If you’re new to Hide Your Wallet, this is where we list new releases we’re pretty excited for in the coming month.
Each reviewer has a book maximum (five per person), but we’ve separated HYW into two parts. The first HYW of the month will cover books that release from the 1st to the 14th. The second HYW will cover books released from the 15th to the end of the month.
We also think this will help us feature books from smaller publishers who don’t have buy links up as quickly as the big five.
As always, if we missed any books that you’re particularly looking forward to, tell us all about them in the comments.
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A Promised Land
Author: Barack Obama
Released: November 17, 2020 by Crown
Genre: Memoir, NonfictionA riveting, deeply personal account of history in the making—from the president who inspired us to believe in the power of democracy.
In the stirring, highly anticipated first volume of his presidential memoirs, Barack Obama tells the story of his improbable odyssey from young man searching for his identity to leader of the free world, describing in strikingly personal detail both his political education and the landmark moments of the first term of his historic presidency—a time of dramatic transformation and turmoil.
Obama takes readers on a compelling journey from his earliest political aspirations to the pivotal Iowa caucus victory that demonstrated the power of grassroots activism to the watershed night of November 4, 2008, when he was elected 44th president of the United States, becoming the first African American to hold the nation’s highest office.
Reflecting on the presidency, he offers a unique and thoughtful exploration of both the awesome reach and the limits of presidential power, as well as singular insights into the dynamics of U.S. partisan politics and international diplomacy. Obama brings readers inside the Oval Office and the White House Situation Room, and to Moscow, Cairo, Beijing, and points beyond. We are privy to his thoughts as he assembles his cabinet, wrestles with a global financial crisis, takes the measure of Vladimir Putin, overcomes seemingly insurmountable odds to secure passage of the Affordable Care Act, clashes with generals about U.S. strategy in Afghanistan, tackles Wall Street reform, responds to the devastating Deepwater Horizon blowout, and authorizes Operation Neptune’s Spear, which leads to the death of Osama bin Laden.
A Promised Land is extraordinarily intimate and introspective—the story of one man’s bet with history, the faith of a community organizer tested on the world stage. Obama is candid about the balancing act of running for office as a Black American, bearing the expectations of a generation buoyed by messages of “hope and change,” and meeting the moral challenges of high-stakes decision-making. He is frank about the forces that opposed him at home and abroad, open about how living in the White House affected his wife and daughters, and unafraid to reveal self-doubt and disappointment. Yet he never wavers from his belief that inside the great, ongoing American experiment, progress is always possible.
This beautifully written and powerful book captures Barack Obama’s conviction that democracy is not a gift from on high but something founded on empathy and common understanding and built together, day by day.
Aarya: I might be too stressed out post-election to listen to this, but I’ve already preordered the audiobook (Obama is narrating).
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The Boy Toy
Author: Nicola Marsh
Released: November 17, 2020 by Berkley
Genre: Contemporary Romance, RomanceA woman ready to give up on love discovers that age is truly just a number in this heartwarming and steamy new romantic comedy by USA Today bestselling author Nicola Marsh.
For almost a decade, successful 37-year-old Samira Broderick has used her bustling LA practice as an excuse to avoid a trip home to Australia. She still resents her meddling Indian mother for arranging her marriage to a man who didn’t stick around when the going got tough, but now with a new job Down Under, she’s finally ready to reconnect with her. And while she’s there, a hot international fling might be just what she needs to get out of her recent funk.
Aussie stuntman, Rory Radcliffe, has been hiding his stutter for years by avoiding speaking roles. When a job he can’t refuse comes up as a reality show host, he knows he’ll need some help for the audition: a dialect coach. But he finds himself at a loss for words when he discovers it’s the same sexy woman with whom he just had a mind-blowing one-night stand…
Samira can think of many reasons why Rory is completely wrong for her: he’s ten years her junior, for one, and he’s not Indian–something Samira’s mother would never approve of. Even if things were to get serious, there’s no reason to tell her mother…is there?
Sarah: A fling with a younger man, said younger man needs diction help to overcome a stutter, and family expectations are getting in the way – I’m entirely curious. Bring it to my eyeballs, please!
