Sunday, November 27

December New Releases

I remember back in October Nath and I were discussing upcoming books. We were both bemoaning the fact that December didn't seem to have that many releases. Fortunately, that is no longer the case and there is lots to look forward to! Let's hope we all get giftcards for Christmas so we can spoil ourselves a bit.


December 1

Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis
published by Grand Central Publishing
Breaking rules and breaking hearts

Free-spirited Chloe lives life on the edge. Unlike her soon-to-be married sisters, she isn't ready to settle into a quiet life running their family's newly renovated inn. But soon her love of trouble--and trouble with love-draws the attention of the very stern, very sexy sheriff who'd like nothing better than to tame her wild ways.

Suddenly Chloe can't take a misstep without the sheriff hot on her heels. His rugged swagger and his enigmatic smile are enough to make a girl beg to be handcuffed. For the first time, instead of avoiding the law, Chloe dreams of surrender. Can this rebel find a way to keep the peace with the straitlaced sheriff? Or will Chloe's colorful past keep her from a love that lasts . . . and the safe haven she truly wants in a town called Lucky Harbor?
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Lucky Harbor #3

Ames: I still haven't read the other two books in this series but I'm going to soon because this one sounds good. I like when the hero is in law enforcement. :P

Monroe: Already bought it! WOOP!

Nath: This time, I'm resisting!!


Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally
published by Sourcebooks Fire
What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though - she leads them as the captain and quarterback on her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys, and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university. But now there's a new guy in town who threatens her starring position on the team... and has her suddenly wishing to be seen as more than just a teammate.
Genre: Young Adult
Series: n/a

Ames: I've already read this one for Netgalley and I thought it was super cute! I really recommend it if you want something a little bit different in your contemporary YA. A female football player!

Monroe: This one DOES sound super cute! Im not normally one for Tom Boy kinda gals but I see this one turning out great!

Nath: This book really caught my attention. First, I think the cover is awesome, but the story is also really interesting. A girl playing quarterback in a high school team? Definitively unusual premise and something that made me wanted to read Catching Jordan :)


December 5

Men Under the Mistletoe by Josh LanyonHarper Fox, Ava March and KA Mitchell
published by Carina Press
A man receives the gift of pleasure at the hands of two expert lovers. Boyhood sweethearts get a second chance at romance. Two very proper gentlemen indulge their forbidden desires. And a Christmas tree farmer has an epiphany. It may be cold outside but these four holiday novellas will warm you up.
Genre: M/M Romance
Series: n/a

Ames: Carina Press put out a Christmas anthology last year and it was really good. I'm really looking forward to this because all those authors are super talented.


December 6

Winning the Wallflower by Eloisa James
published by Avon Impulse
It could only happen in a fairy tale.

Lady Lucy Towerton:
Plain and tall. (According to the lady herself.)
Titled and irreproachably proper. (According to her fiancé.)

Until, overnight, she becomes

Lady Lucy Towerton:
Heiress. (Thanks to an aged aunt’s bequest.)
Belle of the ball. (So say the fortune hunters of the ton.)

In charge of her own destiny (finally!), Lucy breaks her engagement and makes up her mind never to be proper again…
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: connected to the Happily Ever After series

Ames: I loooove Eloisa James. That is all.

Monroe: OOOOOOOOooooo I WANT!!! Love a girl that takes charge and changes her life!

Nath: Ohh, sounds interesting!


The One That I Want by Jennifer Echols
published by Simon Pulse
Gemma can’t believe her luck when the star football player starts flirting with her. Max is totally swoon-worthy, and even gets her quirky sense of humor. So when he asks out her so-called best friend Addison, Gemma’s heartbroken.

Then Addison pressures Gemma to join the date with one of Max’s friends. But the more time they all spend together, the harder Gemma falls for Max. She can’t help thinking that Max likes her back—it’s just too bad he’s already dating Addison. How can Gemma get the guy she wants without going after her best friend’s boyfriend?
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: n/a

Ames: Simon Pulse is doing something different with this book. The e-book is coming out first. The print edition of this book comes out in February 2012. I'm definitely getting this one. Jennifer Echols is an auto-buy author for me.

Nath: Definitively interesting strategy. I thought this was a novella... but it seems like a full-length novel? I think I'm going to pick this one. I've been in the mood for YA contemporary lately :)


A Placed Called Home by Jo Goodman
published by Zebra
When Thea Wyndham and Mitchell Baker learn they've been named joint guardians for their late friends' three children, they're little more than acquaintances. Barely polite acquaintances, at that. Something about Mitch's forthright intensity has always left ad exec Thea feeling off-balance, while Mitch makes no secret of his disdain when Thea offers him financial assistance if he'll take sole guardianship. Thea is far from heartless. She's just plain terrified of her new parenting responsibilities. Both she and Mitch are romantically involved with other people. Yet the more time they spend together, the less certain she is of her loyalties. There are complications and mis-steps, tears and laughter - lots of it. And somehow, through it all, the dawning realization that the last place she thought she'd find herself could be just where she belongs.
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: n/a

Ames: This blurb reminds me somewhat of that Katherine Heigl movie, Life As We Know It. I think this sounds cute.

Monroe: I was JUST thinking that! lol I think this one will be a winner!

Nath: I'm definitively picking this one up as it's contemporary :) I wonder if it's Ms Goodman's first contemporary romance...


Alien Proliferation by Gini Koch
published by DAW
Alien Super-Being Exterminator Kitty Katt is expecting her first baby. But the alien attacks are getting more dangerous, and now Kitty and her Alpha Centaurion husband, Jeff, have to find out who's behind the conspiracy to kill Kitty's secret agent mom and what caused Kitty's transformation into a superhuman-and they've got to do it all before the baby shower...
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Katherine "Kitty" Katt #4

Ames: I've only read the first one in this series but I loved it so. I definitely need to catch up!

Nath: Hmmmm, I still haven't read the last book in the series, Alien in the Family, so I think I'll wait before picking this one up. I like the humor, but I don't. There's something missing in my opinion.


Daybreak by Ellen Connor
published by Berkley Sensation
It's been twelve years since the Change, and Penelope Sheehan is one of the few still practicing magic for the good of humanity in this dark, dangerous world. But she needs the help of a shapeshifter named Tru, whom she knew when he was a troubled boy. But Tru is a creature of instinct and impulse, living only to satisfy his senses- ignoring the scarred heart nobody has ever reached. Fighting alongside the last holdouts of humanity, they will unleash a passion that tempts them to risk everything for love. But if they succeed, Tru and Pen hold the power to brighten the Dark Age for all time.
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Dark Age Dawning #3

Ames: I know the first few books have gotten some positive buzz around blogland. Which is why I have them in my tbr pile. I'll be keeping an eye out for this one.

Monroe: Haven't read these books but they sound good!

Nath: I still have the first one in my TBR pile ^_^; Going to wait till I read that one first LOL.


