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Romance Reads You’ll Love | December 2021

In the mood for a new romance read this week? Check out our favorite new romance paranormal and romantic suspense books from bestselling authors Kathleen Ball, Parker S. Huntington, Dana Isaly, Meghan Quinn, Sheridan Anne, and Penny Reid. Enjoy your new romances!

Aggie (Mail Order Brides of Pine Crossing Book 3)

by Kathleen Ball

Release Date: November 21, 2021

Will There Be A Christmas Miracle That Will Make Everyone Happy? Aggie and her sister Stephanie have been building a successful Match Making Business for Mail-Order Brides. While Aggie painstakingly matched people, Stephanie just threw people together. Angry mismatched people decide to close the business and run both sisters out of town.

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Darling Venom

by Parker S. Huntington

Release Date: December 11, 2021

I wasn’t supposed to be on that roof on Valentine’s Day. Neither was Kellan Marchetti, the school’s designated freak. We met on the verge of ending our lives. Somehow, the tattered strings of our tragedies tangled and tightened into an unlikely bond. We decided not to take the plunge and agreed to check on each other every Valentine’s Day until school ended. Same time. One roof. Two restless souls. We kept our promise for three years. On the fourth, Kellan made a decision, and I was left to deal with the consequences. Just when I thought our story ended, another one began.

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Dipped In Holly

by Dana Isaly

Release Date: December 11, 2021

Holly was just dumped. Less than a week before Christmas. In public. Dressed as a slutty Mrs. Claus. All she wants is to hide in the bathroom and have a breakdown in peace. But the Silver Fox who owns the bar has other plans.

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The One Night

by Meghan Quinn

Release Date: December 14, 2021

Recently divorced Cooper Chance knows he’s officially in a rut when his parents take him barhopping in the hope of resuscitating his love life. At first, he’s skeptical. How could a gritty dive bar possibly solve his problems? But then he runs into Nora McHale.Nora isn’t at the bar looking for love. She’s there to unwind after yet another exhausting day at her bakery. And even if she were hoping to meet someone, it sure wouldn’t be Cooper—her best friend’s ex-husband.

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HEATHENS (Depraved Sinners Book 2)

by Sheridan Anne

Release Date: December 14, 2021

Twinkle, twinkle little star. Heathens coming, brand new scar. Slaughter turns to pained goodbye. Never knowing if I’ll die. A DeAngelis family war is brewing and these heathens are the vicious ringleaders, pulling the strings of their pawns for the greatest show of all—a show that will guarantee sweet, sweet victory. Only victory comes with a price. The question is, what are they willing to lose to get the one thing they’ve always wanted?

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Homecoming King (Three Kings Book 1)

by Penny Reid

Release Date: December 14, 2021

Bartender Abigail McNerny is the gal-pal, the wing-woman, the she-BFF. She’s dated. Once. And once was more than enough. Privy to all the sad stories of her customers, ‘contentment over commitment’ is her motto, and Abby is convinced no one on earth could ever entice her into a romantic relationship... except that one guy she’s loved since preschool. The guy who just walked into her bar. The guy who doesn’t recognize her. The guy who is drunk and needs a ride home. The guy who has a proposition she should definitely refuse.

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Mystery, Thriller, & Suspense Books to Read | December 2021

Don’t miss out on these exciting new mystery, thriller, and suspense books that are perfect to add to your reading list this winter! Check out these new books by bestselling authors Aleese Hughes, L.T. Ryan & K.M. Rought, Kathi Daley, L.T. Ryan & Brian Shea, Debra Webb, and Alexander McCall Smith. Enjoy your new mystery, thriller, and suspense books!

Inspector Mage: Blood on the Floor (The Inspector Mage Trilogy Book 1)

by Aleese Hughes

Release Date: October 11, 2021

Every Oseran is born with a Mage Gift but, for the talented Inspector Russell Gaines, even his abilities could not help him prevent the death of his sister at the hands of a serial killer known as the New Age God.

