December is here, and it's bringing a host of exciting new book releases that are perfect for cozy nights by the fire, holiday travel, or adding to your year-end reading list. From thrilling fantasies to heartwarming romances and gripping mysteries, there's something for everyone. Get ready to discover your next favorite read from this month’s highly anticipated book releases.
december 2024 book releases
December 3rd
PS: I Hate You
by Lauren Connolly
If you’re into enemies-to-lovers stories with a heavy dose of emotional depth, PS: I Hate You by Lauren Connolly should be on your radar this December.
Maddie Sanderson is determined to honor her late brother’s dying wish by scattering his ashes at eight bucket-list destinations. The catch? She has to do it with Dominic Perry—the ex-best friend who once broke her heart. Cue a cross-country road trip filled with snarky banter, poignant moments, and a slow unraveling of past hurts.
This bittersweet romantic comedy beautifully balances humour and heartbreak, making it perfect for readers who love second-chance romances with a side of healing and self-discovery. Expect laughter, tears, and a whole lot of unresolved tension.
Genre: Romance
The Last One
by Rachel Howzell Hall
If you’re craving a romantasy with sharp banter, sizzling chemistry, and a world shrouded in danger, The Last One by Rachel Howzell Hall is a must-read this December.
Kai wakes in a cursed land, memory wiped and survival instincts on high alert, with only a cryptic mission guiding her: reach the Sea of Devour. Along the way, she crosses paths with a blacksmith whose fighting skills are as impressive as his knack for getting under her skin. As they navigate a realm teeming with secrets, sickness, and shadowy enemies, their fiery connection keeps sparking—though it’s unclear whether it will save them or destroy them.
Expect twists, tension, and a dash of enemies-to-lovers energy in this gripping debut. Perfect for fans of dangerous worlds, morally complex heroes, and slow-burn romance.
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Rental House
by Weike Wang
Rental House by Weike Wang is a clever, insightful exploration of marriage, family, and the cultural collisions that come with blending two very different worlds.
Keru and Nate, college sweethearts from vastly different backgrounds, invite their families on two memorable vacations—one to Cape Cod, the other to the Catskills—setting the stage for humour, tension, and unexpected revelations. From meddling in-laws to the chaos of their giant sheepdog, the couple faces big questions about love, loyalty, and what truly holds a family together. Wang’s signature wit and deadpan humour bring levity to this tender examination of identity and belonging.
If you enjoy character-driven stories that balance incisive commentary with heartfelt moments, this book is a gem. Perfect for fans of Nora Ephron or family dynamics served with sharp humor.
Genre: Literary Fiction
A Five-Letter Word for Love
by Amy James
A Five-Letter Word for Love by Amy James is a charming romance about finding unexpected connections in the most unlikely places—like over a Wordle streak. Emily’s life feels stuck in neutral: a small-town auto shop receptionist dreaming of something bigger, she’s more invested in her 300+ day Wordle streak than her coworkers. But when she’s stumped on a puzzle, she reluctantly asks John, a car-obsessed colleague, for help—and starts to see him in a new light. As their daily Wordle routine becomes something more, Emily is pushed outside her comfort zone, challenging her ideas about happiness, success, and love.
With its humor, heart, and a delightful focus on the small joys of life, this book is perfect for fans of feel-good rom-coms and relatable heroines. Ideal for anyone who loves a slow-burn romance with plenty of laughs and wordplay along the way!
Genre: Romance
Keep Me
by Sara Cate
If you love brooding heroes, fiery heroines, and a good marriage-of-convenience trope, Keep Me by Sara Cate is bound to pull you in.
Killian Barclay is a grumpy, heartbroken Scot whose wild reputation has his family desperate for a fix. Enter Sylvie Devereaux, a tough New Yorker who agrees to a year-long marriage deal with Killian in exchange for a hefty payout. What starts as a battle of wills in a sprawling Scottish manor slowly shifts into something deeper, as Sylvie and Killian uncover layers of vulnerability neither expected to show.
With its mix of sizzling chemistry, emotional depth, and the beauty of second chances, this romance is perfect for readers who adore slow burns with a side of tension and heart. A must-read for fans of angsty love stories and a touch of Highland charm.
Genre: Romance
The Rivals
by Jane Pek
The Rivals by Jane Pek is a whip-smart blend of mystery, tech intrigue, and a dash of romance, perfect for readers who love modern twists on detective tales. Claudia Lin, a mystery novel aficionado, finds herself in over her head at Veracity, a dating detective agency uncovering secrets behind online matchmaking. But when a client’s death points to a sinister AI conspiracy, Claudia and her quirky colleagues dive into a high-stakes investigation. Balancing sharp humour, romantic tension, and a plot brimming with twists, this book is as much about unraveling lies as it is about navigating trust and betrayal.
Expect a fresh, witty voice and a cast of characters that feel vibrantly real. Ideal for fans of clever mysteries with a tech-savvy edge and a protagonist you can’t help but root for.
Genre: Crime
Under Loch and Key
by Lana Ferguson
Under Loch and Key by Lana Ferguson is a paranormal romance brimming with mystery, secrets, and undeniable chemistry. Keyanna "Key" MacKay is thrust into her father's hidden world after his death, where an ancient Scottish legend and a brooding, mysterious Scotsman, Lachlan Greer, lead her to uncover secrets that are more magical (and dangerous) than she ever imagined. As they clash, uncovering powers and unraveling a centuries-old curse, the sparks between them fly—whether they want them to or not. This story blends romance with fantasy, featuring a heroine who’s fiercely determined and a hero with his own tangled past.
With a mix of witty banter, steamy tension, and a dash of danger, this is a must-read for fans of slow-burn romance and supernatural twists. If you like your monsters a little less monstrous and your love stories full of mystery, this one’s for you.
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Sister Snake
by Amanda Lee Koe
Sister Snake by Amanda Lee Koe is a sharp, darkly funny exploration of sisterhood, secrets, and the weight of ancient history. Su and Emerald may lead very different lives—one a perfect politician's wife in Singapore, the other a reckless sugar baby in New York—but both are bound by a mysterious past that traces back to a life as snakes under a full moon in Tang dynasty China. When tragedy strikes, the sisters are forced to confront their fractured relationship, sparking a journey filled with tension, raw emotion, and a lot of dangerous truths. This novel delves into themes of queerness, conformity, and the complexities of chosen family, all while reimagining the legendary "White Snake" folktale.
If you're drawn to bold narratives, fierce sisterhood, and biting social commentary, this book will captivate you.
Genre: Literary Fiction
The Peculiar Garden of Harriet Hunt
by Chelsea Iversen
The Peculiar Garden of Harriet Hunt by Chelsea Iversen invites readers into a lush world where magic grows quietly in the soil and a woman’s connection to nature holds the key to her future. Harriet Hunt may be deemed "peculiar" by Victorian society, but her secluded life suits her just fine—especially as it allows her to tend to her garden, a place of magic and mystery that holds secrets she’s yet to uncover. When a sinister plot tied to her father’s disappearance begins to unfold, Harriet must dig deeper into her past and the wild power of her garden to protect herself.
This cosy historical fantasy is brimming with heart, mystery, and a touch of magical realism.
If you love stories of self-discovery, strong heroines, and enchanting secrets, this book is a must-read.
Genre: Historical Fantasy
The Wrong Lady Meets Lord Right
by Suzanne Allain
If you love a twist on the classic mistaken-identity romance, The Wrong Lady Meets Lord Right by Suzanne Allain is the perfect pick. Arabella Grant is thrust into the glittering world of London’s high society when her cousin, Lady Isabelle, convinces her to swap places for a season of balls and courtiers. What starts as an innocent ruse quickly turns complicated when Bella captures the heart of the dashing Lord Brooke, who believes she's the aristocratic Lady Isabelle. But what happens when Bella falls for him too, knowing that the truth could shatter everything?
