Friday, June 1

New Releases - June 2012

A new month, a new budget....another hit to your wallet.  LOL  Luckily, this month doesn't have as many new releases as May.  So take a look at what we're looking forward to and let us know if we missed any!


June 5

No One Left to Tell by Karen Rose
published by Signet (New American Library)
A woman is dead and her fiance is serving a life sentence for a murder he didn't commit. Now PI Paige Holden holds the only piece of evidence that could see him freed, and she cannot take it to the police. With the help of disarming state attorney, Grayson Smith, Paige is determined to avenge the murdered woman and set an innocent man free. But Paige has only scratched the surface of a cover-up far deadlier than she could ever imagine. A string of mysterious deaths of women with a shared past sets Paige on the trail of a ruthless killer. The problem is, the killer's on her trail too ...
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Baltimore trilogy, Book #2

Nath: I love Karen Rose as you well know :) I call her the Queen of RS :P I already have my copy of No One Left to Tell, but will also be buying a US copy to encourage the author. By the way, it was a great story! You can read my review here.

Ames: I love Karen Rose too and I'll definitely be buying this one.


Chaos Burning by Lauren Dane
published by Berkley Sensation
The life of Lark Jaansen, hunter in Clan Gennessee, has been shaped by violence and unrest—and it defines her future. Well-trained and resilient, she’s met her militaristic match in Simon Leviathan, a warrior not of this world. Locked in mutual admiration, and a desire so hot it burns, Lark and Simon have something else in common: they love the dark, and as a shadow is cast over their world, they’re each coming into their own.

A mysterious war has been waged among the Others. As witches and humans turn against each other, as faes retreat in fear, and as vampires rise, Lark and Simon discover that an unseen force is behind it. A single, hungry entity older than recorded history has returned to gorge on the magick of his victims. It is the Magister, nothing less than the end of time. Finding it is Lark and Simon’s first hope. Surviving it is their last.
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Bound by Magick, Book #2

Nath: Still haven't read the first book in the series, Heart of Darkness, so will wait on this one. Love the cover though.

Ames: I haven't read it either!  LOL  But as if that has stopped me in the past.  Lauren is an auto-buy author for me so for sure I'm getting this.  :P

Nath: LOL, it sure hasn't. I've actually never read Ms Dane, so I really need to give it a try ^_^; I love witches and sorcerers... Maybe I'll just read this one first?


Jacked up by Erin McCarthy
published by Berkley
She’s holding tight. He’s hanging loose.

Eve Monroe is a stock-car PR pro who puts her career first—until an on-track wardrobe malfunction reveals more than the sexy smile of her race-car brother’s jack-man, Nolan Ford. The video’s become an internet sensation, and it’s Eve’s job to calm the sponsors and put a spin on the unexpected exposure. It may be purely a public relations job, but now that Eve’s seen what’s under Nolan’s crew suit, it’s gotten a little personal—and after a few dates she has Nolan pretty revved up. If only she’d learn to relax and enjoy it…

And they both have the same drive.

Nolan’s sure that the spontaneous birthday bash he’s throwing for Eve in Las Vegas should loosen her up. It does more than that. Somewhere between cocktails and a smoking-hot motel-room derby, Eve and Nolan wake up hitched, thanks to a post-sex-high detour to a Vegas chapel. A hangover marriage to a virtual stranger isn’t good for anyone’s image, so Eve plans to play the happy wife long enough to satisfy the press, and then quietly part ways. Now all she has to do is convince her new personal jack-man. But Nolan has plans of his own...
Genre: Sport romance
Series: Fast Track, Book #6

Monroe: LOVE this series!!! Can't wait to read it!

Nath: : I'm looking forward to reviews for this one. The last few books in this series have not impressed me, but I've always had a weakness for Eve and the blurb does sound good. So we'll see :)

Ames: Here's a series I'm a few books behind on.  I'm looking forward to the reviews though so it's on my radar.


Devil's Gate by Thea Harrison
published by Samhain
As a coroner, medusa Seremela Telemar has always felt more comfortable chatting over a dead body than over drinks. But when her wild niece, Vetta, runs off to Devil’s Gate, a lawless town that has sprung up overnight in a modern-day gold rush, she knows she has to extricate her before the rebellious girl gets into real trouble. Though she’s confident in her head snakes’ ability to defend her against attackers, Seremela is still a bit nervous about braving this modern-day Wild West by herself.

