February is here! So give us all the new books, plzkthx! It’s a bit of a smaller month for the SBTB HQ’s book budget, but there are a handful of other books that we know a bunch of you are hearing about or are waiting to buy. Here are a few that are probably on your TBR lists, even if they aren’t on ours:
- A Conjuring of Light ( A | BN | K | AB ) is the third and final book in V.E. Schwab’s Shades of Magic series.
- The Hate U Give ( A | BN | K | AB ) by Angie Thomas is a book I’ve been seeing absolutely everywhere!
- Sawyer Bennett returns to her hockey heroes with Roman ( A | BN | K | G | AB ).
- The 44th (whoa!) book in the In Death series comes out – Echoes in Death ( A | BN | K | AB ) by J.D. Robb.
- The Duke ( A | BN | K | AB ) by Kerrigan Byrne is a crazysauce historical with amnesia!
- M. O’Keefe is back to her Everything I Left Unsaid series with Wait for It ( A | BN | K | G ).
- Beloved Beast ( A | BN | K | AB ) by Karyn Gerrard is a Beauty & the Beast WWII historical with a Frankenstein’s monster-esque hero.
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Amberlough
Author: Lara Elena Donnelly
Released: February 7, 2017 by Tor Books
Genre: LGBTQIA, Mystery/Thriller, Science Fiction/FantasyLe Carré meets Cabaret in this debut spy thriller as a gay double-agent schemes to protect his smuggler lover during the rise of a fascist government coup
Welcome to Amberlough City, the illustrious but corrupt cosmopolitan beacon of Gedda. The radical One State Party — nicknamed the Ospies — is gaining popular support to unite Gedda’s four municipal governments under an ironclad, socially-conservative vision.
Not everyone agrees with the Ospies’ philosophy, including master spy Cyril DePaul and his lover Aristide Makricosta, smuggler and emcee at the popular Bumble Bee Cabaret. When Cyril’s cover is blown on a mission, however, he must become a turncoat in exchange for his life. Returning to Amberlough under the Ospies’ watchful eye, Cyril enters a complex game of deception. One of his concerns is safeguarding Aristide, who refuses to let anyone – the crooked city police or the homophobic Ospies – dictate his life.
Enter streetwise Cordelia Lehane, top dancer at the Bee and Aristide’s runner, who could be the key to Cyril’s plans—if she can be trusted. As the twinkling lights of nightclub marquees yield to the rising flames of a fascist revolution, these three will struggle to survive using whatever means — and people — necessary. Including each other.
Amanda says: A gay double agent in what’s described as “Cabaret meets Le Carre.” Yes! Put this in my eyeballs!
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Empress of a Thousand Skies
Author: Rhoda Belleza
Released: February 7, 2017 by Razorbill
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young AdultFor fans of Pierce Brown and Firefly comes an epic sci-fi fantasy that Kiersten White, author of And I Darken, calls “dazzling–an adventure as sweeping in scope as the galaxies it spans!”
Empress
Rhee, also known as Crown Princess Rhiannon Ta’an, is the sole surviving heir to a powerful dynasty. She’ll stop at nothing to avenge her family and claim her throne.Fugitive
Aly has risen above his war refugee origins to find fame as the dashing star of a DroneVision show. But when he’s falsely accused of killing Rhee, he’s forced to prove his innocence to save his reputation – and his life.Madman
With planets on the brink of war, Rhee and Aly are thrown together to confront a ruthless evil that threatens the fate of the entire galaxy.Rhoda Belleza crafts a powerful saga of vengeance, warfare, and the true meaning of legacy in this exhilarating debut, perfect for readers of Marissa Meyer’s Lunar Chronicles and Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman’s Illuminae Files.
Amanda says: Not sure if this is going to be a series, but holy moly this sounds good.
Elyse says: Galactic empress heroine? Sign me up.
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Love and Gravity
Author: Samantha Sotto
Released: February 7, 2017 by Ballantine Books
Genre: Time Travel, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasyn this unforgettable novel for fans of One Day and The Time Traveler’s Wife, a young Isaac Newton falls in love with a girl living in modern-day San Francisco, defying the laws of physics to forge a seemingly impossible connection.
