150 Winter New Releases to Add to Your TBR
Is your TBR overflowing? Well, #sorrynotsorry for doing this to you. I’ve got the best of the best of winter new releases as we close out 2019 and start 2020. Everything from picture books to adult titles and every genre in between—what more could you want? Other than a bigger bookshelf, I suppose…
Keep in mind that pub dates are always subject to change. Asterisks (*) indicate a sequel or book in a series.
Best Winter New Releases 2019–2020
December
3
Dangerous Alliance: An Austentacious Romance by Jennieke Cohen
Lady Victoria has based her expectations of love off of her favorite books: Jane Austen’s entire catalog. So when she’s expected to marry and begins to date, she’s at a loss when her precious books don’t have the answers she needs. (YA, historical fiction)
Meg and Jo by Virginia Kantra
A modern retelling of the timeless classic LITTLE WOMEN, when we meet the March sisters they have all abandoned their separate lives in order to return home to North Carolina to care for their ailing mother. Meg, Amy and Beth relearn the importance of family and the power of sisterhood. (Adult, fiction)
Reverie by Ryan La Sala
In this debut #ownvoices fantasy, we follow Kane Montgomery, who is recovering after a brutal attack takes away his memory. As Kane retraces his steps, he uncovers reveries—or separate worlds that are created from individual’s private fantasies. Little does he know, there’s a powerful drag queen sorceress who is out for everybody’s reveries. But why? (YA, fantasy)
Just Watch Me by Jeff Lindsay
The acclaimed author of the DEXTER series is back with a new antihero. Meet Riley Wolfe. Think of him as a Robin Hood-esque guy gone to the extreme. Riley has despised the uber wealthy ever since he was young, and now targets the .01 percent as his victims. He doesn’t just rob them though…he kills them. (Adult, thriller)
Blitzed by Alexa Martin
In her third installment of the Playbook series, taking center stage this time is Maxwell Lewis and Brynn Larson – who he meets in a chance encounter and then royally screws up. But Maxwell knows Brynn is special and desperate for a second chance. (Adult, romance*)
Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Odeyemi
In the highly anticipated sequel to CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE, we return back to the land of Orîsha—where our heroes Zélie and Amari have brought magic back to the maji. But their troubles are just beginning. Amari needs to secure her right to the throne in order to overthrow the monarchy and military who have united to bring an end to the maji. (YA, fantasy*)
Diamond & Dawn by Lyra Selene
At the end of AMBER & DUSK, Mirage has emerged victorious from the fight with the Amber Empire and returns to assume the role of Empress. But things get messy when Empress Severine’s body is recovered and *surprise* she isn’t dead yet. But even in her coma, Severine poses a threat to Mirage taking the throne. (YA, fantasy*)
A Madness of Sunshine by Nalini Singh
In Singh’s first venture into the thriller genre, we enter the idyllic town of Golden Cove where tragedy unexpectedly strikes. Over the course of a single summer, several people vanish and it shatters the community. Fast forward eight years and the people of Golden Cove have finally healed—that is until another disappearance makes them think that the killer is back. (Adult, thriller)
Reputation by Sara Shepard
In her signature style, Shepard’s newest book taps into the scandals and secrets kept in a tight-knit college town. After a hacker releases 40,000 personal emails onto a searchable database, let’s just say SHIZ GOES DOWN. In the midst of the calamity, the prominent Dr. Greg Strasser is found dead. His sister, Willa, returns for the funeral and finds herself obsessed with finding out the truth behind her brother’s death. (Adult, thriller)
Dead Astronauts by Jeff VanderMeer
Set in the same world as his weird and trippy sci-fi, BORNE, DEAD ASTRONAUTS feature three new misfits who have to fight for the future of humankind, including a blue fox, a human homeless woman and an ancient fish and they’re all hiding secrets. (Adult, sci-fi*)
Would Like to Meet by Rachel Winters
Evie is up for a promotion that would give her her dream job. But there’s a catch. Her job depends on her agency’s biggest client, writer Ezra Chester, who needs to finish the script for Hollywood’s next big rom-com. Too bad Ezra has been suffering from writer’s block and is incredibly cynical. Ezra and Evie strike a deal that if she can convince him that people actually fall in love like in the movies, he’ll finish the script. Challenge accepted. (Adult, romance)
10
Meet Me on Love Lane by Nina Bocci
In her follow-up to ON THE CORNER OF LOVE AND HATE, Bocci introduces us to Charlotte Bishop—who returns to her small hometown after striking out in New York City. At first, her plan only includes earning enough money and building her confidence so she can return to her life in the big city. But this pesky thing called “love” comes into the mix and she falls for not one but two of Hope Lake’s finest. (Adult, romance*)
Regretting You by Colleen Hoover
Mother and daughter, Morgan and Clara, have never been close. All Morgan is determined to do is prevent Clara from making her same mistakes, but free-spirit Clara refuses to be pushed into a box and told what to do. Seemingly the only force holding them together is Chris (Morgan’s husband, Clara’s father) but everything changes after Chris loses his life. (Adult, romance)
The Light of All That Falls by James Islington
In the conclusion to The Licanius trilogy, the Boundary land has been restored but at what cost? Our heroes have been separated and now must confront the reality of their decisions—and figure out how they’re going to stop the political threats. (Adult, fantasy*)
The Dead Girls Club by Damien Angelica Walter
As teens, Heather and her friends were obsessed with the occult and the macabre. But things took a turn when Heather’s best friend Becca began insisting that the ghost of a vengeful witch was real. Now 30 years in the future, Heather has not spoken about that fateful night with Becca and how she killed her best friend. Heather then receives a necklace in the mail that she hasn’t seen since that night. Someone knows her secret. (Adult, horror)
17
The Kill Club by Wendy Heard
