42 Brand-New August 2026 Books to Read

Embrace by Bal Khabra

Set in Toronto, Embrace is a college hockey story that follows Kian, an NHL-bound player who reluctantly joins a study group to complete the credits he needs to graduate. Things get complicated when he starts to fall for Scarlett, the woman leading the group and his coach’s daughter. With a little forbidden romance and plenty of hockey, this is a great pick for readers who love Off Campus and heartfelt romances. 

Etna by Paul Yoon

Told through the eyes of an ex-military dog, this moving story follows Etna as he journeys across a war-torn landscape in search of the home he was taken from years earlier. Along the way, his story intertwines with those of other survivors trying to rebuild their lives, creating a powerful story about hope, resilience, and finding your way home after unimaginable loss. It sounds pure and beautiful—so many readers will love this one.

Eyes of Kings by Chloe Gong

Readers will not want to miss this epic conclusion to the Flesh & False Gods series. Eyes of Kings thrusts Calla, Anton, and August into a final battle as shifting alliances, ancient gods, and dangerous betrayals threaten the kingdom’s fate. As war erupts and power comes at a greater cost, each must decide how much they’re willing to sacrifice to claim the throne. It promises an action-packed end to an incredible series full of political intrigue, high-stakes fantasy, and unforgettable characters. 

How to Find Love in the Cereal Aisle by Alissa Derogatis

After a painful breakup leaves her with writer’s block, romance author Ainsley decides to recreate classic rom-com meet-cutes in real life, hoping to find inspiration for her next book. As one disastrous attempt after another fails to deliver the happily-ever-after she’s searching for, she wonders if love might be closer than she thinks. This sounds like a fun romance about finding love in unexpected places!

Lost and Found by Tarah DeWitt

A new Tarah DeWitt romance to look forward to! After losing her best friend, Bea is determined to honour her friend’s dream of becoming a mother while navigating a future she never expected. When she moves in with longtime friend Silas, a firefighter carrying his own wounds, their friendship deepens. It sounds emotional, hopeful and full of heart—all about the possibility of finding love when you need it most.

Meet Me in the Garden by Nina LaCour

If you enjoy stories that explore identity, motherhood, and the bonds that connect generations, you’ll want to try this new release. Set in New Orleans in the 1940s and spanning decades to Los Angeles, Meet Me in the Garden follows two cousins whose lives are forever shaped by love, family, and the choices they’re forced to make. As dreams of freedom give way to unexpected responsibilities and long-buried secrets, they must find their way back to one another. 

One of the Family by Mark Edwards

If you’ve been here for a while, you know I can’t resist a good story set in Scotland—One of the Family deserves a spot on your radar! What begins as a luxury getaway to the Scottish Highlands quickly turns sinister when Patrick is drawn into his girlfriend’s wealthy family’s growing obsession with their father’s much younger fiancée. As old resentments, shocking secrets, and a possible murder plot come to light, he realizes that escaping this vacation may not be as easy as arriving. How interesting does that sound?

Sunlight Finds You by Luara Moriarty

Set against the sun-soaked backdrop of 1949 Florida, Sunlight Finds You follows a teenage romance that changes Nora’s life forever. What begins as a forbidden first love soon gives way to decades of secrets, heartbreak, and difficult choices, creating a sweeping story about family, forgiveness, and the courage to live life on your own terms. I think the cover is stunning, but the story is really drawing me in. 

The House of Boleyn by Tracy Borman

Fans of historical fiction will not want to miss this new release. Beginning with the rise of the ambitious Boleyn family at the court of Henry VIII, this detailed story traces the triumphs, rivalries, and tragedies that shaped one of England’s most infamous dynasties. Readers can expect real history told through a beautiful new story, as Tracy Borman brings Anne Boleyn’s world to life through intrigue, ambition, and the devastating price of power.

The Lion and the Deathless Dark by Carissa Broadbent

A new series from Carissa Broadbent! Set within the Crowns of Nyaxia series, this new series follows Kyrene, a bounty hunter who joins forces with a dangerous vampire prince to take on an impossible mission: to kill the gods themselves. As vengeance gives way to unexpected feelings, they’ll have to navigate deadly prophecies, ancient curses, and a war in which love might be the greatest risk of all. If you love epic fantasy, morally grey characters, and slow-burn romance, you won’t want to miss the start of the Bloodburn Duet. 

The Unknown by Riley Sager

August brings a brand-new thriller from Riley Sager! When an actress travels to a remote Vermont island to prepare for a film about a century-old disappearance, fiction begins to blur with reality. As eerie events unfold and people vanish once again, she must unravel the island’s haunted past before history repeats itself. It sounds atmospheric and suspenseful, blending supernatural folklore, historical secrets, and classic mystery thrills.

