Our Books to Binge On feature is pretty simple in its purpose. Every month, we put together a monthly new releases list of books that we’re all looking forward to. These are the books that we can’t wait to read and want everyone to add to their monthly binge-reading lists. Here are the books that we plan to binge on in August of 2021.
The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang
A woman struggling with burnout learns to embrace the unexpected—and the man she enlists to help her—in this heartfelt new romance by USA Today bestselling author Helen Hoang.
When violinist Anna Sun accidentally achieves career success with a viral YouTube video, she finds herself incapacitated and burned out from her attempts to replicate that moment. And when her longtime boyfriend announces he wants an open relationship before making a final commitment, a hurt and angry Anna decides that if he wants an open relationship, then she does, too. Translation: She’s going to embark on a string of one-night stands. The more unacceptable the men, the better.
That’s where tattooed, motorcycle-riding Quan Diep comes in. Their first attempt at a one-night stand fails, as does their second, and their third, because being with Quan is more than sex—he accepts Anna on an unconditional level that she has just started to understand herself. However, when tragedy strikes Anna’s family she takes on a role that she is ill-suited for, until the burden of expectations threatens to destroy her. Anna and Quan have to fight for their chance at love, but to do that, they also have to fight for themselves.
Holly: I am so ridiculously excited for Quan’s story. I loved him in the previous books.
Rowena: I’ve been a fan of Helen Hoang’s books since I read and adored The Kiss Quotient. I’ve been eagerly awaiting this book and seeing what Hoang has in store for Michael’s cousin, Quan. I’m super stoked to jump into this one.
So We Meet Again by Suzanne Park
When up-and-coming investment banker Jess Kim is passed over for a promotion, laid off in a virtual meeting, and then overhears why (“she’s already being overpaid anyway for a woman” and “Asians are worker bees, not someone who can drum up new deals”) she delivers an “eff you guys” speech and storms out of the building. Not sure what’s next, she moves back home to Tennessee with her domineering Korean mom, who tries to set her up with her pastor’s son Daniel Choi, an M&A lawyer by day and a successful video game streamer by night. Turns out he’s swoony and smart, not the awkward preacher’s kid she remembers. With his help, Jess launches a Korean cooking YouTube channel focused on easy meal prep for busy professionals.
All is going well until her mom walks on the show mid-live recording and argues about cooking technique. While she hates being berated by her mother in front of the world, it actually works in their favor—they go viral!
Soon her cooking channel becomes an actual media company and brand. When a client is suddenly interested in buying Jess out, she finds herself sitting across the table from the very investment firm she quit not so long ago. But there’s just one other problem: Daniel, the guy whose been helping her and that she’s been falling for, is the firm’s new general counsel.
Holly: This looks like a cute contemporary romance. I’m adding it to my TBB list.
Rowena: This was a fun romance that I enjoyed a lot so I’m adding this to this month’s post for you guys. This is definitely one you should binge!
New York Times bestselling author Sarah MacLean returns with a blazingly sexy, unapologetically feminist new series, Hell’s Belles, beginning with a bold, bombshell of a heroine, able to dispose of a scoundrel—or seduce one—in a single night.
After years of living as London’s brightest scandal, Lady Sesily Talbot has embraced the reputation and the freedom that comes with the title. No one looks twice when she lures a gentleman into the dark gardens beyond a Mayfair ballroom…and no one realizes those trysts are not what they seem.
No one, that is, but Caleb Calhoun, who has spent years trying not to notice his best friend’s beautiful, brash, brilliant sister. If you ask him, he’s been a saint about it, considering the way she looks at him…and the way she talks to him…and the way she’d felt in his arms during their one ill-advised kiss.
Except someone has to keep Sesily from tumbling into trouble during her dangerous late-night escapades, and maybe close proximity is exactly what Caleb needs to get this infuriating, outrageous woman out of his system. But now Caleb is the one in trouble, because he’s fast realizing that Sesily isn’t for forgetting…she’s forever. And forever isn’t something he can risk.
Holly: I am so behind in my historical romance reading, but I love MacLean, so it’s going in the TBR.
Rowena: I’m a big fan of Sarah MacLean’s works so I’m looking forward to buying this one and digging in. I still have to read the last book in the last series but that’s not going to stop me from buying this one.
Beloved author Lucy Parker pens a delicious new romantic comedy that is a battle of whisks and wits.
Ready…
Four years ago, Sylvie Fairchild charmed the world as a contestant on the hit baking show, Operation Cake. Her ingenious, colorful creations captivated viewers and intrigued all but one of the judges, Dominic De Vere, the hottest pastry chef in London. When her glittery unicorn cake went spectacularly sideways, Dominic was quick to vote her off the show. Since then, Sylvie has managed to use her fame to help fulfill her dream of opening a bakery, Sugar Fair. The toast of Instagram, Sugar Fair has captured the attention of the Operation Cake producers…and a princess.
