May New Releases

Ames: This post is going up late but hey, Nath and I both were out of town at the beginning of the month.

Chantal: And Monroe and I forgot about this post, LOL.

Nath: Plus, most of the releases that we're looking forward to are only coming out at the end of this month... so we're not that late :P


May 1

Still the One by Robin Wells
Published by Grand Central

After Katie Charmaine's husband is killed in Iraq, all she has left is a closet full of his clothes, a few pictures, and fond memories. She not only lost her love, but her last chance to have the children she''s always wanted. Until Zack Ferguson shows up in town... with the daughter Katie gave up for adoption nearly seventeen years ago.

Zack Ferguson has never forgotten Katie, or the one magical night they spent together. Seeing her again brings up a tidal wave of emotions: regret over the way he left her, anger at the secret she kept, and desire he hasn''t felt in years. But he''s in town for Gracie. Their daughter is sixteen, angry at the world, and-worst of all-pregnant. She needs the love of her two parents now more than ever. Can these three forgive the hurts of the past and open their hearts to each other?

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: n/a

Ames: I've read a Robin Wells book before (which Nath and I reviewed here) and I really enjoyed it. I wouldn't mind checking this one out. Has a heavier subject matter than the one I read, but that's a good thing sometimes.

Nath: This one is on my radar as well :) I've enjoyed my previous read by Ms Wells, although as you said Ames, this is a heavier subject matter... Ms Wells usually write comedies, so I wonder how she'll handle this :)


May 4

Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris
Published by Berkley

After enduring torture and the loss of loved ones during the brief but deadly Faery War, Sookie Stackhouse is hurt and she's angry. Just about the only bright spot in her life is the love she thinks she feels for vampire Eric Northman. But he's under scrutiny by the new Vampire King because of their relationship. And as the political implications of the Shifters coming out are beginning to be felt, Sookie's connection to the Shreveport pack draws her into the debate. Worst of all, though the door to Faery has been closed, there are still some Fae on the human side-and one of them is angry at Sookie. Very, very angry...

Genre: Fantasy
Series: Southern Vampires # 10

Ames: This is a no brainer. Love this series, one of my favorite series ever and I cannot wait to find out what happens!

Chantal: Me toooooo. We shall compare notes, Ames.

Monroe: I ADORE Sookie Stackhouse and I cant wait to continue the storyline! WOOT WOOT TEAM ERIC! ;)


The Man who Loved Pride and Prejudice by Abigail Reynolds
Published by Sourcebooks

A modern love story with a Jane Austen twist...

Marine biologist Cassie Boulton has no patience when a modern-day Mr. Darcy appears in her lab on Cape Cod. Proud, aloof Calder Westing III is the scion of a famous political family, while Cassie's success is hard-won in spite of a shameful family history.

When their budding romance is brutally thwarted, both by his family and by hers, Calder tries to set things right by rewriting the two of them in the roles of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet from Pride & Prejudice...but will Cassie be willing to supply the happy ending?

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: n/a

Ames: I like Pride and Prejudice sequels. This one is an interesting take in that it incorporates elements from P and P in a modern day setting.


Something Like Fate by Susane Colasanti
Published by Penguin

Lani and Erin are bonded for life. One thing that connects them is their fascination of fate. Lani wonders how much of our lives has already been decided and how much we can actually influence. Since the Unknown can unexpectedly change our lives forever, how much can we really control?

From the minute Lani meets Jason, she can't deny the intense connection they share. It feels like she's known him forever. She's not sure if he feels it, too. But it doesn't matter. Because Jason is Erin's boyfriend. Lani is determined to ignore her feelings for Jason, no matter how powerful they are, rather than risk hurting her best friend.

What if the boy who is your destiny is the one person you can't have?

Genre: Young Adult - Contemporary
Series: n/a

Ames: Saw a good review for this one somewhere and I've been on a bit of a YA kick since December. LOL

Chantal: I like that cover.

Nath: This caught my attention as well; however, I'm not a fan of love triangle ^_^; Perhaps after you read it, Ames...

Monroe: Yes this cover is great! And the storyline sounds REALLY interesting! =) I'll have to pick this one up!


May 18

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead
Published by Penguin

Dimitri gave Rose the ultimate choice. But she chose wrong.

