July New Releases

Is it just me or did June just fly by? It's a good thing too because I was on a book buying ban but now that that's over, I am free to buy again. LOL And July has some books I'm really wanting to read...

July 1

Black Ties & Lullabies by Jane Graves
published by Grand Central Publishing

A good girl can be bad for one night...

Bernadette Hogan doesn't make mistakes. Not when it comes to caring for her mother, and not at her job protecting Texas's most eligible—and infuriating—bachelor. Maybe that's why she's overcome with guilt after one tiny indiscretion: a passionate fling with her boss that's left her confused, intrigued...and pregnant.

but can a bad boy be good for a lifetime?

To self-made millionaire Jeremy Bridges, women are like fine wine: if held for too long, they sour. But one wild night with Bernadette changed all that. She makes him laugh, she makes him think, and soon she's going to make him a father. For the first time, Jeremy wants to be a one-woman man. So how can he convince the fiercely independent Bernadette he's ready to change from partying playboy to dependable dad—and become the loving husband she deserves?

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: n/a

Nath: I've enjoyed Ms Graves' past contemporary romances and am really happy she has a new one coming out! Also, this sounds exactly like something I'd enjoy :)

Ames: This one sounds interesting...yes even with the whole pregnancy thing. LOL


Touch If You Dare by Stephanie Rowe
published by Sourcebooks

He's just about the hottest warrior she's ever seen...

Reina Fleming really appreciates a man who's on a mission-especially when he's a badass warrior doing his best to impress her. And Jarvis is charmed by the way Reina's magic touch can soothe his dark side.

But when Jarvis's attention puts her job, her home, and her family in danger, Reina has to decide whether love is worth the price...

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Soulfire Series #2

Nath: This book is a maybe for me. I've still haven't read the first book in the series ^_^; However, I like Ms Rowe's writing style so it's definitively on my radar :)

July 5

Naked City - anthology
published by St. Martin's Press

In this thrilling collection of original stories some of today’s hottest paranormal authors delight, thrill and captivate readers with otherworldly tales of magic and mischief. In Jim Butcher’s ”Curses” Harry Dresden investigates how to lift a curse laid by the Fair Folk on the Chicago Cubs. In Patricia Briggs’ “Fairy Gifts,” a vampire is called home by magic to save the Fae who freed him from a dark curse. In Melissa Marr’s “Guns for the Dead,” the newly dead Frankie Lee seeks a job in the afterlife on the wrong side of the law. In Holly Black’s “Noble Rot,” a dying rock star discovers that the young woman who brings him food every day has some strange appetites of her own.

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: n/a

Nath: Jim Butcher and Patricia Briggs. LOL, that's all I'll say!

Ames: I don't really care for anthologies so I think I'll just look for this one at the library or something.

Monroe: Whatevs Ames lol its Patricia Briggs!!!! Fine fine...Ill read it, tell you how wonderful it is then Ill make you read it! ;)


Hammered by Kevin Hearne
published by Random House

Thor, the Norse god of thunder, is worse than a blowhard and a bully—he’s ruined countless lives and killed scores of innocents. After centuries, Viking vampire Leif Helgarson is ready to get his vengeance, and he’s asked his friend Atticus O’Sullivan, the last of the Druids, to help take down this Norse nightmare.

One survival strategy has worked for Atticus for more than two thousand years: stay away from the guy with the lightning bolts. But things are heating up in Atticus’s home base of Tempe, Arizona. There’s a vampire turf war brewing, and Russian demon hunters who call themselves the Hammers of God are running rampant. Despite multiple warnings and portents of dire consequences, Atticus and Leif journey to the Norse plain of Asgard, where they team up with a werewolf, a sorcerer, and an army of frost giants for an epic showdown against vicious Valkyries, angry gods, and the hammer-wielding Thunder Thug himself.

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Iron Druid Chronicles #3

Nath: This series is okay so far. I haven't been blown-away yet, but there is definite potential. I think for it to be a success, Mr Hearne needs to strengthen his plot. In my opinion, Hammered will be the turning point - it'll make or break the series... Right now, I'm still in, especially since I enjoy Atticus and Leif's interactions :)

Ames: I'll wait for your verdict on this book, Nath. I still haven't read the first one.


