The Baroness’ Choices of New Books Publishing This Week
2026, Week 32’s New Books
My choices for this week include Sweet Romances, Cozy Culinary Mystery, Young Adult Romantic Fantasy, Cozy Animal Mystery, Sweet Cowboy Romance, New Adult Sports Romance, Middle Grade, Historical Mystery, Romantic Fantasies, Young Adult Sports Romantic Comedy, and Cozy Paranormal Animal Mystery.
It’s August! This month means a lot to different people. For us Texans, it means the hottest month of the year is here. For many others with kids, it means back to school is almost here. In the past, I had mixed feelings about August, but this year I am happy that it’s here. It still means we can sit outside if there’s a good breeze and one can still read books in the shade. I would love to head to a seaside escape, but that isn’t in the cards for me.
I got a mixed set of books this week. Some of the books are for adults, some for young adults, and I tried to get some middle grade books in as well. Jen and I both added some of these to our TBR lists.
Here are my choices for New Books Publishing Week 32 of 2026!
The Beachside Rental by Jennifer Faye
Adams Family of Bluestar Island #2
Publication Date: August 3, 2026
Genre: Sweet Romance
Bluestar’s latest matchmaker is of the four-footed variety. Gus, the golden retriever, has found the perfect mate for his human—if only they’d listen to him.
Jenna Adams is the front-end supervisor at the Island Market. She feels as though she’s at a crossroads in her life: remain a part of the family business or strike out on her own. Her mind tells her to move on, but her heart tells her to remain on the island.
Simon Bennett is a bestselling author with a major motion picture deal. But money and fame can come with serious drawbacks. When his agent finds him a quiet beachside rental on Bluestar Island to lie low and write his next book, he thinks all of his problems are solved…until he meets his beautiful neighbor.
Jenna’s new neighbor has a habit of stepping on her last nerve. However, when push comes to shove, they’ve got each other’s backs. Will these neighbors find they have more in common than they ever imagined?
Includes a recipe for Jenna’s Spaghetti Pie!
A Murderer’s Guide to Mardi Gras by Ellen Byron
Vintage Cookbook Mysteries #5
Publication Date: August 4, 2026
Genre: Cozy Culinary Mystery
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It’s cozy. It’s culinary. It‘s Mardi Gras madness! It’s the fifth book in this fabulous mystery series with a vintage flair from USA Today-bestselling and Agatha Award–winning author Ellen Byron.
Step 1: join a killer krewe
It’s carnival season in New Orleans, and Ricki James-Diaz and her friends from Bon Vee are dressing up for Mardi Gras. They’ve joined the notorious krewe of Chew to support Ricki’s chef boyfriend, Virgil, who is to be crowned this year’s king. It’s all fun, throws, and over-the-top outfits until the krewe’s captain is found strangled with his own medallion.
Step 2: survive the festivities
The prime suspect is Ricki’s friend, the deceased’s wife who discovered he was cheating on her. It seems a straightforward case, but Ricki isn’t so sure. The krewe’s leader had many enemies including his mistress, his krewe co-founder who he ousted, and his college friend whose girlfriend he stole. One thing’s clear, Ricki’s at the center of yet another murder investigation. And if she’s not careful, her first Mardi Gras could also be her last . . .
Perfect for fans of Joanne Fluke, these delightful mysteries bring New Orleans to life with fun characters and delicious recipes. This series is a must-read for culinary cozy lovers!
Alchemy of Souls by Adriana Mather
Publication Date: August 4, 2026
Genre: Young Adult Romantic Fantasy
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From New York Times–bestselling author Adriana Mather, comes the next big YA fantasy romance Alchemy of Souls, following two magically bound teens as they race to solve the mystery of an ancient mystical key before it’s too late.
Grayson Stone is no stranger to deception. Under the watchful eye of his uncle, the High Chancellor, he has been well-trained in all four types of magic, all while secretly working against his uncle’s corrupt rule. Years of plans depend on him being marked Gifted during his University entrance exam, proving that he is the perfect heir and gaining his uncle’s trust. Unfortunately, things don’t go as planned, and he has only one person to blame: Eloise Belrose.
