With the start of the new year, I decided to compile a list of books I am looking forward to learning more about as their release dates approach. Here is a list of some books releasing this year that I’m very excited to read!
Until the Clock Strikes Midnight by Alechia Dow | Coming February 3rd from Fiewel and Friends
Darling is the most talented Guardian to receive a chance at winning the coveted once-in-a-generation Mortal Outcome Council mentorship. Being the winner would mean gaining the opportunity to shape the future of all mortal realms. Her first assignment is to help Lucy Addlesburg, whose life is a complete mess from her failing bookshop to her doomed flirtation with the princess of Lumina. But Darling refuses to back down from the challenge of completing her best makeover yet.
Calamity is the most talented and arrogant Misfortune of his class. His job is to save mortals from their own terrible decisions made in pursuit of their “Happily Ever After.” When he is granted a shot at the Mortal Outcome Mentorship and he is assigned to Lucy Addlesburg, he believes the odds are in his favor since she’s had such an unfortunate life.
When he arrives, he finds that Lucy has been assigned a chipper, overachieving, magic-wand-wielding Guardian. Darling and Calam insert themselves into Lucy’s life posing as a betrothed couple, trying to guide her onto the best path. As the two work together, they begin to question their loathing for one another as romantic feelings blossom between them.
I’m most looking forward to the romance between these two rivals and find the premise very unique and exciting.
As Long As You Loathe Me by Swati Hedge | Coming March 31st from Delacorte Romance
Meera Rao-George has decided to reinvent herself and stop being the dorky high school girl crushing on her neighbor Sushnat, who only has eyes for cheerleader Lucy Hughson—Meera’s ex-best friend. Through this reinvention, she formulates a plan to not only date Sushant but also dethrone Lucy. Knowing Lucy’s weaknesses and her struggles with anxiety and identity, she makes it her mission to use those against her, but as she reunites with her old friend, she realizes there are much deeper secrets that Lucy hides; some that were at play in their fallout.
I absolutely love stories with complex queer themes, so I’m very excited to look into this upcoming romance.
I Could Give You the Moon by Ann Liang | Coming April 14th from Harper Teen
Chanel Cao has successfully curated a fake life for herself on social media and has the adoration of many fans. But her whole life turns upside down when her parents separate. Determined to keep her parents’ failing relationship a secret, she searches for solutions that could fix their marriage.
Ares Yin has spent his life hiding in the shadows, but once his brother mysteriously disappears, he is determined to step out of those shadows and locate him no matter the cost.
Ares isn’t a fan of Chanel’s, but when he meets her and the two share a vision where Ares’ brother reappears and Chanel’s home burns to the ground, they decide to work together. Ares believes Chanel is the key to finding his brother, and Chanel believes if Ares falls in love with her, it can save her parents’ marriage; however, Ares isn’t interested in Chanel’s fake persona, meaning she will have to break down her walls and get Ares to know the real her.
I’m so interested in the unique premise of this book, and I’ve heard so many great things about the ARC so far, so I’m really excited to check this story out.
Smash Or Pass by Birdie Schae | Coming May 12th from Knopf Books for Young Readers
All her life, 16-year-old Ellie has acted the “right way,” said the “right things,” and dated the “right guy” to avoid being ridiculed for her autism. When her boyfriend dumps her before they’re supposed to leave for beach volleyball camp, Ellie’s world turns upside down and she gets outcasted and labeled as the “weird girl.” In a fit of desperation, Ellie goes to camp SMASH, ready for volleyball and whatever it takes to regain her old reputation. But the situation takes a turn once Ellie meets Sierra, a volleyball legend, who complicates Ellie’s mission to get her boyfriend back.
As a sapphic romance enthusiast, I am so excited to check out this new sporty rom-com!
I am extremely excited to see what’s in store this year and how many books on my TBR I’ll accomplish reading. Hopefully one of these piques your interest!
Anasofia Alejandro, Pine Reads Review Writer