November is a time to say goodbye to autumn and prepare for winter. Mental and emotional prep are essential for darker days. I'm talking about hygge, the Danish custom of delving into the comforting and cozy parts of winter to stave off depression.
An essential part of hygge is actually your TBR pile. Reading books gives you the dopamine you need to make it through the winter, and the feelings of romance also lift your mood. So, what better books to read than romance novels? Here is a list of the newest romance and romantasy novels coming just in time to stock up for the long winter's night.
Thrown for a Loop by Sarina Bowen — Nov. 4
Thrown for a Loop is Sarina Bowen's latest novel, and fans of her other titles such as the Him series and The Five Year Lie will not be disappointed. It already has a 4-star rating on Goodreads from early readers, and it's a got a fun premise in the second chance romance between a hockey player and a former ice skater.
Zoe and Chase met at an ice skating camp as teens. They fell for each other quickly, but something happened that made Chase feel betrayed and he broke off their relationship. Ten years later, and Zoe has been hired by Chase's hockey team as a skating coach. Will they be able to skate together after all the hurt they caused each other?
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Blackthorn by J.T. Geissinger — Nov. 4
Dark romantasy lovers will not want to miss J.T. Geissinger's Blackthorn. Star-crossed lovers turned enemies reunite when the matriarch of the Blackthorn family dies and her body goes missing. If you like Romeo and Juliet or Hatfields and McCoys type of love story, with dark magic mixed in, this is going to be the perfect choice.
Maven Blackthorn and Ronan Croft once loved each other fiercely, even though their families have been bitter rivals for years. But that love broke when Ronan's family killed Maven's mother. Returning home after twelve years for her grandmother's funeral, Maven must face Ronan again. This time, she'll need his help to find her grandmother's body after it vanished into thin air.
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Fallen City by Adrienne Young — Nov. 4
Musical fans who know the premise of the play, Urinetown, have an advantage when reading Fallen City. That's because the plot is similar, albeit without the capital punishment for relieving yourself someplace not government approved.
In a corrupt and broken city, the daughter of a magistrate falls for the leader of the rebellion. They started with stars in their eyes and dreams of a brighter future, but the political and religious 'powers that be' are not so easily defeated. Will Luca and Maris be able to save their people and each other?
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Other November 4 releases that you'll want to check out include Ship of Spells by H. Leighton Dickson, A Heart of Crimson Flames by A.K. Mulford, Son of the Morning by Akwaeke Emezi, and Ladies in Waiting: Jane Austen's Unsung Characters Anthology.
The Marriage Narrative by Claire Kann — Nov. 11
What do you get when you combine a man from a reality TV family and a woman who considers marriage a business deal? A chaotic and messy "fake" marriage broadcast to the world. The newest release from Claire Kann, author of The Romantic Agenda, is a fun and steamy, contract marriage rom-com.
Jordan grew up in the spotlight, where his family has their own reality TV show. The producers want him to get married to his ex-girlfriend to up their ratings. He needs a different bride, and fast. Zinnia doesn't want the hassle of dating. She's ready to be married, if only she can find a groom who can stick their agreed upon contract. Match made in TV heaven?
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An Academic Affair by Jodi McAlister — Nov. 11
Another contract marriage tale on our list comes from Jodi McAlister, this time between two rival literature professors. What do two literature professors even have to be rivals over, you ask? A new teaching position with a pay raise and higher benefits.
Sadie and Jonah both need this new teaching position, and they are prepared to fight tooth and nail for it. After all, they've had it out for each other since they were students of the literature department. But, it turns out that they can both get the job and teach as partners. The only caveat is that those partners need to be a married couple. What's a little fake marriage when it comes with your dream job?
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Also releasing on November 11 are two new romantasies to add to your TBR: The Seventh Champion by Sylvia Mercedes and The Reluctant Reaper by MaryJanice Davidson. I've read several Sylvia Mercedes books, and I am excited to read this latest one!
