New Releases - May 2012

A second good month of releases in a row! Aren't we blessed? LOL. If you thought there was a lot of good releases in April, obviously you haven't seen May yet! I apologize in advance for your wallets!


May 01

The Last Boyfriend by Nora Roberts

published by Berkley

Owen is the organizer of the Montgomery clan, running the family's construction business with an iron fist - and an even less flexible spreadsheet. And though his brothers bust on his compulsive list-making, the Inn BoonsBoro is about to open right on schedule. The only thing Owen didn't plan for was Avery McTavish

Avery's popular pizza place is right across the street from the inn, giving her a first-hand look at its amazing renovation - and a newfound appreciation for Owen. Since he was her first boyfriend when they were kids, Owen has never been far from Avery's thoughts. But the attraction she's feeling for him now is far from innocent.

As Avery and Owen cautiously take their relationship to another level, the opening of the inn gives the whole town of Boonsboro a reason to celebrate. But Owen's hard work has only begun. Getting Avery to let down her guard is going to take longer than he expected - and so will getting her to realize that her first boyfriend is going to be her last...

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Inn Boonsboro trilogy, Book #2

Ames: I haven't read the first book in this trilogy but it's Nora, so I know I'll be buying this one.  Also, my mom is going to want to read it, so we'll share. :P

Nath: I've seen so-so reviews for this one, but I don't care. Like you said Ames, it's Nora! And I'm really looking forward to Owen as a hero :)

Beguiling the Beauty by Sherry Thomas
published by Berkley

When the Duke of Lexington meets the mysterious Baroness von Seidlitz-Hardenberg on a transatlantic liner, he is fascinated. She’s exactly what he’s been searching for—a beautiful woman who interests and entices him. He falls hard and fast—and soon proposes marriage.

And then she disappears without a trace...

For in reality, the “baroness” is Venetia Easterbrook—a proper young widow who had her own vengeful reasons for instigating an affair with the duke. But the plan has backfired. Venetia has fallen in love with the man she despised—and there’s no telling what might happen when she is finally unmasked...

Genre: Historical romance
Series: Fitzhugh trilogy, Book #1

Ames: I've actually already read this one and I enjoyed it. I should work on a review, huh? I'm usually not a fan of revenge plots but this one is done well.


Captivated by Lauren Dane

published by Berkley

Vincenz Fardelle, exiled son of the Supreme Leader of the Imperialist Universe, has spent much of the last ten years working to stop the threat his father poses. But he’s not alone in his quest. Julian Marsters has lost his best friend and countless others in the war and has made vengeance his only goal. In each other, Julian and Vincenz find not only like minds, but kindred spirits.However unexpected their relationship, everything changes for Vincenz and Julian when Hannah Black comes into their lives. Having been captured and held in near total isolation by imperialist troops, their immediate response is to protect her.Emotionally shattered but resilient, Hannah rebuilds herself. Because of the warm safety she finds in the arms of Julian—and Vincenz—she becomes someone harder, stronger and bent on preventing the Imperialists from harming anyone else.For the two men, wrestling with their passionate feelings for Hannah is only the beginning. War is about to send all three into harm’s way and an equally dangerous secret could tear them apart.

Genre: Sci-Fi romance, Erotica
Series: Phantom Corps, Book #3

Ames: Now that book 3 is out, maybe I'll go ahead and read the first two in this series. LOL

Monroe: Lauren Dane = yum...although I haven't read this series yet. =/


The Girl's Guide to (Man)Hunting by Jessica Clare
published by Berkley

Once, Miranda felt a little exposed...

Miranda Hill can’t believe her eyes—her cocky ex-boyfriend, pro-hockey player Dane Croft, is back in Bluebonnet, Texas, after all these years. He ditched her – and their little town – just as some rather shocking photos showed up on the internet for the whole town to see. Miranda wasn't so lucky. Stuck in Bluebonnet and left to fend for herself, she’s never really shaken the scandal — or his betrayal. After nine long years, he's back, and she has the chance to turn the tables on Dane...

It’s time she got even.

Former NHL hotshot playboy Dane Croft has returned home to open a survival training school on an old ranch, and reinvent himself. When his former high school girlfriend enrolls in his school, he has no idea that Miranda's plan is to get him in a compromising position—not the one he’s imagining, anyway. But soon Miranda realizes that to carry out her deviously sexy revenge, she'll have to get up close and personal with Dane all over again. Being a good girl got her nowhere for nine years, and now it's time to be a little naughty. But falling in love with the man that broke her heart was never part of the plan...

