July New Releases

After a somewhat slow June, July is a good month for new releases. A lot of them I've been waiting for!


July 1

Torn Apart by Sharon Sala
published by Mira

The twister that touches down in Bordelaise, Louisiana, not only destroys the calm of a summer Sunday, it pierces the soul of Katie Earle, whose young son Bobby goes missing…and it wasn't the storm that took him.

Katie's first thought is that her estranged husband, J.R., saw his chance and grabbed Bobby to spite her. But the reality goes beyond that to truly horrifying, and now her nightmare is only just beginning. The real terror will begin when the tornado's wreckage is cleared away and the kidnapper can escape with his prize.

The agony of uncertainty grows with every passing hour as Katie and J.R. reunite with a single, desperate purpose: to find their son before he slips from their grasp...forever.

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Storm Front trilogy, Book #2

Nath: I love Ms Sala's writing, there's just something in it that touches me :) The last book was a bit disappointing, but I'm hoping this one will be up to her standard.


Crazy for Love by Victoria Dahl
published by Harlequin

Chloe Turner thought she was going to marry the perfect man — until her fiancé's plane crashed. And then she got the really bad news: he'd tried to fake his own death to avoid marrying her. Now America's most famous bridezilla (a tag she most definitely does not deserve), Chloe escapes to a remote island to avoid the paparazzi. And right next door is a man who just might be the cure for Chloe's heartache...

A magnet for wild, complicated women, Max Sullivan is relieved to have finally found someone "normal." Chloe is his girl-next-door fantasy come to life, and best of all, she gets him. With her, he can be himself, a treasure-hunting millionaire who desperately wants out of his sexy but reckless job. But when Chloe's notoriety catches up with them, will their torrid romance make it to the mainland?

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: N/A

Ames: I enjoy Victoria's contemporary novels, having read her first two, so I'm looking forward to reading this one.

Monroe: I have grown to LOVE Victoria Dahl SO MUCH! I have yet to read her historical (although little Ms. Ames picked one up for me ;p) but I devoured her contemps! I know this one will be a winner!

Nath: I liked Talk Me Down enough, but ultimately, what made me pick up this book is the fact that it's a stand-alone :)


July 6

Money Honey by Susan Sey
published by Berkley Sensation

WHEN A LAWMAKER...

FBI Agent Elizabeth Brynn has dedicated her life to her job, having earned her position through hard work and a firm belief in law and order. She played strictly by the book until she recruited a notorious jewel thief as an informant-a professional criminal who used his wicked ways to tempt her into something more personal...

BETS ON A HEARTBREAKER...

Patrick O'Connor assisted the Feds for three years before going legit. Now a successful crime novelist, he wheels and deals his way around Hollywood, getting anything and everything he desires-except a certain federal agent who remained immune to his charms...

THERE'S MORE AT STAKE THAN JUST THE MONEY, HONEY.

Cop and robber are unexpectedly reunited when Patrick agrees to go undercover to help bust a counterfeiter-but his true motive is to get Liz under the covers, and she's not sure she can keep her hands to herself this time....

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: N/A

Nath: This is the debut novel by Ms Sey. I love contemporary romance and this sounds very cute, so I'm ready to take a chance on it :)


Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage by Jennifer Ashley
published by Berkley Sensation

Lady Isabella Scranton scandalized London by leaving her husband, notorious artist Lord Mac Mackenzie, after only three turbulent years of marriage. But Mac has a few tricks to get the Lady back in his life, and more importantly, back into his bed.

Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Mackenzies series, Book #2

Ames: I LOVED The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie and I was intrigued by Ian's brother's marriage. Plus I like stories where a couple has been separated (like The Stranger I Married by Sylvia Day).

Monroe: TOTALLY forgot about this book! I too loved The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie! I think we can all agree that it was so different in SUCH a great way! This next one has something Ive been waiting on for a while! =)

Nath: Definitively getting this one. I'm really curious about the Mackenzie family and Isabella and Mac's marriage :) Also, as Ames said, stories about separated couples are always interesting.


Bonds of Justice by Nalini Singh
published by Berkley

Max Shannon is a good cop, one of the best in New York Enforcement. Born with a natural shield that protects him against Psy mental invasions, he knows he has little chance of advancement within the Psy- dominated power structure. The last case he expects to be assigned to is that of a murderer targeting a Psy Councilor's closest advisors. And the last woman he expects to compel him in the most sensual of ways is a Psy on the verge of catastrophic mental fracture.

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Psy/Changeling series, Book #10 (counting novellas)

Ames: Although I'm not caught up on this series, I eagerly look forward to each new release. Why? It gets us that much closer to THE book...you know which one I'm talking about.

Monroe: If you don't follow this series you've sadly been living under a rock! ;p I ADORE this series and after reading Mandi's review (Smexy Books) Im jumping for joy over it! Nalini Singh ROCKS!

Nath: Ms Singh's definitively rocks :) She's one of my favorite authors and on my auto-buy list. Her writing is excellent and her books are all solid reads; I've enjoyed them all :)


Demon Blood by Meljean Brook
published by Berkley

Long before she was transformed into a Guardian and trained to fight demons, Rosalia knew darkness all too well. Raised by a demon, Rosalia learned to guard her heart—and her soul—until she found a man worthy of her love. Once, she thought that man would be the powerful vampire, Deacon... until he betrayed the Guardians.

After losing everything to the lies of a demon, Deacon lives only for revenge—and is taken aback when Rosalia offers to help. A vampire who has nothing—who is nothing—isn’t worthy of her attention. But Rosalia wants to do more than just look, and the explosive need between them can’t be held in check. And when Deacon’s vengeful quest creates a dangerous alliance of their enemies, she will be his only hope...

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Guardians series, Book #10

Ames: Here's another series I'm not caught up on, but that's ok. Meljean is an auto-buy author for me. Cuz she's that cool.

Nath: Book #10 already? Seriously? LOL. Ms Brook's writing is compelling and her plots so complex, but engaging. Haven't read Demon Forged yet (mental blockage for some reasons ^_^;), but I'm eager to read Demon Blood :D

Ames: I was counting the novellas, too. :P

Insatiable by Lauren Dane
published by Berkley

Carina Fardelle holds the key to calming the rising tensions between the Federation and Imperial 'Verses. Daniel Haws has been enlisted to smuggle her to safety, but removing her from under the fiercely watchful eye of her evil father, the Supreme Commander, won't be easy. Born as adversaries into different ranks, and on the run for their lives, they now need each other to survive-by holding on to the only thing they have in common: a growing desire that is dangerous, irrestisible, and insatiable...

Genre: Sci-Fi Romance
Series: Federation #3

Ames: Lauren is another auto-buy author for me. I haven't read any of the books in this series, but I've got the first two in my tbr pile. I know I'm going to enjoy them too because there hasn't been a Lauren Dane book yet that I haven't enjoyed. *g*

Monroe: Ames has introduced me to Lauren Dane and Mmmmm mmmm...I'm glad she did! ;) So I guess my only comment would have to be...Lauren Dane...enough said! ;)


The Distance Between Us by L.A. Witt
published by Samhain

From money pit to windfall... or is it a pitfall?

After ten years together, Ethan Mallory and Rhett Solomon are calling it quits. They’re more than ready to dump their heavy emotional baggage. The only thing they can’t seem to unload is the house. They’re stuck living as roommates with a hefty mortgage hanging over their heads…at least until they can bring in some extra money to pay it down. Solution: rent out a room.

Enter Kieran Frost. Suddenly, the only thing Ethan and Rhett both want more than getting away from each other is getting close to their single, young, hot roommate. Complicating things is the fact that Kieran doesn’t mind the attention from both, and he certainly doesn’t mind sharing.

Their combined chemistry ignites something else that Ethan and Rhett had thought was long dead—the mutual attraction that drew them together in the first place. Except bitter jealousy over Kieran could only push them even farther apart…

Genre: M/M Romance
Series: N/A

Ames: I've just read my first Witt novel (The Best Man) and really really enjoyed it. This one sounds interesting!


