Thursday, September 1

September New Releases

I can't believe it's September already!!! This means the summer is almost over. Boooo!!! However, it seems the publishers are trying to cheer us up by releasing some good books :) Hey a month that has Nalini Singh, Meljean Brook, J.D. Robb/Nora Roberts and Jennifer Estep is a gooood month for me LOL.

Ready to see what else there is? Also, let us know what is going to cheer you up! :)


September 6

Archangel's Blade by Nalini Singh
published by Berkley
The severed head marked by a distinctive tattoo on its cheek should have been a Guild case, but dark instincts honed over hundreds of years of life compel the vampire Dmitri to take control. There is something twisted about this death, something that whispers of centuries long past…but Dmitri’s need to discover the truth is nothing to the vicious strength of his response to the hunter assigned to decipher the tattoo.

Savaged in a brutal attack that almost killed her, Honor is nowhere near ready to come face to face with the seductive vampire who is an archangel’s right hand, and who wears his cruelty as boldly as his lethal sensuality…the same vampire who has been her secret obsession since the day she was old enough to understand the inexplicable, violent emotions he aroused in her.

As desire turns into a dangerous compulsion that might destroy them both, it becomes clear the past will not stay buried. Something is hunting…and it will not stop until it brings a blood-soaked nightmare to life once more…
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Guild Hunter, Book #4

Ames: Even though I haven't read the third book, I'm still going to buy this one. Nalini is definitely an auto-buy author for me!

Nath: Me too! I'm not a huge fan of Dmitri and I prefer the Psy-Changelings series; however, I'm sure that Archangel's Blade is going to be a good and solid read :)

Monroe: I was a bit thrown when I realized it was Dimitri's book but whatevs...I love this series and I love Nalini!


Demon Marked by Meljean Brook
published by Berkley
Nicholas St. Croix is familiar with the evil of demons. After his father’s death, a demon took over his mother’s body and raised him. Six years ago, his “mother” was responsible for the disappearance of the woman he loved, and Nicholas swore he’d find her—even if he had to go to Hell and back. Except she finds him first—and with one tormented kiss, he knows she too is a demon. Now he is determined to take his revenge…

Ash is a half-demon with no memory of her past or how she got to Hell. All she knows is that Nicholas St. Croix holds the key to her identity. And though he’s clearly drawn to her, Nicholas makes no secret of his distrust of her. Yet one kiss at a time, he breaks down her defenses as they battle an array of demons and Guardians. But is Ash’s greatest enemy the man at her side?
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: The Guardians, Book #7

Ames: I've read the first three books in this series, so I'm only 4 behind now! LOL Meljean is also an auto-buy. :P

Nath: I'm sooooo looking forward to this book!! I just can't wait! This one sounds awesome and I'm curious to see Nicholas St. Croix as a hero... he was a bit of a jerk in Demon Blood, but jerks usually turn into great heroes.! So I'm really excited! The only thing I'm not sure though... How can Ash be a half-demon? I'm sure Ms Brook will come up with an explanation :)


Kissing Comfort by Jo Goodman
published by Berkley
Bode DeLong knows that his playboy brother Bram isn't really in love with Miss Comfort Kennedy, even though it's clear that she's enamored with him. With Bram's motives for the engagement suspect, Bode figures the safest place for Comfort to be is in his arms. Now, Bode just needs to convince Comfort that the childhood fancy she has for his brother is no match for the incredible desire that sparks between them every time they touch.
Genre: Western romance
Series: None

Ames: I love Jo Goodman's books and this one really looks interesting.

Nath: I'm not sure yet for this one. The blurb does sound pretty good though...


Never Enough by Lauren Dane
published by Berkley Trade
Gillian Forrester spent her life running... until Miles came along. The moment she held her older sister's unwanted newborn, Gillian stopped running and began building a life for her adopted son. Now, thirteen years later, Gillian's sister reveals the father's identity on her deathbed-a revelation that shakes Gillian to her core.

Adrian Brown is the epitome of the successful rock star. It takes a lot to shock him-but the bombshell that he has a son rocks his world. And Adrian is even more surprised when the buttoned-up elegant woman who's raising him ignites his erotic and romantic attention-and engages his heart.
Genre: Contemporary, erotica romance
Series: Brown Siblings, Book #4

Ames: *sigh* Another series I'm behind on, but it's Lauren Dane so there's no doubt I'm getting it!

Monroe: Haven't read this series but it has to be a winner...its Lauren Dane!


