Coming Soon: The Romances We’re Most Looking Forward to Reading in December 2020
I think we’ve all been ready for 2020 to be over since about May – and here we are (at last), looking ahead to December and the books we’re most eager to read to see out what has been a year like no other. It’s been tough on all of us, but one of the good things to have emerged is that many of us have had more time to read; various studies have suggested a boom in reading this year, so basically, it seems a lot more people have discovered something we and our readers already know, namely that there’s nothing quite like escaping into a good book!
Here, then, is AAR’s final Coming Soon of 2020 – thanks to all for your company throughout this bumpy ride and here’s looking forward to many more great books in 2021!
A Marquis In Want of a Wife by Louise Allen (1 Dec)
I enjoy Louise Allen’s books as a rule; she’s reliably good and I’m always pleased to see a new one from her. – Caz
I read book one of this series and loved the idea of these independently-minded friends finding love. Can’t wait to see how this one plays out. – Evelyn
Allen’s historical tales are such delights, and this sounds like no exception to the rule! – Lisa
Buy it at: Amazon
The Princess and the Rogue by Kate Bateman (29 Dec)
I’m excited to see where Bateman’s latest goes – this is Seb’s story, and he falls in love with a Russian princess – Lisa
Bow Street agent, gaming hell and princess in disguise? Yes please! – Maria Rose
Buy it at: Amazon
Ten Things I Hate About the Duke by Loretta Chase (1 Dec)
It’s been too long since I got my hands on a new Loretta Chase book. This looks like another fun historical romance from one of my favorite authors. – Alexandra
I’ve read this one for review and am happy to say it’s classic Chase. I don’t think I can give higher praise than that! – Caz
I’m planning on dropping my other reading as soon as I get my hands on this. She always pleases! – Evelyn
A fresh Loretta Chase means an instabuy for me. – Lisa
Buy it at: Amazon
How to Catch a Queen by Alyssa Cole (2 Dec)
I remember this queen from a previous book, and it’s one of the rare occasions when a secondary character made me curious about their story. I’m really looking forward to another Cole. – Caroline
Cole’s terrific spin-off of her Relcutant Royals series features a reluctant king and a woman who yearns to become a queen who both have to learn to love each other and accept their new duties. – Lisa
I loved Cole’s A Princess In Theory, and the heroine of her latest royals romance was briefly mentioned there. Royalty has always intrigued me, and there’s something special about the spin this author puts on so many familiar romance tropes.- Shannon
Buy it at: Amazon
His Pretend Christmas Date by Jackie Lau (8 Dec)
Jackie Lau is a one-click writer for me, so I’m excited for her latest! – Lisa
I’m a big fan of Jackie Lau and her contemporary romances with real characters who face everyday challenges, so this is definitely on my reading list. – Maria Rose
Buy it at: Amazon
A Curse of Roses by Diana Pinguicha (1 Dec)
A starving heroine cursed to have all food turn to flowers when it touches her lips, and the girl who can set her free from the curse – by committing treason and kissing the king’s betrothed. – Caroline
An F/F twist on a Portugese fairytale? I’m so here for that. – Lisa
Buy it at: Amazon
We’re also looking forward to:
Alexandra:
Loverboy by Sarina Bowen (1 Dec)
Sarina Bowen is one of my favorite auto-buy authors. This is the second book in her “The Company” series, which has a bit more suspense and industrial espionage going on, compared to her sports series. I’m excited to see where this one goes!
Buy it at: Amazon
Fate Actually by Elizabeth Hunter (15 Dec)
I’ve loved Hunter’s books about women in their 40s developing psychic powers–full of great female friendships, some paranormal activity, suspense, and a touch of romance, they’ve been a bright spot in my year. I can’t wait for this latest!
Buy it at: Amazon
Caz:
Merry Measure by Lily Morton (2 Dec)’
There’s sure to be plenty of festive fun and seasonal snark on offer in this standalone Christmas story from Lily Morton. – Caz
Buy it at: Amazon
Angels in the City by Garrett Leigh (3 Dec)
I really like the sound of this fake-relationship office romance that begins when two guys meet when the lift in their office breaks down and a conversation leads to their attending a swanky function as ‘boyfriends’ – and then to more. I’ve enjoyed all the books by this author I’ve read so far – they’ve got interesting characters, great stories and just the right amount of angst, so I’m looking forward to this one.
Buy it at: Amazon
Against the Grain by Jay Hogan (8 Dec)
Jay Hogan is very much an auto-read author for me these days, so I was pleased to see book four in her Auckland Med series on the schedule this month. I don’t even need to know what it’s about to know I’ll be reading it asap!