December 20

Touch of Power by Maria Snyder
published by Mira
Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan assumes their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Territories, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life...
Genre: Fantasy Young Adult
Series: Healing #1

Nath: Yay, a new series by Ms Snyder!! I'm really looking forward to this book :) I love Ms Snyder writing and I'm excited for this release. I do wish she'll go back to the Study world eventually, but not with Opal ^_^; By the way, I wished we had a Canadian cover... The US one is okay, but the UK and Australian ones are better in my opinion.


December 27

Trouble at the Wedding by Laura Lee Guhrke
published by Avon
What happens when a woman is determined to marry the wrong man? When she just won’t listen to reason and rushes forward with wedding plans? When she just doesn’t care that she’s marrying a fortune hunting scoundrel who doesn’t love her? What’s her exasperated family supposed to do about it? Hire a different scoundrel to talk her out of it, of course.

American heiress Annabel Wheaton knows what she wants and love isn’t it. Born in a Mississippi backwater, with a twang as wide as the Delta, she wants respect to go with the millions her daddy found in a Klondike gold mine. But respect isn’t easy to come by in the closed Knickerbocker society of New York, and when the fortune-hunting Earl of Rumsford shows up, it seems like he’s just the ticket to make all Annabel’s dreams come true. When he proposes marriage, she happily agrees. That’s when the trouble starts.

Christian Du Quesne has always been trouble—a rake, a gambler, and when he was younger, a fortune hunter. He married once for the sake of the decaying family coffers, but he won’t do it again. When his older brother, the Duke of Scarborough, dies without issue, Christian become the duke and inherits a whole new pile of family debt with no way to pay it. When Annabel’s family hires him to show Annabel just what she’d be getting by marrying into Britain’s aristocratic class, he knows he’s the perfect person to talk her out of matrimony. Problem is, he only has four days to do it. Can he cause enough trouble in those four days to get her to call off the wedding?
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Abandoned at the Altar #3

Ames: I've really enjoyed this series so far and this one sounds good.

Monroe: Yet another series I havent read but sounds good!

Nath: Wooohooo! Finally, can't believe it's been almost a year since Scandal of the Year was released! I'm a bit bummed because this book seems a bit disconnected from the first two in the series. I mean, I really can't remember the hero ^_^; I know he's Aidan's best friend and he did a brief appearance at one point, but that's it... In any case, I'm really looking forward to this one, especially for the time period :)


The Pleasure of Your Kiss by Teresa Medeiros
published by Simon & Schuster
Ashton Burke is a legendary adventurer who has spent the past ten years roaming the globe to forget the girl he left behind. His devil-may-care life is interrupted when he's hired to rescue his brother's kidnapped fiancée from a sultan's harem. Too late, he discovers she is none other than Clarinda Cardew, the very same girl who made off with his jaded heart a decade ago.

The last thing Clarinda wants is to be trapped in a palace of sensual delights with the man whose irresistible kisses still haunt her sleepless nights. Although he vows he is only doing his job, Clarinda quickly realizes that allowing Ashton to rescue her may put her yearning heart in even greater peril. In a journey that takes them from the delicious intrigues of a sultan's court to the glittering ballrooms of London, Ashton and Clarinda resume the steps of their dangerous dance only to discover the most seductive pleasure of all may be love itself.
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: n/a

Ames: This one has me intrigued.

Nath: Ms Medeiros' books are hit and miss with me. I'm not a fan of sultans and harems... so I'm going to wait for the reviews before making a decision.


How the Marquess Was Won by Julie Anne Long
published by Avon
The Scandal Sheets call him Lord Ice...

Ruthless, cold, precise, Julian Spenser, Marquess Dryden, tolerates only the finest—in clothes, in horseflesh, in mistresses. And now he’s found the perfect bride, the one whose dowry will restore his family’s shattered legacy and bring him peace at last: the exquisite heiress Lisbeth Redmond.

She's not afraid to play with fire...

But one unforgettable encounter with Lisbeth’s paid companion, Phoebe Vale, and the Marquess is undone: this quiet girl with the wicked smile and a wit to match is the first person to see through the icy façade to the fiery man beneath. But their irresistible attraction is a torment as sweet as it is dangerous: for surrendering to their desire could mean losing everything else they ever wanted.
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Pennyroyal Green #6

Ames: *sigh* Another series I'm behind in BUT I really enjoy Julie Anne's writing so yeah, looking forward to this one. LOL


The Duke is Mine by Eloisa James
published by Avon
He is a duke in search of a perfect bride. She is a lady—but a long way from perfect.

Tarquin, the powerful Duke of Sconce, knows perfectly well that the decorous and fashionably slender Georgiana Lytton will make him a proper duchess. So why can’t he stop thinking about her twin sister, the curvy, headstrong, and altogether unconventional Olivia? Not only is Olivia betrothed to another man, but their improper, albeit intoxicating, flirtation makes her unsuitability all the more clear.

Determined to make a perfect match, he methodically cuts Olivia from his thoughts, allowing logic and duty to triumph over passion…Until, in his darkest hour, Tarquin begins to question whether perfection has anything to do with love.

To win Olivia's hand he would have to give up all the beliefs he holds most dear, and surrender heart, body and soul...

Unless it’s already too late.
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Happily Ever Afters #3

Ames: Eloisa has quickly become a favorite historical author for me. In the last two years I've been savouring her books and although When Beauty Tamed the Beast wasn't my favorite of hers, I still look forward to each new release. This one is no exception. Also, that cover is nice.

Nath: Ms James' books are a bit hit and miss for me. It took me a while before I picked up When Beauty Tamed the Beast and then, after that, I had to kick myself LOL. So this time, I'm definitively picking The Duke is Mine early. Also, it seems to be based on The Princess and the Pea fairy tail. I think that's a fun one :)


The Social Climber by Candice Hern
Self-published
Jane is the daughter of a simple merchant and has unexpectedly come into a large fortune. She dreams of being a real lady, and has employed Lady Davenport and Mrs. Mulberry, widowed sisters with financial difficulties, to introduce her into Society. And they have engaged their nephew, George Kendrick, a famous arbiter of fashion, to help them turn a vulgar sow's ear into a silk purse. Jane has just been thoroughly humiliated to learn that all the expensive clothes and jewels she has decked herself out in are all wrong. She has been told she should not be so obvious in displaying her new-found wealth.
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: n/a

Ames: I enjoy Candice's writing and she's been putting out her older books as e-books. Yay for us! This is a brand new book though and sounds cute.


Kiss Crush Collide by Christina Meredith
published by Greenwillow Books
Leah has the life most high school girls would kill for—popularity, glowing grades, a rich, athletic boyfriend. So why does she feel like she can’t breathe? And why can’t she stop thinking about the boy from the country club? The one who isn’t her boyfriend, the one that her mother would never, ever approve of, the one that her perfect older sisters would never, ever look at twice. The one who is always looking back at her.
Genre: Young Adult
Series: n/a

Ames: I looove books like this, where the good girl is drawn to the bad boy. Bad boys are just YA versions of historical rakes. LOL


Hidden Summit by Robyn Carr
published by Mira
Romance under construction...