The Wild Beneath by Kelly Anderson

After a devastating tsunami changes the course of her life, Annie forms an unforgettable bond with a mysterious stranger whose presence awakens a deep connection to the sea—and to a hidden part of herself. Years later, she’s drawn back to the ocean to uncover long-buried truths while choosing between the life she’s built and the one calling her home. Blending romance, magical realism, and breathtaking coastal settings, this atmospheric debut is perfect for readers who enjoy lyrical, emotionally rich fiction.

The Women in White by Sarah Pekkanen

The Women in White is an upcoming psychological suspense novel with eerie paranormal elements, promising twists right up until the end. A live-in caregiving job takes an unexpected turn when Riley is asked to track down her elderly employer’s long-lost college friends—only to discover that each woman’s life ended in tragedy or mystery. As she uncovers the truth behind a series of secret experiments conducted decades earlier, Riley finds herself drawn into a chilling conspiracy in which the past refuses to stay buried.

Time to Burn by Ellery Lloyd

Another thriller to read this August, this time blending science fiction, historical fiction, and suspense—perfect if you like multiple genres! Time to Burn is set in a world where commercial time travel has become the ultimate luxury. When a billionaire family returns from a guided trip to wartime London, battered and missing one of their own, everything begins to unravel. As a filmmaker documenting the groundbreaking technology digs deeper, she uncovers a dangerous mystery that could rewrite both the past and the future. It sounds so intriguing! 

Time Travel for Beginners by Jaclyn Moriarty

Time Travel for Beginners asks: What if you could revisit any moment from your past? When three strangers are connected by a mysterious time-travel agency, they’re each given the chance to confront old regrets, long-buried secrets, and the decisions that shaped their lives. It sounds heartwarming, thought-provoking and full of charm as it explores love, loss and the moments that define who we are and what we become. 

When Lemons Give You Life by Anna Johnston

This cover is so stunning! Retired chef Griff has resigned himself to life in a nursing home until one late-night baking session rekindles his passion for cooking—and brings comfort to everyone around him. As Griff and his sister Lisa each face old wounds, new beginnings, and long-held secrets, they discover it’s never too late to rebuild what’s been broken. When Lemons Gives You Life is a warm, uplifting, and heart-filled story that explores family, forgiveness, and second chances. 

A Witch in Notting Hill by Alexandra Paige

Who can resist a good witchy romance? When a spell goes disastrously wrong, turning her manager into a cat, actress and secret witch Willow heads to London in search of a magical fix. While there, she teams up with Oliver, the grumpy owner of an occult bookstore who doesn’t believe in magic, for an adventure that takes them across the city. It sounds unbelievably cozy and whimsical—I can’t wait to read this one!

Dreamland by Olivie Blake

If you’re a fan of Olivie Blake, you won’t want to miss this new release! An aspiring actress gets the opportunity of a lifetime when she’s invited into one of Hollywood’s most powerful families, but the glamorous estate hides dark secrets and an unsettling curse. As her attraction to the mysterious heir deepens, Anya must decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice to chase the future she’s always wanted. Dreamland is equal parts moody and seductive, blending gothic suspense with supernatural horror. 

Hocus Pocus by Brinda Charry

Inspired by real-life Indian stage magicians who toured the world in the 1800s, Hocus Pocus follows a young illusionist determined to make a name for himself far from home. When his talents attract the attention of a struggling museum owner in 1816 Boston, ambition and opportunity soon give way to obsession, forcing Samuel to question what he’s willing to sacrifice for success. This one sounds like it’ll be a great read, especially since it explores identity, art, history, and the cost of chasing greatness. 

Let’s Kiss and Tell by Joss Richard

I can’t resist a good fake-dating romance, and I know so many of you feel the same way! When a sex columnist and a news reporter agree to pretend they’re a couple to solve their personal and professional problems, neither expects the relationship to start feeling real. Let’s Kiss and Tell sounds like a fun fake-dating workplace romance with all the slow-burn chemistry you could want. 

Reliquary by Hannah Whitten

If you’re looking to kick off spooky season just a little early this year, you might be interested in Reliquary. After her fiancé’s sudden death, Claire accepts an invitation to his wealthy family’s secluded island estate, hoping to find answers—and maybe a sense of belonging. Instead, she uncovers unsettling secrets, long-buried memories, and an ancient terror beneath the waves that threatens to consume everything in its path. Atmospheric and deeply unsettling, this horror debut is a great addition to your TBR. 