Enticed by his Forgotten Lover by Maya Banks
published by Harlequin
"Have we met?"
Answer: a right hook! Because Bryony Morgan pulls no punches. Even when she's very pregnant and facing down the father of her unborn child. She fell for wealthy hotelier Rafael de Luca when he courted her for her beachfront real estate. Then he disappeared. Now, she's in New York for answers—and she won't accept a brush–off.

But selective amnesia after a crash has Rafael puzzled. How could he ever forget a combustible beauty like Bryony? Solution: return to the island where they met, and relive the unforgettable nights in question—until he remembers everything...
Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: -

Ames: It's Maya. 'Nuff said.

Monroe: What she said ;)


Prey by Linda Howard
published by Ballantine Books
Thirty-two-year-old Angie Powell has always spoken her mind, but in the presence of Dare Callahan she nurses a simmering rage. After all, why give Dare the satisfaction of knowing he can push her buttons and push her to the edge?

Three years ago, Dare returned home to rural western Montana and opened a hunting business to rival Angie’s. Complicating matters is the fact that Dare has asked Angie out (not once but twice) and has given her a gift of butterflies in the process. Angie has no patience for butterflies. They only lead to foolish decisions. And now the infuriatingly handsome Iraq war vet has siphoned away Angie’s livelihood, forcing her to close up shop.

Before Angie is to leave town, she organizes one last trip into the wilderness with a client and his guest, who wants to bag a black bear. But the adrenaline-fueled adventure turns deadly when Angie witnesses a cold-blooded murder and finds herself on the wrong side of a loaded gun. Before the killer can tie up this attractive loose end, a bear comes crashing through the woods—changing the dark game completely.

Luckily, Dare is camping nearby and hears the shots. Forced together for their very survival, Angie and Dare must confront hard feelings, a blinding storm, and a growing attraction—while being stalked by a desperate killer and a ferocious five-hundred-pound beast. And neither will stop until they reach their prey.
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Mystery/Thriller
Series: -

Nath: I'm going to wait for reviews before getting Prey... but it is on my radar. I like that there's already tension between the H/H. We'll see how it turns out :)

Monroe: While I L-O-V-E Linda Howard, I don't always love Romance/Suspense...never enough lovin' in them for me...maybe I'll get to this one...maybe not.


Romancing the Countess by Ashley March
published by St. Martin's Press
Sebastian Madinger, the Earl of Wriothesly, thought he'd married the perfect woman-until a fatal accident revealed her betrayal with his best friend. After their deaths, Sebastian is determined to avoid a scandal for the sake of his son. But his best friend's widow is just as determined to cast her mourning veil aside by hosting a party that will surely destroy both their reputations and expose all of his carefully kept secrets...

Leah George has carried the painful knowledge of her husband's affair for almost a year. All she wants now is to enjoy her independence and make a new life for herself-even if that means being ostracized by the Society whose rules she was raised to obey. Now that the rumors are flying, there's only one thing left for Sebastian to do: silence the scandal by enticing the improper widow into becoming a proper wife. But when it comes to matters of the heart, neither Sebastian nor Leah is prepared for the passion they discover in each other's arms...
Genre: Historical romance
Series: Romancing, Book #2

Ames: I read Ashley's first book and although it didn't wow me, I still want to give her another chance.


September 13

Secret Weapon by Opal Carew
published by St. Martin's Press
There’s only one thing hotter than a man in uniform…when he takes it off.

Threesomes and men of the law have always been two of Janine’s biggest turn-ons. So when her boyfriend offers to invite one of his buddies from the police force into their bedroom, it’s an offer she can’t refuse. But when the extra man shows up, the last thing she expects is for it to be Sloan Granger—a man from her past.

Janine is the one woman who Sloan’s never been able to forget, and now that their worlds have collided, he has a second chance to win her back. Even though she refuses to let him back into her life, he’s determined to change her mind—no matter what the cost. His love for her has always been his greatest weakness, but this time, it’s also his most powerful weapon...
Genre: Erotica romance
Series: -


Ames: How hot does this one sound?

Nath: Very!!

Monroe: Never read this author but last time Ames visited me she left me Six (which I still need to read). So I guess Ill see how I like that one then maybe move to this one.


Perfect by Ellen Hopkins
published by Margaret K. McElderry
Everyone has something, someone, somewhere else that they’d rather be. For four high-school seniors, their goals of perfection are just as different as the paths they take to get there.

Cara’s parents’ unrealistic expectations have already sent her twin brother Conner spiraling toward suicide. For her, perfect means rejecting their ideals to take a chance on a new kind of love. Kendra covets the perfect face and body—no matter what surgeries and drugs she needs to get there. To score his perfect home run—on the field and off—Sean will sacrifice more than he can ever win back. And Andre realizes that to follow his heart and achieve his perfect performance, he’ll be living a life his ancestors would never have understood.

