Wednesday, February 1

New Releases - February 2012

It's hard to believe January is over already!! How did that happen? In any case, new month means new releases! Let's see what is coming out in February...


February 1

Firelight by Kristen Callihan
published by Grand Central Publishing
London, 1881
Once the flames are ignited...
Miranda Ellis is a woman tormented. Plagued since birth by a strange and powerful gift, she has spent her entire life struggling to control her exceptional abilities. Yet one innocent but irreversible mistake has left her family's fortune decimated and forced her to wed London's most nefarious nobleman.

They will burn for eternity...
Lord Benjamin Archer is no ordinary man. Doomed to hide his disfigured face behind masks, Archer knows it's selfish to take Miranda as his bride. Yet he can't help being drawn to the flame-haired beauty whose touch sparks a passion he hasn't felt in a lifetime. When Archer is accused of a series of gruesome murders, he gives in to the beastly nature he has fought so hard to hide from the world. But the curse that haunts him cannot be denied. Now, to save his soul, Miranda will enter a world of dark magic and darker intrigue. For only she can see the man hiding behind the mask.
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Darkest London, Book #1

Nath: I can't remember where I came across this book, but it caught my attention. I like the cover and the blurb sounds interesting. Also, there's magic :)


February 7

Alpha Instinct by Katie Reus
published by New American Library
Fear has a scent. So does desire...

Ana Cordona has been a strong leader for the lupine shifters who survived after all the males and most of the females in her pack were mysteriously poisoned. As tough as she is, with no Alpha male, the pack is vulnerable to the devious shifter Taggart, who wants to claim both their ranch and Ana as his own. When Connor Armstrong comes back into her life, promising protection, it’s almost enough to make Ana forget how he walked out on her before—and reluctantly accept his offer to mate.

The minute Connor sees Ana again, it reawakens a raw hunger. He must have her for his bondmate—his wolf cries out for it. But his human side knows he must proceed with caution because of their complicated past. If he is to truly have her body and soul, he must go beyond his burning desire and win back her heart. Whatever it takes, he is determined not to leave her side again.

But Taggart and his rival pack are not their only enemies. A human element in town is targeting shifters. Their plan not only threatens Ana and Connor’s future, but the lives of the entire pack...
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Moon Shifter, Book #1

Nath: I know this is not Ms Reus' debut novel,  but it's the first time I put two and two together, as in Katie Reus is a blogger and also a published author. I'm PNRed out, but I might give this a try :)


Sweet Enemy by Heather Snow
published by New American Library
With a gaggle of husband-hunters vying for his attention, Geoffrey Wentworth, Earl of Stratford, finds Miss Liliana Claremont a notable exception. She has no desire to marry the son of the man she believes killed her father. Determined to find evidence of the crime, Liliana rouses the Earl's suspicions, as well as her own undeniable attraction to him.
Genre: Historical romance
Series: Veiled Seduction, Book #1

Ames: I read a different blurb for this book that said the heroine was a scientist.  I am all about heroines who don't fit the historical mold and that's why I'm interested in this one.

Nath: I like that the heroine is not hunting for a husband... although not sure what I think of her trying to find prove her father's killer guilt. Maybe I'll wait till Ames read it :)


Not Wicked Enough by Carolyn Jewel
published by Berkley
When Lily Wellstone heads to the Bitterward Estate to comfort her widowed friend Eugenia, she certainly does not have romance in mind. In fact, the playful but level-headed Lily is amused to no end when, en route, a Gypsy gifts her with a beautiful medallion, claiming it will ensnare the romantic desires of a stranger.

But fate has other plans in the form of Eugenia’s ruggedly handsome brother, the Duke of Mountjoy. One day at Bitterward and Lily can’t deny the sizzling attraction between her and the roguish duke. Nothing can come of it, of course. She’s not looking for entanglements and he’s practically engaged. But whether it’s her outgoing nature and the duke’s outlandish ways sparking off one another; or the mysterious gypsy medallion working “magic,”—hearts are stirring in the most unexpected and wicked ways...
Genre: Historical romance
Series: Seducing the Scoundrels, Book #1

Ames: I really enjoy Carolyn's writing and have been looking forward to a new book by her for a while.  I really like the sound of this one and I know I'll be buying it asap.

Nath: I have yet to read one of Ms Jewel's historical romance... something I'll have to remedy to. Not sure it'll be this one though. However, I have to say, another striking cover :) It does remind me a bit of Ms Lofty's Flawless.


