August New Releases

It's that time of the month LOL. Nope, not Aunt Flo... but new releases! What are you looking forward to? Here are the books that will make us head to the bookstores :)


August 1

Confessions of an Improper Bride by Jennifer Haymore
published by Grand Central Publishing

Twice tempted

Serena Donovan left London six years ago, her heart broken and her reputation ruined by devilishly handsome Jonathan Dane. Now, with her family's future in peril, she reluctantly agrees to return to England and assume her late twin's identity. The price? Marry a man she doesn't love and spend the rest of her days living a lie.

Jonathan Dane, Earl of Stratford, has become an incorrigible rake, drinking, gambling-and trying to forget Serena Donovan. Yet the moment he's introduced to the prim and proper "Meg", he recognizes the sensual young woman who captured his heart. Haunted by his past mistakes, he refuses to lose Serena again. But convincing her to trust him is no easy task. Claiming his lost love means exposing the truth and destroying the life Serena has sacrificed everything to rebuild. With the future of all the Donovans at stake, and their undying passion capable of triggering yet another scandal, how much will Jonathan and Serena risk for a chance at true love?

Genre: Historical romance
Series: The Donovan Sisters, Book #1

Nath: Actually already got my hand on this release :) What drew me to Confessions of an Improper Bride is the twins storyline. I've always had a weakness for that story trope :) At the same time, it'll give me the opportunity to try Ms Haymore's writing. Win-win :)

Ames: I don't really care for the fact Serena is pretending to be her twin. Mind you, I've heard good things about Haymore's writing so I'm definitely going to keep an eye out for this one. I'm willing to take a chance on a good author.


August 2

The Many Sins of Lord Cameron by Jennifer Ashley
published by Berkley

A renowned rake, Cameron Mackenzie doesn't care if Ainsley Douglas has a virtuous excuse for sneaking around his bedchamber. He only cares that she's at his mercy. One kiss at a time, he plans to seduce her. But what starts out as a lusty diversion may break Cam's own rules.

Genre: Historical romance
Series: Highland Pleasures, Book #3

Nath: I read and enjoyed The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie a lot. Among Ian's brother, I thought Cameron was the most interesting and I'm glad his book is finally coming out :)

Ames: I've loved all the books in this series so far. I cannot wait to read Cam's story!!

Monroe: I loved the first two books in this series and am now counting the days till this one is in my hands!

Storm's Heart by Thea Harrison
published by Berkley

During the rule of her murderous Dark Fae uncle, Thistle "Tricks" Periwinkle found sanctuary among the Wyr in New York. Her ethereal beauty and sparkling personality won the hearts of the public, but after her uncle's death, there are those who don't want to see her ascend the throne...

Able to wield thunder and lightning, Wyr sentinel Tiago Black Eagle has ruled the skies for centuries. His massive build and thunderous power make him one of the Wyr's best weapons. And he's the one sent to protect Tricks when she's almost assassinated in Chicago.

Soon, both Tiago and Tricks will fall prey to the stormy hunger that engulfs them- a passion that will shake the very foundation of all the worlds.

Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Elder Races, Book #2

Nath: This series is the latest paranormal hit in blogland and has received a lot of buzz. I read Dragon Bound - unfortunately have yet to review it ^_^; While it didn't wow me, I think this series has a lot of potential and I really liked Tricks in the first book :)

Ames: I'm wanting just based on the buzz! I haven't had a chance to read Dragon Bound yet. But if I see this book lying around, you know I'm going to scoop it up. LOL

Changing the Game by Jaci Burton
published by Berkley

Most people play by the rules. Gavin and Liz aren't most people...

Win at any cost. That's always been the mantra of sports agent Liz Darnell. When she carries things too far and risks losing her number-one client, baseball pro Gavin Riley, Liz realizes that she'll have to work extra innings to win him back. It might not be too much of a stretch. She's had a thing for this player's moves since she first laid eyes on him, and by the looks of it, he wants her just as bad.

Gavin's more than ready—especially when Liz is offering herself as part of the bargain. And as much of her as Gavin wants. For added thrills, he decides to throw a little curve ball Liz's way to see just how far she's truly willing to go to keep him as a client. But when love unexpectedly enters the playing field, neither Liz nor Gavin are ready for the biggest game-changer of them all.

