2015 is almost over and that means one final push for big name books before the new year, just in time for the holiday season. There’s new JR Ward, new Sarah MacLean, and a slew of other auto-buy authors. Here’s what we’re looking forward to his month. Which titles are you most excited about?
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Burning Bright
Author: Megan Hart
Released: December 1, 2015 by Avon Impulse
Genre: Contemporary Romance, RomanceThis December, take a break from dreidel spinning, gelt winning, and latke eating to experience the joy of Chanukah. When you fall in love during the Festival of Lights, the world burns a whole lot brighter.
It’s definitely not love at first sight for Amanda and her cute but mysterious new neighbor, Ben. Can a Chanukah miracle show them that getting off on the wrong foot doesn’t mean they can’t walk the same road?
Lawyers in love, Shari Cohen and Evan Sonntag are happy together. But in a moment of doubt, he pushes her away—then soon realizes he made a huge mistake. To win her back, it might take something like a Chanukah miracle.
When impulsive interior designer Molly Baker-Stein barges into Jon Adelman’s apartment and his life intent on planning the best Chanukah party their building has ever seen, neither expects that together they just might discover a Home for Chanukah.
All Tamar expected from her Israel vacation was time to hang out with one of her besties and to act like a tourist, cheesy t-shirt and all, in her two favorite cities. She definitely was not expecting to fall for Avi, a handsome soldier who’s more than she ever dreamed.
Sarah says: I wrote the introduction but haven’t read any of the novellas so I’m really excited about it.
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Girls Who Travel
Author: Nicole Trilivas
Released: December 1, 2015 by Berkley
Genre: Women's FictionA hilarious, deftly written debut novel about a woman whose wanderlust is about to show her that sometimes you don’t have to travel very far to become the person you want to be…
There are many reasons women shouldn’t travel alone. But as foul-mouthed, sweet-toothed Kika Shores knows, there are many more reasons why they should. After all, most women want a lot more out of life than just having fun. Kika, for one, wants to experience the world.
But ever since she returned from her yearlong backpacking tour, she’s been steeped in misery, battling rush hour with all the other suits. Getting back on the road is all she wants. So when she’s offered a nanny job in London – the land of Cadbury Cream Eggs – she’s happy at the prospect of going back overseas and getting paid for it. But as she’s about to discover, the most exhilarating adventures can happen when you stay in one place…
Wise, witty, and hilarious, Girls Who Travel is an unforgettable novel about the highs and lows of getting what you want—and how it’s the things you least expect that can change your life.
Sarah says: As a person who identifies as female who loves to travel, I’m curious, though I’m a little cautious as the heroine sounds from some of the reviews as if she’s a bit irresponsible.
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Sweet Ruin
Author: Kresley Cole
Released: December 1, 2015 by Gallery Books
Genre: Paranormal, Romance
Series: Immortals After Dark #16A foundling raised in a world of humans
Growing up, orphaned Josephine didn’t know who or what she was—just that she was “bad,” an outcast with strange powers. Her baby brother Thaddeus was as perfect as she was flawed; protecting him became her entire life. The day he was taken away began Jo’s transition from angry girl…to would-be superhero…to enchanting, ruthless villain.
A lethally sensual enforcer on a mission
A threat to the Møriør has brought archer Rune the Baneblood to the mortal realm to slay the oldest living Valkyrie. Whether by bow or in bed, he never fails to eliminate his target. Yet before he can strike, he encounters a vampiric creature whose beauty conceals a black heart. With one bite, she pierces him with aching pleasure, taking his forbidden blood—and jeopardizing the secrets of his brethren.
A boundless passion that will lead to sweet ruin…
Could this exquisite female be a spy sent by the very Valkyrie he hunts? Rune knows he must not trust Josephine, yet he’s unable to turn her away. Despite his millennia of sexual conquests, he can’t ignore the unfamiliar longing she arouses deep within him. When Jo betrays the identity of the one man she will die to protect, she and Rune become locked in a treacherous battle of wills that pits ultimate loyalty against unbridled lust.
Amanda says: Cole is an auto-buy author for me and the IAD series is probably the longest series I’ve stuck with. In a newsletter (BECAUSE YES, I SUBSCRIBE), she mentioned that she had two options: start wrapping up the series by pairing off the major players left, or extend it and try something new. She went with the latter and now the “baddies” are getting their fated mates. I’m really interested in seeing how this shakes out and to see if the bad guys deserve love too.
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Status Update
Author: Annabeth Albert
Released: December 7, 2015 by Carina Press
Genre: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQIA, Romance
Series: #Gaymers #1Adrian Gottlieb is winning at life. He’s a successful video game designer with everything a man could ask for, including a warm comfy ride to Denver and a date for his sister’s wedding. But he finds himself in need of a total reboot when he’s left stranded at a snowy campground in Utah. Holiday plans? Epic fail.
