Amazon First Reads July 2023 sees a list of 10 must-read titles in various genres.
This month's Amazon First Reads lineup lists features titles from fantasy to romance, including a short-read self help title by comedian Kevin Hart and a children's book.
Honoring this month's Prime Day, Prime members can choose two of these titles to keep for free. Everyone else can snag two for just $1.99. As always, Kindle Unlimited members can read most previous Amazon First Reads editors’ picks free.
About Amazon First Reads
Amazon First Reads is an Amazon.com program that makes a monthly list of pre-release books available for purchase before they go on sale the following month. Amazon Prime members can choose one book to keep for free. All other shoppers can pre-order a book from the list at a reduced rate, usually $4.99.
During Prime Day month, the offer is extended to two books. Amazon First Reads is sharable with household members.
How to get an Amazon Prime Membership/Deal
Take advantage of Prime Member benefits with an Amazon Prime subscription below:
Get an Amazon Prime membership
Get a Prime Student membership
Get a Prime Access membership (50% off subscription for eligible government assistance customers)
Amazon First Reads July 2023
This month's Amazon First Reads line up includes 10 titles in various genres:
- What Ever Happened by Rachel Howzell Hall (Thriller)
- There's No Coming Back from This by Ann Garvin (Women's Fiction)
- To Die For by Lisa Gray (Thriller)
- The Way Life Should Be by William Dameron (Family Drama)
- Sing, Wild Bird, Sing by Jacqueline O’Mahony (Historical Fiction)
- The Hanging City by Charlie N. Holmberg (Fantasy)
- Broadway Butterfly by Sara DiVello (Historical Crime)
- It Will All Work Out by Kevin Hart (Self-Help)
- In the Likely Event by Rebecca Yarros (Romance)
- Batu and the Search for the Golden Cup by Zira Nauryzbai and Lilya Kalaus (Children's)
What Never Happened by Rachel Howzell Hall (Thriller)
This book revolves around Colette “Coco” Weber, a young woman who, after a rough breakup, moves back to her island home. Where years before she survived a deadly home invasion on the island, now she only endeavors to forget her ex and get on with her job of writing obituaries at her friend's newspaper.
Everything seems fine until she realizes the obituaries she's writing are eerily similar to one another, and there are many of them. Shortly after, she receives an ominous threat - her own obituary. "What Never Happened" is a modern take on thrillers that will leave you connecting dots all the way to the last page. Learn more about Author Rachel Howzell Hall.
There's No Coming Back from This by Ann Garvin (Women's Fiction)
Invisible to everyone but the IRS after her life savings are stolen by her accountant, bankrupt Poppy Lively faces losing her home. An opportunity arises when an old flame, now a prominent producer, offers her a job in Hollywood's costume department.
With secrets kept from her daughter, Poppy embarks on a daring journey to Los Angeles, navigating the treacherous world of movie stars, iconic costumes, and backstage deception. As a single mom with no experience in the industry, she finds herself overlooked and underestimated, but forms an unlikely bond with ill-tempered movie star Allen Carol, drawn to Poppy's unfiltered candor.
However, her world takes a dangerous turn when she uncovers corruption, forcing her to confront the dark underbelly of Tinseltown. Balancing the choice between silence and using her unglamorous ways to expose the truth, Poppy must rely on her resilience, a scruffy dog, and her newfound determination to show the movers and shakers of Hollywood that they need her more than they realize. "There's No Coming Back from This" is an exciting journey through a tumultuous time.
To Die For by Lisa Gray (Thriller)
In the cutthroat world of luxury real estate, agent Andi Hart is determined to rewrite the rules after recent events. With a lucrative $1 million commission up for grabs for selling a glamorous Malibu beach house, Andi sees her chance for a fresh start.
However, she quickly realizes she's not the only one desperate for the money. Her four colleagues also have secrets to protect, and the allure of a million-dollar payday pushes them to extreme measures. As tensions rise, a shocking discovery transforms the dream home into a chilling crime scene.
Now, Andi wonders if the contest has taken a deadly turn or if there's a more sinister force at play, lurking behind the scenes. "To Die For" offers a shocking view into human greed.
The Way Life Should Be by William Dameron (Family Drama)
In their idyllic summer cottage on the Maine coast, husbands Thomas and Matt revel in their newfound happiness after leaving their wives and embracing their true selves. Their peaceful life takes a turn when their three troubled children, each grappling with personal crises, seek solace in their fathers' refuge.
As the space shrinks, the past collides with the present, forcing them to confront old wounds and unresolved issues. Over the course of a transformative summer, these two families, flawed and scarred, come together to discover what life can still offer.
Through pain, anger, and imperfections, they are determined to forge a path of love and understanding. "The Way Life Should Be" tells the story of a family forged stronger through crisis. This book is one of two literary contenders on the list.