Everyone wants to be perfect, but when perfection loses its meaning, how far will you go? What would you give up to be perfect?

A riveting and startling companion to the bestselling Impulse, Ellen Hopkins's Perfect exposes the harsh truths about what it takes to grow up and grow into our own skins, our own selves.
Genre: YA
Series: Impulse, Book #2

Ames: I've been wanting to try Ellen Hopkins for a while and this one sounds really interesting.


New York to Dallas by J.D. Robb
published by Putnam
The number-one New York Times-bestselling author J. D. Robb presents an intense and terrifying new case for New York homicide cop Eve Dallas, one that will take her all the way to the city that gave her her name-and plunge her into the nightmares of her childhood.

When a monster named Isaac McQueen-taken down by Eve back in her uniform days-escapes from Rikers, he has two things in mind. One is to pick up where he left off, abducting young victims and leaving them scarred in both mind and body. The other is to get revenge on the woman who stopped him all those years ago.
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Mystery/Thriller, Futuristic
Series: In Death series, Book #33

Nath: I'm really looking forward to this book. While the last few installments have been solid, they haven't wowed me... With this one-time only name change in the title, well expectations are up :)


September 15

A Lily Among Thorns by Rose Lerner
published by Dorchester
Her Savior

It was him. Serena couldn't breathe. She'd been looking for him for years—the man who'd lifted her out of the dregs of London's underworld. She remembered that he'd looked like an angel. But either she'd embellished or he'd grown up. Because he didn't look like an angel now. He looked like a man, solid and broad, and taller than she'd thought. And now he needed her help.

His Siren

Solomon recognized her as soon as they were alone in the dark. He'd not forgotten that night five years ago either. But Serena had changed. She was stronger, fiercely independent and, though it hardly seemed possible, even more beautiful. She was also neck-deep in trouble. Yet he'd help cook a feast for the Prince Regent, take on a ring of spies, love her well into the night—anything to convince her that this time he was here to stay.
Genre: Historical romance
Series: -

Ames: I really enjoyed Rose's first book and have been awaiting the release of this novel. :P

Nath: I enjoyed her debut novel as well and wouldn't mind giving this book a try. The only draw-back is that it's trade-size...


No Proper Lady by Isabel Cooper
published by Sourcebooks
England, 1888. The trees are green, the birds are singing, and in 200 years demons will destroy it all. Unless Joan, a rough-around-the-edges assassin from the future, can take out the dark magician responsible. But to get close to her target she'll need help learning how to fit into society.

Simon has his own reasons for wanting to destroy Alex Reynell, and Joan may be his perfect revenge. But as each day passes, Simon is less sure he wants her anywhere near Reynell. Because no spell in the world will save his future if she isn't in it.
Genre: Time-travel
Series: -

Nath: I saw this book in Leslie's sidebar and googled it right away. It's the cover that caught my interest, but I have to say, the blurb sounds good as well!! It reminds me a bit of Terminator, but I think it'll be much sexier LOL. Also loved that it's a female assassin... Yes, that's one of my weaknesses :P


September 16

Annabelle, the American by Lavinia Kent
published by Avon Impulse
Regency England just got real(ity)

Episode 3: Annabelle and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad rumor

Annabelle, Marchioness of Tattingstong, always thought she was a good wife. She’s put up with all the titters and stares in the ballroom that go along with being a rich American married only for her wealth and looks. But, when it's rumored that her husband has a secret family, one he is using her money to keep, Annabelle may have finally had enough. A proper English wife would grin and bear it but playing by society’s rules hasn’t worked for her so far. Will revenge be as sweet as American pie?
Genre: Historical romance
Series: The Real Duchesses of London, Book #3

Ames: I have the first two books in this series...which I still need to read. LOL

Nath: I have not read any of them... but I'm thinking of giving them a try :)


September 20

Unclaimed by Courtney Milan
published by Harlequin (HQN Books)
Her only hope for survival....

Handsome, wealthy and respected, Sir Mark Turner is the most sought-after bachelor in all of London—and he’s known far and wide for his irreproachable character. But behind his virtuous reputation lies a passionate nature he keeps carefully in check… until he meets the beautiful Jessica Farleigh, the woman he’s waited for all his life.

Is to ruin the man she loves...