Jazz and her brother, Joaquin, have grown used to their foster mother’s antics. But things are getting too dangerous and Jazz begins to fear for her brother’s life. Jazz then receives a mysterious phone call from someone claiming to be just like her and that they have a solution: through an underground network, someone will kill Carol for her…if she then kills someone else. (Adult, thriller)
30
The Wives by Tarryn Fisher
This book has a truly unique writing structure where we meet three wives of one man. At first it seems all three women are ok with their arrangement—they know about each other and they don’t let it affect them. Until one becomes curious and sets out to befriend another wife. As their friendship grows, secrets emerge about the husband they thought they knew. And the mysteries around the third wife grow. (Adult, thriller)
31
The Winterhouse Mysteries by Ben Guterson
In the conclusion to the Winterhouse trilogy, it’s finally spring and Elizabeth is looking for a chance to relax. But, of course, she’s immediately sucked into a new mystery with Freddy and forced to deal with the return of a villain they thought was long gone. (MG, mystery)
January
7
The Night Country by Melissa Albert
After escaping from the Hinterland in THE HAZEL WOOD, Alice and the rest of the fairytale world her grandmother created are now in New York City. But then a mysterious dark force begins stalking the creatures of the Hinterland and Alice becomes suspicious there’s a new villain at play. I haven’t forgotten about Ellery—who has broken away from the group and has lost his way home. (YA, fantasy*)
Butterfly by Ashley Antoinette
As a little girl, Morgan Atkins was always told “Run away from the boy that gives you butterflies—he’s going to break your heart.” But Morgan didn’t listen and ended up getting her heart massively broken. So she settled into a comfortable relationship with a safe guy and things are all great, except for one thing: she’s bored as hell. When a piece of her past shows up, Morgan begins an affair that forces her to make decisions she spent her life trying not to make. (Adult, urban fiction)
Wonder Woman: Warbringer (The Graphic Novel) by Leigh Bardugo
In this graphic novel adaptation of Leigh Bardugo’s take on Wonder Woman, Diana’s adventures beyond the magical world of Themyscira are brought to life. When Diana makes the choice to save a mortal instead of proving herself to her warrior sisters, she forges an unbreakable connection with Alia Keralis—who just happens to be a Warbringer, aka a direct descendant of Helen of Troy. (YA, graphic novel)
The Secret Chapter by Genevieve Cogman
In Cogman’s sixth installment in her Invisible Library series, Irene and Kai have to pull off an elaborate art heist in order to please a mysterious villain named Mr. Nemo. Irene is in need of a special book to stop the world from descending into chaos but the only person who can help them is (you guessed it) Mr. Nemo, who requests a painting from a specific magical world in return. Hence the art heist. (Adult, historical fantasy*)
Oasis by Katya de Becerra
Alif was excited to spend her summer with her friends on an archeological dig, but she wasn’t expecting the disastrous sandstorm. In the aftermath, Alif and her friends find themselves stranded until they find an oasis with everything they need: food, water, protection. But things begin to change and it sets them against each other. And it’s impossible to leave. (YA, sci-fi)
Lady Hotspur by Tessa Gratton
Continuing the saga of Innis Lear, LADY HOTSPUR takes its inspiration from Shakespeare’s HENRY IV. Lady Hotspur aka the Wolf of Aremoria has become infamous for her violent fighting skills and has never to expected to be used as anything other than a weapon for the Queen. But then she falls in love with Hal, now the prince of Lionis and heir to the throne. (Adult, fantasy)
Deep State by Chris Hauty
In today’s political climate, this book feels frighteningly real. Richard Monroe has recently been elected president in a highly polarized United States. When the chief of staff is found dead, it spurs theories of a conspiracy that leads to the unthinkable: the Deep State is real. (Adult, thriller)
Hitting a Straight Lick with a Crooked Stick: Stories from the Harlem Renaissance by Zora Neale Hurston
Highly recognized as one of the most prolific writers of our time, this new story collection from Hurston is being released, topics include: love, immigration, gender and class dynamics, racism and sexism during the Harlem Renaissance. (Adult, short stories, historical)
Woven in Moonlight by Isabel Ibanez
Ximena is on the hunt for an ancient relic that once was used to summon ghosts that drove the Illustrian royals from La Ciudad. As the last living Illustrian descendant, Ximena will stop at nothing for revenge for her family. This story is inspired by Bolivian politics and history. (YA, fantasy)
A Heart So Fierce and Broken by Brigid Kemmerer
At the end of A CURSE SO DARK AND LONELY, Harper has broken the curse keeping Prince Rhen hostage, but their troubles are far from over. Missing from the picture is Rhen’s guardsman, Grey, who has gone on the run. Grey is trying to avoid clashing with Rhen but Karis Luran is threatening to take Emberfall by force and it may be what needs to be done to save both Rhen and Harper’s lives. (YA, fantasy)
The Vanishing by Jayne Ann Krentz
After a cave explosion in the small town of Fogg Lake, many residents reported developing special powers and abilities. For best friends Catalina and Olivia, they use their abilities they call “other sight” to help their investigation firm. But their visions won’t help with their newest case, an investigation into a murder that happened 14 years ago…a murder that both Catalina and Olivia witnessed. (Adult, romantic suspense)
A Map From Here to There by Emery Lord
Paige finally has a great job, good friends and the perfect boyfriend—the catch? It’s senior year and soon she will be leaving it all behind. She knows that there is so much more to experience in college, but she can’t help but feel anxious about the future. (YA, contemporary)
Come Tumbling Down by Seanan McGuire
In the fifth installment in Seanan McGuire’s Wayward Children series, we again focus on the character of Jack who we left in the second novella with her carrying the body of her twin sister, ready to return to the Moors. But when Jack is brought back Eleanor West’s school, she clearly has experienced something traumatic and it’s up to her friends to find out what. (YA, fantasy*)
