Most Anticipated: December 2021
It’s almost the end of 2021! Well I’m happy to see the end of most of it, it’s hard to deny that there were some amazing books released this year, and we’ve still got a month’s worth of releases.
Here’s my list of 12 books I’m looking forward in December!
Amor Actually anthology (December 7)
Nochebuena. One party. Nine Happily Ever Afters.
It’s Christmas Eve in New York City, when anything is possible. For these couples, it’s the season to find true love. From second-chances, big leaps, missed connections, and reconnections, this charming collection celebrates the spirit of the holidays and delivers nine perfect HEAs.
From seven acclaimed and bestselling Latina authors—Zoey Castile, Alexis Daria, Adriana Herrera, Diana Muñoz Stewart, Priscilla Oliveras, Sabrina Sol, and Mia Sosa—comes a holiday romance collection like never before.
Make the Yuletide Gay • Adriana Herrera
After a string of broken engagements, an international Latin Pop Star finds love in her sexy and constant manager. Days before her big live holiday special, Vivi wonders if the woman of her dreams could finally be hers.Only Yours • Sabrina Sol
The Mayor of New York embarks on a Christmas Eve search to find the woman he loves before she gets away.Meet Me Under the Mistletoe • by Priscilla Oliveras
Challenged by his friends to find a plus one to Nochebuena dinner or else, widower Hector Gutierrez isn’t sure he’s still got any good moves left. That is until he strikes the right chord with his son’s music teacher, Cristina.All I Want for Nochebuena • Alexis Daria
When sparks fly between adult film stars Honey and Julie, Honey must work up the courage to invite Julie to her family’s holiday party or risk losing what she really wants for Nochebuena—a chance at true love.Santa’s Eager Little Helper • by Mia Sosa
Sarita’s plan to confess her crush on a coworker goes awry when she’s tasked with playing the Sexy Elf to his grumpy Santa. Will she seize the opportunity to make Carlos’s naughty list, or will she spend another Nochebuena alone?The Nochebuena Dating Dare • by Diana Muñoz Stewart
Eneida Lucero takes a second chance on love with the handsome musical director at her school—even if it means causing some Nochebuena drama with her ex-husband and familia.Love in Spanglish • Zoey Castile
A heartbroken romance writer gets snowed in with a novel-worthy hero who may just make her believe in love again.To Us, You Are Perfect • Alexis Daria & Adriana Herrera
Newlyweds Pasquale and Yamilette’s Christmas is just short of perfect. The missing piece is their best friend Marcelo, who has loved them from afar for years. This Nochebuena, they’ll finally complete their happily ever after.The Great Holiday Escape • Zoey Castile
Gigi is always on the hustle, making sure her little sister has everything she needs including a big Christmas Eve fiesta with all their friends and family. That night, Gigi receives an all-expenses paid trip to a luxe South Beach weekend where not one, but two beautiful strangers steal her heart.
WHY?: That cover is gorgeous, and I’m 100% here for more anything from Priscilla Oliveras and Alexis Daria.
Fools in Love anthology (December 7)
Join fifteen bestselling, award-winning, and up-and-coming authors as they reimagine some of the most popular tropes in the romance genre.
Fake relationships. Enemies to lovers. Love triangles and best friends, mistaken identities and missed connections. This collection of genre-bending and original stories celebrates how love always finds a way, featuring powerful flora, a superhero and his nemesis, a fantastical sled race through snow-capped mountains, a golf tournament, the wrong ride-share, and even the end of the world. With stories written by Rebecca Barrow, Ashley Herring Blake, Gloria Chao, Mason Deaver, Sara Farizan, Claire Kann, Malinda Lo, Hannah Moskowitz, Natasha Ngan, Rebecca Podos, Lilliam Rivera, Laura Silverman, Amy Spalding, Rebecca Kim Wells, and Julian Winters this collection is sure to sweep you off your feet
WHY?: Yup, another anthology, but this one’s a collection of reimagined tropes. Being the trope lover I am, I can’t wait to see how this turns out!
If This Gets Out – Sophie Gonzales & Cale Dietrich (December 7)
Eighteen-year-olds Ruben Montez and Zach Knight are two members of the boy-band Saturday, one of the biggest acts in America. Along with their bandmates, Angel Phan and Jon Braxton, the four are teen heartbreakers in front of the cameras and best friends backstage. But privately, cracks are starting to form: their once-easy rapport is straining under the pressures of fame, and Ruben confides in Zach that he’s feeling smothered by management’s pressure to stay in the closet.