But Jessica is a courtesan, not the genteel lady Sir Mark believes. Desperate to win free of a life she despises, she seizes her chance when Mark’s enemies make her an offer she can’t refuse: Seduce Mark and tarnish his good name, and a princely sum will be hers. Yet as she comes to know the man she’s sworn to destroy, Jessica will be forced to choose between the future she needs—and the love she knows is impossible.
Genre: Historical romance
Series: Turner brothers, Book #2

Ames: Courtney is an auto-buy author for me.

Nath: I think I'm going to skip this one. I've read two of Ms Milan's books and they are well-written and all, but they don't reach me :(

Monroe: I LOVE Courtney Milan (even though Im not sure if I read the 1st book in this series) I will have to get this one on my shelf right away.


Blood Trails by Sharon Sala
published by Harlequin (Mira)
Holly Slade has just discovered her secret identity...

Her “father’s” deathbed confession reveals that Holly’s real father was almost certainly the notorious serial killer known as “The Hunter,” and that her mother gave Holly up to save her life. But The Hunter was never caught—and Holly’s mother simply vanished.

In search of her past, Holly leaves both her home and Bud Tate, the handsome ranch foreman she’s afraid to love, horrifi ed by the knowledge that the blood of a depraved killer might run through her veins. Haunted, driven, she searches for The Hunter and hopes her mother was wrong.

But her search leads to a terrible truth no one could have imagined, and even Bud’s determination to follow and protect the woman he loves may not be enough to save Holly from the terrors of a past become present.

Be careful what you wish for...
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: The Searchers trilogy, Book #3

Nath: My expectations are not really high for this one. I simply hope that Blood Trails won't be too similar to Blood Stains and Blood Ties, but who am I kidding? Still, I need my Sharon Sala fix ;)


September 27

His Mistress by Christmas by Victoria Alexander
published by Kensington
For three years, Lady Veronica Smithson has been a happy, independent widow. Still, the right gentleman could provide the benefits of marriage without the tedious restrictions. And in Sir Sebastian Hadley-Attwater, renowned explorer and rogue, Veronica is sure she has found him.

Sebastian will inherit his fortune in a matter of weeks—if his family deems him responsible enough. There’s no better way to prove his maturity than with a home and a wife. But though the lovely Veronica will share his bed, she refuses to marry.

An intimate sojourn at his new country house will surely change her mind. For Sebastian never takes no for an answer. And even in the midst of mischief-making relatives and unexpected complications, he intends to persuade his Christmas mistress that they belong together—in this and every season to come...
Genre: Historical romance
Series: Mistress trilogy, Book #2

Nath: Ms Alexander is an auto-buy for me. There's just something about her books that makes it for me :) Now, I'm not sure if this book comes out end of September or October... but either way, I'll get myself a copy :)


Seduction of a Highland Lass by Maya Banks
published by Simon & Schuster
A warrior is caught between family loyalty and forbidden love in book two of bestselling author Maya Banks’s sensual new trilogy featuring three indomitable Highlanders.

Fiercely loyal to his elder brother, Alaric McCabe leads his clan in the fight for their birthright. Now he is prepared to wed for duty, as well. But on his way to claim the hand of Rionna McDonald, daughter of a neighboring chieftain, he is ambushed and left for dead. Miraculously, his life is saved by the soft touch of a Highland angel, a courageous beauty who will put to the test his fealty to his clan, his honor, and his deepest desires.
An outcast from her own clan, Keeley McDonald was betrayed by those she loved and trusted. When the wounded warrior falls from his horse, she is drawn to his strong, lean body. The wicked glint in his green eyes ignites a passion that will follow them back to Alaric’s keep, where their forbidden love draws them deeper into the pleasures of the flesh. But as conspiracy and danger circle closer, Alaric must make an impossible choice: Will he betray his blood ties for the woman he loves?
Genre: Historical romance, Highlander
Series: Highlander series, Book #2

Ames: I still haven't had a chance to buy the first book in this series but since it is Maya Banks, I'm still looking forward to this one!

Monroe: Maya Banks...highlander...SOLD!


Flawless by Carrie Lofty
published by Simon & Schuster
Sir William Christie, ruthless tycoon and notorious ladies’ man, is dead. Now his four grown children have gathered for the reading of his will. What lies in store for stepsiblings Vivienne, Alexander, and twins Gareth and Gwyneth? Stunning challenges that will test their fortitude across a royal empire... and lead them to the marvelously passionate adventures of their lives.

