The Baroness’ Choices of New Books Publishing This Week
2025, Week 27’s New Books
My choices for this week include Cozy Mystery, Romantic Comedies, Young Adult Romantic Fantasies, Traditional Mystery, Romantic Suspense, Crime Thriller, Sweet Cowboy Romances, Sweet Romances, Cozy Culinary Mysteries, Cozy Animal Mystery, Young Adult Psychological Thriller, Middle Grade Adventure Fantasy, and Contemporary Romance.
It’s the last Sunday of June. Can you believe that June is almost over? Is the year practically done? I was told that we are halfway to Christmas. Wow! That is crazy.
I recently got a job that requires me to leave the house. So, my reading and blog schedule have changed. I apologize for the delays. Please know that I read books every day, even if only for a short time, and think of all of you.
There are many books on this list. Both Jen and I have books from this list on our TBRs.
Here are my choices for New Books Publishing Week 27 of 2025!
A Body in Boston by Terrie Farley Moran
Murder, She Wrote #61
Publication Date: July 1, 2025
Genre: Cozy Mystery
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Jessica Fletcher has dinner with her old pal Harry McGraw and gets pulled into a puzzling murder case.
Invited to deliver a lecture at the Boston Public Library, Jessica Fletcher excitedly makes plans to see local friends. Naturally that includes dinner at Gilhooley’s with PI Harry McGraw. Harry excitedly talks about his latest client, the CEO of Cure All Pharmaceuticals, who’s received anonymous blackmail demands and wants Harry to identify the culprit. Cookie, Gilhooley’s longtime bartender, also has something he wants to tell Jessica: he asked Harry to investigate his daughter Aileen’s boyfriend, who Cookie thinks is too slick by half, but now Harry is too wrapped up in this new case. While Jessica wonders how best to approach Aileen, the young woman stumbles into Gilhooley’s covered in blood. She just discovered her boyfriend’s corpse — and quickly becomes the chief suspect in his murder!
Battle of the Exes by Ellie Hartwood
Midlife Meet Cute #1
Publication Date: July 1, 2025
Genre: Romantic Comedy
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Ever make a complete fool of yourself in front of your ex while the sexiest man alive looks on in cringe-worthy amusement? Not my finest hour.
When my sister calls begging for help to save The Silver Quill, our family-owned bookstore, I hop a plane from New York and return to Silver Pine—the hometown I swore I’d never set foot in again. What I don’t expect? Running into the ex of all exes.
Beau Carter always knew how to show up at the worst possible moment.
For three blissful days, Beau and I were husband and wife. But that was a lifetime ago, before he became persona non grata.
Now, fate (or bad luck) has thrown us back together, and our reunion is anything but swoony. Turns out, Beau is the publicist in charge of the town’s literary festival, the one event standing between The Silver Quill and bankruptcy.
I’m determined to keep things professional, but Beau is maddeningly charming—and suspiciously too invested in the bookstore’s future. I know he’s up to something and I’m going to beat him at his own game.
Between heated banter and awkward run-ins, there’s a sizzling chemistry that’s harder to ignore with each passing day. Could it be that this isn’t the final chapter for us after all?
Battle of the Exes is part of The Midlife Meet Cute Series. Here’s what you’ll find:
- Later-in-life rom-com
- Enemies-to-lovers
- Second chance
- Small town
- Kisses-only
Buy Battle of the Exes for a page-flipping second chance at love today!
Den of Liars by Jessica S. Olson
Devious #1
Publication Date: July 1, 2025
Genre: Young Adult Romantic Fantasy
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A young thief attempting a daring casino heist during a high-stakes tournament is torn between two warring brothers in Den of Liars, a thrilling YA fantasy romance by acclaimed author Jessica S. Olson.
Lola St. James is the world’s best kept secret. When her father’s loss in the Liar’s Dice Tournament―a high-stakes competition where players are forced to gamble with their deepest secrets―made her a target, she was rescued by the Thief, the notorious leader of the Tentacles. But the Thief’s kindness came with a price: Lola’s heart. In the years that followed, she and the Thief formed a bond like no other, able to feel each other’s emotions because of their shared heart.