On a whirlwind tour through Europe, with both an unrelenting schedule and minimal supervision, Ruben and Zach come to rely on each other more and more, and their already close friendship evolves into a romance. But when they decide they’re ready to tell their fans and live freely, Zach and Ruben start to truly realize that they will never have the support of their management. How can they hold tight to each other when the whole world seems to want to come between them?Trust is the thread that binds us . . . and the rope that hangs us.
In Nadezra, peace is as tenuous as a single thread. The ruthless House Indestor has been destroyed, but darkness still weaves through the city’s filthy back alleys and jewel-bright gardens, seen by those who know where to look.
Derossi Vargo has always known. He has sacrificed more than anyone imagines to carve himself a position of power among the nobility, hiding a will of steel behind a velvet smile. He’ll be damned if he lets anyone threaten what he’s built.
Grey Serrado knows all too well. Bent under the yoke of too many burdens, he fights to protect the city’s most vulnerable. Sooner or later, that fight will demand more than he can give.
And Ren, daughter of no clan, knows best of all. Caught in a knot of lies, torn between her heritage and her aristocratic masquerade, she relies on her gift for reading pattern to survive. And it shows her the web of corruption that traps her city.
But all three have yet to discover just how far that web stretches. And in the end, it will take more than knives to cut themselves free…
WHY?: Sophie Gonzales writes amazing books, and while I’ll admit that a closeted boy band book doesn’t sound like my cup of tea, I’m willing to take the risk.
The Liar’s Knot – M.A. Carrick (December 7)
Trust is the thread that binds us . . . and the rope that hangs us.
In Nadezra, peace is as tenuous as a single thread. The ruthless House Indestor has been destroyed, but darkness still weaves through the city’s filthy back alleys and jewel-bright gardens, seen by those who know where to look.
Derossi Vargo has always known. He has sacrificed more than anyone imagines to carve himself a position of power among the nobility, hiding a will of steel behind a velvet smile. He’ll be damned if he lets anyone threaten what he’s built.
Grey Serrado knows all too well. Bent under the yoke of too many burdens, he fights to protect the city’s most vulnerable. Sooner or later, that fight will demand more than he can give.
And Ren, daughter of no clan, knows best of all. Caught in a knot of lies, torn between her heritage and her aristocratic masquerade, she relies on her gift for reading pattern to survive. And it shows her the web of corruption that traps her city.
But all three have yet to discover just how far that web stretches. And in the end, it will take more than knives to cut themselves free…
WHY?: I adored the first book in this series (especially Ren!) and can’t wait to see what happens next with the Rook and the Rose!
Sucker for a Siren – Lauren Connolly (December 8)
He doesn’t believe in fate. She’s fine with single life. The gods have other plans.
Seamus MacNamara may be a mythical creature, but that doesn’t mean he has to believe all those legends about selkies finding their fated mates. Specifically, that his mate will rescue him. Complete nonsense. If he is going to ask a woman out, he’ll do it because he likes her personality, not because she saves his life. Problem is, the barista Seamus has tried his hardest to flirt with ends up giving him the Heimlich when a cookie goes down the wrong pipe.
What would a siren want with a selkie, anyway?
Neri Onassis may have thought Seamus was cute at first, but when he freaks out after her acting the badass hero, her tiny crush evaporates. Good thing, because she needs to put all her brain power toward figuring out her new life in Folk Haven, the mythic-filled town next to Lake Galen. After an awkward break up with both a man and her parents, Neri left her old life behind, determined to figure out what kind of person, and siren, she wants to be. An ungrateful selkie is only a distraction.
But when the two continue to cross paths, a spark of attraction refuses to extinguish. Is it the Gods? Is it chemistry? Does it matter?
WHY?: I adored the previous novella and book in this series. If you are a fan of cozy paranormal small-town romance (AND WHO ISN’T), do not sleep on this series!
The Love Con – Seressia Glass (December 14)
He’s cosplaying as her boyfriend but their feelings for each other are real in this romantic comedy from Seressia Glass.
Sometimes Kenya Davenport believes she was switched at the hospital–how else could a lover of anime, gaming, and cosplay come from STEM parents? Still, Kenya dreams of being able to turn her creative hobby into a career. She finally has a chance to make it big when she joins the reality show competition Cosplay or No Way.
There’s just one catch: the challenge for the final round is all about iconic pairs, and the judges want the contestants’ significant others to participate. Unfortunately, Kenya is as single as can be at the moment. Luckily her best friend, Cameron Lassiter, agrees to be her fake boyfriend for the show.