Buy it at: Amazon
Yet a Stranger by Gregory Ashe (15 Dec)
This story is currently being serialised for members of the author’s mailing lists, so I’ve read most of it already. And I’ll say now that it goes to some really dark places, and is quite different in tone to the previous book; Theo and Auggie once again team up to solve a murder, but personally, they’re drifting further and further apart. But this is what Gregory Ashe does so well – breaks your heart into tiny little pieces, stomps on them, and then puts it all back together again. Eventually. The mystery is intriguing and the guys are at their best when they’re bantering and piecing the clues together, showing again and again how in-tune they are. But their personal lives are a mess, and there’s no happy ending in sight – yet. The next book can’t come soon enough!
Buy it at: Amazon
Charlotte:
This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens (1 Dec)
So I got the ARC for this British rom com and it’s set partially in 2020. Looks like this book is going to be some accidental alt history and you know what–I’m completely up for a book that imagines 2020 as a year of health, happiness and romance.
Buy it at: Amazon
Evelyn:
When a Rogue Meets His Match by Elizabeth Hoyt (1 Dec)
Actually this is the second book in this series. I’ve always loved Ms. Hoyt’s books. She excels at sexual tension and I’m looking forward to enjoying book two of this new series. – Evelyn
Buy it at: Amazon
Lisa:
The Italian’s Final Redemption by Jackie Ashenden (1 Dec)
Ashenden and old skool style Harlequin novels go together like peas and carrots!
Buy it at: Amazon
Best Women’s Erotica of the Year Rachel Kramer Bussel, ed.)(8 Dec)
Another volume of spicy erotic stories features everything from a vegan breaking a long meat-free drought with a sausage and masturbation to a couple trying lifestyle d/s in their golden years. – Lisa
Buy it at: Amazon
Maria Rose:
My Christmas Charade by Melanie Ting
I’ve been really enjoying this author’s Hat Trick series, featuring ordinary guys who play hockey on beer league teams and the women they meet. This one sounds particularly intriguing, an enemies to lovers/fake relationship trope story set during the Christmas holidays and I’m excited to read it!
Buy it at: Amazon
Taking on the Billionaire by Robin Covington (1 Dec)
I’m so happy to see Robin Covington writing for the Harlequin Desire line! This one sounds intriguing – a PI tasked to find a tech billionaire’s siblings all the while having her own plans to exact revenge. It’s the first of what I hope will be an enjoyable series.
Buy it at: Amazon
The Protector by Abigail Owen (7 Dec)
I like this author’s dragon shifter books and it’s always great to escape into a paranormal adventure, especially these days!
Buy it at: Amazon
Shannon:
The Vow by Dannika Dark (1 Dec)
Dannika Dark is a phenomenal author, so I was delighted to learn she’s starting a new series. It’s still set in the same universe as her previous books, but we’re shifting focus to a new set of characters. I’ve already preordered The Vow as an audiobook, and I’m counting down the days until it’s release.
Buy it at: Amazon
Every Last Secret by A.R. Torre (1 Dec)
A.R. Torre is a pseudonym of erotic-romance author Alessandra Torre, and I love her work no matter which name it’s written under. A sexy new release from this super talented power-house seems like the perfect way to end a stressful year.
Buy it at: Amazon
Starlight Web by Yasmine Galenorn (21 Dec)
Yasmine Galenorn is literally my very favorite author, so it’s no surprise I’m super excited for the first book in her new Moonshadow Bay series. It’s paranormal women’s fiction, her first foray into this newly emerging genre, and I can’t wait to see what I think.
Wow, is December almost here already!? Yikes!
Before the end of the year, I hope to make a dent in my never-ending TBR list with some of the following:
1) I’ll still on hold for the Carina Adores FF romance Hairpin Curves by Elia Winters. The e-book copy says I have about 2 more weeks to go, so I’m crossing my fingers it will come in before then.
2) I ran across a five-year old Harlequin Intrigue e-book in the library catalog, Navy SEAL Newlywed by Elle James. Military stories typically aren’t my thing, but the plot of an undercover hero and heroine posing as husband and wife while hunting down arms dealers supplying an international clientele grabbed my attention. I have it checked out now, ready to read next.
3) I am currently reading the Harlequin Intrigue Necessary Action by Julie Miller. So far, so good. We’ve got an undercover hero infiltrating a gun smuggling operation that resembles a tightknit wholesome farming community, and a largely self-trained paramedic heroine who is trapped in the criminal empire her uncle has created.