The Search by Nora Roberts
published by Putnam

To most people, Fiona Bristow seems to have an idyllic life — a quaint house on an island off Seattle’s coast, a thriving dog-training school, and a challenging volunteer job performing canine search and rescue. Not to mention her three intensely loyal Labs. But Fiona got to this point by surviving a nightmare.

Several years ago, she was the only survivor of a serial killer — a madman who stalked and abducted young women, strangled them, and left them buried with a red scarf on their bodies. As authorities were closing in on the Red Scarf Killer, he shot and killed Fiona’s cop fiancé and his K-9 partner.

On Orcas Island, Fiona has found the peace and solitude she needed to rebuild her life. Yet all that changes on the day Simon Doyle barrels up her drive, desperate for her help. He’s the reluctant owner of an out-of-control puppy, foisted upon him by his mother. Jaws has eaten through Simon’s house, and he’s at his wit’s end.

To Fiona, Jaws is nothing she can’t handle. Simon is another matter. A newcomer to Orcas, he’s a rugged and intensely private artist, known for creating exquisite furniture. Simon never wanted a puppy, and he most definitely doesn’t want a woman. Besides, the lanky redhead is not his type. But tell that to the laws of attraction.

As Fiona embarks on training Jaws and as Simon begins to appreciate both dog and trainer, the past tears back into Fiona’s life. A copycat killer has emerged out of the shadows, a man whose bloodlust has been channeled by a master with one motive: to reclaim the woman who slipped out of his hands...

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: N/A

Nath: Nora Roberts is known as the Queen of Romance and I think it's a title that she deserves :D I love and enjoy her stand-alone books, some are better than others and I'm hoping The Search falls in that category.


July 13

Tongues of Serpents by Naomi Novik
published by Random House

Convicted of treason despite their heroic defense against Napoleon's invasion of England, Temeraire and Laurence-stripped of rank and standing-have been transported to the prison colony at New South Wales in distant Australia, where, it is hoped, they cannot further corrupt the British Aerial Corps with their dangerous notions of liberty for dragons. Temeraire and Laurence carry with them three dragon eggs intended to help establish a covert in the colony and destined to be handed over to such second-rate, undesirable officers as have been willing to accept so remote an assignment-including one former acquaintance, Captain Rankin, whose cruelty once cost a dragon its life.

Nor is this the greatest difficulty that confronts the exiled dragon and rider: Instead of leaving behind all the political entanglements and corruptions of the war, Laurence and Temeraire have instead sailed into a hornet's nest of fresh complications. For the colony at New South Wales has been thrown into turmoil after the overthrow of the military governor, one William Bligh-better known as Captain Bligh, late of HMS Bounty. Bligh wastes no time in attempting to enlist Temeraire and Laurence to restore him to office, while the upstart masters of the colony are equally determined that the new arrivals should not upset a balance of power precariously tipped in their favor.

Eager to escape this political quagmire, Laurence and Temeraire take on a mission to find a way through the forbidding Blue Mountains and into the interior of Australia. But when one of the dragon eggs is stolen from Temeraire, the surveying expedition becomes a desperate race to recover it in time-a race that leads to a shocking discovery and a dangerous new obstacle in the global war between Britain and Napoleon.

Genre: Fantasy
Series: Temeraire series, Book #6

Nath: Hmmm, I really love love love His Majesty's Dragon. Laurence and Temeraire were sooo ocute. It was definitively the best book in the series so far. The other books are a bit heavy on politics and I'm not too fond of Temeraire's notions of liberty for dragons. Still, Tongues of Serpents definitively has an interesting premises... So we'll see :P

Ames: I want to read this one, but I'll be happy to wait for the paperback version. LOL


July 20

Forget You by Jennifer Echols
Published by Simon & Schuster

WHY CAN’T YOU CHOOSE WHAT YOU FORGET . . . AND WHAT YOU REMEMBER?

