firewhiskeyreader

I’ve tried 81 new to me authors this year, which seems like a lot. I’m writing this on December 7th, so I’m not sure if that number will go up or not by the end of the year, but I really want to write this post regardless. This is one of the topics covered by Kimberly and Ginger’s Top 10 of 2019, which you can find more information about here. The majority of these authors are going to be ones I’ve read more than one book by, but I’ve also got a couple of debuts on here. To the best of my ability, I’m going in chronological order of my discovery, so let’s hop to it.

Rebecca Roanhorse, author of Trail of Lightning and Storm of Locusts

A fantasy author writing Native stories, Roanhorse has already made her mark as incredible and one of my favorites. I’m looking forward to her upcoming middle grade release, Race to the Sun, and to her new adult fantasy novel, Between Earth and Sky, that we still don’t have a release date for. I also cannot wait for her to continue with The Sixth World series, but I guess I have to be at least a little patient, even if I don’t want to be.

Jessie Mihalik, author of Polaris Rising and Aurora Blazing

I fell hard and fast for the Consortium Rebellion series and I’m so incredibly excited to get Chaos Reigning next year. I’m also thrilled because I still have two other books to read from Mihalik and I’m optimistic she’s going to keep writing for a really, really long time. I would especially love if Harper Voyager would give us more books in the Consortium Rebellion world, so, on the off chance someone from Harper is reading this, PLEASE MAKE AN OFFER. I need Richard’s book. Actually, I need them all. Just more books all around, please.

Adriana Herrera, author of the Dreamers series and Mangoes and Mistletoe (out 12/23!)

To begin, I love Adriana Herrera as a person. Every time she’s guested on Fated Mates, it’s obvious she’s a genius and her Twitter account is just brilliant. But, in truth, I fell for Herrera when she wrote an article about problematic representation of domestic violence in romance novels. As a domestic violence prosecutor and former civil attorney who was only tasked with helping survivors get protective orders, I deal with domestic violence constantly. CONSTANTLY. And it sucks to read about it on the page when it’s not done well. Though, to be fair, it’s hard for me to read about it when it is done well too. Anyway, this is a really long way around me getting to the point, which is that I also adore her writing. She writes friendship so, so well and creates this cast of characters that all feel so real and it’s incredible.

Kennedy Ryan, author of The Kingmaker duology and many, many more

Contemporary author Kennedy Ryan brings social issues into her writing and tackles them with aplomb. She and Minx Malone were the first Black women ever awarded a RITA. Kennedy won for Long Shot, her contemporary romance that puts domestic violence at the front and center, allowing us to follow Iris as she escapes from an incredibly violent relationship and finds her HEA with August. But Ryan actually stole my heart with Block Shot, starring my problematic fave, Jared, who absolutely does not give a damn that Banner is in a relationship because he’s going to win her back. And she solidified her spot as one of my favorites with Grip, then just in case that wasn’t enough, ran over my feelings again with The Kingmaker and The Rebel King.

Casey McQuiston, author of Red, White & Royal Blue

A debut author this year, McQuiston blew me away. Well, me and half of America, it seems. McQuiston captures internet humor and millenial friendships perfectly and her real world AU captured my whole heart. I think about the book on a regular basis and am stunned I haven’t re-read it yet. Definitely something I need to rectify sooner rather than later. It’s also stunning how much I loved it given how weird the tense was in this book. It’s very odd, but you know, it didn’t keep me from loving the book so very much.

Suzanne Brockmann, author of Troubleshooters series

I picked up Out of Control for a flight to Baltimore following some nightmare travel issues and when I landed, I still had hours to wait for my friends to arrive to pick me up for our drive to Delaware. This book not only kept me company, it pulled me in so completely that I immediately used the crappy airport wi-fi to download The Unsung Hero, aka book one in the series. I’ve read over a dozen books in this series this year and I’m still in love with the characters. Gone Too Far is one of the best romances because of the payoff you get from nearly five books of setting up the characters, Sam and Alyssa. Although some of the books in this series are not as great as others, Suzanne Brockmann is definitely an author to watch for me!

Sherry Thomas, author of the Lady Sherlock series and many more

I am so madly in love with this series, it’s ridiculous. First of all, I swear I’ve tried to read A Study in Scarlet more than once and couldn’t get through it. But then, when I was in San Diego, I was like THIS IS AMAZING! So now I’m obsessed even though I still have no idea what’s happening really. Although I do still need to read The Art of Theft. My brain just isn’t quite ready for thinking, but I’ll get over it soon. I’m also really excited to try Sherry Thomas’ other books. I own two historical romances already so hopefully I’ll get to those sooner than later!

Jen DeLuca, author of Well Met

Another debut author whose debut I fell hard for. Well Met is exceptionally wonderful and such a fun romp. I’m so, so glad that my best friend was able to pick up an ARC for me to read at SDCC because I really loved this romp of a good time set at a Renaissance Faire. The hate to love aspect? Delightful. The family dynamics? Loved them. Really, I just adored this and am unbelievably excited for Well Played.

Cathy Yardley, author of Fandom Hearts series

I really loved Level Up and even though I’m not caught up, I know Fandom Hearts is going to be one of my favorite series. The humor, the friendships, the loyalty, the BOOKSTORE? Like, this is everything I’ve ever wanted. I would highly recommend if you haven’t already given this series a try and I’m very much looking forward to eventually getting to other Cathy Yardley titles.

Scarlett Peckham, author of The Secrets of Charlotte Street and The Rakess

Alright, so Scarlett Peckham can write. Like the angst that just pours out of the page in The Duke I Tempted and The Earl I Ruined is incredible. And the sentences feel so nicely crafted and the characters feel so real. I absolutely adored The Duke I Tempted and can’t believe I ignored when everyone was yelling about how amazing it was last year. All of you were 100% correct and I am so excited for Peckham’s upcoming releases in January and April 2020. And to meet her at Kiss Con!!

What new to you authors did you discover and fall for this year?

xx