Long Bright River by Liz Moore
A timely look into the depths of the opioid crisis pits two once-inseparable sisters against each other: Kacey, an addict and Mickey, a police officer. Due to their differences they have cut off complete communication—but when Kacey disappears, Mickey sets out to find out what happened to her best friend. (Adult, thriller)
You Were There Too by Colleen Oakley
Mia Graydon has seemingly the perfect life with a loving husband, beautiful house and plans of starting a family. When she and her husband relocate to small-town Pennsylvania, Mia reconnects with someone from her past that she’s been dreaming about for a while. But he has dreams, too, and they’re also about her. (Adult, romance)
Topics of Conversation by Miranda Popkey
Miranda Popekey’s debut is a truly unique work of fiction. The book is almost entirely made of conversations between women on various subjects, from shame to sex to self-loathing and self-love. (Adult, lit fic)
Scavenge the Stars by Tara Sim
This book is a gender-swapped retelling of THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO. Our heroine is Amaya, who impulsively rescues a stranger from drowning and is offered riches and a new identity in return. Amaya is set on an adventure in search of revenge for the man who ruined her family. (YA, fantasy)
Jane Anonymous by Laurie Faria Stolarz
“Jane” isn’t Jane. Or at least she thinks she isn’t. After being kidnapped and subsequently escaping, “Jane” has returned home and is attempting to piece together what happened. But what she remembers doesn’t seem to line up with what she remembers from before she was in captivity. So what’s the truth? (YA, thriller)
Loveboat, Taipei by Abigail Hing Wen
Ever Wong travels from Ohio to Taiwan to study Mandarin over the summer and she finds herself in a group of perfect overachievers. The joke is on her parents, however, the “program” is actually a casual sex meet and greet for teens. (YA, contemporary)
Chosen by Kiersten White
In the sequel to White’s take on the world of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Nina is continuing to use her slayer powers against demons big and small. After regaining her powers from the evil and powerful succubus, Eve, things don’t feel completely right. Darkness always finds you, right? (YA, fantasy*)
14
Followers by Megan Angelo
Orla isn’t living her dreams—nowhere near it. But when she meets her new roommate, Floss, who has a plan for launching them into the A-list, high profile lives they want, Orla takes a risk. And it works. Fast-forward 35 years and we meet Marlow, a government-appointed celebrity who discovers a secret about her past. What is the connection between Orla and Floss and Marlow? The answer lies in the truth behind Marlow’s massive popularity and corporate sponsors who would do anything to keep her famous. (Adult, sci-fi)
Love Her or Lose Her by Tessa Bailey
High school sweethearts Rosie and Dominic have lost the magic. Their relationship has run stale, but both are too comfortable to make a change. Rosie’s friends convince her to suggest marriage boot camp to Dom and to her surprise, he accepts. But during the process, secrets emerge that could be the end of their relationship for good. (Adult, romance*)
Black Girl Unlimited: The Remarkable Story of a Teenage Wizard by Echo Brown
Echo Brown is a wizard from the East Side but attends school on the West Side aka the “Rich Side.” As she travels between the two sides, she finds it difficult to maintain her identity while fitting in on the West Side. This book is autobiographical with a fantastical twist. (YA, magical realism)
Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain
In Chamberlain’s newest endeavor, Morgan Christopher finds herself serving a three year sentence in the North Carolina Woman’s Correctional Center after taking the fall for a crime she didn’t commit. After she’s made a mysterious offer to cut her sentence, she uncovers a conspiracy that could rock her small town indefinitely. (Adult, historical fiction)
Race to the Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse
Part of Rick Riordan’s imprint, Roanhorse’s middle grade debut calls upon her Navajo heritage to tell a story about family and respect for the land in a wonderful mix of historical accuracy and fantasy. (MG, fantasy)
Kingdomtide by Rye Curtis
Kingdomtide tells the story of two women, one the sole survivor of a plan crash and a park ranger who is determined to rescue her. If you’re looking for a book about resilience and the intrinsic goodness of people, this is a read for you. (Adult, lit fic)
Just Like a Mama by Alice Faye Duncan
This children’s picture book is the story of Carol Olivia Clementine, who lives with Mama Rose. Mama Rose may not be her biological mother, but Carol Olivia Clementine always feels unconditionally loved and their bond will never be broken. (Childrens)
Burn the Dark by S.A. Hunt
College student Robin seems like a normal girl. But she’s definitely not, she kills witches live on her wildly popular YouTube channel. In order to save her town, she’ll need to get rid of a powerful coven currently holding it hostage. (Adult, fantasy)
The Vanished Birds by Simon Jimenez
In Jimenez’s debut, we meet Nia Imani—a time traveler who has been alone and adrift for the majority of her endless life. When she encounters an abandoned and scared little boy, Nia takes him in but she doesn’t know that he’s special. And there are people out to get him who won’t hesitate to hurt her. (Adult, sci-fi)
The Better Liar by Tanen Jones
Tanen’s debut is a masterclass in mystery and suspense. When Leslie’s sister Robin unexpectedly dies, she hires a lookalike named Mary to impersonate Robin in order for them to claim a sizable inheritance. But both Mary and Leslie are hiding dangerous secrets. (Adult, thriller)
Echoes Between Us by Katie McGarry
Due to a side effect from her brain tumor, Veronica is able to see the ghost of her late mother. Her behavior keeps her on the fringes of society but things change when she meets Sawyer, the town golden boy and star athlete. (YA, contemporary)
Dark and Deepest Red by Anna-Marie McLemore
In her signature style, McLemore’s newest book is a retelling of the classic fairytale “The Red Shoes” starring a diverse cast of characters. When a pair of red shoes seamlessly attach to Rosella’s feet, she begins to dance uncontrollably. Now a victim of the dancing fever, Rosella must partner with a local boy whose family has been blamed for the affliction. (YA, fantasy)
Lucky Caller by Emma Mills
As part of a radio broadcasting class, Nina is forced to work with a group of classmates that have nothing in common, including her former best friend Jamie who she is not on good terms with. (YA, contemporary)
Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano
At age 12, Edward Adler becomes the sole survivor of a plane crash – losing his entire family along with 183 other passengers. His survival story captivates the world but behind-the-scenes, Edward is just trying to heal and come to terms with his new reality. (Adult, lit fic)
Strange Exit by Parker Peevyhouse
In a seemingly post-apocalyptic world, our heroine Lake is the only one who is still aware that this is not their reality. They are all part of a simulation preparing them for life after the apocalypse and that has trapped their minds. (YA, sci-fi)
The Conference of the Birds by Ransom Riggs
Building off the world created in the Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children series, THE CONFERENCE OF THE BIRDS continues the tale of the American Peculiars and the adventure of Jacob Portman. (YA, fantasy)
Infinity Son by Adam Silvera
As kids, brothers Emil and Brighton idolized a vigilante group called the Spell Walkers who rid the world of rogue villains who steal the powers of others. But they find themselves at odds when Emil starts to manifest powers and becomes the Spell Walker Brighton has always wanted to be. Since this is Adam Silvera, we should all be prepared to cry. (YA, fantasy)
All the Ways We Said Goodbye by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White
Three historical fiction powerhouses combine efforts to create an enthralling adventure spanning from the onset of World War I to the 1960s, telling the story of three women and their stay at the famous Ritz Hotel in Paris. (Adult, historical fiction)
21
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
This book has already gotten enormous buzz, and is being hailed as the GRAPES OF WRATH for modern times. In the Mexican city of Acapulco, Lydia runs a bookstore but their life is becoming complicated due to the drug cartels. And when a mysterious but affluent stranger enters the bookshop, Lydia and her family become entangled with the newest cartel. (Adult, lit fic)
Agency by William Gibson
In Gibson’s first book since 2014, this book is set in the same world as PERIPHERY. An app-wiz named Verity is hired by an unknown start-up in San Francisco. When she makes the move, she finds herself having to deal with an AI, Lowbeer, that has her own story to tell. (Adult, sci-fi)
Not So Pure and Simple by Lamar Giles
This is critically lauded author Lamar Giles’s first foray into YA and it is a masterpiece. Del has had a crush on his classmate Kiera since he was young so when Kiera volunteers for an opportunity at their church, he jumps at the chance to spend more time with her. Little does he know that he just signed a purity pledge. (YA, contemporary)
The Hand on the Wall by Maureen Johnson
In the conclusion to Johnson’s highly popular Truly Devious series, Stevie has finally solved the case. Or at least she thinks she has. But when accidents spiral out of hand and Ellingham Academy is forced to close, Stevie must confront the possibility that she missed something. (YA, mystery)
The Mystick School of Musicraft by Jessica Khoury
Amelia Jones is devastated when she flops during her audition for the Mystick School of Musicraft, but a miracle gives her a second chance to attend on a trial basis. Determined to prove the judges wrong, Amelia enters the school ready to be whatever they want her to be, even if it means she loses herself. (MG, fantasy)
Tweet Cute by Emma Lord
Pepper’s family owns the massive fast-food chain Big League Burger. And when BLB seemingly steals a secret grilled cheese recipe from a local deli, she finds herself fighting with them via social media. On the other side of the computer is her classmate, Jack, whose family owns the deli. (YA, contemporary)
Riot Baby by Tochi Onyebuchi
Siblings Ella and Kev were born extraordinary abilities, but they still grew up surrounded by racism and classism. When Kev is arrested for the crime of being black in America, Ella becomes convinced that something needs to change. A revolution, perhaps. (Adult, sci-fi)
Follow Me to the Ground by Sue Rainsford
Ada has the unique ability to heal the sick, but has always struggling finding common ground with the humans she helps. That is until she meets Samson and they begin a scandalous affair, much to the displeasure of both of their families. Ada must a choice between her two worlds and the decision will have disastrous consequences for one of them. (Adult, magical realism)
Ashlords by Scott Reintgen
The Races are held every year in honor of the Ashlords being gifted the phoenix horses that has led them to victory in battle, during hunts and during sport. This year’s group of riders is particularly interesting, consisting of a scholarship entry, the daughter of a previous champion and the son of rogue revolutionary. (YA, fantasy)
Whatever It Takes by Krista and Becca Ritchie
From the world of their Addicted novels, comes the highly anticipated full story of Willow and Garrison. After the web series was abruptly canceled in 2015, fans of this popular pairing will finally get the answers they crave. (Adult, romance)
28
Seven Deadly Shadows by Courtney Alameda and Valynne E. Maetani
Kira has never felt like she belongs, preferring to stay with her grandfather and his Shinto shrine. When the family shrine is attacked by demons, Kira unleashes a great power that leads her to partner with a kitsune to defeat the demons and their demon lord. (YA, fantasy)
The Storm of Life by Amy Rose Capetta
In the conclusion to The Brilliant Death duology, picks up where the first book left off, with Teo and Cielo on a mission to save their country from the tyrannical leader. But their enemies keep changing and their allies cannot be trusted, so what needs to be done to save Vinalia? (YA, fantasy*)
Highfire by Eoin Colfer
Vern is not your typical dragon. He’s grumpy, obsessed with vodka and believes that he is the last dragon left. But he’s not. And his life changes dramatically when a human boy identified as Squib crash lands into his life and is in need of help. (Adult, fantasy)
Diamond City by Francesca Flores
