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The Reads Archive

Every month's pick (or picks), in one place.

July 2026

Cover of Desperate Girls by Laura Griffin

Desperate Girls

Laura Griffin

Spice level
Darkness level

A defense attorney with a target on her back, a killer she helped put away now out for revenge, and a bodyguard who takes “personal protection” very personally. Romantic suspense that earns the suspense half. Pour something strong.

Cover of The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

The Love Hypothesis

Ali Hazelwood

Spice level
Darkness level

Fake dating in a STEM lab with a grumpy professor who is definitely not falling for his fake girlfriend. Our palate cleanser this month — the darkness meter is on vacation, the spice is not. For science, obviously.