Sing, Wild Bird, Sing by Jacqueline O’Mahony (Historical Fiction)
Set in 1849 on the rugged west coast of Ireland, Honora O'Donoghue, a resilient young woman with a deep connection to nature, has always felt destined for something greater. When the devastating Famine strikes, Honora experiences profound loss, but also discovers her own inner strength.
Determined to seek a better life in America, she sets sail, only to find herself a stranger in a foreign land, struggling to adapt to unfamiliar customs and a scarcity of opportunities. With limited resources and a sole companion, Honora becomes vulnerable to exploitation in her quest for survival. Even the prospect of marriage holds unexpected conditions, far from the idyllic dream she envisioned.
Faced with past disappointments and heartbreak, Honora must make difficult choices about the life she desires and the lengths she's willing to go to attain it. "Sing, Wild Bird, Sing" is a gripping journey through self-fulfillment and life's dealt hands. This is the second literary contender on this list on our opinion.
The Hanging City by Charlie N. Holmberg (Fantasy)
Haunted by her abusive past, Lark is a fugitive with a desperate need for safety. Gifted with a cursed power to induce terror in others, she relies on this ability to survive as she searches for a place to belong. The legends of her childhood point to Cagmar, a city inhabited by trolls—an enemy of humanity.
Intrigued by her unique skill, the troll high council sees potential in Lark as a valuable asset in their battle against monstrous creatures plaguing their city. However, using her power against a troll means certain death.
As Lark navigates her new role, she forms unexpected alliances, discovers friendship, and even finds love within Cagmar's walls. But when she incurs the wrath of a powerful troll who despises humans, her loyalty and resilience are put to the ultimate test. In a fight for survival, Lark must confront her past, learn the importance of trust and hope, and harness the extraordinary power of fear itself. "The Hanging City" is one of the few books selected for Amazon First Reads in the fantasy genre.
Broadway Butterfly by Sara DiVello (Historical Crime)
In 1923 Manhattan, the scandalous murder of flapper Dot King grips the city. A cast of lovers, seekers of justice, and opportunists get entangled in the captivating mystery.
As Daily News reporter Julia Harpman, Detective John D. Coughlin, and Dot's maid Ella Bradford dig deeper, they uncover a web of secrets, corruption, and nefarious plots involving powerful figures.
From Broadway to the city's underbelly, they embark on a thrilling quest for justice, where every twist reveals a darker truth. Take a tour back to 1923 New York in a slow burn crime drama in "Broadway Butterfly".
It Will All Work Out by Kevin Hart (Self-Help)
In "It Will All Work Out," Kevin Hart goes on a quest to confront and conquer the Control Monster—an obstacle to happiness that lurks within us all. In this masterclass, Kevin explores the detrimental effects of controlling behavior on our relationships, stress levels, and overall well-being.
Drawing from his own experiences, he provides insights into recognizing and addressing control issues, such as micromanaging, in your own life. By relinquishing the need for constant control, Kevin reveals the transformative power of trust and offers valuable secrets to taming your Control Monster, leading to a more fulfilling and successful life.
In the Likely Event by Rebecca Yarros (Romance)
Izzy Astor boards a plane with low expectations for her usual holiday travel, but everything changes when she meets her seatmate, Nate Phelan.
Nate's captivating looks and rugged charm ignite a strong connection between them, and Izzy finds herself believing in destiny. However, just ninety seconds after takeoff, their plane crashes into the Missouri River, altering the course of their lives forever.
Nate embarks on a military career, while Izzy enters the world of politics. Despite a few serendipitous encounters, the timing never seems right for their relationship. Eventually, fate brings them together again in Afghanistan, where Nate is assigned to protect Izzy's life in a high-stakes reunion. "In the Likely Event" is an immersive tale into life, love, and second chances.
Batu and the Search for the Golden Cup by Zira Nauryzbai and Lilya Kalaus (Children's)
In present-day Almaty, Batu's ordinary life takes an extraordinary turn when he encounters Aspara, the Golden Warrior, who emerges from Batu's notebook cover and from Kazakhstan's rich past.
Aspara has long awaited the opportunity to search for the lost Golden Cup, a powerful talisman from the heavens. Driven by a thirst for adventure and purpose, Batu joins forces with Aspara and their friends to embark on a quest for the Golden Cup, entering a world where mythical tales come alive.
However, they face formidable adversaries also seeking the Cup, willing to stop at nothing to ensure their failure. As they navigate treacherous challenges, Batu and his friends must not only survive but also find their way back home in time for dinner. "Batu and the Search for the Golden Cup" is an exciting new children's book and one of the first to be featured on Amazon First Reads in a while.
Get your Amazon First Reads here.
Read More: