Winter 2022 TBR (and a look back at a very old seasonal TBR)

December 22, 2021

It’s time for my Winter TBR!

(A couple of days late, but whatever.)

Before I get into the books on my list, I need to tell you all something. When I started this post, I decided to check and see how long it’s been since I made a seasonal TBR, and I realized I haven’t made a seasonal TBR since summer of 2020! It really doesn’t feel like it’s been that long, but for old times’ sake, what if we do a quick look back at that TBR before moving on to my Winter TBR?

summer ’20 tbr

Riot Baby
Alice
The Return
On the Come Up
Echoes: The Saga Anthology of Ghost Stories
House of Earth and Blood
The Library of the Unwritten
Tunnel of Bones
The Wives ✅⭐
Full Tilt ✅⭐⭐

Wow… I’ve literally only read 2/10 of this TBR. 😅 And the 2 that I did read, I hated! I guess that’s a pretty good indication of how poorly I was doing with TBR lists in 2020…


winter ’22 tbr
57693537Where the Drowned Girls Go // Seanan McGuire

✨ review copy ✨

I love the Wayward Children series and am so excited to finally re-visit Cora’s storyline!

———

Welcome to the Whitethorn Institute. The first step is always admitting you need help, and you’ve already taken that step by requesting a transfer into our company.

There is another school for children who fall through doors and fall back out again.
It isn’t as friendly as Eleanor West’s Home for Wayward Children.
And it isn’t as safe.

When Eleanor West decided to open her school, her sanctuary, her Home for Wayward Children, she knew from the beginning that there would be children she couldn’t save; when Cora decides she needs a different direction, a different fate, a different prophecy, Miss West reluctantly agrees to transfer her to the other school, where things are run very differently by Whitethorn, the Headmaster.

She will soon discover that not all doors are welcoming…

57693184Dead Silence // S.A. Barnes

✨ review copy ✨

The best way I can think of to pitch this, based on my understanding of the plot, is Ghost Ship in space. I’m freakin’ sold.

———

Claire Kovalik is days away from being unemployed—made obsolete—when her beacon repair crew picks up a strange distress signal. With nothing to lose and no desire to return to Earth, Claire and her team decide to investigate.

What they find at the other end of the signal is a shock: the Aurora, a famous luxury space-liner that vanished on its maiden tour of the solar system more than twenty years ago. A salvage claim like this could set Claire and her crew up for life. But a quick trip through the Aurora reveals something isn’t right.

Whispers in the dark. Flickers of movement. Words scrawled in blood. Claire must fight to hold onto her sanity and find out what really happened on the Aurora, before she and her crew meet the same ghastly fate. 

58064046Gallant // V.E. Schwab

✨ review copy ✨

V writes books, I read them… that’s just how it goes. Also, I think this is their biggest foray into full-on horror? I’m so stoked.

———

Olivia Prior has grown up in Merilance School for girls, and all she has of her past is her mother’s journal—which seems to unravel into madness. Then, a letter invites Olivia to come home—to Gallant. Yet when Olivia arrives, no one is expecting her. But Olivia is not about to leave the first place that feels like home, it doesn’t matter if her cousin Matthew is hostile or if she sees half-formed ghouls haunting the hallways.

Olivia knows that Gallant is hiding secrets, and she is determined to uncover them. When she crosses a ruined wall at just the right moment, Olivia finds herself in a place that is Gallant—but not. The manor is crumbling, the ghouls are solid, and a mysterious figure rules over all. Now Olivia sees what has unraveled generations of her family, and where her father may have come from.

Olivia has always wanted to belong somewhere, but will she take her place as a Prior, protecting our world against the Master of the House? Or will she take her place beside him?

55279022. sy475 The Shadow of the Gods // John Gwynne

✨ buddy read ✨

My spouse and I have plans to buddy read one book per month in 2022, and this is our January pick! I haven’t ever read anything by John Gwynne, but I’ve always heard his books are incredible.

———

This is the age of storm and murder.

After the old gods warred and drove themselves to extinction, the cataclysm of their fall shattered the land of Vigrio.

Now, power-hungry jarls carve out petty kingdoms, and monsters stalk the shadow-haunted woods and mountains. A world where the bones of the dead gods still hold great power, promising fame and fortune for those brave – or desperate – enough to seek them out.

As whispers of war echo over the plains and across the fjords, fate follows the footsteps of three people: a huntress searching for her missing son, a jarl’s daughter who has rejected privilege in pursuit of battle fame, and a thrall who has cast off his chains and now fights alongside the famed mercenaries known as the Bloodsworn.

All three will shape the fate of the world, as it once more teeters on the edge of chaos.

53369734Weather Girl // Rachel Lynn Solomon

✨ review copy, group read ✨

I’ve heard so much hype about this author, and this romance book specifically, that I got an eARC of it, and then Ellyn announced it as the January Hoemance Book Club pick, which is perfect timing!