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The Bright and Breaking Sea
Author: Chloe Neill
Released: November 17, 2020 by Berkley
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
Series: Captain Kit Brightling #1Chloe Neill brings her trademark wit and wild sense of adventure to a stunning seafaring fantasy starring a dauntless heroine in a world of magic and treachery.
Kit Brightling, rescued as a foundling and raised in a home for talented girls, has worked hard to rise through the ranks of the Isles’ Crown Command and become one of the few female captains in Queen Charlotte’s fleet. Her ship is small, but she’s fast–in part because of Kit’s magical affinity to the sea. But the waters become perilous when the queen sends Kit on a special mission with a partner she never asked for.
Rian Grant, Viscount Queenscliffe, may be a veteran of the Continental war, but Kit doesn’t know him or his motives–and she’s dealt with one too many members of the Beau Monde. But Kit has her orders, and the queen has commanded they journey to a dangerous pirate quay and rescue a spy who’s been gathering intelligence on the exiled emperor of Gallia.
Kit can lead her ship and clever crew on her own, but with the fate of queen and country at stake, Kit and Rian must learn to trust each other, or else the Isles will fall…
Amanda: How fun does this sound?!
Ellen: Gimme those lady swashbuckler vibes!
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Duke I’d Like to F…
Author: Sierra Simone
Released: November 17, 2020
Genre: Historical: European, RomanceHe’s got big duke energy…
The Chasing of Eleanor Vane – Sierra Simone
Ajax Dartham, the Duke of Jarrell, has a problem. And that problem is his future niece-in-law. When the clever and capable Lady Eleanor Vane—understandably—runs off into the night rather than marry his horrible nephew, the Duke has a choice. Should he catch Eleanor and return her to her fate—or make Eleanor his own instead?My Dirty Duke – Joanna Shupe
Violet knows that her father’s best friend, the Duke of Ravensthorpe, is the most powerful man in all of London with a reputation for sin. But nothing can stop Violet from wanting to shed her wallflower ways and fulfill her darkest, most forbidden desires…even if it means seducing a man twice her age.An Education In Pleasure – Eva Leigh
As a governess to the Duke of Tarrington, Cecilia Holme resigns herself to a passionless life. Except now the old duke is dead and Owen, the new duke, is very tempting—and much younger. Is the chance to give Owen an education in pleasure too enticing to refuse?Duke For Hire – Nicola Davidson
As her fiery clergyman father chases away all suitors, Miss Ada Blair is resigned to spinsterhood. Yet while she can’t wed, bedding might be another matter. One man meets all her requirements for a discreet and expert pleasure tutor—Jasper Muir, Duke of Gilroy—but he insists on a very wicked contract…The Duke Makes Me Feel… – Adriana Herrera
Dukes and their demands are nothing new for Marena Baine-Torres. Her newfound success has her little apothecary teeming with ill-mannered aristocrats. But as tiresome as they are, she needs the business. When the unflappable Duke of Linley storms into her shop and makes her an offer she’d be a fool to refuse, Marena soon finds herself on the adventure of a lifetime with a man who is as infuriating as he is intriguing.Ellen: I love novellas and I have enjoyed a lot of the authors here.
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I Want to Be Where the Normal People Are
Author: Rachel Bloom
Released: November 17, 2020 by Grand Central Publishing
Genre: Memoir, Humor, NonfictionIn the vein of Mindy Kaling, Ali Wong, and Amy Poehler, a collection of hilarious personal essays, poems and even amusement park maps on the subjects of insecurity, fame, anxiety, and much more from the charming and wickedly funny creator of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.
Rachel Bloom has felt abnormal and out of place her whole life. In this exploration of what she thinks makes her “different,” she’s come to realize that a lot of people also feel this way; even people who she otherwise thought were “normal.”
In a collection of laugh-out-loud funny essays, all told in the unique voice (sometimes singing voice) that made her a star; Rachel writes about everything from her love of Disney, OCD and depression, weirdness, and female friendships to the story of how she didn’t poop in the toilet until she was four years old; Rachel’s pieces are hilarious, smart, and infinitely relatable (except for the pooping thing).
Aarya: Gimme all the celebrity memoirs. Rachel Bloom is so funny in real life and on TV!
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The Lady Upstairs
Author: Halley Sutton
Released: November 17, 2020 by G.P. Putnam's Sons
Genre: Mystery/ThrillerA modern-day noir featuring a twisty cat-and-mouse chase, this dark debut thriller tells the story of a a woman who makes a living taking down terrible men…then finds herself in over her head and with blood on her hands. The only way out? Pull off one final con.
