Today, I thought I would finish up my holiday gift guide by talking about books. For more holiday ideas, check out my previous posts about music and TV shows.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE — BOOKS

ACTION-ADVENTURE AND SPY THRILLERS

Solo by William Boyd: James Bond is back in this new book, which takes him on an adventure to Africa in 1969. This might be good for the spy thriller fan on your holiday shopping list.

Carte Blanche by Jeffrey Deaver: This is another James Bond book, although this one features Bond in today’s world.

Spirit of Steamboat by Craig Johnson: This is the latest book in Johnson’s Walt Longmire mystery series, which some of you may know from the Longmire TV show. My dad enjoys these, and they might be a good fit for the western or mystery lover on your list.

Richard Stark’s Parker, Vol. 1: The Hunter by Richard Stark and Darwyn Cooke: This is a graphic novel of The Hunter, the first book in Stark’s series about Parker, a thief who will do whatever it takes to get the job done.

FANTASY

He Drank, and Saw the Spider by Alex Bledsoe: Okay, okay, this book isn’t actually coming out until Jan. 14, but Bledsoe’s Eddie LaCrosse series is a cool mix of fantasy and detective noir fiction. Wheezley and I have both enjoyed the books in this series.

And hey, Valentine’s Day is coming up soon, right?

In the meantime, get caught up on the other books in the series, which include The Sword-Edged Blonde, Burn Me Deadly, Dark Jenny, and Wake of the Bloody Angel.

Kicking It anthology: This urban fantasy anthology, edited by Faith Hunter and Kalayna Price, features stories from Chloe Neill, Rachel Caine, and other authors.

I really like anthologies because they let me check out a variety of authors. Plus, they’re perfect for when you only have a short time to read. You can finish a story, put the book down, and then go on to the next story when you have a chance.

The Republic of Thieves by Scott Lynch: I actually bought this one for Wheezley when it came out in October, but if you’re looking for a new epic fantasy series for yourself or someone on your list, check out Lynch’s books, which follow two thieves as they have a series of adventures. The first book is The Lies of Locke Lamora, while the second book is Red Seas Under Red Skies.

ROMANCE

Dangerous Seduction by Zoe Archer: This is the second book in Archer’s Nemesis Unlimited historical romance series, after Sweet Revenge. The holiday e-novella Winter’s Heat is also available.

I’ve seen the series described as a historical version of the TV show Leverage. Basically, a group of folks help the helpless against the rich and powerful, and romance blossoms for some of them along the way. This might be good for a historical romance lover on your list who’s looking for something a little different in the genre to read.

Love Irresistibly by Julie James: If you’re looking for a contemporary romance read, check out James’s FBI/U.S. Attorney series, which is set in Chicago and features the relationships between, you guessed it, FBI agents and US attorneys.

The books are a lot of fun and full of snappy dialogue. Plus, the couples from previous books make return appearances as the series goes along. As a reader, I always enjoying seeing past characters and catching up with them.

Other books in the series are Something About You, A Lot Like Love, and About That Night. The next book in the series, It Happened One Wedding, is set to be released in May 2014.

YOUNG ADULT

Princess of the Silver Woods by Jessica Day George: This is the latest book in the Twelve Dancing Princesses series. I love fairy tale books, and I enjoyed the first book in this series, Princess of the Midnight Ball, which features a hero who likes to knit. (I thought that was really cool.) I’ve got the second book, Princess of Glass, in my TBR pile.

Crash Into You by Katie McGarry: If you’re looking for a contemporary read, check out McGarry’s books, which feature teens struggling with a variety of issues.

Other books in the series include Pushing the Limits and Dare You To. An e-novella, Crossing the Line, is also available. Warning: These books will make you root for and cry with the characters at the same time.

Poison by Bridget Zinn: This is a really charming, young adult epic fantasy book about Kyra, a potions maker who saves her kingdom with the help of a pig. This might be a good choice for the YA reader who enjoys a mix of fantasy, adventure, and friendship in their books.

So those are my book picks. What books are you guys hoping to give or get for Christmas this year?