Now, living under the pseudonym Astra, she is determined to prove herself and become a full-fledged Tentacle. But when a critical heist goes sideways, the only way forward is for Lola to compete in the Liar’s Dice Tournament herself. Lola is confident in her ability to pull off any heist, but the Thief’s mysterious brother, the Liar, runs the game and he turns out to be more than she bargained for. As her attraction for him grows and illusions run wild, she will be forced to confront the secrets of her past, the truth of the brothers’ shared history, and the lies she tells herself.
Dogged Pursuit by David Rosenfelt
Andy Carpenter Mystery #0.5
Publication Date: July 1, 2025
Genre: Traditional Mystery
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In Dogged Pursuit, David Rosenfelt takes readers back to the start of this beloved series as Andy Carpenter begins his career as a defense attorney in Paterson, New Jersey.
Andy Carpenter has spent the three years since graduating law school working as a prosecutor in Paterson. But having seen how the system never looks out for the little guy, he leaves to start his own practice as a defense attorney. His office might be a little bit of a dump, but he’s excited to make a change.
Andy goes to the shelter to adopt a dog, where he meets his beloved golden retriever, Tara, for the first time and feels an immediate connection. The shelter is crowded and Tara’s been sharing space with a dog named Sunny; Andy hates to break them up and so asks to take Sunny, too, but since there’s a pending criminal case involving the owner, he’ll need to get written permission for temporary possession.
Andy discovers that Sunny’s owner, Ryan Tierney, has been arrested for the murder of his ex-boss. But he takes an immediate liking to Ryan and his clear dedication to his dog, and ends up with his first case along with the two dogs.
This prequel to the long-running and perennially popular Andy Carpenter mysteries is a gift for fans and a terrific entry-point for newcomers.
Exposing Lethal Secrets by Deena Alexander
Jameson Investigations #3
Publication Date: July 1, 2025
Genre: Romantic Suspense
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This bodyguard and his K-9
will do anything to uncover the truth.Stumbling upon a burning car and rescuing an injured woman wasn’t on bodyguard Caleb Miller’s vacation itinerary—nor were the gunmen who open fire on them. But Olivia Delaney has no memory of who she is or how she got there, only that she is under threat. Vowing to protect the woman in danger, Caleb and his K-9 go on the run with Olivia. As they work to stay a step ahead of her pursuers, they must untangle her past together…before her family’s deadly schemes bury them both.
Fog and Fury by Rachel Howzell Hall
Haven Thrillers #1
Publication Date: July 1, 2025
Genre: Crime Thriller
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She’s a new PI in a beautiful seaside town. It’s dirtier than it looks―and more dangerous too―in a twisting novel of suspense by the Anthony Award–nominated author of These Toxic Things.
After ten years on the force, LAPD cop Sonny Rush relocates with her elderly mother to peaceful Haven, California, to join her godfather’s burgeoning PI business. What crimes could possibly happen in a town nicknamed “Mayberry by the Sea”? Sonny’s first case: find Figgy, a missing goldendoodle last seen sporting a Versace collar. At least scouting out a dognapper gives Sonny a chance to get to know her new neighbors.
Forty-eight hours in town and Figgy’s disappearance entangles Sonny in an unwelcome reunion with her ex, one of Haven’s wealthiest citizens. And when the body of a teenage boy is found along a popular hiking trail, Sonny is drawn into a web of strange beyond anything she ever saw in LA.
Then comes a local’s warning: question everything. Haven hides secrets that could destroy its idyllic facade. Or destroy Sonny first.
Her Hometown Bull Rider by LeAnne Bristow
Coronado, Arizona #5
Publication Date: July 1, 2025
Genre: Sweet Cowboy Romance
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A cowboy’s heart…
Is foreverVeterinarian Becky Maxwell has returned to Coronado, Arizona, with one goal—to divorce the cowboy she secretly married. Becky’s loved Coy Tedford most of her life…and in return, he loved the rodeo more than anything else. But just when she has accepted that some cowboys were never meant to settle down, she finds that Coy isn’t the same ambitious bull rider she married. He’s started running his family’s campground and is determined to prove that he and Becky belong together. But how can she trust that her cowboy has turned in his chaps for good?
