The Baroness’ Choices of New Books Publishing This Week
2025, Week 4’s New Books
My choices for this week include Romantic Comedy, Romantic Suspense, Young Adult Romantic Fantasy, Sweet Cowboy Romances, Cozy Paranormal Mysteries, Sweet Cowboy Holiday Romances, Cowboy Romances, Young Adult Romantic Comedies, Romantic Mysteries, Cozy Culinary Paranormal Mysteries, Romantic Fantasy, Sweet Holiday Romances, and Traditional Mysteries.
It’s crazy to think that we are almost done with the first month of 2025 already! Wow, time flies. How has January been for you? For us, it’s been crazy busy getting things done and ready to go, but the excellent books make it all worthwhile.
There are so many excellent books coming out this week, and many of them sound great. Jen wants to read one of these books, and I have two.
Here are my choices for New Books Publishing Week 4 of 2025!
The Loathe Boat by Cindy Dorminy
Publication Date: January 20, 2025
Genre: Romantic Comedy
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The Loathe Boat is about to set sail! All aboard!
Chrissy Parks already has one failed marriage under her belt, and despite being on good terms with her ex, she has no desire to put another ring on her left hand anytime soon. Life is good with Deacon, her amazing boyfriend, so there’s no need to rock the boat.
Deacon Youngblood has other plans. He pops the question just days before they plan to set sail on a role-playing-themed cruise. When Chrissy flips out and turns down his proposal, he begins to think that she may not be over her ex.
The situation escalates into a breakup, but neither will relinquish their cruise ticket. Chrissy climbs aboard the Sovereign of the Sea with the goal of clearing her head and enjoying all the cruise has to offer. Deacon follows with the hope of winning her back.
Chrissy has a nagging feeling that Deacon is hiding something from her. And he’s not the only one vying for her attention. Chrissy must search her heart and decide who she wants. Or maybe she should abandon ship.
Arctic Pursuit by Anna J. Stewart
McKenna Code #1
Publication Date: January 21, 2025
Genre: Romantic Suspense
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Falling in love…
Isn’t supposed to be part of the jobFBI special agent Ty Savakis keeps his promises. That’s why he’s asked Wren McKenna to join him in an isolated Alaskan town: he wants her help safeguarding a witness he swore to protect. To find the assailant who tried to kill her, Ty and Wren go undercover as a married couple. These partners have always been a perfect team, but sharing an apartment makes it impossible to resist the attraction they’ve both fought to deny. Will the violent criminal they’re tracking give them a chance to imagine a future together?
Bonds of Silver and Mist by Veronica Chastain
Courts of the Wild Fae #1
Publication Date: January 21, 2025
Genre: Young Adult Romantic Fantasy
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Do not trust the fae. Do not thank them. And never, ever, give them your name.
Dark creatures of folk tales and legend play a deadly game around Lily Boyd’s grandmother, but she didn’t believe it until the woman disappeared.
With omens of death heralding the worst, Lily must team up with a mysterious fae who is as alluring as he is dangerous to untangle the truth before time runs out… but he has secrets of his own, and Lily must learn to navigate his rules if she wants to succeed.
When she discovers that the key to her grandmother’s disappearance lies in the precarious balance between the Seelie and Unseelie Courts of the fae, Lily must choose which side to trust and which one to trick. One misstep in her plan will cost her grandmother’s life… as well as Lily’s freedom and soul.
Readers who loved the twists of The Folk of the Air by Holly Black and the richness of A Court of Thorns and Roses will rave about Bonds of Silver and Mist.
Finding His Wyoming Sweetheart by Virginia McCullough
Back to Adelaide Creek #4
Publication Date: January 21, 2025
Genre: Sweet Cowboy Romance
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He’s starting over…
Just in time for loveWhen it comes to his seven-year-old son, new lodge owner Mack Fisher has a lot to make up for. Fortunately, the small Wyoming town of Adelaide Creek provides the perfect fresh start—that is, if he can avoid the distraction of Erin Hunnicutt’s warm brown eyes. The free-spirited musician has a way of bringing out the best in everyone—especially Mack. When they’re thrown together unexpectedly to help their town, sparks fly and a dangerous secret is uncovered. But searching for the answers only leads them to fall deeper for one another…and starts Mack wondering if there’s room for one more in his new family.