Feburary 16

The Fine Art of Truth or Dare by Melissa Jensen
published by Speak
Pretty in Pink meets Anna and the French Kiss in this charming romantic comedy

Ella is nearly invisible at the Willing School, and that's just fine by her. She's got her friends - the fabulous Frankie and their sweet cohort Sadie. She's got her art - and her idol, the unappreciated 19th-century painter Edward Willing. Still, it's hard being a nobody and having a crush on the biggest somebody in the school: Alex Bainbridge. Especially when he is your French tutor, and lessons have started becoming, well, certainly more interesting than French ever has been before. But can the invisible girl actually end up with a happily ever after with the golden boy, when no one even knows they're dating? And is Ella going to dare to be that girl?
Genre Young Adult
Series: -

Ames: This one looks super cute and I like that cover.


February 21

Celebrity in Death by J.D. Robb
published by Putnam
Lieutenant Eve Dallas is no party girl, but she’s managing to have a reasonably good time at the celebrity-packed bash celebrating The Icove Agenda, a film based on one of her famous cases. It’s a little spooky seeing the actress playing her, who looks almost like her long-lost twin. Not as unsettling, though, as seeing the actress who plays Peabody—drowned in the lap pool on the roof of the director’s luxury building.

Talented but rude, and widely disliked, K. T. Harris had made an embarrassing scene during dinner. Now she’s at the center of a crime scene—and Eve is more than ready to get out of her high heels and strap on her holster, to step into the role she was born to play: cop.
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Mystery, Futuristic
Series: In Death series, Book #34

Nath: Another In Death book!! Yay! Reviews have been favorable for Celebrity in Death, so I'm really looking forward to it :)


February 28

Nice Girls Don't Bite their Neighbors by Molly Harper
published by Simon & Schuster
Just as Jane Jameson’s unlife seems to be stabilizing, fate sinks its fangs firmly into her butt. Despite her near-phobia of all things marital, her no-frills nighttime nuptials to her sexy boyfriend Gabriel are coming along smoothly. But the road to wedded bliss gets bumpy when a teenage acquaintance is fatally wounded in front of Jane’s shop and she turns him to save his life. The Council pronounces Jane responsible for the newborn vamp until he can control his thirst.

Jane’s kitchen at River Oaks barely holds enough Faux Type O to satiate the cute teen’s appetite and maintain Gabriel’s jealous streak at a slow simmer. As if keeping her hyperactive childe from sucking the blood out of the entire neighborhood isn’t enough to deal with, the persnickety ghost of Jane’s newly deceased Grandma Ruthie has declared a war on the fanged residents of River Oaks. Suddenly, choosing monogrammed cocktail napkins and a cake that she can’t eat seems downright relaxing in comparison.

Tensions inside the house are growing…and outside, a sinister force is aiming a stake straight for the center of Gabriel’s heart. Most brides just have to worry about choosing the right dress, but Jane fears that at this rate, she’ll never make it down the aisle for the wedding all nice girls dream of...
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Jane Jameson series, Book #4

Nath: Yay! I'm really happy there's more books in this series :) I really like Jane and her entourage, they're so much fun! I do hope the romance between Jane and Gabriel will be stronger in this one though... and LOL, looks like they'll have a kid in the end.


Angel's Flight by Nalini Singh
published by Berkley
In Angel’s Wolf a vampire becomes fascinated with the seductive angel who rules Louisiana. But all is not what it appears to be in her court.

In Angels’ Judgment a hunter must track one of her own gone bad, while surviving the deadly tests placed in her way by the archangels themselves. Unexpected backup comes from a stranger who might just be the most lethal threat of all...

Plus FIRST TIME IN PRINT

In Angels' Pawn a vampire hunter faces off against two rival factions and the angel manipulating them both, and a vampire whose help is not entirely selfless...

And NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED

In Angels’ Dance an angel trapped in the mountain stronghold of the Refuge finds herself under siege by a warrior angel from a martial court.
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: The Guild Hunter series, Books #0.5, #1.5, #4.5 and #4.75

Ames: I have been wanting to re-read this series for a while now (since the last book came out) and I think this book is just the thing to bring all those short stories together.