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: None

Ames: Jessica Clare is a pseudonym for author Jill Myles, who wrote the fun Succubi series that Chantal, Monroe and I have enjoyed.  I'm interested to see how this one turns out.  Also, it has a hockey player for a hero and I just looooove hockey players.

Monroe: I second Ames...LOVE hockey players and its Jill so I know I'll be reading it! 

Nath: Oh, I was interested in this book because it was a contemporary, but after reading the blurb, I'm not so sure anymore. I'm so fed up of hockey and not fond of the revenge trope. Plus, I has no idea it was Ms Myles' new pseudonym. I read Beauty Dates the Beast and really didn't like it ^_^; Guess I'll wait to see what you two think of it :)


Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris

published by Berkley

It's vampire politics as usual around the town of Bon Temps, but never before have they hit so close to Sookie's heart... Growing up with telepathic abilities, Sookie Stackhouse realized early on that there are things she'd rather not know. And now that she's an adult, she also realizes that some things she knows about, she'd rather not see--like Eric Northman feeding off another woman. A younger one. There's a thing or two she'd like to say about that, but she has to keep quiet--Felipe de Castro, the vampire King of Louisiana (and Arkansas and Nevada), is in town. It's the worst possible time for a human body to show up in Eric's front yard--especially the body of the woman whose blood he just drank. Now it's up to Sookie and Bill, the official Area Five investigator, to solve the murder. Sookie thinks that, at least this time, the dead girl's fate has nothing to do with her. But she is wrong. She has an enemy, one far more devious than she would ever suspect, who's set out to make Sookie's world come crashing down.

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Sookie Stackhouse series, Book #12 (End)

Ames: I can't believe it.  The end.  I've been looking forward to these books every May for the last 6 years (when I discovered this series).  And even though the last couple of books weren't the greatest, they were still a fun read and as much as I hate this is the end, I can't wait to find out what happens!

Monroe: I haven't read the latest on this series BUT I will then I'll drag out reading this book another year b/c I'll be so sad it's the last! HA! Sad to see Sookie at the end! =(

Nath: Awwww, don't be so sad Ames! I'm sure next year, you'll have a new series to look forward to!

The Proposal by Mary Balogh
published by Random House Publishing

Gwendoline, Lady Muir, has seen her share of tragedy, especially since a freak accident took her husband much too soon. Content in a quiet life with friends and family, the young widow has no desire to marry again. But when Hugo, Lord Trentham, scoops her up in his arms after a fall, she feels a sensation that both shocks and emboldens her.

Hugo never intends to kiss Lady Muir, and frankly, he judges her to be a spoiled, frivolous—if beautiful—aristocrat. He is a gentleman in name only: a soldier whose bravery earned him a title; a merchant’s son who inherited his wealth. He is happiest when working the land, but duty and title now demand that he finds a wife. He doesn’t wish to court Lady Muir, nor have any role in the society games her kind thrives upon. Yet Hugo has never craved a woman more; Gwen’s guileless manner, infectious laugh, and lovely face have ruined him for any other woman. He wants her, but will she have him?

The hard, dour ex-military officer who so gently carried Gwen to safety is a man who needs a lesson in winning a woman’s heart. Despite her cautious nature, Gwen cannot ignore the attraction. As their two vastly different worlds come together, both will be challenged in unforeseen ways. But through courtship and seduction, Gwen soon finds that with each kiss, and with every caress, she cannot resist Hugo’s devotion, his desire, his love, and the promise of forever.

Genre: Historical romance
Series: None (?)

Ames: Awwww, the blurb for this one just sounds so good.  I enjoy Balogh's writing so I'm looking forward to checking this one out.

Monroe: I haven't read this author in a WHILE but this one does sound good! 

Nath: I'm looking forward to this one as well! I quite enjoy Ms Balogh's writing. I like when the heroes think the heroines are spoiled and frivolous and they turn out to be so much more!


Sweet Spot by Kate Angell

published by Kensington

Score

James "Law" Lawless is the star second baseman for the Richmond Rogues, the wildest group of free swingers ever to barnstorm their way through the big leagues. So when he hooks up with a seductive stranger at a costume party, it feels like he just hit the winning run of the World Series.

Extra Innings

Catherine "Cat" May was the hot number in that skimpy Wonder Woman costume. But she's not about to let Law know it--especially after he hires her to help him expand his off-the-field business empire. But how's she going to keep her identity secret when his every touch urges her to make him her very own...