Jo’s job is blackmailing the most lecherous men in Los Angeles–handsy Hollywood producers, adulterous actors, corrupt cops. Sure, she likes the money she’s making, which comes in handy for the debt she is paying off, but it’s also a chance to take back power for the women of the city. Eager to prove herself to her coworker Lou and their enigmatic boss, known only as the Lady Upstairs, Jo takes on bigger and riskier jobs.
When one of her targets is murdered, both the Lady Upstairs and the LAPD have Jo in their sights. Desperate to escape the consequences of her failed job, she decides to take on just one more sting–bringing down a rising political star. It’s her biggest con yet–and she will do it behind the Lady’s back, freeing both herself and Lou. But Jo soon learns that Lou and the Lady have secrets of their own, and that no woman is safe when there is a life-changing payout on the line.
A delicious debut thriller crackling with wit and an unforgettable feminist voice, The Lady Upstairs is a chilling and endlessly surprising take on female revenge.
Amanda: Always willing to read more feminist revenge stories.
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These Violent Delights
Author: Chloe Gong
Released: November 17, 2020 by Margaret K. McElderry Books
Genre: Historical: Other, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult
Series: These Violent Delights #1Perfect for fans of The Last Magician and Descendant of the Crane, this heart-stopping debut is an imaginative Romeo and Juliet retelling set in 1920s Shanghai, with rival gangs and a monster in the depths of the Huangpu River.
The year is 1926, and Shanghai hums to the tune of debauchery.
A blood feud between two gangs runs the streets red, leaving the city helpless in the grip of chaos. At the heart of it all is eighteen-year-old Juliette Cai, a former flapper who has returned to assume her role as the proud heir of the Scarlet Gang—a network of criminals far above the law. Their only rivals in power are the White Flowers, who have fought the Scarlets for generations. And behind every move is their heir, Roma Montagov, Juliette’s first love…and first betrayal.
But when gangsters on both sides show signs of instability culminating in clawing their own throats out, the people start to whisper. Of a contagion, a madness. Of a monster in the shadows. As the deaths stack up, Juliette and Roma must set their guns—and grudges—aside and work together, for if they can’t stop this mayhem, then there will be no city left for either to rule.
Amanda: One of my most anticipated 2020 books!
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What We Don’t Talk About When We Talk About Fat
Author: Aubrey Gordon
Released: November 17, 2020 by Beacon Press
Genre: NonfictionFrom the creator of Your Fat Friend, an explosive indictment of the systemic and cultural bias facing plus-size people that will move us toward creating an agenda for fat justice.
Anti-fatness is everywhere. In What We Don’t Talk About When We Talk About Fat, Aubrey Gordon unearths the cultural attitudes and social systems that have led to people being denied basic needs because they are fat and calls for social justice movements to be inclusive of plus-sized people’s experiences. Unlike the recent wave of memoirs and quasi self-help books that encourage readers to love and accept themselves, Gordon pushes the discussion further towards authentic fat activism, which includes ending legal weight discrimination, giving equal access to health care for large people, increased access to public spaces, and ending anti-fat violence. As she argues, I did not come to body positivity for self-esteem. I came to it for social justice.
By sharing her experiences as well as those of others–from smaller fat to very fat people–she concludes that to be fat in our society is to be seen as an undeniable failure, unlovable, unforgivable, and morally condemnable. Fatness is an open invitation for others to express disgust, fear, and insidious concern. To be fat is to be denied humanity and empathy. Studies show that fat survivors of sexual assault are less likely to be believed and less likely than their thin counterparts to report various crimes; 27% of very fat women and 13% of very fat men attempt suicide; over 50% of doctors describe their fat patients as awkward, unattractive, ugly and noncompliant; and in 48 states, it’s legal–even routine–to deny employment because of an applicant’s size.
Advancing fat justice and changing prejudicial structures and attitudes will require work from all people. What We Don’t Talk About When We Talk About Fat is a crucial tool to create a tectonic shift in the way we see, talk about, and treat our bodies, fat and thin alike.
Shana: I’m a fan of Gordon’s Your Fat Friend column.
