Summer book releases (July – September) that I’m adding to the TBR.
There are some incredible books coming out this summer, and I’ve been so excited putting this list together. From emotional reads that will probably have me reaching for tissues, to twisty thrillers perfect for the stickiest of heatwaves, it feels like there’s something for every kind of reading mood. I can already picture these books being read in all the best summer settings – by the sea with salty fingers turning pages, curled up by the fire as the sun sets, or tucked into the shade during those long, hazy afternoons, under my favourite tree in the park. Here are some of the books I cant wait to read, that are coming out in July – September…
Heartstopper: Volume 6 by Alice Oseman
Expected 2nd July, 2026
I can’t quite believe that this is the final instalment of Heartstopper! I don’t think I’m ready for it to end! Alice Oseman’s beloved graphic novel series has captured readers’ hearts around the world, and saying goodbye to Nick and Charlie is going to be emotional. As Charlie throws himself into his campaign to become Head Boy and Nick prepares for the life-changing transition to university, there are plenty of big moments on the horizon. I’m so excited to see how their story unfolds and can’t wait to find out what the future holds for them both.
Take What You Can by Naima Coster
Expected 7th July, 2026
I was first drawn in by the gorgeous cover and intriguing title … I’m a sucker for a book with food on the cover! Then I read the blurb and was instantly hooked. Set partly in France (always a win for me), this story follows two friends who reconnect after years apart, only to discover how much they’ve changed. Exploring friendship, motherhood, class, and long-buried secrets, it sounds like a compelling and emotional read. I can’t wait to see whether Val and Milly can overcome the rift between them and find their way back to each other.
The Season of Sinking by Daphne Woolsoncroft
Expected 7th July, 2026
I haven’t come across this author before, but this book immediately caught my attention. Written by true crime podcaster Daphne Woolsoncroft, it follows twin sisters returning to their childhood hometown after their mother’s sudden death, only to uncover dark secrets and unsettling memories from the past. As a sound artist and podcaster myself, I’m always intrigued when authors come from the audio storytelling world, and the atmospheric, small-town mystery vibes sound right up my street. One question for those who have already read Woolsoncroft’s work: do I need to read her debut novel first, or does The Season of Sinking work as a standalone?
In Wonderland by Joyce Maynard
Expected 14th July, 2026
This book went straight onto my anticipated reads list as soon as I saw it was an Alice in Wonderland retelling. Some of my favourite retellings have been inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic story, so I’m always excited to see a fresh take on Wonderland. Blending familiar elements with a darker, more contemporary twist, this sounds like the kind of imaginative and atmospheric read that I love. I’m really looking forward to seeing how the author reinterprets such an iconic tale and what new surprises await down the rabbit hole.
Sex Diaries by Alyssa Shelasky: Real-life Stories of Non-Monogamy and Polyamory
Expected 14th July, 2026
Sex Diaries promises to shine a light on a wide range of experiences, perspectives, and relationship dynamics, giving a platform to voices that aren’t always represented in mainstream conversations. I love reading books that challenge my assumptions and introduce me to different ways of thinking and living, and this sounds both insightful and empowering. Most of all, I appreciate books that encourage open, honest conversations about sex and relationships without shame or judgement, and I’m curious to see what stories and perspectives this collection has to offer.
The Winter Folk by Jen Julian
Expected 21st July, 2026
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I love a book set in the woods. There’s something about an atmospheric forest setting that immediately makes me want to pick up a book, and The Winter Folk sounds wonderfully eerie and immersive. With folklore, mystery, and a remote woodland backdrop, it feels like the perfect read for the darker evenings ahead. I can already picture myself curled up under a blanket, reading this by the outdoor fire as the sun goes down. If this book delivers on its haunting atmosphere and sense of place, I think it could be a real favourite. P.s … what a cover!
We Are The Kings by Donal Ryan
Expected 13th August, 2026
I love Donal Ryan. His writing always has this quiet emotional pull that stays with me long after I’ve finished a book, and I already know Where Are the Kings is going to be no different. Following a young boy navigating family, grief, and the complexities of growing up, it sounds like exactly the kind of beautifully written, emotionally charged story that will make me shed a tear or two. I’m both looking forward to it and preparing myself for the emotional damage it’s probably going to do.
