6 November and December releases I’m excited for

As we edge towards the end of the year, my TBRs are getting more and more unhinged and I’m starting to panic about squeezing in all of the books that I want to read and all of the new releases still to come while I battle to catch up with series I started this year. I am completely incapable of being chill about TBRs and reading plans…

But I do know that these six books are on my ‘have to read this year or else’ list because I’m so excited about them and I’ll be really mad at myself if I don’t get to them!

Some romance, some fantasy, some cowboy romance - I’m ready for all of it.

‘Under Loch and Key’ by Lana Ferguson (3 December 2024)

A woman discovers that not all monsters are her enemy - the opposite, in fact - in this new paranormal romance by Lana Ferguson, author of The Fake Mate.

Keyanna 'Key' MacKay is used to secrets. Raised by a single father who never divulged his past, it's only after his death that she finds herself thrust into the world he'd always refused to speak of. With just a childhood bedtime story about a monster that saved her father's life and the name of her estranged grandmother to go off of, Key has no idea what she'll find in Scotland. But repeating her father's mistakes and being rescued by a gorgeous, angry Scotsman - who thinks she's an idiot - is definitely the last thing she expects.

Lachlan Greer has his own secrets to keep, especially from the bonnie lass he pulls to safety from the slippery shore - a lass with captivating eyes and the last name he's been taught not to trust. He's looking for answers as well, and Key's presence on the grounds they both now occupy presents a real problem. It's even more troublesome when he gets a front row seat to the lukewarm welcome Key receives from her family; the strange powers she begins to develop; and the fierce determination she brings to every obstacle in her path. Things he shouldn't care about, and someone he definitely doesn't find wildly attractive.

When their secrets collide, it becomes clear that Lachlan could hold the answers Keyanna is after - and that she might also be the key to uncovering his. Up against time, mystery, and a centuries old curse, they'll quickly discover that magic might not only be in fairy tales, and that love can be a real loch-mess.

I read and loved ‘The Fake Mate’ earlier in the year so I really happy to discover that she had a new book coming this year, and a companion to ‘The Fake Make’ coming next year! This one isn’t a paranormal romance, but it looks super fun.

‘Heavenly Tyrant’ by Xiran Jay Zhao (24 December 2024)

After suffering devastating loss and making drastic decisions, Zetian finds herself on the seat of power in Huaxia, but she has also learned that her world is not as it seems. Revelations about an enemy who dangles one of her loved ones as a hostage force Zetian to share power with a dangerous man she cannot simply depose. Despite their mutual dislike and distrust, the two must work together to take down their common enemy and stoke a revolution against the systems of exploitation that plague their world.

However, power is not so easy to wield once seized, and a revolution is not so easy to control once unleashed. As Huaxia’s former elites strike back and the common people's fervour for justice turns bloody and paranoid, can Zetian remain a fair and just ruler? Or will she be forced to rely on fear and violence and succumb to her darker instincts in her quest for vengeance and liberation?

I think it’s finally, actually coming out this time! ‘Iron Widow’ was one of my favourite books of last year and after multiple pushbacks of the release date, it’s finally hitting shelves at the end of the year. I can’t wait.

‘The Study of Fire’ by Maria V Snyder (26 November 2024

“What happens if he returns to our world?”
“It will burn.”

There's just no rest for Valek, Ixia’s Chief of Security. Challenges are constant and new problems arrive daily, including a request to help Castletown’s watch solve the mystery of a string of nighttime disturbances, and keeping a close eye on the Commander’s food taster as she schemes her way back into business. As if that isn't enough, the Commander’s life is threatened.

Is the assassination attempt on the Commander a declaration of war by the Sitian Council, or is it a ruse by an unknown party to incite a war between Ixia and Sitia? Valek is sent to Sitia to discover the answer and deal with the threat.

Unfortunately, the problem turns out to be much bigger than even the council and the master magicians can handle. An unsanctioned clan with powerful warpers is plotting to take over both countries. As the danger heats up, Valek and Yelena must reunite and stop the group before they can set their entire world on fire.

