Tuesday, August 3

August New Releases

Wow, it's been a month since our last post ^_^; Oups. We've dropped the ball a little this summer, but we're going to pick it up again :D Look forward to some reviews in the next few days :) In the meantime, we hope you're having an awesome summer with lots of good reads :D

August 1

Naked by Megan Hart
Published by Harlequin
No strings. No regrets. And no going back.

I didn't think he wanted me. And I wasn't about to get involved with him, not after what I'd heard. Sure, Alex Kennedy was tall, dark and unbearably hot, but I've been burned before. When I solicited him to model for my erotic photography book, I didn't expect such a heated, passionate photo session. And now that we've crossed that line, our bodies aren't the only things that have been exposed.

But I can't give my heart to a man who's so… unconventional. His last sexual relationship was with a married couple. It's enough that my ex-fiancĂ© preferred men, I can't take that chance again no matter how much my body thrives on Alex's touch. I can't risk it, but I can't resist it, either. Alex can be very convincing when he wants something. And he wants me.

Genre: Erotic Romance
Series: connected to Tempted

Ames: I love anything Megan Hart writes and this one was no exception. Yeah I've read it already. I recommend it, especially if you've read Tempted.

Monroe: Ames got me hooked on this lady and lets just say I'd read a travel guide if it was written by her! This woman is HOT HOT HOT! ;)


The Heat is On by Jill Shalvis
Published by Harlequin
Oh, dear. Bella Manchelli is so not having a good day. First, she's deliciously exhausted from last night's sizzling one-night stand. Second, there's a (gulp) dead body at her back door. Third...um, that scrumptious one-nighter is at her front door... and he's wearing a badge!

Police Officer Jacob Madden is all about duty. Until he shows up looking for a homicide…and runs right into last night's slice of sexy heaven! Damn, he just can't think straight when he's around Bella. All he wants to do is lick her up one side and down the other...

Can duty and smoking-hot sex blend for a while? Definitely! Until Jacob discovers that several of the guys Bella's dated have turned up dead. Jacob loves being around Bella. But is he ready to be used as target practice?

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: n/a

Ames: Jill is an autob-buy author for me. :P

Monroe: I second Ames...Jill seriously ROCKS!


Libertine's Kiss by Judith James
Published by Harlequin
Abandoned by his cavalier father at a young age, William de Veres grew up knowing precious little happiness. But William has put the past firmly behind him and as a military hero and noted rake, he rises fast in the ranks of the hedonistic Restoration court. Though not before he is forced to seek shelter from a charming young Puritan woman...

The civil wars have cost the once-high-spirited Elizabeth Walters her best friend and her father, leaving her unprotected and alone. She flees an unwanted marriage, seeking safe haven, but what she finds is something she never expected. When her kindness and her beauty bring her to the attention of William, and then the king, she will have a choice to make. After all, can a notorious libertine really be capable of love?

Genre: Historical Romance
Series: n/a

Ames: KristieJ turned me onto Judith's writing when she had her Broken Wing campaign. I really enjoyed this one too (read my review here). (also, how much do you love Netgalley? LOL)

Nath: I'm eying this one as well, thanks to Kristie :)

Monroe: Ohhh...pretty cover! I'd buy it on that alone! lol


August 3

Shadow at Midnight by Elizabeth Jennings
Published by Berkley
She was just a shadow of her former self.

Until he came back into her life.

U.S. intelligence agent Claire Day and former Marine Sergeant Dan Watson must solve a deadly conspiracy-or forfeit any chance of having a future together.

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: n/a

Ames: Never heard of this book but that cover is gorgeous! I think I'll see what Nath says about it.

Nath: I've read one book by Ms Jennings and really enjoyed it. I definitively want to check out this one :)



Burning Up by Angela Knight, Meljean Brook, Nalini Singh and Virginia Kantra
Published by Berkley
Bring these four authors together and it's sure to ignite a spark...

Angela Knight pairs a vampire warrior and his seductive captor in a battle against demonic predators.

Nalini Singh returns to the world of her Psy-Changeling series as a woman in lethal danger finds an unlikely protector-and lover.

Virginia Kantra continues the haunting tales of the Children of the Sea in her story of a wounded soldier rescued by an enigmatic young woman.

Meljean Brook launches a bold new steampunk series about a woman who strikes a provocative-and terrifying-bargain for freedom.

