It’s officially time for the cold months to hit us. With the holiday season approaching, it’s once again time to make my list of anticipated reads for the winter. This list will include some upcoming books from 2023. 

“Whiteout” — Nov. 8, 2022 

An enchanting anthology of Black love written by six amazing authors known for the “Blackout” anthology — Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk and Nicola Yoon — will drop in November. Set in Atlanta, this story follows twelve teens as they help a friend pull off a grand apology in the middle of a storm. I’m excited to read the next story by this super group — after reading their first anthology, I know we’re in for a treat.

“Briarcliff Prep” — Nov. 5, 2022 

Debut author Brianna Peppins dropped her coming-of-age story this month. Protagonist Avielle LeBeau is starting her freshman year at Briarcliff, a Historically Black Boarding School. Everything comes to a head when she discovers a disturbing secret about her sister’s boyfriend. The book explores themes of sisterhood and the complicated emotions surrounding the longing someone feels to fit in. 

“A Thousand Heartbeats” — Nov. 29, 2022 

Kiera Cass is back with another heart stopping novel. This enemies-to-lovers story follows a princess preparing for an arranged marriage, and a rebellious outlaw trying to reclaim the throne from her. Against all odds, their paths collide with each other. I’m excited for my next guilty pleasure read — let the chaos ensue.

“The Davenports” — Jan. 23, 2023 

Fans of “Bridgerton” and “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” are sure to love this historical fiction story by Krystal Marquis. The first in a new YA series, this 1910’s Chicago-based story follows the Davenports, an entrepreneurial African American family.

The book depicts four women — Olivia, the eldest Davenport sister, Helen, the younger daughter who doesn’t want to find love like her sister, Amy-Rose, their childhood friend with a forbidden love and Ruby, Olivia’s best friend who’s in love with Olivia and Helen’s brother.

“Cool. Awkward. Black.” — Jan. 10, 2023

Another anthology for the list! With a huge lineup of acclaimed Black authors, this anthology explores the facets of Blackness and geekiness. Covering multiple genres, this Young Adult (YA) anthology has stories in the genres of fantasy, sci-fi, historical, contemporary and realistic. I am really excited to see Black geeky characters being their authentic selves.

“Promposal” — March 3, 2023 

RaeChell Garrett’s debut book drops later on in the winter season. A snappy rom-com with an overachieving main character is sure to be filled with romance and drama.

High school senior Autumn Reeves is applying for college. One problem: she’s been waitlisted. In a desperate effort to stand out, she starts a business on running promposals after one she planned for a friend goes viral.

Autumn joins the Young Black Entrepreneurs group, crossing paths with Mehki — a dark glimpse of her past. This sounds like an enemies-to-lovers story in the making, and I am here for it.