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Under a Winter Sky
Author: Jeffe Kennedy
Released: November 19, 2020 by Brightlynx Publishing
Genre: Fantasy/Fairy Tale Romance, Paranormal, Romance, Science Fiction/FantasyFive powerhouse authors of fantasy and urban fantasy bring you a feast of romantic midwinter holiday adventures. These heartwarming and pulse-pounding tales celebrate Hanukah, Christmas, the solstice, Yule – and holidays from worlds beyond our own. With fancy-dress balls, faery bargains, time travel, blood sacrifice, and festive cocktails, these stories will delight lovers of fantasy and romance, with a dash of seasonal joy.
Ballgowns & Butterflies by Kelley Armstrong
The North Yorkshire moors are always a magical place, but they’re particularly enchanting at the holidays…especially if one gets to travel back in time to a Victorian Christmas. For Bronwyn Dale, it is the stuff of dreams. Fancy-dress balls, quirky small-town traditions, even that classic one-horse open sleigh, complete with jingle bells. There’s just the tiny problem of the Butterfly Effect. How does a time-traveler make a difference without disrupting the future forever?
The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon, a prequel novella to Heirs of Magic, by Jeffe Kennedy
Shapeshifter Prince Rhyian doesn’t especially want to spend the Feast of Moranu at Castle Ordnung. First of all, it’s literally freezing there, an uncomfortable change from the tropical paradise of his home. Secondly, it’s a mossback castle which means thick walls and too many rules. Thirdly, his childhood playmate and current nemesis, Lena, will be there. Not exactly a cause for celebration.
Princess Salena Nakoa KauPo nearly wriggled out of traveling to Ordnung with her parents, but her mother put her foot down declaring that, since everyone who ever mattered to her was going to be there to celebrate the 25th year of High Queen Ursula’s reign, Lena can suffer through a feast and a ball for one night. Of course, “everyone” includes the sons and daughters of her parents’ friends, and it also means that Rhyian, insufferable Prince of the Tala, will attend.
But on this special anniversary year, Moranu’s sacred feast falls on the long night of the crystalline moon—and Rhy and Lena discover there’s more than a bit of magic in the air.
Blood Martinis and Mistletoe by Melissa Marr
Half-dead witch Geneviève Crowe makes her living beheading the dead–and spends her free time trying not to get too attached to her business partner, Eli Stonecroft, a faery in self-imposed exile in New Orleans. With a killer at her throat and a blood martini in her hand, Gen accepts what seems like a straight-forward faery bargain, but soon realizes that if she can’t figure out a way out of this faery bargain, she’ll be planning a wedding after the holidays.
Echoes of Ash & Tears, an Earthsinger Chronicles Novella, by L. Penelope
Brought to live among the Cavefolk as an infant, Mooriah has long sought to secure her place in the clan and lose her outsider status. She’s a powerful blood mage, and when the chieftain’s son asks for help securing the safety of the clan, she agrees. But though she’s long been drawn to the warrior, any relationship between the two is forbidden. The arrival of a mysterious stranger with a tempting offer tests her loyalties, and when betrayal looms, will Mooriah’s secrets and hidden power put the future she’s dreamed of—and her adopted home—in jeopardy.
A Memory Of Summer, a Wraith Kings Novelette, by Grace Draven
Spinsterhood has never bothered or embarrassed the independent Emerence Ipsan, and the winter festival of Delyalda keeps her far too busy managing her father’s shops to worry about matters as trivial as marriage.
Until the arrival of a young Quereci warrior with old eyes and an admiring gaze makes her question that notion.
Aarya: I believe this PNR/fantasy romance holiday anthology has special preorder pricing (the price will increase by $1 on release day. It’s an incentive for readers to preorder it). I’ve only read L. Penelope and Kelley Armstrong, but the antho should be worth a risk since I love both authors.
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A Lady Compromised
Author: Darcie Wilde
Released: November 24, 2020 by Kensington Books
Genre: Historical: European, Mystery/Thriller
Series: Rosalind Thorne Mysteries #4Fans of Jane Austen have fallen in love with Darcie Wilde’s mystery series featuring Rosalind Thorne, a young woman adept at helping ladies of the ton navigate the darker corners of Regency England–while revealing Society’s most shocking secrets…
Rosalind is pleased when she’s invited to Cassel House to help her friend, Louisa, prepare for her upcoming wedding. But that’s not the only event on her agenda. The trip will also afford Rosalind the chance to see Devon Winterbourne, the newly minted Duke of Casselmaine. Devon and Rosalind were on the verge of betrothal before the infamous Thorne family scandal derailed their courtship. Now Rosalind wonders if there’s a chance their love might reignite.
