New Book Releases: December 1st to December 7th, 2025

Do you participate in Jólabókaflóðið? That’s the Icelandic Christmas tradition, in English referred to as the “book flood,” or “Yule flood.” In the months leading up to Christmas, new books are released for Icelanders to purchase and gift on Christmas Eve. Then, they stay up late reading books on the night before Christmas, and drinking hot chocolate. (And fun fact – because of this tradition, books are the most popular Christmas gift in the country.)

I adore this tradition and have kept it up with my own kids, who are adults out living in the wild on their own. While I don’t get to see them most Christmas Eves, it’s important they receive a gift from Mama. And without prompting, they’ve got one on the ready to receive each year.

If you’re looking for ideas, 550+ new books are releasing this week! I’ll cover 5, and Vince will cover another 10 on our Podcast.

Better in Black by Cassandra Clare

On December 2nd, Cassandra Clare releases ten original love stories fro her #1 New York Times bestselling Shadowhunter Chronicles!

This Christmas, reunite with Anna and Ari, Emma and Julian, Kieran, Mark, and Cristina, James and Cordelia, Thomas and Alastair, Sebastian and the Seelie Queen and Jocelyn and Luke! For these ten couples, it’s “united by love and divided by danger.” If romantasy is on your Christmas list, pick up Better in Black.

Sharpe's Storm by Bernard Cornwell

Internationally bestselling author, Bernard Cornwell, drops Sharpe’s Storm December 2nd!

France is a battlefield in 1813, and being winter, it’s even harsher. Major Richard Sharpe is forced to face the brutal conditions while upholding his mission – keep Rear-Admiral Sir Joel Chase alive.

As Sharpe is tasked to him, Sir Joel knows that he’s going to need Sharpe – if he’s going to pull off his audacious plan to defeat Napoleon.

Kingdom of Today by Gena Showalter

New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter releases her dystopian fantasy Kingdom of Today on December 2nd!

Arden Roosa has returned to Fort Bala Royal Academy, now as the girlfriend of the High Prince Cyrus Dolion and not simply a lady-in-waiting. She now has round-the-clock guards, and those with secrets, but she’s got secrets of her own; “a double agent slipping between worlds to decode forbidden prophecy.” But things are spiraling; Cyrus is falling apart, the sleeping gods are beginning to hunt and it’s up to Arden to stop what’s coming before Cyrus opens the door to evil.

Kirkyards & Kindness by Kelley Armstrong

This December 2nd, Kelley Armstrong publishes her novella, Kirkyards & Kindness, set after Death at a Highland Wedding.

Twenty-first century detective Mallory Mitchell is on the case again. But it isn’t murder she’s investigating – she’s looking for the most famous dog in Victorian Scotland. It’s been a year since Mallory landed in 1869 Edinburgh and found Catriona Mitchell’s body; the housemaid who had been working for Dr. Duncan Gray. And it was then that Mallory met Davina – Catriona’s former criminal mentor – that brought on entanglement that almost killed her.

Now she and Davina are linking up again. Davina’s legendary terrier has vanished, and Mallory will help her find Bobby – in exchange for the details on Catriona’s life story.

Tender Cruelty by Katee Robert

On December 2nd, Katee Robert releases a “scorchingly hot modern retelling of Hera and Zeus!”

In this story of Olympus, the barrier that protected them for generations has fallen and the enemy has breached the gates. The Thirteen are now working to protect themselves and those they love. Except Hera who has no plans to allow her husband, Zeus, survive what’s coming.

But now that the pair are being forced to work together, is it possible that Hera is falling in love with the man she married? The one she once swore to kill? Perhaps they’ll find what’s worth saving in their marriage – provided they can survive the enemies threatening them all.

Here are all the new books releasing this week: