Most Anticipated Books of 2023
Hello, all!
Hell Bent- Leigh Bardugo: This is the follow-up to Ninth House which was Bardugo’s first foray into adult fantasy. There are a few sequels/follow-ups on this list, so I don’t want to say too much about them, but this series follows a woman who can see the dead and Yale secret societies. It’s way darker and grimmer than anything she’s ever done before, but I really enjoyed it so I’m excited see how the story plays out.
Phaedra- Laura Shepperson: You all should know by now that if there’s a Greek mythology retelling coming out (and there’s a few on this list), I’ll be picking it up. This debut follows Phaedra, the wife of Theseus, and is said to be perfect for fans of Madeline Miller and Natalie Haynes.
Lost in the Moment and Found- Seanan McGuire: This is the eighth installment of the Wayward Children’s series. Each book follows a different set of characters as they try and navigate different worlds that’re supposedly their perfect match. This one follows a young girl who stumbles upon a door that leads to her an infinite variety of worlds. I’ll admit, this series is hit or miss for me, but I still love picking them up.
Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries- Heather Fawcett: GoodReads described this as a heartwarming and enchanting fantasy following a curmudgeonly professor who journeys to a small town in the far north to study faerie folklore and discovers dark fae magic, friendship, and love. I love the cozy, whimsical sound of this.
How to Sell a Haunted House- Grady Hendrix: When their parents pass away, estranged siblings, Louise, and Mark Joyner, are devastated. They’re in desperate need of money, so they must put their differences aside to get their childhood home ready to sell, but they quickly realize this isn’t the home they remember. Hendrix is another author whose work I either love or hate, yet I keep picking them up.
Queen Among the Dead- Lesley Livingston: This is said to be a stunning Celtic YA fantasy adventure set in the ancient kingdom of Eire, inspired by the legend of the first true queen of Ireland. I don’t think I’ve read anything inspired by Celtic lore before, so this immediately intrigued me.
Mysteries of Thorn Manor- Margaret Rogerson: This is a sequel novella of sorts to Sorcery of Thorns and follows Elisabeth, Nathaniel, and Silas after they’ve taken down an evil sorcerer. The trio must unravel a new mystery when the wards surrounding Thorn Manor start acting up trapping them inside. I loved Sorcery of Thorns, so I’ll take any extra books I can to be back in this world.
Her Lessons in Persuasion- Megan Frampton: Finding a husband is a competitive sport Lady Wilhelmina Bettesford wants no part of, but to secure the inheritance that will allow her to live as she wants, Wilhelmina has no choice but to enter courtship. But no one said it had to be real. I’m a sucker for a fake dating trope, and they just hit so much harder in historical romances, so I can’t wait to dive into this one.
The Duke Gets Even- Joanna Shupe: I’ve become obsessed with Joanna Shupe recently, and so of course, I had to add in the next installment of her Fifth Avenue Rebels series about a secret affair between a free-spirited heiress and an uptight duke which turns more passionate than either could have imagined. (Spoiler alert: I read an ARC of this recently and it’s easily my favorite in the series.)
Begin Again- Emma Lord: This follows a young girl starting college who thinks she has it all figured out, and it all quickly goes off the rails. I’ve only read one other book by Emma Lord, but I’m excited to read more from her.
Dear Henry, Love Edith- Becca Kinzer: Edith is a young widow who has learned her lesson and would rather fill up the rest of her life with adventure not love. While awaiting a humanitarian trip to South Africa, she accepts a short-term nursing position in a small Midwestern town where she’ll be staying with Henry Hobbes, who isn’t thrilled to have a roommate. The pair always seem to miss each other and mainly correspond in notes, but what happens when they meet in person? I love this sort of pen pal-type of trope, and I don’t see it often, so I’m interested to see how it plays out here.-1/31- The Davenports- Krystal Marquis: Inspired by the real-life story of C.R. Patterson and his family, this follows four determined and passionate young Black women discovering the courage to steer their own path in life and love. I saw somewhere that this was compared to Bridgerton, and you all know how much I love a family dynamic, so I can’t wait to pick this one up.
Secretly Yours- Tessa Bailey: A strait-laced, stuffy professor and his bubbly, outgoing neighbor who are constantly butting heads only to eventually fall for one another? Take all my money.
Seven Faceless Saints- M.K. Lobb: I love fantasy when it has a murder-mystery element, and this one is set in the city of Ombrazia, where saints and their disciples’ rule with terrifying and unjust power, playing favorites while the unfavored struggle to survive. It’s also said to be perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Kerri Maniscalco, so that’s all I needed to hear.
Stone Blind- Natalie Haynes: This is a take on the story of Medusa, which is one of my favorites in Greek mythology, and I can’t wait to see what Haynes has done with it.