Saint Delilah by Isabelle Spotts

Murdered with no memory of who took her life, Delilah is trapped between the worlds of the living and the dead until she brings her killer to justice. With the help of a spirit medium and the one man who can somehow see her, she races against time before Halloween’s thinning veil closes forever. Blending supernatural suspense, mystery, and a touch of romance, this feminist thriller is a haunting story of vengeance and justice.

She Haunts Me Still by De Elizabeth

Mallory’s fresh start at a former sanitarium-turned-university is cut short when the terrifying entity responsible for her mother’s death returns just as she’s cast as Juliet in the campus production of Romeo and Juliet. Teaming up with a secretive director and an understudy with a hauntingly similar past, she uncovers a centuries-old darkness tied to New England’s vampire folklore. She Haunts Me Still is perfect for readers who love gothic fantasy, supernatural horror, and tragic romance.

Sunrise by Téa Obreht

How gorgeous is this book cover? Spanning more than a century, Sunrise is a sweeping novel that connects three strangers whose lives are mysteriously linked to the abandoned ghost town of Sunrise. As long-buried secrets surface across generations, the line between history and legend blurs, revealing a place where the past refuses to stay buried. This atmospheric literary mystery blends historical fiction, suspense and a touch of the supernatural, making it perfect for many readers. 

The Matchmaker’s Cottage by Kat Sloane

Fans of small-town romance and emotional second-chance love stories will want to pick up The Matchmaker’s Cottage. Julia has spent years building her cozy bed-and-breakfast in Upstate New York, but when her childhood sweetheart unexpectedly returns with a celebrity matchmaking scheme that could save her struggling business, she’s forced to spend more time with him than she’d like. As old feelings resurface, Julia and Ethan must decide whether their story deserves a second chance. 

The Secrets We Hide by Karin Slaughter

If you’re hoping to read a gripping small-town mystery filled with suspense, twists and hidden motives, look no further! When a brutal double shooting shatters the quiet of North Falls, Sheriff Emmy Clifton is determined to uncover what really happened inside the Vickery family’s home. As she and her sister dig beneath the town’s carefully kept secrets, they discover that everyone has something to hide—and the truth may be far more dangerous than anyone imagined.

You’ll Love it Here by Natalie Sue

I’m a sucker for a good contemporary, and this one caught my eye! After losing both the promotion and the fresh start she’d been counting on, Mona reluctantly becomes the superintendent of her quirky apartment building while helping prepare it for sale. Between eccentric neighbours, unexpected friendships, and a charming diner owner who refuses to let her keep to herself, she begins to realize that home isn’t always the place you’re trying to escape. Funny, heartfelt, and full of found-family charm, this story is perfect for readers who love character-driven stories.

How to Find a Romance in a Bookshop by Poppy Alexander

Bookish love stories are always a good idea! Featuring a seaside bookshop, a literary festival, and two bookish characters searching for a fresh start, How to Find a Romance in a Bookshop is perfect for readers who love stories about books and the people who write them. As Petra and Ross spend more time together, they grow in ways they never expected. It’s the perfect cozy escape! 

Ideal Life by Evelyn Skye

When a disastrous mistake threatens everything she’s built, neuroscientist Talia receives a mysterious watch that lets her relive the past twenty-four hours. At first, the chance to fix every misstep seems like the answer to all her problems—but chasing perfection soon forces her to question what she’s willing to lose along the way. Blending romance, speculative fiction, and heartfelt self-discovery, this novel explores the beauty of embracing life’s imperfections.

Immortal Rose by Alexandra Bracken

Alexandra Bracken’s adult romantasy debut has a truly unique premise! Set in a world where perfume is infused with powerful magic, this slow-burn story follows an unlikely alliance between a royal spymaster and the last heir to a magical bloodline as they race to save their kingdom. This one deserves a spot on so many readers’ TBRs!

My Sister is Going to Kill Me by Nina Simon

An annual sisters’ getaway turns deadly when Liv and Mandy find themselves trapped on a whitewater rafting trip through the Grand Canyon, with a killer in their midst. As bodies surface and tensions mount within the group, the sisters must set aside their differences to uncover the truth before the next victim is one of their own. Equal parts mystery and adventure, this fast-paced whodunit blends family dynamics with plenty of twists.