Sick of running into her cheery ex-husband and his new wife, Leslie Petruso accepts a job at the Virgin River branch of Haggerty Construction and takes the high road right out of town. Now she’s got Paul Haggerty’s business running like a well-oiled machine. In fact, things are so busy Paul jumps at the chance to hire an extra set of hands.

Just like Leslie, Conner Danson has been burned by love. But if Leslie was disappointed by her relationship going bad, Conner was decimated. He’s got no time for women…although he spends an awful lot of time pretending not to notice Leslie. And she’s pretty busy “ignoring” the chemistry between them.

According to Conner and Leslie, they have only one thing in common—they’re done with love. But everyone in Virgin River can see that things are heating up at Haggerty Construction. And as far as Paul Haggerty can tell, the best thing he can do is hang on to his hard hat and watch the sparks fly!
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Virgin River #17!

Nath: And off we're starting a new Virgin River trilogy! :) Are you ready? :) I'm most probably going to pick up Hidden Summit, just to get a feel of the new trilogy. It sounds like a nice contemporary romance.


Shadow Heir by Richelle Mead
published by Bantam Books
Shaman-for-hire Eugenie Markham strives to keep the mortal realm safe from trespassing entities. But as the Thorn Land's prophecy-haunted queen, there's no refuge for her and her soon-to-be-born-children when a mysterious blight begins to devastate the Otherworld...

The spell-driven source of the blight isn't the only challenge to Eugenie's instincts. Fairy king Dorian is sacrificing everything to help, but Eugenie can't trust the synergy drawing them back together. The uneasy truce between her and her shape shifter ex-lover Kiyo is endangered by secrets he can't--or won't--reveal. And as a formidable force rises to also threaten the human world, Eugenie must use her own cursed fate as a weapon--and risk the ultimate sacrifice...
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Dark Swan #4

Monroe: Im SO READY for this book! I love Dorian *sigh*


December 31

Hidden by Kelley Armstrong
published by Subterranean Press
Hiking through the snow, holiday baking and playing board games by the fire – what’s not to love about an old-fashioned family Christmas?

Werewolves Elena Michaels and Clayton Danvers want to give their four-year-old twins, Kate and Logan, something their parents never had: a nice, normal holiday. No Pack responsibilities, no homicidal half-demons or power-hungry sorcerers to deal with – just the four of them, alone, at a chalet outside Ontario’s Algonquin Park.

Then a strange werewolf shows up at their door…while the town is buzzing about a young man, back from college, found half-eaten in the woods. And there’s the missing little girl...

With all the signs pointing to a rogue mutt with a taste for human flesh, Elena and Clay have no choice but to investigate. But are they the hunters – or the hunted?
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Otherworld Stories #10.4

Nath: Wooohoooo, I can't wait for Hidden!! I admit I haven't read the last two books in Women of the Otherworld series... but Hidden, that's a completely different story!! I can't wait to see Elena, Clay and the kids again :)

Tuesday, November 1

November New Releases

I hope everyone had a good Halloween yesterday!  It was good for me because it hasn't snowed yet in my neck of the woods.  LOL  But that means that today's the start of a new month and so here are the books we're looking forward to in November.  I can't believe it's November already.  And I want to apologize ahead of time for adding to your tbr pile.  haha

November 01

The Next Always by Nora Robert
published by Berkley
The historic hotel in BoonsBoro, Maryland, has endured war and peace, changing hands, even rumored hauntings. Now it's getting a major facelift from the Montgomery brothers and their eccentric mother. As the architect of the family, Beckett's social life consists mostly of talking shop over pizza and beer. But there's another project he's got his eye on: the girl he's been waiting to kiss since he was fifteen...
Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Inn Boonsboro trilogy, Book #1

Ames: I always look forward to Nora's contemporary romances and this one is no exception.

Nath: I know, me as well :) She is not La Nora for nothing and usually delivers :)

Monroe: This book sounds so great... NR is always so "feel good" for me!


The Comforts of Home by Jodi Thomas
published by Berkley
In Harmony, Texas, twenty-year-old Reagan Truman has found her place, and found her family. But with her uncle taken ill and her friend Noah lost and disheartened with his life, Reagan is afraid of ending up alone again, and she's not the only one. When a terrible storms threatens the town, the residents of Harmony are forced to think about what they really want. Because making the connections they so desperately desire means putting their hearts at risk...
Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Harmony series, Book #3

Nath: Been a fan of Ms Thomas for a while. I love her writing, there's just something special about it. I'm looking forward to The Comforts of Home. I thought the last book ended a bit on a cliff-hanger note and just want to see what is happening with the people of Harmony. Crossing my fingers for Reagan and Noah to find each other again.

Monroe: Ive never read this series but it sounds pretty interesting!


Heart of Darkness by Lauren Dane
published by Berkley
Someone is illegally siphoning magic from the font of the Clan. When Meriel Owen, next in line to control the largest organization of witches in the country, discovers that it's the hot owner of a notorious underground club, she strikes an unusual deal that may plunge them all into the heart of darkness.
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Bound by Magic series, Book #1

Ames: Lauren Dane is an auto-buy author for me. And this is the beginning of a new series and I have to say, I'm intrigued. :P

Nath: I've been meaning to read Ms Dane, but I don't know... It's just not happening. However, I have to say this one intrigues me a lot!! Hey, it has witches in it!

Monroe: I ditto Ames! lol Lauren Dane rocks and this one sounds like a winner!


Heart of Steel by Meljean Brook
published by Berkley
Growing up in the dangerous world of the Iron Seas, the mercenary captain of the airship Lady Corsair, Yasmeen, has learned to keep her heart hard as steel. Ruthless and cunning, her only loyalty is to her ship and her crew-until one man comes along and changes everything...

Treasurehunter Archimedes Fox isn't interested in the Lady Corsair-just the captain and the valuable da Vinci sketch she stole from him. When it attracts a dangerous amount of attention, Yasmeen and Archimedes journey to Horde-occupied Morocco- and straight into enemy hands.
Genre: Steampunk
Series: Ironseas series, Book #2

Ames: Meljean is another auto-buy author. I have The Iron Duke in my tbr pile but not having read it isn't going to keep me from getting this one! LOL

Nath: LOL, ditto for me ^_^; I had a block with The Iron Duke... but sometimes, I find that jumping in the middle of a series helps that block...

Monroe: Never read this author...maybe I should.


The Black Hawk by Joanna Bourne
published by Berkley
Attacked on a rainy London street, veteran spy Justine DeCabrillan knows only one man can help her: Hawker, who also happens to be the enemy. With London crawling with hidden assassins and someone out to frame Hawker for the assault, the two spies must work together to find who's out to destroy them...
Genre: Historical romance
Series: The Spymaster's Lady series, Book #4

Ames: I'm not a fan of spies but I am a fan of Joanna Bourne so I'll still get this one.


