The books Southern indie booksellers are recommending to readers everywhere!

Contemporary

Red City by Marie Lu

The balance Lu crafted between Sam and Ari is pure perfection, you could even say it’s alchemical. I should have prepared myself for how entranced by this world that I would be, but I was taken off guard in the best way. A fresh addition to fantasy that I can’t and won’t stop thinking about.

Red City by Marie Lu, (List Price: $29.99, Tor Books, 9781250885678, October 2025)

Reviewed by Sarah Hudson, M. Judson Booksellers in Greenville, South Carolina

Red City by Marie Lu Read More »

Book Buzz: People Watching by Hannah Bonam-Young

ad

Hannah Bonam-Young, photo credit the authorWhat I really enjoy about writing love stories is the little moments that feel just as important as the big love declarations. I think it’s the acts of service, the little thoughtful things that each character will do for the other. In each of my books, there’s a moment that I can narrow down to, of consideration and thoughtfulness in a physical, tangible way. The way that Bo [Out on a Limb] goes about splitting their expenses. It’s not a grand declaration of love, but it’s respect, and it’s an understanding and communication, and it’s showing somebody who is really capable of having awkward conversations when wanting to take care of somebody. And wanting to look after someone with respect in mind. Or like Caleb in Out of the Woods, when Sarah is upset because they’re going camping and they don’t have any electricity. She doesn’t bring her Kindle, but he brings it, and he buys her a solar charger. It’s this little way of like letting someone know that they’re seen and their past influences matter

― Hannah Bonham-Young, Interview, Didees Magazine

People Watching by Hannah Bonham-Young

What booksellers are saying about People Watching

  • I have fallen in love with Hannah’s storytelling! I literally could not put it down and stayed up all night reading it. It’s sweet, emotional, steamy, and wholesome all at the same time. Also, a hot man that is an artist with a mustache and tattoos…yes please??
      ― Juliana Reyes, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina | BUY

  • A sweet and sexy romance from Hannah Bonam-Young! I thoroughly enjoyed the romance between Prue and Milo; I’m a sucker for a sex lessons deal. The way that Bonam-Young handled Prue’s mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis and care was very well done. I know this will be an easy handsell in store this fall.
      ― Claire McWhorter, River & Hill Books in Rome, Georgia | BUY

  • With every new book Hannah Bonam-Young releases, she hits new highs. It’s no question People Watching is one of my most anticipated 2025 releases and it delivers in a huge way. With found family, beautiful prose, and emotions for days- People Watching is sure to be one of your favorite reads too!
    ― Preet Singh, Eagle Eye Book Shop in Decatur, Georgia | BUY

About Hannah Bonham-Young

Hannah Bonham-Young is the author of Next of Kin, Next to You, and Out on a Limb. Hannah writes romances featuring a cast of diverse, disabled, marginalized, and LGBTQIA+ folks wherein swoon-worthy storylines blend with the beautiful, messy, and challenging realities of life. When not reading or writing romance, you can find her having living room dance parties with her kids or planning any occasion that warrants a cheeseboard. Originally from Ontario, Canada, she lives with her childhood friend turned husband, Ben, two kids, and a bulldog near Niagara Falls on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples.

ad

Book Buzz: People Watching by Hannah Bonam-Young Read More »

A First Time for Everything (Deluxe Edition) by K. L. Walther

This fun and lighthearted young adult novel follows high school sports star Madeline through her journey to find love as well as a connection with her soon to be sister in law. She is thrust into the adult world with wedding planning and events, all while searching for love. Only love was there all along, just not where she expected it to be. Just like in life, Madeline had to learn to open her eyes and realize that our journey does not always lead us where we expected. We just have to be ready and accepting. This book also has some great lessons on not being assuming and seeing people for who they really are. All around a great read!