With sparkling wit, heartwarming romance, and all the charm of Regency-era shenanigans, this delightful comedy of manners is a must-read for fans of Bridgerton-esque intrigue and swoon-worthy love stories.
Genre: Romance
Dust
by Alison Stine
Dust by Alison Stine is a gripping and atmospheric novel that blends coming-of-age with environmental suspense. Thea’s family moves to the isolated Bloodless Valley in southern Colorado, hoping for a fresh start away from society's pressures, only to find themselves battling the land itself. As Thea struggles with her family’s strict rules and her own identity, she befriends Ray, a deaf boy who introduces her to the world of sign language and a new sense of community. As the valley’s drought worsens and black blizzards return, Thea uncovers a chilling connection between her family’s past and the impending disaster.
This novel is perfect for readers who love stories about personal discovery, environmental decay, and the quiet strength of outsiders who find their way.
Genre: YA
Apartment Women
by Gu Byeong-mo
Apartment Women by Gu Byeong-mo is a thought-provoking and timely exploration of family, motherhood, and societal expectations. When Yojin and her family move into a government-run apartment complex outside Seoul, they are expected to embrace a communal lifestyle that prioritizes the nation’s birth rate—by having more children. But as the idealized vision of family life begins to unravel, Yojin, along with three other women in the complex, faces the harsh realities of motherhood, societal pressure, and the imbalance of parenting labor.
With sharp social commentary, the novel dives into the challenges women face when traditional expectations collide with their personal desires. This is a book for readers who enjoy deep, reflective stories that tackle issues of identity, community, and the burdens placed on women in a modern society.
Genre: Literary Fiction
The Secret of the Three Fates
by Jess Armstrong
The Secret of the Three Fates by Jess Armstrong offers a gripping blend of mystery, the supernatural, and historical intrigue. Set in 1922, Ruby Vaughn accompanies her elderly employer, Mr. Owen, to Manhurst Castle in the Scottish Borders, where what seems like a routine appraisal of manuscripts quickly spirals into a deadly enigma. After a séance with a trio of mediums, Ruby and Mr. Owen are thrust into a dangerous web of secrets, lies, and murder. With their names on the line and a killer lurking in the shadows, they must unravel a dark truth that someone is willing to kill to keep hidden.
This atmospheric novel is perfect for readers who love a good historical mystery with a dash of the supernatural and a cast of complex, determined characters.
Genre: Mystery
Roland Rogers Isn't Dead Yet
by Samantha Allen
Roland Rogers Isn’t Dead Yet by Samantha Allen is an irresistibly quirky rom-com that blends humor, heart, and the supernatural in the most unexpected way. Adam Gallagher, a ghostwriter with a past, is hired to help A-list actor Roland Rogers tell his truth in a memoir. The catch? Roland’s been dead for months, and Adam’s now stuck working with a ghost—who’s got a lot of opinions about how his story should be told. As the unlikely duo spends the next month writing, sparks fly, and what starts as a job becomes something more meaningful for both men.
With witty banter, heartfelt moments, and a touch of the otherworldly, this is a perfect pick for fans of romance that’s as full of laughs as it is full of soul. If you’re looking for a fresh and funny romance with a dash of the paranormal, this one’s for you.
Genre: Romance
December 5th
Days of Shattered Faith
by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Days of Shattered Faith by Adrian Tchaikovsky is a thrilling dive into a world teetering between ancient necromancy and a relentless push for ideological perfection. Loret, fresh in her new role, finds herself thrown into a high-stakes, politically charged situation in Alkhalend, where she's tasked with aiding Sage-Invigilator Gil in an illegal duel that could threaten the very fabric of the empire. As tensions rise in the wake of a looming succession crisis and ancient powers stir, Loret and Gil must navigate a web of dangerous alliances, pirate kings, and fading gods. Expect a story rich with complex characters, dark humour, and a battle against a universe that demands conformity.
This fast-paced, genre-bending novel is perfect for readers who love intricate world-building, moral dilemmas, and sharp, witty dialogue. If you're looking for a gripping blend of politics, magic, and rebellion, Days of Shattered Faith should be your next read.
