Like many of you avid readers out there, I already have a towering TBR. Thanks to 2019’s bumper crop of awesome books by kickass women, it’s only going to grow! This is by no means an exhaustive list—especially since Sabaa Tahir’s fourth Ember in the Ashes book and Zoraida Córdova’s third Brooklyn Brujas book don’t even have titles or release dates as of this posting—but here are nine of my most anticipated direct sequels and follow-ups of 2019!  Â
Once Ghosted, Twice Shy by Alyssa Cole (January 8, 2019)
This Reluctant Royals novella gives fan-favorite Likotsi from A Princess in Theory her second chance at a happily ever after with Fabiola, a woman who broke her heart after they met on a dating app. They swiped right once…can they make it right this time? We’ll enjoy finding out, that’s for sure! Â
The Kingdom of Copper by S.A. Chakraborty (January 22, 2019)
The second book in Chakraborty’s enchanting Daevabad trilogy hopefully picks up right where 2017’s The City of Brass left off—with grifter Nahri embroiled in court intrigue and her djinn true love Dara’s fate in question. This page-turning series rooted in Middle Eastern myths and legends is a delicious combination of fantasy and romance and epic adventure.
On the Come Up by Angie Thomas (February 5, 2019)
The Hate U Give is one of the best books I’ve ever read in years. Angie Thomas’ highly anticipated follow-up is set in the same world as the bestselling—and now movie-adapted—novel and tells the story of Bri, the daughter of a late hip-hop legend who wants nothing more than to make her own mark in rap. Like Starr before her, Bri also needs to use her voice and fight for her dreams—and it’s certain to be just as riveting a journey.
Hired by Zoey Castile (February 26, 2019)
The second Happy Endings novel pairs high-end male escort Aiden Rios with legal eagle Faith Charles, whose mother is running for mayor of New Orleans. Can a multi-night stand between these incredibly different strangers turn into something real—especially when scandal strikes? In Castile’s deft hands, that’s a definite yes! Â
An Unconditional Freedom by Alyssa Cole (February 26, 2019)
Cole wraps her acclaimed Loyal League trilogy with Daniel Cumberland, bent on vengeance against the Confederacy after being kidnapped and sold into slavery. When double agent Janeta Sanchez joins him on a crucial Loyal League mission, sparks fly and hidden agendas unfold. Alyssa Cole is as talented in the historical realm as she as in contemporary, and if this book is even half as good as An Extraordinary Union and A Hope Divided, it’ll be a masterpiece.
The Everlasting Rose by Dhonielle Clayton (March 5, 2019)
Clayton’s stunning solo debut The Belles ended on a tantalizing cliffhanger, changing the game for a world obsessed with beauty and the titular Belles, women who thought they controlled it. The follow-up sees Camille and her closest allies fighting to restore peace before true ugliness—ugliness of the soul—ruins everything they hold dear. Clayton’s gorgeous prose and world-building were the real head-turners of the previous book, and the second is guaranteed to be just as marvelous to behold.
The Bride Test by Helen Hoang (May 7, 2019)
Hoang’s first book, The Kiss Quotient, hit pretty much every ‘Best Of’ list of 2018. That sets a high bar for the sequel, which stars Khai Diep, Michael’s cousin who believes his autism means he can’t love or have relationships. Khai’s meddling mother is determined to prove him wrong and brings Esme Tran over from Vietnam as his potential bride. Can Esme and Khai discover the real meaning of love together? I am a sucker for modern arranged marriage plots, so I’m looking forward to finding out!Â
There’s Something About Sweetie by Sandhya Menon (May 14, 2019)
A companion to 2017’s When Dimple Met Rishi, this YA romance stars Rishi’s brother, Ashish, and track star Sweetie Nair. Ashish is reeling after being dumped. Sweetie is tired of being judged for her weight. The two begin dating to get their parents off their backs and soon realize there’s something wonderful and magical between them. It sounds like fake-relationship-friends-to-lovers catnip! Â
Sapphire Flames by Ilona Andrews (August 27, 2019)
The next block of Ilona Andrews’ Hidden Legacy books sees Catalina Baylor taking the spotlight—and the helm of their family P.I. firm—from her older sister Nevada. With everything to prove, Catalina has to solve a murder, navigate magical politics, and guard her heart from a man she once had a teenage crush on. November’s Diamond Fire, a novella bridging the two trilogies, was an absolute gem of a read—so I have no doubt that Catalina’s first full-length outing will truly shine.      Â