Vampyre Duncan Turner is not about to let his new co-worker go into that chaos alone. His Vampyric power and lawyer smarts make him the perfect ally, and the fact that he already had his eye on Seremela for more…personal reasons, doesn’t hurt matters. Any romantic thoughts pull up short, however, when they arrive at Devil’s Gate and learn Vetta is set to hang by morning.
In order to save Vetta and themselves, Seremela and Duncan are going to have to fight fire with force and magic with fangs. And pray they make it out of Devil’s Gate alive.
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Elder Races, Book #4.6

Monroe: I havent caught up on this series yet (I think Im a book or so behind) but this author has turned out to be a fav of mine!

Nath: I don't know. I've enjoyed the last book I've read in this series, Oracle's Moon; however, I have yet to read the novellas... and the fact this one features a vampyre, it doesn't inspire me.

Ames: It's a novella, Nath.  Take a chance!  LOL

Nath: Sure, sure Ames :P


Bring Him Home by Karina Bliss
published by Harlequin
Former soldier Nathan Wyatt had no choice but to leave his army buddy to die, a secret that's still tearing him apart. Two years on, he's in Hollywood prostituting his war medal for work as a bodyguard to the stars when his best friend's widow drags him home to fulfil his neglected responsibilities to her family trust.

When he discovers Claire can't forgive her late husband for breaking a crucial promise, Nate sees his path to salvation. He'll be his buddy's advocate, secure Steve's place in his wife's memory.

The last thing he intends is to find himself in a love triangle with his dead best friend.
Will admitting the truth - all of it - set him free, or alienate the woman he's come to passionately love?
Genre: Category Romance, Contemporary
Series: n/a

Nath: I've read and enjoyed Ms Bliss' category romance... However, not sure about this one. I've heard good things about this one actually, but the theme just doesn't rock my boat.

Ames: Oooh I love this kind of plot!  I'll let you know what I think of it Nath.

Nath: Counting on you then, Ames :)


Hex Appeal by PN Elrod (anthology)
published by St. Martin's Press
Fall under the intoxicating spell of their hex appeal… In the magical world that lies hidden beneath our own, witches and conjurers play deadly games. They know just the right spell to kill a man with one kiss—or raise him back again. And they’re not afraid to exact sweet revenge on those who dare to cross them. But what if you’re the unlucky soul who falls victim to a conjurer’s curse? And if you had the power to cast a magic spell of your own, would you use it?In this bewitching collection, nine of today’s hottest paranormal authors tell all-new, otherworldly tales. Spellbinding stories featuring bigfoot, albino vampires, professional wizards, resurrected boyfriends and even a sex droid from the twenty- third century named Silicon Lily. But as our conjurers are about to discover, it’s all fun and games until someone gets hexed. And sometimes, even the best spun spells can lead to complete and utter mayhem.
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Several entries are part of main series

Nath: I'm still a bit hesitant about this one. If I get it, it will definitively be for Jim Butcher and Ilona Andrews' entries. I've bought the previous anthologies before, so why not this one... but at the same time, were they really worth the anthology... Hmmm, not sure.


More than a Stranger by Erin Knightley
published by Signet Eclipse (New American Library)
Some secrets are meant to be shared...

An Uncovered Betrayal
When his family abandoned him at Eton, Benedict Hastings found an unexpected ally in his best friend's sister. Her letters kept him going— until the day he had to leave everything behind. Years later, Benedict has seen his share of betrayal, but when treachery hits close to home, he turns to his old friend for safe haven...

An Unwanted Attraction
After five torturous years on the marriage circuit, Lady Evelyn Moore is finally free to live her life as she wishes. So when her brother shows up with a dashing stranger, she finds herself torn between her dreams...and newfound desires.

An Unstoppable Intrigue
Despite his determination to keep Evie at a distance, Benedict cannot deny the attraction that began with a secret correspondence. Yet as they begin to discover each other, the dangers of Benedict's world find them, threatening their lives, their love, and everything they thought they could never have...
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Sealed with a Kiss #1

Nath: This one caught my eye because of the cover, but also because it's a historical romance published by NAL. It's the same publisher for whom Emma Wildes writes and I find her historical romance to be refreshing and really like the style... So I hope Ms Knightley will be a winner for me :P Plus, the blurb does sound good :)

Ames: Yes it does!  That blurb has a few of my favorite tropes:  an independent sounding heroine, falling for a friend's sibling.  Check check!


June 11

About Last Night by Ruthie Knox
published by Random House Publishing
Cath Talarico knows a mistake when she makes it, and God knows she’s made her share. So many, in fact, that this Chicago girl knows London is her last, best shot at starting over. But bad habits are hard to break, and soon Cath finds herself back where she has vowed never to go . . . in the bed of a man who is all kinds of wrong: too rich, too classy, too uptight for a free-spirited troublemaker like her.

Nev Chamberlain feels trapped and miserable in his family’s banking empire. But beneath his pinstripes is an artist and bohemian struggling to break free and lose control. Mary Catherine—even her name turns him on—with her tattoos, her secrets, and her gamine, sex-starved body, unleashes all kinds of fantasies.

When blue blood mixes with bad blood, can a couple that is definitely wrong for each other ever be perfectly right? And with a little luck and a lot of love, can they make last night last a lifetime?
Genre: Category romance, Contemporary
Series: None

Nath: Read Ride with Me and it was an okay read - not as good as everyone raved in my opinion ^_^; However, I'm willing to give this author another chance, especially since this book has one of my favorite trope, opposites attract. Also, don't you think the hero sounds like a stuffy shirt? :)

Ames: I'm going to wait for your thoughts on this one, Nath.  You're more forgiving than I am.

Nath: You think?


June 14

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
published by Dial Books
“One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time.”

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, numerous, messy, affectionate. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen-year-old Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them... until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything. As the two fall fiercely in love, Jase's family makes Samantha one of their own. Then in an instant, the bottom drops out of her world and she is suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?
Genre: Contemporary Young Adult
Series: n/a

Nath: This YA has been making it rounds on blogland and sounds good :)

Ames: Wena first brought this one to my attention and I'm really looking forward to reading it!


June 19

The Line Between Here and Gone by Andrea Kane
published by Mira (Harlequin)
The man she loved is gone forever. The child she lives for could be next. Each day is a struggle for Amanda Gleason's newborn son as he battles a rare immune deficiency. Justin's best chance for a cure lies with his father, who was brutally murdered before Amanda even realized she carried his child. Or was he?

One emailed photo changes everything, planting a seed of doubt that Amanda latches on to for dear life: a recent photo of a man who looks exactly like Paul. Could Justin's father be alive? The mother in her is desperate to find out. But tracking down a ghost when every second counts is not for amateurs. Forensic Instincts is the one team up for the challenge. A behaviorist. A former navy SEAL. A techno-wizard. An intuitive. A retired FBI agent. A human-scent-evidence dog. Together, they achieve the impossible, pushing ethical and legal boundaries whenever the ends justify the means. The manhunt is on for the elusive father. Yet the further FI digs into his past, the more questions are raised about whether the man Amanda fell in love with ever really existed at all. Dark secrets. Carefully crafted lies. From the Congressional halls of Washington, D.C., to exclusive Hamptons manors, there are ruthless people who would stop at nothing to make Forensic Instincts forget about the man Amanda desperately needs to find. Little do they realize that once Forensic Instincts takes the case, nothing will stop them from uncovering the shocking truth that transcends The Line Between Here and Gone.
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Forensic Instincts #2

Nath: I've enjoyed Ms Kane's books in the past. While the first book in this series, The Girl Who Disappeared Twice, didn't wow me, it was still solid. I'm hoping this one will build up on the momentum. The blurb does sound good and I've been looking for some RS :)


June 26

Thief of Shadows by Elizabeth Hoyt
published by Grand Central Publishing
A MASKED MAN...
Winter Makepeace lives a double life. By day he's the stoic headmaster of a home for foundling children. But the night brings out a darker side of Winter. As the moon rises, so does the Ghost of St. Giles-protector, judge, fugitive. When the Ghost, beaten and wounded, is rescued by a beautiful aristocrat, Winter has no idea that his two worlds are about to collide.

A DANGEROUS WOMAN...
Lady Isabel Beckinhall enjoys nothing more than a challenge. Yet when she's asked to tutor the Home's dour manager in the ways of society-flirtation, double-entendres, and scandalous liaisons-Isabel can't help wondering why his eyes seem so familiar-and his lips so tempting.

A PASSION NEITHER COULD DENY
During the day Isabel and Winter engage in a battle of wills. At night their passions are revealed... But when little girls start disappearing from St. Giles, Winter must avenge them. For that he might have to sacrifice everything-the Home, Isabel... and his life.
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Maiden Lane #4

Ames: Elizabeth Hoyt is an auto-buy author for me.  I really enjoy her writing and I'm sure this one will be no exception!


A Duchess to Remember by Christina Brooke
published by St. Martin's Press
Lady Cecily Westruther is nothing if not practical. By agreeing to marry an older duke who already has an heir and a mistress, she can assume a wifely role—without the wifely duties. Only one thing stands in her way—a letter that could destroy her betrothal. Desperate to retrieve that letter, Cecily must match wits with the most dangerously seductive man she’s ever known...