That is until Noah Walters offers him shelter for the night and a reluctant cross-country ride. Nothing about the ultraconservative geoarchaeologist should attract Adrian, but once he discovers Noah’s hidden love for video games, the two connect on a new level. Soon, a quiet but undeniable chemistry sparks.
Something doesn’t add up, though. As the miles accumulate and time runs out, Noah must face the most difficult choice of his life. Meanwhile, Adrian must decide whether he’s ready to level up. Is their relationship status worth fighting for, or has this game ended before it’s even begun?
Sarah says: An out video game designer and a conservative geo-archaeologist on a road trip. I’m not wild about the series title (#gaymers) but I’m supremely curious about this one.
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Lord Dashwood Missed Out
Author: Tessa Dare
Released: December 8, 2015 by Avon Impulse
Genre: Historical: European, Novella, Romance
Series: Spindle Cove #4.5A snowstorm hath no fury like a spinster scorned!
Miss Elinora Browning grew up yearning for the handsome, intelligent lord-next-door…but he left England without a word of farewell. One night, inspired by a bit too much sherry, Nora poured out her heartbreak on paper. Lord Dashwood Missed Out was a love letter to every young lady who’d been overlooked by gentlemen—and an instant bestseller. Now she’s on her way to speak in Spindle Cove when snowy weather delays her coach. She’s forced to wait out the storm with the worst possible companion: Lord Dashwood himself.
And he finally seems to have noticed her.
George Travers, Lord Dashwood, has traveled the globe as a cartographer. He returned to England with the goal of marrying and creating an heir–only to find his reputation shredded by an audacious, vexingly attractive bluestocking and her poison pen. Lord Dashwood Missed Out, his arse. Since Nora Browning seems to believe he overlooked the passion of a lifetime, Dash challenges her to prove it.
She has one night.
Sarah says: Historical road trip romance with a couple who get stuck in the snow? I’m a little freaked out by how much of my catnip is packed in there. I think this novella might be my fated mate pairing.
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Dukes Prefer Blondes
Author: Loretta Chase
Released: December 29, 2015 by Avon
Genre: Historical: European, Romance
Series: The Dressmakers #4Biweekly marriage proposals from men who can’t see beyond her (admittedly breathtaking) looks are starting to get on Lady Clara Fairfax’s nerves. Desperate to be something more than ornamental, she escapes to her favorite charity. When a child is in trouble, she turns to tall, dark, and annoying barrister Oliver Radford.
Though he’s unexpectedly found himself in line to inherit a dukedom, Radford’s never been part of fashionable society, and the blonde beauty, though not entirely bereft of brains, isn’t part of his plans. But Clara overwhelms even his infallible logic, and when wedlock looms, all he can do is try not to lose his head over her . . .
It’s an inconvenient marriage by ordinary standards, but these two are far from ordinary. Can the ton’s most adored heiress and London’s most difficult bachelor fall victim to their own unruly desires?
Elyse says: A marriage of convenience plot with a barrister hero!
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First Touch
Author: Laurelin Paige
Released: December 29, 2015 by St. Martin's Griffin
Genre: Erotica/Erotic Romance, Romantic Suspense, Romance
Series: First and Last #1When Emily Wayborn receives an answerphone message from her former best friend Amber, she knows something is seriously wrong. Emily hasn’t spoken to Amber in years, and when Amber uses a safe word in her message that Emily recognises — a word they always used to get out of sticky situations during their wild partying days — she knows Amber needs her help. But when Emily tries to find her, she discovers that Amber is missing.
Determined to track her down, Emily follows a chain of clues that lead her to enigmatic billionaire Reeve Sallis. Renowned for his shady dealings and playboy reputation, Emily is convinced that Reeve knows something about Amber’s disappearance. To try and discover the truth, Emily sets out to seduce him. But when she’s forced to decide where her loyalty lies, how will Emily choose between saving Amber and saving her heart?
If you devoured Fifty Shades and Sylvia Day’s Bared To You series, you will love the latest intoxicating, passionate and addictive novel from New York Times bestseller Laurelin Paige.
Amanda says: After reading Asking for It and Madame X this year, dark romances have become my catnip. Sign me up for this one!
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Mastered
Author: Maya Banks
Released: December 29, 2015 by Berkley
Genre: Erotica/Erotic Romance, Romance
Series: The Enforcers #1The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Surrender Trilogy and the Breathless Trilogy knows what makes readers hot. Now she turns it up in Mastered, the explosive first book in a new series of a desire too dangerous to resist.
What he wants, he takes with no remorse or guilt.