Fortune's Son by Emery Lee
published by Sourcebooks
Philip Drake, an impoverished but titled gentleman, is forced to liquidate his assets and go back to his past gaming habits in an effort to right himself. Lady Susannah Messingham is a woman with a past and nearly ten years Philip's senior. After watching him at the tables, she propositions him to teach her to win at gaming. This fascinating and original look at an uncharted aspect of English life explores a gentleman snared by gambling, the threat of debtor's prison, and the wayward lady who redeems him.
Genre: Historical romance
Series: n/a

Ames: This cover is soooo different from Emery's first book's cover (see it here). But that's ok, I'm still interested in this one.

Nath: Oh wow, indeed, a very different style of cover! But you know what they say, Ames. Don't judge a book by its cover...


If You Give a Girl a Viscount by Kieran Kramer
published by St. Martin's Press
If life were a fairy tale, Daisy Montgomery’s stepmother and two stepsisters would surely be cast in the wicked roles. For years, they’ve made life miserable for Daisy. But when she discovers she has a godmother, she’s determined to ask her for help. Little did Daisy expect her godmother to play matchmaker with her very own grandson—who happens to be a viscount!

A freewheeling playboy, Charles Thorpe, Viscount Lumley, is bored with his wealth-seeking female admirers. Not only that, he’s been cut off from the family coffers. One day, on a bet, he rids himself of what little money he has left in his pockets and vows to solve problems using his wits alone. But when the Impossible Bachelor is confronted with Daisy’s plan to save her castle, the payoff is more than he could have bargained for. Sometimes, if you give a girl a viscount, you just might find love...
Genre: Historical romance
Series: Impossible Bachelors series, Book #4

Ames: Ok, I have a problem. I only read the first book in this series! LOL But I liked it enough that I've bought all the other books. I think this one sounds cute.

Nath: When Ms Kramer's debut novel came out, I was really interested... but I don't know, never got around to read it ^_^; This one does sound cute, but till I read that first book, it's going to wait.


The Spy Who Left Me by Gina Robinson
published by St. Martin's Press
If there’s one thing that can ruin a vacation, it’s running into your ex. Just ask Treflee Miller. If she’d only known that her husband Ty would be here in Hawaii—muscular, sun-bronzed, and infuriatingly gorgeous—she would have brought the divorce papers for him to sign. But life is full of surprises when you’re married to a world-class spy...

Ty Miller can understand why his wife is tired of playing Mrs. James Bond. He’s never home, he’s always on a mission, and he’s usually surrounded by exotic informants. He has to admit that the perfect spy makes a pretty lousy husband. But for the sake of Ty’s security and Treflee’s safety, they can’t blow his cover. Not here. Not now. Not when his longing is so strong, her lips so tempting—and his enemies so close...
Genre: Contemporary romance, Romantic Suspense (?)
Series: Agent Ex series, Book #1

Nath: I was looking at the upcoming releases and this one really caught my attention. This sounds funny and exactly something I'd love to read :) Hopefully, it'll be a winner :)

Monroe: This book sounds fun!


Hide from Evil by Jami Alden
published by Grand Central Publishing
Like a chess master, he carefully weighs his next move... advancing slowly until he is sure he can capture his helpless pawn. For in his mind, there's no way to...

HIDE FROM EVILSean Flynn should feel lucky he's alive. But a betrayal by a close friend-and two years on death row-has left him feeling only numb. When his conviction was overturned, Sean retreated to a quiet woodland cabin, far away from prying eyes. There, he believed, the past couldn't come back to haunt him... until she showed up.

Overcome with guilt, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Krista Slater can't forgive herself for convicting an innocent man. But when another brutal murder reveals chilling, new facts about his case, she must turn to Sean for help. She's ready to face his anger, but the desire in his eyes ignites a need she's never felt before. Shadowed by danger, Sean and Krista uncover a twisted maze of deception and betrayal-all under the dangerous gaze of a cunning mastermind who will do whatever it takes to keep his evil secrets safe.
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Evil trilogy, Book #2

Nath: Hmmm, I'm a bit wary about this one. I liked Beg for Mercy well enough - mostly skimmed through it though. I enjoyed Ms Alden's writing and the suspense of the book... However, Hide from Evil has a story trope which is not necessarily one that I enjoy in RS. Still, whenever I'll be in the mood for RS, I should pick up this. Am I making sense?


Wanted by her Lost Love by Maya Banks
published by Harlequin
Despite his fiancée's chilling betrayal, developer Ryan Beardsley provided for Kelly Christian when he sent her packing. So he's livid to find her working in a dingy Houston diner, desperate and pregnant. Regardless of whether the baby is his—or his brother's—Ryan demands that Kelly return to New York with him. Now. For the baby's sake. Or maybe because the woman's as irresistible as ever...
Genre: Category romance, Contemporary romance
Series: Pregnancy & Passion series, Book #2

Ames: It's Maya!

Monroe: Woop Maya Banks!


All They Need by Sarah Mayberry
published by Harlequin
After all Melanie Porter has been through recently, it's time to put her dreams first. And she starts by opening a vacation retreat outside of Melbourne. As she considers her next step, the unexpected happens. One of her guests—a friend—the very attractive Flynn Randall makes it clear he's in pursuit.
Mel is definitely tempted. Who wouldn't be?

But Flynn comes with strings that could derail her plans. First, he's part of the world she eagerly left behind. Second, he's ready for a commitment, while she's still embracing life on her own.

A resolution seems impossible until Flynn proves that she's still in the driver's seat!
Genre: Category romance, contemporary romance
Series: none

Ames: This one sounds so cute, and I love friends-to-lovers, which Sarah does so well. :P

Nath: I'll probably wait for reviews for this one, but it does sound good :)


November 22

To Wed a Wild Lord by Sabrina Jeffries
published by Simon & Schuster
Drowning in guilt over his best friend's death seven years ago, Lord Gabriel Sharpe, the Angel of Death, knows his only hope at redemption is a race against a shocking opponent.

Shrouded in darkness for the past seven years, the infamous racer Lord Gabriel Sharpe is known to accept every challenge to race thrown at him. When his next challenge comes in the form of his late best friend's sister, Virginia Waverly, Gabe is shocked. Yet she presents just the opportunity Gabe needs--marriage to fulfill his grandmother's ultimatum and ensure his inheritance. What he didn't count on was needing her love.
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Hellions of Halstead Hall series, Book #4

Ames: I want this one. But I haven't even read the other books in this series yet!!

Nath: LOL, will you go back and read the first three books then? I'm looking forward to this one. I think it'll be interested. Gabe has been haunted by the death of his best friend and I'm sure there's more to it than meet the eye. So it'll be interesting :)


Lord of the Abyss by Nalini Singh
published by Harlequin
Once upon a time…the Blood Sorcerer vanquished the kingdom of Elden. To save their children, the queen scattered them to safety and the king filled them with vengeance. Only a magical timepiece connects the four royal heirs…and time is running out...