Raised by a family of Laborers, Eloise is the most unlikely student to become a Mage, but through her hard work and long hours spent practicing she is finally admitted to the prestigious University of Magical Arts, guaranteeing safety and security for her whole family. Until things go very wrong, and she somehow becomes magically linked to Grayson Stone, the school’s arrogant, annoyingly attractive, golden boy, putting not only her University acceptance, but also her and her family’s lives at risk.
Eloise and Grayson are given less than two weeks to solve an impossible mystery―one that will give the High Chancellor even more power and control―or face the consequences. Forced to room together, with all the same classes, while pretending to date to hide their secret quest, sparks definitely fly. As their feelings grow more real it becomes harder to live the lies they’ve had to tell to survive. With time running out, will they be able to trust the bond between them or will their lies tear them apart forever?
Autumn at the Cat Café by Kathleen Fuller
Publication Date: August 4, 2026
Genre: Sweet Romance
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From USA TODAY bestselling author Kathleen Fuller comes a cozy, kisses-only romance about fresh starts, fall leaves, and finding love right next door, perfect for fans of Gilmore Girls and Sarah Adams.
Via Dalton has sworn off men to focus on the two things she loves most: her quirky cat café, Pawsitive Vibes, and the charming town of Pecan Corner, Ohio. But her peaceful world is shaken when Earl Brewster, the owner of the beloved Second Chapter Books next door, passes away. Via is determined to buy the shop and preserve Earl’s legacy, but her plans hit a snag in the form of a tall, handsome, and completely unexpected heir.
Leo Brewster’s life is thriving in LA, and the last thing he needs is an inheritance in the middle-of-nowhere, Ohio. But the alternative–letting his estranged mother inherit–has him packing his bags to receive the inheritance, quickly sell it off to the highest bidder, and hightail it back to LA. What he didn’t count on was the list of stipulations in the will that has him staying in the small town for a month. Oh, and the determined, sunny café owner next door who refuses to let him destroy the town’s heart without a fight.
Desperate to convince Leo the bookstore is vital to her community, Via challenges Leo to complete her Autumn Bucket List. As they navigate corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and fall festivals, Leo begins to see the magic in Pecan Corner–and in Via. Despite her vow to stay single and his plan to leave, the attraction between them simmers like hot cider.
Can a season of small-town charm convince a city boy to stay, or will Via lose both the bookstore and her heart?
Grab a warm drink and curl up with this delightful grumpy/sunshine, opposites-attract story of unexpected love and small-town charm.
Death on the Books by Victoria Gilbert
Blue Ridge Library Mysteries #10
Publication Date: August 4, 2026
Genre: Cozy Animal Mystery
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A sleuthing library director is on the case when a patron drops dead in the tenth installment of Victoria Gilbert’s critically acclaimed Blue Ridge Library mysteries.
When a stranger falls over dead in the Taylorsford Public Library, clutching a crumpled piece of paper inscribed only with the words hen and sapphire, Library Director Amy Muir must once again investigate. She soon learns that the man is the personal assistant to Warren Sanderson, an art collector and dealer who just so happens to be visiting Kurt Kendrick, the godfather of Amy’s twins.
When the autopsy reveals that the library patron was poisoned, suspicion falls on those who knew him—mainly Sanderson, his granddaughter Heather, and Kurt. Determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, Amy digs into the contentious relationships between Kurt and the Sandersons. But as it turns out, suspects abound, and when Amy’s best friend’s boyfriend is implicated, the case becomes even more complicated.
Amy’s research ties the dead man’s note to a lost treasure of the Romanov empire. Then another person falls victim. With the bodies piling up, Amy knows better than anyone that killers often keep killing until they’re caught, and she’ll stop at nothing to get to the bottom of this tangled mystery.