There’s a lot Zoey would like to forget. Like how her father has knocked up his twenty-four years old girlfriend. Like Zoey’s fear that the whole town will find out about her mom’s nervous breakdown. Like darkly handsome bad boy Doug taunting her at school. Feeling like her life is about to become a complete mess, Zoey fights back the only way she knows how, using her famous attention to detail to make sure she’s the perfect daughter, the perfect student, and the perfect girlfriend to ultra-popular football player Brandon. But then Zoey is in a car crash, and the next day there’s one thing she can’t remember at all—the entire night before. Did she go parking with Brandon, like she planned? And if so, why does it seem like Brandon is avoiding her? And why is Doug—of all people— suddenly acting as if something significant happened between the two of them? Zoey dimly remembers Doug pulling her from the wreck, but he keeps referring to what happened that night as if it was more, and it terrifies Zoey to admit how much is a blank to her. Controlled, meticulous Zoey is quickly losing her grip on the all-important details of her life—a life that seems strangely empty of Brandon, and strangely full of Doug.

Genre: Young Adult
Series: N/A

Ames: I know Wena really enjoyed Going Too Far by this author (and which I also have in my tbr pile) and this one sounds good. I've been eagerly awaiting this one for a while now.

Nath: I've read one book by Jennifer Echols and enjoyed it. Whether I get this book or not though will depend on the reviews :)


Revelation by Lauren Dane
published by Samhain

At long last, Kendra Kellogg has found her sister—but she’s no closer to filling the gaps in her past. The magick that brought them together makes them targets for dark mages intent on finishing what started with their mother’s murder.

As if her life wasn’t chaotic enough, in barrels the one thing she doesn’t expect, Max de La Vega. He’s six-and-a-half-feet of cocoa-brown alpha male. He’s strong, intelligent, sexy and intense. Everything she’d wanted in a man. And he scares the hell out of her. Still healing from a disastrous past relationship, she wonders if she’ll ever have that kind of forever.

The next in line to run his jaguar jamboree, Max is unused to hearing “no”. Once he knows what he wants, he assumes he’ll get it. And he wants Kendra. She deserves happiness and it’s his mission to give it to her.

When dark mages attempt to steal her magickal energy, Max’s cat agrees with the man—Kendra is his to protect and he will stop at nothing to keep her safe. She can push him away as hard as she likes, he’s not going anywhere.

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: De La Vega Cats, Book #2

Ames: Again, a Lauren Dane book. I have the first De La Vega Cat book in my e-TBR pile and I have the Cascadia Wolves series in my e-TBR Pile as well. This series is an off-shoot of the Cascadia series. I've read the first few books in that series so I know I enjoy Dane's paranormals.

Monroe: Like I said enough said! lol I have yet to read any of her paranormals so this one ought to be a treat!


Dark and Stormy Knights by P.N. Elrod
published by St. Martin's Press

They're the last defenders of humanity, the lone wolf bad boys- and girls-who do dark deeds for the right reasons. Modern day knights who are sexy, funny, mad, bad and dangerous to know because they do what most of us only dream about.and get away with it. In this all-star collection, nine of today's hottest urban fantasy authors bring us original stories of supernatural, modern day knights that will have readers clamoring for more!

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: anthology

Nath: I'm not fond of anthologies, but I find myself buying the ones edited by P.N. Elrod... They usually have a very impressive line-up of authors :) Jim Butcher and Ilona Andrews? Yes, I want! :)


July 27

A Kiss at Midnight by Eloisa James
published by Avon

Miss Kate Daltry doesn't believe in fairy tales... or happily ever after.

Forced by her stepmother to attend a ball, Kate meets a prince... and decides he's anything but charming. A clash of wits and wills ensues, but they both know their irresistible attraction will lead nowhere. For Gabriel is promised to another woman—a princess whose hand in marriage will fulfill his ruthless ambitions.
Gabriel likes his fiancée, which is a welcome turn of events, but he doesn't love her. Obviously, he should be wooing his bride-to-be, not the witty, impoverished beauty who refuses to fawn over him.

Godmothers and glass slippers notwithstanding, this is one fairy tale in which destiny conspires to destroy any chance that Kate and Gabriel might have a happily ever after.