Disguised as a footman, Cecily gains entry to her adversary’s house—only to be unmasked by London’s most powerful man. Rand, Duke of Ashburn, is accustomed to getting any woman he wants—and he wants Cecily. He will stop at nothing, including seduction, to make her his. But Rand holds a secret more shocking and destructive than that letter could ever be...
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Ministry of Marriage #3

Nath: I've actually enjoyed this series a lot and am looking forward to see what mischief Cecily will cause :)

Ames: I know I bought the second book because you brought this series to my attention.  I'm intrigued by the disguise.  LOL

Nath: However, I don't think she's going to disguise as a man for long Ames, so don't get your hopes up. Plus, I read the excerpt and if I'm not wrong, Rand finds her out almost immediately...

Ames:  That's ok.  It sounds fun!

Scandal Wears Satin by Loretta Chase
published by Avon (Harpercollins Publisher)
From the Journals of Sophia Noirot: A dress is a weapon. It must dazzle his eye, raise his temperature... and empty his purse.

A blue-eyed innocent on the outside and a shark on the inside, dressmaker Sophy Noirot could sell sand to Bedouins. Selling Maison Noirot's beautiful designs to aristocratic ladies is a little harder, especially since a recent family scandal has made an enemy of one of society's fashion leaders. Turning scandal to the shop's advantage requires every iota of Sophy's manipulative skills, leaving her little patience for a big, reckless rakes like the Earl of Longmore. The gorgeous lummox can't keep more than one idea in his head at a time, and his idea is taking off all of Sophy's clothes.

But when Longmore's sister, Noirot's wealthiest, favorite customer, runs away, Sophy can't let him bumble after her on his own. In hot pursuit with the one man who tempts her beyond reason, she finds desire has never slipped on so smoothly...
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Dressmakers series, Book #2

Nath: First installment, Silk is for Seduction, was excellent. Hoping this one will measure up :)

Ames: Auto-buy!  I like that the heroine isn't a member of the ton.


Starlight by Carrie Lofty
published by Pocket (Simon & Schuster)
Passion sparkles forever... in the shining eyes of a true love.

An esteemed astronomer, Alex Christie, the eldest and most steadfast of the Christie siblings, has never possessed his late father’s ruthless business drive. But to protect his frail infant son from his cruel father-in-law’s bid for custody, the young widower must undertake Sir William Christie’s posthumous million-dollar challenge: to make a Glasgow cotton mill profitable. At sea in an industrial world of sabotage and union agitation, Alex meets Polly Gowan, daughter of a famed union leader, who hopes to seize a mysterious saboteur without involving the police.

Because a sympathetic mill master would aid her cause, Polly becomes Alex’s guide to urban Scotland. From soccer games to pub brawls, Alex sees another side of life, and feels free for the first time to reveal the man—vital and strong—behind his intellectual exterior. Polly is utterly seduced. Their ambitions, however, remain at odds: Alex vows to earn the mill bonus to save his child, while Polly fights for the needs of her people. Is there strength enough in their sparkling passion to bind them together in their quests—and in a lasting love that conquers all?
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: The Christies, Book #2

Nath: I've only read Flawless by Ms Lofty, but I know she is a great author :) I love that her historical romance books take place in unusual settings and this one is no exception.

Ames: This has shades of North & South to it.  Sounds really interesting!


The Way Back Home by Barbara Freethy
published by Simon & Schuster
Ex-Marine Gabe Ryder has lost a lot in his life. His mother died when he was a toddler. His father succumbed to alcoholism. And a week before their last day of service, a horrific firefight takes the life of his best friend and brother-in-arms, Rob Hayden. Now Gabe must fulfill his friend's dying wish by helping Rob's twin sister, Alicia.

Alicia has been reeling since her brother's death. She's lost a part of herself that she isn't sure she can get back. On top of that, her eight-year-old son is longing for a father, who she thinks she's found in her boyfriend Keith. Then Gabe shows up, moving into Rob's house, helping with the family rafting business, and looking into her love life, and Alicia is resentful.

But when Alicia's son and his best friend run away, Alicia and Gabe realize they must face their deepest fears and work together to bring them back, before the river rises.
Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Book 1

Nath: I'm not sure I'll be getting this one, but it's definitively on my radar as the blurb and cover caught my attention. My only hang-ups are Ms Freethy's latest series didn't impress and this sounds like a lot of drama...


At Last by Jill Shalvis
published by Grand Central Publishing
HER LOVE HAS COME ALONG...
Amy Michaels loves her new life in Lucky Harbor. A waitress in the local diner, she's looking forward to her first weekend hike through the mountains. But when a wrong turn takes her off the trail, she finds herself up close and personal with forest ranger Matt Bowers. And even though she's tempted to kiss that sexy smile right off his face, she won't make the mistake of getting involved with the town heartthrob.

A former cop whose life went south, Matt doesn't let anyone get too close. But something about the feisty beauty caught his eye the moment he first saw her in the diner. After a hot night under a starry sky, Matt can't deny their attraction-or the fact that for the first time in a long time, he feels the stirrings of something more. Now it's up to Matt to help Amy see that, no matter what is in their past, together they can build a future in Lucky Harbor.
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Lucky Harbor #5

Monroe: Woo hoo! This is two books in two months! I JUST finished book 4 and I have to say I think it was my favorite! Amy and Matts book will be great!

Nath: Surprisingly, I read and enjoyed Lucky in Love. So I'll be checking out this one... although the one I'm really looking forward to is Grace's book, Forever and a Day :)

Ames: *hangs head in shame* You guys!  I've only read the first book in this series!  LOL  I still buy them because I know once I get around to the next book I want it to be near at hand.  So....that's my justification for buying books in a series.  haha!


Summer Nights by Susan Mallery
published by HQN Books (Harlequin)
Horse whisperer Shane Stryker is done with passion. This time around, he's determined to meet someone who will be content with the quiet life of a rancher's wife. And the fiery, pint-size redhead who dazzles him at the local bar definitely does not fit the bill. Small-town librarian Annabelle Weiss has always seen herself as more of a sweetheart than a siren, so she can't understand why Shane keeps pushing her away. Shane has formed the totally wrong impression of her but only he can help her with a special event for the next Fool's Gold festival. And maybe while he's at it, she can convince him to teach her a few things about kissing on hot summer nights, too-some lessons, a girl shouldn't learn from reading a book!
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Fools Gold #8

Monroe: This series is a feel good series and it never lets you down! Its like home cooked food! lol Love Ms. Mallery! 

Ames: I haven't read any of the other books in this series but that horse whisperer bit caught my attention!


Can't Buy Me Love by Molly O'Keefe
published by Random House Publishing
A girl from the wrong side of the tracks, Tara Jean Sweet knows that opportunity will never knock; she’ll have to seize it. Elderly Texas rancher Lyle Baker has a dying request: He will give Tara Jean a stake in his leather business in exchange for a little family subterfuge. All Tara Jean has to do is play the part of a gold-digging fiancée to lure Lyle’s estranged children home. The mission is soon accomplished.

Now Lyle’s gone—and his ridiculously handsome son, Luc, an ice hockey superstar sidelined by injuries, is the new owner of Crooked Creek ranch. He’s also Tara Jean’s boss. But being so close to sinfully sweet Tara Jean does crazy things to Luc’s priorities, like make him want to pry her deepest secrets from those irresistible lips. But when Tara Jean’s past demands a dirty showdown, will Luc stay and fight?
Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Crooked Creek series, Book #1

Nath: I've been meaning to try Ms O'Keefe's writing thanks to Wendy's post... I think this being her first "full-length" novel is a great opportunity :)

Ames: I was wondering why that name seemed familiar!!  LOL  Nath, the ice hockey superstar isn't scaring you off?  :P

Nath: Is he? I only read the first half of the blurb. Crap, he is! Ah well, I'm going to hope that Ms O'Keefe superior writing will carry me through :P

***

What will you be picking up in June?

5 comments:

Rowena said...

Wow, I've only had three of these books on my own wish list.

I can't wait for My Life Next Door, At Last (I so need a physical copy) and the Loretta Chase. Woot!

Samantha said...

I think I only have two books on my wishlist this month.

The Thea Harrison novella. (So excited to read another installment in that mini-series!!!) and Once Burned by Jeaniene Frost. Finally getting Vlad's book!!! *drools in anticipation*

Leslie said...

Completely agree with Nath about Karen Rose's newest book. Loved it!

Samantha isn't the only one wanting Vlad's book. Can't wait to see what Frost has planned for him. :)

nath said...

Rowena - Then what are you looking forward to, Rowena?

And My Life Next Door is one, Loretta Chase is two, what's the third book?

Samantha - Wow, that's not a lot... What are you going to read once you're done? :P

I haven't read Frost... should I?

Leslie - Wooohoo Les! Karen Rose, Karen Rose! :P

Samantha said...

I think you might enjoy Frost, Nath. Her Nighthuntress series is a little more Urban Fantasy than PNR. The relationship between the main characters Cat and Bones is still one of the strongest focuses, but there's a lot going on outside of that. The first four books are really great, but I lost interest after the fifth book. :)

And I have no idea what I'm going to do with only 2 new releases this month! I will have nothing to read! :P