A First Time for Everything (Deluxe Edition) by K. L. Walther, (List Price: $14.99, Sourcebooks Fire, 9781728263144, June 2025)

Reviewed by Kristy Everette, Angel Wings Bookstore & Bistro in Oxford, North Carolina

A First Time for Everything (Deluxe Edition) by K. L. Walther Read More »

A Mastery of Monsters by Liselle Sambury

Amazing amazing amazing!! From the first chapter, I was immediately drawn into the story and only put it down when absolutely necessary. If you love Legendborn like I do, this is the book for you. I loved!! the main ensemble, and watching each of their dynamics grow against the backdrop of the story was beyond enjoyable. The budding forbidden, slow-burn romance alongside the steady increasing tension was chef’s kiss. Can’t wait for the second one!

A Mastery of Monsters by Liselle Sambury, (List Price: $24.99, Margaret K. McElderry Books, 9781665957366, July 2025)

Reviewed by Sol Johnson, Quail Ridge Books in Raleigh, North Carolina

A Mastery of Monsters by Liselle Sambury Read More »

Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab

I can’t believe how incredible this story is, and that is saying something because I had EXTREMELY high expectations. This is, dare I say, one of the best vampire novels of all time. It’s Carmilla, it’s Pride and Prejudice, it’s Jennifer’s body, it’s that scene from Twilight where Rosalie gets her revenge, it’s everything good that has ever been written, but with Schwabs incomparable magic touch. With phenomenal storylines and a host of characters that are so gorgeously romantic, viciously selfish, and utterly lonely, this was just a masterpiece to put my eyes to.

Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab, (List Price: $29.99, Tor Books, 9781250320520, June 2025)

Reviewed by Shelby Barnett, Cavalier House Books in Denham Springs, Louisiana

Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab Read More »

Worth Fighting For by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Mulan was a badass woman warrior in history, and Jesse Sutanto portrays that beautifully in this contemporary retelling. I have always loved the story of Mulan. That was then amplified when Disney made a movie about her. Sutanto does an amazing job of twisting the tale into a contemporary storyline without losing the original meaning and lessons from the original. In my opinion, you could not have found a better author to take on Mulan’s story and blow it out of the park.

Worth Fighting For by Jesse Q. Sutanto, (List Price: $26.99, Hyperion Avenue, 9781368112802, June 2025)

Reviewed by Mandy Harris, Angel Wings Bookstore & Bistro in Oxford, North Carolina

Worth Fighting For by Jesse Q. Sutanto Read More »

Amelia, If Only by Becky Albertalli

Albertalli’s newest, about chaos bisexuals and para-social relationships, hits ALL the right notes! Amelia’s a wee bit obsessed with YouTuber Walter, whose bisexual coming out made her feel seen in a way she hadn’t before. Now he’s doing a meet and greet just a car ride away and she just needs to get her friends on board so she can go meet him.

Amelia, If Only by Becky Albertalli, (List Price: $19.99, HarperCollins, 9780063045927, June 2025)

Reviewed by Jennifer Jones, Bookmiser in Marietta, Georgia

Amelia, If Only by Becky Albertalli Read More »

The Summer We Ran by Audrey Ingram

I always enjoy Audrey Ingram’s books, and this one didn’t disappoint! This story weaves together love, ambition, and love — and how it can one day circle back to you, bringing up old secrets. This is the summer read you’re waiting for, with explorations of resilience, lost love, and beautifully flawed characters.

The Summer We Ran by Audrey Ingram, (List Price: $17.99, Zibby Publishing, 9798989923069, June 2025)

Reviewed by Leah Fallon, Birch Tree Bookstore in Leesburg, Virginia

The Summer We Ran by Audrey Ingram Read More »

When Haru Was Here by Dustin Thao

Eric, devastated by the death of his best friend, creates his own reality by living his life as if the people he misses are still there. Dreams and reality collide when Haru, a guy he spent a brief few hours with in Japan last summer, shows up in Chicago. Is he real? Or is he in Eric’s head? When Haru Was Here explores devastating loss and figuring out how to let go.

