Just in time for the holiday season, here are some titles we’re most excited about. Don’t be afraid to treat yourself!
Lonely Planet Instant Expert
Author: Nigel Holmes
Released: 12/1 by Lonely Planet
Genre: Humor; Nonfiction
Series: N/A
Summary: The follow-up to Lonely Planet’s hit The Book of Everything, Instant Expert contains all that a world traveller needs to know. It’s witty and full of brilliant illustrations of all types by noted infographics illustrator Nigel Holmes.
Want to know how to dive for pearls, cure toothache, mix a mean cocktail and more? Be an instant expert in 100 occupations and equip yourself for a world of adventurous travel with this how-to handbook.
Amanda says: I just think Lonely Planet does some amazing things. Really tempted to buy this for my brother for Christmas or any of my jet-setting, in-a-state-of-travel-flux friends.
Owning Violet
Author: Monica Murphy
Released: 12/2 by Bantam
Genre: Erotic Romance
Series: #1 in Fowler Sisters series
Summary: I’ve moved through life doing what’s expected of me. I’m the middle daughter, the dutiful daughter. The one who braved a vicious attack and survived. The one who devoted herself to her family’s business empire. The one who met an ambitious man and fell in love. We were going to run Fleur Cosmetics together, Zachary and I.
Until he got a promotion and left me in the dust. Maybe it’s for the best, between his disloyalty and his wandering eye. But another man was waiting for me. Wanting me. He too has an overwhelming thirst for success, just like Zachary—perhaps even more so. He’s also ruthless. And mysterious. I know nothing about Ryder McKay beyond that he makes me feel things I’ve never felt before.
One stolen moment, a kiss, a touch . . . and I’m hooked. Ryder’s like a powerful drug, and I’m an addict who doesn’t want to be cured. He tells me his intentions aren’t pure, and I believe him. For once, I don’t care. I’m willing to risk everything just to be with him. Including my heart. My soul.
My everything.
Amanda says: Even though it appears to be in first-person POV, it’s an erotic workplace romance. UGH, catnip alert.
Rise of the Spider Goddess
Author: Jim C. Hines
Released: 12/2 by Jim C. Hines
Genre: Fantasy; Humor
Series: N/A
Summary: In 2006, DAW Books published Jim C. Hines’ debut novel Goblin Quest. But before Jig the goblin, before fairy tale princesses and magic librarians and spunky fire-spiders, there was Nakor the Purple, an elf who wanted nothing more than to stand around watching lovingly overdescribed sunrises with his pet owl Flame, who might actually be a falcon, depending on which chapter you’re reading.
This is Nakor’s story, written in 1995 and never before shared with the world. (For reasons that will soon be painfully clear.) Together with an angsty vampire, a pair of pixies, and a feisty young thief, Nakor must find a way to stop an Ancient Evil before she destroys the world. (Though, considering the relatively shallow worldbuilding, it’s not like there’s much to destroy…)
Carrie says: Hines’s first novel was terrible. So he published an annotated version with helpful notes for the writer and reader – it’s hilarious and helpful!
Zodiac
Author: Romina Russell
Released: 12/9 by Razorbill
Genre: Young Adult; Fantasy
Series: #1 in Zodiac series
Summary: At the dawn of time, there were 13 Houses in the Zodiac Galaxy. Now only 12 remain….
Rhoma Grace is a 16-year-old student from House Cancer with an unusual way of reading the stars. While her classmates use measurements to make accurate astrological predictions, Rho can’t solve for ‘x’ to save her life—so instead, she looks up at the night sky and makes up stories.
When a violent blast strikes the moons of Cancer, sending its ocean planet off-kilter and killing thousands of citizens—including its beloved Guardian—Rho is more surprised than anyone when she is named the House’s new leader. But, a true Cancrian who loves her home fiercely and will protect her people no matter what, Rho accepts.
Then, when more Houses fall victim to freak weather catastrophes, Rho starts seeing a pattern in the stars. She suspects Ophiuchus—the exiled 13th Guardian of Zodiac legend—has returned to exact his revenge across the Galaxy. Now Rho—along with Hysan Dax, a young envoy from House Libra, and Mathias, her guide and a member of her Royal Guard—must travel through the Zodiac to warn the other Guardians.
But who will believe anything this young novice says? Whom can Rho trust in a universe defined by differences? And how can she convince twelve worlds to unite as one Zodiac?
Amanda says: Where my Aries at?! But seriously, I love astrology and how the signs relate to one another. I will consume any YA, romance, etc. with a zodiac bent.
Pioneer Girl
Author: Laura Ingalls Wilder
Released: 12/12 by the South Dakota State Historical Society
Genre: Nonfiction; Autobiography
Series: N/A
Summary: Pioneer Girl follows the Ingalls family’s journey through Kansas, Missouri, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, back to Minnesota, and on to Dakota Territory sixteen years of travels, unforgettable experiences, and the everyday people who became immortal through Wilder’s fiction. Using additional manuscripts, letters, photographs, newspapers, and other sources, award-winning Wilder biographer Pamela Smith Hill adds valuable context and leads readers through Wilder’s growth as a writer. Do you think you know Laura? Pioneer Girl: The Annotated Autobiography will re-introduce you to the woman who defined the pioneer experience for millions.
Carrie says: This Annotated autobiography sounds fascinating. And RedHeadedGirl has it on her Christmas wishlist, too.
