October New Releases

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


October 1

Heartstrings and Diamond Rings by Jane Graves
published by Grand Central Publishing

He's the man of her dreams...

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

She just doesn't know it yet

When Brandon Scott inherits a successful matchmaking business, he thinks his prayers have been answered. Set up a few lonely ladies, collect the fee, how hard can it be? No one needs to know he's not really a professional matchmaker-especially not his first client, the beautiful, spirited Alison. Soon he's falling for her-and her dreams of kids and carpools. But Alison is getting close to figuring out his secret, and if she learns he's deceived her too, she'll walk right out the door, taking Brandon's heart with her.

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: none

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


Home Sweet Home by Bella Riley

published by Grand Central Publishing

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

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

Andi may have left town looking for the life she thought she wanted. But could everything she needs have been in Emerald Lake all along?

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Emerald Lake series, Book #1

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

Blood Rights by Kristen Painter
published by Orbit

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

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

Now Chrysabelle and Malkolm must work together to stop a plot to merge the mortal and supernatural worlds. If they fail, a chaos unlike anything anyone has ever seen will threaten to reign.

Genre: Gothic Urban Fantasy
Series: House of Comarré, Book #1

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


October 4

Animal Attraction by Jill Shalvis

published by Berkley

She’s tempting his basic instincts...

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

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

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

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Animal series, Book #2

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

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

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

Sage Creek by Jill Gregory
published by Berkley

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

While Rafe is stunned to discover that Sophie's grown into an irresistibly beautiful woman, he's been hurt too. They both have their guards up, but melt in each other's company. Can they admit that home is truly where the heart is?

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Sage Creek series, Book #1

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


Slow Ride by Erin McCarthy

published by Berkley

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

Genre: Contemporary, sport romance
Series: Fast Track series, Book #5

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

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

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

Serpent's Kiss by Thea Harrison
published by Berkley

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

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

With their desire for each other escalating just as quickly as Carling's instability spirals out of control, the sentinel and the Queen will have to rely on each other if they have any hope of surviving the serpent's kiss...

Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: The Elder Races, Book #3

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

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

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


Angel of Darkness by Ilona Andrews, Meljean Brook, Sharon Shinn and Nalini Singh
published by Berkley

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

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

Genre: Paranormal romance/Urban Fantasy
Series: Alphas - Book 0.5, The Guardians - Book #7.5 and Guild Hunter - Book #4.5

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

Monroe: Singh = SOLD!

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

A Touch of Crimson by Sylvia Day
published by New American Library (Signet)

Can a love that transcends death survive a war between angels, vampires, and lycans?

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

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

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

Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Renegade Angels, Book #1

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

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

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


The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

published by Hyperion

In The Lost Hero, three demigods named Jason, Piper, and Leo made their first visit to Camp Half-Blood, where they inherited a quest:

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

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

Demigod Percy Jackson, still with no memory, and his new friends from Camp Jupiter, Hazel and Frank, go on a quest to free Death, but their bigger task is to unite the Greek and Roman camps so that the Prophecy of Seven can be fulfilled.

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Adventures
Series: Heroes of Olympus, Book #2

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

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


October 11

Kingdom of Gods by N.K. Jemison
published by Orbit

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

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

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

Genre: Fantasy
Series: The Inheritance trilogy, Book #3

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


October 18

Scandalous Desires by Elizabeth Hoyt

published by Grand Central Publishing

Can a pirate learn that the only true treasure lies in a woman's heart?

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

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

When his bastard baby girl was dumped in his lap—her mother having died—Mickey couldn't resist the Machiavellian urge to leave the baby on Silence's doorstep. The baby would be hidden from his enemies and he'd also bind Silence to him by her love for his daughter.

Genre: Historical romance
Series: Maiden Lane series, Book #3

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

A Home by the Sea by Christina Skye
published by Harlequin (HQN Books)

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

Noah McKay knows he can't offer Grace any kind of future—not when he spends every day putting his life on the line. But when Grace's grandfather suddenly falls ill and she's called home to the small island town where she grew up, he realizes he can't live without her. Aided by good knitting, good chocolate and deep friendship, Grace is slowly learning to trust again—but can she learn to love a man whose secrets run so deep?

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: none

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


October 25

The Fall of Lucas Kendrick by Kay Hooper

published by Bantam Books

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

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

Genre: Contemporary romance, category romance, romantic suspense
Series: Hagen series, Book #5

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

The Famous Heroine and The Plumed Bonnet by Mary Balogh
published by Bantam Books

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

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

Genre: Historical romance
Series: Dark Angels, Books #3 and #4

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

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


Never Love a Highlander by Maya Banks

published by Ballantine Books

Caelen McCabe’s young, reckless heart nearly destroyed his clan. Now, putting family loyalty above all else, he steps up to marry his older brother’s jilted bride and salvage the uneasy alliance between two clans. While beautiful Rionna McDonald is a fit wife for any man, Caelen trusts no woman, especially not this sweet temptress who torments him with white-hot longing.

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

Genre: Historical romance - highlander
Series: McCabe trilogy, Book #3

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

Monroe: Ditto Ames comment! ;)

Until There Was You by Kristan Higgins
published by Harlequin (HQN Books)

Posey Osterhagen can't complain. She owns a successful architectural salvaging company, she's surrounded by her lovable, if off-center, family and she has a boyfriend—sort of. Still, something's missing. Something tall, brooding and criminally good-looking... something like Liam Murphy.

When Posey was sixteen, the bad boy of Bellsford, New Hampshire, broke her heart. But now he's back, sending Posey's traitorous schoolgirl heart into overdrive once again. She should be giving him a wide berth, but it seems fate has other ideas...

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: none

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

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


Real Men Will by Victoria Dahl

published by Harlequin (HQN Books)

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

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

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Donovan Brothers Brewery trilogy, Book #3

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

Monroe: I love Dahl so its sold for me!

Bring Me Home for Christmas by Robyn Carr
published by Harlequin (Mira)

This year, Becca Timm knows the number one item on her Christmas wish list—getting over Denny Cutler. Three years ago, Denny broke her heart before heading off to war. It's time she got over her silly high-school relationship and moved on.

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

As the power of Christmas envelops the little town, Becca discovers that the boy she once loved has become a strong and confident man. And the most delicious Christmas present she can imagine.

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Virgin River series, Book #14

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


Destined by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

published by St. Martin's Press

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

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

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

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal
Series: House of Night series, Book #9

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

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

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