Coming Soon… November 2018
Here we are with another selection of books we’re most looking forward to reading over the coming weeks. A couple of historical romance powerhouses have new titles out in November; Mary Balogh continues her Westcott series with Someone to Trust and Julia Quinn introduces readers to a member of an off-shoot of the Bridgerton family in The Other Miss Bridgerton, while the fabulous Ilona Andrews brings us Diamond Fire a novella that wraps up one part of the Hidden Legacy series and kick-starts another. Also eagerly anticipated is the final book in Kate Clayborn’s Chance of a Lifetime trilogy, a seasonal romance from Annabeth Albert and a generally eclectic mix of titles across a variety of genres, from romance to historical fiction to fantasy. As usual, this is only a small proportion of the books being released in November – we can’t possibly include them all! Don’t forget to drop by and tell us what YOU’RE most looking forward to reading over the next few weeks.
The Other Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn (20 Nov)
Ms. Quinn was one of the first authors I discovered when I started reading romance, and she’s been on my auto-buy list ever since. I almost don’t need a synopsis to be excited about her books but this one does look good. Mistaken identity, scandal, marriage… I’m excited to see how it all turns out. – Alex
Charming, handsome, funny and flirtatious Andrew Bridgerton made a bit of an impression when I first met him in Because of Miss Bridgerton, so I’ve been looking forward to reading his story. – Caz
I have fond memories of racing through the Bridgertons series when I first fell in love with historical romance, and although I haven’t been totally ‘wowed’ by the first two Rokesby books, Ms. Quinn remains on my auto-buy list. I love a romance on the high seas…throw in a pirate and a fiercely independent and adventurous heroine and I’m all in. – Em
It’s a Bridgerton Book, it’s Andrew’s story; you really don’t need to know anything else, do you? Bet you’re already clicking that buy now button! – Lisa
A new historical romance authored by the incomparable Ms. Quinn is always cause for celebration. It feels like forever since The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband came out, so I’m on pins and needles for this one. – Shannon
Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo
Someone to Trust by Mary Balogh (27 Nov)
I’ve been enjoying the Westcott series, about the repercussions that radiate through a family when its head is found to have contracted a bigamous marriage. This fifth instalment is something of a friends-to-lovers tale as the widowed Lady Elizabeth falls for a younger man, which is still a fairly rare occurrence in romances of any sort, let alone historicals. – Caz
Balogh is a one-click author for me, and her Westcott series has yet to disappoint me. – Lisa
The story of Elizabeth (sister to Alex from Someone to Wed) and Colin (brother to Wren from the same book), this friends to lovers tale is the fifth book in the Westcott Family series. While the books have not been favorites, I have enjoyed them and am looking forward to this latest offering. – Maggie
I’m a big fan of Ms. Balogh’s Westcott series, and I’m particularly excited to read the fifth installment which features the widowed Elizabeth Overfield. She’s hands down one of my very favorite characters in the series, and I can’t wait for her to finally find the happiness she deserves. – Shannon
Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo
Diamond Fire by Ilona Andrews (6 Nov)
I absolutely loved Ilona Andrews’ Hidden Legacy series. This novella takes us through the preparations for Nevada and Connor’s wedding, but rather than just wrapping things up, it prepares the series to go in a new direction. I wouldn’t start with this if you haven’t read the other books, but for any fans, this should be an exciting addition. – Alex
This novella, from what I understand, is a bridge between the end of Andrews’ Hidden Legacy series that focused on Nevada and Connor and the future books which will feature Nevada’s relations. Or I could be completely wrong; but ultimately it doesn’t even matter. I love this author duo, I really enjoyed this series, and I’m going to keep picking up what they are putting down. – Hollis
Andrews’ Hidden Legacy series is a favorite of mine and I’m super excited for Nevada and Rogan’s wedding. I’m sure the story will also include supernatural high jinx, mayhem, and magic. I really, really hope we get more of these books. They’ve been amazing. – Maggie
Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo
Rend by Roan Parrish (27 Nov)
Romance authors very rarely explore what happens after Happily Ever After, so this story of a couple in a committed relationship who have to work at making it work is a really attractive and unusual premise. – Caz