Aina was only 12 when she was pulled from the streets and trained to become one of the most feared assassins in the kingdom of Sumerand. When she’s given the opportunity to kill a wealthy man named Kouta, she knows it’s her one-way ticket out of poverty and away from her boss, Kohl. But Kouta escapes and prompts Aina to embark on a wild chase and Kohl is not pleased. (YA, fantasy)
When You See Me by Lisa Gardner
Gardner brings together three of her most loved characters from previous books—Detective D.D. Warren, Flora Dane and Kimberly Quincy—as they investigate a murder from the past that may be connected to present-day crime. (Adult, thriller)
Hi Five by Joe Ide
In Ide’s fourth book starring the genius PI, Isaiah Quintabe, aka IQ, is back in action and determined to build a normal life for himself and his new girlfriend. But things never go as planned and IQ takes on a case with mysteries so complicated that he has to come to terms that trouble will never be far behind. (Adult, mystery)
When We Were Vikings by Andrew David MacDonald
Zelda is a Viking enthusiast who lives with her older brother, Gert, and they are constantly struggling to stay afloat. When Zelda discovers that Gert has turned to some unsavory behavior to earn money, she heads off on a Viking-worthy mission and to become the heroine she desperately wants to be. (Adult, lit fic)
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
Vanessa was only 15 when she became entangled in an affair with her English teacher, 30 years her senior. Now an adult, Vanessa is faced with a decision when another woman comes out with a sexual abuse against him. As a teen, Vanessa firmly believed she willingly participated in the affair, but what does she think now? (Adult, lit fic)
The Look-Alike by Erica Spindler
Sienna Scott believes she escaped a traumatic experience when she is almost murdered many years ago. However, Sienna fears the would-be killer is back and attempting to finish the job. And with her mother suffering from paranoid delusions, she’s not 100% sure that she isn’t experiencing them too. (Adult, thriller)
Starfell: Willow Moss & The Lost Day by Dominique Valente
Willow Moss is the least powerful witch in her family and is shocked when the most powerful witch in the land shows up and tells her that she holds the fate of the entire magical world of Starfell in her hands. (MG, fantasy)
Run Me to Earth by Paul Yoon
In this blinding historical fiction novel, we meet Alisak, Prany and Noi, all of whom were orphaned in 1960s Laos. Spanning their entire life, this book shows us how their shared experience connects them together. (Adult, historical fiction)
February
1
Belle Révolte by Linsey Miller
Emilie is an aspiring physician, who wants nothing more than to perform the work that has been deemed “un-ladylike” but instead is set to be trained in divination. When Emilie meets Annette, a girl who wants nothing more than to be trained in magic, they agree to swap lives. (YA, fantasy)
What Kind of Girl by Alyssa B. Sheinmel
When the girlfriend of hot shot Mike Parker shows up at school with a giant bruise on her face, the girls at North Bay Academy are forced to take sides. Do they rally around their school Golden Boy or with the girl who claims he hit her? (YA, contemporary)
4
Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed
Jamie Goldberg is running for state senate but he lacks the social skills to effectively canvass door to door. Enter Maya, whose mother volunteers her to assist Jamie with his campaign. As they go door to door, Maya and Jamie develop a friendship and maybe something more. (YA, contemporary)
Everywhere You Don’t Belong by Gabriel Bump
Claude McKay Love was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago by his grandmother who instilled in him the need to be a catalyst for change. Wanting a different life, Claude leaves Chicago but soon finds that he can’t change where he came from. (Adult, lit fic)
Foul is Fair by Hannah Capin
In this contemporary retelling of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Elle and her friends are the It Girls. But when Elle is targeted by a group of boys who attend the local private school, all bets are off. She transfers to St. Andrew’s with the sole purpose to destroy each boy one by one. (YA, contemporary)
Twisted by Steve Cavanagh
J.T. Le Beau is a famous author who has been living under an alias. And anyone who uncovers their true identity dies. That’s literally as much as I can give away without spoiling it. (Adult, thriller)
Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line by Deepa Anappara
Jai is only nine but thinks he’s way smarter due to his obsession with reality cop shows. So when a boy at school goes missing, he partners with his best friend, Pari and their boss, Faiz, to solve the case. (Adult, fiction)
The Silvered Serpents by Roshani Chokski
Severin and his eclectic crew have emerged victorious, but it came at a great cost that he is desperate to right. So Severin pursues a seemingly impossible quest to find an artifact that grants the possessor the power of God – leading his friends across Europe in hunt of an item that may not even exist. (YA, fantasy*)
The Queen’s Assassin by Melissa de la Cruz
Caledon is a deadly assassin and Shadow has been training to join the Guild for magic, but she secretly hopes to become a warrior like Cal. So when a chance encounter brings the two of them together, they are forced to team up to battle a new threat to their country of Renovia. (YA, fantasy)
The Stars We Steal by Alexa Donne
When Leonie’s family disapproved of her first love, Elliot, she was left all alone. Now 18 and entering engagement season, Leo is shocked when Elliot reenters the picture, super successful and the most eligible bachelor. But he hasn’t forgotten the humiliation he felt at the rejection and is determined to make her life miserable. (YA, sci-fi)
A Good Neighborhood by Therese Ann Fowler
Single mom Valerie Alston-Holt isn’t thrilled when the Whitman family moves in next door. They’re a super traditional family who scoff at her lifestyle and they immediately clash over a historic tree in Valerie’s yard. But their troubles only increase when her son starts dating the Whitmans’ daughter. (Adult, lit fic)
A Galaxy of Sea Stars by Jeanne Zulick Ferruolo