Unless a prince throws away everything that makes him noble...

Unless a dowry of an unruly heart trumps a fortune...

Unless one kiss at the stroke of midnight changes everything.

Genre: Historical Romance
Series: N/A

Ames: I LOVE LOVE LOVE Eloisa James and I'm really looking forward to reading this one. :P

Nath: Ms James' books are a bit hit and miss with me. Some I've really enjoyed, others, meh. So once again, I'm going to be waiting for reviews :P


A Little Bit Wild by Victoria Dahl
published by Zebra

He Is Not What She Had In Mind.

Jude Bertrand is not an excellent dancer. Nor does he wear the most fashionable coats. But when Marissa York's brother approaches him, desperate to preserve Marissa's tenuous reputation, Jude does prove heroic enough to offer to marry the girl. In fact, the union should more than make up for his lack of social graces—and his own scandalous past...

But Minds Change...

Marissa knows that betrothal to the son of a duke — even one as raw and masculine as Jude — will save her from ruin, but that doesn't mean she's happy about it. Soon, though, she finds that Jude has a surprisingly gentle touch — and plans to use it to persuade Marissa that their wedding day cannot come soon enough...

Genre: Historical Romance
Series: N/A

Ames: I like Victoria's contemporaries so I'm going out on a limb here and thinking I might like her historicals as well.

Monroe: Again is Victoria Dahl and I can't wait to dive into her historicals!


Last Night's Scandal by Loretta Chase
published by Avon

After surviving the perils of Egypt, Peregrine Dalmay, Earl of Lisle is back in London, facing the most dire threat of all: his irrational family....and Miss Olivia Wingate-Carsington. A descendent of notorious—but very aristocratic—swindlers, the delectable redhead has the ability to completely unhinge him, and a long history of dragging him into her scandalous schemes.

Olivia may be Society's darling, but she's aware a respectable future looms menacingly. And so when Lisle is forced to go on a family mission, she sees this as the perfect chance for one last adventure—even if it is with the one man in the world she can't wrap around her finger: but really, she only wants to help…

Which is why Lisle and Olivia find themselves in a gloomy Scottish castle inhabited by spiteful ghosts and craven murderers...and a shocking secret: the greatest peril of all may be burning within their own stubborn hearts.

Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Fallen Women #4

Ames: I have loved Olivia and Peregrine ever since I read Lord Perfect (back when I didn't like kids in my romance) and hoped they'd get their own book. I was overjoyed to hear that that book was going to happen and even though Holly didn't really care for it, I'm still anxious to read this one.

Nath: Hmmm, I'm hesitant about this one, specifically since Holly didn't really care for it. Just like Ames, I thought Olivia and Peregrine were very cute and I love childhood friends to lovers theme... but seems like Olivia didn't live up to her character. Or perhaps she lived up to it too much?


All I Ever Wanted by Kristan Higgins
published by Harlequin

One happily-ever-after rocking chair…

And no sign of any forthcoming babies to rock in ol’ Georgebury, Vermont. For Callie Grey, turning thirty means coming to grips with the fact that her boss (and five-week fling) is way overdue in his marriage proposal. And way off track, because Mark has suddenly announced his engagement to the company’s new Miss Perfect. If that isn’t bad enough, her mom decides to throw her a 3-0 birthday bash in the family funeral home.

Bad goes to worse when she stirs up a relationship with the town’s most eligible — yet not so warm and fuzzy — veterinarian, Ian McFarland, in order to flag Mark’s attention. So Ian’s more comfortable with animals… So he’s formal, orderly and just a bit tense. The ever-friendly, fun-loving and spontaneous Callie decides it’s time for Ian to get a personality makeover. But, dang — if he doesn’t shock the heck out of her, she might actually fall for Vermont’s unlikeliest eligible bachelor...