Genre: Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Series: Richmond Rogues, Book #5 (End)

Nath: Finally, this book is out! Yay for Ms Angell being able to publish it with Kensington! (She was previously with Dorchester and we all know what happened...) I'm going to the bookstore at the end of the day to get it!! :) I know the series is not perfect - actually has a lot of flaws when it comes to the sport, but I really enjoy them! Just sad that this will be the last book of the Richmond Rogues series :(

Kiss the Bride by Deirdre Martin, Christie Ridgway and Laura Florand
published by Kensington

Some men have only one thing on their minds--and for three unsuspecting women, it appears to be marriage! Looks like spring wedding fever is about to get hotter...

Early Bird Special by Deirdre Martin
Fashion exec Dana Fine lives a fabulous life of international travel and glamour. But it only takes a few days visiting with her matchmaking grandparents for her to long for something more. ... Or maybe it's sexy landscaper Josh Green who's got her all hot and bothered...

Weddings Ink by Christie Ridgway
Luke Harper is the last man wedding planner Charlotte Bond would ever date again. Then her latest client demands that Charlotte get up-close and personal with the whole bridal party--including best man Luke! Soon business-only meetings turn to sultry nights--and suddenly Charlotte's "never' is coming dangerously close to "I do."

All's Fair In Love And Chocolate by Laura Florand
Going undercover as a bride-to-be, food blogger Eloise Layne is determined to learn charismatic French chocolatier Simon Casset's famously guarded secrets. But somehow her man of mystery is succeeding in uncovering her every desire, one smoldering kiss at a time...

Genre: Contemporary romance, anthology
Series: None (?)

Monroe: Love Christie Ridgway! I'll see how the book does and then decide. BUT I'm sure it'll be a good one!

Nath: I'm most probably going to get this one because it has an entry by Ms Florand! I loved Blame it on Paris and I've been looking forward to her new work for such a long time! I'm so glad that she has some new releases this year! The blurb sounds good and the French chocolatier, very intriguing!


Barefoot in the Sand by Roxanne St. Claire

published by Grand Central Publishing

When all you hold dear is taken away...

When a hurricane roars through Lacey Armstrong's home on the coast of Barefoot Bay, she decides all that remains in the rubble is opportunity. A new hotel is just what Mimosa Key needs, and Lacey and her teenage daughter are due for a fresh start. And nothing, especially not a hot, younger architect, is going to distract Lacey from finally making her dreams a reality.

A second chance is the only thing you have left.

Love has already cost Clay Walker everything. And if he's going to have any chance of picking up the pieces of his life, he needs the job as Lacey Armstrong's architect. What's not in the plans is falling for the headstrong beauty. Her vision of the future is more appealing than anything he could have ever drafted for himself. Will Clay's designs on Lacey's heart be more than she can handle, or will she trust him to build something that will last forever?

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Barefoot Bay, Book #1

Nath: I've actually never really read Ms St. Claire's RS books, but I'm always up for contemporary romance, so I'll be checking this one out :)

The Killing Moon by N.K. Jemisin
published by Orbit

In the city-state of Gujaareh, peace is the only law. Along its ancient stone streets, where time is marked by the river’s floods, there is no crime or violence. Within the city’s colored shadows, priests of the dream-goddess harvest the wild power of the sleeping mind as magic, using it to heal, soothe... and kill.

But when corruption blooms at the heart of Gujaareh’s great temple, Ehiru—most famous of the city’s Gatherers—cannot defeat it alone. With the aid of his cold-eyed apprentice and a beautiful foreign spy, he must thwart a conspiracy whose roots lie in his own past. And to prevent the unleashing of deadly forbidden magic, he must somehow defeat a Gatherer’s most terrifying nemesis: the Reaper.

Genre: Fantasy
Series: Dreamblood series, Book #1

Ames: I've read The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by this author and I enjoyed it.  This one sounds interesting.


Revived by Cat Patrick

published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

As a little girl, Daisy Appleby was killed in a school bus crash. Moments after the accident, she was brought back to life.

A secret government agency has developed a drug called Revive that can bring people back from the dead, and Daisy Appleby, a test subject, has been Revived five times in fifteen years. Daisy takes extraordinary risks, knowing that she can beat death, but each new death also means a new name, a new city, and a new life. When she meets Matt McKean, Daisy begins to question the moral implications of Revive, and as she discovers the agency’s true goals, she realizes she’s at the center of something much larger—and more sinister—than she ever imagined.

Genre: YA, contemporary, sci-fi/fantasy (?)
Series: None

Monroe: Cool freaking cover! 