Nath: Okay, the cover of this book is really gorgeous! I'm kind of happy that publishers are now doing compilations, it's really a good idea. Although in this case, I don't know. It seems to me it hasn't been such a long time since the anthology Angels of Darkness which contained Angel's Wolf was published. Ah well... will probably get this one because after all, it's Ms Singh :)


Redwood Bend by Robyn Carr
published by Harlequin (Mira)
CAN CHANGING A TIRE CHANGE YOUR LIFE?

Katie Malone and her twin boys’ trip along the beautiful mountain roads to Virgin River is stopped short by a tire as flat as her failed romance. To make matters worse, the rain has set in, the boys are hungry and Katie doesn’t have the first clue about putting on a spare. As she stands at the side of the road pondering her next move, she hears a distinct rumble. The sight of the sexy, leather-clad bikers who pull up beside her puts her imagination into overdrive.

Dylan Childress and his buddies are on the motorcycle trip of a lifetime. But the site of a woman in distress stops them in their tracks. And while the guys are checking out her car, she and Dylan are checking out one another.

In one brief moment, the world tilts on its axis and any previous plans Katie and Dylan might have had for their futures are left at the side of the road.

WELCOME BACK TO THE RIVER.
Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Virgin River series, Book #18

Nath: Another Virgin River book. Actually, I've already read this one for Netgalley, but I'll be supporting Ms Carr by buying a copy :)


I Want Candy by Susan Donovan
published by St. Martin's Press
Candace Carmichael was just getting used to the lavish life when everything went sour. Now the down-on-her-luck real estate agent is back in Bigler, North Carolina, jobless and illegally rooming with her her mother in a swank retirement community. All this makes her wonder why she ever considered her BFF Cheri’s invitation to move back home. Life in this small mountain town may not be as glamorous as the one she had in Tampa, but she knows a girl can’t be too choosy in this market. Besides, everyone’s happy to welcome Candy back—especially one handsome widower named Turner...

Turner has grown up to be one fine-looking piece of man candy—and looks even tastier in his sheriff’s uniform. Maybe that’s why she couldn’t resist kissing him when he pulled her over for a traffic violation. Even if a relationship was part of Candy’s business plan, Turner would be off limits—he still wears his wedding ring, four years after his wife died. If falling in love too fast is a crime, Candy is soon guilty as charged and ready to be fingerprinted. But is she ready to lock away her dreams and hand Turner the keys to her heart?
Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Sequel to Cheri on Top

Nath: Cheri on Top was a fun read and I'm hoping I Want Candy will be too :)


Rainshadow Road by Lisa Kleypas
published by St. Martin's Press
Lucy Marinn is a glass artist living in mystical, beautiful, Friday Harbor, Washington. She is stunned and blindsided by the most bitter kind of betrayal: her fiancĂ© Kevin has left her.His new lover is Lucy’s own sister. Lucy's bitterness over being dumped is multiplied by the fact that she has constantly made the wrong choices in her romantic life. Facing the severe disapproval of Lucy's parents, Kevin asks his friend Sam Nolan, a local vineyard owner on San Juan Island, to "romance" Lucy and hopefully loosen her up and get her over her anger. Complications ensue when Sam and Lucy begin to fall in love, Kevin has second thoughts, and Lucy discovers that the new relationship in her life began under false pretenses. Questions about love, loyalty, old patterns, mistakes, and new beginnings are explored as Lucy learns that some things in life—even after being broken—can be made into something new and beautiful.
Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Friday Harbor series, Book #2

Ames: I haven't read Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor yet but this is Lisa, so of course I'm going to want to read this one.

Nath: Woohooo, Ms Kleypas' hiatus is finally over!! I hope she has other historical romances planned! As for Rainshadow Road, I'll be waiting for the reviews. I just want to be sure it's really romance :)  the reviews and the pricing.


The Husband Hunt by Lynsay Sands
published by Avon
Let the hunt begin…

Lisa Madison wants a husband, and she has just the candidate in mind: Robert Langley. Trouble is, the infuriating man insists on seeing her as the impish girl she once was—even as every other gentleman in London has taken notice of her womanly…charms. When her beauty lands her in danger, it’s Robert who comes to the rescue…only to announce his affections are not of the romantic variety!