The Whispering Muse- Laura Purcell: Rumors of a curse are swirling around The Mercury Theatre in London's West End saying that that the lead actress, Lilith, has made a pact with Melpomene to become the greatest actress to ever grace the stage. When Jenny, a dresser, is offered money to spy on Lilith, she readily accepts, but when strange occurrences start happening around the theater, Jenny fears the rumors to be true and that the muse has come calling for payment. I’ve read a few other books by Purcell, and while the atmosphere in them is always on point, the pacing has been sluggish, but the premise of this sounds too good to pass up.
Never Seduce a Duke- Vivienne Lorret: I’ve never read anything by Lorret before, but when I saw “a young lady engages in a steamy flirtation with a bespectacled, studious duke while on holiday, only to return with more than just memories” I couldn’t say no.
The Shadow of Perseus- Claire Heywood: This is a retelling of Perseus told by the three women who were pushed to the side in the original story: his mother, Danae; his trophy, Medusa; and his wife, Andromeda, whose viewpoints reveal a man who is not, in fact, a hero at all. I read Daughters of Sparta by Heywood and enjoyed her writing style a lot, so I have high hopes for this one.
The Secrets of Hartwood Hall- Katie Lumsden: It's 1852 and Margaret Lennox, a young widow, attempts to escape the shadows of her past by taking a position as governess to an only child, Louis, at an isolated country house in the west of England. But Margaret soon starts to feel that something isn't quite right. This sounds so atmospheric, and I hope it has all the eerie, unsettling vibes.-2/28- The Neighbor Favor- Kristina Forest: Shy, bookworm, Lily, has always felt inadequate compared to the rest of her family. Lily finds solace is correspondences with her favorite fantasy author, and soon a friendship (and maybe something more) forms. With her sister’s wedding coming up, Lily enlists her neighbor Nick to help her find a date. Little does Lily know that Nick is an author—her favorite fantasy author. Like I mentioned above, I love the whole pen pal thing, and this just sounds so cute.
A Sinister Revenge- Deanna Raybourn: Is this a surprise to anyone? I won’t go too much into this one because I rave about Veronica Speedwell as often as I can, but this is the eight installment and we’re following Veronica and Stoker as the try to figure out the culprit behind a string of murders targeting Stoker’s brother and his friends. After the way the last book ended, I am stressed for the future of my favorite couple.
A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon- Sarah Hawley: Ok. I’m going to be honest with this one. I didn’t even read the premise; I just saw the title and went *add to TBR*
Clytemnestra- Costanza Casati: Told you there were a few mythology retellings on here. This one is a debut and focuses on Clytemnestra, wife of Agamemnon and sister to Helen of Troy. I read another book earlier this year that had her as a main character, so I’m interested to see someone else’s take on her.
The Love Wager- Lynn Painter: After belly-crawling out of a hotel room after a one-night stand, Hallie Piper has finally decided to become an adult. She gets a new apartment, haircut, clothes, and cues up the dating apps. Only the first guy she sees is the same one who’s room she just snuck out of. I enjoy Painter’s writing style, it feels light and fluffy, so this sounds like it’ll be fun.
The London Séance Society- Sarah Penner: This is set in 1873 on the outskirts of Paris and follows Lenna Wickes, who has come seeking answers from a well-known spiritualist, Vaudeline D’Allaire, about her sister’s death. But when Vaudeline is called to England to investigate a murder, Lenna tags along as her understudy, and they become enmeshed in something darker than they bargained for. I didn’t love Penner’s previous book, but I like the sounds of this, so I want to give her another shot.
A House with Good Bones- T. Kingfisher: Another author I’ve gotten into this year is Kingfisher. This is said to be a haunting Southern Gothic that explores the dark, twisted roots lurking just beneath the veneer of a perfect home and family. Color me intrigued.
Silver in the Bone- Alexandra Bracken: All I know is that this is an Arthurian retelling. I’ve never read many King Arthur reimagining’s, but I love the BBC show Merlin, so I’m hoping this’ll give off the same vibe? Who knows? I may be totally off, but I’m into it.
The Last Heir to Blackwood Library- Hester Fox: This is set in post–World War I England, where a young woman inherits a mysterious library and must untangle its powerful secrets. I think Fox is such an underrated author. I’ve really enjoyed all her books and find them all so atmospheric. I love any books set in libraries, so I’m sure I’ll eat this one up as well.
Divine Rivals- Rebecca Ross: After centuries of sleep, the gods have awakened and started warring, but all Iris is worried about is keeping her family together. Her best bet is to win the columnist promotion at the Oath Gazette. To combat her worries, Iris begins writing letters to her missing brother, hiding them in her closet. Unbeknownst to her, the letters have been going to Rowan, her rival at the newspaper. Together they forge a magical connection that’ll help them in the coming war. Ross’s Elements of Cadence series has become one of my all-time faves, so I’m interested in seeing what else she comes up with.