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: n/a

Ames: I'm not really a fan of anthologies but hello? Nalini Singh and Meljean Brook? Auto-buy authors!

Nath: LOL, I know Ames! I'm really looking forward to this anthology because Meljean Brook kicks off her new steampunk romance series and I don't want to miss anything :P

Monroe: I've only read Nalini Singh *bows down in worship but would love to try the other authors out!



Deeply, Desperately by Heather Webber
Published by St. Martin's Press
The irrepressible star of "Truly, Madly, " is back in business. This time, Lucy Valentine will go to the ends of the earth to find true love for her clients...and maybe even herself.

Lucy wants to breathe new life into her family’s Boston-based matchmaking company. But how? Even though she comes from a long line of ancestors blessed by Cupid with psychic abilities, a freak accident left Lucy with only one special skill: finding things. Car keys, socks in the dryer, needles in haystacks...and now, in a stroke of professional genius, lost loves

It’s not long before Lucy’s on a winning streak, helping old flames reunite and create new sparks. Business is booming. But when Lucy finds herself involved in a possible case of murder, she realizes she’s in too deep. Enter Sean Donahue. Lucy’s handsome fire-fighter turned private-eye neighbor, Sean is just the man she needsto help her on the job. Could he also be the man she’s been looking for all along? When it comes to Valentine, Inc., falling in love is always serious business...

Genre: contemporary romance, mystery
Series: Lucy Valentine, Book #2

Nath: I've read the first book, Truly, Madly and enjoyed it :) It's a cute, fluffy psychic series. Looking forward to see how Lucy and Sean's relationship will develop.

Monroe: I HAVE Truly, Madly b/c I seen how Nath liked it! I'm sure if she did I will so Ill probably get this one as well!


Hot Finish by Erin McCarthy
Published by Berkley
Desire is about to reach its peak.

Suzanne Jefferson is broke, which is why she's given up charity work for wedding planning. Fortunately, she has a high-profile client-and best of all, he's paid in advance. There are just two teensy problems: the bride is a bona fide bridezilla, and Suzanne's stock racer ex- husband is the best man. At least she though he was her ex-husband...

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance
Series: Fast Track, Book #3

Ames: I love love love this series and I've been really looking forward to Suzanne's book.

Nath: I think pretty much everyone who had read the first two books are looking forward to Ryder and Suzanne's book and here it is :)


Waking the Witch by Kelley Armstrong
Published by Random House
The orphaned daughter of a sorcerer and a half-demon, Savannah is a terrifyingly powerful young witch who has never been able to resist the chance to throw her magical weight around. But at twenty-one she knows she needs to grow up and prove to her guardians, Paige and Lucas, that she can be a responsible member of their supernatural detective agency. So she jumps at the chance to fly solo, investigating the mysterious deaths of three young women in a nearby factory town, as a favour to one of the agency's associates. At first glance, the murders look garden-variety human, but on closer inspection signs point to otherworldly stakes.
Soon Savannah is in over her head. She's run off the road and nearly killed, haunted by a mystery stalker and freaked out when the brother of one of the dead women is murdered when he tries to investigate the crime. To complicate things, something weird is happening to her powers. Pitted against shamans, demons, a voodoo-inflected cult and garden-variety goons, Savannah has to fight to ensure her first case isn't her last. And she also has to ask for help, perhaps the hardest lesson she's ever had to learn.

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Women of the Otherworld, Book #11

Nath: Okay, this is not a mistake. For some reasons, Waking the Witch has a release date of August 3 in Canada, which is why it wasn't in the last month's new release post. This is the Canadian cover and I am so getting the US one ^_^; Tell the truth, I got an ARC copy at RT, but still haven't read the book... I'm having some sort of block, but doesn't mean I'm not buying it :P I mean, after all, Women of the Otherworld is one of my favorite series!

Monroe: EPP! The cover is creepy!

Nath: Sigh, I know ^_^; The US cover is much better...


August 10

Veil of Night by Linda Howard
Published by Ballantine
Jaclyn Wilde is a wedding planner who loves her job—usually. But helping Carrie Edwards with her Big Day has been an unrelenting nightmare. Carrie is a bridezilla of mythic nastiness, a diva whose tantrums are just about as crazy as her demands. But the unpleasant task at hand turns seriously criminal when Carrie is brutally murdered and everyone involved with the ceremony is accusing one another of doing the deed.