As the dark Lord who condemns souls to damnation in the Abyss, Micah is nothing but a feared monster wrapped in impenetrable black armor. He has no idea he is the last heir of Elden, its last hope. Only one woman knows—the daughter of his enemy.

Liliana is nothing like her father, the Blood Sorcerer who’d cursed Micah. She sees past Micah’s armor to the prince inside. A prince whose sinful touch she craves. But first she has to brave his dark, dangerous lair and help him remember. Because they only have till midnight to save Elden.
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Royal House of Shadows series, Book #4

Ames: It's Nalini. 'Nuff said.

Nath: I've never read Ms Singh's Harlequin books... This is still paranormal, so not too far from Ms Singh's niche... I'm most probably going to give it a try. Not sure if I'll go back and read the previous books in the series though.

Ames: I was pondering that too, but I probably won't. LOL

Monroe: WHY DONT I KNOW ABOUT THIS SERIES?!?! I love Nalini!


Saint's Astray by Jacqueline Carey
published by Grand Central Publishing
Fellow orphans, amateur vigilantes, and members of the Santitos, Loup Garron-the fugitive daughter of a genetically engineered "wolf man"-and Pilar Ecchevarria grew up in the military zone of Outpost 12, formerly known as Santa Olivia. But now they're free, and they want to help the rest of the Santitos escape. During a series of escapades, they discover that Miguel, Loup's former sparring partner and reprobate surrogate brother, has escaped from Outpost 12 and is testifying on behalf of its forgotten citizens-at least until he disappears from protective custody. Honor drives Loup to rescue Miguel, even though entering the U.S could mean losing her liberty. Pilar vows to help her.

It will take a daring and absurd caper to extricate Miguel from the mess he's created but Loup is prepared to risk everything... and this time she has help.
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal
Series: Santa Olivia #2

Ames: I love Jacqueline Carey. I haven't read Santa Olivia yet but Jacqueline is an auto-buy author for me.


November 29

Fate's Edge by Ilona Andrews
published by Berkley
Audrey Callahan left behind her life in the Edge, and she's determined to stay on the straight and narrow. But when her brother gets into hot water, the former thief takes on one last heist and finds herself matching wits with a jack of all trades...

Kaldar Mar-a gambler, lawyer, thief, and spy-expects his latest assignment tracking down a stolen item to be a piece of cake, until Audrey shows up. But when the item falls into the hands of a lethal criminal, Kaldar realizes that in order to finish the job, he's going to need Audrey's help...
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: The Edge series, Book #3

Nath: I love, love, love the Kate Daniels series, but have yet to be won over by The Edge series. However, I remember that I only fell in love with Kate Daniels with book #3... so I hope Fate's Edge will have the same magic. The fact that I already like Kaldar seems like a good sign LOL.


Silver Sparks by Starr Ambrose
published by Simon & Schuster
The Larkin sisters are used to hearing whispers behind their backs. Being raised by hippie parents in the small resort town of Barringer’s Pass, Colorado, they were always considered oddballs, and for a while, they did everything they could to earn the name. But now, older and wiser, they're discovering that it's not so great to be the wild child, and are struggling to earn a new place for themselves in town.

When Maggie Larkin resists the come-ons of a sleazy actor in town to shoot a film, she pisses off more than a pretty boy and his manager. Turns out that Rafe DeLuca isn't just a movie star...he's possibly a killer, and Maggie's landed herself in more trouble than she could imagine. Enter Cal Drummond, cop extraordinaire, who's been trailing DeLuca himself for weeks, convinced that his recently murdered sister is one of Rafe's victims. He's determined not to let another woman be victimized by the dangerous Rafe, and if that means sticking like glue to Maggie, so be it.

Maggie and Cal seem like perfect opposites, but as we all know...opposites attract!
Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: none

Nath: I've read Ms Ambrose before and I like her stuff. It's not extraordinaire, but it's enjoyable :) I might not get this one right away, but it'll be on my radar... Plus, I love the cover for some reasons. I guess it's the dress LOL.


Kiss of Frost by Jennifer Estep
published by Kensington
Logan Quinn was try­ing to kill me. My Spar­tan class­mate relent­lessly pur­sued me, swing­ing his sword at me over and over again, the shin­ing sil­ver blade inch­ing closer to my throat every time. A smile tugged up his lips, and his ice-blue eyes prac­ti­cally glowed with the thrill of battle...

I’m Gwen Frost, a second-year warrior-in-training at Mythos Acad­emy, and I have no idea how I’m going to sur­vive the rest of the semes­ter. One day, I’m get­ting schooled in sword­play by the guy who broke my heart — the drop-dead gor­geous Logan who slays me every time. Then, an invis­i­ble archer in the Library of Antiq­ui­ties decides to use me for tar­get prac­tice. And now, I find out that some­one at the acad­emy is really a Reaper bad guy who wants me dead. I’m afraid if I don’t learn how to live by the sword — with Logan’s help — I just might die by the sword...
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Series: Mythos Academy series, Book #2

Nath: I really need to review Touch of Frost before Kiss of Frost comes out. Guess I have a month :) I'm a fan of Ms Estep, plus I enjoyed Touch of Frost... so I"m definitively picking this one :)

Monroe: This sounds good! Right up my alley!

 That's what we're looking forward to. How about you?

Saturday, October 1

October New Releases

September was really a blur ^_^; Went by so fast! Hopefully, I'll be able to enjoy October at a more leisurely pace LOL. There are some good new releases this month, but it's all spaced out I think, so that'll be a good thing :)


October 1

Heartstrings and Diamond Rings by Jane Graves
published by Grand Central Publishing
He's the man of her dreams...

In a world full of frogs, Alison Carter is determined to find her prince. Maybe her dating past is more Titanic than Love Boat, but she's seen enough happy marriages to know that true love is possible. No matter what, she won't give up on happily-ever-after. If she can't find Mr. Right, she'll simply hire someone who can.

She just doesn't know it yet

When Brandon Scott inherits a successful matchmaking business, he thinks his prayers have been answered. Set up a few lonely ladies, collect the fee, how hard can it be? No one needs to know he's not really a professional matchmaker-especially not his first client, the beautiful, spirited Alison. Soon he's falling for her-and her dreams of kids and carpools. But Alison is getting close to figuring out his secret, and if she learns he's deceived her too, she'll walk right out the door, taking Brandon's heart with her.
Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: none

Nath: I've enjoyed Ms Graves books in the past. Her latest, Black Ties and Lullabies, was just okay, but I have higher hopes for this one :) Especially since the reviews so far have been pretty favorable :)


Home Sweet Home by Bella Riley
published by Grand Central Publishing
What if you can go home again?
Ten years and two hundred miles. That's what separates Andi Powell from quiet, secluded Emerald Lake-and that's exactly how she likes it. But now her job brings her back to the hometown she's tried so hard to forget... and to Nate Duncan, the man she's never been able to.

