My Top Mid-2023 Book Releases
Hi everyone,
I apologise for the delay in posting this (though, does anyone actually read my blog posts?) but between starting a new job, travelling and adding more and more books to my TBR, I’ve kind of been lacking the inspiration to write on here.
However, there are some new releases I am looking forward to being published between June and August of 2023 so I am back to share them with you.
Unfortunately Yours by Tessa Bailey (A Vine Mess #2)
A few months ago I read the first book in this duology, Secretly Yours, and I must admit I was a bit disappointed. I simply couldn’t connect to either of the main characters but I did like the inclusion of Natalie, who is the FMC in this follow-up novel.
From the description I am expecting enemies-to-lovers, a marriage of convenience and some steamy banter between Natalie, a Napa heiress, and August, a former SEAL turned wine-maker. Let’s hope this one will be better than the previous one!
Release Date: 6th of June 2023
Never a Hero by Vanessa Len (Monsters #2)
This is also a sequel, namely to Only a Monster, which is the only Owlcrate book I own and have read. It is also, incidentally, one of my top 3 reads from 2022. It was a great Young Adult fantasy featuring an interesting take on time-travel and enemies who become allies out of necessity.
Suffice it to say, Never a Hero is perhaps my most anticipated release on this list. And guys, I managed to snag an e-ARC of it courtesy of Netgalley. I am so excited! The previous book ended on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Release Date: 8th of June 2023
Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood
Ali Hazelwood has become my go-to for fun STEM romances. Are they predictable? Yes. Are the main characters more or less the same? Also yes. But her books also tackle the prevalent sexism in academia, as well as imposter syndrome and are just quick, easy reads so I am looking forward to her new release.
The thing I like most about Hazelwood’s books is that she jumps around with the science specializations. This time we’ve got theoretical and experimental physicists. From the description it looks like it will also feature rivals, miscommunication, perhaps some fake-dating?
Release Date: 13th of June 2023
Sanctuary with Kings by Kathryn Moon (Tempting Monsters #3)
So far I have only read the first instalment in this fantasy reverse-harem monster romance series, which was The Lady of Rooksgrave Manor. It was sweet, steamy and I enjoyed the range of ‘monsters’ that were featured. I have book 2 on my TBR and some skim-reading tells me it is about The Company of Fiends, a theatre catering to a certain type of clientele…
Tempting Monsters #3 introduces a brand new FMC, Evanthia, who works for Birsha - the main antagonist of the series so far. I am really interested to see what Kathryn Moon will do in this one - just how many different powers can she come up with for the male characters?
Release Date: 20th of June 2023
Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Way back in 2021, when I started dipping my toe into contemporary rom-coms, I read The Ex-Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon. It was a lot of fun with great banter and frequent Buffy references, which I always appreciate. I’ve been meaning to pick more books by this author but always get distracted by something new and shiny…
No more! Business or Pleasure sounds like it will be really funny - a ghostwriter, an actor, an unsatisfying hook-up that leads to the FMC schooling the MMC in the art of satisfying a woman? Yes, please!
Release Date: 4th of July 2023
Pucking Wild by Emily Rath (Jacksonville Rays #2)
When I tell you I devoured Pucking Around, the first full-length novel in this series, I genuinely mean I devoured it - I read all 650+ pages of MMFM steamy hockey romance in less than 3 days. And I can’t stop thinking about it. The prequel, as well as the follow-up, novellas have also been great.
As far as I can tell, this is going to be a 5 book series and book 2 is all about Tess, Rachel’s best friend from the first book, and Langley, another player from the Jacksonville Rays team. It’s a reverse age-gap and I am so here for it … I hope Tess goes easy on Langley though, cos he is such a sweetheart!
Release Date: 21st of August 2023
What books are you looking forward to this year? Let me know by email or send me a DM on our Instagram - we love to hear from you!
Until next time, keep reading!
~ Lucia
P.S. Don’t forget that we post a new podcast episode every two weeks and new blog posts in the weeks between episodes.