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), and 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 early as the bigger trade houses.
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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The Book of Cold Cases
Author: Simone St. James
Released: March 15, 2022 by Berkley
Genre: Mystery/ThrillerA true crime blogger gets more than she bargained for while interviewing the woman acquitted of two cold case slayings in this chilling new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Sun Down Motel.
In 1977, Claire Lake, Oregon, was shaken by the Lady Killer Murders: Two men, seemingly randomly, were murdered with the same gun, with strange notes left behind. Beth Greer was the perfect suspect–a rich, eccentric twenty-three-year-old woman, seen fleeing one of the crimes. But she was acquitted, and she retreated to the isolation of her mansion.
Oregon, 2017. Shea Collins is a receptionist, but by night, she runs a true crime website, the Book of Cold Cases–a passion fueled by the attempted abduction she escaped as a child. When she meets Beth by chance, Shea asks her for an interview. To Shea’s surprise, Beth says yes.
They meet regularly at Beth’s mansion, though Shea is never comfortable there. Items move when she’s not looking, and she could swear she’s seen a girl outside the window. The allure of learning the truth about the case from the smart, charming Beth is too much to resist, but even as they grow closer, Shea senses something isn’t right. Is she making friends with a manipulative murderer, or are there other dangers lurking in the darkness of the Greer house?
Elyse: I love Simone St. James and I’m so excited for this book.
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Exclusive
Author: Melissa Brayden
Released: March 15, 2022 by Bold Strokes Books
Genre: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQIA, RomanceTara: I love stories about people meeting their idols, learning that they’re not perfect, and then falling for them anyway.
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Just One Touch
Author: Chelsea Cameron
Released: March 15, 2022
Genre: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQIA, Romance
Series: Castleton Hearts #6McKenna Williams doesn’t like staying in one place. She has a restless soul, which has served her well for the last twenty-three years. Right now, her soul is taking a little pit stop in the town of Castleton, Maine, for the summer, and she’s enjoying the ocean breezes and friendly people. Plus, the house she’s staying in is right next door to her sister, Julia.
She’s determined to let nothing mess up her zen, until she gets a request to teach a private yoga class for recent divorcee, Piper Patrick, and she’s hit with an instant attraction so intense, she can barely breathe. Piper is beyond off-limits: Not only is she McKenna’s client, she’s just ended her marriage, she has a son, and there’s nearly a 10 year age gap between them. Everything about falling for Piper is a bad idea.
The magnetic pull toward each other is undeniable, and McKenna knows that it can only end in heartbreak. Will she take a chance on the woman she can’t resist? Or will she cut and run to save herself from losing it all?
Tara: I am so far behind in this series, but I one-clicked to preorder this one because helloooo age gap romance. Also, “private yoga class for recent divorcee”? I didn’t know that was my thing I read this blurb.
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The League of Gentlewomen Witches
Author: India Holton
Released: March 15, 2022 by Berkley
Genre: Fantasy/Fairy Tale Romance, Historical: European, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
Series: Dangerous Damsels #2Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the teahouse…
Miss Charlotte Pettifer belongs to a secret league of women skilled in the subtle arts. That is to say—although it must never be said—witchcraft. The League of Gentlewomen Witches strives to improve the world in small ways. Using magic, they tidy, correct, and manipulate according to their notions of what is proper, entirely unlike those reprobates in the Wisteria Society.
When the long lost amulet of Black Beryl is discovered, it is up to Charlotte, as the future leader of the League, to make sure the powerful talisman does not fall into the wrong hands. Therefore, it is most unfortunate when she crosses paths with Alex O’Riley, a pirate who is no Mr. Darcy. With all the world scrambling after the amulet, Alex and Charlotte join forces to steal it together. If only they could keep their pickpocketing hands to themselves! If Alex’s not careful, he might just steal something else—such as Charlotte’s heart.
Aarya: I can’t tell if the absurdist/rollicking tone will be too twee for my taste, but I’m excited by the premise.
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Shenanigans
Author: Sarina Bowen
Released: March 15, 2022 by Tuxbury Publishing LLC
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romance
Series: Brooklyn #6What I meant to do in Vegas: Let my hair down for once and celebrate winning a medal at my first women’s hockey all-stars competition.