Her Summer to Start Over by Amy Vastine
Seasons Inn Romance #1
Publication Date: July 1, 2025
Genre: Sweet Romance
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She’s on summer vacation…
But he’s hoping for foreverNearly hitting a moose on the way to her New Hampshire vacation spot wasn’t in Alexa Fox’s plans, but neither was meeting the irresistibly charming new activities director, Brady Seasons. She’s a type A businesswoman, so she intends to scout the family-run inn as a takeover possibility while also trying to rest and recharge. But the more time she spends with Brady, the more she’s drawn to his kindness. When Brady uncovers her hidden agenda, he’s deeply hurt. Can Alexa mend the broken trust and turn their fleeting summer romance into something that lasts a whole lot longer?
His Carolina Redemption by Jacquelin Thomas
Polk Island #1
Publication Date: July 1, 2025
Genre: Sweet Romance
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A family legacy…
Or a fresh new start?Hotelier Shane Worthington almost forgot how much he once loved his family’s ornate historic hotel. It has all the charm of the South…and even more secrets. Now with his estranged father’s death, Shane holds the family’s hotel in his hands. And Ace Martin, the hotel’s head of security, is bound and determined to keep him from selling the grand old building. When a priceless family heirloom disappears, Ace and Shane must work together to uncover a hidden saboteur. And in doing so, they’ll test the line between duty…and love.
Murder at the High School Reunion by Lee Hollis
Maya and Sandra Mysteries #5
Publication Date: July 1, 2025
Genre: Cozy Culinary Mystery
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At their twenty-fifth high school reunion in Portland, Maine, P.I. partners and moms Maya Kendrick and Sandra Wallage must figure out which of their former classmates should have been voted most likely to kill . . .
After all these years, Maya and Sandra have mixed feelings about seeing their high school classmates, but in one sense the evening promises to be something of a red carpet event. A shy wallflower in school, Alyssa Turner has blossomed into an Oscar-nominated actress—and she’s coming to the reunion.
To their surprise, before the event, Alyssa contacts Maya and Sandra. She’s going to be playing a private eye and would like to hear about their experiences. When they meet, she confides she was bullied in school by cheerleader Tawny Bryce and her mean girls’ clique while also having a huge crush on Tawny’s boyfriend, the star quarterback.
When Tawny’s body is discovered the night of the reunion behind the bleachers, the spotlight is on Alyssa. She turns to Maya and Sandra to find the real killer. But is she as innocent as she seems—or turning in another Oscar-worthy performance?
Murder on the Books by Toni LoTempio
Cozy Bookshop Mystery #1
Publication Date: July 1, 2025
Genre: Cozy Animal Mystery
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Newly retired mystery writer Charley James returns to her small hometown only to find herself amidst a real-life murder mystery in this first book in the brand new Cozy Bookshop mystery series by award-winning and national bestselling author T.C. LoTempio.
Thirty-year-old Charlotte James, better known to her mystery fans as C.J. Barrett, decides to take a break from writing her popular Steve Sheppard mystery series. Leaving New York City, she moves back to her hometown of Austin to wind down, recuperate, and maybe come up with some new ideas for her books.
Settling into her new life, Charley reunites with her long-term friend and baker Zane who is about to open a charming double store front. But while Zane is ready to open her café, her business partner Sheila unexpectedly departs town, bailing on her bookshop and leaving nothing but a note behind.
Charley is more than happy to take over, but when she finds Sheila’s body in a chest in the store’s basement, things take a dramatic turn. Now Charley has to juggle the opening of her bookshop, a stoic but attractive Philadelphia detective, and a stray cat, all while solving Sheila’s murder Sheppard-style before the killer can strike again!
Fans of Jenn McKinlay, Ellery Adams, Lucy Connelly, Lauren Elliott, and Ellie Alexander will love this cozy mystery “featuring a plucky, likable heroine, plenty of suspense [and] unexpected twists” (Booklist).