The problem is, most everyone—from the cake maker and the florist to the wedding-gown retailer and the bridesmaids’ dressmaker—had his or her own reason for wanting the bride dead, including Jaclyn. And while those who felt Carrie’s wrath are now smiling at her demise, Jaclyn refuses to celebrate tragedy, especially since she finds herself in the shadow of suspicion.

Assigned to the case, Detective Eric Wilder finds that there’s too much evidence pointing toward too many suspects. Compounding his problems is Jaclyn, with whom he shared one deeply passionate night before Carrie’s death. Being a prime suspect means that Jaclyn is hands-off just when Eric would rather be hands-on. As the heat intensifies between Eric and Jaclyn, a cold-blooded murderer moves dangerously close. And this time the target is not a bride but one particularly irresistible wedding planner, unaware of a killer’s vow.

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: n/a

Nath: Lately, Ms Howard has been hit and miss; however, this one sounds interesting and quite a departure from her latest release. The plot seems more subdued or less "large"... Know what I mean? I'm going to wait for a few reviews before getting it... but still, sounds interesting and intriguing :P

Monroe: LOVE LINDA HOWARD!!!! This book sounds great!


August 24

Demon from the Dark by Kresley Cole
Published by Simon & Schuster
A DANGEROUS DEMON SHE CAN’T RESIST...

Malkom Slaine: tormented by his sordid past and racked by vampiric hungers, he’s pushed to the brink by the green-eyed beauty under his guard.

A MADDENING WITCH HE ACHES TO CLAIM...

Carrow Graie: hiding her own sorrows, she lives only for the next party or prank. Until she meets a tortured warrior worth saving.

TRAPPED TOGETHER IN A SAVAGE PRISON...

In order for Malkom and Carrow to survive, he must unleash both the demon and vampire inside him. When Malkom becomes the nightmare his own people feared, will he lose the woman he craves body and soul?

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Immortals After Dark, Book #10

Ames: I read the first few books in this series and have bought all the others - so I need to make sure I have the complete set. (Seriously, I have problems)

Nath: We all do, Ames ^_^; I'm still undecided about this one. Unlike Ames, I've read them all :P And I've been having issues with the last few books in the series, mainly that that overall story-arc is not advancing and this doesn't feel different...

Monroe: I've read only one book in the series and it had a ghost in it...I never really read about those in the past and was kinda put off by it BUT I've heard really good things about this author so Ill give it another go!


The Devil Wears Plaid by Teresa Medeiros
Published by Simon & Schuster
A sexy Highlander kidnaps his rival's spirited English bride Emmaline Marlowe is about to wed the extremely powerful laird of the Hepburn clan to save her father from debtor's prison when ruffian Jamie Sinclair bursts into the abbey on a magnificent black horse and abducts her in one strong swoop. Though he is Hepburn's sworn enemy, Emma's mysterious captor is everything her bridegroom is not—handsome, virile, dangerous... and a perilous temptation for her yearning heart.

Jamie expects Emma to be some milksop English miss, not a fiery, defiant beauty whose irresistible charms will tempt him at every turn. But he cannot allow either one of them to forget he is her enemy and she his pawn in the deadly Highland feud between the clans. So why does he still want her so badly for himself? Stealing his enemy's bride was simple, but can he claim her innocence without losing his heart?

Genre: Historical Romance
Series: n/a

Ames: I really enjoy Teresa's writing and I'm looking forward to this, even though Highlanders seem...passé.

Nath: I'll be waiting for your review, Ames. I'm not a fan of Highlanders, so... However, very nice cover in my opinion.


August 31

Burning Up by Susan Andersen
Published by Harlequin
Though it's been years since the infamous Macy O'James stepped foot in Sugarville, Washington, everyone remembers what she supposedly did. The tiny town is still buzzing about her crime and lack of punishment.

Now back to lend her family a hand, Macy vows to hold her head high - especially at her high school reunion. But forget about the hottest man in Sugarville escorting her. Though she and fire chief Gabriel Donovan generate enough sparks to burn down the town, he's a law-abiding, line-toeing straight arrow. So not her type.

But maybe - just maybe - he can change her mind about that.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: n/a

Nath: How funny that there are two releases this month with the same title? Ms Andersen is on my autobuy list for contemporary romance... so yes, I'll be getting this one :P


Maybe this Time by Jennifer Crusie
Published by St. Martin's Press
Andie Miller is ready to move on in life. She wants to marry her fiance and leave behind everything in her past, especially her ex-husband, North Archer. But when Andie tries to gain closure with him, he asks one final favor of her before they go their separate ways forever. A very distant cousin of his has died and left North as the guardian of two orphans who have driven out three nannies already, and things are getting worse. He needs a very special person to take care of the situation and he knows Andie can handle anything...

