Eberle, Kate. If Books Could Kill. Penguin Bks. Jul. 2026. ISBN 9780143139102. pbk. 368p. $19. PARANORMAL ROMANCE

DEBUT Roxie loves romance novels, but when her wish to live out a storyline from her favorite romance author is magically granted, it’s not quite what she’d hoped for. Turns out, the new book is a crime thriller, and Roxie is stuck as the protagonist in a dangerous genre she doesn’t know much about. In an effort to escape a serial killer, she accidentally kidnaps a nerdy but hot professor, Grant, in the strangest meet-cute ever. With his knowledge of the thriller genre and her expertise in self-defense, they team up to solve an international murder plot that takes them from Boston to London. In order to end the spell and get back to her real life, she must figure out the mystery. As Roxie and Grant live through several literary devices, they find true love together, but Roxie is reluctant to give her heart to Grant since he’s a character in the novel and will disappear once the story is over. VERDICT Full of adventure, a touch of the supernatural, plenty of kooky, adorable characters, and hilarious hijinks, Eberle’s highly original and fun debut is for fans of heartfelt, original rom-coms with strong bookish themes.—Migdalia Jimenez

Greenwood, Kirsty. Romantic Hero. Berkley. Jun. 2026. ISBN 9780593816158. pbk. 368p. $19. PARANORMAL ROMANCE

Ever since her boyfriend, Henry, declared he needed a break, romance author Gertie Bickerstaff has been stuck with writer’s block so strong she’s desperate enough to partake in a manifestation ceremony under a full moon. The following day, she finds her novels’ villain, cowboy River Oakley, on her couch, living, breathing, and utterly confused. Trying to kill multiple birds with one dimensional traveler, Gertie and River create a plan to make Henry jealous, get him back in her life, break Gertie’s writer’s block, and send River back to the world he came from. An already complicated plan becomes even more so, as Gertie realizes that she might not want Henry to return and that River is starting to make her swoon. Gertie now knows the world contains magic, but its solution to one problem might create an even bigger crisis in her life. VERDICT Greenwood’s newest follows in the footsteps of her previous novel, The Love of My After Life, combining tender warmth, hilarious hijinks, and a touch of the unknown to create a book made for staying up late to finish. While it’s perfect for any romantic comedy fan, this will also appeal to readers of cowboy romances.—Kellie Tilton