She stood out in his club like a gem, unspoiled and untouched. A lamb among wolves, she clearly didn’t belong. Drawn to her innocence he watched as she was surrounded by men who saw what he did—but no one but him could touch her. He summoned her to his private quarters. He sensed her fear. He also recognized the desire in her eyes. And he knew she wouldn’t leave before he possessed her. She had no need to know his secrets. Not until he had her under his complete and utter control.
What he wants, she isn’t sure she can give him.
The moment he told her want he wanted, she couldn’t resist. Instinct told her to run, but her heart said stay and walk the fine line between pleasure and pain. Though she wasn’t sure she could ever completely surrender, the primal part of her wanted to try, even knowing this man could break her in ways she never imagined. Because once he possessed her, he owned her and it would be too late to turn back. She can only pray that he doesn’t destroy her in the end.
Amanda says: Maya Banks has a new series and (surprise) it’s a BDSM romance. The description seems a little vague, so of course I’m even more interested to see what the romance is like.
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The Rock
Author: Monica McCarty
Released: December 29, 2015 by Pocket Books
Genre: Historical: European, Romance
Series: Highland Guard #11New York Times bestselling author Monica McCarty continues her Highland Guard series in this eleventh steamy historical romance set against the sweeping backdrop of the Scottish Highlands.
The first time he caught sight of Elizabeth Douglas, Thomas MacGowan thought she was a princess. To the son of the castle blacksmith, the daughter of the powerful Lord of Douglas might as well be. When it becomes clear that his childhood companion will never see him as a man she could love, Thom joins Edward Bruce’s army as a man-at-arms to try to change his lot. If he’s harbored a secret hope that he could close the gap between them, he faces the cold, hard truth when Elizabeth comes to him for help. She might need the boy who used to climb cliffs to rescue her brother from the hands of the English, but she would never see the son of a smith as a man worthy of her hand.
Elyse says: I’m verra excited for McCarty’s latest historical.
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The Rogue Not Taken
Author: Sarah MacLean
Released: December 29, 2015 by Avon
Genre: Historical: European, RomanceLady Sophie’s Society Splash
When Sophie, the least interesting of the Talbot sisters, lands her philandering brother-in-law backside-first in a goldfish pond in front of all society, she becomes the target of very public aristocratic scorn. Her only choice is to flee London, vowing to start a new life far from the aristocracy. Unfortunately, the carriage in which she stows away isn’t saving her from ruin . . . it’s filled with it.
Rogue’s Reign of Ravishment!
Kingscote, “King,” the Marquess of Eversley, has never met a woman he couldn’t charm, resulting in a reputation far worse than the truth, a general sense that he’s more pretty face than proper gentleman, and an irate summons home to the Scottish border. When King discovers stowaway Sophie, however, the journey becomes anything but boring.
War? Or More?
He thinks she’s trying to trick him into marriage. She wouldn’t have him if he were the last man on earth. But carriages bring close quarters, dark secrets, and unbearable temptation, making opposites altogether too attractive . . .
Redheadedgirl’s pick!
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With Every Breath
Author: Lia Riley
Released: December 29, 2015 by Forever
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult, Romance
Series: Wanderlust #1BREATHE DEEP . . . AND JUMP IN
At the ends of the earth, Patagonia is a land where ambition trumps reason and the savage summit of La Aguja lures the most determined climbers. It’s also the last spot a “play-it-safe girl” like Auden Woods expects to find herself. But she’ll lace up her brand-new hiking boots and do whatever it takes to secure a dream job at an adventure magazine . . . even if it kills her. And it just might. When disaster strikes, her only chance at survival comes in the form of the surliest, sexiest mountaineer ever to come out of Scotland.After a climbing accident cost him his brother, professional mountaineer Rhys MacAskill is at the end of his rope. Redemption is not in his future. That is, until a terrifying storm blows a budding journalist into his tent and it’s up to him to make sure they both survive until morning. Despite the demons weighing on him, Rhys can’t resist the temptation of the charming American and one wild night just isn’t enough.
Auden and Rhys soon learn there are no shortcuts as they navigate their way between life, death, and atonement, and discover something they never expected—love.
Amanda says: The heroine is giving me some Cheryl Strayed Wild vibes and the hero is a Scottish mountaineer.
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Beside some of the books you already mentioned (Rouge not taken, Dukes prefer Blondes, Lord Dashwood missed out) I’m really looking forward to read the new book by Courtney Milan (Once upon a Marquess), which should be out in a week.
Put me down as someone who wishes Kresley Cole would have just wrapped it up. I won’t be buying the tangent books, especially at these prices.
There’s a new Jill shalvis book coming out, and I love her books.
