BP Note: Welcome to December! We are approaching both the longest and shortest days of the year when we give thanks for the returning of the sun and for the harvest to come based on your hemisphere. I meant to have this post up early as part of the American Thanksgiving weekend but I spent Thanksgiving day waiting for the power company to replace a pole or two which did not survive making contact with a vehicle. So instead this is going up on our normal 1st Friday of the month. Out list is shorter this month as it seems like many people have decided to forgo the stress of releasing their work into the wild. I am contemplating what I want to reread to close out the year and what I might want to start the year with. Could be one of the titles below…you never know. What are your year end reading habits? What are you looking forward to reading? We love getting recommendations so please share. Take care of yourself and those around you. Tell the people you care about they matter. Knowing that could mean the world to them.
Happy reading!
~E
- Contemporary Romance
- Cosy Mystery
- Dark Fantasy
- Fantasy
- Historical Fantasy
- Paranormal Mystery
- Paranormal Romance
- Science Fiction
- Urban Fantasy
Contemporary Romance
Burn the World Down (Unsanctioned #1) by Anna Hackett – 3 Dec (Self)
I’ll burn the world down for her.
Nash
I left my hometown behind. I joined the military, disappeared into black ops, and became a weapon for my country. I have no regrets.
Except one with pretty hazel eyes.
Now I’m retired, living a quiet life hiding in plain sight in Las Vegas. I still think of her. The prettiest girl I ever knew. My best friend’s little sister.
But I swore to leave her alone to live a normal life. That I wouldn’t drag her into the darkness.
Then I find out her life isn’t golden.
She’s in danger and I have the right set of skills to save her.Georgie
Your life can change in an instant. One second, you have a happy family and a crush on your brother’s best friend.
The next, you’ve lost everyone you ever loved.
My family is dead and my sister fell prey to a predator. A rich, connected man who promised her the world.
And gave her hell instead.
Now, I have nothing left but a burning need for vengeance.
Until I collide with the boy who left me behind. A boy who’s now a tough, dangerous man.
He says he’ll protect me. He says he’ll help me take down my sister’s killer.
I might survive my revenge, but will I survive when he walks away from me again?
Structure of Love (Gay 4 Renovations #2) by A.J. Sherwood – 26 Dec (Self)
Gage has a blueprint for his life all mapped out.
First, straighten out his little brother so Gage can finally stop being pseudo father to him.
Second, expand the company to have permanent crews.
Third, avoid any more hookup dates–he wants all or nothing.
The very sexy, tatted bar owner that slides into his life? Not part of the plan.
But god, Gage can go for some red line changes to make Logan part of it.Gage’s turn for a book yay!, Sorry Cohen’s potential boyfriend dumped him, we’ll come back to him, contemporary romance, HGTV meets BL, family of choice, toxic family members, Logan’s family sucks so he can handle Gage’s no problem, emotional support, hurt/comfort, bad boy is Gage’s type, Logan’s EQ is through the roof, Logan is a great life coach, Asher gets to do ALL the shopping with little sis, so he’s in his happy place, Zar is the ultimate backup, Gage’s love language is designing dream house for him and Logan, Logan’s already ring shopping, Dungeons and Dragons continue to bring friends together, sexy photoshoots, grandmothers being awesome, Logan’s younger sister is a spitfire lesbian, Logan’s house has been taken over by a swarm of teenagers, help.
Cozy Mystery
All My Bones (Old Juniper Bookshop #2) by P.J. Nelson – 2 Dec (Minotaur)
Madeline Brimley, new owner of a bookstore in a small Georgia town, finds herself playing sleuth when a friend is charged with the murder of a much-disliked woman.
Madeline Brimley recently inherited a bookstore in Enigma, Georgia, is embarking on her second career, after her first one (acting) founders upon the metaphorical rocks. Settling in, Madeline recruits her friend Gloria Coleman, the local Episcopal priest, to help her plant azaleas in the front yard of the old Victorian that houses the bookstore. Turning the soil, however, uncovers the body of one Beatrice Glassie, a troublesome woman who has been missing for the past six months.
