Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.
This week’s topic is Books on My Fall TBR, and I’m highlighting ten ARCs I plan to read. Let’s check them out!
1. One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
Title: One Dark Window
Author: Rachel Gillig
Page Length: 432
Publication Date: Oct. 18, 2022
Publisher: Orbit Books
Synopsis: Elspeth Spindle needs more than luck to stay safe in the eerie, mist-locked kingdom of Blunder—she needs a monster. She calls him the Nightmare, an ancient, mercurial spirit trapped in her head. He protects her. He keeps her secrets.
But nothing comes for free, especially magic.
When Elspeth meets a mysterious highwayman on the forest road, her life takes a drastic turn. Thrust into a world of shadow and deception, she joins a dangerous quest to cure Blunder from the dark magic infecting it. And the highwayman? He just so happens to be the King’s nephew, Captain of the most dangerous men in Blunder…and guilty of high treason.
Together they must gather twelve Providence Cards—the keys to the cure. But as the stakes heighten and their undeniable attraction intensifies, Elspeth is forced to face her darkest secret yet: the Nightmare is slowly taking over her mind. And she might not be able to stop him.
2. Blood Moon Prophecy by Dilani Kahawala
Title: Blood Moon Prophecy
Author: Dilani Kahawala
Series: Legend of the Nyx
Publication Date: Oct. 11, 222
Publisher: Cedar Street Press
Synopsis: Eleven years ago, Tilly Nyx did something she wasn’t supposed to. As a result, her mother was killed. Her village was destroyed. Her sister disappeared. An ancient horror sent her into hiding.
Now sixteen and undercover in New York City, she has waited eleven years to go home, even though she doesn’t know where home is or how to get there. All she has is the map that her mother made her swear to protect with her life. And the promise that a man called the Time Keeper is supposed to rescue her, if she can just hold on long enough for him to arrive.
But when the Time Keeper is found dead in his hotel room, with a message to contact Tilly inked on his skin, her world is upended once again. Now someone is hunting for her and the map, and if they find her, the consequences will be deadly.
Tilly soon finds herself plunged into the world where her story began—a world of oceans and sailing ships, of feuds between ancient magical families. She joins a fleet in search of the secret her map holds, which has been guarded by her family for four thousand years.
As Tilly learns how to cast sprites and make potions, she and her three friends must follow the trail of murky, disturbing clues left by her ancestors before time runs out. But the closer they get to their destination, the more Tilly discovers that nothing is what it seems…not even herself.
3. Imperfect Angel by Christi Barth
Title: Imperfect Angel
Author: Christi Barth
Page Length: 336
Publication Date: Oct. 25, 2022
Publisher: Entangled Pub.
Synopsis: Three days ago, all Maisy Norgate had was a stack of bills, about a gazillion jobs, and her sunny-as-hell outlook. Now, thanks to an uncle she never knew about, she’s inherited an ornate skeleton key with absolutely no idea what it’s for—or why she has it. Which is exactly when a ridiculously handsome guy claiming to be an angel shows up at her door and all hell breaks loose…
Nephilim Rhys Boyce cannot believe that Maisy is the new Keeper of the Key. Why would anyone bequeath this warm, bubbly redhead the key to Hell? And to make matters worse, she’s given the key to the first person who asked for it. A demon. Yep, Maisy is determined to make his job—not to mention some seriously inconvenient temptation—as hard as possible.
First a half angel with a very human chip on his shoulder must find a way to convince Maisy that angels and demons do exist. Then Rhys will have to break the really bad news…that she might have accidentally ended the world.
4. The Belle of Belgrave Square by Mimi Matthews
Title: The Belle of Belgrave Square
Author: Mimi Matthews
Series: Belles of London #2
Page Length: 432
Publication Date: Oct. 11, 2022
Publisher: Berkley
Synopsis: A London heiress rides out to the wilds of the English countryside to honor a marriage of convenience with a mysterious and reclusive stranger.