Set…
Dominic is His Majesty the King’s favorite baker, the go-to for sweet-toothed A-List celebrities, and a veritable British institution. He’s brilliant, talented, hard-working. And an icy, starchy grouch. Learning that the irksome Sylvie will be joining him on the Operation Cake judging panel is enough to make the famously dour baker even more grim. Her fantastical baking is only slightly more troublesome than the fact that he can’t stop thinking about her pink-streaked hair and irrepressible dimple.
Match…
When Dominic and Sylvie learn they will be fighting for the once in a lifetime opportunity to bake a cake for the upcoming wedding of Princess Rose, the flour begins to fly as they’re both determined to come out on top.
The bride adores Sylvie’s quirky style. The palace wants Dominic’s classic perfection.
In this royal battle, can there be room for two?
Rowena: This is another one you guys need to add to your lists of books to binge this month. It was another delightful romance from Lucy Parker and she didn’t disappoint!
I’m Only Wicked with You by Julie Anne Long
USA Today bestselling author Julie Anne Long continues her Palace of Rogues series with a brand-new romance about an ambitious American and a headstrong British heiress.
He’s the battle-hardened son of a bastard, raised in the wilds of New York. She’s the sheltered, blue-blooded darling of the London broadsheets, destined to marry a duke. Their worlds could only collide in a boardinghouse by the London docks…and when they do, the sparks would ignite all of England.
Nothing can stop Hugh Cassidy’s drive to build an American empire…unless it’s his new nemesis, the arrogant, beautiful, too-clever-by-half Lady Lillias Vaughn. The fascination is mutual. The temptation is merciless. And the inevitable indiscretion? Soul-searing—and the ruination of them both. Hugh’s proposal salvages Lillias’ honor but kills their dreams for their futures…until they arrive at a plan that could honorably set them free.
But unraveling their entanglement inadvertently uncovers enthralling truths: about Lillias’ wounded, tender heart and fierce spirit. About Hugh’s stunning gentleness, depth, and courage. Soon, Hugh knows that as surely as he’d fight a thousand battles to win her…the best way to love Lillias means breaking his own heart.
Holly: This is such a great series. I can’t wait to read this installment.
Rowena: So, I’m a book behind in this series but I do want to add this one so that I can jump right into it when I’m done with Angelique’s book.
The Devil You Know (Mercenary Librarians #2) by Kit Rocha
The Mercenary Librarians and the Silver Devils are back in The Devil You Know, the next installment of USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Kit Rocha’s post-apocalyptic Action/Romance, with hints of Orphan Black and the Avengers
Maya has had a price on her head from the day she escaped the TechCorps. Genetically engineered for genius and trained for revolution, there’s only one thing she can’t do—forget.
Gray has finally broken free of the Protectorate, but he can’t escape the time bomb in his head. His body is rejecting his modifications, and his months are numbered.
When Maya’s team uncovers an operation trading in genetically enhanced children, she’ll do anything to stop them. Even risk falling back into the hands of the TechCorps.
And Gray has found a purpose for his final days: keeping Maya safe.
At the Publisher’s request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Holly: Y’all. Mercenary.Librarians. The first book was wonderful and I am so excited for this next book.
Not a lot on my August tbr, but August 10 is going to be a banner day with new books from three of my favorite writers in three of my favorite series:
Rachel Reid releases ROLE MODEL, the fifth book in her Game Changers m/m hockey series. This book is about a closeted player and the out-and-proud social media manager for the team to which he’s recently been traded. That sounds you hear is me squeeing!
M. O’Keefe (that’s Molly O’Keefe’s “dark romance” pen name) releases UNTAMED, the third and final book in her Dark Hearts trilogy (which is itself part of the large multi-author Midnight Dynasty series). In UNTAMED, a young woman, newly married to an inscrutable man, returns to her hometown to uncover the truth about what happened to her late first husband.
Annika Martin’s JUST NOT THAT INTO BILLIONAIRES is the sixth book in her Billionaires in Manhattan series of rom-coms-with-serious-centers. This one is billed as “friends-to-enemies-to-lovers”—and, if you’re familiar with the series, it’s Francine & Benny’s story.
In addition to those books, I’m also looking forward to Ella James’s WRATH (moved from July 28 to August 27). This is part of James’s Sinful Secrets series and is a dark m/m romance between stepbrothers.
And my girl Kati Wilde’s latest shifter romance, SHERIFF’S BAD BEAR, is scheduled for August 31. As usual with Kati’s publication dates, I follow the old Russian proverb, “Hope for the best, expect the worse.” BEAR is the follow-up to TEACHER’S PET WOLF (the heroes of the two books are shifters & brothers; the heroines are sisters). In BEAR, the heroine is a local sheriff, the hero has been crushing on her for a long time. Can’t wait…but I may have to (lol).
I’m definitely looking forward to reading Battle Royal. And, like @DDD, I’m eager to read Rachel Reid’s Role Model.