Nath: Indeed. Although I like the international cover better. Ah well. I read Forgotten last year and really enjoyed it. Looking forward to this one. It sounds interesting :)

The Serpent's Shadow by Rick Riordan
published by Hyperion

He's b-a-a-ack! Despite their best efforts, Carter and Sade Kane can’t seem to keep Apophis, the chaos snake, down. Now Apophis is threatening to plunge the world into eternal darkness, and the Kanes are faced with the impossible task of having to destroy him once and for all. Unfortunately, the magicians of the House of Life are on the brink of civil war, the gods are divided, and the young initiates of Brooklyn House stand almost alone against the forces of chaos.

To find the answer they need, the Kanes must rely on the murderous ghost of a powerful magician who might be able to lead them to the serpent’s shadow... or might lead them to their deaths in the depths of the underworld...

Genre: YA, fantasy
Series: The Kane Chronicles, Book #3

Ames: LOL  Both my brothers are telling me to buy this.  They're so cute.  And I do plan on reading this series one day....

Nath: LOL, well my sister is also telling me to buy this one. Although we both know I'll be the first to read it. I have to say I like the Percy Jackson series better. The first book, The Red Pyramid, wasn't bad, but the last book, Throne of Fire, really wasn't that great. However, my fate with Mr Riordan has been restored with The Son of Neptune. So I'm most probably getting this one :)


When You Were Mine by Rebecca Serle

published by Simon & Schuster

What’s in a name, Shakespeare? I’ll tell you: Everything.

Rosaline knows that she and Rob are destined to be together. Rose has been waiting for years for Rob to kiss her—and when he finally does, it’s perfect. But then Juliet moves back to town. Juliet, who used to be Rose’s best friend. Juliet, who now inexplicably hates her. Juliet, who is gorgeous, vindictive, and a little bit crazy...and who has set her sights on Rob. He doesn’t even stand a chance. Rose is devastated over losing Rob to Juliet. This is not how the story was supposed to go. And when rumors start swirling about Juliet’s instability, her neediness, and her threats of suicide, Rose starts to fear not only for Rob’s heart, but also for his life. Because Shakespeare may have gotten the story wrong, but we all still know how it ends...

Genre: YA, contemporary
Series: None

Ames: Everyone knows Romeo and Juliet - this is a retelling from Rosaline's point of view, the woman that Romeo was originally in love with until he sees Juliet.  And coming from that point of view, I think this will be an interesting story indeed.

Nath: Ha, I had no idea it was supposed to be Romeo and Rosaline! Hopefully in this book, they'll have a better ending ^_^;

Ames: I doubt it.  LOL


May 08

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson
published by Simon & Schuster

Taylor’s family might not be the closest-knit – everyone is a little too busy and overscheduled – but for the most part, they get along fine. Then they get news that changes everything: Her father has pancreatic cancer, and it’s stage four – meaning that there is basically nothing to be done. Her parents decide that the family will spend his last months together at their old summerhouse in the Pocono Mountains.

Crammed into a place much smaller and more rustic than they are used to, they begin to get to know each other again. And Taylor discovers that the people she thought she had left behind haven’t actually gone anywhere. Her former summer best friend is suddenly around, as is her first boyfriend... and he’s much cuter at seventeen than he was at twelve.

As the summer progresses, the Edwards become more of a family, and closer than they’ve ever been before. But all of them very aware that they’re battling a ticking clock. Sometimes, though, there is just enough time to get a second chance – with family, with friends, and with love.

Genre: YA, contemporary
Series: None

Ames: Finally!!  The amazing author from Amy & Roger's Epic Detour has published her second book!  I've been waiting for this for a while because of how much I loved ARED!! This one sounds intense too. Can't wait to read it!

Nath: I second everything Ames said above! I loved Amy & Roger's Epic Detour as well and as a result, I've pre-ordered this one. Can't wait for it to arrive! I thought it was going to be another road-trip book, but this sounds even better. Also, I have a feeling I'll need to have tissues handy T_T


Struck by Jennifer Bosworth

published by Farrar, Staus and Giroux BYR

Mia Price is a lightning addict. She's survived countless strikes, but her craving to connect to the energy in storms endangers her life and the lives of those around her.

Los Angeles, where lightning rarely strikes, is one of the few places Mia feels safe from her addiction. But when an earthquake devastates the city, her haven is transformed into a minefield of chaos and danger. The beaches become massive tent cities. Downtown is a crumbling wasteland, where a traveling party moves to a different empty building each night, the revelers drawn to the destruction by a force they cannot deny. Two warring cults rise to power, and both see Mia as the key to their opposing doomsday prophecies. They believe she has a connection to the freak electrical storm that caused the quake, and to the far more devastating storm that is yet to come.