Tall, dark, and dour, the notorious Captain Jasper Blunt was once hailed a military hero, but tales abound of his bastard children and his haunted estate in Yorkshire. What he requires now is a rich wife to ornament his isolated ruin, and he has his sights set on the enchanting Julia Wychwood.
For Julia, an incurable romantic cursed with a crippling social anxiety, navigating a London ballroom is absolute torture. The only time Julia feels any degree of confidence is when she’s on her horse. Unfortunately, a young lady can’t spend the whole of her life in the saddle, so Julia makes an impetuous decision to take her future by the reins—she proposes to Captain Blunt.
In exchange for her dowry and her hand, Jasper must promise to grant her freedom to do as she pleases. To ride—and to read—as much as she likes without masculine interference. He readily agrees to her conditions, with one provision of his own: Julia is forbidden from going into the tower rooms of his estate and snooping around his affairs. But the more she learns of the beastly former hero, the more intrigued she becomes…
5. The Last Huntress by Lenore Borja
Title: The Last Huntress
Author: Lenore Borja
Series: Mirror Realm #1
Page Length: 256
Publication Date: Nov. 1, 2022
Publisher: Sparkpress
Synopsis: Alice Daniels has a problem. Her reflection keeps misbehaving when she looks in the mirror–and the longer she ignores it, the harder it tries to get her attention. On her eighteenth birthday, she learns why: she is a huntress, someone gifted with the power to enter mirrors and the magical world that exists beyond. But with this power comes immense responsibility, for in the Mirror Realm lurks an evil that has infected the human race for centuries: demons. It is up to her and her three huntress sisters–with the help of one handsome and overbearing protector–to hunt and banish this evil one demon at a time, thereby keeping the chaos in check. But when an ancient god pays Alice a visit that turns deadly, it is clear the Mirror Realm is more than it seems, and she soon finds herself in a race against time to save the life–and soul–of the one man the gods are determined to never let her have.
The Last Huntress is a story of redemption and sacrifice, the bonds of true sisterhood, and the impossible, sometimes frightening, things we’ll do for love.
6. Within These Gilded Halls by Abigail Wilson
Title: Within These Gilded Halls
Author: Abigail Wilson
Page Length: 320
Publication Date: Oct. 1, 2022
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Synopsis: After studying art for two years under Miss Drake, a renowned painter, Phoebe Radcliff is certain she can finally move beyond the childish mistake that’s kept her away from home. She is determined to carve a new, happier future and is thrilled when Miss Drake employs her to complete a complicated ballroom renovation—the first real test of her talent.
Everything changes, however, the moment Miss Drake is murdered. With her last breath she imparts the location of a clue to Phoebe. Can the biggest secret of Avonthorpe Hall be true—the rumored treasure real? Phoebe is tasked to finish the detailed trim work in the ballroom by Miss Drake’s infuriatingly regimented yet all-too-handsome nephew, Lt. Graham Burke. She finds herself in the perfect position to uncover the answers she craves about her beloved teacher’s death as well as fulfill the promise she made regarding the treasure. If only she can do so before Lt. Burke leases the house.
But dark shadows line the gilded halls of Avonthorpe. Soon enough, Phoebe realizes she’s not the only person with knowledge of the clues—and worse, she’ll need Lt. Burke’s help to stay ahead of whoever is hard on her heels. If only she wasn’t so attracted to the gentleman. And why is she exactly? She’s always had far greater plans for her life than an uncomfortable romance with a former military lieutenant.
Caught up in a deadly race for answers, Phoebe must find a way to breach the shroud of lies that surrounds every last resident in the house and, more importantly, face a past she’s been running away from for far too long.
7. Fates Chosen by L.M. Rhys
Title: Fates Chosen
Author: L.M. Rhys
Series:
Page Length: 368
Publication Date: Aug. 22, 2022
Synopsis: The Fates Chosen Heir is said to be a myth. But some know the truth.
Through the Veil of Elysian, faeries and humans rule side by side. Before the birth of the twin faerie princesses, a prophecy was foretold. One child to be chosen for light and one for dark. To save their land, the human king helps send one of the princesses through the Veil and into the true Human World.
But a prophecy must come to fruition.