What I actually did: Got senior prom drunk and woke up married to Brooklyn’s star winger, the great Neil Drake.
He’s the heir to a billion dollars, and I barely survived my childhood. Our friendship is based strictly only on hockey, takeout food and smack talk.
And now holy matrimony. Although we both know it can’t last, especially once his evil family gets wind of our Vegas shenanigans…
Contains: Meddling teammates, meddling parents, ugly jewelry and a pretend-kiss that nearly sets the world on fire.
Aarya: Accidental Vegas marriage is such a good trope.
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Red Blossom in Snow
Author: Jeannie Lin
Released: March 21, 2022
Genre: Historical: Other, Mystery/Thriller, Romance
Series: The Pingkang Li Mysteries #4Murder and forbidden love in the Tang Dynasty. The latest in the bestselling Lotus Palace Mystery series.
Magistrate Li Chen harbors a secret. One that could destroy his hard-earned reputation, as well as his growing passion for the talented courtesan, Song Yi.
Li Chen’s duty to his family and the Emperor must come before the desires of his heart, but when a stranger to the city is found dead near the House of Heavenly Peaches, where Song Yi is indentured, the complicated nature of their relationship becomes the least of his troubles.
For Song Yi, Magistrate Li’s gentlemanly, late night conversations provide a welcome change from the games of courtship she is accustomed to, but his reserved attention won’t pay the bills. When one of her courtesan-sisters goes missing at the same time a stranger is killed in the pleasure quarter, she and Li Chen embark on an investigation as well as a passionate affair. But the riddle they uncover goes deeper than they could have imagined, and mysteries from their pasts may shatter any hope for the future.
Aarya: This series has my entire heart and this upcoming installment is excellent.
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Burning Hope
Author: Wendy Roberts
Released: March 22, 2022 by Carina Press
Genre: Paranormal, Mystery/Thriller, Romantic Suspense, Romance
Series: Red Hooper Mystery #1From Wendy Roberts, author of Grounds to Kill and the Bodies of Evidence series, comes a new paranormal mystery featuring an amateur sleuth kindling a deep secret…
Red Hooper’s never been what you’d call lucky, but searching for coffee and finding a dead body instead takes things to a whole other level. Even worse, she and her camper van, Bubbles, just rolled into town, and being the new girl makes her suspect number one.
Red never lingers in one place for long—she’s got secrets better left undiscovered—and this time she’s definitely overstayed her welcome. Caught in the crosshairs of a police investigation and creeping to the top of the real murderer’s to-do list, Red will have to plant some roots if she’s going to survive.
Easier said than done. It seems like everyone in town has made up their mind about Red…except the mysterious Noah Adams. The gruff townie might be the key to proving her innocence—if he doesn’t bring even more trouble her way. Together they unravel the mystery surrounding the murder, but Red will be forced to embrace her psychic gifts if she’s going to clear her name before the real murderer snuffs her out.
Sarah: Book one of a mystery series featuring a psychic heroine who lives in a camper van.
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Conjuring Moonlight
Author: Jasmine Silvera
Released: March 22, 2022 by No Inside Voice Media
Genre: Paranormal, Romance
Series: Tooth & Spell #2Evie Acaz turned her back on magic when it failed to save her family fourteen years ago. Now, it’s her ability to manipulate numbers and people that make her indispensable to a power-hungry businessman with ties to the mob. She may not want glimpses of tragic futures, but she knows better than to ignore them. All that remains for Evie in Prague is one final trick: vanishing into thin air.
Hooking up with an enchanting stranger in the woods and running into him again at the club was not part of the plan.
Born to lead the pack, Mark Vogel’s responsibility for his family has always come before the dreams of his business. But when a job for the owner of the city’s most prominent gentleman’s club comes his way, he leaps at the chance to get his fledgling construction company business off the ground. Keeping his eyes off the bevy of scantily clad women is easy. Overlooking corruption is harder. And pretending not to recognize the bookkeeper who makes his wolf’s nose twitch is impossible.
Evie is the first person who doesn’t want or need Mark’s help, but his wolf refuses to let her go. And she can’t pretend she isn’t intrigued that his is the one death she can’t see. As forbidden passion turns to something more, neither wolf nor witch divines the danger that awaits them. Will their combined powers be enough to evade those who would use or destroy them, or will escape require the ultimate gamble: trusting love to save them?