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Close to Home (Bear & Mandy Logan Book 1)

by L.T. Ryan & K.M. Rought

Release Date: December 14, 2021

For years, Bear Logan served alongside Jack Noble. A top hitman. A top operator. When his chance at a simpler life came, he took it. But freedom is meant for the free, and that’s a luxury Bear might never have.

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Cottage on Gooseberry Bay: Santa Who?

by Kathi Daley

Release Date: December 14, 2021

USA Today Bestselling author Kathi Daley brings you a heartwarming mystery series about finding answers and fostering hope while building friendships and embracing the magic of life by the sea and small town holidays.

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Whirlwind (Rachel Hatch Book 8)

by L.T. Ryan & Brian Shea

Release Date: November 17, 2021

When Hatch is tasked with finding a missing girl, she finds a small town's dark secret holds the key. To expose it, Hatch must put everything on the line. Set at the relentless pace readers have come to love, Hatch is back and better than ever. Try not to get swept up in the Whirlwind!

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Can't Go Back (Devlin & Falco Book 3)

by Debra Webb

Release Date: December 14, 2021

The past and the present collide in the final installment of USA Today bestselling author Debra Webb’s Devlin & Falco series, threatening everything these two detectives care about. Birmingham detectives Kerri Devlin and Luke Falco arrive at the scene of a double homicide to discover that nothing makes sense. A woman and her child are dead, and though the husband says he killed them, the evidence says otherwise. Why would a man confess to unspeakable murders he didn’t commit?

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The Joy and Light Bus Company: No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency

by Alexander McCall Smith

Release Date: November 16, 2021

Even as she puzzles over mysteries on the domestic front, Mma Ramotswe’s professional duties must take precedence. When a concerned son learns that his aging father’s nurse now stands to inherit the family home, he begins to doubt her intentions and takes his case to Botswana’s premier detective agency. Fortunately, Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi are committed agents of justice and agree to investigate.

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Interview with Carol Selick, Author of Beyond the Song

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Beyond the Song?

I wanted to write about coming of age in the late 60s and early 70s and what it was like being part of the counter culture and trying to make it in the music business.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Beyond the Song, what would they be?

I Haven't Got Time For the Pain - Carly Simon

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Women's historical fiction.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Z - A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Fowler

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The scene where Carol Marks meets songwriter Rose McCoy while waiting for her voice lesson.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Mornings with lots of coffee or sitting at Starbucks or Barnes and Noble.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

My original song - "Grown Up Children Can't Survive"

Carol Selick is the author of the new book Beyond the Song

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Interview with Kathleen Ball, Author of Aggie

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Aggie Mail Order Brides of Pine Crossing?

I always try for a new angle on my books. There are a lot of Mail Order Bride books but many seem the same. There really is a town that was formed in the 1800s with only three structures one was a tent another had log sides and canvas for a roof and the third was a falling down shack. Can you imagine going to a new town to be wed and you get out of the stage coach and see such a town? This book is about 2 sisters who are so opposite. The one that is to be wed thinks she's better than others and her sister is sweet and kind. I wrote this on the premise that being kind can lead to being taken advantage of but it is rewarded in the end.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I love to read and write Historical Western Romance.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Anything by Cynthia Wolf or Kirsten Osbourn

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I always love to write the- we can't be together scene. I love the emotion.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Dare to be Great- I have to remind myself a lot.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

There is kindness in the world and living through something awful makes you a survivor.

Kathleen Ball is the author of the new book Aggie Mail Order Brides of Pine Crossing

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Interview with Miko Montgomery, Author of Ravendiablo

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Ravendiablo: Agent of Kali?