Darkness at Dawn by Elizabeth Jennings
published by Penguin

A threat to the Himalayan Kingdom of Nhala unites Army Captain Mike Shafer and Lucy Merritt, an expert restorer of manuscripts. A deadly ancient prophecy of the world's end is manifesting-and so is their attraction to each other. Can they save the world and their chance at love?

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: n/a

Nath: I think this is going to be a very interesting book :)I enjoyed Ms Jenning's last romantic suspense and am hoping this one will be as good and unusual :)

ames: Did you review her last book? I know I wanted to wait to see what you thought before I checked them out. But yes, this one sounds very interesting.


Invitation to Italian by Tracy Kelleher
published by Harlequin Super Romance

Talk about adult education! Obstetrician Julie Antonelli's spontaneous decision to take an Italian Conversation class has backfired. Instead of distracting her from the pressures at work, the course proves she can't escape them. That's because the teacher is none other than cardiologist Sebastiano Fonterra—the recently installed Grantham Hospital CEO who drives Julie crazy.

Much to her surprise, Julie gets some fascinating lessons about life, family and love. Not to mention seeing Sebastiano in a much more simpatico light. This is one class she won't skip…especially when he's making her believe this could be the beginning of a beautiful future.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: n/a

Nath: It sounds cute :P Yes, that's all it needs for a book to make it on my radar LOL.


Honeyed Words by J.A. Pitts
published by Tor

Sarah Beauhall is a blacksmith, has a night job as a props manager for a low-budget movie, and spends her free time fighting in a medieval re-enactment group. Her world falls apart when she discovers that dragons are real and live among us as shapeshifters; in fact, it is they who have been the secret masters of our world from time immemorial. On top of all this, it appears that Sarah has managed to reforge an ancient sword that everyone suddenly wants...and those who don’t want the weapon want Sarah to take on her destiny and become humanity’s saviour.

As Sarah tries to make her way in this new world, she discovers just how little she knows of reality. Fairies and dwarves and giants abound, the fault line of the Pacific Northwest is rife with ancient Norse magic. Odin himself appears with ravens at his side and cryptic advice for the fledgling heroine. And the cherry on the sundae? The discovery that Sarah’s girlfriend is from a family that has been battling these forces for generations and they look to Sarah as their last best hope.

What’s a girl to do when the powers of the world decide that you’re responsible for cleaning up the magical mess?

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Sarah Beauhall #2

Nath: I've never heard of the series or the author, but stumbled across this cover when I was putting my list of new releases together. The cover caught my eye, but what's most interesting is that the heroine is a blacksmith :) It sounds pretty cool :) Not sure I'm going to get it, but worth keeping an eye on. Plus, I heard it got some strong romantic elements, yay!

ames: Ooh the word blacksmith caught my eye! LOL I'll wait for your thoughts on this one because I'm not really into fantasies right now.


Viper Moon by Lee Roland
published by Penguin

Cassandra Archer is the Huntress. She has faithfully served the Earth Mother for years, rescuing kidnapped children from monsters-both human and supernatural-dwelling in the ruins of the Barrows District. But when two children are kidnapped under similar circumstances, all clues point to a cataclysmic event on the next dark moon. Now Cass must race against the clock and prevent a sacrifice that could destroy the entire town...

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Earth Witches #1

Nath: LOL, okay, so lots of books made it on my radar ^_^; What can I say? I think the blurb has potential... although once again, not sure I'm going to get it... but keeping an eye on it.


Can't Hurry Love by Christie Ridgway
published by Penguin

Liam Bennett staked his claim to Tanti Baci after stepping in to help the Baci sisters save their family legacy. But Giuliana Baci doubts his motives. They've been at odds since the hot summer long ago that ended in heartache. With the fate of the winery on the line, the former lovers need to get a handle on their barely leashed hostilities-and the attraction that still draws them toward each other.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Three Kisses #3

Monroe: Woop! Ive waited for this book! I love this series and cant wait to get my hot little hands on it! Oh and the cover is so cute!


