Coming in 2019 – The Books We’re Most Looking Forward to Reading This Year!

Well, we’ve already chosen the books we’re most looking forward to reading in January and February 2019, and we’ll continue to update you with our regular monthly look at what’s Coming Soon… but what about what’s Coming Not So Soon?  AAR staffers have looked through the new release lists for the next few months and have picked the books we’re most eagerly anticipating in 2019.  Obviously, the farther ahead we get, the more release dates are likely to change, and there may not be covers or links for those books due out in the second-half of the year.  Where those things ARE available, they’re included here. And please, do tell us in the comments what YOU’RE most eager to add to your TBR in 2019.

March:

Moonlight & Whiskey by Tricia Lynne (12 Mar)

This book checks a lot of my boxes: plus size heroine, New Orleans setting, and lots of steam and sass. – Haley

Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo

A Chip and a Chair by Cordelia Kingsbridge (12 Mar)

The final book in the fabulous Seven of Spades series, and I can’t wait.  It promises to be a cracking finale! – Caz

Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo

Crashing the A-List by Summer Heacock (12 Mar)

Heacock’s debut was a DIK for me so I can’t wait to see what this book is like, since it sounds totally different. – Haley

Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo

Desire Lines by Elizabeth Kingston (21 Mar)

The Welsh Blades series is very different from most of the historical romance I love.  It’s darker, twistier and the author makes her characters (and her readers) suffer for their happily ever after.  That said, they’re filled with terrific historical detail, the dialogue and settings fully immerse the reader in the story, and the romance…well, that’s wonderful too.  I’m looking forward to suffering – and then sighing in happiness – over this one. – Em

Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo

My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing (26 Mar)

This twisty thriller about a couple who abduct a young woman in an ill-fated attempt to spice up their failing marriage promises to be one of 2019’s best novels of psychological suspense. March 26th seems so far away, but I’m sure it will be worth the wait.- Shannon

Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo

April:                                                                                        

Thrown to the Wolves by Charlie Adhara (1 Apr)

I’ve enjoyed every bit of this excellent shifter/romantic suspense series and am sad to say goodbye, but excited at the prospect of getting to know more about the enigmatic Oliver Park. – Caz

My favorite shifter series wraps up with a story centered on Oliver (finally!). He’s got secrets, Cooper’s destined to be surprised, and I’ll be sad to say goodbye.- Em

Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo

The Takeover Effect by Nisha Sharma (2 Apr)

This is a new to me author and the cover and general plot description had me putting this on my calendar so I don’t miss it! It’s the first in the author’s Singh Brothers series featuring Sikh-Punjabi heroes. – Maria Rose

Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo

Who Slays the Wicked by C.S. Harris (2 Apr)

I’m a massive fan of this series, which has been consistently enjoyable throughout thirteen books and is, incredibly, getting even better as we approach the end. The murder victim in this book was an out-and-out villain in a previous one so it would appear he got what was coming to him.  But in Sebastian St. Cyr’s world, nothing is ever that simple… – Caz

I never want this series to end. Everything about the St. Cyr mysteries is excellent – the complicated mysteries, the world-building, the writing, the characters, the historical detail…I could go on and on. Wicked Lord Ashford finally get his just desserts – but who killed him? Friends, I’m glad he’s dead…and I’m looking forward to finding out who killed him (I hope he suffered!). I’m happy to spend more time in this wonderful world.- Em

I am a huge fan of the St. Cyr series. I have faithfully followed the books year after year from the very first one. The author really knows how to delve deep into the historical era to create the perfect atmosphere for her mysteries. I am eager to know how this story will unfold for the victim seems to deserve it on the surface of it, but with Harris there is always a twist or two. – Keira

Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo

Meet Cute by Helena Hunting (9 Apr)

The premise sounds interesting, and I really enjoyed her last standalone.- Alex

I love the premise and her debut book was highly praised so I’m eager to try this. – Keira