Years ago, I taught a filmmaking class at an inner city summer camp. On the first day of class, I asked my students what they wanted to be when they grew up. Over half the class gave the same answer. They wanted to be thugs. At first I was shocked by the answer. The more I thought about it, I found myself becoming depressed. When I was a kid, my biggest heroes were King Arthur and his knights. Chivalry was cool to me, and it still is. When I got older, I studied Joseph Campbell and the Hero’s Journey. Heroes are important because they represent an ideal that normal people should strive to reach. You can tell a lot about a given society by looking at its heroes. So when half a class of young people told me they aspired to be thugs, I felt the need to do something. I wanted to provide an alternative ideal. So I created Ravendiablo. She’s no thug. She’s James Bond, Bruce Lee and Godzilla.

Ravendiablo: Agent of Kali is an urban fantasy, but more specifically, it’s “wuxia”. Can you tell us a bit more about the wuxia genre?

Wuxia (pronounced “WOOsha”) is an ancient Asian literary genre that has influenced theater, film, television, comic books and video games. Wuxia tales focus on the exploits of wandering warriors/outlaws who fight injustice. They’re masters of martial arts and the blade is typically their favorite weapon for righting wrongs. They tend to be individualists rather than members of a team. Wuxia tales are set in a shadowy underworld ruled by the corrupt and the criminal, the kind of environment where heroes are needed most. Tales of wandering heroes can be found in cultures all over the world. But wuxia is unique for one simple reason; wuxia heroes are both male and female. The women of wuxia are every bit as heroic as their male counterparts and frequently more fierce. Heroism has nothing to do with gender. So wuxia has long been ahead of its time. We need more wuxia. Ravendiablo: Agent of Kali is my contribution.

The subtitle of Ravendiablo is “Agent of Kali”. Could you tell us a little more about this subtitle and the inspiration behind it?

Kali is a Goddess figure in the Hindu tradition. But you don’t have to be Hindu to understand what she represents. In the western world, primarily thanks to Hollywood, Kali has been misrepresented and maligned. She’s always presented as being an evil, bloodthirsty, demonic figure. And yet, in many parts of the world, she’s rightly understood to be a mother figure. In fact, she’s often referred to as Mother Kali. Anyone who takes the time to look deeper into Kali will find that she’s quite unlike the Hollywood representation. Yes, she’s definitely a destroyer alright. But she only destroys evil. She’s the protector of women and children. If anything, Kali is an avenging angel, and certainly not a demon. My personal nickname for Kali is the Queen of Righteous Rage. Ravendiablo works on her behalf, as a result, she’s an agent of Kali. Like Kali, Ravendiablo is a destroyer. But no one dies who’s not supposed to.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Making Comics by Scott McCloud, The Heroine’s Journey by Gail Carriger, and The Memoirs of Billy Shears.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I’ve got a quirky belief that the muses of mythology are real. At least in my life they are. I’ve got nine of them, all female, and they hover around me all the time. But these spiritual beings only manifest themselves to me when I sit down and do the work. If I’m lazy, they ignore me. But when I do the work, they always come to me and assist me. Always.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

I actually have a degree in philosophy, but unfortunately, nothing I learned in school expanded my mind or touched my soul. The most important thing I learned in college wasn’t learned in a classroom, but outside the classroom. I once saw a piece of paper attached to a tree outside the student union. Written on the paper were the words, To Be is To Do. Even after many years, those are the most profound words I’ve ever heard. That’s my philosophy and I try to live it everyday.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Remember the words of David Bowie… we can all be heroes.

Miko Montgomery is the author of the new book Ravendiablo: Agent of Kali

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Interview with T.L. Christianson, Author of Court of Flame and Ashes

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Court of Flame and Ashes?

Do you ever come across people that are so compelling that you want to know everything about them? That’s how this story came to be. The main characters of Court of Flame and Ashes – Lyra and Kastian – were first seen in my other series, The Dragon Born Academy, in book 4, Frying Night. Kastian is seen as a selfish prince and Lyra an angry prisoner in his castle. But I knew there was so much more to them. So, here it is, the beginning of their own story!

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Court of Flame and Ashes, what would they be?