When her friend Gloria is arrested for the murder, Madeline is determined to prove her innocence and, as she quickly finds out, there aren’t many people in town who hadn’t wanted to kill Bea Glassie at one point or another. And the very expensive and rare first edition of a particular volume of Grimm’s Fairy Tales—ordered by the victim and her sister is somehow tied to the grim death. With the help of her not-quite-boyfriend, a local lawman, and her deceased aunt’s bestfriend, Madeline plans to set a trap to catch the real murderer—before she becomes the next victim.
Dark Fantasy
Snake-Eater by T. Kingfisher – 1 Dec (47North)
In an isolated desert town, a young woman seeking a fresh start is confronted by ancient gods, malevolent supernatural forces, and eccentric neighbours. A witty horror-tinged fantasy, perfect for fans of Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Chuck Tingle, and Rachel Harrison.
When Selena travels to the remote desert town of Quartz Creek in search of her estranged Aunt Amelia, she is desperate and short of options. Fleeing an unhappy marriage, she has exactly twenty-seven dollars to her name, and her only friend in the world is her dog, Copper.
On arrival, Selena learns Amelia is dead. But the inhabitants of Quartz Creek are only too happy to have a new resident. Out of money and ideas, Selena sees no harm staying in her aunt’s lovely house for a few weeks, tending to her garden and enjoying the strange, desolate beauty of the desert. The people are odd, but friendly, and eager to help Selena settle into her new home.
But Quartz Creek’s inhabitants share their town with others, old gods and spirits whose claim to the land long predates their human neighbours. Selena finds herself pursued by disturbing apparitions, visitations that come in the night and seem to want something from her.
Aunt Amelia owed a debt. Now her god has come to collect.
Fantasy
The Once and Future Queen (Life of Guinevere #1) by Paula Lafferty – 16 Dec (Erewhon)
Vera always knew she didn’t fit in. When she learns that she is meant to be in another time, she leaps at the chance to embrace a new life in a world of valor, intrigue, and unexpected magic in this bold and romantic retelling of Arthurian legend . . .
22-year-old Vera is at a waiting tables, grieving her previous relationship, and jogging aimlessly each morning as if toward an uncertain future. Then an odd man shows up at her workplace, insisting that she was once the legendary Queen Guinevere of Camelot, and that her lost memories hold the key to changing both the past and the present. Somehow, it all feels like the direction she’s been looking for. But when she asks the mysterious man to tell her more about Lancelot, Arthur, and a faithless queen, he can only say that much of what she’s heard about Camelot is wrong. The truth, he claims, is something she must see for herself.
After jumping through a portal in Glastonbury’s historic center, Vera is not prepared for what she finds. Magic is everywhere, but a curse on the kingdom means it dwindles every day. She has no idea how to perform a queen’s duties. Her fast friendship with Lancelot sets gossip flowing, and the stranger she must call “husband” often refuses to meet her eye. Arthur is a cold, forbidding, and, while angry to her face, keeps leaving secret tokens of tenderness in her chambers. Worst of all, Vera’s memories—and the answers locked within them—show no signs of returning. If Vera is truly destined to save Camelot, she’ll have to trust her instincts. And her king will have to trust her . . .
Historical Fantasy
The Cyprian (Elemental Masters #18) by Mercedes Lackey – 30 Dec (DAW)
Elena Whitstone and her seven brothers, abandoned by her mother, find themselves with a new stepmother. At first she seems more neglectful than evil, until just after Christmas she proves herself to be worse than evil; she is an actual magician, a Master of Water, who attempts to muder Elena’s seven brothers when they are skating. When they survive that attempt by transforming into swans, she drives them away.
But the shock of having all of his heirs perish in a frozen pond is too much for Elena’s father. He dies, and his widow is abruptly confronted with the inconvenient truth that the estate is entailed, and she not only must leave, she is lawfully in charge of Elena.