Things are changing in Izzy’s small town and she doesn’t like it one bit. After returning from Afghanistan, her father seems different, and then with the start of middle school, she’s afraid of losing her best friends. But what Izzy doesn’t know is that she is soon going to have to make a choice in the name friendship, keep a friend or do what’s right. (MG, contemporary)
Upright Women Wanted by Sarah Gailey
In an attempt to escape an arranged marriage to a man she despises, Esther hides in a librarian’s book wagon headed out of town. But the future American Southwest isn’t a safe place, in fact it’s downright dangerous and Esther soon learns the hard way. (Adult, fantasy)
All the Stars and Teeth by Adalyn Grace
Amora is the princess of Visidia and has spent her life preparing to be High Animancer and to assume the role, she must prove her mastery of soul magic. But her demonstration goes wrong and Amora is forced to flee the kingdom. Desperate, she partners with Bastian, a rogue pirate, who will help her prove her abilities if she helps restore his magic. (YA, fantasy)
Things in Jars by Jess Kidd
Detective Bridie is given a seemingly impossible case: solving the kidnapping of Christabel Berwick who possesses supernatural powers. In order to find Christabel, Bridie ventures into the seedy underbelly of Victorian London and must uncover a series of secrets in order to find her. (Adult, historical fiction)
Behind Every Lie by Christina McDonald
When Eva wakes in the hospital after being struck by lightning, she finds out that her mother has been murdered. The police are suspicious since Eva cannot remember anything. Eva travels to her mother’s hometown of London to find some answers, but the only thing she finds are more questions and her mother’s complicated past. (Adult, mystery)
Of Curses and Kisses by Sandhya Menon
In Menon’s new series, a spin on Beauty and the Beast, instead of castle we’re at an elite boarding school. Our Belle is Princess Jaya, who hates the Emerson clan for targeting her little sister. Our beast is Lord Grey Emerson, a recluse who was cursed as a child. When Jaya learns she will be attending the same school as Grey, she devises a plan: make him fall in love with her and then break his heart. (YA, fantasy)
Chirp by Kate Messner
When Mia’s family moves, it means more time with her grandmother. Gram is convinced that someone is trying to destroy her cricket farm. But this “someone” is seemingly nonexistent and Gram’s thinking has been impaired since her stroke a few months ago. Nevertheless, Mia and her friends are on the case. (MG, contemporary)
The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley
Julian Jessop, an elderly man, leaves a notebook in a busy cafe labeled The Authenticity Project—with his intentions for people to write down their truth. As different people pick up the notebook and add their own thoughts, they are all brought together by shared experiences and the importance of honesty. (Adult, lit fic)
Ember Queen by Laura Sebastian
When we first met Princess Theodosia, she was a prisoner in her own land. She has since broken free and now has an army of rebels at her command. In the conclusion to the Ash Princess trilogy, Theo must fight to take back her throne to free her people. (YA, fantasy*)
Alice by Heart by Steven Slater
Based off the beloved musical of the same name, Alice and her best friend, Alfred, are forced to take cover during the Blitz of World War II. Alfred is sick with tuberculosis and doctors fear he won’t last the night. Alice begins telling him stories to keep him awake—their favorite is the book that brought them together, Alice in Wonderland. (YA, historical fiction)
The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa
As a wedding planner, Mia is used to working with difficult customers but she is given the test of a lifetime when a new job opportunity forces her to work with her ex-fiancé’s brother, the best man who ruined her wedding. (Adult, romance)
The Gravity of Us by Phil Stamper
Cal is a successful social media journalist but nothing prepares him for the attention he and his family get when they relocate to Houston after his father is selected for a mission to Mars. It’s there that Cal meets Leon, a quiet boy in town who he falls for immediately. (YA, contemporary)
Cracked Up to Be by Courtney Summers
With the wild success of SADIE, this is a repackage of Summers’s first novel. Parker Fadley is the “good girl” at St. Peter’s High. Or at least she used to be. The once straight-A, cheerleading captain, future valedictorian is now a social pariah, failing her classes and constantly drinking. As the school wonders what happened, Parker has to admit to herself what happened. It was something terrible and she blames herself. (YA, contemporary)
A Heart of Blood and Ashes by Milla Vane
After the Destroyer vanquished the western realms, an alliance developed between Parsathe and the kingdoms of the south. That alliance proves to be enough until it isn’t, until the king and queen of Parsathe are killed. Maddek vows to avenge his parents, even if it costs him the crown. (Adult, fantasy-romance)
Verge: Stories by Lidia Yuknavitch
Yuknavitch’s first collection of short stories presents a tough but realistic portrait of the marginalized and the outcast in the United States. From topics such as art and trauma, sex and violence, destruction and survival, Yuknavitch doesn’t shy away from life on the margins. (Adult, short stories-lit fic)
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The Illness Lesson by Clare Beams
After a mysterious flock of red birds descend on Birch Hill, people begin coming down with a sudden and indescribable illness. One-by-one, the girls fall victim and it will take confronting the all-male authorities to get some answers. (Adult, lit fic)
The Unwilling by Kelly Braffet
Gavin and Judah couldn’t be more different, although raised together, Gavin is the son and heir to Lord Elban, while Judah is a foundling whose special abilities granted her the opportunity to be raised inside the castle. Judah begins to crave a life outside of the castle walls, a life where she can use her powers for good and not evil like Lord Elban. (YA, fantasy)
Indelicacy by Amina Cain
A cleaning woman at an art museums craves a different life but this life would require a different set of circumstances. So she marries a rich man and escapes her former life—only to find that her new life is no less constrained, just different. (Adult, lit fic)
Honor Lost by Rachel Caine and Anne Aguirre