Roleplaying a couple in love will force them to explore what they’re hiding under the mask of friendship. Can Kenya and Cam fake it until she makes it, or will she be real about her feelings, knowing it could cost her the best friend she’s ever had?
There are two things I’ve always hated about December: Yuletide and Carols.
Apparently, my besties are tired of my Scrooge-like behavior. Instead of commiserating with me at my annual nonChristmas, foreverSingle party, they’re forcing me to go on a luxury trip to the worst magical place on Earth—for two.
I’ve never been girlfriend material. Too much work, not enough good feelings. Now I have ten dates, ten shots to find a plus one. The one caveat? My friends pick the dates—even ex-boyfriends are not off limits.
Dealing with the past, stepping outside of my comfort zone, meeting strangers… What can go wrong? Everything. Or nothing. I can’t decide which is scarier. A long time ago, I vowed to only let my brain make the important decisions. What if my heart didn’t get the memo?
WHY?: I’m not 100% crazy about that cover, but it is pretty cute, and I love it for featuring a plus-sized cosplaying woman of color! Also, it’s fake relationship plus friends-to-lovers, aka, my trope catnip.
Baes of Christmas series (December 15-24)
There are two things I’ve always hated about December: Yuletide and Carols.
Apparently, my besties are tired of my Scrooge-like behavior. Instead of commiserating with me at my annual nonChristmas, foreverSingle party, they’re forcing me to go on a luxury trip to the worst magical place on Earth—for two.
I’ve never been girlfriend material. Too much work, not enough good feelings. Now I have ten dates, ten shots to find a plus one. The one caveat? My friends pick the dates—even ex-boyfriends are not off limits.
Dealing with the past, stepping outside of my comfort zone, meeting strangers… What can go wrong? Everything. Or nothing. I can’t decide which is scarier. A long time ago, I vowed to only let my brain make the important decisions. What if my heart didn’t get the memo?
WHY?: OK, so that’s the cover and synopsis of the first novella (or short story, not sure about the length yet) that’ll be released on December 15, but this is actually a collection of ten stories by ten different authors. I’m not sure if they’re actually related in any way, but I’ve read and loved some of the authors before, and I’m curious to try out some new ones!
Fast Acting – Adele Buck (December 17)
Love isn’t just in the air: it’s contagious.
Kathleen Fitzgerald has never been the leading lady. In her stage roles, she’s always the second banana or the sidekick. And in love she’s forever the bridesmaid, never the bride. Showing up to support her best friend at her weekend wedding by the sea is a well-rehearsed role. Until one look from handsome fellow wedding guest Russell King makes her feel like a star.
Law professor Russell King was raised to be the consummate gentleman, and after a failed marriage, he’s extra hesitant about getting involved with women. Except Kathleen is a knockout: creative, irreverent, and unconventional, making him seriously consider stepping off his carefully-trodden life path to trip the light fantastic with the quicksilver actress.
The scene is set for a weekend fling but when the curtain comes down there might just be potential for an encore that leads to love.
WHY?: Yeeees, wedding fling turns into something more? Plus, I’ve very much enjoyed this series and I’m curious to catch up with some of the past couples!
Surrender to the Moonlight – Dria Andersen (December 21)
Nicole Oliver had been warned that stepping even one foot on the Fouche land in Georgia would stir up a whole host of family secrets. But her grandmother had been murdered and she had no intentions of letting the murderer get away with it, family curse or not. Solving a murder wouldn’t be easy, and local help would go a long way to helping…even if help came from a distracting and super sexy alpha werewolf. It was said that the Fouche curse never missed. From a few great greats back all the way forward to the present generation, heartbreak awaited each and every woman. From Nic’s point of view love didn’t last and hadn’t proved worth the effort, so escaping the curse would be easy enough. Besides, she would be too busy solving a murder to even think about love.
Jeremiah, JT, Taylor was the leader of the local motorcycle gang and alpha of the Taylor wolf pack. Nothing magical moved down highway 95 unless he knew about…and got his cut. His pack’s reputation was well-earned and far reaching. He took the death of a practitioner on his territory personal and he had planned to find the murderer with or without Nicole’s help. But, if asked, he’d have to admit that having her help came with all types of bonuses. He didn’t believe in that curse mess, but neither was he looking for anything long term, so a no strings affair was right up his alley. He was warned that his wolf would have the last say. He wasn’t worried though, because he’s in control of the animal, not the other way around.
Nicole soon realized she’d bitten off more than she could chew, in more ways than one. One too many attempts on their lives makes them question if the curse has finally caught up with its latest victim, or if there is something more sinister at play.