The Rise and Fall of Ava Arcana- Jennifer Banash: This is said to be “an electrifying novel about a woman in thrall to the exhilarating rhythms of Manhattan, lost in the dizzying promise of youth, and fatally naive to the dark pressures of fame.” It kind of gives me a dark Behind the Music vibe and I’m sort of into it.
To Swoon and to Spar- Martha Waters: This is the next installment in the Regency Vows series and follows a viscount and his irascible new wife who hopes to chase her husband from their shared home so that she can finally get some peace and quiet—only to find that his company is not as onerous as she thought. I find this series so amusing and witty, and I’m excited to continue.
Yours Truly- Abby Jimenez: After a terrible first impression, Drs. Briana Ortiz and Jacob Maddox begin exchanging letters and soon a tentative friendship blooms into something life-changing. I really enjoy Jimenez’s characters, and think her books have the perfect amount of sweetness and steam, so I’m looking forward to this one.
Atalanta- Jennifer Saint: Left on a mountainside at birth, Atalanta is taken in by a mother bear, and raised alongside it’s cubs and under the protective eye of the goddess Artemis. Determined to prove her worth, Atalanta leaves her forest and joins Jason's band of Argonauts. With legends favoring the men, can Atalanta make her mark? I’ve loved everything Saint has come out with so far, and I’m so excited to read a retelling of a character I’ve never seen done before.
Sisters of the Lost Nation- Nick Medina: This follows a young Native girl as she hunts for answers about the mysterious disappearance of women from her reservation, leading her to delve into the myths and stories of her people, all while being hunted herself. The blurb described this as part gripping thriller and part mythological horror, and that sounds super intriguing to me.
The Secret Service of Tea and Treason- India Holton: GoodReads describes this as “Two rival spies must brave pirates, witches, and fake matrimony to save the Queen.” Honestly, it’s India Holton and I don’t need to know any more than that. Her other two books have been 5 stars and she’s become one of my favorite authors, so I don’t really need any incentive to pick her books up.
Happy Place- Emily Henry: A fake dating trope with exes on a weeklong vacation with friends? And it’s written by Emily Henry? Say less.
A Rogue’s Rules for Seduction- Eva Leigh: Dominic Kilburn and Lady Willa Ransom haven’t seen each other since he left her at the altar. Dominic has always regretted his decision but knows that Willa wants nothing to do with him. But when their thrown together on a remote Scottish isle, neither can deny the attraction still burning between them. I have a love/hate relationship with Leigh’s series, but one I absolutely adore is this Last Chance Scoundrels series. The first two books were 5 stars, so I’m hoping this is the same.
In the Lives of Puppets- TJ Klune: This follows a family of robots who live in a forest and the extraordinary journey they find themselves on. I adore Klune’s writing and find it so cozy, so I have no doubt this’ll charm me.
Famous for a Living- Melissa Ferguson: Cat Cranwell is a social media maven, until one bad deal leaves her canceled. When her uncle offers her a job at his small national park in Montana, Cat has no choice but to accept. She’s expecting an easy ride as their social media manager, but Cat quickly learns she’s in over her head. It also doesn’t help that she must work with Zaiah Hudson, the handsome ranger who thinks social media is the root of everything that’s wrong with the world. I feel like this is going to be very Alexis Rose-in-the-mountains and I can’t wait.
Practice Makes Perfect- Sarah Adams: Annie Walker is determined to find her perfect match, but when she overhears her date calling her “so unbelievably boring,” she decides to shake up her life. She ropes Will—a flirty, tattooed bodyguard—into becoming her tutor. Will doesn’t believe Annie needs to change anything about herself, but can’t say no to her request, so the pair decide to fake a relationship that soon begins to toe the line of becoming something real. Adams is one of my favorite authors, so I’ll pick up anything she comes out with.
Meet Me at the Lake- Carley Fortune: A random connection sends two strangers on a daylong adventure where they make a promise one keeps and the other breaks, with life-changing effects. I loved Fortune’s debut, Every Summer After, so I have high hopes for this one.
The Sun and the Star- Rick Riordan & Mark Oshiro: This is a new spin-off series following Nico di Angelo and Will Solace from the Percy Jackson books, and that’s all I need to know.
Summer Reading- Jenn McKinlay: What happens when a woman who’d rather do anything than read meets a swoon-worthy bookworm on her vacation? Have a hot summer fling, obviously! I’ve read one other book by McKinlay that I thought was fine, but this sounds so fun and great for summer.
Psyche and Eros- Luna McNamara: Like the title implies, this is a retelling of the love story between Psyche and Eros. I must admit, I’m excited to read a retelling about other characters besides the ones from the Trojan war.
