Dear Debbie – Freida McFadden
Advice columnist Debbie leads a quiet life until a stolen magazine photoshoot and brewing family tensions ignite a vengeful streak. As her daughter faces unfair treatment and her husband hides his job loss, Debbie decides to “solve” their problems by any means necessary. What begins as petty neighborhood sabotage quickly escalates into a lethal game of cover-ups and a rising body count. This 4.5-star thriller is a darkly fun and chilling exploration of a woman determined to find the perfect scapegoat.
Summer in the City – Alex Aster
Two years after a fiery, misunderstood encounter with billionaire Parker Warren, hermit-at-heart Elle returns to NYC only to find her “twisted muse” living right across the hall. To conquer her writer’s block, she enters a high-stakes fake-dating deal that drags her from the shadows and into the blinding paparazzi spotlight. As their mutual loathing thaws into genuine longing, Elle must decide if she’s finally ready to trade her isolation for a chance at real love. This 4.5-star gem is a lovely slow-burn that keeps the tension high and saves its best spice for a grand finale.
Starside – Alex Aster
Every fifty years, the gates to Starside open for a deadly magical quest, and Aris is determined to use this rare opportunity to claim her revenge. After securing a mysterious sword pulled from the earth itself, she must survive a treacherous landscape teeming with demons, immortals, and cutthroat rivals. She reluctantly allies with Raker, a masked and ruthless killer, sparking a high-tension “enemies-to-lovers” romance that burns hot before ending in a shocking betrayal. This five-star fantasy delivers a perfect blend of high-stakes action and spicy drama, leaving readers desperate to see if Aris will complete her mission or lose everything.
Rites of the Starling – Devney Perry
Odessa’s treacherous trek to protect Evie leads her through a landscape of prophetic visions toward a hostile, mysterious reunion in her former home of Roslo. Meanwhile, Caspia’s Starling rite across the sea ends in a violent family tragedy that ultimately finds redemption in a life-saving bond with Andreas. Blending monster-filled bogs with the constant dread of the Lyssa plague, the story maintains a breathless tension across its dual timelines. This five-star read masterfully balances grit and heart, making it a perfect continuation for fans invested in Odessa’s past and future.
Release Me – Tahereh Mafi
While the explosive ending successfully salvages the momentum, the central romance often feels like a “cringy” and overly clingy imitation of Warner and Juliette’s dynamic. The plot follows a demoted, desperate James and the stoic Rosabelle, whose uncanny ability to resist Warner’s mental commands makes her a high-stakes wildcard. Although the pacing suffers from repetitive romantic tropes, the tension finally spikes once Rosabelle reveals the Reestablishment’s terrifying roadmap for world dominance. This read trades the usual series polish for a chaotic finale that leaves readers craving more “killing machine” action and significantly less fluff in the sequel.
The God of the Woods – Liz Moore
When Barbara vanishes from her summer camp, she triggers a frantic search that mirrors her brother’s unsolved disappearance from fourteen years prior. This 4-star thriller peels back the layers of the elite Van Laar family, exposing a toxic history of secrets and status-obsessed neglect. Liz Moore masterfully connects two generations of tragedy within the atmospheric shadows of the Van Laar Reserve. It is a gripping standalone crime novel that proves some family secrets are just as dark as the woods themselves.