When Haru Was Here by Dustin Thao, (List Price: $20, Wednesday Books, 9781250762061, September 2024)

Reviewed by Jennifer Jones, Bookmiser in Marietta, Georgia

When Haru Was Here by Dustin Thao Read More »

Kate in Waiting by Becky Albertalli

A modern high school rom-com in signature Albertalli fashion. As the fall musical approaches, Kate and her best friend, Anderson, want nothing more than to finally have their time in the spotlight. However, complications arise when their communal summer crush transfers to Roswell High and auditions for the musical. A dramatic and humorous coming-of-age tale centered around first crushes and the relationships that matter most. Kate in Waiting is sure to deliver all the warm and fuzzy feelings.

Kate in Waiting by Becky Albertalli, (List Price: $12.99, HarperCollins, 9780062643841, July 2022)

Reviewed by Asia Harden, Square Books in Oxford, Mississippi

Kate in Waiting by Becky Albertalli Read More »

Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez

Abby Jimenez tackles two topics we don’t see a lot in romance: long-distance relationships with tangible obstacles, and the harsh realities of caregiving for someone with dementia. Anyone who’s experienced either situation will resonate deeply with Xavier and Samantha’s struggles. So beautiful.

Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez, (List Price: $28, Forever, 9781538759196, April 2025)

Reviewed by Sarai Rivera, Spellbound Bookstore in Sanford, Florida

Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez Read More »

Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon

I’m a hoofer. Tap has always been my dance love, and one of Vicki’s Tap Pups’ neatest dances was a compilation of dances of the 50s and 60s. Needless to say, ballroom dancing is not my strength, although a simple jitterbug has given hubs and me a surprising amount of wedding attention. Thing is, it’s not the jitterbug, it’s the connection. I’m proud to say we’ve been married for 20 years. In Instructions for Dancing, Evie receives a dubious superpower that she sees the love lives of couples — how they met, how they grew together, and, prophetically, the tragic breakups that haven’t happened yet but will. That, coupled with her parents’ ugly divorce (and not being allowed to tell her younger sister that her dad had an affair), makes her hesitant to engage in a relationship. But she accepts a challenge that “not everybody can dance good, but everybody can dance”, and ends up paired with X, who lives by a “just say yes” philosophy, and things change in ways she never expected.

Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon, (List Price: $12.99, Ember, 9781524718992, May 2022)

Reviewed by Lisa Yee Swope, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon Read More »

In the Wild Light by Jeff Zentner

This book is classic Zentner. With lovely prose, it make you laugh, cry, and appreciate the family you have—both by birth and by choice.

In the Wild Light by Jeff Zentner, (List Price: $13.99, Ember, 9781524720278, August 2022)

Reviewed by Amanda Gawthorpe, Page 158 Books in Wake Forest, North Carolina

In the Wild Light by Jeff Zentner Read More »

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams

This book is absolutely delightful. I had some great laugh-out-loud moments while reading. Tia Williams is becoming one of my favorite authors by far!

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams, (List Price: $17.99, Grand Central Publishing, 9781538726716, February 2025)

Reviewed by Anastasia Williams, The Bottom in Knoxville, Tennessee

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams Read More »

The Broposal by Sonora Reyes

The Broposal was a wild ride from start to finish. Alejandro (Han for short) has been best friends with Kenny since they were 8. Now, at 23, they are still inseparable. When Kenny learns that Han lost his job that was meant to sponsor his visa, he comes up with the idea of fake-marrying Han for his citizenship instead. Although their plan seems foolproof, Kenny’s ex Jackie continues to cause trouble for the two. This book has the fun romance trope of fake relationships while also showing the struggle of an undocumented person in America. You’ll laugh and you’ll cry, and hope for their happily ever after.

The Broposal by Sonora Reyes, (List Price: $17.99, Forever, 9781538766682, January 2025)

Reviewed by Gabriela Warner, Epilogue: Books Chocolate Brews in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

The Broposal by Sonora Reyes Read More »

Scroll to Top