The trend of cutesy graphic covers continues and definitely is one of the things that has drawn me to this upcoming romantic comedy. I haven’t read the author before, but this story of an actor and one of his biggest fans sounds really fun. – Maria Rose

Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo

When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton (9 Apr)

Ms. Cleeton’s upcoming novel tells the story of a young Cuban exile living in Miami in the 1960’s. Apparently, she gets involved in a plot to overthrow the Castro regime, so I’m imagining it’ll be filled with a ton of intrigue. Cleeton’s writing is both evocative and compelling, making this a book I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on. – Shannon

Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo

Blood Bonds by Yasmine Galenorn (15 Apr)

I’m both sad and excited for this final book in Yasmine Galenorn’s Otherworld series. These characters have been a part of my life for the past ten years, so the idea that the series is almost over is bittersweet for sure. – Shannon

Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo

The Austen Playbook by Lucy Parker (22 Apr)

Each of her books has felt unique, and yet they’re all equally good. I can’t wait for what’s coming next. – Alex A.

An actress and a critic and a fancy country house and a live viewer-interactive Austen TV event??? I can’t wait to see how this comes together.- Caroline

West End actress, icy theatre critic – that’s all I need to know.  Sign me up! – Caz

I adore Lucy Parker’s books and haven’t been disappointed by a single one yet.- Haley

I have loved everything she has written. I love her voice, her humor, and how well she gets the London theater scene. –  Keira

I’m always excited for more Lucy Parker! – Lisa

Lucy Parker has the perfect mix of humour and emotional connections to make her novels a joy to read and it’s no surprise that this is a highly anticipated book by AAR reviewers, myself included! – Maria Rose

Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo

New Orleans Rush by Kelly Siskind (23 Apr)

I love all things New Orleans, and this plot sounds so quirky and fun, I had to add it.- Haley

Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo

Fumbled by Alexa Martin (23 Apr)

The first book in this series made a huge splash last year, so I am eager to read this one. – Keira

My love of Intercepted has me excited to see what Martin’s next heroine is going to be like.  – Lisa

Since Intercepted appears on my Best of 2018 list, it’s no surprise that the next in the Playbook series makes an appearance on my anticipated reads for 2019! With an inside look at the NFL from her own experiences, the author writes candidly and humorously imbuing her romantic comedies with the realism to make them immensely readable.- Maria Rose

Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo

Never Deny a Duke by Madeline Hunter (30 Apr)

While the last book in this series was disappointing, I’m a fan of the author’s and am eager to read about the final member of the Decadent Duke’s Club, the mysterious and tightly controlled Duke of Brenworth. – Caz

I love Madeleine Hunter’s books – I have from her very first ones. And as this is the culmination of her present series with various hints about the central character placed in all the previous books, I am very eager to see how she will develop him. –Keira

Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo

A Prince on Paper by Alyssa Cole (30 Apr)

A European “red-headed step-prince” who uses the spotlight to help his heir brother – sounds like fun! – Caroline

I loved Cole’s previous two fairytales in this series, and I am really looking forward to this one. -Keira

It’s a Cole and it sounds terribly charming – ergo it’s a must-read for me! – Lisa

I loved her last book in this series and am looking forward to this one.- Maggie

I really enjoyed the earlier books in this series, and A Princess in Theory made my Best of 2018 list for its unique set up and strong heroine. I’m looking forward to how the author combines two royal heritages in this one! -Maria Rose

Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo

May:

The Bride Test by Helen Hoang (7 May)

The Kiss Quotient earned every bit of praise it got. I’m interested to see what else Hoang can deliver. – Alex A.