———

Ari Abrams has always been fascinated by the weather, and she loves almost everything about her job as a TV meteorologist. Her boss, legendary Seattle weatherwoman Torrance Hale, is too distracted by her tempestuous relationship with her ex-husband, the station’s news director, to give Ari the mentorship she wants. Ari, who runs on sunshine and optimism, is at her wits’ end. The only person who seems to understand how she feels is sweet but reserved sports reporter Russell Barringer.

In the aftermath of a disastrous holiday party, Ari and Russell decide to team up to solve their bosses’ relationship issues. Between secret gifts and double dates, they start nudging their bosses back together. But their well-meaning meddling backfires when the real chemistry builds between Ari and Russell. Working closely with Russell means allowing him to get to know parts of herself that Ari keeps hidden from everyone. Will he be able to embrace her dark clouds as well as her clear skies?

29367958. sy475 The Wall of Winnipeg and Me // Mariana Zapata

✨ group read ✨

I loved the one book I’ve read by MZ (Dear Aaron), so I’ve been meaning to read more of her books. This is the February pick for the Hoemance Book Club!

———

Vanessa Mazur knows she’s doing the right thing. She shouldn’t feel bad for quitting. Being an assistant/housekeeper/fairy godmother to the top defensive end in the National Football Organization was always supposed to be temporary. She has plans and none of them include washing extra-large underwear longer than necessary.

But when Aiden Graves shows up at her door wanting her to come back, she’s beyond shocked.

For two years, the man known as The Wall of Winnipeg couldn’t find it in him to tell her good morning or congratulate her on her birthday. Now? He’s asking for the unthinkable.

What do you say to the man who is used to getting everything he wants?

54756850Delilah Green Doesn’t Care // Ashley Herring Blake

✨ review copy, group read ✨

I’ve read a few of AHB’s YA and MG books and have loved them SO much that I literally did an actual dance at my desk when I learned she was making her adult romance debut! This is the Hoemance Book Club’s March pick, but honestly, I might not be able to wait that long to read it!

———

Delilah Green swore she would never go back to Bright Falls—nothing is there for her but memories of a lonely childhood where she was little more than a burden to her cold and distant stepfamily. Her life is in New York, with her photography career finally gaining steam and her bed never empty. Sure, it’s a different woman every night, but that’s just fine with her. When Delilah’s estranged stepsister, Astrid, pressures her into photographing her wedding with a guilt trip and a five-figure check, Delilah finds herself back in the godforsaken town that she used to call home. She plans to breeze in and out, but then she sees Claire Sutherland, one of Astrid’s stuck-up besties, and decides that maybe there’s some fun (and a little retribution) to be had in Bright Falls, after all.

Having raised her eleven-year-old daughter mostly on her own while dealing with her unreliable ex and running a bookstore, Claire Sutherland depends upon a life without surprises. And Delilah Green is an unwelcome surprise…at first. Though they’ve known each other for years, they don’t really know each other—so Claire is unsettled when Delilah figures out exactly what buttons to push. When they’re forced together during a gauntlet of wedding preparations—including a plot to save Astrid from her horrible fiancé—Claire isn’t sure she has the strength to resist Delilah’s charms. Even worse, she’s starting to think she doesn’t want to…

31050237. sy475 A Court of Silver Flames // Sarah J. Maas

✨ 2022 TBR ✨

You’re getting a wee sneak peek into my 2022 TBR, because this is the first book on the list! I think my heart is finally ready for this book. 🥺

———

Nesta Archeron has always been prickly – proud, swift to anger and slow to forgive. And since the war – since being made High Fae against her will – she’s struggled to forget the horrors she endured and find a place for herself within the strange and deadly Night Court.

The person who ignites her temper more than any other is Cassian, the battle-scarred, winged warrior who is there at Nesta’s every turn. But her temper isn’t the only thing Cassian ignites. And when they are forced to train in battle together, sparks become flame.

As the threat of war casts its shadow over them once again, Nesta and Cassian must fight monsters from within and without if they are to stand a chance of halting the enemies of their court. But the ultimate risk will be searching for acceptance – and healing – in each other’s arms.

57091457. sy475 Her Soul to Take // Harley Laroux

✨ hype pick ✨

This is the only book on this list that doesn’t fit a specific “theme” I was going for (ARCs, buddy/group reads, etc.), and is instead only here because it’s gotten so much hype and sounds SO good.

———

Leon
I earned my reputation among magicians for a reason: one wrong move and you’re dead. Killer, they called me, and killing is what I’m best at.
Except her.
The one I was supposed to take, the one I should have killed – I didn’t.
The cult that once controlled me wants her, and I’m not about to lose my new toy to them.

Rae
I’ve always believed in the supernatural. Hunting for ghosts is my passion, but summoning a demon was never part of the plan. Monsters are roaming the woods, and something ancient – something evil – is waking up and calling my name.
I don’t know who I can trust, or how deep this darkness goes.
All I know is my one shot at survival is the demon stalking me, and he doesn’t just want my body – he wants my soul.