Andrea Louviere is seven years old the first time he appears. While she’s alone in her bedroom, practicing her beloved cello, the light shivers and a crack forms in the wall. Through the crack, she sees a candle, a window, a desk—and a boy. Though no sound travels through the wall, the boy clearly sees Andrea, too. And then, just as quickly as it opened, the crack closes, and he vanishes.Over the years, summoning the bright, magnetic boy becomes something of an obsession for Andrea. Then, on her seventeenth birthday, she receives a three-hundred-year-old love letter from Isaac Newton. Andrea knows that Isaac will change the world with his groundbreaking discoveries; the letter tells Andrea that she will change him.
As Isaac’s letters intensify in passion and intimacy, Andrea grows determined to follow his clues to their shared destiny—despite a burgeoning romance in the present. Only when she discovers the way into Isaac’s time does Andrea realize that she faces a heartbreaking decision: between what was . . . and what might be.
Elyse says: A time travel romance with Isaac Newton as the hero.
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Tangled in Texas
Author: Kari Lynn Dell
Released: February 7, 2017 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Western, Romance
Series: Texas Rodeo #2It took 32 seconds to end his career.
But it only took 1 to change his life.Thirty-two seconds. That’s how long it took for Delon Sanchez’s life to end. One minute he was the best bronc rider in the Panhandle and the next he was nothing. Knee shattered, future in question, all he can do is pull together the pieces…and wonder what cruel trick of fate has thrown him into the path of his ex, the oh-so-perfect Tori Patterson.
Tori’s come home after her husband’s death, intent on escaping the public eye. It’s just her luck that Delon limps into her physical therapy office, desperate for help. All hard-packed muscle and dark-eyed temptation, he’s never been anything but a bad idea. And yet, seeing him again, Tori can’t remember what made her choose foolish pride over love…or why, with this second, final chance to right old wrongs, the smartest choice would be to run from this gorgeous rodeo boy as fast as her boots can take her.
Amanda says: This book came highly recommended from a fellow, trusted romance reader, so of course, I have to read it.
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Wintersong
Author: S. Jae-Jones
Released: February 7, 2017 by Thomas Dunne Books
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young AdultBeware the goblin men and the wares they sell.
All her life, nineteen-year-old Liesl has heard tales of the beautiful, mysterious Goblin King. He is the Lord of Mischief, the Ruler Underground, and the muse around which her music is composed. Yet, as Liesl helps shoulder the burden of running her family’s inn, her dreams of composition and childish fancies about the Goblin King must be set aside in favor of more practical concerns.
But when her sister Käthe is taken by the goblins, Liesl journeys to their realm to rescue her sister and return her to the world above. The Goblin King agrees to let Käthe go—for a price. The life of a maiden must be given to the land, in accordance with the old laws. A life for a life, he says. Without sacrifice, nothing good can grow. Without death, there can be no rebirth. In exchange for her sister’s freedom, Liesl offers her hand in marriage to the Goblin King. He accepts.
Down in the Underground, Liesl discovers that the Goblin King still inspires her—musically, physically, emotionally. Yet even as her talent blossoms, Liesl’s life is slowly fading away, the price she paid for becoming the Goblin King’s bride. As the two of them grow closer, they must learn just what it is they are each willing to sacrifice: her life, her music, or the end of the world.
Amanda says: It’s a Labyrinth retelling! Leave me alone with this book!
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Winter of the Gods
Author: Jordanna Max Brodsky
Released: February 14, 2017 by Orbit
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy, Urban Fantasy
Series: Olympus Bound #2Manhattan has many secrets. Some are older than the city itself.
Winter in New York: snow falls, lights twinkle, and a very disgruntled Selene DiSilva prowls the streets, knowing that even if she doesn’t look for trouble, it always finds her.
When a dead body is discovered sprawled atop Wall Street’s iconic Charging Bull statue, it’s up to Selene to hunt down the perpetrators. Her ancient skills make her the only one who can track a conspiracy that threatens the very existence of the gods, Selene – once known as Artemis – among them.
Winter of the Gods is the much-anticipated new novel from the author of The Immortals.
Sarah says: The first one was so difficult to put down: , and I’m almost ready to block off days in a row to read this one.
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Pretty Face
Author: Lucy Parker
Released: February 20, 2017 by Carina Press
Genre: Contemporary Romance, RomanceHighly acclaimed, award-winning author of Act Like It Lucy Parker returns readers to the London stage with laugh-out-loud wit and plenty of drama
The play’s the fling
It’s not actress Lily Lamprey’s fault that she’s all curves and has the kind of voice that can fog up a camera lens. She wants to prove where her real talents lie—and that’s not on a casting couch, thank you. When she hears esteemed director Luc Savage is renovating a legendary West End theater for a lofty new production, she knows it could be her chance—if only Luc wasn’t so dictatorial, so bad-tempered and so incredibly sexy.
Luc Savage has respect, integrity and experience. He also has it bad for Lily. He’d be willing to dismiss it as a midlife crisis, but this exasperating, irresistible woman is actually a very talented actress. Unfortunately, their romance is not only raising questions about Lily’s suddenly rising career, it’s threatening Luc’s professional reputation. The course of true love never did run smooth. But if they’re not careful, it could bring down the curtain on both their careers…
Sarah says: Obviously.
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Devil in Spring
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Released: February 21, 2017 by Avon
Genre: Historical: European, Romance
Series: The Ravenels #3An eccentric wallflower…
Most debutantes dream of finding a husband. Lady Pandora Ravenel has different plans. The ambitious young beauty would much rather stay at home and plot out her new board game business than take part in the London Season. But one night at a glittering society ball, she’s ensnared in a scandal with a wickedly handsome stranger.
A cynical rake…
After years of evading marital traps with ease, Gabriel, Lord St. Vincent, has finally been caught-by a rebellious girl who couldn’t be less suitable. In fact, she wants nothing to do with him. But Gabriel finds the high-spirited Pandora irresistible. He’ll do whatever it takes to possess her, even if their marriage of convenience turns out to be the devil’s own bargain.
A perilous plot…
After succumbing to Gabriel’s skilled and sensuous persuasion, Pandora agrees to become his bride. But soon she discovers that her entrepreneurial endeavors have accidentally involved her in a dangerous conspiracy-and only her husband can keep her safe. As Gabriel protects her from their unknown adversaries, they realize their devil’s bargain may just turn out to be a match made in heaven…
Elyse says: Do I really need to explain this one?
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Royally Matched
Author: Emma Chase
Released: February 21, 2017 by Emma Chase LLC.
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romance
Series: Royally #2Some men are born responsible, some men have responsibility thrust upon them. Henry John Edgar Thomas Pembrook, Prince of Wessco, just got the motherlode of all responsibility dumped in his regal lap.
He’s not handling it well.
Hoping to force her grandson to rise to the occasion, Queen Lenora goes on a much-needed safari holiday—and when the Queen’s away, the Prince will play. After a chance meeting with an American television producer, Henry finally makes a decision all on his own:
Welcome to Matched: Royal Edition.
A reality TV dating game show featuring twenty of the world’s most beautiful blue bloods gathered in the same castle. Only one will win the diamond tiara, only one will capture the handsome prince’s heart.
While Henry revels in the sexy, raunchy antics of the contestants as they fight, literally, for his affection, it’s the quiet, bespectacled girl in the corner—with the voice of an angel and a body that would tempt a saint—who catches his eye.
The more Henry gets to know Sarah Mirabelle Zinnia Von Titebottum, the more enamored he becomes of her simple beauty, her strength, her kind spirit… and her naughty sense of humor.
But Rome wasn’t built in a day—and irresponsible royals aren’t reformed overnight.
As he endeavors to right his wrongs, old words take on whole new meanings for the dashing Prince. Words like, Duty, Honor and most of all—Love.
Amanda says: I’ve been on a royal kick. I love Chase’s writing and I’m really interested in the heroine after meeting her in the previous book.
