The Best New Release Books You Must Read in 2023 and 2024

Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward

Genre: Historical Fiction

Plot: This pick from fall 2023 new book releases is an enslaved girl’s odyssey in the years leading up to the Civil War. With the spirit of Dante’s Inferno as their guide, readers are transported through the treacherous landscapes of rice fields, slave markets, and Louisiana plantations. Annis, weaves a tapestry of memories and ancestral tales, in a world teeming with mystical spirits and the resilient essence of rebirth.

Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll

Genre: Thriller

Plot: This pick from new release books 2023 is inspired by real events, this captivating tale takes you on a rollercoaster ride through the lives of two women determined to seek justice and forge an unbreakable bond. With secrets, suspense, and a pursuit that spans decades, get ready to unravel the mystery and shine a spotlight on the extraordinary women who defy the odds.

The List by Yomi Adegoke

Genre: Literary Fiction

Plot: In this pick from fall 2023 new book releases Ola Olajide, a renowned journalist, is thrown into disarray when her fiancé’s name appears on a viral social media post. As secrets and lies intertwine with the digital culture, readers are taken on a mesmerizing journey through the lives of these millennial characters in this debut novel.

A Winter in New York by Josie Silver

Genre: Romance

Plot: Get ready for a sweet and delectable adventure in the bustling streets of New York City! In this pick from fall 2023 new release books, Iris uncovers a hidden family recipe, discovers love, and learns the power of mouthwatering gelato. With secrets, romance, and a dash of culinary magic, this charming tale will leave you craving for more. This pick is also perfect for a list of Delicious Books About Food

A Curse for True Love by Stephanie Garber

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Plot: I have already pre-ordered this pick from the fall 2023 new release books. This YA Fantasy is the third book in the Once Upon a Broken Heart series. Evangaline Fox has what she always wanted, her fairytale castle and prince. However, she cannot remember what she lost and her husband is going to make sure that she never remembers Jacks.

Check and Mate by Ali Hazelwood

I am so honored that I was able to read a copy of this debut YA novel from master romance writer and New York Times Bestselling Author of The Love Hypothesis.

Chess destroyed Mallory’s family four years ago which led to her quitting the sport. Now, she supports her family with a dead-end job. When she plays one last chess game in a tournament and beats the current world champion, Nolan Sawyer, nobody is more shocked than he is.

The cash from the win encourages Mallory to keep playing as a paid fellowship but soon things become even more complicated than the game when she starts to love chess and have feelings for Nolan. This is one of our most anticipated November 2023 new release books and is one of the best YA romances I have read in a long time.thri

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

Genre: Historical Fiction

Plot: I’m so excited to read this pick from the 2023 book releases. This historical mystery is inspired by the diary of Martha Ballard, an 18th-century midwife, who investigated a murder in her small community. When a man found entombed in ice, also happens to be the same man accused of an attack, Martha is sure what happened, and six justice on behalf of those that no one else wants to protect.

This Spells Love by Kate Robb

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Plot: When Gemma’s heart gets shattered, she and her eccentric crew turn to magic margaritas and cast a spell to erase her ex from existence. But the spell actually erases her entire life, including her adorable best friend Dax. To restore the world she knew, Gemma must make Dax remember her by planting a smooch on him, but in the process, she discovers that he might just be the one she’s been searching for all along. Love, mischief, and a dash of enchantment make this rom-com adventure a delightful ride in this pick from December 2023 book releases!

The Gentleman’s Gambit by Evie Dunmore

Genre: Historical Romance

Plot: We love Evie Dunmore and cannot wait for this pick from the new December books. Catriona fought for the women’s suffrage movement. She has given up on finding love. Elias has decided to win. Catriona’s fever is the key to taking back his homeland. Soon, they found that they might have more chemistry than they thought.

The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins

Genre: Thriller

Plot: If you have been following us for a while, you know that we LOVE Rachel Hawkins. We cannot wait to read this book from the new releases books. Ruby McTavish Callahan Woodward Miller Kenmore has died. She is North Carolina’s, richest woman, and is also famous for being the victim of a kidnapping as a child and a widow four times over. Now, after her death, her adopted son, Camden, wants nothing to do with any part of her inheritance. 10 years later, Cam and his wife are pulled back into the family and truths will start to arise.

The Fury by Alex Michaelides

Genre: Mystery-Thriller

Plot: Everything about this pick from new release books for 2024 screams my name. This is a murder thriller told by Elliot Chase. A private island, old friendships, a movie star, and a murder all come together in this isolation thriller. If you are a fan of Alex Michaelides books, this third one is sure to be the best one yet.

Come and Get It by Kiley Reid

Genre: Fiction

Plot: I cannot believe that we are looking at the new release books for January 2024! Millie Cousins is a senior resident assistant at the University of Arkansas, who wants to graduate, get a job, and buy a house. When a visiting professor gives Millie an opportunity that might be more of a hustle, she jumps at the chance.

This book looks at money, greed, and what lengths people will go to for success.