After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri's birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimiras and to her best friend, Lissa. It is nearly graduation, and the girls cannot wait for their real lives beyond the Academy's iron gates to begin. But Rose's heart still aches for Dimitri, and she knows he's out there, somewhere.

She failed to kill him when she had the chance. And now her worst fears are about to come true. Dimitri has tasted her blood, and now he is hunting her. Only this time, he wonat rest until Rose joins him forever.

Genre: Young Adult - Fantasy
Series: Spirit Academy #5

Chantal: I wish I could get into this series. Her writing style in the YA books throws me off too much. I don't like it.

Nath: I've never realized how much Ms Mead was popular until I went to the RT convention. I have the first book in my TBR pile... will have to try it out soon.

Monroe: I LOVE this series! I also read a similar vampire YA series (House of Night by PC & Kristen Cast) and let me tell you it gives that series a run for its money! This series is WAY more adult! The first book was good but doesn't compare to the rest of the series! CAN'T WAIT TO READ THIS STINKING BOOK!


A Proper Seduction by HelenKay Dimon
Published by Samhain (e-book)

Even before her bad marriage ended, Lauren MacDonald lost everything—her job, her friends, her self-esteem, and her sexual appetite. Now that she’s finally free, she’s struggling to regain control of a life her ex did his best to destroy.

The plan: sex with Justin Scott, her ex’s business partner. The man her husband invited into their marital bed, forcing her to realize it was time to get out. Justin was the star of the fantasies that helped her endure her marriage, so she can’t deny she wanted him—but not like that. She wants him like this—alone. In her bed. For exactly three nights.

Justin screwed up with Lauren, and in the past she’s made no secret of the fact she loathes him. So when she walks into his office flashing miles of long, lean legs, his brain cells misfire. Three nights of meaningless sex? He’s all over it. Not only does he have the chance to unleash his desire for her, it’s the opening he’s been waiting for—to convince her to give him more.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: n/a

Ames: I read one book by this author and although I wasn't totally gaga over it, it was well written and so I'm always willing to give her another shot. :P

Chantal: I want to read this. I like the premises.


May 25

Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews
Published by Berkley

Kate Daniels cleans up the paranormal problems no one else wants to deal with-especially if they involve Atlanta's shapeshifting community. And now there's a new player in town-a foe that may be too much for even Kate and Curran, the Lord of the Beasts, to handle. Because this time, Kate will be taking on family.

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Kate Daniels #4

Nath: The Kate Daniels series have been upgraded to one of my favorite urban fantasy series after Magic Strikes. I definitively can't wait for this book!! Really looking forward to it, especially since it deals with Kate's origins and her relationship with Curran :) The good thing is, I won't be the only one looking forward to this book and I should have plenty of buddy reviewers, right? :P

Monroe: This is one series I've seen around but haven't picked up yet! I need to huh?!?!

Nath: LOL, pretty much, Monroe :P


Raven on the Wing by Kay Hooper (reprint)
Published by Random House

From the moment Raven Anderson literally knocks Josh Long off his feet, he's determined to keep this elusive beauty in his tight embrace. While Raven denies their electrifying attraction and fends off his advances, Josh uses the resources of his business empire to crack the mystery surrounding Raven's true identity. But Josh can't bring himself to believe what the background check confirms-that Raven is an international criminal wanted for her connections to worldwide terrorism.

Raven has discouraged Josh's help and his love, but she's going to need both. For she is playing a part in a deadly game against an adversary who never loses, who takes no prisoners, and who threatens her very life.

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Hagan #4

Nath: Another Kay Hooper reprint :) What can I say? LOL, love Kay Hooper and want her backlist :)


Blown Away by Sharon Sala
Published by Mira

Writer Cari North thought she knew all there was to know about plot twists - until she stumbled across her ex-fiancé, Lance Morgan, digging a shallow grave in the Louisiana woods. After one horrifying moment of shared recognition, Cari knew her life hinged upon whether she could outrun Lance and the hurricane - spawned tornado that was barreling down on their heels.

Just when she thinks she's lost Lance and heads for home, the storm throws in yet another twist that will change her fate-forever.

Cari's house, her family - her entire life-have been wiped out by the storm. Badly injured herself, and knowing Lance will come after her, she trades clothing and ID with the near-identical cousin who'd been visiting and flees to Baton Rouge. While the world mourns Cari North, she begins an agonizing recovery as her cousin Susan - until Susan's boss calls her bluff and finds himself drawn into her incredible tale.