I loved the first book in the Riven series and was looking forward to Rend, but to be honest, the blurb caught me by surprise. Featuring a couple I mistakenly assumed (oops!) were happily married, Rend picks up shortly after Riven, and details what happens after happily ever after, when falling in love doesn’t magically erase the baggage in our pasts. I like these characters, this world, and this author, and I think Ms. Parrish’s ode to gothic romance has the potential to be terrific.- Em
If you aren’t a fan of them, seeing a romance set around rock stars might make you dodge or sidestep or do anything but pick it up. But Parrish’s Riven series is more than just another rock star romance. Months after reading Riven, I still think about and care about those characters. Which is why I’m so looking forward to Rend, which explores the origin story of a pre-existing couple that I’m just dying to know more about. That plus Parrish’s writing is just guaranteed gold. Give these books a try! – Hollis
Buy it at: Amazon/Barnes & Noble/iBooks/Kobo
Better Not Pout by Annabeth Albert (12 Nov)
Annabeth Albert’s Out of Uniform has been one of the most consistently enjoyable series I’ve read recently, so while I wait not-so-patiently for the final book in January, I’m up for a little pre-festive cheer in this tale of a grouchy Santa and his sexy elf :P -Caz
I’ll be honest, I didn’t even look at the synopsis for this new Christmas-themed romance by Annabeth Albert when I picked up a review copy. I just knew I’d want to read it because she wrote it. So I’m extra excited now that I’ve read what it’s about – a forced proximity romance with a soldier playing Santa and his enthusiastic elf. – Maria Rose
Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo
Best of Luck by Kate Clayborn (27 Nov)
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Kate Clayborn’s Chance of a Lifetime series. Best of Luck features the enigmatic Greer Hawthorne, who has used her lottery winnings to finish her degree, but then a careless mistake nearly puts her graduation in jeopardy. If she wants to graduate, and begin to finally live a life free of her family’s overprotective instincts, she’ll need help from Alex Averin, a world famous photojournalist. From the moment they first met in Beginner’s Luck, Greer and Alex have had crazy chemistry. But Greer has a secret and Alex has wanderlust, and I have a hunch Ms. Clayborn has saved her best for last. – Em
I’ve been waiting for the third book in Kate Clayborn’s Chance of a Lifetime series after thoroughly enjoying the previous romances. The basic theme of the series is exploring what three friends do when they win a lottery, and it’s Greer’s turn to balance her goal of finishing her degree with her unexpected feelings for her best friend’s brother. Kate write stories that leave you emotionally wrung out but ultimately satisfied so I plan to set aside a good chunk of time for this one. – Maria Rose
Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo
We’re also looking forward to…
Alex:
Fireworks by Sarina Bowen
This is another entry in the True North series, and it looks just as good as the others. Benito Rossi sees his high school flame come to town–and keeps running into her as she tries to help her step-sister, who’s on the run from the drug dealer who Benito is investigating. Lots of action and excitement!
Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo
Alex S:
Nobody’s Sweetheart Now by Maggie Robinson (13 Nov)
A brand new cozy series set in the English countryside of the 1920s? And with a touch of the paranormal? Count me in!
Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo
Driven to Distraction by Lori Foster (20 Nov)
There’s something really compelling about two people forced to deal with their crazy chemistry when they want to avoid it so badly and a seemingly mundane task potentially being thwarted by an unexpected bad guy.
Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo
Come With Me by Helen Schulman (27 Nov)
One of Vogue’s Books You Won’t Want to Miss This Fall 2018, this is family life drama meets psychological thriller. Family life fiction isn’t a favourite, but throw in the psychological thriller angle and the fact that it’s written by a NYT best-selling author and I’m a little more than intrigued.
Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo
Anne:
Pulp by Robin Talley (13 Nov)
This YA novel comprises two stories. In the 1950s, eighteen-year-old Janet discovers lesbian pulp fiction in the 1950s, and then goes on to write her own story, while in the present day, Abby is trying to track down the identify of her favorite author of 1950s lesbian pulp fiction. As you might guess, it isn’t easy! I recently learned about the history of lesbian pulp fiction, and how important those books were to women discovering their sexual identities at the time. I’m really intrigued by this one.
Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo
Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan (6 Nov)
Dark fantasy books with repressive royal families are all the rage in YA. And why not? They’re the dark side of the fairy tales many of us grew up on. In this kingdom, the ruling class is made up of demons. Can’t get much darker than that. Oh, wait. Yes, we can. Once a year, the king chooses eight “Paper Girls” – in other words, concubines. “But this year, there’s a ninth girl. And instead of paper, she’s made of fire.” This ninth girl is Lei, who is pulled out of her village. So what happens when Lei falls in love with another of the Paper Girls? There are trigger warnings for violence and sexual abuse, but early readers report that this book is also about healing.
Buy it at: Amazon/Barnes & Noble/iBooks/Kobo
Fire & Blood by George R.R. Martin (20 Nov)
Sure, it’s a prequel to Game of Thrones set 300 years before that series. Naturally, many fans are upset because they are still waiting for the next book in GoT. Not a prequel they didn’t ask for. But… dragons. And… Targaryen history. Even better… It’s illustrated by renowned artist Doug Wheatley.
Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo
Em:
Playing in the Dark by Avery Cockburn (20 Nov)
The Glasgow Lads series marries many of my favorite things: soccer (or football), romance and sexy, wholly satisfying characters in relationships that feel real. Ms. Cockburn has teased us with brief glimpses of Evan Hollister in earlier books, but this time we finally get to know him…and meet the eventual love of his life. This is an opposites attract romance from an author who reliably delivers charming, sexy, smart sports romances, and I can’t wait for it.
Buy it at: Amazon
Lisa:
Look Alive Twenty-Five by Stephanie Evanoch (13 Nov)
Stephanie Plum rides again in a mystery that may or may not involve alien abduction!
Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo
Solace Island by Meg Tilly (1st Nov)
I’m a huge fan of Meg Tilly’s acting work, so I’m interested in reading her contemporary fiction debut, in a mystery that involves isolation and romance.
Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo
The Colors of All the Cattle by Alexander McCall Smith (6 Nov)
Mma Ramotswe is back!! I don’t know what I’d do without the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency in my life, and this book is sure to be another cozy mystery delight.
Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo
More or Less a Temptress by Anna Bradley (13 Nov)
I had mixed feelings about the last book in the Somerset Sisters series, but I really liked Hyacinth, and want to see what the author does with her romance.
Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo
Maggie:
First Comes Marriage: My Not-So-Typical American Love Story by Huda Al-Marashi
This is a true life account of an arranged marriage in modern day America, about the difficulties of blending cultures, and about challenging stereotypes about love that can actually sabotage our own chance at happiness. Super excited to read this.
Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo
Maria Rose:
Picture Perfect Cowboy by Tiffany Reisz (6 Nov)
I haven’t read any of Tiffany Reisz’s Original Sinners series but I did read and enjoy her Harlequin Blaze series. Picture Perfect Cowboy is a western themed romance set in the same world as the Sinners series but is billed as a standalone so I thought I’d give it a try.
Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo
SEAL’s Honor by Megan Crane (6 Nov)
Starting out her new romantic suspense series, Megan Crane has set her sights on Alaska and the rugged terrain suited to ex-military adventures. In SEAL’s honor, a best friend’s sibling trope romance simmers amid a murder investigation. I’m looking forward to this new turn in her writing.
Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo
Shannon:
Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty (6 Nov)
There’s something about Ms. Moriarty’s unique blend of quirky characters and addictive plotlines that make her books autobuys for me. Her latest novel, about nine strangers spending a week together at an exclusive spa where the secrets they’ve tried so hard to keep buried threaten to come to light, sounds like tons of fun and I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on it.
Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo
City of Secrets by Victoria Thompson (13 Nov)
Historical mysteries aren’t usually my thing, but I was completely and utterly charmed by City of Lies, the first novel in Ms. Thompson’s Counterfeit Lady series. Our heroine is con artist Elizabeth Miles, and this second installment in the series sees her doing her level best to find out exactly what happened to the husband of a dedicated suffragist who might be facing murder charges. It promises to be every bit as delightful as the first book, and is easily one of my most anticipated releases of 2018.
Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo
Tony’s Wife by Adriana Trigiani (20 Nov)
I didn’t realize until recently that Adriana Trigiani had a new book coming out, but as soon as I read the synopsis of Tony’s Wife, I knew it was something I absolutely had to have. It’s the story of a husband and wife, both of whom dream of a life on the stage, but what happens when they start having children? Which one of them is prepared to sacrifice their dream for the sake of home and family? This sounds like exactly the kind of book I love to curl up with on a blustery fall day, and it can’t come out soon enough for me!
Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo
Links to bookstores are given where known and are correct at time of writing.
NEW!!
Want to check out the AAR team’s favourite books, DIKs and top (A+) reads? They’re all at our new Amazon Storefront.
Anyone have any idea if Loretta Chase is coming out with a new book this year? And if so, when, and what will it be about? Any site would be helpful.
The next Chase coming out is called “Ten Things I Hate About the Duke”, and it’s coming out next November according to GR!
How in the world does someone on GR knows what is out 13 months away?
It keeps getting moved – it was due out in Feb 2019, but according to GR it’s now November. As to where they get their information, I assume it’s from authors, publishers etc – as a GR Librarian, I often add books and information where known. And I believe the book is about Blackwood (who is married to but estranged from Ripley’s sister, Alice) – which leaves book three for Ashmont.
Thanks much, Caz. A new Chase is cause for excitement.
I believe I read in a newsletter or blog post that the second book is Ashmont’s, which was a little disappointing as I want to read Blackwood’s book next. I think Chase mentioned the pub. date for Nov. and so I assume it was her input on the Goodreads site.
Ah, that’s interesting – last time I heard/read anything about it, it was going to be Blackwood’s book, so things are obviously changing. Whatever it is, though, it’s still a long wait :(
In addition to what everyone else said, GR is also owned by Amazon, so they obviously share publication info.
Looking forward to Molly O’Keefe’s THE COWBOY (fourth and final book in the King Family series); Julie Kriss’s MAKE ME BEG (fourth and final book in the Riggs Brothers series); CD Reiss’s duet, SECRET SINS & SACRED SINS; UNDONE by Caitlin Crews (the next book in the Hotel Temptation series she’s writing for Harlequin’s Dare line—also, iirc, Crews is Megan Crane, so she has two series going right now); Willow Winters’s ENDLESS (next book in her VERY dark Merciless series); Eve Dangerfield’s SO WILD (first in a new series about three sisters who inherit a tattoo parlor); and, of course, Sarina Bowen’s FIREWORKS (although I would say if you haven’t read any of the True North books yet, it’s best to read them in order to get the full arc of the various characters).
I’m also looking forward to the O’Keefe book!
I’m looking forward to Geissinger’s Ache for You, the third in the series.
I’m reading that for the site this week!
Btw—the new AAR Amazon Storefront is great. :)
I read an arc of the only new release I was anticipating for November – Kate Clayborn’s Best of Luck. It was just wonderful and most likely will remain my favorite book of the year. I’ve loved the entire series, but she definitely saved the best for last.
I’d fallen away from Julia Quinn for a while, felt like they were getting a bit too rote, but when I saw this new Bridgerton book I thought I’d give her a whirl again. I’m glad I did. Great read. Sparkling dialogue and a well-matched hero and heroine. Loved it. And I can’t wait to see what Shonda Rhimes does for the series on Netflix!
I too am curious to see what Shonda does. I wonder if she’ll start with the beginning books or if she’ll meld them into something more unified.
I’m hoping for a melded version. That would make the adaptation a bit more unpredictable and, therefore, more interesting IMO. (As long as the mallet of death is still there! Oh—and the bee scene.)
(Note: also very curious to see if/how the adaptation covers the oh-so-abhorred-scene of The Duke and I.)
I’m super excited for it too!