Coming Soon… December 2018

Incredibly, it’s time for the final Coming Soon of 2018! As always, the AAR team has had a good look around at the books being released over the next few weeks, and chosen the ones we’re most looking forward to reading. As always, this isn’t a comprehensive list of December’s new releases; we’ve picked what we think are the crème de la crème for your perusal and reading pleasure.:)

Please drop by in the comments and tell us what books you’re most looking forward to reading over the coming weeks.

The Earl I Ruined by Scarlett Peckham (18 Dec)

This new author’s debut has been widely acclaimed and I’m very excited to see if she keeps it up. – Caroline

The Earl I Ruined stars Lady Constance, as she’s forced to remedy yet another reputation she’s ruined through her careless behavior.  Julian Haywood, Earl of Apthorp, aka “Lord Bore” to Lady Constance, has spent years painstakingly rebuilding the family fortunes – until Lady Constance nearly undoes it all.  They fake an engagement to help repair the damage and… who knows!  Julian clearly isn’t the man Lady Constance imagines him to be and I can’t wait to find out why!  – Em

Although I know it wasn’t for everyone, The Duke I Tempted was one of my favorite books this year. If that was any indication, I hope that I’ll love Peckham’s followup just as much. The combination of angsty Regency romance and sexy BDSM (Which I normally don’t care for) completely worked for me, and I can’t wait to see what else comes next. – Haley

I really enjoyed Scarlett Peckham’s debut historical romance The Duke I Tempted so when I saw she had a new release coming out in December I made sure to put it on my reading list. The Earl I Ruined also has themes of forgiveness and redemption in a story about a man wronged and the woman at fault. I’m excited to read it! – Maria Rose

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

The Gown by Jennifer Robson (31 Dec)

A novel about Queen Elizabeth’s Wedding gown, and the Dassin family, who created it, this sounds like a properly fascinating blend of fact and fiction. – Lisa

I enjoy Ms. Robson’s work and this novel, centered around the wedding dress of Queen Elizabeth the Second, sounds like it will be a great read. – Maggie

Historical fiction buffs like me won’t want to miss this latest novel from author Jennifer Robson. It’s the story of Queen Elizabeth’s famous wedding gown, and it sounds like exactly the right book for me to round out my 2018 reading. – Shannon

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

The Uncompromising Lord Flint  by Virginia Heath (18 Dec)

I’ve become such a huge fan of Virginia Heath’s that I haven’t even read the blurb for Lord Flint’s story – I don’t need to because any new book from her goes automatically on the TBR.  This is the second book in her new King’s Elite series; I loved the first and am eager for more. – Caz

I was so happy when Ms. Heath created this crossover series linked to the terrific The Wild Warriners series.  I enjoyed the first book, and I’m looking forward to getting to know the uncompromising Lord Flynt.  Poor guy.  Every romance reader knows that an “uncompromising” lord is no match for a beautiful (possibly treasonous) woman with a painful past.  I hope Ms. Heath has some surprises in store – and I’m looking forward to every one of them.

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

Not the Duke’s Darling by Elizabeth Hoyt (18 Dec)

Elizabeth Hoyt always provides delightful, bright, sparkling characters – I’m excited for the start of this new series! – Lisa

Elizabeth Hoyt’s Maiden Lane books are some of my very favorite historical romances. Each new installment in the series felt like a chance to reconnect with old friends. Now, Ms. Hoyt is starting a new series, and my hopes are high. She’s an extremely talented writer, and I’m counting down the days until this one is released. – Shannon

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

The Boy by Tami Hoag (31 Dec)
It’s been twenty years since Hoag revisited the Doucet series and I am super excited she has decided to return. A missing baby sitter, a murdered boy, a mother under suspicion – I have chills already. – Maggie

I’ve been a huge fan of Tami Hoag’s particular blend of heart-stopping suspense and sensual romance for the past twenty years or so, so learning she has something new coming out is always cause for celebration. I enjoyed the first book in this series immensely, and I can’t wait to see what she has in store for these characters. – Shannon

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

A Scandalous Winter Wedding by Marguerite Kaye

For my holiday story needs, plus a self-made hero (always a treat). – Caroline

Marguerite Kaye is one of the best authors of historical romance around, and any new book from her is definitely worth more than a second look.  This is the final book in her Matches Made in Scandal series that features a mysterious woman known only as “The Procurer”, who helps women who’ve been dealt a crappy hand.  And now it’s time for her story to be told. – Caz

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

Between the Lines by Sally Malcolm (10 Dec)