Devon is as handsome as Rosalind remembers and it’s clear the attraction they once shared hasn’t waned. But their time together is interrupted by one crisis after another–not the least of which is an awkwardly timed request for help from Louisa’s friend, Helen Corbyn.
Not long ago, the untimely death of Helen’s brother, William, was ruled a suicide, but few people truly believe he took his own life. Helen needs to know what really happened–especially since she’s engaged to the man some suspect of secretly killing William.
While Rosalind desperately wants to help, she fears her efforts might cast a pall over Louisa’s nuptials, not to mention her reunion with Devon. But when another untimely death rocks the ton, Rosalind has no choice but to uncover the truth before more people die…even if her actions threaten her future with Devon.
Sarah: Superbly competent heroine caught between two very different worlds and lives, plus solving murder – and the construction of the canal system, which I think is absolutely nifty.
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Archangel’s Sun
Author: Nalini Singh
Released: November 24, 2020 by Berkley
Genre: Paranormal, Romance, Urban Fantasy
Series: Guild Hunter #13A horrifying secret rises in the aftermath of an archangelic war in New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s deadly and beautiful Guild Hunter world…
The Archangel of Death and the Archangel of Disease may be gone but their legacy of evil lives on—especially in Africa, where the shambling, rotting creatures called the reborn have gained a glimmer of vicious intelligence.
It is up to Titus, archangel of this vast continent, to stop the reborn from spreading across the world. Titus can’t do it alone, but of the surviving powerful angels and archangels, large numbers are wounded, while the rest are fighting a surge of murderous vampires.
There is no one left…but the Hummingbird. Old, powerful, her mind long a broken kaleidoscope. Now, she must stand at Titus’s side against a tide of death upon a discovery more chilling than any other. For the Archangel of Disease has left them one last terrible gift…
Maya: Yayyyyyy more Guild Hunter!!
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Confessions in B-Flat
Author: Donna Hill
Released: November 24, 2020 by Sideways Books
Genre: Historical: American, Literary Fiction, RomanceEssence bestselling author Donna Hill brings us an emotional love story set against the powerful backdrop of the civil rights movement that gripped a nation—a story as timely as it is timeless…
The year is 1963. In Harlem, the epicenter of Black culture, the fight for equality has never been stronger. The time is now. Enough is enough. Yet even within its ranks, a different kind of battle rages. Love thy neighbor? Or rise up against your oppressors?
Jason Tanner has just arrived in New York to help spread the message of his mentor, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., of passive resistance, while beat poet Anita Hopkins believes the teachings of Malcolm X with all her heart: that the way to true freedom is “by any means necessary.” When Jason sees Anita perform her poetry at the iconic B-Flat lounge, he’s transfixed. And Anita has never met anyone who can match her wit for wit like this…
One movement, two warring ideologies—can love be enough to unite them?
Confessions in B-Flat is a celebration of the hard-won victories of those who came before us, and a stark reminder of just how far we still have to go.
Maya: Look at that pretty cover!!!
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The Princess Knight
Author: G.A. Aiken
Released: November 24, 2020 by Kensington
Genre: Fantasy/Fairy Tale Romance, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
Series: The Scarred Earth Saga #2In New York Times bestselling author G.A. Aiken’s gripping new fantasy romance series, the Blacksmith Queen must confront armies and pretenders desperate to take her new-won crown. But with the Princess Knight at her side and a centaur warrior clan at her back, she’ll risk everything for victory . . .
LONG LIVE THE QUEEN
Gemma Smythe dedicated her life to the glory of battle. With her fellow War Monks, she worshipped the war gods, rained destruction on her enemies, and raised the dead when the fancy took her. Until her sister Keeley became the prophesied Blacksmith Queen, and Gemma broke faith with her order to journey to the Amichai Mountain and fight by Keeley’s side.