The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies- Alison Goodman: Lady Augusta “Gus” Colebrook is considered an old maid by society's standards. She’s unmarried, bored by social life, and constantly dismissed because of her age. When her sister’s betrothed dies, Gus decides they need a distraction, so the pair set off to London to rescue their goddaughter from her violent husband. But they’re attacked by a highway man on the road there, who happens to be a lord who was convicted of murder and sent to Australia twenty years ago. Gus is convinced he was wrongfully accused, and nothing will stop her from getting to the truth. I love a fun historical mystery, and this sounds like it’ll be right up my alley.
Unfortunately Yours- Tessa Bailey: This is a companion novel for Secretly Yours which is mentioned above, which follows a down-on-her-luck Napa heiress suggests a mutually beneficial marriage of convenience to a man she can't stand only to discover there's a fine line between love and hate. Marriage of convenience between enemies? Yes, please.
Love Theoretically- Ali Hazelwood: As an adjunct thermodynamics professor Elsie Hannaway doesn’t make much money, so she hires out her services as a fake girlfriend, shaping herself into whatever mold her clients need. But then she learns the broody older brother of her favorite client is not only the same experimental physicist who ruined her mentor’s career but is also on the hiring committee of MIT where Elsie is applying. Admittedly, Hazelwood’s books are starting to feel a bit similar, I’m still going to pick them up, especially when they have academic rivals to lovers and fake dating.
Business or Pleasure- Rachel Lynn Solomon: Chandler Cohen is a ghostwriter and after an awkward encounter at a book signing, she meets a charming man at a bar and decides to have a night of fun. Unfortunately, the universe comes to bite her in the ass. Chandler’s newest project is ghostwriting a memoir for Finn Walsh, a C-list celebrity known for his role in a cult classic werewolf show, but Chandler knows him better from their one-night stand. Solomon’s stories are always delightful and I’m hoping this will be no exception.
The Only One Left- Riley Sager: This is said to be a Gothic chiller about a young caregiver assigned to work for a woman accused of a Lizzie Borden-like massacre decades earlier. Sager is very hit or miss for me, so while I’m not expecting much, I’m hoping it’ll be good.
A Most Agreeable Murder- Julia Seales: Beatrice Steele has never fit the definition of a true lady. She's awful at needlework and has no musical ability to entice the men into marriage. She does have one passion though: true crime. When Edmund Croaksworth, the most eligible bachelor, drops dead at a ball, Beatrice takes it upon herself to solve the murder before anyone else gets hurt. I love a historical fiction murder mystery, and this one sounds right up my alley!
Girl, Goddess, Queen- Bea Fitzgerald: This is supposed to be a YA fantasy retelling of Hades and Persephone, and that’s my favorite myth so I had to include this on here.
A Twisted Love Story- Samantha Downing: Wes and Ivy are madly in love. When it’s good, it’s great. But when it’s bad, it’s bad. Then on the night of one of their worst breakups, one of them went a little too far, and someone ended up dead. I really enjoy Downing’s writing style and have loved everything I’ve picked up by her so far, so I’m hoping this will be the same.
Thornhedge- T. Kingfisher: This is described as a “subversive fairytale about a kind-hearted, toad-shaped heroine, a gentle knight, and a mission gone completely sideways.” I mentioned before how I love Kingfisher’s writing and I’m hoping this gives me the same feels as Nettle & Bone.
This Cursed Light- Emily Thiede: This is the follow-up to This Vicious Grace which I read earlier this year. I won’t say too much since spoilers, but it follows Dante and Alessa enlisting their friends to help find the exiled ghiotte in hopes of restoring Dante’s powers and combining forces with them to create the only army powerful enough to save them all from the cruel Gods seeking to destroy everything.
Foxglove- Adalyn Grace: This is another I don’t want to say too much on since it’s the sequel to Belladonna, which I read earlier this year and enjoyed. But we’re once again following Signa and Death as they must unravel a murder mystery.
Looking Glass Sound- Catriona Ward: In a lonely cottage overlooking the Maine coast, Wilder Harlow begins the last book he will ever write. It’s a story about his childhood friends and the killer that stalked a small New England town. But as Wilder writes, the line between fiction and reality begin to blur. I’ve only read one other book by Ward which was a complete mind twist, so I’m expecting the same here.
The Brothers Hawthorne- Jennifer Lynn Barnes: I thought the Inheritance Games series by Barnes was super fun and twisty, so I’m excited for it to keep going. This follows Grayson and Jameson, so you know it’s probably going to get a little messy.
Guardians of Dawn: Zhara- S. Jae-Jones: This follows a young girl who must find the elemental warrior withing to bring balance and restore harmony to her world. Literally all I had to see was a comparison to Sailor Moon in the description and I immediately added it to my TBR.
A Study in Drowning- Ava Reid: Architecture student Effy Sayre wins a contest to design her favorite author's family manor, but when she arrives, she finds a remote, crumbling estate filled with disturbing secrets. This sounds like it’ll be a perfect spooky read for fall.
