firewhiskeyreader

I really love that there are basically always books to look forward to, you know? It’s so nice. Anyway, there are some great books scheduled to come out in the next three months that I am really, really looking forward to. Let’s talk about them!

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

The Rebel and the Rake by Emily Sullivan

Goodreads Synopsis: Rafe Davies might seem like just another charismatic rake, but in reality, he is one of the crown’s most valuable agents. As relentless as he is reckless, Rafe has never met a woman he couldn’t win or a mission he couldn’t complete. And when he encounters the intriguing yet prickly Miss Sylvia Sparrow, while on assignment at a Scottish house party, he’s determined to charm her.

Though most women would be thrilled to catch the eye of a tall, dark, and dangerously handsome man, Sylvia is through with that sort of adventure. She trusted the wrong man once and paid for it dearly. The fiery bluestocking is resolved to avoid him, but a chance encounter between them reveals the normally irreverent Rafe’s unexpected depths—and a palpable attraction that’s impossible to ignore.

Why I’m Excited: I really loved A Rogue to Remember, which was Sullivan’s debut earlier this year and I liked the little glimpse of Rafe we got. So to put it mildly, I am really looking forward to Sullivan’s follow up!

Release Date: December 28, 2021

Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Goodreads Synopsis: Ari Abrams has always been fascinated by the weather, and she loves almost everything about her job as a TV meteorologist. Her boss, legendary Seattle weatherwoman Torrance Hale, is too distracted by her tempestuous relationship with her ex-husband, the station’s news director, to give Ari the mentorship she wants. Ari, who runs on sunshine and optimism, is at her wits’ end. The only person who seems to understand how she feels is sweet but reserved sports reporter Russell Barringer.

In the aftermath of a disastrous holiday party, Ari and Russell decide to team up to solve their bosses’ relationship issues. Between secret gifts and double dates, they start nudging their bosses back together. But their well-meaning meddling backfires when the real chemistry builds between Ari and Russell.

Working closely with Russell means allowing him to get to know parts of herself that Ari keeps hidden from everyone. Will he be able to embrace her dark clouds as well as her clear skies?

Why I’m Excited: (A) I loved Solomon’s adult romance debut, The Ex Talk so much, like it’s one of my favorites of the year. (B) Melinda has already read and loved this one and says the mental health representation was really great!

Release Date: January 11, 2022

Electric Idol by Katee Robert

Goodreads Synopsis: In the ultra-modern city of Olympus, there’s always a price to pay. Psyche knew she’d have to face Aphrodite’s ire eventually, but she never expected her literal heart to be at stake…or for Aphrodite’s gorgeous son to be the one ordered to strike the killing blow.

Eros has no problem shedding blood. But when it comes time to take out his latest target, he can’t do it. Confused by his reaction to Psyche, he does the only thing he can think of to keep her safe: he marries her. Psyche vows to make Eros’s life a living hell until they find a way out of this mess. But as lines blur and loyalties shift, she realizes he might take her heart after all…and she’s not sure she can survive the loss.

Why I’m Excited: It’s honestly hard to say why I’m as excited as I am, but I feel like I really like Robert’s steamy bits and I am optimistic that this will be great. Plus, a marriage of convenience? Excellent.

Release Date: January 18, 2022

Miss Me with That by Rachel Lindsay

Goodreads Synopsis: A candid, witty, and inspiring collection of essays from The Bachelor’s first Black Bachelorette, exploring everything from relationships and love to politics and race.

Extra correspondent and Higher Learning co-host Rachel Lindsay originally rose to prominence as the first Black Bachelorette and has since become one of the franchise’s most well-known figures.

For the first time, Rachel opens up about what it meant to be the first Black lead on ABC’s hit show and reveals everything about her life off-camera, from her childhood growing up in Dallas, Texas, as the daughter of a U.S. District Judge to her disastrous dating life prior to going on The Bachelor, to her career in law, her evolving female friendships, and her decision to become a reality TV contestant. She also brings her sharp wit and keen intellect to weigh in on issues such as the lack of diversity in reality television and the importance of political engagement, protest, voting, and the Black Lives Matter movement.

Told in the down-to-earth, no-nonsense voice she’s become known for, Lindsay’s collection will provide an intimate look at the life of one of reality TV’s most beloved and outspoken stars, as well as advice and inspiration that will make her a role model for anyone who has ever tried to make sense of love and life and lost their way trying to do so.

