Reviews of the 9 Books I Read in July 2026

1. Betting On You by Lynn Painter

Betting On You follows Bailey and Charlie, two former acquaintances who unexpectedly become coworkers after an awkward first meeting on a flight. Despite being complete opposites, the pair strike up an unlikely friendship while working at a hotel and make a bet over whether two coworkers will end up together, sparking plenty of teasing and banter along the way.

As fake dating and family drama bring them closer, their friendship slowly turns into something more. But with Charlie hiding a secret that could change everything, they’ll have to decide if they’re willing to risk their growing feelings for a chance at a real relationship.

My Rating: ★★★

I’m obsessed with Lynn Painter and have read almost all of her books (I need to read her most recent release Trust Fall to complete her whole catalogue), but Betting On You unfortunately fell flat for me.

I still remember being obsessed with the Better Than the Movies series and go into all of her books now expecting the same feeling. Betting On You did come across more juvenile than her other work, and I know this is technically a YA novel, but I was hopeful to feel a little more of the chemistry between the main characters.

2. The Surrogate Mother by Freida McFadden

Abby wants a baby more than anything. But after years of failed infertility treatments and adoptions that have fallen through, it seems like motherhood is not in her future. 

That is, until her personal assistant Monica makes a generous offer to serve as a surrogate. But soon, strange things start happening. And it turns out Monica isn’t who she says she is.

The woman now carrying Abby’s child has an unspeakable secret. And she will stop at nothing to get what she wants.

My Rating: ★★★★

I believe this is my 19th Freida McFadden book, so I’m very close to completing her entire catalogue now. As expected, The Surrogate Mother was very fast-paced and kept me hooked throughout to see what happened next.

It was one of those books that was almost annoying me because I felt like screaming at the characters in the book to wake up or do something that they clearly should have been doing.

The twists were excellent but I do feel because now I’ve read so many of Freida’s books that I’m always looking at the obscure characters as the culprits and I’m slowing ruining the enjoyment of her books for myself.

3. Catch Her if You Can (5) by Tessa Bailey

Catch Her If You Can follows Yankees catcher Madden Donahue, who has been in love with Eve Mitchell since high school. When Eve suddenly finds herself caring for her sister’s two children, Madden offers a practical solution: a marriage of convenience that will give her access to the health benefits she desperately needs.

Although Eve has feelings for Madden too, she’s reluctant to risk a lifelong friendship by pursuing him. But as their fake marriage begins to feel increasingly real, the pair must decide whether they’re willing to take a chance on the love that’s been there all along.

My Rating: ★★★

This is the 5th and I would almost assume final book in the Big Shots series, but from the introduction of some new characters and side story of Elton and Veda, I can see another instalment or spin-off coming from Tessa Bailey.

What I was most intrigued about going into Catch Her if You Can is that I knew the main male character was going to be Belfast-born Madden. As someone born 30 minutes from Belfast, I was so interested to see how American writer Tessa Bailey would write him.

I will say there was an excessive use of ‘love’ as a term of endearment and at times Madden did come across more like a 40 year old man, rather than someone in his early twenties. But I did enjoy their love story all the same. 

4. Strangers by Belle Burden

In March 2020, Belle Burden was safe and secure with her family at their house on Martha’s Vineyard, navigating the early days of the pandemic together. Then, with no warning or explanation, her husband of twenty years announced that he was leaving her.

Overnight, her caring, steady partner became a man she hardly recognized. He exited his life with her like an actor shrugging off a costume.

My Rating: ★★★★

This is one of the biggest books of 2026 and I had to find out for myself, what all the fuss was about. I did know going into this book that it was being cited as ‘required reading’ for anyone that was yet to be married, so colour me even more intrigued as someone non-wed.

Reading Belle’s account of her husband leaving her was honestly mind-boggling and it didn’t take an internet sleuth to find out who he is, considering she’s quite well known and has famous family connections too.

I felt a little bad for him that this book is now viral and the world knows what a crap husband and father he turned out to be, but also major respect for Belle to write this book and have her say. Highly recommend it, even just for the New York socialite aspect and name drops in the book.

5. With A Vengeance by Riley Sager

With a Vengeance follows Anna Matheson, who lures six people onto a luxury overnight train twelve years after they destroyed her family during World War II. Disguised under a false identity, she plans to confront those responsible and finally get the justice she’s waited years to claim.

But when one of the passengers is murdered, Anna’s carefully crafted revenge begins to unravel. As secrets emerge and tensions rise, she must uncover the killer before the train reaches its final destination, where not everyone is destined to survive.

My Rating: ★★★★

A murder on a train isn’t a new concept in the slightest, but I loved Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie when I read it many years ago, so wanted to see Riley Sager’s take on the trope.