The Amichai warriors are an unruly, never-to-be-tamed lot, especially their leader-in-waiting, Quinn. But when the War Monks declare support for Gemma’s ruthless younger sister Beatrix, the immaturity of her key ally is the least of Gemma’s problems. She has to get to the grand masters, dispel their grudge against her, and persuade them to fight for Keeley and justice. If her conviction can’t sway them, perhaps Quinn’s irritating, irreverent, clearly unhinged, ferocity will win the day . . .
Amanda: Gemma was my favorote in The Blacksmith Queen and I’m so excited for the continuation!
Maya: WAR MONK!!!!!!!!!
Lara: I love EVERYTHING about this world! I want more!
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Ruinsong
Author: Julia Ember
Released: November 24, 2020 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Genre: LGBTQIA, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young AdultHer voice was her prison…
Now it’s her weapon.In a world where magic is sung, a powerful mage named Cadence must choose between the two. For years, she has been forced to torture her country’s disgraced nobility at her ruthless queen’s bidding.
But when she is reunited with her childhood friend, a noblewoman with ties to the underground rebellion, she must finally make a choice: Take a stand to free their country from oppression, or follow in the queen’s footsteps and become a monster herself.
In this dark and lush LGBTQ+ romantic fantasy, two young women from rival factions must work together to reunite their country, as they wrestle with their feelings for each other.
Ellen: The author described this as a queer Phantom of the Opera retelling and I am HERE for it.
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Being Merry
Author: Meka James
Released: November 27, 2020 by Jazen Ink Press
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Novella, Romance
Series: Desert Rose Hook-Ups #3Goodwill towards others never felt so good…
Noelle Cameron won’t let being basically homeless in a new state dampen her Christmas spirit.
Thanks to her coworker, she has a temporary housing possibility. However, her new potential roommate is about as welcoming as the Grinch. But Noelle refuses to let scowls and snide remarks about her festive attire steal her joy. Winning over the cranky Lennox will be a victory sweeter than sugar cookies.
Lennox Sutton doesn’t want to live with anyone. Unfortunately, one well delivered guilt trip from her sister means taking in the woman wearing a reindeer headband and an attitude that goes past glass half full to it completely spilling over. Now she’s stuck with a person who embodies everything Lennox dislikes about the holiday season. But beneath the ugly sweaters shines someone whose company Lennox could enjoy.
A meddling sister and a dash of Christmas magic might have these two polar opposites finding new ways to enjoy the season of giving.
Aarya: Love an opposites-attract Christmas novella (this one is f/f with a grinchy heroine!).
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Silk & Steel
Author: Janine Southard
Released: November 28, 2020 by Cantina Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Fantasy/Fairy Tale Romance, Historical: Other, LGBTQIA, Romance, Science Fiction/FantasyThere are many ways to be a heroine.
Princess and swordswoman, lawyer and motorcyclist, scholar and barbarian: there are many ways to be a heroine. In this anthology, seventeen authors find new ways to pair one weapon-wielding woman and one whose strengths lie in softer skills.
“Which is more powerful, the warrior or the gentlewoman?” these stories ask. And the answer is inevitably, “Both, working together!”
Herein, you’ll find duels and smugglers, dance battles and danger noodles, and even a new Swordspoint story!
From big names and bold new voices, these stories are fun, clever, and always positive about the power of love.
Amanda: I missed backing this on Kickstarter, but it’s an F/F anthology with hard/soft romantic pairings.
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Princess Floralinda and the Forty-Flight Tower
Author: Tamsyn Muir
Released: November 30, 2020 by Subterranean Press
Genre: LGBTQIA, Novella, Science Fiction/FantasyWhen the witch built the forty-flight tower, she made very sure to do the whole thing properly. Each flight contains a dreadful monster, ranging from a diamond-scaled dragon to a pack of slavering goblins. Should a prince battle his way to the top, he will be rewarded with a golden sword—and the lovely Princess Floralinda.
But no prince has managed to conquer the first flight yet, let alone get to the fortieth.
In fact, the supply of fresh princes seems to have quite dried up.
And winter is closing in on Floralinda…
Maya: Fairy tale but Tamsyn Muir!!!!
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The phrase “big duke energy” made me snort-laugh.
The Boy Toy looks interesting, and wow, I really love the cover of Ruinsong.