July 12

The Secret Mistress by Mary Balogh
published by Random House

While Lady Angeline Dudley’s pedigree dictates that she must land a titled gentleman, the irrepressible beauty secretly longs for a simple, ordinary suitor. No wild rakes like the men of her family, just a kind heart and good nature. So when Edward Ailsbury, the new Earl of Heyward, rescues her with unmatched civility from the advances of a scoundrel, Angeline thinks that she has found her true love. Persuading the earl is another matter entirely.
Edward has his future neatly mapped out. He hopes to wed his steadfast companion, a woman who shares his values of loyalty, respect, and decorum. But arriving in London to take his seat in the House of Lords, he is derailed by Angeline, an exquisite bird of paradise seemingly devoted to sending his predictable life into chaos.

From the brilliant hues of her fashion to her hoydenish antics, Angeline is the last woman on earth for Edward. And yet a stolen kiss in the moonlight awakens something deep and primal within him. Naturally, being a gentleman, he does the right thing after compromising a lady: He offers marriage.

Angeline knows that Edward’s proposal is born of duty, not love. But denying something so provocative and passionate is easier said than done. Deep down, Angeline believes that Edward’s dedication to convention will melt behind closed doors, where sensuality and seduction play wicked games. For a proper wife by day can become a husband’s secret mistress by night, when delicious desire rules.

Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Mistress Trilogy #3

Nath: At first, I wasn't sure about this book, especially since it's hardcover. However, after reading More Than a Mistress, I have to say I'm curious about the dynamics between Angeline and Edward! Not sure I'm going to buy it right away because it's hardcover... but it's definitively a book I want to read one way or another :)

ames: This one sounds good! Hopefully I can get it from the library. :P


July 19

Liam's Perfect Woman by Beth Kery
published by Harlequin

It happened one summer…

The moment Liam Kavanaugh first glimpsed the exotic beauty dancing across a moonlit beach, he was smitten. But he was in for the surprise of his life when she turned out to be Natalie Reyes! The big–city cop had returned to Harbor Town to be the chief of police. Instead, he was battling an intense attraction to the woman who was forcing him to confront his past…

The lone survivor of the crash that had destroyed their families, Natalie needed Liam's help to finally move past the tragedy that shattered her life. Yet the innocent beauty wasn't prepared for the passion that flared between them. And now her very future was in the hands of a man who just might be able to heal her heart with his loving touch…

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: n/a

ames: I like cop heroines (or really any job with a uniform) and it's Beth Kery. Win win!

Monroe: This one sounds cute! =) Sold!


Love Story by Jennifer Echols
published by Simon & Schuster

SHE’S WRITING ABOUT HIM. HE’S WRITING ABOUT HER. AND EVERYBODY IS READING BETWEEN THE LINES.

For Erin Blackwell, majoring in creative writing at the New York City college of her dreams is more than a chance to fulfill her ambitions—it’s her ticket away from the tragic memories that shadow her family’s racehorse farm in Kentucky. But when she refuses to major in business and take over the farm herself someday, her grandmother gives Erin’s college tuition and promised inheritance to their maddeningly handsome stable boy, Hunter Allen. Now Erin has to win an internship and work late nights at a local coffee shop to make her own dreams a reality. She should despise Hunter?... so why does he sneak into her thoughts as the hero of her latest writing assignment?

Then, on the day she’s sharing that assignment with her class, Hunter walks in. He’s joining her class. And after he reads about himself in her story, her private fantasies about him must be painfully clear. She only hopes to persuade him not to reveal her secret to everyone else. But Hunter devises his own creative revenge, writing sexy stories that drive the whole class wild with curiosity and fill Erin’s heart with longing. Now she’s not just imagining what might have been. She’s writing a whole new ending for her romance with Hunter... except this story could come true.

Genre: Young Adult-Contemporary
Series: n/a

ames: I know Wena read and enjoyed this one and I really like Jennifer's writing.


July 26

Spell Bound by Kelley Armstrong
published by Penguin

Savannah Levine is in terrible danger, and for once she's powerless to help herself. At the heartbreaking conclusion of Waking the Witch, Savannah swore that she would give up her powers if it would prevent further pain for a young orphan. Little did she know that someone would take her up on that promise.

And now, witch-hunting assassins, necromancers, half-demons, and rogue witches all seem to be after her. The threat is not just for Savannah; every member of the Otherworld might be at risk. While most of her fellow supernaturals are circling the wagons at a gathering of the council in Miami, Savannah is caught on the road, isolated from those who can protect her and unable to use her vast spell-casting talent, the thing she counts on most.

