The books Southern indie booksellers are recommending to readers everywhere!

Romance

Bitten by Jordan Stephanie Gray

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Bitten by Jordan Stephanie Gray
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Uhm, so that ending was crazy!! What a fun time I had while reading this. Truly, I was entertained the whole time! The full cast audiobook was amazing!! Definitely felt more engulfing and immersive. I won’t lie, I was rooting for the one romantic male lead that is pushed on the reader the whole time and was confused as to why the other romantic lead was even there, but then it hits you, and it hits you good. I genuinely cannot wait to see how Gray explores that relationship in the next book! Also, I understand why Vanessa would have so much rage throughout the book because of what happened to her, but sometimes it just felt too damn annoying. Like, we get it, girl, you have rage. The one thing I will say is this should definitely not be considered YA. Very much so adult themes throughout the whole book, but I digress.

Bitten by Jordan Stephanie Gray, (List Price: $13.99, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 9780316584555, August 2026)

Reviewed by Itzy, M. Judson Booksellers in Greenville, South Carolina

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Left on Read by Marissa Eller

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Left on Read by Marissa Eller
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Marissa Eller delivers a sophomore novel with everything I loved about her debut, but even better. Nova is a high-achieving, neurodivergent student on the edge of burnout, surrounded by classmates facing similar problems. This novel highlights a much-needed conversation around student mental health and disillusionment, but it also manages to preserve some of the starry-eyed English Major nerd magic. Left on Read is for teens who read classics for fun, for former gifted kids with adult ADHD diagnoses, and for anyone who has strong opinions on the correct Pride & Prejudice adaptation.

Left on Read by Marissa Eller, (List Price: $19.99, Holiday House, 9780823460564, August 2026)

Reviewed by Becca, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, NC

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Old Flames by Nadine Gonzalez

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Old Flames by Nadine Gonzalez
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Though labeled a paranormal romance, I think this story is best enjoyed as steamy gothic fiction with a slow-burn cat-and-mouse romance intertwined. Speculative fiction writers gather in Key West for a conference, staying in a haunted hotel that has everyone on edge. July, a hard-shelled, enigmatic fantasy author, is reluctantly pulled to the ghostly presence on the property as well as the attention of fellow author Leo, who’s been drawn to her for a decade. Stellar writing that gives slightly more suspense than swoon— romance skeptics will appreciate this exploration of self-discovery, love, and real and metaphorical ghosts!

Old Flames by Nadine Gonzalez, (List Price: $18.99, MIRA, 9781335001214, August 2026)

Reviewed by Julia, Fountain Bookstore in Richmond, VA

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Scandal of the Summer by Alexandra Vasti

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Scandal of the Summer by Alexandra Vasti
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This was good, but I was sort of expecting more. I love a good Regency romance, especially with a pirate, but the pacing felt a little bit off for me. At the beginning of the characters were very wary of each other, and then all of a sudden they were very loving towards each other, which, if this is a slow burn, then that shouldn’t be happening, but unfortunately it did. That being said, I did love the way Archer defended Ruby with all of his heart and wanted to make sure she was safe the whole time. Now that is a man! The absolute yearning this man had for her kept me on my toes. I absolutely love that man. Also, the way I could so relate to Ruby and how she doesn’t feel seen and feels a little bit odd, especially with social ton. Trust girl, I get it. But when she loves deeply and loves so fiercely, you can clearly tell that she means it. And I love the way she was able to defend Archer and herself as the story moves along.

Scandal of the Summer by Alexandra Vasti, (List Price: $19, St. Martin’s Griffin, 9781250414250, June 2026)

Reviewed by Itzy, M. Judson Booksellers in Greenville, South Carolina

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Scandal of the Summer by Alexandra Vasti

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Scandal of the Summer by Alexandra Vasti
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This spicy slow-burn historical romance between Ruby, a brilliant and eccentric heiress, and Archer, an accomplished privateer turned con man, is hilarious, heartwarming, hope-filled, and HOT (y’all, there are TWO special interest-based love scenes, and they are *INCREDIBLE*)!! I love this book and these characters with my whole heart, and I desperately need all of you to read it, because brilliant stories are meant to be shared, and this is one of the very best books I’ve ever read!