WHY?: I’ve enjoyed this author’s previous paranormals, so I’m curious to see where she goes with this new series!
Better Off Wed – Susanna Craig (December 28)
She’s an avenging angel…who tempts him like the devil…
If Miss Laura Hopkins desired a husband, her beauty, brains, and fortune would make it easy to acquire one. Instead, Laura prefers to put her charms to another purpose entirely. Using the alias, Lady Sterling, Laura helps young women who have been mistreated or compromised by their employers. Some might see it as theft and blackmail. For Laura, it is a small measure of justice. But while in pursuit of her latest target, Laura is unexpectedly aided by a gentleman who announces that he is Lord Sterling.
As a spy for the Crown, Captain Jeremy Addison, Viscount Sterling, has been assigned all manner of dangerous missions, though none as complicated as investigating the beguiling Lady Sterling. Forced to pose as newlyweds at the home of a disreputable earl, Laura and Jeremy forge an unexpected alliance…and a passionate connection. But can such a dangerous masquerade possibly lead to a real, lasting love?
WHY?: I haven’t read too many historicals lately, but I always make sure to pick up the Love & Let Spy books. They’re adorable and hilarious, and I’m sorry, fake relationship at a house party? Yes, please!
Proper Scoundrels – Allie Therin (December 28)
Their scandalous pasts have left them wounded and unworthy—and hopelessly perfect together.
London, 1925
Sebastian de Leon is adjusting to life after three years spent enthralled by blood magic. The atrocities he committed under its control still weigh heavily on his conscience, but when he’s asked to investigate a series of mysterious murders, it feels like an opportunity to make amends. Until he realizes the killer’s next likely target is a man who witnessed Sebastian at his worst—the Viscount Fine.
Lord Fine—known as Wesley to his friends, if he had any—is haunted by ghosts of his own after serving as a British army captain during the Great War. Jaded and untrusting, he’s tempted to turn Sebastian in, but there’s something undeniably captivating about the reformed paranormal, and after Sebastian risks his own life to save Wesley’s, they find common ground.
Seeking sanctuary together at Wesley’s country estate in Yorkshire, the unlikely pair begins to unravel a mystery steeped in legend and folklore, the close quarters emboldening them to see past the other’s trauma to the person worth loving beneath. But with growing targets on their backs, they’ll have to move quickly if they want to catch a killer—and discover whether two wounded souls can help each other heal.
WHY?: Arthur and Rory have their HEA, and now it’s time for Arthur’s ex and one of their enemies-turned-allies to work towards theirs. If you haven’t heard me screech about the excellent Magic in Manhattan series, please check out my reviews for those books. In short, they’re excellent paranormal historicals set in Prohibition NYC, full of delicious amounts of both angst and sweetness. I already have the ARC for this book and I’ve had to stop myself from reading it so many times, I am that excited for this book!
The Midnight Girls – Alicia Jasinska (December 28)
The Wicked Deep meets House of Salt and Sorrows in this new standalone YA fantasy set in a snow-cloaked kingdom where witches are burned, and two enchantresses secretly compete for the heart of a prince, only to discover that they might be falling for each other.
It’s Karnawał season in the snow-cloaked Kingdom of Lechija, and from now until midnight when the church bells ring an end to Devil’s Tuesday time will be marked with wintry balls and glittery disguises, cavalcades of nightly torch-lit “kuligi” sleigh-parties.
Unbeknownst to the oblivious merrymakers, two monsters join the fun, descending upon the royal city of Warszów in the guise of two innocent girls. Newfound friends and polar opposites, Zosia and Marynka seem destined to have a friendship that’s stronger even than magic. But that’s put to the test when they realize they both have their sights set on Lechija’s pure-hearted prince. A pure heart contains immeasurable power and Marynka plans to bring the prince’s back to her grandmother in order to prove herself. While Zosia is determined to take his heart and its power for her own.
When neither will sacrifice their ambitions for the other, the festivities spiral into a wild contest with both girls vying to keep the hapless prince out of the other’s wicked grasp. But this isn’t some remote forest village, where a hint of stray magic might go unnoticed, Warszów is the icy capital of a kingdom that enjoys watching monsters burn, and if Zosia and Marynka’s innocent disguises continue to slip, their escalating rivalry might cost them not just the love they might have for each other, but both their lives.
WHY?: OMG that cover! A book about two monsters set in a fantasy version of Poland? Oh yes. Plus, that cover has some serious enemies-to-lovers sapphic vibes.
And that’s my list for the month. What books are you looking forward to?