Years later, Evie Monroe finds herself knee deep in tequila and other questionable coping mechanisms. But when the handsome captain of the Stalwartian Guard arrives on her doorstep, she learns that faerie tales are real—as well as the monsters that come with them. Now she must fight to save a world she never knew existed. And if she fails, she will doom them all.
8. Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove by Rati Mehrotra
Title: Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove
Author: Rati Mehrotra
Page Length: 352
Publication Date: Oct. 18, 2022
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Synopsis: To learn what she can become, she must first discover who she is.
Katyani’s role in the kingdom of Chandela has always been clear: becoming an advisor and protector of the crown prince, Ayan, when he ascends to the throne. Bound to the Queen of Chandela through a forbidden soul bond that saved her when she was a child, Katyani has grown up in the royal family and become the best guardswoman the Garuda has ever seen. But when a series of assassination attempts threatens the royals, Katyani is shipped off to the gurukul of the famous Acharya Mahavir as an escort to Ayan and his cousin, Bhairav, to protect them as they hone the skills needed to be the next leaders of the kingdom. Nothing could annoy Katyani more than being stuck in a monastic school in the middle of a forest, except her run-ins with Daksh, the Acharya’s son, who can’t stop going on about the rules and whose gaze makes her feel like he can see into her soul.
But when Katyani and the princes are hurriedly summoned back to Chandela before their training is complete, tragedy strikes and Katyani is torn from the only life she has ever known. Alone and betrayed in a land infested by monsters, Katyani must find answers from her past to save all she loves and forge her own destiny. Bonds can be broken, but debts must be repaid.
9. Ship Wrecked by Olivia Dade
Title: Ship Wrecked
Author: Olivia Dade
Series: Spoiler Alert #3
Page Length: 400
Publication Date: Nov. 19, 2022
Publisher: Avon
Synopsis: Maria’s one-night-stand—the thick-thighed, sexy Viking of a man she left without a word or a note—just reappeared. Apparently, Peter’s her surly Gods of the Gates co-star, and they’re about to spend the next six years filming on a desolate Irish island together. She still wants him…but he now wants nothing to do with her.
Peter knows this role could finally transform him from a forgettable character actor into a leading man. He also knows a failed relationship with Maria could poison the set, and he won’t sabotage his career for a woman who’s already walked away from him once. Given time, maybe they can be cooperative colleagues or friends—possibly even best friends—but not lovers again. No matter how much he aches for her.
For years, they don’t touch off-camera. But on their last night of filming, their mutual restraint finally shatters, and all their pent-up desire explodes into renewed passion. Too bad they still don’t have a future together, since Peter’s going back to Hollywood, while Maria’s returning to her native Sweden. She thinks she needs more than he can give her, but he’s determined to change her mind, and he’s spent the last six years waiting. Watching. Wanting.
His shipwrecked Swede doesn’t stand a chance.
10. Some Dukes Have All The Luck by Christina Britton
Title: Some Dukes Have All the Luck
Author: Christina Britton
Series: Synneful Spinsters #1
Page Length: 368
Publication Date: Nov. 8, 2022
Publisher: Forever Pub
Synopsis: Ash Hawkins, Duke of Buckley, no more wants to marry than he wants a stick in his eye. As the owner of a gaming hell, he is all too aware the odds of a happy marriage are against him. But raising his three rebellious wards alone is proving more than he can handle. He needs to find someone who stands to benefit from a marriage of convenience as much as he does. Someone logical, clinical, and rational. And in a stroke of luck, he quite literally stumbles over just such a woman.
After years of ridicule for being more interested in bugs than boys, Bronwyn has accepted that she’ll never marry for love. Her parents, however, are threatening to find her a husband. Bronwyn doesn’t need any scientific research to show her Ash has secrets. But his proposal would give her the freedom to continue her entomology research and perhaps finally get published. Just as long as she can keep her mind on her work and off his piercing eyes, broad shoulders, and wicked, wicked tongue.
Are any of these on your TBR? What are you reading this fall? Comment below!