4) I have put in an e-book purchase request at my library for the upcoming Carina Press MM title Holidays in Blue by Eve Morton. This forced proximity Christmas romance takes place in a small town in Toronto where childhood neighbors reunite after one hero loses his job as a radio talk show host and the other is a struggling actor recovering from a broken marriage.
5) Finally, I have a hold on a sure to be fascinating nonfiction book about the history of textiles, The Fabric of Civilization: How Textiles Made the World by Virginia Postrel. It was just published this month and there are a lot of holds on it, so I’ll be lucky if I get to read it by January.
That’s the plan so far. I definitely don’t read as much or as fast as a lot of the readers here. In fact, my eyes always pop when I see commenters casually say, “Oh, I read less this year than last year- maybe only 150 books.” But I do what I can. So glad it’s not a competition around here. :)
I’ve got the Eve Morton book on my review list, so watch this space!
I’ll be watching! And I have a good feeling my library’s going to pick it up based on its “preorder” label.
Nan:
With some of us, it isn’t reading speed but reading time. I’m not a fast reader, but barring really unusual circumstances I read 3 books every weekend (Friday evening, Saturday, Sunday), and squeeze in what I can during the work week. Reading is my primary recreation—I don’t watch TV or movies and I don’t participate in (anti-)social media, so the hours others might spend those ways are reading time for me.
That’s a really good point about time. I don’t do social media either, but my web surfing, movie watching habits, and writing projects definitely suck up time I could use to read more. Oh well. There’s always room for resolutions for the new year. :)
The Fabric of Civilization: How Textiles Made the World sounds really interesting to me as well. Hadn’t run across this one. Thank you for the rec!
You are welcome! I definitely wanted to mention it here because I thought someone at AAR would appreciate the rec. So thanks for making my day.
What got my attention about the title was a review about how the book explores the lesser known political aspects of the textile trade, such as how calicos were banned in 17th and 18th century Europe and their trade was treated like modern-day drug trafficking. Sounds like harrowing stuff you’d never expect about pieces of cloth! From what I saw in the free preview, it also dives into major discoveries, selective breeding of cotton, mysteries surrounding how modern-day cotton made its way from Africa to Peru before people existed, etc. I have a feeling I’m in for some excellent winter reading.
Sounds like a very interesting book. The calico ban makes me think of Medieval Sumptuary Laws which dictated the color, fabric, and style of clothing that people of various classes were permitted to wear. I think it’s been common in many societies throughout history for the powerful to dictate and police what the less powerful wear.
I am excited for a new novella from Alice Clayton, author of Wallbanger (one of my favorite humorous contemporaries). One More Round (Dec. 22) is the title and it revisits the characters from her Cocktail series. I haven’t heard anything from Clayton in a few years so I’m looking forward to this one.
I have so many new books on my December tbr, I’m hoping Santa will fill my stocking with gift cards for the Kindle Store.
The beginning of a new month brings the usual collection of HPs from my autobuy favorites—and, after reading Maisey Yates’s brilliant CARIDES’S FORGOTTEN WIFE last month, I’ve added her to that group. Yates’s royal-arranged-marriage HP, HIS MAJESTY’S FORBIDDEN TEMPTATION, arrives December 1, along with Jackie Ashenden’s THE ITALIAN’S FINAL REDEMPTION, which appears to feature the “business rival’s daughter” trope. Clare Connelly also has a duet dropping December 1: interestingly, while the secret-baby-themed, HEIR CLAIMED BY CHRISTMAS, is being published by HP, the companion book, NO STRINGS, is being published by Dare. I suspect that because Harlequin will be discontinuing the Dare line in 2021, they are tweaking books that were already in the Dare pipeline to be published by another line. Anyway, it will be an interesting comparison/contrast exercise to see if the two books differ significantly in tone or style.
On December 8, Ainsley Booth releases TEMPT, a second-chance romance with BDSM elements. TEMPT is the first book of a duet (the second book is scheduled for publication in 2021 and features a different couple) and it was expanded from a story Booth originally published in the 2018 Christmas Anthology, REINDEER GAMES. I like Booth (aka, Zoe York), but seeing as I’ve already read the original story TEMPT is based on, I shall have to wait to see if my budget permits this purchase.
Skye Warren’s SILVER LINING, the third and final book in her trilogy of books about the younger brother of the family that runs North Security, has been postponed a couple of times, so I’m keeping my finger crossed that it really will be available on December 15. The previous book (GOLD MINE) ended on a nail-biting cliff-hanger, so I’m really looking forward to reading the conclusion.