Haunting and Homicide by Ava Burke
Ghost Tour Mystery #1
Publication Date: January 21, 2025
Genre: Cozy Paranormal Mystery
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Lou Thatcher is haunted by ghosts–friendly ghosts–but when she finds herself involved in a murder investigation, she’s in for the fright of a lifetime in this new cozy mystery, perfect for fans of Amanda Flower and Ellen Byron.
Tallulah “Lou” Thatcher has a gift: she can see dead people. But in New Orleans, Louisiana, this is not a drawback. On the contrary, her ability to see ghosts helps her host viral ghost tours through the historic Garden District. When rival tour guide Adam Brandt–who accused her of faking her encounters to undercut his business–is found murdered, Lou is the only one who can see him . . . his ghost, that is.
It’s no secret Adam and Lou were feuding and with the absence of a suspect, she’s the only one with a clear motive. After detective Dylan Finch, Lou’s longtime crush, reveals the murder weapon was a ceremonial dagger from Lou’s shop, she’s officially declared the prime suspect. Determined to prove her innocence, Lou starts investigating right away.
Weaving her way through Adam’s business partnerships, friendships, and kinships, Lou must uncover who wished to see him dead before the killer tries to silence her forever.
Her Cowboy Cupid by Sasha Summers
Cowboys of Garrison, Texas #5
Publication Date: January 21, 2025
Genre: Sweet Cowboy Holiday Romance
Shy Kitty Crawley never got over her crush on former bronc champ Tyson Ellis. She’s always been his pal and “my buddy’s shy little sis” and that’s just dandy. Mostly. But now that Tyson’s temporarily the guardian of two little girls—and in way over his cowboy hat—they’re finding more ways to bond. Suddenly Kitty’s cowboy crush is in danger of growing into something else. And with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, there’s no escaping Cupid…or the bronc rider she’s falling for.
Lie for a Million by Janet Dailey
Rivalries #2
Publication Date: January 21, 2025
Genre: Cowboy Romance
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Everything is bigger in Texas, from the vast stretch of sky to the rattlesnakes—and for one prestigious family, that means outsized drama, passions, and scandal following the murder of the wealthy patriarch . . .
Yellowstone meets Dallas against the backdrop of Texas horse country in this soapy saga for fans of Linda Lael Miller, Danielle Steel, and Diana Palmer.Lila Culhane’s life is in turmoil. As if coping with the murder of her husband isn’t enough, now the glamorous young widow has Frank’s even younger mistress to contend with.
His pregnant mistress. Crystal. But Lila hasn’t got time for more heartache. With everyone grasping to profit from Frank’s death, including fighting for possession of her beloved ranch, she needs leverage for the battle.
As it turns out, Crystal may be carrying just the edge Lila requires: an heir. Crystal offers to let Lila adopt Frank’s baby—for a price. Lila is willing to consider it—pending a paternity test. Until then, she’ll focus on her role in the upcoming high-stakes Run for a Million reining competition, and her ranch manager—and lover—Roper McKenna.
Rugged, hardworking, and talented, Roper is finally getting his dream to ride in the prized competition. Lila expects he’ll choose the Culhane’s legendary stallion, One in a Million, as his mount. But when he considers other offers, she finds herself questioning his loyalty . . .
Meanwhile, Detective Sam Rafferty’s list of suspects in Frank’s murder is growing. Besides Roper and Lila, Frank’s bitter first wife and his sparring extended family, there are adversarial neighbors, ex-lovers, and perhaps even the woman Sam loves—Frank’s own pampered daughter, Jasmine. And as the surprises multiply, a killer remains free to strike again—if these rivals don’t kill each other first . . .
Love on Paper by Danielle Parker
Publication Date: January 21, 2025
Genre: Young Adult Romantic Comedy
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An ambitious teen novelist must play nice with her talented—and annoyingly handsome—rival at an exclusive writers’ retreat in this heartfelt romance from the author of You Bet Your Heart.