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: N/A

Ames: I like Kristan Higgins. Although The Next Best Thing didn't live up to expectations, I still enjoyed it and hello! Veterinarian hero! Although I don't like how baby-crazy the heroines are...I still find them oddly compelling. LOL

Nath: This sounds like a very typical Kristan Higgins plot and can go either way, but only one way to find out, right? :P I'm really happy that Ms Higgins is having a second book published this year and hoping it'll be a hit :)


Infamous by Suzanne Brockmann
published by Random House

When history professor Alison Carter became a consultant to the film version of the Wild West legend she’d dedicated her career to researching, she couldn’t possibly have known that she would not only get a front-row seat to a full-blown Hollywood circus but would innocently witness something that would put her life in peril. Nor did she expect that a tall stranger in a cowboy hat would turn the movie — and her world — completely upside down.

A. J. Gallagher didn’t crash the set in dusty Arizona to rub elbows with Hollywood’s elite. Unable to ignore ghosts from the past that refuse to stay buried, A.J. came to put an end to the false legend that has tarnished the reputation of his family. But when he confronts Alison, sparks fly. And when Alison is targeted by ruthless criminals, suddenly she and A.J. must face the intense attraction that threatens to consume them—and survive the danger that threatens their very lives.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: N/A

Ames: Don't need to explain wanting this one: it's Suzanne Brockmann!!

Monroe: I haven't read SB yet but I do have MANY of her books I soon shall start! BOY LOOK AT THIS COVER! YUM!


Three Nights with a Scoundrel by Tessa Dare
published by Random House

The bastard son of a nobleman, Julian Bellamy is now polished to perfection, enthralling the ton with wit and charm while clandestinely plotting to ruin the lords, ravish the ladies, and have the last laugh on a society that once spurned him. But after meeting Leo Chatwick, a decent man and founder of an elite gentlemen’s club, and Lily, Leo’s enchanting sister, Julian reconsiders his wild ways. And when Leo’s tragic murder demands that Julian hunt for justice, he vows to see the woman he secretly loves married to a man of her own class.

Lily, however, has a very different husband in mind. She’s loved Julian forever, adores the man beneath the rakish façade, and wants to savor the delicious attraction they share—as his wife. His insistence on marrying her off only reinforces her intent to prove that he is the only man for her. Obsessed with catching a killer, Julian sinks back to the gutters of his youth, forcing Lily to reach out with a sweet, reckless passion Julian can’t resist. Can her desire for a scoundrel save them both—or will dangerous secrets threaten more than their tender love?

Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Stud Club #3

Ames: Errr...still haven't read the first two in this series. Do you know I have an odd compulsion to own a whole series even if I haven't read any of them? I really need to examine that....


And One Last Thing... by Molly Harper
published by Simon & Schuster

"If Singletree’s only florist didn’t deliver her posies half-drunk, I might still be married to that floor-licking, scum-sucking, receptionist-nailing hack-accountant, Mike Terwilliger."

Lacey Terwilliger’s shock and humiliation over her husband’s philandering prompt her to add some bonus material to Mike’s company newsletter: stunning Technicolor descriptions of the special brand of "administrative support" his receptionist gives him. The detailed mass e-mail to Mike’s family, friends, and clients blows up in her face, and before one can say "instant urban legend," Lacey has become the pariah of her small Kentucky town, a media punch line, and the defendant in Mike’s defamation lawsuit.

Her seemingly perfect life up in flames, Lacey retreats to her family’s lakeside cabin, only to encounter an aggravating neighbor named Monroe. A hunky crime novelist with a low tolerance for drama, Monroe is not thrilled about a newly divorced woman moving in next door. But with time, beer, and a screen door to the nose, a cautious friendship develops into something infinitely more satisfying.

Lacey has to make a decision about her long-term living arrangements, though. Should she take a job writing caustic divorce newsletters for paying clients, or move on with her own life, pursuing more literary aspirations? Can she find happiness with a man who tells her what he thinks and not what she wants to hear? And will she ever be able to resist saying one... last... thing?

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: N/A

Nath: Earlier this year, I've read the Jane Jameson series and it was a lot of fun :) If Ms Harper is writing a contemporary romance with the same sense of humor, I definitively want to read it!