When Andie meets the two children she quickly realizes things are much worse than she feared. The place is a mess, the children, Carter and Alice, aren’t your average delinquents, and the creepy old house where they live is being run by the worst housekeeper since Mrs. Danvers. What’s worse, Andie’s fiance thinks this is all a plan by North to get Andie back, and he may be right. Andie’s dreams have been haunted by North since she arrived at the old house. And that’s not the only haunting...

What follows is a hilarious adventure in exorcism, including a self-doubting parapsychologist, an annoyed medium, her Tarot-card reading mother, an avenging ex-mother-in-law, and, of course, her jealous fiance. And just when she thinks things couldn’t get more complicated, North shows up on the doorstep making her wonder if maybe this time things could be different between them.

If Andie can just get rid of all the guests and ghosts, she’s pretty sure she can save the kids, and herself, from the past. But fate might just have another thing in mind…

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: n/a

Ames: I'm really torn on this one. I miss JC's solo books but I don't know...a ghost?

Nath: I think I'm getting it, just because it is a JC solo :P How long has it been?!?

Monroe: Ghost...*sigh I miss the old JC...BUT she IS an auto buy for me no matter what! Love that woman!


Finding Perfect by Susan Mallery
Published by Harlequin
Pia was your typical popular girl in high school – she made friends easily, cheered on the squad, and had her share of dates with the school jocks. But she’s always had a hard time committing to something, or someone.

So when her best friend Crystal succumbs to cancer, Pia is devastated, but also shocked by the inheritance her friend has left her – her frozen embryos! Pia’s in a quandary. It’s not like she can just throw them away. But is she really capable of being responsible for another human being?

For once, Pia throws caution to the wind and decides to embrace Crystal’s legacy. But as she struggles with her decision, another complication arises that Pia is totally unprepared for. She finally meets the man of her dreams…and her life becomes more confusing than she ever thought possible.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Fools Gold, Book #3

Nath: Now, I'm torn about this one ^_^; I've really enjoyed Almost Perfect and I like Ms Mallery's writing. However, the subject, frozen embryos? Totally doesn't attract me... So what to do?


Time Enough for Love by Suzanne Brockmann
Published by Bantam
Level-headed Maggie Winthrop never expected her love life to turn into science fiction. Then a Navy SEAL–trained scientist named Chuck Della Croce turns up one day in her backyard—naked and with an impossible-to-believe explanation: He has come back from the future in a time machine of his own creation in order to stop terrorist killers from laying waste to America. Maggie sympathizes with the rugged, handsome stranger—but can she trust him?

Chuck can’t complete this mission of mercy alone. He needs Maggie to use all the wiles a beautiful woman has at her disposal to convince his younger self not to create the technology responsible for the tragedy.

But when Maggie falls for both versions of the same irresistible man, she confronts a wrenching choice no woman should ever have to face: abandon a love she’s waited for all her life or stay with Chuck and watch the future she longs to build with him go up in flames.

Genre: Time Travel Romance
Series: n/a

Ames: This is a reprint and one of Suz's books I haven't read yet. First of all, I love Suz. Second, Time Enough for Love is the title of one of my favorite books by Robert A. Heinlein (and I love that Suz has mentioned his books in a few of her own!). Even the fact that this is a time travel is not enough to discourage me from reading this - because I HATE time travel romances.

Monroe: I just started reading Susanne Brockmann...she's pretty awesome so I'd read this one!

8 comments:

Natasha A. said...

ROFL ROFL ROFL!!

"Monroe: Ames got me hooked on this lady and lets just say I'd read a travel guide if it was written by her! This woman is HOT HOT HOT! ;)"

I couldn't agree more!

CindyS said...

I'm very excited for the next Kresley Cole but I haven't read all in her series so the overall story arc has not been bothering me like it has Nath. So I'm squeeeing about that one!!

And I just have to let people know that Time Enough For Love is my all-time favourite Brockmann. I don't like TT novels as a rule because I can usually find the flaw but she did such a great job with this and the sexual tension is just YUM!! Stand alone novel but Brockmann - awesome!

