LibraryReads, the nationwide library staff-picks list, offers the top 10 July titles public library staff across the country love:
Top Pick
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst (Bramble, $29.99, 9781250333971). "With her city and library under siege, Kiela and her sentient spider plant escape to the island of Caltrey with only the basic supplies and some magical books. Preferring her own company and books to people, she must learn to trust her new community as she rebuilds her family home and her life. This sweet cottagecore novel is pure delight." --Jennifer Winberry, Hunterdon County Library, N.J.
Business Casual by B.K. Borison (Berkley, $19, 9780593641170). "Nova and Charlie belong to each other--and for more than the single spicy night they agree to spend together. This cozy, small-town, friends-to-lovers story has so much warmth and love, making this final installment of the Lovelight Farm series sheer perfection. This is the warmest cuddle of a romance that readers will never want to end." --Laura Eckert, Clermont County Public Library, Ohio
The Game Changer by Lana Ferguson (Berkley, $19, 9780593816837). "Hockey player Ian is seeking to rehab a sullied reputation, so he teams up with his friend's little sister Delilah, who's seeking to boost viewership of her cooking show. Ian's never considered her a romantic partner, but Delilah's had a crush on him since she was a teenager. When they reconnect as adults, their relationship quickly heats up." --Rebecca Whalon, Lakeland Public Library, Fla.
The Next Best Fling by Gabriella Gamez (Forever, $17.99, 9781538726631). "Marcela's in love with her best friend Ben who's engaged to another woman (whom Ben's brother Theo adores). If this love square sounds messy, it is. When Marcela stops Theo from professing his love at Ben's engagement party, they stumble upon a fake dating predicament and decide to roll with it. This love story feels authentic, and the characters have palpable chemistry." --Taylor Banze, St. Charles City-County Library, Mo.
The Bright Sword: A Novel of King Arthur by Lev Grossman (Viking, $35, 9780735224049). "This mystical, action-oriented read delves into the story of King Arthur. Collum, a young knight traveling to Camelot in hopes of joining the Round Table, arrives to learn that King Arthur is dead. Adventure soon calls, and Collum and the knights set off on a quest to heal Britain. The multiple points of view and diverse characters will keep readers engrossed." --Kristin Skinner, Flat River Community Library, Mich.
The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce (Berkley, $19, 9780593548424). "A sweet second chance romance, in which exes Georgia and Eli must cooperate to save their best friend's wedding. A satisfying story of two people finding their way back to each other, either as friends or something more. An incredibly well-written romance." --Erin Gordenier, Siuslaw Public Library District, Ore.
The Faculty Lounge: A Novel by Jennifer Mathieu (Dutton, $27.99, 9780593475393). "After the untimely demise of long-time teacher Mr. Lehrer, the lives of the school's faculty are explored through stories that include a book-banning controversy, a man's evolution from punk rock musician to principal, and a janitor's poignant friendship with Mr. Lehrer. Mathieu is a high school teacher, and this novel rings with authenticity and love for her subject." --Angela Strathman, Mid-Continent Public Library, Mo.
The Lost Story: A Novel by Meg Shaffer (Ballantine, $29, 9780593598870). "Jeremy and Rafe disappeared in a West Virginia state park only to reappear six months later without explanation. Jeremy remembers everything but can’t talk about it; Rafe remembers nothing. When a woman needs help to find her sister, the former friends are forced to work together. This character-driven story with intriguing magic should appeal to all fans of portal fantasy." --Beth Mills, New Rochelle Public Library, N.Y.
Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto (Forever, $17.99, 9781538740910). "Two rival musicians find love in this satisfying enemies-to-lovers story. Xander has everything Gwen wants, and he doesn't seem to appreciate it. When Gwen is unexpectedly given first-chair violin over him, their rivalry intensifies, reaching a crescendo that leaves Gwen wondering if this is a rivalry or an attraction. A sexy, lyrical romance." --Magan Szwarek, LibraryReads Ambassador, Ill.
Bury Your Gays by Chuck Tingle (Tor Nightfire, $26.99, 9781250874658). "TV writer Misha has just been given an ultimatum: straighten out his main characters, or let them be queer and kill them off immediately. He refuses, and the ghosts of his own horror-movie past come to haunt him. Highly recommended for any horror fan who's ever rooted for two queer-coded characters to 'just kiss already.' " --Sarah Howison, Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library, Ohio