Aarya: The first book in the series (featuring the hero’s brother) was very interesting. Even though I had lingering questions about the worldbuilding logistics, I loved the Prague setting.
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The Roads Left Behind Us
Author: Kat Jackson
Released: March 22, 2022 by Bella Books
Genre: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQIA, RomanceAfter some unexpected detours in life, Callie Lewes is determined to complete her PhD program and figure out the rest of her professional life. Her laser focus is finely tuned and she’s ready for a total immersion in nothing but literature, subpar student essays, and all the joys that come with being a graduate teaching assistant. She has no time for or interest in anything else–especially not dating.
If Callie were to entertain the idea of dating, she’s certain it would be with someone vibrant, open, and around her age. In other words: definitely not someone like Dr. Kate Jory, a new member of Pennbrook College’s English department. She’s intimidating, older, and a seemingly closed book. But she’s also brilliant and fascinating, and Callie is drawn to her in ways she’d never imagined possible.
Not that Kate notices. Or does she? Callie can’t tell, and though they develop an engaging, flirtatious friendship, she struggles to work up the courage to put herself directly in Kate’s potentially romantic path, wary of the type of fire their sparks could ignite.
Tara: I wish the blurb made it clear whether Callie and Kate work together. Let’s be honest, though I’d read it either way, since I’m a sucker for ice queens in romance and I like that this one is an academic.
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Savvy Sheldon Feels Good As Hell
Author: Taj McCoy
Released: March 22, 2022 by Mira
Genre: Contemporary Romance, RomanceA delicious debut rom-com about a plus-size sweetheart who gets a full-life makeover after a brutal breakup.
Savvy Sheldon spends a lot of time tiptoeing around the cracks in her life: her high-stress and low-thanks job, her clueless boyfriend and the falling-apart kitchen she inherited from her beloved grandma—who taught her how to cook and how to love people by feeding them. But when Savvy’s world starts to crash down around her, she knows it’s time for some renovations.
Starting from the outside in, Savvy tackles her crumbling kitchen, her relationship with her body, her work–life balance (or lack thereof) and, last but not least, her love life. The only thing that doesn’t seem to require effort is her ride-or-die squad of friends. But as any home-reno-show junkie can tell you, something always falls apart during renovations. First, Savvy passes out during hot yoga. Then it turns out that the contractor she hires is the same sexy stranger she unintentionally offended by judging based on appearances. Worst of all, Savvy can’t seem to go anywhere without tripping over her ex and his latest “upgrade.” Savvy begins to realize that maybe she should’ve started her renovations the other way around: beginning with how she sees herself before building a love that lasts.
Shana: I’ve been crossing my fingers that this will be as good as the cover!
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Not Your Type
Author: Elizabeth Jeannel
Released: March 25, 2022 by Hansen House
Genre: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQIA, RomanceTara: Yesss, come through, asexual representation! I really hope this one is good because we need more f/f ace representation.
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Four Aunties and a Wedding
Author: Jesse Sutanto
Released: March 29, 2022 by Berkley
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Mystery/Thriller, Romance
Series: Aunties #2Sarah: This is the sequel to Dial A for Aunties, and I’m very curious.
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Wild and Wicked Things
Author: Francesca May
Released: March 29, 2022 by Redhook
Genre: Historical: European, LGBTQIA, Romance, Science Fiction/FantasyIn the aftermath of World War I, a naive woman is swept into a glittering world filled with dark magic, romance, and murder in this lush and decadent debut.
On Crow Island, people whisper, real magic lurks just below the surface.
Neither real magic nor faux magic interests Annie Mason. Not after it stole her future. She’s only on the island to settle her late father’s estate and, hopefully, reconnect with her long-absent best friend, Beatrice, who fled their dreary lives for a more glamorous one.
Yet Crow Island is brimming with temptation, and the biggest one may be her enigmatic new neighbor.
Mysterious and alluring, Emmeline Delacroix is a figure shadowed by rumors of witchcraft. And when Annie witnesses a confrontation between Bea and Emmeline at one of the island’s extravagant parties, she is drawn into a glittering, haunted world. A world where the boundaries of wickedness are tested, and the cost of illicit magic might be death.