Lady Vivienne Bancroft fled England for New York, hoping to shed the confines of her arranged marriage to unrepentant rogue Miles Durham, Viscount Bancroft—though she never forgot the fiery desire he unleashed with his slightest touch. And when the gambling man arrives on her doorstep for a little sensual revenge for her desertion, he is met with Vivienne’s dilemma: She must earn her father’s inheritance by profitably running a diamond business worth millions in colonial South Africa. Swept together in an exotic undertaking filled with heated passion and hungry temptation, will Vivienne and Miles discover that the marriage vows they once made are the greatest snare—or the most treasured reward?
Genre: Historical romance
Series: -

Nath: I've been meaning to try Ms Lofty's writing... and have not done so yet ^_^; I know, I know, no real excuses ^_^; Still, from all I heard about Ms Lofty's books, chances are really high I'm getting Flawless! :) Also, did you see the cover?

Monroe: Love this cover!


Spider's Revenge by Jennifer Estep
published by Simon & Schuster
Old habits die hard. And I plan on mur­der­ing some­one before the night is through.

Killing used to be my reg­u­lar gig, after all. Gin Blanco, aka the Spi­der, assassin-for-hire. And I was very good at it. Now, I’m ready to make the one hit that truly mat­ters: Mab Mon­roe, the dan­ger­ous Fire ele­men­tal who mur­dered my fam­ily when I was thir­teen.

Oh, I don’t think the mis­sion will be easy, but turns out it’s a bit more prob­lem­atic than expected. The bitch knows I’m com­ing for her. So now I’m up against the army of lethal bounty hunters she hired to track me down. She also put a price on my baby sister’s head. Keep­ing Bria safe is my first pri­or­ity. Tak­ing Mab out is a close sec­ond.

Good thing I’ve got my pow­er­ful Stone and Ice magic — and my irre­sistible lover Owen Grayson — to watch my back. This bat­tle has been years in the mak­ing, and there’s a chance I won’t sur­vive. But if I’m going down, then Mab’s com­ing with me...no mat­ter what I have to do to make that happen.
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Elemental Assassin series, Book #5

Nath: Woohooo!!! So looking forward to this book! Spider's Revenge was supposed to be the resolution of the series, but there are now two more books. I guess it's still the resolution of the story arc though ;) I'm excited though and I love the cover as well!

Monroe: Ive wanted to read this series for a while now...I need to start so I can get to this one! lol Sounds good!

Nath: It is, Monroe!!


What a Duke Wants by Lavinia Kent
published by Harpercollins Publisher (Avon)
What woman would refuse a Duke’s kiss?

Running from a dark secret past, Isabella Masters craves peace and stability, a life far from the prying eyes of society.

She does not dream of landing a lord.

But in the arms of a stranger with magnificent eyes, she loses herself in one breath-stealing kiss— only to discover she has been misled by a reluctant Duke.

Angered but enthralled, she dares not submit... though her passionate heart begs her to. He cannot wed her... but he must not lose her.

Only one possibility remains— one too scandalous to consider... yet too tempting to resist.
Genre: Historical romance
Series: -

Nath: Hmmm, I got a few books from Ms Kent that I picked up at RWA. Still haven't read them, but I'm keeping this one on the radar :)


Bad Boys Do by Victoria Dahl
published by Harlequin (HQN Books)
Olivia Bishop is no fun. That’s what her ex-husband said. That’s what her smart bob and glasses imply. And with her trademark determination, Olivia sets out to remake her life. She’s going to spend time with her girlfriends and not throw it all away for some man. But when an outing with her book club leads her to a brewery taproom, the dark-haired beauty realizes that trouble – in the form of sexy Jamie Donovan – may be too tempting to avoid.

Jamie Donovan doesn’t mean to be bad. Sure, the wild streak in his wicked green eyes has lured the ladies before. But it’s time to grow up. He’s even ready for a serious romance. But how can that be when Olivia, the only right woman he has ever met, already has him pegged as wrong.
Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Donovan Brothers Brewery, Book #2

Ames: I read and enjoyed Good Girls Don't so I'm looking forward to Jamie's book.

Nath: I read the first book and thought it was okay. The hero was great, but the heroine so-so. Still, I liked Jamie though so I'm probably going to pick this one up :)

Monroe: Oddly enough I haven't read the first in this series...there are so many authors that I love I cant keep up! lol Ok buying this and the first book ASAP!


September 29

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
published by Dutton
Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion... she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.

When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.
Genre: YA, contemporary
Series: -

Ames: I loved Anna and the French Kiss and I can't wait to read this one!!

Nath: Anna and the French Kiss didn't measure up to the buzz for me... and it was mainly due to the high school drama feel of the book, albeit being set in Paris. This one though, the heroine sounds interesting ;) So I'll definitively be taking a look at the book :)