The Scarlet Veil- Shelby Mahurin: I enjoyed Mahurin’s Serpent & Dove series, and this is a spin-off following Célie and vampires? I’m not sure, but I’m intrigued.
The Chalice of the Gods- Rick Riordan: I don’t need to know anything about this past the fact that it’s A!SIXTH!PERCY!JACKSON!BOOK!
The Hurricane Wars- Thea Guanzon: On opposite sides of a vicious war, a soldier who can channel light magic and a prince who summons shadows must put their differences aside and marry if they hope to save their world from ruin. You all know I love me an enemies-to-lovers fantasy.
Night of the Witch- Sara Raasch & Beth Revis: There isn’t much about this one yet except that it’s set against the witch trials of medieval Germany, where the lone survivor of her coven’s attack must work with the witch hunter chasing her to uncover the secrets and dark magic that are at the heart of the Black Forest. Um, yes, please.
Two Twisted Crowns- Rachel Gillig: I don’t want to say too much about this one either since it’s the sequel to One Dark Window which I read last month and really enjoyed. But it follows Elspeth and Ravyn as they continue to search for the Providence Cards to help cure the land of a magical plight.
It's time to talk about some books I'm looking forward to picking up next year! As always, I tried not to go too in-depth since I didn't want to make this post super long, but I've linked all the GoodReads if you want to check them out further.
Let me know if there are any books you're looking forward to as well!
January:
Phaedra- Laura Shepperson: You all should know by now that if there’s a Greek mythology retelling coming out (and there’s a few on this list), I’ll be picking it up. This debut follows Phaedra, the wife of Theseus, and is said to be perfect for fans of Madeline Miller and Natalie Haynes.
Lost in the Moment and Found- Seanan McGuire: This is the eighth installment of the Wayward Children’s series. Each book follows a different set of characters as they try and navigate different worlds that’re supposedly their perfect match. This one follows a young girl who stumbles upon a door that leads to her an infinite variety of worlds. I’ll admit, this series is hit or miss for me, but I still love picking them up.
Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries- Heather Fawcett: GoodReads described this as a heartwarming and enchanting fantasy following a curmudgeonly professor who journeys to a small town in the far north to study faerie folklore and discovers dark fae magic, friendship, and love. I love the cozy, whimsical sound of this.
How to Sell a Haunted House- Grady Hendrix: When their parents pass away, estranged siblings, Louise, and Mark Joyner, are devastated. They’re in desperate need of money, so they must put their differences aside to get their childhood home ready to sell, but they quickly realize this isn’t the home they remember. Hendrix is another author whose work I either love or hate, yet I keep picking them up.
Queen Among the Dead- Lesley Livingston: This is said to be a stunning Celtic YA fantasy adventure set in the ancient kingdom of Eire, inspired by the legend of the first true queen of Ireland. I don’t think I’ve read anything inspired by Celtic lore before, so this immediately intrigued me.
Mysteries of Thorn Manor- Margaret Rogerson: This is a sequel novella of sorts to Sorcery of Thorns and follows Elisabeth, Nathaniel, and Silas after they’ve taken down an evil sorcerer. The trio must unravel a new mystery when the wards surrounding Thorn Manor start acting up trapping them inside. I loved Sorcery of Thorns, so I’ll take any extra books I can to be back in this world.
Her Lessons in Persuasion- Megan Frampton: Finding a husband is a competitive sport Lady Wilhelmina Bettesford wants no part of, but to secure the inheritance that will allow her to live as she wants, Wilhelmina has no choice but to enter courtship. But no one said it had to be real. I’m a sucker for a fake dating trope, and they just hit so much harder in historical romances, so I can’t wait to dive into this one.
The Duke Gets Even- Joanna Shupe: I’ve become obsessed with Joanna Shupe recently, and so of course, I had to add in the next installment of her Fifth Avenue Rebels series about a secret affair between a free-spirited heiress and an uptight duke which turns more passionate than either could have imagined. (Spoiler alert: I read an ARC of this recently and it’s easily my favorite in the series.)
Begin Again- Emma Lord: This follows a young girl starting college who thinks she has it all figured out, and it all quickly goes off the rails. I’ve only read one other book by Emma Lord, but I’m excited to read more from her.
Dear Henry, Love Edith- Becca Kinzer: Edith is a young widow who has learned her lesson and would rather fill up the rest of her life with adventure not love. While awaiting a humanitarian trip to South Africa, she accepts a short-term nursing position in a small Midwestern town where she’ll be staying with Henry Hobbes, who isn’t thrilled to have a roommate. The pair always seem to miss each other and mainly correspond in notes, but what happens when they meet in person? I love this sort of pen pal-type of trope, and I don’t see it often, so I’m interested to see how it plays out here.-1/31- The Davenports- Krystal Marquis: Inspired by the real-life story of C.R. Patterson and his family, this follows four determined and passionate young Black women discovering the courage to steer their own path in life and love. I saw somewhere that this was compared to Bridgerton, and you all know how much I love a family dynamic, so I can’t wait to pick this one up.