Mia wants to trust the enigmatic and alluring Jeremy when he promises to protect her, but she fears he isn't who he claims to be. In the end, the passion and power that brought them together could be their downfall. When the final disaster strikes, Mia must risk unleashing the full horror of her strength to save the people she loves, or lose everything.

Genre: YA, Fantasy
Series: Struck, Book #1

Nath: I've seen the cover of Struck featured in many blogs and thought it sounded interesting :)

In Honor by Jessi Kirby
published by Simon & Schuster

Hours after her brother’s military funeral, Honor opens the last letter Finn ever sent. In her grief, she interprets his note as a final request and spontaneously decides to go to California to fulfill it.

Honor gets as far as the driveway before running into Rusty, Finn’s best friend since third grade and his polar opposite. She hasn’t seen Rusty in ages, but it’s obvious he is as arrogant and stubborn as ever—not to mention drop-dead gorgeous. Despite Honor’s better judgment, the two set off together on a voyage from Texas to California. Along the way, they find small and sometimes surprising ways to ease their shared loss and honor Finn’s memory—but when shocking truths are revealed at the end of the road, will either of them be able to cope with the consequences?

Genre: YA, Contemporary
Series: None

Ames: I looove road trip novels and falling for a sibling's best friend.  It's got it all!  LOL

Nath: LOL, well I was looking for a contemporary YA that had nothing to do with high school drama. This one sounds like it :) Also, Ms Kirby got a good buzz with her debut novel, Moonglass.


May 12

Being Friends with Boys by Terra Elan McVoy

published by Simon & Schuster

Charlotte and Oliver have been friends forever. She knows that he, Abe, and Trip consider her to be one of the guys, and she likes it that way. She likes being the friend who keeps them all together. Likes offering a girl's perspective on their love lives. Likes being the behind-the-scenes wordsmith who writes all the lyrics for the boys' band. Char has a house full of stepsisters and a past full of backstabbing (female) ex-best friends, so for her, being friends with boys is refreshingly drama-free... until it isn't any more.

When a new boy enters the scene and makes Char feel like, well, a total girl...and two of her other friends have a falling out that may or may not be related to one of them deciding he possibly wants to be more than friends with Char... being friends with all these boys suddenly becomes a lot more complicated.

Genre: YA, Contemporary
Series: None

Ames: This one just sounds like so much awesome.  I am really looking forward to reading this one!!


May 22

Nightshifted by Cassie Alexander
published by St. Martin's Press

Nursing school prepared Edie Spence for a lot of things. Burn victims? No problem. Severed limbs? Piece of cake. Vampires? No way in hell. But as the newest nurse on Y4, the secret ward hidden in the bowels of County Hospital, Edie has her hands full with every paranormal patient you can imagine—from vamps and were-things to zombies and beyond...

Edie’s just trying to learn the ropes so she can get through her latest shift unscathed. But when a vampire servant turns to dust under her watch, all hell breaks loose. Now she’s haunted by the man’s dying words—Save Anna—and before she knows it, she’s on a mission to rescue some poor girl from the undead. Which involves crashing a vampire den, falling for a zombie, and fighting for her soul. Grey’s Anatomy was never like this...

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Edie Spence, Book #1

Nath: This sounds like a great new urban fantasy series.  It sounds really fun and the fact that the author is a nurse should add a little authenticity :)


If the Slipper Fits by Olivia Drake

published by St. Martin's Press

Is This Love Real?

Raised in a girls’ school, Annabelle Quinn longs for the world outside the walls of the academy. When she’s hired as the governess to an orphaned duke, Annabelle never expects the child’s breathtakingly handsome guardian to capture her imagination—or her heart.

Or Are They Living in a Fairytale?

Falling for his young nephew’s governess is an irksome complication in Lord Simon Westbury’s orderly life, but Annabelle’s quiet beauty and wry intellect are too much to resist. Meanwhile, a mysterious danger looms over the remote Cornwall estate. Will their newfound desire stand the test of time? Or are some happy endings just too good to come true?