I’ve got Night of the Raven Dawn of the Dove, too. Hope we both enjoy it!
Me too, Tessa! I’m excited to hear your thoughts on it. 🙂
I ended up DNFing Imperfect Angel, so I really hope you like it more than I did!
Oh no! I’m looking forward to that one, Sorry you didn’t enjoy it.
Great picks! I hope you enjoy them.
Thanks so much!
Ship Wrecked is one I want to read but didn’t make my list. I hope we both love it.
Thanks! Me too. It sounds really good. 🙂
Oooh this is one epic TBR, Julie! I read and adored One Dark Window and I think you will enjoy it, and I’m looking forward to reading your thoughts on Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove. Enjoy your reading 😀
Thanks, Becky. I just started One Dark Window today. I’m only a few chapters in, and I’m already loving the dark, atmospheric feel. 🙂
Yay! Glad to hear you’re enjoying it 😀
Such a great TBR! I hope you will love them all. I can’t wait to read Ship Wrecked either!
Thanks, Yvonne! I hope you enjoy it. 🙂
Im excited for Ship Wrecked and The Belle Belgrave Square!
They both sound so good!! And I love both authors. I hope you enjoy both!
I am definitely wanting to read some more Mimi Matthews. Great list! I can’t wait to see what you think of some of them.
I’ve only read a couple of Mimi Matthews books, but I loved them. Definitely looking forward to this one. 🙂 Thanks!
Blood Moon Prophecy has such a great cover.
My post: https://lydiaschoch.com/top-ten-tuesday-books-on-my-fall-2022-to-read-list/
Right! I’m excited to read it.
Ohhh, I should have been nice to myself and added One Dark Window! I’m really enjoying it so far, by the way!! I hope you love all of these Julie. I know, you are such a quick reader, and will most likely get to all of these. <3 I hope they are amazing reads for you!!
Thanks, Leslie! I’m liking it so far too – but I need to catch up to you. I’m only on ch 5.
This is a really great list! I just finished One Dark Window and it was outstanding, so I’m really glad to see it on a list this week! I hope you get to read all of these books and love them.
Thanks so much, Leah! I actually started One Dark Window today. Loving it so far, but I’m only five chapters in.
It keeps getting better!
It sure does. I’m having a hard time putting it down!
Lots of good looking fantasy options here. Fates Chosen looks particularly interesting
Terrie @ Bookshelf Journeys
see me here: https://www.bookshelfjourneys.com/post/ttt-my-fall-tbr
That’s one of my next reads. Can’t wait!
These all look so good! I need to add some of these to my TBR – thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Yolanda!
All of these books have such gorgeous covers! I’m definitely adding some of these to my TBR. I hope you enjoy them all.
Here’s my list: TTT
Thank you! 🙂
Mimi Matthews and Abigail Wilson are authors I have been meaning to read but haven’t yet. I hope you enjoy all of these when you get a chance to read them. https://cindysbookcorner.blogspot.com/2022/09/top-ten-tuesday-fall-tbr-2022.html
Thanks so much, Cindy!
I’ve excited to read Shipwrecked! I really liked the first two books in the series — such a fun world!
I hope you enjoy it when you get to it!
There’s a few on here that I can’t wait to get to! I hope you enjoy them.
Great list, Julie! I’ve been seeing so much about One Dark Window lately and I’m very intrigued. I’ve also had my eye on Night of the Raven since I came across the cover on Twitter and I can’t wait to get my hands on it. It looks so so good. 😍 I hope you enjoy all these books and happy reading! 💜
I think you would LOVE One Dark Window, Dini! It’s dark and atmospheric, very unique, great romance. SOooooo good!! Thanks! 🙂
What a great list, Julie. It looks like you have some great reading coming up. I want to read the Spoiler Alert series, as well as Within These Gilded Halls. Several others interest me, which is why this is a very dangerous TTT for me to read all the various posts. Enjoy all your upcoming books, Julie.
Thanks, Carla! I’m pretty excited to read all of these. Within These Gilded Halls is one of my next reads. So excited when I saw that one in the mail!