Tuesday, March 1

March New Releases

For some odd reason, March feels like there's less new releases coming our way compared to previous months. But I'm not complaining, because what's being released is going to be good!!

I actually totally agree with you Ames. It does seem like less releases or perhaps it's because the schedule is so unbalanced - most releases are coming out in the beginning of the month and very few the next few weeks :) 

Still, there are more books on the list than I thought there would be. So let see what caught our attention :)


March 1

A Lot Like Love by Julie James
published by Berkley
The FBI wants her cooperation.
As the daughter of a billionaire and the owner of the city’s top wine store, Jordan Rhodes is invited to the most exclusive parties in Chicago. But there’s only one party the FBI wants to crash: the charity fundraiser of a famous restaurateur, who also happens to launder money for the mob. In exchange for her brother’s release from prison, Jordan is going to be there—with a date supplied by the Bureau.

Agent McCall just wants her.
As the top undercover agent in Chicago, Nick McCall has one rule: never get personal. This “date” with Jordan Rhodes is merely an assignment—one they’re both determined to pull off even if they can’t be together for five minutes before the sarcasm and sparks begin to fly. But when Nick’s investigation is compromised, he and Jordan have no choice but to pretend they’re a couple, and what starts out as a simple assignment begins to feel a lot like something more...
Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Connected to Something About You

Nath: The cover! The cover! I really like how Ms James is able to link the cover to her storyline or vice versa :) Tell you the truth, I didn't even read the blurb before putting A Lot Like Love on my TBB list. While I don't love Ms James' books as much as other readers, I do enjoy them and that's good enough for me :). I just wish her writing was more romance-romance instead of a mix of romance/chick-lit. I'm really hoping though this book will be the one for me :)

Ames: I LOOOOVE Julie's writing!  I can't wait to read this book.  Also, I'm going to try and make it last.  I usually read her newest book in one sitting and then I get mad at myself because I have to wait so long for the next book.  LOL  So I will savour this one. :P

Nath: Not sure you're going to be able to, Ames... It's a pretty good book!


Hidden Away by Maya Banks
published by Berkley
A man who shoots first and asks questions later...

Most people would take an all-expenses-paid trip to the beach in a heartbeat. Garrett Kelly only accepts to keep tabs on Sarah Daniels, who’s in hiding after witnessing a murder by Marcus Lattimer, her half-brother—and a personal enemy of KGI. This gig may be beneath a disciplined soldier like Garrett, but if he gets a shot at Lattimer, it will all be worth it...

...and the ultimate moving target.

But Garrett hadn’t counted on falling for Sarah. He’d considered seduction as a tactical maneuver, but when he glimpses Sarah’s dark past, he feels an urgent desire to keep her safe—even after she disappears on him. Garrett doesn’t know exactly who, or what, Sarah’s running from, but whatever it is, she’s running for her life...
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: KGI series, Book #3

Nath: I still haven't read the first book in this series and I really want to sample the writing before buying more books ^_^; Still, out of all three books, this one sounds the most attracting to me and more like something I would enjoy :)

Monroe: It's Maya Banks...I'll read it!!! I have to admit I have a TON of her books to read but I know I'll eventually get to this one...one day! ;)

Ames: Ok, I have a thing with series...where I'll read the first book and then buy the rest and not read them.  It's a problem, ok?  Anyway, I read the first one, really enjoyed it, and have the second one, which I haven't read yet.  But like Monroe said, it's Maya Banks, so I know I'll buy it and read it eventually.  She rocks!


River Marked by Patricia Briggs
published by Ace (Berkley)
Car mechanic Mercy Thompson has always known there was something different about her, and not just the way she can make a VW engine sit up and beg. Mercy is a shapeshifter, a talent she inherited from her long-gone father. She's never known any others of her kind. Until now.

An evil is stirring in the depths of the Columbia River-one that her father's people may know something about. And to have any hope of surviving, Mercy and her mate, the Alpha werewolf Adam, will need their help...
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Mercedes Thompson series, Book #6

Nath: I'm really, really, really looking forward to this one, mainly because I'm in withdrawal where Ms Briggs' werewolf world is concerned LOL. I'm actually quite looking forward to River Marked. Now that the relationship is established and we know who Mercy has chosen, it'll be fun to find out more about Mercy and her kind :)

Monroe: Ok Ames laughs at me all the time...I get anxious about my fav series coming out with books...so I have to admit I'm STILL sitting on Silver Borne...I KNOW! But I get scared to read the latest books bc then what will I read??? lol Ok so I think I can finally whip out SB! ;P

Ames:  I still haven't read Silver Borne either!!  Bwahahaha.  But that's ok, cuz when I get my hands on this one, I'll have two PB's to read back to back.  Woot woot!