Macy Descanso is a writer. Who cares if her bestselling-author mother pulled some strings to get her into a prestigious writing retreat? Macy belongs here. Even when the coordinators unexpectedly announce that this year’s theme is romance, Macy—a total cynic—is up for the challenge.But she’s not prepared for her critique partner to be fellow publishing nepo baby Caleb Bernard. While Caleb may be what most romance writers would describe as “swoony,” he’s off-limits, because the Descansos and Bernards have beef.
With a chance at publication at their fingertips, though, Macy and Caleb have to put aside their issues. But is four weeks enough time to fight through writer’s block, step out of their parents’ shadows, and find the courage to create their own love story?
She Doesn’t Have a Clue by Jenny Elder Moke
Publication Date: January 21, 2025
Genre: Romantic Mystery
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With a colorful cast of characters and a cellar full of wine, anything can happen―from murder to a second chance at love―in Jenny Elder Moke’s half mystery, half romance adult debut set at a lavish destination wedding.
A high-end wedding on a private island off the coast of Seattle sounds like something out of a magazine. But for bestselling mystery author Kate Valentine, it’s more like a nightmare.
Why Kate agreed to attend her ex-fiancé’s wedding is its own enigma, but she’ll plaster on a fake smile for two nights, with the aid of free champagne, naturally. And because the groom happens to be her editor, she’ll try to finish a draft of her latest Loretta Starling mystery as a wedding gift.
When the bride is poisoned and Kate stumbles across a dead body, she finds herself in a real-life mystery that eerily echoes the plot of her latest novel. And the only person who seems willing to help Kate catch the killer is Jake Hawkins, aka: the Hostralian; aka: Kate’s biggest romantic regret.
As the wine flows and the weather threatens to hold every guest hostage, bitter resentments and long-held grudges surface amongst the colorful crowd. Anyone could be capable of murder, it seems. What would Loretta do? Unfortunately, Kate doesn’t have a clue.
Star-Crossed Egg Tarts by Jennifer J. Chow
Magical Fortune Cookie #2
Publication Date: January 21, 2025
Genre: Cozy Culinary Paranormal Mystery
Goodreads | Bookhype | BookBub | StoryGraph | Amazon | Jen’s Book Review
Felicity Jin returns in the second book in the heart-warming and deliciously mysterious Magical Fortune Cookie series from Lilian Jackson Braun Award-nominee Jennifer J. Chow.
Jin Bakery has been asked to cater the Lum-Wu outdoor wedding at Pixie Park. The day of the ceremony, Felicity is finishing the “cake” of tiered egg tarts as the wedding party arrives for the ceremony. When one of the groomsmen, Miles Wu, doesn’t arrive, Felicity’s best friend and local florist Kelvin generously steps in for him and the wedding goes smoothly―until cake cutting time.
That’s when Felicity finds Miles’ dead body beneath the table with her egg tarts display, stabbed by Kelvin’s gardening shears. With the detective’s sights on Kelvin, Felicity starts sleuthing away to prove his innocence, revealing dark secrets about all the wedding’s attendants. They each had something to hide―and a reason to quiet Miles forever. To make matters worse, Felicity’s powers of prediction are on the fritz thanks to the emotional turmoil of a surprise visit from her estranged father.
When the groom gets poisoned at the send-off party and winds up in a coma, the stakes are even higher, not to mention Felicity’s feelings for Kelvin are beginning to feel more than friendly. Will Felicity’s magic return in time to catch the true culprit and rescue her budding relationship with Kelvin?
The Cowboy’s Compromise by Cheryl Harper
Fortunes of Prospect #6
Publication Date: January 21, 2025
Genre: Sweet Cowboy Romance
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The answer to the cowboy’s crisis…
Or even more trouble?Saddled with putting on the best Western Days celebration Prospect, Colorado, has ever seen—or at least not letting his family down—cowboy veterinarian Matt Armstrong needs a hand. City gal Brooke Hearst agrees to help…if he’ll give her pregnant corgi the personal attention Coco deserves. The festival is a welcome distraction for Brooke, who’s just lost her home, her marriage and her dreams in one fell swoop. Falling for the too-charming vet is not part of their agreement. Can Prospect’s most dedicated bachelor convince Brooke to take a second chance on forever?