I didn't know Crusie had a new book coming out but I'll wait for others before stepping in. I need my romance and if it's not one, I don't need to try it.

I haven't read Medeiros in years - maybe this one will mark a return.

I'm not buying LH until I hear it's smoking hot. The level of blandness of her recent books has me shrugging.

I think The Witch cover looks cool - freaked me out the first time but after that, neat.

Leslie said...

Megan Hart Rocks! And so does Naked. :D

Netgalley for you too Ames? Yep, Libertine's Kiss was a pretty good historical. I liked the different time period.

Yeah for finally getting Ryder and Suzanne’s story. Definitely reading that one.

I’m going to wait for some reviews on the Kresley Cole. I wasn’t crazy about her last one I read, Kiss of a Demon King. Had a hard time getting through it. I think there’s been one out since that so I’ll just wait on this one.

I’ve got the Linda Howard requested from the library. She’s been okay for me lately but really prefer her earlier books.

Christine said...

Oh crap! I gotta stop reading these new releases posts here! You guys are burning a hole in my wallet and contributing to the massive leaning tower of TBRs.

I forgot NAKED was coming out in the beginning of the month. I read TEMPTED way back in early 2007, so I have been waiting for Alex's story for soooooo long. I'm ordering this one today.

I love the cover of LIBERTINE'S KISS--so stunning! I also really enjoyed James' BROKEN WING so I've been toying with adding this one to my list. I'll go read your review, Ames, and see if I'll be convinced.

SHADOWS AT MIDNIGHT sounds interesting... hmm..

I don't read Angela Knight or Virginia Kantra, but Meljean Brook and Nalini Singh are favorites, so I'll be picking up this one, too. I didn't know it was coming out already. I'm so behind!

I just recently read TRULY, MADLY and really liked it, so I'll be getting DEEPLY, DESPERATELY.

I'm several books behind in Cole's IAD series, so I'll wait on this one.

I think Medeiros' THE DEVIL WEARS PLAID will be my impulse buy this month! It sounds great! Although, I don't know if it's impulsive if I'm deciding to buy it now. LOL.

I also have KILLBOX by Ann Aguirre on my list for August 31, but maybe that's really a September release? I'm not sure.

Okay, I think I spent enough money. :D

Rowena said...

More great books coming out this month!

I'm excited to read Burning Up by Susan Andersen, Maybe This Time by Jennifer Crusie (it's a solo Crusie, I just gotta do it!) and The Heat is On by Jill Shalvis.

Each of those authors are must read for me so I gotta make room for them on my reading schedule. LOL.

I'm not too wild on TT either but the Suz Brockmann? It's going on my list.

I enjoyed the Susan Mallery, Pia ended being a great heroine and I adored Raoul all over again!

nath said...

Natasha - We tell it like we see it :D

Cindy - Okay, gotta ask... why are you squeeing at this one? I mean, it's not as if the characters have been introduced before... So is it the blurb, the cover? :P

Waking the Witch cover, the more you look at it, the more you get used to it. Still, I prefer the american one. Fits more with the others :P

LH, I'm tempted. Just because the storyline seems more normal you know? Know plane crash, no kidnappers, no terrorist. Just a "regular" murder :P

Oh and the Crusie, well turns out that Ames won a copy, so we'll find out soon :D

Leslie - Netgalley is becoming very, very popular :P

I hope you'll enjoy Hot Finish, Leslie :) I thought it was hot, but I wanted a bit more.

Christine - LOL, Christine. Sorry :P But hey, at least, you know what is coming out and won't be taken by surprise, right? :P

The cover of Libertine's Kiss is very pretty indeed. She really scored with this one, especially after Broken *shudder*

I'll let you know about Shadows Midnight.

So glad you enjoyed Truly, Madly... I'm waiting for Deeply, Desperately to get in store. Ugh. Oh Killbox... well it's August 31, so August release :P I just don't read this author, so it slipped from my radar.

Rowena - Oh, I'm glad to hear that the Susan Mallery was good! I'm just on the edge with this one, like I said... frozen embryos? Not a topic I would usually read about.

Hilcia said...

Oooh a new Blaze by Jill Shalvis, I have to look that one up! I do have both Burning Up books on my list of books to read already and the Kresley Cole. I need to get to Erin McCarthy! I've been looking for sports romances and those look hot. :D

nath said...

Hilcia - Oh Hils! the Erin McCarthy's are scorching :P if you're looking something hot, those are it :D