Genre: Historical romance
Series: Cinderella Sisterhood, Book #1

Nath: It's the cover! It caught my eye! Never read this author, but since If the Slipper Fits is the first in a new series, it's the perfect place to start, don't you think? :)

Diamonds are Truly Forever by Gina Robinson
published by St. Martin's Press

Staci Fields loves her gorgeous husband—and that’s the honest truth. Unfortunately, her inability to lie is a major liability for the wife of a CIA agent. During a previous mission, her loose lips nearly got her husband killed. So now Staci’s filing for divorce to keep him out of danger—no matter how much her lips still crave his kiss...

Drew Fields knows that his wife doesn’t want to play the spy game anymore. But when he learns that Staci may be a pawn in her stepfather’s secret dealings with terrorists, he has no choice but to step back into her life. This time, the stakes are higher than ever. The closer he gets to Staci, the deadlier the odds. And the more he loves his ex, the more he has to lose...

Genre: Romantic suspense
Series: Agent Ex series, Book #2

Nath: Okay, I gotta give it to St. Martin's Press, they have some of the best covers. Or at least, the type I like. I wasn't too impressed by The Spy Who Left Me... but I think this series has potential to be really fun. So I'm giving it another go.


Shades of Desires by Virna DePaul

published by HQN Books (Harlequin)

WHAT SHE CAN'T SEE COULD KILL HER.

Natalie Jones is the lucky survivor of an elusive killer who preys on young women and then disappears from view. And since her harrowing ordeal, the once gutsy photojournalist has remained isolated in her home, paralyzed by fear and her failing vision. Special Agent Liam "Mac" McKenzie has scars of his own. But despite his efforts to ignore the attraction that simmers between him and Natalie, he needs her help to catch a predator. Soon, they will forge a tentative alliance-charged with desire. Through a soft-focus lens, Natalie dares to envision a future with Mac beyond the investigation...never guessing that the clues hidden within her photographs are drawing them into an explosive confrontation with a madman.

Genre: Romantic suspense
Series: Special Investigations Groups Series, Book #1

Nath: I tried reading Ms DePaul's paranormal series, but just couldn't get into it. I'm not sure whether I'll be reading this one, but it stays on my radar for now :) Mira/HQN/Harlequin is usually good at picking RS authors... so I'm relying on them :)

Lucky In Love by Jill Shalvis
published by Grand Central Publishing

Mallory Quinn has had enough of playing it safe. As a nurse and devoted daughter, she takes care of everyone but herself. And as the local good girl, she's expected to date Mr. Right. But for once, she'd like to take a risk on Mr. Wrong. And who could be more wrong than Ty Garrison? The mysterious new guy in town has made it clear that he's only passing through, which suits Mallory just fine. Besides, his lean, hard body and sexy smile will give her plenty to remember once he's gone...

For the first time in his life, Ty can't bear to leave. Helping this sexy seductress-in-training walk on the wild side is making him desire things he shouldn't -- including leaving the military for good. As their just-for-fun fling becomes something more, Mallory and Ty wonder if they could really be this lucky in love. After all... anything can happen in a town called Lucky Harbor.

Genre: Contemporay romance
Series: Lucky Harbor series, Book #4

Ames: It's Jill.  'Nuff said.

Monroe: I second Ames again! Plus I LOVE these books!!! 

Nath: Not a big fan of the first trilogy, but I'm willing to give this book a try since it's new-ish characters... Although Rowena was talking about small town romance overdose not too long ago and I'm definitively heading that way ^_^;


May 29

Tangle of Need by Nalini Singh

published by Berkley

Adria, wolf changeling and resilient soldier, has made a break with the past--one as unpredictable in love as it was in war. Now comes a new territory, and a devastating new complication: Riaz, a SnowDancer lieutenant already sworn to a desperate woman who belongs to another.

For Riaz, the primal attraction he feels for Adria is a staggering betrayal. For Adria, his dangerous lone-wolf appeal is beyond sexual. It consumes her. It terrifies her. It threatens to undermine everything she has built of her new life. But fighting their wild compulsion toward one another proves a losing battle.

Their coming together is an inferno... and a melding of two wounded souls who promise each other no commitment, no ties, no bonds. Only pleasure. Too late, they realize that they have more to lose than they ever imagined. Drawn into a cataclysmic Psy war that may alter the fate of the world itself, they must make a decision that might just break them both.

Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Psy-Changelings series, Book #11

Ames: EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!  LOL  I just recently re-read Kiss of Snow and am looking for more more more!  It's not even the romance anymore that has me drawn to this series (Sienna and Hawk was the ultimate for me), it's all about the Council, the Ghost and the Changelings kicking ass!