Scandal of the Summer by Alexandra Vasti, (List Price: $19, St. Martin’s Griffin, 9781250414250, June 2026)

Reviewed by Lucy, Blinking Owl Books in Fort Myers, FL

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To Drown a Witch by Lindsey Olsson

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To Drown a Witch by Lindsey Olsson
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I LOVED this!! There were so many twists and turns that I absolutely wasn’t expecting. It was the perfect combination of These Violent Delights, Heartless Hunter, and Red Queen. I literally finished this book like five minutes ago, so I don’t have the words to describe exactly how I’m feeling, but just know there were multiple audible reactions from me while reading the last 30ish pages, and I need more people to read this immediately so I have someone to talk to about it.

To Drown a Witch by Lindsey Olsson, (List Price: $20.99, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, 9798217004799, July 2026)

Reviewed by Lola, E. Shaver, Booksellers in Savannah, Georgia

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The Final Score by Lana Ferguson

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The Final Score by Lana Ferguson
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Lana Ferguson keeps her readers fed! Be it contemporary, paranormal, omegaverse, or anything else she writes, I will read it. Beyond one title that’s audio only at the moment, I’ve read all the others that I can. The Final Score for the time being is my favorite Lana contemporary. The care that is given to Jack and Abby’s romance is superb. It’s not just the romance, but the attention to detail given to the driving forces in their lives that have molded them into who they are, is done with such intention. I’m hard-pressed to think of another contemporary romance that has dealt with what Jack and Abby do and done it so well. Everything in this book worked for me, and it’ll be one of my go-to summer read recs.

The Final Score by Lana Ferguson, (List Price: $19, Berkley, 9780593953716, July 2026)

Reviewed by Preet, Eagle Eye Book Shop in Decatur, GA

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What If It’s Us by Becky Albertalli

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What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli
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I absolutely loved this book. Becky Albertalli is one of my favorite authors and never disappoints, and this was no different. I also am now ready to go read literally every Adam Silvera book because I’m obviously missing out! This book made me laugh, and cry, and smile nonstop. I especially love the fact that Becky always plugs in references to Atlanta because that’s where she was from, and I am also from there, so it’s super cool reading about places that I regularly go to. I also appreciated that the parts of the book are named after “Only Us” from Dear Evan Hansen, because that’s my favorite Broadway show and one of my favorite songs from it. I am so excited to start telling people about this book and for it to come out so I can talk about it with people!

What If It’s Us by Becky Albertalli, (List Price: $12.99, HarperTeen, 9780062795236, May 2020)

Reviewed by Emily, Read It Again Bookstore in Suwanee, Georgia

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In Stormy Weather by Chelsea Curto

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In Stormy Weather by Chelsea Curto
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A super swoony and sexy romance between two rival meteorologists, plus best friend’s brother? Say less! Quincy and Sebastian have antagonized each other for years, but when Sebastian is back in town for the summer and hurricane season, sparks really fly! If you love banter and rivals to lovers, In In Stormy Weather is the perfect summer romance for you!

In Stormy Weather by Chelsea Curto, (List Price: $19, Atria Books, 9781668217436, July 2026)

Reviewed by Claire, River & Hill Books in Rome, GA

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Sea of Charms by Sarah Beth Durst

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Sea of Charms by Sarah Beth Durst
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MY HEARRRRRT!! Oh my stars, Sarah Beth Durst is a treasure, and her writing is always fresh and captivating. The Crescent Islands are a true retreat from the chaos of the world, and the world she’s made is one of my favorites of all time.

