for the summer, where there will be no shortage of wealthy bachelors holidaying.
Step 2: Strike a deal with local farmer if Hannah can help Sylvia bag a rich husband, Sylvia will fund Hannah’s dream of opening a cheese shop.
Step 3: Charm her way into luncheons, parties and exclusives balls, but do not start to confuse friendship with romantic feelings for Hannah.
Step 4: Focus on her fortune hunting scheme and not let her heart get carried away by her unexpected and magical kiss with Hannah!
Tara: I’ve been very pleasantly surprised by Harlequin’s sapphic romances and I thoroughly enjoyed the last one by this author.
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Road Trip with a Rogue
Author: Kate Bateman
Released: July 29, 2025 by St. Martin's Paperbacks
Genre: Historical: European, Romance
Series: Her Majesty's Rebels #3Mistakenly holding up the coach of the man who broke her heart is bad enough, but having to endure his sinfully alluring company all the way to Scotland is Daisy Hamilton’s worst nightmare . . . and her most secret desire.
A midnight mishap.
Daisy Hamilton’s new mission for King & Co., London’s premier private investigation firm, is simple: stop heiress Violetta Brand from eloping. But her case is derailed when she mistakenly holds up the carriage of Lucien Vaughan, Duke of Cranford—cynical war hero, infamous libertine, and the very man who broke her heart five years ago.
A reluctant road trip.
Lucien’s determined to see his lovestruck nephew married to Miss Brand, but the unexpected appearance of Daisy— the one woman he’s never been able to forget—could ruin his plans. As they follow the runaway couple together, Lucien decides that delaying the headstrong Daisy by any means possible—including seduction—will be his absolute pleasure . . . and hers.
A dangerous desire.
After Daisy’s reputation is threatened, Lucien makes a scandalous claim, but when an unexpected enemy threatens her life, he realizes she’s the only woman for him. Their past encounters have made Daisy almost as jaded about love as Lucien himself, and it’s going to take action, not words, to convince this knife-wielding hellion to risk her heart on him again…
Amanda: A road trip with the libertine who broke her heart?! Hello!
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Heads up for anyone who wants to read cozy or spooky fall books in the actual (Northern Hemisphere) fall/autumn season. I’m starting to see the crop of autumnal books pop up on Libby with their coming release dates and I have learned the hard way that if I want to actually read them in September/October/November, I need to place the hold now.
I’m not trying to rush psl season (believe me) but just figured other Smart Bitches might want to know.
Sophie Irwin has a new book out on Thursday: HOW TO LOSE A LORD IN TEN DAYS. I am so excited. The cover is great so in addition to my kindle copy I ordered a hardcover from Blackwell’s in the UK (my favorite source for books with prices that include postage and are often lower than Amazon).
Honor Raconteur’s ALL FUN AND GAMES (The Case Files of Henri Davenforth, #11) releases on August 1. (Will we chase after the master criminal who got away in book 10, or will there be another villain causing headaches in this installment? Three more days until I find out!)
Super excited for Accidentally Dating the Enemy by Mariah Ankenman. Her Harlequin debut and as per usual nerdy goodness and good representation!
I loved Road Trip with a Rogue (ARC).
Road Trip with a Rogue, The Fortune Hunter’s Guide to Love, and The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey are on my list.