Declaration of Love by Shanna Hatfield
Petticoats and Patriots #8
Publication Date: August 4, 2026
Genre: Sweet Cowboy Romance
In a season of fireworks and freedom, can two independent hearts make a declaration of love?
Grady Guthry understands the weight of a promise. Years after returning from the Army to help his widowed sister and young nephew rebuild their lives, he’s created a solid life in Holiday, Oregon. With a thriving construction business and deep roots in his small town, Grady’s world is steady, dependable, and safe—just the way he needs it. The last thing he’s looking for is change, especially not in the form of the town’s new, temporary postmaster.
Kate Barton has always followed the horizon. An Air Force veteran who thrives on freedom and fresh starts, she moves from one assignment to the next, never staying long enough to put down roots. But when she arrives in Holiday, she carries more than just her bags. A cherished locket left behind by her father draws her into a legacy she never knew existed—and begins to stir a longing she can’t quite ignore.
As Holiday prepares for the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, an unexpected friendship between Grady and Kate deepens into an undeniable slow-burn romance. Grady offers Kate a sense of home she’s never known, while she reminds him there’s more to life than duty.
But with Kate’s departure date looming, the independence they’ve both fought to claim may become the very thing that keeps them apart.
In a season of healing, hope, and second chances, will they find the courage to let go of their plans—and choose a future together?
Courage built a nation. Love made it worth fighting for.
Throughout 250 years of American history, a well-loved locket finds its way into the hands of eight spirited heroines—each standing at the crossroads of love and destiny, and each inspired by a true patriot. As it journeys from one heart to the next, these stories unfold with sweet romance, unwavering hope, and a deep love of country, proving that even in uncertain times, love is always worth the risk. Start reading the Petticoats & Patriots series today!
Embrace by Bal Khabra
Off the Ice #4
Publication Date: August 4, 2026
Genre: New Adult Sports Romance
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An unexpected spark between a hockey player and the coach’s daughter might cause them to cross the line in the next Dalton University book from international bestselling author Bal Khabra.
Kian Ishida is all about parties, hockey, and living in the moment. But when he realizes he’s headed to the NHL without his degree, his late dad’s one wish for him, he’s determined to make up those last few credits. Desperate for help, he joins a study group led by none other than Scarlett Kilner. She’s as gorgeous as she is smart. Too bad he doesn’t know yet that she’s his coach’s daughter.
After making a reputation for herself, all Scarlett wants for her senior year is to prove she’s more than her mistakes and graduate without tarnishing her well-respected father’s name. But when Kian Ishida, one of her dad’s star hockey players, joins her study group, things get complicated.
As Scarlett helps Kian, their study sessions turn into something more—stolen glances, lingering touches, and a connection neither of them expected. Kian has to decide what’s more important: the dream he’s worked for his whole life or the girl he never saw coming.
Love Language by Christine Ko
Publication Date: August 4, 2026
Genre: Middle Grade
Goodreads | Bookhype | BookBub | StoryGraph | Amazon | Karen’s Book Review
Cassie doesn’t feel at home in her hometown in California. So when her family moves to South Korea, where her parents were born and raised, she thinks life might be easier. But Cassie soon learns she is wrong. Despite being ethnically Korean, there is so much about her that is American— parts of her she can’t erase. Yet there are just as many parts of her that are Korean, too. From English to Korean, chocolate to ho-dduk, can Cassie find a language where she can wholly be loved?
Of Devotion and Death by Anastasia Hastings
Dear Miss Hermione #3
Publication Date: August 4, 2026
Genre: Historical Mystery
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A cozy Victorian historical murder mystery full of wit and unforgettable characters.
Violet Manville knows everything about manners―and murder.
Violet is looking forward to taking some time away from the advice column she writes under the nom de plume Miss Hermione. She can’t wait to head off to Venice to spend some time with Eli Marsh, a mysterious, annoying, and extremely attractive American.