Monroe: lol I'm SO Ready for this book! I ADORE this series and its one of those that I ALWAYS read like the day it comes out! lol LOVE THIS GAL! (although the cover is SO lacking lol) 

Nath: Give me, give me, give me! LOL. This series is just awesome and as Ames said, it's not just about the romance. The world is great and I'm looking forward to see how things unfold! Can't wait! And yes, we are fangirls of Ms Singh and proud to be! LOL.

Rescue Me by Rachel Gibson
published by Avon (Harpercollins Publisher)

She’s 33, unmarried, and stuffed into a Bubble Yum pink bridesmaid dress. And the whole town wants to fix her up with anyone with a dental plan… Who’s going to rescue Sadie Hollowell now? Everyone in Lovett, Texas knows Sadie has always been a ‘notional’ kind of gal. She got a notion to leave town asap , and never visit her daddy (bless his heart). Now, she’s back and got the notion to invite a good-looking, hard-muscled, total stranger to her cousin’s wedding. Better a stranger than some of the losers she’s dated. Vince Haven got his muscles the hard way—as a Navy SEAL in Afghanistan. He’s staying in Lovett to visit his crazy aunt—the proprietor of the local Gas N Go. Before he can get the heck back out of the small town, his aunt makes him an offer he can’t refuse. Maybe he’ll stick around Lovett for a while. Maybe he’ll make a ‘go’ of the Gas N Go. Maybe he’ll rescue Sadie out of that pink dress!

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Lovett, Texas series, Book #3

Ames: I enjoy Rachel's writing but I have to admit I haven't read her last couple of releases.  I have them though.  LOL  This one sounds cute and I'm definitely interested!

Monroe: I love Gibson (although her last few books just aren't the greatest ever) so I'll get this one! =) 

Nath: I'm just glad Ms Gibson moved away from the hockey series. This one looks fun and I hope it is! :)


A Night Like this by Julia Quinn

published by Avon (Harpercollins Publisher)

Anne Wynter’s job as governess to three highborn young ladies can be a challenge – in a single week she finds herself hiding in a closet full of tubas, playing an evil queen in a play and tending to the wounds of the oh-so-dashing Earl of Winstead. After years of dodging unwanted advances, he's the first man who has truly tempted her, and it's getting harder and harder to remind herself that a governess has no business flirting with a nobleman.

Daniel Smythe-Smith might be in mortal danger, but that's not going to stop the young earl from falling in love. And when he spies a mysterious woman at his family's annual musicale, he vows to pursue her. But Daniel has an enemy, one who has vowed to see him dead. And when Anne is thrown into peril, he will stop at nothing to ensure their happy ending...

Genre: Historical romance
Series: Smythe-Smith Quartet, Book #2

Ames: I'm excited for this one!  I really enjoy Quinn's writing and she's an autobuy author for me.

Nath: I didn't expect Daniel to get his book so soon, but looking forward to it I am! I just like the concept of this series LOL.

Along Came a Duke by Elizabeth Boyle
published by Avon (Harpercollins Publisher)

“A young lady with a fortune is subject to all sorts of untoward attentions by the worst sort of vagrants.” Aunt Allegra

A lesson Tabitha Timmons, a penniless spinster, has never needed to heed. That is, until she is left a vast fortune payable only upon her marriage to the very respectable Mr. Barkworth—a match that offers little chance of discovering exactly what her aunt means by "untoward attentions."

But the same can't be said when the Duke of Preston happens along Tabitha's path. He spies a rebellious streak in her that matches his own and he makes it his mission to save her from such a passionless match, interfering in her life at every turn. All too soon, Preston—whose very name spells ruin—has Tabitha caught between the good fortune that guarantees her security,and his kiss, which promises an entirely different kind of happily-ever-after.

Genre: Historical romance
Series: Rhymes with Love series, Book #1

Ames: This one sounds really cute and I like spinster heroines.

Nath: I really like the cover. The last few books by Ms Boyle have been misses with me. I'm hoping this one will be a winner :)


No Tan Lines by Kate Angell

published by Kensington

There's a place where the ocean meets the shore, where kicking off your shoes and baring some skin is as natural as sneaking under the boardwalk for an ice cream cone and stolen kisses.

But life isn't all a beach for Shaye Cates, even if her idea of an office is a shady umbrella at the water's edge equipped with cell phone and laptop. Steely-eyed Trace Saunders is the incredibly irksome fly in her coconut tanning oil. And running a kids' softball team with her longtime rival is going to have everyone in her little Florida town buzzing. Her scads of laid-back relatives and his whole uptight clan know that Shaye just wants to play ball while Trace thinks only of business. But beneath the twinkling lights of the ferris wheel, the magic of sea and sand can sweep away every inhibition..

