New books come out every month, and it can be hard to keep up with them. In an effort to knock out my never-ending tbr without acquiring a crap-ton of books, I’ve narrowed my options down to these five. They are all by authors I have read before and enjoyed or are continuations of series I love. They are in no particular order, but I have numbered the list for visual separation. I’ve also included hyperlinks for each book. They’re Amazon Affiliate links that may give me a kickback if you use them but won’t change your price.
1. Nick and Charlie by Alice Oseman
I absolutely love the Heartstoppers series of graphic novels. They’re about an outgoing rugby player and a shy musician falling in love. Reading the series was a highlight to my life during an extended depressive funk, and I am so excited for this novella and the upcoming conclusion (Vol. 5) of Heartstoppers.
These are super sweet romances, but don’t be fooled by all the rainbows. They have depth and follow tough issues like anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. But through it all, Nick and Charlie support each other and teach us all what unconditional love is and how we can support others in their time of need.
From the mega-bestselling creator of Heartstopper, a must-have novella in which Heartstopper’s lead characters, Nick and Charlie, face one of their biggest challenges yet.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder… right?
Everyone knows that Nick and Charlie love their nearly inseparable life together. But soon Nick will be leaving for university, and Charlie, a year younger, will be left behind. Everyone’s asking if they’re staying together, which is a stupid question… or at least that’s what Nick and Charlie assume at first.
As the time to say goodbye gets inevitably closer, both Nick and Charlie start to question whether their love is strong enough to survive being apart. Charlie is sure he’s holding Nick back… and Nick can’t tell what Charlie’s thinking.
Things spiral from there.
Everyone knows that first loves rarely last forever. What will it take for Nick and Charlie to defy the odds?
2. The Stolen Heir by Holly Black
I saw this cover and I was like “Wait, there’s more?!”. Yep, if you loved The Cruel Prince and it’s sequels, you need to start this Elfhame duology following Jude’s brother Oak. I was hoping to learn more about him after the epic conclusion of The Queen of Nothing, and here’s my granted wish.
#1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Black returns to the opulent world of Elfhame in the first book in a thrilling new duology, following Jude’s brother Oak, and the changeling queen, Suren.
A reluctant prince. A runaway queen. And a quest that may destroy them both.
3. Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun by Elle Cosimano
The first book in this series was a book club pick at my library, and I immediately continued on to the next. I am so excited for the third, and I hope the series keeps going because Finlay is hilarious. She gets away with way too much, and I look forward to her two potential love interests figuring out what she’s up to and possibly joining her forces.
From USA Today bestseller and Edgar Award nominee Elle Cosimano, comes Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun—the hilarious and heart-pounding next installment in the beloved Finlay Donovan series.
Dating. Diapers. And dodging bullets. Who said single moms can’t have fun?
Finlay Donovan has been in messes before—after all, she’s an author and single mom who’s a pro at getting out bloodstains for rather unexpected reasons—but none quite like this. After she and her nanny/partner-in-crime Vero accidentally destroyed a luxury car that they may have “borrowed” in the process of saving the life of Finlay’s ex-husband, the Russian mob got her out of debt. But now Finlay owes them
Still running the show from behind bars, mob boss Feliks has a task for Finlay: find a contract killer before the cops do. Problem is, the killer might be an officer.
Luckily, hot cop Nick has started up a citizen’s police academy, and combined pressure from Finlay’s looming book deadline and Feliks is enough to convince Finlay and Vero to get involved. Through firearm training and forensic classes (and some hands-on research with the tempting detective), Finlay and Vero have the perfect cover-up to sleuth out the real criminal and free themselves from the mob’s clutches—all the while dodging spies, confronting Vero’s past, and juggling the daily trials of parenthood.
4. Navy Families by Debbie Macomber
I read Twelve Days of Christmas by Debbie Macomber a few years ago, and she became an instant favorite author for me. I’ve been wanting to try another of her books, and this may be the one I go with. I was in the Navy, so I’m sure I’ll be able to relate. I’ve never read a Navy romance before. Is this a sign?
“Macomber delivers her usual high-quality read, placing interesting characters in an emotionally volatile situation that has particular resonance in these times.” —RT Book Reviews on Navy Husband
Navy heroes become family men
Navy Baby
It was a night she’d never forget: two strangers coming together in a moment of intense desire. But now, sheltered Hannah Raymond is expecting the child of a rugged naval seaman she thought she’d never see again. Riley Murdock has been searching for Hannah for months—ever since that soul-shaking night of passion. Now fate has reunited them. Determined to give his child the chance he never had, Riley marries Hannah. They’ve created the miracle of life together, but is that enough to spark love?
Navy Husband
Shana Berrie is her sister’s official navy “parenting plan,” so despite being unprepared, she’s in charge of adorable nine-year-old Jazmine for the next six months. Shana isn’t all that close to her niece, but she’s trying her best. The little girl has lots of opinions—including ones on Shana’s love life, or lack thereof. Shana also doesn’t appreciate Jazmine’s godfather, Lieutenant Commander Adam Kennedy, constantly checking up on her. She is definitely not looking for a navy husband, no matter what her meddling niece thinks. So why does infuriating Adam seem so appealing?
5. Chain of Thorns by Cassandra Clare
I’ll be honest, I’m not the biggest fan of Cassandra Clare books despite having read all of her single author ones. However, I’ve really loved this series. The setting and the character and the romance add up just right, and I’ve been waiting months for this third and final book to come out. I don’t know if I’m ready to say goodbye to the series, but I’m happy to say hello to the characters one last time.
James and Cordelia must save London—and their marriage—in this thrilling and highly anticipated conclusion to the Last Hours series from the #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Cassandra Clare. Chain of Thorns is a Shadowhunters novel.
Cordelia Carstairs has lost everything that matters to her. In only a few short weeks, she has seen her father murdered, her plans to become parabatai with her best friend, Lucie, destroyed, and her marriage to James Herondale crumble before her eyes. Even worse, she is now bound to an ancient demon, Lilith, stripping her of her power as a Shadowhunter.
After fleeing to Paris with Matthew Fairchild, Cordelia hopes to forget her sorrows in the city’s glittering nightlife. But reality intrudes when shocking news comes from home: Tatiana Blackthorn has escaped the Adamant Citadel, and London is under new threat by the Prince of Hell, Belial.
Cordelia returns to a London riven by chaos and dissent. The long-kept secret that Belial is James and Lucie’s grandfather has been revealed by an unexpected enemy, and the Herondales find themselves under suspicion of dealings with demons. Cordelia longs to protect James but is torn between a love for James she has long believed hopeless, and the possibility of a new life with Matthew. Nor can her friends help—ripped apart by their own secrets, they seem destined to face what is coming alone.
For time is short, and Belial’s plan is about to crash into the Shadowhunters of London like a deadly wave, one that will separate Cordelia, Lucie, and the Merry Thieves from help of any kind. Left alone in a shadowy London, they must face Belial’s deadly army. If Cordelia and her friends are going to save their city—and their families—they will have to muster their courage, swallow their pride, and trust one another again. For if they fail, they may lose everything—even their souls.
Are you looking forward to any of these? Let me know in the comments.
Heather Dowell 