Robert saw enough sorrow in his parents’ union to know he wants nothing to do with marriage, which is exactly what he’ll be trapped into if he acts on his desire for the irksome siren. And then Lisa does what Robert least expects: gives up on him! As feigned indifference gives way, blistering passion burns at last. But just before the pair can give in to hard-won bliss, an enemy with unfinished business lurks threatening to destroy them both.
Genre: Historical romance
Series: The Madison Sisters, Book #3

Nath: I've read the first two books, The Countess and The Heiress, in this trilogy. I'm looking forward to see how Lisa and Robert's story will unfold :)


The Tattooed Duke by Maya Rodale
published by Avon
Breaking news, scandal fans:

You thought you knew the dangerous Duke of Wycliff, London’s globe-trotting adventure addict. Here’s what you don’t know: he’s penniless. Sebastian Digby’s dukely lifestyle is over forever unless he finds a rich bride. But thanks to The London Weekly, everyone knows better than to tangle with this lothario. Besides (as one writer can testify), it seems that Sebastian has been unable to keep his hands of his own lowly housemaid...

And that’s a problem. A big one.

Because that housemaid just happens to be me. Eliza Fielding. The same undercover Writing Girl who’s been exposing the Duke’s most intimate secrets to the world. And now I’ve gone and complicated everything by falling love with him. Passion and deception have never been so delicious, but now the truth could destroy everything. This is more than a conflict of interest. It’s a seduction where love itself hangs in the balance.
Genre: Historical romance
Series: The Writing Girls series, Book #3

Nath: I'm not too sure about this one. I like the idea of heroines working, but I've never been a fan of reporters... and this one, it seems Eliza goes to great length to uncover the Duke's secrets. However, I've enjoyed Ms Rodale's book and therefore, The Tattooed Duke is on the radar :)


A Rogue by Any Other Name by Sarah MacLean
published by Avon
What a scoundrel wants, a scoundrel gets...

A decade ago, the Marquess of Bourne was cast from society with nothing but his title. Now a partner in London’s most exclusive gaming hell, the cold, ruthless Bourne will do whatever it takes to regain his inheritance—including marrying perfect, proper Lady Penelope Marbury.

A broken engagement and years of disappointing courtships have left Penelope with little interest in a quiet, comfortable marriage, and a longing for something more. How lucky that her new husband has access to such unexplored pleasures.

Bourne may be a prince of London’s underworld, but he vows to keep Penelope untouched by its wickedness—a challenge indeed as the lady discovers her own desires, and her willingness to wager anything for them... even her heart.
Genre: Historical romance
Series: The Rules of Scoundrels, Book #1

Ames: I've read ONE book by Sarah MacLean but I'm still buying up the rest of them like there's no tomorrow. That's not going to change with this one.  I heard it's really good.

Nath: I heard so too! I'm in the same situation as you. I've bought Ms MacLean's previous trilogy, but have read only the first book. For some reasons though, this one, I feel like reading :)


Between the Duke and the Deep Blue Sea by Sophia Nash
published by Avon
The morning after the most scandalous bachelor party of the century, the dukes of the royal entourage must face all of London’s fury... when not one of them can remember a thing.

Roxanne Vanderhaven always believed herself the perfect wife. But when her husband, the Earl of Paxton, leaves her clinging to the edge of a cliff, she’s forced to face the truth: she married a murderous blackguard. Her eventual rescuer, Alexander Barclay, Duke of Kress, is one of England’s most disreputable peers—a member of the notorious royal entourage, no less–and certainly the last man she can count on. Indeed, the Prince Regent himself exiled Barclay to Cornwall, and now, by decree, the dashing duke must seek a royal bride to regain favor and help quell the public’s fury against the excesses of the crown.

Roxanne desperately wants a new life—after she’s uncovered the cause of her husband’s despicable actions—and she finds herself drawn, most surprisingly, to her unlikely champion. The Duke of Kress may not be quite the scoundrel he appears…but if she gives him her heart, will Roxanne be making the same mistake twice?
Genre: Historical romance
Series: The Royal Entourage series, Book #1

Ames: The first paragraph of the blurb makes this sound like The Hangover - historical style. LOL  I like Sophia Nash so this sounds interesting.