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I See You
Author: Clare Mackintosh
Released: February 21, 2017 by Berkley
Genre: Mystery/ThrillerThe author of the smash bestseller, I Let You Go, propels readers into a dark and claustrophobic thriller, in which a normal, everyday woman becomes trapped in the confines of her normal, everyday world…
Every morning and evening, Zoe Walker takes the same route to the train station, waits at a certain place on the platform, finds her favorite spot in the car, never suspecting that someone is watching her…
It all starts with a classified ad. During her commute home one night, while glancing through her local paper, Zoe sees her own face staring back at her, a grainy photo along with a phone number and listing for a website called findtheone.com.
Other women begin appearing in the same ad, a different one every day, and Zoe realizes they’ve become the victims of increasingly violent crimes—including rape and murder. With the help of a determined cop, she uncovers the ad’s twisted purpose…a discovery that turns her paranoia into full-blown panic. For now Zoe is sure that someone close to her has set her up as the next target.
And now that man on the train—the one smiling at Zoe from across the car—could be more than just a friendly stranger. He could be someone who has deliberately chosen her and is ready to make his next move…
Elyse says: A psychological thriller about our increasing lack of digital privacy.
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Passion Favors the Bold
Author: Theresa Romain
Released: February 28, 2017 by Zebra
Genre: Historical: European, Romance
Series: The Royal Rewards Duo #2DESPERATE MEASURES
Georgette Frost’s time is almost up. On her twenty-first birthday, the protections outlined in her late parents’ will are set to expire. With prospects for employment or marriage unfavorable at best, she decides to leave London and join her brother, Benedict, on a treasure hunt for gold sovereigns stolen from the Royal Mint.DANGEROUS LIAISONS
Lord Hugo Starling has always felt protective of his friend Benedict’s sister, Georgette. So when he discovers her dressed in ragged boy’s clothes, about to board a coach for parts unknown, he feels duty bound to join her search. But mystery piles upon mystery as they cross England together, not least of which is the confounded attraction between them. As Georgette leads him to a reward he never expected, Hugo realizes he’s embarked upon the adventure of a lifetime…Sarah says: Heist, adventure, heroine avoiding marital limitations – HERE HERE HERE MINE GIMME.
Elyse says: REGENCY TREASURE HUNT!
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Till Death
Author: Jennifer Armentrout
Released: February 28, 2017 by William Morrow
Genre: Mystery/Thriller, Romantic Suspense, RomanceIn New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout’s gripping new novel, a young woman comes home to reclaim her life—even as a murderer plots to end it. . .
It’s been ten years since Sasha Keaton left her West Virginia hometown . . . since she escaped the twisted serial killer known as the Groom. Returning to help run her family inn means being whole again, except for one missing piece. The piece that falls into place when Sasha’s threatened—and FBI agent Cole Landis vows to protect her the way he couldn’t a decade ago.
First one woman disappears; then another, and all the while, disturbing calling cards are left for the sole survivor of the Groom’s reign of terror. Cole’s never forgiven himself for not being there when Sasha was taken, but he intends to make up for it now . . . because under the quirky sexiness Cole first fell for is a steely strength that only makes him love Sasha more.
But someone is watching. Waiting. And Sasha’s first mistake could be her last.
Elyse says: I’m a sucker for a serial killer plot.
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The noise I made at “Amberlough”… thank you for bringing it to my attention!!
I’m so excited for “Pretty Face” and “A Conjouring of Light”!’
Also excited for:
– “The Lawrence Browne Affair” by Cat Sebastian – m/m Regency – Feb 7
– “Norse Mythology” by Neil Gaiman – Feb 7
– “Miranda and Caliban” by Jaqueline Carey – Feb 14
– “An Unseen Atraction” by KJ Charles – Feb 21
Devil in Spring! Nothing else registers for me this month.
Into the Fire, the last book in Jeaniene Frost’s Night Prince series, comes out in the 28th.
Wow, Amberlough is, apparently, the book I didn’t realize I’ve been waiting to read my whole life. Thanks for flagging it! On top of that, any month that gives me both the Goblin King and Isaac Newton as heroes is a win in my book.
