Books Read in December 2020

Since I started my blog earlier this year, I keep swearing that I’m going to consistently write monthly wrap-ups. The swearing happens often. The wrap-ups not so much. I managed to write a wrap-up once this year. Oof. I’m not really a resolutions type of person but I am going to try to do better. So! Onto the books that I’ve read in December.

Read in December

The Ex Talk

First on my list isThe Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon. SO. Much. Buzz. about this in Booklandia. Enemies-to-lovers story that takes place in the world of public radio and podcasting. Fun stuff to me because I podcast as part of my job. Comes out in January 2021 from Berkley.

Killer Content

Next up is Killer Content by Olivia Blacke, the first book in the Brooklyn Murder Mystery series. Fish out of water Odessa, from a small town in Louisiana, experiences culture shock when she offers to cat sit in her aunt’s NYC apartment. Things get even more exciting when a coworker gets murdered. Due out February 2021 from Berkley.

Calculated Risks

This is the tenth book in the InCryptid series. Calculated Risks by Seanan McGuire starts directly after the events in Imaginary Numbers, thankfully! Because OMG, what a cliffhanger! I’m glad that I got a second, very satisfying book with cousin Sarah. Due out February 2021 from DAW. Read my review of Imaginary Numbers.

Winter’s Orbit

Oh, my heart! Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell is AMAZING. That feeling you had reading Red, White and Royal Blue (Read my review of RW&RB) or The House in the Cerulean Sea? That warm, cozy hug of a reading experience is exactly what Winter’s Orbit gave me. Set against a space empire backdrop, you get court intrigue, an arranged marriage with one of the spouses being the Emperor’s least favorite grandson and the other a foreign diplomat suspected of killing his first husband. Mysterious alien artifacts! LGBTQ+ rep. Shared bed -oops, we’re stuck in the wilderness, we should snuggle for survival feels. This book has EVERYthing. All of it. And it’s gorgeous and happy-making. Due February 2021 from Tor Books.

Accidentally Engaged

Accidentally Engaged by Farah Heron is a steamy fauxmance to romance. Reena does not need her family’s over the top interference. Especially not in the form of an arranged marriage. Except Nadim is hella hot. And she needs a fiance to compete in this family cooking competition. So it makes perfect sense to fake an engagement for the, start a hot hookup habit with Nadim. And tell her family that she has no interest in Nadim to show them she’s independent right? This book was so much fun! And the food descriptions. Yum! East Asian and African food. And bread *drool* Due out in March 2021 by Forever.

These Feathered Flames

Next up is These Feathered Flames by Alexandra Overy, a retelling of the Firebird story. Twin sisters – one destined to rule as Queen and one destined to be the Firebird, the magical being who exacts the price for using magic. Lots of court intrigue, angst, and a queer love interest. Due out in April from Inkyard Press.

If the Shoe Fits

My last book read in Decemberwas If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy is a New Adult contemporary retelling of Cinderella. Cindy just graduated from design school but with no job offers. So, she’s at loose ends until a producer suggests she goes on a Bachelor-type reality show to get exposure. Awesome idea. Until Cindy sees the Prince and realizes he’s the cutie she shared a moment with during her flight to CA. Now what? Shoes, sweet feels and whirlwind romantic competition. Hooray for fat positivity, commentary on fashion, and a chonky, stylish MC. Drops in August 2021 from Disney-Hyperion.

In conclusion

Not as much as I wanted to read in December. But what I did read included some fantastic books. What did you read in December? I’m always looking for suggestions so tell me what to add to my TBR list in the comments below.

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Thank you to Netgalley, Berkley, DAW, Tor Books, Forever, Inkyard Press, and Disney-Hyperion for the ARCs.