New Release Radar: New Books Coming Out on December 31

Alex Faccibene

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The covers of three new book releases coming out on December 31: Eddie Winston is Looking for Love, Dating and Dragons, and Better Than Revenge.

There are a lot of new books coming out every week. With New Release Radar, I’ll help you narrow down the week’s new book releases into the titles you should get excited about. It’s a light week for the final new releases of the year, but I still have five great books to share with you. Read on!

Dating and Dragons by Kristy Boyce

Quinn Norton wants to start fresh at a new high school, so she joins a live-streamed D&D group to make friends. One member is Logan Weber, the charming guy she met on the first day of class. The group’s strict no-dating rule makes Logan off-limits, but his transformation from charismatic to insufferable keeps her guessing. As their banter heats up both in and out of the game, Quinn wonders if Logan’s behavior hides deeper feelings. With the stakes high and the dice rolling, Quinn might just find more adventure than she bargained for.

If you loved Dungeons and Drama, be sure to check out Kristy Boyce’s new book release. Dating and Dragons balances sweet romance with D&D hijinks in a way that’s perfect for an end-of-year read.

RELATED: Tavern Talk Thursday: Dating and Dragons Book Review

Ex Marks the Spot by Gloria Chao

The cover of Ex Marks the Spot has two characters standing close together on a bustling city street at night. Both hold a large map. The character on the left, a male, carries a backpack and gazes forward, while the female character on the right looks around with a determined expression.

Gemma’s world is upended when she learns the Taiwanese grandfather she never knew has passed away, leaving her an inheritance. There are stipulations, however, including a treasure hunt in Taiwan. The only way she can get there is with the help of her ex and high school rival, Xander. Reluctantly teaming up, Gemma embarks on a journey halfway across the world. What starts as a hunt for riches becomes a deeper exploration of family, culture and the possibility of rekindled romance.

Filled with clever puzzles and a swoony romance set against the vibrant backdrop of Taipei, Ex Marks the Spot is an exhilarating adventure. Gloria Chao’s fifth YA romance is a love letter to Taiwain, puzzles and games and love itself.

Eddie Winston Is Looking for Love by Marianne Cronin

Eddie Winston, a 90-year-old romantic who has never been kissed, spends his days volunteering at a charity shop. There, he preserves love letters and mementos from others’ lives. When he meets Bella, a grieving 24-year-old who has just lost the love of her life, an unlikely friendship blossoms. Determined to help Eddie experience the kiss he’s waited for, Bella embarks on an unexpected adventure with him, uncovering love and healing in ways neither of them could have anticipated. 

Marianne Cronin’s new book release is the perfect, sweet read for the end of the year. Eddie Winston Is Looking for Love is a funny, uplifting story about the power of friendship and the ability to find love in unexpected places.

RELATED: New Release Radar: New Books Coming Out on December 24

The Players by Minette Walters

The cover of The Players has a cream background featuring a vintage floral design in shades of blue and turquoise. Below the title, there is a burgundy wax seal with silhouettes of two figures.

When the Duke of Monmouth’s rebellion against King James II is crushed, Dorset braces for a brutal wave of executions. Charged with high treason, the rebel soldiers face grim fates at the gallows. Amid the chaos, the resourceful Lady Jayne Harrier, her enigmatic son and the determined daughter of a magistrate band together in a daring effort to save lives and defy the reign of terror gripping their land.

Minette Walters tells a story of revenge, deceit and compassion in her much-anticipated sequel to The Swift and The Harrier. The Players takes place during a bloody period of British history, bringing realistic characters to life in this powerful work of historical fiction.

Better Than Revenge by Kasie West

17-year-old Finley dreams of becoming a famous podcaster. Her dreams fall apart, however, when her football-obsessed boyfriend Jensen steals her pitch to join their school’s podcast team. Determined to outdo him, Finley hatches a revenge plan that takes an unexpected turn when she discovers a talent for kicking and sets her sights on joining the football team – taking Jensen’s spot. Soon she enlists Theo, Jensen’s cocky rival, to help her train but his charm complicates her plans. As sparks fly and secrets unravel, Finley must decide if true love is worth more than sweet revenge.

Who knew you could combine podcasting and football into a satisfying rom-com? Kasie West’s Better Than Revenge does just that, resulting in a light, funny and sweet new book release.

​You can check out these new book releases at Bookshop.org or your local bookstore. What December 31 new release are you most excited to read? Let us know below, and tune in next week to grow your TBR.

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Alex Faccibene