Nath: Hey, there's a book you two could buddy review!!


The Sweetest Thing by Jill Shalvis
published by Grand Central Publishing
Two Men Are One Too Many...

Tara has a thousand good reasons not to return to the little coastal town of Lucky Harbor, Washington. Yet with her life doing a major crash-and-burn, anywhere away from her unfulfilled dreams and sexy ex-husband will do. As Tara helps her two sisters get their newly renovated inn up and running, she finally has a chance to get things under control and come up with a new plan for her life.

But a certain tanned, green-eyed sailor has his own ideas, such as keeping Tara hot, bothered... and in his bed. And when her ex wants Tara back, three is a crowd she can't control-especially when her deepest secret reappears out of the blue. Now Tara must confront her past and discover what she really wants. If she's lucky, she might just find that everything her heart desires is right here in Lucky Harbor.
Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Lucky Harbor series, Book #2

Nath: I'm not really convinced about this book. One because Tara wasn't that likable a character in Simply Irresistible and also, the fact that her ex-husband wants her back. I mean, is there any doubt who she is going to choose? If I get this book, it'll be in e-book format as I've decided Ms Shalvis is going to be on my e-book list :)

Monroe: I loved the first book in this series and I loved all the sisters! lol I can't wait to devour this one!!!

Ames:  *sigh*  I'm starting to feel like a broken record...have the first book, haven't read it.  But it's JILL so of course I'm looking forward to this one.


Welcome to Last Chance by Hope Ramsay
published by Grand Central Publishing
Dear Reader,

Yes, our town is way off the beaten path, but strange, wonderful miracles happen a lot around here.

I've owned the Cut 'n' Curl beauty shop for years, and I've seen folks come for a visit, then stay for a lifetime. Take Jane-that pretty firecracker of a girl who just arrived in town. I would swear she's running from something. She came with only five dollars in her pocket but she's worked real hard to make a fresh start. She's turned my son Clay's life upside down without even realizing it.

And thank goodness for that! Ever since Clay left his country western band, he's played everything too safe. He needs to take a chance on Jane. Besides, the more he tries to keep his distance, the more he'll realize that he and Jane are singing the same tune.

But I should quit ramblin' and go check on Millie's permanent wave. Next time you're in Last Chance, be sure to swing by. We've got hot rollers, free coffee, and the best gossip in town.

See you real soon,

Ruby Rhodes
Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Last Chance, Book #1

Nath: The blurb sounded interesting and caught my attention. I enjoy small town contemporary romance usually and thought why not this one? :)


Blackout by Rob Thurman
published by ROC (New American Library)
I was alone, and I was lost. I didn’t know where I was; I didn’t know who I was. It doesn’t get more lost than that. Knowing what I knew and not knowing anything else at all, why would I want to be in the darkness where monsters hide?
Because killers hide there, too...

Half-human Cal Leandros has always walked a bloody line between keeping his mortal soul free and clear (sort of) and unleashing the horror of his otherworldly heritage. The one thing that’s always saved him is the memory of his brother, Niko, his friends, and those he loves.

Until now.

Cal wakes up on a beach littered with the recently slaughtered remains of a variety of hideous creatures that were obviously looking for trouble. The fact that he was the one doing the slaughtering doesn’t bother him. The fact that he feels like a natural-born killer doesn’t either. What bothers him is that Cal doesn’t remember Cal anymore...

And he’s not sure he cares.
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Cal Leandros series, Book #6

Nath: Woohoo, another Cal Leandros book! I have to admit I'm a bit worried, I don't know which path Cal is going to follow... Isn't it something when a character has you worried about him? I'm also looking forward to catch up with all the other characters :)


Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins
published by Hyperion
Sophie Mercer thought she was a witch.

That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (aka witches, shapeshifters, and fairies). But that was before she discovered the family secret, and that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth.

Turns out, Sophie’s a demon, one of only two in the world—the other being her father. What’s worse, she has powers that threaten the lives of everyone she loves. Which is precisely why Sophie decides she must go to London for the Removal, a dangerous procedure that will destroy her powers.