Another book that has been postponed several times is Sybil Bartel’s HEARTLESS, the latest in her Alpha Bodyguards series. I’m being cautiously optimistic that it will finally drop on its scheduled date of December 23.
I did want to add (but the Edit function was not being cooperative) that I totally agree with Lisa’s contention that Jackie Ashenden’s style is a perfect match for the Harlequin Presents template. I used to read Ashenden’s angsty, hot, interior-monologue-heavy books (full of passion, but also featuring dysfunctional childhoods and absent/abusive/dead/distant parents) and think, “Why isn’t this woman writing for HP?” So I was thrilled when she started publishing HPs—and I haven’t been disappointed yet.
I have Merry Measure by Lily Morton and Stella Riley’s Midwinter Magic-A Rockliffe Novella (6th December) preordered. I’d also hoped to be getting the new Loretta Chase tomorrow, but it STILL looks unlikely that the ebook is being released in UK at the same time as elsewhere. Grrr.
I didn’t know about Her Pretend Christmas Date by Jackie Lau, so will definitely get that as I enjoy most of her books.
I will wait for your reviews of the Jay Hogan book as I’ve had mixed feelings about some of her previous books – I loved Off Balance though. Ditto the Garrett Leigh book.
I’ve been reading the installments of Gregory Ashe’s Yet A Stranger and it’s gone in a completely different direction to what I was expecting and, yes Caz, it is much, much darker and I can’t foresee the ending of this book. Is it going to be a 3 book series? As soon as I hear the ping of the email coming in each afternoon, I have to read the latest installment straight away! I’ve preordered the book and will read it again in one sitting.
Elizabeth Hoyt used to be an auto-buy for me, but I didn’t think much of the first book in her new series so will probably give it a miss.
As I feel in the need for some uplifting fluff, I’ve downloaded a load of free Christmas books, so am hopeful that there will be a couple of gems amongst the less gem-like! Other than that, I’ll reread some of the wonderful books that I’ve read this year.
As far as I know, Theo and Auggie have two more books after this. I think it’ll take that long for them to sort themselves out given the turn this book has taken :( It’s been really tough to read at times, although I think that had I been able to read it all in one sitting, it might have gone a little easier for me.
The Morton was typical Morton, so lots of sexy fun (review coming soon); I’m writing a review for the Garrett Leigh, which I loved, and I’ve just started the Hogan so watch this space. So far it’s really well-written and I think her writing in general has come on leaps and bounds since her début a couple of years back.
I’m with you on the Hoyt – I was so disappointed in the previous book that I’m not rushing to snap up the new one.
Well, at least today’s episode was a little more hopeful!
I fucking hate Dylan – and Cart’s not a lot better – I suppose he’s useful around the house!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If it’s a 4 book series, I suppose that is one a year until Auggie graduates?
I have re-christened them Douchebag Dylan and Officer Scumbag. This is far more angsty than anything Hazard and Somerset went through –
But this is what Greg does – he shreds your heart and soul and then puts them back together but not until he’s good and ready!
And yes, it’s one book per academic year I believe.
I like those names!
And yes, I definitely agree on your spoiler. DD, in particular, is classic and has been all the way through. OS appears to be escalating it………
I don’t recall hating even Mikey Grames as much as I hate those two!!
I haven’t read any Ashe yet—although I’m getting ready to take the plunge when the third book of the Lamb & the Lion series is released and I’m going to read the whole series in one go—however, based on all the plot summaries I’ve read of his books, closeted men, married to women but with boyfriends on the d/l, seem to be fixtures of his stories.
Only really in one series, I think, where this is definitely the case with a significant secondary character and is a major part of the plot.
It’s sort of the case with one MC at the start of another series, but he is separated from his wife – I can’t remember how he comes out as I read the book a year ago! It isn’t really a ‘cheating’ scenario though.
The closeted man from a third series is not married.
I think pretty much all other significant characters are openly gay.
Actually they’re not. There are closeted characters but they’re not all married and cheating on their wives; the one in this series is a secondary character and is the only one I can think of who fits that description. In the Hazard and Somerset books, Somers is separated from his wife at the begining of the series – but it wasn’t because he had a boyfriend on the side, and in the other series GA has on the go right now, there’s another closeted cop as a secondary character, but he’s not married.
I’ve got the Stella Riley on order as well and it’s due on the 6th. Can’t wait for this one!
I think it’s the last hurrah for the Rockcliffe crowd so should be fun!