I’ve actually made a whole playlist on Spotify titled Court of Flame and Ashes! However, the song that most reminds me of this book would be Tourner Dans Le Vide (Spin into the Void) by Indila. It’s in French, but the lyrics and intense vibe completely capture this book! “Non, ne le jugez pas” – Don’t judge him. A few runners-up would be: Roman Sky by Avenged Sevenfold, It’s Now or Never by DJ Denz the Rooster, Imposible by EMDI HVSH & Shiah Maisel…. Okay, so this whole soundtrack!! 😉

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

My go-to reading genre has always been sci-fi and fantasy – bonus if it has romance. It’s in the neighborhood of the genre I write in – but I’ve found that my natural writing voice puts me squarely in the new adult / young adult (fantasy/sci-fi) genre.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

My TBR is almost 2K… so I’m a bit backed up. However, right now, I’m reading Fortune’s Pawn by Rachel Bach, and Dhakhar, by Annabelle Rex.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Shhhh… that scene is actually a spoiler. However, I can tell you what I adored writing about: the crazy, stupid magnetism between Lyra and Kastian. Their hearts and heads are leading them in different directions. Both fight their connection to the other in their own ways, which is always fun to unfold.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

LOL… I have a tiny, keychain Kakao friend (like a squishmallow) that I wedge under my monitor. I picked him up in Seoul, South Korea, while I was there a couple years ago. He’s yellow, really soft and I take him with me when I travel.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

"Qui n’avance pas, recule." It means if one is not moving forward, they are moving backward.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

The one thing I want readers to remember after reading my book is that we’re all broken in one way or another, but what matters is how we react. We can choose to move forward like Kastian or dwell in our trauma like Lyra.

T.L. Christianson is the author of the new book Court of Flame and Ashes

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Interview with Aleese Hughes , Author of Inspector Mage

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Inspector Mage: Blood on the Floor?

When I was five years old, I read Harry Potter for the first time–by myself. Ever since, I’ve had an affinity for the fantasy genre. Not long after, I got into the murder mystery genre. For years I’ve wanted to combine the two in a way that would appeal to both audiences. After writing and publishing a few books, I finally decided to buckle down and write the story I’ve always wanted to, which became The Inspector Mage Trilogy.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

My favorite genre to read would have to be the fantasy genre. There's something special about an author creating their own world and inspiring the people who read about it. And for that very reason, fantasy is my favorite to write.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

This is a loaded question. What isn't on my TBR list? I want to catch up on all of Brandon Sanderson's books, The Wheel of Time Series, and Sarah M. Eden's books. And those are just a few on an ever-growing list!

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

This might make me seem crazy, but my favorite scene to write in this book was the murder scene. I think every murder mystery writer must have a bit of a dark side. Something was thrilling about planning out the murder and ensuring the clues that would appear later in the story were evident.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I really enjoy listening to epic movie soundtracks while I'm writing--especially The Lord of the Rings soundtrack.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

This is one of my favorite quotes: "Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny." – C.S. Lewis. As someone who has struggled with depression and anxiety, those words are so comforting and inspiring.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

The one thing I'd hope my readers remember is the feeling they had when they read my books. Not the plot, not the characters, but whether or not my words evoked emotion. If I could brighten even one person's life with my books, I'd feel like I succeeded.

Aleese Hughes is the author of the new book Inspector Mage: Blood on the Floor

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Interview with Mic Nickels, Author of Bars for Days

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Bars for Days?

For years, people had been telling me I needed to document my life. I have just had a lot of amazing experiences and had a lot of run-ins with interesting people. When I returned to finish my degree at the University of Miami, I was excelling in my writing classes, and one of my professors encouraged me to expand my assignments into an all out book.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Bars for Days, what would they be?