But once Sophie arrives she makes a shocking discovery. Her new friends? They’re demons too. Meaning someone is raising them in secret with creepy plans to use their powers, and probably not for good. Meanwhile, The Eye is set on hunting Sophie down, and they’re using Archer to do it. But it’s not like she has feelings for him anymore. Does she?
Genre: Young Adult
Series: Hex Hall, Book #2

Nath: This will depend on whether I enjoy Hex Hall or not. All I can say is this is one gorgeous cover! :)

Ames:  I'm in the same boat, Nath.  I picked up Hex Hall b/c you were interested in it, so we'll wait and see on this one.  :)


March 8

Breaking the Rules by Suzanne Brockmann
published by Ballantine Books
Izzy Zanella didn’t need another reason to butt heads with his Navy SEAL teammate and nemesis, Danny Gillman. Then he met Danny’s beautiful younger sister, Eden. When she needed it most, he offered her a place to stay, a shoulder to cry on—and more. And when she got pregnant with another man’s child, he offered her marriage. But Eden’s devastating miscarriage shattered their life together—and made the intense bad blood between Izzy and Danny even worse.

Now Eden's back, on a mission to rescue her teen brother, Ben, from their abusive stepfather. Winning legal custody is her only chance, if she and Izzy can prove their broken marriage is still in one piece. But they’re not alone: when Danny and his girlfriend Jenn offer to help, he and Izzy agree to bury the past and fight for Ben’s future.

As they plan their strategy, Izzy and Eden grapple with the raw passion that still crackles between them—while Danny and Jenn confront new depths in their own rocky relationship. But events take a terrifying turn after Ben befriends a girl fleeing a
child prostitution ring. When the young runaway seeks refuge with Eden and Izzy, her pursuers kidnap Ben—and a deadly standoff begins. Now, they must all pull together like never before, and strike back swift and hard, to protect their unconventional little family and everything they hold most precious.
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Troubleshooters series, Book #16

Ames:  THIS IS THE BOOK I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR!!  EEEEEEEEPPPPPP!!

*catching breath*  Seriously.  Izzy's book.  'Nuff said.



March 15

Steel by Carrie Vaughn
published by Harper Teen
It was a slender length of rusted steel, tapered to a point at one end and jagged at the other, as if it had broken. A thousand people would step over it and think it trash, but not her.

This was the tip of a rapier.

Sixteen-year-old Jill has fought in dozens of fencing tournaments, but she has never held a sharpened blade. When she finds a corroded sword piece on a Caribbean beach, she is instantly intrigued and pockets it as her own personal treasure.

The broken tip holds secrets, though, and it transports Jill through time to the deck of a pirate ship. Stranded in the past and surrounded by strangers, she is forced to sign on as crew. But a pirate's life is bloody and brief, and as Jill learns about the dark magic that brought her there, she forms a desperate scheme to get home—one that risks everything in a duel to the death with a villainous pirate captain.
Genre: Young Adult, time-travel
Series: ?

Nath: I can't remember why this book caught my attention. It was probably the mention of a sword LOL. Then again, there's that great cover... Ah YA authors are really lucky! LOL.

Monroe: Me likey the cover!!!

Ames:  Me too!!



March 22

The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper
published by Simon & Schuster
Baring It All

Generations of werewolves have been secretly residing in a secluded valley a stone’s throw from Grundy, Alaska. So when a snooping Outsider comes to Grundy to investigate rumors of lycanthropic shenanigans in the area, the valley’s pack alpha, Maggie Graham, resolves to chase him away, even if doing so takes a quick bite on the butt. What a pity that researcher Nick Thatcher turns out to be so drool-worthy, and that his kisses make Maggie want to sit up and beg. Maggie just can’t seem to convince Nick to leave... and even worse, she can’t convince herself to stay away from him. Cross-species dating is problem enough for a harried alpha female, but on top of that, a rival group of werewolves is trying to move into the valley. With interpack war threatening, Maggie can’t afford to be distracted. Combining romance and a career can be tough for anyone; for a werewolf in love with a human, it may be disastrous...
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Naked Werewolf, Book #2

Nath: : I read the first book, How to Seduce a Naked Werewolf, and I didn't enjoy this as much as the Jane Jameson series. So I'm not totally sure I'll be getting this one. Most probably yes because I still enjoyed Ms Harper's writing... Hopefully, the storyline of The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf will measure up to the expectations this time.

Monroe: The title made me giggle...I might check this one out!