Nate once looked at Andi with love in his eyes. But that was before she left him in the dust to pursue her big-city dreams. Now he's the town's ruggedly handsome mayor with the power to break Andi's career like she broke his heart. As the two clash over the future of Emerald Lake, the sparks that fly between them rekindle a passion neither of them can deny.

Andi may have left town looking for the life she thought she wanted. But could everything she needs have been in Emerald Lake all along?
Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Emerald Lake series, Book #1

Nath: Hmmmm, I have to admit I might be over small-town romances ^_^; I mean, there's just so many these days! However, it seems if you want contemporary romances, this is the way to go...  However, I think this sounds pretty good as blurbs go.


Blood Rights by Kristen Painter
published by Orbit
The lacy gold mapped her entire body. A finely-wrought filigree of stars, vines, flowers, butterflies, ancient symbols and words ran from her feet, up her legs, over her narrow waist, spanned her chest and finished down her arms to the tips of her fingers.

Born into a life of secrets and service, Chrysabelle’s body bears the telltale marks of a comarré—a special race of humans bred to feed vampire nobility. When her patron is murdered, she becomes the prime suspect, which sends her running into the mortal world... and into the arms of Malkolm, an outcast vampire cursed to kill every being from whom he drinks.

Now Chrysabelle and Malkolm must work together to stop a plot to merge the mortal and supernatural worlds. If they fail, a chaos unlike anything anyone has ever seen will threaten to reign.
Genre: Gothic Urban Fantasy
Series: House of Comarré, Book #1

Nath: Okay, did you see the cover?!? Isn't it just awesome? Now, I'm not sure I'll get it... but I'm definitively going to keep an eye out for reviews :)


October 4

Animal Attraction by Jill Shalvis
published by Berkley
She’s tempting his basic instincts...

Sunshine, Idaho, is a quiet ranching town, a perfect place to give injured animals a refuge... or to find one. And veterinarian Dell Connelly suspects there’s a reason his clinic’s uber-efficient receptionist has taken shelter here.

Jade Bennett couldn’t be happier to escape her well-meaning but smothering family and their expectations, not to mention the big-city jungle. There’s nothing like working with injured animals, having a forlorn, grumpy stray kitten make its home under her desk... or enjoying the gorgeous views of her ruggedly sexy boss.

Jade is used to planning everything in her life, but Dell’s understanding has sparked an uncontrollable desire. And though Dell has never had time for love, Jade’s strength and sass is the kind of call no red-blooded male can resist...
Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Animal series, Book #2

Ames: Jill is an auto-buy author for me. And two friends have already read this and said it was really good. Win!

Monroe: Jill is an auto buy for me as well! =)

Nath: I'm still debating. Ms Shalvis' writing is really good, but for me, her books always fell a bit short ^_^; I was not going to buy this... but in Animal Magnetism, my favorite characters were Jade and Dell... So yeah, I might go ahead in the end LOL. You're always hoping for an exception and this might be it :)


Sage Creek by Jill Gregory
published by Berkley
After her marriage falls apart, Sophie McPhee returns to her hometown of Lonesome Way, Montana, planning to steer clear of men and focus on her new bakery, A Bun in the Oven. Who she doesn't expect to see is Rafe Tanner, her first crush who now runs his family's ranch-and who spent most of their childhood ignoring her. But is Rafe a changed man?

While Rafe is stunned to discover that Sophie's grown into an irresistibly beautiful woman, he's been hurt too. They both have their guards up, but melt in each other's company. Can they admit that home is truly where the heart is?
Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Sage Creek series, Book #1

Nath: Yet another small-town contemporary romance. As I said, I'm starting to burn out on these, but still going to keep an eye on them. I mean, you never know right? I like that the heroine is opening a bakery. I'm having a sweet tooth lately, LOL.


Slow Ride by Erin McCarthy
published by Berkley
As a tribute to her late journalist father, Tuesday Jones is planning a career benefit, auctioning off racing memorabilia and meet-and-greets with drivers. Ex-racing star Diesel Lange has had his own brush with death, and is determined not to waste another minute of his life - especially when he meets Tuesday. He wants nothing more than to shift their romance into high gear, but he knows she’s still grieving. Can Diesel do the one thing he could never do on the track and take it slow?
Genre: Contemporary, sport romance
Series: Fast Track series, Book #5

Ames: I am two books behind in this series. Do I care? NO! haha

Monroe: You should care missy because I LOVE this series...it NEVER gets old! ;) HOT HOT HOT!

Nath: I didn't read the last book in this series, but for some reasons, I can't wait to get Slow Ride in my hands! I like the idea of a retired racer hero :P Also, Tuesday has been pretty intriguing... Also, you know what you get with a book by Ms McCarthy: something HOT :P


Serpent's Kiss by Thea Harrison
published by Berkley
In order to save his friend's life, Wyr sentinel Rune Ainissesthai made a bargain with Vampyre Queen Carling—without knowing what she would ask from him in return. But when Rune attempts to make good on his debt, he finds a woman on the edge.

Recently, Carling's Power has become erratic, forcing her followers to flee in fear. Despite the danger, Rune is drawn to the ailing Queen and decides to help her find a cure for the serpent's kiss—the vampyric disease that's killing her.

With their desire for each other escalating just as quickly as Carling's instability spirals out of control, the sentinel and the Queen will have to rely on each other if they have any hope of surviving the serpent's kiss...
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: The Elder Races, Book #3

Ames: I finally read Dragon Bound in September (and got Monroe to read it too) and I loved it. So even though I haven't read book 2, I'm still going to buy book 3. Again, friends have said it was good.

Monroe: YES Ames got me to read this and OMG it was the BEST book EVER!!!! I already bought the second book (but havent read it yet). I have to say I fell for Rune in the first book even though he wasnt a huge character. I cant wait for this book!

Nath: Well, unfortunately, this series hasn't been doing it for me as it's doing it for most readers. I liked Dragon Bound enough to pick up Storm's Heart, but after Storm's Heart, I'm having doubts. I've heard that Serpent's Kiss is better... but at the moment, I just find there's too much hype with these books so I'm going to pass over. I'll probably pick up Serpent's Kiss one day when I'll be bored :)


Angel of Darkness by Ilona Andrews, Meljean Brook, Sharon Shinn and Nalini Singh
published by Berkley
Alphas: Origins
When a young woman is taken captive by a dangerous male, she is pulled against her will into a world hidden from humanity’s view, where those with superhuman powers fight a bloody civil war. Now she must make a choice: to submit and become a pawn or to take hold of her own destiny.