Genre: Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Series: Play-by-play series, Book #2

Nath: Just finished reading Perfect Play which was really good :) I liked Gavin, although he seems to be a bit more of a playboy than Mick... However, I'm not sure about Liz ^_^; So I think I'm going to be waiting for reviews on this one :)

Ames: Monroe and I reviewed Perfect Play and really enjoyed it as well. I really disliked Liz though. But that cover is soooo tempting. I said I'd wait to see what others thought of it, but that cover....*drool*

Monroe: Perfect Play was oh so yummy so this book is an auto buy for me!

Basilisk by Rob Thurman
published by ROC (NAL)

See no evil. Seek no evil. Survive no evil...

Stefan Korsak and his genetically-altered brother have evaded the Institute for three years. When they learn the new location of the secret lab, they plan to break in and save the remaining children there. But one of the little ones doesn't want to leave.

She wants to kill...

Genre: Sci-Fi
Series: Chimera, Book #2

Nath: I'm really looking forward to this book. I've really become a fan of Ms Thurman and I am enjoying all of her series. I'm thrilled that this book is from Michael's POV. I think it'll make things really interesting :)

One Good Reason by Sarah Mayberry
published by Harlequin

It's time to move on

Any day now Jon Adamson will pack his bags and hit the road. After all, his intention was never to hang around Melbourne once he'd settled his late father's affairs. Yet he hasn't moved on. And it might have something to do with Gabby Wade. The not–so–big office manager with the really big attitude is making Jon's days… interesting… engaging… fun. It's impossible for him to resist her.

But he knows himself—long–term commitments and cozy family dinners aren't his style. If that's what the future holds, why is he still here? And why is he spending all his days—and nights—with Gabby? Because maybe she's the one reason strong enough to make him stay.

Genre: Contemporary romance, Category romance
Series: Sequel to The Last Goodbye

Nath: Reviews for One Good Reason are favorable and I'll most likely end up getting it :) Ms Mayberry is definitively the author to go to if you want category contemporary romance.

Ames: I love this author, she's an auto-buy for me.

Stand-In Wife by Karina Bliss
published by Harlequin

Playing with dynamite, a girl could get burned...

What does he know about love and marriage? And exactly how did he, Ross Coltrane—a special forces elite soldier and demolitions expert—end up playing middleman to his kid brother and the estranged wife. And most important, why is he suddenly noticing how beautiful his sister–in–law is? He's never thought about his brother's wife... that way... before.

Then he figures it out and everything makes sense. This tantalizing woman is the other twin! The identical sisters have pulled a swap and duped everyone around them. Furious much? Oh, yeah. Poised to bring down their plan, Ross hesitates. Something about Vivienne Jansen's courage and zest for life gets to him. Except, he's not a man who has feelings. Everyone calls him the Iceman. He doesn't know how to be anything else...

Genre: Contemporary romance, Category romance
Series: N/A

Nath: LOL, I think I have three authors for category romance: Sarah Mayberry, Jessica Hart and Karina Bliss. Whenever one of these authors have a release out, it's worth keeping an eye out for it :) Says it all, right? Plus, once again... twins!

Ames: I really enjoy this author too. And the twin's plot intrigues me this time. Go figure.

Nath: LOL, maybe because it's contemporary?

It's Always Been You by Victoria Dahl
published by Kensington

Once She Slipped Through His Fingers...

Aidan York has spent ten years mourning the woman he once loved and lost. He's filled the void in the only way he knows—by distracting himself with wild behavior and scandalous trysts. It's a hollow existence, but it dulls the pain. Until the day he encounters a ghost: the woman he thought drowned at sea, alive and as enchanting as ever...

Now He'll Keep Her In His Arms...

When Kate Hamilton sees the man she once hoped to spend her life with, she is hit with a storm of memories and longing. But though resisting Aidan's passion proves impossible, Kate must try not to love him all over again. For her seemingly quiet London life shields a dangerous secret, one that will catch up to her the moment she lets herself fall...

Genre: Historical romance
Series: York Family, Book #2

Ames: I really enjoy Dahl's writing, both contemporaries and historicals. Definitely going to get this one.

Monroe: Dahl is an auto buy for me...I've never picked up a book of hers I didn't love.

Nath: Hmmm, this wasn't on my radar... but perhaps I'll pick it up, since I've been gobbling up historicals. Plus, I really love the colors of this cover. Yes, I know, shallow LOL.


August 9

Bound by Law by S.E. Jakes
published by Samhain Publishing

The one man he can't forget is the one whose memories could destroy them all.

After the one man he trusted disappeared, it took Law Connor ten years to take a chance on another relationship. Trouble is, right about the time he's finally ready to let go of the past, the past stages a hostile takeover.