February:
Seven Faceless Saints- M.K. Lobb: I love fantasy when it has a murder-mystery element, and this one is set in the city of Ombrazia, where saints and their disciples’ rule with terrifying and unjust power, playing favorites while the unfavored struggle to survive. It’s also said to be perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Kerri Maniscalco, so that’s all I needed to hear.
Stone Blind- Natalie Haynes: This is a take on the story of Medusa, which is one of my favorites in Greek mythology, and I can’t wait to see what Haynes has done with it.
The Whispering Muse- Laura Purcell: Rumors of a curse are swirling around The Mercury Theatre in London's West End saying that that the lead actress, Lilith, has made a pact with Melpomene to become the greatest actress to ever grace the stage. When Jenny, a dresser, is offered money to spy on Lilith, she readily accepts, but when strange occurrences start happening around the theater, Jenny fears the rumors to be true and that the muse has come calling for payment. I’ve read a few other books by Purcell, and while the atmosphere in them is always on point, the pacing has been sluggish, but the premise of this sounds too good to pass up.
Never Seduce a Duke- Vivienne Lorret: I’ve never read anything by Lorret before, but when I saw “a young lady engages in a steamy flirtation with a bespectacled, studious duke while on holiday, only to return with more than just memories” I couldn’t say no.
The Shadow of Perseus- Claire Heywood: This is a retelling of Perseus told by the three women who were pushed to the side in the original story: his mother, Danae; his trophy, Medusa; and his wife, Andromeda, whose viewpoints reveal a man who is not, in fact, a hero at all. I read Daughters of Sparta by Heywood and enjoyed her writing style a lot, so I have high hopes for this one.
The Secrets of Hartwood Hall- Katie Lumsden: It's 1852 and Margaret Lennox, a young widow, attempts to escape the shadows of her past by taking a position as governess to an only child, Louis, at an isolated country house in the west of England. But Margaret soon starts to feel that something isn't quite right. This sounds so atmospheric, and I hope it has all the eerie, unsettling vibes.-2/28- The Neighbor Favor- Kristina Forest: Shy, bookworm, Lily, has always felt inadequate compared to the rest of her family. Lily finds solace is correspondences with her favorite fantasy author, and soon a friendship (and maybe something more) forms. With her sister’s wedding coming up, Lily enlists her neighbor Nick to help her find a date. Little does Lily know that Nick is an author—her favorite fantasy author. Like I mentioned above, I love the whole pen pal thing, and this just sounds so cute.
March:
A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon- Sarah Hawley: Ok. I’m going to be honest with this one. I didn’t even read the premise; I just saw the title and went *add to TBR*
Clytemnestra- Costanza Casati: Told you there were a few mythology retellings on here. This one is a debut and focuses on Clytemnestra, wife of Agamemnon and sister to Helen of Troy. I read another book earlier this year that had her as a main character, so I’m interested to see someone else’s take on her.
The Love Wager- Lynn Painter: After belly-crawling out of a hotel room after a one-night stand, Hallie Piper has finally decided to become an adult. She gets a new apartment, haircut, clothes, and cues up the dating apps. Only the first guy she sees is the same one who’s room she just snuck out of. I enjoy Painter’s writing style, it feels light and fluffy, so this sounds like it’ll be fun.
The London Séance Society- Sarah Penner: This is set in 1873 on the outskirts of Paris and follows Lenna Wickes, who has come seeking answers from a well-known spiritualist, Vaudeline D’Allaire, about her sister’s death. But when Vaudeline is called to England to investigate a murder, Lenna tags along as her understudy, and they become enmeshed in something darker than they bargained for. I didn’t love Penner’s previous book, but I like the sounds of this, so I want to give her another shot.
A House with Good Bones- T. Kingfisher: Another author I’ve gotten into this year is Kingfisher. This is said to be a haunting Southern Gothic that explores the dark, twisted roots lurking just beneath the veneer of a perfect home and family. Color me intrigued.
April:
The Last Heir to Blackwood Library- Hester Fox: This is set in post–World War I England, where a young woman inherits a mysterious library and must untangle its powerful secrets. I think Fox is such an underrated author. I’ve really enjoyed all her books and find them all so atmospheric. I love any books set in libraries, so I’m sure I’ll eat this one up as well.
Divine Rivals- Rebecca Ross: After centuries of sleep, the gods have awakened and started warring, but all Iris is worried about is keeping her family together. Her best bet is to win the columnist promotion at the Oath Gazette. To combat her worries, Iris begins writing letters to her missing brother, hiding them in her closet. Unbeknownst to her, the letters have been going to Rowan, her rival at the newspaper. Together they forge a magical connection that’ll help them in the coming war. Ross’s Elements of Cadence series has become one of my all-time faves, so I’m interested in seeing what else she comes up with.
