I had so much fun with #FallIntoRomBingo and I’m very much looking forward to this round! It’s running from December 1st – February 28. You can find out more on FireWhiskeyReader’s blog.
Set Outside the United States/Europe
The Gilded Ones – Namina Forna
OK, this is kinda (totally) cheating, but this fantasy world is partially inspired the author’s childhood in Sierra Leone. Also, it’s a great book! (February 5)
Family Drama
Off Limits Attraction – Jayci Lee
Jihae’s relationship with her parents, her father especially, is DRAMA. Figuring out how to gain her independence – and whether it’s worth it – is a major arc of the book. (December 12)
Hot Beverage
Meta
Fluffy
Childfree HEA
Wrapped Up in You – Talia Hibbert
Classic sarcastic and prickly Talia Hibbert heroine plus himbo Hollywood actor hero equals a banter-filled novella. (December 19)
Into the Woods
In the Winter Woods – Isabelle Adler
Mystery writer Declan hopes retreating to the family cabin in a Vermont village will cure his writer’s block. What he gets is a murder and a burgeoning attraction to the local commissioner. (December 9)
Black Historical
Feels Like Home
The Queen’s Triumph – Jessie Mihalik
Samara and Valentin return for the trilogy finale. Sure, there’s lots of action and revenge, but there’s also new developments in their relationship. (December 12)
Fake Relationship
Her Pretend Christmas Date – Jackie Lau
Outgoing Julie gets stoic Tom to pretend to be her boyfriend for an only-one-bed trip back to her hometown. Shenanigans – including a gingerbread house competition – ensue. (December 1)
Reread
Strange Love – Ann Aguirre
This book is a warm alien hug, with a cinnamon roll alien hero, a determined heroine and a talking dog. If you haven’t read this yet, you’re missing out on one of the best books of last year!
Cover/Title You Love
Winter’s Orbit – Everina Maxwell
This cover is pink and purple and blue and just very space bi and I love it. Plus, it’s SFR with disaster gays so of course I loved the story as well!
Happy Holidays!
The Longest Night – E.E. Ottoman
Adorably soft holiday story about two trans men who’ve been corresponding for ages and finally meet up for the holidays in a cozy cottage in upstate NY.
Last Book Acquired
Audiobook or HEA
Blogger Rec
Brown Eyes
True Love for Christmas – D. Rose
Estranged friends-to-lovers w/ a holiday twist! Noel isn’t feeling the Christmas spirit after a broken engagement – but her friend Chris is determined to cheer her up AND prove he’s the one for her. (December 6)
Small Town Romance by an Author of Color
Snow
His Holiday Crush – Cari Z
Besides getting stranded in his hometown after running into a snowbank, there’s also an “oh no, it’s a blizzard! we’ll have to share a bed!” scene. (December 13)
F/F Contemporary
Second Chances anthology
One f/f contemporary? Why not four??? This is a great selection of novellas with a little something for everyone. Dead boss in your truck? MMORPG friends? Catching up with a hot lawyer?
Messy Characters
Cry Wolf – Charlie Adhara
Park and Cooper are pretty much the epitome of messy characters, but that doesn’t stop them from also being relationship goals. Fifth book in the series and it just keeps getting better!
Specific/Unusual Profession
Pining Over You – J.N. Welsh
Rodney Chestnut (I KNOW) is a biologist who really, really likes ferns. Specifically, the ferns on his childhood love’s farm near where they used to make out. (December 23)
Rules/Lists/Resolutions
Amelia Unabridged – Ashley Schumacher
Jenna’s the queen of lists, planning out her and Amelia’s life after high school. When things don’t go as planned, Amelia makes her own plan for the summer.
Music
Retelling/Mythology