Back when they were teens, Styx was the boy with no memory. He and Law had each other's backs until he was forced to leave to keep Law safe. Now a CIA agent, he's finally discovered who he is, and why he's a hunted man.

Detective Paulo McMannus has almost succeeded in helping Law forget his lost love when Styx comes plowing back into their lives. No way is Paulo giving up his lover without a fight.

Suddenly Law finds himself on the run with Styx, the man who can still bring him to his knees...and with Paulo, the man who brought him back to life. The worst part? He can't choose between them. And it's getting harder to remember why he should.

Genre: M/M
Series: Men of Honor, Book #2

Ames:  This one sounds really good.  I haven't read Jakes before but something about this blurb just appeals to me!


August 16

Second Grave on the Left by Darynda Jones
published by St. Martin's Press

Charley Davidson, Grim Reaper Extraordinaire, is back in this sexy, suspenseful novel of supernatural shenanigans

When Charley is rudely awakened in the middle of the night by her best friend who tells her to get dressed quickly and tosses clothes out of the closet at her, she can’t help but wonder what Cookie’s up to. Leather scrunch boots with a floral miniskirt? Together? Seriously? Cookie explains that a friend of hers named Mimi disappeared five days earlier and that she just got a text from her setting up a meet at a coffee shop downtown. They show up at the coffee shop, but no Mimi. But Charley finds a message on the bathroom wall. Mimi left a clue, a woman’s name. Mimi’s husband explains that his wife had been acting strange since she found out an old friend of hers from high school had been found murdered a couple weeks prior. The same woman Mimi had named in her message.

Meanwhile, Reyes Alexander Farrow (otherwise known as the Son of Satan. Yes. Literally) has left his corporeal body and is haunting Charley. He’s left his body because he’s being tortured by demons who want to lure Charley closer. But Reyes can’t let that happen. Because if the demons get to Charley, they’ll have a portal to heaven. And if they have a portal to heaven…well, let’s just say it wouldn’t be pretty. Can Charley handle hot nights with Reyes and even hotter days tracking down a missing woman? Will Cookie ever get a true fashion sense? And is there enough coffee and chocolate in the world to fuel them as they do?

Genre: Mystery with strong romantic and paranormal elements --> Urban Fantasy (?)
Series: Charley Davidson series, Book #2

Nath: I got the first book, First Grave on the Right, at RWA and just absolutely loooved it. I'm a bit apprehensive at where the romance between Charley and Reyes is going, but definitively eager to find out! I think everyone should give this series a try :)


August 23

The King's Courtesan by Judith James
published by HQN Books (Harlequin)

Her body is a battleground

Sensuous, beautiful and determined, Hope Matthews is a favored mistress of the king. Her many charms have helped her rise from the gutter to the king’s bed. But with the new queen’s impending arrival, her nights in the royal chamber— and her hopes for security—will swiftly come to an end.

His Honor a distant memory

Haunted by his past, hardened by the recent civil war, Captain Robert Nichols lives only for revenge. When told he must marry the king’s courtesan to provide a cover for their affair, he’s faced with a new low. Both are pawns of a great man, but married to their dreams of independence, their clash is inevitable. Can these two wounded souls realize the answer to all their dreams might lie in each other’s arms?

Genre: Historical romance
Series: Loosely connected to Libertine's Kiss

Ames: I am a big fan of Judith James and this book sounds awesome. 'Nuff said.

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead
published by Penguin Young Reader

The first book in Richelle Mead's brand-new teen fiction series - set in the same world as Vampire Academy.

When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood.

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal/UF
Series: Bloodlines, Book #1

Monroe: Mead... another auto buy! I'm excited about this spin off series! Vampire Academy series rocked so I'm totally in!

Ripe for Scandal by Isobel Carr
published by Grand Central Publishing

The League of Second Sons

A secret society of younger sons, sworn to aid and abet each other, no matter the scandal or cost... Their fathers and brothers may rule the world, but they run it, and when it comes to passion they refuse to accept second best.

No one would ever suspect Lady Boudicea "Beau" Vaughn, a well-bred, young heiress, of secretly harboring unladylike desires. The object of her affection: Gareth Sandison, a notorious rake and her brother's best friend. Beau knows her brother would never approve, yet one glance into Gareth's smoldering eyes stirs a longing deep inside her.