Well, the story itself comes with a soundtrack. There is a full album that is being released alongside this book. One song I’d recommend listening to would be Sky City, by Mic Nickels. This one really encompasses the vibe of the book. I’d also say Travellin Man, by Mos Def, and New York State of Mind, by Nas would be fitting for the motif.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I love reading dystopian sci-fi; 1984, Brave New World, Fahrenheit 451, Cat’s Cradle etc. I haven’t written anything like this yet, but I am planning to delve into fiction next, and most likely the story will fall into this vein.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Be Water My Friend, by Shannon Lee. Magicians of the Gods, by Graham Hancock. Griot by Jeremy Pelt. Lost Continent of Mu, by James Churchward.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

There were a lot of scenes that I really enjoyed writing. Visiting Peru to go to Machu Picchu was a special experience. Hanging out with Tracy Morgan for a weekend was pretty wild too. I also enjoyed revisiting my daughter being born during the eclipse of 2017. It was fun going back to these moments and bringing them to life for the audience.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I like to listen to instrumental music on YouTube while I write. Mostly loft study beats, or heavy synth concentration music in strange frequencies.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

You can't control anything in life, except outlook.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

That life is short. Try to do your best to enjoy every moment.

Mic Nickels is the author of the new book Bars for Days

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Interview with Andrew Rivas, Author of Rips and Tears

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Rips and Tears?

The inspiration for Rips and Tears came from the decades-old redacted government files that are declassified every so often. I found myself poring through them, trying to decipher what I could from what wasn’t redacted. The stories between the black bars were often implied, often invented, but my imagination always ran wild when thinking of what was behind the black bars. It’s also inspired by old SCP stories and Control (the video game), which I played right before I started writing and convinced me I could write a story like this.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

My favorite genres to read are definitely science fiction and fantasy (most of the times a mix between the two), and they are also by far my favorite to write. Taking something that doesn’t exist and making it relevant to the human experience, to our base fears and wants, is very fun for me.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I’ve been meaning to finally tackle Dune (by Frank Herbert) ever since watching and enjoying the movie, but I haven’t had the time. Right now I’m reading Ronin (by Emma Mieko Candon), a samurai Star Wars novel, that is absolutely fantastic.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene in the novel to write was definitely the case file on the GLITTER, which is simultaneously a single speck of glitter / an infinite, exponentially growing pile of glitter. Once it touches human skin, it multiplies until it engulfs and suffocates the person it came into contact with. I absolutely loathe using glitter in crafts, and how it gets everywhere, so turning that hatred into a terrifying/hilarious existential threat was very fun.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I write in bursts of twenty minutes or so. I find it very hard to write for extended periods of time; it’s much easier for me to write in ten twenty minute increments throughout the day than to write for three hours straight. Not sure if that’s weird or not, but that’s how I write.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

I don’t have a singular motto I live by, but I try to be as kind and understanding as I can be, and I value empathy very highly in the people I choose to keep around me.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

If readers remember one thing after reading my book, it’s this: the paranormal events in my book are obviously fictional, but the various alphabet agencies (FBI/CIA/etc) have done some WILD, insane, crazy things that have been declassified since they occurred, and reading about them can make you feel insane. And those are the things they’ve admitted to; imagine what they haven’t.

Andrew Rivas is the author of the new book Rips and Tears

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Interview with Gina Lynn Murray, Author of One Trembling Heart

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write One Trembling Heart, Out of Darkness into the Light: A Journey from Paralyzing Anxiety to Finding Rest?

I went through years of anxiety and panic attacks. A little over seven years ago it became so severe I almost died from the physical weight of it on my mind and body. I knew there had to be an answer, but I wasn’t finding it in my church or in other avenues. I finally found a great counselor who helped me understand that I had suffered traumas that I didn’t really label as trauma, and needed help healing from those. God did end up being my answer, but not in the way I had been taught. He brought me from severe anxiety to a place of rest in His love for me. I wrote this book to try to help others find healing. Not by giving them the answer, but by directing them to the source of the answer.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of One Trembling Heart, Out of Darkness into the Light: A Journey from Paralyzing Anxiety to Finding Rest, what would they be?

Walking on Sunshine

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Christian Fiction. No.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Becoming Santa & Looking for Santa

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

When I was able to hug my brother for the first time in 6 years!

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Just complete silence!

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Do it for the one!