Ascension
When vampires begin disappearing from a community protected by Guardian Marc Revoire, the world-weary warrior doesn’t know whether he’s hunting a demon or one of the bloodthirsty nosferatu — but he’d rather face either of those monsters than accept help from Radha, the irreverent, blue-skinned, and oft-naked Guardian who’d once loved him and left him. He won’t be able to persuade her to leave this time, however, because lighthearted Radha is on a deadly serious mission of her own: not just to help Marc save the community... but to save him.
Genre: Paranormal romance/Urban Fantasy
Series: Alphas - Book 0.5, The Guardians - Book #7.5 and Guild Hunter - Book #4.5

Ames: With so many great authors in this anthology how could I say no? I can't!

Monroe: Singh = SOLD!

Nath: This is a top-notch anthology!! I'm curious about Ms Andrews' new series, there's a Guardian story in this!! and Ms Singh! Definitively getting it :)


A Touch of Crimson by Sylvia Day
published by New American Library (Signet)
Can a love that transcends death survive a war between angels, vampires, and lycans?

Adrian Mitchell is an angel of immense power and insatiable desire. Leading an elite Special Ops unit of the Seraphim, his task is to punish the Fallen—angels who have become vampires—and command a restless pack of indentured lycans.

But Adrian has suffered his own punishment for becoming involved with mortals—losing the woman he loves again and again. Now, after nearly two hundred years, he has found her—Shadoe, her soul once more inhabiting a new body with no memory of him. Only this time he won’t let her go.

With no memory of her past as Shadoe, Lindsay Gibson only knows she can't help being fiercely attracted to the smoldering, seductive male who crosses her path. Swept into a dangerous world of tumultuous passion and preternatural conflict, Lindsay is soon caught in the middle between her angel lover, her vampire father, and a full-blown lycan revolt. There's more at stake than her love and her life—this time she could lose her very soul...
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Renegade Angels, Book #1

Ames: Sylvia Day's historicals are some of my favorite ever and I actually received this one from Book Binge to read (which I am right now) and I'm really enjoying it so far.

Monroe: Ya...so I LOVE Sylvia Day and I went ahead and bought this book thinking I'd start it tonight...only to realize I bought the pre-order...the dang thing isnt out yet! lol Anyways it sounds so tasty...I do believe Sylvia JUST posted a yummy excerpt from the book so run to her blog and enjoy the preview! ;)

Nath: To my regret, I must admit that I've never read Ms Day's books - despite Ames' urging LOL. I was going to pass on this one when I remember this is the series Ms Day was talking about at RT 2010. I'm a sucker for reincarnation, eternal love... so yeah, I'll be getting this one :)


The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan
published by Hyperion
In The Lost Hero, three demigods named Jason, Piper, and Leo made their first visit to Camp Half-Blood, where they inherited a quest:

Seven half-bloods shall answer the call,
To storm or fire the world must fall.
An oath to keep with a final breath,
And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death.

Who are the other four mentioned in the prophecy? The answer may lie in another camp miles away, where a new camper has shown up and appears to be the son of Neptune, god of the sea...

Demigod Percy Jackson, still with no memory, and his new friends from Camp Jupiter, Hazel and Frank, go on a quest to free Death, but their bigger task is to unite the Greek and Roman camps so that the Prophecy of Seven can be fulfilled.
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Adventures
Series: Heroes of Olympus, Book #2

Ames: Gotta buy this one for my bro! LOL I do plan on reading this author one day. *sigh* One day...

Nath: LOL, I'm going to buy this for myself! I've really been enjoying this series and yay, we finally find out what's been happening to Percy!! Seriously, a year in between books is way too long.


October 11

Kingdom of Gods by N.K. Jemison
published by Orbit
For two thousand years the Arameri family has ruled the world by enslaving the very gods that created mortalkind. Now the gods are free, and the Arameri’s ruthless grip is slipping. Yet they are all that stands between peace and world-spanning, unending war.

Shahar, last scion of the family, must choose her loyalties. She yearns to trust Sieh, the godling she loves. Yet her duty as Arameri heir is to uphold the family’s interests, even if that means using and destroying everyone she cares for.

As long-suppressed rage and terrible new magics consume the world, the Maelstrom — which even gods fear — is summoned forth. Shahar and Sieh: mortal and god, lovers and enemies. Can they stand together against the chaos that threatens the Kingdom of the Gods?
Genre: Fantasy
Series: The Inheritance trilogy, Book #3

Ames: I really enjoyed the first book in this trilogy. And it's a trilogy so I gotta get the third book.


October 18

Scandalous Desires by Elizabeth Hoyt
published by Grand Central Publishing
Can a pirate learn that the only true treasure lies in a woman's heart?

Widowed Silence Hollingbrook is impoverished, lovely, and kind—and nine months ago she made a horrible mistake. She went to a river pirate for help in saving her husband and in the process made a bargain that cost her her marriage. That night wounded her so terribly that she hides in the foundling home she helps run with her brother. Except now that same river pirate is back... and he's asking for her help.

"Charming" Mickey O'Connor is the most ruthless river pirate in London. Devastatingly handsome and fearsomely intelligent, he clawed his way up through London's criminal underworld. Mickey has no use for tender emotions like compassion and love, and he sees people as pawns to be manipulated. And yet he's never been able to forget the naive captain's wife who came to him for help and spent one memorable night in his bed... talking.

When his bastard baby girl was dumped in his lap—her mother having died—Mickey couldn't resist the Machiavellian urge to leave the baby on Silence's doorstep. The baby would be hidden from his enemies and he'd also bind Silence to him by her love for his daughter.
Genre: Historical romance
Series: Maiden Lane series, Book #3

Ames: This one sounds so good. A pirate, a widow, all good things. Elizabeth Hoyt is an autobuy author for me.



A Home by the Sea by Christina Skye
published by Harlequin (HQN Books)
Grace Lindstrom has followed her fiancé across three continents, starry-eyed and full of dreams. But when he dies in a plane crash, Grace discovers that their life together was the cruelest kind of lie—and swears to never lose herself to that kind of love again. Until one night, when a chance encounter leads her to the kind of man she's always dreamed of—and the deep family ties she's never known.

Noah McKay knows he can't offer Grace any kind of future—not when he spends every day putting his life on the line. But when Grace's grandfather suddenly falls ill and she's called home to the small island town where she grew up, he realizes he can't live without her. Aided by good knitting, good chocolate and deep friendship, Grace is slowly learning to trust again—but can she learn to love a man whose secrets run so deep?
Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: none

Nath: This one caught my eyes. The blurb is interesting and I'm really hoping I'll enjoy it :)


October 25

The Fall of Lucas Kendrick by Kay Hooper
published by Bantam Books
Kyle Griffon has done more than flirt with danger over the past ten years; she’s embraced it with careless abandon. The rebel daughter of a powerful family, she’s walked on the wild side of everything from car racing to hang gliding—anything to fill the emptiness left by the man who loved and left her. Now Lucas Kendrick is back, needing Kyle’s help to catch an art thief. Is a woman game for adventure ready to trust the man who left her with so many unanswered questions?