A companion novel to Fire Study, The Study of Fire reveals Valek’s side of the story. Find out what problems Valek tackles in Ixia before he joins Yelena in fighting against a unstoppable enemy.

The ‘Chronicles of Ixia’ is one of my favourite series and worlds, so it’s really not a surprise that I also adore the Valek POVs. Being in this world is so comforting and I’m so glad the series is continuing.

‘Heavenly Bodies; by Imani Erriu (28 November 2024)

I WOULD TURN THE WORLD TO DARKNESS FOR YOU

In a world ruled by the Stars, cruel and merciless gods, Elara has been cursed by fate.

A prophecy promises she will fall for a Star, but that it will kill them both.

Yet when the Star of Wrath and War descends to hunt Elara, the neighbouring kingdom sees an opportunity to take her from her home, the Kingdom of Night, to Helios, Kingdom of Light. Where she strides straight into the arms of an enemy prince.

There, Elara is forced to either let Prince Lorenzo train her into a weapon worthy of battling against the tyrannical reign of the Stars, or to accept her fate.

But there are shadows even within the Kingdom of Light – and they threaten to reveal the darkness in Lorenzo’s past and the ancient magic that slumbers in Elara’s veins.

And with it all, the undeniable, star-crossed pull between them…

Enemies to lovers, fated mates fantasy about gods? Yep. Gimme.

‘Lost and Lassoed’ by Lyla Sage (5 November 2024)

She thrives in chaos. He prefers routine. The only thing they have in common? How much they hate each other.

Teddy Andersen doesn't have a plan. She's never needed one. She's more of a go-with-the-flow type of girl, but for some reason, the flow doesn't seem to be going her way this time.

Gus Ryder has a lot on his plate. He's always been the dependable one, but when his workload starts to overwhelm him, he has to admit that he can't manage everything on his own. He needs help.

His little sister's best friend, the woman he can't stand, is not who he had in mind. But when no one else can step in, Teddy's the only option he's got.

Tempers flare, tension builds, and for the first time ever, Gus and Teddy start to see each other in a different light. As new feelings start to simmer below the surface, they must decide whether they should act on them. Can they keep things cool? Or will both of them get burned?

This is the third book in the ‘Rebel Blue Ranch’ series and it’s the book that I’m most excited for, and one of my most anticipated of 2024. This series launched a love of cowboy romance for me and I adore it.

‘Wind and Truth’ by Brandon Sanderson (6 December 2024)

Dalinar Kholin challenged the evil god Odium to a contest of champions with the future of Roshar on the line. The Knights Radiant have only ten days to prepare-and the sudden ascension of the crafty and ruthless Taravangian to take Odium's place has thrown everything into disarray.

Desperate fighting continues simultaneously worldwide-Adolin in Azimir, Sigzil and Venli at the Shattered Plains, and Jasnah at Thaylen City. The former assassin, Szeth, must cleanse his homeland of Shinovar from the dark influence of the Unmade. He is accompanied by Kaladin, who faces a new battle helping Szeth fight his own demons . . . and who must do the same for the insane Herald of the Almighty, Ishar.

At the same time, Shallan, Renarin, and Rlain work to unravel the mystery behind the Unmade Ba-Ado-Mishram and her involvement in the enslavement of the singer race and in the ancient Knights Radiants killing their spren. And Dalinar and Navani seek an edge against Odium's champion that can be found only in the Spiritual Realm, where memory and possibility combine in chaos. The fate of the entire Cosmere hangs in the balance.

Now, I won’t be reading this just yet, mainly because I haven’t read the first four ‘Stormlight Archive’ books… I’ve included it on this list because this marks the end of the first arc of this epic fantasy series and it means that in the New Year I can start reading it. I’m a big Sanderson fan and I have the whole series, I’ve just been waiting for it to complete so I can read through without having to reread several 1000 page books every few years when a new instalment is released! I’m nervous, but excited.

What November and December releases are you excited for?

Written by Sophie