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Don’t worry if you’ve gotten through your early-summer to-be-read pile: There are plenty more great books coming out in July!
Whether you’re in the mood for dark humor, fantasy, comedy, or romance, this month’s selection has something for everyone. So grab your favorite reading spot and get ready to dive into these captivating stories.
Here are the six best fiction books for July 2023:
Cutting Teeth by Chandler Baker
Are you spending more time with your children than you would during the school year? Just be glad they’re not the preschoolers in Chandler Baker’s Cutting Teeth (Flatiron, July 18).
In this darkly humorous tale, the children suffer from “pediatric Renfield’s syndrome,” which makes them crave their mothers’ blood and bite. Things take a chilling turn when their teacher is found dead in the supply closet.
This book strikes a balance between gruesome and funny, and you’ll find it jam-packed with sharp wit and biting humor. If you’ve ever felt like your kids were draining the life out of you, this book will both get the joke and make you feel the (piercing) pain.
Immortal Longings by Chloe Gong
If you’d like to get even deeper into an imaginary world, try Chloe Gong’s Immortal Longings (Saga, July 25). This book is the first installment in a planned fantasy trilogy that centers around a Hunger Games-like competition where competitors can assume different bodies. Gong’s worldbuilding is spectacular, and she weaves breathtaking action into every page.
The fight sequences are thrilling, with each player showcasing their distinct and recognizable pugilist style, even when they don different physical forms. Get ready for a wild ride filled with mischief, action, and a truly unforgettable adventure.
Somebody’s Fool by Richard Russo
Richard Russo takes us back to North Bath, New York, in Somebody’s Fool (Knopf, July 25), a follow-up to his previous novel Everybody’s Fool. This time, we catch up with Sully’s son, Peter, a college professor, and Peter’s son, Thomas, along with other residents of North Bath.
The town has been annexed to a wealthier neighboring town, and a decomposing body found at an abandoned building adds an intriguing twist to the story.
Russo’s storytelling is dexterous, and his version of the good old-fashioned comic novel is a gold standard. Get ready for a heartwarming and humorous tale that will captivate you from start to finish.
No One Prayed Over Their Graves by Khaled Khalifa
In No One Prayed Over Their Graves, translated by Leri Price (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, July 18), Khaled Khalifa, a prominent Syrian writer, presents a multigenerational tale set in a small community. The story unfolds in a town that was swept away by a flood of the Euphrates River in 1907.
We follow the lives of Christian Hanna and Muslim Zakariya, who were away from home during the catastrophe, and their lives take different trajectories after losing their homes and most of their families. This small epic blends magic realism with grim realities, creating a memorable and thought-provoking reading experience.
Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon
If you’re in the mood for a modern romance that combines silliness and sexiness, then Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon (Berkley, July 4) is a must-read. The story revolves around Chandler, a ghostwriter who fears she’ll never receive recognition for her work, and Finn, a C-list actor whose memoir she’s hired to write. However, Finn recognizes Chandler as the woman he recently had a casual encounter with. When he realizes that their night together wasn’t as good for her, he convinces her to give him lessons in seduction. Solomon’s latest romance is a delightful blend of humor, chemistry, and playful banter that will leave you grinning from ear to ear.
How To Tame a Wild Rogue by Julie Anne Long
For fans of historical romance, How To Tame a Wild Rogue by Julie Anne Long (Avon, July 25) is an enchanting choice. Set at the charming boardinghouse known as the Grand Palace on the Thames, the story follows sailor Lorcan St. Leger and Lady Daphne Worth.
Lorcan witnesses Daphne escaping from a lecherous employer and becomes determined to find her a safe place to stay. With only one room available at the Grand Palace, they pose as a married couple.
Long works her magic on familiar tropes such as forced proximity and a fake relationship, delivering a captivating tale filled with delightful surprises.
Final thoughts
These six fiction books offer a wide range of genres and stories, ensuring there’s something for every reader’s taste. Whether you prefer dark humor, epic fantasy, heartwarming comedy, or swoon-worthy romance, these books will keep you entertained throughout the month of July. So grab your favorite summer beverage, find a cozy spot, and let these authors transport you to captivating worlds and unforgettable adventures. Happy reading!