The Last Wish of Bristol Keats by Mary E. Pearson — Nov. 13
The Last Wish of Bristol Keats is the second book of The Courting of Bristol Keats duology by Mary E. Pearson. It continues the story of Bristol's complicated romance with the fae king, Tyghan. But now, Bristol must also deal with the dangerous and potentially deadly powers that she has manifested.
Since this is a duology, the sequel cannot be read as a standalone. But fans of this series will tell you that is is worth it to binge the first book before the second releases. So, if you love twists, turns, and fae magic, both book in The Courting of Bristol Keats series should be on your reading list.
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Violet Thistlewaite is Not a Villain Anymore by Emily Krempholtz — Nov.18
Looking for a cozy romantasy to get you in the hygge mood? Violet Thistlewaite is Not a Villain Anymore fulfills all the requirements for a cute and cozy love story, with some added magic. Plus, it deals with how we view ourselves and what makes a person truly good or evil.
Violet has moved to a new town for a fresh start, and she's putting her days of using her plant magic for wicked deeds behind her. The townspeople are kind and welcoming, except for the alchemist Violet shares a greenhouse with. Nathaniel doesn't trust Violet, but he'll need her help to stop the disease killing all of the town's plants. Can Nathaniel see beyond Violet's past?
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Brimstone by Callie Hart — Nov. 18
The eagerly awaited sequel to Callie Hart's Quicksilver is almost here! Brimstone continues the story of Saeris and Fisher, with Saeris now queen of the Blood Court. When her family need her help back home, Saeris can't leave the fae court unattended, so she sends Fisher with the smuggler who can cross dimensions.
Fisher is not thrilled to be away from his mate and he especially dislikes the smuggler he's forced to accompany. But, he'll do anything for Saeris, even if it means crossing fire and brimstone to reach her family.
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Secret Nights and Northern Lights by Megan Oliver — Nov. 18
Secret Nights and Northern Lights is Megan Oliver's debut novel, but the hype for it has been crazy among book recommendations. At least, in the book groups on social media. A second chance love story between former best friends, this book is sure to make you feel all of the heartbreak and hopefulness Mona and Ben share.
Mona is a people pleaser. She pretends that everything is fine, no matter the situation. When she finally gets the chance to write something other than fluff pieces for the magazine she works at, Mona has to put on a smile and push through all obstacles. The biggest one being Ben, her childhood best friend who broke her heart, is the photographer assigned to her story.
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Two other releases coming on November 18 are And Then There Was You by Sophie Cousens and The Bookshop Below by Georgia Summers. If you love Hallmark movies, these two books will be right up your alley.
Second Chance Romance by Olivia Dade (Harlot's Bay #2) — Nov. 25
As you can probably gather from the title, Second Chance Romance is about a second chance romance. And, don't jump to conclusions, Harlot's Bay is just the name of the town the book takes place in. Though this romcom does have some spice to it!
Molly and Karl were friends in high school, and though they had feelings for each other, they never took it farther. Molly left town for years after a friendship-ending fight, but when Karl's obituary shows up in the paper, she rushes back home. Thankfully, there was an error with the newspaper and Karl is still alive. But now Molly has to confront Karl as well as her emotions.
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Hollow by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti — Nov. 25
If you've read Zodiac Academy, you'll be excited to hear that Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti are back with a new series, beginning with Hollow. This is a dark romantasy with plenty of spice, and it will leave you wishing the sequel was already available.
The woods are a death sentence because of what lurks in them, but Ferris must venture in to participate in the hunting competition. She needs to be the winner because the prize is life-changing, and one that she cannot afford to let slip by. But the most dangerous of all the beasts in the woods finds her, and he also has no plans of letting her go.
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Other November 25 releases are The Wicked by Rebecca Johnpee, The Marriage Method by Mimi Matthews (The Crinoline Academy #2), Ember Eternal by Chloe Neill, and As Many Souls As Stars by Natasha Siegel. There are so many amazing books coming out in November, you shouldn't have any trouble stockpiling your reading supplies to keep you comforted throughout the winter.