After loses to space creature, Lifekiller, renegade Zara and her allies meet to regroup and form a strategy before the next battle. That would be enough for any teen, but then an ex from Earth comes after her and he has some things to get off his chest. (YA, sci-fi*)
Turtle Under Ice by Juleah del Rosario
This novel-in-verse introduces us to Rowena, who feels lonely after losing her mother and drifting apart from her sister, Ariana. But when Ariana disappears, Rowena is left to pick up the pieces and solve the mystery of her sister’s whereabouts. (YA, contemporary)
The American Fiancee by Eric Dupont
Dupont’s novel follows the escapades of the Lamontagne family through three generations over the course of the 20th century. From Patriarch Louis to his many family members, the Lamontagnes weather love, passion, jealousy, revenge and even death. (Adult, lit fic)
Been There, Married That by Gigi Levangie Grazer
Agnes is the wife of Hollywood bigshot, Trevor Nash, and together they have a picture perfect marriage. That is until Agnes arrives home one day to find her credit cards canceled and the security codes changed. Trevor wants a divorce and to take everything from Agnes in the process—but Agnes won’t take that lying down. (Adult, lit fic)
The Mercies by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
The Mercies is inspired by the real events of the Vardo storm in Finnmark, Norway, and the 1620 witch trials. After a brutal storm wipes out the men of Vardo, the women are left to fend for themselves. When Absalom and his wife, Ursa, arrive in Vardo, Ursa is shocked to find strong, independent women, having been the subservient wife her entire life. (Adult, historical fiction)
Storm from the East by Joanna Hathaway
In Hathaway’s sequel to Dark of the West, summer has passed and the honeymoon period of Athan and Aurelia’s whirlwind romance has cooled off. When the two are forced apart, Athan trains to become a pilot and struggles justifying the violence his family is responsible for, and Aurelia sets out to protect the kingdom Athan is trying to destroy. (YA, fantasy*)
The Unspoken Name by A.K. Larkwood
Csorwe knows how she is going to die and she’s accepted it—the most honored way to die: sacrifice. But on the day she’s supposed to die, the mage makes her a new offer: to leave with him and keep her life. Csorwe will have to abandon her old life and beliefs to become an assassin for the mage, who is on a mission to defeat the empire and reclaim the throne. (Adult, fantasy)
Weather by Jenny Offill
Lizzie Benson receives an offer from her old mentor, Sylvia Liller, to answer to fan mail for the popular podcast she hosts, Hell and High Water. Lizzie dives into the letters, from left-wingers worried about climate change to right-wingers worried about the decline of western civilization. (Adult, lit fic)
The Borgia Confessions by Alyssa Palombo
Palombo’s newest novel chronicles the rise and fall of one of Italy’s most infamous families: the Borgias. Patriarch Rodrigo Borgia manipulates his way to become elected pope and elects his oldest son, Cesare, the Archbishop of Valencia. Enter Maddalena Moretti, a servant who is immediate drawn to Cesare—it would probably better for not to get entangled with the Borgias, and yeah, she does. (Adult, historical fiction)
The King At the Edge of the World by Arthur Philips
As Queen Elizabeth lays dying and childless, her spymasters are concerned that her heir, King James VI, is not fit for the crown. On a mission to find an qualified and appropriate heir, they recruit Mahmoud Ezzedine, a physician and the only Muslim in the country. (Adult, historical fiction)
If You Only Knew by Prerna Pickett
When Corey is released from prison, he is immediately coerced by his former gang to help vandalize the home of Kent Hopper, the prosecutor who sent him to jail. Their efforts are witnessed by Kent’s daughter, Tessa, who is riddled with guilt from getting away with a crime. So Tessa convinces Kent to give Corey a second chance and their connection is undeniable. (YA, contemporary)
Dead to Her by Sarah Pinborough
Marcie’s relationship with Jason began with an act of infidelity, but she’s never been worried about him cheating. But when Jason’s boss brings home a hot new wife and the sparks fly between them, Marcie becomes suspicious and will stop at nothing to keep Jason interested. (Adult, thriller)
Heart of Flames by Nicki Pau Preto
In the sequel to the wildly popular CROWN OF FEATHERS, Veronyka has finally achieved her dream of becoming a Phoenix Rider but her sister, Val, hasn’t forgotten about the empire she lost and will stop at nothing to regain her power. (YA, fantasy*)
All the Best Lies by Joanna Schaffhausen
The third novel in Schaffhausen’s Ellery Hathaway series finds FBI agent Reed Markham seeking the help of his friend, Ellery, after he discovers a family secret that pertains to a case. Together, Reed and Ellery trace his sordid family history, knowing that they might be walking directly to a killer. (Adult, mystery*)
The Only Child by Mi-ae Seo
Seonkyeong is shocked when serial killer Yi Byeongdo specifically asks for her to interview him after he’s finally caught. At the same time, her husband’s daughter from a previous marriage comes to live with them. As Seonkyeong talks to Yi Byeongdo and gets to know Hayeong, she notices some startling consistencies, discovering a shocking and dangerous connection between her stepdaughter and a convicted killer. (Adult, thriller)
Ink in the Blood by Kim Smejkal
Celia and Anya are special representatives for the religion Profeta. Using magic, they tattoo followers with symbols that will guide the recipients. But Celia and Anya are finally seeing the truth: Profeta is a lie and they’ve been helping the leaders control the followers. When they take the first opportunity to escape, something follows them. Something that won’t let them go. (YA, fantasy)
The Last Confession of Autumn Casterly by Meredith Tate
After a drug deal gone very wrong, Autumn is captured and held hostage. Lingering between life and death, Autumn’s soul leaves her body to find help. But the only one who can sense her is her sister, Ivy, who couldn’t be more different. (YA, thriller)
Night Spinner by Addie Thorley
A retelling of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Enebish used to be the fiercest warrior in the Sky King’s Imperial Army but she’s since been banished to a lonely monastery after she loses control of her powers and kills civilians. Her sister, Ghoa, then returns from the war with the ultimate bargain: if Enebish can capture the criminal, Temujin, her crimes will be pardoned. (YA, fantasy)