Etna by Paul Noon
Expected 27th August, 2026
I already know this one is going to make me sob my heart out. Etna follows a dog who has survived a devastating war and now sets out on a journey home, and the idea of experiencing the world entirely through his POV sounds both heartbreaking and beautifully immersive. I’m especially drawn to the bond between Etna and the humans (and animals) he meets along the way. I’m slightly dreading how much this will hurt me, but I also can’t wait to read it – I have a feeling it might completely break me in the best way. Gah, I hope it’s a happy ending!
Unprecedented Times by Malavika Kannan
Expected 18th August 2026
Another gorgeous cover! It had me intrigued straight away, and it’s the kind of book I found myself adding to my list before I’d even properly read the blurb. Unprecedented Times follows a Gen Z coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of Stanford, queer friendships, and life during the COVID pandemic. I’m really interested to see how it handles that period in time, especially through such a personal, character-driven lens. I love books that explore identity, relationships, and that slightly messy process of growing up, and this sounds like it could capture all of that in a really honest way.
Sophie Standing There by Meg Mason
Expected 27th August 2026
This one feels especially close to home for me. Sophie Standing There follows a young woman navigating friendship, identity, and the messy reality of early adulthood, and it sounds like one of those quietly reflective reads that lingers with you. Like Sophie, I work for a book festival, so I’m really looking forward to those bookish moments woven into the characters’ lives, and whether there are any parallels to the kinds of literary spaces I spend my time in. I’m particularly curious about how it captures those everyday, book-filled details and how they shape the characters’ sense of self and connection.
Taipei Story by R.F Kuang
Expected on 8th September, 2026
I thought I was done with R. F. Kuang after having such high hopes for Katabasis, which ended up being a bit of a disappointment for me. So I wasn’t necessarily looking for another of her books, but then I saw the cover of Taipei Story and was instantly intrigued. After reading the blurb, I knew I’d be picking it up anyway. It sounds sharp, character-driven, and emotionally layered in a way that really appeals to me. And of course, I’m always here for a food theme running through a story; it’s one of my favourite little details in fiction that instantly makes a book feel more immersive.
More: Sexual Fantasies by Anonymous, by Gillian Anderson
Expected 10th September, 2026
I still need to read this Want by Gillian Anderson. I know, I know, it’s literally sitting on my bedside table as I type this. BUT I’ve been really drawn to More regardless. It follows a sharp, emotionally layered exploration of relationships and modern life, and I’m especially interested in how it engages with themes of female sexual empowerment in a way that feels open, honest, and important. Also, alongside everyone else in the world, I’m absolutely in love with Gillian Anderson, so this book was always going on the list.
Exit Party by Emily St. John Mandel
Expected 16th September, 2026
I really loved Station Eleven, so when I saw that Emily St. John Mandel was bringing out a new novel, my attention was immediately caught. Exit Party is set around a mysterious end-of-life facility where people choose the moment of their own death, and follows the quiet, intimate lives of those connected to it as they navigate grief, love, and what it means to choose an ending. It’s not the kind of premise I would usually gravitate towards, which is why I feel a little nervous about it, but I trust the author completely to handle it with nuance and emotional depth. I’m really curious, and slightly apprehensive, to see where this story goes.
Stations by Louise Kennedy
Expected 24th September, 2026
Two things I absolutely love in fiction are unlikely friendships and a setting in Ireland, so Stations immediately caught my attention. The story follows two people from very different walks of life whose paths unexpectedly cross, slowly building a connection that feels both tender and transformative. I’m always drawn to stories that explore how relationships form in unexpected places, especially when they’re grounded in a strong sense of place, and this sounds like it could be a really moving read.
American Hagwon by Min Jin Lee
Expected 29th September, 2026
I love the sound of this book, especially that opening description (read it if you haven’t already!) American Hagwon paints a vivid picture of lives unfolding across a huge range of spaces, from schools and churches to nail salons, hotel rooms, law firms, and fried-fish shops, all showing different corners of the same shared struggle. There’s something really compelling about the way it captures people trying to find meaning and satisfaction in increasingly unforgiving circumstances, and I’m fascinated by the idea of those intersecting lives. It sounds expansive, sharp, and deeply human, and I’m really intrigued to see how all those threads come together.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this little round-up of some of the summer releases I’m most excited about, my TBR is officially out of control again. If you’re over on my Bookstagram, I’ll be sharing more of my reading updates, reactions, and probably a few emotional spiral posts as I get through these!
I’d also love to know what’s on your radar for this summer. Are there any upcoming releases you think I absolutely need to add to my list? Drop them in the comments and enable my ever-growing TBR (I’m not responsible for the consequences!).
Happy reading! 🙂