Blame it on Bath by Caroline Linden
published by Avon
Gerard de Lacey is determined to find the man who tried to blackmail his late father, both to stop the blackmail and to discover—and dispose of—any evidence the villain has about his father’s clandestine first marriage. If that proof is made public, it could prove Gerard and his brothers illegitimate, and strip them of their inheritance. And just in case, Gerard intends to find himself a wealthy bride. One way or another, he’s not going to be left destitute. But he’s not expecting a rich widow to find him and ask him to marry her. Katherine Howe’s first marriage was one of dreary duty, arranged by her wealthy father to a penniless lord. Now that she’s being pressured to marry her late husband’s heir, she’s desperately in search of a better option. Gerard de Lacey, with his sinful good looks, charming manner, and looming scandal fits her needs perfectly. The fact that she’s nursed a secret affection for him for years only makes it better—and worse. Because Gerard will marry her, for her fortune—but will he love her for herself, as she loves him?
Genre: Historical romance
Series: The Truth about the Duke series, Book #2

Ames: I enjoy Caroline's writing and I didn't realize this was book 2 of a series.  Oops.  LOL  Now I'm wondering if I read the first one.  Ah well.  I like plots like this one.


The Temporary Wife and Promise of Spring by Mary Balogh
published by Dell
THE TEMPORARY WIFE
Miss Charity Duncan has no illusions about Lord Anthony Earheart’s proposal. The arrogant aristocrat has made it painfully clear what he wants: a wife who will enrage the father he despises and then disappear from his life. In exchange, Charity’s family will receive the money they desperately need. But after Charity agrees to this mockery of matrimony, she soon discovers a startling fact: She has fallen for Anthony, and breaking their marriage vows may also break her heart.

A PROMISE OF SPRING
Grace Howard has every reason to be devoted to Sir Peregrine Lampman. After all, the gallant gentleman rescued her from poverty by making her his bride. Even more nobly, he did not withdraw his affection after she confessed to a youthful folly that had compromised her virtue. But Grace did not tell the whole truth about the handsome lord who betrayed her—and now the one thing she’s kept from Perry threatens to destroy her last chance at true love.
Genre: Historical romance
Series: -

Ames: *sigh*  I just LOVE that Ms. Balogh's old romances are being re-printed.  I love it!

Nath: I've been going through Ms Balogh's backlist as well, so I'll most probably get this one too :)

***
Okay, I have to say I find it a bit sad that for February - the month of love! - there is so little releases to look forward to! I don't know, I'd think the publishers could have played up Valentine's Day... And once again, all the books are at the end of the month. Come on, I might die of boredom here, waiting for the new releases! Or did we miss something? Any books that we should pick up and it wasn't on this list?

6 comments:

Dev said...

It may be short, but it's still a great list! Most of these were already on my wishlist, but I also had to add a few. I had no idea that Sophia Nash had some new releases coming out in February & March (love her!!!)

PS - it also makes me a bit giddy to see that a lot of the Kindle prices are $3.00 less than the paperback version. What a great way to feed my book addiction :-)

Rowena said...

Lots of books to look forward to. You guys should definitely read the new Sarah MacLean, that was super good.

I'm looking for to The Fine Art of Truth or Dare the most out of all of the books that are coming out this month.

I'm itching to read the Lisa Kleypas and the Susan Donovan though. Those look good.

Marg said...

Lots of good stuff there! Very excited about Rainshadow Road. Have read the Maclean and Carr and they were both good!

I have loved that cover for the Melissa Jensen book since I first saw it! I might buy it just to look at!

A new In Death book....I am so far behind on that series, and getting further behind all the time!

C2 said...

The MacLean book is very good! I read her first one, couldn't get into the second and have the third in the TBR. This one is loosely tied to the third but it wasn't a big deal that I hadn't read it.

I'm with Nath on the Kleypas book - IF it's a romance and if it gets good buzz, maybe I'll get it later in paperback.

I'm intrigued by the Snow book. I hope you review it. :)

Isabel said...

Squee! A new Jane book! Me want. And the new lisa kleypas.

nath said...

Dev - I don't know Dev. There are some books I'm really looking forward to, but at the same time, I wish there was more. Or at least, spread out more equally.

Seems like publishers finally figured out that readers want to pay less for digital!

Rowena - I'm definitively going to keep an eye on the Sarah MacLean :) And I hope Ms Donovan has a winner with her new release :)

Marg - Ugh, see, that's why I shouldn't take ARC... Because right now, I can't look forward to the new Carr T_T You're all caught up, right?

LOL. Where are you in the In Death series? You just need to be in the mood and then, you can read a few :)

C2 - See, I'm in the same boat as you for Ms MacLean's books. Couldn't get into the 2nd one or the 3rd... But I'm glad you enjoyed this new release!

I hope the Kleypas is contemporary romance... but I doubt it :(

Isabel - I know!! I can't wait!! :)