Hunted by a man she once loved, sheltered by a man she hardly knows, Cari chooses to become the bait…and plots the twist of a lifetime to catch a killer.

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Stormfront #1

Nath: I really enjoy Ms Sala's writing and I'm glad she's coming out with another trilogy and this time, it's back-to-back releases!! :D Really looking forward to read this book. However, the cover...


Married by Morning by Lisa Kleypas
Published by St. Martin's Press

For two years, Catherine Marks has been a paid companion to the Hathaway sisters-a pleasant position, with one caveat. Her charges'older brother, Leo Hathaway, is thoroughly exasperating. Cat can hardly believe that their constant arguing could mask a mutual attraction. But when one quarrel ends in a sudden kiss, Cat is shocked at her powerful response - and even more so when Leo proposes a dangerous liaison.

Leo must marry and produce an heir within a year to save his family home. Catherine's respectable demeanor hides a secret that would utterly destroy her. But to Leo, Cat is intriguing and infernally tempting, even to a man resolved never to love again. The danger Cat tried to outrun is about to separate them forever-unless two wary lovers can find a way to banish the shadows and give in to their desires.

Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Hathaways #4

Ames: Ok, in this series, this is the book I'm least looking forward to. But it brings us one book closer to Beatrix's!

Nath: LOL, I'm with you Ames. I like Leo, but Ms Marks has left me cold so far in the series.

Monroe: I have these books but haven't read them yet but is LK so I know I will! I love her! =)


Web of Lies by Jennifer Estep
Published by Simon and Schuster

Curiosity is definitely going to get me dead one of these days. Probably real soon.

I'm Gin Blanco. You might know me as the Spider, the most feared assassin in the South. I'm retired now, but trouble still has a way of finding me. Like the other day when two punks tried to rob my popular barbecue joint, the Pork Pit. Then there was the barrage of gunfire on the restaurant. Only, for once, those kill shots weren't aimed at me. They were meant for Violet Fox. Ever since I agreed to help Violet and her grandfather protect their property from an evil coalmining tycoon, I'm beginning to wonder if I'm really retired. So is Detective Donovan Caine. The only honest cop in Ashland is having a real hard time reconciling his attraction to me with his Boy Scout mentality. And I can barely keep my hands off his sexy body. What can I say? I'm a Stone elemental with a little Ice magic thrown in, but my heart isn't made of solid rock. Luckily, Gin Blanco always gets her man... dead or alive.

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Elemental Assassin #2

Nath: I loved, loved, loved Spider's Bite. Definitively looking forward to Web of Lies. I can't wait to find out how the story will unfold... especially Gin's relationship with Detective Donovan Caine :)


Ten Things I Love About You by Julia Quinn
Published by Avon

1. Sebastian Grey is a devilishly handsome rogue with a secret.
2. Annabel Winslow's family voted her The Winslow Most Likely to Speak Her Mind and The Winslow Most Likely to Fall Asleep in Church.
3. Sebastian's uncle is the Earl of Newbury, and if he dies without siring an heir, Sebastian inherits everything.
4. Lord Newbury detests Sebastian and will stop at nothing to prevent this from happening.
5. Lord Newbury has decided that Annabel is the answer to all of his problems.
6. Annabel does not want to marry Lord Newbury, especially when she finds out he once romanced her grandmother.
7 is shocking, 8 is delicious, and 9 is downright wicked, all of which lead the way to
10. Happily. Ever. After.

Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Loosely connected to What Happens in London

Ames: After reading What Happens in London I can't wait to read this one! I know Wena liked it too!

Chantal: Yay! I've been waiting for his story.

Nath: I like Julia Quinn's books... it says it all, right? :)

Monroe: Ditto for Nath's comment! ;)


Dark Oracle by Alayna Williams
Published by Simon and Schuster

Tara Sheridan has a gift... and it almost killed her.

As a criminal profiler, Tara used science and her intuitive skill at Tarot card divination to track down the dangerous and depraved, including the serial killer who left her scarred from head to toe. Since that savage attack, Tara has been a recluse. But now an ancient secret society known as Delphi's Daughters has asked for her help in locating missing scientist Lowell Magnusson. And Tara, armed with her Tarot deck, her .38, and a stack of misgivings, agrees to try.