Genre: Fantasy
December 6th
Wind and Truth
by Brandon Sanderson
Wind and Truth marks the explosive climax of the first arc in Brandon Sanderson's Stormlight Archive, and it’s everything fans have been waiting for. As the battle for Roshar intensifies, Dalinar Kholin's challenge to the god Odium has plunged the world into chaos. The Knights Radiant must race against time to prepare for a contest that could decide the fate of their world, all while facing new and terrifying threats. From Kaladin and Szeth's journey to cleanse Shinovar, to Shallan and Renarin uncovering the secrets behind the Unmade, every character's path is fraught with personal demons and world-shattering stakes. With the fate of the Cosmere hanging in the balance, Wind and Truth promises pulse-pounding action, deep character development, and the intricate world-building Sanderson is known for.
If you're ready for an epic conclusion full of twists, revelations, and hard-won victories, this is one you won’t want to miss.
Genre: Fantasy | Series: The Stormlight Archive, Book 5
December 10th
Not in My Book
by Katie Holt
In Not in My Book, Rosie Maxwell has big plans: move to New York, get her creative writing degree, and become a bestselling romance novelist. But when she's forced to co-write a novel with her arrogant and impossibly handsome ex-crush, Aiden Huntington, all of that goes out the window. Aiden, a literary fiction purist, has no time for romance — or for Rosie — but their professor gives them an ultimatum: work together or leave the class. As the two clash over their manuscript, sparks fly, and they find themselves navigating not just the tension in their writing, but the growing attraction between them. With their rivalry reigniting just when things seem to be heating up, Rosie and Aiden will have to decide if they can write their own happy ending, both on the page and in real life.
If you’re a fan of enemies-to-lovers stories with witty banter and a dash of steamy chemistry, this one’s for you. Come back December 10th for my ARC Review!
Genre: Romance
A Monsoon Rising
by Thea Guanzon
If you're a fan of epic fantasy with high-stakes romance and political intrigue, A Monsoon Rising is a must-read. This highly-anticipated sequel to The Hurricane Wars picks up with Alaric and Talasyn, who are forced into an uneasy alliance after a lifetime of conflict between their nations. Married to their sworn enemy, the couple must navigate a web of betrayal, shifting loyalties, and undeniable chemistry. As the threat of the Moonless Dark looms, their magical powers — light and shadow — hold the key to saving their world, but their growing feelings for each other could complicate everything.
With enemies-to-lovers romance, intense battles, and a world full of magic and secrets, this is a gripping continuation of a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you’re ready for another thrilling chapter in this Southeast Asian-inspired world, prepare for a wild ride.
Genre: Fantasy Romance
What the Wife Knew
by Darby Kane
If you’re a fan of dark domestic thrillers full of twists, What the Wife Knew will keep you hooked from start to finish. Addison Dougherty has just become a very rich widow, but her husband’s suspicious death raises more questions than answers. With a marriage that lasted less than 100 days and two prior accidents that nearly killed him, it’s no wonder the town is pointing fingers at her. But Addison has her own plans to untangle Richmond’s twisted legacy, and she’s not about to let anything — or anyone — stop her. As law enforcement closes in and enemies from the past make their move, she’s determined to finish what she started.
If you love stories of revenge, deception, and a woman who will stop at nothing to get what she wants, this book is for you.
Genre: Thriller
Booked for Murder
by P.J. Nelson
If you're a fan of cozy mysteries with a touch of southern charm, Booked for Murder is the perfect read for you. Madeline Brimley has returned to her small hometown of Enigma, Georgia, to claim her late Aunt Rose's bookstore, only to find that life in a Victorian mansion is anything but peaceful. After a series of suspicious fires and a murder on the premises, Madeline quickly finds herself at the heart of a mystery she never expected. Armed with determination and a love for her quirky family legacy, she sets out to uncover the town's secrets before the killer targets her next.
With a small-town setting, a cozy bookstore, and plenty of twists, this debut will keep you turning pages until the very end. Read this book if you like small-town mysteries with an unforgettable heroine and a touch of suspense!