Little does she suspect that the specter of death will come calling at her front door in the person of Ash Kumar, a man she once knew―and loved―when she lived in India. She certainly doesn’t expect Ash to be arrested for his wife’s murder on her front door step.
As Violet tries to unravel the murder, she is pulled between between the two men. As the past and present become blurred, she soon discovers that the truth can be deadly.
Perfect for fans of Mary Winters, Dianne Freeman, and Katherine Schellman’s A Scandal in Mayfair.
Scarab by Christina Evers
Scarab #1
Publication Date: August 4, 2026
Genre: Romantic Fantasy
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A young mother.
A realm divided by war.
An enemy close enough to end her…or defend her.Celeste has left a trail of blood and death in her wake.
Haunted by her violent past and hunted by the ruthless captain, she must flee across an unforgiving desert with only one goal—to get her son back.But escaping the Coalition comes at a cost. Bound to the very man who should have been her executioner, Celeste and the captain must reluctantly join forces to survive. Together, they face enemies that should never have walked this world and uncover ancient secrets that will shape the war.
Freedom means running, but a new beginning means fighting the Coalition. Yet the closer she draws to the captain, the deeper the danger grows, because temptation is the one weapon neither of them can control.
The Fast Track by Angelica Cheng
Publication Date: August 4, 2026
Genre: Young Adult Sports Romantic Comedy
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An ambitious racer who dreams of becoming the first female F1 champion finds her plans going off track when she catches feelings for her biggest competition in this dishy, delicious contemporary romance for fans of love, Lynn Painter, and Lewis Hamilton.
Justine Kwong has always dreamed of becoming a Formula 1 champion. There’s just one problem: no female driver has ever done it before. So when she’s offered a coveted chance to race in Formula 3, she leaps at the opportunity. Sure, half the fans think she’s just there to fill a diversity quota, and her teammate—the infuriatingly cute Cameron Evans—mistakes her for an intern, but Justine knows her talent will leave them all in the dust.
But driving well isn’t the only prerequisite to getting noticed, and Justine’s forced to fend for herself in a sea of prejudice, paparazzi, and petty backstabbing. There’s a lot riding on her ability to navigate the complicated trackside hierarchy—like the open F2 seat that could be her ticket to the big leagues.
Except…when Justine and Cameron’s bickering gives way to unexpected chemistry, the boy she’s falling for may be the one person standing in the way of her dreams—because while they may be teammates, they are also each other’s biggest competitor. And with her only shot at glory on the line, this race could break more than just hearts.
The Roman Holiday Rule by Andra Loy
Publication Date: August 4, 2026
Genre: Sweet Romance
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You can’t fall in love with someone who lives somewhere else and expect a happily-ever-after.
Lexi Walker has finally committed to the Italian adventure that she and her late mother dreamed of for years–complete with a meticulously crafted itinerary, four sealed letters to open at Rome’s most iconic sites, and her mother’s final painting to present at the art festival Lexi is helping organize. She’s ready for the perfect Roman getaway. What she doesn’t expect is for her mother’s artwork to start manifesting in real life, turning her carefully planned trip into something unpredictable.Italian-American architect Mark Russo has sworn off American tourists after having his heart broken, and he’s certainly not about to let another one distract him from winning the restoration bid that could reunite his estranged father with his grandfather. But when the captivating woman next to him on the flight to Rome proposes a photography challenge–whoever captures the heart of Italy in seven days wins–Mark can’t resist the bet or her charm.
As Lexi follows the letters from her mother around the city, she encounters Mark everywhere she goes. Their competitive banter turns to undeniable chemistry, but they both know the cardinal rule of holiday romances. Will a little magic–and a lot of mishaps–break the Roman Holiday Rule?
Debut author Andra Loy serves up a delightful blend of witty banter, swoon-worthy romance, and sparks of magic where readers will be swept away to Rome, Italy, in this imaginative, no-spice rom-com with a dash of magical realism. Perfect for travel enthusiasts, fans of the rivals-to-lovers trope, and readers of Sarah Adams, Sophie Cousens, and Ashley Poston.