Sarah: My notes on my reading list say, “historical witch magic fiction” which is like the best kind of refrigerator magnet poetry.
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Savage City
Author: L. Penelope
Released: March 31, 2022 by Heartspell Media
Genre: Fantasy/Fairy Tale Romance, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
Series: The Bliss Wars #1For Talia, death is only the beginning of survival…
When a tragic accident cuts my lonely life short, instead of heaven or hell, I’m stolen away to a terrifying city of warring shifter clans—the Nimali and the Fai. The Nimali mistake me for their missing princess. Her father, the dragon king, is identical to my own. But in this world, he dotes on me with the love and affection I always craved. And in a land with no tolerance for outsiders, feigning amnesia and impersonating shifter royalty may be the only way to survive.
For Ryin, falling in love is the worst kind of betrayal…
As a Fai warrior in captivity, I’m forced to serve my enemy even as I plot their destruction. The lost princess returned much changed, now the heat between us crackles irresistibly. While helping her heal using my magical talents, I begin to question what I thought I knew about the Nimali. She remains as forbidden as ever, but she also might be the key to freedom for me and my people.
Caught between two enemy factions balancing on the knife-blade of annihilation, our lies are the only thing keeping us alive, but they just might be our undoing.
Aarya: The blurb makes it sound like the heroine is from our Earth and was magically whisked away? Can’t tell if it’s PNR or fantasy romance.
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I am excited about Sarah Lotz, “The Impossible Us”, a romance with a sci-fi element, advertised as You’ve Got Mail meets The Lake House. Comes out in a couple of days.
The War of Two Queens by Jennifer L. Armentrout releases today! I have been waiting for this one to drop.
I went to download Brooke Blaine’s BEDHEAD, the first in her new series of antagonists-to-lovers m/m romances called Hate to Love You, and it was nowhere to be found. I’m guessing Blaine pulled it. On the brighter side, Serena Bell’s re-release of HEAD OVER HEELS did drop today, so I’m looking forward to tearing into that.
The cover on that Jeannie Lin is terrific – much, much better than the usual covers on historicals.
I found myself really liking SUN DOWN MOTEL despite being a bit over the whole cold-case crime trend. Looking forward to picking up the next one!
Exclusive, Wild and Wicked Things, Four Aunties and a Wedding, Savvy Sheldon, Not Your Type, Roads Left Behind Us and Just one Touch are on my TBR pile; Gentlewoman Witches was a good B+ from me!
I really love Simone St. James and often reread her earlier (more romantic, to my way of thinking) novels set in 1920s Britain. But I’ve also reread her more recent, US set, THE BROKEN GIRLS and SUN DOWN MOTEL. Apparently I preordered THE BOOK OF COLD CASES back in September (probably the day it was available for pre-order). I was pleased and surprised to see it delivered just past midnight last night. Can’t wait to read it (but I knew if I started it when it arrived, I’d still be away until 5 am or something).
PS: SORRY about the typos! Yikes!
“Shenanigans”, meet Cover Snark.
Cover Snark, meet “Shenanigans”.
Simone St. James And Chanel Cleeton are the only two authors I will auto buy and price be damned!
I am so excited for The Book of Cold Cases.
so many f/f books on this list!! thank you 🙂
New Books from Authors recommended here on SBTB:
Katee Robert THE DRAGON’S BRIDE (3/29/2022)
C.M. Nascosta PARTIES (Girls Weekend Book 2) (3/30/2022)
A.M. Stuart EVIL IN EMERALD (3/29/2022)
I saw that a local indie had “Exclusive” on the shelf yesterday, so I ran down there and grabbed it! It’s now sitting on my TBR pile, as if I don’t still have a bunch of Melissa Brayden’s books to read.
I just discovered Neon Hemlock press because this artist made this gorgeous cover https://mobile.twitter.com/marlowelune/status/1503495810717294594?cxt=HHwWhIC98arevt0pAAAA
I backed the indigogo for 2022 novellas and a, anxiously awaiting my first shipment… in may (but the campaign ends in a few weeks, so I thought appropriate to share here) https://t.co/FwuV0er4h9
Ugh I copied the wrong thing for the artists tweet – sorry https://twitter.com/marlowelune/status/1503495810717294594