Furious, and possessing “only” what was gifted to her during her marriage, the stepmother retreats to Bath, to take up residence in the luxurious townhouse that was bought for her, and resume her former profession as a “Cyprian,” a very exclusive courtesan, with Elena reluctantly posing as a page-boy and her servant. Nothing lasts forever, of course, and three years later, Elena is rapidly maturing too much to continue that ruse–and the stepmother is facing the ravages of time. The stepmother concocts a plan to establish an exclusive brothel and regain her wealth by selling Elena to the highest bidder.
Alone, Elena must not only find a way to save herself, but to reverse the spell that has transformed her brothers.
Paranormal Mystery
The Retired Assassin’s Guide to Orchid Hunting (Retired Assassin’s Guide #2) by Naomi Kuttner – 16 Dec (Self)
Assassin. Gardener. Reluctant cat adoptee.
All Dante wants is to be left alone in the small New Zealand town no one’s heard of. No drama. No bodies. No questions.
But then, of course, the orchid convention comes to town, and Dante is knee deep in suspects, intrigue, and red herrings.
On top of all this, Dante must navigate a mysterious woman from his past, cat issues, and the terrifying prospect of a first date.
And he has to do it while fighting his instinct to solve problems the old-fashioned way: permanently.
Paranormal Romance
A Beginner’s Guide to Sea Monsters, Messenger Angels, and Other Management Mishaps (Demonics Disasters and Afterlife Adventures #8) by Shannon Mae – 1 Dec (Self)
Gabriel is the Divine Herald, the messenger of the Lord, the Angel of Revelation… and he’s currently losing ground to social media. (Really, how is he supposed to compete with that ticking app?) When the afterlife’s management team forces him into a “professional development partnership” with a demon, Gabriel is horrified—until he meets Leviathan, a sea monster with tattoos, tentacles, and a knack for helping him connect with mortals.
Leviathan has no interest in going back to the underworld. He’d much rather spend his time topside with his octopus sidekick and now, apparently, one very uptight angel. Teaching Gabriel about mortal pleasures—food, coffee, books, and other things (that require less clothes)—is the best adventure Levi’s had in centuries.
But as they both start to enjoy their unexpected partnership, one problem what happens when the leadership team decides the partnership is over? Levi isn’t about to give up his angel, and Gabriel isn’t sure he wants to return to Heaven without his demon.
Featuring one grumpy angel and one cheery sea monster demon; accidental stroke of genius from the leadership team (very accidental); Mt. Everest is overrated, but mortal coffee is divine; even angels enjoy a good book; Gabriel discovers the joys of food, and other mortal pleasures (wink, wink); Levi has tentacles, and Gabriel definitely approves.
Black Willow Witch by Suzanne Wright – 9 Dec (Piatkus)
“Be the biggest, baddest witch in town so no one ever dares bully you again.” That was her grandmother’s advice and it’s been Emberlyn’s law since she was a child. It’s kept the local coven at bay – until now…
They’re furious she won’t give up Black Willow Manor, her grandmother’s prized home and worse – that the land beside it and Emberlyn herself has been left to Jax ‘Ripper’ Stone, a rugged, brooding Alpha werewolf.
The chemistry between them has always been white hot but Ripper knows to be careful with witches- especially one with her reputation. Now they are allies it becomes harder to ignore – Emberlyn calls to him. Drives him to claim her. But danger’s closing in, threatening to take her from him.Not that Emberlyn can’t handle it. She’s no damsel. Doesn’t need a hero. Sometimes, it takes a wicked witch to get things done. And Emberlyn has ever excelled at being wicked.
Welcome to Chilgrave… HEA guaranteed!
Dragon Her Heels (Magical Romantic Comedy w/Body Count #23) by R.J. Blain – 23 Dec (Pen & Page Publishing)
Crystal Culling never should have moved to Lake Hancock. Her real estate agent had warned the property on the end of Fox Hunt Drive was cursed, and if the Dragon of Crystal Lakes ever roused from his slumber, she’d be the first to be sacrificed to his appetite.
Her new neighbors, upon discovering she’d bought the lakefront planation manor, brought pies along with their condolences and sympathy. According to the nasty old lady down the way, no sensible dragon would want a woman with toxic green eyes, more than one piercing in her ears, and jet black hair the envy of any goth.