Vow of Eternal Night by Lily Crozier
Publication Date: August 4, 2026
Genre: Romantic Fantasy
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Don’t miss out on the stunning DELUXE LIMITED EDITION while supplies last. This breathtaking collectible is only available on a limited first print run in the U.S. and Canada only, a must-have for any book lover.
Clara Wagner has always known that monsters are real, and the worst of them is Prince Raleigh of Rostenburg. But when he decides it’s time to marry, Clara inadvertently finds herself at the center of his attention.
Forced to accept Raleigh’s proposal, Clara would do anything to escape her fate. So when the prince provides an ultimatum―lift his vampiric curse before the end of the year, or become his bride for eternity―Clara knows what she must do.
Heal the prince. Stay alive. Try not to fall in love.
Locking Up My Love Life by Cindy Ray Hale
Midlife Meet Cute Beach Reads #6
Publication Date: August 5, 2026
Genre: Sweet Romance
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When a polished fashion executive clashes with a grumpy police chief, sparks fly hotter than a Carolina summer.
Sloane
I came back to Twin Waves for a fresh start. Instead, I got caught climbing through my sister’s rental window in designer heels by the grumpiest cop on the Carolina coast.
Now the book club has volunteered me to co-chair the Summer Sandcastle Festival with Chief Knox Wilder. I have a mood board. He has a permit checklist. My sister married the mayor and hates that I’m involved.
Knox thinks I’m a polished outsider who won’t last the summer. I’m going to prove him wrong.
Knox
Sloane Prescott showed up with one shoe, a mood board, and zero understanding of fire code.
My daughter left this town for the city. I know what temporary looks like.
But the closer we get to festival night, the less Sloane looks like someone leaving—and the harder it gets to keep my distance.
A clean small-town beach romance with enemies-to-lovers tension, grumpy/sunshine chemistry, forced proximity, and a wealthy fashion executive falling for the police chief who never meant to let her in.
Beyond a Reasonable Haunt by Maggie March
Grumpy Ghost #7
Publication Date: August 6, 2026
Genre: Cozy Paranormal Animal Mystery
Some trials are about justice. This one might just raise the dead.
Anna McGuffin has faced down murderers, outwitted vengeful spirits, and survived small-town gossip—but nothing has prepared her for this: admitting that her feelings for a certain Victorian ghost have become impossible to ignore. Richard Lockwood is infuriating, overprotective, and devastatingly handsome for someone who’s been dead since 1895. But how do you build a future with a man who doesn’t have one?
Before Anna can untangle her heart, Lockwood Cove is thrust into the national spotlight. Greg Anderson, disgraced director of the hit TV show Ghost Trackers, is standing trial for murder—and his defense is unprecedented: supernatural forces made him do it. It would be laughable if the star expert witness weren’t Dr. Thomas Braxton, a man whose obsession with Victorian serial killer Alistair Hawthorne borders on worship.
Worse still, the defense’s key evidence is a gold Victorian locket—the very one Anna and Richard know contains Hawthorne’s trapped spirit. One wrong move in that courtroom and the most dangerous ghost Lockwood Cove has ever known could be set free. Richard has kept Anna safe from Hawthorne before, but this time the threat isn’t lurking in a shadowy cemetery—it’s sitting in an evidence bag, waiting for its moment.
⭐ Grumpy/sunshine
⭐ Impossible romance
⭐ Found family
⭐ Amateur sleuth
⭐ adorable ghost dog who steals every scene
Beyond a Reasonable Haunt is the seventh book in the Grumpy Ghost series—a paranormal cozy mystery where each book serves upa fresh mystery with a satisfying resolution, while Anna and Richard’s impossible love story builds across the series toward its ultimate conclusion. This book can be enjoyed on its own, but reading in order is recommended for the full experience.
Well, that’s it for the New Books Releasing Week 32 of 2026
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 purchase something, this blog gets a tiny percentage back. Mainly, this helps with the cost of the website and a few giveaways.
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