Ames:  As I've just read And One Last Thing by Molly Harper, I can recommend her writing.  Even though I'm not into paranormals right now, I can still say she writes a good yarn.  :P


Almost Home by Mariah Stewart
published by Random House publishing
When she was young, Steffie Wyler always knew exactly what she wanted to do with her life: 1. Make ice cream. 2. Marry the coolest boy in town. 3. Live happily ever after. These days, Steffie is the proud owner of One Scoop or Two, a wildly popular ice cream parlor. But the cool guy left town right after high school, before they could scratch the surface of their mutual attraction to see what, if anything, lay beneath. Steffie’s made a great life for herself in St. Dennis, but true love has never come knocking.

Wade MacGregor left for college in Texas and remained there to start a successful business with his best friend, Robin Kennedy, but he’s always felt something was missing. Then life throws him a curveball: A third partner has robbed the company blind, and Robin has died—but not before entrusting Wade with a precious secret. Now back in St. Dennis, Wade’s determined to do whatever it takes to protect his friend’s legacy—and to figure out, once and for all, if the sparks that fly whenever he’s with Steffie are just temporary fireworks or the lights in the window leading him home.
Genre: Romantic suspense
Series: Chesapeake Diaries, Book #3

Nath: Another book that caught my attention through its blurb :) It sounded like a good book and it seems there are some really good characters :) I just like the fact that the heroine knew what she wanted in life and has achieved it :) Also, I like this kind of story where the hero or heroine got away...


March 29

My One and Only One by Kristan Higgins
published by HQN Books
Divorce attorney Harper James can't catch a break. Bad enough that she runs into her ex-hubby, Nick, at her sister's destination wedding, but now, by a cruel twist of fate, she's being forced to make a cross-country road trip with him. And her almost-fiancé; back at home is not likely to be sympathetic.

Harper can't help that Nick has come blazing back into her life in all of his frustratingly appealing, gorgeous architect glory. But in Nick's eyes, Harper's always been the one. If they can only get it right this time, forever might be waiting;just around the bend.
Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: none

Nath: I like Ms Higgins' books. A lot on the chick-lit side of the spectrum of romance, but still entertaining. I heard that this time around, the heroine is not as bubbly as the others, so I'll have to read and see :) Also another author who's really been lucky with her covers :)

Ames: I love Kristan Higgins' writing.  Even when I think I shouldn't.  LOL  I'm looking forward to this one.

5 comments:

Leslie said...

River Marked - I'm with Nath and feeling the withdrawal. LOL

James and Shalvis for sure. I'm not a fan of hero/heroine as lawyers but James is the exception. Shalvis! I liked the first book a lot and am looking forward to this one.

CAL! A must read for me!

Brockmann's site has Breaking the Rules out on the 22nd. Izzy - I like Izzy but think Eden will have to have matured a lot for her to work. I'm glad Dan & Jenni are featured - curious to see how their relationship is going.

Lori said...

So many good releases this month! I'll be reading the James, the Shalvis, the Brockmann, the Stewart, and the Banks. Trying so hard to not buy them until I leave for Florida so I have stuff to read.

Christine said...

So many books, not enough time. That's the tag line of my life. LOL.

I am third on the list for River Marked at the library. I'll buy my copy when it comes out in paperback, but there's NO WAY I'll wait that long to read it! I am dying for a Mercy fix! I hear this one has a lot of Mercy's heritage. I can't wait!

I also want the Julie James and Kristan Higgins books.

nath said...

Leslie - LOL. And you know what? Apparently, Ms Briggs has decided to release only one book per year starting this year. This mean that in 2012, we're getting an Alpha and Omega book... Yay me, since I love Anna and Charles... but I don't know how well it's going to go down with fans of Mercy and Adam... Anyway, all to say that it seems we're going to go into withdrawal quite often, Les ^_^;

Nod nod, it helps when an author knows what she is writing about :) In the new James, you have a FBI agent with a wine connoisseur. It worked for me :)

Definitively Blackout :)

Lori - You're going to Florida, Lori? When? :)

Did you read the two first Mariah Stewart? What did you think of them? I picked them up once or twice, but always put them back down...

Christine - LOL, I think many share this tag line, Christine :)

Wooohooo, third on River Marked is really not bad at all :)

Rowena said...

I'm right there with you Ames, IZZY'S BOOK IS COMING OUT THIS MONTH! FINALLY! I'm so freaking excited!

I adored Julie James book and The Sweetest Thing by Jill Shalvis. Both books were so good!