Devil in Spring! DEVIL IN SPRING!!! DEVIIILLLLL IIIIIINNN SPRIINNGGGGGGG dasfhsadfjalskdf;lasdjf;lsdjf;lajsdf;ljasdf;ljasdf;lasd
*coughs*
I’m very much looking forward to Devil in Spring.
I started M. O’Keefe’s EVERYTHING I LEFT UNSAID series last month, and now I’m hooked. Super excited for that book. I also really want to check out Lucy Parker’s books – keep hearing great things! Kelly Bowen’s also got a new book out that’s supposed to be one of her best yet, which is saying something because all her books are amazing. February is shaping up to be a great reading month. Thanks for the post!
This is going to be an excellent month for reading!! So looking forward to Pretty Face, Devil in Spring, and Passion Favors the Bold.
Also out this month — Someone to Hold by Mary Balogh – Feb. 7.
Thanks for the heads up for fave authors plus newbies (to me)!
*Happy dance commencing!!*
(FINALLY – The Devil in Spring and Pretty Face!!! WOOT!!
The Duke (K.Byrne)- crazysauce with amnesia – gotta have it!!
And, can’t wait for the KJ Charles and the Cat Sebastian (Thank you so much @KateB!))
Meredith Duran’s A Lady’s Code of Misconduct releases on Feb. 28th. It’s the fifth book in her Rules for the Reckless series. Can’t wait to read it, along with Devil in Spring and Passion Favors the Bold!
Kari Lynn Dell, author of Tangled in Texas, is a rancher and rodeo competitor. I enjoy her posts on her Facebook page about ranch life and competitions. The cowboy stories are damn good, too.
I may have to take the day off work on February 28 for Passion Favors the Bold.
Meredith Duran has a new book out as well. This is going to be an expensive month for the Kindle!
“Sarah Mirabelle Zinnia Von Titebottum” Best. Name. Ever.
Y’all are killing me here! A new Lucy Parker? One-click has been clicked. Devil in Spring – YES! And I’m adding my name to the list of “galactic empress heroine” in Empress of a Thousand Skies. Catnip. And Wintersong – I may need to rewatch Labrynth, just for educational purposes, mind you.
And yay for commenters’ mentions of new Meredith Duran (auto-buy) and I can’t wait to read the last Vlad and Leila book by Jeanine Frost.
That’s on top of the books that were released yesterday – technically January:
Eloisa James’ Seveen Minutes in Heaven
Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy’s Good Boy
Rebecca Zanetti’s Justice Ascending
and Lisa Shearin’s The Ghoul Vendetta
If Newton is a romantic hero, I’m really only interested in his romance with Hooke, but I would read the hell out of that.
I put Wintersong on hold at the library.
Really looking forward to the new Cat Sebastian next week. I devoured “The Soldier’s Scoundrel” and preordered “The Lawrence Browne Affair” as soon as it was available.
Issac Newton was such a gross dude, that I could never read a book with him as a hero. He was not a nice man.
Kresley Cole is releasing an IAD novella on Valentine’s Day. It’s her first foray into m/m and I kind of can’t contain my excitement.
Looking forward to “Pretty Face” because “Act Like It” charmed my pants off. Also excited for “The Lawrence Browne Affair” and “Devil in Spring” (although, tbh, I haven’t LOVED the Ravenels series so far)
I already Pretty Face preordered and I also NEED The Hate U Give and Wintersong in my eyeballs.
Great to see Winter of the Gods here. I didn’t know the second book was coming out this spring. I really enjoyed the first book from a debut author. 1-click is soooo dangerous.
Devil In Spring oh lordy lordamercy. Okay let me go back and actually read about the other books now. *fans self*
I realized that I have preordered 10 books this month. I can’t wait for this month!!
February is my birthday month – and not only does it have the BEST releases – Theresa Romain is releasing her book on my birthday! It feels like it’s being released specially for me!
Yeah, skipping the I.N. book. Not someone I could imagine as a Hero. I know too much. Winter of the Gods sounds interesting but that means I have to read the 1st book.
I preordered Devil in Spring a while back and I’m preparing to renew my membership in the BDBK.
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