Genre: Cozy Mystery
December 19th
Off Balance
by Rebecca Rathe
Off Balance is a steamy, emotional ride that blends sports, forbidden romance, and self-discovery in a way that will captivate readers from the first page. Domenick Conner, a former boxer looking to make a comeback, never expects to find himself irresistibly drawn to Cameron Stevens—a younger man with his own high-stakes pressures. When their worlds collide through an unexpected connection, the intense chemistry between them forces both men to question everything they thought they knew about love and desire. As Dom battles his past demons and Cameron faces the weight of his own expectations, they must decide whether to give in to their undeniable attraction or fight to protect their hearts. Full of passion, tension, and vulnerability, this is a romance that will pull you in and keep you hooked.
Read this book if you like age-gap dynamics, forbidden attraction, and the tension between two people who can't fight their feelings any longer.
Genre: MM Romance
December 24th, 2024
A Sky of Emerald Stars
by A.K. Mulford
If you’re a fan of epic fantasy, complex characters, and slow-burn romance, A Sky of Emerald Stars by A.K. Mulford is a must-read. This second book in the Golden Court romantasy series takes readers back to the world of Aotreas, where tensions are rising and kingdoms are on the brink of war.
The story follows Sadie Rauxtide, a royal guard who must navigate political intrigue, growing attraction to the man who betrayed her, and her own evolving role in a rapidly changing world. Meanwhile, Queen Calla continues to face challenges of their own, balancing diplomacy and self-discovery as they navigate their gender identity and the fight for true peace. With high-stakes adventure, rich world-building, and a love story that defies expectations, this book promises to captivate fans of both action and romance.
Read this book if you like shifters, secret alliances, and powerful journeys of self-acceptance.
Genre: Romance
Goodreads | UK: Amazon | US: Amazon | DE: Thalia
December 26th, 2024
Wyatt
by Jessica Peterson
If you're a fan of slow-burn romance with sizzling chemistry, Wyatt by Jessica Peterson is about to become your next favorite read. When the girl who's secretly in love with her best friend asks him to teach her the art of hookups, things quickly spiral into something neither of them expected. Wyatt Rivers is the charming, heartbreaker cowboy who's never settled down—he’s just here for fun. But when his best friend asks him for lessons in seduction, their fake flirting soon turns into real passion, and Wyatt starts wondering if he’s ready to break his no-strings rule for good. With a dash of humor, steamy moments, and a friends-to-lovers twist, this romance is perfect for readers who love a little country charm mixed with sizzling heat.
Read this book if you like cowboys, fake dating, and that moment when the line between friendship and love starts to blur.
Genre: Romance
December 27th, 2024
Heart of Thorns
by S. Massery
If you're looking for a romance with a little bit of drama, a lot of chemistry, and a dash of fake dating, Heart of Thorns by S. Massery is just what you need.
The story follows college football star who’s stuck between living his dream and pleasing his wealthy parents, who have their own plans for him. Enter Briar Hart, the campus black cat who’s not impressed by the quarterback's jock status—and certainly not interested in being his fake girlfriend. But when they strike a deal to save face, sparks fly, and suddenly the line between pretending and real feelings starts to blur. With witty banter, a strong-willed heroine, and a hero who might just start believing in love, this book is perfect for readers who enjoy romance with a bit of tension and plenty of heart.
Read this book if you like fake dating, opposites attracting, and discovering love when you least expect it.
Genre: Romance
December 31st, 2024
A Promise of Lies
by Clare Sager
Get ready for the third installment of the Shadows of the Tenebris Court series.
Blurb coming soon!
Genre: Fantasy Romance
december 2024 book releases
If you enjoyed exploring this list of upcoming book releases, I would love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to share your comments, recommendations, or any books you are eagerly anticipating.
Disclaimer: I have added an affiliate link for your convenience so you can directly purchase the book if you are intrigued. This also means that I will receive small commission. This does not affect inclusion in my reviews or the overall rating of the book.
Commenti