Tara immediately senses there is far more at stake than one man's life. At his government lab in the New Mexico desert, Magnusson had developed groundbreaking technology with terrifying potential. Working alongside the brusque but charismatic agent Harry Li, Tara discovers that Magnusson's daughter, Cassie, has knowledge that makes her a target too. The more Tara sees into the future, the more there is to fear. She knows she has to protect Cassie. But there may be no way to protect herself-from the enemies circling around her, or from the long-buried powers stirring to life within...

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: n/a

Nath: Alayna Williams also write under the name of Laura Bickle. She's still a new author to me, but this book sounds really good and so, I want to try her out :) In a time where all creatures are fair game in urban fantasy, I think an oracle will be fun to read about :D


His at Night by Sherry Thomas
Published by Randomhouse

Love is hottest in the darkness before dawn.

Elissande Edgerton is a desperate woman, a virtual prisoner in the home of her tyrannical uncle. Only through marriage can she claim the freedom she craves. But how to catch the perfect man?

Lord Vere is used to baiting irresistible traps. As a secret agent for the government, he's tracked down some of the most devious criminals in London, all the while maintaining his cover as one of Society's most harmless-and idiotic-bachelors. But nothing can prepare him for the scandal of being ensnared by Elissande.

Forced into a marriage of convenience, Elissande and Vere are each about to discover that they're not the only one with a hidden agenda. With seduction their only weapon-and a dark secret from the past endangering both their lives-can they learn to trust each other even as they surrender to a passion that won't be denied?

Genre: Historical Romance
Series: n/a

Ames: Sherry is an auto-buy author for me. I really like her writing style.

Nath: I've never read Ms Thomas, although I think I have one book in my TBR pile. While this was not on my list at first, I'm willing to buy it after reading the blurb and Kristie's review. This seems more like the type of storyline I like reading, so I'm going to give it a try :D

Monroe: Pretty cover!


One Dance with a Duke by Tessa Dare
Published by Randomhouse

A handsome and reclusive horse breeder, Spencer Dumarque, the fourth Duke of Morland, is a member of the exclusive Stud Club, an organization so select it has only ten members-yet membership is attainable to anyone with luck. And Spencer has plenty of it, along with an obsession with a prize horse, a dark secret, and, now, a reputation as the dashing "Duke of Midnight." Each evening he selects one lady for a breathtaking midnight waltz. But none of the women catch his interest, and nobody ever bests the duke-until Lady Amelia d'Orsay tries her luck.

In a moment of desperation, the unconventional beauty claims the duke's dance and unwittingly steals his heart. When Amelia demands that Spencer forgive her scapegrace brother's debts, she never imagines that her game of wits and words will lead to breathless passion and a steamy proposal. Still, Spencer is a man of mystery, perhaps connected to the shocking murder of the Stud Club's founder. Will Amelia lose her heart in this reckless wager or win everlasting love?

Genre: Historical Romance
Series: The Stud Club #1

Ames: I enjoy Tessa's writing style and her book trailer (found HERE) was so charming and funny. Definitely getting this one!

Nath: After watching the book trailer, I'm really tempted as well!!


The Night She Got Lucky by Susan Donovan
Published by St. Martin's Press

Her marriage is over. Her newspaper career went belly up. And it won't be long before her two teenage sons are off to college... and then what? Sometimes it seems like the only thing Ginger Garrison can count on is her beloved Bichon Frise and the loyal women in her dog-walking group. But her luck is about to take a wild turn...

A diplomatic snafu has sidelined the globe-trotting nature photographer Lucio "Lucky" Montevez, a man known as much for his wild personal life as his wildlife images. Now stuck in the States and forced to shoot pet portraits for a living, his prospects look downright tame... until Ginger enters his world (along with her boys, her spoiled pooch, and her egomaniacal ex-husband). Lucky's always been a love-her-and-leave-her kind of guy, but something about the spirited, sensual Ginger makes him want to stick around. But will Lucky's playboy past end up costing him the only woman he's ever really loved?

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: #2

Ames: I like Susan Donovan and I like dogs. Win win. I'm so easy!

Nath: I still have to read the first book, but yeah, this is on my radar LOL.

Monroe: I did read the first one and it was so adorable! I love Susan Donovan so her books are auto buys for me! And look at these covers!! Beautiful!

Ames: I still have to read the first book too. LOL