I’m looking forward to Stephanie Burgis’s FROSTGILDED, the latest in her Snowspelled series, which comes out this week. The series is an alternative version of England with magic and women in power. I’ve really enjoyed all of them and my only complaint is that they’re too short. This one features the hero and heroine of the first book (Cassandra and Wrexham) and I am glad I’ll get to spend more time with them.
I have three books left on my November tbr. Lauren Blakely’s ONE TIME ONLY, an m/m romance between a rock star and his bodyguard, drops November 18. I read the prequel, MAYBE THIS TIME, a couple of weeks ago and—although it featured no actual sex—it was super hot, so I’m anticipating more of the same heat in ONE TIME ONLY, but with the added bonus of plenty of sexy times. November 23 brings Sybil Bartel’s ninth Alpha Bodyguards book, HEARTLESS. I didn’t care for the previous book, SHAMELESS, so I’m hoping Bartel rights the ship with this one. Finally, on November 25, Juliana Stone’s SHAKE THE FROST arrives. This one features one of my favorite tropes: a man falls for his late best friend’s widow. Stone used a similar trope several years ago in THE CHRISTMAS THAT HE LOVED HER (in which a man falls for his late brother’s widow) and that is one of my favorite Stone books, so I’m really looking forward to seeing how Stone uses the trope this time.
I’m all about the new Guild Hunter release. It’s perfectly timed for the long holiday week end, and I’m all in for more of the Hummingbird while Raphael and Elena sleep.
Also looking forward to Ernest Cline’s return to The Oasis in Ready Player Two. The first book was a great ride. There’s a new Easter Egg, a new riddle and a new quest for Wade Watts with the the world, not just The Oasis at stake. Fingers crossed for this sequel.
The new Nora Roberts fantasy trilogy is also on my radar. Along with the new G.A. Aiken, November 24 is going to be a budget buster for me.
For a fabulous review—fine writing in itself—I suggest Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie on Barack Obama’s ‘A Promised Land’ in the New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/12/books/review/barack-obama-a-promised-land.html
These Violent Delights is STUNNING; one of the best books I’ve read all year.
Forty Flight Tower, Duke I’d like to F, the Obama bio, Boy Toy, Being Merry and Confessions in b-Flat are all on my TBR pile.
@DonnaMarie: READY PLAYER TWO may be the most anticipated new release of my life. ONE was my comfort read for so long–problematic warts and all–and I hated the movie with every breath in my body, even with Cline as co-screenwriter. Coincidentally, everyone else who hadn’t read the book thought the movie was great. So it is with an almost unbearable anxiety that I await TWO. Fingers crossed.
Darlynne, Every. Word. You. Wrote!
Does the Silk and Steel cover remind anyone else of Revolutionary Girl Utena?
I want Archangel’s Sun so bad. Titus and the Hummingbird have always been interesting characters in previous books. This should be fun. And the cover is so gorgeous that I keep going to the Amazon page just to look at it.
@michelle Yes! Utena was one of my favorites when it came out. At first glance, I thought this was the cover for “After the Revolution”, but then I remembered that it came out last month.
Chloe Gong is pretty amazing — she’s a college student at the University of Pennsylvania. This is her first novel and it’s fun to see her getting so much buzz.
There are some good mysteries, like COYOTE ALIBI by J. & D. Burgers, set on the Navajo Reservation. Tana French’s new book came out in October. Deborah Crombie’s A BITTER FEAST comes out tomorrow and there’s a standalone from Jo Nesbo.
Even though I was not thrilled by the most recent Elizabeth Hoyt, .;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
Even though I was not thrilled by the last Elzabeth Hoyt, I am still interested in her new book, WHEN A ROGUE MEETS HIS MATCH
Just got a notification that Connie Willis’s latest novella is available for pre-order and releases on Nov 30. It is billed as a Christmas romcom with sci-fi mystery elements.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54884658-take-a-look-at-the-five-and-ten
Can confirm she writes excellent sci-fi and her Christmas-related stories are quite sarcastic but usually end on a sweet note. In order of enjoyment: All Seated on the Ground, All About Emily, Miracle and other Christmas stories.
[…] releases: Tor.com (horror/genre-benders), Smart Bitches […]
I just finished The Bright and Breaking Sea and I really liked it. Definitely swashbuckling fun. There’s only a small romance thread and it doesn’t resolve in this book, but I have hopes for the future.