Set in the 1950s, and with a number of characters on board, I did like the whodunnit aspect and the twists and turns that came throughout. I will say there were some flaws with practicalities on the train and found some of the characters a little confusing, but the twists and pace of the book definitely kept me hooked and the ending was satisfying.

6. Yours Truly (2) by Abby Jimenez

Yours Truly follows Dr. Briana Ortiz, whose life seems to be falling apart as she navigates a difficult divorce, worries about her brother’s urgent need for a kidney donor, and competes with a new doctor for a long-awaited promotion. But her opinion of Dr. Jacob Maddox quickly changes after he sends her a heartfelt letter, sparking an unexpected friendship.

As their letters, lunches, and shared moments bring them closer, Briana begins to see Jacob in a whole new light. When his extraordinary act of kindness deepens their connection, the line between friendship and love becomes impossible to ignore.

My Rating: ★★★★

This is actually Book 2 in the Part of Your World Series, but I actually read this in the wrong order, starting with book 3 first (Just for the Summer) before reading book 1 (Part of Your World) and finishing with Yours Truly (book 2).

I don’t think it matters too much about the order as the connected character mentions aren’t vital to the plot of each book. They’re almost just a nod to the other books.

I really enjoyed this one, especially our main male character Jacob. I did find the female main character a little annoying at times and Jacob deserved more grace for what he was dealing with, but when I read the authors note at the end my jaw almost hit the floor.

7. One of Us is Dead by Jeneva Rose

Buckhead isn’t a place you live, it’s a place you survive. And that applies even to the wealthy housewives that have it all. Fancy cars, designer clothes, and daily salon appointments aren’t nearly enough to keep them fulfilled and happy. Because in this town, privilege and opulence go hand in hand with betrayal and revenge.

Jenny, the owner of Glow, an exclusive membership-only beauty salon, knows that better than anyone, because she knows everything about these housewives. Despite the toxicity, Jenny keeps her focus on running her business, and keeping the peace. However, peace proves to be impossible when one of her clients is murdered. Now, it’s up to Jenny and her knowledge of neighborhood secrets and gossip to help the police solve the case.

My Rating: ★★★

This was very Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty in a way, and I highly enjoyed it (aka rich women who are all best friends but also hate each other). Think scandals galore, affairs, backstabbing, divorces and lots of money and it’s the perfect mixture for a fast-paced novel.

I can see this being a mini-series on TV, as the final plot twist did really take me by surprise. The chapters were very short, but I did have to keep referring to the blurb on the back of the book at the beginning to remind myself who was who.

8. Daydream (3) by Hannah Grace

Daydream follows Henry Turner, a college hockey captain struggling to balance his demanding new role with a difficult class that threatens to derail his plans. When he accidentally stumbles into Halle Jacobs’ book club, he finds an unlikely ally in the ambitious writer and academic who offers to tutor him.

As Halle helps Henry navigate his coursework, he inspires her to break out of her comfort zone and overcome her writer’s block. But with their growing connection challenging the rules they’ve set for themselves, the pair must decide whether they can keep things strictly platonic or risk falling for each other.

My Rating: ★★

Although it’s been a while since I read books 1 (Icebreaker) and 2 (Wildfire) in this trilogy, I’ve been highly anticipating reading this final book in the series since it was first released.

I couldn’t bring myself to spend £20 on the physical book, patiently waiting for it to be in the Kindle monthly sale, and finally it was.

First of all, thank GOD I didn’t buy the physical copy of this book or else I’d have to look at it and constantly have a reminder of how much of a let down this book was.

Yes it’s been a while since the first two books, but I remember highly enjoying them – hence the excitement for the final book. Half-way through, I was questioning if this was even written by the same author.

The dialogue was like two robots talking to each other, not two college students. I didn’t feel any romantic chemistry between the two main characters and I was wishing the book was over by the 50% mark. What a bore, I’m so disappointed!!

9. Game Changer (1) by Rachel Reid

Game Changer follows New York Admirals captain Scott Hunter, who unexpectedly finds himself drawn to Kip Grady, the charming smoothie shop owner whose drink seems to have broken his on-ice slump. What begins as a private connection quickly becomes something deeper, but Scott is determined to keep their relationship hidden.

With his hockey career and public image on the line, Scott struggles with the pressure of staying in the closet while Kip longs for a relationship he can be proud of. As their feelings grow, they must decide whether love is worth challenging the expectations placed on them.

My Rating: ★★★

Well this was 90% smut, 10% plot. The first two books (including Heated Rivalry) were in my local library so I had to grab them both when I had the chance and see what the fuss is all about.

I’m hoping for a better love story in book 2, but I did enjoy Game Changer and the relationship between Kip and Scott. I haven’t watched the TV series yet, so I’m excited to read book 2 and then watch the adaptation afterwards. I’ll see what book 2 is like before I commit to reading the entire Heated Rivalry series.