The Rise and Fall of Ava Arcana- Jennifer Banash: This is said to be “an electrifying novel about a woman in thrall to the exhilarating rhythms of Manhattan, lost in the dizzying promise of youth, and fatally naive to the dark pressures of fame.” It kind of gives me a dark Behind the Music vibe and I’m sort of into it.
To Swoon and to Spar- Martha Waters: This is the next installment in the Regency Vows series and follows a viscount and his irascible new wife who hopes to chase her husband from their shared home so that she can finally get some peace and quiet—only to find that his company is not as onerous as she thought. I find this series so amusing and witty, and I’m excited to continue.
Yours Truly- Abby Jimenez: After a terrible first impression, Drs. Briana Ortiz and Jacob Maddox begin exchanging letters and soon a tentative friendship blooms into something life-changing. I really enjoy Jimenez’s characters, and think her books have the perfect amount of sweetness and steam, so I’m looking forward to this one.
Atalanta- Jennifer Saint: Left on a mountainside at birth, Atalanta is taken in by a mother bear, and raised alongside it’s cubs and under the protective eye of the goddess Artemis. Determined to prove her worth, Atalanta leaves her forest and joins Jason's band of Argonauts. With legends favoring the men, can Atalanta make her mark? I’ve loved everything Saint has come out with so far, and I’m so excited to read a retelling of a character I’ve never seen done before.
Sisters of the Lost Nation- Nick Medina: This follows a young Native girl as she hunts for answers about the mysterious disappearance of women from her reservation, leading her to delve into the myths and stories of her people, all while being hunted herself. The blurb described this as part gripping thriller and part mythological horror, and that sounds super intriguing to me.
The Secret Service of Tea and Treason- India Holton: GoodReads describes this as “Two rival spies must brave pirates, witches, and fake matrimony to save the Queen.” Honestly, it’s India Holton and I don’t need to know any more than that. Her other two books have been 5 stars and she’s become one of my favorite authors, so I don’t really need any incentive to pick her books up.
Happy Place- Emily Henry: A fake dating trope with exes on a weeklong vacation with friends? And it’s written by Emily Henry? Say less.
A Rogue’s Rules for Seduction- Eva Leigh: Dominic Kilburn and Lady Willa Ransom haven’t seen each other since he left her at the altar. Dominic has always regretted his decision but knows that Willa wants nothing to do with him. But when their thrown together on a remote Scottish isle, neither can deny the attraction still burning between them. I have a love/hate relationship with Leigh’s series, but one I absolutely adore is this Last Chance Scoundrels series. The first two books were 5 stars, so I’m hoping this is the same.
In the Lives of Puppets- TJ Klune: This follows a family of robots who live in a forest and the extraordinary journey they find themselves on. I adore Klune’s writing and find it so cozy, so I have no doubt this’ll charm me.
May:
Practice Makes Perfect- Sarah Adams: Annie Walker is determined to find her perfect match, but when she overhears her date calling her “so unbelievably boring,” she decides to shake up her life. She ropes Will—a flirty, tattooed bodyguard—into becoming her tutor. Will doesn’t believe Annie needs to change anything about herself, but can’t say no to her request, so the pair decide to fake a relationship that soon begins to toe the line of becoming something real. Adams is one of my favorite authors, so I’ll pick up anything she comes out with.
Meet Me at the Lake- Carley Fortune: A random connection sends two strangers on a daylong adventure where they make a promise one keeps and the other breaks, with life-changing effects. I loved Fortune’s debut, Every Summer After, so I have high hopes for this one.
The Sun and the Star- Rick Riordan & Mark Oshiro: This is a new spin-off series following Nico di Angelo and Will Solace from the Percy Jackson books, and that’s all I need to know.
Summer Reading- Jenn McKinlay: What happens when a woman who’d rather do anything than read meets a swoon-worthy bookworm on her vacation? Have a hot summer fling, obviously! I’ve read one other book by McKinlay that I thought was fine, but this sounds so fun and great for summer.
Psyche and Eros- Luna McNamara: Like the title implies, this is a retelling of the love story between Psyche and Eros. I must admit, I’m excited to read a retelling about other characters besides the ones from the Trojan war.
The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies- Alison Goodman: Lady Augusta “Gus” Colebrook is considered an old maid by society's standards. She’s unmarried, bored by social life, and constantly dismissed because of her age. When her sister’s betrothed dies, Gus decides they need a distraction, so the pair set off to London to rescue their goddaughter from her violent husband. But they’re attacked by a highway man on the road there, who happens to be a lord who was convicted of murder and sent to Australia twenty years ago. Gus is convinced he was wrongfully accused, and nothing will stop her from getting to the truth. I love a fun historical mystery, and this sounds like it’ll be right up my alley.