Sea of Charms by Sarah Beth Durst, (List Price: $29.99, Bramble, 9781250400673, July 2026)

Reviewed by Liz, Columbus Bound Book Shop in Columbus, Georgia

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The Lure of Wolves and Whispers by Amanda Connolly

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The Lure of Wolves and Whispers by Amanda Connolly
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I am undone! This book was a hurricane, and I was sucked into it at full force. Excellent debut. It felt like reading The Selection, The Hunger Games and These Hollow Vows all in one. Book 2 is officially going on my most anticipated release list. What to expect: High stakes, fast-paced, tall dark and broody, tending to wounds, sexy time, slow burn, political intrigue, secrets galore, he falls first, lots of death and violence and a whole lot more. (Mind the trigger warnings) – Definitely an upper YA read.

The Lure of Wolves and Whispers by Amanda Connolly, (List Price: $21.99, Sarah Barley Books, Simon & Schuster Books for Yo, 9781665989510, July 2026)

Reviewed by Brianne, Main Street Books in Davidson, NC

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The Missed Connection by Tia Williams

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The Missed Connection by Tia Williams
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Man, Tia Williams knows how to write a stellar romance! After a chance encounter on a flight, guarded — but delightful — Sasha enlists the help of former detective turned BBQ-ist Wes to help her find her missed connection. I loved the banter between the two main characters and found their predicaments so entertaining and unique. Truly, I’ve never read anything like this before! If you’re feeling burnt out on romance, you can always turn to Tia Williams, who will never disappoint.

The Missed Connection by Tia Williams, (List Price: $29, Grand Central Publishing, 9781538770269, June 2026)

Reviewed by Hallee, Pearl’s Books in Fayetteville, AR

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Father Material by Alexis Hall

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Father Material by Alexis Hall
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Hall’s hilarious dialogue is front and center in his newest addition to the London Calling series and you won’t be able to put this one down! Luc and Oliver have been through it in Boyfriend Material and the Husband Material. But you know, “first comes love, then comes marriage” so you know what’s next! That’s right, an adorable rescue dog that looks like a big potato! And maybe if they can get dog parenting down, they might be ready for more?

Father Material by Alexis Hall, (List Price: $18.99, Sourcebooks Casablanca, 9781728264295, June 2026)

Reviewed by Jennifer, Bookmiser in Marietta, GA

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Perfect on Paper by Sophie Gonzales

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Perfect on Paper by Sophie Gonzales
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Darcy tries to keep her head down and stay under the radar in her high school. No one can ever know that she’s the person behind Locker 89, the place her schoolmates write for anonymous relationship advice. Handsome and popular Alexander Brougham catches her collecting letters one afternoon and turns to blackmail – he will keep her secret if she helps him win back the girl that broke his heart. Desperate to keep her past less-than-great advice to her BFF (with whom she’s secretly in love) under wraps, she goes along with the scheme – with surprising results. This is a sweet, funny book about queer love and facing up to mistakes to try and be a better person. It’s the perfect snuggly read for cold winter months when you’re too stressed to read anything too heavy.

Perfect on Paper by Sophie Gonzales, (List Price: $13, Wednesday Books, 9781250830081, December 2022)

Reviewed by Andrea, Fountain Bookstore in Richmond, VA

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Moss’d in Space by Rebecca Thorne

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Moss'd in Space by Rebecca Thorne
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LOVED this one! So cute and cozy. I’m not normally the type to pick up a lot of sci-fi, but I’m so glad I picked up Moss’d in Space. I really enjoyed seeing our characters develop throughout the book, especially Moss. What an incredible life support system! The interactions between Moss and Torian varied so much from sweet and emotion-filled to witty, with lots of laugh-out-loud moments. And the ending page of the epilogue?? Very fitting that they were all still getting into mishaps ‘til the very last second.If you are looking for a cozy sapphic read that has an amazing found family (from all over space) and will keep you laughing along the way, definitely give this a go!

Moss’d in Space by Rebecca Thorne, (List Price: $18.99, Bramble, 9781250414144, June 2026)

Reviewed by Ellie, A Novel Romance LLC in Louisville, Kentucky

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