The second son of an Earl, Gareth has always known the lovely Lady Beau is above his station. But when she is kidnapped, Gareth sees a chance to prove his worth and plans a daring rescue. Soon he and Beau are on the run. Yet Beau's abductors are not the only threat-passion pursues the pair at every turn. Long nights fuel forbidden fantasies, and with danger closing in, Gareth and Beau will finally give in to the ultimate temptation...

Genre: Historical romance
Series: The League of Second Sons, Book #2

Ames: This book has one of my favorite themes - falling for a friend's sibling. And I enjoyed Isobel's first book, so I'm intrigued by this second novel.


August 30

Cheri on Top by Susan Donovan
published by St. Martin's Press

Sun-drenched beaches, designer-label clothes, drop-dead-gorgeous boy-toys…all paid for with a series of high-risk real estate deals. That’s the lifestyle Cherise Newberry and her BFF Candy enjoy after leaving rural North Carolina for Tampa—until the market tanks and they lose everything. Cheri is surviving on Ramen Noodles and temp jobs when she gets a call from home to come back and run the family’s small-town newspaper. Just one catch: She’ll become the boss of her high school crush—and former brother-in-law—who might have the power to crush her all over again...

But Cheri is surprised to see how “bad boy” J.J. DeCourcy has grown into the hard-working and principled managing editor of The Bigler Bugle. Still, according to Cheri’s bitter sister, he’s not to be trusted. If Cheri’s going to co-exist at the with this sexier-than-ever man from her past, she needs to stay professional—and keep her distance —even though he sets her on fire. When they’re handed the biggest news story in the town’s history, Cheri must trust J.J., even it means putting her life in danger.…and her heart on the line.

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: N/A

Nath: I've always been a fan of Ms Donovan's contemporary romance and has gotten all her releases and this one will be no exception :) Sounds fun :)

Monroe: I feel like a broken record... Donovan rocks...auto buy! And this book just sounds too cute!

Only Yours by Susan Mallery
published by HQN Books

Man’s best... matchmaker?

Montana Hendrix has found her calling—working with therapy dogs. With a career she loves in a hometown she adores, she’s finally ready to look for her own happily ever after. Could one of her dogs help her find Mr. Right... or maybe Dr. Right?

Surgeon Simon Bradley prefers the sterility of the hospital to the messiness of real life, especially when real life includes an accident-prone mutt and a woman whose kisses make him want what he knows he can’t have.

Scarred since childhood, he avoids emotional entanglement by moving from place to place to heal children who need his skillful touch. Can his growing feelings for Montana lead him to find a home in Fool’s Gold, or will he walk away, taking her broken heart with him?

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Fool's Gold series, Book #5

Nath: I always liked Montana's character in Almost Perfect, so looking forward to her book. I heard that Simon was the "unemotional" kind of hero and he's paired with Montana who's decidedly bubbly :) So Only Yours has my favorite kind of H/H pairing and I'll definitively give it a go :)

Monroe: I love the Fools Gold series! Cute cute cute! This book sounds great... ps-I totally want to live there lol

Good Girls Don't by Victoria Dahl
published by HQN Books (Harlequin)

Too much of a good thing...

With her long ponytail and sparkling green eyes, Tessa Donovan looks more like the girl next door than a businesswoman—or a heartbreaker. Which may explain why Detective Luke Asher barely notices her when he arrives to investigate a break–in at her family's brewery. He's got his own problems—starting with the fact that his partner, Simone, is pregnant and everyone thinks he's the father.

Tessa has her hands full, too. Her brother's playboy ways may be threatening the business, and the tension could tear her tight–knit family apart. In fact, the only thing that could unite the Donovan boys is seeing a man come after their "baby" sister. Especially a man like Luke Asher. But Tessa sees past the rumors to the man beneath. He's not who people think he is—and neither is she.

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Donovan Brothers Brewery trilogy, Book #1

Nath: Contemporary romance, HQN Books and Victoria Dahl. Three words that in the same sentence will make me pick up the book at the bookstore LOL.

Ames: This book sounds so cute. I'm glad we're getting two Dahl's coming out this month. :P

Monroe: ...my wallet will be empty this month for sure...yet another must have for me!

A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare
published by Avon (HarperCollins Publisher)

Welcome to Spindle Cove, where the ladies with delicate constitutions come for the sea air, and men in their prime are... nowhere to be found.

Or are they?

Spindle Cove is the destination of choice for certain types of well-bred young ladies: the painfully shy, young wives disenchanted with matrimony, and young girls too enchanted with the wrong men; it is a haven for those who live there.

