There’s something about opening a stack of book mail that never gets old… but lately, I’ve been trying to be more intentional about what I’m actually excited to read versus what just looks good on my shelf.

So instead of a quick haul, I filmed a full unboxing (embedded above 👆), where I talk through each book, the vibes, and who I think they’re really for.

We’ve got cozy fantasy, messy women, literary weirdness, small-town spice, and one thriller I already know is going to consume me.

Here’s the quick breakdown 👇

🌹 Among the Thorns

Romantasy | Out 7/14 | Gifted by Bramble

Two sorceresses. One Prince Charming. And what feels like a very messy power struggle waiting to happen.

This is set in the same world as Never the Roses but works as a standalone, which I always appreciate. I’m expecting tension, layered female dynamics, and a romance that’s maybe not as straightforward as it seems.

Why I’m intrigued: give me morally complex women over everything.

🐚 Sea of Charms

Cozy fantasy | Out 7/28 | Gifted by Bramble

If you’ve read The Spell Shop or The Enchanted Greenhouse, you already know the vibes here.

This is the kind of fantasy that feels like a deep exhale:

• cottagecore setting

• magical creatures (including winged cats?!)

• fake dating

• slow burn, he falls first romance

Why I’m excited: this is comfort reading at its absolute peak.

✨ Evelyn in Transit

Literary fiction | Out now (Jan 2026) | Gifted by W.W. Norton

This one feels quieter, more introspective, and just a little surreal.

Set in 1970s America, it follows a woman navigating life while her son may (or may not) be the reincarnation of a spiritual figure.

Why I’m intrigued: I love literary fiction that sits in that space between grounded and slightly uncanny.

🍒 Cherry Baby

Contemporary fiction | Out 4/14 | Gifted by William Morrow

By Rainbow Rowell, which already tells me I’m probably going to love it.

This follows a woman rebuilding her life after losing everything, with:

• a plus-size FMC

• divorce storyline

• and an adorable dog sidekick

Also… I’ve now been sent three copies of this, so I’m officially taking it as a sign and doing a giveaway over on Instagram this week.

Why I’m excited: I will always show up for a “starting over” story.

🏫 The Commons

Dystopian | Out 4/28 | Gifted by DEEP Publishing

Elite school. Missing sister. Enemies-to-lovers tension.

This feels like dark academia collided with dystopian survival, which is a combination I never say no to.

Why I’m intrigued: I love stories that slowly unravel systems of power from the inside.

🔪 Marion

Thriller | Out 6/2 | Gifted by St. Martin's Press

This might be my most anticipated of the entire stack.

It reimagines Psycho… but asks: what if Marion didn’t die and instead killed Norman?

I’m a huge Hitchcock fan, so this is exactly my kind of thriller.

Why I’m excited: high-concept + psychological tension + a familiar story flipped on its head.

💋 Hart’s Landing

Contemporary romance | Out 5/12 | Gifted by Entangled Publishing

Small town romance, reunited friends… and a very hot mayor.

I’ve heard this one is equal parts cute and spicy, which feels like the perfect balance heading into summer reading.

Why I’m curious: I’m always here for small-town dynamics with a little extra heat.

✨ What I’ll Probably Pick Up First

If I’m being honest:

• Sea of Charms for comfort

• Marion when I want something gripping

• Among the Thorns when I’m in a romantasy mood

Mood reading, but make it strategic.

💬 Let’s Talk

Which of these would you pick up first?
And are you in your cozy fantasy era right now… or your thriller era?