The day a castle emerges from the lake’s depths, Crystal realizes the town’s legends and myths are more than mere stories.
Unfortunately for her, everyone got the stories wrong. Rather than a snack, the dragon needs an executive secretary. As the owner of the plantation, his affairs, including his castle and his lack of a love life, become her problem.
But what Crystal doesn’t know dumps her into one hell of a where the Dragon of Crystal Lakes goes, trouble surely follows. If she doesn’t find a way to rein him in, he might just end up taking over the world—and she’ll be his first conquest.
Science Fiction
Intergalactic Waste Management, LLC (Intergalactic Archives by Ash Bishop – 2 Dec (CamCat Books)
Former Intergalactic Exterminator Russ Wesley has found a new gig at Intergalactic Waste Management, LLC alongside old allies, in what promises to be a cushy job processing space debris on a state-of-the-art salvage vessel. But when he finds the dead body of a good friend stashed among the space wreckage, Russ is determined to learn how and why she died. Once again teaming up with Nina Hosseinzadeh and Steven Applebum, their investigation takes them back-and-forth between the criminal underbelly and the upper crust of intergalactic society, where their quest for the truth turns the murderer’s attention in their direction.
We Will Rise Again by Karen Lord, Annalee Newitz, Malka Older, editors – 2 Dec (Saga Press)
From genre luminaries, esteemed organizers, and exciting new voices in fiction, an anthology of stories, essays, and interviews that offer transformative visions of the future, fantastical alternate worlds, and inspiration for the social justice movements of tomorrow.
In this collection, editors Karen Lord, Annalee Newitz, and Malka Older champion realistic, progressive social change using the speculative stories of writers across the world. Exploring topics ranging from disability justice and environmental activism to community care and collective worldbuilding, these imaginative pieces from writers such as NK Jemisin, Charlie Jane Anders, Alejandro Heredia, Sam J. Miller, Nisi Shawl, and Sabrina Vourvoulias center solidarity, empathy, hope, joy, and creativity.
Each story is grounded within a broader sociopolitical framework using essays and interviews from movement leaders, including adrienne maree brown and Walidah Imarisha, charting the future history of protest, revolutions, and resistance with the same zeal for accuracy that speculative writers normally bring to science and technology. Using the vehicle of ambitious storytelling, We Will Rise Again offers effective tools for organizing, an unflinching interrogation of the status quo, and a blueprint for prefiguring a different world.
Urban Fantasy
Secrets of the First School (Edinburgh Nights #5) by T.L. Huchu – 2 Dec (Tor Books)
‘I’ve had my arse kicked more times than I can count’
Ropa Moyo is dead, banished to the Other Place by the reanimated spirit of Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville of Scotland. Turns out being on the losing side sucks worse than being skint.
Now, the Cult of Dundas intends to ascend to godhood, spreading their corrupting reach from Edinburgh to all of Scotland’s schools of magic. Ropa must find some way to escape the Other Place, save her sister and gather allies across the country before Edinburgh falls.
A royal plot, a family secret and a stolen body. As Scotland descends into petty in-fighting, Ropa’s only hope lies in her grandmother’s final the first school of magic.
An ancient power is returning . . . and is hungry for revenge.
* * *
Arcane Justice (The Other Detective #3) by Heather G. Harris – 26 Dec (Self)
When I find a powerful political figure dead in his home, I know the pressure is going to be on. His death was brutal, and anything but swift. The brass want answers yesterday, so it’s going to take the combined might of Unit 13 to bring the killer to justice.
In the meantime, things are heating up with Robbie Krieg, King of the Ogres, my fated mate, and general pain in my ass. He’s been keeping secrets, and they may be inextricably linked to the corpse I’ve just found.
And what the hell is up with my damned bird?
Some days, it’s better just to stay in bed.
The monthly Must Have list is a compilation of the upcoming release titles that we, The Book Pushers, just can’t wait to get our hands on. Don’t see a title you’re excited about listed here? Add it to the comments section below. Let us know what you’re looking forward to!