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Women of the Otherworld #12

Nath: Okay, I admit it, I still haven't read Waking the Witch ^_^; But it's Kelley Armstrong!! I think having this book will push me to read both... or I might wait the third one and just read the whole trilogy together :) Still, this is a book I'm getting!


Ghost Story by Jim Butcher
published by Penguin

The eagerly awaited new novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling Dresden Files series.
When we last left the mighty wizard detective Harry Dresden, he wasn't doing well. In fact, he had been murdered by an unknown assassin.

But being dead doesn't stop him when his friends are in danger. Except now he has nobody, and no magic to help him. And there are also several dark spirits roaming the Chicago shadows who owe Harry some payback of their own.

To save his friends-and his own soul-Harry will have to pull off the ultimate trick without any magic...

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Dresden Files #13

Nath: Okay, really looking forward to Ghost Story! Can't wait to see where Mr Butcher is taking us... and is Harry coming back to life? If yes, how?!? LOL.


Playing Dirty by Susan Andersen
published by Harlequin

When high school golden boy Cade Gallari publicly revealed he’d slept with “fat girl” Ava Spencer to win a bet, he broke her heart. Now a decade older and a head-turner with her own concierge business, Ava isn’t the gullible dreamer she once was—and she plans to prove it when Cade, hotter than ever, breezes back into town with an offer she can’t refuse.

A documentary film producer, Cade is shooting a movie about the mysterious mansion Ava inherited. And he wants her as his personal concierge. She’s certainly professional enough to be at his beck and call without giving him everything he wants. Like another shot at having her in his bed. But Ava doesn’t count on Cade’s determination. Because he’s never gotten over her. And he’s not above playing dirty to score a second chance at a red-hot future…

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: n/a

Nath: I'm really happy that Ms Andersen was able to write this story in the end :) I think the bits we've seen between Cade and Ava in the previous book was a great teaser! Also, I have to admit, I did read this book for Netgalley and I really enjoyed it! :)


Only Mine by Susan Mallery
published by Harlequin

Her town’s lack of men may make headlines, but it isn’t news to Dakota Hendrix. The beautiful blonde has bigger problems to deal with, such as overseeing the romance reality competition filming in Fool’s Gold. Screening eligible bachelors is a difficult enough task, but Dakota hits an unexpected snag when a sexy stranger comes to town.

Finn Anderssen will do anything to keep his twin brothers — the perfect contestants — off the show. Despite Dakota’s better judgment, she finds herself drawn to the mysterious outsider. Like her, Finn knows about heartbreak and how a family can fall apart, so she doesn’t dare to hope for anything more than a fling. After all, even in the Land of Happy Endings, finding true love is never as easy as it looks on TV.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Fool's Gold #4

Nath: A bit hesitant with this book... Finn has twin brothers - so that means they're triplets? Triplets falling in love with triplets? Ah well, we'll see :)

Monroe: I LOVE this series so this is a HUGE auto buy for me! LOVE Susan Mallery!


Vanished in the Night by Eileen Carr
published by Simon and Schuster

She doesn’t trust cops...

Veronica Osborne has had enough problems with the police, thanks to her volatile father. So when tall, strapping Sergeant Zach McKnight shows up at her door, she’s prepared for anything—except the news that her beloved missing brother, Max, has been dead for nearly twenty years... ever since he ran away.

...until she meets one who’d risk everything to protect her.

Appalled when the police suspect her father of Max’s murder, Veronica begins her own investigation. But as her surprising role in her brother’s disappearance surfaces, so do more bodies. The ghosts of Max’s past are working hard to hide the truth, while another, more sinister force will do anything to expose it. How far will a killer go to get revenge? And can Zach stop him before he targets the woman Zach’s coming to love?

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: n/a

Nath: This one sounds like a good romantic suspense :) I've never read this author... but it sounds good :)


Shadowflame by Dianne Sylvan
published by Penguin

It's been three months since musician Miranda Grey became a vampire and married David Solomon. But when a powerful force from David's past appears, Miranda begins to realize how little she really knows about her husband.

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Shadow World #2

Nath: I'm still torn about this one. I read the first book, Queen of Shadows. I kind of enjoyed it, but I haven't decided if it was enough to get Shadowflame. I think I'll be getting this book later, when there's a lull in my reading... :P

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