Why I’m Excited: I really enjoyed Rachel’s season of The Bachelorette and I think she’s been a really interesting public figure in the time since, taking a real advocacy role while not distancing herself entirely from the franchise until the recent split. Plus, she and Bryan are actually still together, so that’s also really cool.

Release Date: January 25, 2022

Relentless by Katie Golding

Goodreads Synopsis: Mason King has spent his life making the wrong choices. Not that anyone notices―the Moto Grand Prix racer and bull-riding bad boy lives forever in the shadow of his World Champion big brother. But anonymity has its perks when he’s invited to dinner by Chiara Martes―an off-limits ex-girlfriend of a rival motorcycle racer.

Chiara may be a bit flaky, but she’s always supported her moto racing best friend, and watching him fall in love with another woman wasn’t exactly the highlight of her timeline. After being left (secretly) heartbroken, a one-night stand with infamous Mason King seems just the ticket to a successful rebound.

The two hit it off far too well, their sexual chemistry explosive, and soon Mason and Chiara’s single hot date expands into a stream of circuit rendezvous and covert vacations until they’re falling for each other at warp speed. But Chiara fears her strained childhood friendship will crumble apart if her romance with a rival is discovered. Still, she may not have a choice when a high-profile rodeo dares Mason back into the arena―eight seconds forever defining three couples, and revealing one very big secret between them.

Why I’m Excited: Honestly, Mason is exactly the type of male character I love watching fall in love. There’s something about the ladies man being brought to heel that will just always appeal even though I think I was supposed to have evolved past that.

Release Date: January 25, 2022

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Count Your Lucky Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur

Goodreads Synopsis: Margot Cooper doesn’t do relationships. She tried and it blew up in her face, so she’ll stick with casual hookups, thank you very much. But now her entire crew has found “the one” and she’s beginning to feel like a fifth wheel. And then fate (the heartless bitch) intervenes. While touring a wedding venue with her engaged friends, Margot comes face-to-face with Olivia Grant—her childhood friend, her first love, her first… well, everything. It’s been ten years, but the moment they lock eyes, Margot’s cold, dead heart thumps in her chest.

Olivia must be hallucinating. In the decade since she last saw Margot, her life hasn’t gone exactly as planned. At almost thirty, she’s been married… and divorced. However, a wedding planner job in Seattle means a fresh start and a chance to follow her dreams. Never in a million years did she expect her important new client’s Best Woman would be the one that got away.

When a series of unfortunate events leaves Olivia without a place to stay, Margot offers up her spare room because she’s a Very Good Person. Obviously. It has nothing to do with the fact that Olivia is as beautiful as ever and the sparks between them still make Margot tingle. As they spend time in close quarters, Margot starts to question her no-strings stance. Olivia is everything she’s ever wanted, but Margot let her in once and it ended in disaster. Will history repeat itself or should she count her lucky stars that she gets a second chance with her first love?

Why I’m Excited: Technically, I’ve already finished this book and gave it a 4.5 star rating and I’m really looking forward to other people reading it. I’ve also miraculously already written a review so y’all will have it EARLY! In fact, it’s already on Goodreads, but it will also be on the blog early too.

Release Date: February 1, 2022

Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead by Elle Cosimano

Goodreads Synopsis: Finlay Donovan is—once again—struggling to finish her next novel and keep her head above water as a single mother of two. On the bright side, she has her live-in nanny and confidant Vero to rely on, and the only dead body she’s dealt with lately is that of her daughter’s pet goldfish.

On the not-so-bright side, someone out there wants her ex-husband, Steven, out of the picture. Permanently. Whatever else Steven may be, he’s a good father, but saving him will send her down a rabbit hole of soccer moms disguised as hit-women, and a little bit more involvement with the Russian mob than she’d like.

Meanwhile, Vero’s keeping secrets, and Detective Nick Anthony seems determined to get back into her life. He may be a hot cop, but Finlay’s first priority is preventing her family from sleeping with the fishes… and if that means bending a few laws then so be it.

With her next book’s deadline looming and an ex-husband to keep alive, Finlay is quickly coming to the end of her rope. She can only hope there isn’t a noose at the end of it… 

Why I’m Excited: I’ve also already read this one and I loved it. I’m already excited for book three. Basically, if y’all don’t all hop on the Finlay Donovan train, I am going to be upset because I need this series to last for EVER.