Overruled by Lana Ferguson
Publication Date: July 1, 2025
Genre: Romantic Comedy
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Two divorce lawyers determined to share only beds but not hearts discover that love is something that can’t be overruled in this steamy contemporary romance by Lana Ferguson, USA Today bestselling author of The Game Changer.
Danica Pierce has one great love in her life: work. As one of the top divorce lawyers in Austin, Danica lets her caseload keep her warm at night and has no problem being married to her job, not when love only ends in hurt. When the biggest case of her career gives her a shot at making partner, it seems like nothing could possibly stand in her way…except for her infuriating secret: she’s sleeping with the enemy.
Ezra Hart is known for charming his way in and out of a courtroom. In the matter of winning Danica Pierce’s heart, however, he’s been far less successful. With her verdict to keep things purely physical with no chance of appeal, Ezra struggles to show Danica he’s more than the insufferable playboy she’s pegged him to be—especially since they find themselves on opposing sides of Danica’s most important case to date.
While Dani and Ezra battle it out in the courtroom, the real trial is the one happening between them. When Dani realizes that everything she knows of Ezra might be hearsay—and that she’s not the only one with emotional baggage—she must choose between her fear of trusting again and the feelings blossoming between her and the man she thought was her worst enemy.
Party of Liars by Kelsey Cox
Publication Date: July 1, 2025
Genre: Young Adult Psychological Thriller
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AN INDIE NEXT PICK
A LIBRARY READS PICK
Most Anticipated by Goodreads, Fresh Fiction and more!
A lavish, Texas-sized Sweet Sixteen turns deadly in this twisty, pulse-pounding new novel ― serving up a fresh take on a classic locked-room whodunnit. Let the festivities begin…Today is Sophie Matthews’s sixteenth birthday party, an exclusive black-tie bash in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, where secrets are as deep-rooted as the sprawling live oaks. Sophie’s dad has spared no expense, and his renovated cliffside mansion―once thought haunted and shuttered for years from outsiders―is now hosting the event of the season. Then, just before the candles on the three-tiered red velvet cake are blown out, a body falls from the balcony onto the starlit dance floor below.
It’s a killer guest list . . .
DANI: Sophie’s new stepmother who’s been plagued by self-doubt ever since the birth of her own baby girl
ÓRLAITH: the superstitious Irish nanny who senses a looming danger in this cavernous house
MIKAYLA: the birthday girl’s best friend who is not nearly as meek as the popular kids assume
KIM: the cunning ex-wife who has a grudge she can’t let go of . . .
Everyone is invited in. Not everyone will get out alive.
Rocky Road to Murder by Lena Gregory
Coffee and Cream Cafe Mysteries #6
Publication Date: July 1, 2025
Genre: Cozy Culinary Mystery
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From author Lena Gregory comes a tasty summer murder mystery…
Danika Delaney is thrilled that her old fashioned malt shop, the Coffee & Cream Café, has gotten a catering contract for the biggest party of the season, the Rutherford Manor Fourth of July gala. She’ll be providing desserts for the party as well as attending the exclusive event on Eastern Long Island.
However her path to the gala quickly becomes a rocky road…
Dani arrives at the event, only to find the gala’s hostess, Cressida Rutherford, dead! What’s worse, one of Dani’s signature parfaits sits next to the dead woman, with what looks like peanuts in it—a food Cressida is severely allergic to. Amid the melted ice cream mess, Dani initially blames herself, thinking she made a mistake while rushing with the desserts. However she quickly learns that what appeared to be an accident was actually foul play, and suddenly Dani has to spring into action proving that she isn’t the perpetrator. Along with her friends, Dani uncovers a string of people in Cressida’s life who might have wanted the socialite dead. Can she prove her innocence and make sure the killer gets their just desserts?
The Boy, the Mountain, and the Serpent Who Ate the Moon by Caris Avendano Cruz
Publication Date: July 1, 2025
Genre: Middle Grade Adventure Fantasy
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From the author of Marikit and the Ocean of Stars, a magical middle grade adventure about three Filipino children who must find their way through a mystical land filled with monsters and gods from Filipino lore.