The Duke of Dark Desires
Author: Miranda Neville
Released: 12/30 by Avon
Genre: Historical Romance: European
Series: #4 in The Wild Quartet series
Summary: Wanted: Governess able to keep all hours . . .
Rebellious Julian Fortescue never expected to inherit a dukedom, nor to find himself guardian to three young half-sisters. Now in the market for a governess, he lays eyes on Jane Grey and knows immediately she is qualified—to become his mistress. Yet the alluring woman appears impervious to him. Somehow Julian must find a way to make her succumb to temptation . . . without losing his heart and revealing the haunting mistakes of his past.
Desired: Duke skilled in the seductive art of conversation . . .
Lady Jeanne de Falleron didn’t seek a position as a governess simply to fall into bed with the Duke of Denford. Under the alias of Jane Grey, she must learn which of the duke’s relatives is responsible for the death of her family—and take her revenge. She certainly can’t afford the distraction of her darkly irresistible employer, or the smoldering desire he ignites within her.
But as Jane discovers more clues about the villain she seeks, she’s faced with a possibility more disturbing than her growing feelings for Julian: What will she do if the man she loves is also the man she’s sworn to kill?
Elyse says: My favorite historical of the year, hands down.
The Rosie Effect
Author: Graeme Simsion
Released: 12/30 by Simon & Schuster
Genre: Contemporary Romance; Fiction
Series: #2 in the Don Tillman series
Summary: The highly anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestselling novel The Rosie Project, starring the same extraordinary couple now living in New York and unexpectedly expecting their first child. Get ready to fall in love all over again.
Don Tillman and Rosie Jarman are back. The Wife Project is complete, and Don and Rosie are happily married and living in New York. But they’re about to face a new challenge because— surprise!—Rosie is pregnant.
Don sets about learning the protocols of becoming a father, but his unusual research style gets him into trouble with the law. Fortunately his best friend Gene is on hand to offer advice: he’s left Claudia and moved in with Don and Rosie.
As Don tries to schedule time for pregnancy research, getting Gene and Claudia to reconcile, servicing the industrial refrigeration unit that occupies half his apartment, helping Dave the Baseball Fan save his business, and staying on the right side of Lydia the social worker, he almost misses the biggest problem of all: he might lose Rosie when she needs him the most.
Carrie says: I loved The Rosie Project and I can’t wait to see how events unfold.
Say Yes to the Marquess
Author: Tessa Dare
Released: 12/30 by Avon
Genre: Historical Romance: European
Series: #2 in Castles Ever After series
Summary: Your presence is requested at romantic Twill Castle for the wedding of Miss Clio Whitmore and . . . and . . . ?
After eight years of waiting for Piers Brandon, the wandering Marquess of Granville, to set a wedding date, Clio Whitmore has had enough. She’s inherited a castle, scraped together some pride, and made plans to break her engagement.
Not if Rafe Brandon can help it. A ruthless prizefighter and notorious rake, Rafe is determined that Clio will marry his brother—even if he has to plan the dratted wedding himself.
So how does a hardened fighter cure a reluctant bride’s cold feet?
● He starts with flowers. A wedding can’t have too many flowers. Or harps. Or cakes.
● He lets her know she’ll make a beautiful, desirable bride—and tries not to picture her as his.
● He doesn’t kiss her.
● If he kisses her, he definitely doesn’t kiss her again.
● When all else fails, he puts her in a stunning gown. And vows not to be nearby when the gown comes off.
● And no matter what—he doesn’t fall in disastrous, hopeless love with the one woman he can never call his own.
Sarah says: I would say I can’t wait to read this, except I’m making myself wait so that if there is squee, and I suspect there will be, such squee will occur as close to release date as possible. Holding back squee AND repressing the desire to read this book RIGHT NOW requires a great deal of energy, so I’m going to go eat cookies now.
December 30 cannot come fast enough for me.
Saga, Volume 4 comes out this month. It’s on my Christmas wishlist!
I’m looking forward to “The Duke of Dark Desire’s” and “Say Yes to the Marquess” myself! Love those Historical Romances!
I’m Australian, and The Rosie Effect was actually released here in September. I know it’s weird – usually we’re the ones waiting months for books that have already been released overseas to be released here.
Anyway, I loved The Rosie Project, so of course I bought The Rosie Effect. Unfortunately I didn’t enjoy it anywhere near as much as The Rosie Project. At best I’d put it as “wait until it’s on special, or get it from the library”. At worst, I’d say don’t even bother.
I felt most of the conflict was contrived and could have been solved in five seconds flat if they’d just talked to each other. Most of the book they were fighting, or just plain not talking. Rosie didn’t play as big a role in this book, and I missed her and the interaction between her and Don.
I’m being a bit vague because I’m trying to avoid spoilers, but if anyone would like me to elaborate I’m happy to.
Pioneer Girl is at the TOP of my list. I’ve been waiting over a year for it and cannot WAIT to read it!
I’ve put off ordering The Duke of Dark Desire. The darkness of the cover and title suggest that this is going to be an erotic. I’m glad it comes recommended. I may give it a try based on that.
[…] releases: Fiction Vixen (UF/romance), Smart Bitches (romance), Tor.com (PNR, paranormal/urban fantasy/horror), and Literary Escapism […]