Victor Bramwell, the new Earl of Rycliff, knows he doesn’t belong here. So far as he can tell, there’s nothing in this place but spinsters... and sheep. But he has no choice, he has orders to gather a militia. It’s a simple mission, made complicated by the spirited, exquisite Susanna Finch—a woman who is determined to save her personal utopia from the invasion of Bram’s makeshift army.

Susanna has no use for aggravating men; Bram has sworn off interfering women. The scene is set for an epic battle... but who can be named the winner when both have so much to lose?

Genre: Historical romance
Series: Spindle Cove, Book #1

Nath: I had no idea that Ms Dare has switched publisher, but I think this is a great move as I love Avon's historical romance :) But hmmm, the blurb isn't what I remember reading... Ah well, no matter :) Will definitively give this one a try :)

Ames: This one sounds really good. Clash of wills of epic proportions!

In Bed With a Highlander by Maya Banks
published by Ballantine Books

Ewan McCabe, the eldest, is a warrior determined to vanquish his enemy. Now, with the time ripe for battle, his men are ready and Ewan is poised to take back what is his—until a blue-eyed, raven-haired temptress is thrust upon him. Mairin may be the salvation of Ewan’s clan, but for a man who dreams only of revenge, matters of the heart are strange territory to conquer.

The illegitimate daughter of the king, Mairin possesses prized property that has made her a pawn—and wary of love. Her worst fears are realized when she is rescued from peril only to be forced into marriage by her charismatic and commanding savior, Ewan McCabe. But her attraction to her ruggedly powerful new husband makes her crave his surprisingly tender touch; her body comes alive under his sensual mastery. And as war draws near, Mairin’s strength, spirit, and passion challenge Ewan to conquer his demons—and embrace a love that means more than revenge and land.

Genre: Historical romance
Series: Highlander, Book #1

Ames: Are highlanders making a comeback? I'll follow Maya wherever she may lead. LOL

Monroe: For me the book name is enough to get my attention...put the name Maya Banks on the cover and I'm sold!

Nath: Ames, I don't feel like highlanders ever went away LOL. I'm not such a fan of highlander books, but I remember Rosie reading the excerpt at RWA and saying how this book had a lot of potential. So I'll be keeping an eye out for it :)

Seven Years to Sin by Sylvia Day
published by Kensington

The longer the resistance...

Seven years ago, on the eve of her wedding, proper Lady Jessica Sheffield witnessed a licentious scene no innocent young miss could imagine. Shocked, yet strangely titillated, she'd held her silence regarding scandalous Alistair Caulfield, and walked down the aisle as expected. But through years of serene, unremarkable marriage, Caulfield's image remained burned into her imagination, fueling very illicit dreams...

...the sweeter the reward

Alistair ran far from the temptation of the prim debutante with the fire of passion in her eyes—all the way to the West Indies. As a successful merchant, he has little in common with the rakehell youth she knew. But when newly widowed Jessica steps aboard his ship for a transatlantic passage, seven years' worth of denied pleasures are held in check by nothing more than a few layers of silk—and the certainty that surrender will consume them both...

Genre: Historical romance
Series: N/A

Ames: I LOVE Sylvia Day's historicals and highly recommend all of them. I can't wait to read this one!!

Monroe: This books sounds like a winner! Plus its our beloved Sylvia Day so ya...sold!

Succubus Revealed by Richelle Mead
published by Kensington

Georgina Kincaid has had an eternity to figure out the opposite sex, but sometimes they still surprise her. Take Seth Mortensen. The man has risked his soul to become Georgina's boyfriend. Still, with Lucifer for a boss, Georgina can't just hang up her killer heels and settle down to domestic bliss. In fact, she's being forced to transfer operations... to Las Vegas.

The City of Sin is a dream gig for a succubus, but Georgina's allies are suspicious. Why are the powers-that-be so eager to get her away from Seattle—and from Seth? Georgina is one of Hell's most valuable assets, but if there's any way out of the succubus business she plans to take it—no matter how much roadkill she leaves behind. She just hopes the casualties won't include the one man she's risking everything for...

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Georgina Kincaid, Book #6

Ames: It's the end of an era.  This is the final book in the Succubus series and I will be very sad to see it end.  This  is an awesome, gut-wrenching series and the author has definitely taken us and Georgie for a ride.  As much as I hate to see it end, I can't wait to see how things will turn out for Georgie.

Monroe: I'm still in denial of this series ending...ill probably weep the day it comes out, buy it, then wait another year to read it...I'm pitiful like that. I'LL MISS YOU GEORGIE!