The town of Santo Cristo is known for two things―their colorful town fiesta capped off with a solemn evening procession, and the dozens of people that have disappeared over the years. When three kids―the headstrong Bayani, stubborn Isay, and anxious Aaron―find their way over the other side of a mysterious bridge and to a long-forgotten island of myth, they’re faced with monsters, cryptids, and sinister characters. In this land of Night, they must find their way back to their world and keep their light burning bright lest they lose themselves too.
The Cowboy’s Baby Surprise by Lisa Childs
Bachelor Cowboys #1
Publication Date: July 1, 2025
Genre: Sweet Cowboy Romance
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A baby found in the barn means…
An instant cowboy dad!When a baby is abandoned on the Four Corners Ranch, CPS investigator Elise Shaw drops everything to find the parents. She can’t understand why Liam Lemmon, the bachelor cowboy who found the child, first denies being her father, then claims her as his own! Elise visits the Wyoming ranch regularly to check up on them and soon starts to feel like part of the family. But her heart is getting too involved with the case…and with Liam. And when she learns the cowboy’s secret, will she be forced to take away the child they’ve both come to love?
The Nightblood Prince by Molly X. Chang
Publication Date: July 1, 2025
Genre: Young Adult Romantic Fantasy
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Two kingdoms on the brink of battle. One prophesied empress to unite them, who finds herself caught between two princes, and the fact that love alone may not stop the coming war. A thrilling young adult romantasy from the bestselling author of To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods.
*The first edition hardcover of The Nightblood Prince will feature stunning decorative sprayed edges!*
Two princes. One prophecy. A fate she cannot outrun.
The night Fei was born, a prophecy was made: she would one day become the Empress of All Empresses.
Torn from her family as a child and raised in the palace to one day marry the Crown Prince of the most powerful empire in the land, Fei has only ever known loneliness. When the opportunity arises to seize her own destiny for the first time in her life, Fei sets out to hunt a legendary tiger, knowing it might cost her everything. What she doesn’t expect is to fall under the mercy of Yexue, the beautiful runaway prince from a rival kingdom. Blessed by the night, harboring a dangerous magic, and capable of commanding an army of deadly vampires, Yexue could be the key to Fei gaining more than just her freedom.
But to outrun destiny, Fei must spark a wave of events that will change the world as she knows it. Torn between two princes and plagued by nightmares of bloodshed, she finds that the stars might be more inescapable—and more irresistible—than she ever considered before. . . .
The Summer You Were Mine by Jill Francis
Publication Date: July 1, 2025
Genre: Contemporary Romance
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A beachy, second-chance romance set on the stunning Italian coast, where messy emotions and life challenges collide in this poignant and enthralling novel.
Ellie Beltrami and Cristiano Conte have known each other their entire lives. Both families hail from Chiavari, a small city on the Italian Riviera. Their grandparents are friends. Their parents are friends. They were friends. And for one brief moment fourteen summers ago, they were almost more than that.
After years apart, Ellie and Cris are headed back to Chiavari as generations of Beltramis and Contes gather for the unlikely second marriage between her grandmother and his grandfather. But while everyone’s celebrating, Ellie is reeling from the very public implosion of her career as the host of a sports talk show, plus overthinking her past and perceived flaws in light of the recent discovery that she is neurodivergent. Cris, a newly retired elite swimmer, also arrives adrift after being accused of using a banned substance.
Reunited in a place where summer dreams come true, Cris and Ellie make a deal: an exclusive interview with Cris to fix her career, and an appearance on Ellie’s show to clear his name. Soon they’re picking up where their teen romance left off―but if this second chance can last, they’ll need to finally confront what drove them apart all those summers ago.
Can your greatest regret become your deepest love?
Well, that’s it for the New Books Releasing Week 27 of 2025
Drop a comment if you like one of the books above or if you have one to recommend.
Thank you for stopping by,
Happy Reading!
Baroness’ Book Trove is an Amazon affiliate, meaning that if you click the link and make a purchase, this blog receives a small percentage of the sale. Primarily, this helps offset the website’s costs and a few giveaways.
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