I love diverse characters and settings. This one tells a story of an international love in Vietnam and the US Vietnamese diaspora. Can’t wait! – Caroline

I loved Ms. Hoang’s debut – the writing, the story, the principal characters…everything about it was excellent. I like the cover and the blurb – and I’m confident Ms. Hoang has written another DIK. – Em

The Kiss Quotient was my choice for Best of 2018, so I can’t wait to see how Hoang follows up her début.- Haley

Hoang’s debut book was on nearly every Best of 2018 list and I can’t wait to read this one. –  Keira

Where does Helen Hoang go after the runaway success of The Kiss Quotient? I’m dying to find out! – Lisa

Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (14 May)

This romance between the son of a Texas Democrat president and a British royal is everything I need in my life. – Haley

I’m a sucker for royalty stories, so this was on my radar for a while before I even knew some of the particulars. Now that I do? Sign. Me. Up. – Kristen

Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo

Passion on Park Avenue by Lauren Layne (28 May)

Kristen said it. Lauren Layne = Auto-buy – Alex A.

LL is an auto-buy for me.- Kristen

A new series from Lauren Layne! I’m excited to read this enemies-to-lovers romance and learn more about the friendship between three women making their mark in New York city. – Maria Rose

Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo

A Rogue by Night by Kelly Bowen (28 May)

Doesn’t even matter what the synopsis is, I trust Ms. Bowen to deliver.- Alex A.

I’ve enjoyed all the books by this author I’ve read, and even though I wasn’t wild about the last one in this series, I’m nonetheless looking forward to Harland’s story. – Caz

Loved the first book, liked the second…and CAN’T WAIT for the third. Ms. Bowen is on my shortlist of favorite historical romance writers, and this book with move to the top of the TBR in May. – Em

A book by Kelly Bowen? I’m reading it without knowing the premise or any buzz about it. –Keira

I INHALED the first two books of this series and have been chomping at the bit for this installment since I closed my kindle on the last one. – Kristen

Kelly Bowen is  a new favorite historical romance author of mine and A Duke in the Night narrowly missed my top ten list of 2018. I’m excited to continue the series! – Maria Rose  

I’m a huge fan of Ms. Bowen’s fun and captivating brand of historical romances, so you can bet I’m excited to pick this one up. Not all of her books have been five-star reads for me, but she hasn’t written a book I haven’t at least liked very much. – Shannon

Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo

June:

The Rogue of Fifth Avenue by Joanna Shupe (4 Jun)

I’ve really enjoyed this author’s series of historicals set in Gilded Age New York and am looking forward in this one to reading more about the charming lawyer Frank Tripp, who appeared as a key secondary character in the recent Four Hundred series. – Caz

Shupe’s Gilded Age romances have been charming and beautifully written, so I’m interested in seeing what her next romance from the series gives us – Lisa

Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo

Wolf Rain by Nalini Singh (4 Jun)

I’m a longtime fan of Ms. Singh’s Psy-Changeling series. This next book is definitely on my auto-buy list. – Alex A.

I never miss a Psy-Changeling book, and this one features an empath and a wolf changeling, two of my favorite corners of her diverse world.- Caroline

After last volume’s cliffhanger, you’d better believe I’m excited to see where the next part of the series goes! – Lisa

Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo

Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey (11 Jun)

While Tessa Bailey is hit or miss for me, everything I’ve heard about this new series sounds like it’ll be a hit. As someone who has fallen asleep to more than one Property Brothers marathon, I’m eager to see where this goes. – Kristen

Tessa Bailey is one of my favorite contemporary romance authors (her Line of Duty series is one I’ve read more than once) and I’m looking forward to her new HGTV inspired series! – Maria Rose

Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo

Natalie Tan’s Book of Luck and Fortune by Roselle Lim (11 Jun)

I’m completely intrigued by the heroine running a restaurant in Chinatown, because I’m counting on there to be delicious food descriptions.- Haley

Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo

The Chai Factor by Farah Heron (11 Jun)

Studious girl meets barbershop quartet sounds too fun to pass up. – Haley

Oooo, I hadn’t heard anything about this book until my colleagues flagged it and now June needs to come quicker. – Kristen

There are two  reasons I have this on my to-read list this year – the plot sounds intriguing and unique, and as a Canadian I like to support Canadian authors. Since this is Ms. Heron’s debut novel I’m rooting for her success! – Maria Rose

Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo

The Affair of the Mysterious Letter by Alexis Hall (18 Jun)

Mr. Hall promises TAotML will be a charming, witty and weird fantasy novel. Although I’m not a huge Sherlock Holmes fan, recent homages to the famous detective written by Elinor Gray and Sherry Thomas have left me happy and eager for more. I’ve come to expect the unexpected from this author, and he hasn’t let me down yet. – Em

Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo

July:

The Right Swipe by Alisha Rai (02 July)

How amazing is Alisha Rai? All of her books have been sexy and full of emotion and I expect this to be no different.- Haley

I’ve yet to meet a work by Alisha Rai I didn’t inhale. I’m sure this one will be no different. – Kristen

Alisha Rai is an autobuy for me, and this sounds like so much fun.  – Lisa

The cover and the description have me one-clicking this one! Two rival dating app creators who ‘swipe right’ for a one night encounter that leads to a whole lot more. Can I read it now please? – Maria Rose

Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo

Raze by Roan Parrish (2 Jul)

A surprise third book in the excellent Riven series! I’m a big Parrish fan and Rend/Riven were two of my favorite books in 2018. I wanted to know more about Huey (an important secondary character in Riven), and Ms. Parrish finally gives us his story. Love the name and the character! Can’t wait for his happily ever after.- Em

The Riven series is beautiful, and this sounds like it’s gonna be another sexy heart tugger. – Lisa

Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo

The Golden Hour by Beatriz Williams (9 Jul)

I was a latecomer to the Beatriz Williams fan club, but now that I’ve discovered how great her writing really is, I’m completely hooked. I love the idea of a book that is partially set in the Bahamas and examines the lives of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor during the second World War. If anyone can make a novel like this work, I’m sure it’ll be Ms. Williams. – Shannon

Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo

Queen of Ruin by Tracy Banghart (29 Jul)

The end of the first book left me hanging. Nomi was exiled to the notorious prison island, Mount Ruin. But readers know there is a huge surprise waiting for her. What will happen when she encounters her sister there, and learns Serina is no longer so demure? What will happen to Nomi’s gravely wounded passenger? Will they be able to work together to overthrow the repressive regime? – Anne

Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo

August:

Keeping Lucy by T. Greenwood (6 Aug)

I first discovered T. Greenwood’s work back in the early 2000’s, and I’ve been a fan ever since. Her latest release checks several of my boxes: a heroine on the run, an emphasis on the rights of people with disabilities, and an evolving relationship between a mother and daughter. Needless to say, I’m chomping at the bit for this one. – Shannon

Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo

The Wallflower Wager by Tessa Dare (27 Aug)

I have been awaiting Penelope, the animal lover’s story since The Duchess Deal. – Haley

YESSSSSS. It is time for Penelope’s story. – Kristen

It’s Dare!  It’s Penelope’s romance!  It’s a one-click buy! – Lisa

Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo

Sapphire Flames by Ilona Andrews (27 Aug)

August feels like a million years away. I’m so excited to see more of this series through the eyes of a new heroine! – Alex A.

The Hidden Legacy series is one of the best fantasy romance sagas I have ever read. This latest novel featuring second Baylor daughter Catalina looks to offer a unique perspective on the stellar world the authors have created.  Maggie

Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo

September:

Well Met by Jen DeLuca

I admit, I got to read an earlier version of this Renaissance Fair set romance, and I can tell you, it is going to be a hit. I’m eagerly awaiting my printed copy. – Haley

I love the sound of this one! Enemies-to-lovers rom-coms are my favorite story tropes and I’ve heard lots of good buzz about Well Met, so I’m hoping it lives up to my expectations! – Maria Rose

Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo

When the Marquess Was Mine by Caroline Linden (24 Sep)

Caroline Linden is one of my go-to authors of historical romance, and is easily one of the very best currently writing. The previous book in the Wagers of Sin series, An Earl Like You, made my Best of 2018 list, so I’m eagerly looking forward to this final book in the set. – Caz

Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo

October:

The Art of Theft by Sherry Thomas (15 Oct)

Can Sherry Thomas possibly top the fabulous Hollow of Fear? I can’t wait to find out! – Caz

Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo

November:

Ten Things I Hate About the Duke by Loretta Chase

I loved A Duke in Shining Armor, the first book in Ms. Chase’s Decadent Duke’s Society series, and I’m a sucker for estranged spouse stories, so I’m sure I’m going to love this one, too! – Caz

I, too, loved A Duke in Shining Armor, so I can’t wait for this book. Chase is one of those writers who get the period perfectly. – Keira

The following are books we hear are coming out this year, but which don’t (at time of writing) have a release date.

Hook Shot by Kennedy Ryan

I’ve been amazed by the depth of Ms. Ryan’s books. She isn’t afraid to dig into difficult topics, yet still manages to develop off-the-charts chemistry. I expect great things from this next couple, who’ve been slowly building in the background of two books. – Alex A.

I loved the first two books in the Hoops series. Although those novels were wildly different, Ms. Ryan wisely linked them via the world of basketball. The writing is excellent, the stories are fresh and smart, and the romances are sexy and hot, hot, hot. Kenan and Lotus, relegated to secondary roles in Long Shot and Block Shot, finally star in this concluding chapter of the Hoops trilogy. If it’s anything like the earlier books, it should be a slam dunk for my best of 2019. – Em

Footsteps in the Dark (anthology) by Dal Maclean, Josh Lanyon, CS Poe and others

Many of my favorite contemporary m/m mystery romance writers in one anthology? Yes please. I. CAN’T. WAIT. – Em

Dal Maclean #3

Dal MacLean #3 is a definite for me. Her writing is wonderfully crisp, visual and imaginative. Plus, I do love a British detective mystery! – BJ

In this third Maclean novel, the author features revisits a familiar character – Will Foster (the private investigator featured in Object of Desire). Ms. Maclean hasn’t revealed whether this novel is set in the past – before he met and fell in love with Tom, or after the events of Object of Desire – but it doesn’t matter. The novel will be clever, complicated, suspenseful – and great. – Em

Arden St. Ives #3 by Alexis Hall

I am looking forward to seeing how Alexis Hall ends his twist on 50 Shades of Grey. His writing has been less consistent in this Billionaire trilogy and #3 has been a long time coming, so I may have to read the first two again. – BJ

My favorite author is FINALLY wrapping up the terrific Arden St. Ives series. I love Ardie, I’m frustrated by Caspian… but I’m hopeful they get their happily ever when the series concludes in September. Mr. Hall is one of my favourite authors and this is my most anticipated read of 2019. – Em

Iron Covenant #2 by Ilona Andrews

The follow up to the very enjoyable Iron and Magic, book two promises to reveal the enigmatic Elara Harper’s story. Am on tenterhooks waiting! – Caz

A Beastly Kind of Earl, A Dangerous Kind of Lady and A Scandalous Kind of Duke by Mia Vincy

Mia Vincy’s historical romance début, A Wicked Kind of Husband was a delightful surprise when I read it at the end of 2018.  The good news is that there are three more books in the series to come, all due out this year! – Caz

I thought Vincy’s début was terrific.  Funny, sexy and charming in every way; if I had read it before I produced my year end Best of list, it would have been near the top.  Three books this year? YAY. – Em

Searching for Eden Trilogy by Kathleen Kerridge

I know this trilogy, is being totally re-written and re-edited. The first book was called Into the Woods but is being renamed and has increased in size! It was marvellous and I would read it whatever size. The books will be released during 2019, and finally all available on Kindle.

This romantic fantasy/ alternate reality trilogy covers many pairings and types of love / loyalty. Most enjoyable first book of a series I’ve read for a long time. Cannot wait for the re-write. – BJ