10 Best Books Coming Out in July 2024

Now that summer is finally here, you may be looking for fun books to read — whether on a beach or to take you away from long, hot days. Fortunately, July comes with some fantastic new releases. 

1. The Wedding People by Alison Espach

What is The Wedding People About? 

The Wedding People by Alison Espach is a contemporary novel about Phoebe who gets mistaken for a wedding guest at a resort, and the bride who unexpectedly confides in her. It’s funny, tender and entirely unexpected. 

If you’re looking to be taken on a seaside holiday, this book will get you there. It has a bit of romance, a bit of friendship and a few unexpected turns, and it’s a perfect read whether you’re on a beach or not. 

2. The Grandest Game by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

What is The Grandest Game About? 

The Grandest Game by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is a YA mystery following the characters from The Inheritance Games series as they host an annual competition meant to give anyone a shot at fame and fortune. 

If you loved The Inheritance Games series, then this is the book for you. It’s full of mystery, romance and tricky puzzles with a fun combination of old and new characters. I tried reading The Inheritance Games once or twice but it never clicked for me, so The Grandest Game might not be my cup of tea, though I’m sure fans will love it. 

3. The Darkness Within Us by Tricia Levenseller

What is The Darkness Within Us About? 

The Darkness Within Us by Tricia Levenseller is a YA romance novel that follows Chrysantha Stathos, sister of the main character from The Shadows Between Us. Her husband has recently died and her fortune is about to be taken by a mysterious, handsome man. 

This is the long-awaited continuation of The Shadows Between Us story, though it can be read as a standalone (be aware that there will be spoilers for the previous installment). Personally, I didn’t enjoy The Shadows Between Us, but you might love it, so give it a go. 

4. Play Along by Liz Tomforde

What is Play Along About?

Play Along by Liz Tomforde follows Kennedy and Isaiah who end up getting married after a drunken night in Las Vegas. To save Kennedy’s job, they agree to stay married for a year, but Isaiah is planning on using that time to prove to Kennedy that he’s worth staying with. 

If you’ve read Liz Tomforde’s previous books, this one will be right up your alley. It features some familiar characters and tons of fun tropes. I only read The Right Move, but it was such a fun and entertaining read, great for when you need to relax. Unfortunately, Mile High didn’t work for me in the same way, but it’s likely that I just wasn’t in the mood for it. Either way, give this book (or series) a go!

5. Whoever You Are, Honey by Olivia Gatwood

What is Whoever You Are Honey About? 

Whoever You Are, Honey by Olivia Gatwood follows two women, Lena and Mitty as they form an unlikely friendship. Lena is worried about her spotty memory and the way her husband controls her life. Mitty has secrets of her own. They live in this seemingly perfect neighborhood, but there are many sinister truths to be found. 

This book feels like the perfect mix of sci-fi and literary fiction, and it reminds me a lot of The Stepford Wives or even Don’t Worry, Darling in its themes. Definitely give it a go if you liked either of those movies. 

6. The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love by India Holton

What is The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love About?

The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love by India Holton is a romance novel about two rival ornithologists forced to work together to find the same bird in order to become Birder of The Year. 

If you liked India Holton’s previous series, The Dangerous Damsels, this is definitely a book for you. It’s likely full of whimsy, humor and unlikely events. I really enjoyed the first two Dangerous Damsels books, but didn’t like the third. And overall, they might have been a bit too much for me in terms of humor and said whimsy, but that could also be because I read them all in a row. Either way, I hope you enjoy India Holton’s new book this summer!

7. Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto

What is Not Another Love Song About?

Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto is a romance novel about two rival musical prodigees who play together in an orchestra and start growing feelings for each other, but when they become office box success, a publicity stunt threatens to bring that to an end. 

I already wrote a bit about Not Another Love Song here, but I’m really looking forward to it. Forget Me Not was a really solid debut and the only thing I’m hoping for in this new Julie Soto novel, is a bit more romance. 

8. Business Casual by B. K. Borison

What is Business Casual About? 

Business Casual by B. K. Borison is a new installment in the Lovelight series and it follows Nova Porter and Charlie Milford as they agree on a one-night stand to combat their attraction but end up feeling so much more for each other. 

While I’ve never read the Lovelight series, it keeps catching my attention. These books seem like such sweet and tender romances, that one of these days I’ll cave and read one. If you’re a Lovelight fan, I hope you enjoy Business Casual. 

9. The Black Bird Oracle by Deborah Harkness

What is The Black Bird Oracle About?

The Black Bird Oracle by Deborah Harkness is the fifth installment in the All Souls series and it follows Diana and Matthew as they try to train and protect their twins from the dark family past and the Congregation. 

This is another series I’ve never read but that always seems interesting and fun. I did watch the first season of the show though, and enjoyed it quite a bit. If you’re looking for some fantasy and romance with witchy vibes, this is the book for you. 

10. Such Charming Liars by Karen M. McManus

What is Such Charming Liars About? 

Such Charming Liars by Karen M. McManus is a YA thriller about Kat and Liam who are both trying to con the same rich guy when he’s suddenly murdered. Somehow, they end up being the murder’s next targets, and they can only trust each other — but they’ve also been step siblings (for 48 hours) in the past and they both learned  to lie from the best. 

This sounds like such a fun mystery thriller. I’ve never read a Karen M. McManus book before, but they always sound so interesting. Looking forward to this one!