Promise Me Never by Liv Constantine

Fans of psychological suspense and shocking twists might enjoy this thriller—it sounds perfect for readers who love dark, domestic mysteries. What begins as a dream romance with a bestselling horror author soon turns into a nightmare when Savannah uncovers unsettling secrets in her new husband’s secluded home. As mysterious warnings, the lingering shadow of his late first wife, and a string of disappearances close in, she must uncover the truth before she becomes the next victim.

Ship Happens by Mason Deaver

If you’re like me and love cruising, you won’t want to miss Ship Happens! Mason Deaver delivers a heartfelt second-chance romance that takes readers from a holiday reunion to an unforgettable cruise through Alaska. When Owen unexpectedly finds himself trapped on a weeklong vacation with the ex who broke his heart, old feelings quickly resurface. Featuring trans representation, a stunning cruise ship setting, and plenty of emotional tension, this romance is perfect for readers who love stories about rekindled love and found family.

Siren Says by Jennifer Michelle Herrera

Blending Celtic folklore, botanical magic, and a touch of romance, Siren Says is an enchanting fantasy perfect for readers who love atmospheric, witchy stories. Cursed by the dangerous plant magic that’s haunted her family for generations, Raven is offered a chance at freedom—but only if she agrees to a perilous bargain with the restless spirits that emerge on May’s Eve. As she uncovers long-buried family secrets and learns the true extent of her powers, Raven must decide what she’s willing to sacrifice to break the cycle. 

Something About September by Julia McKay

A cozy romance to pick up as summer ends and fall begins! After inheriting her grandmother’s diner, Rebecca returns home to renovate the beloved local spot, only to find herself working closely with the contractor she never quite got over. Featuring a second-chance romance, a single dad, and all the cozy fall vibes, this sounds like the perfect book to curl up with as the weather turns.

That Night by Gillian McAllister

A family vacation in Italy takes a dark turn when three siblings agree to cover up what appears to be a deadly accident. As the investigation closes in and their carefully kept story begins to unravel, loyalty gives way to suspicion, forcing them to question how well they truly know one another. It sounds like it will be packed with twists and family drama as it explores the lengths people will go to protect the ones they love.

The Divine Gardener’s Handbook by Eli Snow

I think this cover is stunning! If you’re looking for a sapphic romantasy, The Divine Gardener’s Handbook sounds like a great choice. Set in a dystopian world of sentient plants, magical gardens, and long-buried secrets, it follows two fierce rivals whose rivalry slowly blossoms into something far more complicated. 

Big Little Truths by Liane Moriarty

Ten years after the events of Big Little Lies, Madeline, Celeste, Jane, Bonnie, and Renata are brought together by a series of unsettling events that threaten to expose long-buried secrets. As their teenage children navigate their own lives and new mysteries emerge, the women must once again confront the consequences of their choices. This long-awaited sequel is not to be missed—especially as it is sure to focus on the complexities of motherhood, friendship, and truth. 

Daggerbound by T. Kingfisher

Fans of T. Kingfisher will not want to miss this new release! A routine assignment becomes an unforgettable adventure when scholar Edmund accidentally frees an immortal warrior imprisoned in an ancient enchanted sword. As the unlikely pair battle bandits, dragons, and dangerous magic, their growing bond becomes as impossible to ignore as the curse that binds them. Blending fantasy, humour, and slow-burn romance, this charming adventure is a must-read for fans of magical quests and opposites-attract relationships.

One for the Road by Elliot Fletcher

Elliot Fletcher returns to the Isle of Skye with a charming romance about a grumpy doctor and the single mother next door. What begins as a fake relationship to solve both of their problems soon becomes far more complicated as real feelings develop. Filled with small-town charm, Scottish scenery, and plenty of heart, this romance is perfect for readers who love opposites-attract stories and cozy settings. I can’t wait to pick this up!

The Art of Charming a Changeling by Sylvie Cathrall

As soon as I saw this cover, it immediately caught my attention. When an art conservator discovers that a celebrated royal portrait is both a forgery and a home to a fairy trapped within its canvas, she’s swept into an unexpected quest to recover the missing original. As the search leads through a Regency-inspired world where humans and fairies rival one another, an unlikely romance begins to bloom. The Art of Charming a Changeling sounds like a cozy, whimsical, and charming romantic fantasy that’s perfect for readers who love magical adventures with plenty of heart. 

They Say a Girl Died Here by Sarah Pinborough

Haunted by a string of infamous murders and her grandmother’s increasingly unsettling behaviour, Anna begins to suspect that Harper’s Creek has never truly escaped its dark past. As the anniversary of the killings approaches and fear spreads through the town, she races to uncover the truth before history repeats itself. I think many readers will enjoy this creepy, twist-filled, suspenseful mystery!