Yay, new Loretta Chase. Birthday present for myself.
@Katherina Ahhh I love Courtney Milan. She, Alisha Rai and Alyssa Cole give me hope as a young, WOC romance reader.
@Katharina and @Jw– new Courtney Milan is the best news! I never tire of how beautifully compassionate her novels are– to say nothing of her penchant for incredibly intelligent heroes. (My eternal catnip.) Between her, new Tessa Dare, and new Sarah MacLean, I’ll be having a very merry December!
The New KJ Charles is supposed to be incredible. I’m super excited for that. And the new Jeannie Lin is out today!
FINE DAMN YOU SARAH I ORDERED THE JEWY BOOK.
Dare and Milan are auto-buys for me. (Tho somehow I thought the Milan was being delayed? Tell me I’m wrong.) Will wait for reviews/library on some of the others — I’m SO with Ellie on Cole irked-ness at downhill-ness.
New Courtney Milan?! Eee!
I am excited for Shadow’s End, Thea Harrison’s new Elder Races book, which releases today!
Status Update sounds adorable (admittedly I am friends with many a self-proclaimed gaymer). I’ve never actually come across an LGBT romance that wasn’t erotica (not my genre/subgenre of choice), so I’m definitely going to have to read this one!
@Marjorie: I know it was delayed when it originally had a November release date, though I’m not sure about now.
Loretta Chase and KJ Charles (A Seditious Affair) are must buys for me!
I’m with RevMelinda. I can feel Shadow’s End approaching my doorstep. My fingers are tingling. That could be the burns from grabbing a hot pan by mistake (like people do that on purpose), but I think it’s anticipation.
Oh,and Kresley Cole can write as many IAD books as she wants. For every mediocre one (and her mediocre is still better than some people’s best efforts) there are three really great ones.
Sarah MacLean’s!
If you’re into m/m romance Annabeth Albert writes some really great books (her Portland Heat series is awesome)! Sweet, realistic, hot! I agree about the series name (Gaymers…ugh), but have been looking forward to something new from her. Can’t wait for this one!
@bookworm1990: You need to check out Dreamspinner Press! http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com They do everything from teen/NA under their Harmony Ink imprint to the Harlequin Presents-style Dreamspun Desires category line (which starts in January – order by Dec 15 to start your subscription with January’s books). I adore DSP – I get most of my GLBTQIA+ romances from them.
I had no idea there was going to be an entire Hanukkah anthology this year. Needless to say, I’ll be buying that. Aside from that, it looks like a very happy historicals month with four of my favorite authors releasing books (assuming the Courtney Milan is actually coming out this month- it doesn’t come up in an Amazon search).
I got all excited about the Courtney Milan but when I went to check it out, it was all a bit odd. Amazon has nothing for it, no preorder page, nothing. Goodreads has a page with comments indicating it has been announced and delayed for a while now, from there I went to CM’s own website, where yes the date is listed for the 8th and a link to preorder from itunes and nowhere else. Is this a new thing to just have it on itunes? (I have a kindle so I cannot say I like that).
I don’t think Courtney Milan usually has a pre-order on Amazon (unfortunately!), just iBooks. At least the way I remember with “Trade Me” the page didn’t go up until the day of the release.
New Sarah MacLean and Loretta Chase on the same day – but which to read first?!
There’s a new ML Buchman book out today Target Engaged.
And Laura Florand has released a free novella today as well Night Wish which is a prequel to A Wish Upon Jasmine.
There’s a Kate Daniels novella coming out this month– yay!
Here’s the link where you can download the free Laura Florand story on the device of your choice:
http://lauraflorand.com/a-gift-for-you/
The Courtney Milan was due out in November, then December 1, now December 8. It’s changed release dates at least four times that I noticed, so I’m trying not to anticipate too much, but to let it be a surprise when it happens. She self-publishes, so the dates shift in response to when she gets the book good enough to release, and I trust her enough that I’d rather wait an extra few weeks for a book she thinks is ready. I’m dying for the sequel to Trade Me, though. Dying.
Because she self-publishes, you can’t pre-order the same way, so the best way to know when it comes out is to sign up for her newsletter. This happens with all her books, though, and then they show up on Amazon when they’re released. Not that I follow her obsessively or anything. Not at all.
Welp, I was going to buy the Loretta Chase in any case, but now I’m going to buy the HELL out of it. I love marriage-of-convenience stories. To me, they’re kind of like Iron Chef for relationships. Here are your ingredients; what can you make out of them? Also, barrister hero sounds very catnippy.
@garlicknitter:
THE IRON CHEF OF RELATIONSHIPS. YES that is EXACTLY it. I love that analogy!!
@Heather S Thanks! I’ll definitely check that out!