59221154. sx318 Waif // Samantha Kolesnik

✨ recent purchase ✨

I pre-ordered this based strictly on hearing so many people rave about this author’s writing mixed with how incredible the plot and cover are. I’m obsessed with this cover! It just came out a few weeks ago, but I got my pre-order early and every time I look at it, I need to read it right now!

———

Angela has everything she thought she ever wanted—a successful husband, a lavish house, and a bottomless fortune.

But the sight of a strange man in a grocery store one night reawakens her dormant sexuality and soon Angela embarks on a dangerous descent into the world of underground pornography and back-alley plastic surgery.

As the stakes get higher, long-buried memories resurface and Angela finds herself enamored with Reena, a fetish film performer. With some help from a queer gang called The Waifs, Angela is forced to make the decision between her unhappy upper-class life and the treacherous world of underground film.


What’s on your Winter TBR? If you’ve made a post or video about it, please feel free to drop a link below – I’d love to see it! ♥


 

destiny

twitter | booktok | bookstagram goodreads

More about Destiny @ Howling Libraries

Just a horror aficionado/geek girl trying to juggle motherhood, reading, blogging, gaming, and everyday life.

28 Comments
    1. Good luck with your Winter TBR! ❤️ I’m also very excited for Where the Drowned Girls Go, Delilah Green & Weather Girl to come out 🥰 Dead Silence also sounds good and I just found out that I have read something by this author before, as they are also writing under a different name 😊

      1. Thank you so much! Oooh, that’s so cool! I didn’t know they’ve written under a different name! I’m going to have to go peek and see if I recognize any of their other titles. 🙂

    1. I can’t wait for Where the Drowned Girls Go and Gallant! Also need to pick up The Shadow of the Gods, because that cover and the one of the sequel are perfect!

      1. I love the cover for The Shadow of the Gods and its sequel SO much! I actually think the cover for the sequel (I can’t remember the name right now) is one of my favorite covers I’ve seen in a long time. I hope the book is just as good inside, too!

    1. This was such a fun post! Weather Girl and Gallant are on my TBR as well, I’m so excited to read them 😊 Happy holidays!

    1. I have read so little this month compared to the rest of the year so I know how you feel. Granted what I read I loved so I guess I’m lucky that way lol. Merry Christmas, happy Holidays, and hopefully you rock your winter tbr (despite that it’s seventy degrees and nice here in Missouri…where is my snow? Lol)

      1. I’m so glad you’ve loved what you’ve been reading, even if it’s less than usual! Happy holidays to you, too! I’m in Georgia, and it’s been in the mid 70s for a week or two, so I feel your pain lol. Can we please just go to some amazing snowy mountain lodge somewhere?! 😂

    1. *Sneaks in unexpectely, ha!*

      My lord it’s been ages. But, like.. I didn’t even know precious Schwab is gracing us with more books! Not that surprising since I’ve been entirely out of the loop but.. YAY! I read the ADSOM-trilogy this year, somehow – don’t ask me how -, and absolutely loved those so… let’s just say I’m keeping an even bigger eye out for more Schwab-books!

      And, A Court of Silver and Flames?! YESHH. My copy has been staring at me ever since it arrived – one of those preorders from way back when – and I just haven’t been able to get myself ready. Kingdom of Ash broke me in all the best ways and knowing Maas can do that to me is just… freaking me out, haha.

      I hope you’re well and enjoying the holidays! <3

      1. Um, HELLO! It put the dopiest smile on my face to see this comment! ♥

        Schwab is so amazing, and I swear they are ALWAYS working on a million projects at once! I’m so glad you loved the Shades books. Did you know there’s a spin-off trilogy coming, too?!

        Oh my gosh… can you believe I still haven’t read KoA? *hides face* lmao I am SO SCARED. I keep saying I’m going to re-read the whole series first, but I think I’m just trying to delay the inevitable. 😂

        I hope you are, too! ♥ Sending you and the little one so much love for the new year!

    1. Oh, I’m living for dopy smiles lately. Like, those are the most genuine, in my humble opinion. [That and the pig-like snorting some people succeed at doing – that’s a good one as well.]

      spin-off trilogy where? when? gimme that! I might have to create a Schwab-shelf! But then I’d seriously need another bookcase because I can barely fit in another book in mn TBR-cases OR my read-cases so this shit is getting problematic…

      YOU STILL HAVEN’T?! I’ve been staring at the series a LOT, doubting whether to reread the whole thing and let Maas kill me again but.. so far, I didn’t succumb, haha! You really are trying to delay the inevitable and.. I think reading ACOSAF will make you delay it even more. I haven’t read that one but I feel like it’ll remind us of what Maas is capable of and you’ll just put KoA on the bottom of your TBR again? xD

      ♥♥

Say hello! ♥

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

%d