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The superlatives are flying this week: the “first Great American Gen Z Novel,” Caroline Kepnes’s “favorite” Liv Constantine book yet, and—casually—the best thriller of the entire 21st century so far (according to The New York Times). So, today we’re digging into the books behind these big claims, plus a few other stories worth adding to your radar.
And over in Worth the Read, I’m sharing five of my all-time favorite comfort reads, including a hilarious antidote to heartbreak, the most charming collection of essays, and a modern classic that I’ll always love even though it’s kind of aging like milk…
Bookmarks | Exciting New Releases
THRILLER SPOTLIGHT
Promise Me Never
by Liv Constantine
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Next Mrs. Parrish comes a twist-filled thriller about an aspiring writer whose whirlwind marriage to a famous novelist draws her into the chilling mystery of his first wife’s death and the terrifying secrets hidden in his secluded home. Catherine Steadman calls this thriller “part Bluebeard myth, part Fatal Attraction… a stay-up-all-night, who’s-conning-who page-turner,” and Caroline Kepnes declares this “my favorite Liv Constantine book yet.”
ROMANTASY SPOTLIGHT
The Poison Daughter
by Sheila Masterson
This deadly enemies-to-lovers romantasy about a poison-lipped assassin and secret vigilante who meets the one man immune to her lethal kiss was originally self-published in 2025 and became a BookTok sensation. Now, it’s gotten a major traditional release, with a deluxe limited edition featuring sprayed edges, a full-color illustrated case, and an exclusive bonus chapter! If you like lots of spice, crackling banter, and a killer FMC, check out this dark tale to see what all the hype’s about.
Together with ThriftBooks
The Reviews Are In
From starred reviews to glowing blurbs, here are three new books critics and authors are championing this week.
“This very well might be the first Great American Gen Z Novel.”
—Adam Vitcavage, Debutiful
“I have no idea how to describe what I just read, but it was really, really cool.”
—T. Kingfisher, author of What Moves the Dead
“Mysterious, beautiful, and enchanting in the true and sinister sense of the word.”
—Diana Gabaldon, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Outlander
Hotel Spotlight
Together with Inside Hotels
33 Hotel
The Vibe: Downtown with room to breathe
The Location: New York, NY
Instaworthy Accommodations:
The South Street Seaport doesn't feel like the rest of Manhattan—it's older, quieter, and next to the water, with the Brooklyn Bridge right outside your window. 33 Hotel has 66 intimate rooms, some with private terraces overlooking the bridge and East River, plus complimentary wine hour nightly at 5pm. Urban Cove Society & Kitchen handles breakfast through dinner downstairs, and when you're ready to explore, Pier 17, Battery Park, and the 9/11 Museum are all within walking distance. It’s the kind of New York hotel that makes you wish you'd booked a few extra nights.
Guess the Book: Emoji Edition
👩 💍 🔍 📰 🩸 📓 🤥 😱 🕵️♂️ 🔪
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Bookworld
🎬 Betrayal, lies, and a disappointed Gillian Anderson: how this upcoming adaptation almost got derailed.
👀 Check out these stunning new photos of Florence Pugh in Netflix’s upcoming East of Eden miniseries.
📚 In light of Hayden Panettiere’s passing, tons of readers are revisiting her memoir.
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Guess the Book: Emoji Edition Answer
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn! The New York Times recently named this the best thriller of the 21st century. Do you agree?
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