This Train Is Being Held by Ismee Amiel Williams
Isabelle and Alex are just two passengers on the downtown 1 train. Isabelle is white and Alex is Dominican American. Through their several encounters, the two strike up a friendship and form a special bond that both of them desperately need. (YA, contemporary)
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Fire in the Star by Kamilla Benko
In the final book in Benko’s The Unicorn Quest trilogy, Claire and Sophie must save the magical world they’ve come to love from destruction. (MG, fantasy*)
The Other Mrs. by Mary Kubica
When Sadie and Will make the cross-country move from Chicago to small-town Maine, they are shocked when their new neighbor is found dead in her home. But Sadie can deal with that; what she cannot deal with is their creepy new house and Will’s creepy niece. Trying to clear her mind, Sadie begins looking into the neighbor’s death but the more she finds out about Morgan Baines the more she wishes they never moved. (Adult, thriller)
The Upside of Falling by Alex Light
Becca Hart is single, but not unhappy about it. However, when a friend begins to tease her she invents a boyfriend. When one of the most popular guys in school overhears Becca’s lie, he agrees to be the currently nonexistent boyfriend. I think you know where this is going… (YA, contemporary)
The Antidote for Everything by Kimmery Martin
Georgia is a single urologist with no love life, her only friend is Jonah, a fellow doctor at her hospital. When Georgia leaves for a medical conference, Jonah tells her that their hospital will now fire doctors who care for transgender patients. Georgia and Jonah devise a plan to change the new rule but it backfires and it may cost their friendship. (Adult, lit fic)
Saint X by Alex Schaitkin
Claire has never gotten over the death of her sister, Alison, who disappeared while on a family vacation and was found dead days later. Due to a lack of evidence, the suspects are released and her family never got closure. Now living in NYC, Claire runs into Clive – one of the men arrested for Alison’s murder and she’s determined to find out the truth. The real truth this time. (Adult, thriller)
The Blossom and the Firefly by Sherri L. Smith
It’s Japan 1945 and Taro is ready for die for his country. He’s a kamikaze pilot and just days away from fulfilling his mission. But then he meets Hana and it changes his entire worldview. (YA, historical fiction)
The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James
In order to make ends meet, Viv takes the job as a night clerk at the quirky Sun Down Motel. But something is off about the place and it’s best that she doesn’t go poking around. And she does anyways. (Adult, mystery)
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The Empire of Gold by S.A. Chakraborty
In the epic conclusion to Chakraborty’s Daevabad trilogy, Dara is reeling from the loss of Nahri and must partner with Nahid leaders to repair their alliance. Meanwhile, in Cairo, Nahri attempts to return to life as she knew it but her thoughts are still preoccupied with the City of Brass and the people she loves that she left behind. (Adult, fantasy*)
Grown Ups by Emma Jane Unsworth
On the outside, Jenny McLaine is undoubtedly an adult. She’s employed, owns a house and a solid support system. But scratch beneath the surface and Jenny is highly insecure and unhappy with her life. Enter her mother – who shows up out of the blue to save the day. (Adult, lit fic)
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Red Hood by Elana K. Arnold
As the title suggests, this book is a retelling of Red Riding Hood. Bisou lives with her grandmother in a secluded house in Seattle and she’s never questioned their quiet life together. But when she’s unexpectedly attacked by a wolf in the woods, Bisou fights back. And it changes her life. (YA, fantasy)
The Sound of Stars by Alechia Dow
When aliens invaded Earth, a massive misunderstanding led to the death of one-third of the world’s population. Two years into the future, humanity has been deemed an enemy due to the initial, poor response to the Ilori invasion. Ellie lives in an Ilori-controlled center but she keeps a secret (and illegal) library. So when one of her books goes missing, she fears the Ilori have found out and her life is at risk. (YA, sci-fi)
The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller
No one knows the weaknesses of the Shadow King but Alessandra is determined to find them out. Her plan? Seduce him. Marry him. And then kill him. (YA, fantasy)
The Hidden Girl and Other Stories by Ken Liu
In his much anticipated follow up collection of short stories, the seventeen selections include sixteen of Liu’s best short stories and one novella – all in the science fiction / fantasy genre. (Adult, short stories-sci-fi)
We Unleash the Merciless Storm by Tehlor Kay Mejia
Picking up where WE SET THE DARK ON FIRE left off, Carmen must make the decision between the girl she loves and the success of the rebellion La Voz has been desperately fighting for. Love or loyalty? (YA, fantasy*)
Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore
Oona is more than excited for New Year’s. She’ll be 19 and one step closer to choosing the course of her life. But at the stroke of midnight, she’s ripped from her life and wakes in the body of her 51-year-old self, 33 years in the future. Oona soon learns from a friendly stranger that she will be transported to a random age with each passing year. (Adult, sci-fi)
Twisted Fates by Danielle Rollins
In the sequel to STOLEN TIME, Dorothy has disappeared—much to the horror of Ash. Even though he witnessed her untimely end, Ash can’t help but think she’s still alive. (YA, fantasy*)
The Wonder of Wildflowers by Anna Staniszewski
Mira is a Polish immigrant who lives in an alternate universe where amber is a magical but rare resource. But she is still a 10-year-old and just trying to find her place. (MG, fantasy)
Rebelwing by Andrea Tang
Pru is a scholarship student at the prestigious New Columbia Preparatory Academy by day and a black-market-media smuggler by night. She sells banned media to those who are living under extreme censorship. When Pru finds herself in trouble, she’s saved by a sentient AI dragon who refuses to leave her alone. (YA, sci-fi)
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