The Rainfall Market by You Yeong-Gwang
Publication Date: January 21, 2025
Genre: Romantic Fantasy
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If you could swap your life for a better one, which would you choose?
On the outskirts of Rainbow Town, there is an old, abandoned house. They say that if you send a letter detailing your misfortunes there, you could receive a ticket. If you bring this ticket to the house on the first day of the rainy season, you’ll be granted entrance into the mysterious Rainfall Market—where you can choose to completely change your life.
No one is more surprised than Serin when she receives a ticket. Lonely and with no real prospects for a future, Serin ventures to the market, determined to create a better life for herself.
There, she meets a magical cat companion named Issha and they search through bookstores, perfumeries, and fantastical realms while Serin tries to determine what her perfect life will look like.
The catch? Serin only has one week to find her happiness or be doomed to vanish into the market forever.
And all the while, a shadow follows quietly behind them…
The Rival by Emma Lord
Publication Date: January 21, 2025
Genre: Young Adult Romantic Comedy
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Rivals-to-lovers gets an academic send-up in this charming and irresistible romantic comedy from Emma Lord, New York Times bestselling author of Tweet Cute and Begin Again.
At long last, Sadie has vanquished her lifelong academic rival ― her irritatingly charming, whip smart next door neighbor, Seb ― by getting the coveted, only spot to her dream college. Or at least, so she thinks. When Seb is unexpectedly pulled off the waitlist and admitted, Sadie has to compete with him all over again, this time to get a spot on the school’s famous zine. Now not only is she dealing with the mayhem of the lovable, chaotic family she hid her writing talents from, as well as her own self doubt, but she has to come to terms with some less-than-resentful feelings for Seb that are popping up along the way.But the longer they compete, the more Sadie and Seb notice flaws in the school’s system that are much bigger than any competition between them. Somehow the two of them have to band together even as they’re trying to crush each other, only to discover they may have met their match in more ways than one.
The Valentine Plan by Laurie Batzel
Crystal Hill #2
Publication Date: January 21, 2025
Genre: Sweet Holiday Romance
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Faking an engagement…
Should be a piece of (cheese)cake!To win his parents’ competition and space to expand his cheese shop, cheesemaker Lucas Carl must get engaged before his older brother—or pretend to. Newly divorced and very pregnant, Chrysta Ball needs a supplier for her cheese-board party business. Like Lucas, she’s too goal focused to let feelings get in the way. Chrysta is also the only woman he’s ever met who shares his passion for cheese. Can a fake engagement survive charcuterie drama, family secrets and a Valentine’s Day deadline…or is Lucas in whey over his head?
The Case of the Vanishing Valuables by Leighann Dobbs
Earl Clawson #1
Publication Date: January 23, 2025
Genre: Traditional Mystery
Something’s not right at the local retirement home, Tranquility Terrace. The residents are losing more than their memories—jewelry, watches, and keepsakes are disappearing too.
Enter Ray Leonard, a detective who could use a break. His secret weapon? Earl—a snarky cat with a nose for trouble.
The suspects? A magician with a shaky hand, a nurse with keys to every room, and a resident who’s a little too forgetful. But just when Ray thinks he’s solved it, everything falls apart.
Time’s running out. The thief is ready to vanish—for good. Can Ray and Earl crack the case before it’s too late, or will the secrets of Tranquility Terrace stay buried forever?
Well, that’s it for the New Books Releasing Week 4 of 2025
Drop a comment if you like one of the books above or if you have one to recommend.
Thank you for stopping by,
Happy Reading!
Baroness’ Book Trove is an Amazon affiliate, meaning that if you click the link and purchase something, this blog gets a tiny percentage back. Mainly, this helps with the cost of the website and a few giveaways.
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