The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett

Genre: Mystery

Plot: The Alperton angles were a cult that almost convinced a teenage girl that her baby was the anti-Christ and needed to be killed. She called the police and disappeared. True Crime author Amanda Bailey wants to write a book about the case and revive her career. Oliver is another author who is also on the case. When they decide to collaborate, the truth may reveal more secrets than they thought possible. I already have this pick from the new January books for 2024 on my TBR.

Family Family by Laurie Frankel

Genre: Literary Fiction

Plot: Laurie Frankel knows how to write a family drama and this pick from new January booksis no exception. India Allwood succeeded in becoming the star she always wanted to be. Now, when she is promoting her new movie about adoption, she does the unthinkable and says it is a bad and one-sided portrayal. In order to fix her reputation, she asks her adopted daughter, Fig, for help and Fig finds the daughter India gave up for adoption.

House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas

Genre: Fantasy

Plot: If you are obsessed with Sarah J. Maas like we are, this pick from new release books 2024 is a must-read. This is the third book in the Cresent City Series. Looking for books to read while you are waiting? Check out 15 Sarah J Maas Books in Order: A Complete Guide to the Fantastic Books or the newest fantasy series, Fourth Wing!

End of Story by A. J. Finn

Genre: Thriller

Plot: I cannot wait to read this mystery thriller from the new February books for 2024. Sebastian Trapp is a reclusive mystery novelist who lives with his second wife, daughter, and nephew. He writes to an expert in detective fiction and longtime correspondent to come and tell his story before he dies. Soon, the story of his first wife and son’s disappearance 20 years ago comes to light and there are questions about Sebastian’s involvement.

The Guest by B. A. Paris

Genre: Thriller

Plot: BA Paris never fails to deliver a great thriller and this pick from the new book releases is no exception. When Iris and Gabriel come home from a holiday to find Laure, one of their best friends in their house, they want to be supportive. After all, her husband had an affair and a secret child. But when her behavior starts to unravel- sleeping in their bed and rearranging furniture, they realize that things may be worse than they thought and that some secrets are more dangerous than others.

The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson by Ellen Baker

Genre: Historical Fiction

Plot: This pick from the 2024 book releases is a sweeping family drama that spans a century. Cecily’s mother dropped her off at an orphanage when she was 4-years-old promising to be back as soon as she could. She never returns and Cecily is adopted into a family that runs a circus when she is 7. Now, in 2015, Cecily is 94 and is shocked when an at-home DNA test reveals secrets about her past and a love story she tried to keep a secret.

The Fortune Seller by Rachel Kapelke-Dale

Genre: Thriller

Plot: This pick from the winter 2024 book releases has been on our TBR for a while. Rosie comes from a middle-class upbringing and worked hard to fit in with her uber-wealthy friends on the Yale equestrian team. When a new girl joins their team, money disappears from bank accounts and tensions rise. After graduation, Rosie realizes there is more to the new girl than she thought and she needs to set things right.

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams

Genre: Romance

Plot: We are so excited to read the love story from the winter 2024 new release books. Ricki Wilde is the daughter of a powerful Atlanta dynasty. Her sisters are socialites and she does not fit in with the family as an impulsive, artistic person. When she is given the chance to move into a Harlem brownstone, she jumps at the chance and soon meets a handsome stranger. Their lives will soon be linked in inexplicable ways.

Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle

Genre: Fiction

Plot: Rebecca Serle has written two of our favorite books from the past few years so you can imagine how excited we are to read this pick from the March 2024 new book releases.

Every time Daphne meets a new man, she receives a slip of paper with his name and number on it. That number is the exact amount of time they will be together. She is waiting for the day. She will receive a piece of paper without an expiration date on it. When Daphne finally meets Jake on a blind date, there is only a name, but she doubts the paper’s prediction, especially because she knows information that would break Jake’s heart.

Anita De Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez

Genre: Fiction

Plot: This pick from the new March books looks like the perfect book to go on our coming-of-age book list or our books about art. In 1988 Anita de Monte was a rising star in the art world until she was found dead. By 1998, Anita had been forgotten. Raquel is a third-year art history student who becomes involved with an older art student and is rising up the social ladder. When she comes across Anita’s story, she sees similarities to her own.

The Berlin Letters by Katherine Reay

Genre: Historical Fiction

Plot: Louisa Voekler is in the CIA and while her colleagues are working on Cold War assignments, she is stuck decoding messages from World War II. Harris Voekler is a journalist who was separated from his daughter after the Berlin Wall went up. When Louisa discovers letters written to her by the father she thought was dead, she begins to learn the truth about her family and risks everything to rescue her father. This looks like such a unique and thrilling pick from the March 2024 book releases.

Bye, Baby by Carola Lovering

Genre: Thriller

Plot: Cassie and Billie were once inseparable best friends who have drifted apart in adulthood. Cassie seems to have everything with a wealthy husband, a new baby, and a lifestyle as an influencer. Billie, on the other hand, is single and childless. One night in the fall, Billie hears Cassie screaming from her apartment one floor above. Cassie has just realized her baby is missing. When Billy looks down, she realizes she is the kidnapper. This pick from the March 2024 book releases looks unputdownable.