Release Date: February 1, 2022

Hunt the Stars by Jessie Mihalik

Goodreads Synopsis: Octavia Zarola would do anything to keep her tiny, close-knit bounty hunting crew together—even if it means accepting a job from Torran Fletcher, a ruthless former general and her sworn enemy. When Torran offers her enough credits to not only keep her crew afloat but also hire someone to fix her ship, Tavi knows that she can’t refuse—no matter how much she’d like to.

With so much money on the line, Torran and his crew insist on joining the hunt. Tavi reluctantly agrees because while the handsome, stoic leader pushes all of her buttons—for both anger and desire—she’s endured worse, and the massive bonus payment he’s promised for a completed job is reason enough to shut up and deal.

But when they uncover a deeper plot that threatens the delicate peace between humans and Valoffs, Tavi suspects that Torran has been using her as the impetus for a new war. With the fate of her crew balanced on a knife’s edge, Tavi must decide where her loyalties lie—with the quiet Valoff who’s been lying to her, or with the human leaders who left her squad to die on the battlefield. And this time, she’s put her heart on the line.

Why I’m Excited: I loved Mihalik’s first series so much. All three books were brilliant so I’m really looking forward to trying this new series from her.

Release Date: February 1, 2022

House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas

Goodreads Synopsis: Bryce Quinlan and Hunt Athalar are trying to get back to normal―they may have saved Crescent City, but with so much upheaval in their lives lately, they mostly want a chance to relax. Slow down. Figure out what the future holds.

The Asteri have kept their word so far, leaving Bryce and Hunt alone. But with the rebels chipping away at the Asteri’s power, the threat the rulers pose is growing. As Bryce, Hunt, and their friends get pulled into the rebels’ plans, the choice becomes clear: stay silent while others are oppressed, or fight for what’s right. And they’ve never been very good at staying silent.

Why I’m Excited: I mean, I love SJM. I loved the first book in the series so much. I literally cannot wait to get my hands on the sequel! Probably going to call in a mental health day on February 15th, tbh, so I can curl up and read the whole thing in a day again like last year.

Release Date: February 15, 2022

Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake

Goodreads Synopsis: Delilah Green swore she would never go back to Bright Falls—nothing is there for her but memories of a lonely childhood where she was little more than a burden to her cold and distant stepfamily. Her life is in New York, with her photography career finally gaining steam and her bed never empty. Sure, it’s a different woman every night, but that’s just fine with her.

When Delilah’s estranged stepsister, Astrid, pressures her into photographing her wedding with a guilt trip and a five-figure check, Delilah finds herself back in the godforsaken town that she used to call home. She plans to breeze in and out, but then she sees Claire Sutherland, one of Astrid’s stuck-up besties, and decides that maybe there’s some fun (and a little retribution) to be had in Bright Falls, after all.

Having raised her eleven-year-old daughter mostly on her own while dealing with her unreliable ex and running a bookstore, Claire Sutherland depends upon a life without surprises. And Delilah Green is an unwelcome surprise…at first. Though they’ve known each other for years, they don’t really know each other—so Claire is unsettled when Delilah figures out exactly what buttons to push. When they’re forced together during a gauntlet of wedding preparations—including a plot to save Astrid from her horrible fiancé—Claire isn’t sure she has the strength to resist Delilah’s charms. Even worse, she’s starting to think she doesn’t want to… 

Why I’m Excited: I’ve never read from Ashley Herring Blake before, but I’ve heard nothing but incredible things about her writing so I’m really looking forward to her adult debut.

Release Date: February 25, 2022

Honorable Mentions

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• The Mistletoe Motive by Chloe Liese – December 1, 2021
• When You Get the Chance by Emma Lord – January 4, 2022
• Love and Other Disasters by Anita Kelly – January 18, 2022
• The Roughest Draft by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka – January 25, 2022
• Twisted Hate by Ana Huang – January 27, 2022
• Good Girl Complex by Elle Kennedy – February 1, 2022
• Not the Witch You Wed by April Asher – February 8, 2022
• Under One Roof by Ali Hazelwood – February 22, 2022 (audio only)

I love making these posts and I love trying to actually make it through a list! But what other books are you looking forward to? What have I missed?

xx