Suddenly, it's summertime, and the lovin' is easy.

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Barefoot William series, Book #1

Nath: Two Kate Angell's releases in a month - heaven!! I like her writing and I think she does contemporary romance really well. I'm looking forward to this one, just sounds like the perfect beach read!

Summer Days by Susan Mallery
published by HQN Books (Harlequin)

Locked in an unexpected land dispute, Rafe Stryker is trapped in the one place he vowed never to return to – the Castle Ranch in Fool’s Gold, California. He made millions facing ruthless adversaries in the boardroom, but nothing could’ve prepared him to go head-to-head against stubborn, beautiful Heidi Simpson. No one is more surprised than Rafe to discover that he’s finding Heidi – and life as a cowboy – much more compelling than he wants to admit. For Heidi, the Castle Ranch is the home she’s always wanted. After a life on the road, the vivacious blonde has finally put down roots. She won’t give that up without a fight, not even for a man whose late-night kisses make her yearn to be a little less…wholesome. As the two turn from passionate adversaries to passionate, period, they’ll discover that summer love can last a lifetime.

Genre: Contempoary romance
Series: Fool's Gold series, Book #7

Monroe: Eppies! I'm excited for this book...LOVE this series and LOVE Mallery! 


A Gentleman Undone by Cecilia Grant

published by Bantam Books

A seductive beauty turns the tables on a gentleman gaming for the guiltiest of pleasures in this rich and sensual Regency romance from beloved newcomer Cecilia Grant.

Lydia Slaughter understands the games men play—both in and out of the bedroom. Not afraid to bend the rules to suit her needs, she fleeces Will Blackshear outright. The Waterloo hero had his own daring agenda for the gaming tables of London's gentlemen's clubs. But now he antes up for a wager of wits and desire with Lydia, the streetwise temptress who keeps him at arm's length.

A kept woman in desperate straits, Lydia has a sharp mind with a head for numbers. She gambles on the sly, hoping to win enough to claim her independence. An alliance with Will at the tables may be a winning proposition for them both. But the arrangement involves dicey odds with rising stakes, sweetened with unspoken promise of fleshly delights. And any sleight of hand could find their hearts betting on something neither can afford to risk: love.

Genre: Historical romance
Series: Blackshear Family series, Book #2

Ames: I really like that cover.  The purple and that muscle definition.  Rowr.  It also sounds unconventional and I like that.

Dark Frost by Jennifer Estep
published by Kensington

I’ve seen so many freaky things since I started attending Mythos Academy last fall. I know I’m supposed to be a fearless warrior, but most of the time, I feel like I’m just waiting for the next Bad, Bad Thing to happen. Like someone trying to kill me—again.

Everyone at Mythos Academy knows me as Gwen Frost, the Gypsy girl who uses her psychometry magic to find lost objects—and who just may be dating Logan Quinn, the hottest guy in school. But I’m also the girl the Reapers of Chaos want dead in the worst way. The Reapers are the baddest of the bad, the people who murdered my mom. So why do they have it in for me?

It turns out my mom hid a powerful artifact called the Helheim Dagger before she died. Now, the Reapers will do anything to get it back. They think I know where the dagger is hidden, but this is one thing I can’t use my magic to find. All I do know is that the Reapers are coming for me—and I’m in for the fight of my life.

Genre: YA, Urban Fantasy
Series: Mythos Academy, Book #3

Nath: It's no secret I'm a big fan of Ms Estep! I read an excerpt for Dark Frost and I'm really looking forward to it! I feel now, Gwen can really get down to business and the story can move along :)


Keep Holding On by Susane Colasanti

published by Viking Juvenile

Noelle's life is all about survival. Even her best friend doesn't know how much she gets bullied, or the ways her mom neglects her. Noelle's kept so much about her life a secret for so long that when her longtime crush Julian Porter starts paying attention to her, she's terrified. Surely it's safer to stay hidden than to risk the pain of a broken heart. But when the antagonism of her classmates takes a dramatic turn, Noelle realizes it's time to stand up for herself--and for the love that keeps her holding on.

Genre: YA, Contemporary
Series: None

Ames: With the prevalence of bullying going on in this day and age, I'm glad to see a YA book that takes it on.  It'll be interesting to read this one.

Nath: See, it was the opposite for me. There's so much bullying in real life, as soon as I saw the world "bullied" in the blurb, I was turned off. However, I'm really intrigued by the romance...

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So, did we miss any books? What will you be getting?