Lucas was an undercover cop working a college drug ring when he fell for the beautiful coed. It was a mistake to leave, but he would have hurt her more if he had stayed. Now she’s his best shot at getting close to a man trading illegal guns for stolen artwork. Danger and desire are a reckless mix—but this time Lucas is staying close to protect the woman he loves... no matter what.
Genre: Contemporary romance, category romance, romantic suspense
Series: Hagen series, Book #5

Nath: This is a reprint. Yes, still on my quest to collecting all of Ms Hooper's books. I've been enjoying these books... but I'm hoping Ms Hooper will resume her FBI SCU series soon!!


The Famous Heroine and The Plumed Bonnet by Mary Balogh
published by Bantam Books
THE FAMOUS HEROINE
Cora Downes has beauty, spirit, and money, but no breeding. Yet when she gains renown for a daring rescue, she finds herself thrust into high society. Innocent and adrift in a world of beautiful banquets, bejeweled gowns, and snobbish standards, Cora is quickly compromised into a marriage-to a frivolous lord whose interests seem to lie elsewhere. But could piercingly blue-eyed and well-mannered Francis Kneller turn out to be the most unexpected love of her life?

THE PLUMED BONNET
Alistair Munro, the Duke of Bridgwater, is looking for love outside the bounds of polite society. And that's what he expects to receive when he rescues a seemingly disreputable girl in a colorful bonnet off the side of the road. Yet Stephanie Gray, a former governess, has recently come into money and is eager for a proper match with a well-born man. Sure that he's sullied her name, Alistair offers marriage to make amends. And in this unlikely union, Stephanie and Alistair make a welcome discovery-that sometimes it's possible to marry first, then fall in love.
Genre: Historical romance
Series: Dark Angels, Books #3 and #4

Ames: Kind of funny, but I just bought The Plumed Bonnet not too long ago, like the old retro copy.

Nath: I'm on a Mary Balogh binge. After resisting years to read her, now I'm devouring her historical romances ^_^; and LOL, I don't have to patience to hunt for old retro copies like Ames :)


Never Love a Highlander by Maya Banks
published by Ballantine Books
Caelen McCabe’s young, reckless heart nearly destroyed his clan. Now, putting family loyalty above all else, he steps up to marry his older brother’s jilted bride and salvage the uneasy alliance between two clans. While beautiful Rionna McDonald is a fit wife for any man, Caelen trusts no woman, especially not this sweet temptress who torments him with white-hot longing.

As the sacrificial lamb in her father’s power game, Rionna will do her duty but vows to protect her heart and her pride from humiliation. Despite everything, though, the heat in Caelen’s touch melts her defenses, and she craves the sensual delights of a husband who guards his emotions as fiercely as his clan. But when the ultimate battle for the McCabe legacy is upon them, Rionna’s true warrior spirit emerges. She will risk the wrath of her father, the fury of her enemies, and her life to prove to Caelen that his wife’s love is too precious to lose.
Genre: Historical romance - highlander
Series: McCabe trilogy, Book #3

Ames: It's Maya Banks! I don't need to say anything else.

Monroe: Ditto Ames comment! ;)


Until There Was You by Kristan Higgins
published by Harlequin (HQN Books)
Posey Osterhagen can't complain. She owns a successful architectural salvaging company, she's surrounded by her lovable, if off-center, family and she has a boyfriend—sort of. Still, something's missing. Something tall, brooding and criminally good-looking... something like Liam Murphy.

When Posey was sixteen, the bad boy of Bellsford, New Hampshire, broke her heart. But now he's back, sending Posey's traitorous schoolgirl heart into overdrive once again. She should be giving him a wide berth, but it seems fate has other ideas...
Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: none

Ames: Although Kristan's last book didn't get the greatest reviews (so I haven't read it yet) I'm looking forward to this one.

Nath: I've heard that Ms Higgins is changing up things and this book is written at the 3rd POV!! Wooohooo! I'm hoping that soon, Ms Higgins will cross the line from chick-lit-y to contemporary romance :)


Real Men Will by Victoria Dahl
published by Harlequin (HQN Books)
It was meant to be a one-night stand. One night of passion. Scorching hot. Then Beth Cantrell and Eric Donovan were supposed to go their separate ways. That’s the only reason he lied about his name, telling her he was really his wild younger brother. Hiding his own identity as the conservative Donovan. The “good” one.

But passion has its own logic, and Eric finds he cannot forget the sable-haired beauty with whom he shared one night of passion. When Beth discovers that Eric has lied, however, she knows he cannot be trusted. Her mind tells her to forget the blue-eyed charmer. If only every fiber of her being did not burn to call him back.
Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Donovan Brothers Brewery trilogy, Book #3

Ames: I read Good Girls Don't and enjoyed it. I'm curious about Eric's story.

Monroe: I love Dahl so its sold for me!


Bring Me Home for Christmas by Robyn Carr
published by Harlequin (Mira)
This year, Becca Timm knows the number one item on her Christmas wish list—getting over Denny Cutler. Three years ago, Denny broke her heart before heading off to war. It's time she got over her silly high-school relationship and moved on.

So she takes matters into her own hands and heads up to Virgin River, the rugged little mountain town that Denny calls home, as an uninvited guest on her brother's men-only hunting weekend. But when an accident turns her impromptu visit into an extended stay, Becca finds herself stranded in Virgin River. With Denny. In very close quarters.

As the power of Christmas envelops the little town, Becca discovers that the boy she once loved has become a strong and confident man. And the most delicious Christmas present she can imagine.
Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Virgin River series, Book #14

Nath: Yep, time for my Robyn Carr fix :) Denny is getting his story and I think this is going to be a cute story to put me in the mood of Christmas :)


Destined by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
published by St. Martin's Press
Zoey is finally home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side, and preparing to face off against Neferet - which would be a whole lot easier if the High Counsel saw the ex-High Priestess for what she really is. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through Nyx's gift of a human form, Rephaim and Stevie Rae are finally able to be together - if he can truly walk the path of the Goddess and stay free of his father's shadow...

But there are new forces at work at the House of Night. An influx of humans, including Lenobia's handsome horse whisperer, threatens their precarious stability. And then there's the mysterious Aurox, a jaw-droppingly gorgeous teen boy who is actually more - or possibly less - than human. Only Neferet knows he was created to be her greatest weapon. But Zoey can sense the part of his soul that remains human, the compassion that wars with his Dark calling. And there's something strangely familiar about him...

Will Neferet's true nature be revealed before she succeeds in silencing them all? And will Zoey be able to touch Aurox's humanity in time to protect him - and everyone - from his own fate? Find out what's destined in the next thrilling chapter of the House of Night series.
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal
Series: House of Night series, Book #9

Ames: I'm sooo behind in this series! But I still gotta get this book. LOL No self-control.

Monroe: Im only one book behind in this series and I cant wait to pick it back up! Stark is hunky lol (I do believe this is Eric on the cover though...hmmm....)

***
When starting the list, it felt like October was a slow month... I guess not LOL. So, what do you think? Did we forget any releases? :)