I loved Sally Malcolm’s first m/m romance, Perfect Day (I awarded it DIK status), and am eager to snap up whatever she comes up with next.  Her writing is wonderful – romantic and emotional without being mushy or over the top, and her characterisation is superb.  I’m really looking forward to reading this frenemies-to-lovers romance. – Caz

Opposites attract when Luca Moretti, a peripheral character in Perfect Day (a loosely linked book also set in the village of New Milton), is pitted against hotel developer Theo Wishart.   I like the set-up, the characters and the fictional world Ms. Malcolm has created, and I think this opposites attract love story has the potential to be a 2018 favorite.- Em

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

We’re also looking forward to…

Caroline:

Forbidden to the Gladiator by Greta Gilbert

Gilbert is a consistent performer and I appreciate how she brings interesting settings to Harlequin Historicals (I’ve read her before in ancient Egypt and conquest-era Mexico). I have a weakness for Rome settings so this is up my alley.

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

Caz:

Chasing Forever by Kelly Jensen (10 Dec)

This is the final book in Kelly Jensen’s trilogy of novels about men in their forties (mostly) getting a second chance at love.  I really enjoyed the first book (Building Forever), which is where we first meet Brian Kenway, one of the principal characters here, as the ex- of one of the MCs in the earlier books.  Insulated against rejection, can Brian find a way to lower his emotional walls to let in someone who loves him and build a family?  I’m certainly here to find out. – Caz

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

Em:

Rough Trade by Sidney Bell (3 Dec)

Fans (me!) of the Woodbury Boys have waited patiently for Ghost’s story, and I cannot wait for Ms. Bell to finally reveal his secrets.  Quick-witted, mercurial, and mysterious, Ghost has nearly stolen the show in both of the previous books, despite his many less appealing qualities.  He’s a good guy (I think) with A LOT of secrets and easily the most intriguing character in the series.  I’m hopeful Ms. Bell will stay true to the character – flaws and all, and that Duncan Rook, his fated loved interest, can give as good as he gets.  This series has so far been fantastic; I’m confident the author has saved her best for this last – and most compelling – Woodbury boy.

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

Haley:

Dare to Love a Duke by Eva Leigh (24 Dec)

I found out about Leigh through her book Temptations of a Wallflower and I was instantly taken in with her style and characters, though I’m still catching up on her backlist. I really enjoy her style of historical romance that is very saucy, but her heroines also feel like fully realized people with goals and dreams. I’m looking forward to what she does with Lucia, who both manages a secret society club and is running a home for lost girls.

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

Lisa:

Josephine Baker’s Last Dance by Sherry Jones (4 Dec)

I love Josephine Baker, and I’m delighted to see some Historical Fiction about her!  I’ll be reading this for sure.

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

Maggie:

Watching You by Lisa Jewel I’m a mega fan of Ms. Jewel’s and am looking forward to reading this latest offering about a high class suburb and the secrets of the people who live there.

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

Maria Rose:

The Decoy Date by Mira Lyn Kelly  (4 Dec)

Mira Lyn Kelly’s combination of romantic comedy with sexy romance is a winning formula for me, and the earlier entries in her Wedding Date series were very enjoyable reads. In The Decoy Date, friends get into a fake relationship that comes with real feelings, and suddenly plans go a bit awry. It sounds a bit predictable but I trust the author to make it an enjoyable and entertaining read.

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

Dance All Night by Alexis Daria  (11 Dec)

Alexis Daria’s debut novel Take the Lead earned a Desert Isle Keeper rating from me in 2017 for its fun and sexy look at a contemporary dance reality show in the nature of the popular ‘Dancing with the Stars’ TV show. The author has an eye for the detail of characters and dance that make her series a really enjoyable read and this upcoming  Christmas themed novella is sure to please.

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

Best Women’s Erotica of the Year – Book 4 (11 Dec)

Some of my favorite erotic and contemporary romance authors are featured in this new edition of empowering erotic stories, including Tamsen Parker, Megan Hart and Alyssa Cole. The description of the stories contained within is wide enough that even if not all stories appear to every reader’s tastes, there are bound to be some that ‘ahem’ ring one’s bells, so to speak.

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

Shannon:

Liars’ Paradox by Taylor Stevens (18 Dec)

There’s something so incredibly original about everything Taylor Stevens writes. I’ve loved each of her books more than the one before it, and this first book in a brand-new series is one of my most anticipated books of the year. December 18th can’t come soon enough to satisfy me!

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

Links to online bookstores are given where known at time of writing.