June:
Love Theoretically- Ali Hazelwood: As an adjunct thermodynamics professor Elsie Hannaway doesn’t make much money, so she hires out her services as a fake girlfriend, shaping herself into whatever mold her clients need. But then she learns the broody older brother of her favorite client is not only the same experimental physicist who ruined her mentor’s career but is also on the hiring committee of MIT where Elsie is applying. Admittedly, Hazelwood’s books are starting to feel a bit similar, I’m still going to pick them up, especially when they have academic rivals to lovers and fake dating.
Business or Pleasure- Rachel Lynn Solomon: Chandler Cohen is a ghostwriter and after an awkward encounter at a book signing, she meets a charming man at a bar and decides to have a night of fun. Unfortunately, the universe comes to bite her in the ass. Chandler’s newest project is ghostwriting a memoir for Finn Walsh, a C-list celebrity known for his role in a cult classic werewolf show, but Chandler knows him better from their one-night stand. Solomon’s stories are always delightful and I’m hoping this will be no exception.
The Only One Left- Riley Sager: This is said to be a Gothic chiller about a young caregiver assigned to work for a woman accused of a Lizzie Borden-like massacre decades earlier. Sager is very hit or miss for me, so while I’m not expecting much, I’m hoping it’ll be good.
A Most Agreeable Murder- Julia Seales: Beatrice Steele has never fit the definition of a true lady. She's awful at needlework and has no musical ability to entice the men into marriage. She does have one passion though: true crime. When Edmund Croaksworth, the most eligible bachelor, drops dead at a ball, Beatrice takes it upon herself to solve the murder before anyone else gets hurt. I love a historical fiction murder mystery, and this one sounds right up my alley!
July:
A Twisted Love Story- Samantha Downing: Wes and Ivy are madly in love. When it’s good, it’s great. But when it’s bad, it’s bad. Then on the night of one of their worst breakups, one of them went a little too far, and someone ended up dead. I really enjoy Downing’s writing style and have loved everything I’ve picked up by her so far, so I’m hoping this will be the same.
August:
This Cursed Light- Emily Thiede: This is the follow-up to This Vicious Grace which I read earlier this year. I won’t say too much since spoilers, but it follows Dante and Alessa enlisting their friends to help find the exiled ghiotte in hopes of restoring Dante’s powers and combining forces with them to create the only army powerful enough to save them all from the cruel Gods seeking to destroy everything.
Foxglove- Adalyn Grace: This is another I don’t want to say too much on since it’s the sequel to Belladonna, which I read earlier this year and enjoyed. But we’re once again following Signa and Death as they must unravel a murder mystery.
Looking Glass Sound- Catriona Ward: In a lonely cottage overlooking the Maine coast, Wilder Harlow begins the last book he will ever write. It’s a story about his childhood friends and the killer that stalked a small New England town. But as Wilder writes, the line between fiction and reality begin to blur. I’ve only read one other book by Ward which was a complete mind twist, so I’m expecting the same here.
The Brothers Hawthorne- Jennifer Lynn Barnes: I thought the Inheritance Games series by Barnes was super fun and twisty, so I’m excited for it to keep going. This follows Grayson and Jameson, so you know it’s probably going to get a little messy.
Guardians of Dawn: Zhara- S. Jae-Jones: This follows a young girl who must find the elemental warrior withing to bring balance and restore harmony to her world. Literally all I had to see was a comparison to Sailor Moon in the description and I immediately added it to my TBR.
September:
The Scarlet Veil- Shelby Mahurin: I enjoyed Mahurin’s Serpent & Dove series, and this is a spin-off following Célie and vampires? I’m not sure, but I’m intrigued.
The Chalice of the Gods- Rick Riordan: I don’t need to know anything about this past the fact that it’s A!SIXTH!PERCY!JACKSON!BOOK!
October:
The Hurricane Wars- Thea Guanzon: On opposite sides of a vicious war, a soldier who can channel light magic and a prince who summons shadows must put their differences aside and marry if they hope to save their world from ruin. You all know I love me an enemies-to-lovers fantasy.
Night of the Witch- Sara Raasch & Beth Revis: There isn’t much about this one yet except that it’s set against the witch trials of medieval Germany, where the lone survivor of her coven’s attack must work with the witch hunter chasing her to uncover the secrets and dark magic that are at the heart of the Black Forest. Um, yes, please.
Two Twisted Crowns- Rachel Gillig: I don’t want to say too much about this one either since it’s the sequel to One Dark Window which I read last month and really enjoyed. But it follows Elspeth and Ravyn as they continue to search for the Providence Cards to help cure the land of a magical plight.
Comments
Post a Comment