I am aware that it’s mid March and like half of these books are out already. And to that I say… Who cares? I haven’t read them yet, so I’m still excited for them! Really I’m doing you a favor, because this just means you don’t have to wait to read some of these. You’re welcome. 😊

As always, I’m focusing on books for the first half of the year and books that are either standalones or the first in a series.

*If you’re considering buying any of these books from Amazon US, I’d appreciate it if you use my affiliate links! It will help support this blog at no additional cost to you!*

The Wolf and His King by Finn Longman

This is a retelling of “Bisclavret,” which I am not familiar with. But it’s about a knight who is a werewolf and can’t control it, and a new king who doesn’t know his secret? But feelings! And then I guess the knight disappears but a wolf shows up… I don’t know, that’s what I got from the description. It sounds great and between that, the comparisons to other books, and the cover, I’m getting sort of ethereal, folksy, romantic vibes. (I think this one released earlier in other countries but this year in the US.)
Amazon // Goodreads

The Last Best Quest Ever by F.T. Lukens

YA high fantasy about a girl who’s secretly been lying about her questing skills having to go on a quest to save her brother, with a ragtag little group, including her “competitive situationship” nonbinary love interest. I’ve just started reading this one, her brother used that term, and it’s just so funny to me. Seems like it’s going to be a fun one!
Amazon // Goodreads

Ignore All Previous Instructions by Ada Hoffmann

One of the few sci-fi books on my list, about a woman in a somewhat AI-controlled future who’s been writing stories about a character based on her ex, and now her ex is in trouble and needs help with something illegal. I love a good exes working together story, I don’t know if there will be romance now, but I like the premise regardless. Also: “Back when they were teenagers, their relationship was a secret. Kelli had thought that Rowan, a trans man, was her schoolmate Am, a girl.” This intrigues me too, love a book with queer rep that maybe isn’t perfectly neat and tidy.
Amazon // Goodreads

Bromantasy by Máire Roche

This one just sounds fun. Do I need more reason than that? The tagline: “Two heroes. One brain cell.” and this line from the description: “Fellas, is it gay to kiss your bff while on a quest through the forest you’re unqualified for?” both made me chuckle. I could use more funny books in my life.
Amazon // Goodreads

City of Others by Jared Poon

This was recommended to me by a friend. It’s been a while since I’ve read a true urban fantasy, and this one, set in Singapore with supernaturals from Southeast Asian lore, about a government worker having to save the city from a supernatural disaster, with found family and queer romance, does indeed sound like a book I’ll like! It’s also the start to a series.
Amazon // Goodreads

Flour & Forge by Herman Steuernagel

This one is part of a series but seems to be one that works as a standalone, and it sounds sweet and cozy. It’s fantasy about a baker who ends up in another world, traveling on a mission with a team of dwarves, and there’s what other reviewers describe as slow burn m/m romance.
Amazon // Goodreads

Verdant by Twoony

Two men in an intergalactic militia whose relationship starts as just sex but grows into something more. That can be a really fun dynamic to read about when it’s done right. Apparently there’s also some hidden pasts and secrets and carnivorous space plants. It just sounds good! It says it’s the first in a series, not sure if the rest will be about the same or different characters.
Amazon // Goodreads

The Bloody and the Damned by Becca Coffindaffer

YA dystopian about an assassin with teleportation powers turning to their ex-best friend (who broke their heart) for help when their sister is kidnapped. That entire sentence is wild. I told you I like exes having to work together. Delicious dynamic and sounds like an interesting story.
Amazon // Goodreads

Don’t Eat Your Human Boyfriend by Lily Mayne

A ghoul crushing on his human coworker and trying not to eat him. The description and cover make it seem campy and fun!
Amazon // Goodreads

Apparently, Sir Cameron Needs to Die by Greer Stothers

I said earlier that I need more funny books in my life, so here’s another one! Listen, the entire description for this one is ridiculous in the best way, and I can’t paste the whole thing here. But it’s fantasy, there’s a knight who everyone wants to kill because of a prophecy, and a grumpy sorcerer who turns him into a vulture to save him even though he doesn’t like him, and romance. Can’t wait!
Amazon // Goodreads