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With July, we’re now over halfway through the year. We’re also in the last throes of beach read season, before the new book releases start prepping for fall. There were a lot of great new books in June. But personally? Some of my most anticipated reads for the year are headed our way in July. That makes it an extra exciting month to get to bring you my list of most anticipated new book releases.
In July, we’re getting the second book from a debut author whose first book absolutely knocked it out of the park. One of my autobuy authors is also putting out a new one. And of course, I scoured the upcoming release list to find us a few more exciting romance and cozy fantasy books to look forward to this month. So without further ado, let’s dig into Bonus Action’s most anticipated new releases of July 2026.
Tsubaki Stationery Store by Ito Ogawa
- Release Date: July 7th
- Price: $28 on Amazon
- Publisher: Dutton
- ARC Received: No
If there’s one thing I love, it’s a cozy novel in translation. Getting to read books from cultures different from my own while also sinking into a comforting, wholesome story is a real win-win situation. Tsubaki Stationary Store comes from bestselling Japanese author Ito Ogawa. It follows a woman who inherits her late grandmother’s stationery store. Taking over the shop means returning home after years abroad. It also means becoming a scribe and helper for the community around her.
The novel follows the rhythm of the seasons, including Japanese rituals and traditions throughout the year. From the sound of it, this one will deliver on found family community vibes with a little bit of a mystery as Katoko learns about her grandmother’s past. I’m pretty sure I’m going to love this one, and I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy.
The Farewitch of Foxe Holler by Ellen Pauley Goff
- Release Date: July 7th
- Price: $19.00 on Amazon
- Publisher: Saga Press
- ARC Received: No
This upcoming contemporary fantasy is pitched as “Steel Magnolias meets Practical Magic.” It’s also Goff’s debut novel. The Farewitch of Foxe Holler centers on a 30-something kitchen witch who helps heal the residents of Foxe Holler with her magical recipes. But the arrival of a reclusive warlock in need of a cure upends her quiet life. With his secrets and good looks, this unexpected visitor just might force Honey to change her comfortable life.
I love a good cozy fantasy romance when it’s done well. And I certainly can’t resist a kitchen witch coming toe to toe with a grumpy warlock. Grumpy x sunshine trope, anyone? This sounds like it could be another hit cozy fantasy akin to Legends & Lattes, and I’m looking forward to finding out.
Not That Kind of Proposal by Victoria Lavine
- Release Date: July 21st
- Price: $18.99 on Amazon
- Publisher: Atria Books
- ARC Received: Yes
Victoria Lavine blew me away with her debut novel, Any Trope But You. So, I’m incredibly excited to see what her second book has to offer. Not That Kind of Proposal is an enemies-to-lovers rom-com, which is always a bit of a hard sell for me. But given Lavine’s writing chops, I’m willing to go on this journey with her.
Not That Kind of Proposal follows wedding planner Gracie Holland, who suddenly finds her job planning other people’s happily ever afters at risk. To keep her job, she’ll need to convince her beloved workplace’s new owner not to shutter the venue. The problem? He’s a divorce lawyer who’s all too familiar with the other side of happily ever after.
Wild Goose Chase by Sarah Adler
- Release Date: July 28th
- Price: $19 on Amazon
- Publisher: Berkley
- ARC Received: Yes
Sarah Adler has quickly become an autobuy author for me. Her contemporary romance novels skew a bit more towards a solid plot and a slow burn than towards hitting a spice quota, and that is my jam. Naturally, I’m thrilled that Adler has a new book coming out this month, and it’s one with an interesting premise to boot.
Wild Goose Chase isn’t just a fun title – it’s the whole setup for the book. This one follows an antique dealer as he works to track down an illegal taxidermy goose. Of course, he does so in the company of his frustrating new colleague, Annie. She’s helping out with her uncle’s antique store to gain some experience running a business, but she’s not prepared for a real-life wild goose chase to put her reputation at risk. A tense alliance, a growing attraction, an illegal taxidermy goose? Say less.
Sea of Charms by Sarah Beth Durst
- Release Date: July 28th
- Price: $29.99 on Amazon
- Publisher: Bramble
- ARC Received: Yes
Sarah Beth Durst first caught my eye with her cozy fantasy, The Spellshop. The book has become a sensation along the lines of Legends & Lattes, and it has spawned its own cozy fantasy universe. Sea of Charms is the third book in the series, and it sounds like it just might be the best one yet. Like many romance series these days, this one can be read as a standalone, though there will surely be some fun references to prior books if you have read them all.
In this book, we accompany Marin, a supply runner who lives life on the seas. But when her friend Dax gets caught in the crossfire of a growing revolution, she reluctantly takes him on board as part of her crew. The situation evolves into a fake dating scheme, and a friends-to-lovers romance ensues. Yes, please.
Looking for more recently released books to add to your to-be-read list? Check out our roundup of the most exciting new books for June.
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